Hear us - victim's plea
My heartfelt thanks to Andrew Thomson, Rachael Houlihan and Cr Peter Hulin for your willingness to support victims of childhood sexual abuse in their quest to change the name of Fiscalini Drive.
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You have been formidable in your efforts to inform the community and council about this issue.
Thank you Mayor Tony Herbert, councillors, Fr John Fitzgerald and St Joseph's Parish for acknowledging the facts presented and opening your hearts to the pleas of victims let down by Monsignor Fiscalini.
As mentioned in previous articles, in 1972 I told Monsignor Fiscalini that my father was sexually abusing me. Having endured this horrific situation daily for three years I'd found the courage to turn to my church desperate for help.
I was absolutely devastated when Monsignor Fiscalini replied "I know your father, he wouldn't do that".
The despair and rejection I felt, a desperate 16-year-old girl to have my integrity questioned, receiving penance as punishment at my greatest time of need has had a lifetime impact on me. I lost my faith that day as Monsignor Fiscalini sent me home to be continually abused by my father.
As evidenced in the Royal Commission report, Monsignor Fiscalini also chose to cover up the crimes of Gerald Ridsdale.
In my opinion Monsignor Fiscalini was complicit in the damage perpetrated against so many young people by ignoring their pleas for help. It is for this reason I believe he should not be honoured with a street name.
I understand changing a street name is inconvenient for residents but I ask you please "to hear us" to consider the pain and distress this constant reminder causes so many victims. Thank you
Name withheld because victims of sex crimes cannot be identified under Australian law.
Anyone want a job?
We hear so often about the level of unemployment or under employment, especially in regional areas. In recent weeks I have advertised a number of casual positions in regional papers across Bendigo, Ballarat and Warrnambool and have had less that 5 applicants in total.
Advertising online via Facebook and offering group interviews in metro Melbourne attracted 90 applicants; 20 took the opportunity to book a group Interview spot, two people turned up and were both employed.
I've got work for people aged 17 to 75 with a customer service focus, we are happy to give everyone a chance to present their case at a group interview. It's frustrating to hear time and time again about unemployment, under employment and lack of experience holding people back when I've got jobs to fill.
Brendan Blackshaw, Moe
Cold comfort
Everyone I know is complaining about the cold. No-one is complaining about global warming.
Michael J Gamble, Belmont
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