The $60,000 question

The $60,000 question:

As a relatively new worker at Canberra's Griffin Centre i am distressed to have discovered what appears to be subterfuge, politicking and cover up surrounding a recent $60,000 'loan' from the ACT Legislative Assembly to the Griffin. A resulting 'takeover' as now left Canberra's most valuable institution (in my opinion) vulnerable to collapse.

The value in The Griffin Centre comes from the intangible synergy created by co-locating some of Canberra's most philanthropic organisations in one geographic location. The sum of these 'parts' and the resulting synergy should not be undervalued. The ACT goverment might know the 'price of everything but the value of nothing' springs to mind as also does the quite reasonable fear that the Griffin might be sold for a short sighted fiscal conveineince.

Investment in the social fabric of a community should be a priority not an after thought. I suggest the boad of the Griffin Centre explain themselves given the poor management leading to the unlpeasantly outcome.

Canberra can not afford to loose The Griffin Centre and we have both a right and a need to know what is happening.

Regards,
David Jenkins

Thanks Reclink Australia and Canberra Olympic Pool

Letter to thank a community sponsored 'gym and swim' program..

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Dear Mark,

I'd wanted to write a brief note to let you know how much i've appreciative the Reclink 'gym and swim' (my name for it) program at the Canberra Olympiuc Pool being managed by Jim Francis.

I've been recovering from mental health issues and the excercise has really helped.

My life is going from strength to strength and part of this is becasue of the guidance i get at gym on Tuesday and Fridays.

I was both humbled and really excited at the idea of another few months; i know how expensive gym membersahips are and i feel very lucky.


Thanks Mark,
Keep up the brilliant work!

P.s. could you send this through to the staff at the gym, i'm not sure what their email address is?

One Foot in The Grave.. too funny

too funny; 'The series features the exploits of irascible pensioner Victor Meldrew, who after being forced to retire from his job as a security guard, finds himself at war with the world and everything in it. Meldrew, cursed with misfortune and always complaining, is married to long-suffering wife Margaret, who is often left exasperated by his many misfortunes.'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Foot_in_the_Grave

Poetry in June

'untitled'

chasing a rice paper poem,
under Queen's bridge.
on a cold June day.

a tired heart,
threading all the lost,
to all the found.

looking for her,
looking for himself,
looking back.

Letter to the PM on animal testing in Australia

Dear Prime Minister,

I wish to express my emerging distress regarding the established grotesque and cruel practice of animal testing within Australia (as well as the sale of products manufactured overseas that are developed with animal testing).
It is poor science, cruel and utterly, utterly indefensible.

I appeal to your 'humanity' and ask you commit resources immeaditely to a review of the laws governing this matter. I'd also like to congratulate your courage in your work on preventing the live export of animals currently. Thank you..

Sincerely,
David Jenkins

Kaldi CPA building 161 London Circuit Canberra

Hi all,

I discovered Jenny's Kaldi Cafe (in the CPA buliding on London Circuit, that's next to the Bendigo bank) about 6 or so months ago (I think i was on the way to or from the Civic library). Canberra can be a pretty lonley place when you're new here and Jenny's down to earth and really sincere and generous spirit REALLY helped me find a place where i feel comfortable and well, just a little loved :]

She's always smiling (which in today's world is quite an achievement i think) and more often than not always seems to go the extra mile to make you feel special, I always get a taste test of choc slice or a free slice of raisin toast. She's just wonderful :]

Service isn't what is used to be (well, i've heard it used to be good) but at Jenny's Kaldi it is what i imagine it used to be like, such a refreshing change :]

If you're in Civic and have some time to spare with a friend (or by yourself) and want a tea/coffee then drop in. I'm pretty sure you won't be dissapointed!

Dave Jenkins

Cafe Kaldi

Keep up the wonderful work Jenny, great coffee and great service :]