AFTER the turkey has been carved and the crackers pulled, we all turn our attention towards a new year.
Ambitions, resolutions and wishes for 2006 are tacked up on fridges and become goals after the champagne corks have popped.
Community representatives in the City of Maribyrnong shared their wishes for the new year with the Star last week.
Victoria University academic and member of the Socialist Alliance, George Papanastasiou, said he hoped people would be more compassionate towards each other next year.
“I’m hoping for a municipality full of generous and compassionate people who look out for one another and who enthusiastically discuss and contribute to community issues,” Mr Papanastasiou said.
“In this country and in our city, there are quite complex and serious social problems affecting individuals and families from every background.
“It’s my simple hope that we re-evaluate some personal priorities and re-commit to fighting poverty, racism, inequality and homelessness; to curbing excessive consumption for a more sustainable and healthy environment; and to making Maribyrnong a multicultural beacon of social justice in an increasingly turbulent world.”
Footscray Primary School Principal, Natalie Bakai, wished there were good times ahead for her own family and her “school family”.
“(I wish them) lots of laughter and fun, the warmth of families working and playing together, the sound of learning and sharing and children enjoying each precious moment as they take another step into life,” Ms Bakai said.
“As we all strive to do our best to make each day better than the last, I wish that the rewards we reap from our efforts can be shared and showered on those who need our support and encouragement … perhaps we could all start by doing something good for someone else and asking them to ‘pass it on’ …
“I would wish each and every person a new year that brings them great personal satisfaction and enrichment.”
Anglicare North West Recruitment co-ordinator Margi MacGregor hoped that more foster families would come forward to help support children in the West.
“My wish for 2006 is to find a home for every local child needing temporary accommodation,” Ms MacGregor said.
“Often children just need foster care overnight, for a couple of days, or for a week or so, and the aim is for children to return home as soon as it is safe for them to do so.
“During 2005, I trained a number of people from the West as foster carers.
“All are eager to make a difference in a child’s life.
“I’m hoping that the new year will bring us many more people who want to give something back to the community.”
