By Kirsty Ross and briar sinclair
A GOOD place to raise a family, a local council that listens, and love and peace – these are some of the hopes and wishes of Hobsons Bay residents for 2006.
Victorian Premier and Williamstown MP Steve Bracks said he wants to make sure Victoria is a great place to live and raise a family.
The Williamstown resident said in 2006 he is most looking forward to the Commonwealth Games, the completion of the fast rail project and the Spencer Street Station redevelopment.
“As the biggest event in Victoria’s history, the Commonwealth Games will be the obvious highlight, but it won’t be the only one,” he said.
He said the State Government would continue to implement programs that will benefit Victorians and maintain prosperity.
“We will continue to govern for all Victorians and make our state a great place to live and raise a family,” Mr Bracks said.
As for Altona truckie Michael Sergi’s wishes, he wants Altona to get “on the map” and be respected by local council.
“I want to see Altona Bay flourish, like Toorak,” the owner of Latin Transport said.
“I want it to have a mark on the map like Williamstown.”
Mr Sergi said he also hopes the western suburbs will become “the place to be”.
“I just want council to respect the people that are paying them,” he said.
“They need to listen to all residents, not just some.”
Newport Baptist Church pastor Peter Clark’s needs for 2006 are simple.
“I would like to see the spirit of Christmas to carry into the new year,” he said.
“We have got to understand the values precious to us, and we hold those values and don’t give in to people who indicate or imply on what our values are.
“I look forward in the new year to the accountability by public figures, and not just politicians but people in the corporate world, et cetera.”
Mr Clark, who also visits factories and businesses as an industrial chaplain, said he would like to see corporate organisations value their employees.
“One of the growing concerns that I have is not just the lower ranks are devalued but there is an increased expectation of people in the workplace. Sometimes employers are asking them to do more than they can really do, and it is creating stress in some families.”
Mr Clark wants corporate organisations to value their employees – their number one asset – and worries about the justice system.
“The thing I would like to see is justice for all people, irrespective of who can pay the fees of the legal system,” he said.
“I’m a very positive sort of person, so I would like people to see how fortunate we are to live in this country.”
He said he also would like to see the Australian Government keep its promise to help reduce the debts of third world countries.
