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Obstacle free footpaths

A large SUV parked across a suburban footpath

Our footpaths are becoming more crowded. Not just with people, but with tables and chairs, signs and clothes racks. Cars are parked on footpaths and gardens block them. These obstacles make it hard for pedestrians with disabilities. Councils have rules about keeping footpaths obstacle free. Gardens should not overhang footpaths. Outdoor dining areas should leave sufficient space for pedestrians. It is illegal to park a car on a footpath. In Victoria, motorcycles can be parked on footpaths if sufficient space is left for pedestrians. Please do your bit to keep our footpaths free of obstacles.

Posted by: Graham Clements, on 15/02/13

3 comments - last comment on 25/03/13

Roaming among the roses

Beds of roses of different colours.

I spent some time at the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden. The garden is in the town of Morwell, two hours east of Melbourne. It was established by local people twenty years ago. Volunteers take care of the garden and the roses that grow there. The garden has been designed with accessibility in mind. It has paths and benches so visitors can enjoy the sights and scents. There is also a perfumed sensory garden. The garden is a peaceful place where my mind could wander. It is well worth a visit.

Posted by: Caitilin Punshon, on 26/11/12

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Building a dream home

A large two-story home in a garden setting and with a white picket fence.

In 1975 Ian built his first family home. Many years later he decided to build another home for the family. He was about to start when he lost sight in his left eye. For about 12 months he couldn't do anything. But then with the help of his sons he started to build the home. Ian used coloured sponges to help him place each brick. Two years later the vision in his right eye got worse. But Ian was determined to finish building his home. He has now finished and is very happy with the home.

Posted by: Bernadette Lancefield, on 15/10/12

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Organic farming

A distant shot of the Byron Bay lighthouse, the cliffs and ocean.

I was the manager of a farm called ReGenesis in New South Wales. It was an organic farm. Organic farming is when no artificial chemicals are used on the soil and plants. We grew fruit and vegetables and sold them to local restaurants and pubs. The farm had small cows that helped keep the grass short. We also planted trees for harvesting and replaced native bush and plants. The farm was a beautiful place to work. It was near the ocean. After a long day of work I would go for a swim at the beach.

Posted by: Barney Nolan, on 19/03/12

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Saving energy and money

An old fashioned screw-in lightbulb

A report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics recently looked at the cost of living. It suggests energy costs have not risen in real terms for the past 20 years. But I do not fit into the category of an average Australian. My bills now seem very high. I now earn a lot less than I used to. I also have much higher bills from being at home more. I have tried to reduce my electricity consumption. I have installed fans, curtains and sky-lights. But I would like to do more. I would like to hear your tips for saving energy and money.

Posted by: Camille Condon, on 23/09/11

5 comments - last comment on 31/08/12

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