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Your views: on a charity collapse, and city lockout laws

Today, readers comment on a high-profile charity going bust over debts, and debate the impact of lockout laws and late-night trading.

Oct 04, 2019, updated Oct 04, 2019
Photo: AAP/Lukas Coch

Photo: AAP/Lukas Coch

Commenting on the story: White Ribbon charity collapses over debt

I would like to know how much of each dollar actually went to helping people, instead of feeding the bureaucracy that sucks it dry. – Andrew Kemp

Over two thirds of its revenue went in staff costs. Just what sort of pay packets and perks were being given?

It seems that White Ribbon was no different to many other so-called “charities”; lots of revenue coming in but precious little actually being used to benefit those it was set up to care for.

It is this sort of alleged management which made our extended family stop giving anything to any ‘charity’. – Robert McCormick

Tickets to the 2019 Adelaide White Ribbon Breakfast were released for sale Monday, 30th September.

I purchased three tickets to the Adelaide event, for a total of $141.50.  My small contribution to the cause.

I am very passionate about the need to educate the community, to provide support to survivors of domestic violence and reduce violence against women.

I have attended a number of White Ribbon Breakfasts in the past, as well helping to raise awareness and donate to the charity when possible.

 I understand White Ribbon Australia have raised much needed awareness, educating the community and undoubtedly reducing the number of women and children experiencing violence. 

Today the charity collapses, yet the need for so much more awareness, education and support (previously offered by White Ribbon Australia) continues. 

 Furthermore, I can only presume the White Ribbon Australia board knew they were in significant debt and aware of the likelihood of insolvency, well in advance of releasing tickets for the breakfast to the public! – Stacey Leddra

Commenting on the story: West End divided over push to end late night ‘lockout’

Amongst others, ‘James McIntyre, the co-owner of Hindley St small venue Peter Rabbit, is one trader who agrees the lockout laws should go: “Adelaide should be doing everything we can to promote economic activity and be a lively city.”’

How sad that the definition of a lively city is one that has a bunch of drunks wandering around at 3am. So sad that this is how we ‘promote economic activity’.

Hindley St could be a wonderful place full of quirky ventures such as the little art gallery come crazy basement cinema which has closed, and like places to complement the wonderful Imprints, but instead every nice place is next to a strip joint or a ‘Thai massage parlour’.

We thought we’d go to The Apothecary for a drink some months back on a Friday night. What an insane idea. The place was empty – we thought it was closed – and I think the reason it was empty is that inside you would have had to yell at each other over the boom-boom of the unbelievably loud ‘music’ coming from various venues surrounding it. 

All the places I go to where the ‘night economy’ is important (London, Spain NY etc), they are graveyards in the morning. Stepping over puddles of vomit as you walk past stinking rubbish bins.

Why is that good?  I am full of awe that Imprints and the Mercury manage to survive. And GU cinemas – please hang on in there!

Sometimes I think that Hindley St is really turning out to be okay. And then I realise it’s a yeah-nah. – Cathy Chua

Commenting on the story: “Time to bin them”: City lockout laws under review

Ian Horne is reported to have stated that it was his opinion that the lockout laws had had no effect on behaviours, and I quote:  “We’re not convinced that the stats show there’s been any significant change in behaviours.”

OK, if that is the case then I would be happy to see Mr Horne’s analysis of the stats and what his definition of “significant” is? Geoff Moore

I’ve been part the Hindley St night life managing and owning nightclubs for the past 30 years, and have my own views of the 3am lockout. 

I wrote this letter a few years ago and sent  it to a few government officials, with not one of my questions answered. 

Since the 3am lockout was introduced, hotels and clubs have been falling like ten pins around me; Dog & Duck, Colonel Light, Lavish, not to mention the many  businesses that are close to bankruptcy.

How many more hard-working people will lose there business or jobs before this moronic decision is reversed? 

Before it’s too late (you know who you are) swallow your pride and admit the lockout was a bad mistake, before the city becomes a haven for street gangs, junkies and loiterers. 

Stop feeding us with lies about how violent crime has been reduced by 20%, when people coming into the city after 2am have fallen by 80%.

If you don’t believe me, ask the 1200 taxi drivers why their takings have dropped by 40% on weekends, hospitality staff who have lost valuable hours or even their jobs, carpark attendants why parks are empty, food retailers or wholesalers why their sales have dropped significantly, the business owners who recently have gone into liquidation.

Directly and indirectly, tens of thousands of South Australians have been affected by this draconic move. 

Why is it you can enter the casino after 3am to gamble and still be allowed to consume alcohol, but you’re not allowed to enter a club after 3am to dance, socialise or enjoy live entertainment?

Did you know 20% of our workforce are shift workers ? Why the hell can’t they choose what time and where they go out, or are they all classed as violent criminals.

There is so much wrong with this lockout, poor old common sense not only fell out the window, it was pushed.

Restricting the livelihood of thousands just to try and stop the evil few is irresponsible, especially when suicide and violence associated with gambling is not slowing down. 

Please bring back late night trading so our city can yet again be a lively vibrant place for our tourist and shift workers, and not just for the nine-to-fivers.

We should all be allowed the freedom to go out and enjoy ourselves whenever we want. – Strat Kostoglou

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