Hi all, recently I received the 2nd newsletter put out by "The Grey Nomads Times" and found my self absolutely disgusted by the attitude of Heidi in the Ask Jacelyn and Heidi etiquette section. I find it hard to believe that the editors would support such a "redneck" attitude put across by this woman.
NT parks do not even charge for entry to our parks and reserves and this person begrudges paying a few dollars to help maintain facilities that are provided for all travellers. Needless to say that if it is grey nomads who are staying night after night then why shouldn't they pay something to maintain the very facilities they are using?
Also remember that Uluru and Kakadu are federal parks so don't come back with wry comments on the nature of fees there either.
I am really disheartened to see this in a newsletter that offers some connectivity to fellow travellers.
Shame on you...
Vic said
06:32 PM Sep 3, 2011
Best send Cindy (Editor) a pm or email Aussie, unless you give her feedback she won't know how you feel, she doesn't always have time to read all our posts/threads etc.
I haven't read the Newsletter yet, my pc is on "go slow" at the moment as I have reached my limit, but hopefully when my new limit comes in a few days time I will be able to see what you are talking about. Welcome to the forum by the way, I see this is your 4th post, look forward to more......
_wombat_ said
06:34 PM Sep 3, 2011
4 months ago I emailed the Minister, for info on the fee's payable at Kakadu, no reply, so I sent an email to our PM Miss Gillard 2 months ago, guest what, no reply, I did not expect a reply from the PM but I did expect her department to pass on my questions to the correct department and I can only assume that they have failed to do that, well I suppose she has other things on her mind, like keeping her well paid job.
aussieranger said
06:44 PM Sep 3, 2011
_wombat_ wrote:
4 months ago I emailed the Minister, for info on the fee's payable at Kakadu, no reply, so I sent an email to our PM Miss Gillard 2 months ago, guest what, no reply, I did not expect a reply from the PM but I did expect her department to pass on my questions to the correct department and I can only assume that they have failed to do that, well I suppose she has other things on her mind, like keeping her well paid job.
Wombat, I'm pretty sure you post quite a bit on here and I can't comment on your ability to type into Google a query about fees to Kakadu but really rather than having a whinge why don't you jus try to find the info rather than rely on someone else to do if for you. Just in case I've got it wrong and you are incapable of doing this then here it is..."Kakadu National Park passes contribute directly to the running costs of the park and help us maintain the fantastic natural environment and tourism services.
All international and interstate visitors aged 16 years and over need to buy a park pass before they arrive at Kakadu National Park. All Northern Territory residents and children under 16 are free.
Your park pass costs $25 for 14 consecutive days."
I think we should all start taking responsibility for our actions or lack of them and start to realise that we don't have to rely on someone to do it for us, afterall grey nomads have probably got more time on their hands than overworked and underpaid rangers just trying to do their job.
Sorry if this sounds abrasive but I'm still fuming over the newsletter...
aussieranger said
06:55 PM Sep 3, 2011
Vic wrote:
Best send Cindy (Editor) a pm or email Aussie, unless you give her feedback she won't know how you feel, she doesn't always have time to read all our posts/threads etc.
I haven't read the Newsletter yet, my pc is on "go slow" at the moment as I have reached my limit, but hopefully when my new limit comes in a few days time I will be able to see what you are talking about. Welcome to the forum by the way, I see this is your 4th post, look forward to more......
Thanks Vic, I hadn't thought of that. The letter or in this case, the email...is in the mail.
cheers
rockylizard said
06:57 PM Sep 3, 2011
Gday...
Gary - how the hell are ya ? ? ..... got out of the wrong side of the bed it would appear?
Interestingly, this forum is made up of sensible, informed, intelligent, caring people of a range of ages, talents, lifestyles, hobbies and places of residence with a wondrous range of humour and helpfullness.
And best of all, this place is usually the place where good humour and consideration are shown to and by the forumites.
Vic suggested you PM or email Cindy - off ya go sunshine - fill ya boots. (OOPS - see ya did that - thanks) Gubby, has, as have ALL citizens of this country, the right to correspond with any and/or all of our elected representatives on any topic that they choose.
Oh yeah ... and welcome to the forum - let's see if we can all get along a little more courteously.
Cheers
John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 07:01:02 PM
_wombat_ said
07:03 PM Sep 3, 2011
aussieranger, are you actually a NP ranger?
in your reply you hit the nail on the head in regrds to: All Northern Territory residents and children under 16 are free.
My question to the Minister and the PM was, why do NT resident's not have to pay a fee to get into Kakadu?
I also asked why was there no conssesion for senoir's or pensioner's
I am a rate payer of Australia why do I have to pay, if NT residents do not?
aussieranger said
07:14 PM Sep 3, 2011
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Gary - how the hell are ya ? ? ..... got out of the wrong side of the bed it would appear?
Interestingly, this forum is made up of sensible, informed, intelligent, caring people of a range of ages, talents, lifestyles, hobbies and places of residence with a wondrous range of humour and helpfullness.
And best of all, this place is usually the place where good humour and consideration are shown to and by the forumites.
Vic suggested you PM or email Cindy - off ya go sunshine - fill ya boots. Gubby, has, as have ALL citizens of this country, the right to correspond with any and/or all of our elected representatives on any topic that they choose.
Oh yeah ... and welcome to the forum - let's see if we can all get along a little more courteously.
Cheers
John
G'day John, I am well thanks...and no I didn't get out of the wrong side of the bed. I agree we all have the right to correspond with whom we want but why would you when a google search can achieve the same result in 0.3 of a second....saved paper, saved fuel, saved time in someone responding (or not). I'm not being discourteous...merely stating the facts.
I also agree with most of your comments about contributors to the forum but would have to disagree that Heidi's comments in the newsletter are anything but sensible, informed or intelligent. Have you read the article? Have a read if you haven't already and contemplate the impacts of someone suggesting that people should refrain from paying a small fee for service.
It's a totally irresponsible opinion which, whilst Heidi is entitled to have, should never have been published.
This is a great forum and I appreciate being able to have my say....if I become irresponsible then I'll be the first one to say censure me...
And yes I'm a ranger so it is a little close to the bone...but being passionate about something doesn't make me discourteous...
cheers
_wombat_ said
07:17 PM Sep 3, 2011
just had a quick look at your web site, and it did answer my question about your work,
in your answer to my post you state in part: afterall grey nomads have probably got more time on their hands than overworked and underpaid rangers just trying to do their job.
You were the person who picked the overworked and underpaid rangers job, if they are overworked and underpaid, I would not know that because I do not know or want to know your pay structure.
Now I am getting hot under the collar.
rockylizard said
07:20 PM Sep 3, 2011
Gday...
Gary - was only responding to the response to Gubby.
Regarding Heidi and 'the response' .... I just shook my head and had decided to dismiss giving it any credibility. I hope it was only a misguided attempt to "provide the opposing view" ..... it is a "Dear Auntie" column after all.
Anyway, hang in there, being passionate is a good thing - I suffer from it as well - but as I have got older and greyer (unfortunately no wiser ) I just let a lot slip past now usually.
Again, welcome to a good group.
Cheers
John
_wombat_ said
07:21 PM Sep 3, 2011
re your reply to John,
part quote: I agree we all have the right to correspond with whom we want but why would you when a google search can achieve the same result in 0.3 of a second....saved paper, saved fuel, saved time in someone responding (or not). I'm not being discourteous...merely stating the facts.
Can you tell me where in google it will answer my questions that I have posted here?
In my opinion you are being discourteous.
_wombat_ said
07:23 PM Sep 3, 2011
gubby has not made any comment on this topic
rockylizard said
07:26 PM Sep 3, 2011
Gday...
..... yeah, yeah ... I know ..... I meant Wombat .... sorry
Cheers
John
_wombat_ said
07:28 PM Sep 3, 2011
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
..... yeah, yeah ... I know ..... I meant Wombat .... sorry
Cheers
John
No need to be sorry but the ranger made the same mistake, how's that for somebody who DID in my opinion get out of bed the wrong side
_wombat_ said
07:31 PM Sep 3, 2011
I don't come out of my hole very often, but when somebody insinuates that I am incapable I will come out and let my feelings known.
I also did not have a whinge
-- Edited by _wombat_ on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 07:32:38 PM
Hylda&Jon said
07:33 PM Sep 3, 2011
aussieranger wrote:
but really rather than having a whinge why don't you jus try to find the info rather than rely on someone else to do if for you. Just in case I've got it wrong and you are incapable of doing this then here it is.
Welcome to the forum, this is a friendly place in which all of us get along very well & we do not insult other members with childish comments so please think about how you phrase things before posting.
Cheers
Jon
-- Edited by Hylda&Jon on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 07:35:02 PM
aussieranger said
08:01 PM Sep 3, 2011
_wombat_ wrote:
aussieranger, are you actually a NP ranger?
in your reply you hit the nail on the head in regrds to: All Northern Territory residents and children under 16 are free.
My question to the Minister and the PM was, why do NT resident's not have to pay a fee to get into Kakadu?
I also asked why was there no conssesion for senoir's or pensioner's
I am a rate payer of Australia why do I have to pay, if NT residents do not?
Hi Wombat, yes I'm a NT park ranger not a Kakadu or Uluru ranger which are run by the Federal Govt . I apologise for the poke about Google and I'm not trying to get you hot under the collar. And you are right in that I chose to become a ranger... because I love our country and I love to talk about it to our visitors so they too can learn to love it and enjoy it as I do.
I think the thing about politics is that we never quite know what's going on. They are supposedly in there to represent us and make legislation to help us run the country and keep the peace lol.
I can't really answer your question other than I suspect that considerable pressure was brought to bear so that NT residents do not have to pay...funny it doesn't work that way at Uluru or maybe thats because they don't have a uranium mine. The point is that once legislation is passed we are obliged to adhere to it unless it's changed.
The only other thing I can offer is that there is no such thing as a free meal...we as Territorians have a much higher cost of living than any other state and whilst we choose to live here, that's a given, then maybe there is a bit of concession going on simply because we do....locals are often the people who attract other visitors here too so maybe there's something happening there too...
In short I don't know but I do know that even our richer cousins Parks Australia and us here in the Territory don't get enough to run our parks properly. The small fees we do get from camping do help us to maintain standards and to provide facilities for the use of by visitors.
Perhaps to finish this sad, sorry saga off that all started with a rant from "Heidi" in the newsletter I would like to ask her what would she rather, clean, serviceable facilities or something that you would't stay in or would cause you to write in and complain?
No offence meant Wombat...but I did also say in the earlier post not to talk about Kakadu or Uluru.... maybe I shouldn't have mentioned it but people just go there without knowing the difference....
jandas fun said
08:10 PM Sep 3, 2011
??? just reread both issues of the Newsletter "etiquette section" and still see it as tongue in cheek, and an attempt at some humour, and possibly a bit of a stir. I don't think anyone is meant to take it seriously.
Johnw
aussieranger said
08:20 PM Sep 3, 2011
jandas fun wrote:
??? just reread both issues of the Newsletter "etiquette section" and still see it as tongue in cheek, and an attempt at some humour, and possibly a bit of a stir. I don't think anyone is meant to take it seriously.
Johnw
Hi John, happy for the opinion...maybe the Ed should state then that this is a tongue in cheek approach to ettiquette...the problem is that this very same thing goes on every day up here...and this piece really only exacerbates it by making it conform in the minds of the people that do it, that's where the danger lies...
pauline said
08:24 PM Sep 3, 2011
Lighten up mate, or people will start to believe the going troppo bit, and I love NT and lived there for quite awhile. Cheers
aussieranger said
08:31 PM Sep 3, 2011
Thanks everyone for a colourful discussion...maybe I've not chosen the right words in the heat of the moment and for that I apologise...
Happywanderer said
08:35 PM Sep 3, 2011
I have just been back and read both editions and was coming on here to say exactly what jandas said. I thought it was done tongue in cheek too and having read it again i am sure its all been done tongue in cheek. I thought you could tell by the way the two answers are opposing.
jonathan said
08:45 PM Sep 3, 2011
Gary .. its a good thing that we are all entitled to our own opinions .. but it is unfortunate when one gets irate because others don't agree with him ..
Jon
aussieranger said
09:20 PM Sep 3, 2011
jonathan wrote:
Gary .. its a good thing that we are all entitled to our own opinions .. but it is unfortunate when one gets irate because others don't agree with him ..
Jon
Hey Jon...I can't actually see that anyone partaking in this discussion has been irate but as you say...opinions.
Have a good night
Cruising Granny said
09:54 PM Sep 3, 2011
Well, in spite of the heated beginning, this thread has served to enlighten me on the fee structure of national parks in NT. I have been reluctant to enjoy Ayres Rock because of the fees charged. I know I'm missing out, but sometimes I just wish we could visit and enjoy without exhorbitant fees. I don't mind paying some form of entry fee, but I don't want to be out of pocket for the privilege of visiting some of this country's natural wonders. The statement about the governments making decisions and keeping the peace should be publicised more often in all media. They too are neglecting their responsibility in keep the people informed, objectively.
Elle on Wheels said
10:02 PM Sep 3, 2011
Hi All
I also believed the Heidi response was tongue in cheek. I reckon the members here would be likely to pay more than the required donation and go to considerable effort to ensure sites were left cleaner than when they arrived. Just goes to show it's best to be cautious about what to publish perhaps.
Vic said
10:06 PM Sep 3, 2011
Hi again Gary,
Again I haven't read the articles as stated earlier because of pc problems, but hope to soon.
Having been on this forum for awhile though, I can certainly vouch for Wombat as a person of integrity and some considerable intelligence and I don't know of anyone here who would say otherwise. It is unfortunate that his posts were taken out of context but I see that you were decent enough to apologise to him.
The typed word can come over as very harsh at times, and as a couple of others here have already pointed out, we are a friendly bunch and in general try to couch our words so that we can still have our opinion, but try not to word our posts in such as way that they will be misunderstood or offend anyone. At least that's the way I see it.
I don't think we've had a Ranger on here before, but it would make a good addition to the forum and hopefully you could provide some good input from someone "on the ground" in that respect as you have done so far once the dust settled. I am sure you have some good stories and pic's you might want to share with us all sometime.
Look forward to some interesting posts if you feel up to sharing a few things with us,
Regards, Vic
Gerty Dancer said
11:30 PM Sep 3, 2011
I was a bit annoyed by "Heidi"" too, but I think its meant to be a joke, and my sense of humour was a bit slow.
jules47 said
12:32 AM Sep 4, 2011
I took "Heidi's" response as "tongue in cheek" - this is a forum where we listen to peoples opinion, comment on them, but allow them to have their opinions without censure - it is not a place for "heated" discussions, and unfortunately, aussieranger, your comments came across as "heated" - I personally have not seen posts from you before, maybe I have missed them, but you are relatively new on here, and perhaps should have read the "tone" of the posts before putting forth such strong opinions.
If you read a lot of our replies , you wil find a lot of us take "heidi's" responses as a bit of a joke, to be taken with a grain of salt, so to speak.
As someone else said, lighten up - we are here to share good times.
gubby said
08:03 AM Sep 4, 2011
Vic wrote:
Having been on this forum for awhile though, I can certainly vouch for Wombat as a person of integrity and some considerable intelligence and I don't know of anyone here who would say otherwise.
Hi all, recently I received the 2nd newsletter put out by "The Grey Nomads Times" and found my self absolutely disgusted by the attitude of Heidi in the Ask Jacelyn and Heidi etiquette section. I find it hard to believe that the editors would support such a "redneck" attitude put across by this woman.
NT parks do not even charge for entry to our parks and reserves and this person begrudges paying a few dollars to help maintain facilities that are provided for all travellers. Needless to say that if it is grey nomads who are staying night after night then why shouldn't they pay something to maintain the very facilities they are using?
Also remember that Uluru and Kakadu are federal parks so don't come back with wry comments on the nature of fees there either.
I am really disheartened to see this in a newsletter that offers some connectivity to fellow travellers.
I haven't read the Newsletter yet, my pc is on "go slow" at the moment as I have reached my limit, but hopefully when my new limit comes in a few days time I will be able to see what you are talking about. Welcome to the forum by the way, I see this is your 4th post, look forward to more......
4 months ago I emailed the Minister, for info on the fee's payable at Kakadu, no reply, so I sent an email to our PM Miss Gillard 2 months ago, guest what, no reply, I did not expect a reply from the PM but I did expect her department to pass on my questions to the correct department and I can only assume that they have failed to do that, well I suppose she has other things on her mind, like keeping her well paid job.
Wombat, I'm pretty sure you post quite a bit on here and I can't comment on your ability to type into Google a query about fees to Kakadu but really rather than having a whinge why don't you jus try to find the info rather than rely on someone else to do if for you. Just in case I've got it wrong and you are incapable of doing this then here it is..."Kakadu National Park passes contribute directly to the running costs of the park and help us maintain the fantastic natural environment and tourism services.
All international and interstate visitors aged 16 years and over need to buy a park pass before they arrive at Kakadu National Park. All Northern Territory residents and children under 16 are free.
Your park pass costs $25 for 14 consecutive days."
I think we should all start taking responsibility for our actions or lack of them and start to realise that we don't have to rely on someone to do it for us, afterall grey nomads have probably got more time on their hands than overworked and underpaid rangers just trying to do their job.
Sorry if this sounds abrasive but I'm still fuming over the newsletter...
Thanks Vic, I hadn't thought of that. The letter or in this case, the email...is in the mail.
cheers
Gday...
Gary - how the hell are ya ? ? ..... got out of the wrong side of the bed it would appear?
Interestingly, this forum is made up of sensible, informed, intelligent, caring people of a range of ages, talents, lifestyles, hobbies and places of residence with a wondrous range of humour and helpfullness.
And best of all, this place is usually the place where good humour and consideration are shown to and by the forumites.
Vic suggested you PM or email Cindy - off ya go sunshine - fill ya boots. (OOPS - see ya did that - thanks) Gubby, has, as have ALL citizens of this country, the right to correspond with any and/or all of our elected representatives on any topic that they choose.
Oh yeah ... and welcome to the forum - let's see if we can all get along a little more courteously.
Cheers
John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 07:01:02 PM
aussieranger, are you actually a NP ranger?
in your reply you hit the nail on the head in regrds to: All Northern Territory residents and children under 16 are free.
My question to the Minister and the PM was, why do NT resident's not have to pay a fee to get into Kakadu?
I also asked why was there no conssesion for senoir's or pensioner's
I am a rate payer of Australia why do I have to pay, if NT residents do not?
G'day John, I am well thanks...and no I didn't get out of the wrong side of the bed. I agree we all have the right to correspond with whom we want but why would you when a google search can achieve the same result in 0.3 of a second....saved paper, saved fuel, saved time in someone responding (or not). I'm not being discourteous...merely stating the facts.
I also agree with most of your comments about contributors to the forum but would have to disagree that Heidi's comments in the newsletter are anything but sensible, informed or intelligent. Have you read the article? Have a read if you haven't already and contemplate the impacts of someone suggesting that people should refrain from paying a small fee for service.
It's a totally irresponsible opinion which, whilst Heidi is entitled to have, should never have been published.
This is a great forum and I appreciate being able to have my say....if I become irresponsible then I'll be the first one to say censure me...
And yes I'm a ranger so it is a little close to the bone...but being passionate about something doesn't make me discourteous...
cheers
just had a quick look at your web site, and it did answer my question about your work,
in your answer to my post you state in part: afterall grey nomads have probably got more time on their hands than overworked and underpaid rangers just trying to do their job.
You were the person who picked the overworked and underpaid rangers job, if they are overworked and underpaid, I would not know that because I do not know or want to know your pay structure.
Now I am getting hot under the collar.
Gday...
Gary - was only responding to the response to Gubby.
Regarding Heidi and 'the response' .... I just shook my head and had decided to dismiss giving it any credibility. I hope it was only a misguided attempt to "provide the opposing view" ..... it is a "Dear Auntie" column after all.
Anyway, hang in there, being passionate is a good thing - I suffer from it as well - but as I have got older and greyer (unfortunately no wiser
) I just let a lot slip past now usually.
Again, welcome to a good group.
Cheers
John
re your reply to John,
part quote: I agree we all have the right to correspond with whom we want but why would you when a google search can achieve the same result in 0.3 of a second....saved paper, saved fuel, saved time in someone responding (or not). I'm not being discourteous...merely stating the facts.
Can you tell me where in google it will answer my questions that I have posted here?
In my opinion you are being discourteous.
gubby has not made any comment on this topic
Gday...
Cheers
John
No need to be sorry but the ranger made the same mistake, how's that for somebody who DID in my opinion get out of bed the wrong side
I don't come out of my hole very often, but when somebody insinuates that I am incapable I will come out and let my feelings known.
I also did not have a whinge
-- Edited by _wombat_ on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 07:32:38 PM
-- Edited by Hylda&Jon on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 07:35:02 PM
Hi Wombat, yes I'm a NT park ranger not a Kakadu or Uluru ranger which are run by the Federal Govt . I apologise for the poke about Google and I'm not trying to get you hot under the collar. And you are right in that I chose to become a ranger... because I love our country and I love to talk about it to our visitors so they too can learn to love it and enjoy it as I do.
I think the thing about politics is that we never quite know what's going on. They are supposedly in there to represent us and make legislation to help us run the country and keep the peace lol.
I can't really answer your question other than I suspect that considerable pressure was brought to bear so that NT residents do not have to pay...funny it doesn't work that way at Uluru or maybe thats because they don't have a uranium mine. The point is that once legislation is passed we are obliged to adhere to it unless it's changed.
The only other thing I can offer is that there is no such thing as a free meal...we as Territorians have a much higher cost of living than any other state and whilst we choose to live here, that's a given, then maybe there is a bit of concession going on simply because we do....locals are often the people who attract other visitors here too so maybe there's something happening there too...
In short I don't know but I do know that even our richer cousins Parks Australia and us here in the Territory don't get enough to run our parks properly. The small fees we do get from camping do help us to maintain standards and to provide facilities for the use of by visitors.
Perhaps to finish this sad, sorry saga off that all started with a rant from "Heidi" in the newsletter I would like to ask her what would she rather, clean, serviceable facilities or something that you would't stay in or would cause you to write in and complain?
No offence meant Wombat...but I did also say in the earlier post not to talk about Kakadu or Uluru.... maybe I shouldn't have mentioned it but people just go there without knowing the difference....
I don't think anyone is meant to take it seriously.
Johnw
Hi John, happy for the opinion...maybe the Ed should state then that this is a tongue in cheek approach to ettiquette...the problem is that this very same thing goes on every day up here...and this piece really only exacerbates it by making it conform in the minds of the people that do it, that's where the danger lies...
Cheers
Gary .. its a good thing that we are all entitled to our own opinions .. but it is unfortunate when one gets irate because others don't agree with him ..
Jon
Hey Jon...I can't actually see that anyone partaking in this discussion has been irate but as you say...opinions.
Have a good night
I have been reluctant to enjoy Ayres Rock because of the fees charged. I know I'm missing out, but sometimes I just wish we could visit and enjoy without exhorbitant fees.
I don't mind paying some form of entry fee, but I don't want to be out of pocket for the privilege of visiting some of this country's natural wonders.
The statement about the governments making decisions and keeping the peace should be publicised more often in all media.
They too are neglecting their responsibility in keep the people informed, objectively.
I also believed the Heidi response was tongue in cheek. I reckon the members here would be likely to pay more than the required donation and go to considerable effort to ensure sites were left cleaner than when they arrived. Just goes to show it's best to be cautious about what to publish perhaps.
Again I haven't read the articles as stated earlier because of pc problems, but hope to soon.
Having been on this forum for awhile though, I can certainly vouch for Wombat as a person of integrity and some considerable intelligence and I don't know of anyone here who would say otherwise. It is unfortunate that his posts were taken out of context but I see that you were decent enough to apologise to him.
The typed word can come over as very harsh at times, and as a couple of others here have already pointed out, we are a friendly bunch and in general try to couch our words so that we can still have our opinion, but try not to word our posts in such as way that they will be misunderstood or offend anyone. At least that's the way I see it.
I don't think we've had a Ranger on here before, but it would make a good addition to the forum and hopefully you could provide some good input from someone "on the ground" in that respect as you have done so far once the dust settled. I am sure you have some good stories and pic's you might want to share with us all sometime.
Look forward to some interesting posts if you feel up to sharing a few things with us,
Regards,
Vic
If you read a lot of our replies , you wil find a lot of us take "heidi's" responses as a bit of a joke, to be taken with a grain of salt, so to speak.
As someone else said, lighten up - we are here to share good times.
Wombat?????
Sorry, I had to say it Vic....
