HAS OUR nature become so cynical that sections of our community think the worst when Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement late on Monday night?
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Some would argue there is a cause to be on alert by this announcement and only time will tell if the old adage of smoke and fire proved accurate.
Late last year the federal government announced it would be hold a commission, as will the NSW government, to investigate child abuse in the church system. Alas the Catholic Church’s record will be forever darkened by these allegations and the cost has been high.
There are so many sad stories where young people plagued by the horror of assault by people in positions of trust have taken their own lives rather than trying to live with these dark memories.
The selection of a Pope to replace the current head of the church will generate plenty of conversation, especially as the bookmakers are tipping a Cardinal from Ghana at odds of nine to one to be elected.
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The announcement by Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner and the state Resources Minister Chris Hartcher at Dubbo on Monday set in train a process left in limbo since the Tomingley gold project received development approval in late July.
Situated about 50 kilometres to the south of Dubbo the mine offers the potential of up to 140 jobs in the construction process and 120 jobs in the production phase.
While the project owner, Alkane, has been biding its time until the green light it now promises to kick into gear the construction process, which is believed will take about 11 months.
Alkane management has said the jobs would be filled by local people which is good news not only for jobskeers but TAFE Western which has pledged to put in place training courses for people to work within the mining industry.
It’s good news all around.