Withcott Times Editorial Page

Editors note.......

Congratulations to Dorrie Wedrat of Helidon on her 90th birthday, it sure is a milestone that deserved such a big celebration as took place on Saturday 13th February at Grantham. I’m sure we all hope to be as active and vibrant as Dorrie is when we reach our twighlight years.
Sunday 7th March is Clean Up Australia Day and I encourage the Withcott community to once again get involved in this annual program. We will be meeting as usual at the Withcott Hotel at 8am and Neil and Tom at the Withcott Hotel are kindly putting on a sausage sizzle for volunteers following the morning clean up.

Response to recent misrepresentation
Given the rather negative and untrue comments in newspapers regarding myself in recent weeks, I would like to clarify the situation.
I attended Court in Toowoomba on Friday 12 February to support a friend of mine, Robyn Kaddatz in her time of need. I attended not as a Councillor of Lockyer Valley Regional Council, but simply as Janice Holstein, resident of Withcott and friend to Robyn.
I have been friends with Robyn since our children attended preschool together, some 15 years ago.
I understand that as a Councillor of the Lockyer Valley Regional Council I am seen by many as wearing that cap 24/7 and whilst I always endeavour to be available, I also have a family life which includes friends – a network I value. Friendship is about being there to support one in a time of crisis.
It is most disturbing to realise that a minority group of rather small-minded opinionated people will try and make a simple gesture of friendship and support to a Mother in need into something other than what it was.
I will not be intimidated!
Friendship is more than just sharing good moments, it is about being there to support your friends during the difficult times. Friendship is about wanting what is best for the other, show sympathy, honesty, don’t judge, offer advice and give support.
I have received many letters and phone calls of support over the beat up of this, thus, I am confident that those who know me, and the fair-minded and sensible members of our community will see through the propaganda that has been written about me and see this is for what it is – simply concern and support for a friend in her time of need, not what has been reported by the media where statements were made by persons who wrongly commented without first getting the facts.
Janice Holstein

Janice