Big business is risking our social fabric

Mining companies are undermining the social fabric of society, particularly in the Whitsundays according to a counsellor who sees a growing number of break-ups and relationship difficulties between local couples each week.

In a dig at the diggers of coal in our hinterland, Anglicare’s John Langford said many men in the Whitsundays were lured away to work in the mines on the promise of big pay packets and lifestyle rosters.

“But at what cost to our society?” counsellor Langford asked … “what we are seeing now is just a fraction of what is going to come. Work related problems are not going to diminish, they are likely to expand over the coming years,” he said. 

Mr Langford works with Anglicare, a non-government counselling service which provides emergency assistance to individuals, couples, families and the community as a whole.

Recently, Mr Langford has been seeing a growing number of families experiencing relationship difficulties, and more often than not, one partner is working away.

“Despite the fact that we live in pretty good social circumstances, there are still many families and individuals whose lives and the quality of their life remains poor in the absence of assistance from organisations such as Anglicise.

Mr Langford who operates out of the Proserpine Community Centre in Chapman Street, seeing a full line up of clients every Thursday, says big business needs to get back to the basic moral beliefs and standards.

“They can do this by embracing a set of values that are conducive to health, happiness and harmony in the community. Yes it’s all very well to offer top wages for workers but at what price? If big business starts to look after their humans, they will be more productive and successful.

“Ultimately we all have to take responsibility for our own behaviours or we will inflict our own inadequacies upon those who deserve our love and attention the most, especially our families,” Mr Langford said.

Anglicare’s service is open to everyone in the community including those experiencing marriage breakdowns, child-related problems and difficulties finding adequate housing.

“There is no fee but a contribution if one can afford it. We have never had a fee and we don’t want people to feel they cannot afford us. We offer exactly the same quality of service regardless. But if those who can make a contribution to the service, it is greatly appreciated,” he said.

To find out more about the Anglicare service, call
4953 3444 or email angli_mw@bigpond.com.au