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Online petition to highlight COVID-19 concerns launched by Killarney man

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PETITION: David Harte from Aghadoe working on his online petition at his Australian home.

By Sean Moriarty

An online petition seeking help for the Irish in Australia has been launched by an Aghadoe man this week.

David Harte, who now lives in Perth, is concerned that Irish people are being overlooked by both the Irish and Australian governments in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

Many were unable to get home before governments started shutting borders and many more have lost their jobs.

Others have tried, unsuccessfully, to get a flight or have paid over the top prices only to find flights cancelled once they arrive at the airport.

Many are in Australia on one or two-year working holiday visas and not entitled to social welfare or other assistance there.

Such visa holders are only allowed access to Australia’s Accident and Emergency services but cannot get government-supported medical services (Medicare) or welfare payments.

Others, like David, are on what are known as bridging visas after he married his Australian wife two years ago.

“I am lucky, I have family support here but others are not in the same position,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

“I work in construction and so far that is not shut down, but if it does I will have to rely on my wife’s income.”

Harte’s campaign has attracted the attention of Cllr Niall Kelleher, Mayor of Kerry, who has family living in Sydney, and MEP Sean Kelly.

“I am asking the Irish government not to forget us,” he said. “There are Irish associations, like the Claddagh Association in Perth, who can help and I hope the Irish government can release funds to these associations. It is going to get very serious, one estate agency in Sydney has already told all non-Australians who are renting property to get out as they won’t be able to pay the rent. I am aware of one Irish man who is diabetic and he cannot afford his medication as he is not working.”

He will send his online petition www.change.org: Irish Government Help The Irish In Australia – which has already been signed by 4,000 people - to the Irish government to highlight their plight.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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