Articles/Letters BEACHY LOCALS
Parents fear for young ‘Houdini’ available for this type of situation but they only work in areas where there is mobile service and Huonbrook is not such a location. The Leadbeatters are also trying to save $10,000 to go towards the $25,000 needed to buy an assistance dog to watch over Sam but even once the dog is bought and paid for, it takes another two years for the pooch’s training.
Story & photo Eve Jeffery
‘I’m going to lose him. I just know I am.’ Heart-wrenching words from a mother who just wants safe, affordable housing to bring up her child. Sandy and Phil Leadbeatter live with their two children, aged six and four, in Huonbrook. Their youngest son Sam appeared to be your average 18-month-old when things suddenly took a giant step backwards and it wasn’t long before he was diagnosed as being severely autistic.
Best life About six months before the diagnosis, Sandy and Phil had moved further up into the hills from Wilsons Creek, and in their new home in Huonbrook they set about creating the best life they could for their son. ‘He hadn’t been diagnosed when we moved here,’ says Sandy. ‘If we had known we would have moved into town then.’ One of their many problems arose when it was discovered that Sam had Houdini skills but not the comprehension to understand the associated danfully supported by Council. As a ratepayer financially supporting other festivals, I would like our rates to support this unique event and contribute to its long-lasting future. Isabelle Delmotte Suffolk Park
Splendid Congratulations, Splendour. You got what you wanted and that is a remarkable achievement. Regardless of the huge majority of local residents (84 per cent) who were never consulted by NBSP objecting to this commercial develop-
gers. He has no perception of height and, no matter how diligent the family are, Sam still manages to escape and explore the big world.
Wandering off He has wandered off three times in the last six weeks, and twice before that when he was found by his mum and dad. They had search and rescue, the Westpac Helicopter and neighbours and family searching for him just four weeks ago. ‘He is severely autistic and has Global Developmental Delay (GDD),’ says Sandy. ‘He is non-verbal. He doesn’t get much of what’s going on. He doesn’t come back, he doesn’t answer. ment, local council’s decision against approval at this site, the dozens of rare and endangered species living in the surrounding protected forest, the last wildllfe corridor from the caldera to the coast being cut, the Land and Environment Court throwing out your plans, decades of protection for the Billinudgel Nature Reserve, you managed to get your mega-festival. You must have very good lawyers. The clincher was getting state government approval with a widely unpopular Part 3A set up by a corrupt state government and pushing the
‘If he is hungry, he goes to the cupboard,’ says Phil. ‘If he is thirsty, he walks to the sink for water.’
Distressing The family have been trying for nine months to find a suitable place to live. Their other son, Ben, goes to Wilsons Creek School and if possible they would like to let him stay there. Sam travels to Ballina twice weekly to attend Biala Special School. Sandy says it can be distressing when people suggest that they use a collar, similar to those used on dogs, with electric fencing or even physically restraining young Sam. ‘People say awful things.’ There are tracking devices application through while Part 3A was being dismantled. Clever indeed. While trying to sleep last night to the thump thump of the bass woofers I felt sad that this quiet rural/ coastal township and valley have fallen to the persistence of mega-commercial interests. Ri Fraser Ocean Shores
Dog stealers A recent newspaper article highlighted dog theft and the possibility of a dog-fighting ring operating in the northern rivers. My own loved family member, gentle Storm,
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Following Sam They are on top of the housing commission list but there is simply nothing available. Sandy herself is not well. She suffers from Transverse Myelitis, which adds to the difficulty of following Sam around every step of his day. The family aren’t asking for any handouts. They can pay a reasonable rent and their requirements are few – just a low-set house with a fenced yard in town. ‘We have good references,’ says Sandy. ‘All we want is a safe place to bring up our family.’ Anyone who thinks they could provide a housing solution for the Leadbeatters can ring The Echo and leave a message on 6684 1777. disappeared nine weeks ago. On the morning of his disappearance, our neighbour told us that her dog ran inside, spooked, and that she heard a car speed off. My family and I have done all the hard yards – advertising, letterbox drops, posters, contacting council (rangers), Bay FM, social media etc. continued on next page
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The Byron Shire Echo July 30, 2013 13