Preston Russell Law - Legal Services for Southern People

Legal services available to everyone

Saturday, September 10, 2011 by Mary-Jane Thomas, partner category Work to Rule

I have recently been involved in a matter which has brought home to me how prohibitive to many people employing a lawyer to fight through a process whether it is a civil matter, an employment matter or indeed a sports disciplinary matter can be.

Often it appears that whilst justice is available to all sometimes the people that get justice are those that can afford to pay for it.

It is important, as far as employment law is concerned that people realise that the Community Law Centre does provide advice to both employers and employees on employment law.  I appreciate that not everyone is able to afford legal advice. It is important that people realise that there are avenues available to them to obtain advice without cost.

On a brighter note I was asked to take part in the “Dancing with the Stars” rock n roll fundraiser for Hospice.  I accepted not only because Hospice is an important part of our Province but I understand from my readings of women’s magazines that Kirsty Alley lost about 155 kilograms competing in Dancing with the Stars in the USA show.

My attendance, therefore, whilst partly philanthropic is also to lose as much weight as possible before Christmas.  I have a body dysmorphic disorder but it got even worse when I realised that a significant part of the routine will include “throws”.

This is a significant advantage to male competitors like Richard Dickel Sharks coach) and Sean Bellews who may completely lack rhythm (sledging is all part of the competition) but who have little partners. Richard Dickel’s partner, for example weighs approximately five kilograms and clearly the only way that he will win will be to throw his partner around as often and as high as he can. My partner does not have that advantage and whilst he has assured me it is all technique I am not convinced!!!!!. Surely it is easier to lift skinny people than fat people?

Similarly Eddie Dawkins is such a big bloke he could have thrown Kirstie Ally around before she shed the 150 Kgs. 

Accordingly the next few weeks will involve practise, sledging and hunger and then straight into the Corporate Rowing competition.