February 23, 2025
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli
THE greater the distance from one’s date of birth, the more one is inclined to reflection. The photograph of an Australian soldier who died...
February 16, 2025
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli
“TO retire, or not to retire”, that is the question. For some the prospect of ending paid employment is their worst nightmare. For others,...
February 9, 2025
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli
RACISM — the inability or refusal to recognise the rights, needs, dignity, or value of people of particular races or geographical origins, is, by...
February 2, 2025
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli
DONALD Trump is President of the United States of America. He is, arguably, fortified with the collective Might and Power of that country, the...
January 26, 2025
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli
TO celebrate Australia Day on January 26, the date on which the British invaders came ashore and claimed possession (terra nullius February 7) at...
January 19, 2025
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli
BELATEDLY, I have made two New Year resolutions: I intend to be more intolerant, and much less perfect! Please, allow me to explain! Like many,...
January 12, 2025
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli
HOW quickly the years pass! I am jealous not of success, but I am covetous of those opportunities which now present for those starting-out...
December 8, 2024
From the desk of oland Rocchiccioli
THE recent VicPol, state-wide, Neighbourhood Policing Forums were initiated to allow senior police command to meet, and discuss concerns and challenges, with residents, stakeholders,...
December 1, 2024
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli
THE controversy surrounding the casting of the lead character in the stage musical, Kinky Boots, is an indicator of how attitudes have changed —...
November 24, 2024
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli
TO posit Ballarat is less safe, or more dangerous, than other locations in Australia would be an overstatement — a serious misnomer. The challenges...
March 10, 2024
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli for 10 March
When I acquired my little cottage in Ballarat I hoped for fairies at the bottom of the garden. That would have been perfection.
BE...
February 29, 2024
Four stars, plus one more for Sandy the dog!
The Lyric Theatre production of the stage musical, Annie, is playing at the Civic Hall.
Annie is based on the popular, 1924 comic strip,...
February 25, 2024
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 25 February
The Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan delivered to the State Parliament, and all those Victorian children who suffered institutional abuse, a superbly measured and...
February 11, 2024
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 11 February
The ABC is an important broadcasting institution. It is the voice of the people. It must be impartial, unfailingly. THE increasing inclination of journalists to...
February 4, 2024
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 4 February
It was simple: you worked a second job - usually in the hospitality industry; saved a 10 per cent deposit; met with your bank...
January 26, 2024
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 26 January
If you will: exercise your imagination! If a hostile nation were to invade Australia and claim possession, and then you were expected to celebrate...
January 21, 2024
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli for 21 January.
SOCIETY was awash with ‘Purple heart’ tablets - eaten like sweets, LSD, hashish, and marijuana. Consequently, I was by circumstance part of the 1970s...
January 14, 2024
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 14 January
Increasingly, it is becoming more difficult to have a civil, vigorous conversation without becoming embroiled in accusations of disrespect, discrimination, racial vilification, and generally...
January 7, 2024
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 07 January
Sometimes I feel I am marching to the beat of my own drum, regardless; or perhaps I am a relic from a forgotten past....
December 31, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 31 December
I am not looking to pick an argument, but it is Happy New Year, and not Happy New Year’s - which refers only to...
December 24, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 24 December
Christmas is that time of year when Christians, around the world, gather together to celebrate the birth of the boy child in the manger...
December 17, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 17 December
There is a glaring dichotomy: on the one hand we condemn anti-social, neo-Nazi conduct; yet, on the other, we willingly allocate newspaper column inches...
December 10, 2023
From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 10 December
Carols in the Cathedral - 2023, with the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic orchestra, is a Christmas-week music highlight for the entire family! THE three, two-hour performances...
December 10, 2023
What is the Question – December
For the final What is the Question of 2023 Roland talked with David Cook-Doulton, owner of Hotel Vera. What is your name? David Cook-Doulton What is your...
Latest News
Feb 27, 2025
Councillors to fight new levy
Feb 27, 2025
Choir to boost cancer research
Feb 26, 2025
State backing new regional business events
Feb 26, 2025