Letters To The Editor – May 24, 2018

A (misspelled) sign of the times

Dear Editor,

I could not help but stop and photograph this sign on Horseshoe Bend Road in Torquay.

Someone obviously did not pass the NAPLAN spelling test!

Bob Wood
Torquay

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Some holes found in roadworks solution

Dear Editor,

On May 16, the Minister for Roads and Road Safety announced $4.9 million for a roundabout at the intersection of the Birregurra-Forrest Rd with Colac-Lorne Road and Deepdene Rd.

The media release went on to say that VicRoads came to this decision after consulting with the community.

I went to one of these ‘drop-in’ sessions in Birregurra. VicRoads chose not to hold any community consultations in either Lorne or Deans Marsh. That they did not do so was an example of their lack of knowledge of where the vast majority of vehicles who use these roads regularly emanate. Because of this, the sample of visitors to the ‘drop ins’ was not a true reflection of local community opinion.

Colac has become a major destination for residents in both these communities, and the shortest route takes one through this notorious intersection.

I spent some time canvassing other members of the community who turned up in Birregurra and the general consensus was that an additional set of rumble bars on the Birregurra-Forrest Road, together with multiple warning signs, would best be the long-term solution. The cost would be miniscule compared with the amount estimated to build a roundabout.

Those of us, who drive regularly in the area, in particular along Deans Marsh-Lorne Road, have to put up with humps, potholes and serious deterioration of shoulders with many white lines having disappeared altogether.

There was an allocation of funding of some $800,000 in this year’s budget for an ‘upgrade’ of the Deans Marsh-Lorne Road. It is my understanding that this has now been fully expended, yet this road is nowhere near fixed. There seems to be no logic as to where the road was deemed substandard and where it was not. As a result, when driving along, one is presented with a kaleidoscope of newly repaired road with sections left untouched, yet seemingly in equal need of repair.

Rural roads are in desperate need of funding. Winter is approaching and driving conditions will only become more hazardous. Do we need another spate of serious accidents or fatalities before the State Government will listen?

Juliet Beatty
DMLR Safety Group, Deans Marsh

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Searching for meaning at question time

Dear Editor,

I ought to congratulate the mayor of the City of Greater Geelong, Cr Harwood, on his careful handling of question time and of the public at council.

No complaints system is given for resolving disputes, in notes issued to the public, and Cr Harwood has agreed in council to have this amended.

My complaint is that you are allowed three minutes for one question only, and the given list of misdemeanours to be disallowed is very harsh: slander, anything offensive, anything embarrassing, and other sundries. Vilification of the public of this sort, is ironically, just what Council itself wishes to avoid, in question time.

Here is a classic case, along with the “you are welcome to ask questions” notes to the public at City of Greater Geelong, of what is meant is not said, and what is said is not meant. This is conducive of antagonism, rather than mutual respect.

Peter Linaker
Ocean Grove

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Disappointed at dog attack outcome

Dear Editor,

Ten months ago, our miniature dachshund was savagely attacked on a beach in Torquay on the Surf Coast. After heroic vet interventions she survived.

One month after this attack, the shire rangers recommended that the offending dog be declared dangerous. However, their recommendations and our detailed documentation and contact with shire officers has, after months of delay, led to no declaration. Therefore, this dog is now at large in the state of Victoria free to attack again.

To say we are disappointed is an understatement. We are outraged that we have not been able to protect other dogs and owners from going through what we have.

Our little dog has recovered physically but is still psychologically afraid of all other dogs so our days of carefree beach walking are over.

Yvonne Hunter
Torquay

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Thank you to Barwon and the South West

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Leukaemia Foundation, I would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to Barwon and South West readers for their incredible support of this year’s 20th World’s Greatest Shave.

The extraordinary people who shaved, cut or coloured their hair plus all their generous sponsors have now raised an incredible $3,160,213 in Victoria alone. This will help the Leukaemia Foundation continue to provide its vital services that will make a genuine difference to local families facing blood cancer.

These services include free accommodation, transport, emotional support and disease specific education to Australians and their families as they find their way through some of the darkest days of their lives.

Plus, funds raised also contributes to Australian researchers who are working tirelessly to discover safer and more effective treatments. Although their critical research is improving survival rates, sadly 35 Australians are diagnosed with a blood cancer every single day.

Approximately 20,000 people have taken part in this year’s milestone campaign and have shaved or cut away an estimated 7,000 kilograms of hair, helping to create wigs for cancer patients. Thanks to our partners at Sustainable Salons Australia, for the first time shorter hair will now also be used to create ‘hair booms’ which will be used to soak up potential oil spills at sea.

Thank you for your support. We are well on our way to reaching our goal of $3,460,000 in Victoria. There is still time for people to sign up or make a donation at worldsgreatestshave.com.au. Thanks to you, the Leukaemia Foundation will be able to help more Australians with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders survive and live a better quality of life.

Bill Petch
CEO, Leukaemia Foundation

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Nominate a champion volunteer

Dear Editor,

National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the generous individuals who help make our communities what they are. Whether it be looking after the canteen at the local footy club, delivering Meals on Wheels, tending to the local environment, or responding to emergencies with the local CFA or SES, we are all better off for their efforts.

Without the tireless efforts of volunteers, many organisations in the area simply would not be able to function. According to the ABS, more than one in three Australians volunteer. In regional areas, 41 per cent of people report volunteering. They are the threads that bind communities together, across the Western District, Victoria and the country.

It was particularly heartening to see two local volunteers acknowledged in this year’s Surf Coast Shire Australia Days Awards, with Julie Stevens named Citizen of the Year for her tireless efforts for numerous community organisations such as Plastic Bag Free Torquay, and Young Citizen of the Year Dan Smith recognised for his efforts with the Bellbrae CFA and the Torquay Marine Rescue Service.

Of course, for many, as well as giving something back to the community, volunteering itself is a fulfilling and enriching experience, a way to make new friends and derive a sense of purpose.

Nominations are open for the 2018 Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards, which celebrate the enormous contribution of Victoria’s volunteers. Nominations close on Monday, May 28, at the end of National Volunteer Week (May 21-27). To nominate a volunteer, head to volunteer.vic.gov.au/awards.

I encourage everyone reading this to consider what they may be able to do for their local neighbourhood, and extend my warmest congratulations to everyone who contributes, in whatever way, big or small, by volunteering in our community.

Gayle Tierney
Member for Western Victoria

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Volunteers keep Red Cross running

Dear Editor,

This week (National Volunteer Week), we’re saying a huge thank you to the people who take action and make our country a happier place.

Volunteering happens in all kinds of ways. Like the simple act of sharing a social media post about supporting newly-arrived migrants which, when thousands of others share, can have a huge impact. Other kinds of volunteering require a bigger commitment, like driving elderly isolated people to regular medical appointments and social outings, and can have a profound effect on the lives of individuals.

At Australian Red Cross, volunteers are a lot like our engine room; they support communities when natural disasters hit, make daily phone calls to isolated people, greet customers to our op shops, donate blood, and fundraise for us. This week we’re celebrating not just our volunteers in Victoria, but everyone who takes action to make our society stronger, more connected and supportive.

Thank you for your generosity and making Victoria and Australia a better place. Find out more about volunteering at redcross.org.au/volunteer.

Wenda Donaldson
Director, Red Cross in Victoria

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VicHealth CEO learns that this girl can, too

Dear Editor,

You’d think as the VicHealth CEO that I’d have no problem being physically active. But reality hit several years ago when I was afraid to do something that I’d always wanted to do – windsurfing.

I’d had lessons, bought the gear but when I got to the beach I couldn’t get out of the car. I was worried about what people would think and I stayed in the car for such a long time, trying to pluck up the courage to get out and give it a go.

In the end, I took a deep breath, got out of the car and I’m proud to say that now I love getting out on the water whenever I can.

According to VicHealth research, I’m no different to over half of Victorian women who worry about being judged when exercising. We worry more than men about how we look, being unfit and we find it hard to go back to exercise when we haven’t done it for a while – particularly after having kids. For more than 40 per cent of us, these feelings are so strong it actually stops us from taking part in sport or exercise.

That’s why our new This Girl Can – Victoria campaign is so important and why it’s been resonating with so many women across the state. This Girl Can – Victoria is about empowering women to feel comfortable in their bodies and public spaces. It aims to motivate women to get active, no matter how they look, how good they are or how sweaty they get.

Our campaign features Victorian women getting active their way whether that’s rollerblading, walking, playing netball or hitting the gym. They’re everyday women overcoming their fears and giving it a go, curves, jiggles, wrinkles and all.

This Girl Can – Victoria is about smashing those old-fashioned stereotypes and the fear stopping women from getting out there and giving it a go.

For more information, visit thisgirlcan.com.au.

Jerril Rechter
CEO, VicHealth