“THERE’S no toys Mummy, this isn’t a park”. These were the first words my fouryearold said when we arrived at the newly opened park in Belgrave.
What an abject waste of ratepayers money in Belgrave; think back to the useless Blacksmith Way! Does the Shire of Yarra Ranges not want families to use the park, as there is no play equipment?
Certainly the elderly won’t use it. For a start they won’t make it across the road and up the ramps. If they do make it, there won’t be any seats with backs on them so they can sit comfortably. Now the shire has eliminated families and the elderly from the equation, who will use the park?
Maybe the skate boarders; there’s a mean set of ramps, although perhaps a bit dicey at the bottom where they peter out onto the busiest intersection in Belgrave.
Good one shire. We know they will say they consulted with the community, but that doesn’t mean they actually took on board what was said.
Roll on election time where we can elect some candidates who really care for residents in the Dandenong Ranges.
Samantha Dunn
Selby
I WRITE as a parent who has in the past taken little interest in the activities of local politicians.
I have two children who attended Gembrook Primary School and this school has been in need of new buildings for the past 20 years.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato is the only politician on any side of politics who has been able to get real action.
Our school is now scheduled for new buildings. This is because our principal and our school community worked really hard and because Ms Lobato listened and worked until we got what was so desperately needed.
Many parents are thankful to her for her genuine interest and hard work. For me, she has restored by faith in politicians.
Pilar Nesvara
Gembrook
I WAS driving through scenic Belgrave, enjoying its natural sites and colours when suddenly, at the central roundabout, I was confronted by the stark, commercial colours of red, white and blue.
Yes, the national flag looks so unnatural against the backdrop of beautiful Belgrave. Notice how it sticks out like a sore thumb.
Is it necessary? Is it appropriate for visitors, residents and tourists? Honestly?
Who put it there? Who made the decision? Why?
Are we becoming more like the Americans, who feel they must parade their brand of red, white and blue in places inappropriate or otherwise?
Ray Higgs
Ferntree Gully
I WRITE regarding Brian Hannan’s letter History Repeats (Mail, 26 July) accusing Knox Amateur Basketball Association of having an elitist attitude.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The reason Emerald Lakers play basketball in Knox is because its local Sherbrooke Amateur Basketball Association competition cannot attract enough teams for a fair and competitive competition.
Our club has played in both Knox and Sherbrooke competitions. We as a club quit Sherbrooke.
Knox referees continue to win awards for their excellence.
If you are not happy playing in Knox go back to Sherbrooke and play amongst the “hillbilly” teams, which is Mr Hannan’s description, not mine.
Wayne Sewell
President
South East Eagles Basketball Club
I AM with Ray Lister (Mail, )
Please assure us that Jenny Moxham is not really a lobbyist on the Mail payroll!
You’ve had your say plenty of times Jenny. It’s getting boring now.
George Stockman
Belgrave South
RECENTLY “Savebabe” campaigners collected petitions from the public in Monbulk MP James Merlino’s electorate. The petitions specifically highlighted the inhumane treatment of breeding sows, which are cruelly contained in stalls two metres by 60 cms. for up to four years.
Reasonable people, irrespective of their attitude towards eating meat, recognise sow stalls are heartless.
Throughout Victoria, on learning of the practice, the overwhelming majority of people concur.
The alternative to sow stalls is economical and viable. Sow stalls have been banned in the UK, and are being phased out in the European Union and New Zealand.
Freerange pork is retailed through a major Australian supermarket chain.
The industry itself is successfully trialing alternative farming methods for sows in New South Wales.
If reported correctly in the local paper, I wonder why Mr Merlino couldn’t have taken a few minutes to speak to us or even consult our literature before making such obtuse comments. And why does the Agricultural Minister consistently refuse to meet concerned citizens although farmers and their representatives have worn a path to his door?
Surely it’s not because animals don’t vote.
Bob Harry
Vice President
Ballarat Organisation
for Animal Rights
Newstead
HOW can our Prime Minister claim to be opposed to terrorism when each year Australia subjects an ever increasing number of gentle beings to terror beyond words?
Last weekend, after long months of negotiations on the part of Australia, 80,000 sheep left our shores bound for Saudie Arabia.
The animals that survive this grueling voyage (and many don’t) will find themselves suddenly thrust into the midst of a blistering Middle Eastern summer.
Once unloaded, Australia will ‘wipe it’s hand’s’ of the distressed and frightened animals, and they will be at the mercy of the inhabitants of a country where animal welfare is nonexistent and brutality the norm.
The terrified sheep, some now blind and ill, will be beaten, trussed with wire and locked inside stifling car boots before eventually meeting their ultimate, gruesome fate a slow, brutal and agonising death by ritual slaughter.
To condemn gentle and inoffensive Australian animals to this unimaginable cruelty is surely an act of terrorism in the extreme.
Jenny Moxham
Monbulk
