Sponsorship questioned
I wish to respond to Ms Kerry Nelson's claim made in "Lyndoch backs racing deal", (The Standard, May 2). While defending the board's decision to sponsor the Grand Annual Steeplechase in Waterfront Living's name, Ms Nelson stated that "the residents embrace it". I am a resident at Waterfront and far from embracing this decision, I consider it to be totally inappropriate.
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Gwenneth Coulson, Warrnambool
Carnival congratulations
Congratulations to the Warrnambool Racing Club on yet another brilliant May Racing Carnival. What a magnificent week for the south-west, there is no better example of regional Victoria at its best than the last three days in Warrnambool.
Local trainers Jane Baker, Symon Wilde and of course Ciaron Maher were among those had success across the carnival, showing again and again just how strong the local industry is. Darren Weir demonstrated the region’s ability for success with a record 14 winners over the three days, including his fourth consecutive Warrnambool Cup.
The carnival demonstrates the value and contribution of the racing industry to the south-west region, attracting visitors from across the world, with accommodation, hospitality and retailers all benefiting from the influx.
The committee, as always, did a fantastic job and must be congratulated. The numbers grow every year and this year’s record attendance supports my view that this is the biggest and best racing carnival in the world. Get on board, lets jump again and it will continue to be bigger and better every year.
Roma Britnell, South West Coast MP
Rail funds call
As a Member of Parliament I’ve long heard the calls for better public transport for our community. The Warrnambool line deserves more trains, more often. The Andrews Labor Government has already made $1.8 billion worth of investment in better regional rail over the last two years, including 87 new regional train carriages and more services across regional Victoria. This includes the first new services to Warrnambool in a decade.
And now we have an additional $1.45 billion Regional Rail Revival package on the table, including $100 million to upgrade the Warrnambool line. This will deliver extra services, shorter journey times and pave the way for VLocity trains through to Warrnambool.
Victoria stands ready to get started, as soon as we receive the $1.46 billion we’re owed by Canberra. This is the level of funding we deserve.
Unfortunately, that’s not what Malcolm Turnbull, the Prime Minister thinks. For every dollar Canberra spends on infrastructure – Victoria gets only nine cents. Ahead of the Federal Budget, I have written to Federal MP Dan Tehan calling on him to bring our money back to this essential regional line.
Gayle Tierney, Western Victoria MP
Thanks volunteers
World Red Cross Day (May 8) coincides with the start of National Volunteer Week and so we’re using this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who make our society stronger. It might be by donating blood, reaching out to an older person who lives alone, or spending a day of their week helping run a Red Cross shop. It particularly comes to light during a crisis.
I’ve been overwhelmed by how willing people have been to give their time to help people whose lives were turned upside-down by Cyclone Debbie. 1700 volunteers and staff have supported communities in Queensland and northern New South Wales, including 100 from Victoria.
When the Bourke Street Mall tragedy happened early this year, our volunteers stood with mourners at the memorial, providing emotional support. This simple act of kindness helped people grieve and share their sadness. Thankfully, it is not just during a disaster when we see the best come out in people.
Every day around the country people carry out acts of kindness, creating a place where we feel supported and included. Their actions bring us closer together and make us feel more positive about our lives. Think about when a friend or colleague, or even a stranger, has done something to help you, without expecting anything in return.
It feels good, doesn’t it? This week, as we celebrate volunteers and the worldwide Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, let’s all make the effort to help someone who needs it. Together we can dramatically boost the power of good.
Wenda Donaldson, Red Cross Victoria
Charity support
I am looking forward to dressing in pink again – for a good cause. In a weeks’ time, I will join more than 100,000 people around Australia in the annual Mother’s Day Classic fun run/walk.
The event is now in its 20th year and raises money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Since 1994, the foundation has given $140 million to nearly 500 Australian-based research projects investigating ways to defeat this cancer. All of this money is raised by the public.
The Mother’s Day Classic is the biggest donor to the foundation having raised more than $30 million. It’s quite exceptional. It’s organised by extraordinary people for extraordinary people. We all know families impacted by this insidious disease – one in eight women and one in 700 men will develop it. So - for the men and women out there who need our help, please take the opportunity to either donate or participate in this fun event on May. 14 There are events across the state.Their website is a great place to start: www.mothersdayclassic.com.au See you there – in pink.
Simon Ramsay, Western Victoria MP