Bruce Mitchell, Berwick

I wonder if the entertainers, Tom Ballard and Dave Hughes have been told that their efforts to raise money for the proposed Lookout Centre will disrupt the livelihoods and homes of the neighbours if it goes ahead in Atkinson's Lane? I am sure that they would not enjoy the negative publicity that these tragedies will engender.

Farmers stand to have their practices severely curtailed and disrupted and lifestyle property owners will have their dreams destroyed.

Businesses in the immediate area will also be negatively impacted. So the charity ball will not be a joyful occasion for many, just another nail in the coffin.

Richard Ziegeler, Warrnambool

After seeing the front page of The Standard on July 25 headlined, Mongrels, I was in disbelief how someone could be so heartless and cruel, and not even care that a dog or any animal was suffering and in a lot of pain because of their neglect.  After five years they can have animals again. They should never be allowed to have animals again. I am sure that everyone that read that story would be feeling like me, upset, hurt and angry. Unfortunately these two are not the only ones that are cruel to animals. Because animals can't speak and tell you that they are hungry, thirsty or in pain doesn't mean they’re not. When you bring them home it is your duty to look after them, care for them, they depend on you for everything, they should not be just put in the back yard and left to fend for themselves. Think about how you would feel if someone did this to you.

Karen Gee, Allansford

Sixty-five years ago, the armistice ending three years of fighting on the Korean peninsula was signed. Within days of the invasion of South Korea by North Korean forces on June 25, 1950, the United Nations Security Council had the support of 21 member nations to defend South Korea, including Australia. The Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force committed forces to the UN effort in Korea within a week of the war’s beginning, Australian ground troops arrived in September 1950. The armistice was signed on 27 July 1953, the last troops did not leave Korean shores until August 1957. About 18,000 Australian service personnel served in Korea between 1950 and 1957, including Army and Royal Australian Air Force nurses. Australia suffered some 1500 casualties, including over 350 who lost their lives, and 30 who were taken prisoner. More than 40 Australians are still listed as missing in action. Sadly, looking back, one Australian soldier remarked ‘most Australians of the Korean War regard themselves as the forgotten veterans of a forgotten war’. In the final year of the Anzac Centenary, it is my hope these words are no longer true and that the men and women who bravely served in the Korean War know that Australia honours their service.

Darren Chester MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs