Protect heritage sites
I am an anthropologist with over 29 years’ experience working with Aboriginal people in western Victoria.
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I also grew up in the area before moving to Melbourne in my early 20s.
I remain deeply attached to this part of the world.
My introduction to Aboriginal culture and values was through the generous and patient teaching of Uncle Robbie Lowe.
Indeed, on my very first time with Uncle Robbie, he took me on a tour of the area which began with the many significant midden and cultural heritage sites that dotted the coastline around Warrnambool.
Robbie was emotionally moved by being in these areas, he had a palpable response to the cultural value of these sites that was plain to see.
I now note that the Warrnambool City Council has approved the exercising of racehorses on Levys Beach.
The potential for damage to cultural heritage sites caused by horses on this part of the coast is unfortunately all too obvious.
I can only imagine that this is the cause of much distress for all Aboriginal people of the area.
If any sites are destroyed, we can never get them back. If we lose them, we do so for good.
They are much too valuable to ever be put at risk. Add to that the threatened status of the hooded plover, which nests on beaches in the area, and there is a pressing ecological matter to be taken on board as well.
Perish the thought if a beach goer, recreating on public land, was ever trampled by a racehorse owned by a private business. It would be a disaster.
The Warrnambool City Council should urgently reconsider their decision.
Raymond Madden, Pascoe Vale
Don't kick the record
Cannot believe the Hampden Football Netball League is even considering clubs producing their own game-day records. Thought we were the major league in the area. Clubs pay for the records they sell or don’t sell, don’t sponsors pay for the privilege to advertise in the record? This is a step backwards for a major league.
Robert Field, Camperdown
Support our cabbies
As an owner and driver of 13Cabs in Warrnambool I find it amazing to read and also hear on the radio all the positive news about Uber starting in Warrnambool.
What I find so concerning about all this that apparently local people don’t care about the local taxi drivers who have been giving the best service they can supply over these many years.
We always see and hear to support the local Australian community and businesses but yes promoting Uber means all the money made will go overseas, but apparently that’s all good.
We try to hire more drivers to even support our local customers but can’t get any and now a free add is in your paper supporting Uber to become a driver.
We are not afraid about the impact this will have because we still have our loyal customers who will keep supporting us, I’m just amazed that you the Standard and radio gives them (Uber) so much promotion out there.
There is so much more to say about this topic what we as local owners can say.
Ron Visser, Warrnambool