Better trains please
I use the Warrnambool train once a month, most times I am able to pick the off peak times. I agree the train is old and rough. The train breaks down 99 per cent of the time when I am not on it. We are entitled to better trains.These days I change at Geelong if it is too crowded. My ticket is paid for to Melbourne. I have also caught a Geelong-bound train from Melbourne. I then have a snack at Geelong and catch the train home, cleaner toilets at Geelong than on the train. I think some of the Warrnambool to Melbourne bound trains should finish at Geelong and we all change there to a Melbourne-bound train. That way we would get into Melbourne earlier, not have to walk so far. It should free up space on the system and hopefully get another daily service. I also have health issues with balance and find all the on-train and station staff helpful with the conditions they work in.
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Garry Finnigan, Port Fairy
Cost recovery explained
Re 'Cat lovers in Warrnambool to pay more to register pets under budget hikes', July 8) highlighted important changes to the way RSPCA Victoria works with Warrnambool City Council. For many years RSPCA Victoria has been contracted by council to operate Warrnambool's pound and shelter services. Until now the amount paid by council has not covered the full cost of operating the services and we have been using funds donated by the community to make up the shortfall. RSPCA Victoria is working toward its vision of ending cruelty to all animals and we recognise we must increasingly focus on preventing cruelty. To ensure RSPCA Victoria can be sustainable to deliver this important work, we moved to a cost recovery model so we are not subsidising services for local councils. In doing so, we have increased our capacity to invest in prevention initiatives that will move us closer to ending cruelty to all animals. In response, council made the decision to increase animal registration fees. The Warrnambool Animal Care Centre in Braithwaite Street is where we care for stray, surrendered and vulnerable animals. We are supported by wonderful staff and volunteers, who also help run our op shop in Fairy Street. We love working with the community to support animal welfare and want to thank everybody for their understanding and support.
Dr Liz Walker, CEO RSPCA Victoria
Fun times indeed
Well said Allan Murnane. Imagine how wonderful Fun4Kids and other events that have gone the wayside in Warrnambool would be in Moyne's Port Fairy.
Steven McKenzie, Mailors Flat
Road safety idea
I am writing to suggest there is another angle to road safety. Modern cars have so many driving aids and distractions in them that distract drivers from concentrating on the road. I never use the cruise control as I need to concentrate on speed control to keep my mind on the road and alert to what is happening outside the car. Back when cars were manual, we had to remain alert to change gear, etc. and no screens or ear plugs to distract us from the road and surrounds. A friend also suggested all hire vehicles in Australia should have a notice on the steering wheels to remind overseas drivers that in Australia we drive on the left hand side of the road.
Helen Tredinnick, Warrnambool
Free refugees
Dear Prime Minister, trees can be mislabelled, but are recognisable by their fruit. You claim to be a christian, yet your fruit doesn't match the label. Jesus and his family were Middle Eastern asylum-seeking refugees. Jesus said how you treat 'the least' (not 'the 'richest') is how you treat him. You lock him up in offshore detention indefinitely or in a dirty facility riddled with bed bugs. You slander such victims of horror as being criminals, despite withholding justice to prove their innocence. Accidental drowning is less cruel. You show mercy to au pairs or members of genocide gangs, yet you withhold mercy and justice from innocent asylum seekers in detention, many of whom have needlessly died from lack of care or mercy from you. Show some of the love you talk about, free them, or is your word 'love' as empty as your word 'christian'? Actions speak louder than words. The Emperor has no clothes.
Glenda McIntyre, Camperdown
- Please note: The Standard prefers letters to be less than 250 words. Preference is given to shorter contributions. Letters must include the author's name, address and contact phone number for verification purposes. Letters are published online and in print.
