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Words can't describe the devastation and anguish family and friends must be feeling after Friday's tragic death of Hamilton's Mikaela Claridge. The talented 22-year-old jockey died after falling from a horse in trackwork at Cranbourne. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mikaela's husband of just a few months, Jason, family and friends.
It was an emotional finish to the week with family and friends packing Warrnambool's Our Lady Help of Christians church to farewell lovable character Sean McKinnon, who was shot while sleeping in a campervan in New Zealand on August 16. The tributes were heart-felt and the paddle out into the icy water at Port Campbell after the funeral was a fitting goodbye for the keen surfer.
There was some good news this week with German supermarket giant Kaufland revealing it has selected a site in east Warrnambool for a new store. The venture is one of nine planned for the state and a vote of confidence in the city and south-west economy.
The state government revealed the planning approval process for the supermarket would be handled by a panel of its experts, bypassing the usual city council processes. The government and council both failed to respond to our questions why that was happening. Does the government doubt the council's ability to assess such an application? Surely a supermarket development is less complicated than say an alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation centre? So why would the government make such a decision? Watch this space.
The prevalence of drug drivers on our roads is alarming. This week we revealed four drivers were caught with illicit drugs in their system from just 12 drivers tested within a few hours.
The dangers of drink-driving are well documented and etched in our minds from a host of graphic Transport Accident Commission campaigns over the years.
It's time for drug-related campaigns. Far too many people get behind the wheel with illicit drugs in their systems. Our court reporters hear it time and again "I didn't think it would still be in my system" or "I thought I was fine to drive".
The fact is, illicit drugs in your system negatively impact your decisions and reactions.
Education is the key. Much is being done in schools to educate future generations of drivers of the dangers of drugs and their impact on controlling vehicles. But how does the message get through to those already playing Russian roulette on the roads?
Every time a person tests positive to drug-driving, have they thought about what damage they could have done? Law-abiding drivers going about their daily business could be maimed or killed in a split second. The consequences are frightening, yet people make the choice to drug drive.
Time and again we have highlighted the frustrations of local magistrates who are prevented from jailing drivers who test positive to roadside drug tests. The law says those charged with higher burden of proof charges like driving under the influence, driving while impaired, and combined drink and drug driving can be jailed for three to 18 months. Testing positive is not enough on its own, which seems out of step with community views.
We have another giveaway for you this week. For your chance to go into the draw to win one 50 free double pass to Warrnambool Leisurefest Roadshow plus Home & Outdoor Loving Ideas at Warrnambool racecourse between September 13 and 15, click here. Winners will be announced next week. Good luck.
Here's a selection of stories that made headlines this week.
Until next week,