The relationship between abuse and legal/illicit substance abuse is well documented, with 40,000 people each year in Victoria using drug and alcohol treatment and support services. That number would be much greater of course if there were regional facilities and funding available to assist and house such clients.

We as a community need to appreciate all our lives are impacted by these statistics, in fact not one of us is immune to some form of exposure to the ripple down effects of violent trauma being inflicted on our young people. Some assume it is a police and court matter, that if all offenders were jailed the problem would be solved. Sadly however it is not that simple. The Lookout touted by WRAD has had its opponents. I however suggest that our vision has been too limited.

What the south-west truly needs is a facility that caters not only for the symptoms of addiction but for the cause of the problem as well. I suggest CASA and WRAD should combine their resources, build one facility to help our wounded family members receive the long term care they need. I want our town to become known as the Healing Centre for Trauma, in all its guises.

Sandra Laird, Dennington

When the virus panic subsides and you are looking at your pantry overflowing with food, please remember your local FoodShare and donate some. Collection bins are in front of Safeways and Coles around town. Winter will be getting a grip, so families in need will need soups, beans, cereals, peanut butter and all even more urgently.

Don Swanson, Warrnambool

I would like to thank the young man in the tray ute who stopped to help me pick up rubbish from bins in front of my house on the highway in Port Fairy on Monday afternoon. The rubbish truck had not long gone but a lot of the rubbish had not made it into the truck. The wind was blowing the rubbish everywhere over the nature strip and road and the Folkie traffic was exiting past at a great rate. The young man took the time to pull over and help me tidy up. My faith in humanity has been restored thanks to this fellow.

Bronya Lyon, Port Fairy

A prayer passed down through previous generations has given strength and protection to everyday living, especially when fear paralyses a society as is evident today with the coronavirus. The prayer is simple, effective and easy to remember, and can be said several times a day. It is "Begone evil Coronavirus in the name of Jesus". Try it, it works.

Pauline Hanrahan, Warrnambool

I was in Portland Thursday morning and filled the car with petrol at 120.9 a litre with the dearest I saw at 122.9. Back in Warrnambool later in the morning the cheapest I observed was 141.9 with about another 5 outlets all at 143.9 ! Explanation needed.

Tony Delaney, Warrnambool

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