A local, well-equipped, military society obtained grants to complete the restoration, but what do the council do? Barge in and take over from people (that know more about the armaments than they do) and have done nothing. Where are they now? Still gathering rust in the depot.

Council should concentrate on what they should be doing and leave those that know what they are doing, and have a passion for it, to get on with the job. It is also cheaper, better and quicker than the bureaucracy that is the our council. We have many great historical associations and passionate people with skills in the community, let them complete this project.

Quinton Wilkinson - Lake Gardens

I WAS very concerned to read the article about the funding for Delacombe Primary School. Labor announced that they would provide an upgrade to the school in their May budget. It is now the end of August and the minister has visited Ballarat to announce that architects will be announced by the end of the year. 

Can we expect the minister to hold a press conference and make an announcement every time a public servant says the word 'Delacombe'? What a non-announcement from a government that thinks saying 'education' over and over again will trick us into thinking they are doing a good job. Even more concerning is the article's assertion, seemingly plucked from thin air to try to make Labor look better, that they're providing an 'array of funding' to schools 'across Ballarat'. What array? Where? 

There are plenty of local schools in need of funding, like Mt Clear College, where students desperately need better facilities and Lucas, where there are still no plans for a state school. Ballarat's population is growing quickly, and yet we have a government that is re-announcing a project they announced nearly four months ago. Worse still, we have a local paper that isn't asking the government any difficult questions.

Elizabeth Gillespie - Smythesdal

THE City of Ballarat is once again hosting the Foto Biennale. We the people of Ballarat and district have, during this time, the opportunity to see many wonderful photographic works which have been created by many highly skilled photographers. The organisers and volunteers are to be congratulated for putting this display together. 

I need to question why the sandwich boards with the unusual green 'icon' used to indicate where displays can be found, have no words attached to explain their placement outside many businesses across the city? I, for one, was curious enough to investigate their presence, and I just wonder how visitors and others comprehend this green piece of abstract art.

Elizabeth Hanrahan - Dunnstown

Do we ever pause to consider, all caring fathers' supreme worth? 

While working tirelessly as parents, proud of their vocations while on earth.

These men are children's loved heroes, who work so diligently to rear.

Each girl and boy a source of great joy, surrounded by hope - never despair.

Fathers wisely teach these young ones, the purpose of a strict moral code.

In a world that often disappoints, when, such values, it aims to erode.

Dads enjoy stories, laughter, fishing trips, picnics, motor-bikes, chocolates, meat pies.

Washing cars, visiting museums, birthday gifts - guaranteed to surprise.

When carers become the cared-for, families feel great emotion.

While helping these dads to survive, and give back that deserved devotion.

Mrs Mollie Flynn - Ballarat