Fine day of memories
August 20 saw the 60th anniversary of our Civic Hall’s grand opening. A very cold day saw the town crier, mayor in robes and an impressive Beaufort brass band, plus a good crowd of diehards. The speeches were full of passion, civic pride and emotion, as was the crowd; so thankful to have saved this splendid building from a most utterly dastardly fate. A great live, free concert followed with local artists performing hall-era meaningful songs. The lyrics and tunes would not get out of our heads, like the bygone indelible treasured memories of everything the hall meant to the city's social fabric and soul, and the overwhelming desire to save this famous landmark from a disastrous calamity. The trades hall venue was good, but we should have been in our beloved civic hall oozing with character, history and sentiment.
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Colin Holmes, Ballarat
Street needs
Just a thought, when considering where to spend millions on the Lake, could the council consider spending some on adjoining Carlton and Crocker streets? They are a disgrace.
Barrie Hood, Lake Wendouree
If the current council is so keen on spending money on a lake, perhaps they would like to spend some on the lake outside my home at 9 Hyde Street, Sebastopol. If there is any money left over, they could perhaps spend it on the potholes bordering the lake.
George Hudson, Sebastopol
Bad apples spoil reputation
I would like to express my opinion and disgust about the cartoon Saturday 20th August, 2016. It is this type of uneducated and misinformed rubbish that is killing our sport and if anyone thinks it is even slightly humorous, they should take a good hard look at themselves.
The majority of good trainers, owners and breeders in this industry care, raise and respect their dogs to the highest level. A few irresponsible people spoil the industry for the rest of us. Advocates such as yourself do not help the situation.
Robert Weightman, Haddon
Terrorism’s root cause
When asked for his comment on Islam and terrorism recently, Pope Francis stirred up emotions when he made less than inflammatory statements, saying the world is at war, but it is not a religious war and that in all religions there is always a small fundamentalist group, capable of violence.
Then again, he said something that is seemingly out of context and incongruous when he said, "Terrorism grows when there is no other option, and when the centre of the global economy is the god of money and not the person- men and women - this is the first act of terrorism. You have cast out the wonder of creation - man and women - and you have put money in its place. This is basic terrorism against all of humanity.”
I think he is very brave and follows the footsteps of Christ when he speaks truth to power to point to the root cause of terrorism; greed. He is less than cryptically pointing his papal finger to the nation who would start a war in oil-rich countries, kill off the hitherto government and supplant a crony regime there.
Kimmy Fam, Ballarat
Setting a limit
I think it's time councillor terms are eight years or two terms maximum. This would ensure a change of faces with fresh, relevant and realistic ideas. A maximum term would remove much of the current sense of entitlement and right to just sit and pontificate on matters such as roundabout decorations and whether or not they will sign the council code of conduct.
The very poor condition and lack of quality maintenance of our roads, verges, gutters and footpaths is a serious issue which current councillors have lost sight of. It's time for a change at the town hall in October.
Dianne Hadden, Ballarat
