We all know the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles; for years now, we have been bombarded with the messages about how tragic the outcome of leaving children alone in cars can be. Thank goodness it isn't summer.

What if this little boy turned the car on and crashed? What if the he got out of the car, went looking for his daddy, and ran into moving traffic?

What if, when the thief saw the boy, he had hurt him instead of running away, or took him somewhere and did bad things to him? Just think how badly this could have ended. I desperately hope this father has learnt his lesson. 

I really hope this is not a sign of what we can expect when summer does arrive.

Jesse McNeight, 10, Sebastapol

Maria Plier, responding to the article, "Pollies Support Death Reforms" (Courier 1/10/16), suggests everyone look at all the fact regarding legalised euthanasia. I respectfully suggest she start by looking at the facts herself.

The legislation does not apply to "select groups" that society says have become a burden. All legislation applies to people who have an illness that cannot be cured plus suffering that cannot be relieved who have to ask (the key word is voluntary) two independent doctors on multiple occasions for assistance.

Paradoxically, such people who are granted assistance frequently live longer than those who do not ask for this help. It is not a choice between life and death but between two ways of dying - one quick peaceful and painfree, the other slower with futile suffering.

Maria and others wanting facts may wish to start by reading the Report of the Victorian End of Life Choices Inquiry, the Quebec Parliament Death with Dignity Report, and the Go Gentle Australia website. Readers may contact me at contactus@christiansforve.org.aufor details on how to access other facts.

To quote Anne Jackson, Oregon USA, who had voted against the 1997 Oregon USA legislation: "I too came to realize that it was arrogant of me to believe that hospice and palliative care professionals could meet all the needs of the dying. The truth is fears raised by opponents of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act turned out to be 100 percent unfounded."

Ian Wood, National Coordinator, Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Euthanasia

The answer is simple: a greener city.

A green economy in Ballarat means a lively, sustainable and inclusive city. A City which draws on its culture, environment and history in celebration and identity. Where healthy living is made easy and the local economy and culture is thriving. A place which is a leader in ecological sustainability, creating jobs from action on climate change. Ballarat the capital of renewable energy in Australia. Ballarat a powerhouse of arts and culture.

A green economy in Ballarat acknowledges that moving people require more than one mode and that walking and cycling are critical to a modern forward thinking city.

The United Nations Environmental Program defined defines a green economy as "one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.

A green Ballarat is a city that embraces diversity, innovation and is a welcoming city while adopting the triple bottom line - social, environmental and financial.