A rare talent
Before a recent afternoon, I'd not heard of Jack Stacey. I, along with possibly 100 visitors, attended a performance presented by the Art Gallery of Ballarat Women's Association as part of its "Last Sunday' concerts. Jack Stacey, a young man turning 20 next week, astounded and delighted us with his brilliance, extraordinary dexterity and prowess in playing the piano. Jack is this year's winner of the prestigious Margaret Schofield Scholarship for Composition for his piece, "Nightfall's Lament" which he played for us, followed by another of his compositions, "The Steps of Jin" inspired by the Chinese who walked from Robe to Ballarat. It was a real privilege to listen to this young man. I might not have heard of him before this afternoon, but a brilliant career awaits him and I feel confident that I and many others will hear of him again
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. Fiona Watson, Ballarat
Best use of a beloved space
The City Council has been seeking responses to a draft Master Plan for Lake Wendouree. This plan considers a number of proposals which were outlined to the public some months ago plus a few new ideas which have emerged from somewhere. The total cost of all these proposals was then suggested to be more than $20 million.The consultants who prepared the plan suggest reducing some of the more overly ambitious proposals, and that some would be more appropriate at other sites, e.g. locating a proposed cycling circuit at Victoria Park rather than in the North Gardens. However, some other proposals, which have little logical connection with the Lake and which would adversely impact upon the very character which makes the area such an important attraction, remain in the plan. I encourage all residents to look carefully at the draft plan at available online or at the council and consider the proposals with two questions in mind:
1. How much development can Lake Wendouree and the gardens stand before they lose their intrinsic value? Should we instead take all steps necessary to ensure that the park-like character, views, trees and the environment are protected?
2. Why is there such an emphasis on Lake Wendouree for such projects when other parks and reserves across the whole city are largely neglected thereby disadvantaging residents in these other areas? When you visit the lake, will you go to see buildings and the increasing clutter of signs, gym equipment etc. which will encroach upon the open spaces around the lake, or will you wander through the trees and watch the ducks, swans and other birdlife, or perhaps sit to admire the view across to Mt Warrenheip?
Stuart Kelly, Ballarat Central
Lost Australian values
What does the term "Australian values" actually mean? The Oxford dictionary defines values as "principles and standards". Which Australian values must migrants hold to enable them to become citizens of our county? To be courteous in discussions or to shout and belittle? To tell the truth or to hide the truth? To welcome asylum seekers who come by boat, or to turn them back into unknown waters? To give asylum seekers hope, or to destroy their souls?
Diane Collacott, Ballarat
many ways of reading statistics
The 2016 census religion question did not list "Christian" as an option. For the first time, "no religion" headed the options list, followed by Christian denominations, then non-Christian religions. I am not surprised that many Australians answered "no religion" given the reports of child sex abuse perpetrated by some clergy. But that does not necessarily mean that a record number of Australians have rejected the Christian faith.
Roslyn Phillips, Tea Tree Gully.
