Time for a better option
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My partner and l take a taxi every Sunday evening to a local restaurant.
The standard of the taxis vary from filthy with torn/worn upholstery to reasonable.
Some I could only describe as utterly disgraceful.
The times we wait can be from five minutes up to half an hour.
The cost between $9 and $11.50.
Last Sunday we used the new Ballarat Uber service.
The app told me 'Andrew' would be arriving in 3 minutes, which he did.
A polite, well dressed young man, driving an immaculately presented late model vehicle drove us efficiently and safely to the restaurant.
The fare - $7.50.
Ballarat Taxis would have to raise its standards greatly before we would use them again. Uber for us from now on.
Linda Robinson, Ballarat Central
Part of the fabric of the city
It is with grave concern that I read your news item, "New bidder in church sale", published on 28 October. I am a frequent visitor to your historic city, having attended a large number of concerts under the aegis of Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields over the past 10 years. Many of the concerts have been held in St Patrick's Cathedral, and I have often looked across the road to St Andrew's Kirk with admiration - tinged with some apprehension for its future.
As a member of the Synod of the Melbourne Diocese of the Anglican Church, I have been aware in general terms that the Ballarat Diocese has been interested in purchasing the property, and your article confirms that impression. I believe sale of the property to a private developer would be a retrograde step.
There are three main considerations: Historically, the Kirk is an integral part of Ballarat's proud architectural heritage; Aesthetically, the building enhances the dignity and grace of the city; Spiritually, it is a major part of Ballarat's Christian heritage, a heritage which informs much of the fundamental fabric of our civilisation.
Commercial development is quite inappropriate in such a setting. I would urge the authorities at Ballarat Central Uniting Church to reconsider their position and adopt a course of action which will facilitate a continuing Christian witness, influence and service in the heart of Ballarat.
David Morgan, Ivanhoe
Shirking responsibility
Australia put over 800 people seeking refugee status on Manus Island. Now they are closing the centre, leaving these people without any aid whatsoever. No food, no shelter, and what future? This is wrong. We, as Australians, are responsible for this. PNG is a poor country, with many issues of its own. These men are Australia's responsibility, until they are rehabilitated.
Leonie Curran, Slade Point
Paul Keating's criticism of the Victorian government's medically assisted dying (voluntary euthanasia) legislation is not so surprising. He is after all from a Roman Catholic family and was educated at a De La Salle college in Bankstown, NSW. As we age, it is not uncommon for some of us to return to our conservative roots; even hugely self-obsessed and cynical politicians. The former ALP PM's views reflect Roman Catholic orthodoxy, and arguably lack any sense of sensitivity and compassion towards those who are suffering from a terminal illness. They are often suffering unbearable pain and palliative care is not an option.
Michael J Gamble, Belmont
undercut by fare evaders
Newly released figures on bus patronage seem inflated to me. If one removes the number of school children and factors in poor service coverage on Sundays, then the figure drops enormously. As I use the bus every day, PTV could increase this by myki inspectors catching the blatant fare evasion that occurs daily, even as far as just walking on past the driver, who won't challenge these fare evaders.
Maurice Morel, Sebastopol