Second cinema, greater choice?
As one who enjoys movies, it was pleasing to note that Showbiz Cinemas intend opening a theatre in Delacombe next year. However, checking out their website, it appears their average mix of movies is very similar to the Regent's offerings. Ballarat is lacking in regular foreign films and with U3A Ballarat offering seven French, five Italian and two German classes, plus a local branch of Alliance Francaise, and the Ballarat Italian Association, it shows there is a market for these films if presented occasionally. Geelong cinema has regular French films each weekend that people from Ballarat attend. We must also take into account all our new migrants to Ballarat who speak many languages other than English. There are many discerning movie goers not interested in watching American blockbusters or teen comedies. Melbourne cinemas host many international film festivals successfully. Certainly cinema managers must weigh up the costs in presenting so-called art-house movies but surely, if other cinemas support them, why not Ballarat?
Peter Jones, Wendouree
A need to know who we are voting for
The four-yearly municipal elections are approaching at a rapid rate. It is interesting to note a number of candidates are harnessing the power of print and social media, especially social media, to promote themselves. Make no mistake, getting ones profile out there is important. What a shame though, very few posts revealing any concern for the issues which are troubling the community are getting much of a run.
Apart from seeing their name up in lights, what are the policies of the candidates? What are their ambitions for council? What are the issues they consider critical for the future of Ballarat, or is everyone going to be satisfied with the "status quo"; more of the same? We need to know what candidates care about and what they intend to do to make Ballarat better. Let's see some genuine debate around the issues, and that goes for the current councillors who are re-nominating, as well as those hopefuls like myself. Maybe we should have a giant forum at MADE or somewhere the whole group could be interrogated by the community.
Grant Tillett, candidate for North Ward, City of Ballarat Elections.
FITTING RECOGNITION
I am really pleased that Ballarat will recognise our Paralympians at the Olympic Precinct.
Whilst the precinct recognises the rowing and canoeing events that were held on Lake Wendouree as part of the Melbourne 1956 Olympics, the Precinct is also about honouring all of our Olympians.
When the late Michael Troon, Ian Rossiter and myself devised a plan to seek community support to move the Olympic Rings, that sat for some 44 years precariously on the corner of Wendouree Parade and Hamilton Avenue, prior to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, we were buoyed by the fact that so many community minded businesses and individuals would support the initiative.
Those businesses need recognition today, namely: Morton Dunn Architects, H. Troon, Thomas Gibcus McGrath, John Valves, Central Highlands Water, the Rotary Clubs of Ballarat and Ballarat South, Powercor, Greg Higgins Painting, Haymes Paint and the Ballarat Sports Museum. Further enhancements have been undertaken by Council.
It is a salient reminder of how the community will support worthwhile community projects.
Ron Egeberg, Soldiers Hill, Candidate for the 2016 Council elections
Would the current South Ward councillors care to drive down Kyle Street, Sebastopol, you could while dodging the potholes, and admire the lake outside my home at number 9. I have done my bit; l've paid my rates. What about reciprocating?
George Hudson, Sebastopol.
