We all sit around and say "oh it's ok", "it will be fine" ," it's over water" and "surely people need something good out of something bad".

Well, exactly how much are the fireworks the preparations leading up to Australia Day costing?

As a ratepayer, I would prefer my money to be going back into our communities which are suffering now and from past fires.

It is not just the devastation of the here and now - it is of the devastation of months to come.

Please band together Ballarat and let's show our spirit is strong in helping everyone no matter who they are.

Mell Haley, Miners Rest.

White Night should be held at Lake Wendouree.

More captioned videos, food trucks, light masks, more musicians and Auslan interpreters and the Lake View Hotel could make for a really good party.

Lake view can attract more to party.

But I say "no" to fireworks.

Melissa Findlay, Alfredton.

I think the Lake Wendouree fireworks should go ahead if there is no Total Fire Ban.

I think it would be a good idea to proceed with this event due to the amount of people which usually turn up all around the lake.

Organisers will just have to make sure there are emergency services in case there's an accident.

Brody Gillespie, Sebastopol.