Dr John has been a member of my care team since December 2006, and I have benefitted enormously from his professional care.

Thank you, Dr John van den Broek for caring for Ballarat patients as both a physician and specialist for the past 25 years or more.

I volunteer as a Lived Experience Cardiac Educator for Heartbeat Ballarat and Dr van den Broek has always supported the peer support work and walking programs facilitated by Heartbeat.

I have always been encouraged by Dr John's genuine support for the cardiac rehabilitation opportunities offered by Heartbeat Ballarat volunteers.

Safe travels Dr John, enjoy exploring Australia.

Barry Nixon, Redan.

HAVE YOUR SAY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY.

The Dollar Bill brewing debacle is another shining example of extremely poor decision making from the council.

Why are they so determined to ensure Dollar Bill does not make a stand in Ballarat?

It would be a much more pleasing asset to have in this town compared to that useless ugly gov hub.

Mildura has a beer brewery plus a separate gin distillery in the CBD which defiantly gives the city a fun feel.

Kim Raneberg, Ballarat.

Not everyone wants higher fares, more sport bars, more hoons and more of what Melbourne has to offer.

I've yet to find anyone who wanted an extra $500 rate hike so we could dispose of a monthly glass bottle.

Please leave us alone. We don't was to hear all the goodies the government wants to hand out. And we don't want our houses sitting on 250sqm lots.

We moved out here to get away from the big city. Go amalgamate elsewhere.

Stephen Downey, Snake Valley.

As I write, many local men with prostate cancer are struggling to ride the wave of the Omicron variant.

Their treatment has been upturned by a health system under strain, and they face increasing uncertainty about the future.

Local men and families who need information, advice, and support are urged to call Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australias Telenursing Service.

The service is staffed by expert nurses who are specially trained in all aspects of prostate cancer care.

Whether you have questions about your treatment, or concerns about COVIDs impact on cancer patients, we are here to help.

For men who are struggling with the psychological and emotional impacts of their diagnosis, our team is available to talk.

This year, while the pandemic continues to bluster around us, over 18,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

As Australias number one prostate cancer charity, PCFA is here to ensure no man walks alone when a diagnosis strikes. Call us on 1800 22 00 99.

Anne Savage, CEO, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.