Dear Editor, As we head into Christmas, I want to remind our community how important it is to support the organisations that support others. Every year, our amazing local charities and support groups step in to help families who are doing it tough. They do it quietly and without fuss, but they can’t do it…
Dear Editor, The Donald 2000 Melbourne Cup Luncheon was an absolute delight and a fantastic way to spend the public holiday. There was a real buzz in the room, great company, colourful fashions, and that unmistakable community spirit that makes local events memorable. My congratulations go to Jodie Hollis, John McConnville and the entire Donald…
Dear Editor, As their schooling journey draws to a close, I would like to extend my best wishes to Year 12 students across the region who will finish their studies or sit their final exams over the coming weeks. You are to be commended for your hard work and commitment to your studies. You should…
Dear Sir, As we head into another fire season here in regional Victoria, it is a timely reminder to make fire preparation a priority. Understanding your local fire risk and taking steps to protect yourself, your family, and your property is vitally important. To support communities across the region, local CFA brigades are hosting Get…
Dear Sir, This week marks National Carers Week (12–18 October 2025), a time to stop and recognise the selfless work of the more than 750,000 unpaid carers across Victoria. These are the people who support family, friends, and loved ones living with disability, health challenges, mental illness, or age-related conditions. Many of us know what…
Dear Sir, Farmers across our region are feeling the pinch like never before. Lack of September rain, ever increasing overheads, endless audits and administration, and what seems like a new tax every other month; meanwhile, their produce continues to fetch less and less on the market. For many, it is becoming harder to see a…
Dear Sir, Legacy Week, running from August 31 to September 6, is a time for Australians to pause and reflect on the enormous sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. Founded in Victoria in 1923, Legacy has stood beside the families of fallen and injured service men and women for more than a century.…
Dear Sir, I was fortunate to attend the recent Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph, and what a day it was! Nothing brings a community together quite like a major event, and the community spirit was alive for all to see. With huge crowds and vanilla slices for miles, it was a day that offered something…
Dear Sir, In the wake of National Landcare Week, I want to acknowledge the many Landcare volunteers and facilitators in our region who dedicate their time and skills to restoring and enhancing our environment. Landcare is an outstanding program that allows local communities to improve ecosystems and protect biodiversity. From tree planting and weed and…
Dear Sir, I welcome the launch of Respect Victoria’s new campaign, What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be?, which shines a light on the pressures men face and the impact of harmful gender stereotypes on individuals, families and communities. The campaign encourages men to reflect on traditional expectations of masculinity, such as always…