It is shocking to see Girton Grammar School slammed and shunned due to Mr McCormack's recent story on Facebook. As a student who attended there for 6 years, I can confidently say that the school supports all individuals and that it is not 'homophobic'.

It is disappointing to see what should simply be an issue of appropriate dress - which is highly subjective - turned into a LGBTI rights movement. This incident has been used as a scapegoat for many people angry at their experiences in school where they haven't been able to express themselves and have felt isolated due to this. Girton has provided love, care and support for so many people in the past of extremely diverse backgrounds. They are socially aware, take pride in being part of the Bendigo community and look after their students, the outstanding VCE results reflect this. I can confidently say that my acceptance into University to study a course I love is due to the nurturing and sound guidance I received at Girton. A school does not deserve to have it's name dragged through the dirt due to one isolated incident which doesn't truly represent it as a whole.

Yesterday’s Bendigo Advertiser makes interesting reading. I read the local traders views and suggestions to turn a dead trading Hargreaves Mall into a vibrant prospect (Page 13). Mention of increased car parking – heaven help us there’s two car parks within walking distance of the Mall – use them. Irregular Moonlight Markets or an annual Vibrant Bendigo Festival do have merit – but more that is necessary. Dissuade the anti social behavior with more people using the Mall. 

Then I read in the “Letters” page a great letter by Mr Jim Gilmore Kangaroo Flat – to the point “bulldoze the lot”.  Totally agree Mr Gilmore. This is not the first time I have mentioned such a suggestion - the simple answer is demolish the Hargreaves Mall and bring the whole shopping precinct to life like a human body that needs a heart and a soul. In May 2005, I brought back from Middletown Ohio the draft demolition plans. It was at that time the CoGB were to embark on an $8.5m re-development of the Mall.  Sadly the material was simply dumped into a rubbish bin by the CEO. A public backlash at the time saw changes to the financial arrangements for funding this rather slow re-development with a lot of traders simply going to the wall.

The expenditure did reduce but then crept up to about $7.7m. Open the Mall up to slow one-way traffic from Williamson St to Mitchell St (where there are lights to enable “flow”).   Install handicapped bays along that side of the Mall.. Encourage more parking in the two car parks by reducing the charges (made up by increased patronage) – after all walking a short distance does no harm to one’s health either.