Council must put the interests of Bendigo’s residents first
Our last very unpopular council saw itself still fit to rush through spending on a wide range of projects that over 90 per cent of ratepayers will never benefit from, such as the airport, the Kangaroo Flat pool, the upgraded tennis complex, the Bendigo Stadium and their investment into a White Hills pub.
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The ridiculous push for a compact city still appears to be supported by this new council and falls into the hands of suspect decisions and to the benefit of developers at our expense.
There is no factual evidence with a predicted 1.5 per cent growth for our city that this is no more than a council cash grab as they abdicate their infrastructure responsibilities.
It is high time this council came clean with the public about who will live in these thousands of new homes, where will the jobs come from and where are these people coming from in the first place.
Our residents deserve real change and not simply more of the same.
I call on this council to put the residents’ interests first and stop expecting the ratepayers to wear the cost of incompetency.
Our ratepayers are already paying almost the highest rates in the state and considerably higher than many affluent Melbourne suburbs.
Stuart Symes, Epsom
Rotarians dine out on another year of great achievements
It may have been spring racing carnival time, however, Goldfields cluster Rotarians and friends were not gathered at the Bendigo racecourse to see the horses race.
They were there for what has become a much anticipated tradition on the local Rotary calendar.
For the third year now, a regional Foundation dinner was held in Bendigo to celebrate the good works of the Rotary Foundation throughout the preceding 12 months.
This year was a little bit more special, however, as it was 100 years since past Rotary international president Arch Klumph initiated the Rotary Foundation.
In recognising this majestic feat in Rotary history, Goldfields cluster Rotarians and friends were given the opportunity to have their club photos taken underneath a specially erected arch that had been set up at the entrance to the venue.
However, there was a difference – guests could have their photos taken under the arch, with Arch!
Yes, Arch Klumph was present on the night for club "selfies" in the form of a cardboard cutout.
This novelty was well received by club members who wanted to have their photos taken with such a luminary in our movement.
It was also a good opportunity for people who may not be right across the world of the Foundation to learn about its founder and origins.
Bringing us up to date with the works of the Foundation, and particularly the progress of End Polio Now, was Dr Bruce Anderson.
Also a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Strathmore in a neighbouring Rotary district, he spoke about his work in microbiology and explained to those present, the different strains of the virus and vaccines available.
It was an interesting and informative talk for those present, and gave members and guests a concrete example of how the money donated to the Foundation is put to work.
The regional Foundation was once again enjoyed by all who attended, and demonstrated how the many clubs in the two Goldfields clusters work together for the promotion and betterment of Rotary.
We all look forward to the next annual Foundation dinner to be held in Bendigo in 2017.