Our [City of Greater Bendigo] leaders seem to take great pride, and perhaps even credit for the massive growth of our city - with forecasts of a 200,000+ population in the near future.

With such an increase, I would have thought that in planning for such growth, Greater Bendigo should be building more pools - not closing or downgrading them!

The alarming number of drownings across our country this past summer sends an alarming message - that not enough is being done to provide facilities and opportunities for people to learn how to swim.

Our council is able to find money to provide air-conditioning for the bat plague in our once beautiful Rosalind Park fernery, and yet the health and wellbeing of the many patrons of the Bendigo East pool are given far less respect and consideration.

Whilst there is no doubting that the cost of upgrading the pool is a substantial one, the benefits of providing a facility where our children can learn to swim, have fun and compete, and our mature aged citizens can enjoy and maintain a healthier lifestyle, it is a cost well worthy of investment.

Perhaps our council should give our local member [Jacinta Allan] a call and ask for a bit of the Commonwealth Game's money being touted for other projects around the town!

David Allan, Bendigo, April 11, 2024

The members of the Zonta Club of Bendigo believe the frequency of atrocities against women in Australia demands our attention and action.

On average, one woman has been killed every 10 days, a distressing statistic highlighting the manifestation of inequality, discrimination, and power imbalances.

We need this issue of women in Australia being killed, acknowledged by our media and leaders. The recent loss of Hannah McGuire, whose body was found in a burnt-out car near Ballarat, brings the tally to sixteen women in the last 14 weeks.

These women are not mere numbers; they are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.

To end this violence, we must stand united, speak out, and demand action. Silence and inaction only perpetuate the cycle.

We call upon all levels of government to prioritize a national, unified system for investigating, analysing, and responding to violence against women. This collective effort will create a safer world for women and their children.

The tragic deaths of so many women at the hands of men compel us to break the silence, challenge societal norms, and demand systemic change. Let us work together to ensure that their deaths are not in vain and no woman has to live in fear of violence. Zonta says NO.

Naidene Parry, Zonta Club of Bendigo president, April 10, 2024

I am disappointed that the Victorian Government has chosen to increase stress on the existence of native animal populations. This when the feral species are increasing. There are plenty of these to kill.

Why gun down the rare and beautiful birdlife?

Why let the guns ring out around my home making it a season to be distressed?

Why make such decisions when all the evidence is saying stop the destruction?

Former federal treasury boss Ken Henry says environmental considerations have to have primacy for all governments.

Please, if not now, when will governments listen to voices begging for life?

Yours in fear of our future,

Elizabeth Turner, Gunbower wetlands, April 8, 2024

A thankyou to the very observant lady who intervened and cushioned my fall when I collapsed near the white drinks van after watching the Chinese Dragon Awakening [last] Saturday afternoon.

Without her timely assistance I would certainly have suffered head trauma.

My family thanks you and the attending medical staff.

Mike Hanrahan, Strathdale

How many markets does Bendigo need over Easter selling overpriced food and drinks?

It is no wonder the local business did not open as their customers had no access to their stores and streets in the CBD were blocked.

The Bendigo Council and Bendigo Easter Fair need to think about the effect this has on local business and start supporting them who pay rates and charges to operate their businesses.

The money made at these markets does not stay in the local community.

Judy Blake, Bendigo

I've witnessed the damaging impact of vaping on the youngest members of our community while travelling through regional Victoria this year.

Just recently, I sat down with Lola, an 11-year-old, who shared her observation of vaping's presence in shops, on social media, and among her peers.

Lola is understandably feeling anxious because she's uncertain on how to respond if someone pressures her to vape.

We're hearing stories like Lola's all throughout Victoria. It's why the Federal Government's plan to stop toxic vapes from being sold to our kids is so important.

The proposed legislation means that highly-addictive vapes marketed to kids using bright colours and fruity flavors will no longer share shelf space with chocolate bars and candies at your local convenience store, often nearby schools.

Legislation will make it illegal to sell vapes to anyone without a prescription. It will stop retailers in their tracks who are supplying vapes to kids and non-smokers.

We made a terrible mistake allowing tobacco products to be widely available causing immeasurable harm and death and addicting generations of young people to nicotine. We do not want to make the same mistake with e-cigarettes.

We must protect our children from these highly toxic products - that's why we're calling on all members of parliament to back in our kids' health over industry profits and get behind the new legislation.

It's understandable that many parents in the community might be feeling worried about the impact vaping is having on their kids. The great news is having a conversation with your child is a powerful way to stop them from vaping or help them take the first steps towards quitting.

VicHealth's website has a conversation guide for parents at vichealth.vic.gov.au/our-health/vaping, aimed at helping you have meaningful, non-threatening conversations with your teen about vaping. No one is saying this is simple and there isn't one silver bullet to solve this problem.

It's going to take action from all of us - politicians, health organisations and the community to create genuine change.

Dr Sandro Demaio, CEO of VicHealth