I and other Huntly residents that care went to the meetings dealing with local issues, and this was the one that hurt the most, particularly to the long time residents, the proposal to dump the service station in the middle of town.

Read more: Councillors advised to approve new Huntly service station at ordinary council meeting

While most conceded that a service station somewhere along the highway would be handy, very few if any wanted it to take over the town. But, that is what Bendigo council has given us. Why am I not surprised? Money wins, every time.

It is tempting to describe reports that there will be moves made at the ALP National conference over migration as fake news.  No delegate extorting such a policy has been named or quoted but rather those in the current leadership have been interviewed by the media to entrench their position.

Local wildlife group WRIN (Wildlife Rescue and Information Network) would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have called our 24 hr emergency phone throughout the year to report orphaned, sick and injured wildlife. Without your assistance and compassion many animals would have been left to suffer unnecessarily.

Wildlife require assistance and are taken into care for a variety of reasons including road accidents, displacement (due to habitat destruction), orphaned, injuries from domestic pets, injuries from entanglement, disease, poisoning and environmental factors such as extreme heat,

Read more: Bendigo's Wildlife rescuers busy as warm weather hits central Victoria

With increased traffic on our roads at this time of year it can be a very busy time for WRIN volunteers as the risk of wildlife injured in accidents increases. Also as the weather heats up excessive days of extreme heat can have serious adverse effects on our native animals especially flying foxes and possums. Please slow down on our roads and keep a look out for kangaroos, lizards and have native species and leave bowls of water out for wildlife.  If you do encounter a distressed or injured animal our volunteers will be available across the Christmas/New Year break and can be reached via our emergency phone on 0419 356 433.

It is widely recognized that the Indian Cricket Board “controls” international cricket. The latest example is this team’s refusal to play a test at the Gabba, or play a day night test, and if they had their way, which is surprising they haven’t, ban the DRS system in reviewing dismissals.

But it is amazing that no commentator has commented on the bowling action of what could only be described as “unusual”, so much so that,  after stuttering and stammering, bowls off about eight paces, releasing thunderbolts that look like they have been launched from the Woomera rocket range. If this blokes action is legit, then Ian Meckiff was crucified.

Letters must carry the name, full address and  telephone number of the author. The writer’s name and suburb/town will be published. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters which are deemed inappropriate will not be published.Send letters to Bendigo Advertiser, PO Box 61, Bendigo 3552 or at bendigoadvertiser.com.au

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