Read more: Bendigo motorcyclists join protest at Parliament against wire barriers, state of roads

Bendigo has been a town with a poor, albeit perhaps a little unfair, reputation when it comes to Islamophobic attitudes in recent times.  This is because of a vocal minority who have protested against the building of a mosque based on attitudes of fear and hate.

If the terrorist attacks in Christchurch have taught us anything it is that we must no longer tolerate such fear and hatred, and instead all focus on inclusivity, love and compassion and acceptance of all people, no matter race or religion. 

Opposition to the building of a mosque is the thin end of the wedge, and we have sadly now seen the horror that lies at the other.

Read more: Attack victims honours a New Zealand service

I read that council has approved more development for Jackass Flat, in Harveys Lane. Obviously the council doesn't give a damn about the wildlife or the trees. I'm sick of driving around Bendigo and seeing how many trees are being pulled down and wonder how much wildlife is being killed. They approve the developers coming in to build more and more houses, yet if the public want to remove a tree - whether it's dead or alive -  we have to get permission. If you don't you can get fined. But then why am I not surprised, it all comes down to money. The more houses, the more rates. Seems to me that Bendigo is going to look like a concrete jungle after all.  Mankind is killing this Earth.

I believe in an even chance in sport. Boxers are evenly matched. During the war fighter planes were evenly matched. In duck shooting the duck has no chance to defend himself. He is slaughtered by armed men misappropriating the name sport.

Read more: Duck hunting outdated, killing off jobs and birds

Finally I know what a true leader of a country  looks like. Prime Minister Jacinda Adern strove in the face of terrible adversity to unite New Zealanders. There was no sense of them and us. Instead there was they are us, such empathy, wisdom amd compassion. I shall vote for those who seek to unite Australians, not those who would seek to divide us.

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 Letters which are deemed inappropriate will not be published.Send letters to Bendigo Advertiser, PO Box 61, Bendigo 3552 or at bendigoadvertiser.com.au. Letters on election issues must bear the name and full address of the writer(s). Responsibility for election comment in this issue is accepted by editor Nicole Ferrie. Writers should disclose any alliance with political or community organisations and include their phone number for verification. Election candidates should declare themselves as such when submitting letters.

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