Dead cyclist is victim, not driver
I have just read a story about the death of cyclist Michael Grinter at Ravenswood South.
It has left me with nothing but disgust and contempt not only for the perpetrator, who was jailed by the County Court this week, but also for the justice system.
A drink driver not only hits an innocent cyclist, but fails to render any assistance or show any dignity to a man dying before his own eyes.
Instead he cares only for his own selfish existence.
Judge Trevor Wraight said "while Scollary was probably a victim of panic...".
Please explain to me how on earth the word "victim" can even be used in the same sentence when speaking on behalf of a drink driver who hit a cyclist, failing to render any kind of assistance or even dignity to a man dying or dead.
The "victim" is the man lying on the road who went out for a bike ride and had his life taken away from him at the hands of a drink driver.
Chris Carson, Brisbane
Residents short-changed by GovHub
Have government and council officers outflanked residents with the proposed non-competitive sale of council's Lyttleton Terrace offices' land for a $90million GovHub to house council as a tenant? Are residents short-changed?
Councillors have yet to consider the sale process and the Valuer General's response before deciding to sell or not sell. Impatient government and council CEO ignore this process.
Forget councillors, it's a done deal. Too cute. One of many inconsistencies and omissions staining this GovHub.
Council knows its Lyttleton Terrace titles and buildings are competitively worth up to $15 million.
However, at the February 20 meeting, likeable Cr Pethybridge innocently revealed a confidence - the government would pay around $5 million for the land.
Nothing for the buildings? Rubble!
Glossy GovHub artist impressions cannot disguise council tossing away $10 million.
Ironic, given council cries poor over rates.
Councillors, the CEO, and parliamentary members must face the public.
An accountable, transparent GovHub public debate with questions and answers is needed.
Residents have a right to know!
Ted Coleman, Strathfieldsaye
Aged care funding boost falls short
What can I say? The Federal Government announced more funding for aged care but it is still not nearly enough.
Staff training and conditions are not good enough. What about ratios?
Being my dad's voice has been, and still is, a nightmare.
His package came through the week he had to go to aged care, coming up two years ago, after a long wait.
No one could tell me how they choose who gets the next much overdue-package.
Is it done by a computer, or a person behind a desk?
Every elderly person should have the care and respect they deserve and require, rather than feeling like they have to try to win the lotto.
Amanda Dromey, Maiden Gully
Zonta Bendigo president says thanks
Today the Zonta Club of Bendigo celebrates 39 years of service to our local community and to Zonta International.
On November 8, along with Zontians from 63 countries, we celebrated Zonta International's centenary.
Zonta International is a human rights organisation that is dedicated to improving the lives of women worldwide.
Read more: Bendigo Zonta prepares for Christmas market
Zonta was chartered by a group of professional women in Buffalo, New York who believed that they too could make a difference in the world.
This biennium, clubs are working to empower women with a major focus on education and ending child marriage. Young girls by continuing their schooling will have a better life going forward.
Our club recently celebrated both anniversaries by awarding several Centennial Recognition Awards to outstanding women in our community.
One woman to be honoured was our charter member Sue Brown for her 39 years of continual service to our club.
The ongoing success and growth of Zonta Bendigo is due in no small way to the support we receive from our local community.
That support is appreciated, whether we are holding a fundraising event or partaking in a service activity such as assembling birthing kits or sewing breast cushions for those who have had breast surgery.
We actively advocate for eliminating family violence and recently were part of the Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence event and walk.
We regularly provide through local service agencies, Toiletry Packs to women who leave home without these necessities and Tote Bags which provide overnight toiletries to those in need.
As we come to the end of the year, Zonta Bendigo members thank our community and the media for supporting us in so many ways.
We wish all our supporters a happy and safe Christmas and holiday season.
We look forward to working with and within our community in the coming years.
Ann Horrocks, Zonta Bendigo president
Silly season arrives
No wonder they call this the silly season.
As we approach the season to be jolly, turkeys are the talking point of the festive season, not only the choice for Christmas dinner.
The Westpac bank has been exposed as acting like a bunch of turkeys 23 million times, with a comment from a very swiftly-departed official saying we shouldn't get too hung up about it.
Read more: Industry sees lessons from Westpac scandal
Energy Minister Angus Taylor, who expects us to believe that he allegedly had nothing to do with, or knew nothing about the contents of a letter containing false information that was sent to the Sydney Lord Mayor, will be very fortunate if he does not end up being gobbled up by the political process.
Seriously Angus, if that is going to be your defence you shouldn't be in the position you are in, because it looks like any turkey could do the job.
What do you think we are? Complete turkeys?
