Statues should stay
How would you like to be blamed for something other people did nine years after you died?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That's what people blaming Cook for 'colonising' Australia are doing.
Yes, Cook claimed eastern Australia for the King, but he was only a humble lieutenant acting under instructions at the time to do so.
He then returned to England.
And the nobleman Joseph Banks had much more influence in the subsequent decision to colonise Australia than the humbly-born Cook.
The 'blame' if there be any should more rightly be attached to the then British government and crown.
A more positive approach than destroying statues would be to lobby councils to set aside land for new statues dedicated to our indigenous history.
And then to work towards designing and funding them.
Seek to add to our cultural landscape rather than resorting to mob rule and vandalism!
Gregory Walker, White Hills
Keep the pool
The Council's Golden Square Recreation Reserve Master Plan discussion paper with the five options looks nice, but it is forgetting the needs of Golden Square Residents and Community The idea of five options only adds to the confusion and disruption to the sporting clubs involved.
The real demand to close the Golden Square Pool is coming from the Golden Square Football Netball Club.
The club wants more space and facilities for their members and the pool stands in their way.
Consequently council forgets its neighbourhood strategy, the growing population with council approved Golden Square subdivisions, the local elderly and youth, and the nearby school.
Keep the pool. Move the football and netball club to Bacchus Oval Reserve and convert the present football ground into a public park..
The questions which should be asked are:
- What is Council's preferred plan?
- How much will it cost?
- Where will the finance come from?
- Why aren't our Councillors prepared to make a decision based on evidence and what is best for the community?
Council has a vision, but wants the community to make the crucifying decision.
They are not following opinion but shaping it. and seem not able to grapple with uncomfortable and unpopular truths.
People will believe the worst, if not told the truth.
Bill Collier, Golden Square
Tell us what you think for the chance to WIN A PRIZE
Each week one submission judged the Letter of the Week will win its author a $30 Coles voucher.
All letters must carry your name, full address and daytime telephone number. We will publish the writer's name and suburb/town.
Letters should be up to 350 words in length. We reserve the right to edit letters.
Please send letters to addynews@bendigoadvertiser.com.au
Letters may be posted to the Bendigo Advertiser, PO Box 61, Bendigo 3552.
Or you can complete the digital form