Over the ages 125 stories of courage and determination have shone through each year involving this Classic, including Nullawil farmer, Albert Nioa's victory way back in 1901.

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Over three days, Albert rode 536 kilometres to get to Warrnambool, another 264 kms to win the race, and finally a further 320 kms to return to Nullawil.

After achieving victory in that rain drenched Classic, Albert changed his clothes, and he then informed officials that he wasn't going to hang around for the formalities.

He requested they send his trophy and prize money to the Nullawil Post office as he was off to catch up with his girlfriend in Nullawil - 320 kms away.

And that he did.

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I was surprised to learn on reading Jack Venema's letter (Bendigo Advertiser 23/12/20) that the Lord's prayer is recited at the opening of Bendigo Council meetings.

I thought this only happened in Parliament?

I'm a bit concerned about it being used at either because our government is meant to be secular. We all know what happens when religion is too close to government.

Plus, there could be people in attendance who are not Christian.

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One would hope that all present would feel a personal and heartfelt positive conviction toward the happenings at the meetings, not just the few (?) practicing Christians.

So few people go to Christian church now and also many opt for celebrants at weddings.

And as Mr Venema notes, we have so many people living here from different backgrounds plus our original indigenous people.

I would say that we're not such a Christian country anymore and that maybe Christians are now a minority here?

Mr Venema refers to " Western cultures" when Australia is close to Asia.

Maybe some sort of oath of respect and honesty would be better at the beginning of any level of government meeting.

As temperatures soar all over the country, please remember that dogs should never be left in parked vehicles, which can become death traps in a matter of minutes.

Even on a mild, 22 degree day, the temperature inside a car parked in the shade can soar to 47 degrees in minutes.

Leaving the windows open will not keep animals comfortable or safe.

With only hot air to breathe, dogs can succumb to heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes, resulting in brain damage or death.

Please, when it's warm outside, leave animals at home.

If you see a dog left in a car, have the car's owner paged at nearby shops or call 000 immediately- the dog's life depends on it.