Like previous surveys and calling for our views, they fail to listen to what the people say or think. While I like Bendigo, I believe we could be in a better position than we are, due to actions and decisions made by the leadership over the past few years.

News:

The selection of a Citizens Jury which wasn't open and transparent failing to deliver any benefit to our city ultimately collapsed. The biggest mistake was allowing the Market Place to be built resulting in the demise of the city centre, the waste of money on trying to revamp the Hargreaves Mall and still they are with the proposed addition of these shade sails.

Thousands and thousands of dollars wasted that could have provided better services for the community, the elderly,disabled,homeless and just the whole community at large.

They impose unfair decisions on the community,especially the elderly to pay by Eftpos, when the law states that all businesses must accept legal tender as payment. No mention of Eftpos (Plastic Cards) - to me this is not legal tender.

2021 duck hunting season dates announced amid concerns from the RSPCA

I have real concerns over how the Hargreaves Mall will survive once the construction of this ridiculous decision to allow the building of this hotel/motel complex, provides no parking to it, which is another area of contention where the council fails to manage efficiently or effectively for traders or public. Hopefully, I am wrong, but my gut feeling is this will be the end of the CBD or what's left of it.

Australia's national servicemen, affectionately known as Nashos, played a unique and invaluable role in serving our country and each year on 14 February we honour them on National Servicemen's Day.

Australia has had four periods of compulsory national service, most recently between 1951-1959 and 1964-1972, with more than 280,000 national servicemen serving since WW2.

Under the National Service Act 1951, all men turning 18 on or after 1 November 1950 were required to undertake 176 days standard recruit training in the Navy, Army or Air Force, followed by five years in their respective Reserves. Intake was cut back in 1957 and a birthday ballot was introduced to decide who would be selected.

National service was re-introduced in 1964 and more than 60,000 'Nashos' would serve between then and 1972. Of those, more than 15,000 served in the Vietnam War, where 200 lost their lives and more than 1,200 were wounded. Two national servicemen also died in Borneo in 1966.

As a nation we should always remember the service and sacrifice of our Nashos.

On National Servicemen's Day we say thank you for your service to all our Nashos and remember their service and sacrifice. Lest we forget.

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