What’s in a name ... everything, according to these residents
We are residents of Cunningham Downs.
When people ask us where we live, we say “Cunningham Downs”.
Rarely do people say “Where is that?”
The hourly bus has Cunningham Downs on its destination; sight and service people have no difficult in finding us.
Cunningham Downs is known for its friendly atmosphere, its facilities and its lovely social occasions.
It is therefore with much sorrow that the board has renamed us ‘Community for the Aged’.
Yes, we are not young, but don’t need to be reminded that we are aged every time we enter the estate.
The blue signs erected have lowered the tone of the community and downgraded the once smart entrance wall.
We hope common sense will ensue and the signs will be removed — or if not, moved to another position.
We have faith in the board members, for they are known for their many excellent decisions.
The residents of Cunningham Downs,
Echuca
Regional Victoria must be budget priority
May’s state budget will set out the state government’s priorities for the coming four-year term, with Victorians being warned to brace for significant cuts in the face of state debt now rocketing to over $110 billion — that’s a debt of about $15,000 per adult.
As interest rates increase, this impacts the state budget in the same way it impacts your household budget.
Victorians are now being slugged $10 million a day in interest to service Labor’s debt.
Daniel Andrews is pouring billions into city projects — such as the $34.5 billion Cheltenham to Box Hill rail line — while regional Victorians are left waiting for basic infrastructure and services, including driveable roads and upgraded healthcare with more health professionals.
Regional Victoria cannot continue to be neglected by Labor, which will continue funding Daniel Andrews’ pet projects.
In the face of skyrocketing energy bills and an increased cost of living, this budget must deliver financial relief for Victorians.
The government’s attempt to revive the SEC will do little to drive down energy prices, and one-off payments are only a Band-Aid solution.
This budget must deliver recurrent funding for community hospitals to ensure smaller health services can plan for the future and cater to growing populations.
Victoria was once home to more than 40 community hospitals and now there is only a handful left, with Strathbogie Shire the only local government area in Victoria that has no publicly funded hospital.
Despite that, Euroa Health – a community hospital that services the Strathbogie region — is not guaranteed ongoing funding.
This budget must deliver increased and ongoing funding for state-managed roads, and funding for local councils’ road maintenance budgets.
We have seen Labor leave regional councils struggling to balance their budgets after it axed the Country Roads and Bridges Program.
Most importantly, this state budget must be fairer for all Victorians.
Peter Walsh,
Leader of the Nationals
Interest rate rise debacle
I would like to draw your attention to the interest rate increases of late.
They are completely unnecessary, as they are out of Australia’s control.
The statistics show that influences on inflation are 60 per cent overseas-related and only 40 per cent Australia-related.
We have got no control over inflation coming from overseas and a lot of the time inflation in Australia is supply and demand.
Japan is one of the only countries in the world that has not increased its interest rates and has held them next to zero for the past 25 years.
If you would like to push back against the Reserve Bank and form a protest group to rally in Canberra and make our voices heard for everyone’s sake, then please contact me any time on 0417 829 603 to get the ball moving. Together we can make a difference.
Richard Paul,
Burramine
End of Term 1
As we approach the end of Term 1 and prepare for school holidays, I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated education staff across Victoria.
Their hard work and commitment have contributed to a successful start to the 2023 academic year.
I also want to acknowledge those who will be working through the Easter weekend to keep our communities running smoothly. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
For those who have the opportunity to take a break, I encourage you to explore the many wonderful destinations throughout regional Victoria.
Our state has so much to offer, and a change of scenery can be a great way to recharge and relax.
As we enjoy the Easter festivities, let’s remember to stay safe on the roads. I wish everyone a happy and peaceful Easter spent with loved ones.
Annabelle Cleeland,
State Member for Euroa
Without ‘meat on the bone’ you are all at sea, all alone
Is Australia in great danger of a repeat of the financial/illegal immigration turmoils of the Whitlam, Rudd and Gillard years, all combined?
Anthony Albanese’s Labor must heed the dangers of the RBA’s fundamentals being tampered with, because in business…
Without ‘meat on the bone’: your financier/shareholders may leave you standing alone; it’s no secret, why a profit, your business has never shown; it’s why so sadly, so many of your employees, to the door, must be shown; it’s why the love of your life’s heart, may be turned to stone (leaving you so sadly, in a home, all alone).
So, Anthony Albanese, Jim Chalmers and Co, in the ‘real world’ of making money in business (as against doing so in politics) it is not so easy. If you want taxpaying employees, and their profitable taxpaying employers (thus all Australians’ affluent futures), then for all of them to have enough ‘meat on the bone’ you simply must leave long-established, profitable business methods and circumstances — well, alone!
Howard Hutchins,
Chirnside Park
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