Praise from Prahran

I spent the weekend just gone in Euroa, on an all too infrequent visit to family, something I intend to rectify in coming months.

A fantastic weekend, taking advantage of the Saturday train from Southern Cross getting me to Euroa in plenty of time for a wander around the street, a pie from Bourke’s for lunch, and a novel from your wonderful secondhand book shop.

Then off to the footy; watching footy in Euroa has eclipsed my love of going to games of my beloved Geelong.

A stellar day out, including wins to both the Reserves and Seniors against Mooroopna.

From there, my brother-in-law and I headed to the North Eastern, my favourite pub in the world, for a couple of quiet ones.

It should be mentioned that it was terrific to see the entire Mooroopna football team and helpers/ supporters there post game.

Hats off to them, and I’m sure the pub greatly appreciated their patronage.

My only issue of the weekend was spotting the T-shirt, hoodie, and tote bag merchandise at the pub.

I would have bought one of each, but it refers to the pub as ‘The Northy’.

I have never heard it referred to anything but 'The Northo', hence I did not purchase any of the above.

Hopefully on my next visit, I will see new merchandise with The Northo on it.

Otherwise, a great weekend in Euroa.

Ian Bennett, Prahran

Bloody-minded

Vic. Labor plans, as is their wont,

continuing oppression

of those who own land in the state;

what's prompting their aggression?

When contravening rights, they hope

that Justice will stay blinded

and not discern the simple fact

that they're so bloody-minded.

Craig Penny, Terip Terip

Away with gender stereotypes

I welcome the launch of Respect Victoria’s new campaign, What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be?

This important campaign highlights the harm caused by rigid gender stereotypes and encourages men to reflect on traditional expectations of masculinity, such as needing to be in control, hiding vulnerability, or asserting dominance.

It asks men to consider how these expectations affect their relationships and the broader community.

By sharing the voices and lived experiences of real Victorian men from diverse backgrounds, the campaign promotes honest reflection rather than judgement.

It aims to build healthier relationships and more respectful communities.

The initiative is grounded in research and developed in partnership with frontline experts and respected organisations including Jesuit Social Services, No to Violence, The Man Cave, and the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.

This work is urgent. Breaches of family violence orders are now the most frequent or second most frequent criminal offence in all six local government areas across the Euroa electorate.

Towns like Seymour and Benalla, which have some of the highest rates of family violence in Victoria, still lack dedicated physical support services.

The latest figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show sharp increases over the past year: 21 per cent in Strathbogie, 14 per cent in Mitchell, 21 per cent in Benalla, 3 per cent in Campaspe, 10 per cent in Greater Bendigo, and 31 per cent in Greater Shepparton.

We are facing a family violence crisis, and campaigns like this are a vital step forward.

Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa

Connection, safety and inclusion

On Sunday 10 August, over 60 Euroa residents gathered at the Frost Street pedestrian crossing in solidarity to support transparent, inclusive infrastructure decisions, and to call for the reinstatement of the Frost Street pedestrian underpass.

This vital link, serving Euroa’s northwest community for more than 60 years was removed from the Inland Rail Project scope following a June 17 council decision to accept $350,000 in compensation and permanently close the underpass at the conclusion of the Inland Rail Project.

Attendees expressed deep concern over the lack of prior notice, consultation, and transparency surrounding the Council's decision.

At the meeting, community members gave a clear response, endorsing the new group ‘Frost Street 883 & Rising’ to seek an urgent and transparent review of the June 17 decision and advocate for the reinstatement of the underpass by presenting a formal brief with community sentiment, and amplifying the message through media.

We welcome the Inland Rail Project and appreciate the hard work of those delivering this once-in-a-generation investment in Euroa, but the Frost Street underpass must not become a casualty of progress.

It is more than concrete, it is connection, safety, and inclusion

It is our belief that councillors have not been provided with all relevant information, including policies and frameworks that support reinstatement, and our goal is to ensure they are fully informed and aware of the community’s voice.

The message is simple: infrastructure should connect, not divide.

Katie Williams, Vanessa Williams, Neil Brown, Coll Furlanetto

Frost Street 883 & Rising