I SEE Euroa folk are kicking up about the lack of toilet plan for Euroa station.
I waged a war against this matter before the Nagambie station was finally upgraded.
I brought this up with council a few times: that train folk waiting at Nagambie Station would have to walk over 1.5km to the public toilets in the High St CBD, or wait for a train with loos in it.
They paid thousands for a footpath to be made from High St to the station, so locals could walk it better.
That was a result of my stating that dragging a suitcase from the station to the town was very hard on grass, with over a kilometre to get to the main street.
Why did the V/Line contract state that the Nagambie station would not have toilets, even though they have spent millions upgrading the Seymour-Shepparton train line over the past five years?
I covered the opening of the new Nagambie upgrade a couple of years ago in an article for The Euroa Gazette, and I fronted a V/Line delivery director, Ben Henshall, about the lack of toilets in the complex.
He said it was because they were worried the loos would be covered in graffiti.
I said to him there are portable (or demountable) stainless steel ones at the Broadford Station.
But to no avail.
So, it looks like Euroa will suffer the same fate.
Travellers will have to walk a long distance to the public ones in that town’s shopping complex.
It is not easy for oldies, I can tell you, especially ones with wheelie walkers and wheelchairs who use the trains.
Diane Grant, Nagambie
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"The Binney Street Blues"
OH, where shall I park today?
There's so many cars in the way.
I see one reversing,
but next minute I'm cursing
the one who slipped into the bay.
I couldn't feel any forlorner:
I want to cry (quite like a mourner).
Although I just baulk
at the thought of the walk,
perhaps there's a space round the corner.
With my shopping experience marred,
my nerves are all frazzled and jarred.
I'll make a retreat
and exit the street;
Binney Street is too overly carred.
Craig Penny, Terip Terip
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Our racing industry is vital
THE Euroa electorate has once again demonstrated why it is the heartbeat of horse training, breeding, and racing in Victoria.
I had a fantastic time at the Kilmore Cup recently, one of our amazing local races that I am so proud to sponsor.
We also have recently had the success of the 2024 Benalla Gold Cup, an event that has grown each year to now having nearly 3000 attendees, and the Annabelle Cleeland Euroa Cup, which had over 1000 people from across the region attend.
The Seymour Cup had over 2000 attendees, proving to be very profitable and attracting jockeys and trainers from right across the country ahead of further exciting races throughout the year.
Not only that, but this year’s Melbourne Cup winning “knight’s choice” is trained by Seymour local John Symons, and owned by Cameron Bain and his father, Rod.
The cup itself was even in town just the other day.
These events are about more than just racing, they contribute so much to our regional economy by bringing tourism to our towns and supporting local businesses.
Congratulations to Cam Symes, Chris Martin, and Ben Murphy for captaining an incredible racing season across our region.
Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa
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A different side to Christmas
IT truly is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Shops are brimming with festive products, the airwaves are beginning to hum with Christmas tunes and families are putting up their Christmas trees across the country.
For the Salvos, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas too, but for a very different reason.
For us, we are starting to see our busiest time of year come to fruition; we are seeing the need for our services increasing, more and more people calling up for Christmas support, the financial and emotional stresses of the festive period beginning to overwhelm people, and the threat of loneliness and isolation starting to creep into people’s lives.
For many, Christmas is a time of joy, relaxation, sharing with family and friends, and hope.
But for some, including many of those who The Salvation Army support every day, Christmas is a time of increased pressure, stress and loneliness.
We have seen another devastating year for people financially in 2024.
The Salvos have seen an increase in demand for our services.
Individuals and families who have never reached out to a charity before are doing so for the first time this year.
In fact, recent research from the Salvos found that 7 in 10 Australians are watching their spending more this Christmas compared to previous years.
Shockingly, 56 percent of Aussies will be spending less money on food this Christmas.
But there is hope.
Throughout the Christmas period, The Salvation Army distribute hundreds of thousands of gifts and toys, food hampers, special Christmas meals and much more to those who are doing it tough in our community.
We also provide safe places for community and connection.
We often find that a friendly chat or a shoulder to cry on can be just as powerful as the practical support of gifts, meals and hampers.
The Salvos want everyone to know that we are here for you this Christmas if you need support.
No child should have to go without a present on Christmas Day, no person without a special Christmas meal, and no one without a place to go for community and connection.
Reach out to us if you need a hand.
We also can’t do this work without the support of the Australian public through our Christmas Appeal, which is aiming to raise $27 million this year so Aussies don’t have to go without this Christmas.
If you need help this Christmas, or if you are able to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).
From all of us at the Salvos, we wish you a very happy and hope-filled Christmas.
Colonel Rodney Walters, The Salvation Army
