On Tuesday, July 11 that freezing, wet and windy day, our recycling truck was some four hours late, no doubt having spent much of that time picking up bins that had been blown over by gale force winds. It was about 5.30pm when they reached our house, raining, almost dark and five degrees. A car in our street had returned from work and parked right beside their unemptied bin.

One collector alighted from the truck and moved the bin so they could empty it.

I’m sure many would have passed it by.

Just one more thing that makes our community a great place to be.

KATHLEEN RICKARD

Stawell

MANY rumours have been going around about the Used Tyre Recycling Corporation, mainly due to the fact that the company did go very quiet on the news front and lack of production output. After personally talking to the supervisor and seeing what is going on, I believe the whole production is going to be one massive tyre clean up. 

The company should be starting its main operation within the next few months and creating numerous new jobs for the locals. 

This is a much-needed project, not only for Northern Grampians Shire, but in the near future, a few neighbouring shires as well. The process they are using to break up the old tyres will not create any adverse pollution and will be operating under a number of regulative government departments, local council regulations and relevant permits. 

This should be reassuring to any pessimists and objectors.  

Once the task is completed, it will alleviate a massive fire hazard.

It will also create up to 50 new jobs for Stawell residents for years to come.

I see this project as a real win-win situation for everyone in the Northern Grampians area and I would welcome any new company with foresight and initiative, which creates without destroying, such as Used Tyre Recycling Corporation.

ROD SHEPPARD

Stawell 

REMEMBER 1986? It was a big year in Australia. Bob Hawke was still our prime minister, Crocodile Dundee hit the cinemas and Hawthorn defeated Carlton in the VFL grand final.

It was also the year that Cancer Council’s much-loved Daffodil Day campaign began in Australia, now celebrating an incredible 30-year milestone in 2016.

Since its inception, more than $137-million has been raised nationally for cancer research, prevention programs and support services through Daffodil Day.

Through the support of community members who have volunteered or purchased Daffodil Day merchandise, you have helped make real change in the cancer landscape over the past 30 years. The money raised through Daffodil Day has helped:

The daffodil is an international symbol of hope for people affected by cancer, and this year Daffodil Day is on Friday, August 26.

Whether it’s by wearing a pin, ordering Daffodil Day merchandise to sell, volunteering, or donating, everyone has what it takes to provide hope for a cancer-free future.

On behalf of Cancer Council Victoria, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the community for supporting Daffodil Day for the past 30 years.

TODD HARPER

CEO, Cancer Council Victoria

THE arctic blast that hit Victoria last week has me concerned about how people are keeping warm. 

When temperatures drop, some people turn to any means to keep warm. 

As we’ve seen in the past, this can involve using gas appliances in unsafe ways. 

Energy Safe Victoria wants to remind all Victorians that gas appliances attached to portable gas cylinders should never be used indoors or in confined spaces. 

Gas heaters and appliances require plenty of ventilation to operate safely and should only be used according to manufacturer’s instructions. The golden rule is if an appliance is attached to a portable gas bottle, don’t bring it inside. Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can build up and quickly reach fatal levels. 

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that is colourless, odourless and tasteless. It can leak from faulty, un-serviced gas heaters or accumulate if there is insufficient ventilation. It can cause death or chronic poisoning that is indicated by flu-like symptoms including lethargy, nausea or headaches. 

Gas heaters including wall units, decorative fireplaces, space heaters and central heating units, should be serviced a minimum of every two years by a registered gas fitter. Find a gas fitter in your local area and before booking a service, check they are registered and have the proper equipment to test for carbon monoxide. It could save your life. 

PAUL FEARON

​Director, Energy Safety Victoria

THE spelling of Byron in the July 19 edition of the Stawell Times-News was incorrect. The Stawell Times-News apologises for the error.

THE Life After Loss contact number is 0428 584 350.