Doubts over bypass
SO THERE is to be another study into a bypass for Ararat. When does construction of this begin? Probably light years away, or never. VicRoads, the government and just about all associated with highway construction in this area don’t seem to know what they are doing. The fiasco with the trees and Buangor proves that.
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As far as the Beaufort bypass is concerned, I believe that this will never take place. Why has VicRoads spent all that time and money on a bridge that will soon be made redundant? Because in 10 to 20 years’ time, it will still be used.
A bypass for Ararat – in your dreams.
Tony Shea, Ararat
Good Samaritan delivers
I WRITE to thank the very kind community member who found my USB outside the Reject Shop last Tuesday in the gutter and returned via mail to my home address.
I greatly appreciate this and again a big thank you.
Rhys McAskell, Ararat
Review calls for input
FOR many people, the joy of having a baby is one of life’s most precious moments.
A birth marks the beginning of a new life, and can bring with it great responsibility and many years of reward. But for some, these life experiences never eventuate – despite a time consuming, often costly journey through assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
So now, Victorian families with an experience of IVF are being urged to participate in a wide-ranging review of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act – the first conducted in 10 years. This review is timely, with almost four per cent of all births in Victoria resulting from a variety of assisted reproductive treatments, including IVF. The aim of the review is to ensure the current legislation continues to provide adequate safeguards for people using these services.
A consultation paper and online survey allowing people to have their say can be found at engage.vic.gov.au/
This survey also includes an option to anonymously and confidentially tell personal stories about experiences with assisted reproductive treatment.
Formal submissions addressing any or all of the questions posed in the consultation paper can be lodged via engage.vic.gov.au/ or by email to ART.Review@dhhs.vic.gov.au
All formal submissions must be received by September 21 in order for an interim report to be prepared in October.
Michael Gorton, former chair, Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority and Patient Review Panel
Promoting child safety
NATIONAL Child Protection Week is next week, encouraging us to promote safety for children in our communities.
The sad reality is many young people who are abused believe that this behaviour is normal. Reports of child abuse are overwhelming and give witness to the lack of accountability for adults who abuse young people.
Courts are far too lenient on people who abuse our children; communities are looking the other way, ignoring the abuse of children because this is the easiest option.
People don’t want to get involved in notifying assaults on our young people because of the fear of the consequences from the perpetrators. We have lost the ability for adults to serve as collective parents for all the young people in our neighbourhood.
Child abuse goes beyond the tears and pain experienced in childhood. Victims endure a lifetime of psychological and emotional distress, they often become drug users to kill the pain of abuse, attempt suicide, self-mutilate and have major trust issues.
We, as a society, must ensure that we provide our children with a safe and supportive environment, so that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Father Chris Riley, chief executive and founder, Youth Off The Streets
