Red Tape Threatens Our ANZAC Traditions
Dear Editor,
I express deep concern about the growing frustrations caused by Mitchell Shire Council officers in issuing permits for ANZAC Day services. What should be a straightforward and respectful process to honour our fallen heroes has been mired in unnecessary bureaucracy, delays, and confusion.
Community volunteers and RSL branches, already working tirelessly with limited resources, are now being burdened with red tape that threatens to derail long-standing commemorative events. Reports of unclear guidelines, shifting requirements, and slow responses are not only disheartening – they’re disrespectful to the spirit of the day.
ANZAC Day is not just another event. It is a solemn and sacred tradition that binds communities together and pays tribute to the sacrifices made by generations of Australians. Council officers should be enabling, not obstructing, these important commemorations.
I urge the Mitchell Shire Council to urgently review its permit process, consult meaningfully with community organisers, and ensure that honouring our ANZACs is never compromised by bureaucratic inefficiency.
Lest we forget.
Anonymous
Name and Address withheld
AEC discriminates against Kilmore
Dear Editor,
Kilmore residents are now part of the Federal seat of Nicholls. Early voting centres for the seat of Nicholls will be open from 22 April at Seymour, Shepparton, Kyabram, Echuca, Cobram and Yarrawonga.
But not Kilmore! The population of Kilmore exceeds that of Cobram, Kyabram, Yarrawonga and Seymour but has not been allocated an early voting centre.
The nearest voting centre for Kilmore residents is Seymour which is a motor vehicle drive of approximately 30 minutes.
Early voting has become more and more popular with Australian voters at Federal or State elections. It is especially important for the elderly voters who want to ensure they have an active voice at all elections and are not inconvenienced by possible long voting queues and crowds at the May 3 election.
Now the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) expects Kilmore residents to travel to Seymour to exercise their right to vote early.
I have contacted the AEC expressing my concerns on this matter two weeks ago and was guaranteed a reply within five business days. I have received no reply.
Kilmore residents deserve an explanation by the AEC.
Shane O’Connor
Kilmore
A sign of the times
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my frustration with the increasing number of roadworks signs that are left out long after the work has been completed. These signs, which are meant to ensure safety during active construction, become a nuisance and a source of confusion when left in place unnecessarily.
Not only do they mislead drivers into slowing down for no reason, but they also contribute to traffic congestion and diminish respect for road signage in general. It’s hard to take a “Roadwork Ahead” or “40km/h” sign seriously when you see it sitting on a stretch of perfectly finished and empty road for days—or even weeks—on end.
Leaving these signs out after the job is done is lazy, careless, and shows a lack of regard for the everyday road user. If the job is finished, take the signs down. It’s as simple as that.
Arnold Pevensey
Wallan
