Letters to the Editor – March 10, 2026

Welcome rain

The recent rainfall across our region is very welcome. After a long dry spell, it has brought much-needed relief for farmers, families, and our local environment.

Paddocks are turning green again, water supplies are improving, and it is heartening to see the land beginning to recover.

For those working on the land, every drop counts. Crops and pastures benefit, livestock have better access to water, and local wildlife is given a chance to thrive.

This rain is a small but important step towards easing the pressures our rural communities have faced over recent months.

It is a reminder of just how much our community depends on our natural resources and how quickly conditions can change.

While there is still work to be done, it is encouraging to see the land respond and to know that our region is capable of bouncing back.

Annabelle Cleeland

State Member for Euroa

Jungle Kids facts and perspective

My name is Kylie, and I am the owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre at Wallan. I am writing in response to recent coverage and online commentary regarding the closure of Jungle Kids, to clarify key facts and to share my perspective on what has been an incredibly distressing time for my family.

Firstly I would like to confirm that all monies paid for pre-paid parties and functions have been refunded in full. Any promotional offers, bonus inclusions, return visit credits, complimentary items, or non-cash incentives associated with those bookings were conditional upon continued trading and cannot be honoured, substituted, or converted to a cash payment following the closure. 

I would like to make it clear that neither myself nor my family received any financial benefit or gain from the closure, only loss. 

In the immediate aftermath of the closure, there was significant uncertainty around whether liquidators would be appointed immediately and what actions they may take. For that reason, I did not want to publicly promise refunds in the initial announcement if there was any risk that promise could not legally be fulfilled. However, it was always my intention to pay everyone back.

I would also like to address some miscommunication and incorrect assumptions circulating online:

The attempted sale of the business was completely unrelated to the closure. Exploring a potential sale was not connected to, nor an indication of, the business ceasing to trade.

In the lead-up to the closure, the business remained fully operational. Bookings continued to be taken and payments processed as normal while the business was still trading. At that time, I did not know the business would be forced to close in the way it ultimately did.

What has been most confronting has been the slander, untruths, and abuse directed at me and my family following the closure. This has included death threats made via phone calls and online, some of which referenced my children. As a result, my family and I no longer feel safe going out in public. This has been devastating on a deeply personal level.

For the past 13 years, I have done nothing but give back to this community. Jungle Kids was built to be an affordable, welcoming, and inclusive space for all families.

Over the years, I have proudly supported local kindergartens, schools, sporting clubs, Love In Action, and many other community organisations through cash donations and ongoing support. That commitment has never wavered.

I want to be clear that I am not asking for sympathy. I am simply asking for understanding and human compassion during an incredibly difficult time for my family.

We appreciate and thank the many loyal customers and community members who have reached out with kindness and who have defended us online; your support has meant more than you could know.

We will not be making any further comments on this matter.

However, I felt it was fair to share both sides of the story and ensure the facts are accurately represented.

Kylie

Owner, Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre