DonateLife week begins
Dear Editor,
DONATELIFE Week is a timely reminder that some of the most meaningful gifts we can give cost us nothing at all.
Across Australia, there are families hoping for a phone call that could give a loved one another chance at life. Behind every organ and tissue donation is a story of extraordinary generosity, where, in the midst of unimaginable loss, one family chooses to give hope to another.
While many of us support organ and tissue donation, far fewer have taken the next step of registering our decision and, just as importantly, having a conversation with our family about our wishes.
These conversations aren’t always easy, but they are incredibly important. At what is often the hardest time in a family’s life, knowing the wishes of a loved one can provide clarity and comfort when difficult decisions need to be made.
Registering to become an organ and tissue donor takes only a minute, but the impact can last a lifetime. One donor has the potential to save and improve the lives of many people through organ and tissue donation.
This DonateLife Week, I encourage everyone across our community to take a moment to consider registering and to have that conversation with the people closest to you. It is a small act that reflects the kindness and generosity that regional communities are so well known for.
Sometimes, the greatest legacy we can leave is the opportunity for someone else to keep living, keep loving and keep making memories with the people they hold dear.
Annabelle Cleeland
State Member for Euroa
Amusement over housing
Dear Editor,
I FOUND it amusing recently with the headline of the paper reading “Housing density debate”.
The housing density situation is provided by developers and signed off or not by council.
I remember when the land, now Mayfield Estate on Lancefield Road was sold many, many years ago.
The “original” documents, of which I still have, stated that the blocks were to be roughly quarter-acre blocks.
Most of the blocks are half that size or under now.
It’s amazing how greedy developers have become and how much “extra” revenue council will gain from allowing and authorising these much smaller blocks in these estates.
We’ve lived in Kilmore since 1992. Kilmore back then was a country town with a country feel. Now it’s suburbia, with more to come.
In less than a two-kilometre radius from us are the following: Mayfield, Willowmavin, Kingsgate, Parkview, Bluestone Ridge, Sunset Views, Evermore and Kilmore Grounds Estates. Some of the block sizes in some of the newer estates are as low as 330m2.
With all these newer estates popping up everywhere, I am hoping that council is “on the ball “ and developing and planning strategies and infrastructure in regards to the road and traffic issues that will come (and they will), as there are a lot of new houses being built in the main school precinct.
Hopefully, all these new estates have more than one exit in and out as well.
And just for those interested, there are around 22 estates in Kilmore, which have been developed, being developed and in the planning stages of development.
I am also concerned with the housing and population of Kilmore increasing at a rapid rate, why are we losing so many shops in town. Shop/building owners need to keep up with repairs and maintenance of their buildings. It’s your responsibility and obligation to maintain your buildings. Renters should not have to beg or wait until the shop falls down around them to get repairs done. Some car parks in town are abysmal. Obviously high rent prices are an issue as well.
It’s a very sad situation all round.
Shop locally when possible.
T.Avery
Kilmore
