The Wimmera can't sit back and let an annual festival that has lasted 10 years fall by the wayside.

The community should work as one to ensure these events not only survive, put prosper into the future.

If the Art is... festival application doesn't meet Horsham Tourism Advisory Committee guidelines, then it's imperative the two bodies meet quickly to work out how a submission can be put together that does pass all the requirements.

If that means a bit of give and take from both sides then that's a worthy move for the community at large.

Whether you are a supporter of the arts or not, there is no disputing Art is... brings people and profile to the community and any event that does those things must be protected at all costs.

The Wimmera's turn

WHAT a coup for the Wimmera if Prince William visits during his Australian tour.

Let's hope Horsham Rural City Council follows through with an invitation to Prince William via Premier John Brumby and it's accepted.

Clearly there would be plenty for the Prince to see in the Wimmera.

If he wants to learn about Australia's culture and its people then there is no better place than Brambuk.

The Wimmera rightly stood aside while Prime Minister Kevin Rudd toured regions far worse off in the bushfire aftermath earlier this year, but maybe this time it could be our turn.

Rod Case, editor