In April or May 2016 a snippet from the Ouyen and North West Express from January 29, 1932 and re-published in the Wimmera Mail-Times, told us that temperatures in Ouyen across a period of 13 days averaged 42 degrees Celsius.

The highest in that period was 51 degrees. Now, that sure is a heat wave.

A comparatively mild heat wave occurred in January 1939 in Serviceton when temperatures during a nine-day period exceeded 36 degrees on all but two days.

The highest individual day recorded 47.6 degrees.

Thanks again to the Mail-Times for drawing attention to these figures.

They didn’t have air-conditioners then to pump heat out of confined spaces to push the ambient temperature higher than nature would.

Ron Fischer, Horsham

YOUNG people across the state will be able to debate the important issues and experience what it’s like to lead parliamentary process by applying to participate in the 2018 Victorian Youth Parliament.

The Andrews Government is investing more than $100,000 to support this year’s Victorian Youth Parliament program, which encourages young people to participate, speak out and introduce mock Bills that could shape state legislation.

Youth Parliament is a good opportunity for young people aged 16 to 25 and living in Western Victoria to develop leadership skills and make a powerful contribution.

It has helped to shape more than 25 Bills across more than 30 years, including laws on mandatory bike helmets, roadside drug testing and gun reforms.

Teams of young parliamentarians will draft, debate and vote on Bills during the three-day event in the Victorian Parliament’s parliamentary chambers in July. Young Parliament Bills that pass during the week will then be presented to relevant government ministers for their consideration.

The young parliamentarians will also attend a YMCA intensive training camp in May, where they will develop their skills in relationship building, teamwork, public speaking and leadership. 

Applications close on Thursday, March 8; for more information or to apply, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au.

Jaala Pulford, Member for Western Victoria

I QUESTION why VicRoads are stating no money is available to repair the Glenelg Highway at the Wannon Falls Reserve entry given Daniel Andrews’ statements about record country roads funding.

The Wannon Nigretta Community Group has contacted me, concerned about unsafe road conditions on the Glenelg Highway at the Wannon Falls turn off.

The group believes there is no safe option for vehicles to pull to the side of the highway as the shoulder section is not sealed and is rough with a deep drop off.

If Daniel Andrews statements about record roads funding are true, why is the Wannon Nigretta Community Group being told there is no funding available to VicRoads to repair the shoulders on the highway or put in a turning lane? 

Daniel Andrews is constantly talking up his governments investment in roads but the truth is Labor has cut funding for country roads since the Nationals and Liberals were in government in 2014. We need more money invested in country roads to keep them at a safe standard, not less.

If Labor is serious about saving country lives then they must immediately reverse their drastic cuts to the country roads budget and give our local people the roads they deserve. 

Emma Kealy, Member for Lowan