Technical school debate back to the future
WHY should we continue to waste time, effort and money electing governments whether we are aligned left, right, pink or blue. My hackles in this case are raised by the current agitation for a technical secondary school “west of Ballarat” (Wimmera Mail-Times, April 10).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While I do not condemn those seeking improvement, I take issue with the history involved. When I was a secondary student in Horsham in the years 1940 and 1941, there was only a high school with technical annexe. By the time my baby-boomer sons were ready for secondary school, widespread agitation and lobbying had produced a technical school in Horsham.
Some time along the way, Victorians voted in a government that applied the get-big pseudo principle and amalgamated the two schools to create Horsham College.
At the same time the Melbourne Technical College was changed to the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology – a high falutin’ tag that diminished its real purpose. Here we are now – back to the future – 1948.
Ron Fischer, Horsham
Horsham team back on the road for Variety
THIS year’s Victorian Variety Bash begins on August 18 and finishes on August 28, from Melbourne to Fraser Island and return.
Rick Smith (owner and operator of Fluiddrive), Mick Harris (owner and operator of the Cheeky Fox Café and Catering), Alan Perry and Brendan Khan (policemen) are participating in the fundraising event. We are past Apexians in Horsham, while Rick and Brendan are past presidents of Apex.
The annual Variety bash is Australia’s most successful charity event. It is the focal point of fundraising efforts by many hundreds of supporters of Variety, with the money raised helping children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn.
Throughout the Bash, entrants visit local towns, stopping at schools – some of which have only five students – to visit the children. Participants get to see the smiles of the children they have helped and provide them with equipment to assist their education.
Since 1992 the Victorian Variety Bash alone has covered a staggering 110,000 kilometres plus and raised in excess of $20 million for children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.
This is our fourth Variety Bash, we have a new car and a new look and theme for this year to stand out. As a group we have purchased and prepared our own vehicle and now intend to raise as much money as we possibly can for the Variety Charity group, with a goal of $30,000 plus. All monies raised are forwarded to Variety Victoria. Our trip is self funded to cover our own personal costs.
Along with our fundraising efforts for Variety we are looking for a fuel sponsor. In return of any donation to Variety or sponsorship, your company will be advertised on a car and our Facebook site, Variety bash car 113. Every bit of support can assist in putting the smile back on a child’s face.
We are registered with Variety Victoria to fundraise for them. Donations can be forwarded to Brendan Khan, 5 Cromie Street, Murtoa 3390 and a receipt will be forwarded forthwith.
Alan Perry, Brendan Khan, Michael Harris and Rick Smith, Horsham
We are all responsible for safe travels this Easter
POLICE across Australia will be out in force during the Easter long weekend but road safety is not just their responsibility. We owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to accept responsibility for our own actions, every time we get behind the wheel.
Last year across the Easter long weekend, eight people didn’t make it back home; the year before it was 22 people.
Road trauma is increasing in Australia. After decades of improvements, a spike in recent years demands action from us all. By working together at a community level, with our police, and at government level across federal, state and local jurisdictions, we can do better, and I'm determined see that happen. The 2016 road deaths total was 1300. I don't accept that in 2017 another 1300 Australians have to be added in addition to the tens of thousands injured.
Governments need to provide safer roads, police need to enforce laws, but it is also about the decisions people make on the road – whether it be speeding, answering the phone, not taking a break, or taking a risk when overtaking. Drivers need to choose wisely – for everyone.
Darren Chester, Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister