Horsham Rural City Council have provided us all with these amenities so we can all share in these areas together – whatever our needs are.

We are constantly observing around the boundaries of the racecourse and the river walk around Weir Park deposits left by dogs on the paths and surrounds.

This is not pleasant – especially when you step in it.

There are, at many different locations on these walks, bags supplied by our council for everyone to take and clean up after our pets.

We have witnessed many owners taking their dogs for a walk in the parks just so they don't have to clean up their own back yards.

Surely owners know that they have a responsibility to keep our beautiful areas clean.

Maybe we should all start taking photos and start up a name and shame social media page. As you sneak away from your doggy deposit, a smile for the camera would be appreciated

Betty Smith, Horsham

THE state government’s expanded school breakfast clubs have now served more than two million meals to students across Victoria – including the Wimmera – giving children from families in need a brighter and healthier start to the day.

Since the launch of the program at the start of last year, school breakfast clubs have been providing 50,000 free breakfasts every week at 500 of Victoria’s most disadvantaged schools.

Research by Foodbank Victoria, who delivers School Breakfast Clubs in partnership with the Labor Government, shows the program is making a real difference for children and staff.

Since the program started last year, nine out of 10 teachers have seen improved student concentration, seven out of 10 have noted improved attendance and more than eight out of 10 teachers say they now have better relationships with their students.

The $13.7 million School Breakfast Club program is another example of how the Labor Government is tackling disadvantage so all children can reach their potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.

For more information on volunteering, visit www.foodbankvictoria.org.au

James Merlino, Education Minister

SCHOOLS can build their dream garden or outdoor classroom with the help of the Yates Junior Landcare Grants for Gardens program, which is now open for applications.

Fifteen grants worth $2000 each are available for schools, youth groups and childcare centres, who will benefit from $1500 in funding, $500 of Yates garden products and a growing consultation with a Yates gardening expert. 

Yates is excited to join groups for a consultation to help them uncover the joy of the garden, and wants to arm kids with the tips and tricks to help their garden thrive.

Interested groups are invited to submit a design for their dream garden within their school grounds or communities.

Yates and Junior Landcare are looking for young imaginations to run wild, and think about the kind of garden they would love to grow.  Veggie gardens, butterfly gardens, bush tucker and sensory gardens are just some of the projects that have been previously funded.

Applications close on Thursday, June 29; people can visit www.landcareaustralia.org.au/grants-for-gardens for more information. 

Tessa Jakszewicz, chief executive, Landcare Australia