Petrol prices skyrocket across the region
WHY are petrol prices in Ararat so high?
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I have recently been around the west of the state and fuel is as little as $1.37 a litre just over the border in South Australia and in the low $1.40s elsewhere in western Victoria.
Even Great Western and Stawell are around 10 cents cheaper.
Harry Calderbank, Stawell
WHY are ULP prices 129.9 cents a litre in Ballarat, 133.9c in Beaufort, around 140c in Great Western – yet 159.9c at Ararat petrol stations.
This has to be an ripoff, does it not?
Peter Gibbes, Ararat
People show kindness to children most in need
ON BEHALF of Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child, I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks to the many churches, schools, organisations and numerous individuals who were involved this year in packing a shoebox for a child in need.
Each child is special and they will receive only one shoebox of gifts once in their lifetime.
This gift will bring immediate joy and hope to the child and may open up opportunities they had never dreamed of.
Samaritan’s Purse can then assess the needs of the community such as safe clean water, education, health and community empowerment projects and implement programs where possible.
This year 293,582 shoeboxes have been processed from Australia and New Zealand.
All of the Victorian boxes have gone to the Philippines including 2222 delivered from the Wimmera and Southern Mallee.
All of our team would like to give a huge thank you to each person who took the time to become involved either by packing a shoebox or donating goods or money.
Thank you also to the many people who made many different handmade items for the boxes.
We look forward to working with you all again next year.
Remember, you can collect items all year round.
For further information please refer to our website operationchristmaschild.org.au
Ann Rohde, area co-ordinator, Samaritan’s Purse
Support local retailers during Christmas period
I DON’T need to remind your readers how close we are to Christmas and I’d like to urge local residents to support our local retailers.
Small business is the backbone of the towns across Western Victoria and it’s important we show our support in the lead-up to Christmas.
Unfortunately, it has become too easy to buy Christmas presents online.
Every dollar spent online is a dollar that can’t be used to employ local young people or improve shops in the local community.
But with so many great retailers in our region, why shop elsewhere?
Statistically, almost five million Australians are employed in small business.
Small and large towns across our region offer terrific retailers, from gift shops, butchers, bakers and grocers to our fantastic restaurants, cafes and pubs.
We need to encourage and support them through the cash register.
By supporting small business, you ensure they continue to survive and employ local people in your community.
Merry Christmas.
Jaala Pulford, Member for Western Victoria