LETTERS ades. The 'Let's make it a Party' thing does nothing to enhance its reverance. It distracts attention from the real problems of society, and some of the current injustices our diggers fought to overcome. Carey Williams Gembrook
CFA sponsorship I think I can speak for my fellow CFA Volunteers when I say we are angry at the CFA's deal with Rugby Victoria for it to provide a 3 year $150,000 sponsorship. I am incensed with the decision which was reported as being "quietly announced" in July which may explain why many CFA members have been unaware of it until it was reported in press reports this week. As a former Upwey Brigade Captain and CFA Board Member I for one am angry with the decision of CFA to enter into such a contentious sponsorship deal or any similar arrangement is politically naïve, let alone lacking in logic. I am astounded at the politically naivety, let alone the lack of logic of the decision. Our Community and as such-our "Customers" perceptions will have a detrimental impact on Brigade fund raising and undoubtedly cause justifiable Membership anger at CFA's decision. Both the CFA Executive and Board must explain why. It is one of the strangest decisions from CFA in my 59 years as a Member. Peter Marke, Upwey
Bless them - don't eat them I'm sure the Buddhist animal blessing ceremony at Lillydale Lake (Animals get a blessing, 2 October) was a delightful event but, if we are really serious about wanting to enhance the well-being of animals, the most important step we can take is to stop eating them - along with their milk and eggs. Last year, a mind-boggling 70 billion animals - 10 times the number of people on Earth - were slaughtered for food. The majority were raised in sunless, stinking factory farms inside cramped cages and pens. Many were subjected to agonising mutilations without pain relief and many others broiler chickens - were deliberately bred in a manner known to cause painful crippling. Around 6 billion male chicks - deemed "trash" by the egg industry - were minced up alive or suffocated. Every single one of these animals had the same capacity for suffering as us or our pets. Given that we can live healthily and happily
INSTA-PIC
Establishing a Lilydale Township group
Driving past these sheep on the Maroondah Highway in Coldstream always puts a smile on our faces. Follow @MailCommunity on Instagram for our snaps from across the Yarra Ranges, and tag us in your local pics for a chance to see them in print. with no animal products in our diet, how can we justify condemning so many innocent and inoffensive animals to this torture? Jenny Moxham, Monbulk.
Leadership needed Recently the IPCC reported on the actions needed to limit global warming to 1 1/2 degrees. The Prime Minister responded saying it would be irresponsible to respond to a call for the phasing out of coal by the 2050's. What is truly irresponsible and short sighted is our pathetic emissions reduction target and the hostile attitude to renewable energy by many Liberals and Nationals. We need leadership on this issue not heads buried in the sand. Global warming in excess of 1 1/2 degrees will be perilous for future generations especially our farming communities on whom we all rely. P Cook Clematis
Remembrance day reflection I see the publicity for Remembrance Day on the 11 th of November (Ranges Trader Mail, 9 th October, page 1) is well and truly cranking up, and the plan to cover Emerald and Puffing Billy with poppies has captured the imagination of many people and organisations far and wide. Not mine. The value of this extravaganza escapes me when there are so many problems in society; mental health and suicide, homelessness, real poverty for the unfortunate, drug, alcohol and gambling addiction, family and street violence, road rage, racial and religious villification, environmental degradration and pollution, I could go on. It's like the obesity epidemic. We think eating makes us feel better and forget the problems, so let's eat, and eat more. But the problems don't go away. They get worse. Remembrance Day has been recognized nationally and internationally for many dec-
As a local resident, landowner and/or business owner, you will already know that Lilydale is in an exciting period of growth. Many projects including infrastructure and housing developments are planned or underway, and new businesses and service providers are being established in Lilydale in response to community needs. With the Lilydale population predicted to grow from the current 17,500 residents to 30,000 by 2040, we are entering a time of significant change. For a long time now Cr Terry Avery and Cr Tim Heenan have wanted a voice for Lilydale in the form of a township group. Over the past 12 months, Council Officers have been facilitating a series of community discussions under the banner of "Connect Lilydale". Lilydale community members have attended these discussions, identifying a number of key community priorities. The community priorities identified need to be bought to a township group. Fortunately, Yarra Ranges has a large and growing number of independent township groups that advocate on behalf of their communities to Council and other levels of government on issues that are important to ratepayers. Lilydale has never had this voice and we believe that the time has come. Lilydale has a great shopping precinct, sporting clubs, beautiful parks, community organisations and lots of heritage value. We invite you to attend a meeting at 6pm on Thursday 1st November, at Box Hill Institute's Lakeside Campus in Jarlo Drive, Lilydale to set up a new independent community-run Lilydale Township Group. A light supper will be served from 5pm. It has never been more important to a have strong and united community voice in Lilydale. Councillors Tim Heenan and Terry Avery
NEWS
Students in creepy spirits By Derek Schlennstedt Schools in the hills have been hard at work designing some spooky creations that will adorns Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve for the Halloween on the Green event. The event is in its second year and is a celebration of all things spooky. Its features a variety of feature children's activities and Debbie Haberfield, Director of Sassafras Preschool said it was great to get the local schools involved in designing the decorations. "It's the second year of the fundraiser for us, and it's exciting because we know what's involved and the kids had such a great day last year, so that makes this one even more spe-
cial," Ms Haberfield said "They get to dress up in costumes and engage in a lot of activities at minimal cost." "We made bats using the children's hands as the wings of the bats and they're going to be used as decorations around the event." "Each school and centre involved has contributed to decorations and the children have ownership of their contribution to the event." "They can see their work on display and feel like they've been part of it." Last year the event, organised by the Philanthropic Collective exceeded all expectations and raised an incredible $16,984, which was donated back to four local schools.
Event Director at the Philanthropic Collective, Andrew Fillip-Gautier, said the event would feature children's activities, live bands, carnival and pony rides and a trick or treat trail, all included in the gate price. "Some families embrace Halloween, some don't, so we thought, what if we put all this under one umbrella and did it in a safe space, at the Ferny Creek Reserve?" he said. He urged people to book early and said a free mini bus shuttle would be available on the day. Ms Haberfield said it was great community event, which involved a lot of groups and school in the area. For more information and to book go to www.halloweenonthegreen.com.au
Front from left, Sassafras Preschool students Lex, Sophie, Harry, Noah, Alba, Lydia. Behind from left Edie, Harley, Grace. 186199 Picture: ROB CAREW Advertisement
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