Myself and my family of now five have been visiting Beechworth, from Melbourne, for over 20 years. 

We are attracted by the stunning, unique natural beauty and surrounds, the cutting edge culinary and wine-making scene and the forward thinking and accessible cycling possibilities.

We are target market customers for any Victorian tourism region. We are relatively high income. We spend freely, enjoy premium experiences and like to be comfortable. We also stay for at least three nights each stay. And we keep coming back.

The heritage elements of Beechworth are very unique, but they don't keep us coming back. We are pleased that they are there, but they just simply aren't enough.

What keeps us coming back are the contemporary food venues, craft brewery and outdoor living. 

Change that and focus on a static snapshot of a history that is, at best, mildly interesting on a rainy day, then I will drive a little further to Bright.

If this accomodation provider can't move with the times and have their venue available on modern day digital accomodation platforms and also embrace the progressive active tourism ideas that have started to put Beechworth on the national and international destination map, then they should rethink their business plan.

And maybe smile.

We read The Border Mail in Melbourne too. 

Andrew Walker’s letter about changes to pension rules is so right (The Border Mail, July 15).

How can a government be so savage as to “pull the rug” from under part-pensioners who were obliged to realise all their assets, including the family home, in order to pay their way into accommodation for the aged?

It seems to me that there is only one solution. Before January 1, the Commonwealth government must pass legislation approving of voluntary euthanasia, so giving such part-pensioners the right to ensure that what assets they still have will pass into the hands of their will executors.

Only certain part-pensioners will be affected.

I understand that poorer part-pensioners are likely to be granted full pensions and that the wealthy will receive tax benefits.

Has The Border Mail ever looked into this?

Why are some politicians so unthinkingly brainless? We have big protest meetings on family violence, and worry about drunken drivers, when we do not look for the cause. 

Many family breakups occur due to job loss. Depression and drinking often go hand-in-hand.

I am concerned that rather than stating that we will fix unemployment, and the rest will take care of itself, we call these people dole bludgers and wife bashers. This leads to even less understanding. 

With car industries being decimated by going overseas, other organisations being shut down by costly energy prices, and the so-called high wages in Australia, people are thrown out on the streets due to joblessness, and the resulting homelessness creates another tier of hopelessness.

Melbourne hasnt seen anything yet. Cathy McGowan could use her current position to create local opportunities in Wangaratta. 

Let’s start by looking at major projects like the fast train lines and the job opportunities it will create and lets get some real Aussies on the job. 

The cheap imports on visas are a disgrace while we need local employment.