The black mat referred to has been placed over a section of tiles that do require repair. Being underwater, the repair of these tiles is a specialist task.

I’m pleased to be able to confirm the works are booked in for completion on December 13. 

Regarding the general state of the pool floor; the pool is vacuumed every evening however with the arrival of hot weather and resulting influx in patronage we have now adjusted our cleaning schedule. 

I’m confident we are on top of the issue.

It has been great seeing so many families come down to make use of the WAVES facilities in recent weeks and we look forward to this support continuing throughout summer. 

By attacking regional training, the Nationals are attacking regional Victorians  

Recently the National Party lampooned the Andrews Labor government's much-needed funding boost for Wodonga TAFE. This display is the height of hypocrisy. 

Not only were the Nationals complicit with the Liberals decision to rip funding from our TAFEs, the Nationals now don't want to see this government invest in the future of regional Victorians. 

The Labor government will never apologise for investing in TAFE.

We will not bow down to a Coalition hell-bent on destroying our TAFE system – the system that the Andrews government will make sure offers training to every Victorian – no matter where they live. 

This attack on a regional TAFE by a regional MP is not only an attack on the disadvantaged learners they help, it's an attack on the hardworking teachers, trainers and support staff who work tirelessly at our public institutions. 

The Shadow Minister should stop penning letters to the editor from her office and get out and speak to TAFE CEOs who have been crying out for a government to support its state-owned training sector with appropriate funding instead of gutting TAFEs  like the Coalition which she is now a part of. 

You have to wonder how it is that people can continue to keep up with ever rising price hikes that seem to impact ever facet of our lives. Power, gas, water, insurance, rates – every one of them goes up every year. 

If you are an Albury resident you might even be grateful for the rate peg of 1.5 per cent. In Wodonga, I don’t doubt that it won’t be long before we start hearing how our council “can’t possibly cope” with sticking to the state government imposed rate cap.

It’s funny how the rest of us have no choice but to cope. We don’t really have much option but to make do with whatever wage we can earn for ourselves. 

Of course, none of these rising prices would be too much of a problem if only our wages were keeping up at the same pace. 

It’s something councils really do need to consider when they look to whack us with rate rises every single year. Like the rest of us, maybe they shouldn’t spend money they haven’t got.

St Matthews garden was a place of sanctuary for many doing it tough and Tuesday – St Nicholas Day – brings a cooked breakfast as an early Christmas treat for any who need it from 9am until 1am.  This is a regular event every Tuesday until  Christmas but showers for the homeless, a place for Carevan, muffins, coffee and a warm welcome are on offer 365 days of the year though St Matthews crisis care in the heart of the city.