Understanding how important the assistance of local media is with the RSPCA cause has prompted me to contact The Border Mail.
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I write in relation to The Border Mail pet of the week from October 12, 2016.
Martin has now been living with us for 12 months and has done incredibly well, and is a very happy little fellow.
I contacted the RSPCA following an article in the paper regarding photos with Santa for a fundraiser. Martin was booked in for his picture on Saturday, at the Dog Education Centre in Wodonga.
The RSPCA were thrilled and was looking forward to seeing how well Martin is doing.
Pamela Bartel, Wodonga
Opportunies are there
I am writing because I want to thank and bring attention to two community organisations.
These organisations are doing some outstanding work in giving opportunities to people like myself within our community.
I was successful this year in obtaining a full scholarship to participate in the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program. I received a scholarship grant from Into our Hands Foundation.
The thing I have realised through this program is that we don't always realise what is out there and what is happening.
I have come to learn that there is a lot of work that is being done by community members and leaders to build pride, strength and resilience into the future of our region.
I was not aware of either of these organisations until I attended the Connecting Rural Business Women's Conference in Beechworth this year.
I met with Susan Benedyka, the managing director and principal of the Regional Development Company. This meeting changed my life and has opened up the door of experiences, learning and skills that I had no idea of prior to commencing.
Through the support and learning from this program I am now going to be presenting at the National Elder Abuse Conference in Sydney from February 19 to 20. I can't thank both of these organisations enough for the opportunity they have given me.
When I graduate in May I will be part of 391 graduates of Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program. We have so many good things happening in our community that we just are not aware of. Don't be afraid to get out and have a go.
I do urge everybody including local businesses and other organisations to recognise and support the great work and opportunities that organisations like these are giving, creating vibrant and sustainable futures for all of us into the future within our community .
Maria Berry, Huon
Stick to the basics
Remember that song by the Seekers? “We are one but we are many, and from all the lands on earth we come. We share a dream, and sing with one voice. I am, you are, we are Australian.”
Surely the vast majority of us have parents or grandparents, or great grandparents from other parts of the earth.
Once you have applied for and received Australian citizenship, and sworn allegiance to this country, that should be the end of it.
Enough of this time and money wasting determining eligibility for parliament. Please get on with running the country, and stick to the basics.