CHRISTMAS ATTRACTION A GREAT GIFT FOR GEELONG

AS a visitor to Geelong, I am sitting here reading “City’s shining star is cause for pride” (GA 16/12) with much emotion.

Emotion, yes, because that is what has been touched and felt by me as the result of reading Darryn Lyons’ article.

There is a real irony in the fact that what Darryn has done for me, he has no doubt done for many who enjoy what he helped to create wonder and awe.

That is take attention away from all the doom and gloom that we are bombarded with so often around the globe and reported in the news.

He has the wonderful gift, yes, gift of having and sharing a vision, of thinking, of caring.

And you know what, that gift is good. It is great for Geelong. It is great for people. It is really great for children. Trees grow and are living things. They are a great message that Geelong is alive and well and growing. Christmas trees are iconic.

Children love attractions, all people want something special to see.

Children bring families. Families bring wealth to our communities, families needs food, clothes, cars/petrol, services and so on. Families need attractions and to dream together. Now more than ever before in this crazy and at times frightening world.

As for state governments and their appointees the commissioners and their economic impact studies, all I can say is that their formulas for economic growth must have a glitch in them.

To believe they needed to do that economic impact study displays the gross lack of understanding of humanity, of the deep-rooted beliefs and hopes and dreams etched in the soul of every living being, and more particularly the living beings of Geelong.

Thanks big time to Darryn Lyons and supporters who have helped to make Geelong my favourite place to visit and stay. Thank God for you Darryn and for the joy you bring to Geelong. Denise den-Bakker, Frankston