LETTERS & TEXTS

ANZAC DAY FOOTY SHOULD BE SHARED AROUND HOW is it that year after year lowly teams — this year in particular with Essendon (14th) and Collingwood (16th) — get to play in the big Anzac Day game?

The gates should be locked to keep the fans in.

With a total of two wins between them and no hope of making the eight, why are teams not accorded that honour on merit? Melbourne and Western Bulldogs deserve to strut their stuff on the MCG this year!

Little wonder that fans get turned off by such bizarre arrangements yet again. Gilbert Lovel, Highton

MERIT IN LETTING BELLARINE STAND ALONE

IT IS over a quarter of a century since Premier Kennett told the people of the Bellarine to like it or lump it when they were amalgamated into the City of Greater Geelong.

It is well time for a rational review of the services-to-rates ratio imposed by CoGG upon its residents and a serious look at the viability of a stand alone Bellarine council.

The CoGG has become a cumbersome giant where the right hand often neglects to let the left hand know what it’s doing.

This is especially true for its coastal villages, who should be given a change to decide for themselves. Judith Brooks, Barwon Heads

SECESSION TALK NO SIGN OF COUNCIL LEADERSHIP

AS someone who has been actively involved in local government for over 40 years, I was perplexed by the wish of the present mayor of the City of Greater Geelong to excise her ward (Bellarine) from the greater city.

How does this show leadership, and how does this promote a united council working for the benefit of the community? Priscilla Pescott, Belmont

MILITARY SOLUTION TO WHAT’S AILING SOCIETY

EIGHTEEN-month compulsory conscription for 20-year-olds should be implemented as a priority by the Morrison coalition.

More broadly, those who assume that even an effective vaccine roll out and follow up places a cap on more challenging times are living in a fool’s paradise.

A return to conscription, which should also be open to minor incarcerated offenders, not only would assist a stretched ADF but also open up ongoing defence force career opportunities.

HECS and trade training fees etc could be waived together with home loans assistance for those who successfully complete their 18month quasi tour of duty.

Also, there’s strength in numbers and the US alliance and now the quad trade-defence partnership (US, India, Japan and Australia) remain cornerstones to the country’s security platform. Locally, a bipartisan approach is paramount and hence the right hand has got to be in sync with what the left hand is doing.

In Victoria, which was once a great state; this compromised Anzac Day (and I love the footy and the gallops). Things are out of whack. Richard Worland, Manifold Heights

CATMAN’S PASSION WILL BE SORELY MISSED

SORRY Catman, that online trolls have driven you away and ruined your enjoyment.

Lots of people appreciated the fun, me being one.

Stay strong. Sandra Gangemi, Bell Park