EX-MAYOR WALKS (Weekly, October 2)
■ Shane Bourke was a great councillor. His attempt at freedom is the city of Wyndham’s loss. Good luck, Shane. I admire the work you did on behalf of my city.
MARK SMITH \ VIA WEB
TRAINS TOO FEW, TOO LATE (Weekly, September 25)
■ The RACV is saying there is a need for more spending on public transport, yet it is throwing its weight behind the $8 billion waste of money that is the east-west toll road. There won’t be much money left for anything once they start ripping up Fitzroy and Royal Park.
PAUL/ VIA WEB
COUNCIL NEEDS TO LIFT GAME (Weekly, September 25)
■ We need more footpaths rather than grass for walking. There’s no shelter, toilets, water and a lack of public rubbish bins in parks in the Bluestone Green Estate. It’s starting to look like a rubbish tip in some parts. Dreaded grass-like plants that attract white tail spiders are an absolute disgrace, especially where the new rugby oval is.
CHRIS \ VIA WEB
MENTAL HEALTH FOR SENIORS
■ This week marks the Victorian Seniors Festival, which is a good time to focus on the role of older people in our community and the wonderful contribution they make.
It’s also time to remind people that as they get older, they don’t have to put up with depression and anxiety – and people shouldn’t think it “goes with the territory”.
Research by the National Ageing Research Institute suggests between 10 and 15 per cent of older people living in the community experience depression.
Research also shows that a quarter of older people wrongly think depression is a normal part of ageing; more than two-thirds believe it’s embarrassing to admit to having depression; and significantly fewer Australians over 65 recognise depression as a major mental health issue compared with younger people.
These figures highlight the importance of raising awareness among older people about the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and making seniors aware that their GP can advise on treatments.
When you’re older, you can be more likely to develop depression and anxiety because of physical health problems, loss of independence and self-worth, loss of relationships and social isolation.
If you are feeling down and sad, can’t be bothered participating in activities you once enjoyed or you’re having unexplained aches and pains, these could all be signs of depression or anxiety
If you talk to a health professional, you can get treatment which will make you feel better and allow you to live life more fully.
KATE CARNELL \ CEO, BEYONDBLUE
MANOR LAKES NAME PUSH (Weekly, October 2)
■ Make it happen, Wyndham council … Manor Lakes!
DRAJ \ VIA WEB
