I read with interest the letter to the Chronicle regarding new blood in Business Wangaratta.

Yes, very strong people with the can-do attitude which is so good to hear at it appears so much needs to be sorted out.

Too often you hear 'buy local', 'support the local business', only to see new parking metres driving customers away.

Until now we have heard 'we can't do this' and 'we can't do that' with no positive ideas at all.

Yes, both Dean (Rees) and Casey (McPhail) have proved they know how to run a business but also care about our community so I'm pleased to hear of their involvement.

Ron Harrigan, Wangaratta

Politicians caught with their snouts in the trough again

The story about federal Labor MP Anika Wells living it high on the hog on taxpayers' money is a disgrace.

She keeps saying it is within the official entitlements but Anika should resign as a federal minister as it shows she has no respect for the taxpayer.

Just remember Barry O’Farrell the NSW premier was forced to resign over a bottle of expensive wine.

Also, I challenge Anthony Albanese's leadership as a leader worth his salt would immediately have these entitlements changed to stop this practice of “snouts in the trough” by all federal politicians

Malcolm Turnbull's credibility when Prime Minister also needs to be challenged for weakening such entitlements which meant open slather is okay.

His Snowy Mountains 2 project without doing any costing and engineering feasibility was another one of his poor decisions.

John Walker, North Wangaratta

Beyond Blue is here for you this holiday season

The festive season can be a joyous time for many people, as they take a well-earned break from work and school and spend time with family and friends.

It’s a time to rest and reset for the new year.

Yet for others, this time of year can be particularly difficult and distressing, and a time they hope will pass quickly.

It can bring additional financial pressures, strain relationships, and heighten feelings of loneliness.

The festive season may also intensify isolation, particularly for those separated from family or grieving the loss of a loved one.

So, as we head into the holiday break, we want Australians to know that regardless of what they’re dealing with, they don’t have to face it alone.

The Beyond Blue Support Service is free, confidential, and available around the clock, including on Public Holidays.

You can call 1300 22 46 36 or chat online at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support.

It’s common to put off seeking help because we can’t quite find the words to express our needs.

But when you contact us, you don’t have to know what to say.

Our skilled counsellors will meet you where you’re at and guide you towards where you need to be.

And finally, a big thank-you to everyone who has donated to Beyond Blue this year.

Our support service is run purely on donations, so your kindness and generosity allow us to always be there when people need us the most.

Georgie Harman AO, CEO of Beyond Blue