The views expressed in recent editions of the Wangaratta Chronicle said so much about the current progressive and regressive attitudes of both state and federal politicians.

Tim McCurdy (Victorian National) and Bridget McKenzie (Federal National) are both doing their best to create division and spread misinformation and disinformation about what Treaty means in Victoria (McCurdy) and how ‘abandoning’ Net Zero (McKenzie) - and therefore any real commitment to the environment - is somehow a good thing.

What Mr McCurdy has failed to recognise is that Treaty is not for him (being a non-Indigenous, immigrant background, middle aged and middle-class male) and it will not negatively affect his life in anyway.

Treaty is for Indigenous Victorians, who for over 200 years have had very little to no voice and are striving for equality, reconciliation, truth telling and respect for their unique and ancient culture.

His letter could well fuel racism and hate speech.

There will be no land grabs and if anyone were to suggest that, then they are being deliberately vexatious in attempting to create division and panic.

Ms McKenzie has clearly shown that the Nationals have no plan beyond the usual rhetoric – drop ‘Net Zero’ - and to transition to ‘Zero Plan’.

Why should Australia wait for other countries?

What is this, frankly weird, obsession with not ‘getting ahead’ of other countries – so Australians should not see themselves as leaders?

What a great message to send to younger Australians – don’t lead, don’t innovate, don’t seek solutions, don’t try and make the world a better place for all.

It seems that the Nationals only plan is to drill for more gas, dig up more coal and merrily skip down the ‘Yellow-cake Road’.

Dr Haines’ letter shows how a balanced, sensible, scientifically informed approach to the environment and policy making can be achieved with the right attitudes and genuine commitment to positive and progressive change.

She has fully supported the community of Yackandandah to develop their Yack01 and Yack02 solar arrays and battery storage – this type of innovation will forever put the nuclear debate back where it belongs – the bin.

So, let’s lead Australia, let’s not wait any longer, let’s show the world how it can be done – without hysteria, without division, without lies.

We are better than that.

Jacquie Walpole, Whorouly South

Zonta ladies thank community for support

On behalf of Zonta Wangaratta members, we wish to sincerely thank all the donors from our local community, both individuals and local companies, who so very kindly donated items to our recent Silent Auction Dinner held at the King River Café on Saturday, 15 November.

Our generous donors were: Beechworth Honey, Friends of Zonta, Greg Arnoldussen, Inside Living, Linen House, Marci Murray, Monroes Hairdressing, MulbrySilk (Wollongong), Naomi Petti, North Eastern Electrical, Ramsay’s Pharmacy, REPCO, TallowNOW, Zonta members.

Some 60 guests attended the dinner and the silent auction raised the amazing sum of nearly $6000 – all of which will be used as funding to go towards the many awards we offer to women and girls in our community.

Without this generosity from our community, we would not be able to undertake the work that we do to promote a better world for women and girls.

A big than you also to the King River Café staff who never fail to produce a most welcoming smile, wonderful food and a lovely ambience.

Thank you again to this wonderful community for their magnificent support.

Elizabeth Wilson, president Zonta Wangaratta