BendimoWeekly ISSUE 739 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011
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www.bendigoweekly.com.au
www.movember.com
Money down the drain? – Page 5 ■Housing market on rise – Page 7
QEO
Pitch hits new high Page 33
Victory growth Classes boost for school Page 3
Christmas stars are out Decoration time Page 6
A festival of music
After 18 months of planning, perspiration and passion, the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival has finally arrived, and fes-
tival partner b.entertained has all the details on a four-day music event people of all ages can enjoy. Story Page 8
OPEN DAY Feature Page 18 and 19
By ANTHONY RADFORD
FOUR former mayors have backed a petition calling for an independent public review of the City of Greater Bendigo council. David Jones, Daryl McClure, Laurie Whelan and Norm Quin have thrown their support behind the review, which seeks improvement in the council and the way it runs. The Greater Bendigo City Council External Public Review Proposal
READY: Festival organiser Colin Thompson leads the musos to the show. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN
Mayors back council review
is the brainchild of community activists Ted Coleman and Michael McKenzie. Mr Coleman said an open and transparent review was needed to realign council with the community. “From time to time, good organisations have a look at themselves and restructure,� he said. “It has been six or seven years since the last council restructure,
and with the new ward system coming in at the next election this is an opportune time. “It is time to be bold and open. We want to draw a line under the past and give council an opportunity to move forward and seek positive ideas to strengthen council.� Mr Coleman said the review was not politically motivated and was not negative.
“There is an element of concern in the community at large with council,� he said. “However, we are also saying there are some good things they are doing. “This is not a witch hunt. It is an honest effort to see where council is at and how it can be improved.� Mr Coleman said the review would be split up into two parts –
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an internal and public review. “The internal review would have to be done by someone external from council,� he said. “Council is very good at reviewing itself. “The review needs to sit down with the council and ratepayers. Let’s all get together.
Continued Page 3 Tell us your thoughts Email: letters@bendigoweekly.com.au Write to: Letters to the Editor, PO Box 324, Bendigo 3552
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