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HomeGazetteStatue probe

Statue probe

CONGRATULATIONS on the article Disable Cash Funding Statue (Gazette, 6 November).
Impressive investigative journalism.
Under no circumstances can it be deemed acceptable to fund a statue using resources earmarked specifically to improve disability and aged care access and building infrustructure.
There are many community organisations crying out for funding so they can assist as many as possible.
What a slap in the face to see thta they may have missed out on a wheelchair ramp or other facility improvements because an unwanted statue has been funded and placed in High Street, Berwick.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras needs to explain how, in this case, the community grants program has been responsive to community needs.
No community needs a statue.
There should be a full investigation into how this has occurred and why there is a discrepancy in who actually receives the funding.
This will not be the end of this long-running saga.
The Spiridon Louis statue has been made possible through inappropriate funding and, as more information comes to light, it totally vindicates the Berwick community and its stance against this out of place statue.
Norm Morrish,
Secretary,
Residents, Ratepayers and Friends of Berwick Village.

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