Letters to the Editor: We could have been a merged council powerhouse

What could have been a very strong, united voice of approximately 65,000 population, with a lot more sway for government grants, has been lost thanks to a childish minority of protesters and a selfish council.

A chance to combat a couple of Nationals Party members who are blatantly pork-barreling to get everything for Dubbo and Bathurst with an obvious determination to ignore Orange.

However, Orange and surrounds is a very resilient area and continues to grow at a fast rate with or without State government help.

The inevitable uniting of all the great towns in this wonderful part of the Central West will happen and be one united voice eventually in any case, as a lot of smaller councils become unsustainable.

Pity Cabonne didn't have the forward thinking to see this. Good luck to ratepayers paying the court costs.

A great opportunity lost at least for now. Very childish, very selfish.

THROUGHOUT March communities around the world are dedicated to raising awareness of epilepsy, culminating in Purple Day on March 26 (International Epilepsy Awareness Day).

During this time, people wear purple and hold events to raise funds and awareness of the condition that will affect more than 800,000 Australians in their lifetime, and 50 million people worldwide. 

Sadly, due to social stigma and misconceptions, many people with epilepsy do not disclose their condition and live in fear of being ‘found out’.

This Purple Day, Epilepsy Action Australia would like to encourage communities to shine a light on epilepsy by lighting up purple a local landmark and raising funds for community education services to better the lives of those affected.

Interventions by Epilepsy Action Australia can help increase understanding in our communities, such as epilepsy awareness sessions, seizure first-aid training, and the Online Academy, which offers several courses about epilepsy for parents, carers, schools and healthcare professionals.

I would encourage your community to support Purple Day during March by simply making a donation or getting involved at www.epilepsy.org.au.

Please help shine a light on epilepsy this Purple Day and put your region on the map.

On behalf of all Australians living with epilepsy, thank you in advance to your readers for supporting Epilepsy Action Australia.

Your support helps to reduce isolation and ensure people living with the condition are able to live the best life possible.

Sincerely,