A huge thumbs up to the Wangaratta Co-Store for allowing motorists to use coins at the upper level parking.

Visitors are still confused about street parking in the CBD and don't want another app on their phone when they are just visiting here.

Whether it is once or twice a year or regularly, it is anti=shoppers.

Wendy Burgess, Wangaratta

Ride for the Kids in October

Ride for the Kids is Australia’s leading virtual cycling challenge which runs across October to raise vital funds and awareness for Brainwave Australia and kids with childhood brain conditions and the challenges faced by their families.

Every kilometre and dollar raised will support the funding for essential therapy, life-saving equipment, and moments of joy for the more than 1600 children and their families supported by Brainwave.

The number of families approaching Brainwave Australia for support has doubled over the last three years and the importance of Ride for the Kids as a means to support these families can’t be overstated.

All proceeds raised from Ride for the Kids will go directly to Brainwave Australia, the only national charity that supports kids and families impacted by childhood brain conditions.

Here’s How to Ride for the Kids in October:

• Register – All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate for free. Participants can sign up here at rideforthekids.org.au.

• Recruit – Ride on your own and get your friends, families or colleagues to sponsor you or make it a mission to have them join your team and ride together for this powerful cause.

• Ride – Get pedaling and raising money from riding a 10km spin around the neighbourhood or at the gym, taking on a challenging 298 km Paris - Roubaix, 1200km across the Nullarbor or go even further and complete the 3320km in the Tour de France route. Whichever distance you decide, every kilometer will go into raising necessary funds for the kids.

• Rewards – Get appreciated for your fundraising efforts with custom gear from cult cycling brand, Pedla, including a Kids Water Bottle when you raise $100, a high-performance Pedla Adventure Tee when you raise $250 and getting the official Pedla Ride for the Kids Cycling Jersey when you raise $500. Additionally, when you rally five people to join your team, each of them will score a Ride for the Kids cycling cap.

We are thrilled to be holding this event and hope to bring together every Australian for an important cause such as ours.

Many families are counting on us for support, and we hope you will all ride with us for the kids with brain injury.

Register for free at rideforthekids.org.au.

Paul Bird, Brainwave Australia CEO

Nobody can do it alone

Last week we marked Dementia Action Week (15–21 September), alongside World Alzheimer’s Day on Sunday.

The theme for this year, “Nobody can do it alone”, was a fitting reminder that connection and community support are vital for the more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia.

As co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia Australia, I have heard too often the stories of people diagnosed with dementia who lose contact with friends or feel isolated because of stigma. Yet support can be as simple as starting conversations that foster empathy and awareness.

Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia.

Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows 43 per cent of dementia risk is linked to modifiable factors such as maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, managing blood pressure, avoiding smoking, and looking after kidney health. These are small, practical steps we can all take to reduce risk.

Nobody can tackle dementia alone – it requires a team effort.

Dementia Action Week was an opportunity to reflect on how we can all play a role in building a more understanding, supportive community for people living with dementia and their families.

Annabelle Cleeland, Nationals MP and Shadow Assistant Minister for Health