Letters to the editor

They dug up the road and broke a water main. After fixing that, they laid down a new gravel road, only to dig it up again and lay down two membranes. Then they laid down the gravel again.

Today (Monday) they are digging up the gravel road again and removing the membranes so they can re lay two more membranes and hopefully seal the road.

Not only have we had to endure dust and noise for six weeks, but what a waste of money time and resources, including spraying water Saturday and Sunday to try to settle some dust.. There have been times when access has been difficult, but nobody warns us we may have problems. Our drive has a grader parked across it tonight.

Having your road dug up once is bad enough, but three times is ridiculous!

We are awaiting the next instalment as the water main may be at risk in this ongoing saga.

What is happening to our community recently?

Social media has been running hot with regard to girl guides and mothers being abused when holding meetings at their hall on Gundary Oval and ongoing vandalism to the new play equipment installed by Eurobodalla Shire Council. Police have been informed. Parents don't care. If this is not bad enough, a 90-year-old has his credit card and car stolen. When is enough, enough?

On Sunday, December 3, several of the Eurobodalla Shire’s councillors, including some senior staff, attended the Local Government Association NSW annual conference at the Hyatt Hotel in Sydney.

The conference concluded on Thursday, apparently allowing councillors and staff a day to get back home for the weekend. The association is in effect a “union” of council’s. Council’s pay an annual fee, supplied by the ratepayers.

Ratepayers, as reasonable and trusting people, would expect the shire’s representatives attending the conference at their expense to submit items for discussion.

Some public explaining is now necessary.

I am raising money for Veronika Tuckey, who is intensive care after she was in a horrific car accident.

We live in Batemans Bay.  We have never been wealthy people and are travelling to Sydney (St George Hospital) and back as often as we can and will be for the next few months or more.

I am trying to raise money for medical costs, rent, bills, accommodation and everything else that does not stop even when horrible things like this happen.

We have received the first bill for nearly $3000 for her specialist surgery and more costs will be forthcoming – $60 will pay for a nights accommodation for me and my mum in a Salvos hostel; $50 is probably enough to feed us both for a week.

Its a long road ahead, so anything will help us keep going. I just need to have a home for Veronika when she gets out of hospital. 

We have established a Go-fund Me page.

For many Australians, the festive season is one of joy and connection, where friendships and family are celebrated, food is shared and holiday plans are made. for others, that sense of togetherness, warmth and belonging will not be felt, and an acute sense of loneliness will take hold.

Christmas Day might be lunch for one, sleeping rough or spent with the paralysing uncertainty of not knowing where family is, after being separated because of war or conflict.

At Red Cross loneliness is not something to be ashamed of.

We’re there for people who have nobody else: calling and visiting, driving them to appointments, offering one-to-one support to those struggling with mental illness, or giving a warm welcome to those seeking safety from violence or persecution.

Red Cross is calling on you to make this the Season of Belonging: be kind on social media, say hello to your neighbours, volunteer or check on someone you know is in trouble. 

A donation will help us continue to work with half a million of the most socially excluded Australians to build the vital connections they need. You can help: redcross.org.au/act.