Before then, I received a call from a women with a cultured English voice, saying: "This is NBN. You are having problems? I will switch you through to a technician."

I was connected to an accented voice who asked: "What is your problem, generally?" There was reference to my Qantas Visa card (with a Batemans Bay bank).

The "technician" said: "These persons in Europe, they have been trying to get your account details. We have been investigating and setting traps. Go to your bank and draw out $3000 and take it home. Then you will advise us and we will deposit a similar amount into your account, to set the trap."

I asked how they would do that and they replied: "You will give us your bank account details." SLAM!

I arranged new cards and pin for that account. I received 4-5 calls with the same cultured female voice. SLAM!

I was targeted by the same person (Bullied to tears) and know how this woman felt.

I had been having trouble with the NBN, so when "Telstra" called saying I had a problem they needed to fix, I fell for it. Bullying is a good description for how he acted and I was left panic stricken.

I was robbed of $20,000. I was told I am not being reimbursed by the bank as I had given access to my account and had authorised two large amounts to be taken. So much for net code, which did not contact me in relation to these transactions. These despicable people have been operating for months. I am glad your article highlighted this menace and hope it stops someone else being hurt.

As a council watcher for years, I reckon 99 per cent of work is done well.

Staff seem helpful and competent, streets are clean, garbage is collected, town water is of relatively high quality.

However public perception of council's direction has changed and not for the better. Previous general managers were more visible and participated in discussions in the media or in public meetings.

We are seeing corporate CEOs in the media, responding to the need for an informed public, hopefully confident in their transparent governance. If they aren't seen to do the right thing, their boards usually act.

Maybe our past mayors and councillors were more savvy, seeming interested in what their constituents had to say. Rarely do we see "questions on notice" tabled in response to a concern. Certainly there were more opportunities for such representation to be seen to be done and more sincere and frank public debates. Public council meetings were more frequent (32 in 2010 vs 18 this year!) and a wider range of issues were debated and reported on. 

The banking inquiries and the ABC kerfuffle are examples of what not to do. In many instances, the troubles could be attributed to board-sanctioned arrogance - not to mention greed - believing they were the chosen ones who knew best and could get away with (not quite) murder.

There were criticisms of council in the past, but issues were more sympathetically accepted. Previous mayors and GMs said: "See me after the meeting and we'll sort it out."

Our council seems to be like a mushroom farmer, cutting communication and imposing draconian measures to exclude criticisms. The result is declining respect. The best way to earn respect is to show it.

Councillors, please consider improving council's standing by involving and communicating with your constituents, not how to cut them out.