Residents, some years back, raised funds to get the council to put a playground at the river. Residents raised half the money and council matched it to put play equipment in. At the plan reveal and residents' meeting on the site of the playground, the council wanted to cut down all the trees planted many years ago by the town's people. We objected and suggested that, as the play equipment wasn't in yet, it would be better to move it a couple of metres and keep the lovely shade trees. One tree in particular, which had special meaning, the residents didn't want touched. We suggested the council prune the lower branches to keep the trees healthy and safe. We made it clear we wanted the trees. The council agreed to leave it and two other trees and move the equipment site. Years later, after no pruning, some of the lower branches broke in gale force winds. The council used this as an excuse to cut down a tree.

It is very open and hot at the park and, in spring, summer and autumn, people are always sitting in the shade of the trees. In holidays, there is no room for everyone. We have one shade tree left. It is next to the BBQ shelter and the bottom branches need pruning, which I'm sure the council will use as an excuse to cut it down. There is no respect as to what the local residents want. Locals have a better idea of what is needed than the council down in Moruya. No one else is allowed to cut down trees because they feel like it.

The council has also removed the swing set for "safety reasons". What about every other park which still has swing sets? I was at the Bateman's Bay Smoke Point park with my grandchildren last week and there are many trees and a swing set.

COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network - is encouraging people in South Eastern NSW to register for the Consumer Health Panel and have their say on a range of health care issues or services that impact upon them, their family or friends.

The panel is an exciting opportunity for people to share their experiences of health care. Since December 2016, the network has sent out one survey each month and received valuable feedback from people about a variety of health topics including pharmacy, mental health, chronic pain, drug and alcohol and My Health Record.

More than 90 per cent of panel participants said they would recommend the panel to others. One participant said: "The surveys are quick, well designed and easy to complete (the online survey works!)."

Another participant said: "I recommend that others join ... I think it's important for everyone to have a say about our health services."

Volunteers will be invited to complete a 5-10 minute survey once a month, via mobile or desktop. The network will keep you updated about what the panel said, share useful links, and let you know how your responses are helping with planning.

Health care is everybody's business. The panel is a great opportunity to share their thoughts on the health topics that matter to them - and in turn help us improve services at a local level.

We invite all residents, aged 18 years or older, to consider joining the panel. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to join, as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability and the LGBTIQ+ community.

Sign up www.coordinare.org.au/consumerhealthpanel

On October 11, the world celebrated International Day of the Girl. In many ways, 2019 has really been the year of the girl. We've seen girls finding their voice and campaigning for change.

Plan International Australia, the charity for girls' rights, surveyed Australian girls about social justice and 91 per cent said they were eager to lead positive changes for the future. Girls want to be heard and when they are given the chance, they do amazing things. Just look at the impact Swedish teenager and climate activist Greta Thunberg has had in just a year.

Unfortunately, not every girl gets the chance to be heard. Right now, millions of girls are being married as children; forced out of school. Half the world's population is being held back by inequality, but it doesn't have to be this way.

That's why we have launched our Give Equal campaign, a fun campaign every Australian can get behind to help us to lift girls out of poverty, so they can realise their potential and pursue their dreams. A better "now" for girls, means a better future for everyone.

Sign up at www.giveequal.org or call 13 75 26.