Member for Barwon MP Kevin Humphries does not support the re-opening of Vickery coal mine. This region however requires economic growth and employment which such a mine will provide. I was of the opinion that our environmental impact assessment would cover all matters relative to the development and be duly considered prior to a decision on the mine. It appears Mr Humphries does not require all the facts to form his decision.

If Mr Humphries has nothing to do in his electorate he may wish to assist a dog catcher at Moree to catch dogs that have been biting the school kids going to school, as reported on the news.

I was previously employed at the original Vickery Mine from its commencement up to closure by Rio Tinto. Involved in negotiations on the low level bridge and haul road across Barlows property, paid for by Rio Tinto including full maintenance of the road and bridge, also incorporated a very generous weekly payment to Barlows family.

The low level bridge would have a greater restriction to river flow than a railway bridge above the flood height. Is it ok to "risk such a beautiful valued resource for the sake of a bit more cotton?" Everybody deserves the opportunity to obtain employment in their local region, keep our kids here after school.

Thank god for Kevin Anderson in the Gunnedah electorate.

Ron Fuller, 

Gunnedah

Follow up from Sandra Thomson’s letter 4/5. The problem with heavy infestations of khaki weeds at the showground. I totally agree with the contents of her letter, but would also like to add that the perennial kikuyu lawn in the main arena has also been badly neglected through lack of adequate watering as large sections on the southern end and around the parameter have died and are now overgrown with weeds.

Council has been shortsighted in saving a dollar, but there will now also be considerable cost to replant the kikuyu in the arena. With a two-day campdraft and a three-day showjumping festival coming soon, the arena will look a sorry state. For many years showjumpers have congratulated Gunnedah on the condition of the arena.

Peter Mitchell, 

Gunnedah

More than four decades ago the Community's Own Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service was established. At that time, volunteers from the Surf Life Saving Association manned the choppers that formed the weekend beach patrols.

Today in this highly professional 365-days a year operation that now reaches well beyond the Hunter into the communities across northern NSW and much of the work is done by full-time skilled employees. However, there is still the need for additional skills that are provided by more than 1000 registered volunteers working from 37 groups.

The Rescue Helicopter Volunteers provide a number of services including manning of exhibitions and education activities, working with marketing and administrative personnel and much more. The Volunteers through Support Groups raise essential funds within local communities while assisting them raise the awareness of the Service and its place within the emergency care chain.

While our trained pilots and crews and the medical teams from the NSW Ambulance and Health deliver people to emergency and medical care the work of our Volunteers make it all possible.

This is a critical part of the Service’s ability to deliver on its commitment to ensure that no one will ever have to pay to be assisted by the Rescue Helicopter. Our funding model is a community partnership. 

It means that the funds that are raised from the community, are combined with those that are provided through NSW Ambulance and Health to make sure that people who are assisted are done so without a direct cost to them.

The sound of the beating blades of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is the most-welcome sound for those in need. The Volunteers help us to ensure that the beat of the blades continues to be available to all those in need in our community.

Thank you to all the volunteers in our community - we are much richer for your work. If you are interested in volunteering for the service please visit: www.rescuehelicopter.com.au/SupportUs/Volunteers or call 1800 155 155

Richard Jones OAM

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service CEO

I urge world leaders to take up the wise advice of Pope Francis and play a key role to settle the dispute between North Korea and US through mediation. The Pope has rightly pointed out that if this conflict escalated to a war, a good part of humanity would be destroyed. 

Once war erupted, allies on both sides of the conflict would be forced into a full fledged nuclear war and there would be no other option left for perusal by any party.  

Further sanctions on North Korea may not ease the present tension. If US allies really want to resolve this conflict peacefully, they need to extend a friendship hand. We should remember that there is no winner in the war. War brings devastation for the human, without any distinction. 

Humanity is already suffering due to the Middle Eastern conflict, and natural disasters. Let’s play our role in easing the suffering of humanity.

Usman Mahmood, South Bowenfels