Thank-you to the two ladies who found my wallet in Lamont Street, Bermagui on December 31.

They tracked me down and quickly returned it. Reward was refused.

Barry Blows

Miranda

(From the classifieds)

Unbelievable, I’m dumbfounded

I am totally dumbfounded by the letter from ex-Deputy Mayor Janette Neilson (NN 31/12/14; BDN 2/01/14) regarding the apology required for the inappropriate behaviour of the then Mayor Tony Allen.

Firstly, I was a party to the original decision to write a letter of complaint regarding the Mayor’s actions after hearing eye-witness accounts from four people present that day.

Secondly, it was Tony Allen who commenced litigation against Sr Laurel Lloyd-Jones for defamation, not the other way around, resulting in it being held in the NSW District Court that he conducted himself inappropriately and bullied and intimidated Mrs Muriel Campbell.

Thirdly, though it is true that “a defamation case (was) won by Cr Allen with costs and damages awarded to him in relation to the matter”, Mrs Neilson seems to ignore the fact that half of the imputations from that original trial were overturned on appeal.

Fourthly, following publication of the results of the retrial of Cr Allen’s defamation action, I was one of the people who lodged a Code of Conduct Complaint with Bega Valley Shire Council based on those findings from his own litigation against Sr Laurel.

Finally, after investigation of our complaints, the matter went before Council who decided to publish only part of the findings of their own investigation.

“Personal vendetta”? “Unjust”? I feel that Mrs Neilson needs to examine where the vendetta and injustice really lie. I also wait with interest for the next move.

Seán Burke

Central Tilba

Thanks Ambos

My little girl just got sliced up at handkerchief beach. Wasn't sure where to go on a Sunday so popped into the Ambulance service. Didn't get his name but very pleased with the beautiful care and help provided. Love the Narooma way! Always helpful and friendly.

Trish Foster

(From Narooma News’ Facebook)

Emotional outburst

While it is understandable that Ms Neilson’s reaction would be to jump to the defence of her good friend, I am amazed that you would publish such an emotional outburst that ignores the outcome of two further court cases, an appeal and a re-trail, as well as whatever local council investigation it seems has resulted in Councillor Allen being directed to apologise for his behaviour.

The events Ms Neilson refers to have been examined at great length by five judges, the first’s findings, the only one she mentions, being largely overturned.

Ms Neilson also neglects to acknowledge that the court proceedings were initiated by Councillor Allen.

Had he not been so litigiously inclined he would not now be in a position of being required to apologise for a breach of Council’s Code of Conduct.

I don’t call it a vendetta. I call it justice…and that’s what makes it a Happy New Year.

Kerri Holman

Bermagui

Council needs to disclose recommendations

“Bega Valley Shire Councillor must say sorry” (NN Dec 31.)

The first issue about Tony Allen’s visits to the Campbells is not what he said or how he behaved at the time, but whether he was welcome on their property.

A District Court judge found that “he bullied a woman (Mrs Campbell) and intimidated her by acting in a bullying and overpowering manner over the phone”.

The second issue is whether Mr Allen should remain as a councillor after an investigation found that he had breached the local government code of conduct when he was mayor.

The third issue is whether the Bega Valley rate payers were required to cover Mr Allen’s court costs and if so, should those costs be refunded by the former mayor due to his breach of the local government code of conduct.

Finally it will be interesting to see if the Director of Local Government will decide that the council needs to disclose the full recommendations of the investigator's report.

Bernard Lagarenne

Merimbula

Justice needs to be done

I was pleased to see the story (Narooma News, 31 Dec 2014) concerning a public apology for Muriel Campbell, since it helps move a complex and harrowingly over-long dispute towards resolution.

This sorry saga has been an extremely difficult and highly emotional experience for everyone concerned, and a letter from the ex-Deputy Mayor of Bega (also published on Dec. 31, 2014) certainly doesn’t help the healing process by brazenly ignoring the fact that the original defamation judgement had been substantially overturned.

Personally, I have long admired the compassionate wisdom, humanity and honesty of Franciscan Sister Laurel Lloyd-Jones, whose Good Samaritan act on behalf of Muriel Campbell rests at the heart of this matter, and – in my opinion - justice will never be done (or seen to be done) until Laurel, herself, is also granted a public apology.

Ian McFarlane

Wallaga Lake NSW

Apology is deserved

In response to Janette Neilson’s letter published last week regarding the public apology councillor Allen has been ordered to give to Muriel Campbell after he was found to have breached the local government code of conduct.

Councillor Allen did come to Bermagui in 2006, he came in the capacity of Bega Valley Shire Mayor, after a plea from the Campbell family and other parties raising similar issues and concerns at that time requiring his assistance and help.

The problems could have and certainly should have been handled a lot better by the ‘professionals’ who also came to Bermagui to assist and aid a family in crisis.

The whole unfortunate situation had such an unproductive result with no substantial outcome.

It is fitting that this apology take place and after eight years, your perseverance and patience has paid off.

Muriel, accept this apology on behalf of Gary and the rest of your family, you deserve it.

Kerry and Donald Wells

Bermagui