The carols night is conducted by the Bodalla Uniting Church; (The Little Church in the Trees); is happily and voluntarily supported by the good folk from the Bodalla Fire Brigade; usually just called the 'Firies', and the public do their bit by coming along.

This is the first time we have used a choir in this way, and look forward to being even bigger and better with their help in the future. They were wonderful, and we also thank you for your support.

Noel Smart, Bodalla carols coordinator

Here’s hoping we haven’t missed it!   Last week at a gobal meeting of world leaders, the most important and challenging decision in history was being addressed.  What were we willing to do to save and care for our incredibly beautiful  and extraordinarily complex planet - our home.

Never before has she needed our assistance - never before had she had any of her creatures capable of abusing her.

Will we continue to remain focused on working out how ‘financially viable’ it will be for us to cease our destructive activities and practices? Or will we shift our focus totally to her and her well-being and ALL be willing to make whatever changes to our life style and activities she is needing?

If our leaders are caught in a huge ego web of power- play and grooved thinking and can’t, or choose, not to allow anything to interfere with our lifestyle and practices – then the choice is ours.  What are we willing to do?  We’re certainly waking and beginning to speak out strongly.  The Peoples’ Parliament’ recently gave me hope.

It’s a critical, historical challenge.  Are we up for it?

I believe we are - but it will call for the noblest, deepest, wisest, most courageous, creative and generous parts in each of us - individually and collectively. 

P. deLaney, Narooma

Increased council rates flow on to increased rentals, impacting those least able to afford them. They also raise costs for small businesses, which are equally unable to afford them. When these increases are well above the cost of living increase, it can mean serious social and economic implications for the community. 

The state government sees amalgamations as the best way to deliver much-needed efficiency and control local government costs.  There may be other options, but if councils such as Eurobodalla’s refuse to engage with the public on the issue, we will never know.

Ratepayers have been stung with a 20 per cent rate rise, rentals are rising, and the availability of rental properties declining. Small businesses are feeling the pinch, and we have been declared one of NSW’s most disadvantaged shires by the nation’s largest church group.

It is unhelpful for the mayor and his fellow Narooma councillor to ridicule our MP - also a NSW minister, and the person most able to help the shire out of the current economic malaise. 

The MP has reacted strongly to the mayor’s rebuke, but this is understandable when he has been “stonewalled” in the same manner many residents have been treated by this council over many years. 

The Eurobodalla Business and Community Forum (EBCF) asked the council some time ago to give the community the facts on amalgamation and let them make their own decision. It may be too late to open up this dialogue, but the council should at least acknowledge the problem and work with the state government in the broader interests of the shire and NSW.

Peter Hickman, EBCF