Again, as in previous years, you dug deep into your pockets, which has enabled us to raise  $2750 for the Starlight Children's Foundation. We have had some lovely comments from all over the world via Facebook and also everyone who visited my home.

Special thanks to Graeme Osborne and Makayla Spires for their wonderful music; Julian and Marg for the generous donation from the ice creams you sold; John and Margaret Gellibrand, for the glow sticks and lollies; Ron and Tralee Snape, for the great Christmas tree; Kristy and Troy Beecham for the lolly bags handed out on Christmas Eve. It’s very much appreciated.

To Elfin John, your assistance has been fantastic, and a big thank you to my grandchildren, the little elves Eden and Ebony Bennett, of Coffs Harbour, and Mrs Claus (my wife Karen).

A safe and happy 2017.                                                                       

Trevor Bennett OAM

North Narooma

It’s been wonderful to see so many visitors to Narooma this year.

Businesses who choose to shut their doors, or limit their opening hours at this busy time of year, can blame no one but themselves for any downturn in takings.  

Some businesses say "no" when asked to put a flyer in their front window to promote a local event. Such promotions bring people to town and, thereby, people flow into local businesses.

Some who say "no" are the ones who whinge the loudest when business is slow.

Well done to those who keep their doors open - they deserve kudos for making the effort to give visitors somewhere welcoming when others have closed their doors.

Julie Creagh

Narooma

With the invasion of the masses eagerly embracing our beautiful marine environment, so come those who lack the understanding of how dangerous it is, let alone illegal, to approach sleeping seals at the Narooma breakwater. 

The few seals hauling out at present are males (and an occasional female) and, as it is breeding season, these males can be aggressive, particularly if feeling threatened. 

This a timely reminder to all enjoying viewing the seals at close proximity in their natural environment: there are exclusion zones; if a seal is in the water, 10 metres; on land, 40 metres or, for pups, 80 metres.

The sign at the breakwater clearly states regulations. Even though the pathway is closer than the distances mentioned above, people must be aware that approaching the seals (throwing objects or disturbing) is not permitted and disrupts their much-needed rest and recovery from foraging.

If everyone observes from the pathway, the seals will continue to haul out and everyone can obtain that perfect picture. If people wait long enough they will observe interesting natural interactions between the seals.

We love our seals and want to share the joy, however, I and a few others have been challenged recently, having to educate those that either miss the signage or are unware of the correct viewing distances.

I would encourage people to be observant and those wanting a greater seal enrichment experience to take a charter boat to Montague Island. They can snorkel, dive or view hundreds of seals; they may even spot some pups. 

The seals are a welcoming tourist attraction; let’s encourage all to follow the regulations to ensure this phenomenon blossom.

Marie Clee

Potato Point, Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) volunteer