Statistics show that teenagers who volunteer their time to community projects have a 27 per cent more likely chance of getting a job than those who don't volunteer and there is no doubt that what these teenagers achieved yesterday certainly betters our community as a whole. They did a terrific job, as is evident from the pictures I took and as most of you know, pouring a concrete path is something we usually leave to the professionals (not to teenagers). Well, these teenagers proved themselves equal to the task and the result of their hard work was as good as any professional work that I have seen.

These young volunteers are worth their weight in gold. They shared their time without any compensation and therefore I feel it is crucial that we acknowledge their contribution and let them know that they are valued. To all those young people that volunteered their time yesterday, I want to say thank you so much for for your hard work. The result of your efforts are living proof of your tremendous work and I don't think anyone could have done a better job. I am sure the communities of Bawley Point and Kioloa are pleased and proud that you shared your time for the benefits of all.

As is fitting after any concrete pour, the official signing of names into the concrete of those involved on the day had to done and I hope I captured all their names in the pictures I took. I was also touched by the words that were inscribed on the edge of the pathway, quoting Nelson Mandela; “It always seems impossible until it's done.”

In years to come, these young people will be able to bring their children to this spot and proudly show their name etched into the concrete and declare, “I was here and I helped make this path!”

S. Craig, Bawley Point RFS President, Secretary and Community Engagement Officer.

As a concerned constituent of the Gilmore electorate I have contacted our local member, Ann Sudmalis, on several occasions on the live export expose.

Like so many Australians concerned about the inhumane and absolute cruelty of this abominable live export trade I have been doing what I can to let our politicians know how I feel and what I expect of them as fellow human beings.

Many concerned about animal cruelty and stopping live export have been campaigning hard on a daily basis to make a difference and to do so now.

If this issue is not resolved and live export is not stopped, it will be a Federal election issue.

I realise that farmers are also business people making decisions on a daily basis about market trends and viability. Some politicians have even suggested that ending this trade will make them crumble. This will not occur if the “powers that be” stand up for farmers and provide the essential leadership and the restructuring required to transition from a cruel trade to a more beneficial one for animals and people. Doing so will provide the necessary infrastructure and support at home in Australian-grown industries.

I have yet to hear back from our local member and will be following closely how she votes on any Bill coming before Parliament and during the Federal election campaign.