More than just bricks and mortar
I note with interest a letter by Rod Hayes telling of the loss of his Termeil home in the Currowan Fire (MUT Dec 17).
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He says, "A house is a home, not just possessions".
Sadly, many have lost homes, outbuildings, infrastructure and to some extent, livelihoods.
But I believe Rod Hayes situation is unique.
Hayes is an artist and retired architect and I feel it's worth noting that his entire low-impact lifestyle was created entirely by him.
From the purchase of the raw land more than thirty years go, Rod personally designed and built everything from the ground up using re-purposed materials.
He went on to conceive an individual way of living, filled with imagination, heart and creativity.
I believe that this is what is lost, not just bricks and mortar.
For those interested, an online funding project has been set up to help this well-known local identity recover from the loss and start over.
R. Hollingworth, Kings Point
Community interested in health and wellbeing
Never have I read such a gross attempt to provide misinformation to the community, than by Mr Cook.
Not the first time Mr Cook has misrepresented himself in the community.
The only vested interest we have is in the health and wellbeing of the entire community. The primary purpose of the proposed Canoe/Kayak boatshed is to enable the wider community to be able to participate in a healthy physical activity, such as paddling.
Age and ability - both mental and physical - are no barrier to canoe and kayak paddle sports. This can't be achieved without equipment, that is, canoes.
The Outrigger canoes are over 40ft long weigh 160kg and carry 6 people; they are expensive and need to be stored close to the water to allow for use by all.
P. Watkins, Mollymook
Stop the political talk
Politicians in NSW your real enemy is the fires destroying much of NSW.
Bury the political speak, bury the condescending statements that Rural Fire Service volunteers have all they need ...basically wake up and show some leadership.
Why do local RFS Volunteers only have one uniform? Basic dust masks? Why don't NSW RFS trucks have proper rollover protection? Why do volunteers need to wait for gear replacement?
If you volunteer at a charity shop that is one thing, it is totally different when you put your life on the line! If the NSW government could be sacked this is a good reason.
I say fix it now as you the Government reap a massive income through the fire levy on insurance policy holders...ps mine went up 13.5 % this year. My premium up by 3.5%. And Labor do your job as well!
R. Davies, Tomerong
PM BUSY PUTTING OUT THE POLITICAL FIRE HE CAUSED
Whilst apologising for any offence he may have caused by quietly going on holiday in Hawaii during Australia's bushfire crisis, our Prime Minister's half-hearted excuses for doing so are less than convincing.
In particular I noted one particular justification, which was along the lines of, that he wouldn't be missed because he wouldn't have been actually able to help put out fires.
This is analogous to excusing himself for not visiting a friend in hospital, because he has no medical expertise. I think he'll be fairly busy for some time putting out the political fire that his absence has caused.
I will also be interested to see how he spins this one without mentioning climate change. It will certainly put the expertise he has acquired from his time in the advertising industry to the test.