I can report that I regard it as a serious public health issue and have been actively talking to key stakeholders in seeking a common outcome.

This matter has principally been one focused on Queanbeyan where I have had a number of discussions with Mayor Tim Overall.  

However, it potentially stretches across the region.  

There has been the possible identification of a limited number of affected houses in the Eurobodalla and the Palerang shires and I have had discussions with Mayors Lindsay Brown and Pete Harrison respectively.  

I have also had discussions with Mayor Bill Taylor from the Bega Valley.  

I am of course open to consultations with all the mayors who suspect that their constituents may be affected.  

I have also spoken to the ACT Chief Minister Katie Gallagher about the issue. 

I regard the matter as bipartisan and well above politics.  

Federal, State, Territory and local governments need to work together to deal with the issue.  

I have already had two meetings with the relevant Federal Minister, Eric Abetz.  

To date, the issue for NSW residents, from a Federal perspective, is different from that in the ACT.

The Federal Government funding in the ACT for remediation where asbestos has been found is a legacy issue that is a holdover from when that government ran the territory.  

Since this issue emerged in the 1980s it has always been understood that it was a state or territory issue.  

In that light I have also discussed the matter with the NSW Member for Monaro, John Barilaro, and the Member for Bega and NSW State Treasurer, Andrew Constance.  

They have also been proactive on the matter.  

All levels of government need to participate in dealing with this public health concern and I will continue to represent my constituents to get the best outcome we can.

Dr Peter Hendy MP

Member for Eden-Monaro

This letter is to thank the Bega Salvation Army for the special service and celebrations that were held recently. 

The celebrations recognised the efforts of volunteers who help this organisation to fulfil its important activities in the community. 

Regular members of the corps were the first to be thanked. 

But the many extra visitors were the volunteers who helped collect funds for the recent Red Shield Appeal.

They came from various churches, community organisations and even some schools.

An amazing total of $34,075.50 was the final amount raised in the Bega Valley Shire.

Corps officers Lesley Newton and Karen Harrison distributed thank you certificates to everybody. 

And we were delighted to hear Lesley say, "We never take volunteers for granted. They are the people who help to keep the Army marching. This love and care for others makes a difference and helps build community. New volunteers are always welcome."

A special DVD showed how some of the funds are used to provide rehabilitation to overcome people's addiction to alcohol and drugs. 

This was followed by a delicious lunch. 

Thank you Karen, Lesley and team for this encouragement.

Next year we will all return to help raise funds for an even larger target. 

Perhaps some of us may even consider participating in training for the Salvation Army Emergency Services Program which was mentioned and will be held soon.

Thank you again.

Leona and Brian Cairns

Bega