That flash of light occurred for me last week when my good friend from Bermagui rang to tell me that she, her husband and other friends had raised over $500 for the Hobsons Bay Refugee Network's “whitegoods project”. 

The following day, I was given $100 by my old next-door neighbour - who's grumpy with the party that gave him life membership a couple of years ago, but which now - according to him - "is betraying Labor principles to please the voters of Western Sydney". 

Combining this with the Bermagui gift, we can purchase re-conditioned (and tested) washing machines for five asylum seeker families living here, in Melbourne’s western region.

These are the “boat people” - the ones who are not allowed to work. 

They're all cold (it was freezing in Melbourne this winter and they can't afford heating), but they can still acknowledge that they're better off than those who are on Christmas Island, Nauru or Manus.

You can imagine how much difference such acquisitions make to their lives - especially to those carrying injuries from past mistreatment, or from violence inside detention centres.

And when “the washing machine man” gives us his discount (he always does) we're going to have enough left to buy some toys for the little mites in MITA (Maribyrnong Immigration Transfer Accommodation Centre).  

It's a prison for very new mothers who've been brought from the “hell-holes” to give birth here because of the paucity of decent standard obstetric facilities in those places. 

When their babies are exactly six weeks old, they are shipped back to the offshore camps with their sad, sad mothers - and the little siblings who sometimes accompany their mums on these miserable journeys. 

We like buying them new toys to accompany the pre-loved ones that we can also give them.

Thanks Bermagui friends for adding a bit of light to the lives of these desperate, scared people who - for the moment, anyway - are now living among us.

Ann Morrow

Williamstown

To the person who placed my wallet in my letterbox, I thank you!

As there was no money in it when I lost it, it was the cards and the few personal items important to me that worried me.

Nothing was removed from my wallet and I thank you for your honesty!

Being on a very limited income I really appreciate not having to replace anything.

Thank you again.

Bev Davies

Bega

Superannuation for the majority of us is currently 9.5 per cent, and was due to rise next year to 10 per cent, rising gradually to 12 per cent by 2019. 

The Abbott Liberal/National government (via the repeal of the mining tax) has seen to it that we will not see any rise beyond 9.5 per cent until 2021. 

Our local federal member Peter Hendy is part of the Abbott Liberal/National government and voted in parliament accordingly to restrict our superannuation increases. 

Let it be known that Peter Hendy currently receives 11.5 per cent superannuation, thanks to us taxpayers. 

Peter, are you with us or against us? 

Greg Terrey

Bega

I have recently discovered that another much-loved and familiar face at Australia Post will be heading her way into her next life's chapter - and that is Ros. 

When my partner and I moved to the Bega Valley 14 years ago, Ros was one of those reliable, knowledgeable and quirky (in the nicest of ways) people at the post office. 

She has remembered my PO Box, when I get a package in, and always been there to say happy birthday to us or our child. 

Her hard work and pleasant nature has been a pleasure for all our community. 

We'll miss you over the counter Ros and wish you well for your future adventures.

Corinne Markov

Brogo