Is innocence about just buying a top legal team, a technicality or a plea deal? 

Has the justice system prostituted itself so far that it fails to see a public long gone cold on “this measure of justice”?

Aren’t these court-appointed officials the very people who are sworn to protect the Australian people, not just the perpetrators? 

An innocent person being denied bail and having to prove that they are no threat to society would be terrible, but not as terrible as the rape and murder of children, young women or our elderly.

Innocent?

Cherie Mitchell

Bega

 Congratulations to Daniel Murphy and the Bega Valley Shire Council on their project to rehabilitate Kiss’s Lagoon. 

I am encouraged to know that our council is sending a strong message to the community that it cares about our environment. 

For too long nothing has been done in our region to eliminate invasive weeds in urban landscapes and to protect our waterways.

I frequently hear people complaining about the lack of native birds and the predominance of Indian miners, sparrows and starlings. 

It is up to all of us to provide suitable habitats for these birds to survive. 

They need indigenous native plants for their food. 

Hopefully it is the council’s intention to replant this area with Australian plants. 

We can all do our bit by doing that in our own backyards.

Not only is the council rehabilitating Kiss’s Lagoon, it has provided funding through an environment grant to the Australian Plants Society, to replace invasive weeds with native plants in the Bega Park near the swimming pool. 

This is an ongoing project for the APS and has resulted in cotoneasters, privets and broom being removed. 

Invasive weeds take over our environment and are not half as attractive or useful as our native species.

Our waterways too are suffering from neglect. 

Take a look at the Bega River, which is choked with basket willows, bamboo, wandering jew and cape ivy. 

Council’s action in rehabilitating Kiss’s Lagoon hopefully is just the start of a long involvement in caring for our unique environment. 

This region is recognised for its natural beauty and I commend council for beginning to set an example. 

Local residents can play a part too by planting native plants and by supporting council in its endeavours.

Jan Robilliard

Kalaru

It was a delight to open up Friday’s edition of the BDN to find a 2015 calendar enclosed.  

The 150-year celebration and the design are intriguing.  

Those businesses supporting the publication are indeed fortunate to have their message projected in such a form.  

A great job, well done.  

Thank you.

Shirley Fogwell

Bermagui

Editor’s note: Thanks very much Shirley. A lot of effort does go into our calendars and it’s great to see them being received so positively. I’m also glad the teaser for the BDN’s 150th celebration sparked some intrigue! We will have much more to say on this in coming weeks, but it’s sure to be a big event. Stay tuned.