BELOW is a selection of comments made by readers during the past week, reprinted as they appear on the BDN website and Facebook page.
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Van Ryn victims’ families thank community
These extremely brave children are a tribute to their parents also! The fact that these parents have believed and backed/supported their children is EXCELLENT, as it doesn't always go that way. I hope you all (children and parents alike) are as proud of yourselves as we, the community, are of you, you not only protected yourselves but prob many many innocent children too. It's ghastly that such monsters exist in our society but thanks to you all its a win for the good guys and one less predator!! Wishing you all the best in the future and hold your heads HIGH!
Angie N Linden Canby
So brave. We stand by our children in this community.
My only wish is that they can survive life now knowing this animal is behind bars. To the families god bless
Sandra Moscarda
What amazingly brave families to go through this horror.... A tribute to your parents/family for raising such spirited and courageous young human beings..To those brave kids especially - thank you for respecting yourselves and speaking out to bring this monster to justice.
Megan Marshall
I for one would like to thank the families of his victims.
If they had not raised their kids to show courage in the face of adversity, not listened to & believed them, this monster would still be on the prowl!!
We may have helped raise awareness, you people are responsible for the bravery of those who spoke out.
Bev Davies
To the families of these brave children you are all amazing xxx have a relaxing Christmas guys you deserve it.and remember the whole of the bega valley is behind you all
Caiti Dixon
You should be all very proud of yourselves. What you have done is so courageous. Walk tall and with your heads held high. I wish you all a very warm Christmas and a very safe and happy new year. You have touched everyone's hearts in the valley.
Donna Cummings
To these brave kids and there familys , u r all amazing people , brave is an under statement , I hope that some how all the kids can some how find peace and can continue on with there lifes .god bless to u al
Mechelle Decosta
Maurice Van Ryn has bail revoked
Finally, common sense has prevailed. Thoughts are with the victims, may they now start to heal.
Hannah Bee
I never could understand how he could be granted bail after admitting to committing such hideous crimes and reportedly having the financial means to flee!! Hopefully this decision restores some faith in the justice system for the victims, their families and those involved in prosecuting this animal
Michelle Russell
About time too! The only outcome that makes sense, be belongs in jail and deserves to suffer the consequences of his actions!
Megan Holmes
Drivers plucked from floodwaters
Seriously, who in their right mind would even try and attempt to get thru floodwater. Just a waste of SES time having to rescue people when they could be helping people that are in a crisis that didn't bring it upon themselves.
Kylie Carter
Buy a jeep they say ... it can go anywhere they say .... LOL
Frank Weiss
I want to know at what point did he go, "I've made a mistake"
Kieran Hayes
At least be polite enough to ensure no one is around when you enter the water, that way no big hearted person will risk thier life trying to save you because they can't just stand there and watch you die!
Giselle Savage
Road closed means road closed not drive through and put your life and the life of rescuers at risk.
Lyn Floss
Bega Bowling Club re-dressing
Our kids thought you had a rabbit plague.
Robert Jennings
Bega Medicare, Centrelink to share building
Medicare staff are helpful, friendly and greet you with a smile.. Hopefully they rub off on the Centrelink staff and make it more efficient and helpful
Kaycee Orum
Except that the Centrelink building is harder to access for people in a wheelchair. Plus there is only 1 parking space available out the front. Whereas the mail is far easier
Joanne Cole
We've had it like that in canberra for a couple years now and it's not that bad. They still have different staff, the waiting times aren't any longer and it's all in the one spot. There both government organisations so it makes sense to have them in the same building. It's also not that often you have to go to Medicare anymore as they've changed the payment system. I understand parking but isn't that also a council issue?
Tash Hood
ulladulla have medicare and centrelink in same office for years, good idea less rent the tax payer has to pay
Sharon Wilkinson
Watching and listening to what the centrelink staff have to deal with every day they do a great job
Melanie Lockerbie
No it's not the best way to go, same great staff, in Cooma but you have to wait forever to be helped, really confusing setup, it's a nightmare
Kim Owers Bolton
We have one of these in Tamworth- surprisingly enough, both medicare/centrelink are now much faster to serve you and there is no mucking around.
I hope it works as well for you down there, as it is up here.
Bruce'n Jo Russell
BDN Christmas Toy Drive
Nice to know that kids are still being taught to think about ithers as well as themselves
Laura Wilcox