While I have no intention of engaging in a public debate regarding the internal administrative affairs of the BVSRRA, I acknowledge that, as a member of the association, Ms Savage has previously aired her views and concerns with the association’s management committee, which has fully responded to those concerns, including tabling a report on the issues raised at the last meeting of its members held only last month.

As has been publicly stated on a number of occasions, statements made by the secretary of the BVSRRA are made only with the prior approval of the association’s elected management committee and reflect its views (as does this letter), regardless of whether they accord with Mr Richardson’s personal views or otherwise.

While the association likes to be open to comment and listens to its members, we remain mystified as to just what Ms Savage is worried about. 

Mindful of our members’ pockets and not being big spenders, why do we need to extract money? 

Watchdogs don’t need money, just an ear to the ground.

Peter Rogers

BVSRRA president

If you have a good relationship with your local library, then you should take notice of the way in which the library service re-organisation is being carried out. 

 BVSC is using a spill and fill process which can best be described as a cop-out management technique.

 In the short term, staff will spend quite some time with uncertainty and disillusionment and there is every possibility that good people will become unemployed.  

Ratepayers haven’t been consulted about all of this, which is rather strange when you consider that the relationship between the community and library staff is probably closer than with any other part of BVSC.  

If you have a concern about this re-organisation, please contact your local councillors.

John Carter

Wallaga Lake

There's no doubt that sacrifices made by our past and present defence/nursing personnel are highly regarded by people of the Bega Valley Shire, judging by solid attendances over recent Anzac Day services.

Many regard it as a sacred day where the flower of our youth paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

Anzac Day and Remembrance Day focus the mind on the destructiveness of war to individuals, families and nations. 

As we reflect though, it is possible to regard yourself both as a patriot and a responsible global citizen.

Recently the Bega Valley Shire Council donated $4000 to Bega Valley Advocates for Timor-Leste for their work in East Timor. 

As Anzac Day approached, some questioned why this generous amount was given for programs overseas when the Bemboka Light Horse received less. 

This is the first time in 10 years that BVSC has funded these programs, and the people of Timor-Leste are grateful for it. 

Every cent of the funds goes directly into school-based programs on the ground. 

Bega Valley Advocates for Timor-Leste are volunteers and pay their own way.

Perhaps it's worthwhile explaining to readers that what motivates many of the Advocates is the courageous Timorese assistance given in WW2.

Australia invaded neutral Portuguese territory, East Timor, in an effort to slow the Japanese advance.

Japan then invaded East Timor and overwhelmed the small Australian force. 

Our elite commandos of the 2/2 Independent Company were given up as lost. 

They would never have survived for the following 12 months but for the courageous efforts of young Timorese boys (criados) who guided them through the mountains, carried equipment, interpreted, and found housing and food in the successful guerilla campaign. 

The statistics are staggering. 

The 400 men of the 2/2 Company, with the help of local Timorese lads, tied up the resources of over 10,000 Japanese, killing 2000 of them for the loss of only eight men in combat. (The Men Who Came Out Of The Ground, by Paul Cleary). 

It was a remarkable achievement in our military history.

After the Australians were finally evacuated, we told the Timorese that we would never forget them. 

But Australian politicians did, despite the constant reminders from high profile ex-service men such as Tom Uren and Paddy Kenneally. 

It has been a privilege to speak with them about their experiences.

What happened to the Timorese after we left? 

The Japanese took out devastating reprisals, killing over 40,000 local people - over 10 per cent of the Timorese population. 

In 1975 Australia abandoned the Timorese to the Indonesian invaders.

Recently Sister Susan Connelly nominated the Timorese people for an honorary Order of Australia award in much the same way the people of Malta were recognised for their courage.  

There has been no adequate official recognition of the role of the Timorese in assisting Australia in WW2.

"No Australian soldier was taken prisoner in East Timor," said Tom Uren. 

"The loyalty and care given to Australians by the Timorese is unique in the annals of war. 

“The nation of Timor-Leste deserves our tribute."

Lest We Forget.

David Gallan

Vice-president

Bega Valley Advocates for Timor-Leste

Tathra

Scott Buckingham's letter (MNW, 15/4/15) demonstrates how poorly informed he is on the Bunnings development issue.

The Bega Valley Shire Residents and Ratepayers  Association objected to the rezoning of the land involved, because Bega Valley Shire Council acted to change the zoning without any public consultation (lack of due process).

The BVSRRA wrote to the Department of Planning opposing the rezoning and issued a media release confirming its actions (transparency). 

The Department of Planning rejected council's rezoning proposal (accountability).

  I'm sure that the residents and operators of the neighbouring retirement village would have liked the opportunity to comment on the proposed rezoning, as I'm sure Scott Buckingham would if there was a proposal to change the zoning on the other side of his fence.

"Shoot the messenger" is the oldest trick in the (political) book, and one that all citizens ought to be aware of. 

Clear information in our local newspapers focusing on the facts of the matter at hand would help prevent misinformation like Scott's being spread.

It is in everybody's best interest that government, whether local, state or federal follows due process, acts transparently and is accountable for decisions made.

Judy Geary

Bega

Driving to Braidwood on Sunday, I observed pink tape/ribbon for miles along the highway, halfway between the top of the Clyde Mt and Braidwood. 

This is a scenic drive, with a number of beautiful, mature eucalypts and native flora on either side of the road.

The speed limit being 90kmh it’s not a dangerous road.

Surely this stretch marked in pink is not going to be cleared!?

If so, why, when there are so many higher priorities? 

One being the need for a roundabout at the junction of the Kings Hwy, the main street through Braidwood, and Araluen Rd.

One is saddened to see so many examples of ugly, callous, indiscriminate spraying by Eurobodalla Shire Council of native vegetation, metres in from the roadside, in conjunction with a monster mulching machine scalping and scraping vegetation, which poses no possible threat to road safety.

This machine is now also  used by Palerang Council. 

What false economy and what a pity both councils treat our native flora with such contempt.

There is no valid reason to destroy picturesque eucalypts (which have grown for perhaps 100 years), situated within safe distances from the roadside, enhancing natural beauty and providing shade and shelter.

I say to the powers that be in Eurobodalla and Palerang Councils, (who are obviously men with no love of trees or understanding of the environment): "Please don't trash the trees" just to widen a road which is quite okay as it is.

That's why I love Canberra. 

They seem to have respect and appreciation for trees…and, unlike the rest, they actually keep planting them!

Diana Gillies

Moruya