The greatest task was the re-engineering and sealing of the village streets.

Yes, we all quickly tired of the noise and the dust.  However all those taking part, council staff and contractors, including the traffic people have done a magnificent job.

They worked very hard aand need not be hesitant in claiming equality with any workers foreign or home grown.

In addition,  anything to be explained or adjusted was quickly and courteously looked after.  They all deserve our congratulations. Well done.

I was under the (obviously misguided) impression that if the power was ever to be cut off for necessary work to be carried out, the relevant department (council or power provider) had to inform those who would be affected in advance.

On Wednesday, May 18, we made our usual trip to the Candelo Pub for dinner from Wyndham. 

On arrival at 5.40pm we were told (apologetically) that the power had been cutoff at 5pm for road works to continue and should be back on at 7pm.

On the stretch of road that was affected reside some older people, people with children and some with health issues...not just our choice of the best place for parmies. 

My question is why were people not informed that this was to happen and why do this at such a ridiculous time when families are cooking, bathing children, needing heat, some perhaps reliant on medical equipment and a business out of commission?

The pub lost 15 customers including us and risking the safety of residents and the inconvenience caused is unforgivable and unnecessary.

Any apologies forthcoming? I doubt it. 

We have barely sighted the man for three years. 

He turns up on lightning visits to claim the work of other’s as his own.

He’s rarely in his Carp St office. He doesn’t even respond to myriad invitations to community events. 

Then, the very day after the election is declared, he emerges from a chartered jet to hover behind a senior politician as she smiles and swans her way around the valley.

Well Mr Hendy, come election day, I’ll be putting you exactly where you’ve put us for the last three years. Last.

I recently was asked, who to vote for. Shouldn’t we rather ask the question for a federal election, which party to vote for?

For years we saw people being influenced by a nice face, or a person frequently appearing in the media – for example movie stars as American president or the millionaires, who can afford the most advertising or got the most donations.

Instead of negative campaigning, bad-mouthing, mudslinging, three-word slogans and fear-mongering, all the voters need is proper information, what the political parties actually stand for and how it will benefit the communities.

Not empty promises to buy votes and propaganda during taxpayer-funded travel by all the candidates or debates, which only involve the two major parties.

For voters to be able to make an informed decision, I would suggest to make it obligatory for a democratic government to release simple pamphlets, distributed to every household, outlining the policies and decisions of each political party and real achievements.

This could also be made available, compiled on one easy to find webpage, rather than expensive glossy brochures, several per week and massive placards, which get stolen by members of the other parties.