I hope a thorough investigation of the concept is the next step – including examining the benefits to towns like Bathurst and Wagga Wagga of being “university towns”, the feasibility of Australian or overseas universities offering part of their degree courses in Bega, and Bega being developed as a centre offering “niche” educational courses (along the lines of the proposed flying school at Frogs Hollow, aimed at aspiring Chinese recreational pilots).

With Singapore Airlines soon to fly into Canberra, it would be possible for Singapore and Malaysian universities to send jetfuls of students to Bega, via Canberra (with students advised, for example, the second year of their IT course will be presented in Bega) – but the concept is just as applicable to many other universities.

The local community could then be encouraged to give these visitors an unforgettable Australian experience – surfing, swimming, canoeing, sailboarding, skiing, cycling, camping, horse riding to name just a few activities we could offer the students.

The economy of the Valley would benefit enormously.

I was privileged to attend the schools’ performing arts spectacular this week and what a spectacular event it was!

The music, the dancing, the drama were all outstanding – and the venue, the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre, was the ideal setting for such a great show.

It was wonderful to see such an event back in Bega now that we have a suitable venue for big-scale events.

The huge auditorium, the excellent acoustics, the comfortable seats and the stage that is large enough to accommodate the varying sized groups from the 16 schools involved.

Hearty congratulations to everyone involved, the children, staff and the parents (and grandparents) who attended.

The whole shire can be proud of our public schools and of the new civic centre, which has already affected our social and business life.

With reference to the article “Bega Valley land shortage”, after reading this article we at Potoroo Palace Native Animal Sanctuary feel very sad that the leaving of a flourishing natural community of Australian native plants and animals, has been referred to as “sterilising”.

It seems bizarre that our perceptions of things have become so distorted that houses and pavements are now considered a natural and unsterile alternative.

Our region is known as the Wilderness Coast, so let us keep our wilderness and use already degraded land for the expansion of suburbia.

Alan Roberts was “the Congenial Gentleman of Cricket”. 

Alan, former post master at Cobargo, had over a 50-year association with Far South Coast Cricket as a player and umpire.

I knew Alan from 1977-92 when he umpired. I have been involved in the game in Sydney and Country for over 60 years – Alan would have to rate as one of the greatest ambassadors for the game I have met.

He was always friendly and competent as an umpire and was a batsman who scored heavily in the district.

I remember Alan umpiring while wife Jean was scorer for the 1986 Centenary Match at Kameruka. Alan's attitude and commitment to fair play and sportsmanship will long be remembered.