In August, a large parent meeting was held, with approximately 150 in attendance, together with John Oates, the chairman of the school board.

Also at that meeting was the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, who pledged the ongoing support of the diocese to the school.

That assurance, and the diocesan mission to continue a stable, caring, educationally excellent and financially viable Anglican school in Bega was the entire take out message of that meeting. Since then, the chair of the board has twice reassured the parent and teacher body by letter and Facebook, that this mission is ongoing.

I wonder how well founded these “concerns” can be, following these guarantees.

Staff in any organisation come and go. Fresh faces bring vigour and enthusiasm – something, as a parent, you look for in your kids’ educators. I for one have the utmost confidence in the school and I couldn’t be happier that my kids are there.

I feel that I must buy into the discussion regarding the two main wharves in the Bega Valley, in particular the Tathra Wharf.

This wharf is of increasing value not only to the Bega Valley, but many are increasingly becoming interested in this wonderful deep water timber wharf – in fact it is now recognised as the only one left in Australia.

Let me state that as president of the Tathra Wharf Museum and as a father and grandfather I fully realise that all water-based buildings have a risk factor.

That tragic accident when three people lost their lives was terrible and I well know the hurt and feeling of a lost child. We lost and buried my eldest child so I fully understand all the years of carrying that burden.

But I also believe the Bega Valley Shire Council has responded to that incident, changes have been made all to the better in regard to safety.

There are car accidents on the road each day – do we close that road? Do we still continue to drive a vehicle? We are continually looking to make roads and cars free of accidents but they still happen.

I earnestly believe the council has endeavoured to look at this area of tourism on the coast and responded in a way that when we visit this icon, we do knowing that risk management is at its highest possible concern.

We must sometime in our lives look at the situation that presents itself before us and take care as a responsible person and act accordingly. Council can not be responsible for accidents when they have looked at the situation and taken a number of safeguards to prevent accidents. As president and a resident, I believe the wharf is a safe place, but as always one must take care.

Change is inevitable, but it’s how you navigate it that matters.

In this ever-changing world we urge everyone who cares about our society – whether you live in Sydney or Swan Hill – to remember we all deserve respect and dignity. Our country’s success is built on this very idea of a ‘fair go’ for all, a notion underpinned by the very basic principle of humanity. Humanity is universal in nature and urges that all people – no matter their gender, race or religion – to be treated with respect, and given the chance to live life in dignity.

We all have the chance to nurture and promote the kindness, compassion and goodness that are essential for human dignity. At Red Cross, we work for unity, humanity and the inherent dignity of every person. We encourage all Australians and our community, political and business leaders to do the same.