It attempted to 'correct' me on facts I presented at the recent council meeting that Roz Ward, a radical Marxist activist, was "not responsible for the program in NSW". But on its website the Safe Schools Coalition of Australia clearly states Ms Ward was a primary author of much of the program’s content used nationally by teachers, which I made clear at the council meeting.

It is well known that Ward, a gender theory academic who recently said the Australian flag was racist and should be replaced with a communist red one, was the architect of Safe Schools. 

The paper goes on to suggest I was wrong to state the program prompted young children to "essentially choose their gender". Yet this is issue is covered comprehensively in the Safe Schools teacher resource "supporting a student to affirm or transition gender identity at school" (whose primary author is Roz Ward) and in the "All of us" lesson plan.  

As a news outlet the editors are entitled to their opinion but as a former journalist my advice to the BDN is to really do your homework when it comes to an issue as polarising and sensitive as Safe Schools. And be respectful of other people's opinions.

As a councillor I overwhelmingly support effective anti-bullying measures in schools, which is what the Safe Schools Coalition was supposed to be. Instead it brought a radical and experimental agenda into schools, which is probably why last week the Victorian government terminated its contract with La Trobe university, which employs Roz Ward, six months early. It's also probably why the federal government refuses to keep funding the program.

I’ve said before that this issue is not within the local government purview, and that raising this motion was always going to be fraught with controversy. But it doesn't help when the local newspaper conflates issues to confuse the public and pushes an agenda.

Editor’s note: We respect Cr Nadin’s opinion and have met with him personally over this issue. However, we also stand by the editorial piece as written.

Far too many lives have been lost on NSW roads this year and hundreds more affected by devastating and often life changing injuries. Alarmingly, 370 fatalities have already been recorded, 40 more than this time last year (stats as of December 12).

It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to ensure the safety of NSW road users, especially during the holiday season when there will be more activity in the community and more vehicles on the road.

Every measure must be taken to ensure your family and every other NSW family arrives safely at their destination.  

I write to ask all readers involved in boating and watercraft activity to take great care this summer on our beautiful rivers, lakes, harbours, bays and beaches.

The latest Royal Life Saving Society Australia report reveals some concerning statistics – over a 10 year period, 473 people drowned in boating/watercraft activity, only eight per cent were wearing a lifejacket.

Twenty-six per cent of the cases involved alcohol, 59 per cent of those were over the legal limit.  Avoid alcohol when around water.  Alcohol impairs judgement and a person’s ability to swim to safety.  Our latest report also reveals 31 per cent of the cases involved drugs. It is critical people wear a lifejacket. Never go boating, kayaking, or canoeing alone, always check the conditions before heading out onto the water and learn how to save a life.