Something that just occurred to me - are the previous three lots of councillors over the last 10 years equally responsible for the debacle of no long-term plan and budget allocation to cover this?

All this gets even more confusing when a former councillor says that there was already a standing budget allocation to cover all of this via a fee we were already paying.

While all the blame seems to be put upon councillors who are only part time, nothing is mentioned about all the long-term heads of departments whose duty it is to keep councillors apprised of this issue on a regular basis over a long period of time.

How about some transparency and accountability on this whole issue. At the moment it is all smoke and mirrors. Let's see the paperwork. Figures are supposed to tell the truth, but depends on which figures?

Council can't continue to treat the local community so poorly. The fiscal irresponsibility of BVSC should be seriously reviewed, closely.

BVSC internally knew pool costs were an issue for over five years. Yet in five-plus years the only bold idea they come up with is to simply charge ratepayers more? Yet, in the same timeframe they waste over $1million on the failed Place Based Officers pilot?

Look closer at the numbers and make them accountable! The community deserves better.

I am submitting this open letter to Mr Constance for publication in your newspaper. Judging from direct experience, I am concerned that others may be being denied the services of their local member also.

Dear Mr Constance,

I lodged a meeting request in your Bega office in May 2014.

My reason stated on your office's suggested and supplied request form was to address: "Continuing concern over impacts of NSW Government Departmental documents on my life".

Despite repeated reminders to your office from NSW government departments that the issues are ongoing (and clearly have been exacerbated)...and from me (the latest received on the 15.7.19), I continue to request a meeting with you...one appropriate to the events and the passage of time.

I totally agree with the letter by Pat Jones of Bega. My medical experience was not serious but my care for cataract surgery was outstanding.

During this past year I have had experiences at both the Canberra Eye Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital. Although the medical treatment by all the doctors was the same, and of a high standard, our nurses at SERH were exceptional keeping the patient's care foremost. They did their utmost to keep me comfortable and reassured me every step of the way. Even one nurse held my hand on two occasions when she sensed I was anxious.

The whole procedure was a good experience. And yes, we are so fortunate to have such a top class hospital in our region. A big thank you to all our dedicated nurses at our local hospital.

The Class of '79 (Year 10) 40 year reunion was held on the long weekend at The Grand Hotel in Bega. The night was a great success and well attended with old friends catching up, laughing and talking about the good old days. A moment's silence was held during the evening in memory of classmates passed and sadly missed, and a plaque will be erected with those names at the school.