I note with some serious consternation that you have suggested that the Australian Parliament calls for a day of mourning for the first sitting day in 2020. A day where only one motion is considered, no doubt agreed to quickly, then the work of the Parliament is ceased for the day while those we have elected to run this country, retire to their respective offices to "contemplate" this day of mourning.

For the record, I live in the Bega Valley. As you are very well aware, we have been decimated by the fires. We have lived with the spectre of the fire hanging over our heads for day after day, for week after week. Nerves are frayed. We've had enough.

But to hear that you think Parliament can't possibly work on its first day back is, quite frankly, a kick in the nuts.

Our farm wasn't impacted by fire - simply because the winds just happened to work in our favour. We were back at work immediately after the fires, as were many in the Valley. We didn't take a day off. My wife is now working seven days a week at Bega Valley Shire Council to help the real victims of this fire - she doesn't get a day off. But to hear that you can't possibly work on one of the very few days that you sit in parliament is simply incomprehensible.

Now, more than ever, we need the Australian Parliament to step up, to act like adults, and do its job.

You might think that we will rejoice with your idea. Sorry, you are simply wrong. It's ridiculous. Taking a day off is not, and will never be seen as a way to help.

Do the right thing by all the victims of all the fires. Roll up your sleeves, walk proudly into the Lower House, and do something to help rebuild our lives, rebuild our communities, and rebuild our country. People are hurting, badly. Taking an extra day off doesn't help the Bega Valley, it won't rebuild Mogo, it won't fix Kangaroo Island. It just isn't the right thing to do.

I don't know who your advisor is, but the advice you have received on this is so far off the mark it actually makes our PM's advisors look professional.

I would seriously suggest you reconsider your idea. If you would like to talk to me about this, call me. I would be delighted to advise where I think you have seriously erred in your idea.

Please note, I have copied in my local members of both the NSW and federal governments. I would be interested in their views too.

In all this disaster and dislocation of home are a real special silent group of people who have stepped out of their normal role and "job description". I am talking about the staff, but I will call them carers in the true meaning of the word, of our frail, vulnerable family members who call Nardy House home.

In the very height of this fire storm they relocated their charges, certainly no mean feat, to Bupa in Eden, and then on to Caldwell ACT with other elderly and frail from BUPA Eden. This special group of carers from both homes left their own families, homes and community, to travel to the ACT to ensure that their special charges were taken care of and that it would be as safe and less confusing as they could make it, that their special people would have a familiar face.

The carers left behind are no doubt very stressed too and will have their work cut out to welcome their charges home to a safe, clean and happy environment, even when they too are hurting.

So when we talk about the investigation into the care of our most vulnerable, as we should, let's acknowledge all those who do go beyond normal duty and show their love and dedication, and to those who remained behind and took part in getting ready or travelled with our family members.

Thank you does not seem enough.