The way the group came together was superb, people got tea and coffee happening. The way Woolworths responded so admirably and immediately, the vulnerable were looked after quickly and efficiently. It was an occasion to be proud to be a human being. What a contrast to the sad, tacky edifices of politicians in Canberra that claim to lead this country.

The aim to cut deaths from 3000 a year to zero by 2030 (Brisbane's Courier-Mail, 12/2) will remain a pipe dream if the lack of availability of mammography services in rural Australia is not addressed.

My daughter who lives in the Bega Valley area informs me that it has been impossible for the Bega hospital to obtain the services of a mammographer for the past 18 months and that any woman desirous of undergoing this procedure is advised to take herself to either Canberra or Moruya. This would entail a four-hour drive in either direction and is not easily undertaken by young women with families or in employment, so they decide to take the chance that this insidious disease will not affect them.

Breast Screen services are available on an occasional basis, but only to women between the ages of 50 and 75. Unfortunately, breast cancer does not confine itself to this age group. Today we hear the story of a 34-year-old victim who has fortunately survived. I personally know a 43-year-old who was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer after I told her of my diagnosis as an 80-year-old and she decided to have a check-up.

Surely the emphasis should be divided between prevention and research. If Bega Valley is any indication of the availability of mammography services in Australia, there are undoubtedly many more areas severely under-serviced of which we, in the safety of big-city health services, are sadly unaware

A recent stay on the Far South Coast saw me presenting at Bega Hospital's Emergency Department. I was in pain and had been for a while. I cannot speak too highly of your hospital - from the triage nurse to the wonderful on-the-ball young doctor who quickly and accurately assessed, diagnosed and prescribed treatment for my inflammatory condition. Felt better within hours! Thank you Bega hospital.

Since I moved here in 2013 Bega has had a number of major floods. The reason for these floods has always puzzled me so I asked a local farmer who has lived here all his life. He told me is that it is because the outlet to the sea at Tathra where the rivers empty is always blocked so all the rivers here back up. If this is the case why doesn't council keep the outlet open all the time?

Coincidentally I read an article in the Telegraph headed "A True Aussie Digger" that should be compulsory reading for all councillors. Apparently the residents of the Central Coast have exactly the same problem. "The main entrance to the lake is clogged by sand which locals have begged the council for years to dredge so that excess water can run off into the sea rather than flooding houses (Daily Telegraph)."

During recent floods a local tradie took matters into his own hands and used his excavator to clear the channel to save homes. He is being hailed as a local hero but may now be fined? The same article says Lake Conjola also faces the same issues.

A little common sense please.