Heartening to hear the joy and excitement in the thrill of performing. Inspiring to read of 10 and 11-year-olds who understand and can express their concerns about their futures. And wonderful that children are inspired to provide a message about climate change.

As a parent, however, I am saddened when I think about how our current exploitation of the natural environment is impacting the futures of our children.

The antidote to this sadness is action. All of us must have conversations about nature and greed and seek to find more sustainable ways of living.

Ray Peck encourages us to heed the message of Christians Together for Climate and actively engage with the problem of global warming (BDN, 10/9). The ecumenical group Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) is another worthy group of faith leaders supporting climate activism.

ARRCC gives us the words of Sister Geraldine Kearney, "Wealthy countries spend US$50-60billion subsidising fossil fuels but most are failing to fund climate action and adaptation in developing countries, which are being hit first and hardest. Our leaders have a moral obligation to act." And, I think Sister Geraldine might add, if they do not, then perhaps the moral obligation falls to us.

The words of Yawuru man Patrick Dodson directly address the role of the spiritual individual in our times. Dodson says, "The destruction of our planet has begun through the over-exploitation of our lands and seas. These are not times for blame nor accusation. There is a task ahead for all of us to address the outcomes of our avarice and sloth."

So, onward Christian soldiers and people of good will. Your planet needs you.

Just got back from Vinnies Bega and I just wanted to say thank you. We often overlook the value of charities to the community.

I was encouraged that many of my friends in Cobargo received help after the fires, and Vinnies provided vouchers, household items, food, clothing etc.

Today, the shop was very busy, full of items and there's even a Vinnies Fashion Parade on October 23. What a great idea, models dressed by Vinnies!

Apparently most of our local businesses donated vouchers and goods for raffles on the evening - so well done to all for supporting such a great cause. The Fashion Parade is at the Tarraganda Club, so I thought that maybe some of your readers would be interested.

Why is anyone truly surprised by council failures across multiple issues of interest to the community they purport to represent.

Optimistically the community consistently hopes for the council to actually act in a way consistent with their public position.

Whether it be sympathetic development, environmental action, climate issues or simply sensible fiscal management. Whether it be disposing of sewage into the Merimbula bay, capital purchases sold at a loss or less than market value, approval of developments and allowing variations at odds with development guidelines mandate by themselves or state government.

The ever hopeful within the community should vote at the next council elections for councillors who publicly declare their intention to improve council performance and truly represent the community. Councillors who consider other measures of benefit to the community besides the "dollars delivered" to it.