Letters to the editor

Our group, Friends of Rathmines, simply proposes something that provides genuine recognition and respect for the past, and the people and activities that occurred at the base in war time.

Today, most past serving members from Rathmines, both men and women, have moved on. But I would hope that there are some surviving members, and their relatives who might hold stories and memories of the RAAF base that have not yet been revealed.

Those stories would add substance to any tribute to occur at the site.

Stories of rescue, of people missing in action. Stories of loss and survival. Stories of life on the RAAF base. Stories involving air crews, ground staff, POWs… they need to be known.

Our group needs to hear those stories, and not simply be referred to a book reference. We want to hear those personal stories, and if you can provide names and photographs, even better. Pictures will be returned.

This is a project of national significance. If you have something to contribute please send your suggestions and submissions to me: Alec N Howard, Friends of Rathmines Inc, 19 Oakwood Road, Rathmines, Balmoral NSW 2283.

- Alec Howard, Friends of Rathmines

HAVING presented various positive uses for a helicopter service at Trinity Point, l can understand people’s concerns regarding flight paths and noise because these issues were tested as a compulsory part of the council approval process, even though the test conditions were hardly likely to ever occur in real life.

I reckon that rather than being completely negative about the helicopter, because it's going to happen regardless, ensure flight path restrictions are regulated so that helicopters approach and leave only over the water, with no-go flying times registered and enforced, except in cases of medical emergencies.

If noise was to be a nuisance, l believe the actual marina residents and holiday makers would be more concerned than local residents. For this reason alone common sense says helicopter noise and inconvenience would be kept to a bare minimum.

It's often said you can't  choose your neighbors, or tell them what to do. But rather than be negative over trivial matters, it's a lot easier to talk to them, and meet them half way, rather than achieving nothing.

- Carl Stevenson, Dora Creek

ON Friday, February 23, Rotary in our region celebrated our 113th birthday. That’s right, Rotary has been serving the global community for 113 years. This is a remarkable achievement and credit must be given to the millions of Rotarians worldwide who have dedicated their time and energy to making a difference to humanity.

I may be biased, but I think Rotarians in our area must be the hardest working volunteers in our large Rotary family. From helping our local students to improve their literacy and numeracy skills, to building communities, providing clean water and good sanitation across south-east Asia, our local Rotarians are committed to making our world a better place to live.

If you want to help celebrate our birthday, then a perfect gift would be to consider joining our Rotary family. With clubs located right across our region (some towns even have two), there are plenty of like-minded people in your neighbourhood who want to ensure everyone – locally, nationally or internationally – has the opportunity to live a safe, healthy and fulfilling life.

Now is your chance to join the campaign. To register your interest, please email publicrelations@rotary9670.org.au 

- Helen Ryan, District 9670 Governor