It has obviously slipped his mind that he has previously, before ICAC, admitted to raising “sham” invoices to hide donations from property developers.

Now his contention is that Operation Spicer was nothing more than a Liberal witch hunt or smear campaign. What a pity it is that Mr Baumann didn’t have the intestinal fortitude to stand at the 2015 state elections.

We know the Liberal party wouldn’t have touched him with a barge pole but his not standing as an independent meant we, the electors, weren’t given an opportunity to show what we thought of his “achievements”.

Col Magick

Tanilba Bay

As a resident of Bagnall Beach Road I find Ann Gibson’s comment (Examiner, September 22) ridiculous when she has said herself she is a visitor.

Come live in our shoes for a while, these trees that have been referred to are more than 20 meters tall along Bagnall Beach Road, are in front of people’s homes and are dangerous. My husband and I have our bedroom at the front of our house, when the wind blows we wonder if the two large gumtrees in front of our house will end up on our heads.

Did I also mention the mess everyday from falling sticks and leaves? It is a full time job cleaning up. We have had many broken tiles caused by falling large branches and the destruction of the footpaths plus the cost to fix them.

I come from the bush and have great respect for it. I have no problem with trees in the right place but not endangering people’s lives and properties.

I agree with Port Stephens councillor John Nell all large gumtrees along the footpaths on Bagnall Beach Road should be taken down and replaced, maybe with small native trees that would attract the bird life and still keep our streets attractive without the danger.

Kim Allison

Corlette

On behalf of the Stroke Foundation I would like to thank the thousands of Australians who helped us educate the community about the importance of knowing the signs of stroke this National Stroke Week.

National Stroke Week is our annual campaign to shine the spotlight on stroke, raising awareness of the devastating impact of this insidious disease. Stroke Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about stroke and how they can reduce their own risk. I am confident there are thousands of people in the community who now know about the FAST message thanks to the more than 2,500 activities that were held across the country. Stroke is shockingly common in Australia. Yet despite the devastation it causes, this disease is largely unrecognised by the broader community – until it happens to a loved one. Stroke is largely preventable, but we know that almost 50,000 new and recurring strokes will happen this year. Stroke is treatable but again we know that many stroke patients will miss out on lifesaving treatment because they don’t get to hospital on time.

Stoke strikes suddenly. For every minute that parts of the brain are left without oxygen, brain cells are dying. A speedy reaction to stroke can mean the difference between life and death or permanent disability. Thanks to our incredible supporters we were able to spread this message during Stroke Week. But our work doesn’t stop here - it is our mission to stop stroke, save lives and end the suffering caused by this devastating disease.

Sharon McGowan

Chief Executive Officer, Stroke Foundation