It seems they avoid joining any Rural Fire Service organisations, yet they are prepared to let the firefighters brave the dangers and place their own lives at risk protecting us and our property.

Shame on those naysayers who are vocal in their objections.

Experienced firefighters all agree that timely hazard reduction burn-offs are the first line of defense against bush fires.

It is only common sense that the firefighters should be empowered to decide when to undertake this work.

Let them do what they do best after all, it is their lives on the line.

Ann Mason

Fern Bay

We in Port Stephens have a democratically elected council and a mayor who has done much in this term of office since I moved here over 30 years ago.

After years of neglect by previous councils things have progressed across our LGA under the leadership of Bruce MacKenzie . He is in the mould of Arthur Wade and Bruce Cowan who also represented residents not political parties or self interests.

Gerry Mohan

Shoal Bay

It shouldn’t have surprised us.

Donald Trump arrived in part on the back of an alienated, confused and reactive white and male gender backlash.

Perhaps this derives, also in part, from eight years of a black president and the dread of a succeeding female president, all played out in the over-arching context of being the world gendarme asserting corporate power for a dominant ‘free-market’.

That’s more than enough to produce what we have just witnessed, the alienated and angry, disenchanted American voters that have taken a gigantic misguided leap of faith in a demagogue who, as with his predecessors, will not and cannot deliver.

Take note Australia and beware. Race and misogyny remain the prevailing undercurrents that have dramatically surfaced at the instigation of this white male aspirant for power and with the deepest pockets that a multi-billionaire real estate mogul could provide.

The US doesn’t need to be ‘great again’, it needs to be born again.

Hello Bernie Sanders, the US nation needs your humane and associated democratic movements. Urgently.

Darrell Dawson

Nelson Bay.

Change is inevitable, but it’s how you navigate it that matters.

In this ever changing world we urge everyone who cares about our society – whether you live in Sydney or Swan Hill – to remember we all deserve respect and dignity.

Our country’s success is built on this very idea of a ‘fair go’ for all, a notion underpinned by the very basic principle of humanity.

Humanity is universal in nature and urges that all people – no matter their gender, race or religion – to be treated with respect, and given the chance to live life in dignity.

In this world we have choices to make: a fair go for all, or just for some; unity or separation.

We all have the chance to nurture and promote the kindness, compassion and goodness that are essential for human dignity.

At Red Cross, we work for unity, humanity and the inherent dignity of every person. We encourage all Australians and our community, political and business leaders to do the same.

Judy Slatyer

Australia Red Cross CEO