Stardust seems to be among the last circuses in Australia that feature exotic animals. They keep lions and rhesus macaque monkeys for use in their show.

Despite improved circus conditions, there are still problems related to the welfare of these animals - the confinement, constant travelling and the inability to meet the normal social, behavioural and psychological needs of these animals.

Macaques are intelligent and social animals which are used to being in large social groups.

The lions face similar challenges and often display symptoms of boredom and frustration being restricted, despite interaction with humans.

These animals are not "domestic" animals and the RSPCA believes no matter how well maintained and managed a circus is, they cannot provide a suitable environment.

The closure of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey circuses follows an increasing world-wide trend for bans on exotic animals.

With 45 countries imposing bans local or national due to animal welfare concerns.

We need to educate our children the preservation, importance and beauty of these exotic animals in our world and that they are not here for our entertainment

Also read: Letters to the Editor, March 28

With respect to Kate Washington for winning the seat of Port Stephens , it is a pity Ms Washington does not represent the Liberal Party.

Ms Washington would confirm that working as a opposition MP is tough, so tough that trying to squeeze any funds from the State ruling opposition party is only a trickle in comparison to matching party identities.

So here we go, another four years of fighting for our community yet delivering very little, all due to the elected member sitting on the opposite bench in Parliament.

Rather than voting with one's head and not one's heart voters have now placed Port Stephens in mothballs for the past four, and and now a further, four years.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, March 21

I would like to send out a massive 'thank you' to everyone that donated product or  helped me make handmade greeting cards that were sent overseas to defence personnel so they could then sent a greeting card back to their families or loved ones.

Some 3836 cards were made.

I am sure they were well received and very much appreciated.

This year we are expanding and forwarding some cards to other charities to help them raise some much needed finds for their causes. 

Also read: Letters to the Editor, March 14

I ran as an independent for the seat of Port Stephens and just as I predicted on Sunday, the attempts at the withdrawal of promises has started. 

The Berejiklian government seemingly tried to punish the people of Port Stephens for not putting Jaimie Abbott in the seat through an attempted backflip on the Fingal Bay link road.

Kate Washington could claim there's nothing she can do about the money or promise because we didn't put a Labor government in.

To both sides, in the future, we don't want excuses, we want community results and if that means one or both sides need to swallow some pride, then do it.

We need our leaders to act like adults, listen to us and collaborate for better community outcomes. 

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