I have been concerned that the people with spear points are using the same water that Hunter Water provides us with.

Our water comes from the sand beds.

Is this not the same place that spear points get their water from?

We are on water restrictions so surely the use of any water from the sand beds should be used sparingly and restricted.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, December 5

Each year residents of Port Stephens are faced with often extreme weather patterns and emergencies.

As always our RFS volunteers are the front row of the emergency.

ask the Mayor of Port Stephens to initiate an emergency fund of approximately $1 per week for every ratepayer in the LGA to be put into a fund for emergency services.

This fund should assist our emergency services in the future and fill the gap that local and State governments often forget.

I would like to thank the very kind person who found my mobile phone in the ladies restrooms at Salamander shops on Sunday morning and handed it to the security people, so I was able to reclaim it.

This was very much appreciated and I sincerely thank you.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, November 28

It's that time of year again, when we are all excited to spend the holidays surrounded by loved ones and sharing the joy of Christmas.

Unfortunately, for many of Australia's vulnerable young people, this time serves as a reminder of what they don't have.

Every year there are many kids who spend their Christmas Day on the streets - they don't have a home to go to let alone presents or a hot meal.

What should be a joyous time is instead lonely, stressful and traumatic.

This Christmas season, I'll be handing out hundreds of hampers and presents across our services to families in need.

Just the simple act of giving a Christmas meal can drastically change the holidays for those who are struggling.

By showing them they are loved and wanted, we can make a world of difference.

This year, when you are sharing the joy of Christmas with loved ones, I hope you can spare a thought for our young people who are alone.

Together we can bring hope and safety to homeless and vulnerable young people this Christmas.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year and that 2020 brings you joy and happiness.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, November 21

Regarding the letter "An election is coming" (Letters, Examiner, December 5), so is Christmas, and the year is almost over, but what have we done?

Well, we sent IPART hundreds of objections to stop the unjustified SRV; we've got a few projects which could well be done using some of the money and efforts promoting the failed SRV; we demolished the Donald Street "eyesore" for $1.4m, we had the Boomerang Park returned to public hands after years of community actions; and a few other Roads-Rates-Rubbish jobs.

We'll likely be getting Christmas mail reminding us what else is on offer.

Certainly we thank the workers on the ground, for fixing the roads, building footpaths, emptying our bins, maintaining the parks and public amenities.

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Final fighter pilots to train on the F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet fly over Williamtown