It was identified that there was a desperate need for possum pouches and koala sacks, used by wildlife volunteers, in caring for our decimated animals. A three-day sewing bee, was organised, at Tomaree Library, to make these very basic items.

The Port Stephens community responded, in their hundreds. The generosity of this community astounded me. Across the three days more than 160 people turned up to sew, cut fabric, package sacks, etc. Hundreds of donations of blankets and sheets were received.

Our goal - I thought maybe too high - was for 1,000 sacks/pouches. We made over 2,200 pouches.

These were delivered to WIRES head office in Brookvale, for distribution to the areas of greatest need. WIRES was stunned by our achievement and at the support we gave them.

To the wonderful people who gave their time and help, to the many sponsors who supported us - thank you, thank you, thank you.

You are all amazing people, and should be very proud of what you achieved. Yes, we will do it again to maintain our momentum.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, January 30

May I suggest to Port Stephens Council that we replace the whale festival with a jet ski festival.

One could also suggest a permanent race track between Nelson Bay to Shoal Bay to cater for our new marine icon.

We could then all line the shores and admire these high-speed machines as they needlessly go back and forth with no purpose other than to go fast.

To see and hear the constant drone of these jet skis as they take over the waterways and boat ramps, chasing dolphins, destroying the ambiance and tranquility for everyone else in the Port is not why I live here and is now environmentally disgraceful and embarrassing.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, January 23

Many of your readers may be dog owners.

A 2019 Pets in Australia report tells us we live with more than 5 million companion dogs. And that's a whole lot of dog poo to deal with.

I'm a PhD student at CQUniversity Australia and a dog owner myself. I'm researching whether we can compost dog poo at home and make it safe for use in backyard vegetable gardens.

An important part of my study is finding out how much poo dogs produce, whether their owners pick it up, what they use and what they do with it.

Your readers can help out my taking part in my online survey. It's short, anonymous, and asks questions about their views and habits around collection and disposal of dog poo.

Any Australian dog owner over 13 years of age can participate. Visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/DogFaecesDisposal

Also read: Letters to the Editor, January 16

Shockingly, heart disease kills one Australian every 29 minutes, that's 50 people every single day.

The simple fact is that research saves lives. Heart Research Australia aims to reduce the devastating impact heart disease has on families and the community by supporting world-class and emerging researchers to conduct ground-breaking research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

That's why this February, we invite Australians to get involved with Wear Red Day for someone close to their heart to help keep families together for longer.

Getting in involved as simple as wearing red and donating to Heart Research Australia during the month of February. To find out more please visit www.heartresearch.com.au/wrd

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