These are due every three years with increases subject to real estate sales in your location with average increases of around 25 per cent. [Council rates are partially calculated on property value].

Couple this with what was proposed in the Special Rate Variation Levy of around 66 per cent over seven years and yet another Valuer General land assessment increase, and by my estimation, we would have had 100 per cent increases in our council rates.

With the SRV being canned, and our council being 'fit for the future', councillors have managed to find at least $5 million for each ward.

I urge residents to read the council's business papers and watch the webcast debates.

They'll quickly realise that we have millions of dollars invested in banks and building societies and multiple buildings and land assets.

Well done, that's the reason why Port Stephens wasn't forced to amalgamate with Newcastle City Council.

Many Port Stephens ratepayers are extremely glad that this didn't happen, as Newcastle increased their rates.

Not only would we have been the forgotten cousins, due to Newcastle having to restore some of their crumbling buildings, moving to new headquarters, spending $3.5 million to cut down the fig trees, etc, we would have had only two elected councillors on the floor of the NCC chamber.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, February 27

March is epilepsy awareness month and Purple Day is coming up once again on March 26.

This year, Epilepsy Action Australia, the largest provider of services for people living with epilepsy in Australia, is advocating for greater recognition that epilepsy does not look the same for everyone, meaning that the 250,000 Australians living with the condition experience it differently.

People may be surprised to know epilepsy occurs on a spectrum, like autism.

There are actually about 40 different types of epilepsy syndromes and seizures, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person.

Seizures range from a momentary pause and staring into space to full body convulsions. In some cases epilepsy is genetic, but it can also be acquired by things such as head injury, infection or stroke, and it can occur at any point in a person's life.

While epilepsy is more common than Parkinson's, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy combined, it is widely misunderstood and can significantly impact a person's life.

That is why Purple Day is so important - to increase community awareness and raise vital funds to improve services.

This Purple Day, we are aiming to raise $250,000 - one dollar for every person diagnosed with epilepsy in Australia.

We are incredibly excited that - for the very first time - the Sydney Opera House will light up purple for Epilepsy Action Australia on March 26 to promote epilepsy awareness.

On behalf of all Australians living with epilepsy, thank you in advance for supporting Epilepsy Action Australia this Purple Day.

To find out how to get involved, please visit www.epilepsy.org.au.

Your support helps to ensure people living with epilepsy can lead optimal lives.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, February 20

Last week I bought a Pineapple at the supermarket for $1.

The next day it was $1.50. That's a 50 per cent mark up. This week, to buy the same pineapple it costs $3.

Tomatoes (trellis) were $2.75 and this week they're $3.75.

They will say it's based on market price but they have big cool rooms to store products.

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