The reason I moved to the Bay, more than 30 years ago, and the reason just about everyone I know here did, was because of its friendly, village-like feel - not because of high rise buildings, or traffic lights, or parking meters in the middle of town and not for unnecessary tree removal.

People want Nelson Bay to be a place residents and visitors can all enjoy with shops, cafes, restaurants, local clubs and pubs, events and activities happening while maintaining the 'village feel'.

Building height changes are definitely not necessary to retain the vitality, viability and significance of our town and any new developments should be made to incorporate the important elements of the character of Nelson Bay.

I would suggest that Port Stephens Council and Councillors, step up and ask the people who voted you in, what it is they want for their town. Ask for our views and suggestions on how to make our town more productive, while retaining the very reason we all live here.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, July 30

This current [COVID-19] health crisis will affect everyone - either financially or due to health impacts.

If we all follow the professional health advice in regard to getting tested and practicing good hygiene, we can survive. We also must respect those health services employees who, everyday, are putting their lives at risk trying to protect us all.

They deserve more than a medal, they deserve our thanks - not abuse.

I was great to read in the Examiner of July 30 that Port Stephens Council has been granted $1.78 Million for roads making for "smoother safer trips".

It was disappointing however to notice that Mustons Road, Karuah was not on the agenda. Mustons Road has been complained about for decades now, the main issue is that the road has to be shared by motorists and pedestrians.

The road, if they could take the pedestrians off it, would be adequate. What is needed, and what has been suggest to council by several people and several community groups is a walkway separate to the road.

This would be much less expensive than widening the road to accommodate a footpath, and much less impact on the environment. However, it seems that the issue has become political, and there seems to be people at council determined to not fix this serious safety issue.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, July 23

On July 31 Australia commemorated the 60th anniversary of the end of the Malayan Emergency.

The Malayan Emergency was declared on June 18, 1948, after the Malayan Communist Party launched an insurgency against British colonial rule.

Australia's military commitment began in 1950 with Royal Australian Air Force transport and bomber assets provided to support the British. Australian Army units were involved from 1955, as were ships of the Royal Australian Navy. While the Malayan government declared the Emergency over on July 31, 1960, Australian forces continued operations against communist forces in Malaya until 1963.

We recognise our defence personnel who served over the 13 years of Australia's involvement and we pay tribute to the 39 Australians who died while serving in Malaya, 15 of whom were killed in action. Lest We Forget.

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