Bob Bowcher has worked tirelessly to ensure that men who unfortunately suffer from the effects of prostate cancer receive the best available treatment locally.

I find it almost irresponsible that Daryl Maguire and Michael McCormack seem to treat the provision of suitably trained specialist prostate nurses (for initial contact and follow up with men and their partners after being diagnosed with prostate cancer) as a low priority.

Mr Maguire’s response that he had not had time to call the federal health minister Susan Ley is laughable. It can’t be that hard to pick up the phone.

These local members have a duty to assist constituents in an attempt to reduce their suffering and improve their quality of life.

There is no time for procrastination!

SOLAR heating panels need not cost thousands of dollars at all but only hundreds. 

Our panels were made by a plumber.

This is what he did.

A sheet of galvanised iron is made into a shallow box, copper tubing fixed on in a zigzag fashion, painted black, a sheet of glass fitted to cover the panel, mounted on framework, connected to water supply and to hot water tank. And that’s it. 

At the time of our first electricity meter reading, the man rang our doorbell and said there was something wrong, there was no recording for electricity for hot water.

“No wonder,” said my wife, “we have solar panels”.

Just two standard size panels supplied all our needs.

The cost in 1975 was $75 per panel. 

Of course, you can opt for today’s deluxe models but you pay deluxe prices.

It’s not necessary.

AS PREDICTED, Tony Abbott has shown his support for Cardinal George Pell and will no doubt direct members of his government to play “follow the leader” by also supporting the cardinal.

Might I give our local member a bit of advice prior to him endorsing Mr Abbott’s glowing endorsement.

Michael, go and speak to victims of sexual abuse, find out why they have problems with drugs and/or alcohol, why they have trouble remaining in stable relationships, have difficulty gaining worthwhile employment, spend time in rehabilitation and mental health facilities, cannot have children, are sometimes shunned by family and society, are often homeless and sometimes unfortunately find no other way out but to take their own life.

Only then, Michael, will you be in a position to cast a true and honest opinion, not say what others want you to say.

NO ONE in the world has the choice of who we are born to, or where we are born. We can choose to move from where, but not to whom. We can be fortunate enough to be born to rich parents, or unfortunate to be in a poorer family - we cannot choose the early days, but what we make of our life, whether rich or poor, is our choice. We are fortunate in this country to make many choices, let us endeavour to make the choices that benefit all and not just ourselves.