On behalf of the local community group, the Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Wagga, we respectfully ask Cr Funnell to provide specific evidence for claims made in this article that the Safe Schools Program will "lead to a radical sexualisation", that it contains "X-rated social engineering" and the elements that are “criminal” and should lead to arrests.

Could you please provide specific evidence, in relation to transgender, gender-fluid and intersex young people, that the program "warps their concept of sexuality". 

Cr Funnell, you have the capacity and right to speak on this matter and you have chosen to exercise this right.

PFLAG Wagga encourages you to further exercise these rights by backing your obviously heartfelt arguments with evidence and employing logic, reason and empathy, as befits someone of your office.  

For your information, details of the program can be viewed online at here: http://www.safeschoolshub.edu.au/ 

Further, we personally invite you to attend our meetings to discuss your concerns in a respectful, caring and supportive environment free from discrimination.  

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at Romano's Hotel.  

We extend this invitation to all our elected representatives at the local, state and federal levels of government.  

PFLAG Wagga is a grassroots community support group for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and other queer/questioning people and their parents, friends and other allies in the local area.  

I WAS waiting in the ED of our new hospital early this week.

There was a 4-year-old boy there waiting with his mum. I believe he had not long had his tonsils out. He was having some tests done.

He is the bravest, most polite and good-natured little 4-year-old I have had the pleasure to have been in the company of.

In the hours he was there, not once did he whinge, grizzle or play up on his mum.

He was like a breath of fresh air.

Good on you little man, I hope you never grow out of your wonderful disposition.

NO DOUBT the shock of last week’s announcement by the state government to dismiss the Harden, Young and Boorowa councils would have many people feeling bewildered, with good reason.

The decision of the local government minister Paul Toole is disgraceful, disappointing and undemocratic.  Harden and Cootamundra councils put forward a merger proposal that was a strong and workable option that would have had the support of both communities.

It’s disappointing that after all the time and effort put in by staff, councillors and ratepayers in attending meetings, our wishes have been ignored, leaving many feeling empty and hollow.

I wish to thank all those for all their work for the betterment of Harden over the years.  

I also wish to thank everyone who has worked with me and supported me in my role as a councillor.

The key now is to ensure that Harden-Murrumburrah has a strong, vibrant voice on the new council so that we as a community can continue to grow and thrive. There is a lot of work to be done between now and September 2017 and I will continue to work for the shire of Harden-Murrumburrah in whatever role becomes available.