The amount of goods donated during the appeal last Sunday was again absolutely amazing and the donors can give themselves a huge pat on the back.

I must also thank the armed services for supplying vehicles and volunteer personnel to pick up donated goods and deliver them to the Salvos and Vinnies. Army and air force have been continuously involved in this operation for the 22 years it has been going and without their support, this event just would not work. It’s another example of what our services do in a practical way for the good of the city of Wagga.

A huge thank you is also in order for Elders who let Wagga Rotary take over their Kincaid Street office and premises as the headquarters for the appeal and have done so since inception. They do this without any fuss and bother and are to be congratulated for their community minded attitude.

I am truly blown away by the generosity of the people behind the operation and those who donate.  

IN RESPONSE to CJ Buckland's letter on Tuesday, May 17.

I too have been told to "go home and take a Panadol".

Just over three years ago, I was injured at work and taken to the emergency department at the base hospital.

I was placed in a neck brace, had some tests done along with x-rays.

After about three hours, I was told to "go home and take a couple of Panadol. Its only muscular".

After three weeks of shocking pain, I could finally get in for scans on my neck. When they found three dislocated vertebrae, I was wheeled straight into Calvary, where I underwent my first operation.

They must have really good Panadol there but mine just did not work that well. I hope the new emergency department works a bit better than the last one.

NATIONAL Reconciliation Week runs from May 27 to June 3.

This year’s theme, “Our History, Our Story, Our Future”, focuses on historical acceptance and reflects on the fact that the journey to reconciliation forms a significant part of Australia’s history, so it is important that we keep reconciliation in our thoughts as we move forward as a nation.

Youth Off The Streets has continually taken an active approach when responding to the needs of our Aboriginal communities, particularly the young people. Our approach has always been about identifying gaps in services available to Aboriginal youth, and establishing the support services that fulfil their needs so we can build a better future.

It’s now up to everyone to come together and continue to work for equality. Committing extra resources to closing the gap as well as coming together as a nation to recognise a group of people is an achievable goal for next year’s National Reconciliation Week.

I WAS wryly amused to hear Barnaby Joyce speak of the “Labor/Greens/Independent alliance” on ABC radio recently.

He must have overlooked the alliance that his party is part of; one which gives the minor part of that alliance the deputy prime minister’s job as well as other ministerial positions.

Is this a case of the pot calling the kettle black?