He has hopped off the fence and his allegiance is no longer a mystery, if it ever was. I mean the writing was on the wall when Mike Baird laid out the ground rules early on, if you didn't play for his team, you didn't get a start. Chris was the first committee member announced. From a humble ex-mayor in the old council to sitting at the right hand of the administrator, head of the Harden LRC, chairperson of Goldenfields and shaping up for a move into the big leagues in September along with all the spoils it brings, why would you want it to end? 

Let’s hope however this shambles plays out that in the future whoever represents us truly does have our best interests at heart because if we remain in the Hilltops – and I sincerely hope we don’t – the road ahead will be long and frustrating for the one, maybe two from Harden that get a role.

The last thing we need is career politicians, yes men/women or people who want to sit quietly in a corner and pick up their pay. The worst may well be yet to come.  

I write to you regarding a story titled “Wagga activist Joe Williams likens Australia Day to celebrating the Holocaust”. 

I without qualification support Mr Williams comments “do you ask the Jews to celebrate the Holocaust? No, you don't.” because they are true. The Jewish community does not celebrate Hitler’s birthday, The anniversary of the start of the world wars or the absolute butchering of their people. 

Why should we as Aboriginal people support the our version of the Holocaust? The ugly Facebook commentators on your Facebook page under this story's headline need to take their blinders off and come and live in the real word. 

Get out from behind your keyboards and come learn your history of our country. Comments from the Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and The Reverend Dr John Cohen are always going to be empty and ignorant. 

The death from heat exhaustion of a police dog who collapsed while tracking a car thief is a tragic reminder that the continuing heat wave can easily be lethal. Last year was the hottest year on record, and temperatures have soared again in the first days of 2017.

We all know not to leave dogs or children locked in cars, but this incident shows that there are plenty of other deadly hazards to avoid during extreme weather. 

Keep animals indoors and if animals must be left outside, make sure that they have plenty of water and shade all day long. Even brief periods of direct exposure to the sun can be deadly. Don't take dogs jogging in hot weather. Walk dogs early in the morning or late at night, rest often and take plenty of water. Hot pavement can burn paws.

Never leave animals in a parked car. On a 30-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 54 degrees in just minutes. Never transport dogs on the backs of open utes. They can be thrown out, and the hot metal can burn their feet. Check on neighbours' animals if you see them left outdoors. Make sure they have adequate water and shelter.

If you see a dog showing any symptoms of heatstroke – including restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite or coordination – get the animal into the shade immediately, lower their body temperature by providing water or applying a cold towel to the head and chest or by immersing it in tepid (not ice-cold) water. Then immediately call a vet.