Community effort
On behalf of the Somerville family at Collingullie I wish to sincerely thank the many competent firefighters who came to our property so rapidly last Friday, December 11.
People arrived in local and district fire trucks, rural fire fighting units, fire fighting planes and various machinery. They all worked collaboratively and efficiently to avert a disaster.
I would like to acknowledge the kindness of the proprietor of The Rock IGA “Nick the friendly grocer” who, without request, donated cold water and snacks, also the wonderful local ladies and friends who worked tirelessly to support the firefighters.
Furthermore I am confident there are people who have contributed without our knowledge, for this the family is extremely grateful.
Kev, Lynne, Dane, Di, Judd and Lacey Somerville
Collingullie
Christmas priorities
YOUR recent editorial on "Christmas is not about rabid consumerism" (The Daily Advertiser, December 10, 2015) is indeed so spot on.
It is now referred to as the silly season - having lost its once upon a time simplicity.
It has become so rampant with material expectations that the desire to meet the wants of everyone and for many in doing so, they over spend on their credit card and then have to struggle to pay it back (with interest) before the next Christmas arrives.
There was a time when the emphasis was on the getting together with family and friends over a simply prepared luncheon with lots of conversation and catching up to do.
Just seeing and being with each other was the highlight of the day.
Presents were kept at a minimum to what one could afford to pay for and most kids were happy to receive whatever came their way on the day.
Christ - for many - took and still does take centre stage.
After all, the day for Christian belief is a celebration of his birth.
As society has progressed over the years so to has its expectations (many of them way over the top). If only we could turn back time and get simplicity back into so many everyday things like Christmas.
Life could be less complicated and far more meaningful.
Happy and Holy Christmas to one and all.
Yvonne Rance
Griffith
Environmental balance
The passing of conservationist Harry Butler recently made me reflect on how we need to adjust some of our environmental thinking.
Dr Butler was a pioneer of the conservation movement in Australia, but unlike too many of that ilk today, believed conservation can be compatible with development.
Across Australia's food bowl which we know as the Murray-Darling Basin, it can be possible to have an effective balance between environmental needs and food production, but to this point we have failed in our attempts to find the equilibrium.
At present it would appear we have too many environmental advisers to government who, unlike Harry Butler, can only see one side of the equation.
As such we end up with a flawed Murray-Darling Basin Plan that is crucifying food production at a time when we need to be growing this industry, both to turn the “mining boom” into a “dining boom”, as well as helping to provide greater food security in Australia and internationally.
We need more people like the late Dr Harry Butler who appreciate that with common sense and a little effort it is possible to achieve balance and compatibility.
Let's hope we can work harder towards this goal in the very near future.?
Emma Hand
Wagga
