The messages were collected following the Fair Work Commission's decision, which will see Sunday rates reduced from July and they (the messages) were strung up in front of the Member for Gilmore’s Nowra office but they were not left up for long.

Members of Union Shoalhaven and representatives from a Build a Better Futures group were asked to take the messages down because only the tenants of the building can put items up on Bridge Street building.

President of Unions Shoalhaven Tim Montgomery wrote a summary of the messages, on a piece of cardboard, which he took into the Member for Gilmore’s office.

The message stated “Mrs Sudmalis - We have received hundreds of messages from Gilmore residents concerned about penalty rates. Any cuts will have a negative effect on families and individuals. Stop the cuts! Support Gilmore residents - Unions Shoalhaven”.

Mrs Sudmalis gone on the record to say she always welcomes feedback from the community.

“I have only received messages of support for standing up for the people of Gilmore, be that the unemployed who want to have a go and the underemployed who want to work more hours,” she said.

“Many small shops, pharmacies, takeaways and hotels have simply found it too expensive to open on Sundays.

“This decision to modify Sunday penalty rates will help small business open their doors, compete on a level playing field with big businesses, and create more jobs.”