Students can access further study and achieve their career goals through many means and there is support available to do just this.

I encourage all students to apply maximum effort to their studies and exams, but also to ask for help and reach out if they need to. The NSW Government’s Department of Education website (www.education.nsw.gov.au) has many resources available for students as well as parents to help navigate the next few weeks.

Most importantly, good luck! This week is just the start, there is still a long journey to go.

With the HSC starting this week, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish the region’s students all the very best.

Having attended local schools, I know exactly how you are feeling but the good news is that this important chapter of your life’s journey will soon come to a close.

Whilst the HSC is important – the result won’t define you. Use this time to work hard and do your very best. No one will ask any more of you than that.

Take the time to thank your teachers, parents and supporters who have helped you get to this point. They have shared this path with you and will be wanting you to give these exams your very best.

If you decide to do further study, I can personally attest to the outstanding education you will receive at the University of Wollongong. We also have first-class TAFE and vocational educational providers that are ready and willing to provide you with an exciting skill and trade.

Whatever your path, I wish you a very bright and promising future.

In all honesty, I couldn't believe the comment in your Webwords column from Belinda Blackmore, SCR, October 10, in reference to pensioners’ rights to an aged pension.

I found it to be highly insulting, degrading, disgusting, offensive and disrespectful.  I was taught to respect our elders and have done so all my life and will continue to defend pensioners’ rights with all my might, heart and soul.

Pensioners have worked hard all their lives and have paid tax and deserve their pensions. 

Everyone has to pay tax, including all pensioners, the unemployed and low income workers, by way of the GST imposed by the Howard government.  It cuts savagely into their pockets, they have bills to pay like everyone else. Rent, power, rates (land and water ), food, doctors, chemists, specialists, clothing, infrastructure and the list goes on and on.

The GST they pay goes back to the government coffers. Pensioners keep shop doors open, contribute to the economy and are fully entitled to their pension. Not only are they entitled, but it's part of our social fabric of life and is law.

So if anyone wants to have a gripe about pensions, don't pick on our aged pensioners. Have a go at our politicians who get all the freebies they can get their hands on. Big pay increases which they don't have to fight for (like the workers have to) and people are expected to pull their belts in, but  the politicians never do and all off this is at the taxpayers’ expense. Have some respect.