Locally we have had the closure of the maternity section at Milton Hospital, the fracture clinic at Shoalhaven Hospital, the start of a $10m car park whilst ambulances are lined up outside with no beds available inside, we have early discharges from Shoalhaven Hospital (early hours) to free up beds while patients have had to find their way home with hospital staff are run off their feet.

The 40 extra police for the Shoalhaven, requested by the Police Association, never occurred. 

The $40m rail upgrade for freight while we put up with second class rail and bus services south of Kiama.

The life saving FIX IT NOW campaign for the Princes Highway by Fairfax Media and the community, like the Jervis Bay Road intersection, are a next term of "Gunna" governing .

People lucky enough to have jobs in the region were gifted with losing their penalty rates. 

All this on this term of government not the next. At least the people of Sanctuary Point/St Georges Basin area, after years of political fake news, will get a police station (part time) before the next election thanks to the support of the South Coast Register and WIN TV over the years.

Just wanted to express my utmost thanks to the outstanding service provided by Brenda from Dress with Finesse in Nowra. My partner and I were trying to select a dress for our mother without her there, fully aware that refunds would not be given for “change of mind”.

Brenda spent a great deal of her time helping us to select a dress she thought would work, mentioning to us she doesn’t normally offer refunds but in our case, she would. Naturally, we were hoping the dress would fit.

Unfortunately, we had to return the dress the following week, and Brenda happily took it back and went to issue a refund.

It’s wonderful to experience such wonderful and genuine service from a local business, and I applaud Brenda and her commitment to customers. A wonderful asset to the Shoalhaven. Thank you so much.

Approaching the festive season, let’s remember that many Australian farmers have had a tough year because of the drought. Many say it’s the worst in living memory.

Farmers are incredibly resilient, strong and proud. Drought-affected farmers show remarkable strength of character, coping with determination in the face of hardships, doing their best to prepare ahead of time for the conditions they are experiencing.

Yet, with no rain to break the dry spell, the road to recovery is long. 

The drought has rallied support for farmers in towns and cities Australia-wide. Tens of thousands of people donated to the Red Cross “Help Aussie Farmers" appeal. With these contributions and with our local partners, the Country Women’s Association and Rural Financial Counselling Service, we have reached thousands of farmers and farming families with financial assistance.

Some farmers are reluctant to seek financial support – for all sorts of reasons. However, farmers tell us it’s easy to apply for the funds donated to Red Cross.  They say the funds reach them quickly to cover household expenses such as groceries and utility bills.

If you’re a drought-affected farmer or reliant on farming for your livelihood, please come forward for support. Let us ease the burden. 

To access a Red Cross drought relief grant, visit redcross.org.au/drought.