Access to education, apprenticeship opportunities and jobs in general rely on regular, reliable public transport. The report highlights the need to better integrate transport solutions in job and education course design.

To date a lot of money has been spent by the federal government during COVID. However no real progress seems to have been made on improving transport options in our region which are so critical to economic success.

Better schedules for private buses, use of mini bus fleets in local villages and a rail system that is not only integrated with the buses but also better integrated with CityRail schedules are all projects that could employ people in the design and build phases but also enable economic stimulus to our region.

Unions Shoalhaven has been campaigning for several years for improvements in transport and electrification of the rail line between Kiama and Bomaderry. This report from Regional Development Australia supports the principles our campaign. All we need now is for the government at federal and state levels to come on board.

Congratulations to Shoalhaven City Council for its leadership on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels (Renewable pledge, 28/8). Sadly Environment Minister Sussan Ley thinks local councils should focus on dealing with household rubbish. Now that over 100 local governments in Australia and New Zealand have declared a climate emergency, what will the Minister think?

Sure, make fun of the recorder. But don't deny it for what it was; the beginning of your music education.

Recently Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, jumped on the radio sharing a degrading joke with presenter Richard Glover about the recorder. That week NSW Health officials and presenters would all take part in recycling jokes about parents being delighted that there would be a recorder ceasefire across NSW due to new Covid-19 restrictions. And sure the recorder has a certain sound. Sure it can be used as a weapon on the ears and sure you may have three recorder jokes you could rattle off right now. But like for many other regional students this humble instrument was my first taste of music education, fulfilling a vital part of my early learning.

This same week my father showed me photos of his time at school 60 years ago where he learnt English and maths on a chalk slate and the recorder in a school band. It's wonderful that in 60 years we've progressed to computers and laptops. It's just a shame that rather than provide adequate funding or resources, our officials mock the limited music experiences our public schools can run to provide children with a well rounded education.

The next time a recorder joke springs to mind, make a joke about the sackbut instead because that's a childishly hilarious name for a Renaissance trombone and a joke we can all enjoy.

With the recent passing of my mother Elvin Foley, I would like to commend the local community for the wonderful palliative care suites at Milton Hospital.

The care of Milton Hospital staff was outstanding, showing much compassion, wonderful nursing skills to make my Mum's passing peaceful and full of dignity.

Many thanks to all those who in the local community made this facility possible.