Write Direction: One of those days by John Blackbourne
I WOKE up this morning feeling cynical. Yes, it was one of those days when the morning news said that the government is to provide cheaper electricity for all its citizens. When I listened a bit longer, it said we would all be getting our electricity with a saving of $64 per year. Wow. Wasn’t […]
Sex discrimination act debate continues
DEAR News Of The Area, SONJA Duncan’s letter in the of News Of The Area ‘Rights are not a zero-sum game’, (page 13, 3/6/26) gave me the impetus to re-play Alison Penfold’s recent speech to Parliament about her private members’ bill proposing changes to the sex discrimination act. I also re-read Ms Duncan’s letter a […]
Can you help the author of this letter identify some of the people in this photograph?
Help identify faces in old Dungog or Gloucester photo
Dear News Of The Area, I AM writing to ask whether your newspaper might be willing to publish an old family photograph in the hope that members of the community may be able to help identify some of the people pictured. The photograph is believed to include my husband’s great-grandfather, Robert Alexander Laurie, who was […]
Husband’s responsibility takes flight
Dear Jasminda, When I travel with my partner on a plane, he ignores the safety announcements and instead reads a book. I feel like if something goes wrong, I’m the only one who will be able to assist. Bettina L. Dear Bettina, I’ve come across a range of different travellers over the years. Because I […]
Origin 1
Letter to the Editor: love all, serve all
DEAR News Of The Area, (In response to: “Lyne MP’s bid to amend legal definition of ‘woman’ and ‘man’,” 26 May). Babies may be identified as male or female by their genitals at birth, but the chromosomes really determine their gender. Some societies used to have 5 genders. Please see information on differing chromosome patterns. […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, I am aware that during meetings, staff members appearing via Zoom are more insightful and intellectually engaged. I don’t understand the disparity. When they appear in person, they seem very different. Should I move all meetings to Zoom? Kevin P. Hi Kevin, I remember the good old days of staff meetings. The whole […]
Snails
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, I find there are times during my working day when I lack energy or wonder at the futility of an office job. How do I keep my momentum going for the next 45 years? Melissa W. Dear Melissa, I had some general ideas for you and was about to start composing my response […]