Having Mr Arthur Rorris run as an independent candidate in the state seat of Wollongong is the joke of the century.

We do not need an environmental socialist of the left who still holds anti-capitalist views trying to give the impression he is an independent.

I have no doubt Mr Rorris holds strong opinions on issues, which in general is a good thing because people will know where he stands.

However, the problem for Mr Rorris is his inability to be politically impartial. As an independent you have to be able to work with Labor or Liberal and be able to look at legislation objectively and without bias. On current form Mr Rorris is no independent and will help Labor be re-elected or the Greens take the seat, while making sure the Liberals have no chance. If the Wollongong mayor runs in the seat there will be four left-wing candidates, Rorris, Bradley, Bresser and Hay. This would suggest an election of any one of them could be a disaster for Wollongong unless those claiming to be independent are true to their word.

Adrian Devlin, Fairy Meadow

As Australia prepares to commemorate the landing of the first Anzac troops in Gallipoli 100 years ago, we ask you also remember the work of Red Cross by supporting Red Cross Calling during March. Just like the thousands of Red Cross volunteers who worked so hard to support our Anzac troops in 1915, Red Cross volunteers still continue to care for those who need it most.

By making a donation or organising an event for Red Cross Calling during March, you can support the everyday work of Red Cross such as working in NSW bushfire relief and recovery centres, making daily phone calls to elderly Australians living alone and providing breakfast for children who might otherwise go to school hungry.

In years to come, many will turn to Red Cross for help in times of crisis and we're determined to be there when they do.

Red Cross Calling is the one time of year when local members, community groups, schools and individuals can work together to raise money for Red Cross through local fundraising events. To make a donation, or to get involved go to our website at redcrosscalling.org.au or phone 1800 008 831.

Jody Broun, Executive Director NSW, Australian Red Cross

Why not let the navy and cruise ships use Port Kembla harbours? The Illawarra and south coast certainly have a lot to offer when it comes to servicing these two lucrative and relatively "green" industries. With the cruise market booming and its capacity to create jobs and revenue for the area, it seems like a win-win situation. The harbour can accommodate the overflow from Sydney and we are still within easy access of the airport. Also, smaller destinations such as Shellharbour and Kiama could benefit by opening up their wharves to the tenders which ferry passengers to and from the cruise ship while they spend up big for the day. This operation is carried out at even smaller places without a large harbour to park a cruise ship. With the mountains meeting the sea, we have the best of everything to show off to the world. These monuments of modern technology cruise past us on most days. Let's take up this opportunity and "not miss the boat".

Steven Thomas, Shellharbour