The Australian greyhound racing industry has been brought to its knees by a collection of out of touch anti-dog racing drongos, who up till now have never cared one iota about a rabbit until it was made into an Akubra hat.

Some racing dog trainers decide to teach a dog to race after a rabbit and that's absolute cruelty.

Meanwhile, back in the bush, farmers are using calicivirus disease and 1080 poison to eradicate the Australian rabbit population en masse where the rabbit writhes for days in absolute agony.

Trainers should not have used pigs or possums for training purposes. That was cruel, but it's all right by me if they use rabbits and give them a quicker death.

The Australian government classes rabbits as vermin. Let's not kill off an entire industry over a useless rabbit.

Dave Cox, Corrimal

During the Second World War, on our telephones, a small message was attached, "Make sure brain is engaged before opening mouth!"

This is a message that Tony Abbott should take to heart.

It seems that, without a three-word mantra, every time that the Prime Minister opens and closes his mouth, his brain disintegrates as it has, yet again, with his momentous attempt to blackmail the Indonesians into allowing our two boys to escape the death penalty.

We have an excellent Foreign Minister, in Julie Bishop, negotiating on these boys' behalf and she should be left to deal with it without Abbott's unintelligent interference.

As an Opposition leader, he (Abbott) was invincible. As a Prime Minister, he leaves a lot to be desired!

Peter Girdlestone, Bowral

Walking through the shopping precinct in Dapto at the weekend, it is obvious that the streets need much more attention.

In front of most shops, weeds surround street signs, electricity poles and seats.

Weeds have also taken hold in the many paved surfaces.

The exception is in front of the Ribbonwood Centre.

Whilst I imagine the council has responsibility in this area, shopkeepers, chemists and doctor surgeries could put their best foot forward and clean up the area immediately in front of their business.

It would take just a few minutes a week.

Hours later, I noticed that the shopping precinct in Fairy Meadow is much more presentable.

Come on, Dapto!

Stephen Leonard, Kanahooka

I rejoice in living in a Sandon Point community that has a place in its heart for the Kuradji embassy. That humble shack amongst the dune scrub has more significance (and is much easier on the eye) that any number of magnificent new homes.

It's always a been model citizen and serves this community with a marvellous music festival each year. Please leave it as it is.

Les Robinson, Sandon Point

I'm a bit disappointed with the long grass on the north side of Lake Illawarra foreshore.

The east side of the bridge is disgusting. One would think the council would have more pride in our very popular public places.

Bob Kemp, Warilla