It implies that it’s ok for men who are not role models to force themselves onto women who don’t want their attention and it's only our “role models” who are subjected to this “higher standard of behaviour”.

We’ve still got a long way to go.

Sue Moran, Oak Flats

Adam Dent is guilty of enjoying a drink as many of us do, then making the bad decision to drive home!

Considering he has done such a great job for the SES in his short term in office, doesn't he deserve a second chance?

Just hope he gets the help and support he may need to carry on and find further employment!

Bev Wood, Kanahooka

Further to Kate McIlwain's article (Illawarra Mercury, Tuesday, January 18) regarding the development of Bel Air Tower at Fairy Meadow.

The AFL and cricket clubs that use North Dalton Park might have an interest as the Traffic Impact Study for the developers that states overflow parking is available in the North Dalton Car Park.

If allowed, this would mean residents would be crossing Pioneer Road, a major feeder road to the northern suburbs.

Also signs in the car park prohibit cars that are for sale parking there.

What is the difference between that and  residents parking overnight?

Why should ratepayers fund a facility that should be provided by developers that over develop a site?

Again the traffic survey was conducted when residents had left for work - a time that puts a more favourable light on the traffic survey for the developers.

Mr Rod Oxley, former General Manager of Wollongong City Council, was used by the developers as a  consultant.

Surely someone with Mr Oxley’s experience would understand residents objections to the over development.

Ian Birch, Fairy Meadow

Thank you Jason Weaver for your letter “Vote of Thanks” (Illawarra Mercury, January 27, 2016).

Your words reflect the sentiments of many in our community and the Illawarra Mercury must be applauded for highlighting the creature cruelty in our region.

The RSPCA would like to think it was the saviour for tragic and uncontrollable events, rather than the blatant cruelty which the society so often faces.

Roslyn  Strahan, Keiraville

In the article “More train pain for coast” (Illawarra Mercury, Thursday, January 28) no mention was made about one of the most significant reasons why seats are difficult to find on train services to and from Central and Bombaderry - it is the almost total absence of luggage facilities.

With the increasing use of the train service by people wanting to access Sydney airport and or cruise ship terminals, comes the problem of what do they do with their oversize luggage?

The answer is they place them on the train seats.

Hence it is not unusual to hear disputes between the luggage owner and those train users unable to find a seat about removing the luggage.

Invariably, the offending passengers’ response is “where else can I put my luggage?” 

Possibly we could follow the lead of UK and European rail systems?

There they have specific carriages for luggage seen as too large to “carry on”.

Surely if we can provide “quiet” cars why not luggage specific carriages?

Barry Swan, Balgownie