Letters to the editor November 11 2017

The community strongly expressed support for the public health system.

The staff – medical, nursing, allied health and other support staff – also strongly expressed their belief in the public health system.

At the start of this process the Government identified the urgent need for redevelopment of Shellharbour Hospital and that the 2015 commitment by the Government of $251 million was inadequate. 

In order for the NSW Government to now regain credibility and public trust, it must meet community expectations by fully funding this public hospital’s redevelopment.

We now call upon the NSW Government to provide the necessary funding for Shellharbour Hospital’s redevelopment as a matter of great urgency.

Signed by 82 ISLHD Doctors (viewable online at illawarramercury.com.au)

Isn't it amazing that the Premier Gladys Alphabet can say to the people of the Illawarra two years ago that the free shuttle bus is here to stay then decide that it is so popular that a revenue is required.

Another kick in the arse for the Illawarra!

We have a so called Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward who, when the shuttle was introduced to Wollongong had many photo shoots in front of the bus. Your proud smile was amazing.

Do your job man. Support the bus.

Oppose the Premier on this - and most importantly -  support the people that you are paid to represent.

Your Premier has done countless back flips on her many decisions - this just adds to the long list!

Mick Chamberlain, Dapto.

Uluru is not a theme park (Illawarra Mercury, November 2, 2017) and the issue of banning visitors from climbing Uluru from October 2019.

If and when you visit Uluru (every Australian should), the moment you glimpse the "Rock" for the first time, we visited last year, you cannot but be moved.

And when you arrive at the base, you feel the spirituality of this place.

The past and present elders and current land council, ask you to respect Uluru and the surrounding area, and not to scale the "Rock", but to walk around the base and go to the nearby visitor centre and see and learn local history and craft of the traditional owners, the Anangu people.

Don't stop visitors climbing the "Rock" in October 2019, why not do it now.

And let Uluru rest in peace, and us visitors to this land enjoy its magnificence and beautiful sunsets and scenery.

Also, as you visit, be reminded that a number of climbers, have fell and lost their lives at this sacred place.

Bob Glover, Albion Park

I am atheist who lost his faith during the Second World War who shares the dismay of Reverend of Dr Kieth Mascord who is 'dismayed at the nature of the churches support for the no vote' (Illawarra Mercury, November 8) .

I have never lost ‘do unto others’, the bible’s message.

It is the Christian message that a yes vote endorses and one that is supported by non-

believers. Instead there will be another criticism of a church controlled by a dogma that has lost the message of the Mount.

It will lead to more isolation of the church that could have benefited from supporting inclusiveness. A message that they once owned.

Reg Wilding, Wollongong