In the apparent “land of plenty” we all experienced the wonderful trimmings such an occasion that a happily spent Australia Day presents - a variety of a  diverse celebrations, an array of welcoming citizenship ceremonies, neighbourhoods coming together to enjoy the national food flavours produced by other new Australians, the traditional Aussie BBQ’s, etc - that underpin making a racially diversified, yet an almost seamlessly united nation, look great.

It is particularly nauseating, however, to see and hear a noiseless minority attempting to disrupt the attuned balance that peacefully engage Australia Day, and what the Day means to them.

It would not be a natural phenomenon for all people’s from many walks of life to think the same.   However, it is how one conducts oneself in the face of alternative viewpoints that matters.

This, of course, leads me on to another day the majority of Australians honour and revere - a fast looming  April 25.  Anzac Day is a time-honoured day that is set aside for a time of reflection and contemplation.

Superimposed over this, it is also a time to reflect and to remember all those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice on Australia’s calling, and for the many others that served her best interests in times of conflict - from the Great War to the current - but, also made it home.

Given this backdrop, nothing is more soul-destroying than to hear and see on this day a minority of spoilers attempting to change the course of history by  ‘staining’ the integrity and the personal sacrifices made by all former and current vets serving.

Each performed their duty willingly as demanded by the occasion – . what their duties demanded in order to preserve democracy and free-spirited Australia we all cherish today.

Given what we can usually expect beforehand on  January  26 and  April 25 let’s all drown out the spoilers by displaying stoicism and forbearance and what patriotism and nationalistic pride means.

D J Preece, North Wollongong

Deaths and close calls continue, at an alarming rate, at dance parties from people taking drugs.

 It is absurd – no insulting –  to say they have merely made a mistake.  They all gambled, knowing full well the odds or risks, and lost.

Introducing pill testing will only encourage more people to take drugs and the drug peddlers will just get richer, along with conscienceless and greedy party organisers. The time for tough love is long overdue.

Richard Burnett, Wollongong

So Minister for Women Kelly O'Dwyer has quit her blue ribbon seat. She wasn't exactly a household name was she.

Matty Ryan, Fairy Meadow 

​​​​​EDITOR’S NOTE: Reader contributed images of our beautiful region you are used to seeing here now run with the letters to the editor online on our website  at illawarramercury.com.au.