As Ben mentioned, Pam is the type of person that really deserves an award. In the three groups that Pam is so involved with, it is about others that Pam is concerned with, certainly not glory for her self.

Pam is the guiding influence with Vietnam Veterans Illawarra and keeps the lights on. Most Vets are in their 70's and cranky old men but Pam keeps a smile on her face.

Pam's work with the Legacy Children's Camp each January is legendary. Pam gives up a lot of her own time to make sure the camp is a great success and that the kids of sick or deceased servicemen have a great time. Well done Pam and Ben

Ian Birch, Fairy Meadow

Matty Ryan asks the relevant question, what is the right thing for Queensland in his letter of May 29 'Its Automatic'. The reference should be to Australia!

Adani has been controversial and seemed to be a player in our election. Mr Ryan has correctly concluded that it will be automated mine, rail and port. Carmichael Mine produces steaming coal which can be cost effectively mined from other Australian mines.

There are questions around the economic viability of the mine as well as studies which suggest its opening will lead to a net reduction of jobs in the coal industry just so that another hole can be put in the groqund and the possibility of another bird murdered!

Peter Corkish, Wollongong

On return from Japan I was interested to see BHP promoting the use of steel in press and TV ads featuring a Japanese Bullet Train. In 1964 Japan with a population of 98 million introduced its first bullet train.

Australia with a population of 11 million had an extensive rail network of electrified Intercity trains supplemented with steam and diesel electric rural connections. Today Japan with a population of 127 million has an intercity network of bullet trains running on average every 15 to 20 minutes coupled to an extensive inter urban electrified rail system.

Australia population 25 million today has a hodgepodge of electrified and diesel trains running on ageing infrastructure and hampered by differences between States. Rural lines have been progressively decommissioned in favour of road transport.

Of course the comparison with Japan is skewed by population and distances involved but the mantra of BHP to "Think Big" doesn't feature in our Governing Fathers agenda. Maybe we need another Christopher Skate or Allan Bond to kick start a rail transport revolution.

Eric Davies, Keiraville

I respond about the Sunshine Coast Daily printing a photograph of Queensland Premier, Anacstacia Palaszczuk in a rifle's crosshairs. This is beyond gutter journalism and needs to be condemned by journalists and editors. Invoking ideas from the film 'Manchurian Candidate' is deplorable.

An apology was made but that is not enough, the editor should have been sacked. I would expect that the Illawarra Mercury would not support this type of journalism.

Peter Corkish, Wollongong