He was correct also in his views on many who receive the award for simply doing their job well. Shouldn't they anyway? It was fitting to see the likes of Doreen Bryars who for decades has given her time and talents to conduct choirs who sing for the enjoyment of so many in our community. Thank you Doreen.

Also so wonderful to read of the award to Vic Chapman an indigenous man who has contributed so much to education in the Illawarra and not only education. Well done Vic. These selfless people and many like them who give without seeking a reward are the ones who should be recognised not attention seekers using such language as Ms Caro.

Margaret Wolfe, Thirroul

The Building Industry has always been the hardest way there is to earn a living, little wonder then that a tough organisation is needed to represent its workers. The CFMEU. has done more to protect the rights of its members than any other workers Industrial Union.

I have lost count of the number of building subcontractors who were driven into bankruptcy simply because they had no protection from dishonest builders.

The Australian community needs the likes of the often derided CFMEU and should support it as it fights to protect its members.

As for the ALP's Anthony Albanese wanting to kick the building union in the guts, I prefer the union any day over him and his Labor politicians.

We hear that 458 employees at just 36 businesses havebeen cheated out of nearly $130.000 in wages.

Scott Morrison couldn't care less about workers. At least John Setka is doing his best. Unions For Ever.

Dave Cox, Corrimal

The Dragons .. oh dear, oh dear.

Another winter of discontent.

When will this carnage end ....?

DJ Preece, North Wollongong

Every so often a person comes along bound for greatness. The position of Prime Minister of Australia is filled by people who are there following a purposeful journey to get there.

They go to the position with a vision for Australia and supported by Ministers of varying abilities.

Australia was fortunate to have the likes of Curtin, Chifley, Menzies and Hawke.

Hawke had a single minded approach, he did not want revolution or mayhem in the streets.

He wanted fairness and a population with good living standards for all its members.

Hawke and Keating set themselves on a path of reform which often falls to the Labor side of politics by default from the conservatives. But there is little difference in the outlook of Labor versus the LNP.

Vale, Rest In Peace and those who are inclined give Bob a one verse rendition of 'Solidarity Forever'.

Peter Corkish, Wollongong