The achievements of our eldest son are a result of hard work and application to his studies.

Because of his hard work he will be able to gain a position in his first choice course at his preferred university.

Not everything in life turns out as we would wish.

There are those in our community who go out of their way to disrupt our day-to-day activities and make life anything but pleasant.

You and I can take steps to prevent these individuals from interfering with our normal routine.

At a time when many of you are planning to go on holidays and leaving your homes unoccupied, travelling long distances or just simply going about your day-to-day business, there are others who are planning to take advantage of your absence from home or just advantage of an opportunity.

Therefore, make sure you lock up your homes, secure your property, have someone collect your mail and look after your bins for you and do not give those individuals whose only aim is to profit at your expense an opportunity to take what is yours.

Also drive carefully and be mindful of others who aren't as cautious when on our roads.

Just like all those Year 12 students who today are jumping out of their skin after getting their results due to their hard work and application to what they are doing, you too should be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour without worrying about thieves taking what you have worked hard for.

Therefore, don't allow those who just want to take short cuts, who do not want to do the work and who think it is okay just to take what is yours, an opportunity or make it easy for them, to help themselves to your property.

Lastly, well done and congratulations to all those who have finished their HSC and I hope the hard work you put in has given you the rewards you hoped for.

Until next week... Zoran Dzevlan.