I have been in this shire for just on three decades now and on Wingecarribee Council for two of those decades. Over those years there has been a strong desire and physical and social investment by this community in making the dream a reality. Long-time residents of the shire would know that the effort to secure a regional gallery has been far in excess of those 30 years. Many people have shared the hope and continued to work toward its realisation.

The Friends of the Southern Highlands Gallery have been very pivotal and unrelenting in keeping this dream alive. In my time on council, having been a member and chairing the Arts and Culture Committee several times, I have seen many false starts and broken promises to realise what we now have before us as a reality. I have seen the agendas and politics of some previous board members, including councillors, putting their own aspirations and egos in front of achieving a gallery for the people.

I am glad to say that when Ben Quilty first raised this current proposal with me as chair of the Arts and Culture Committee, we both agreed that this was a proposal that presented a realistic opportunity and that it was far too important to sacrifice to egos and personal agendas as had been the case previously. I worked closely with Ben and at strategic points in the process involved those councillors and community members who we knew to have community at heart.

We have been able to bring a unified commitment to the Southern Highlands Regional Gallery by way of partnering with the community, National Trust, council and the friends. This approach proved to be successful and gave the project a chance to manifest, it also allowed council to assess the project free from politics. There is no doubt that without Ben's passion and personal commitment this would not have ever been possible.

In my opinion it is shameful that one councillor is now attempting to put a stain on this great cultural and community achievement. I can only say thank God he never got the chance to wave his flag before it had a chance to live.

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I read with interest, the opinion piece on whether to bag or not bag your dog's poo when you are out walking (A crappy conflict: to bag or not to bag SHN August 30). This is an issue that has long concerned me and as such I have sought out biodegradable dog poo bags which are available in various places. They have not yet arrived but I'm hoping they will be a great environmental solution.

While this will be my new approach to the problem, and I know of many people who do things with consideration to the environment and other people there are a couple of things that do concern me when I am out walking and that is the incosideration of some other people. It is never okay to leave your dog's poo on the or near the footpath - pease at the very least get a stick and flick it away from walkways. Secondly, I am disgusted by those who bag their dog's poo and then leave the full bags laying around. This is appalling behaviour.

RELATED: To bag your dog poo or not to bag it, that is the environmental question?

The beginning of September this year marks Legacy Week, the annual national appeal to support the families of veterans who have given their life or health for this country.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) provides a sense of community, with strong bonds, shared values and belonging for serving personnel and their families, which often extends to the ex-serving community.

Families are a big part of this community and play a crucial part in supporting veterans, especially in challenging times.

They are often the first to notice when challenges are being faced and act as a source of strength who you can always count on.

However, they face their own unique challenges and it is important we all do our bit to help organisations like Legacy who are committed to looking after these families.

This year, Legacy Week runs from September 1-7 and will fundraise to support around 60,000 beneficiaries with essential services such as, counselling, special housing, medical, advocacy and social support.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the wonderful Legatees who give so much of their time and energy and those Australians who generously donate to Legacy.

This Legacy Week, I encourage all Australians to show their support for this vital organisation.

You can do this by becoming a volunteer or by purchasing a Legacy badge.

Furthermore if you buy your badge from one of the many current ADF personnel out selling them, simply say 'thank you for your service'.

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