This news is appalling.

As an individual (not as Southern Highlands Regional Order of Australia Association committee member) I wish to vocalise the inappropriateness and offence this award causes LGBTQI+ community, their family and friends.

I have very close family members who are LGBTQI community whom I've supported for decades; they are some of the finest people I know.

"Freedom of speech" is not the case in; Margaret Court's elevation to the highest level in the Order of Australia is more like a 'reward for prejudice' which could encourage further discrimination and division.

Sitting in judgement does not deserve an Order of Australia award.

As one friend mentioned "It is a travesty that those in high office are still promoting this hateful agenda."

READ ALSO: Macquarie Pass closed for maintenance for three days

Former Australian cricketer set to hold cricket masterclass at Bradman Oval

Proposed refurbishment of hall hits sour note for community groups

We, in the southern Highlands, are extremely lucky to have the benefit of having so many cultural outlets.

There is an ongoing question about how well these are publicised. Is this why often these events don't get the turnout they should?

But our cinema certainly does not suffer from a lack of publicity. Part of our luck is in having the Empire Cinema, the oldest still 'in use' cinema in Australia.

It has twice won the award of being the best country cinema in Australia. It is one of the reasons I live here.

It is wonderful to see, locally, the great wealth of quality movies, opera and plays that are put on in any one of the four theatres.

If you are an appreciator of quality film, and prefer a country town to the city, you are living in the right place in the Highlands. I, for many reasons, would be reluctant to live somewhere besides right here.

The Empire is the home of Fish film club, which shows exceptional art and foreign films.

The Empire regularly shows opera and plays simulcast from the best play theatres in London.

They also show exceptional foreign films. I particularly note, over the years, that the amazing simulcast plays have usually had a major turnout.

Now with people feeling safer watching pay TV, I remind people that the big screen experience is so much better than TV.

I hope soon people will again realise how lucky we all are to have the Empire Cinema, and all the wonderful quality movies and plays they show.

I am a resident of the Highlands for 35 years and patron of one hell of a great cinema.

Now that the challenging year that was 2020 is behind us, it's the perfect time to reset.

Febfast - which is an annual fundraiser for my organisation, the Youth Support + Advocacy Service - is now open for registrations. It is a great way to reset drinking habits, feel healthier and even save a little bit of money.

The funds raised help YSAS to support young people who are vulnerable, or at high-risk of being affected by drugs, alcohol, mental health issues and social disconnection. Many of the young people we meet come from backgrounds of abuse, neglect and trauma. And without the skills, support and services to improve their wellbeing, these young people may never have the chance to truly thrive. We want to change that.

Every year, febfasters help provide safe housing, access to youth workers and ongoing counselling so disadvantaged young people have every opportunity to succeed.

This year, I hope you'll join thousands of people who are getting their health back on track by taking a pause for a cause. It's not too late to register: you can sign up at www.febfast.org.au

Andrew Bruun, CEO, Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS)