Like many, it saddened me to read the comments by long-standing members of the Winnaleah farming community and football club: “I haven’t been to a football match and won’t go to another, I tend to just go to work on a Saturday now and know a lot of farmers around here that aren’t getting off their farms now either, they just stay at home. I don’t think the NTFA understands that at all”.

This says it all.

Surely the AFL, NTFA, state government and the Dorset Council could have acted as facilitators and leaders to broker a deal which would have seen the NEFU continue as a viable competition.

A mere $50,000 each from say the government, AFL and the Dorset Council would have provided support, encouragement and incentive for Bridport, Scottsdale Crows and St Helens or Lilydale to remain in a four-team competition.

It may have even seen Branxholm and Ringarooma/Legerwood rejoin as one team.

For governments and councils that highlight the fact they support regional Tasmania, it is simply unacceptable and disappointing that they have allowed this unfortunate outcome.

I hate to think what ex-champion and coaches of the 1950s like Daryl Crosswell (Winnaleah) and Bob Chitty (Ringarooma) would think of current state of affairs for the once strong NEFU.

Surely jurisdictions mentioned above are able step up and show some genuine initiative, responsibility, commitment and leadership to assist with forming a four team competition for the NEFU.

Not a big ask for this community.

Martin Crawford, ex Winnaleah player, Newstead.

THE sale of church property in Tasmania of the Anglican Church will devastate small communities. While it is absolutely fitting that victims of child sexual abuse be compensated by the church, it is disgraceful that this will be paid for by the sale of historic church buildings in smaller, often rural communities.

The residents and parishioners of these communities have often built, maintained and enhanced the buildings over generations. These buildings are part of the very fabric of the community. Now after looking the other way, the church plans to sell the buildings themselves to pay victims. Now they are abusing communities rather than families to get their money.

Surely, the sale of a church owned supermarket site, a service station site, or a few of any of the church's many investment properties, is a better proposition than selling the churches and graveyards that are part of rural Tasmania? 

Helen Howard, Cressy.

THERE is a problem occurring, not just in Launceston, but in many towns and cities around Australia.

Shops and businesses in the centre of town are not doing well and, in many cases, closing down.

The reason for this is simple, as the city expands people have to travel farther to do their shopping, and why would they when there is probably a large shopping centre in their area with plentiful free parking, as opposed to highly regulated car parks in the city centre?

It is all very well having special attractions and businesses in the city centres, but unless it is made a more attractive area to live in, not just for the ultra rich for the average person, it will continue to stagnate.

Only when more people are able to make if their home will the heart and soul of the city be revived.

Malcolm McCulloch, Pipers River.

ON June 27, The Examiner printed that a review of the Local Government Association of Tasmania would be undertaken.

This review will seek to ensure greater innovation, also mentioned was increased accountability and transparency.

I do wonder how that equates with closed meetings and hiding behind so-called workshops, then presenting what amounts to a fait accompli at the general meeting, with no real opportunity for a healthy robust debate with ratepayers.

Of course, if you can cram all your thoughts into the two minutes you are allowed at council meetings, then good luck to you.

Accountability and transparency, I'm sure we can all see through that.

Ron Baines, Kings Meadows.

I HAVE no idea what senator Hanson-Young does in her private life but in any event parliament is not the place for accusations of this nature to be made.

At a time when males are being urged to show respect for the opposite sex what sort of message does this send to the male population? 

We can only hope the Senate will censure Senator Leyonhjelm and a period of suspension from the chamber be imposed, hopefully a lengthy one.

A. Carter, Mowbray.

A memorial in Launceston’s City Park for train driver Peter Douglas is a very fitting thing to do.

He was a man who spent so many hours giving children, parents and grandparents so much fun and entertainment with his countless hours driving the train in our wonderful City Park. 

The memorial should be placed near the trains departure point, or even on the side of the train’s engine.

My wife and I both enjoyed our many rides with our grand-daughter as she grew up. 

Rest in peace, train man. 

David Parker, West Launceston.