But wait to do things “proper” at this annual event. To Gill McLachlan (compare on the night) I would inform him. 

For all my considerable years, it has been customary when proposing a toast (best and fairest) that the recipient does not take part (drink to himself).

AFL committee, take note of this, and inform the league so that things next year are “done proper” a worthy winner indeed.

IF THE Coalition government thinks the issue of live export is going away it has another thing coming.

The issue is very much alive and a powerful vote changer/influencer – certainly among the many people I speak to about this vile so-called trade.

The Coalition’s continued support for extreme animal cruelty, which is what this trade is all about, has been noted and will be remembered.

I was speaking to a Liberal voter (now former) last week. She told me she and her husband and daughter had no idea what was going on and were horrified by what they saw on 60 Minutes. 

Sheep drowning in their own waste, lambs unable to stand, bodies crushed, sheep thrown overboard like garbage.

I explained that Labor has committed to phasing out this disgusting practice. She will now vote Labor and she says she’ll do she can to ensure her husband and daughter do the same. It’s a little victory and we are working to ensure all those "little victories" add up to a big one when the election rolls around.

If Coalition MPs know what’s good for them they will use their influence to end live export. It’s a political headache they know they can ill afford. Want some evidence? Take a look at Newspoll. Electoral Armageddon awaits.

TARGET in Charles Street has just constructed a very large, very visible, very defacing air-conditioning structure above the street-front facade.

We pride ourselves that we live in a great heritage city. This structure totally destroys the historic Charles Street vista.

It also totally negates any city enhancement  achieved with the square and mall refurbishments. It must be removed.

IF SOMEBODY has been born with the wrong body, they should be entitled to gender assignment surgery. In the much same way way as if they were born with an extra finger or a defective heart.

AS A long-term resident of New Zealand in the mid ’80s, I remember with fondness Sir Robert David Muldoon, who was able to summon the full-strength of his convictions to change New Zealand politics for the better. He was constantly full of spirit, would never wine and was always bubbly - something our “betters” in Canberra could learna thing or two about. Cheers to Robert Muldoon.

THE Examiner (October 1) has alerted us to difficulties in accessing home aged care packages with 2757 people on waiting lists.  

Maybe it is time to look to other strategies to overcome some aspects of this bottleneck.

Teenagers in their last few years of schooling at college or university are eager to have part-time jobs and have traditionally looked to the food industries to provide this employment.

There are a range of tasks they could undertake to help the elderly: vacuuming, ironing, general cleaning, lawn mowing, garden weeding, supermarket shopping, light meal preparation or just being there for a time providing companionship.  

Of course payment at award rates would be involved and many households could afford the cost of a few hours weekly.  

This sort of part-time activity could provide a taster for a career in aged care.  

We are told that upwards of 5000 extra workers are going to be required, so openings do exist and what better way to induct future providers.

COMMENTS regarding the woeful state of aged care in Australia (Anne Brelsford, The Examiner, October 3) are understandable considering recent negative media exposure; including my comments printed in this column from time to time.

Nevertheless, we all need to remember that there are many excellent aged care providers and care staff.

Staff who provide superb care often over and above allotted time and expectation.

These (mostly) women receive abysmal financial recompense.

A significant number of organisations and their managers also invest knowledge and passion finding innovative affordable approaches to care.

But, are rarely acknowledged or thanked.

Bad apples in the barrel are a reality however not all the apples are bad.

We need to be mindful to appreciate good apples and quickly heal or remove the bad.