Since this time we have seen Tasmanian Aboriginal culture leading the program. Our dancers have been very busy performing for reconciliation, and other Aboriginal cultural arts have been exhibited in many reconciliation events.

But mainly it's been our Aboriginal dancers that have been offering an olive branch.

Many Tasmanian Aboriginals have made Welcome to Country much easier for white people to enjoy, and are now simply a commodity for all buyers.

Furthermore, our Tasmanian Aboriginal dancers have been dancing for reconciliation for 29 years now, with many of our community members being direct participants in the Reconciliation Council Tasmania.

One would think that after 29 years of dancing, and giving Welcomes to Country, that Tasmanian Aborigines have 'paid their dues' for whatever it is that we have been dancing to reconcile.

Yes, one might ask, what did Tasmanian Aborigines do to require us to reconcile it?

Did we hurt white people, or damage their possessions, or cause them such discomfort that we have to reconcile whatever it is?

I for one don't have an answer for this, if you need to know ask the dancers.

Nor has any government told Aborigines what they will do for reconciliation, so it's us who are responsible to do it.

It's obvious of course that we are the guilty party because we never see white representatives dancing for reconciliation.

I am sure though that whatever we did, it has been well and truly reconciled after 29 years, and that white people should acknowledge this by, perhaps, dancing a welcome to the Australian nation for example, a forgiveness for Tasmanian Aborigines, and we would all be much happier, wouldn't we?

Jim Everett-puralia meenamatta, Cape Barren Island.

UNFORTUNATELY due to health reasons I reluctantly had to go to hospital this Easter. I was quite apprehensive due to the Coronavirus.

But, oh my gosh I was blown away again by these angels of mercy the nurses, doctors and paramedics - they were nothing short of fantastic.

With courageous and caring precision, walking amongst us, tending to our needs and skilfully lowering our anxieties.

This pandemic puts them all in life threatening danger, yet they carry on.

As Winston Churchill once said, "never has so many been in debt to so few", to actually stay alive.

Hospitals are really not the place to be, isolation is the best defence.

However, these fantastic and dedicated human beings are risking their lives continually to save others.

I am out and again observing isolation, but these wonderful people go out daily into dangerous zones, in the face of death to attend to us.

Oh what a beautiful gift you people give.

Words cannot express our debt to you, your unselfish life threatening work is to be commended beyond expression.

Again I repeat, never has so many been in debt on so few Thank you so much.

Peter Doddy, Trevallyn.

IT is pleasing to read in (The Examiner, April 17) that Foundry is offering a range of short courses, free of charge, for some of those now unemployed.

The concept of Foundry I totally agree with as it seeks to pick up those young people falling between cracks. It's association with TasU means its offerings have legitimacy. My congratulations to Chris Billing and his team.

Dick James, Launceston.

LIKE most of Tasmanian residents I am mostly staying at home since the COVID-19 restrictions were announced. I only took petrol once since the lockdown began so I would say I am adhering to the rules well.

Today I received my roadside membership renewal advice from RACT and to my surprise it goes up 5 per cent once renewed in May. Overall it is a small amount. But I find it very strange to increase premium on roadside assistance while my car (and most of the cars in the state) are mostly parked in a yard.

Grace Rock, Westbury.

PREMIER Peter Gutwein deserves unequivocal support for his support package initiative for temporary visa holders.

It is not only compassionate, it is sensible. Temporary visa holders make an important economic contribution to our state.

Retaining them during this present crisis is not only in their best interest, but ours as well.

Dr Michael Powell, Sideling

VIRGIN may not have been given a bailout, but private hospitals certainly have, and as yet nothing has been asked in return.

Since profitable elective surgery is soon to resume, I would expect that public patients would be included on the operating lists.

This would help repay some of the largesse taxpayers have so generously provided.

Anna Fitzpatrick, Trevallyn.

NOW might be a good time for the Spirit of Tasmania to consider sailing into NSW. Maybe they could dock in Illawarra (Port Kembla), which is an hour south of Sydney.

From this port, one could drive in many directions without having to negotiate busy Sydney city traffic.

Maybe even once a week (each way) would be a good option.

Vicki Simm, Perth.