This year, the theme is Choose to Challenge, which provides an opportunity to celebrate women's achievements and change the world for the better.

We know that veteran issues are often seen as a male-centric issue, but it's essential that female veterans impacted by service feel seen and heard.

We want them to know that there is support available for them too. Nearly one-third of all those reaching out for help at Mates4Mates are women - many who are veterans. Defence-related injuries, mental health issues and suicide can affect anyone in the Defence community.

Sadly, the rates of suicide among ADF veteran women are more than two times higher than those of Australian women who have not served. Let's use this time as an opportunity to rally around female veterans, mums, daughters and grandmothers and show we care. If you know a veteran, reach out and show them that they're not alone and encourage them to reach out for support. Those impacted by service who need help can reach out to Mates4Mates on 1300 462 837.

WELL done Tasmania Fire Service for having contracted helicopters standing by at the Launceston airport during the fire season.

We don't normally see this as they are usually out on the fire ground.

However, it was comforting to see them sitting there in readiness should the need arise. State-of-the-art infra-red detectors are carried in rotary-wing aircraft to see through the smoke and locate any hotspots.

It is also great to learn of the number of TFS first responders trained to attack these hotspots. Hitting bushfires hard and fast with sufficient resources means we are ready to stop the smoke, which kills or injures many times more people than are lost in flames.

Tasmania has the highest incidence of asthma in Australia. Any ambient smoke that can be prevented is a win-win for all of us. A new Stanford study claims children exposed to air pollution, such as bushfire smoke, for as little as one day may be doomed to higher rates of heart disease and other ailments in adulthood.

NOW some of Dr Suess books have been added to the ever-growing list of books, TV programs, clothing etc., that have been banned because they supposedly contain hurtful and racist content or images.

Even The Muppet Show now has a large disclaimer before each episode stating it may contain hurtful content. Where will it stop? In relation to childrens' books, TV shows and clothing, let the children decide what is hurtful, not adults. Children don't see discrimination in what they view, read or wear. Let's keep it that way by standing up to these change activists who see negatives in everything because they have nothing better to do than aggressively look for anything in their view that can be classed as hurtful. Once again, the loud, sad and lonely minority is dictating to the majority.

AS A long time resident and ratepayer of this great city, I attended the Launceston Regatta several weeks ago. I was appalled that the regatta had to be cancelled partway through as one of the young rowers got stuck in the mud.

From the regatta, I then went to our fabulous York Park to attend Indulge by Festivale.

Now I note that we are about to spend $208 million to enhance this area, and while I love to see progress in our city, why don't we shave off $8 million and spend it as an interim measure on the upper reaches of the Tamar whilst the "boffins" make up their minds from the many reports available to them on a permanent solution. I suggest we do something now. Let's place a two-year limit for a final solution with the experts to report back. In the meantime, rake or dredge when appropriate.

Negotiate with Hydro to immediately close the old five per cent producing power station at Riverside. Restore the South Esk to Launceston with the normal flow but leave Trevallyn dam and tunnel to mitigate river flow in times of flood.

That way, we get our river back now and restore the beautiful gorge to its former glory and help negate floods at the same time.

It doesn't look like rocket science to me as an ageing, non-qualified resident.

However, I suggest we take notice of the likes of Alan Birchmore AO, who does know what he is talking about.

I refer to his excellent letter in (The Examiner, March 1). Let's get moving; I know the City of Launceston council is doing its best, but it is just not enough at this stage.

I HAVE enjoyed reading an excellent book on the history of "Yorktown".

The writers trace the pre-arrival of Colonel Paterson, the rum rebellion, how Mcarthur shot Paterson.

The settlement of Tamar the reality of a settlement in Victoria/Portsea being resent to Hobart. Closure of Norfolk island and their settlers sent to our area, this book is mandatory for all school children to read and understand how even Greens Beach was settled sight unseen by a military judge.

I have been enthralled. Lots of maps show how resourceful these folk were and then moved it to Launceston for pastoral reasons. They took most of what they learned with them. I feel The Examiner could reprint many of the chapters that reprint our memories, And you, the public buy a copy from the West Tamar historical society.