The gallops, harness and greyhound racing have either combined or separately distributed much of their hard-earned funding towards improvements at many showgrounds across our great state.

Most showgrounds also combine other activities such as rodeos and gymkhanas, which give great pleasure and enjoyment to both participants and spectators, and also more funding to assist with employment.

The character and development of country people from children to adulthood is so different to city folk. Our upbringing on farms and in country towns is the character building of who we are, and a lot of this occurs at showgrounds.

The annual country show is an arena of pride and joy for so many, yet so varied from show-ring events to sideshow alley, with all forms of entertainment for young and old.

To prepare our array of animals for show and events takes a lifetime of time and devotion, it is all part of the character building of country children and adults.

All of the above goes on display at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show and the effort to travel and produce these wonderful animals at great expense contributes to the economy far and wide across our state.

The ban on greyhound racing is the thin edge of the wedge leading to showground closures across the state.

The result of showground closures will encourage more of our youth to go to the big cities to gain employment.

Tony Callaghan

Kearsley

I’m writing to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the community of New South Wales for their support of The Smith Family’s 2016 Winter Appeal.

We launched the Appeal in May to raise $3.65 million by June 30 to support the education of disadvantaged children across Australia.

Our Appeal highlighted the impact of severe financial disadvantage on the education of a child.

For the 638,000 children living in jobless families across Australia, every day at school can be a struggle.

These children often miss out on excursions and camps, can feel isolated and alone, and are at risk of disengaging from learning.

Without educational support and extra resources, they may never reach their potential or find a pathway out of poverty.

It is heartening that our call to “end poverty – one student at a time” through education resonated with so many people in the community, who responded with great generosity to our Appeal.

I would like to thank every individual who made a donation. Your support will allow us to provide out-of-school learning and mentoring programs to more than 9,000 disadvantaged children across Australia this Term 3 and 4.

Please know that you are helping make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of disadvantaged children, helping them to thrive at school and to create a better future for themselves.

Jack Murphy, Acting General Manager New South Wales

The Smith Family

I understand the parents’ frustration. I was asked by my daughter’s school to put her in pull-ups but I explained the OT had recommended not to do so, as if in one she won't use the toilet at all.

The school accepted this.

Paula Jones

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