Our block of apartments didn't fare well during the deluge and the kindness, care and professionalism of the volunteers who arrived to help was outstanding. Thank you.

At the fundraiser to help underwrite the development of a new Visitor Information Centre in Merimbula, hosted by the Merimbula and Pambula Chambers of Commerce and Merimbula Tourism, Councillor Mitchell Nadin said that tourism is “everyone’s business” (MNW, 11/12).

The state government’s $25,000 contribution, together with $25,000 from ratepayers via Bega Valley Shire Council, $22,000 from the members of Merimbula Tourism, a promised contribution of $20,000 towards the fit-out from Robert Green, together with $5000 from Merimbula RSL, $5000 from Club Sapphire and $5000 from the fundraiser will well and truly exceed the $100,000 total estimated cost of the fit-out.

Councillor Nadin is right and congratulations are in order to all concerned.

Anyone whose car is damaged by hail should contact their insurer to find out their options. The car may have small dents, but may be a write-off. The insurer might  pay out the claim and dispose of the car.

Alternatively, the insurer might pay the claim minus salvage-value,  and let the owner keep the damaged car.

Such a car would not be eligible in future for comprehensive insurance, but could be covered by TPO insurance for damage to other cars or property, and perhaps fire and theft as well.

If it is a $15,000 car, the owner might get $12,000, plus their slightly dented car to drive for many years ahead.

At our recent meeting, our branch unanimously resolved to support club workers against the move by Clubs Australia Industrial to merge the Clubs Award with the Hospitality Award, with the intended effect that penalty rates for the club sector will reflect the lower penalty rates in the Hospitality Award.

As a branch of the Australian Labor Party, it is natural that we would support club workers in a case like this one. Penalty rates originated as compensation for those workers who were required to work during normal times of recreation – weekends/non-work times.

For example, it is normal for people to be involved in their weekend sport or as spectators at their children’s sport. Penalty rates are compensation for not being able to do such as that.

At a time of over-casualisation, under employment and unemployment – all being driven by conservative ideology – it is important for workers to seek to maintain those aspects of their employment that are still seen as fair. We believe penalty rates are fair.

We are hopeful that all clubs in the South Coast region will support their employees in lobbying for the maintaining of the separate Clubs Award and fair penalty rates.

This matter has been before the Fair Work Commission, with the last day of hearings being November 1. The Commission is now considering its decision which is expected early next year.

The review is a public process and submissions can still be made supporting the retention of the existing penalty rates in the Clubs Award.

Any submissions should be sent to – The Associate, Vice-president Hatcher, Fair Work Commission, email: Chambers.Hatcher.VP@fwc.gov.au