May 21, 2013  I BELIEVE that family trusts are a sacred cow that need  to be slaughtered in order to bring fairness back into the taxation system.  

May 21, 2013 The question of who really benefits from a devaluation of the hard-earned Australian dollar raises further questions.  

May 21, 2013 JUST because 62per cent of respondents to a recent NSW Minerals Council phone poll agreed that mining was ‘‘important’’ or ‘‘very important’’ to the Hunter  economy (Mining has voters’ tick’’ Herald 20/5)  doesn’t mean the majority of Hunter residents support the mining industry.  

May 21, 2013 I WOULD like to congratulate the Newcastle Jets management for giving the vote to members to choose the new away strip.   

May 21, 2013  IN 1966, three years into their stellar careers as a singing group, I  attended a performance by The Seekers in Great Britain.   

May 21, 2013  LAST Sunday, I attended a kite-flying event held at Stockton Park, behind the swimming pool, organised by the Australian Kiteflyers Society.  

May 21, 2013 LAKE Macquarie council’s twice yearly clean-up collections are a great example of micro enterprise.  

May 21, 2013 THE Hunter Business Chamber supports research findings released by the NSW Minerals Council which shows the commitment of Hunter residents to the mining industry (‘‘Mining has voters’ tick’’ Herald 20/5).   

May 20, 2013 IN response to Brian Crooks of Williamtown (Short Takes 18/5) regarding 10per cent surcharges on weekends at restaurants: just type in ‘‘Sunday surcharge’’ into your online search engine and you will get an immediate and correct reply.  

May 20, 2013 AS a civil celebrant I note that my colleagues and I are now being charged an annual fee of $240 by the government just to be a celebrant.