As you take on life beyond school I bid farewell to you all and I hope that you will take these final words of advice to heart: be curious, find and follow your passion, be safe, be fair and perhaps most importantly - be kind - to yourself, to others and the environment. 

And remember that EMHS and your experience here have helped shaped who you are so be grateful for the past, be grateful for the people who care and love you and be inspired and excited about your future. Also remember: Learning lasts a lifetime.

Year 12, with considerable guidance from both home and school, you have reached this milestone with honour and integrity, well equipped.

Good luck to each of you.  I look forward to hearing about your successes in the months and years to come.

Thank you for being a part of our community.  Our door will always be open to you – stay connected. You go with our fondest farewells and very best wishes for the future.

In response to inquiries from the Bega Valley Shire Residents and Ratepayers Association (BVSRRA), Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) last week confirmed that the project for the proposed expansion of Merimbula Airport will not require the lodgement of a development application and will therefore not be subject to public exhibition or feedback.

BVSC has confirmed there will be an opportunity for some public consultation around the updating of the Airport Master Plan to accommodate its change of plans.

However, as the Association understands the situation, any such consultation will be limited to proposed activities within the airport precinct, given the limited scope of the master plan.

In recent months, the Association has become increasingly concerned at the apparent fixation of both the state government and council with development within the airport precinct, while no effort appears to be being made to address the much broader potential social implications of the project on the local community. Regrettably, consultation with the community is not part of the equation. 

The BVSRRA has been at pains to point out to council and Mr Constance that it is not opposed to development in the Bega Valley Shire, including activities to foster the development of tourism, provided always that such development is well planned, takes proper account of social and environmental considerations, not just fiscal outcomes, and enjoys community support.

Change is inevitable, but it’s how you navigate it that matters. 

In this ever-changing world we urge everyone who cares about our society – whether you live in Sydney or Swan Hill – to remember we all deserve respect and dignity. Our country’s success is built on this very idea of a ‘fair go’ for all, a notion underpinned by the very basic principle of humanity.

Humanity is universal in nature and urges that all people – no matter their gender, race or religion – to be treated with respect, and given the chance to live life in dignity.

We all have the chance to nurture and promote the kindness, compassion and goodness that are essential for human dignity.

At Red Cross, we work for unity, humanity and the inherent dignity of every person.

We encourage all Australians and our community, political and business leaders to do the same.