The trouble with artificial fluoride added to products or water is it is a very efficient killer of bacteria. This means not only does it kill the bad bacteria in the mouth and around teeth (highest level of bacteria in the human body), but also the good bacteria the body develops to protect the mouth, throat and intestinal system.

So residents are naturally angry at the possibility of council adding fluoride to their drinking water.

I have suggested a simple answer for anyone who does not want this – install a water filter to their home or replace an already installed filter element with one that is designed to remove fluoride, chlorine and metals such as lead, zinc and copper.

Or a bit more expensive reverse osmosis filter; the RO filter removes everything from water. With this type of filter UV is not needed as it covers many problems, including polluted water.

I would like to reassure the sponsors that their funds are not lost.  The Pambula Show Committee would like to say to locals and visitors that we could not be more disappointed at having to call off the show on Saturday morning.

The committee and many volunteers had put hours into preparing a great family show but strong rain on Saturday morning and a forecast of more meant that most outside activities, other than the horse events, could not go ahead.

Nevertheless, many people came out to the free displays and events in the afternoon.

We would like to especially thank the many sponsors of the show. We could not run a show without your support. We will, if you are happy, commit the funds you provided for this year’s show to a bigger and better show in 2019.

Summer is here, and there is no better place than the local swimming pool to cool off and spend time with friends and family. Australian communities, whether in the city or the bush, are dotted with public swimming pools of all shapes and sizes. They are the hub of many neighbourhoods. 

Royal Life Saving has been researching the benefits of the local pool, and have found that health benefits outstrip the cost of entry fivefold. Research shows that 40 per cent of Australians are physically inactive and at risk of developing Type II diabetes, heart disease and other related illnesses.

Our findings indicate people can greatly improve their health by visiting the local pool for a swim once a week. Aqua-aerobics, slow lap swimming, even walking laps can also provide low impact training options.

However, many public pools are under pressure, in need of re-development or at-risk of being closed, and so hundreds of people through the turnstiles will send a message that they are essential parts of the Australian way of life.

Remember that although the pool lifeguards are highly trained, they are not babysitters. They need your help. 

Actively supervise and stay within arm’s reach of children under five. Look out for signage, talk to the lifeguard, introduce your kids and explain the rules.

Last summer we had great weather, but there were too many tragic drowning incidents, many in rivers, beaches and home pools. This summer, why not try the local pool? Let’s keep the heart of the community open so everyone can stay safe and healthy.

Every day, another 35 Aussies are diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma and. Thanks to those extraordinary Aussies, blood cancer patients and their families continue to receive free emotional and practical support, educational resources and transport to and from vital medical appointments from the Leukaemia Foundation.

Your support also means regional families continue to be provided with free home-away-from-home accommodation near their treating centres.