Sheri Norton is free to express her dislike of us ‘clones’ who ran in groups in the recent Council election - but the fact is 3138 people voted above the line for groups - almost one-third of voters. People still have freedom to vote below the line if they choose, and most did, including myself, as is our democratic right. I am yet to see any benefit from having  ‘clones', although it would be nice to be in two or more places at once sometimes. Hilarious and efficient! 

Sheri sees groups as a burden, but grouping of candidates goes back to 1919 and pre-dates the printing of party names on ballot papers. It made it easier for associated candidates to be found by voters, and for parties to publicise their candidates. Groups are not new, and they give voters a clearer sense of where like-minded people could align on issues when on Council. Wagga had nine groups in this election, Goulburn had none. Different strokes.

Sheri alleges that 25 per cent of people voting for the former Mayor is a mandate to continue in that role. What does that mean for the 75 per cent of people who didn’t? They may be concerned that a former senior Council employee is now so publicly supporting a former Mayor. Sheri should know that we do not popularly elect a Mayor. It is up to the nine new Councillor’s to now decide. The General Manager will no doubt be pleased to work with whomever is elected, for the good of the whole Yass Valley for the future.

Bec Duncan, Yass

On behalf of the Stroke Foundation I would like to thank the thousands of Australians who helped us educate the community about the importance of knowing the signs of stroke this National Stroke Week.

National Stroke Week is our annual campaign to shine the spotlight on stroke, raising awareness of the devastating impact of this insidious disease.

Stroke Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about stroke and how they can reduce their own risk. I am confident there are thousands of people in the community who now know about the FAST message thanks to the more than 2,500 activities that were held across the country.

With Stroke Week now wrapped up for 2016, it is vital we remember strokes don’t just happen one week of the year. Every ten minutes an Australian has a stroke. Every ten minutes someone’s life changes forever.

Stroke is shockingly common in Australia. Yet despite the devastation it causes, this disease is largely unrecognised by the broader community – until it happens to a loved one, a friend or a colleague. Stroke is largely preventable, but we know that almost 50,000 new and recurring strokes will happen this year. Stroke is treatable but again we know that many stroke patients will miss out on lifesaving treatment because they don’t get to hospital on time.

Stroke strikes suddenly and often without any warning. When it does happens, every minute counts. Time is brain. For every minute that parts of the brain are left without oxygen, brain cells are dying. A speedy reaction to stroke can mean the difference between life and death or permanent disability. Stroke doesn’t have to be a death sentence, it is treatable but people need to know the signs of stroke and get to hospital fast. Every stroke is a medical emergency.

Thanks to our incredible supporters we were able to spread this message far and wide this Stroke Week, reaching a record number of Australians. But our work doesn’t stop here - it is our mission to stop stroke, save lives and end the suffering caused by this devastating disease. It will take the combined efforts of the community, health professionals and governments to achieve this mission. I know together we can prevent, treat and beat stroke.

Sharon McGowan - Chief Executive Officer, Stroke Foundation