Sunday’s protest at Broke against coal seam gas mining was one of many across the country.

The event at Broke was controlled. Guest speakers simply stated their experiences with AGL and the coal seam gas industry and comforted those in fear of their future with a promise that they were not alone and would have the support they needed.

It was anger at its controlled best.

The fact that 400 people took the time out of their weekend to meet on the side of a country road should be some indication to both AGL and the government that there is widespread concern about the industry.

People are living with enormous stress and fear for their futures.

The very day after this coming together of the masses, AGL issued a press release to confirm that yes, it had purchased Pooles Rock Vineyard and as rumoured, had also purchased a 2000 ha adjoining property.

Any elation from the previous day’s event would have been shattered by the untimely response from AGL.

Certainly not the way neighbours usually do business in the bush and certainly not the way to win what is clearly becoming one of the greatest battles over landuse this country has seen.

Good luck Year 12

GOOD luck and best wishes to all the students now in the midst of their higher school certificates and their families.

This can be a stressful and challenging period for all involved as students try their best to gain the marks they know they can achieve.

Come November 17 it will all be over.

This is then followed by formals and teary farewells as school days come to an end and then that dreaded day when HSC marks are released.

Have faith in knowing that there are many doors into a career path and they don’t begin and end with one mark from one examination.

Life is full of so many wonderful opportunities and in five years time, you probably won’t even remember what all the HSC fuss was about.

Do your best by all means, but don’t stress.