I urge voters to re-elect Cathy McGowan who is "a likeable and decent, warm person”  – as quoted in the Melbourne University Magazine (May).

As your independent member for Indi, "Cathy has worked out what she really wants for her electors and what she cares about”. 

Cathy is focused on the election campaign but still has time to show a personal interest in individuals she represents. We have seen miserable decisions made in parliament and an unfair budget which rewards those who have the most and makes savage cuts to our schools and medical services as well as arts and science.

I vote to protect Medicare, provide equal educational opportunities for all and take urgent action on climate change.

Being an independent, Cathy McGowan is able to assess policies and vote accordingly without being constrained by party policies. I wish her well. She has been a bonus in parliament and for the electorate she represents.

ONCE upon a time, there was a young L-plater, with five cars behind him, beeping at him as he was driving at 50 in a 60 zone.

A L-plater, stalled at a green traffic lights. It was his first drive, he was nervous. Yet some impatient drivers couldn't care less and beeped their horn, to hurry up the young L-plater making him even more stressed.

Dear full licence drivers, once upon a time, you were that L-plater. So please let's be patient and give those learner drivers space. In 30-40 years, that L-plater might drive behind you, a 77-year-old driver, and might be patient and give you time to drive at your own pace. Think, before you act please and drive safely.

I WOULD like to thank and congratulate all those who produce colouring books and in doing so to give some examples as to the benefits I and others have enjoyed because of them. 

For myself, I am a resident in aged care and, since colouring, I have regained concentration, co-ordination and memory and enjoy most aspects of retire life. 

For at least one teenaged boy, whose mother was concerned for his poor grades and behaviour, tried colouring as a help to relaxation, thus succeeding in passing expectations both in and out of school. 

This colouring does not debase our ideas of creativity.

In fact it has enhanced, encouraged and challenged myself and others to continue with other creative avenues such as singing, sewing and painting.

I will continue to find peace, quiet meditation and strength through the generosity of those who give us colouring books. 

This week's letter of the week winner is Peta McRae of Wodonga.

Please collect your prize at 1 McKoy Street, Wodonga. 

The Border Mail runs a weekly letter of the week competition – the lucky winner receives a double pass from Regent Cinemas Albury to watch a movie of their choice.

Please email approximately 250 word submissions to letters@bordermail.com.au

Winners will be announced on Saturday’s in the Letters to the editor section.