He was then coaching Wodonga in the Albury and Border Junior Football League (under 18).

We were fortunate enough to play in two grand finals (losing both).

The following year Jake and Tony Conway instigated the Wodonga Junior League consisting of six teams thus giving a lot more young men an opportunity to play football.

Jake's encouragement of Wodonga's young men at the time, I would liken to a youth worker of today.

I am thankful for the opportunities that Jake gave me and I am sure many others would be also.

In the lead up to the Albury Council election, the idea of a north-south tramway linking the twin cities elicited a deal of comment in The Border Mail.

I thought Ashley Edwards nailed it when she opted for a public transport network to cover both sides of the river.

Such a network would necessitate widespread rerouting to provide efficient local patronage, and, importantly, two well equipped hubs catering for visitors and local commuters.

Neither facility exists at present.

I am an enthusiastic supporter of a more 'fit for purpose' hospital for the area, having experienced at close quarters the physical inadequacies of the present facility.

However, planning also needs to include space for adequate parking.

As a constant visitor over many months to the present hospital, the lack of parking was an ongoing nightmare at all times of the day.

As an older person this was also a physical challenge.

The new hospital needs to consider a multi-story parking complex, similar to the one built for Canberra Hospital and also the Albury Centre carpark, to provide spaces for both staff and visitors.

Otherwise the same problem will be perpetuated.

On the last sitting day of Federal Parliament for 2021 the retiring member for Bennelong served a final ace.

Working together with integrity was his message.

Nice point to finish the match on John Alexander.

Game, Set and Match.

The loss of the Hot Rod Show (in Albury) has let the whole region down and such events must be secured more and attracted to our region.

Maybe we need a regional events person to lure events to the region.

We need to see our place as vibrant region for many features and not just Albury.

Albury needs to embrace Rutherglen far more and its wine and gourmet scene .

It is time for a cross Border feature that promotes the whole region to Sydney and Melbourne for lifestyle and great affordable homes and work opportunities .

You can submit a letter to the editor via the comments section of our website at www.bordermail.com.au, or by sending an email to letters@bordermail.com.au. In order to be considered for publication, your letter must include your full name (which is for publication), as well as an address.