Names must be authentic

Where it is abundantly clear that Aborigines pre-1830 described places in their own tongue – Nungu (West Point), pataway (Burnie), pinmatik (Rocky Cape) or Nipaluna (where Hobart was built) – we can all have confidence that the names are genuine.

Unfortunately, there are instances where names picked out of a book have been proposed, or where names in the north-east have been simply made up.

Such activity tests the credibility of the process.

It would be a shame if the dual naming process becomes a platform for groups with their political agenda.

Broad community support for Aboriginal names requires a confidence that the process is legitimate and the result authentic.

Michael Mansell, Aboriginal Land Council, Launceston.

Seasonal workers influx

THE concerns about an influx of seasonal workers could be allayed if the Tasmanian government introduced mandatory testing for every arrival. Get tested, be quarantined while waiting for the result (from a few hours to overnight) and if negative be released with a directive to be re-tested in 10 days. Anyone refusing a test gets told to quarantine for 14 days or leave. I do not understand why this regime is already not in place.

Brian Mitchell, Labor Lyons MHR.

West Tamar Highway troubles

THE West Tamar Highway does not end at Exeter. The intersection of my steep Beauty Point road with the highway is used by several sand-bearing trucks a day, buses and their passengers, including children, and people on bikes. The road surface is broken and sandy and the edges are collapsing into the open drain. Make sure you stay on the tarmac as you approach the intersection along the highway because the drain is growing increasingly close. The Infrastructure Minister knows this.

Jacqueline Mulberry, Beauty Point.

Thank you to Tasmanians

I WOULD personally like to thank you all for all the work you have been doing this year to social distance and keep the vulnerable and the elderly safe.

I know it has not been fun or easy at times and we all just want life to get back to normal. We came together and made sure our loved ones, friends and community were safe. As one of the vulnerable I really would love to offer you all my gratitude and a big virtual hug.

I know the pandemic is not over and we still have a while to go now, but I feel like you all deserve to be thanked for doing the right thing and making it better for everyone.

Let us continue the effort and make sure we all come out of the pandemic safe and continue supporting our local cafes and smaller businesses.

I would also like to thank Premier Peter Gutwein for being an incredible leader in these times, you stood up and showed the country what good leadership is.

I know a lot of people would love to see their friends and family on the mainland just like myself and that will come in time.

Daniell Briggs, Swan Point.

FIFO quarantine requirements

IF FIFO workers from low risk jurisdictions are allowed to come home without going into quarantine, why doesn’t the same apply to Tasmanian residents?

Stephen de Launay, Scottsdale.

Bridges of the South Esk

THANK YOU for your excellent article on The Bridges of the South Esk.

I came across it over morning coffee the other day.

As a retired civil engineer who specialize in railway infrastructure I was interested in the career of William Doyne and his eventual retirement in Launceston.

It is truly a beautiful and serene part of the world. I came to Tasmania to provide the technical supervision of the current rebuilding to Tasrail. When the time came, I was also led to retire here.

The brick arch viaducts and the wrought iron bridge at Longford are very good examples of the late 1800s Irish/British railway technology. Well worth preserving.

And the best way to do so is as part of the operating railway.

Robin Walpole, former Tasrail chief engineer.

Second to none service

I WAS surprised at the Launceston General Hospital problems experienced by Gai Weston (The Examiner, September 17).

I have had a different experience from the LGH Emergency Department, the Holman Clinic, Cardiac Department and the Acute Medical Ward.

My 94-year-old father has had lung cancer and received faultless care from the Holman Clinic, unfortunately he later contracted pneumonia and was admitted to ED where he again received faultless care and attention, he was moved to Acute Medical Care and spent three days there recuperating and being treated like a king.

He now has cancer in his shoulder and is receiving treatment again at the Holman Clinic, once again the treatment and care he is receiving is wonderful, they are amazing, nothing is too much trouble for any of them.

He also has a pacemaker that needs constant monitoring throughout the radiation treatment and the staff there are so very helpful and caring as well.

The love, care, kindness, compassion and medical attention he has received from the doctors and staff at the LGH is second to none.

I also believe that Health Minister Sarah Courtney should receive recognition and praise as well for her involvement and dedication to ensuring our medical services are as good as they are and it is so greatly appreciated.

Well done to the LGH and thank you for the incredible effort and contribution you have all invested into caring for our dad.

Steve Thompson, Relbia.

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