The proposal to establish a hydrogen manufacturing hub locally is incredibly exciting for Tamworth. The $100 million project will create between 300 and 400 local jobs and could be located adjacent to our existing industrial zone, Taminda. (Hub is Held Up, NDL 8/12/2021)

A massive boost to our local economy is being offered to us on a silver platter.

Rezoning the land, to enable this proposal to go ahead, should be a 'no brainer' for our newly elected Council. At the stroke of a pen, Tamworth can make a significant contribution to emissions reduction, and, can secure our place in the global renewables boom. Surely a project like this will have more favorable economic and environmental outcomes than the risky gas extraction projects our governments seem hell bent on backing for our region? If the proposed location is inappropriate, can Council look for an alternative site?

Penny Milson, Tamworth

Have your say, send a letter to the editor

I want to say a big, big thank you to Australian Community Media for putting the spotlight on diabetes. Our fast food society is eating itself to death, and for years we have just let it happen. Now is the time for action.

Simple lifestyle changes can deliver enormous benefits to our overall health, and if education is the key, then your 'Silent Assassin' series will go a long way towards making us a healthier community.

Angela Young, Tamworth

I am excited to announce Stroke Foundation's annual physical activity fundraiser Stride4Stroke has raised a record of more than $453,000 this year.

I wish to thank the 1,393 participants from right around Australia for this incredible achievement. Every step, every minute of activity and every dollar raised will make a difference to survivors of stroke and their families.

By getting involved in Stride4Stroke, our 'Striders' also helped raise awareness of stroke in their local communities and took steps towards reducing their own stroke risk by being active. Together, they clocked up almost 1million moving minutes.

I also wish to thank the people who supported Striders with well-wishes, encouragement, and generous donations. We are truly grateful.

Stride4Stroke's beauty is its flexibility. You choose your own physical activity and set a personal movement goal to complete anytime during November. I have loved seeing the images of participants on social media running, walking, doing yoga and all sorts of other activities while proudly wearing their green Stride4Stroke tank tops. Although it is a virtual campaign, the passion and dedication displayed was an incredibly united effort.

Stroke strikes the brain. It is one of Australia's biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. It's estimated more than 27,400 people will have a stroke for the first time this year, including children, young adults and seniors.

Every dollar raised through Stride4Stroke will help Stroke Foundation prevent stroke, fund research and support survivors and their families at all stages of the recovery journey. This includes the operation of Stroke Foundation's free telephone service StrokeLine (1800 787 653).

There's no doubt 2021 has been another challenging year for so many people in our community due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it's never too late to focus on your health. When you get active, like our Striders, you will feel the physical and mental benefits. I look forward to welcoming everyone to join in the fun of Stride4Stroke in 2022!

Sharon McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Stroke Foundation

There is no doubt that 2021 has been a tough year for most Australians and with the arrival of Omicron things continue to look uncertain. Our latest festive season survey has found that for many this time of year is particularly stressful and lonely.

Australian Red Cross' annual loneliness data shows significantly more women and younger people are feeling lonelier this festive season. People reported the pandemic has changed their relationships with others and the way they see the world.

Our team of volunteers will be making calls throughout the festive period to those who are vulnerable and isolated, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers for their work this year.

I would also encourage people to check in on your neighbours and friends to see how they are going or pick up the phone to someone you have lost touch with.

Let them know that people do care and put a smile on their faces. A simple, yet thoughtful gesture could really make their holiday. To support our everyday work, including to build community connection, please do donate to our festive campaign.

Poppy Brown, Director Australian Red Cross, NSW & ACT