Former Canberra Raiders stalwart Alan Tongue and former Jillaroo Renae Kunst delivered the package through each of the rugby league clubs in Mount Isa and Cloncurry and various schools in the District.

For those of us that recall Alan’s playing days, he was an uncompromising player who was an inspirational leader as captain of the Canberra Raiders and a captain that not only led by his words but also through his actions.  

Renae was also an inspirational player and a great leader in the world of women's rugby league in her playing days.

Delivering a message against violence of any form to a group of men can be challenging.

Delivering this to a group of men who play rugby league, simply because of the nature of the game you would think would take this challenge to a new level.  

To see the way this program was delivered by Alan and Renae simply had to be seen to be appreciated.

Respectful, meaningful, soul searching and honesty are words that came to mind in watching the way this program was delivered to these players.  

The players who appeared reluctant at the start, soon followed these leaders and embraced the program.

It was obvious that they as individuals were taking something from the message being delivered.

Alan and Renae are hoping to return to Mount Isa to continue this message.

I for one hope they do and my hope is that they extend this further in our community not just to the rugby league and school communities, as we all have a part to play in delivering this message against violence.

Well done Alan and Renae and well done the National Rugby League for being part of the wider communities stance that violence of any form will not be tolerated.

Sean Wade

Townies Rugby League

With this week being Mental Health Awareness Week we will talk a lot about the effects on a person that is feeling isolated, bullied, ignored and the effects of depression.

But we also need to talk when those actions and feelings are placed upon a community.

The Mount Isa and Cloncurry greater region is experiencing all of these when it comes to the ability to engage with the nation. 

The repressive costs associated with travel outside of the local area has in essence isolated the North West townships of participation of what the rest of the country takes for granted. 

Not only does the people feel the separation of the thousands of kilometers of second class tar to reach the coast, but the lack of reliable and cost effective air transport can lead to a downtrodden state of mind in the residents. 

After the "inquiry" into the state of play of airfares into Mount Isa, the Big Two Qantas and Virgin continue to snub their noses to the region with poor services on flights, flight cancellations and erratic scheduling and continued higher prices.

If there is one positive thing that has come out of the bully boy antics being imposed on the North West, it is the way a community can pull together to fight against repression. 

I'm proud to be standing as a candidate for your region and have the opportunity to work with you to change the mentality of the airlines and improve the infrastructure that supports the economic powerhouse of the North West Minerals Provence. 

We need a fresh start.

Brett McGuire,

Labor candidate for Kennedy