Hype devalues awards

A thought for Australia Day that isn't about climate change, although it is partly recycled.

The Australian of the Year announcement looks just like the Brownlow count. Sponsors, advertising, finalists and all that media hype tend to devalue the achievements of the many quiet achievers who aren't selected.

Pity help us if we become a republic by a similar jingoistic campaign.

Without comprehensive constitutional reform, a very demanding task for all, we could find ourselves with a 'celebrity' president.

The Trump experience shows that the powers of a president need to be well-defined and limited. The founders of the USA evidently thought it best that the people should judge. As we know, the jury is still out in that case.

An Australian president would be at risk of becoming a servant of the media or a mere follower of fashion, rendering the elected government even less able to implement its mandate than at present. Max Thomas, Yarragon

Bouquets to the Centrelink Warragul staff. Over the past six years they have provided helpful and enthusiastic customer service while having to work within government guidelines.

I would like to give a bouquet to the Baw Baw Shire worker from the urban management team for the excellent job that he did mowing the roadside verge in Sutton St east. Thank you.

Huge bouquets to the two gentlemen who rescued the pensioner from under his scooter at the intersection of Hunter Cres and Queen St. Due to the steep and very rough surface of the area, I would give the council a load of bricks in this situation.