Weekly wrap: We are keener than ever to investigate issues and get answers for our readers

I've been asked a fair bit lately by a wide range of people how the Leader newsroom might handle the gradual return to normal (or a version of it) that is looming closer each day.

Some of our readers, local politicians, Shire and St George business people and even my mum in sunny Queensland have asked the question.

My response is always the same.

No nasty virus was going to stop the team and I bringing you, our valued reader, the news, and we will keep doing our job because despite COVID-19 the news never stops.

At our most recent news meeting, we all declared we are keener than ever to bring the news to you and we promise to stick our noses into any issue local, state or federal that we believe you deserve to know about.

Jim Gainsford and I joked this week that council meetings are usually dry, boring talkfests that would be a good remedy for chronic insomnia. Then we looked at the yarns he'd gotten from recent meetings and decided our assessment, (which to be fair would be seconded by most people) could be a wicked ploy from councillors far and wide to turn people off the extremely newsworthy things that come out of them.

Jim reports that community groups have serious concerns about proposed changes to foreshore controls contained in Georges River Council's draft Local Environmental Plan. That on top of the Carss Park pool controversy shows for newshounds like us, council is gold.

Jim also tells us how one savvy club manager has worked out smart ways to have up to 170 patrons in his dining areas from next Monday and still comply with social distancing rules.

John Veage sat down with two smart Sutherland Shire businesswomen who aim to put the sexy back into tracksuits. It is a lovely yarn that highlights how some people have taken a positive 'can-do' attitude to COVID-19 life, rather than let this dastardly pandemic get them.

Merryn Porter tells us how a Sutherland Shire charity is appealing for donations of food after being inundated with pleas for assistance as a result of job losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

We also have the latest update into the investigation of the incident at a Cronulla unit where a man fell to his death from a fifth-floor balcony.

Murray Trembath tells me the community may get a little cranky over the decision to close the eastern end of Heathcote Road for six months from late next year while improvements are made to the bridge over Woronora River. What are your thoughts?

Murray has been like a terrier in regards to the Monro Park development and he brings us news that the latest proposal received a guarded 'yes' from planning panel. I expect a flood of letters. This is one issue that our readers have left us with no doubt about their feelings.

Well, that's it from me this week. As always thank you for subscribing to this newsletter and thank you for reading the Leader, we appreciate it.

John Veage got out and about and took some pictures this week. They were so good that in case you missed them, here they are.

But before you do that, check out John's great pics of Cricketer Steve Smith's boyhood home. Murray Trembath spoke to Peter and Gillian Smith about why they are selling their Alford Point home.

Enjoy your Sunday read.