The idea appears sensible, but has, for reasons unknown to me, never gained traction. 

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In recent weeks, there have been so many groups appearing to help drought-stricken farmers, it's difficult for the average punter to determine who to support. 

In our case, with family involved in agriculture on the Western Slopes and Plains, this discussion centred on how much in every dollar donated actually makes it to the front line. 

All charities should lodge an annual audited report that identifies administration costs so donors can make an informed decision on who to support. 

One high-profile rural charity – which claims to be a "not-for-profit", but which has, curiously, noted “directors” and “suppliers” under the one cost heading on its annual report in 2016/17 of over $700,000 - has failed to respond to my email asking for a breakdown of how much makes the front line. 

Needless to say, we won't be contributing to this charity.

I HOPE the youths who took advertising signage from Westpoint Shopping Centre on Saturday night don't have big future plans within the criminal world because they made a basic error by posting evidence of their spoils online soon after. 

Time will tell if the signage is returned as requested.

The next step will be to forward the information to the boys in blue.

THE demise of the Australian car industry has meant Bathurst Regional Council has gone European for the mayoral car replacement. 

Gone is the Holden Statesman and in is a very swish $70,000 VW Arteon.  

I hear the spin doctors told councillors it's important for the mayor to have a car befitting the position – hence the price tag. 

I can't image too many dignitaries "thumbing a ride" with our mayor, so I’m not sure about that justification.

I wonder if council kept the old number plate like a previous mayor did in a foolhardy attempt to conceal the purchase of a similar model new car?

I NOTED with interest the story in the Western Advocate regarding the legal way to reverse park. A pet peeve of mine are motorists who pull up, turn into the middle of the road and reverse park, blocking oncoming traffic from passing. 

While it's great to have the legal perspective reinforced on this issue, the next stage should be a monitoring program being put in place by Chifley Highway Patrol.

Promote legal parking first and, when that falls on deaf ears, pull out the infringement book.

RAINFALL over the past few days. Twenty millimetres doesn't break a drought, but it was very welcome nonetheless.

CHARITIES not clearly identifying what percentage of every dollar donated makes the front line.

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