Our Prime Minister is quoted as saying your GP knows the medical history and has built up confidence over a period of time, however the experience of my wife and I was quite different. My wife had never met the treating doctor, and I hadn't seen the doctor treating me for five years or so. This scenario is no different to the large scale medical centres of today providing care to the masses. I believe the concept of Fordism, an industrial paradigm, involving mass production of standardised goods on a moving assembly line using dedicated machinery, definitely has strong merit in this situation. Large locations, perhaps 24 hours, in which patients enter, are assessed and recorded, provided the vaccination, observed and then released is the most efficient to have our country immunised efficiently and rapidly. Food for thought. Here's a left field idea: maybe government departments actually talk to each other and have a holistic approach involving transportation for the masses, and delivery of the vaccination. Anyway, enjoy getting the vaccination.

I'D like to thank John Cooper (Letters 2/4) for highlighting just how sensible and socially responsible trade unions are. The Liberals and big business keep trying to tar Australia's 50-plus unions we never hear about with the same brush they use to attack the CFMEU, because that's all they've got, and the Fair Work Commission and courts have enough power to deal with those infractions anyway.

They are falsely characterising unionists to the public despite knowing for a long time what the Australian Bureau of Statistics (August 2020) shows; that the average unionist isn't a beefy builder's labourer, but rather a degree-qualified female working in a profession. Interestingly the ABS confirms that across all industries and job categories from management to labouring that unionists earn an average of $1450 a week and non unionists only $1100 a week.

ON 1 April 2021, (some letters contributors will not be surprised by the date) I achieved the milestone of being 75 years old. There have been many good times and just a few bad. I am thankful to achieve this milestone which didn't look likely after serious heart problems.

It is often said that scientists are not certain as to when 'old age' starts but they are certain as to when it ends; think about it. With old age come a few trials but also a good number of benefits. My shaky hands often cause me problems, aiming underarm deodorant is hit or miss but toothpaste transfer to a toothbrush is a real highlight. I have offered my toothpaste works of art to the National Gallery but they have declined to hang my designer bathroom sink.

Shaky hands can also be a problem with viewing smart TVs. Aiming a remote at the alphabet in order to put in a search takes a considerable amount of time and effort. One of the great plusses of old age is that you can watch reruns of TV programmes that you know you have watched but you can no longer remember the ending. You can recall where you were when man first landed on the moon but you can't remember why you went to the kitchen, five minutes ago.

The Newcastle Herald letters column has been of benefit to me, with its disparate viewpoints keeping me interested and informed; for which I thank you all. I would especially thank my wife of 52 years Greetje and my 16 grandchildren who help me remain 75 years young.

THE Coalition of creeps has had some individuals feature in the news in recent weeks. While these private indiscretions range from piteous to alleged serious crimes, let us not lose sight of the greater public immorality presided over by the NSW Premier. In my opinion she has publicly endorsed the practice of pork barrelling taxpayers' money to electorates that will return her the favour of their vote.

Despite the sympathy that we all have for Gladys regarding her entanglement with ICAC attendee Daryl Maguire, we should not accept that it is okay for a premier to be closely involved with a politician who allegedly used his connections in government to garner sneaky property deals.

I was disappointed to read that the independent Greg Piper would continue to support the Berejiklian government over Labor. Newcastle and Lake Macquarie continue to be overlooked by this government. The need for stable government is the reason he gives for his support. The Berejiklian government has certainly provided a stable platform for the enrichment of a few road toll operators and property developers.

I HAVE good news for Bruce Hardy (Short Takes, 3/4). Hunter-based The Mutual Bank has had a branch in Mayfield since 2010.

In December last year we celebrated 10 years in this location (across the corridor from Aldi) while we opened another branch at Edgeworth. We are keeping our branches open because we know it is how many of our members like to bank.

Kyle, Capri and Leanne would be most welcoming if you were to call into our Mayfield branch for a chat.

WHY does Carl Stevenson (Letters, 1/4) mock Christian Easter worship: "the usual humdrum, repetitious procedures of strangely dressed men, in funny looking hats, preaching"? Would he speak so cavalierly about, say, Moslem clerics and their religious rituals, or Indigenous ceremonies and their participants?

I agree that people need something to believe in, but I say Jesus was never one god among many or the son of a god, but God the Son, the Eternal Word. He was no mere revolutionary "who bucked the system" with a political party of disciples. His kingdom after all was not of this world. His "unbelievable feats'' were well-attested miracles, not propaganda.

As for God's gender, the historical Jesus was a Jewish male, but God as uncreated Creator transcends sex, gender, race and colour. Jesus however also preached a Trinitarian God, with masculine imagery: Father, Son and Spirit. Is this sexist? For some undoubtedly, especially considering those maternal depictions of God in scripture. But if this is how God taught us to speak of Him, I say we have no authority to change Our Father into Our Mother.

THE COVID-19 vaccine rollout reports are fast becoming a bore ('Short-arm jab', Newcastle Herald 6/4). Contradicting reports on the results of receiving the jab are still confusing, causing concern and unwavering stress. Together with the tourism industry crying, the poor labourers have no chance of the economy paying us a benefit or relief subsidy. The days of working hard are becoming harder.

REALLY, Mr Dominello, only one noise complaint about a trial venue (Opinion 2/4)? I personally submitted two about the one trial venue, and both were acknowledged as received by City of Newcastle council. I know my neighbours submitted noise complaints about another trial venue.

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison said the public attention from being a parliamentarian does sometimes attract unacceptable behaviour. "I have admired Nicolle's efforts to stand against the bullying and nastiness of particular groups and individuals," Mr Morrison said. "I wish her all the best for what comes next." Bravo ScoMo! The epitome of gentlemanly conduct. No wonder you need a female prime minister too.

STEVE Eyre, are you suggesting white males are to be seen as lesser humans than others? What's the issue that's causing you such obvious anger and bias? White law abiding males deserve respect as much as anyone else.

IN my opinion the Newcastle Herald really needs to get its priorities right. First they put the Knights going for a swim on the front page a day after Donald Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol, and now they put a convicted drug dealer on the front page with a sob story ('A love in a league of its own', Herald 2/4). I think the Herald needs to drop its obsession with the Knights. In the grand scheme of things they're just not important.

STEVE Eyre (Short Takes, 2/4): if you were "disgusted" by my Short Take it's lucky the editor does such a diligent job controlling what gets printed. Of course there is good (and bad) in every culture, nothing in my comment said or inferred otherwise. I believe the only people who would have any reason to take offence at my comment are those who refuse to take responsibility for their own choices and those who make excuses for them.

WHAT next? Masturbating in Parliament House. Sorry, but I always thought most politicians were a mob of w-----s with a superior attitude anyway.

JOHN Bradford, regarding the reported earthquakes recently, mate I might be to blame; I had a double serving of Indian.

HAVE the Knights' injuries crippled the club's chances of making the finals in 2021?