Commenting on the story: Arts viewed as fundamental to SA economy

Does your survey indicate how much support was given to the arts during the lockdown by not asking for a refund on tickets bought, and also from financial donations made to arts organisations?

I suspect that the over 50’s have been very generous, but not ready to risk going out because family and medical expert advice has been to stay home.

The over 65’s tend not to do streaming, or on-line viewing – they read a book instead (which is another way of supporting another form of the arts). – Ann Gorey

Commenting on the story: Another city heritage site under demolition threat

Here we go again. We seem to have so little power to influence retention of significant heritage buildings in Adelaide – despite historically having a good record of saving them.

Out of the blue the State Bank facade (in Pirie St) is to go (two previous projects proposed were to include it) and now the Sands & McDougall building is under distinct threat.

The redevelopment of this site is a great opportunity to build a tower of less bulk, instead of this mid-rise massive block.

The ideal would be a podium of the same height as the heritage building in question and then a slimmer and taller tower that would have less mass.

This would improve the whole concept and be more fitting of our great King William Street. We live in hope! – Hans Van Bavel

Please don’t destroy this facade. It is a beautiful heritage feature and should be preserved.

On another point, with Covid changing how we work, is another office block with retail space really viable? How many offices are empty now, and Myer centre is a ghost town.

Fill these empty spaces before building more. – Melissa Whalen

I vote to save the Sands & Macs building. Sadly, we have lost so many heritage buildings already. – Annie Millane

Commenting on the opinion piece: Time to get smart about a returning citizens policy

We are returning to SA to take up residence again following a six year period in the US.

It seems as though we were extremely fortunate being able to get back in the country. Our flights brought us into Brisbane, that was deliberate because we didn’t want to go into another 14 self-isolation period once we made it back to Adelaide.

Generally speaking we have been treated very well. Lucky enough to get a decent hotel and good food. The Queensland government is doing an excellent job managing this hotel, as are the hotel employees.

Information, especially clear information, is hard to get. We have experienced the famous finger pointing syndrome a few times, everyone pointing at someone else to provide the answers.

What seems to fly in the face of reason is the fact they take people from the airport into quarantine on a bus with very little distancing enforced. Likewise the flight in from Auckland wasn’t particularly good for distancing. When it comes down to it individuals could have been very effectively isolating, no matter which country they have been in, but it all goes for nought at the weakest point of enforcement.

Being retired we don’t have the complication of having to work whilst in quarantine. If the facilities aren’t up to scratch it becomes very difficult for people to continue working. We are lucky, we have excellent WiFi service.

With seven days to go in quarantine we feel really well, but also realise that what we’re doing is necessary so are prepared to push through this and look at the positives.

Living with uncertainty has become the new normal and we have to continue in the faith that what you plan to do can be disrupted at any moment. – Bob Sibson

Commenting on the story: Poverty, mental health and Centrelink

It may sound incredibly cruel, but this pandemic has been a life saver for me.

The extra money added to JobSeeker has allowed me to move out of a violent relationship and into my own secure place, but although I think I found the cheapest unit in my town I know I will have to give it up if payments go back to what they originally were.

I’m scared of where I will end up and scared my only option will be to go back to my ex. I hope I don’t have to do that. – Name supplied