I was quite distressed tonight to watch the TV news and the push to have the statue of Sir Edmond Barton removed from the Town Green.

As a democratic country, we should celebrate the icons of our history that helped create the Commonwealth of Australia - Sir Edmond was one of those people.

Colour relations and issues were very different at the turn of the 19th century - than they are today.

We should not be forgetting those people, but should continue to recognise them.

I am a member of U3A's Australian History classes - in 2017 I made a presentation on the Australian Federation, 1890-1901. Attached, is a copy of that presentation.

In your capacity as Mayor of Port Macquarie Hastings Council, I would respectfully ask that you use "all your influence" to negate any moves to remove this important statue.

Geoff Workman

Port Macquarie