Then again, have you ever been left been wondering why you are unable to get your pre-schooler into occasional childcare, even though there is a perfectly good kindergarten that looks like it's not being effectively or efficiently used?

Those living in the Flinders Region in recent days were given an opportunity to voice their views on subjects like these - and many more -at a meeting conducted by the Regional Communities Consul-tative Council and held at the Hawker Community Sports Centre.

The RCCC is an independent body that makes recommendations to the Minister for Regional Development Minister on ways in which the government and regional

communities can work together to strengthen the capacity of communities to respond to local issues. .

Hawker was represented by local businessman, John Teague, the Rev John Dihm and Graham Dunn, while The Flinders News correspondent in the area, Dick Speekman, represented the Hawker Community Development Board.

Also present were the Flinders Ranges Mayor, Max McHugh, and the council's chief executive officer, Lee Connors, together with Port Augusta Mayor, Joy Baluch, Wilpena Pound Resort spokesman, Keith Rasheed, the Member for Sturart, Graham Gunn MP, and Tina Wakelin, wife of the Federal Member for Grey, Barry Wakelin.

Participants were able to join discussion groups covering topics ranging from education and |training to public transport, health, and service delivery.

One of the issues identified by Hawker Development Board representative, Dick Speekman, was the extension of the local airstrip from the present 1200 metres to 1500 metres.

Other matters raised included the provision of regular occasional childcare in Hawker - the absence of which has created all kinds of problems in the town - and such matters as the provision of broadband internet and digital radio and TV services.