Ooops! Kev's running late with more than his Chrissie present buying.........

At the official Prime Minister of Australia website something strange is going on.

I can find press releases for December 2008 at its media centre for the days leading up to Christmas:
24 Dec

Appointment of Departmental Secretaries - Media Release

22 Dec

Holden to build all-new small car in Australia - Media Release

21 Dec

Government launches 12 year plan to reduce homelessness in Australia Mission Australia Centre Surrey Hills, Sydney - Media Release

20 Dec

Australia provides support for Afghanistan Elections - Media Release

19 Dec

National Peacekeeping Memorial Design Unveiled - Media Release

18 Dec

Prime Minister addresses Australian troops serving in Afghanistan Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan - Speech

But where is Rudder's 2008 christmas message to the peasants citizens?

All I can find is his message for 2007.

I suppose that as most of his message is the usual generic pap, and he also visited our troops in Afghnaistan in December 2007, his staff decided that they couldn't be bothered to update the sentiments with a newer entry.

This Christmas the Northern Rivers has its own Grinch

For a number of rural industry-related workers on the NSW North Coast this month is not looking too rosy.

A local employer, who loves to spend his money on a very expensive thoroughbred stud and racing stable, has laid off certain workers.

This same employer has a reputation as a serial offender against freedom of association and industrial relations legislation and, a rumoured predilection for setting up dummy contracting companies to make sure that sacked workers leave with the minimum amount of money.

It seems that the Grinch is alive and well and still stealing Christmas.

Iz waitin' Santa (a message for those who will be alone on Christmas Day)

The stores are garlanded with tinseled baubles and Santa is tucked away in a corner of the shopping centre having his photo taken with the littlies - even the piped Muzac has turned festive.

For many though Christmas rarely lives up to the idealised image of loving family and friends around a Yuletide fireplace.

So for those who are to spend Christmas Day alone or working hard to keep the wolf from the door, I say "Chin up!"

Go for a walk, watch a decent DVD, read a good book or listen to your favourite happy tunes, above all give yourself a little treat; and if all else fails, curse that little fat man in the tatty red suit and look forward to next year.

There will be a free Christmas lunch at the Christian Life Centre in Treelands Drive, Yamba on 25 December 2008. All are welcome according to the sign above the door.

Need to chin wag to keep the blues at bay over Christmas?

Lifeline 13 11 14

Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800