WATCHING the news at the moment is a bit grim, from an economic viewpoint.
We all know the cost of fuel and food has gone up and is likely to continue going up.
And now the Federal Government is fighting with the state leaders over the Feds’ plan to decrease coal prices (the aim being to reduce electricity prices because coal makes electricity, apparently).
And on top of those cost-of-living hikes, pundits were predicting another rate rise from the ARB, on Tuesday, as this newspaper went to print.
I must admit, it seemed a little odd when I saw a TV news segment about the Youth Allowance and Austudy increasing by 6.1 per cent.
I am all for encouraging study – and I know the education sector is a big industry for Australia – but when nurses, teachers and paramedics are all underpaid…really?
Meanwhile
The big story, locally, is the by-election for a new Division Two councillor – see story page 1.
Our elected councillors have a huge impact on our daily lives, so the result of this election is very important.
And it’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas, with parties happening all over the region, as well as various Christmas appeals in motion and, of course, council’s Christmas Lights competition in full swing.
And lastly
I was very pleased and proud to accept a Certificate of Appreciation, from Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday, on Monday night (December 5) at their Christmas dinner (see pic with VMR president Paul Martin).
The certificate was in appreciation of the Whitsunday News’ ‘invaluable and generous support’ for the VMR, through the half-page every week in the newspaper for the VMR’s Marine Rescue News.
The Whitsunday News is very happy to have supported this vital organisation for the past two-and-a-half years and will continue to do so.
Their work – all done by volunteers – is selfless in the extreme and is much needed in the community.
As always, thanks for reading this newspaper.
Deborah.
