Shaggy Dog Comments...

Shaggy's getting the feeling that the federal election can't be too far away. Our conclusion comes courtesy of the following chicken entrails: as you approach the Queensland border on the Pacific Highway, there's a huge poster on the right-hand side saying "Vote Larry" with a pic of the smiling dial of the Richmond MP. The other obvious first blowie of the season is the number of big government grants local MPs are suddenly handing out. Aside from the obvious publicity benefits, Governments alway need to get a hurry on and spend the cash before an election is declared and their in 'caretaker' mode, unable to make any further decisions.

If you want to pass on your best wishes to the amazing Petria Thomas (see front page), you can pass on your support via Telstra's HeroMessage system. Already it's set something of a world record, with 28,000 messages going to the athletes by Monday. In contrast, 22,000 messages were sent at the Sydney Olympics. Thorpie's already scored two marriage proposals (and one from a kid complaining that he can't use his Playstation because his parents are watching the Olympics). A few asked the Scud how his girlfriend, Deltra Goodrem, was going after she ended up in a Greek hospital. Log on to www.heromessage.telstra.com or SMS to 0427 672 946. You can send messages up to October 12.

The region lost one of its very special people this week with the death of author Thea Astley, a week before her 79th birthday. She wrote 16 beautifully lyrical novels, winning an extraordinary four Miles Franklin Awards - her last one in 2000 for her final novel, Drylands, about a country town on its last legs deep in One Nation country. Only a couple of weeks ago, she was at the Byron Bay Writers Festival entertaining readers with her dry wit. She moved to Byron Bay a year ago to be nearer her son Ed, describing the area as like "Gladesville or something" (a non-descript Sydney suburb). Thea enjoyed sitting at a seat outside the Byron library and when Council removed it, she campaigned for its return. They cemented it back in place on Tuesday, the day she died.

We must be growing old. Believe it or not, August 23 marks the 20th anniversary of the day the Royal Australian Mint replaced $1 notes with a gold coin featuring five kangaroos. Back then, we remember you could buy around 2.5 litres of petrol with one coin.

At last week's Lismore Council meeting, there was a little confusion about where the money was coming from for community grants (aka Section 356 grants) and other donations Council makes. Cr Barry Crimmins clarified things explaining a special $2500 discretionary fund for the Mayor "was a different brown paper bag".

Enjoying a few minutes in the spotlight at the Lismore Business Awards on Saturday, Cr John Hampton, who's normally known for his economy with the English language, turned garrulous when presenting one of the awards. One of the people involved in the presentation - who kept their lips sealed when taking to the stage - was a little miffed and went and complained to colleagues at another table that 'he wasn't supposed to say a word'. Only then did they realise Cr Hampton was sitting two seats down the table.

There's a bear in Alstonville

The Quota Annual Craft Fair, August 28-29 at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre has many fascinating highlights, including the inaugural Teddy Bear Auction.

Around 25 beautiful handmade bears will go under the hammer each day, with all proceeds going to Southern Cross School in Ballina to assist students with disabilities.

Throughout the weekend there will be plenty of crafty things to see and do, with more than 50 stallholders displaying every type of art and craft imaginable, wood-turning and lantern making demonstrations, craft workshops, raffles and lucky door prizes, plenty of food and much more to enjoy. There's even a Kids Activity Tent with face painting, games and lucky dips to keep the kids amused.

The Quota Annual Craft Fair will be open Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sunday 9am-4pm. Entry is $5 for adults and $4 for kids. For info phone Diana on 6628 3834.

Country culture

Members of CWA branches throughout the region are being encouraged to attend the Far North Coast CWA's annual International and Culture Day next Thursday, August 26, at the Woodburn Memorial Hall from 10am.

This year's event is based around the country Chile, with ladies dressing in traditional Chile costume, eating Chile-inspired dishes and hearing from guest speaker Ruth Fox, a CWA member who visited Chile earlier this year.

Showing off their traditional outfits for the event is group international officer Irene O'Neill (left) and group culture officer Gwen Smith, who are hoping for a big turnout to this year's event.

"The day is the culmination of a year's study on Chile - it's a great social day out and a chance for members of the 23 branches to meet one another in a relaxed atmosphere," Gwen said.

All proceeds from the day go towards overseas projects that help disadvantaged people.

Any members wishing to attend should phone Jan on 6682 2457 for catering purposes.