Shaggy Dog Comments...

Police were relieved that the Christmas road toll was the lowest in a decade - although 15 people still died. Most of the fatal crashes involved drivers from the area dying on local roads. Despite a drop in deaths, the statistics are still staggering: 20,625 people were caught speeding - and that's not counting fixed speed cameras, 1404 people were charged with drink driving, 762 people were injured in 1922 major crashes. Idiot teenagers, invariably P-platers, are still a problem. Last Friday, two P-platers were caught flying along at 206km/h in a 110 km/h zone. And two Sydney men, aged 18 and 19, were busted dragging their two Commodores in the city, moving at 131km/h in a 50km/h zone.

But a 46-year-old man gets our death wish award. After crashing his car in Dubbo, his blood test revealed a blood alcohol level of .359 - more than seven times the legal limit. No doubt he decided to drive because he was too pissed to be able to walk.

Maurice Gahan, Northern Rivers manager of Regional Express, aka Rex, wants to give a helping hand to local community based organisations raising funds for the tsunami victims and relief work. Rex is doing their bit to raise funds by offering 100 free tickets on flights to the organisations to use in raising funds. The full details and the application is on the web at www.rex.com.au.

Cop that Don - on top of the $14.6 million raised by Monday night's cricket match, all the players put their shirts up for auction on eBay, raising almost $500,000 more. Shane Warne's shirt topped the bidding with a whopping $140,700. Interestingly, there was more than 260 bids, but eBay cancelled almost 40 of them, including a Queensland buyer going by the moniker 'I sold my grandma on here' after they'd offered $143,400. Their previous purchase was a $13 book, Dance with the Devil. The winning bidder's previous bargain was a $15.50 drape. After belting a century, as well as captaining the rest of the world side, Ricky Ponting's shirt fetched $60,405, while the third highest price, $25,500, was paid for Adam Gilchrist's shirt, followed by Glenn McGrath's shirt at $21,960. The silver $1 coin used by the PM for the toss sold for $26,501 as part of a boxed set printed by the Royal Australian Mint to mark the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the $1 coin. The cricket ball Chris Cairns, Gilly and Punter repeatedly belted for six was worth $4563, while the ball used for the Asia team's innings made $7100 - perhaps because it was used a lot less.

Bunnings Warehouse is doing its bit to raise funds for CARE Australia's Southern Asia Appeal this Sunday, January 16, with an all-day sausage sizzle. Grab a snag for $2.50 and help the victims of the tsunami disaster.

An ace fundraiser

Who's taking donations?

Along with local community efforts, The Echo commends the following organisations to anyone who wants to donate.

UNICEF

The UN's Children's Fund, helping especially in Sri Lanka. Call 1300 732 240 or www.unicef.org.au or make a deposit at any ANZ bank.

World Vision

A long-established Christian aid organisation. 13 32 40 or www.worldvision.com.au or through the National or ANZ banks.

Oxfam

Working with the Australian military in Indonesia to provide clean water and food. 1800 034 034 or www.oxfam.org.au

Red Cross

In the toughest areas, doing the toughest work, including the collection of bodies.

Phone 1800 811 700 or go to www.redcross.org.au or GPO BOX 9949 in capital cities.

Care Australia

Working in Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia to ensure food, water, clothing and shelter for refugees.

Phone 1800 020 046 or www.careaustralia.org.au.

Plan

Specialises in long-term work to help communities rebuild.

1800 038100 or www.plan.org.au

Caritas Australia

A Catholic agency for overseas aid and development. 1800 024 413 or go to www.caritas.org.au