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When it comes to choosing unity over division in our nation, real change begins at the grassroots level. It’s the small, everyday choices—not grand gestures by activists—that pave the way for reconciliation.

This means prioritising the unity of our country over separatism and rejecting divisive actions, no matter how subtle. Take, for instance, the Welcome to Country. While it may have a place in specific contexts, its widespread adoption in recent years has, unfortunately, alienated many Australians from Indigenous culture.

The commercialisation of Welcome to Country ceremonies has further fuelled this disconnect. I recently discussed with Sky News how some individuals make their entire income from Welcome to Country fees. This practice has sparked backlash—not only among the broader Australian population but also within Indigenous communities. For example, the Juru people in North Queensland have banned Welcome to Country ceremonies on their lands due to concerns over commercialisation. They’ve criticized government agencies for using “preferred suppliers” who often lack genuine ties to the local area, perpetuating a form of modern colonisation rarely scrutinised by mainstream media.

Australians are growing tired of these divisive practices and are searching for a better path forward. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton highlighted one small but meaningful step: restoring the prominence of the Australian flag at official events. All too often, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags overshadow the national flag, or, in extreme cases, as seen with the Greens’ Adam Bandt, the Australian flag is absent altogether.

This sends a divisive message. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags hold cultural significance, but they represent specific ethnicities—not the nation as a whole. As Peter Dutton rightly pointed out, “We are a country united under one flag, and if we’re asking people to identify with different flags, we are dividing our country unnecessarily.”

Reclaiming unity under one national flag is a small but vital step toward reconciliation. It reinforces the shared identity of all Australians and moves us closer to bridging divides.

Yours for real solutions,
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price
Senator for the Northern Territory
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians

As Christmas is upon us, I wanted to take a moment to let you all know how much I truly value the connection we share. While I’m away from my desk, I find myself missing our daily chats more than I anticipated. Each day we share online is a reminder of the camaraderie and unwavering support we have within this incredible network.

Julie and I want to extend our heartfelt wishes for a joyous and peaceful Christmas to each of you. For those fortunate enough to be spending Christmas surrounded by family and loved ones, we hope it’s filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories.

To those whose family may be far away, or who find themselves spending Christmas alone, please know you are not forgotten. You are in our thoughts and in our hearts, and we are holding you close in spirit during this special time of year.

Christmas is a time for gratitude and reflection, and we are profoundly grateful for the bonds we’ve built with you all. Wherever you are and however you’re celebrating, we hope you feel the strength of this shared connection, like a thread linking us all together.

Wishing you happiness, peace, and all the best the season has to offer. Take care, stay safe, and know we’ll be raising a glass in your honour this Christmas.

With warm regards

Ray & Julie

“Silent Night” – (Sister Duet) – Lucy (20) & Martha (14) Thomas

ED: I might be away but I’m thinking of you all … so here’s a Friday Smile.

My wife and I were watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were in bed.

I turned to her and said, ‘Do you want to have Sex?’

‘No,’ she answered.

I then said, ‘Is that your final answer?’

… She didn’t even look at me this time, simply saying, ‘Yes…’

So, I said, “Then I’d like to phone a friend.”

________________________________

I took my wife to a restaurant.

The waiter, for some reason, took my order first.

“I’ll have the rump steak, rare, please.”

He said, “Aren’t you worried about the mad cow?”

“Nah, she can order for herself.”

_____________________________

My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school

reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his

drink as he sat alone at a nearby table.

I asked her, “Do you know him?”

“Yes”, she sighed,

“He’s my old boyfriend. I understand he took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear he hasn’t been sober since.”

“My God!” I said, “Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?”

________________________________

When our lawn mower broke and wouldn’t run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed.

But somehow I always had something else to take care of first, the shed, the boat, making beer… Always something more important to me.

Finally, she thought of a clever way to make her point.

When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing

scissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again, I handed her a toothbrush.

I said, “When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway.”

The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.

_____________________________

My wife sat down next to me as I was flipping channels.

She asked, “What’s on TV?”

I said, “Dust.”

________________________________

Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, and slipped quietly into the garage. I hooked up the

boat up to the van and proceeded to back out into a torrential

downpour. The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather

would be bad all day.

I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. I cuddled up to my wife’s back;

now with a different anticipation,

and whispered, “The weather out there is terrible.”

My loving wife of 5 years replied, “And, can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?”

_______________________________

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.

She said, “I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds.”

I bought her a bathroom scale.

______________________________

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply

for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me

for my driver’s License to verify my age. I looked in my pockets

and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that

I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.

The woman said, ‘Unbutton your shirt’.

So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair.

She said, ‘That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me’ and she processed my Social Security application.

When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.

She said, ‘You should have dropped

your pants. You might have gotten disability too.’

________________________________

My wife was standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror.

She was not happy with what she saw and said to me,

“I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you

to pay me a compliment.’

I replied, “Your eyesight’s damn near perfect.”

________________________________

I rear-ended a car this morning…the start of a REALLY bad day!

The driver got out of the other car, and he was a DWARF!!

He looked up at me and said ‘I am NOT Happy!’

So I said, ‘Well, which one ARE you then?’

________________________________

One year, I decided to buy my mother-in-law a cemetery plot

as a Christmas gift…

The next year, I didn’t buy her a gift.

When she asked me why, I replied,

“Well, you still haven’t used the gift I bought you last year!”

 

 

Fifty-Six years ago tomorrow, I lost a very good mate, and the world lost someone truly special. His family lost a beloved son and brother, and I lost a friend who felt more like a brother to me. John was one of a kind—a bit of a rogue with a mischievous streak that could make anyone laugh. Whenever I think of him, a smile inevitably creeps across my face, often accompanied by a chuckle at the memories we shared.

John had a red Triumph Bonneville that he absolutely adored. That bike was more than just a machine to him; it was a part of who he was. He treasured it so much that he would ride it straight into our hut and keep it at the foot of his bed, despite always getting into trouble for it. That was John—unapologetically himself, with a spirit that couldn’t be tamed.

Together, we created so many unforgettable memories, moments that I carry with me to this day. Whether it was our daring escapades or just the way he could light up a room with his infectious laugh, John made life feel like an adventure. His time here was far too short, but in that time, he left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

I often think about whether I’ve lived my life in a way that would make him proud. I hope I’ve honoured his memory by living fully, embracing the little joys, and finding laughter even in life’s challenges—just as he always did. John may be gone, but his spirit lives on in my heart and in the stories I share about him.

Here’s to you, John, my mate. You may be gone, but you’ll never be forgotten. ❤️

 

Bill Charlton wrote this poem about John.

JOHN H KALMA 1RAR

John was only 17 when he enlisted in ’64.

Born in The Hague he arrived here when he was 4.

The 6-foot 4 inch soldier did two tours of Viet Nam.

Nothing ever seemed to faze this young man.

 

His first tour with 1RAR was 1965-66.

On the second tour in ’68 promotion was in the mix.

He was appointed Lance Corporal in the line.

But on 19th December he was killed by a mine.

 

The young NCOs luck had finally run out.

He was headed for a fine career of that there is no doubt.

But tomorrow is not promised and to death we all are prone.

There were only 6 more weeks to go before he headed home.

Bill Charlton c 2019

Australia is teetering on the edge of an economic abyss, and everyday Aussies are feeling the pressure more than ever before. Under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor government, the nation’s financial woes have deepened, raising the question: Is this government’s handling of the economy worse than the Whitlam era?

The cost of living crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with young Australians bearing the brunt. Housing affordability has plummeted, leaving many first-time buyers locked out of the market and renters facing skyrocketing lease agreements. Mortgage stress is at a historic high, with countless families struggling to meet repayments amid current interest rates. Meanwhile, small businesses, the backbone of the Australian economy, are collapsing under mounting financial pressures.

Labor’s big-spending policies are setting the stage for a monumental budget blowout. Experts warn that the government’s inability to rein in expenditure is putting Australia’s fiscal stability at risk. With an economic strategy reliant on unprecedented immigration to bolster GDP figures, Labor is papering over the cracks of an economy in decline.

High immigration rates might temporarily inflate economic activity, but they also exacerbate the housing crisis, drive up demand for limited resources, and strain infrastructure. This short-term fix does little to address the underlying issues, instead compounding the struggles of Australians already battling soaring costs.

Australia is enduring the longest per-capita recession in its history, and economists are now warning of a full-blown recession. Under Albanese’s leadership, households are barely managing to keep the lights on, as power prices climb ever higher. Grocery bills have spiralled out of control, making it harder for families to put food on the table. Labor’s policies, far from stabilizing the economy, are amplifying these pressures.

The parallels to the Whitlam era are striking an era infamous for economic mismanagement that plunged Australia into financial turmoil. However, many argue that Albanese’s government has surpassed Whitlam’s in terms of economic mismanagement, with no clear plan to reverse the nation’s fortunes.

The government’s policies are hitting everyday Australians the hardest. From tradies to teachers, retirees to recent graduates, the financial strain is universal. Rising energy costs and increasing taxation leave little disposable income for families, while stagnant wage growth fails to keep up with inflation.

Labor’s policies are failing to address these core issues. Instead, they seem focused on expanding government programs without the revenue to fund them sustainably. With a ballooning national debt and no coherent economic strategy, Australia’s future is at risk.

Australia cannot afford another Labor term. The nation’s economic survival depends on sound fiscal management and policies that prioritize Australians over short-term political gains. The next election will be a crucial turning point. Will Australians choose to continue down this perilous path, or will they demand a government capable of steering the country back to stability?

One thing is clear: Labor’s policies are not saving the economy they are pushing it over the edge. It’s time for a new direction before the damage becomes irreparable.

The Krakow Post

North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast killed eight members of a Russian unit in a “friendly fire” incident, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on Dec. 14.

Earlier that day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a “significant number” of North Korean troops had joined Russia’s assault operations in the Kursk region.

The alleged incident occurred when North Korean troops opened fire on members of the Chechen Akhmat unit, a pro-Russian group, during combat operations. According to HUR’s statement on its Telegram channel, the attack resulted in the deaths of eight Russian soldiers.

The intelligence agency attributed the incident to a severe language barrier between Russian and North Korean forces, which it described as a persistent challenge on the battlefield.

As of Dec. 14, HUR estimates that approximately 200 servicemembers from both Russian and North Korean units have been killed. President Zelensky previously confirmed that North Korean troops had suffered “noticeable losses” but refrained from providing specific numbers.

In fall 2024, Ukrainian and Western officials warned of over 10,000 North Korean soldiers massed in Kursk Oblast, reportedly to bolster Russia’s offensive efforts in the region.

The Russian military has reportedly implemented special protocols in areas where North Korean personnel are stationed. These measures include inspections of Russian soldiers entering these zones and the confiscation of their phones and electronic devices.

The first direct engagements between North Korean and Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast were reported in early November. While North Korean personnel have not been deployed to other sections of the front line, Zelensky cautioned that this deployment strategy could shift in the future.

 

Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth aircraft deliveries to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have resumed following a year-long delay.

ED: Below is a message and link from Ross Eastgate, great to hear for Ross again.

Hi Ray

A few people have asked me about the piece on Australia All Over this morning.

It’s almost Christmas, and Stu was a good guy taken too soon!

Here’s the link to the original story

Ross Eastgate

CLICK LINK

The Canberra Boxing Day mango mystery | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues

Kyiv Independent

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 2,000 Ukrainian servicemen have been hospitalized due to chemical poisoning, with three fatalities reported, Ukrainian Colonel Artem Vlasiuk revealed during a Dec. 13 press briefing.

According to Vlasiuk, who serves with the Support Forces’ Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Command, Ukrainian forces have documented 4,800 incidents involving chemical weapons since the war began. These include the use of tear gas and chemical agents typically intended for riot control. Speaking in Kyiv, Vlasiuk highlighted how Russian forces disguise their deployment of such weapons under the cover of “intense artillery, rocket, and bomb attacks,” complicating efforts to collect samples and investigate these actions for potential prosecution.

In an October interview with the Kyiv Independent, Vlasiuk discussed the challenges posed by the lack of specialized equipment, which hampers the Ukrainian military’s ability to identify new or mixed types of chemical agents and develop adequate protective measures. Since the start of the invasion, servicemen showing symptoms of chemical poisoning have been treated in both military and civilian facilities for exposure to various known or unidentified substances.

“As for the deceased servicemen, unfortunately, we now have three such fatal cases,” Vlasiuk stated. He also noted that the use of K-51 tear gas grenades by Russian forces has recently decreased due to colder weather, which diminishes their effectiveness.

“These means are prohibited for use,” Vlasiuk emphasized. “Ukraine, as a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention, and its Armed Forces, which safeguard its independence and sovereignty, fully comply with international law and the requirements of the Convention.”

Vlasiuk’s remarks follow confirmation by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a United Nations watchdog, that riot control agents have been used on the battlefield in Ukraine. On Nov. 18, the OPCW reported that Russian drones deployed gas grenades into Ukrainian dugouts and trenches, forcing soldiers into open areas where they became vulnerable to artillery fire and drone strikes.

These developments underscore the ongoing violations of international law by Russian forces and the significant risks posed to Ukrainian servicemen in their defence of the nation’s sovereignty.