Shame file...

Is it just me or did everyone appear on Media Watch last night?

Hmmm...actually, that one probably is just me!!!

Anyway, if you're here to check me out, the story they were talking about is from August 2006 - it's a story about a little girl in an airport....about five stories down in August!

There is no doubt it is an urban myth - I knew that when I put it up - I just know that people like to read warm fuzzy stories like that sometimes.

Anyway - there's probably a million of them in here....bugger!!

To be honest, with the election looming - I probably should shut the old blog down (since there really is a couple of years of stuff that I wrote on the spur of the moment - or copy and pasted because I thought people might like it). But then again, there's a lot of stuff in here that might help people get to know me, too.

I'm most proud of the blogs I've posted on Dianne Brimble, Foster Care, parenting, kids at risk and the rights and plights of refugees in Australia. So if you're from media watch - could you have a look at those ones instead???

And if you missed my 30 seconds of fame on media watch....you can click on http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s2073845.htm

www.votecaroline.com.au

First of all - sorry I haven't blooged for a while - it's bloody busy running for parliament!

Having said that, I think I am making a difference. After being ignored by the major parties for an age - this week, the pork truck rolled into town.

Someone came up to me in Caloundra and said 'competition delivers - keep up the good work!'

I am desperate to win the seat of Fisher - but if all I end up doing is shaking things up, then all the hard work was worth something!

Anyway - back to the website - because (since I don't have a pork truck of my own) I need to get the message out!

If you know someone at Kilcoy or Woodford or Jimna or (hang on, I'll get the whole list)

Beerburrum
Beerwah
D'Aguilar
Elimbah
Glasshouse Mountains
Jimna
Kilcoy
Monsildale
Mount Mee
Neurum
Rocksberg
Villeneuve
Wamuran
Woodford
Yednia

Then please, tell them www.votecaroline.com.au

By the way - on centrebet I am down from 100's to one - to just 13... (12 per cent swing my bum!)

And finally - here's another question from my website...check out the questions answered page!

Andrea, Mooloolah October 27 2007 - what about child support?

Dear Caroline,

The issue of child support and the fairness to the partner paying. My partner earns a basic wage but to improve himself he works long hours and lots of overtime including days and weeks away only to have to pay child support on his yearly total (nearly double). His partner left him for someone else and took the children, he didnt ask for this to happen although he is willing to pay we know that the children do not get the benefit of the money. She has since married and bought a new car and a house (more than we can afford). Tell us how the child support system is fair?

Dear Andrea,

The child support system is not fair. To anyone.

Half the women I know receive absolutely nothing from their dead beat ex husbands.

The honest men I know, who submit themselves to the letter of the law, are being bled dry.

The way it works at the moment only serves to create anger and frustration between separated couples and that affects the children.

The only (relatively) happy separated parents I know, are people who work outside the system. Usually, the ex husband pays an agreed amount each month - in cash. Usually these couples have managed to remain good friends and that is what's best for the children.

I absolutely guarantee you that seeking more information about the 'so called' logic behind the current system will be one of my first ports of call. I will take your partners story and anyone else who wants to share to Canberra and together we will make them listen.

Just some of the stuff...

I have told you before, I am very happy running for parliament. People stop me in the street every day and tell me what is bothering them. They write to me and they implore me to listen to their story. It's what I was born to do.

Every day, something new arrives on my desk. The following letter arrived today and the truth is, I can't do much about it. However, I promised to post it on my blog, just so other people could take a look....

Dear Caroline Hutchinson,

Good day to you. My name is Roy Reeves and I reside in Kooralbyn, Queensland. I am a friend of the Corby family and an ardent believer in Schapelle Corby’s innocence, for the crime of importing marijuana into Bali in October 2004.

Since I know you are busy, I will be as brief as possible.

At the time of her conviction and sentencing in May 2005, public support for Schapelle was running at about 95%. Following this, a series of press releases and current affair shows on television, based on complete lies, proved very effective in painting a poor picture of the Corby family, and in casting aspersions upon Schapelle herself. Many former believers in her innocence began to have their doubts, and some still do. However, since the release of her book, ‘Schapelle Corby’ ‘My Story’, the tide is turning in her favour, and this trend is certain to continue as more people read the book.

If you are one of those with doubts, then I entreat you to read it. It is one of the most profoundly moving books you will ever read, and no one who reads it with an open mind and an open heart can ever doubt Schapelle’s innocence again.

Schapelle’s trial was a complete farce. Faced with the immediate assumption of guilt by the Balinese authorities, battling against a plethora of lies with next to nothing, she and her family never stood a chance of proving her innocence. What evidence they had, or tried to call on, was either wilfully contaminated or disallowed.

They received no help from the Balinese Police, the Australian Federal Police or Qantas, and no tangible help from the Australian Government. Not only this, their case was further undermined, at every opportunity, with more lies and innuendos from various people within Australia. The final outcome was practically a foregone conclusion, despite Schapelle’s impassioned pleas, and confessions of innocence, which were largely ignored by the prosecution and the judges.
Schapelle Corby is not a criminal, she is a victim of airport crime, and she was sacrificed to help cover up a security scandal in Australian airports. For the simple mistake of not locking her boogie-board bag she has now spent three years locked up like a caged animal, in the utter filth and squalor of Kerobokan Prison, witnessing all manner of horrors that no young woman should ever have to see, suffering illness, torment and anguish.

What’s more, if nothing is done to secure Schapelle’s release, and her extraordinary appeal proves unsuccessful, she could very well spend the next seventeen years of her life being subjected to more of the same. She could even be transferred to some remote prison within Indonesia where conditions may be worse. Her father, dying of cancer and too ill to travel, will never be re-united with his daughter.

Schapelle herself will be denied marriage, and motherhood, the greatest blessing bestowed on women.

Coupled with this, the seemingly endless march of time, month in, month out, everything the same, everything awful, will finally leave her crushed and broken. Such a fate is simply unacceptable. Schapelle is innocent, and it is time for this injustice, this madness, to come to an end. I firmly believe, and I’m sure you would agree, that the innocent should not be punished.
I am so concerned for her that I have decided to write to EVERY candidate. This is the first federal election since Schapelle’s imprisonment. This election campaign is the first opportunity for you people, the candidates, to state your opinions and policy on the issue that she represents.

And what is this issue? Apart from requesting, at an intergovernmental level, the immediate release of Schapelle Corby, it is the right to justice for every Australian, no matter where they may find themselves arrested; the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and the right to a fair trial. A statute needs to be passed into Australian Law that allows any person not receiving these basic rights, to request, and expect, diplomatic intervention on their behalf. Schapelle was afforded none of these rights and not one person in the last Australian Government said, or did, anything about it.

While I fully appreciate that there are a broad range of issues, of concern to all Australians, which rightfully need to be addressed at this time, are the needs of the one any less important than the needs of the multitude? Is Schapelle Corby’s desperate plight any less deserving of attention by the next Australian Government than anything else? The answer to both questions is surely “No”.
If elected on the 24th November 2007, will you allow this utter travesty of justice to continue, as those in the previous government did? or, Will you do something about it? I hope the answer to the former question is “No” and the latter question is “Yes”, but it is up to you. What do you say, and what will you say during this election campaign? Will you even bother to mention her name? Those like me, who believe and support Schapelle, will be watching, listening and reading, to find out.

Yours faithfully,
Roy Reeves.

The new office is open!!!

EXCITING times. John, Mama, my friend (and Office Manager) Alison and I spent the weekend ‘sprucing up’ the electoral office in Bulcock Street Caloundra.

Today, another friend of mine, Paul Morton from Red Dirt Photography (little plug in there) has put up a few signs, and tomorrow we will be officially open for business.

The office is on the Ground Floor of the Pumicestone Blue Resort, on the corner of Bulcock and Centaur Streets, Caloundra. (The phone number from Wednesday will be 5438 9000)

I have big plans. Mama is going to keep the scones running hot, there is great coffee just next door; I see music; lively discussion and the odd glass of sav blanc!

I’d love you to call in some time to grab a sticker, have a chat or just check on our progress. Everybody welcome, all the time.

On that note, thanks to everyone who responded to John’s call out for ‘stuff’ to fit out the office. We're just about done. In particular, thank you to Peter and Elaine Bryant who just about did the job single handedly. Carl Stockel is going to help us with some computers and I already mentioned what a trooper Paul Morton is (more on him later).

ONE of the major jobs facing our office is the logistical nightmare of staffing polling booths on election day. There are around 40 booths, from Sun City Bowl at Alexandra Headlands to Kilcoy State School. If you've registered at www.votecaroline.com.au you'll be contacted fairly soon about your availability on the day. In particular, it would be great if we had some people prepared to become ‘booth captains’ (a fantastic title which basically means you’d be prepared to organise and see through a roster for the day).

In return for your generosity I have nothing to offer other than the chance to rumble with a few fanatics who hurl abuse when you hold out a How to Vote card, a cold drink, my undying gratitude and the opportunity to be apart of long awaited change in Fisher. Think that sounds exciting? Me too.

WHAT we need? A hurry up at AGL / Energex to get the power on in Bulcock Street. I'm assured a smart sparky will know how to handle them. Contacts in Woodford and Kilcoy – anyone you know, who you think I should too, I’d really appreciate an email. More stickers on cars – if you aren’t seeing them around town, then neither is anyone else. They are available from Placemat Kitchenware Kawana Shoppingworld, Get Outside and Concept Tiles on the Nicklin Way, Mix FM Reception and now the campaign office of Caroline Hutchinson, Independent Candidate for the seat of Fisher. Of course, we can send you one too, just click on www.votecaroline.com.au

FINALLY I’ll leave you with some words of wisdom sent to me by Paul Morton. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead)

love Caroline xx

Questions...always more questions!

I love them, keep them coming! Here is a sample from www.votecaroline.com.au

Jump on the site if you want to read more....

Alan, Wamuran, 17th October 2007 - What about Dental Care?

Hi Caroline, I am interested in finding out what your stance is on dental care- whether you think its is the responsibility of the states or if its soley a federal government responsibility? Or do you think its something both the states and federal government should be working on? I would really appreciate you views on this issue as it is something that I believe the Australian people have been missing out on and something that needs to be addressed in this years election. ....


Dear Allan,

I am so glad that someone has asked me this!!!!

I could not agree more. I believe in the medicare system and think it should be expanded to include dental, if not full cover, then at least regular check ups, particularly for low income earners.

Some people might remember the old style Commonwealth Dental Health Program. I believe that should be re-instated, with an expansion of (or at least ongoing commitment to) the school dental program.

While these measures might seem expensive to some people, you don't have to work in the medical system long to realise how often untreated dental problems turn into full blown (VERY EXPENSIVE) medical emergencies.

I think Australia is ready to stop thinking with the hip pocket.

Yesterday the Prime Minister announced the 34 Billion dollar tax cuts...quite the election sweetner. Extra money in the pay packet might sound great, until the reserve bank gets wind of our excitement and slows down spending with a pre christmas interest rate rise (poof! there goes your tax cut).

I wonder if people were given the option of more hospital funding, or subsidised sport for children or free dental care for school age people, if they would still want their 34 billion dollars in tax cuts?

Enough ranting? Thanks for the question. xx

Is there anybody out there???

I am relying on my little brother Harry to tell me from Bendigo if this becomes too much of a political statement, but I think I need to do it. I've got a problem.

I think I'm officially asking for help.

My name is Caroline Hutchinson. I am running as an Independent for the federal seat of Fisher in the November 24 election (in Australia).

I live on the Sunshine Coast. Traditionally we vote Liberal. Trust me, that is a problem.

People are pouring into this part of the world at an extraordinary pace. Something like 1500 new people move to South East Queensland every week.

We are going to need a lot more money in the coming term.The bloke elected to represent us is just not doing to job at the moment. It's as simple as that.

HOWEVER - I just don't think I'm getting the message out, and I don't know how to do it!!!

I'm an Independent - so I don't have the money to fight the big boys at their own game.

I just got home from a meeting with Col Miller - he's 84 years old and as sharp as a whip.

People who know Queensland politics, know Col. He contested 11 succesful elections in a marginal seat. He door knocked absolutely every house.

Tonight, over a couple of glasses of red we talked tactics.

He's a party man through and through Col, but he believes in me.

He knows that I will make MY office YOUR office.

He knows that I will work hard for the electorate, not just keep a seat warm for a party.

OK - that's it. I love this community and I want to go to work for the people of Fisher.

But if I'm going to get over the line, I need to do a couple of things.

If you know of a community of people who want to meet me, let me know. There is no gathering of locals that I do not want to be a part of. Just give me a call, 0402342951.

If you would consider being a 'community champion' then let me know that too. Col reckons I need 30 (that's right, 30!) people who believe in me to take up the cause.

30 people to hand out stickers, organise polling booths and tell my story. 30 people to tell me where I need to be and when. To boss me around and make sure that I am serving the people of Fisher.

If you are remotely interested in jumping on board - give me a call - or better still, send me an email http://www.votecaroline.com.au/

Again, sorry for the rant. Love Caroline

PS - This is my favourite quote EVER, I think. My friend Paul Morton sent it to me;
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Kids sport should be cheaper!!!

Is it just me or does everyone think the government needs to do something about the cost of kid's sport?

I have three children and we’re pretty passionate about our kids taking part in team sport.

Between them, our kids play netball, rugby, touch footy, volleyball, nippers, water polo and swimming.

Our kids aren’t sporting champions - not at all – we just like to keep them moving.

The government wants kids moving too – overweight people cost billions. Obesity increases the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression and joint and muscle problems, just to name a few.

However, as committed as John and I are to kid's sport, the beginning of each term is a hell time for us – and we’re a two income family! We are not struggling for money. If it’s difficult for John and I to pay for kid's sport, then I refuse to believe that there are not families out there – hundreds of families – whose children are excluded from team sport altogether.

And this is not about the committees. I could not appreciate the work of volunteers more.

Over the next couple of days I want to talk to as many parents and sports administrators as I can about the cost of kids sport and ask the question – is it insurance that drives up the cost? Or - as I've heard about some sports - the fault of the federal body (just quietly, I don’t think eight year olds playing soccer in Kawana should be funding the Socceroos).

As for insurance, I think that umbrella insurance should be possible. Couldn’t the government set up a scheme where every kid who wants to play team sport pays one fee, once a year, to cover all the sport they play?

Could we cap the cost of insurance and the cost of the pay outs? I know that New Zealand has a scheme where a central body deems what payment is appropriate for what injury, the system is cheaper and more efficient - no lawyers required!

Let me know if you have any ideas - I'd love to get together and chat!

Captain Planet - he's our hero!

Is it just me or does everyone think that saving the planet is the single most important job of this generation?

My friend said the other day he doesn’t even think he wants to be around in 50 years time when our grand children look at us with contempt because we were the ones that wrecked the planet.

I live with Captain Planet. John is passionate about reducing, reusing and recycling. He’s most crazy about power consumption, its pretty basic, if we want to cool down the planet we are going to have to slow down our energy consumption...

But water is a huge one too, we live on the world’s driest inhabited continent.
At present an average Australian household uses 240,000 litres or 5 domestic swimming pools of fresh water each year.

But there is something you can do - for instance;

By only running the dishwasher with full loads, 0ver a year you could save approximately 3000 litres of water.

By fixing dripping taps (eg; replace worn washers) over a year you could save 10,000 - 73000 litres of water

By taking a shorter shower (4 minutes), over a year you could save 85000 litres of water.

By putting a brick in old toilet cisterns, over a year you could save over 3000 litres of water in your household.

By turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, over a year you could save 4000 litres of water per person!

OK - don't want to be boring, but I have to get back to the election now (running for the Federal seat of Fisher, obviously I need every vote I can get)...

The environment is one of my most motivating issues - and for the record...

I am vehemently opposed to nuclear power (check the 'caroline answers your questions page on http://www.votecaroline.com.au/ ) and will continue to campaign for renewable energy sources and energy efficiences.

I am anti new coal mines or the expansion of existing mines. I think the government should stop paying subsidies to the mining idustry.

And (probably thanks to Captian Planet), I practice what I preach.

Our car runs on LPG;
We have two water tanks (which run our WC's), a compost, water saving shower heads, energy efficient light bulbs, we don't use an air conditioner or clothes dryer and we use no chemicals in our garden.

OK - I am possibly starting to sound like a crazy person now - but I truly believe it is NOT TOO LATE to slow the effects of global warming; we just have to act now.

Thanks for listening...

Love Caroline xx

Day eight....

Dear Diary......can you please ask the Prime Minister when he is going to call the election?

The campaign rolls on - still not sure if I'm getting it right.

I've spent the week meeting people - trying to get my message across.

I have heard a few rumours about myself, mostly that I am some sort of Labor Party stooge (which would be funny if I wasn't so angry!!!)

At first, I was going to ignore the rumours, but I had a long talk to my friend John Miller and now I think, bugger it - I'll just confront them head on.

I had one conversation with the Labor Party earlier this year - they never even got back to me. Not once.

I am standing for nobody but the people of Fisher. I will not be directing preferences anywhere and I will not be doing any deals.

I think the rumours were started to scare people away from voting for me - 'A vote for Caroline is a vote for the ALP'. Absolute rubbish.

Enough of that though - some beautiful things have happened to me in the past couple of days. A woman came up to me in Caloundra on Tuesday and handed me $20.oo to add to the campaign fund.

And my friend Ken sent me this...

Faith...

When you come to the edge of all the light you have,

and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown,

faith is knowing one of two things will happen:

There will be something solid to stand on,

or you will be taught how to fly.

Let the games begin...

Dear Caroline,

Until I find out more about your background, qualifications, business acumen and experience that would make you a suitable for a federal parliament position, I will reserve my judgement as to whether I will vote for you.

Politics is the only profession I know where you can get a highly paid job without having to have any suitable qualifications or experience.

I wish you well with your campaign but unless you can raise tens of thousands of dollars to compete with the propaganda machine, I'll bet the encumbent will just 'slip' back in again.

Garry, Caloundra

Dear Garry,

Well, you're on to me.

I have absolutely no tertiary qualifications.I have never owned a business and I have never belonged to a political organisation.

My husband John has taken the leap into small business, so (trust me), I am feeling some of the pain.

I understand your frustration Garry.

Politicians cost a lot of money and not all of them are up to the task (and if John Howard doesn't call the election this week then all our MP'sand their numerous support staff will be traipsing backto Canberra next week - which will cost the poor old tax payer millions and millions more!)

But Garry, I want tell you what I do well.I am a journalist with 20 years experience.

I can grasp issues quicker than most people and am as tenacious as a bull terrier.I have been accessible to the people of Fisherfor more than 10 years and have acted as an advocate for hundreds in that time.

I am familiar with the intracacies of government lobbyingand when someone comes to me to get a job done, I have always been able to find them an answer, one way or the other,very quickly.

I am standing as an independent - so I won't be heading to Canberra to re-write the health budgetor sign the Kyoto Protocol - but I will be the first person in Canberrafor a long time, prepared to fight tooth and nail for Fisher.

We are going to need a lot more money in the coming term.

The coast is growing too fast and our infrastructure is just not keeping pace.

A lot of that has been blamed on the Beattie Government(and they are not blameless) - but we are copping an unfair population distribution, and absolutely no one isfighting to make the feds take notice.

Without MORE federal money, our infrastructure needs will increasingly become a burden to ratepayers -and that is simply not fair.

The 'sea change' population is both an opportunity anda burden - and the Federal Government must bepressured to share the load.

Finally, you are right, I don't have the funds the big boyshave and I might get a flogging - that's democracy.

But, if the people want change, then at least I've offered an alternative.

PS - If you want to see more questions answered (or send me more questions) www.votecaroline.com.au xx

Suffer the children....

Dear Diary,

Woke up. Went to gym. Got kids to school. Sent emails. Cleaned shower. Cleaned self. Had a cup of tea. Sent emails. Called a few people. Had another cup of tea.

Hello there. It's day one of my election campaign for the federal seat of Fisher (not THE election campaign, by the way, because SOMEBODY doesn't seem to want to set a date).

Anyway, so far, so good. I've had heaps of offers of support and it all feels pretty positive at the moment.

If you're a community group or mother's group or business group and you would like me to come and have a chat about why I'm running and why I think you should consider sending your vote my way, I would absolutely love to do it! Or if you want to check me out, www.votecaroline.com.au


In the meantime, I thought this was worth sharing.

You might know my involvement in Foster Care on the Sunshine Coast through IFYS (Integrated Family and Youth Service).

Sometimes, people tell me they are reluctant to consider foster care because of the bad publicity foster parents have been known to receive.

The Courier Mail today run a letter from a foster father who watched three children returned to an unsuitable family situation, through an administrative error.

If you want the whole story, check out www.news.com.au


Young flowers blossom with a little love.

THE hug is so tight, so strong, as she leans into my ear and whispers "I love you Daddy boy".
Such a moment would warm most people's hearts. It ripped mine to shreds.
"Purple" is my little rainman, she is what is called developmentally delayed. Purple marches to the beat of a different drum but has other ways of communicating, almost telepathic at times.
Until recently, along with her siblings "Pink" and "Blue", I was Purple's foster father. They have spent most of their lives in foster care but an error led to them being removed, overnight, from the place they knew as home, and returned to their biological mother.
They have been placed into a situation where, to most professionals who know the case, they are at an unacceptable level of risk of harm. When Purple, Pink and Blue first came into care, they were virtually catatonic. We were told at the time that experienced police officers went outside and vomited before going back into the stench to rescue them in the middle of the night.
As with most kids coming into care their health was poor. It was tough but with the support and help of so many good people their strength and confidence grew.
Then the magic happened. Like the recent rain that brought Brisbane gardens back to life, after a shower of love these little flowers blossomed.
Purple, Pink and Blue lit up my life, as they did for everyone who came to know them. The only trauma in their lives was access visits with their biological mother.
This isn't a story of how the Department of Child Safety messed up. The Queensland Government changed the focus from reunification of the biological family to making the welfare of the child paramount. The mantra is so true – kids only get one chance at childhood.
Unfortunately, some people connected to "the system" haven't embraced the message. It's hard to agree with wiping the slate clean for the fourth or fifth time when tiny babies have been badly neglected or sexually abused.
We were allowed to go see the kids a few times after they were returned. It's hard to describe how difficult it was to stand by as the children were constantly berated, to meet one of the men showing an unnatural interest in them.
We visited one afternoon. Blue, who had been labelled as stupid many times by the mother during access visits, was now the favourite but looked totally confused.
Pink had been in "timeout" since breakfast – about five or six hours earlier – but was allowed out to see us. The ashen face and the thousand-yard stare were there, as though this bubbly child was back at square one.
Purple's strength astounded me. After a while, when she knew nobody was listening, she whispered the words that broke a strong man's heart, "I love you Daddy boy".

Off the air!!!!

Is it just me or is everyone just a little bit nervous?

I’m taking a big leap today, off the radio airwaves and into the deep, dark political abyss.

John Howard is yet to call the federal election, but I think we’re all pretty clear it’s going to happen very soon, and I’d like to throw my hat in the ring, as an independent candidate for the federal seat of Fisher.

There isn’t one pivotal moment that led me to the decision.

My family says I’ve been preparing for it all my life (something about preferring a fight to a feed) – but honestly, I’ve always known it was where I was headed.

I’m trying my hardest not to make this column an unpaid political advertisement, but I’m hoping you’ll forgive me a couple of paragraphs.

I’m very good at listening to people and hearing what they say.

I’m also good at seeing a person’s needs and doing my best to find a solution.

I’m running as an independent because I don’t really fit either of the major parties; a little too conservative for the ALP and a little too progressive for the Libs. Smack bang in the middle, I guess.

I also think that Canberra is in desperate need of some fresh voices; people with young families and mortgages and maybe a little dirt under the fingernails.

The major benefit of an independent is we don’t have to tow the party line.

I’ve been very inspired by Peter Wellington in the state seat of Nicklin, and that’s the kind of voice I want to take to Canberra – a commitment to my electorate and the ability to work with the government of the day.

Independents are no threat to good government.

The downside of being an independent is you don’t have a major party to help you campaign.

I don’t mind telling you my election budget – it’s $11,000 from a cashed-in insurance bond.
That’s going to buy me a whole lot of brochures and stickers, an electoral office in Caloundra and a really big party on election night.

It’s undignified to ask, I know, but donations to the cause are largely tax deductible and a sticker on your car or a couple of hours handing out “how to vote” cards on election day for me will guarantee you a glass of champagne (win, lose or draw) and a sausage sandwich while we watch the votes roll in (pony rides to be negotiated).

To find out more, check out www.votecaroline.com.au or give me a call on 0402 342 951.

I don’t know if I’m a chance to take the seat of Fisher – it’s one of the safest the Libs have got.
However, I know I’d be a dedicated servant and proud steward of the electorate.

See you at the other end (win, lose or draw).

Shoeboxes of love xx

Is it just me or does everyone think tis the season to think about giving?

It seems amazing, but there are only a couple of months until Christmas.

I’ve received an email from Joan Fitzgerald at the Zonta Club of Caloundra. Joan and her team are planning to put together something called a shoebox of love, to be sent to women who are doing it tough in the country.

I love stories like this. On the Sunshine Coast with our full dams and afternoon sea breeze I don’t think we have any idea what it’s like to be on a property out west where the dams are dry, the livestock are dying and the bank accounts aren’t far behind…

It’s pretty basic, a shoebox filled with all sorts of treats, a scarf, a lipstick some hand cream…whatever might help a woman on the land feel a bit better about Christmas.

The Zonta Ladies have already started putting their shoeboxes together, but they’re after some stuff, so if you think you can help – even if you’re another service club that wants to jump on board or a company that wants to inject some cash - you can contact Joan Fitzgerald at Zonta Caloundra, or email me and I'll put you in touch.
Joan & Les [joanandles@bigpond.com]

Project Maryann

Is it just me or does everyone think that life is too cruel sometimes?

Across the coast, I know, there are great teachers. People who make a difference every day with the kids they teach.

One of those teachers is a woman called Maryann Wasmund Ford. Maryann is an absolute darling, she taught my daughter Jemima in year two. At the time Jemima needed some special care and Maryann made sure she got it. I will always be grateful to her for that.

And now Maryann needs our help…

Earlier this year, when Maryann was 37 weeks pregnant with her beautiful baby Cooper she complained to the doctor about a sinus problem, something that had been with her since her first pregnancy apparently.

After taking a look, the doctors decided to take the baby early and operate on the sinus problem. A week later, the very worst fears were confirmed.

37 year old Maryann, wife of one, mother of two and beloved teacher of hundreds has an aggressive, inoperable carcinoma.

At the moment, she and her family are in Melbourne at the Peter Macallum Cancer Centre…the only place in Australia able to offer Maryann some hope.

A lot of people know Maryann, she was raised in Nambour with her four brothers, I'm pretty sure her dad was a teacher there too.

To know Maryann is to love her, and a lot of parents and friends have already got together for a backyard blitz.

There's lots of ways people can help, log onto www.thedaily.com.au to find out more, or check out the My Space titled 'project - maryann'

And then, keep Maryann and her beautiful boys in your prayers.

The REAL Australian Citizenship Test

Is it just me or does everyone think the governments new citizenship test should be compulsory…not just for new Australians, but for everyone. If we’re all going to get along, we need to understand each other clearly…

My sister just sent me a copy of the REAL 12 questions…see how you go.


1. 'Last Chrissy arvo the relos rocked up for a barbie. We opened the pressies, scoffed the chockies, and drained a few tinnies…Mum did her block after Dad and Steve got into a bit of biffo….I said ‘no probs cob’ and gave her a cuppa tea, a bex and a good lie down.’ Please Explain

2. Are these terms related: chuck a sickie; chuck a spaz; chuck a u-ey?

3. Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of a wedgie?

4. During your time in Australia, have you made friends with a man named Bruce and does he have a wife called Cheryl?

5. Does your family regularly eat a dish involving mincemeat, cabbage, curry powder and a packet of chicken noodle soup called either chow mein, chop suey or chinese mince?

6. What are the ingredients in a rissole?

7. Do you have an Aunty Irene who smokes 30 cigarettes a day and sounds like a bloke?

8. When you go to a bring- your-own-meat barbie can you eat other people's meat or are you only allowed to eat your own?

9. In your experience, is it possible to 'prang a car' while doing 'circle work'?

10. Name 3 people you would like to crack on to?

11. Who is the most Australian: Kevin 'Bloody' Wilson, John 'True Blue' Williamson, Kylie Minogue or Warnie? Discuss

12. Do you understand the meaning, but are unable to explain the origin of, the term 'died in the arse'?

Criminal waste.

Is it just me or is everyone tired of the argument that some recreational drugs are safer than alcohol?

You might not have heard of him, but former West Coast Eagle Chris Mainwaring is a legend in my home town. He played in more than 200 games for the Eagles, won two premierships, is one of the teams most decorated players and is a much loved sports presenter on channel 7.

He is 41 years old, a husband, a father, a son, a friend. And very very dead.

On Sunday night, the neighbours in Chris Mainwaring's ritzy Perth street heard a man yelling and screaming for help, Chris was reportedly seen wandering around his back yard, then out in the street.

Police and paramedics were called, when they arrived they found Chris still in the street but calm and in control. He admitted to taking ecstacy and smoking marijuana but said he was feeling fine. An hour later, a neighbour called Triple 0 again to say that Chris was convulsing. When the ambulance arrived it was too late.

Apparently Chris and his wife Rani – childhood sweethearts, both from Geraldton - had been having marriage problems…reportedly stemming from Chris’s depression and drug use.

There are reports too that Ben Cousins was at Chris’s house on Sunday.

The Age newspaper is reporting that Rani Mainwaring took the children to the family farm in Toodyay from where she rang Ben Cousins to say that she was worried about Chris.

On Sunday morning Ben Cousins went around to Mainwaring's house and left when he was satisfied that his friend was OK.

Chris then went to a training session with cricketer Justin Langer preparing for a celebrity kick boxing match this Thursday night.

According to The Age, on Sunday night, Chris called Ben Cousins, complaining that he was hungry and Ben Cousins went over to see him, taking food.

At ten o’clock, reportedly, Ben Cousins left Mainwaring’s house. An hour and a half later Chris was heard screaming and yelling for help.

I don’t like drugs. Drugs don’t care if you’re fit or young, or a parent or a legendary footballer who has a reputation to protect - they will suck you in and steal your life…

Apparently Chris Mainwaring’s death could simply be because he exercised too hard, sweated too much earlier in the day. That might have been enough to cause his sodium levels to be low, which in turn, might have caused the seizure.

What a terrible, tragic waste.