Pollice in Queensland

Police redefine spelling; Den Ute Muster; cycling - a pain in the bum; politically Incorrect Bumper Stickers.

On Saturday a sharp-eyed reporter spotted this police car in Brisbane and Mrs K cut it out. The explanation was that yes there was a mistake but the car was needed for operational purposes. I wonder what really happened? We're awaiting the saga to continue next week. "Pollice Sineriter admits speling miztake after geting a speed-ding tickett."

Do you like utes ("pick ups" for non Aussie English speakers - they often come with a big V8 engines Aussie style), beer, Bundy Rum, rodeo, monster trucks, barbies (barbecues, not the little dolls)? If so, Deniliquin in early October is the place for you. The major sponsors of this country event are Holden and Bundeberg Rum which should give you a clue as to what goes on. http://www.deniutemuster.com.au/home.

The history of the event masks a harsher truth - country towns and country life are under some pressure to survive. This event was created to inject some life into Deniliquin. The recent Australian general election highlighted this - neither party paid any attention to rural seats which now hold the balance of power in a (nearly) hung parliament. Serves them right.

Ute owners also have a way with bumper stickers. Warning. This is a tad politically incorrect ("incorect" for Police sign writers). In case you can't read these subtle messages, they include "F*** Off, We're Full" (edited for content KJ), "If You Don't Love It , Leave" and my personal favourite "See Queensland First Before Bligh Sells It". Bligh is the Queensland Premier. The senitment refers to the sales of Queensland Government owned assets to pay for development.

These bumper stickers also hide a harsher truth. At the superficial level, we're immigrants so the remarks are directed at us; however, the fact is that being white and driving a Ford Falcon allows us to hide in plain sight. Others face more hostility as have all immigrants to this country. I wonder what the original population thinks about it all.

On Sunday I went cycling with the other two members of "The Velvet Cannons", our Noosa Tri team. I was put in mind of the saying about the joy of stopping bashing your head against a brick wall. Mine host produced this machine with tyres like rubber bands, more gears than a ute at Deni and THE hardest, smallest, most uncomfortable piece of equipment known to man which he duly informed was a seat. We trundled along for 35 kms in a couple of hours. I managed to pedal up the hills and they only had to wait for me about 6 times (there were 6 hills), but the discomfort could only be measured by the sweet sensation of being driven home in Freddie Falcon after a spendid barbie. Soft seat, pliant suspension, good wine, fine food all within sight of the Brisbane River. You don't have to ride a bicycle to appreciate this. But it helps.

Spare a thought for the folks in Christchurch, NZ and Pakistan where earthquakes and floods have wrought havoc.

Keep well, Stay Well,

Kidner Jeremy