and so lucky to be able to live and to travel in such an incredibly special country.
2010 also promises to be an exciting and interesting year on the grey nomads website. We have some exciting changes planned here that will hopefully enhance both your real-life traveling and your online travelling experiences. 2009 has been a fantastic year on the site in general and on the forum in particular. We have seen membership grow steadily and interest grow spectacularly. Questions have been answered, friendships made, and would-be grey nomads inspired. And, above all, it has been fun. Thank you all so much for your fantastic support over the past 12 months. This site ultimately belongs to you and it is all of you who have helped to make it such a very special place. Have a wonderful, safe and positive 2010.

Jobs Drying Up
The devastating effects of the drought in so many parts of Australia are being felt in a massive number of rural communities and, inevitably, they are also having an impact on the grey nomad experience.
While subtle signs of hard times are omnipresent, it sometimes takes something dramatic like a business closure or mass job lay-offs to underline just what an effect the drought and the troubling economic times are having in the bush.
Just this week, one such dramatic event occurred when Roger Fletcher confirmed the axing of up to 300 jobs at Dubbo-based Fletcher International Exports.
Oh! theres more.....
According to local media reports, Mr Fletcher, the self-made former drover who built Australias largest meat empire over 30 years, was stony faced and battling to contain his emotions as he announced the news.
The night shift will go "some time after Christmas", traineeships are to be suspended and employment will no longer be offered to the likes of grey nomads and students.
As well as drought , rising costs and plummeting sheep numbers are to blame for the cutbacks at Dubbos largest employer.
"It would be wrong to keep processing at our current rate but we value our employees and will endeavour to keep all permanent staff in work, Mr Fletcher said. The company will be gearing itself up for when the drought does break. Our aim is to keep the plant running, to stay financial and keep paying our bills.
The Fletcher International wool top plant remains unaffected.
Of course, those older travelers who have previously picked up work at Fletchers will be disappointed by the announcement but there are other places to travel to and other jobs to seek out. Those who live permanently in Dubbo and who rely on Fletchers for income full-time will be far more worried. They will not be alone as the drought continues to cause untold pain in the bush.

Yep ~ better than basket weaving. Nothing like a puta to keep the mind active lol

Ducky they are Grucks.Someone has been putting their beak in forbidden places,come on Fess up Ducky,have you been playing a bit of Nookie?.............Pass the smoke back it is good gear.Cheers.Ibbo.

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I'll be right back..................going to get some more!!

How good are these forums?? We can just sit around and get high on life!!

No better place to be!!

Pass it back now.......don't hog it ElBe!!