Happy New Year for 2012

It promises to be a very interesting year with big question marks over the fate of Greece and Italy, the looming election in the USA and the predicted slowdown of growth in China, the impact of which we will definitely feel in Australia.

With that in mind, the other day I was reading an article about Greece being at an economic and social crossroads. The author made the point that the Greek people face a fundamental choice to either pull together to support each other in getting their nation on track or fragment into isolated, self-interested groups which would see the end of Greek society.

Bringing that thought back to the local context I can’t help but be reminded of the comments made over the last couple of months by Graham Day, our 2ST morning show host. The point he made on a number of occasions in the run-up to Christmas was how important it was for all of us to support each other, our local community and our local businesses through this economic downturn.

I think he is right.

Ironically, under many circumstances self-interest is important to survival. But, as with the current situation in Greece, there are times when self-interest will lead to a breakdown of the structures that constitute a vibrant society. Let’s be sure we make 2012 the year that we all pulled together to support the Highlands and Tablelands to keep our very special area on track.