Former publican of The Lass O' Gowrie Ian Lobb has identified a political portent in a less-than-satisfactory purchase he made in his home suburb of Hamilton last week.
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Mr Lobb bought a money box from a local shop in the hope of saving up some loose change. Once at home he realised the container did not have a slot for him to place his coins.
Rather than return the box, Mr Lobb decided to keep it as a "talking point", realising it said a lot more about the nation's current financial situation than its outdated $50-note exterior let on.
"I thought about it and that day there had been something on TV about Scott Morrison encouraging people to spend money," Mr Lobb remarked.
"I thought maybe this box was put out by the Liberal government to get people spending."
A novel solution to Australia's slowing economy? A fundamentally strong idea, Frydenberg might not say.
"When I looked at it a bit further, and heard more about the Labor debacle, I saw that the box was made in China. Maybe they meant it for the Labor party?"
A more secure and deceptive container for $100,000 in cash, surely.
Well-being barbecue
This Sunday brings a new men's health initiative to Newcastle. Mr Perfect, a men's health charity, is hosting its first barbecue at Islington Park from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
The free monthly barbecues are a chance for men, their friends, family and pets, to get out of the house, meet new people and assist in creating a supportive community.
The charity's name comes from the idea there is no perfect man, and everyone faces obstacles no matter how perfect their life may seem.
Greg Millan, a Waratah resident who works in men's health, has volunteered to coordinate the meet-up. He said Newcastle would be the 23rd Mr Perfect barbecue location in the country. Maitland hosted its first Mr Perfect event on Sunday.
"It provides a place for men to come along and talk about anything happening in their life where there is nobody who is going to judge them," Mr Millan said.
There would be no pressure to share a story or stay for the whole time, he said.
"Just come have a snag in good company," he said."It will be held on the third Sunday of every month at the same time in the same place."
Mr Millan asked those interested in attending to send an email to greg@menshealthservices.com.au or drop him a line on 0417 772 390 for catering purposes.
Dancing in the dark
Another event promising good times in good company has spread to Swansea. No Lights No Lycra will host dance nights every Monday at 6.15pm at Swansea High School Hall. The alcohol-free events bring big tunes to a dimly lit room so that attendees can dance knowing nobody is watching.
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