It might be Christmas Eve but it's not all elves on shelves and red-nosed reindeers. Sadly.
The biggest jolt came mid-afternoon after an horrific head-on crash in western Victoria. Two women were killed. A girl suffered life-threatening injuries and has been flown to the Royal Children's Hospital for treatment.
And just like that it all changes. Life, never the same again.
Restrictions on travel could well be partly responsible for the reduced road toll so far this year. It's down five per cent nationally. But authorities are fearful a surge in car numbers on roads this festive season, especially with overseas travel virtually curtailed, could increase the chances of more fatalities.
It may be a boring message, but please, drive safely. It really isn't a race.
There'll be no driving over a few bridges on the NSW-Vic border this festive season. Lockdowns on the border have meant that communities are divided again.
In reporting the situation at Corowa and Wahgunyah, The Border Mail quoted an online statement attributed to Indigo Council. The bridge had been closed by Victoria Police, the council said, for operational reasons. The council, it stated bluntly, would lobby to have it reopened. Interestingly, cyclists and pedestrians can still use the bridge.
Of course, as always, there still is goodness. And if the story of the Booth family - especially the photo - doesn't make you smile, then we have problems. They've made it home from the US in time for Christmas.
Here's hoping you enjoy the next few days as much as the Booths. We'll be missing from your inboxes over the weekend. But back, bright-eyed, on Monday.
Merry everything. Enjoy and stay safe.
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