This year is flying by so rapidly that soon we will be planning for Christmas, yet what a start to the year it has been with the global financial crisis at the forefront of media articles you could be forgiven for thinking that the world is coming to an end.

It seems our customers either don't know or don't agree or they are just having one final blowout.

The Royal Easter Show has been blessed with bumper crowds and bumper spending. While no doubt the fact that school holidays have run over the show dates this year, this has helped immensely, it has been great to see the large crowds out enjoying themselves. It is reminiscent of last month's great crowds Moomba Festival in Melbourne.

This year's show has had a great atmosphere with queues on rides, people laughing and the delightful sounds of screams of terror on the thriller rides.

There is no better feeling than a carnival area full of happy customers and I am sure it is why we all do what we do. The showmen are still spending and investing, with several new attractions having just arrived and several more on their way, do they know something that the financial commentators don't or is it that those of us that live in the real world find that life goes on regardless of the stock market paper losses. We all still get up in the morning, put our shoes on the same way and head out the door. The reality is interest rates are the lowest for many years, fuel prices are low and for those that have a job things are good, while it is tragic for those that have lost their jobs in other industries and the ripple effects will certainly be felt for a while to come it is reassuring to see just how much people love a day out on the rides and games and we have a real value to the economy.

The AALARA conference and trade exhibition is fast approaching with some great sessions and interesting topics and a great trade show. We appreciate the exhibitors who will be showcasing their rides and products this year, an in particular we thank the representatives from SBF Group, Antonio Zamperla, Gosetto and the other overseas companies who are attending. Please make sure you drop by and say hi to them.

The regulators forum will again cover some important issues and hopefully push forward with the national registration. This is your chance to chat to everybody and discuss your concerns or issues, you can put forward your thoughts and ideas whilst in the development stage.

If you don't step up have a say now, you can't complain when changes are made to legislation. The move for an operators certificate is gaining momentum and we should certainly have some input over this important decision.

I also look forward to catching up for a coldie at the Welcome drinks. See you on the Gold Coast in May!

Phil Durkin

Chair, Transportable Rides & Attractions Committee