Labour Day Public Holiday
Today is Labour Day, a public holiday. Most South Burnett businesses will be closed today or operating on restricted hours. Labour Day first began in the 1860s when a general campaign for an 8-hour working day began to erupt around the civilised world. At that time most Australians were expected to work 60 or more hours a week and the social security net that underpins modern society didn't exist. This meant working conditions for the majority of people were awful, and the inequity between rich and poor inevitably led to widespread civil unrest. Labour Day was originally celebrated in March but this was moved to the first Monday of May in 1893 after the Great Shearer's Strike broke out at Barcaldine two years earlier. Footnote: Even though some workers achieved an 8-hour day by the 1890s, it still took until 1916 before all Queensland workers won the 8-hour day struggle. Decent working conditions and a social security system are something Australians take for granted now - often without a second thought about how much effort our grandparents and great-grandparents put into achieving it. NB: Some regular meetings and events will be running as usual today, and some won't. If you're thinking of attending any of them, it would be wise to phone first to verify they're proceeding as usual.
Fun With Photos - Murgon
A new, casual group which aims to have fun with photography will be holing its first meeting at 7:00pm tonight in Murgon. Both beginners and skilled photographers are invited to come along. To find out more - and where they're meeting - phone Liz on 0419-786-195.
