We wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR and look forward to a great '2008' for showcasing Independent Country Music Artists from all over the world.

I would like to especially THANK all who sent words of support to me during the past 12 months as I struggled with ill-health in and out of hospital here in Melbourne, Australia. However, on a positive note, we made many new friends in the medical and health industry, who also showed an interest in Country music, and that is a bonus.

2008 has the potential to shape up as a great year for 'Slinga's Independent Country' radio show, with the first show going to air Monday 7th January. We broadcast from Community Radio Station 88.9 WYN FM in Werribee, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Alternatively you will be able to listen to the shows here at www.slinga.com. Our first Live Guest for the year will be Australia's own Graham Gould and his interview will go to air at 1000 am eastern summer time.

Future Special Guest Interviews will include Australian's Keri McInerney, Rose Carleo, Melinda Schneider, Connie Kis Anderson, Donna Boyd, Ruckus, Steve Eales, David Delle Vergin, Amos Morris, Scott Dann, Mike Brady, and the lovely Karen Lynne, just to name a few. I am really looking forward to showcasing some 'Top Independent Talent' this year.

Australia's biggest Country Music Festival will kick off in a few weeks in Tamworth, New South Wales. It starts Friday January 18th and continues right through to Sunday 27th January. For more information go to Visit Tamworth dotcom.

The 17th Victorian and National Country Music Awards will be announced at the Whittlesea Country Music Festival, in Victoria (Australia), during the weekend of the 8/9/10th February. It is shaping up to be a great weekend with a amazing line-up of talent. For further information go to Whittlesea Country Music Festival dotcomdotau or telephone 03 9716 1923.

The 19th Bunyip Country Music Festival held at the Bunyip Recreational Reserve in Bunyip, Victoria (Australia), will be presented in February as well. The festival kicks off at 1000 am 24th February; however, for all you early birds, there will be a 'Walk-Up' Bush Poet's Breakfast beginning at 0800 am with J.J. Cuthbert. Some of the artists appearing during the weekend will be Adam Harvey, Amber Lawrence and Amos Morris plus many many more. For more information call Joy Batchelor on 03 5629 5388.

For information about these and many more Country Music festivals throughout the year go to Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) web-site.

Finally, DON'T FORGET, if you are a struggling Independent Country Music Artist wanting some airplay and exposure to the Australian public, send me a demo disc or your most recent recording and we will showcase a track or two. Just send it to our mailing address at PO Box 4221 MDC, HOPPERS CROSSING 3029, VICTORIA (AUSTRALIA).

CHEERS, AND HAVE A GREAT DAY, and of course BE KIND TO EACH OTHER.