It is hard to believe that a quarter of the year has passed since the AGM. By now the 67 members who are growing plants for either projects or other members have more than 10,000 prospective plants underway. These will mostly be ready to plant out next autumn. It is important to remember that the bulk of our funding comes from the NRM regions and the Threatened Species Unit for special revegetation and habitat projects. We are not in competition with nurseries for the provision of plants for commercial landscaping. That is not our brief.

Remember too that now the USN has Deductible Grant Recipient (DGR) status any donations (but not subscriptions) you give to the Network are tax deductible. So don't throw out those receipts! Meanwhile the committee is preparing a business plan to assist with broadening our fund-raising opportunities.

Finally I would like to wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas, and a 2007 full of whatever you would wish. On behalf of the committee I thank you for your continuing support of the USN, with the belief that what we do is worthwhile and important, in passing on to the next generation some hope for a sustainable future.