THE Treasurer, Wayne Swan, has been playing down the strength of the economic recovery before the publication tomorrow of growth figures that could prompt the Reserve Bank to start increasing interest rates.

THE final tally from the Santa Claus Pub Crawl through Wollongong is in, with gifts valued at more than $40,000 donated for the Salvation Army.

EVEN Santa Claus made an appearance as the Knights celebrated the end of their first block of pre-season training with a Christmas party and barbecue at Nobbys Surf Club yesterday.

NEWCASTLE sailor Jim Holley gets excited every December and it is not because Santa Claus comes to town.

NO, VIRGINIA, there isn't a Santa Claus.