This year Dubbo is surrounded by large amounts of dry fuel and the local Rural Fire Service staffers have broadcast plenty of warnings.

In south-west Sydney two boys have been arrested for lighting a fire that caused nearby residents to be evacuated and one man taken to hospital for observation.

We can only hope no-one tries to be a copy cat of this incident.

The forecast for Christmas Day is for 33 degrees and the chance of a shower with a dramatic drop in temperatures on Boxing Day with more showers predicted and temperatures in the 28 or 29 degree range.

Temperatures in Melbourne might have cricket lovers lamenting - it's going to be 22 degrees and showering.

Wherever readers are this Christmas break the Daily Liberal wishes them a happy and safe time with friends and family.

We look forward to our continued relationship in the New Year.

It has has been a year of challenges, triumphs and tragedies and we hope those who had a bad run will enjoy a better run of luck while those who had a good year will enjoy another and many more to come.

In particular the Liberal would like extend a blanket thanks and best wishes to those in our community who are volunteers, emergency and community services workers and people who care for the city where they choose to live.