EDITOR'S NOTE

WHEN THE BBC RAN A SURVEY recently to suss out the 50 things that people wanted to do before they died Fm glad they put a high number on it! Guess what came in very high up the ranks at number 12? Yes,

BridgeClimb took entrepreneur Paul Cave nearly a decade to turn his business idea into reality. And the CA behind BridgeClimb, Lara Davis, has made it to the top several times.

In this issue we feature two CAs who show no fear - one scales the Sydney Harbour Bridge (page 22) and the other swims with sharks (page 70), not in entrepreneurial circles, but off Sydney's northern beaches.

And for all of you who have worked yourselves to a standstill this year and are anxiously waiting for the festive season to relax, we show you how to find the balance between work and life (page 38). Right now we are seeing an explosion of executives and business owners who are looking to experts not only to sort out their businesses but also their lives. Some think better business decisions come when your life is more in balance.

We also put the spotlight on a couple of business leaders who have won two of the most coveted awards made by the ICAA (page 42).

And, finally, we examine the life of Beech worth baker Tom O'Toole, who not only has created a thriving business employing 75 people in a one-horse town, but is now also one of the most sought-after speakers on the business speaking circuit (page 30).

O'Toole not only inspires those in business, but also finds time to give back to his community. His philosophy of not letting dream takers stop you from succeeding is something we should take into the New Year.

On that subject, the editorial team at CA Charter would like to wish all our readers a very happy Christmas and good times in 2004.