Ingo Juergensmann has blogged in detail about the new release and the new DPL.
Sam Hocevar ran for DPL on a platform based on some significant new changes. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next year.
The release of Etch is an exciting milestone in Debian development. Among other things it has SE Linux working!
I’m going to try and arrange a party in Melbourne, Australia to celebrate. We also have a mailing list for Debian people in Melbourne, to subscribe send a message to debian-melb-request@taz.net.au with the subject subscribe. I’ll use that list for arranging the party, send me private email if you are not subscribed but want to attend.