Home Blog Page 927

Star Business Solutions and Greentree Software Assists Australian Infrastructure Companies

0
The Good Oil Banner

Greentree Business & Accounting Software, with their largest Australian Business Partner, Star Business Solutions are bringing the message of keeping Australia moving forward. With the launch of the Greentree’s new publication “The Good Oil”, Greentree and Star Business Solutions are making their clients and prospects feel that they are one of the businesses in Australia that can keep the country moving even in challenging economic times like this. 

Companies involved in infrastructure activity are progressively being acknowledged by becoming a recipient of this new publication that highlights other successful companies within their industry and how they have achieved success using Greentree.

There has been an ever growing need to develop and maintain all aspects of infrastructure in Australia. Demands on roads, electricity supply and water supply are increasing as Australia’s population grows, creating more opportunities for the infrastructure industry.

With the current economic downturn, the Federal Government announced a $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan which will be a critical step in protecting the economy and safeguarding the construction sector. This plan makes a $29 billion commitment to new and renewed facilities for Defence, schools, local roads and community infrastructure and is a welcome step to safeguard more than 90,000 jobs in the infrastructure and construction sectors.

It makes sense in a time of economic downturn to invest in Infrastructure: the negative effects of the downturn are mitigated and competitive pricing can be leveraged by the government leading to the long term benefit of a modernised, better infrastructure. These investments can also position the economy to come out of the downturn stronger, more productive and more competitive.

In today’s uncertain economic environment, it has become increasingly difficult to justify investments in information technologies. At times, the challenges faced in moving forward on critical IT investments seem insurmountable. However, companies who are able to invest during a downturn will benefit from productivity improvements, delivered through technology. For example, by automating the order process, businesses can streamline activities to reduce the number of human resources needed to carry out routine tasks, giving management more time to spend growing their business rather than simply just running it. They also face better business prospects in the recovery phase of the economy.

Greentree, with, Star Business Solutions can help keep their client’s business moving even in tough economic times such as we are now experiencing. Greentree Business & Accounting Software can be “The Good Oil” that keeps business engines moving.

A dedicated webpage has been set up www.greentree.com/thegoodoil so that this positive message can flow through. Readers of the Good Oil magazine can also send their feedback through the online response form. An electronic version of The Good Oil magazine will be available from this website.

For more information contact Star Business Solutions on [email protected]
 

Luminous physical theatre maestro will delight young and old

0

Letters End
By Wolfe Bowart
Presented by Spoon Tree Productions

"Many of the visual effects are in the French tradition of companies such as Philippe Gentry…Bowarts’ finely honed skills as an acrobat, juggler, magician and comedian aid his quest." Adelaide Advertiser

If your mind were a room and your life’s memories lost in a jumble of old boxes, what forgotten treasures might you find? In Letter’s End we meet the keeper, a man whose job it is to dispose of all unclaimed post. Day after day, year after year, letters and packages fall from above and the keeper dutifully feeds them into the furnace. That is until one day when the keeper decides to open one of the packages…and his life is changed forever.

Luminous physical theatre maestro Wolfe Boward returns in Letter’s End and enthrals with his signature mix of circus and theatre, stage illusion, interactive film and physical comedy, Wolfe Bowart has travelled the world enchanting audiences of all ages and nationalities. Fresh from tours of Brazil, Greece, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the UK and multiple nationwide tours of Australia, Bowart returns once again to invite us into the realm of the fantastic.

Cut the string, tear open the brown paper wrapping and live a wondrous world rediscovered in Letter’s End

Wednesday 29 April, 11.00am & 7.00pm
Thursday 30 April, 11.00am & 7.00pm
Friday 1 May, 11.00am & 7.00pm
Saturday 2 May, 2.00pm & 7.00pm
PURCHASE TICKETS: $21-$38; Matinees $21 at www.theq.net.com or Phone 02 62980290

 

LOG BOOK SERVICE

0

New Car Warranty Protection

Claremont attacks parking squeeze Cott rangers

0

next to Claremont Oval.
The plans stipulated that all new multi-storey buildings in the de- velopment would have to have below-ground and basement parking for occupants.
Claremont this week released its much-anticipated blueprint for the 9.4ha area north of the rail- way line that will set Claremont’s shape for the next century. Structure plans for the precinct will be shown to the public from this week, after the council voted to advertise the plans and seek public comment on them at this week’s council meeting.
The council has a statutory obligation to advertise the plans for a minimum of 21 days, and commenced this 21-day period from Friday this week. “The release of the Proposed Structure Plan is a significant mile- stone which will pave the way for transforming the poorly-utilised north-east precinct into a vi- brant centre with excellent access to public transport and improved pedestrian connectivity with the town centre,” Claremont’s mayor Peter Olson said.
“We look forward to further in- volving the community in refin- ing the plan as we head towards the final planning approval.” Widespread advertising of the plan would ensure that members of the community had the oppor- tunity to present their views and give input via public submissions before the plan was presented to Claremont’s councillors for formal

Crime stopper award for

0

Cottesloe’s push to curb anti- social behaviour and hoon driving along the beachfront has earned the town a presti- gious award from the Office of Crime Prevention.
The scheme includes a suc- cessful lock-down experiment at local hotels, even though Northbridge has rejected a trial of the scheme.
While the WA Crime and Safety Awards cannot be hand- ed out until the new government is sworn in, the council has been notified that the award will be going to Cottesloe.
The community safety pro- gram includes extra ranger pa- trols, CCTV, a 9pm lock-out at both hotels, and three-hour parking restrictions applicable 24 hours a day to both major beachfront carparks.
“If you leave (a pub) after 9pm on a Sunday you don’t get let back in,” said senior ranger Neil Ferridge.
“That way the crowd starts dis- persing and at 10pm closing time you don’t get so many peo- ple in the streets.” He said the three-hour limit at No. 1 and 2 carparks was also playing its part.
“The carparks also start emp- tying by 9.30, so you don’t get peo- ple going back to their vehi- cles and drinking alcohol … and causing trouble,” he said.
Reports of anti-social behav- iour have reduced dramatical- ly in the two years the program has been running.
It all began when a commit- tee was formed to tackle the prob- lem. The group included local res- idents, business proprietors, councillors, council staff, po- lice liquor licensing, hotel man- agers, council rangers and the officer-in-charge of Cottesloe Police Station.
They agreed peak time was Sunday evenings during the summer, with activity concen- trated around the Cottesloe Beach Hotel, the Ocean Beach Hotel and associated carparks.
The awards will be present- ed as part of Crime Prevention Week on September 25 at Fraser’s Function Centre in King’s Park.

Rewarding the outstanding efforts of people in Canberra

0

Nominations for the National Disability Awards have been officially opened by Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten.

The Awards form part of the Australian Government’s celebration of International Day of People with Disability.
 

Senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy, today welcomed the announcement, and encouraged the people of Canberra to support and nominate those in our community for the award.

“These Awards celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and contributions individuals with and without disability make to our community and the disability sector,” Senator Lundy said.
Nominations are open for the following categories:

• Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award- Person, over 25 years of age, with or without disability who has demonstrated a sustained and extraordinary personal commitment to improving and/or reshaping the lives of people with disability.

• Disability Rights Young Leader Award- Young person, 12-25 years of age, with disability who has raised awareness and shown outstanding leadership in improving the lives of people with disability.

• Business Award- Person with or without disability who has displayed an innovative approach and achieved substantial outcomes, in advancing the lives of people with disability in areas such as transport, housing, communication and technology. No age limit.

• Local Government Award- Person who has challenged or lobbied, and has succeeded in implementing substantial change by breaking down barriers faced by people with disability. No age limit.

• Social inclusion Award- Person who has worked towards a more inclusive environment by creating opportunities for people with disability to participate in areas such as sport, the arts, education and the wider community. No age limit.

Nominations close Friday 22 May 2009. Award recipients will be announced at an Awards Ceremony in Canberra on Monday 23 November 2009.

“I encourage the people of Canberra to look into our community to celebrate and recognise people with disability and those who support them,” Senator Lundy said.

Further information regarding the awards can be found at www.idpwd.com.au or by calling 1800 440 385.

Media contact: Annika Hutchins on 0407 458 882
 

Grants supporting diversity within our community now open

0

Senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy has encouraged people of Canberra to support and apply for community grants under the 2009 Diverse Australia Program (DAP) and National Action Plan to Build of Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP).

The grants are aimed at addressing cultural, racial and religious intolerance and promote understanding within the Australian community.

The grants offer more than $2 million in funding for projects which address issues of racism and intolerance.

Community grants of between $5000 and $50 000 are available for major projects that are up to 12 months in length and are able to start from late 2009. In addition, after its success last year, the Government will again offer a grants round for smaller organisations.

Applications for funding are open to not-for-profit organisations such as school communities, service clubs, sporting bodies, ethnic communities, youth organisations, local government authorities, and universities.

“I encourage local community organisations who have an idea or concept for strengthening social cohesion either within Canberra or nationally, to put forward a proposal for the grants,” Senator Lundy said.

Applications for the grants open on the 11 April and must be lodged with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship by 6pm EST, 8 May 2008. For further information visit www.harmony.gov.au/funding (for guidelines and application forms) or contact Diverse Australia Program funding hotline 1800 782 002.

Media contact: Annika Hutchins on 0407 458 882
 

Increase in HACC funding for ACT

0

ACT Senator Kate Lundy has welcomed the Federal Governments announcement that Home and Community Care (HACC) services in the ACT will get a $6.6 million dollar funding boost.

The HACC Program is a joint Australian and State/Territory Government initiative. Nationally, the Australian Government contributes 60 per cent of funding for the initiative, which is managed on a day-today basis by the State and Territory Governments.

Approval of the HACC Triennial Plan for 2008-09 to 2010-11 will provide approximately $86 million for ACT HACC services over three years. This is an increase in annual funding from over $26 million in 2008-09 to over $31 million by 2010-11.

In addition, a project approval package allocating over $3 million is being released, including $2.08 million in 2008-09 growth funds. This package will ensure that basic HACC services will continue to be provided to residents of the ACT.

Each year the HACC Program assists more than 10,000 people in the ACT, around 5 per cent of the Territories population. A growth in demand is expected as population projections show an increase in the number of people potentially requiring HACC services. 

Media contact: Annika Hutchins on 0407 458 882

 

Rewarding the outstanding efforts of people in Canberra

0

Nominations for the National Disability Awards have been officially opened by Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten.

The Awards form part of the Australian Government’s celebration of International Day of People with Disability.

Senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy, today welcomed the announcement, and encouraged the people of Canberra to support and nominate those in our community for the award.

“These Awards celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and contributions individuals with and without disability make to our community and the disability sector,” Senator Lundy said.
Nominations are open for the following categories:

• Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award- Person, over 25 years of age, with or without disability who has demonstrated a sustained and extraordinary personal commitment to improving and/or reshaping the lives of people with disability.

• Disability Rights Young Leader Award- Young person, 12-25 years of age, with disability who has raised awareness and shown outstanding leadership in improving the lives of people with disability.

• Business Award- Person with or without disability who has displayed an innovative approach and achieved substantial outcomes, in advancing the lives of people with disability in areas such as transport, housing, communication and technology. No age limit.

• Local Government Award- Person who has challenged or lobbied, and has succeeded in implementing substantial change by breaking down barriers faced by people with disability. No age limit.

• Social inclusion Award- Person who has worked towards a more inclusive environment by creating opportunities for people with disability to participate in areas such as sport, the arts, education and the wider community. No age limit.

Nominations close Friday 22 May 2009. Award recipients will be announced at an Awards Ceremony in Canberra on Monday 23 November 2009.

“I encourage the people of Canberra to look into our community to celebrate and recognise people with disability and those who support them,” Senator Lundy said.
 

Further information regarding the awards can be found at www.idpwd.com.au or by calling 1800 440 385.

Media contact: Annika Hutchins on 0407 458 882
 

 

Parish Photographs Another World First

0
Golden-tipped Bat eating a spider

Steve Parish knows very well the delight of taking a nature photo that is a world first, and on Saturday 20 March he experienced that thrill again when he photographed a Golden-tipped Bat (Kerivoula papuensis) eating a spider in captivity. The male bat suffered injuries after flying into a ceiling fan while hunting on the veranda of a residence at Nobby Glen Road, Kandanga. Bat and spider enthusiast Rachel Lyons cared for the bat, which Steve Parish photographed eating a Garden Orb-weaver — the first close-up photo of a bat eating a spider.

“Spider consumption is generally regarded as being rare in bats and the notion that one species feeds almost exclusively on spiders was quite a revelation. As far as I know, a close-up photo or video of a bat eating a spider has never been taken,” commented esteemed mammalogist Les Hall, who accompanied Steve Parish on the photo shoot. “Certainly, with regards to the Golden-tipped Bat in Australia, it has never been photographed eating a spider.”

Research on the Golden-tipped Bat observed individuals having spider web on their fur and spider mouth parts attached to their ears and embedded in body fur, which led to the conclusion spiders were part of their diet. A detailed study by Martin Schulz in 2000 revealed that the Golden-tipped Bat was a spider specialist. The Garden Orb-weaver (Eriophora biapicata) was not the only spider on the bat’s menu. It also consumed a Golden Orb-weaver (Nephila ornata), Acroaspis tuberculifera and another unidentified orb-weaver species in the Araneidae family. The bat ate the abdomen and parts of the thorax, but rejected the head and legs.

The Golden-tipped Bat was discovered in Australia, on a cattle station southwest of Rockhampton, by Dr Carl Lumholtz in 1884, and sighted again near Cooktown in 1897. However, after 1897 the species almost disappeared. By the 1970s, the rare species was considered close to extinction, according to mammalogists David Ride and Harry Frith.

With the introduction of “new” bat traps in the 1960s, serious bat surveys were undertaken. Mistnets were used to capture species for scientific studies and with improved distribution data, Golden-tipped Bats were listed as rare. Golden-tipped bats are distributed along Australia’s east coast from Cape York Peninsula to southern New South Wales and are also found in Papua New Guinea and on the island of Biak in Indonesia. Visit http://www.steveparish.com.au/photography-enthusiasts for more photography news

 

LOG BOOK SERVICE

0

New Car Warranty Protection

Claremont attacks parking squeeze Cott rangers

0

next to Claremont Oval.
The plans stipulated that all new multi-storey buildings in the de- velopment would have to have below-ground and basement parking for occupants.
Claremont this week released its much-anticipated blueprint for the 9.4ha area north of the rail- way line that will set Claremont’s shape for the next century. Structure plans for the precinct will be shown to the public from this week, after the council voted to advertise the plans and seek public comment on them at this week’s council meeting.
The council has a statutory obligation to advertise the plans for a minimum of 21 days, and commenced this 21-day period from Friday this week. “The release of the Proposed Structure Plan is a significant mile- stone which will pave the way for transforming the poorly-utilised north-east precinct into a vi- brant centre with excellent access to public transport and improved pedestrian connectivity with the town centre,” Claremont’s mayor Peter Olson said.
“We look forward to further in- volving the community in refin- ing the plan as we head towards the final planning approval.” Widespread advertising of the plan would ensure that members of the community had the oppor- tunity to present their views and give input via public submissions before the plan was presented to Claremont’s councillors for formal

Crime stopper award for

0

Cottesloe’s push to curb anti- social behaviour and hoon driving along the beachfront has earned the town a presti- gious award from the Office of Crime Prevention.
The scheme includes a suc- cessful lock-down experiment at local hotels, even though Northbridge has rejected a trial of the scheme.
While the WA Crime and Safety Awards cannot be hand- ed out until the new government is sworn in, the council has been notified that the award will be going to Cottesloe.
The community safety pro- gram includes extra ranger pa- trols, CCTV, a 9pm lock-out at both hotels, and three-hour parking restrictions applicable 24 hours a day to both major beachfront carparks.
“If you leave (a pub) after 9pm on a Sunday you don’t get let back in,” said senior ranger Neil Ferridge.
“That way the crowd starts dis- persing and at 10pm closing time you don’t get so many peo- ple in the streets.” He said the three-hour limit at No. 1 and 2 carparks was also playing its part.
“The carparks also start emp- tying by 9.30, so you don’t get peo- ple going back to their vehi- cles and drinking alcohol … and causing trouble,” he said.
Reports of anti-social behav- iour have reduced dramatical- ly in the two years the program has been running.
It all began when a commit- tee was formed to tackle the prob- lem. The group included local res- idents, business proprietors, councillors, council staff, po- lice liquor licensing, hotel man- agers, council rangers and the officer-in-charge of Cottesloe Police Station.
They agreed peak time was Sunday evenings during the summer, with activity concen- trated around the Cottesloe Beach Hotel, the Ocean Beach Hotel and associated carparks.
The awards will be present- ed as part of Crime Prevention Week on September 25 at Fraser’s Function Centre in King’s Park.

Shopping delights of Hong Kong

0
Flower Market in Hong Kong.

Shopping delights of Hong Kong

By Rama Gaind

HONG Kong and shopping are a great combination! As the cliché goes, you can shop till you drop and have your insatiable desire for a bargain satisfied when you visit some of the biggest and most impressive malls in the world, not to mention markets.
This shopping paradise – should suit every taste and budget – and also includes numerous Indian outlets for the latest in clothes, jewellery and accessories.
One thing is a must: have your clothes specially tailored to fit your individual requirements. The choice of professionals is endless, but three of the best are Shaniel Custom Tailors, Sam’s Tailor and Harilela’s Custom Tailors.
In a city that is shopping mad, from early morning till late at night there is a shop waiting for you – glitzy designer boutiques or funky open-air markets, trendy boutiques to traditional Chinese product stores and themed shopping districts, you can find everything from the latest designer fashions and electronic gadgets to best-value antiques and collectibles.
Shopping areas are roughly divided into Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The highlights are Central, North Point, Admiralty and Causeway Bay in Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Jordan and Mong Kok in Kowloon together with Sheung Wan, an epitome of Hong Kong’s unique culture.
Full of excitement and colour, the street markets are where you can hone your bargaining skills. There are a few to explore including Stanley Market, Temple Street Night Market, Ladies Market and Jade Market.
If you choose the time of your visit – from July to September and December to February – it is sale time, with even the best stores offering fabulous discounts, sometimes up to 70 per cent. Sale or not, always ensure that you first shop around and compare prices. Another good idea is to look for the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) logo that provides a visible guarantee of quality service and quality products.
Hong Kong’s central district houses many shimmering skyscrapers and marbled shopping atriums and malls. The contrast between the old-world markets and designer boutiques provides variety and excitement to any shopping day.
Malls and department stores are usually easily accessible, with relaxing atmospheres dotted with cafes and wide-variety of restaurants. All the world’s designer counters and signature brands will be found here. You should check out Pacific Place, Times Square and Harbour City.
Bargaining can be fun in small shops and market stalls, but remember the Chinese saying which goes, ‘compare three shops before buying’.
Ensure you know details of the articles you want, i.e., model, accessories and regional warranty cover and inspect it before buying.
As Hong Kong is a unique shopping experience, enjoy the amazing variety of products and brands in all price ranges.