I’ve just finished reading an advance copy of the Government’s White Paper on climate change.
They aim to reduce carbon pollution by only 5% by 2020, with an option to go to only 15% if the rest of the world drags us there.
A 5-15% target means Australia is aiming for a global deal so weak scientists predict it will destroy the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu and the Murray Darling Basin. The window is still open, however, for Australia to become a world leader on climate solutions – if we demand it.
Many Australians voted for change at the last election on the promise of strong action to solve climate change. Kevin Rudd has today failed the mandate he was given to act; but we as a community can still show him that action to combat climate change is non-negotiable.
Since the Government isn’t listening to your concerns about climate change, let’s translate it into the language they will listen to: votes. So we’re asking the entire GetUp community:
Regardless of who you traditionally support, does today’s announcement make you less likely to vote for the ALP at the next election?
The PM has said he’ll be doing some holiday reading; so we’ll collate the results and make sure they’re on the desks of every member of the Government before Christmas. Who knows how weak the targets would have been without your efforts so far, but we know 2009 will take a renewed effort – beginning with the results of this poll.
Here in Parliament House, there’s a feeling the importance of this decision will be lost in the distraction of the holiday season. That’s why we think the best Christmas present we can give the Government is a reminder of the importance of strong climate change action.
Thanks for all that you do,
Simon Sheikh
GetUp National Director
PS – We’re translating community concern about climate change into the language all politicians speak: votes. Tell us: Regardless of who you traditionally support, does today’s announcement make you less likely to vote for the ALP at the next election
‘Excuse me, where is the war?’
This common faux pas of the French ‘Where is the station (guerre/gare)’ translation may end up with a laugh, a sneer or a slap, depending on which person you ask.
There’s only so much a Lonely Planet guide, language tapes and a map can help you while traveling. At some point you may need to ask for help. But who, and how?
The helpfulness of a nation’s citizens may prove as much as a drawcard as any of the seven wonders. Would you rather go to a smiley happy place, or a sneery snobby place? Olympic cities train workers and citizens to be polite and help map-tangling tourists scratching their heads at street corners. But what about the other three years and other cities of the world?
My mother was recently in Switzerland on a cycling tour, riding alone for the afternoon when she became lost and the map led her onto a dangerous autostrada. Managing to escape the fast trucks, she finally found a train station only to be thwarted by the esoteric ticketing computer. Bursting into tears, the nearby café owner came by and smiled, told her ‘no worry lady’ and showed her how to use the machine. Then a woman came by and said she was on the same train and she would show Mum how to load her bike and when to get off. By the end of the journey, Mum and Maria had a chat about things and Mum was no longer cursing the too-clever Swiss machines and Michelin Maps.
Typical problems— the little yellow box that beeps
Mum thankfully experienced the kindness of strangers and lived to tell the tale. There are many reasons why travelers might need to ask for help:
Lost: even maps can be tricky, particularly ones given by hotels where things may be distorted to make Hotel Hilton look like the centre of the universe. And finding the nearest church as a point of reference is like finding the nearest sex shop in King’s Cross. Even without a map, relying on ‘the sense of direction’ can be thrown off kilter by skyscrapers, jetlag and confusing/lack of street signs. Confused: Visitors to a foreign supermarket may wonder what those extra numbers are on the fruit signs. The mystery is revealed only when getting to the register and being garbled at, then looking back along the queue to see exasperated shoppers pointing at their banana with a barcode sticker. Oh. Oops.
And don’t forget the rail system in some European countries about validating a ticket in yellow boxes. Ah, of course, what else would they be for. But even the most obvious things are a matter of learning and knowing. Injured: Cobble stones and slippery rainforest walks are a Band-Aid waiting to happen. More serious accidents need help from other people, like pulling a crazed monkey away from your hair as it tries to eat that sweet-smelling fruit nectar hotel shampoo. Looking to make friends: there are only so many nights that one can spend alone in a hotel room eating sardines and watching bizarre game shows. Sometimes breaking the ice with the locals can mean feigning any of the above.
Who to ask
People of the same age and gender as you. Think about it—if you were an 18-year-old with a nose ring and black eyeliner, would an Italian nonna show you where the quaint 16th century convent was? Better off asking the lads outside a goth gelateria (well, good luck finding that one…but you get the idea).
Officials. As long as they look relaxed, eg they saunter along the Seine rather than fend off rioting Parisians, then put on your best innocent tourist look and ask.
Tourist staff. Go into a restaurant or hotel reception; they may have a map and may even speak English. But be careful and try to follow rule 1: try to pick a place that you look like you could afford—you could be a potential customer.
Who not to ask
It’s not all happyland and lasses in bikinis walking you up the boardwalk to your hotel. Some people may take your vulnerability and exploit it, either by charging money or worse, by robbing you… and worse. Stereotypical Russian mafia types and tattooed yobs may be the lovely chaps, and instead, the linen-suited Armani man with a poodle may actually be on Interpol’s most wanted. But generally, if they look at you like filth, or are too enthusiastic; don’t even ask for help. Don’t even make eye contact.
How to ask
• Ask with other people around. This will deter dangerous activity, and also may prompt them to ask others if they themselves don’t know.
• Have a map ready or a pen and pencil so they can show/draw directions.
• Try to use as much of their language as possible. They will appreciate the effort.
• Smile!
So next time you need help to find the train station, avoid the war and make some peace with the locals: the kindness of strangers depends on who and how you ask.
I first got into making my own aromatherapy based products after venturing in and out of many Health Food Stores and not finding what I wanted so I would buy a variety of different oils and base products and mix to create my own blend.
I would also write down the ingredients I found in many so called ‘natural’ or ‘aromatherapy’ products and research them to find out what was actually in the product – this is when I realised people were not getting what they bargained for. I found many of the products contained chemicals and alcohols that dry out the skin or cause skin rashes.
This is when I decided to do something about it & create my own. It started just for me, then for family and friends but I kept getting orders for more so Avalon Essences was created.
All of my products are derived from plants, antioxidants, herbs, fragranced oils and essential oils for their therapeutic values; and do not contain harmful ingredients.
Avalon Essences is Canberra owned and operated. Our unique aromatherapy products are hand-made fresh in small batches without harmful chemicals, animal derivatives, harsh detergents or petroleum by-products.
I am always creating and adding new exciting products to the range.
Avalon Essences can be purchased online via www.avalonessences.com.au or why not head to the following Christmas Markets to see and test the full range of products in person
Avalon Essences will be at the following markets in December
At the end of the last quarter, on average, homes with a 5 star EER were advertised for $160 000 more than homes in lower star bands, and generally, the higher the star value, the higher the advertised price. And, over the past year, the price of the half-star “lemons” has slumped.
The average selling prices for Canberra fell by 2.5% in the last quarter, according to the ABS, However, asking prices have continued to increase, as Energy Partners discovered in their end of quarter analysis of the market. This may reflect unrealistic expectations on the part of the vendors. Overall, buyers have an increased choice in the housing market, and they are choosing energy efficiency, in the form of high EER statements.
Notably, asking prices rose across all star bands in the ACT, between June and September, by 10.5%. This is unexpected, as according the ABS, average sale prices decreased by 2.5% over the same quarter, returning sale prices to September 07 levels. That represents a large discrepancy in what vendors expect the market to do, and what buyers know it has done – up to 13% of a home’s value.
Of the homes on the market at the end of last quarter in Canberra, homes with a 5 star EER were advertised at over $160 000 more than lower star bands, on average. This emphasised the trend of the last year, in which 5 star homes were advertised at $90 000 more than lower star bands. “In general, at the end of the September quarter, the value of a home increased by $5,600 for each EER star,” said Trevor Lee, of Energy Partners.
These new figures are combined with figures collected and analysed by Energy Partners over the 9 years since it was made compulsory that each property sold had an EER included in any advertisement. This shows that the increased price of high-EER homes (3+ stars) is part of a long-term trend of high EERs adding value to homes. That trend was interrupted from 2005 to 2007, coinciding with the housing boom, and a reduction in buyer choice, but now appears to be returning, with a sharp increase in the perceived value of high-EER homes compared to low-EER homes. This is particularly true over the last year, as the average asking price of high-EER homes increased 11% more than that of low-EER homes. Indeed, the average asking price of EER 0.5 homes slumped by nearly 15%!
Cost benefit analysis conducted by Energy Partners has found that investing $2000 in minor renovations, such as adding insulation, good curtains, blinds and pelmets can raise most homes to more than 4 stars. Canberrans wanting further information on how to upgrade the energy rating of their homes can access the ACT Government’s free householder energy advice service at www.heat.net.au or, for a specific question, [email protected]. Energy Strategies and Energy Partners, both of Manuka, offer individualized advice. Visit their website at www.enerstrat.com.au .
Energy Partners is a multi-disciplinary consulting practice, established in 1989. Based in Manuka, ACT, it focuses on the issues of energy and environmental impact within the built environment.
Trevor Lee, B Arch (hons) ARAIA is the Director for Buildings for Energy Partners.
Phone: 02 6260 6173 Email: [email protected]
Dangerous and deadly animals are on the move in summer
It’s that time of year again: the summer sun is sweltering, the Christmas tree is up and ready for pressies, and workers all over Australia are planning parties, barbecues and plenty of Christmas cheer! But, Christmas and summer also herald less welcome visitors than Santa Claus — it’s also the season when Australia’s most dangerous and deadly might just scuttle down your chimney or attend your backyard barbie! Some of Australia’s most formidable reptiles and arachnids are also at large during the holiday season, and because many Australians hit the beach, the bush or the backyard at this time, we’re more likely to encounter these creepy crawlies now than at any other time of the year.
“Funnel-web spiders, eastern brown snakes, crocodiles, and red-back spiders are all more active in the summer months,” agrees Ted Lewis, author of the new book A Wild Australia Guide: Dangerous and Deadly Wildlife, released this month. “For some, it’s mating season, and for others it’s simply that reptiles get their energy from the sun, so the hotter months are when they are most active.”
Already, newspapers around the country are reporting blood-curling tales of bird-eating spiders, randy red-back spiders on the prowl and crocodiles colonising backyard ponds in Australia’s north, but it is not just on land we have to watch out.
“More Australians than ever visit the beach over the holiday season, so it’s no surprise that more shark attacks are also reported over summer, but we have to remember that these animals are not just a source of fear and fascination for us, they’re also just living their lives,” Lewis emphasises. “In most cases, the danger occurs because we place ourselves in their territory or we threaten them. Most fatal attacks are provoked,” he warns, “so the best thing to do is leave these dangerous animals alone. Even animals like the southern cassowary and the red kangaroo have caused deaths when they are provoked or are in fear or in pain.”
Tourists, especially, are in awe of the multitude of potentially fatal creatures they may encounter in Australia, from the venomous blue-ringed octopus to the estuarine crocodile, but, in reality, people are statistically more likely to die of a bee sting than of a shark attack or snake bite, even despite the alarming media reports. “It’s also important to remember that we live in a country with the most advanced antivenom technology in the world, making us world leaders in preventing deaths caused by venomous creatures,” reassures Lewis. “In fact, if you want to worry about anything this summer, the biggest summer killer, far from being the incredible white shark or the funnel-web, is actually sunburn,” Lewis adds. “Skin cancer kills about 1600 Australians each year — far more than the combined annual total of fatalities by sharks (an average of one fatality in Australia per year), snakes (average two deaths per year), crocs (1 death a year) or stonefish (only 1 recorded death in Australia in the last 80 years) — but you still see people soaking up the sun. In my view, these animals are some of Australia’s most remarkable because they’ve all developed incredible defence mechanisms and some live truly amazing lifestyles, so if you get a chance to see some this summer, stay away, stay safe but, above all, stay aware that we really do have some of the most incredibly fierce wildlife species in the world.”
The Capital Region Farmers Market will relocate and be held at the Canberra Racecourse on Saturday, 20 December from 8 to 11 am. To provide consumers with fresh produce for Christmas celebrations, the Farmers Market will also be held on Tuesday, 23 December at Kamberra Wines (Northbourne Ave) from 2 to 5 pm.
The Market will be cancelled on Saturday, 3 January and will return to its normal venue at the Exhibition Park on Saturday, 10 January from 8 am.
Consumers can now be kept up-to-date with Farmers Market’s news and special offers by registering on www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au.
The Capital Region Farmers Market is a genuine farmers market with over 100 stalls offering a diverse range of fresh food and agricultural produce straight from the producer to the customer.
All funds generated from the Market are fed back into regional communities and other projects chosen by the Rotary Club of Hall which founded the Market in 2004.
For more information on Capital Regional Farmers Market, visit www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au.
The fiesty cast of 8 Women a fun feast and frenetic farce
If you’re looking for a fun evening to celebrate Christmas, the ideal night out is at the ANU Arts Centre where renowned restaurant Teatro Vivaldi and Centrepiece Theatre join forces for a fantastic musical theatre event.
A fabulous farce translated from French by director Aaron Ridgway, Centrepiece Theatre presents 8 Women, a musical murder mystery complete with eight women (of course), lots of laughter and more twists and turns than a hyperactive eel.
8 Women is a smart, sexy French comedy set in 1960s France. A wealthy industrialist is found murdered in his bedroom. The murder sends shock waves through the Avignon family, who are supposed to be celebrating Christmas. One by one the women become suspects, as it emerges that each and every one of them had a motive to bump off Marcel.
With an accomplished cast of Canberran women aged from 21 to over 80, the piece weaves comedy, music (original scores plus songs you’ll know) and a fine French feast from Teatro Vivaldi, around the mystery of Marcel’s death.
Season starts 10 December for one week. Meal and show tickets $70. Bookings essential on 6257 2718.
This report follows media and marketing aimed at the “tween” (children aged 10-15) market. It covers the response and results due to various forms of media.
IN BE“TWEEN” THE LINES
Are children passive victims of media manipulation or confident adventurers in an age of new challenges and possibilities?
The “tween” consumer is at a very influential age. In order to find themselves and their place in society they do what they can to be a part of the next cool trend. They are at a point in their lives where they are trying to develop their own identity while they are yet to be fully socialized. This makes them the perfect victims of media manipulation and influence. The media has the ability to get into the very minds of tweens by monitoring their every move online or in store. Through this information the media can develop more variety and choice to target at niche markets of unaware tweens. The media is one of the most prominent influences as it has access to its consumer nearly everywhere and anytime by advertising through technology and media manipulation.
Technology and the Media Media is an extreme force that has enveloped everyday living. This is due to the development of a vast palette of mediums on which to present ideas to society. This includes the internet which was originally fact driven and used primarily for educating university students. This is now accessible nearly anywhere anytime. It is affordable and fast, offering an endless list of opportunities for every interest, need or want. The internet has become an unstoppable force with its ability to be accessed on the run. It allows people to access most forms of media including music, movies, games, television, radio, news, magazines and shopping. Through this marketers have been able to advertise all means of things and monitor what things viewers are selecting in order to improve and create needs. Every time someone clicks on online links, information is sent to a team of researchers watching to find trends that they can target.
From constant research and monitoring online, marketing teams developed various technologies that allow individuals to access the world via mobile devices. This has resulted in the form of a laptop which was originally designed to allow business men and woman to work outside the office. This same interest resulted in other forms of communication being designed to allow a variety of communication forms. Email messages are easier to misconstrue due to the lack of tone and visuals that inform a receiver of intended messages. The creation of the mobile phone has allowed messages to be communicated verbally thus creating less chance for miscommunication. Since then communication technology has continued to grow and cash in on more market sectors. Rather than being simply for the use of business it has become availible to all members of society, including children.
The open access to these technologies has resulted in many cultural changes especially in younger generations, as they are becoming prominent targets of the media. Products designed for adults are now being marketed towards children in ways that make them feel a sense of independence and social acceptance. Mobile companies originally used schemes that advertised the products to play on the mind of worried parents, and what better way to ensure your child’s safety than to have them contactable via mobile phone. Phone companies appeared to work in the best interests of families. Once this trust was built companies could begin targeting the tween market directly as they had already won over the parents.
Availability and Access to Media
Children in today’s society have access to most media forms. A large number of them have televisions or computers in their rooms, some even have both. This allows them to access the internet and watch any show without a parent or guardian monitoring them on a regular basis. This makes them an easy target of media influence. A great number have their own mobile phone which allows them to encourage or be encouraged by other friends to watch or look up things that may not be appropriate. These products come with standard features such as photo and video sharing, ringtones that include songs that make sexual references, and instant communication to whoever they choose. These features work in conjunction with computer technologies allowing teens to easily advertise their lives on you tube, facebook and myspace. The technology allows tweens to access adult information from any online website. To avoid law suits online advertiser ask to, “Tick this box if you are 18yrs or older.” And with a click of the mouse or button you have access to information and images that are aimed specifically at adult audiences. There is nothing to stop tweens accessing this kind of material.
Advertising
Advertising comes in two forms, direct and indirect. Direct advertising uses the brand or product as the protagonist, while indirect advertising uses information that promotes the brand. In the case of indirect advertising, marketers are likely to opt for the product to be advertised in an action image that creates a connection between the product with beauty and desirability. Product placements throughout movies, television, online and at public events promote lifestyles, feelings and values. These ideas are what give meaning to consumers, and cause them to feel like they are buying an idea rather than a product in itself.
Mobile advertising is cashing in through advertising aimed at tweens. The proof is in the rise of advertising online, on television and via short message service (SMS). The majority of this advertising is to cash in on ring tones that include the ‘top hits’ in music, catch phrases from popular television shows, animations, relationship raters, perfect match, erotic images and competitions. These features are incredibly popular in tween groups. Without them the hopes of popularity is doomed, at least this is what phone companies want teens to believe.
The relationships of the themes presented with the product are what make them lasting and successful. Take Nike for example. It is one of the most recognized and bought brands. It is recognized solely by a signature tick, but it is what that tick has been developed to represent. “Just do it!” the slogan for Nike appears at sporting events and in movies, worn by some of the most famous basketball stars. It gives people the impression that with their shoes you can do anything. By wearing the Nike logo you become a part of a group of people who value the culture that is prescribed by the Nike brand. Brands signify a person’s taste and communicate cultural identity through the meanings linked to the product.
Media Manipulation
Through movies, television and magazines tweens are introduced to a world of opportunity, but how real is that opportunity? Magazines encourage the possibility to dress and be noticed like the stars. Pictures of famous stars wearing the latest looks are often used as the centre focus of a page. These images make tweens expect that by getting the look they will win the boy. And without them they’ve got no hope. By advertising certain celebrities at an affordable cost, young consumers are more likely to take notice then when placed on nameless models. They want to buy things that relate to them. The advertised product is less important, while the advertised lifestyle and overall package that links to a product is what sells. Subconsciously audiences get influenced by what the image entails and expect the impossible, only to be let down.
“Satisfied customers are those who have bought ‘good feelings’ and ‘solutions to problems”.
Advertising uses likely consumer anxieties or creates further insecurities through advertising that portrays “desirable” looks. They attack body image, self worth, desirability and health by picking on “flaws”. Marketers cause fear in consumers by threatening the possibility of a perfect lifestyle, in order to create consumers that seek a solution to their “problem”. For example products that imply the possibility to achieve impossible results. Fake tans are marketed in a way that suggests to the consumer that by using the product you will grab the attention of the opposite sex and cause jealousy of friends. Other products “promise” to free you of pimples and imperfections overnight and shampoos that make hair glisten like a celebrity. Products suggest they will take you from drab to fab with as little effort as possible.
“Don’t sell me products or services…Sell me ideas, a better self-image, freedom from fear and want and a philosophy that will help me achieve my potential as a human being.”
Media Effects on Tweens
The repetition of unrealistic “perfection” presented through television and film cause children to be unsatisfied with their self-image. They become so used to viewing images of perfect figures that they see them as normal and achievable. Through the familiarity of the culture presented through film, children easily relate to the people and the places. Their sense of reality is easily distorted by these visions, and before they know it, a mirror becomes their worst nightmare.
Research has proven magazines and movies have been associated with the development of many mental and physical disorders in young girls. Statistics have found that 1 in 100 adolescent girls will develop anorexia nervosa due to the illusion of perfection portrayed through the media. “It is the third most common chronic illness for adolescent girls, causing more deaths than any other psychiatric disorder. Some authorities estimate that as many as one in five female students are bulimic.” Sensationalized images of thin, sexualized, digitally enhanced “women are linked with…poor body image, depression…anxiety and eating disorders. The images contribute to self-harming behaviours and not performing well academically.”
Sexualized Media
Media is constantly pushing the boundaries of film and television codes of conduct. This includes ignoring the restrictions on certain themes that are not deemed suitable for children under the age of 15, and allowing them to be aired during hours that they may be subjected to it. Advertising has a huge part to play in developing ideas of right and wrong. It seems advertising has turned a blind eye to the results of their messages and set out only to make money. Sexual themes have become so common in the media today that society has become desensitized by it. Sexual images of men and woman appear on television the internet, in movies, music videos, magazines and video games.
These images alter perceptions of attractiveness and sex appeal, making girls feel the need to meet the standards portrayed in order to be desirable or popular. This puts girls at risk of objectifying themselves to predators. Not only are celebrity influence having effects on children, but so too are toys. For example Bratz dolls come in the form of highly made up, scantily dressed figures. The lifestyles that are depicted to 3yrs+ are equally unsuitable. They include hot tubs, references to alcohol, punk and gothic themes, and bratty attitudes. Other toys on the marketed are also unsuitable to tweens. For example the game of “spin the bottle” can be found in the children’s section of stores, in the form of a plastic battery operated machine that instructs you on what you have to do.
The themes expressed throughout television and advertising have proven to have negative effects on childhood relationships, the way they dress and the attitudes they employ. Schoolyard sexual harassment has risen along with teen pregnancy. Yet corporations seem to be ignoring the dangers that are a result of advertising.
Tweens are portrayed false self image through the advertisement of products marketed to them, causing them to chase illusions.
Times are Changing
“The greatest unsatisfied need within the community is the need for satisfaction…the demand is unlimited.”
Media not only affects tweens, but has a prominent affect on all groups of society. It has caused many cultural changes over the years. Media manipulation proves to have control over many adults, therefore it is only certain that the affect it has on un-socialized, influential minds of children, is even greater. Technology has been a huge influence worldwide, causing irreversible change to the norms of society. The wide spread of interests and accessibility has changed the values and way in which people think forever. Media will continue to change culture both for the better and for worse. In order to prevent children from falling into the trap of media manipulation and unrealistic expectations, parents need to teach the difference between reality and fantasy. The power lies in parenting. Media is out to make money, “The purpose of business is to create customers. Customers create profits. Business survives only on its customers.” In order to protect the health and safety of tweens parents need to monitor access and content to avoid the effects of media manipulation.
Bibliography:
Collis, Jack, 1998, When your customer wins, you can’t lose, Harper Collins Publishing, Australia.
Lucas, Gavin & Dorrian, Michael, 2006, Guerilla Advertising: Unconventional brand communication, Laurence King Publishing, United Kingdom
Rohner, Kurt, 1996, Marketing in the Cyber Age: the why, the what, and the how, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, England
Melinda Tankard Reist, 2007, Chasing an illusion: young women and magazines, viewed 10 October 2008,
BBC/AFP, 2007, Sexualisation damaging young girls: report, viewed 10 October 2008,
Unable to find author and date, Children and Media Violence, viewed 27 October 2008,
Information from online lectures and course notes, webCT.
As a first time Foreshore goer, I was disappointed. Lucky for me, I went free thanks to the winning of a bunch of tickets. We arrived at the entrance when it was mostly clear. Drunken partiers were already leaving disappointed. “Don’t bother, it’s not worth it!” The line consisted of about 6 people. But still we had to wait while tickets were checked. Once in it was a question as how to get anyways, let alone get out! It was a maze to get to any of the three stages, with security at every entrance directing back the way you just came. Every stage had an entry and an exit on opposite sides, and if you tried to go against the grain, think again.
For a ticket that costs $90 it was far from worth it. Two of the stages consisted of stage and dance floor, music pumped into the night air, which luckily was dry. Disappointingly the music that pumped was techno, over mixed music that can be heard in clubs in Canberra for free every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. When it came time for the main act we were there to see, we were directed back to the other side we had just come from, past the empty toilets we didn’t realise were there after having waited more than 30mins at the central toilets, back over a metal structure of stairs, a danger to someone sober let alone drunk. We made it to the entrance to the main stage which by this time was blocked by a wall of people who blocked entrance and vision. By this time highly frustrated having lost our friends and patience, we headed back over the metal bridge in search of an exit. But to our dismay in the game of opposites the exit was back over the bridge in the opposite direction from where we came in.
No loss to us though, a bit of exercise and strengthening of the bladder we left not short of a dollar. For those that did pay some had a great time, while others where disappointed. At least in future I will know not to bother!
For the past four years Andrew Sippel and David Strudwick have been capturing the original taste of the outback with Drover’s Choice Saltbush Lamb. In 2004 the two Western plains farmers came together and started the business in Coonamble, NSW.
Over the years Drover’s Choice have perfected their very special meat ensuring it’s original taste of the outback is brought to you every time in the full flavoured, tender and succulent taste of saltbush lamb.
Old Man Saltbush is a native plant with a rich source of minerals and nutrients. This deep rooted perennial plant assists with sustainable land management, agriculture production and helps prevent salinity and aridity.
Old Man Saltbush is environmentally sustainable which guarantee the lambs are able to be fed this plant all year round regardless of weather conditions.
To ensure a consistent eating quality, the Saltbush meats have established a special finishing property at Coonamble where they have perfected the saltbush lamb grazing techniques.
All the saltbush meat is chemical free and the sheep graze in paddocks planted with old man saltbush along with scattered mature trees and consistent tough lasting grass. The native plains can survive the toughest environment which keeps the stock healthy and happy.
The lamb gets taken to the butchers just a short way away at Narromine where the meat is cut into its best prime quality all year round.
Drover’s Choice saltbush meat arrives fresh to you at your local Farmers’ markets every Saturday.
For more information on Saltbush Meats visit www.saltbushmeats.com.au
There you are, bleary-eyed at your desk when excited squeals bounce around the office—the holiday-maker who always sends Gourmet-Traveller worthy postcards has returned from yet another getaway, tan aglow. It’s enough to make someone reach for the recycle bin and revisit those cornflakes.
Sick of reading about glorious getaways and fantasy tours? Jealous of your workmate’s tan? According to the ‘No leave No Life’ website, Australia has 70 million days of accrued annual leave and nearly 60% of full-time workers do not use their full 4 weeks annual leave each year. There are many reasons why people don’t go away on holidays: no money, no time, too scared (fear of flying etc). So here are some reasons why it’s good to stay home:
Ways of dying or wish you were: No mention of shark attacks here. You’re more likely to be one of the people who die in a motorscooter accident or from coral poisoning. There’s also the curry from exotic pots on streets that discovers orifices you didn’t know you had; and that thing called DVT. Although, that sensation may have just been due to a slow 60 Minutes week.
Build up of mail and email: you think one day of spam is bad? What if you go away during the lead up to an election and Christmas: Junk mail city. And email spam galore: you’ll end up deleting the good stuff like invites to a free wine tasting of Grange Hermitage at your local cellar.
Jet lag: Falling asleep on a keyboard is not a good look for someone supposedly refreshed and remotivated to please their employers’ whims. And the drool might short circuit your audit into the Trade Practices Act.
Missing TV and events: unless you’re addicted to ‘Lost’, where you can quite happily miss four episodes and some guy is still in a cave, then you’ll miss why whohewhatsit is now sleeping with whatshername. While out of mobile range on a deserted island unaware of any global economic crisis, your savings account disappears as fast as poolside overpriced pineapple daiquiris.
Withdrawal from Aussie-isms: ever tried getting a half decent cup of tea for a half decent price overseas? Hah. And heard of a queue? Pushing in front must come from watching all that football. Soccer. Whatever.
Annoyance of other cultures: spitting on pavements, not understanding you even when you both speak English (yes Texas I’m talking about y’all and your ‘water’ ‘warterh’— what the hell is ‘wrtgghh’?). Dogs crapping on your backpack at the station, church bells at 4am. Having to wait until 9pm to have dinner. And even then you can hear the crack of your grissini and the feel the sneering glances from the staff for interrupting their dinner before the ‘real’ diners come in.
Brain-twisting mathematics: Memories of primary school long division causing tears come flooding back when converting Honk Kong dollars to Euros then ending up in Switzerland only to realise they’re not part of the EU. Goddamn wallet had four currencies. And if it’s 400 HK then it’s 40 dollars…no wait…4 dollars.. wait…how can milk be 100 dollars…is that because of the melamine?
Food: yeah yeah, fair enough, the food is better in some parts of the world. Bread in France, but not in the US (unless you need a sugar hit). Cereal is fine, except in Germany with the chocolate chips and frosted sultanas in the muesli. And what the hell is with the wine in Italy? I’ve had water with more flavour.
Water: There are some places that you can drink H20 no worries, like good old Aussie (although Adelaide water always did have that odd taste). But what happens when turning the faucet unleashes an ooze and several centipedes? Think I’ll become a beer drinker thanks.
The credit card bill: Funny how the exchange rate seems to be worse on the bank statement than it did in your head at the time you got caught up in the moment and bought that Tuscan ceramic clock that you had to haul around for another 2 weeks. And it broke anyway when the fragile sticker fell off and it was tossed as if it were full of bags of herbs of Provence, which are confiscated by Customs anyway because they might contain ‘herbs’.
Anticlimax: Just like the more we spend on face creams, the more we expect to look like Elle McPherson; the more we spend on holidays the more we expect to be enlightened/rested/entertained. Bulls**t. Apart from the joys of a functioning in-flight entertainment system—be sure of long lines, crowded throngs and annoying hawkers with metal Eiffel towers who call you ‘miss’ .
The mess: Back at home, the suitcase erupts: dirty laundry, ripped clothes, countless receipts from anything (even tea at McDonalds and chewing gum at a corner store), half-eaten melted nougat that sticks to your suitcase and the exploded shampoo bottle. Oh yeah and weeks without a razor = legs of a yeti. Blerk.
So next time you look at the double figures of your leave accrued and get the guilts, don’t worry. Your colleague’s tan was fake anyway: cyclone season comes rain, hail and no shine.
Spring has arrived as Canberra bursts into colour and flowers everywhere bloom. Canberra residents love fresh food and spring is the time to have it. But where do you go to get quality seasonal food? Thousands of Canberrans every Saturday head to the Capital Regions Farmers Market. It has everything you’ll want and need this Spring. The flowers are about, they have the freshest produce for you to sample and buy and you’ll get a friendly and relaxed atmosphere every time.
The Farmers Market is continuing to develop and deliver fresher produce from the growers to you. It provides residents with a source of regional and seasonal produce and promotes agri-business opportunities for regional farmers, by providing them with an avenue to sell their fresh produce direct to local residents. What started out four years ago as a small venture of just 18 stalls and some 1,000 customers, at Exhibition Park in Canberra run by the Rotary Club of Hall, has now become a major enterprise and has grown to more than 100 stalls per week and over 5,000 customers.
“The Market has been around since 2004 but has lately congregated a lot of interest which has helped with its development and growing number of consumers.” Market manager Rob Durie said. “It is continuing to grow and prosper and gather more acclaim.” “Recently Kylie Kwong visited the Market as part of a new book and series she is preparing and interviewed many stallholders. It has also received honourable mention in magazines and newspapers which have all helped to drive the Market’s customer base.”
The Market sells a wide range of products including fruit, vegetables, meats, breads, organic and specialist products, eggs, coffee, nuts, honey, seafood, chocolate, wines and oils, flowers and more.
One stall holder said “going to the Farmers Market was a great decision. It gives us a regular cash flow and most importantly it gives us the chance to talk to our customers and educate them on our product. Plus, because we’ve been going for so long now, we’ve developed good friendships with regular customers and other stallholders.”
The Market also offers a number of benefits to consumers. Along with providing an opportunity for Canberra and regional consumers to sample the produce, it gives residents a genuine farmers market, offering a diverse range of fresh seasonal food straight from the producer to the customer and an opportunity to discuss with growers and learn through weekly forays.
The Capital Region Farmers Market will introduce a new policy from 12 January to ensure customers know exactly where the produce they are buying was grown. The policy will see the Market’s sellers split into two groups – one shed for producers selling their own products and the other for those selling on behalf of approved producers, such as neighbours.
Tony Howard from The Rotary Club of Hall says that the new two-shed policy will further enhance the Market’s reputation as a genuine farmers market.
“We’ve listened to feedback from our customers and there seemed to be a genuine need for greater transparency about producers,” Tony said.
“The two sheds will make it much easier for everyone to identify the exact source and producer of the products they buy. In the larger producer shed, customers will be able to speak directly with the actual growers themselves.
To underpin the authenticity of the market, a panel of some 12 producers with experience across a wide range of products has also been appointed to advise the Market on authenticity issues and related policy changes. The Market are also about to hire a part–time worker to visit farms to check the conditions under which products are grown. The farmers selling at the Market come from the Canberra region and the central west and north coast of NSW.
All funds generated from the Market are fed back into regional communities and other projects chosen by the Rotary Club of Hall. To this date the Rotary Club have in turn financed $500,000 worth of community projects.
The Capital Region Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning at Exhibition Park from 8 am to 11 am.
The Australian Institute of Sports Gymnastic Centre is under serious threat of closing after none of their gymnasts qualified for the Beijing Games.
This was the first time ever the AIS has not had a gymnast make an Olympic Games since the gym was first opened. The gym opened on the 1st March 1983 and has seen Olympians and world champions walk through the doors, but after a whole new set of
coaches and gymnasts took over the program it has not been producing results and is now in jeopardy of closing when all funds and contracts are up in June 2009.
The Gymnastics Centre has gone down hill since Valery Kaladzinski took over the position of head coach in 2004.
Kaladzinski replaced world renowned coach Tian Ju Ping. Ju Ping was head coach at the AIS for 20 years and produced results from Australia’s best gymnasts. Despite Ju Ping’s reputation, knowledge and ability to produce Australia’s best, the Gymnastics Federation of Australia decided it was time for a change and Ju Ping was forced to step down. Along with Ju Ping’s retirement came many other coaches.
Today the AIS gymnastics centre has a completely different system and is causing controversy and problems throughout the entire program. Kaladzinski agrees that the program is failing. He is disappointed with how it is going and believes it won’t pick up.
With only a total of seven girls and four boys on scholarship it is easy to see how the program is lacking in numbers and talent. Problems with the program also arise with conflict between the coaches. Kaladzinski has different views to many of the other coaches and with the bad relationship between them it is affecting the system and results of the girls. “There was a big change with all of the coaches over the past few years which have definitely affected me and the way I train” says scholarship holder Victoria Williams. “I definitely think because of the new program with the different head coach, the gym is run in a different way. The older coaches are used to something different and I think they find it hard to change their ways and adopt a new kind of training scheme.” Williams said.
Kaladzinski says the downfall is no ones fault. However, some of the coaches have different opinions. “The head coach is to blame, he gives no positive reinforcements to the girls and doesn’t care about results” one female coach said.
A big focus has been turned on the AIS after the women’s team failed to produce any gymnasts for the Beijing Games. Questions have now been turned to Kaladzinski and his role as head coach. Kaladzinski argues that he has been doing his job and said “when I first arrived here in 2004 I said none of these girls will make the 2008 Olympics.” His fellow coaches disagree. They believe there was enough talent there and it was Kaladzinski’s attitude and changes to the program that broke the young girls and their chances. Kaladzinski quickly replied “they were teenagers, teenage years are so difficult and that’s why it is hard to make it to the top. Gymnasts quit, bodies change, attitudes can become a problem and all these things affect them. It’s just the nature of the sport.”
The AIS gymnastics program is under scrutiny of being shut down but until that happens Kaladzinski’s position is not under threat. The Gymnastics Federation of Australia supports him and will continue to keep him in this current position.
With the way the system has changed and will continue to change (if kept open) it is only going to get worse and Kaladzinski has future plans for it which could further ruin the quality of the gymnasts. He believes the AIS should be based on Canberra girls instead of having Australia’s best represent it. Kaladzinski sees one of the problems these days with getting top outer state girls is that there are now top coaches and facilities Nation wide. “Gymnasts don’t need to leave their state to achieve their dreams and the coaches aren’t letting them go” Kaladzinski said. The AIS is going down hill along with its reputation and now without getting the right girls into the program there is nowhere for the gym to go but even further down.
The AIS committee is looking into the program and decisions will be made in June
2009.
The failure of the gym ends with the women’s program. The Men’s side is still doing its job and continuing to produce top results. Head coach Vladimir Vatkina hopes management doesn’t see the men’s and women’s program as a whole but as separate programs. Vatkina’s biggest problem at the moment is to show the committee the men’s side is doing their job and to convince them to allow the program to grow. “There are only four boys on scholarship and one coach. We want the program to develop and for that to happen we need more boys and coaches” Vatkina said. “I am very happy here and with the men’s program and I want to stay on. It would be a shame if it closed down.” Vatkina believes having the AIS held in Canberra shouldn’t be an issue. “Gymnasts should be dedicated enough to move or do whatever they have to, to achieve their dreams and be the best they can be.” he said.
The AIS still have the best facilities in Australia and all the National camps are based there. Speculation is now arising over whether the program will end and the gym will only be used for National camps.
The numbers of scholarship holders are decreasing yearly and since the gym is not providing results and doesn’t appear to be picking up, it is in serious threat of closing down.
All AIS sports have funding till the end of June and the Sports Commission will be looking into all sports to decide which ones will continue on.
Native plants draw birds and butterflies to your garden but may also have medicinal uses
Conservation groups and environmentalists know that the “green revolution” necessary for a sustainable future is even more crucial following revelations about unstable and unsustainable water supplies. As a new level of environmental consciousness is embraced around the nation, it is reassuring to know that this magnificent country already offers us some simple solutions. Reflecting the existing philosophies and practices of Indigenous Australians, more and more gardeners are realising the benefits that can result from a garden full of native plants instead of introduced species. After all, Australia’s native plants are climate-compatible, water-efficient, hardy and unique to this nation, but above all else their great medicinal and pharmaceutical worth is indispensable.
Alarmingly, 5031 plant species are now at risk of extinction from loss of habitat, accounting for almost 25% of the world’s rare, endangered and threatened species. With such a vast array of fascinating and vibrantly coloured native plants, there are species to suit every backyard, with some offering even more than just beauty and sustainability. Cathy Hope, author of the new Wild Australia Guide: Native Plants, published this month by enthusiastic environmentalist Steve Parish, agrees that the benefits of native plants are something all households and communities should be aware of.
“Focusing on Australia’s sustainable future has given everybody the opportunity to become more aware of the advantages of native plants, as well as the myriad of other functions native plants can perform that might otherwise go unnoticed,” Hope, a long-time primary teacher and nature lover, enthuses.
Featuring Steve Parish’s spectacular photography, the guide not only helps identify numerous species of native flora but provides ecological essentials for the propagation and conservation of native plants. An added benefit is that the guide explores the many different ways native plants have been used by Indigenous Australians in food, as tools, and for medicinal purposes. For instance, Aborigines discovered not only that grass-trees provide nectar—a very high-energy food — but also that they are drought and bushfire resistant and have many other uses. Their “knife-like” leaves can cut meat, their flower stalks were lit to make torches and their hard-setting resin has been used in tool making. The mulla mulla plant is also drought resistant and its beautiful wildflowers have become a significant feature of the cut flower industry, but Aborigines used the flower to line cradle-sized coolamons, providing soft bedding for their babies, and an extract is now used in medical science to help treat skin cancer. Only a small percentage of Australia’s native plants have so far been studied for their potential medicinal and scientific applications, making saving threatened species even more important.
“I think it’s very important we acknowledge and understand every aspect of our sustainable environment,” Hope explains, “which means educating people about as much of our natural resources as possible”.
Another outstanding reference to complement the program and enhance the Wild Australia Guide library is Amazing Facts about Australian Native Plants, also written by Cathy Hope and released in September 2008. Cathy Hope will be appearing to sign both of her fantastic books at the Australian Garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne on Sunday 14 December from 11a.m. until 3 p.m. Both books are available from all good bookstores or visit www.steveparish.com.au to buy online.
