Life – what a funny ride, really!

So today, I had work from 9am-2pm. Standard, nothing special about that. Straight afterwards, however, I was scheduled to go for a picnic for a friend’s birthday which was to be immediately followed by a nighttime endeavour for another friend’s day of days. Given I’ve also got work tomorrow morning, and not wanting to lug around all my clothes etc, I decided to just take my things for the evening with me at the start of the day.

2pm arrives, I’m in the changeroom – oh good lord! Embarrassment! Have I brought a pair of mismatched shoes? YES! Are they actually for the same foot, so I can’t wear them even if I wanted to? YES! Ah! Fail! Don’t get me wrong, had they been slightly appropriate, this wouldn’t have been an issue, but there was no way i could wear chunky black solid closed-in shoes with a tight and frilly dress. Not happening.

Alas, an emergency pit stop to Wittner, just across the road was required. Thankfully it was pay day today – not that I was intending on this purchase. Just as I stepped outside, however, new soles on the ground, CRASH! BAM! and pouurrrrrrrr….a thunderstorm! Crazy. And so, in brand new shoes, I ended up soaking wet anyway.

Eventually, I trampsed my way to the picnic (not the greatest break-in mind you) where I spent a lovely afternoon celebrating and eating with my posse, if you will.

And then! The day took another turn!

There is debate over whether facebook on one’s mobile is a good thing. Maybe it was a little antisocial, but come 4-5pm ish, I felt a quick check was in order. Well, wasn’t I glad I did?! Because, a congratulatory message had been posted on my wall, because of this:

http://www.mimco.com.au/Blog.aspx?CategoryId1=90&CategoryName1=Blog

Wahoooo!!! Oh man, what excitement! What joy! Brought a big smile to the face

Life is always unpredictable – today, it gave me a few giggles.

It doesn’t usually rain this much in Melbourne this time of year.

Bourke Street, CBD

The Cat Piano: A City of Imprisoned Singing Cats

The Cat Piano is an award-winning 8-minute animated short film directed by Australian filmmakers Eddie White and Ari Gibson, featuring narration by the iconic Australian musician Nick Cave. The film is a remarkable animation, a visual marvel that’s a perfectly executed narrative, seamlessly coalescing its gothic influences into a hypnotically sinister aesthetic that is never at odds with itself.  The Cat Piano was named last week as one of 10 films to advance in the Animated Short Films category for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

The story opens in a city of musically talented singing cats, where a lonely beat poet falls for the call of a beautiful musical siren.  However, a mysteriously dark and evil human soon emerges and begins kidnapping the town’s singing cats to imprison them inside of a cat piano, intent on carrying out his depraved musical plans to perform a twisted feline symphony.  At that point, the poet realizes that he must save his muse and put an end to the nefarious tune that threatens to destroy the entire city.

The Cat Piano: A City of Imprisoned Singing Cats

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By ASHLEY BROWNE

A few thoughts about the just-completed AFL Draft…

- Collingwood has finally landed the big name. Years of fruitless pursuit of the big names, dating back to Tony Lockett in the mid 90s ended this off-season with Darren Jolly and now, Luke Ball on their way to the Lexus Centre. Ball is a massive get for the Pies because he’ll do the grunt work in the midfield (a bit like Scott Burns used to) and free up the likes of Thomas, Pendelbury, Davis to spend more time outriding and up forward, where they’ll be most dangerous. Hate to say it, but the Pies appear serious flag contenders in 2010.

- By the same token, Melbourne were gutless. The Demons have had a two years to load up on kids and they took the easy way out in not staring down the Ball camp. Ball would have made the Demons more competitive next year and added much-needed experience and hardness. But picking a heap more kids gives the Demons an easy out if they struggle again next year. Melbourne missed a chance to demonstrate that it is a hard-nosed first-rate football club. Ian Robson from the Bombers also beat his chest loudly about selecting Ball, but Essendon also failed to walk the walk.

- Tom Scully has a round one, 2010 debut written all over him.

- Michael Voss played Supercoach during trade week and did so again late in the draft, selecting Matt Maguire. Conveniently forgotten by us all is that Voss himself came back from a busted leg, every bit as gruesome as that suffered by Maguire. So perhaps he has a better understanding of what Maguire still has to offer. Interestingly, the Lions have been into Maguire for about a week, obviously better at going about their business quietly than the Blues and the Hawks.

- Lenny Hayes really needs to do the right thing and hand over his no.7 to St Kilda’s new draftee, Nicholas Winmar.

- Sydney finally looks to have drafted some speed. Is this a pointer as to the direction of the side once John Longmire takes over as coach in 2011?

- Hawthorn fans are salivating at the prospect of Rhan Hooper joining Shaun Burgoyne and Cyril Rioli at the feet of Buddy Franklin and Jarryd Roughead in the Hawk forward line.

- The Fox Sports draft telecast went well. Hosts Jason Dunstall, Alastair Lynch and Liam Pickering admittedly had to tell a few tall stories to get through the 90 minutes, but they got there. Those complaining about the coverage just don’t get it. Recruiting managers calling out each name followed by in-depth discussion of the selection does not make for great TV. Which is why the diehards should have listened to the radio.

- You don’t want to be listening to Triple M the first time Rex Hunt calls Melbourne’s Max Gawn when he’s caught in possession of the ball.

- The AFL website didn’t have it quite right when it called the first round the first lock-out in 24 years of draft history. The media and other onlookers were actually kept out of the draft room until the early 90s, waiting for photocopied draft sheets to be brought into an ante room in order to find out what happened. At the same time, well done to Matty Burgan for nailing the first few picks with his Phantom Draft. And to Emma Quayle as well.

- As for who won and who lost? Get back to me in 2013.

I’m one of the hundreds (probably thousands) of students that are still waiting for a relocation offer.

On the ACPET website:

Meridian, Melbourne

EMAILS:

ACPET is currently managing over 3000 students across Australia who have been affected by the Meridian Group college closures.

ACPET anticipate it will take up to 48 hours for a detailed response to be sent to your email in response to you query, as this will enable ACPET to ensure we are giving you the correct information. ACPET apologise for any inconvenience this delay may cause you.

Note: Please make sure in your emails you tell us which school you attended (e.g. Meridian International Hotel School) so we can assist you appropriately.

But having said that, I did receive a response from them straight away when I emailed earlier. I wanted to know if I could facilitate my own transfer to an ACPET-affiliated school and whether that still makes me eligible for ACPET’s assistance in qualifying for the credit-free tuition period.

ACPET relocate students to a new college when a college has failed to provide the course before its completion. ACPET relocate students to a suitable alternative course at a new college. In the case of a college closure if a student has prepaid tuition fees for tuition not given, the student will be given a credit-free tuition period at a new college under the Tuition Assurance Scheme.

If you have money owing to the closed college you will be required to pay this outstanding money to your new college.

ACPET will also certainly relocate you to a college which is affiliated with ACPET

Kind regards,

ACPET Team
www.acpet.edu.au
PO Box 551, East Melbourne. VIC 8002
E: meridian[dot]mel[at]acpet[dot]edu[dot]au
Fax. 61 3 9416 1895

Creating futures

For information from the ACPET website regarding this closure please copy and paste the link below into your Internet Browser:

http://www.acpet.edu.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6308&Itemid=403

The ACPET website will be updated on a weekly basis.

Der Wohnungs- und Häusermarkt bricht ständig neue Rekorde. Kein Wunder, bei über 50.000 neuen Einwohnern pro Jahr allein in Melbourne. Der Strom der Zuwanderer ist ungebrochen, so dass die Baubranche kaum hinterher kommt, entsprechende Wohnräume zu bauen. Dies sorgt für einen kontinuierlichen Preisanstieg bei Häusern, Appartements und  Mieten.

Aktuell ist ein neuer Rekord für die teuerste Immobilie in Melbourne aufgestellt worden:

25 Millionen australische Dollar!

Ok, es ist nicht irgendein Haus, sondern eines in absolut bester Lage und unglaublichem Luxus (eigenes Kino, 7 Küchen, Garage für 10 Autos, 2 Fahrstuhle für 4 Geschosse, ein riesiges Fitnessstudio, Ballsaal, Weinkeller ). Der Besitzer hat es in 2003 für “nur” 5 Millionen AU$ gekauft, für etwa 9 Millionen AU$ renoviert, insofern ist eine beträchtliche Gewinnspanne realisiert worden.

Hier ein paar Links zum Haus:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/clinton-caseys-property-avon-court-in-shakespeare-grove-hawthorn-sells-for-melbourne-price-record/story-e6frf7kx-1225803568882

http://www.3aw.com.au/Shakespeare_Grove

http://ballarat.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/national-news/melbourne-house-smashes-property-record,14051641

Leider führt dieses Szenario dahin, dass Einwanderer und Zuwanderer aus anderen Ländern sehr hohe Preise fürs Wohnen bezahlen müssen. Durchschnittlich sind die Preise in 2008 um 8 % gestiegen, trotz weltweiter Krise. Einige Stadtteile im Großraum Melbourne wie Toorak, Brighton oder Kew haben weit höhere Preissteigerungen.

Da hier in Australien sehr viel ebenerdig gebaut wird, wuchert die Besiedlung des Landes wie ein Krebsgeschwür, und das mit rasender Geschwindigkeit. Prognosen sagen, dass Australien, zur Zeit um die 20 Millionen Einwohner, um das Jahr 2050 über 50 Millionen Einwohner haben wird. Es laufen langfristige Planungen, unter anderem auch zur Ansiedlung komplett neuer Städte.

Das Wasser Problem wird eines der größten Probleme werden. Im tropischen Norden ist es zu viel und zu unregelmäßig, im Süden regnet es viel zu wenig. Zwar ist 2009 vorsichtig als “regenreiches Jahr” zu bezeichnen, ein Ende der Trockenheit ist aber noch nicht in Sicht.

By Erin the Employer

The Age today has reported that one of Melbourne and Australia’s fashion stalwarts has called it quits due to red tape woes.

The closure of Jenny Bannister’s iconic fashion business should not be dismissed as an unfortunate incident of interest only to fabulous nobodies.

Bannister is not some colourful flash in the pan. With a postage stamp bearing her image and her creations exhibited in major galleries around Australia, she is a recognised cultural icon who, with other designers and fashion entrepreneurs, has contributed to the growth of the ‘Cool Melbournia’ that both residents and visitors now enjoy.

Visitors from interstate and overseas are drawn to Melbourne’s chic fashion retail and and our restaurant culture, both of which can be undermined by the asphyxiating effects of red tape which Bannister nominates as the catalyst for the closure of her business.

She describes the “nightmarish task” of complying with industry regulation, in particular the Clothing Trades Award 1999 and what she describes as the accompanying mountain of confusing paperwork.

We have not heard an update from Fair Work Australia about how the process of modernising industrial awards is coming along, but here is a flesh and blood example of how industrial red tape can strangle a business.

The Clothing, Textile and Footwear Union of Australia has also not made a peep, which is interesting because Bannister was also a long time supporter of the local industry with her wholesale garment manufacturing business.

Bannister says that neither she nor clients, including boutiques and major retailers around Australian can believe it and, without claiming be doyens of fashion, neither can VECCI.

While Bannister will be sorely missed, we are very concerned about the consequences for the economy. Is she correct in her prediction that she will not be the last fashion casualty of industrial red tape?

___________________________________________________________________________________________

If you find yourself caught up in the complications of red tape, VECCI offers assistance to its members through our Helpline, and a range of consultancy services and training courses. If you’re interested, please call (03) 8662 5333 or view our courses online.

Segun la revista Ok. lo que indica que esta noticia es tan cierta como el talento de la Rana… el caso es que en una de sus tantas mentiras exclusiva este tabloide afirma que Britney se casara nuevamente con su agente Jason Trawick e incluso inventaron una lista de invitados en donde hay puras “celebridades”, como si Britney pensara en este momento en arruinar su vida otra vez… XD

Australia is a pretty fine place to live (and if you’re following these blogs you’ll realize I’m getting over my post travel blues). Obviously as an Australian I’m biased in saying so but heck, even the annual “Most Livable Cities” lists by Mercer, the Economist and Monocle’s think so. Who are they you might well ask, well read more about them here. I might not be as knowledgeable as the said lists but I’ve actually lived quite a few places abroad and travelled to a few more, and, I rate living here too.

Interestingly Melbourne, and even old Perth, make the world lists but what about our other cities and towns? There are plenty I could picture myself living in, others I think would be better to visit and some I wouldn’t touch with a barge poll. As most travellers reading this blog and utilizing the VIP Backpackers network are going to come to Australia at some point – of course you are, don’t deny it!! – I thought I’d give you my list of livable places in Oz.

Fellow Aussies – feel free to fire away about my rankings!

Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne rates in almost every international study of livable cities and I’m not arguing with them. The only thing that could be improved about Melbourne is the weather which plain sucks at times – so be prepared. But you can’t beat the diverse range of food, sporting and cultural performances here and an almost limitless array of festivals. You just can’t get bored in Melbourne. St Kilda would have to be one of the best places to base – artisan markets, swimming, cool architecture and close to the city.

Brisbane, Queensland
I had to give my hometown a bit of a plug. Yeah okay maybe it’s not as interesting for short term visitors but hang about in Brisvegas and you’ll find there’s plenty going on, and along with Perth, it has to have the best climate of any capital city and a laid back attitude to match. With fantastic city markets, diverse eating areas, a wonderful sports scene, bush land to explore right in the city, an emerging art/cultural scene and gorgeous islands and coastland nearby, Brisbane is way up there on the list of livable cities. If you come, check out places to live in Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Paddington or West End.

Perth, Western Australia
This is the city with the beach and nope it’s not Sydney. I’ve rated it higher simply because you aren’t sharing the sands with thousands like at Bondi or Manly and the coastline is far longer and more dramatic. Perth has also got that laid back vibe that Sydney is lacking. And like Brisbane it has totally come of age. Fremantle would have to be the place to hang; gorgeous historic buildings and markets, some seriously good seafood and plenty of cute houses to choose from.

Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney is definitely the most attractive city to visit in Australia. Every time I go I have to see some of its great landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, take a ferry ride to Manly, go market shopping in Paddington, eat out in Newtown… the list is endless. But it’s all pretty expensive and frankly for me, just too busy. Sorry Sydney, I do love you. If you’re wanting a job though, this is a good place. Try beach side suburbs like Manly or Bondi and in the inner city, New Town rates.

Byron Bay and hinterland, New South Wales
If you don’t surf, work in tourism or grow vegies (or green things) Byron might not do it for you. Byron’s become a little touristy for me these days although I never say no to a cold one at the Beach Hotel or the tunes at the Easter Blues & Roots Festival. However I’m more of a NSW hinterland nut. There’s nothing better than climbing Mt Warning, swinging by a few of the markets in Nimbin or Bangalow and checking out some of the region’s crazy mailboxes or eclectic galleries. The countryside in this area is just gorgeous. You could probably wile away the rest of your days in this area.

Kununurra, Western Australia
I’ve spent a bit of time up in the Kimberleys and totally dig Kununurra. This is a fair dinkum outback town where you can eat fresh barramundi and enormous tbone steaks, watch kids kick a football down the main street, splutter in the dust of 53 metre long road trains and chat to every shopkeeper on the two block shopping radius. It might lie in one of Australia’s most remote corners but there is plenty to do here and as you might have gathered, people are friendly. On the outskirts of the town are wetlands with birdlife to rival Kakadu, the boating and fishing haven of Lake Argyle, amazing gorges and national parks, farm or work stays on cattle stations and plenty of action in the local pubs.

Alice Springs, Northern Territory
It don’t get much more central on the continent than the Alice. But as most visitors find, there’s a suprising amount to do and even an incredible local arts scene. The Alice is a bit of a melting pot these days and loaded with tourists working in the bars, cafes and hostels. Feel free to join them by all means. Life’s a bit slower out here but very enjoyable. There’s a weekend market, a couple of crazy annual festivals such as camel racing and beanie making and you’ll get a fantastic insight into indigenous culture.

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Just in case you’re wondering about the national capital, nope you wouldn’t catch me hanging out here with Rudd and friends. Happy to visit, see Parliament House, pay my respects at the War Memorial but it’s a wee bit cold and there’s just not enough going on for my liking.

——

Hope you’re enjoying the VIP Backpacker’s Travel Blog. There’ll be an update added every other Friday, so keep tuning in to keep your travel dreams alive! If there are any travel topics you want covered feel free to contact me, Jo, at blog@vipbackpackers.com

A used car-yard situated in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Looking forward to Blackbird Markets!

By The Editor

The emissions trading amendments package was debated for hours by coalition members on 24 November. The much speculated leadership spill over the issue – which transpired at lunchtime on 25 November – saw Malcolm Turnbull survive.

On the policy front, the emissions trading scheme amendments package – negotiated between Penny Wong and Ian Macfarlane – included additional assistance to the coal sector; concessions on electricity price rises to mining companies; additional assistance for the electricity sector; new assistance to medium and large manufacturing firms; the exclusion of agriculture and the inclusion of voluntary action by households.

Victorian generators remain concerned about the effect on their asset values and over supply assurance, as the revised package offer of $7.3 billion remains below the $10 billion which the industry says is needed to avoid financial catastrophe. Brumby’s comments in the Herald Sun on 22 November emphasise that the challenges are real and the Victorian Government is under pressure to respond to the concerns of the energy industry and business community.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says the amended package provides very little for small business, “still means more cost and a serious risk to competitiveness and jobs” and is “a political compromise”.

In media commentary yesterday, VECCI emphasised the importance of transitional assistance, which is not well addressed for vulnerable regions and business communities. We believe the challenge now is squarely with both the Federal and Victorian Governments to deliver assistance for business, workforces and communities in vulnerable regions like the Latrobe Valley, Geelong and Altona.

We believe that while some businesses and industries will face challenges, others will certainly grow. However, there remains a significant information gap in assessing the impacts and opportunities and matching these to regional workforces, investment needs and community support programs.

All in all – the directions on emissions trading and power investment needs, as well as compensation to generators, mean that costs will rise. The pragmatic view is that they will not rise as much as they would under the Government’s original package.  

There is a very strong need for the State Government now to act on its promise to deliver complementary measures that will support existing and emerging Victorian jobs and industries.

The Australian Government needs to make sure the Copenhagen talks deliver and ensure our approach takes us forward on investment, energy and environmental outcomes.

Related, see: Sustainable energy is a smart move for Victoria

For more on Copenhagen, see: http://en.cop15.dk/

For info on the US position, see: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/us-to-announce-specific-2020-target-within-days-20091124-jhf9.html

Peering out of the tram window. That green box tells you when the next tram is due to arrive. Oh, and it’s about time I got off before the tram starts moving.
(Yea, the focus is a bit off because I just relied on the camera’s smart Autofocus system)

f/3.5, 1/125 sec

A warm, breezy 27 degree afternoon with a bunch of lovely people at a beach at Brighton!

enthusiastic girls go

wen khai +matt

HAYYYY: vv pretty girls +daniel +hafiz

she helps me deal with shite and we drink a LOT of bubble tea

hafiz, pedo, mine, daniel +a bored-looking harn

girls and the 90210th hut

also, louise has cool john lennon sunnies and a polaroid camera

Bonne nuit, everyone. Thanks for stopping by!

b

A beautiful island continent, Australia is a breathtaking land of natural marvels, damp woodlands, rich grasslands, deserts and mountains, deep blue beaches and oceans. Australia is a country with a continental mainland in the southern hemisphere of Indian and Pacific Oceans, with a number of islands and Tasmania as its major island and a number of other islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the southern hemisphere.

Mentioned below are some of its main attractions which no visitor can afford to miss when on a vacation to Australia.

Sydney

Sydney is a harbor city situated in the south-east shore of Australia and is one of the major tourist destinations in Australia. Tourist and visitors from across the world, on a holiday in Australia, make sure they visit this beautiful city. This city is the ideal way to enjoy your trip to Australia and has lot to offer, like world famous opera house, the harbor bridge, the Rocks, amazing buildings, fashion, art and rich cuisine. Since the city is situated on the right of the Pacific Ocean, it also has fun filled sunny beaches to offer for a great family vacation or relaxation time. The city is known to have tourists flowing in from different parts of the world for a memorable vacation.

Sydney Opera House

Designed by a Danish architecture, Jorn Utzon, this tourist attraction is amongst one of the wonders of the world and is home to art, dance, music and the theatre world. The place is a cultural and art paradise of Australia and is one of the world heritage sites. You must not miss this tourist attraction, for it has a magnificent structure worth capturing. The opera house has more than 1000 rooms to boast.

Great Barrier Reef

This is another major tourist attraction of Australia and must be visited when on a trip to Australia. If you wish to add a touch of adventure to your Australian holiday, the Reef offers you helicopter ride, snorkel, scuba dive, surfing and fishing in deep sea. Tourist and visitors can always take a helicopter ride to enjoy the immensity of the Great Barrier Reef.

Melbourne

Renowned for its architecture from Victorian time, Melbourne is a cultural city known for its beauty, galleries, gardens and museums. One of the major tourist destinations in Australia, Melbourne has everything for making your holiday a perfect one. From sports to delicacy of rich cuisine, this city has it all. One such amazing tourist attraction to be found in Melbourne is the Royal Botanic Gardens. Situated on the southern bank of river Yarra, in the heart of Melbourne, the Royal garden is spread in an area of 354,000sqm. You must not miss the breathtaking landscapes, refreshing flora and pictorial beauty of the city in this tourist attraction.

Colonial museum, Sydney

The Colonial museum is situated on the college street of Sydney and is a great way to enjoy your holiday in Australia with family. On a trip to Australia, you can always take your kids to this house of anthropology and natural history. The museum holds exciting exhibitions as well as has a collection of invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, Palaentology, anthropology and mineralogy.

Best time to visit Australia

The ideal time to visit Australia is in the months of September and October, which are neither too cold nor too hot.

A warm, breezy 27 degree afternoon with a bunch of lovely people at a beach at Brighton!

mad for huts!

HAYYY: vv pretty girls +daniel +hafiz

she helps me deal with shite and we drink a lot of bubble tea

Bonne nuit, you guys. Thanks for stopping by.

b

As one of my previous posts indicates, I had a few issues with an electrical shop after the purchase of a new bar fridge. The fridge is now doing a fine job of looking after my photographic film and alcohol! It’s also great to have the extra space for ice cube trays.

I wrote to Consumer Affairs for advice on the issues I experienced and they suggested that taking matters further would be of little gain, due to the efforts and small amounts involved. I agree, and more to the point, I’m too lazy to do too much about it! However, they did suggest that further correspondence with them could be of benefit, and I feel I will put this into action even if it has been a while since the purchase.

On a loosely related note, a couple of weeks ago now I experienced a three-carriage train for three peak hour services in a row on the Upfield line. Now, I know we expect little else from Connex (their last scheduled service will actually be a replacement bus), but I felt I needed to vent. A quick look on Google and I found their website and contact section. I wrote rather long, sarcastic and slightly ranting complaint about their service. It’s obvious that little can be done about it now with Metro coming in next week, but it made me feel better!

I feel a shorter and slightly less sarcastic letter could help me feel better about the fridge situation as well, as the only contact I have had with them has been on the phone and I know I’m not at my strongest on the phone. If I’m given time to compose and set my points out logically, I’m much more confident.

So, for all those in doubt about what to do about injustices, write an angry letter! Even if little is gained from it, it’ll make you feel much better having vented and detailed why they are wrong and you are right.

Saint Kilda, early morning. I stand at the Lagoon Pier and stare out across the bay. I cannot see the horizon: the summer morning haze is perfect and it blurs the distinction between water and air. The bay is millpond-still and it feels as if I have the world to myself.

The water’s surface barely ripples, in colours of silver, grey and the palest blue. I peer downwards as shoals of tiny fish dart and swarm. An eleven-legged sea star rests on the pier leg. Mussels crowd on underwater rocks.

Behind me, a man and a woman stroll along the deserted strand with their dogs, and a cyclist joins me in my morning reverie at the end of the pier. In time the boardwalk will be thronged with rollerbladers, joggers, mums with strollers, wheelchair users, cyclists.

The sun begins to fight its way through the hazy clouds. The horizon becomes just a little more defined. Is it my imagination, or have the barely perceptible waves also become more pronounced?

For now, I stare out to sea and take in the silence.

Margaret & Lap review of their stay at Caroline Apartments Brighton – After moving from the United Kingdom. Margaret describes the accessibility for wheelchair users and how they find their way, are around the flats and Melbourne in general. They were traveling by public transport to visit their Spotswood dog in quarantine while they wait for their rental property to provide for the family to be in motion.

Tags : DIY home http://homedepot.baywords.com/

Krijgen schapen ook grijze haren als ze een gezegende leeftijd bereiken? We hadden het Lucky moeten vragen. Die zou het écht wel hebben geweten. Maar – snik – Lucky is niet meer. Haar levensgeluk is uitgeblust. Na ruim 23 jaar blaten en mekkeren! Een recordhittegolf werd het oudste schaap ter wereld fataal. De ooi uit Lake Bolac in de buurt van Melbourne in Australië werd bijna een kwart eeuw geleden verstoten door haar moeder. Boerin Delrea Westgarth voedde het toenmalige lammetje toen eigenhandig met de fles totdat het beestje de graasgerechtigde leeftijd bereikte.

Lucky (midden) met haar bazin. (c) AFP/Herald Sun.

Blaten naar de herdershonden
Lucky – wat een toepasselijke naam voor een schaap dat twee keer zo oud wordt als een normaal wollig boerderijdier – stond sinds 2007 als recordhouder in het Guinness Book of World Records. In de 23 jaar en zes maanden van ooi Lucky (een kruising tussen een Polwarthschaap en een Dorchesterschaap) bracht ze 35 nakomelingen ter wereld. Ze schepte er een vreemd genoegen in om aan het hek gaan staan blaten. Haar bazin verklaarde dat ze dat deed om de herdershonden te pesten. Het ging de laatste maanden nog steeds erg goed met oma-ooi. Totdat het dier last begon te krijgen van de hittegolf die de Australische staat Victoria al een tijd plaagt. Lucky kreeg last van opvliegers en zakte in elkaar. Ze is nog heel even verzorgd in een schuurtje waar ter verkoeling airco’s waren geplaatst. Maar het mocht niet baten. Lucky – artritispatiënt en dringend toe aan een kunstgebitje – blies haar laatste adem uit. Boerin Westgarth begroef de ooi onder haar lievelingsnectarineboom, bij het hek. De boerin en haar man Frank zijn bedroefd én opgelucht nu Lucky het tijdelijke voor het eeuwige heeft ingewisseld. Het verzorgen van het bejaarde schaap werd bijna een fulltime baan voor de twee agrariërs-op-leeftijd.

Finally right?

Here’s a snippet

Graffiti Laneway

St. Kilda, Melbourne. Luna Park.

View from Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney.

Sydney Harbour Bridge & Opera House!!!

View from our hostel's roof in Sydney.

My obsession satisfied.

Lounging on the grass in Rushcutters Bay Park, Sydney.

By Wayne Kayler-Thomson

The declaration of a 14 metre draft for the Port of Melbourne as a result of the successful completion of the Port Phillip Bay channel deepening project is a major milestone for Melbourne, Victoria and the nation. 

This is an historic project in terms of its implications for Melbourne as a port city and signals to the rest of the world that Melbourne is open for business.

The Victorian Government and the Port of Melbourne Corporation deserve congratulations for completing the project ahead of time with no major environmental breaches.

With the channel deepened, we are also now well-positioned as a State to take advantage of the recovery of world trade that will occur in coming years.

Nearly 62 per cent of container ships cannot access the Port fully loaded, adding to exporter, importer and consumer costs, up from 50 percent at the Project’s commencement in early 2008.