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90 years since the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux

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Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial

Anzac Day 2008, is the 90th Anniversary of the famous battle of Villers-Bretonneux. On the night of 24 April 1918 and through the morning of 25 April 1918, Australian troops attacked German forces at Villers-Bretonneux.

Until the last year of the First World War, the small French manufacturing town of Villers-Bretonneux held no particular significance to Australia. It was now important because it was on the main road and rail line along the direct German approach to the major city of Amiens.

On 24 April, at 4.45 am on a dull and misty morning, heavy German artillery fire descended on the British troops who were occupying the line in front of Villers-Bretonneux. Behind the town Australians met young soldiers withdrawing who told them the Germans were advancing with flame-throwers and with tanks. Amiens was under direct and serious threat.

Most of the German thrust fell on the southern side of Villers-Bretonneux: Major General J.J. Talbot Hobb’s 5th Australian Division was not far away on the plateau to the north. By not conforming to a withdrawal – that is, by not joining in the withdrawal – the division would play its own vital role in the battle, and its 15th Brigade would soon have a very active part.

The Germans fought through to the Amiens side of Villers-Bretonneux, which was being pounded by artillery fire. It was essential that the allies mount a quick and powerful counter-attack before the enemy could consolidate. However only the Australian 13th Brigade (4th Division) and 15th Brigade (5th Division), which were in reserve, and some British battalions were available. The 15th Brigade was already close by and had been sending out its own patrols, but the 13th Brigade was resting more than ten kilometres away at Querrieu. It received orders mid-morning to move towards the action. Although the 13th had suffered in heavy fighting at nearby Dernancourt three weeks earlier, it headed off “brimming with confidence”.

The quickly prepared plan was for the 15th Brigade to attack on the north of the town and the 13th on the south, in a pincer movement. British troops would be alongside and would also follow through in the gap between the Australians. Artillery support was available, but there could be no preliminary bombardment or creeping barrage.

The two Australian brigades were each under the most redoubtable leaders of the AIF, Brigadier Generals William Glasgow and H.E. “Pompey” Elliott. Both were tough, courageous and battle-wise. Within a few months Glasgow would rise to the command of the 1st Australian Division. Even so, when told that the attack would take place that evening, while there was still light. He responded, “If God Almighty gave the order, we couldn’t do it by daylight.” Finally he proposed 10.30 pm, and then reluctantly agreed on 10 pm. It turned out that he was right to resist this haste, as in the end neither brigade was able to get into position in time.

Within the platoons there was hasty discussion of orders and the issuing of grenades and extra bandoliers of rifle ammunition. Then they began to move up to their starting positions in the dim light. At the appointed time of 10 pm, the supporting artillery opened fire, but the infantry were not ready. German flares fizzed into the sky, falling in red, white, green, and golden bunches, and their artillery began to retaliate. Heavy fire fell on the town, bringing down roofs and walls and setting buildings on fire. Glasgow’s men eventually moved off from their start positions with bayonets fixed, and more than an hour later Elliott’s did too.

The Australian advance rolled forward, often straight into the face of machine-guns. To the south the men were finding their way over unfamiliar ground in the darkness. On the north, dashing forward, some in the 57th Battalion began yelling. Despite all of the noise, they could be heard on the other side of the town. An officer remembered, “The yelling rose high and passed to the 58th and 60th Battalions. Baying like hell-hounds, they also charged.”

It was in such fighting that Lieutenant Clifford Sadlier of the 51st Battalion won the Victoria Cross that night. He and his sergeant, Charlies Stokes, carrying their own bags of grenades (“bombs”), boldly led their platoon against enemy posts. There were heavy casualties. At one point Sadlier attacked a machine-gun position alone with his revolver. His citation says, “His coolness and utter disregard of danger inspired all.” Only after being wounded a second time during the attack did he retire.

The fighting went on throughout the night, and the Australians eventually got to the other side of Villers-Bretonneux. Victory had come on the anniversary of ANZAC Day. Now came the task of mopping up and clearing the town. Early in the morning some tanks assisted. For a while the gap between the brigades allowed some Germans to escape along the railway, which was protected by a deep cutting. But they had been driven off, leaving the ground to the Australian and British troops. Many Germans were killed and many others who were trapped had surrendered. The German drive towards Amiens had failed; they did not try again.

ANZAC Day Friday 25 April 2008
Dawn Service 5.30 am
National Ceremony 10.15 am

The ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra is one of the nations’ most moving ceremonies. Each year thousands of Australians gather by candlelight to commemorate the anniversary of the first military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces.

Bring your family and friends to experience the emotion of the lone bugler playing the Last Post as you pay your respects to those who gave their lives in the service of their country. After the ceremony, gain a true understanding of the experiences of our ANZACs by taking time to explore the new Conflicts 1945 to today galleries at the Australian War Memorial on this important national day.

For more information visit www.awm.gov.au

SAYERS OPENS SHOW OF NEW PAINTINGS BY CANBERRA ARTISTS

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A community art group that has never had a permanent home, but has worked for decades to shape and confront Canberra’s contemporary art scene, is staging its 60th anniversary art exhibition from 17 to 27 April.

Andrew Sayers, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, will officially open the Canberra Art Workshop 60th Anniversary Members’ Exhibition at 6.30pm on Thursday 17 April in the M16 Artspace, 16 Mildura Street – near the Fyshwick Markets. The show will run from 12 to 5pm Wednesdays to Sundays.
The 2008 winners of the exhibition’s prizes will join august company as, in 1957, Clifton Pugh’s painting Before Summer won the 2nd Canberra Art Club Prize – the forerunner of the Canberra Art Workshop 60th Anniversary Exhibition of Members’ Work.

Canberra Art Workshop (CAW) is a lively, self-funded, not-for-profit community art organisation with about 250 members that has fundamentally shaped Canberra’s contemporary art scene since it was formed by local artists in 1948.

Over the years, CAW, which originally was called the Canberra Art Club, brought to Canberra as its teachers and exhibitors many icons of Australia’s art world including John Coburn, Clifton Pugh, John Brack, Margo Lewers, Alistair Morrison, Joshua Smith and Lloyd Rees.

The club has never had a permanent home, moving from one temporary studio to the next throughout its history – often only a step ahead of the bulldozers. In the 1950s the club created the grandly-named Riverside Gallery – in disused commonwealth hostel huts in the Kingston-Barton area.

The club’s fibro huts became an art hub for Canberra society and the diplomatic corps. In one of its exhibitions, the club hung 18 paintings from the prestigious Blake Prize, including now famous works by Donald Friend, Eric Smith, and Lawrence Daws.

The club was active in making representations for a National Art Gallery, appearing before the Senate Select Committee on the Development of Canberra in 1955. (The Australian National Gallery finally opened nearly 30 years later).

The club also pushed for creation of the city’s school of art. Eventually, the Canberra Art Club’s invited artists went on to form the nucleus of the Canberra School of Art.

Today, the workshop welcomes new members of all ages to join its day- and night-time work groups, which include experimental painting, portraiture, life drawing, printmaking and plein air painting days held in the mountains, farms and scenic locations around Canberra.

Phone Cynthia Watsford on 6286 3652 to inquire about membership and available work group spots.
 

Path Warriors – keeping the peace between Canberran pedestrians and cyclists

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Canberra''s Path Warriors

I watched it all happen before my eyes – the swerve and near-miss, the cries of anguish, the swearing and fist-shaking. But what I witnessed was not road-rage of motorists on Northbourne Avenue – instead, the arena of conflict was the shared path outside Commonwealth Place; the gladiators: a pedestrian and a cyclist.

Both believed they had primary rights to the shared path, and such a clash is not a rare occurrence – so what are the common provocations to rage, what are the laws and how can peace be restored to the thin white line? Everyone should be able to enjoy Canberra’s network of shared paths that are the envy of cities around Australia.

Canberra cycling and pedestrian statistics

Canberra has over 300 kilometres of shared paths, that is, concrete with a white streak down the middle. The lovely autumn weather is ideal for physical activity and yet heart rates rise in anger – people are yelling, swerving, swearing and fuming. So who are these pedestrian and pedalling path warriors?

Pedestrian’s Perspective

The Sustainable Transport Plan (STP – April 2004) listed targets of 6% of people commuting to work by walking by 2011. Apart from walk-to-workers, there are joggers zoned out with iPods, groups of gals on a power walk, parents with small children, dogwalkers, and tourist sightseers. From their own perspective, pedestrians want to get from A to B and/or enjoy the sights at a pace that suits them.

However, the point of view from cyclists may be different – having to swerve to avoid groups that take up both lanes of the path; ring bells and shout warnings that go unheard by ear-plugged or gossiping walkers; slam on brakes for unpredictable children and dogs, and slow down for camera-blinded tourists walking in the northern hemisphere lane.

Cyclist’s Side

There are different types of cyclists, ranging in skill from Lance Armstrong fitness freaks on whizzing bikes, to meandering folks wearing thongs whose rusted steed has threadbare deflated tyres. A study released in 2000 listed that over 40 per cent of Canberrans – 110 000 – cycle at least once a fortnight (Kaine, 2000 Canberra Bicycle). The cyclists want to get from A to B using paths the most efficient way, which means not slowing down, nor having to swerve and fall off at high speed.

But pedestrians see this efficient riding as offensive – scaring them by zooming out behind from nowhere, cutting too close, antagonising dogs and making children cry as if they’d been chased by baddies in a Mad Max film.

These different perspectives from pedestrians and cyclists inevitably cause as much heat as hastily applied brakes, but peace is achievable by following the law and by showing common courtesy.

Canberra bike laws

When each group feel they are entitled to use the path how they want, who is right?

The law is clear, but the average Canberran may not be aware of the Territory and Municipal Services website (2006), which states the “The use of shared paths is restricted to non-motorised transport (with the exception of motorised wheelchairs and power assisted pedal cycles). Both pedestrians and cyclists must share the use of these paths.”

The website also give hints about how both parties can feel safe and have a good time when using shared paths, by showing common courtesy to each other.

Sharing is caring – how to be considerate on shared paths

Cyclists:

• Warn of your approach eg yelling out “Bike” or “on your right” or ring a bell.

• When passing, slow down, leave plenty of room

• Do not splash up puddles and sticks

• Be patient and don’t lose your temper

• If out at night, set front lights to medium to be seen but not to blind others

Pedestrians:

• Look before crossing any path

• Keep dogs and children near

• Keep to the left of the path – if walking in a group, walk in lines of two

• Keep arms near body

• If you hear a bell or warning, keep to your original line

• Have a general state of awareness – turn down the iPod

• If you’re out at night, wear a reflector

Imagine again, the scene of Commonwealth Place where the rage between the tribes of pedestrians and cyclists mellows out to the softness and harmony of autumn sunlight. With awareness of the shared path laws and respect for others, cyclists and pedestrians can both enjoy Canberra’s shared paths.

 

2008 Olympics in Beijing, Human Rights and Human Wrongs

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An image of the Beijing Games for many Chinese

“The Olympics are ruined. Though not due to start till August, they are already comprehensively and irreparably ruined. And not just in 2008. Because when the games go ahead in Beijing, the whole Olympic movement will be brought into disrepute forever.”

These robust words were written in The Independent by Eamonn Sweeneyy, an Irish journalist and author. His is just one of the many voices speaking out against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the biggest autocracy in the world which is set to host the Olympic games in August.

Even before the Olympics Games, Canberrans will be able to go and see the official Olympic Torch Relay as it travels through their city. But the torch might not be all they see. Relay events in Athens spiralled out of control when a Tibet protester managed to break through the barricade and interrupt the lighting ceremony, and later, another lay across the path of the Torch, covered in fake blood. In China, state-media cut the signal straight away.

The rest of its journey through Athens met with more difficulty from shouting protesters, and soon after, organisers began hastily scaling back events in Paris and San Francisco. The rest of the Torch’s “journey of harmony” around the world may be similarly beset. Chinese authorities have already requested the army escort the Torch through Canberra, which the AFP rejected, because Australia is a democracy. Many see Beijing’s use of the Olympics, and Torch relay, as a mere propaganda stunt, a means of whitewashing its human rights record. Parallels with the 1936 Berlin Games hosted by Hitler readily spring to mind.

Every major media outlet around the world has been carrying the grim news about the latest crisis in Tibet, where monks and others are being shot in the streets for protesting against the Communist Party’s decades long, systematic destruction of their culture. Journalists have been shipped out and the army shipped in. Houses are have been raided, innocents jailed and lives ruined.

But reading what the CCP says is enough to see how far out of touch with reality they are. The Christian Science Monitor recently reported the Tibet Communist Party leader, Zhang Qingli, saying the Dalai Lama was “a wolf wrapped in monk’s robes, a devil with a human face and a beast’s heart.” He added: “We are in the midst of a fierce struggle involving blood and fire, a life-and-death struggle with the Dalai clique.” Really? But the Dalai Lama is an icon of peace in the West, and is widely held in high regard. He has repeatedly made clear that the Tibetans only desire meaningful autonomy, not even independence from China. Years of violence on the side of the Communists have met with peaceful response. Indeed, the Dalai Lama is not the first target of propaganda—the same slander has been meted out to the Falun Gong spiritual practice for nearly a decade, and Uighur Muslims have also been subjected to it.

It does not stop there. The brutality being seen now in Tibet is a window into what has been going on in China for decades, but which the West has largely ignored. On the occasion of the world’s most violent regime chaperoning the revered Olympic Torch to Canberra and around the world, let us look at what is going on under the surface and reflect on our response. Inside Sport magazine published a six-page spread of 20 reasons why people should boycott the Games, and the reasons why they will not. Here now are just five and an alternative suggestion to boycotting.

Censorship
The CCP keeps a stranglehold on information circulation in China. It controls, to varying degrees, all media outlets. Journalists and editors who fail to toe the Party line in reporting faces repercussions. The Party has also set up a “Great Firewall of China”, as a way of blocking access to websites it does not want the public to see. It also jails journalists —foreign journalists may be threatened, arrested and released, while domestic journalists may languish in dungeons for years.

Darfur
Darfur is a small region in the west of Sudan. The CCP has economic interests wrapped up in the north African country, mostly involving oil. It supplies the Sudanese regime with weapons and the Sudanese supply the Chinese with oil. There is an ongoing genocide in Darfur, where militia raid the country on horseback, pillaging and burning villages, raping women and hacking people to death with machetes. The death toll is in the hundreds of thousands, and goes up every day. Darfur has made headlines recently because Steven Spielberg quit as artistic advisor to the Games opening ceremony, in protest of China’s military and economic support of the Sudanese regime.

Falun Gong
The traditional spiritual practice based on truthfulness, compassion and forbearance, hugely popular in China before 1999, until its popularity became too great and the regime turned on it. Since then, Chinese society has been turned upside down in a Cultural Revolution style campaign to vilify, bankrupt, and inflict extreme violence against practitioners. Books were burnt in the streets, propaganda filled the airwaves, and now this group makes up two thirds of all reported torture cases and over half the labour camp population. They are forced into psychiatric institutions, violently abused, raped, tortured to death, or simply executed. In 2006, shocking news surfaced that they are also victims of systematic, live organ harvesting.

Tibet
After gaining control of China, the CCP lost little time before invading Tibet. Since 1950, according to Stephen Gregory of The Epoch Times, “The Tibetans have been conquered and colonized, have had their culture relentlessly attacked, their language suppressed, and their bodies tortured, while having suffered an estimated 1.2 million dead under a brutal five-decade-long occupation by the CCP.” With the recently completed Qinghai-Tibet railway, Han Chinese are also being imported, who now far outnumber native Tibetans. And something doesn’t smell right about the recent “violent” protests. In 1989, it is known that 300 Party goons dressed up as monks, to sow confusion and make chaos. There is now also photographic evidence of the CCP having used their own spies disguised as Tibetans to stage violent protests in an attempt to depict Tibetans in a negative light, as a way of justifying the violent crackdown. This does not come as a surprise to many China-watchers.

Rights defenders and activists
A humble group of people who may stand up for any of the above causes, or even such things as AIDS, environmental degradation, or corruption. They are invariably silenced, often jailed, and sometimes “disappear”. If they do not respond to personal threats, their families are targeted. Their “subversive” actions include collecting petitions, writing open letters, getting around the information blockade, or going too far with legal proceedings against the local Party chief. In a recent case the organizer of a campaign entitled “We want human rights, not Olympics” campaign, was thrown in jail, despite the petition gaining 10,000 votes.

Truth be told, these are only some of the more prominent and widely known ills of the current regime in China. The Chinese Communist Party’s entire history is one of violence, corruption, deceit and bloodshed.

So be aware and clear about what is happening. Find out in more depth what is going on, and tell many others. Submit an article to The WORD or another independent publication. Donate to groups who print t-shirts and flyers on these issues. Sign petitions, and more.

The Olympic Torch is coming through Canberra very soon, and people are free to participate in this exciting event. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our city to the world. The object of this editorial is not to encourage a boycott of either the games or the torch relay; that’s up to the heart of every individual. But, at least be aware of the great injustices that are going on behind the scenes.

A 2XX-cellent Radio Bash – an All Ages event

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APRIL 12 - All Ages Event

‘A 2XX-cellent Radio Bash’ is a special all ages, drug-and-alcohol-free event, packed with music
from three local bands and two local soloists, as well as video displays and stalls promoting active and
healthy activity by young skateboard designer Ben Lewis and his new company London Tea. The
event, organised by Marianne Mettes in partnership with 2XXfm and Youth Week, will be held on
Saturday, April 12, 5pm until 9pm at The Front Gallery and Cafe in Lyneham, as part of the
National Youth Week 08 celebrations starting this week.

There will be something for people of all ages and tastes. The event will feature performances by some
of Canberra’s most promising young musicians. ‘A 2XX-cellent Radio Bash’ is set to kick off with the
reggae and soul sounds of The Andi & George Band and finish with a bang by locally renown
rambunctious, hardcore performers, Inflatable Ingrid. Other artists booked inlude singer/songwriter
Tim Maloney, folk pop rock Heidi Gill and sibling duo Marianne & Jonathan Mettes.

“The younger people involved with 2xx wanted to help promote up and coming local bands,”
organiser Marianne Mettes said. “An alcohol-free evening featuring exciting young musicians,
combined with the location of Front Gallery and Cafe will create a wonderful atmosphere on the
evening.”

Perhaps surprisingly, the event has already recieved mass attention from over-18 music lovers and
skaters. ‘A 2XX-cellent Radio Bash’ is designed to achieve four things: (1) Put on a great and
inspiring evening with wonderful music from extremely talented musicians; (2) Get people involved
and active in skating; (3) Bring together great people of all ages and create equality and unity, without
a focus on alcohol. On Saturday April 12, it doesn’t matter how old or young you are, everyone is
welcome, from grandmas to toddlers and anywhere beyond or in between; and (4) creating a new
young generation of listeners to our local community radio station, 2XXfm.

“A 2XXcellent Radio Bash” will be held at The Front Gallery and Cafe in Lyneham on Saturday,
April 12 from 5pm until 9pm. “A 2XXcellent Radio Bash” is recognised and in part sponsored by
National Youth Week co-ordinators. Entry is $5.00.

Tune in on Saturdays to the Oz Music program (5-7pm) on 98.3fm for up-dates and presentations by
Marianne and also, Mary Luckhurst’s All Ages program Fridays 9-10pm.
For more information about Youth Week in Canberra, visit: www.makingcontact.net.au
 

Awakening the Chakras | 9 week course

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chakradance.com

 ENROLLING NOW!

A journey into Self, using creative visualisation, music and dance, this 9-week cycle is designed to help participants to explore, experience and balance their own chakras, and is more indepth than the 8 week cycle.
It starts with an introductory overview, and goes on to focus on the seven major chakras in turn (one per week) before culminating in an integration session.
Although music and dance form the primary focus, sessions also include sensing, working with elements and colours, guided visualisations and short meditations.
This class runs for 2 hours, 1 night per week, over 9 weeks.

From: Monday 28th April

Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm

Where: Om Shanti College, Griffith Shops

Cost: $250 ($225 if booked and paid before 14 April)

For more information email Michelle.

For bookings email Om Shanti College.
chakradance.com
 

Shoppers delights in New Delhi

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CTC Mall Entrance

 

 

Shoppers delights found in New Delhi

STORY BY RAMA GAIND

My brief stay in New Delhi, India, over Easter 2008 was short, but long enough for me to be amazed by everyone’s fascination with shopping malls.
With a population of almost 14 million, this is one capital that is not only buzzing with life and vigour, but it is also a city of opportunities. The property business is booming and newly-constructed world-class accommodation is available in satellite townships.
Small shops are seen in abundance in the city and in the suburbs, and for daily needs one can buy groceries, fruit and vegetables from markets in residential areas. Of course, the ‘personal service’ continues with vendors selling fruit and vegetables door-to-door.
Shopping malls dot the capital’s landscape. They have given a new dimension to the whole idea of shopping in and around Delhi. These one-stop malls are the window to the latest trends in fashion, food and other retail spheres.
Delhiites have a natural passion for shopping. There are shopping malls, shopping complexes and markets in almost all areas of Delhi and the region. While complexes in Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad – both for shopping and entertainment – have to be seen to be believed for modern conveniences, there are numerous multiplexes that will meet your every need.
There are supermarkets and central stores to purchase grocery and home utility items. Imported furniture showrooms are abundant in south Delhi near the historic Qutab Minar. Other showrooms can be found in Noida, near Connaught Place in Panchkuian Road and in west Delhi at Kirti Nagar.
Home linen and furnishings can be bought from shopping malls or home furnishing retail outlets. Curtains can be bought as fabric or readymade. Delhiites are also quick to catch up with the latest trends in fashion as the seasons change. Brand-name clothes are as popular as sarees and salwaar kameez. While western outfits are commonplace, well-known labels are freely available, along with fabrics and readymade garments. Most of the stores have tailors and drapers so made-to-measure clothes can be whipped up in next to no time. Pashminas are widely available and are cheaper than in the west.
For one-stop, enjoyable shopping, you can’t beat CTC Mall in central Delhi. Spread over three levels, you will be bewildered by the choices on offer from heavily embellished saris, salwar kameez, lehengas and sherwanis best suited for bridal wear to ready-to-wear fashion tops, shawls, jewellery and other accessories for both men and women.
Markets are in abundance: there’s Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, South Extension I and II, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Kamla and Khan Markets. Many have a preference for clothes at Janpath and Sarojini Nagar markets. Visiting emporiums for that extra special gift from various parts of India is also an enlightening experience.
Whether you indulge in impulsive buying, go on a fanatical shopping spree or are just a passive participant – just content with window shopping – ensure you avoid temptation and buy what is essential so you won’t be out of pocket.
However, be warned: negotiating your way through the bumper-to-bumper traffic is an exhaustive exercise!

 

CAPTIONS

CTC Mall and Entrance to CTC Mall

Indulge in retail therapy of the finest kind – on three floors of the CTC Mall.

Traffic chaos in New Delhi

Patience is a virtue when navigating through traffic congestion in New Delhi.

 

DIVERSE LIFESTYLES ON THE GOLD COAST

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View from the Novotel of downtown Broadbeach and across to Conrad Jupiters

BY RAMA GAIND

It’s easy to see why that with over 500,000 residents, the Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing communities in Australia.
Its strong, deep-rooted economy is equipped to support a booming tourist industry.
When it comes to enjoying yourself here, your imagination will be the only limit. Here is a place not only of diversity, but contrast where entertainment meets relaxation and nature happily agrees with sophistication.
With more than 70km of pristine beaches and waterways surrounding a city teaming with culture, fashion, food and fun, the Gold Coast is just minutes from lush rolling hills of hinterland mountains capped with tranquil rainforests and bushland of world heritage stature. There’s a diverse choice of natural and man-made wonders from spectacular cliffs, gorges and waterfalls into the 100,000 hectares of national parks and reserves
In contrast, the Gold Coast’s manmade attractions and experiences will get the blood
racing with excitement. For the young or simply the young at heart the Gold Coast
hosts Australia’s largest theme parks where you can swim with dolphins, stroll with a
Bengal tiger and defy the laws of gravity on the longest, the highest and the most
exciting thrill rides in the country.
Gold Coast Tourism is adept at what it does and has taken the best of international culinary styles and served them up in an easily accessible smorgasbord of dining options. Walk down any main street to find Indian, Thai, Italian, French and Japanese or Australia’s world-famous distinctive cuisine which fuses European influences and Asian infusions capitalising on a rich bounty of raw produce.
Then by night, romantics can watch the sun set on the beach over cocktails before
catching a spectacular stage show and thrills and dancing at Jupiters Casino.
Having recently renewed my acquaintance with the Gold Coast, imagine my surprise when I realised that the Gold Coast was ‘very active, very natural, very exciting, very indulgent’.
For some creative holiday ideas, check out www.VeryGC.com

Lots of cheek to set tongues wagging – The Chaser's Age of Terror Variety Hour

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The Chaser lads

With sneakers resting on tables piled with newspapers, I can just imagine the brainstorming session among the Chaser lads as they planned their live comedy show ‘The Chaser’s Age of Terror Variety Hour.’ Between gulps of coffee, they would have ping-ponged each other’s ideas: ‘Let’s get the audience involved’,  ‘Let’s show that we can be witty without camera takes.’, ‘Let’s use PowerPoint.’  For the audience, the Chaser team did in fact accomplish all these dot points in a fast-paced satirical performance – albeit a bit raw around the edges.

Even if you’ve never watched an episode of the political satire show ‘The Chaser’s War on Everything’ on ABC1, the humour is relevant to current events for people who enjoy irreverence and un-PC entertainment at an intellectual level. Four of the five main stirrers of the Australian society melting-pot star in the show; Craig, Andrew, Julian, and Chas. Original Chaser member Dominic Knight filled in for Chris Taylor and brought his own style of humour to the evening.

Canberra Theatre was packed with the gel-haired jeans and t-shirt crowd as well as the older left-wing types; their pre-show banter about whether the live show would be a re-hash of the TV show’s material – indeed what would the subject matter even be now that the preferred prey of Howard and the Liberals have faded out of the spotlight?

As the lights rose and the PowerPoint began, it was clear the evening would be full of the expected humour of tongue-in-cheek, butt cheeks, and lots of cheek.  From musical interludes and dancing, to short skits of the re-worked-around-copyright characters, the Chaser team set up jokes and brought them home.

Choosing a big theatre for their performance to maximise profit, the setting detracted from what is really just a university revue. However, they still showed their true wit under pressure, by including improvisations that involved unpredictable audience interaction and ad-libbing rapier repartee.

The high-pace had low times though, with some inter-skit fillers dragging on without much originality, but these times were few and soon enough the audience focus was on ‘what on earth will they do next’?

As the first stop in a national tour, there were a few glitches; the show is about as polished as their scruffy sneakers, but the entertainment is there – a lot of laughs with intellectual substance. And let’s hope they have a good lawyer.

Future shows in Canberra are yet to be announced.

Mount Taylor walking track work to commence

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Mount Taylor Notice

Finally we get some information from the Parks, Conservation and Lands (part of the Department of Territory and Municipal Services). After unilaterally closing and dismantling the popular Mount Taylor staircase in 2007 we now get notification of the creation of a new track (in roughly the same location).

At least this time residents have been provided with some communication about the construction process. Timings still remain vague with construction commencing "soon".

If the Department had provided local residents with this sort of communication in advance of the closure and removal of the Richmond Fellowship Walking Track in June 2007 users of the trail and local residents would have a better feelings towards TAMS.

Still, this is progress – we look forward to work commencing on the path in due course.

Uncensored Chinese Spectacular returns to Australia beyond Beijing's influence

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Chinese spectacular comes back to Canberra

Prepare yourself! Prepare yourself to be transported to an incredible, ancient land. Prepare yourself for the Divine Performing Arts’ Chinese Spectacular. This world-renowned performance is coming back to Canberra on 11-12 April with a dazzling new program. This is a journey to the land of the true China, a land of ethereal beauty and celestial enchantment.

It features Chinese classical dance with stunning high-tech backdrops; its gorgeous costumes is inspired by ancient Chinese scrolls; its music blends techniques from the West with melodies from the East; its artistry captures the eyes, delights the senses, touches the heart, and moves the soul.

China was once called the land of the divine. Ancient Chinese philosophy, painting, music and dance exemplify the harmony of man and heaven. Sadly, decades of cultural repression have seen these traditions nearly destroyed.

Today, a renewal has begun, and the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular is leading the renaissance of true Chinese culture. Through the language of dance and song, ancient stories are brought to life; the traditional Chinese values of loyalty, filial piety and admiration for divine beings are all vividly depicted and faithfully restored. Indeed, the parts of the show beyond Beijing’s control include artistic representations of freedom triumphing over oppression.

Audiences around the world have acclaimed this pageantry of Chinese classical dance as at once entertaining, enlightening, delightful and uplifting. Performers aspire to achieve a melding of “form, spirit, strength, movement”; they attain a realm of “using body and mind, unifying internal and external.”

Chinese classical dance’s rich language of movement and superb technique can express myriad themes, depict a range of characters, and articulate a wide spectrum of emotions. China’s history and divinely inspired culture is a wellspring of material for Chinese classical dance, and the form, in turn, provides an avenue by which to express the depth of that culture.

The Divine Performing Arts’ two groups of artists will tour over 60 cities for more than 200 shows in 2008. In just five years it has become the world’s preeminent Chinese cultural celebration. The Spectacular will be in Melbourne 28–30 March, Sydney 2–5 April, Brisbane 7–8 April and Adelaide 14–15 April. Canberra dates below. This is a show not to miss out.

Tickets are selling fast. You can book through Canberra Ticketing (02) 6275 2700, or online at www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Enchanting Taiwan Photo Exhibit Film Festival to be held at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre

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Enchanting Taiwan Photo Exhibition

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canberr (TECO), in association with the Tuggeranong Arts Centre, is proud to invite you to share in the wonders and beauty of Taiwan at the "Enchanting Taiwan" photo wxhibition. This captivating photo exhibition is being held from 20 March through 7 April, 2008 at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Cnr Reed & Cowlishaw Streets, Tuggeranong, ACT.

 The opening reception of the "Enchanting Taiwna Photo Exhitition" and "Taiwan Film Festival" will be held from 6:30 pm on 27 March, co-hosted by Dr. Gary Song-huann Lin – the Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia and Ms. Evol McLeod, the Director of the Tuggeranong Arts Centre. The reception will feature an introduction tot he photographs of Taiwan and morden Taiwanese films.

 "Enchanting Taiwan" is a compliation of photographs by Taiwan’s premier photographers. These artists have focused their cameras on Taiwan’s exquisite landscape, and on the lives and customs of the people who have created a lively and diverse society on the beautiful island. Everyone is most welcome to enjoy the evening and we invite you to join us as we introduce the beauty of Taiwan.

 The three films selected for this year’s Taiwan film festival are: Island Etude (2006), Chocolate Rap (2005), and The Shoe Fairy (2006). These films reflect the unique style of each director and their observations and interpretations of love and life. The screenings are:

  •   27 March, 7:30 pm – Island Etude
  •   28 March, 2:00 pm – Chocolate Rap
  •   28 March, 7:30 pm – The Shoe Fairy

 Island Etude is a Taiwanese film directed by En Chen. The story follows the travels of a young man around Taiwan on his bike. The movie shows the beauty of Taiwan, and is Taiwan’s official entry to the Academy Awards. In capturing the spirit of Taiwan, this exceptional film is definitely not to be missed.

 The Shoe Fairy is a lighthearted love story with a charming dose of fairy tale elements, and starts the delightful Vivian Hsu who plays a girl who is completely enamored with shoes. This film won the Best Art Direction at the 42nd Golden Horse Awards and one of the films from the Focus First Cuts series, The Shoe Fairy will take you on a journey through the colourful land of fairytales, in serch of true love and happiness.

 Chocolate Rap tells a very interesting story about a young hip hop dancer’s success.

 For more information, please contact the TECO Information Division on 02-61201030

Seniors Week free sessions aim to decrease medication problems

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MEDIA RELEASE 27 March 2008

Seniors Week free sessions aim to decrease medication problems 

Council on the Ageing (COTA) peer educators are delivering free information sessions during Seniors Week April 6-13 to help seniors get to know their medicines and reduce the risk of medication-related problems. The sessions, delivered in partnership with National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS), help people choose if, when and how to use medicines to improve their health and well being.

“We know that approximately 140,000 people are hospitalised every year as a result of medication-related problems and more than half of these are preventable,” said NPS Community Quality Use of Medicines Manager, Hannah Baird.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy found that the risk of adverse drug events in elderly patients increased by 29% for every extra doctor they have. The survey showed that the elderly have an average of 2.9 doctors and 4.7 chronic medical conditions.

Around 70% of Australians take at least one prescription medicine or non-prescription medicine at any one time with medicine usage being more common among older people.
Another recent study conducted by the Sansom Institute from the University of South Australia concluded that in 2005 around 400,000 Australians aged 70 or over were prescribed at least one drug that is considered potentially harmful to the elderly.
COTA (ACT) executive director, Paul Flint, advises “This could be due to the fact that seniors don’t always feel confident discussing their medications with their doctors, and may forget to reveal everything a doctor needs to know about them. Knowing some tips like keeping medicines lists and discussing what you are taking with your doctor and pharmacist minimises chances of medication-related problems.”
Council on the Ageing has a network of peer educators around Australia who deliver free information sessions.

“We find trained seniors delivering the sessions to their senior peers, works well because of their shared experiences and concerns”, said Mr Flint.
The sessions are open to anyone over 50 and attract a high level of bookings from clubs, seniors and carers groups.
For more information about the sessions call COTA (ACT) on (02) 6282 377 and visit www.cota-act.org.au
For more information about medicines visit www.nps.org.au or call NPS Medicines Line 1300 888 763.
ENDS.
For further information and interviews contact:
Elayn James, Media Strategist, NPS on 0419 618 365 or [email protected]
Paul Flint, Executive Director, COTA (ACT) 0411 114 797 [email protected]
NPS and COTA organisations work in partnership, combining quality use of medicines expertise with an understanding of the needs and interests of seniors in Australia. NPS is an independent, Australian organisation for Quality Use of Medicines, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. COTA organisations have a pre-eminent role in representing, advocating and responding to the needs and interests of seniors throughout Australia.
 

Seniors Week free sessions aim to decrease medication problems

By
-
0

MEDIA RELEASE 27 March 2008

Seniors Week free sessions aim to decrease medication problems 

Council on the Ageing (COTA) peer educators are delivering free information sessions during Seniors Week April 6-13 to help seniors get to know their medicines and reduce the risk of medication-related problems. The sessions, delivered in partnership with National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS), help people choose if, when and how to use medicines to improve their health and well being.

“We know that approximately 140,000 people are hospitalised every year as a result of medication-related problems and more than half of these are preventable,” said NPS Community Quality Use of Medicines Manager, Hannah Baird.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy found that the risk of adverse drug events in elderly patients increased by 29% for every extra doctor they have. The survey showed that the elderly have an average of 2.9 doctors and 4.7 chronic medical conditions.

Around 70% of Australians take at least one prescription medicine or non-prescription medicine at any one time with medicine usage being more common among older people.
Another recent study conducted by the Sansom Institute from the University of South Australia concluded that in 2005 around 400,000 Australians aged 70 or over were prescribed at least one drug that is considered potentially harmful to the elderly.
COTA (ACT) executive director, Paul Flint, advises “This could be due to the fact that seniors don’t always feel confident discussing their medications with their doctors, and may forget to reveal everything a doctor needs to know about them. Knowing some tips like keeping medicines lists and discussing what you are taking with your doctor and pharmacist minimises chances of medication-related problems.”

Council on the Ageing has a network of peer educators around Australia who deliver free information sessions.
“We find trained seniors delivering the sessions to their senior peers, works well because of their shared experiences and concerns”, said Mr Flint.
The sessions are open to anyone over 50 and attract a high level of bookings from clubs, seniors and carers groups.
For more information about the sessions call COTA (ACT) on (02) 6282 377 and visit www.cota-act.org.au
For more information about medicines visit www.nps.org.au or call NPS Medicines Line 1300 888 763.
ENDS.
For further information and interviews contact:
Elayn James, Media Strategist, NPS on 0419 618 365 or [email protected]
Paul Flint, Executive Director, COTA (ACT) 0411 114 797 [email protected]
NPS and COTA organisations work in partnership, combining quality use of medicines expertise with an understanding of the needs and interests of seniors in Australia. NPS is an independent, Australian organisation for Quality Use of Medicines, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. COTA organisations have a pre-eminent role in representing, advocating and responding to the needs and interests of seniors throughout Australia.
 

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