Whether it’s hitting the road, hitting the pub or even hitting the dunny, take heed of the signs and notices that Aussies have left (or kindly doctored) for you to stay safe and smiling.

And yes, these are all for real…

20 Stupidly Funny Australian Signs

1. Complete bull shark. Very dangerous

2. Our men and women in blue have got you covered

3. We don’t call it a ‘thunderbox’ for nuthin

4. McWhat?! Big up to Yass. Just don’t dare order the Happy Meal

5. What’s that Skip? Snow? In Australia? You’re taking the piste

6. Get it right, postie! Jeez

7. In Australia, everyone knows the cops have the best gear

8. The first to the scene of a road accident is always a cow

9. In Australia, we have drive-thru butchers (cows are everywhere!)

10. We are also at the forefront of science

11. Australian tax payers’ money hard at work, right there. More of that science stuff

12. Tip: Bring insect repellent .. and shears, if ya got ’em

13. Our mate Craig is a really nice bloke. No, seriously. And he sure knows how to dazzle with his thongs

14. Oh yeah, we got snakes. Big ones. They’re adorable

15. Buckle up, baby – you are in for one helluva ride in Oz

16. In Australia, every night is ladies night

17. And our chooks are fair dinkum ENOURMOUS … because they drink beer

18. We love to shift the blame. So, who’s fault is that jumper?

19. In Australia, jumping on the bed is a serious crime. So is clothesline swinging, by the way … if you are caught

20. Because we don’t let them jump on beds …

Want to keep laughing? Take a look at the 10 slightly obscure fun facts about Australia here.

The post 20 totally hilarious (and dead-set real) signs, only in Australia [PHOTOS] appeared first on Australian Times News.

With the Bogan Bingo boys hosting another multi-award worthy The Castle Quote Along screening of the classic flick in London for this Australia Day, we asked them for their all-time tops The Castle quotes from our favourite family of Aussie battlers.

Bogan Bingo master of balls, Trev, told Australian Times: “Of course there’s ‘Tell him he’s dreaming’ and ‘That is going straight to the pool room’, but it’s some of the other pearlers that the true Kerrigan aficionado ranks highly.”

Bogan Bingo’s nominations for best quotes from The Castle are:

• Dale Kerrigan: “Steve is also an ideas man, that’s why Dad calls him the ideas man. He has lots of ideas.”
• Darryl Kerrigan: “Suffer in ya jocks!”
• Dale Kerrigan: “Dad reckons fishing was 10% brains and 95% muscle, and the rest was just good luck.”
• Dale Kerrigan: (voiceover) “Dad just loved Bonnie Doon and he reckoned the faster you went, the more you saw of it.”
  Darryl Kerrigan: “Look at that!”Dale Kerrigan: “What?”
  Darryl Kerrigan: “Back there.”
• Tracey Kerrigan: “Jenny makes fake flowers.”Sal Kerrigan: “Jenny?”
  Tracey Kerrigan: “Yeah.”
  Sal Kerrigan: “Jenny Jenny?”
  Tracey Kerrigan: “No, Microwave Jenny.”
• Dale Kerrigan: “Mum said it was funny how one day you’re not famous, and the next day you are. Famous. And then you’re not again.”
• Darryl Kerrigan: [pointing at the verandah] “See that lattice up there?”
  Property Valuer: “Yeah?”
  Darryl Kerrigan: “Fake. Plastic. Gives the place a Victoriana feel. Chimney? Fake too.”
  Property Valuer: Why’s it there?
  Darryl Kerrigan: “Charm. Adds a bit of charm.”
• Dale Kerrigan: “Excuse the French, Yvonne.”
  Yvonne the neighbour: “Get your hand of it, Darryl.”
• Darryl Kerrigan: “Oh Steve, could you move the Camira? I need to get the Torana out so I can get to the Commodore.”
  Steve Kerrigan: “I’ll have to get the keys to the Cortina if I’m gonna move that Camira.”
  Darryl Kerrigan: “Yeah. Watch the boat, mate.”
• Dale Kerrigan: [voiceover] “He loved the serenity of the place.”
  Darryl Kerrigan: “How’s the serenity?”
  Dale Kerrigan: [voiceover] “I think he also just loved the word.”
  Darryl Kerrigan: “So much serenity.”

GET MORE: 10 more top quotes from The Castle

And little bit of The Castle trivia

– The Castle was Eric Bana’s film debut

– It was filmed in just 11 days

– The film took five weeks to create, from the first idea to the first rough cut.

– The family were given the name Kerrigan because the filmmakers wanted to use trucks from Kerrigan’s Towing, a real life tow-truck company in Melbourne.

– Australians named The Castle as the movie that most accurately represents Australia, in a survey by the Australia Day Council of NSW in 2010.

– If the movie is screened on TV before 8.30pm in Australia, the swear words are censored using plane noises.

The Castle Quote Along is screening at The Clapham Grand in London on Sunday, 25 January 2015. See the Bogan Bingo website for full details and tickets.

The post The Castle: 10 top quotes to put straight in the pool room appeared first on Australian Times News.

Overview for Sunday 18 October 2020:

Sydney

Max temperature: 23°
A few showers.

Melbourne

Max temperature: 15°
Possible showers.

Brisbane

Max temperature: 30°
Mostly sunny.

Perth

Max temperature: 31°
Mostly sunny.

Adelaide

Max temperature: 19°
Partly cloudy.

Hobart

Max temperature: 17°
Partly cloudy.

Canberra

Max temperature: 21°
Shower or two.

Darwin

Max temperature: 33°
Shower or two. Possible storm.

Weather data provided by the Bureua of Meterology, Australia . For a detailed forecast of your area, click here.

The post Australia Weather forecast, alerts and UVB index, Sunday 18 October 2020 appeared first on Australian Times News.

The Thames Path

This easy trail provides level walking along the main artery that runs through the vibrant capital city. It stretches a total of 40 miles and there are plenty of iconic sites to see along the way; if you’ve just moved to London, it’s a great introduction to the city. The route from Putney to Tower Bridge is a favourite of tourists and new residents. It will lead you through some of the most recognised structures the city has to offer.

You can walk on either side of the river and there are over 16 bridges that split up this part of the trail.  Start your journey in Wadsworth and continue down the river until you reach Battersea Park. Once you’ve made your way through this green space, you’ll be greeted by the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and, further down, Tower Bridge.

National Trail splits the Thames Path into 15 separate sections. You can get more information these routes by visiting their website.

Jubilee Walkway

The Thames Path is easily connect to this all-inclusive landmark trail. The Jubilee Walkway was opened to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and it connects the rest of the city’s famous sights together. It’s a manageable 15 miles that leads from Buckingham Palace to St Paul’s Cathedral. You’ll also have the opportunity to delve into a bit of London’s history as you pass the ominous city fortress, the Tower of London.

The colder temperatures and overcast weather conditions in the winter are a difficult adjustment every Aussie has to deal with. As you make your way around the city, make sure that you’re suitably wrapped up — sandals and shorts won’t cut it anymore! Pick up a pair of walking boots to help avoid the risk of blisters (Brantano has a decent stock if you’re stuck).

For more details, check out Transport for London’s information about the walk.

Hampstead Heath

Highlights of this lush park include calm ponds, kite-flying on Parliament Hill and the welcoming Holly Bush pub. The routes takes you through varied terrain including rugged heathland, sweeping fields and flat city grounds.

The heath occupies 800 acres of open space and is one of the highest areas of the city. There are a lot of potential routes to take, but we recommend this one published by Inner London Ramblers. You’ll get the chance to take in the stunning city views from Parliament Hill and see the remodelled Kenwood House.

Hampstead Heath is a great destination if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the inner-city and soak up breath-taking sights of your new home.

For more info, check out the special section on the City of London website.

The post Three great London walks for Aussies to get to know the city better appeared first on Australian Times News.

The smash hit of the 2019 comedy festivals is back at Soho Theatre. Australia’s favourite Venezuelan, Ivan Aristeguieta has turned 40 and as they say in Venezuela, he’s officially made it to the Fourth Floor.

He’s halfway to the rooftop party, and too far up to take the stairs back down. Call it a mid-life crisis or mid-life celebration, Ivan is livin’ la mid-vida loca.

The Third World meets the First World in this hilarious hour from one of the most exciting voices in world comedy. Ivan is ready to take his life to the next level. Going up…

As seen on Have You Been Paying Attention? and star of ABC TV’s Lost in Pronunciation. And check out a clip from his recent hilarious stint in the Melbourne Comedy Festival Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow, below.

Soho Theatre in association with Laughing Stock present

IVAN ARISTEGUIETA: THE FOURTH FLOOR

Mon 6 – Sat 11 Jan 2020 (9pm)

Soho Theatre (Soho Upstairs)

21 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 3NE,

Phone: 020 7478 0100

From £11

BOOK NOW, HERE

The post Australia’s favourite Venezuelan comedian, Ivan Aristeguieta, ‘going up’ in London all this week! appeared first on Australian Times News.

National Geographic’s Best Trips to Take in 2020 list was curated by editors and explorers at National Geographic, who were tasked with picking the planet’s 25 most exciting destinations for the coming year. 

The editorial teams of National Geographic Traveler’s 17 international editions and their globe-trotting experts came up with the essential and sustainable sites to see in 2020.

Our editors and explorers have put together an itinerary of the most essential—and more importantly, sustainable—sites to see in the new year. So, where to first? #TravelTuesday https://t.co/fZ9wQYW971

— Nat Geo Travel (@NatGeoTravel) November 19, 2019

Some are no-brainers, while others will come as some surprise. For Australia, it’s Tasmania that gets a guernsey!

National Geographic’s best trips to take in 2020

• Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Join in the celebrations marking 25 years of peace
• Guizhou Province, China: Step into villages seemingly untouched by time
• Tohoku, Japan: A chance to escape the Olympic crowds 
• National Blue Trail, Hungary: Hike along the lesser known routes of Europe
• Telč, Czechia: Be charmed by the fairytale-style setting
• Kalahari Desert, Southern Africa: One of the darkest spots you can visit on the planet, perfect for star gazing
• Magdalen Islands, Canada: See a beautiful, diminishing world of ice and the harp seals that depend on it
• Wales Way, United Kingdom: Follow far-reaching routes that get the blood pumping
• Abu Simbel, Egypt: Enjoy a private audience with Ramses II
• Fort Kochi, India: Track artistry trends in creative Kerala
• Zakouma National Park, Chad: Help out at an African elephant haven
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Rediscover an American classic
• Puebla, Mexico: Find out why baroque is back
• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: See a geological wonderland eons in the making
• Maldives: Explore the islands that are on the front lines of conservation efforts regarding climate change
• Tasmania, Australia: Venture to an epic isle that’s wild and beautiful, faraway yet familiar
• Asturias, Spain: Relish an Iberian province capped with snowy summits and steeped in tradition
• Göbekli Tepe, Turkey: Feel your paradigms shift at the world’s oldest known temple complex
• Mendoza Province, Argentina: Drink a mighty Malbec and delve into the roots of its flavour
• Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia: Where you can jump through the Ring of Fire
• Guatemala: Meet the Maya, both past and present
• Parma, Italy: Salivate and savour over a multi-sensory feast
• Canary Islands, Spain: Reach an end of the world
• Białowieża Forest, Belarus/Poland: Discover one of Europe’s last true wild places
• Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria: Drive to views that were once only accessible to mountaineers

The post Surprises on National Geographic’s 2020 top travel list appeared first on Australian Times News.

1. The 8-hour day
In 1856, Aussie stonemasons took action to ensure a standard 8-hour working day, which then became recognized worldwide. If only they had demanded 6-hour work day instead, right?

2. The wine cask
Yep, the wine cask, or ‘goon bag’ as it’s more affectionately known down under, is an Australian invention.

Of course we would find a way to easily cart copious amounts of wine around with one hand while the other holds the glass. And it even doubles as a pillow for your little nap once you have emptied it.

3. The ‘selfie’
The ‘Selfie’, a photo often taken with your phone of yourself is an Australian trend that is now an international practice. Vain? Surely not.

4. The refrigerator
In 1856 (what a year!) Scottish born Australian James Harrison patented a way to keep your stuff chilly and called it a refrigerator.  Now this is what we call a service to mankind! We wonder how long it took him to whack a few beers in it?

5. The notepad
We have all sat in a class taking notes when you were suddenly struck by the perplexing question of who was behind the invention of your notepad, right? (ahem). And we are talking about the paper type (ask your parents about ‘paper’). In 1902, Launceston stationer J.A. Birchall decided that it would be a good idea to cut the sheets in half, back them with cardboard and glue them together at the top. How did he miss the ‘Post-it’ idea, though?

6. The tank
War movies (and actual wars) would not have been the same if one of South Australia’s finest, Lance de Mole, gave up on his submissions for a tank in 1912.  Luckily (or unluckily?) the good man persisted and in 1916 the British War Office finally thought that the tank might be pretty useful!

7. The pacemaker

In 1928 the first electronic pacemaker was used to revive a newborn baby at the Crown Street Women’s Hospital in Sydney. From its then rudimentary stages, it has evolved into the life saving ticker that millions around the world rely on.

8. The black box flight recorder
The black box flight recorder, which to this day records in-flight instrument and voice data, was invented in 1958 by Dr David Warren of Melbourne.

9. Plastic spectacle lenses
60% lighter than glass lenses, the plastic spectacle lense was developed in 1960 by Scientific Optical Laboratories in Adelaide.

10. Ultrasound
The Australian Department of Health’s David Robinson and George Kossoff invented the first commercially practical water path ultrasonic scanner in 1961.

11. Inflatable escape slide

We are big on cool aircraft safety features, huh. The inflatable aircraft escape slide which doubles as a raft was invented by Jack Grant of Qantas in 1965.

12.Spray-on skin
In 1992 Dr Fiona Wood of the Royal Perth Hospital developed spray-on skin.

13. Solar hot water
A team at the CSIRO led by Roger N Morse developed solar hot water in 1953.

14. Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a method developed by CSIRO researchers used to “unsmear” (I am pretending to know what this means) radio waves that echo off indoor surfaces. It was patented in 1992. This method has caused WiFi to be attributed as an Australian invention, although the Wi-Fi trademark, under which most products are sold, is under the ownership of the Wi-Fi Alliance based in Austin, Texas

15.  Anti-flu medication
In 1996 the anti-flu medication ‘Relenza’ was developed by a team of scientists at the Victorian College of Pharmacy at Monash University in Melbourne. The team was led by Mark von Itzstein in association with the CSIRO.

The post 15 amazing Aussie inventions that shook the world appeared first on Australian Times News.

In the green and gold corner we have the likes of Weet-Bix, Fruit Loops and Nutri-Grain. In the red, white and blue corner we have the unabashedly sugary kaleidoscope of Lucky Charms, Apple Jacks and Golden Grahams.

Also see: Aussie snacks vs US snacks taste-off [VIDEO]

So who has the greatest morning sugar-injected tummy fillers? Let’s find out…

Video from YouTube BuzzFeed Oz

The post Battle of the brekkies: Aussie vs USA cereals [VIDEO] appeared first on Australian Times News.

The spring tour kicks off with a massive show at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 12 March with tickets going on public sale this Friday at 10am.

There’s also an artisit pre-sale on Wednesday from 10am! To access the pre-sale, you will need to have signed up to the band’s website mailing list by end of day, Tuesday.

Having regularly played multiple night, sold out shows across the UK over the years at venues such as London’s Roundhouse and the prestigious Royal Albert Hall the band are keen to take their fans on a journey back to where it all began; playing the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire in March 2020 followed by dates in Brighton, Cambridge, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Oxford before heading to Spain where they have crowds of devoted fans following their every move.

It would be an understatement to suggest the past 12-months have been particularly busy for The Cat Empire. Multiple sold out tours across Europe, The Americas and of course Australia; acclaimed side projects, grant collaborations and mentoring, all while releasing a song a month from across 2018/19, which drew ecstatic responses from fans and critics alike

It’s rumoured that the reason The Cat Empire headlines major festivals all over the world is because no band is brave enough to take the stage after them.Such is the power of their live show and world class musicianship, which sees their infectious,genre-embracing anthems sweep audiences into a dancing, singing frenzy of waving arms and smiling face.

If you have seen them before, you’ll know what we are talking about. If you haven’t, well it’s about time you did and found out what all the fuss is about.

Cat Empire UK & Spain Tour 2020

March 12th–O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire-London

March 14th-Concorde 2-Brighton

March 15th–Corn Exchange-Cambridge

March 17th–Beckett’s Student Union-Leeds

March 18th–O2 Ritz-Manchester

March 19th–O2 Institute-Birmingham

March 20th-O2 Academy-Oxford

March 23rd-Moon-Valencia

March 25th–Capitol-Santiago de Compostela

March 28th–SantJordi Club-Barcelona

March 29th-Black Music Festival-Girona

The post The Cat Empire set to get 2020 jumping: UK tickets on sale this week! appeared first on Australian Times News.

What began as a night out for the locals – on 12 October 1810 – has become an international lager frenzy set inside the Theresienwiese — an enormous exhibition ground with carnival rides, souvenirs, food stalls and huge beer halls. If dancing on seats and tables while singing along to a brass band and swigging litre steins of beer sounds like your idea of a good time, then Oktoberfest is the place to be.

In the beerginning

Oktoberfest all started with the mother of engagement parties: Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen’s betrothal to Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig (later Ludwig I). Then attended by almost the entire Munich population, it was such a success it became an annual affair. Little has changed, although the event was moved to the end of September for the better weather and to make sure a lot more people show up for the party.

Now, get there early

Oktoberfest each year now attracts more than six million people who guzzle some seven million litres of beer over 16 days. The festival always begins on the second last Saturday in September and ends on the first Sunday of October — so it’s on right now, kicking off last weekend and finishing up this year on 06 October.

Each year the festival kicks off at noon on the first day in the Schottenhamel Tent where the lord mayor of Munich cracks open, or ‘taps’ the first barrel with a cry of “O’zapft is!” (“It is tapped!”).

Also see: Tips for surviving Oktoberfest: the ultimate beer indulgence

There is no entrance fee to the festival grounds or beer halls, but it is a good idea to arrive early in the day to get a table inside a beer hall or, if the weather is good, outside in the beer gardens.

You can only be served if you have a seat (whether sitting or standing on it). Arriving early has obvious repercussions when one litre steins are in hand, so it is advisable to take turns with your table mates to man the table or seats while the others look around the festival grounds.

Asides from thrilling rides and shoddy Bierfest souvenirs you can also buy your own (empty) steins, and a giant pretzel or bratwurst to line your stomach. The bratwursts are highly recommended for something approaching an authentic German experience — over 850,000 are sold during the festival!

A great big tent to swig in

The beer tents, set up by a number of different Munich breweries, heave and pulsate with dancers on seats chanting along with the big brass bands as they belt out Bavarian folk songs all the way through to classic beer tanking choons from the likes of Bon Jovi.

There are some 14 beer tents on die ‘Wiesen (‘the meadow’), each seating around 10,000 punters at any one time and each with its own unique crowd, food specialities, and characteristics. The Hofbrau-Festzelt is the self-proclaimed “largest Wiesn tent in the entire world”. Generally considered the rowdiest, it happens to have the most tourists (and Antipodeans), particularly during the first week. The Hippodrom is said to be for the local VIPs, but seems to have more local and travelling singles than the other halls.

Most tents close at 11:30pm with last drinks at 10:30, but one or two stay open until 2am for those hard drinking souls. If you haven’t got a tent reservation, aim to be at the fest by 10am on the weekend and 3pm during the week to score an oh-so precious spot.

Traditional Bavarian food and the splendid dress are a big part of the festival, as is the live music that is performed in the beer tents along with the mass beer-infused singalongs.

The legendary serving wenches carry up to ten steins at a time in their ample arms, and when you consider that each stein is thick glass with one litre of the amber liquid you understand why their wrists are so heavily bandaged.

The post Oktoberfest: beginner’s guide to the greatest beer show on Earth appeared first on Australian Times News.

BOOK TICKETS

The Australian comedian and writer, Zoë has been on hiatus. Sort of. For the past six years, she’s been a terrible male comedian with a neckbeard called Dave, winning stacks of awards and tons of great reviews. Now, she’s scraped off the neckbeard and is back… as herself.

Bossy Bottom was a smash-hit of Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) 2018. The show debuted to critical acclaim and earned Zoë a nomination for Best Comedy Performer at the 2018 Helpmann Awards. This year, the show returned to MICF for a limited encore season.

In 2016, her career-defining triumph Trigger Warning took home both the Golden Gibbo Award and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award for Best Show at MICF 2016. It went on to be nominated for Best Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

A performer, writer, artist and comedian, Zoë is also 1/3 of theatre company post (Ich Nibber Dibber) and the voice of Australian television’s ABC2.

Zoë Coombs Marr: Bossy Bottom

@ Soho Theatre, London

Mon 16 – Sat 21 September, 9pm

From £10.50

BOOK TICKETS

The post The award winning comedian Zoë Coombs Marr returns to London appeared first on Australian Times News.

Hobbiton Film Set

You can’t put together a list of places to see in New Zealand without mentioning the Lord of the Rings film set on the North Island. The village of ‘Hobbiton’ is located in the town of Matamata and was  rebuilt for the filming of The Hobbit trilogy transforming the surrounding countryside as well. The two-hour tour takes you around the whole set including The Green Dragon Inn and the hobbit houses – this really is any Tolkien fan’s dream day trip.

Close to the film set is the Waitomo glow-worm caves that are also well worth a visit. There are tours available which offer trips that cover both attractions. Waitomo Caves contain thousands of glow-worms which light up the grottos, stalactites and stalagmites in the caves and are seen by boat.

Bay of Islands

While you’re on the North Island of New Zealand, we recommend heading up to the northern tip to see the Bay of Islands. This sub-tropical region is best known for its stunning beauty and array of marine wildlife, it’s best seen from a boat of some sort whether you hire a sea kayak, join a day cruise or even charter a yacht. There are over 100 islands, bays and inlets to explore as well as plenty of walking tracks and camping sites if you want to stay for a few days.

Rotorua

Rotorua is another must see on the North Island, a cultural heart for the Maori people and best known for its thermal mud pools and geysers which erupt daily from geothermal activity. The first thing you notice about Rotorua is the distinctive sulphur smell which has given rise to the nickname ‘The Sulphur City’ however don’t be fooled by the pungent smell. There’s plenty to do here including visiting the Te Puia – the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where you can watch a traditional Maori performance and sample the traditional cuisine.

Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier

The South Island of New Zealand is also home to numerous attractions that you should try to squeeze into your itinerary. One of the top must-see places is Fox Glacier, which, at 13km, is the longest of the West Coast glaciers – though all are awe-inspiring. If you want to go onto the glacier itself, you can do so with trained guides or you can fly over them in a helicopter for some fantastic views. You can also round off the day with a soak in the Glacier Hot Pools which are fed by the waters from the glacier itself.

Milford Sound

The final attraction on our list is Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, this is the largest of New Zealand’s national parks with 1.2 hectares of untouched wilderness. Milford Sound is the most well-known and easy to access fiord but it is still quite a long drive from the nearest town. It was formed by glaciers during the Ice Age which have given rise to stunning cliffs and waterfalls. The best way to see Milford Sound is by boat and there are plenty of sight seeing cruises that you can take to see both the waterfalls (such as Lady Bowen Falls) and the wildlife including dolphins, penguins and even fur seals. You can also navigate the waters yourself by hiring a kayak or hiking the Milford Track.

The post Five places in New Zealand you have to visit appeared first on Australian Times News.

If you own a house, however, moving to the UK does not necessarily mean you have to sell it, there’s a great opportunity to generate an income from your house and still be able to hold onto this valuable asset. Opting to let it out for residential purposes is one option, the income will be steady but reliable. Another alternative, that is definitely worth considering, is letting out your home for holiday rental whilst you’re away which can bring a tidy profit when done correctly. With the likes of Airbnb and Booking.com making it easy for individuals to list their homes online, take advantage of this profitable side business and create a passive income to support your expat life in the UK. You’ll need to make a few minor adjustments before you list, just take a look at the points below:

Lock Personal Belongings Away

Just because you’re renting your home out to holidaymakers does not mean you have to remove all your belongings before guests arrive, but you should create a locked space that visitors cannot access. Personal belongings you do not wish to take with you should be kept in a secure cupboard around the house, to ensure they don’t get stolen by untrustworthy tenants.

Check All Electrics and Appliances Are Safe

It is imperative to check the safety of all electrics and household appliances before allowing guests into your home, so hire a qualified professional you test them for you and help put your mind at rest. Pascoe’s Electricians can replace any power outlets necessary and get your home ready for paying guests.

Hire a Trustworthy Housekeeper

You’ll need to hire a housekeeper that you can rely on to complete changeovers in a timely manner and keep your house looking spotlessly clean. They’ll need to be good at communicating any maintenance issues to you promptly as it can be difficult to keep on top of this when you’re so far away from home. A good housekeeper will want to go the extra mile and should be available for guests if any emergencies arise during their stay.

Photograph and List Your Home Online

When you’re happy with the safety features around your home and a housekeeper is in place, it’ll be time to photograph and list the property online. Hire a professional photographer to come and take a picture of your home or even hire a high quality, DSLR camera with a wide angle lens which will capture every corner of the room. Decide which websites you would like to list on, a lot will depend on the commission they charge, you’ll want to make sure your occupancy rate is high whilst also making a good amount of money per booking.

The post How to get your home ready for holiday rental when moving abroad appeared first on Australian Times News.

From the oldest culture on earth comes the freshest, fiercest and funniest stand-up around. Cheeky, loud, black and proud, Aboriginal Comedy Allstars shines a light on some of the brightest stars in Australian comedy right now. Anything you know (or don’t know) about Australia’s first nations people is about to be turned upside down as the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars hit London for the very first time.

Featuring comedian’s Andy Saunders, Steph Tisdell, Kevin Kropinyeri.

Andy Saunders
‘This show is hilarious. Belly aching, cheek hurting, hilarious. See it, see it, see it’ – Adelaide Advertiser

Steph Tisdell
‘She’s got an ease with an audience and a joke strike rate that many comedians with far more experience would envy… warmly funny, immediately relatable, fast on her feet and generous with her audience.’ – Time Out Melbourne

Kevin Kropinyeri
‘His strong, animated delivery ensured the audience was in the palm of his hand. A comic natural, the crowd adored him.’ – Chortle

Aboriginal Comedy Allstars

@ Soho Theatre, London

Wed 28 – Sat 31 August 2019

9:15pm

BOOK TICKETS

The post Aboriginal Comedy Allstars in London this week! appeared first on Australian Times News.

After vacating his popular Triple J breakfast radio shift in 2016, in 2017 Matt went on to co-write and star in the television adaption of his award-winning semi-autobiographical stand up show The Other Guy that has since aired around the world.

Matt sold out his 2018 festival seasons of The Hat Game, in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Auckland. Don’t miss your chance to see this gifted raconteur in London.

Winner – Best Comedy Release, 2015 Aria Award
Winner – Director’s Choice Award, 2015 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Nominee – Best Newcomer, 2013 Edinburgh Comedy Awards

“The comedic timing is perfect…a show not to be missed.” ★★★★★ GLAM ADELAIDE

Matt Okine: The Hat Game

@ Soho Theatre, London

Fri 23 – Sat 24 Aug 2019

9:45pm

BOOK TICKETS

The post Matt Okine brings ‘The Hat Game’ to Soho Theatre for two nights only appeared first on Australian Times News.

Pigeon and his spin wizard mate

First and foremost, you can’t look past Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, who were outstanding in tandem.

The seamer complemented the leg-spinner so well. Collectively, they took over 1200 Test wickets, but not necessarily over the same period. They played a lot together, but Warne debuted a year earlier and later retired in the same year as McGrath – 2007. Warne is still Australia’s leading wicket-taker with 708. He is obviously the country’s highest Test wicket-taker.

Fellow spinner Nathan Lyon recently surpassed 350 Test wickets, but won’t likely surpass Warne’s tally. McGrath, of course, is no longer the seamer with the most wickets in the longest format of the international game. That mantle now belongs to England’s James Anderson, who has 575 to McGrath’s 563. Neither will be threatened by South Africa’s Dale Steyn any longer. Steyn retired from the longest format of the international game earlier this month. He took 439 Test wickets in 93 matches. Steyn will remain available for ODI and T20I selection, though.

Keeping up with Johnson

A partnership across different generations of sorts, Brett Lee’s success paved the way for Mitchell Johnson to do well. What Lee left behind in 2007, Johnson continued in 2008 and beyond. The one was a right-armer and the other a left-armer – and they typified the tributes noted by West Indian legends Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh in this blog for Betway. The ongoing Ashes series in the United Kingdom is really missing the pace generated by Johnson, Lee and others over the years. But, presumably, Pat Cummins and some others will get there sooner rather than later. They’ve certainly got the potential, provided injuries don’t get in the way.

Cummins and the rest are probably never going to reach the lofty heights relished by Ambrose and Walsh, though. They knew exactly what it took be among the best bowling partnerships. There was even that one time that a freakish haul of seven for one by Ambrose rocked the Aussies six ways from Sunday. He was a cricketing marvel to behold alongside Walsh, much like the partnerships shown in this infographic.

When Dennis met Jeff

The early 1970s to the middle of the 1980s were synonymous with the names of Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee. Individually and collectively they gathered tremendous bounce, pace and carry on pitches that were not as prepared as they are today. Batsmen were genuinely scared, as the duo screamed in and let fly. World cricket arguably hasn’t seen such a dynamic and dashing duo since. Cricket equipment for batsmen has certainly improved since Thomson and partner’s playing days, too, but back in the day they genuinely hurt guys whose body parts were uncovered.

The post Australia’s Ambrose-and-Walsh-esque partnerships appeared first on Australian Times News.

Not just you, but the whole lot of you.

Humanity has clearly flushed its own head down the drain and she can’t decide whether to pull you all up or leave you down there. Clear-eyed and in no mood to suffer fools, Eddo is as angry as she is over it.

Hilarious, surprising and completely on point, Anne Edmonds is the rockstar of Australian comedy and everybody knows it. Her reputation as the comedian that everyone (including other comedians) want to see is thanks to her incisive character performance skills and razor-sharp writing. Her punchlines don’t just sting, they poison. It’s that mojo which has seen Eddo’s status soar to the golden girl of Australian stand-up.

As seen on Stand Up on BBC Wales and a regular on Australian panel shows, Anne’s formidable sarong-wearing, kiwi mojito-sipping, fashion expert Helen Bidou recently became a viral sensation after appearing on Australian television. This is your chance to see Eddo at the very peak of her powers. There is nothing wrong with her. How about you?

ANNE EDMONDS: WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?

Soho Theatre, London
Mon 12 – Sat 17 Aug 2019
7:30pm
From £11.50

GET TICKETS

The post ‘What’s wrong with you?’ Aussie comic rockstar Anne Edmonds has a question for London appeared first on Australian Times News.

With the 2019 battle for the little brown urn set to get underway this week at Edgbaston, scene of England’s semi-final slaying of the Aussies on their way to fluking a World Cup, we find ourselves asking: sure there’s the odd bit of facial grit among both teams, even a couple of beards, but where are the true Ashes moustaches?

We think both teams would do well to take a look back through this list of  11 legendary cricketing lip ticklers if they have any sense of history and duty to the great game.

Merv Hughes, Australia

The only thing on a cricket pitch bigger than Big Merv’s heart and more terrifying than his steely glare was his incredible ‘tache. Insured for a grand sum of $370,000 at the height of its powers, the beast is a legend in itself… and it’s Victorian.

Amongst their many feats, Merv and his fearsome facial wear took 31 wickets against England in the 93 Ashes series. While the enigmatic paceman and master cricket sledger has long since hung up his boots the moustache continues to strike dread through an Englishman’s heart to this very day.

David Boon, Australia

The keg on legs. The five-foot-two Tasmanian with the flared pants. After four Ashes wins, it’s clear that Boonie wasn’t just amazing at growing moustaches.

His Ashes debut was disappointing but Boonie’s Test cricketing career went on to span from 1984-1995, accounting for over 7000 runs, five wickets (crackers, every single one of them), 99 catches – making the fielding position of short square leg (those flared pants) his own – and a record sinking of 52 cans of full strength lager beer on the Sydney to London flight.

That hairy caterpillar on his top lip wasn’t weighing him down; nay, it was his – and our – inspiration.

Graham Gooch, England

The Essex-born cricketer was one of the most successful international batsmen of his generation. He scored over one hundred first-class centuries in his career, and became captain of England after their disastrous 1989 Ashes defeat.

Gooch and his moustache went on to play for England until 2000, with Gooch becoming the country’s leading run-scorer during the 1993 Ashes series. Needless to say, an epic moustache aided him in every single run. Though more of a piece of art than just some facial hair, the attention to detail is second to none.

Rodney Marsh, Australia

Rod Marsh is an iconic figure in Australia cricket, known as much for his larrikin attitude as he was for his ripper facial follicles.

On his debut in the 1970-71 Ashes series, Marsh took four catches in the first innings without once being distracted by the thick foliage on his face. In the 1981 Ashes series he became the first keeper to take 100 wickets in the Ashes, cementing his furry face in the series hall of fame. The wicket-keeper was an impressive addition to the Australian side, retaining a 15-year career in Test cricket.

Marsh had a moustache that you could follow through time. Starting thick, brown and long, with the perfect curve, it has since become much shorter, greyer and more refined .. befitting the lips of a national selector.

Dennis Lillee, Australia

There is no question about it: D.K. Lillee was the most outstanding fast bowler of his generation.

The Perth-local made his debut in the 1970-71 Ashes series (at the same time as previous ‘tash-tacular entrant Rod Marsh). Wicket-keeper Marsh and fast-bowler Lillee became one of the most devastating combinations in cricket history, with the first player to be “caught Marsh, bowled Lillee” in the seventh Test of the 1970-71 series.

Was it their shared love of facial decoration that brought Marsh and Lillee together? We may never know, but what is certain is that the two men dominated the Australian cricket scene without putting so much as a whisker out of place.

Allan Border, Australia

Border’s facial hair was much more swift and stilted than his Aussie teammates. The impeccable ‘stache matches his well-groomed cricketing career, holding the record for the number of consecutive Test appearances (153) as well as the number of Tests as captain. That’s a record that cannot be broken.

Border made his Test cricket debut in the third Ashes match of the 1978-1979 series. He took half an hour to make only three runs in his first Ashes clash, however he and his well-trimmed ‘tache were in a class of their own as top-scorer in subsequent matches in the series.

A.B. is a legend of cricket, although we kind of wish that the Allan Border Medal had a moustache requirement attached.

Fred ‘The Demon’ Spofforth, Australia

Everything we know about the greatest contest of all, the battle for the urn, was founded by Fred Spofforth. What didn’t this Ashes immortal pioneer? The bowler’s glare, the slower delivery, the first ever Test hat-trick, the metro-sexual cricketer (just look at the product in his hair .. it’s even in his moustache! Damn, judging by this photo, this guy even discovered Blue Steel), devastating rifts with players and selectors, and indeed the very Ashes themselves – this bloke and his moustache started it all.

According to Sport Australia’s Hall of Fame: “his swarthy complexion, black moustache and steely brown eyes combined to convey the unmistakable aura of hostility”. Legend even has it that Spofforth could throw a fresh egg over fifty meters and have it land without cracking, such was his other-worldly control over rounded objects. After confronting him in the middle, England’s Billy Barnes recalled: “Spofforth was no bowler; he were a hypnotist.”

Fred ‘The Demon’ Spofforth was already the cricketing world’s most talked about player when in 1882, at The Oval, with England chasing a measly 85 to win and having never lost on home soil, he furiously and defiantly declared to his Aussie team-mates: “Boys, this thing can be done!” The poms were duly skittled for 77, Spofforth leading the charge with 14 wickets in the match. Australia won by seven runs to claim the soul of English cricket; and so the ‘Ashes’ were interred in to sporting lore .

Fred, his legend and his glorious mouth warmer still have us entranced 137 years hence. No list of great Ashes ‘taches would be complete without including The Demon. In fact, if we were to rank these Ashes moustaches we think he is the prime candidate for top spot.

Max Walker, Australia

There isn’t much Max Walker couldn’t do. Cricketer, AFL player… even architect! Not to mention a tough contestant to beat in a moustache-off.

Walker’s moustache wasn’t the only thing that was at risk of being tangled: his strange footwork on the pitch gave him his nickname of Tangles. Max’s Ashes claim to fame came when he got eight out for 143 in the sixth test of the 1974-75 series.

He has taken his ‘tache to the greener pastures of media work these days, so we have certainly not been deprived of one of the sport’s great lip-ticklers.

Jack Russell, England

A moustache with a personality isn’t all Jack Russel had to offer the English cricket team. The wicket-keeper also knew exactly how long the optimum time to soak your weeta-bix was — 8 minutes to be precise; an eccentric character to say the least.

Being snubbed from the 1998 England Ashes squad was the final straw for Jack, and he quit representative cricket as a result. He was never much of a team player, however perhaps it was not his eccentric nature that was to blame: Russell had one of the best ‘taches in the game, sure to make the bare-faced English players green-eyed with envy.

Allan Lamb, England (via South Africa)

Short and tight: the characteristics of a moustache trimmed with military precision like Allan Lamb’s.

Exemplifying the fine tradition of great South African / England batsman, Lamb made his cricketing first team debut at the tender age of 18 for Western Provence in the Currie Cup before heading onto bigger and better things in the United Kingdom. He played for England in two successful Ashes campaigns (1985, 1986-87) and eventually went on to captain the team.

His only Ashes century came in the unsuccessful 1989 Ashes series, however he scored 1138 runs across the 20 Ashes matches that he played in throughout his career. His knocks are hard to remember, but that ‘tashe is one still savoured by true connoisseurs of the artform.

Mitchell Johnson, Australia

Of course we wouldn’t leave him out!

After a sensational early career, our dear Mitch lost his way a bit until another Australian moustachioed cricketing god from Western Australia, a certain Mr D K Lillee, grabbed him by the scruff of the shirt told him: “boy, grow a bloody moustache.” Seriously, that is just about true.

As well as his mo, Lillee also showed him how to get his bowling mojo back.

With both, Mitchell returned to the splendid white of Test cricket to demoralise and demolish England in the 2013/14 Ashes in what can only be described as one of the most terrifying stints in the history of the game. He laid waste to a champion team, ending the Test careers of more than a few of them along the way, en route to a 5-0 series whitewash for Australia.

The Ashes ‘tash was back, and oh it was glorious!

____________________________________________________

Contributors: Courtney Greatrex (opener), Paul Bleakley (strike bowler), Bryce Lowry (behind the stumps)

The post Ashes moustaches: the best 11 lip ticklers in the history of cricket’s greatest contest appeared first on Australian Times News.

Of course, there is much more to Chris than being the ‘Sexiest Man Alive‘ or just dressing up with a cape and hammer, as he has been praised for his versatile acting and fun, down to earth personality along the path of his thespian career. These are just a few cool things about the great Aussie, Chris Hemsworth.

He prefers to live an ocean away from Hollywood

Chris has often said how much he wants his family (wife Elsa Pataky and three children) to grow up in Byron Bay, Sydney, rather than under the bright lights of Hollywood. “Moving back to Australia was a very good decision for us. There I can be with people and talk about things that have nothing to do with the film business. That’s almost impossible in Los Angeles, where there’s rarely a moment when you can forget that you’re an actor. Living in Australia allows me to be away from a world where you can lose touch with reality sometimes,” Chris explained in a new interview.

He’s a popular brand ambassador

Famous, handsome movie stars don’t tend to run short on advertising offers! It should come as no surprise that Chris has chosen to be the brand ambassador for many illustrious companies and causes, including Swisse Wellness, Hugo Boss, Tag Heuer, and Tourism Australia. Chris was a big part of the star-studded fake movie trailer for Dundee that was created to help promote Australia.

Chris has shown that his affiliation with any company is likely to be a success, as his special edition Tag Heuer watch was recently auctioned off for charity and raised $35,000 for the Australian Childhood Foundation. Tag Heuer Carrera models usually retail for about AU$7,000 online, but this one-of-a-kind watch designed by Chris was something truly special indeed.

He doesn’t mind changing up his image

Chris is definitely known the world over for his incredible chiselled abs and muscular torso, but for the Avengers: Endgame film released in 2019, he put all that aside and became the hilarious version of Fat Thor. In the film, Thor turns to a lot of eating, beer drinking, and playing video games after falling on hard times and ends up not quite having the physique of old! The fact that Chris didn’t care about his image in the film shows that he’s a dedicated actor and loves to have a laugh at himself.

He can handle a lot of improv

We all know how good Chris is at action and drama, but his comedic chops aren’t bad either. On films like Ghostbusters, Thor: Ragnarok, and his latest, Men In Black: International, Chris was often allowed to improvise some lines and steer away from the script, which resulted in a lot of funny scenes that would be hard to replicate.

The post 4 cool things about Chris Hemsworth appeared first on Australian Times News.

The Australian rock legends will be supported on both stints by Bad//Dreems.

If you haven’t got your tickets yet, there are still a few left if you are quick – BOOK HERE

Also see: Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst confirms new music in the works ahead of UK shows

Win Midnight Oil tickets

One lucky Australian Times reader will win a pair of tickets to the London show and you have just till 31 May to be in the running.

To be in the draw, email editor@australiantimes.co.uk with the subject as “Give me Oils” and the answer to this burning question:

What is the correct name of Midnight Oil’s global smash hit from their iconic album Diesel and Dust?

a) Beds Are Rocking

b) Beds Are Being Made

c) Beds Are Burning

Entries close 31 May. Good luck!

The post Last chance to WIN tickets to Midnight Oil in London appeared first on Australian Times News.

Australia House on the Strand in London is the largest polling station in the UK. In the last federal election over 15,000 Australians voted there.

It will be open for voters till 7pm tonight (Wednesday) and 8pm on Thursday and Friday to accommodate the traditional last-minute rush. Those wishing to have their democratic say should note that they will not be able to cast their vote on Saturday, the day of the election in Australia – Friday is your last chance.

Remaining voting days and times for the 2019 Australian federal election are as follows:

For more information, visit the Federal Election page of the Australian High Commission website.

The post Voting in London: last dash to the polls for Australian election appeared first on Australian Times News.

As part of their 2019 European tour, the ‘Oils will play the Manchester O2 Apollo on 09 June, then the London O2 Academy Brixton on 13 June.

There are still a few tickets left for these shows – BOOK HERE

Also see: Midnight Oil say they’re keen to keep performing, returning to the UK in 2019

Win Midnight Oil tickets

One lucky Australian Times reader will win a pair of tickets to the London show. To be in the draw, email editor@australiantimes.co.uk with the subject as “Give me Oils” and the answer to this burning question:

What is the correct name of Midnight Oil’s global smash hit from their iconic album Diesel and Dust?

a) Beds Are Rocking

b) Beds Are Being Made

c) Beds Are Burning

Entries close 31 May. Good luck!

The post WIN tickets to Midnight Oil in London! appeared first on Australian Times News.

But what exactly are its origins, and why are we so drawn to this particular concoction of oats, coconut, sugar and golden syrup? And most importantly: how do you make them?

Also see: Anzac Day in London 2019 : Where to remember them

The historical Anzac biscuit

The Anzac biscuit has its genesis, and its name, in the historic events of WW1, when rations were sent by wives to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) stationed abroad.

The particular recipe used during wartime created a biscuit which did not spoil easily and kept fresh during naval transportation. Also referred to as an ‘Anzac tiles’ or ‘Anzac wafer’, it was a hard bread substitute. It has since evolved into today’s more palatable and much loved Anzac biscuit.

Anzac biscuit recipe

5 from 1 vote

Recipe by Australian Times Course: DessertCuisine: AustralianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

90

biscuits

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain flour

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup desiccated coconut

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup caster sugar

• 125 g butter

• 1 tablespoon golden syrup

• 1 teaspoon bi-carb soda

• 1 tablespoon boiling water

Directions

• Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Put the butter and golden syrup in a saucepan on a low heat until butter is melted.
• Mix the boiling water and bi-carb soda in a cup.
• Mix in with the dry ingredients.
• Roll into balls (approximately one teaspoon of mixture per ball).
• Place on oven trays and flatten with a fork.
• Cook at approximately 170 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until golden.

TOP IMAGE: Anzac Biscuits: (me (w:User:pfctdayelise) [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons)

The post Anzac biscuit recipe: what are its origins and how do you make them? appeared first on Australian Times News.

This year’s Anzac Day Dawn Service in London is taking place at the Australian memorial (alternating each year with the New Zealand memorial). It’s a solemn coming together of Aussie and Kiwi expats, as well as others, in a unified ceremony of remembrance.

The Dawn Service will commence at 5am and is open to all.

Later in the morning there is also a moving Anzac Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph followed by a Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey. Both of these events a ticketed though, to avoid over crowding. If you haven’t already got tickets for these, unfortunately you won’t gain admission.

Get on down to the Dawn Service if you can, to pay your respects to young Australians and New Zealanders who also travelled far from home, but never returned.

Lest we forget.

Anzac Day services in London, 2019

Thursday, 25 April 2019

5.00 AM: Dawn Service (non-ticketed event)
Location: Australian War Memorial, Hyde Park Corner
The main service will take place at the Australian War Memorial, Hyde Park Corner. The service will be approximately 45 minutes in length and is open to the public.

11.00 AM: Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade
Location: The Cenotaph, Whitehall
Following a march onto Whitehall, a requiem is read and at 11:00 AM, the High Commissioners for Australia and New Zealand will lay the first wreaths. Wreaths are then laid by representatives of the UK government, High Commissioners and Ambassadors, as well as representatives from various service and ex-service organisations. The service will conclude at approximately 11:15 AM, allowing time for the short walk to Westminster Abbey.

12.00 PM: Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving
Location: Westminster Abbey
The Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark ANZAC Day commences at 12:00 noon. The service will last approximately one hour.

Ticket applications for ANZAC day services at The Cenotaph and Westminster have now closed. Only guests that are in possession of a valid ticket will be granted admittance.​

For more information see the Australian High Commission website

The post Anzac Dawn Service in London: the time and place to remember them appeared first on Australian Times News.

Joe Camilleri will be leading the guys through their fantastic new album ‘Citizen John’ plus all the band’s hits.

The Black Sorrows UK shows 2019 (get tickets)

25 April: PizzaExpress Live, Maidstone

26 April: Nell’s Jazz and Blues, London

Also see: Citizen Joe… Camilleri, that is. Still being anything he wants (INTERVIEW)

WIN the VIP treatment

One lucky Aussie Times reader and a friend will be getting the full-on Black Sorrows VIP treatment.

Thanks to the band’s management, we have secured two tickets to the gig at Nell’s Jazz and Blues, London on 26 April to be won.

Not only that, the lucky winners will also enjoy a very special meet-n-greet with Joe and the guys PLUS (we kid you not) there will even be a bottle of the finest red waiting for you!

To cap it all off, the lucky guest will go home with a copy of the ‘Citizen John’ album in their hot little handies – Limited Edition 12” red vinyl or CD, take your pick.

To be in the draw with a chance to win, email editor@australiantimes.co.uk with the subject “Make me The Black Sorrows’ VIP” with the answer to this question:

What would you really want to chain yourself to in order to be a VIP with The Black Sorrows?

a) a lamp-post

b) a tree

c) the wheel

Entries close 21 April and you must be 18-years-old to enter, so you can drink responsibly. Good luck!

The post WIN a VIP meet-n-greet with the Black Sorrows, bottle of wine included! appeared first on Australian Times News.

If you are living overseas you can make sure you get your vote by:

• Checking your enrollment with AEC: Click here
• Enrolling to vote while outside of Australia if not already registered: Click here

Voting at Australia House in London can make a difference

Australia House in the Strand, London is the largest polling station in the UK. In the last federal election over 15,000 Australians voted there.

Labor representative Paul Smith, President of ALP Abroad, urged overseas Australians, particularly those in the UK, to make sure they are registered to vote.

“In the last election, the closest seat of Herbert was determined by overseas votes, so every vote counts. I urge Australians in London to make sure they are enrolled to vote,” Smith said.

“And vote Labor for an Australia to be proud of when overseas and provide a fair go for all when they go home,” he added.

When can you vote at Australia House in London?

Australia House in London will commence pre-poll voting in the 2019 Australian Federal Election on 6 May and finish on Friday 17 May – note: voting will not be possible on the date of the election, 18 May.

Voting days and times for the 2019 election are as follows:

For more information, visit the Federal Election page of the Australian High Commission website.

The post London Aussies must enrol to vote by 11am this Thursday to have their say in the election appeared first on Australian Times News.

Walk-in centres and the A&E (Accident and Emergency) department of your local hospital both offer medical care without appointments, free for UK residents.

Walk-in medical centres

As the name suggests, walk-in centres are medical centres which treat patients who walk in off the street. All you need to do is fill out some paperwork on arrival and wait your turn. They’re great for minor complaints or injuries, but more often than not there’s a hefty waiting time — and no, there’s no going and coming back — you need to wait on site to hold you place in the line.

Hospital Accident and Emergency

If what ails you is a tad more pressing, the A&E department of a hospital may be a better bet. At the Accident and Emergency they triage incoming patients and see them in order of the seriousness of their complaint — respiratory and heart problems being at the top of the list, minor coughs and sprains further towards the bottom. So if all you’re sporting is a case of the common cold, be prepared for the long haul because you could be sitting pretty for quite some time.

Choose a GP

But if waiting is not one of your favourite things, especially when you’re sick, there is one other solution that you may just find more convenient, more local and quite a lot speedier. There are plenty of GP clinics in every London borough, and to access their medical care all you have to do is choose one and register. No more epic lines or sickly waiting rooms for you! It’s as simple as that, a little paperwork and a urine sample (always the urine sample!) and you’re in.

Consult the NHS ‘Find a GP’ webpage to find your nearest GP clinic, walk-in or A&E.

In the case of an emergency and you need an ambulance, remember not to dial 000 like at home; in the UK call 999.

TOP IMAGE: Image by Mojca JJ from Pixabay

The post Sick in the city: where expats can get medical assistance in London appeared first on Australian Times News.

Already, her name is being uttered alongside those of Phar Lap and Black Caviar, and as she stormed to yet another victory at Rosehill Gardens last week, the question yet again reared its head.

A foregone conclusion?

There was an air of inevitability as jockey Hugh Bowman guided Winx to her 24^th Group One win to collect the George Ryder Stakes for the fourth time. She is a horse that has captured the collective heart of Horse Racing Australia, and after crossing the line, she was welcomed into the winner’s enclosure with adoring cries of “Winxy, Winxy!”

Odds of 1/17 on tell you everything you need to know about the bookmakers’ views on this race. “Foregone conclusion” is a phrase that is sometimes overused in sport, but surely here, it was entirely appropriate.

Going into the final 300 metres, Winx and Bowman were trailing the field, and if it had been any other horse and rider, the spectators might have wondered if they had left their charge too late. But this is no ordinary horse. They made their move with confidence and assurance, sweeping round the outside and crossing the line more than three lengths clear of second placed Brutal.

One last hurrah

If the rumours are to be believed, Winx’s next outing, at Royal Randwick on 13 April in the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes, will be her swan song. Again, she will go into the race looking to defend her title and again, the bookmakers have her as the overwhelming favourite. Bookmakers across the board are offering 1/10 on, while the best of the rest is 7/10 shot The Autumn Sun.

Racing officials have spoken openly about their wish to lure Winx back down to Melbourne in spring for a shot at what would be an incredible fifth Cox Plate. However, her owners and trainers have shown no sign that they are tempted. If all plays out to form, the seven year old will win her 33^rd straight race and head straight into a well-deserved retirement.

By the numbers

Winx’s extraordinary winning streak began almost four years ago on 16 May 2015. Since then, her domination of Australian horse racing has been unprecedented, as the following numbers demonstrate:

• 32 consecutive wins
• 24 Group One wins
• A hat trick of four-peat Group One wins (George Ryder Stakes, Cox Plate, Chipping Norton Stakes)
• Career prize money of $23.5 million

So where does that place Winx in comparison with those other greats? As every movie-goer knows, Phar Lap was taken from us in his prime, and was still only five years old when he died. We can only surmise how many more victories he might have added to his tally of 24 major wins, but respected sports presenter Bruce McAvaney went on the record to say “Winx is up there with Phar Lap.”

A better comparison is perhaps with Black Caviar and this has been described at the horse racing equivalent of Michael Jordan vs LeBron James. On paper, however, the answer is clear. Winx’s 24 Group One wins eclipse Black Caviar’s 15, while her career earnings are almost three times higher and counting.

The post Winx extends winning run to 32 races appeared first on Australian Times News.

The Black Sorrows UK shows 2019 (get tickets)

25 April: PizzaExpress Live, Maidstone

26 April: Nell’s Jazz and Blues, London

Also see: Review: The Black Sorrows delight London

New The Black Sorrows album, ‘Citizen John’, fresh as ever

Citizen John sits comfortably alongside the band’s finest work, including classics such as Harley and Rose, Hold On To Me and Dear Children.

The album showcases The Black Sorrows’ sophisticated brand of soul and blues and comes nearly 35 years after Joe Camilleri started The Black Sorrows at Melbourne’s Café Neon. Since then and through various incarnations, the band has graced concert stages around the world, including building a passionate following in Europe, where Citizen John is released on the German label Blue Rose Records.

Citizen John is Joe’s 49^th career album, and the first release since he celebrated his 70^th birthday. But these are just numbers to Joe, who remains ageless and his music timeless.

“Tomorrow ain’t ever coming ’round,” Joe sings in ‘Wednesday’s Child’, one of the many standout songs on Citizen John. It could be The Black Sorrows’ mantra – this is a band that’s always living in the moment, focused on the latest record and gig, refusing to trade on past glories.

The Black Sorrows are a mainstay in Australian music and have been since their inception with Camilleri remaining unbound in creativity.

Joe Camilleri: a living legend

Any examination of The Black Sorrows inevitably comes down to one person, Joe Camilleri (singer, songwriter, saxophonist and producer). The Sorrows have have toured Australia relentlessly, played sellout shows across Europe, clocked up 18 ARIA nominations, two ARIA awards, multiple gold and platinum records and sold well over two million albums.

Joe Camilleri is considered one of the most genuinely talented figures in Australian music.

As leader of two of Australia’s most successful bands, Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons and The Black Sorrows, Joe’s music has become part of Australian music culture.

Joe was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 2007.  Over the years other greats have recorded cover versions of Joe’s songs among them Elvis Costello and John Denver.

Citizen Joe – a Living Legend, according to Rolling Stone – remains at the top of his game.

Get tickets the the The Black Sorrows UK gigs for 2019
25 April: PizzaExpress Live, Maidstone
26 April: Nell’s Jazz and Blues, London

The post The Black Sorrows return to UK with new album, ‘Citizen John’ appeared first on Australian Times News.

While his 14-year Test, ODI and T20I career ended in 2016, Watson has continued to thrill with his batting and bowling exploits in the IPL.

Previously with the Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers, he is currently part of the Chennai Super Kings’ campaign.

Relevance

Several years into his IPL career, Watson remains relevant – and just recently struck a brisk 44 in triumph over the newly-named Delhi Capitals at the Feroz Shah Kotla. He isn’t playing much of a role with the ball at the moment, but that sneaky right-arm seam of his will become more important as the wickets grow tired across this lengthy T20 tournament.

Bang for buck

While Watson has obviously gone onto earn much more, it is well worth noting that his original price tag was just 125,000 US dollars back in 2008. He is the quintessential example of Betway’s analysis of how franchises can ultimately save money on players. When the Royals eventually lost him to the Challengers more than 10 years later, he was the highest cost at the 2016 player auction – but worth every cent.

Top 12

Watson is among the dozen top run- scorers in the history of the IPL. His 3200-plus in 120-odd matches have come at an average of over 30. For context, that’s more IPL runs scored than any one of Virender Sehwag, Brendon McCullum, Kieron Pollard, Jacques Kallis and other illustrious names. The top 12, too, obviously includes several Indian players. Watson, fellow Australian David Warner, South African AB de Villiers and West Indian Chris Gayle are the only players from abroad in the elite dozen.

Mentor

The Super Kings squad is loaded with experience this year, including Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo, Imran Tahir, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja and Harfbhajan Singh. But among the wealth of wisdom are a few relative youngsters like Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar. Both are seamers – and will continue to benefit from Watson’s input during vital training sessions. They’ll do well to learn from his clever use of slower deliveries – varied lines and lengths determined by scenario, circumstance and conditions.

Accolades

Watson was formally deemed the tournament’s most valuable player in 2008 – and again in 2013. He was with the Rajasthan Royals during both seasons. Besides Kolkata Knight Riders kingpin Sunil Narine, Watson is the only player to win the award twice. Only one other Australian – Kings XI Punjab all-rounder Glenn Maxwell in 2014 – has clinched the accolade.

Big match temperament

The hard-hitting Watson walked away with the Player of the Match accolade, after the Super Kings beat the Sunrisers Hyderabad in last year’s final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Cricket bets on the Sunrisers were pretty much off when he struck an unbeaten 117 from just 57 deliveries, which featured 11 fours and eight sixes against an opposition attack laden with international experience. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar, West Indies Carlos Brathwaite and Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, indeed, could not stop Watson.

The post Six reasons why Shane Watson is an IPL demigod appeared first on Australian Times News.

On paper it’s hard to fault, and with buses, the Tube, the Overground, trams, ferries and trains going everywhere and anywhere just about 24 hours a day, it becomes difficult to justify leaving your Oyster at home.

While certainly an improvement on what’s on offer back in Oz, we’ve all experienced those cringe-worthy moments getting groped left, right and centre as you “file” onto the train, or flying down the stairs of a bus as soon as it hits the brakes. If your daily commute involves you constantly being sandwiched up against the walls of a suffocatingly full carriage, you may perhaps begin to think that an alternative way of getting around town wouldn’t be so unwelcome.

Many places in central London are in short walking distance of one another. It’s hard to get your head around what’s where if you’re only ever navigating the underground network, but once out in the open air it doesn’t take long to start connecting the dots. You can quickly learn there’s no need to take the tube from Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square, or a bus from Soho to Holborn. It’s much faster (and more pleasant) to go on foot.

Short cuts aren’t the only advantage to staying above ground. London is full of charming cafes, nifty bars and musky pubs just waiting to be discovered. There’s a new art gallery or pop-up shop, a vintage boutique or tea house around every corner. Walking is a basic but often neglected way to better get to know this intriguing city, and if that’s not enough to convince you to dust off your runners, it’s also good for burning off winter’s one too many sweet treats.

Of course if you’re too fast paced for a leisurely stroll around town, riding is another fast, cheap and green alternative to public transport. There are thousands of cyclists in London, whether it’s a passion, occasional pleasure or just a way to save a buck, it’s a very popular means of getting around especially with students and young people.

Many cyclists (the non-appassionatos that is) prefer to purchase second hand bikes to reduce the risk of coming back to a partly dismantled one. If the bike has a basket, it’s always wise take it with you, likewise the seat. There’s not much need to mention that chains and locks are essential.

There are also bike-sharing schemes which can be signed up to use if the responsibility of owning your own is too daunting. Just be sure to return them on time to avoid finding yourself with a hefty bill for a replacement bike.

But before you cut your Oyster to shreds and rush off to buy a new set of wheels, a word of advice: if you’re not used to riding in traffic, London isn’t the place to learn. With the very fast moving traffic and many buses it may be worthwhile sticking to one of London’s many parks until you find your bike legs.

By Bianca Soldani

The post Stay above ground and walk if you want to really discover London appeared first on Australian Times News.

When Spiers realised that he wouldn’t be ready for the games, he decided to return to Australia. He worked in the export cargo section at the airport to raise money to pay for a flight.

Although Spiers saved up, his wallet was stolen and he desperately wanted to return home in time for his daughter’s birthday. With no other options, he decided to post himself back to Australia in a wooden crate.

“I just got in the thing and went. What was there to be frightened of? I’m not frightened of the dark so I just sat there,” he told the BBC.

“It’s like when I travel now if I go overseas. There’s the seat. Sit in it, and go.”

Having worked in export, Spiers had seen animals come through plenty of times, and thought to himself, “If they can do it, I can do it”.

His friend, John McSorley, built him a box which was 1.5m by 0.9m by 0.75m for him to be sent back home in. Once inside, Spiers could sit straight-legged, or lie on his back with his knees bent. He could let himself out either end as each end of the crate was held in place by wooden spigots operated from the inside. There were also straps inside to hold him securely in place. Spiers packed a torch, some tinned food, a blanket and a pillow, as well as two plastic bottles – one for water and the other for urine.

The crate was labelled as a load of paint and addressed to a fake Australian shoe company in Perth.

Spiers was aware that the price of the cargo would be more than a plane ticket, but he planned to send himself cash-on-deliver and worry about how to cover the cost when he arrived in Australia.

Along the way, Spiers spent 24 hours delayed in London and en route to Paris he got out to urinate.

“I peed in a can and put it on top of the box. I was stretching my legs and all of a sudden, because it’s a short distance, the plane began to descend. A little panicky I jumped back in the box, and the can full of pee was still sitting on top,” Spiers told the BBC.

The French baggage handlers believed that the English handlers had left them this gift and had some terrible things to say, but did not suspect that anyone was in the box.

In Bombay the baggage handlers turned Spiers’s crate upside down and left it in the sun for four hours.

“It was hot as hell in Bombay so I took off all my clothes,” he said. “Wouldn’t it have been funny if I’d got pinched then?”

He knew he had touched down in Perth when he heard the Australian baggage handlers swearing at the size of his crate.

“I was grinning from ear to ear, but I wasn’t going to let them know I’m there now – I’ve almost pulled the whole thing off.

“I knew they would take the box to a bond shed. When they put me in the shed I got out straight away. There were cartons of beer in there. I don’t drink but I whipped a beer out and had a drink of that.”

After three days of traveling in a crate he managed to find tools in the shed and cut a hole in the wall to get out.

“There was no security. I put on a suit out of my bag so I looked cool, jumped through the window, walked out on to the street and thumbed a ride into town. Simple as that.”

After not hearing any news of Spiers’s safe return, his friend McSorley alerted the media about what had happened. Before long, Spiers had become a local celebrity in Australia.

“I’d never seen anything like it. It scared the hell out of my mother with the whole street blocked with media. And it would go on for weeks. It was pretty wild,” said Spiers.

Spiers made it in time for his daughter’s birthday and he did not have to pay for the shipping fees.

Something like this would never be able to occur today – all cargo loaded onto planes is screened for security reasons. So no, do not give it a go.

IMAGE: Stock image (no, it is not Reg, nor is it his box) via Shutterstock.com/Ollyy

The post The absolutely true tale of the Aussie who shipped himself from London to Australia in a crate appeared first on Australian Times News.

If you are totally unaware of the horse racing sport, you should definitely head for to the Wiki to get some ideas on what happens globally. In this article, we will talk about Australia in general – and will also mention some of the popular race events in the UK.

Let’s get right into it.

The Three Race Types

Not just Australia, but it pretty much works for every other region where horse racing is a sport. Basically, three types of racing that you would find:

• Harness Racing
• Steeplechase Racing
• Thoroughbred Racing

Harness Racing

It is also known as the trots, here. And, it involves a significant amount of investment through bookmarkers and Totalisator Agency Board. And, it is not just any minor event. There are almost 90 harness racing tracks – it is really fascinating.

In this type of racing, the horse pulls the rider who will be usually sitting on a two-wheel cart. It is indeed a very interesting concept and it can be quite challenging for the rider commanding a horse while on a cart instead sitting right on it.

Steeplechase Racing

Steeplechase Racing is more common and it involves the horse jump obstacles and fences. By obstacles, I mean, ditches, and a variety of fences. Even though the most popular race even for this type of racing is held in Liverpool, England. It is quite popular in Australia as well.

A long history for this kind of race does exist for Australia. To start with, it wasn’t a good sport in the early days. And, then, for the safety of horses, the obstacles were scaled down for the greater good.

However, now, the Racing Victoria has approved everything necessary along with the safety standards for steeplechase horse racing sport.

Thoroughbred Racing

Thoroughbred racing is one of the most popular spectator sport. It could be a flat race or a race with fences. There are generally two types of these racing sport. Of course, even if I mention about betting in the later section of this article, you should know that gambling on horse races – especially these, is very popular.

Fret not, it is totally legal and the amount is usually huge that is being wagered.

Betting on Horse Races

I just recently mentioned about how big the gambling/betting market for the horse racing sport is. So, accordingly, you can choose to spectate the race and then go on trying to put some bets on. Of course, it isn’t advisable for everyone – so you should research on that before taking a decision – that is what I would suggest.

In addition, I did mention that we will also get to know about some of the biggest horse racing events worldwide, so here they are:

Cheltenham Festival

This is just around the corner (March 12), you can get an overview and tickets on the jockey club as well. It is the second biggest national hunt racing event that happens in the UK. The prize money is huge and also second to the Grand National, which we will talk about as you read on.

You can find some Free Bets for Cheltenham Festival online if you are curious to bet on one of the biggest events of this sport. Of course, be on the lookout for what you choose and if it is the right one. There’s a reason we call it gambling, eh?

Grand National

A handicap steeplechase racing help in Liverpool. As mentioned, this comes with the biggest prize money and the stakes are higher here. An epic racing event that’s worth watching with the highly skilled riders and horses.

Wrapping Up

There’s a long history of what we’ve come so far with the horse racing sport all over the globe and Australia in particular as well. It is the spectators and the gamblers that keep sport alive for what it’s worth for.

If you are still curious about more, do stay tuned for more such updates.

The post Here’s What You Need to Know about Horse Racing in Australia appeared first on Australian Times News.

We all know (and complain) about the differences in the weather, food, coffee and (ahem) work ethic, but what about those real life issues: money, jobs, health and actual life and death?

Well, a nifty little website called IfItWereMyHome.com allows you to compare these very things, country to country, stats-wise.

So we ran it for the UK compared to Australia. Apart from paying way more for healthcare, Aussies have it pretty good it must be said…

Infographic compiled by Andisiwe Juta

The post How does living in the UK compare to life in Australia? [infographic] appeared first on Australian Times News.

Australia is currently languishing at sixth in the ICC ODI rankings behind England, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan. You might think rankings are one thing, but surely when it comes to the biggest event on the cricketing stage and one that Australia have won five times, they become irrelevant? Only partially. Those planning on taking advantage of the Unibet deposit bonus and placing a few dollars on the baggy greens will be offered odds of 6/1 on them winning the tournament for the sixth time, while India are at 3/1 and the hosts, England, favourites at 2/1.

Eyeing the trophy

The World Cup trophy itself arrived in Australia on Monday as part of its traditional world tour in advance of the big event. As it was unveiled in Adelaide, Australia’s former fast bowler Shaun Tait played host. Despite a career that was dogged by injury, Tait played in two world cups, including the victorious 2007 campaign in the West Indies, so he knows what it takes to succeed. Will the Adelaide media event be as close as Australia gets to the World Cup this year?

Putting on a big show

As a man once considered the fastest bowler in the world, Tait has first hand experience of how effective an aggressive top order batsman can be in posting an unassailable score or getting ahead of the rate in a run chase. He feels India’s Rohit Sharma and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson are among the best in the world at this, and will give their respective teams a real chance of upsetting the hosts.

For Australia to be competitive, Tait believes that the team will need to leverage the power and influence of “Big Show” Glenn Maxwell by promoting him up the order. At the last world cup, he adopted the “finisher” role, typically coming in at six. However, he has been batting at four in recent matches for the Melbourne Stars, and it is a position in which he looks increasingly comfortable.

Given the paucity of established names in Australia’s top order and the latest rumours that Steve Smith’s elbow injury might keep him out of contention, it is an option to which Justin Langer is certain to give some very serious thought.

The World Cup starts on 01 June, and as reigning champions, Australia are tasked with officially getting the proceedings underway when they take on Afghanistan at the County Ground, Bristol.

The post Australia will go into cricket world cup as outsiders appeared first on Australian Times News.

Leading the comedy line up this year is Steen Raskopoulos, a Sydney-based comedian who has achieved acclaim at festivals across the world. Nominated for both the Edinburgh Comedy Award and the Barry Award, he is best known for his live character sketch shows and as a lead cast member in Whose Line is it Anyway? Australia. He is also one half of the award-winning improvisation duo The Bear Pack.

Also from Sydney is Wollongong-born Ray Badran, known for his work on Good News Week and Triple J. Now based in London, Ray is keen to distance himself from feminist controversy surrounding a joke he did at Melbourne Comedy Festival in 2016.

‘Controversial’ could also describe comedian Anna Spark from Melbourne, also appearing in the January 26th show. In October 2018 she won a national new act competition in Manchester, with judges describing her comedy style as “audaciously funny, with close-to-the-bone material”.

Last, but by no means least, is 6’7” Big Colin Cole. Colin started out as a bouncer at Melbourne’s famous Last Laugh Comedy Club and has since played gigs all over the world, from rugby clubs in rural Australia to the illustrious Comedy Stores in Sydney and London. Heckling is definitely not advised.

Comedy Carnival’s Australia Day event takes place on Saturday 26 January at the distinctive Bush Hall, a restored Victorian-style ballroom located in the heart of Shepherd’s Bush, or as Aussies in West London affectionately call it, “SheBu”.

Tickets can be booked online here for £15 (plus booking fee). The show starts at 8pm, with doors and Happy Hour from 7pm, plus a late bar after the show.

The post Top shelf Aussie comedians teaming up for big Australia Day laughs in London appeared first on Australian Times News.

Jason Day

If you’d suggested at the end of 2015 that the next three years would be devoid of major titles for Day, then you would have likely received a great deal of admonishment. Day appeared to have the world at his feet when he claimed his first major at the PGA Championship in 2015. The Australian then spent an impressive 47 weeks at the top of the world rankings, with many believing that Day could usher in an era of dominance akin to that of Tiger Woods.

At just 31 years old, time is very much on Day’s side. Day has detailed how he is taking tips from Kobe Bryant in order to recapture that level of elite performance. He has underperformed in major championships since his maiden title, but as the 11^th-ranked player in the world, he can avoid much of the scrutiny that comes to the world’s very best. That freedom could give Australian golf its Day in 2019.

Adam Scott

Source: Adam Scott via Facebook.

Adam Scott is the next natural candidate, given that he is the only other major-winning Australian this decade. Ranked 42^nd in the world, it may appear as if Scott’s 2013 Masters title will remain his solitary major. His sudden-death win over Angel Cabrera made him the first Australian to win the Masters, as well as demonstrating to the world his ability to remain cool under the most intense pressure.

As with Day, that major triumph helped Scott to secure the number one ranking. Scott has made changes to his schedule for 2019 in the aim of putting himself in the best possible position to win another major. The Australian is 60/1 in golf betting with bet365 to add a second Masters to his collection, with the event in Augusta the first major of the year. That price puts Scott behind a whole host of players who have no experience of the business end of a major; Scott will hope that his experience can pay dividends in 2019.

Marc Leishman

Leishman has come close to major glory in the past and has since demonstrated that his fine emerging form was not a flash in the pan. Ranked 18^th in the world, Leishman frequently enters a major as a dangerous outsider and a worthwhile each-way punt. He was the first Australian to win Rookie of the Year, doing so in 2009, although that accolade is not always a guarantee for a successful career.

However, Leishman has largely lived up to the hype. The 2015 Open Championship was almost a legendary tournament for Australia; Leishman only lost to Zach Johnson in a playoff, while Day and Scott both made the top 10. 2019 could be the year where Leishman converts his potential into a major victory. Having also claimed 4^th spot at the Masters in 2013, Leishman has shown that he can perform impressively at two of the four majors. 

If Day and Scott can’t add to their title collections, perhaps Leishman or even the emerging Cameron Smith can make the step up in 2019.

The post Australia’s best hopes for a golf Major in 2019 appeared first on Australian Times News.

One of the best destinations for starting a hair transplant clinic is Turkey, which is now seen as the most attractive hair transplant destination for foreign patients. The reason behind Turkey’s success in the field of hair transplant procedures is given by the reliability of the procedures, completed at very competitive prices.

As a general rule, persons living in Europe prefer to opt for the hair transplant procedure in Turkey due to its proximity to European countries and the prices requested by the hair transplant clinics in this country, which are much lower compared to the prices of the Western European clinics. For example, the cost of a hair transplant in turkey is approximately $2,000, while in Europe or the United States of America, the price can increase up to ten times.

At the level of 2015, the country received 746,000 foreign visitors who arrived here for medical purposes. A wide number of such persons – of 100,000 chose Turkey for hair transplant procedures and it is estimated that a total of $1 billion was obtained from medical tourism related to hair transplant.

A country that has relatively higher prices compared to the ones available in Turkey is Singapore, where the hair transplant procedures are also developing at a fast pace. The industry is rising here as a direct consequence of the positive outcomes of the hair transplant procedures, as well as of the increased awareness of the local consumer market concerning the safety of the procedures. Businessmen who want start a company in Singapore to as a hair transplant clinic should know that such procedures can now be developed here with the assistance of a high-tech device, known as the Robotic Hair Transplant.

The post Best countries for starting a hair transplant clinic appeared first on Australian Times News.

Protection

Every business needs some form of insurance, and trading without it is ill-advised and dangerous. It’s essential that you get the right form of insurance, as they come in a variety of different types, and your first pick might not always be the most suitable. While there may be similarities between Australian and UK insurance policies, the fact remains that you are going to need to protect your business, your customers, your workforce, and your business model from external threats. Consider:

• Cybercrime
• In-house theft
• Accidents

Commercial cover for business in the UK can ensure you have policies tailored to your business. Insurers such as Hiscox use underwriters who are experienced in the risks unique to your business, offering comprehensive protection with their commercial cover. With no admin fees and immediate cover available, this is one solution for those hoping to protect their business no matter where they might be in the world.

Know your market

While there are a lot of similarities between Britain and Australia, there are plenty of cultural differences as well. Trading in a new country means always being aware of those differences. Sometimes, a marketing campaign will falter or have a negative impact due to a misunderstood cultural or linguistic difference. Look at the large corporations who have had to race for damage control when an advertising campaign has a different meaning to a new demographic.

Register your business

One of the first tasks that you’re going to need to do before you start trading is to register your business with HMRC. This will ensure that your company is paying the right amount of tax. Don’t assume that you won’t need to pay tax in the UK just because you’re based in Australia. If you’re a limited company then you will need to pay for registration. The cost that you pay will depend on if you pay in person or by post, although paying via the postal service is considerably higher.

Know your sector requirements

Different business types need different paperwork, and you need to make sure that you have the relevant documentation before you launch. Check your business model. If you sell alcohol, or play any form of music, then you are going to need to be very aware of the official requirements. Failure to do so will often result in a fine, and that can be the biggest threat to your business.

With its cutting-edge tech sector and strong market position, the UK is a very attractive destination for Australian entrepreneurs. Make sure that you understand the legal necessities and your business launch will go much more smoothly. Plan right, and you could be trading to UK customers before you know it.

The post Trials and tribulations of the expat entrepreneur appeared first on Australian Times News.

The rest of the Springboks contingent is backs Damian de Allende, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel and Handre Pollard, and forwards Schalk Brits, Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Malcolm Marx, Trevor Nayakane and Skihumbuzo Notshe.

There are players from seven other nations in the invitation side’s cosmopolitan squad for the Killik Cup match at Twickenham on December 1.

Tickets to the Killik Cup match between the Barbarians and Argentina on December 1 start at £20. Go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk/barbarians for details.

Scrum-half Frank Lomani joins the club after playing a key role in Fiji’s historic 21-14 win against France.

Argentina legend Juan Miguel Leguizamon lines up against the Pumas four years on from leading the Barbarians to victory over England.

New Zealand’s Wyatt Crockett joins the squad at the end of his distinguished Crusaders and All Blacks career.

And there are two players capped by Australia in Bordeaux-Begles lock Luke Jones and Melbourne Rebels wing Tom English.

In keeping with the Barbarians’ traditions there are two uncapped players in the Chiefs’ Australian fly half Jack Debreczeni and the Crusaders flanker Jordan Taufua.

Barbarians squad

Backs

• Tomasso Benvenuti (Benetton & Italy)
• Damian de Allende (Stormers & South Africa)
• Jack Debreczeni (Chiefs)
• Aphiwe Dyanti (Lions & South Africa)
• Tom English (Rebels & Australia)
• Leon Fukofuka (Auckland & Tonga)
• Elton Jantjies (Lions & South Africa)
• Jesse Kriel (Bulls & South Africa)
• Frank Lomani (Rebels & Fiji)
• Handre Pollard (Bulls & South Africa)

Forwards

• Schalk Brits (Stormers & South Africa)
• Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders & New Zealand)
• Lood de Jager (Bulls & South Africa)
• Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers & South Africa)
• Luke Jones (Bordeaux Begles & Australia)
• Steven Kitshoff (Stormers & South Africa)
• Siya Kolisi (Stormers & South Africa)
• Juan Miguel Leguizamon (Jaguares & Argentina)
• Malcolm Marx (Lions & South Africa)
• Alexandre Menini (Lyon & France)
• Trevor Nayakane (Bulls & South Africa)
• Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers & South Africa)
• Jordan Taufua (Crusaders)

The post Erasmus adds 13 Boks to Barbarians squad appeared first on Australian Times News.

Usain Bolt – Indefinite training period

Bolt’s arrival was met with the announcement that he would be on an ‘indefinite training period’ with the Mariners. The club’s name suddenly made headlines and hundreds of thousands of Google searches were done on Central Coast. The Mariners aren’t playing well, but fans can still use free bonus bets for their favourite team. The A-League’s current bottom dwellers receive more interest from outside of Australia than ever before. In the same way that the football world opened its eyes to the United States’ and Canada’s Major League Soccer when David Beckham arrived, the A-League suddenly had new interest.

The former sprinter showed some skill and the obvious bursts of speed that made him a world-class Olympic athlete. He tallied two goals in his first preseason start for the Mariners. In interviews post-game, Bolt expressed his desire to sign with Central Coast to get his football career off the ground. Yet, his desire wasn’t strong enough to sign with the Mariners when the contract was presented to him. Financial issues drove a wedge between player and club, and now Bolt’s slim chance at a real football career is getting slimmer as he tries to find a team.

Usain Bolt – Why not signing him was the right decision

In 2011, America’s NFL football league endured a players’ strike. With time on his hand, wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson – a self-professed lifelong soccer fan – persuaded Sporting KC to take him on trial. The trial was a joke as Johnson lacked the skills of even a good amateur soccer player. He may have had the pace, but his touch was appalling. The trial did give Sporting KC media coverage it had never had before. Media outlets in the club’s own city took notice of it for the first time and it drew interest from new fans.

Bolt’s trial with Central Coast was very similar. Although the sprinter looked to have more natural soccer ability than Johnson. Yet, bringing an outside player who hasn’t played soccer as a career and comes from another sport, undermines those who are fighting for a place in the team. Would Bolt have made Central Coast better? Probably not, they are at the bottom of the A-League after five games with just two points. Would Bolt have brought fans to the stadium? Yes, but it wouldn’t have lasted. Once supporters around the league had seen Bolt play the attendance numbers would have most likely dropped off.

According to World Football, the average Central Coast home attendance in 2017-18 was just 7,194. It was the second lowest in the A-League. After five games this season, the Mariners find themselves in the same position, but only averaging 6,594 fans per home match. Sure, the average attendance would have increased some, but winning soccer games is what really draws supporters.

The post Did the A-League really miss out by not signing Usain Bolt? appeared first on Australian Times News.

The ensemble

The music includes three world premieres by composers Andrea Keller, Tilman Robinson and Australian Art Orchestra Director Peter Knight, with traditional ensemble textures invigorated by archival recordings, tape, electronics and improvisation, to create an intense listening experience.

Sometimes Home Can Grow Stranger than Space is created in collaboration with Monash University Faculty of Arts, and responds to its 100 Stories archive. The project is supported by the Anzac Centenary Arts and Culture Fund, the Australia Council for the Arts, Creative Victoria and the Ian Potter Foundation, and was conceived from an original concept by Paul Grabowsky AO, founding director of the Australian Art Orchestra.

Book tickets

Sometimes Home Can Grow Stranger than Space will be performed on Sunday 18 November 2018, at the Purcell Room. Book tickets here.

For more information on the EFG London Jazz Festival, visit efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk

The post Australian Art Orchestra set to wow at EFG London Jazz Festival appeared first on Australian Times News.

Opener Nicole Bolton and spinner Jess Jonassen are the only additions to the side that claimed a 3-0 T20I series whitewash against New Zealand on Friday.

“There’s only two players that come into the ODI and T20 sides that didn’t take part in the recent series against New Zealand, which is really pleasing as it means we have a stable playing group who are gelling really well,” said national selector Shawn Flegler.

“Nicole’s generally been considered a 50-over player but she’s put in a lot of work to improve her short-form game and its evident in her recent T20 form.

“Jess is recovering well from her knee injury and will join the squad in Malaysia, with the aim to have her playing in the two warm-up matches in the West Indies.

“The three ODIs are crucial in making sure we stay at the top of the ICC Women’s Championship table with an eye on the next 50-over World Cup, and a successful series will give the group great confidence heading to the West Indies.

“This is an exciting group of players who’ve played some very good cricket in the T20 format in particular, over the last six months, and with injection of some youth we believe this group has the right attributes to have a successful World Cup.”

Those who back the Aussies to win will be uttering three luck words “winning sports bets”.

ODI squad for Pakistan ODI series: Meg Lanning (c), Nicole Bolton, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla, Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham.

World T20 and Pakistan T20I series squad: Meg Lanning (c). Nicole Bolton. Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner,, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham.

The post Aussies name squads for Pakistan series and World T20 appeared first on Australian Times News.

For example, did you know Australia has become one of the world leaders in inward skilled migration with a total of 245,400 immigrants in the year ending June 30, 2017, a 27 per cent increase from the year before?

Australia’s employment statistics

In 2018, Australia boasted a low 5.3% unemployment rate, with national average weekly earnings of $1,207 and an Economic Growth rate of 3.4% (Reserve Bank of Australia 2018). In addition, Australia is in its 27th consecutive year of annual economic growth, one of the few economies in the post-WWII period to achieve this (2017-18) (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

Australia is the 2nd wealthiest nation in terms of wealth per adult after Switzerland – (2017) (Global Wealth Report, Credit Suisse) and is estimated to have the world’s 13th highest GDP and the 11th highest GDP per capita in US dollar terms (2017) (International Monetary Fund).

The Department of Jobs and Small Business projects that total employment will increase by 886,100 (or 7.1 per cent) over the five years to May 2023. The long-term structural shift in employment towards services industries is projected to continue over the coming five years.

The key performers

Health Care and Social Assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth (increasing by 250,300), followed by Construction (118,800), Education and Training (113,000) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (106,600).

Together, these four industries are projected to provide almost two-thirds (or 66.4 per cent) of total employment growth over the five years to May 2023.

Australia is set for healthy growth in the next 20 years backed by a growing population and gateway proximity to the predicted world economic leaders of India, China and Japan.

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay

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Australia Immigration and Investment Roadshow in South Africa

Zeke Bentley, as Principal of Irish Bentley Lawyers and The Migration Place team of advisors, will be visiting South Africa to hold a series of free, one-on-one immigration consultations this October 2018.

In addition to running a full-service law practice, Zeke Bentley has focused on immigration matters since 2002 and is a member of the QLS, the MIA, Migration Alliance and a Registered Migration Agent with MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority). He has run matters in all courts including constitutional cases in the High Court of Australia. The Migration Place is the specialist Migration Divison of Irish Bentley Lawyers based in Brisbane Australia.

Move To Australia Australia Consultations: Available dates in South Africa

Johannesburg: 8-12 October

Cape Town: 15-19 October

Durban: 22-24 October

These consultations are free to attend but you will need to register. You’re welcome to bring your partner and family members along to the appointment.

Simply fill in the form on this page to apply for the consultation and a legal team member will confirm an available time.

The Migration Place has also partnered with a South African-based law practice in Johannesburg that is available to assist with your migration enquiries. Tel: 010 023 0795

The post Work in Australia: forecast of over 800,000 new jobs by 2023 appeared first on Australian Times News.

Here’s a look at our beauty writer’s top five picks:

ISSA 2

I have a confession to make; I have a thing for electric toothbrushes. Having been introduced to the world of the electric tooth cleaner – by the way, why is it a tooth and not a teethbrush, you do after all clean more than one tooth at a time? – I’m hooked. And none are as good as my ISSA 2.

The revolution of the ISSA 1, 2 is not only a sleek design but comes with a combination brush head and they’ve upped the ante with the sonic pulses.

It is a dentist visit at home to help you avoid dentist visits.

Price: AUD 236

UFO

Looks like a UFO with results that are out of this world, the UFO-Activated Masks uses your skin’s natural reaction to heat and cold along with T-Sonic pulsations to give you the best mask treatment.

No longer is it a case of slap it on and wash it off, hoping that somehow the mask penetrates the skin, the UFO warms in its Thermo-Therapy mode to do just that while the Cryo-Therapy mode then deals with the open pores and reduces puffiness.

Price: AUD 390

Iris

Crow’s feet? Dark circles and bags under your eyes? Meet Iris, Foreo’s Illuminating Eye Massager.

I’ve been using this device for about three months and, aesthetically at least, I’m more pleasing. This product has made a notable difference to the crow’s feet around my eyes, they are no longer walking all over my face.

Gently replicating the feeling of a manual massage uses Foreo’s T-Sonic technology to tap away signs of ageing before they begin to develop.

Price: AUD 194

Also read: Should you be brushing your face?

 Luna 2

I’ve trialled the Mini and it was great but now it is time to move onto the big toy with all the bells and whistles of the Mini 2 and its T-Sonic power but with additional zones. My favourite: the advanced anti-ageing.

The reverse side of the Luna features ridges that use a lower-frequency pulsation that leaves my skin feeling firmer and looking as if a mini facelift may or may not have been on the cards.

While cleaning off dirt and makeup residue better than any face sponge, it improves the absorption of face creams and comes in four models depending on skin type.

Price: AUD 278

Luna for men

And there’s even a Luna for the lads!

Metrosexual is in – manicures, good skin and scent are no longer just for the ladies. Enter the Luna for Men.

It does everything that the woman’s edition does but designed specifically for the lad’s skin type, this little gadget not only cleans the skin, beard or no beard but has an anti-ageing surface designed by that Swedish engineering to deal with wrinkle-prone points.

Price: AUD 138

The post The five best beauty gadgets to get you glowing appeared first on Australian Times News.

An island nation

One of the key factors in shaping the performance of British stocks is the fact that this is an island nation. Because it’s relatively small and lacks the resources to be self-sufficient in every area, a great deal depends on imports, and those imports have to travel by air or sea. This means that issues with supply routes can have a big impact on profits and therefore on stock values. When you buy, you need to consider not only the company itself but also its supply chain and how resilient the company can be if something goes wrong with that.

Strong sectors

Although stock prices are always in flux, some parts of the UK marketplace offer more security or better growth prospects than others. The Scottish renewable energy sector, for instance, now produces more electricity than Scots actually use and is expanding to support other areas. Whisky and salmon are strong exports with expanding overseas markets. In England, a housing shortage means that, although there may be temporary disruption around Brexit, the long-term trends for construction look very good. It’s also worth considering sectors with high prestige, such as London-based tailoring.

Finding the right stocks

When you’re new to the market, the first thing you will need to do is find a reliable broker. You can then decide whether you want to invest in stocks directly or by way of a fund that will allow you to spread the risk. A trade publication like Hammerstone will help you to keep track of what’s happening in the markets – you can visit them here. The ideal choices will never be the same for everybody – you’ll need to factor in your specific goals as an investor and the level of risk you are willing to tolerate.

Regulation

Part of what makes the UK attractive to stock traders is that it has a very well-regulated market, which reduces the risk of getting scammed and provides more security for new traders. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) maintains strict listing rules for issuers which mean you can be confident that what you are buying really exists and is being sold legitimately. There is lots of useful information available and you can report any problems you experience in order to help other traders.

Getting used to a new market always presents challenges but it also opens up new opportunities. If you’re willing to put in the work to find them, you could enjoy a good deal of success.

The post UK stocks – tips for first time investors appeared first on Australian Times News.

Genia will be teaming up with South African trio Eben Etzebeth, Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira and Handre Pollard alongside the Springbok Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, who was named as the Barbarians coach on Wednesday. More big names are anticipated later this month – and a number of Aussie players will be among the collective.

Tickets are already on sale – and priced as low as £20* for adults and £15* for children (*booking fees apply). Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 844 0444.

For Genia, this fixture will present a chance to make amends as he was part of the Wallabies outfit that narrowly lost to Los Pumas in the Rugby Championship last week.

Although he’ll be playing in the famous black and white shirt of the Baa-baas this time round, Genia will no doubt play with the same passion and determination fans around the world have come to expect from a man of such talent.

Genia is one of the leading scrumhalves in world rugby, having amassed over 90 caps, and will be looking to provide quick ball to the backline. He’s pretty speedy – and quick to find and take the gap, too. How Argentina plan to combat this aspect of his gameplan is of particular intrigue.

He has played for the victorious Barbarians sides twice, in 2009 against the All Blacks and 2010 against South Africa.  Maybe he is their lucky player and will make it three from three?

Twickenham never disappoints as a venue and Barbarian matches associated with it… but they have set the bar pretty high even for themselves – they are returning to Twickenham after the record-breaking 63-45 win and 15-try thriller over England earlier this year in May.

The team will no doubt be packed full of more superstars from around the globe and will light up the stadium with the brand of rugby expected at Barbarian matches, with sublime handling, big hits and end to-end action. You won’t be disappointed – another guaranteed action packed match day of world class rugby will be on offer.

The post Genia boost for Barbarians ahead of Argentina clash appeared first on Australian Times News.

The Barbarians pulled off a record-breaking win over England earlier this year when the famous invitational side won 63-45.

“It’s a terrific honour to be invited to coach the Barbarians later this year and it should be a great occasion at Twickenham,” said Erasmus.

“The Barbarians are renowned for bringing together great individuals and the challenge for coaches is moulding them into a team that plays wonderful rugby, which they certainly showed earlier this year against England.

“There’s a lot of important games for South Africa between now and then but the chance to work with a new group and take on Argentina once more will be a great end to the year.”

The Pumas, who won the last fixture between the sides in 2015, made history of their own last weekend with a 23-19 win over the Wallabies in Australia — their first there in 35 years.

Erasmus will coach a squad full of international greats and three Springboks have already accepted invitations to line up against the Pumas – Handré Pollard (flyhalf), Eben Etzebeth (lock) and Tendai Mtawarira (prop) will join the Baa-baas in London after South Africa’s November internationals against England, France, Scotland and Wales.

They will be joined by Wallaby scrumhalf Will Genia, who will be in Europe with Australia for their Tests against Wales, Italy and England. More big name acquisitions will be announced in due course.

Tickets from as little as £20* for adults and £15* for kids. Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call the ticket hotline 0844 844 0444.

*Booking Fees Apply

The post Erasmus to coach Aussie Genia and others with Baa-baas appeared first on Australian Times News.

Now that the political dust has settled – and the reforms were finally introduced in March – what will this mean for the country and economy going forward?

The new rules explained

The replacement to the 457 program is the new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa – and this is split into two ‘streams’:

• A short-term stream which allows a stay of up to two years and can only be renewed once.
• A medium-term stream which allows stays of up to four years.

The short-term stream is subject to a new occupation list, which is about 200 smaller than that which was used for the 457 system, whereas the medium stream will use a similar list to the old regime.

In both streams, as SBS notes, there are tighter regulations for visa applicants, including:

• Higher requirements for work experience
• Increased English language requirements
• Mandatory labour market testing
• Set salary rates
• New rules on the requirements for character, anti-discrimination and training

As with the 457 rules, both visa streams require the support of an employer in Australia.

What will the impact be?

The true impact of the new rules will only be felt in time. It’ll be measured directly in terms of the numbers of skilled migrants coming here and unemployment figures. It’ll also be addressed indirectly when it comes to everything from GDP through to the sort of stock market indicators that people track on trading software and possibly even political polling. But how dramatic will the fall out really be?

Youth unemployment in Australia is just above 12% – yet there are some regions where this is almost 18%. In the short term, however, there needs to be a drive to deliver the training needed to arm both young and old with the skills needed to plug any potential shortages caused by tougher regulations. There’s no guarantee that this will have the desired effect but that’s certainly part of the political motivation behind this – as well as Turnbull’s desire for a tough-talking policy on immigration.

Stats show that last year there were 95,000 457 visa holders in Australia. Of those, India saw the highest number of workers approved, with the UK and China second and third respectively. It’s perhaps in these three countries where the impact might be most keenly felt.

Many fear that the rules will be tougher for students too, as younger people might well struggle to get around the tougher work experience requirements placed before them.

However, it is worth stressing that the rules won’t completely bar people who came under the 457 visa arrangements. People with good qualifications and relevant experience can still enter under permanent residency visas, which operate independently from these employer-sponsored schemes. This new scheme raises the bar – it doesn’t put up a wall.

An election crowd pleaser?

There’s even a chance that this might not even be a long-term measure either. Migration agent Youssef Haddad feels that the new rules are more about politics than economics, with the government having an eye on the federal elections in August, and that the focus might well turn to pragmatism post-election.

Mr Haddad said: “The statistics clearly tell us that if it wasn’t for our migration intake, we would have a negative birth rate. For a country the size of Australia to compete globally, we need our population to increase.

“I’m pretty sure that once the government has a feeling that they’re going to be re-elected, maybe they’ll ease things off again.”

Early evidence does suggest, however, that processing times for Visa applications has grown significantly – as has the refusal rate for regional-sponsored Visas. There’s also anecdotal evidence of people flouting the rules by working illegally, taking jobs in agriculture or restaurants, for example, while on a tourist Visa.

While it’s difficult to know the scale or scope of this type of activity, the fact that it might well be happening is a sign that this could be a tough policy to enforce and that there could well be plenty of people with the will to look for ways around it.

It’s likely, therefore, that a range of factors might well mean that the impact of this particular policy might be smaller than some of the rhetoric and reaction would have you believe – for good or for bad. The next year or so will demonstrate this one way or the other – and the tone of the rhetoric after August’s elections might well be telling.

The post What could the new Visa rules mean for Australia? appeared first on Australian Times News.

Consider us so much more than just a typical digital marketing agency: we aren’t the type of people who take you on as part of our endless roster of clients and view as nothing more than a number. We do things differently here at SIXGUN: we like to see ourselves as an extension of your business, utilising a tailored approach to developing digital marketing campaigns that actually get results.

Our skilled, experienced and highly qualified technicians work closely alongside your business to produce campaigns that are specifically tailored to your business goals – thus supporting ongoing communication and producing outstanding results in the process.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

SIXGUN’s technicians are experts in the field of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). As SEO is one of the most efficient ways to drive traffic to your website and create conversions, it’s important that if your business has a website it should be flourishing in this field. Our technicians will work round the clock on your business’s behalf, developing an SEO strategy that will have your website ranking on page one of Google, as well as having your target audience coming to your website time and time again.

Search Engine Marketing

Search engine marketing is the best way to deliver instant visibility to your target audience. The team of digital marketing professionals at SIXGUN produce powerful strategies to enhance visibility to your target audience, as well providing ongoing analysis which will help improve your campaign. You will see outstanding business results as you go, and our team will continue to improve your performance through our unrivalled skills in this field of marketing.

Social Media Marketing

SIXGUN has a team of dedicated social media experts, working hard to ensure that every marketing dollar is used effectively through talking to a targeted audience. We create engaging social media content that will drive traffic and increase brand awareness, thus enhancing conversions in the process. Allow our team to take your business’s social media game to the next level – we understand the ins and outs of how to take your brand to the next level.

The post Melbourne’s leading boutique digital marketing agency appeared first on Australian Times News.

Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, Alexander Noren and Thorbjorn Olesen are the others. He is the only player in the side without a top-10 finish at Le Golf National.

Hats off to Hatton

“It is a dream come true. You watch the Ryder Cup as a kid and you want to be there when you grow up so to make the team you feel very honoured – it’s a fantastic team. This week, if I can keep my head that will give me the best chance to play as well as I can and hopefully that gets rewarded with some points for Europe,” said Hatton.

Banking on Bjorn’s best

European captain Thomas Bjorn paired Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, FedEx Cup winner Justin Rose and Noren in the first practice group earlier this week. Rory McIlroy, Paul Casey, Olesen and Rahm followed.

An indicator of things to come or mere experimentation from Bjorn? You decide.

“I’m pretty set in my mind where I want to go with this from the beginning, and over the two days with pairings things can change a lot, but I am pretty set in my mind,” said Bjorn.

“This is very much about getting everyone out there and enjoying themselves. They are all out there and getting their bearings and getting to know what the golf course is like this week.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean they will be paired together. I don’t feel like I’ve given anything away in what is happening out on the golf course here.”

History suggests that being bold and forming new duos is the right way to go for the Europeans, even if the Americans are favourites to lift the Ryder Cup. This Betway blog by Jack Green and infographic will reveal more.

Poulter praise

Tiger Woods has many fans singing several praises. The latest in the long line of vocal supporters is Ian Poulter.

Poulter, like Woods, has weathered a career hampered by injury. Poulter, like Woods, will make a Ryder Cup return this week.

“There were definitely question marks when I was struggling a bit – and I looked to see where he has been. It is quite inspirational to see how good he’s come back. For the Ryder Cup, it is great and it is good to have Tiger playing the type of golf he is playing, because he makes the Ryder Cup even more special,” said Poulter.

“I’m rekindling the thoughts of all the previous times I’ve played and I’m pretty excited. It’s always a special week from a team perspective. I guess when you are at the low of lows, and that wasn’t that long ago, there’s a little voice in the back of your head that kind of says, ‘You might not get back to as good as you was’.

“It was difficult being vice-captain last time knowing how I’d helped the team in the past. This time around I felt I really wanted to make the team and felt if I worked hard, restructured things, I could definitely make this Ryder Cup team – which I have.”

The post Hatton’s hopes and Poulter’s past appeared first on Australian Times News.

Tax advantages, always on the list of future entrepreneurs

Starting a company abroad means having in mind the business climate and the ways in which a firm can be established in agreement with the local and the international rules and regulations. Besides that, entrepreneurs are interested in the tax benefits provided in certain circumstances. For example, entrepreneurs can receive tax reliefs if they decide on hiring the local workforce, establish the company in the free trade zones or if the chosen country for business formation signed double taxation treaties for the avoidance of double taxation.

As an example of a successful destination for doing business abroad, there are numerous investors who consider the UAE and particularly Dubai the type of location that offers a plentitude of advantages, like 100% ownership and no taxes if the company is registered in the well-known free trade zones.

The foreign entrepreneurs should observe the local laws for starting a business otherwise they might need a criminal defence solicitor to represent them in court for different types of business crimes.

The local workforce can be helpful for foreign entrepreneurs

As a business person in a foreign country, it is highly recommended to observe not only the local legal requirements, but also the ways in which you can benefit from an experienced labor force. Whether an investor is interested in industries like tourism, agriculture, IT, engineering, automotive, food & beverage or even agriculture, it is suggested to test the market and have an idea about available and skilled workforce in the country chosen for business. Most of the proficient workers speak at least two languages and have graduated important and prestigious colleges in their home countries or overseas. A recruitment agency is always one of the proper solutions for company owners who want to hire the staff for their future operations in a foreign country.

Without any doubt, the stability of a country from an economic point of view is often on the list of advantages an entrepreneur should consider. It is a fact that the attraction for doing a business is imperative in the important financial hubs from around the world and in top destinations that are considered powerful on international markets.

Starting a business abroad is definitely a notable idea for those looking to prosper on an international scale among top players and solid financiers.

The post The benefits of starting a business abroad appeared first on Australian Times News.

Getting the glow

Chasing that Swedish supermodel look may be a bit harder than initially thought, after all surely all it takes is blonde, smooth skin, blue eyes and a glowing complexion.

I have succeeded in two of the four.

‘You are glowing’… in the right context, these are three words to brighten a woman’s life and were what I heard as I sat down to brunch with friends.

A mimosa in and I was racking my brain for what was different, what was new, with my thoughts turning to my LUNA Mini 2, the facial brush that is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Cleanse, wet, brush!

Tempted into trying the LUNA Mini 2 as the days and years of youthful wash-and-go have gone by, it is the cleansing brush that delivers the promised glamour.

How the beauty brush works

Using it twice a day for the past two months – starting at night and then building it up to twice a day as I wanted to see if my skin reacted, my face has never felt so super clean, so super soft.

The revolutionary LUNA Mini 2 uses silicone bristles so you don’t have to replace the brush head while always maintaining a hygienic field of play.

And even for us more sensitive souls, it is gentle on the skin with its longer touch-points that extend reach and enhance softness.

Eight settings ranging from intense to lighter to even lighter means it delivers a customised cleansing for those I-didn’t-leave-the-house-days to the I-did-all-the-housework-days.

A twice-daily facial massage is all it takes for a fresh, clear and even-looking complexion.

One hundred percent waterproof, you can take it in the bathtub, the shower, or even throw it in the pool if that’s your thing.

So this beauty brush really works?

You’ve got to hand it to FOREO, they’ve designed a device that does what the packaging says.

Now, if only I could get rid of the crow’s feet stomping around my eyes, maybe then I’ll be a bit closer to that Swedish supermodel look.

The post Should you be brushing your face? appeared first on Australian Times News.

Easy, intuitive to use

Digital Pigeon is an online file sharing system that makes sending large files simple. This is why our customers love us and it is what we do best. What makes our system so easy to use is the ability of our customers to send large files without their clients having to download any extra software to receive the files. Your clients can easily see a preview of the file you are sending them or download the work straight away. This is done instantly and on any device. We utilise previews from source and raw file formats that are used by agencies, studios, marketers and creatives.

Super fast

The Digital Pigeon file sharing platform is powered by the world’s leading, cloud-based infrastructure service, Amazon Web Services. This means we can quickly transport your files to your client at a rate at which you and your client’s internet speeds can deal with. Unlike our competitors, whose platforms are susceptible to congestion, Digital Pigeon’s file sharing platform delivers files at amazing speeds, without any hassle.

Highly professional

Digital Pigeon has been developed to make our customers look good in front of their clients. Our file sharing platform contains a minimalist, clear presentation that even utilises your company’s branding. We create a personalised communication experience between you and your clients.

Enhanced workflow

We want to make the sending of large files as efficient as possible, and therefore have a range of features which help you save time and money. Your clients will find it easy to provide feedback through Digital Pigeon, as well as making the viewing of videos, photographs and other files a breeze.

Send large files from anywhere

 Digital Pigeon allows you the opportunity to send large files from anywhere in the world, from any device and in any file format you prefer. Digital Pigeon’s web-based application comes with a full suite of services and features that allow you to send files to clients anywhere in the world. We even provide our customers with the opportunity to download apps for Mac, iOS and Windows. Your clients only require an internet connection to view your work, so they can also see it wherever they are, without the fuss.

The post Send large files with Digital Pigeon appeared first on Australian Times News.

What is SEO?

It is a form of marketing that makes use of search engines to keep the product or business being marketed as visible as possible online in order for potential clients to get to the website for the product or service offered. It is utilized by almost all companies, especially those of large-scale ones that want to tap into the worldwide market for their industry. It is a reliable and really cost-effective marketing strategy that helps the business in more ways than one.

A Chance to Showcase Your Products

There are a lot of benefits that can be derived by using SEO as your choice for a marketing strategy. To start, using SEO increases the credibility of a product or service. Everybody knows about Google and they turn to it in searching for a lot of different things. If people find your products on this search engine, there is always a high chance for people to take a look, browse your website and scan what you have to offer. This chance is all it takes for you to get an opportunity to showcase your products and services and all this is possible because you have resorted to using SEO.

More Visibility

Another advantage would be that potential clients view your business as an advanced enterprise since you are now into digital marketing. Some clients do not bother looking into advertisements they pass by and prefer to look on the web to get what they need, given the highly technological environment of today in the world of commerce. By being visible online through popular search engines, your business gains better chances of having more potential clients who are using smartphones, laptops, tablets and any gadget that can access the internet. Fortunately, getting the right expertise for this type of marketing is not difficult and you can contact an SEO agency Melbourne to help you out.

Why SEO Is a Great Marketing Strategy for You

One definite reason to resort to SEO is that everybody does it, even your competitors. If you want to get a world-wide accessible market, your competitors probably want the same. And, if they are doing it, why don’t you, too? Keeping your marketing at the same level or beyond that of your competitor is a good move. Do not let your business be left out and besides, SEO is a really useful marketing strategy that is why everybody is resorting to it.

Marketing is very important, however, do not forget that your marketing should always be based on factual claims. Therefore, it is still essential that your products deliver on what you market them for. With this, combined with great marketing and reliable customer service and support, your business will get the market share you target sooner than you imagine.

Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/app-blur-business-close-up-270669/

The post Reasons why using SEO will help your business go far appeared first on Australian Times News.

Read on to learn how business surveys can help your company succeed.

How happy are your employees?

The day of the suggestion box is over. Using an interactive business survey tool, employees can be surveyed by their employer to gain insight into their feelings about working conditions, how the company can help them to perform at a higher level and increase job satisfaction.

The key to surveying employees is that there must be a plan going forward for how the information gathered will be used. Otherwise, employees may candidly share their honest options or suggest ways to modify procedures to get better results and then see no change. This leads to frustration and a lowering of morale, not an increase in job satisfaction. Therefore, companies must use surveys in a constructive way with a plan for how they’ll use the findings.

Understanding customer satisfaction levels

Using an online survey a company can quickly obtain answers to customer’s questions about their happiness with the product (or service) provided. Whether to check on satisfaction levels or to seek feedback on the performance of a help desk service, using a business survey tool such as SurveyManager®  to present questions and collect thoughtful responses lets managers gain clarity about what the company is doing well and where it’s falling short in the eyes of their customers.

Information gathered is often visible in real-time, so responses from the earliest ones through to the most recent are visible from a web or smartphone app.

Market research for the win

How would Coca-Cola have fared if they’d performed adequate market research on their concept of “New Coke” instead of changing the classic Coke formula and finding their customers entirely dissatisfied with their decision? Don’t make the same mistake!

Companies that test their ideas for a new product (or service), or a variation on an existing one, avoid painful and costly blunders. Using survey forms to facilitate market research closes the gap between what’s believed to be true and what is true.

When product (and service) teams develop a new product (or service) based on customer feedback, marketing teams can produce campaigns that speak to this ideal customer. End consumers see the company adjusting their offering or just hitting it out of the park on the first try with a new offer that is a perfect fit for their needs. Only with thoughtfully conducted market research and smart interpretation of what the results mean can companies short-cut the development process to find success sooner.

Market research for the new brand

For any company looking to rebrand itself, surveying its existing or prospective customers is a good check to see if the new name is going to resonate with their target audience. The view internally can sometimes be myopic; getting outside opinions delivers invaluable food for thought.

What people associate with a brand name isn’t always what is expected. Brands often discover this when they perform market research for different countries. A brand name might make sense in the USA but fall flat in Canada and offend potential customers in Japan. Words also have different meanings, even when translated. It often requires soliciting local opinions to understand subtle word usage differences that could change how a brand or product name is interpreted.

Templates for days

Surveys aren’t helpful if they don’t ask the right questions. If you think about market researchers who pose leading questions rather than open-ended ones, it tends to skew the answers away from what was initially intended and creates a clear bias in the responses.

Being provided useful templates filled with sensible questions to ask employees during an internal survey or customers with a new product, shortcuts the time to get ready to run a survey. While having access to useful questions is a good starting point, it doesn’t mean that a company must stick to only those questions. It offers a jumping off point and provides a valid framework.

Templates provide suitable questions that don’t lead people to give certain responses in a tight grouping. It helps to shape the thinking on how to successfully draw up a new set of unbiased questions that relate to the company or their customers in their industry.

Business market surveys have many useful purposes for companies intent on improving their business results or the happiness of their employees. Only with a better understanding can acceptance occur, and improvements be applied.

The post How business surveys can help your company improve products, services & employee satisfaction appeared first on Australian Times News.

If you find yourself in this category, you know how frustrating it can be. Keep in mind that no two bodies are the same and that everyone’s metabolism is unique, so what works for someone else might not be the best tactic for you. Short of that, you should take a close look at both your habits for eating and working out and try to identify areas where you might be short-changing yourself. One way that you can really pinpoint the problem is to get some professional assistance, which is why experts like Right Path Fitness London are in such high demand. In the meantime, if you find yourself at a plateau in terms of weight loss efforts or your attempts to get stronger and healthier, here are some reasons you could be lacking.

1. The Same Old, Same Old

Your body tends to get in a rut if you develop a workout routine that you don’t change for a long period of time. Even though that is preferable to not working out at all, you can really give your metabolism a jump start by changing up your routine. Your best bet is to reassess your workout plan every few weeks and try to change up at least a few elements of it to shock your body into better results.

2. Not Pushing Hard

It is understandable that you don’t want to injure yourself as you attack your workout regimen. But your body also needs a little bit of strain on it for your muscles to react and for fat to be burned. Try to find a happy medium between keeping yourself from overdoing it and pushing your body to new levels of activity and strain.

3. Diet Errors

Many people concentrate on the working out aspect of getting healthier without realizing that proper dieting habits are crucial as well. You can’t have one without the other when it comes to getting in shape; diet and exercise must work in tandem. Look for ways to cut calories and make sure that the calories that you do ingest are of the healthiest possible kind.

These are three ways you might be hampering your fitness efforts without even realizing it. Try to shore those areas up and see how they can make an immediate difference.

The post Three reasons you might be coming up short in your fitness goals appeared first on Australian Times News.

For the T20 Vitality Blast an array of international stars are set to grace the hallowed Lord’s turf, including the likes of England’s Eoin Morgan and Dawid Malan, plus Middlesex’s overseas signings Dwayne Bravo and Ashton Agar.

There promises to be a fantastic night of entertainment both on and off the pitch at Lord’s.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO LORD’S

Blu Sky Publications, publishers of AustralianTimes.co.uk and TheSouthAfrican.com, has teamed up with Lord’s Cricket Ground to offer you the chance to win 2 tickets to the final Vitality Blast match between Middlesex and Essex Eagles on Thursday 16^th August.

To be in with a chance in the draw, you need to correctly answer this question:

What is the common term used in cricket when a batsman scores no runs?

• Goose
• Duck
• Turkey

To enter the competition: email your name, mobile number and answer by 2pm (London) on Thursday to bryce@blueskygroup.co.uk with the words LORD’S VITALITY BLAST in the subject field.

A winner will be randomly selected from the emails with the correct answer.

If you’re not our winner, but would like to come along to Lord’s and soak up the famous Lord’s atmosphere, tickets are priced at just £25 for adults and £5 for under-16s and can be purchased from Lords.org/t20

The post WIN a pair of tickets to the Vitality Blast at the Home of Cricket appeared first on Australian Times News.

Barrier Reef photo from Rheins.

1. Great Barrier Reef

North East Australia is home to the largest living thing on earth- no, that’s not a salt-water crocodile- the Great Barrier Reef. This 2,300 km long coral reef is made of more than 600 types of coral and thousands of fish, starfish, seahorses, turtles, dolphins and sharks. You can dive, snorkel, sail or fly to get the best vantage point of this incredibly diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

2. Sydney Opera House

Daring and controversial at the time, the Sydney Opera House was finished in 1973. It went 1,457% over budget and was completed ten years past its original completion date. Now, it looms large over Sydney, an iconic and unique building that hosts over 40 cultural performances a week. Across the harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge sculpts the skyline and is perfect to walk across (or over, if you wish) to take in the views of stunning Sydney.

Uluru photo from Sharyn Carr.

3. Uluru

Also known as Ayers Rock, this huge sandstone rock is 9.4km around and stands 863m above sea level.  This rock has huge significance and is sacred to the local Aboriginal people, the Aṉangu, who have been in the area for over 10,000 years. There are several legends about how Uluru was formed. It is believed that anyone who takes rocks from the area will be cursed, and it is respectful and highly advised to not climb Uluru.

Image of Whitsunday Islands from Carolina Flora Diaz.

4. Whitsunday Islands

The 74 islands of the Whitsundays are set in crystal clear warm waters. The sandy white beaches are perfect for those who wish to relax in paradise, while snorkelling and diving yields rich natural treasures. Sea life abounds in this tranquil, stunningly beautiful area. Four islands have luxurious resorts or you can hire a yacht and cruise around the endless horizon at your own pace. There are cocktails, incredible seafood meals, and the kind of natural beauty you’ll find no-where else on earth.

Image from J.Burger.

5. The Great Ocean Road

One of the most epic road trips you will ever have the opportunity to take, the Great Ocean Road is 243 km of road along the south east coast of Australia. Spectacular sea limestone cliffs, rainforests, amazing surfing and the open road combine to make this an unforgettable trip.

Stop at Kennett River to find the most heavily populated area – for koalas! While these fluffy cute marsupials are not particularly shy, they are exceptionally lazy. Take your time and you’ll soon find the art of spotting these creatures high in the trees, slowly munching on Eucalyptus leaves.

The Twelve Apostles are a quick diversion from the road. Only eight of these limestone stacks remain after the other collapsed. The traitor ‘Judas’ collapsed in July 2005
.

6. Melbourne

One of the most vibrant cities in the world, Melbourne is the fashion, shopping and cultural centre of Australia. With incredible malls filled with top designer brands as well as local designers and unique giftware, this city is a shopper’s paradise. There are an incredible number of art galleries and museums, from Indigenous history and culture through to music and sport. The street art is unsurpassed- grab a map and start your exploration from Flinders Station. Make sure to stop in the tiny cafes with the scent of roasted coffee luring you in, or at any number of great Jazz bars and amazing restaurants along the way.

                                                                         Image by Martin.

7. Cockatoo Island

A quirky day trip from Sydney, pack a picnic, hop on a ferry and head off to this UNESCO listed heritage site. This is where the first white inhabitants of Australia- the convicts- were held while the Island was a penal establishment. After that, it became an Industrial School and reformatory for girls. Then, it was a shipbuilding centre, where Australia’s first steel warship was built. Now, it’s a great place to visit with an intriguing history and lots to explore.

Rottnest Island bay photo by Ndaaunhi.

8. Perth and Rottnest Island

Perth has a charming laid back sea-side vibe that you won’t find in any other Australian city. Go spend a day at Rottnest Island and meet the happiest creatures alive- quokkas. This adorable mammal is confined to this tiny island, accessible via the Perth ferry. When Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh discovered the island in 1696, he thought the quokkas were rats, therefore named the island ‘Rats Nest Island’. Since then, we’ve found that quokkas are the smiliest fluffiest friendliest animals and people enjoy their company as they cycle around the Island, taking in the history and the stunning views. If you’re looking to move to beautiful Perth, then consider using Ausmove.

Yarra Valley wines photo by DearEdward.

9. Follow the wine

Australia is well known for its full-bodied red wines, and there are plenty of areas where you can travel directly to the source. The Yarra Valley in Victoria, Barossa Valley in NSW, Margaret River in WA…. Pick an area and take your time driving through the region, sampling wines as you go. Often regions with stunning natural beauty, you’ll find landscapes and attractions to visit as you explore.

For instance, Yarra Valley has hot balloons at sunrise, letting you silently glide over miles of vineyards and lush green landscapes. Visit Healesville sanctuary to see Australian wildlife. You can hop on a bike- or horse- and follow the Lilydale Rail Trail through the Yarra Valley, enjoying views of the Yarra Ranges National Park and surrounding wineries.

Photo courtesy of Australian Paralympic Committee.

10. Australians

Aussies are a friendly bunch, always happy to have a chat and discuss their favourite places to visit. So there you have the ten amazing things that we think make Australia the greatest place on earth… what are waiting for! Then book your flight, grab some insurance, pack your bags, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

The post 10 reasons that prove Australia is the greatest place on earth appeared first on Australian Times News.

Contractors of commercial construction projects comply with strict standards of safety. Fortunately, the safety standards required in construction sites guarantee workers protection. Here are some sources of work-related risks for plasterers:

• Improper use of tools and equipment may cause accidents.
• Proximity to loose debris and falling objects.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals and airborne particles.
• Airborne irritants may get inhaled or enter the eyes.
• Working at heights increase the risk of falling.

Even if professional plasterers already know the necessary safety measures on construction sites, reminders are still required from time to time. Here are the safety measures each professional plasterer should adhere to

1. Workers should wear proper plastering workwear at all times. Contractors may prescribe uniform outfits for plasterers to distinguish them from other workers. A plasterer’s uniform may include plastering overalls, trousers, or polo shirt. If a contractor does not provide a uniform, plasterers may wear DIY overalls, decorators overalls, or decorators trousers bought from any construction supply shop.
2. Aside from proper workwear, plasterers should have protective accessories for the face, eyes, head, and hands. Lastly, sturdy work boots are also essential to protect the feet from falling objects and ensure good floor traction.
3. Working with power tools and equipment require skills. A plasterer should not attempt to operate machinery with no experience or training. Another precaution is in using vibrating tools. As much as possible, workers should avoid using tools that vibrate for extended periods of time. Prolonged use of such equipment may cause muscle, nerve, and joint damage.
4. As much as possible, plasterers should avoid carrying heavy loads. Permanently debilitating accidents result from moving heavy objects. Plasterers should use equipment designed to help raise heavy objects from one location to another.
5. Ask for assistance when installing scaffolding. For every construction project, scaffolding should be inspected first before approved for use. Makeshift platforms and ladders are incredibly prone to accidents. There should be no shortcuts when creating raised working platforms for plasterers.

In spite of these safety standards enforced in construction sites, some plasterers still forget to adhere to them. For example, some plasterers forego wearing gloves or face masks thinking there is no harm in doing so. Similarly, plasterers may choose not to wear a helmet while working. These examples of negligent behaviour are common reasons why work-related accidents are still rampant. While contractors are responsible for enforcing safety guidelines and regulations, it is every worker’s responsibility to look after personal safety. As a mitigating measure, contractors may also employ a team of safety experts tasked to check daily compliance with safety regulations. The constant vigilance of workers, safety experts, and contractors is the only way to minimise the occurrence of work-related disasters.

The post How to minimise plastering work hazards appeared first on Australian Times News.

1) Get your bearings with a free walking tour

These free walking tours take place three times a day. A passionate local takes you on a guided tour so you can experience the lifestyle and culture of Sydney. Find out the secrets, stories and history of the area.

The CBD tour is ideal to help you familiarise yourself with the city. You’ll cover the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Pitt St Shopping Mall, the oldest cemetery, and so much more!

2) See a show at the iconic Sydney Opera House

When the Sydney Opera House was built, it was the result of an international design competition that attracted 233 entries. The Danish-designed winner was daring and controversial. It ended up being finished 10 years late, and a whopping 1,457% over budget… but it became the jewel in Sydney’s crown and is still lauded as a contemporary masterpiece.

With over 40 performances presented each week, there is always something to see. Whether you like classical or contemporary music and theatre, there is a wide variety to keep adults and children happy. Check out what’s on and enjoy a spot of culture in this astounding world-heritage building.

3) Discover Darling Harbour

A stunning part of Sydney, you could easily spend an entire day here. Take a cruise on the harbour or investigate the Australian National Maritime Museum. For the kids, there is plenty to do, with the famous carousel, an incredible playground, the aquarium, Madam Tussauds, and a 9D action cinema. Finish the day with a gentle stroll through the peaceful Chinese Garden of Friendship. Then meander along the waterfront, find a nice spot for some seafood and beer, and watch the harbour come alive for the night!

4) Pick up a memento at Paddy’s Markets

This iconic market has been here for 150 years, making it a Sydney institution. It started life opposite a circus ground, and in the 1860’s, attractions included trick riding and other fairground-inspired classics. It’s moved around since then but it found its current home in 1975 and it’s remained there since. You’ll find delicious food, jewellery, clothing, crafts, cosmetics and so much more.

There is a free shuttle bus that runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, or you can catch the train or bus. The busiest days are Saturday and Sunday, so enjoy the hustle and hunt for the perfect ‘something’ to take home with you!

5) Get bronzed at Bondi Beach

A favourite with locals and tourists alike, this golden stretch of beach is a popular place to chill, exercise, or people-watch. Soak up the sun, take a cooling dip or maybe even invest in surfing lessons. Walk along the promenade, watching the human flotsam and jetsam. Bondi also has a great dining scene with loads of hipster cafes and restaurants, or you can simply get some classic fish and chips to eat on the beach (just watch out for persistent seagulls!).

Catch the train from Central Station to Bondi Junction, and then take the 380, 381, 382, or 333 bus to the beach. Enjoy your relaxation and keep an eye out for amazing street art.

6) Scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge

If you like a bit of adrenaline, then climbing up the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a great way to view the iconic structure from another angle, 134m above the water. With incredible views of the city and the Opera House, this is a unique way to see the city and get your days exercise!

There are choices of day and night tours, as well as the option of catching a suspended sunrise or sunset too. All tours are conducted by trained professionals, and you will be fully prepared and harnessed with safety equipment.

7) Chew over the options at Circular Quay

What do you feel like for dinner tonight? Japanese? Vietnamese? Seafood? Spanish? Or maybe a classic Aussie burger and fries? Whatever you want, Circular Quay has a huge range of cuisines and a meal to suit every budget. Whatever you eat, the sparkling views over Sydney Harbour make this experience an unforgettable highlight.

Because Circular Quay is in the heart of the city, you might end up eating here more than once…. In fact, it’s advised!

If you are travelling to Australia from an international destination, make sure you include travel insurance in your travel planning. For more on travel cover checkout https://insurance.airnewzealand.co.nz/

The post Seven amazing things to do in Sydney to make it your best holiday ever appeared first on Australian Times News.

Aside from being the market leader in virtualization software, VMware has also developed its own certification program. Since the company is such a big deal in the IT business, their certifications also have a lot of worth. There are many benefits of getting their credential. If you are looking for a job in the IT world and you have a PrepAway VMware Certification Practice Test Questions and Answers. VMware certificate with your name on it, then it can prove to be very helpful. Each certification category from VMware has the following levels:

• VMware Certified Associate (VCA)
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
• VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP)
• VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX)

There are four main categories for the company’s certification and they are:

• Network Virtualization
• Desktop and Mobility
• Data Center Virtualization
• Cloud Management and Automaton

VMware Certified Associate (VCA)

As far as VMware Certified Associate or VCA certifications are concerned, the company offers only one credential. The thing with this certificate is that it covers all the basics that you need to know in order to prepare for the remaining certifications. The credential that is offered here is known as VMware Certified Associate – Digital Business Transformation (VCA-DBT), it is designed specifically for architects and executives who understand the technologies related to Cross-Cloud Architecture solutions and VMware Cloud Foundation.

In order to get the VCA credential, the candidate must pass only one exam (1V0-701), but this is not the case with the rest of the certificates.

VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

To get the VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certificate, you will need to learn how to manage, install, and deploy VMware vSPhere 4. There are many paths that you can choose when you are preparing for VCP exam but there are some common steps in each path.

Firstly, you will need to take the right training course, this is because you will need to prepare for the exam properly. You simply cannot think about passing the test without learning all relevant topics. It is best that you start your preparation a few weeks before the exam date.The next step is that you should get hands-on experience with VMware vSphere. The exam is based on this software and if you are not familiar with the interface then things will start to go downhill very quickly. Lastly, you need to give the test your best effort and make sure that you ace it in the first try.

When you are preparing for the exam, make sure that you keep an eye on the test objectives. It is also advisable that you try solving at least a couple of practice tests.

VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP)

The VMware Certified Advanced Professional certification is the most recent addition to the lineup. In order to be eligible for this test the candidate must already have the VCP certificate under his belt. There are two different credentials that are offered in the VCAP category, they are:VCAP5 Datacenter Administration and VCAP5Datacenter Design.

• VCAP5 Datacenter Administration

The VMware Datacenter Administration certificate, or simply VCAP5-DCA, is targeted towards individuals who are consultants, technical support staff and system administrators who are rather experienced in using VMware vCenter datacenter technologies and vSphere. Normally, the candidates who try to earn VCAP5-DCA are already familiar with things like virtual environment and integrating physical infrastructure or applications with it.

VCAP5-DCA was first launched in July 2010, and since then many people have earned this certificate. Preparing for this exam is also easier because there are a lot of educational materials that you can find online. There are also many different kinds of practice tests that you can get on the Internet. It is always a good idea to take such mock exams because they can really help you prepare for the actual one.

• VCAP4 Datacenter Design

The second credential that you can find in the VMware Certified Advanced Professional level is known as the VMware Datacenter Design (VCAP5-DCD) thatleans more towards architects who can design VMware solutions in big organizations.

VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX)

The highest level among the VMware certifications is known as VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX). In order to get this credential, the candidate must already be VCP-certified. There are few steps that you need to follow in order to get your hands on VCDX. They are as follows:

The first steprequires the candidate to earn the VCP certification. After that the candidate is required to complete the VCDX Qualification Review. The aspiring specialists that are verified during this review will be given a pre-authorization code for the VMware Enterprise Administration Exam.

In the second phase, the candidate must pass the Enterprise Administration Exam in order to progress. It is very important that you prepare properly for this test as it is considered to be extremely challenging. You are strongly advised to solve enough practice testsbefore it. The next exam that the candidate needs to clear is the Design exam.

In the last step, the candidate must go through another interview, give a project review, and finally undergo a design defense activity.

VMware Badges

The most successful candidates not only receive a proper VMware certificate, but also a VMware Badge. The digital badge is given to specific candidates who have earned certain combinations of certifications. For example, the VCIX badge is given to a candidate who has earned the VCAP Design and the VCAP Deploy certifications. Earning a certificate from this company might be one of the best decisions that you will ever make in your professional life. This is why it is advisable that you hurry and launch your career to new heights.

The post What do you know about VMware certification courses and paths? appeared first on Australian Times News.

He believes that during his time, the team always played in the right spirit. While Justin Langer replaced Lehman, he proudly announced that the team will play the Australian way. This itself was enough for everyone to realize the meaning. The Aussies have changed their approach, and it has made their games more enjoyable, as any mobile pokies for NZ fan would tell you.

No More Sledging

Darren Lehman also shared that sledging was worse during his times of the game. According to him, the media had portrayed it in a much exaggerated manner since the beginning. It had never been that bad as it was shown. Indeed, Australia had their own style of perceiving the game but they never violated the rules. There have been many situations where referees have been present to control sledging on field.

Australia as the former coach felt just needs to maintain the right balance between fair game and tough portrayal. To some extent, it doesn’t matter if the Australian team has been aggressive. It’s their form of game that has not created any harm to the cricketing community.

The only motive is to win the games and encourage youth to play this gentleman’s game. If the game is played fairly, a bit of temperament just floes more energy. The interview also focused on how the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner would affect the team’s performance. The depth they provided to the team was incomparable.

But the balling has a lot of variation and that’s their strength currently. Playing with dedication is the priority for every team. Lehman believes that the team will perform tremendously well with their energy. Even if the Aussies play with aggression, it makes no difference when they play well.

Their game is more important than the fact that they certainly are different on field. Focusing on their behavior side lining their game will be a disappointment. Fans have always loved the Australian team for their spontaneous game and that makes them special. Their energy and perseverance towards the game is excellent. No matter if they play the Australian way, they ought to get results. At the end of the day, it’s the  results that matter. Playing together against the competing team brings the energy on field. Exaggeration of that energy has been done always as the Australian team aggression.

Cricket is a gentleman game and that’s what Darren Lehman meant. His perspective towards the Australian game is very straight forward. As long as the team is playing ethically, their aggression is nothing but a tough approach towards the match. The question for many people remains the same : does it really matter if the Aussies play within the spirit of act tough ? Till the rules are obeyed, everything and anything is acceptable.

The post Aussies playing cricket in right spirit: How does that matter? appeared first on Australian Times News.

Do you buy cloudy or clear lemonade? Head for the beach or the pool? And most importantly, do you have the kids at home or send them off to live with the grandparents just to get some peace and quiet? Turns out it’s been getting hotter and hotter recently – so hot that you might not even need a traditional ‘holiday.’

When the weather’s this nice, your front doorstep is just as pleasant as Madrid after all. So we pose a fourth choice: to stay or to go? A traditional summer gander abroad, or a local romp during your time off work? A staycation could very well be on the cards for some of us this year.

Sun’s Out, Shirts Off: The Benefits

The idea of a staycation tends to make a whole lot of sense when you think about it: rather than paying for expensive flights, hotels and foreign experiences, you take the car out around your own country and enjoy the sites and scenes previously ignored. When you have been living in the UK for a while it come become rare that you get to see it as a tourist, minus work and outside commitments on your mind, but with a visit anywhere in the summer holidays – be it Brighton, Liverpool, or the Whitby shore – it gets infinitely better because of the time of year. You save money (always important), you are familiar with the area, the food, and best of all the language, and if anything goes wrong your living room is just an hour or two away. Your homemade ultimate Jamie Oliver bacon sarnie could even be for breakfast if you’re willing to drive back and forth.

A staycation could be a few days off and a trip to the local zoo. It could be a trip to Edinburgh or even a house swap with friends from one city to another. The important thing is that it gets you to relax in your local environment, seeing it in a new light.

Summer Health

Regardless of where you find yourself in the summer months, however, you should always take precautions for your health. Just because you’re downtown in your adopted country rather than the Florida Keys doesn’t mean the UV rays go away. Never underestimate the sun. Words for all Aussies to live by.

Fear mongering aside, there are plenty of easy ways to protect yourself. Regular applications of sunscreen on your face and body for all family members is a great place to start (some Paula’s Choice products even come with joint moisturiser), just make sure that if you’re taking a dip in the water that you reapply afterwards. Sunglasses can shield your eyes too, and quality contact lens technology can keep them in top condition, maintaining eye health and sight in the brightest of weathers. Daily contact lenses are available from Vision Direct with ease for example– bear in mind that you’ll have to pre-plan if you want them available, but not to worry, buying lenses online of all types is quick and easy so long as you have your prescription handy. Combo them with glasses, a big floppy hat and you’ll be safe as can be for your commute down to the local coast/historical town/spa.

A Short Commute

Remember, a staycation doesn’t mean staying in your back garden (unless that’s what you want!) It means getting out, adventuring, and taking the day in your stride! Your hunt for relaxation could be closer than you think this summer. In fact, it could be right under your nose, safe from airport queues, highway traffic and the dreaded pocket French dictionary.

Images source: Pexels 

The post Should you book a summer staycation? appeared first on Australian Times News.

The flipside of this regrettable scenario might represent an opportunity for those from outside the EU who still want to settle in the UK once the political dust settles and immigration rules are relaxed when more skills shortages bite.

So if you’re harbouring a desire to make a break from Australia to the UK, a move in the next couple of years could prove timely.

Some prior planning’s required for a smooth transition — here are three steps towards moving to the UK from Australia.

1. Visa

A sensible first step is checking your visa eligibility — your Aussie passport enables a six-month visa-free stay in Britain, but if you want to stay longer, you’ll have to apply from home before setting off.

If you intend to work in the UK, the UK Government immigration website has a Tier Two shortage occupation list that’s regularly updated — if you’re already qualified for one of these roles and can secure a British job offer from an employer sponsor permitted to issue a certificate of sponsorship, it’s a fairly positive sign.

But the UK immigration system is an administrative maze — your safest bet is to talk to a qualified immigration consultant about which category it’s best to apply under.

If you’re lucky, you may qualify for citizenship through UK ancestry – it’s not uncommon for some Australians to be eligible for this route.

And once your visa has been issued, study its terms and conditions carefully — if they’re breached, you may have to return to Oz earlier than expected.

2. Study

If you don’t have the qualifications for a Tier Two visa, or are entering under another category but still need to earn cash in the UK, studying for a qualification online with a UK university could be an excellent component of your prep.

Taking a remote degree with online learning experts Anglia Ruskin Distance Learning can boost your CV with an accredited qualification in anything from digital marketing to football coaching or business studies.

Once you graduate, you’ll have a relevant UK qualification that’s recognisable to employers and demonstrates your commitment to a new career.

When you want to hit the career path at a canter once you’re in Britain, a distance learning degree can give you a head start.

And the career advisers at your uni can probably provide information and advice on the viability of your long-term migration plans.

3. Network

There are plenty of Australians who’ve made their lives in all corners of the UK — there’s every chance you’ll bump into compatriots randomly in large towns or cities.

And a quick search online reveals many digital networking sites that’ll help you grab great tips.

But if you’re a bit of a business mogul, entrepreneurial networking site Aussie.EU plugs you into a pre-existing network of potential customers, clients and collaborators.

And entering the UK for the purposes of launching a substantial business opens up another immigration route — the Tier One investor visa.

You’ll need funds of £2 million to stay for three years and four months, with the possibility to extend for a further two years.

But if you invest £10 million you can apply to stay permanently after two years, and you can apply to stay after three years when investing £5 million. Other eligibility criteria apply for this route — but if you’ve got the wherewithal, you’re much more than halfway there.

So there are three steps towards moving to the UK from Australia — get started today and you’ll soon be swapping shrimps on the barbie for roast beef and Yorkshire puddings.

Have you moved from Australia to the UK? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

The post Three steps towards moving to the UK from Australia appeared first on Australian Times News.

Joining more than 30,000 red faced, rouge bodied, cherry clothed and rojo haired revellers watching a procession of trucks filled with tomatoes may not appeal to most as an ideal way to spend a late summer Wednesday morning.

But throwing tomatoes across a street packed with strangers and splashing tomato juice over your friends until the scene resembles a B-grade horror movie is absolutely as fun as it sounds. And, if you feel like you are still too clean for the occasion you can simply take a seat in the pool of tomato juice that slowly flows down the streets of Buñol for two hours.

Also see: CHUCK THIS! La Tomatina: throwing tomatoes and seeing red

Before the smell of 125,000 kilograms of ripe fruit is even in the air, the excitement begins with the crowd gathering around a 20 metre pole covered in soap. As residents throw water from the balconies above, determined individuals attempt to climb the slippery pole or group together to create a pyramid until someone finally reaches and releases the trophy at the top — a leg of ham.

This person is idolised until a fire truck arrives to soak everyone who has managed to squeeze into the packed street. Any male wearing a t-shirt, which should be white, has it ripped from his body and these drenched t-shirts provide the first objects to be sent soaring, with anticipation of what’s to come just as high.

Off with a bang

When the first banger – or gun – sounds, a collective cheer is released even though it is several more minutes before the tomato trucks appear. For the uninitiated, the adrenaline is flowing because of the fear of the unknown, soon to be replaced by the fear of flying fruit.

Six trucks filled with ripe tomatoes and juice make their way down the main street, slow enough to enable the more adventurous to climb into the trailer for a constant source of ammunition. With the trucks tipping their contents onto the street every 100 metres or so, those on the ground have just as much firepower and it is not long until the scene is a red blur of exhilaration.

By European standards, La Tomatina is relatively new

It is easy to assume that an event such as La Tomatina is steeped in historical significance but unlike most European festivals, this one is relatively new. It does however have a foundation as unusual as could be expected, with it starting in 1945 when some young locals got carried away during a carnival and a food fight ensued. When they attempted to repeat the fun on the last Wednesday of August in the following year the police broke up the crowd, but not before a tradition had been built.

As well as being a memorable couple of hours, this is an event that stays with you – and not just in your hair and on your skin. The clothes you wear during La Tomatina will smell like La Tomatina for many months to come, with washing them or even swimming in them doing little to change this. Those who have tomatoes as a staple part of their diet can expect to be reminded of the overwhelming smell of tomatoes each time it is prominent in a meal.

La Tomatina rules:

* squish tomatoes in your hand before throwing them to ensure they are soft — the fun is in covering others in the juice, not in bruises

* do not bring glass or plastic bottles to the event, let alone throw them

* any male should not wear a t-shirt, or should ensure it is an expendable one as it will inevitably be ripped off before the first tomato is thrown in amusement

* at least try to resist the temptation to ‘tomato’ those only spectating

* tomato throwing must cease when the second banger sounds, and the immaculate and ridiculously fast clean up begins

TOP IMAGE: By flydime (La Tomatina / Spain, Buñol) [CC BY-SA 2.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

Also see:

That’s La Tomatina

Running of the Bulls in Pamplona

Oktoberfest guide

The post La Tomatina: trigger happy tomato throwers in the world’s greatest food fight appeared first on Australian Times News.

Watch the biggest stars at the home of cricket

Known for its fast pace, big hits and fantastic atmosphere, a T20 game at the Home of Cricket is the perfect event for sports fans, as well as those looking for a night out to enjoy with friends and family.

An array of international stars are set to grace the hallowed Lord’s turf, including the likes of England’s Eoin Morgan and Dawid Malan, plus Middlesex’s overseas signings Dwayne Bravo and Ashton Agar.

Located a stone’s throw away from St John’s Wood Station, Lord’s Cricket Ground is just ten minutes from central London and twenty minutes from Canary Wharf on the Jubilee Line, making it an easy and convenient destination for an after-work night out.

The London Derby between Middlesex and Surrey kicked things off earlier this month, with Middlesex just edging it in a thriller. In their encounter on 19 July, Somerset edged it over the home side by four wickets in front of 23,000 fans.

Next up, Middlesex take on Hampshire on Thursday 26 July.

The remaining Vitality Blast fixtures at Lord’s this summer are:

Thursday 26th July, 6.15pm

Middlesex v Hampshire

Thursday 2nd August, 6.15pm

Middlesex v Sussex Sharks

Thursday 16th August, 6.15pm

Middlesex v Essex Eagles

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit lords.org/t20

The post Lord’s celebrating summer in style with sizzling T20 cricket action appeared first on Australian Times News.

Banned for a lengthy period after his involvement in the ball-tampering and match-fixing scandal that rocked the Newlands Test with South Africa and, indeed, world cricket earlier this year, Warner is on the comeback trail.

The hard-hitting left-hander played for the Winnipeg Hawks in the inaugural Global T20 Canada tournament in King City, where he shrugged off a slew of low innings to strike a brisk 55 and complementary 42 against the Edmonton Royals.

It’s the preceding 1, 4, 1, 6 and 0, though, that all but insist he is not yet back to his best – and the knock-on effects of the drama in Cape Town – and the media tirade that followed – have still got the diminutive opener on the back foot.

More recently, the 31-year-old Warner has arrived out in the middle during some modest club-level cricket in the NT Strike League. There, too, he hasn’t been at his best. While this doesn’t necessarily cast questions over his potential return to the Australian limited-overs squad, it certainly leaves those in the know wondering if the national selectors should look elsewhere.

Throwing a youngster in the proverbial deep end, rather than waiting on a jaded veteran to rediscover his groove, certainly has legs.

The time seems right to really invest in Aaron Finch and Travis Head at the top of the order, as a near permanent combination for the foreseeable future. That, of course, would leave Warner surplus to requirements – perhaps rightly so.

There are other options waiting in the wings as well. Any one of Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, D’Arcy Short or Shaun Marsh could be elevated to the top of the knock in the absence of Warner. Short seems the most natural candidate, having done the job up front for Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League and Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. His stint with Hobart was evidently more fruitful than his time with the Royals, but both showed he is the frontrunner for the gig in question.

The post Warner talk – a woe or welcome? appeared first on Australian Times News.

Mooy, who helped fire town to promotion from the Championship, was a highly influential player in Australia’s admirable showing in Russia for the 2018 World Cup. Despite failing to get out of a tough group containing the likes of eventual World Cup winners France, the Socceroos battled throughout and showed a certain grit and determination that every Australian supporter would have been proud of. Mooy himself was at the forefront of anything good Australia did and was certainly a contender for Australia’s best player of the tournament.

The Australian midfielder has been on quite a journey since his arrival to Huddersfield Town from Manchester City on-loan in 2016/17. The Sydney born midfielder first arrived in England as a youngster with Bolton Wanderers, before eventually joining Scottish club St. Mirren in search of more first team football in 2010. The move went reasonably well in terms of game time, but his career there was cut short after St. Mirren let him go at the end of campaign, leaving him to return home to Australia and join Western Sydney Wanderers. After leaving Western Sydney Wanderers off the back of a Premiership win, Mooy joined Melbourne City – a move which turned out to be his most successful to date.

Aaron Mooy ended up winning Melbourne City’s Player of the Year award and was the club’s top scorer that season, also racking up eight assists. During his time with Melbourne City, Socceroos‘ manager at the time described him as the “best and most exciting player in the A-League”, while former Aussie shot-stopper Mark Bosnich labelled him as “the best Australian midfielder playing anywhere in the world.”

(Image via

Mooy’s stock was rising and more and more clubs from abroad were taking notice. Eventually, Premier League giants Manchester City came calling, signed Mooy, loaned him out to Huddersfield Town, where he eventually joined the Yorkshire club on a permanent basis. The rest, as they say, is history and Mooy has gone on to establish himself as a fans’ favourite there.

Fast forward to 2018 and Mooy will be at the forefront of Huddersfield’s survival push once again this season. The club, like Mooy, have been on a remarkable rise and will be determined to maintain their Premier League status and grow further as an organisation under the guidance of David Wagner.

Money dominates in the English Premier League and although Huddersfield don’t have shedloads of it, they’ve proven they can compete and battle – much like the Socceroos did in Russia.

A number of Australia best bets are on offer for the new season, with bet365 pricing Town at 6/5 for the drop. A top half finish – a big ask, although not impossible with Mooy leading the team – is priced at 9/1 currently, which represents excellent value.

Other sides down in the relegation mix include newly-promoted Cardiff City at 8/11, new-boys Fulham priced at 6/4 and Brighton at 2/1.

A tough season is ahead for Mooy and Huddersfield but after an impressive summer showing in Russia, the Aussie midfielder could continue his momentum and help keep the Terriers in England’s top flight once again.

The post Can Huddersfield beat the drop with Aussie star Mooy at the forefront? appeared first on Australian Times News.

Thai Airways operates state-of-the-art Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777-300ER on its twice daily service from London Heathrow to Bangkok. The onwards flights to Australia are served with the latest aircraft – the Airbus A350 to Melbourne, the Boeing 787 ‘Dreamliner’ to Brisbane and Perth, as well as retrofitted Boeing 747s to Sydney.

Fares start at Sydney from £717pp, Melbourne from £708pp, Perth from £701pp and Brisbane from £717pp.

For full details, visit Brightsun.co.uk

THAI operates the following frequencies onwards from its hub in Bangkok

o   Brisbane – 7 weekly flights (8.5 hours flying time)

o   Melbourne – 7 weekly flights ( 8.5 hours flying time)

o   Sydney – 11 weekly flights (9 hours flying time)

o   Perth – 7 weekly flights (6.5 hours flying time)

Passengers can sit back and relax in an award winning economy cabin with comfortable ergonomically designed seats, where all of their needs are anticipated and the service comes with a smile, from boarding to the final destination.

Thai Airways Economy Class meals are crafted using the best produce to ensure freshness and quality, and it’s on board catering was awarded the best in the world by Skytrax in 2017. Entertainment is on demand with hundreds of hours of movies, games, music and TV shows.  Passengers in Economy Class are also entitled to a generous 30kg baggage allowance.

Royal Silk Class is Thai Airways’ Business Cabin. The Royal Silk experience begins before take-off, where passengers receive fast tracked prioritised check in and baggage handling and access to wonderful lounges. The Royal Orchid Spa in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport is award winning and Thai Airways Royal First and Royal Silk Class passengers can enjoy complimentary massages whilst waiting for their connecting flight – what a great way to unwind after a long flight!

Passengers flying in Royal Silk enjoy a fully flat bed, fantastic cuisine, using local Thai produce from the Royal Projects organic farms and a vast array of on demand entertainment; you might not even want go get off the plane!

Frequent travellers can earn points with the Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus frequent fliers programme, and also on its Star Alliance partners – THAI is a founding member of the world’s largest airline alliance.

Stop-over with Brightsun Travel

If you are looking for a stop-over in Thailand, Brightsun Travel has some exclusive hotels rates and can put a fantastic package together for you!

Brightsun Travel has been in the travel industry for over 30 years, are ABTA/ATOL registered and can help you get some of the best air fares on the market. They sell holidays, flights, travel insurance, can arrange your transfers and car hire and are open 24/7.

For full details, visit Brightsun.co.uk

The post Thai Airways style all the way home to Australia from London appeared first on Australian Times News.

Generally, when a collection of minerals combine together it can slowly turn into a natural resource like gold or tin. But with gemstones it is a slightly different story. Certain gemstones come from the earth’s mantle. They used to be the normal rock that lay sometimes over 50 miles underneath the earth’s surface.  The process of gemstone creation is extremely fascinating. As it requires enough time, pressure and a high temperature for the process of crystallization to take place with these stone particles. Miraculously the earth manages to change the very nature of certain stones which is what gives the gems enough value to be sold at stores like the Australian Diamond Company. Each stone is ultimately formed in a very unique way which means that no two stones are alike.

What Makes These Stones So Valuable?

It is the rarity of these gems that make them oh-so-valuable. Of course you can always get cheap knockoffs and mediocre replicas but the real deal is top quality, is striking to look at and comes in very short supply, because you only get as many as the earth is making. So the cost of it is naturally very high, especially since people love gems and the stone are always in high demand.

Have Wars Been Fought For Gems?

The answer to this is a hard yes. If you have ever seen the movie ‘Blood Diamond’ starring Leonardo di Caprio and Djimon Hounson you will likely have a better idea about the violent and bloody story behind some of the precious stones coming out of conflict zones in Africa. The gems are not just fuelling the civil wars but are also making them more violent. The history of these wars go way back and begin with the era of colonialism in this large third-world country. In Africa, if you control the gems, then you control the wealth in the region. And unfortunately, this has led to the breeding of some power-hungry, very unjust and tyrannical leaders, who will stop at nothing to stabilize their position in the government.

Mankind will never lose its fascination with these precious stones. A lot of people go to great lengths to even try and collect some of them. Working in the gem industry usually brings in a lot of reward, I’m talking about a truckload of money (if they manage to find the stones that it). If you have enough money however you can simply buy these much sought after stones without having to go through an arduous journey to look for them.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/diamond-brilliant-gem-jewel-shiny-1186139/

The post Cool Facts about Gem Stones appeared first on Australian Times News.

Betfred’s best offers and features include:

#PickYourPunt

 Being able to back a bet you’ve handpicked has become a regular occurrence in betting, with most bookies offering their own specialised version. Betfred’s #PickYourPunt provides a similar service where you can bet on the specific outcome you’re interested in. It’s available on desktop and on mobile, so you can easily request three or four selections, and get your price almost instantly.

For more advanced markets, you can ask for them through social media using the #PickYourPunt hashtag. Just make sure that you request it a few hours prior to the event taking place, as it could take a while to process and Betfred have a lot of requests to handle, so asking early can prevent any chance of missing out on backing your chosen selection.

Double Delight & Hat-trick Heaven

 Something unlike anything we’ve seen on any other bookmaker website or app, Double Delight and Hat trick Heaven is a way of improving on a winning selection. All you need to do is back a First Goalscorer bet and if it wins, you’ll be given further returns based on how many goals they score after it. For instance, if you were to back a player to score first at 5/1 and they did, you’d be given 10/1 odds if they scored a second and 15/1 odds if they scored a third.

Acca Insurance

 There are some more generic Betfred offers that you’ll see elsewhere too, but it doesn’t make them any less enticing. Acca Insurance is a way of getting your returns back if your football accumulator only lets you down by the finest of margins. To qualify, you need to back five or more match results in an accumulator with odds of 1/3 or higher on each selection, and if just one team lets you down, Betfred will refund your original stake as a free bet up to £10.

The post Reasons to join Betfred appeared first on Australian Times News.

To use Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a currency, there need to be easy ways to buy, sell and spend as well as multiple functionalities for the user. Though we have seen recent drops in price with many cryptocurrencies, there has also been an increase in innovation. In fact, there are plenty of companies in the U.K. that accept payment in Bitcoin. There are even companies for playing poker online using cryptocurrency. And now, there are over 150 Bitcoin ATMs in the UK.

What are Bitcoin ATMs?

Bitcoin is a decentralised digital currency that has become more popular in recent years. The currency can be bought using fiat currency, and then becomes a digital token of value. Transactions are recorded on the blockchain and validated by the network, and though there are no physical coins, the user has a digital wallet with which to store their cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin ATMs are machines that provide an easy way to buy Bitcoins. Though an online purchase is still possible and common, ATMs give you a way to walk into a location and buy Bitcoin. You can use your existing e-wallet or even create and download a paper wallet or a software wallet to your phone.

With Bitcoin ATMs, it’s possible to buy Bitcoin in an instant using cash. Some machines also let you exchange your Bitcoin for cash. The Bitcoin ATM connects the user directly with an exchange to make the transaction. They tend to have service fees of around five to seven percent, and exchange rates too can be higher, so it’s worth checking this before making a purchase.

New Machines in Liverpool and Derby

Recently, Liverpool had its first Bitcoin ATM installation. The ATM is from an operator called AlphaVend and is located at Herman Vapes on Cases Street in the middle of the city where it is expected to get a lot of foot traffic.

Meanwhile, a new Bitcoin ATM has been installed in Michaels Drink Store in Alvaston, Derby. It’s the second machine to be installed in Derby, the first being located at Dhiensa Food Store on Nightingale Road. According to the operator BCB ATM, there are more planned for the region.

Nationwide ATMs

Also, there are Bitcoin ATMs located in many other cities across the U.K., including Bristol, Manchester and Leeds. Birmingham has 14 while London has a whopping 104. According to CoinATMRadar, there are 153 Bitcoin ATMs across the U.K. That’s second only to Austria, who has 165. Worldwide, there are over 3,000.

The post Bitcoin ATMs in the UK appeared first on Australian Times News.

But with this vital piece of infrastructure in place, the already impressive cultural cache of this international airport will soar to new heights.

Melbourne Airport has constantly improved since opening its doors in 1970 (it replaced the nearby Essendon Airport), adding numerous flight routes and facilities, making the railway network another important step in its evolution.

To show you a few of the ways that Melbourne Airport has progressed over the years, here are some elements they’ve introduced.

1. Upgrades to parking

Parking is a necessity for all airports, but smaller hubs in particular fail to cater for parking spaces that are conveniently near a terminal.

However, Melbourne Airport parking has constantly improved with valet, long-term, at terminal, and value options.

Many of these parking options are catered for by private providers so prices vary, however the cost of parking is flexible enough to suit any budget.

At many airports, trying to find the right parking space is an unquantifiable pain – so it’s great to see that Melbourne is making the process much easier.

2. Luxury brands

Lovers of the duty free will struggle to be disappointed with Melbourne Airport’s retail treasure trove – the T2 Luxury department is overloaded with premium brands.

Filling the opulent aisles is clothing from Burberry, Emporio Armani, Hugo Boss, Furla and much more.

This is in addition to many other reasonably priced stores and a regular spate of deals on many brands. But the real clincher is the duty free’s Shop & Collect feature.

This allows you to purchase items, leave them at the airport then pick them up on your return. It’s an ideal scheme for the shopaholic on a return flight.

3. The internet age

It might seem strange but not every airport has accessible and easy-to-use Wi-Fi. It’s a costly upgrade and, instead of free access, many companies choose a restrictive paid option.

But not Melbourne Airport – its service is entirely free. All you have to do is input your details and you can browse as much as you like.

Be warned – this isn’t an encrypted server, so we don’t recommend inputting any sensitive information while you browse.

4. Arrival updates

In a similar vein to free Wi-Fi access is the airport’s live arrivals feature.

Available via its website, you’ll be able to check all times on flights throughout the day, including any delays. It certainly beats having to squint at the departures board.

5. There’s an app

Bringing the airport bang up to date is the Melbourne Airport app, which provides the weary traveller with all the information they need to make their travels simple and stress-free.

Download the app onto your phone and you’ll be able to locate stores on the premises, check flight arrival times, locate your car in its parking space, and even calculate the price of a taxi to and from the airport.

This is a must-download for anyone flying from Melbourne Airport – and takes up less than 25mb on your phone.

That’s our list! Are you looking forward to the rail connection to Melbourne Airport? Do you reckon it’ll make your travelling easier? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Melbourne Airport’s rail link – and 5 other 21st century improvements appeared first on Australian Times News.

How we can help

It is with this in mind that the people behind CustomWritings.com decided to set up business. Their business plan was simple – there was a gap to help turn the knowledge in people’s heads into words on paper. “In short,” says author Lauren Bradshaw, “we wanted to be the competitive advantage for students seeking to make it in the cut throat world of academia.”

Although initially the idea was to help students who were writing in a language that wasn’t their primary one, the concept quickly took off and almost immediately is was proving attractive to students whose home language was English. While initially the team was slightly surprised by this, it soon became apparent that not everyone who was lucky enough to make it to University was blessed with writing skills.

“Our team has the ability to research and write around a range of topics,” says Bradshaw, “but what we are best able to do is to take the words and knowledge that is in your head, distil it and then format it into something credible and impressive and which will convey, in the best possible manner the ideas and arguments that you are wanting to make.”

We have the internet to thank

While his type of service would not have been possible twenty years ago, the rise of the internet and email means that it is possible for the outsourced writing team to be in regular contact with the student. “In the same way that a journalist who interviews a politician writes the politician’s views and not their own, so our team liaise with students to write their work and to ensure that it is original and informed by the views and knowledge of the scholar themselves,” says Bradshaw.

She adds that not just do the team at CustomWritings act as tutors for the students who commission them, they also help to ensure that deadlines are met, and that knowledge is enhanced. Significantly though they also remove a lot of the angst and terror associated with essay writing for people who are not skilled in this area – and according to Bradshaw there are a lot of these people.

“People with dyslexia or attention deficit disorder get genuinely anxious when it comes to writing essays or sitting exams,” she explains. “Our goal is not to spoon feed at all, but we do want to be the difference for our clients in helping them go from a 50 percent paper to a 60. Or getting them over the line from a solid B to an A.

“It is about the little details,” says Bradshaw who points out that to a professor marking hundreds of essays a week, reading a paper that uses apostrophes correctly makes a similar level impression as one that is able to explain emerging feminist influences in Gustav Flaubert’s Madam Bovary.

“We certainly don’t know everything,” says Bradshaw, but we are well grounded in the basics of the written word and we are confident that we can improve almost any paper, be it one written by a first language speaker or somebody less fluent.”   

The post Why UK Students Choose Essay Writing Services appeared first on Australian Times News.

Finding love in a new city

Moving to the UK can be lonely. Even if you’re surrounded by friends, colleagues or even family, it’s still an adjustment and sometimes it’s nice to have somebody there by your side to support you through it. After all, a partner is often there for you in so many more ways than a friend would be!

Obviously, having a partner shouldn’t be used as a crutch and you should never rely on someone else for everything in order to settle in – just imagine what could go wrong if the relationship breaks up and then you realise it’s all you know in your new home!

However, once you’ve had a shot at independent living, it can be quite nice to look for someone else. There are many different ways to find someone these days and thankfully they don’t involve you having a lot of knowledge about an area. Dating sites like Badoo can be a godsend – you can find someone looking for commitment and you can actually outline what you’re looking for. Plus, you can explain your Aussie accent, which is always a plus (apparently Brits find that exotic). Failing that, the bigger cities do have singles nights, or you could always ask to be set up by a colleague or friend. Finally, don’t forget – bars and pubs do exist!

There are so many benefits to relationships in a new place – not least because if you find an actual British person to go out with, they can show you all the coolest stuff that’s off the beaten path!

Cultural differences

If you’re dating across continents, there are bound to be some cultural differences in the way that you and your partner behave, as well as different expectations that come along with that. Of course, this might not apply to everyone – perhaps your partner that you met over here is also Australian!

However, if your partner is British and you’re Australian, you may well notice some small differences! Of course, the UK population is not homogenous, so there may be cultural or religious differences that you note as well.

But many Aussies living in London mostly will just notice the little day-to-day things – Brits will look at you strangely if you ask “how you going”, for example, or ask to have a durry – and, in turn, they have funny words as well!

Why long distance?

So, you’re legally living in the UK, but for whatever reason, your partner isn’t. Perhaps the above advice just doesn’t apply to you! If your love is already eligible to come and live with you, the likelihood is that you’ve got a valid reason – such as their work – for them not being there right now.

However, for thousands of others, the reasons for having to love long distance boil down to visas. It’s an awful thing to have to deal with – a government that’s literally telling you that you can’t be with the love of your life!

No matter the reasons for being apart, there are things that you’ll have to be better at than most couples who see each other on a regular basis. Sadly, long distance relationships really aren’t for everyone, and you have to be as honest with yourself as you can be.

Long distance considerations

Commitment, communication and trust are three key aspects of a long distance relationship, because you will have to rely on each other to get the right balance of contact in the time that you are apart.

Financial matters are important to think about. Australia and the UK couldn’t be further apart, so if your partner is still back home, those visits are going to be expensive. Perhaps one of you is able to work remotely, making longer visits possible without losing money? Or perhaps instead of one or two visits back to Australia each year, you could compromise with three or four smaller trips each to Thailand or Dubai. It’s a lot of time and a lot of money, but worth it!

Open relationships could also be a surprising solution for people in long distance relationships. These are now increasingly popular and some people even say that the levels of communication required for these types of relationship make couples happier!

Finally, you should consider an end goal. Depending on the type of person that you are, long-distance relationships can definitely work, but not really on a permanent basis. Most people want to settle, and so you need to decide if that’s the case and when that is. Two years long distance knowing that you’ll be living together after that is a lot easier than something infinite that’ll seemingly never end. It’s exhausting!

Bringing your partner to the UK

That old joke about “marrying someone for a visa” really isn’t a joke (it’s totally against the law), and the reality is that it’s such a long process to bring someone over by way of sponsoring them that it’s doubtful that anyone would ever want to fake it. There is a lot of cost involved, and criteria that the two of you must meet.

Obviously, each individual case will be different, and so there’s no point in going into that here. However, with the help of an immigration lawyer, a partner visa (whether married or not) is something that you can discuss. Remember that many Australians will be eligible to come here on an ancestry visa or even the youth mobility scheme, so this can be a good start until you start thinking of sorting something more permanent out.

Consider whether it’s more practical for you to return to Australia, or for them to come to the UK. Often this very much boils down to things like job security, visas, family and those all-important hopes and dreams.

Dating can be enough of a minefield as it is, but it’s even more difficult when you factor in “little” things like 10,000 miles!

The post The highs and lows of dating as an expat – from meeting new people to long distance love appeared first on Australian Times News.

Spelling

This is the first thing we will discuss. Just like with any other country, there are significant differences in spelling between American and Australian English. Following, we are giving some basic examples.

• Er becomes Re
• Ize becomes ise
• Yze becomes Yse
• E becomes Oe or Ae (depending on context)

The story doesn’t end here; there are also differences in the verb. For example, American English doesn’t use “e” in verbal form, but Australian English does it. This is not systematic, but definitely something you should remember.

Punctuation

American English uses a serial comma before like “and,” This is not the case with Australian English. Moreover, American English can decide to and not to use this comma.

The other big difference is quotation marks. American English uses a single quote for inside a quote where Australian English use a double quote for the whole quote instead. There are different ways both these languages handle quotation.

Another good example will be Period, comma. It is used inside quotes in American English, whereas it goes outside in Australian English.

Grammar

Speaking language differences, there is no way we are going to dismiss the changes in Grammar. There are noticeable differences in how both these languages handle their collective nouns. The verb is single in American English where it can be Plural in Australian.

The Past Participles are also different as American English prefer Second Past Terms, where Australian English is more prone to Third Past Term. It seems like they assume the worst.

Measurements

The date order in American English is Day/Month/Year. In Australia, it is Month/Day/Year. Also, Australia doesn’t use the 12-hour clock as used in Americas. Instead, they use 24-hour clock which is more commonly known as the military time.

Australia also uses the metric system, unlike American. So, make sure you convert pound to the ounce, an inch to feet and metric to a mile. These are the basics you need to mind.

Minding these differences can be real trouble. So, if you have some assignment you need to be done, you better hire an essay writer Australia instead of doing it yourself. They will take off your burden and do a way better job then you ever would.

Double Consonants

The Australian English takes a formal approach here and uses Double Consonants instead of Single. There is one exception, and that too is the word “program.” If you are going to write it in an Australian Paper, you better make it “Programme.”

Remember what we said earlier, There is a significant difference between English Languages of different countries like America, Australia, Great Britain and others. So, if you ever find an assignment, you better leave it to the pros.

The post Basic Differences between American and Australian English appeared first on Australian Times News.

In today’s e-commerce, there are trending jobs and business opportunities that have helped a lot of people in improving their financial status and lifestyle. Here are some of the trending opportunities in e-commerce today:

Online Jobs for Stay at Home Individuals

With the boom in internet connection that helped connect people from across the globe, a lot of online job opportunities rose which gave jobs to a lot of stay at home individuals. Living within the comforts of their homes while earning good money is a dream come true for most people and is the reason why this industry has been booming and continuously thriving as the years pass by. These jobs cover almost anything such as virtual assistance, customer service, online tutoring, transcription, writing et cetera. You name it, the online job industry probably has it. This has helped a lot of unemployed individuals to have a steady source of income to provide for their families.

Online Shopping

The fast-paced life of today usually provides a small amount of time left to do basic chores such as shopping. This was viewed as an opportunity by many businesses and have been utilized by means of creating online shopping platforms that cater to all kinds of purchase, not just grocery shopping. From the shoes you want to the phone you would like to have, online shopping portals offer everything that any consumer will think of buying. If you are thinking of buying anything, even those wildly unexpected, the online shopping portals probably has those for you. This has also served as an opportunity for commodity providers to expand their businesses and reach out to buyers even in far places. Through the use of internet connection and utilization, the lengths to which a business can expand and grow have become wider and the possibilities of having your items purchased are doubled, at the least.

Marketing Opportunities

In the age of the internet, marketing is brought to even higher heights due to the unlimited possibilities brought about by the worldwide network connection and the influence of social media. New ways to advertise were discovered such as search engine optimization and digital marketing. These paved the way for better marketing strategies and new businesses specializing in this area. There are businesses that help with “pay-per-click” or PPC management. It is a marketing model that earns money whenever the advertisements for the client is clicked. On the advertiser’s side, it would mean they are buying the number of visits to their websites.

Today, the world has truly become smaller because of the existence of the internet which has connected people from across the world in a heartbeat. The opportunities that have resulted from this major innovation in technology are more than what you can imagine and the decision of which to choose in making your quality of living better is up to you.

The post The trends in e-commerce today appeared first on Australian Times News.

Type of Tour

Planning trip in advance is of immense importance these days. One can search for Andaman tour package including airfare before deciding anything. There are numerous types of tours to select from:

1. 1. Regular Package: A local tour operator can book a regular package departing from the chosen city. This type of tour packages can be customised according to the requirement. The tour operators are an ocean full of knowledge and therefore there is no chance of a nuisance being created on the trip. The operators are well versed with the languages and have good idea on local travelling and sightseeing.
2. 2. Group Package: Some people like to travel in groups with different kinds of individuals. A tour agency in the area will plan the group tour in accordance to the needs of every individual travelling. It is the best option to travel in a group with a guided tour.
3. 3. Self-Planned: Nowadays, with the information available online one can easily make all the bookings through the World Wide Web. Quotes from various websites can be taken and trip can be planned accordingly.

Passport/Visa Requirements

Andaman and Nicobar Islands belong to India. So, the Indian citizens do not need a passport to visit there. But for foreigners, a passport and a RAP (Restricted Area Permit) are required. It can be obtained once the person reaches Port Blair airport or the harbour.

Best Time to visit

The best time to plan a vacation to Andaman is from October to May when the weather is perfect. The peak season lets you have your ideal beach vacation. It’s better to book Andaman tour package including airfare at least 3 to 4 months in advance, as the flight fares are reasonable.

How to reach there

Chennai and Kolkata are the two cities from where more than 10 nonstop flights depart every day for Andaman. The city of Port Blair is also well connected to many major cities like Delhi and Bangalore. Apart from the air, one can also travel through ship. Around five ships depart from Vishakhapatnam, Chennai and Kolkata to Port Blair making the journey a three-day travel. The ships are not of utmost quality like the cruise ships. They are well equipped with all the necessary amenities like a canteen, recreation room, cafeteria, swimming pool etc.

Number of Days

The fantastic things on this beautiful island will require a week to explore. The week will cover all the major destinations of the island-like Cellular Jail, Ross Island, North Bay, Neil Island, Havelock Islands, and the city tours.

Accommodation

The infrastructure is limited to the Neil and Havelock Islands, but the city of Port Blair has many residential options for all kinds of budgets. The food supplies are expensive because of the transportation costs from Chennai and Kolkata. It is advisable to make all the bookings well in advance to avoid last minute hassles during the peak season.

Travelling to Havelock and Neil Islands

Ferry services, both government and private owned run from Port Blair to the islands. The tickets can be bought from the counter as no other facility is available. Makruzz, a private cruise gives a luxurious feel to the travellers.

Things to Note

Littering the beaches is not allowed it is a serious offence there. Due to security reasons, photography is not permitted at the Port Blair airport. The beaches where signs are showing ‘Swimming is not allowed’ need to be taken seriously. It is highly advisable to carry mosquito repellents, sunscreen lotion and seasickness medicines. Also, ID proof is a must to make all the bookings.

The post Here’s how to plan your Andaman vacation the perfect way appeared first on Australian Times News.

England ODI squad versus Scotland

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) Captain

Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)

Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire)

Sam Billings (Kent)

Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire)

Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire)

Adil Rashid(Yorkshire)

Joe Root (Yorkshire)

Jason Roy (Surrey)

Ben Stokes (Durham)

David Willey (Yorkshire)

Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

Mark Wood (Durham)

On the recommendation of the captain and coach, Jos Buttler has been rested for the Scotland match. Sam Billings replaces him in the squad.

Get your bonus codes bet365 if you plan on betting on the series.

England ODI squad versus Australia

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) Captain

Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)

Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire)

Jos Buttler (Lancashire)

Tom Curran (Surrey)

Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire)

Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire)

Adil Rashid(Yorkshire)

Joe Root (Yorkshire)

Jason Roy (Surrey)

Ben Stokes (Durham)

David Willey (Yorkshire)

Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

Mark Wood (Durham)

This will be the first time that England have played in Scotland since May 2014, when they defeated the hosts by 39 runs in Aberdeen.

England, currently ranked number one in the ODI World Rankings, defeated Australia 4-1 in a five-match series held in Australia in January.

ODI Fixtures:

Scotland v England, Sunday June 10, The Grange, Edinburgh (11am BST)

1^st ODI, England v Australia, Wednesday June 13, The Kia Oval, London (1pm BST)

2^nd ODI, England v Australia, Saturday June 16, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (11am BST)

3^rd ODI, England v Australia, Tuesday June 19, Trent Bridge, Nottingham (2pm BST)

4^th ODI, England v Australia, Thursday June 21, Emirates Riverside, Chester-le-Street (2pm BST)

5^th ODI, England v Australia, Sunday June 25, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (11am BST)

TOP IMAGE: England ODI captain, Eoin Morgan (Image by Getty)

The post England name cricket squads for Scotland and Australia ODIs appeared first on Australian Times News.

From tourist attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, whale watching at Hervey Bay, to skiing at Mount Hotham and exploring Uluru, there’s little wonder why most tourists are quick to add the country to their bucket list.

However, travelling to Australia comes with certain challenges – especially if you go unprepared. Australia is one of the safest destinations in the world, but the main area of concern can be the harsh nature of the country’s climate and wildlife.

According to statistics, more than 400,000 people visit Australia each month, with 7.5 million visitors in 2015 alone. It’s been reported that a small number of tourists lose their lives each year – with most of these instances being avoidable. According to a Royal Life Saving report, more than 55 locals and tourists lose their lives each year by drowning. Other studies state that deaths caused by road accidents and drowning account for 60 tourists per year on average.

Though these statistics are in no way off-putting, you should have preparations in place as well as insurance cover to ensure your safety whilst you travel around Australia. Below are some additional safety measures to keep in mind for when you explore this remarkable country:

Driving Safely around Australia

If your trip involves driving, ensure you are extra prepared.  Australia is a vast country and driving from one destination to another will likely take a lot longer than you think. Here are some safety related bullet points to have in mind:

• Always drive on the left side of the road.
• Plan your trip from start to finish and equip yourself with appropriate gear and supplies, such as spare tyres, jumper leads, extra food, and adequate amounts of water.
• Avoid drink-driving; police are tough on offenders and the limit in Australia is 0.05.
• Australia has harsh penalties for phone use on the road – the fine is around $500Keep your eye on the road and watch out for wildlife such as kangaroos, wombats, and other big creatures that could damage your car and cause a serious accident.
• Always let someone know when you’re leaving, where you’re headed, and when you should be back (where applicable).

Driving across Australia to remote areas: Safety tips

Discovering the hidden beauty of Australia’s Outback can seem irresistible, but it’s wise to have an understanding of the conditions that surround these parts if you wish to explore safely. A rule of thumb is to always rent a 4WD vehicle whenever you’re embarking on such a trip, as road conditions can be unpredictable. Here are some safety tips for travelling around the outback:

• Drive at lower speeds on roads that aren’t sealed.
• Take an extra jerry can of about 20 litres in case you run out of petrol (you’ll be covering long distances).
• Take along a current and well-detailed map of the area, enough food and water for two days, as well as clothing that will serve hot and cold weather.
• Stick to main roads and obey road signs.
• Change drivers regularly if you aren’t alone, and take breaks every two hours.
• Hire a radio beacon or satellite phone.
• Check road and weather conditions with the police, tourist information centres and the locals before heading out.

Beach safety

Australian beaches and bodies of water are major attractions. So much so, a trip without dipping your toes in water or your feet in the sand may seem incomplete.

Twelve Apostles,Port Campbell National Park, Australia. Credit: MSTravel

However, there are some safety concerns related to swimming in Australia – especially in estuaries, deep pools, mangroves, and tidal rivers. This activity can be dangerous when you don’t take the necessary precautions.

It’s important you make enquiries about which seasons are safe to swim. The dangerous Irukanji and Box Jellyfish are known to be active in tropical waters during the November to April period. Here are some other safety pointers for swimming:

• There are red and yellow flags on mostmajor or beaches during the main hours of the swimming day, so always swim between them.
• Listen to the directions and warnings of lifeguards with regards swimming areas.
• Refrain from touching any sea creature you encounter, as they may sting or bite, which could prove fatal.

Safety outdoors

Australia has some inhospitable outdoor conditions – from the harsh and unpredictable weather to the prevalence of dangerous animals, such as reptiles (Australia is home to a myriad of deadly snakes) and kangaroos.

• Pack clothing that’s suitable for the area you’re exploring and leave nothing to chance, as the weather could turn either extremely hot or cold.
• When you’re in bush areas, always wear trousers and boots.
• Be careful to light fires in bushy surroundings during the summer period and always extinguish any fire you start before you leave the area.
• For every hour you intend to walk or hike, take at least one litre of water with you.

Safety in cities and avoiding crime

While crime rates in Australia are low, a handful of visitors do fall victim to petty theft and other instances of crime. It’s a good idea to take the following precautions when visiting major cities such as Melbourne and Sydney:

• Never walk alone in parks at night.
• Do not your leave any of your gadgets unattended (such as your phones, camera or laptop).
• Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket.

Explore Australia safely and relish your tour

The dangers of travelling around Australia and exploring the country’s beauty are real, but by employing the appropriate safety measures, your trip can be every bit as exciting as you hoped.

Top image: Ayers Rock/Uluru in central Australian desert, Northern Territory. Credit: CSIRO

The post Safety tips for getting the best out of your Australian adventure appeared first on Australian Times News.

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Ms Hussain during her visit to the UK.

Tell us a bit more about Polaron.

Polaron was founded back in 2000, originally as a translation services provider. We were the first company in the world to start offering Polish citizenship services just before Poland entered the EU in 2004, in response to the interest from the descendants of Polish emigres. This was such an organic and unexpected niche market, and it just grew over time. A total surprise actually – it was only ever meant to be a small side to our language services business.

Whilst our head office remains in Australia, we service clients from twenty different countries, including UK, Canada, US and Israel. In the last fifteen years we have processed over 7,000 applications for Polish citizenship so you could say that we have been quite successful. With nearly 30 staff based in our global offices, it’s certainly grew beyond our wildest expectations.

Why would people pursue Polish citizenship, though?

It does sound a bit strange, doesn’t it? When you look at the immigration patterns out of Poland, millions of people left for economic or political reasons over the last 150 years or so. They then settled in their new adoptive countries and not everybody kept connected with their heritage, for all kinds of reasons. In some countries, like USA, it wasn’t cool to be Polish. People may have kept their Polish surnames, for example, but not much else to do with Poland. The post-1989 changes and the transformation that Poland underwent in the 90s created a real buzz, particularly when EU membership kicked in.

Also see: EU Citizenship FAQs

More and more people started travelling to Poland and discovering the country, as it was transforming before their eyes. It is a place with a 1000-year-old history, architecture and traditions and since your Polish citizenship means that you can work, live and study in all 28 countries of the European Union, people with Polish ancestry saw the opportunity to relocate to Europe without visas or restrictions quite early on. But I have to emphasise here that most people see this as more than an opportunistic grab. It is so much more.

How do you mean? The cynical me can only see the immediate, somewhat selfish benefits, particularly in light of Brexit.

Many of our clients have very little knowledge of their ancestors’ history. You know, people simply got on with their lives once they left Poland, often against their will, leaving their loved ones behind. The post WW2 migration was particularly traumatic: people were displaced and were not able to return to their homes so they did their best to integrate into their adopted countries. Some people maintained a very strong link with Poland but others did not, driven by fear and trauma of their war time experiences. In fact, most Poles did. They buried their identities and went as far as changing their names. They were vague or even silent about what happened to them. So when their children or grandchildren come to us to help them reclaim their Polish citizenship because they heard they might be eligible, we have very little to go on. Our painstaking research often involves piecing a history together by reading between the lines, reviewing archival documents, letters, backs of photos and interviewing family members who – often reluctantly – share small details with us. It’s like a giant puzzle which we rebuild piece by piece. Even the archival documents we get from Germany or UK can only tell you so much. To many of our clients the information we provide them with as part of the citizenship process starts as secondary, only to become a very precious link to their ancestors. They discover things about their grandparents or great grandparents that are interesting, mysterious and sometimes scandalous, including bigamies, children out of wedlock, noble and not so noble backgrounds. With Brexit, the interest in Polish citizenship tripled. No wonder, though: hundreds of thousands of people in the UK have jobs, properties or other interests across the channel.

Oh! What’s the most scandalous case you have ever worked on? Any family skeletons you can tell us about without breaching confidentiality?

Firstly, let me say that the history of every single family I have ever worked with is fascinating and special. Everyone’s journey is different and I feel so privileged to be given access to it. But we do from time to time discover information we’re not quite sure what to do with. Like this case where our client’s grandfather simply left one afternoon to buy a proverbial packet of cigarettes and never came back. Through the electoral roll we found him in another city, remarried and with a Von added to his surname. We’ve had a couple of cases of faked identities, discovered through documents and information that just didn’t add up. Our clients’ grandparents are no longer alive but it was still a shock to their families, despite the passage of time. In one particular case, we simply don’t know the identity of our client’s grandmother, even though we spent years on research. She made sure that we would never know.

You must come across quite a bit of family conflict. How do you manage that?

That’s is true. In fact, we have a saying in Polish: the only time you look good with your family is when taking a photo. I say that tongue in cheek but family conflicts are frequent and I approach them with all the sensitivity in the world, as does our staff. You have to be very respectful of people’s experiences and stories. The best way is to be empathetic and telling them that they’re not alone in this also helps.  

Back to Brexit. You said that the interest has increased, and greatly so. How does Polaron actually assist people who may be interested in getting their Polish citizenship, and passport?

We start by putting a family tree together and gathering evidence. In some families, good records have been kept, whereas in others, documents have been destroyed. We then check the family history of a prospective client against the legislation in Poland, to ensure that no event took place to affect their eligibility. We do that very diligently and carefully to ensure people don’t waste their time or money. And our reputation is at stake, too, of course.

So this is done free of charge?

Yes, it is. The initial consultation is completely free. We actually guarantee the outcome of people’s application and only take case on that are bound to succeed. It is in everyone’s interest to make sure the applicant qualifies for Polish citizenship in the first place. Of course, we sometimes don’t have the relevant paperwork but we do offer research services to back up people’s claims. People who contact us get the free review of their case and we then provide them with a no-obligation quote, which is fixed. We think it’s a fair transaction.

And how do you know people are eligible?

We look at their case from the point of view of the Polish law. We apply relevant legislation to their case and check eligibility dates. The legislation in Poland is really quite liberal: you do not have to speak Polish and all you need is one ancestor who was a resident of Poland, including the former Polish territories, after 1920. Of course, it is a little bit more complicated than that because the legislation had several amendments over the years. But this is why it is so important to have a clear understanding of each family’s background.

Let’s say I am eligible for Polish citizenship under my grandfather. What happens next? How can you help me?

We send you a quote with a guaranteed outcome and if you are happy to proceed with our services, we allocate a dedicated project manager to you. We check your documents for discrepancies – you would be surprised how many people have all kinds of errors on their birth or marriage certificates. We collect documents that show the link to your Polish ancestor. Everything gets collated, legalised and translated into Polish. This can take a few weeks. After that, we submit your case to the Mazovian Voivodeship Office in Warsaw. And then we wait.

I hear that the process can take several years.

Yes, it can. But not with Polaron. Our average processing time is 11 months. Having said that, we have had a few cases that took much longer. In fact, as long as 5-7 years. You know the fake identity cases I mentioned? Yes, those ones.

Do people often ask you about the current political climate in Poland?

Yes, they do. Are you asking me about the current political climate in Poland?

I guess I am!

This is what I say to those that want to know: I do not live in Poland permanently so my view is a bit skewed, although I visit several times a year. I’ve been living outside of the country for 33 years, that’s a long time. In some ways, I am more Australian than Polish. But Poland is a democracy and people can decide for themselves as who they want to lead the country. There has been so much advancement made in Poland in the last 15-20 years on many fronts but the democracy is still work in progress I feel. But I remain positive and watch the political developments with much interest. When I left the country in 1985, we had no say at all, in anything. And today, if Poles are not happy, they can use the democratic process at their disposal to change things.

Are you going to Poland this summer?

Yes! And I absolutely adore it. Late spring and early summer are the best time to visit. So much to do, so much to see. So much yummy food to eat. Poland’s a fantastic holiday destination. Not that I’m going there for a holiday. It’s all work for me. Maybe with a few breaks here and there.

Well, best of luck with facilitating more Polish citizenship.

Thank you. Polish law and Polish people are very generous in this regard. It is a real privilege to be working in this space.

You are back in London in June. Can people get in touch with you?

Yes, absolutely. I’ll be available from 13th of June for about a week. They can email me at ehussain@polaron.com.au if they would like to meet me in person. Otherwise, our UK office manager Kasia Zielinska can be emailed at uk@polaron.com.au.

Find out more about Polaron and their translation, interpreting and citizenship services for people of European heritage at Polaron.com.au

The post Brexit has tripled interest in Polish ancestry, says Polaron founder appeared first on Australian Times News.

Head Coach Dan McKellar has named a new-look backrow with an intriguing blend of guile and power as Rob Valetini lines up at flanker alongside returning duo David Pocock and Isi Naisarani, both sufficiently recovered from recent injury to be selected in the starting XV.

The front five remains the same as that which played against the Rebels at GIO Stadium with Scott Sio, Folau Fainga’a and Allan Alaalatoa appearing to be a settled front row, the trio augmented by the locking pair of Sam Carter and Rory Arnold who will pack down behind.

There’s changes in the backs however with Christian Lealiifano reverting to flyhalf, forming an exciting looking partnership with young scrumhalf Joe Powell, while Kuridrani will be partnered by Kyle Godwin at inside centre in an effective Big Freebet.

The outside backs, Andrew Muirhead, Henry Speight and fullback Tom Banks will have licence to run and will be keen to make use of any openings that may come their way from what should be a solid platform provided by the forwards.

McKellar has opted for an interesting looking bench with a split of six forwards and only two backs. Matt Lucas and Andrew Smith provide cover in the backs, with Smith’s ability to play in several different positions along the backline a huge positive for the Brumbies.

Up front Alexander is joined by hooker Robbie Abel, and fellow prop Mick Mayhew, with Blake Enever the second-row cover. Lachlan McCaffrey and Tom Cusack will bring robustness, pace and physical power as backrow options as the visitors look to get their South African tour off to a winning start.

The post Kuridrani to win 100th cap and new record beckons Alexander appeared first on Australian Times News.

He inherits a side that won the Ashes with relative ease against England, with the Baggy Greens hammering their rivals 4-0 on home soil. Their tour against South Africa proved to miserable for reasons on and off-the-field, with the ball-tampering scandal taking centre stage. The team were beaten handily 3-1 as Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel got the better of the Aussie batting line-up, with even Smith struggling against the quality of the attack before he was removed after the third Test.

Langer’s first duty will be a tour of England in a series of four one-day internationals. Australia were beaten 4-1 by England at home in the ODI series following their Ashes triumph. The Three Lions have established themselves at the leading 50-over side in the world. Therefore, there’s a huge challenge ahead of Langer as the Baggy Greens aim to round into form ahead of the 2019 World Cup, with the defending champions currently backed at 10/3 in the cricket betting odds to win the competition.

The Aussies have the issue of being without Warner and Smith in the build-up to the competition. Warner has been outstanding at the top of the innings in all three formats, but his ability to get his side off to blistering starts will be missed, despite the presence of Aaron Finch. Chris Lynn could be on deck to come into the side to partner Finch at the top of the order, although Travis Head has also had his moments, notably scoring 96 against the Three Lions in Australia’s lone win of the series.

Source: ICC via Twitter

Smith struggled in the series against England, and although he has a good average of 41.84, he will not be irreplaceable in the line-up. He lacked the power needed to find the boundary and put pressure on his team-mates in the lower order. Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell have proven to have the power to find the boundary and will surely be elevated up the order in Smith’s absence. Maxwell has been starved of playing time since Smith assumed the captaincy and could make his mark against the Three Lions.

The bowling attack picks itself if all three seamers are fit and firing, but that has not been the case recently. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were brilliant during the Ashes, although they lacked the same potency in the ODI matches. Kane Richardson and Andrew Tye were not overly convincing in their matches, which could expose the Baggy Greens should they be without their main men. The spinning option remains a tough choice as Adam Zampa has not performed well enough to secure a permanent spot in the side. As a result, Langer faces a difficult first test against the best side in the world.

The post Langer faces selection choices ahead of England tour appeared first on Australian Times News.

The infographic below indicates the characteristic features of ten expat types, such as the typical age, gender, language, country of residence and working life.

[Tap/click the image to enlarge]

TOP IMAGE: Shutterstock.com/06photo

The post 10 types of expats wandering the globe. Are you one of them? appeared first on Australian Times News.

The mediums involved

Although banks were the most trusted providers for these transfer services in the earlier days, many users seem to be interested in finding alternatives for it now. One of the main reasons for this is that the fees charged by banks for these kinds of transactions being a bit expensive. That is why many tend to get the aid of other service providers that can provide them with efficient money transferring at very cheap prices. Many of these services are operating on an online platform which has resulted in these transactions to be much quicker and easier. With these services, you won’t have to bother to visit any banking branch and do the money transferring right from the comfort of your home.

Being secure and simple

These online money transfer services also use the latest advancements in technology to provide their clients with smooth and secure services. This has also become a reason why many trust these service providers over the more traditional banks. Along with offering money transferring to cheap rates these online service providers also tend to perform a money transfers as quickly as possible. Whereas comparing with the traditional methods the party that receives the international money would only get their money after three to five working days which make it, not fast enough at all. Another major advantage involving with these services is the fact that they will convert your money into the relevant currencies which can be a very efficient thing. However, it is very important that you learn about the rules and regulations that are followed by the financial institutions that you choose to do the money transferring with.

There are hundreds of service providers which allows for international money transfers but some of them might be charging more fees from you than others. So before picking an online service provider, it is best to do thorough research online in order to select a good one for you.  Try to ask them the right questions which will surely allow you to select the best from the rest. This way you will not have to come across any surprises like hidden fees or charges while doing money transfers and get it done in a convenient manner without any sort of unwanted hassle.

The post The easiest way to carry out money transfers internationally appeared first on Australian Times News.

Toe-tapping their way onto The Peacock stage in London this May, the troupe will be bringing their exhilarating, new energy to a timeless style in the same way that has made them such a sensation Down Under.

Inspired by the legendary Rat Pack, The Tap Pack and their four-piece live band serve up classics with a twist, from Sinatra to Ed Sheeran, infused with world-class tap dance.

The high energy tap comedy show has previously been seen in London at the Underbelly on the South Bank, and has toured to Beijing and Berlin. The show won The Spirit of the Fringe award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016.

Get your feet tapping to this hot number (video):

With slick suits and sharp wit, Australia’s finest tap dancing performers are a cocktail of pure entertainment.

Catch ‘The Tap Pack’ at The Peacock Theatre, 1 – 19 May 2018

Tickets from £15

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE

The Peacock, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT, London

www.peacocktheatre.com

Ticket office: 020 7863 8222

The post Aussie Tap Pack coming out swinging in London for classics with a twist appeared first on Australian Times News.

It is beautifully designed – and Swedish – and we all know that people from Sweden tend to look like elves or supermodels… They must be doing something right.

What’s the face brush all about?

Can an “anytime, anywhere” facial cleansing brush such as the LUNA mini 2 genuinely change the face of skincare?

Remember when your paternal grandmother would walk around your house touching the surfaces to determine the amount of dust on your mother’s mantelpiece? We attempted something similar with our skin and used a cotton wool pad to determine how clean our skin was after using the LUNA mini 2.

And it did the trick. It was mild and left no harsh abrasions or unsightly red splotches. Even used in conjunction with an affordable over-the-counter face wash, it worked like a charm.

What it does

The LUNA mini 2 is for a “deep and effective cleansing”. The T-Sonic technology and soft silicone are gentler than nylon bristled brushes that either spin or vibrate, using pulsations to dislodge impurities in the pores.

The Mini 2 gets into all the nooks and crannies allowing one to target those build-up areas around the nose and chin. The silicone nub heads on the three-zone brush head are nonporous to prevent bacteria build-up and are so soft to the touch.

Eight settings mean this small but powerful face brush can be customised to the user’s liking, going for a deeper clean on a normal day or a gentler one after a day in the sun.

Skincare results

It has been rumoured to “just take off everything!” Our cotton wool pad test confirmed exactly that – the LUNA mini facial cleansing brush leaves your face completely clean.

At 300 uses per charge – that’s roughly five months worth of cleaning – it may be possible to achieve that Swedish supermodel look after all. We’ll keep you posted.

The post Your complexion: what’s all the fuss about the face brush? appeared first on Australian Times News.

Prices are fantastic with Sydney return fares from £601, Brisbane £554, Melbourne from £571, Perth from £523, Adelaide from £526 and Cairns from £600.

The Cairns route is a new route which now sees the Queensland destination being linked directly from London Heathrow to Cairns via Guangzhou, 3 times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.

Fly in comfort and style on a modern Dreamliner aircraft with daily departures from London Heathrow Terminal 4.  This aircraft features extra- large electronically controlled windows, larger storage space and softer lighting.

Sit back and relax in economy and enjoy a great entertainment selection with over 300 hours of media on your 9 inch touch screen TV, including Hollywood blockbusters and TV series

Choose from western or eastern dining and even the chance for a free stopover in Guangzhou, China including hotel and transfer.

Business class has spacious full reclining flat- bed seats and a personal 15” tv-screen, with noise reducing head phones.

Brightsun Travel has been in the travel industry for over 30 years, are ABTA/ATOL registered and can help you get some of the best air fares on the market. They sell holidays, flights, travel insurance, can arrange your transfers and car hire and are open 24/7.

For full details about these air fares and more, visit the Brightsun Travel website

The post Fly to Australia: Sensational air fares from the UK with Brightsun Travel appeared first on Australian Times News.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service in London at Hyde Park Corner is one of the most heavily attended commemorative events held outside of Australia and New Zealand, with thousands of expats coming together to remember the fallen. In 2018, the main ceremony will be taking place at the NZ Memorial (alternating each year with the Australian Memorial) and be attended by Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle.

After the Dawn Service is a formal Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade at the Centotaph in Whitehall followed by a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. For both of these events, complimentary tickets are required.

If you are in London, get up early and get along to Hyde Park for the Anzac Dawn Service to pay your respects – it will be an emotional experience you won’t forget.

On Anzac Day, Wednesday 25 April 2018, commemorative ceremonies in London are as follows:

____________________________________________

5.00am: Anzac Day Dawn Service

Location: New Zealand Memorial, Hyde Park Corner

The main service will take place at the New Zealand Memorial on Hyde Park Corner.  The service will be approximately 45 minutes in length and is open to the public.  Arrival from 4.00am is suggested. Entry point details will be provided once confirmed.

11.00am: *Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade

Location: The Cenotaph, Whitehall

Following a march onto Whitehall, a requiem is read and at 11.00am the High Commissioners for New Zealand and Australia will lay the first wreaths.  Wreaths are then laid by representatives of the UK government, High Commissioners and Ambassadors, as well as representatives from various service and ex-service organisations.

Arrival by 10.30am is recommended.  The service will conclude at approximately 11.15am, allowing time for the short walk to Westminster Abbey.

12.00pm: *Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving

Location: Westminster Abbey

The Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark ANZAC Day commences at 12.00 noon.  Guests must be seated by 11.45am and the service will last approximately one hour.

______________________________________________

*Complimentary tickets are required for the Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade at the Cenotaph and the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

Ticket applications for 2018 are now closed.

Event information courtesy UK.Embassy.gov.au

The post Anzac Day services in London: times and places – lest we forget appeared first on Australian Times News.

Men’s Tournament

The favourite

All-time tennis great, and current world number two, Roger Federer announced that he would be absent for the clay court season for a third consecutive year. The 36-year old made the decision following a shock defeat to young Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Miami Open. Few can blame the Swiss legend, as a similar break last year meant he was fresh to secure an eighth Wimbledon crown.

It was news that saw the odds shorten even further on world number one Rafael Nadal to defend his Roland-Garros title and win it for the eleventh time. This is understandably so, considering he possesses an astonishing 90.6% win rate on his favourite surface. The undisputed “King of Clay” has shown zero signs of rustiness, returning from injury in style to effortlessly dispatch world number four Alexander Zverev in the Davis Cup quarter-final between Spain and Germany.

Nadal increased his record Davis Cup win streak to 24 in both formats (singles and doubles).

The veteran Spaniard is set to go from strength to strength as he attempts to defend his Monte-Carlo crown and gain momentum heading into Roland-Garros. With his closest contenders priced at tantalising value according to Oddschecker, a freak loss, or perhaps more likely injury for Rafa, would blow the tournament wide open.

The outsiders

Clay court specialist Dominic Thiem has reached back-to-back French Open semi-finals and seven of his nine ATP singles titles have been on clay. The 24-year-old Austrian has found an effective balance between his heavy-hitting baseline strokes and his ability to sustain longer rallies. On his day, this rising star can trouble the greatest of clay court players, but an untimely injury has put his Monte Carlo campaign in jeopardy and he’ll have to shake it off quickly to be firing in time for the French.

Source: Dominic Thiem via Twitter.

It’s a rarity to see Novak Djokovic mentioned as an outsider heading into a major tournament, but the Serbian superstar has been a shadow of his 12-time Grand Slam winning self since returning from a lengthy elbow injury. But with a lot of clay tennis between now and Roland-Garros, Djokovic has time on his side to rediscover his best. It seems a reunion with former coach Marian Vajda is on the cards as Novak strives to rekindle an old flame and challenge for his first Grand Slam since the 2016 French Open.

Australian hopes

The controversial figure of Nick Kyrgios is yet to make it past the third round at Roland-Garros, yet the Aussie faithful are losing patience with his attitude more so than his tennis game. This could be a career-defining tournament for the 22-year old and a passionate, hard-working display should be his priority. Elsewhere, Thanasi Kokkinakis‘ aforementioned victory over Roger Federer could be the kick-start the big-serving 21-year-old needed and he’ll be full of confidence heading into clay season.

Women’s Tournament

The favourites

World number one Simona Halep is yet to register a Grand Slam win, but appearances in the 2017 French Open final and this years’ Australian Open have earnt her the title of pre-tournament favourite. The Romanian has her strongest record on clay courts and will be confident of walking out in her third Roland-Garros final come the 9th of June.

The 2017 French Open was the first since 1933 where an unseeded player took home the women’s singles title. Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia shocked the tennis world as she fought back from a set down to defeat a third-seeded Simona Halep.

Source: Irshad Ali via Twitter.

The most notable absentee last year was the 23-time Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams. She returned to action in early March after becoming a mother in September before taking extra time off to recover from a pulmonary embolism which occurred during the birth. Despite suffering two early WTA tournament exits since being back, the 36-year-old veteran now has her eyes set on toppling Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slams and will be more than up for the fight.

Halep herself was inspired by Williams’ return to tennis and expects her to return to dominance. She’ll have to put her admiration to one side if the two meet in Paris and should look to utilise her aggressive baseline style to make the ageing Williams do the running. If it comes down to a straight shoot-out, then Williams’ power can be unstoppable, yet it will be interesting to see if such a lengthy, physically and mentally challenging break has affected the American powerhouse’s game.

The outsiders

The Spanish will be hopeful of having two French Open Champions as Nadal’s compatriot and 2016 Champion Garbine Muguruza will be looking to reclaim her crown. After storming to the Wimbledon title last year, Muguruza can claim her third Grand Slam with a triumph at Roland-Garros. Her explosive style can be inconsistent but her game suits the clay surface and her powerful serve will always give her a chance.

The world number four, Elina Svitolina has gone under the radar slightly, despite accumulating the most WTA titles (7) of any player since the start of 2017. She is yet to match these performances in a Grand Slam having never surpassed the quarter-finals. But the Ukrainian baseline specialist enjoys playing on the clay and is quietly building momentum as she attempts to live up to her ranking.

Source: Elina Svitolina via Twitter.

The women’s game has proved to be anyone’s guess in recent years, with two of the last four Grand Slam wins coming from unseeded players. However, a notable mention must go to veterans Maria Shaparova, Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki. These are names that cannot be ignored, even amongst such a promising pool of young talent.

Australian hopes

At just 21, Queenslander Ashleigh Barty is 18th in the WTA World Rankings and has even found time for a brief stint in women’s cricket, starring for Brisbane Heat in the 2015 Big Bash. Now fully focused on her tennis, she has been scratching off some big name victories in the past year and with a game likened by many to legend Martina Hingis, Barty has the weapons to cause a few upsets on the clay.

The post Tennis: 2018 French Open preview – how are the Aussie hopes? appeared first on Australian Times News.

Spread betting and CFD trading have already gone mainstream. So too with cryptos, in 2018, it will be easier for Forex clients to trade these quickly from the opening of accounts to the simplicity of trading thanks to Forex brokers like 24option.

Bitcoin Futures And ETFs

As a futures trader in commodities, I am well aware that the futures market does more volume than the underlying asset. As brokers offer CFDs, spread bets and traditional exchanges offer Bitcoin futures contracts; the volume will spiral. You wait. History always repeats itself. And when Exchange Traded Funds are finally approved, long-term passive investors will be a financial avalanche.

Cryptocurrencies Can Be Traded Via A Forex Broker

One way to buy or sell cryptocurrencies speculatively is via a Forex broker. Trading cryptocurrencies through a Forex broker are straightforward. It takes only a few steps, firstly with the creation of a trading account with a Forex broker. There are loads of Forex brokers worldwide, many of whom now offer cryptocurrency trading. The standard account creation process is undemanding, after which you will need to verify your account by submitting a utility bill and identification.

The final steps are to fund your account for as low as $200 and download the trading platform. The retail Forex market became this favorite today mostly because of the use of leverage. Through leverage, a client can control a much more substantial value of cryptocurrency than there is in their accounts

The Forex Industry in 2018: Regulation, Market Size, and the Future

The Forex Industry has changed considerably during the last year and strives towards a fair trading environment.

The Dynamic Nature Of The Forex Industry

Two significant aspects, which mainly influenced the Forex industry in 2017:

· Primary European regulators began to take serious steps to tighten control over the Forex industry

Additionally, the new rules prohibit bonus programs and spell out new requirements for the minimum leverage value of 1:50. Consequently, several companies moved their business to some slackly regulated jurisdictions to keep their clients and provide them with the same services.

· The cryptocurrency boom

The crypto trading attracted loads of people from all over the world due to the rising popularity of digital currencies which brought traders the profit they never made in other financial markets.

How Cryptos Integrate Into the Forex Industry Regarding Trading And A Payment Method

The Blockchain technology, in our opinion, will change the world in the next 5-10 years. It will undoubtedly result in improvement of trading conditions and performing clients’ financial operations. Cryptocurrencies are already available for trading at numerous well-known companies on the market. Virtual currencies are sure to be added to the list of open legal tenders of the payment systems in the short-term. We also hope to see cryptocurrencies included in the European legal framework.

Other Trends In The Forex Market: The Most Exciting Trends For The Traders Right Now

Recently, there’s a definite trend towards more “civilized” trading. Small brokerage companies are being driven out of the market. Traders are becoming pickier when it comes to choosing the broker. The primary selection criteria right now is the company’s proprietary technologies and provision of the clients with the products and services that are fitting.

What’s more, the demand for social trading services is still quite active. In most cases, these services are used by greenhorns to make transactions with the same results as experienced professionals. Traders are also always interested in algorithmic trading.

The post Will brokers of forex industry survive after the new coming crypto boom? appeared first on Australian Times News.

In terms of a party, however, there are fewer bigger than Germany’s colossal Oktoberfest. The traditional celebration of all-things German – mostly beer, sausages and Oktoberfest Costumes – has attracted the attention of the entire global community for centuries. So if you are considering celebrating the most awesome of Bavarian celebrations in Oz – and are currently looking for – the following may convince you that you are making the right decision.

What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is the premier folk festival in the world. The festival lasts over 16 days, and attracts more than six million people on part of its festivities. The roots of Oktoberfest stretch back to October 1810, when Prince Ludwig of Bavaria put on a show for the ages in Munich, when he invited the people to help him celebrate his marriage to Princess Therese.

Almost two hundred years later, visitors from across the globe still descend on Theresienwiese in Munich.  A true celebration of the rich and beautiful German tradition, you can immerse yourself in this unique celebration in cities all over Australia.

Oktoberfest in Brisbane

Win terms of size, Oktoberfest Brisbane has become the largest German Festival Down Under. Over 40,000 people are set to head to Brisbane in order to get an authentic taste of a German party.

German-Australian’s Kim and Boris Zoulek transform the Brisbane Showgrounds into Bavaria, providing world-class food and beer you would only expect to find in the German city. With a Bavarian Oktoberfest Band and a Munich Biergarten ready to be aborbed, as well as an impressive Marktplatz, and a KinderZone for the little ones, there is something for everyone.

Yodellers, German food, awesome beer, maidens clad in Lederhosen, singers, dancers and pretty much every other aspect of Oktoberfest can be experienced in Brisbane. The best part is that the celebrations are stretched over two weeks, giving everyone the opportunity to savour the culinary grace, laughter and unique festivities which is pretty much accessible to one and all keen to immerse themselves in the Germanic charms.

In other parts of Australia

Oktoberfest is celebrated all over Australia, with some pretty big showings in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne. With Oktoberfest in the Gardens now heading into its eight year in 2018, the demand for all-things German has never been greater.

Melbourne’s biggest feature in that the city has the biggest beer hall in Australian history, with 2017’s offering big enough to hold 5,000 jolly drinkers and celebrants. There is a plethora of acts, performances and other forms of entertainment to keep everyone happy. Brass bands, and contemporary German performers allow those in the party mood to get a true sense of how things go down in Bavaria.

More than anything, you can get your hands on some of those frosty imported beers, which will surely inspire a trip or two to the Motherland at some point!

The post Why Oktoberfest in Australia is the Big Show in 2018 appeared first on Australian Times News.

Conserve Energy

In our everyday life, it is important to reduce the strain we have on our environment by making sure to cut down on our electricity usage in our homes. We can reassess on how much we use certain appliances and use lights only when it is absolutely necessary. The next major impact comes from industrial buildings and businesses. Using a commercial solar system in large factories and businesses can have a staggering benefit on the electricity consumption and save a lot of energy and money in the long run.

Replacement Of Incandescent Lights

Incandescent lights are old-fashioned and burn most of the energy by emitting heat rather than producing light. It is best to use fluorescent light bulbs or LED ones that are highly energy efficient and emit light well. These bulbs use only about a quarter of the energy that the traditional incandescent bulbs use. LED lights may be more expensive however they last longer. In addition, think about garden or porch lights that are lit all night long and make sure to switch them off when going to bed instead of leaving them on all night. Consider buying lights that operate using motion detection if you require them for security purposes.

Use Of Household Appliances

While most of us think that we need all of the household appliances by default, if you really think about it you will find that only a few are rarely used. You will be surprised at how much energy you save by less usage of these appliances. Making it a habit in your daily life to reduce the use of certain equipment will help you change your lifestyle for the betterment and make it that much more satisfying. A clear example would be the use of a dryer, if you have a clothesline and enough sunlight, using this method to dry your clothes is the best way to save a lot of energy. Other items such as a dishwasher can also be minimized to perhaps once a week.

Unplug Appliances

Most people are unaware that having electronics or other appliances plugged in to their sockets even if they are switched off continues to sap energy. So make sure to always unplug all your electronics when they are not in use such as computers, laptops, televisions and even phone chargers.

The post How to reduce your carbon footprint and live sustainably appeared first on Australian Times News.

We’ve put together a checklist below that should hopefully help you with the process.

Find the Perfect Accommodation for you

Australia has lots of accommodation opportunities that are available for people moving to the country to choose from.  There are lots of new apartments in Perth that are perfect for young professionals and young families wanting to move to the area. Make sure you arrange your move with a reputable company and do your research on the surrounding areas including transport links, and local amenities.

Get Your Documents Ready

It’s important that you get all of your documents ready for your move to Australia.  They will be required when you are undertaking any legal activities in the country.  Important things that you will need to remember include:

• Your birth certificate and passport
• Any adoption documents
• A marriage or divorce certificates
• Any medical records
• Academic records
• Insurance papers, whether this be for car or travel
• Your drivers license
• Financial records and proof of income

Get Your Personal Items Sorted

If you are a resident for over 12 months in Australia – you can transport your personal affects without any tax implications.  What’s important for you to take into account is whether or not it’s more cost-effective for you to take these items – or to simply purchase new things when you get to Australia.  Some things could have import duty or goods and services applied such as cars, machinery, boats etc.  Look this up in advance so you don’t get a nasty shock.

Make Sure Your Money is Transferred

The last thing you want to worry about when you have first moved is not being able to access cash.  In order to save money, it’s good practice to make sure all of your bank accounts in your current home town are closed to avoid incurring unnecessary fees.  You should open your Australian bank account well in advance.  You can do this online and will literally only take you a few minutes.  SWIFT will allow you to make international money transfers, and it’s also good practice to have some Australian cash at the ready just in case. If you have any international credit cards, these can be taken with you.

Organise your Medical Information

This is incredibly important, especially if you are bringing children with you.  You will need these to give to your new medical professionals so they have full knowledge of your medical history.  You will need your standard medical records including X-Rays, dental records, any immunization records you have for your kids, any medical records from opticians, and prescription information.

Getting your Items Shipped

It can take a lot of work to organise, pack and ship all of your life to another country.  To make this as easy as possible for you, make sure that you only take things that you really want.  This will save you both time and money.  You will of course want to take things that have some sentimental value to you, as well as things that would be more expensive for you to buy brand-new such as TV’s or expensive appliances.

Do your research though, as not all of your electronics will work in the same way in Australia.  If you are hiring someone to pack your items make sure that they provide you with a list, or if you are doing this yourself – create your own list so you are prepared.  It also might be a good idea to see if they offer an unpacking service for when you arrive at Australia to relieve any further stress.  To be on the safe side, it’s also important that you have the contact details for the company who is responsible for shipping your items – and to have the relevant insurance.  If there are things that you don’t want to take straight away but simply can’t bear to let go of – then look at cost-effective storage options in your home-town.

Now you have your checklist ready – you are all set for your big move to Australia.  Moving overseas is a big decision, so there is lots to prepare.  Make the journey as easy as possible on yourself and ensure that you have every angle covered.

The post Preparing for a move to Australia appeared first on Australian Times News.

Buying a Business

Many are now buying existing businesses and turning them into something amazing. This is in fact, a sensible thing to do and involves no risk, as long as you have enough insight and knowledge in general. Naturally, when you take over an existing business, you will spare yourself half the stress, the work and the hassle that involves starting up a new business. Thus, many opt to buy an existing business or a franchise and develop on it impressively. You can look for opportunities available around according to your preference. If you are interested in the restaurant business, you’d need to look for one that you think is appropriate for you to develop. There are also many other options that may be available, but always make sure you prioritize your preference and pick one that you have the potential to work on.

Location Preferences

It is only natural for you to be concerned about the location of your business. Whether it is a bookstore, a pizza shop, or a bakery, you’d certainly make sure it is located at a good place with a pleasing environment, and most importantly, has a good demographic. These factors contribute immensely towards the growth and success of your business; therefore, you would need to do a little bit of research on the type of business and the locations you prefer. Sydney and Melbourne are two of the top preferences when it comes to location. You may want to check if there is anyone offering their business for sale in Sydney if that’s your first preference.

Why Choose Sydney?

Having a business in Sydney certainly would be an excellent idea. Sydney has a decent, mixed population. The people in the city are the type who are constantly interested in doing many different things, and so they always have diverse needs. Running your business in a place where there is a demand for different services is always great for both the people and your business. Likewise, you’d always pick a great location for your business, or in this case, when you want to buy an existing one, look for ones in favorable locations so will have a pleasant experience working on its development.

Whether you are experienced with business matters or not, you should always make sure you pay careful attention to all the factors before you make a big move. Taking over a business legally is quite a huge thing. Once you have, it becomes your responsibility to see that it grows. Therefore, make sure you are clear about your preferences and your goals before you take any major step.

The post Owning a business in a busy city: tips to get started appeared first on Australian Times News.

Addiction involves an intense craving for something; this could be food, alcohol, drugs, tobacco and even sex. It is also the total loss of control when it comes to the source of addiction and continuous use or involvement, despite any negative health implications. Addiction takes over the brain by first changing the way it registers pleasure and then subverting other normal life processes, such as learning and motivation.

How addiction begins

No one ever started out with the express intention to become addicted to any substance or action. However, many people end up beingtrapped in the cycle of addiction.

Some senior therapist suggests that for some people, the spiral into addiction can be quite sudden, while for others, there are quite clear signs of imminent addiction. However, even though breaking an addiction can be tough, it can be done; subsequently,people struggling with addiction can eventually return to a fulfilling and profitable life.

During the early stages of addiction, the brain undergoes a series of changes, whereby the process of pleasure recognition is changed, which leads to compulsive behaviour.

The four important brain chemicals

The brain produces four very important chemicals that control different vital functions in the body. Substance abuse, alcohol and other forms of abuse that lead to addiction subvert the way these chemicals function eventually leading to compulsion and addiction.

• Dopamine:Dopamine serves as a form of reward for completing structured tasks. For instance, when performing simple activities such as brushing your teeth or completing a chore, the brain releases dopamine as reward for that work. It’s safe to assume that without dopamine, a lot of the activities or chores we complete would be left untouched. When people use stimulants such as amphetamines or cocaine, thisproduces a high level of dopamine, drastically affecting their reward and motivation system.Because dopamine is released many times each day as reward for activities, constant disruption to how this system works can result in long-term complications, such as a marked lack of interest in non-substance or alcohol related activities.

• Serotonin: Research indicates that the chemical or hormone called serotonin is responsible for regulating our emotions. In other words, serotonin makes us feel happy. When a person is constantly depressed and unhappy, it might be that they have low serotonin levels. In turn, they could be prescribed antidepressants, which increase serotonin. Consuming excess alcohol or taking illegal substances plays havoc with the brain’s serotonin levels, causing and individual to experience a state of ‘high’ euphoria,for as long as that substance is still active. This affects the person’s ability to know which happiness is induced and which is real. Over time, the individual will need more and more of the substance to maintain that level of euphoria.

• Endorphins: The brain releases endorphins to help us relieve pain – both physical and emotional. Endorphins not only regulate pain, but also change our perception of the pain, making it easier for our body to endure it while we heal. Opiates such as morphine and Fentanyl are known for drastically reducing the amount of pain the body feels, which is why they are usually prescribed for a particularly painful injury or surgery. Unfortunately, more and more people are becominghooked on these drugs, especially after a stay in hospital.

• Oxytocin: This is the bonding chemical released by the brain. It helps maintain intimacy between people. Some individuals who are addicted to sex do so because they are trying to get as much Oxytocin into their system as possible. In most cases, such people are essentially looking for intimacy and the comfort of physical touch.

Bringing it together

Alcohol and drugs change the sensitive way in which the brain operates. When these substances are abused, the above chemicals are released in abnormal quantities. After a while, the individual will no longer be able to experience the effects of these hormones ordinarily, without the use of suchsubstances. This is because the brain automatically adjusts to the new system, while the individual begins to crave anything that will bring about the release of these hormones. Consequently, addiction begins to take hold.

Fortunately, with constant support, care and the right environment, people who suffer from addiction can get the help they need to beat the urge.

The post How addiction takes over the brain appeared first on Australian Times News.

Where you find a thriving city, great universities, and a place where people want to live and study in, you’ll find students. Whether people come to Liverpool to study from another part of the UK or if they are from overseas, the city isn’t short of attracting talented students or property investors.

Usually, students will live in either university halls of residence, lodge, live in residential properties (traditionally known as a shared house), or will set up home in what is becoming a popular choice – particularly for overseas students – quality purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).

There’s an array of choice. And with a student population of 70,000, Liverpool can clearly demonstrate its credentials as an excellent city for property investment.

Changing market

Where people choose to live while studying has changed, which is why the student property market is more attractive than ever offering a more diverse portfolio. Re-purposing old building is another way investors can make their mark in this lucrative market. A recent example of this is Granite House, a Grade II listed building in central Liverpool. It will be re-purposed into a boutique student accommodation. Located close to bars museums restaurants and near to Liverpool Central library, the L1 postcode is also close to Liverpool Lime Street railway station: convenient for students who are not from the city and occasionally need to travel home.

In recent years the city has seen a surge in student accommodation investment. Some at the high-end luxury part of the market, although residential buy-to-let properties in traditional student areas still continue to do well.

The Cushman & Wakefield UK Student Accommodation Report 2017/18 shows that Liverpool’s 2017-2018 academic year has seen the supply of purpose-built student accommodation bed spaces total17,080, of which, 1,844 beds were new for the current academic year. And in the past three years, more than 5,800 bed spaces have been brought to the market in Liverpool – increasing the total supply by 50%. Numbers like this, along with the city’s charm, cultural mix, its leading universities, and of course the local people, puts the student accommodation scene in a very attractive light. And with a combination of high rental yield with low vacancy rate, because of the demand of the city’s 70,000 plus students, student property is demonstrating that its appealing prospect for investors. You can find out more information and view properties in Liverpool here at RWinvest.

Attraction beyond property

But no city in any part of the country can rely on property alone to attract investors. Liverpool has a much wider appeal for those who choose to study there, and for property investors looking to invest in the city. A big attraction is the friendly attitude, and warmth of the city’s people. This coupled with its diverse cultural mix, makes Liverpool an attractive place for students from the UK and overseas.

Liverpool’s culture is a great mix. It’s one of the most important cites in the history of multiculturalism and home to a blend of communities from different backgrounds, race and culture. This gives the city a vibrancy that cannot be matched. It’s the unique mix of its people that helps to attracts students in their droves. And since its tenure as European Capital of Culture, the city has truly catapulted itself onto the world stage – making it more visible, exciting and enticing to property investors.

Decisions Decisions

Investors from overseas or those in the UK who are keen to get involved in the student property market have some choices to make. Do they decide on city centre investment? Or do they opt for property hotspots in traditionally popular student postcodes such as L15, L17, or L18 (in areas including Smithdown, Aigburth and Allerton.)

Regardless of the area, one fundamental reason the student property market is an alluring investment is that for many it’s seen as less risky. Its yearly income pattern means financial forecasting is easier, and predictions have the basis of consistency from the annual arrival of multiple tenants each autumn term. This, along with guaranteed rents, shows how the student buy-to-let market forms its offer of high capital appreciation.

For information on property investment opportunities contact RWinvest on +44 (0)151 808 1250.

Email: info@rw-invest.com or visit our website.

The post Student property market is becoming a solid investment appeared first on Australian Times News.

Take a look at your provider options. Many people stick with the same energy provider for years, continuously paying extortionate bills, and then wonder why they can’t seem to save money in the long-term. Switching over to a more affordable service could do wonders for your budget and help you live the kind of lifestyle you’re aiming for. Use a service like Econnex to find out which provider has the best deal for your particular household or business needs, then consider making the switch if you could be saving money with a different provider.

Change the way you use the thermostat. While it may be tempting to constantly adjust your home’s heating or cooling thermostat to get that perfect temperature that keeps you comfortable, each degree that you add on to your heating once you get over 20 Celsius adds a significant amount to your bill. Be wise with your thermostat and remember to turn off any heating or cooling systems when they’re not in use.

Insulate your home. An easy way to control the temperature of your home without using energy-draining heaters or air conditioners is to make sure the insulation of your home is working effectively. You can have a professional come in to check that the insulation around your windows, attic, and other vulnerable areas is sealed properly, and then have insulation added if a problem is detected. You can also provide your own insulation by using curtains and blinds to keep sun from overheating your home – as well as outdoor shades that can prevent heat from building up in your windows.

Check your light bulbs. Some light bulbs are far more energy efficient than others. LED bulbs are far more energy efficient than the old halogen variety, so they’ll keep your room glowing for longer without racking up the cost of your electricity bill.

Give your dryer a break. Running clothes through a dryer every time you do a load of washing may be adding far more to your electricity bill than you realise. It’s also unnecessary when the sun is shining and you have plenty of warm rays ready and waiting to dry your clothes the natural way. Set up a washing line in your back garden so you can skip the dryer altogether when the sun is out.

Cut your water usage. Many homes use more water than they need, boosting their energy costs and draining the earth’s most precious natural resource. There are many ways you can cut down on the amount of water you use in your home, from simply switching off the tap while you brush your teeth or wash dishes, to installing water-saving features in your bathroom. Water saving showerheads and tap fixtures will reduce the flow so you use less water each time you wash

The post How to cut costs on your energy bills appeared first on Australian Times News.

The picture on your screen listens as you skim through your week. An hour passes and it’s time to wrap up. You schedule another time to meet and drop the call. You sit, staring at the screen for just a little while longer before breathing in and moving on with your life.

Being a family member, lover or friend from a distance is torture. Video calls, emails and messages do not come close to the simple joy of eating together at the same table or inhaling a loved one’s signature scent when holding them in your arms.

But there are ways to spend ‘quality time’ with your loved ones while living overseas. Here are seven things that you can do to bridge the distance.

1) Just be real

Often in video calls with loved ones overseas we try to pretend that everything is OK. We do it so that our mothers don’t worry, or to put on a brave face and convince others and ourselves that we made the right decision moving away from everything we know.

There’s no point hiding what you’re feeling from the people that know you inside out. Be real. Communicate every doubt and every hidden feeling.

Cut the chit chat. Bicker. Talk deeply. Share. But never hang up in a huff.

2) Don’t force it

There’s a fine line between making an effort to stay in touch and Skyping every single night. You should be picking up the phone to call someone special in your life because you want to, not because it’s Sunday night.

Yes, scheduling catch-up dates is important, but it can also let your relationship become monotonous. While your lives and experiences may be far apart, they should come together naturally, in the form of a spontaneous phone call, instead of at a forced meeting point.

3) Keep getting creative

Find a way to compensate for not celebrating a birthday, holiday or anniversary together.

On Mother’s Day, arrange to cook the dish your mother once taught you to cook and get your mum to do the same. Then enjoy it together over a Skype dinner.

Print out photos from the last time you spent together and write what the special moment meant to you on the back. Send it in the mail rather than over email.

4) Document everything

When it comes to long distance love, your memories are sometimes the only things that pull you through.

Take a screenshot of a string of messages from your loved one which really made you smile, print it out, and stick it somewhere. Take as many photos as possible when you’re together. Scribble something you’d like to remember in a journal.

Make your memories tangible so that you can pour over them alone, together, and one day when the memories in your head fail you.

5) Focus on the little things

There’s nothing more satisfying than returning home to a fridge stocked with your favourite food, a home cooked meal and a familiar bedroom.

While your whole life has changed, home has stayed constant. Time will fly by with your loved ones. Instead of galloping around trying to do everything and see everyone, spend time around the dinner table and park off with your dad on the couch in front of the game. You’re not a special guest. You’re home. Fall back into things and savour the normality of it all.

6) Make life decisions together

While many life decisions don’t require input from a loved one, most loved ones appreciate being asked their opinion. Whether you’re buying a car or moving house, whether your loved one can help or not, ask them. They will appreciate being thought of, and they will feel like they are more involved in your life.

7) Keep things in common

After time apart, often it can feel like you’re losing touch and living past one another.

Try find a topic in common for you to discuss. Recommend books or movies that you’ve enjoyed for them to try and report back to you about. Watch movies or series at the same time. Try a new recipe together. Don’t let life get in the way of spending ‘quality time’ with loved ones from afar.

IMAGES: Stock images via Shutterstock.com

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