“So what’s on the menu?” they ask with eager eyes and grumbling bellies. I tell them “Kangaroo” and watch as a mixed response sweeps across the table. Half are enthusiastic about the thought of a new challenge, and the other half look at me with eyes that say “if only the wine was where the Australian culinary adventure ended.”

The menu choice was sealed when I discovered Lidl is now selling a deluxe 300g pack of two kangaroo steaks for £3.99. Compared to the cost of beef steaks, which have sky rocketed to a whopping £9 for the equivalent weight, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to treat my friends to some red meat — and a taste of home.

A few more glasses of shiraz and the stigma around eating an animal which featured on Australia’s coat of arms was forgotten. My friends enjoyed the mini indoor steak-out, and may even now be converted to the more environmentally friendly alternative to beef.

Why is kangaroo better than beef?

Kangaroo meat is much leaner and higher in iron than your average beef steak. It contains high amounts of polyunsaturated fat and is pretty much free of any chemicals that are usually associated with farmed stock. It costs Australia next to nothing to produce kangaroo meat; it is mainly sourced from wild animals as a byproduct of population control programs. It is only harvested by licensed shooters in accordance with a strict code of practice. Exported Kangaroo meat is inspected by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection service.

How do I cook it?

If you’re looking to fry a kangaroo steak, be careful not to overcook it. There is far less fat in this meat and it can easily become dry and rubbery. However, if cooked correctly, a kangaroo steak is delicious and full of flavor.

An Australian feast: Cooking with Kangaroo

0 from 0 votes

Recipe by Courtney Greatrex Course: Lifestyle, Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Looking for a proper how to guide when it comes to cooking kangaroo? We’ve got the instructions, all you need is the kangaroo steak!

Ingredients

• 1 large kangaroo steak

• 4 tbsp Good quality olive oil

Directions

• Soak steak in oil for about 30 minutes.
• Heat up a heavy pan. If the pan is not hot enough the meat will boil, making it tough and giving it a less pleasant flavour.
• Place the meat into a hot frying pan without any additional oil and sear for about one minute.
• Remove the meat from the pan and place in a preheated oven (220°C) for about six or seven minutes.
• Remove kangaroo from the oven and allow it to stand in a warm place for the same amount of time that it was cooked.
• Kangaroo meat tends to expand when subjected to lots of heat. It needs time to settle and return to its original shape. The heat on the outside of the meat will cook the inside of the meat to perfection.
• Serve with some fresh bread and delicious salad and you’ve got your self a fantastic Aussie feast!

The post An Australian feast: Cooking with Kangaroo appeared first on Australian Times News.

To help you work out if you’ve making the transition from Aussie ocker to British blue blood, we’ve identified the 21 surest ways you can tell you’re becoming a Pom.

1. You spread Marmite instead of Vegemite on your toast in the mornings.

2. You have a soft spot for England in sport (except the Ashes. Never the Ashes)

3. A forcast temperature of 20 degress or above is immediate cause to hit Facebook and rally up a picnic on the Common!

4. You’ve barbequed in the rain, in an aluminium foil tray, and really enjoyed it.

5. You’ve ditched the Country Road tote bag for something a little classier. Longchamp, perhaps?

6. You actually know what’s in a Pimms cocktail and can even make it for your guests on those 20 degree days.

7. It’s Tipex, not White-out or Liquid Paper

8. You’ve learnt it’s quicker to walk between Leicester Square and Covent Garden than catch the tube.

9. You dress for four seasons in a day, and never leave the house without an umbrella (only to leave it on the train).

10. Thongs become flip flops, because the confusion at work just isn’t worth it.

11. Walking down Oxford Street on a Saturday afternoon is no longer sightseeing or Monopoly, it’s torture to be avoided at all costs.

12. A power adaptor is no longer necessary for every appliance you own. Even worse, you buy an Aussie adaptor on the way home for that Christmas visit.

13. Your nightly fix of Home and Away or Neighbours has finally been replaced by Coronation Street or East Enders.

14. You stop shortening words because no one knows what you’re going on about. It’s “this afternoon”, not “the arvo”.

15. You’ve accepted that Hungry Jacks is Burger King, although saying it still doesn’t sound right.

16. No chocolate compares to Galaxy chocolate … not even Darrell Lea.

17. You don’t walk into Argos and wonder where all of the products are anymore. Catalogue shopping has been an institution in your life for some time now.

18. When it comes to airports, you’ve realized Gatwick is the way to go. Whilst Heathrow might have all the shops, and Stansted caters for all your budgeting needs, location and transport ease keeps you going back to good ol’ Gatwick when booking those cheap European flights.

19. You’ve learned that wine at bars comes in two sizes: small and large. You automatically specify large — bucket size, preferably.

20. You now know why your English colleagues and friends give you funny looks when you say ‘pants’ instead of ‘trousers’.

21. You say ‘time’, not ‘toyme’. And you have finally lost that Australian question intonation at the end of your sentences and now have a lovely melodic lilt… and your mates give you heaps for it when you get back home.

The post 21 ways an Aussie expat can tell they’re becoming British appeared first on Australian Times News.

Many local areas have their own farmers market, usually held every weekend, and are worth sourcing for a regular supply of fresh, organic produce.

Or, head out to these bigger, more famous markets, and combine your weekly shop with a fun London day out.

1. Borough Market, London Bridge

Borough market is a haven for the culinary adventurers of London. It is a source for the best local and international produce, be that seafood, cheese, fruit & veg and many more weird and wonderful foods from around the world.

Being situated right by London Bridge station makes it easily accessible. However, note that it is closed on Sundays.

2. Berwick Street Market, Soho

This central London market is one of the oldest in the whole city, with roots going back to 1778.

Berwick Street Market is situated in the heart of Soho, between the strip joints in Walker’s Court and the glamorous Yauatcha restaurant on Broadwick Street. Selling a range of fruit, veg and local produce, alongside hip fashion and and independent vinyl record stores, the market mostly comes alive during the lunch-time rush hour when London’s workers come out for some delicious grub.

3. Portobello Road Market , Notting Hill

Notting Hill is one of the most interesting and dynamic places in London. In the centre of this quirky village is the famous Portobello Road and, of course, its market known predominately for the sale of antiques.

Portobello Market also dabbles into fruit and veg and all kinds of other delicious food. You’ll find bakeries, fish mongers and cheese sellers here, amongst the eclectic antique stalls and their customers from all across the country.

The market can be open at varying times, so best to check online before you make your visit!

4. Broadway Market, Hackney

All crammed into a long East London street, running from London Fields to Regent’s Canal, the Broadway Market has plenty to tickle your taste buds.

The best thing about the Broadway Market is that all of the produce, including organic meat, fruit and veg, fish, oysters and so much more, is all at supermarket prices, if not cheaper!

This quaint market is only open on Saturdays, from 9am until 5pm and makes for a great place to visit to stock up before a big dinner or the week ahead.

5. Camden Lock Market

Though not originally established to sell food, Camden Lock Market houses some of the most exciting places to eat in the whole of London.

The Camden Lock you see today began as a timber yard, which in the 1970s opened as an arts and crafts market.

History aside, the Camden Markets offer food fit for even the fussiest of eaters. Tuck into a kangaroo burger at the Global Kitchen or try an irresistible vegan and gluten-free treat from the Cookies and Scream bakery.

TOP IMAGE:  Borough Market, London. (By pcruciatti via Shutterstock.com)

MIDDLE IMAGE: Borough Market, London. (By pio3  via Shutterstock.com)

The post The best 5 food markets in London appeared first on Australian Times News.

But how much do you really know about the Lucky Country?

Commit to memory these ten impressive, weird and fun facts about Australia, to impress your mates with:

1. Australia has more than 10,000 beaches

If you visited one Australian beach per day, it would take you more than 27 years to visit them all.

2. Australia’s first cops were all criminals

Australia’s first police force was a band of eight of the most well-behaved convicts, formed in 1789 by Governor Arthur Philip as a nightwatch for the fledgling colony.

3. World champion beer drinker for a prime minister

In 1954, Bob Hawke – Aussie prime minister and folk hero in the 1980s – was immortalised by the Guinness Book of Records for drinking 2.5 pints of beer in 11 seconds. And he’s still got it – as evidenced in the photo above, taken at the 2014 Ashes test match in Sydney where fans dressed as Richie Benaud cheer Hawkey on as he skulls a pint of the sweet amber nectar. So ‘Strayan.

4. The world’s longest mail run

In one day, Postman Barry flies 1,450km in nine hours with 10 stops, from Cairns to Cape York in Queensland.

5. You call that a farm?

Australia’s largest cattle station (that’s a farm or a ranch to you visitor folk), Anna Creek, is 24,000 square km, making it bigger than Cyprus, Fiji, East Timor, Slovenia and Israel.

6. Meet you by the old cloned gum tree

The first branch meeting of the Australian Labor Party, said to be Australia’s first political party, was held under a gum tree in Barcaldine, Queensland in 1891, in response to a sheep shearers’ strike. The eucalypt came to be known as the ‘Tree of Knowledge’. It still stood until it was poisoned in an act of vandalism in 2006. But not all is lost; the wood has been preserved as a monument (above) and the tree has been cloned.

7. Who ate all the pies? We did!

Australians eat 260+ million meat pies every year, more than 12 per head (Seriously; is that all? – Ed).

8. 10,000 species of Australian spiders

That’s right; if the snakes and sharks aren’t enough to get your skin crawling, try counting Aussie spiders – one for every beach!

9. The world’s deadliest animal

Snakes, sharks, spiders and oh yeah… the box jellyfish. Get into and bear hug with one of these northern tropical marine nasties and you may have a minute or two to write your will.

10. Cane toad racing is a real sport

Again up north where the locals can go a bit troppo. When they aren’t in a tangle with those sinister box jellyfish, they are out racing cane toads.

By Courtney Greatrex and Bryce Lowry

IMAGES: Getty and Shutterstock.com

The post 10 wonderfully random facts about Australia appeared first on Australian Times News.

MEETING up in Shoreditch for a pint, I watched Stuart Bowden cruise down Brick Lane on his Barclay’s bike, lock it up and give me a hi-five.

The award winning Aussie theatre maker from Gippsland, Victoria looks like a Londoner at heart. He has an impeccable, thick brown beard and floppy hair. He wears a dark green corduroy coat, looking like he’s just stepped out of one of the vintage clothing stores down the street.

She Was Probably Not A Robot is his most recent solo show that is being performed at the Camden People’s theatre for just three days this week.

He’s performed at Edinburgh three years running, not just at the fringe but also once in the actual festival (“the one no one hears about”).

This is the first time that She Was Probably Not A Robot has been performed in London, though Bowden has been previewing it since March. The play has been described as a ‘low-fi, off-beat, sci-fi story telling experience.’

Bowden himself labels his show as ‘DIY’. To explain this interesting choice of words, he said: “It has this feeling of theatre that there is no production values or budget it’s just me putting things together.”

No sooner had he begun to explain this concept a little further, a man plodded past the pub struggling to transport a mattress on his head. When Bowden saw it, he chuckled, “That’s DIY!”

The idea for She Was Probably Not a Robot came to Bowden quite obscurely. He said: “I had the idea for a little while, about a guy who has survives the end of the world because he falls asleep on his air mattress as the world floods and he gets swept out to see.”

Bowden was trying to fill a 5-minute slot where he connected to a melodica to a blow up mattress and perform as the mattress deflated. He said: “I didn’t end up making it, I ended up making an hour show without that.”

Improvisation is a large part of the show. Bowden explained that once he’s in the audience, he likes to see where the show will go. Gesticulating wildly donning a big grin on his face, he describes the thought process behind his performance: “The show isn’t really scripted, it reads: ‘this is the bit where I dance around on the air mattress and maybe I talk about stuff.’”

The 29 year old graduated from the Victoria College of Arts in 2007, spent a year touring with Bell Shakespeare and began writing his own shows in 2009.

He said: “I’ve forced myself to just make a lot of work,” after spending a year preparing for auditions that he might not get. “I learnt from VCA that you can perform anywhere if you can write your own show. I could stand up and perform right now.

Bowden has the ability to perform anywhere and holds an arsenal of talents to support him including comedy, improvisation as well as being a musician. He loves to work both alone (including even taking tickets at the door) and as a group.

His philosophy is: “So long as the audience are there being responsive and caring for the show, I’m going to care for the audience.”

Despite all his successes in the UK, he still misses home and says it’s hard to compare life in London to that in Australia, where Bowden grew up on a farm.

He still loves London though and feels like it’s a great place to be. He said: “After living here for a while I started to feel so comfortable.”

But, like all of us, walking through the center of the city still has that magical feeling: “Occasionally I’d see something and think whoa! I’m in London, I feel like I’m on holiday.”

After a pint, Stuart Bowden had to head home to prepare for the premiere on Wednesday. We said our goodbyes outside Shoreditch High Street station where I grabbed the tube home and he cycled off into the distance on his bike.

She Was Probably Not A Robot is at Camden People’s Theatre from 11th – 13th December. Click her to book tickets.

The post Stuart Bowden’s DIY style show at Camden People’s Theatre appeared first on Australian Times News.

THERE has always been a bit of a divide between the north and south of the River Thames.

The north — safe and prosperous, with easy transport links and the best of British culture. The south, by comparison, gets a bad rap as being somewhat dark, dingy and a little bit scary.

But, after migrating south permanently I have found despite its bad reputation, there is a treasure trove of culture and activities, and thriving community spirit, yet to be discovered by those too scared to venture across the Thames.

Here are my top five things to do in South East London:

1. Brockwell Lido

Known by locals as Brixton’s Beach this outdoor lido is one of the very few remaining in London. The Olympic size pool recently opened for the summer months, accompanied by an outdoor café. On the rare occasion the mercury passes 20-degrees, it’s the best place to be, and let the sun kiss your skin. However, be warned, on those hot summer days the rest of South East London will be there with you.

2. Browns of Brockley

Browns is situated directly opposite the Brockley Overground Station (more commonly referred to in these parts as the ‘ginger line’). But the great location isn’t the only thing this independent café has going for it. It has been featured in Time Out as one of London’s best coffee shops, and it’s not hard to see why. With a homely feel and some delicious food to accompany an even better coffee, Browns is unlikely to disappoint even the most critical of coffee fiend.

3. Telegraph Hill

When a break from city life is in need, Telegraph hill is the perfect spot to stop, sit, gaze over London’s skyline, and take a breather. Just a few minutes walk from New Cross Gate Overground Station; Telegraph Hill offers the opportunity to show what the Southeast really has to offer.

4. Bar Story

Bar Story can be found in a converted railway arch in Peckham, which has become one of the coolest, up-and-coming areas in London. The bar is buzzing with a regular flow of customers, and features the work of some local artistic talent on its walls.

5. The Albany

The Albany is a great little performing arts centre, based in the heart of Deptford. It features music, theatre and spoken word as well as a range of participatory projects. With a particular commitment to the community, there’s always entertaining and enlightening performances by locals from all walks of life. Fully equipped with both a café and bar, there isn’t much not to love about this little cultural haven. Being smaller, and considerably cheaper, the Albany is the perfect alternative to the West End.

The post Our London: Spotlight on South East London – Top 5 appeared first on Australian Times News.

IN Australia we are often spoilt for choice when it comes to Asian food. Growing up on the doorstop of Asia, we all had our favourite places to guzzle gyoza, sample sushi and dine on dumplings. Here in London however, we’ve had to start afresh, seeking out the best places to get your pho fix or a spicy curry amidst a huge array of new and exciting cuisines. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you — collating a readers choice sample menu of the best Japanese, Indian, Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese in town.

Japanese

Akari
Essex Road, Islington

This restaurant in Islington is called an izakaya — a Japanese style pub where drinks are served accompanied by food. In a space which actually once was a bar, it certainly retains that relaxed casual feel, whilst serving up authentic dishes at reasonable prices.
Recommended by James

Tokyo Diner
 Near Leicester Square

This cosy restaurant on based in Newport Street sells authentic, quality Japanese food for a great price. The “Please don’t tip” sign may seem a trick but it’s true, Tokyo Diner have a ‘no-tip rule,’ meaning that if you leave your change they will donate it to charity, rather than accept it. Our reader Allison recommends the chicken katsu curry.
Recommended by Allison

Indian

Dishoom
Covent Garden and Shoreditch

Dishoom is a traditional Bombay Café in the heart of London serving up delicious local dishes which are a step above your stock-standard butter chicken and naan. With a fun, vibrant atmosphere, a bar to wait at when battling the inevitable crowds, and cheap beers, Dishoom is a great place to bring visiting family or lots of your friends.  Jenni says she can never say no to the okra fries — a delicious starter to snack on while making your choices.
Recommended by Jenni

Vietnamese

Mien Tay
Kingsland Road, Hoxton

It may not have the fanciest façade of the many Vietnamese restaurants that line Kingsland Road between Hoxton and Shoreditch, but it is certainly one of the most popular. It serves up authentic, top quality and traditional Vietnamese with minimal fuss. Just don’t expect your food to be served with a smile.
Recommended by Neil

Chinese

Ping Pong
Branches across London

Ping Pong is a dim sum restaurant like no other. This restaurant is stylish and modern and sells some delicious cocktails. Whilst on the pricier side of the dim sum restaurants in London, it’s a fun experience. Just tick off your choices on your own menu, and then sit back and let them arrive steaming hot one after the other.
Recommended by Jonathon

Wong Kei
Chinatown, near Soho

Wong Kei is your archetypal Chinatown restaurant. It’s certainly not fancy, but the extensive menu would have something to suit anyone’s taste buds. It is one of the biggest Chinese restaurants in UK and holds seating for up to 100 diners. The food is cheap, fast and surprisingly delicious.
Recommended by Catherine

Thai

The Boys Café
North Kensington

The Boys Café boasts on their website that they have take-away prices with restaurant quality.  With the most expensive meal on the menu being less than £10 and their fantastic reviews, this North Kensington restaurant is well worth a visit. Amazing food, great eat in or takeaway, and the best service in London says our reader Paddy.
Recommended by Paddy.

And there’s more …

 On Twitter

 @CarlosCidrais
Baozi Inn @Chinatown, hands down.

@jacquirandall
Got to be Hakkassan for best espresso martini’s and can’t go past the dim sum platter

‏@S_lessDiplomat
Banh mi bay. The salads are to die for and the baguette choices range from traditional vietnamese and thai to exciting.

‏@JessicaSneddon
K10Restaurant in Appold St. Amazing kaiten food.

@PutneyMagpies
Chop Chop – Fulham Broadway

@Kirky_Wirky
Old Saigon in Putney. The cafe east of the west.

On Facebook

Cay Tre in Hoxton, London for Vietnamese (also in Soho).
Kirsten

On the Australian Times website

The most charming Indian is the lovely Malabar restaurant near Notting hill tube station in Holland Park. They have a good website with recipes too. Gorgeous pumpkin curry available as I remember.
J Doyle

East Street provides a great mix of Asian food including Malaysian, Thai and Japanese. Be sure to try the Tahu Goreng… Delicious!
Tara

The post READERS’ CHOICE: London’s best Asian restaurant appeared first on Australian Times News.

BORIS Johnson is planning a life after his political career, and he is taking a leaf out of J.K. Rowling’s book.

The Mayor of London was delivering the keynote address at the Melbourne Writers Festival when he announced he may well take up writing full-time after the completion of his second term in office.

He told audiences, “I would love to write a genuinely brilliant, rip-roaring airport book.”

Except that readers would never know it was him.

Mr Johnson wants to appear anonymous in his writing, similar to J.K. Rowling in A Cuckoo’s Calling. Instead, watch out for publications by Rosie M Banks, the pen name he is hoping to adopt.

He added, “In a trance, you will buy this blockbuster by Rosie M Banks and I hope to be somewhere quietly raking it in.”

Mr Johnson was expected to be speaking about the power of words but spent most of his keynote address talking up the power of big cities and singing the praises of the city of Melbourne.

Mr Johnson compared London and Melbourne as two of the world’s best cities and mused about the similarities in their weather.

He said that the future would be dominated by competition among the world’s best urban centres, adding Australia has surged ahead of the rest of the world in having a large urban population. At present 89 per cent of Australians live in cities.

The mayor also suggested that we must fight the cultural mythology that romances the countryside, particularly in retirement.

He pointed out how people in cities have better resources including healthcare and education, eventually tying it all back to writing with, “the world would never have had Shakespeare, since competition with other theatres was what motivated him.

“These cultural explosions could have only happened in the city.”

Mr Johnson has been spotted in various holidaying spots around the country since he has been visiting the Australia.

The post Boris Johnson gives opening address at Melbourne Writers Festival appeared first on Australian Times News.

A CALIFORNIAN company has made one of Australia’s favourite chocolate spread, Nutella, all the more interesting to some consumers by lacing it with medical marijuana.

‘Nugtella’ is the creation of Organicares, a San Jose based company who are specialist makers of ‘medical edibles’. Their new spread is marketed as a “hazelnut spread with Medical Marijuana”. The marijuana is added by combining 320mg of hash oil with the chocolate base.

Whilst the packaging is similar to the original snack, there is no affiliation between Organicare’s Nugtella and the Nutella Ferrero Group, which is the fourth largest confectionery company in Australia.

As most know, Nutella goes well with everything; toast, pancakes and even on its own. Now it seems it goes especially well with a Californian medical marijuana card. Nugtella can only be purchased from medical marijuana dispensaries in California. Only those with a prescription for medial marijuana can buy products from these dispensaries.

According to Organicares Instagram page, the treat appears to be a hit amongst cannabis clubs across the state of California, the first state in the US to establish a medical marijuana programme.

The news has surfaced a week after Nutella announced the release of their official cookbook, that teaches people to make all kinds of desserts using their product.

Organicares also sells medical marijuana peanut butter — the chunky kind.

The post US company develops medical marijuana infused ‘Nutella’ appeared first on Australian Times News.

THE GENDER pay gap in Australia has widened over the past year to 26 per cent, according to data released this week.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that total weekly earnings for males has increased by $71 per week, from $1,447 last year to $1,518 in the same month this year. This compared with females, who only received an increase in total weekly earnings of $59 from $1,193 to $1,252 per week.

According to the ABS data, men are now paid, on average, 26 per cent more than women, an increase from 24 per cent a decade ago.

The concept of “equal pay for work of equal value” was first introduced in Australia in 1969 with an Arbitration Commission decision requiring incremental increases over four years to achieve equal pay. The first woman appointed to the High Court, Mary Gaudron said in 1979, “equal pay was ‘won’ in 1969 and again in 1972 and yet again in 1974.” She further added at the time, “We still don’t have it.”

The current disparity in gender pay is partly fuelled by soaring wages in the mining industry, where women are earning $675 less than males a week. The average male weekly earnings is now $2,548, and an increase of a staggering $160 in the same month on the previous year.

Within each state, WA has taken the lead with the highest average wage, just ahead of the ACT. This is largely due to the growth in the mining industry, with high demand for workers driving up the cost of labour.

Tasmanians receive an average wage of $1,265, making it the lowest average earning state in the country.

(Image: Banner from a 2010 Equal Pay Rally in Sydney, AAP)

The post ABS data reveals Australian gender pay gap has increased to 26% appeared first on Australian Times News.

THE Australian Greens have launched their UK campaign this week in order to encourage Australian expats in London to vote Green in the imminent federal election.

The Greens, who claim to provide a real alternative to the “tired, cynical politics of Labor and the Liberal party”, have targeted Australians in London after a 2010 Australian Times exit poll at Australia House found voter support for The Greens in the UK was at 32%.

Spearheading The Greens UK campaign is former Greens Hobart City Councillor and now London-based lecturer, Mat Hines. Mr Hines believes that Greens votes cast in London could be crucial in determining Senate seat results, and therefore the balance of power, as well as deciding the outcome in lower house seats in a number of states.

“With the Liberals decision to put The Greens last on how-to-vote cards, the London vote could determine the outcome of The Greens’ Deputy Leader Adam Bandt’s seat of Melbourne,” said Mr Hines.

Mr Bandt won this seat in 2010 and currently holds it with a margin of 5.9 per cent.

The Greens currently have nine senators elected to the Australian upper house. In this election, there are three senators up for re-election in Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.

Mr Hines said, “Many Australians living in the UK choose their vote based on the type of country they want to return to, as well as how their parliament represents Australia on the international stage.

“To many expat Australians the current direction of the country and its international standing is not one to feel proud of.  The direction offered by the Coalition is even less so.

“The Greens offer an alternative to those voters who believe that Australia should be a country that invests in tertiary education and research, tackles poverty and homelessness, supports marriage equality, harnesses our clean energy resources and sticks by our international obligations to welcome asylum seekers.”

Australia House on the Strand is open for pre-polling for the two weeks leading up to the election, from 26 August until 6 September. Voters are encouraged to avoid queues by voting during the first week of voting.

See here for details on how to vote from the UK in the Australian federal election, including Australia House pre-polling opening times.

Image courtesy of AEC

The post Australian Greens launch UK campaign to sway expat voters appeared first on Australian Times News.

A GRIFFITH University researcher is currently seeking to interview Australians who have who have independently relocated to the United Kingdom within the last twelve months to work.

William Vuk Despotovic, a Business School researcher from Griffith University in Queensland, is embarking on a study that aims to contribute to the broader knowledge of expatriates, by providing an insight into the cross-cultural experiences of Australians who have chosen to work abroad.

He says, “With the increasing pressures of globalisation, many multinational organisations are realising that the development of their global human resources and effective management of such is becoming a key human resource strategy.”

William is available days, nights, or weekends to conduct an interview about your experiences of being an Australian expat working in the UK.

To receive more information about this research or to arrange a time for an interview please contact William on +61 424 567671 or email v.despotovic@griffith.edu.au.

All communication will remain private and confidential and no identifiable personal material will be used in written work or verbal presentations.

The post University researcher seeks Aussie expats to talk on UK experiences appeared first on Australian Times News.

SAY goodbye to the dreaded Monday morning hangover, thanks to researchers from a Queensland university who have discovered it may be possible to improve the hydrating effects of beer.

Since the beginning of time,  it seems sipping on a frosty cold beer has been a necessity on a scorching hot day. This can be counter-intuitive at times, given alcohol actually increases dehydration and leads to drunkenness, risky behavior and eventually, the hangover.

However, researchers from Griffith University’s Health Institute may have answered every Australians prayers. They have found that by adding electrolytes, a common ingredient found in sports drinks, and reducing the alcohol content could make a beer more refreshing than ever.

As part of the study the Institute manipulated the electrolyte levels of two commercial beers, one that was regular strength and one that was light. They then gave those two beers to volunteers who had been heavily exercising just before consumption to test their fluid recovery.

The study showed that the light beer that had been combined with electrolytes was one third more effective at hydrating a person than a regular beer. The best news for beer drinkers was that the taste of the modified beverages didn’t change.

Associate Professor Ben Desbrow said, “Of the four different beers the subjects consumed, our augmented light beer was by far the most well retained by the body, meaning it was the most effective at re-hydrating the subjects.”

Whilst of course the researchers don’t recommend drinking beer after rigorous exercise, Professor Desbrow suggests that it is more effective to tell people how to minimise dehydration than to tell them not to drink at all.

He said, “If you’re going to live in the real world, you can either spend your time telling people what they shouldn’t do, or you can work on ways of reducing the danger of some of these socialised activities.”

This new enhanced beer may well be a stepping-stone into finding hangover cures for other types of alcohol.

The post Australian scientists discover the secret to hydrating beer appeared first on Australian Times News.

A FOUR-DAY festival celebrating the best of literature, theatre, film and music from Australia and New Zealand will be staged in London for the first time in spring 2014.

The festival aims to showcase Australia and New Zealand’s vibrant arts community to the UK audience, with a packed schedule of events planned for May.

With an estimated 500,000 AusNZ expats living in the UK, the festival will reach beyond the thriving AusNZ community by showcasing the countries’ proud roll call of writers and creative talent, and bringing to life the best stories from and about Australia and New Zealand as told by a global cast of participants.

The festival will be produced and coordinated by Amphora Arts, and has received funding from government arts and advisory bodies — including the Australia Council for the Arts and Creative New Zealand.

Jill Eddington, Director of Literature at the Australian Council for the Arts, said it was an exciting initiative which would increase the visibility of Australian books in international markets

“Australia has a vibrant literary culture with a strong international reputation for quality contemporary writing,” said Ms Eddington.

“This festival will provide a great platform for our writers to connect with readers and reach new audiences around the globe.”

Amphora Arts Director Jon Slack said London was the perfect location to encourage collaboration between AusNZ artists, and British artists.

“Our hope is that this initiative will unlock unexpected and affecting stories and reimagine the perception of Australia and New Zealand for everyone,” said Mr Slack.

As well as challenging and having fun with stereotypes, the festival will also explore topics such as colonial links, migration, indigenous history and languages, food and culture, media, sport and literary adaptations.

Thomas Keneally, an acclaimed novelist, playwright and author from Australia lent his support to the festival with a brief message to the UK.

He said: “Dear England. We’re going to send you a big present: our Australian and New Zealand writers, film and music makers. It will all be like a series of loveable and brilliant personages emerging from the gift box and invigorating and charming you. It’s about time we got round to startling you, and the moment approaches. May we both enjoy it!”

Artistic Patrons and Headline artists will be announced at the Australian High Commission on 25 November this year, with tickets to go on sale in March 2014.

Literary BBQ

For those who can’t wait until May next year to get their AusNZ literary fix, Amphora Arts are planning a programme of events to build-up to the festival.

The first of these — a Literary BBQ — will be held on Thursday 29 August this year at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith.

The event will showcase the sharpest new writing from some of the rising stars of AusNZ literature, in a relaxed atmosphere featuring great food, music and short film. Featured authors include Eleanor Catton (The Luminaries), Hannah Kent, Craig Silvey (Jasper Jones), and Courtney Collins.

See ausnzfestival.com for further information.

The post London to host Australian & NZ Literature and Arts Festival in 2014 appeared first on Australian Times News.

Millions across the world have awaited the birth of the future monarch since the reports in November 2012 that Prince William’s wife Kate Middleton was pregnant.

After the Duchess of Cambridge went in to labour earlier today, the baby was born just before 4:30pm this evening in the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s hospital in Paddington, London. However news of the birth was not made public until just after 8:30pm. The new arrival was born weighing 8 pounds 6 ounces. Both mother and child are reportedly in good health.

Though the name of the Royal baby is not yet confirmed, a palace spokesperson on Monday told the public that the child will not be without an impressive title, fit for the most famous baby in the world. He will be known as His Royal Highness, the Prince of Cambridge.

Further to this, David Cameron announced last year changes to the royal succession laws would allow the baby, regardless of gender, to be assured of its place as third in line as heir to the throne, for the first time in 300 years. This little child may one day be the King of Australia.

Despite the current joy felt by the Royal family, Kate’s pregnancy was not without a few bumps along the way. A prank-call by Aussie DJ’s Mel Greig and Michael Christian to a hospital where the Duchess was receiving treatment for acute morning sickness, lead to the suicide of the nurse who answered the call.

The Royal family subsequently will move into their new, refurbished home at 1A Kensington Palace, a lavish four-story, twenty-room apartment equipped with a private-walled garden. Not a bad place to grow up.

The post It’s a boy! The Royal baby is born appeared first on Australian Times News.

‘NOBODY puts Baby in the corner.’

The eruption of applause that met the famous lines everybody was waiting for fully captured the crowd’s glee for the hit stage performance of Dirty Dancing last night. And with that, everybody’s favourite 80s film is back in the West End and taking London by a storm.

The exceptional theatre adaptation, which originally began in Sydney in 2004, has since become an international sensation, raking in millions and breaking box office records everywhere it went. Now the show is back in London for the second time, after a five-year stint at the Aldwych Theatre.

The pace was incredibly fluid. Dirty Dancing seamlessly ran through each scene with spots of humour that carried the plotline forward. The show stayed loyal to the film, each famous line met with wild cheers from the crowd.

Most notably, the show featured the best attempt of an under-water scene on stage. The memorable scene in the film, where Johnny and Baby are practicing lifts in a lake, managed to have the crowd in fits of laughter as the two actors — fully clothed – pretended to be splashing about behind a computer generated screen of the ocean. As silly as that might seem, it got the point across without saturating the stars of the show and causing a health and safety field day.

The characters have been casted perfectly. Jill Winternitz, who plays Baby Houseman, has managed to capture her perfectly underwhelming personality. Though this may have been her demise. Baby’s faint and caring personality throughout the show played true to the original, but meant that Jill mightn’t have received the attention she deserved.  The catchphrase ‘I carried a watermelon’ wasn’t treated with the same ecstatic rupture as other character’s memorable quotes.

Paul-Michael Jones, who plays rebellious and sexy Johnny Castle, not only looks like Patrick Swazye, but can also dance well enough to make anybody swoon.

But the real crowd-pleaser was Penny Johnson, played by Charlotte Gooch who received the loudest cheers from the crowd after each incredible move. Gooch has an incredible range of experience behind her, and it shows in the way that she commands attention on the stage. This is her second time playing Penny in London making her a veteran of the West End and the true star of the show.

Every good West End show is met with a standing ovation at its end. Dirty Dancing received all this and more. The show executed the film’s coming-of-age themes exceptionally and stayed true to the story we all love.

All in all, we cried, we laughed, we sang along and had the time of our lives.  Dirty Dancing is back in London with its pulse-raising dance moves and exceptional soundtrack. With prices starting at £26.50, this summertime classic is well worth seeing.

The post REVIEW: Dirty Dancing (The Stage Show) appeared first on Australian Times News.

Mr Abbott has denied wrongly claiming $9,397.42 in travel expenses during an Australia-wide tour promoting his autobiographical book Battlelines in 2009, despite being required by the government to pay the money back in 2010.

Freedom of Information (FOI) documents published online by citizen journalism website No Fibs show Mr Abbott claimed the expenses following his tour, before being asked to reimburse the money after a finance department investigation.

At a press conference on Monday, journalists questioned Mr Abbott regarding the issue. When asked if he had wrongly claimed travel expenses while promoting Battlelines, Mr Abbott replied: “No, I did not.”

At a further press conference on Tuesday Mr Abbott was again asked how the travel expenses for his book tour came to be claimed as official business expenses. He refused to answer, saying, “Look, this matter was fully dealt with last year and there’s nothing further to add.”

On further questioning Mr Abbott said it had been an “oversight” in his office but it had been fully dealt with.

The travel to promote Mr Abbott’s autobiography took place between 30 July and 14 August of 2009, with a tour to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra to attend promotional events.

Mr Abbott initially repaid $6,255.49 for flights booked as business flights, later admitted to be personal flights. Mr Abbott was asked by the then special minister of the state, Gary Gray, to repay a further $3.141.93 for other expenses, including the use of official commonwealth cars.

Following Mr Abbott repaying the money in full Mr Gray wrote to Mr Abbott’s office saying he did not intend take any further action.

“Given the repayments made I do not intend to take further action,” Mr Gray wrote.

”However, I take this opportunity to remind you that, in future, similar payments should not be made by the Commonwealth to be later reimbursed.”

Mr Abbott has said the mistake was made by his office, with the flights “inadvertently” booked as business flights rather than private flights.

“I didn’t claim travel allowance, I never claimed travel allowance. My office inadvertently booked some travel as official and it shouldn’t have been booked that way,” said Mr Abbott on Tuesday.

The opposition leader has pointed the finger at the newly appointed Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for the issue resurfacing, suggesting it was part of a smear campaign against Mr Abbott.

“Why is Kevin Rudd now trying to dish this sort of dirt?” said Mr Abbott, despite the documents being published on an independent website.

“Kevin Rudd came into the prime ministership a few days ago and he said, ‘Let’s have a kinder, gentler polity’… and he called for positive politics. Now we’ve got the Labor Party spinning this kind of stuff. Now, let’s move on.”

The post Abbott denies wrongly claiming expenses, despite repaying tour costs appeared first on Australian Times News.

AMONGST the thousands of royal baby articles currently littering the Internet, there’s a lot of information to plough through if you want to learn something new about the royal heir-to-be. From baby shower ideas to Kate Middleton health updates to top ten royal baby names — it seems everyone has weighed in on all aspects of the impending birth.

Here at Australian Times we’ve sorted through the rubble to bring you the top ten facts you might not know about the royal baby, Aussie style of course!

Ten things you might not know about the royal baby:

1. The royal baby is due to be born on 13 July, which is coincidentally the same week that Schapelle Corby turns the big 3-6.
2. The unborn royal already has its own Wikipedia page. It includes a ‘reactions’ section, which mentions our almighty former leader Julia Gillard’s kangaroo-knitting stunt.
3. The kid has its very own Twitter account already — talk about starting early! Follow @royalfetus for personal comments and opinions from the little prince/princess.
4. Michael Christian, one of the Australian DJ’s responsible for the royal baby prank call, won a ‘Top Jock’ award from 2Day FM’s owners Austereo just six months after the scandal.
5. The media have commented that the royal baby is the most famous baby in the world. With recent reports that Home and Away superstar Tammin Sursok is pregnant, we’re not sure how long the royal baby will keep that title.
6. Kate will receive six months of maternity leave from her royal duties–which includes wearing fancy hats, smiling at malnourished children and having babies.
7. Kate and Wills’ baby will be the third in line as heir to the throne. That is of course if no royal Australian lineage is found first.
8. Did your parents renovate their home before you moved in? Kate and Wills splurged £1m on their Kensington Palace apartment to make sure it’s perfect for the royal babe.
9. With an Auntie like Pippa Middleton, no birthday party will go amiss. This little baby is the first royal to ever have a baby shower. Gifts for Kate included condoms from the Finnish Government … what are they trying to say?
10. When the royal bub arrives, a notice will be posted on an easel just inside the gates of Buckingham Palace. For those without access to this royal notice, it will also be posted on social media for the very first time.

The post Top ten things you didn’t know about the royal baby appeared first on Australian Times News.

POST-hardcore Aussie band Amity Affliction have just announced a UK headline tour, visiting eight locations across the country, including London.

Following the release of their third album, Chasing Ghosts, the band has racked up the miles in support. The album made it to #1 in the Aussie album charts on release late last year.

Drummer Ryan Burt extended an invitation to fans in the UK to come check them out.

“Hello UK friends!  We’re super excited to be heading your way in September and we would love it if you’d come party with us at a show near you!”

Amity Affliction was formed in 2003 in the small town, Gympie in the South-east of Queensland. It’s believed that their mainstream success comes from their cheeky and approachable attitude to music, always being on tour and often making it to the smaller destinations that most bands overlook.

Currently, Amity Affliction is touring across the US as part of the Van’s ‘Warped’ tour, a music and extreme sports festival, before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to play for their UK fans.

The Amity Affliction will be playing in the following locations:

Sun 8th Sep – SOUTHAMPTON – The Cellar

Mon 9th Sep – MANCHESTER – Academy 3

Tue 10th Sep – LEEDS – Cockpit

Wed 11th Sep – GLASGOW – Cathouse

Thu 12th Sep – NEWCASTLE — O2 Academy 2

Fri 13th Sep – CARDIFF – CF10 University

Sat 14th Sep – LONDON – Underworld

Sun 15th Sep – BIRMINGHAM – O2 Academy 3

Tickets go on general sale on Friday 5 July, and will be available from Livenation.co.uk, Ticketmaster.co.uk, and all usual box offices.

For more information on the band, go to Facebook.com/theamityafflictionofficial

The post Aussie band Amity Affliction announce UK tour appeared first on Australian Times News.

THE federal government has warned hundreds of Australian travellers to reconsider trips to Egypt following increased tension in the political state of the country.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have increased its travel advice for Egypt to the second highest level of risk, “Reconsider your need to travel”.

The warning comes after Egypt’s leader, President Morsi, was removed from office, to be replaced by an interim government ahead of elections.

A spokesperson from DFAT said, “Australians in Egypt who are concerned for their safety should consider leaving.”

DFAT have reported 730 Australians are currently residing in Egypt and 822 are planning trips to the country in the coming months. Whilst there are no reports of Australians being killed or injured in the current protests, the government has warned that foreign tourists could be the targets of terrorist attacks.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has also expressed concern over recent reports of intensifying protests and bloodshed which have left almost 50 dead.

“I would say on behalf of all Australians, we want to see the return of full democratic government in Egypt as rapidly as possible,” said Mr Rudd.

“Australians in Egypt should consider leaving now.”

The Australian government has warned Australians in Egypt not to participate in protests in Egypt because of the violent nature of the demonstrations.

If you’re an Australian citizen requiring urgent consular assistance in Egypt:

1. Contact the chancery switchboard on +202 2770 6600 (this number will provide you with the option to be transferred through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24 hour Consular Operations Centre if an Embassy operator cannot answer).

2. Contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24 hour Consular Operations centre direct on +61 1300 555 135 or +61 2 6261 3305.

3. Visit us at: Level 11 World Trade Centre, Corniche El Nil Street, Boulac, Cairo.

The post Australian travellers warned to stay out of Egypt appeared first on Australian Times News.

THE internationally acclaimed Sydney Children’s Choir will be performing in London this July as part of their longest-ever International tour, Summer In Europe.

Consisting of 41 children between the ages of 11 and 15, the Choir will be performing at some of Europe’s most prestigious destinations, including St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. They will also head to the Polyfollia festival in Normandy, France.

The group will be in London on the weekend of the 19 and 20 July before heading back to Australia.

The youngsters will be travelling as professional musicians under the Artistic Direction of the Choir’s founder, Lyn Williams OAM. Ms Williams will be conducting the choir over the three-week tour.

She said: “The repertoire we have been rehearsing is vibrant and challenging and provides a platform to exhibit the voices of these fine young choristers. I’m excited to share the work of Australian composers with choral and classical music fans in Europe.”

Miranda Ilchef, a 14-year-old from Greenwich will be touring with Sydney Children’s Choir for the second time this year.

Eager to begin the tour, she said: “The thrill of singing to an appreciative audience in Westminster Abbey is an experience that I can hardly wait to share with my friends. I know that I will remember this tour for many years to come.”

The ‘Summer In Europe’ tour commenced on 25 June with a farewell performance in Sydney. From 30 June — 20 July, the choir will be performing in Barcelona, Lyon, Normandy, Paris, Linselles and London.

The Choir have just produced their first digital EP, titled ‘Legends and Dreams’ is available for purchase on Itunes.

London tour dates

Friday 19 July, 1.15pm

Lunchtime Recital at St Paul’s Cathedral, London Recital included in normal cathedral admission price, no booking required.

Friday 19 July, 5pm

Evensong at Westminster Abbey. London Free Event, no booking required.

Saturday 20 July, 7pm

Concert at St John’s Smith Square, London. Price: £18/£14/£9. Concession Price: Friends of SJSS 10% discount on pair of tickets. Box Office: +44 (0) 20 7222 1061 or Sjss.org.uk.

The post Sydney Children’s Choir to perform in London this July appeared first on Australian Times News.

GLASTONBURY 2013 exceeded expectations. As one of the biggest festivals in the world, the line-up was not short of incredible headliners — the Stones for one.

From the pyramid stage to wonderful stalls serving homemade cider, Glasto had it all. People from all walks of life came to pitch a tent, listen to great music, and experience some of the UK’s weirdest and most exciting culture.

In the midst of it all was a number of Australian acts, including Tame Impala and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. These big-name artists were joined by another up and coming Aussie star — Iggy Azalea.

Iggy Azalea is Australia’s latest musical sensation to be making her debut at Glastonbury. The 23-year-old from Sydney first gained popularity after several YouTube hits took the hip hop world by storm. Azalea is one artist unafraid to cause a stir.

Despite being nowhere to be seen for the first fifteen minutes of the gig, the crowd were more than forgiving when she finally stormed on stage wearing a low cut crop top and hot pants. Her intent is to make people question and redefine old ideals, and that’s exactly what she did, getting the crowd bopping along to her latest hit ‘Bounce’.

Azalea moved to Miami at the tender age of sixteen to pursue her career with music, leaving little doubt of her commitment to music. However, speaking with a strong American twang, rather than the expected Australian accent, left a few in the crowd a little confused. One fan commented, “who does she think she is?” Her answer — a stream of profanities and some energetic tunes.

Overall, Iggy Azalea played an impressive first Glastonbury, pleasing the crowd and rocking some of her best tunes. Expect to see a lot more of Australia’s very own rap superstar.

The post The Glastonbury Experience appeared first on Australian Times News.

THE HASHTAG #knittingsongs, began trending in Australia earlier today, after Julia Gillard featured in an Australian Women’s Weekly photo shoot knitting a toy kangaroo for the Royal baby.

#Knittingsongs provides an array of the best knitting puns in the Twittersphere.

Starting off with a touch of Aretha Franklin, @harrypusspuss was one of the first to jump on the bandwagon. After tweeting “You make me feel like a natural Woollen,” the hash tag quickly caught on.

You make me feel like a natural Woollen #knittingsongs

– Deb (@harrypusspuss) June 25, 2013

A public health academic from Wollongong followed with some Aerosmith writing, “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Knitting For.”

#knittingsongs Still Haven’t Found What I’m Knitting For

– Dr Samantha Thomas (@Doc_Samantha) June 25, 2013

Going slightly more contemporary, Heidi Smith from Melbourne recreated Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” to fit the tune. She said: “I’m gonna knit some yarn, I’ve only got twenty woollen balls in my pocket.”

I’m gonna knit some yarn I’ve got twenty woolen balls in my pocket #knittingsongs

– Heidi Smith (@HeidiSmith1976) June 25, 2013

Australia’s very own Gotye was also adapted into a knitting sensation: “Now you’re just a bobbin that I used to sew” said @LJPsavesavesave.

Now You’re Just A Bobbin That I Use To Sew #knittingsongs

– LJPSaveSaveSave (@LJPSaveSaveSave) June 25, 2013

The SQib went just that bit further, making things a little political: “I can’t seem to face up to the facts Rudd’s got me nervous and I Can’t Relax PSYCHO KNITTER Ke ke ke ke Kevin”.

@trevwashere I can’t seem to face up to the facts Rudd’s got me nervous and I Can’t Relax PSYCHO KNITTER Ke ke ke ke Kevin #knittingsongs

– The SQib (@The_SQib) June 25, 2013

The hash tag originates from Preston Towers, a Twitter user who aimed to highlight the absurdity of the mainstream media response to the images of Julia Gillard knitting in a humorous way. After thousands of users contributed their pieces, Towers said: “It’s been great to see the wit of people tonight.”

What’s your best knittingsongs pun? 

The post Australians in stitches over Gillard knitting songs appeared first on Australian Times News.

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard has caused a media frenzy of both criticism and support after posing for Australian Women’s Weekly whilst knitting a toy kangaroo for the Royal baby.

During the toughest week of her political life, Julia Gillard was convinced by media advisors to take part in a photo shoot showing her knitting a toy kangaroo for the Royal baby.  The photos have caused a frenzy of both criticism and support throughout the Australian media.

It is believed that the Ms Gillard’s chief press officer, John McTernan, was the mastermind behind the PR stunt. He is credited in the magazine for suggesting the idea to the Women’s Weekly editorial team. He called the move a “no brainer” in getting the Australian people to see a softer side to the prime minister.

The story was picked up by most large news organizations, including the ABC, The Australian, The Daily Telegraph and many more. The Australian said Ms Gillard, who is a known republican and feminist, has been ‘knitting’ a confusing message, pushing the gender debate into politics.

Commentators were quick to criticize the Women’s Weekly article, including Senator Fiona Nash who told Fairfax Media’s Breaking Politics program this morning that the images seemed like a stunt, proving the prime minister’s lack of connection with the Australian people. She said that Australians want “the prime minister to be competent in the job she is doing and what do we see? A story about the prime minister knitting.”

Liberal party member, Christopher Pyne, also commented on the images negatively. He said: “What it shows is that we know the Prime Minister is good at spinning a yarn and now we have the photographic proof of it.”

Whilst there was plenty of criticism towards the prime minister’s hobby, many also defended her. The Sydney Morning Herald’s Jacqueline Maley has stood up for Ms Gillard’s pastime, suggesting opposition leader Tony Abbot was able to set up photo-shoots of long bike rides or volunteering, and knitting is “a great pastime for the efficient working woman.”

The story also made international headlines, appearing on the front page of The Guardian’s website. The article commented that Australia’s prime minister is yet to find a way to positively connect with her voters.

According to the prime minister’s press office’s blog, Ms Gillard was interviewed by Associate Editor of Australian Women’s Weekly, Caroline Overington, on topics such as leadership, misogyny, knitting and the Royal family.

The statement said: “not a word of the interview appeared in the published article.”

Ms Gillard believed that pulling out her knitting needles would show a softer side to her personality. She said: “If there is something I hope I have done for the image of women in public life (it) is that we can go into an adversarial environment like parliament and we can dominate it and make it our own, and conquer it. I don’t shy away from that. But that’s not all of me.”

What do you think about the contentious photo shoot? 

The post Julia Gillard drops a stitch with Royal baby knitting photo shoot appeared first on Australian Times News.

The Foundation was established in aid of James Gribble, an Australian who became quadriplegic after a freak accident whilst travelling in Africa, to raise awareness of and support those who have suffered spinal-cord injury.

Waiting to go Tiger fishing on the Zambezi River on a terribly hot day, James fainted whilst sitting on a stool, falling backward onto hard sand.

The result of this seemingly innocuous occurrence was catastrophic. The impact of the fall severely bruised his spinal cord and broke his C4 and C5 vertebrae, leaving James with voluntary movement only from his shoulders up.

Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the location, it was 30 hours before James reached fully qualified medical care. This delay worsened his condition by causing fluid to collect in his lungs, leading to respiratory complications.

The goal of Puffin Magic Foundation, set up in 2008 following James’s accident, is to harness the personal efforts and financial contributions of people who desire to provide support to James and others.

To date, Puffin Magic has supported James with his ultimate dreams of walking again and regaining independence through assisting with rehabilitation, equipment, medical and other associated challenges of living with quadriplegia.

Puffin Magic has also provided equipment, contributed to research and delivered resource to other individuals and organisations in the field of spinal cord injury.

On 11 July the Foundation will be holding its 3rd London gala event to support both the Puffin Magic Foundation and Spinal Research UK, the leading research organisation in spinal-cord injury in the UK.

“I have been completely overwhelmed with Puffin Magic’s support over the years and am ridiculously excited about the 11th of July,” said James.

“Without events like these I could never have achieved so many of my rehabilitation goals nor returned to the physical activities I enjoy today.”

The event will be attended by James and his fiancée Sarah. Oristem, a company involved in stem cell research, will present on the future of these advances and relevance to spinal cord injuries.

A number of international rugby players both present and retired will attend, as they continue their support for spinal research and its relevance to rugby. These guests include Zinzan Brooke (NZ), Lewis Moody(England and Lions) and Geordan Murphy (Ireland and Lions).

Judging by success in previous years, it should be an incredibly memorable night for all involved and will include a cocktail reception, three course meal with an open bar and DJ until 1am. Great prizes will also be on auction.

Find out more about James Gribble and the Puffin Magic Foundation here:

The Puffin Magic Foundation Summer Cocktail Party will be held on Thursday, 11 July at Porchester Hall, Bayswater. To book your ticket, go to Sales.webticketmanager.com/puffin. Tickets start from £130.00 per person or £1300 per table of ten. 

Find out more about the Puffin Magic Foundation. 

The post Rugby stars to attend Aussie charity dinner for spinal injuries appeared first on Australian Times News.

A RUSH of cleavage-shots have surfaced on social media as Australian women respond in outrage to one commentator saying Prime Minister Julia Gillard shows too much of her breasts in parliament.

After a week of personal attacks on Australia’s Prime Minister, women began sending in images of their own cleavage to the Facebook page Destroy the Joint using the hash tag #convoyofcleavage. The call to action came after columnist Grace Collier told ABC Radio National that it was ‘inappropriate’ for Gillard to show her cleavage in parliament.

Ms Collier make the comment during a panel discussion on ABC radio about last week’s Howard Sattler controversy. Ms Collier said: “It’s not something I want to see. In my opinion as an industrial relations consultant, it is inappropriate to be in Parliament, it is disrespectful to yourself and to the Australian community and to the parliament to present yourself in a manner that is unprofessional.”

Feminist and social commentator Eva Cox defended Ms Gillard on the show and criticised Ms Collier. Ms Cox said: “I think you are showing a considerable prejudice against a woman who dresses quite conservatively, very reasonably.”

Jenna Price, spokesperson for the Destroy the Joint Facebook page and a media academic at Sydney’s University of Technology, said she was building up a collection of images of women’s breasts to be sent to Ms Collier.

News.com.au have reported that whilst spokespeople for Julia Gillard have not commented on the matter, a senior Labor source said Ms Collier “should crawl back into the gutter she came from.”

The post Anti-sexism group Destroy The Joint launch Facebook cleavage campaign appeared first on Australian Times News.