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Neutrals will be hoping Collingwood Magpies fall short of back-to-back flags
Sydney Gay and Lesbian
Mraardsi!
G
and The Sydney Gay ras is G di ar M n ia Lesb event possibly the gayest n ia al tr us A e in th calendar
Without a doubt one of Australia’s greatest loves is beer. PLUS Migration news, Ask the Expert, Adelaide, Expat Profile, Anzac Day: Tour Gallipoli
Love me beer!
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EDITORIAL Editor: Ian Armitage Writers: Colin Chinery Chris Farnell Ruari McCallion Jane Bordenave BUSINESS General Manager: Stephen Warman Research Manager: Don Campbell Researchers: Andy Williams Elle Watson Dave Hodgson Chris Bolderstone Advertising Sales Manager: Andy Ellis Sales Executive: Jon Jaffrey Sales Administrator: Abby Nightingale ACCOUNTS Financial Controller: Nick Crampton Accounts: Margaret Roberts, Alexandra Buchlakova PRODUCTION & DESIGN Magazine Design: Optic Juice Production Manager: Jon Cooke Pictures: Getty Images News: AAP, SAPA, NZPA DIGITAL & IT Head of digital marketing and development : Syed Ahmad TNT PUBLISHING CEO: Kevin Ellis Chairman: Ken Hurst Publisher: TNT Publishing Ltd Australia and New Zealand Outlook, The Royal, Bank Plain, Norwich, Norfolk, UK. NR2 4SF TNT Magazine, 14-15 Child’s Place, Earl’s Court, London, UK, SW5 9RX Tntmagazine.com ENQUIRIES Tel: +44 (0)1603 3432267 Fax: +44 (0)1603 283602 Email: ian.armitage@tntmagazine.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Call: +44 (0)1603 343267 Email: subscriptions@anzoutlook.com
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Footy is back Welcome to the sixth instalment of Australia and New Zealand Outlook. I can’t believe it is our sixth issue! The months have flown by. With floods, cyclones, bushfires and earthquakes, we’ve had a lot to contend with (that’s not to mention things like visa changes or an England Ashes win!). As cities and communities rebuild, we wanted to focus away from recent disasters and look at some positives. What better way to do that than an AFL preview? Yes, footy is back! What other reason do you need to crack open a tinnie? On the subject of tinnies, you can’t just drink any beer. So, we’ve brought you a guide to Australia’s best. On page 52, we give you the lowdown on what goes down, Down Under. Of course, the floods in Aus and the quakes in NZ are still very big news. On Page 58, we have an article by AAP reporter Lisa Martin, covering one Brisbane family’s recovery. This month we also have a number of travel features and we have all the usual favourites like our Expat section, news and migration updates, visa news and our Ask the Expert page. We have lots inside and I hope you enjoy the magazine! Ian Armitage Editor AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
OUTLOOK
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CONTENTS
PAGE
30 PAGE
PAGE
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34
PAGE
58 PAGE
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CONTEN 06 News 10 Migration Update 14 What's on
Our guide to the unmissable events, holidays and celebrations in Australia and New Zealand this month
16 The adventure of a lifetime
There are people who use their holidays as a time to relax… then there are those of us that think 127 hours was a tour guide
22 Australia and New Zealand's best
flashpacking hotels
Are flashpackers eclipsing the humble backpacker?
26 Anzac Day: Tour Gallipoli
Anzac Day is April 25. Make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli to remember the fallen Anzac soldiers
30 AFL Preview: Footy is back
Neutrals will be hoping Collingwood Magpies fall short of back-to-back flags
34 Sydney Gay and Lesbian
Mardi Gras!
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is possibly the gayest event in the Australian calendar
38 How to make the BEST Lamingtons
44 Auckland: Where
Polynesia meets the West
Perched on a dozen or so extinct volcanoes, Auckland is a melting pot of Pacific culture with a big city feel
48 Ask the expert
Judith Gardner of Taxback.com answers your questions
52 Love me beer!
Migrating to Sydney from England is a “new adventure” for Suzanne and Phil Morley
Without a doubt one of Australia’s greatest loves is beer
54 A Guide to Adelaide
Adelaide was built according to a plan, named after the person who drew it up, called Light’s Vision
58 Diary of a Brisbane
flood family
Fourth article in a series by AAP reporter Lisa Martin covering one Brisbane family’s recovery from the floods
62 Introducing Western Australia Western Australia could be considered
Australia’s final frontier, as Ian Armitage discovers
66 Job and immigration
opportunities in Australia
As the economy continues to grow and the unemployment rate falls, more and more Australian businesses are finding it difficult to fill vacancies
Lamingtons are a part of every Australian’s childhood. The little sponge cake is dipped in chocolate icing and then rolled in desiccated coconut
40 Expat profile
TS
68 Visa latest
Updates on the visa situation Down Under
AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
OUTLOOK
05
NEWS S W E N D L R WO
Tsunami hits Japan after massive quake A massive earthquake hit northeast Japan on 11 March, triggering a tsunami that has caused widespread damage. The 9.0 quake struck at a depth of 10km, about 125km off the eastern coast. The four-metre tsunami washed away cars and tore away buildings. The quake was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, including a 7.4-magnitude one.
Seismologists said it is one of the largest earthquakes to ever hit Japan. A tsunami warning was issue for the entire Pacific coast of Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, the Pacific coast of Russia and Hawaii. Northern Australia and New Zealand were on high alert.
: e k qua Japan heightens Nuclear threat g Engineers are racin to avert a nuclear catastrophe at the a stricken Fukushim Dai-Ichi power plant, 220km from Tokyo. In an extremely n’s rare appearance, Japa nt on live Emperor Akihito we is “deeply TV to explain that he nuclear worried” about the s praying threat, and said he wa for the people. after The emperor spoke
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technicians were forced to temporarily rippled abandon the quake-c nuclear plant. a were Plants in Fukushim earthquake damaged by the twin s and Prime and tsunami disaster has warned Minister Naoto Kan of radiation. of dangerous levels and the d from the reactors “Radiation has sprea of radiation he said. Low levels reading seems high,” in Tokyo. have been detected e quake ed by a 9.0-magnitud The crisis was spark 2400 people. has officially killed and tsunami, which d. least 10,000 have die Estimates suggest at
ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
AUSTRAL IA
Brits urged to leave Bahrain
Cairns
The Foreign Office (FCO) has advised Britons to leave Bahrain as violent protests continue.
The government has arranged for char ter flights to take Brits to Dubai, in addition to the num ber of commercial flights available. There are believed to be several thousand Brits living in Bahrain right now. The FCO has told UK nationals to leav e by March 17 unless they have a pressing reason to stay. Secu rity forces have moved in on anti-government protesters in capi tal Manama. Protesters have been camping in a square in the city for weeks. At least three civilians have been kille d after police fired Shia protesters. Officials said that thre e police officers also died in the clashes. Bahrain’s health minister, a Shia, has resig ned in protest against the government’s use of force.
NEW ZEALAND
Kiwis love PM John
Key's goofy ways Whether he's mincing his way down the catwalk or admitting a crush on Liz Hurley, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key's jokey ways are winning votes. That's the word from a top Kiwi ad man who predicts the National Party will romp home in this year's general election on the back of its leader's popularity. Advertising guru Darryl Parsons says it's his goofy ways that have Key winning over voters. "He's a straight shooter; he does dopey things and then smiles and walks off," Parsons said. "John Key is the reason why National is so popular now." Key is well known for his goofy style.
shakes
following
small quake A small offshore earthquake has rattled far north Queensland, sending a tremor through Cairns and surrounding areas. Geoscience Australia confirmed a magnitude 4.0 earthquake took place about 30km off Innisfail, south of Cairns, at 4.08pm (AEST) on Tuesday, 15 March, 2011. No damage was reported. Geoscience Australia said that residents at Gordonvale, south of Cairns, had reported mirrors and other items shaking. The tremors had also been felt at Innisfail. Fortunately, the quake was too small to generate a tsunami. The region is still recovering from the devastation caused by Cyclone Yasi last month.
AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
OUTLOOK
07
NEWS
IA L A R T AUS
Aus crash out of
Cricket World Cup
Australia have crashed out of the ICC Cricket World Cup following a quarterfinals defeat to India. The loss brings to an end Australia’s 12-year reign as world champions and looks to have brought down the curtain on under-fire Ricky Ponting’s career as captain. Ponting found some comfort in making a century. His 104 was the cornerstone of Australia’s 260 for six, an innings that also featured 53 from opener Brad Haddin and a brisk unbeaten 38 from the recalled David Hussey. But it was not enough with India, roared on by a capacity crowd of more than 42,000, making 261 for five thanks mainly to an unbeaten 57 from Yuvraj Singh.
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Queensland economy growing despite disasters New data shows that Queensland’s economy has grown despite recent disasters that have devastated the state. Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the NAB Business survey results, which were released in March, showed, despite very tough trading conditions, business confidence rebounded in February in Queensland up 14 points to +24 index points. Fraser said the figures show business confidence is returning and there has been growth across the board. “Most important we saw jobs growth every single month throughout 2010,” Fraser said. However, he warned that while the figures show growth at the end of 2010, there is no doubt the combined affects of the floods and cyclones would stunt growth in 2011. “We have made no bones about Treasury predictions that the natural disasters could shave economic growth this financial year to below one percent,” he said.
NEW ZEALAND Christchurch loses World Cup games
Earthquake-devastated Christchurch will no longer stage 2011 Rugby World Cup matches. Christchurch mayor Bob Parker said the city was “gutted” after tournament officials declared the chances of it recovering in time to host World Cup games were too slim to justify the risk. With the largest event ever staged in New Zealand less than six months away, Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully said there was no other option. “It is with sincere regret that I have to announce that the stakeholders have agreed that all the 2011 Rugby World Cup games scheduled to be played through Christchurch are to be moved,” McCully said. The AMI Stadium and pitch were badly damaged in the 6.3-magnitude quake that hit on February 22.
ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
F E I R B N I S NEW ton’s ambassador Susan Rice, Washing t a no-fly zone to the UN, has said tha limitations” in would have “inherent Pro-Gaddafi protecting citizens from t the Obama forces in Libya and tha rking hard to pass administration was wo would authorise a new resolution, which ing and naval the use of aerial bomb afi’s forces to help bombardment of Gadd sis continues. the rebels. The Libya cri
lia Gillard Aus Prime Minister Ju ll attend Prince has confirmed she wi Kate Middleton. William’s wedding to rtner Tim Ms Gillard and her pa d an invitation pte Mathieson have acce lace to attend the from Buckingham Pa London. April 29 wedding in
ales have become A pod of about 30 wh and, south of Hobart, stranded at Bruny Isl . The Department wildlife authorities say Parks, Water and of Primary Industries, m of wildlife Environment said a tea would travel to biologists and rescuers March 17 in a bid to the remote island on anded beasts. rescue some of the str
t has given an extra The federal governmen ding for emergency A$243.5 million in fun e hospitals. Federal services at two Brisban Roxon announced Health Minister Nicola llion for 50 new beds an additional A$175 mi department building and a new emergency A$68.5 million to at Logan Hospital and eth II Jubilee (QEII) double the Queen Elizab department. Hospital’s emergency
Charming prince lifts broken Christchurch Prince William helped boost the spirits of downtrodden Christchurch in March as he visited the city to pledge some muchneeded cash and support. What the Prince saw on the ground shocked the sombre-faced royal, who grew fond of the so-called Garden City during an extended stay for the Lions rugby tour in 2005. “The scale of it is unbelievable,” the second-in-line to the British throne said as he walked past crumpled buildings, flattened cars, gouged footpaths and huge piles of
rubble in the city’s unstable “red zone”. “It’s really brought it home for me.” The latest toll estimates 182 died when the 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck on February 22. Crews are still working to identify victims from human remains. Prince William, who is making the trip to disaster-hit areas in New Zealand and Australia without fiancée Kate Middleton, has pledged a donation from his April 29 wedding to the Christchurch Earthquake Fund. AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
OUTLOOK
09
migration update Australia
WA premier wants to see visa test relaxed West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has said he supports relaxing the English language test for skilled overseas workers applying for employer-sponsored ‘457’ temporary work visas. He told ABC Radio: “Western Australia gets about 20 percent of the immigration into Australia so we do bat above our weight. “But why not relax the rules, why not allow more people to come in, let them get jobs, work in Australia, become Australians? “That’s the way this country was built.” The premier relaxing the English language test would help get more skilled labour into WA to address a looming future skills’ shortage.
one of top immigrant nations says Turnbull Australia ranks as one of the most successful immigrant nations on the planet, opposition frontbencher Malcolm Turnbull says. Turnbull said the Liberal Party remained committed to a multicultural Australia and a non-discriminatory immigration policy. “We believe one of Australia’s greatest strengths is its cultural diversity,” he told ABC Television. “We are one of the most successful immigrant countries in the world.”
NZ migration numbers dip The net inflow of migrants to New Zealand continued to dwindle in January, falling to 450, seasonally adjusted, the lowest since June last year. It had been on a declining trend since last September, Statistics New Zealand said. For the year ended January the net migration gain was 8700, less than half the 20-year average of 12,000 and down from 22,600 the year before. 10
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Half of the decline in the past year was due to a rise in the net outflow of people to Australia. The number of visitors arriving in New Zealand for a short-term stay rose 3 percent in January from a year earlier, to 265,600 - a record for a January month. Interestingly, Statistics NZ said the number of visitors from China rose by 5100 in January compared with a year earlier.
Keep track of the latest news and developments on moving Down Under
Fresh calls for migration drive The Business Council of Australia is warning that the country’s low population is dragging down living standards and is calling for a migration drive, saying low population growth over the next 40 years “poses unacceptable risks” to the economy and the “Australian way of life”. The warning comes as the Federal Government is attempting to devise a sustainable population strategy. Business Council of Australia President Graham Bradley said, “Managing our population is not a zero sum game – it is about balancing risks.” He added that, “There are risks to Australia’s future wellbeing whether we choose low or no growth, moderate growth or a high-growth path to population planning. Understanding the risks will help us weigh up our population choices in an informed way. “Restricting our population to the level it is today will drag down our lifestyles and
lead to a very different kind of Australia to the one we have all grown up in and value for our children. Low population growth is not the low-risk option some people suggest. “We believe that the way to have a sensible debate about our population choices is to show leadership that tells a story about how population growth can achieve our shared goals.” With an ageing and shrinking workforce, migration will play an important part in Australia’s future, he said. “The Australian workforce needs more people, not less, at a time when large numbers of Australians are reaching retirement age. “Keeping the Australian workforce strong is vital.” At the moment for every Australian aged over 65, there are approximately five people in the workforce. In 2050 The Business Council of Australia predicts there will be less than three people for every person over 65.
Aus jobs index rises for second straight month The federal government’s leading employment index rose for a second straight month in March, but it is too early to suggest jobs growth is quickening. The Department of
Education, Employment and Workplace Relations says its monthly leading indicator of employment was 0.227 in March after an upwardly revised 0.178 in February. This followed two consecutive monthly falls.
“It is too early to confirm that the pace of employment growth is rising to above its long-term trend rate of 2.3 percent per annum, because the indicator has risen for fewer than six consecutive months,” the department said.
AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
OUTLOOK
11
migration update Economists predict population drop for
Japan quake to
Christchurch hit Kiwi economy
Christchurch may lose 4 percent of its population over the coming year, according to ANZ Bank economists.
“Following the February 22 earthquake, it is inevitable that some residents will decide to leave permanently,” they said in a market focus report. “We estimate that Christchurch could possibly lose up to 4 percent of its population permanently in the first year, via emigration to elsewhere in the country or overseas, and a reduction in immigration, if overseas patterns are followed”. The economists also warned that migration into Christchurch from other parts of Canterbury over recent decades could also easily reverse “and we could see larger outflows”. The response of the Government and business sector, and attitudes towards people living in Christchurch, would be critical. The economists said there were reports that as many as 65,000 Christchurch residents -- or 17 percent of the city population -- had left the city following the February 22 earthquake, which is thought to have killed about 180 people. “The big question is how many will decide not to return at all and what it will do to future migration trends?” the economists said. “And for those that decide not to return, where will they choose to settle?” 12
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New Zealand’s economy can expect to take a hit from the devastating quake and tsunami in Japan but it is too early to say how bad it will be, the Government says. Prime Minister John Key said he expected the situation in Japan to have an adverse effect. “It’s going to have some impact... it’s a big market from our point of view.” Key said Japan was an important tourism market that had been growing. While a short-term drop off in Japanese tourists visiting New Zealand because of the quake here was expected, it was hard to know how their own quake would affect behaviour. “How much the Japanese decide to stay at home as a result of their earthquake and regroup I am not really sure at this stage, but there will be some economic implications of the earthquake in both Japan and New Zealand obviously.” The Japanese disasters have added to global volatility and uncertainty. Commodity prices are high and consumers are saving, however. The New Zealand quake was likely to see an increase on New Zealand’s reinsurance bill with premiums going up.“The reinsurers are taking a hammering at the moment,” Key said. Key added that New Zealand’s reinsurance was less than NZ$1b. “It’s not a hell of a lot.” Before the February quake New Zealand had NZ$2.5 billion reinsurance. Japan’s quake is not expected to have a big impact on that.
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CAT’S WHISKERS
IN
REMOVALS TO AUSTRALIA
&
NEW
ZEALAND
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What’s on... rd
2a-pr3il
International Rugby Sevens Adelaide 2011
King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia With 16 countries playing 44 fast-paced matches over two action-packed days, there is no better way for a sports fan to spend their weekend than at the International Rugby Sevens Adelaide. www.adelaidesevens.com.au
2-10 a pril
Australian Surf Life Championships th Saving Kurrawa Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland Kurrawa Beach on the Gold Coast will again play host to the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. “The Aussies” as they are known among surf clubs around the country bring together over 8,000 of the finest surf lifesavers from Australia and around the world. www.sls.com.au
3-apr1il7
th Taste Tamworth
Kable Avenue, Tamworth, New South Wales Taste Tamworth is a celebration of food, wine and style. Two of the highlights are ‘Feast’ on a long lunch, where hundreds of locals and visitors enjoy a four course lunch seated at a long table running the length of Tamworth’s main street, and ‘Taste’, a festival day in Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park, offering the opportunity to taste and try the best of Tamworth’s local and regional produce. www.tasteoftamworth.com.au
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Our guide to the unmissable events, holidays and celebrations in Australia and New Zealand this month Sydney Royal Easter Show Sydney Showground, 1 Showground Road, Sydney Suburbs, New South Wales The Sydney Royal Easter Show is jam-packed with family entertainment bringing the best of the country to the city. Come along and get amongst Australia’s greatest – see the animals, meet our Australian farmers and be entertained like never before. Come and see the famous Dairy Farmers Farmyard Animal Nursery where you will be able to feed, pat and hold all of the baby animals.
14-27 th april
www.eastershow.com.au
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Rd, Bells Beach, Victoria
th
The Rip Curl Pro will this year be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bells Beach Easter Rally and the Rip Curl Pro in Australia’s surfing home of Torquay. The ASP World Tour’s best 34 male surfers, one Rip Curl Wildcard and one local Victorian Wildcard from the Championship Moves Trials will be at Bells over Easter to compete in the year’s second ASP World Tour contest. But it will be only one deserving winner who will get to ring the prized Bell on the final day of competition.
19-3ril0 ap
www.ripcurl.com.au/index.php?aboutbells
ANZAC Day Nationwide MELBOURNE CUP
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for their countries. ANZAC Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tonga. AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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adventure holidays
Adventure The
Lifetime of a
WORDS: Chris Farnell
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Barramundi Gorge
T
Devils Marbles
here are people who use their holidays as a time to relax, a chance to chill by the pool, maybe read the latest Dan Brown novel, and hopefully spend the evenings somewhere with room service and a plasma screen as big as the massive king size bed they’ll be sleeping on. And then there are people who are more... what’s the word? Awesome! That’s it. People who want to go on the sort of vacation that maybe Indiana Jones would enjoy, but with less Nazis. People who think 127 Hours was a holiday guide. Well, for those people this is a lucky day, because we’re going to be showing you some of the most adventurous holidays you can find Down Under- and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg! (Do you see what we did there?) Australia is a big place, and there’s a huge variety of experiences available, depending on what you feel like doing, what your budget is, and just how hardcore you are. Adventure Tours Australia is the leading provider of small group tours for Australia and New Zealand. They offer authentic experiences on a budget from the outback to the East Coast, and cater to students, backpackers or private charter groups. They offer a day long excursion that will take you through Caversham Wildlife Park, where you can get up close and personal with the koalas, and see some of the enormous menagerie of native wildlife Australia has to offer. This trek will take you up to the small fishing village of Cervantes, then (after stopping for lunch, you love adventure, but skipping a meal is just crazy) you’ll head out to Namburg National Park. Here you will see AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
OUTLOOK
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adventure holidays Australia is a big place, and there’s a huge variety of experiences available, depending on what you feel like doing, what your budget is, and just how hardcore you are the world famous Pinnacles, an expanse of mysterious, alien looking limestone formations where you could imagine Kirk going to punch giant lizards. You’ll get plenty of time to explore the spires, before your tour guide will take you off the sealed roads into the real wilderness of the sand dunes around Lancelin where you’ll get a chance run amock with some four wheel drive fun, keeping an eye out for kangaroos, emus, and other animals that would happily kick you in the face. Then, because simply going off road just wasn’t cool enough, you get to slide down the dunes on custom made sandboards- I know what you’re thinking, and yes, that is what it sounds like. It’s snowboarding- in the desert. I’m sure if anyone invents a way to surf fire, the Australians will get there first. This trip will set you back about A$165 a person, and includes wildlife, off-roading and literally riding the dunes. Still, do you think Indiana Jones ever took a day trip? Nah, you want to get out there for a few days. You need to learn to live the wilderness, become one with nature, really leave civilisation behind for as long as, shall we say five days? Adventure Tours also offers a Top End Safari tour at A$958 a head. This trip starts off at the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, from which you’ll head west into 18
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Kings Canyon
Woolna Country, where you’ll receive the traditional welcome of the Wulna people. While you’re there the Wulna people will show the arts of didgeridoo playing, spear throwing and for the really adventurous, how to find good bush tucker! Over the next few days you will see crocodiles, billabongs and aboriginal rock art, stopping at various secluded campsites along the way. You’ll get to take a dip in the plunge pools of the Barramundi Gorge and at the base of the majestic Edith Falls. Then you can paddle through Katherine Gorge, with the option of taking a helicopter ride over the whole gorge system. Then on your final day you get to take another dip, this time in the warm thermal waters of Katherine Hot Springs- think of it as nature’s hot tub! Of course, for some of you even this isn’t hardcore enough. ‘Five days in the wilderness?’ you say. ‘Pah! My scout troop did more than that!’ You want something more, something bigger, something that’ll let you take in everything that the great island of Australia has to offer. You’re talking about the Big Trek. Run by OzXposure, the Big Trek is a 42 day cross country trip that’ll take you from Sydney to Darwin and back again, taking in all the wonders the country has to offer along the way. With one van, and one tour guide, you’ll sleep underground in a dugout hotel, hike through Kings Canyon and Devils Marbles, experience an outback cattle station first hand, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, meet the Manyallaluk aboriginal people, visit an opal mine and see how gems are cut, and that’s only a taste of what the Big Trek involves. AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
OUTLOOK
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adventure holidays you’ll treasure forever. I’m talking about the look on your coworkers face when they ask what you did on your holidays. www.adventuretours.com.au www.letstrekaustralia.com/tours
Litchfield National Park
Of course, for 42 days and suck a huge array of experiences, you won’t by surprised the price tag is a bit of a hike up from our previous examples at £3907. There will also be additional charges for some optional activities, including hang gliding, didgeridoo making, white water rafting and bungee jumping or, for that matter, the A$50 tour of the Neighbours set- but even without these extras, you can pretty much guarantee your trip is going to be chock full of adventure. And when consider the price tags on all these experiences; you have to think about the real value of what you’ll be getting for your money. I’m not talking about the breath-taking beauty of the Australian outback, or life changing insight you get from interacting with other cultures, or the insane adrenaline rush of speeding down a sand dune on what is basically a bit of wood. I’m not even talking about the memories that
Nambung National ParK
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flashpacking
Australia and
New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best flashpacking hotels
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Are flashpackers eclipsing the humble backpacker? Is flashpacking the way forward? Or is it soft? WORDS: Ian Armitage
Flashpacker (def): Someone usually in their mid 20s to early 30s, who travels like a back packer but has more disposal inco me as well as electronics such as a camera, iPod, or laptop. Flashpac kers also expect better accommodat ion and more amenities when th ey travel. They seek to explore the world but not give up many of its comforts.
lashpacking is the new backpacking. It is about travel with means – the days of travelling with a few clothes, hitchhiking, or hoping you have enough money for the day, it seems, are long gone. Flashpackers have normally already been backpacking and done that whole thing. “The flashpacker has a backpacking ethos but wants to do it with a little more style and a lot more technology,” a travel expert told me at the recent TNT Travel Show in London. “Just because you are travelling doesn’t mean you can’t have some comforts,” he added. Flashpackers tend to still have the backpacking bug but, being a little older, want a few more creature comforts. And they certainly don’t want to share a room with testosterone-driven youths. A flashpacker will often see more, and do more - they trek further and spend less time getting drunk. And flashpacking is becoming more and more common. Flashpackers don’t save up or travel around the world on a budget. They want to experience the local culture, meet the locals, stay in hostels, and give back- they just don’t see why they have to do it on a shoestring. Why wouldn’t you want to? Surely staying in a nice, higher end hostel, which allows you to enjoy not only the atmosphere of a hostel, but also some of the comforts more commonly found in hotels, must be better than roughing it in a tent on some random campsite? There are a lot of options for flashpackers these days. Whether in the heart of cosmopolitan cities like Wellington, AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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flashpacking Melbourne or Sydney or in great beach towns like Byron Bay, there are many choices when it comes to flashpacking throughout Australasia. Here are some great flashpacker hostels:
Wellington, New Zealand Nomads Capital Hostel in Wellington is a top quality flashpacker hostel located in the heart of Wellington. It features everything from great value youth hostel dormitories to private rooms with a private bathroom.
Melbourne, Australia
Nomads Industry Backpackers Hostel, Melbourne, is Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading flashpacker hostel. It has a great bar, cafĂŠ, free nightly meal, lounge room, rooftop deck, tour facilities and more. You will be amazed.
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Sydney, Australia Westen
d backpackers hostel Sydney Au stralia is a cool central Sy dney flashpacker hostel that is clean and secure wi th a great vibe and a fri endly staff. It’s only a sh ort walk from the hoste l to Sydney’s Central Station and most of the m ajor tourist attractions.
Byron Bay, Australia Nomads Odyssey one of Byron Bay’s best flashpacker hostels. It is a funky flashpacker hostel, located just three blocks from Main Beach and very close to everything including the markets, bars, and transport.
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anzac day
forget Lest we
Make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli to remember the fallen Anzac soldiers
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WORDS: Jahn Vannisselroy
A
s dawn breaks at North Beach on the Gallipoli Peninsula, it’s not the wind whistling across the water that’s the most chilling sensation around. Nor is it the damp grass where we’ve lain all night. It’s the refrain of The Last Post that sends tingles up the spines of the 10,000 sombre Antipodeans huddled at the foot of the hill known as the Sphinx. The sound of the lone bugle paints the eerie silence as the sun peeks over the horizon, promising, but not yet delivering, warmth. That will have to be found elsewhere … most likely in our hearts and minds as we remember the young men who checked out of this world, guns in sweaty hands, fear thumping in tight chests, final words squeezed through parched lips, on the beaches of Galipolli. We stand for our fallen brothers.
ATheLurking presence day before, Gallipoli is a lively place while daylight is still in action. The inlet glows golden, heated by our brightest star’s afternoon caress. It’s a slice of heaven that at first glance reveals not a trace of its murderous past. However, a walk to the beach reveals rows of young men’s graves lined along a peaceful grass verge. As the ocean laps gently at the nearby shore we sit contemplatively among the last resting places of these warriors but now it seems the sun cannot thaw the unearthly chill. Back at the main site, the hordes drape their flags on every available space. There’s none of the usual raucous AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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anzac day banter normally accompanying a band of travelling folk from Down Under. Even the most energetic party animals recognise contemplation and respect are the order of the day – the complete ban on alcohol helps somewhat. As night unfurls its dark blanket across the bay, temperatures plummet but it’s only the foolish and ignorant who dare complain. ‘Harden up’ is the sharp response delivered to those who do. We’re here for the thousands of young men, tempted into the armed forces with promises of ‘seeing the world’ who sacrificed their lives in a battle they could not win. Lambs to the slaughter, destined to die on a foreign hillside, hearing the futile moans of their friends punctuated by the dull thuds of metal meeting flesh. We’re here – fully equipped with sleeping bags, thermals, a steady supply of commemorative ‘entertainment’ and enough hot food to feed an army – for one night only. We will leave Anzac Cove. Some were not so fortunate. Tonight we remember them all.
War - what is it good for? As darkness chokes the last living daylight, the big screen flickers, then glows with tributes to our fallen compatriots. The fresh faces of the young men slaughtered where we sit draw gasps from the assembled. It’s the face of one James Martin, the youngest soldier to have his journey extinguished, that causes the biggest jolt. The Australian was 14 when he contracted typhoid in the trenches and died soon after . Martin had lied to a recruitment officer, saying he was 18. “I can’t even imagine going to war now, 28
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need to know when to go Anzac Day is on April 25. GETTING THERE Fly to Istanbul with EeasyJet, BA, Turkish Airlines or Pegasus. It’s about six hours by bus from the city to Gallipoli.
GETTING around An organised tour is the only way to attend the Anzac Day services at Gallipoli. Check out options at tntmagazine.com/toursearch.
visas Australians, South Africans and Britons need to buy a visa on arrival – Kiwis don’t need a visa.
currency Turkish lira. 1 GBP = 2.38 TRY. LANGUAGE Turkish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Accommodation At Gallipoli you’ll be sleeping under the stars; you cannot pitch a tent. In Istanbul, dorms start at about 20 TRY and doubles from 40 TRY.
SEE tourismturkey.org; onthegotours.com
and I’m 32, let alone 14,” an Aussie voice says. Murmurs of agreement echo from the freezing hillside. A band plays into the night – its renditions of First World War songs breath life into the images presented to us. Documentaries softly relate the stories of those who survived and their offspring; we’re reminded war affects generations, robbing families of their leaders, their mates, their lovers.
Voice of the departed
As the sun rises, the last notes of Reveille evaporate into the ether and the final prayer is delivered before we sing all three – Turkish, New Zealand and Australia – national anthems. Soon after, the migration to either Lone Pine (for Australians) and Chunuk Bair (for New Zealanders) begins. Thanks to the rising heat, it’s an uphill struggle to get to the New Zealand ceremony but a glance at the old trenches at the side of the road makes sure complaints are never given voice. Given voice at Chunuk Bair, however, is Lieutenant Colonel William Malon’s
Enemies make friends The history of Gallipoli is littered with stories about the camaraderie between the opposing sides. As boredom set in there was a “constant traffic” of gifts being thrown across no man’s land: sweets and fruit from the Turkish soldiers, and cans of beef and smokes from the Allies. There are tales of one old Ottoman batman being allowed to hang his platoon’s washing on the barbed wire without attracting fire. At one stage, a ceasefire was declared and the two sides moved their dead and wounded. The tradition of friendship is continued today in Turkey where New Zealanders and Australians are greeting warmly and treated with respect throughout the country. last letter to his wife, written August 5, 1915. “My desire for life so that I may see and be with you again could not be greater, but I have only done what every man was bound to do in our country’s need,” the words from the grave fly out over the crowd, each an unavoidable spark of pride, honour and love lost. “I am prepared for death and hope that God will have forgiven me all my sins.” He was killed three days later and remains one of the many New Zealanders with no known grave at Galipolli. As the dignitaries tenderly lay the wreaths at the foot of the towering memorial the night’s chill has now completely given way to the sun’s relentless scorch. It’s yet another feat of endurance but, as we are all now fully aware, nothing compared to the suffering, the fear, the bravery of our predecessors. Lest we forget. » Jahn Vannisselroy travelled as a guest of On The Go Tours who specialise in locally guided adventure tours. On the Go offers ANZAC tours from four-14 days. An 11-day Bonzer tour from April 23 to May 3 (only three days off work in 2011 for the average worker) costs £599 including nine nights’ accommodation in 3-4 star hotels including breakfast, six dinners, all guiding and transportation as part of the itinerary. Excludes flights. (020 7371 1113; onthegotours.com) AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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sport
are aiming Collingwood emiership for another pr
Neutrals will be hoping Collingwood Magpies fall short of back-to-back flags. WORDS: Tom Sturrock
A
fter a heartstopping draw against St Kilda in last year’s grand final, Collingwood romped away to win the rematch and break a 20-year premiership drought. With a young, improving list, the Pies could be set for a golden era – but as the new AFL season dawns, everyone apart from Collingwood fans will be desperately hoping they run aground. Elsewhere, all eyes will be on the competition’s newest side, the Gold Coast Suns, who arrive with the competition’s best player in Gary Ablett.
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Blues Overview: Played finals for the past two seasons but will continue to tread water until they develop some quality key-position players. Key player: Chris Judd – won a second Brownlow Medal last season and shows no signs of dropping his famously high standards. Prediction: 8th.
Bombers Overview: Favourite son James Hird returns to coach and, though he has a talented young list, playing finals may be beyond him. Key player: Jobe Watson – won the Bombers’ last two best and fairest awards, developing into one of the league’s best hard-ball midfielders. Prediction: 11th.
Bulldogs Overview: Preliminary finalists three years in a row, the Bulldogs are agonisingly close to the top rung but will likely
fall short once again. Key player: Adam Cooney – now mature enough to be an on-field leader and the Dogs will be relying on his match-winning qualities in the midfield. Prediction: 3rd.
Cats Overview: Gary Ablett has left, and
crows Overview: One of the
Gary Ablett looks to pass the ball during a Gold Coast AFL training session at Beenleigh Buffaloes AFC on February 8, 2011
although the Cats have plenty of quality, their list is ageing and their decline irreversible. Key player: Joel Selwood – pretty handy as far as replacements for outgoing star midfielders go; a champion already at 22, and a future captain in waiting. Prediction: 5th.
hardest sides to tip – short on stars but well-coached and with an even spread of talent. Dogged enough to surprise again. Key player: Scott Thompson – the Crows have lost plenty of experience in recent years, leaving Thompson as the old head in the engine room. Prediction: 9th.
demons Overview: Brimming with talented youngsters but short of top-liners. The expected departure of Tom Scully at year’s end could prove distracting. Key player: Aaron Davey – adds muchneeded experience, as well as plenty
of zip, to Melbourne’s young list. Goalscoring midfielders don’t grow on trees. Prediction: 14th.
dockers Overview: Will be hoping a new jumper marks a departure from the inconsistency of their formative years. Must build on last season’s gains. Key player: Matthew Pavlich – Fremantle’s leading scorer for the past six seasons and one of the superstars of the competition. Prediction: 6th.
eagles Overview: Last year’s wooden spooners can bounce back if top-liners stay injuryfree and some young midfielders take the next step. Key player: Mark LeCras – arguably the league’s best midsized forward and will again be the Eagles main man in attack, despite a mooted move into the midfield. Prediction: 12th.
hawks Overview: Won a flag ahead of schedule in 2008 but their young guns have now matured sufficiently for the Hawks to go all the way again. Key player: Lance Franklin – a nightmare match-up and the league’s most destructive forward when on song. If he clicks in 2011, the Hawks will be flying. Prediction: Premiers. AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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SPORT
with pies poses ins a wood Mag g pt a in c ll b o C clu ell of the e 2011 AFL 11 Nick Maxw aptains during th 20 , 17 h c bc n Mar other clu Stadium o at Etihad photocall
kangaroos Overview: Been thereabouts in recent
magpies Overview: The reigning premiers will expect
seasons but lack established stars to challenge the elite. On the right track, but still developing. Key player: Drew Petrie – versatile enough to pinch-hit in the ruck while also playing a role in attack or defence. A young side needs his experience. Prediction: 10th.
to go close again this year, recruits Chris Tarrant and Andrew Krakouer bolstering their young squad. Key player: Scott Pendlebury – emerging as one of the league’s classiest young midfielders, with exceptional balance and vision. Absolute silk, even in the clinches. Prediction: Runners-up.
lions power Overview: Trading for experienced players Overview: Tough times could lie ahead for has backfired horribly for coach Michael Voss. Brendan Fevola has been sacked and the Lions must begin rebuilding all over. Key player: Jon Brown – still one of league’s blockbuster key forwards; may live to regret spurning lucrative offers to leave Brisbane. Prediction: Wooden spoon. 32
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Port Adelaide – they’ve got a rookie coach and a list weighed down with dead wood. Key player: Travis Boak – one of their next-generation midfielders who will be expected to take on increased responsibility as Port rebuild. Prediction: 16th.
grand finals and will be close again, but a one-dimensional attack remains a persistent concern. Key player: Nick Riewoldt – one of the great forwards of the modern era; a rocky off-season is unlikely to prevent him from producing another outstanding year. Prediction: 4th.
Lance Franklin is the Hawks’ main man
saints Overview: They’ve lost the past two
suns Overview: Their first season will be a success if they develop a following, win a few games and their young kids show something. Key player: Gary Ablett – will be expected to be the star of the show; fascinating to see how he goes without the stellar support he enjoyed at the Cats. Prediction: 15th.
swans Overview: Perennially written off, only to confound with their ability to beat more fancied sides. Still have the quality to play finals. Key player: Adam Goodes – remains one of the game’s great utilities and one of the hardest players to match-up against. Prediction: 7th.
tigers Overview: No side has suffered more false dawns than the Tigers, but they really looked to have turned a corner last season. Time will tell. Key player: Jack Riewoldt – can expect closer attention this year, but looms as a long-term star and Punt Rd cult hero. Prediction: 13th . AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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sydney g&L mardi gras
Sydney What you missed at
Gay and Lesbian
Mardi
Gras!
WORDS: Chris Farnell
T
he Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is possibly the gayest event in the Australian calendar, if not the world’s calendar. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intergender people come from all over the world to enjoy the spectacular array of parties, parades and events put on to celebrate all that is fabulous. But the GLBTI community is a vast and diverse group of people, and there is much more to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras than sequinned outfits, dykes on bikes and dancing to techno music. So, let’s take a look at some of the events you might have missed at this year’s Mardi Gras.
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The Culture The Mardi Gras is host to range of cultural events, and is a great place to introduce yourself to new GLBTI art, literature and theatre. Among the events this year was An Evening with Armistead Maupin- the writer of the Tales of the City novels that talked frankly about AIDS and gay life, while simultaneously making us all want to run off to 1970s San Francisco. At this event Maupin read an extract from his latest novel Mary Ann in Autumn and took part in a lively and informative interview. There was also side-splitting stand-up comedy from award-winning actress and comedienne Lily Tomlin of The West Wing and Desperate Housewives fame.
For something a little more contemplative, there was the annual Mardi Gras Gallery, featuring queer art from both local and international artists competing for a A$5,000 prize. The gallery featured works by artists such as Liam Benson, Charlotte Brookes and Cade Buchanan, who I hadn’t heard of, but who were very good. However, the big problem I’ve always had with paintings is the way they almost always stay still. If you wanted a bit more motion in your pictures, there was the Mardi Gras Film Festival which featured relatively mainstream flicks such as the Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor comedy I Love You Philip Morris, and more challenging fair such as The Advocate For Fagdom, a documentary
about controversial zombie porn director Bruce LaBruce.
The Activism The Mardi Gras is also a great place for galvanising activism, finding out what challenges are facing GLBTI causes today and how we can help overcome them. Sydney Mardi Gras featured a series of talks and discussions under the Queer Thinking banner. This included Campsites, a fascinating illustrated talk on the history of Sydney’s gay meeting places and LGBT and Global, a discussion of the challenges facing a global company wanting to support LGBT employees in countries where open discrimination and violence is common.
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sydney g&L mardi gras
The highlight of the Queer Thinking events however, had to be a talk by world renowned activist Peter Tatchell on the importance of Equal Marriage Rights. Of course, at events like these there will always be some fringe bunch of nut jobs spouting outdated, bigoted bum sputum dressed up as religious beliefs. This year however, my favourite bit of activism came in the form of a group of straight people’s
response to this. Heterosexual DJ Danny Clayon, spurred on by the Grinch-like ranting of Christian Democrat Party’s Peter Madden, summoned
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200 people to watch 20 straight men and women line up and same-sex kiss. “It was interesting to say the least,” Clayton said. “It was a lot furrier than I expected. It didn’t help that the mate I kissed had a gigantic moustache but it was relatively painless. It was okay, it was good.” Don’t worry if you missed this however. If Madden wants to throw another hissy fit next year, Clayton’s going to be right there waiting for him: ““If he wants to bring people to huddle underneath a flag of anger and hatred, I’m going to bring people to unite under a banner of love.”
The Partying
Hustlers and drag ac Fine! Okay, in amon ts including Sydney’s gst all the culture and offi cially favourite drag political debate and ga queen, the painfully y rights activism the named Tora Hymen. Sydney Gay and Lesb Or , if wet and wild is ian Mardi Gras may more your style, there have featured a little was the Mardi Gras bit of partying. Pool Party at the Ivy Such as the 70,000 pe Po ol Bar. ople who turned The climax of the wh out to Victoria Park for ole event was of the Fair Day that course the Mardi Gras launched the Mardi Gr Pa rad e, featuring over as season with music 100 floats based aroun , the Mr & Mrs Fair Da d the challenge to y competition, a dog “Say Something”. An show and something d say something they called a Top Gun ride did - personally my favou which, sadly, probably rite float was the didn’t feature an giant stork delivering actual Tom Cruise. a baby to a pram at the end of a rainbow. Then of course there was the Mardi Gras And there may have Beach Party on Sydn been some glitter and ey’s iconic Bondi so me lesbians riding motor Beach, featuring music cycles. Because from trans-pacific while you’re changin party phenomenon Ki g the world there’s no tty Glitter and whitereason not to have a hot producer/DJ Murr great time, and look ay Hood of the Oxfor fabulous doing it. d
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food & drink
T S E B s n o t g n i am
How to make the
L
L
amingtons are a part of every Australianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s childhood. The little sponge cake is dipped in chocolate icing and then rolled in desiccated coconut. The Lamington is named after Lord Lamington, who served as Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901.
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According to legend, it was created by Lamingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chef, Armand Gallad, who cut up some French vanilla sponge cake, dipped the slices in chocolate and set them in coconut. These days it is a treat loved across the nation. Lamingtons are commercially produced but for me, the best Lamingtons is homemade.
Ingredients:
our l-purpose fl 2 cups of al er d ing pow 2 tsp of bak a salt se of 1/4 tsp gs eg 2 large ature butter room temper 1/2 cup of white sugar 3/4 cup of tract re vanilla ex 1 tsp of pu milk 1/2 cup of ing sugar ic of s p 2 cu er cocoa powd 1/3 cup of tter 3 tbs of bu milk of p cu 2 1/ ing eam for serv Whipped cr
P1.r Perephaeartathteioovnen: to 180C.
and salt. tin. ing powder utter a cake ak b b y r, tl h ou fl ig e L 2. er th together l, sift togeth gar mixture ow su b d e an rg la er a tt 3. In eam the bu ate bowl, cr ell. 4. In a separ ture. Beat w d fluffy. er/sugar mix tt u b e until pale an th to me gs one at a ti ix well. , 5. Add the eg ixture and m m re and milk e th to la il n flour mixtu e va th e d th d ad d y 6. A alternatel the flour. a spatula to ishing with n fi d 7. Next, use an g n itions, starti . in three add the cake tin e batter into utes. in m 8. Spread th out 25 oven for ab e th in e ak 9. B em in and place th e. k es ca ar u e th sq l to oo in t it least 2 10. C fridge for at has cooled cu e e k th ca in e er th in ce 11. On the conta ntainer. Pop d an airtight co t. er, butter an en overnigh cocoa powd r, ga su g . in hours or ev ater ce the ic mmering w the icing. Pla ucepan of si sa a er 12. Now for ov l t proof bow ut thick. milk in a hea roll is smooth b it l ti n , and gently u re mixtu the mixture in es ic sl 13. Stir the e cak r the sponge 14. Now cove t. u n the coco the cake in y! set and Enjo 15. Leave to
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Expat PROFILE
Suzanne’s story…
Migrating to Sydney from England is a “new adventure” for Suzanne and Phil Morley. But as Suzanne tells Australia and New Zealand Outlook, it was something she initially had no interest in doing.
Expat in brief ley (41) NAME: Suzanne Mor
Underwriter e nc ra su In : on ti a up Occ Stortford, Moved from: Bishop's Hertfordshire Moved to: Sydney
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Q: When did you first decide to move Down Under? A: We first started talking about it in October 2010 when a job opportunity for my husband, Phil, arose. In early December 2010 Phil was offered the job and we decided to go for it. Q: What inspired/motivated the move? A: Having the opportunity to do something different and enabling our children (two boys, aged nine and six) to have new experiences. We also spoke to a number of people who had lived here or knew someone here or were living here, and we received so much positive feedback we felt we just had to give it a go. Q: Describe life before the move? What was it like? A: Chaos, stressful and busy…. we were both working in London and we didn’t feel that we had a quality of life that was fulfilling enough. Phil hardly saw the boys during the week as he’d generally go out early and get home late. It never felt as though we had enough free time to do the things we really wanted to do. We are an outdoors family, but in the UK that either costs money or isn’t on your doorstep.
Q: Were you looking for a fresh start? A: I guess it was a new adventure, but we didn’t feel the need for a fresh start. On paper we had a good life in the UK – we both had good jobs, a nice house, we were financially secure, enjoyed great holidays and had lots of friends. The boys enjoyed their school. But this was an opportunity that we felt we couldn’t turn down. Q: Is it something you always wanted to do? A: No! I visited Australia about 20 years ago spending a month mostly in Canberra staying with friends and I loved it! But it was never a desire for either of us to live here. Phil hadn’t even been here before we actually moved. In 1998 we moved to Germany and lived there for two years, and when we returned I told Phil that I would never again live in a country where I couldn’t speak the language, but that I would consider living abroad if the right opportunity came up. And this seemed to be it!
Q: When you opted to move Down Under, where did you start? A: We knew that Phil would be working in the CBD in Sydney, so we went online, bought some books and researched from there. Q: Was it a tough decision? A: More so for me than for Phil! He loves travelling and is never happier than when he’s planning the next holiday! When we got married 12 years ago he persuaded me that I would love our “romantic honeymoon” which was three weeks backpacking through Vietnam…so you can see the kind of guy he is… For him it was a no-brainer…providing I was 100 percent committed to it. It took me a little while to agree that we should come, and there were many wobbles along the way, but once the decision was made I knew it was right. Q: Did you get any help with the move? A: Phil’s company were moving us, so we got help from a relocation agent. However we mostly did a lot of the searching ourselves online – how people ever relocated without the internet, I don’t know! Q: Did they explain the process… what did you go through? And did you find it useful? A: They were particularly good once we arrived, helping us find a house and school, helping with the mountains of paperwork, and advising on the Aussie way of doing things. Q: How much did the advice cost? A: Phil’s company picked up the costs of the relocation. However we paid for a car search company who, for A$175, found us the car we wanted, got us a very good deal, helped with all the paperwork (again mountains of the stuff!) and sorted the insurance. AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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Expat PROFILE Q: Was the move difficult? A: The move was probably the most stressful thing I’ve ever dealt with! We decided to have our furniture shipped before we left knowing that we could borrow in the UK… at this time we didn’t realise that there are some great furniture rental companies who totally kit out your home until your container arrives. So, at the beginning of January 2011 our house was packed, just leaving the possessions we could carry over on the plane. We then “camped” in our house with borrowed airbeds and garden furniture! Probably the hardest thing of all though was saying all of the goodbyes – I got through many boxes of Kleenex. At the same time I had to stay strong and positive for the boys as they were equally upset at leaving their friends and school, and the house and town they had always known. Q: How long did the immigration process take? A: We’ve come over on a four-year 457 Visa, which the company sponsored – I think it took about 4 weeks to come through. Q: Where did you move? Why that location? Does it have a lot to offer? A: We have rented a house in a suburb of Sydney called Lindfield. It is in the Upper North Shore area and we chose it for a number of reasons: it’s on the train line into the CBD, the journey taking about 25 minutes; it’s very green with established trees, golf courses, parks and reserves; the schools are good and close by; we’re close to the city, the beaches, shopping centres, but also benefit from the “village” feel of the area. 42
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Q: Did you go out and look at places first before leaving or did you make the leap? A: We just made the leap! As it had all happened so quickly there wasn’t really time to come out beforehand. Q: What date did you arrive in Oz? A: I arrived with the boys on the 10 February, 2011. Phil was already here having left the UK at the end of January, and in his first few days he had found us our house, enrolled the boys into school and started his new job. Q: Were you nervous? A: I wasn’t nervous at all… but I felt very sad at having left my family and friends. Q: What was the first day like? What did you do? A: We arrived into a very balmy Sydney at night. When we woke up the next morning we had to go to the boys school to complete some paperwork, and then Phil went off to work while the boys and I sweltered in the heat. In all honesty I did very little as the jet lag was pretty bad.
and met us there - and we went swimming and body-boarding, then had fish and chips on the beach! The weather plays a significant part in the improved lifestyle as we can do so much outside. Yes it rains – in fact this last weekend Sydney has had six weeks of rain in 24 hours – so instead of going to the beach we went to the Sydney Olympic Park and had a great time.
Q: Have you had any help settling in since? Have you been welcomed by the locals? A: The people we’ve met through the boys school have been very welcoming – it helps that a lot of people originate from the UK and therefore understand how difficult it is to start with. We’ve met the neighbours – again very nice people – and generally people are helpful and welcoming. Q: Are you enjoying the lifestyle? What are the best bits? A: Absolutely! At the moment I’m not working, which has made the whole transition a lot easier as I’m around to sort everything out. It is my intention to work again once we’re settled, but I would never have stopped working in the UK and this move has given me that opportunity which we are all benefitting from. We also love the fact that within a 30-minute drive we are at some of the best surf beaches around. In our second week I took the boys to Manly beach after school - Phil got the ferry from the city to Manly
Q: Was lifestyle a factor in the move? A: This was the main reason for coming. Our hope was that we would have more quality family time and the opportunity to experience a different country, culture, climate and pace of life. Q: Is it everything you expected? A: So far it is, yes! Q: Do you have any regrets? A: I am really missing my parents and close friends – we are talking on the phone, on Skype, email and Facebook, but it’s not the same and will never be. We’re not only a long way from home, but it’s expensive to get here. I’m making plenty of new acquaintances, but I know that it takes years to make true friends. Q: What piece of advice would you give other Brits wanting to move to Australia? A: Make sure that you are financially secure. Living here is very expensive (food, rent, bills, clothes, shoes, school fees) and you need a substantial amount of money behind you to pay for the initial start-up costs (for example, if you are coming on a 457 Visa and you have children you have to pay A$4,500 per year per child to attend state school.) AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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Where to settle...
Auckland Where Polynesia meets the West
Perched on a dozen or so extinct volcanoes, Auckland is a melting pot of Pacific culture with a big city feel.
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therwise known as “the City of Sails” New Zealand’s largest city sprawls for 50km between two large harbours – the Waitemata and the Manukau. A cloak of rainforest covers the surrounding hills, while dozens of dormant volcanic cones dot the landscape. Auckland is home to about a million Kiwis – roughly a quarter of New Zealand’s population, and no matter where you stay, you’re never far from breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, invigorating walks or idyllic holiday islands. The city is concentrated around the southern shore of the Waitemata Harbour and part of this area has been renovated into an attractive district for tourist, with interesting restaurants, shops and bars. The best thing about Auckland is its close proximity to natural escapes. A mere 40-minute drive and you can be on one of several beautiful, uncrowded beaches or, in other directions, among sheep and cattle on an NZ farm. The possibilities are endless, it’s up to you to choose where you want to go.
ARRIVING AND GETTING AROUND Getting there If you are travelling to New Zealand on a long-haul flight, chances are you will land in Auckland. Auckland Airport is south of the city and regular bus and shuttles make the round trip to the city centre. The Airbus Express runs every 15 minutes and tickets can be purchased from the driver (www.airbus.co.nz). A free shuttle bus links the international and domestic terminals from 6am to 10.30pm daily. AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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Where to settle... Getting Around Once the laughing stock of the nation, Auckland’s public transport system has undergone an extreme makeover. The city is serviced with a train, bus and ferry network, but as the geographical spread of the city is so vast, taking public transport can take forever. It is best to travel by car, if you can.
HIGHLIGHTS Waiheke Island Waiheke Island is where Aucklanders go to get away from it all and is the perfect place to find a hidden beach for the day. Also popular for its wedding venues, the 92 square km island boasts several vineyards and its waters provide top fishing and diving. Regular ferry services leave Auckland for the island. Rangitoto Island Walk or ride to the summit of Rangitoto, the lava rock, sleeping volcano in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf. Rangitoto emerged from the sea in a fiery explosion around 600 years ago and now is an iconic jewel in the Auckland harbour. Sky Tower The views from the viewing platform of the 328m-tall Sky Tower will blow you away. It is the most prominent feature of the Auckland skyline, has ‘orbiting’ restaurants, and a 192m bungee jump platform for the thrill seekers (SkyJump). If you’re feeling lucky, you’ll find a 24-hour casino in the SkyCity complex below. Auckland Harbour Bridge Spanning the Waitemata Harbour, the 46
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Auckland Harbour Bridge offers spectacular views of Auckland city and the islands of the gulf. To admire these views and get the heart racing, climb over the bridge or bungee jump off it! Catch a wave at Piha Auckland’s top surf beach is situated 28km west of Auckland. To reach the isolated coastal town (best by car) you have to pass through the Waitakere Ranges, where there are numerous walks through the forest. If you
do decide to hit the waves, be aware that the water is very dangerous. The rip current can drag swimmers out to sea in an instant. Piha is great place to escape the busy life and head for somewhere peaceful.
Culture and heritage See the biggest collection of Maori taonga (treasures) in the world at Auckland War Memorial Museum, plus see a performance of traditional Maori songs and dances. You
The possibilities are endless, it’s up to you to choose where you want to go can learn about New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna, and the European settlers who shaped its colonial heritage. Volcanoes Over a dozen dormant volcanoes dot the Auckland isthmus and are a testament to New Zealand’s explosive geological history. Take your pick, but Mt Eden, just south of the city centre, is among the most accessible vents to explore. Otara Market An extravaganza of everything Polynesian, the Otara Market is New Zealand’s largest outdoor market where you can pick up everything from tapa cloth to Pacific cuisine. The market is open from 6am to midday. A sprawl of stalls sell music, fashions, and fruit and veg. Harbour cruise This is the “City of Sails”, and your trip wouldn’t be complete without a cruise from the waterfront. There are also plenty of sailing companies to take you to the nearby islands. AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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ASK THE EXPERT Expert advice on all things visas, migration and more.
Q
Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m due to go to Au s in July for a year out and will be working for 6 m onths while Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m th er e. I was wondering if I am due a tax refund wh en I leave? C la ir e, Lo nd on
of UK You may still be due a refund As your year out does earnings UK tax paid in respect of any not span a complete tax and the received between 6 April 2011 year, i.e. you will be in r, we date you leave the UK, howeve the UK for part of the t wai you that would recommend 2/13 tax 2011/12 tax year and part of the 201 ian tral Aus r until you know what you dent for year, you will be treated as UK resi year tax are in the UK This means earnings and tax od. peri re enti the for oses purp tax ing an ending 5 April 2012 before mak r Australian that you will need to declare you you way s Thi nd. application for a refu and pay earnings to the UK tax authorities you tion will have all the informa allowed a UK tax on them - but you will be your claim is Australian need to ensure that credit against your UK tax for any correct and complete. tax you have to pay.
A
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How lo ng do es it ta ke to cl ai m m y ta x ba ck ? Vi v, Be df or ds hi re
If you r cla im is ma de pro per ly wit h all the nec ess ary sig ned ent s for ms and sup por tin g doc um e eiv the n you can exp ect to rec to any ref und due in aro und six ly, twe lve we eks . Un for tun ate all at m ble if the re is any pro h as a wit h you r app lica tio n, suc orr ect ly mis sin g sig nat ure or an inc im ma y com ple ted for m, the n the cla . Thi s is tak e mo nth s to be pro ces sed
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e bac klo g bec aus e HM RC hav e a hug den ce of ma il and if any cor res pon cla im is req uir ed in res pec t of a d by the aye del is the wh ole pro ces s ues ts req RC fac t tha t rep lies to HM lon g so e for fur the r inf orm atio n tak to the to be ope ned and dir ect ed is als o It . ent app rop riat e dep artm sig ned and s the cas e tha t doc um ent ing thi s for ms can be mis pla ced dur ts for pro ces s, lea din g to req ues - wh ich RC HM m rep lac em ent s fro fur the r. n eve can del ay the pro ces s
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k wh en lea vin g the UK ? Can I cla im all my tax bac at I can or can â&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cla im or Ba sic all y, I don â&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kno w wh ent itle d to. wh at I ma y or ma y not be Ben, Lon don
If you nor mal ly live in the UK and leave par t way through the UK tax yea r (wh ich run s 5 Apr il), from 6 Apr il to the followi ng of some or nd refu a then you may be due r. Thi s yea all of the tax paid in that tax ived the is bec aus e you may not have rece wances. full benefit of you r tax free allo ect of You can not make a clai m in resp tax paid in any earl ier tax yea rs just bec ause you are leav ing the UK , althoug h it may be wor th che cki ng that you have paid the cor rect amount of tax and clai med all ava ilable reliefs in each of the last fou r
UK year then you are treated as non date the resident for tax purposes from refund of of departure and may be due a tax year some or all of the tax paid in the e if you of departure. This is also the cas efinitely ind or leave the UK permanently rs. yea and stay away for at least three treated In any other cas e you may be for the es pos pur tax as UK resident for
tax yea rs. Whethe r or not a refu nd is due is ors, one dep endent on a number of fact us onc e stat of which is you r residence imp orta nt you have left the UK . Another fur ther fact or is whe ther you receive any yea r tax the of er aind income in the rem of dep artu re. full If you leave the UK to take up outside time employment abroad and stay e tax for a period that spans a complet
complet e you tax yea r. Thi s wou ld mea n that nings ear -UK non lare dec wou ld have to have may and ies to the UK tax authorit be l wil to pay UK tax - althoug h you tax paid . allowed a cred it for any foreign income Just bec aus e you receive foreign ical ly mat auto not s dur ing a tax yea r doe nd of refu a due mea n that you wil l not be m. clai UK tax but it wil l affe ct you r
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ASK THE EXPERT
Q
goo d tim e? my tax ref und ? Is the re a Wh en sho uld I app ly for And y, Du rha m
r employer P60 from your employer(s). You If you leave the UK by 31 May is required to provide this form part way through a tax r. yea tax following the end of the year and know that you nd If you think you may be due a refu will either be non-UK e hav in respect of an earlier tax year you date of the from es pos pur tax for t den resi year in four years from the end of that tax further departure, or will not receive any e was dlin dea s Thi which to make a claim. can make income in the tax year, then you so and rs shortened recently from six yea you have a claim for a tax refund as soon as ect of there is a transitional period in resp form P45 the i.e. nts, ume doc ry essa nec the r for which recent tax years. The earliest yea from your last employer. tax year the is wed a claim is currently allo should In any other circumstances you for claims e dlin ended 5 April 2006. The dea the tax year make the claim after the end of 2. Claims for that tax year is 31 January 201 UK at the in still are you If il. Apr 5 on t be for the year ended 5 April 2007 mus thin k the end of a tax year for which you fourthe that er Aft 2. made by 31 March 201 should you may be due a refund then you s. case year deadline will apply in all r form(s) apply as soon as you receive you
A
Q A
I am on a work travel visa in the UK and will be returning home to Australia soon. Can I claim a tax refund? Amy, London
If you were in the UK long enough to have become UK resident for tax pur poses then leave par t you may be due a refund if you because, way through a tax year. This is allowed be will as a UK tax resident, you and to claim UK tax free allowances efit may not have received the full ben case the is this If of those allowances. n as you you should make a claim as soo r last UK receive your form P45 from you
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ing the employer. As long as you are leav a period for tely UK per manently or indefini ted trea of at least three years you will be of your as non-UK resident from the date wor ry departure and so will not have to non-UK any on tax about having to pay UK re. artu income received after your dep six If you were in the UK for less than ths in months - or for less than six mon lify for qua not do each tax yea r - then you ly to like tax free allowances and are less be due a refu nd. Judith These questions were answered by . .com Gardner, Tax Manager, Taxback 2380 611 8 Contact details: Phone (TollFree) 080 or email uk@taxback.com.
food & drink Love me Without a doubt one of Australia’s greatest loves is beer. But not just any beer will do, it has to be icy cold! For Australians, beer makes the world go round, it’s the pinnacle of existence; man’s greatest invention… But what beers do Aussies love MOST? Ian Armitage finds out…
A
ustralians love their beer. For them, it makes everything better; a “barbie”, for instance, is not complete without a beer in one hand, tongs in the other. As you would expect, there is a lot of beer. But a few stand out above the rest. Here’s the lowdown…
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! r e be Carlton Draught Carlton Draught, one of Australia’s biggest selling tap beers, is one of the best beers I have ever encountered. I loved the smooth, clean flavour, and it didn’t have the awful aftertaste that some beers have. Don’t buy it in “stubbies” or “tinnies”… it has to be draught. It is a traditional, full-strength lager, with smooth full-bodied flavour. Carlton Draught is renowned for tasting as fresh as it did the day it was brewed. And it’s that kind of consistency in taste that’s been important to Australians for generations.
Coopers
VB Victoria Bitter (VB) is Australia’s most popular beer. The name though, is slightly missing leading - VB is not a bitter at all, and is in fact a lager. Brewed by Carlton & United Beverages (now owned by Fosters), VB has positioned itself as an unpretentious, working man’s beer. VB comes in a variety of forms: the “tinny” (375 ml aluminium can); the “stubby” (a 375 ml brown bottle), the 750 ml bottle known variously as “Long Necks”, “Tall boys” or “King Browns” and the 250 ml bottle known as “Throwies”. Of course, VB also comes on draught in almost every local pub in Australia. VB is the only full-strength brand that has penetrated beyond its home borders. Every state has their own Beer brand – New South Wales has Tooheys, and Queensland has XXXX, for example - and you wouldn’t be caught dead drinking anything but your home-grown drop. VB is the only beer that other states will drink! Ok, what does it taste like? Well, it is easy to drink, as you’d expect from a mass-produced lager. It’s light on the bubbles and is a bit bitter. Best served at near-freezing temperatures.
Crown Larger Crown Lager is one of Australia’s most iconic brands. It is the country’s original premium beer and is one of the best selling premium beers on the market. Crown Lager had an auspicious start. It was launched to the Australian consumer in June 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Prior to that it was available only to an exclusive group of individuals made up of diplomats and visiting dignitaries. It is a fruity, rich malt mid-palate and crisp clean hop, which has a distinctive, full flavoured premium lager taste.
Coopers Sparkling Ale is unique to say the least! Order it in a bar, and you’ll watch the barman roll the beer gently on its side, back and forth a few times to mix the sediment before he serves it. Coopers is unusual; the initial taste is fruity without being sweet. The aftertaste is very bitter and dry. The beer has a good, full body. And, it’s an ale. Overall, it is a great drink – enjoyable, light, fruity and bitter.
Tooheys New Tooheys New is one of Australia’s most popular beers. It is a standard mass-produced lager. It is clean and bright: golden-orange in colour, and upon opening a bottle, it has a faint aroma of caramel, grains and malt. Tastes a lot like Heineken or Grolsch and is moderately carbonated - enough to be refreshing without getting in the way of gulping. It does what a beer should: cools you down on a hot day.
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TRAVELLER'S GUIDE
Adelaide A Guide to
WORDS: Chris Farnell
A
delaide was built according to a plan, named after the person who drew it up, called Light’s Vision. The name is appropriate, because Light’s plan was to build Adelaide from the start with wide roads and open space, ready for when the city grew into the capital of South Australia that it is today. Because of his foresight, even today the city is an open, airy space, and a pleasure to explore. This is probably a large part of the reason why the city was this year named the most liveable city in Australia by the Property Council of Australia, and ranked among the 54
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top most liveable cities in the world by The Economist in 2010. Sure, the city has faced some tough times recently. Within hours of the city being the venue where Australia lost the second ashes test last December, the city was hit by terrible thunderstorms that flooded many of the city’s outer areas, knocking down power lines and leaving many houses without their roofs. Still, the city has recovered well, and is more than ready to (try) and steal the ashes back next time. In the mean time, this city is well worth paying a visit for its culture, sport, shopping and beaches!
For the Culture Vultures vals. It
Adelaide is a city of festi boasts a Festival of Arts, a Cabaret Festival, a Christmas Pageant, an awe inspiring fireworks show that has just recently been reinstated, and its Tasting Australia festival celebrating the country’s food and wine- as well as a whole host of other yearly and biannual celebrations. The city has also not forgotten its debt to the original Kaurna people that lived here before European settlers arrived. If you fancy exploring the Aboriginal culture in more outdoorsy surroundings, you can also take a tour of the Adelaide Botanic Garden, where you can see le the ingenuity of the Aboriginal peop through their food, and their uses of native plants for shelter, medicine and
ceremonial purposes. A great way to follow this up is with a visit to the Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum, which boasts the largest collection of Aboriginal antiquities in the world, as well as Tandanya, Australia’s National Aboriginal Institute. The South Australian Museum is based on the city’s North Terrace, a boulevard lined with commemorative plaques of all the men and women who have played a part in making Adelaide the great city it is today, where you’ll also find the State Library. Explore further, and you’ll find a huge number of historic church buildings- it’s not for nothing that this place is known as “The City of Churches”.
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TRAVELLER'S GUIDE Gooredisn’tSporeallrty your thing, Adelaide AIf cultu
is also home to a great deal of sporting Oval, excitement. Check out the Adelaide s team et home of South Australia’s crick pions, the West End Redbacks and the Scor tball, as well as numerous Australians Foo Rugby and ) ball” Soccer (Ahem- “Real foot League matches. Adelaide also hosts the largest cycling n Under event outside Europe, the Tour Dow isn’t ing cycl find Bicycle Race, but if you sal Clip the quite your speed, you’ll also find the 500 V8 Supercar race taking place on for city’s streets, or The Classic Adelaide classic sports cars. Then again, if that’s a little too fast for ing host you, next year Adelaide will be play ips at to the 2012 World Bowls Championsh in the city third the Lockleys Bowling Club e. twic s ship world to have held the champion
Shop 'til You Drop
Of course, if museums aren’t your thing, and the sport sounds like too much effort, you can always go shopping, and Adelaide is a city more than happy to help you with that. All year round the Adelaide Central Market is a lively and colourful place that the locals swear by. An enticing maze of smells, colour and atmosphere, the market really shows off what a melting pot of cultures this city is. Take your pick of fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood and gourmet cheeses, taking a break every once in a while to check out the chic cafes in the area. You know what’s really fun to shop for? Wine! Adelaide is home of the National Wine Centre, where you can learn about the whole winemaking process, which naturally involves a little bit of wine tasting . 56
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hcentre of ac thbeeyoBe on l il Ch the nd re ntu ve u If yo
d the cit ies Ad ela ide , yo u wi ll fin ul sea sid e sub urb s ha ve a wo nd erf e cit y’s vil lag e atm osp he re. Th tip of the the co ach str etc he s fro m Se llic ks Le Fe vre Pe nin sul a to pa nse of Be ach , wi th a hu ge ex e wa ter s. blu d san dy be ach es an g wi ll rin A bit of fur the r ex plo an d rev eal ree fs, we tla nd s to spe nd est ua rie s. A gre at wa y the at is ing a rom an tic ev en m the ing co ast al cli ffs , wa tch glo w as the sun set s. ation But the most popular loc be to has st coa on the Adelaide ch, bea Glenelg. As well as the ng you can talk a stroll alo l find u’l yo ere wh Jetty Road, rming cha and ps hundreds of sho also is lg sidewalk cafes. Glene ed nam ly the home port of the apt p that Temptation- a sailing shi uth So in sel ves is also the first in lph do a Australia to receive at gre swim license. This is a e a dip tak and t ou go chance to s iou cur ly, with these friend t as jus d fin animals, who you’ll locals! the welcoming as the rest of re the water If you’re less keen to sha all, it’s a bit with the dolphins (after ile all the time) creepy the way they sm shore at Port the you can see them from city’s maritime Adelaide, home of the find a range of industries where you’ll stling market. museums and another bu you can be Whatever you choose to do, ber. sure it’ll be a trip to remem
Adelaide: www.southaustralia.com/Adelaide.aspx Adelaide Oval: www.cricketsa.com.au National Wine Centre: www.wineaustralia.com.au
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BRISBANE FLOODS D ia ry o f a
This article is the fourth in a series by AAP reporter Lisa Martin covering one Brisbane family's recovery from the floods. WORDS: Lisa Martin
“H
ouses are made of brick and stone, homes are made of love alone.” So read a plaque on the kitchen wall of Ed Robusto’s childhood home. Decades on these words bring comfort, as he prepares to make the 20-hour plane journey from New York to see his family’s Brisbane home for the first time since flood mud swept through seven weeks ago. The Robustos’ Kenmore home was among 14,700 homes left partially underwater when the Brisbane River peaked at 4.46 metres on January 13. Across the Queensland capital, almost 12,000 homes were completely flooded. Ed, a fly-in, fly out businessman, based in New York for three-month stints, left Brisbane a week before the city flooded. 58
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As the crisis unfolded back home, he took frantic calls from his wife Jen and sons Jed and Carl at all hours of the day and night because of the 15hour time difference. On the night that floodwater began creeping up to the back door, Jed called his father, panicked and hysterical, urging him to phone Jen and ask her to leave the house, after she snuck back there.
Jen was in denial about the impending inundation and refused her sons’ pleas to evacuate. “Jed turned into the parent, I was the kid,” Jen says. “Jed said Mum, `Do I have to come back? You’re putting my life in danger. He kept using all the lines - to guilt me. “He was carrying on like a pork chop.” “I just said to her, `You have to leave now,’” Ed says. During those bitter long seven weeks away from the disaster zone, Ed compulsively consumed the flood media coverage from afar and pored over photographs and flood maps. He says it was gut wrenching to see pictures of their furniture caked in mud and piled high on the footpath of their tree-lined street. “I spent hours studying the high-definition interactive map... because everyone I know in Brisbane was helping clear our home and
didn’t have the time that I did,” he says. “It enabled me to look at every place in Brisbane that I love. “I knew more about which areas were flooded than Jennifer did, because she was cut off from the media and knee-deep in mud.” With Ed 16,000km away, Jen shouldered the lion’s share of the family’s initial flood recovery - son Carl, 17, has started year 12 studies and Jed, 20, is in Canberra beginning his medical degree. The couple wanted to be strategic about Ed’s return, so he could put his construction background to good use, once the insurance claim was processed and building work commenced. “My immediate reaction was that I wanted to come home and protect my family, but Jennifer felt that by my coming home at that
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BRISBANE FLOODS point, I was adding another homeless person to the mix,” he says. He’s home for two weeks this time, and will return in June, September, October, November and Christmas to inspect the progress. On the drive over to the property, from the family’s rented temporary home in St Lucia, Ed marvels at how you can hardly tell neighbourhoods were flooded. Outside what the family jokingly dubs the “Mud House”, Ed takes a deep breath. “The water was that far up? Wow ...” he says. Pulling open the front door, Ed’s jaw drops. His mouth remains wide open for five whole minutes as the couple stomp about, making as much noise as possible to scare away any slithery, scaly intruders. Inside the plaster walls have been removed, exposing rotting, mouldy studs, some covered in ants. There’s a distinct muggy, swampy smell in the air. “What a mess, what a mess,” he says. “Eddy, baby, this is clean,” Jen says, “we gurneyed inside three times, it was all thick sludge mud when we walked in.” Both their voices echo. They head out to the backyard where Jen describes how the barbecue’s gas tank float above it during the flood. Jen points out the tiki torches the boys used to measure the rising water, as well as a pool toy that became stuck in a tree. It’s a sweaty humid 32-degree day in Brisbane, but the family’s beloved swimming pool is hardly enticing. Ed puts his arm around Jen and they stare at the murky green soup. “I will miss my pool, I would be in that pool right now,” Ed says.“Wow, look at all those tadpoles and there’s a dead fish.” “I thought the Loch Ness monster was in there the other day,” Jen says. 60
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“There was something in there making huge waves.” Jen smiles when she sees flowers growing back in a ceramic pot plant. She used to be an avid gardener, but now the kneehigh overgrown grass just scares her. They close up the garage door, Ed notices a box full of the boys’ old Ninja Turtle dolls. “I couldn’t bring myself to throw those out,” Jen says. On the drive back to the St Lucia house, Ed longs for the normality of home. It will be at least a year before all the reconstruction work is complete. “I like the old house better, but not in that condition,” he says. “If it didn’t have familiar things and our furniture, it would feel like I was just visiting.” He screws up his nose at the prospect of sorting through boxes of stuff upon their return. Jen reveals that his mother’s old kitchen plaque turned up among the items of salvaged bric-a-brac. “It truly is the things that were sentimental, that had no monetary value, that mean the most to you when faced by a disaster like this,” Ed says. AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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TRAVELLER'S GUIDE
Western
Introducing
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Western Australia could be considered Australia’s final frontier, as Ian Armitage discovers.
W
estern Australia (WA) is massive and largely unpopulated. You could say it is Australia’s final frontier. It’s pretty much – Perth and Fremantle aside – fauna and flora. It is big enough to really get lost in and totally different to anything we have here in the UK. The driving distances are mind-boggling, the terrain can be challenging and the elements often unforgiving. It came as a surprise then to learn that a number of Brits are setting up home in WA. According to the latest edition of the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Settler Arrivals publication, the UK and New Zealand have topped the list of source countries of migrants in the region. Settler Arrivals 2009-10 actually showed a decrease in WA of migrant settlers from 24,463 in 2008-09 to 20,976 in 2009-10. But, putting that into a national context, there were just 140,610 settler arrivals in Australia in 2009-10, so it shows you how popular WA is becoming. And it is set to become even more popular, with Australia’s migration programme targeted to help grow Australia’s economy and meet critical labour needs. “The Australian Government has undertaken a series of strategic reforms of the skilled migration programme, to make it more responsive to Australia’s labour market demands,” a departmental spokesman said following the release of the publication. “These reforms are about selecting the best and brightest people from a large pool of potential migrants.” AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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The government announced in the 2010skills shortages (well in the opinion of the 11 Budget a total of 168,700 places for Bankwest Social Indicator Series anyway). migration, comprising a total skill stream of Nearly half of all businesses in state are 113,850 places, a being negatively total family stream impacted by skills of 54,550 places shortages and have and 300 special had huge difficulties WA‘s capital Perth is closer to eligibility places. in attracting staff. Singapore and Jakarta than it is to “The number of There are fears Canberra. The majority of people live in WA settlers predicted that a major skills and around Perth. to rise this year shortage could with the improving slowdown the Western Australia is the largest Australian economic situation Australian economy, state. With an area of more than and an increased which is a worry. But 2,500,000 sq km, a 12,500 km coastline proportion of skilled the flipside is that it’ll and spanning 2,400km from north to migrants in the mean more migrants south, it occupies a third of the continent. 2010-11 migration are needed. Indeed, programme,” many business leaders Only the narrow Timor Sea separates the departmental have already called its northern coastline from equatorial spokesman added. for faster processing islands of the Indonesian Archipelago WA is expected of Australia Visas for and to the south is the Southern Ocean to feel the brunt skilled workers from and Antarctica. of Australian overseas in order to
Western Australia facts
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Climate avoid losses in productivity. Bankwest business chief executive Ian Corfield said the looming skills shortage was a concern for many businesses, particularly given ongoing demands for Australian resources overseas. “A lot of Australians may think we saw the worst of the skills shortage prior to the global financial crisis but businesses are telling us that the worst may be still to come. “Both Western Australia and Queensland are feeding the resource needs of China and India. This is putting direct pressure on local job markets and it has an additional flow on effect into the other states. “This is resulting in significant changes in the way businesses operate,” Corfield said. Extensive natural gas reserves ensure Western Australia will be an important source of energy well into the future. The state supplies liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan, and is developing markets in Taiwan and Korea.
From its tropical north, to temperate areas in its southwest corner, Western Australia experiences a variety of climatic conditions. With distance from the coast, rainfall decreases and temperature variations are more pronounced. Perth averages eight hours sunshine per day and 118 clear days per year. Mean monthly maximum temperatures range from 17ºC in July to 30ºC in February. Even in the coldest months, minimum temperatures rarely fall below 5ºC. Most of its 802mm annual rainfall occurs in the winter months. With more than 270 operating mines, WA is also a leading supplier of many commodities including alumina, diamonds, iron ore and mineral sands. It also produces 70 percent of Australia’s gold and significant exports of salt, nickel, tantalum and numerous other metals. AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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working down under
More job and immigration opportunities
in Australia for Brits
A
s the economy continues to grow and the unemployment rate falls, more and more Australian businesses are finding it difficult to fill vacancies. The result is a number of new job opportunities exist. The great news is that as a UK citizen, you have an advantage when it comes to immigrating to Australia. So where are the jobs? Everywhere! Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard has repeatedly warned of a looming shortage of skilled workers. Expanding the labour force, with the help of foreigners, is currently top of her priority list. “After three decades when unemployment was our major problem, we now face shortages,” said Gillard. “In the short term, the mining boom is placing huge strains on 66
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our labour market…the resources sector will face a potential shortfall of 36,000 tradespersons by 2015.” Australia has been hit hard by floods, cyclones and bushfires in recent months, but is also known for its plentiful sunshine, beaches, and outdoor lifestyle. The country is riding an uninterrupted growth streak; it is an appealing option with Brits and we can understand why you are considering the move.
NEW LIFE DOWN UNDER Over one million Britons were lured down under with the £10 assistedpassage scheme and skilled trades people and professionals are once again being targeted, as the economy continues to go from strength to strength. Australia was one of the first to leave the worldwide recession and continues to attract overseas skilled workers to fill new positions.
Fast Facts The unemployment rate in Australia is currently at an eight-month low, having hit 5.5 percent in December. 100,000 new positions were created in Australia just in the last three months, evidence of the country’s economic recovery. Australia continues to be the most popular destination for British migrants, with 56,000 Brits settling in Australia last year.
For many years, Australia’s mineral resources have hit the headlines and it continues to represent huge employment opportunities. Of course, you need a visa to be eligible to work in Australia and there are several visa options for potential migrants, who are selected based on things like skills, health, financial resources, age, and English language ability. In November 2010, Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, announced a new points test for skilled migration visa applications proposed to take effect in July this year. Under the new rules, older more experienced skilled professionals and trades people from English-speaking backgrounds, who are not eligible under the existing system, will become eligible.
As an example a 35-year-old engineer, nurse or IT professional with eight years experience, from an English-speaking background, could very well satisfy the points test once it passes into law.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN AUS Wait, you say. I want to move Down Under but don’t have a job on the skilled immigration list. Don’t fret. Why not buy a business in Australia? As long as you have the money to invest you are almost guaranteed a visa. There are pubs, clubs and hotels for sale right across Australia from as little as A$200,000. A cheaper option might be to buy a café, restaurant or bed and breakfast. “If you are investing in the country’s economy there are fewer restrictions than if you are looking for an employer out there,” a nameless executive told Australia and New Zealand Outlook recently. And he is right. You aren’t limited to bars or cafes. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in international markets. UKTI employs approximately 2,300 staff, of whom over 1,200 are overseas. It operates in 162 locations, in 96 markets. In Australia it has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. “UK Trade & Investment staff can help your UK company maximise your international success,” the department says. “Globalise your business. Export to Australia or setup your business there.” Australia continues to be the most popular destination for British migrants, with 56,000 Brits settling in Australia last year. Will you join them? AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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Moving overseas
Visa latest
T
his section is designed to offer you updates on the visa situation down under. Yes, there are a number of different visa options and we’ll do our best to help you. But if you need detailed information then we do recommend that you seek expert advice from one of the many specialist companies that deal in visa applications. If you’re not sure which visa would suit
you best, you can log onto the Australian Immigration Department’s visawizard (www. immi.gov.au), which will guide you through the process. Immigration New Zealand has something similar, called VisaView (http:// www.immigration.govt.nz/community/ stream/visaview/), which is a great tool. Don’t be put off by the huge amount of information with each visa, applying doesn’t need to be complex and stressful, in fact it’s pretty straightforward.
New South Wales releases
State Migration Plan The New South Wales (NSW) State Migration Plan has been approved and came into effect from 3 March 2011. As a result, a number of occupations have been added to the state list. For the Skilled – Sponsored (a permanent visa), the following occupations have been added: • Insurance Broker; • Solicitor; AND • Ships Engineer. For the Skilled – Regional Sponsored (a three-year provisional visa), the following occupations have been added: 68
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• • • •
Chef; Baker; Fitter (General); Metal Machinist (1st Class); • Toolmaker; AND • Cabinet Maker. More information available on the New South Wales government website: www.business.nsw.gov.au
Fraud Public Interest Criterion On 2 April 2011, the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is introducing the Fraud Public Interest Criterion (PIC) that will be applied to Subclass
Type of visa
certain visa subclasses in the Skilled and Employer Sponsored Migration Programme. The affected visa subclasses are as follows:
Title
175
GSM
Skilled – Independent visa
176
GSM
Skilled – Sponsored visa
475
GSM
Skilled – Regional Sponsored visa
476
GSM
Skilled – Skilled – Recognised Graduate
485
GSM
Skilled – Graduate
487
GSM
Skilled – Regional Sponsored visa
885
GSM
Skilled – Independent visa
886
GSM
Skilled – Sponsored visa
887
GSM
Skilled – Regional
880*
GSM
Skilled – Independent – Overseas Student
881*
GSM
Skilled – Australian-sponsored Overseas Student
882*
GSM
Skilled – Designated Area-sponsored Overseas Student
883*
GSM
Skilled – Designated Area-sponsored (Residence)
495*
GSM
Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional)
496*
GSM
Skilled – Designated Area-sponsored (Provisional)
457
TES
Business (Long Stay)
119
PES
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
121
PES
Employer Nomination
856
PES
Employer Nomination Scheme
857
PES
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
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Moving overseas
Several Changes to Aus Subclass 457 and Subclass 442 Visas The Australian government has made several changes to the list of occupations that qualify for the Subclass 457 (Business Long Stay) and Subclass 442 (Occupational Trainee) visa categories, and has revised the list of occupations that qualify for an exemption from English language proficiency requirements for the Subclass 457 visa. Effective February 15, 2011, the Australian government removed seven occupations from the list and added four new occupations to the occupational classification list for the Subclass 457 (Business Long Stay) and Subclass 442 (Occupational Trainee) visa categories. Several changes to the list of occupations that qualify for exemptions from the English Proficiency Testing Requirement for the Subclass 457 visa category were also added. The amended list adds the following occupations: Small Engineering Mechanics, Real Estate Agency Principals, Sugarcane Growers and Wool Buyers. In addition, the occupation of University Lecturer now includes Research Associates or Research Fellows in a university. The following occupations have been removed: Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers; Private Investigators; Beauty Therapists; Bookmakers; Insurance Consultants; Production Assistants (film, television, radio or stage); and Motion Picture Projectionists.
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Companies seeking to employ foreign nationals for the occupations removed from the list may no longer apply under the standard visa sponsorship process, but they may bring such employees to Australia through a negotiated Labour/Work Agreement. Foreign nationals applying for a Subclass 457 visa in the following Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) occupational groups are now also exempt from the English proficiency-testing requirement: • Major Group 1 – Management positions; • Major Group 2 – Professional occupations; • Major Group 4 – Community and personal service occupations; • Major Group 5 – Clerical and administrative workers; • Major Group 6 – Sales workers; and • Selected Major Group 3 occupations, namely, Sub-Major Group 31 (Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, and Science Technicians) and Unit Group 3993 (Gallery, Library and Museum Technicians). Visa applicants nominated for Engineering Patternmaker (code 323411), Communications Operator (code 342312), and Interior Decorator (code 399912) are no longer exempt from the language requirement.
What is subclass 475? Subclass 475 is the most commonly used programme for employers to sponsor overseas workers to work in Australia on a temporary basis. Employers can be either: Australian businesses Overseas businesses. Who is this visa for? This visa is for employers who would like to employ overseas workers to fill nominated skilled positions in Australia. What does this visa let me do? With this visa you can employ overseas workers for a period of between one day and four years. With this visa those people you employ from overseas can: a) Work in Australia for a period of between one day and four years b) Bring any eligible secondary applicants with them to Australia – secondary applicants can work and study c) After entering Australia, have no limit on the number of times they travel in and out of Australia.
NZ interim visas
for foreign nationals
affected by
earthquake The Minister of Immigration, Jonathan Coleman, has announced that interim visas will be granted to everyone who has a residence application lodged with the INZ Christchurch branch, who is in New Zealand and whose current visa will expire on or before 31 May 2011. The interim visas will be valid for six months from the expiry of the person’s visa or until a subsequent visa application is decided for them. So that noone’s immigration status is affected by the earthquake, six-month interim visas will also be granted to anyone whose work, visitor or student visa application was lodged at Immigration New Zealand’s Christchurch office at the time of the earthquake. These will be processed electronically on expiry of their existing visa. Residence visa applicants will be granted open work, student or visitor conditions depending on the type of temporary visa they currently hold, while temporary visa applicants will be granted the type of temporary visa (work, student or visitor) they applied for to Christchurch Branch before 22 February. Individual correspondence will be sent to people when their interim visa is granted.
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