Issue 13 - Sabona Magazine by Sabona Publishing Pty Ltd

The mag for Southern Africans living in Oz

Sabona Issue Thirteen

SABONA APPEALS The Fortier Family

ACOQ

INDABA Insert inside!

Afrikaans Klub

New Insert inside!

REGULARS

Business Features Lifestyle Profiles

SBN AWARDS

FEATURE

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Downunder Diary • Travel • Recipes • Reviews • Rugby • Business • Health

ISSN 1834-5182

9 771834 518009

Issue 13 AUS $3.95

Makers and suppliers of BOEREWORS • BILTONG • DROEWORS SOSATIES • MEALIE MEAL Importers of SOUTH AFRICAN BEER WINES, SPIRITS AND FINE FOODS

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EDITORS NOTE How time seems to pass us by... Issue Thirteen marks Sabona Magazine’s two year anniversary! We are so grateful

CONTENTS 10

for your continued support, which in turn has allowed us to provide a valuable and needed support network for existing and newly arrived Southern African immigrants.

The recently established Sabona Appeals network has proven to be a much needed and positive tool and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those businesses who have become so actively involved in helping Southern Africans find employment in Australia. Since our last issue, we held the Sabona Business Network Awards evening where the winners were announced and a great evening was had by all. A wonderful opportunity to meet business leaders in the South African community and enjoy some great food and company, with guest speaker Peter Niemandt providing some thought provoking insights into the choices we make in our lives. See the winners and some highlights from the evening on page 42.

FEATURES

In this issue we have an update on the Fortier family. The boys are doing well and thanks to the Sabona Appeals network and the Condamine community, the family is able to start making payments on their hospital bills.

Update: The Fortier Family Cheryl Goodenough

Profile: A Bok For All Seasons Maryke Brown

With ANZAC Day just passed, Cheryl Goodenough explains the significance of the day to Australians as well as its relevance to the growing Southern African population in Australia. One of our newest contributors, Dewald Botha explores the Voyager Estate in the Margaret River area, where Cape Dutch architecture has been incorporated into the winery’s grandeur. This issue also introduces the regular INDABA insert from the Africa Club of Queensland and the new insert from the Afrikaans Club.

ANZAC Day and its meaning to Southern Africans Cheryl Goodenough

Cape Dutch in WA Dewald Botha

Places I’ve Been, Mt Mee Forest Reserve Cheryl Goodenough

It’s Footie Season! Pete Niemandt

Africa Club of Queensland INDABA Pages

Afrikaanse Klub Australie

As well as all our regulars in lifestyle, business and finance, Gretel Breytenbach shares her experiences of Toastmasters International and how it has helped her become more confident and capable in her new business ventures and opportunities. We hope you enjoy this issue of Sabona and remember, we love to hear from you so please visit www.sabona.com.au to send us your comments on all the stories you read in the magazine, to subscribe to Sabona Magazine or just send us your story. Until next time…

Liesel Rennie Editor Sabona Magazine editor@sabona.com.au

4 www.sabona.com.au

I take customer I take customer I take customer I take customer service personally service personally service personally service personally I’ll be your bank bank I’ll bepersonal your personal

BUSINESS 32

manager for one-to-one advice advice for one-to-one I’ll I’ll bemanager your personal bank be your personal bank Australian Job Protections and Entitlements manager forfor one-to-one advice manager one-to-one advice Costa Brehas

Tips from the Tenancy Guru Pia Rousseau

Working Exclusively by Referral Peter Swensson

Modern Rostering Colin Mackie

Do You Need a Mentor Catherine Palin-Brinkworth

Toastmasters International Gretel Breytenbach

Only in Aus! Part 6 Dave Robinson

Business and Finance Craig Coetzee

Sabona Business Network Philip Scott

SBN Business Awards

LIFESTYLE AND HUMOUR 7

Giving back to AFRICA, the Cotlands Project

Book Review: A Deadly Trade Cheryl Goodenough

Downunder Diary

Why Is My Pet So Thirsty? Dr Kevin Cruickshank

Gone Fishing Roderick Walmsley

Design, Décor & DELIGHT! Deborah Atkins

Hearty Soups Matilda Scarfe

Book Corner From Cheryl’s Rocking Chair

What’s your 30 minutes? Simone Sleep

Talking Sport Huguenot Hottentot

“I am Marius Mobile Mobile “I amJewaskiewitz, Marius Jewaskiewitz, Lending Lending ManagerManager (formerly(formerly from from “I am Marius Jewaskiewitz, Mobile “I am Marius Jewaskiewitz, Mobile South Africa). South Africa). Lending Manager (formerly from Lending Manager (formerly from South Africa). South Africa). To talk about personal banking banking To talkour about our personal serviceToor anyabout fior nancial matter service any fipersonal nancialthat matter bankingthat To talktalk about ourour personal banking I mightservice be able help with, please I might be able to help with,that please or to any financial matter service or any financial matter that call meI might direct ondirect 0402toon 355 599 call me 0402 355please 599 be able help with, I might be able to help with, please to arrange a mutually convenient to arrange a mutually convenient direct 0402 callcall me me direct on on 0402 355355 599599 visit.” tovisit.” arrange a mutually convenient to arrange a mutually convenient visit.” visit.”

Sabona: Issue Eleven

Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32Limited 009 656 740. Bank of Queensland ABN 32 009 656 740. Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740.

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Sabona INBOX

The Godfather

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Visit www.sabona.com.au to comment on articles found in every issue of Sabona Magazine. We would love to have your feedback on this issue or simply write to us and tell us your story or ask your questions!

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Liesel Rennie 0401 860 276 editor@sabona.com.au

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Advertising in the mag Julie Scott (QLD) 0422 915 671 julie@sabona.com.au

Sabona Head Office 1/9 Price Street Nerang QLD 4211

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Disclaimer All views expressed in this magazine are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the publisher, editors, representatives or associates of this publication. The content presented in the pages of this magazine are for reader information and interest only. It is not a substitute for professional and/ or legal advice in any way. Do not use this information to make financial or legal decisions as it is for reference only. All information and images in this magazine are copyright.

6 www.sabona.com.au

ISSN 1834-5182

Send your letters to: PO Box 307, Nerang Q 4211 or email: editor@sabona.com.au

9 771834 518009

South Africans Down Under - Expect the unexpected! For those of us that have left SA and feeling the pinch, where on earth would we go if Australia was not a viable option? We are incredibly fortunate and I have no complaints except the lack of biltong. David Shapiro

Eds Comments: David, have a look at our directory online, you will find some great people selling SA Goodies, including biltong www.sabona.com.au/business.directory Calling All Scatterlings – Issue 12 I was wandering around in NZ completely Homeless and not sure I could get into Australia when out the corner of my eye in a discount bin in a supermarket I saw a Johnny Clegg CD. 2 days later after playing scatterlings a hundred times my Aussie Perm Res Visa came through. Pure Magic. Yabonga !!!! Paddy Johnson Only in Aus Part 2 – Issue 9 I was widowed 5 years ago, then met my Ozzie husband. We married and I moved to Australia with my two young children. At first it was very exciting to move to a country where we don't have to have burglar bars everywhere. What I have found is that it is real hard to makes friends here. You can invite people, but they don’t readily invite you back like back home in SA. I miss the spontaneous 'drop-ins' of my friends - here you have to make an appointment to see people. I have made some ozzie friends, but I don’t feel the 'depth' and friendliness of back home - luckily I have met a few SA ladies and it’s great to a joke with people who understand where you are coming from. Afrikaans is such an expressive language! My younger son has just fitted in as if he was born here - I suppose it’s true what they say about kids adapting quickly. He can hardly speak Afrikaans in a straight sentence, which saddens me for I still speak Afrikaans to him, but he answers me back in English - I think some of the oompies and aunties back home will not be happy to hear this. I rate this article 3 out of 5. I love our saying back home - 'ons moet saam staan' - and I agree - it’s the South Africans who will dry your tears when we feel lonely or sad about the ones who had to stay behind. Sharmaine Ardern

Eds Comments: Sharmaine, if you are looking to meet some great Southern African friends, there are some worthwhile events and functions in all states. Visit our website and click on the events tab. Immigrating to another planet “9 Lessons I’ve Learnt” - Issue 8 While it is tough for me sometimes, I look at my kids growing up in a truly free, democratic and just society and being able to be anything they want to be and it makes any pain I might feel go away. You realise there is no going back but sometimes you need a bit of encouragement now and then to start looking ahead again. This article did that for me especially Lesson 5. Sebastian De Beer

sabona community

Giving back to AFRICA By Cheryl Goodenough

Canberra’s Despina Voudouris was so moved when she visited a sanctuary for vulnerable children in South Africa that she set up an organisation in Australia to support their work. Planning a trip to South Africa in 2003, Despina made a last minute request to a friend in Johannesburg to organise some volunteer work at an AIDS orphanage. Within three hours of her arrival in Johannesburg, Despina was at Cotlands, which was established in 1936 as a care centre for unwed mothers and their infants, where she was to spend three days doing volunteer work. Cotlands has evolved into an organisation offering shelter for abused, abandoned, HIV-positive, orphaned and terminally ill children up to the age of 14. It also provides community based services to vulnerable children in five provinces. Cotlands impacts more than 4,200 families either through home based and residential care or through outreach, capacity building, counselling and psychosocial support.

Describing that first experience, Despina says: “I was totally blown away and moved by what I saw. I felt that I had to do something to support Cotlands because otherwise I would be allowing this situation to perpetuate. That was something that I couldn’t live with.” On her return to Australia, Despina set up OzCots with the aim of raising awareness of HIV issues generally and funds for Cotlands. Since then the organisation has handed over more than $170,000 to Cotlands and obtained support from about 10 major organisations. One supporter, South African Airways, sponsored Despina to volunteer at Cotlands for two months from November 2004. Around this time Despina gave up her job saying that it interfered with her passion, and she didn’t have enough time to organise all the fundraising activities whilst working full-time. Despina’s work has another link with Africa. She has dedicated OzCots to the memory of her two great aunts who passed away within 24 days of each other in November 2003. They were brought up in an orphanage in Egypt after Despina’s great grandfather was murdered and her great grandmother could not afford to bring up all her children on her own. OzCots volunteers have visited Cotlands four times. The most recent returned to Australia early in March this year. Despina says that it was an opportunity for the volunteers to see the beauty of South Africa, as well as to give back to humanity in a small way. During the recent visit the team spent time at several Cotlands projects around South Africa. These included a community centre in Soweto, where they assisted in digging plots for a garden project. “The singing and constant smiles of the grannies is something we will always treasure,” says Despina. The team travelled to projects in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, with some members staying on to visit in Cape Town as well. They also had some time for sightseeing in the Kruger Park and white water rafting. In the impoverished rural area of Hlabisa in KwaZulu-Natal, the team met a young orphaned 16 year old who is looking after five siblings including two with disabilities. “Cotlands provides assistance with schooling, meals and homework, as well as emotional and medical support for this community that has been heavily affected by HIV and AIDS.” Despina says that the impact of Cotlands really hit home for the Australians to see people living in such impoverished conditions. For more information see www.ozcots.org.au or www.cotlands.org To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1301

Sabona: Issue Thirteen

sabona community

The Fortier Family An astounding story of Southern African generosity and Australian solidarity By Cheryl Goodenough

In February this year, two South African boys, 15 year old Rick Fortier and his four year old brother Marcus, were badly burned when a drum in which they were burning rubbish exploded.

The boys, together with their parents Frederick and Nerina and their two sisters, were living on a farm in Condamine, about four hours west of Brisbane. Their quick thinking 12 year old sister put them in cold water until paramedics arrived and the boys were taken to a local hospital before being flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. Rick, who tried to shield Marcus from the fire, was more seriously affected, suffering from burns to 35 percent of his body. Both boys underwent skin grafts and spent about two months in hospital. They were released earlier than expected and Nerina said that it was really wonderful to be home again as a family. The boys were happy to have more space, and they were able to go to the local Chinchilla hospital for physiotherapy, and the hospital was able to set up a video conference with the Brisbane hospital so that the family did not have to travel to see the doctors in the city. In addition, the hospital invited Rick to attend a camp on the Sunshine Coast for burn patients. Nerina said that there is still a long road to recovery for the boys. At the time of writing Rick hadn’t yet returned to school, but Nerina hoped that he would soon start for at least a few hours a day. The skin that was burned needed moisturiser applied twice a day, and Rick, in particular, still felt uncomfortable. Both boys also had very itchy skin and have to wear garments that cover the areas that were burned. In Rick’s case

8 www.sabona.com.au

this includes gloves as both his hands were burned.

Marcus and Rick

Nerina and the Fortier children arrived in Australia at the end of November, while Frederick arrived about a year previously. He was employed on a farm in the Condamine area on a 457 sponsored visa. After hearing about the accident, Sabona launched an appeal to assist the Fortier family. The boys were not covered by medical insurance, and Frederick was determined to pay the bills himself rather than rely on his employer, who is legally responsible for the account. Frederick told Sabona that he is so appreciative of the financial contributions they received as he feels it is right for him to pay the bill even if it takes a long time to do so. Nerina says that the hospital has given her the provisions they need to change dressings and take care of the boys on a day to day basis. “Now it’s really just about paying the hospital bill,” said Nerina. As they have money or receive donations personally or in the special account that they opened, they pay the hospital what they can afford. “Fortunately, the hospital has been very understanding of our situation. But we’ll pay that account even if it takes us until Christmas,” Nerina said. The community in the Condamine and Chinchilla area where the Fortier’s live has rallied around the Fortier family. Condamine Seeds and Tyres, the company that employed Nerina at the time of the accident, launched an appeal and is due to hold a fundraising auction on June 18.

Fortier In a letter sent to the community, the owners of the company wrote: “In an effort to assist the Fortier family, we at Condamine Seeds have decided to step forward and pull together as only Australians can, and have opted to ask each if you will be willing to assist us to help this family in need, with a donation. Whilst we understand that the current times are tough, and we acknowledge that times are especially tough, your generous donation, no matter what, will be graciously accepted.” As a result of the Sabona appeal the Honey Jewellery team leader on Queensland’s Gold Coast donated jewellery for the auction, financial contributions were received from many Sabona readers, Springbok Foods and Sabona donated a hamper of South African foods and an air conditioner was donated. The family was also offered a weekend away by Tweed Billabong Holiday Park on the southern Gold Coast and the African Cottage in Maleny. A total of 100% of all new subscriptions to Sabona during April 2009 went towards the family, as well as the proceeds of all sales to Peter Niemandt’s book Things I’ve Learnt about Immigration and Aussie, Actually by Lois Nicholls.

Back on the farm, Nerina said that she missed Brisbane, and particularly all the people she had met while looking after the boys in hospital. However, she expressed her appreciation at the many people who continued to phone and send text messages. To comment www.sabona.com.au/1302

Book Review

St.George has the right home loan for you.

By Cheryl Goodenough

A Deadly Trade by Michael Stanley

This is the second book in the Detective Kubu series by authors Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip, writing as Michael Stanley. The first A Carrion Death, which was previously reviewed by Sabona, received three award nominations and has been widely acclaimed in media throughout various parts of the world.

A Deadly Trade is an intriguing murder mystery that begins when a mutilated body is found at a tourist camp in northern Botswana. When identified, it is discovered that the man was thought to be killed in the Rhodesian war 30 years previously. It is up to Detective ‘Kubu’ (meaning hippo in Setswana) Bhengu, an assistant superintendent in the Botswana Criminal Investigation Department, to solve the mystery, as well as to track down the killers and motives behind several other murders that subsequently occur. I was quite spellbound by the book, wanting to get to the end and figure out how all the pieces fitted together. The threads relating to Zimbabwe and the Rhodesian war added an interesting aspect to the book. Having left South Africa recently I found it really warming to read about some familiar places and situations, but it really is the solving of the crimes that takes centre stage in A Deadly Trade.

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The overweight so-aptly named Kubu is such a likeable, well developed character. Elements such as his relationship with his wife and parents, together with his relationship with colleagues and his boss, add a human aspect to the story. We are certainly likely to hear more about his antics in the future. South Africans Sears and Trollip are retired professors who have worked in academia and business. They have been on a number of flying safaris to Botswana and Zimbabwe where their adventures include tracking lions at night, fighting bush fires on the Savuti plains in northern Botswana, being charged by an elephant and having their plane’s door pop open over the Kalahari, scattering navigation maps over the desert. It was on one of these trips that the idea surfaced for a novel set in Botswana. WIN A COPY OF

A DEADLY TRADE

Sabona has 5 copies of Michael Stanely’s A Deadly Trade to give away to readers. Simply be one of the first five readers to comment on this review and we will send you your own copy.

To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1303

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sabona profile

Bok van Blerk and his “bende” will be landing in Australia in July 2009 to commence their tour Downunder. The tour

will include four concerts that will be held in Perth, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Sydney on July 4, 5, 11 and 12 respectively. Hugo (also known for his song “Deur die Straights”) will be performing as the guest artist for this tour and promises to entertain with his sharp wit and jovial sense of humour.

In 2006 Bok van Blerk achieved overnight fame with the release of his song De la Rey, also the name of his first album. The song had such a dramatic impact on the South African nation that it made newspaper headlines all round the world including the NY Times, The London Times and The Washington Post and has led to the album having more than 200,000 copies sold to date. Bok van Blerk has been seen as a local hero in the eyes of many a South African in the way that he has been able to bring together a nation in a time of challenge and volatility. Bok (31 years old) born as Louis Pepler inherited his pet name at school when he used to mimic the mannerisms of one, “Oom Bokkoms”. “I was the proverbial joker at school and university, always cracking jokes and being the entertainer. It gives me great pleasure singing around the camp fire, which I believe I may have inherited from my father.”

When you first meet Bok you will see that is he sturdy built with a calmness about him that doesn’t budge for much; and that when he talks to you with his deep voice you find yourself starting to think “this oke looks maar a bietijie kwaai hey”, but then he manages to catch you off-guard with a naughty smile or an outburst of his warm laughter. Bok started his career when he was working as a project manager at a construction company during the day and putting on performances most nights at gigs until late at night, however these days his only focus is that off his music and when asked about all the late nights he says “I get very little sleep but I’m okay with that. I’m still young and single although I must admit that lately I’m beginning to feel that it may be time that I find myself a girlfriend” he laughs. It is always a diverse group of people that you will find rocking and singing along to the tune of “De la Rey, De la Rey, sal jy die Boere kom lei….” When asked what is it about this song that causes both young and old to be swept up? Bok replies “I don’t really know,” he laughs. “It’s a catchy tune and I think the people enjoy hearing a bit of history in Afrikaans again.” It apparently isn’t only the staunch Afrikaners who enjoy the song either’ Bok goes on to tell us that “My sister’s gardener sings De La Rey word for word at the top of his voice.”

A BOK FOR ALL SEASONS By Maryke Brown 10 www.sabona.com.au

At the time of release the song, De la Rey, was perceived to cast the notion of South African pride in a whole new light, causing it to instantly become an Afrikaner anthem. When asked about the political response surrounding the song, Bok denies any intention of it conveying a political message through the song or that the song was directed at the right wing. “I really

sabona profile don’t understand where this perception comes from. The song speaks of the battle between the Boere and the British. I think perhaps that it may be because the word ‘Boere’ is seen as having such a strong political connotation in South Africa”. Looking angry, he frowns. “We, as young Afrikaans artists fully support moving forward and leaving the past behind, all we ask is that we all be painted with the same brush as all other groups and be allowed to sing in our own language and about our own culture. ‘De la Rey’ is a testament to Afrikaner pride. I’m part of this rainbow country of ours,” he said “but I’m one of the colours, and I’m sticking up for who I am. I’m proud of who I am”.

Afrikaans and the Afrikaans culture lie very close to his heart and although he has traveled all over the world he maintains that he wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Bok van Blerk was the largest selling artist in South Africa for 2007 and 2008 and this included his top seller (De La Rey) – of which 200 000 albums were sold. His album has gone both Gold and Platinum. In one year he has received 3 Huisgenoot Tempo, and 5 Vonk Awards including Song of the Year and Album of the Year, and in 2007 he was also awarded with the best music video

award at the South African MK awards. Bok Van Blerk’s new album “Afrikanerhart” was release on May 11 2009 ‘‘The album has lekker new, original songs, ’’he says. ‘’I think that the lyrics and choruses are better than the previous album.’’ He is especially excited about the duet “Pa en Seun”, featured on the album, which he sings with Steve Hofmeyr. This song comes out of the music compilation, “Ons vir Jou”, and Bok and Steve have already made a music video out of it. ‘’I would like to feature this album in my upcoming tours and make a success of it. I hope and dream it will fill the boots left by De la Rey. There are a few lekker songs including “Seilvis Skoffel” that is about a visvang-liegstorie and “Brandewyn Sonder Brieke” wat net ‘n lekker kuierliedjie is,’’ he says.

Does he feel as though he is famous? “Yes. Sometimes people will ask: “Hey, are you Bok van Blerk?” I reply: “No, I’m Jan de Klerk, a blockman from Benoni. I’m here for the annual meat sawing competition.’” Bok is always quick with a joke and a serious supporter of fun. Having him play in Australia’s backyard will allow all those South Africans living in Australia the opportunity to savor the taste of home. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1304

Sabona: Issue Thirteen

sabona community

ANZAC Day and its meaning for Southern Africans

The South African Military Veterans Organisation of Australasia By Cheryl Goodenough

Being in Australia on April 25 it is quickly evident that ANZAC Day is a significant holiday in the lives of many Australians. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and the day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

ANZAC Day was officially named in 1916. The previous year Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula to open the way to the Black Sea for the allied navies. The plan was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany. The soldiers landed at Gallipoli on April 25, and were met with fierce resistance from the Turkish defenders.

After an eight month stalemate, the allied forces were evacuated at the end of 1915, but both sides had suffered heavy casualties, with more than 8,000 Australian soldiers killed. Since 1927 all Australian states have observed some form of public holiday on ANZAC Day. The meaning of the day has recently been broadened to include Australians killed in all military operations in which Australia has been involved. At dawn, which was the time of the original landing, commemorative services are held, while marches are held later in the day. The marches are held in city centres, as well as suburbs throughout Australia in order to pay respect to servicemen and women. In recent years an organisation representing South Africans has participated in the marches and ceremonies, along with veterans from other countries throughout the world. The South African Military Veterans Organisation of Australasia (SAMVOA) is an ex-servicemen organisation comprising of military veterans who were called up or volunteered to serve South Africa in the South African Defence Force, Mkhonto we Sizwe, and the South African National Defence Force and who now live in Australia or New Zealand or other countries in this region. In addition to participating in events that recognise and remember veterans, SAMVOA provides support, comradeship, fellowship and networking opportunities for veterans and particularly aged South Africans living in Australia and New Zealand. Heritage

12 www.sabona.com.au

membership of SAMVOA is open to people with a parent or grandparent who served South Africa in a military capacity, but who has since passed on. Prospective members need to prove the relationship and connection. Amongst the SAMVOA members who took part in this year’s ANZAC Day ceremonies was Cliff Everton who served with South Africa’s oldest regiment, the (Royal) Natal Carbineers, which was founded in 1854. “This infantry regiment was brigaded with the 1st Battalion Transvaal Scottish and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Own as the 1st South African Brigade and they were the first of six South African brigades to move to North Africa in 1939,” said SAMVOA national chairman Tony Macquet. Cliff spent most of his time at the front as a signaller and was involved in all the 8th Army’s major battles. Another member Tom Robinson, served in the South African Engineers Corps from 1941 to 1945 during which time he spent most of his time at the front and involved in all the 8th Army’s major battles from El Alamein to Tunis. “In Italy he saw action in the 4th battle of Cassino and was with the Polish Brigade that captured Bologna on April 21, 1945. As a young telegraph engineer, Tom’s father served on the staff of Lord Roberts in the Boer War when the telegraph was new technology!” According to Tony, many SAMVOA members fought in Angola, in a conflict that was said to be larger than the battles fought in North Africa during World War 2. “This saw the employment of the most advanced and sophisticated weaponry available at the time. As in the Boer War, the South African soldier proved to be too much for a numerically superior force of Cubans, Russians and Angolans and this culminated in the New York Accords peace agreement signed on December 22, 1988.”

For more information about SAMVOA go to www.samvoa.org To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1305

Downunder Diary March

Having been living in Australia for almost two and half years the question of Australian passports has become a reality. The one thing about immigration is that you leave a mile long paper trail of submissions, applications, approvals, certificates, clearances and licences before you become eligible for citizenship. All this paper work and hard work culminates in a final test to qualify as a ‘fair dinkum aussie’ to show you embrace their traditions and culture. This I finally passed with an automatic induction into the Aussie hall of fame on Friday when our touch rugby was moved to the Manly Hotel Pub due to wet and dangerous conditions. Here I become a member of Australia’s elite when my raffle ticket was drawn and I won the meat tray and a six pack of beer. Traditionally all Aussie pubs have a meat tray on raffle which is normally rigged and won by a ‘battler’ who is a struggling local. This honour of ‘true blue aussie’ that was bestowed on me was reinforced when I was cooking the meat on the BBQ to impress some new friends and when the gas ran out while preparing the steaks. As damage control we had to fire up the kitchen stove and my old cooking tip came to the rescue: All you need to do with any dish to make it a success is to add lots of wine and plenty of thyme. The trouble with living downunder is that most of the sporting events take place in the middle of the night. No wonder most of the living creatures in Australia are nocturnal, they must have kept their same sleeping patterns since the continents split and drifted apart. When I saw the Aussies had a commanding lead in the one day game I reluctantly accepted the fact that I would be a dozen beers poorer by sunrise and went to bed. I mysteriously woke up at midnight and checked on the score and remained riveted until well after 2am when victory was sweet. None the less I overslept and arrived at work an hour late with not a care in the world and the protea as new favourite choice of flora.

April

It has been a tough first term for all of us so we decided to treat ourselves and go overseas for the weekend. So we packed on Thursday night after rugby practise and I knocked off early on Friday and rushed home to pick up the troops. We only just made the ferry to Stradbroke Island which is almost an hour’s trip over the sea. We met up with the Scott’s and headed down Flinders beach to our favourite camping site and had the tents up and fire crackling by sunset. I retired hurt shortly after midnight leaving the rest of the world’s problems for Bianca and Ian to sort out. On Saturday another five families joined us on the beach to enjoy the swimming, cricket, canoeing and relaxing. All the children just played and played and played and played all day. I even wet a line at the end of the day which resulted in an award winning catch of a Shovel Nose Ray (Three star eating I only found out after a quick tag and release). The Aussies and Poms were quite amazed at our African cooking techniques and the good old boerewors went down a treat. I just knew there would be trouble when the cold beer ran out. I had to change to red wine and that’s a bit like putting diesel in a petrol engine for me. Sunday morning was a mix of packing up and playing before buying some fresh prawns and spending the afternoon down at Brown Lake before heading home on the ferry. The treat of living in South East Queensland is that it is a millionaire’s paradise, but can be enjoyed by everyone. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1306

Sabona: Issue Thirteen

sabona places topic

CAPE DUTCH

IN WA By Dewald Botha

Grafting. A method used by horticulturists, and especially rose and grape growers – the age old art of inserting a part of a plant into another so as to become united with it. Michael Wright, Australian farmer and businessman, successfully grafted an entire Cape Dutch assemblage onto Western Australian soil, and the result is blooming. Cape Dutch architecture is a style found in the Western Cape of South Africa. The style was prominent in the days of the Cape Colony and the name derives from the fact that the initial settlers of the Cape were primarily Dutch. Houses in this style have a distinctive and recognisable design, with a prominent feature being the grand, ornate rounded gables. In the late 80s and early 90s, Michael Wright, decided to take his passion for agriculture and use it to create sophisticated, luxury products of exceptional quality – wine. With a Margaret River location decided upon, Michael used his knowledge of soils and climate to track down the right property. When he finally settled on Freycinet vineyard, the owner at the time Peter Gherardi, a qualified viticulturist, had already planted vines in the best soils, having started the vineyard in 1978. By the time Michael purchased it in 1991 and changed its name to Voyager Estate, the small vineyard was well-established and had a history of growing premium fruit. With this, the first half of Michael’s vision was well on its way to being realized – to become a producer of exceptional wines. To complete his vision, Michael wanted to create a stand-out cellar door that would appeal to wine enthusiasts, garden lovers, food aficionados and regional tourists alike. He has always had a fondness for the South African Cape Dutch style of architecture and, with a similar climate to the Cape wine region, he selected this style for its beauty, distinctiveness and suitability to the

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sabona places Australian environment. Voyager Estate is now regarded as a key tourism feature in the Margaret River region. As with the Cape farmsteads, this manor house flows with warmth and hospitality. The interior reflects the elegant and gracious exterior, with Cape Dutch antique and reproduction furniture, softened by curtains and cushioning. Oil paintings of Cape scenes decorate the hallway and dining room. This handsome and functional style of architecture also reminds visitors that the first vines planted in Western Australia in 1929 at the Olive Farm, Guildford, were introduced from the Groot Constantia vineyard in South Africa. The Wright family also acquired the VOC name and trade mark in 1995. Founded in 1602, the ‘Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC)’ was granted a monopoly on trade and navigation east of the Cape of Good Hope by the Dutch Republic. Until its demise in 1796 the VOC was the largest trading company of its kind. The VOC logo, together with roses (a traditional accompaniment to Cape Dutch architecture) and a cartouche of Australian flora and fauna (developed by the explorer Louis de Freycinet) are incorporated in the Voyager Estate’s logos, trademarks and wine labels.

So, next time you are in the Margaret River area, visit Voyager Estate. Walk down the long pathway flanked by rows of vines, each row end-capped with a blooming rose bush, be greeted by the stature of the slave bell, stroll through the formal gardens, awe at the Cape Dutch gable, enter through the double doors, indulge in the traditional Cape interior, taste award-winning wines and treat your palate to some of the fine foods of Gold Plate Award standards. Reminisce about the Boland in its full grandeur – lacking only two things though, the Cape language accent and the mountains. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1307

Sabona: Issue Thirteen

sabona places

Places I’ve Been By Cheryl Goodenough

Being new arrivals in Australia we decided that kitting ourselves out with camping gear would enable us to explore the area where we’re living in an easy and affordable way. Fortunately friends of ours, Ben (originally from South Africa) and his wife Michelle (an Australian), have camping experience and more of the useful and necessary gadgets and equipment that we hadn’t had time to accumulate yet. We recently headed off for our first overnighter with them. They had chosen Mount Mee Forest Reserve, which is about 60km north of Brisbane at the northern end of the D’Aguilar Range. It adjoins the Brisbane Forest Park. We stayed in the Archer campground which is easily accessed from the northern entrance to the reserve after going through Woodford town. The road to the campground is dirt, but we didn’t have any problems driving there in a wagon. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to access some parts of the park.

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The campground has toilets, but no showers, thank goodness for Ben and Michelle’s camping shower. And the water is not safe to drink, so you either need to boil it or take your own. After getting our camp set up we spent some time in the nearby creek, which was great fun for the children who climbed over rocks and enjoyed the cool water. The scenery in the area is beautiful with rainforest, eucalyptus forests, hoop pine plantations and delightful rocky creeks. There is a lot to explore in the reserve and surrounding areas. Ben and Michelle have previously visited the Gantry day-use area, which is about 150m from the southern entrance to the park. There you can see the remains of an old sawmill that operated until 1981 and there are walks from the picnic area.

spot. Owner Simon Gavin says that it’s a popular spot for a number of South Africans, who are members of a Strathpine church that visits regularly. It looks like a good spot for camping and might be worth a future trip. They hold regular events including wine tastings and a music festival in September. There are various amenities on the 127 hectare property that accommodates the campground, including hot showers. Platypus, turtles and several species of fish inhabit the creek, red deer frequent the area and rabbits, hares, wallabies and kangaroos can be seen in the evening or early morning.

Also in the reserve is the Broadwater picnic area, which is adjacent to a large waterhole, and the Neurem Creek campground. Near the entrance of the Mount Mee reserve we went through the Neurum Creek Bush Retreat, a privately owned camping and caravanning

To comment: www.sabona.com.au/0912

sabona lifestyle sabona topic

More great places to visit Wynnum Park

A place that has quickly become a favourite for our family is the water park and play area at Pandanus Beach in Wynnum, Brisbane. There is a great play area, a fair amount of shade, and some water spouting whales to provide wet fun, especially in the hot weather. There is a great walkway for bike riding and there is also a big wading pool with a slide nearby.

Lone Pine Koala Park Lone Pine Koala Park in Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane is a great place to see Australian animals. We visited a short time after arriving in Australia as we were all keen to see Australian animals for the first time. The park is apparently in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary and has been visited by a couple of famous people including Queen Elizabeth II and the Pope. Animals at the park include kangaroos (that you can feed), koalas, wombats, dingoes, snakes and birds.

The Places I’ve Been feature will appear regularly in Sabona. Tell us about the places in Australia that you’ve been to and enjoyed visiting with your friends and family. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1308 To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1206

Sabona: Issue Thirteen

sabona lifestyle

Why Is My Pet So Thirsty? By Dr Kevin Cruickshank

An excessive thirst, or an increase in urination, are symptoms of many serious medical problems, but are frequently overlooked as they are simply thought to be due to hot weather or dry food etc.

More often than not you may not specifically notice an increase, but rather a change in habits such as drinking from the pool or a basin, or asking to go out at night. It can be very useful to get used to noticing how much water your dog or cat drinks, as well as their normal frequency of urination. This will enable you to notice changes early and have them investigated. Early detection is critical for many of the possible causes. Your pet may not seem unwell, and the only symptom of their illness may be the increased thirst or urination. A very common cause is diabetes. Classically diabetes causes increased thirst and urination, as well as losing weight despite having a very good appetite. But not all diabetic pets present with these symptoms, or their onset may be gradual and so symptoms may pass unnoticed. Diabetes is a very treatable condition, but the longer it is left, the harder and more expensive it may be to treat.

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Another common cause of an increased thirst is kidney failure. There are many triggers for kidney failure in animals, but in many cases we cannot identify the specific cause. Frequently it is simply an age related organ failure, especially in cats. Whilst it cannot be cured, the earlier kidney failure is detected, the greater the chance that its’ progression can be slowed and affected pets can continue to have a good quality of life. Liver problems are another cause of increased thirst and urination that is due to an organ failing to function properly. Other diseases with similar symptoms include hormonal conditions such as Cushings disease and an overactive thyroid gland, a common condition in elderly cats. Hypercalcaemia, an elevated level of calcium in the bloodstream, also causes excessive thirst and urination and has many causes itself, including several types of cancer. Since the symptoms of most of these conditions are so similar, it is necessary for your vet to conduct a thorough clinical exam to make a diagnosis. Blood and urine tests will usually be needed as part of this exam and some pets may require further tests such as x-rays. An increased thirst is defined as an animal drinking more than 100ml per kg body weight per 24hrs. For example, a 20kg dog drinking more than two litres of water a day. So if you are concerned that your dog or cat may have an increased thirst, or be urinating more, make an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible. There is most likely a real reason for them drinking more, it’s probably not just the hot weather! To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1309

Gone Fishing with Roderick Walmsley

Wow! Time really flies. I wonder if it is because of our progressive years or simply because there seem to be so many more things that we have to cram into one day. Our little boy has had his magical first birthday, even though it seems like only a short while ago that I was holding my wife’s hand in the delivery room. He is walking and creating havoc around the Walmsley household as most one year olds do. I made the regrettable mistake of introducing him to his first fishing rod. He was constantly trying to get hold of mine while I was rigging them up prior to my next fishing trip. I eventually got tired of saying ‘no’ (as we do) and grabbed an old rod with the tip section missing and put a reel on it for him. Well, the rest, as they say, is history. The rod seems to be his favourite toy. He carries it with him all over the house. Unfortunately, all the household goodies that we had moved out of his grabbing range, now seem to be accessible with the tip of his new rod. I have already got the “it’s all your fault” from my loving wife and I accept the blame fully. It has given us some funny moments and I guess that my father had to put up with something very similar so I am simply getting my just desserts. The fishing has actually been pretty good considering the shocking run of weather we experienced leading up to winter. Constant rain and wind have not made fishing very easy, but the rivers, creeks and inshore reefs did need it. We expect a really good winter season with all the signs already looking good. Some good snapper, yellowtail and Giant Trevally have already been caught and this should only be the start of things to come. Many of the

dams in Queensland and northern New South Wales are looking a lot better with water going over some dam walls. This life-giving rain should help the winter bassing improve as the low water levels last year made for some extremely tough fishing. The barra dams have been through a very difficult few months. There has been the occasional flurry of activity, but these have been very few and far between. Fishing has been tough to say the least and many punters have returned from the dams without so much as a bite for their troubles. The winter season last year was a good one with much experimenting with new techniques helping to improve the fishing. We can only hope that the situation improves and we can still head up there for the odd trip with the hope of catching a metery. Bring on the cold early mornings, beanies, jackets and some red hot fishing, I say! Good fishing to you all. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1310

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sabona lifestyle

Design, Décor & DELIGHT!

Deborah Atkins of Red

Door Interiors has 25 years of experience in decorating in South Africa and Australia. She operates in all areas of the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sydney. She can be contacted on

By Deborah Atkins

Cosmetic Changes Can Work Miracles

0400 590 045.

What do you suggest I do to achieve a whole new look?” “Help, I need a serious facelift for my tired lounge!” writes Patricia Neilson from New South Wales. “I’m an ex South African but have been living in Sydney for 30 years and have been living with the same lounge furniture for the past 20 years which I’ve accumulated over the years.

Deborah’s solution: This is a very common problem in a lot of homes. We tend to get used to our surroundings and overlook them, or we move from one home and bring furniture that doesn’t suit our new home. Looking at this interior objectively, there are a number of problems that need to be resolved:

The lounge as it is now

is in serious need of a

facelift

1. The room looks bland because all the colours are light and there is very little contrast between the cream walls, floor tiles and curtains. Instant contrast and interest can be brought in by painting all the walls an interesting coffee brown, or “latte” in décor speak, colour (Taubman’s Swanky T124-64). Or, if you’re feeling daring, a patterned wallpaper on the back wall in shades of latte will look stunning! 2. There is no focal point at the moment – instead the room has a number of different pieces of furniture that don’t relate to one another. The solution will be to unify the different pieces by re-covering the couches in one plain light colour. I would suggest Warwick’s California Natural or Oslo Parchment. Both are washable and will make the couches look up-to-date while contrasting beautifully against the dark coffee coloured walls. An ornamental mirror hung centrally on the back wall above the couch, instead of the paintings, will create a focal point and make a feature of the room.

Sketch to show how the room could look

In each issue Deborah will address a decorating problem, so send in your questions (photos will help too) and we will feature a solution in each issue. 20 www.sabona.com.au

3. Other suggestions (refer to the sketch and fabric samples) are to re-cover the armchair in a coffee coloured, subtle, self patterned velvet fabric (Warwick Orrington Bark), add two sexy shag pile rugs in the same colour, a new coffee table, side tables and scatter cushions in accent colours, and re-arrange the furniture as per the layout shown – especially with regard to the TV position. Total estimated price, $10,000. The value of a beautiful room in which to feel proud to relax and entertain? Priceless! To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1311

Missing Home? Take a piece of South Africa with you.

Email: admin@hpcorporation.com Fax: +61 7 3341 5255 Sabona: Issue Eleven

sabona lifestyle

Hearty Soups by Matilda Scarfe

Pea, Ham and Mint Soup

Pumpkin & Basil Soup

An old favourite. This is the authentic Dutch recipe.

I love the carrots in this. It really gives extra depth.

You will need:

500g split peas, soaked overnight, then rinsed and covered with cold water 2 smoked hocks (or bacon bones) 1 onion, stuck with 8 cloves 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed ½ celery bulb, cut in pieces 1 small bunch celery, sliced 1 onion, chopped 1 leek, chopped Salt and pepper ¼ cup fresh mint

1 onion, finely chopped 1 x 400g tin tomatoes 500g pumpkin 250g carrots 6 cups chicken stock 4 TBSP chopped basil Black pepper 3 TBSP yoghurt Alfalfa sprouts 1. Sauté the onion in a little butter until soft.

1. Cover the hock with cold water, bring to the boil, and simmer until soft and the meat is falling off the bones.

2. Add the tomatoes and stir until mixed.

2. Remove from the water and set aside to cool.

4. Cut carrots in diagonal slices. (They don’t roll all over the place then!) Put the pumpkin and carrots in a saucepan with the stock and bring to the boil.

3. At the same time, bring the peas to the boil and simmer until tender. 4. Add the onion, potatoes and celery. 5. Fry the chopped onion and leek in a little oil or butter until soft, but not brown. Add to the pea mixture. 6. Cube the meat, discard the bone and skin (or spoil the dog with it!). 7. Add to the pea soup. 8. Season with salt (careful, not too much as the hocks are salty) and pepper. 9. Simmer until the veges are tender. 10. Add a generous amount of chopped mint and enjoy!

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3. Peel pumpkin and cut into cubes.

6. Simmer covered for 20 minutes or until the veges are nice and soft. 7. Add the onion and tomato mixture. 8. Blend until smooth. 9. Return to the pan; add chopped basil and pepper to taste. 10. Serve with a swirl of yoghurt and alfalfa sprouts, topped with more shredded basil.

Matilda Scarfe

Gourmet Afrika www.malenyqueensland.com/gourmetafrika To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1312

Book Corner

From Cheryl’s Rocking Chair Review by Cheryl Goodenough

The Brisbane City Council has a project entitled One Book Many Brisbanes that aims to encourage people to read and discuss books. The project has resulted in the emergence and recognition of a number of writers. The One Book One Community initiative was established by the Washington Centre for the Book in the United States in 1998 and has been embraced in various centres around the world. In Brisbane it led to the publication of the One Book Many Brisbanes anthologies, the first of which was published in 2006. More than 600 entries were received for the 2008 edition and the 10 winners won $6,000 each and had their stories published in the anthology. The original One Book One Brisbane competition boosted the careers of Australian writers such as Peter Carey, Rosamond Siemon, Rebecca Sparrow, David Malouf and Kimberley Starr, according to Lord Mayor Campbell Newman’s message in the 2006 edition of One Book Many Brisbanes. Chief executive officer of the Queensland Writers Centre and a judge in the competition Kate Eltham says that the small stories of Brisbane life have stayed with her, “the stories of finding love on the local bus, or living by the railway line during wartime, or the long, sodden slog of a Brisbane summer”. She adds: “Because this is my town, and these are our stories. This is the literature of West End and Geebung and Mitchelton. This is the literature of the flood, the bridge, the river and the figs, written not by artists living a government-funded existence, but by all of us.” Looking for an audio book to read while driving and doing the housework, I noticed Great Australian Railway Stories by Bill ‘Swampy’ Marsh. An ABC production, these short stories will be of great interest to anyone who enjoys history, particularly relating to the olden days of steam railway in Australia. There are some funny and dramatic stories told by people who were directly involved, as well as families. The production does have some offensive language. Incidentally Marsh is an author, songwriter and playwright who has written numerous books about his personal experiences, as well as stories of others including Great Flying Doctor Stories, Great Australian Shearing Stories, Great Australian Droving Stories, and More Great Flying Doctor Stories. The audio book that I’m listening to at the time of writing is Hidden Agenda. Described as a book about a woman Suzy who faces execution in Louisiana for murdering her two children, it sounded like a rather heavy going court drama. However, focusing mainly on her past relationships with school friends and an art teacher, I found Hidden Agenda an intriguing story about friendships and the experiences of the women who played an important part in Suzy’s life. There is no connection to Australia in the book, but quite by accident I found references to Cape Town where one of Susie’s school friends settled after leaving the United Kingdom where they had all grown up.

To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1313

sabona recipes

sabona lifestyle

What’s your 30 minutes? by Simone Sleep Many people have thrown in the towel with exasperation after hearing the guidelines for healthy living that recommend 30 to 90 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a day. Some suggested ways to reach this amount include: › › › › › › ›

Dancing Walking briskly Biking Golfing Swimming Shooting hoops Pacing while talking on the phone

As the list above shows, the guidelines don’t require meeting the time recommendations through structured exercise alone. Half the time can be spent on a structured activity, while the other half can be accumulating from using the stairs or walking around whenever possible (at work, the mall, home, etc).

Use Exercise Effectively

The key to exercising is to make sure you are doing it effectively. By doing so, you will ensure all your hard efforts (and time) are not wasted and are having a positive effect on your body. To aid you in your efforts, there are three important variables to exercise to keep in mind: › Length of time › Frequency › Intensity Finally, most people don’t have the slightest clue about exercise intensity and just don’t understand that walking at an average pace, though beneficial for general health, isn’t a sufficiently intense exercise for weight loss or heart benefits. The problem with walking is that it is great for out-of-shape individuals for a week or two, but most become fit relatively quickly and require a constant increase in exercise intensity to maintain their training effect.

Making Exercise a Priority Most people can reach the recommended exercise goals by simply making it part of their daily routine. The key is to make exercise a habit and figure out what time of the day works best, such as: › › › ›

Before going to work During lunch hour Right after work In the evening with a friend

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Walking just simply can’t do that unless you are walking on an inclined treadmill. The simple way you can find out if you are exercising hard enough is to increase the intensity of your workout until you are having a difficult time talking to someone. Once you are there, decrease ever so slightly and you will be at your ideal intensity range. It is important to understand with time this will continue to increase, but some days you might actually have to go backwards as stress or illness will decrease your fitness level temporarily.

If you can easily carry on a conversation with someone next to you, then in all likelihood you are going too slow to generate the aerobic benefits that exercise is capable of doing; if you cannot carry on a conversation at all, then you have gone too far and need to decrease the intensity. Remember real and spontaneous motivation comes after action, and seldom before it…so if you’re waiting to get motivated…many seasons may pass… because more likely motivation is waiting for you.

The 20 Benefits of Exercise 1 Releases beta-endorphins (anti-depressant)

2. Releases growth hormone, helps

stage III and IV sleep (deep sleep and anti-aging) 3. Prevents osteoporosis 4. Increases oxygen to the brain 5. Lowers cholesterol 6. Burns fat tissue…especially aerobic sessions over 40 minutes 7. Helps coronary arteries by enlarging openings 8. Releases circulating fibrinolysins (keeps blood viscosity down i.e. less likely to have a thrombosis) 9. Clears “acidosis” from food allergies 10. Helps the digestive system 11. Helps the immune system 12. Keeps mobility of joints 13. Helps overcome “mental puff/brain fog” (focus improves) 14. Develops stamina 15. Purges pesticides and herbicides through sweat ducts 16. Enhances libido 17. Assists in preventing cancer 18. Circulation improves throughout whole body, improving physical, emotional and mental clarity (AH HA memory therefore improves) 19. Energy improves 20. Sense of achievement and wellbeing No wonder exercise has been labelled as the single biggest option available to us for optimum health! Remember to include a warm-up good enough to induce a slight sweat on the brow before your work-out session...and most of all...have fun with it. Simone Sleep (N.D.) is from the Gold Coast Anti-Ageing and Wellbeing Centre. Contact her on 0420 362 990 To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1314

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before

To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1212

Sabona: Issue Twelve

sabona sport

Talking Sport The Diamonds still shine in Africa

with Huguenot Hottentot

Who would have thought that South African sport would be where it is now? After the election things were looking bleak

with quotas, administration blunders, confusion, but amazingly it’s pulled itself up and again. The emergence of genuine international superstars of all race colours is highly pleasing. The South African 7-a-side rugby team is excelling leading the international standing by quite a margin and going into the last two tournaments in London and Edinburgh should pull off a first. There are definitely a couple of future superstars in the making for the Boks in this very talented squad (and none of them play in the Super 14 ). Any doubters just remember awesome Jonah Lomu and dynamic Christian Cullen came out of the 7-a-side system. And of course beating the New Zealanders on a regular basis now is very ‘lekker’, especially after all the smashing we had to endure when the South African Rugby Board did not take the competition too seriously. South Africa is now number one in the world in cricket with lots of classy youngsters making their mark – one cannot get more Suid Afrikaner than Roedolf van der Merwe. Graeme Smith, who is still young, is taking on the mantle of invincibility – number one batsmen in the world and is developing an aura of complete dominance when he comes onto the pitch – the dominator! Add in the best fast bowler, the best wicketkeeper and best all rounder. Things are looking good, okies! Are we the best rugby team on the planet? My answer: We have the best talent and are the biggest, strongest and fastest. But we play too conservatively still, tend to defend leads after totally dominating the opposition and go into our laager shells. I’ve said all along that if the Bokkies pick the right team, get real fit, be mentally tough and play the right game we can win the World Cup for a record third time at a canter BUT that is a big IF! Interestingly, South Africa is doing particularly well at team sports. To do well at individual sports a country has to have a national sports academy. The United States has a multi academy system with college athletic programs, into which massive amounts of money are pumped. Team sports are great for schools and rugby and cricket in South Africa is very vibrant and healthy. The explosion of sports tournaments is great to see and is keeping the playing standards very high. I used to be involved in the Saints Schools Rugby festival at St Stithians College in Johannesburg which used to attract crowds of up to 15,000. But then again top rate school boy rugger is the best rugger to watch. Ooops, one exception. I don’t think it can beat the Greatest Game in the World: The mighty All Blacks against the formidable Green and Gold. In conclusion as much as I wanted the Sharkies to win (heart call), South Africa’s best chance was always going to be the Bulls (head call). Well done to the Bulls’ conservative coach: You used your backline. It’s blitz, big, strong, skilled, so why the bloody hell not! You will now be a God in Pretoria with that record winning margin! Vat hom vas, fluffy! To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1315

26 www.sabona.com.au

sabona sport

It’s Footie Season! By Pete Niemandt Even as I write this I realise that to the uninformed (that is, those not from the state of Victoria) the word ‘footie’ could mean a small ball (like in Afrikaans words for small things “seuntjie”) But over here in Melbourne it means AFL: Australian Football Rules. A fast moving, high flying, rough tackling form of team sport that resembles rugby only in the use of a similar shaped ball. And it is indeed the sport that grips Victorians at this time of the year. We know it is footie season when a few things happen for us as a family: Firstly, when my youngest son Ben is reluctant to remove his footie kit, and when we have to check that he is wearing his PJ’s and not his boots. Although he has been known to take his ball to bed. And then there is his mother, the very same gently spoken 5’2” woman, who would not hurt another living creature, who becomes a frighteningly wide-eyed, nostrils flaring, head swinging footie supporter, screaming and chanting at the plasma screen as our team St Kilda scores another goal. And to ask her to calm down at this time can only lead to me being maimed, or given THE LOOK. Married men know this look. It is death in a glance. So when footie is on the box and my wife is in full swing, I do other things. I usually do these things outside so the

neighbours, on hearing the noise emanating from our house, can see that I am not abusing her in any shape or form. Another footie sign is the weather. Weeks before we were facing 40°+ temperatures. Now the thermometer has dropped faster than house prices in Brakpan. When most people would consider sleeping in on a Sunday, as very cold weather swirls outside, us footie parents will be getting out of cars on the edges of footie ovals. We will huddle together with the Arctic wind blowing freezing rain across the legs of totally frozen parents. Someone usually comments that they can’t feel their toes…or hands…or nose…or ears. But all of this is forgotten when the game starts with a whistle blow. The scrambling for the ball becomes the focus of attention as our kids run around, shouting to each other “Kick it to me! Kick it to me!” as the game moves from one side of the field to the other. The umpire’s whistle forms the edges of the players’ activity as the score board ticks on. We forget the cold. We forget that we are wet. The possibility of a goal kick has us willing the ball between the posts. IT IS THROUGH! There is much clapping and cheering from us Frozen Chosen. “Benny is having a good game” someone to my left says. I thank them without turning my head. “I can’t feel my feet”, someone else says matter of factly. Yup, it is footie season. Isn’t it great? To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1316

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Sabona: Issue Thirteen

sabona INDABA

Message from the President Dear Members and Visitors It is hard to believe we are already in May 2009. I am happy to let you know that we appointed the new committee at the end of March. It will take the club through another year of social gatherings and fun events and growth. The 2008 committee decided to all stay onboard to support the club and four new committee members were elected. We are all very enthused about the possibilities for 2009 and want to make a real difference to the club and the wellbeing of our members in this coming year.

The AfricaClub 2009 Committee

more regularly. All members will also receive the Sabona magazine as part of their membership. What a great reason to join the club! We are going to focus our attention on publishing more stories from the club in Sabona. Stay tuned for interviews with our club members in the next edition. My vision for the club is to foster a caring environment where you can come and relax from all the stresses involved in moving country, settling in a new place, finding your feet, starting your career in Aus, etc, etc. Come and meet people from similar backgrounds, share new experiences with them and be inspired about the potential we all have within us. Although some enjoy the odd “war story” when told with South African passion, I like to embrace Aussie-land now and would like the club to provide opportunities for people to explore this lovely country and create new experiences and adventures to tell. My hope is that the club will always be open for anyone to attend and that people not only from South Africa will feel equally welcome to be part of our gatherings. I would like to share the African culture with the Aussie mates that we have made here in Queensland.

Left to right:Charl Botha, Alison Rip, Brian Bangles, Betty Strydom, Jorrie Jordaan, John Cook, Morné Barnes and Lorraine Blake.

We are currently in the planning stages to map out the activities for the rest of the year. Any input will be welcomed at this stage. The first event, as the new committee stepped in, was attending the Saffie Camping weekend at Tweed Heads. Saturday night was a big one and thanks to Paddy from Tweed Billabong Holiday Resort for a good party. I can see some potential for making this an annual event. Next on the agenda is attending the Johnny Clegg concert. A group booking has already been made and tickets sold out for this event. During June there is going to be a South African property seminar and business networking evening. Springbok Foods remain a main sponsor of the club and our members cannot go without their presence. Thanks to our loyal sponsors for their support. If you are interested in supporting the club please get in touch with me before the June seminar. Monthly meetings will continue to be on the last Friday of the month. We normally have about 60 to 80 people attending our meetings. The committee aims to increase this number this year. We hope to double it, by using electronic tools to stay in touch

28 www.sabona.com.au

Lastly, I would like to invite you to join us at our next meeting. We meet the last Friday of each month from 6.30pm at the West Brisbane Bulldogs Rugby Club. Come join us for a drink, a boerie roll and a chat. We are looking forward to seeing you all again soon!

Morné Barnes

President The Africa Club of Queensland

Articles and stories by our members The following pages are for our members to submit articles of interest about the club or the wider South African network in Australia. Please contact us to include your story or your experiences. It could help all of us in the future! If you would like to advertise with the club, then please contact us to, and we can work out how to best support your business.

info@africaclub.org.au or editor@africaclub.org.au

sabona INDABA

Home loan pre-approvals

by Morné Barnes (Mobile Lending Manager)

Once you begin to think about buying a property, a home loan pre-approval is something that is definitely worth considering regardless of how much you are intending to borrow. A pre-approval is similar to full finance approval except that the property you intend to purchase has not yet been determined. The approval is valid for three months. It gives you clear guidelines on how much money you have to work with. Some conditions usually need to be met before full finance approval will be granted, such as finding the property and the property being valued by the bank. The first step is to get your borrowing capacity assessed, to make sure you don’t look at something you will not be able to afford. This can easily be done via email. Once you have this ready, pre-approval is the next step.

Pre-approve now for successful price negotiation or to bid at auction Speak to me about arranging a pre-approval for you so you can negotiate (with confidence) a good price on the property you intend to purchase or bid on at auction. I will also be able to assist you with some important research information on specific properties that you are considering.

After you have found your property Once you have found your property, you will need to advise me and provide a copy of the contract of sale. Full approval of your loan can take as little as a day or it may take a few days if valuations are required.

Benefits of pre-approvals With the recent changes in loan conditions and tightening of lending policies, you are actually able to lock in the loan conditions at pre-approval stage. This means that your approval may be able to get you a loan that was available when you enquired but may have since be pulled from the market. I have seen many clients securing a no deposit home loan, while this product was no longer available due to their pre-approval they have done a few months ago.

If you are interested in finding out your borrowing capacity, or proceeding with a preapproval, please contact me by email (mornebarnes@stgeorgeconnect.com.au) or phone me on +61 (0)438 462 310. Looking forward to catching up! To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1317

Springbok Foods will be there for all your biltong-boerewors and South African food needs

SOUTH AFRICAN EVENING 24 JUNE 2009

Australian Property Investment Strategies Discover the successful strategies Australian Property Investors use! Come and meet the Property Industry Professionals who can show you clear and safe passage for successful property investment in Australia . Location : Home Ideas Centre, 66 Merivale Street, South Bank, Bribane

Time: 18h00

Hosted by the Africa Clubs Gold Sponsor www.whyproperty.com.au and the St George Bank Guest speakers : Mr. Tim McCracken – Founder of Why Property and Mr. Morné Barnes – President of the Africa Club

R.S.V.P. before 19 June with Maggie at maggie@whyproperty.com.au

Get a written preapproval for the most secure indication of your borrowing power. It's in your best interest!

“ Connecting Good People . . . with Good Property “

Sabona: Issue Thirteen

sabona INDABA

Camping on North Stradbroke Island by Marcia Mattushek surfing you’re already wet! And what a delight! Miles of beautiful beach, with life guards sitting out in the rain, and hardly a soul in the water. The waves were small and the sea not too brutal, so good for the whole family to surf, swim, boogie board or just wallow! Tired and happy, we ventured home and started to prepare dinner. It wasn’t long before we were enjoying a feast of braaied chops, wors and salad. It rained all night, but we were quite secure, with the odd drip or two, which we sorted out the next day! We clearly hadn’t followed the instructions and we needed to learn some tent pitching skills.

Please understand this about me: I DO NOT CAMP! I am a spoilt city girl from Cape Town who thinks that roughing it is surviving a holiday with a shared toilet – and that’s with my own family So after we arrived in Australia, we heard all about this camping business. And my family got excited – to the point where the camp site was booked, the ferry paid for, and a small fortune spent on camping “stuff”. On January 2, we left for Stradbroke Island on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The ferry trip over was wonderfully exciting, watching the island come into focus and anticipating a fun time, whilst trying to ignore the dark clouds looming overhead. We arrived and set up camp with a small bit of snarling and sniping (all of it by me!). When a giant monitor lizard came twisting out of the undergrowth right next to our campsite, I was ready to leave. Pretty much the only thing keeping me there was the fact that I needed a ferry to get back to civilization. And then the rain came down! We were camped at Adder Rock with the beach only a short walk away. We decided to take the surf boards for an outing. The thinking here was: it’s raining – when you’re

30 www.sabona.com.au

Next morning came after a long night and after breakfast and a short walk to a lovely sheltered beach, where we donned our snorkel gear and hit the water. Within seconds all sorts of little colorful fish, surrounded us.

Massimo led our convoy of four wheel drives on an adventure! When we hit the first mud puddle, I could all but hear my brother in law, Fred, in the last car! He likes nothing better than a clean car, so this was not sitting well with him! What fun! Bouncing around, driving through huge mud puddles and avoiding some vehicle swallowing pot holes! We stopped for lunch alongside the “brown lake” – could see where that one got its name! More 4 x 4ing and a stop for coffee and cake at one of the tea rooms that are dotted all around Straddies. We said goodbye to the day trippers and headed home. A last swim/surf /wallow in the waves and the rain before dinner. A proper South African potjie cooked by Schalk! So delicious I’ll go

And then Massimo spotted the shark! But before he spotted the shark he claimed he definitely heard orchestra music. (The jaws theme song no doubt!) He was a little fellow, but we had much excitement checking him out! And you have so much more street credibility when you can say, you came upon a shark while snorkeling and lived to tell the tale! That afternoon, stuffed with my sisters famous packed lunch,

camping again just for the potjie! The rain finally gave up, and after a dry night, we woke up, feeling quite refreshed and ready to take on the sunshine and Cylinder beach. The beaches on Stradbroke Island are white and the sand squeaks when you walk or drive on it. They seem to go on for miles, and many are patrolled. I had the best swim in the sea since I was a little kid. You know – the swim where you come out of the water with your bathers hanging down to your knees from the accumulated sand in the gusset!

sabona INDABA

A New Life In Australia by Sue Bett

My husband, Rick and I came over to Oz from Hout Bay, Cape Town in the eighties. We landed in WA, bought an old Ford bomb and explored the West coast, ending up in Darwin. We loved it and decided to buy an acreage property at Humpty Doo, a truly special place to live where we later rode our horses to the local pub for a beer. To cut a long painful story short, we then contacted our South African lawyer who had power of attorney for us, to get our money out, only to find he had been sent to prison for fiddling his trust fund and as a result we never saw our savings. Left to Right: Camryn, my husband Kevin, my daughters Erinn and Savannah, and Massimo We had bought a huge white esky (cooler box) and re-iced it, each morning from the ice/coffee/bread/milk/bait van which comes around to the camp sites. Our last remaining food was still frozen and had to be left out to defrost for yet another lovely meal and then it was off to bed for our last night on Straddie. There is nothing nicer than sitting around the campsite with beer in hand after an exhausting day of fun, and chatting with friends and family about nothing in particular. We packed up our site, trying to clean and dry everything as we went so that we didn’t have to do it again when we get home. And wondering how we got it all into the Rav in the first place! Our ferry back was only at 3pm. It’s an overcast day, so we took a drive around the island and head off to find the “blue lake”. It’s somewhere in the middle and a 5km walk on a pretty level path through the bush to get there. A bit disappointing once you find it, as it’s not at all blue – maybe because of the overcast day. But we did come across a swing rope and had heaps of fun playing Tarzan. Another great packed lunch and the hike back, where we needed plenty water. Awfully hot, but worth the effort. More driving to a cliff area where there is a path along the top. Lovely scenery, even though it’s overcast and the sea is angry. It was time to head for the ferry and home! We had conquered North Stradbroke Island, and the island had won our hearts. We will be back! To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1318

This country has been very good to us - we literally had nothing, no jobs, no money, just our clothes and at that time, a serious longing for home. But we quickly found work and subsequently lived in the NT for four fun years. Home loans were incredibly inexpensive and soon we had enough money to buy our own property. Rick then decided it was time to follow his dream of cruising around the world on a yacht. So we sold the house and left for Brisbane in search of a boat - in an old station wagon with only an antique bentwood rocker from SA and a burmese cat in the back. After much searching we found his dream boat - a 62 ft steel ketch where he actually had enough headroom to stand up (he is 6ft 5"). Unfortunately ”Carte Blanche" wasn't a boat one could go to sea in, just a steel shell needing much work which immediately depleted nearly all our ready cash. We launched her on the Brisbane River and lived on her- home was now a black empty cold shell with no windows. However I soon found a job while Rick worked on the boat - a couple of years of back breaking work where we very quickly lost any new Qld friends we made - so focused we were on getting her finished. Friends, needless to say, did not take kindly to being presented with a paintbrush or sandpaper on arrival! The good news is although we never got around the world , we would work for 6 months and then take off for the Pacific and PNG for six months and it was all worthwhile. After 14 years of living on this boat and the great cruising lifestyle it gave us, it was time for me to follow my dream and buy a rural property again, with dogs and horses. But now the man has salt water in his veins (he is a Pisces, so no surprises there) so we started looking for a property on the water. We sold the yacht when we finally found a rundown 80 year old cottage perched on13 acres on the Caboolture River which we renovated and where we have lived for the past eight years. Rick has, of course, in the meantime built another boat - a powercat, which we keep on our own pontoon and all is well. I feed around 40 mouths of a morning with cats, dogs, horses and numerous chooks and ducks and love it. Our SA friends say the property reminds them very much of Africa - all we need is a couple of Springbok or giraffe roaming around..... To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1319

COTTAGE FOR RENT

F/F 2 B/R self contained cottage on acreage and the Caboolture River. Close to bus, shops and hospital. About 1 hour’s drive north of Brisbane. Lovely secure setting - rent short or long term. $250.00 a week - includes electricity. Call Rick 0413 733 143

Sabona: Issue Thirteen

sabona business

Australian Job Protections and Entitlements (part 3) by Costa Brehas Readers who have been following the previous articles in this series will by now realise that there are a raft of laws in Australia that protect employees and their entitlements. One of the areas

that Australian laws protect and which some employers tend to underestimate relates to terminating an employee on discriminatory grounds or prejudicing an employee in some way. Consider the following scenarios: (a) An employee asks her employer to vary her hours so that she can pick up and drop off her children from school. The employer refuses to agree to this request and instead stops rostering the employee for overtime shifts which she used to regularly work. The employee resigns because of this. (b) An employer implements a policy in the workplace whereby all employees who have been working continuously for at least five years will receive a bonus. (c) Two employees are eligible for promotion. The employer decides not to consider one of these employees because he was previously involved in strike action. Each of these situations could give rise to discrimination claims under various State and Commonwealth laws for the following reasons: • It is unlawful to prejudice employees who request flexible working arrangements based on family/carer’s commitments as is the case in (a) above. The employee's resignation as a result of the employer's conduct can also be considered to be a forced dismissal. • In (b) above, the employer's policy indirectly discriminates against certain groups of people who may not be able to work continuously (e.g. women – because they may have to leave work to have children; or employees who may have illnesses or injuries which prevent them from working continuously). • There are State and Federal laws which prohibit employers from

32 www.sabona.com.au

prejudicing employees as a result of industrial activity or union membership as in (c) above.

The range of protections concerning discrimination is very broad. Discrimination laws exist not only in respect of the area of employment, but in various other areas including the provision of goods and services, sport and accommodation. There are a number of common sense measures that can be taken by employers to prevent discrimination claims from arising. These include training their staff about discriminatory conduct, having policies in place in the workplace dealing with discrimination, enforcing those policies consistently and regularly monitoring the workplace to address any discriminatory action as and when it arises. Where an employee discriminates against another employee in the workplace, this can give rise to claims against that employee personally in addition to claims against the employer. Discrimination claims can arise even before the employment relationship comes into effect (i.e. at the interview stage) and are not subject to limitations such as qualifying periods before an employee may bring these claims. Any South African who proposes to commence business in Australia or who is running a business in Australia would be wise to familiarise themselves with the range of job protections and entitlements that currently exist and to seek professional advice about these matters. By Costa Brehas (B. Proc – University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa). Costa practised as an attorney and conveyancer in South Africa and is currently engaged as a Senior Associate in the Employment and Workplace Relations department of Hunt & Hunt which has a national presence throughout Australia. Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1320

Tips from the Tenancy Guru By Pia Rousseau

Proposed Law Changes Affecting All Residential Leases from July 1, 2009 It is expected that The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, will combine and replace the Residential Tenancies Act 1994 and Residential Services (Accommodation) Act 2002, effective from July 1, 2009. New Laws Affecting A Tenanted Property Listed For Sale From July 1: If within TWO (2) months of a new lease the tenanted property is listed for sale or shown to a prospective Buyer, and the Tenant was not made aware of the event prior to entering into the new lease, then the Tenant can give TWO (2) weeks notice of their intention to leave. The Lessor/Agent cannot conduct an open for inspection or auction on site without the Tenants written consent. The Lessor/Agent must not use a photo or other image of the premises in any advertisement if it shows something belonging to the Tenant unless the Tenant has first provided written consent. Entry to the Lessor/Agent can not be made on a Sunday or public holiday or another day after 6pm or before 8 am unless the Tenant agrees. Thankfully, there are some exemptions for remote locations. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1321

sabona business

Working Exclusively by Referral Peter Swensson

In the last edition of Sabona I wrote about the two choices that we have in business when it comes to finding customers. We can either ‘chase’ after customers or we can ‘attract’ customers If we want to ‘attract’ customers to our business, we would choose to work by referral. If we choose to work by referral we need to recognise that this requires a different strategy to the traditional marketing methods that we have been using for so many years. So many of us never get this right because we falsely believe that the only way to work by referral is to provide excellent customer service. This may be an obvious assumption, but the truth is that recent research has shown that satisfied clients don’t always refer. Service excellence alone is not enough to guarantee repeat and referral business, according to Wendy Kinney’s Exceptional Network Marketing. The main reason for this is that the modern day consumer is far more discerning than in the past. We are exposed to a much wider choice

DO YOU WANT…

of products and services, we are skeptical towards most forms of advertising and we are all too busy to remember anything really special about a particular product or service for more than a couple of months. Without the essential link between good service and an ongoing relationship, there’s really not much chance of retaining customer loyalty, let alone generating referrals! While service excellence is indeed an essential ingredient for working exclusively by referral, it needs to be exploited and retained. The way to do that is to combine it with a custom designed relationship management system. If we have gone to all the trouble of providing excellent service, let’s also go to the trouble of keeping in touch and maintaining an already good relationship. We do this with the help of a system that ensures that not only do we get all of our client’s repeat business, we also get numerous referrals. A tailor made system, called The TurnKey System, that has been developed makes it easy for small businesses to retain and maintain the value of good relationships achieved during the transaction process, far into the future. The system has been developed using research and proven

documented data. Through this research and past results, we have determined that in order to achieve ‘raving fan’ status with your customers, there are a certain number and a certain variation of types of communication that must take place over a given period of time. Instead of losing contact with customers after you have completed a transaction with them (typically because we are too busy chasing new customers), this system provides a means for you to maintain contact in the correct format and sequence. It also comes with all the tools and materials that are necessary to carry out this strategy in the correct format and sequence. The end result is that you have a professionally executed system that operates with minimal input and effort from yourself and yet your clients’ experience is that you are paying special and professional attention to them! The loyalty and resultant referrals that follow are priceless! In the next edition we will detail a step by step process of how to go about implementing this system in your business. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1322

Personalised service Practical advice Cost effective solutions

All of the above

, you can have it all.

business corporate insolvency property trade practices intellectual property and technology employment wills and estate planning

Level 3, 220 St Georges Terrace, Perth Tel: 08 - 9422 8111 www.taitlegal.com.au Sabona: Issue Thirteen 33

sabona business

Modern Rostering Colin Mackie

One of the most troublesome jobs in business can be managing the staff roster. Trying to juggle the needs, wants and foibles of staff can become a major headache. Add into this sickness, hangovers, weddings and funerals, plus the obligatory holidays and a manager’s stress levels can go through the roof.

Once you have it all sorted out for next week, Monday arrives with a phone call from Jean, one of your better staff members, to say that she is too sick to come in. You are in the middle of setting up for the day’s business and you now have to get on the phone and call and call until you reach someone who can come in at short notice. What a great start to your week. But it doesn’t need to be like this. I have just discovered that there is a much easier, less stressful, much more effective and extremely cheap solution to the current paper roster – an online Roster Portal. There are a few computer-based roster systems available and each has it’s own merits. However, the one I was most impressed with has been designed by a very accomplished tech-head who had been working his way through double degrees at university by working in a Donut King store. When he was promoted to manage the store he was aware of the problems with the roster system from a staff perspective and then he had the headache of seeing it from the manager’s perspective.

After almost two years of testing in a few other businesses and tweaking to get it just right, it is now ready for the open market. Everyone, especially those who are part of the younger generation, has a computer. Everyone has a mobile phone. Most young people use social networking sites to communicate and keep in touch. This roster portal utilises all of these in a simple semi-automatic way to allow the forward planning of staff management and historical tracking as simple as ABC. Staff and managers can plan months ahead and no longer have to keep remembering that Mary is getting married on August 16 or that Bill needs a few days off when his sister arrives from the United Kingdom in September. With Roster Portal in place, when Jean phones in sick all that is needed is a few clicks and a personalised text message is sent out to every other staff member notifying

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them that there are few hours up for grabs. Generally, within a few minutes you have a response and you can get on with setting up for the day’s business. As an effective management tool it also has other features that quite impressed me. It has a chat room facility where staff can keep in touch with all the business gossip. It also has a notice board facility for the manager to post specials, competitions, new products, awards or congratulations. This new online roster system was found to be very much appreciated by the younger staff who found it was much more effective and user-friendly and staff loyalty improved noticeably. In other words, it seemed to be an absolute win-win for everyone. And the cost? I could not believe that it was so cost effective. For less than the equivalent of a lowly manager’s hourly wage per week you can have all these benefits. Wonderful! To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1323

Colin Mackie is the managing director of Enterprise 21. A unique business based on building, growing and developing single enterprises into successful stand-alone or franchise chains. www.enterprise21.com .au

Sabona

The mag for Southern Africans living in Oz

Need help finding new customers? Contact our Marketing Department to find out about advertising in our next edition of Sabona. You can’t get known on your own!!!

Contact Julie Scott P: 0422 915 671 E: julie@sabona.com.au W: www.sabona.com.au/ advertising

sabona business

Do You Need a Mentor Catherine Palin-Brinkworth

Does anyone need a mentor? If so, why?

Because we simply don’t have enough time alive to make all the mistakes we need to develop mastery on our own. And because – most emphatically – we simply cannot see ourselves as clearly as someone outside of us can. Having said that, your choice of mentor – or mentors – is extremely important. You are not restricted to one! The relationship with a mentor doesn’t need to be a face to face one, or even on the phone. It can be totally silent. Your mentor does not have to be someone you know personally. You mentor doesn’t even have to be someone alive! But it does have to be someone whose qualities, skills and experience mirror what you stand for, who you want to be, and where you want to go. I’ve had several mentors who had no idea they held that role in my life, but often I would stop and think ‘How would ------- do that?’ If they are alive and physically accessible to you, you’ll want a definite match in values, and you’ll need to know you can trust this person absolutely – particularly if you want to talk with them openly and vulnerably, and I think that’s a primary requirement. You need a mentor to help you be more creative, to think outside your current thinking. So it’s important you approach them with a curious mind, filled with questions, even if it’s to say: ‘I don’t know what to ask you!’ A good mentor will know exactly where to take it from there. And there’s another very essential proviso. You are the master of your life, the captain of your ship. Fundamentally, you are at the centre of your existence, so you are the only one who can know what is right for you. Let them know you will consider everything they suggest with an open mind and a grateful heart, but that you will make the decisions on moving forward in the way you think best. A great mentor will guide you and share with you without attachment, and will bless you for having the strength to make your own decisions. (And good mentors will never say ‘I told you so’.) There is a proviso with that: Don’t expect unlimited patience. If you continually return with the same challenge, not having tried the various suggestions that have been made, you may not find them as available to you. Don’t waste their time, and don’t disrespect them

by dismissing everything they say. But do retain the right to make up your own mind. If they are worthy of respect, they will want you to be self-empowered. Anyone who tries to control or manipulate you, needs you more than you need them. How to reward them? You could have a commercial relationship, as with a coach. You could barter, offering your professional services or products in exchange for their time. Or you could simply ask them for help without promise of reward other than the commitment to learn from them – most people who are worthy mentors just love to help others grow.

Time is precious, energy even more so. Save yourself from wasting either, and look for people who can help you make life easier. Then pass it on. Catherine Palin-Brinkworth is a business mentor, author and inspirational speaker. For more information see www.catherinepalinbrinkworth.com. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1324

The mag for Southern Africans living in Oz

Issue Eleven

Issue Ten

Sabona

IMMIGRATION

UNDERSTANDING THE 457 VISA

COMMUNITY

I AM ABOUT TO END MY LIFE!

COMMUNITY

LIFESTYLE

AFRICAN ANGELS

HEALTH & WELLBEING FIRST HOME BUYERS

LIFESTYLE

HEALTH & WELLBEING DESIGN DECOR & DELIGHT

TRAVEL AFRICA IS FOR CHILDREN

CRICKET REVIEW

NATIONAL PARKS OF AUS

HUGUENOT HOTTENTOT

CHRISTMAS FEATURE

BUSINESS

ONLY IN AUS! BUSINESS PROFILE SABONA BUSINESS NETWORK Downunder Diary • Pet Care • Recipes • Reviews • Cricket • Business • Health

ISSN 1834-5182

9 771834 518009

Issue 11 AUS $3.95

TIPS ON SAVING MONEY SHOPPING SURVIVAL GUIDE RECIPES

Downunder Diary • Pet Care • Recipes • Reviews • Rugby • Business • Health

ISSN 1834-5182

9 771834 518009

Issue 10 AUS $3.95

BUY PAST ISSUES OF SABONA ONLINE www.sabona.com.au Sabona: Issue Thirteen 35

sabona business

Toastmasters International and how it helped me! by Gretel Breytenbach

life coaching, I found this to be true for many people. And yet, joining Toastmasters was like finding “my tribe”! While all members are unique and individual in their own right, we have common interests that bind us; a love of language, a desire to improve and grow, a willingness to guide and mentor. It is an environment where differences and strengths are recognised and encouraged, and where improvements are genuinely supported. And while there are members who are exceptionally experienced and are pursuing careers as professional speakers, there are members who simply joined to gain self-confidence. No matter the level of experience, the goal or the intention, every member is valued.

A self-confessed personal development junkie, Gretel Breytenbach explains how Toastmasters is one of the best programs she has ever tried…. From Dale Carnegie through to “firewalking” with Anthony Robbins, I’ve tried it all! And I’ve loved it all. The key I guess to personal development is that you take something, at least one concept, and embrace it with all you’ve got, and then apply it in all aspects of your life. If not, all that learning is in vain, and we forget so easily! So it was in this spirit of learning and personal growth that I finally decided to get in touch with Toastmasters. Having been a presenter with a personal development college, I realised that standing in front of a crowd, and still making sense, is a skill that needs to be mastered and then nurtured constantly! I called the Toastmasters info line and was advised to attend various clubs to see which one I most connected with. First on my list was the Palm Beach Currumbin Club. Perfect, since I live in Palm Beach, Queensland! While I consider myself fairly eloquent in front of a crowd, it was still with much trepidation that I arrived on that first evening! What a surprise! It was a breath of fresh air. In all my life I had never experienced such a welcome, so much support! And this was the first time! “Maybe that’s why,” the cynic in me thought! Seven months down the track I still attend every Wednesday night from 7.30 sharp to 9! It was the first club I went to and I joined that same night! And every time I go, I still feel that same welcome, that same encouragement, that same support. Some of us will relate to the feeling of being an outsider. I must admit I even felt that way in South Africa! In my

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Toastmasters is about personal growth on all levels. While most people have heard of Toastmasters, almost everyone I’ve spoken to believes it is all about getting up in front of an audience. While this is one of the components, it is not the only one! The other “arm” of this personal development opportunity is “leadership” and it is here that I find Toastmasters an absolute gem. Every member is encouraged to support and mentor other members; or join the executive committee to gain experience in various leadership roles. Truly the opportunities for learning are endless! And while I’ve attended many personal development programs, this one group, once a week, has afforded me more opportunity to grow, learn and develop than any other training I’ve done!

Some of the things I’ve learned:

• Clear concise communication • Better able to express oneself • The values of listening, support, encouragement • Camaraderie • Learning • Understanding • Eloquence • Personal courage • Confidence • Ability to lead, willingness to lead • Communication and leadership • Internationally recognised, visit other clubs worldwide • Speech contests • Competition • Workplace recognition

What is Toastmasters International? The leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through it’s member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking, vital skills that promote self-actualisation, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding and contribute to the betterment of mankind. It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide network of clubs, thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1325

sabona business

Only in Aus! Part 6

Pondering the Big Picture A column about little things that are deceptively similar, yet decisively different. Read and be prepared.

Dave Robinson I turned on the TV to find Bonanza was showing. There

it was, just as I remembered it from my childhood – Ben Cartright, Little Joe, and the infamous Ponderosa Ranch. True to the spirit of the Ponderosa, I found myself wondering why things don’t always go smoothly, why we migrants sometimes seem to be working so hard in Australia for seemingly less reward, and why people sometimes react to us in ways that don’t seem to make sense? What I have discovered, through my reflections, is that the key to understanding such anomalies lies in recognizing the socalled ‘bigger picture’. And I do mean the big bigger-picture! To provide some perspective with regard to our relative insignificance within this bigger-big-picture, let us be reminded that the earth we inhabit absorbs over eight million bolts of lightening each twenty-four hour day. The temperature at the impact point of a lightening bolt is greater than the surface of the sun. There is enough electricity in a single bolt of lightening to light up New York City for three months, or to charge every battery in the world for seventy years. Since it is clear that natural energy is uncontrollable and destructive at its whim, perhaps the universe has conspired (in my favour) to bring me (kicking and screaming, notwithstanding) to an acceptance that it exists beyond and in spite of the limitations we might place on it, for its own purposes, not ours, but that it remains our responsibility (if only to ourselves) to live out our respective purpose? Now that I am gainfully re-employed in a job I thoroughly enjoy, with my belief that ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ re-affirmed, I have emerged with a realisation that we can indeed grasp control of our destiny by learning to channel the energy around us, and I found myself pondering the principles I

first penned as the seven DaWei Laws* several years ago. First DaWei Law – Energy flows toward optimal utility This law explains how we are inclined to seek out ways of coping that provide us with the best chance of survival. We know this to be true because whenever we act out our highest purpose we feel completely empowered, fulfilled and victorious. Second DaWei Law – Like energies are attractive Of course you will be attracted by like energies. We have always perceived it that way. Remember the idiom, ‘Birds of a feather flock together’. When you are attracted to something and it is attracted to you, there is always a purpose, though it may not always be what at first it seems. Third DaWei Law – Visualisation directs attainment When we visualise something as if it is accomplished, we in effect give ourselves permission to believe it can be attained. This belief then directs the nervous system to cause the body to act accordingly. Have you ever seen someone hit a target without taking aim? And as surely as we attract what we imagine through visualisation, focus, hard work and persistence, it is equal and oppositely true that we are totally incapable of achieving anything we cannot imagine ourselves achieving. Fourth DaWei Law – Recognition lubricates flow Every man, woman and child seeks recognition. We all yearn to be reminded that we belong, that we are purposeful, that our being ‘alive’ has value. When we find such validation it is as if our engine is lubricated – the will, the intellect and the emotions combine efficiently as we face the journey of life. Fifth DaWei Law – Evolution is the ultimate purpose of flow Are you the same person you were

ten years ago? Of course not! Human beings are continuously imagining, analysing, interacting, communicating, integrating, procreating, re-generating, i.e. evolving. Through our thoughts and actions we engage in the constant reconstruction of our universe. Sixth DaWei Law – Reciprocity is a non-negotiable ethos of the universe The energy we send out always and unavoidably returns, like a virtual boomerang. Our thoughts, words and deeds become repetitive, as we develop conditioned responses. Just as optimism gives rise to good fortune, and vindictiveness to retribution, ‘karma’ in all its forms is unavoidable. Seventh DaWei Law – Serendipitous events are living proof that the universe is conspiring to provide whatever we need. Have you ever felt the exhilaration of knowing you were in the right place at the right time? Have you ever had a disappointment, only to feel later that it was just as well that happened because it led you to something more satisfying? Serendipity is the word used to describe events that lead to fortuitous un-envisaged outcomes. A serendipitous event may be precipitated by a coincidence, or even an accident, that opens up new opportunities for our optimal survival, learning and growth. Serendipity has become one of my favourite words.Another one is ‘pondering’. So here’s something to ponder: Are we the energy we are living? And if so, could it be that we need only to become an authentic conduit for the universal energy we carry and inhabit? *DaWei means David in Chinese pinying. Sabona readers can download a full-text pdf version of the complete DaWei Laws for free. http://works. bepress.com/david_robinson/9/ To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1326

Sabona: Issue Thirteen

sabona Afrikaanse Klub Australie

.. Afrikaanse Klub Australie www.afrikaans.org.au

Die Afrikaanse Klub het sy ontstaan gehad in 1999 nadat 4 gesinne bymekaar gekom het en gevind het dat daar ‘n leemte is waar ondersteuning gebied kan word aan mede Suid Afrikaners wat in Australia land. Die vier gesinne was Oswald

& Caty Nicks, Jannie & Fransie Bloem, Kobus & Jelene du Plessis en Kallie & Ronel Rothman.

Die heel eerste bymekaar kom van die klub was op Sondag 21 Mei 2000 by die “Beertjie Bos” Daisy Hill State Forest. Groot was die verbasing om te sien hoeveel gesinne daar opgedaag het vir die bring & braai. Daar is aan die mense bekend gemaak wat beplan word en wat ons doel was. Ons doel en visie was en is: Die behoud van die Afrikaanse taal, kultuur en Godsdiens, om ondersteuning te beid aan Suid Afrikaners in Australie waar moontlik en die nuwe mense wat hier aan land. Verder verbind die klub hom hom nie tot enige politiek party of beweging of enige kerk instelling of beweging nie. Almal wat daar was, was dit eens dat met die die doel stellings en dat ons mekaar moet ondersteun en bystaan. Tydens die geleentheid is die eerste bestuur dan ook gekies wat die “klub” sal lei deur die jaar. Die eerste voorsitter was Oswald Nicksh, Onder voorsitter Jannie Bloem, Sekretaresse Ronel Rothman, Web blad Kobus du Plessis, Bemarking, Kallie Rothman. So deur die jaar is daar verskeie funksies gehou en die getalle het bly groei. Daar is familie kampe gehou, bring & braai’s, lente danse, Afrikaanse kerk dienste, Kersliedere by kerslig ens. Die eerste Afrikaanse klub Australie kamp was gehou die naweek van 3-5 Nov 2000 te North Stradbroke

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Island. Die kamp het ‘n groot opkoms gehad. Baie nuwe gesinne het die geleentheid bygewoon. Dr Tommy Liebenberg wat toe in Brisbane woonagtig was het die heel eerste kamp kerk diens gehou vir die mense op die strand by “Adder Rock” Met die hulp van Dolf van Zyl wat sy regsadvies & dienste aangebied het vir die klub is die klub amptelik Op 15 September 2000 geregistreer en erken as ‘n nie wingewinde kultuur organisasie deur die “Office of Fair Trading” en ons sertifikaat is ontvang. Hierdiei was ‘n baie groot mylpaal vir al vir die gesinne wat begin het met die klub. Deur die jare het die klub bly groei. Die klub het bekendheid verwerf regoor Australie, New Zeeland, Suid Afrika en nog ander lande deur wat die klub en sy lede gedoen het. Bekende persoonlikhede soos Oom Frikkie Maas (Van die Monitor radio program in RSA) en sy vrou tannie Bets , Oom Jan & tannie Truida de Lange was en is groot ondersteuners en bemarkers van die klub. Om nie eers te praat van die klub lede en gesinne. Verskeie mense het hulle vrye tyd opgeoffer om te help met die groei van die klub en om ondersteuning te bide aan die mense. Tydens verskeie besoek aan Suid Afrika deur die lede is ons die geleenthede gegee om die mense te vertel wat ons hier doen in Australie tydens verskeie radio onderhoud. Met groei wat plaasvind het dinge verander en ons het verbeter. Daar is begin om 3 amptelike familie kamp per jaar te hou waar die gesinne/ familie’s kan saam kuier. Ons het begin met die “Boskamp” in die begin van die jaar waar daar “potjie kos en visvang kompetjies” gehou word, dan die “Winter kamp” wat in Junie/ Julie plaas vind waar daar boeresport

gehou word en dan die hoogte punt van die jaar die “KERSKAMP” gedurende Nov.waar boere sport plaas vind en kersvader ook opdaag en sy ding doen. Met elke kamp word daar Sondae oggende ‘n kerk diens gehou duer verskeie predikers wat hulle dienste aanbied. Intussen word bring & braai geleenthede, golf dae, vroue dae, lente danse, formele etes, Gelofte dienste, Kerslieder by kerslig ens aangebied vir die lede. Dan bring die klub Afrikaanse Australie in samewerking met die Afrikaanse Klub New Zeeland sangers elke jaar oor uit Suid Afrika om ons mense hier te kom vermaak. Hierdie is ook ‘n groot geleentheid en daar word gepoog om die geleentheid regoor Australie aan te bied. Baie bekende sangers het al opgetree en ons mense ontmoet. Ons rig ook versoek aan Afrikaans kunstenaars wat belangstel om hier wil kom optree om in kontak te kom met die klub via ons web werf. Buiten die kampe en die kuier geleenthede bide die klub ook die volgende dienste aan; die meubelteek waar mense kan meubels leen tot hulle eie goed hieraankom of die wat skielik iets benodig, ondersteunings dienste, tov geestelike ondersteuning en sielkundige raad ens., help met vesting in Australie, skole en verskeie inligting 2011 is ‘n groot jaar vir die Afrikaanse Klub Australie, want dan is die klub 10 jaar oud. Ons wil ons Hemelse Vader dank vir al Sy genade en seen wat ons ervaar het deur die afgelope jare. Dank aan ieder en elkeen wat bygedra het om die klub te bring waar hy nou is. Julle word van harte uitgenooi om die klub se web werf: www. Afrikaans. org.au te besoek om te sien wat ons doen en beplan. Enige voorstelle en positiewe kritiek is baie welkom. Afrikaanse Klub Bestuur

sabona Afrikaanse Klub Australie

Straddie 2009 Stradbroke Eiland of Straddie soos meeste mense dit noem, is een van die jaarlikse bestemmings vir die Afrikaanse Klub. Dit was die vierde jaar wat meer

as 300 lede, die kamp bywoon en soos altyd was dit ‘n naweek vol heerlike kuier. Die slag het die klub besluit om eerder in Amity Point te bespreek as Point Lookout en na aanleiding van die terugvoering van almal, was dit die regte beluit.

Meeste van die 300 plus mense is Vrydag oor na Straddie met die ferry vanaf Cleveland. Die personeel van Stradbroke Ferries het verseker nog nooit so baie Afrikaans gehoor nie. Jy kon sien dat almal nie kon wag om voet of is dit eerder wiel aan wal te sit nie. Vanaf die manne wat gewonder het wie die jaar gaan vassit op die strand tot die kinders wat wonder waar hulle gaan swem, kon jy die opwinding aanvoel. Soos ‘n mens kan verwag van ‘n klomp Suid-Afrikaners is die naweek afgeskop met ‘n groot braai. Die eienaar van Stradbroke Bungalows moes gewonder het oor die drie halwe dromme wat saam gery word, maar na die eerste braai, wou hy weet of ons een vir hom kan los. Hy reken dis amper net so goeie idee soos oom Jan van Fitzimmons Meats se “outback sausage”. Soos die liedjie sê “Afrikaners is plesierig” het die braai omtrent laat aan gehou. Die naweek was ook weer ‘n geleentheid om met al die vriende saam te kuier en glo my daar was ‘n paar manne wat mekaar erg lanklaas gesien het. Saterdag het Jannie soos altyd weer die manne vroeg-vroeg opgejaag om

bietjie af te ry na Blue Lake en Main Beach. As ek so na die stories luister was dit ook goed dat Eduard met sy Nissan Patrol saam gery het, want blykbaar was die sand maar lekker sag. Ek het ook fluisteringe gehoor dat almal nie wou bande afblaas nie, maar niemand wou dit erken nie. Terwyl die klomp lekker gespeel het in die sand, het Riaan hulle gaan scuba duik by Flat Rock, een van die beste duik plekke in Queensland. Dit is een van ‘n paar plekke wat beskerming geniet as gevolg van die Grey Nurse Sharks wat elke winter daar gesien word. ‘n Paar mense het ook besluit om een van die groot duine aan te durf en weer af te gly. Klink vir my na harde werk maar volgens Hendrik en Allison was dit heerlik. Teen Saterdag aand was almal weer reg vir ‘n groot kuier en is die vure weer aangesteek. Daar is toe gekuier en gedans tot ou nag toe. Vanaf Dozi tot Carika is gespeel en die mense het heerlik gedans na die familie kos gekry het. Tot die dolfyne het besluit om na die snaakse musiek te kom luister. Ons het ons vir omtrent ‘n hele uur lank verwonder aan die dolfyne in die water. Die kinders was sprakeloos oor die vriendelike gedrag van die pragtige diere en ons kon sien hoe hulle die vissies jaag in die water. Sondag was ‘n dag van heerlike ontspanning en meeste families het rustig ontspan langs die water of in die water. Ons het gesnorkel by Amity Point en ‘n paar snorkelaars het vir die eerste keer kennis gemaak met die Wobbygong

sandhaai. Vanaf Amity Point sak die son oor Brisbane en ons het ‘n pragtige sonsondergang gesien. Dit was ‘n fotograaf se droom. Die aand het wel bietjie uitgereën maar almal was so lekker lui na die naweek, dat ‘n vroeë aand niemand gepla het nie. Maandag was die groot terug tog na Brisbane maar eers nadat almal mekaar belowe het om dit volgende jaar weer te doen. Ek sal verseker weer volgende jaar daar wees. Behalwe dat Straddie een van my geliefste bestemmings is, mis ek nie sommer die lekker saam kuier nie. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1327

AFRIKAANSE KLUB AUSTRALIË INC JAARPROGRAM 2009 5 -8 JUNIE FAMILIE WINTERKAMP 21 JUNIE ALGEMENE JAARVERGADERING

VERKIESSING (WEST END BRISBANE)

25 JUL

VROUE DAG

25 JUL

BRING & BRAAI/DANS (NOORDE)

29 AUG

LENTE DANS

5 SEPT

RUBY BRISBANE (BOKKE & AUSSIES)

12 SEPT

BRISBANE “RIVER FIRE WORKS

3 OKT

BRING & BRAAI (TOOWOOMBA)

6 – 8 NOV FAMILIE KERSKAMP 5 DES

BRING & BRAAI (BAY SIDE)

13 DES

GELOFTE DIENS

24/25 DES KERSFEES SAAM KUIER 31 DES

OUJAAR SAAM KUIER

1 JAN

NUWE JAAR SAAM KUIER

DATUMS, TYE EN PLEKKE KAN MOONTLIK VERANDER

Sabona: Issue Thirteen

sabona business

Business and Finance Investment Tax Break: A Leg Up For Business Owners Craig Coetzee

As we approach the end of the 2008/09 financial year, businesses are starting to think about their tax position. The Federal Government has released draft legislation on a new tax break for businesses, designed to increase business investment in incomeproducing assets.

The tax break takes the form of an additional tax deduction of up to 30% of the cost of “eligible assets”. Not only does the tax break work as an effective tax minimisation tool, but it also allows businesses to invest in their future operations.

General Conditions

The proposed tax break applies to new tangible, depreciating assets that are eligible for a deduction under the normal capital allowance rules. An asset is classified as “new” if it has not previously been used or installed for use. The asset must be used in Australia and, at the time of starting its’ use or having it installed ready for use, be used principally for the purpose of carrying on a business. The tax break applies on top of the normal 100% depreciation allowed over the asset’s effective life.

Relevant Dates

• To get the additional 30% deduction an asset must be purchased between December 13 2008 and June 30 2009 and be installed ready for use by June 30, 2010. • To get an additional 10% deduction an asset must be purchased between December 13, 2008 and December 31, 2009 and be installed ready for use by December 31, 2010.

Leased Assets

The investment allowance applies to taxpayers who are considered to be

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the owner of the asset for purposes of claiming capital allowances. This effectively means that assets which are subject to an operating lease will not be able to access the extra deduction. Businesses using hire purchase arrangements to fund the purchase of an asset will be able to claim the extra deduction.

Motor Vehicles

Businesses that purchase motor vehicles before June, 30, 2009 may be eligible for the tax break up to the luxury car tax limit. Where a taxpayer uses the cents per kilometre method for claiming tax deductions he or she will not be eligible.

Excluded Assets

The following assets are specifically excluded: • land, • trading stock, • capital works (buildings, construction expenditure), • patents, • registered designs, • copyright, • software, • certain primary production assets For businesses looking at investing in new assets or replacing worn assets, the tax break provides a unique opportunity to take advantage of tax savings from capital investment. For more information, or to determine whether this legislation, once passed, may apply to you, call us at WHK and ask to speak to one of our many experienced accountants. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation other than for the acts or omissions of financial services licensees. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1328

                       

      

      





sabona business SABONA BUSINESS NETWORK

Philip Scott National SBN Coordinator The first of what will become an annual Sabona Business Network (SBN) Awards dinner was held on May 21 in Brisbane, Queensland. Thanks to our friends Shandell and Rialet

of Entelect Solutions the décor was spectacular. The theme was African (naturally) and the venue just looked spectacular.

Sabona flew special guests in from as far as Perth (Douglas Horak, our Perth SBN coordinator) and Melbourne (our guest speaker, Pete Niemandt, author of Things I've learnt about Immigrating to Another Planet) and quite a few from Sydney. Most of our coordinators had never met each other, so this was a perfect opportunity to get to know one other and share some ideas. Pre-dinner drinks with everyone dressed up smartly and standing around chatting was quite an awesome sight. The venue was alive with expectation of what was to come. Once all the guests were seated I welcomed everyone to the dinner with my usual repertoire of witty one liners (I do not necessarily have consensus on this). I introduced our local South African artist Kevin Waite who kindly donated three different sized limited edition prints of his painting "The Look" for our fundraising raffle. Through the night $640 was raised to go towards the Fortier family's medical expenses. We enjoyed a lovely entrée after which the coordinators were introduced and each presented with a Sabona Time Management Diary from Craig Martini. These were a huge hit. While enjoying our mains the ever inspirational Peter Niemandt gave a short talk to motivate us all into achieving great things. He shared the most inspiring story with us: Do yourself a favour and Google "Team Hoyt". When you see that, you'll know that anything is possible... including making a successful new life in a new and strange country! After dessert Springbok Foods was presented with a special award from Sabona for the exceptional support they have provided to the Southern African community for many years. Thank you and congratulations Fred and the boys... you're doing us proud! After this we announced the winners and presented them with beautiful crystal trophies. The winners were Charmaine Wheatley from Curves Kiama, Mark Grabe from OzNetworx, Fred Ericsen-Miller from Springbok Foods, Shandell Riley and Rialet le Roux from Entelect Solutions and Craig Burton from SOS Mail Solutions. More information about our winners can be found in this issue. It was an exceptional evening for many reasons. Thank you to all who joined us and thank you to our SBN coordinators Douglas Horak, Cathy Robinson, Morné Barnes, Melanie Pope, Dorien Erasmus, Shandell Riley, Rialet Le Roux, Sandra Crossland, Felicity Smit and Mark Grabe for your efforts in helping to grow the SBN network! Guests reluctantly left the venue having made great new contacts and having had a wonderful time. Fortunately our interstate guests only had to travel about 50m to the Travelodge hotel where Sabona put them up for the night. Make sure you don't miss the next SBN Awards evening. It's going to be even BETTER! To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1329

42 www.sabona.com.au

Business Awards

SBN

Sabona Business Network

The SBN Business Awards was an event promoting innovative and successful Southern African owned businesses in Australia. We understand that business may be challenging at the best of times, but hard work, determination, innovation and excellence in customer service always triumph and many Southern African businesses are achieving phenomenal successes in Australia. The purpose of these awards was to recognise the efforts of those who have successfully integrated Southern African business culture into the Australian economy.

Awards were presented across a range of categories including: ► ► ► ► ►

Southern African Goodies Awards (suppliers/ makers of Southern African goodies, such as boerewors, biltong, koeksisters, melktert, rusks etc) Customer Service Award Support Network Award (Best support network/ business/club for new and old Southern African Migrants) Micro-Business Award (Best Southern African owned business with five or less employees) Innovation Award

And the Winners are... ► Southern African Goodies Awards

Springbok Foods

► Customer Service Award Curves ► Support Network Award OZNETWORX ► Micro-Business Award

Entelect Solutions

► Innovation Award

SOS Mail Solutions

sabona awards

► Southern African Goodies Award

Springbok Foods (Winner)

Springbok Foods

Springbok Foods is one of the largest Biltong and Boerewors producers in Australia. Their products can be found in many specialist South African food stores all over Australia, but also many mainstream Australian chain stores like Coles. Fred Ericsen-Miller (and in more recent years his sons Taylor and Rhett) have not only grown this niche business into a major enterprise, they’ve done it all without it losing their very unique character. Fred could certainly be described as a gentle giant, and his cheeky greeting “Have a naughty day" often catches people by surprise. It is this very cheeky nature and his heavy involvement in the Southern African community that has no doubt contributed greatly to their success. Springbok Foods has a liquor license allowing them to sell imported South African beer, wine and spirits in addition to their vast array of South African delicacies and favourites.

Image Courtesy of Corne Lategan

Of course all rugby supporter's gear can also be found at Fred's retail stores. Fred has been a big supporter of Sabona Magazine right from the start, as well as supporting many of the Southern African clubs. They're always one of the first to chip in where help is needed, offering hampers and gift baskets whenever appropriate. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1330

► Customer Services Award

Curves (Winner)

Curves Kiama

Owner of the Curves Kiama franchise Charmaine Wheatley is extensively involved in humanitarian work and was the 2008 Business Woman of the Year for Illawarra and South Coast (Australia). Charmaine has been instrumental in raising over $50,000 in less than three years and in collecting over 400kg of food, toiletries and clothing for a women’s refuge shelter through the members of Curves Kiama. In addition, she has raised money for the Fred Hollows Foundation and various cancer charities. Charmaine says that her humanitarian work has helped her to meet many new people, make many friends and gain respect in her local community. “It was a very difficult transition to leave my dear friends and family in South Africa, but by helping others and getting involved with local challenges I have eased the pain of settling in.” Most recently, Charmaine has started to assist two Aids orphanages in South Africa. A committee that calls itself The Spirit of uBuntu from Downunder aims to raise $50,000, which will be matched by Rotary International to

Image Courtesy of Corne Lategan

assist the orphanages. Charmaine will also be taking 21 volunteers to help renovate the Welkom orphanages in October. “I have now created my own new ‘history’ in this country and our new countrymen most certainly appreciate any effort we make when we roll up our sleeves, get our hands dirty, and take part in those sausage sizzles even when we longingly salivate at the thought of a lekker piece of boerewors on a proper braai!” To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1331

Our business is moving your business to Australia Accurate Migration Services covers all migration requirements and has specialist knowledge of Business Migration to Australia. Whether you wish to migrate an existing business or develop an entirely new one we can help at every stage of the process. For further information on Business Migration or any of our other migration services please call +617 5526 7521 or visit ausvisas.com.au Accurate Migration Services is a member of the Institute of Business Leaders

Precise and faster results Sabona: Issue Thirteen 43

09361

sabona awards

► Support Network Award

OzNetworx (Winner)

Mark Grabe and OZNETWORX OZNETWORX was founded in June 2005 by Mark Grabe, who decided to settle in Australia after visiting in 1999/2000. Having been in the electric motor industry for most of his life, and having owned his own company in South Africa Mark migrated to Australia in October 2003. Mark went through a hard time going through several changes in employment after arriving in Australia and found starting again challenging, to say the least. With the changes came stress and added pressures. He found it exceptionally difficult to make friends and build a network during this time. One day Mark decided to start a Yahoo group where he met a few other South Africans in a similar situation and realised that his experiences were quite common. Wanting to help himself and others OzNetworx was ‘born’ in June 2005 and had grown steadily ever since. Mark says that OzNetworx has enabled him, his wife and new addition to the family Denise Rose (who was born on February 8, 2009) to settle in Australia, make many true friends and grow an extensive network all over Australia. Mark has also teamed up with Sabona to host the Sabona Business Network breakfast in Sydney. He has found this to be a rewarding experience where he constantly meets new and old migrants.

Image Courtesy of Corne Lategan

OZNETWORX was formed with the specific purpose of helping people: • • • •

To make new friends To help form new business networks and grow old ones through networking To assist in settling into a new environment By providing advice for new and prospective migrants

OzNetworx are “People helping People” and the company’s main aim is to assist others to form and maintain social and business networks, building friendships that last a lifetime. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1332

► Micro Business Award

Entelect Solutions (Winner)

Entelect Solutions Rialet le Roux and Shandell Riley started Entelect Solutions in May 2007. Having undergone a recent restructuring Entelect Solutions specialises solely in assisting new migrants arriving in Australia. Both Rialet and Shandell have been in the recruitment industry in Brisbane and have a combined seven years experience in the Australia marketplace. They are experienced in assisting with the drafting of resumes, preparing for interviews and providing information regarding the marketplace in general. As they have both relocated (Shandell twice), Rialet and Shandell understand the ABC’s of relocation and how it is to start life in a new country. They have put together a guide to assist migrants and introduce new arrivals to their extensive networks.

44 www.sabona.com.au

Shandell and Rialet host the Sabona South/East Brisbane Business Network breakfast and are involved in several other networking groups. To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1333

sabona awards

► Innovation Award

SOS Mail Solutions (Winner)

SOS Mail Solutions

SOS Mail Solutions is a mail forwarding company that provides the perfect mail solution for you to receive and forward your mail to wherever you are, whenever you want it. Our service is perfect for small to medium businesses and for people who will be away from home for a medium to long term period: • Campervan, caravan, and motor home (RV) wanderers • Backpackers • Australians heading on an overseas experience • International travellers arriving for their Australian experience • International au pairs, child carers or nannies • Workers in remote areas (those in the mining industry, etc) • Business executives travelling for long periods

Image Courtesy of Corne Lategan

To comment: www.sabona.com.au/1334

SBN Business Awards Evening 22 May 2009

Top Left: Jannie Bloem winner of Springbok Foods Raffle Hamper (all money raised on the night went to the Sabona Appeals and Fortier Family). Top Right: Morne Barnes Brisbane SBN coordinator, presented with Sabona Time Management Diary (courtesy of Craig Martini) Bottom Left: Sandra Crossland Sydney SBN coordinator, presented with Sabona Time Management Diary (courtesy of Craig Martini) Middle Bottom: Fred, founder of Springbok Foods, presented with Award of Appreciation for his continued support of the South African Community. Bottom Right: Carl Duncan and Kevin Waite. All images courtesy of Corne Lategan www.cornelategan.com.au

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Sabona: Issue Thirteen

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