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from 2017-2020. He was a Lane Cove Councillor from 2012-2017 and Deputy Mayor from 2013-2014. Mr John Michael Dasey For service to the community through a range of roles. John is a volunteer at Greenwich Hospital, Stepping Stone House, Hammond Care, Feed The Hungry, St Vincent de Paul and Compeer. Since 2008, he has donated blood to the Australian Red Cross 144 times. He was a volunteer at Matthew Talbot Hostel from 2007 to 2021 and at St Canice’s Church from 1995 to 2005. Mr David Geraint Pumphrey For service to medical research and performing arts organisations. David has been on the MS Research Australia leadership council since 2017 and has served as a mentor to its CEO. He is a former Director of the MS Society of New South Wales and the Bell Shakespeare Company and Foundation, of which he continues to be a life member. David has also served as a board member for the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife since 2012.
Six Locals Recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours List
OAM in the General Division
Mr Soo-Tee Cheong For service to architecture, to urban planning, and to the community. Soo-Tee Cheong was Chairman, Design Review Panel, Botany Emma Grimes, Michael Fitzgerald & Peter LouridasBay City Council for 17 years and A family business, now in our 48the Commissioner of the NSW th year in Lane CoveIndependent Planning Commission CONVEYANCING | WILLS & ESTATES | COMMERCIAL LEASING COMMERCIAL LAW | DEBT RECOVERY | GENERAL MATTERS
Professor Janette Cecile BrandMiller Janette is Leader at the Clinical Nutrition Group, Boden Initiative, Charles Perkins Centre at Sydney University. Since 1978 she has been the Professor of Human Nutrition, School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University. She has held many roles at the Australian Academy of Science including Co-Chair, Sectional Committee for Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences from 2021 to 2022 and Member, Sectional Committee for Agriculture, Veterinary Science and Applied Biology from 2019 to 2021. She is the Founding President of the Glycaemic Index Foundation. Mr John Owen Stone For distinguished service to the people and Parliament of Australia, and to public administration. John has enjoyed a long career in politics. From 1987-1990 he was Senator for Queensland and from, 1988 to 1990, he was the Leader of the National Party in the Senate. He is a current member for National Council
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If you or know someone with a legal dilemma, why not drop in at Perin Legal’s Q & A.
Date: Thursday 21 July 2022 Time: 6.30pm to 7.30pm
• Venue: Lane Cove Library – Meeting Room 1. • Topics: Family Law, Criminal Law and Traffic Law. • Co-presenting are Barristers Denise Kaiti and Jonathan Taylor from Trust Chambers.
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P 8901 5059 advice@perinlegal.com.au By appointment: Level 3, 71 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove www.perinlegal.com.au
Talk about a positive note to end the year on. Lane Cove has topped the list of most liveable Sydney suburbs with a score of 76 out of 100. The 2021 Australian Liveability Census survey, conducted by Place Score, questioned more than 30,000 people across the whole of Australia, including 10,766 in New South Wales. The average score across most suburbs was 68 out of 100. Respondents ranked the suburbs according to 50 markers which include safety, general condition of open safe, amenities, community engagement, transport and so on. A spokesperson for Place Score said, Lane Cove proved that “creating clusters of domestic buildings that are in close proximity to retail, schoolsand amenities makes for good suburbs.” In 2019, Domain conducted its Liveability Census and put Lane Cove at No.48 of the city’s most liveable suburbs (of a total of 549). At the time, Domain said: “Plenty of tree cover,great walkability and a convenient shopping villagehaveput Lane Cove on the liveability map this year. The suburbcan’t claim the same dazzling views as some of the other lower north shore suburbs, but it does have good marks for safety and open space. Limited access to rail transport and mild
Lane Cove – it’s official: you are the best suburb in Sydney Talk about a positive note to end the year on. Lane Cove has topped the list of most liveable Sydney suburbs with a score of 76 out of 100. The 2021 Australian Liveability Census survey, conducted by Place Score, questioned more than 30,000 people across the whole of Australia, including 10,766 in New South Wales. The average score across most suburbs was 68 out of 100. Respondents ranked the suburbs according to 50 markers which include safety, general condition of open safe, amenities, community engagement, transport and so on. A spokesperson for Place Score said, Lane Cove proved that “creating clusters of domestic buildings that are in close proximity to retail, schoolsand amenities makes for good suburbs.” The Canopy - Hamish McIntosh In 2019, Domain conducted its Liveability Census and put Lane Cove at No.48 of the city’s most liveable suburbs (of a total of 549). At the time, Domain said: “Plenty of tree cover,great walkability and a convenient shopping villagehaveput Lane Cove on the liveability map this year. The suburbcan’t claim the congestion may cause headaches for some commuters though.” On an amusing note - the day the census results were unveiled a company called SydneyTree Companyputout a press release under the title “Lane Cove Tree Removal Is a Focus ForSydney”. The companysays it appreciates same dazzling views as some of the other lower north how “notoriously hazardous” the trees are in the suburb shore suburbs, but it does have good marks for safety and that it is willing to offer “mates rates”for pruning and and open space. Limited access to rail transport and mild removal. The timing of it all made TVO smirk.
Lane Cove – it’s official: you are the best suburb in Sydney Talk about a positive note to end the year on. Lane Cove has topped the list of most liveable Sydney suburbs with a score of 76 out of 100. The 2021 Australian Liveability Census survey, conducted by Place Score, questioned more than 30,000 people across the whole of Australia, including 10,766 in New South Wales. The average score across most suburbs was 68 out of 100. Respondents ranked the suburbs according to 50 markers which include safety, general condition of open safe, amenities, community engagement, transport and so on. A spokesperson for Place Score said, Lane Cove proved that “creating clusters of domestic buildings that are in close proximity to retail, schoolsand amenities makes for good suburbs.” The Canopy - Hamish McIntosh In 2019, Domain conducted its Liveability Census and put Lane Cove at No.48 of the city’s most liveable suburbs congestion may cause headaches for some commuters (of a total of 549). though.” At the time, Domain said: On an amusing note - the day the census results were “Plenty of tree cover,great walkability and a unveiled a company called SydneyTree Companyputout convenient shopping villagehaveput Lane Cove on the a press release under the title “Lane Cove Tree Removal liveability map this year. The suburbcan’t claim the Is a Focus ForSydney”. The companysays it appreciates same dazzling views as some of the other lower north how “notoriously hazardous” the trees are in the suburb shore suburbs, but it does have good marks for safety and that it is willing to offer “mates rates”for pruning and and open space. Limited access to rail transport and mild removal. The timing of it all made TVO smirk.
Lane Cove – it’s official: you are the best suburb in Sydney Talk about a positive note to end the year on. Lane Cove has topped the list of most liveable Sydney suburbs with a score of 76 out of 100. The 2021 Australian Liveability Census survey, conducted by Place Score, questioned more than 30,000 people across the whole of Australia, including 10,766 in New South Wales. The average score across most suburbs was 68 out of 100. Respondents ranked the suburbs according to 50 markers which include safety, general condition of open safe, amenities, community engagement, transport and so on. A spokesperson for Place Score said, Lane Cove proved that “creating clusters of domestic buildings that are in close proximity to retail, schoolsand amenities The Canopy - Hamish McIntoshmakes for good suburbs.” In 2019, Domain conducted its Liveability Census and put Lane Cove at No.48 of the city’s most liveable suburbs congestion may cause headaches for some commuters (of a total of 549). though.” At the time, Domain said: On an amusing note - the day the census results were “Plenty of tree cover,great walkability and a unveiled a company called SydneyTree Companyputout convenient shopping villagehaveput Lane Cove on the a press release under the title “Lane Cove Tree Removal liveability map this year. The suburbcan’t claim the Is a Focus ForSydney”. The companysays it appreciates same dazzling views as some of the other lower north how “notoriously hazardous” the trees are in the suburb shore suburbs, but it does have good marks for safety and that it is willing to offer “mates rates”for pruning and and open space. Limited access to rail transport and mild removal. The timing of it all made TVO smirk.
Lane Cove – it’s official: you are the best suburb in Sydney Talk about a positive note to end the year on. Lane Cove has topped the list of most liveable Sydney suburbs with a score of 76 out of 100. The 2021 Australian Liveability Census survey, conducted by Place Score, questioned more than 30,000 people across the whole of Australia, including 10,766 in New South Wales. The average score across most suburbs was 68 out of 100. Respondents ranked the suburbs according to 50 markers which include safety, general condition of open safe, amenities, community engagement, transport and so on. A spokesperson for Place Score said, Lane Cove proved that “creating clusters of domestic buildings that are in close proximity to retail, schools makes for good suburbs.” and amenities The Canopy - Hamish McIntosh In 2019, Domain conducted its Liveability Census and put Lane Cove at No.48 of the city’s most liveable suburbscongestion may cause headaches for some commuters (of a total of 549). though.” At the time, Domain said: On an amusing note - the day the census results were “Plenty of tree cover,great walkability and a unveiled a company called SydneyTree Companyputout convenient shopping villagehaveput Lane Cove on the a press release under the title “Lane Cove Tree Removal liveability map this year. The suburbcan’t claim the Is a Focus ForSydney”. The companysays it appreciates same dazzling views as some of the other lower north how “notoriously hazardous” the trees are in the suburb shore suburbs, but it does have good marks for safety and that it is willing to offer “mates rates”for pruning and and open space. Limited access to rail transport removal. The timing of it all made TVO smirk.and mild
Lane Cove – it’s official: you are the best suburb in Sydney Talk about a positive note to end the year on. Lane Cove has topped the list of most liveable Sydney suburbs with a score of 76 out of 100. The 2021 Australian Liveability Census survey, conducted by Place Score, questioned more than 30,000 people across the whole of Australia, including 10,766 in New South Wales. The average score across most suburbs was 68 out of 100. Respondents ranked the suburbs according to 50 markers which include safety, general condition of open safe, amenities, community engagement, transport and so on. A spokesperson for Place Score said, Lane Cove proved that “creating clusters of domestic buildings that The Canopy - Hamish McIntosh are in close proximity to retail, schoolsand amenities makes for good suburbs.” In 2019, Domain conducted its Liveability Census and put Lane Cove at No.48 of the city’s most liveable suburbs (of a total of 549). congestion may cause headaches for some commuters though.” On an amusing note - the day the census results were unveiled a company called SydneyTree Companyputout At the time, Domain said: a press release under the title “Lane Cove Tree Removal “Plenty of tree cover,great walkability and a Is a Focus ForSydney”. The companysays it appreciates convenient shopping villagehaveput Lane Cove on the how “notoriously hazardous” the trees are in the suburb liveability map this year. The suburbcan’t claim the and that it is willing to offer “mates rates”for pruning and same dazzling views as some of the other lower north removal. The timing of it all made TVO smirk. shore suburbs, but it does have good marks for safety and open space. Limited access to rail transport and mild
of Australians for Constitutional Lane Cove – it’s official: you are the best Monarchy. John is the co-founder of the Samuel Griffith Society, of which he remains a board member, while he suburb in SydneyArtXtra!, the LCAS members’ continues to be a weekly columnist/ contributor for the Melbourne Herald; The Australian; Australian Financial exhibition, opened on June 16 Review; Quadrant; National Observer to an enthusiastic reception. and Spectator Australia. After two disrupted years, it was Emeritus Bishop Peter William wonderful to be able to show and Ingham enjoy art again at the spacious For significant service to the Catholic venue of Gallery Lane Cove. Church in Australia. Peter has dedicated his life to several roles in the Catholic Church: Apostolic Visitor, Diocese of Broome, 2020-2021; Emeritus Bishop of Wollongong, since 2018; Bishop of Wollongong, Diocese of Wollongong, 2001-2018; Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney, 1993-2000; Episcopal (Bishop) Ordination, 1993; Parish Priest, St Charles’ Church, Ryde, 1990-1993; Secretary, Archdiocese of Sydney, 1980-1990. Private Secretary, Cardinal Sir James Freeman, 1974-1980. Assistant Priest, Rosebery, Newtown, St Mary’s and Auburn South parishes, 1965-1974. Ordained Priest, since 1964. Thank you to In The Cove for publishing the original information for this article to be compiled congestion may cause headaches for some commuters though.” On an amusing note - the day the census results were unveiled a company called SydneyTree Companyputout a press release under the title “Lane Cove Tree Removal Is a Focus ForSydney”. The companysays it appreciates how “notoriously hazardous” the trees are in the suburb and that it is willing to offer “mates rates”for pruning and The Canopy - Hamish McIntosh Art Society Patron Ian Longbottom presented the awards and made a short speech on the contentious subject of art criticism. Councillor Scott Bennison represented Lane Cove Council, co-sponsor of the Guy Warren Prize. The Lloyd Rees Prize was won this year by Belinda Haworth with her painting “Sea Spray”, and the Guy Warren Prize by Cilla Davis for “Mystery and wonder found below”. Prizes in the categories were: Joyce Mills Prize for Oils or Acrylics: “Woman in the Garden” by Emiko Morris Watercolours Prize: “Dawn of a New Day” by Pat Wilson removal. The timing of it all made TVO smirk.
Joyful exhibition of talent by Lane Cove Art Society Mixed Media Prize: “Misty morning No 2” by Annie Pavlovic Pastels, Drawings and Prints Prize: “Marine lace” by Kathy Smoker Small WorksPrize, sponsored by The Art Scene Ryde: “Changing Colours” by Alison Stewart Closing date for the exhibition is Saturday July 2.
5 Things to disclose when selling your home 5 Things to Disclose when selling your home 5 Things to Disclose when selling your home 5 Things to Disclose when selling your home 5 Things to Disclose when selling your home 5 Things to Disclose when selling your home When putting your home on the market there are several things you need to disclose to your agent and potential buyers before and during the sale of your property. When putting your home on the market there are several things you need to disclose to your agent and potential buyers before and during the sale of your property. When putting your home on the market there are several things you need to disclose to your agent and potential buyers before and during the sale of your property. When putting your home on the market there are several things you need to disclose to your agent and potential buyers before and during the sale of your property. When putting your home on the market there are several things you need to disclose to your agent and potential buyers before and during the sale of your property. When putting your home on the market there are several things you need to disclose to your agent and potential buyers before and during 5 Things to Disclose when selling your home www.raineandhorne.com.au hazelm@lns.rh.com.au Material Fact – There are requirements to disclose items called material facts which include things like illegal drug manufacturing, if the property has been subject to floods in the past and serious violent crimes that have occurred at the property. Asbestos – It is important to disclose if you are knowingly aware of asbestos in the home. If this is not disclosed, it may be picked up by building inspectors during the sale process which could mean penalties to you as a seller. Building Defects – In more recent times, we have seen reports of building defects in some newer apartment buildings that have involved larger final ramifications. These should be disclosed so the buyer can negotiate on the final sale price or chose to walk away from the sale. Property Titles & Consents – Covenants, zoning or easements could include shared driveways, water easements for authorities, landscaping, fencing designs or zoning in areas of flood, fires or specific developments. Tenancies – If you have current tenants at the property, it will be important to disclose the sale to the tenant as any fixed-term leases and their terms that in place to the potential buyer. Looking for a property price update or advice on preparing your property for sale? Call Hazel on 0402 913 537. Hazel McNamara SENIOR SALES AGENT/JP Rate My Agent Lane Cove Agent of the Year 2022 Thinking of Selling? Call me today on 0402 913 537 www.raineandhorne.com.au Material Fact – There are requirements to disclose items called material facts which include things like illegal drug manufacturing, if the property has been subject to floods in the past and serious violent crimes that have occurred at the property. A Asbestos – It is important to disclose if you are knowingly aware of asbestos in the home. If this is not disclosed, it may be picked up by building inspectors during the sale process which could mean penalties to you as a seller. B Building Defects – In more recent times, we have seen reports of building defects in some newer apartment buildings that have involved larger final ramifications. These should be disclosed so the buyer can negotiate on the final sale price or chose to walk away from the sale. P Property Titles & Consents – Covenants, zoning or easements could include shared driveways, water easements for authorities, landscaping, fencing designs or zoning in areas of flood, fires or specific developments. T Tenancies – If you have current tenants at the property, it will be important to disclose the sale to the tenant as any fixed-term leases and their terms that in place to the potential buyer. Looking for a property price update or advice on preparing your property for sale? Call Hazel on 0402 913 537. Hazel McNamara SENIOR SALES AGENT/JP Rate My Agent Lane Cove Agent of the Year 2022 Thinking of Selling? Call me today on 0402 913 537 www.raineandhorne.com.au Material Fact – There are requirements to disclose items called material facts which include things like illegal drug manufacturing, if the property has been subject to floods in the past and serious violent crimes that have occurred at the property. Asbestos – It is important to disclose if you are knowingly aware of asbestos in the home. If this is not disclosed, it may be picked up by building inspectors during the sale process which could mean penalties to you as a seller. Building Defects – In more recent times, we have seen reports of building defects in some newer apartment buildings that have involved larger final ramifications. These should be disclosed so the buyer can negotiate on the final sale price or chose to walk away from the sale. Property Titles & Consents – Covenants, zoning or easements could include shared driveways, water easements for authorities, landscaping, fencing designs or zoning in areas of flood, fires or specific developments. Tenancies – If you have current tenants at the property, it will be important to disclose the sale to the tenant as any fixed-term leases and their terms that in place to the potential buyer. Looking for a property price update or advice on preparing your property for sale? Call Hazel on 0402 913 537. Hazel McNamara SENIOR SALES AGENT/JP Rate My Agent Lane Cove Agent of the Year 2022 Thinking of Selling? Call me today on 0402 913 537 www.raineandhorne.com.au Material Fact – There are requirements to disclose items called material facts which include things like illegal drug manufacturing, if the property has been subject to floods in the past and serious violent crimes that have occurred at the property. Asbestos – It is important to disclose if you are knowingly aware of asbestos in the home. If this is not disclosed, it may be picked up by building inspectors during the sale process which could mean penalties to you as a seller. Building Defects – In more recent times, we have seen reports of building defects in some newer apartment buildings that have involved larger final ramifications. These should be disclosed so the buyer can negotiate on the final sale price or chose to walk away from the sale. Property Titles & Consents – Covenants, zoning or easements could include shared driveways, water easements for authorities, landscaping, fencing designs or zoning in areas of flood, fires or specific developments. Tenancies – If you have current tenants at the property, it will be important to disclose the sale to the tenant as any fixed-term leases and their terms that in place to the potential buyer. Looking for a property price update or advice on preparing your property for sale? Call Hazel on 0402 913 537. Hazel McNamara SENIOR SALES AGENT/JP Rate My Agent Lane Cove Agent of the Year 2022 Thinking of Selling? Call me today on 0402 913 537 www.raineandhorne.com.au hazelm@lns.rh.com.au Material Fact – There are requirements to disclose items called material facts which include things like illegal drug manufacturing, if the property has been subject to floods in the past and serious violent crimes that have occurred at the property. Asbestos – It is important to disclose if you are knowingly aware of asbestos in the home. If this is not disclosed, it may be picked up by building inspectors during the sale process which could mean penalties to you as a seller. Building Defects – In more recent times, we have seen reports of building defects in some newer apartment buildings that have involved larger final ramifications. These should be disclosed so the buyer can negotiate on the final sale price or chose to walk away from the sale. Property Titles & Consents – Covenants, zoning or easements could include shared driveways, water easements for authorities, landscaping, fencing designs or zoning in areas of flood, fires or specific developments. Tenancies – If you have current tenants at the property, it will be important to disclose the sale to the tenant as any fixed-term leases and their terms that in place to the potential buyer. Looking for a property price update or advice on preparing your property for sale? Call Hazel on 0402 913 537. Hazel McNamara SENIOR SALES AGENT/JP Rate My Agent Lane Cove Agent of the Year 2022 Thinking of Selling? Call me today on 0402 913 537 the sale of your property. Material Fact – There are requirements to disclose items called material facts which include things like illegal drug manufacturing, if the property has been subject to floods in the past and serious violent crimes that have occurred at the property. Asbestos – It is important to disclose if you are knowingly aware of asbestos in the home. If this is not disclosed, it may be picked up by building inspectors during the sale process which could mean penalties to you as a seller. Building Defects – In more recent times, we have seen reports of building defects in some newer apartment buildings that have involved larger final ramifications. These should be disclosed so the buyer can negotiate on the final sale price or chose to walk away from the sale. Property Titles & Consents – Covenants, zoning or easements could include shared driveways, water easements for authorities, landscaping, fencing designs or zoning in areas of flood, fires or specific developments. Tenancies – If you have current tenants at the property, it will be important to disclose the sale to the tenant as any fixed-term leases and their terms that in place to the potential buyer. Looking for a property price update or advice on preparing your property for sale? Call Hazel on 0402 913 537. Hazel McNamara SENIOR SALES AGENT/JP Rate My Agent Lane Cove Agent of the Year 2022 Thinking of Selling? Call me today on 0402 913 537 www.raineandhorne.com.au
Thinking of Selling? Call me today on
0402 913 537
State capture by the development industry?
Sue Ingham, member of the Lane Cove Bushland Conservation Society, reports back from the Better Planning Network AGM, which drew high-profile speakers Tim Sneesby, Rod Simpson and Elizabeth Farrelly.
Corinne Fagueret leading a protest outside the office Brad Hazzard, who was the Minister for Planning at the time. Journalist Elizabeth Farrelly
In 2012, the Better Planning Network was established in response to the then O’Farrell Government’s proposed planning reforms. Concern was growing about the pressure for development at the cost of public interest and the environment, and without community involvement. Apartment buildings were going up across Sydney, often on inappropriate sites, and mining projects were being pushed through with damaging consequences for the environment. Privately-certified, high-rise developments proved to be shoddy and clean water was being polluted by both open and underground mines. There was a strong feeling that the planning legislation before State Parliament was prioritising developer profits over the public interest.
The primary role of the BPN is to watch and consider planning proposals, meet with the NSW Department of Planning and the Environment, hopefully to influence decisions, and to circulate information concerning planning to its members.
At the end of May this year, the BPN held its Annual General Meeting. Three speakers were invited to address the topic: “State capture by the development industry?” The three speakers were Tim Sneesby, a strategic planner with Waverly Council, Rod Simpson, architect, urban designer and former Greater Sydney Commissioner for the Environment, and Elizabeth Farrelly, architecture critic, columnist and author of a new book, Killing Sydney. Rod Simpson began his talk by saying, “Why the question mark? There is no question that the State has been captured by the development industry.”
Tim Sneesby explained the working of the planning system in NSW, how the Planning Department can be in the firing line between Ministers and the Department of Treasury. He was also critical of what he considered a complicit media simply repeating media releases and failing to ask critical questions or treat planning as newsworthy.
Rod Simpson regularly speaks of sustainability in urban design in planning across Sydney. He is active in Voices of North Sydney, a nonpartisan community group seeking greater community consultation in decision making. Their website states that the community is “tired of writing letters, signing petitions and meeting with elected representatives, only to have their views ignored in favour of party donors, lobbyists, special interest groups, and the party line.”
Rod spoke about community groups acting together to gain collective power.
Elizabeth Farrelly, who has written on architectural and planning issues for three decades as a columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald, reported that she had been fired for not disclosing she was a member of the Labor Party. She considered this was ‘disproportionate’ and ‘grossly unfair.’
She said, “We have allowed developers to convince us that high rise is the only way to provide housing affordability.
“Public land is seen as a developer’s opportunity and rezoning of central Parramatta for high rise will destroy more heritage buildings because the Heritage Laws in NSW are too weak.”
The Rotary Club of Lane Cove Club loves to give
At our recent annual Giving Dinner, we were delighted to give away substantial funds to many worthy causes. The last two years have been extremely difficult fundraising years and we are very grateful for the financial grants, enabled by Lane Cove Council, which enable us to support in particular Delvena Tree of Joy, Lane Cove Youth Centre, Rotary Youth Leadership Camp, the Terracycle Mask Recycle Bins, Lane Cove Youth Orchestra Music Camp Tutors, Streetside Medics and the Young at Heart Community Festival. Your generous contributions were also a great help.
The times, they are a’changing
This year, in April, Trendsetter Travel celebrated its 30th anniversary. On the day itself, April 6th, I flew out of Sydney to escort our first group to America after the two year Covid induced hiatus. While I had other things on my mind – uppermost of these was getting a negative PCR test to allow me to fly – it was some days later that I realised the significance of that journey. It was tangible proof that we had survived. By Adrienne Witteman.
The upward return-to-travel trajectory started long before April as the confident among you booked in late 2021 for 2022 journeys, in anticipation of a groundswell of demand. And so, it came to pass. What has been termed “revenge travel” is like a tsunami of demand. Sure, there was a slight negative blip when Russia invaded Ukraine but adjustments have been made – airlines have changed flight paths and cruise companies itineraries to avoid the trouble spots – and confidence returned to the market.
Meanwhile, I have never previously seen such demand for premium fares. Prices have skyrocketed. It may be tempting to categorise this as airline pricegouging but here at the coalface we see the complete picture. Airlines have not yet returned pre-Covid capacity to the system – they simply do not have the staff to cover the same number of flights (and won’t have for some time to come) – and in some cases are not flying at all. For example, Cathay Pacific has been closed for business due to Covid restrictions for the last five months, meaning thousands of seats lost on a once popular link to Europe and gateway to Asia. And if you want to fly direct to Africa, Qantas is your only choice while South African Airways rebuilds from bankruptcy on the back of more profitable routes. Marry lesser capacity with increased demand and the only outcome is higher pricing. Meanwhile thousands have allowed their passports to expire! I freely admit that this flabbergasts me, though I will happily forgive those who thought they’d never travel again but were driven to change their minds after two years of lockdown … Covid has initiated some aberrant behaviours. And having now waited (patiently) behind plenty of people who’ve forgotten what to do in a security check queue, there is a degree of truth in Alan Joyce’s statement that travellers are not yet match fit. Especially when there is so much more to produce. A passport. A vaccination certificate. Less frequently now, proof of a negative PCR or RAT. Then before you can return to Australia, online completion of your DPD. You don’t know what that is? The Digital Passenger Declaration is intended to replace the form that used to take you one minute to do on the plane, yet you still do both. The app gets a one-star rating. Grrrh. (A tip: completion on a laptop or iPad is much quicker than on a smartphone.) Change is also afoot at an agency level. With around 30% of staff leaving the industry during 20/21, those remaining are hugely busy and to try us just that little bit more, some strong headwinds are looming. The decision by most airlines to reduce commissions to 1%, effective 1 July. On a $2000 ticket to Europe, this means $10-$12 remuneration and on a typical business class $80-$90 remuneration, since commission is not usually paid on taxes. So don’t be surprised when your agent requests a fee before quoting or tells you that s/he will no longer handle flights because the increased requirements these days are just not worth it … The times, they are a’changing, yet 30 years on, there’s still much to celebrate. Connecting people with other people, and with awe-inspiring and fabulous experiences is immensely emotionally satisfying. Your loyalty and your appreciation are appreciated, and on behalf of all the agents still in the industry, thank you for your ongoing support as we negotiate the myriad changes in our industry, together.
3 NORTHWOOD ROAD, LONGUEVILLE 9428 5900
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