ANZA Magazine November/December 2021 by ANZA Singapore

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TH E A U STRA LIA N & N EW ZEA LA N D A SSOCI ATI ON November/December 2021

Sin g a p o r e

ur o y d n Fi ner in e peac

COMFORT & JOY

Kindness in the community How the East got an upgrade

NOW EVEN COOLER!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

WRAPPING UP THE YEAR Christmas dinner respins Holiday season cocktails Inspired decorative ideas Festive health & safety tips

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26/10/21 5:28 PM

19/10/21 9:48 AM

Eromie Dassanayake

How prep stud next learn ‘Big

Head of Early Years Australian International School

to contact our friendly Admissions Team OR email admissions@ais.com.sg or phone 6653 2958

dĞůů ƵƐ Ă ůŝƩůĞ about yourself? I have had had the pleasure of working at AIS for 7.5 years. I am from Sri Lanka and I grew up in a tea estate with my mum, dad and two siblings. My professional journey commenced ŝŶ ^ƌŝ >ĂŶŬĂ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞĚ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ countries which enriched my teaching ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŚŝŐŚůŝŐŚƚĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ďĞŝŶŐ Ă ŐůŽďĂů ĐŝƟǌĞŶ͘ I was passionate about teaching from a young age which steered me in ƚŚĞ ĚŝƌĞĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ĐŽŵƉůĞƟŶŐ ŵǇ associates degree in Montessori (AMI) followed by my Degree in Childhood studies Guidance and counselling from Northumbria University in the United Kingdom. I completed my Masters Degree in ĂƌůǇ ŚŝůĚŚŽŽĚ ĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƚĞĂĐŚing from the University of Monash.

What is your leadership style? dƌĂŶƐĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶĂů ůĞĂĚĞƌƐŚŝƉ͗ dĂŬŝŶŐ Ă ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƟǀĞ ĂƉƉƌŽĂĐŚ͕ ĂƐ ƚƌĂŶƐĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶĂů ůĞĂĚĞƌƐ ĞŵƉŽǁĞƌ ƚĞĂŵƐ ƚŽ have a say in decision-making ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĞŶĂďůĞ ĐŽůůĞĐƟǀĞ ŐŽĂůͲƐĞƫŶŐ͘ dŚŝƐ ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ extended to families and children,

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ǁŚŽ Ăůů ƚĂŬĞ ƉĂƌƚ ŝŶ ĐƌĞĂƟŶŐ ƚŚŝƐ ƉůĂĐĞ for what it strives to become: a home away from home and a place where ideas generate from the spaces between its people.

What is the ELV Philosophy? How do you bring this to life? tĞ ďĞůŝĞǀĞ ĞǀĞƌǇ ĐŚŝůĚ ŚĂƐ ĂĐƟǀĞ ƌŝŐŚƚƐ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ĐĂƉĂďůĞ ŽĨ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŶŐ to the community. The child is at the heart of the learning process. Teachers facilitate this learning ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĐĂƌĞ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƚ͕ ĐƌĞĂƟŶŐ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌĂĐƟǀĞ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƐƉŝƌŝŶŐ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ environment. A place where children are encouraged to take risks, to explore and to be in control of their own learning. We recognise children as unique individuals, ĐĞůĞďƌĂƟŶŐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ǀŽŝĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚƐ͕ while making learning visible and ŵĞĂŶŝŶŐĨƵů ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĂƵƚŚĞŶƟĐ ĚŽĐƵŵĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƟŽŶ with our community. We believe that when we build trustŝŶŐ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉƐ ǁŝƚŚ ŽƵƌ ůĞĂƌŶĞƌƐ͕ educators, parents and our community we uphold the EY philosophy of love, care and respect.

to watch Eromie’s Leadership Webinar

How has COVID-19 impacted life for students and teachers at AIS? What challenges have you overcome? COVID-19 has had a huge impact ŐůŽďĂůůǇ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂůƐŽ ůŽĐĂůůǇ͕ ŝŵƉĂĐƟŶŐ ŽŶ ŚŽǁ ǁĞ ďƵŝůĚ ĂŶĚ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶships as well as community engagement. Our educators worked long and ŚĂƌĚ ƚŽ ƚŚŝŶŬ ŽĨ ǁĂǇƐ ƚŽ ŽīĞƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ƚŚĞ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ the feeling of connectedness even ŝŶ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŚĂƌĚ ƟŵĞƐ͘ ŽůůĂďŽƌĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ǀĞƌǇ ŵƵĐŚ ƐƟůů ŚĂƉƉĞŶŝŶŐ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ teachers, families, and other stakeholders all around the school (and the neighboring schools). We have had projects where children conferenced and emailed the people whom they saw as viable tools and resources in ƚŚĞŝƌ ŝŶƋƵŝƌŝĞƐ͘ dĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ƐƟůů ŵĞĞƚ ĨŽƌ ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƟǀĞ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ͕ ǁĞ ƐƟůů ŐŽ ƚŽ ƉůĂǇŐƌŽƵŶĚƐ͕ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ƐƟůů a culturally diverse community, and ǁĞ ĚĞĮŶŝƚĞůǇ ƐƟůů ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚ ǁŝƚŚ ĞĂĐŚ other regularly … we just had to get ĐƌĞĂƟǀĞ ĂďŽƵƚ ŚŽǁ ǁĞ ĚŽ ŝƚ͊ / ƚŚŝŶŬ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ĂƐ Ă ŐƌĞĂƚ ƚĞƐƟŵŽŶǇ ƚŽ ŚŽǁ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚͲƚŚŝŶŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŇĞǆŝďůĞ ǁĞ ŚĂǀĞ all become, embracing technologies ĂŶĚ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĞĮƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŐůŽďĂů ĐŝƟǌĞŶƌǇ͘

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In the Ea the child ing decis ƚƌĂŶƐŝƟŽ child con ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ƚ ings. The ǀŝƐŝƚƐ ƚŽ allocated teachers ŚĂǀĞ ŚĂŶ ŬŶŽǁ ƚŚ could pr the teac needs o children physical ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂŶ pod layo with. Th the class ƚŚĞ ƐƵƌƌ

Wha to be ƚĞƌŶ

ĞŝŶŐ ƉĂ means a ƉŽƉƵůĂƟ backgro the peop ŝŶƐƉŝƌĂƟ immersi Ă ƟŵĞ ǁ human c ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ŵŝŶĚĞĚŶ Being pa also mea as uniqu bring so thinking ƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵ ity curric same fro year to y

d Ŷ

How do you prepare your students for the next step in their learning journey ‘Big School’? In the Early Years we make sure that the children are involved in making decisions when it comes to the ƚƌĂŶƐŝƟŽŶ ƉĞƌŝŽĚ͘ dŚĞ Wϯ ĂŶĚ Wϰ child conduct a mini Unit of Inquiry ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƋƵĞƐƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ǁŽŶĚĞƌings. There are three pre planned ǀŝƐŝƚƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǁ ĐůĂƐƐƌŽŽŵƐ ĂŶĚ ƟŵĞ allocated to meet the teachers. The teachers for each year level would ŚĂǀĞ ŚĂŶĚŽǀĞƌ ŵĞĞƟŶŐƐ ƚŽ ŐĞƚ ƚŽ ŬŶŽǁ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ďĞƩĞƌ ƐŽ ƚŚĞǇ could prepare the classroom and the teaching resources to meet the needs of the children rather than the children being ready for school. The physical environment itself supports ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂŶƐŝƟŽŶƐ ďǇ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĨĂŵŝůŝĂƌ pod layout which children are familiar with. There may be a new teacher in the classroom, but many friends, and ƚŚĞ ƐƵƌƌŽƵŶĚŝŶŐƐ ƐƚĂǇ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ͊

What does it mean to be part of an InƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ^ĐŚŽŽů͍ ĞŝŶŐ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ƐĐŚŽŽů means access to a diverse student ƉŽƉƵůĂƟŽŶ͕ ĞĂĐŚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƵŶŝƋƵĞ background and culture. We use the people we interact with daily as ŝŶƐƉŝƌĂƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĐƵůƚƵƌĂů immersion. How wonderful that in Ă ƟŵĞ ǁŚĞŶ ƚƌĂǀĞů ŝƐ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚ ĂŶĚ human contact is restricted, we can ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ŐƌŽǁ ŝŶ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ŵŝŶĚĞĚŶĞƐƐ͊ Being part of our community at AIS also means that children are treated as unique, wondrous individuals who bring so much to the table: unique thinking, strategies, experiences. The ƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ŵŝŶĚƐĞƚ ŽĨ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůŝǌĞĚ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌ Ă ƋƵĂůity curriculum which never looks the same from one class to another, from year to year.

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What are you most proud of in your ƟŵĞ Ăƚ /^ ƐŽ ĨĂƌ͍ The manner we have changed our philosophy, rituals, thinking and our ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞƐ ƚŽ ŵĞĞƚ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĞĚƐ ŽĨ Ăůů ŽƵƌ learners. AIS is not the school to rest on its laurels. We are never content with the current state of things, always looking to the future, reading ŵŽƐƚ ƌĞĐĞŶƚ ƌĞƐĞĂƌĐŚ͕ ŝŵƉůĞŵĞŶƟŶŐ ŵŽƐƚ ĐƵƫŶŐ ĞĚŐĞ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶĂů ƉŚŝůŽƐŽƉŚŝĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟŶŐ ĐŚŝůĚŚŽŽĚ ĂƐ Ă ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ďĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŽŵĞŶƚ͕ ƚŽ ǁŽŶĚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ŐƌŽǁ ŽŶĞ͛Ɛ ĐŽŐŶŝƟǀĞ ƉŽǁĞƌƐ ŝŶ Ă way that is developmentally appropriate. We have accordingly changed many things about how we deliver ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ ƚŽ ƌĞŇĞĐƚ ŽƵƌ ĐŽƌĞ ďĞůŝĞĨƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞƐ ŽƵƚ ƚŚĞƌĞ͘

What future plans can we look forward to for the EY? Ɛ ŵĞŶƟŽŶĞĚ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůǇ͕ ǁĞ͛ƌĞ ĂůǁĂǇƐ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ďĞƩĞƌ ǀĞƌƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ ŽƵƌƐĞůǀĞƐ͘ Ks/ Ͳϭϵ ŚĂƐ ĚĞĮŶŝƚĞůǇ put a spanner in the works for many schools around the globe, but we ĂƌĞ ĐŽŶĮĚĞŶƚ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ƐƟůů ĮŶĚ ǁĂǇƐ ƚŽ ŽīĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ ůĞǀĞů ŽĨ ĞŶgagement for children as before the pandemic. The near future will see ƵƐ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƟŶŐ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŶĞǁ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ͕ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ŶĞǁ ƐŬŝůůƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ĮŶĚŝŶŐ ŶĞǁ ĂŶĚ ĞǆĐŝƟŶŐ ǁĂǇƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŵƉĞŶƐĂƚĞ ĨŽƌ ǁŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ ŐůŽďĂů ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůǇ taking away from the children: social ŝŶƚĞƌĂĐƟŽŶƐ͕ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐŝŶŐ ŽĨ ĐƵůƚƵƌĂů ĚŝǀĞƌƐŝƚǇ͕ ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƟŽŶ͕ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ

engagement, global thinking, etc. Our teachers are also currently being ƚƌĂŝŶĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ Ăƌƚ ŽĨ ƐĞůĨͲƌĞŐƵůĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ help children meet and conquer their challenges. Beyond this point, we are looking forward to resuming our wonderful community engagements, ĞǀĞŶƚƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƟŽŶƐ͘

What do you enjoy most about being the AIS Head of Early Years? I get to work with educators who are passionate and when it comes to the ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ / ƌĞĂůůǇ ĞŶũŽǇ ŐĞƫŶŐ ƚŽ ŬŶŽǁ their wonders, their thinking and ŐĞƫŶŐ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŝŶƋƵŝƌŝĞƐ͘ / really enjoy learning alongside them, ĮŶĚŝŶŐ ŶĞǁ ǁĂǇƐ ƚŽ ǁŽŶĚĞƌ ĂďŽƵƚ seemingly ordinary things, and putƟŶŐ ŽƵƌ ŚĞĂĚƐ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ƚŽ ĚŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ something new every day.

Globally focused, distinctly Australian ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂŶ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ^ĐŚŽŽů WƚĞ >ƚĚ ŝƐ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ďǇ ƚŚĞ ŽŵŵŝƩĞĞ ĨŽƌ WƌŝǀĂƚĞ ĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ ; W Ϳ͕ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ^ŬŝůůƐ&ƵƚƵƌĞ ^ŝŶŐĂƉŽƌĞ ;^^'Ϳ͘ W ZĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ EƵŵďĞƌ ϭϵϵϮϬϰϰϬϱ,͘ WĞƌŝŽĚ ŽĨ ƌĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ ϲ :ƵůǇ ϮϬϭϵ ƚŽ ϱ :ƵůǇ ϮϬϮϯ

26/10/21 5:28 PM

SPOTLIGHT Head of Early Years

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

AIS Early Learning Village Accepting 2 months to 5 years Whether you’re new to Singapore, new to parenthood or looking for a nurturing environment for your little one, we are here to help. Enrolments for January are closing soon - enquire with us now!

CONTACT

To find out more please contact our friendly Admissions Team on admissions@ais.com.sg or 6653 2958

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E DI TOR’S NOTE

t’s been quite bizarre penning a welcome letter to a new community I am yet to meet after producing a magazine under socially distanced circumstances, but here we all are! Hi everyone – I’m Jo, and it’s a pleasure and a privilege to join the ANZA family. With almost nine years of Singaporeliving under my (Covid-expanded) belt, 2021 has definitely been a year of years. I look back with incredulity that we continue to find ourselves in these uncertain and strange times, as well as relief that there has been medical progress, a continued sense of unison, and signs that we’re slowly starting to move forward with renewed positivity. My introduction to ANZA a few weeks back was learning about the changes and challenges that ANZA’s sub-group volunteers and participants have endured over the past twelve months. I was blown away hearing about how so many volunteers have stepped up in times of trouble, fundraising has continued on a smaller scale, and Ladies’ Nights have involved a socially distanced table for two (cosy!). All of our members of every age have made the best of the situation. Indeed, there has been fun, success, and accomplishments along the way! Read about them throughout these pages. Also in this issue is a little sprinkling of festive joy. Discover those spreading year-round kindness on p26, get crafty with our gift wrapping tips on p36, find out how to best protect your health over the holiday season on p42, and shake up your traditional celebration recipes with our alternative suggestions from local top chefs on p58. Whatever you have planned for the remaining months of 2021, remember that ANZA is always here for you. We

remain undeterred and fiercely committed to supporting our members and keeping our ANZA community together. Call on us any time! I wish you all a peaceful and restful Christmas period. I look forward to a new year that sees Singapore continuing to forge ahead with confidence against the pandemic, and one where we can all be reunited with loved ones both near and far. I can’t wait to meet all of you, too!

Jo Upcraft, Editor editor@anza.org.sg

GENERAL MANAGER & SPONSORSHIP Kerry Low gm@anza.org.sg

ACCOUNTS Ellie Mills accounts@anza.org.sg

WEBSITE Geoff King web@anza.org.sg

THE ANZA TEAM AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION 261A Beach Road, Singapore 199541 Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm +65 6291 6301 www.anza.org.sg

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP Brinta Nandy comms@anza.org.sg ADVERTISING Deborah Gillies marketing@anza.org.sg

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Donna Dolan info@anza.org.sg

facebook.com/anzasingapore @anzasg @anzasingapore linkedin.com/groups/ANZA-Singapore

Ed Note NovDec21.indd 1

DESIGN Christina Lim design@anza.org.sg

20/10/2021 2:31:14 PM

SEASON’S 36 GREETINGS N OV E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

“I’m waiting for Santa Paws!” says Pip the dog.

FEATURES

REGULARS

30 MAKING A MOVE

Contemplating leaving Singapore for good? Don’t start packing before reading this.

32 1O THINGS DIVORCE LAWYERS WANT YOU TO KNOW

Common reasons why divorce happens, the time of year it takes place, and how you can make the process less painful for all. A present is always great, but it’s even better if the gift comes wrapped with thoughtful style.

42 CHRISTMAS HEALTH HAZARD SAFETY GUIDE

Make the celebrations more ho ho ho than no no no with advice for coping with a festive mishap.

47 ALL IS CALM

Stop the stress with these genius yoga moves that will promote a sense of serenity.

58 FESTIVE FEAST REVOLUTION

Shake up your traditional dinner with these recipe suggestions from Singapore’s top chefs.

01 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 22

Editor’s Note President’s Message Post It Partner’s Page Australian High Commission New Zealand High Commission Out & About ANZA Tours What’s On Check Out

26 46 50 52 55 56 64 72 74 76

ANZA Action Ask the Expert ANZA Click Photography Hotspots EAT Hotspots DRINK Tuckerbox ANZA Sports New Members Groups 10 Minutes With…

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: RAFAEL DALMAU

36 THINK OUT OF THE BOX

the fine print ANZA will not be liable for any consequential loss or damage occasioned by the failure of any advertisement to appear due to any cause whatsoever, nor does it accept any liability for error in any advertisement published or its failure to appear on a specific date. ANZA does not endorse or promote any product, service, or view offered through any advertisement, community service notice, or club or group activity that may appear in the magazine, nor does it accept responsibility for any specific advice or opinions offered by contributors or writers, and any subsequent reliance on such advice or opinions by its readers. ANZA magazine permit number: MCI (P) 070/10/2021

anza

Contents NovDec21.indd 2

November/December 2021

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ould d office team w an e te it m m o C ort utive their loyal supp he ANZA Exec r fo y it n u m m e ANZA co wish them all a to d like to thank th an r, ea y g other challengin throughout an icated ristmas. hundreds of ded e very Happy Ch th to n io at ci huge appre at our sports th re su en to 1 We extend our 2 in 20 ilst e come together av h o h w s main active wh er re te ld u co volun , ll a d sm ups, both big an ro g st re te in ctions. d an Covid-19 restri g seen in o g n o e th h their largely un t u o h it w complying wit ed u n nti uld not have co munity spirit. m co g n ro st ’s A Our activities co of ANZ r very backbone e th is h d passion of ou ic h an t w , en m it work m m the co ’t exist without n ld u o w A Z N A olunteers. members and v

Merry With love

ANZA Office Christmas Closure

Please note, the ANZA office will be closed from Monday 20 December 2021 and will reopen on Monday 3 January 2022. Please check the ANZA website for holiday dates, and changes to our sports groups and regular meetups. We look forward to sharing more good times together in the new year.

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20/10/2021 2:33:42 PM

PRESI DENT ’S MESSAGE

Ho ho ho and welcome to the festive issue!

or me there’s no better time on the calendar than the festive season. Wherever you are in the world, it usually kicks off by the time December rolls around with a surfeit of food and drink both on the work and personal front. Over my family’s 13 years in Singapore, we’ve enjoyed a number of fantastic Christmases here on the island, albeit they may have been a little blurred (and not just as result of the fogging of time!). From our kid-free motley crew expat orphan celebrations, spending the day with good friends at their homes, watching our children enjoy Santa’s spoils, to doing the festivities in style at Capella Christmas lunches (with the memorable Mariachi band leading the rowdy masses), there are plenty of ways to embrace the seasonal spirit and to not let the good times pass you by despite the obvious difficulties we’ve faced over the last few years. I urge those of us who will be here for the holidays to get their plans locked in! As we come in to the close of 2021 many of us will pause for thought and reflection of the year that was . . . or perhaps the year that wasn’t?! I’m immensely proud to be part of the ANZA community which has continued to foster, nurture and connect our members throughout the tough times. It has been especially heartwarming to see our little sports kids gleaming with smiles on the weekends, pictures of our social and interest groups enjoying moments with passionate, likeminded people, and the opportunites that have been created for new arrivals into Singapore to connect with others (no matter how difficult). Our global community is very unique and our 73-year history in Singapore always amazes me. All of this would not have been possible without our unbelievably passionate army of volunteers who continue to drive our association behind the scenes; the past twelve months have been more demanding than ever navigating the changing tides. A warm and sincere thank you to all as each of you make our time in Singapore that little bit more enjoyable – this would not be possible without you. A big thank you also goes to our wonderful GM Kerry Low and our office team who have continued to go above and beyond throughout 2021. We also wish our outgoing editor Pip Harry all the best upon her repatriation and wish our new editor Jo Upcraft a very warm welcome. Have a wonderful Christmas break and we can’t wait to see you in 2022!

ANZA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Adam Martin

Vice President Megan Kinder

Executive Secretary Mark Neo

Executive Treasurer Tristan Perry

Membership Secretary Philip Simmonds

Community Services Coordinator Louise Jones

Joint Sports Coordinator Megan Scott

Committee Member Zenaida Bharucha

Committee Member Don Northey

Committee Member Maria Taylor

Committee Member Christo Fangupo

Committee Member Alistair Green

Bye-bye Pip!

Adam Martin

Committee Member John Neilson

CO-PATRONS His Excellency William Hodgman, High Commissioner for Australia | Her Excellency Jo Tyndall, High Commissioner for New Zealand ANZA AMBASSADOR PJ Roberts 4

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Discover the Difference

DE T U

DO R P UN ONS M

SPORT

It is our belief that, whilst still competing at the highest level, all students should have access to sport, regardless of ability.

We field as many competitive sporting teams as necessary to provide every student the opportunity to represent Dulwich should they wish.

singapore.dulwich.org admissions.singapore@dulwich.org (65) 6890 1003

Students seeking to compete at the highest level can further develop their talents through Ignite!, our exceptional performance development programme.

Students have an abundance of opportunities to participate in global sporting competitions such as the prestigious Dulwich Olympiad, FOBISIA Games and Rosslyn Park 7s.

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Dulwich College (Singapore) CPE Registration Number: 201027137D. Period of Registration: 09 Janurary 2020 to 08 Janurary 2024. School Location: 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, Singapore, 658966

POST I T

POST IT

K E E P U P -T O - D AT E W I T H T H E A N Z A C O M M U N I T Y E A C H M O N T H AT A N Z A .O R G . S G

MAKE WAY FOR MOVEMBER

November plays host to Movember, the one month in the calendar where the whole world raises awareness of some of the biggest men’s health issues: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. Events take place globally, and 2021 is no different. Guys can fundraise by growing a hipster moustache, running 60km in a month, or hosting a virtual ‘Mo-ment’. Check out sg.movember.com to see what’s planned in Singapore.

FRIDAY

26 N OV

IN THE BLACK

Hold onto your credit cards, Black Friday takes place on Friday 26 November 2021. While this famous day of shopping follows Thanksgiving in the US, it’s an event that’s gained popularity worldwide, with Singapore being no exception. Look out for deals and discounts around town. If you’ve got any restraint, the following Monday – 30 November – is Cyber Monday, which means 24 hours of selected online sales. Enjoy!

MEET A FEATURED PARTNER

MR ANDREW CHEW

Chief Commercial Officer James Cook University, Singapore

What’s your role at JCU? As the Chief Commercial Officer at James Cook University (JCU) in Singapore, I’m a key member of Executive Management and responsible for commercial strategy, marketing, and growth of the whole organisation. What’s your partnership with ANZA and when did it begin? James Cook University in Singapore is a Platinum Partner of ANZA and we have a long-standing relationship with the association. We’ve supported ANZA’s events including the ANZA Ball, Melbourne Cup, and in 2018 ANZA’s 70th birthday. Our students have also been actively involved as volunteers at ANZA’s events such as the ANZA Ball. We look forward to continuing our support!

GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? Email us at info@anza.org.sg or comment on our Facebook page facebook.com/anzasingapore

What does JCU offer students in Singapore? JCU has a student-centric culture and offers pathway, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes including PhD to meet the needs of Singapore and the region. What do you enjoy most about your partnership with us? The way that we can further engage with the Australian and New Zealand community in Singapore through you. Favourite spot in Singapore? As a car enthusiast, my favourite place is the automotive showroom precinct of Alexandra Road and Leng Kee Road. Apart from the many supercars being driven around, I’ve spotted a few hypercars – most recently a Pagani Huayra.

STAY CONNECTED WITH ANZA facebook.com/anzasingapore @anzasg @anzasingapore linkedin.com/groups/ANZA-Singapore

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New Adventures Start Here

It’s always sad when we have to say goodbye to members of our ANZA family. This month we bid farewell to two key figures in the ANZA community who are both heading back home with their families to start new chapters. To see them off in style, we’ve compiled an ode to both (with help from our friends).

School’s Out for Andre Casson Head of School at AIS

Andre was appointed Head of School at AIS in 2018 after roles as School Principal and Head of Secondary School, a position he started in Singapore in 2012. Andre has been integral in leading AIS, both academically and operationally, with one purposeful strategic objective – ‘to become the school of choice in Singapore’ by 2022 (#SOC22). Thanks to his vision, he has encouraged everybody involved with AIS to be the best they can be. As someone who’s described as “genuinely caring” and is famous for being awesome (as well as using the word on a frequent basis!), we asked Andre’s colleagues for a little insight into the man they will miss.

HUMILITY

“Andre made an impression on every aspect of life at AIS. His organisational leadership coupled with humility, his ability to instil confidence in others, and his way of inspiring best practices has been incredible.”

EVERYDAY GUY

“Andre brought an ‘everyday guy’ leadership style to the school. He stood on the street corner of our school every morning and afternoon to welcome and say goodbye to the children and ensure they crossed the road safely.”

HEART ON HIS SLEEVE

“He leaves no stone unturned and everything he did was to make life better for our community. He wears his heart on his sleeve and cares deeply for the school.”

ABSOLUTE PASSION

“Andre’s reliability, leadership, and absolute passion for providing an exceptional environment for our students, parents, and staff, has been second to none.”

As Andre departs AIS for Australia with his wife Jodie and two young children, Jaxon and Remi, we wish him all the best.

So long Mandy Reinders-Hall Admin & Member Services, ANZA

In October we said a tearful goodbye to Mandy, our Admin and Member Services extraordinaire and integral member of the ANZA office team. During her five years with ANZA, she was a wonderful support to the community, always going the extra mile to help our members, volunteers and the rest of the office. We wish her all the best as she heads back home to New Zealand, just in time to see the glorious Pohutukawa in full bloom, and to celebrate Christmas with her family. We will miss her, but she will always be part of the ANZA whānau. Nga Mihi.

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ANZ A PARTN ER S

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ANZA PARTNERS, VALUED GREATLY FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE ASSOCIATION. PLATINUM PARTNERS

GOLD PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERS

Physiotherapy & Osteopathy

Pantone 201C & Cool Grey 11C

wisecrackdrinks.com

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JOIN

THE ANZA SPORTS

COMMUNITY!

Build skills and fitness, have fun and make lots of new mates.

anza.org.sg

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AUSTR ALIAN HIG H C OM M IS SION

AUSTRALIA IN SINGAPORE IN 2021 As the year ends, we’re focusing on the positives, feeling grateful for collaboration and the country we call home, and championing festive eating.

t has been another tough year for us all, but as 2021 draws to a close we can look back and celebrate many highlights in the Singapore-Australia relationship. Our Prime Ministers met in person in June and agreed to take forward initiatives to increase collaboration in the areas of defence, low emissions technology development, health technologies, fintech, technologies to support policing, and arts and culture exchanges. A visit by our Trade Minister, Dan Tehan, followed soon after to advance discussions about a Green Economy Agreement between our countries, for which negotiations were launched in September. The Pfizer vaccine dose swap deal agreed in August enabled Australia to receive 500,000 doses when we needed them most, with a commitment to return the same number to Singapore in December. And the Australian Government’s International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) continued to help fresh Australian produce reach Singapore supermarket shelves for us all to enjoy. Great mates working together and supporting each other, despite global difficulties.

25 Napier Road Singapore, 258507 Tel 6836 4100 Fax 6737 5481

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: @AustraliaInSG

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The Whole Kitchen

Twitter: @AusHCSG

The countdown to December is on, and while our celebrations are likely to be different from previous years once again, there are a few ways to add a taste of Australia to your festivities. Singapore is home to many great Australian restaurants, chefs, grocers and creators, many of whom have been featured in our #MakanOzStyle Instagram campaign this year. With this in mind, here are some of our top picks for a seasonal Australian tipple or treat to celebrate Christmas and ring in the new year. For more ideas, head to our Instagram page.

Christmas Day The Whole Kitchen Way

Australian High Commission Singapore

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/ company/ahc-sg

#MakanOzStyle this holiday season

Whether you’re after special options for your grazing table or looking for that delicious gift to take to your mate’s place, The Whole Kitchen has got you covered. Their story began in 2015 when two Singapore-based Australians, Anne and Susan, joined forces to create the healthy and tasty foods they were struggling to find from back home. With Susan’s affinity for delicious ingredients, and Anne’s knowledge as a certified health coach, The Whole Kitchen was born. Today, this gluten-free bakery crafts freshly baked goods, full of natural flavour and goodness. Check out their Christmas bakes and treats at thewholekitchen.com.sg

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Drink to your own good elf with these festive cocktails from Australian gin producer Four Pillars Gin. As Australia’s leading craft gin, it’s available in Singapore at select Cold Storage and NTUC FairPrice stores, as well as online at paneco.com.sg and cellarbration.com.sg

Get merry with Four Pillars Gin

Four Pillars Gin

There’s always room for something sweet no matter The scoop what time of year, and on Mrs Plump’s when that treat is healthy ice cream too, you’re onto a winner. Australia-born Mia Kusen founded Mrs. Plump’s to share her unique superfood, healthier ice creams and popsicles, with those who crave ‘guilt-free’ indulgence. Handcrafted in Singapore in small batches, Mrs. Plump’s superfood range uses allnatural ingredients, is free from refined sugar, and comes sweetened with fruit, dates and organic agave. The luxurious range of Christmas ice creams include Mint Chocolate Kale, Raspberry Almond Tart and Salted Caramel and Speculoos. They may not be quite as “guilt-free” as the superfood range, but they still contain all-natural ingredients and no nasties. Check out these pints of cheer and a range of cocktail popsicles at mrsplumps.com

PAV PUNCH INGREDIENTS • 700ml Four Pillars Australian Christmas Gin • 750ml champagne or sparkling wine • 700ml soda water • 500ml fino sherry • 300ml fresh lemon juice • 300ml sugar syrup (1:1 mixture) METHOD Mix all ingredients except for the champagne and soda water in a punchbowl. When ready to serve, add in the champagne, soda water and ice and stir. Garnish with passionfruit hulls, orange and lemon wheels, fresh berries and mint.

G&T SMASH INGREDIENTS • 45ml Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin • 2-4 strawberries • 4-6 mint leaves • Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water METHOD Slap the mint leaves to release aroma and place with berries in the bottom of a collins glass. Gently press the fruit and muddle together. Add the gin, half the tonic and stir to combine. Add ice and top with remaining tonic. Garnish with a mint sprig.

A message from the High Commissioner Will Hodgman

Mrs. Plump’s

Thank you for being a great support to each other this year – which was another challenging one – especially as many of us are missing our loved ones back home. From my family to you and yours, I wish everyone a healthy, safe and happy Christmas and bright start to 2022.

AustraliaInS

We’re now on Instagram!

Early Christmas present alert – the Australian High Commission, Singapore is on Instagram! Follow us @ AustraliaInSG to see and share the very best of Australia in Singapore, plus hear the latest about what our team is up to on the Red Dot and our region. Tag us at @AustraliaInSG or using #GreatMatesAUSG when you post about your favourite Aussie things on the island.

362 likes

#GreatMate

sAUSG

InDiplomacy

362 likes

High Commissioner

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and Maisie at Res

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NEW ZEAL A N D HIG H C OM M IS SION

SEEING THE YEAR OUT WITH HIGH COMMISSIONER JO TYNDALL It may not have been the year we all wanted or expected, but 2021 has taught us resilience, teamwork, and the importance of taking steps, no matter how small they seem.

he past year has been filled with uncertainty and change, and loss of connection, freedom and lives. No doubt all of us, myself included, hoped that 2021 would bring us back to some sense of normalcy. But things rarely go as planned, or as hoped. 2021 has seen us move from one version of lockdown to another, both in Singapore and New Zealand. And with that has come a considerable strain on all of us. Yet, this year has shown me how resilient we are as communities and countries. I have proudly watched the community in Singapore (and more recently New Zealand) coming together to achieve the vaccination rates we need to protect one another from serious Covid-19 illness. The innovation and creativity I’ve seen – for example in the way that New Zealand has hosted a completely virtual APEC year – has been astounding to witness. Most heartening of all has been the regular engagement between our two countries continuing despite the pandemic. Ministers and officials at all levels and different ministries have stayed in contact over the year, with the very first minister to travel since the onset of the pandemic, Minister Damien O’Connor, making Singapore his first stop. A key highlight in Minister O’Connor’s stop was his session with the New Zealand Chamber of

New Zealand High Commission Singapore

Commerce, where he was able to directly hear the experiences of the NZ whānau here. Indeed, it has been vital for us to understand how we as a High Commission can better support you all as we begin to make our way forward in a Covid-19 endemic world. No, life is not “back to normal” and it seems like our progress towards reopening may no longer be as ambitious or as quick as we would like it to be. But if the pandemic has taught us anything it is this – even a small step in the right direction is a step worth taking. So let’s keep moving forward with hope, and as a unified team.

Here’s wishing everyone a Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year), from all of us here at the High Commission. We look forward to coming together in 2022. Please note that the New Zealand High Commission office will be closed for the holiday period between Friday, 24 December and Friday, 31 December. We will re-open on Monday 3 January 2022. New Zealanders needing urgent consular assistance can call +64 99 20 20 20.

MEET THE TEAM

Say hi to staff on the ground in Singapore.

One George Street, Level 21-04 Singapore 049145 Tel 6235 9966 Fax 6536 8180 nzhc.sin@mfat.govt.nz

Hannah Adams, S econd Se New Zeala cretary, nd High C Kia ora whā ommissio nau! Hailin n

STAY CONNECTED Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/ NewZealandinSingapore Register when travelling: safetravel.govt.nz Find out more: mfat.govt.nz/singapore

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OUT & ABOUT

PETITE PINK ACTIVITIES

ANZA members went all-out with their pink creativity throughout October by indulging in pink outfits, food, drink and flowers in support of our Pink Petite activities for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Social distancing may have taken us down in group size but our mahjong, golf and morning tea sessions did a fabulous job of being as rosy as possible!

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LADIES’ NIGHT

Before restrictions were reduced to two people per table, we squeezed in some fun Ladies’ Nights which offered a much needed respite from the challenges of 2021. Yay for cocktails!

CANDLE MAKING

ANZA SCOUTS

We’ve all been searching for light in our lives this past 12 months, but our ANZA Candle Making group took things one step further. This cute session brightened everyone up.

The ANZA Scouts expelled some pent-up energy by stomping on nature trails and enjoying a spot of indoor wall climbing (we all know how wall climbing feels these days, yes?!)

CASUAL COFFEE

Remember when five-in-a-gang was last a thing? Our ANZA members made the most of it, met new friends, and of course, let the caffeine flow.

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More tours for 2022

We may have to had to scale down this year, but despite some ‘tiny tours’ there’s been plenty to see, do and discover in Singapore.

ach year, we set out to showcase the diversity of Singapore with the aim of connecting our members to the vibrant community in which we live. Our volunteer committee works tirelessly to create a mixture of tours comprising arts, history, nature, architecture and food. Unfortunately, 2021 was another challenging one for the tours committee due to changing government regulations which resulted in disruptions and cancellations to many of our events. For this reason, we’re already looking forward

to 2022, when tours cancelled in 2021 have been rescheduled and new and exciting concept tours have been developed with our specialist guides Charlotte Chu and Sarah Lev. A few to put in your diary include: ‘Uncovering the Hidden Gems of the West’, ‘Learning the Secrets of Traditional Medicine’ and ‘Discovering Art and Architecture’. We’ll also explore more of Green Singapore and go behind the scenes of the magical Jewel complex. Join us as we explore, uncover and engage with this beautiful city state in 2022.

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Get to know Kampong Glam

Walk with us as we witness public art, colourful street murals and hip shops and art galleries in Kampong Glam, a unique area named after the Gelam tree. Learn about the local Islamic traditions and visit the surrounding shops selling special perfumes and other items needed for the pilgrimage to Mecca (the Haj). Explore the cool boutiques of Haji Lane and see the recently painted large-scale murals on Bali Lane before heading to the Parkview Hotel for a special exhibit located in the private museum. There are many lunch options on Bali Lane or Bugis Junction (at your own expense).

DATE: Tuesday 16 November TIME: 10.00am – 1.00pm MEET: 9.50am, Lavender MRT, exit A COST: Members $45, non-members $55

Learn about Jewish heritage

Let our guide Sarah Lev, an active member of the Jewish community in Singapore, lead us through the Jewish neighbourhood known as “Mahala” on the third day of Hanukkah. Learn about the history of the island’s Jewish community and discover Jewish education establishments and prominent buildings such as the David Elias Building. We’ll visit the Maghain Aboth Synagogue (right) and the adjacent Jacob Ballas Centre where we can shop at the Kosher store, enjoy an Israeli meal, and meet the local Chief Rabbi to hear about happenings in the current community. We’ll also have the unique opportunity to see the Sacred Baghdadi Torah Scrolls placed inside the Holy Arc in the synagogue. DATE: Wednesday 1 December TIME: 9.30 – 12.30pm MEET: 9.20am Bras Basah MRT, exit E COST: Members $65, non-members $75

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Brent Leideritz

WHAT’S ON

THERE’S A MOUSE IN THE HOUSE!

reat news for Disney fans young and old: a new exhibition will be taking place at Suntec Convention Centre from this month. The Pop-Up Disney: A Mickey Celebration kicks off on 19 November until 20 March 2022. Originally hailing from the Downtown Disney District at California’s Disneyland Resort, this is its first foray into Asia. The exhibition features seven different themed rooms, each one focusing on a different aspect of everyone’s favourite squeaky rodent. Expect fantasy and magic at “Sorcery Mickey’s Magic Room”, feel the romance in “Mickey and Minnie’s Love Room” and see how our Mickey looks amongst some of the red dot’s most iconic landmarks in the “Mickey Loves Singapore Room.” Take a trip through the retro pages of old Mickey comics, meet his mates Donald, Goofy and more, and if you just want to go for the ‘gram, head for the giant bow-shaped sofa in honour of Minnie’s iconic headgear (say “cheese” for the snap, obviously). There’s a lot to see so save a few hours and make it a family treat. Adults (12+) $25, children (3-12) $20. Suntec City Convention Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, 039593. disney.sg/pop-up-disney

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

FASHION THROUGH THE AGES

If you love fashion, don’t miss these two exhibitions focusing on Singaporean style both past and present. Modern Women of the Republic: Fashion and Change in China and Singapore displays close to 100 artefacts and photographs, focusing on Chinese women’s clothing, accessories and lifestyle in China and Singapore for the past century. Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, 12 Tai Gin Road, 327874. Until Dec 12. sysnmh.org.sg/en Bringing fashion into the new millennium is Asian Civilisations Museum’s latest exhibition, #SGFashionNow. Highlighting cross-cultural ideas and works by eight local practicing designers and future creatives, it also features curator tours and craft and design workshops. Also, it makes a nice change to staring at yourself wearing trackies in the mirror. ACM, 1 Empress Place, 179555. Until Dec 19.

If you’re wondering how to entertain the kids during the forthcoming school holidays, may we suggest some very cool hands-on workshops exploring photography and film. Children aged 5–12 are invited to join the creativity at Objectifs Juniors programme at Objectifs Centre For Photography and Film to learn about visual storytelling, make new friends, and practise teamwork and problem solving. Kids will get to dressup and use props to become “life-sized animations”; learn how to storyboard a superhero story; plan, rehearse and shoot a music video for YouTube; and use their phones to take imaginative photos (as opposed to staring at Roblox). From 24 November to 17 December. Objectifs, 155 Middle Rd, 188977. objectifs.com.sg/kids-2021/#register

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For a taste of indiginous art, ReDot Fine Art Gallery is hosting the first international online solo shows of work by Delores Tipuamantumirri and Alison Puruntatameri, who hail from the Tiwi Island of Melville, just 80 kilometres north of Darwin. Banapa pays homage to the Tiwi people of the Pirlangimpi community. Delores is all about traditional geometrical designs associated with the local people, whereas Alison showcases stripes, lines, patterns and shapes that resonate with the tribes’ traditional customary rituals and body paintings. Log onto redotgallery.com to view. November/December 2021

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Gina Allain/Munupi Arts Centre

Collection of National Museum of Singapore

TAKE A TRIP TO TIWI

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ART MEETS SCIENCE

Dive into art and science at Da Vinci The Exhibition: Be Inspired to Innovate. See more than 50 life-size replicas of the artist’s inventions and 15 reproductions of his acclaimed fine art studies (including Mona Lisa and The Last Supper) which demonstrate how he’d blend science and art together through optics, illusion, nature and human anatomy. There are ten themed zones: don’t miss the interactive photo-ops which could provide a bit of laughter while learning. The Annexe, Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Rd, 609081. Through to January 2, 2022. science.edu.sg/davinci

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READ ALL ABOUT IT

ON A NATURE MISSION

This summer, MSIG launched the MSIG Biodiversity Mission 2021, sending participants on a fun and interactive-based mission to explore Singapore’s mangroves, mudflats, forests and more. The idea is that you download the interactive app and complete the local nature trails which are changed every few months (new ones dropped early November). Answer questions about your surroundings as you go, while collecting points for every trail challenge taken on. Upon completion you receive an AR filter, which you can use to shout out your accomplishment on Facebook or Instagram. Each trail lasts around one hour and there are prizes for the top scorers. Find out more and download the app at exploredistrict.com/ event/msig-biodiversity-2021 20 anza

Stuck for stocking fillers? Head to The Book Barracks, a bookstore and exhibition run by Books Beyond Borders, where 100 percent of net profits go to help fund schools in Nepal. Founder Randall Chong singlehandedly started the initiative in 2017 after a solo backpacking trip to Nepal, and after years of hard work has created a cosy space filled with plants, fairy lights, and shelves full of preloved adult and children’s books. Right now, The Book Barracks is a weekend bookfair slash exhibition, where visitors book a slot online before heading down for a rummage. Books Beyond Borders, 41 Jalan Pemimpin, 03-01E, 577186. Open Fridays 2-7pm, Sat & Sun 11-7pm, walk-ins not accepted. RSVP at booksbeyondborders.org/collections/events

Look out for . . . Claudine

The new restaurant replacing the space of The White Rabbit at Dempsey Hill is going big with French fine dining and good looks. A restaurant by Chef Julien Royer (Chef-Owner of 3 Michelin-starred Odette) and in collaboration with The Lo & Behold Group, Claudine is slated to open in November. @claudinerestaurants

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SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A STRONG CUPPA AND A FRIENDLY WELCOME. Whether you’re new to Singapore, new to ANZA or have been here a while, Casual Coffee mornings are a fantastic way to meet new people, pick up tips for living in Singapore and discover what ANZA offers its members. ANZA Casual Coffee meets at various locations around the island in group sizes that comply with the current restrictions.

ANZA Stitches Join ANZA Stitches and work on your own needlecraft project, make friends and discover Singapore’s crafting world.

WHO: Open to anyone who quilts, knits, crochets, embroiders, or does any other needlecraft. Bring your projects, share ideas or ask questions. All skill levels welcome. MEET: Most Thursdays at 10am, in the ANZA office. Once a month head out to explore all the amazing crafty things Singapore has to offer.

MORE INFO: ANZA.ORG.SG/GROUPS/STITCHES

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CHECK OUT

Have you heard? The already hip enclave of Joo Chiat is having a moment as an influx of cafes, shops and cool collaborative spaces enter the community.

hile the past eighteen months have seen many of us hunkering down at home, comforting ourselves with Netflix and neighbourhood familiarity, there’s one part of Singapore that has been slowly and subtly updating itself. While it’s always been one of the island’s most revered areas, with its laidback attitude, proximity to the beach and smattering of low-rise buildings, the East Coast is emerging out of the fuzzy pandemic period as even more alluring and fabulous than before. Think J-Lo when she walked the Versace runway in that dress for the second time in 2019 looking hotter than ever. In the last year, no less than nine new dining outlets serving everything from a Melbourne-esque vibe to Japanese-style fare have launched in the area alongside lifestyle stores, artisanal grocers, and some Singapore stalwarts that have decided to expand their outlets. 22 anza

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Tableware, cushions, runners

The newest hotspot is the Ginko Collection, a creative space in Katong Point, Joo Chiat, and the brainchild of two friends Vasilija and Rameela from Croatia and Singapore respectively. They wanted to bring western and eastern creativity and culture together by selling local handcrafted products under one roof, and the East was the obvious choice. Showcasing a collaboration of vendors, there’s something for all. Expect fine art from Samantha Redfern; gourmet Portuguese products from Alentasia; mouthwatering olive oil and raw honey from The Greek Kouzina; Singaporethemed greeting cards from Gingerlily Art; beautiful bone and mother of pearl inlay decor from The House of Lili; chic lighting fixtures from the Lampshade House; artisan jewellery from Made by Jules; luxurious candles and fragrances from

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Right: Fine art pieces by British expat Samantha Redfern Below: One of the necklaces from jewellery brand, Made by Jules

When the school summer holidays stretched before me, I decided to turn my facemask hobby into a business

Kris Parkinson, founder of The Cat’s Meow, with her hancrafted facemasks at the new Ginko collection in Joo Chiat

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Aussie-owned To Be Calm; and a bevvy of tableware, cushions and table runners from the Ginko Collection founders themselves. One member is Australian expat Kris Parkinson (left), who’s using the space as the base for her inaugural business, The Cat’s Meow. Despite not hailing from an artistic background (she used to work in a pathology laboratory in clinical biochemistry), Kris started sewing facemasks at the dining room table in her house last year while her husband was holed up in the ‘home office’ next door. “It all started when the annual fundraising gala for charity at my children’s school, Dulwich College, was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid restrictions,” explains Kris. “The mental health organisation Silver Ribbon Singapore had been chosen as the benefactor, and we wanted to find another way to raise money for them. We decided to make and sell fabric facemasks.” Together with other dedicated volunteers, they met their target of making seven-hundred reusable cotton masks, and donated just over $7,000. Continues Kris, “When the school term ended and the long summer holidays stretched out before me, I decided to turn my newly acquired facemask hobby into a bonafide business.” As well as the masks, Kris also produces fabric napkins, reusable cotton shopping bags, and she’s working on a range of canvas totes and cushion covers. She also takes commissions saying that she has “sourced otter fabric for a school mum, tennis fabric for a tennis team, and fabric with a mahjong print.” Kris, who sources her material from the likes of Spotlight, online at Etsy, and November/December 2021

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at Spoonflower fabrics, says she gets inspiration for her designs from the vibrant colours of the flowers in her garden. Her peacock feather and flamingo prints are the most popular.

Support for Breast Cancer

Aside from the innovation and dedication that goes into producing her masks, Kris’ creations also benefit several great causes. “I’m obsessed with cats, and part of what I wanted to do with the business was to keep the community focus of the original project,” she says. “I support two local cat rescue groups, Project SOKS and Project LUNI. Each September and October I also make a special range of three masks supporting Singapore Breast Cancer Foundation. As a 17-year breast cancer survivor myself this is close to my heart.” When she was asked to join the Ginko Collection, Kris admits that she jumped at the chance. “I was super-excited. Shopping fairs and pop-up culture in Singapore is a thing of the past due to Covid-19, and it’s been tough for sole proprietors to find a space to share and sell small scale.”

As for scale, she has no plans to go big with The Cat’s Meow, confessing that her enjoyment comes from rummaging through shelves to find fabrics and connecting to her customers personally. “When I first started out, there were not actually that many mask sellers in the market, but the sheer number of sellers now is astonishing,” she says.

Despite living in the West, Kris is happy to cross the country for work. “The Joo Chiat community has an eclectic boho vibe and you can find awesome small shops like Cat Socrates for homeware, RetroCrates for vinyl, and Rabbit Carrot Gun for a gastro pub meal.” That’s your Christmas shopping done and dusted in one place. What’s not to like?

The new Ginko Collection is at Katong Point on the 2nd floor above Little Farms. Ginko Collection, #02-05 Katong Point mall, 451 Joo Chiat Road. Find The Cat’s Meow @thecatsmeowsg and thecatsmeow.me

NEPTUNE COFFEE SHOP 237 EAST COAST RD

LITTLE ROGUE COFFEE 336 TANJONG KATONG ROAD

littleroguecoffee.com Inspired by the two founders’ children and the Melbourne cafe scene, Little Rogue is a family-friendly cafe with community spirit. There’s a “for the little ones” menu, a small play area, and a mini-library. Dogs are permitted when dining outdoors and there’s parking spaces for bikes. If you’re craving Australian-style coffee, beans are sourced from Proud Mary by Ballad Of Anna May, and make the perfect accompaniment to Soft Scrambled Eggs with Truffle Cream & Ikura ($14). 24 anza

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theneptune.com.sg Neptune sits pretty in the spot where Firebake used to be on East Coast Road. The menus for day and evening comprise classic fare and some Japanese infused dishes. Options include Bacon Kedgeree ($23.50), Shrimp Scampi ($21.90), and Seafood Somen ($22.90). Coffee comes from Mr. Cuddles and Mr. Brightside. Sit inside and soak up the clean, sleek, natural décor with a decidedly zen-touch, or go curbside and pair your food with people-watching.

LAZY SLOTH & DRUNKEN SLOTH 41 EAST COAST ROAD

LA BOTTEGA ENOTECA 346 JOO CHIAT ROAD

labottega.sg This rustic Italian restaurant menu was set by Antonio Miscellaneo, who used to run private dining establishment Casa Nostra. Bookings open up periodically on their website and seats get snapped up for their six-course tasting menu ($139++ pp) with its cheese and cured meats platter, DoubleCrunch pizza, and Spaghettone Alle Sarde. A la carte offerings include Grilled Gambero Rosso Prawns ($8) and ‘Luganega e “Scot”’ ($28), a homemade sausage recipe hailing from Miscellaneo’s hometown.

lazyslothsg.business.site Split into two different spaces, the first floor (Lazy Sloth) serves food, beers and classic cocktails, whereas the second floor (Drunken Sloth) offers bespoke cocktails, craft beers, wines and bar snacks. Comfort food awaits in the shape of fish and chips ($17), beef stew ($18), and Mala pasta ($9-$14). With wine starting at $9 a glass, and cocktails at a very reasonable price point (Mimosa, $12, Mohito, $14), it would be rude not to sample a few of them . . .

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SMILE. EASY. expatdental® offers a full range of orthodontic treatments for the whole family. Services include braces, Invisalign®, adult orthodontics, retainers and orthodontic appliances. Novena Medical Center, 10 Sinaran Drive, #08-15/16, Singapore 307506 20 Malacca Street, #01-00, Singapore 048979 tel: +65 6397-6718 | www.expatdental.com

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A N Z A AC T IO N

Peace and kindness happens year-round for Happy People Helping People (HPHP), a notfor-profit foundation who dedicate their time to caring for the elderly and less privileged in Singapore.

Beneficiaries and volunteers on a day together prior to the pandemic

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hile growing up in Singapore, Nafiz Kamarudin, 40, had always been acutely aware of the senior community. He’d spot them enjoying a Teh O at the kopitiam, playing mahjong on the void decks of local estates, and frying up a heavy pan of bee hoon at hawker centres without breaking into a sweat. But mostly, he noticed the elderly who were combing through rubbish bins under the hot sun and pushing heavy trolleys piled with cardboard across dangerous roads, a glistening condo on the right, construction plans for a new hotel on the left.

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The first photo Nafiz uploaded online which went viral

Nafiz wanted to find out more about these seniors, but he wasn’t sure where to turn. After working as a paramedic in the Singapore Armed Forces, in 2012 he moved into freelance first-aid work which gave him the opportunity to volunteer in KL and Johor Bahru. There he saw first-hand how Malaysia was dealing with poverty and homelessness. When he returned to the red dot, he felt compelled to help those in need in his homeland. “Back then, life in Singapore felt very monotonous; you work, come home, sleep, repeat. I wanted to do something more meaningful. I knew there were homeless people here, but they’re not

noticed about her were her sandals which were worn down and too big for her feet as she pushed her heaving trolley of cardboard boxes. He discovered that Mdm Aw trawled the neighbourhood daily for discarded cardboard from dumpsters, wet markets and hawker centres. When she’d gathered enough, she lugged her findings to a dedicated warehouse in an industrial estate where she could sell her collection for ten cents per kilogram. “At first she wouldn’t tell me why she was spending her time collecting old cardboard,” Nafiz shares, “it took her a long time to open up to me.” At first, she said she was doing it for ‘exercise’, but after a year of regular chats with Mdm Aw, she finally revealed that her cardboard collections were her survival. “How can I tell people that my own son is not taking care of me?” she said.

like those you witness living on the streets overseas. It’s difficult to find out about their circumstances and they are generally harder to see.” Nafiz admits that in the beginning, In 2013, Nafiz decided to try and befriend some of cardboard collectors he wasn’t exactly sure what to do to he’d watched over the years, to learn assist, but he knew it was important to what could be done to make their lives easier. Auntie Ah Yang and Auntie Muthu giggling on a day trip He started by visiting Toa Payoh estate, one of the oldest estates on the island. It was here that he encountered Mdm Aw. In her late 70s, the first thing Nafiz

Home-cooked, warm and fresh

Life in Singapore felt monotonous, and I wanted to do something meaningful Everyone receives a daily food voucher

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We took them for a picnic in Botanic Gardens, then to see the Christmas lights on Orchard Road Search

Volunteers delivering food to the estates

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get stories like Mdm Aw’s out there. After visiting an estate one night with a photographer friend, he loaded a photo they’d taken onto Facebook. “What can we do about this?” he asked. A local newspaper chanced upon the picture, and people began coming forward offering suggestions and support. Happy People Helping People (HPHP) was born. As many elderly cardboard collectors in Singapore are given shelter in rented accommodation, Nafiz realised that it was essential to provide them with something that they didn’t already have.

Some of HPHP’s volunteers together in pre-Covid times

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“With the help of volunteers, we set up an initiative called ‘Happy Sundays’ – a first-Sunday-of-the-month gathering where we’d provide those in need with a fresh and filling meal,” he explains. “We relied on volunteers to do the cooking and placed ourselves near to the industrial estates where the aunties and uncles were selling their goods. This way, they could get to us easily, have a chitchat with others, and be fed.” What started with Mdm Aw and a small group of around 15 other seniors arriving for food donations on a Sunday in Toa Payoh, soon expanded into a daily initiative which today distributes food to more than 200 seniors across five more local estates in Singapore including Little India, Chinatown, Geylang, Bedok and Ang Mo Kio. It was obvious that there was a demand for help. “Everyone at HPHP soon felt that feeding people one day a month was not enough, and we all wanted to do more,” Nafiz explains. So, he made a deal with some of the food stalls in the estates. Thanks to public donations, he had enough cash to pay the stalls to provide those in need with one meal a day – something home-cooked, warm and tasty. “I would give each of the

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beneficiaries thirty-one paper meal vouchers at the beginning of every month, they would take the voucher to the stalls, then they’d be torn off upon collection of the meal,” he says adding, “yes – it was a very tedious process!”

Secondmeal.sg changed everything

In 2017, a kind volunteer offered to create an app specifically for HPHP, and their mission became a whole lot easier. “Casper wanted to develop his tech skills as well as help a good cause, so it was the perfect collaboration,” Nafiz says. “The vision for his app, secondmeal.sg, changed everything. Rather than provide the seniors with paper vouchers to claim their food, Casper created a unique QR code to stick on their IC cards. “Now when they go into the store, the owner uses the app to track who has picked up their dinner,” he continues, “it also allows us to monitor everyone. If we notice that someone hasn’t taken a meal for while, we can check on them at their home.” In addition to the daily meals and Happy Sundays, HPHP also arrange various social events. “Before the pandemic, we expanded our service to not just help elderly folks who collect cardboard, but to anyone who was over 85-years-old, residing in a rented flat, or living by themselves,” Nafiz says. “My favourite day was when we rounded up 100 volunteers, rented out 100 wheelchairs, and had a picnic for all at Botanic Gardens. Afterwards, we took the elderly along Orchard Road up to to Somerset to see the Christmas lights. They loved it!”

Nafiz admits that while he doesn’t know all of the beneficiaries by name, he knows their faces, hears their stories, and is endlessly proud of the efforts that HPHP go to to look after them. “There is one lady, Ms Koh, who used to be a Chinese teacher at a school here. She is 80-yearsold and suffers from poor health, but she gets great joy in telling Founder of HPHP, Nafiz, with one of the first ever beneficeries, Chan Mui Lan us about dates she goes on with her ‘boyfriend’,” he says. fundraising partnerships that take place He goes on to reveal how they with the likes of local clothing company discovered, after a few years of knowing Obey, and the cosmetics brand, Lush. Ms Koh, that she was sleeping on the “We have a motto: ‘No-one can streets because her home was filled with do everything, but everyone can do items she’d collected to sell. “She’d kept it something’,” Nafiz says. “I am the founder, a secret from us. After much negotiation but I am not the leader of HPHP. All of our with her, we managed to clean her house volunteers are unpaid and help out of up and get her back inside.” pure goodwill. I do not want to micromanage, and they do a great job because we share trust.” Of course, Covid-19 restrictions have Seven years on, he continues to be changed the service that HPHP can passionate about helping people and provide, but they have remained always maintains a happy demeanour. fiercely dedicated. “We stopped the Today, the HPHP Facebook page has over Happy Sunday gatherings and instead 30,000 followers, an Instagram account we embark on home deliveries once a @hphpcommunity, and both showcase month,” Nafiz says. stories of kindness and inspiration. Nafiz’s He is keen to point out that HPHP dreams for the future of the foundation would not be anything without his trusty are simple: “My hope is that one day we core team of 10 regular volunteers, the won’t have to exist doing what we are ad-hoc people who give time and donate doing,” he says, “I hope people won’t need when they can, the few companies our support and that everyone will simply who provide financial support, and the help one another out, regardless.”

Pure goodwill

Words: Jo Upcraft

Shutterstock, Syirah PV

Join Happy People Helping People every first Sunday of the month doing food deliveries. Due to the pandemic, volunteers are asked to cook food (any food, although it must be suitable for seniors), so your gift comes from the heart. You’ll then be allocated one or two homes to visit to drop off your meal. Look out for special initiatives taking place around Christmas and New Year. Food sponsorship donations can be made via secondmeal.sg. You’ll find various good causes by HPHP which include fundraising for the cardboard collectors, disadvantaged children, and others in need within the community. For transparency, you can keep track of where your donation is, who it’s been used by, and when. www.secondmeal.io/ www.facebook.com/HappyPeopleHelpingPeople instagram.com/hphpcommunity/?hl=en

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Should I stay or should I go can be a popular talking point when you live overseas. We meet two ex-Singapore expats and ANZA members who reveal what the red dot means to them after leaving to start over elsewhere.

ow many acquaintances do you know who have left, or are planning to leave Singapore right now? Chances are there’s a few. As the pandemic continues, one of the major topics of conversation (sometimes the only topic of conversation left available!) is whether we’re planning to stay, go, or are waiting it out to see what happens. It’s completely understandable of course; the majority of expats miss their homes, families, friends and the perfect pavlova. According to CM Logistics Singapore, which handles relocations worldwide, there has been double the number of expats leaving since the pandemic started, compared with in 2018 and 2019. “The area in which we store our customers’ personal effects increased from 8,000 sq ft to 24,000 sq ft from the middle of 2020,” General Manager Arvin Gul Mansukhani told The Straits Times. With so much uncertainty, it’s easy to get caught up in negativity and to lose sight of what we have around us here on the red dot. That’s why we spoke to two ANZA members who’ve left the island to reveal what it’s like to be back home and how Singapore feels from afar. Whether your plane ticket is booked or you’re riding out the restrictions, read on.

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Alannah Powell and her husband Ian returned to Queensland over the summer after three years in the city-state. “As a recently returned expat, I have to admit that I can’t help looking at my Singapore experience with a little sadness. I’m not upset because I didn’t have a great experience – I’m sad because of the friends I miss and that my little red dot adventure is over. Of course, I’m enjoying being back home in Queensland, but the unbelievable friendships I made, and the journey that Singapore provided me and my husband with over our three years, will never be forgotten. Ian and I were late to jump into expat life and were empty nesters when we decided to move there. We lived in a little apartment with a 50-metre lap pool in Holland village which was central to my husband’s work, minutes from the MRT, and within walking distance to the Botanic Gardens (my happy place!). We also had our bikes with us and found cycling around the island easy and the drivers courteous. On weekends we hung out on Sentosa for lunch.

Friendships for life

We were told that Singapore was ‘Asia for beginners’ and a gateway to the experience of surrounding countries. We travelled to Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Europe, and Africa, most of which were closer than getting to from Australia. However, I wasn’t prepared for the culture, green spaces, history and

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Geoff King moved from Vietnam to Singapore in 2012. He moved home to Sydney with wife Marnie Watson and their children Malakai, 14, and Zakary, 11, earlier this year in January 2021. “We didn’t leave Singapore due to Covid-19, we left to return to Australia to spend more time with family. Before we left, we lived in Braddell Heights, near to AIS. We started in a cluster-house but then found an amazing semi-detached place. The owners there were like family to us and invited us over when we were leaving for a feast of Singaporean specialties to remember. Our elderly neighbours also used to include us in their special events – they were all fantastic people and we were so sad to say goodbye.

Hidden gems

Having children, we lived a very family-orientated life, and our lives were intertwined within ANZA. During the soccer season we would spend Saturday mornings at ANZA Soccer, with Saturday afternoon for recovering from the exercise and heat. Sundays were for visiting new parts of Singapore. We were always interested in the more raw side of the island: the hidden food gems in hawker centres, the old-school outdoor shopping areas, the tropical walks in monkey-infested jungles. We were lucky to have a car (no waiting for 30 minutes in a taxi queue) which enabled us to sneak off to areas where there were less humans. Looking back on our time there, there are a few things I miss: the weather, our friends, the mixing and melting of cultures, and being able to travel. Being based in an airport city where you can get a flight quickly and food awaiting me. If it wasn’t for Covid we easily shouldn’t be dismissed! would more than likely still be there. As a member of ANZA, I signed up for monthly tours, Ladies’ Nights, Busy Bees and Living in Vietnam prior to Singapore Kill-O-Metres. ANZA wraps its arms around helped me to understand the trade-offs you and welcomes you as family. To this you make when living abroad. We were day I’m still on an ANZA WhatsApp group extremely lucky to have made it our where the Singapore ladies and a few of us home for a while, but I’m realistic about who have moved away still keep in touch, what was sacrificed to do that. It’s a place posting photos of our walks from around the that seems to have it all under control globe. We regularly catch up on Zoom and the from the safety on the streets to the very friendships I formed will be for life. cautious and managed response to the pandemic. Leaving Singapore for overseas is not an Looking back, Ian and I both agree that easy choice for many expats now. Lots of we loved our Singapore experience. The jobs have changed or disappeared in the cultural diversity was a constant education. last year and a half. We were away from I really enjoyed exploring the likes of Little Australia for a long time, and visiting for India, the Arab quarter and Chinatown. two weeks in winter didn’t prepare us for Who knew life could be so different in just lockdown in a small apartment with two one MRT stop? I’m not sure if you can get older children. that anywhere else. The nightlife and restaurants were so Also, we were shocked by the price of different from here on the Sunshine Coast. Rooftop bars are in abundance and the real estate in Australia. We’d saved hard food is so diverse; having a casual hawker meal and Michelin-starred restaurants to be in a good position to buy a home, at our fingertips was a true thrill. Also, you can never take the safety of Singapore but we were not prepared for the insanity for granted. It lives up to its name, and I feel very fortunate to have always walked of the Sydney property market. home late at night feeling safe. If you’re considering a move from I can’t explain the sorrow I felt as we rolled down the runway. It was a surreal any country, I’d say that there will be experience saying farewell to our fabulous life, but I look forward to visiting once greener grass somewhere else, but you we are all travelling again.” will never find it as well looked after and maintained as it is in Singapore.”

Lucky

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Words: Jo Upcraft

Always safe

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R E L AT IO N SH I P S

The end of the year can be a tough time for couples. If your relationship feels neither merry nor bright, here’s few things to consider if you’re contemplating making a change.

e don’t want to be all doom and gloom, but the final months of a year can be a strain for married couples thanks to the stress of the holidays and some new year realisations. Indeed, the first Monday back at work after the Christmas break is famously known as ‘Divorce Day’ – the day when divorce lawyers gear themselves up for a flurry of phone calls (beware Monday 3 January 2022). With this in mind, we spoke to two divorce lawyers from independent Australian law firm Lander & Rogers (landers.com.au), to 32 anza

provide insights into the trends that they see around couples, as well as to provide practical advice around the divorce process. Read on as Partner Eleanor Lau, and Special Counsel Monique Robb, both from Family & Relationship Law, uncover what you need to know.

Beware the “returning home” conversation

Each relationship breakdown is different, but some triggers for separation within expats can be financial issues, or one party wishing to return “home”,

particularly if there are children involved. We’ve seen a lot of separations as a result of the pandemic, as one party wishes to go back (usually the wife) whilst the other may not be willing or able to (usually the husband) due to work.

– Covid-19 has raised 2 It’sdivorcetrue rates

Unfortunately, in our experience the pandemic has seen an increased number of families going through separations and divorces. Along with one party wishing to leave, the financial insecurity that families

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If an expat couple have children, the wish to leave the country can coincide with the time a child is due to start school or high school, but there is no obvious pattern to when parties might separate. Likewise, there is no clear pattern for separating couples where there are no children (or no children under the age of 18) involved. Another common trigger for divorce is the famous “empty nest syndrome”, where the children have grown up and left home for good.

A divorce is separate 4 to financial or custody applications

One of the most surprising issues for separating couples is that under Australian law, cohabiting (de facto) couples have rights that are equivalent to those of married couples in regard to property settlements. This includes same sex couples. It’s also often a shock to parties that in Australia, applying for a divorce is a separate case to making an application relating to financial and parenting (custody) matters. Parties do not need to first obtain a divorce order before they can apply for orders for financial or parenting issues. Neither do they need to first have financial and parenting matters resolved before applying for a divorce. If couples agree on parenting and financial circumstances before they’ve been separated for 12 months, they can finalise any issues well in advance of filing for divorce and obtaining a divorce order.

Couples should obtain advice from lawyers in both Singapore and Australia, to determine the appropriate jurisdiction to deal with parenting, property, divorce and child support issues. As the outcomes for these can be quite different, it’s important to obtain this knowledge as soon as possible as it’s important to commence proceedings quickly, and to “lock in” the country whose law will apply. Wherever possible, it’s preferable to take steps quickly to avoid later legal arguments. Under Australian law, parties must be separated for 12 months prior to filing for divorce, but parenting, property and child support matters can be dealt with, either by negotiation or through the court, prior to parties filing for divorce.

remain unchanged. However, for many people, having the same income and assets divided across two separate households may require a couple to decrease spending and adjust their spending habits accordingly.

7 Divorce won’t happen overnight

In Australia, if court proceedings are required to determine financial matters and/or parenting arrangements, and particularly if the matter needs to go to a final hearing, it can take several years to finalise. But if couples can reach an agreement, either through negotiation or mediation, matters can be finalised within three to four months of the divorce application being filed.

5Be prepared to stop spending 8Choose your lawyer wisely Step away from the fancy brunches – it’s always sensible to consider the fiscal implications of separation before it happens. If possible, speak with a lawyer and a financial advisor about what life might look like once the family income is divided across two households. Doing so can help both parties to have a realistic understanding of what their respective lifestyles might be like in the future and avoids (often unpleasant) surprises later on. For some, there is sufficient income and assets for everyone’s lifestyle to

While you may be tempted to seek help from your mate who did law at uni, it’s important that your divorce lawyer is someone who has the experience and expertise required to advise you on your situation – usually this is a specialist family lawyer. In Australia, lawyers with a certain level of experience who specialise in family law can obtain accreditation from The Law Society (lawsociety.com.au). It’s imperative that you chose someone who makes you feel comfortable, and who you trust to give you clear advice.

9You can make our job easier

One of the most useful things couples can do is have their financial information organised. Prep tax returns, investment statements, bank account and credit card statements, and other financial documents that show both parties’ financial affairs at the time of separation (and in the lead up). Having a timeline of major events in the relationship, such as when you started living together, when you married, dates of major financial transactions and the births of children is very useful. Once you’ve engaged a lawyer, it’s helpful in terms of cost to send questions in one email or make one phone call, rather than several.

a lawyer . . . and 10 Consider a therapist

Couples going through separation are usually highly stressed with heightened emotions, and it’s understandable that some people do lean on their lawyers for more than just legal advice. Clients usually benefit most by obtaining legal advice from a lawyer, while also getting support from a psychologist or counsellor. This is often a more costeffective option too – in our experience, therapists are generally less expensive to consult than lawyers! November/December 2021

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school terms are tricky 3 New periods

Getting advice in Singapore and your homeland is savvy

Words: Jo Upcraft

have experienced as a result of Covid-19 are also an issue.

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SP O N S O R E D C O N T E N T

Australian mortgage know-how by the experts

Looking for a new home or investment property down under? The team from Odin Mortgage can help you with that.

ecuring a mortgage in Australia as an expat or overseas resident can be an overwhelming task. From loan structuring, tax residency considerations, maximising borrowing capacity and foreign income bank policies, it’s important to have an expert on your side to guide you through the process and assist you with making the best decisions to suit your needs. That’s where Odin Mortgage comes in.

Who is Odin Mortgage?

Odin Mortgage is a leading and welltrusted Australian mortgage brokerage for Australian expats and overseas residents around the globe. They work to provide you with insightful, expert advice so that you can make the best decision when it comes to purchasing a property or refinancing your mortgage while overseas. Whether you’re a first-home buyer or a seasoned investor, you can feel confident when applying for a loan with them.

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Why use Odin Mortgage?

When you apply for a loan with the assistance of Odin Mortgage, the team will guide you through the entire loan process, wherever you live in the world. Once they’ve understood your individual circumstances and requirements, they will provide a comprehensive assessment with real numbers, interest rates, and valuable and insightful expert advice. Being a specialist brokerage, whose sole focus is Australian expats and overseas residents, they understand the nuances of working with different lenders and how they deal with foreign income. They are experts in the field to help you make an informed choice on your lending options and secure the best deal possible. Whether you need a full approval or would just like to make a simple enquiry, the team is accesible to take you seamlessly through your home buying or refinancing journey in-person, over the phone or via virtual consultations seven days a week, at a time that suits you. Best of all, the service they offer to clients is completely free of charge. They’ll see your loan recommendations, get your loan preapproval and oversee the process of your application through to settlement at no cost to you. They are paid by the lenders, which ensures that you will receive the most transparent, impartial and objective advice available.

November/December 2021

ANZA Magazine November/December 2021

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