16 - 22 July 2013 Issue: 472
New column
ROYAL BABY FEVER
MOTOVUN FILM FESTIVAL
Postcards from Oz
Royal blue to true blue
It's Cannes meets Croatia
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entertainment P8
Travel P10
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PM Cameron told to sack Aussie advisor n Prime Minister
urged to fire Aussie Lynton Crosby over lobbyist links to the tobacco industry.
By Paul Bleakley BRITISH Prime Minister David Cameron has been urged by both the Labour Party and the LiberalDemocrats to sack Australian election strategist Lynton Crosby after revelations that his lobbying firm was closely linked to the tobacco industry. Mr Crosby, a former federal director of the Liberal Party of Australia, was appointed as a campaign consultant for the Conservative Party in November 2012. He had previously managed the Conservative Party’s unsuccessful 2005 election campaign, as well as assisting Boris Johnson in his election as London Mayor in 2008. The call to remove Mr Crosby from his position as an advisor to the Cameron government came after former Health Minister Paul Burstow said that he should either quit or be removed
the country A DISNEY by storm.
DISCOVERY Aussie Maia Mitchell stars in Disney's next movie | P9
Exhilarating rugby is forecast.
The 7s series guarantees a feast of Friday night rugby for all the family. Enjoy thrilling, high-scoring rugby alongside live music and top family entertainment. All 12 Premiership Rugby clubs will compete to reach the Final at the Twickenham Stoop.
...continued on p3
Shepherd’s Bush Walkabout for sale
WALKABOUT operator, Intertain, have confirmed they have put the Shepherd’s Bush property up for sale, citing a “high level of interest” from operators and developers in this “wellknown and highly valuable freehold site”. “We have appointed an agent to help us market the site and evaluate the approaches,” a spokesman for Intertain told Australian Times. The listing has sparked rumours on social media the iconic Australianthemed pub may be soon closing its doors. However Walkabout’s operators reassured customers any potential sale could take many months. “In the meantime it’s business as usual and all bookings at the venue will of course go ahead,” said Intertain. “We will give customers plenty of notice if the venue is indeed sold.” The 1,150 capacity property fronting Shepherd’s Bush Common has been listed with property agents Davis Coffer Lyons, who describe it as a “bar venue arranged over basement, ground and two upper floors” in the heart of the “affluent suburb” of Shepherd’s Bush. DCL have invited offers “for the freehold interest with vacant possession on an unconditional basis”. This indicates there will be no obligation on the purchaser to allow Walkabout to continue operating in the building as a tenant following any potential sale. ...continued on p3
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2 | News
16 - 22 July 2013
Rudd “survived Kokoda”, can he survive the election?
n After Kevin Rudd’s statement in Papua New Guinea that he “survived Kokoda”, PAUL BLEAKLEY questions whether the Prime Minister’s worst enemy is the Opposition or his own mouth.
Publisher: Bryce Lowry Editor: Alex Ivett Production/Design: Jackie Lampard News Editor: Paul Bleakley Business Editor: Sepi Roshan Contributors: Tim Martin, Georgia Dawes, Phillip Browne, Michelle McCue, Erin Somerville, George Katralis, Jacqui Moroney, Will Fitzgibbon, Chris Arkadieff, Daniel Shillito, Mat Lyons, Sandra
Tahmasby, Tyson Yates, Jennifer Perkin, Charlie Inglefield, Thomas Jones, Alistair Davis, Will Denton, Jennifer Lawton, Peter Kelly, Chloe Westley, Bonnie Gardiner, Michaela Gray, Marian Borges, Haylee Slater, Emma O'Neill, Ally Juchnevicius, Courtney Greatrex, Poppy Damon Directors: P Atherton, J Durrant N Durrant, R Phillips and A Laird
Additional content: Who are we? Australian Times is written and compiled by young Australian journalists living in the UK. Contributing on a volunteer basis, they are uniquely placed to reflect the interests, opinions and attitudes of our community. If you would like to join us, contact info@australiantimes.co.uk Address: Unit 7C, Commodore House Battersea Reach, London SW18 1TW Tel: 0845 456 4910 Email: info@australiantimes.co.uk
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For people that essentially talk for a living, politicians have a nasty habit of muddling up their words. We shook our heads in dismay when American Vice-President Al Gore claimed to have invented the internet, and we cringed when Tony Abbott flippantly referred to Australian women “doing the ironing”. Some politicians (like Abbott) have become virtually synonymous with shameful verbal blunders, however even the most eloquent speakers can sometimes come out with a statement that is both bizarre and head-scratchingly brilliant. Former-now-returned Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has a reputation as a man that likes the sound of his own voice. If talking was a sport, Kevin would be an Olympian. That is why today’s statement was particularly bizarre: on a state visit to Papua New Guinea to discuss such important issues as asylum seekers and regional development, he dropped this immortal line: “I am a survivor of the Kokoda Track.” Wait, what? I know that Kevin ’07 may have developed a slightly messianic complex after his stirring
Your Say On: Sexing up politics with the Australian Sex Party I prefer 21st Century Australian Party Policies, whereas we would be given opportunity to vote directly on major policies.
Nathan
They've got my vote! Christos
We go further specialists First class pet travel
On: Online petition calls for action over Abbott’s travel expense claims
Abbott has shown himself to be a hypocritical, self-serving, sexist and thoroughly slimy politician. The sad thing is, he reflects a fairly large portion of the male electorate. Sam
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For goodness sake. His staff filled in his forms and realised the mistake. I am sure I have made a mistake in my tax. I also caught a tram in Melbourne, didn’t pay, didn’t know how too, doesn’t make me ineligible to be a person. He/she who is without sin on their pay time sheets throw the first stone. Were you late back from lunch and still paid? Janet
On: A man on a mission: Jamie Soward joins the London Broncos One of my favourite players in the red v. My family and I were
? What’s your view AustralianTimes
electoral victory, exile and return to power but seriously? He survived the Kokoda Track? Of course, Rudd was referring to his 2006 trek along the Kokoda Track with political frenemy Joe Hockey and television presenter David Koch. The Prime Minister ‘survived’ the gruelling voyage undertaken by around 3000 Australians every year, dragging his entourage of television cameras through the mud and jungle without displacing a single strand of hair. We can forgive Kevin for being slightly loose with his words. We know what he meant, and surely he did not mean any disrespect to the true survivors of the Kokoda Track. Less than a month into his new job, however, it is advisable for Rudd to avoid the suggestion that he has started to believe his own hype. The Kevin Rudd that dominated in the 2007 election campaign is not the man that is standing for election in 2013. He has been hardened by political battle over the past six years, worn away by betrayal and the realities of running a country. Far more than “surviving Kokoda”, Rudd has survived the most venomous period in Australian political history. Such an experience
is sure to scar, and take some of the shine away from the man who in 2007 seemed like the harbinger of Australia’s transformation into a socially-democratic nation. If he hopes to recover from the political fray in time to save Labor’s chances in the 2013 election, Rudd must run a flawless campaign. No more foul-mouthed tirades caught on camera, no more statements about how he “survived” one of the most arduous campaigns of World War II. Unlike in 2007, the Australian people are looking for reasons to deny him another term as Prime Minister after six years of much-maligned ALP leadership. One misstep and it could be his last. Kevin Rudd may have dispatched perennial rival Julia Gillard, and may have a fighting chance against Tony Abbott. There is still one person that Kevin Rudd must keep an eye on if he hopes to be returned to the Lodge, however: himself.
shocked when it was announced he was leaving. Terrible way it all unfolded and sad to see he has gone. I wish him all the best.
Jamie is up there with the best, worthy of a green and gold. Glad he played for the Dragons. My all time favourite player is Billy Smith, Jamie is there with him.
Eva
He was the difference on Friday night between the Broncos and the Eagles, he stood out head and shoulders above everybody else on the park IMO. I'm looking forward to more games wearing blue 'n' black. It's a double bonus for me - I'm a London Broncos supporter and a Dragons supporter so it's like he's never left home...if you see what I mean! ;-) Good footballer, rate him highly.
Ken
Great article. I have been a St George fan since attending Hurstville Boys High. I have seen many great players come and go. The way he was treated was very upsetting. My wife has swapped allegiance and now follows Souths. We both loved what Jamie brought to the side. He deserved a much better exit. Keith
Clearly Jamie wasn't in career best form on his departure, in saying that, who in the current dragons side is going great? Everyone has a slump sometime in their career, even the best. I totally understand football is a business these days and he had to do what is best for himself but I'm furious at the way the dragons let this happen. He is the Dragons highest ever point scorer and his fans didn't get any opportunity to thank him for what he did for the club and send him off the way he deserved. Good luck Jamie!
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Garry
On: Abbott denies wrongly claiming expenses, despite repaying tour costs
While Kevin Rudd keeps worrying about Tony Abbott 9,000 dollars loan , the boats just keeps comming. Tony Abbott paid that money back ,and since he paid that money back it was just a loan not a teft like it was in the cases of Peter slipper, and Craig Thomson. So Kevin start governing and stop those boats that you have been letting in for the last five years . Because that problem which you bloody cause is costing us tax payers a hell of a lot more than the 9,000 dollar loan that Tony Abbott borrowed and since paid back . Ron
Tony Abbott was caught stealing public funds, and Australian mainstream media controlled by Murdoch give Abbott a scrutiny free ride, normally this indecent like the rest go unreported however this time an "independent" journalist Margo Kingston through FOI caught him out, it had nothing to do with the Labor party as is being spun by a panicked Abbott & his media mates.
Brad
Chris
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Cameron’s Aussie strategist linked to tobacco industry ...continued from p1 from his position in order to prevent him from influencing public health policy. Mr Burstow said that Mr Crosby should not have a position in the Conservative Party’s campaign team due to the fact that tobacco giant Phillip Morris has been a client of his London-based lobbying firm since November last year. The fact that CTF’s relationship with Phillip Morris began around the time that he was appointed to the Cameron campaign team has raised questions regarding Mr Crosby’s motivations when it comes to public health. Mr Burstow said: “Lynton Crosby cannot remain at the heart of government while he is also serving the interests of the tobacco industry. If he does not go the prime minister should sack him.” The controversy surrounding Mr Crosby’s role as a government advisor comes only days after Downing Street scrapped plans to introduce plain packaging on cigarettes despite considerable pressure from health ministers to implement the reforms. The British plan to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes was modelled on a similar Australian initiative introduced by the Gillard government last year. The decision to delay the introduction of plain packaging in the United Kingdom was attributed to a lack of evidence from Australian authorities that the initiative would be successful. British Health Minister Anna Soubry said that the Australian government’s inability to show any evidence that plain packaging was a deterrent against smoking had forced the Cameron government to hold off on implementing a similar plan. Ms Soubry said: “We’ve made a
decision to look at that evidence as it emerges. What I was quite surprised at was that even after about three or four months, they couldn’t give me a picture of any emerging evidence as they were finding it, and that’s why we need this time.” Anne Jones, CEO of anti-smoking organisation ASH Australia, told Australian Times that the lack of evidence relating to plain packaging came from the initiative only being implemented seven months ago, with government surveys undertaken annually rather than monthly. She claimed that Mr Crosby was wellknown as a lobbyist for Phillip Morris and suggested he may have had a hand in the decision to delay plain packaging legislation. Ms Jones said: “As you would expect the only opponent to standardised packaging for tobacco is the tobacco industry and of course the lobbyists who represent their interests. Lynton Crosby is well known in Australia as the leading lobbyist for tobacco industry and Philip Morris has just confirmed he works for them. His dual role as tobacco lobbyist and chief adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron is a conflict of interest and shameful given Downing Street was apparently where the policy backed by public support was rejected.” Shadow Health Minister Andy Burnham yesterday claimed that Mr Crosby last year chaired a meeting at which members of the tobacco industry debated strategies to block the plain packaging legislation in the United Kingdom. A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that Mr Crosby had not been involved in the decision to shelve plain packaging legislation, while Mr Crosby’s lobbying firm CTF declined to comment on the controversy.
High-level of interest in Walkie sale ...continued from p1
Should the Walkabout at Shepherd’s Bush close it will leave only one London location of this popular brand, at Temple. It would follow the closure of the Covent Garden branch in March after 18 years in business, and the closure of the Finchley Road branch in October 2012. The sale of the Shepherd’s Bush Walkabout comes five months after the venue was forced to drastically change its operating procedures due to police concerns that the influx of revellers on a Sunday afternoon was having a significant impact on crime in the area. As a result, the Shepherd’s Bush
Walkabout closed its doors for the first time in four years and later instituted an ‘exit only’ policy after 4pm on Sunday afternoons. Intertain plan to use the sale proceeds from Shepherd’s Bush for further acquisitions and investments. “Since 2010 we have carried out the complete refurbishment of 12 venues, with plans for five more this year, and more next year,” said Intertain. “The sale proceeds from Shepherds Bush would fund the refurbishments and kick-start an acquisition programme, creating hundreds of new jobs in the process.” Intertain chief executive John Leslie told M&C Report in May the new
ownership supported a “growth agenda” for the 35-strong group, with a focus on growing the business “in quality locations”. “There are a number of towns and cities that we would like to get into,” said Leslie. “The Walkabout brand has tremendous pedigree, the ability to deliver excellent returns on investment and great potential for growth given that it is not represented in many of the key towns and cities in the UK.” Intertain have recently announced a £500,000 investment in the Walkabout in Derby, reports M&C Report. It is the first investment since the May change in ownership.
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4 | Exclusive Interview
16 - 22 July 2013
Great News! the Expat factor
Extraordinary Aussies in the UK
You can now get your Australian Times newspaper every week as a FREE digital edition for your iPad, iPhone or Android.
I moved to the UK in 2011, not knowing anyone and without a job. I had come here for a holiday in 2010, and it wasn’t until I got into regular boring old life when I got back home that I realised how much I wanted to move to London. Thankfully within a few weeks of moving everything fell into place, and it has been the best decision I have ever made. I work as a senior marketing communications officer for NSPCC, the UK’s leading children’s charity. Marketing for a charity is very different from private sector; you are trying to market good will without a product or service in return so it involves having a strong knowledge of branding and charitable law. The stronger your brand is the more likely people are to support your cause, so it is imperative to get your charity to the front of people’s minds.
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At any one time I can be working on around 70 projects. These can vary from large events, to corporate pitches such as Heart Radio and Debenhams to working on the Chelsea Garden Show or producing our quarterly magazine. Recently I was involved with developing all the materials and branding for our charity for the London marathon. It was amazing, but very stressful. I also managed to - name drop alert - meet Michael Caine at one of our events and the Countess of Wessex. The days are never boring. The job definitely keeps me on my toes and this role has taught me a lot about marketing and communication in general. As part of my role I am also in charge of producing large scale photo shoots. It’s really rewarding seeing your work go from an idea through to completion and actually seeing the results. I love seeing people in the street with products or advertisements I have been involved in, as it makes me smile knowing that my work is being used by others. We recently began a large campaign and hosted the launch at the Science Museum at night. It was very cool. The opportunities given to me here would never have been available in Australia. Yes, the pay is less and the weather is worse, but this is easily offset by the chances you receive. My company had a tent at Glastonbury this year, had Maxim from the Prodigy create a work of art for us and made a video for a supporter climbing Everest for us. London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and it still amazes me the types of roles that are available if you open your eyes. For those looking to get into the NGO/charity sector, it is the same as any job – make sure you have an edge. This could be that you are very aware of the sector your charity works in, that you have knowledge of print management or any number of things. People in this industry are so passionate which
Amber Lavalle
Communications Officer for NSPCC means there can be stiff competition so make sure you show what makes you stand out. Before moving to the charity sector I was working in the mining industry so don’t assume that a sideways shift is impossible. One difference I have noticed about living in London is that I’m always busy. I find myself having to plan for a night in because there are so many free events every night that I don’t have the will power to say no too. Life in the UK is unpredictable and I find because it can get cold here you really appreciate and use the outdoors more. Surprisingly there are many more rooftop bars and beer gardens in the UK than in Australia. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that the British say “you alright?” as a greeting and don’t expect a response. The British have a reputation for being stuffy, and whilst they may not be quite as open as the Australians, I would definitely never describe them that way. In fact, they are particularly open and willing to have a laugh at themselves. I like that the British, particularly the British in London as they have lived in such a diverse area for so long, don’t bat an eyelid at the unusual. One thing to remember however is that the Brits call stockings tights and tights leggings! What I miss about Australia is savoury Shapes (not BBQ or Pizza) and Campbell’s Pea and Ham Soup. Also, I grew up on the beach
so it was an adjustment not having that nearby. Luckily London has so many other things to offer that you don’t have much time to dwell. There is a certain familiarity with home that people tend to miss, but the adventure when travelling makes up for that. Especially now that contacting home is so easy. My typical weekend in London would be busy! It would usually start with work drinks around Shoreditch; there are some really quirky bars in that area which usually leads to dinner. At least one morning of the weekend I make sure I go to my favourite Clapham café Esca, it’s really unpretentious but does amazing food. A typical Saturday afternoon is full with lunches, a trip to the V&A or some exhibition that is happening in town, then Saturday night is when we head out either to a bar or dinner. I also enjoy Spitalfields market or a play around in Hyde Park. Edinburgh, it is my favourite place in the world, it reminds me of a Disney movie but with more fairy lights. This may have more to do with the whisky and haggis than anything but the people there are lovely. When I’m craving the sun however, San Sebastian is my ultimate for great tapas and sangria. It’s the kind of place you can either relax or have a massive party, plus the beaches are great and siestas are a brilliant invention.
Community | 5
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London to host AusNZ Festival of Literature and Arts in 2014 Literary BBQ For those who can’t wait until May next year to get their AusNZ literary fix, Amphora Arts are planning a programme of events to build-up to the festival. The first of these – a Literary BBQ – will be held on Thursday 29 August this year at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith. The event will showcase the sharpest new writing from some of the rising stars of AusNZ literature, in a relaxed atmosphere featuring great food, music and short film. Featured authors include Eleanor Catton (The Luminaries), Hannah Kent, Craig Silvey (Jasper Jones), and Courtney Collins. See ausnzfestival.com for further information.
By Courtney Greatrex A FOUR-DAY festival celebrating the best of literature, theatre, film and music from Australia and New Zealand will be staged in London for the first time in spring 2014. The festival aims to showcase Australia and New Zealand’s vibrant arts community to the UK audience, with a packed schedule of events planned for May. With an estimated 500,000 AusNZ expats living in the UK, the festival will reach beyond the thriving AusNZ community by showcasing the countries’ proud roll call of writers and creative talent, and bringing to life the best stories from and about Australia and New Zealand as told by a global cast of participants. The festival will be produced and coordinated by Amphora Arts, and has received funding from government arts and advisory bodies – including the Australia Council for the Arts and Creative New Zealand. Jill Eddington, Director of Literature at the Australian Council for the Arts, said it was an exciting initiative which would increase the visibility of Australian books in international markets “Australia has a vibrant literary culture with a strong
international reputation for quality contemporary writing,” said Ms Eddington. “This festival will provide a great platform for our writers to connect with readers and reach new audiences around the globe.” Amphora Arts Director Jon Slack said London was the perfect location to encourage collaboration between AusNZ artists, and British artists. “Our hope is that this initiative will unlock unexpected and affecting stories and reimagine the perception of Australia and New Zealand for everyone,” said Mr Slack.
As well as challenging and having fun with stereotypes, the festival will also explore topics such as colonial links, migration, indigenous history and languages, food and culture, media, sport and literary adaptations. Thomas Keneally, an acclaimed novelist, playwright and author from Australia lent his support to the festival with a brief message to the UK. He said: “Dear England. We’re going to send you a big present: our Australian and New Zealand writers, film and music makers. It will all be like a series of loveable and brilliant personages emerging
from the gift box and invigorating and charming you. It’s about time we got round to startling you, and the moment approaches. May we both enjoy it!” Artistic Patrons and Headline artists will be announced at the Australian High Commission on 25 November this year, with tickets to go on sale in March 2014.
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6 | UK Life
16 - 22 July 2013
Time of the tourist
n
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival tourist is a vital cog in a delicate eco-system, as both the takers of patience and the givers of money.
Edinburgh Expat > Tyson Yates
Edinburgh International Film Festival may be over but the city’s summer of festivities has only just begun. To many this means a season of cultural indulgence in the form of film, comedy, theatre, music, art and more. However, for those of us unlucky enough to hold regular jobs in the Scottish capital during this year’s Edinburgh Festival, it becomes more a matter of leaving an hour earlier for work each day and getting home that much later. Every year around this time the city’s population is said to double, which sees Edinburgh’s narrow cobblestone streets and close and single-file sidewalks become congested with hoards of wideeyed wanderers. Now, let me adopt an Attenboroughesque tone as I describe to you – the tourist. Tourists; the most carefree of all creatures. These slow moving mammals are both at the top and bottom of the city’s food chain. On the one hand they are out of their element, far from home, in an unfamiliar setting and at the mercy of predators such as the disgruntled local. On the other hand there is safety in numbers and their congregation in one single place over the summer becomes the very reason some of us have jobs in the Scottish capital to complain about. Tourists are both the takers of patience and the givers of money. Oh what a delicate eco-system we’ve got going here in Edinburgh. I know, I know, I sound so spiteful, right? Well allow me to shock you with the M. Night Shyamalan-ian twist that you didn’t see coming - clueless tourist; I am one. You should have guessed this from the thick Aussie accent I am writing in, or the fact that I am writing to you as an
expat, for an expat newspaper. Either way, if you’re reading this chances are we have all been tourists at one point. While I personally would like to think of myself as the good kind of tourist, the one who embarrasses himself by attempting to ask for directions in another language or who actually reads the informative plaque below the monument I have just taken fifty pictures of, I’m afraid to say that my collection of photographic memories often proves otherwise. As an expat I have naturally taken advantage of the combination that is budget airlines and the UK’s close proximity to mainland Europe and therefore have done my fair share of travelling. It usually isn’t until I have returned home and started taking that nostalgic stroll through my photos that I start to notice the hate-filled glares of locals in the background. Suddenly it all comes flooding back. “Look, here’s a picture of me holding up an entire crowd of passers-by as I pose in front of Notre Dame. Wow, don’t they look annoyed. Oh and here is a photo I took of an interesting shopfront window in Spain. See the evil eyes of the owner as he stares at me from between two bits of hanging jamón?” It seems no matter how hard you try to avoid it, you’re holiday is bound to intrude on someone else’s daily routine and I’m afraid for all my experience in both being a tourist and dealing with tourists, on this point I still have not reached an ultimate solution. All I can tell you for sure is that if you happen to wander into my place of work during this year’s Festival and tell me that the hand dryer in the men’s room isn’t working or your pasta bowl is too cold, well, don’t expect to receive much more than an evil stare. You see, I am only working here to save money for my next holiday where it will be me complaining about the faulty hand dryer to someone equally unpleasant. It’s a vicious cycle, a delicate ecosystem indeed.
Meeting the mother tube talk > Sandra Tahmasby
I THOUGHT it was about time for my mother to meet the great love in my life. She hears me talk about him all the time, has seen many pictures and is forever asking about him. You may
be thinking, is it too soon? Is this really the guy that you want your mother to meet? Well yes, it is and I could only hope that she loves him as much as I do. Mum flew into London early Sunday morning. After a long flight from Australia Mumma Tahmasby wasn’t quite ready to meet my Tubey just yet, so we opted for a cab ride home.
To gym or not to gym? Fit Aussie > Michael McCormick
GETTING bored at the gym? Or maybe you’re getting sick of looking at the chiselled physiques strutting their stuff and constantly saying to yourself “one day I’ll look like that!” Though, if we take a look at the reality, that toned guy or girl probably both lives at the gym, and would have a very restrictive lifestyle. One definitely not suited to the average expats. Fair enough it has paid off for them, and we do enjoy the view. For the Average Joe however you may only have the time to hit the gym or pound the pavement (want more? I’ve got a whole bag of them) maybe once or twice a week. If this sounds familiar, and you still want to occasionally enjoy dinner without tracking every microgram, there are a few things we can do to keep ourselves looking hot year round.
Get off the conveyor belt In my years as a trainer I have found that almost everybody who uses a gym has little to no idea what they’re actually supposed to be doing in there. Judging by the lines for the treadmill in most commercial gyms, it appears to be a somewhat universal assumption that getting results at a gym involves running in one spot on a fast moving conveyor belt.
Not only do I prefer the kind of conveyor belt that safely returns my luggage to me when I reach my holiday destination, but I also find running in one spot for hours on end quite boring. Add to that the fact that simply running won’t actually get you that beach body you’re pining for and it really just equates to time better spent elsewhere. Here’s a few tips on how to get off the conveyor belt and wade through the dumb bell jungle. Avoid wasting time by setting yourself a time goal. Get in and out in 45 minutes, because not only are there plenty of physical benefits to a short, high intensity workout but let’s face it, after too long even the beautiful people turn in to big puddles of sweaty mess. Keep it simple. Too many people waste time trying to do things they’ve found online or in a magazine. Just stick to the major muscle movers, making sure you include push and pull exercises for both your upper and lower body, and you’ll see results Stick to a plan of attack. Choose a few exercises you’re bad at and aim to get better at them. Have them in a list on your phone and move through them as quickly as possible. If you’re taking too long to get through it all then take out an exercise or two or replace them with other less time consuming ones. Examples of such exercises can be push-ups, chin-ups, dips, planks and squats. Like any new activity, it’s best to do a bit of research before entering
a gym and devise your own plan. Alternatively seek the professional advice of a trainer at the gym. Lastly, remember consistency is the key with any undertaking of this nature so make sure you enjoy whatever it is you do and always have your end goal in mind. I better stop writing now, I’m running late for a workout. Michael McCormick is a personal trainer based in London and can be contacted at thefitaussie@gmail.com for sessions or advice.
Kicking it with the Kiwi’s n
It’s a rivalry which goes beyond just the origins of the pavlova. This week our sleuth attempts to bury the hatchet with the Aussie in London’s most feared enemy – the Kiwi.
One of the most dangerous things that a reporter can do is to go behind enemy lines. They are taking a risk with every breath, constantly remaining vigilant so that they do not accidentally let it slip that a ploy is afoot. For you, loyal readers of Subculture Sleuth, I have gone behind enemy lines to infiltrate a London subculture that many wouldn’t dare brave: the Kiwis. Nowhere else in the world is the rivalry between Australians and Kiwis as pronounced as it is in the UK. We frequent the same places, we are interested in the same sports and we tend to have the same ambition to live a life of travel and debauchery for the entire time that
we are living overseas. Why do we have such a rivalry, if we have so much in common? There was only one way to find out, and so I went to last month’s Kiwis in London social event, which they held in partnership with the Ozzies in London group for the first time at the Chatsworth in Acton. While both Australians and Kiwis were welcome at the event, the strength of the Kiwi contingent was overwhelming and gave clear insight into what it meant to be a Kiwi in London. For the most part, they are the same as us. Kiwis and Australians both like to have a drink, a dance and flirt when we are out on the weekend. Perhaps the most notable thing to be discovered from going undercover with the Kiwis was that a certain myth was dispelled: our Kiwi brethren often claim that Australians are more despised
Although I didn’t have to surprise her with the awkward news about my love, I was still very apprehensive because I simply didn’t know what she would think. Mothers only want the best for their children, and although the Tube isn’t perfect, to me he is all I could ever need. Like any other Mum I knew mine would have a list of questions ready to go. So, how old is he? Just turned 100 actually… minor issue.
Does he work full time? Does he ever! What do you like about him? He keeps me warm, tells me to mind the gap, and turns up mostly on time. For their first meeting Tubey and I took mum to Camden Town. It was a smooth ride up the Northern Line. I could see mum was a little hesitant at first but she slowly eased into the idea. “He isn’t what I expected Sandra, but I can see why you have such an attraction to him.
SUBCULTURE SLEUTH > PAUL BLEAKLEY
by the Brits due to our loud and overbearing nature. Well, if we are loud I couldn’t fathom a guess at how the Kiwis would describe themselves. Going undercover with the Kiwis was one of the loudest, wildest nights that I have had in a very long while. There is nothing wrong with that, I am a huge fan of utter debauchery. But, come on… People in glass houses, and all that.
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“Although he does seem like one of those boys that knows too many people. A little rough around the edges.” We took mum on a few more adventures and I think she is getting used to the idea now. She can see the way my eyes light up as he arrives on the platform and the smile on my face when I get a seat. “Well he isn’t perfect but if you love him, I guess I can learn to love him to.” Thanks mum!
Food & Wine | 7
AustralianTimes.co.uk
Knickerbocker Glory n
From the kitchen of Gordon Ramsey, CHRIS ARKADIEFF gives the perfect recipe to cool down on a warm summer's day with a knickerbocker glory. flavours that contrast and compliment
chris’s
kitchen
> CHRIS ARKadieff
The sun is shining, the birds are singing and summer has once again arrived in the United Kingdom. There is no better way to cool down on a warm summer’s day than to sit down and enjoy an ice-cream sundae. The knickerbocker glory is the quintessential sundae: served in tall glass, it features layer-upon-layer of
to stimulate the taste-buds and satisfy even the most discerning of desert aficionados.
What you need
• 300ml of double cream • 3tsp of icing sugar • 1 vanilla pod seeds only • 1scoop of roasted peanut ice cream • 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream • 4 bite size pieces of chocolate brownie • 5 teaspoons of Almond praline • 5 teaspoons of marinated sweet cherries (Griottine Cherries)
What to do
• Use a large bowl and whisk together the double cream, icing sugar and vanilla seeds to soft peaks for the Chantilly cream. • Take a tall chilled glass and spoon 1 teaspoon of cherries in the base. Alternate the layers with a large spoon full of cream, brownie, peanut ice cream, almond praline along with the cherry syrup. • Alternate the cherries and finish with the vanilla ice cream at the top adding more almond praline and cherries to finish.
Basic kitchen magic
n
Less is more when it comes to making magic in the kitchen.
The Whole Meal > Ally Juchnevicius
Not so long ago, I hated cooking. It was because I wasn’t good at it. My parents cooked for me, my boyfriend cooked for me, a whole host of chefs at cafes and restaurants cooked for me. I enjoyed food but to me the making of it was a mystery, magical even. I was familiar with the world of food shown on TV - the Masterchefs, Iron Chefs and Michelin stars. The glitz and glam of food as entertainment. For all my enjoyment of these shows though, they did something really damaging too; they made cooking intimidating. It seemed complicated and time-consuming – something to be left to the professionals. A good few years into my food journey though, I’ve discovered a lot about food that the entertainment shows rarely touch. They tout the glamour and drama around food, but
rarely investigate the food itself. The more I’ve submerged myself in the world of wholefoods, the more I’ve discovered that the key to mastering cooking is really very straightforward – let food be food. It sounds obvious, but it’s a completely liberating theory. Imagine if your food got better the less you did to it. Imagine if it was better for you. Well, it is. There’s only one catch – you need to start with good food. That’s not necessarily as simple as it sounds. With all kinds of industrially processed concoctions sitting in our supermarkets disguised as food, it can be tricky spotting the real deal. The easiest way around this is to cook for yourself with the raw, real thing - foods that don’t have ingredient lists. Here are a few staples that got me going. Veggies: Buy organic and local. Farmer’s markets are a great place to start. They’ll be fresher, more flavoursome, and maybe even a bit cheaper. Bread: Switch sliced-supermarket blocks for traditionally baked Sourdough. Made with just flour,
sourdough starter, water and salt, it is created through a lengthy fermentation process that means it is easier to digest and contains more nutrients. Meat: Choose pasture-raised, grass-fed. Sure, it costs more, but not only will the animal have been treated right, it’s better for you and tastes amazing. Dairy: Try alternatives to cows milk such as goat or sheep. The taste may be a bit different, but after a while they just taste like, well, milk – and they are kinder on the stomach. Other options are nut milks, which you can make yourself at home with some nuts, water and a strainer. Salt: Avoid table salt, which has very little nutritional value. Instead opt for sea salt, which makes your food sing (and makes you a little bit posh). All the top chefs all agree that the best way to cook is to source the very best ingredients and then let them speak for themselves. This rule applies to amateurs playing at home too, and it makes it a lot harder to mess up. So avoid the drama, less truly is more. Abracadabra.
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8 | Entertainment
16 - 22 July 2013
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On the eve of the birth of the next heir to the British crown, how do we ensure the monarchy remains relevant to Australia? Why, raise the baby Down Under of course. By Paul Bleakley WE ALL know the stereotype that characterises the British monarchy: they are an out-of-touch group of aristocrats sipping expensive champagne out of crystal flutes as they walk their multitude of corgis around the grounds of Buckingham Palace wondering why ‘the common folk’ just don’t love them like they should. When the Duchess of Cambridge gives birth this month, her child will eventually become leader of the British monarchy and, as such, the Commonwealth of Nations. The monarchy is entering a time of renewal and resurgent popularity, with the royal baby signalling that change is on the way.
A significant aspect of the republican movement within Australia is the argument that a nation like ours deserves a head of state that is, in fact, Australian. How do we reconcile the excitement of the royal baby with this urge for an Australian head of state? Hold that thought. Perhaps there is a way that we can have both. It is a well-known fact that the royal family have a soft spot for Australia. Prince Charles went to school in Geelong as a boy, Prince Harry worked as a jackaroo in Australia during his gap year and Prince William once registered his interest in the role of Australia’s Governor-General. If the royal family have any hope of stemming the tide of Australian
PRESEntS
republicanism, there is a simple way to give us what we want: raise the baby as an Australian. Hear me out: it is not unthinkable that the head of the Commonwealth should be from a country other than the United Kingdom. It would be equally valid for a Kiwi or a Fijian to rule as monarch over Australia as it would be for the British Queen Elizabeth II. Maybe by raising the royal baby as an Australian, we could be placated by the thought that one day a King Wally or Queen Charlene would sit on the throne. How would the royal baby turn out if it was raised in the Australian way of life? Forget corgis and champagne, an Australian monarch wouldn’t be found without a cattle dog and a carton of XXXX. The gold-leafed gates of Buckingham Palace would be torn away and sold for scrap metal. After all, an electric fence rigged up to a car battery is far more effective. We all know polo is for pansies and mummy’s boys, so that would be off the social calendar while King Barry I reigned over the monarchy. Instead, the aristocracy would focus their attention on a more masculine sport, like rugby league. They wouldn’t go to the games of course, making the trek to the local TAB instead to have a punt and crowd around small screens with a couple of schooners. Did I not mention that pints would be eradicated under an Australian monarch? Horrible, I know, but it can’t all be positive can it? No, the entire monarchy would fall under a standardised system of pots and schooners with the option of a goon bag if the occasion calls for it.
Imagine the Australian monarch’s Diamond Jubilee (long may they live!): the horse-drawn carriages would be replaced by Holden utes, with every member of the royal family comfortably nestled in the tray wearing a Billabong hoodie and a pair of worn-down thongs. And forget about that silly, long-winded procession down the Thames: the Australian monarch would take a jet-ski instead, drenching onlookers with spray as they zoomed on by. The monarchy has, over time, become a mostly ceremonial institution. Under an Australian monarch, that would all change. Trouble with Zimbabwe? Send in Prince Robbo to tell Mugabe to “have a breather and a lie down, mate.” South Africa in turmoil? Princess Shazza will “sort it out, no
dramas love.” Police action needed in the Solomon Islands? Queen Cheryl-Lynn will call them all “a bunch of gallahs” and then “sack the lot of them.” It is quite clear that raising the royal baby in Australia is the best option remaining to preserve the monarchy. A monarch raised in Australia, aside from staving off calls for a republic, would actually prove to be the most low maintenance and effective kind of royal there could possibly be. As the media scrum gathers to await word of the Duchess of Cambridge going into labour, I send this plea to the royal family: when it comes to filling in the child’s birth certificate, don’t give it a name like Victoria or George. Call it Barry or Sheila, and send ‘em down our way.
Royal baby top ten facts By Courtney Greatrex
THE tHE BOMBAY ROYALE
AMONGST the thousands of royal baby articles currently littering the Internet, there’s a lot of information to plough through if you want to learn something new about the royal heir-to-be. From baby shower ideas to Kate Middleton health updates to top ten royal baby names – it seems everyone has weighed in on all aspects of the impending birth. Here at Australian Times we’ve sorted through the rubble to bring you the top ten facts you might not know about the royal baby, Aussie style of course!
Ten things you might not know about the royal baby:
First London show for Melbourne’s new sensation after their Glastonbury appearance
Wed 17 July Village Underground
tickets £10 WeGottickets • Seetickets villageunderground.co.uk 020 7422 7505 FInD US
2fortheroadproductions.com thebombayroyale.com
1 2
The royal baby is due to be born on 13 July, which is coincidentally the same week that Schapelle Corby turns the big 3-6.
The unborn royal already has its own Wikipedia page. It includes a ‘reactions’ section, which mentions our almighty former leader Julia Gillard’s kangaroo-knitting stunt.
3 4 5 6
The kid has its very own Twitter account already – talk about starting early! Follow @royalfetus for personal comments and opinions from the little prince/princess.
Michael Christian, one of the Australian DJ’s responsible for the royal baby prank call, won a ‘Top Jock’ award from 2Day FM’s owners Austereo just six months after the scandal. The media have commented that the royal baby is the most famous baby in the world. With recent reports that Home and Away superstar Tammin Sursok is pregnant, we’re not sure how long the royal baby will keep that title.
Kate will receive six months of maternity leave from her royal duties—which includes wearing fancy hats, smiling at malnourished children and having babies.
7 8 9 10
Kate and Wills’ baby will be the third in line as heir to the throne. That is of course if no royal Australian lineage is found first.
Did your parents renovate their home before you moved in? Kate and Wills splurged £1m on their Kensington Palace apartment to make sure it’s perfect for the royal babe. With an Auntie like Pippa Middleton, no birthday party will go amiss. This little baby is the first royal to ever have a baby shower. Gifts for Kate included condoms from the Finnish Government … what are they trying to say?
When the royal bub arrives, a notice will be posted on an easel just inside the gates of Buckingham Palace. For those without access to this royal notice, it will also be posted on social media for the very first time.
AustralianTimes.co.uk
Entertainment | 9
A Rhapsody in Blue A Disney discovery
What’s On
Australian pianist Philip Eames was n Disney Channel’s new project Teen invited to perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody Beach Movie is set to screen in the UK on in Blue with the North Chesire Wind 19 July. PAUL BLEAKLEY chats to leading actress, Aussie star Maia Mitchell, about Orchestra, in Manchester. the 60s ‘dream world’ on set in Puerto Rico. Image by Stephanie Maker
n
By Bonnie Gardiner DONNING a blue button-up shirt and an unflinching enthusiasm, Australian pianist Philip Eames was a Rhapsody in Blue. In the studio theatre in Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music, the North Cheshire Wind Orchestra and conductor Tom Newall are performing their summer show Across the Pond to a full house, featuring soloist Philip Eames performing George Gershwin’s notorious Rhapsody in Blue. Calmly hovering by the theatre door, Eames makes his entrance coolly, unfazed by minor technicalities such as dim (or lack of) lighting and intimate working space, peeking over at Newall’s instruction through the top board and frame of the grand piano, warranting laughs from the audience. The humble and seemingly introverted Eames kicked off the piece with steady charisma, following the distinctive starting trill and chromatic glissando by the clarinettist. As the energy picked up, so did Eames’ enthusiasm, adding light to a dim room in addition to Gershwin’s blue notes and signature jazz melody. With his colourful cadenzas and unstrained arpeggios, Eames was only warming up. The frequent change in tone and dynamics was impressive, leaving potential minor mistakes unrecognisable. His handiwork ranged from impossibly fast one moment, while collected and leisurely the next, complemented by an unflinching grin and personalised theatricality. The orchestra, perhaps as transfixed as the audience, at one point missed their entrance – though aside from some flautists with intonation issues, they managed to recover their original energy and meter. Newall and Eames communicated well throughout,
despite the obstacles; a partnership that indicated respect and efficiency between the two artists. Eames’ animated virtuosic soloist cadenza particularly left the atmosphere electric, followed by metered brass beats pumping further life into the already active performance. After about fifteen minutes, a few intense hair flicks, concentrated crescendos, and what could have been thousands of trickling piano keys, Eames landed the final blow – a killer concluding cadence that resonated for many moments following its execution, leaving us mooching off Eames’ high. It takes a certain type of performer to pull off Gershwin and Eames’ expertise was most evident in his presentation. Really coming out of his shell throughout, Gershwin and Eames fit together like two power cables, feeding life into one another, charging over time. As an eccentric Australian and a marvellously talented contemporary pianist immersed in the traditional British music scene, Eames breathed new life into the music unlike many others could, leaving spectators astonished. “That was just fantastic, I had no idea it would be so thrilling,” remarked audience member Eileen Housley. “The performance was magnificent,” added Michael Chesterfield. “We’ll be on cloud nine the whole ride home.” Eames describes the piece as a great artwork that each player must start from scratch. “It’s great fun to play – it’s almost like a blank canvas, with many possibilities to add colour to it. Anyone who plays it has to enjoy themselves, otherwise you’re missing the point.” The true joy of Gershwin lies in the character of the performer – and Eames’ character was playful, mischievous, and vivacious. Many bravos.
All across Australia there are young women living in small towns, dreaming of what life would be like to go overseas and pursue their dreams. Many will find new dreams, new pathways to take in life. For some, like Lismore local Maia Mitchell, those childhood dreams really do come true. Nineteen-year-old Mitchell is the star of the latest film project from the Disney Channel, Teen Beach Movie, which is due for a worldwide release this summer. The film has been heralded as the natural successor to the highly-successful High School Musical franchise and is expected to make its stars some of the most recognisable faces across the world. Mitchell plays the role of McKenzie, a teenage girl that is mysteriously transported into a 1960s beach party film called Wet Side Story. The film follows McKenzie and her friend Brady (Ross Lynch) in their attempts to escape the film and return to their everyday life - despite being increasingly drawn into the world of Wet Side Story. Mitchell told Australian Times that she enjoyed playing the role of McKenzie in Teen Beach Movie and found the character “super fun” to portray. She said that McKenzie is a complex character that is forced to make difficult decisions over the course of the film. Mitchell said: “McKenzie is a really cool girl – she’s fun, she’s a surfer chick and very chilled. She has a strong urge for adventure. At the beginning of the movie, she is at a crossroads – she’s forced to choose between her relationship and going to boarding school. Throughout the movie she works through her decisions. I would love to play the role again – I got to surf, sing and dance, which was really cool.” Despite having made her start in the entertainment industry at the age of twelve, Mitchell says that she felt
like a newcomer after moving to the USA to film Teen Beach Movie. She told Australian Times that she felt “incredibly lucky” to have been given an opportunity to work as an actress, saying “people work years and years to start off their career, and I feel like I have as well, with starting early.” Mitchell began her career in Australia on mid-2000s children’s program Mortified, which was co-produced for the Nine Network, the BBC and Disney Australia. It has turned to be the first of many occasions in which Mitchell would work with the Disney organisation, with Teen Beach Movie the latest in a string of collaborations. Mitchell said: “Disney Channel has really good values and it is a safe place for young people in the industry because of its core values and the belief system behind it. The channel is very family orientated making it child friendly. Also, the shows are so funny and in keeping with good values.” Teen Beach Movie filmed last year in Puerto Rico with a budget doubling that of the original High School Musical film, highlighting the Disney Channel’s faith in the project’s success. Mitchell told Australian Times that the cast and crew became very close during the film’s production. Mitchell said: “It was amazing! It didn’t really feel like work to be honest. It was like I had stepped into a dream world where everyone was dressed as 60s characters, and singing and dancing all the time. The whole cast and crew were really close. We had rehearsals before we went to Puerto Rico - we spent weeks in dance rehearsals, so we got to know each other really well before we started filming the movie. The whole cast and crew were amazing.” Teen Beach Movie is not Mitchell’s only project for 2013: she also stars in The Fosters, a drama series that premiered in the US on Disney-owned ABC Family on 3 June. She stars as Callie, a neglected child that is taken in by a lesbian couple as a foster child and becomes part of a very non-conventional family unit. Mitchell said: “The characters (in Teen Beach Movie and The Fosters) couldn’t be more different, which is really fun for me. Filming The Fosters was amazing – the first time I read the script I was obsessed with the storyline and the character. It’s really cool because billboards and adverts on the TV have started to pop up, which is crazy and surreal.” Mitchell, whose star is well-and-truly on the rise, told Australian Times that young people should make sure that acting is their passion before pursuing a career in the industry. She said it is important to be prepared as an actor and do a lot of research into writers, directors and producers in order to fully understand the industry. Mitchell said: “Make sure that acting is what you want to do and that you enjoy it. I also think it is important to be prepared – read a lot as acting understands different characters and people.” Teen Beach Movie premieres on the Disney Channel on 19 July. The film’s soundtrack was released 15 July. More information can be found at Disneychannel.co.uk/teenbeachmovie
Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite 16 July @ Shepherd’s Bush Empire The Bombay Royale 17 July @The Village Underground Barry Gibb 3 Oct @ O2 Arena Cat Empire 20 Oct @ Brixton Academy Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds 26 - 28 October @Hammersmith Apollo Amity Affliction 14 September @ Underworld
For full details...
...and more Aussie gigs go to: AustralianTimes.co.uk/entertainment
See what we are following this week on
Royal baby fever @Queen_UK One can confirm that the new Royal baby will not be called North West. This is mainly because William and Catherine are not morons. @Karenjeynes: Bet the bookies are going nuts in the UK: fresh prince, or belle heir? @Queen_UK Is this sodding baby being delivered by Royal Mail or something?! #RoyalBaby #ComeOn! @Joey7Barton Such is the fickleness, I wouldn't be surprised if the royal puppets didn't call that royal baby Andy Murray Windsor now... @tcmjuk6983L SHOCK REVEAL OF HOW ROYAL BABY WILL BE ANNOUNCED: Apparently something called a 'midwife', will say "congrats Kate it's a (insert gender)" @badendido #Ashes Sydney Morning Herald suggesting that the royal baby would no doubt be named Aleem in honour of the umpire's patriotic display. @ACGdL I swear Kate's been pregnant three years now. Pop it out finally, whats the matter with u #RoyalBaby
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10 | Travel
16 - 22 July 2013
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Unlike the many high profile film festivals that take place across the UK each year, slick black tie events are not a feature of Motovun Film Festival. In fact, the only thing slick in this rustic Croatian village is the locally produced olive oil sold by the roadside and your sweat-soaked brow as the Mediterranean sun boasts another 40 degree summer’s day.
“We didn’t have the idea to make a festival that would be big or important for business people,” Igor explains in a thick Slavic accent. Every so often he scans the crowd, playing host by acknowledging a guest with a swift no-nonsense wave of his hand. “We just wanted to make a festival which would be a nice place for watching films” he says, adding, “We believe that Motovun with its open air cinemas is a perfect place”.
The magic of Motovun
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By Tyson Yates While modest in its approach to appreciating cinema, Motovun Film Festival in Croatia cannot be said to lack class. At last year’s pre-screening reception held for the latest offering by Austrian filmmaker, Ulrich Seidl, I found myself chatting with Festival Director Igor Mirković about the past and future of one particular celebration of cinema that is in no hurry to outgrow its humble roots.
The town of Motovun is located in the heart of the Mirna River Valley in Croatia’s northern province of Istria. Its historic centre is perched on top of a 277 metre hill and it is here that musty, stone-walled cellars of Roman, Gothic and Venetian buildings are converted into airconditioned screening rooms while the inner public square undergoes the daily transformation to become a cinema under the stars. In the last week of July each year, Motovun’s ordinarily dormant farming community of 300 inhabitants becomes a hive of activity when up to 50,000 visitors occupy its maze of medieval streets. The town’s one grand hotel is reserved for notable guests and event organisers and so the majority of those attending the Festival seek accommodation in the eco-camping facilities located at the base of the town’s hill. Sites are available here for as little as seventy pence per night. Each morning the bronzed and bare bodies of the Festival’s mostly young attendees emerge from sticky tents to make the daily pilgrimage in the mid-summer heat towards Motovun’s centre where they will enjoy a full day of film, food and festivities.
Glastonbury meets Sundance
Due to the combination of affordability and its unconventional - Glastonbury meets Sundance approach to appreciating cinema, Motovun Film Festival began as a haven for local students and backpackers seeking an off-thebeaten-track experience. Retaining this bohemian appeal is an important part of MFF today, particularly since it has become one of the most widely recognised film festivals not only in Croatia, but in the whole of former Yugoslavia. In this part of the world, events held in cities such as Pula or Belgrade steal the international spotlight with a focus on the glitz and glamour of world cinema. Meanwhile, MFF revels in a more subtle form of praise, attracting the attention of an alternative audience through loyalty to art over industry. “At the time when we started fourteen years ago, the films which were not made in Hollywood were not distributed in this country”, says Igor. His expression remains stern as he checks his watch. In a moment he will be introducing the first feature of the night and already the crowd can be heard shuffling into the outdoor cinema. “The people who started the festival were filmmakers”, he says. “We wanted to make a place for the audience to see the films that would be different. Art works, independently produced films, European films - the idea at the beginning was to make the place for people who love films and who don’t have the opportunity to see what is going on in European or International cinema.”
Travel | 11
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In its fifteen year history, MFF has showcased a number of International gems that have gone on to find popularity in the broader marketplace. UK cinema in particular has enjoyed a large degree of success, walking away with the Festival’s main prize, the Propeller of Motovun (inspired by Czech-Austrian inventor, Joesf Ressel who invented the propeller in Motovun) more times than any other country for films including Billy Elliot in 2000, Bloody Sunday in 2002 and Ae Fond Kiss in 2004 among others. Last year quintessential British filmmaker Terence Davies was in attendance at Motovun as the Festival’s Guest of Honour. An honour that falls this year to Austrian Director Ulrich Seidl who will be welcomed along with his recent Paradise Trilogy (Paradise: Love, Paradise: Faith, Paradise: Hope), which will be screened as part of the Festival’s main programme. Seidl’s presence at the Festival will see him join the likes of Ken Russell, Paul Thomas Anderson, Stephen Daldry and Vanessa Redgrave, all of whom have visited Motovun in previous years. While there may be no shortage of
well-known guests gracing Motovun, Igor confirms that the festival’s popularity has seen a slight decline. “You cannot be at the same level all the time,” he says with a shrug. “I believe that we are still popular enough to be happy with the number of the audience and the response we have with media in this country”. While it is this very nonchalance that seems to attracts filmgoers to Motovun each year, one can’t help but wonder if Croatia’s recent inclusion in the EU will prompt a change in attitude. For now however, such worries seem far from the mind of organisers and audiences alike. Igor checks his watch one last time. As he prepares himself to leave he pauses to offer one final word of reassurance. “We believe that our concept is good. It is accepted among the audience,” he says. “So long as they are willing to come to Motovun and watch films with us we don’t think we have to change”. As though on cue, a cheer erupts from the filled-to-capacity theatre, it rings through the streets of Motovun and is enough to suggest that Igor might be right.
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*Terms and conditions apply. Prices quoted are for specific departures only. All trips subject to availability. Discounts are off the base trip price only, and do not apply to food funds and local payments. Flights not included. For full terms and conditions please visit www.topdeck.travel Image by Georges Jansoone
12 | Travel
Postcards from Australia
16 - 22 July 2013
n
Haylee and her husband are currently driving around Down Under. Follow along with their highlights from the road in this series of Postcards From Australia. Image by James Niland
By Haylee Slater
*
Located 20km north of Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge is the only place on earth where two World Heritage listed sites rest side by side. Nestled at the southern end of the Daintree Rainforest, only 77kms north of Cairns, the dense forest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Home to over 30,000 species of flora and fauna and with firm roots in the heritage and culture of the Kuku Yalangi people, Mossman Gorge contains the oldest, continuously surviving rainforest on earth. Our own visit begins with a small white bus and a very friendly guide responsible for driving us to the walking trail. Immediately, the rainforest grows thicker and gradually blocks out more of the sun, the air is warm and damp but gets cooler the further we drive. As we disembark, signs warn us of the dangers of cassowaries and instruct us not the feed any of the native wildlife. The trail is very well built, erected to stand tall amongst the canopy. The path is smooth enough for wheelchair access, at least until the first lookout
*Trips for 18yo and over
Image by Paul Holloway
reaching over a series of white water ledges. It is not a long walk to the cold flowing waterhole where we are able to swim. Too cold even for crocodiles, it is a perfect place for visitors to cool off. Icy water flows over granite boulders and the sun shines through a gap in the canopy illuminating the river floor. The sandy bottom leaves little camouflage for things that bite, putting me at ease as I wade in. The crashing falls above pulverise and aerate the water until it feels like velvet. Fish swim un-phased by us, making it possible to swim alongside them. Large rounded boulders offer a place to rest after a hard swim across the driving current. For the most part the water is calm and deep with plenty of room to duck dive to the bottom, in other places the current is so strong you are able to ride it through the canyon with little control over where you end up. Young children splash in the shallows and professional photographers line up their tripods looking for the perfect angle to capture the view. With something on offer for all visitors Mossman Gorge should be the first stop for any visitor to the tropical North.
Professional Life | 13
AustralianTimes.co.uk
Dollar Review
Weak Chinese data hurts the Aussie dollar By Dylan Goate
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ASK NAT | Currency specialist Nat Davison answers your questions on when it is best to move savings back to Australia. At the moment I work in a good job in the City and have been trying hard to save over the last few years. However, I plan to return to Australia within the next 18 months. When should I start looking to move my savings?
after China’s second-quarter economic growth matched market expectations, easing worries that the world’s second-largest economy could be slowing faster than expected. Australian government bond futures rose, with the three-year bond futures up 0.03 points to 97.330, while the 10-year contract added 0.01 points to 96.265.
Exchange rates GBP/AUD: 1.6567 EUR/AUD: 1.4327 USD/AUD: 1.0984 NZD/AUD: 0.8586 09:37 GMT, 15 July 2013
Note: The above exchange rates are based on “interbank” rates. If you want to transfer money to or from Australia then please register/login on our website, or call us on 0808 141 2335 for a live dealing rate. Make use of a Rate Notifier to send you alert when the Australian exchange rate reaches levels you are looking for.
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This is an interesting question given recent currency fluctuations, according to Nat Davison a currency specialist at Global Reach Partners. The truth is it is never too early to start considering the effects of the currency market – especially if you have interests to protect, such as your savings. In the last few months we have seen the Pound make rapid gains against the Aussie Dollar. In mid March the Pound was worth $1.43. Just 14 weeks later Sterling had appreciated to $1.68. This equates to a difference of $2,500 for every £10,000 you transfer. At the start of July the Reserve Bank of Australia kept interest rates on hold at 2.75%. However, the statement released acknowledged that further reductions to the lending rate would help foster a rebalancing of growth in the country’s economy. This would suggest that the Pound will continue to appreciate against the Aussie Dollar in the near term. Many people would feel tempted to enjoy this period of relative Pound prosperity but there is risk inherent in doing so. Those in the know see this as an excellent opportunity to use tailored currency solutions to secure a good rate for the longer term and make sure that their money is protected should the markets change. So how do you ensure that your hard earned savings are not at the mercy of the ever changing currency market? One thing is certain, until an exchange rate has been agreed you cannot budget with any certainty. One option would be to set
a ‘Limit Order’ which allows you to trade all or part of your savings when the rate of exchange reaches your pre-decided target rate. But when is the right time to lock in to a rate of exchange? We are all guilty of wanting to trade at the peak of the market, however, in reality; we only know the top when it has gone. Nat recommends that you work alongside a currency specialist to buy your currency at a favourable rate of exchange that fits within your costed budget. You can feel satisfied that you can draw a line in the sand against exposure to any future negative currency movements. An alternative solution would be to lock in a favourable GBP/AUD exchange rate by way of a ‘Forward Contract’ – a type of ‘buy now, pay later’ solution that allows you to fix an exchange rate for future delivery of funds, often up to 12 months ahead. Fixing your currency exposure in this way will assist your cashflow with only a small percentage of the total trade amount required up front as a deposit. You will also have peace of mind from knowing exactly how many Dollars your Pounds will equate to when you move back to Australia. You should take care when selecting a bank or specialist broker and ensure they have the right solution to suit your needs. Currency brokers, such as Global Reach Partners have come to the fore in recent years as they are able to offer more flexible and cost-saving solutions, although many people are still using their banks for currency transfers. Ultimately, it is your money so you need to be comfortable with who you opt to work with.
THE Australian dollar came under pressure on Friday night in late trading and revisited the low USD 0.90s. This followed Chinese Finance Minister Low Jiwei saying economic growth in China could average 7 percent in 2013 and that the country could live with a figure of 6.5 percent. The comment, along with the Philadelphia US Federal Reserve President Plosser’s opinion that tapering by the US Fed should begin in September and as a result would raise US interest rates from their current level, weakened the AUD. The Aussie had begun trading last week at around 1.6374 to the British pound and around 1.1027 against the US Dollar. The Australian currency steadily weakened throughout the week against both currencies to end on Friday at 1.6683 to the pound and 1.1051 to US dollar even before the remarks. The Australian Dollar climbed back in early Monday trade though
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14 | Sport
16 - 22 July 2013
Soward shakes up the London Broncos The Chargers defend Pig ‘n’ Porter Tag Festival title By George Katralis
Pig ‘n’ Porter Tag Rugby Festival A-grade champions The Chargers The UK Tag Rugby community can again be extremely proud of Canada Water side, The Chargers who have successfully defended their 2012 Pig ‘n’ Porter Tag Rugby Festival title over the weekend! The 12th annual Pig ‘n’ Porter Tag Rugby Festival held in Limerick, Ireland is the largest in the northern hemisphere and boasted over 120 team entries. In the A-grade division, the UK were represented with three team entries: The Chargers, Try Tag Rugby All Stars and Tumeke. All UK-based teams made it through the qualifying pool stages with The Chargers winning four and drawing one, Try Tag Rugby All Stars winning four and losing one and Tumeke winning four and losing one match. Tumeke drew with all-Ireland champions The Mighty Pie Eaters in the quarter finals and bowed out in a narrow 4-2 defeat. The Chargers and the Try Tag Rugby All Stars managed to win their quarter final and semi-final matches against quality Irish opposition to set the stage for an all British final. The Chargers showed their class in the final with a top notch performance from the team and in particular Rachel Chew, who bagged two tries to seal victory and back-to-back titles. The Chargers also take home
one thousand euro in prize money. The Chargers had the following Australians in the side: Cameron Bretag, Jenna Edwards, Arron Lombardo and Shelley Niven. In the C-grade division, the Try Tag Rugby Less Stars had a successful tournament, only losing one match all day to take home the C grade Plate division title. The UK was also represented in the C-grade division by Hail Mary’s and the Lollabies. Meanwhile, Try Tag Rugby’s summer leagues commenced from 25 June onwards at 15 venues across London and Reading. It’s still not too late to join as an individual in some leagues as limited space is still available. The competitions cater for all standards of players with divisions including beginner, intermediate, A grade and for the ultra competitive, super league. Leagues are taking place at Acton, Balham, Borough, Canada Water, East London RFC, Finsbury Park, Fulham, Highbury, Hoxton, Reading, Richmond, Shoreditch Park, Southfields (Wimbledon Park) and Wandsworth Town. If you would like to register for a Try Tag Rugby summer competition, go to www.trytagrugby.com or email info@ trytagrugby.com for more details.
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Like most boys, I grew up supporting the same footy team as my Dad. Despite being born and raised in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, I was given a St. George Dragons jersey before I was even given a bottle. It’d have been rude not to. Many weekends saw us on the hill, waving our flags and singing our team song. My best memories however came from the drive to the game. This is when my Dad would fill my head with St. George folklore: the world record 11 straight premierships and tales of club legends Billy Smith, Graham Langlands and Johnny Raper. I would imagine their heroic feats from his very vivid, and what I’m sure were slightly exaggerated, retellings of ‘the glory days’. I used to listen to these stories like they were mythological legends of Gods and Kings. Looking up to my Dad I loved hearing him tell stories about the people he admired. I would be just the right mix of intrigued and envious: “Why wasn’t I born to see this?” Patiently I waited for a player to join my beloved team I could call my hero, one I would one day be bragging to my kids that I saw play.
The beginning
In Round 12, 2007, a headgear-clad kid named Jamie Soward donned the Red V for the first time and ran out of the tunnel at Kogarah. In what could only be described as a struggling season the Saints needed something. Soward stepped up, instantly injecting some much-needed lifeblood into the dwindling club. He won the match for us against reigning premiers, The Brisbane Broncos, with a match winning field goal and never looked back. From that day on he excited the Dragon faithful regularly. His passion for the jersey was unmatched, running out of the tunnel hammering the crest over his heart. His blistering, length-of-the-field tries, his individual creativity and his longkicking game impressed the crowds. “Finally,” I thought. “My player has arrived!” In what will always be remembered as a bittersweet day in his life, Soward first achieved his lifelong dream of playing first grade footy in 2005, making his debut for the Sydney Roosters sadly on the same evening he lost his father. Coincidentally, it’s this very juxtaposition which has haunted his career ever since. In the past seven seasons we have seen him become St. George Illawarra’s highest ever point scorer. He has won an Origin game with a match winning play, he pulled out the big play when Saints were 10 minutes away from making the Grand Final when he kicked the now legendary field goal in the final against the Tigers. Then of course there was the greatest day of any Dragons fan’s life: the 2010 Grand Final, where Jamie set up the first try and kicked us to victory. In short, I just loved watching this kid play.
Leaving the Dragons
Sadly, in April 2013, amidst unconfirmed rumours and speculation of a souring relationship with the Dragons head coach Steve Price, Soward signed a four year deal which will see him move to the Penrith Panthers in 2014.
Image by Blue Pitch Media
It is a move which broke many fans hearts and turned stomachs at the very thought of seeing our premiership winning half in another teams jersey. Soward respectfully deflects a question about this relationship, and instead chooses to focus on his future. “I made it pretty clear that I wanted to see out my career with the Dragons” Soward says about the move. “Going forward the club hadn’t offered me anything and I knew they were looking to rebuild. “We came to a mutual agreement and I’m looking forward to my time at Penrith.” When asked about his time at the Dragons, Jamie let the back of his footy card do the talking. “When I came to the club in 2007, if you had said in the next five years this guy is gonna win the competition, play state of Origin and win a World Club Challenge most fans would have been happy with that. “I’m very happy with that. I had a great time at The Dragons.”
Bittersweet at the buzzer
After announcing his exit from the Dragons, bitter sweetness kicked in again. During a round 12 match against the Bulldogs, a game which saw the playmaker pass 1000 career points, Soward failed to level the game with a missed conversion attempt right on the buzzer. He was immediately dropped to feeder team the Illawarra Cutters. Sadly, that moment was to be Soward’s last in the big red V. “That the most disappointing part, I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to everyone who supported the Dragons. “I have had so many well wishers. I’d just like to say thanks for all the support and hopefully we’ll see you around. “Hopefully when I play for the Panthers we can get a win and I’ll wave goodbye then.”
Leaving for London
Just like in 2007, Soward was at a career crossroads. Dropped by his club and playing park footy at a standard well below what this premiership winning half was accustomed, he applied for an early release. The Dragons agreed and for the second time in his career he became a mid-season signing. Only this time it’s on a short term deal here in the UK with the London Broncos. “Back home I was playing reserve grade and I didn’t think it was going to further my football,” Soward says. “I got the call from Tony Rea (the London Broncos coach) to ask if I was interested to come over here. “I asked for a release and headed over to play with some world class opposition and enjoy my footy again.” Attending his first match for London, you could tell Soward was a man on a mission. Stepping off the plane at 6.30am and eager to play Soward showed his class by scoring 14 points on his debut. The small crowd which showed up for this match were on their feet cheering, despite the final 30-44 score line.
Goodbye
If one thing can be said about Soward, despite the criticism which may have followed his career at every step, he nonetheless gets on and plays his game. I’m often asked why Soward is my favourite player, and I simply put it like this: I have never seen a player like him. He is, by his own admission, not the best, but strives to be the best. From day one his footy career has been full of adversity, and people telling him he’s not good enough. Yet he keeps on pushing on and doesn’t let it stand in his way. He has demanded perfection from himself, and commanded those around him to pay attention. I loved cheering him on at the Dragons and will fear every moment he’s out there against us. See Londonbroncosrl.com for more information on match schedule and tickets.
Sport | 15
AustralianTimes.co.uk
THE
Round 16 By Will Denton
Ahhhhh, controversy. It’s that magical intangible that brings us together on common ground, either as friend or foe. You can be guaranteed that even the most impartial humans that you know - the flog that seems only to exist just to rip into you about your footy team or even the weird lady on the bus that smells like potpourri - will be able to produce an opinion on all things dastardly. Well, I’d imagine the ‘awkward conversation with people you don’t normally associate’ count will be at record highs this week, as the quad annual phenomenon known as ‘Footy/Cricket Crossover’ takes its hold. Under normal circumstances, they are very separate. One is for winter, one is for summer. Now that Footy/Cricket Crossover is encroaching on our lives, it can severely affect the psyche of normal footy fans by compounding losses during the day of your footy side, with soul crushing Test losses in the evening. Just roll with the rest, enjoy the small moral victories and focus
hurts more as RUBDOWN Defeat captain, says Clarke squarely on the footy. For your own good. Now, speaking of that, there was some great action to be had, The Dogs took it up to the Bombers, The Giants didn’t against the Swans, Carlton welcomed Saint Stephen Milne back to footy with a quaint and subtle reminder that maybe he shouldn’t be running around just yet. Blues won and Mick was happy. It turned out all he wanted was two eggs, a bit runny and exactly eight soldiers. The Crows got out to a flyer before crumbling like a feta filo, Pies won easy. Port gave themselves a chance against the Hawks… yeah, but nah. Hawks are good. Melbourne… well, we know they’re no good, but a cold, wet Cattery signalled a demoralising loss even before the team bus pulled into refuel. It was horrible. Like a plate of Tuna Mornay, left cold and forced to eat. Ugh. Richmond on the other hand managed to get a win! Over Gold Coast! Up in Cairns! As soon as North Queensland gets electricity, an inquiry will be carried out to confirm this really happened. West Coast decided that losing to your archrival regularly isn’t much fun and had a real crack at dismantling the Freo machine. Unfortunately they ran out of spanners and the purple blokes ran away with the win.
A Touch of summer madness
By Mike Abromowitz Across the country the sun shone gloriously overhead and revealed the usual touch skills but also a few new team names came to light (from the sublime to the downright wrong) “This is gonna be the best week EVER!” were words issued from the mouths of every touch player, as they checked their phones for the weather ahead. Monday to Sunday, all venues across London were sun-kissed creating the perfect touch setting. From Richmond to Regents Park, the warmth brought out not only touch players, but also touch supporters! Most venues piqued the passerby’s interest enough for them to pull up a piece of grass, work on their tans and watch the games in the park (not to mention the odd fit body or two). Kicking off the first week of divisional games across some venues, it was time for teams to get down to business and show their leagues what they were made of. The skills on the pitch weren’t the only thing raising eyebrows though, with new teams having decided on their names this week. They range from general references, such as to the baggy pant toting MC Hammer and his infamous Can’t Touch This to the more specific, one team implies ‘they may soon need a toilet,’ (think ‘something Cloth’). A few teams have attempted to instill fear
into their opponents. With the Putney/ Wandsworth, King George’s Park seemingly the most creative: Ralph Wiggums Wingmen, The Invisible Man, The Mythical Mooses and Ahmad’s Armadillos. Not to be outdone, Clapham Common has a fair few teams with pretty creative team names. One standout example would be the Monday night men’s team, Vintage Caravan. The team captain explains: “Vintage Caravan is a talented threepiece rock band from Reykjavik, Iceland. Their riffs are fast and they play with style. For the record, Vintage Caravan are none of the above.” Showing how much of a growing sport this is, Jim’ll Touch It, a team from Clapham Common now boast: “Perhaps the most international team on the Common - nationalities include: American, Australian, English, Irish, Kiwi, and Swedish!” With 16 venues around England, from Clapham Common and Regents Park to St Albans and Manchester, with over 600 teams playing in the London leagues alone and over 1,000 teams playing country wide, this growing sport is taking the nation by storm. For more information or if you would like to register for an O2 Touch league or competition, go to: www.in2touch.com/uk or e-mail: info@in2touch.com
...continued from p16 England secured a pulsating 14-point victory shortly after lunch on the final day, when man-of-thematch James Anderson had Brad Haddin caught behind, the feathered nick only barely showing up on HotSpot. It was the correct call. But Haddin being given out for the slightest of nicks - when England’s Stuart Broad managed to survive smashing a ball to first slip earlier in the match - made defeat a bitter pill for Australia to swallow. Despite an inspired 65-run finalwicket stand from Haddin (71) and James Pattinson (25no) that started with the tourists still needing 80
more, Australia were forced to watch on in despair as England celebrated wildly in front of a soldout 17,000-strong crowd at Trent Bridge. After being set a Trent Bridge record 311 to win, Australia needed 137 on day five. But Anderson took the four wickets England needed for victory, and justified his reputation as the premier fast bowler in the world, with 10 for the match. He bowled 13 straight overs to start day five and briefly went off the field for treatment. But when Australia came back from lunch needing just 20 more to win, Anderson was there to greet them and, three overs later, he ended the match. Australia were looking to exorcise
their demons from their horror tworun loss to England at Edgbaston in 2005, which played out in eerily similar circumstances. On that fateful day, Michael Kasprowicz and Brett Lee put on 59 for the last wicket to get within two runs of chasing down 282 - before Kasprowicz contentiously gloved one behind. But instead of revenge, the nightmare continued. “It probably does hurt you more when you are captain because I guess you’re a little bit older and I care so much about the guys that I’m surrounded by,” Clarke said. “That’s part of my job now to make sure all the boys are up and ready for what lies ahead in four days.” Australia have lost three Ashes Tests in a row for the first time since the 1980s and they’re also on a five-match losing streak for all Tests played in 2013 - with their worst mark being seven straight losses. With Ben Horne and AAP
Laurie Daley says Blues will still do state proud ...continued from p16 stand trial at Waverley Court on Tuesday after being charged with indecent assault. Hayne is still sidelined but last Friday Daley received the news he was dreading when inspirational skipper Paul Gallen was forced to admit defeat in his race to recover from a foot injury sustained in game two. Daley admits his side face a mammoth task in halting the Queensland juggernaut, but with home advantage at a sold out ANZ Stadium and the confidence gained from success in the series opener, they can give their long-suffering fans something to cheer about. “Queensland are a champion side, they have future Immortals and for us it’s about just trying to get a good performance in,” Daley said on Monday. “It’s been a long time and the players have been aware of that. “But if you would have told me at the start of the year it was 1-1 and we’re back in Sydney for the decider, I would have taken it.” The withdrawal of Gallen immediately saw Queensland become overwhelming favourites to make it eight in a row and Daley is
NSW Blues Greg Bird (centre) during a training run at Coogee Oval in Sydney on Friday ahead of this week’s blockbuster State of Origin decider. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) out and win the game and we ask comfortable going into the game as everyone to jump on board and we’ll underdogs. do them proud.” “It’s a massive game and we know Boyd Cordner, 21, is named on the we are underdogs and no-one gives interchange bench for his first game us a chance,” Daley said. following the injury to Gallen. “But we represent seven-and-aThe Sydney Roosters back-rower half million people in this state and is rated as the best young forward in they’ve been hurting for a long time. the NRL and was labelled by many as “We are going to be going out there a future Origin player when he was and doing the best we can. That is all just 16. I can ask. “We have a strong side, and home By Ian McCullough in Sydney advantage so it is up to us to go
Outsiders join Aussie big contenders for British Open
AUSSIES PITCH UP: Adam Scott among those teeing off for this week’s British Open. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy) ...continued from p16 “In saying that, I probably still will. “It’s just sensational being here
but you’ve just got to try and play it down as much as you can. “If you get too mucked up you can waste all your energy before you even tee off on Thursday.”
The duo is joined in the field by fellow 1000-1 outsider John Wade, a 44-year-old club pro who sealed a spot through local qualifying and will add to his sole Open appearance in 2005. Australia has a strong group of potential contenders in established US PGA Tour players Day, Scott, Marc Leishman, John Senden and Geoff Ogilvy while Marcus Fraser and Brendan Jones are potential dark horses but have yet to produce their best golf on the biggest stage. Despite Brett Rumford’s strong form in Europe this year he’s playing in only his third major, and first in seven years, while Peter Senior, 53, features in only his second major since 2000. Realistically, making the cut against the world’s best would be a great result for the longest shots but don’t expect them to take that mentality on to the first tee on Thursday. “It’s just like any event, of course you want to go in there and win,” Dartnall said. By Liam FitzGibbon at Muirfield
THE
RUBDOWN
Footy/Cricket Crossover Woes
P15
SPORT
AUSSIES CAN FIGHT BACK n
Captain Michael Clarke is adamant Australia can lift their shattered emotions in time for a must-win second Ashes Test against England at Lord’s starting on Thursday.
DESPITE the second Test starting just four days after losing an emotionally draining first encounter by just 14 runs, Michael Clarke says his young team can continue to show courage, bounce back and win the Ashes. “I don’t think it will be that difficult, to be honest,” said Clarke, who refused to blame umpiring decisions for the loss, after the tense end to an absorbing game on Sunday. “We feel we were so close to winning this Test, but I can guarantee they’ll be counting down the next four days to start the second Test. “The guys are full of energy and we want to have success on this tour. “We will play our best cricket and earn the respect of the people who don’t respect us.” England captain Alastair Cook said his side couldn’t afford go to Lord’s thinking they’d already psychologically knocked out Australia. “No, I don’t think so. It’s been a great Test match, a very even Test match. I don’t think I’ve played in one in which the momentum has changed so quickly, so often,” he said. “Clearly they are going to be disappointed like we would have been but it’s all set up nicely now for Lord’s.” In one of the most dramatic and controversial Ashes matches in history, it came as little surprise that it was the decision review system (DRS) that eventually inflicted the most heart-breaking of defeats on Australia. ...continued on p15
Jamie Soward (Photo: Blue Pitch Media)
Aussie outsiders to make most of British Open golf
WHILE the likes of Adam Scott and Jason Day expect to be pushing hard for the Claret Jug, just competing at this week’s British Open is a victory of sorts for a handful of Aussie battlers. The 12-strong Australian contingent at Muirfield features two players making their major championship debuts, three 1000-1 outsiders and several others with limited experience at the highest level. Stephen Dartnall and Steve Jeffress booked their maiden major appearances through the international qualifying event at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath in January. The pair shared a practice round at Muirfield on Sunday, swapping pre-tournament thoughts but conscious of keeping excitement and nerves to a minimum. “You help each other out but you just try not to get carried away with the whole thing, which is pretty easy to do,” said Western Australian Dartnall. ...continued on p15
Origin underdogs tag no concern for Laurie Daley
MAN WITH A MISSION Jamie Soward shakes up the London Broncos | P14
THE odds look stacked against NSW winning a first series since 2005, but coach Laurie Daley is confident his side can finally end Queensland’sa State of Origin stranglehold on Wednesday. Daley enjoyed a dream start to his Blues coaching career with victory in game one but life has been far from plain sailing ever since for the 43-year-old. The lead-up to game two saw the coach lose his fullback Jarryd Hayne to a hamstring injury in addition to star prop James Tamou and in-form winger Blake Ferguson due to suspension for off-field incidents. Tamou is back for game three following his drink-driving conviction but Ferguson is suspended indefinitely and will ...continued on p15