Australian Times weekly newspaper | 4 January 2012 by Australian Times

4 January - 9 January 2012– Issue: 393

Hobbit Tales Oz gets ring of approval

ENTERTAINMENT P6

Looking back at 2011 The year in review ENTERTAINMENT P8

Dame Edna

The Aussie saviour of London ENTERTAINMENT P7

BIG ORDER FOR LITTLE JOHNNY

and the continued interest that she displays in the welfare of Australia and Australians,” he told ABC Radio on Monday. Mr Howard is expected to receive his Order of Merit at a ceremony later this year. - AAP with sources

AUSTRALIANS have been asked to heed safety advice from authorities as much of the country swelters through a record-breaking heatwave. Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Tuesday echoed public warnings issued by emergency services, local mayors and power companies this week as temperatures soared above 40 degrees. In the southern states, firefighters battled hundreds of blazes in searing heat and ambulance officers treated children who had been left in cars. On 1 January, Adelaide recorded its hottest start to a new year since 1900 when the mercury reached 41.6C. Extreme temperatures and strong winds prompted a South Australian power company to cut electricity supplies to about 3300 properties on the Fleurieu Peninsula on Monday. The decision left many tourism-related businesses without power, prompting criticism over the lack of notice. But ETSA Utilities defended the decision, raising concerns about potential bushfires. Victoria’s ambulance service treated 45 patients for heat-related illnesses on Monday, including four cases of children left in cars. Paramedic Darren Murphy said there was a case reported every five minutes. “We’ve gone to patients who are nearly 100 years old, they live at home alone, wearing heavy clothes, they have an air conditioner but they’re not using it for whatever reason,” Mr Murphy said as he advised people to stay indoors. “We’ve gone to people who are in their mid-30s, who have been working outside all day, were drinking (water) but just not drinking enough and then we’ve also gone to young children who have either been at the beach or they’ve been left in their cars for short periods, who have been heat-affected as well.” Southwest Queensland councils directed their warnings at tourists, advising motorists to carry extra water and petrol. “We’re expecting just shy of 44 (degrees celsius) today, and even hotter on Wednesday and Thursday,” Diamantina Shire Council tourism and community manager Steve Baldwin said on Tuesday. “Most of the town will exercise commonsense and stay inside.” Mr Baldwin said there were some minor benefits of oppressive heat, such as drying clothes and enjoying a cold beer in an air conditioned pub. - AAP

AustralianTimes.co.uk/news

Former Australian prime minister John Howard becomes just the ninth Aussie to be royally inducted into the exclusive Order of Merit by Her Majesty the Queen PRIME Minister Julia Gillard says her Liberal predecessor John Howard’s induction into the Order of Merit recognises his decades of distinguished public service. The Queen appointed the former prime minister to the exclusive, 24-member order on New Year’s Day. Not since Sir Robert Menzies has the monarchy granted such an honour on an Australian politician. Mr Howard’s decade-long prime ministership and his strong stance in defending Australia’s constitutional monarchy means he joins the likes of Order of Merit members Prince Charles, former British prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher, playwright Sir Tom Stoppard and naturalist Sir David Attenborough. Ms Gillard said Mr Howard had devoted his life to Australia, as the nation’s second-longest serving prime minister and a parliamentarian for 33 years. “He led our nation through many difficult days, including our grieving after the Port Arthur massacre, 9/11 and the Bali bombings,” Ms Gillard said. “He led our nation through times of widespread and complex economic and social change. “While Australians will inevitably have a variety of views about the record of the Howard government, Mr Howard rightly commands ongoing respect for his contribution to the nation.” Membership of the Order of Merit is bestowed by the monarch upon individuals who achieve exceptional distinction in the arts, learning, sciences and other areas such as public service. Although writers and artists have traditionally dominated the field, politicians appointed to the order have included Sir Winston Churchill,

AAP IMAGE/MICK TSIKAS

HAPPY NEW YEAR Check out what 2012 has in store for you | P2

Clement Attlee and Baroness Thatcher. Mr Howard becomes the ninth Australian appointed, following in the Aussie footsteps of the philosopher Samuel Alexander, the intellectual Gilbert Murray, scientists Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet, Howard Florey and Robert McCredie May, former

chief justice of Australia Sir Owen Dixon, artist Sir Sidney Nolan and soprano Dame Joan Sutherland. Mr Howard said he was surprised and honoured to be appointed to the Order. “I also see it as a compliment to Australia and a reminder of the great respect the Queen has for our country

Australia endures record heatwave

2 | News

4 January - 9 January 2012

right said ed > TIM MARTIN

Publisher: Bryce Lowry Editor: Tim Martin Australia Editor: Ashlea Maher Music Editor: Paul Judge Production/Design: Tamzyn Brookson Contributors: Shannon Crane, Kate Ausburn, Sara Newman, Justin Ng, Phill Browne, Kristy Kenny, Carmen Allan, Mario Hannah, Amy Fallon, Rose Callaghan, Lesley Slade, Simon Kleinig, Kris Griffiths, Guy Logan,

Nathan Motton, JP Breytenbach, Cameron Jenkins, Will Denton, Leigh Johnston, Lee Crossley, Shane Jones, Adrian Craddock, Liam Flanagan, Emily Banyard, Mel Edwards, Raquel Messi Advertising Manager: Dominic Young 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

WEBSITE:

AND so you have safely negotiated another New Year’s Eve! Well done and welcome to the first Australian Times edition of 2012. What a year we have to look forward to. Apart from a tiny event called THE OLYMPICS - London is going to be putting it on something strong in 2012. And why not. If the Mayans are right and the world is really going to end on 21 December later this year - we may as well live it large. So, how better to christen a new year than by sinking a couple of Aussie lagers to some strains of ‘Khe Sahn’ on 26 January. That’s right, Australia Day is just around the corner and we are going to be building up to that in a serious way over the next few weeks. Because let’s face it, if we don’t get excited about it - who else in the English capital is going to give a toss? Then things settle down for a while (well, if you exclude Valentines Day... sorry darling). And before you know it, we have Anzac Day in April. Coming off the back of Easter (6 - 9 April) and with just three years to go until the

Happy New Year

Gallipoli centenary in 2015, Anzac Day is always a special and solemn occasion, especially in London. May throws us a cheeky public holiday (7 May) - which is just a taster of things to come. Then we get a double in June (4 & 5) for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It’s going to be massive. And there is going to be quite an Australian presence throughout the celebration period. Speaking of, the ‘Jubilee’ organisers are looking for several Aussie rowers (with over three years flat water experience) to row behind the Queen’s watery cavalcade down the Thames! Get in touch with me at editor@australiantimes.co.uk if you’re keen to take part. By the time July comes around, most of us will be exhausted, but there will be the warm English ‘sun’ to lift our spirits and then the moment we’ve all been waiting for - Australia’s domination of the London 2012 Olympic Games. They kick off 27 July and continue until 12 August and we’ve got our fingers crossed for a sack load of Aussie golds. Keep your

eyes and ears peeled during this time for some special Australian Times Olympic mascots - you’re gunna love them (think Fatso the Wombat from the Sydney 2000 Olympics - but even more lovable). Straight after, the Paralympics bounce into gear (29 August - 9 September) and by the end of that London will be spent! But fear not, the fun doesn’t stop there. September, October and November promise to continue the party - we’ll have just had another exciting AFL London season by then, Try Tag Rugby will continue its domination of the capital and it’ll be the pointy end of the footy season (in all codes) back home in Oz. Tasty! And then there’s 21 December. We haven’t really looked too far past this one because, well, you just can’t be too sure. So lets live it like it’s 2012 (the new 1999)! We’re looking forward to sharing the ride with you guys this year. Enjoy! Tim Martin is Editor of Australian Times

Sydney lights up for 2012

The paper used to print this publication has been sourced from sustainable forests (farmed trees). Please reduce waste by recycling your copy or pass it on others. DISCLAIMER The printed opinions of advertisers and writers are theirs and not necessarily shared by Blue Sky Publications Ltd. Unless otherwise stated, copyright of all original materials is held by Blue Sky Publications Ltd. OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSORS OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS:

SYDNEY heralded in 2012 with one of the most amazing fireworks displays yet! 1.5 million New Year’s revellers gathered on the city’s harbour shores to view the world renowned fireworks display. Themed ‘Time to Dream’, the extravaganza of light, sound and smoke was set to a medley of hit Australian rock songs, with old and new classics from the likes of INXS, Wolfmother, AC/DC, Gangajang, Temper Trap, Icehouse and Spiderbait. The display cost $6 million (£4 million) and was broadcast around the world. (Photos by Tracey Nearmy, Mick Tsikas and AAP)

Your Say

On: Queen in way of Aussie greatness: Keating

SHAME on you Mr. Keating! Australia is a proud monarchy! You are an EX prime minister – because no one WANTS YOU! But you want to hang on to power as all politicians do! Australians love their queen! Why is that so difficult for you and other politicians (who supposedly represent the people of Australia) to understand and accept? Is it because you and your government are so inept that you cannot deal with the REAL issues such as the economy, state security, education, energy????? So you pick on the monarchy to use negativity to try to get back into power? NO THANK YOU REPUBLIC!!! GOD

Every day on …

? What’s your view

SAVE THE QUEEN! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN OF AUSTRALIA!!! Kathryn Ryder Via AustralianTimes.co.uk/news

On: Molly Meldrum’s loved ones play waiting game

Molly needs his dog Ziggy with him for a speedy recovery. Get Ziggy to the hospital. Come on Molly u can pull through this. Nellie Via AustralianTimes.co.uk/news

On: Julian Assange – journalist, activist, cyber-bushranger?

He is part of and connected to the industry, someone trying to REFORM THE MECHANISM of journalism. So the question is why do we try to

categorise him as a journalist or not a journalist, why should this be relevant, rather than trying to understand his view of his role through his eyes? Journalism revolutionary! David Via AustralianTimes.co.uk/voices

On: Why do I have to pay to go to the bathroom?

Great article! I’m not so peeved about the toilet attendants, but more the stupid turnstile things they have at train stations. They DEMAND a 20p and a 10p, no other change accepted! When I’m busting for the loo I don’t want incorrect coinage to get in my way! ShazzyC Via AustralianTimes.co.uk/voices

Share your comments on these and more stories online: AustralianTimes.co.uk

News | 3

AustralianTimes.co.uk

Molly still in care, set for long recovery THE family of music icon Molly Meldrum is preparing his fans for the reality that he will be in care for “a considerable amount of time” after incorrect reports stated he had been moved out of intensive care. Molly’s manager Mark Klemens says those reports, which emerged on Tuesday afternoon and were later spread via social media, were totally wrong. “He is still in ICU,” Mr Klemens said on Tuesday night (Australian time) after confirming it twice with the music industry veteran’s brother. A decision to take him out of ICU, he said, won’t be made until later. His family had said earlier this week that there was a chance he could be moved to the trauma ward next week. Meldrum, 65, is recovering from his latest surgery which took place two weeks since he suffered serious injuries from falling three metres down stairs near the spa at his Richmond home. His brother, Brian Meldrum, says the music stalwart is showing good progress after the recent spinal surgery. “He’s recovered well from that operation,” Mr Meldrum told Fairfax Radio on Tuesday, adding that Molly has been taken off a ventilator. “He’s progressing pretty well.” Molly also suffered a major head

injury, broken collarbone and broken ribs during the 15 December fall. But Mr Meldrum stressed repeatedly during the radio interview that fans of his famous brother should prepare themselves for the long haul. While his recovery is going well, he said Molly still suffers from shortterm memory loss and is responding only to basic commands. “At the moment he’s very disorientated. He’s confused,” he said. “Gradually, those things will improve and he’ll start to be aware of his surroundings. He will start to recognise people. “(But) it’s a very, very long haul ahead of him. “He’ll be in care, if you like, for a considerable amount of time. That is pretty much commonplace for people who have sustained these types of injuries.” He said the family does not plan on providing a play-by-play of Molly’s long recovery. “When significant changes occur, we will definitely be releasing that information,” he said. “But at the same time ... we’re sort of going to work on the premise that no news is good news. And I think that is the way to approach it.” - AAP AustralianTimes.co.uk/news

First asylum boats of 2012 arrive THE first asylum seeker boats of 2012 have arrived in Australia as Indonesia conceded that a plan to ease visa rules could trigger more people smuggling activity. Australian authorities intercepted one vessel carrying 35 passengers near Ashmore Islands and another carrying 16 passengers just north of the Tiwi Islands this week. The boats arrived as Indonesian officials confirmed plans to relax visa restrictions for three major asylum seeker source countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The move comes even though the three nations are among 13 that have for a long time been on Indonesia’s immigration “red list” due to security fears. Law and Human Rights Ministry immigration boss Bambang Irawan has conceded the new policy could trigger a fresh wave of asylum-seeker traffic from Indonesia to Australia. “There’s the potential for the new policy to lure more boat people heading to Australia,” he said in an interview published in the Jakarta Post newspaper on Tuesday. “We will see what the progress is in the future and evaluate.” Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa dismissed concerns the new approach could pose security risks, saying it was aimed at boosting tourism and business links between Indonesia and the three countries. “I’m not going to begin stereotyping my brothers and sisters in Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Afghanistan as if they are all terrorists,” Dr Natalegawa said. The move follows the sinking last month of an Australian-bound vessel off the coast of Java, killing as many as 200 asylum seekers. The federal government subsequently entered into talks with the opposition aimed at finding a bipartisan agreement on resurrecting offshore processing to stem the flow

of boats. The government has offered to reopen the Howard governmentera detention centre on Nauru in exchange for coalition support for its controversial Malaysian people swap deal but the talks have so far proven fruitless. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott on Tuesday made it clear he is in no mood for compromise over the “dud” Malaysian deal. “If the government wants us to agree to Malaysia I’m afraid it’s talking to the wrong people,” Mr Abbott told Fairfax Radio. “If it wants Malaysia it should be talking to its coalition partners, the Greens. “Our job is not to make a weak compromise with a bad government.” The coalition’s acting immigration spokesman Michael Keenan said the latest arrivals showed 2012 would be “business-as-usual” for people smugglers. “Julia Gillard’s first priority for 2012 should be to repair the damage that the Labor Party has done since coming to office to Australia’s system of border protection,” Mr Keenan said in a statement. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Julia Gillard was forced to reject reports the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has changed the way it rewards and punishes immigration detainees. “I’ve seen these reports today and there is no new system in our detention centres,” she told reporters in Sydney. “The sense in today’s reports that there is a new system in operation is simply not right.” News Ltd said the government and detention centre manager Serco had modified the system of rewards, incentives and punishments to better manage the detainee population. - AAP AustralianTimes.co.uk/news

4 | Voices

4 January - 9 January 2012

“HE’S BEHIND YOU!!” # 92 – Seeing a West End Show

By Liam Flanagan

AN Australian’s time spent in the UK can be filled with any number of traditionally English experiences. Some of these are simple pleasures as straight forward as embracing the pub culture and enjoying a Sunday roast at your local. Others can prove slightly less attainable such as tickets to a Manchester United premier league game. But one that is both easily experienced and a truly English cultural experience is going to see a pantomime. For any Australian who does decide to experience a pantomime, be warned, unless you grew up in the era before Johnny Young Talent Time was canned, you will be entering a strange yet wonderful world where normal audience rules don’t apply. So it was with cultural enlightenment in mind that I attended the production of Dick Whittington at the New Wimbledon Theatre. As well as a hefty dose of said ‘cultural enlightenment’, this particular panto also provided the chance to see one of Aussie comedy’s most iconic performers - Dame Edna Everage! Plus the opportunity to watch Edna perform in the ‘genre’ her character is perhaps most suited to. But as I soon discovered, there are a few key elements to a pantomime production: Audience interaction in the form of cheering, booing and well worn responses “He’s behind you” and “Oh no we don’t” are law. Men in dresses playing female characters (known as ‘Dames’) feature heavily.

When one thinks of a London Top 100 list, your mind automatically pictures cultural activities that will have you writing home to mum. That’s exactly what our London adventurer found this week when she ticked number 92 of the list and visited the West End. Panto casts usually include some genuinely talented performers topped up by a big showbiz name, usually a soap star, which generally lowers the overall talent pool but increases ticket sales. Brilliantly awful puns (the worst of which the actors may actually apologise for!) and innuendo filled scripts (which ensures that the adults in attendance have something to laugh at while the kids enjoy the bright colours and movement) are panto staples. Historically, the lead male role is played by a female (usually wearing shorts that even AFL players would consider somewhat revealing). Supposedly this was enforced so that any Dad’s bringing their kids to the performance had something to keep them entertained. What makes a pantomime performance so different from the theatre or a musical is the interplay between the audience and the performers. And the old hands of pantomime in the

audience were switched on from the outset, immediately identifying and greeting the villain of the production with boos and hisses. While early in the show I was hesitant to join in shouting at the stage, a few red wines and the enthusiastic participation of the 80 year old woman sitting behind me made it clear that not joining in would be like not wearing thongs to a barbie. So by the end of the show, not only was I joining in, I had even gone so far as to ad lib my own panto call. As it turns out, the panto community isn’t quite ready to include “that’s what she said” into the standard book of audience cheers… With Dame Edna providing an Antipodean edge to the show, I can safely recommend that attending a pantomime is a must do for any Australian in the UK this winter. However I would like to make one complaint, because for all the booing, sighing and cheering, not once did an opportunity arise to yell “HE›S BEHIND YOU!!!”. Maybe next time… AustralianTimes.co.uk/voices

Big Bash League - all that is wrong with Australian cricket the hard word > NATHAN MOTTON

IT’S A curious thing when a sporting chief hails the immediate failure of a new franchise a success. But what is even more concerning is how television figures are more regularly being seen by some as the barometer of total audience participation. As though, so long as people, especially children, are watching sport from the comfort of their living room then it’s a win-win. Cricket Australia’s new revved-up Twenty20 format – the Big Bash League - was unveiled just before Christmas last year to record Australian pay-TV viewer numbers. One of the first games saw the fourth-largest subscriptionTV audience in Australian history and the biggest subscription audience for cricket in the country. It prompted BBL project manager Mike McKenna to declare: “What’s really important for us is the total engagement, the combination of the number of people at the game and watching on TV indicates... how strongly people are connecting with it.” Meanwhile CA Chief Executive James Sutherland, after admitting disappointment with the initial crowd figures, said it “was more than offset by the very healthy TV audience”. Relentless marketing in the lead up to the opening weekend failed to translate at the turn-styles. Just 23,000 turned up at the MCG for

the much anticipated return of Shane Warne. Only 12,000 showed up at the SCG for the opening match of the 31 game fixture list. Of course this is only one weekend but it should have been a blip that was castigated, not ignored. The league’s make-up is entirely flawed and won’t help in attracting bigger numbers to grounds across the country. It’s difficult to develop an affiliation with any of the clubs. Perhaps a state based format would have had more success. But what has struck a chord with The Hard Word is this ridiculous notion that people watching sport on television “offsets” the fact that no-one is interested in watching the game live. Can you imagine Andrew Demetriou singing from the rooftops if only 40,000 turned out for the first game of the AFL season? Or A-League boss Lyall Gorman happy with no-one showing up for the Melbourne derby, so long as a few more people were watching on television. Of course television is big business and there is no denying the importance of audience numbers in broadcasting rights and attracting revenue. But television is only a small piece of the puzzle when trying to improve participation in sport, especially at a junior level. And sporting

bosses must do more, in all sports, to encourage children at an early age to get involved. Much of that has to do with getting them to professional matches, to learn the craft, aspire to do great things and watch their favourite players. There is a reason why, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than four times the amount of people attended AFL games in 2010 than cricket, why a quarter of a million more people attended soccer matches than cricket. Both the A-League and the AFL, even the NRL to a lesser extent, have worked tirelessly (and succeeded) for many years to promote the live game, to get bums on seats. The Hard Word is all for Twenty20 cricket, and the interest it is generating in the game. But Sutherland and Co. need to remind themselves that their sport has faced dwindling attendances and low junior participation for many years now. Impressive pay-TV figures don’t “offset” a lack of genuine interest at the gate. Follow Nathan on Twitter @mottonn AustralianTimes.co.uk/voices

bron in

the don BRONWYN SPENCER

FOR my first week in London I did all the big touristy things on offer in the capital including taking in a West End show (I assume this must be a very similar week to that of many first arrivers). As it was my friend and travel partners birthday it was her choice for a show and she chose Legally Blonde. I was of a fan of the movie – sure, but in my head I was thinking “of all the shows we could see – Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera or something a little more famous or classic - we are seeing Legally Blonde!?”. However I soon ate my mental words as soon as the show started. It was funny, the songs were catchy and I really enjoyed the performance – so much so that I’ve seen it again since! Seeing a show at the West End is something that a lot of new Londoners do when they first arrive but even a year on, it is still one of my favourite London activities. With special deal websites like ‘groupon’ or ‘last minute’ you can often get tickets for a show really cheap (if you don’t mind getting a nosebleed) and often with a meal included. For those that don’t include a meal there are always the restaurant theatre deals in Covent Garden and Soho and you won’t likely be disappointed. Seeing a show is a great night out, especially for when you have visitors and luckily for me, I got to see a few London theatre gems last year:

Wicked – The name of the show is an apt description of just how good it is. Slightly more dramatic than The Wizard of Oz, this prequel has lots of funny parts, a killer soundtrack and costumes that make something Lady Gaga would wear look normal.

The Lion King – For those who are still kids at heart this show is perfect. Especially for those ‘kids’ who grew up in the 90’s – you will be singing along to all the of favorite songs and laughing at the same old lines while aweing over the puppetry, costumes and sets.

Jersey Boys – The true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, this show is great if you’re a fan of that era and music. I wouldn’t say it was one of my favourites but definitely an enjoyable show. Chicago – This popular musical is very black and has basic scenery but the music and acting make up for lack of excitement on the stage front. A few favourite tunes and some good debauchery make it very enjoyable – and all that jazz. Now for my favourite – a stage production of the classic Aussie movie and one that every Aussie in London should have seen – Priscilla Queen of The Desert. The accents (albeit a bit over the top) made you homesick but the laughs and outrageous costumes were definitely worth it. If you were one of the lucky ones you may have even gotten to see Ray Meagher (aka Alf from Home and Away) play Bob the Mechanic. Unfortunately the show’s run in London came to an end on New Year’s Eve and its slot has now been replaced by Singing In The Rain. Musicals aren’t the only thing you can see in the West End. There is a lot on offer in terms of dance, dramatic plays and other performances. Hopefully I get to see a few more this year and tick a few more off another one of my London Lists. AustralianTimes.co.uk/voices

Voices | 5

AustralianTimes.co.uk

New Year’s resolution countdown

By Liam Flanagan

I CAN’T believe how quickly 2011 has flown by. It seems like only a few days ago I was ringing in the 2010/2011 New Year and promising myself that I would start pursuing my ultimate career as professional surfer/part time sandcastle builder. Living in London for the past 12 months has meant little progress towards those resolutions but I’m not going to make the same mistakes again. Because I have the best New Year’s resolution ever! Hold on, the countdown is about to start. Here we go, my 2012 New Year’s resolution is … bloody hell, where to start?

10…Probably should set myself something tangible that I can measure by the end of the year. Have a better job? What does a better job mean? More money? More responsibility? Cause I don’t want more money if it means more responsibility. I want more money but less responsibility, what job is going to give me that? 9…Hold on, what about my friends and family? Shouldn’t I be resolving to do something for them as well? Crap, I struggle to buy them birthday and Christmas presents let alone resolve to do something for a whole year which will benefit them. What if I try and get all of them better jobs?

Operation Embrace Winter n

Fresh off the plane from Australia and wondering what on earth she was thinking arriving at this time of year, JANIS LOVE tells us to stop dreading yet another English winter and to instead welcome the icy blasts.

EMBRACING winter is all about attitude. As the leaves start to fall and there is a distinct chill in the air, it’s hard to be positive about the impending darkness of the coming months, but according to dietician and wellness coach Kathianne Sellers Williams, it IS possible. In an online article titled ‘How to Feel Better in the Wintertime’, Williams expresses her considerable dislike of winter and how she overcame it. “I realised my complaining was only making me and those around me miserable. So I tried something new. I decided to embrace it. I couldn’t change that winter was going to happen, but I could change my attitude (and my behaviours),” says Williams. In an effort to transform her attitude, Williams carried out ‘Operation Embrace Winter’. “I didn’t let myself say anything negative about winter. I bought a very warm and stylish coat…and focused on winter’s gifts: drinking tea, sitting by fires, making soups, etc…Deciding to embrace the season is the best advice I can give,” Williams told workawesome.com . Following Williams’ advice and seeking inspiration from friends makes it a little easier. Comfort food, snuggling under a doona, and drinking hot chocolate are all popular ways to enjoy winter. Snuggles are nice, but if you can resist the temptation to hibernate under your doona for the entire season,

embracing winter in London is easy. With the cold weather comes some relief from the throngs of tourists that flood the English capital every year, so embrace the space and discover (or rediscover) London. There is so much to discover in this city that you’ll never be short of something to do. Museums and galleries will be less crowded and have some amazing displays and exhibitions. If retail therapy is more your thing, get your fix on a grand scale at Westfield London where you can shop till you drop then recharge with coffee, all without going outside. Prefer outside activities over retail therapy? Then throw on your winter woolies, strap on some skates and hit the ice for some wintery fun. If you have trouble staying vertical on a pair of thin metal blades, perhaps try something needing a little less balance. Take your camera for a stroll around the city, wander along the Thames Path or explore Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens capturing the beauty of a wintry London. For the ultimate end to a day spent embracing the freezing temperatures, grab some mates, find a cosy pub and settle in for an afternoon of mulled wine and mince pies. The wicked winter wind and 3pm darkness will happen whether we like it or not, so rather than curse and moan, try embracing winter. You may even find you like it!! AustralianTimes.co.uk/voices

8…Maybe I should focus on me and just aim to be all that I can be… WAIT!!! That’s a bloody ad! Who’s ad was that? I think it was for the army wasn’t it? My New Year’s resolution can’t be an army recruitment slogan because I have zero intention of joining the army regardless of how much khaki brings out my eyes. 7…If I was going to go with an advertising slogan as a resolution it would be for something cooler than the army. “Just do it” - too corporate, “Yes we can” – too presidential, “Got Milk?” – too dairy. Okay let’s move on from the slogans, these aren’t working. 6…Crap why am I worrying about this when in 5 seconds I’ve got to give

someone a New Year’s kiss and at the moment I’m standing next to my male cousin and the family Labrador. 5…Ok, concentrate. It needs to be something broad but specific, selfless but personalised, measurable but all encompassing… World Peace? 4…Snap out of it, right - New Year’s resolution for 2012…. Damn it I can’t get that bloody army song out of my head! 3…Awww bugger it, this is too bloody difficult… I’m just going to tell anyone who asks that I don’t have any New Year’s resolutions ‘cause I live each day like it’s my last. Then everyone will know what a genuine dropkick I am. 2…Aha…I’ve got it

1…My 2012 New Year’s resolution is to evaluate my life so that I will have a clear defined resolution for 2013 and won’t have to waste the last ten seconds of the year having this ridiculous conversation in my head. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! AustralianTimes.co.uk/voices

6 | Entertainment

4 January - 9 January 2012

Hobbit gives Oz the ring of approval

Scottish actor Billy Boyd was recently in Australia and he found time to chat to LESLEY SLADE about The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, as well as his love of surfing, Jedis and music… HE might be best known for his role as the mischief-making, yet loveable, hobbit Pippin from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but Billy Boyd is pleasantly just as affable and laid-back in person. Boyd visited Australia recently as a special guest at Brisbane’s Supanova pop culture expo. His fly-in visit only gave him a few days to spend in the Queensland capital, but he left suitably impressed. “I haven’t been able to make it to Supanova in the past, but I’d spoken to people who had done it before and they’ve said it was great fun,” he smiles. “And with The Hobbit filming, the plan was to go to New Zealand while I’m here, so I could visit the set. But I’ve just found out I have to go to Canada for a film called Space Milkshake, so it’s just a quick visit. “I’ll be really disappointed if I don’t get to see The Hobbit set eventually. What’s great is that it’s pretty much the same crew that worked on The Lord of the Rings. I was speaking to Elijah [Wood] who’s been there filming and he said it’s like déjà vu, because he feels like he never left. So, yeah, I’d love to go back, I really miss New Zealand!” The jovial Boyd described being part of one of the world’s most successful movie franchises as a life-changing experience. “It’s crazy because it was like a whole other life. We lived there for quite a while and the filming process was so extensive you forget that people met on set and got married and had kids while the movies were being made. It was like one big family,” he laughs.

What we’re following #Rupert Murdoch StatusInBeirut Rupert Murdoch has joined Twitter and is now legally following people.

tomgara People making fun of Rupert Murdoch’s twitter skills. The dude is 81 years old. 81. At 30, I feel too old to get into Tumblr.

It’s hard to believe the fresh-faced Glaswegian is 43. Even though he may look young, his maturity as an actor has served him well over the years. Apart from the wealth of acting talent in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Boyd has also worked alongside the likes of Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, Lauren Bacall, Alfred Molina and Christopher Lloyd. “It all came from Star Wars,” he jokes. “I wanted to be a Jedi, so I became an actor. I just love the idea of pretending to be someone else.” Perhaps then it was destiny that the Scotsman, who once worked as a book binder and bound copies of The Lord of the Rings by hand, would one day become a member of the Fellowship and be seen on movie screens around the world. Although it was a quick trip this

time around, Boyd intends on coming back to Australia again to surf and tour with his band, Beecake. “We’ve just finished working on our second album which we’ll probably release in early 2012. It’s really exciting – we want to tour Australia and New Zealand with it and we’ll be doing gigs in the UK as well,” he says. From singing celtic ballads in The Return of the King, to fronting his alternative rock band with guitar in hand, it’s doesn’t seem too much of a stretch for this multi-talented artist. “I love doing film and music. It’s great because no matter where we play there’ll always be some Lord of the Rings fans there and I think that’s brilliant.” AustralianTimes.co.uk/entertainment

#James Pattinson

SachinKalbag Conspiracy Theory: Michael Clarke hates James Pattinson. He did not want him to take five wickets. Never brought him on to get the tail. Cal_Twomey Kid next to me at hairdresser asked for a haircut like JamesPattinson. Think that’s a sign he’s going OK.

marcfennell So Rupert Murdoch on twitter is exactly like watching your grandfather discovering Windows 95 for the first time.

White_Adam James Pattinson wasn’t born when Sachin Tendulkar started playing Test cricket. And Tendulkar has also played against Shaun Marsh’s father.

martomagic If you send me a DM and don’t hear from me, don’t worry. I’m sure Rupert Murdoch will reply on my behalf at some point.

patrick_kidd India “are intimidated by good bowling”, says James Pattinson. Bet that goes down well in the Indian media. Not quite “grovel” but still...

Check out what we’re following today on AustralianTimes.co.uk and follow us on Twitter @AustralianTimes

What’s On Australian Times presents Paul Kelly 3 Feb @ Union Chapel, Islington

For full details...

Australian Pink Floyd 24 Mar @ Hammersmith Bogan Bingo Every Thursday @ The Underdog, Clapham Common

...and more Aussie gigs go to: AustralianTimes.co.uk/entertainment

Looking back at the year that was music from the

motherland > PAUL JUDGE

WELL, well, well - 2012 has crept around quickly and we are excited! Another year of music, gigs and festivals await. Before we sink our teeth in the New Year we thought we’d take a look back at the year which was 2011. We’ve handed out a few awards, picked a few memorable moments and picked our favourite Australian music memories for the past 12 months. Enjoy!

Best Acceptance Speech

Front End Loader at the ARIA awards. They didn’t attend the awards and a letter from the band was read out from the stage. The letter explained they were unable to attend as they had day jobs and couldn’t afford to take time off. Thumbing their nose at the mainstream Australian music industry they thanked their fans and family for the support which allowed them to continue making music and doing what they love for so long.

Rock and Roll Antics

Children entertainers HI-5 were up to their wild antics again when they were asked to leave a country Queensland pub. Yes the reason was one of the boys wasn’t wearing a collared shirt which was against the dress code in the dining room but with their

cutesy music and never-ending smiles this was very hard-core musical naughtiness indeed.

Worst Music Performance

Meatloaf at the AFL Grand Final. The big man rolled into town and was billed as a world class performer coming to entertain the 100,000 attending and the millions others watching on the TV. What transcribed was a poor, lacklustre effort by the man who failed to live up to the hype and admitted after he didn’t even know what the game was he was singing at. We doubt he’ll be back this year.

Best Music Performance

We could write a whole article about the ones we enjoyed but decided to hand out mentions to the ones we got along to in the UK. In no particular order they are: • Cut Copy (Roundhouse): The kings of Australian rock/dance/pop capped off an amazing year filling out the 2000 large Roundhouse in Camden with an electric, beat filled set. After a new album, world tour, ARIA award and Grammy nomination Cut Copy can be very proud of their year in general. • Stonefield (Enterprise): After wowing the large crowds at Glastonbury Festival the four young sisters from Victoria made a quick stop in London and raised

the roof of some very small venues. Playing to a crowd of 50 after playing to thousands in Somerset didn’t deter them for banging out a set of their infectious, psychedelic charged rock. They also mentioned to the crowd they could buy CD’s from their mum who was in charge of the merchandise table. How cool is that? • Little Red (Aussie BBQ, Cargo Bar): The ever popular Australian music day ran again in May with half a dozen bands showing their wares to the appreciative crowds in between the sizzling burgers and cold beers. Little Red closed the night with an impressive, tight set which capped off a memorable if not home-sickness inspiring day.

We’re So Sad They’re Gone Honour Roll

The following bands and music shows called it a day in 2011 and we shed the odd tear for – Silverchair, Middle East, Grinderman, Spicks and Specks and Video Hits.

Honouring The Legends Honour Roll It was the year of the pop princess and five guys in skivvies. We’re talking about Kylie Minogue and The Wiggles. Both were inducted into the Australian Music Hall of Fame for their long term contributions to the Aussie music industry. The Wiggles also celebrated 20 years and saw the release of Rewiggled - a who’s who of Australian music all having a crack at the groups’ popular kids tunes. They’ve come a long way since The Cockroaches! Well that’s a brief overview of the year that

was. Motherland had a blast and now as we eye off 2012 we are gunning with anticipation for what it holds. Australian music is taking over the world and we plan to be there for the ride. Please join us! AustralianTimes.co.uk/entertainment

Entertainment | 7

AustralianTimes.co.uk

Dame Edna – the Aussie saviour of London

When Dame Edna graces the London stage in the pantomime production of Dick Whittington, it’s not just the Aussies in the audience who swoon. TIM MARTIN found out that the Brits are actually quite fond of the ‘housewife from Melbourne’ too and that she’s right at home in panto. THERE ain’t nothin’ like a Dame! Never has the phrase been more apt than when Dame Edna Everage, all the way from Australia, flies onto the New Wimbledon Theatre stage (courtesy of Wombat Air) as Dick Whittington’s ‘Saviour of London’ and greets the audience with an iconic “Hello possums!”. Australia’s favourite ‘Dame’, played marvellously by the Mr Barry Humphries, is making her pantomime debut this London panto season and she pulls it off with aplomb. Resplendent in colourful panto garb (she changes her amazing outfits no less than six times throughout the performance) it’s as if Edna was born to do panto. For Aussies unfamiliar with the English tradition that is pantomime – it’s a brand of ‘Christmas’ theatre for all ages that heavily involves audience participation (see p4). The set and costumes in this particular show are staggering in their aesthetical value and the actors will have you in stitches all night long. Although the Aussie Dame steals the show – even transcending it in parts with ''you may be wondering what an international gigastar is doing hanging in midair in a theatre in Wimbledon… I'm wondering too'' –there’s no denying there is just something inherently fun about pantomime. And while the lead characters, Sam Attwater from Eastenders and Dancing On Ice and Nickelodeon’s Anna Williamson, aren’t the most gifted of singers (it’s more like choreographed karaoke)

their support cast have the comedic nous that will have you overlooking any flaws in search for the next gag. Without giving away too much of the show (because any good Australian living in London should go and see this production immediately – not just to support Dame Edna but to experience the cultural awakening that is panto) some of the most hilarious moments occur around the ‘joker’ of the production, Idle jack, played by Kev Orkian. His banter with the crowd appeals to the children in the audience, his innuendo and shockingly bad puns serve the older members well and his 12 Days of Christmas song-adaptation (with Ben Goffe the dwarf and writer/director/ cross-dressing Eric Potts) is worth the ticket price in itself. Just watch out for the flying toilet rolls and the water pistols! There’s a 3D ‘Finding Nemo-esque’ part to the show that will leave you breathless (and shaking with a tiny amount of trepidation), there’s the side-splitting hilarity when Edna pulls someone up from the crowd and then mercilessly rips them to shreds (“I don't pick on people, I empower them" she tells us cheekily). And then there is the pantomime staple – audience encouragement. Shouts of “oh no you won’t” ring out throughout the performance while the chief villain of the show (Richard Calkin as King Rat) is greeted with boos and hisses

every time he emerges on stage. If you’re looking for a rollicking good night out and have been meaning to go to the theatre for ages, leave Phantom of the Opera or We Will Rock You for spring and go and catch Dame Edna in Wimbledon now. You won’t be disappointed, you may just discover your inner child and you’ll definitely be caught out singing along to ‘A Bra That Was Made To Hold Three’. Long may the Dame from Down Under return to the UK for the awesomeness that is panto! Dick Whittington continues at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 15 January. AustralianTimes.co.uk/entertainment

2011

8 | Entertainment

- Year In Review WHEN people look back on 2011 - what do they remember? A lot of death and destruction probably first come to mind, what with the Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi, the Christchurch earthquake, the Japanese tsunami, the Arab Spring, the demise of Osama bin Laden, Colonel Gaddafi and Kim Jong Il, the death of Steve Jobs and the London riots. But it wasn’t all bad! Prince

William married Kate, S.Mouse! rocked London, planking went global and the Queen visited Oz. Here’s our most visited stories via AustralianTimes.co.uk from last year and a homage to some of the top news stories of 2011. Let’s hope this year is a little calmer, because we are only just over one year into this decade and already we’re exhausted. The Queensland floods were arguably the biggest Australian news story in 2011. Almost 40 people lost their lives and the damage bill was over $1

billion. But in true Australian spirit, Aussies around Australia and around the world dug together to support those who needed it most. The Royal Wedding. Prince William married Catherine in a ceremony that stopped the world. We in London were lucky to be right in the royal epicentre. And US President Barack Obama visited Australia to announce US troops would be stationed in the Northern Territory.

4 January - 9 January 2012

The highlights of a very action packed year By Karl Mathiesen

Top 10 AustralianTimes. co.uk stories for 2011

1. Rupert Murdoch attacked in London… by a man with a pie. UK comedian Jonnie Marbles distracts everyone from what was not really a very important meeting, by trying to throw a pie at the ‘Australian’ media mogul. Only to be taken down by Rupert’s outraged wife, Wendi Deng. 2. Darryn Lyons flaunts his fake sixpack on the set of Big Brother (UK). Gross and weird, with his ‘sick-pack’ we bet he got heaps of girls... 3. The Royal Treatment. Australian Simon Watkinson finds out that getting a job in London is easy – as long as you look like Prince William. 4. Planking. A lazy man’s craze sweeps the world. The planking photo galleries on AustralianTimes.co.uk will keep you giggling for hours. What is not so funny is the fact a Queensland man tragically plunged to his death in a planking accident. 5. NRL teams Manly and Melbourne bring back the biff in a melee which proves that rugby league is simply the stuff that happens between fights. 6. The 2011 ARIA Awards. Kylie gets inducted, Boy and Bear bag five, Goyte wins again, Gillard looks awkward on stage. 7. Obnoxious Aussie’s abroad. Leave your manners at the immigration desk. Liv Hambrett tries to remember what it is about Australians that she likes. 8. Great Aussie and Kiwi coffee options in London. Helpful tips to find a decent Antipodean brew in the ‘Starbucks’ city. 9. Slapped up with S.mouse! in da house. London’s hippest get rowdy as Chris Lilley takes a break from offending people on the tele, to offend some people in real life. 10. Back on the bandwagon. The ‘greatest’ team in the history of the AFL show Geelong’s upstarts how they play the game in the west. The Aussie Times Rubdown at its very best. See the full list at AustralianTimes. co.uk/2011-year-in-review

Top 10 Australian Google search terms for 2011

1. iPhone 5 - People are so meta these days. Everyone is using their iPhone 2s to chat to their mates (on their iPhone 3s) about an article their mate looked up on their iPhone 4 about what Apple has in store with the new iPhone 5. 2. Libya - A candidate for the most provocative headline of the year came from The Sun - ‘That’s for Lockerbie, Gaddafi. And for Yvonne Fletcher. And IRA Semtex victims.’ Yep, that’s exactly what the group of revolutionaries, who summarily executed the ousted dictator ending 42 years of grinding oppression, were peeved about. 3. Cyclone Yasi - Queensland had some year – the destruction of January’s floods was quickly compounded by Cyclone Yasi. K-Rudd had to have heart surgery. But this was all just a preamble to the outpouring of grief which accompanied the Sunshine State’s greatest tragedy in decades – the retirement of Darren Lockyer. 4. YouTube - It must have been because we launched Australian Times TV and people were desperately trying to find us. That, or people just really really love crazy videos about babies biting fingers, dogs chasing deer in London and weird Inception inspired cats... 5. Japan - Japan in 2011 was the bravest country in the world. They survived horrific tsunamis and tragic loss of life then a nuclear threat that could have made Hiroshima look like a firework. Well done on braving it all. 6. Super Rugby - The Queensland Reds rose like a phoenix from the flood waters and finally managed to grab some rugby glory. And the inaugural Super 15 title to boot. Combine that with yet another State of Origin win and New South Welsh people were heard to mutter: “I’m really a Sydney Swans fan.” 7. Qantas - “U” always comes after “Q”. Qantas, after flaunting grammatical convention since 1920, found themselves on the receiving end of linguistic karma. Their customer motto for 2011 – 'you' always comes after 'queue'. 8. Charlie Sheen - How would you feel if Ashton Kutcher took your job… and did it better than you? Least Charlie has WINNING Tiger Blood coursing through his veins (or whatever that means). 9. Justin Bieber - You know you’ve made it when your fan-base comes up with a witty nickname for themselves. And you can get a girl pregnant after just two 'thrusts'. I’m a true belieber. 10. Facebook - Will you be my friend? Come to my party? Check out my photos? I’ve got a private message for you. What have you been up to? It’s my birthday! Facebook, love it or hate it - it’s big and it’s changing the way we communicate forever.

Travel | 9

AustralianTimes.co.uk

Ibiza - All of the sun and none of the crowds

Leave the wellies in the wardrobe and get the sunscreen out instead. Ibiza is calling and you can enjoy it all to yourself. LEIGH JOHNSTON explores the party island without the crowds. As I relax on a lounge in a beachfront bar, sipping on a half-price cocktail and watching the sun set on another cloudless (and crowdless) day, it’s easy to forget that Ibiza is better known for its party scene than its appeal as the perfect location for a relaxing beach-side holiday. Everyone knows that Ibiza is the world’s party mecca, a sun drenched island illuminated by the neon lights of the world’s biggest and best clubs. But while it has rightfully earned its title as the world’s clubbing capital, those willing to write Ibiza off as little more than a partying hotspot risk missing out on one of Spain’s hidden gems. In fact, with the island’s high season all wrapped-up (and the party crowds nursing their hangovers back home), Ibiza’s iconic clubs have closed their doors until the sun returns later this year. Meaning all that’s left are long sunny days, white sandy beaches, crystal blue Mediterranean waters and an island desperate for tourists. Now truly is the time of year when you can enjoy Ibiza all to yourself. And as London’s winter chills our bones, there is no better time to catch some last gasp sunshine than on an island who’s true beauty can only be found when the neon lights are turned off. And for the traveller that knows where to look, too-goodto-be-true deals abound. Packages including return flights, seven nights accommodation and an all inclusive buffet are available for as little as 300

pounds per person. Meanwhile on the island, there is plenty to do for holidaymakers interested in more than a hangover on the beach. San Antonio, one of Ibiza’s largest ports and most popular holiday destinations is still enjoying warm days and is buzzing with companies offering watersports and day cruises. And with the crowds long since dwindled, a last minute holiday to Ibiza at this time of year means you’re first in line for everything from adventure sports to restaurants. For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, you can hire a car (or a quad bike) from 50 Euro a day, hit the road and find your own piece of Ibizan paradise known only to locals. Places such as Cala Salada on the island’s western coast are largely untouched by tourists and are the best way to combine island life with a taste of Spanish culture.

And with everything on this island only an hour’s drive away, (maybe an hour and a half via the island’s well connected bus service), trips to Ibiza Town and the island’s famed hippy market in Las Dalias - a Saturday tradition on the island - are easily accessible. And of course, with temperatures hovering a good 10 degrees higher at this Mediterranean hotspot than in London this time of year, there’s always the option of just finding yourself a spot anywhere on Ibiza’s spectacular coastline, rolling out the beach towel and just lazing the days away. And afterwards, why not join me in the beach-front bar for a cheap cocktail? I’ll be the guy on the lounge, enjoying the view all to myself. There’s truly never been a better time to travel to Ibiza. Your shout. AustralianTimes.co.uk/travel

10 | Jobs & Money

4 January - 9 January 2012

Dollar Review

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THE Aussie has seen heavy movement towards the end of 2011, weakening to lows of 0.63 to the British pound and 0.95 to the US Dollar, before bouncing back in the New Year. This marked depreciation of the Aussie was due to an Italian debt auction of long dated bonds. The underselling of bonds at the auction caused a dampening effect on the majority of currencies in the South Pacific. The Eurozone debt crisis continues to weigh heavily on markets, specifically risk sensitive currencies. Fear is on the rise that the crisis may deepen causing a dampening effect on high yielding assets. Market sentiment seems to be that this will continue for the foreseeable future but that the drastic movements that we had seen over the last few days could be attributed to the lack of market

participants over the festive period. Thomas Averill, the managing director of Rochford Capital was cited as saying the European problem would continue to cause spooks in the market and some risk aversion. Hope is on the horizon as economic factors indicate that the recovery of US economy is beginning to gain momentum. This has had a positive impact on both the Aussie and the Kiwi helping them to recover slightly from previous losses.

GBP/AUD: 1.5210 EUR/AUD: 1.278 AUD/USD: 1.0092 AUD/JPY: 78.573 Exchange Rates December 2011

09:55,

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Aussie loses ground

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Online sales a concern for retailers n

Slowing demand and the growth of internet sales continue to plague retail expectations for early 2012, a private survey has shown. THE Dun & Bradstreet national business expectations survey, released on Tuesday, indicated sales and profit expectations were down year-on-year, despite the sector showing a strong performance in the September quarter. Dun & Bradstreet chief executive Christine Christian said competition from online sellers was an increasing concern for Australian retailers. “High street retailers are facing increasing competition from online stores, compounded by the fact that they are dealing with overheads not applicable to e-commerce,” she said. “The situation is likely to deteriorate for those retailers unwilling or unable to adapt to changing consumer behaviour.” More than half of retailers surveyed named slowing demand as their primary concern for the year ahead, with 56 per cent saying they expected online retail to impact mainstream retail businesses. Ms Christian said retailers were also concerned about the generally

negative outlook for global growth. “As the world contemplates a second recession, it is inevitable that local businesses will begin to question how this may affect their business in the coming year,” she said. “As insulated as we have been so far from the turmoil in overseas markets, a second global recession will undoubtedly have consequences for sectors of the economy.” Sales expectations are down 15 points from this time last year, while profit expectations dropped 22 points for the same period. However, there appeared to be some improvement from late last year, with sales expectations at their highest level in 12 months. Retail sales increased to an index of 14 in the September quarter - up from minus 3 in the June quarter, while retail profits reported an index of two compared to minus 10 in the June quarter. - AAP AustralianTimes.co.uk/jobs-money

Ask the Experts

I want to apply for a Tier 2 General work permit and calculate a score of 50 points. Do you think I stand a chance for a successful application as I believe there are thousands of Certificates of Sponsorship available for previous months?

Home Office recently released figures confirming that an amount of 10,293 Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) were carried over from November, available to be issued during the month of December (the allocation date being the 12 December). Statistics show that a monthly average of 823 CoS’s are allocated since the new system was implemented during March this year. The first monthly allocation of 1500 new Certificates took place on 11 April 2011. Certificates not used in any month are carried over to the next month. A person has to score a minimum of 32 points to be considered successfully and seeing that your score amounts to 50 points, you should stand a good chance to be successful in your application. Breytenbachs will gladly assist you in preparing your application and you should therefore please contact our offices as soon as possible.

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants JP Breytenbach

Director of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants www.bic-immigration.com info@bic-immigration.com

Sport | 11

AustralianTimes.co.uk

Pattinson helps heap more misery on India Continued from p12... Meanwhile the domination of ball over bat during the Australia-India Test series continued at the SCG as both teams struggled to make runs on day one of the second Test. At stumps on the opening day of the 100th Test at the historic venue, Australia were 3-116 in reply to India’s 191, with 13 wickets falling in the day despite clear and sunny conditions. Australia’s impressive trio of fast bowlers gave the hosts the early edge after India elected to bat first

- Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus all getting among the wickets as the tourists were dismissed shortly after tea. But just when Australia thought they were on top, it was the turn of India’s Zaheer Khan (3-26) to cause some top-order damage with the ball. The left-armer dismissed David Warner (8) and Shaun Marsh (0) early before trapping Ed Cowan (14) lbw to leave Australia 3-37. Luckily Aussie captain Michael Clarke and his predecessor Ricky Ponting stopped the rot, guiding the

home team to stumps with an unbeaten 79-run stand which gave Australia momentum going into day two. - AAP

Monkey on Sachin’s back now a gorilla

AustralianTimes.co.uk/sport

2012 could be big year for ‘Grand Slam Sam’ Continued from p12... Stosur lost just three points on serve as she swept through the first set in 29 minutes. Her off-forehand remains the booming weapon that fired her through the US Open in September and also had her on the brink of a season-ending final at the WTA Championships. Yakimova made more of a battle of it in the second as she finally started to handle the world No.6’s kick serve and broke back in the third game. But her improvement only led to an identical scoreline to that of Williams’ first-round victory earlier on Monday when she disposed of South African Chanelle Scheepers. After her own first match since her dramatic US Open final loss to Stosur, the 13-times grand slam champion nominated Stosur for more major success, possibly as soon as this

month at the Australian Open. “Sam is definitely due to win a couple of grand slams; maybe even this year,” Williams said. Her opening cobweb-duster showed Stosur was definitely on track to finally deliver the successful Australian summer campaign she so craves after failing to meet expectations in the past. It was well appreciated by a packed 5000-strong crowd at Pat Rafter Arena, continuing a record-breaking 12,595 attendance for the day session at the Queensland Tennis Centre on Monday. Stosur will now play Czech lefthander Iveta Benesova in the second round on Wednesday for a likely shot at Kim Clijsters in the quarter-finals, and possibly Williams in the semis. But the Queenslander has played her home tournament twice before in 2009 and 2011 and never got past the second round. - AAP

LITTLE MASTER: Sachin Tendulkar’s quest for that elusive 100th hundred continued at the SCG after he was dismissed by James Pattinson in the second test in Sydney. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)

AustralianTimes.co.uk/sport

Sacha Jones tennis switch a long-time decision Continued from p12... being a grand slam nation, there’s a lot more opportunities for Australians (to get wildcards).” Jones, the world No.274, said she had been postponing the decision, but being out for much of the past two years with injury had taken a financial toll. Asked what message her move sent to other emerging New Zealand players, she said: “I don’t think it really sends a particular message other than do what you can to chase your dreams.” Jones has divided opinion since announcing her decision last week, with New Zealand No.1 and Fed Cup

team-mate Marina Erakovic admitting to shock at hearing the news. Jones said she had prepared herself for any adverse reaction from the crowd during her first-round match against Britain’s Elena Baltacha at the WTA event in Auckland. As it turned out, the wildcard got plenty of support from fans as she put up a plucky performance in the 6-2 4-6 6-3 defeat. World No.51 Baltacha took the first set with relative ease, but then found herself on the end of a fightback. Two breaks of serve took Jones to a 5-1 advantage in the second set, but she failed twice to serve it out, finally

levelling the match when she broke Baltacha again. It was the first set she had won in three appearances in the Classic’s main draw. In the final set she battled cramp, needing medical treatment and then struggling to serve during the final game of the match. Former top 10 player Flavia Pennetta opened her 2012 season with a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) win over Sorana Cirstea. Italy’s Pennetta, the tournament’s No.4 seed, took 94 minutes to oust the unseeded Romanian. - AAP AustralianTimes.co.uk/sport

Wizard of Oz blown off target in London Continued from p12... no rush,” said 42-year-old Whitlock. “The longer it takes me probably the better because it keeps me interested. “I have seen a lot of people win a world title and done nothing after. It just keeps me going, that fire is still there.” The pony-tailed Australian nicknamed the Wizard of Oz struggled to come to grips early on with a slight breeze coming across the board and he slipped to a 3-1 deficit. He adjusted his game to win four straights sets before Hamilton rallied to secure a spot in the final, which he lost to reigning champion Adrian Lewis. That slight wind had much more dramatic consequences during Lewis’s 6-5 semi-final win over James Wade. After both players complained about the breeze, the game was halted for about half an hour.

The decision removed any lingering New Year’s cheer in the large and boisterous crowd and left many fans chanting for action. It sent officials feverishly scurrying around the venue trying to work out the reason for the breeze. At the time of the stoppage, Wade was well on top of Lewis with the cocky title holder frustrated by the customary abuse directed his way from the crowd. Lewis praised Wade for allowing the match to be delayed. “Fair play to James, he could have won that 6-0 (had he not gone off),” Lewis said. Whitlock said Hamilton’s stunning comeback against him at July’s world matchplay in Blackpool had played on his mind during their thrilling encounter. Whitlock led that contest 15-8 before succumbing 17-15.

This time around he paid the price for being unable to close out legs against the former publican. Whitlock produced 14 180s to his opponent’s 10 but only connected on 22 of his 61 attempts at doubles compared to Hamilton’s conversion rate of 23 of 40. - AAP AustralianTimes.co.uk/sport

HAS Sachin Tendulkar's elusive 100th international hundred become a monkey on his back? Former Indian captain Ravi Shastri says it's worse than that - the monkey is now a gorilla. And former Australian skipper Steve Waugh says it has become a distraction for the Indian team, which faces the prospect of remaining winless in a series in Australia after just five days play on the current tour. No-one in cricket history has come within cooee of the feat Tendulkar is staring at. The trouble is he has been eyeing it for so long, it might be looking like a mirage. The 38-year-old master has been stranded on 99 hundreds - 51 in Tests and 48 in one-dayers - since last March. He fell short again in his 13th match since then on what presented itself as the perfect setting - a sunny opening day at the SCG, which is not only his favourite venue outside India but is celebrating its 100th Test match. Tendulkar, having played convincingly while wickets tumbled around him, fell for 41 when he edged an attempted drive off James

Pattinson onto his own stumps. With every innings that passes, the pressure builds. Shastri said the prospect of Tendulkar's century of centuries was commanding as much attention in Australia as in his cricket-mad home city of Mumbai. "It's a monkey on his back which is now a gorilla," Shastri told SCG members at a pre-match breakfast. "It's becoming heavier and heavier. "If he's going to get it off his back, he's got to do it here." Waugh said instead of resting from India's recent one-day series against the West Indies, Tendulkar should have tried to reach the unprecedented milestone. "I'm surprised he didn't get that hundred out of the road," said Waugh, "because it is a bit of a distraction for the team." The Indians may yet contrive a win or avoid defeat in this second of four Tests to keep alive their hopes of a first series win down under. But as things stand, their "final frontier" looks more distant than Tendulkar's next ton. - AAP AustralianTimes.co.uk/sport

Quade Cooper banned from Qld pub Wallabies rugby union star Quade Cooper has been banned from a popular southeast Queensland pub after an alleged altercation with a female patron. Cooper, 23, has been banned from visiting the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel for six months, the Seven Network reported. Cooper was reportedly evicted along with Queensland Reds' teammates after an altercation with a woman at the bar. The rugby star's split with former girlfriend, swimmer Stephanie Rice was made public last week. Publican Michael Jackson said the hotel had one rule for everyone when it came to behaviour. "It doesn't matter who you are (or) how much money you're going to spend here," he said. "If you play up, it's not on and you won't be back."

The Queensland Reds issued a statement saying Cooper's alleged actions didn't warrant official disciplinary action. - AAP AustralianTimes.co.uk/sport

LITTLE MASTER’S FINAL FRONTIER Will Tendulkar make his 100th hundred in Australia?

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AUSTRALIA’S NEW GO-TO MAN n

In just his fourth Test match for Australia, cricket rookie James Pattinson is making it look all too easy JAMES Pattinson must think Test cricket is a walk in the park. It really isn’t supposed to yield such a rich harvest so quickly, certainly not for fast bowlers. Speedsters are supposed to do all the heavy lifting. They are meant to toil away to exhaustion under the midday sun, like Noel Coward’s mad dogs and Englishmen, drowning in their own sweat, their blistered feet swimming in blood in their size sixteen boots, while classically educated Hooray Henries at the other end play graceful strokes and get the benefit of any doubts. West Indian pace great Wes Hall once described his vocation as “99 per cent perspiration and one per cent inspiration”. Try telling that to Pattinson. His Test career is just 34 days old but already he has snared 24 wickets at a miserly average, bagged two fivewicket hauls, been named man of the match twice in three Tests, man of the series in his only completed series, and entertains solid prospects of further honours in his fourth Test. He must wonder what all the fuss is about. He made his debut at the start of the summer, on 1 December, and went on to take 14 wickets at 14 runs apiece in the two-Test series against New Zealand. Boxing Day at the MCG didn’t faze him a bit; he took six wickets for 108 in the first Test against India. He also scored 55 runs, giving every indication that he could prove to be a useful lower-order bat, if not an allrounder. He struck gold with just the third ball of the second Test at the SCG

on Tuesday, having Gautam Gambhir caught at first slip for a duck. He then tore through India’s top order, removing danger man Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman before capturing the biggest scalp of all, Sachin Tendulkar’s. Pattinson, 21, had not even been born when Tendulkar played his first Test in 1989. But he was not intimidated by the prospect of bowling to a God of the game, and one who was chasing a 100th international century at that. He was inspired by it. Tendulkar on 41 edged Pattinson onto his stumps while attempting a square drive and the Indians were in deep trouble at 6-124 after winning the toss and batting. Pattinson finished with 4-43 off 14 overs, taking bowling honours yet again. He admitted Tendulkar was unlucky to chop on a wide delivery, but said: “Getting Sachin out is something I will remember for my whole life. “If you bowl enough balls in the right areas, you’re going to get batsmen out, no matter who they are.” The 1.91 metre Victorian is yet to experience the empty feeling of going wicketless in a Test innings. No doubt he is willing and capable of grinding out the back-breaking days of unrewarded slog that are supposed to be the fast bowler’s lot in life. But they will remain alien to him if he keeps taking wickets at this rate. That won’t happen, of course. Those horrible days will come. How he copes with them will determine how great he can aspire to be. Cricket is like that. ...continued on p11

Sam Stosur starts 2012 with a bang

SERENA Williams declared Sam Stosur capable of claiming multiple grand slams this year before the Gold Coaster duly started 2012 in formidable fashion at the Brisbane International. Stosur continued her form from the end of 2011 to trounce world No.62 Anastasiya Yakimova 6-2 6-3 in 80 minutes on Pat Rafter Arena. The gulf in class was evident from the opening points as the Belarussian could not cope with the top seed’s serve or power game. ...continued on p11

Mystery breeze causes world darts drama for Aussie AUSTRALIAN Simon Whitlock vowed to one day capture a world darts championship as a mystery breeze caused a storm on semifinals night at the tournament in north London. Englishman Andy Hamilton returned to Whitlock, who let slip a 5-3 lead to lose a gripping semifinal 6-5 after two and a half hours. A finalist last year, Whitlock said his run at Alexandra Palace had renewed his confidence, having he defied medical advice to compete after breaking his ankle two months ago. “I will win a world title, there is ...continued on p11

Kiwi tennis ace opts to be an Aussie

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK: New Aussie superstar James Pattinson celebrates after taking the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar during the second Test between Australian and India at the SCG in Sydney. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)

NEW ZEALAND tennis No.2 Sacha Jones says switching her tennis allegiance to Australia had been on her mind for several years. The 21-year-old Aucklander this month begins to enjoy the greater resources of Tennis Australia’s program. “It’s something I had been thinking about for the last four or five years,” she said on Monday. “Obviously my dad being an Australian, that opportunity has always been there, and Australia ...continued on p11