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Brett robinson and sinead Diver break australian marathon records, including rob de castella's 36yo mark
BRETT Robinson and Sinead Diver have broken Australia's long-standing marathon records within hours of each other.
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Robinson finally eclipsed the mark set by distance running legend Rob de Castella, which had stood since five years before he was born.
After Robinson made his breakthrough at the Fukuoka International Marathon in Japan, Diver broke the Australian women's record at Spain's Valencia Marathon.
The 45-year-old bettered Benita Willis's 2006 record of 2 hours, 22 minutes and 36 seconds by more than a minute, crossing the line in 2:21:34. "Huge congrats Sinead Diver on your Aussie marathon record today!" Willis wrote on Instagram. "Was an honour to hold it for so long. Couldn't have been broken by a better athlete/person. Amazing."
Diver broke her personal best by nearly 3 minutes after finishing 10th at the Tokyo Olympics. It came just a couple of hours after Robinson took down a marathon mark that had stood for 36 years.
Robinson, 31, finished fourth at Fukuoka in 2:07:31, breaking by 20 seconds de Castella's record that had stood since he won the 1986 Boston Marathon.
Robinson, a two-time Olympian, beat his personal best by 2 minutes and 21 seconds.
In October, he became only the sixth Australian to join the sub-2:10 club when he finished the London Marathon in 2:09:52. "It's such a great feeling. I've gone for this record a few times now, and it's funny — I always talk about going for it before a race," Robinson said. "But I didn't mention it to anyone this time around. I went about my own business and I finally got it. I knew I was capable of it. "The current crop of Australian athletes are smashing records at the moment, and this was one of the last long-standing ones for us to tick off, so it means a lot to me to finally get this today."
Steve Moneghetti, whose 2:08:16 is now the third-best Australian time, paid tribute to Robinson. "I also want to give credit to Deeks (de Castella) for holding the record for so long," Moneghetti said. "We've been waiting for it to be broken for so many years now, and we need to acknowledge just how hard it's been for anyone to get even close."
Robinson and Diver are training partners under coach Nic Bideau. "Benita is Australia's best runner of all time so it's an honour to now have this record. I couldn't be prouder today," Diver said. "I actually didn't know if I wanted to know if he (Robinson) got it when I woke up this morning … but as we were walking over to the start line, someone asked if I had heard about his record, and I got a rush of excitement. I was so happy to know it before I started running."
hiGhliGht australia, south africa arrive in cape town full of confidence
Australia opened the women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with a perfect two days in Dubai, while South Africa’s men warmed up for their home tournament with victory at The Sevens Stadium.
Defending champions reign supreme at emirates Dubai 7s
AustrAliA's women began their HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series title defence on a winning note as they claimed an unprecedented hat-trick of titles in Dubai with a 26-19 victory against their closest rivals New Zealand.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s men made it four Dubai titles in a row with a 21-5 win against Ireland underlining their dominance in the desert. Having missed out on the medals in the first tournament of the World Series in Hong Kong last month, it was a timely response from the Blitzboks with qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games determined by the standings at the season's end.
In the bronze medal matches, it was one win and one defeat for the USA, who lost to New Zealand in the men’s competition but saw off France in the women’s.
Fiji’s men, runners-up in Hong Kong a month ago, could only finish ninth and are currently outside of the top four places guaranteed to secure teams' automatic entry to the Paris extravaganza, although with nine rounds left to play there is still plenty of time for them to make up lost ground.
QuEEns of thE dEsErt
For Australia’s women, the Dubai tournament saw a continuation of the form that took them to not only the World Series crown but also the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens gold medals.
“Our coaches say we are queens of the desert, we thrive off heat, so for us, it was just a golden win,” said player of the final, Madison Ashby.
It was the 19th World Series Cup final between Australia and New Zealand with the Black Ferns Sevens looking to tip the balance back in their favour after being on the wrong side of recent results.
Michaela Blyde had a steelyeyed look about her during the national anthems and she was right up for the occasion, but her hat-trick was in vain as allconquering Australia celebrated yet another trophy.
Putting on a performance of pace and power, Australia always had the edge over their fiercest rivals and tries from Sharni Williams, who also kicked three conversions, Faith Nathan, Maddison Levi and Demi Hayes saw them home.
Levi’s try in the final took her to the top of the all-time Dubai try-scorers chart, on 11.
Co-captain Hayes said: “It was always going to be a tough final, and credit to them, they are such a good opposition so for us to come out on top today, it was a good win.”
Brisbane roar star welcomes newborn cub Billy to the family
BRISBANE Roar defender Jack Hingert is living his best life on the couch – “taking on night shifts” with newborn son Billy while enjoying every moment of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Happily changing nappies and tending to baby Billy, Mr Hingert, 32, said being glued to the television with their baby boy was a good opportunity to give fiancé Symeon Leslie, 31, time to rest.
“I can’t complain, I get time to spend with Billy and enjoy watching football at the same time. Symeon can catch up on some sleep too,” Mr Hingert said.
Gearing up for Wednesday morning when Australia takes on Denmark at 1am, Mr Hingert said he and Billy would be cheering from their loungeroom.
The first-time parents, from Murarrie, welcomed Billy at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in Brisbane on November 11, weighing 4.1kg. One in every five Queensland babies are born at Mater.
Describing his son as a “big boy”, Mr Hingert said Billy measured in the 99th percentile throughout his partner’s pregnancy.
Mr Hingert, who has won two A-League Championships at the Roar, hopes his son will one day follow in his footsteps.
“I would love him to play football and I’d love to teach him as much about the game as I can,” he said.
Mr Hingert, who launched a side hustle with fellow soccer player Isaka Cernak selling gender-neutral nappy bags aimed at dads on baby duties, said he could now experience his own product first-hand.
“I’ve been giving the One Nine nappy bags a go, especially on my outings to local coffee shops and on walks with Billy,” he said.
“They’re definitely very practical. I like that I can now tell customers about my own experience using these bags.”
Enjoying their time at home together as a family of three, the sportsman said Billy was “eating and sleeping well” and soaking up every moment with his newborn.
Pradeep wins a gold medal for 800m breaststroke in the Pan Pacific Master Games swimming championships
failure is not falling but refusing to get up.
PrAdEEP Kumbhar’s journey as a runner started in 2011 in a 6 km dream run at Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon. Since then, there has been no looking back. This dream run ignited their passion for running, and very soon, Pradeep Kumbhar got addicted to running in Marathons. He soon progressed from a number of half marathons to Full Marathons. Then he went on to complete Ultra Runs. He ran the 160 KMS Ultra Intercity Run with Milind Soman. This is followed by 12- and 24-hours stadium runs covering a distance of over 100 km. This did not satisfy him. He wanted to push his limits and wanted to aim for something bigger.
He started his training for a Duathlon and completed one. This soon progressed into Triathlon training. In 2018, Pradeep Kumbhar began training for the Iron Man Malaysia event. However, destiny threw a challenge towards Pradeep Kumbhar. He met with an accident in which he lost his right leg and severely injured the left one. But this did not affect the strong will and determination of this warrior. The way the rest of the story unfolds only makes him more focused and strong-willed.
After a lengthy hospitalisation and over eight months of rehab, the warrior rises with renewed goals and unwavering inner strength. During his recovery, instead of complaining or feeling bad about his condition, Pradeep Kumbhar identifies a support network. An amputee will most likely experience a wide range of emotions, such as denial, helplessness, hopelessness, selfpity, anger, regret, self-doubt, and sadness. And it is okay to feel this way. But it depends on what one wants to choose. Whether one wants to choose a path of recovery and hope, or a path filled with bitterness, regret and agony, he chose a life filled with hope and opportunities. And once you decide to walk on this path, you will see several doors open for you. In no time, Major D.P. Singh, an old acquaintance, decided to extend his time and emotional support to Pradeep Kumbhar. Major D.P. Singh, an amputee, introduced Pradeep to a network of differently abled named “The Challenging Ones”. Major D.P. Singh is the founder of “The Challenging Ones”, – A self Help support network for the differently abled. This network and the people he met here inspired him and strengthened his belief in himself. During his hospitalisation, Pradeep was also contacted by Sachin Tendulkar, who kept him motivated. Pradeep Kumbhar and Sachin Tendulkar are buddies as Sachin has been an ambassador for IDBI Mumbai Marathon, and Pradeep is involved in organising this event.
After getting his prosthetic leg, Pradeep has already completed several 5 Km, and 10 Km runs within one year of completing his rehab. Sachin Tendulkar has felicitated him for a couple of runs. He now swims 3 to 5 KM regularly and cycles for around 50KMS daily. And recently, the Kalsubai Peak Trek height of 1646 meters or 5400 Feet. Climbed Kalsubai Trek Distance 6.6 km one way. It is the highest peak in Maharashtra. This warrior’s dream of completing an international triathlon persists, and there is no doubt that this dream will become a reality very soon.
Life will never be perfect. It will most likely put you in difficult situations from time to time. During adversity, it is essential our mind reaches out for help. Finding a support system like family, friends, loved ones, or a support network is critical. You may also seek professional help. You do not have to go through the journey alone. Life is all about the choices we make. Not all of them will be right. Nevertheless, always choose LIFE.
Pradeep Kumbhar’s message to everyone is, “Success belongs to those who are goal-oriented, determined and persevering; if you can dream it, you can do it!”
Brisbane super kings 10th annual awards ceremony
ALGESTER Sunday, 4th December, Brisbane Super kings held their tenth annual awards ceremony at Algester State School.
Satish from Brisbane Super Kings said, “On behalf of the Brisbane Super Kings, we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting and assisting us with all aspects. With your support, BSK has grown immensely over the years. As every other sports club struggled and went through a tough time because of COVID-19, your generous contribution made our dream come true for our local community, especially for girls and junior cricketers. Our club currently consists of players in Woolworths Junior and Master Blaster Program, Junior Cricket Stage 1,2,3 and Girls teams, which entails 168 junior members. Further, we have 360 plus senior players involved with senior cricket and Brisbane Super Kings' Multicultural cup. Our juniors and seniors are hardworking and dedicated themselves throughout the year. BSK is fortunate to have our fantastic volunteers, coaches, players, managers, and parents, who support us tirelessly.
We again thank you for your valuable contribution to the club and our multicultural cricket tournament. We hope you keep supporting us in the near future and making our club remarkable in southeast Queensland.
The event is prepared to show our acknowledgement to our most important sponsors, players, and supporters. Therefore, this will be an outstanding opportunity to show appreciation for your generosity.
Brisbane Super Kings is prospering with the generous support of a caring community. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness, generosity, and continued support of the local cricketing community.”
The event was well attended and has outgrown your traditional restauranttype venue for the awards; this hall was just the right size. Councillor Charles Strunck, Angela Owen, and Milton Dick, MP- Federal speaker, were amongst the guest of honour list. The event was well organised and run, and the cheerful crowd were supportive and engaged until the Pizzas arrived.
4 Historic first wins for Indonesia, Jordan, Armenia, Cambodia, Pakistan 4 Female filmmakers dominate feature film awards, new performance categories
GOLD COAST, Australia: The Asia Pacific Screen Academy announced the winners at the 15th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) at a Gala Ceremony on Australia’s Gold Coast on Friday evening, with nominees able to attend for the first time since 2019.
APSA celebrates cinematic storytelling that best reflects its cultural origins, from a diverse region encompassing half the world’s film, 78 countries and areas. In 2022, films from 17 Asia Pacific countries and areas have celebrated APSA wins, with historic first-ever APSA wins for filmmakers from Jordan, Armenia, Cambodia and Pakistan.
Kamila Andini’s Before, Now and Then (Nana), produced by Ifa Isfansyah and Gita Fara, took out the 15th APSA Award for Best Film and both the first Indonesian film and the first film directed by a woman to win the coveted award.
The award was accepted by Indonesian star Happy Salma, who plays the lead role of Nana in a mesmerizing and intimate portrait of her life set against the unrest of 1960’s Indonesia.
In being awarded the top prize, director Kamila Andini also becomes the first person to have directed three APSA award winners in feature film categories, with The Seen and Unseen (Sekala Niskala, 2017) and The Mirror Never Lies (Laut Bercermin, 2012) winning the then-called Best Youth Feature Film and Best Children’s Feature Film respectively.
The APSA for Best Youth Film has gone to Farha (Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sweden), the story of a young Palestinian girl set against the backdrop of looming violence in 1948 Palestine. Farha is directed by Darin J Sallam and in winning, she has become the first Jordanian filmmaker to awarded an APSA.
Aurora’s Sunrise (Armenia, Germany, Lithuania), the story of forgotten genocide survivor turned silent Hollywood film star and philanthropist, has won the 15th APSA for Best Animated Film and marks the first APSA win for an Armenian film.
Winner of the APSA Best Documentary Film in 2022 is All that Breathes (India, United Kingdom, United States of America), a touching tale of two brothers caring for Delhi’s wounded iconic Black Kite birds, through which we get a definitive snapshot of contemporary India, and its surreal environmental and political absurdities. All that Breathes is directed by Shaunak Sen produced by Aman Mann, Shaunak Sen, Teddy Leifer.
The APSA Youth, Animation, Documentary International Jury also gave a Special Mention in this category to fellow environmental tale Delikado (Philippines, Australia, Hong Kong, United States of America, United Kingdom), directed by Karl Malakunas and produced by Marty Syjuco, Michael Collins, Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Karl Malakunas.
The inaugural winner of the new ungendered APSA for Best Performance is Lee Jeong-eun for Hommage (Omaju, Republic of Korea). She is best known internationally as the housekeeper in Bong Joonho’s Parasite, her third film with the director after Mother (2009) and Okja (2017). Lee Jeong-eun becomes the 7th Korean performer to win an APSA for Performance. She joins previous Korean APSA winning performers Lee Byung-hun (Masquerade, 2013), Choi Min-sik (Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time 2012), Jung Jaeyoung (Right Now, Wrong Then 2015), Jeon Do-yeon (Secret Sunshine, 2007), Yun Jung-he (Poetry, 2010) and Kim Hye-ja who she starred alongside in Mother (2009).
In the second new performance category, the inaugural APSA for Best New Performer for a first or second time lead performance in a feature length role, the award has gone to French/Korean newcomer Park Ji-min for her debut role in Return to Seoul (Retour à Séoul, France, Belgium, Germany).
A first APSA win for a Cambodian filmmaker, Cambodian/French filmmaker Davy Chou has won the APSA for Best Director for Return to Seoul, the only film to take home two awards at this year’s event.
Indonesian film criticturned-filmmaker Makbul Mubarak has won the APSA for Best Screenplay for Autobiography (Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Qatar, France, Poland, Germany).
Niklas Lindschau won the APSA for Best Cinematography for The Stranger (Al Garib, Palestine, Syrian Arab Republic, Qatar, Germany).
The APSA Jury Grand Prize was given to This is What I Remember (Esimde, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Netherlands, France), directed by Aktan Arym Kubat and produced by Altynai Koichumanova, Denis Vaslin, Yuji Sadai, Carine Chichkowsky, Fleur Knopperts.
The APSA International Jury was presided over by eminent Egyptian screenwriter and producer, Mohamed Hefzy and comprised of Indian producer Guneet Monga, actor, director and producer Numan Acar (Turkey/ Germany), Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde and Sri Lankan director Vimukthi Jayasundara.
APSA International Jury President Mohamed Hefzy said:“Serving as jury president has allowed me a closer window onto the rich cinema of the Asia Pacific region, with its diversity of themes, cultures, and filmmakers. It has been a truly memorable experience.”
The four-person Youth, Animation, Documentary International Jury was chaired by Shin Su-Won (Republic of Korea), joined by documentarian Zhao Qi (People’s Republic of China), documentarian and writer Baby Ruth Villarama (Philippines) and New Zealand filmmaker Tearepa Kahi (Muru).
Chair of the Youth, Animation, Documentary International Jury Shin Su-Won said: “Our jury members watched 15 nominated films from the Asia Pacific region. Most of films dealt with the war, political violence, and focused on global environmental issues and women’s lives. While watching films, I’ve been thinking that I’m sailing the Asian Pacific Ocean. Every time I reached the port, I always felt excited because of the different themes and style. Also I met a new vision through the window of amazing 15 nominated films. It was a preciously special journey for me. Congratulations to the winners and all the nominated filmmakers.”
Chair of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy Tracey Vieira said: “The 15th APSA Ceremony and 4th Asia Pacific Screen Forum have made 2022 a memorable year for the APSA Academy. Multiple countries have won APSAs for the first time, female filmmakers are represented in the winner tally like never before, and emerging filmmakers have won major awards. All of these points speak to the increasing diversity of both the stories being told from across our vast region and the growing strength of many of its film industries to be able to bring them to the screen.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “What a great moment it has been to see APSA nominees return to the Gold Coast for the 15th APSA Ceremony. It’s only fitting for such a group of acclaimed filmmakers from the region’s vibrant and diverse cultures to gather at the iconic and colourful HOTA for a truly special event.”
Major Partner Screen Queensland Chief Executive Officer Courtney Gibson said: “There has been a dynamic energy at HOTA this week with the Asia Pacific Screen Forum in full swing and filmmakers from all over the region coming together to share ideas. I congratulate all of the winners awarded at tonight’s APSA Ceremony and I look forward to the exclusive screening programme over the weekend, filled with Q&As and Queensland Premieres.”
thE AwArd wAs AccEPtEd By indonEsiAn stAr hAPPy sAlmA, who PlAys thE lEAd rolE of nAnA in A mEsmErizing And intimAtE PortrAit of hEr lifE sEt AgAinst thE unrEst of 1960’s indonEsiA. thE APsA for BEst youth film hAs gonE to fArhA (jordAn, PAlEstinE, sAudi ArABiA, swEdEn), thE story of A young PAlEstiniAn girl sEt AgAinst thE BAckdroP of looming violEncE in 1948 PAlEstinE. fArhA is dirEctEd By dArin j sAllAm And in winning, shE hAs BEcomE thE first jordAniAn filmmAkEr to AwArdEd An APsA. in thE sEcond nEw PErformAncE cAtEgory, thE inAugurAl APsA for BEst nEw PErformEr for A first or sEcond timE lEAd PErformAncE in A fEAturE lEngth rolE, thE AwArd hAs gonE to frEnch/korEAn nEwcomEr PArk ji-min for hEr dEBut rolE in rEturn to sEoul (rEtour à séoul, frAncE, BElgium, gErmAny).
lord Mayor's Multicultural awards for Business
THE Lord Mayor's Multicultural Awards for Business celebrate the contribution multicultural businesses make to the Brisbane economy and community through their creativity, innovation and resilience. Winners of the 2022 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Awards for Business were announced at the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Dinner and Awards on Friday 11 November 2022.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Awards for Business and for their contribution to the Brisbane economy.
Multicultural Business Person of the year – Mr George sha, Balanz
THIS award recognises a successful multicultural Brisbane business leader and celebrates the recipient’s contribution to the Brisbane economy and recognises them as a local champion of enterprise who may have a global outlook for their business. George Sha moved to Brisbane from Shenzhen China in 2001. He has more than 17 years’ experience in banking and finance industry. He co-found Balanz in 2014 which is now one of Australia's leading finance broking firms that delivers customised finance solutions for businesses and their key people. Balanz has placed and managed more than 6 billion dollars of debts to date, with 20 team members and 3 offices across Brisbane, Sydney and Townsville. Balanz aims to source most suitable finance solutions for as many Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as possible.
nick Xynias Multicultural young Business Person of the year – Mr Johnny shin, solomons Group australia
THIS award recognises the success, creativity and energy of a multicultural young business leader under the age of 35, celebrating both their contribution to their community and that of Brisbane’s continued economic prosperity.
Johnny Shin is the Managing Director and founding partner of Solomons Group Australia. Solomons is a multicultural and multidisciplinary firm providing top-tier advice in investments, tax and legal advisory services for corporate and high-networth clients across the Asia-Pacific region. Johnny was born in South Korea and migrated to Australia in 2002. Prior to establishing Solomons Group in 2019, Johnny has spent close to decade working for number of leading financial institutions like Macquarie Bank and Ord Minnett. Under Johnny’s leadership, Solomons has established a reputation of providing quality advice, genuine care and always having client’s best interest at heart. This has led to multiple Institutional mandates from multinationals making Solomons one of the fastest growing advisory firms in Australia.
Multicultural entrepreneur of the year – Ms nina nguyen, Pakko
THIS award recognises a multicultural Brisbane business leader that demonstrates through their business success, entrepreneurial flair, embedding a culture of innovation as a central pillar to their growth strategy. The recipient will personify the best in entrepreneurialism, possessing qualities from clear leadership and sound management to determination and ambition.
Nina Nguyen was born at a Malaysian refugee camp to Vietnamese immigrant parents; they first arrived in Sydney in 1991 and later resettled in Brisbane. Motivated by passion to help her parents' farming business, Nina founded Pakko in 2017, a manufacturing company where a box is never just a box. Pakko is on a mission to lead a manufacturing renaissance in Australia that embraces innovation and sustainability while supporting the growing needs of Australian businesses. Nina supports diversity and inclusion within the workplace and community and is an Ambassador for Inspiring Rare Birds, Brisbane. In 2022 Nina was awarded the prestigious Telstra Best of Business Award for Progressing Australia and regularly contributes as an author for Inside Small Business.
2022 Pret australia awards night
BRISBANE Pret celebrated and recognised the achievements of graduates and training partners in the Property Industry and supported Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust, Mater Foundation and RBWH Foundation.
Sponsors and early birds booked all tables in the main auditorium; they opened 200 seats for individual ticket purchase on the upperlevel balcony theatre seating. Buffet meals were included.
Each year the PRET Australia Awards Dinner celebrates Brisbane's high achievers in the real estate industry while raising an incredible amount of money for important local causes.
This year, the Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust was chosen as the beneficiary, with an incredible $38,675 raised for the annual Christmas Appeal and frontline charities.
Thank you to PRET CEO and Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust Ambassador Paul Shih for supporting the Trust and the Mater and RBWH Foundation.
Thank you for your incredibly generous donation.
