Security made simple

When you press the doorbell at Prestige Alarms in Technology Park pleasant music starts to play, while upstairs in the office the staff can see you on video TV. If they don’t wish to talk face-to-face they can talk on the intercom. If they wish to invite you in, they can open the door by remote control. If an employee comes along he simply swipes his key fob (a button on his keyring) and the door opens to let him in.

Now apply all this to your own home. When I saw the complete system in operation I came away thinking how valuable this security system would be at the front door of a house.

John and Christine Cunningham can arrange this from their business in Mawson Lakes where they are building a mobile display unit to show their customers how a system can be tailor made for them (see photo).

John says an increasing number of residents are installing security cameras to see what is happening on the outside of their property.

“Technology is changing the way we protect ourselves in our homes, businesses and workplaces,” he said.

Wireless technology means that security systems are no longer tied to a phone line and an intruder cannot disconnect the alarm by cutting the wires. Keyless entry makes life simpler, automated access using finger prints and keycard identification and fob keys allows only authorised people to enter, such as parents at a preschool.

There are even alarm systems that allow you to leave a window slightly open, and others that are pet-friendly so your pooch or cat doesn’t set them off.

“Making your home safe should be a simple and inexpensive exercise,” said John. “At Prestige Alarms we keep this in mind as we design a security system to suit individual needs.”

For contact information, see opposite page.

Canoe polo championship comes to Sir Douglas Mawson Lake

The placid waters of Sir Douglas Mawson Lake will become a frenzy of white water on the weekend of 21 and 22 January when canoe polo players from around Australia compete in the Australia Day Canoe Polo Championships.

Canoe polo is a fast-paced team event played on flat stretches of water. Teams of 5 paddlers in 3 metre long boats score goals in a net suspended 2m above the water, the ball being thrown by hand, or flicked with the paddle (see cover photograph).

The Northern Districts Canoe Club will host the national event at Mawson Lakes this year which is played according to international rules.

Executive Officer of Canoe SA and President of the Northern Districts Canoe Club, Ian Heard, said that Australia is a strong competitor in world championships in canoe polo and the

Australian Team is made up of more South Australians than any other state. “We train hard here in SA and have excellent coaches and facilities.”

Canoe polo has been operating at Mawson Lakes for 10 years and shares the boat shed with the model yacht club. Ian says Mawson Lakes is a fantastic recreational facility. “We love it here. The water quality is good and the concrete concourse allows referees a clear view of the game. But above all, the residents are very friendly and welcoming.”

Craig Hutchinson (28) from NSW, is one of the world’s top players and Captain of the Australia Team and a regular visitor to Mawson Lakes for training camps. He is preparing for the World Championships in Poland in 2012 and will be competing at Mawson Lakes in January. He describes canoe polo as a fast, active game that uses physical and mental skills. “I particularly like the strategy of the game and the team sportsmanship,” he said.

The finals start at 2pm with the junior final followed by the women’s final. The open men’s final at 3pm concludes the games.

Come along and catch the action. Bring your fold-up chair and a sun shade to the boat shed and provide lots of vocal support.

For information contact Ian Heard at Canoe SA on 8240 3294.