23 - 29 October 2012 – Issue: 435
TIMBA SMITS
BATTLE OF BRITAIN
Kick back in Cancun
From victim to visionary
Get set for AFL’s triumphant London return
Discover the calmer side to Mexico
ENTERTAINMENT P4
SPORT P11
TRAVEL P6
Budget savings will be “unpopular”: Wong Treasurer Wayne Swan says the fallout from economic “storm clouds” in Europe, Asia and the United States has made returning the budget to surplus much harder. “It’s pretty obvious to all that .. this mid-year review has been put together amid storm clouds which are hanging over the global economy,” he told reporters in Canberra on Monday. “This lower global growth outlook has had another very big whack at government tax revenues and has made it harder to deliver a surplus.” Mr Swan said anyone who suggested Australia is immune from the global fallout is “kidding themselves”. But Mr Swan defended plans to reduce the baby bonus from $5000 to $3000 for second or subsequent children. “We believe these changes to the baby bonus will bring it into line with the actual cost of having children,” he said. He noted that after the first child, most families had cots and prams that could be reused. But the government was able to find $16.4 billion of savings over the budget forward estimates, as reflected in the budget update released on Monday. “Our savings send a very clear message to the world that we have world-beating public finances,” Mr Swan said. “That is very important given global economic uncertainty. “We have been running a very tight ship.” The savings had been made with lower- and middle-income Australians in mind and would give the Reserve Bank of Australia room to cut interest rates in the future.
“We have been living up to our end of the bargain,” Mr Swan said. Mr Swan repeated the government will return a surplus of $1.1 billion in 2012/13 and that future surplus will grow. “This puts us on a responsible middle course between those who say we should cut hard in the budget and don’t worry about the impact on growth and jobs, and of course those who say don’t cut at all, don’t worry about the surplus,” he said. Mr Swan said Australia’s public finances were among the strongest in the developed world, with net debt dramatically lower than other advanced economies. Net debt peaked at 10 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2011/12 and was now falling, he said. “With Australia’s strong set of economic fundamentals, it is hard to find a country that is better placed to deal with uncertain times in the global economy,” he said. The treasurer said there were challenges ahead, and no economy could hide from global weaknesses. “But I don’t think we should let these challenges overshadow the substantial strengths we find in our economy, which is a standout in the eyes of the world,” he said. “You wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world.” Finance Minister Penny Wong said some of the savings in the budget update would “no doubt be unpopular”. “But the government is focused on making the right decisions for our circumstances and ensuring a strong and sustainable budget position now ...continued on p3
Sabine Gruchet
We meet leading Aussie model | P5
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Australia takes seat on the UN Security Council PRIME Minister Julia Gillard has saluted Kevin Rudd for his key role in Australia winning a UN security council seat, as the opposition talked down the achievement and talked up the cost. In a ballot in New York early on Friday morning (AEDT), Australia secured 140 votes from 193 United Nations members for a clear win in its bid to sit on the UNSC for two years from January 1, 2013. It has been 27 years since Australia, a founding member of the UN, last sat on the UNSC and the win showed the nation had a high international reputation and strong bilateral ties, Ms Gillard said. “We will be dealing with issues of importance to our nation including the UN engagement with the mission in Afghanistan and the future of that mission beyond 2014,” Ms Gillard told reporters in Canberra on Friday. “And it is the security council which will have to continue to wrestle with the violence in Syria and the way in which that violence can be brought to an end.” Ms Gillard told delighted Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff in Canberra, just hours ...continued on p3
2 | News
23 - 29 October 2012
“Funky” Hobart hits Lonely Planet’s top ten list By David Beniuk
Publisher: Bryce Lowry Acting Editor: Elizabeth Glanville Production/Design: Jackie Lampard Sports Editor: Tim Martin Contributors: Shannon Crane, Sara Newman, Phill Browne, Paul Judge, Rose Callaghan, Lesley Slade, Simon Kleinig, Kris Griffiths, Sepi Roshan, Erin Somerville, Melissa Shortal, Justin Ng, Gareth Mohen, Shane Jones, George Katralis, Cameron Jenkins, Chris Ark,
Will Denton, Lee Crossley, Phoebe Lee, Mel Edwards, Will Fitzgibbon, Bronwyn Spencer, Rebekka Hodges, Emily Banyard, Clare Boyd-Maccrae, Jonathon Waldheim, Paul Bleakley, Daniel Shillito, Mat Lyons, Sharon Spence Lieb 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
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Hobart has been christened a funky cultural hub by travel bible Lonely Planet, which has named the city one of the 10 best in the world to visit in 2013. The Tasmanian capital’s $180 million Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) has proved a beacon for international attention and is largely the reason for the listing in seventh place, Lonely Planet’s Chris Zeiher said. “Particularly for international travellers, (the question) is what’s the big-hitter thing to come and actually see,” Mr Zeiher told reporters. “So for people to be able to experience that massive thing in the first instance, they can then obviously experience all the things that Hobart has to offer.” They include the high-end dining experiences of eateries like Garagistes, whose Katrina Birchmeier was recently named Australia’s best young restaurateur of 2012. Hobart’s summer festivals including MONA FOMA, curated by Violent Femmes bassist Brian Ritchie, and its convict-era attractions were also highlighted in the publisher’s Best in Travel guide. With Hobart the only Australian city to make the Lonely Planet list - and one of only three in the
Fun??
?
Image by Ianz
southern hemisphere - the attention is expected to give a huge boost to the state’s struggling tourism sector. The high Australian dollar has hit tourism hard, while the cost of air and sea access has been a constant controversy in the island state. More flights from Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin, and the return of Tiger Airways next month, are expected to affect prices. The Lonely Planet announcement comes just days after MONA’s owner, gambling millionaire David Walsh, settled a dispute with the Australian Tax Office that he claimed could have threatened the museum’s future. MONA was set to announce a new winter festival, Dark MOFO, on Monday, and Mr Walsh is hoping to build a $25 million hotel near the museum in Hobart’s north. “Everyone acknowledges the
fantastic change that MONA has brought, not only to the tourism industry in Tasmania but the way Tasmanians feel about themselves,” state tourism minister Scott Bacon said. Mr Zeiher said Hobart was emulating the success of destinations like the Spanish city of Bilbao which has reinvented itself since the construction of an iconic Guggenheim art museum. He said the listing of New Zealand’s capital Wellington in 2010 had helped it to attract conference business as well as tourists.- AAP
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Explaining the English:
Facts ? ? Aunt Mabel reveals all Why are Brits so bad at their own sports?
Despite the fact that the UK is believed to have invented - or codified - 19 of the world’s major sports, including rugby, football, golf, tennis and cricket, the Brits are currently ranked first in none of them. One suggestion for this is that the Brits invented sports purely for recreational purposes, so historically have not taken them that seriously. Some say that the British mentality does not lend itself to the grind and discipline necessary to reach the top, while others put it rather less politely and cite sheer laziness. Some scapegoat modern technology, and a few even blame the climate! Puzzled by the Poms? Send your question to Aunt Mabel at editor@
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On: Good on ya, Julia: from the UK with love
Good on ya, Julia. Abbott is a nasty, mean-spirited ratbag, no mistake. As a dual-nationality Ausssie/Pom, she made me proud to be Australian! silencer trust
What a crock of horse raddish! Your “correspondent” does not have a clue of what she /he is writing about! Obviously is not in Australia to understand what has been going on here in the last week or so where on the one hand she defended Peter Slipper who texted stuff about women’s genitalia and on
australiantimes.co.uk with subject heading ‘Explaining the English’
the other condemns the Leader of the Opposition for being a woman hater. She is such an embarrassment to Australian politics and women in general.
On: Reaction to Gillard misogyny speech
Thank you Julia Gillard for having the guts, incredible guts, the put into words the feelings of so very very many women in Australia. The criticism of her will get even more personal and sexist as a result, but millions of people, not just women, the world over applaud her for nailing the extreme hypocrisy that the deeply entrenched misogyny of so many (older white beer-bellied) Aussie men operate on.
Sue Ruberu
stuart clark
Skippyspawopensdraw
Hurray Julia, Long overdue speech. He deserved every mouthful. Should do it more and more. We are great admirers of your gutsy performance.
On: AFL in London: Get set for ‘real’ footy’s big comeback
So when are they coming to Canada? Haha. Fabulous article, Mat. Will have to go kick the footy out back in its honor. Lady Estrogen
? What’s your view Share your comments on these and more stories online: AustralianTimes.co.uk
News | 3
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Illegal imported stun guns herald new crime wave? Budget $1.1bn surplus despite global uncertainty By Steve Lillebuen Illegal imports of stun guns are in the spotlight after police revealed one of the prohibited weapons was used in a violent street attack in Melbourne. There are fears the weekend robbery, which put a 37-year-old man in hospital with a dislocated shoulder, could be the start of a new crime wave as thugs exploit the availability of the electroshock devices from overseas. Melbourne youth worker Les Twentyman said a growing black market was emerging for such weapons as drug addicts become more desperate. “It's a major concern with these kids being involved in robberies,” he told AAP on Monday. “Having a stun gun has become a fad. They're just getting them off the internet.” Melbourne comedian Richard McKenzie was jolted from behind with
Swan: Australian Treasury one of “best in the world” Continued from p1... and into the future,” she said. Mr Swan defended changes to the company tax payment timetable, saying there would be time to absorb the impact because they won’t start to take effect until January 2014. The decision to move company tax payments to a monthly basis, from quarterly, would make the system “more accurate, more timely and more clear”. “It’s not an increase in tax, it’s simply a change in the timing of it,” Mr Swan said. He also rejected opposition claims the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook had been brought forward to Monday to avoid scrutiny of the effectiveness of the government’s minerals tax. Mr Swan said the first mining company payments would be coming into the tax office on Monday, but this did not mean the government had a complete appreciation of what the revenues were going to be. But he did say the government had
written down minerals resource rent tax revenue by more than $4 billion this year, and by $9 billion over the forward estimates. “There would not have been any more substantial information to have governed our estimates about resource rent taxes next week or the week after,” he said. Mr Swan, who revealed the updated budget surplus figure on Twitter, said he had done so to “get it out to everyone at once”. “Our regard for it doesn’t change because it was out on Twitter,” the treasurer said. Asked whether he could guarantee the $1.1 billion figure would not be revised down again, Mr Swan said he took the forecast “really, really seriously”. “It’s the forecast of the government prepared for it by the Treasury,” he said. “It’s been very professionally done. “Our Treasury, when it comes to these matters, is regarded as one of the best in the world.” - AAP
Gillard shares UN Security Council glory with Rudd Continued from p1...
after the vote, that Mr Rudd was owed the highest thanks. “[He] had the foresight as prime minister to put our name forward and to commence the bid process, and then to pursue it so energetically as minister for foreign affairs,” Ms Gillard said. Through a spokesman, Mr Rudd congratulated the diplomatic service, the prime minister, Foreign Minister Bob Carr and parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs Richard Marles “for their strong and successful advocacy for Australia”. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the win owed as much to Mr Rudd as it did to his successor. Ms Gillard nominated East Timor, nuclear arms proliferation and fighting terrorism as issues Australia would tackle. Australia’s UN representative Gary Quinlan will spearhead the country’s role on the body, attending as an observer from November. The federal opposition questioned the $25 million cost for the bid and accused the government of skewing its foreign aid program to secure the votes of poor nations. But Ms Gillard said: “To uphold Australia’s reputation up high and put
us on a body of such importance to the world, I consider that money well spent.” The prime minister rejected News Corporation boss Rupert Murdoch’s view that Australians would not care about the win. The media mogul took to Twitter earlier on Friday to say: “Big deal! Australia gets temporary non-veto seat on Security Council … No Aussies care.” Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Julie Bishop said while the win was welcome, the government had failed to articulate what it hoped to achieve. “The ultimate test will be in terms of success, what we have achieved for the benefit of the Australian people after two years,” Ms Bishop said. Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey said: “If the United Nations helps us to stop the boats, then it is a worthy investment.” The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has made a submission to Treasury seeking a boost to resources in New York and Canberra to service the new role.
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a stun gun in the city's inner-north as he walked home from the Lord Newry Hotel in Fitzroy North in the early hours of Sunday. A group of men who had jumped out from a following car assaulted him and used the stun gun twice more before fleeing with his bag. “My arms and legs just wouldn't work. I couldn't grip anything. I couldn't hold on to my bag. I couldn't stand up,” Mr McKenzie said. “They left me in the middle of the road and I tried to roll off into the gutter so I wouldn't get hit by a car.” The three men wore hooded jackets and there are so far no identified suspects. Police say prohibited weapons can be purchased online from overseas and enter the country undetected. “The use of Tasers for an assault like this is very rare,” Detective Senior Constable Sean Schimizzi told reporters
on Monday. “It is rare, but we are very concerned." In 2010, police in Victoria seized 200 stun guns, and South Australian authorities found hundreds more shipped from China and disguised as battery-operated torches. “There is no legitimate use for stun guns in the community,” states the latest Customs and Border Protection Service annual report. Customs officials are forecasting a surge in imports entering the country, with sea cargo deliveries expected to nearly double by 2020. Mr McKenzie said he was alarmed to learn stun guns were appearing on the streets. “Give me a week or so to maybe get some perspective away from it, then maybe I could see something funny about it,” the comedian said. “But right now, I just hope to see these guys caught.” - AAP
4 | Voices / Entertainment
23 - 29 October 2012
Perfect roast pork with crackling to die for… n Impress your friends with this delicious slow-roasted pork shoulder. Perfect for long, lazy lunches on cold, winter Sundays.
chris’s
kitchen > CHRIS ARK
Tuesday 6 November 6.30pm – 9.00pm London’s Flemington Racecourse, re-created at Australia House
£40 ticket (inc VAT) includes:
Food and Drink
Prizes and Gifts
• Australian sparkling on arrival • Australian wine and beer • Selection of canapés
• Prizes for best dressed Filly and Fellow • Australian goody bag to take home
Entertainment • Watch the ‘big race’ on a large screen • ‘Fashion on the Field Parade’ • Fairground Game – race to win!
A freshly roasted rolled loin of pork coated with crisp crackling is always a crowd pleaser with my friends on a Sunday. This week I am going to add a touch of Italian influences to a classic roast pork dish, that will have you craving left over cold pork and apple chutney rolls for days afterwards. For this recipe we will be using a
shoulder of pork, which has a great fat to meat ratio, to ensure a succulent tasty flavour once slow-roasted. When cooked slowly the shoulder rewards us with an easy-to-carve joint, with meat that will just fall off the bone and onto your plate. You can ask your butcher to score the skin of the shoulder if you are not confident with a sharp knife. This will help all the spices and the seasoning to reach deep into the flesh, giving a rewarding hint of fennel and chilli. Or you can do it yourself by gently slicing shallow slices across the shoulder.
Slow roasted pork marries well with autumn vegetables like butternut squash, wild mushrooms or rich, healthy buttered curly kale, which will boost our immune systems for the coming winter. Oh! And one other thing - don’t forget the warm applesauce, which you can tart up by scraping a small vanilla bean into it right before serving. But for now let’s get started on our pork shoulder.
ling k c ra c h it w r e ld u o sh rk o p st a o R
Dress: Racing attire – hats & fascinators
BOOK ONLINE NOW! www.australianbusiness.co.uk Enquiries: 020 7099 8444
Image by SimonDoggett
What you need:
• 2-5kg pork shoulder, skin scored • Good quality sea salt • Light olive oil • Black pepper in grinder • 4 tsp fennel seeds • 2 tsp dried chilli flakes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme • 2 small onions, halved • 2 carrots, halved • 3 cloves of garlic • 2 cups of vegetable stock or water
What to do:
• Set the oven to 200 degrees • Place all your dried ingredients into a mortar and pestle, or a plastic bag, with 4 tablespoons of salt. Crush the spice mix (if you are using the plastic bag option crush with a small pan) to combine into a tasty spice rub. • Place the onions and carrots in the roasting tray, and lay the shoulder on top of the veg. • Drizzle a small quantity of oil over the shoulder and rub the spice mix
all over the shoulder. • Place the shoulder into the pre-heated oven for 30 mins, until the skin starts to puff and develop its crackling. • Once this happens remove the tray from the oven and decrease the heat. • Add the stock and garlic. Wrap in tin foil and bake for 3.5 hrs. • Remove from the oven and cool for 15 mins, spooning the liquid in the tray while you prepare the vegetables, and that vanilla applesauce to add sweetness to the shoulder. • Serve and enjoy!
Adam Hills returns for new series of ‘The Last Leg’ Australian comedian Adam Hills has signed a year long deal with Channel 4, which includes another series of hit TV show ‘The Last Leg’, aired during the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The show provided an alternative look at each day’s sporting story, and focused on public and media approaches to disability in the sporting world. Hills, originally from Sydney, has a prosthetic leg and was born without a foot. His humorous approach towards tackling apathy or negativity towards disability in sport, while increasing interest
in and gathering support for the Paralympic games, became an instant hit right across the UK. “The Paralympics is one of my favourite events in the world,” Hills said. “When Channel 4 offered me the chance to cover it with ‘The Last Leg,’ I jumped at it. It’s not often you get the chance to do something you absolutely love, that people seem to connect with. I thought ‘The Last Leg’ was going to be a once-ina-lifetime opportunity. I’m over the moon to think that we can do it all again.” Hills became inspired to become a comedian after going to an open mic
night at the Sydney Comedy Store when he was an undergraduate. He has since become highly acclaimed in Australia, and has also appeared on UK TV in ‘Mock the Week’, ‘The Charlotte Church Show’ and ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’. Co-hosts Alex Brooker and Josh Widdecombe will also be returning to the show. Fans can look forward to a Christmas special as well as an eight-part series, to be shown in 2013.
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Entertainment | 5
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What we’re following
Meet Sabine Gruchet, Australia’s premier plus-size model n Sabine Gruchet, originally from Sydney, talks to PAUL BLEAKLEY about how she set out as a ‘straight’ model but later changed direction.
#MYEFO Twitter Buzz on the Mid-Year Economic & Fiscal Outlook Wayne Swan @SwannyDPM Mid-year review will show surplus of around $1 billion this year, rising to over $6 billion by the end of the forward estimates John Johnsonson @JohnJohnsonson If the baby bonus cut means less child photos on my Facebook feed it will have totally been worth it Tony Abbott @TonyAbbottMHR Wayne Swan is attacking household budgets so he can patch up the Federal Government’s ailing Budget. Hungry Navigatrix @The_Navigatrix Wish I didn’t keep misreading #MYEFO as #MOFO. Awkward Sensitive Tony @TonyIKnow I have asked Margie to fetch a ShamWow for Joe Hockey’s upper lip. This budget-thingy stuff is nerve-wrecking! Check out what we’re following today on AustralianTimes.co.uk and follow us on Twitter @AustralianTimes
What’s On Tame Impala 30 October @ O2 Academy, Brixton Julia Stone 5 November @ Scala, Kings Cross Gotye 12 November @ Hammersmith Apollo Ladyhawke 14 November @ London Forum Parkway Drive 17 November @ The Roundhouse The Cat Empire 10 December @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire The Australian Pink Floyd Show 25 February 2013 @ London 02 Arena Tommy Emmanuel 16 March @ Shepherd’s Bush Empire Pam Ann 28-29 March @ Hammersmith Apollo
For full details...
...and more Aussie gigs go to: AustralianTimes.co.uk/entertainment
Sabine Gruchet did not start out her career intending to be a spokeswoman for plus-sized modelling. In the beginning, she was a ‘straight’ model with a promising career ahead of her; the Tahitian-born Australian model had landed magazine covers throughout Australia and Asia and was well-known for her role as a model on Wheel of Fortune. But, when Gruchet was at the peak of career, the unthinkable happened: she started to put on weight. London-based Gruchet started modelling at the age of 15, after being discovered in a local Sydney supermarket. It was not long before she was booking jobs with worldrenowned companies including Hyundai, Cannon and Weight Watchers. But the pressure to stay slim continued to grow as her career as a model flourished, and Gruchet claims that the industry’s focus on remaining thin had the reverse effect on her body, with her weight increasing to the point that she was no longer considered a ‘straight’ model. Gruchet thought that her career as a model was over, when it appeared that her weight-gain had denied her the ability to achieve her dreams. But it was not long before she discovered that there was another option: plus-sized modelling. With her dreams remaining alive Gruchet became an icon for curvy
women, and one of the industry’s most prominent advocates for healthy body image and self-esteem. “Unfortunately we live in a world where the average woman wears a size 16, but a size 10 model is considered plus sized,” Gruchet told Australian Times. “These unrealistic images hurt the self-image of all women, making it hard to feel acceptable and beautiful just as you are.” Represented in the United Kingdom by BMA Model Management, Gruchet has become one of the most wellknown and recognisable plus sized models in the industry. She has worked in both commercial and editorial photo shoots, while continuing her work as a television presenter with Bid Up TV. She was recently contracted as an in-house model with Marks and Spencer, primarily promoting the store’s lingerie and sleepwear range. She believes that utilising plus sized models is slowly becoming a more popular trend in the industry, particularly when it comes to the commercial aspect of the business. “The hard truth is that the current misconception about full figured fashion is that plus styles need to be less fashionable, and that full figured women always want to be covered up and not draw attention to themselves,” she said. “So many curvy women are proud of their bodies and want
to show them off. In a time of great economic difficulty the bottom line is that retailers should be scrambling to market to a woman with tangible dollars to spend on a product that she feels is respectful and representative of who she is.” Gruchet believes that much of the stigma associated with full figured modelling comes from a general lack of understanding about what constitutes ‘plus sized’ within the fashion industry. Plus sized clothing typically begins at a size 12 in the United Kingdom, or a size 10 in the Australian system. Gruchet said: “When I say what I do so many people respond with: ‘But you’re not plus size’. It’s a silly word really. The word should be normal size, since we don’t call slim women ‘minus size’.” Aside from modelling, Gruchet has started her own fashion line called Corset Fits which sells corsets with sizes ranging from 8 to 24. She believes that it is important for the industry to begin providing plus sized women with options that will allow them to feel sexy and confident in their own bodies. Gruchet suggests aspiring models, both straight and plus sized, contact a reputable agency in order to begin developing a portfolio of work to show potential clients. She advises prospective models not to be conned
into paying ‘joining fees’ at an agency, and to have reasonable expectations of success within the competitive world of modelling. She advises: “Agencies are not easy to get into; it’s not just about being curvy. You must have the height, face and be in proportion which is very important.” But, on the more optimistic side, “you can also join some casting agencies where you can upload some pictures and get some pictures done. There is a lot of photographers wanting to gain experience, and you will get experience too.” Sabine Gruchet can be booked through BMA Model Management, and contacted through her website at www. sabinegruchet.com.
Knife attack inspires lifestyle change for Timba Smits Australians to
n After
getting stabbed on a London bus Australian Timba Smits took time out to recover and re-group, before setting up a community-based organisation to tackle youth disengagement and support upcoming artists. Next month he will be inspiring others at The Kaleidoscope Festival, a two-day conference held in London
By Paul Bleakley People deal with traumatic experiences in very different ways. For many, getting brutally stabbed on a bus would be more than enough to scare them away and ruin their faith in humanity forever. For Timba Smits, however, it provided something else entirely: inspiration to make a difference. Melbourne-born Smits was stabbed in late 2011 after coming to the aid of elderly passengers being harassed on a local London bus. He suffered a fractured jaw, serious concussion and internal injuries as a result of several knife wounds, and spent seven weeks in recovery following the brutal attack. After almost losing his life in the incident Smits began to question whether or not he was making enough of an impact on the world, sparking a chain of events that would ultimately lead to his recent foundation of both the Kaleidoscope International Creative Festival and communityorientated The Cut-It-Out Project. The Kaleidoscope Festival is a two-day conference which will be
held at London’s renowned Barbican Centre on 27 and 28 November. It forms the centrepiece of a week-long celebration of creativity - designed by Smits and his partners - to provide inspiration and support for aspiring artists. Guest speakers such as graphic designer Danny Yount are scheduled to deliver keynote speeches. “We believe that the power of creativity and positive influence can change the world, creating a brighter future for aspirational young people,” Smits wrote on his website. “Through Kaleidoscope we aim to make an impact on the world and inspire other people to do great things.” Aside from inspiring artists through the Kaleidoscope Festival, Smits has also taken a hands-on approach to tackling the issue of youth disengagement through The Cut-ItOut Project. This program works closely with London schools and councils to mentor young people and assist them in making positive choices through the medium of creativity. Smits’ crusade to inspire the world has taken a significant personal - and financial - toll on the Kaleidoscope founder, with the majority of his life savings drained by the cost of rehabilitation after the stabbing, and the remainder committed to getting his community projects up and running. Both The Kaleidoscope Festival and The Cut-It-Out Project rely on funding through donations, and Smits estimates that $100 000 will be necessary to facilitate the November conference.
Smits is always on the look out for more help, and supporters of the Kaleidoscope Festival are invited to donate to the Kaleidoscope International Creativity Festival and The Cut-It-Out Project, in increments ranging from $10 to $10 000, through his website. The $10 000 ‘Become a Believer’ package includes incentives, such as a personal lecture delivered by Smits and the Kaleidoscope group at a school or business. “Kaleidoscope London will be the first of many future festivals, so the more that we raise now the bigger and further we can grow, and inspire many people along the way,” Smits says. More information on Timba Smits and his community projects can be found at www.kaleidoscopefestivals.com while donations to the Kaleidoscope International Creativity Festival can be made through www.indiegogo. com/kaleidoscopefestival
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perform at the Wimbledon Music Festival
The fourth annual International Wimbledon Music Festival runs from 10 - 25 November, and offers a feast of world-class music making in the heart of South West London, with links to other music festivals in Australia, the US and Canada. A key component of the Wimbledon Music Festival is international collaboration and co-commissioning of programmes with other festivals. This year the Festival has announced a collaboration with three other music festivals in Australia, Texas and Alaska, to co-perform a piece by British composer Benjamin Wallfish, inspired by paintings and sculptures by the French artist Arman, who later became a US citizen. Now that's truly international! The arrangement will premiere in Europe at the Festival's Gala Concert on 24 November. Australian performers will also be showcased through pieces by Beethoven and Brahms being performed in collaboration with the Martinů Festival in Basel, with a concert that will celebrate the Festival’s international partners. It will include pianist Piers Lane, the Artistic Director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. For further information and to buy tickets visit www.wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk.
travel
6 | Travel
23 - 29 October 2012
n
Sharon Spence Lieb explores Cancun, reminding us that there is so much more to the city than the nightlife. Really big fish
tting This week we’re pu
Cancun on the map
A full yellow moon rises over the shimmering turquoise Caribbean. At dawn, no one strolls the ivory beach. No one splashes in the cerulean pools. But out in the deep, the largest fish on Planet Earth are waking. Two hours later, onboard a Solo Buceo dive boat, our guide Gabriel hands out life jackets, masks, snorkels and fins. The sea rolls
with 35 foot long ten ton giants, swimming around gracefully like plus size ballerinas. “Wow. We’ve got 40 whale sharks around our boat. Stay close to me and watch out for their tails,” cautions Gabriel. When your guide is named after an Angel you don’t have to worry; just keep calm and follow the instructions. Looking into the sea of giant fish I force myself to jump off the boat, and
Travel | 7
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find myself face-to-face with a grey white spotted creature the size of a school bus, her huge hula-hoop mouth vacuuming in plankton and krill soup. Feasting and birthing babies, these whale sharks come to Cancun every May and stay until September. Swimming among them is an incredible joy, but it still makes me feel a little nervy...I hold Gabriel’s hand and try to stay calm. One whale shark swims right at me for a closer look and I take a deep breath, reminding myself that these fish don’t eat humans. I’m thrilled, but can’t help being a little frightened as a wise, calm eye regards me with curiosity. I’m aware that she’s witnessed our Planet’s madness and marvels, navigating the globe at 2500-foot depths. I don’t belong here, but she certainly does. She follows me as I climb back into our boat, lifting her massive head and giving me a really big whale shark smile. What a gift; what an experience.
Really tiny fish
Following our dramatic whale shark encounter we crave some relaxation, so we head to the LeBlanc Spa Resort where we immerse our feet into a small tank for the Fish Spa pedicure. Tropical
Garra Rufa fish from Turkey dart around like tiny beams of colourful energy, surrounding our feet and ankles and nibbling gently to remove our dead skin cells. In 5 minutes my feet are smooth, soft and feel half a size smaller. Relaxed and recharged from this unusual treatment, we’re now ready for more Cancunian adventures.
Delish fish
A comfortable airconditioned ferry takes us to Isla Mujeres, which Erika Mitzunaga Magana, Cancun PR Manager for North America and Asia, describes as “a picturesque Mexican Caribbean island, perfect for relaxation and authentic cuisine, as well as for great prices on handicrafts and silver.” We wander past charming rainbow-hued houses as we browse outdoor stalls selling hats, dresses and souvenirs. When we arrive at The Silver Factory owner Adolfo Fabian Beltran and his family welcome us warmly, offering chicken and posole as we try on every necklace and bracelet in the tiny shop, all made from fine quality silver from Taxco, Mexico. I finally choose a delicate sea star pendant with matching earrings as a perfect souvenir for time well spent with the Beltran family.
For lunch, we take a taxi to Museum Capitan Dulche. This hip outdoor Beach Club offers gorgeous Caribbean views, thatched roof cabanas, a private lagoon for swimming and an outdoor bar/ restaurant. Los Metates Restaurant serves authentic Mexican dishes like “tikin xic,” a fresh grouper fillet marinated with achiote paste, served with sour oranges, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked on a wood fire. Owner Iddar de la Parra Vargas takes our group through his “Museo Capitan Dulche,” featuring photos of his grandfather Captain Ernesto, a legendary naval officer and maritime explorer, and models of famous ships from England, Norway and Spain, including Jacques Cousteau’s “Calypso.”
Famous Fish
At the Beach Club we snorkel in Cancun’s new Underwater Museum, a fascinating collection of more than 400 sculptures on the bottom of the ocean, created by internationally acclaimed eco-sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor. Taylor’s incredible underwater world consists of life-sized humans as well as an Urban reef, and he has even made his own underwater interpretation of “The Last Supper.” All sizes of fish and coral live happily within this innovative reef, which has become a
successful marriage of helping the environment while providing new homes to Cancun’s marine life. There’s a reason why Cancun is Mexico’s world-renowned number one tourist destination. Hospitality is genuine, beaches stunning, resorts luxurious, spas pampering, and the international cuisine delicious. And, when you’ve been eye to eye with those gentle giants
of the seas once, you’ll want to return every year to play with them. Images by Cancun Visitors and Conventions Bureau
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8 | Jobs & Money
23 - 29 October 2012
Dollar Review The joy of public speaking n Just the idea of speaking in public Australian Dollar makes headway is enough to make many of us break out into a cold sweat. But what are we actually so afraid of? Here we highlight some of the common reasons why we become so scared of public speaking, and suggest antidotes to help you feel more confident.
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> SEPI ROSHAN
I really enjoy presenting and public speaking. But, to many, speaking in front of an audience is a fate worse than death. One of my favourite Seinfeld moments is when Jerry says:“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” But what is it that causes such a fear of speaking, when it’s something we do every day? Fear is not completely counterproductive. Like all behaviour, it’s designed to protect us from danger; the fight or flight response is a large part of what has helped humans survive and flourish. When we are confronted with danger the response helps us extricate ourselves and live to tell the tale. But fears that are not grounded in reality can cause anxiety and develop into phobias. Standing in front of a group of people and speaking, for example, is not in itself a dangerous act - there is little real risk of physical injury or harm. However, neuroscientists have discovered that the mental pain we feel is just as strong as physical pain, and this is one reason why the danger of public speaking seems so real for many. Some reasons cited for fear of public speaking, and their related antidotes, include: 1. Past experiences: Humans like to predict possible outcomes according to past experiences. If we have previously had a negative public speaking experience the brain can form cause-effect patterns, which can mean that we expect the bad pattern to repeat over and over again. Antidote: Get support to break the cause-effect cycle. Presentation coaching is a great way to get a programme that will best meet
your needs. You can also join speaking clubs, such as Toastmasters International, which provide a supportive environment in which to practice speaking.
year, with an increase in industrial production. The positive data from Australia’s largest trading partner offered support to the Aussie. The outcome of a summit held in Brussels by a European Council on Friday though was underwhelming, with no groundbreaking decisions being announced. Chris Tedder, research analyst at Forex.com said, “The rhetoric that came out of the EU summit is not what the market was looking for, nothing new was announced.” The result was a slight
depreciation in the Aussie from its week high-point. For the week ahead, investors will be looking toward the release of Australian inflation data for the previous quarter on Wednesday. GBP / AUD: EUR / AUD: AUD / USD: AUD / NZD:
1.554 1.264 1.030 1.261
Exchange rates as of 9:00, 22 October 2012
Composed by Jesse Crooks of 1st Contact :: Note: The above exchange rates are based on “interbank” rates. If you want to transfer money to or from Australia then please register/login on our website, or call us on 0808 141 2335 for a live dealing rate. Make use of a Rate Notifier to send you alert when the Australian exchange rate reaches levels you are looking for.
2. Our self concept: This is the sum total of beliefs people have about themselves. Self-descriptions help us define who we are - the “clever scholar”, the “outgoing Aussie”, the “introvert”. When there is a mismatch between how people see themselves and how they think they ought to be, the incongruence can lower their confidence. For example, if someone thinks they cannot speak as eloquently or humorously as they should, they can develop a fear of public speaking. Antidote: Low confidence can be overcome with specialist support and training, such as coaching, counselling or psychotherapy. A healthy selfconcept can remove the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations and put the fun into public speaking.
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3. Not being prepared: Inadequate preparation of content, structure and style can cause uncertainty about what will happen during speech, and uncertainty often leads to fear. Antidote: Be prepared. Know what you are going to say. Structure your speech so that you and the audience know where you are going. Finally, practice, practice, practice: you will find the bugs, improve your technique and help the words flow.
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Some things in life are designed to cause fear, such as great white sharks, dangerous jelly fish and stingrays, and we survive by taking the hint and removing ourselves from the potential danger. Unlike the fears designed to perpetuate the human race, public speaking is one that can be overcome with the proper support, training and preparation. So heed the tips, get out there and become a fearless speaker yourself.
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an astute aussie in london
THE Australian Dollar managed to regain some the ground it had lost over the past few weeks, ending the week just below the 1.55 mark. Surprisingly, it was news from the Eurozone that helped bolster the currency - the prime contributor being credit agency Moody’s decision to keep Spain’s credit rating unchanged. The unexpected good news increased risk appetite, resulting in an increase in demand for the Aussie. Talk of a Spanish bailout application from the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) was also received favourably by investors. By Thursday the markets were looking toward the release of Chinese growth data, with the expectation of some strength in the nation’s GDP figures. Chris Weston of IG Markets summed pre-announcement sentiment citing China’s Premier Wen’s suggestion in a speech that “the numbers are going to be okay”. The actual figures showed ontarget GDP growth of 7.4% year-on-
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Jobs & Money | 9
AustralianTimes.co.uk
Return
Resume writing for To Oz returning wanderers
n
When heading home there is a lot to think about, but securing employment for when you get back tends to come high up the list. Read our guide to writing a resume to help you secure that all-important interview, and clear the first hurdle in finding work on your return. By Elizabeth Glanville
Here we go again...
Wayne 07768 393630 | info@carsaustralia.co.uk
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Whenever you make an application it’s a good idea to check over your resume, ensure it is upto-date and tweak it according to your target industry or position. Remember, a resume is essentially a marketing document, and the product it’s selling is you. The key thing to remember is that the purpose of a resume is to get you an interview, not to secure you the position. Although it needs to provide a full and accurate account of your professional history it doesn’t have to go into great detail, as an interviewer will question you about anything that needs expanding. Keep it sharp, short, concise and relevant. “Your CV is a marketing document and should reflect who you are and how you want people see you,” Duarte De Magalhães Ferreira, who works in recruitment for Hilton Worldwide, told Australian Times. “Remember, employers often have less than a minute to scan a CV, so make sure that you only include the most important points.”
Career overview/ objectives
It can be a good idea to start a resume with a mission statement of one line, showcasing who you are and what you are offering the employer. Remember it must relate to the company and job description, so it may need to be altered for each application. A profile section on your resume can be informative, especially if you are changing direction or your situation needs further explanation; employers will often assume you want a job in your field of experience, so if you intend to branch out it’s a good idea to state that explicitly. But keep it factual and avoid vague sentence and clichéd expressions – “I believe I will excel at the role due to my past experiences and future vision” does not tell anybody anything. Some employers also like to see a ‘key strengths’ section, written in a short, snappy dot point style, for example: • Seven years sales experience • Excellent interpersonal skills due to customer focused aspects of the job
Professional Experience
When listing your job history think carefully about how to phrase your roles, responsibilities and achievements; picking out three of your most significant points is
much more effective than an endless list of generic skills. We can all attend meetings, use MS word and liaise with colleagues, but what is it about the way you do it that stands out? Remember to highlight anything that goes beyond the call of duty, for example occasions when you have exceeded targets or developed your own initiatives, and don’t forget to include any relevant voluntary work or experience. If the employer is looking for specific skills or experiences and you have them, show it. If not think about other skills you do have in your remit - are these transferable?
A resume is essentially a marketing document, and the product it’s selling is you It is worth noting that you don’t have to put your reasons for leaving a job on your resume, as many employers would rather discuss this at interview anyway.
Professional Memberships
Highlight any relevant professional memberships you hold, and don’t forget to specify if you are active in any organisations.
Education
When it comes to education you don’t need to go back further than your undergraduate days. And remember, if you didn’t come out with quite the grade you wanted, don’t put it down; if the organisation wants to know they will ask. Remember to list any relevant courses or further training undertaken since.
Gaps
People tend to worry about gaps in their resumes, but really these are only problematic if they can’t be reasonably explained. Taking time out to travel, have children, acquire further experience or rethink and
regroup is perfectly acceptable. Redundancy, too, is now commonplace and doesn’t need to be denied. It won’t hinder your application, and in fact going through a redundancy and re-thinking, re-focusing and reentering the job market will often work in your favour.
References
Writing ‘references available upon request’ on your resume is standard practice, and indeed many recruitment experts now recommend leaving them off and providing referees when asked. But if you do wish to include references ensure they come at the end of the resume.
Final thought...
As a closing piece of advice regarding resumes and applications De Magalhães Ferreira stressed the following: “If an employer is interested in your application they will contact you, regardless of technicalities on your resume. Of course, your application needs to be of a high standard, well-presented and must showcase your professional history, but ultimately if an employer is left with any questions they will ask. If you are the ideal candidate for a job you are not going to be overlooked because you didn’t give a full enough explanation of what you did in that six month break ten years ago, or haven’t listed your university achievements in enough detail. Don’t be complacent when resume writing, but do bear in mind that if the company is interested in you they will get back to you to find out more.” For further advice on writing a resume for the Australian market check out www.seek.com.au and www.career-advice.careerone. com.au.
10 | Sport
23 - 29 October 2012
Stoner considered pulling out of Malaysia Continued from p12...
Stoner says he seriously considered pulling out of the shortened Malaysian race won by Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa, worried at what might happen to his recovering ankle at rain-soaked Sepang. “I was considering not taking part in the rain at all as the risks were very high,” Stoner told reporters after Sunday’s race. “If I had come off the bike again and hit my ankle, it would have been game over for the rest of the season. “As the race progressed I slowly
got my confidence back. “I slowly began to catch the front two but unfortunately ran out of time as they red-flagged the race.” Pedrosa, chasing his first ever MotoGP crown, is now just 22 points adrift of Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo with two races of the season left. Lorenzo finished second in a race shortened by seven laps. The Spanish pair are likely to take their championship chase home to the season’s final race in Valencia on November 11.
Continued from p12...
FINAL LAPS: Casey Stoner will quit at the end of the season for family reasons. (AAP Image/ Martin Philbey)
By Guy Hand
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“It’s time you start developing your players in your own country,” he responded. A stunned Harris returned serve on Monday by hinting at hypocrisy from the All Blacks who have consistently selected Pacific Islanders in the past, and also played former Australian under-21 halfback Steve Devine a decade ago. “I was a bit surprised by Steve’s comments,” the 24-year-old Harris told AAP. “It’s been going on for as long as rugby has been professional, and maybe even further back as well.” Harris wasn’t the only former New Zealand underage player in the Wallabies team at Suncorp Stadium as
prop Sekope Kepu also defected after failing to crack a Super Rugby start. It was Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie who sparked the conversion of both and he believes New Zealand’s rugby strength will continue to see overlooked aspiring products cross the ditch. “They’ve got a lot of players,” McKenzie said. “They’ve probably got too many players in some positions.” McKenzie watched with more than pride when Harris kicked five penalties from five attempts and also made a fine fist of fullback against the All Blacks. “I did have a bit of a giggle when he was kicking goal after goal - just as well we brought him over,” he said. By Jim Morton
Aussies proud to represent Great Britain and Ireland
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GB AUSSIE: Tim Ross will be representing Great Britain & Ireland at the upcoming Tag Rugby World Cup in Auckland.
Phillip Browne WITH just six short weeks away from the Tag Rugby World Cup in Auckland, the Great Britain & Ireland World Cup squads have been training three times a week in preparation. Amongst the Great Britain & Ireland World Cup squads are a host of Aussies with British or Irish ancestry who will be looking forward to representing their adopted homeland against the world’s best come 6 December. The Australians who will be representing Great Britain & Ireland at the Tag Rugby World Cup include: Brad Aird, Emma Becker, Jodie Bijorac, Phillip Browne, Sarah O’Neill, Tim Ross and Rachael Speare The head coach Jay ‘Ringo’ Wilkinson and assistant, Arron Lombardo are both Australians and will be looking to guide their team to some World Cup success. Australia are the current world champions followed by New
Zealand, but with playing numbers soaring in the UK this year you can’t write off Great Britain & Ireland. In other news, Try Tag Rugby’s Late Autumn season will be the last competitions of 2012 with the first Late Autumn competition kicking off this Wednesday. After the Late Autumn season, all Tag Rugby in the Capital takes a short break over winter so this will be the last chance for your teams to get amongst the action for 2012. Late Autumn season competitions will take place at the following venues: Acton, Balham, Barnes, Bermondsey, Borough, Rotherhithe, Shoreditch Park and Tooting Bec. If you would like to get involved in one of the fastest growing sports in London, new team and individual registrations are welcome. This is a great chance to develop a network of friends if you are new to London. To register for a Try Tag Rugby competition or event, go to TryTagRugby.com or email info@ trytagrugby.com for more details.
Sport | 11
AustralianTimes.co.uk
Emerton: I’d love to wear the Green and Gold again Continued from p12... of his main motivations when recovering from an ankle injury. “That’s been my aim since coming back from surgery five or six months ago,” Emerton said on Monday. “I feel I’m back. I’ve got three games under my belt and I’m feeling stronger with each one. “I hope to have the opportunity to play for the Socceroos again soon. “You put your hand up for any international game. “It’s always an honour and a privilege to represent your country. “Time will tell (but) I’d love to wear the green and gold again.” And while 33-year-old Emerton is eager to get back into the national team, he also admitted this match could serve as the ideal way to give some of Australia’s young stars a taste of the international stage. The likes of Tommy Oar, Mitchell
Langerak, James Holland and Adam Sarota could all be considered by coach Holger Osieck - a move which would please Emerton. “Any opportunity to blood young players in the national team is a good one,” he said. “It’s Holger’s decision entirely. In any team it’s about finding the right balance and when it is the right time to do so.” Osieck said the November 14 friendly against South Korea in Hwaseong would be valuable preparation, with Australia desperate to build on last week’s scrappy 2-1 victory over Iraq. South Korea are top of their World Cup qualifying group after posting convincing wins against Qatar and Lebanon, a draw against Uzbekistan and a loss to Iran. “This will be another important game as part of our preparation for the second phase of this round of qualifiers,” Osieck said. “We are now at the halfway mark and we need to focus on our remaining
Brett Emerton (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
qualification matches. “... The match will serve as a good comparison test for us.” The match at Hwaseong Stadium will be the Socceroos’ final match of the year. Osieck’s team will resume World Cup qualification in March, when they host Oman at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. By Joe Barton
Erin Phillips claims WNBA title with Fever IT was the decision which cost Erin Phillips an Olympic medal but which helped yield the Australian basketball star a WNBA championship ring. Phillips joined an illustrious group of countrywomen that includes Lauren Jackson, Tully Bevilaqua, Belinda Snell and Penny Taylor to win a WNBA title - her Indiana Fever side securing a 3-1 series win with an 87-78 win over Minnesota on Sunday. The 27-year-old from Melbourne produced one of the best performances of her career in the series-clinching win with 18 points and eight rebounds - then revealed her relief after her commitment to the Fever cost her a berth in the Opals squad which claimed bronze at the London Olympics. Unlike Jackson - who opted to stay in Australia to prepare for the Olympics before rejoining Seattle after the Games - Phillips played the entire season for the Fever. Phillips believes the call played a role
in her omission from the national side. Having been a member of the Australian squad which claimed silver at the 2008 Games, she was devastated at the snub. Two months later, her decision was somewhat vindicated with her standout performances during the finals series. “It’s a huge relief,” Phillips told the ESPN website. “It definitely was a very tough year for me personally with the national team. “But the sacrifice that I made with them was to stay here and prepare to try to win a WNBA championship.” While disappointed she wasn’t with them in London, Phillips was happy to stand alongside some of her former Opals teammates as a WNBA champion. “It gives me chills because the other Australians who’ve won championships are players I’ve looked up to,” Phillips said.
Get set for ‘real’ footy’s London comeback Cadel Evans a man of the
n
With AFL making its triumphant return to London on 3 November, when the Bulldogs take on Port Adelaide at the Kia Oval in front of what is sure to be a ravenous crowd, we review the big match up and remember the most infamous footy match ever played in the Capital.
By Mat Lyons ASK any Australian living in London what they miss most about home and they will inevitably reply: my mum, dim sims and footy. A trip to the Australia Shop in Covent Garden will usually quell the dim sim craving, and quench your appetite for all other manner of homeland snacks for that matter. Similarly, your weekly Skype engagement with mum will enlighten you (again) of the perpetual escalation of petrol prices, and leave you satisfied and safe in the knowledge that you aren’t missing out on that much back home. But let’s face it, there is one void that cannot be filled - regardless of the Sunday afternoon replays of your favourite team at pubs across the Capital - and that is the feeling of being part of the crowd at a big AFL match.
“A wildly boisterous crowd were treated to a ferocious encounter dubbed ‘The Battle of Britain’” For the first time since 2006, The Kia Oval plays host to elite footy again as the Western Bulldogs go toe-to-toe with Port Adelaide Power in the AFL European Challenge. It’s time to dust off your old scarf and beanie (we know you packed these when you moved here) and get your ticket before they sell out, to the hottest sporting event since the London Olympics (not the recent one, the one back in 1912). An insatiable crowd is expected to welcome back the fixture that first graced these shores a quarter of a century ago. Exhibition matches were commonplace in London during the 1980s, a time when Aussie Rules was viewed with wideeyed bemusement and wonder by the British public. The league was eager to promote footy abroad and participating clubs were always keen to showcase the game at its explosive and bruising best. Certainly, the most talked about match ever contested away from Australian shores was the infamous 1987 fixture at The Oval between Carlton and North Melbourne. On that afternoon a wildly
boisterous crowd were treated to a ferocious encounter dubbed ‘The Battle of Britain’ after a series of fights and spiteful clashes left the punters thinking “Aussie Rules? What rules?”. There were several reports and hefty suspensions dished out by the league who could have been excused for thinking that such a match would taint the image of the game and scare the British people away. Despite these fears however, the notoriety gained from such a highly publicised match put Aussie Rules in the spotlight, and its continued growth and popularity since highlights the broad appeal that our great game generates. Today, Aussie Rules in Britain is embraced not only by passionate expatriates, but also by an appreciative British sporting public. Those halcyon days of yesteryear are now long gone, the AFL evolving into an inclusive and family-friendly Australian national treasure. AFL International Development Manager Tony Woods anticipates the upcoming instalment will be a fierce contest, with several young players looking to establish their place in the teams. “We have the most spectacular game in the world which is best experienced live”, he said. “It will be fantastic to be back at the Kia Oval and we are expecting a big crowd with a great atmosphere,” he told Australian Times. Many expect the 2012 clash between the Bulldogs and Port Adelaide to draw a record attendance and both clubs will be out to impress. On paper, there seems little to separate the two teams, who each won the same tally of games in 2012. Both clubs boast a young and highly exciting list of players who are hungry to launch their 2013 pre-season campaign in winning fashion. Port Adelaide players will hope to make an impact under the watchful eye of new coach Ken Hinkley. Best and Fairest winner Kane Cornes and star forward Jay Shultz will be hard to stop now that the Bulldogs have traded fullback Brian Lake to Hawthorn. The Power
BRITISH BULLDOGS: ‘Fleet footed’ Luke Dahlhaus and Daniel Giansiracusa get set to rule Britannia. (Photo: Michael Willson/AFL Media) also boast ball magnet Brett Ebert who was scintillating in 2012, while Jackson Trengrove and Travis Boak will be decisive in the result of this match. The Bulldogs, who this week appointed Peter Gordon as Club President, will have the advantage in the midfield, where Shaun Higgins will be handed the responsibility of igniting an engine room full of dashing teammates. Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney will benefit from a post-season break where his rested knee should enable him to regain his trademark pace, while the fleet-footed Luke Dahlhaus will no doubt electrify the stadium with the blistering speed and daring plays that have seen him receive cult-status down in Footscray. It is sure to be a close one, with the ‘Dogs the slim favourites. So, to all the sons and daughters missing the great brown land, enjoy your little slice of home when you are at the game. Wear your old team colours with pride, cheer like you are back at the MCG and close your eyes and imagine your Cornish pasty is a dim sim. Oh, and don’t forget to call mum at half time with a score update. Remember though, it will be about 3am in Oz so if she isn’t interested, you could always just tell her about the British petrol prices.
Nts I W e k Tic
To enter the draw for tickets to the European Challenge AFL match at Kia Oval, go to AustralianTimes.co.uk/win
highest principles: manager Continued from p12...
The Armstrong saga now has Bakker busy on two fronts - Jack Bobridge, another Australian cyclist on his books, is reeling from Rabobank’s announcement on Friday that it was pulling out of cycling sponsorship. Bobridge joined the Dutch Rabobank team from Orica-GreenEDGE on a two-year deal several weeks ago. Rabobank announced the end of its sponsorship in the wake of the Armstrong case.
“When you hear news like that, you have to have some concerns,” Bakker said. “But I’m hopeful they (the team management) will honour the next 12 months, as has been reported. “I spoke to a pretty disillusioned young man on Friday night about it. “We’ve since got a level of confidence that they will honour the contract at least for 12 months.” It is too late for Bobridge to go to another top-level team for next season.
Cricket Champions Trophy tickets set to go on sale
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson, Tournament Director Steve Elworthy and England captain Alastair Cook at the ICC Champions Trophy launch event (Courtesy ICC) TICKETS for the fifteen matches of the ICC Champions Trophy in June 2013, featuring Australia, will go on sale to the public on Monday, 5 November. The tournament features the eight best ODI teams in the world and will be played out across three grounds – Cardiff Wales Stadium, The Oval and Edgbaston. Ricky Ponting, two-times winner of the trophy, said: “Winning the Champions Trophy in 2006 and 2009 are two of the proudest moments in my career and it was always a tournament that I looked forward to playing in. Next year will be the last ever Champions Trophy and that will make it even more special for the eight countries competing. It’s going to be an amazing few months of cricket in England with the Champions Trophy in June followed by the Investec
Ashes Series throughout July and August.” At the launch event in London, England Captain Alastair Cook said: “Next summer’s ICC Champions Trophy is a very important event for us as a side. We don’t often get the opportunity to play an ICC World event on home soil, and as we have a very good home record we have the chance to do something special next summer.” Cricket fans can register their interest in tickets ahead of the 5 November onsale date at www.icc-cricket.com.
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TAG RUGBY WORLD CUP GB & Ireland represented by Aussies P10
Cadel Evans denies cycling doping link n
Cadel Evans says the only reason he met with the disgraced sports doctor at the centre of the Lance Armstrong doping scandal, was to conduct a field test about his road cycling abilities. By Roger Vaughn AUSTRALIAN Tour De France Champion Cadel Evans stressed he only spoke to Italian doctor Michele Ferrari once and that the test in 2000 of the cyclist’s road climbing ability had nothing to do with doping. Ferrari is a key figure in the Lance Armstrong case and, like the Texan, is banned for life because of doping offences. “I have never seen or had contact before or after this test,” Evans told Australia’s SBS.
“There was never any discussion of doping (with Dr Ferrari) or any sign of anything illegal. “My only motive at the time ... was to understand my capabilities as a road rider. “At that time, Mr Ferrari’s opinion was very highly regarded by teams and team managers, and therefore helpful for me to gain opportunities with road teams.” Key figures in the sport, including disgraced American cyclist Tyler Hamilton and Australian anti-doping expert Anne Gripper, have hailed
Evans’ 2011 Tour de France win as a victory for clean cycling. Ferrari posted on his website last year that Evans’ management contacted him in 2000 about assessing the Australian’s climbing abilities. It was a crucial stage of Evans’ career, with the Australian on the verge of switching from mountain biking to road racing. Ferrari used the VAM test, which is based on short climbing repetitions, to assess Evans’ potential. The test results on a climb at St Moritz, Switzerland were impressive
and in 2001 Evans switched full-time to the road. Evans is yet to comment at length on the Armstrong case. His Australian manager Jason Bakker, who has worked with Evans for the last few years, strongly backed the rider’s credentials. “I have absolute and utter faith in Cadel Evans - he’s a man of the highest principles that I have met, without doubt,” Bakker said. ...continued on p11
Image: Courtesy AFL Media
All Blacks fuming at Wallabies’ poaching ALL BLACKS gripes about Australia poaching their players have been met with both astonishment and wry grins. New Zealand coach Steve Hansen is fuming about Kiwis being “pinched” after Auckland product Mike Harris kicked the Wallabies to a surprise 18-18 Test draw in Brisbane on Saturday night. Hansen called for the Australian Rugby Union to get its house in order and stop stealing players after he was asked whether Harris’s display embarrassed the NZRU’s talent identification system. ...continued on p10
Emerton wants his spot back
OVERLOOKED Socceroo Brett Emerton wants to use next month’s international friendly against South Korea as his springboard back into the national setup. Emerton also said he felt the friendly was an ideal time to experiment with the line-up and test some new talent with more than five months until Australia’s next World Cup qualifying match. Emerton, who last represented Australia in November 2011, said he still harboured ambitions to wear the green and gold - admitting it was one ...continued on p11
Stoner readies for his Aussie farewell
Get set for some real footy, London
AFL’s Battle of Britain |P11
SO concerned was Casey Stoner about ensuring a fitting MotoGP farewell to Australia that he considered a late withdrawal from last weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix. Stoner defied wet weather to finish third at Sepang in only his second race since surgery on his right ankle following a crash in Indianapolis in August. Now the Honda rider heads to Victoria’s Phillip Island, aiming to win a sixth successive Australian MotoGP on Sunday in his final bike race at the venue. ...continued on p10