11 - 17 June 2013 Issue: 467
HOCKEYROOS HEAD FOR the UK Catch them in action
sport P14
LONDON ON A BUDGET Top ten (free) London activities uk life p7
CAPTIVATING CUBA Havana's heady embrace
travel P11
41434
CLAIM YOUR TAX REFUND TODAY! TAX, FINANCIAL AND MIGRATION EXPERTS: Money Transfers, Tax Refunds, Visas, Limited Companies & Accounting, UK Bank Accounts, CV & Job Assistance, Travel Clinic, Shipping, Legal and Umbrella Services
Leadership rumblings “gossip and flim flam” n
Labor MPs insist leadership rumblings are a fiction and voters are more interested in policy, despite a recent poll which shows reinstating Rudd would improve Labor's election chances. CABINET minister Bill Shorten has reaffirmed his support for Prime Minister Julia Gillard as reports persist he’s under pressure to tell her it’s time to go. A spokeswoman for Mr Shorten said he “absolutely” still supported Ms Gillard and she didn’t know where that information had came from. Parliamentary secretary to the prime minister Andrew Leigh said the latest leadership rumblings definitely fell under the category “fiction”. They re-emerged amid a media blitz by former prime minister Kevin Rudd last week at the end of a fortnight of parliamentary sittings which left Labor MPs gloomy about the prospects of holding government. Having lost a leadership ballot in February 2012 and declining to contest it this year when encouraged to do so by backers, Mr Rudd is saying he is only trying to help Labor and is not a leadership candidate. Ms Gillard kept a low profile on Monday, appearing at a photo-only opportunity with supporters of her Gonski school funding plan at Kirribilli House in Sydney, where journalists were not invited. Few other Labor politicians put their heads up on the public holiday, with the handful on Twitter only sharing good news. Mr Rudd used the social network ...continued on p3
0808 141 2314
www.1stcontact.com/mast2
Authorities won’t retrieve asylum seekers bodies
AUSTRALIAN authorities are too busy to recover the floating bodies of asylum seekers whose boat sank near Christmas Island. Thirteen bodies were spotted during the air and sea search for the boat, which was believed to have been carrying about 55 men, women and children when it capsized northwest of the island. A three-day search for any survivors was called off on Sunday with not a single person recovered from the water. Customs says no attempt to retrieve the bodies will be made on Monday because border protection vessels and aircraft are involved in a number of “high priority operations” in waters near Christmas Island and elsewhere. “Our priority in those operations remains the protection of life, responding to other vessels which may require assistance and preventing further loss of life,” a Customs spokeswoman told AAP on Monday. “When those operations have been concluded and there is no further risk to life, Border Protection Command ...continued on p3
FROM MOVIES TO MELODIES
Sponsored by
Be our next great travel writer
Film composer Elliot Wheeler knows the score | P10
Rooms to let. Quite nice ones. We rent hassle-free rooms to professionals in London. We send a cleaner once a week and we have a full-time maintenance man who looks after all our properties. Our rooms have flat screen TV’s, high-speed internet and we pay all the bills. www.londonshared.co.uk | 020 7610 9004
WIN A travel voucher worth £250 Turn to P12 for details
2 | News
11 - 17 June 2013
Australians honoured in Queen’s Birthday list n Artists, jurists, academics and sports legends have been recognised on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Publisher: Bryce Lowry Editor: Alex Ivett Production/Design: Jackie Lampard News Editor: Paul Bleakley Business Editor: Sepi Roshan Contributors: Tim Martin, Georgia Dawes, Phillip Browne, Michelle McCue, Erin Somerville, George Katralis, Jacqui Moroney, Will Fitzgibbon, Chris Arkadieff, Bronwyn Spencer, Daniel Shillito, Mat Lyons,
Sandra Tahmasby, Tyson Yates, Amber Rose, Jennifer Perkin, Charlie Inglefield, AJ ClimpsonStewart, Thomas Jones, Alistair Davis, Will Denton, Jennifer Lawton, Chloe Westley, Bonnie Gardiner, Michaela Gray Directors: P Atherton, J Durrant N Durrant, R Phillips and A Laird
Additional content: Who are we? Australian Times is written and compiled by young Australian journalists living in the UK. Contributing on a volunteer basis, they are uniquely placed to reflect the interests, opinions and attitudes of our community. If you would like to join us, contact info@australiantimes.co.uk Address: Unit 7C, Commodore House Battersea Reach, London SW18 1TW Tel: 0845 456 4910 Email: info@australiantimes.co.uk
WEBSITE:
The paper used to print this publication has been sourced from sustainable forests (farmed trees). Please reduce waste by recycling your copy or pass it on others. DISCLAIMER The printed opinions of advertisers and writers are theirs and not necessarily shared by Blue Sky Publications Ltd. Unless otherwise stated, copyright of all original materials is held by Blue Sky Publications Ltd. Official media sponsors of the following organisations:
THE NRL IS BACK & IT’S BIGGER THAN EVER EVERY GAME
EVERY ROUND
FROM INCLUDING THE GRAND FINAL
STATE OF ORIGIN
LIVE & EXCLUSIVE
PLUS 32 GAMES FROM
THE CHAMPIONSHIPS SUBSCRIBE NOW
0871 663 9000 PREMIERSPORTS.TV SKY CHANNEL 428 CALLS COST 10P PER MINUTE ON THE BT NETWORK, CALLS FROM OTHER CARRIERS AND MOBILES MAY VARY. TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY.
IVA Davies’ landmark song Great Southern Land could be the soundtrack for this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours. The former Icehouse frontman – whose 1989 homage to the Outback has been used in films, tourism campaigns and corporate promotions – is one of 582 Australians on the 2013 honours list. The top honour, Companion in the Order of Australia (AC), went to two eminent Australians. Professor James Crawford is a leading jurist, academic and author who was the first Australian member of the United Nations International Law Commission. He has appeared in more than 40 cases before the International Court of Justice and other international tribunals and is a respected source of advice to governments on issues from the fight against whaling to recognition of Aboriginal customary law. Professor Jill Ker Conway, who grew up in outback NSW, has written over 20 books on topics from feminism to the environment and her classic memoir The Road from Coorain, spent over a year on the New York Times bestseller list. Named Time magazine Woman of the Year in 1975, she has served on the corporate boards of Lend Lease, Nike, Colgate-Palmolive and Merrill Lynch and played leadership and philanthropic roles in a number of North American colleges and universities. Prof Conway is one of 209 women honoured this year – an increase of 43 per cent from 2012. Another influential woman, former ACTU chief and federal MP Jennie George, has been appointed an Officer (AO) in the General Division, while parliamentary colleague Petro Georgiou was similarly honoured. Gregory John Vickery has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the international community through leadership
Your Say On: Nurse’s family slams Aussie radio station for royal prank call DJ award
While it’s sad that Ms Saldanha chose to take her own life, surely it’s obvious she had mental health issues way before the prank call scenario. It is not normal for a healthy minded human being to do this after a prank call that puts them in the spotlight for all of two weeks. Why should either of the radio jocks be responsible for her CHOICE of action, to take her life. It seems typical that the British blame everyone else for their bad decisions, instead of taking responsibility. Had her family sought help for her way before this, as well as notifying her employer – so they too could organise appropriate help, she would never have reacted this way to the situation as she would have been well on her way to recovery, realising suicide is irrational behaviour.
Chairman of the Red Cross International Standing Commission, Gregory John Vickery, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours List (AAP Image/Dan Peled) and governance of humanitarian aid organisations. Mr Vickery has worked with the Red Cross for more than 40 years, and is now chairman of its international Standing Commission. Among the Members (AM) in the General Division was composer Davies and key figures in Queensland politics and government, including former Nationals leader Mike Horan and former top public servant, Bob McCarthy, as well as former West Australian Labor leader and minister Jim McGinty. Sporting greats were acknowledged, with Olympian and former Gold Coast mayor Ron Clarke appointed an AO. Cyclist Cadel Evans and motorcycle champion Casey Stoner were appointed AM, while OAMs went to Commonwealth Games gold
medallist runner Andrew Lloyd, world title-winning squash player Michelle Martin, Australian rules and rugby administrator Ross Oakley, former Wallaby Bill Ross and swimming great Matt Welsh. In the arts field, figurative painter and philanthropist Robert Dickerson and sculptor-photographer Fiona Hall were appointed Officers (AO) in the General Division. Dr Gabi Hollows, who with her late husband Fred led remarkable work in treating indigenous Australians with serious eye conditions, was honoured with an AO. Among the finance sector figures honoured was former Australian Industry Group chief and now central bank board member Heather Ridout, who was made an AO for her contribution to development of economic and public policy. - AAP
On: Australia has no culture and ‘feral’ crowds, says former England captain
Paul Bleakley at least showed the travesty of justice brought against Pauline by low life in the upper echelons of Federal Parliament.
Australia no culture? I guess like England has culture? Would that be the blokes spewing on the streets after too many warm beers in England, or the false superiority complex the English have? When you’re a Brit moron like Gower, you don’t appreciate the many nationalities that make up Australia and are celebrated in our everyday life. As for sledging, I understand this has been going on in cricket with ALL teams for more years than Gower’s been alive!
Barbara
On: Hanson signs up to Facebook to show she’s “with it, mate”
Onya Pauline, it takes guts to beat the system of Labor and the Liberals who went out of their way to screw the millions of people who believe Pauline. Looks like we are rising like the proverbial Phoenix. Journalists like
Rob
On: Royal commission won’t stop Church child abuse, says Sydney bishop
“It’s really the church itself that needs to take a hard look at itself” You sound like one of the paper shredding machines hard at work, you ask the victims what should be done, you ask us PRIEST. Your organization should be investigated like any criminal organization should be. We were in your hands as children, why the hell should we let you be in charge now. Tony
Barb
? What’s your view
Share your comments on these and more stories online: AustralianTimes.co.uk
News | 3
AustralianTimes.co.uk
No survivors found following latest asylum boat sinking ...continued from p1 will endeavour to recover, where possible, any bodies which may be relocated.” The spokeswoman added that the likelihood of successful recovery would diminish over time. Asked whether the bodies would eventually be recovered, the spokeswoman said she was “not sure”.
“Where it is possible, of course we will endeavour to locate and recover the bodies,” she said. “But at this stage, I don’t have a timeframe on that.” Border protection commander Rear Admiral David Johnston told reporters on Sunday the focus was on finding people alive and the recovery of bodies was complex and time consuming. The navy boat sent to look for
Get More News
AustralianTimes.co.uk/news
Includes £270 Food Fund Visit France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany & Belgium
Explorer
23 June 2013 NOW
WAS £1390
£1251
10% OFF
Visit England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales all in one amazing trip!
WAS £1895
£1706
10% OFF
Epic 20 day road trip from East Coast to West. Bright lights, natural wonders, unique cultures and much, much more
10% OFF
EuroHotel
18 DAY
European Odyssey 25 June, 20 July 2013
WAS £1895
£1706
10% OFF
Visit France, Switzerland, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Germany, Netherlands & Belgium
11 DAY
Canadian Rockies 15 July 2013
WAS £1325
£1193
10% OFF
Visit 7 of Canada’s best National and Provincial Parks
La Tomatina
Egypt 19 DAY
Rooms to let. Quite nice ones.
13 DAY
Ultimate Egypt 9 July 2013
NOW
WAS £778
£668
Pharaohs’ Footsteps
20% OFF
Includes US$370 Local Payment
9 July 2013
20% OFF
WAS £625 NOW
19 July 2013
£1395
Visit Norway, Finland & Estonia
Britain & Ireland
Coast to Coast - NYC to LA
WAS £1520
Includes £195 Food Fund
14 DAY
20 DAY
EuroClub
27 July 2013
20% OFF
£831
Favourite Ski/Winter Operator Favourite Tour Operator in Western Europe
European Getaway
16, 23 & 30 June 2013
WAS £990
Favourite Big Tour Operator
20 DAY
NOW
North America
EuroClub
Scenic Scandi
NOW
15 DAY
NOW
to congratulate Bruce and Denise Morcombe for their inclusion in the Queen’s Birthday honours list. Dr Leigh swore “hand on heart” he hadn’t held any discussions with colleagues about who would be the best leader. Parliamentary secretary Amanda Rishworth said voters she’d spoken with over the weekend were more interested in what Labor planned to do about health, education and the economy than internal party affairs. However, internal ALP polling from six Victorian seats, leaked to The Australian, showed a collapse in Labor’s primary vote to 35 per cent. This comes on the heels of a Fairfax/ReachTEL poll of six key electorates showing Labor’s twoparty preferred vote would be nearly seven percentage points higher if it reinstalled Mr Rudd as leader. Schools Education Minister Peter Garrett and Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare would lose their seats with Julia Gillard as prime minister, but if Mr Rudd were leading the party both would comfortably retain their seats, the poll found.
While they would retain their seats under Ms Gillard, the vote for Treasurer Wayne Swan and ministers Jenny Macklin and Bill Shorten would improve if Mr Rudd were leader. The poll also showed that 29 per cent of people believe Prime Minister Gillard is doing a very poor job, compared to the 18 per cent of people who believe she is doing a very good job. Dr Leigh conceded Labor had a lot of work to do in the lead up to the September 14 election. “But that work is talking about policy, not engaging with discussions around gossip and flim flam,” he said. Weeks of leadership speculation earlier this year led to former cabinet minister Simon Crean sparking the failed caucus showdown in which Mr Rudd refused to stand. At the time Mr Rudd said he would honour a promise made in February 2012 not to challenge for the leadership. In an interview last Thursday he appeared to diverge from that position slightly, saying he accepted the caucus decision of February 2012 when two-thirds of Labor MPs voted against him. - AAP
NOW
...continued from p1
survivors was later redirected to look for another vessel that had called for help. More than 11,000 asylum seekers on 167 boats have arrived this year. - AAP
Europe Summer
(AAP Image/David Crosling)
NOW
Key Labor figures reaffirm support for Julia Gillard
£537
Includes US$300 Local Payment
FROM
4 DAY TRIP
La Tomatina, Valencia, Spain
£189
PER PERSON
26-29 August 2013
3/4* Hotels
MORE DEALS ONLINE
www.londonshared.co.uk | 020 7610 9004
L8291 / Y2992
Call 0845 257 5210 Open 8am-9pm
1973
2013
EBR
A
RS
www.topdeck.travel
CEL
We rent hassle-free rooms to professionals in London. We send a cleaner once a week and we have a full-time maintenance man who looks after all our properties. Our rooms have flat screen TV’s, high-speed internet and we pay all the bills.
TOPDECK
AT I N G 4 0 Y E
*Terms and conditions apply. Prices quoted are for specific departures only. All trips subject to availability. Discounts are off the base trip price only, and do not apply to food funds and local payments. Flights not included. Egypt trip price includes local payment based on $1 = £0.618, which must be paid locally in USD. For full terms and conditions please visit www.topdeck.travel
4 | Exclusive Interview
11 - 17 June 2013
the Expat factor
Western Australia Day commemorated in London
Extraordinary Aussies in the UK
I moved to the UK in March 2011. My wife and I had always spoken about living, working and travelling in Europe, however it always seemed there was a reason not to – like starting a new job or buying a property. Finally everything aligned, and there was no real reason not to give it a go. We originally planned to come for six months, and if everything failed – call it a great holiday and head home. However, I secured my current job as General Manager of AFL Europe two days before leaving Australia which set me up for the long haul. I had completed a Masters in Sport Business in Australia, which led to my first job in sports development and administration with Gymnastics Victoria. Since then I have worked with AFL NSW/ACT and the ACT Government in Sport and Recreation. The role of AFL Europe is to grow the profile of Australian Rules Football in Europe, including the UK. The biggest challenge in London is getting more British people involved. Although we have the professional product on ESPN showing three live games a week in this market, activating someone from armchair fan to player can be difficult. It helps that many in the UK are familiar with Gaelic Football, which is definitely the most similar sport to AFL. We are currently running talent ID programs in Ireland and the rest of Europe. Ireland has potential to keep producing elite AFL talent such as past stars like Tadhg Kennelly, and the new crop are now showing they have what it takes. The future of the sport in the UK is at the local club level, and our clubs are always trying to recruit local players. Across regional areas the game is growing rapidly, driven by Brits. A lot of success has been had by PE teachers with access to scheduling footy into the curriculum. It is a very exciting time for the sport in England and the rest of the UK. The weather here impacts the growth of outdoor sports. It is an issue our leagues have dealt with by moving the season to summer. This ensures more play days, however it does reduce the availability of ovals around the country as it clashes with the cricket season. I would have to say a career highlight has been meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Also, I am very proud of the events we have run, including three Euro Cups. The recent AFL European Challenge at the Oval, where the Port Adelaide Power and Western Bulldogs came over to London for an exhibition match, was a fantastic way to showcase the game in the UK. These events are important to provide an opportunity for Aussies to get their footy fix and European fans to see the sport up close and personal. We have a couple of big projects in the development phase so hopefully there is something for the Aussie expats and locals to get excited about in the coming years as well.
WA Agent General, Kevin Skipworth with Rio Tinto's Chief Executive, Sam Walsh.
By Matt Dawson
Ben MacCormack General Manager AFL Europe
There’s a lot of travel involved in this job – heading to countries like Iceland, Croatia, Russia and Italy (to name a few) to find passionate Australian Rules players and volunteers to help grow the game that so many Australians grew up following. However, I really enjoy quiet weekends here in London, as it is such an amazing city. The countryside too is spectacular, and doesn’t get the recognition with Aussies that it deserves. We are all in such a hurry to get over to the continent that regional UK gets overlooked. Weekends in the UK are the only time I get to watch games, and meet with the volunteers and players of the sport. My wife and I also spend time catching up with friends in a park or a pub. It’s probably not a secret, but the Holly Bush near Hampstead Heath has to have the best pork belly roast in London. We have been back a few
times! I’d also recommend Living Social as a great way to discover restaurants all over the city. What I miss about Australia is BBQs after work, and being able to sit in our garden and play with the dog. Family and friends are missed as well, although technology helps us stay in touch much better than you could 10 years ago. Also, I have been shocked that the wages here are so low, yet the cost of living feels about the same. I would say to anyone coming to the UK to be prepared for some initial challenges with setting up your UK life but go with it and you’ll have an amazing experience. To find out more about the AFL Europe program of events see www. afleurope.org, follow AFL Europe on Twitter @AFL_Europe or like AFL Europe on Facebook. Interview by Alex Ivett
On Monday 3 June Western Australians in London gathered to celebrate Western Australia Day, marking the establishment of the Swan River colony in 1829. Following a commemorative service in The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy, over 100 Western Australians and associates attended a lunch reception at Australia House. Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive, Sam Walsh AO, a recent arrival to his post in London, gave the annual address during the church service. Mr Walsh spoke of the important transformation of Western Australia, from its infancy as a British colony in 1829 to the vibrant, multicultural and inclusive society of today. “We have established a modern, clean capital city with its steel and glass skyscrapers which, along with our regional towns and cities, are built on some of the oldest geological structures on Earth,” Mr Walsh said. Mr Walsh highlighted the multicultural face of WA today, with some 200 nationalities, 100 religious faiths and 170 languages spoken across the state. The WA Agent General, Kevin Skipworth highlighted the importance of the State Government and resources companies working
in partnership with WA’s local aboriginal communities so they can share the benefits of mining activity, particularly through employment. “That we bring together so many Western Australians, so far from home year after year is testament to the value we place on kinship and our shared heritage. “It was a great pleasure to hear Sam Walsh address the congregation on this significant occasion. Sam is a role model to fellow Western Australians through his achievements in business and dedication to the community through culture and the arts in our state,” Mr Skipworth said. The Australian High Commissioner to the UK, the Hon Mike Rann, Deputy High Commissioner, Andrew Todd and Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Manager, David Crook attended the commemorative events. The Western Australian Government’s Europe Office will host a Wine Tasting event this Thursday 13 June as part of its Western Australia Day celebrations. For more information and to RSVP email wine@wago.co.uk.
Community | 5
AustralianTimes.co.uk
Death of a Soldier - A Mother’s Story
n REVIEW | Margaret Evison’s Death of a Soldier is a book that
needed to be written. It goes beyond the headlines and strips away the veneer to show what it is really like to be a soldier on active service in Afghanistan, and just as importantly, the mother of one.
By Simon Kleinig THE very title of this book immediately stirs emotions and for many of us it is a path we would prefer not to follow. But Margaret Evison’s Death of a Soldier is a book that everyone should read. An Australian who moved to Britain in her twenties, Margaret retains close links to her native country through regular visits to her family in Melbourne and Sydney. Her son, Mark, carried dual passports and spent some time working as a jackeroo near Hay in New South Wales before serving with the Welsh Guards as a platoon commander. Lt Mark Evison died from wounds sustained in a firefight in Helmand province, Afghanistan, four years ago. Death of a Soldier — A Mother’s Story is a book that needed to be written. The war in Afghanistan often seems another world away and we need to be reminded of it occasionally. The politics of war and the arguments for and against it have
nothing to do with the dedication and professionalism of the young men and women who serve their country. This book goes beyond the headlines and strips away the veneer to give the reader a sense of what it is really like to be a soldier on active service in Afghanistan, and just as importantly, the mother of one. Mercifully, most of us will never have to experience the conflicting human emotions that accompany combat. The closest we ever come is through TV news footage and the reports of on-the-spot photojournalists. However, this book comes as close to conveying the atmosphere of soldiers reacting to a combat experience as you are ever likely to read. Margaret Evison’s sparse, elegant writing style captures the very essence of her son’s life. She tells Mark’s story where it begins — with his birth, then takes us on a journey through his childhood, school years and into adulthood and Mark’s enlistment in the army. The circumstances surrounding Mark’s
death are revealed through interviews with members of his platoon who were on the spot when he was shot, and the author rightly questions the efficiency of his medical evacuation and asks searching questions about the subsequent coroner’s inquest. Margaret Evison’s book is never prejudiced or bitter; it shows remarkable poise and balance to the final page, but it also asks important questions that need to be asked — and answered. Above all, this book serves as a tribute to her son and a celebration of a life in full flight with all its hope, potential and optimism captured in a way that many of us, should we be permitted the privilege of a long life, will never experience. Death of a Soldier — A Mother’s Story is published by Biteback Publishing. A once only special offer of the book is available to Australian Times readers at only £9.99. Visit bitebackpublishing. com/promotions then enter the code AUSTRALIAN TIMES (all in CAPS and with a space).
Australian designs to feature in London Festival of Architecture Three Australian architecture practices will exhibit in the showcase exhibition, Atlas of the Unbuilt World, during this year’s London Festival of Architecture. The Festival of Architecture, held throughout June, is an annual, monthlong, citywide exploration of the built environment. Atlas of the Unbuilt World, the British Council’s international exhibition for the Festival, provides a snapshot of the future of architecture, featuring over 50 project models by architects from more than 30 countries. Australia’s contribution is commissioned by the Australian High Commission, United Kingdom and has been curated by Cameron Bruhn, editorial director of Architecture Media and Katelin Butler, editor of Houses magazine. Models of three up-and-coming projects will be presented, sampling the diversity of Australian architecture practice. The three projects featured are the Green Square Library & Plaza in Sydney, the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Melbourne and the Brookfield Residence in Brisbane. “The projects survey context, type and approach,” said co-curator Cameron Bruhn. “Australia is one of the most urbanized countries in the world and the Green Square and University of Melbourne projects are both responses to the contemporary city.” Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mike Rann, said modern Australian design reflected the high living standards of Australia, with four of Australia’s major cities routinely ranked in the top ten of the world’s most livable cities. “There is now a much sharper focus on design excellence, not just of buildings but the spaces in between,
London Legacy Annual Reception at Australia House Margaret Evison will be launching her book at the Annual Legacy Reception at Australia House on Thursday, 13 June 2013 at 6pm. Margaret will have copies of her book available for purchase and signing. The reception is a relaxed event held to allow London Legacy to say thank you to their supporters and sponsors. For enquiries contact: lindsaybirrell@gmail.com.
Aussies: Save Big on Expat Car Insurance! • Worldwide Liability Protection • Accident Forgiveness • Fast Claim Processing • Multi-policy Discounts • 65 Years of Experience
Get a FREE quote at clements.com or call +44 (0) 20 7397 4960 Green Square Library and Plaza in Sydney, New South Wales by Stewart Hollenstein in association with Colin Stewart Architects. with better urban planning now being debated and embraced nationally,” Mr Rann said. “Integrated design principles have become a model for longer term thinking and more intelligent investment in architecture, actively
involving Australians in re-imagining their communities.” The exhibition will be open from 7 to 28 June at the Bartlett School of Architecture (University College London).
6 | UK Life
11 - 17 June 2013
Pardon me, Sir, you appear to be standing on my foot. n
For a country that invented walking on the left-hand side, the English aren’t very good at it. By Michaela Gray As an expat pedestrian in London you don’t so much get from A to B as survive the journey. Albeit, not entirely unscathed. On my last visit, I broke a shoe; last week I nearly broke a foot. I expect to lose a toe at some point. Be it on the city streets or in the
depths of the tube passageways, walking requires complete concentration. You are forever side-stepping this way and that, leaping out of the way of oncoming pedestrians who’d sooner shoulder charge you onto your arse than move an inch further onto their side of the path. For a country that invented walking on the left-hand side, the English aren’t very good at it. It’s not even that they’re not paying attention. A Londoner will stare you square in the eye as they approach, striding smack bang down the middle of the path, as if to challenge you not to throw your back against a shop front and out of their way. Now listen – spatial awareness is
easy. Stay on the left. If unsure, move further left. When a fellow pedestrian approaches, reassess your position. If you’ve wandered onto the right, correct yourself. Move left! The English are exceedingly good at standing on the right side of the escalator, but give them a street to roam around on and they’ll turn it into a Gladiator ring. If you can keep a sense of humour about it you’ll be much better off. Think of a walk to the grocery store as participating in a real life video game. Avoid the obstacles and you won’t so much win a life as get to keep the one you’ve already got. That said, I look forward to the day a walk down the street seems as mundane as it did back home.
Seeking sunshine in Scotland n
Part Two | If part one didn’t help you turn that translucent skin a healthy shade of pink, this week’s summer activities in Edinburgh should do the trick.
Edinburgh Expat > Tyson Yates
Welcome to the (rental) jungle Surviving london > Bianca Soldani
Rent. Those four innocent looking letters that taunt and tease every Aussie when they first come to London. Finding a place to live is challenging anywhere in the world, but back home you’ve got friends and family to lend you a couch when in need and help you with the big move when the time comes around. Not the case (for most) in London town. Add in the extremely competitive market, need to find a flat near to public transport, sky-high costs and general poor quality of what’s on offer and you have yourself a real handful. Finding a nice place to live is a full-time job and you’ve got to be on your toes if you want to bag something good. Whether you stalk an Apple Store, swap mocha-chocalattes for free wifi at Starbucks, or sweet-talk your way into an internet café owner’s heart, do what you gotta do to hook yourself up to a computer and get the search underway. After all, how long can
you stay in your 13-share dorm before a park bench starts looking like a viable option. First things first. Do yourself a favour and always sort properties from newest to oldest. Things move quickly in this town so if you find something you like, jump on it, or somebody else will. When you’ve got your eye on a particular property, it’s always useful to aim to be the first person to view it, because if the place is worth taking it’ll be taken on the first viewing. I was so eager to secure my studio flat in South London I said yes just as soon as I walked in the door. The agent led me into the bedroom – which didn’t contain the kitchen – and I dropped an excited, “I’ll take it!” A tad hasty I agree, but how often do you come across a well-priced studio where you don’t sleep in front of your stove? Another very London problem are old buildings. From the outside they add to the historic scenery and oldworld charm of the city, on the inside however, they’re often dank and dark, have cracked ceilings, jammed windows and rusty pipes. There can be many issues with old buildings so make sure you ask the right questions when checking one out. It’s also important to have a flexible landlord
who understands the building is old and that some things may need to be fixed or replaced during your stay. Also if a long hot shower is not a negotiable point for you, don’t go for a ground floor flat in an old building. Old piping systems favour higher apartments and water only trickles down to the ground floor often leading to lukewarm low-pressure showers. So unless you intend on reaching for the hose every time you need to wash your hair, ask the current tenants or have a sneaky test while visiting the place. For other hints and ‘how to’s’ for getting around London, check out Bianca’s new book, “An Aussie’s Survival Guide to London” from talktraveltome.com; tackling the little problems for newcomers to London.
We aren’t exactly sipping Bombora cocktails out of coconut halves here, but it seems that summer is well and truly on its way. How do I know this? Well, apart from the oddly precise date marked on the calendar (21 June as opposed to the much more relaxed attitude in Australia of “when December starts”), I also find myself donning shorts and opening windows. Plus, I’ve come to terms with buying a summer jacket, which to me always sounded like the very epitome of an oxymoron but turns out to be an actual thing here in the UK. And now I have one. Last week I brought you a column describing a few things you could do in Edinburgh when the sun makes an appearance. Going to the beach, having a BBQ, sitting outdoors for a pint – all of those activities that come instinctively to anyone who is familiar with summer in Oz. Still, with the long winter we’ve just had, I felt it was worth reminding people. This week however I have dug a little deeper and found a couple more things to do in Edinburgh on a rare sunny day. Let’s start with the good ole Scottish pastime, golf. It is a game that has been designed to be played in the worst of conditions. However for the half-interested punter like myself it becomes all-the-more tolerable a sport when the weather is fine. Having invented it, it would only make sense for golf to be accessible to all living in the Scottish capital, which is why the city of Edinburgh has dedicated 35 acres of its centre to a practice green. Bruntsfield Links don’t provide a big enough space to perfect your drive, but they also aren’t purely for putting.
Instead these links are somewhere in between and the course has proven to be a great place to relax on those sweltering 25 degree summer days. But be warned — due to its central location this course is dissected by footpaths so make sure you don’t hit a passer-by with a wayward chip. Playing golf across a walkway seems like a ridiculous idea I know, but I haven’t seen anyone get hit yet, so the system works. If you are looking for something a little more extreme than golf (as if there is such a thing), you could always catch a city bus to the UK’s biggest artificial slope. Located in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, just outside Edinburgh, the Snowsports Centre gives those seeking a mild, artificial thrill a place to ski, tube and snowboard for 50 weeks of the year. Who knew that snow sports could be successful without mountains, or snow? Finally, for those who have better sense than to work up a sweat on a relaxing summer day, you could spend some time at Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura. Nestled in top of a Victorian rooftop chamber and located beside the Castle in the heart of the city, this exhibition provides you with some interesting, unique and guided views of Edinburgh streets as seen through the eyes of a giant periscope. Despite this age of modern technology, all that is required for some spectacular panorama views of the city are mirrors, some lenses and daylight. Yep, daylight, so best save this one for cloudless skies. There you have it, a handful of things to do if you happen to see the sun on your visit to the Scottish capital and while we might have to wait a whole two weeks for summer to officially start, we can keep ourselves occupied by mulling over one simple question — whatever happened to spring?
UK Life | 7
AustralianTimes.co.uk
Image by Patche99z
London can set you free n
You heard it here first; the best things in life are free. We hunt down the top ten things to do in London on a budget. Honeymooning Nomad > Jacqui Moroney
A recent TripAdvisor survey ranked London as leaving much to be desired when it came to “Value for Money” – coming 35th on the list of 40. However, as a new resident of London and a confessed Anglophile, I feel it is my duty to show the city I have come to know and love – affordable London. No matter how long you are in London, there are a multitude of things to do that are budget friendly and fun. To help narrow the list, I’m going to give you my favourite things to do – all for free.
Top 10 London activities – for free
British Museum Located near Holborn, this museum was opened in 1753 and houses more than seven million objects, including treasures such as The Rosetta Stone, the Assyrian lion-hunt reliefs, the Parthenon Sculptures, the Black Obelisk and the Portland Vase. To fit everything in, check out the free walking tour at 2pm every Saturday afternoon by London Walks. Parks and public gardens Surprisingly, London is one of the greenest capitals in the world, featuring parks that are perfect for sunbathing and picnics in the summer, and refreshing walks or a game of football in the winter. Some of the major parks include Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park, Greenwich Park (with fantastic museums), Hampstead Heath, Regent’s Park (also home of London Zoo), Clapham Common, and Richmond Park (home to hundreds of deer). There are also a number of stunning public gardens that house a variety of plants, bridges and outdoor galleries. If botany is your thing, check out the magnificent World Heritage Site covering 300 acres that is Kew Gardens, the recently resorted Chiswick House and Gardens, the oasis of Isabella Plantation, the rock gardens in Chelsea Physic Garden, and the landscaped parks of Syon House and Park. Tower of London Ceremony of the Keys The Ceremony of the Keys at 9.30pm is the traditional locking up of the Tower of London and has taken place every single night, without fail, for the last 700 years. While the Monarch no longer resides here, the Crown Jewels and many other valuables still do. Tickets are free,
but you are required to write to the Ceremony of the Keys Office (Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB) with a return envelope and request two possible dates you can attend at least two months in advance. National Gallery Situated on the north side of Trafalgar Square, this gallery houses an amazing collection of Western European paintings in the world from about 1300 onwards. There are works from Botticelli, Titian, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Cezanne, Hogarth, and Gainsborough. The National Gallery is open late on Fridays until 9pm so you can explore the paintings, see an exhibition, or take a guided tour with fewer crowds. There is also live music, a bar and food at the National Café. Changing of the Guard This takes place at 11.30am daily from April to July, and on alternate days from August to April (unless planned events change the schedule). The nearest Tube stations are Victoria, Green Park and St James. The activity starts at 10.45am, but some people arrive as early as 9.30am to get a good position.
Geffrye Museum This museum in East London offers a vivid physical history of the English interior in a set of 18th century almshouses. You can observe the domestic history in a display of original furniture, paintings, textiles and decorative arts from the 1600s. Check Out a City Farm For all things cute and adorable, check out one of London’s city farms that are scattered throughout the capital. Mudchute Park and Farm is one of the largest city farms, spanning 32 acres in the middle of the Isle of Dogs in East London. Others areas to discover the urban agriculture across the city include Vauxhall City Farm, Spitalfields City Farm, Deen City Farm, Surrey Docks Farm, Hackney City Farm, and Hounslow Urban Farm. Each farm hosts a multitude of traditional farm animals (pigs, horses, goats and chickens) and some specialise in rare breeds and more unusual inhabitants such as alpacas and chipmunks. Most of the farms offer volunteering opportunities and also sell much of their own produce including free range eggs, seasonal vegetables and herbs and even honey at Freightliners City Farm.
Dating disasters n
As the cliché goes, there are plenty more fish in the sea. And in the ocean that is London, it is best to cast a wide net. SUBCULTURE SLEUTH > PAUL BLEAKLEY
In Australia, I don’t think I ever went on a proper date. I took girls to the movies, sure. Occasionally I would even splash out on a moderately priced restaurant. The thing with living in your hometown, however, is that you usually have a connection to everyone. You don’t just meet someone entirely random – they always know someone that knows you. It takes a lot of the mystery out of the equation, and if there is one thing I like it is a mystery. That is why being in London is so appealing: the city is a virtual smorgasbord of options, with eligible bachelorettes from all over the world converging in the same place. I feel somewhat like the fat Austrian kid from Willy Wonka, gorging on the delights before inevitably overreaching and falling face-first into a river of chocolate. I am still learning this whole dating thing, and so far I am pretty horrible at it. I have classic ‘chasing cars syndrome’ - like a dog chasing a car, I will run after everything I see
The V&A Museum The Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the three major museums in South Kensington. It holds the most comprehensive collection of British design and art from 1500 to 1900, as well as artefacts from many of the world’s richest cultures. On the last Friday of every month the V&A hosts Friday Late, which includes live performances, one-off displays and installations, debates, bar and food, guest DJs and late-night exhibition openings.
without any clue of what to do when I eventually catch it. I have had some opportunity to practice my craft since being in London, and it is lucky that everyone is not connected here like they are at home. Because really? It has been woeful. There appears to be a trend that is rapidly developing in my London dating life: my date getting incredibly drunk. I don’t mean a little bit giggly and tipsy either – plastered, seeing double, stumbling into traffic style drunkenness. I should be prepared for this by now, yet it always unfolds the same way. Everything is going swimmingly at first, I am in the zone and shooting three-pointers with every witty comment and sly bit of flirtatious banter. The moment inevitably comes though, like a switch flicking over. The moment when I realise that we have crossed a line from alcohol being a social lubricant to a weapon of mass destruction. The next thing I know, I have a slurring English girl falling asleep on my shoulder on the Tube as I try (usually in vain) to find out which stop is closest to her house so that I can deliver her to her doorstep in one piece. And in the end, there I am: walking through the icy rain, alone, hunting for the last open off-licence. Dating in London has not really gone to plan so far. As the cliché goes, however, there are plenty more fish in the sea… and to catch a fish, it is best to cast a wide net.
Get More UK Life
AustralianTimes.co.uk/uk-life
Big Ben (free for UK London markets permanent residents only) London has an array of various markets The famous tower of Westminster that are free to visit and full of life and Parliament, popularly known as Big colour. My favourite are: Ben, is actually called the Elizabeth • Covent Garden for some of the Tower. Big Ben is the nickname of prettiest, and poshest, markets the bell housed within the Tower, and • Camden Markets are full of colourful is officially known as the Great Bell. faces and sometimes odd tidbits Each lunchRoad break, check out what’sAnew website. free on tourthe is open to UK permanent • Columbia Flower Markets residents only and must be arranged are open Sundays 8am to 3pm through a local MP or Member of • Brick Lane Market, Petticoat Lane the House of Lords. The tour takes Market and Spitalfields Market in you up the 334 stone spiral steps to East London. All within walking the top of the 153 year old Elizabeth distance of each other, these Tower to hear Big Ben strike the markets are great for everything hour. from vintage clothing, glassware, books to up and coming designer Now you’ve ticked numbers 1 to 10 clothes and fashion items off the list, next week read 11 to 20 • Borough Market is the best for for more inspiration. the freshest fruit and vegetables, nicest cheese and best cut meat in the city.
Every day on …
8 | Food & Wine
11 - 17 June 2013
Foodies assemble n
The Taste of London Festival in Regent’s Park is packed full of produce, products and sneak peeks into London’s top restaurants. A foodie heaven you don’t have to wait for. As someone who loves food, and festivals, it’s not often I get the chance to indulge in my two passions at the same time – let alone in a beautiful outdoor setting being
warmed by the summer sun. For those with similar interests, who don’t think eating a day old hotdog in a far flung field of Somerset at a music festival really fits the bill, the Taste of London festival offers the perfect alternative. For four days in June Regent’s Park is transformed into a haven for everyone from your refined gourmands through to your everyday epicures. Or just those who love to eat, drink and appreciate food.
Packed with produce
The annual festival offers the opportunity to sample products and produce from over 200 global producers, as well as the chance to taste food from 40 of London’s top restaurants – the ones usually packed to the brim with visiting celebrities or featuring lines out the door. Taste Festival is your opportunity to dine like Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis at newcomers Duck & Waffle, partake in some Peruvian from Lima
and enjoy the gastronomic delights of Gaucho, Le Gavroche or Tamarind, all in the no fuss atmosphere of an outdoor park. For its 10th anniversary the festival will also host a series of culinary exclusives, including three generations of the Roux dynasty – Albert Roux, Michael Roux Jr and Emily Roux. Plus, with other options such as interactive cooking demonstrations at the Electroux Chefs’ Secrets and a Masterclass from Laurent Perrier, it’s looking like the best line-up yet for the London hosting of this international festival.
Fire up the barbie!
And, for those Australians missing their summer barbies, this year’s
Up on
high n
CHEF DE PARTIES AND ABOVE ongoing temp & permanent roles
£9 - £15 per hour depending on chef level & experience
5 Star Hotels, Restaurants, Sports Events, VIP Catering and More Create buffet, canape receptions and lavish banquets for a large range of clients - from awards ceremonies to film premieres and Royal receptions. Ltd Company & Self Employed welcome.
Apply to sarah@heatlondon.com or 0203 142 7117 www.heatlondon.com
At Paramount, the term High Tea is applied literally, as a lavish afternoon spread is enjoyed with 360 degree views of London. By Paul Bleakley
The tradition of enjoying a lavish afternoon tea – known as ‘high tea’ — has been a staple of British life for centuries. Never before has the term been applied as literally as it is at Paramount, a restaurant and bar nestled thirty-two floors above London with 360 degree views of everything that the capital has to offer. Despite its location in the Centre Point high-rise on bustling New Oxford Street, a visit to Paramount is like ascending to a peaceful sanctuary allowing patrons to escape the tumult of the city below. This is not an ‘eat and go’ experience: Paramount has been specially crafted by designer Tom Dixon to encourage diners to wind down and enjoy a relaxing, allafternoon affair. For the uninitiated Australian, going for high tea is an extremely foreign affair. The combination of sweet and savoury delights can be somewhat overwhelming, and the canapé-style food can seem somewhat daunting. If that is the case, you have nothing to fear at Paramount: the menu designed by new head chef Mark Kay incorporates complex flavours into bite-sized morsels
festival holds something extra special – BBQ enthusiasts are being invited to go head-to-head to provide their grilling credentials in a BBQ Challenge, for the chance to be crowned the 2013 BBQ Champion. Ten finalists will battle it our live at the Weber BBQ Experience on 22 June, with a panel of judges to choose the BBQ’er extrodinaire. For the change to enter go to the Taste Festival website and tell them what makes you the ultimate BBQ champion. Taste of London festival is on from 20 to 23 June at Regent’s Park. Tickets are available from tastefestivals.com/ London. that will leave you begging for more. Australian Mark Kay, formerly of Chez Bruce and Wild Honey, has brought an eclectic range of options to Paramount while still managing to adhere to the traditional archetype of what high tea should be. On offer are a variety of gourmet sandwiches diverse enough to satisfy the peculiarities of anybody’s tastes: ocean-fresh smoked salmon and fromage blanc on rye pumpernickel is partnered with perfectly poached chicken with spring onion mayonnaise on multigrain. The presentation of these sandwiches may provide confusion to high tea first-timers, who will inevitably wonder where the traditional ham and cucumber offerings are hiding. Taking a chance on Mark Kay’s menu is rewarding, however, with the expertly crafted flavours of each sandwich combining to transform the traditional sandwich into a culinary experience. The Paramount high tea menu also includes a quiche of the day alongside a range of deserts and justout-of-the-oven scones. The theme that underpins each aspect of the high tea is freshness: everything from the sandwiches to the scones are bursting with unmistakably crisp flavours. It would, of course, not be high tea without a beverage on offer. Paramount offers an extensive range
of tea and coffee including Jasmine Pearls – hand-rolled and scented with fresh jasmine flowers — and Organic Bohea Lapsang, which has a distinctive smoky, liquorish-tinged flavour. It is not just tea and coffee that is on offer at Paramount, however: for an additional cost, you can toast to being on top of the world (or London, at least) with a glass of champagne. For many Australians, experiencing high tea is on a must-do list of things to do while in London. While there are a multitude of options across the city, there are none that incorporate the skyhigh views and luxurious atmosphere of Paramount. Rise above the city and take a few hours to treat yourself to an experience you will never forget. Paramount 101-103 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1DD Paramount.uk.net High Tea is served from 3pm to 6pm daily.
Entertainment | 9
AustralianTimes.co.uk
Wearing the trousers
It’s the end of the tax year!
Mezzo-soprano Caitlin Hulcup
Claim your tax refund at only a 12.5% fee
n
1 in 3 people working in the UK are due a tax refund and you
INTERVIEW | Australian mezzo-soprano and musical all-rounder Caitlin Hulcup talks to WILL FITZGIBBON ahead of her performance as Calbo in Gioachino Rossini’s opera Maometto secondo.
By Sophie Mathisen DURING the 2012 Cannes Film Festival Nina Moretti successfully petitioned the Palme d’Or Jury to encourage industry-wide discussion about how to “create a greater space for women within cinema”. Skip ahead one year and there was just one woman up for the festival’s top prize – Valerie Bruni Tedeschi. Disappointing, naturally. The festival does host a smaller category, however, entitled Un Certain Regarde, designed for up and coming directors whose work is considered especially innovative. Here, of the eighteen films presented, eight were directed by women, and many of them penned the screenplays as well. There lies the answer to the contentious question – where are the female directors of tomorrow hiding? We are, in fact, not hiding; we are at the starting blocks, ready and waiting. As Australians we have an anomalous tradition of fostering female directors. I was raised on the films of female directors Gillian Armstrong, Jane Campion, and more recently Sarah Watt, Cate Shortland and Anna Kokkinos. There was always a certain pride in knowing I shared their nationality as well as their gender. They provided a useful precedent in encouraging young women to lead in an environment where we are most commonly led. As I move into serious pre-production of my own first feature, DRAMA, I am thankful for being raised in an
invitation to perform in Rossini’s littleknown Maometto secundo. “What’s it called?” Hulcup remembers asking. After months of rehearsal, Hulcup is ready for this notoriously difficult part. “It is virtuosic and everyone has a big range,” says Hulcup, opening the musical score to reveal page after page of tiny black notes indicating rapid rises and falls or coloratura. Maometto secundo follows the personal and political story of a Byzantine emperor at war with Venice. For Hulcup, it is an opera of extremes – extremes of music and extremes of emotion. Hulcup performs the male role of the Venetian Calbo, part of the ‘fine tradition of trouser roles’ for female mezzo-sopranos, she says. Calbo is a suitor of Anna, the daughter of the embattled Venetian leader. While Anna’s father is desperate for his pride and joy to settle down with the reliable Calbo, Anna has fallen in love with the Byzantine chief, enemy of her father and of her nation. It is perfect dramatic material for an opera. From belly dancers to nurses, Garsington Opera’s upcoming production has it all, Hulcup says. “It’s a physical challenge,” Hulcup says about the heavy costumes and lights. “You have to manage your energy really well, like not talking straight after singing.” The new edition of the opera premiered in the United States of America last year. Reviewers praised the work for ‘the grandeur and beauty of this compelling music drama.’
did not work for the full financial year. Beat the rush and get your claim in now! We work on a “no refund, no fee”
It will be the first UK performance of Maometto secondo, continuing Garsington Opera’s tradition of producing lesser-known operas with great success. “I’m really looking forward to performing at Garsington,” says Hulcup who is appearing for the first time at the famous opera festival that takes place just one hour from London. Garsington’s light-as-air outdoor pavilion sits among rolling green hills and cud-munching deer in the estate of the British businessman Mark Getty. Alongside Rossini, this year’s Garsington Opera will also feature operas by Mozart and Humperdinck.
policy, so you have nothing to lose!
> Free no obligation quote > Over 130 000 successful claims > Member of the Association of Tax agents
Garsington Opera runs from 7 June to 20 July. For more details, visit Garsingtonopera.org.
0808 168 2600
taxobc@1stcontact.com www.1stcontact.com/taxobc *£850 is roughly the average amount owed to a Tax Refund client. Your personal claim will depend on your individual circumstances.
44052
If Australian mezzo-soprano Caitlin Hulcup was not so friendly and charming, her prodigious musical talents might make her easy to dislike from simple envy. This month, Hulcup appears at Garsington Opera at Wormsley in a production of the 19th century Italian composer Gioachino Rossini’s opera Maometto secondo. Yet before switching to opera, Hulcup was a regular sight for classical music audiences in Perth, where she worked with the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra and diverse chamber groups. However it is as a mezzo-soprano that the Melbourne-born musical all-rounder now travels the world, performing from Australia to Russia. Playing the violin and singing were competing parts of Hulcup’s life for a long time but one has finally won out. “When I was a child I sang a lot with my mum,” Hulcup remembers, eating a falafel salad and seedless grapes after a morning’s opera rehearsal. “Quite a few string players have become singers,” she says, underplaying her musical abilities in the typical selfeffacing Australian way. Hulcup remembers that quite a few friends and acquaintances thought she was mad to swap the violin bow for her own vocal chords. But as Hulcup quickly gained prominence by winning a string of scholarships and awards allowing her to study and perform in Europe, the decision has clearly paid off. The invitation to perform at Garsington is further proof of the wisdom of the change. But Hulcup admits she was a little stumped when she received the
could be one of them - even if you are a working student or
Calling the shots
44052_TR_South_African.indd 1
n
An Australian female director answers the question being asked the world over: where are the female directors? environment like Australia, where my sex does not define my opportunities. At eleven I was never baulked at for wanting to play Aussie rules in a boys’ team — I was actively encouraged. Making my film has been no different. I have been supported to undertake a wildly ambitious task: the joining of two disparate filmmaking communities – France and Australia – on a micro, micro budget. Nearly all of my heads of departments are Australian females, and all with a wealth of experience. Cutting their teeth in the Australian industry on films such as Animal Kingdom, Lore, Mao’s Last Dancer, Red Dog and television such as Wentworth, RUSH and Angry Boys, to name but a handful. They are forgoing their normal salaries in order to prove themselves on an international scale and to support a story and initiative that will result in greater exposure for the women taking control of their career trajectories. We are raising our funds from the ground up and we are looking for helping hands to help us make a film that speaks to an international audience and surpasses the boundaries set by traditional film funding models. We
have secured the most recognizable French and Australian talent, with nothing more than a script and our hearts. It’s testament to our desire to be recognized as two of the things we value most highly: being Australian and being a girl, because to us they have only ever been starting blocks under our feet rather than obstacles in our path. For more information on the film or how to get involved, see Afilmcalleddrama. com or Indiegogo.com/projects/drama.
Great News!
Just scan this QR code or go to
AustralianTimes.co.uk/newspapers
29/03/2012 14:16
You can now get your Australian Times newspaper every week as a FREE digital edition for your iPad, iPhone or Android.
10 | Entertainment
What’s On Flight Facilities 13 June @Village Underground Rick Springfield 13 June @Shepherd's Bush Empire Matt Corby 19 June Koko, Camden Xavier Rudd 24 June @Koko Tame Impala 25 June @ Hammersmith Apollo Kate Miller-Heidke 3 July @The Islington Flume 4 July @ Heaven
For full details... ...and more Aussie gigs go to: AustralianTimes.co.uk/entertainment
See what we are following this week on
All things cricket @GregBaum Australian cricket team's mantra in England: "It's only a flesh wound." @SirBobMenzies There is no doubt the poor performance of the Australian Cricket Team can be blamed on the carbon tax. #auspol @Wil_Anderson On the downside didn't get an upgrade for flight to London. On upside Australian cricket team are on board, hope they do safety demo live... @stephen_vagg No matter what Shane warne says my ball of the century will always belong to trevor Chappell vs the kiwis #cricketaustralia @infinitycricket Welcome to UK - get some turn and capture that urn Fawad! #Fawadahmed #Ashes @mswolly #Katter says he'd rather Australia loses in Test Cricket than wins with an asylum seeker #FawadAhmed. I'd rather Katter loses #AusPol @lismayer123 #fawadahmed sorry but cant agree with someone who’s been in Aust 3 years representing our Country! Ridiculous!! @sssssarah I've just seen Mitchell Johnson's hair ... what is that about? #auscricket
Follow us on Twitter @AustralianTimes
11 - 17 June 2013
Knowing the score n
Elliot Wheeler, film composer and music arranger, has applied his prodigious music skills to his own creation with his debut album The Long Time. He talks to BONNIE GARDINER about drawing inspiration from iconic films, including his latest – Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. From the screeching violins of Psycho to the chilling 'ba-dam’ of Jaws, a film’s music can make or break the viewing experience, and few know this better than Aussie composer and music arranger Elliott Wheeler. After extensive work with Baz Luhrmann, a director famous for his soundtracks almost as much as for his films, Wheeler has flipped the equation, drawing inspiration from iconic movie scenes to create his own incredible new album, The Long Time. “I found the notion of taking something from a movie scene very liberating,” Wheeler tells Australian Times. “It allows you to explore an emotion by pulling yourself into a particular scene, and it removes some of the barriers that you use to self censor yourself when writing about your own feelings.” Wheeler’s enthusiasm for films made in the 1960s and 70s is palpable, as he claims the storytelling of the era was fantastic, while also upholding extremely strong musical language without being too overt. For intense moments, such as the look exchanged between Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway during Bonnie and Clyde before being covered in a hail of bullets, the greeting between Robert Redford and his secret assassin at 2am in The Sting, Wheeler draws on the feeling in these emotional moments and encapsulates the characters within them. “Rather than actually trying to completely tell the story, for me it’s more that notion of being there. “So with The Sting, it was being awake, alone, cold and not knowing anybody, this was enough of a starting point for me to be able to go and tell
that story.” The Long Time has been almost six years in the making, usually tended to in his precious little time, though Wheeler has revelled in approaching a project that, unlike films, has no deadlines or anybody giving him orders. “That’s both liberating and terrifying,” he adds. “It’s been so fun doing the album, and so fun finishing it! I think the first one is the biggest hurdle.” As well as celebrating the release of his debut album last month, Wheeler attended the premiere of the latest film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, directed by Baz Luhrmann. As arranger and additional music producer for the film, he collaborated with big names such as Jay-Z, Lana Del Ray, Will-I-Am, Gotye and Florence and the Machine. The Long Time has no one genre, ranging from jazz to classical, pop to rock, with an original combination of modern production techniques and nostalgic themes. The result is quite a sophisticated, haunting and unique listening experience. With an array of gifted female singers filling in on vocals, Wheeler himself also contributes his falsetto sound, in particular for his acclaimed single, Baker Man, which he describes as ‘Morricone meets Portishead via Cinematic Orchestra.’ Starting out in Sydney, Wheeler received classical music training before falling into film work at the age of 20. He has since worked continuously as a screen composer while also founding Turning Studios in Surry Hills. Having worked with Baz Luhrmann and his music supervisor Anton
Three voyages of discovery
Monsted on a project associated with Australia, Wheeler was invited to take part in The Great Gatsby after a chance meeting with Monsted at the Las Angelos Airport. Of all the creative process and artists involved, Wheeler says one of the highlights for him was working with British jazz singer Bryan Ferry. “Bryan had put together this wonderful 1920s jazz orchestra that he used on his Jazz Age album, and the sound was absolutely spot on for that sound of Gatsby,” he says. In the same vain as Moulin Rouge, Strictly Ballroom or Romeo and Juliet, Wheeler believes The Great Gatsby features a soundtrack very worthy of our attention. “When you get someone like Baz who thinks about music so much from the beginning, and the artists that he, Anton and Jay Z collaborated with, I think if there’s that much thought put into it then the music takes on a life of its own.” Despite all the hype around Luhrmann’s films, Wheeler says often the secret to a good musical backing is often one that goes unnoticed. “If the audience is noticing that part of the music when it’s not a big show-piece, it can mean you’re doing something wrong,” he explains. “That’s the thing about an amazing score, you don’t notice it if it’s doing its job, you just think oh that’s an incredible film, why did I feel so emotional? Craig Armstrong’s score for The Great Gatsby is a wonderful example of that.” With 2014 already filling fast, and a second album no doubt in the works,
Wheeler says that he also draws from artists such as French singer/songwriter Sebastian Tellier, English composer Max Richter and American film composer Jerry Goldsmith, as well as a number of Aussie singers specialising in jazz, classical, neo-folk and indie rock Of the Australians he has worked with in music and film, both at home and around the world, Wheeler says he can really notice our nature as versatile ‘Aussie battlers’. “Australians working in film especially tend to become responsible for a lot of different areas of production – if something needs doing then you just learn how to do it. That’s really highly regarded and unexpected, and it’s been really good for me and the other Australians I’ve worked with,” he says. If he had to pick a favourite movie, for context and music, Wheeler says it would have the be China Town - a 1974 neo-noir film directed by Roman Polanski – which he regards as a great influence for much of his own work. “That is one of my absolute touchstones, which I come back to all the time when I’m trying to replenish the emotional well, in terms of how you approach music. It’s a beautiful film and the soundtrack is so haunting, there’s an incredible trumpet line that comes in over the top and I feel like that’s probably an inspiration for my entire album,” says Wheeler. “It’s beautiful and it’s brutal.”
A special performance on Friday 14 June will feature a free post-show music event. Australian singersongwriter Amy Firth and DJ Paul Brett will perform free live music in the bar after the show.
– Sat). Tickets are £14 (previews £7) available from Ovalhouse.com.
The Great Gatsby is out now in UK cinemas. The Long Time Album is available online on iTunes, Bandcamp and others.
n
Combining dance, story-telling, live music and filmscapes, Shield is a humorous, physical and delicate journey to a fragile land where identity, diversity and love are re-imagined. SHIELD, by Amaara Raheem and collaborators, is a contemporary tale about three voyages of discovery. The first is a historical legend about a great explorer – Captain Cook. The second is a personal memoir concerning Australia’s National Sorry Day, held every year since 1998 on 26 May to remember and commemorate the mistreatment of the indigenous population. The third, a psychological experiment that could forever change your understanding of love. Shield conveys the personal challenge of growing up in a
context of cultural assumptions, and also makes reference to the author’s journey of migration from Colombo, to Melbourne, to London. As a cross-art collaboration with musician Tobias Sturmer, it combines dance, story-telling, live music, costume and filmscapes in a unique performance that pulls at your senses. Shield is the recipient of a major commission from Ovalhouse; awarded to celebrate diversity and a continuing commitment to showcasing alternative artistic voices during Ovalhouse’s 50th anniversary year.
Shield is on at Ovalhouse, London from 11 June to 29 June 2013 (Tues
Get More Stage & Screen
AustralianTimes.co.uk/entertainment
Travel | 11
AustralianTimes.co.uk
next morning, I can’t shake a feeling that someone is about to shout ‘cut’ – the place looks like a movie set. I meet George, my Cuban guide for the day, and glide, at the local’s syrupy slow walking pace, past thick bullet-wounded buildings with ornate windows and rooftop bars. He points to the bullet holes with pride, “We remember how things were,” he says as his soft smile hardens. “The young want more, they want Nike and Coke-a-Cola, but they forget, we had nothing, I remember.” George’s face screws up when he speaks of the capitalist lifestyle
Dancing to the fractured beat
The contagious rhythm of Havana, Cuba sweeps up this month’s travel writer winner, EMMA O’NEILL in its heady, steamy embrace. By the time I find the white van heading to my hotel it’s 3am and steamy. The van weaves through Havana’s dark, narrow streets; past houses with too many open windows and past classic American cars that don’t shine like collectables. Groups of men in suit
pants and singlets play dominoes in silence under dim streetlights, and kids who should be in bed weave through the legs of women with big hair and loud shirts. As I walk down Havana’s main esplanade, Paseo de Marti, the
lls Run with the Bu at Pamplona!
SAVE £50!
Bulls in rating Running of the Experience the Exhila late to bag a bargain too it left 've you nk Thi Sensational Spain! mplona for Sun, r? Join Topdeck in Pa adventure this summe r summer! you ste wa n't Fun! Do Sangria, Fireworks and
Off all Coach & Central Apartment Trips
COACH TRIPS FROM LONDON PAMPLONA CAMPING PRONTO 6 Days WAS 4-9th July
London to London
PAMPLONA CAMPING FIESTA 6 Days WAS
£269
NOW £219
4-9th July
CENTRAL ACCOMMODATION PAMPLONA CENTRAL APARTMENTS 4 Days (Make Your Own Way) Pamplona to Pamplona
5-8th July (Opening Ceremony) 12-15th July (Closing Ceremony)
£249
London to Pamplona
WAS £349
NOW £299 WAS £259
NOW £209
NOW £199
PAMPLONA CAMPING PICADOR 7 Days WAS 4-10th July
£299
NOW £249
London to London
2 FESTIVALS
Plus... SAN SEBASTIAN, MADRID & BILBAO!
SPANISH SUN & FIESTAS – Wine Battle in Haro & Pamps 12 Days Get soaked in wine & dodge bulls at TWO astonishing festivals! 27 June – 8th July Bilbao to Pamplona
WAS £629
NOW £579
Favourite Big Tour Operator Favourite Ski/Winter Operator Favourite Tour Operator in Western Europe
BOOK NOW! Lim
ited Availability
MORE DEALS ONLINE
L8291 / Y2992
Call 0845 257 5210 Open 8am-9pm
1973
2013
EBR
CEL
www.topdeck.travel
TOPDECK
RS
Travel Writer Winner
yearned for by the younger generation in Cuba – a generation who missed the revolution and are trying to figure out how free education and health care make up for stifled freedom of speech, restricted travel and an avoidance of the global economic market. In a breezy piazza in the centre of Havana a large group of young men start to argue. They are not far from a statue of Jose Marti, the nation’s El Maestro and my first thought is that they are arguing over politics – I smile at the poetic scene. But my romantic notion of seeing fisticuffs over political passion is crushed when George
AT I N G 4 0 Y E
A
*Terms and conditions apply. Prices quoted are for specific departures only. All trips subject to availability. Discounts are off the base trip price only, and do not apply to food funds and local payments. Flights not included. Egypt trip price includes local payment based on $1 = £0.618, which must be paid locally in USD. For full terms and conditions please visit www.topdeck.travel
12 | Travel
11 - 17 June 2013
*
informs me that this gathering happens weekly, and the topic is baseball. Politics rarely ignites passion in the hearts of Cuba’s youth, George tells me. Che Guevara and former president Fidel Castro feature in murals close to the piazza. Their faces, fittingly fading and cracked, watch over the city. They watch over men sitting at intersections and on street corners in rusty chairs by themselves; they watch over men in dark alleys trying to interest foreign women in hot Cuban sex and they watch over groups gathering outside corner stores to watch ‘open’ signs flick on - waiting to buy whatever is on the shelf. There aren’t any shopping lists in Cuba, you walk out with whatever is on offer - one man emerges with a bag of flour and a dozen batteries. And they watch over a tobacco roller with skin like a Grandpa’s leather wallet softly caressing each tissue paper thin piece of tobacco leaf. However, just as these political murals, statues and facades don’t overshadow the city skyline, the political system of this nation also, after a while, fades into the background of this complex and delicate town. A town resting on the strong foundation of a people’s survival, people whom I predict will keep travelling to the beat of their own contagious rhythm long after Castro is gone.
As night falls on Havana’s narrow cobblestone streets – littered with art galleries filled with welcoming colour - bands begin to create rhythms that allow men to be beautiful. Male hips pin down beats and roll them into the night. Broad shoulders balance nimble feet as they dance, sweat dripping off sinuous muscles. Thick wristed women sing, bouncing notes from their hips and making harmonies that could slice lemon. The night is young. Cigars are lit and Mojito ice is crushed - politics is forgotten.
Get More Travel
AustralianTimes.co.uk/travel
*Trips for 18yo and over
Be the next great travel writer As the winner of our Great Travel Writer competition for the submissions we received in May, we'll be sending Emma O'Neill a £250 travel voucher from our good friends at Topdeck. If you have a great travel yarn to spin, go to www. australiantimes.co.uk/travel to find out how to submit your story for publication. There's still a chance to be our June winner! Enter now!
Professional Life | 13
AustralianTimes.co.uk
Together, forever
Systems for life and work n
We live in an intertwined world of systems – families, communities, teams and organisations. Our choices lead to actions and reactions which affect others in the system. Nothing works in isolation and awareness of the systems in which we operate is key. an astute aussie in london
> SEPI ROSHAN
Did you know that whatever I do affects you? And whatever you do affects me? This is because we live in an intertwined world, where all actions generate reactions with resulting outcomes - some we like, others, not so much. Whether we like it or not, we are all part of a system by virtue of living. Smaller systems exist in every workplace and facet of life – our organisations, families and communities. These living, evolving systems develop their own identities and processes which if ignored, can result in unnecessary stress, strains on relationships and lost opportunities. To live successfully as part of any system, awareness is key. Many of us are familiar with concepts like ecosystems, circulatory systems and financial systems. The many components of these systems work alongside each other, performing specific functions to produce an outcome. Similarly, social systems have their own structures and processes which when operating together, produce outcomes. A system is like a play – every actor, prop and audience member is a component that contributes to the overall performance.
Whether the play is a hit or not is not simply due to the performance. Success will be based on many intertwined factors – the mood of the audience, the weather, media reviews, a lottery win by the prop designer or a disaster that has upset and affected the performance of an actor. Nothing works in isolation. In every system, each component reacts and evolves based on what other parts do and vice versa. There is, therefore, an element of unpredictability of how actions affect outcomes. Systems evolve to find ways to cope with their environment. If we twist our right ankle, intuitively, our mind and body systems agree to rely on our left foot to compensate for the injury, so we can continue to walk. Sometimes, however, in the pursuit of coping, dysfunctional behaviours and processes evolve, as parts of the system interact and react with each other. Over compensation by the left foot can result in injury to the left foot due to overuse or strain. Think of the financial crisis – the systems within organisations and institutions encouraged certain behaviours and thinking which evolved into the outcomes we see today. People sat at their desks, thinking their actions would be harmless to the wider world. When we view our actions and decisions in isolation, we are considering only
the effect it may have on us or our immediate environment. Today, however, we are seeing some of the implications of those seemingly isolated events. Without fully understanding or respecting the systems in which we live, we react in limited ways and produce unintended consequences for ourselves and others. A limited view of the implications of our actions can cause unnecessary stress and pain, to ourselves and others. We lose empathy for employees, colleagues, people whose lives we change by our decisions. When was the last time your organisation made a decision and considered the effects it would have on the lives of others, beyond making the bottom line look better? By acknowledging the power we have to affect others, we can make choices for the mutual benefit of everyone. Systems are everywhere. We are immersed in organisational, family and team systems, with their own contexts and cultures. These systems may not seem obvious and include many unwritten rules and scripts. Our choices about what we do within a system, depends on how much we are aware of its existence. Look around your workplace and identify how many systems you notice – the managers, the PAs, the whole department: these all have their own unique identities and energies. Not being aware of living within systems can affect our perceptions of our world, affect our perception of the choices we have and underestimate the effect we have on others.
Visit: AustralianTimes.co.uk/move-to-australia In association with
Next week find out how to develop that awareness of the systems you are living in to take more control of your life and work.
GAIN A PROFESSIONAL EDGE FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS
Sepi Roshan is Business Editor of Australian Times, and Director of Astute Coaching & Development, helping Professionals become fearless presenters and leaders. Find out more at www.astutecd.com.
Sable offers an impressive portfolio of professional services. We have over 25 years of experience advising individuals, contractors and small businesses who have international interests and connections.
Dollar Review
Aussie dollar continues downward spiral
sable services
By Anton van Teylingen
Accounting Tax Wealth OFFSHORE Foreign Exchange Law Immigration
Sable Group
The only sector in Australia to show some glimmer of hope was mining, which actually showed an increase of 1.5% over the last quarter. Looking ahead, all eyes are on the RBA which indicated that the Australian dollar remains to too strong. While holding rates steady, reports suggest a further rate cut could be looming and markets may begin pricing this in ahead of an announcement.
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.
Castlewood House 77/91 New Oxford Street London WC1A 1DG t: +44 (0) 845 094 3990 info@sable-group.com www.sable-group.com
Exchange rates GBP/AUD: 1.647 EUR/AUD: 1.401 USD/AUD: 1.063 NZD/AUD: 0.835 07:30 GMT, 10 June 2013
Sable is a group of professional service companies. Sable Accounting Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 03517738. Sable Private Wealth Management Limited is registered in England & Wales, number 04305265, Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
44057
THE world’s fourth most traded currency, the Australian dollar, has hit the skids. Reaching a 20 month low against the greenback on Monday, with similar falls seen recently against all the major currencies, all of a sudden it is being referred to as the “whipping boy” by many traders. And the currency’s darkest days could still lie ahead. Last week opened with mixed opinions towards the RBA’s announcement on whether or not to keep interest rates steady at 2.75%, with the majority predicting that the rate will remain the same. Economists were correct and rates remained unchanged, with the currency withering all the more as the week progressed. Strong US employment figures and weak Chinese trade data, all contributed to the Aussie dropping further to 93.93 US cents in this week’s early trading. That’s a 12% fall in two months. The Australian dollar also hit a 20-month low in its currency trade-weighted index to 72.2.
www.sable-group.com
14 | Sport
11 - 17 June 2013
Hockeyroos in World Hockey THE League semi-finals in London Round 11 The Australian women’s hockey team is set to embark on a tour to England that will culminate in the Investec World Hockey League semi-finals in London from June 22 to 30 at the University of Westminster Sports Ground in Chiswick. The Hockeyroos will field a 20 athlete squad, with a strong balance of experienced and youth players, with seven athletes also eligible for the U21s and July’s Junior World Cup. The tournament will be split into two sections. Pool A will see Argentina, China, the USA and Italy play while Pool B will feature the hosts England against Australia, South Africa and Spain. The first eight-country World
League semi-final will be played in Rotterdam, The Netherlands from 13 to 23 June and features current world number one and defending Olympic champions The Netherlands plus Korea, Japan and Chile along with New Zealand, Germany, India and Belgium. For all 16 participating teams in the two World League semi-finals, the stakes are high as the top four teams in each event will go through to the eight-team World League finals in Argentina in December. The two World League semi-finals will also serve as a qualifier for the 2014 World Cup in The Hague, The Netherlands. To qualify for next year’s World Cup, the Hockeyroos will need to
finish in the top three in London Outlining his expectations for the Hockeyroos in London, Head Coach Adam Commens said, “Our aim is to qualify for the World Cup and to perform well in the medal rounds. We’ve had good results against all of our World League opponents in the past 18 months so that gives us confidence.” Ticket prices start at £5 for juniors and £15 for adults and these will enable buyers to watch four world class matches throughout the day.
Australia’s First Round Match Schedule: Saturday 22 June: Australia v Spain Sunday 23 June: Australia v England Tuesday 25 June: Australia v South Africa The quarter finals and finals will be played from 27 to 30 June. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketzonestore. co.uk or via the Investec World League Ticketing Hotline on 08444 99 32 22.
London Australia win Try Tag Rugby International Cup By Phillip Browne London Australia was represented in all three divisions (mixed A, men’s and mixed social) at the Try Tag Rugby June International Cup tournament held on Saturday 8 June, and managed to secure some silverware in the mixed A grade division. The London Australia mixed A grade team finished third at the last International Cup tournament held in November 2012, behind the Great Britain and Ireland world cup squad and London New Zealand, and were determined to bounce back at this International Cup. London Australia went through the pool stages undefeated with the following results; 4-2 against London Ireland, 4-4 against London New Zealand and 8-3 against Try Tag Rugby England. This set up the Aussies against the home town team, Try Tag Rugby England, for the semi finals. After putting up a great fight in the showdown, England went down narrowly 8-6. London Australia progressed to the final to take on the might of London Ireland whose only loss of the tournament had been against the Aussies in the pool stages. The Aussies were first to put points on the board courtesy of an Adam Madigan kick chase and regather and never lost the lead, putting in their best performance of the tournament to secure a 6-1 victory to claim the title.
By Will Denton
Just like Catelyn Stark’s realization, the penny had only dropped once it was too late. Time stands still. The immediate surrounds implode to darkness and the true horror hits you like a Barry Hall left hook. You mouth the words on cue: bye round. You hadn’t planned for this. There are not enough provisions. Suddenly the gorgefest of footy you have unknowingly been conditioned for the last nine weeks has been ripped away to be replaced with IKEA visits and pantry cleanouts. Furthermore, you then begin to feel the full magnitude of the event when you research the matter in full. Three weeks of limited games???? Wwwwwhhhhyyyyy!!!! What we did get drip-fed was actually pretty good. Probably the biggest rivalry in the game went down when Essendon hosted Carlton. The Dons were celebrating their 140th year in existence, which also coincides with Dustin Fletcher debut season, so a bit of a double celebration there. The Blues got off to an absolute flyer, kicking the first five goals of the match, much to the dismay of Mick Malthouse, who had dropped his glasses in the coaches box and spent the entire first half trying to
RUBDOWN find them. The Bombers then found something after the main break – not sure what – but they came out firing and managed to get within a couple with a few minutes to go. From there, the Blues did an unbelievable North impersonation, losing the lead, the game and Mick’s glasses again. All Carlton fans could do was meander home chanting in unison, “99 prelim, 99 prelim, 99 prelim…” The other close game happened when the Eagles of West Coast travelled to St Kilda, keen to redeem themselves from a terrible home loss to the Tigers six days earlier. The Saints were also keen to get back on the winners list after what can only be described as a ‘fetid’ season so far. This sure wasn’t going to be an advertisement for the game as basic skill made way for clangers and common sense for brain fades. The Eagles snuck home over the top of the Saints, which keeps their season alive, and inflicting more nausea down at Moorabbin. The Suns had a superb win this time over the Kangaroos in a wet game; some locals have sworn it actually rained cream of mushroom soup. The Roos were relieved they went down by more than 10 points as another single digit loss would’ve put them on suicide watch. Finally, the might of the Swans continues to fly under radar with a slim 77 point win over the Crows, who are looking as flaky as, well, a Flake.
Aussies take out prestigious polo tournament in London
Image by Chantel Leach
...continued from p16
Try Tag Rugby International Cup Mixed A grade champions, London Australia London Australia mixed A grade squad: Emma Becker, Nikki Ellwood, Sherab Guo-Yuthok, Kate Hearne, Chris Jurotte, Adam Madigan, Pat Mansfield, Phoebe Robins (c), Adam Savory, Shaun Snow, Lauren Taylor. London Australia also did extremely well in the men’s division, narrowly going down 2-1 in the final to transTasman rivals, London New Zealand. In the mixed social division, the Aussies finished in eighth position. The Try Tag Rugby International Cup tournament is staged biannually with the next International Cup to be held on Saturday 2 November. Meanwhile, Try Tag Rugby’s summer leagues commence from 25 June onwards at 15 venues across London and Reading. Due to the successful Fulham league which
sold out in its first season, Try Tag Rugby are introducing a 2nd evening (Tuesdays) at Fulham. The competitions cater for all standards of players with divisions including beginner, intermediate, A grade and for the ultra competitive, super league. Leagues are taking place at Acton, Balham, Borough, Canada Water, East London RFC, Finsbury Park, Fulham, Highbury, Hoxton, Reading, Richmond, Shoreditch Park, Southfields (Wimbledon Park) and Wandsworth Town. If you would like to register for a Try Tag Rugby summer competition, go to www. trytagrugby.com or email info@ trytagrugby.com for more details.
south-west London. For a fifth consecutive year Polo in the Park served up some quintessentially British atmosphere and some top notch polo too, but it was the Aussie contingent who took the spoils. Morrison and his ‘Sydney’ team were almost faultless throughout the entire tournament and were deserved winners in the end. “Great win for Team Sydney,” a jubilant Morrison told Australian Times. “And what a great event!” As well as Abu Dhabi and Buenos Aires, the Aussie team had to contend with the might of Moscow, Beijing and - of course the home favourites - London. But it was another Australian who inflicted pain for the British team, as Adelaide-born Jake Daniels led Team Moscow to a win over Team London in the Plate Final (3rd v 4th play-off). “This whole weekend has just
been amazing,” said Daniels after Moscow’s triumph. “I got the call up to join the Moscow boys and to just play in front of these crowds and in the heart of London - what an amazing experience.” Over four tons of Pimms was sold over the entire event, with a sold out Ladies Day on Saturday one of the tournament highlights. And it wasn’t just the polo the punters came for with the KERB food market dishing up a host of international food and bars like Mahiki, the Pommery Champagne Garden and the Crown and Corgi pub keeping the thousands of happy attendees well watered. But just as some of the English guests were getting mouthy about England’s victory over Australia in Saturday’s Champions Trophy match, Team Sydney did the business to round off a thoroughly enjoyable and successful - weekend of polo in London. By Tim Martin
Sport | 15
AustralianTimes.co.uk
Man up and move on, Eels tell Keating ...continued from p16 Rugged hooker Matt Keating is off contract at the end of the season and one of the players who was told he didn’t have a future at the Eels under Stuart. He said he could see how outsiders might view the recent events at the club as being a distraction for the rest of the season - but said that would only be the case if the players allowed it to be. “I think people can say that, definitely,” Keating said on Monday. “But as long as each individual doesn’t let it get to their head or let their emotions take over, we should be fine.” Keating said it was “unclear” whether Stuart and the Eels might change their minds and extend his time at the
club, but that there was plenty of time to showcase his skills to prospective suitors. “I’m just still weighing up my options and seeing what’s out there,” he said. “I’m off contract and whatever is in front of me, I’ll take.” Keating said the news he wasn’t wanted actually didn’t come as too great of a shock, and revealed just how clear Stuart was in stamping his mark on the Eels. “It was presented in a way of ‘this is what’s happening in the future and if you don’t like it, bad luck otherwise man up and move on’,” Keating said. “... To tell you the truth, I wasn’t too shocked by the meeting.” - AAP
Tim Cahill excited about Socceroos’ future ...continued from p16 players virtually all in their 30s, Cahill doesn’t subscribe to the theory that there isn’t enough talent coming through. He’s happy to point to several in the current 26-man Socceroos squad as long-term national team players. “These boys are class players. When they get the opportunity, you can see anything can happen,” Cahill said on Sunday. “With Tommy Oar, with Krusey, with James Holland, you just need games. “The more games you play, the better you get, and as a team you become a lot better. “These boys are exceptional and I’m
excited for the future of Australia. “We need this World Cup so they can flourish.” Cahill believes the hard-earned point in Japan - and two must-win matches in Australia to book the Socceroos a third successive World Cup berth - has galvanised both squad and supporters to get the job done. Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Jordan (kick-off taking place just after Australian Times went to print), he admitted he has been enjoying the vibe in Melbourne, believing the courageous effort against Japan is a possible campaign turning point after some indifferent results previously. “I really get the sense and the feeling
from the fans and even you guys (media) that everyone believes as much as we do, especially after Japan,” Cahill said. “Everyone wants us to do well ... everyone’s positive. It’s great to know you’ve got a squad, a staff and a country behind you, that’s supporting you.” Cahill also intimated that he would be interested in a coaching role - most likely with young players - after his playing career. He has become heavily involved in coaching at grassroots level, with his own academy and lending his name and expertise to several programs aimed at teaching Australian juniors. By Guy Hand in Melbourne
Queensland Reds show Robbie Deans the light THAT was much more like it. A cracking match, billed rightly so as the ‘fourth Test’, with both the Queensland Reds and British Lions providing a contest to savour. Plenty of skill, pace, power and passion were on display but crucially both the Wallabies and Lions would have got so much out of it. The way the Reds started will have greatly heartened Robbie Deans. The Lions could barely hold on such was the pace of the game. If one thinks of the likes of the now recalled Kurtley Beale, James O’Connor and Will Genia playing at that intensity then the Lions will be in trouble. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that Warren Gatland has and will continue to pick size in every position, so moving these juggernauts around could be the way to unlock the Lions team. However, look at it from the Lions’ point of view. They hit hard, very hard at times given the extensive casualty ward of the Queensland dressing after post the game. They were aggressive in defence and such is the power they have at their disposal, it will take an enormous effort from James Horwill and his men to live with the Lions for 80 minutes, particularly at scrum time where Adam Jones, the increasingly impressive Mako Vunipola and Richard Hibbard were dominant. An efficient line-out led by beanpole Richard Gray and Geoff Parling, meant the set-pieces were working very smoothly. Out wide George North was immense and opportunities were created. This was the kind of test the Lions needed as the first clash with the Wallabies comes tantalising into view.
So as the tour heads towards Sydney some of the Lions’ Test places are becoming clearer, which is great news for Gatland. Cuthbert, Halfpenny and North are certainties as the back three with Brian O’Driscoll assured of one centre spot. That leaves an opening for either Jamie Roberts or Manu Tuilagi. Not a bad selection headache to have. Tuilagi has not been all about running through men. A deft back of the hand pass for the second of O’Driscoll’s tries in Perth last week proved that. Roberts was arguably man of the match in the Barbarians game and is purring along nicely as well. Johnny Sexton will be the fly half with the feisty Mike Phillips most likely at scrum half. Although Ben Youngs did his chances of selection no harm at all with an efficient display at Ballymore. One would think Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard, Paul O’Connell, Jamie Heaslip are all picked in the pack but this is where places are up for grabs. Vunipola has taken his chance and must be close while Justin Tipuric and Sean O’Brien are putting pressure on Sam Warburton. It is all to play for as the Lions rumble into Sydney for the Waratahs this Saturday. Don’t rule out the replacements as well, Alex Corbisiero is an excellent loose head and could well force his way into the Test team in time for Brisbane. Robbie Deans will have seen the impact the Reds made on the Lions and Warren Gatland will be delighted that the Lions have got through a tough match with flying colours. Bring on the Test series. By Charlie Inglefield
Australian cricketers don’t look hard: Botham ...continued from p16 only chance at salvation. “I’m serious. Why not? I think we’re that much better. All it needs is the players to believe they can do it,” he said. “Australia will be tougher than they look on paper, because they’re born fighters, but not only are they struggling to keep a fast bowler on the field for more than one game at a time, losing (Ricky) Ponting and (Michael) Hussey has left a gaping hole in the batting. “They’re relatively inexperienced, which is a big minus coming to a place like England, and when I hear things like, ‘Phillip Hughes has a much better technique than when he was last here’, I
think, ‘Well, that wouldn’t be hard.’” Botham also slammed Australian team culture, referencing the ‘homework’ drama on March’s embarrassing tour of India. “I’ve got to say they don’t look much like the hard-as-nails cricketers I used to know. “This business of their coach setting them homework made me laugh out loud. “Maybe they’ve been playing so badly because the players are confused by all this stuff. “And if so, good. “I’m just glad I played in the prebulls*** era. “Homework? Do me a favour. I never did that when I was at school, never mind when I was playing cricket.”
THE ArE bACk In London 22-30 JunE 2013 CHISWICk, London • SupporT AuSTrALIA in their quest for WorLd Cup quALIfICATIon • A GrEAT dAy ouT for fAmily And friends treAt them to A fAntAstic hospitAlity pAckAge
TICkETS CHEApEr In AdvAnCE fAmILy TICkET dISCounTS book onLInE or cAll 08444 99 32 22 EnGLAndHoCkEy.Co.uk/InvESTECWorLdLEAGuE
AuSTrALIA v EnGLAnd SundAy 23 JunE
RUBDOWN
THE
Flakier than a flake.
P14
BOTHAM WRITES OFF AUSSIE ASHES n
Ashes great Botham slams Aussie cricket, saying weather will be the team’s only salvation from a whitewash. South Africa’s captain cautions against writing off the baggy greens though. By Ben Horne in Birmingham SIR IAN BOTHAM led a chorus of doomsayers willing to declare Australia’s hopes dead in the water after their Champions Trophy defeat to England on Saturday, even though the back-to-back Ashes campaign doesn’t officially start for another month. The great allrounder predicted a 10-0 home and away whitewash for Alastair Cook’s side between July and January next year, confident England would even “beat Australia on Mars”. However, the Aussies have found an unlikely champion for their Ashes prospects in South African captain AB de Villiers. The Proteas run-machine, who has confronted both England and Australia in Test series over the past 12 months, warned Michael Clarke’s friendless side are primed for something special. “I know the Aussies are up for something big,” said de Villiers. “Especially after losing (against England at Edgbaston on Saturday). “They’re obviously out of sorts and haven’t played very good cricket of late, so the easy pick will be to go for England. “But I would never push the Aussies out of the equation. They’re obviously a fighting team and will be somewhere close to competing in the Ashes.” Former England captain Botham said Australia were clearly the inferior team and was adamant a humiliating 10-0 defeat beckons. “We would beat Australia if we played them on Mars at the moment, to be honest,” Botham told PA. “England are far superior, far better. We have won the last two Ashes encounters and I expect them to win in style over here and then in style in Australia from November onwards.” Botham wrote in the Sunday Times bad weather was virtually Australia’s ...continued on p15
Team Sydney ride to polo victory Team Sydney claimed their first ever win at London’s MINT Polo in the Park event on Sunday with a thrilling 7-5 victory over Team Abu Dhabi in the tournament’s grand final. The Aussie boys, brilliantly led by man-of-the-match Jamie Morrison, knocked off Team Buenos Aires to secure a place in the final and then led from the front all the way against Abu Dhabi in front of thousands of excited fans at Hurlingham Park in ...continued on p14
We can rebuild from rubble: Eels LAST-PLACED Parramatta insist they can rebuild their shattered NRL season following last week’s savage cleanout which left a dozen players with careers in limbo. Eels coach Ricky Stuart and chief executive Ken Edwards masterminded the mass axing, which was relayed to players in a meeting last Wednesday. Reni Maitua, one of the players who have been told he is unwanted, sat out Friday’s loss to the Sydney Roosters but fellow co-captain Tim Mannah believes morale at the club is still in good shape.
THAT'S MORE LIKE IT
Lions see Reds | P15
...continued on p15
Cahill confident in young Socceroos TIM CAHILL believes World Cup qualification and the tough road the Socceroos are facing to get there are critical to battle-hardening Australia’s next generation of talent. At 33, Cahill remains the Socceroos talisman. But how long his international future stretches beyond this World Cup campaign will depend heavily on whether Australia qualifies. The attacker is confident 20-somethings like Tommy Oar, Tom Rogic, Robbie Kruse and James Holland are worthy of the torch they will eventually be handed - hopefully beyond Brazil next year. With the Socceroos’ most important ...continued on p15