481

17 - 23 September 2013 Issue: 481

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Explore London New with Aussie Times column

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EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Living large in London with The Cat Empire | P6

ABBOTT’S MALE MINISTRY n

Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott has tried to head off accusations the coalition government has gone backwards by not being able to appoint more than one woman to cabinet.

Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott has tried to head off accusations the coalition government has gone backwards by not being able to appoint more than one woman to cabinet.

The sole female in the 19-member cabinet is incoming Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop.

There might have been two but for

the fate of Liberal Sophie Mirabella, whose hold on the Victoria seat of Indi is going down to the wire.

“Plainly, I am disappointed,” he told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

Mr Abbott did reward other some coalition female MPs by elevating them to the outer ministry.

“There are some very good and talented women knocking on the door IN ASSOCIATION WITH mZA PRESENTS

of the cabinet and there are lots of good and talented women knocking on the door of the ministry,” he said.

“You can expect to see as time goes by more women in both the cabinet and the ministry.”

Acting Labor leader Chris Bowen said there were more women in Afghanistan’s cabinet.

“The fact that the new prime

minister could only find, out of his entire party room, one female member of parliament that he regards as being meritorious enough to serve in his cabinet is a sad indictment,” he said.

West Australian senator Mathias

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Dozens of special-edition London cabs have arrived in Fremantle, Perth to be trialled for use on Australian roads.

A consignment of London’s distinctive black cabs has arrived by ship into Fremantle port in Perth over the weekend, only these cabs are painted entirely white.

Made in China by Geely Group, the cabs are set to be trialled across Australia in the coming months, in a bid to convince local authorities to purchase fleets of the purposebuilt vehicles.

The “hot-condition” cabs include beefed up air conditioning, bigger batteries and radiators, and larger alternators, and have been in use in the Middle East for several years.

The Chinese automotive company Geely Group recently rescued the long-term manufacturers of London’s cabs, The London Taxi Company, from administration.

Geely bought the parent business of LTC, Manganese Bronze, in February for £11.4 million, and has looked to new export markets to increase business.

Chief executive of London Taxi Company, Evan Simeon, said he hoped Australians would recognise the benefits of the London-style cabs.

“When you have a look at the

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17 - 23 September 2013

Win an iPad mini talking about your expat experiences in the UK Publisher: Bryce Lowry Editor: Alex Ivett Production/Design: Jackie Lampard News Editor: Paul Bleakley Business Editor: Sepi Roshan Contributors: Georgia Dawes, Phillip Browne, Michael McCormick, Erin Somerville, George Katralis, Jacqui Moroney, Will Fitzgibbon, Chris Arkadieff, Kiel Egging, Daniel Shillito, Mat Lyons, Sandra Tahmasby,

Tyson Yates, Jennifer Perkin, Charlie Inglefield, Thomas Jones, Alistair Davis, Will Denton, Chloe Westley, Bonnie Gardiner, Michaela Gray, Marian Borges, Haylee Slater, Emma O'Neill, Ally Juchnevicius, Courtney Greatrex, Poppy Damon, Kris Griffiths, Lara Brunt Directors: P Atherton, J Durrant N Durrant, R Phillips and A Laird

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William Vuk Despotovic, a Business School researcher from Griffith University in Gold Coast Queensland, is embarking on a study that aims to provide an insight into the cross-cultural experiences of Australians who have independently chosen to work abroad – an emerging and increasingly important group of expatriates that relocate around the world to live and work.

Type of volunteers needed

The researcher is currently seeking to interview Australians who have independently relocated to the United Kingdom or South Korea within the last twelve months to work (i.e. those that relocated abroad independently and not transferred overseas by their employer).

What would I be asked to do? How much time would it take?

Participation in this research involves a phone or Skype interview of approximately sixty minutes in length.

How can I volunteer or find out more?

What’s in it for me?

This research aims to contribute to the experience of future

To receive more information about

Your Say On: Ten strange but true Australian facts your UK friends won’t know

Australia has the largest number of wild purebred camels in the world and we export them to Saudi Arabia.

Rubee

On: Politicians call for reform after Senate election chaos

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It is not possible to design a perfect system, but we can design a better one. Making voting “below the line” practical and sensible by limiting the required number of entries (say to 12) would be one important step, by removing the incentive to go with all of your chosen party’s choices instead of having to fill 100 or even 54 boxes.

A second simple improvement would be to make it compulsory to nominate your major preferences if you choose to vote “above the line” – even having to number every ‘above the line’ box would be an improvement on putting yourself entirely in the hands of the ‘party strategists’ and would involve less paperwork than the present system.

A third possibility is to follow the English practice of requiring a fairly hefty deposit from candidates or parties which is forfeited if they fail to get over a minimum proportion of the primary vote (say 7%). That might at least slow down some of the loonies.

Billgo

?

What’s your view AustralianTimes

Australian expatriates by providing a practical insight into the crosscultural experiences of Australian self-initiated expatriates. Each participant is also entered into a prize draw to win an iPad valued at AUD$369.00.

The liberal democratic party is clearly an issue however it is little variation from DLP compared to ALP. The main issue is that the Liberation National Party totally lacked the foresight to see the potential clash and do something about it. With respect to comments that the system is flawed complete total nonsense. There are many second placed ALP and Liberals who do not get large primary votes.

Are they seriously suggesting they should not have been elected either?

No of course not; they are mainstream.

What the election showed was that voters are uneducated and confused.

I agree, some sort of filtering process is required to limit the number of Senators – but how? I would suggest a non-compulsory preelection to endorse candidates. In the modern age this could be done online. Candidates have to win say 1% of votes in order to be endorsed to go onto the Senate Ticket.

Stephen

On: Shorten may give Albanese a free shot at Labor leadership

will drink English bitters all the live long day (very low alcohol) but turn his nose up at a Sam Adams lite or a Coors lite. It makes no sense. If you want to drink a Corsendonk or St. Sebastian after working out in the hot sun all afternoon, go right ahead, but a high alcohol beer is not what I want at that time. My guess is the high alkie folks are not getting much exercise anyway other than the one handed hoist. Cheers TC

As interesting as it is, drink water throughout the night and you’ll never have a hang over. It’s called self control. In fact, if you take the occasional water break you can drink your buddies under the table. However I can see where this can be a very good thing for people who only drink a couple beers at a dinner before driving.

Should reduce any of their risks of getting a DUI if they keep a two drink rule.

Joe

Craig Emerson has now retired and should hold his rhetoric. Kevin was elected by the people of Griffith to stay and he is now obliged to assist them for the next three years. He has proved that he is talented and has a lot to contribute to the labour cause.

Winston

On: Australian scientists discover the secret to hydrating beer

this research or to arrange a time for a phone or Skype interview please contact William on +61 424 567671 or email v.despotovic@ griffith.edu.au. William is available days/nights/weekends.

All communication remains private and confidential and no identifiable personal material will be used in written work or verbal presentations.

A completely fallacious study.

Hangovers are caused by the physical reaction to aldehyde compounds in the beverage.

Generally, cheaper alcoholic beverages have higher levels, thus the association that ‘expensive is better’. The best defence is to take an antihistamine before and after drinking, and consume plenty of water during.

Oldine

The derisive attitude towards “light” beers is ridiculous. I have a friend that

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Lack of women a 'systemic problem' for Liberal Party ...continued from p1 Cormann was one of the biggest winners, going into cabinet as finance minister.

Former Howard government chief of staff Arthur Sinodinos, who had been slated for a cabinet post, was named assistant treasurer but placed in the outer ministry.

Andrew Robb as trade and investment minister will spearhead the government’s push to shift the economy from mining to new export industries and help the hardest hit communities manage the transition.

Ian Macfarlane takes on one of the biggest portfolios as Industry Minister, which covers energy and resources, domestic tourism and science.

Nationals deputy leader Barnaby Joyce, who successful made the change from the Senate to the lower house on 7 September, becomes Agriculture Minister.

But his party misses out on the long-held trade portfolio.

Among the promotions were Jamie Briggs, Marise Payne, Fiona Nash and Michaelia Cash into assistant minister roles.

The Nationals’ John Cobb goes to the backbench, having served as shadow agriculture minister since 2008.

Liberal senator Sue Boyce, whose term ends in 2014, said the lack of women in cabinet was a “systemic problem” for the party.

“It’s a shame that this shocking and embarrassing statistic will

permanently tarnish a wonderful victory,” she said.

In a break with recent history, Mr Abbott has given his ministers oneword titles but he said this did not represent a drop in their workload.

“One of the things that I have attempted to do with this new ministry is avoid the … sometimes grandiose titles of the former government where it sometimes seemed that ministers needed an extra large business card to contain all of their various titles,” Mr Abbott said.

The new ministry will be sworn in

by Governor-General Quentin Bryce in Canberra on Wednesday.

Mr Abbott said as soon as the ceremony is over the government will launch Operation Sovereign Borders – the coalition’s plan to stop asylumseeker boat arrivals.

However, he won’t be rushed on reviewing the federal budget, saying the mid-year economic and fiscal review could be released as late as January. - AAP

Plaque stolen from Australian War Memorial in Hyde Park returned A PLAQUE stolen from the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park corner in London has been recovered by Metropolitan Police and returned to the Australian High Commission.

The theft of the Rising Sun plaque occurred during the weekend of 18-19 May when the Australian War Memorial was vandalised. A number of bronze letters were also removed from the memorial.

The memorial, near the Wellington Arch, commemorates the sacrifice of those Australian men and women who lost their lives in service to their country during WWI and WW2.

It is an important gathering point for Australians living in the UK to pay tribute to the contributions of Australian soldiers. This year over 3000 expats came together for an Anzac Day dawn service held at the memorial.

The Rising Sun is the service emblem of the Australian Army, and the plaque was located on the memorial between the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force badges.

It was initially feared lost following the vandalism, however has now been recovered by the Metropolitan Police as part of an ongoing investigation

into another issue.

The plaque was returned to the Australian High Commission by two members of the Met Police, and received by the High Commissioner Mike Rann and Bill Sowry, the Head of Australian Defence Staff and Defence Adviser UK. The Rising Sun plaque will be restored and the memorial repaired in time for Remembrance Day on 11 November 2013. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the memorial.

‘RAZOR SHARP BRILLIANCE’ THE AUSTRALIAN

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ULAR C A T C E SP IN WEEKS END ST THE WE UMS! POSS

Australia to trial London-style cabs

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...continued from p1 majority of taxis, they are converted sedans which were not built to be cabs and so are not fit for the purpose,” Mr Simeon said.

“We will do our due diligence, and so will the states, and hopefully these taxis will be out on the road somewhere soon.”

The WA government is about to start a four-year trial of purpose-built taxis in Perth, and has opened it up to expressions of interest from vehicle companies.

It is likely some of the white cabs currently sitting on Freemantle docks could be included in this trial.

“I am going to presume that some of those cars on the wharf are destined for Perth ... and let us presume some of them go elsewhere too,” Olwyn Williams, the head of the Taxi Council of WA said.

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4 | UK Life

17 - 23 September 2013

our London Any Australian coming to London will know the hardest part of the whole move is not the bizarre amount of detail needed to set up a bank account (you want details of my five year plan why?), or working out that Charing Cross is walking distance from Embankment, or the way English people think the way you say ‘Polo’ is really funny.

It’s not even finding a job in the cutthroat, recruitment company reliant, London job market.

It’s working out where to live. Despite grandiose plans to not be pigeonholed by your domestic arrangements it is inevitable once the weekend rolls around, it’s unlikely you’ll even get on the Tube, let alone traverse the city to see that exhibition or visit that friend.

As a consequence, you’ll know the perimeter of your block intimately, and those friends within walking distance to a shared local will be your new family.

Your London experience will inevitably be influenced and affected by the neighbourhood you choose.

Therefore, in an attempt to reflect the diversity of London experiences Australians across this city are experiencing, as well as to help you get to know your Aussie Times team, we’re going to share with your OUR neighbourhoods.

Our top five of things to do, in our hood, each week.

Let me kick things off with, in my opinion, the best, leafiest, friendliest, nicest part of town – Newington Green.

Aka N5.

n

Each week an Aussie Times writer will bring you a top five list from their favourite neighbourhood. This week our Editor ALEX IVETT presents her hood – Newington Green.

1

Abney Park Cemetery in Stoke Newington Yes, you have read that correctly. My favourite place is a cemetery. Before you think I’ve got London cabin fever, this cemetery is more like an incredible, overgrown, historic wonderground than a cemetery.

There are wild trees overhanging worn paths and broken headstones scattered amongst creeping plants reclaiming their natural habitat. Come for a wander, stay for a few hours, examining a unique part of London’s history away from the crowds.

2

La Belle Epoque Bakery On a Saturday morning, after a weekly commute that takes me from the north-east to the southwest on a daily basis, there is nothing better than waking up late, walking down the street and picking up a loaf of deliciously fresh bread and a coffee from French patisserie La Belle Epoque. Most weeks I can’t resist the incredible window display of cakes, quiches, macaroons and tarts – and will usually throw an almond croissant into the mix.

3

Comedy night at the Duke of Wellington in Dalston I love London pubs. And with so many to choose from, it’s often difficult to move any further than your favourite local. However, for pub comedy I can’t go past the

New column and-coming comics all for £5. It’s like hanging out in your lounge room – but with alcohol and funnier friends.

Honourable Mention: Snooty Fox in Canonbury is always a rowdy, cosy, clamour of sounds, red wine and trivia nights.

4 monthly stand-up nights at the Duke of Wellington – a public house which has been on the same site since 1842.

In a comfy room off to the side of the well-stocked bar/casual general area is where a hilarious MC hosts an every changing line-up of established and up-

Trullo in Highbury/ Islington If you haven’t been to Italy, then don’t bother.

Trullo is an Italian restaurant near Highbury/ Islington underground station that serves up the most amazing, heartiest, flavoursome Italian food I have ever tasted. Not only that, it’s reasonably priced and has that local, friendly, neighbourhood feel – as if all they want to do is welcome you in from the cold and stuff you so full of good food you can barely roll out the door.

5

Clissold Park Parks. You can’t have a top five of your favourite places in your area without having a favourite park. Yes, Clissold Park happens to be the park nearest to me – but it’s also just, gosh darn it, a great open space. It’s got ducks, it’s got tennis courts, it’s got a climbing wall (not technically in the park albeit), and it’s got a church. It’s also got Clissold House, and although I’m not sure what’s in it, it does have a handy takeaway cafe attached where you can grab a cappuccino and lounge in the big grass patch in front watching dogs romping and kids frolicking in those rare patches of London sun.

So that’s my London! Next week our writer Georgia Dawes will share her favourite spots in Soho.

Love in the time of public transport n

Meeting someone on the Tube may seem like an impossible undertaking, with each station offering your paramour a readymade escape route. This week, Subculture Sleuth declares, challenge… accepted.

SUBCULTURE SLEUTH > PAUL BLEAKLEY

Ladies and gentlemen, step right up.

You may be used to Subculture Sleuth providing random insights on the weird and wonderful cultural fascinations that come with living in the UK, however today will be a little bit different and exponentially more practical.

Allow me to explain. It has been a regular topic of conversation within our

social circle that meeting a girl on the Tube and having good enough banter to pick her up is a near impossibility.

You have to deal with almost insurmountable variables, not the least of which being the unknown amount of time that you have to perform.

It had become a personal challenge to prove that it can be done. I came close once, on a late night trip home from Brixton. That attempt collapsed when we were told to follow our target to a “rave in Acton… or maybe Alperton…” and the realisation that we just weren’t up for that kind of

adventure hit us like a ton of bricks.

Nevertheless, the near miss proved it could be done and only served to spur us on towards our destiny.

It happened one Sunday on the Piccadilly line. After a boozy day by the river, I jumped on the Tube at Piccadilly Circus with no intentions other than to head home. I collapsed into a seat without thinking, staring into space for three stops before inspiration struck. The train jerked to a stop randomly, and the leg of the person next to me grazed against mine, prompting me to turn… and there she was.

She was cute, big brown eyes and olive skin. I turned away out of awkwardness, and then I noticed something: in the reflection from the Tube window, she was smiling. I looked at her again, and turned away.

In the reflection, she smiled again.

This was it. This was my time. I began smiling and suddenly we were both smiling and anyone watching would have thought that we had both gone mad.

Conversation came next - stilted since it turned out that she was Italian. I will be the first to admit that my banter wasn’t in top form, but it didn’t seem to matter. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that my station was fast approaching and time was of the essence. I had to strike.

I took her phone, I put in my number and she gave me hers. The train slowed as it pulled into the station and I stood to leave. I leaned in for the hug, the European kisson-both-cheeks and then the lips, unexpected and out of the blue.

I walked onto the Tube as a mere squire. I walked off the train as a man fulfilled. If I do nothing else with my life, I have accomplished the task that I set for myself. Destiny is mine.

Food & Wine | 5

AustralianTimes.co.uk

Cooking with Julia n

What Julia Child really teaches is that cooking, like life, is something we cannot completely control. The challenge is learning to accept the kitchen disasters as an integral part of the journey.

The Whole Meal > Ally Juchnevicius

There is a scene in the film Julie & Julia where Amy Adams’ character burns the Boeuf Bourguignon she has been slaving over after sleeping through her oven alarm. Rather than swiftly moving on and starting again like a sassy Hollywood heroine, she breaks down, exhausted and defeated.

Her reaction is a rare and painfully relatable insight into the reality of cooking. Far from the beaming homemakers dishing out fresh cookies or the perfectly manicured presenters with their perfectly manicured dishes, this was a moment that revealed an important truth about cooking; it doesn’t always work out.

Since watching the film, I’ve really taken to watching old episodes of Julia Child’s The French Chef. It’s not just her useful tips or her charming demeanor that have me hooked.

Beneath all that lies a vital lesson that as a novice cook I struggle with - to embrace failure with open arms.

Turning good ingredients into inedible lumps because I decided to freestyle gluten-free baking.

Trying and failing to salvage a dish because I misread the recipe.

Worse still, tasting a finished meal where everything went to plan and yet something is inexplicably unappetising - all situations that have undone me and my temper.

Julia Child, on the other hand, owns her mistakes. She draws our attention to them, explains what went wrong, and then moves on. She laughs at, but doesn’t belittle, herself. She is strong, intelligent and experienced but even

with all that, she still messes it all up sometimes. And that’s ok, because we all mess it up sometimes too.

Recently I was in Julia’s favourite city, Paris. I was browsing in my favourite shop, the boutique department store Merci, where I got chatting to one of the staff members, who told me about the strategy behind the store. He explained their main approach to business is to accept, and encourage, the beauty of imperfection. They did not want to be just another beautiful store, instead they wanted to try new things, follow their passions and in doing so take risks. Of course sometimes this meant things didn’t work out as intended, but they were never boring and always learning through these experiences.

This approach, just like Julia’s, is both refreshing and enormously empowering. It accepts the process and the work behind the final product; it throws the spotlight on it. Unlike any other chef or famous educational personality I’ve seen, Julia promotes failure as part of learning rather than something to fear. She teaches us that cooking, like any skill, is based on knowing what is right, something you cannot reach if you don’t go through knowing what is wrong. Cooking is craft, and you can only know a craft if you have started from square one and worked your way up, falling down a little bit from time to time. It is only through overcoming these failures that you can learn, and from there you can start to experiment, challenge and really create.

While I’ll never be able to accept failure as easily as Julia Child, I’m trying to incorporate more of her attitude and look at mistakes as part

of the journey. Accepting cooking, like life, is something we cannot completely control – we can only control how we respond and deal with the ups and downs.

Ally enjoys finding ways to live, eat and cook well. She blogs about this journey at chopchopandchange. blogspot.co.uk.

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6 | Entertainment

17 - 23 September 2013

What’s On

See what we are following this week on

The (Cat) Empire strikes back n

Briefs: The Second Coming 19 - 21 September @London Wonderground

Abbott reveals cabinet

Adam Hills Happyism 22 September @Hammersmith Apollo

@AlboMP It cannot possibly be true that @TonyAbbottMHR Cabinet will have 1 woman out of 20?

Really? In 2013?

Cloud Control 23 September @XOYO London

Armed with a new record filled with colourful, creative tunes, Felix Riebl and his band The Cat Empire are primed and ready to embark on the next chapter of their stellar career. As KIEL EGGING discovers, the Melbourne ska sensation plan to make their 20 October show at O2 Academy Brixton an epically rowdy affair.

@RichardMarlesMP If we want to compete in China we need a world class innovation system. At the heart of that is science. Where is the minister? #auspol

Claudia O'Doherty 23 September - 5 October @Soho Theatre

@DerbyshirePeter What does the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Magic have in common? They are both fictional! #cabinet #auspol

Dead Letter Circus 30 September @Underworld FilmFest Australia October 2013 @Barbican Centre

@Colvinius Thinking about the women in cabinet question, was wondering why no spot for Sharman Stone, who has Ministerial & Shadow experience?

Barry Gibb 3 October @O2 Arena

@danilic With no science minister in the new cabinet I guess Tony Abbott will develop a prayer based solution to stop climate change.

Tim Minchin in Jesus Christ Superstar 13 October @02 Arena

@CatherineDeveny Looking forward to Tony Abbott's cabinet for the ladies called The Linen Closet.

Jimeoin 17 October @Fairfield Hall

@ErikOJensen Look. Abbott was as surprised as you are that despite not running for office his daughters cannot be in cabinet.

Cloud Control 17 October @O2 Academy Brixton The Cat Empire 20 October @O2 Academy

@bairdjulia There are more Riverview old boys than women in Australia's federal cabinet.

For full details...

Follow us on Twitter @AustralianTimes

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

Au S t r A l i A

Shifting Sands 10 September – 8 October Tracking the emergence of Indigenous Australian cinema and its relationship to the land

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A GREAT Sunday session is second nature for Felix Riebl.

While most people will be winding down after a big weekend and preparing themselves for the working week, Riebl and his band The Cat Empire will be holding court at the O2 Academy Brixton on 20 October when they visit London as part of their Steal The Light world tour.

And no, he’s not groaning about playing on a Sunday night in the slightest.

“We got a history of making Sunday nights a lively one,” he tells Australian Times.

“We used to do a residency at a place called the Prince of Wales in Melbourne on Sunday nights, and they became notoriously late and wild.”

Riebl is unsure as to why the shows became so epic - but he figures punters turning up at that date and time really don’t care for Monday-itis.

“Maybe because everyone’s exhausted already, they just let loose, and resolve to the fact that Monday is usually tedious anyway.

“I just whisper to myself before going on [from Henry V] ‘Once more over the

breach, dear friends, once more…’”

In fact, Riebl is literally jumping out of his skin waiting for the 20 October show, as he lists O2 Academy Brixton as one of his top five favourite venues in the world.

He also rates London as “number one place in all of the UK/Europe in terms of the atmosphere and energy of the audiences”, thus making the city a happy hunting ground for the band.

“We have a long history of playing shows in London.

“I think the first time we played at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, and then Brixton Academy were very special moments,” he says.

“They both have a great history of artists and bands who’ve performed there, and I felt a real sense of occasion being there.

“When you look out on those rooms, it’s such a diverse group of people, and that gives me a real kick.”

Along with plenty of their past hits and cuts from their back catalogue, fans can expect a solid dose of tracks from The Cat Empire’s new album Steal The Light - which was released here in the UK in late August.

Reibl believes the new material “has made a great transition to the stage’, and took inspiration from two separate trips to some diverse locations when composing the album.

The first was the Greek capital of Athens - and he couldn’t have picked a more full-on time to go.

“I went to Athens for the special Olympics to spend some time with friends and write some music, but it was also during the height of the austerity riots,” Riebl says.

“It was a chaotic place to be, highly charged, and often sad, but it was also strange and beautiful as well.”

The second trip – to the American hub of New Orleans – was an entirely different experience, as Riebl immersed himself in the city’s famous Jazz festival.

“Seeing John Cleary, Dr John, (Bruce)

Springsteen, Little Band of Gold, and a whole bunch of others, as well as wandering about the ninth ward was a colourful and lively experience,” he says.

“It brought me back to something essential. After being there I knew I wanted to write lyrics with colourful, iconic, strange images. Something like that, anyway.”

The end result has been described as extremely upbeat, and internally, Steal The Light is seen as being on par with The Cat Empire’s debut record as their most ‘danceable’ release yet.

“I feel those two albums are very close in terms of their atmosphere, also their approach to recording,” Riebl says.

“They are both albums people can put on at a house party, cook to, or travel with, and they come to life in that way.

“I’m pleased with Steal The Light and I really enjoy singing the new songs.”

Riebl and the band will be living and breathing Steal The Light for the next 6-12 months as they tour and promote the album around the globe.

Indeed, it’s the self-satisfaction with the record and opportunity to interact with the fans that makes Riebl more amped than ever to hit the road.

“The world tour reflects our faith in the album, and my aim is to try and make the most of it, and share it with the fans,” he says.

“They really do give us an awful lot of encouragement, and it seems we can’t help but do our bit, and get it out there.”

The Cat Empire play at O2 Academy Brixton on Sunday, 20 October. Steal The Light is out now through Two Shoes Records. For more information and to get tickets to the show visit Thecatempire.com.

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Travel | 7

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As Ron Howard’s Formula 1 film Rush hits cinemas, LARA BRUNT takes a spin around the world’s most infamous racetrack - Germany’s Nürburgring.

No one knowingly signs up for a trip to hell, do they?

Well, I’ve done just that. And, as I scribble my signature on the bottom of the waiver form, I’m starting to get a tad nervous.

Admittedly, my journey isn’t into the fiery pits we’ve all been warned about.

But it does involve hurtling around a racetrack – nicknamed the “Green Hell” –really freakin’ fast.

I’m at the Nürburgring in western Germany, 50 kilometres south of Bonn, about to take on the infamous Nordschleife (North Loop).

Well-known to motorsport fans, the ‘Ring is hitting the headlines again, thanks to Oscar-winning director Ron Howard’s new flick.

Set against the golden age of Formula 1 racing in the 1970s, Rush tells the true story of two of the sport’s greatest rivals.

Aussie Chris Hemsworth plays James Hunt, the hard-drinking English playboy known for his wild womanising, while Daniel Brühl plays Hunt’s methodically brilliant opponent, Austrian Niki Lauda.

The film focuses on the unforgettable 1976 F1 season and the accident at the Nürburgring that almost claimed Lauda’s life.

The Austrian crashed in the first lap of the German Grand Prix and suffered terrible burns after being trapped in his car.

Remarkably, Lauda was back behind the wheel only six weeks later, and the World Championship battle went down to the wire at the last race of the season.

Lauda’s crash marked the end of F1 at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The circuit was deemed too dangerous and a new Grand Prix track was built nearby in 1984.

But the legend of the north loop lives on.

It’s still used for touring car races and as a test track by all the big car manufacturers. It’s also a mecca for car fans across the globe.

So what makes the ‘Ring so special?

Since it was completed in 1927, the Nürburgring is widely regarded as the most challenging racetrack in the world, claiming over 200 lives.

At 20.8 kilometres – roughly four times the length of F1's newest circuits – it is also the longest.

The mythical track twists and turns through the forested Eifel mountains, encircling three villages and a 12thcentury castle.

There is no run-off and if you come unstuck on one of its 73 corners, it’s not going to be pretty.

The track is open for tourist days when you can do a lap in your own car, or

Image by Jaap Buitendijk

Image by Glen Pearson

Chris Hemsworth (James Hunt) & Daniel Bruhl (Niki Lauda) in Rush. Photo Credit Jaap Buitendijk Rush Films Limited, Egoli Tossell Film and Action Image

Great News!

Image by Glen Pearson

hire one at the circuit from specialist companies (don’t even attempt it in a normal hire car).

After a few minutes watching cars career around the ‘Ring, I’m pretty relieved I’m not in the driving seat.

Instead, I’m a passenger in the BMW Ring-Taxi, a powerful M5 Sedan driven by one of BMW’s advanced driving instructors.

The Ring-Taxi only operates about 35 days every year, so getting a coveted ticket takes commitment.

After first buying a ticket online, you must then book a date for your lap.

The tickets and dates are released every Monday at 9am (UK-time) and the website routinely crashes due to demand.

Finally, a year after cursing our computer every Monday morning, it was time for our high-speed lap.

After a quick “guten tag” to our driver Karl-Heinz Müller, my boyfriend Glen climbs in the front passenger seat, while I buckle up in the back.

Karl-Heinz slowly drives about 200 metres to the circuit entrance – and then floors it.

I let out an involuntary yelp, as the car accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds.

We’re sharing the track with souped up Porsches, Audis and the odd Mini, but they quickly get out of our way when they spot us in their rearview mirror.

I watch the speedometer climb to 180km/h, as Karl-Heinz expertly manoeuvres the car around bends, tyres screeching the whole time.

By the four-kilometre mark, I vow to stop looking at the speedo, as KarlHeinz masters corners, crests and dips at speeds faster than I care to know.

He does this while casually chatting about football with Glen, who

responds in strangled, slightly highpitched German.

“Stop talking to him,” I mutter through gritted teeth. “Let him concentrate.”

But Karl-Heinz has been driving this circuit for over 25 years and knows it inside and out. Unlike some.

A marshal signals for us slow down.

We pass a white Audi that has come off the track, the driver consoling his female passenger. “Abgeflogen,” says KarlHeinz with a shrug of his shoulders.

“Taken off”.

He puts his foot down and we’re quickly flying again ourselves, pressed back into our seats and leaving everyone in our wake.

As we hurtle uphill and around the steep concrete bank of the famous carousel, I’m surprised there’s any rubber left on the tyres at all.

We tear out of a tight right-hander at the 16-kilometre point and I spot a sign warning of danger for the next 1,000 metres. A sign at the start of the track (for the next 20,800 metres) would have been more apt.

It’s only on the final straight that I dare glance at the speedo again, eyes bulging as it nudges 250 km/h.

Just nine minutes later, Karl-Heinz eases the car off the track, as though he’s just been out for a leisurely Sunday drive.

He tells us he’s driven the north loop in less than eight minutes in a BMW M3, “but the traffic slows me down.”

Glen and I, still dumbstruck and sweating, can only mumble a response.

We’ve been to hell and back. And boy, was it fun.

The BMW Ring-Taxi operates between April and October and costs €225 per lap for up to three passengers. Visit Bmw-motorsport. com. Rush is out now in UK cinemas.

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8 | Travel

17 - 23 September 2013

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Far from the vibrant nightlight and lazy days of Lagos, ERIN SOMERVILLE experiences the true heart of Portugal with a Medieval Market in cobblestoned Obidos.

The Medieval Market For information on Obidos Medieval Market see Mercadomedievalobidos.pt Where to stay For a home away from home stay at the comfortable Guesthouse Argonauta, Rua Adelaide Ribeirete 14, Obidos, Portugal What to do While in Obidos, rent out a bike and check out the medieval castle, the roman ruins, the beaches, the countryside , the vineyards, and the Obidos Lagoon.

If you can’t make the Medieval Fair, you can get a taste of the sweet life at the Obidos International Chocolate Festival in March.

I’ve never looked good in green, but this was just ridiculous. I squeezed amongst the small colourful petals of people who were blossoming from one of the room’s only mirrors to get a two-second glance at myself. Yep, it was official. I looked like Maid freaking Marian.

I never intended on spending my Friday night in the year 1450AD. I should have been down in Lagos a week ago, but somehow the hospitality of a local Portuguese lady’s homely hostel, and the slow pace of rural life in quaint Obidos grabbed hold of my wandering heart and wouldn’t let go. Well, at least not until I had experienced the Obidos Medieval Market.

Admittedly, I had my doubts about a medieval fair. I handed over my deposit for the costume and entry fee, and wandered sheepishly in my felt gown through the town’s cobbled streets and up to the big wooden gate that would take me back in time. As I handed over my ticket and stepped through to the other side of the grand Obidos hill that was now succumbing to the late afternoon shadows under the massive town wall, I knew immediately I was in for a treat. This definitely was not the tacky fair I had envisaged.

Eating like Kings I made a beeline down the dusty trail to the heart of the action, with camels, peasants, nobles and knights competing with the grand country

valley views for my eyes’ attention.

As I stepped into the throng of medieval life and browsed its buzzing stalls and taverns, I suddenly realised it was my nose that had copped the real surprise. The medieval caste system had obviously been thrown

aside for this festival; we would all be eating like royalty tonight.

The challenge began when deciding which charred carnivorous dish to gorge myself on. It was impossible to say no to the generous meat-laden espetadas (Portuguese for best kebabs

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ever) being slowly roasted over coals when trying to save room for the mouth-watering giant hog on the spit, or to pass on the fresh bread that was whipped up on the spot and served straight from a traditional oven.

Women with flowers in their hair were stirring through piping-hot pots and pans of delicious traditional sweets, such as arroz doce (rice puddings), pastries, and biscuits, which infuse a home-cooked quality I hadn’t tasted since my grandma’s 2011 Christmas dinner. I stopped in for a Bock at one of the many open-air wooden taverns and guiltily nibbled on my third biscoito, while I guessed what skinned animal would be thrown on the coals next.

If this was how the medieval people actually lived, they never would have changed a thing.

Amongst the medieval action Just as I thought I’d had my fill of all things medieval, I realised I hadn’t fully digested the medieval action.

The site had been frantic all evening with the practised movements of the blacksmiths, chefs, mule drivers, jesters, leather merchants, woodchoppers, and young knights testing their sword fighting and beheading skills, but it all began to slow down as the noise of an oncoming procession took over the hillside.

The crowd instantly milled around the main passageway as musicians, belly dancers, camels, and knights all passed through on their way to the grand event of the night. I

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10 | Travel should have known that my time in a medieval market would not have been complete until grown men jumped on horses and tried to hit each other with sticks.

Joining in the Joust As easy as it is to be a little hesitant at a jousting tournament in the 21st century, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the atmosphere as I knocked little noble children out of the way to get a ringside seat for the action. As the handsome actors in shining armour from the Os Cavaleiros do Tempo (Oscavaleirosdotempo.eu) galloped out on their beautiful and well-

17 - 23 September 2013

trained steeds, the child in me was crying out to see the evil knights knocked off their horses, and to die a bloody death in the sword fighting that followed. The gasps of the children layered with the dramatic music wove its way into the mauve evening light and hung over the countryside. It was hard for even the smallest imagination to not to get swept up in the magic of the moment.

The darkness was setting in as I took my noble self back to the future and reluctantly stepped through the time capsule at the wooden medieval gate. I handed over my felt green gown with a sense of awareness that I had just experienced one of those rare opportunities to spoil my inner child

in a way I hadn’t done in years, and in a way I probably wouldn’t do again in a very long time.

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While most of my pieces tend to be about the coastal towns we have seen as we drive the perimeter of Australia, there are times we drive further just to avoid the traffic of major cities. Today we drive from Maryborough to Toowoomba, 125kms inland from Brisbane.

The drive is one of my favourites so far. These are small farming towns like one might see in country England and the scenery change is very welcome.

Woolooga is a pop-up town appearing as if from nowhere, a typical Australian ‘one-pub’ town.

There are long sweeping valleys out here and row-upon-row of vineyard.

Pumpkins are for sale at the post office and shiny tractors are displayed proudly by the roadside like trophies.

Ghostly gums stretch skyward, disfigured and skeletal.

Local produce stores market themselves as purveyors of candy and carrots.

Nanango is an autumnal painting.

The trees are all turning to crimson and broad leaves fall into crunchy mounds. I would have liked to just plonk myself under an oak and read all day.

I love small towns like this, where the bakery is the buzzing hive of the community and Bill knows George whose missus, Tracy, works at the post office. The local fire service’s annual charity ball posters are stapled to the notice board outside next to the home-printed ‘Kelpies For Give-Away to A Good Home’ advertisement.

When I was very young I lived in a town like this one in the Barossa Valley and the smell of baked pastry and chimney smoke take me back there in an instant. Nearing the northern border of New South Wales it feels as though we lose one degree Celsius per 50 kms we drive, as the Queensland heat fades and we approach the southern winter.

I am trying to enjoy the cooler temperatures as we plan our next journey, which may take us even further north to Darwin.

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12 | Professional Life

17 - 23 September 2013

Islamic finance

Dollar Review

Aussie hits three-month high against Greenback A new buzz in the finance sector

By Anton van Teylingen THE Australian Dollar’s positive run over the past few weeks has seen it crawl back from dismal winter figures. After numerous yearly lows and even lower business confidence the Aussie has now set the stage for an emphatic comeback.

Last week opened with the Aussie firm in its position after business confidence surged 4.7% thanks to recent election confidence that assisted the Australian currency in reaching six week highs against the US Dollar. The markets were set up for a strong week ahead of crucial Australian employment data figures that saw analysts in favour of a positive outcome and employment figures set to strengthen.

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With the UK now the biggest Islamic finance centre in Europe, and Australia looking to enhance its own credentials in this area, Australians should consider developing skills in this growing area. an astute aussie in london

> SEPI ROSHAN

The finance industry is hiring again. If you are planning on making a move into finance, or reconsidering a new niche, there is a specialist area estimated to grow by 15 to 20 per cent per annum. Some project the market will be worth over $US2 trillion by 2014. The growth of Islamic finance has got the finance world talking. The UK is now the biggest Islamic finance centre in Europe, and as the Muslim population grows, Australia is keen to establish its own place in this growing sector. This means more opportunities for Australians in both the UK and Australia.

Islamic finance refers to business practices that are approved by Islamic Law or Shariah. Dr Hayat Khan, Director, Islamic Finance Programme at La Trobe University explains that Shariah “prohibit business exchanges that involve riba (which includes interest based loans) and gharar (contractual uncertainty which includes a ban on selling something that isn’t owned at the time of sale)”.

These features prohibit short selling (selling something that does not exist) and engaging in speculative investments such as derivatives – features some believe made the sector more resilient to the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). A 2010 Austrade Report cites a 2009 survey by The Banker, showing that Shariah-compliant assets held by the world’s top 500 Islamic Financial Institutions increased in value by almost 30 per cent during the height of the GFC. Islamic finance has not been totally immune to the GFC. However, the economic argument for Islamic finance remains strong. In 2003, the UK made changes to its taxation, legal and regulatory regimes to ensure a level playing field between Islamic finance and non-Islamic finance. Now the UK is the largest Islamic finance centre in Europe,

with five fully-fledged Shariah compliant banks and over 20 conventional banks with Islamic Finance operations (e.g. Barclays, HSBC). Australia has similar ambitions to the UK in the Asia Pacific region. Australia’s current regulatory arrangements already allow Shariah-compliant funds and the Government believes new opportunities already exist at the institutional level.

So who can participate in Islamic Finance? According to Dr Khan and other Islamic Finance specialists, anyone can engage with Islamic financial products. Non-Muslim investors may be attracted to the products’ commercial features, as well as underlying ethical and socially responsible characteristics.

Dr Khan says “Islam promotes socially responsible behaviour and strategies which provide a solution to social issues”. Islamic law “prohibits investing in certain industries or activities which might harm society or individuals”. This includes the prohibition from charging interest and a list of prohibited industries. In this way, the objectives of Islamic finance and conventional finance systems are aligned.

However, political events and negative media coverage provide challenges for Islamic finance. Take for example, the role of women and Shariah. In regards to women’s participation in Islamic finance, Dr Khan acknowledges that women are currently in the back seat, due mainly to cultural biases which are present in the Muslim and Western world. “The role currently played by women...varies with culture and countries. [Women] are more active in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia than elsewhere in the Muslim world”. In Australia, Dr Khan has witnessed growing participation of females enrolled in post-graduate Islamic finance courses. He believes that women will form an important source of human capital within the sector, including playing an important role by contributing to the discussion on Shariah issues. The interpretation of Shariah itself can be an area of contention amongst scholars, of whom only a few are women.

Here in the UK, Samina Akram, Managing Director of Samak Consultants, is leading the charge for women in Islamic finance.

“Few would doubt the beneficial role the financial sector can play in the alleviation of poverty, the generation of value-added business, attracting investments and creating employment” says Akram.

In 2009, Akram left Merrill Lynch to set up an independent, international Islamic and Ethical finance consultancy in London – one of very few women globally to have done so. The shortage of qualified women in senior positions in finance is an issue in all cultures.

Recognising the obstacles many women face in entering and progressing within Islamic finance, Akram established the first Global Women in Islamic and Ethical Finance network in London in 2007.

Starting as an informal group for like-minded individuals, the network has grown and will formally launch later this year.

Like many other women leading the charge for change, Akram has her supporters. Former Cricketer and politician Imran Khan is a close family friend of Akram.

Khan is clear in what is working: “It is Samina’s vision, drive and commitment which makes her special, not her gender”. Keith Phillips Executive Director at British Bankers’ Association believes that while London’s position as a hub for Islamic finance is winning global recognition more work is needed to ensure women fully participate.

Such has been the impact of Akram’s role in Islamic finance, that she has won many awards, including the United Nations (UN) Women’s Federation of World Peace award for her contribution to Islamic finance.

Earlier this year, Islamic Finance Review Magazine ranked Akram the fifth most distinguished women in Islamic finance.

As markets become more educated about Islamic finance, it seems that the opportunities for Aussies are growing - whether you are thinking of heading back to Australia or wanting to dabble with a growing finance sector here in the UK. The Australian Government is certainly keen to develop the sector, and as the UK is at the forefront of Islamic finance. Dr Khan believes that Australians heading back from London might have opportunities related to product development and drafting regulations. Once again, we Aussies are right up there. Just ask Boris Johnson.

Sepi Roshan is Business Editor of Australian Times and Founder of Astute Radio - Getting the Conversation Started and smashing gender stereotypes (see Astuteradio.org). Sepi is also a Coach and Speaker (see Astutecd.com).

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14 | Sport

17 - 23 September 2013

NRL blunder refs stood Great Aussie sporting rivalry extends to London down for finals games

By Phillip Browne The London tag rugby community are bracing themselves for some top notch tag rugby action on Saturday at Origin weekend. Origin weekend, which encompasses both the inaugural Provincial Challenge and the 2013 London Origin Tag Rugby series, will take place at Twyford Avenue Sports Ground in Acton.

The inaugural Provincial Challenge will see London-based teams made up of representatives from New South Wales, Queensland, New Zealand North Island, North England, South England, Connacht, Leinster, Munster and the London Exiles battle it out for the title.

The London Origin series will be played out in the mixed and men’s formats with players whose first permanent London address was north of Thames representing North London, and players whose first permanent London address was south of the Thames representing South London. This is a chance to see London’s best tag rugby players in action all on the same pitch.

The New South Wales vs Queensland banter has been building leading into Saturday’s Provincial Challenge, with this great sporting rivalry extending all the way to the UK’s capital.

London NSW: Anthony Carveth, Andrew Davis, George Katralis (c), Mark Lee, Steve Leary, Arron

Lombardo (c), Tom Parsons, Shun Tamura, Jodie Bijorac, Hollie Dunn and Teagan Southwell.

London QLD: Shannon Bennett, Chris Jurotte, Adric Mason (c), Tom Peel, Adam Savory, Lucas Smith, Shaun Snow, Laketta Atkins, Karen Gordon and Shelley Niven.

An extremely proud Queensland captain, Adric Mason, commented: “This will be the proudest day of my life putting on the maroon jersey for the first time. I guess this is how parents feel when they have children!”

New South Wales co-captain, George Katralis, added: “I plan to dominate the match against Queensland so much that the good people of Queensland will forget the name Wally Lewis!”

In other news, Try Tag Rugby turned four last week and the UK tag rugby community were out in force to celebrate by partying the night away on the Thames river cruise on Friday 13 September, despite the miserable weather. The third annual Thames boat party, a highlight on the Try Tag Rugby social calendar, was the biggest in the event’s short history. Everyone had a great time, with a few sore heads the following morning.

THE NRL’s head of football Todd Greenberg says Matt Cecchin and Henry Perenara almost certainly won’t referee for the remainder of the finals series following Saturday’s seventh tackle howler.

Cecchin and Perenara have not been selected for this weekend’s two finals games between the Sharks and Manly on Friday and Melbourne and Newcastle 24 hours later.

The pair were castigated by furious North Queensland players and officials following the Cowboys’ 20-18 loss to Cronulla - who scored a decisive try on seventh tackle through Beau Ryan.

Video referees from the game, Matt Rodwell and Jason Robinson, have also been given the weekend off and Greenberg said steps have been taken to ensure similar blunders don’t occur again.

The review, conducted by referees’ boss Daniel Anderson and Greenberg concluded that on-field referees must always vocalise each tackle so players and the match officials squad are aware of the count at all times.

Additional responsibilities have also been given to the head video referee in relation to the tackle count.

“The referees accept there are consequences for actions and that’s likely to cost them significantly in the finals series ahead when Daniel confirms his appointments, Greenberg said.

“We do need to keep a sense of perspective. At our end we need to ensure that everything can be done to prevent human error.

“We also need to accept that in a game as intense and as fast paced as rugby league that you will never eradicate all mistakes either on the part of the players or the officials.

“We will be doing everything we can to ensure this does not happen again.”

Greenberg has also reviewed the failure of the stadium clock at Allianz Stadium during the Cowboys-Sharks game and also the security breaches after the game.

Confusion reigned when the scoreboard showed there were 41 seconds remaining as the Cowboys played out their final set after referees called time on when the scrum was set.

The Cowboys’ anger at losing the game was compounded when they were confronted by jeering Sharks fans as

they walked back to the SCG change rooms.

With the main sheds at the stadium unavailable due to the NRL staging a double header between Sydney Roosters and Manly - the players had to walk to the neighbouring ground with no security to escort them.

“Arrangements had been in place with the stadium to prevent this and we are bitterly disappointed that they did not proceed as planned,” Greenberg said.

“The security and safety of the players is of paramount importance and we have expressed our dissatisfaction with stadium officials to ensure what happened on Saturday is not repeated.

“It’s important to note the clock on the scoreboard is a display clock and the official match clock with the timekeeper operated without error.

“We understand the concerns of the players and fans at the time given the excitement in the final moments of the game but the match was played to the correct time.”

As a result of the confusion Greenberg has also ordered a complete review of all current procedures match officials utilise and of the time-keeping facilities at stadiums.

“In an ideal world the broadcasters, stadium and the time-keeper would all be working off the one feed and that’s certainly something we’d like to pursue,” he said.

By Ian McCullough

Taylor looking to another Cats-Hawks epic encounter

If you would like to get involved in a Try Tag Rugby competition or event before the big cold comes back to London, go to www.trytagrugby.com or email info@trytagrugby.com for more details.

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KEY DEFENDER: Harry Taylor of Geelong will be crucial to the Cats’ chances in this Friday’s sudden-death encounter with the Hawks. (AAP Image/Joe Castro) A second-half, semi-final resurgence against Port Adelaide provides Geelong with the blueprint for extending their modern-day dominance of Hawthorn to a 12th straight victory.

So says key defender Harry Taylor, who will play his 16th playoff match in only six years in Friday night’s AFL preliminary final at the MCG. Despite having dropped 11 straight games to the Cats after upsetting them in the 2008 decider - a victory which prompted then Hawks president Jeff Kennett to claim his club had the mental edge over their foes - it is Geelong who will go into the suddendeath game as underdogs.

They lost their opening final to

Fremantle and were staring down the barrel of a straight-sets exit before wiping out a 23-point halftime deficit against the Power to win their semi by 16 last weekend.

“We need to play like that and even better because Hawthorn is an amazing side at scoring and defending and we’re not going to be able to give them a big lead and hope to come back,” Taylor said on Monday.

“We’ve relied on our senior players, our key players, far too often to do that for us at stages over the past few years and we don’t want to give them the burden of always doing that.

“We want to go out and start the game with a really fierce sort of style, hopefully get some scores on the board

early and take it from there.”

Taylor was echoing the party line on Monday that none of the Cats’ players subscribe to the Kennett curse to explain their remarkable run of success against the Hawks.

“It would be interesting to see how I would feel if we’d lost to them during the season or if we’d lost to them a few more times,” he said.

“But the fact that we haven’t lost to them for a while, it just gives me confidence personally that our team has been able to play well in the bigger games and not just against Hawthorn but against a lot of other quality opposition as well.

By John Salvado in Geelong

Sport | 15

AustralianTimes.co.uk

McKenzie faces tough choice at halfback THE ...continued from p16 McKenzie was so pleased with White’s performance that he didn’t even feel the need to call upon Genia’s services from the bench.

The Wallabies have a week off before taking on South Africa in Cape Town, and McKenzie admits he faces a tough decision over whether to start White or Genia.

White is intent on keeping the No.9 jersey and he made a strong case to back up his argument.

“The big stage didn’t slow him down. He didn’t go into his shell,” McKenzie said.

“Nic would have one of the strongest kicking games in the country.

“He has a strong running game too.

“I don’t think we have to be embarrassed about having two international-standard halfbacks. I think it’s a great thing for Australian rugby.

“You want to have selection headaches. If you haven’t got anything to think about at the selection table, it would be disappointing. You want pressure.”

White admitted he was nervous before the match, but he enjoyed the experience.

He hopes Saturday’s performance is just the start of bigger and better things to come.

Grannie dancing

By Will Denton

STAKING HIS CLAIM: Nic White impressed for the Wallabies in their Rugby Championship clash against Argentina’s Pumas on Saturday.

The Wallabies won 14-13 (AAP Image/Tony McDonough) “I thought it was going to be tough to get that No.9 jersey off Will. He’s had his hands on that jersey for a long time now,” White said.

“I knew that if this opportunity came, it wouldn’t come very often. I had to make the most of it.”

However, Genia’s credentials will be hard to ignore for McKenzie.

Former All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who is now an adviser with Argentina, said a return to form for Genia would prove crucial to Australia’s chances of once again matching it with New Zealand.

“I thought he was the best halfback in the world a year ago,” Henry said.

“When I was coaching the All Blacks he was the real worry for us.

“We used to spend quite a bit of time practising defence against Genia and (Quade) Cooper type players, because they were the major threat.

“That threat isn’t there as it used to be. So something’s going on. And maybe this is the way to reignite him.

“He’ll come again, because he’s too good a player not to.”

By Justin Chadwick in Perth

Police warn AFL players against bikie gangs ...continued from p16 A Richmond spokesman said: “Jake has been counselled specifically on that issue and our playing group are counselled more broadly about off-field issues, as would be the case at all clubs.”

Mr King was reportedly cautioned about his association with Mr Mitchell, while other players were warned about similar relationships with members of outlaw motorcycle gangs. Mr Mitchell suffered arm injuries earlier this year after more than thirty shots were fired into the Bandidos clubhouse in Melton.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said that the incident posed concerns about the relationship between professional footballers and members of bikie gangs, particularly in the wake of the Australian Crime Commissions investigations into the use of drugs in sport. The commission’s report suggested that players associating with organised criminal identities may have

led to match fixing and manipulation of betting markets.

Mr Demetriou told ABC Radio: “We’ve made it very clear in all our sessions with the clubs post the ACC announcement… that if you put yourself in that position you are vulnerable. And why would you do that? There’s an association, and it doesn’t start just in the change rooms.”

Victoria Police Commissioner Ken Lay would not comment on the association between Mr Mitchell and Mr King, however he warned professional football clubs from cultivating relationships with bikie gang members.

Mr Lay said: “I don’t think any football club or any organisation would like to be seen to be associated with outlaw motorcycle clubs. I’m not going to make any comments about particular individuals but let me say this, that if people of that ilk that are seen to associate with either sporting clubs or businesses, it can’t do them any good.”

Mr King’s association with Mr

Mitchell is not the first time that a professional AFL player has found themselves in hot water over their relationship with a bike gang member. Collingwood player Alan Didak was forced to answer questions regarding his association with Hells Angels member Christopher Hudson after it emerged that he was partying with the killer only days before his 2007 murder of lawyer Brendan Keilar.

Indigenous Team of the Century inductee Jimmy Krakouer was convicted of smuggling over 5kg of amphetamines in 1995, serving nine years for his part in the drug trafficking operation. His fellow North Melbourne player Wayne Carey also courted controversy after writing a character reference for notorious Melbourne underworld figure Jason Moran when he was facing assault charges in 2000.

By Paul Bleakley

Match-fixing a ‘cancer’ on Aussie sport, says Xenophon ...continued from p16 to lose a match 4-0, the court heard.

Gsubramaniam is accused of passing the information on to the team’s coach and some players.

But Southern Stars secretary Tony Kiranci says the club was “shocked” by the match-fixing allegations and was fully co-operating with authorities.

“No one from the committee is involved in any way,” Mr Kiranci said in a statement.

“The club is run by honest hardworking volunteers.”

Six people have so far been charged following the police investigation.

The investigation commenced in August, following information from the Football Federation of Australia about alleged match fixing in soccer games being played in the Victorian Premier League.

Despite the latest charges and allegations, Victorian Premier Denis Napthine said he believed almost all sport was being conducted appropriately.

“I think 99.9 per cent of matches that are played are absolutely above board,” Dr Napthine said.

Meanwhile, independent Senator Nick Xenophon has renewed calls for anti-match-fixing laws in the wake of the scandal.

He said his 2011 legislation, which was rejected by both the major parties, provided a broader framework for tackling match fixing.

“What’s clear from the February 2013 Australian Crime Commission report and recent events is that urgent reform is needed to tackle this cancer on Australian sport,” Senator Xenophon said in a statement on Monday.

Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott

said sport should be clean and fair and he will have his incoming minister seek an urgent briefing on match-fixing.

“And if there’s anything the government should do, we’ll do it,” he said.

Gsubramaniam’s bail hearing was adjourned until Friday.

He’s facing 10 charges, including five counts of engaging in conduct that corrupts or could corrupt the outcome of a betting event and five charges of facilitating conduct that corrupts or could corrupt the outcome of a betting event.

The team’s goalkeeper, Joe Nigel Wooley, 23, a UK citizen currently residing in Preston, player Reiss Michael Noel, 24, currently residing in Preston, and a further three men, including the team’s 36-year-old coach from Wantirna South, were bailed on charges to face court on Friday. - AAP

Ok, so we’ve gotten down to some serious singular digits now. Four teams left, three games to go, two beard mishaps, one cup. And, it has to be said, however unfathomable, that there are ZERO stories currently about Essendon. It’s like they have just disappeared…

Those cold sweats and dirt cravings don’t just explain you’re preggers, it more importantly is a reminder that footy is about to be done for another year. However melancholy or bittersweet this may seem, we still have the cream of 2013 left to fight it out for the big dance.

We also said goodbye to a couple of sides that had very different seasons.

Port Adelaide have gone from a complete mess to a very good team in a little over a year. It’s even hard to write jokes about them anymore. We all love a good underdog and the Power have commanded respect across the board.

Next year they will play their matches at Adelaide Oval and I for one believe they will achieve their goal of having more members than tarpaulins.

Carlton, on the other hand, were expected to do really well, beat Collingwood and Essendon and hand Mick another Premiership. Well, they were a bit rubbish, lost twice to both

RUBDOWN the Pies and Dons and Mick doesn’t look like making it til the end of the week, let alone September. Still, the fact they finished in ninth and got to knock Richmond out of the finals is just about as good as it gets for Blues fans.

So, with the top four left (again) we are faced with two impossibly insatiable Preliminary finals; Hawks vs. Cats on Friday and followed by Freo vs. Swans on the Saturday night.

Many questions will be answered in good time, but you know what - let the speculation commence.

Will the ‘Kennett Curse’ be finally broken?

Will the Dockers wilt under the enormous weight of expectation or can they actually be successful?

Has karma finally caught up with Kurt Tippett in the form of a dodgy leg?

Will Chris Scott definitively admit he is actually Brad Scott?

Is brown and gold the worst colour combination in world sport?

Does Brian Taylor have the commentary genius of complete peanut?

Is Dennis Cometti really a cyborg sent back through time to destroy us all?

If Perth is 10 years behind, why is a flat white the same price as a one bedroom apartment?

Oh the list could go on but as long as we get the answer to who’s gonna play off in a Grannie, that’ll do me.

In2Touch late summer season in full swing

By Tracey Andrew of In2Touch In2Touch are always looking to provide our players and teams with new exciting initiatives and leagues for the late summer period while the weather is still good, and 2013 has been no exception.

This year we’re bringing a new format to touch with some Shootout leagues in Clapham Common. These leagues are only four weeks long and each team gets to play 2 x 20 minute games against two different teams each week. This ensures teams get to benefit from the social aspect of the leagues as well as getting to play lots of different styles of touch. This is a social league, and many teams like to sit and watch the other games while on their break and also have a few social drinks. It is a great atmosphere for all and this league is a perfect way to wind down the spring and summer seasons.

Why not come down on a Monday or Wednesday evening in September between 6:30pm and 8pm to take a look?

In2Touch also run a late summer competition in Regent's Park. This comp is most teams favourite and the most picturesque venue to play touch.

The league runs for six weeks and is played in the normal format of 1 x 40 minute game every week. Mixed leagues run on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6pm, with an additional men›s league on Wednesday evening.

This league is almost halfway through and the teams are loving being able to play some more touch before the autumn season begins. The games have been very close this season so it will be a very exciting finals week to see who will take the top prize.

Due to popular demand we have moved our autumn league venue to Clapham Common this year. It will be

an eight week league starting from 6 October and will be played on Sundays from 12pm to 3pm each week. It is a social league, with players getting to know each other on the fields as well as in the pub afterwards. There are three divisions; Women's, Men's and Mixed.

We have also started up our Active Touch leagues again in Putney/ Wandsworth at The Wandle Recreation Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

It will run for eight weeks. This new indoor sport has taken London by storm and any players involved in Active Touch get hooked on playing.

It is a perfect way to keep fit and agile in the colder weather as it is a fast paced game that gives you great ball skills and coordination. Due to unprecedented demand, we have also opened up the opportunity for more people to play this fantastic sport by starting a new league in Canary Wharf at the Playonsports venue. We play on Mondays for eight weeks with 30 minute games.

The Shootout and Regent's Park leagues are completely full but there is still time to enter the Active Touch Canary Wharf and Clapham Common Sunday autumn leagues. If you are interested in entering as an individual or as a team into any of these leagues, please send an email to tracy@ in2touch.com or give the London office a call on 020 8542 0827.

With 16 venues around England from Clapham Common and Regent's Park to St Albans and Manchester and with over 600 teams playing in the London leagues alone and over 1,000 teams playing country wide, this growing sport is taking the nation by storm.

For more information or if you would like to register for an O2 Touch league or competition, go to www.in2touch.com/uk or e-mail info@in2touch.com

THE

RUBDOWN

So, who will dance in the Grannie?

P15

SPORT

STORM CAN DEFEND NRL CROWN: CRONK

n

The Storm are still on the road to glory according to Cooper Cronk but need to win three straight to retain the NRL title.

By Melissa Woods in Melbourne MELBOURNE STORM may be taking the hard road but are still very much in the race to win the NRL crown, according to halfback Cooper Cronk.

The Storm must win three successive matches to successfully defend their title, starting with Newcastle in their elimination final at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

Melbourne fell to South Sydney 20-10 last Friday night while the Knights steamrolled Canterbury 22-6 to advance to the final six.

Cronk felt the Storm let an opportunity slip in their loss to the Rabbitohs but he didn’t think it would impact on their season’s hopes.

“I’ve seen people in Formula One win a race from not being in pole position,” said Cronk.

“We have to take the hard road now but it’s not impossible.

“This club’s success has been built on hard work and that’s what we have in front of us this week.”

The Storm received some good news

TRUE BELIEVER: Cooper Cronk says it can be done. (AAP Image/ Action Photographics, Renee McKay)

with athletic winger Sisa Waqa likely to be available for the sudden-death clash.

Waqa was back at Melbourne training on Monday, running freely as he completed the drills.

An MRI scan gave him the all-clear after he landed on his head while attempting to collect a bomb against the Rabbitohs and was taken to hospital in a neck brace.

Melbourne will have a selection dilemma at five-eighth with Brett Finch also training, pushing to regain his No.6 starting jersey from Gareth Widdop.

Finch wasn’t available to face Souths due to a sternoclavicular injury, allowing Widdop to make his first NRL appearance since June.

Cronk wasn’t sure which way coach Craig Bellamy would go.

“Obviously Brett wasn’t up to the occasion on Friday night and Gareth made a successful return so the coaching staff will sit down and make those decisions.

“Hopefully Brett will be right and then it’s a good positive headache for the club.”

Cronk wasn’t surprised by the margin of Newcastle’s win over the Bulldogs, saying the Knights defended well while their opponents were a “little off”.

The Storm have won seven straight against the Knights, who also haven’t won in the Victorian capital since 2004.

Cronk downplayed their domination.

“We’re very well aware of their capabilities and we’ve had two close encounters over the course of this year.”

“My honest opinion is that it’s irrelevant.

“Seven wins against Newcastle doesn’t mean a hell of a lot.”

Get More Sport

AustralianTimes.co.uk/sport

King cautioned after bikie visit

VICTORIAN police have warned AFL clubs about players associating with bikie gang members after allegations that a Richmond player invited a member of the Bandidos into the club’s dressing room.

Richmond officials said that they were forced to tell forward Jake King to end his association with Bandidos member Toby Mitchell after Mr King brought Mr Mitchell into the MCG’s dressing rooms during a round twenty match. The club claim that they only became aware of the incident after it occurred, and took action to ensure that it did not happen again. ...continued on p15

Match-fixing scandal rocks Southern Stars A Malaysian national is an alleged “big wig” of a $2 million match-fixing scandal involving a Victorian soccer club.

Segaran “Gerry” Gsubramaniam allegedly received instructions from Hungary and Malaysia on what the results of Southern Stars soccer matches should be, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday.

One of those instructions was for the Victorian Premier League team ...continued on p15

Here we go again

Another Cats v Hawks finals epic? | P14 UP THEY GO: Mark Blicavs of Geelong and Benjamin Stratton of Hawthorn contest for the ball. The Cats meet the Hawks this Friday in the AFL preliminary final at the MCG. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)

Genia faces fight to regain spot

IF Will Genia thought it would be easy to win back the Wallabies starting halfback role, he would have quickly changed his mind on Saturday night.

Brumbies speedster Nic White put in an impressive display in his starting debut as the Wallabies broke their four-match losing run with a 14-13 win over Argentina in Perth.

White’s kicking for touch was crucial in the wet and windy conditions, while his composure under pressure also earned high praise.

New Wallabies coach Ewen ...continued on p15