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AUSTRALIAN CULTURE

Last night I was reading Bill Bryson’s ‘Down Under’ a travel book about the author’s life long love affair with Australia. And I learnt something about my own country that I was only slightly conscious of because it was always in the background, but Bill (an American) had picked up on immediately and that is Australia is a culture of clubs. It is probably why we don’t have a gang problem because we have a club problem. In my hometown of Redcliffe there are more clubs you can point a stick at. The two biggest clubs in Redcliffe is the Redcliffe Leagues Club and the Redcliffe Returned Servicemen’s League (RSL) club. Both of these clubs have thousands of members and the majority of the revenue that these two clubs rake in is from pokie machines that fund all of their activities. I don’t know how much money that they make but the Redcliffe Leagues Club has just built an Olympic size swimming pool so they must be doing alright. The sad fact that these are (in the words of Bill Bryson) funded by people wasting their mortgage money at the pokies is why I think Australia might have a club problem. But if that is our most pressing social problem then we are still a lot better off than most people around the world where a billion of them will go to bed tonight without anything to eat.

Fox Glacier to Christchurch

We all arose with excitement this morning ready for our helicopter ride to view Fox Glacier and Mt Cook.

We arrived at the Helicopter Guiding Shop only to find out that Mt Cook was covered in cloud and therefore we had to change our plans. So we decided on a flight to Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier - but still with a snow landing.

We boarded our helicopter and off we went, not ever being in a helicopter before takeoff is certainly an unusual experience, but fantastic as well.

We first headed up to Franz Josef Glacier followed by Fox Glacier, a truly spectactular and unbelievable way to see these amazing Glaciers.

We then landed in snow/ice and out we hopped, hundreds of feet up on a mountain top covered with snow/ice. The kids were so excited, I was a bit nervous, more about the kids slipping then anything, so I kept them close by. A few snow balls were thrown and a few happy snaps and then it was time to get back in the helicopter for the short flight back.

An absolute "must do" if you are ever in this area.

Back in the car for a five and a half hour drive to Christchurch, with no stops on the way as we were trying to get there so we could go to the International Antarctic Centre before it closed.

Thankfully we arrived there with a couple of hours to spare and in we went. First stop the "snow and ice experience". Before going in we had to put on a coat and shoe covers. This room was at -8 degrees and the kids had fun going down the ice slide and in the igloo. Then the wind chill machine came on at -18 degrees, which was certainly an experience.

We then headed out to the Hagglund Ride, which is an authentic Antarctic all-terrain vehicle. The vehicle went through it's paces on a purpose built track, a very unusual vehicle and ride, we were all in hysterics.

Then a tour of the rest of the building, penguins, antarctic information etc. Not bad for a couple of hours.

Then off to find our motel for the night, dinner and now re-packing bags and sorting things out before our early departure in the morning - 6.25am flight.

So I guess this means our New Zealand adventure has finally come to an end.

17 days of adventure, fun, excitement, tours, trips, a train, helicopter, small plane, bus, boat, steamship and plenty of driving.

Photos galore, not only the ones we took, but every place you go here they take your photo (at a cost of course), a few souvenirs and plenty of memories.

I now know why they call New Zealand the "land of the long white cloud". But, to be honest, as far as the sheep jokes go, we really didn't see that many, but maybe, as farmers, we just didn't notice them as much. There seems to be a lot of deer here though. The weather was pretty good to us and we didn't miss out on any of our pre-booked excursions. The locals are definately friendly and, as previously stated many times, the scenery is "truly spectacular".

Michelle, Dale, Teagan, Josh and Ryan x

Shafston College

Shafston Gold Coast Opening Special

Commencing on the 29th of January (on the day of the official opening of Shafston Gold Coast) the following special will come into effect:
10+2 weeks Free tuition AND NO Application Fee AND Free Airport Pick-up!

Valid until the 12th of February (two weeks duration; the last date for accepting enrolments under the promotion is Friday the 12th of February).

Students wishing to study less than 10 weeks (F/T) will not be charged an Application fee and Accommodation placement fee.

Motre about on our Australian College Website

Journalism Internship

Journalism internships prepare you for the real world of the news business, and necessary to have on your resume.

Online Journalism Internships give journalism students the opportunity to work flexible whils studying or travelling.

An internship can provide you with valuable work professional experience, and give you a feel for whether journalism is the right career for you.

Check the following website and contact them for information: Journalism Internship

http://www.journalism-internship.com/

Drop Bears

The drop bear is said to resemble both the koala and the bear; with the killer instinct of a wrestler. It is said that the Drop Bear is mostly likely to attack campers and tourists, or preferably camping tourists. Whilst weighing around 250 kilos, they are impressively nimble, quiet and patient, only diving down from the trees when they are certain of success. And that is why, so the legend goes, they are rarely ever seen.

Each year thousands of unsuspecting tourists are told to ‘watch out in the woods’ and ‘be careful of the drop bears’. They are told of the different repellents that prevent an attack. Such as toothpaste or shaving cream on the back of the neck, vegemite behind the ears and last but not least, “if you are under a tree, lean back and spit upwards, the drop bear will spit back and you will know that they are there.”

Australia is quite isolated and many people feel the need to make up tall stories because they can get away with it. Maybe the bush didn’t originally provide enough comedy material, or perhaps it is just a deep-seated need to enjoy oneself at another’s expense. Either way as long as there are people ‘there will be drop bears’. So next time you see campers staring up at the trees cautiously for obscenely long periods of time…you’ll know why.

Bull Sharks

Bull sharks live in rivers such as the Brisbane river and in warm waters, costal areas and streams. They are mostly found in South Africa, Australia and along the coasts of America. You will also be able to see shark near beach's where there are lots of fish and other sharks.

The bull shark is very territorial and can be very aggresive when other animals or humans enter their territory. Along with the Tiger shark and the Great white the Bull shark is one of the most likely to attack humans.

Bull sharks feed on fish, turtels, seabirds dolphins mulluscs and even other sharks!

These sharks are solitary hunter and occasionally hunt in pairs. They are often seen crusing along shallow waters looking for some fish or stingray.

Bull sharks are strong and large sharks. Males can grow up to 2.5 meters long and can weigh up to 90 kg. While females can grow up to 4m and weigh 320 kg. Their skin colour is dark or light grey on top and white underneath.

Taipan

The Taipan is Australia's longest venomous snake. These snakes can grow up to 3.35 metres in length which makes them as big as a small car and even bigger.

Taipans bite over and over again and have fangs that longer than any Australia snake. In the past most of the people that were bitten by the Taipan died because the snakes venom was very strong and antivenom was not yet made.

In Australia one little boy got bitten by a Taipan and died just a few minutes later which is very unusual for humans to die that fast. The Taipan is often found near farms and garbage tips and sugar cane because there are lots of mice and rats to feed on.

Taipans are usually pale to dark brown in colour fading to cream although juveniles are lighter in colour.

Did You know that the average amount of venom taken from each Taipan in a laboratory is enough to kill 12,000 guinea pigs.

Taipans are usually frightened by people and race of in the other direction.

Affordable living in Wollongong

Wollongong is a cheaper option for many Australian families who choose to relocate there from their original place. Some come to admire the natural beauty of Wollongong while others come because Wollongong offers them an affordable living option in comparison to Sydney.

This is not a really bad idea because Wollongong offers lower real estate prices. There is also less traffic congestion and more preservation of the natural environment. In fact, Wollongong's natural beauty is one of its main attractions for many people including visitors like me.

I have heard that many Australian families have chosen to relocate and settle in Wollongong from Sydney yet retain jobs there. This bit of news actually surprised me because Wollongong is at least a good hour's drive from Sydney. But then the cheaper real estate offer and the efficient CityRail South Coast Line service and F6 Southern Freeway has actually made it easier for Sydney families to make the move to Wollongong.

Next time, I'll be discussing the various study programs that my alma mater, the Faculty of Creative Arts, has to offer to international students.

Till then...

Cheers

Neil

Protection against Lightning Strikes

In Australia, lightning kills 5 to 10 and injures people annually. Of the many , about 80 lightning strike injuries each year result from people using fixed telephones during thunderstorms when the phone system may become highly charged near where lightning is striking.

Protect yourself and your family by following the advice in this pamphlet. Keep this information handy in a safe place which you can remember.
Check your local electricity provider for advice on surge protectors and lightning conductors for homes (and other buildings) to help safeguard occupants and electrical equipment.

IF CAUGHT OUTDOORS

The distance (in kilometres) to a lightning flash may be estimated by dividing the time delay (in seconds) between the flash and the thunder by 3. If you hear thunder, find shelter urgently, especially if the time delay is less than 30 seconds. Try to remain sheltered for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.

Seek shelter in a 'hard-top' (metal-bodied) vehicle or solid building but avoid small open structures or fabric tents.
Never shelter under small groups of (or single) trees.
If far from shelter, crouch (alone, feet together), preferably in a hollow. Remove metal objects from head/body. Don't lie down flat but avoid being the highest object in the vicinity.
If your hair stands on end or you hear 'buzzing' from nearby rocks, fences, etc, move immediately. At night, a blue glow may show if an object is about to be struck (St Elmo's fire).
Don't fly kites or model aeroplanes with control wires.
Don't handle fishing rods, umbrellas or golf clubs etc.
Stay away from metal poles, fences, clothes lines etc.
Don't ride horses, bicycles or travel in open vehicles.
If driving, slow down or park away from trees, power lines etc. Stay inside metal-bodied (hard top) vehicles or caravans but don't touch any metal sections.
If swimming, surfing etc, leave the water immediately.
If boating, go ashore to shelter as soon as possible.
Be sure the mast and stays of a sailing boat are adequately 'grounded' to the water.

IF YOU ARE INDOORS

Before the thunderstorm arrives, disconnect external aerial and power leads to radios and television sets. Disconnect computer modems and power leads.
Draw all curtains and keep clear of windows, electrical appliances, pipes and other metal fixtures (eg don't use the bath, shower, handbasin or laundry/kitchen sinks).
Avoid touching brick or concrete, or standing bare-footed on concrete or tiled floors.
Avoid the use of fixed telephones. In emergencies, make calls brief.

FIRST AID

Apply immediate heart massage and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (CPR) to lightning victims until medical help arrives and they will have a good chance of survival. (You won't receive a shock from the victim.)

LIGHTNING FACTS

When struck, people do not glow or 'fry to a crisp' but the heart and breathing are often affected.
Only about 30% of people struck actually die, and the incidence of long-term disability is low, particularly when appropriate first aid is applied promptly.
If your clothes are wet, you are less likely to be seriously injured if struck, as most of the charge will conduct through the wet clothes rather than your body.
Average lightning bolts carry a current of 10,000 to 30,000 amps. An average radiator draws 10 amps.
Lightning can, and often does, strike more than once in the same place.
Worldwide, thunderstorms produce approximately 6,000 lightning strikes every minute!

This pamphlet was produced jointly by Emergency Management Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology.
Resource: http://www.bom.gov.au/info/thunder/

Internet Job

Visit our website about Intenet Jobs

http://www.internet-job.org/

banjo frog

There are three main types of banjo frogs which is the eastern, southern and snowy mountain banjo frog ( Limnodynastes dumerilii grayi, limnodynastes dumerilii fryi and limnodynates dumerilii insularis).

Eastern banjo frog

Eastern banjo frogs are a medium large frog with a big round head

Bunbury Flying School

Bunbury Flying School is offering to pay the one-way airfare to Australia from the country of residence of the FIRST student of each nationality to apply through a West Coast College agent, providing that student completes their Private Pilot's License (PPL) license. If the student goes on to complete their Commercial Pilot's License (CPL) with us, we will also pay their flight from Australia back to their country of residence. The student
would enter Australia on a student visa through West Coast College and must study ELICOS English throughout their pilot training as English proficiency is a requirement of a pilot's licence. West Coast College is offering the student a special partial scholarship of $205/week for full-time ESL study (25 hours/week) for the duration of their studies. For further information contact Manuela on manuela(at)australien-ausbildung.com

Bunbury Flying School is the largest flight training facility in regional Western Australia. We conduct flying training through to Commercial Pilot level with various other training available such as retractable, constant speed unit and night flying endorsements. Our aim is to provide personalised, cost effective training in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere
all year round. We operate a fleet of nine aircraft that are based at Bunbury Airport. We operate a fleet of nine aircraft maintained to the highest standards. Operating from a non-controlled aerodrome with our training area immediately adjacent to the airport saves valuable time and money and there are no landing fees or airspace charges at Bunbury Airport. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

More on English Schools in Australia

Luna Parks

In Australia there are two Luna Parks. The first one opened in Melbourne in 1912. It is located near St. Kilda beach and has a variety of different rides for all visitors of different ages. The Scene Railway is the oldest wooden roller coaster in the world, it has been around since the park opened more than 90 years ago.

The second Luna Park is in Sydney and was first opened in 1935. It is located in Milsons Point not far from the Milsons Point train station. During the New South Wales School Holidays the park is opened every day with longer hours. Otherwise it will be open from Fridays to Mondays and closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The park has 14 rides including a Ferris wheel, a pirate ship and a fun house called Coney Island.

The Sydney Park also has magnificent views of Darling Harbour. At night the whole park lights up and can be seen from all over the harbour area.

Both parks have free entry with the option of paying for rides individually or purchasing a selection of bracelets, of varying prices, to have unlimited access to some or all of the rides. Prices do increase during peak periods.

Music Festivals

Music festivals are popular pastimes that are embraced by music lovers of all ages. Most of the festivals are held during the warmer months underneath the sunny, clear blue Australian skies.The festivals attract popular musical acts from all around the world as well as supporting local Australian artists.

Some of the major Australian festivals are:

The Falls Festival is held in Lorne, Victoria and Marion Bay in Tasmania. It spans four days from the 29th of December to the 1st of January. It has existed for over 15 years as it first started in 1993 in Lorne and then in 2006 expanded to Marion Bay.

Field Day is held on New Year’s Day in Sydney at The Domain. The Domain is located near the Royal Botanical Gardens just outside the central business district.

Big Day Out (BDO) is the oldest and possibly the most well-known of all the music festivals in Australia. It started in 1992 and was held every year (except 1998) in late January. The festival is also held in Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Auckland in New Zealand.

Soundwave is held in February and was first established in 2007. The line up is more alternative rock compared to other music festivals in Australia. It originated from Perth and is also held in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Splendour in the Grass is held every year in July just outside Byron Bay in the state of New South Wales. It is a two-day event and has been around for almost ten years.

Parklife is held in the beginning of October in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. It was first held in 2006 and is one of the newest additions to the Australian music festivals.

bearded dragons

Bearded dragons are native reptiles and cannot regulate there body temperature.bearded dragons can grow up to 24 inches and are most active at night .Their lifespan is up to 15 years and can grow 61 centimeters in length.they mostly eat insects and mice their predators are birds, snakes and crocodiles.

they can be great indoor pets for children.