ANZ Outlook / Issue 4

Camping Down Under Sleeping under the starsTraveller's guide NelsonPLUS Migration news, Ask the Expert, Living in Canberra, Go walkabout in the first nation

the

ashesEngland triumph,

Australia in tatters

Road

Australian floods Disaster rocks the nation

The Journey of a lifetime

Camping Down Under Sleeping under the starsTraveller's guide NelsonPLUS Migration news, Ask the Expert, Living in Canberra, Go walkabout in the first nation

Sleeping under the starsthethe

ashesashesEngland triumph, England triumph,

Australia in tatters


Australian Australian floodsfloodsDisaster rocks Disaster rocks the nationthe nation


44


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AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALANDOUTLOOK

Queensland’s fl oods have been described as a fl ood ‘’of biblical proportions’’. The state has been devastated. Three swollen river systems stretching from the north of Queensland close to Cairns as far as Brisbane in the south and to Aramac in the west have sent waters rushing into more than 20 towns and across hundreds of thousands of hectares of land. More than 200,000 people have been affected. Victoria and NSW have also been swamped and hundreds of homes still face the threat of fl ood as four rivers northwest of the state capital Melbourne approach their highest peaks in a century.

The disaster is unprecedented and you can read more in our fl ood focus on page 52. Of course, the fl oods will recede. While the clean up will take time, and will be costly, the Aussies are a resilient bunch. They’ll bounce back, and fast. Many tourist attractions are still open and it is important to remember this is a continent of vast contrast. So don’t cancel your holiday!

This month we have a number of travel features designed around camping or the outback – most of which have been totally unaffected by the terrible disaster and we also tackle some of the latest issues in immigration (particularly pertinent given the latest rise in UK unemployment).

We have lots inside and I hope you enjoy the magazine!

Ian ArmitageEditor

EDITORIALEditor: Ian ArmitageWriters: Colin ChineryChris FarnellRuari McCallionJane Bordenave

BUSINESS General Manager: Stephen WarmanResearch Manager: Don CampbellResearchers: Andy WilliamsElle WatsonDave HodgsonChris BolderstoneAdvertising Sales Manager: Andy EllisSales Executive: Jon JaffreySales Administrator: Abby Nightingale

ACCOUNTSFinancial Controller: Nick CramptonAccounts: Margaret Roberts, Alexandra Buchlakova

PRODUCTION & DESIGNMagazine Design: Optic JuiceProduction Manager: Jon Cooke

DIGITAL & ITHead of digital marketing and development : Syed Ahmad

TNT PUBLISHINGCEO: Kevin EllisChairman: Ken HurstPublisher: TNT Publishing Ltd

Australia and New Zealand Outlook, The Royal, Bank Plain, Norwich, Norfolk, UK. NR2 4SFTNT Magazine, 14-15 Child’s Place, Earl’s Court, London, UK, SW5 9RXTntmagazine.com

ENQUIRIESTel: +44 (0)1603 3432267Fax: +44 (0)1603 283602Email: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONSCall: +44 (0)1603 343267Email: [email protected]

www.anzoutlook.com 03

features designed around camping or the outback – most of which have been totally unaffected by the terrible disaster and we

immigration (particularly pertinent given

flood disaster rocks the nation

www.anzout look.com04

CONTENTS

PAGE

24PAGE

50

PAGE28PAGE54

PAGE

16

AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALANDOUTLOOK

06 News

10 Migration Update

14 Whats on Our guide to the unmissable

events, holidays and celebrations in Australia and New Zealand this month

16 Camping Down Under Sleeping under the stars

Down Under

20 The Great Ocean Road This road trip is one of the

world’s most spectacular coastal drives

24 Eco Chic Fiji Luxurious, environmentally

friendly resorts in the jewel of the South Pacifi c

28 Go walkabout in the first nation The Australian Aboriginal

culture is extraordinarily diverse and wonderfully complex

34 Ask the expert Seamus Murphy, Senior Tax

Manager (UK) and Zdravka Zlateva, Senior Manager – Product Development, of Taxback.com answer your questions

CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS

05

38 Traveller's guide to Nelson Stuck in the middle with you

42 Going out... Sydney Harbour Pub crawl

44 Australian floods: Disaster rocks the nation Queensland has been hit by

fl ooding so severe it has left an area the size of France and Germany combined submerged

48 Health Requirements for Australian Visa Applicants The need to know

information

50 Canberra Canberra boasts all the

benefi ts of city living while maintaining a relaxed coun-try lifestyle

54 The Ashes: England triumph, Australia in tatters We’re not one to gloat, but

England’s Ashes triumph is something to shout about

NEWSAustralia’s fl ood casualties include a turtle, which had its head stuck in a drain grate and an echidna washed up on a beach.

They are just some of the animals that suffered in Queensland’s raging floods and now veterinarians are working overtime to save them.

Native animals have been displaced or made ill by the fetid water.

Staff at Australia Zoo, on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland said they were struggling to cope with a dramatic increase in injured wildlife that have been swept up in the fl oods, or become disorientated while seeking higher ground.

Two-thirds of Queensland has been devastated by fl oods over the past three weeks.

Australia floods: Casualties include animals


Now that the fl oodwaters have drained from the cities and towns, the full horror of

the devastation wrought when the Brisbane River burst its banks is being realised.

Head of the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit, Brian Coulter, said they have received hundreds of calls since Sunday and

staff are working overtime to help.“The majority of those calls have been

for wildlife that have been displaced from their homes and are disorientated, and we have been able to assist in helping them get back to their habitat before they become too stressed or get injured,” Mr Coulter said.

“The wet weather has been rough on the local wildlife.”

Australia Day revelry

hits London Australia Day, January 26, is upon us again and thankfully London can put on a party as good as our chums in the southern hemisphere.

It is one day of the year when Australians, decked out in green and gold, descend on London’s watering holes to celebrate what it is to be from the land Down Under.

Marking the day the British landed at Sydney Cove, most of the 600,000

Australians living in London will rock out to Cold Chisel, wage bets on the Triple J Hottest 100 and sink plenty of booze. Even non-Australians are bound to be lured into the merrymaking with all the joie de vivre on display.

As usual, there is no shortage of things to do or places to go.

in a drain grate and an

AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALANDOUTLOOK 07

Jordan Rice, the Australian teenager who died in the fl oods after telling rescuers to save his brother fi rst, has been buried following his funeral in Toowoomba.

Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 13-year-old national hero who became a symbol of Australia’s fl ood tragedy.

Jordan’s mother, Donna, was also killed when the pair were swept from the roof of their car.

Jordan and Donna Rice’s coffi ns were placed in the same grave at the Drayton and Toowoomba cemetery.

Jordan’s father John Tyson spoke at the

Australia floods: Jordan Rice buried with his mother

ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

ceremony and described his devastation at losing both his wife and son.

“I don’t think I can put into words just how much I’ll miss them,” Tyson said.

“The fi re in my heart will continue to burn until my time comes to join them. But until then, all I can do is think of you both and tell anyone who’ll listen just how much I love you both and how special you are. God speed, my little angels.”

ceremony and described his devastation at

MEL GIBSON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGE COULD GET HIM FOUR YEARS IN JAIL

Mel Gibson could face four years in jail for

hitting his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva as

it was revealed a domestic violence allegation is

likely to be fi led against him.

Gibson has been accused of breaking two of

Oksana Grigorieva’s teeth during a fi ght when they

lived together in Malibu, California.

Oksana Grigorieva’s claims that Gibson hit her as

she held their two-month-old baby, Lucia. She said:

“I was scared for my life and my daughter’s. He

punched me in the mouth, and the end of the blow

brushed her chin.

“I went to the kitchen to grab my

keys and he’s pulling a gun out of his

shorts. I thought he would kill me.”

Gibson will be charged with either

a felony or a misdemeanour.

If he’s convicted of a felony,

Gibson could end up in a

state prison for four years.

However, is he’s found guilty of

a misdemeanour, the actor might

receive a 12-month term in a

county jail.

NEWS

According to the Offi ce for National Statistics (ONS) UK unemployment has risen again.

It rose by 49,000 to 2.5 million in the three months to the end of November in fact.

One in fi ve 16 to 24-year-olds are now out of work, after a rise of 32,000 to 951,000 without jobs, the highest fi gure since records began in 1992.

Despite the rise, the unemployment rate in the UK actually remained unchanged at 7.9 percent.

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in December fell by

UK unemployment rises (AGAIN!)


4,100 to 1.46 million.Other data from the ONS showed that

male unemployment increased by 43,000 in the three months to November to reach 1.48 million, while female unemployment rose by 6,000 to 1.02 million.

There were 157,000 redundancies.What better time to consider a move

Down Under? Employment for the same period rose in Australia and some 55,000 new jobs were created in November alone.

Learn more about how you could start a new life through our website and magazine.Jobseeker’s Allowance in December fell by and magazine.


NEW ZEALAND LAWNMOWER RACING TURNS UGLY

A New Zealand ride-on lawnmower race erupted in violence as competitors traded punches.

A bust-up between the rivals was apparently sparked after one shunted the other about 10 metres sideways during the race, at an agricultural show in Lake Hayes, in South Island.

One of the men was pushed “beyond the point of provocation”, his boss said.

Queenstown Stihl Shop owner, Mark McLellan told stuff.co.uk that his employee was pushed into throwing about six punches after being “T-boned” by another

competitor after the race.“This guy ran over another competitor and

came right up on to his deck, then clipped another competitor on the legs.

He entered a team of four mowers, obviously with the intention of winning at whatever cost.

“I’m not sure whether the chap is a wee bit mentally unstable or over-competitive, but all these incidents were just crazy things to do – especially at what was supposed to be a fun public event.”

UK unemployment rises (AGAIN!)


ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Tragic end for NZ's Pike River familiesSealing the Pike River Coal mine looks like the only feasible option after failed attempts to recover the bodies of 29 men trapped underground, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has said.

“This is a very tragic end for the families at Pike River,” Mr Key told reporters. “It’s not the scenario we would have wanted to have seen and the government was fully committed to doing everything we could to make sure the bodies were removed and the full closure could be achieved for those families.

“But that’s just not possible.”On January 13, police called off recovery

efforts, which had been underway at the South Island mine, where a methane gas explosion ripped through the mine on November 19.

29 miners died after they were trapped underground.

A massive machine sent over from Australia to pump nitrogen into the mine to stabilise the atmosphere had burnt out and the Queensland government wanted it returned, Mr Key said.

“It’s not an issue of money or time or commitment.”

“We have done everything we believe we possibly can.”

“The mine rescue teams from both Australia and New Zealand have refused to go in to the mine and they’ve explained that to the families (of the victims).”

“The mine will be sealed - that’s the likely outcome.”

The University of Canberra is to

introduce a total ban on bottled water

from its campus. It’s believed to be the

largest ban of its kind in Australia and the

fi rst across a university. Organisers say

the ban will stop 140,000 plastic bottles

from being sold annually.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has warned

that the economic impact from the

fl ooding in Queensland could result in

both spending cutbacks and a fl ood levy.

“This is going to require some diffi cult

decisions, spending cutbacks and there

may even a levy,” Ms Gillard said on

ABC’s 7.30 Report.

Police in Australia have recovered another

A$1.5 million worth of bottled wine in a scam

that has left growers across the country without

payments for their products. The total amount

of wine obtained, and not paid for, has reached

A$6.5 million but at least one victim estimates it

will soar to over A$20 million.

A big jump in Chinese visitors and English

cricket fans helped Melbourne Airport welcome

a record number of travellers in 2010. A record

27.7 million travellers, a 10 percent increase on

the previous year, passed through Melbourne

Airport last year, new fi gures show. International

jetsetters gave the fi gures the biggest boost with

14 percent more travellers in 2010.

N E W S I N B R I E FB R I E FN E W S

migration updateNew 'interim visa' system A new ‘interim

visa’ system comes into effect on 7 February 2011 to help overseas students, workers and visitors who wish to extend their stay in New Zealand.

Interim visas may be granted to maintain a person’s lawful status in New Zealand, where he or she holds a valid temporary visa and has applied for a further temporary visa. The new type of visa is one of the changes introduced by the Immigration Act 2009.

In most cases an interim visa will be granted automatically by electronic means, and there is no fee and no visa label. People who are granted interim visas will be notifi ed by email or by letter. The interim visa will be valid until the date a person’s application for a temporary visa is decided (up to a maximum of six months).

Whether the holder of an interim visa can work or study is shown by the conditions of the interim visa. These conditions depend on the visa he or she held previously, and the type and conditions of the visa applied for.

For more information visit www.immigration.govt.nz.

New 'interim

visa’ system comes into effect


The Australian government wants all Australians to have a say about what the country’s population strategy should be.

Tony Burke, Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, has released a discussion paper with the aim of taking the debate to the country. It identifi es that major issues on demographic changes, productivity, prosperity and sustainable development.

“Changes in Australia’s population will affect us all, in our work, in our communities and in our built and natural environments. The key to understanding policy for a sustainable Australia begins with the principle of regional difference,” Burke said.

“The issue of a sustainable population goes to the quality of life enjoyed by all Australians. It goes to the quality of the air we breathe, the green spaces we share and how much sunshine is left at the end of the day after a long commute.

“The release of the Government’s Sustainable Population Strategy Issues Paper is an important part of the broader community discussion in which all Australians are encouraged to contribute their views on how to manage our changing population.”

call for wider participation

in shaping national population policy

International students wanting to study in Australia need to have substantially more money compared to countries like the UK or US, research from the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy shows.

It says that a student would need at least A$108,000 to cover tuition fees and living costs for the duration of a three-year degree. In contrast, students only need about A$40,500 in the US and A$23,000 to A$25,000 in Canada, Britain and New Zealand.

High costs that include having to prove you have

Overseas students need more money

in Australia, says research enough money before being granted a visa could be behind a recent drop in the number of overseas students going to Australia.

“Student fi nancial requirements are much more prescriptive and substantially greater in Australia,

primarily because we require substantial evidence of fi nancial capability over the whole of an applicant’s proposed stay. All other countries require evidence for the fi rst year only or for some nominal level of fi nancial capability,” the research says.

for the duration of a three-year primarily because we require

capability,” the research says.


Keep track of the latest news and developments on moving Down Under

More Americans are moving to Australia, especially those with degrees in mining and engineering, two sectors that are facing a severe skills shortage. Figures from the Australian government show that almost 7,000 US citizens are currently working on long-term visas.

Australian based construction giant Brookfi eld Multiplex has said that the country needs to increase its labour force. Immigration is set to be a major debate in 2011 in Australia as companies and other organisations warn that current policies are hampering the recruitment of skilled overseas workers.

NEWS IN BRIEF The recession is biting hard in Ireland and tens of thousands of Irish people are fl eeing from their country’s economic crisis and more than ever are arriving in Australia, fi gures suggest.

Since the onset of the global recession, annual emigration from Ireland has climbed from under 15,000 to almost 30,000, according to the Central Statistics Offi ce in Dublin. This number is expected to grow in the coming years and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) predicts that 200,000 people will emigrate between 2010 and 2015.Figures from the Australian government show that 1,530 permanent settlers from Ireland arrived in the fi nancial year 2008 to 2009.

More Irish seek new life

in Australia

migration update: working down under

The mining industry in Australia is facing a severe shortage of skilled workers and high demand is expected throughout 2011.

Overall Australia is experiencing an increase in shortages of skilled workers as its economy continues to recover and unemployment rates fall. The mining sector is regarded as facing a severe shortage because it is a high growth area.

Aussie Job outlook positive for the New YearJob seekers in Australia are likely to fi nd ample employment opportunities in the services sector at the start of 2011, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

New Year job seekers should target the services and public administration and education industry sectors, where employer optimism for the fi rst quarter of 2011 is strong, the report says.2011 is strong, the report says.

Australia's mining industry facing severe skills shortage in 2011

The high demand for skilled workers in the Australian mining industry is likely to continue throughout 2011, according to a survey of 2,200 employers by Manpower. “We’ve heard a lot from mining and construction sector employers about skills shortages. Organisations need to prioritise attraction and retention strategies as the war for talent will be heating up,” said Lincoln Crawley, managing director for Manpower Australia and New Zealand.


Australian employers

seek more overseas workersFalling unemployment in Australia means more opportunities for overseas workers, it is claimed. The latest fi gures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that Western Australia has the lowest unemployment rate in the country.

The unemployment rate in the state has fallen to a seasonally adjusted 4.5 percent in November compared with 4.7 percent in October.

Nationally the fi gures show that unemployment has fallen to 5.2 percent from 5.4 percent in October.

The unemployment rate fell in every state except Tasmania.


Keep track of the latest news and developments on moving Down Under

Datamonitor has found 40 percent of Brits

aren’t happy with the state of their fi nances and

the future direction of the country. Its research

also revealed that 1 in 10 people would consider

emigrating in the next 5 years. The New Zealand earthquake may boost

the economy in 2011 according to JPMorgan

economist Helen Kevans. In remarks about

the economic impact of the earthquake that hit

Christchurch in September she said it could be

“positive for growth” with the biggest boost

coming in the construction sector.

A new report by the Australian Bureau of

Statistics shows that a higher proportion of migrants are unemployed after emigrating

to Australia, compared to the nation as a

whole. Data taken from the last census shows

that 5.2 percent of the population of Australia

are currently unemployed compared with

7.3 percent of skilled migrants that have

emigrated to Oz

New Zealand has experienced an overall

permanent population increase of 15,200

for the year, according to Statistics New

Zealand. The department said the net permanent and long-term arrivals for the year

was higher than the annual average of 11,900

for the years 1990-2009.

Western Australia has called upon the newly

elected government to tackle labour shortages and dump the controversial Mineral Resources

Rent Tax. Premier Colin Barnett voiced his

disappointment that the two independents, Bob

Oakeshott and Tony Windsor had gone over to

Labor and said that the mining tax will slow

down the growth of the WA economy.

NEWS IN BRIEF

What’s on...


8-30th

35th Sydney Festival 2011Sydney, AustraliaThe Sydney Festival is Australia’s largest summer festival. With its more than one million visitors, it has been running since 1977 and aims to showcase local and international talent while at the same time celebrating Australian culture. Most events are free to the public.WWW.SYDNEYFESTIVAL.ORG.AU

Australia DayNationwideOn Australia Day Aussies come together to celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australian. It’s a great party!WWW.AUSTRALIADAY.ORG.AU

20th Big Day Out FestivalVarious cities in Australia and New ZealandFounded in 1992 in Sydney, Big Day Out is a touring musical event that opens in Auckland on January 21 with headliner Tool. The show travels to Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth in the subsequent days. The event, which expanded its Sydney show to two days and expects to draw more than 250,000 people. WWW.BIGDAYOUT.COM

january

26 th

january

21-6thjanua

ry february

What’s on...


Our guide to the unmissable events, holidays and celebrations in Australia and New Zealand this month

4-6th

12 thMarlborough Wine Festival Brancott Estate, Blenheim, MarlboroughWine and food lovers are getting ready for one of New Zealand’s longest-running premier food and wine events - the Marlborough Wine Festival. Marlborough, at the top of the South Island, is New Zealand’s biggest wine-producing region and famous for its award-winning sauvignon blanc blends.WWW.WINE-MARLBOROUGH-FESTIVAL.CO.NZ

19th TropfestThe Domain, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, AustraliaTropfest is world’s largest short fi lm festival. It offers young fi lmmakers a unique opportunity to showcase their works to a huge audience. The festival is open to anyone who wishes to enter and is held annually in Sydney but is also broadcast live to venues in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth. WWW.TROPFEST.COM/

Australian International AirshowBeach Rd, Avalon, VictoriaExperience the best high fl ying action ever seen in Australia at the 2011 Australian International Airshow. The highly acclaimed public Airshow is run in conjunction with a comprehensive Aerospace and Defence Exposition, making this exciting event one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.WWW.AIRSHOW.COM.AU

20th

march

february

february


adventure

Down UnderDown UnderCamping


One of the best ways that you can experience Australia is in a tent. Aussies are passionate about camping

and there are literally thousands of campsites across the country.

Camping here is vastly different to what you may have experienced in the UK. You can ditch the wellies and you won’t need an umbrella.

Commercial campsites in Australia are as sophisticated as they come, with nearly all the creature comforts of home.

Camping in the bush, outback or a national park, though, will usually mean you are left to fend for yourself, sterilising water from stream and cooking over the campfi re. But that’s half the fun.

Camping is one of the best ways to see the outback. You can get out and see the wilderness in all its glory. And if you are looking for a good place, then you must go and see Western Australia for this one.

Being the country’s largest state, there are actually a lot of interesting places to explore.

The Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort - www.monkeymia.com.au - would certainly be a good start. As the name suggests, the main attractions here are bottle-nose dolphins and Monkey Mia is one of the world’s premier natural dolphin sighting areas; “a destination of magical encounters,” Aspen Parks says.

Another great place that you can pitch your tent in is Lucky Bay. The campground is located in the Cape Le Grand National Park.


ADVENTURE

GLAMPINGIf luxury is what you are after, have you considered “glamping”? Glamping is a uniquely Australian term combining “glamour” and “camping” and it describes a more comfort-focused approach to sleeping under canvas. The best-known place for glamping is in the Australian Outback at Longitude 131° - www.longitude131.com.au - overlooking Ayers Rock in the centre of the red desert.

Described as a “luxury wilderness camp,” Longitude 131 features 15 white tents in a line along the desert, each with air conditioning, private bathroom, bathrobes and evening turn-down service.

Children 12 years and under are not catered for at Longitude 131°.

NO NEED TO 'WINE'If wine is your thing, experience glorious vineyards, lush rolling hills and a breathtaking coastline when you visit the Margaret River region of Western Australia. Whether you pitch a tent in the glorious countryside or fi nd your own secluded beach, camping in this region is guaranteed to take you back to a time when the simple things in life mattered most and you could really enjoy the basics.

Barossa Valley is Australia’s favourite wine region and while most prefer to stay in fancy lodges and bed & breakfasts, the best way to experience the valley’s beauty is to fi nd a site and pitch a tent. Discover the quaint towns that dot the valley, visit some of the many award-winning wineries and embark on many of the scenic drives that highlight the undeniable purity of this amazing region.

PermitVisitors to national parks need to purchase an entry permit (even just to walk), as well as overnight camping permits and pay local camping fees. Each state has its own permit-laws and fees. Those travelling interstate or on an extended stay may wish to purchase a yearly or multiple parks pass. Further information: www.camping.com.au.

www.anzout look.com AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALANDOUTLOOK 19

CARBON FREEFor a zero-footprint camping experience, you can sleep in solitude at Flour Cask Bay Sanctuary on Kangaroo Island. The site is run by Eco-Sanctuaries Trust - www.eco-sanctuaries.com - and is set on the banks of Salt Lake and egret-dotted lagoons. You can shelter in style in a safari tent, though for complete indulgence, you can luxuriate in their fully-contained Eco Kimberley Kamper trailer.

Flour Cask Bay Sanctuary is a private nature reserve with accommodation, camping, cycling, canoeing and spectacular scenery on Kangaroo Island’s south coast. Quality Eco-camps (Safari tents), 4WDs, camper trailers, bikes, canoes and camping equipment are available.

Prices start at A$20 per site per night.

CAMP-(TAS)MANIAAnother popular camping spot is Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. Camping at the foot of Cradle Mountain provides you with one of the most stunning backgrounds you could ever wish to hope for. The campground is located just before the National Park entrance and is a great base for exploration. Discovery Holiday Parks – Cradle Mountain (formerly Cosy Cabins Cradle Mountain) on the boundary of the Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania’s Western Wilderness is just over an hour from Burnie, Latrobe and Deloraine. This park offers sanctuary, with all the conveniences of Sheffi eld less than one hour away.

Quick tips Let someone know your itinerary and return date before you leave.

Not all car companies will insure you if you drive on unsealed roads or hit an animal.

Don’t camp under river red gum trees.

Avoid dried out creek beds. Carry fi rst aid kit at all times. Make sure you have a map and compass.

Ensure you never travel without food.

Avoid camping in the summer. It can get very, very hot. Autumn to spring (March to November) are best.

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TRAVELLER'S GUIDE


TRAVELLER'S GUIDE


www.anzout look.comwww.anzout look.com AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALANDOUTLOOK 21

A couple of years ago, my friend and I were discussing our dreams. I asked the question,

“What is your dream holiday?” After I’d listened to his plans for a trip to Africa it was my turn to give an answer. “Where would you go then?” he asked. “Australia” I said. “How long for?” he went on. “Long enough to go down the Great Ocean Road” I replied.

I’m not alone. This is a dream shared by many, including Ashes winner and England batsman Kevin Pietersen. After his man-of-the-match performance in England’s crushing win over Australia in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide he decided to take a spin down the Great Ocean Road. It ended in a A$239 (around £149 at the time) speeding ticket, after he was caught travelling north along the Geelong Ring Road at 121kph (75mph) in a 100 zone (62mph). Pietersen said nothing of the fi ne, but clearly enjoyed his drive down the scenic Great Ocean Road behind the wheel of a yellow Lamborghini former legspinning great Shane Warne had borrowed for him. “Stunning beaches on the Great Ocean Rd ... Gorgeous drive!!” he chirped on Twitter, after earlier posting a picture of the yellow sportscar and thanked Warne and the car dealer.

Speeding is terrible and he was rightly punished. But Pietersen is right about the Great Ocean Road. It is an amazing drive. Overfl owing with beautiful surf beaches, arresting coastline, enchanting bushwalks, national parks and native wildlife.

However take the trip slowly! Don’t speed. And plan on regular stops to take in the wildlife and stunning scenery.

couple of years ago,


TRAVELLER'S GUIDE

A bit of background...Considered as one of the most beautiful roads boasting a panoramic view of the coastline of Victoria, the Great Ocean Road is defi nitely a sight to see when visiting Australia.

It was built from 1919 to 1932 by thousands of returning soldiers in memory of their fallen brothers during World War I and the road is cut into the cliff face in many parts alongside the ocean and runs from Torquay to Allansford. There are many entry points to shorten the distance and make it a day trip from Melbourne.

This road trip is one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, with the road often being the only thing separating the mountains from the beaches.

There are several seaside towns to stop and walk around, dine or stay at on your drive.

What to do...The Great Ocean Road offers many exciting tourist attractions. There are so many in fact it is hard to know where to start. My top pick has to be the Twelve Apostles, a group of rocks created through years of natural erosion. They’re just rocks, you say. Well, they are, but they look stunning, and the best bit is that penguins are often found on the beaches there (penguins are a great source of entertainment, let me tell you). But it’s not just penguins you’ll fi nd: there are many weird and wonderful (as well as some well known) creatures.

On the subject of wildlife, a number of National Parks are accessible through the

Ocean Road Park. These wildlife sanctuaries include the Angahook-Lorne State Park, Cape Nelson State Park, Discovery Bay Park, Otway National Park, Brisbane National Ranges Park, Carlisle State Park, You Yangs State Park and Mount Richmond National Park (there are others!).

The Great Ocean Walk is another popular tourist attraction. The 91km trail starts from Apollo Bay and ends at the Glenample Homestead. It was created so hikers can step-off from the path at specifi ed locations and there are a number of campsites, if you fancy spending the night under the starry skies.

The Great Ocean Road also serves as the gateway to some of Australia’s greatest shipwrecks (the Shipwreck Coast from Princetown to Port Fairy is the inspiration for a number of spooky stories) and, being an important part of the rich Australian heritage, the road is home of some of Australia’s most historical icons and stories. An example is the spectacular tale of ex-felon William Buckley who lived with the Aborigines for more than 20 years.

Of course, historic towns are

A bit of background...

is cut into the cliff face in many parts Ocean Road

www.anzout look.comwww.anzout look.com AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALANDOUTLOOK 23

commonplace along the Great Ocean Road. I’d recommend seeing the towns of Camperdown, Portland and Queenscliff, in addition to those already mentioned.

Okay, you’re probably thinking, “this is all well and good, but I wanna surf”. And you’re in luck. Taking a surfi ng lesson is a popular activity for would-be surfers, and there are plenty of relaxed teachers along the route who can give you the basics. Torquay is the surfi ng capital of Australia and is home to the Australian Surfi ng Museum, a strip of large surf shops, the Surf Coast Walk, Jan Juc beach, and of course, Bells Beach. The waves are beautiful.

What you'll encounter, at a glanceTorquayTorquay is a world famous surfi ng spot and home to top label surf brands Ripcurl and Quicksilver. Bells Beach hosts the Rip Curl Pro Classic every Easter, great for spectators.

LorneLorne is on the Erskine River and surrounded by sea and forest ranges. Highlights are the Esrkine Falls, Pennyroyal Valley and Lorne Angahook State Park. Very upmarket.Apollo Bay Apollo Bay at the base of the Otway Mountains and is one of the three major centres located on the Great Ocean Road. At Cape Otway National Park are the remains of the ancient rainforest. Other parks that can be accessed from Apollo Bay are Otway Ranges Forest Park and the Melba Gully State Park.

Lavers HillLavers Hill is the highest point on the Ocean Road. It is a very small town with outlying rural areas and is known for it's spectacular Tree Tops Walk.

Port Campbell Port Campbell is considered to be the heart of the Great Ocean Road due to it's spectacular coastline, where you can view the famous Twelve Apostles, Lochard Gorge and the site of London Bridge which partially collapsed in 1990.

WarrnamboolThis marks the end of the Great Ocean Road. It has taken on the tag of “Windy Warrnambool” due to the gusty southerly winds encountered through this area. Some

great beaches.

encounter, at

and home to top label surf brands Ripcurl and

If golf is your thing, stop off in Anglesea. The Anglesea Golf Club is a remarkable place – there are more kangaroos than golfers! And if you are a bit of a boffin and loved children’s shows when you were younger, on the way to Lorne you will pass through Aireys Inlet & Fairhaven. The Split Point Lighthouse there is where Round the Twist was filmed.

Finally, a journey along the Great Ocean Road is not complete without seeing the spectacular waterfalls in the centre of the Otways region.


Eco Chic

Luxurious, environmentally friendly resorts in the jewel of

the South Pacifi c.

where to visit...

www.anzout look.com AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALANDOUTLOOK 25OUTLOOK

333 Islands, six national parks, beautiful beaches, stunning marine life, coral reefs, lush rainforests and a rich cultural life, Fiji is one of the jewels in the South Pacifi c and the essence of tropical island paradise. Rightly protective of its unique environment and natural, unspoilt beauty, Fiji is at the forefront of global ecotourism and is in the process of becoming the fi rst country to implement a national low carbon travel and tourism sector.

A few of Fiji’s resorts are leading the way – many of them fabulously chic, combining ecologically sustainable tourism with the highest luxury.

Fiji has a mild tropical climate throughout the year with mainly dry weather from May to October. Passengers fl ying from the UK can connect via LA, Hong Kong, Seoul, Australia and New Zealand. Fiji is just 3 hours fl ying time North from New Zealand, 4 hours from Australia and 10.5 hours from LA.

LAUCALALaucala (www.laucala.com) is an ultra-

exclusive, luxurious private island resort in

the waters of Vanua Levu in the North East

of Fiji. Owned by Dietrick Mateschitz, the

reclusive Swiss owner of Red Bull,

Laucala is the perfect island escape for

those who seeking total privacy.

Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and

set on beautiful white sand beach, the resort

has just 25 bungalows or bures, all with

spectacular views to the open sea. With up

to three bedrooms, each bure has an outdoor

pavilion and a private pool, indoor and

outdoor showers and stone or wooden baths.

Laucala has a fantastic hilltop spa - each

spa suites has open views from the cliff over

the sea. At the heart of the spa is a spa garden

where you can learn about one of Fiji’s finest

collections of tropical flowers, herbs, spices

and fruits, all of which are used in the spa

products. You can even create your own

essential oils in Laucala’s distillery from

fl owers you pick around the garden. The resort

also has an 18 Hole Championship Course,

yoga, riding, tennis, fi shing and watersports.


where to visit...

JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU'S FIJI ISLAND RESORTRecently voted Trip Advisor’s No.1 World’s Top Eco Resort, oceanographer and explorer Jean- Michel Cousteau’s Fiji Island Resort (www.fi jiresort.com) is a fi ve star resort on the island of Vanua Levu: it is perfect for romance, honeymoons and weddings, water enthusiasts, and families who want to combine wonderful surroundings with a fantastic range of eco-friendly activities.

Son of the late Jacques Cousteau, Jean-Michel is dedicated to sharing his love of

land, ocean and culture - and is committed to their preservation. His passion for the indigenous people of Fiji, their culture, traditions, warmth and natural hospitality have led him to create an eco-friendly resort with a unique environmental philosophy.

The resort features 25 spacious bures on 17 acres of a coconut plantation, overlooking Savusavu Bay. The food at the resort is fantastic, most of the food is home grown and the menu changes daily. The resort is also very child-friendly.

philosophy.

GREG TAYLOR

NUKUMBATI RESORTNukumbati Resort (www.nukubati.com) is an exclusive eco-luxury resort on a remote private island off the North

coast of Vanua Levu. The resort has just

seven bures or suites built just metres from the beach, with fantastic views of Nukumbati's sunsets.

Traditionally designed, the bures are elegant and comfortable with luxuriously

comfortable beds, fi ne cotton linen, super soft

bath towels and large bathrooms. There are

no telephones or televisions and in keeping

with Nukubati's carbon neutral policy, the

bures have no air-conditioning – instead

being designed to take advantage of cool sea

and cross breezes. Famous for its food, fi sh

is freshly caught off the resort and tropical

fruits and vegetables are all organically grown in the gardens.

As well as eschewing air conditioning,

Nukambati has made the decision not to

have swimming pools or Jacuzzis, as they

also huge carbon footprints. Instead they

will guide you to the big pool surrounding

the island, called the South Pacifi c! And

Nukambati is ringed by a spectacular coral

reef perfect for diving or snorkeling.The resort produces all its own electricity,

with one of the largest solar power plants

in the South Pacifi c islands. Fresh water is

harvested rainwater, fi ltered and UV treated

and hot water is produced from 10 solar

water heaters.

Nukambati has made the decision not to

www.anzout look.com AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALANDOUTLOOK 27AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALANDOUTLOOK

TURTLE ISLAND RESORT Turtle Island Resort (www.turtlefi ji.com/) is a romantic, luxurious, all-inclusive resort in the Yasawa Islands. Chosen as the location for the 1970s movie Blue Lagoon, the resort has just 14 bures, with a maximum of 28 guests, private beaches, pristine waters, incredible sea life and total seclusion - described as

“the most peaceful place on the planet”.

On arrival you are even assigned your own

“Bure Mama” who is there to make sure your

every whim is met!The fi rst hotel in the world to win the Tourism for Tomorrow award, Turtle Island’s owner Richard Evanson pioneered the eco-hotel when he bought Nanuya Levu, a 500-acre barren, uninhabited island that has been

overrun by goats in 1972. He made it his

life’s work to rejuvenate the land and build

his home.

MATAVAMatava (www.matava.com/) on the island of Kadavu is described as Fiji’s premier Eco Adventure Resort.

Winner of the “marine category” of Responsible Travel Awards at the World Travel Market, Matava is set on the remote island of Kadavu and bordered by the Great Astrolabe Reef, the world’s fourth largest barrier reef, Matava is a small and intimate 3 ½ star getaway, designed to blend with its natural environment. 11

traditional thatched Fijian bures nestle in the rainforest amidst lush tropical surroundings offering

privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.You can also dive with manta rays at Matava – one of the most beautiful diving experiences and an awe-inspiring sight. Manta Rays are frequently seen feeding near the surface at Kadavu as they come to visit the reef’s “cleaning stations”.As a PADI certifi ed resort Matava offers the perfect environment to scuba dive in Fiji , snorkel, surf , fi sh, kayak with opportunities to trek, visit villages , bird watch or simply relax and unwind.Matava is a genuine eco-hideaway designed to cause minimal impact on the environment and to promote conservation awareness with the local community.

privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.You can also dive with manta rays at Matava – one of the


traveller's guide


Go walkabout

The Australian Aboriginal culture is extraordinarily diverse and wonderfully complex. It is one of the

world’s longest surviving cultures, which goes back at least 60,000 years (there are some that think it is closer to 150,000 years).

At one stage there were over 600-700 different ‘nations’ around the continent, many with distinctive cultures and beliefs. Hundreds of languages and dialects existed (although many are now extinct), as well as a variety of different customs and rituals, art forms, food, and hunting habits.

first nation

in the


If it’s one of your dreams to truly understand Aboriginal culture, there are many ways to learn about the fi rst nation. There are a number of cultural attractions designed to inform the wider community about Aboriginal life. You can answer questions like how is it possible Aboriginals had been around for so long? What customs and practices could be so enduring? And how had life changed since the invasion of the Europeans? Were Aboriginals still living traditionally or not?

But the best way to truly understand Australia’s oldest community properly is to spend time with them. And you can. Tour packages include spending a week walking the desert with Indigenous Australians. You’d be mad not to do it, wouldn’t you? You’ll get a fi rst hand opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal life and Dreamtime. Plus you get to sleep under the stars and get a real sense of your place in the universe.

In the Central Desert, there are tours around Alice Springs, the MacDonnell Ranges and at Uluru (Ayers Rock).

traveller's guide

DreamtimeAlthough there

are hundreds of

different cultural

and spiritual

beliefs amongst

Aboriginal people, they

are united in the

common belief of

creation.Aboriginal history

describes the world as being created

during the “Dreaming”, a time

when the Aboriginal ancestral

beings travelled over the land

and created the animals, humans,

the landscape - everything.

The paths of these ancestral

beings interweave every part of

Australia and explain positions

of rocks, mountains, trees, rivers

and lakes. “Dreaming” stories

are also the basis for Aboriginal

law, religion and many general

customs and principles for

living. “Dreaming” is a spiritual

continuing time, which

lives in all beings. It is a

spiritual understanding and

way of life that is passed

down from generation to

generation. Because there

is no written language in

Aboriginal culture, all

dreamtime stories are

passed down orally.


when the Aboriginal ancestral

and created the animals, humans,

beings interweave every part of

Australia and explain positions

of rocks, mountains, trees, rivers

and lakes. “Dreaming” stories

are also the basis for Aboriginal

law, religion and many general

“Dreaming” is a spiritual

spiritual understanding and

are hundreds of

different cultural

and spiritual

beliefs amongst

describes the world as being created

during the “Dreaming”, a time describes the world as being created



Please note that you need a transit or entry permit to enter Aboriginal land in the Red Centre, which can be obtained through the Central Land Council, which covers all land south of a line between Kununurra (Western Australia) and Mount Isa (Queensland). It can take a few weeks to receive an entry permit upon application. No permits are required for public roads and if you go on an organised tour, the operator should take care of permits.

Aboriginal people have the legal right to grant or refuse permission to people wishing to enter or travel through their land.

For more information visit www.aboriginalaustralia.com.au

Did you know? Australia’s Aboriginal population represents about

2.5 percent of Australia’s total population. 2.5 percent of Australia’s total population.

AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND

Please note that you need a transit or entry permit to enter Aboriginal land in the Red Centre, which can be obtained through the Central Land Council, which covers all land south of a line between Kununurra (Western Australia) and Mount Isa (Queensland). It can take a few weeks to receive an entry permit upon application. No permits are required for public roads and if you go on an organised tour, the operator should take care of permits.



need a transit or entry permit to enter Aboriginal land in the Red Centre, which can be obtained through the Central Land Council, which covers all land south of a line between Kununurra (Western Australia) and Mount Isa (Queensland). It can take a few weeks to receive an entry permit upon application. No permits are required for public roads and if you go on an organised tour, the operator should take care of permits.



Did you know? Australia’s Aboriginal population represents about

2.5 percent of Australia’s total population. 2.5 percent of Australia’s total population.


Length of Tour: Two days, one night

Tour Dates: Departs Mondays

and Thursdays

Departure Months: Available Year round

Cost: A$995.00 per person (Minimum two / Maximum fi ve)

Pickup Point: Adelaide

Highlights Include: Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta

Overnight at the award-winning Wilpena Pound

Resort Tour to local ancient Aboriginal rock art site to

hear Adnyamathanha creation stories and art

interpretations

Choose between ~ a scenic Gorge tour featuring

spectacular geological formations and wildlife OR

Wangarra Look-Out walk for amazing views into

Wilpena Pound

A visit to the historic town of Hawker where you

will see the Wilpena Panorama Gallery featuring

a magnifi cent 360° painting of Wilpena Pound

Visit historic ruins at Kanyaka (time permitting)

Bush foods morning tea

traveller's guide

Two-day, one night, outback

Flinders Ranges Aboriginal

culture adventure

Two-day adventure tour Broome to Mt Anderson and Jarlmadangah Community

Length of Tour: Two Days, one night

Tour Dates: Dry Season Mar - October, Wednesday, min 2 people, Wet Season Nov - 23rd Dec on demand, minimum numbers apply

Community: Jarlmandangah Community WA

Cost: Around A$440.00

Pickup Point: Broome

Highlights Include: Visit to historically signifi cant Lynungoodunj Cave to hear dreamtime stories

Camp at historic Mt Anderson Camel trek at Mt Anderson and learn about bush tucker, tracking skills and bush medicine

Visit Jarlmadangah Cultural Centre and community

Visit rock art sites

Length of Tour:

Available Year round

Community:


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Q Do I pay tax in Australia on my UK source income, if I don’t bring it to Australia? John, Surrey

Expert advice on all things

visas, migration and more

ASK THE EXPERT: Tax special

Q I am going to OZ on a 12 month work placement through my current employer. Will I continue to have UK tax obligations whilst living abroad? I’m a bit confused.Elle, London


Q current employer. Will I continue to have UK tax obligations whilst living abroad? I’m a bit confused.Elle, London

AIn order that I answer your

question as accurately as

possible I have assumed

that you are UK resident

and ordinarily resident for tax purposes and that

you are also domiciled in England, Scotland,

Wales or Northern Ireland. Basically this means

that I have assumed you were born in the UK

and have continued to live and work there.

To determine the extent of your UK tax

obligations while you are on secondment it is

fi rst necessary to consider your UK residency

status as it is this which primarily determines

the scope of UK Income Tax.

Unfortunately, unlike other countries (e.g.

Ireland), the UK does not utilise a statutory

day count to determine whether an individual

is resident in the UK nor is there a defi nition

of residence contained in the UK Taxes Acts

to offer guidance. Consequently over the years

it has fallen to the Courts to interpret what

constitutes residence for UK tax purposes. The

fact of the matter is that there is no one test

to be applied and it is necessary to consider

issues such as your family ties, intentions,

business interest, property entitlements etc.

Of particular relevance to your circumstances

is the diffi culty inherent in “breaking” UK

residence i.e. establishing yourself as being

not resident in the UK.

In fact, from the information contained in

your query, unless you fall within the terms

of Extra Statutory Concession A11 (discussed

further below) it is very likely that you

will not break UK residence and consequently,

will remain UK resident and UK

ordinarily resident (ROR) for the duration of

your secondment. The result from a UK tax perspective is

that you will remain taxable in the UK on

your worldwide income while on secondment.

As such you will need to fi le a UK Self

Assessment Tax Return for the years you are

on secondment and claim double tax relief

for any Australian tax paid on your

employment income.

Extra Statutory Concession A11

As mentioned above, unless you fall within

the scope of ESC A11 you are likely to remain

UK ROR. However, if you do fall within ESC

A11 you will be treated as neither UK resident

nor UK ordinarily resident (NRNOR) from the

Q John, Surrey visas, migration and more

AYou will need to pay tax on your worldwide income, including UK

only if you are deemed as resident of Australia for tax purposes (if you

stayed or intended to stay 6 months in one and the same place and if

you had residential behaviour).

day you leave on secondment until the day

you return from your secondment.

Being NRNOR for UK tax purposes

means that you will only be taxable in the

UK on your UK source income while you

are on secondment (e.g. if you let your

property while you are secondment this will

be taxable in the UK).

You should note however that even if

you don’t have UK source income while on

secondment you will still need to complete

a UK Tax Return for the years in which you

leave and return in order to actually claim

under ESC A11.The terms of ESC A11 are as follows:

an individual goes abroad for full

time service under a contract of

employment; and,

the individual’s absence from the

United Kingdom and the employment

itself both extend over a period

covering a complete tax year; and,

any interim visits to the United

Kingdom during the period do not

amount to 183 days or more in any tax year, or

an average of 91 days or more in a tax

year (the average is taken over the

period of absence up to a maximum of

four years).Obviously the major issue for you Elle, is the

stipulation that the period cover a complete

tax year. Unless you leave on or before 6th

April to take up immediate employment and

return after the following 5th April you will

fall outside the terms of ESC A11.

In conclusion, unless your employer is

seconding you on 6th April for 12 months,

it is highly probable that you will remain

UK ROR and so remain taxable on your

worldwide income. We would recommend that you seek the

services of a professional advisor as cross

border tax can be complex. We would also

recommend you speak with an Australian

advisor to ensure you are fully compliant with

Australian legislation.

You will also need to consider your

social security position as you may be able

to continue paying UK NICs rather than

Australian social security payments. This

will depend on any reciprocal agreement in

place and, again, professional advice should

be sought.


ASK THE EXPERT: tax special


QI have been paying into a pension for some

years now. Will it be possible to transfer

that UK pension to Australia?John, Surrey Q years now. Will it be possible to transfer

that UK pension to Australia?John, Surrey

APost 6th April 2006 (commonly known as

A-Day) it became possible for UK expatriates

to transfer accrued UK pension entitlement to a

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS).

The rules around such transfers can be complicated

and whether there is any benefi t in such a transfer can

be case dependent. In order that you fully understand

the consequences of such a move we would strongly

recommend you speak with an Independent Financial

Advisor. Alternatively, if you do not have an IFA or you

wish to speak to a QROPS administrator to obtain more

information please email us at [email protected]

and we will be happy to refer you.

have been paying into a pension for some

years now. Will it be possible to transfer

John, Surrey

to transfer accrued UK pension entitlement to a

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS).

and we will be happy to refer you.

Q Will I pay UK tax if I emigrate to Australia and am receiving a pension from my former UK employer?

Ben LondonQ receiving a pension from my former UK employer?

Ben LondonA Once you leave the UK on a permanent basis you should be classed as not resident for UK tax purposes. In general, income arising from sources within the UK to a non-resident individual remains liable to UK tax. However, the terms of the Double Taxation Agreement between the UK and Australia state that “Pensions (including government pensions) and annuities paid to a resident of a Contracting State shall be taxable only in that State”. As such you should only be taxable on

your UK pension in Australia but please do note that this analysis is predicated on your being a permanent resident in Australia i.e. not on a Temporary Resident Visa. If you wish to pursue a claim to prevent UK tax being deducted at source as a result of your qualifying under the Treaty provisions you can download the form here. If you have already moved to Australia and wish to reclaim tax which should not have been withheld please do not hesitate to contact us.

ABOUT THE eXPERT

These questions were answered by Seamus

Murphy, Senior Tax Manager (UK) and Zdravka

Zlateva, Senior Manager – Product Development, of

Taxback.com. Taxback.com provides complete tax

solutions for individual and businesses, ranging from

tax refund and tax rebate, tax return, to corporate

VAT solutions. Contact details: Phone (TollFree)

0808 2380 611, or email [email protected].


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TRAVELLER'S GUIDE

Stuck in the Middle with You

By Chris Farnell

Nelson


If you’re planning to explore New Zealand, why not start at the very centre of the country? Or at least, the

alleged centre, there is some controversy over where the exact centre of New Zealand is situated.

If you ask for directions to the centre of New Zealand, you will be pointed to Botanical Hill, where Chief Surveyor John Spence Browning placed his central surveying point for New Zealand’s fi rst geodetic survey back in the 1870s. This is a spot found at the end of a scenic walk from either Nelson’s Botanical Reserve or the Nelson Visitor Information Centre. When you get there you will fi nd some excellent views, information panels directing you to some of the more interesting features of Nelson’s geography, and somewhere to sit, as well as a starting point for various other possible walks. On your way back you can even take a dip in the scenic, but ominously named Black Hole.

Alternatively, another survey in 1962 determined the actual centre of New Zealand was about 35 kilometres south-west of Nelson, in an unremarkable patch of dense scrub. You’re welcome to visit this spot instead, but personally, we’d recommend the “centre” with the nice views and the benches.

Of course, simply going to the middle of something doesn’t like a great trip on its own. Fortunately, Nelson has a lot more going for it- starting with the other famous middle of New Zealand. Because New Zealand is also the home of Tolkien’s Middle Earth, and a great deal of that fantasy world can be found in Nelson and its surrounding environs.


TRAVELLER'S GUIDE

One Jeweller's to Rule Them AllIf you’ve read or seen the Lord of the Rings trilogy, you will know that the One Ring to Rule Them All was forged by Sauron in the fi res of Mount Doom- and you’ll be wrong. The ring seen the fi lms was actually made here in Nelson, at the Jens Hansen Gold and Silversmith workshop. Jen Hansen helped design and make the One Ring, among many other handcrafted pieces of jewellery made for the trilogy. What’s more, you can get your own replica of the ring while you’re here, although admittedly it won’t turn you invisible.

Once you’ve got your ring of power it’s only fair that you should go on an epic quest, and Nelson is but a short

distance from many of the astounding locations Peter Jackson used to fi lm the famous trilogy. But where Frodo had to struggle along on foot, fi ghting trolls and orcs, you can see it all from the comfort of a helicopter ride.

Tasman Helicopters offer a range of experiences, including a special Lord of the Rings tour of the fi lms’ locations, as well as hiking, trout fi shing and winery tours. This helicopter company can boast of its status as the only one in the region with clearance to fl y the British royal family when they visit. If it’s good enough for Queen Liz II, you should be fi ne with it.

One of the World's Newest

Historic CitiesHowever, there’s a great deal of exploring to be done without even leaving the city. New Zealand often boasts of being the youngest country in the world,


but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a wealth of history here, and perhaps nowhere in the country are you in a better place to discover that than Nelson.

Unlike many places in New Zealand, Nelson has kept hold of its buildings from the last but one century. Sites of historic interest include the city’s well preserved town centre and South Street, described by the city’s mayor as “An oasis of calm, quiet and 19th century charm.”

These aren’t the sort of historic buildings kept roped off from the public however. In fact, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, you could do worse than renting one of South Street’s idyllic self-catered cottages.

A Centre of CreativityNelson is also an absolute hot bed of cultural activity. If you want to some quality glass work, you can check out

Hogland Glass Studio and Gallery, or maybe the brilliantly named Flamedaisy Glass Design. Every Saturday you’ll fi nd local artists setting out their work for sail at Nelson’s weekly market, and if you’re lucky enough to be in the city in October, you’ll be just in time for the city’s famous art festival, featuring music, theatre and comedy, among other things.

However you decide to enjoy this city, that is at the centre of New Zealand in more ways than one, you can be virtually guaranteed some great weather. Nelson boasts the best weather in the country, receiving more sunshine than anywhere else in New Zealand. This place might the middle in a lot of ways, but in others, it’s absolutely top.


going out

Pub crawl

Stretching 20km inland to the mouth of the Parramatta River, Sydney Harbour (aka Port Jackson) is Sydney’s

shimmering soul, its beaches, coves, bays, islands and waterside parks providing crucial relief from the ordeals of urban life.

Forming the gateway to the harbour are North Head and South Head. Watsons Bay nestles on South Head’s harbour side, fostering a salty cottage atmosphere.

The harbour beaches are generally sheltered, calm coves with little of the

frenzied foam of the ocean beaches. On the south shore is Camp Cove and the shark-netted Shark Bay. On the North Shore try Manly Cove, Reef Beach, Clontarf Beach, Chinamans Beach and Balmoral Beach.

There is a lot to see. Trouble is, how best to see it? Well there are a few options, but not many as fun as this: the Sydney Harbour Pub Crawl.

It is a fun fi lled day with a difference and is a great way to experience the harbour and all it’s glory.

Sydney Harbour


THE ITINERARYPick up is at Star City Casino wharf at 12 noon. On arrival everybody receives a souvenir T/shirt. Wear it with pride!

The fi rst port of call is Watsons Bay. Enjoy the beautiful scenery en route. Once there all passengers disembark for a 40 minute visit to the famous watering hole. The Cruise Director will sign your shirt, recording your visit.

The package includes a lunch that features favourites like hot roast chicken, pasta, crunchy roast potatoes, fresh salads, bread rolls and fruit platters.

Just as the lunch starts to settle, you then arrive at Drummovne Sailing Club, for a half hour stopover in their sports bar.

Back on board, it is time to party: the onboard DJ/Compere conducts a ‘Fun Boat Idol’ segment and plays a selection of great

hits from the last 30 years – cheese included.You then arrive in the Dry Dock Hotel in

Balmain, one of Sydney’s oldest pubs.Back on board, the party is now in full

swing and you continue to cruise around the harbour.

You return to Casino wharf at 5pm where the cruise comes to an end (but the party continues, usually, at the Pyrmont Bridge Hotel, 80 meters from the wharf).

the famous watering hole. The Cruise Director will sign your shirt, recording

MORE INFORMATIONThe brains behind Sydney Harbour Funboat have been conducting these days with great feedback and repeat bookings for years. The combination of food, beverage, entertainment and interaction of passengers makes this day a fantastic opportunity for passengers celebrating any occasion to join in, they say.

Alcohol is always served responsibly and the day is not designed as a ‘drinking session’ and it defi nitely isn’t a "sloshfest".

“We are on Sydney Harbour with great scenery, great food, great entertainment while we enjoy a few ‘cool ones’,” organisers say.

TO BOOKThe price is normally A$49 per person; this includes the fi ve-hour cruise, lunch and T/shirt. Patrons purchase their drinks from our licensed vessel and the licensed premises. For information visit www.funboat.com.auPhone 1300 551 804 or email [email protected]

TO BOOK


FLOOD focus

Australian fl oods:

DISASTER ROCKS THE NATIONQueensland has been hit by fl ooding so severe it has left an area the size of France and Germany combined submerged.

Our hearts go out to all those caught up in the awful fl oods in Queensland. You may live there, you may

have family there or you may have friend holidaying or travelling there.

The fl oods have been devastating. Three swollen river systems stretching from the north of Queensland close to Cairns as far as Brisbane in the south and to Aramac in the west have sent waters rushing into more than 20 towns and across hundreds of thousands of hectares of land.

Queensland takes up 668,207 square miles and fl oodwaters now cover more than half of the state, an area bigger than New South Wales.

200,000 people have been affected and are facing a reconstruction task of "post-war proportions".

"Queensland is reeling from the worst natural disaster in our history and possibly in the history of our nation," State Premier Anna Bligh said. "We've seen three-quarters of our state having experienced the devastation of raging fl ood waters and we now face a reconstruction task of post-war proportions.

"There will be some people that will go into their homes that will fi nd them to be never habitable again."

At the time of writing 13 people have been killed and around 70 are missing.

The cost has been estimated at A$5 billion. Communities are in tatters. The human cost is far higher.

Brisbane, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Ipswich have been hard hit.

“Central Brisbane is a ghost town, with electricity cut and thousands of people

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fl eeing the rising waters,” the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported.

The worst affected area was the town of Toowoomba, where residents described an "instant inland tsunami" ripping through the streets on Monday, January 10.

Toowoomba mayor Peter Taylor told BBC Radio 4: "We're working 24 hours a day, responding on an emergency number for people who need any assistance in terms of evacuation."

In Brisbane, the worst-hit suburbs included Brisbane City, St Lucia, West End, Rocklea and Graceville.

Brisbane Mayor Campbell Newman said 11,900 homes and 2,500 businesses had been completely fl ooded, with 14,700 houses and 2,500 businesses partially submerged.

QUEENSLANDERS WARNED ABOUT SNAKES AND CROCSQueensland is a hotspot for venomous snakes including the Common Brown snake, the Death adder, the Coastal Taipan, as well as the saltwater crocodile.

The fl oods have forced some of these dangerous, and possibly deadly, animals out into the open.

"In four minutes we saw four snakes, in about half-an-hour we saw about 10 just swimming around the yard and under the house and up on the fence," nine-year-old James Adams told Australian radio.

"I went upstairs to see if the door was unlocked or locked and there was a tiger snake sitting on the step. I had a bit of a fright, I jumped."

OUTLOOK

fright, I jumped."


flood focus

COUNTING THE COSTPrime Minister Julia Gillard has warned spending cuts may be needed to return the budget to surplus on time in light of the fl oods, saying her government faced some "tough choices".

"I'm determined the budget will be back in surplus in 2012/13 as promised," she said. "That does mean that we're going to have to make some tough choices, and we will, to bring the budget back to surplus as well as meeting the needs of Queensland as they recover from this fl ood crisis."

Some economists have claimed the disaster could cost Australia up to A$9 billion in lost export revenue.

The disaster has shut down 40 mines and some won't meet their contracts.

Agricultural producers have also been devastated, and critical infrastructure ravaged.

"There are national dimensions," Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Peter Anderson said.

He said the agriculture and resources sectors would be the foundation stones of the Australian economy's recovery in 2011.

ADVICE FOR VISA HOLDERSThe Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is offering extensive support to visa holders in Queensland and northern New South Wales who have been affected by the fl oods.

There are a signifi cant number of temporary visa holders, including overseas workers and tourists, as well as migrants, in fl ood-affected areas, many of whom may be on visas that are about to expire, work for a business which has been affected, or are concerned about their immigration status.

If you have any worries, contact DIAC as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances and options available.

DIAC said in a release that it is in “contact with employers of visa holders in affected areas to offer advice and assistance. Businesses and sponsors who are concerned about the possible impacts on their overseas workers should also contact DIAC.”

Affected visa holders or businesses can contact the department on 131 881.

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Australian floods: timelineSeptember-November 2010

After years of drought, Queensland experiences its wettest spring on record.

December 25Tropical Cyclone Tasha makes landfall near Cairns in the early hours of Christmas Day.

December 2010Torrential rains and fl ooding damage crops and close a coal mine.

December 28Disaster declared in several southern Queensland towns: fl ooding prompts mass evacuation. December 30

Bundaberg, north of Brisbane, is hit by fl oods. January 2

Floods reach “biblical proportions” according to the Queensland state treasurer. 22 towns are now affected.

January 3Headline grabber: Residents of

Rockhampton fl ee their homes as the city of 75,000 is almost entirely cut

off by fl oodwaters.

January 5Floods have now affected 40 towns. Dozens of coal mines are under water.

January 10Flash fl oods hit Toowoomba and

surrounding areas. Nine die.

January 11Offi cials warn the death toll is likely to rise as continuing rain and washed-away roads hamper rescue efforts. Warnings of further fl ooding issued.January 12

127,000 fl ood-affected Queensland residents are left without power. Brisbane

and Bremer rivers continue to rise. Brisbane on high alert. CBD closed.

January 13Brisbane residents warned that it could take months or even years to clean up their city. The Queensland capital begins counting the cost of the fl ood, which reached a peak of 4.46 metres. In total, more than 26,000 homes and 5000 businesses in 67 suburbs have been affected, more than 150 roads remain closed and the city remains in effective lockdown, with power and public transport still shaky.

Moving overseasMoving overseas


HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

If you are planning to visit or live in Australia, and are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, there are certain health requirements you must meet before a visa can be granted. You may

be asked to undergo a health examination. A successful health examination result does not mean that a visa will be granted.

This is what you need to know...

Temporary visa applicants Health examinations will depend on several things - your circumstances, your intended activities in Australia, and your country of origin or residence.

According to Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) you will need to undertake a health examination if:

you are likely to enter a hospital or other health care environment, including nursing homes as either a patient, visitor, trainee or employee

you are likely to enter a classroom environment, including preschool, crèche and child care situations

you are known or suspected of having a medical condition, regardless of your length of stay

you are aged 75 years or older There are indications that you may not meet the

health requirement.

Temporary visa applicants aged 75 or olderIf you are aged 75 or older and applying for a visitor visa (subclasses 676, 679, 456, 459 only) and not already required to undergo a medical examination you will be required to undergo an Aged Visitor Health Check.

This health assessment must be completed by a DIAC nominated Panel doctor. A Panel doctor is a doctor or a radiologist who has been appointed by the Australian Government to perform medical examinations on visa applicants who have applied from outside Australia.

for Australian Visa Applicants


Permanent visa applicants It is a necessity that all members of your immediate family, including dependant family members who do not intend to migrate, must meet the health requirement. It includes all children under the age of 18 years as well as other dependants, regardless of whether they live with you and whether they intend to migrate.

You must truthfully disclose your medical history and details of any known medical conditions.

How do I arrange a health examination?The answer to this depends on whether you are in Australia or not. Applicants outside Australia must arrange their health examination with a Panel doctor and/or Panel radiology clinic. Visa applicants in Australia, meanwhile, must contact Medibank Health Solutions to arrange a health examination.

Health examination costsYou are responsible for paying any fees and costs associated with the examinations (unless you are an accepted Refugee or Special Humanitarian Program subclass 200, 201, 202, 203 or 204 applicant).

What do I bring to the health examination?You must bring the following to your health examination:

Your passport, and a photocopy of the page that includes your photograph, name and date of birth for identifi cation

prescription spectacles or contact lenses, if applicable

existing specialist and/or other relevant medical reports for known medical conditions

previous chest x-rays essential forms:

Forms 26EH and/160EH for online applications or Forms 26 and/or 160 for paper applications.

After your health examinationAfter your health examination, the reports will be sent to the DIAC by the doctor. The doctor will not tell you the results of the medical examination. However, they will let you know if you have a health-related problem.

Medical reports and x-rays for the health examination cannot be returned to you and the doctor does not make the fi nal decision on whether or not you meet the health requirement for your visa application. That decision will be made by the DIAC.

Health examination results are generally valid for 12 months from the date the examination was assessed. If you have completed a health examination within the last 12 months, these health results may be used for your current visa application.

If you want more information about the health

requirements contact the

Australian Government’s

Department of Immigration

and Citizenship (DIAC) -www.immi.gov.au.

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Where to settle...

CanberraCanberra boasts all the benefi ts of city living while maintaining a relaxed country lifestyle.

LIVING IN

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lIFESTYLECanberra offers a fantastic lifestyle for you and your family, with an outstanding school system, excellent health services, shorter commuting times, plenty of fresh air and community living. Much of what is best about Australia can be found in Canberra - it’s a clean, safe and relaxed place to live. It has all the lifestyle amenities, city services and events of a world-class capital, yet the bush is on its doorstep.

Sydney, the snowfi elds and south coast beaches are within easy reach.

Canberra is very family-friendly. As well as Australia’s best education system and excellent health facilities, it has a low crime rate, Australia’s best roads and hundreds of kilometres of bike paths. It’s a safe, relaxed place.

If you are planning to move to Australia on skilled migration basis – or any basis for that matter - you

are going to have a lot of questions. One of those is undoubtedly going to be “Which city is the best to live in for a new immigrant with respect to job opportunities and cost of living?” There is no defi nitive answer.

There are too many variables. But generally speaking some cities are “better” than others. Take Canberra, Australia’s capital. It isn’t perhaps as popular with Brits as say Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide, but maybe it should be. Why? Well, there are a lot of reasons. One being employment opportunities, another being the lifestyle benefi ts.

JOB OPPORTUNITIESThere are jobs available right now in Canberra across a number of industries. FACT. Canberra’s unemployment rate is very low – consistently among the lowest in the nation – and the pay is good. Workers in Canberra enjoy a very high full-time income.

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Where to settle...

WHERE TO LIVE347,000 people call Canberra home. It is a planned city (The city’s design was heavily infl uenced by the garden city movement and incorporates signifi cant areas of natural vegetation that have earned Canberra the title of the “bush capital”) and has a lot of variety: you can choose the lifestyle that suits you, from a city apartment to a large home on a big block of land.

Most people live within 20 minutes of the city centre. Outside of the city centre, Canberra is planned around a series of town centres - Woden, Tuggeranong, Belconnen and Gungahlin. Each has its own group of satellite suburbs and comes complete with a major shopping centre, schools and community facilities. There are also smaller suburban shopping centres and local schools.

Woden, south of the city, has a mix of established and new houses and apartments. It’s close to Canberra Hospital and the town centre has a thriving commercial precinct.

Tuggeranong, a littler further south, is a popular choice for families. It has a mix of affordable new and established housing, including large blocks and lots of open space.

Northwest of the city, Belconnen offers freestanding homes and apartment options and has an education and sporting focus, with the University of Canberra, Canberra Institute of Technology, the Australian Institute of Sport and Canberra Stadium. You’ll also fi nd fresh food markets, great shopping and Calvary Hospital.

Gungahlin, in the north, is Canberra’s newest town centre with lots of young families and fi rst homebuyers. 20 minutes drive from the city.

Fast facts Population: 347,000 Cost of a cappuccino: A$3.50 Average full time weekly income: A$1,443

Average commute time to work: 15-20 minutes

Driving time to Sydney: 3 hours Driving time to NSW coast: 2 hours Driving time to NSW ski fi elds: 2.5 hours

Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent Median three bedroom house rent: A$430 per week

Median three bedroom house price: A$490,000

Median two bedroom unit / town house rent: A$445 per week

Median two bedroom unit / town house price: A$420,000Stats: REIA Market Facts

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ABOUT CANBERRACanberra is Australia’s largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). A resident of Canberra is known as a “Canberran”.

The site of Canberra was selected for the location of the nation’s capital in 1908 as a compromise between rivals Sydney and Melbourne, Australia’s two largest cities.

Canberra is the site of Parliament House, the High Court and numerous government departments and agencies. It is also the location of many social and cultural institutions of national significance, such as the Australian War Memorial, Australian National University, Australian Institute of Sport, National Gallery and the National Museum.

The city has a high proportion of public servants.

For more information about Canberra, please visit the Australian Capital Territory website: www.act.gov.au.

CLIMATECanberra is one of the few places in Australia where you really can enjoy four seasons. You can expect warm to hot summers, clear, crisp winters, spectacular springs and balmy colourful autumns. FACT: Canberra enjoys more hours of sunshine than Sydney or the Gold Coast.Average maximum temperaturesSummer (December-February) – 27 degreesAutumn (March-May) – 20 degreesWinter (June-August) – 12 degreesSpring (September-November) – 19 degrees


sport

England triumph, Australia in tattersEngland triumph, Australia in tatters

AshesATheAA


A couple of weeks have passed since England won the Ashes in Australia for the fi rst time in 24 years, but the team at Australia and New Zealand Outlook thought its readers needed reminding of just how the boys triumphed Down Under. From England’s fi rst win of the Series in Adelaide (which they won by an innings and 71 runs), to the moment Andrew Strauss lifted the famous urn at the SCG, this was an unforgettable Ashes series for a host of reasons.

the

ashesreview

We’re not one to gloat, but

England’s Ashes triumph is

something to shout about…

couple of weeks have couple of weeks have


sport

How the Ashes were wonThree innings victories. The highest total ever scored on Australian soil. A 3-1 series win. Says it all really. England’s performance in Australia was awesome.

The tourists outplayed the hosts in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney while Australia won the third Test in Perth. The fi rst Brisbane Test was drawn.

England Captain Andrew Strauss paid tribute to the meticulous behind-the-scenes work of coach Andy Flower in masterminding the Ashes series triumph.

One of the strengths of England’s campaign was the thoroughness of preparation and strategies for each of the fi ve Tests.

Strauss said the work of Flower, 42, the former Zimbabwean Test batsman, was as

good as he has seen in international cricket.“He’s been immense. He’s been

incredible,” Strauss said.The preparation was a stark contrast to

four years ago when England played almost no fi rst-class cricket before the fi rst Test at the Gabba. This time, they played two three-day games and one four-day fi xture and took them all extremely seriously. The Test batsman played all three; the fi rst-choice bowlers played the fi rst two and then travelled to Brisbane to acclimatise while the reserve bowlers, including Chris Tremlett and Tim Bresnan, honed their skills.

When England arrived Down Under, Australia were doing things rather differently - playing one-day cricket against Sri Lanka. They were playing catch up from day one, really!They were playing catch up from day

Contrasting captainsRicky Ponting was a man under pressure throughout the series. Short on runs, and with little confi dence, his Ashes series was one to forget (some might go as far as saying it was a blemish on a world-class test career).

Strauss’ series was the complete opposite. It started badly (a nightmare fi rst over duck in Brisbane), but pretty much everything he tried worked out. His fi eld placings were spot on, his bowling plans perfect; and with the bat he averaged over 40.

Ponting had his worst series in memory, shocking with the bat, far too fi dgety in the fi eld and unable to halt his side’s decline.

Contrasting captainsContrasting captainsRicky Ponting was a man under pressure Ricky Ponting was a man under pressure Ricky Ponting was a man under pressure Ricky Ponting was a man under pressure throughout the series. Short on runs, and throughout the series. Short on runs, and with little confi dence, his Ashes series was with little confi dence, his Ashes series was one to forget (some might go as far as one to forget (some might go as far as saying it was a blemish on a world-class saying it was a blemish on a world-class test career). test career).

Strauss’ series was the complete Strauss’ series was the complete opposite. It started badly (a nightmare opposite. It started badly (a nightmare fi rst over duck in Brisbane), but pretty fi rst over duck in Brisbane), but pretty much everything he tried worked out. much everything he tried worked out. His fi eld placings were spot on, his His fi eld placings were spot on, his bowling plans perfect; and with the bowling plans perfect; and with the bat he averaged over 40.bat he averaged over 40.

Ponting had his worst series in Ponting had his worst series in memory, shocking with memory, shocking with the bat, far too fi dgety in the the bat, far too fi dgety in the fi eld and unable to halt his fi eld and unable to halt his side’s decline. side’s decline.

Ricky Ponting was a man under pressure Ricky Ponting was a man under pressure Ricky Ponting was a man under pressure Ricky Ponting was a man under pressure throughout the series. Short on runs, and throughout the series. Short on runs, and with little confi dence, his Ashes series was with little confi dence, his Ashes series was one to forget (some might go as far as one to forget (some might go as far as saying it was a blemish on a world-class saying it was a blemish on a world-class

Strauss’ series was the complete Strauss’ series was the complete opposite. It started badly (a nightmare opposite. It started badly (a nightmare fi rst over duck in Brisbane), but pretty fi rst over duck in Brisbane), but pretty much everything he tried worked out. much everything he tried worked out. His fi eld placings were spot on, his His fi eld placings were spot on, his bowling plans perfect; and with the bowling plans perfect; and with the

Ponting had his worst series in Ponting had his worst series in

the bat, far too fi dgety in the the bat, far too fi dgety in the fi eld and unable to halt his fi eld and unable to halt his


The Ashes, for those that

don't know... The Ashes is a test cricket series

played between England and

Australia. It is the most celebrated rivalry in

international cricket and dates back

to 1882. It is currently played biennially,

alternately in the UK and Australia.

Cricket being a summer sport, and the

venues being in opposite hemispheres,

the break between series alternates

between 18 and 30 months.

An “Ashes Series” comprises fi ve Test

matches, two innings per match.

The series is named after a satirical

obituary published in a British

newspaper, The Sporting Times in

1882 after Australia beat England on

an English ground for the fi rst time.

The obituary stated that English

cricket had “died”, and that “the

body will be cremated and the ashes

taken to Australia”. The English

media dubbed the next English tour

to Australia (1882–83) as “the quest to

regain The Ashes”. The next series is in Australia in

2013-2014.

the

ashesreview


sport

Star manThere were many standout performances in this Ashes series, and not all of them from England players. That said, two players (both English) produced some remarkable statistics: Alastair Cook hit 766 runs, the second best aggregate by any Englishman in any series, and James Anderson’s 24 wickets were the best haul achieved in Australia by an English bowler since Frank Tyson in the 1950s.

Woeful Australians...This will upset at least half of the Australia and New Zealand Outlook team, but Australia were muddled from the start and never really looked like winning the series. England’s victory shows how far the Aussies have fallen.

But every cloud has a silver lining: The Aussies can now look at their game from top to bottom, and put some plans in place to address their problems. England have had to do exactly the same in the past. Decisions have to be made over whether coach Tim Nielsen and chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch keep their roles, and there is the issue over the captaincy too.

As Malcolm Knox’s Guardian column puts it: “Clarke, who averages 47 in Test cricket, is no longer heir apparent to the captaincy but a man battling for survival. Shane Watson has batted courageously, but forceful two-hour innings are the job of a No6, not an opener. Mitchell Johnson’s bowling is a roulette wheel, occasional big wins diverting attention from a regularity of dross. These three were meant to be the nucleus of the future. Instead the team have been held together by Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin, who are near retirement age.”

Strong words indeed.

the

ashesreview


HeadingHome?

AustraliaPh: 0845 074 2657 E: [email protected]: www.commbankuk.co.uk

New ZealandPh: 0845 074 2658 E: [email protected]: www.asbuk.co.uk

Important Information. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 is incorporated in Australia with limited liability, registered in England No. BR250 and authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Services Authority. ASB Bank is a part of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Group and incorporated in New Zealand with limited liabilty. A Disclosure Statement and Personal Banking Terms and Conditions are available from the Commonwealth Bank and ASB Bank.

Let us help you make the move easier.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia and ASB Bank have been helping migrants and expats move their finances to Australia and New Zealand since 1949. With an office based in London, and support from dedicated International Customer Services offices throughout Australia and New Zealand you can be confident that your finances are in good hands.

Our specialised International Customer Services team can help you:

for you on your arrival in Australia or New Zealand.

competitive rates of exchange.

(subject to conditions)

Contact our London Office today for more information

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

TNT Full Page Advert DEC 09.pdf 1 18/12/2009 11:36:57 AM

the

ashesreview

www.oznzout look.com02

Alice SpringsOur guide to a town called Alice

Fun in the SunFebruary: Australia’s hottest month

Discover WaitomoJourney underground on a subterranean adventure

TasmaniaThe island state

PLUSExpat stories, Migration news, Expert advice

nextissue

On sale25 February 2011

5

Documents

ANZ Outlook / Issue 4