http:// 2013-05-17T02:10:55Z 2013-05-17T02:10:55Z hasty-decisions-costing-first-home-buyers-up-to-89-000

Rockingham, WA, May 17, 2013 - In the past year, Baldivis has become known as a haven for first home buyers. The combination of pent-up demand, a recovering WA economy, low interest rates, and reasonably-priced housing in Baldivis has combined to produce a market that is conducive to young buyers seeking their first homes.However, many first home buyers are paying as much as $89,000 extra over the life of their home loans, because they are not doing their due diligence. Buyers who struggle to save for a down payment find themselves putting down minimum deposits as low as 3% on their homes. According to industry estimates, as many as 33% of first home buyers are making minimum deposits on their homes.When a buyer makes a deposit below 20%, lenders not only add a host of upfront fees, but also charge more interest for their loans. Using average industry numbers, if two buyers purchase homes for $320,000, and one deposits $80,000 while the other deposits only $40,000, the borrower who made the smaller of the two deposits ends up paying a total of $89,935.75 more over the lifetime of their loan than the buyer who made the larger deposit.According to a recent blog post, The Mortgage Gallery Rockingham says that buyers should be wary of these costs, and recommends four strategies for first home buyers to lessen their debt burden by eliminating a portion of the upfront costs.Their first recommendation is to do due diligence on their respective state's grants for first home buyers. In WA, each first home buyer gets a one time grant totalling $7,000. These grants vary from state to state, with the N. T. offering a $25,000 grant for all homes except established homes in urban areas.For many first home buyers, it makes sense to find a guarantor. This is usually a relative who has enough equity in their house to put it up as collateral. This can eliminate a lot of the upfront costs that lenders add in to accounts with less than sterling credit and insufficient deposits.It is also important for first home buyers to make sure that their credit reports are clean and their credit ratings are as high as possible. When a loan doesn't fit a lender's ideal recommendations, they add a lot of upfront costs. For example, when buying a $400,000 house in NSW, with a deposit of $40,000, an extra $25,337 would be tacked on to the cost of the loan.According to Justin Smith, Principal of The Mortgage Gallery Rockingham, it is extremely important for anyone seeking a first home loan to do their due diligence. According to Smith, “In today's climate, especially for a first home buyer, it is important to shop around and find the best terms for your loan.”Smith continued, “The easiest way to shop around is to hire an experienced mortgage broker and let them shop around for you. Experienced mortgage brokers know which lenders are more friendly to which situations, and have access to many lenders from their desktops. Instead of driving around to a bunch of banks and loan companies, all you have to do is have your broker find the best deal for you.”Smith concluded, “Always hire a professional mortgage broker. You will save time, effort, and money.”The Mortgage Gallery Rockingham brokers home loans in Baldivis, Rockingham, Kwinana, and surrounding areas. For more information, call (08) 9527 1800 or visit their website: http://www.themortgagegalleryrockingham.com.au/

2013-05-12T22:18:09Z hisense-debuts-energy-efficient-washing-machines-with-new-360-smart-wash-technology

MELBOURNE, Australia, May 13, 2013 – Hisense today announced the expansion of its appliance lineup with the introduction of its 9kg-capacity and 6.5kg-capacity washing machines, two front-loading washers that offer a host of advanced features including 360 Smart Wash Technology that automatically makes adjustments throughout the wash cycle to save on energy and water consumption.  The 360 Smart Wash Technology automatically measures different weights of laundry to determine the washing time and adjusts the water and power usage. Too much detergent foam can result in reduced cleaning ability, and 360 Smart Wash Technology will detect and reduce excess foam. In addition, to ensure the detergent dissolves thoroughly the 360 Smart Wash Technology will automatically detect and heat the water above 15 C. 360 Smart Wash Technology also detects if a load is imbalanced and automatically redistributes the weight of the load to ensure a smooth, quiet spin operation.“Hisense Australia is proud to enter a new category with two washing machines that offer premium features,” said Andre Iannuzzi, head of Marketing, Hisense Australia. “The washing machine has come to be a standard appliance in every Australian home, we are excited to introduce two models that offer consumers a host of options and Smart features with energy and water consumption in mind.”Hisense has also incorporated a digital inverter motor into the 9kg machine, which uses less energy than motors found in conventional washing machines and allows accurate control of speed and torque without sacrificing efficiency. The 9kg machine also comes with an 11-year inverter motor warranty.The 6.5kg model has a slim bodied depth of 500mm, allowing to fit into compact laundry spaces. For those renovating or moving into a unit with limited living area, the 6.5kg model frees up space to your floor plan. Both washers offer 14 wash programs to suit a variety of garments and materials – cotton, synthetics, silk/delicates, wool, big items, jackets and much more. Users can program the washers for their personal preferences with functions like temperature, spin speed and spin time control, extra rinse, Super Quick Wash and 95 C antibacterial wash. The washers’ Hisense Smart Memory also lets users save their favourite wash cycles simply by pressing the convenient “I. Program” button.The washers are designed to provide dependable long-term use, thanks to features like Smart I. Check that will automatically detect incorrect usage and alert the user. The HWFR9012V and HWFR6510 measure 595 x 620 x 850 and 595 x 500 x 850 mm respectively with a respective weight of 78 and 66 Kg.The Hisense HWFR9012V and HWFR6510 washing machines will be available in early June  2013 onward.About Hisense Australia Pty LtdHisense is a global television and refrigeration manufacturer active in more than 130 countries worldwide. More than 40 million people buy and enjoy Hisense products globally every year. Since arriving in Australia in 2006, Hisense has grown to be one of the fastest emerging TV and Home Appliance brands in Australia, distributed through more than 1,000 leading retail stores nationally. Established in 2006, Hisense Australia Pty Ltd is an Australian based subsidiary of Hisense Company Ltd.Hisense televisions and home appliances are available at Australia’s leading national electronics retailers including JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys and BSR.Find Hisense Australia at the following social media sites: Twitter: www.twitter.com/Hisense_AustFacebook: www.facebook.com/HisenseAUInstagram: www.instagram.com/HisenseAUPinterest: www.pinterest.com/HisenseAU

2013-05-07T00:46:11Z get-worry-free-brisbane-carpet-cleaning-with-surface-master

Edens Landing, QLD (May 7, 2013) – There are a number of reasons why homeowners opt for pricey carpets instead of other types of floor covering. Serious wet floor accidents can occur on uncarpeted surfaces especially if you have young children around. Aside from providing safety, carpets also lower the level of noise and retain warmth in your room and hallways. Unfortunately, carpet cleaning in Brisbane can be a headache. But don’t worry! Surface Master comes to the rescue with their revolutionary carpet cleaning services. Surface Master’s vision is to provide excellent services to their clients and leave them 100% satisfied with their customer support and professionalism. It can be a drag talking to a tired representative who does not have the time to chat or attend to your needs. Surface Master will surprise you by answering calls promptly and listening to what you need from a carpet cleaner in Gold Coast.  Surface Master offers premium and deluxe carpet cleaning in Brisbane with as much as a $10.00 discount per room. The licensed technician will make sure to inspect the type of fibre and soiling level to ensure proper attention will be given to your expensive carpeting. Avail of the deluxe carpet cleaning package, which is a 10 step cleaning process, for high traffic areas and be wowed by the results. Surface Master will gladly redo the process in the unlikely chance that you are unsatisfied with the results. And if afterwards you are still unhappy, you will be refunded in full.  Aside from their excellent carpet cleaning services, Surface Master offers tile and grout cleaning, upholstery cleaning and grout colour sealing. And it’s easy to contact them through phone or enquiry on their website www.surfacemaster.com.au. They’re available to take your calls from 8 in the morning to 9 in the evening, 7 days a week!    Got an important event coming up? Why not let a licensed technician handle your Brisbane carpet cleaning for you? Call Surface Master or fill out the enquiry form on their website www.surfacemaster.com.au and get your free quote as soon as possible. Your carpet stain problem will soon be over!   About the Company  Surface Master is a local, family owned business which strives for excellence in providing carpet cleaning solutions at an affordable price. Other services also include upholstery care and maintenance, tile and grout cleaning and grout paint colour sealing. They also sell products for your carpet and tile cleaning needs, free delivery for purchases over $200 and momentarily available in Brisbane area only.   Contact Information Jason Shanks Edens Landing, QLD Phone: 07 3299 6340 Email: info@surfacemaster.com.au Website: www.surfacemaster.com.au

2013-04-30T01:09:22Z video-production-firm-shares-tips-for-maximising-online-video-marketing

Perth, WA, April 30, 2013 - Video marketing is rapidly becoming one of the most popular strategies for attracting visitors to business websites. According to generally accepted industry numbers, over 100 million videos are viewed online everyday. In addition, visitors to retail sites with videos stay an average of 2 minutes longer, and industry numbers indicate that videos make a visitor 64% more likely to purchase products from website. Small businesses that include videos in their profiles report 18% more calls, 30% more profile clicks, and 24% more sales.However, simply producing a video and putting it on YouTube is no guarantee of results. Due to the success of video marketing, the competition is fierce, and those who wish to succeed must execute a solid marketing campaign.Tip number one is to always have a plan before producing a video. Every second of every video should have a reason behind it, and be part of an organised, targeted marketing campaign.Tip number two is to have a concrete goal in mind. Video production costs money, and requires time and effort. Having a goal before shooting the video increases the likelihood of a strong ROI.Tip number three is to always provide compelling content for those who will be viewing the video. If the video does not either entertain them or give them the information they were looking for when they clicked on to the video, they will simply abandon the video and go someplace else.Tip number four is to focus on quality over speed or quantity. Your online video is a company’s “best foot forward”. It will often be the viewer’s first impression of a company; a positive impression is a must and a negative impression can lose a potential customer forever.Tip number five is to make sure that the video can be viewed anywhere. If a viewer has to click somewhere else to watch a video, they are likely to not return to the original website.Tip number six is to take advantage of multiple distribution channels. These should at least include a website, email, YouTube, and a Facebook page.Tip number seven is to always leave the viewer wanting more. In the opinion of many Internet marketers, 60 to 90 seconds is the ideal length for a promotional video. In an era of reduced attention span, where people have multiple people, places, and things competing for their attention, they are unlikely to spend longer than 2 minutes watching a promotional video. Also, while it is crucial to give the viewers some of what they want, it is also crucial that the viewer doesn’t get everything they want. If they do, there’s no motivation for them to complete the next desired action, whether it is to purchase a product or join an information list.Tip number eight is to make the video engaging to the desired audience. The more interesting and engaging a video is, the more likely it is for the visitor to stay and watch the entire video, and to move on to the next desired action.Tip number nine is to always include a call to action. If there is no call to action, the viewer usually won’t take the desired action.Video Labs is a video marketing and production company in the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas. They specialise in well-produced campaigns, attention to detail, and great results. For more information or to start a video campaign today, call 1300 881 783 or check out their website: http://videolabs.com.au/

2013-04-26T05:46:54Z rise-in-construction-jobs-raises-question-of-inevitable-worker-shortage

Perth, WA, April 26, 2013 - The most recent release from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed that employment in the construction industry is on the rise. In the quarter ending November, 2012, 1.0157 million workers were employed in the construction industry. During the quarter ending February of this year, the number rose to 1.0353 million, for an increase of 19,600 jobs.  Queensland added 13,310 jobs during the February quarter, while Western Australia added 3,930 jobs. The only two states to show decreases were NSW, losing 1,170 jobs, and South Australia, which lost 600 jobs.  Currently, most economists are predicting a labour shortage in Western Australia by the end of 2013. This is attributed mostly to the mining industry. Not only does the mining industry itself produce many jobs in Western Australia, but service and infrastructure economies have grown around the mining industry.  The end result is that employment in Western Australia is high, and most economists are predicting that Western Australia will soon have to import workers from other states and even other countries to keep up with the demand. In the construction industry, this is projected to become problematic, because there could soon be a lack of skilled labourers. With a general shortage of labour, and the possibility of an even worse shortage of skilled labour, it could produce the effect of slowing down the construction industry. Completion times for building new houses are predicted by some economists to increase to as long as a year by the end of 2013 or the beginning of 2014. The mining industry has been beneficial to the Western Australian economy, but it is also causing unexpected growth. As more workers are imported, the need for housing and business establishments grows, thus placing a strain on the ability of the construction industry to build what needs to be built. This is great for the Western Australian economy, but it could spell trouble for those wanting to have a house built in a reasonable amount of time. According to Craig Johns, Director of Next Level Extensions, a firm that does home improvements and home renovations in Perth, many of those planning to build new homes may be wise to look at renovating the homes they already have. Johns said, “With the impending labour shortage, combined with increased demand for new business and residential construction, it could become a lot more difficult to get a home built in a timely fashion.” Johns continued, “If it goes the way we think it’s going to go, it might be time for people who want a larger home to look at renovating their own homes. We can renovate a home or build a second storey addition for much less money than it would cost for a new home, and take a lot less time to do so. We currently have plenty of skilled, experienced employees to handle the load.” Johns added, “When we build a second storey extension or a standard extension on your current home, we can do so without disrupting your day to day living. We make the whole process easy for you, and you end up with a larger home that is worth a lot more money if you sell it. In addition, you don’t have to go through the hassle of moving.” Next Level Extensions is a home renovation and home extension firm in Perth. For more information, call 08 9240 5888 or visit their website: http://www.nextlevelhomes.com.au/.

2013-04-26T04:08:53Z 9-ideas-under-80-to-buy-good-s-this-mother-s-day

26 April 2013: Online retailer Andable is marketplace where you can buy your mom a gift made better by indie sellers all over Australia.  Through May, 10% of all sales will fund loans to moms in need all around the world. It's the first place to go to buy your mom something beautiful that also makes a real difference in another mom's life.  This Mother's Day, celebrate your mom in a way that doesn't include mass made junk! Here are 9 products made with passion from indie makes all around Australia, all under $80.  And 10% of every sale goes to fund a micro loan to a mom in need, via Andable's partner Kiva.org: Vintage Handbag ($75): Completely unique hand bag handmade using vintage saris French-Style Market Basket ($58): Help her go eco-friendly in style with this french market style classic basket Resuable Wren Coffee Cup ($25) The fanciest reusable coffee cup she's ever seen.   For hot or cold, this coffee cup was made locally in Melbourne Upcycled Photo Frame ($27):  Mulbury frames intercepts discarded timbers from going to the dump and puts together this beautiful upcycled frame. Berry Colander ($35):  Form meets function with this handmade berry colander  Geese Measuring Cups ($49): Four stackable ceramic geese measuring cups Indivudlally handmade in Melbourne Hanging Garden ($79): A functional, all-weather gorgeous planter Individually handmade right here in Australia Anokhi Robe ($79): Block printed by hand using fair trade principals Seed Packet Greeting Card ($16) The most amazing card she will ever receive.  This comes with 3 packets of seeds for flowers that grow in the shade.   For more information, contact: Rupal Ismin, Rupal@Andable.com

2013-04-24T01:04:42Z aerator-pumps-play-important-role-for-australians

Perth, WA, April 24, 2013 - In a recent blog post, Pump Solutions Australasia explained how aerator pumps work and how important they are to our way of life in Australia. Aerator pumps are crucial to waste treatment and to aquafarming. Since fish farms and adequately processing our sewage are important parts of modern society, it can safely be said that Australia would have to make some pretty big adjustments if there were no aerator pumps available. Aerator pumps are used to provide oxygen as part of the sewage treatment process, and for water whose oxygen has been depleted, compromising its ability to support aqueous life. Their primary applications are in sewage treatment and aquafarming. Small aerator pumps are used for aquariums, and provide a miniature model of what larger aerator pumps accomplish. In sewage treatment plants, aerator pumps are used to provide oxygen for the second stage of the treatment process. In the second stage of the waste treatment process, microorganisms are used to remove organic waste material from sewage. Those microorganisms must have oxygen to live. The aerator pump provides oxygen to the microorganisms, allowing them to consume the organic waste material and thus remove it from sewage. In aquafarms, aerator pumps provide oxygen to water where oxygen has been depleted due to too much demand. A fish farm, for example, produces too many fish for the amount of oxygen that would naturally be present in the water supply. When the oxygen becomes depleted, it is then necessary to supplement the oxygen in the water, or the fish will die. Aerator pumps provide oxygen by drawing air from above the surface of the water, and releasing it at the bottom of the water, where the bubbles rise to the surface. On their way to the surface, the bubbles interact with the water, and oxygen is transferred into the water. This process is known as subsurface aeration. Pump Solutions Australasia carries a full line of Tsurumi submersible water pumps, including their line of water aerator pumps. Tsurumi, located in Kyoto, Japan, has manufactured pumps since 1924. Since their first submersible pump, produced in 1953, Tsurumi has been responsible for many innovations and advancements, and have developed an impressive resumé in the field of submersible pumps. Tsurumi now manufactures 500,000 pumps per year, with a capacity of as many as one million if the demand arises. They currently make submersible pumps than any other manufacturer in the world, and export them to every major international market. Mike Hurlbatt, owner of Pump Solutions Australasia, is proud to be Western Australia’s distributor of Tsurumi pumps: “Tsurumi is an old, respected name in submersible pumps. It is not a stretch to say that almost everybody’s way of life has been influenced, either directly or indirectly, by a Tsurumi pump. You don’t notice them, but they are the most popular option for submersible aerator pumps in waste treatment facilities and fish farms everywhere.” Hurlbatt continued, “Aerator pumps fill a vital role in treating waste and in making sure that anything produced in aquafarm has enough oxygen to live. The smaller pumps are also great for small ponds that need a little oxygen boost to keep the marine life alive.” Hurlbatt concluded, “If you need an aerator pump, large, small, or in between, we have exactly what you’re looking for.”  Pump Solutions Australasia is Western Australia’s foremost distributor of Tsurumi submersible water pumps. For more information, call 1300 922 973 or visit their website: http://www.pumpsolutions.com.au/.

2013-04-23T01:55:16Z four-death-moves-guaranteed-to-sabotage-your-video-marketing-campaign

Perth, WA, April 23, 2013 - Due to changes in Google’s algorithm, video marketing has become a very important part of most serious Internet marketing campaigns. Videos, if promoted correctly, can not only be seen by thousands, but can also help vault a website to page one of Google for very competitive keywords.  This has led to a virtual flood of videos on sites like YouTube, with mixed results. Sometimes the most professionally produced video fails with a resounding thud, while a teenager’s smartphone video of a friend doing something stupid can go viral and get a million views overnight.  While nobody can guarantee with 100% certainty that a video will or will not be successful, savvy video marketers have noticed a pattern in what does and doesn’t work. In particular, knowing the worst mistakes to avoid can save any company, large or small, a lot of time and effort, and produce much better results. The first common error is often called “set it and forget it.” Many marketers think that they can simply put a video up on YouTube, and it will automatically be seen by thousands of viewers. In reality, very few YouTube videos are ever seen by as many as 1,000 people without a lot of help. The second common error is thinking that one video makes an entire marketing campaign. One video can be seen by thousands of people, but forgotten the next day. Statistics, surveys, and anecdotal data all agree that it takes a series of videos to be successful. The third common error is making a video advertisement instead of a video that provides great information, great entertainment, or both. People go to websites or videos for information or entertainment. They do not go to be bombarded by commercials. If a video looks like a commercial, the viewer will not finish watching it. The fourth error is to not have a plan or strategy. Human development gurus communicate this concept thusly: ”If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Michael Hanson, Owner  and Founder of Video Labs, a video production company in the Gold Coast, has extensive experience in helping businesses not only avoid these strategic errors, but in mitigating the damage done to a business by faulty video marketing strategy. According to Hanson: “These errors are really easy to avoid, because they are merely errors of omission: not errors of commission.” Michael went on to describe his deceptively simple system for maximising the results of a video campaign: “First, you must have a marketing strategy. It does no good to throw a bunch of videos around with no concrete plan. You might as well save the time, money, and effort, and watch videos with your kids instead. Second, your plan must feature repetition and consistency. One video is not enough; you must have serial content to make a serious dent in the market.” He continued, “The last thing you must always remember is that you must make a video that is worth watching. Obviously your agenda is to move your product. Unfortunately, the viewer’s agenda is to obtain great information or be entertained. If you fail to do at least one of these, there is no reason for anyone to watch your video.” Video Labs is a video production and video marketing firm serving Brisbane and the Gold Coast areas. They have produced numerous successful video campaigns, and specialise in results. For more information, call 1300 881 783 or visit their website: http://videolabs.com.au/

2013-04-18T08:25:31Z data-indicates-that-high-end-residential-property-is-due-for-a-better-2013

Rockingham, WA, April 18, 2013 - Currently, real estate market statistics are moving in a pattern similar to the beginning of the housing market recovery at the end of 2008. After property had bottomed out in the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), it was the more affordable properties that showed the first movement, followed by movement in the premium property market. According to current data, home values in the capital cities have started to rise in the recent months, even as prices are still slightly lower than the same time last year. According to new information published by RP Data, home prices across all three major sectors are beginning to exhibit the same market patterns, with the affordable end, the middle 60%, and the premium end nearly intersecting as one line when the information is shown on a graph. From September 2011 to September 2012, both the affordable end and the top end areas in the capital cities and suburbs reported a decline of -1.7%, while the middle 60% reported a fall of -0.3%. In the most volatile capital city markets, those with the most severe drops are the most affordable areas around Brisbane, down -13.2% from their pre-GFC peak, and the premium areas in the Brisbane market, which are down -10.8%. Melbourne’s top end property is down -10.4%. In the capital cities, the average home value has fallen by 6.1% from the onset of the GFC to September 2012. The largest decreases in value were in Melbourne, at -8.3%, and Perth with -6.8%, while the least change was in Canberra at -3.2%, and Adelaide and Darwin, both at -3.3%.  From the post-GFC to market peak to the current trough, home values have fallen -7.4% individual cities with the largest declines have been Darwin, with -19.7%, and Hobart, with -14.6%. Those capital cities least affected were Sydney, at -5.0%, and Canberra, with -5.3%.  However, capital city housing prices are currently on the rise. They bottomed out in May 2012, but rose 2.1% by October 2012. Justin Smith, Principal of The Mortgage Gallery Rockingham, is encouraged by the statistics: “It’s been quite an interesting journey the last few years. Before the Global Financial Crisis, most investors acted as though one could count on real estate prices to rise every day with the sun. If there’s one thing the last few years have taught us, it’s that even real estate is subject to market peaks, valleys, and troughs.” Smith continued, “Many in the housing, property, and mortgage industries are surprised that prices haven’t recovered to peak level yet. In the Perth area and in Western Australia, if the past and other economic factors are any indication, prices should recover fully to peak prices. The mining boom has brought a lot of jobs and a lot of money into Western Australia and most builders are expecting a labour shortfall by the end of the year. Demand for houses is rising and it is only a matter of time before supply dwindles and prices once again rise to former levels.” Smith concluded, “It certainly appears that prices are about to rise on all levels. For anyone who is thinking about buying a new home or upgrading their current one, it might be a good time to act.” The Mortgage Gallery Rockingham are the premier mortgage brokers in the Baldivis, Kwinana, and Rockingham areas. For more information about a home loan, call 08 9527 1800 or visit their website: http://www.themortgagegalleryrockingham.com.au/

2013-04-18T01:03:23Z entrance-mats-company-extending-their-range

One of Australia’s leading companies dealing in entrance mats have announced that they plan to extend their range. Identity Matters are renowned for offering high quality, durable and practical entrance mats to suit a wide range of needs. Having been in the industry for over two decades, Australia’s best known entrance mat company have a wealth of experience when it comes to designing practical and useful floor mats for both home and business needs. Identity Matters have worked hard over the years to be able to offer outstanding customer service, the highest quality of manufactured entrance mats and a unique attitude when it comes to being part of the community. Identity Matters is very much a community business, this is why their customer service skills are exceptional. As Australia’s leading manufacturer in entrance mats, customers can find mats to suit their every need. Identity Matters Entrance mats are the perfect solution to cutting a company’s cleaning bills, with a quality, durable entrance mat, visitors can leave their dirt at the door which allows for a clean and enjoyable environment. Identity Matters makes entrance Mats for both outdoor and indoor purposes, they use only the highest quality materials such as rubber, polypropylene and twisted nylon. Their unique designs of entrance mats are created to ensure that each mat collects and hides dirt and debris, therefore protecting the rest of the flooring. With each mat being easily cleanable and ranging from light to heavy duty, the choices at Identity Matters are endless. Every company owner knows the stress of ensuring their building or office space is kept bright, clean and welcoming, and an entrance mat can help them achieve the clean, workspace they dream of. As Australia’s largest entrance mat supplier the demand for Identity Matters is growing, to keep up with demand they will be extending their range of entrance mats to ensure everyone gets the mat they deserve.

2013-04-17T01:57:24Z record-breaking-flight-helps-greyhound-plight

Tim Howes, who took his first flight at age 13 years old, is reaching for the skies to break a new Australian aviation record. Tim plans to set a new Australian record for the number take-off and landings completed in a single day – all in the name of helping greyhounds. He will attempt to beat the current record of 102 take offs and landings aiming for 120. He’ll complete the feat in an open cockpit ultra-light aircraft called a Drifter near Lismore, on May 4, 2013. As well as breaking records, Tim also hopes to raise awareness of the plight of greyhounds and how great they are as pets. As a proud owner of a greyhound adopted from ‘Friends of the Hound’, raising awareness about these dogs is close to Tim’s heart. Friends of the Hound Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer based group that aims is to raise awareness and educate the public about greyhound welfare and the breed’s suitability as family pets and companions.  Money raised from the event will help Friends of the Hound to continue its work to save the lives of greyhounds. “It is a record that I have wanted to crack for some time now. I also wanted some way of letting people know about this cause. So this was a perfect opportunity to do both”, explained Tim. “Greyhounds are gentle, friendly and really affectionate. They are quiet, great with kids and other animals, and surprisingly lazy,” Tim said. Lisa White, President of Friends of the Hound said, “There are widespread misconceptions about the breed and with Tim’s help we can promote greyhounds as pets and change the perception of them as ‘just a racing dog’.” Tim hopes to achieve this record and raise funds for Friends of the Hound with help of friends and sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and sponsorship opportunities go to fly.friendsofthehound.org.au.

2013-04-17T01:53:38Z awnings-in-melbourne-great-winter-deals

Awnings by Design in Melbourne are offering new customers great deals to encourage homes and businesses to protect their premises in the coming winter. With the long hot summer being replaced by more temperamental winter weather it seems now is the time for people to start thinking of protecting their property. Melbourne can become wet and wild during the coming months and it is important to cover up your outdoor area. Awnings by Design are keen to promote the benefits of awnings for both the home and business which is why they offer beautiful awnings at great prices. Customers can opt for luxury awnings for the home in a range of style and colors. For those seeking an awning for their business needs, Awnings by Design in Melbourne also offer a range of stylized awnings including popular retractable styles, canopies and outdoor blinds. All awnings by design Melbourne are made to suit specific customer needs which is good news for businesses who want a stunning, awning to promote their unique company brand. Awnings can be a wonderful addition for those looking to be make the most of their outdoor space in all seasons. In the summer awnings can create a perfect shady space to enjoy al fresco dining, to protect goods from the sun and to simply relax. In the winter there are similar benefits such as protecting the space from the weather and keeping an outdoor space dry from the rain. Awnings by Design offer potential customers the chance to find out more with a no obligation consultancy. They are able to provide on-site quotes and consider no job to big or too small for their personal awning design company. For customers looking for beautiful and inspiring awnings for their home or business now would be the time to take full advantage of the great winter deals on offer.

2013-04-12T03:42:40Z modular-wall-systems-selected-as-finalist-in-3-categories-for-the-2013-manufacturers-monthly-endeavour-awards

Hosted by Australia’s leading magazine for the manufacturing industry, Manufacturers’ Monthly, the Endeavour Awards program celebrates and recognises the achievements of industry leaders in their drive to achieve ‘best practice’ in manufacturing. A record number of entries have been received this year, making this the biggest event in the 10 year history of the Awards. A total of 13 awards will be presented on the Awards night. Each award will celebrate the achievements of the people behind some of the country's most innovative manufacturing companies.Modular Wall Systems' has been nominates as a finalist in 3 categories:1. Australian Consumer/Trade Product of the Year Award for SlimWall Designer Fences2. Australian Industrial Product of the Year Award for ThermaMax panel3. Australian Steel Innovation of the Year Award for QuikWallRead more about these products in the rest of this article.Final winners will be announced on the 9th May 2013, during Australia’s biggest and best Manufacturing Awards night of the year. More about the Manufacturers' Monthly Endeavour AwardsSlimWall Designer Fences: a beautiful home deserves a stylish fenceSlimWall Designer Fences is the popular panel fencing innovation that combines a stylish, premium look with proven noise reduction qualities. No longer do home owners need to settle for a fence that does not match the architectural integrity of their homes, or suffer the inceasing noise levels in (sub)urban neighbourhouds. Designed with the DIY handyman in mind, SlimWall is installed within a few days. SlimWall can be custom finished to seamlessly integrate with the existing look of the home. Adding slats, infills, lighting and even a texture paint finish, it's all possible with SlimWall next generation fencing.ThermaMax Panel: one-step modular insulation solutionThermaMax Panel provides an innovative, all-in-one modular insulation solution which represents a major improvement on traditional, multi-step installations. ThermaMax Panels sit in conventional beam and girt structures that are widely used in the mining & energy sector.  The application of ThermaMax Panels results in significant efficiencies in term of cost, time and environmental impact. ThermaMax Panels can be used and adapted for curtain walling, free standing walls or any other developments or projects that require a solution for sites exposed to high temperatures. ThermaMax is also ideally suited as a solution for combustible environments.QuikWall: the world’s first moveable, height extendable temporary walling solutionUsed by Australia’s leading mining and construction companies, QuikWall represents Modular Wall System’s innovative and creative spirit and ability to respond to an identified customer need. Through extensive research and development and in consultation with major mining companies, Modular Wall Systems developed the first free standing, relocatable, lightweight and height adjustable temporary noise wall in the world.  The application of QuikWall results in significant efficiencies in term of cost, time and environmental impact.www.modularwalls.com.au

2013-04-11T04:46:40Z acoustic-fences-6-reasons-why-they-are-ideal-for-suburban-residences

Acoustic Fences - 6 Reasons Why They Are Ideal For Suburban ResidencesSuburban neighbourhoods can hardly be called noise-free zones. If you live in one, you might crave some peace and quiet but fail to find it, even in your own back yard. There is always some form of noise to intrude upon your siesta, be it the traffic outside, the construction in progress nearby or the friendly chatter of your next door neighbour.What can help you keep the noise out is a high quality acoustic fence, and SlimWall Designer Fencing is one such option available in the market. Here are six ways in which these fences are ideal sound reduction options for suburban residences.Keep the noise out with a high quality acoustic fence1. They act as effective sound barriersSlimWall Designer Fences utilise AcoustiMax 50 fence panels, which are typically capable of a 20+dB reduction in audible noise on the inside of the fence panel**site and terrain dependent, every result will differ and this is offered as a generic guide only2. They are easy to installSlimWall consists of only a few components, which makes it an easy-to-install DIY fencing option. While you can arrange for a factory installation, doing it yourself is just as easy. You’ll have plenty of help along the way with freely available guides and how-to videos.3. They are ready to accept a wide variety of featuresSlimWall is equipped with handy provisions for useful features such as letterboxes, intercoms, lighting, gates, decorative slats and infills. The versatility of the SlimWall fence means that the end result will perfectly match the architectural integrity of the home. This is also what makes SlimWall so popular compared to fencing options that do not allow for stylish integration with the existing look of the home.4. They are of the highest qualitySlimWall fences are manufactured by Modular Wall Systems to the strictest international ISO9001 quality control standards. This means that you can rely on ease of installation, a premium product and excellence in customer service. Modular Wall Systems also takes their environmental responsibility seriously and is registered as a carbon offset company.5. They add privacy and style to your homeA SlimWall Designer Fence is a good choice if you want to increase the privacy of your living space whilst also adding value to your home. Its wall panels have been crafted to accept acrylic paint and textured paint, so you can decide on a variety of finishes for your wall. Individual neighbours can choose their own preferred finish on each side of the wall, possibly avoiding some unnecessary disputes!6. They are cost effectiveSlimWall saves you the hassle of having to search the market for construction materials, hire installers (although that is also an option), worry about strip footings, chipping or cracking. In the long run, this translates into money saved, which is music to the ears of any home owner.All in all, if you’re looking for a fence that reduces noise around your home, adds value and a touch of class, an acoustic fence such as SlimWall is an excellent option.SlimWall Designer Fences offer proven noise reduction and a stylish, designer look.www.slimwall.com.au

2013-04-11T03:45:49Z modular-wall-systems-production-to-delivery-system-6-steps

Modular Wall Systems' Production To Delivery System - 6 StepsYou've ordered your new modular boundary wall from Australia's industry leading supplier:Modular Wall Systems. Read on to 'ride shotgun' with a typical order and see the procedure that it follows from deposit to delivery to your home or business.1. Production checkYour customer order sheet is checked to ensure that all the required information is there. The guys at Modular Wall systems know their product at a ‘nuts & bolts’ level, so anything you may have missed in the excitement of choosing your wall will be picked up and rectified. 2. ManufactureWith 100% Australian manufacture and design, all wall systems are produced in Caringbah, NSW. Clean, modern and precise, this is where the action is. The client order shifts from one display board to another, as it moves from scheduling through to manufacturing. Specialist machinery produces most of the wall components under one roof. Modular Wall Systems does not rely on the import of foreign components, which means that you can rely on accurate production and delivery times.  3. PackingThe order sheet gets the once-over again as all of the parts are brought together. The distance the wall is transported and the way it will be unloaded determines how it gets packed. All of Modular Wall Systems’ products are delivered with detailed installation instructions, extra nuts and bolts and anything else required for fast and easy installation.  4. DispatchYou will receive a call from Modular Wall Systems’ head office to confirm your delivery details. We will make sure any order arrives when and how it was asked to.  5. DeliveryWith a daily national distribution network across Australia, there is no delivery challenge Modular Wall Systems can’t meet. From collection at the factory through to interstate crane-truck deliveries, it's all possible. Knowing that Modular Wall Systems has completed residential and commercial boundary walling projects in even the remotest areas of the country, as well as internationally, your delivery is in safe hands. 6. Customer careModular Wall Systems offers unrivalled customer support, with the largest database of installation guides, videos and fact sheets available in the industry. The company also offers a dedicated support team that is on hand to help answer any questions you may have. Work with products invented and manufactured by the industry leaderModular Wall Systems is the original inventor of the modular wall system. The company has rapidly grown to become the industry leader in acoustic and boundary wall solutions. We stand for quality, innovation, precision engineering and unrivaled customer service. www.modularwalls.com.au