http:// 2013-05-22T17:04:51Z 2013-05-22T17:04:51Z jen-marks-australian-latte-art-champion-2013-headline-barista-at-mice

Melbourne, Australia, May 2013 –  Jen Marks, Australian Latte Art Champion 2013 and one of Melbourne’s favourite baristas, will pour up some Chemex filter brews in the morning and appear behind the espresso machine in the afternoon MICE visitors may be lucky enough to see some of her beautiful latte art creations, on Thursday May 23 on Veneziano’s stand. Also a roaster, Jen is currently preparing to compete as Australia’s representative in Nice, France, at the World Latte Art Championships next month. Any spare time she has is put towards practicing on the Dalla Corte competition specified machine, kindly on loan to Jen by Zarraffas, in a gesture that demonstrates the true spirit of Australia’s coffee community supporting their own.Jen’s personal preference in latte art is the classic, simple look of a free pour pattern. However, she has been known to do some etchings for her friends from time to time, although more for the fun and enjoyment of it. If combining the two methods, Jen’s says it’s best to complement the free pour art with etching.In choosing a design, it’s particularly challenging to come up with something new to use in a competition. It seems as though everything in terms of patterns and designs has already been attempted, but of course it hasn’t!  Jen’s advice for selecting patterns is that it’s important to be confident whilst practicing the design so that when the time comes to perform it under pressure you are less likely to make any errors.  “When trying to come up with something really creative I look for inspiration in everyday shapes and images, looking for things that incorporate either round, tulip, heart or rosetta shapes because these are the foundation patterns you are more or less limited to,” says Jen. For example, she used a stylised rosetta to create a flowing mane on a unicorn in one of her patterns.In her World Latte Art Championship 2013 campaign, Jen would like to thank and acknowledge the generous support from:-Zarraffas for supplying a Dalla Corte (official World Latte Art machine)-David and Greg from Appliance Maintenance Co (NSW) for the loan of Mahlkonig grinder-D’Ancap cups provided by Antony de Fina of Casa Espresso-Peter from Cafetto for the cleaning clothsContact: Ana Pipunic ana@harvestideas.com.au or Fiona Dickson fiona@harvestideas.com.au for further information, photo opportunities, tours or interviews. Additional information:Veneziano Coffee Roasters - Specialty roasters; supporters of direct trade with producers and cooperatives; on site quality coffee training and education by professional baristas; First Pour café espresso bars and coffee showrooms; home of Australian barista, latte art, brewing, cupping and roasting champions; licensed Q cuppers and World certified coffee judge; professional espresso machines, grinders and equipment for cafe and home; recipient of countless awards and proud supplier to over 500 of Australia’s best cafes.  The First Pours are located at:SA - 111 Melbourne Road, AdelaideQLD - 369 Montague Road, West End BrisbaneVIC - 26 Bond Street, Abbotsford, VICwww.venezianocoffee.com.auwww.facebook.com/venezianoCoffeeRoasterswww.twitter.com/VenezCoffeeRstr

2013-05-22T07:50:35Z gimrs-launches-exclusive-premium-corporate-advertising-promotion

MAY 22, 2013 GIMRS launches exclusive corporate promotion to win one month's premium advertising worth $4,000 (AUD). This promotion presents an excellent opportunity to expand market visibility by show casing corporate brands and services to over 350 publicly listed companies and their key decision makers. Entries commence from the 16 May 2013 and close the 2 June 2013. In order to enter please email GIMRS your contact details and outline the reason why our executive members would benefit from your brand or service and what places your brand or service in front of market competitors. Prize details can be located here. The winning entry will be drawn Monday 3 June 2013 and the winner will be notified by email. Entries can be submitted via this link.      

2013-05-22T03:08:11Z wheatgrass-saves-boys-life-as-told-by-tony-hodge-from-oscar-juicers-1

This month Tony Hodge of Wheatgrass New Zealand wants to tell the world about the wonders of wheatgrass by relating the amazing story of how wheatgrass spray saved a little boy’s life, as told to him by Dr Chris Reynolds, M.B., B.S. who has been working in India. Here is what happened. Picture a tiny hovel on the outskirts of a dusty provincial town in Madhya Pradesh State in India, home to an impoverished family of six. It has dirt floors, no sanitation, no beds (they sleep on the floor) and no electricity. There is a lighted kerosene cooker in the centre of the room. Five year old Pawan runs into the room and knocks over the cooker which explodes and drenches him in flames. He suffers severe burns to 40% of his body. He is taken to a Burns Unit in a large private hospital that philanthropically admits a limited number of impoverished burns victims for free treatment. However, there is a catch. The burn must be healed within a week (an impossible task in most cases), after which the patient will be sent home. As he is from a poor family, follow up treatment is highly unlikely. The unhygienic surroundings and high risk of infection will threaten his survival. Many of these children (and adults)usually don’t even make it to a hospital, and die at home from their infected, untreated wounds. Visiting Pawan’s bedside on day four, the hospital surgeon told Dr Reynolds, “His only chance (of survival) “is for me to put a skin graft over the burn. But the wound is infected, so the graft won’t take. Also, I won’t have enough donor skin even if I could do it. Do you think the wheatgrass spray would help? He must be discharged in three days”. Having seen wheatgrass heal many kinds of wounds, including some very bad burns, Dr Reynolds said he was sure it would. At the surgeon’s request, Dr Reynolds sprayed a small area at one corner of the infected area of full thickness skin loss. The following day, the surgeon called to say that overnight the infection had cleared up, the wound surface was no longer losing fluid and a graft would not be necessary. Two days later his burns had recovered so well that he was discharged to return to the Outpatient Department for dressing changes. It would be fair to say that the wheatgrass spray saved this little boy’s life. Dr Reynolds will soon return to India to continue sharing his knowledge of wheatgrass healing with clinical staff at the hospital and reports that the surgeon is about to run a clinical trial using the wheatgrass spray for serious burns. For more information on wheatgrass please visit the website at http://www.wheatgrass.co.nz. 

2013-05-22T03:04:17Z wheatgrass-saves-boys-life-as-told-by-tony-hodge-from-oscar-juicers

This month Tony Hodge of Wheatgrass New Zealand wants to tell the world about the wonders of wheatgrass by relating the amazing story of how wheatgrass spray saved a little boy’s life, as told to him by Dr Chris Reynolds, M.B., B.S. who has been working in India. Here is what happened. Picture a tiny hovel on the outskirts of a dusty provincial town in Madhya Pradesh State in India, home to an impoverished family of six. It has dirt floors, no sanitation, no beds (they sleep on the floor) and no electricity. There is a lighted kerosene cooker in the centre of the room. Five year old Pawan runs into the room and knocks over the cooker which explodes and drenches him in flames. He suffers severe burns to 40% of his body. He is taken to a Burns Unit in a large private hospital that philanthropically admits a limited number of impoverished burns victims for free treatment. However, there is a catch. The burn must be healed within a week (an impossible task in most cases), after which the patient will be sent home. As he is from a poor family, follow up treatment is highly unlikely. The unhygienic surroundings and high risk of infection will threaten his survival. Many of these children (and adults)usually don’t even make it to a hospital, and die at home from their infected, untreated wounds. Visiting Pawan’s bedside on day four, the hospital surgeon told Dr Reynolds, “His only chance (of survival) “is for me to put a skin graft over the burn. But the wound is infected, so the graft won’t take. Also, I won’t have enough donor skin even if I could do it. Do you think the wheatgrass spray would help? He must be discharged in three days”. Having seen wheatgrass heal many kinds of wounds, including some very bad burns, Dr Reynolds said he was sure it would. At the surgeon’s request, Dr Reynolds sprayed a small area at one corner of the infected area of full thickness skin loss. The following day, the surgeon called to say that overnight the infection had cleared up, the wound surface was no longer losing fluid and a graft would not be necessary. Two days later his burns had recovered so well that he was discharged to return to the Outpatient Department for dressing changes. It would be fair to say that the wheatgrass spray saved this little boy’s life. Dr Reynolds will soon return to India to continue sharing his knowledge of wheatgrass healing with clinical staff at the hospital and reports that the surgeon is about to run a clinical trial using the wheatgrass spray for serious burns. For more information on wheatgrass please visit the website at http://www.wheatgrass.co.nz. 

2013-05-22T02:19:24Z perth-property-developer-implores-renters-do-everything-you-can-to-become-a-homeowner

Perth, WA, May 22, 2013 - In a recent blog post on their website, 4Land Property Group alerted its readers to a recent report from statistics firm RP Data. The report, called Autumn Investor Guide, predicted that both rents and property values would double in many Australian suburbs in the next ten years.RP Data identified suburbs whose rental and housing sales markets had the potential to double in the next ten years. Due to compounding, a steady growth of 7.2% over ten years causes prices to double in ten years. Consequently, 7.2% annual growth became the baseline number for suburbs predicted to double by 2023.The report found 263 suburbs that showed the necessary growth to double housing prices, but found 792 suburbs where rent is projected to double in the same time frame. In another 582 suburbs, rents were projected to undergo an annual growth of 5.5% or higher per year.Victoria and NSW had the most suburbs projected for prices to double, with 68 and 65 respectively. Sydney had the most suburbs with rent projected to double, with 249. Perth would come in second with 181 suburbs poised to see rents double in the next decade.The only possible mitigating factor for Perth and WA is that they have been in a mild growth pattern for five years, due to the mining boom. There is a chance that the State’s growth will level off before ten years is up. However, even if growth in Perth and WA does level off, RP Data analyst Cameron Kusher still projects a lot of opportunity in the area for at least the next five years.For those who are in a position to purchase a home, or for property investors, the report is seen as good news, because those who buy now could see their home’s value double in the next ten years. This report is not great news for renters though as it indicates that rent prices are going to continue to increase, and that rents are growing at a faster percentage than income, even in the middle of a mining boom.According to Lauren O'Connor, Marketing Manager of 4Land Property Group, renters who wait too long to buy a home could find themselves frozen out of the housing market: “We all know that the biggest hurdle facing first home buyers is finding enough money for the deposit. When it used to be relatively inexpensive to rent a house, it made sense for many to rent, and take their time before buying.”O'Connor continued, “We have watched the market here struggle to make it back after the global financial crisis. Even with the mining boom, housing seemed to be the last thing to recover. But the market has rebounded, and it is now more expensive to rent than it is to make home loan payments in many Perth suburbs.”O'Connor added, “We have developed six successful communities, many of which specialise in first home buyers. Because we have been able to offer house and land packages for approximately 30% less than the cost of the median established home in neighbouring areas, we have had a very active market for our properties.”O'Connor concluded, “But this announcement could make prices rise even faster. If you wait too long to buy a house, it could be too late.”4Land Property Group develops house and land packages in planned communities in Perth suburbs and outlying areas. Call 08 9301 4445 to learn more or visit their website: http://www.4land.com.au/.

2013-05-22T00:29:02Z veneziano-s-chemex-brew-bar-and-espresso-bar-at-mice-featured-microlots

Melbourne, Australia, May 2013 –  Veneziano Coffee Roasters aim to impress visitors to Melbourne’s International Coffee Expo (MICE) with the chance to try out some exclusive single origins sourced from Ethiopia, El Salvador and Costa Rica.Here’s what you can expect:On the Chemex brew bar - the Chemex brew bar will showcase the exquisite Ethiopa Nekisse and El Manzano microlot coffees, roasted for a stand out filter brew profile.Ethiopia Nekisse - a microlot coffee from Ninety Plus, has consistently scored 93 points. The team has travelled to Melbourne for MICE and can be contacted at Think Tank, stand no. xTasting Notes: lingering berry fruit notes accompanied with citrus bordering on grapefruit, a vibrant acidity and caramelised mouth feel, with a distinct floral aroma.El Salvador El Manzano 2013 – a microlot coffee by producer Emilio Lopez, one of our valued direct trade partners. Come and meet Emilio on Veneziano’s stand (no. 60) on Saturday May 23, from 2.30pm.Tasting notes: sweet, aromatic and complex with prominent notes of cherry and coffee fruit and a clean, velvety mouthfeel. On the espresso bar - the Costa Rica COE 2012 El Roble and Craig Simon’s Ethiopia Hachira competition blend are outstanding through the espresso machine.The Costa Rica COE El Roble microlot offers a dark chocolate, spice and passionfruit  flavour profile with a creamy mouthfeel and is long and well balanced on the palate.Craig Simon’s competition coffee - Craig narrowly placed runner up with this coffee at the 2013 Australian Barista Championship. This Ethiopia Hachira comes from Ninety Plus displays notes of pineapple and mango and has a long sweet finish. Natural processed, it’s scored 95 and above on cupping tables around the world.Additional information:Veneziano Coffee Roasters - Specialty roasters; supporters of direct trade with producers and cooperatives; on site quality coffee training and education by professional baristas; First Pour café espresso bars and coffee showrooms; home of Australian barista, latte art, brewing, cupping and roasting champions; licensed Q cuppers and World certified coffee judge; professional espresso machines, grinders and equipment for cafe and home; recipient of countless awards and proud supplier to over 500 of Australia’s best cafes.  The First Pours are located at:SA - 111 Melbourne Road, AdelaideQLD - 369 Montague Road, West End BrisbaneVIC - 26 Bond Street, Abbotsford, VICwww.venezianocoffee.com.auwww.facebook.com/venezianoCoffeeRoasterswww.twitter.com/VenezCoffeeRstr

2013-05-21T23:49:00Z australian-and-global-youtube-stars-gather-for-australia-s-first-online-video-conference

Sydney, Australia, 22 May, 2013 – VIDinc, Australia’s first-ever online video community event has been launched to help shape the future of the online video content marketplace in Australia by bringing together global stars and industry leaders at a two-day event in Sydney. Businesses and aspiring online video stars will converge at the Sydney Convention Centre on 17 and 18 August 2013 for the inaugural conference. The event will educate attendees on how they can create online video content for social platforms like YouTube to find fame and followers, enabling them to build their brands and be a part of a growing social video content movement that is building viewership faster than traditional television audiences. This event will include VIDinc PRO, a comprehensive workshop for businesses who want to understand how they can improve brand visibility using online video, featuring insights from video production to audience engagement experts. The workshops will focus on topics such as social media engagement and online marketing, as well as how to leverage Google’s functionality effectively, using SEO to analytics to drive ultimate audience traffic and stickiness. Ritchie Perera, Co-founder of VIDinc believes the recent shift from television screens to online content particularly via mobile and tablets demonstrates that Australians are hungry for more personalised, engaging online video content. Perera said, “We’re really excited to be hosting such incredible talent in Australia for VIDinc’s premier. This event will give Australian companies the opportunity to interact with global brands and to learn how they have used online video successfully to connect with their customers. VIDinc provides a forum for discussion to addresses the growing desire among those in the media, entertainment and production industries to create compelling and engaging content that will draw people to their brands.” The attending experts and celebrities have challenged the influence of traditional television broadcasters by wielding a collective audience of over 11 million subscribers to their channels with almost 2.5 billion total video views. Attendees at the event include industry experts, comedians Kassem G and Lisa Nova of successful YouTube video network Maker Studios as well as Australian comedian JehanR and Perth-based DJ Pogo, with more speakers to be announced over the coming weeks. Sarah Penna, Co-founder of Big Frame said, “VIDinc excites me because it is showcasing people who are successful without the support of a traditional talent/programming/broadcasting model. Individuals and brands now have the power to create conversations and be broadcasters on their own terms and that is changing how we create and consume media in a big way.” Australians are now watching on average almost six hours of online video per month and this is quickly outstripping traditional television content, which is continuing to see viewership decrease[1]. With nearly one in two internet users visiting online video sites like YouTube and Vimeo and the rise of online video superstars/content creators, some drawing six figure salaries annually through advertising revenue, online video as a medium is forcing brands to pay significant attention to how this should be integrated within the marketing mix. Program details and ticketing information are available at www.vidinc.com.au. [1] Source: Nielsen Australian Multi-screen Report, Q4 2012 – ENDS – About VIDinc VIDinc is Australia’s first and only online video community event that brings global experts and YouTube stars together. Founded by Ritchie Perera, Desh Amila and Eric Woo, VIDinc helps and inspires individuals and brands to understand what they need to do to create compelling online video content and engage with their audiences. Media Contact Note to Editor: Espresso Communications is VIDinc's official communications partner. For interview opportunities with VIDinc or artists featured, please contact Anthia Crosby or Adam Knight. Anthia Crosby / Adam Knight Espresso Communications Ph: +61 8016 2200 M: +61 422 072 717 / +61 418 181 883 E: anthia@espressocomms.com.au / adam@espressocomms.com.au

2013-05-21T23:44:00Z all-eyes-on-australia-as-vidinc-connects-the-local-and-international-online-video-community

Sydney, Australia, 22 May, 2013 – VIDinc, Australia’s first-ever online video community event has been launched, bringing together global and local YouTube megastars in Australia for the first time. About 15,000 aspiring video stars, pop culture addicts and devoted YouTube channel fans are expected at the Sydney Convention Centre on 17 and 18 August 2013 in an Australian first, shining a light on an emerging cultural phenomenon that has launched the careers of musicians, comedians and artists from all over the world using online video. YouTube has captivated Australian users who are watching an average of almost six hours of online video per month[1] and attracting approximately 11 million unique Australian users per month[2]. VIDinc will offer an interactive platform where consumers and businesses can learn how they can build their personal and corporate brands through insights from industry experts and some of the world’s most celebrated YouTube celebrities. Some of the key celebrity highlights confirmed to date include: Keenan Cahill, one of YouTube’s biggest music superstars from America who has collaborated with guest artists for his videos including 50 Cent, Maroon 5, LMFAO, David Guetta and Justin Bieber. Perth-based Nick Bertke, better known as DJ Pogo, an electronic music producer, remix artist and film maker who has produced viral videos for several major studios around the world including Disney/Pixar. JehanR, who rose to fame from his YouTube channel, “Sri Lankan Sketch Comedy Curry!”, and is now a YouTube employee based in Los Angeles working on a feature film development with FilmVictoria Kassem G, a YouTube celebrity comedian with over three million subscribers, entrepreneur and a co-founder of Maker Studios, one of the world’s largest online media companies. Lisa Nova, an actress based in Los Angeles who successfully used YouTube to transition into mainstream television when she was cast in MADtv in 2006. She is a co-founder of Maker Studios and spends her time mentoring aspiring YouTube stars with global ambitions. Peter Chao, also known as the “Chinese Guy” behind Chao Nation, exploded on YouTube with his controversial, forthright comedy and hilarious portrayals of Asian stereotypes. Together, these celebrities have challenged the influence of traditional television broadcasters by wielding a collective audience of over 11 million subscribers to their channels with almost 2.5 billion total video views. Event delegates will get the chance to participate in the VIDinc Main Event, featuring a meet and greet, Q&A session and performances from Australian and international YouTube personalities. Ritchie Perera, Co-founder of VIDinc believes the recent shift from television screens to online content particularly through mobile devices and tablets demonstrates that Australians are hungry for more personalised and engaging online video content. Perera said, “We’re really excited to be hosting such incredible talent in Australia for VIDinc’s premier. The potential for online video is staggering. Australia’s top rated television program in 2012 was the Final of The Voice which was viewed by 3.3 million Australians. YouTube boasts over one billion unique viewers every month and 11 million of these monthly viewers come from Australia. There is an enormous audience that Australian content creators can access and are able to build their own video presence through a fully empowering medium.” A new generation of media stars have been born thanks to online videos and a global vehicle for distributing videos, allowing anyone with internet access and a video camera to create interesting and unique content for a massive global audience. Australian YouTube personality Jehanr said, “VIDinc is a fantastic event for Australia's online video community. In Australia's highly concentrated media landscape, VIDinc provides a great environment to show how content creators can use non-traditional means to reach their audience. I would love VIDinc to inspire more Australians to share their talent and creativity with the world.” Program details and ticketing information are available at www.vidinc.com.au. [1] Source: Nielsen Australian Multi-screen Report, Q4 2012 [2] Source: Social media Statistics Australia – February 2013, Social Media News – ENDS – About VIDinc VIDinc is Australia’s first and only online video community event that brings global experts and YouTube stars together. Founded by Ritchie Perera, Desh Amila and Eric Woo, VIDinc helps and inspires individuals and brands to understand what they need to do to create compelling online video content and engage with their audiences. Media Contact Note to Editor: Espresso Communications is VIDinc's official communications partner. For interview opportunities with VIDinc or artists featured, please contact Anthia Crosby or Adam Knight. Anthia Crosby / Adam Knight Espresso Communications Ph: +61 8016 2200 M: +61 422 072 717 / +61 418 181 883 E: anthia@espressocomms.com.au / adam@espressocomms.com.au

2013-05-21T23:01:27Z oki-the-perfect-match-for-clearview-estate-winery

When iconic and busy Hawke’s Bay winery and restaurant Clearview Estate sought a printer to support its wine tastings and produce professional ‘table talkers’ and other materials, it’s requirements were clear: reliability, low cost per page, and great quality colour output. Meeting this need is the OKI C610dn colour LED printer. Established in 1989, Clearview Estate Winery in the Hawke’s Bay is located near the historic landscape of Cape Kidnappers. The restaurant offers a comprehensive seasonal menu, complemented by the Estate’s famed and multi-gold medal-winning Clearview Reserve Chardonnay and full bodied red wines. The trophy cabinet at Clearview Estate is well-populated, containing over 40 awards for its wines, which are available throughout New Zealand and internationally in export markets including Australia, USA, Canada, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Europe. The estate also grows avocados, olives and citrus trees and culinary herbs to supply the kitchen. The restaurant and Clearview’s historic accommodation  provide a unique  venue  for weddings, functions and special occasion celebrations. Situation:As a busy venue at which wine tastings are a guest highlight, Clearview Estate Trade Sales Leigh Cowan says its requirements from a colour printer were quite specific: “We wanted a machine which could be located in the wine tasting room to produce tasting notes as guest handouts.” In addition, he says the printer is used for on-site promotional material, producing updated menus and ‘table talkers’, black and white invoice printing, for directional signage. Being in a public area, the demands on the machine are a little out of the ordinary. As a venue which puts professionalism and guest service first, reliability and the quality of output is paramount. “The printer plays a role in delivering our guest experience as the tasting notes are printed and handed out on the spot,” says Cowan. Paper jams or any other interruptions would be unseemly and potentially embarrassing.  Instead, Clearview Estate wanted a machine which would simply deliver with no fuss or hassle, allowing the sommelier to focus on guests – and, of course, the wine.  Solution:Instead of selecting an inkjet machine and having to deal with high-cost and low-yield cartridges, Clearview Estate chose the networked, duplex-capable OKI C610dn. Suitable for workgroups of up to 12 people, the machine employs OKI’s ‘Single Pass’ colour LED technology to deliver a highly reliable print process, with colour resolution of 1200x600 DPI. Single Pass means paper travels through the machine just once as the image is created, with minimal bending. That’s a key factor in avoiding the paper jams for which many other printers have a reputation. “The OKI C610dn simply does what we need it to do. It is easy to use and is always ready to handle any jobs we have for it,” confirms Cowan. Those jobs include printing ‘table talkers’, promotional flyers produced on higher-weight paper and placed in holders on tables. The OKI C610dn’s ability to handle anything up to 250gsm card stock is invaluable for this purpose. Other features of the machine to which Cowan calls attention include the large capacity toner cartridges; standard cartridges deliver 6,000 pages of CMYK colour and 8,000 pages in mono (black). That means more time and prints between maintenance; with the Estate producing some 500 pages per month, more in busy times, it’s C610dn hasn’t required any attention since installation. As a compact device which reliably meets Clearview Estate’s needs, the OKI C610dn’s small stature (‘We like the fact that it isn’t very large,’ says Cowan) belies its capabilities. With a maximum duty cycle of up to 75,000 pages per month (but an average of 1,500-5,000 pages per month) it is also fast, printing up to 32 pages per minute in colour and 36 in mono. Taking just 9 seconds for colour and 8 seconds for mono means no time is wasted in getting urgent jobs out. However, says Cowan, speed isn’t considered a major priority for Clearview Estate’s printing needs. Instead, he says it is the reliability and ease of use which really make the difference. “The OKI is great to work with. It is company, easy to install on a network, and easy for all our staff to work with.” Most importantly, the C610dn produces prints of a quality which perfectly accompany the guest experience and wines for which Clearview Estate is renowned.

2013-05-21T02:58:16Z shed-vendor-warns-perth-residents-don-t-get-complacent-about-tropical-storms

Perth, WA, May 21, 2013 - Cyclone season 2012-13 came and went without much effect on the Perth area. Port Hedland, to the north, and Queensland would bear the brunt of this season's most severe weather. Perth would be threatened a couple of times, but for the most part, the Perth area would emerge unscathed by tropical storms.During the 2012-13 season, four tropical cyclones had a chance of affecting Perth. Ironically enough, none would affect Perth as much as the 7th-8th May storm that wasn't even included in tropical storm ratings.Mitchell was first, forming on 27th December. Mitchell would produce winds as high as 75 km/h, but stayed to the west of WA, and didn't affect the mainland at all. Narelle, though, would be a different story, entering TCWC Perth's domain on 9th January.Narelle was predicted by some models to make landfall in WA, but never did. It would, however, bring belts of wind and rain into the wheatbelt. Exmouth had 76 mm of rainfall, and Karlgarin would see wind gusts as high as 90 km/h. This would tear the roofs off of eight buildings. A suspected tornado hit Capel and cut through a 400 m wide swath of trees. Perth would only receive a bit of rain and their warmest January in more than two decades.Port Hedland and much of Western Pilbara would see two tropical cyclones in a little over a month. Tropical Cyclone Peta made landfall near Point Samson, causing shipping to be closed in Port Hedland on 22nd January. 261.6 mm of rain fell in Hooley Station, adding 28 billion litres of water, or 40% of its capacity, to the Harding Dam.Severe Tropical Storm Rusty was next, making landfall a mere 100 km to the east of Port Hedland. Port Hedland saw 39 straight hours of winds recorded at gale force, with gusts as high as 199 km/h. Pardoo Station would subsequently report 482.5 mm of rain, with other stations reporting as much as 300 mm of rainfall.Though Perth was not affected by tropical storms, it did see a very heavy system or rain and high winds on 7th-8th May. 53.4 mm of rain fell in Perth, while some suburbs saw up to 100 mm of rain. Some areas saw winds as high as 100 km/h.Max Italiano, owner of Action Sheds Australia, was happy to see a relatively calm year, but sounded a note of caution: “I am happy that we had such a quiet cyclone season, but I don't think for an instant that it means we aren't at risk for a direct hit in the future. We have been very fortunate in Perth. For the most part, it looks like we are almost sheltered from tropical cyclones due to where they usually form and how they usually move. But there is no guarantee that we won't get hammered like Port Hedland did this year.”Italiano continued, “Most houses are built to withstand cyclonic winds, but your sheds also must be able to withstand severe weather. ShedSafe certification guarantees that we have the know-how to provide you with the right shed for the right area, but why not go one step further with cyclonic sheds?”Italiano concluded, “Don't let your shed or its contents become projectiles in severe weather.”Action Sheds Australia provides cyclonic sheds to Perth and surrounding areas, for both residential and commercial use. For more information, please call 1300 778 628 or visit their website: http://www.actionsheds.com.au/

2013-05-21T02:28:37Z green-planet-grass-landscape-systems-save-time-and-money

Perth,WA, May 21, 2013 - Green Planet Grass manufactures and installs artificial grass in Perth. They pride themselves in building a system that is more than just an “artificial lawn.” Green Planet Grass is an environmentally responsible company. Their products can be recycled at the end of their lifespan, and they go to great lengths to reduce their carbon footprint during the manufacturing process.Synthetic grass has become popular in Perth and many other areas because it has such low maintenance costs. Since an artificial lawn doesn't have to be watered, many residents who install Green Planet Grass save up to 70% on their water bills. In addition, synthetic turf doesn't require regular fertilisers or weed-killers, saving even more maintenance money.It also takes a lot of time to maintain a natural grass lawn, and Green Planet Grass takes almost no time to maintain. This saves an average of two hours a week, or 104 hours a year, which translates into a lot of money when multiplied by whatever the average homeowner makes per hour.Green Planet Grass Landscape Systems are designed to be complete solutions, and include such innovations as custom infills for various uses, U-shaped fibres to make the grass stand straight and tall, and a shock pad that absorbs impact for uses such as play or sports.Green Planet Grass also includes a proprietary drainage system, an antimicrobial coating to prevent bacterial contamination, and an extra barrier that prevents weeds from poking up through the artificial lawn.Green Planet Grass currently has five different landscape lawns. Saturn contains soft, monofilament yarn in heights that vary up to 35mm. It looks and feels very natural. Mars has the GPG U-shaped fibres, which are 36mm in height. It creates a very lush surface.Earth is the most versatile grass in the GPG line. It is 40mm high, and made of green coloured tape and defibrillated straw, with support yarn made of brown and green polypropylene.The thickest and heaviest lawn in the GPG line is called Jupiter. It is made of a green monofilament pile and nylon thatch. The lawn fibres are dark green in colour and 42mm tall. It is the softest synthetic lawn on the market and is recommended for family use.The Neptune lawn is recommended for commercial use and high-traffic areas, due to its 42mm U-shaped fibres.Justin Everley, Owner of Green Planet Grass, is proud of his Landscape System and choice of complimentary lawns, and currently has over 4,000 satisfied customers: “We put in a lot of research and development into building our Green Planet Grass Landscape System. We started with a mission to be environmentally responsible, and to provide the best artificial lawn on the market today. We know that the word best is subjective, but we like to think that we have succeeded in our original goal.”Everley continued, “We leave nothing to chance with our artificial lawns. We manufacture everything right here in Australia. We use recycled materials when possible, and everything we use is recyclable or biodegradable. We also have tried our best to ensure that we install a beautiful, soft lawn that looks better than the best of natural grass lawns.”Everley added, “GPG lawns are always green and well-manicured, 365 days a year. They require almost no maintenance, and you save a lot on the water bill. And we have over 4,000 satisfied customers to prove it.”Green Planet Grass manufactures and installs synthetic grass in Perth and suburbs. For more information, call 08 9209 2669 or visit their website: http://www.greenplanetgrass.com.au/.

2013-05-21T02:15:02Z multiple-apartment-sales-a-new-trend

A wave of cashed up, savvy buyers have snapped up multiple apartments at FKP's $210 The Milton, on the back of the start of construction of the groundbreaking mixed-use development. Six buyers have purchased multiple properties in the 30-level tower in recent weeks, some planning to amalgamate the units into larger three and four-bedroom apartments, signifying strong pent up demand for larger stock. Marketing agent Bryce O’Connor, of 360 Project Marketing, says there is a revival occurring in the luxury apartment market in Brisbane, along with increased demand for larger apartments and The Milton caters for this shortage in the market.   "There is an undersupply of spacious new apartments in inner Brisbane," he said.   "Many new apartment projects cater for investors, with a focus on increasing yield, and hence apartment size is sacrificed.   "We have seen a steady increase in the number of buyers who want the benefits of apartment living yet do no wish to compromise on all the comforts of a spacious home."   Designed by award-winning architects and interior designers DBI Design,  The Milton Residences are open-plan and all have floor-to-ceiling glass in the living area and bedrooms, providing abundant natural light.   "The cutting edge development features contemporary design with well thought out spaces and liveable apartments with generous balconies," Mr O'Connor said.   "Three separate buyers, who have opted to take advantage of the stunning architectural design and lifestyle opportunities on offer at The Milton, have decided to maximise the potential of these properties by purchasing more than one, with plans to create larger apartments with sweeping views.   "These people are customising the apartments to create the ultimate homes by drawing on the best of both worlds - low maintenance apartment living in a dynamic lifestyle hub, with plenty of space to relax and unwind."   Mr O'Connor says The Milton has appealed to a diverse range of buyers including retirees looking down downsize, young families and couples seeking low maintenance living in an areas surrounded by an array of lifestyle amenities.   "Older property purchasers are becoming a force in the market, with the first group of baby boomers preparing for retirement and looking to downsize from their family home," he said.   "While some retirees may be on the lookout for more modest dwellings, there are many looking to enjoy their retirement in style, with the convenience of having quality dining and retail outlets at the doorstep.   "Likewise, young families and professional couples that want to be close to the city centre, without the congestion, with easy access to public transport have gravitated towards The Milton, particularly since FKP announced the management rights."   The Milton, which will feature 298 one and two bedroom apartments, will be Australia's first five-star Minor International (MINT) managed residences. MINT, synonymous with  style, elegance and exemplary service, operates across 22 countries as a residential manager, hotel owner, operator and investor, has a portfolio of over 8,500 rooms globally including under the Anantara and St Regis brands. FKP Director of Development Mark Jewell says there is a lot of pent-up demand for quality high-end apartments and The Milton is meeting the mark with buyers. "We are seeing a  resurgence in the prestige property market, and MINT seems to have struck a chord with an array of prospective purchasers," he said.   "The concept of a five-star managed residential building with reception, is extremely popular in progressive, cosmopolitan cities like New York and London, and has been some time, but this is new to Brisbane.   "It's an exciting concept, that buyers are embracing. It takes the convenience of apartment living to a whole new level."   Designed in-line with the principles of a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) The Milton, which is located nearby Milton Railway Station, integrates transport with residential living in the heart of Milton's famous lifestyle precinct. The 30-level tower has been designed to attract owner-occupiers and investors alike and Mr Jewell says local and interstate buyers continue to select projects that meet the mark in terms of location, price, quality and the developer behind it.   Mr Jewell says there has been a sales rush since the start of construction, with the highest level of enquiries since the project was launched to the market. "We have definitely seen a spike in interest since construction commenced, with an unparalleled level of enquiries on the back of the start of construction." "We received more than 50 enquiries in one week, following the start of construction, which suggests prospective buyers were waiting to see construction activity on the site before jumping in. More than 65 per cent of apartments have already sold off-the-plan for a total of $110 million. One and two-bedroom apartments are now selling off-the-plan, priced from just $410,000, with completion expected in 2015.   Resort style facilities, including a roof top observation deck and leisure deck featuring pools,  gymnasium and landscaped barbeque retreats and a street level retail promenade, will complement Milton’s modern style living. For further information, visit The Milton Sales Centre, featuring a display apartment, at 50 Railway Terrace, Milton.  The centre is open between 10am and 4pm daily, visit www.themilton.com.au or call 1800 247 119.       END   For further information contact: Holly Small, Public Relations Consultant  p 07 55932 0011 Nina Lesnanska, Manager Corporate Communications p 02 9270 6168   FKP With more than 30 years experience in the Australian property industry, FKP Property Group (FKP) is one of Australia’s leading diversified property and investment companies. FKP successfully operates an integrated business model which includes retirement, property investment and funds management, land development, property development (incorporating residential, retail, industrial and commercial) and construction across Australia and New Zealand. FKP is an ASX top 200 company.Issued by FKP Property Group (ASX: FKP) comprising FKP Limited ABN 28 010 729 950 and FKP Funds Management Limited ABN 17 089 800 082, AFSL No. 222273 as Responsible Entity for the FKP Property Trust ARSN 099 648 754. www.fkp.com.au 

2013-05-20T04:32:52Z just-released-study-proves-that-promotional-products-still-work

May 20, 2013, Perth, Western Australia - Recently, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) released a study conducted in November of 2012. It was conducted at an international airport in New York, and asked random travellers if they had received promotional items within the last 12 months. 70% of them said yes, and were invited to answer a 22-question survey, in which answers were entered into a tablet computer.PPAI had conducted studies in 1991, 1999, and 2004. Those studies, along with two from major US universities, have been quoted numerous times by numerous people in the promotional products industry. However, the current era is one in which the Internet has changed how everyone does business, and there wasn't a current study.Consequently, many business owners were beginning to doubt whether promotional products were still as effective in this era as they were previously. According to the survey, the answer is a resounding “yes.”The numbers in the current study were almost identical to numbers in previous studies. Almost every study ever done about promotional products has produced the same conclusions as the others, and has had numbers within traditional margins for error when compared to the others. In other words, virtually every study ever done on promotional products has produced the same results.The recent study was broken into two main parts: recall of promotional products and usage of promotional products. The numbers led to the conclusion that promotional products are as effective as they were 21 years ago, and that they provide the highest amount of ad impressions compared to money spent.Seventy percent of the travellers had a promotional product in their possession. 70% of those said they had at least two in their possession. 88% remembered the name of the company who gave them the gift, compared to 71% who remembered the name of even one company who advertised in a magazine they had read the previous week.Eighty percent said they have multiple promotional products, some as many as ten. Items were kept more often for being useful than any other reason. Pens, computer products, health products, and safety products were the most common categories. Respondents also kept leisure products, travel accessories, and sporting goods, but only if they thought the products were attractive.The products that were used most often, which would make them the most effective at producing advertising impressions, were computer products, electronic accessories, planners, and calendars.Scott Eaton, Owner of Imagepak Marketing, has offered promotional products to the Perth area for many years, and was not the least bit surprised by the results of the survey: “While a lot of people were concerned that promotional products were no longer as effective, I knew that they were as effective as ever. My oldest clients are still ordering promotional gifts, still giving them away, and still as happy with them as they were twenty years ago.”Eaton continued, “While the Internet may have changed the way we do business, it hasn't changed the fact that we are all human beings, and that basic human kindness never gets old. When a company gives away a promotional gift, it immediately produces a feeling of gratitude in the person that received the gift.”Eaton concluded, “The numbers don't lie; promotional products still work as well as they ever did.”Imagepak Marketing is a supplier of promotional products and gifts in Perth and outlying areas. Call 08 92444 111 today or visit their website: http://www.imagepak.com.au/

2013-05-20T02:37:41Z rock-aid-charity-event-attracts-aussie-rock-legend

Australian rock legend, the Honourable Peter Garrett AM MP, will join the charity music event Rock Aid, on Saturday June 15 at the Randwick Labor Club in Sydney, to show his support for Australian communities in need.  Rock Aid was created by two local Sydney rock bands - The Hips and The Hummers - as part of a new telecommunications industry philanthropic movement. All proceeds from Rock Aid will go to the Telco Together Foundation – the telco sector charity that supports Indigenous communities, the homeless, young people with mental health issues and refugee communities. “Peter Garrett is Aussie rock royalty and has been a consistent champion of the need to help disadvantaged Australian communities. We are delighted that Peter has agreed to be part of Rock Aid,” said John Stanton, CEO of Communications Alliance and guitarist with the Hummers. “Rock Aid has been created with support from across the telco sector and is an opportunity for music lovers of all ages to strap on their dancing shoes and enjoy a great night out, while supporting some very worthwhile causes.“ Peter Garrett commented: “It is a great pleasure to support a charity event like Rock Aid right here in the Kingsford Smith electorate and I applaud The Hips and The Hummers for their initiative.”Patrons can expect a night of first-class entertainment, with the The Hips boasting former members of retro-rock favourites Ol’55 in their line-up. The Hummers will showcase rock classics from the 1970s through to today, from artists as diverse as Stevie Wright, Queen, Crowded House, The Church, The Cars and the Rolling Stones. The Hips will play covers from the Beatles, Status Quo and other rock gems from across five decades.A range of additional fun activities is planned, with great prizes including the latest in smart-phone technology. Rock-Aid is a family-friendly event, kicking off at 7pm on June 15. Family tickets are on sale for $45, and singles for $20. All proceeds will go to the Telco Together Foundation.Tickets are available online at http://rockaid.telcotogether.org, or can be purchased at the door. The Randwick Labor Club is located at 135 Alison Road, Randwick.

2013-05-20T01:06:25Z with-music-education-at-risk-musicians-and-teachers-take-action

Perth, WA, May 20, 2013 - Peter Luff, the conductor of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, doesn’t believe that the children are being exposed enough to music in elementary school. Furthermore, he feels that music should be a right and that adults, educational and music professionals most notably, have the obligation to impart some kind of musical knowledge and appreciation to them.The Queensland Symphony Orchestra has been performing during an annual concert series to elementary schools specifically in an effort to fight against the decline in well-supported music and arts programs.From the Queensland Conservatory of Music, Dr Ralph Hultgren makes the claim that musical education is much more creative than math and other subjects, and that it is music that enhances a person, separating them from everyone else. Music education also correlates with increased performances in math and other academic subjects, making it the perfect supporter of those other fields. It can also lead to increased social skills, including the greater capacity for teamwork.In fact, a good number of music and non-music academics agree that music education is very important to a well-rounded, holistic education, and is much more than just learning how to play an instrument, although that is a facet of it. That is not to say that math and other tested subjects are not as important, or even less, but that musical instruction is just as important as instruction and development in those areas.This being said however, Hultgren also makes mention of the point that music teachers should be trained professional in a way, thus making the quality of the education that much better. An average music fan could not effectively teach a music class without proper training and a specialist of sorts is required for the best possible music instruction.Other school principals and administrators are nervous about increased cuts to music program, especially in light of the new government NAPLAN teaching reform. Teachers and principals agree that music and instrument playing tuition is very important to a better education and development as a person overall. The QSO and other musical organisations continue to push for better music programs in primary schools nationwide.Monster Music, an online network of music teachers in Australia, and its owner, musician and teacher Danny Achurch, fully support the growth of music programs in primary schools and are against the cuts made to schools for any reason.“Music programs are so vitally important for our children,” Achurch, a personally major proponent of musical education states. “If a school cuts its music program, I feel that it’s letting down its children and students and short-changing them from what could be the best possible education for them.” Being a teacher himself, Achurch knows the value that teaching children of any age about music holds. “It doesn’t just make them a better student, but it makes them a better overall person to be able to appreciate music and express themselves creatively.” He claims on the subject. “Monster Music’s mission is to spread music education to those who need it and we do it because that’s what’s best for our young people.” Monster Music provides piano, violin, singing, and guitar lessons in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, and many other cities across the whole country. For more information about them, please visit http://www.monstermusic.com.au/ or call 08 9335 8881 now.