https:// 2021-02-26T01:50:34Z 2021-02-26T01:50:34Z kazoik-now-operate-s-a-virtual-mall

Kazoik now powers a Virtual Mall! Kazoik, the 5 minute rapid-fire auction site has now added evenmore to its offering. Kazoik is pleased to announce its partnership with Sunny Coast Media (SCM) in building a Virtual Mall for SCM's advertisers.  SCM publishes 2 magazines: The Sunny Coast Times and the Hinterland Times. Advertisers now have the opportunity to sell what they are promoting in the publication. Unlike other marketplaces that are primarily product centric, the SCM Mall offers the Vendors a chance to sell products and services including a booking and calendar function too. The best part is that it is free to take a store. There is only a commission charged on a sale or booking and this covers all costs, so merchants no exactly how much they are making off every sale and booking. For more information please visit the SCM Mall What is Kazoik? It is a Verb! A Kazoik is a 5 minute Auction where the highest bid wins: No Reserves. No Minimums. No Auto-bids. No Fuss!  Kazoik has currently extended its platform to any brand looking to do a brand take over day - please check here for more info. There are some awesome deals to be got - but be quick, when the five minutes runs out the current highest bidder will get the deal!  Engagement:  https://www.kazoik.com Facebook.com/kazoik Twitter.com/kazoik Instagram.com/kazoikit #ClickClickQuick #Kazoik 

2021-02-26T00:41:12Z granddaughter-of-aussie-boxing-legend-fights-for-the-dignity-of-young-men

Sydney men's fashion and style columnist, Louise Edmonds, regularly witnesses the struggles men face in today's topsy- turvy world through her online business, MenStylePower. Through this platform, she not only presents the latest style trends for her audience, but also lifestyle tips covering etiquette, morals and ethics and gentlemanship. Seemingly through her Grandfather’s fighting spirit outside of the ring, where he mentored disadvantaged youths, Louise is doing much the same with her compassionate focus on men in need of direction to succeed in life. "For 12 years now, MenStylePower has been one of the only Australian men's lifestyle platforms published by a woman," said the hard-working mother of one. "And it was during this time, I noticed an urgent need to provide the sons, lads and dads of this great nation with a different vehicle for change aesthetically and purposefully”. Edmonds reveals with the high rates of suicide, depression, anxiety and fatherlessness, the opportunity occurred to collaborate at a men’s event in November 2019 named, Manifest AUS. “We opened the discussion on “Redefining Masculinity in the 21st Century and it was life-changing. With the main reasons for our high suicide rates being a relationship break-down, finance issues and job loss, we need to act now to bring these key teachings to our young men. Edmonds is a female voice for the empowerment of men yet she’s not unfamiliar with misfortunes, being a survivor of child sex abuse, assault and domestic violence, Louise is well apt to speak on the current #metoo movement and not ostracize the discussion from good men. “The future is male and female, and we need each other, healthy and whole”. Young Men of Manners is currently seeking investment to take the entire project online as a video academy for Australian millennials. About Louise Edmonds experienced success early on with MenStylePower by writing for top-ranked US-based designer fashion companies such as Nautica and Barneys New York and became an in-demand men’s fashion writer. She writes for FashionBeans UK, Brands Exclusive, Sydney Morning Herald’s Executive Style, AskMen.com and CEO Magazine. About Tommy Burns Her late grandfather Tommy Burns (born Geoffrey Murphy in 1922 in Mullumbimby, NSW) was Australian welterweight champion in the 1940s. After his fight career he became a movie star, newspaper columnist, and a security guard for Frank Sinatra, and established a boxing gym in Sydney teaching disadvantaged boys in boxing skills and good manners, for Burns prided himself on that aspect of life. Contact: Louise EdmondsM: +61 415 611 745E: menofmanners@menstylepower.comW: www.menofmanners.com.auA: Kensington, NSW / Surry Hills, NSW

2021-02-24T01:40:31Z new-match-making-service-dominates-childcare-industry

On March 15th, 2021 the globe is set to see childcare done differently as Skildren launch the world's first new age childcare algorithm; set to innovate the babysitting industry for parents and carers alike, producing a babysitting match made in heaven! Where parents want to see the childcare industry be subject to innovation in a modern world, our affordable subscription service, which can only be described as the dating app of parenthood, requires customers to sign up as either a parent or carer (Babysitter, Nanny, Au Pair, or tutor) and take an easy to use, 5 minute quiz determining the perfect match for the user. With subscriptions starting at $9.99 AUD per month, to $19.99 AUD per month, users will be able to find their perfect carer or job within minutes. Unlike our predecessors that leave the consumer to do all the work for themselves, alongside an exponential price tag of between $40-$120 per month, Skildren challenges these old school websites both financially and operationally as we release a new age of childcare, that meets the needs of a twenty-first century parent.

2021-02-24T01:29:35Z out-of-sight-out-of-mind

Perhaps one of the greatest myths is, if you cannot see pests in your home or office, then you simply do not have any pest problems. While, no traces of pests are a good sign, it is still important to carry out a regular pest inspection and treatment. Why, you may ask, well most pests are nocturnal creatures (meaning they usually come out at night) while there is less human traffic or activity. How often have you flicked on a light and noticed little critters running away behind appliances or furniture? Or after a regular pest treatment you retune from a getaway to simply find several dead pests. When one thinks of regular property maintenance and upkeep, often it is home repairs or routine checks that come to mind, such as housekeeping. However, how often is regular pest treatment on the top of the list. Pests are cleaver creatures and will often find a way to entre your home or office. The main issue that often occurs, is that if we cannot see pests, we being to consider they are not there. Well, often the sign of a single pest could be a high probability that they have already nested or infested your property. For example, a single ant, cockroach, spider, or rodent you may see there are likely several more living hidden away between the cavity of your walls, under appliances, whitegoods, or furniture. That is why, it is important to carry out regular pest inspections and employ a professional to have a look and determine if you have any pest problems. These days many companies are only too happy to give free quotes and consultation over the phone and discuss your pest problems or solutions. Our takeaway message from this edition of regular helpful readings is, just because you may not see pests in your home or office it does not mean they are not there. Moreover, it pays to have regular pest control and as the great quote goes “if in doubt ask for help”. For more household friendly reading and information visit: www.amgpest.com.au Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @amgpest   Like, Subscribe & Share

2021-02-22T20:45:27Z paw-patrol-live-race-to-the-rescue-presented-by-stan-announces-new-shows-for-australian-tour-this-april-and-may

Nickelodeon, TEG Life Like Touring and VStar Entertainment Group are excited to announce that the hugely popular PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” Presented by Stan is heading to Australian shores this April and May.   By popular demand, the rescheduled tour will now also include additional Sunday shows in Adelaide, Brisbane, Newcastle and Perth, with tickets on sale now at Ticketek!   Based on Nickelodeon’s hit animated TV series produced by Spin Master Entertainment, PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” Presented by Stan brings everybody’s favourite pups to the stage for an action-packed, high-energy musical adventure that sees them embark on a rescue mission when Mayor Goodway goes missing the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race.   Following its sold-out inaugural Australian tour in 2017, PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue" Presented by Stan will commence its 2021 tour in Brisbane on 24 April, before making its way to Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Adelaide, concluding in Newcastle on 30 May.   Featuring a cast of everybody’s favourite PAW Patrol characters, PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” Presented by Stan shows that “no job is too big, no pup is too small”, with the characters using their unique skills and teamwork to teach kids of all ages social and problem-solving skills. The show engages audiences with Bunraku puppetry, an innovative costuming approach that brings the PAW Patrol characters to life on stage, along with their vehicles and packs.    “After such a challenging year for theatrical shows worldwide, we are thrilled that our heroic pups will be returning to stages across Australia in 2021. PAW Patrol Live! will once again deliver a memorable family experience, as audiences work together to help Ryder and his team of pups save the day. We are thrilled to partner with TEG Life Like Touring and VStar Entertainment Group to bring PAW Patrol Live! back to families in Australia,” said Thomas Kingsley, Director, Nickelodeon Experience.   “We are excited to be bringing live family entertainment back to Australian audiences with PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” Presented by Stan,” says Tim McGregor, Managing Director of TEG Live and TEG Life Like Touring.   “PAW Patrol Live! will operate with a commitment to a COVID Safe environment under a full COVID Safe plan in consultation with performance venues and State Governments.” PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” Presented by Stan runs for 1 hour 20 minutes (including two acts and interval) and features up-tempo music and a clever script that provides children a great introduction to live theatre.   Classic theatrical scenery along with a high-tech LED video wall visually transports audiences to Adventure Bay and other TV series locations. The safety of audiences, cast, crew and venue staff is top priority and this production will operate with a commitment to a COVID Safe environment under a full COVID Safe Plan. PAW Patrol Live! patrons can take advantage of Ticketek’s world-leading partnership with Afterpay. Available via the Ticketek app or website, Afterpay is the world’s largest buy-now-pay-later service, offering fans greater flexibility to pay for tickets in four equal instalments and secure their tickets with the first payment.   PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” Presented by Stan - AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2021 BRISBANE Brisbane Entertainment Centre Saturday 24 April 2021: Show times 10:00am and 1:00pm Sunday 25 April 2021: Show time 10:00am NEW SHOW!   PERTH  RAC Arena Saturday 1 May 2021: Show times 10:00am and 1:00pm Sunday 2 May 2021: Show time 10:00am NEW SHOW!   ADELAIDE Adelaide Entertainment Centre Saturday 8 May 2021: Show times 10:00am and 1:00pm Sunday 9 May 2021: Show time 10:00am NEW SHOW!   MELBOURNE Margaret Court Arena Saturday 15 May 2021: Show times 10:00am and 1:00pm Sunday 16 May 2021: Show times 10:00am and 1:00pm   SYDNEY Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney Saturday 22 May 2021: Show times 10:00am and 1:00pmSunday 23 May 2021: Show times 10:00am and 1:00pm NEWCASTLE Newcastle Entertainment Centre Saturday 29 May 2021: Show times 10:00am and 1:00pmSunday 30 May 2021: Show time 10:00am NEW SHOW!   TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW:  https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=PAWPATRO20   For more information or additional tour announcements, visit pawpatrollive.com.au or follow the tour on Facebook or Instagram via @PawPatrolLiveAU or by using #PAWPatrolLiveAU to search on social media.   PAW Patrol. Stream now on Stan.   For further media information and interviews please contact: Cinnamon Watson Publicity ~ cinn@cinnamonwatsonpublicity.com.au ~ 0432 219 643   Media Kit:  CLICK HERE for tour photography and video assets.    

2021-02-21T00:25:53Z still-time-to-join-sansdrinks-com-au-founder-irene-falcone-amp-ditch-the-booze-for-feb-fast

STILL TIME TO DITCH THE BOOZE FOR FEB FAST!   After a heavy Christmas period, consuming large quantities of alcohol there is still time to ditch the booze for the last 7 days of FEBFAST and  join sansdrinks.com.au founder & FebFast ambassador Irene Falcone in going zero alcohol for FebFast’s final week. Currently now in its 12th year, YSAS campaign Febfast is an initiative that encourages participants to abstain from alcohol, sugar or a vice of their choice during February whilst raising money to support young people who are experiencing serious disadvantage.    Sansdrinks.com.au is a zero alcohol wine, beer and spirits online bottle shop founded by Irene Falcone,  one of Australia’s leading female entrepreneurs who founded natural health & beauty store Nourished Life in 2012 with $100 and sold it five years later for $20 million. The online zero alcohol store went from zero to $500,000 in the first 3 months and is on target to generate over $4 million in sales by the end of 2021.   Studies have shown that benefits to cutting down on alcohol include: weight loss, better sleep, lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol which has encouraged  TV stars such as Cyrell Paule, Eden Dally, Kiki Morris and Davina Rankin to reduce their intake. Channel 7’s Yummy Mummies star, Maria Digeronimo also talks about how great it is for pregnant women, “A lot of social activity revolves around drinking so when you are pregnant this can be a bit of problem but by having the option to still feel as if you’re enjoying a drink with friends without the alcohol is so good! It also is so great for women who don’t want to expose early on that they are pregnant, if they can use zero alcohol drinks without anyone knowing, it’s a win win!”   Irene says the secret to success during Febfast is to change bad habits by replacing them with something else. Luckily for all Australians,  Irene’s hundreds of zero alcohol products are excellent taste alike replacements for the alcoholic ones. Irene says “The Newblood Shiraz is a swap for Penfolds Bin 389. Both the Heineken and Carlton zero beers taste just like the original Heineken and Carlton products. As does the zero alcohol  Giesen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the alcoholic Giesen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. If you like a nice dry Champagne then you can’t go past the McGuigan Zero Sparkling and to make an Asperol Spritz just add in Lyres Spirits Italian Spritz to your glass of sparkling.”   Sign up for febfast:  www.febfast.org.au   TO INTERVIEW IRENE FALCONEemail max@marksonsparks.comor call Max Markson 0412 501 601   ABOUT IRENE FALCONE Irene Falcone is one of Australia’s most successful female entrepreneurs who started her first business, natural health & beauty store Nourished Life, with $100 in 2012 and sold it 5 years later to an ASX listed company for $20 million. Now Irene has launched a new online business selling non-alcoholic beer, wine and spiritswww.sansdrinks.com.au that has gone from zero to $500,000 in the first 3 months and is on target to generate over $4 million in sales by Christmas 2021. Irene is passionate about disrupting industries, providing better shopping options and making buying easier. Irene is also obsessed with small business, supporting Aussie brands, driving forklifts, talking to her customers & finding new products to enrich everyone’s lives.       

2021-02-21T00:10:51Z mafs-tracey-jewel-launches-upself-podcast-exclusively-on-apple-from-sunday-7th-march-2021

MAFS TRACEY JEWEL LAUNCHES PODCAST!   Married At First Sight’s Tracey Jewel, is launching a brand new self-care podcast called Upself. The show goes live Sunday 7th March and will share wellness inspiration, tips and tricks to help your mindset, introduce listeners to different self-care practices and wellness modalities whilst also featuring self-care experts.   Tracey most recently appeared on Channel 9’s Married at First Sight Grand Reunion shows which aired early February 2021 and reached staggering numbers with more than a million viewers tuning in. On her new venture, the Upself Podcast will see Tracey share her own personal self-care journey whilst introducing new ideas and activities to wellness seekers as well as speaking with experts from all over the world. The launch is set to kick off with a bang with a Wellness Retreat giveaway and products valued at over $7,000. Speaking about the podcast, Tracey says, “I am so excited to share with everyone  everything I have learnt about self-care as well as learning new things myself and hearing from some amazing experts. The main goal is for you to connect with yourself, and understand that self-care is NOT selfish! In fact, it’s necessary!” Since her rise to fame in 2018, Tracey has written 3 self help books and will be releasing two more books with companion journals and intention cards in 2021 and 2022.   The Upself Podcast will go live on Sunday 7th March 2021 exclusively on APPLE.     TO INTERVIEW TRACEY JEWEL, please email max@marksonsparks.com or call Max Markson on 0412 501 601.    

2021-02-19T04:29:55Z city-of-gosnells-presents-tropic-like-it-s-hot

Fun for the Whole Family: Tropic Like It’s Hot! Head on over to The City of Gosnell’s free pop-up water park on February 20 and 21 to splash the day away. Designed with the whole community in mind, the Tropic Like It’s Hot 2021 event will feature rides and activities guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s faces.  Our team at Monsterball is super stoked to be setting up our inflatable amusements at the two day event - and you should be too! Scroll on for the lowdown on one of the biggest end of summer events happening soon near you. How much do the tickets cost?  Nothing at all! All you have to do is book your free ticket(s) and you get an all access pass to every single ride and activity for 3 whole hours. Oh, and put on some sunscreen! What time does it start? The event session times are as follows:  Saturday 20 February, 9.00am - 12.00pm  Saturday 20 February, 1.30pm - 4.30pm  Sunday 21 February, 9.00am - 12.00pm  Sunday 21 February, 1.30pm - 4.30pm Ticket holders can have a whole 3 hours of fun before a 30-minute changeover happens. In this changeover, attendees will have time to dry off and exit the venue so the next group can have a turn at the awesome rides and activities too! Cleaning and sanitising will take place between event sessions to ensure everyone stays safe. What activities can I participate in?  Whether you’re attending the event on your own, with a mate or two, your family, or a (gasp) date, there’s something for everyone. The City of Gosnells will be rounding up more than 20 of the biggest water slides in Western Australia, so you can have the most exciting weekend yet!  As this is an event for all ages, there will be a Lil’ Splash Zone for younger children, complete with paddle pools, mini slides, and sandcastle building. So parents, give yourself a break and let your little bundles of joy work off that energy at this weekend event! And if you can’t fit on a mini slide, there will also be a dunk tank, mechanical surfboard, beach volleyball, Mega Supa Soak Arena, giant games, a DJ cranking out live music, food trucks, and more to keep you entertained for hours. Seriously, what more could you ask for?  Where is the event taking place? The event will take place at Sutherlands Park, a district reserve located south of Huntingdale at the corner of Holmes Street and Southern River Road.  Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Tropic Like It's Hot is presented by Healthway promoting the LiveLighter message. Healthway is an organisation that aims to build a healthier WA by encouraging and enabling communities to choose healthier lifestyles.  LiveLighter is a program that aims to encourage Australian adults to lead healthier lifestyles - to make changes to what they eat and drink, and to be more active. They do so by advocating for healthier environments that see less commercial promotion of junk food, improve access to fresh whole foods, and have better food labelling, infrastructures, and policies in place to encourage people to be more active. By taking part in Tropic Like It’s Hot, not only are you sure to have a whale of a time, you will also be moving your body and getting some sunshine and fresh air! The past year has been tough, so give your mind and body a break and come join in on the fun! What about COVID-19 restrictions? While we want you to have fun, we also prioritise your safety and health. To comply with State Government COVID-19 requirements, all attendees must register via the SafeWA app or sign the register on site. Until further notice, everyone attending must comply with the latest rules regarding COVID-19 safety.  Pack your sunnies and sunscreen! So ditch Netflix, that next episode can wait! Round up some friends and family, slap on some sunscreen, pop on a funky pair of sunnies, and get yourself out there. It’s not every day that you get to experience the thrill of gliding down a giant inflatable slide! And did we mention tickets are free?  Get your tickets today at https://tropiclikeitshot2021.eventbrite.com.au, or visit the City’s website at www.gosnells.wa.gov.au/TropicLikeItsHot for more details. Hurry, you seriously don’t want to miss out!

2021-02-18T16:01:18Z the-well-educated-singles-are-looking-for-new-online-communities-during-the-pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic is influencing all people’s life in many parts of the world the well-educated singles are looking for new ways to maintain a social life with like-minded individuals. Being single during a pandemic is much harder than it is for couples because the loneliness easily feels much worse. Especially for the well-educated singles, who traditionally have a much more active social life in the limited time they have left after long working hours. When the well-educated, and often affluent, singles can’t go out socialising in the same way as before the they have to look for alternatives. Traditional dating sites are not what the educated singles are looking for Traditional dating sites are not appealing because of their often superficial concept. Furthermore you never know if people are real or the site is filled with fake profiles. That is why many educated singles are turning to The Educated Singles Club, which is based on very different and transparent values  As the name suggests it is not a traditional dating site. Instead it is a club strictly for people who have at least a masters degree. An unlike the norm, both identity and education level is assessed before a membership is offered. These strict measures give reassurance to the members that everyone in the club are real people who are who they pretend to be. Because of the club format the members can also connect on many different levels instead of just swiping through more or less manipulated profile photos. Educated singles in particular want to connect both intellectually, mentally, socially alongside the physical attraction. And the club offers even more advantages. As it is a global club it is also a great place for networking and explore career or research opportunities internationally. The exclusivity of the club provides a safe space for the members to discus all sorts of things apart from the dating related subjects. Privacy is paramount Privacy has always been a cornerstone in The Educated Singles Club. Its founder and CEO, Dr Finn Majlergaard says: "Our members understand that if something is free for you, then it means that you are the product. That is why we have a membership fee for all members. It is the only way we can preserve their privacy". He adds: "Furthermore, the club is registrered in Europe, which has the world's toughest privacy laws" Learn more about The Educated Singles CLub at: https: //educatedsingles.com

2021-02-17T10:56:53Z calling-all-dogs-to-enter-in-a-fundraising-pet-calendar-contest-canberra-paws-2022

  Ina J Photography, in partnership and supporting ACT Pet Crisis Support is launching her Canberra Paws 2022 Calendar contest.  This is the second year that Ina is running the calendar contest. Last year, in 2020, Ina raised nearly $11,000 for ACT Pet Crisis Support through her Canberra Paws 2021 pet calendar contest. The will feature the top 13 winning entrants in the contest with the photo being taken professionally by Ina J Photography. The proceeds from the contest and calendar sale will go to ACT Pet Crisis Support. This year we are aiming high and would love your help to reach our goal of $15,000.   ACT Pet Crisis Support aims to avoid euthanasia of beloved family pets owned by low income pet owners. In an ideal world, all pets would be able to receive veterinary care when they need it. Unfortunately, those that often need the love and companionship of their pets the most like the elderly and those with disabilities often find it difficult to find the money for veterinary care. When faced with a veterinary emergency that a pet owner can't afford, Canberra and Queanbeyan veterinarians are able to request help from ACT Pet Crisis Support. We help save lives and keep pets with their families.   The Canberra Paws 2022 calendar contest will launch at 8pm on 1 March 2022 and will be running for 8 weeks. The winner will be determined by the top 13 highest voted dogs with the highest voted dog grabbing the coveted front page of the calendar. The next 12 winners will be featured as dog of the month for each month in the calendar. The winners will win an on-location professional pet photography session with Ina J Photography and receive a social media sized image of their chosen calendar photo.   During the duration of the contest there will be mini-contests and the dog with the highest new votes for the week will be eligible to win prizes donated by local businesses in Canberra. There are pawsome prizes donated by Pups4Fun, Bark Royal Dog Day Spa and Day Care, Mannekes toys, Charlie and Chums, Dagget Designs, Floppy Duck Art and Louie Loves ‘em.   Ina J Photography is a Canberra Pet Photographer specialising in capturing memories of pets and their people. She is an outdoor pet photographer capturing the pet’s personality in natural outdoor location with various locations around Canberra.   For further enquiries about the Canberra Paws Calendar contest, please contact Ina Jalil on 0432 063 968 or ina@inajphotography.com. Interested participants can register or find out more details about the calendar contest on https://inajphotography.com/canberra-paws-calendar or they can enter directly from 8AM on 1 March 2021 at https://www.gogophotocontest.com/canberrapaws2022

2021-02-17T07:06:29Z masked-art-exhibition-honours-local-covid-medical-heroes

A UNIQUE arts exhibition will open at One Arts Gallery in Surfers Paradise on March 5 to celebrate our Gold Coast Covid-19 medical heroes. MASKED is a group exhibition delivered by the Multicultural Families Organisation (MFO) and their International Women's Arts Group.  It will feature 15 mask-related artworks and 30 paintings by five artists (Atousa Salehpour, Elham Lalehdoust, Esmeralda Maximo, Hengameh Shamlou and Rocio Alexandra), as well as guest artists Nasrin Vaziri from Gold Coast MAGIC and Chad & Charles from The Arts Exchange. MASKED project co-ordinator Nasrin Vaziri said the mask was a symbolic element and how the artists show their appreciation of medical people who have been working on saving people’s lives during the pandemic. "Through their work, artists explore masked faces highlighting the status of medical staff in various mediums and forms including traditional, contemporary, abstract and photo-painting,” Mrs Vaziri said.  “The aim of this project is to demonstrate understanding and appreciation of the workers who risked their lives for the health of the community.” Each artist will exhibit artworks with different mediums and styles, including acrylic, photo-painting, oils and mixed media.  “Through this project, we aim to engage the skills of our international artists to encourage a harmonious society.” This exhibition will be held at One Arts Gallery in collaboration with Gold Coast MAGIC.  The opening launch will be during Queensland Women's Week on March 5, just before International Women's Day on March 8. Mrs Vaziri said this project had provided career development opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse female artists living on the Gold Coast.  “Through the delivery of a variety of workshops, we assisted the women to explore culture and identity in the context of the pandemic. We also explored ideas and concepts in art and taught them about exhibiting, arts opportunities on the Gold Coast, council's facilities and funding opportunities.” The Multicultural Families Organisation (MFO) in Southport was funded by the City of Gold Coast Council for this project in November 2020. “Through various services and programs, MFO aims to promote a more accepting, harmonious and cohesive society where everyone, regardless of their cultural background, gender or faith, feels supported, safe, respected and welcomed,” MFO director Cornelia Queenie Babbage said. “MFO believes that arts and cultural projects provide a fantastic means to promote the positive impacts of diversity and greatly enrich our city.” This project is funded by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. MASKED will open at ONE Arts Gallery, 13 Verona Ave, Surfers Paradise, on March 5 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm with refreshment and live music. Entry is free and open to the public. The exhibition will remain on display until March 31. The gallery is open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday. On March 8, The Art Exchange will also host a special Coffee ‘n’ Canvas sip and paint to raise money to support domestic violence victims for International Women’s Day at One Arts Gold Coast. Painters will be taken step-by-step through creating a delicate painting featuring a butterfly sitting on water surrounded by natural beauty. As Chad and Charles from The Art Exchange say, ‘this isn’t fine art, it’s fun art’. For more details about MASKED, call Nasrin on 0434 932 537 or Rana on 0402261258. For more details on the Coffee ‘n’ Canvas sip and paint, call Charles from the Art Exchange on 0413 099 925.

2021-02-17T06:30:42Z covid-stay-at-home-doesn-t-compare-to-leprosy-isolation-says-gfa-world

TOOWOOMBA, Qld -- With new COVID social restrictions in force in many countries, a just-released report reveals the loneliness and despair of people living with another “disease of isolation” -- leprosy.   Sixty percent of disabled leprosy patients surveyed in Bangladesh said life was “totally meaningless,” says the report by missions agency GFA World, www.gfaau.org, who recently marked World Leprosy Day.   Being confined to home for extended periods due to pandemic restrictions might be uncomfortable, but “it doesn’t compare to being isolated for the rest of one’s life in a leprosy colony,” says the report, http://www.gfaau.org/press/leprosy-ministry.   “Right now, many of us are having a difficult time in isolation due to the pandemic,” said GFA World founder K.P. Yohannan. “But what a privilege we have to take our eyes off ourselves and become the hands and feet of Jesus, helping to bring hope and God’s love to someone who’s forgotten and who believes their life is meaningless.”   In the report, GFA World highlights the remarkable work of local teams visiting leprosy colonies in Asia -- where the disease is most prevalent -- and bringing hope and healing to those forgotten by the outside world.   Leprosy ‘Not To Be Feared’ Teams of local women -- known as Sisters of Compassion -- visit leprosy colonies in South Asia, bringing food and encouragement to people living with disabilities and disfigurements caused by advanced leprosy. Their willingness to befriend people with leprosy -- including many shunned by family and friends -- shows others in the wider community that those living with the disease are not to be feared or isolated.   In fact, the disease -- dreaded for centuries -- is nowhere near as contagious as most people imagine. Around 95 percent of the global population is immune to leprosy, and it’s curable with antibiotics if detected early. There are hopes that a vaccine -- currently in clinical trials -- will bring an end to leprosy and its devastating impact on tens of thousands of lives every year.   For many, though, like Mungeli Das -- who contracted leprosy as a girl more than 50 years ago and didn’t receive treatment in time -- there’s little hope of a cure. Disabled and living in a leprosy colony, she clings to the help and hope that GFA World’s Sisters of Compassion bring her. The “sisters” follow the example of Jesus who, according to the gospels, touched and healed those with leprosy.   “Before the sisters came there was no one to help trim our hair, cut our nails or help us clean our houses and encourage us,” she said. “The sisters (clean) our wounds and they make us happy and encourage (us) all the time.”   Battling ‘False Stereotypes’ World Leprosy Day -- an annual awareness event held on the last Sunday in January -- aims to combat stigma and leprosy myths, including the negative and false stereotypes that further isolate people with leprosy.   Media reports comparing coronavirus lockdown restrictions to “living in a leper colony” fuel stigma and “dehumanize” people with leprosy, according to GFA World. Because of its wide use in a negative sense, the term “leper” feeds prejudice, the agency says.   Leprosy is not confined to Asia and other parts of the developing world. Every year, around 200 new cases are reported in the U.S. -- mostly international travelers -- and, until fairly recently, there were leprosy colonies in Hawaii and Louisiana, says the report.   ###   GFA World, www.gfaau.org is a leading faith-based mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear about the love of God. In GFA’s latest yearly report, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://press.gfa.org/news.     PHOTO CUTLINE: COVID STAY-AT-HOME ‘DOESN’T COMPARE TO LEPROSY ISOLATION’: With new COVID social restrictions in force in many countries, a just-released report (http://www.gfaau.org/press/leprosy-ministry) reveals the loneliness and despair of people living with another “disease of isolation” -- leprosy. The report marked World Leprosy Day late last month.  

2021-02-17T02:01:24Z investment-in-artificial-intelligence-positions-australia-as-a-global-leader-in-accessibility-technology

A Melbourne-based technology developer has been awarded $1m of funding by the Australian Government to accelerate its growth in developing Artificial Intelligence solutions for Blind and partially sighted people, worldwide.  RealThing Ai has developed a unique human dialogue and intelligent reasoning product, called RealSAM, for people living with low vision and blindness.  It is delivered exclusively through voice activation, and used to control every day technology such as mobile phones and smart speakers. RealThing has partnered with leading sight loss organisations including Vision Australia, the US Library of Congress National Library Service, and the UK’s Royal National Institute for Blind People. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said Australian businesses are among the most innovative in the world and the Government was pleased to help scale-up their ideas. “The Accelerating Commercialisation grants are all about investing in the growth of great Australian business ideas that will ultimately change our lives for the better,” Minister Andrews said. “Not only do these business ideas strengthen our economy, they are examples of Australian ingenuity helping make the world a better place.” RealThing’s RealSAM platform and voice interface has changed the lives of vision impaired users around the world.  The funding will be used to further their solution and create a world first - installing the AI onto a mobile phone, so it can operate untethered to the internet. This will overcome the shortcomings of other assistants such as Apple’s Siri, which can only operate when connected to the cloud. Commenting on receiving the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant, RealThing Ai CEO Nick Howden said:  “We are thrilled to be recognised by the Australian Government as recipients of the Entrepreneurs’ Programme. This funding will lead to significant Australian revenues and the creation of jobs in the high value areas of Artificial Intelligence and MedTech, while, most importantly, improving the quality of life of people living with sight loss”. ENDS About RealThing Ai Founded in Melbourne, Australia, RealThing Ai is a global business specialising in accessible AI technology. RealThing AI technology is powered by voice, making complex technology products accessible to anyone with visual impairments or sight loss. Users who are blind or have little vision are given the ability to search for audio books from a variety of libraries, talking newspaper collections, podcasts, talking magazines and radio stations using a voice activated smartphone or smart speaker. The business was established in 2008, with the founding partners’ background in developing smart tech for defence, aviation and research. For more information visit www.realthing.com.au or www.inyourpocket.net.  About the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant Accelerating Commercialisation is part of the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme, which has provided 519 grants worth $251 million to Australian businesses since its establishment in 2014. More information on the grant recipients is available at www.business.gov.au/ac-funding-offers.

2021-02-17T01:29:03Z circa-s-shaun-the-sheep-s-circus-show-acrobats-at-paradise-country

MEDIA ALERT   WHAT:                  CIRCA’s Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show WHEN:                  Thursday 18th February 2021 @ 10am WHERE:                Paradise Country,  Production Drive, Oxenford                             Media are invited to attend and capture the fun and acrobatic escapades of the CIRCA ensemble at Paradise Country on Thursday 18th February, from 10am. The hugely talented CIRCA performers take their job seriously, so will be on site at Paradise Country to observe their real sheep - learning how they move, eat and behave.  By all accounts these sheep are much better behaved and nowhere near as cheeky as the most famous of all sheep – Shaun. It is a great opportunity ahead of the CIRCA Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show season at QPAC from 2 March.   Footage opportunities include: -        Acrobats in the sheep shearing area doing tricks including the iconic tower -        Learning the ropes from the real sheep – plenty of laughs! -        Paradise Country’s stockman who specialises in sheepdog training and sheep shearing

2021-02-16T02:40:03Z electrician-in-the-sutherland-shire-now-give-a-lifetime-workmanship-warranty

True Local Electricians, the only electrical company that provides all organizations and ventures of different sizes with the highest rated electrical service. They have a Master Electrician to carry all of your electrical needs, whether you are a shop owner, contractor or homeowner. If you are constructing a new home, operating property construction or requiring electrical repairs, their master electricians are trained with aplomb to perform every single job flawlessly. If you are searching for simple electrical fittings, such as bulbs or full house electrical fittings, doesn't matter at all. Not only would you be surprised to hear that they are available for anything and everything, but also that their prices are very, very fair. Top it all, on all their designs, they even give a terrific Lifetime Workmanship Warranty  Guarantee. "We are pleased with how people have reacted to our bid. Because we have always been the most favored company for all electrical needs and solutions, our phones have not stopped ringing now with the new guarantee. People deserve the best. More than that, they deserve the best 5 Year Guaranteed Workmanship. Send us a call for your electrical needs. We and our master at True Local Electricians. About True Local Electricians: True Local Electricians is an Sutherland Shire electrical company that provides private homeowners and contractors with electrical needs for commercial properties. Please visit https://www.truelocalelectricians.com.au/emergency-electrician/ for more information. Offer us a call today by calling 0423 562 257. Media Contact True Local Electricians Phone: 0423 562 257 Address: 1/14-16 Giddings Ave, Cronulla NSW 2230 Email: truelocalelectricians@gmail.com