Call 07 4942 1895

For the best pool care at Essential Pools Taree

Every time you come into Essential Pools Taree store you can expect first rate service. From the friendly smile to interpreting the water test results and ensure you get your water balanced just right.

Elsewhere you might save a few dollars by doing it all yourself, but at what cost to your pool maintenance peace of mind.

Come in and say hello at Essential Pools Taree - Your customer service pool store.

Airlie Beach retail in trouble

How is business in Airlie Beach? Interview with Lyn Gregson

John Nayler from Deju.vu Magazine, talks to Lyn Gregson about how the Retail business in Airlie Beach is coping with the lack of visitors to the region.

Lyn has been in the Retail business for 34 years and owns 7 retail outlets across the Whitsundays employing 38 staff. She said there has certainly been many challenges over the past 30 years such as pilot strikes, cyclones, flooding and shark attacks that have kept holidaymakers away,  however she has never experienced anything like this before.

A very passionate Lyn said the communities of the Whitsundays have been crushed financially and have begun to feel the effects of non-travel, as far back as January 2020. She believes that they will be one of the last regions to come out of this. Sixty to seventy percent ( 60-70%) of their business is international travellers and going on what the current state of play is, it could be September 2021 before any real changes come into fruition. Lyn highlights the fact that they need to adjust and find a strategy in order to survive and come out the other end with some form that customers and visitors expect. She believes that this is the biggest challenge that Retail businesses will be facing!

Originally Airlie Beach was built on domestic travel and has been maintaining high intrastate numbers around 400,000 visitors per year plus a quarter of a million (250,000) interstate visitors per year. Traditionally the domestic market has been strong and remained strong, however not now. Missing also is the backpacker trade that brings vibrance and zest to the Airlie Beach community.

The difference between domestic and international visitors is that international traveller produce a higher yield. They have not experienced anything like the Whitsundays before so they soak up every opportunity to undertake more activities and scenic tours plus get involved in the social aspect that the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef are notably renowned for.

[picture]

Re-calibrate seems to be the word of 2020. Expect the unexpected and roll with the dice of uncertainty. Lyn says that the only way the Retail businesses will survive is to take on the retail reality of consumer "Need it now", which will become their new emerging market.

She acknowledges and respects the fact that Queenslanders themselves and the Government have done an incredible job of flattening the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic however, now it is time to bring some hope and sanity back into this tight-knit community.

She pleads with the Queensland Premier, Anastasia Palaszczuk to let Queenslanders travel within Queensland. Lyn says, "We have suffered enough and are still recovering from cyclone Debbie, our reserves are exhausted! As a strong community we stand together and will take a considered approach to the next phase of inviting Tourists back to the Whitsundays for a quality experience".

Any coastal Queensland town that is reliant on the Tourism market needs ongoing support from the Queensland Government in order to survive this pandemic. It is time that they looked at each individual Region and make some qualified and informed decisions now and inject funding back into the Tourist market which brings millions every year into the Queensland economy. Time to pay it forward!

Albion Concretors

Albion Concretors

Boys are hungry again. Go the Weber Q220

Albion Concretor

Albion Concretor

Bronson ripping down 10m3 exp. agg concrete footpath at the Kokoro Apartments Albion.

Who would have thought that renting makes more sense?

I had a friend call me the other day asking the following question. "what are the pros and cons of me moving out of my home to rent it out for $500 per week (That has the mortgage on it) to rent a smaller place and be a tenant for the 1st time in 15 years?"

If any of you have asked me a similar question in the past or know me well enough, you would know that my friend was about to get a 30 minute phone call from me.

The simple answer is....... it depends.

To describe my friends situation right now would bore you and I have no doubt that you would most likely not read much further, so I'll just let you know the juicy bits.

Income tax savings of over $10k
Cash flow improvements of over $5k
Two tax return amendments required, further savings of $20k ($10k per annum)
Deferred CGT tax loss (that's a good thing) of approximately $50k.

The fee for this service was $200.00 (plus it is tax deductible), but the savings were over $100k.

Depending on your situation, will depend on how much I can save you.

I refund any fees if the situation arises that I can't save you money immediately.

What have you got to lose?

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the property market...

New stats have revealed that about a quarter of properties for sale are distressed with some amazing statistics for mortgagees, receivers and liquidators.

Its a worrying trend for an economy that is being propped with record low interest rates.

For people able to invest from a strong position, opportunities exist, but the balance of property owners, the struggle continues.

Federal Budget Review 2013

With the 2013 Federal Budget handed down, we lift the lid on what appears to hold little promise and look at ways for you to turn it for the better.

Federal budgets deal with Macro economic matters, trying to take account of large sums of money, interest rate pressures and the Australian dollar. After all, Australia's rapidly growing population requires infrastructure, hospitals, roads, transport and more. The latest budget also makes commitment for funding to the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and reforms to the education system across the nation.

The announcement that the nation will spend some time in deficit, may sound uncomfortable, but contrast it with the world. Debt to GDP levels are amongst the lowest worlds, while Europe and the USA continue to struggle with the crippling ratios and all time high debt levels.

At Tax Time Accountants, we encourage a level of distance from the MACRO and refocus on what is happening under your roof. There is no question that control of your personal finances starts at home.

Paul Clitheroe speaks

ATO warning about tax avoidance schemes

Every year tax avoidance schemes are created and dealt out to unwitting tax payers across Australia. The ATO eventually catch up with the schemes with the unfortunate outcome being targeted individuals fined for their involvement.

A good deal of caution is required anytime you are prompted to a quick decision, and this video featuring Paul Clitheroe gives away the tell tale signs.

Budget tool at Money Smart web site

Would you like to earn $2500 per hour?

Tax Time Accountants have helped many of our clients turn their finances and their life around simply by putting together a personal budget.

The process is simple and takes just two hours to start. Make it fun and include the whole family for the best results.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Get commitment from the whole family to making a budget and make a time to start. With out the commitment of everyone in the household, there will be no point.
2. Download a template and familiarise yourself with it. Below are links to an online and downloadable Excel versions of generic personal budget templates.
3. Collate your income and costs to determine your current state of affairs
4. Take a small step in the right direction. Find just one place to save and make the change for the better.
5. Come back your budget on a weekly basis and see the changes taking affect and your saving building.
6. Go to step 4 and take another small step.

A personal budget requires commitment to work on it and as you get better at it, then less difficult it will become. You will also find that you don't need to spend as much time on it - a monthly review may be all that is required after 10 weeks.

Remember! if you want to invest, you will need savings. If you need savings, you will need to budget!

Call Tax Time Accountants  on 07 3803 0537 and take the $1000 challenge to step up to a sound personal budget.

5 reasons to CALL US FIRST before investing

Are you currently considering any of these?

5. Buying a franchise
Every month we hear from a client considering a franchise. Often we sit down with them and find out that the franchise does not match the life outcomes or financial needs of the individual.

4. Plant, Business Equipment Investment
The desire to expand and  / or a backlog of work are frequent drivers for small business owners to take the plunge on plant and equipment. The resulting finance or taxation stress can be the UNDOING of the entire business, if cash flow and personal circumstances are not worked through.

3. Property investment
Record low interest rates are intended to inspire investment into business and property. All to often we find people come in with a freshly purchased negative geared property, WITHOUT full or correct consideration of their taxation or finances.

2. Motor Vehicle
The lure of the new car lot is something that is hard for anyone to resist. Inside half an hour in the hands of a skilled salesman you can easily go from slightly interested to signed on the dotted line. In certain circumstances, a new car can be a good idea for taxation, but getting careful advice beforehand is the key to a good decision.

1. Buying To Stop Paying Dead Rent
The great Australian dream of owning your own home is something ingrained in our mindset. This has been a sensible and reasonable decision in the past. Current property market parameters show that property is not increasing in value as it has done in the past. Thus buying a home might not be the best decision for your current circumstance.

When we speak to people about investment, we help them evaluate in an objective way using the four way investment test:
  
  Income, Growth, Tax Advantages, Control

Call Tax Time Accountants  on 07 3803 0537 to speak about your investment desires.

Tax Time Accountants

Meet the team

Tax Time Accountants is owned and operated by

Matt Rutherford
Matt has been an accountant for 12 years. He lives at the Gold Coast and plays touch football each week.
07 3803 0537

Duncan Perkins
Former bank manager and lending broker, Duncan is currently finishing his Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting. Family man Duncan lives at Coomera.
0414 633 555

Kris Martin
Kris has a long history in financing and estate planning. Out of hours he is enjoys motor racing in his sprint race Nissan 200sx.
0407 149 989

Coffee and donuts ahead

Airlie Beach drives into new markets with billboard campaign

Airlie Beach as a renowned destination, smiling faces and a community culture so much so that is regularly the envy of other similar towns. An inspiring marketing campaign created by Skal Whitsundays (a branch of a global tourism club)  championed by Mark Bell, General Manager of Airlie Beach Hotel is about to hit the streets... Quite literally.

With the aim of leaving no doubt for tourists driving the length of the Bruce Highway, a sometimes cheeky set of billboards will feature iconic images and clever bylines in advance of the invitation to turn off at Proserpine to Airlie Beach. "Coffee and Donuts ahead" accompanies boats doing circles at Whitehaven Beach, while "Wet conditions ahead" tags a bikini girl being splashed by friends image.

The combination of road works, declined post GFC backpacker numbers, challenges to Australian holiday affordability and an Airlie Beach main street under repair combine to place Airlie Beach at a low ebb in its tourist and financial success... and in typical fashion, Airlie Beach is helping itself through the valuable focus of the Skal Whitsundays Club.

Importantly the campaign will be focused on the name Airlie Beach, which apparently to respond to recent formal data that places the name "Airlie Beach" in the top ten destinations in Australia. The recent findings serve to reinforce what is also anecdotally known about the name Airlie Beach. The writer's own travels have surprised that handing over a drivers license at a car rental counter in Frankfurt gathers a response from the bright eyed young lass of "O Airlie Beach, I so want to go and live in Airlie Beach. It was my favourite place in Australia."

It is thus great to see that there is now efforts affoot to independantly group and promote a location, a town and a culture, the Airlie Beach that we are so proud to call our own.

Attached to this story is some of the billboard concepts and a pre-recorded video interview with Mark Bell, General Manager of Airlie Beach Hotel. Mark specifically credits creative efforts from Ralph and Janet Hogan along with Zest.

Frontage

Tranquility at 13 Beth Court, Cannonvale

Latest in the "cooled by nature" homes from Terry Kemp is the new styled Tranquility home at 13 Beth Court, Cannonvale.

Featuring the full range of Eco friendly and economically sensible features the Tranquility is livable and affordable. Look carefully to see the timber louvres, breezeways, and vented spaces to assist the cooling of the house. All these features giving industry leading efficiency ratings.


Terry Kemp Tranquility home, 13 Beth Court Outside in Australia


Terry Kemp Tranquility, 13 Beth Court, Cannonvale, inside in Australia

Contact Terry for more information about this fantastic home.

Show furniture rental from Townsville Events

Exhibitors for the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show are welcome to rent from a select of furniture for their display. Townsville Events are the preferred suppliers for show furniture and information about their range can be found on the exhibitors information page.

Orders can be placed directly with the company to suit your needs.

Helibiz is a great way to fly

Take the exclusive opportunity to see Airlie Beach from overhead at the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show. Helibiz will be offering $50 joy rides in the fantastic Robinson R44 helicopters that will lift off from the boat show helipad adjacent to the show grounds.

At just $50 you will get to Airlie Beach, Mandalay Point, Abel Point and return to the Port of Airlie marina. Saturday will be the additional spectacle below of the Great Whitsunday Fun Race making there way around a triangular course in Pioneer Bay.

There will also longer flights (10 mins $75 ) and the opportunity to  book and take a Trial Introductory Flight (TIF) to see whether you might be interested in taking the controls of these fantastic flying machines.

TIF flights will be in our R22 only and its the opportunity to ‘take the controls and fly the helicopter – with an instructor of course. For more information click here. Cost $295.00

Be sure to bring your camera and enjoy this wonderful chance to see Airlie Beach from above.

Come to the Boat Show!! - What a Whit-weekend.

Port of Airlie the 10th and 11th September will be the venue for the return of the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show presented by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach Inc.

The new dates are smack in the middle of the best weather period of the year, for this is when the Whitsundays enjoys most days in sunshine and light winds. While the weather can't be pre-determined, it is very likely that the show will occur under blue skies.

The fun continues over two full days with show exhibits, entertainment and demonstrations in a fabulous atmosphere. The hardstand will feature tinnies, jet skis, and outboards with the likes of Yamaha, Sirocco Marine and Crossley Holden on show. Under the big top, there will be plenty more to see, including leading marine audio company Fusion, Finlease, Daydream island and much much more. Down on the marina, vessels large and small from local charter companies will be lined up beside craft from Seaquest, Whitley, Kevlacat and others.

Sunday will also showcase aquatic food fare with a Seafood festival from 1.30pm till 4pm. Championed by Fish D'Vine, enjoy fresh shucked Oysters, cooked or chilled local prawns, calamari and other tempting delicacies.

Show goers will also have the chance to go for joy rides overhead Airlie Beach in helicopter joy rides.

The show is also on the same weekend as the Whitsunday Fun Race (Saturday) with its classic after party conducted by the Whtisunday Sailing Club, so it is sure to be a very enjoyable time in Airlie which demands that you make a weekend of it!

Places to stay in Airlie Beach

Some great boat show accommodation offers have arrived from our preferred accommodation partners. Take your pick from these great places to stay and take full advantage of some time in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays

Offers open to exhibitors and other show attendees:

Airlie Beach Hotel
Stay 4 pay 3 with a $100 restaurant credit to use in any of our three award winning restaurants.
Motel Package Total cost $435 twin share (2 people)
Hotel Package Town view Total cost $567 twin share (2 people)
Hotel Package Ocean view Total cost $627 twin share (2 people)
P: 07 4964 1999
More

Waters Edge Resort - stay 4 pay 3
1 Bedroom Ocean View Apartment from $157.50 per night
2 Bedroom Ocean View Apartment from $206.25 per night
3 Bedroom Ocean View Apartment from $292.50 per night
P : 07 4948 4300
More

Peppers Coral Coast Resort
Stay 4 Pay 3 from $248 per night in a 1 bedroom apartment
Includes a la carte breakfast for up 2 people daily
Phone: 07 4962 5100
more


Mike Brunker, Jan Jarratt and Russell McCart

Boathaven Beach open at Port of Airlie

Friday morning the 8th of July was the official opening of Boathaven Beach. Opened by Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jan Jarratt, the event was also attended by Mayor Mike Brunker, Deputy Major Rogin Taylor, local councillor Jan Clifford and Russell McCart, Managing Director for Meridien.

Boathaven Beach is an extensive all-tide sand beach just minutes from town at the North Eastern end of the Port of Airlie development.

It is expected the many locals, visitors and tourists will start to use the beach as a prime spot for sunbaking and swimming in relative privacy compared to the Airlie Beach Lagoon, and similar sunny spots.

If you are visiting Airlie Beach for the boat show, be sure to check out the new Boathaven Beach at the Port of Airlie.

Show ticket prices announced

Today the ticket prices for the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show were announced. To ensure value for money, and affordable prices for individuals and families, show prices will remain the same as for the prior show in 2009. Adults will be $10, Children 2 – 14 years will be $5 and Children 0 – 2 years will be free.

Additional value will be extended to families this year as well. A family ticket now includes 2 adults and 3 children (aged 2 – 14 years) for just $25. This represents a great saving for growing families.

“We thought it a great idea to recognise the larger family or provide for the children's typical desire to bring a friend, so the family size was expanded this year,” said show organiser Dalwyn McErlane.

Entry fees are an important component for funding the show, with show proceeds distributed to community by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach. The important balancing act remains to cover costs and making the show affordable to all visitors.

Fish D'vine set to bring you the finest seafood

Details of the seafood festival are hot off the press this morning. A recent meetings with Fish D'vine owner and operator Kevin Collins ratified details of the Seafood Festival coming to the Sunday afternoon of the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show.

Starting from 1.30pm on the Sunday enjoy a range across Tasmanian oysters, local prawns, fish and chips, calamari, and other sea bounty, your Sunday afternoon at the show is set to include a fine feast.

“The seafood market will include each type of seafood presented at separate stalls” says Kevin Collins, “We want to create a market style atmosphere, as we have done at festivals in the past.”

The market will be presented at the Southern end of Boathouse apartment block, with seating under the cover of the apartment balconies. You will also be able to sit on the grass or dock edge overlooking the boats. The views are simply fantastic for enjoying your afternoon feast.

It all sounds delicious – attend the Oyster shop and order your favoured number of oysters, shucked to order. You can't do much better than that. Alternatively, grab a kilo of prawns and receive them wrapped in paper, to eat on the nearby grassed area or take them home for later.

For the kids and those seeking hot food there will be fish and chips, prawns off the barbie, calamari and other seafood fun. Finish your show weekend with a full tummy of wonderful flavours.

The Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show, bought to you by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach Inc are pleased to bring you the seafood festival and happy to have Fish D'vine in charge of this extra show feature. With the Fish D'vine restaurant set to re-open around mid September, the seafood festival is opportune time for them to re-tune their skills and present the excellent flavours that Fish D'Vine is so famous for … and our show goers the lucky benefactors.

Whitsunday Airshow: Sunday of 9550 Conference

An unexpected bonus event for some has arrived for people attending the District 9550 conference. The Whitsunday Airport, just 8 minutes drive from the conference venue will be hosting an air show to celebrate their 50 anniversary.

While we expect  that most delegates will elect for the great Sunday morning session, including a talk by keynote speaker Li Cunxin and others, we know that some of our attendees will opt for the airshow which is from 10am till 1pm Sunday. The airshow program includes displays and a showcase from the RAAF Roulettes, MaxxG Aerobatics with incredible aerobatic displays in Pitts Specials and his Grumman Avenger, CHC helicopters showing us their skills in rescue missions, formation skydiving and a tandem routine from Skydive Airlie Beach.

The Whitsunday Airport is also the base for Seaplane and helicopter tours to the reef and islands. It is also the site of the WAVE, the innovative Home and Hangar estate that is taking shape around the airport.

To find out more about the Whitsunday Airshow and whether it is part of your Whitsudany conference experience, visit www.whitsundayairport.com.au/airshow.php

Li Cunxin

Rotary Club digs deep for success of local economy

Amongst the turbulent news of tourism down turn in the Whitsunday locale, the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach are set to contribute more than ever 2011. Starting with the District 9550 conference at the end of April, over 600 Rotarians and partners will descend on Airlie Beach for a weekend of discussions, meetings and social functions. The District extends to far north Queensland, Northern Territory and even Timor. Early bookings suggest out of hours events including the Governer's dinner at Daydream island will be greatly attended, while just 23 people will get to dine with “Mao's Last Dancer” and key note speaker, Li Cunxin at Elaines on the Saturday night.  Hotels and resorts signed to provide the conference accommodation have reported bookings that extend outside the weekend conference, confirming the importance of the event to bolstering inbound tourist numbers and their decision to make a true holiday from their Whitsunday visit.

Rotary are also seeking the return of the St Kilda Film Festival. Mooted for July a confirmed date is yet to be determined. In its inaugural visit during 2010, the event was hailed a success and offered a diverse range of independent short films to provide cultural value and social opportunity that is otherwise rarely seen in the region.

To cap a big year of events and tourism economy stimulus from Rotary is the Whitsunday Boat Show which shifts time of year to 10th and 11th of September. It will also be held at the new Port of Airlie marina complex. The new location and date places the fabulous weekend of boat and leisure into match with the closely located Whitsunday Fun Race on the Saturday. The Sunday of the show will include a seafood festival provided by signature local eatery Fish D'Vine.

Chiang Mai Amusement Park, North Thailand.

There is no doubt about, the Thai people love a party. The experience of the recent weekend and the Loi Kathrong festival showcased a city under siege from party goers, mounted on rental scooters and armed with paper balloons and fireworks. This set the scene for a mass party that extended party skirmishes across town.

In the company of locally skilled Aussie Adrian and expert Couchsurfer, we partook in most of what the town has to offer including bars, parades, lantern balloon release and Leo beers, breakfasts, lunch, dinners and scooter riding the streets, various night markets, social commitments amongst a world of travellers.

On our front lines, the Saturday planned party with Couch surfing that ended in a roof top party at midnight and Monday night party at the Freedom Bar -our home base. Adj is the video that I produced with Adrian to demonstrate how simple life can be from the Freedom Bar and Giant House -  lazy day can easily accommodate most needs with in 100 m radius... with the option of mounting the $3 a day scooter for adventure further afield.

Set aside the air pollution and Chiang Mai is a place to frequent as a discount amusement park with plenty of seats available on every ride.




Travel Plan Christmas New Year 2010

Its been a huge year for those who have been watching and a rather shocking financial start was displaced by old fashion hard work ....

But now is the time to celebrate the world and CouchSurfing culture with a round the world ticket!

Here is the Itin www.nayler.com/blog/travel/

Starting Brisbane 8 Nov

Open Letter to Adobe

Hi there,

I have been a committed Premier Pro CS3 on the the Windows XP platform.

I am not in a position to move from the XP platform for the next 12 months, but do require HD editing and some other features that I can get from Premiere CS4.

I have been advised and see from your web site that the CS5 is the ONLY way forward for me as a single user of the product.  This is confirmed by your web site. This product only runs on 64 operating system, which is not possible for me to move onto.

I am very much disheartened by the inability of Adobe to fit to my requirements, which are technically very easy, but the product has been removed from sale just one month ago.

In simple terms this means that Adobe does not want to "fit" with the needs of small business and does not want to do business with us.

In this situation it would not be smart of me to continue down any sort of path with Adobe for fear of further disappointment.

Kindest Regards
John Nayler
ChannelWhitsunday.com

Rotary Conference 2011 video

The announcement of the District 9550 conference for 2011 was made at the 2010 District 9550 conference held in Townsville.

Over 3 glorious days, Rotarians and their partners were treated to excellent hospitality and fine weather as they enjoyed the long weekend.

To inform the membership of the upcoming 2011 conference, a video presentation was created to showcase Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays and the fun flavour that the Airlie Beach Club approach to preparing for guests.

Feature a number of members and a host of unpaid extras, the local membership went about cleaning up the Whitsundays in preparation for the 2011 conference.

We hope you enjoy the presentation.

CS Marinya becomes super model for a day

Recent CS Guest Marinya put her hand up to be a super model for the day. Not that it gave her the right to throw tantrums, or demand outrageous pay for 5 minutes work. I have a photo shoot to do on a client's boat "Reefjet" to put on their web site and show off the experience you can have in one day in the Whitsundays.

Reefjet goes to Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach and a "Green zone" quality dive and snorkel location.

Anyway, Marinya fitted the needs of the client so we put ourselves on board for the day. The crew are a friendly lot and I soon had my computer set up on the "nav" table beside the captain and got some work done while Marinya made friends with some of the other people on board.

At Tongue Bay, we let everyone else go ashore to get a great picture of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet from the look out that everyone talks about. Some people from the USA we became friends said it was the most amazing thing they have seen. Its true, Hill Inlet is like a kaleidoscope, with the daily changing blue / green waters that slide over the 99.9% silica sand that lays the bottom of the "Inlet".

Next up, Reefjet went down to Whitehaven. Reefjet is unique in the Whitsundays and its Whitehaven offering as a "bigger" boat - its backs up to the beach so people can step into the water and then ashore onto the beach - Whitehaven Beach! for some sunbaking, swimming and those classic Whitehaven photos.

We got some choice photos for Reefjet there and some fun ones too.

Next up was the lunch photo shoot. I had to stand on a box and tell everyone, including some very hungry German van travelers to hold on while I got the photo I needed with Marinya "plating" some food before everyone else got stuck in!

We then cruised up to "Pinnacle Bay" for some snorkeling and diving. Marinya happily modeled some dive photos, because she then got her first ever DIVE, on the GREAT BARRIER REEF, for FREE.

Not bad for a day out. Its great that I have clients like this and the opportunity to get my CS guests some great experiences for the cost of standing in front of a camera and looking good!

Conference 2011 shirt

Conference shirts unveiled

There is no chance of missing conference delegates attending the 2011 District 9550 conference. The shirts unvelied at the 2010 conference feature more colours than the rainbow.

Displaying the iconic Whitehaven Beach from inside a helicopter, the colourful shirts have an unmistakeable connection with the Whitsundays and the home port of Airlie Beach.

Be sure to wear yours with pride!

Emily with students

Dive students enjoy freedom after dive course

Recent students for Whitsunday Dive Adventures have recently been in contact to report on their Australian experience since learning to Scuba Dive with Whitsunday Dive Adventures.

Betti and I just wanted to tell you again that we had a lot of fun diving with Emily; she was a great teacher and made us feel comfortable diving right from the very beginning. After the course we did 2 more fun dives at the Great Barrier Reef, the pictures are attached :-) We had great visibilty and saw lots of beautiful things!

Greetz from the upper half of the world :-)

Matthias & Betti


Mobile Internet

Mobile internet to the rescue

Cyclone Ului has now past through the Whitsundays. the power is out which made for an erie darkness over the whole town after dark Sunday.

With travellers wandering the street with little to do, we provided a bunch of service by setting a mobile Internet Cafe so travellers could check their emails.

It was an interesting night and notable as most travellers were keen to book buses and get out of town.

A small donation to the cash tin made it almost worthwhile.

World 2010

World trip plan

Seawind regatta 2009

This is where we will be going to cover the 2009 Seawind Whitsunday Regatta. It will be a great time I am sure as almost 20 Seawind 1000's, 1000xl, and 1160's will be racing and having fun among the Whitsunday Islands.

Viarail - Montreal to St Thomas

Tip of the day: The SMTP server on the VIArail wifi internet is mail.ripnet.com

Have endured the price of trains in Europe, a more favoured exchange rate encouraged a visit to the VIArail web site to scope the choices for Southbound travel.

Tipping in the extra coin via Mastercard, I was shortly booked for first class travel Montreal to Toronto and regular seats through to London (Ontario).

Arriving at the Montreal, I found my way easily to the info desk, where the lass behind the counter was helpful to the point of pushy. There was a first class lounge for me to enjoy, but I had shopping to do. In Canada you queue at the steps to the platform and only make you way once the train is ready to accept you… like boarding a flight. How interesting.

Shortly there after, and armed with a new Olympus SW850, I found my way onto the plane, err. Train. The first class seat was large and comfy, the cabin staff helpful and friendly and the adjacent power points starting charging notebook and phone. There was food to enjoy, but the Turkey a little bland.

I was also keen to try out the WIFI Internet, which is now a feature of their stations and trains. At a very affordable $8.95 for 24 hours, I was shortly hooked up. It’s slow at times on the trains as it is supplied by satellite… uploads were also dodgy…. But who cares. To travel in comfort across the snow covered countryside of Canada with Internet and AC power was just fantastic… Do a bit of work, catch up on Facebook, email photos to friends.

In Toronto, I had two hours. I used this to interview a couple of local applicants for the best job in the world. Both Christina and Shannon were great to spend time with.

Back on board the train, I was now seated beside a bright eyed elderly lady and the cabin tended by Lorraine who I started to wind up from the word go. Asked if I needed anything, I asked her to move the pillar for the window, so my view would be better… I later followed later with "Will I see a moose today?" and "What altitude would we be flying at?". She responded accordingly, trying to sing me to sleep, or suggesting that I might like to get off at the next station.

Beside me, Beth was lovely. Her husband had worked on the train for a career and had past just this last January. She was very engaging, telling me of their travels in Canada and abroad. I queried her about the state of the world, the current economic recession versus the great depression. The affect of technology on the way we live. Her main concern for all of this was the less time that families were spending together. When she was young, 3 weeks every year were spent at Grandma's place with cousins and other, near Niagara Falls. Without technology and great distance between the extended family, they would have fun the old fashioned way, in person and with each other.  We also discussed the shrinking world and how the English language was everywhere now… making travel much easier than in the past. This was certainly true but I worried about the reducing differences in culture, as we find global brands and a common lingo invading every tourist spot of the world. In future will we be able to spot the difference from one country to the next?

In the end Beth reminded that travel should be a life time aim. Her history was spiced with stories of distant travel reminded me of the imperative to experience the world and its many flavours… while you still can.

New Zealand #2

Hi all,

After weeks on the road, my brain is starting to think in sentences  like the
Lonely Planet guide. Those of you that have used it may recognise it in my
email...

---
Number 2.

NZ Cars: No two cars on NZ roads are the same. This is because most of the
vehicles here turn up as second hand unwanted cars from Japanese roads...
And given the range of vehicle sold in japan, every one bought here is distinctly
different - like cabbage patch children, it would seem. The import car business
which is so small in Australia is huge here.

The result is cars that are running on illegal undersize spare tyres, japanese
decals and worst of all japanese printing on the fuse box. No, actually the
worst part is the japanese radios only tune 1/2 the FM radio band!! :-(

So my (japanese import ) subaru shortly got the hi fi upgrade with a dodgy cd /
radio. I have since been accused of "champagne backpacking" by several,
including the hostel owner who watched me tear my dash apart, curse the
japanese fuse box and install my new cd player.... :-)

NZ highways.
The most unique feature of these is that 100 signs are placed just before 40
km/h  turns, stop signs, roadworks, and 1 lane bridges. It certainly keeps you
awake - and somewhat startling for people used to setting the cruise control on
110 and not doing much else for 3 hours!!

The rush south.
Everyone, absolutely everyone says that the south island is the best, thus
travellers are either in a rush to get there, or have spent most of their time
down there and are now coming back. Meanwhile, there are some beautiful
places in the north island including the Coromandel penisula and the East cape,
which I have just visited.

Coromandel.
This much loved place just 1 hour east of Auckland features picturesque water
front driving, pretty towns and a dirt road to the very top and fletchers bay,
backpackers - frequented by no one. The beaches are typically black sand
though, not to flavour for Aussie's bought up on golden sun bleached silica
sand.

Coromandel is chock full of interesting things though, excentrics builiding
railways up the side of mountains, lovely harbours perfect for 30 foot multihulls,
friendly locals 1 or 2 saved Kauri trees, unmarked goldmine shafts, and other
such treasures!!

Be sure to pick good  weather though, a rain dumping cold front, backed by a
sub tropical low (cyclone) can make the place look grey and spoil the view from
the top of a excentrics mountainside railway...

Rotarua
Roto vegas to locals. This place has motels, tourists, mud and every other
adventure sport activity known to man in the one place. Struggle to escape
after 2 days.

East Cape.
This place is beautiful. Off the tourist track, you start at fuck-a-tarn-ee (I can't
remember the correct spelling, so I used the phonetic). Do the White island
volcanic island tour. Travelling out on a 40 foot kelva-cat (yep, aussie made)
with kiwi host, but former Brissy resident Grant with 12 other punters, stopping
for oh -ahh dolphins (haven't you seen them before?) who play around the
boat. They were much more entertaining then the snobby variety that we seem
to have back home.

The island is basically a boiling crater of sulphur vents and a nasty lake of 60
degrees and p h of 1.2. Unfortunately, no swimming.

Stay at Loydes Lodge for a Mouri welcome that goes for a good 1/2 hour with
host Hare, perhaps having been a busker kidnapped at birth and set down the
course of hostel ownership. Beware if you take on the role of visiting chief of
the people present (backpackers) as after making a bit of "thank you for your
welcome" speech you are obliged to sing a 'thank you for the welcome" song....
( how come I can't even remember all the words to waltzing matilda - can
someone send them to me !! )

Beware that the depature from Loydes Lodges has a lengthy ceremony as
well, but the place and the people are so very nice.

Travel 1/2 way around the East Cape to arrive at Mel's place... probably being
the only one in the hut which is mainly for people going on fishing charters. Mel
and Jo are the current guardians of the land they live on - a strip of ocean front
behind a small rock headland with white(-ish) sand on either side. At the very
front door is a small rock headland with rock pool behind enhanced by some
carefully arranged bolders that create a cascade when the waves break on it.
Watch for hours with a beer or two

Go out to the East cape lighthouse, which is the first place to great the sun in
the world and find a busted, grass overgrown car to sit on and stare out to sea
with some red wine.

If the weather is perfect, it will alll seem so much better. Watch out that you
may end up back at Mel's place for another night, including free fish from the
days' fishing charter.... 23 miles out and 100 feet down. There are a couple
more people this night to talk with. So many older people (guys, older couples)
travelling here.

Race south, passing through Gisborne and ending up in a very ramshackle farm
house on the hill side, and worry about the depletion of clean underwear
stocks and the manual washing machine at this hostel.

Further south and arrive in the art deco city of Napier... Walking tour departs at
2pm - better go!!


New Zealand #1

Well its been two weeks in NZ (almost) and I thought it was time that I reported
myself alive and well.

Everyone here is talking about how warm it is, particularly the travellers from
the N hemisphere.... I keep telling them that its bloody cold - but a bit is lost in
translation :-)

Have been up north and now return to Auckland. Absolutely everyone that I talk
to says that the South Island is the place to be... particularly before it gets too
much colder!

The North is interesting for a couple of reasons.
1. The east coastline is just a series of beautiful anchorages, inlets, rivers,
beachs and headlands all of which register with me as ideal places to jam
the "Queenslander", drop the anchor, and camp for a bit. It would be a great
place to cruise .... oh well, later in life.

2. I thought that there would be more bush land.... but the settlers pulled out just
about every nature plant and now the place is divvy'd up into paddocks from top
to bottom... with only a tiny amount saved. That seems such a shame and
wonder if people view our big country as the same..?

3. NZ'ers are a friendly mob. Well you know how I love to chat - yeah they're
the same! ... and I have had learnt plenty about the place and the people.

4. Hostels come in all shapes and sizes. The place here in Auckland last night
was large, loud and broken - all the others have been nice with 2 particularly
nice ones - a farm place was beautiful and a beach front - resort still place
(even with free water sports!!) and midnight eel hunter with make shift spears. :-
)

So now it is off south in the 1993 Subaru Legacy (perhaps it will become 1?)
that I got this morning for less than $2000.... The backpacker scene has a ready
market of vans, wagons and sedans! :-) Just pick your price and mode there is
a dream car waiting for you!! (just make sure that the heater works!! :-)

Soooo off I go!! Guess I am going to be here for a while longer...
Cheers
John


Welcome to Deja.vu Gold Coast

Welcome to Gold Coast's own television station, Deja.vu Gold Coast. If your thinking of visiting the Gold Coast, you will find the videos on this site a great resource for your holiday planning. We have brought together the best accommodation, restaurants and activities at the Gold Coast in online video so you can see exactly what is on offer. We also attend the events at the Gold Coast so you can decide the best time to visit. There is always something happening here!

We look forward to welcoming you at the Gold Coast soon.



Replace toilet cistern
Toilet cistern replacement to make your bathroom sparkle

If your house is starting to show it's age or more importantly the bathroom is looking a bit tired then it might be time for a little mini renovation.

Yes, this is a part of where we talk about toilets. :-)

While an ageing toilet cistern can be tidied up to some extent with a plant, toilet seat cover and we've seen examples where people have even hand painted the cistern to try and breathe some life into it, but the fact is it's going to look like an old hand painted cistern. It's likely than the aging plastic has lost its shine and now a home for mould and bacteria as well.

What's more hiding under the aging facade is a mechanism, seals and plastic components that are reaching their use by date.

Even to fix one part of a failing toilet is not going to address a fault that might develop elsewhere in the months to come.

Replacing the entire cistern will offer thousands of hassle-free flushes for years to come.

You will also have the benefit that a modern cistern will have dual flush and a lower capacity making it five star water compliant.

For the ultimate makeover replacing the seat as well makes sense as this finishes the modernisation, addresses any stains in the old toilet seat pan and  the complete set will come with a cover plate to hide the pipe work and perfectly fitting seat.

To address the failings of your toilet, cistern, toilet pan, leaking flush mechanism, broken seals, mystery water appearing on the toilet floor, and other toilet repairs, call the 5 star rated plumbing team at Aptus Plumbing and Gas servicing all Brisbane and Moreton Region shire.

  Enquire 



Greenie catching a few foiling waves at Paradise Point

Greenie has plenty of surf cred, but can he foil - Yes! he can.

Greenie rides Lift as rumour has it that he has a good supply, no wonder he is so relaxed. Same goes for his pro "MisterBennets" JS Board with which he dispenses his skills through the Paradise Point late summer waves.

Rider:
    Greenie

Board:      
    JS Misterbennets 29l

Foil:
    Lift 90
Stab:
    Lift 26 Carve
Mast:
    Lift 82cm

Like and subscribe.

More Foiling Frenzy at:
https://foilingfrenzy.com

  Enquire 



How Do I Clean My Grates Properly?

Once the storm season hits, your home will need every little bit of water flow in the drainage system possible to prevent any unnecessary water damage. Because of this, it is vital that all of your drainage grates are properly cleaned, but doing so can be difficult. Fortunately, Aptus Plumbing & Gas, the preferred team for plumbing in , can help you clean your grates thoroughly. No matter how serious the plumbing problems are that you are suffering from, our team may be able to help - fill out our enquiry form or call our team on (07) 3205 1991 today.

A superficial clean of your grates is simple enough, but a proper clean will require professional assistance. Most drainage grates are made of stainless steel, which means they're best cleaned just like any stainless steel appliance you may own. Use lots of water and some dish soap, and then thoroughly dry the grate afterwards with a soft cloth to make sure there are no streaks left behind. If the grate remains clogged afterwards, or the attached drain is clogged, then you may need to call a professional plumber to help. They'll be able to determine what's keeping the grate or drain clogged, and effectively clear the blockage. Cleaning your grates superficially can be done with water and soap, but a deep clean requires a professional.


  Enquire 



How Do I Clean My Grates Properly?

Once the storm season hits, your home will need every little bit of water flow in the drainage system possible to prevent any unnecessary water damage. Because of this, it is vital that all of your drainage grates are properly cleaned, but doing so can be difficult. Fortunately, Aptus Plumbing & Gas, the preferred team for plumbing in , can help you clean your grates thoroughly. No matter how serious the plumbing problems are that you are suffering from, our team may be able to help - fill out our enquiry form or call our team on (07) 3205 1991 today.

A superficial clean of your grates is simple enough, but a proper clean will require professional assistance. Most drainage grates are made of stainless steel, which means they're best cleaned just like any stainless steel appliance you may own. Use lots of water and some dish soap, and then thoroughly dry the grate afterwards with a soft cloth to make sure there are no streaks left behind. If the grate remains clogged afterwards, or the attached drain is clogged, then you may need to call a professional plumber to help. They'll be able to determine what's keeping the grate or drain clogged, and effectively clear the blockage. Cleaning your grates superficially can be done with water and soap, but a deep clean requires a professional.


  Enquire 



What Do You Do If You See Fleas?

Fleas are tiny, irritating pests that multiply faster than you can blink, making them an annoyance in any home. Both pets and humans can easily pick up fleas while out and about, and once they're inside of your home, those fleas can quickly present a threat to the health of your entire family. Fortunately, Conquer Termites Southside, the leading choice for pest control, knows exactly how to deal with fleas in your home. Learn more about our pest control solutions by call us on 0432 721 715 today

. You need to make a dedicated effort to remove the fleas from your home once they've made an appearance. Depending on the species of flea, they may choose to lay eggs somewhere hidden in your home instead of on-top of their host, which means you will need a powerful vacuum to clean out the cracks and crevices on your floors, upholstery, and mattresses thoroughly. A steam cleaner can also be used on carpets, upholstery, and any bedding used by your pets, to rigorously clean these locations. Finally, wash all remaining bedding, including any pet bedding not cleaned with a steam cleaner, in hot water and detergent to remove any remaining ticks. Once you have taken these precautions, you should then reach out to a professional pest control expert to ensure that your home is protected from fleas going forward. Fleas take active effort to remove once they have invaded your home.


  Enquire 



Surf foiling Barry at Duranbah, NSW, Australia

There is seldom a day that you won't find Barry on the water with his Lift gear  slicing and dicing the waves.

On this very rare winter day Barry is chopping up Duranbah like a pro with the only shame is that we did not record more of the action.

Be sure you register for our newsletter at https://foilingfrenzy.com for all the best foiling videos  across the surf, wing, SUP, flat water, foiling news and more.

  Enquire 



Do you need a sausage or sevice?

Do you need a sausage or sevice?

  Enquire 



5 BENEFITS OF CHOOSING A PREMIUM STORAGE UNIT

The world's modernization brings lots of creative resources for businessmen and ordinary persons. One of the most common innovations that business owners are using is Premium storage units. Most people think that self-storage is only for personal use. However, we knew little about self-storage and premium storage units. You can use a premium storage unit like ours in Kawana to grow your business. If you are thinking about the cost of the premium guardian self storage unit, let me pause on that as I will give you the benefits of premium storage units that can meet business needs.

Convenient & Flexible:
The two main and the best benefits of a premium storage unit are a convenience. Premium storage facilities are convenient to use as you can move items for storage. Also, many storage providers have their vans to collect and deliver items. So this facility reduces the burden to move inventories.

Let's suppose if you have a fashion retail business. Due to seasonal changes, where will you place your stock? You need a storage unit to keep your luxurious boutique items. These storage units are flexible enough to provide climate control infrastructure. The premium facility includes packing and inventory of materials too.

Easy Business Expansion:
If your business is growing, it needs expansions. In contrast, to renting a new office of high cost, you can use a premium storage unit as it is cost-effective. You can move unnecessary office pieces of equipment and files to this storage space. In this way, you can spare additional working space for your growing staff.

Also, the rent of storage units is less than commercial property and warehouse. Are you ready to save your money?

Guaranteed Security & Safety:
With the modernization of technology, storage units also offer high security and safety. Storing your office files, equipment, and physical inventory in premium storage is safer than in a workplace. Each storage facility has CCTV and a theft alarm. Isn't 24/7 security enough for you?

Also, the premium storage units ensure that your belongings are safe till delivery to your doorstep. One of the most amazing things is that these storage units are climate control. There is no need to worry about weather-related damage. If you are a bookseller, then the climate control unit will keep your books safe from insects and pests.

Cost-Effective:
Being a business owner, it is your top priority to save money. Our Kawana self storage units are the way to save money as you don't have to pay too much money to store items. Also, there is no need to pay extra costs for a great customer experience. Each of our premium facility offers premium values with an effective organization.

A Walk-in Archive:
Premium storage is beneficial when storing official documents. Though the world is digitized, the security hacks are there. For security reasons, you can store your client's files, customer profiles, and any other important document in a storage unit. You can free your office cabinet, and home space by renting a unit.

When will you step into the fast-growing storage industry?

  Enquire 



5 BENEFITS OF CHOOSING A PREMIUM STORAGE UNIT

The world's modernization brings lots of creative resources for businessmen and ordinary persons. One of the most common innovations that business owners are using is Premium storage units. Most people think that self-storage is only for personal use. However, we knew little about self-storage and premium storage units. You can use a premium storage unit like ours in Kawana to grow your business. If you are thinking about the cost of the premium guardian self storage unit, let me pause on that as I will give you the benefits of premium storage units that can meet business needs.

Convenient & Flexible:
The two main and the best benefits of a premium storage unit are a convenience. Premium storage facilities are convenient to use as you can move items for storage. Also, many storage providers have their vans to collect and deliver items. So this facility reduces the burden to move inventories.

Let's suppose if you have a fashion retail business. Due to seasonal changes, where will you place your stock? You need a storage unit to keep your luxurious boutique items. These storage units are flexible enough to provide climate control infrastructure. The premium facility includes packing and inventory of materials too.

Easy Business Expansion:
If your business is growing, it needs expansions. In contrast, to renting a new office of high cost, you can use a premium storage unit as it is cost-effective. You can move unnecessary office pieces of equipment and files to this storage space. In this way, you can spare additional working space for your growing staff.

Also, the rent of storage units is less than commercial property and warehouse. Are you ready to save your money?

Guaranteed Security & Safety:
With the modernization of technology, storage units also offer high security and safety. Storing your office files, equipment, and physical inventory in premium storage is safer than in a workplace. Each storage facility has CCTV and a theft alarm. Isn't 24/7 security enough for you?

Also, the premium storage units ensure that your belongings are safe till delivery to your doorstep. One of the most amazing things is that these storage units are climate control. There is no need to worry about weather-related damage. If you are a bookseller, then the climate control unit will keep your books safe from insects and pests.

Cost-Effective:
Being a business owner, it is your top priority to save money. Our Kawana self storage units are the way to save money as you don't have to pay too much money to store items. Also, there is no need to pay extra costs for a great customer experience. Each of our premium facility offers premium values with an effective organization.

A Walk-in Archive:
Premium storage is beneficial when storing official documents. Though the world is digitized, the security hacks are there. For security reasons, you can store your client's files, customer profiles, and any other important document in a storage unit. You can free your office cabinet, and home space by renting a unit.

When will you step into the fast-growing storage industry?

  Enquire 



Will Termites Eat Plasterboard?

When people think of the termites, they might picture sprawling nests hidden within their walls, feasting on the wooden supports buried within. However, not everyone is certain as to whether or not these pests will eat the rest of their walls, including their plasterboard. Thankfully, Conquer Termites Northside are the leading experts on termites, and can help you understand exactly what the pests will and won't eat in your home. If you're experiencing issues with termites in , you can reach out to our team on (07) 3356 8801.

Termites are insatiable, and they will eat anything they can find that contains cellulose. That includes the plasterboard commonly used to construct interior walls. Though the plaster panels themselves used to make drywalls don't contain cellulose, the paper it is wrapped in does, making the walls a valid target for these invasive pests. Additionally, allowing moisture to build up on your walls can make them a more tempting target for termites, and may increase the threat of an infestation in your home. If termites have started eating the drywall in your home, you may be able to identify them via small pinholes they leave behind in the plasterboard, but it's best if you organise a professional termite inspection instead. Thanks to their unquenchable desire for cellulose, termites will eat anything they can find containing the substance, including plasterboard.


  Enquire 




Aptus Plumbing And Gas Can Install And Maintain Backflow Prevention Devices In Ferny Grove

In Australia, our water supply is safe to use for anything from your garden to your cooking. However, if water were to flow back from our homes and properties into the main water supply, then that safety may be at risk. To maintain the security of our water, there are large numbers of backflow prevention devices installed around the country. If you need to maintain any backflow prevention devices on your property, you can trust Aptus Plumbing and Gas as your qualified plumbers northside to get the job done.

Backflow can be the result of either pressure or siphonage. Back pressure occurs when the pressure of your water supply falls below the pressure downstream, causing contaminated water to flow in the wrong direction. This can occur due to several reasons, including elevation of an incorrectly assembled and configured pump. Alternatively, backflow due to a siphonage error can be attributed to any event that results in a significant amount of water being drawn from the system. For instance, if you have a burst pipe, or firefighters have used your water supply to extinguish a fire, then the new vacuum in the water system can cause water to backflow. Thankfully, our Ferny Grove plumbers, can install and maintain a number of devices to prevent backflow and protect the safety of the water supply.

Backflow prevention devices can be found on many properties. If your property has an irrigation system, fire hose, or fire hydrant, for instance, then you would have a backflow prevention device installed for that equipment. These devices could take a number of forms, including reduced pressure zones, or double, single, and dual check devices. However, it is important to note that some of these devices, notably reduced pressure zones and double check devices, need to tested annually. These devices are registered with your local council at installation, and the test results must be submitted by a licensed professional. It is important to note that the responsibility for organising a test falls on the device owner, which can be either the property owner, or simply the tenant. If you need a qualified plumber Ferny Grove to test your backflow prevention device, you can trust Aptus Plumbing and Gas to do so safely and efficiently, without causing any notable disruptions to your water supply.

Installing and maintaining backflow prevention devices is an important aspect of keeping Australia's water supply safe. With Aptus Plumbing and Gas, our qualified team of plumbers northside can help you maintain your property's plumbing, including your backflow prevention devices. To get in touch with our team, call us on 07 3205 1991.


  Enquire 



Moving Overseas Checklist

Are you planning to move overseas? Moving involves more than just simply packing up your things in a suitcase (sometimes half-empty!), boarding a jet and flying away. It can be quite a stressful experience should you not have all of your ducks lined up in a row and affairs organised. As we've seen countless individuals, couples and families of all ages make the conscious jump to a foreign land, we've always prioritised one thing - to help make that transition as smooth and as enjoyable as possible. Regardless of your life stage, if you're contemplating a move overseas here's a simple and easy to follow checklist we've prepared for you to help you plan and organise the big move:

Preparation
The first step is to prepare before leaving. Research your destination and plan ahead where to stay before doing anything else. Keep in mind that you're new to that country and you'll definitely need a locale to call home, at least for the time being whilst your settling in. Take time to reach out to social media friends to see if there are any suggested places and educate yourself through some savvy online travel forums. For even more tailored or expert advice, reach out to local property agents about your plans. Consider transport availability and the convenience of amenities such as shops, schools, gyms etc.

Organise your important documents
Important documents include visas and passport documents, medical and school records (Tip: It is better to keep them in a binder or foolscap of some sort to ensure preservation and protection).

Decide if you want to ship your furniture or buy
Before you get rid of everything, take a look at your belongings. Do they have any sentimental value? The next thing to do is to declutter your current residence. Decide wisely and bring what's important to you that will also make sense to your new home. If you want to buy new furniture, the question is where are you going to put the old ones? We recommend availing a storage unit to keep them organised while you're out.

Keep things in a storage facility, if you're not moving indefinitely
If you're moving for an unspecified period of time, availing of a storage facility will cost you less than keeping an apartment open. It is also less stressful than putting your items in another family member's home.

If you need help on what storage options to choose for your valuable items, contact Fort Knox Storage. We have a wide range of temporary and permanent storage solutions for your residential storage. Whether you are looking for storage Brisbane, storage Gold Coast, storage Sunshine Coast, Storage Tooowoomba, Gladstone or Mackay, call your local Fort Knox Storage manager for friendly service and expert help with your storage needs.

  Enquire 




The Route, Part 2: the Maldives to Djibouti

The Global Ocean Challenge rages on as the Ocean Gladiator continues its voyage from the Maldives to check in at Djibouti a race leg of approximately 2172 nautical miles. On this second race leg, the crew is about to face one of the most challenging phases in their journey.

Cities in the Maldives like Male recently went through political unrest, making the archipelago a tricky choice of a checkpoint. Fortunately, the crew has to face the waters of Maldives more than its locals.

The waters between Maldives and Djibouti are known all over the world for their pirate population. As the crew travels west across the Arabian Sea, they have to welcome the possibility of encountering pirates from Somalia to the Gulf of Aden.

The Naval presence has increased in the area, this will give the crew more confidence in taking on these treacherous waters. The crew, however, will still keep a close eye of what's coming their way. Speed is the essence and Ocean Gladiator will be at low fuel levels for the final run to Djibouti so her light weight will allow for wide open throttles. Pirates cannot hope to match her impressive top end speed.

Recently, the entire coast border north and south of Djibouti has been labeled as a high-risk area. Not only should the crew be watchful of the threats from Somalia, but they also need to watch out for unpleasant surprises from the risks of being hijacked near the border of Eritrea.
Nevertheless, the crew will come prepared. Armed with a more than adequate defence system, the Ocean Gladiator is not just fast enough to shake off the threats, it is equipped with the right amount of defences to face them.

The threats and challenges are nothing compared to the glory of holding the prestigious Dupree Cup. Be a partner of the Ocean Gladiator and join in the historic glory together with the crew.  You can contact Captain Mark Smith through his phone number  0439 430 171 (+61 439 430 171) or check out the Global Ocean Challenge website to know more about how you could be a partner of the team.


  Enquire 



The Route - Part 1 - Singapore to the Maldives

The crew is ready, the Ocean Gladiator is revving up. Where to? Around the world in less than 60 days to beat the current round-the-world circumnavigation record.

For the team to complete the Global Ocean Challenge, they must race through approximately 23,000 nautical miles. As per the world record authorities, the UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique), the team must start and finish at the same place, and pass through the Suez and Panama Canals.

The team's proposed route was approved by the UIM. They are to start in Singapore and call at the Maldives, with twelve other refueling pit stops to clear. The journey is not without its hazards, because the route goes through some incredibly treacherous conditions what with pirates and even government authorities forcing them out of their domestic waters.

The crew saw the need to start in Singapore as the country has one of the strictest maritime laws. For the crew to pas through Singapore, they would need an Automated Identification System for the Ocean Gladiator to be authorised for passage.

After passing through Singapore, the Ocean Gladiator is off to the Maldives a race leg of approximately 2,000 nautical miles. The trip to the Maldives is not exactly smooth sailing with the threat of both bad weather and bad intentions of pirates. The team will develop a defence system against pirates to ensure their safety at sea. Beware the Malacca Straits where pirates ply their deadly trade.

The Ocean Gladiator will go through more challenges as they sail towards the other checkpoints and try to clear the entire Global Ocean Challenge faster than the current round-the-world circumnavigation record.

Be part of this historic feat by being a partner of the Ocean Gladiator. You can contact Captain Mark Smith through his phone number  0439 430 171 (+61 439 430 171) or check out the Global Ocean Challenge website to know more about how you could be a partner of the team.

  Enquire 



Global Ocean Challenge Race Team

The round-the-world circumnavigation record currently stands at 60 days, 23 hours, and 49 minutes. It seems impossible to achieve that record, let alone beat it. But bring in a team of three professionals who have spent their entire lives working towards this goal and the conversation changes. Completing the challenge may not come easy, but it becomes possible.

Here are the three men who stand as a serious threat to the current round-the-world circumnavigation record. Brothers by blood, maritime experts by choice. Aboard the Ocean Gladiator, they will take on Global Ocean Challenge. Get to know the crew. No

The Skipper, Captain Mark Smith. His entire professional life was spent at sea, 42 of those professional years was spent as captain. With 1.5 million nautical miles in command under his belt, Captain Mark Smith calls the oceans of the world home. He can say that with pride after surviving 11 days stranded at sea without any food or water and only the will to live. His book "Beyond All Limits" tells all about his true near-death experience, and of his survival instinct. Calm in any situation.

The engineer, Dr. John Smith. A legitimate southern explorer with over 20 years of experience. 14 of those years were spent as the medical officer on the Australian Government's vessels Oceanic Viking, and the Aurora Australis. Dr. Smith was also a helmsman in the Enchantress in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. When he's not at sea, he is busy winning Off-Road racing awards using vehicles he fabricated and engineered. Dr. John Smith takes his thrills seriously by seeking legitimate thrills and saving lives while he's at it.

The navigator, Andrew Smith. The team's own outboard motor expert, Andrew is a fisherman with 30 years of professional experience. Andrew is also part of the team that designed, built, and operated the world's first custom-designed monofilament Tuna long-line vessels. His familiarity in operating large horsepower outboard engines makes him a very cunning navigator, and with his particular experience and skill set, the team becomes much more of a threat as an iconic powerboating trio.

The crew is ready, and the world is looking. Be part of this historic feat by becoming a partner of the team. Contact Captain Mark Smith now at 0439 430 171 (+61 439 430 171) or check out the Global Ocean Challenge website to know more about how you could be a partner of the team.

  Enquire 



The Vessel - The Ocean Gladiator

Captain Mark Smith and his crew, brothers Andrew Smith and Dr.John Smith have the experience and the expertise to complete the Global Ocean Challenge and win the prestigious Dupree Cup.

The crew combines their undisputed reputation in vessel design, navigation, engineering, and survival to create the vessel that would carry them around the world and be a legitimate threat to the current round-the-world circumnavigation record. The Smith brothers will attempt to break the record with the Ocean Gladiator.

With an overall length of 24 metres and 8 metre beam, the Ocean Gladiator is a catamaran that boasts a cruising speed of 30 knots and a top speed of 50 knots. With four outboard motors generating a massive total of 1600 horsepower, the Ocean Gladiator only needs the skills of a world-class navigation crew and circumnavigating the world in record time becomes more of a historic endeavour rather than a challenge.

The design of the Ocean Gladiator is the result of years of experience from Mark Smith and development by naval architects to achieve an advanced high-speed displacement  twin hull form.

With pride, the team will be taking on the seas of the world with the Ocean Gladiator; a representation of their life's work and the excellent mechanical manifestation of everything they're passionate about as a maritime family.

You too can be part of this historical feat as the Ocean Gladiator takes on, and completes the Global Ocean Challenge. Be a partner of the team now, contact Captain Mark Smith now through the phone number 0439 430 171 (+61 439 430 171) or check out the Global Ocean Challenge website to know more about the team, and the Ocean Gladiator.


  Enquire 




Sailing Greek islands 22nd June 2019

I am assembling a crew of international travelers types and friends to sail for a week among the Greek islands.

I have done it before and look forward to do it again.

The trip is absolutely the 22nd June for 7 nights ex Athens traveling to near islands with their historic places, ancient port towns, secluded bays and family run tavernas.

Sailing experience is not necessary, but nice to have as there is plenty of sailing to be done!

The cabin price is 1300 EUROS (max 2 people) and likely to get a little cheaper as we bargain for the best boat to suit the crowd size. Food, Beverages, flights and transfers extra.

Currently have 1 x USA couple, 1 Canadian girl and 1 French girl.

This trip suits inclusion should you already have European holiday plans at this time.

FAQ:

What boat will we take?
The preference is for a sailing catamaran 40 foot or greater. It would have 4 double cabins and at least 2 shower and toilets. The prime benefit is the extra space on deck for laying about AND private space for people needing private time. Cat's are more stable while also enabling us to stay out of the "marina circus" that pervades in the Greek island town ports. Cat's become real for headcounts of 5,6,7,8. At these headcounts, the price is similar to a monohull sailing yacht with 3,4,5,6 people.

How far can we go?
With a 7 day charter and including the need to back in the home port on the Friday night, we are limited to near islands. On a prior trip that included lots of sailing, I was able to get to and island that was 122km from Athens.

Will we go to Mikinos or Santorini?
To get to these islands would require sailing great distances for 16 hours a day or more. As much as I love sailing, myself and the vast majority of crew never want this as part of their experience.

When do I need to be in Athens?
Preferably the night of Friday 21st June in Athens, or first thing in the morning Friday 22nd June.

  Enquire 



Global Ocean Challenge seeks Conquest of the Sea

Since ancient times, man has looked to sailing the seas and imagined the conquest. We know that the ancients ventured across the Mediterranean, the Chinese the Pacific and the South American cultures found their way to, and left their mark on Easter Island and beyond. Throughout history, trade routes and winds, conquest and questions drove man (and woman) to the point of setting off to see what could be. Names like Columbus, Cook and Shackleton sought and returned to fanfare and tale.

Since the world is now mapped and variously explored, how does man extend the boundaries on limited seas? In each seafarer, a burning desire exists to explore, document and beat past records.

Such is the inspiration of Global Ocean Challenge headed by Captain Mark Smith. Captain Mark's dream is to voyage by powerboat around the world in record time. He attests, "This is an unmet goal after waging 40 years at sea."

Unquestionably, his goal is audacious as it is innovative. - He wants to break the record of 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes to circumnavigate the globe in a power vessel. To do so, he plans to use a 24 metre catamaran powered by no less than 4 V8 outboard engines.

"Why?", we ask.

Just below the surface the obvious connects Captain Mark with history, personal, family and the ancient seafarer's obligation.

"We are a maritime family", say Captain Mark. "My brothers and I all grew up on boats... and it's probably me that has taken it to the nth degree,
literally! Plying the seas as a professional mariner for 40 years, I even managed to take time out to be lost in the South China Sea for 11 days to the point of near death."

In this truth of survival against the odds, we instantly know that Mark's gratitude for being spared, would drive the inspiration to assign his life to higher achievements.

As the Global Ocean Challenge project gathers momentum, we can expect to see more determination and a project founded on sound know-how as Captain Mark sets to achieve this impressive goal.

Media Enquiries:
Captain Mark Smith direct
Global Ocean Challenge
0439 430 171 (+61 439 430 171)

  Enquire 



Targeted Marketing for your Business

eCentral's Flight Plan stands at the lynchpin of any dealing with its valued clients. John, in tandem with his team at eCentral, will look to understand your business's current marketing efforts and truly take the time to analyse your digital footprint. Coupled with decades of Digital Marketing experience, John will then provide an in-person report and document specific digital marketing boosting strategies tailored to your business and industry. Open up your eyes to a whole new world of digital marketing possibilities through this comprehensive yet easy to understand report for your business today.

Queensland's Best is the crowning point to any digital marketing strategy eCentral recommends. Be invited to this interstellar journey that will take your business to the next dimension in terms of boosted traffic and traction. Queensland's Best is extended to just a select few businesses that are particularly keen on marking their territory in Queensland. Carefully targeted for your business's needs, have a chat with John Nayler from eCentral today on 0407 15 13 11 or visit eCentral HQ at 4 Fisher Street, East Brisbane.

  Enquire 



Promo



  Enquire 



Register your school and receive 3 hours free graffiti removal

Until the end of June we are running a special promotion

  

          

            

              

                

                  

                  

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      
                      
                      

                    


                      
                    


                    

                  

                

              

            

          

        


  Enquire 



Register your school and receive 3 hours free graffiti removal

Until the end of June we are running a special promotion


          

            

              

                

                  

                  

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      
                      
                      

                    


                      
                    


                    

                  

                

              

            

          


        


  Enquire 



Register your school and receive 3 hours free graffiti removal

Until the end of June we are running a special promotion

Until the end of June we are running a special promotion


          

            

              

                

                  

                  

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      

                    

                      
                      
                      
                      

                    


                      
                    


                    

                  

                

              

            

          


        


  Enquire 



Local truck hire business


A lot of people associate Abel Rent A Car as a long-standing Australian East Coast business renting around a range of vehicles. In 2017 our focus is firmly on Truck Hire & Truck Rental. We are aiming to be a cheap truck hire & truck rental company offering you first rate benefits. Reliability, fixed low flat fee pricing that does not change depending on availability. Our staff are focused on giving you first rate service and assisting your quickly so that you can get on the road as soon as possible. Our truck hire fleet consists of the one model Pantech style truck which is easy to drive with an automatic transmission, tailgate lifter and has the benefit of your belongings being away from the weather and prying eyes.

At Abel Rent A car we look forward to serving you one of our truck hire fleet from the Logan Road, Greenslopes branch. We look forward to serving you soon.

  Enquire 



When you think rent me a truck, Abel are here to do exactly that.


When you think rent me a truck, Abel Rent a Car and Truck Hire is ready to serve you. Located conveniently at 661 Logan Road Greenslopes our rental car and truck hire business is conveniently located in Central on Brisbane's inner south suburbs. We are over and conveniently each day with a focus on mornings.

Our Brisbane truck hire fleet it is all the one model. Great features include automatic transmission, tailgate lifter, Pantech body enclosed, grey security, protected from the weather and you can drive it on a standard car license.

We are a price leading operation with great fixed rates. If your truck hire needs are flexible then opt for a Monday to Thursday hire when our rates are incredibly low.

So when you're thinking or searching for rent me a truck, you should come to our web site and our instant quote and super easy booking system to select the dates for your hire, tick the boxes and move onto the next thing in your busy plans.  Should you have any questions that are not answered via our website then you can call us on our Central reservations number and speak to one of our friendly staff. We would even dare you say "rent me a truck" to see how they respond. Hopefully they will say that we are the rent me a truck experts as that most of what the business does for business, customers, people moving and relocating... and we look forward to help you.

  Enquire 




Enjoy Whitehaven Beach, a great barbecue and the islands of the Whitsundays

There's no question that one of the most wonderful things you can do in a lifetime Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island in the magical Great Barrier Reef.

Whitehaven Xpress is a day trip operator that visits Whitehaven Beach daily and has done so for over 20 years.

They are unique in that each day they go ashore with their own BBQ Equipment and prepare a wonderful lunch suitable for all diets. Salads, steaks, recently caught fish and more.

Whitehaven Beach is considered one of the top 10 beaches in the world and when you sample the sand and feeling run through your fingers you can fully understand why so many people talk about it. It's 99 pure silica and its fine grains perfect texture are a memory retained forever.

It's for this reason that so many people running about Whitehaven Beach and make it one of the must do things when visiting Australia or the Great Barrier Reef. Recent tourism numbers fortify this statement has the Whitsundays on Thursday passes or matches the numbers of people visiting compared to other Great Barrier Reef destinations. For tourists at least the opportunity to visit mountainous Islands on the Great Barrier Reef is pretty much restricted to the Whitsundays. Elsewhere on the Great Barrier Reef, islands are typically coral cays which are birdshit piled on coral... While they look great photographed and used as screensavers, they typically smell and threaten to disappear at high tide.

The Whitsundays, by contrast, has high mountain peaks including a range of outlooks, cliff faces, fauna and flora diversity. While travelling the Whitsundays on Whitehaven Xpress you never be bored of look at the changing island vista.

Whitehaven Xpress BBQ web page    Enquire 




Hire a Pantech truck for moving in the rain

Moving on rainy day or when the weather is not looking promising?  Hiring a Pantech truck from Abel rent a car gives you peace of mind. Our trucks have plenty of room and fully enclosed so you can put everything inside, close it up and move across town . Whether you're moving from Greenslopes or from a nearby suburb from Sherwood to Carindale, hiring a truck from the right location makes your life easier. We look forward to serving you a great Pantech at Abel rent a car.

  Enquire 



ABEL truck hire to help

We all know the tiresome drill - on top of packing all the belongings last minute to the countless cardboard boxes, and worrying where the cat has just vanished, some of us are left last minute with finding:

1. A reliable truck hire company (won't be canceling last minute!),
2. One which won't break the bank, and
3. A sizeable van which can move my three bedroom home contents, garden sculptures, Grandma's pots and pans and the dog's house... in as few as possible loads.

I recently found myself with the task to find the perfect truck hire company for removals in Brisbane, as moving around the sunny city in Australia is no small feat; to the Sunshine Coast - and that in itself was a problem too, finding a suitable hire van removal who would cater for the distance (perhaps send a few burly men along to help also?)

Thankfully, as soon I searched for 'truck hire Brisbane' the familiar and trustworthy truck hire leaders appeared: ABEL. We all know the blue and red trucks which are all around Brisbane, and the surrounding areas. 'Truck Hire - move anything, it's got everything' - and it does, I soon found out...

Easily located in Greenslopes, south-east Brisbane, with a simple tool on the website to get an immediate pricing and booking, ABEL truck hire has Brisbane's largest hire fleet and also had great customer reviews - I knew I was on to a winner.

ABEL truck hire has a selection of automatic trucks, vans, utes and cars, making a quick and painless drive across Brisbane, which anyone could drive on a car licence. ABEL truck hire is open 7 days and has a long reputation of great service - and the price of hiring the chosen truck was very affordable and honest for the service.

With a 20m cubed capacity pantech body and free easy tailgate lift, I wonder why I didn't book ABEL truck and van hire earlier. The truck ABEL provided was well-equipped, superbly priced and got all my belongings (including the cat) to my new location in Brisbane in one load! I would highly recommend ABEL's trucks, vans, utes and cars for hire to anyone in and around Brisbane city - they simply check all the boxes!

- From a fellow Brisbane home mover


Abel truck hire    Enquire 




IPL Skin Rejuvenation vs. Skin Needling Facial Treatments



  Enquire 




Why Wordpress is a waste of time

Frequently at eCentral we find ourselves rescuing business from web sites built in Wordpress that are doing little - if anything - at all for their business. Complaints range from sites being incomplete, hacked, invisible to Google or resulting in NO BUSINESS.

First, a bit of history.

Let's build a blog engine - Wait! we can use it for web sites!
Born of goodwill and the DIY web development crowd, Wordpress has origins as a "blog" web site system making it easy for news and holiday makers to create pages about their life or chosen passion, add some photo and "post" the page for fans to read and follow.

As popularity grew for Wordpress the rabble of developers took the popularity as inspiration and suggested that ANY web site could be created in Wordpress. Sadly the fundamental sequential "BLOG" nature of Wordpress makes it a bad choice for structured web sites.

Wordpress plug-ins explained
To make matters worse, the Wordpress "mob" came up with a "plug-in" strategy to overcome the need for the web site to have function. Things as simple as enquiry forms, shopping carts, newsletter registration, etc require plug-ins.

Forever frenzied backyard developers have been publishing plug-ins quicker than they can think them through and thus the quality is forever dubious. The resulting market place of plug-ins is crowded with varying quality, little documentation, few updates and little, if any, support.

Wordpress site builders then have to wade through this myriad of incomplete and "buggy" plug-ins to find one that is carries out something like the operation required. The mission is to then work out how to install it and then wedge it into the web site in such a way that it looks like it fits, if at all.

Security flawed
Wordpress is now in a cycle of constant updates. Due to its wide popularity, it has become a favoured target for hackers who even build robot processes to seek out and compromise known security flaws.

Count the cost
Despite all these shortcomings hindering Wordpress in the modern day, there is no question that a business can use Wordpress to create a web site and launch it to the world. It sounds like it will cost nothing but along the way the overheads end up including:

- Excess time learning to use Wordpress and overcome its shortcomings as a "Content Management System"
- Sorting through plug-ins to find ones that supply the extra function AND actually work
- Overcoming incompatibilities
- Revisit the content in a systematic way to include SEO content (as to be any use to the business at all)
- Installing security updates frequently
- Keeping the site fresh despite the content system requiring, login, photo add, page add, add photo to page, publish

The cost keeps on counting as the web site fails to perform, impress or sustain any online business for as long as its is allowed to live.

In the end will it do any business at all?? It may be that the DIY process missed the mark from the outset and the site is speaking to the wrong people in the wrong way.

The way to save yourself all this time and sanity
At eCentral we have been working with businesses of all sizes and budget to create beautifully crafted websites which don't just look great, but fully integrate business marketing and online success. Our proven process takes hold of existing sites or creates new ones on time, on budget that weave themselves into marketing strategy, social media, Google and the bottom line.

We are standing by to talk about how the internet and a superior website can work for your business.


  Enquire 




Chemical peel vs Microdermabrasion For Winkles - How should you fight them?

Many people assume that chemical peels and microdermabrasion are the same skin care treatment. They are both thought of as resurfacing techniques that exfoliate your skin. Within less than an hour treatment both will have an effect on your wrinkles.

The way the procedures differ and the substances they use are very different though. Since they remove multiple layers of skin, using one too soon after the other can result in serious damage. A professional knows how long a client should wait. They also know which procedure will work best for each client’s specific needs. Treatments can be preformed - for an intense program can be preformed bi-weekly or for more maintenance programs monthly if suffice.

How Microdermabrasion Works

Microdermabrasion is the less invasive of the two procedures. It is actually considered a mechanical exfoliation instead of a chemical one. It, like a chemical peel, can be done with over the counter product however, these are usually less effective. For more reliable results you should go to a professional. Store bought microdermabrasion kits have little effect on your skin compared to salon therapies.

To do a microdermabrasion, the therapist will take a special tool shaped like a wand with a suction, and work the wand in a criss-cross pattern over your skin. The wand has a diamond tip to it. It shoots sterile aluminum oxide out at high velocity so that it tears through your skin. These microscopic crystals are then vacuumed up with the same wand along with dead and damaged skin cells.

chemical peel, microdermabrasion, treat wrinkles
To do a microdermabrasion, the therapist will take a special tool shaped like a wand with a suction, and work the wand in a criss-cross pattern over your skin.

How Chemical Peels Work

The biggest difference between a chemical peel and a microdermabrasion is less stimulation on the skin. The second largest difference is that its potency is variable. You can choose a mild peel or an extreme one to fit your exact skin repair needs.

The fruit acid or professional peel you choose is applied to your face and left alone to do its work. The substances digest the superficial deer skin layers. This leaves your skin -
smooth, refined, hydrated and ready to rebuild. chemical peel, microdermabrasion, treat wrinklesChemical peels reach deeper layers of skin than microdermabrasions.

The Pros of Microdermabrasion

The recovery time from a microdermabrasion is a maximum of a few days. Most people only need a few hours.

There is almost no pain. You will experience a gentle vacuum suction sensation and that is. Side effects are rare and usually only occur when the pressure of the wand is raised unnecessarily.

Microdermabrasions take a few sessions to achieve optimal results. You will notice a change in your skin immediately but for full repair you should return bi weekly for 6 to 12 weeks.

The Pros of a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels reach deeper layers of skin than microdermabrasions. This means they come with a little more risk but that they are able to handle more difficult wrinkles.

A chemical peel can be preformed from a selection of peel, the peel type is dependent of your skin conditions and goals, some peels are more mild than others. This gives you a bit of wiggle room when it comes to how invasive the procedure is. An enzyme peel can be light on your skin while an AHA peel can work right down in the deep layers of your skin.

So Which One Should You Choose?

It really depends on what stage your wrinkles are at. Microdermabrasions work best when your skin is just starting to loose it’s support. While deep set wrinkles need a stronger solution. Chemical peels are tough on wrinkles however, the recovery time associated with some of the more intense peels needs to be considered. Discuss your options with a professional for a personalised skin journey program to be designed especially for you.

  Enquire 




Are you a REAL woman?

Real Women, Celebrity Skin Competition!

Every decade of a woman's life represents a different kind of beauty.

The youthful glow of a 20 year old, the life experience of a woman in her 40s or the carefree attitude of a 70 year old, all women have their own unique stories about what has shaped their lives.

They are real women.

How will you carry yourself through the decades?

Realskin Clinic at Hamilton is looking for women who represent beauty at any age to share their stories and help other women become real.

By taking part in the “Real Women, Celebrity Skin†survey, you’ll have the chance to receive a free skin treatment, makeover and photo shoot as well as the possibility of becoming one of the new faces of Realskin clinic.

Visit the Realskin facebook page and follow the competition link.

Click here – https://www.facebook.com/Realskinclinic

Realskin Clinic – helping you become a better version of yourself.

68 Racecourse Road, Hamilton Q 4007

(07) 3268 5488

  Enquire 




What is a good investment? Seminars in May 2015

With interest rates at historic lows there is little point storing the nest egg in a term deposit, meanwhile lending for investment has seldom been as cheap. In this type of environment there is a lot of chatter about the need to invest elsewhere, but where?

In this seminar, presentation, question and answer session, Duncan Perkins poses the question "What is a good investment?" and the answer is sure to surprise. Duncan Perkins has a 30 year career banking and finance. Co-owner of Tax Time Accountants and advocates careful investing toward a long term goal. Having seen over 20,000 finance and investment strategies, he has seen the pitfalls and the paths to success.  Duncan challenges you to bring along your concept of financial freedom, your plan and put to the test in this talk and open discussion about what does and does not work.

This will be a 15 minute presentation, question and answers, and social meet to follow.

Seminar times, dates and locations:
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
COFFEE CLUB, STONES CORNER
Logan Road
STONES CORNER

Wednesday, May 13, 2015
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
TAX TIME ACCOUNTANTS
1a/50-56 Kellar Street
BROWNS PLAINS

RSVP by texting your name to 0407 15 13 11 and the choice of seminar date / location... or reply to this email.

  Enquire 



Comparative widths
Promoting Australian Roadtrips in Europe - Starting 15th July

The recent downtrend is the Australian dollar has effectively put Australia on sale as a travel destination. With the AUD more than 10 % lower than 12 months ago, and rumoured toward 20%, it is timely to remind the world's travelers that Australia is now on sale as a destination.

Trans Europe Promotional tour
Departing: 16th July - 5th August
This promotional tour is going ahead and is already aligned with the destination of Airlie Beach on the Queensland Whitsunday Coast. We will utilise a local business group's "Heart of the Reef" brand asset.

The "Airlie Beach, Heart of the Reef", has thus far been used to establish numerous billboard locations on Queensland's Bruce Highway. This promotional tour will seek to engage and build audience through Facebook and other online assets to further enhance the brand investment.

The primary means for engagement will be meet and greet functions in 10 cities in 10 countries Europe over 20 days. Covering the equivalent of Australia's span, Portugal in the west is roughly 4000 km from Istanbul in the East.

Engagement via couchsurfing
Audience will be attracted and engaged using the "Couch Surfing"  network. Numbering over 4,000,000 members worldwide, it is the world's largest traveler social media network and boasts incredible membership across Europe. The membership is typically young, educated and tech savvy. In cities across the world, weekly or monthly "meetings" are attended by locals and travelers seeking social and cultural interaction. These people are valuable as leaders of travel opinion, in person and in social media.

Draft Countries List
1. Portugal
2. Spain
3. France
4. Switzerland
5. Italy
6. Croatia
7. Montenegro
8. Albania
9. Greece
10. Turkey

Road Trip Participants:
John Nayler
Airlie Beach local, sailor, social media guru and traveler, John has been a member of the Couchsurfing network for 4 years and has hosted 400+ people from around the world on his catamaran, in his home and on the road. Having amassed huge credibility in the system, John is able to connect easily with people, locations and culture as he travels. John is a pro blogger, video editor, creator of the ChannelWhitsunday.com online TV station and other tech innovations.

Adrian Cahill
Street savvy former soldier Adrian from Townsville, Queensland has traveled to more than 70 countries, spoken at TedX talks about travel, slept in mud huts and been caught smuggling Vegemite into China. Having traveled extensively utilising the Couch Surfing network he has enormous experience and instant charisma in travel circles.

Other crew
To be nominated

Outcomes:
1. 10 cities across 10 countries in 20 days
2. 10 functions in key locations
3. Engage and educate in person
4. Grow a large following for the Facebook resource "Airlie Beach, Heart of the Reef"
5. Continuous social media feed stories, pictures, videos into Facebook and the blog site www.deja.vu and to Facebook.
6. Inspire more visitors to visit Airlie Beach, Queensland and Australia
7. Expose the brands and products of our supporters
8. Engage with other circles as able

Sponsor Advertising Opportunities
Vehicle branding (whole) $5500
Web site branded (whole) $2200
Web site top banner rotation $550
Web site footer $330
* All sponsors included across marketing channels
Prices in Australian dollars, invoiced and include GST. Payment by direct deposit, Mastercard or Visa

For more information
John Nayler
Email: john2012@nayler.com
Skype: john.nayler
Spain Mobile: +34 6252 86691

CouchSurfing.org    Enquire 



Dreamcatcher couple already enjoying the benefits
$15,000 for grabs with the Queensland Government First Home Owner Construction Grant

Relief is being offered to assist first home builders by the Queensland State Government through the First Home Owner Construction Grant. In the welcome move, people have the opportunity to escape the rental squeeze and build their first home with a $15,000 boost available through the grant.

Terry Kemp Builders have a range of designs that dove-tail nicely with the offering, such as their eco friendly designs that are in-expensive to build which also have ongoing economic benefits. Traditional building designs and construction hardly factor in the cost of cooling in a tropical climate, garnishing unwary home builders with the rising cost of electricity. With a Terry Kemp eco efficient home, you will make savings year after year, with the choice to use the saving on electricity consumption or to pay off your home sooner.

Such TK designs as the Dreamcatcher and Tranquility have proven themselves with their electricity consumption being much lower than the regional averages. The reason for this is smart eco efficient designs that negate the need for air-conditioners. Wide breezeways, louvres for ventilation, elevated and attractive timber floors are just a few of the innovative inclusions in a Terry Kemp constructed home. 

For more information about putting your First Home Owner Construction Grant to smart eco friendly use contact Terry Kemp on  0409 050 155      

For more information about the Grant, you can find information on the Office of State Revenue web site.

  Enquire 



Terry and Harry Kemp, informal congratulations
The next generation of eco efficient apprentices gain their trade

The recent graduation of Harry Kemp and Dion Vinci to the ranks of qualified builders is reason to celebrate. Terry Kemp’s son Harry and Airlie Beach local lad Dion can move on to make their own mark on the building industry. They know that they are benefactors of Terry's vast experience in particular steep slope building expertise, attention to detail and passion for energy efficient homes.

Over the apprenticeship period, Harry and Dion have witnessed Terry's vastly growing knowledge in the specialist areas of natural cooling and steep slope construction put into practise. Their involvement in various projects during their apprenticeships ensures that they have the skills and experience that will be so valuable in the coming years.

It is absolutely true that the recent electricity price hikes have made energy efficient homes a must, particularly in North Queensland where people are prone to soaring summer temperatures. This and demands in the building code place Harry, Dion and Terry ahead of the pack and custodians of the next generation of eco aware builders applying best practise and efficiency in coming years.

Terry's current crop of eco efficient homes are proven cool and less expensive than comparable Whitsunday homes built from inferior designs. The next wave of smart designs will improve on lessons learnt and incorporate such things as "solar ready" design … ensuring that the switch to solar is considered in the home design and building.

For more information about Terry Kemp's building designs, attention to detail steep slope specialised skills, contact him on 0409 050 155.

  Enquire 




Egg plant burger fritters

Fantastic dinner last night. Laura made her famous Egg Plant Fritters.... Cordon Bleu style they are stuffed with ham and cheese, flour, egged and shallow fried.

Very yum!

  Enquire 



QUEENSLAND BUILDING BOOST GRANT - ******* NOW EXTENDED TO 30 APRIL 2012  *****

The Queensland Government $10,000 housing boost grant is available to Australians who build or buy a NEW HOME in Queensland from 1st August 2011 to  30 April 2012.

Australian Government First Home Owners Grant of $7000 is also available to those who are eligible.

In combination there is $17,000 available to first home building in Queensland. This is a substantial deposit for those considering their first home and would pay for design, down payment, fees, pre-building fees or other.

As this is a time limited opportunity, there has never been a better time to get your dream home started.

Terry Kemp Builders specialise in affordable eco friendly homes in the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach region and can assist in achieving the goal of owning your own home.

  Enquire 



TERRY KEMP'S LATEST DESIGN NEARING COMPLETION - THE TRANQUILITY

The Tranquility will be completed and ready for viewing in early February.  Located at 13 Beth Court, Cannonvale,
this design features 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom  layout located close to the beautiful boardwalk and new botanical gardens and is currently marketed through Ray White Whitsunday.
 
Drive past, have a look, this might be the design that suits you and if so speak to Terry about constructing one on your chosen site.

Terry Kemp Builders Pty Ltd
26 Coral Esplanade
CANNONVALE  QLD  4802
 
HIA Award Winner 2010/2009
HIA GreenSmart Australian Finalist 2011

  Enquire 



Building Boost Grant making homes affordable

The Queensland Government $10,000 housing boost grant is available to Australians who build or buy a NEW HOME in Queensland from 1st August 2011 to 31 January 2012.

Australian Government First Home Owners Grant of $7000 is available to those who are eligible.

In combination there is $17,000 available to first home building in Queensland. This is a substantial deposit for those considering their first home and would pay for design, down payment, fees, pre-building fees or other.

As this is a time limited opportunity, there has never been a better time to get your dream home started.

Terry Kemp Builders specialise in affordable eco friendly homes in the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach region and can assist in achieving the goal of owning your own home.

  Enquire 




Show bathed in sunshine and success

Blue skies bathed the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show in sunshine and success this weekend past. Held on the 10th and 11th of September 2011, it is the 9th edition of the show produced by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach.

After a year off, the show has returned with more enthusiasm, a new venue, new time of year and success at its simple goal.

“All we want to do is bring loads of people here enjoying themselves” says Allan Robinson. This was clearly evident across the weekend on the faces of the many thousands of people attending the show and in the wonderful imagery captured across the weekend.

Six months in the making, the thirty plus local Rotary Club members, their partners, Dalwyn McErlane, John Nayler and sponsors weathered the critics and the odd economic tumbleweed to bring a show that offered plenty for every visitor.

A marina full of various vessels, sized from the Kevlacats to the 75 foot Endurance luxury yacht bedazzled enthusiasts. Under the big top people saw the latest in satellite telephones, marine electronics and hi-fi from makers like I-com, Raymarine and Fusion.

Elsewhere under the sun, the static displays offered Malibu ski boats, outboards from most manufacturers and the likes of the magnificient Brig Eagle 780 centre console rigid inflatable.

Regardless of product of service, exhibitors reported well. Engine, vessels, charters, fishing gear and apparel featured strongly in sales reports, sold to what mostly appeared to be an out of town crowd. The other signal of economic result was town's accommodation booked out, with one operator reporting that she “could have filled up twice”.  

All this, the Fish D'vine seafood festival Sunday, Whitsunday Fun Race and after party together have turned the second weekend of September into a major event weekend with the entire local economy prospering.

Thanks go to the long list of sponsors, committed exhibitors, prize givers and supporters with complete information available at www.whitsundayboatshow.com

  Enquire 



Tug-of-war Sunday

As if the atmosphere of a major event weekend in the Whitsundays is not enough. As part of the Boatshow Sunday morning, we will be having a tug-of-war competition pitting the strengths of major local businesses. Competitions across real estate, automotive industry, building and hardware and the marine industry.

Teams are mixed, so its going to be a colourful display of sweat, sweat and more sweat.

ROUND ONE

AUTOMOTIVE
1.00pm AIRLIE AUTO RECYCLERS V/S WHITSUNDAY AUTO REPAIRS
1.10pm CROSSLEY HOLDEN V/S TYRE POWER  

MARINE
1.20pm REEF FESTIVAL V/S OCEAN RAFTING
1.30pm CANNONVALE MARINE V/S  WHITSUNDAY RENT A YACHT

REAL ESTATE
1.40pm ARCHERS BCM V/S HARCOURTS AIRLIE BEACH
1.50pm PRD NATIONWIDE V/S FIRST NATIONAL WHITSUNDAY

HARDWARE
2.00pm HOME HARDWARE V/S PORTERS WHITSUNDAY HARDWARE
2.10pm BUNNINGS AIRLIE BEACH V/S PLANTS WHITSUNDAYS

BANKS
2.20pm BENDIGO BANK V/S COMMONWEALTH BANK
2.30pm  SUNCORP  V/S  WESTPAC BANK

ROUND TWO
AUTOMOTIVE
2.40pm WINNERS OF ROUND ONE
2.50pm RUNNERS UP OF ROUND ONE

MARINE
3.00pm WINNERS OF ROUND ONE
3.10pm RUNNERS UP  OF ROUND ONE

REAL ESTATE
3.20pm WINNERS OF ROUIND ONE  
3.30pm RUNNERS UP ROUND ONE

HARDWARE
3.40pm WINNERS OF ROUND ONE
3.50pm RUNNERS UP ROUND ONE

BANKS
4.00pm WINNERS OF ROUND ONE
4.10pm RUNNERS UP ROUND ONE

PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES WILL BE ON THE MAIN STAGE AT 4.30PM.

  Enquire 




500+ Car park spaces on site for boat show.

In conjunction with the marina operators, the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach have secured 500+ car parking spaces on-site at the Port of Airlie marina. People arriving by car are reminded that they should proceed THROUGH TOWN and the main street shops and Airlie Beach Hotel and to the NEW Port of Airlie marina.

PROCEED IN THE DIRECTION of Shute Harbour after the bottom of main street roundabout taking the next left at the round-about and into the Port of Airlie marina complex. Follow directions for on-site parking and/or set down area taking instructions from car park attendants.

Be sure to the realise that THE SHOW IS AT THE NEW MARINA – so don't get lost. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the location of the new marina in Airlie Beach from our Site Plan

  Enquire 




Temporary office

Coffee shop ladies said we are going home , why don't you go sit on the steps of the old house over the road ... So I did

  Enquire 




Make a date with Coffee Club this boat show weekend

Essential to the Port of Airlie experience is the new Coffee Club that opened this year. Situated on the prime real estate in the centre of the complex, the Coffee Club has a perfect outlook over the marina, yachts and power boats.

With a sumptuous range of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner they make the perfect accompaniment to the delicious coffees and other beverages that make Coffee Club famous.

Across the boat show weekend, the forecast crowds will mean inundation of the available dining space at Coffee Club making bookings essential for fast seating. Speak to Sandy or one of the other Coffee Club team on 4948 2501 to make your reservation prior to the Airlie Beach major event weekend.

Take a look at the mouth water menu

  Enquire 




Shop-aholics served at the Port of Airlie

The Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show will soon take its place alongside some fabulous retailers that now call the Port of Airlie complex home. Recently opened are the Billabong concept store, Coffee Club and Calypso Resort & Swimwear and Aimer Accessories. While the Coffee Club is sure to be overrun with the coffee crowd come September 10/11, other show goers are sure to want to browse the extensive range of fashion at the three retailers.

TIP: Be sure to get your pass out if you leave the show enclosure, so you can re-enter with simplicity.

  Enquire 




The Show will go on!

The ownership change at the Port of Airlie complex has been evaluated by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach to ensure that it has zero impact on success of the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show which will still to occur on the 10th and 11th of September.

“When it came down to it, Rotary Club of Airlie Beach Inc. is funding 100% of the show, with Port of Airlie being the venue we have chosen. The $100,000 plus budget for the event is the responsibility of RCAB in support of the local economy for everyone's benefit.” said local Rotary President Allan Robinson.
Regardless, Port of Airlie is still a great marina complex and an asset to Airlie Beach, a town that sorely needs investment, major events and tourist visitation. These key reasons to stage the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show remain regardless of who is in control of the venue.

Behind the scenes the organising committee is busy with more than 45 exhibitors remain committed to the event with more registering every day. The show consists of boats in the marina, static displays and 30 booth holders under the big top, with 6000+ people expected to attend the event. Helicopter rides, climbing wall for the kids, seafood festival on Sunday, entertainment and educational events. These all combine to make the 10/11 September a major event weekend in Airlie Beach in conjunction with the Great Whitsunday Fun Race organised by the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

For further information:
whitsundayboatshow.com
www.rotaryairliebeach.com
Media Contact:
John Nayler 0407 15 13 11

  Enquire 




Yum! Boat Show Cold Rock Ice Cream

Joining the food experience of the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show is Cold Rock Ice Creamery. Their unique desert combines the most flavoursome ice cream with your choice of crushed cookies, lollies, nuts and other sweets.

You can look forward to taking a seat by the waterside at the Port of Airlie complex and enjoying the flavours, sights and sounds of the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show, September 10/11.

  Enquire 




Boatshow set to bring economic outcome

With the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show by the Rotary Club Of Airlie Beach set to roll out on the 10/11th of September, the economic and tourism benefits are easily forecast.

Demographic survey, past results, combined with advertising spend on a major event weekend forecast arrival in Airlie Beach of 3500+ out of town boat show goers.

Demographic survey
In an ongoing ticket give away on whitsundayboatshow.com, there is a clear trend toward 60% of show attendees set to come from outside the 4802 postcode area. Free ticket registrants come from as far away as Rottnest Island, Western Australia, while it is expected that upwards of 7% will come from each of Mackay and Townsville regions.

Past Results
Past results for the Whitsunday Boat Show, previously held in the cold month of June showed the willingness of 6000 or more people to come out and visit this great event.

Advertising Spend on a major event weekend
With the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show being held on the same weekend as the Great Whitsunday Fun Race, the co-operative marketing efforts of the Whitsunday Sailing Club and Rotary Club of Airlie Beach have informed virtually every part of the Queensland central coast region including coal mine region by print, radio, TV, Internet and social media.

Exhibitors interested in presenting their product, service or offering to a large number of people in one weekend, have to secure their position quickly. Space is rapidly running out in the show area including marina, hardstand, or under the big top.

The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach would like to thank with generous appreciation the support of these show exhibitors:
All Marine Services
H2opia
Helibiz
Whitsunday Marine Electronics & Communications
Australian Navy Cadets TS Pioneer - Whitsunday Division
Cannonvale Marine
Bright Eye's Airlie Beach
Maritime Safety Queensland
Diecon Engineering
Department of Environment and Resource Management (QPWS)
Reef Marine
Mackay Boat Sales / Seaquest
Sun 2 Sea UV Protection
Volunteer Marine Rescue
Whitsunday Diesel & Marine
Whitsunday Yamaha Marine
Dockpro
Multihull Solutions
Stress Free Marine
Whitsunday Escape
Northside Marine
Castnets Australia
Cumberland Charter Yachts
Sheds n Homes Whitsunday
Charter Yachts Australia
Queensland Yacht Charters
Sunsail Australia
Fusion Electronics
The Ice Box Bloke
Fish D'vine
Sugar City Marine
Australasian Marine Imports Pty LTd
Cruise Whitsundays
Daydream Island Resort & Spa
Whitsunday Outboard Centre
Whitsunday Marine Engineering
Sirocco Marine
Queensland Fishing Monthly
Tensaid
Finlease (Aust) Pty Ltd
Narellen Pools
Crossley Holden
Westerbeke
Whitsunday Sailing Club Limited
Charter Yachts Australia Boatshow confirmed to bring economic outcome

  Enquire 




Kids can climb!

Climbing kids are going to love the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show. Back due to popular demand is the “Climbing Wall” where children will be able to climb for a birds eye view of the new Port Of Airlie marina, the show grounds and marina display.

Free for show attendees the “Climbing wall” will be located in the centre of the grounds and another great reason to bring the family to the Whitsunday Boat Show 2011. We look forward to seeing everyone attending the show, both days.

Other children's and adult activities will be announced along with entertainment, education program and other great reasons to come to the show and the Airlie Beach major events weekend. The entire complex has a great atmosphere and people will be additionally happy to spend time in the new stores, including Billabong, snack at the Coffee Club or simply enjoy the vista from the boardwalk.

  Enquire 




Home sweet home - black island



  Enquire 



Exhibitors: Where are your show specials?

Boat exhibitors, do you intend having a show specials? Big or small, we invite you to send us details of sale item and we will list it on the web site for everyone use as inspiration for coming to the show.

Send details back my return mail to this address with details of our offering.

  Enquire 




Hoover dam

So that's where the water comes from ... I thought it comes from clouds, but there is none of them around here.


  Enquire 




Eiffiel tower, ceasars palace, etc las Vegas!



  Enquire 



Almost at Vegas.

Death valley was amazing ... Much more picturesque than anticipated .... And hot!

  Enquire 



Next stop death valley

After 3 great night s in yosemite

  Enquire 



All Ok - Beautiful in Yosemite

Going hiking soon.

Yesterday 3 got swept over a waterfall and are presumed dead.

It was not me ok...

Story about deaths

  Enquire 




Fresh produce on the way to yosemite!

Got couch with park staff right in the heart of the park!


  Enquire 




Google plex!

Seen it. Bought the t shirt.

  Enquire 




Stanford university on a very nice day



  Enquire 




Lombard st slalom

But why?


  Enquire 




Golden gate views - never mind the vista point

While the multi nationals crowd the official stop and photo opp, the road leading lower north east side of the bridge offers a casual waterfront walk and lunch opportunity.

Parking no probs, and the serenity .... Ah yes

  Enquire 




Santa Cruz - ahhhh the memories

Back in the day I came here for the SCO unix conference.


  Enquire 




Seal of disapproval

These guys have taken over the dock en masse.

  Enquire 




Monterey harbour - few boats about



  Enquire 




Elephant seals ... Honest



  Enquire 




Hearst castle - americian royalty can be purchased

It is interesting that the USA defers to the most wealthy in place of having royalty. In a classic question of chicken and egg, it seems common folk will seek put and appoint royalty and diety as a function of human nature.... And here, you are not born to it formally, it comes with wealth or fame


  Enquire 




Luxury bananas - and apparently they are expensive here



  Enquire 



Camping tonight



  Enquire 




Great Whitsunday Fun Race and Outdoor Party

The Whitsunday Boat and and Lifestyle Show is not alone in a weekend of aquatic activity in the Whitsundays. Saturday the 10th of September is also the Whitsunday Fun Race.

Famous through out the Australian sailing community, the Whitsunday Fun Race is a casual affair, racing with a festive air including fancy dress and live figureheads.

Raced in the waters adjacent to Airlie Beach, the yachts proceed around a large triangle to return to a finish line at Airlie Beach.

The event also features fun for the kids during the day and a fabulous after party with live music and other entertainment. For more information, visit the Whitsunday Sailing Club web site at Whitsunday Sailing Club













  Enquire 




Pacific cove - beer and seafood on the beach

Took some time to gets seat, but such a nice day it does not seem to matter ... :)

  Enquire 




Chinese theatre - Hollywood cheese central



  Enquire 



LA and beyond

13 th July to 29th I will be hunting Google + in the wild.

This important big move by Google into the social networking field is pretty important to the web dev people of the world and for businesses as Google will provide a unified place for Google maps, Google Places, adwords, youtube, Picasa photos, web statistics (Analytics).... and social networking.

Currently dominated by the slightly mysterious facebook with its 750 M users, Google have the job ahead as they will try and sway people to their network with the leading edge "way cool" functions of Google +

At the core of this is the +1 button that will supposedly enable us to easily share search results or any web site with the option embedded to our friends and contacts as the new force of people drive our friends and circle of influence to our favourite online resources.

All in all, its pretty cool and worth the trip to find out more...

  Enquire 



Outside
Resort



  Enquire 




Go queensland



  Enquire 




“Ordinary” June long weekend weather confirms move.

Regular attendees to previous Whitsunday Boat and Leisure shows would remember mixed results for weather over the long weekend. The June long weekend in 2011 was little different showcasing overcast conditions through most of the weekend coupled with some rain and wind.

The new dates in September were an easy choice given the feedback from exhibitors. September is well regarded as best time of the year to visit the tropical destination. Typical clear days have warm sunshine, high probability of light or no wind or possible Northerlies. The warmer water temperatures are confirmed by the departing Whale herds. While the whales are on the hustle, the water temps make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling and enjoying all that the Whitsundays has to offer.

  Enquire 



Boathouse Apartments by Outrigger
Port of Airlie blooms this spring for boat show 2011

Port of Airlie awaits the arrival of the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show 2011. To be held on the 10th and 11th of September 2011, the show will be put on display the lifestyle that Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays is famous for.

Meanwhile the Port of Airlie complex is coming into full bloom, the Boathouse Apartments by Outrigger are an absolute beautifully appointed and a credit to the developers. The adjacent retail space already boasts a Coffee Club which now bustles with the coffee set keen to make use of the fantastic outlook over the new harbour. June and July will also see leading fashion retail from Calypso Resort and Swimwear and Billabong open at the waterfront. The other announcement is Hayman Fine Spirits who will add a new dimension to Airlie Beach with their fine beverages shop.

During a recent planning meeting for the boat show, the plans have all but been confirmed as being at the southern end of the Port of Airlie complex as depicted on the site plans shown on the www.whitsundayboatshow.com web site.

The other major news is that parking will be available for about 1000 vehicles ON SITE, as Port of Airlie have gone out of their way to make space available at the Northern of the marina for exhibitors and show attendees to park.

These various features from the Port of Airlie complex will make the logistics of the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show far simpler than previous years and another reason for exhibitors and attendees to set aside the 10th and 11th of September for a great weekend at the Port of Airlie.

For further information:
John Nayler
0407 15 13 11

  Enquire 



All day Kindergarten Campus - Zwerge

Hi the kids at Campus - Zwerge may need some extra attention, if the staff from this German business clear out for some sunny skies in Queensland.

Maybe all the kids could come too and enjoy some sunshine in the Whitsundays where the diversity of marine life, island adventure is sure to have them going wow!

  Enquire 




Numbers swell for District 9550 Conference 2011

With the District conference just a week away, over 200+ Rotarians are now registered and set to swoop on Airlie Beach. With the weather dial in Airlie Beach now set on "PERFECT", all that is needed now is for it continue. Meanwhile, the town is busy with easter holiday makers enjoying the main street buzz, the shopping and the island adventure just beyond the shore.

Along with partners, many delegates will come together at the key social event at Daydream Island Resort where the DG's Dinner will be held. Daydream Island is about 20 minutes by ferry from Airlie Beach and Abel Point Marina ferry terminal.

Delegates are warned that the ride to an island resort and the related island time has been known to make some Rotarian a little wobbly when they return to shore, though not as a result of the ferry ride or high seas. :) The ferry trip is most times across impossibly calm waters!! Let's just say that what happens on the island stays on the island.

Regardless of the fun to be had at this gala dining event, the range of speakers at the conference will be very interesting. Besides the key note talk from Li Cunxin, the environment will be the focus local green gal Libby Edge, while the Brigadier Wayne Bowen will speak about time in the Australian military. Such diversity will ensure that people are well entertained and informed across the entire weekend. Throw in an air show next door and we have a very complete weekend!

Should you have not made accommodation arrangements as yet, we would like to point you to our official accommodation partners. While you have complete freedom across 70+ accommodation houses to stay in wonderful Airlie Beach, staying with one of our partner accomms helps fund the conference, ensuring its financial success. For more accommodation information contact volunteer Wendy Downes on 0418 768 493.

  Enquire 



24 to go: 120+ delegates, Li Cunxin dinner sold out.

With just 24 days to go for the 2011 Rotary District 9550 Conference and delegate registrations have topped 120. This will mean bumper conference numbers as Rotarians and their partners and guests will descend on Airlie Beach. Including partners, this means that the township of Airlie Beach will play host to over 200 people related to the event.

The stream of registrations continues to grow into the appearance of a river as the conference committee members busy themselves with the final detail the three days of the conference and the extensive social program.

News also is the “sell out” of the Li Cunxin dinner on the Saturday night where an intimate crowd will dine with Li at Alain's restaurant at the Cannonvale foreshore. This is sure to be a wonderful evening, including a special menu constructed by owner and head chef Alain.

The District Governor's Dinner is sure to be another event that enjoys popular attendance. Including a ride to the Islands, the event will take place in the fabulous atrium at Daydream Island Resort and Spa.

For more details of each of the events, prices and a list of who's attending, visit the relevant program pages on the District Conference web site.

  Enquire 



Have you received the Million Dollar Memo?
The dreaded memo...

Most people dread getting another memo, but this time the memo comes with a million dollar bonus attached for you and your hard working staff. Million Dollar Memo will be well received by creative enterprises throughout the world that do that "bit more" for their customers and staff.

Million Dollar Memo News will introduce you to the Whitsunday and Airlie Beach people and businesses that will show you a good time on your adventure of a lifetime.Million Dollar Memo News will highlight the submitted videos as they come in and provide some fun reviews and commentary along the way.

Member for Whitsunday and Queensland's Minister for Tourism Jan Jarratt will meet you and probably join you for a sail or scuba dive adventure around the Whitsundays.

Minister Jarratt told Million Dollar Memo News this week that "We're encouraging people to have a bit of fun with this."

"Naturally the Great Barrier Reef is going to feature on anyone's wish list. We love welcoming people and sharing what we have to offer."

"If you want to give your staff an incentive for their hard work, where better could you possibly send them than to Queensland?" Minister Jarratt asks.

Million Dollar Memo will include a 'Peoples Choice' score on all video entries and Million Dollar Memo News will have a special 'Hot or Not' rating for some extra fun.

Get your passport ready to hop across the world when your company wins the trip of your lifetime to Australia’s Queensland for fun in the sun

Cap'n Dan
Million Dollar Memo News
Airlie Beach, Whitsunday - The Heart of Australia's Great Barrier Reef

  Enquire 



Conference Organising committee
6 weeks to go

With just 6 weeks to go, the District 9550 organising is in full swing. The plans for the weekend well advanced and numbers for delegates attending is starting to grow at a rapid rate. With the expectation of A380 Airbus type attendance, there is quite a bit to do.

Pictured is the conference organising committee hard at work, attending the PCYC venue to check over its facilities.

Delegates are reminded that there are a great selection of activities that have been organised by Rotarian Suzie Bernie for partners, while others might like to take advantage of free and in-expensive things to do include:
- Bowls: The local bowls club is 3 minutes walk from the conference venue
- Saturday morning markets: Airlie Beach Lions conduct the markets on the Airlie Beach foreshore
- Bridge: Join a few friendly locals for some hands of bridge. The Airlie Beach Social Bridge Club consists of female & male players of all skills from beginner to moderately expert. Depending on numbers play can be arranged at one of our members homes, or if sufficient numbers,  the Airlie Beach Bowls Club. No bridge partner needed, as our club does not have “set” partners. Partners with an afternoon (or morning ?) to spare should contact Eric Bottle 4946 6224 or his partner Dale on 0416 273 598.
- Walk: The bicentennial walkway connects Airlie Beach to Cannonvale. In fact, it is possible to walk from the PCYC conference venue to town, past the new Port of Airlie marina, along the foreshore past Airlie Beach itself, through the landscaped area and across Airlie Creek to the Lagoon. Continue North through the grounds of the Coral Sea Resort and through to Able Point Marina. Stop for a relaxing beverage overlooking the marina and Coral Sea, or continue on past the marina to Shingley Beach and further on via timbered boardwalk to Cannonvale and Cannonvale Beach.
- Shop: The main street of Airlie Beach includes a range of shopping exercise, have an ice cream, or something from Brumbies and then poodle down to Beachworx to purchase the extra accessory to complete your outfit for the DG's dinner.

As delegates you should look forward to a wonderful weekend of Rotary fellowship in surrounds of paradise.

  Enquire 



Whitsundays, cruising and mining demographic
10 Reasons To Exhibit At The Whitsunday Boat Show

1. Access the regional demographic including high income MINING COMMUNITY that surrounds

2. September is the PEAK CRUISING PERIOD with coastal sailors, power boat cruisers and post "Race Week" crew and tourists in the area.

3. Attracting more people to town on the SATURDAY is the "Whitsunday Fun Race" and famous after party

4. Additional attendance assured on SUNDAY with the Fish D'Vine Seafood Festival

5. Over the past 9 years the show dates have had ZERO rainfall. Display in good weather.

6. As a boutique regional show the audience is FOCUSED around a limited number of exhibits

7. Close the sale in the perfect islands surrounds to sell the sausage with the SIZZLE

8. Operated by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach as a community event, its has a LOW COST OF ATTENDANCE.

9. PROFITS ARE MEANINGFULLY directed to community or cause by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach

10. Enjoy Airlie Beach and Whitsundays Islands Great Barrier Reef paradise and take some time out FOR YOU!

Find out more about being an exhibitor...

  Enquire 




Beautiful eastery breezes in the Whitsunday islands

While we are so used to the South East trades, there is nothing that makes sailing more pleasureable in the Whitsundays than an East breeze. This allows you to sail North and South with ease and visit so many places.

This trip started out with strong winds and some rain, but it improved over the days which determined some rationing so that 3 days could be lasted.

It was well worth it.

  Enquire 



Sleeping in the garage is not all bad

It's good to wake up looking at the un-aged lines of the tigra.

The painters should ve finished today. Carpet early next week and the house will be ready to move into.

Then the next project can start - selling the boat.


  Enquire 



Cyclone yasi ... Check channelwhitsunday.com

Back home today. Switching to report for channelwhitsunday.com during the cyclone event.

  Enquire 




Random drive by friends place

Was on random back road when they spotted me drive by...

  Enquire 




Cyclone Anthony almost here.

Thank you to those concerned with my welfare. Boats in the marina (Thank you Jo and Abel Point Marina) . Will be back in Airlie Beach on tuesday, just in time for the next one! Which is supposed to be bigger.

  Enquire 




Birthday kick back on the balcony at Caloundra with mum

Weather could be better. :)

  Enquire 




Ah .... Brisbane



  Enquire 




Ah.... Australia day eve



  Enquire 



Lights of City from hill behind Malibu (placemarker)
LA nights

Went testing new Nikon S6000 camera. $156 US is a bargain compared to Ebay.com.au min ship from asia price of $230. Somehow, the consumer electronics over here is cheaper. The "Night Landscape" mode gets some great results despite the lack of a tripod.

  Enquire 



Time Square
USA East Coat road trip to remember

“Dropping into New York on New Years Day would sound like one day too late for most people, but this merely set the scene for an amazing East Coast road trip.”

A murky evening presented itself as post blizzard New York woke up late from new year's celebration and avoidance of cold. The Maple Leaf service from Toronto had been a 13 hour comfortable ride that extended a little too long due to the lack of amiable company in the adjacent seat for the long haul. Greeted by travel companion Marta at train station was a welcome face in a big city that was completely new me. Having not seen her for 16 months was additional reason to be warmed hearted at her platform based reception.

A couple of days of New York was fine for me on the first look. The cold weather made the place a little less appealing, with incentive from everyone to return in the summer. New York is otherwise a celebration of multiculturalism at its finest. Crowded subway trains or walking a city block yielded every language of the world and a population that was busy getting on with their lives in close quarters - with 8 million other residents that demands tolerance and understanding … and this was ever so evident at street level. This contrasts starkly with the walk by of the WTC / ground zero site, where the USA rebuilds a testament to their fortitude and new buildings climb skyward. The epicentre of extremist action versus US foreign policy fuelled by the price of oil was a place of reflection for those lost in the rubble of 9/11 and ingenuity of the terrorist act that got the entire world's attention.

New York otherwise ruffles its megalopolis plumage that must be seen, Empire State, Wall St, 5th Avenue, Times Square, Statue of Liberty and absolute evidence of a 24/7 city. Complete in this situation with trash stacked high on the curb, lately revealed by melting snow with rats dining on a  4 day old feast, thawed just in time for supper.  It is all part of the New York experience.

Time to head south. The rental car of choice courtesy of online deals from Hertz included a $300 “one way fee” for the destination Miami Airport and attempts to save the environment were foiled at the last moment by lack of availability. After some gregarious Australian antics in the reception and furious pointing at a Porche 959 as a substitute vehicle (even though it was clearly privately owned) yielded a Volvo c70 convertible for the same price as the Toyota Prius. $30 a day now provided a vehicle worth $125 per day, a free tank of gas and waiver of scratch damage to make me happy. Hertz seem to have some inspiring customer attitude policies that will show itself again late in the story.

Fully kitted, European and slippery, the c70 also had the Hertz specific GPS that guided me to pick up my bags and travel companion and found the highway south with ease.

First stop was New Jersey to drop by friends from Whitsunday cruising of old, Mary and Megan, complete with school classes dumbfounded by Australian accents and the truth that we do have cell phones and malls in the sunburnt country.

Evening fall saw us in Washington for sunset photos at the capitol building, Washington monument and wander the parks while the fitness set jogged in near zero temps. Overnight with friends in the homeland security business was an insight into the human side of work in the field, while the tasty dinner at Busboys and Poets was smoothed with a bottle of Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz.

The following day of Washington included a lonely planet suggested lunch of Spanish tapas at Jaleo and site-seeing that ended late enough to be caught in traffic standstill for 2 hours. The wait was worthwhile the Congress Library internal décor was probably the architectural highlight of the trip. The ornate ceilings, statues of learned figures in history and circular reading room that we could gaze upon from a glass separated balcony almost inspired further studies.... I did say almost.

Overnight with co-pilot's friends at Charotteville was all to brief. The lovely young recently married couple, were just too nice. The friendship with Marta formed around their housing and assist on her arrival in the USA 6 months earlier. Their generosity once again on display their house was open to us, along with the friendship.

Charlotteville was a great start point for the blue ridge parkway, a famous drive in down an ancient formed valley, the high hillsides made for a rich rolling vista as we drove toward Knoxsville and overnight stay with a prior sailing family. Along the way was Abingdon, which was important in US civil war. The army hospital from the time is now a classy hotel. Lunch of yummy soups and coffees at the ONLY place open in town was a relief. The primary functions of the town appeared to be hosting the dead or nearly dying - an unfortunate reflection on country towns the world over. A coffee shop chat with locals suggested Pratt's Hams in a town south as a tasty gift for the coming nights hosts. The deviation was not disappointing, as it formed a latish dinner shared with our hosts (add sounds of eating delight yourself).

All too early it was time to mount up in the Volvo for another leg south. Next stop was Jacksonville for two nights with sailing friends Wolf and Joan who lived creek side just off the centre of the city. Their great place and back yard to the tidal creek was a great setting for tall stories of the sea and adventuring. Wolf was inspiring at his life long dedication to exploring the world and included glider-planing the length of Sweden, smuggling borrowed children into Cold War Poland, and van travels across the USA and Europe in the one cruising machine that had been shipped across the Atlantic three times. The local adventure included canoeing along the stream amongst quiet suburbia, swamp and bird-life. The tex-mex dinner at La Nopalera Mexicano just nearby yielded amazing tastes at 1/2 the price for equivalent foods in Aussie.

The road soon open up further. Jacksonville is Northern Florida and ashamedly we had covered numerous East Coast states in a eye blink. Having organised someone to stay with in Key West called us southward and we were soon cruising the “keys” with the roof down just on sunset. The famous USA "progress" had encroached complete 1st first services all the way across dozens of small islands with 4 lane bridges, fast food, gas, van parks and boating services all the way to the end of the line - Key West. The seemingly small island has 25000+ residents in a densely populated city, exaggerated by tourist influx. Mostly by car, tourists flock for a photo beside the missile-tipped monument at the most southerly point of the USA (Cuban reference?), a walk of the famous Duval street at sunset to catch street performers in cold windy conditions and savour a relatively expensive Mojito or two.

Dining hot spots included the marina side Hogfish bar and restaurant and authentic Cuban food at El Siboney. With seaplanes and helo's booked out, the other aquatic adventures were past up in favour of chilled relaxation on nice beaches under a warmish winter sun.

All too soon the time in Key West was over and the roof was down as we headed north in the mid morning. Complete with overhead sunshine we memorably cruised the islands and bridges back to mainland. This was a 2nd ticked box from the list of top USA drives.... with the very next leg was also a wonder drive. Having another sailing contact to stop by in Naples FL (why does the USA have every major city of the world represented in their city names? - Is it so they can see the world with out leaving the country?) The course was set along 41, Alligator alley. A near perfect road through the Everglades was absolutely amazing in the c70, with the odd burst well beyond the speed limit, the European car was nothing short of “way cool”, made sweeter by effortless power bursts to overtake on with 1 lane each way. Melted with “Down to the bone” playing from iPhone through the Aux jack car hifi, The phone blue-tacked to the dash board for convenient (and safer) fiddling.

Naples is a city of wealth by appearance – wide perfectly paved streets around the main estuary. Homes, apartments and rich folk everywhere, further evidenced by all new cars, and boats parked at the back of homes. Advertising the most golf holes per capita, Bill Gates is supposed to have a home in the vicinity also. The beach-side was amazing too and Naples Pier. Parking cheaply 100 m from the wharf, we were able to walk out to the pier with the only drama was dodging the many friendly people keen for a chat. To the West was the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the setting sun, over the top of a distant sailing cat, later identified as our very own Aussie made Seawind 1000.

The west coast of Florida is overlooked by the tourist masses (thank god), as a more relaxed attitude, traffic ease and nicer people frequent the west. I theory I have is that people on west coasts are able to watch the sun set over water, and this is the reason that west coasters all over the world have a different attitude to life... Seriously. Find me a west coast community where the people are MORE caught up in life than their equivalents on the east coast. Perth versus Sydney, Portuguese versus the rest of Europe, LA' ites, -v- New Yorker, Vancouver -v- Toronto. Go on prove me wrong.

The last days of this trek were completed by nights in Fort Myers with property investing folk. In the business of purchasing “foreclosure” homes at 1/4 the original $240000 price, they are cleaning up the mess left by recent time greed that caused a local building explosion that raised more dwellings in 3 years than the previous 40! Stories of abandoned properties with open doors, air-con going missing and vacating mortgage anger visible through punched in walls, power points torn out and toilet pans removed. "Lehigh Acres" is ground zero in the global financial crisis and now has an all new 1/2 price investment opportunity contrasted with easy parking, beachside bars, with affordable drinks over a be-speckled sea complete with pier and setting sun. Gaze in wonderment and consider a property bargain before the absolute must property price correction (upward).

The final day and night were filled with wildlife stops on the 41 for sunbaking gators, teaming birdlife and overly officious volunteer park lover types, couple with lunch time beers in a bar in little Havana where the local folk had the appearance of caged zoo animals playing dominos for the tourist camera. Elsewhere a cigar smoker sits liked a fixed ornament in front of a cigar shop. Destined to die by the sword with that behaviour, we stepped behind the facade and got talking to Abraham, former 8 year jailed Cuban, he had somehow got to the USA. His gregarious and tactile nature welcome with stories from a hazy memory even included travel to Europe and elsewhere. A truly fitting experience of the locality.

Finally the crush through high rise Miami and wrong turns onto small condo studded islands in the absolute centre. Miami Beach was alive with a festival for the Martin Luther long weekend, vastly crowded but contented, a final feed of Cuban and side step the urge to purchase cigars for gifts before a short sleep in a sub $100 genuine roach motel (complete with roach), and a pre-dawn drive to Miami International.

A fitting and final part of the east coast experience courtesy of Hertz. The fabulous European convertible was dropped with the announcement that the “return it empty” option had not made it onto the contract and so by the letter of the contract I was due for $100+ extra charge (as the tank was bone dry “We are on vapours Mav”). Some hasty phone calls and available time to return to the Hertz desk (shuttle ride included free) found some empathetic, but non-talkative attendants that scribbled on receipts, typed on computers, and finalised the account to hand over a corrected bill that not only dealt helpfully with the expected fuel account, but included an extra gratuity much to generous to announce here that leave me a Hertz worshipper for some time. Combined with the exotic car upgrade at tiny price, terrific ride company, wonderful people to stopover with the USA East Coast driving adventure was all that was expected and much much more.

  Enquire 



Watermans at Redondo Beach Pier

Spicy Poke (sushi style) on a bed of rice and leave was just amazing.

  Enquire 




Lotsa boats

Redondo beach harbour, LA

  Enquire 




Final night crash east coast at Miami beach

Lucky to find a hotel on long weekend...

Long weekend means No couches, no parks, no toilets ... You get the idea

No matter - LA tomorrow


  Enquire 




Bridge island to Sanibel and park on the beach...

$6 to drive to The island and opportunity to park on the beach. Nice.

  Enquire 




Fort myers - what the?

People flock to Miami and Florida for winter from all over USA and Canada. The true gem is the west coast of the penisula seems to be the gem. "Less" crowded beaches, calmer seas, wide streets and sunsets over water ... It just makes more sense.

  Enquire 




Bye bye Key West... Everglades here we come!



  Enquire 



Bye bye keys ... Everglades next



  Enquire 




Hogfish bar and grill

Coconut shrimp, local fish burger, blue moon wheat bee, sunshine, t shirt weather... What could be better???

  Enquire 




Key west sunshine

Thoughts to those affected by the weather back home.

  Enquire 



Next stop key west!



  Enquire 




28 foot of relaxation at port st lucie

Staying with Cs parents, implicated by new York host... And when these guys travel, they do it in style.


  Enquire 




Ponce de León Hotel - americian artifacts of oil wealth

Is quite amazing for it's Spanish influenced design

  Enquire 




Jacksonville couch by the local estuary.

Great people who have been everywhere. Their catamaran is down in Trinidad unfortunately.....



  Enquire 




Thank you hertz too for upgrading me from the prius to the Volvo convertible

At $100 per day, this things fully loaded with performance, cruise, gps and the ability to dodge stupid people texting, while changing lanes on top of you

Simply superb!

  Enquire 




Heading for atlanta



  Enquire 




Charlottesville, South of Washington cs sleep over

Off to Knoxsville

  Enquire 




Hanging with big dogs in washington



  Enquire 




New york. Once The slow melted

The christmas garbage was revealed. Its everywhere.

The best story is the guy who fell 9 floors and survived because of the pile outside his place.

  Enquire 



One World Trade Centre under construction
New York - got in last night and CS has provided a great place for me to stay

Couple of days of fun and adventure before departing for the drive to Miami!

But first there is so much to see here in NY, that I have hardly bothered.... Emp state building, the stock exchange, Ground Zero and then uptown for an "open mic night" at the Gael Pub on 3rd Ave. Great day out and about in the thriving city.

Interestingly, the city is quite for traffic as NY'ers leave town - leaving it for the massive influx of tourists that come here for New Years celebration. FRiends of mine talked themselves through 4 check points to get into Time Sq for new years - its was packed! apparently.

  Enquire 



On the way to NY - long night...

Its seems like I have only had 2 hours sleep ... cause I have.

  Enquire 




News years first beer in downtown Toronto

Happy new year to everyone.  Still got a couple more hours to go in Toronto

11' is going to be amazing I know for sure.

  Enquire 



Access another smtp mail server on Rogers broadband

Access another smtp mail server  on Rogers broadband. I found the answer on this page

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20090958-Extreme-Rogers-Port-25-blocked-Alternatives

and set my email to access the SMTP server via port 587 which at the minute is not blocked by Rogers... and this let me relay mail back through my email host provider, Webcentral back in Australia.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20090958-Extreme-Rogers-Port-25-blocked-Alternatives    Enquire 




Breakfast time in the previl household



  Enquire 




Kitchener Canada. People snow etc



  Enquire 



Stayed with lovely Cs that picked me up from the airport

It was sub zero and she had the flu.

  Enquire 




Thank you air Canada for the business class upgrade!!

Toronto here I come!

  Enquire 



Early start today. In transit isle of wight to canada - st Thomas.

Car
Ferry
Train
Train
Tube
Tube
Plane
Bus
Train
Car

  Enquire 



Christmas with Duncan and family on the Isle of Wight



  Enquire 




Crossin to the isle of wight



  Enquire 




Fur hats and thai for dinner



  Enquire 




East end breakfast with Louise at e.pellicci - yum



  Enquire 




Too much to do in the UK! so now staying past Christmas

Thank you to all the friends that I have here asking to catch up !! I still don't know how I will get around to you all!

  Enquire 




Flight delayed but flying today to UK...



  Enquire 




So I arrived for a plane a day early!

Better than a day late!!

So back into a hire car and off to stay in a small town via couchsurfing 60 km south.

Thank you Cs - it saved me from a boring night in a airport hotel.

Right now having a beer on the way in another regional town where I will stay with a young CS girl and her family. As it turned out the parents are a nurse and doctor. The daughter Marianna is lovely and so keen to travel. Naturally I am happy to entertain with the vast array of travelling stories and get people to pose for photos with JD the "Santaroo"....

As the first time they have hosted with CS, they are every so amazed... "We did not ever imagine we would have an Australian in our home tonight."

They were so lovely, they were most keen for me to stay for longer... but alas, despite the snow the planes were still flying and I had to make my way to the UK with a touch of sadness.


  Enquire 




OOPs! Looks like a get to spend one more day in Germany!

I changed my flight incorrectly and have arrived at the airport one day early!

After staying more night in Frankfurt with Catherine from CS I awoke to the snow covered city once more. The night prior I arrived to help with the last of some light fitting (in Germany a vacant apartment has no light fittings).... We also headed out to the area in the south of the city for dinner in a trendy italian place for a tasty and very affordable tortellini..... beers and desert after.

It was an early, but well orchestrated transit executed with great accuracy and minutes to spare... return the car, hop on the bus, arrive at the airport ... try to check in and OOPS.







  Enquire 



Rolio, JD and friends
Strasbourg....

Philipe from CS had me stay in his apartment which has so many interesting students and workers... Biology, Arts, European government, IT, and media work all under the one roof.

Strasbourg also has a bunch of German architecture by being part of that nation from last 1800s to end of first world war....

The local CS are a friendly crew and most entertaining - I am now the proud owner of their CS t-shirt!

  Enquire 




Santacon, Paris !

Coming around the world, it was wonderful to be invited to Santacon as I was being hosted by Delphine.... A CS former guest, she is now back in Paris and one of the organisers for the event.

  Enquire 



Car location in Lyon

My car is a Seat Ibiza 4 door in black, rented from Europcar.

  Enquire 



Where I stay in Lyon

12 place Raspail. Beside the river, east side.


  Enquire 



Lyon and the Fetes Lumerie - Wow what a show...

8th year I believe - was originally a candle powered rejoice for Mary, but has become much more with the city bathed in light in many forms each night! The population is supposed to swell to 4 times for the event!!

  Enquire 




Room with a view marseille



  Enquire 




Driving Firenze to marseille france



  Enquire 




Go firenze!! Football fever



  Enquire 




Fine crafts in Florence



  Enquire 




Florence land mark ... Must be .. Everyone is photographing it!



  Enquire 




Urban Florence looks nice at night... Just got in ...



  Enquire 




Chilling at open mic night bar in NY



  Enquire 




Hanging out on free wifi in Como looking for a couch...



  Enquire 




German countryside



  Enquire 



West Europe Road Trip

Frankfurt, Tettnang, Como, Florence, Marseilles, Lyon, Paris, Strassbourg, Frankfurt - 3000+ k's

Drive tour    Enquire 




Capgemini staff awards function with Anjaan

Night 2 of 3 with Anjaan he had to MC a staff event for Capgemini, who have 7500 employees in Bangalore and approach 100,000 across India.

This company does SAP, and big system work for just about everyone...

Names that came up included Coca Cola, Shell, Dell, HP, Acatel.... GM, and more, which is huge proof of the amount of outsourcing and IT development going on here in India.

It was a super fun night.... "I am loving it!" you have to say with a head wobble. :)

  Enquire 



Doing live radio in Bangalore with Anjaan!! It's great fun!!



  Enquire 



Crazy long weekend in India starts now



  Enquire 



Times up in Thailand for this visit and it's off to India



  Enquire 




Last breakfast Chiang Mai. Fly back to bkk today



  Enquire 




Morning after breakfast at the corner cafe, Chiang Mai



  Enquire 




OMG - stuck at freedom bar again....



  Enquire 




Chiang Mai - my second home.

Very relaxed at the Giant House and Freedom Bar, Chiang Mai.

Massage, steak lunch night markets now.... and had a great time last night

Monday night, there is a party at the Freedom Bar, with free food, Reggae music and lotsa great people.

Freedom Bar on Facebook    Enquire 




Sunshine and fast Internet. .... That's the way to live!

The giant house, Chiang mai is a very chilled out place

  Enquire 




Now I know why they say it's relaxed in Chang Mai

The place I am staying has a reggae bar!!!

  Enquire 



Good to see discount airlines being uniformly late throughout the world.

Bangkoks airport is first class and the service is friendly and efficient , but my air Asia flight is looking like 1/2 hour late ...

  Enquire 



Good to see discount airlines being uniformly late throughout the world.

Bangkoks airport is first class and the service is friendly and efficient , but my air Asia flight is looking like 1/2 hour late ...

  Enquire 




Another great couch experience with Gibby this time



  Enquire 




Got my india visa just now after another interesting day in the town.



  Enquire 




Suns out and adventure awaits



  Enquire 



Couchsurfing meeting in Bangkok

Went to the CouchSurfing meeting Sunday night in Bangkok. It was a great night out with the tourim hub that Bangkok is bringing together people from all over the world. Did a great video to show off the night and the diversity of the people there.

Sawasdee House    Enquire 




Bangkok return on the train now



  Enquire 




Great tour day - did just about everything, hellfire, elephants, trains



  Enquire 



Tourist today: Train, elephants, waterfall, bamboo rafts, lunch... AU$30

Its back breaking work but some one has to do it! The tour is a 8am - 5pm thing, which is a bit high paced for mine... Travelling with Charlie and Betty is a great way to catch up at a steady pace and they love the delights of Asia.

Best fun so far started last night with a twilight show at the Kwai bridge, including some street clowns as part of the opening festival for the "end of the war" ... which seems to run for a month! ... and seems to be in favour of tourism, with fireworks, music and light show.. clever people.

  Enquire 




Work to do



  Enquire 




The bridge is here somewhere, but first some dinner



  Enquire 




Bangkok city circle tours

Catching taxis in Bangkok can be a very effective means of getting around town. To catch a taxi in bangkok, includes a number of challenges that are sometimes difficult to overcome, but problems can be avoided if you take some steps.

In the end you might spend an hour getting somewhere, but it's only cost you four Aussie dollars.

Tips for catching taxis in bangkok.
- Know your destination specifically
- Try to have it written down in thai script
- Have a city map in both languages with  the location marked so you can show them.
- Try and get them to understand you needs and confirm the destination
- Be prepared to get out of the taxi on the other side of the road or highway to save on time. (there are lots of orchestrated u turns to deal with this need, but never where you need them)
- Monitor where they are going on your own map and be prepared to send them left or right.
- Carry a gps or iPhone with nab app to monitor your progress.

Its seems sometimes that they have no idea and lost, but in most cases it's clear that it's a ploy to run up the meter. Thinking about the psychology of it. These guys only get paid by the metre, so they got to keep moving. They will avoid traffic and go a long WAY to avoid it and at the same time run up the meter. It's not so much the two extra bucks that it's going to cost you but the extra time taken from your day going the long way!!

The worst experience was heading from a city hotel to the main train station. The driver seemed to have little choice but head off down a one way street, but as we followed his progress using motion x gps on my iPhone, this guy headed for the ring road and headed off to the east then south. It did look like he had a plan as we made our way around the ring road, but then he got off the ring road and began to double back toward in a north east direction that started to look like a upside down love heart.

When challenged for the fourth time he pulled up behind another cab and offered us to the other cab who took us directly. We were not charged us a fare and seemed ok, but using up time we thought precious for a train departure!!
In the end it turned out ok for us, but beware the extra ks you might end consuming in pursuit of your destination. :)

  Enquire 




Great chilled hotel - the fusion suites. But the staff are too



  Enquire 




Gotta find the India embassy. But breakfast with Charlie and Betty first



  Enquire 




20 plus Cs meeting at the chilling house, bangkok. Travelers from everywhere.



  Enquire 



Great night out - dinner with CS friends and fast tuk tuk ride home



  Enquire 




What a mad day in Bangkok. Walked a lot - saw little different



  Enquire 




Bangkok morning is writhing humanity - and later today a look around



  Enquire 




Arrived Bangkok fine - what a big city. Staying Cs hayko he is just like me!!



  Enquire 




Wishing I had joined the queue at the airport earlier!



  Enquire 



Weather forecast excellent for 2011 conference

Today Mark O'Donnell from the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach has made a bold prediction about the weather for May 2011.

"The weather will be superb for the District 9550 conference", was the amazing statement from O'Donnell who is known specifically known for correct weather predictions.... This would suggest that he is telling porky pies or has a never-spoken-about relationship with the big fella.

It was been suggested by other conference organisers and his fellow Rotarian's that it is likely to be the first of the two.

Otherwise known for terrible dress sense, Mark is frequently involved in comic banter in his unmistakable Hawaiian clobber.

Come conference time in 2011 one would wonder what he may arrive at the gala events wearing - its is not expected that the ensemble will include an umbrella!

  Enquire 



View to the South
New office at the marina!


Having returned home, it took under 8 hours to find myself up to the marina office to sign on for the new office. Upstairs in the old marina office building, is a little 3.5x 3.5 box that I have had my eye on for years. With views out over the old and new sections of the marina, I can see the main entrance for the marina, with the boats coming and going.

It has not taken much effort to transform the old wall colours and 10 year past its used by date carpet to get the place smelling new and ready for business.

With sofas, tables, a big monitor to be purchased, the first item bought in was the beer fridge complete with stock.

Obviously this is a big step for ChannelWhitsunday.com which now has on the street representation at the busy marina hub. Let the fun continue.

  Enquire 



Make Contact Today

Mackay coffee supplies

About Us

We are a Mackay local business providing personal service. CSP supplies a diverse range of coffee equipment and cafe supplies including BioPak food and beverage packaging. Servicing Mackay, Moranbah, Whitsundays, Airlie Beach and Sarina.

Address

 3 Endeavour Street Mackay Qld 4740

 07 4942 1895

 Mobile Technician

Supply & Service Area

  • Servicing Mackay, Sarina, Moranbah, Whitsundays

    Servicing Mackay, Sarina, Moranbah, Whitsundays. We offer our products and services to the greater Mackay region including Proserpine, Moranbah, Sarina, Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island.

  • Supplying Across Australia

    Our distribution agreements span Australia. This means wherever you are CSP can supply you with BioPak lines, Caffenation coffee and our full range of cafe supplies.

How can we help you?

Name
Company
Phone
Email
What can we do for you?