Australians Let it Slip in First Test at the Gabba

NEW Zealand was 5-176 when bad light forced players from the field on the opening day of the first Test against Australia.

Daniel Vettori was not out 45 with Dean Brownlie on 32 when tea was called early after the tourists won the toss and elected to bat this morning in Brisbane.

Two dropped catches have cost Australia with New Zealand’s lower middle-order rallying after a mixed start to the innings.

Captain Michael Clarke fumbled a sitter from Brownlie off the bowling of Peter Siddle when the batsmen was three and the score 5-102.

The Black Caps' batsman, who was born and raised in Perth, was then dropped at point by David Warner in the next over when debutant Mitchell Starc was bowling.

Brownlie (32no) has gone on to combine with former captain Vettori (45no) for a 80-run partnership that has wrested back Austrlia’s early advantage.

esse Ryder (6) was the only batsman to fall in the session, caught at point by Warner to give Starc (2-52) his second wicket on debut.

The Kiwis were struggling at 5-96 at that point and had catches been held it was hard to see them achieving a respectable total.

Starc and fellow debutant James Pattinson, went to lunch with a wicket against their names.

Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon also made breakthroughs.

New Zealand’s batsmen showed poor concentration, falling to 4-93 after getting off to a good start thanks to Brendon McCullum (34).

Starc (1-18), had a great start. The left armer brings the ball back into the right hander and was always dangerous.

He roughed up McCullum who had plundered some nervous early offerings from Pattinson (1-40) before having the batsman caught at point from a poor shot.

Lyon got grip and turn and really troubled the batsmen. He had Kane Williamson (19) caught at short leg by Usman Khawaja who had dropped an earlier chance in the same spot off Pattinson.

Siddle was reliable and made the first breakthrough, getting Martin Guptill (13) caught behind when the score was 0-44 from 11 overs.

Pattinson was brought back on to bowl the 20th over and overcame his early nerves.

He was unlucky not to get Taylor when the catch was dropped in his first comeback over, but had his man two overs later, swinging the ball in, catching an inside edge and shattering the stumps.

Australia Cricket News and Information: Australians Let it Slip in First Test at the Gabba

Smart Travel is Safe Travel

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has launched the newest phase of the Australian Government's Smartraveller campaign.

The new initiatives, which put Australia at the leading edge of consular services around the world, are targeted at making smarter travel easier for Australians.

Mr Rudd relaunched the Smartraveller website - a cleaner, clearer, more intuitive and easier to navigate site that will link to social media platforms and embedded videos.

Mr Rudd also unveiled the Smartraveller web app, "It's vital that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's consular services are as effective and accessible to as many Australians as possible," Mr Rudd said.

"This app makes it easier for travellers to access key Smartraveller services anywhere in the world, including updated travel advisories.

"We are working hard to adapt to the changing needs of travelling Australians - at any one time, we have about one million Australians abroad.

"This Government will always make the safety and security of Australians its highest priority, but unfortunately, things can - and do - go wrong."

Mr Rudd encouraged travellers to be prepared before they headed off for their summer holidays by registering their travel plans, reading and subscribing to travel advice and alerts, and taking out appropriate insurance before leaving the country.

www.smartraveller.gov.au

(Source: travmedia.com)

Metro Hotel Tower Mill, Brisbane: Metro Hotel Tower Mill -Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence

Metro Hotel Tower Mill was recently awarded Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence for the year of 2011
Metro Hotel Tower Mill has achieved a tridAdvisor Rating of 4 Stars out of 5 stars by its guests and therefore has been awarded a certificate of excellence for the year 2011 presented by the president for trip advisor business Christine Petersen.

View the Offical Metro Hotel Tower Mill Website

Metro Hotel Tower Mill -Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence

Government Plans to Lift Ban on Liquid Restrictions

Next year international travellers will be able to travel with their favourite bottle of perfume or alcoholic beverage, under a new security plan being implemented at Australian International airports.

The federal government has announced the “easing of restrictions” as Australia's international airports begin introducing new explosive detection equipment, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Currently, around 8000 items including water bottles are confiscated at Sydney Airport security checkpoints per month and 1250 duty free items such as alcohol and perfumes.

The new detection equipment has been tested at Sydney airport allows authorities to detect the smallest sign of explosives in liquids.

Federal Transport Minister said Anthony Albanese said the relaxing of restrictions will undoubtedly be welcomed by travellers.

"It will make air travel easier and less stressful for passengers as well as free airport security staff to better focus on their core screening responsibilities without the distraction of having to confiscate items from people's bags," Mr Albanese said.

"While preventing acts of terrorism remains our number one priority, we're also determined to minimise the disruption and inconvenience experienced by passengers as they transit throughout major airports, including by deploying the latest technologies, He added.

The ban on carrying liquids on international flights was introduced globally after UK police blocked a terror plot which involved detonating liquid explosives on trans-Atlantic flights in 2006.

(Source: etravelblackboard.com)

Visits to Australia Defy Strong Dollar and Keep Building

The strong Australian dollar has failed to scare off visitors and they keep heading to Australia.

That’s the message from Australian Bureau of Statistics data for September, released yesterday, which shows that short-term arrivals are matching the same month last year. They are close to the all-time record set last October.

Comparing Septembers over the past decade, you can track the trend arrivals building:

Sept 01 403,600
Sept 02 405,100
Sept 03 425,000
Sept 04 439,500
Sept 05 458,900
Sept 06 462,500
Sept 07 471,700
Sept 08 454,700
Sept 09 466,300
Sept 10 500,200
Sept 11 500,600

For the year to September, the ABS trend series shows 5,898,400 visitor arrivals, up 87,600 on the previous year and quite healthy. That’s despite a dollar riding high against most major currencies in the world, making Australia a more expensive place to visit, comparatively, than it was last year.

ABS trend estimates for arrivals show that short-term visitor arrivals during September 2011 (500,600 movements) increased 1.1% compared with August 2011 (495,400 movements). This followed monthly increases of 1.0% in July 2011 and 1.1% in August 2011. The current trend estimate for arrivals is 0.1% higher than in September 2010.

When trend estimates for short-term visitor arrivals for September 2010 and September 2011 were compared, the highest percentage increase was recorded for China (22.9%). The highest percentage decrease was recorded for Japan (16.3%) followed by the US (10.6%).

When seasonally adjusted, short-term visitor arrivals (481,500 movements) recorded a decrease of 4.1% compared with August 2011 (501,900 movements). This followed monthly increases of 2.5% in July 2011 and 2.7% in August 2011. ABS original estimates: There were 432,200 short-term visitor arrivals to Australia in September 2011.

ABS trend estimates for departures show that short-term resident departures during September 2011 (665,100 movements) increased 0.3% compared with August 2011 (663,100 movements). This followed monthly increases of 0.8% in July 2011 and 0.5% in August 2011. The current trend estimate for departures is 10.2% higher than in September 2010.

When seasonally adjusted, estimates for September 2011 show short-term resident departures (663,500 movements) increasing by 0.3% compared with August 2011 (661,500 movements). This followed monthly increases of 3.2% in July 2011 and 0.3% in August 2011. ABS original estimates: There were 790,600 short-term resident departures from Australia during September 2011.

The figures indicate that travel is healthy in both directions.

New Zealand remains Australia’s biggest source of tourists and biggest tourist destination. New Zealand held that position on the arrivals front (trend estimates) in September, followed by (in order) Britain, China, USA and Japan.

Following New Zealand on the departures front in September on the same basis were (in order): USA, Britain, Indonesia and Thailand.

Visits to Australia Defy Strong Dollar and Keep Building

Christmas Calendar 2011 - Brisbane Tourism Events News

Christmas in The City kicks off with the annual lighting of the tree on Friday 2 December. From 6.45pm King George Square will be transformed into a festive wonderland as Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Santa and a host of other special guests gather for the much-loved tradition. The square will also play home to the circus-style fiesta Christmas Tights from 19 – 21 December. Live bands, street performers and theatrical acts will entertain passers-by underneath The City’s glowing Christmas Tree.

Throughout December, city goers will be treated to an assortment of merry events. Brightening bustling mornings, the Street Corner Choirs will perform at 8am, 8.30am and 9am every weekday from 2 – 23 December. Surprising and delighting onlookers, the ‘pop-up’ carollers will harmonise at various locations throughout The City. Providing evening entertainment, the Queen Street Mall LED screen will air classic Christmas films from 2 – 24 December, including Elf, Home Alone and The Grinch.

Christmas Music Showcase concerts will spread even more yuletide joy. From 2 – 23 December, city dwellers can enjoy 20 minute performances at the Queen Street Mall Stage. With recitals at various times throughout the day, Christmas Music Showcase will bring cheer to CBD workers and shoppers alike. Acts include Swing Central, the Australian Girls Choir and the always entertaining Andrew Sisters Tribute Band.
Saturday 5 November marks the annual David Jones Christmas Concert. Held at 9am and 11am in King George Square, the concert is one for the whole family to enjoy, with carols, giveaways, Santa and an array of cartoon characters.

The IGA Lord Mayor’s Carols in The City is an event for all ages to enjoy. Held Saturday 10 December at the Riverstage, this year’s line-up includes Marina Prior, Justice Crew, Troy Cassar-Daley and The Idea of North. Gates open at 5pm.

Families will also adore The Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime and The Myer Brisbane City’s Christmas Windows. The Queen Street Mall will come alive with the colourful window display, which launches 10am on Monday 5 November and continues to Christmas Eve. Adding more magic to the Mall, The Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime will be held daily at 6pm from 16 – 23 December. Kids can visit Santa and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer inside the Myer department store during store trade hours.

Multiculturalism and merriness combine for Chanukah in The City on Tuesday 20 December and World By Night on Friday 23 December. Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, will bring live music, community stalls, food kiosks and a giant Menorah to Reddacliff Place. Meanwhile, World By Night will showcase music, dance and food from around the globe in King George Square.

(Source: Brisbanemarketing.com.au)

Perth Tourism News: Aussies Warned to be Wary of Xmas Scammers

Flights too cheap to be true? Then they are probably fake.

Aussies have been warned to be cautious of online bookings over the Christmas period as scammers set up fake websites offering cheap flight deals.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s SCAMwatch website has issued a statement advising that online scammers have the potential to not only distribute invalid travel documents but are also capable of stealing a travellers well-earned cash as well as their identity.

Utilizing the look and ABN of a legitimate travel website, travellers have lost in excess of up to $1,000 on fake international flights.

"It's all bad for these poor scam victims,” MyCRA national credit repairer Graham Doessel said.

“At best they can be left with no holiday - but at worst fraudsters can take their personal details and use them to construct a fake identity which would allow them to borrow in their name - the ramifications of that can last for years.”

With the Attorney General’s office revealing that one in six Aussies having their identity stolen or misused in some way, MyCRA recommends travellers looking for a cheap vacations do research on the company and confirm the URL is correct for the company before sending any credit card details through.

Online bookers have also been advised to avoid any unsolicited emails, take an extra five minutes to research the company and always go with your instinct if a flight seems to cheap then it probably is fake.

"If someone suspects fraud, their credit file could show changes, which if detected early, would prevent their good name from being ruined,” Mr Doessel added.

“If there are any unusual credit enquiries, or some attempt to alter personal contact details this should be a red flag.

“People should alert creditors to prevent their credit rating from being ruined and protect their ability to obtain credit in the future.”

Aussies Warned to be Wary of Xmas Scammers

Metro Hotel Tower Mill, Brisbane: Silver Shiny Suit to Silver Service - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Tower Mill is located opposite one of Brisbane's most famous convict built landmarks, the old windmill known as the Tower Mill. Brisbane's windmill tower, built in 1828 under the direction of Commandant Logan, is older and more significant than any other windmill still standing in Australia.

Positioned in parklike surroundings the Metro Hotel Tower Mill is only 600 metres from Brisbane’s CBD, 500 metres from central station. Brisbane City Council operates a free loop bus service from outside the hotel.

“People like to get away from the concrete jungle and come to a quiet area, yet we are still close to all big city facilities,” said Allan Hilt, Metro Hotel Tower Mill property manager since February this year.

The Queen Street Mall, Treasury Casino & Hotel, South Bank Parklands, Art Gallery, the Museum and numerous restaurants, eateries and shopping facilities are all close by.

This unique cylindrically shaped hotel, overlooking Brisbane city, offers a licensed restaurant and bar with room-service and charge-back facilities.
Free car parking, subject to availability, is onsite and there is council parking nearby.

Metro Hotel Tower Mill, Brisbane: Silver Shiny Suit to Silver Service - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Tower Mill, Brisbane: Plenty to See and Do in Brisbane this Summer

Brisbane is set to come alive this Summer with plenty to see and do, including world-class entertainment and cultural events, international sporting events, Christmas festivities and loads of Christmas shopping opportunities.

Located in the heart of Brisbane close to all major attractions, Metro Hotel Tower Mill provides the perfect place to stay for visitors wishing to take advantage of Christmas shopping, to visit the Myer Christmas window display and other yuletide festivities, as well as enjoy the big events being held in Brisbane over Summer.

Plenty to See and Do in Brisbane this Summer

Summer in Brisbane - What's on

STUMPED ABOUT WHAT’S ON OFFER IN BRISBANE THIS SUMMER?

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO ENSURE YOU HAVE A BALL

Brisbane is gearing up for a great summer of sports, cultural events and activities.

From soccer to international and domestic cricket through to international tennis there is action aplenty in Brisbane.

1. On the pitch you can expect plenty of heart-pumping action at the 2011 premiership winning Brisbane Roar FC home games at Suncorp Stadium. The first game will be played in October and the season will run until March 2012.

2. The much anticipated International Cricket season will mark the first official day of summer from December 1, but it is the inaugural KFC T20 Big Bash League games you won’t want to miss. Local team, the Brisbane Heat play their first game at the Gabba on Tuesday, December 20.

3. In 2012, the Brisbane International (1 – 8 January) will return with tennis greats including Wimbledon quarterfinalist and Australia’s current number one men’s tennis player Bernard Tomic, and world number five and 2011 Wimbledon finalist Maria Sharapova confirmed to start play.

And the excitement isn’t just in the stadiums. Get your temperature soaring with an action packed calendar of cultural events.

4. Enjoy the old classics all over again when Rock of Ages opens at the Lyric Theatre from November 12.This rock comedy romance is an hilarious, feel-good love story told through all the big ballads of the eighties.

5. For your dose of culture head to the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) from December 3 to see Matisse: Drawing Life, an exclusive exhibition of more than 300 drawings, prints, paper cut-outs and artist books by Henri Matisse, one of the 20th century’s greatest artists. This exhibition will coincide with the fifth anniversary of GoMA, and will sit alongside other exhibitions including;

• A major solo exhibition from leading senior Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama
• An exhibition called Ten Years of Contemporary Art: The James C Sourris, AM Collection
• A series of large-scale fantasy worlds, created from intricate layers of fluorescent coloured sugar called we miss you magic land! by Perth-based artist duo Pip & Pop
• A new specially commissioned body of work by Dinosaur Designs.

6. Before the year is over, celebrate the festive season with Christmas in The City with decorations going up in November. Kids of all ages will love the time-honoured and new Christmas traditions planned around town. 7. Get in the festive spirit and participate in a diverse range of free family fun events from the Lighting of the Brisbane City Christmas Tree on December 2 and the Lord Mayor’s Carols in the City on December 10; to Santa visits, twilight markets, Christmas movies, festive fun workshops and street corner carolling.

7. Bring in the New Year at the time honoured Woodford Folk Festival (December 27 – January 1) and The Dreaming Festival. These two incredible arts and multi-cultural festivals will incorporate more than 2000 performers and 400 events with concerts, dances, workshops, forums, street theatre, writer’s panels, film festival, comedy sessions and much more including a spectacular fire event.

8. Get into the spirit of 2012 when Mary Poppins hits the stage. Based on the classic Walt Disney film MARY POPPINS, the world’s most magical musical, will open at QPAC on January 5, 2012.

9. Round off your summer celebrations with a trip to the annual World Theatre Festival, which hits the Brisbane Powerhouse during February 2012. Embracing the new, the risky and the independent, World Theatre Festival will thrive in pushing new technologies, new forms and participatory genres in theatre from around the world.

(Source: Brisbanemarketing.com.au)

Gaining Strategic Value through Brisbane-based Business Events

This month, the Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk addressed an audience of Brisbane business leaders to demonstrate the significant economic value and lasting legacies the business events industry brings to the local economy.

In the wake of the January floods, the Lord Mayor called upon Brisbane business leaders to support the city by helping to attract their own corporate and industry events to the city.

Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk said Brisbane’s status as a leading destination for business events is well earnt. Last year the industry delivered $188 million dollars in economic value from 1,280 business events.

The Lord Mayor encouraged businesses to support the ‘Meet Together’ programme which has been driven by the Convention Bureau, by bringing their organisation’s business events to Brisbane. In return, not only will they boost our local economy, they will also receive a host of tangible benefits, which can positively impact on their bottom line and provide a clear competitive advantage.

"There is hard evidence that innovation is a cornerstone to business success – and it’s at conferences held in our city that the best industry minds are brought together, from all geographical locations, to share knowledge and skills. These, in return improve productivity and personal performance, leading to innovative leaps in the production of products and provision of services," said Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk.

Other benefits the Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk highlighted to Brisbane business leaders were, by attracting talent and industry leaders to our city, they can raise the profile of their company’s local operations on the national and international stage, while contributing to the city’s economic development.

In agreement of these sentiments, a selection of Brisbane-based organisations described to the forum of business leaders how they had reaped tangible benefits from the ‘think tank’ effect of bringing their industry conferences events to Australia’s new world city.

Michelle Trute, CEO at Diabetes Australia – Queensland said Brisbane in itself is a vibrant and dynamic city, mirroring the personalities of the　international and national speakers and delegates that work in the field of diabetes.

"Our events shine a spotlight on our home grown research, allowing us to highlight the advancements achieved here in Brisbane and also contribute to the international landscape.　 　

Bill Thorburn, CEO at Tatts Lotteries described how bringing their industry conference to Brisbane provided the opportunity to showcase local operations to the world wide lottery industry.

"In 2010, Golden Casket and the World Lottery Association jointly hosted the World Lottery Association Convention and Trade Show in Brisbane. This bi-annual industry event brought together members of lottery industries from around the world to experience a quality business program, comprehensive trade show and a range of networking and social events. The event was extremely successful attracting to Brisbane 807 delegates from 54 nations."

Leading the city’s business events industry is Brisbane Marketing’s Convention Bureau.

Brisbane Marketing’s CEO, John Aitken said the Convention Bureau team’s capability to secure conferences from strategic industry segments will bring significant flow-on benefits for Australia’s new world city - from economic value to knowledge enrichment and skills transfer.

"The lasting legacies of business events are felt long after delegates leave the city and the positive effect on the bottom line of the local economy both assists our city’s flood recovery today, and benefit all sectors of industry for years to come".

Take a look at this video to see for yourself how our clients gained strategic value by bringing business events to Brisbane.

(Source: Brisbanemarketing.com.au)

Christmas Calendar 2011 - Christmas in Brisbane

Christmas in The City kicks off with the annual lighting of the tree on Friday 2 December. From 6.45pm King George Square will be transformed into a festive wonderland as Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Santa and a host of other special guests gather for the much-loved tradition. The square will also play home to the circus-style fiesta Christmas Tights from 19 – 21 December. Live bands, street performers and theatrical acts will entertain passers-by underneath The City’s glowing Christmas Tree.

Throughout December, city goers will be treated to an assortment of merry events. Brightening bustling mornings, the Street Corner Choirs will perform at 8am, 8.30am and 9am every weekday from 2 – 23 December. Surprising and delighting onlookers, the ‘pop-up’ carollers will harmonise at various locations throughout The City. Providing evening entertainment, the Queen Street Mall LED screen will air classic Christmas films from 2 – 24 December, including Elf, Home Alone and The Grinch.

Christmas Music Showcase concerts will spread even more yuletide joy. From 2 – 23 December, city dwellers can enjoy 20 minute performances at the Queen Street Mall Stage. With recitals at various times throughout the day, Christmas Music Showcase will bring cheer to CBD workers and shoppers alike. Acts include Swing Central, the Australian Girls Choir and the always entertaining Andrew Sisters Tribute Band.
Saturday 5 November marks the annual David Jones Christmas Concert. Held at 9am and 11am in King George Square, the concert is one for the whole family to enjoy, with carols, giveaways, Santa and an array of cartoon characters.

The IGA Lord Mayor’s Carols in The City is an event for all ages to enjoy. Held Saturday 10 December at the Riverstage, this year’s line-up includes Marina Prior, Justice Crew, Troy Cassar-Daley and The Idea of North. Gates open at 5pm.

Families will also adore The Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime and The Myer Brisbane City’s Christmas Windows. The Queen Street Mall will come alive with the colourful window display, which launches 10am on Monday 5 November and continues to Christmas Eve. Adding more magic to the Mall, The Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime will be held daily at 6pm from 16 – 23 December. Kids can visit Santa and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer inside the Myer department store during store trade hours.

Multiculturalism and merriness combine for Chanukah in The City on Tuesday 20 December and World By Night on Friday 23 December. Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, will bring live music, community stalls, food kiosks and a giant Menorah to Reddacliff Place. Meanwhile, World By Night will showcase music, dance and food from around the globe in King George Square.

(Source: Brisbanemarketing.com.au)