2013 All Stars Teams Announced

Former Internationals Willie Mason and Timana Tahu will make a stunning return to representative football as rivals after the Knights team-mates were today named as ‘coach’s selections’ for next month’s Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars in Brisbane.

Newcastle and NRL All Stars Coach Wayne Bennett chose Mason to make his All Stars debut alongside Adam Reynolds (Rabbitohs), James Tamou (Cowboys), Billy Slater (Storm) and Tim Grant (Panthers), while Tahu was chosen by Laurie Daley for his Indigenous All Stars side featuring seven newcomers. The others are Raiders’ trio Reece Robinson, Jake Foster and Jack Wighton, Aidan Sezer (Titans), Joel Romelo (Bulldogs) and Dane Nielsen (Warriors).


Indigenous All Stars captain Johnathan Thurston and Broncos NRL All Stars selection Ben Hannant joined Bennett and Daley in Brisbane today for the announcement of both squads for the fourth annual Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars match to be played at Suncorp Stadium for the first time on February 9.


More than 40,000 Rugby League fans have had their say via two online voting stages to select a representative from each of the 16 NRL Clubs in the 20-man NRL All Stars squad, while fans could choose from all of Rugby League’s best Indigenous talent for Daley’s Indigenous All Stars.

Following the closing of the public online voting on Monday, Bennett was able to select two extra players alongside automatic selections Benji Marshall (New Zealand captain) and Cameron Smith (Australian captain); while Daley could pick three extra players in addition to automatic selection (as captain) Thurston.

Bennett’s other ‘coach’s selection’ is the Storm’s Cooper Cronk, while Daley also chose Wighton and Nielsen.

Daley said: “We certainly have some strike-power in our team and when you look at the calibre of players we have, I think fans will be excited at the style of footy we will play.
“The NRL All Stars is a formidable side with big, powerful, class players in key positions, but I know how determined our team is to perform well and I think we have a squad capable of achieving something special.”

Bennett said the public had selected him a balanced side that would be capable of playing the exciting brand of football that had become synonymous with the All Stars game.

“There is no doubt the fans will be in for an entertaining game with the great mix of talented and exciting backs and powerful forwards in both teams, as well as the blend of experience and youth,” Bennett said.

“Just as important as the game though is the whole week of All Stars activities and community events and I commend the players for their ongoing commitment to the All Stars concept which continues to help make a real difference to the lives of many Australians.”

The 2013 NRL All Stars team is:

Player (* = All Stars debutants)	Club
Billy Slater*	Storm
Akuila Uate	Knights
Shaun Kenny-Dowall	Roosters
Josh Morris	Bulldogs
Brett Morris	Dragons
Benji Marshall, (C) (automatic selection)	Wests Tigers
Adam Reynolds*	Rabbitohs
James Tamou*	Cowboys
Cameron Smith (automatic selection)	Storm
Ben Hannant	Broncos
David Taylor	Titans
Anthony Watmough	Sea Eagles
Paul Gallen	Sharks
Interchange
Robbie Farah	Wests Tigers
Tim Grant*	Panthers
David Shillington	Raiders
Feleti Mateo	Warriors
Jarryd Hayne	Eels
Coach’s Selections
Willie Mason*	Knights
Cooper Cronk	Storm

The 2013 Learn Earn Legend! Indigenous All Stars team is:

Player (* = All Stars debutants)	Club
Ben Barba	Bulldogs
Reece Robinson*	Raiders
Justin Hodges	Broncos
Greg Inglis	Rabbitohs
Blake Ferguson	Raiders
Johnathan Thurston (C)	Cowboys
Scott Prince	Broncos
George Rose	Sea Eagles
Travis Waddell	Uncontracted
Andrew Fifita	Sharks
Joel Thompson	Raiders
Greg Bird	Titans
Nathan Peats	Rabbitohs
Interchange
Ryan James	Titans
Aidan Sezer*	Titans
Joel Romelo*	Bulldogs
Jake Foster*	Raiders
Coach’s Selections
Dane Neilsen*	Warriors
Timana Tahu*	Knights
Jack Wighton*	Raiders

The Queensland Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, the Hon. Jann Stuckey MP, extended her congratulations to the players on their selection today and welcomed the event to the State’s capital for the first time.

“The votes are in and with such talented athletes on both sides, the 2013 Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars match at Suncorp Stadium is an event not to be missed by fans,” Ms Stuckey said.
“Broadcast to an estimated 1.5 million people, the fourth annual 2013 Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars will showcase our State’s capital as a premier holiday and event destination.

“The Newman Government recognises the important role events play in delivering economic and social benefits to the communities in which they are held and we are proud to support this event through Tourism and Events Queensland.”

Results

2010 Indigenous All Stars 16 def NRL All Stars 12
2011 NRL All Stars 28 def Indigenous All Stars 12
2012 NRL All Stars 36 def Indigenous All Stars 28

2013 Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars Ticket Categories and Prices

Tickets for the 2013 Harvey Norman All Stars match are available through Ticketek outlets, on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au. New Zealand customers can call 0800 842 538 or +61 132 849.

Categories	Cat 1	Cat 2	Cat 3
Adult	$90.00	$50.00	$20.00
Pensioner	$80.00	$45.00	$18.00
Junior	$70.00	$40.00	$16.00
Family (2A+2J)	$265.00	$150.00	$60.00

The Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars is supported by Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural, regional and business events across Queensland.

Find out more at NRL.com

Australia Tops US ‘Dream Destination’ List

Is topping a list of ‘dream destinations’ a good thing? On the one hand, you’d appear as an idyllic destination, a place to which people would ideally love to travel. On the other hand, you’d appear as an idyllic destination, a place to which people couldn’t travel.

Regardless of its perception, or misperception, as a pipe-dream destination, the country’s position at the top of a list of dream vacation spots for clients of US travel agents would still bring a smile to the faces of Australian tourism authorities.

According to a survey conducted by North America’s largest travel agency franchisor – Travel Leaders Group – of its owners, managers and agents, Australia was chosen as the destination clients would most love to visit – if money were no object.

With agents allowed to choose up to three destinations each, Australia garnered 47 percent of votes, followed by Bora Bora (26 percent), world cruising (20 percent), Tahiti and Italy (17 percent each). 

Other dream destinations of note included Antarctica (12th place), which earned 9.5 percent of votes, and the Galapagos Islands (13th place), which scored just over six percent of votes.  

The disparity between realistic and (sometimes) unattainable, but desired, destinations is evidenced by France’s position on the list. A constant among US travellers’ top five international vacation spots, the European nation ranks a relatively lowly 16th position on the dream destination list, with just 3.5 percent of votes.

(Source: eTravelblackboard)

How To... Keep Your Belongings Safe Whilst Travelling

When it comes to travelling, one of the most important tasks is to keep yourself and your belongings safe.

It’s something that you need to be aware of at all times and can make even the simplest trip stressful.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your cool, and your wallet, on your next trip:

Low

• Keep cash and credit cards as well as photocopies of important documents in different places
• Wear all bags on the opposite shoulder to the one facing the road to decrease the chance of someone snatching the bag as they are driving
• Be aware of your surroundings – if it looks unsafe, leave
• Lock the doors and windows of your hotel room

Moderate

• For long trips ensure that you have a spare credit card that you can activate if your original gets lost or stolen
• Be careful about taking money out of ATMs, if possible do it near banks or hotels where security will be a little better, or buy everything on card
• Put locks on your handbags
• Close the blinds at your hotel so outsiders don’t know if you’re there or not

Extreme

• Take down serial numbers of all electronic goods that you are travelling with
• Stash credit cards inside your shoes
• Sew extra pockets on the inside of your pants
• Hide valuables around the hotel room i.e. under the bed
• Put something big, like a chair, or fragile, like glass, at your front door when you go to sleep so that you can hear if someone tries to break in. Be careful with this one if you are a sleepwalker and be aware that this may not be the safest option in the event of a fire

What not to do

• Don’t use waist or neck wallets, not only are they uncomfortable, but they also put a huge target on your belly
• Don’t put your wallet or passport in your pocket; they’re called ‘pick pockets’ for a reason!
• Don’t look too ‘expensive’ or ‘touristy’ when walking around foreign streets
• Don’t leave valuables lying around your hotel room, at the very least put them under some clothes

(Source: e-Travelblackboard.com)

Sydney Most Popular Australian Destination Over the Holidays

Sorry Melbourne, but according to leading travel and lifestyle site lastminute.com.au, Sydney was Australia’s most popular destination in terms of hotels bookings over the Christmas and New Year break.

Melbourne was however the second most popular with Queensland’s Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, rounding off the top five.

Capital cities had the highest number of holiday bookings throughout the country, with the exception of Brisbane which was third after the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

lastminute.com.au General Manager, Kirsty Labruniy is encouraging Australians to venture out into their own backyard and take advantage of a weekend getaway whilst the sun is still shining and the crowds subside, especially in late January and February.

Labruniy suggests that being quick on deals and taking a holiday over two destinations, if rooms are sold out for a part of your holiday plans, can help with having a last minute summer escape.

Alternatively, try a city break and do something that you have always wanted to do like see a movie in an outdoor cinema.

For ideas on beating the January blues, here are the top destinations booked over the Christmas and New Year break through lastminute.com.au:

New South Wales 

• Sydney
• Byron Bay
• Coffs Harbour
• South Coast
• Central Coast

Victoria 

• Melbourne
• Apollo Bay
• Torquay
• Lakes Entrance
• Cowes

Queensland 

• Gold Coast
• Sunshine Coast
• Brisbane
• Cairns
• Fraser Coast

South Australia 

• Adelaide
• Port Lincoln
• Mount Gambier
• Victor Harbor
• Rowland Flat

Western Australia

• Perth
• Margaret River
• Albany
• Broome
• Bunbury

Tasmania

• Hobart
• Launceston & Tamar Valley
• Strahan
• Cradle Mountain
• Port Arthur

(Source: e-Travel Blackboard)

Incoming Passenger Changes into Australia

A quicker and more convenient quarantine, biosecurity clearance is assured when you arrive in Australia now that low-risk products such as commercially prepared and packaged lollies, chips and chocolates need not be declared.

The changes, which have been made on the Incoming Passenger Card, are a result of the latest scientific advice that shows such food poses a lower risk.

Biosecurity officers will now focus on goods such as raw meats, live plants, seeds and fresh fruit and vegetables, which have a “much greater potential to bring diseases and pests to Australia,” Chapman said.

William and Kate Touch Down in Brisbane

Prince William and wife Kate have touched down at Brisbane Airport for a brief stop on their way to the UK after their royal tour. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were expected to spend about 90 minutes at the airport.
The couple flew out of the Pacific island of Tuvalu on Wednesday morning, wrapping up their nine-day tour of Southeast Asia and the Pacific on behalf of the Queen.

The trip was overshadowed by a media row over topless photos taken of Kate during a holiday at a private estate in southern France.

The Duchess looked relaxed in a light, floral-patterned, summer dress and beige patent heels as she strolled along the tarmac beside the Duke.

A tanned Prince William was equally casual in a jacket and white shirt, which was unbuttoned at the neck.

The smiling couple were escorted from their jet to the terminal by airport staff.

Their arrival in the building caused a stir among passengers waiting for flights, who rushed to get a glimpse and take photos of the young royals as they were whisked to a private lounge.

After coming up an escalator into the departure area, the couple waved to travellers as well as members of the public standing behind glass on a viewing platform on the next floor.

A Brisbane resident, who would not give her name, said the Duchess looked beautiful.
"It's such a shame about the photos in France," she told AAP.

"People should just leave them alone - they're only human."

Japanese national Yoko Asano said she'd just arrived from the Solomon Islands and had seen the royal couple there during their recent visit.

"I'm kind of following them," she joked.

"I didn't really expect to see them here but it was good because it was less crowded here.
"I could get a good look at them."

New Zealand man Tim Bott said the brief royal visit was totally unexpected.

"I didn't even know what was going on until I saw all these guys (cameramen)," he told AAP.
"I went and had a look and saw them coming down the steps and up the escalator.

"I wasn't going to go over but I did - you kind of have to, don't you?"

The Duke and Duchess were understood to be relaxing in a private lounge while they awaited a Singapore Airlines flight scheduled to depart at 2.30pm (AEST).

Sydney has the Opera House, Paris the Eiffel Tower, and London has Big Ben. Does Brisbane Need an Icon to Compete Globally?

DOES Brisbane need an icon? 
 
As the council pushes forward to place Brisbane firmly on the map as major events city the question begs: has we got enough to make the place memorable?

World renowned architect John Mainwaring, of JMA Architects at Newstead said he believed there was no "real icon'' that identified Brisbane from other states such as Sydney and Melbourne.
And he would know. Mr Mainwaring directed the 1998 Queen Street Mall design refurbishment project which won a RAIA State Merit award for civic design. He is also known for his works with Hastings St in central Noosa.

Mr Mainwaring told City News: "Sydney has the Opera House and the bridge and we have the Brisbane River''.

"Places like Singapore have iconic structures and Saigon has just built an iconic tower.
"Does a subtroprical place like Brisbane need an icon?''

Mr Mainwaring said locals needed to "come to terms'' with the infatuation of the Brisvegas stigma.
"It's led us to where people are putting coloured lights on rock walls such as Kangaroo Point which are just blue and red and now it's happened at City Hall,'' he said.

"Proper lighting needs to be used to showcase our topographical features such the cliffs at Kangaroo Point.''

He said real icons evolved over hundreds of years.

"Brisbane has already made huge yards over the last decade and installed one of the best galleries at South Brisbane.

"We turned out backs on the Brisbane River and now it's become big there with plenty of activities - it's like an Asian river.

"Melbourne is one of the great southern hemisphere cities and far nicer than Sydney in many ways, but Melbourne is a far more recognised urban designed city,'' he said.

Mr Mainwaring said Brisbane once had the chance to build an icon called Vision Tower, in the heart of Brisbane City, however the development received the bullet during the Global Financial Crisis.
The design was 72 storeys high, and would have become Brisbane's tallest, Queensland's second tallest, and Australia's third tallest building if completed.

"I feel that would have given Brisbane an iconic status, that was a real shame,'' he said.
"But the moment we start saying we have to have an icon, then we have problems.

"I think until our culture develops, I'm not sure we're ready for it.''

He said the Storey Bridge "to a certain extent'' was a mini icon for Brisbane, but nothing compared to the great bridges of the world.

Brisbane City Councillor Vicki Howard (Central Ward) said Brisbane did not really have anything to relate itself to.

"What about City Hall? I like that but I'm not sure people relate to it,'' Cr Howard said.
"I don't think we need an icon because we have an iconic lifestyle.''

Cr Howard said urban villages as well as New Farm Park, Anzac Park, James St and the China Town Mall were 'mini icons'.

"We are developing areas that complement our lifestyle,'' she said.

But Brisbane Central state MP Robert Cavallucci said: "Brisbane has plenty of icons''.

"South Bank and the big cultural precinct attached to it is iconic. The new William St precinct will be big and most definately iconic in a few years to come,'' he said.

"Generally I don't think we need another icon, it takes time to develop.''

Meanwhile, the State Government's plan to renew the Government Administrative Precinct has sparked a strong response with 13 expressions of interest received to re-develop 1 William Street, Brisbane.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development and Planning Jeff Seeney said to start the redevelopment, the Government called for registrations of interest for the construction of a new office tower of between 60,000 to 75,000 square metres at 1 William Street.

"This vacant site, currently being used as a carpark, has been designated for government office development since 1974 and is the logical site for government administration given its proximity to Parliament," he said.

View Source