Sydney Affairs

All About Sydney and Australia

PM Kevin Rudd Stood Down; Julia Gillard is the New Prime Minister of Australia

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On June 23, 2010

In Headline

As I write this blog entry, I am watching 7 News Coverage of the news unfolding at the Parliament House in Canberra. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has stood down due to unpopular support of  his colleagues at the Australian  Labor Party making way for Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.  Treasurer Wayne Swan will be sworn in as the new Deputy Prime Minister.

Kevin Rudd led the Labor Party to a landslide victory in 2007 after 11 years of John Howard domination. He was the most popular politician back then with lots of  Australian thought that the country will be spending many more years under his leadership. He was branded as Kevin 007, a parody of James Bond 007, famous for his clear alternative to politics especially his campaign for a fairer work choices and promotion of  balanced workers’ rights. He has a clear vision for Australia and he is famous for his quote “Without vision, people shall perish.” PM Kevin Rudd made the historic apology of the stolen generation of Australia.
Kevin Rudd became unpopular  with his super profit mining tax and his policy on global warming. He was also critised of being an agry man having lost his temper in some occasions. However, in a Nielsen latest Survey, Kevin Rudd leads Mr Abbott as preferred PM by 49% (down 4) to 39% (up 1), a lead of 10 points (down 5) and a majority of voters (55%, down 16) expect Labor to win the next election. 
Did the Labor Party get it wrong? There has been a mixed reaction on this unfolding historic event in Australian history. Personally, I admire Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. He has been fighting a galant fight for all Australians. He led Australia to be spared out of global recession that could have devasted half of the Australian population. I believe that his government had done a lot in the infrastructure development, the famous education revolution with the uniform national curriculum for Australia, the national broadband project, and improved health delivery, age pension, paid parental leave, issues on homelessness, among others. For me, he has done his very best. He has given Australian a fair go.
But we must move on. Julia Gillard will take over the leadership of the Australian nation and I congratulate her. As the former Deputy Prime Minister, she was then the most popular next in rank candidate for the  PM leadership in the Labor party. Will she be a formidable candidate against the opposition’s leader Tony Abott? That remains to be seen. At the moment, she will be very busy with the healing process within the Labor Party.

Short Bio:

Julia Eileen Gillard
born 29 September 1961

Parliamentary Service:

Elected to the House of Representatives for Lalor, Victoria, 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2007. 

Ministerial Appointments:

Deputy Prime Minister from 3.12.07;
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations from 3.12.07;
Minister for Education from 3.12.07;
Minister for Social Inclusion from 3.12.07

Party: Australian Labor Party 

All the best to our new Prime Minister, Julia Eileen Gillard! Congratulations Australia!

Can the Socceroos beat Serbia in FIFA World Cup 2010?

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On June 23, 2010

In Headline

The Australian Qantas Socceroos is in a must-win situation in order to advance to the next round as they face Serbia in Nelspruit tomorrow 4:30 a.m. Australian time. Currently, the team is sitting at the bottom of the Group  D Standing with only a point on their pocket.  I’ve been watching every game of the Socceroos and I’m a bit disappointed (not whining) when two Socceroos players were red-carded. Their 4-0 loss against Germany was a dismal performance aggravated by the fact that one of their star player Tim Cahill being penalized with a red card. However, with their a galant fight against Group D’s leading team, Ghana with that match ended in a 1-1 draw, the hope to advance in the next round is much alive!

Australia Socceroos vs Serbia
Kick-off commences at 04:30 (AEST) on Thursday 24 June.
Socceroos fight is not only limited on the field. They are also battling cricism from mainstream media. In a related Reuter story, Australia captain Lucas Neill reacted angrily on Tuesday to suggestions that his team were a “bunch of whingers”. The Australians have been criticised by some sections of the local media for complaining about some of the refereeing decisions that have gone against them at the World Cup.

Be that as it may, the fight must still go on! An article at the FIFA.com website reported Australia captain Lucas Neill has vowed to fight to the end to keep his country’s FIFA World Cup™ dream alive. That’s the Aussie spirit! The fact the Socceroos qualified to the World Cup is  already an outstanding accomplishment. While the Socceroos have the odds stacked against them against Serbia, they have a 50-50 chance of winning against Serbia! After all the soccer ball is round and anyone from team can score a goal after goal! Go Socceroos!!!

The Qantas Socceroos Team:

  1. Mark Bresciano
  2. Tim Cahill
  3. Carl Valeri
  4. Dario Vidosic
  5. Brett Holman
  6. Joshua Kennedy
  7. Mark Milligan
  8. David Carney
  9. Craig Moore
  10. Scott Chipperfield
  11. Luke Wilkshire
  12. Lucas Neill -Team Captain
  13. Adam Federici
  14. Mark Schwarzer
  15. Michael Beauchamp
  16. Mile Jedinak
  17. Bradley Jones Nikita Rukavytsya

Follow The Socceroos here:

Official Website: http://www.footballaustralia.com.au
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Socceroos
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Socceroos
photo
credit: Socceroos Facebook Page

Three Beautiful People – Cameron Henderson (Video & Lyrics) Australia’s Got Talent 2010 Grand Finals

By

On June 17, 2010

In Sydney TV Shows

 Cameron Henderson poured out his fatherly love in his original song “Three Beautiful People.” The lyrics simply reveals the inspiration he has over the years to write brilliant songs such as this. I really admire how he put melodies and life  in every word that really connects to the every listener’s soul.
 Cameron’s performance in the Grand Finals of Australia’s Got Talent 2010 last Tuesday was another awesome moment.  The three judges The Three Judges, Brian McFadden , Kyle Sandilands, and Dannii Minogue were all on their feet, a standing ovation! The house is on their feet!
When interviewed by the host, Sunrise weatherman Grant Denyer, Cameron replied “well, I really didn’t think of that song choice did I? Singing that tongiht is a little difficult. I’m just blown away by the support. I just sing those song that I’ve written over the years. And you know, to have people to have people saying they really appreciate them is really awesome!”


Three Beautiful People Cameron Henderson Australias Got Talent

Three Beautiful People Cameron Henderson Australias Got Talent
Three Beautiful People
Lyrics & Music by Cameron Henderson

Three beautiful people
None more than four-foot tall
They’re sitting down at my breakfast table
Where they make me feel ten-feet tall

I was just like their mother
Stubbborn like guess who
Its’ hard to say what I’m feeling right now
I’m so proud but I’m humbled too

These three beautiful people
My greatest world by far
All the time I was  searching
I’ll never have to look too far
Coz here they are
Three beautiful people
Who sat down that mornin’ with me
But here they are
They’re much older now
But they still mean the world to me
My three children mean the world to me.

 

DISCLAIMER: I’ve transcribed the above lyrics from the above Youtube video uploaded by user nana443. Please use the comment below if there are any errors on the lyrics.I do not claim any copyright on this one. Copyright belongs to Cameron Henderson. This is intended for personal use and educational purposes only.

Join Cameron and Taylor Henderson on facebook here.

Angel Without Wings Lyrics by Cameron Henderson (Australia's Got Talent 2010 Finalist)

By

On June 15, 2010

In Headline

This is my second blog entry about Cameron Henderson, the ever talented Melbourne guitar man. I became an instant fan since I saw him perform at the Australia’s Got Talent 2010 Grand Finals. He really deserve to be crowned as Australian Got Talent 2010! I’d say, he just run out of votes from Australian folk and country enthusiasts. Or maybe, some of his fans voted for his son Tylor. Anyway, it’s an outstanding accomplishment for Cameron to be this year’s Runner Up to the Champion Justice Crew dance group. You can catch up with the trending Yahoo Topic about Cameron here.
Cameron Henderson’s performance last night of his original composition “Three Beautiful People”  is yet another hit in the making! I love it and I really felt its soul-deep moving connection. Brilliant melody and lyrics!

In the meantime, I did an effort to transcribe the Lyrics of his song “Angel Without Wings” from a Youtube Video. I haven’t plugged- in the chords yet. Here it goes:


Angel Without Wings
Lyrics by Cameron Henderson

If I could reach up to the heavens
I’d pull down a star or two
And I would hold them next to your face
One on either side of you

And If I have to choose who shone most bright
Those two stars could just fade up to the night
And there’d be you, you’d win
Coz I’m only human
But you’re an angel without wings

Angel without wings
Earth bound angel
Send to rescue me

And If I gaze upon that vision oh so bright
One bright dew would seems to mesmerize my eyes
And that would be you, you see
Angel without wings
Earth bound angel
send to rescue me.

DISCLAIMER: I’ve transcribed the above lyrics from the above Youtube video uploaded by user nana443. Please use the comment below if there are any errors on the lyrics.I do not claim any copyright on this one. Copyright belongs to Cameron Henderson. This is intended for personal use and educational purposes only.

Photo Credit: Geelong Advertisers

Australia's Got Talent 2010 Cameron Henderson

By

On June 13, 2010

In Headline

Tomorrow night, June 15, 2010 is the final moment when Australia’s Got Talent 2010 show reveals the winner! If you love James Taylor, John Denver, Eric Clapton, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, or any other popular folk and country singers, you will surely love the grand finals performance of Cameron Henderson with his original composition “Angel Without Wings.”
Cameron Henderson is a grand discovery in the making. The lyrics of his song  “Angel Without Wings” is a excellent display of his songwriting talent, his love for music, and his skillful display of guitar playing.  The Three Judges, Australia’s favourite ex-pat Irishman Brian McFadden said Cameron is “pleasure to watch, incredible performer, impressive” while popular broadcasters Kyle Sandilands, said it’s “brilliant, heavenly, seasoned performer.”   Australia’s Got Talent alumni Dannii Minogue said “it’s just beautiful!” Good luck to Cameron!
Watch his performance in HD below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cvGrdDPPWc]


photo credit: Yahoo7
video: Youtube
Youtube user: nana443

JUSTICE CREW Amazing Dance Moves @ Australia's Got Talent 2010 Grand Finals!

By

On June 8, 2010

In Sydney TV Shows

Dance Group Justice Crew

I was watching the Grand Finals of the Australia’s Got Talent 2010 Edition last night at Channel Seven and saw this group of eight youngsters named “Justice Crew.” I’m not to sure how they got their name but probably because they are doing “justice” to the commmunity offering free dance lessons to the young kids of Australia. They are like-minded young guys with great moves and so inspiring to see their teamwork blended perfectly to deliver an awesome routine. They said it, in a Channel 7 clip that “they are like family, brothers looking for each other.”

Their performance last night was simply spectacular, energetic, difficult and has captivated the entire audience the whole time. The Three Judges, Australia’s favourite ex-pat Irishman Brian McFadden, Aussie’s one of the most popular broadcasters Kyle Sandilands,  and Australia’s Got Talent alumni Dannii Minogue were on standing ovation giving high accolates and generous comments to the Justice Crew dance group.

I grabbed this video on Youtube and you can watch the Justice Crew perform on HD:

Will Justice Crew win the AU$250,000.00 grand prize of the Australia’s Got Talent 2010 Edition? Well, it’s up to Australian votes. Surely, they will have massive votes from teenagers, young kids, and dance enthusiasts.
In the past, a similar competition Britain’s Got Talent 2009 had a dance group named “Diversity” won that competition beating Superstar Susan Boyle. Photo Credit: Yahoo7tv

There’s Always Something Happening in Bankstown!

By

On June 6, 2010

In Sydney Photos

Bankstown Sydney NSW
This sign caught my attention on my way out of the Bankstown Centro Mall. “There’s Always Something Happening in Bankstown!” A great campaign ad by the Bankstown City Council. Yes, it was wet, rainy, and caught in a little traffic was the actual situation when I snap this photo on my car’s front screen! But that’s not the point. Bankstown has just celebrated it’s 30 years Anniversary! It was founded on May 27 1980, by  virtue of a  proclamation before Queen Elizabeth II at a civic ceremony in the Bankstown City Centre by then  NSW Governor, Sir Arthur Roden Cutler.

Bankstown City is located in Sydney’s south western suburbs, between 13 and 23 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD. It includes the suburbs of Bankstown, Bankstown Aerodrome, Bass Hill, Birrong, Chester Hill (part), Chullora, Condell Park, East Hills, Georges Hall, Greenacre (part), Lansdowne, Milperra, Mount Lewis, Padstow, Padstow Heights, Panania, Picnic Point, Potts Hill, Punchbowl (part), Regents Park (part), Revesby, Revesby Heights, Sefton, Villawood (part) and Yagoona.

Bankstown is named in honour of Sir Joseph Banks, the botanist. It has a total population of 170,620 in 2006 Population data.

The church tower of the Uniting Church, along Chapel Road, Bankstown

Visit Bankstown listed these Attractions:

  • Georges River National Park
  • Bankstown Airport – board a plane in Bankstown and take a tour over the Blue Mountains, Sydney Harbour or anywhere else you can think of in Australia, including the outback.
  • Bankstown Paceway – offers the very best in Harness Racing, considered to be, “The Place to be for Racing Excitement and Comfort”
  • Mirambeena Regional Park 
  • Bankstown Bites ‘eat streets’ in Bankstown CBD, Padstow, Panania and Revesby
  • Deepwater Regional Park
  • The Crest Park & Dunc Gray Velodrome
  • Bankstown Arts & Craft Centre

  • A dynamic calendar of festivals and celebrations reflecting the lifestyle and culture of Bankstown

     Yes, that’s Bankstown! Visit anytime.

    Traveling to Sydney? Check out cheap airfare here

 

Apple iPad Launched Today in Australia

By

On May 27, 2010

In Headline

The launched of Apple iPad here in Sydney dominates this morning television news headlines. Hundreds of iPad ethusiasts queues at Apple’s George Street Store waiting to get hold of this well-publicized new piece of technology. In fact, they had started queing up as early as 2 a.m. yesterday with some fanboys joined by their personal bodyguards.

“In the US, Apple has already sold over one million iPads and customers have downloaded over 12 million apps from the App Store, as well as over 1.5 million ebooks from the new iBookstore.
iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ user interface. iPad is 13.4 mm thin and weighs just 680 gms—thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook—and delivers up to 10 hours of battery life.
The App Store on iPad lets you wirelessly browse, buy and download new apps from the world’s largest app store. iPad includes 12 new innovative apps designed especially for iPad and will run almost all of the more than 200,000 apps on the App Store, including apps already purchased for your iPhone® or iPod touch®. Developers have created more than 5,000 exciting new apps designed for iPad that take advantage of its Multi-Touch interface, large screen and high-quality graphics.” (Apple Store’s Press Release dated 8 May 2010).
How much will an iPad costs? 
iPad is available in Australia for a recommended retail price of AUS$629 inc GST for 16GB, AUS$759 inc GST for 32GB, AUS$879 inc GST for 64GB for Wi-Fi models and AUS$799 inc GST for 16GB, AUS$928 inc GST for 32GB and AUS$1049 inc GST for 64GB for Wi-Fi + 3G models. Click here to buy online or join the long queue at Apple Stores.
You can also buy at Amazon.com if the Sydney Stores are running out of stock.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
  iPad – to buy or not to buy? Reviews:

  1. You can finally buy an iPad in Australia. But are they any good? Read this article with a video at the Sydney Morning Herald website.
  2. You can also read a great article with a more detailed review and a photo gallery of iPad (almost piece by piece) by visiting this site.
  3. Or simply watch this video:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIbCF-rxTu8]

$71m Budget Boost for Sydney Freight Hub

By

On May 13, 2010

In Headline

Plans to create a freight terminal in Sydney’s south-west have been given a $71 million boost in the Federal Budget. The facility, to be built in Moorebank, will integrate rail with other modes of transport moving freight across the Sydney basin.
The $71 million of the funds will be used to establish a project office and plan for the relocation of Defence facilities there.
The New South Wales Treasurer Eric Roozendaal says the terminal will help to ease the flow of of international and domestic trade. Read full story here
Source: abc.net.au

Sydney House Prices Accelerating!

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On May 3, 2010

In Headline

The news today is not favourable to new migrants (and also to first home buyers) wanting to buy their new homes here in Sydney. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that for the quarter alone, home prices rose 4.8 percent, easing from a revised 5.1 per cent recorded for the December quarter. Here in Sydney, prices rose 21 percent for the year and 5.3 per cent for the quarter! Sydney house prices are increasing and really accelerating.

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