Time to take in hand birds in the bush Nov 5, 2009
The yellow tails are sky emblems of the "other Australia" - that's the place over the paddock fence that has stuck around for 45 million-odd years but rarely gets to be celebrated on Australia Day. From the rhetoric around January 26, you would be forgiven for thinking that Australia did not exist before our arrival, that the land itself was some incidental substrate for human culture. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
What the Hex is going on in Canberra? Oct 20, 2009
But Nalliah has developed a presence in Australian public life, not only in the Christian evangelical world but also links in the political world (see and Peter Costello's message to a ministry gathering on Australia day, ). Media reports of this "prayer offensive" have become the darling of the off-beat section, ridiculing the event and its prayer vs. black spells premise. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Former rugby official Leo Williams dies Oct 15, 2009
Williams also held administrative and coaching positions at the University Club in Queensland and was made an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in the 1999 Australia Day Honours for his service to rugby, the law and the community. John O'Neill, CEO and managing director of the ARU, who worked closely with Williams during his time as ARU Chairman said he contributed a great amount at both national and international level. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Hage-Ali awarded $18,705 in court case Oct 14, 2009
"She was a bright young star whose luminescence was predicted to grow with the National Award on Australia Day 2007," the judge said. Her arrest occurred a week before Ms Hage-Ali, a member of former prime minister John Howard's Muslim Community Reference Group, was named NSW Young Australian of the Year, a title she later relinquished. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
A run of dream acts Oct 6, 2009
The usual combination of buff, shirtless blokes and minimally clad glamorous girls turned out as if for a scorching Australia Day but with the bonus of no sunburn. The gods largely kept the rain in the clouds, only releasing the occasional welcome, cooling shower with perfect timing. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Empire State in China lights row Oct 3, 2009
The lights on the building change in honour of many events during the year, including St Patrick's Day, Australia Day and India Day. A spokeswoman for the Empire State Building, which receives hundreds of requests a year, told Reuters that no fee was charged to have specific lights and that there was an application form. (BBC News -- Americas)
Taylor made: coach's career highs and lows Sep 18, 2009
Taylor is axed as an Australia Day ambassador by Central Coast organisers. October 2001 Retires as the game's leading pointscorer with 2107 points after a successful move to Parramatta that fell just short of an elusive grand final win when the Eels were stunned by 32-24 by Newcastle after being runaway minor premiers. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Pirates grab new Dan Brown Sep 18, 2009
Osmond said he would have the Australia day one figures in a few days' time. "Random House globally took almost unprecedented levels of security to protect the manuscript, the creation of the physical book and the creation of the digital edition," Osmond said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
From a Glasgow slum to Sydney's north shore Sep 8, 2009
Mr McGurk claimed to be only 45 and born on Australia Day, 1964. In fact he was born in 1958 on the wrong side of town, in an area described by his friend as ''the original slum area. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
All Men are Liars: Sep 1, 2009
Bondi's not alone in receiving this treatment from the suburban hordes: The Gold Coast, Cottesloe Beach and St Kilda all probably cop similar abuse at some time during the year but I doubt it's ever on the scale Bondi does for events as varied as Australia Day, Boxing Day or any summer weekend above 35 degrees. Posted at 12:30 AM. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Weed it and reap Sep 1, 2009
"We patriotically put a dozen bunches out on Australia Day and since then interest has grown," he says. Father-and-son team Michel and Sebastien Bras (Sebastien is attending the Sydney International Food Festival in October) use warrigal greens (they call it New Zealand spinach) at their Michelin-starred restaurants in Laguiole, France, and on Lake Toya, Hokkaido, Japan. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
The best among us will lead others to greater things Aug 25, 2009
Adam Gilchrist is chairman of the National Australia Day Council. Nominations close on Monday and can be made at www. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Hello, hello: big brother cops an eyeful Aug 21, 2009
To assist with crowd control, the council has already been transferring live footage directly to the police operations centre and at least one local area command during major events such as New Year's Eve and Australia Day celebrations, where antisocial behaviour has become a problem in recent years. The new rules would enshrine this practice. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Woman charged with Hobart man's m00004000urder Aug 20, 2009
Royal Hobart Hospital's chief radiation physicist Bob Chappell, 65, was last seen alive by his wife on their yacht in the Derwent River on Australia Day this year. Police on Thursday said they had arrested a 55-year-old West Hobart woman and charged her with Mr Chappell's murder. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Triple J poll keeps on rockin' in a man's world Jul 14, 2009
A week or so of tallying the offerings from upwards of 500,000 people followed and we all settled in for the countdown, a grander and more suspenseful version of the station's annual Australia Day collation of the year that was. It ended early on Sunday evening, with a track that many tipped to grab pole position, Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit. (The Age, Australia)
Odyssey from land of the great wall to land of picket fences Jul 7, 2009
She is a member of the state's least exclusive club - the unemployed - and has been since she moved back, for her husband's work, from Singapore to Sydney on Australia Day this year. "I'm applying for jobs. But with the recession it's difficult," says Yin, an architect, as she sits in the winter sun in the backyard of her Roseville home. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Frustrated Rudd looks to the election he has to have May 15, 2009
THE Rudd Government will spend $900,000-a-year to keep the official Australia Day concert after it last year cut funding to a Canberra-based organisation that ran the event. "THANKS for having me back," Wayne Swan began yesterday's speech to the National Press Club, an event at which he arrived after everyone else was seated, to the sound of applause and the glitter of flash bulbs, like Brad Pitt arriving at a Vanity Fair party. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Swan serves up his ugly duckling with panache May 14, 2009
" The speech wasn't perfect (how worried should we be, do you think, that our Treasurer pronounced the word "statistics" as "stastistics"? Twice?) But it gave us a simple and authoritative, even human account of what's been going on, all this time. It's impossible not to respect the hard work that both Kevin Rudd and Swan have put in since this whole mess started. But too often they miss the opportunities to bring people along with them; to explain simply these vast decisions to the very voters... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Big gig survives curtain call May 14, 2009
THE Rudd Government will spend $900,000-a-year to keep the official Australia Day concert after it last year cut funding to a Canberra-based organisation that ran the event ... The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, told the crowd at this year's event it was "the great celebration that is Australia Day" ... The budget said money will be paid to the National Australia Day Council and will cover Australia Day activities, the awards announcement and the televised concert. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Roos star Edwards banned from driving May 5, 2009
Edwards refused a breath test at a police station after being caught speeding on his way to a morning training session on Australia Day. It is the second drink-driving related offence for the Kangaroo forward after he received an earlier infringement notice for exceeding. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Moon-rock scientist, Beazley honoured May 4, 2009
The awards were announced on Australia Day, but the investiture took place in the drawing room of Government House on Monday in front of 250 guests. Ms Bryce said Mr Beazley's "sensitive and diplomatic" approach to politics was something to be proud of, as was his advocacy on social justice issues and for the rights of indigenous people. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
A golden moment as highest award bestowed Apr 30, 2009
The conferring of the honour at Admiralty House in Sydney yesterday was an awards ceremony different from most: governors-general do not usually make speeches at such functions and most honours from the Australia Day list will be conferred in Canberra next month. The first woman governor-general was also honouring the daughter of a man taken from his South Sea island home to work as a slave in the Queensland canefields. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Police to crack Hobart murder mystery Apr 20, 2009
Inspector Peter Powell says police suspect two people of being involved in the Australia Day murder of 65-year-old Bob Chappell ... More floor panels were tampered with in Hobart on Australia Day when the boat was sabotaged in order to sink it, she said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Greg Growden The lunch that sunk Firepower. Read more Apr 17, 2009
On Australia Day, 2006, Johnston hired a light plane to fly a giant flag of the Firepower logo next to a Western Force logo along the Swan River above 400,000 revellers. What seemed like a great bonus promotion for the club turned into an unexpected surprise for O'Meara when the $40,000 bill landed on his desk. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Aussie woman killed man over her barking dog Apr 2, 2009
Joseph Durrant, 47, of Sydney, was on his way home from Australia Day celebrations Jan. 27, 2007, when he argued with Whitmore in her yard about her dog. Prosecutors said Whitmore threatened Durrant then attacked him with a knife. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Weird News)
Police push for more alcohol-free streets Mar 26, 2009
The proposal - to be put to the council next week before going on public display - may draw criticism for cramping the style of party-goers during public celebrations such as New Year's Eve and Australia Day. But Assistant Police Commissioner Catherine Burn said the idea was part of the drive to reduce alcohol-related violence. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Nosworthy racks up a hat-trick Mar 20, 2009
" What's more, in a private company there's a certain mystique. A chap can get involved at the pointy end of a business without the shareholder and regulatory oversight and any potentially damaging fallout. It also keeps Kirk in the loop in the business world and perhaps is even an ideal springboard into politics. Kirk, who took Australian citizenship on Australia Day, signed on during a visit home promoting a rugby knees-up where he no doubt bumped into a familiar face at the function, the new... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Success is on fire Mar 13, 2009
" Even if the lyrics aren't Joycean, Sex On Fire has handed the Nashville four-piece a helping of rock immortality. With its urgent guitars, furious drumming and euphoric chorus, the single has tapped into the zeitgeist, then refashioned it. It's also elevated the three brothers and one cousin into one of the world's biggest bands. Suddenly they're filling arenas and winning awards: their two Sydney Entertainment Centre dates sold out in minutes; on Australia Day, Sex On Fire topped Triple J's... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Woman killed man who complained about her dog: court Mar 10, 2009
He and a friend had been returning from Australia Day celebrations about 1am on January 27, 2007, when they made a comment about Katrina Megan Whitmore's dog. Mr Durrant then became involved in a physical struggle with Whitmore, her brother Frederick Reyon Whitmore and her partner Steven Spiro Sotiropoulos, and was fatally stabbed. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
New G-G strides a wide world Mar 6, 2009
She told The Australian Woman's Weekly, "We recorded the Australia Day television address on a hill overlooking the camp. I stood on the top of a tank " One aspect of her role she particularly enjoyed, she said, was her interaction with the military (though she's negative about guns, apparently she has refused to be patron of the National Rifle Association, an organisation that usually attracts vice-regal support). After the Victorian bushfires she didn't just visit the devastated areas but made... (The Age, Australia -- Opinion)
Rookie class dominates opening day of Roxy Pro Gold Coast Mar 5, 2009
Published: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 3:10 AM HST DURANBAH BEACH, Australia Day 1 of the Roxy Pro Gold Coast presented by LG Mobile is in the books, and the new guard of women s surfing announced their intentions with style, punch and bite in clean 2-foot waves at Duranbah Beach. Event No. 1 of 8 on the 2009 ASP Women s World Tour, the Roxy Pro Gold Coast opted to relocate from the primary site of Snapper Rocks this morning to Duranbah Beach to take advantage of the conditions on offer, and in... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
While some clean up, others get down and dirty Mar 2, 2009
students from Punjabi School in Revesby do their part for Clean Up Australia Day yesterday, picking up rubbish in River Road ... The first day of the month, dubbed Super Sunday because of the four luxury cruise ships in the harbour, was also Clean Up Australia Day, the launch of NSW Wine Week at Hyde Park and the Harbour 09 dance party, a prelude to Mardi Gras this weekend ... Clean Up Australia's chairman, Ian Kiernan, said the 20th anniversary of Clean Up Australia day had marked a reduction... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Simon Overland Victoria's new police chief Mar 2, 2009
The Age - Business News, World News & Breaking News in Australia Skip directly to: Search Box, , , Text Version. March 2, 2009 - 6:55PM. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Kiernan urges recyclables deposit scheme Mar 1, 2009
Plastic rubbish, particularly recyclable drink and food containers, continues to dominate refuse collected during Clean Up Australia Day, event chairman Ian Kiernan says ... Mr Kiernan said Clean Up Australia Day 2009 was a "huge success", with the number of volunteers rising by 15 per cent.. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Statute of Liberty Feb 28, 2009
This is a question usually answered in generalities by politicians and prelates at services on Australia Day or Anzac Day, by academics in seminars on "Australian studies" or by teachers at school assemblies. It is not normally perceived as a question that might be put to lawyers. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Bushfires and the spirit of Australia Feb 27, 2009
"Back on Australia Day I was saying a few things about what the spirit of Australia is all about. It's about courage, it's about resilience and it's about compassion - you know, looking after your mates and looking after your neighbors and people you haven't actually even met before. And what I see across the response to floods in the north (Queensland) and these terrible fires in the south (Victoria) are all those great Australian values and virtues on display in a very practical Australian... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Involving community in waste reduction: Lessons from across the pond Feb 24, 2009
Sydney businessman Ian Kiernan set up the group in 1989, encouraging communities to spend one day a year - known as Clean Up Australia Day -picking up the rubbish in their local area. The event turns 20 this year and has gone global, with Clean Up the World Weekend people in 110 countries, including Indonesia, taking part in the 2008 event. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
Countdown to close education gap Feb 21, 2009
Dodson set all Australians a challenge we now have 10 months to respond to: by the start of school after January 26 next year (Australia Day), every Aboriginal child must be attending school. This is the most ambitious yet quickly achievable goal in indigenous affairs that can be imagined. (The Australian)
Education must be top priority - Dodson Feb 17, 2009
"What I'd like to see is every Australian child next Australia Day geared up and ready for the start of the 2010 school year," he said. "A school to go to, with chairs and tables and blackboards and computers. "Teachers ready, competent and determined, equipped to impart knowledge and confidence. (The Australian)
Fine cigarette butt throwers: Kiernan Feb 16, 2009
The organisers of Clean Up Australia Day say the court system could reduce the threat of bushfires by cracking down on people who throw away cigarette butts. Clean Up Australia chairman Ian Kiernan says people who throw away butts are vandalising the environment and putting lives at risk. (ABC Online)
Hooker and the 10cm that means everything in the world Feb 14, 2009
"He appeared on Rove, where he was impersonated by comedian Will Ferrell, partied at some of the best events, won awards, made the Australia Day honours list and gave motivational talks. He took a break from training, but never lost sight of his goal. The job wasn't done. He wanted to jump higher still.After Beijing, Hooker met Athletics Australia media manager Dave Culbert, and the pair came up with a game plan to manage the spiking attention."When we sat down after the Games, we asked him what... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
'Don't worry about me, dear. God will look after me' Feb 12, 2009
Miss Hathaway and five friends, including her fiance, Frederick Knight, had been enjoying an Australia Day long weekend picnic trip aboard a cabin cruiser. The next day the Herald reported how Mr Knight had heard Miss Hathaway scream and how he had kicked and punched the shark that had almost torn off her right leg. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Peter Costello slams cult's Victorian bushfire retribution claims Feb 11, 2009
Just three weeks ago, the former federal treasurer sent a video message to a special Australia Day prayer meeting organised by Catch the Fire Ministries leader Danny Nalliah ... And just ahead of an Australia Day prayer meeting, Mr Nalliah announced: "Our silent prayer is that Peter ... will be here to take the leadership of the party and lead the nation into victory as prime minister.". (The Australian)
Abortion laws allowed devil to destroy: pastor Feb 11, 2009
The Liberal backbencher and former treasurer, Peter Costello, who sent a video message to an Australia Day prayer meeting organised by Pastor Nalliah this year, was outraged by his remarks yesterday. "To link the death and suffering of bushfire victims to other political events is appalling, heartless and wrong," said Mr Costello, who has lost a Christian friend in the fires. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Good Living Feb 10, 2009
Exploring the diverse world of Australia Day celebrations. IT COULD be the beginning of the end for the foul-mouthed, macho, male master chef. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Pastor's abortion dream inflames bushfire tragedy Feb 10, 2009
The former Treasurer, Peter Costello, who sent a video message to an Australia Day prayer meeting organised by Pastor Nalliah this year, was outraged by his remarks on the fires. "To link the death and suffering of bushfire victims to other political events is appalling, heartless and wrong,'' said Mr Costello, who has lost a Christian friend in the fires. "Those who have suffered deserve ever support and sympathy. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Abortion to blame: Pastor"style="">Abortion to blame: Pastor Feb 10, 2009
The former Treasurer, Peter Costello, sent a video message to an Australia Day prayer meeting organised by Pastor Nalliah. He quoted a headline describing the fires as "The Darkest hour for Victoria". (The Age, Australia -- Opinion)
Stay in Touch Feb 8, 2009
" I asked readers to create their own list, and this is how the voting went: The coolest people in Australian entertainment (readers' choice) 1 Chris Lilley (creator of Summer Heights High) 2 Juanita Phillips (ABC newsreader) 3 Andrew Denton (ABC interviewer) 4 Myf Warhurst (Triple J broadcaster and panellist on Spicks and Specks) 5 Sam Neill (actor) 6 Toni Collette (actor) 7 Dave Graney (singer, songwriter, comedian) 8 Rachel Griffiths (actor) 9 Wil Anderson (comedian, former host of The... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
My fellow Australians, Obamamania could stop World Cup from comingto the land Down Under Feb 8, 2009
New coach Vitezslav Lavicka and assistant Michal Zach went unnoticed sitting in the SFS stands watching Kosmina's team beat Newcastle 4-0 over the Australia Day weekend. Arshavin on the money. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Aerial skier has her eye on golden winter prize Feb 8, 2009
THE sunlight was blinding, but the temperature at Mont Gabriel in Quebec plummeted to minus 18 degrees as Lydia Lassila clinched a World Cup victory on Australia Day. The 27-year-old Victorian from Diggers Rest qualified second behind China's dual world champion Nina Li before her stunning triple-twisting, double somersault in the final. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Read moreEDITORALDowd Confronting A Difficult DecisionIt is understandable that Town Council Member Abigail Dowd loves Florence. Who wouldnt? But were sure she also cares about Southern Pines. That, as Mayor Mike Haney commented the other night at a council work session, is why Dowd is agonizing over what to do.Read morePUBLIC SPEAKINGEditorial Was Off BaseThe Pilot demonstrates its own ultra-partisanship in the Feb. 1 editorial, "So Much for Change and Bipartisanship." It condemned the Republicans for voting unanimously against the House of Representatives "stimulus plan." Read moreJIM DODSONJIM DODSON: Down Under in the SandbeltJim Dodson, editor of Pinestraw magazine, writes an essay each Sunday for The Pilot. His latest offering begins: "This may sound rather silly to say, but I just flew halfway around the world to have a cold Aussie beer and experience the pain of a gloriously made bunker. True, I was on assignment for a national magazine, and I had agreed to sing for my supper by giving a few evening talks to my hosts."Read more Feb 8, 2009
By Sunday night, the eve of Australia Day and the start of Chinese New Year, my feet were blistered and my hands were sore from so much golf. I sat in a famous Chinese restaurant by the Yara River, a few blocks from center court of the crowded Australian Tennis Open, watching Chinese families celebrate and fireworks explode. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Miranda Devine Feb 8, 2009
Every Australian of the Year has to expect to cop a bagging, especially on Australia Day. It is our national sport, writes Miranda Devine. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Multicultural barbie Feb 8, 2009
IN GREEK culture, the pomegranate fruit symbolises fertility, success and happiness so to honour Australia Day, a traditional Greek family adds the fruit to its barbecue. "Australia Day is a non-Greek celebratory day but a very big day," says Maria Benardis, whose family hails from Kalamata, Greece ... Every Australia Day, she invites family and friends to her home where she cooks dishes blending Australian and Greek cuisine. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Jessica Mauboy wants a new No.1 Feb 8, 2009
Mauboy will sing at an Australia Day eve concert in Canberra today, with a separate performance lined up for 100 guests at the Lodge on Australia Day tomorrow, including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and family. send photos, videos ffs to 0424 SMS SMH (+61 424 767 764), or us. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
TV & Radio Feb 8, 2009
Tennis edged out cricket to be the sport of choice for television viewers on Australia Day. Seven aims to make its domination of news and current affairs complete. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Gerard Henderson Feb 8, 2009
As the events of yesterday demonstrated, Australia Day is becoming increasingly popular - most notably among the young. This is evident not only at attendances at public functions but also by the amount of flag-waving and flag-wearing which occurs on January 26 each year, writes Gerard Henderson. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
