From the Australian Press
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- AussieMark
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**From The Advertiser (Adelaide) **
We flocked to shops and spent millions
25dec04
OVERNIGHT marathon Christmas trading hours are expected to be extended to three major shopping precincts next year after yesterday's experiment was declared a success.
Thousands of last-minute shoppers flocked to Westfield Marion into the early hours of yesterday morning, helping push sales to record levels.
City stores which stayed open from Thursday morning to yesterday evening, however, reported patchy interest.
Australian Retailers Association state executive director Stirling Griff said the city trial would have to be reviewed.
He was ecstatic about the success of Westfield Marion. Up to 200,000 people passed through the centre in the 32-hour spree.
"It was very strong at Marion until about mid-morning and at 2am it was still hard to get a car park which is quite amazing," Mr Griff said. "It only started slowing down after 3am. The feeling I've got from people I've spoken to is the marathon sales will continue to work pretty well and could be extended to three centres, like Marion, Tea Tree Plaza and Elizabeth."
Mr Griff said some retailers had reported a 15-20 per cent increase in sales from last week, and December takings were still on target for a record $1.6 billion.
Visitor numbers in Rundle Mall this week were estimated at 500,000 – up 41 per cent compared to an average week.
Mr Griff said it was preferable for retailers to stay open from 9pm to midnight, which current legislation restricts, rather than trade through the night.
Almost before the Christmas shopping period was over, department stores had started pulling down decorations and replaced them with post-Christmas sales advertising.
The major stores reopen at one minute past midnight on Wednesday morning. Mr Griff expected between $80 and $100 million to be spent on the first day of post-Christmas sales.
We flocked to shops and spent millions
25dec04
OVERNIGHT marathon Christmas trading hours are expected to be extended to three major shopping precincts next year after yesterday's experiment was declared a success.
Thousands of last-minute shoppers flocked to Westfield Marion into the early hours of yesterday morning, helping push sales to record levels.
City stores which stayed open from Thursday morning to yesterday evening, however, reported patchy interest.
Australian Retailers Association state executive director Stirling Griff said the city trial would have to be reviewed.
He was ecstatic about the success of Westfield Marion. Up to 200,000 people passed through the centre in the 32-hour spree.
"It was very strong at Marion until about mid-morning and at 2am it was still hard to get a car park which is quite amazing," Mr Griff said. "It only started slowing down after 3am. The feeling I've got from people I've spoken to is the marathon sales will continue to work pretty well and could be extended to three centres, like Marion, Tea Tree Plaza and Elizabeth."
Mr Griff said some retailers had reported a 15-20 per cent increase in sales from last week, and December takings were still on target for a record $1.6 billion.
Visitor numbers in Rundle Mall this week were estimated at 500,000 – up 41 per cent compared to an average week.
Mr Griff said it was preferable for retailers to stay open from 9pm to midnight, which current legislation restricts, rather than trade through the night.
Almost before the Christmas shopping period was over, department stores had started pulling down decorations and replaced them with post-Christmas sales advertising.
The major stores reopen at one minute past midnight on Wednesday morning. Mr Griff expected between $80 and $100 million to be spent on the first day of post-Christmas sales.
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- AussieMark
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**From The Advertiser (Adelaide) **
Safety in the water thanks to seasonal goodwill
25dec04
SURF lifesavers will volunteer their services on Christmas day at beaches around the state.
Swimmers at Whyalla, Port Elliot, Chiton Rocks, Normanville and Aldinga Bay will be under their watchful eyes between 2pm and 5pm. Metropolitan and mid-South Coast beaches will also be monitored by Surf Lifesaving volunteers.
With thousands of people expected to flock to Horseshoe Bay and nearby beaches at Port Elliot, lifesavers from the Port Elliot Surf Lifesaving Club are at the ready.
"We've had the patrols operating since the beginning of November and they are all up to speed," club president Rod Ellis said.
"On Christmas day there are volunteers to man the beach for that day, after that, on weekends and public holidays we have full patrol rosters in force.
"Christmas Day is a voluntary patrol. I would think there will be six to 10 lifesavers at the beach through the day. It's all part of our community service. Christmas Day is a special day but it's still another day that we try to do our best to assist people having fun at the beach," Mr Ellis said. All surf lifesaving clubs around the state will patrol for normal times – between midday and 6pm – on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
"We want people to follow the standard rules of beach safety," Lifesaving SA operations manager Shane Daw said.
"Swim between flags, be sun smart, seek information from lifesavers and take their advice."
He also warned that presents for use at the beach should be used with commonsense and caution.
"Sometimes with new boogie boards and floatation devices, uses have put some false sense of security in these devices that they're going to be safe," Mr Daw said.
"If people don't know how to use them and get in trouble, things can easily go wrong. People shouldn't be lulled into a false sense of security with these items and they should always be used by children under supervision.
"Certainly, have fun but know what you're getting yourself into," Mr Daw said.
Safety in the water thanks to seasonal goodwill
25dec04
SURF lifesavers will volunteer their services on Christmas day at beaches around the state.
Swimmers at Whyalla, Port Elliot, Chiton Rocks, Normanville and Aldinga Bay will be under their watchful eyes between 2pm and 5pm. Metropolitan and mid-South Coast beaches will also be monitored by Surf Lifesaving volunteers.
With thousands of people expected to flock to Horseshoe Bay and nearby beaches at Port Elliot, lifesavers from the Port Elliot Surf Lifesaving Club are at the ready.
"We've had the patrols operating since the beginning of November and they are all up to speed," club president Rod Ellis said.
"On Christmas day there are volunteers to man the beach for that day, after that, on weekends and public holidays we have full patrol rosters in force.
"Christmas Day is a voluntary patrol. I would think there will be six to 10 lifesavers at the beach through the day. It's all part of our community service. Christmas Day is a special day but it's still another day that we try to do our best to assist people having fun at the beach," Mr Ellis said. All surf lifesaving clubs around the state will patrol for normal times – between midday and 6pm – on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
"We want people to follow the standard rules of beach safety," Lifesaving SA operations manager Shane Daw said.
"Swim between flags, be sun smart, seek information from lifesavers and take their advice."
He also warned that presents for use at the beach should be used with commonsense and caution.
"Sometimes with new boogie boards and floatation devices, uses have put some false sense of security in these devices that they're going to be safe," Mr Daw said.
"If people don't know how to use them and get in trouble, things can easily go wrong. People shouldn't be lulled into a false sense of security with these items and they should always be used by children under supervision.
"Certainly, have fun but know what you're getting yourself into," Mr Daw said.
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- AussieMark
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**From The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) **
Lives rebuilt that had gone to blazes
IT'S Christmas again, but where Sydney's worst ever bushfires once left smouldering rubble is now hope.
Twelve families in Glenorie lost their homes in the firestorm two years ago.
Yesterday, Mim and Nev Burkett stood before their new home which has risen from the ashes.
"It's our first Christmas in our new home. It's fantastic," said Mrs Burkett.
"I am revelling in Christmas this year. Everyone's grumpy in the shops but I'm so happy. The cabin we've been living in for the past two years wouldn't have even fitted in our new living room."
Four Glenorie families have rebuilt their homes and their lives. A handful have moved away. Others remain in makeshift accommodation.
"Financialy, we would have been better off walking away, but Australians have the fighting instinct in times of adversity. Like the regenerating bush, we come back," she said.
Their home was razed to the ground in minutes by the flames.
"I'll never forget the extraordinary roar. It was like a sleeping monster arose out of the valley," she said.
Hundreds of residents were evacuated on January 4 and 5 2002 in the worst fires Sydney has seen.
"We had to move past having possessions when we lost everything. I had all the family's antique furniture and felt really responsible," she said.
The emotional scars are still fresh in the community.
"I think it's still there for me. Everyone's still touched by it. It's still lingering," she said.
"Two years on and it's been an amazing experience. We don't care about possessions any more. I think we actually feel younger.
"All the things I felt guilty about not finishing are just gone. I guess it's a more zen way of living," she said.
In Eucumbene Avenue, Duffy, the Evans family will mark the second anniversary of the bushfires which hit Canberra's southern suburbs with a party.
Ariane Evans, 14, defined the grief of the 491 families who lost their homes that day as was photographed rummaging through the rubble.
Her birthday party was planned for the day after the fires, but instead the family returned to the house to find it totally demolished.
When the Daily Telegraph last visited Ariane and her family the construction of their new home, on the same spot where their old one stood, was underway.
Ariane described how the trauma of losing everything but the family dog and some clothes and photo albums had left her withdrawn.
Yesterday, Ariane and her father Alan described their joy at moving in to their brand new modern brick house.
"I love it," Ariane said. "I am always going to miss the old house but with the new one my sister and I got to pick out what we wanted.
"My friends all love it because it is so open and bright, it's really beautiful."
Mr Evans said about 70 per cent of the people who lost their Duffy homes in the fire had sold up and moved on, but his family made the decision to rebuild almost immediately.
"We will never forget that day, it altered our lives, but we were back on track pretty quickly," Mr Evans said.
"We had the architects in on the Monday after the fire.
"Everything has gone pretty well, nothing has been a problem."
Ariane said she had no qualms about rebuilding.
"We have lived here for so long and we are all together," she said.
"There's not many places like this one."
While the second anniversary will bring back strong memories of the day Mr Evans and his other daughter Alexandra tried and failed to save their house before fleeing at the last moment, this year the family plans to celebrate.
"We are planning to have a welcome home party and invite all the people who were so good to us," Mr Evans said.
"It will be both a sad time and a good time.
"It is sad that we lost so many neighbours and the suburb will never be the same."
One neighbour who had been planning to rebuild has given up hope, Mr Evans said, with the cost of building in Canberra skyrocketing after the fire.
Old neighbours on the other side have started construction, but most have sold up and moved away.
Lives rebuilt that had gone to blazes
IT'S Christmas again, but where Sydney's worst ever bushfires once left smouldering rubble is now hope.
Twelve families in Glenorie lost their homes in the firestorm two years ago.
Yesterday, Mim and Nev Burkett stood before their new home which has risen from the ashes.
"It's our first Christmas in our new home. It's fantastic," said Mrs Burkett.
"I am revelling in Christmas this year. Everyone's grumpy in the shops but I'm so happy. The cabin we've been living in for the past two years wouldn't have even fitted in our new living room."
Four Glenorie families have rebuilt their homes and their lives. A handful have moved away. Others remain in makeshift accommodation.
"Financialy, we would have been better off walking away, but Australians have the fighting instinct in times of adversity. Like the regenerating bush, we come back," she said.
Their home was razed to the ground in minutes by the flames.
"I'll never forget the extraordinary roar. It was like a sleeping monster arose out of the valley," she said.
Hundreds of residents were evacuated on January 4 and 5 2002 in the worst fires Sydney has seen.
"We had to move past having possessions when we lost everything. I had all the family's antique furniture and felt really responsible," she said.
The emotional scars are still fresh in the community.
"I think it's still there for me. Everyone's still touched by it. It's still lingering," she said.
"Two years on and it's been an amazing experience. We don't care about possessions any more. I think we actually feel younger.
"All the things I felt guilty about not finishing are just gone. I guess it's a more zen way of living," she said.
In Eucumbene Avenue, Duffy, the Evans family will mark the second anniversary of the bushfires which hit Canberra's southern suburbs with a party.
Ariane Evans, 14, defined the grief of the 491 families who lost their homes that day as was photographed rummaging through the rubble.
Her birthday party was planned for the day after the fires, but instead the family returned to the house to find it totally demolished.
When the Daily Telegraph last visited Ariane and her family the construction of their new home, on the same spot where their old one stood, was underway.
Ariane described how the trauma of losing everything but the family dog and some clothes and photo albums had left her withdrawn.
Yesterday, Ariane and her father Alan described their joy at moving in to their brand new modern brick house.
"I love it," Ariane said. "I am always going to miss the old house but with the new one my sister and I got to pick out what we wanted.
"My friends all love it because it is so open and bright, it's really beautiful."
Mr Evans said about 70 per cent of the people who lost their Duffy homes in the fire had sold up and moved on, but his family made the decision to rebuild almost immediately.
"We will never forget that day, it altered our lives, but we were back on track pretty quickly," Mr Evans said.
"We had the architects in on the Monday after the fire.
"Everything has gone pretty well, nothing has been a problem."
Ariane said she had no qualms about rebuilding.
"We have lived here for so long and we are all together," she said.
"There's not many places like this one."
While the second anniversary will bring back strong memories of the day Mr Evans and his other daughter Alexandra tried and failed to save their house before fleeing at the last moment, this year the family plans to celebrate.
"We are planning to have a welcome home party and invite all the people who were so good to us," Mr Evans said.
"It will be both a sad time and a good time.
"It is sad that we lost so many neighbours and the suburb will never be the same."
One neighbour who had been planning to rebuild has given up hope, Mr Evans said, with the cost of building in Canberra skyrocketing after the fire.
Old neighbours on the other side have started construction, but most have sold up and moved away.
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- AussieMark
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**From The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) **
Pupil's relationship with teacher aged 52
A TEACHER at one of the state's top schools has been removed from the classroom after allegations of a relationship with a female student.
The Department of Education confirmed yesterday it was investigating the liaison between a maths teacher and a Year 12 student at the selective Gosford High on the Central Coast.
The Daily Telegraph has learned the teacher, Robert Drummond, 52, is married with five children. The student, Melanie Docwra, 17, has just finished her HSC exams.
It is understood Mr Drummond received a letter from the department within the past two weeks ordering him to stop teaching.
He was given office duties but is now on holiday.
In a statement released yesterday, the department said it had "begun an investigation into an alleged relationship between a male Gosford High School teacher and a Year 12 female student from the same school.
"As soon as the department became aware of the allegation, the teacher was removed from all teaching duties pending an investigation."
Gosford High is the second selective school recently involved in allegations of a teacher-student relationship.
Baulkham Hills High head of English Jeff Sinclair was sacked over an affair with student Nicki Shackle.
Mr Sinclair, 33 years Ms Shackle's senior, won a compensation payout of almost $28,000 for stress suffered during the tortuous investigation stretching over 2½ years.
It is understood Mr Drummond taught Melanie in Years 7, 8 and 9 at Gosford High.
Her mother Wendy said yesterday Mr Drummond began "dating" her daughter earlier this month.
"He waited until the last day of term and then told her how he felt," she told The Daily Telegraph.
"Something like this should be put out in the open [by the school] and students should be warned.
"I don't want any other mother to be put through this."
Melanie Docwra scored a UAI (Universities Admissions Index) of 89. She has expressed a desire to teach but has also been preselected to study law.
She said yesterday she was concerned about how her relationship with Mr Drummond would be perceived. "It's not something sleazy. There are two sides to this," she said.
Mr Drummond refused to comment.
An associate said the father-of-five had separated from his second wife Pamela early in October. They had been married for nine years.
His wife was not aware at the time of the separation about any involvement with Melanie Docwra but had since found out.
"He left his wife in October and only a short time later was introducing Melanie to his mother and adult sons," the associate, who asked not to be named, said.
"They have spoken to Rob's family about having children together. He's bought her a horse, a car, clothing."
The associate said Mr Drummond was warned by the school late in 2003 about contact he was having with Ms Docwra.
"He was tutoring her one-on-one in the lunch hour without permission.
"I know he was warned about that."
Pupil's relationship with teacher aged 52
A TEACHER at one of the state's top schools has been removed from the classroom after allegations of a relationship with a female student.
The Department of Education confirmed yesterday it was investigating the liaison between a maths teacher and a Year 12 student at the selective Gosford High on the Central Coast.
The Daily Telegraph has learned the teacher, Robert Drummond, 52, is married with five children. The student, Melanie Docwra, 17, has just finished her HSC exams.
It is understood Mr Drummond received a letter from the department within the past two weeks ordering him to stop teaching.
He was given office duties but is now on holiday.
In a statement released yesterday, the department said it had "begun an investigation into an alleged relationship between a male Gosford High School teacher and a Year 12 female student from the same school.
"As soon as the department became aware of the allegation, the teacher was removed from all teaching duties pending an investigation."
Gosford High is the second selective school recently involved in allegations of a teacher-student relationship.
Baulkham Hills High head of English Jeff Sinclair was sacked over an affair with student Nicki Shackle.
Mr Sinclair, 33 years Ms Shackle's senior, won a compensation payout of almost $28,000 for stress suffered during the tortuous investigation stretching over 2½ years.
It is understood Mr Drummond taught Melanie in Years 7, 8 and 9 at Gosford High.
Her mother Wendy said yesterday Mr Drummond began "dating" her daughter earlier this month.
"He waited until the last day of term and then told her how he felt," she told The Daily Telegraph.
"Something like this should be put out in the open [by the school] and students should be warned.
"I don't want any other mother to be put through this."
Melanie Docwra scored a UAI (Universities Admissions Index) of 89. She has expressed a desire to teach but has also been preselected to study law.
She said yesterday she was concerned about how her relationship with Mr Drummond would be perceived. "It's not something sleazy. There are two sides to this," she said.
Mr Drummond refused to comment.
An associate said the father-of-five had separated from his second wife Pamela early in October. They had been married for nine years.
His wife was not aware at the time of the separation about any involvement with Melanie Docwra but had since found out.
"He left his wife in October and only a short time later was introducing Melanie to his mother and adult sons," the associate, who asked not to be named, said.
"They have spoken to Rob's family about having children together. He's bought her a horse, a car, clothing."
The associate said Mr Drummond was warned by the school late in 2003 about contact he was having with Ms Docwra.
"He was tutoring her one-on-one in the lunch hour without permission.
"I know he was warned about that."
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- AussieMark
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**From The Sunday Times (Perth) **
Four teenage girls 'used knife in car-jack'
A GROUP of four young girls, estimated to be aged only 13, yesterday allegedly car-jacked a vehicle being driven by a man in a suburban Perth street.
Police said the girls threatened the motorist with a knife before stealing his car, leaving him in a state of disbelief at the age of his attackers.
The man was sitting in his car in South Guildford at 4.30am when the girls threatened him with a large knife, police said.
They said the man got out of the car, which the group then stole.
Police spokesman Mike Gough said the man's red Daihatsu Charade was spotted a few hours later by police in Mundaring, in Perth's Hills District.
"Police stopped the vehicle and three girls were taken into custody and they are still being spoken to by police," Sergeant Gough said.
He said the girls could face charges such as stealing with violence and stealing a motor vehicle.
Police were last night conducting a search for the fourth girl.
Four teenage girls 'used knife in car-jack'
A GROUP of four young girls, estimated to be aged only 13, yesterday allegedly car-jacked a vehicle being driven by a man in a suburban Perth street.
Police said the girls threatened the motorist with a knife before stealing his car, leaving him in a state of disbelief at the age of his attackers.
The man was sitting in his car in South Guildford at 4.30am when the girls threatened him with a large knife, police said.
They said the man got out of the car, which the group then stole.
Police spokesman Mike Gough said the man's red Daihatsu Charade was spotted a few hours later by police in Mundaring, in Perth's Hills District.
"Police stopped the vehicle and three girls were taken into custody and they are still being spoken to by police," Sergeant Gough said.
He said the girls could face charges such as stealing with violence and stealing a motor vehicle.
Police were last night conducting a search for the fourth girl.
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**From The Advertiser (Adelaide) **
Police hunt for sex assault suspects
NEW Year's Eve celebrations in South Australia have been marred by sexual assaults across the state.
The Sexual Crime Investigation Branch, in conjunction with detectives from Port Lincoln CIB, are investigating an incident in which a girl was sexually assaulted by an unknown man in the vicinity of the marina at Tumby Bay.
The girl met the man during New Year's Eve festivities and was driven to the marina between 2.30am and 3.15am on New Year's Day when she was sexually assaulted.
The alleged offender is described as a caucasian male, aged in his 20s with dark hair and was clean shaven.
His vehicle was a VR/VS Holden Commodore, either dark blue or black, with shiny mag wheels.
Kadina CIB is investigating another incident in which a girl was sexually assaulted by an unknown male in the vicinity of North Beach, Kadina.
The girl met the man on Friday night and was led to bushes on North Beach where she was sexually assaulted.
The alleged offender is described as a caucasian male aged in his 20s.
The third incident occurred when a woman, 21, was sexually assaulted in the city's South Parklands. She had just left a city pub and was walking home through the parklands between 1am and 2am on New Year's Day.
As she neared the Pulteney Grammar School footbridge she was forced by an unknown male to a nearby grassed area and sexually assaulted.
The alleged offender is described as a male caucasian in his mid-30s, about 170cm tall with a slim build, shaved head and brown goatee beard.
Police hunt for sex assault suspects
NEW Year's Eve celebrations in South Australia have been marred by sexual assaults across the state.
The Sexual Crime Investigation Branch, in conjunction with detectives from Port Lincoln CIB, are investigating an incident in which a girl was sexually assaulted by an unknown man in the vicinity of the marina at Tumby Bay.
The girl met the man during New Year's Eve festivities and was driven to the marina between 2.30am and 3.15am on New Year's Day when she was sexually assaulted.
The alleged offender is described as a caucasian male, aged in his 20s with dark hair and was clean shaven.
His vehicle was a VR/VS Holden Commodore, either dark blue or black, with shiny mag wheels.
Kadina CIB is investigating another incident in which a girl was sexually assaulted by an unknown male in the vicinity of North Beach, Kadina.
The girl met the man on Friday night and was led to bushes on North Beach where she was sexually assaulted.
The alleged offender is described as a caucasian male aged in his 20s.
The third incident occurred when a woman, 21, was sexually assaulted in the city's South Parklands. She had just left a city pub and was walking home through the parklands between 1am and 2am on New Year's Day.
As she neared the Pulteney Grammar School footbridge she was forced by an unknown male to a nearby grassed area and sexually assaulted.
The alleged offender is described as a male caucasian in his mid-30s, about 170cm tall with a slim build, shaved head and brown goatee beard.
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**From The Advertiser (Adelaide) **
Fleeing `robber' calls for backup
A YOUTH who allegedly bashed and robbed a man in Adelaide phoned police for help after witnesses to the robbery gave chase.
Police yesterday admitted they were slightly bemused by the twist in the case.
The 17-year-old and an 18-year-old from Rostrevor allegedly attacked a man in Gawler Place, Adelaide, about midnight on Saturday.
They allegedly demanded their victim hand over his wallet and backpack before fleeing.
When police received their first call about the incident it was described as a fight in Gawler Place. The robbery was witnessed by about five people who gave chase to the two alleged robbers.
The 17-year-old then called police to say he was being chased by a group of people.
"At this stage police were treating it as two separate incidents," a police spokeswoman said.
"The patrols found the victim and then located the alleged offenders further down in Gawler Place and put two and two together."
Both youths have been charged with aggravated robbery.
The 17-year-old has also been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.
Fleeing `robber' calls for backup
A YOUTH who allegedly bashed and robbed a man in Adelaide phoned police for help after witnesses to the robbery gave chase.
Police yesterday admitted they were slightly bemused by the twist in the case.
The 17-year-old and an 18-year-old from Rostrevor allegedly attacked a man in Gawler Place, Adelaide, about midnight on Saturday.
They allegedly demanded their victim hand over his wallet and backpack before fleeing.
When police received their first call about the incident it was described as a fight in Gawler Place. The robbery was witnessed by about five people who gave chase to the two alleged robbers.
The 17-year-old then called police to say he was being chased by a group of people.
"At this stage police were treating it as two separate incidents," a police spokeswoman said.
"The patrols found the victim and then located the alleged offenders further down in Gawler Place and put two and two together."
Both youths have been charged with aggravated robbery.
The 17-year-old has also been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.
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**From The Advertiser (Adelaide) **
Plans for $6m expansion to centre
PLANS have been unveiled for a $6 million expansion of the Harbour Town shopping centre at West Beach.
Joint owners ING Real Estate Development Australia and The Lewis Land Group have lodged plans with Adelaide Airport Ltd to add an extra 5500sq m of retail space to the centre.
The existing $10 million brand direct outlet shopping centre on Tapleys Hill Rd is more than 12,000sq m. The expansion would be built at the southern end of the existing centre.
"The centre is 100 per cent occupied and there is good customer demand," ING development director Greg Boyd said.
"We are planning to build an extra 50 per cent of the current size of the centre.
"It's been such a great success. The location is ideal and we are far enough away from the traditional retail centres so not to directly compete with them."
Mr Boyd said negotiations were progressing with potential tenants. "There is already a strong level of inquiry from tenants," he said.
The extension is being designed by Adelaide-based Hassell – the same consultant group behind the existing development. AAL corporate affairs manager John McArdle said the application would be given "high priority" in the new year.
"Our role will be to assess the application against environmental significance and see if it complies with the approved master plan," he said.
The centre opened on October 23, 2003, and if the new plans are approved, it is hoped stage two can begin on the centre's second anniversary.
The complex, the first of its kind in South Australia, is based on the original Harbour Town at Queensland's Gold Coast – also developed by ING and The Lewis Land Group.
It is a single-level, open-air pedestrian street of shops with an observation deck overlooking the airport and alfresco cafes and restaurants.
Retail brands at discount prices like Calvin Klein, Morrissey and Dolce & Gabbana are on offer in the development, as well as homewares stores such as Mikasa, Sheridan Australia and Table Top & Kitchen.
There are also brands such as Esprit, Table Eight and Youthworks.[/b]
Plans for $6m expansion to centre
PLANS have been unveiled for a $6 million expansion of the Harbour Town shopping centre at West Beach.
Joint owners ING Real Estate Development Australia and The Lewis Land Group have lodged plans with Adelaide Airport Ltd to add an extra 5500sq m of retail space to the centre.
The existing $10 million brand direct outlet shopping centre on Tapleys Hill Rd is more than 12,000sq m. The expansion would be built at the southern end of the existing centre.
"The centre is 100 per cent occupied and there is good customer demand," ING development director Greg Boyd said.
"We are planning to build an extra 50 per cent of the current size of the centre.
"It's been such a great success. The location is ideal and we are far enough away from the traditional retail centres so not to directly compete with them."
Mr Boyd said negotiations were progressing with potential tenants. "There is already a strong level of inquiry from tenants," he said.
The extension is being designed by Adelaide-based Hassell – the same consultant group behind the existing development. AAL corporate affairs manager John McArdle said the application would be given "high priority" in the new year.
"Our role will be to assess the application against environmental significance and see if it complies with the approved master plan," he said.
The centre opened on October 23, 2003, and if the new plans are approved, it is hoped stage two can begin on the centre's second anniversary.
The complex, the first of its kind in South Australia, is based on the original Harbour Town at Queensland's Gold Coast – also developed by ING and The Lewis Land Group.
It is a single-level, open-air pedestrian street of shops with an observation deck overlooking the airport and alfresco cafes and restaurants.
Retail brands at discount prices like Calvin Klein, Morrissey and Dolce & Gabbana are on offer in the development, as well as homewares stores such as Mikasa, Sheridan Australia and Table Top & Kitchen.
There are also brands such as Esprit, Table Eight and Youthworks.[/b]
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**From the Herald Sun (Melbourne) **
Tamils mourn lost relatives
VICTORIA'S Tamil community expressed its grief at a commemorative service at Wantirna.
About 500 people attended yesterday's service, organised just 24 hours earlier.
They wore black armbands as a mark of respect to the many Tamils who have died in the Asian tsunami disaster.
Sathiyabama Nanthinathan learned two days ago that 42 of her close family, including her mother and sister, had been killed. She said most of the 600 people in her home village of Vettalaakeny were dead or missing.
Sathiyabama was at the commemorative service with her husband, Nanthinathan Chellaiah, and their children Suriyanth, 5, and Anumitha, 3. She said she had been unable to tell her children about their family.
"(Suriyanth) wanted to talk to his grandmother yesterday," she said. "He doesn't know yet.
"What can I tell him?"
Australian Federation of Tamil Associations executive member Murugesu Paramanathan said many of the Tamils in northeastern Sri Lanka killed by the tsunami had only just returned to their home country after fleeing for exile in India.
"About two years ago there was nobody living there," he said.
"After the ceasefire they moved back and now there's devastation."
Tamils mourn lost relatives
VICTORIA'S Tamil community expressed its grief at a commemorative service at Wantirna.
About 500 people attended yesterday's service, organised just 24 hours earlier.
They wore black armbands as a mark of respect to the many Tamils who have died in the Asian tsunami disaster.
Sathiyabama Nanthinathan learned two days ago that 42 of her close family, including her mother and sister, had been killed. She said most of the 600 people in her home village of Vettalaakeny were dead or missing.
Sathiyabama was at the commemorative service with her husband, Nanthinathan Chellaiah, and their children Suriyanth, 5, and Anumitha, 3. She said she had been unable to tell her children about their family.
"(Suriyanth) wanted to talk to his grandmother yesterday," she said. "He doesn't know yet.
"What can I tell him?"
Australian Federation of Tamil Associations executive member Murugesu Paramanathan said many of the Tamils in northeastern Sri Lanka killed by the tsunami had only just returned to their home country after fleeing for exile in India.
"About two years ago there was nobody living there," he said.
"After the ceasefire they moved back and now there's devastation."
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- AussieMark
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- Location: near Sydney, Australia
**From the Herald Sun (Melbourne) **
Four die as family swept out to sea
FOUR family members are dead and a child is missing, feared drowned, after a tragic holiday outing at Warrnambool yesterday.
Cheryl Burrell, 54, and her two children, Shane Burrell and Joanne Wright, all drowned after they were swept off a sandbar at Stingray Bay about 3pm.
Joanne Wright's daughter, Tenisha, was taken to Warrnambool hospital where she died a short time later.
And her son, Cody Wright, 7, was still missing at sea last night despite desperate efforts by police, lifesavers and local fishermen to find him.
Shane Burrell's three daughters -- Ashley, 9, Chloe, 7, and Zoe, 5 -- were taken to Warrnambool hospital.
Chloe Burrell was later taken by helicopter to the Royal Children's Hospital, where she was in a critical condition last night.
Ashley and Zoe Burrell remained at the Warrnambool hospital in a stable condition.
The Ballarat family was on a holiday at Warrnambool when tragedy struck.
Family members struggled to come to terms with the loss last night.
"It's just hard mate, I tell you," said Craig Burrell, who lost his mother, brother, sister and niece in yesterday's tragedy.
"It's just too hard to deal with at the moment.
"There's not much of us left now. We have just got to bond together.
"It's just one of those things. God created it like this, I suppose."
Locals and holiday makers gathered around the beach, most in shock.
A police helicopter, aided by lifesavers and local fishermen, searched for Cody until dark.
Police Inspector Roger Forlie said the family was crossing between Middle Island and Penguin Island when they were caught by a large wave.
The two islands sit just metres from the beach. It is a popular walking spot.
Francis Lillingston, who lost her son-in-law Shane Burrell, said the family was still in shock over the incident. She drove from Ballarat after getting an urgent call from her daughter Andrea, who told her: "Mum, my babies have been swept out to sea. I need your help."
Mrs Lillingston, who was maintaining a vigil at Warrnambool Hospital, said the family was walking between the islands and decided to turn back after the wind rose.
She said a massive wave then hit the family.
"Ashley grabbed Chloe but she couldn't hold her," Mrs Lillingston said.
"Shane tried to grab her but he went under."
Mrs Lillingston said tragedy had struck the family before -- it is the fourth anniversary of her daughter's death.
"I thought 2005 was going to be a good year for us, but it's not," she said. "My daughter is a widow at 30. Five members of one family in one day have been lost."
Surf lifesavers joined police and State Emergency Service workers to help haul the stricken families back to safety.
Warrnambool surf life saver Nathan McKane was one of the first on the scene and dragged two people from the sea.
Mr McKane said conditions were horrendous. "The ocean itself was out of control," he said.
"Currents were going everywhere and there was a 2-3m swell."
Locals said there was a dramatic change in conditions about 3pm.
Eight people have drowned in Victoria in the past 10 days, including four who died at Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians on Christmas Day.
Four die as family swept out to sea
FOUR family members are dead and a child is missing, feared drowned, after a tragic holiday outing at Warrnambool yesterday.
Cheryl Burrell, 54, and her two children, Shane Burrell and Joanne Wright, all drowned after they were swept off a sandbar at Stingray Bay about 3pm.
Joanne Wright's daughter, Tenisha, was taken to Warrnambool hospital where she died a short time later.
And her son, Cody Wright, 7, was still missing at sea last night despite desperate efforts by police, lifesavers and local fishermen to find him.
Shane Burrell's three daughters -- Ashley, 9, Chloe, 7, and Zoe, 5 -- were taken to Warrnambool hospital.
Chloe Burrell was later taken by helicopter to the Royal Children's Hospital, where she was in a critical condition last night.
Ashley and Zoe Burrell remained at the Warrnambool hospital in a stable condition.
The Ballarat family was on a holiday at Warrnambool when tragedy struck.
Family members struggled to come to terms with the loss last night.
"It's just hard mate, I tell you," said Craig Burrell, who lost his mother, brother, sister and niece in yesterday's tragedy.
"It's just too hard to deal with at the moment.
"There's not much of us left now. We have just got to bond together.
"It's just one of those things. God created it like this, I suppose."
Locals and holiday makers gathered around the beach, most in shock.
A police helicopter, aided by lifesavers and local fishermen, searched for Cody until dark.
Police Inspector Roger Forlie said the family was crossing between Middle Island and Penguin Island when they were caught by a large wave.
The two islands sit just metres from the beach. It is a popular walking spot.
Francis Lillingston, who lost her son-in-law Shane Burrell, said the family was still in shock over the incident. She drove from Ballarat after getting an urgent call from her daughter Andrea, who told her: "Mum, my babies have been swept out to sea. I need your help."
Mrs Lillingston, who was maintaining a vigil at Warrnambool Hospital, said the family was walking between the islands and decided to turn back after the wind rose.
She said a massive wave then hit the family.
"Ashley grabbed Chloe but she couldn't hold her," Mrs Lillingston said.
"Shane tried to grab her but he went under."
Mrs Lillingston said tragedy had struck the family before -- it is the fourth anniversary of her daughter's death.
"I thought 2005 was going to be a good year for us, but it's not," she said. "My daughter is a widow at 30. Five members of one family in one day have been lost."
Surf lifesavers joined police and State Emergency Service workers to help haul the stricken families back to safety.
Warrnambool surf life saver Nathan McKane was one of the first on the scene and dragged two people from the sea.
Mr McKane said conditions were horrendous. "The ocean itself was out of control," he said.
"Currents were going everywhere and there was a 2-3m swell."
Locals said there was a dramatic change in conditions about 3pm.
Eight people have drowned in Victoria in the past 10 days, including four who died at Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians on Christmas Day.
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- AussieMark
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- Location: near Sydney, Australia
**From the Herald Sun (Melbourne) **
Cyclist falls 40 metres
A CYCLIST who fell 40 metres down a ravine in Victoria's rugged northeast yesterday has been admitted to hospital with possible spinal injuries.
Paramedics used a 4WD to reach the cyclist, 45, who fell down a ravine near the Bogong High Plains Rd, 10km south of Bogong about 9.30am, a Rural Ambulance Service spokesman said.
Cyclist falls 40 metres
A CYCLIST who fell 40 metres down a ravine in Victoria's rugged northeast yesterday has been admitted to hospital with possible spinal injuries.
Paramedics used a 4WD to reach the cyclist, 45, who fell down a ravine near the Bogong High Plains Rd, 10km south of Bogong about 9.30am, a Rural Ambulance Service spokesman said.
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- AussieMark
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- Location: near Sydney, Australia
**From the Herald Sun (Melbourne) **
P-platers top road toll risk
VICTORIA'S road toll for 2004 was the second-lowest recorded, but still hit a horrifying high of 344.
Although there are fewer drivers in Victoria's rural areas, they were fatality hot spots and areas where safety standards needed to be improved, according to RACV chief engineer Michael Case.
"More crashes occur in rural areas despite the difference in populations," he said.
"There needs to be a clear commitment by Federal and State Governments to improving them."
Mr Case said young drivers posed the biggest threat on the road and stricter measures needed to be put into place this year.
"The highest risk time for young drivers is in their first six months on P-plates," Mr Case said. "The licensing system needs to be investigated because they represent a major road safety problem."
Mr Case said a focus on retaining safety features in imported cars this year would help lower the carnage.
"Despecifying vehicles means Australian drivers are less safe than overseas counterparts," he said. "RACV wants all cars sold to ensure safety is a priority and not a luxury."
P-platers top road toll risk
VICTORIA'S road toll for 2004 was the second-lowest recorded, but still hit a horrifying high of 344.
Although there are fewer drivers in Victoria's rural areas, they were fatality hot spots and areas where safety standards needed to be improved, according to RACV chief engineer Michael Case.
"More crashes occur in rural areas despite the difference in populations," he said.
"There needs to be a clear commitment by Federal and State Governments to improving them."
Mr Case said young drivers posed the biggest threat on the road and stricter measures needed to be put into place this year.
"The highest risk time for young drivers is in their first six months on P-plates," Mr Case said. "The licensing system needs to be investigated because they represent a major road safety problem."
Mr Case said a focus on retaining safety features in imported cars this year would help lower the carnage.
"Despecifying vehicles means Australian drivers are less safe than overseas counterparts," he said. "RACV wants all cars sold to ensure safety is a priority and not a luxury."
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- AussieMark
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**From the Herald Sun (Melbourne) **
Cleaning up on noise pollution
NOISE sucks - and one council is doing something about it.
Early morning and late night vacuuming is outlawed under a new noise crackdown by Brimbank City Council.
If a noise complaint is received for vacuuming between 10pm and 7am on weekdays and 10pm and 9am on weekends, cleaners can cop a $205 on-the-spot fine.
This rises to a $1000 court fine if it is not paid, and subsequent violations attract fines of up to $2000.
This is despite an EPA fact sheet which lists vacuum cleaners as producing 70 decibels -- just 10 decibels more than normal conversation.
The new laws, which were passed by the council on December 14, are now in force.
But penalties are not being upheld until a community awareness program is completed.
The new laws also single out swimming pool pumps, spa pumps, house heating and cooling units and hot water systems as noise polluters.
The laws are based on the Environmental Protection Authority's noise control guidelines.
They are much more prescriptive than the general bans on excessive noise issued by most municipalities.
Brimbank's move to formally include the EPA guidelines in its own laws means a 12-hour warning period can be waived and on-the-spot fines can now be issued by council officers for the first time.
Under the new law, the noise must be able to be heard in a room of another house -- regardless of whether the window or door is open.
Jim Smith, a public health consultant to the Municipal Association of Victoria, said the on-the-spot fine would be welcomed by complainants who don't want to wait before laws were enforced.
"There are increasing levels of complaints because people don't want
anything to do with their neighbours," he said.
"And with high-density housing, the level of tolerance is diminishing."
Mr Smith said some councils received more than 1000 noise complaints a year.
"A few dozen complaints have been received about vacuuming, in terms of the internal vacuum systems which have their motors outside the house," he said.
Mr Smith predicts other councils will follow Brimbank's lead to make responding to noise complaints more efficient.
Joe Watkins, Brimbank Council's manager of community regulations, said no complaints about vacuums had been received as yet.
"The biggest problem is building noise then music at one or two in the morning," he said.
Cleaning up on noise pollution
NOISE sucks - and one council is doing something about it.
Early morning and late night vacuuming is outlawed under a new noise crackdown by Brimbank City Council.
If a noise complaint is received for vacuuming between 10pm and 7am on weekdays and 10pm and 9am on weekends, cleaners can cop a $205 on-the-spot fine.
This rises to a $1000 court fine if it is not paid, and subsequent violations attract fines of up to $2000.
This is despite an EPA fact sheet which lists vacuum cleaners as producing 70 decibels -- just 10 decibels more than normal conversation.
The new laws, which were passed by the council on December 14, are now in force.
But penalties are not being upheld until a community awareness program is completed.
The new laws also single out swimming pool pumps, spa pumps, house heating and cooling units and hot water systems as noise polluters.
The laws are based on the Environmental Protection Authority's noise control guidelines.
They are much more prescriptive than the general bans on excessive noise issued by most municipalities.
Brimbank's move to formally include the EPA guidelines in its own laws means a 12-hour warning period can be waived and on-the-spot fines can now be issued by council officers for the first time.
Under the new law, the noise must be able to be heard in a room of another house -- regardless of whether the window or door is open.
Jim Smith, a public health consultant to the Municipal Association of Victoria, said the on-the-spot fine would be welcomed by complainants who don't want to wait before laws were enforced.
"There are increasing levels of complaints because people don't want
anything to do with their neighbours," he said.
"And with high-density housing, the level of tolerance is diminishing."
Mr Smith said some councils received more than 1000 noise complaints a year.
"A few dozen complaints have been received about vacuuming, in terms of the internal vacuum systems which have their motors outside the house," he said.
Mr Smith predicts other councils will follow Brimbank's lead to make responding to noise complaints more efficient.
Joe Watkins, Brimbank Council's manager of community regulations, said no complaints about vacuums had been received as yet.
"The biggest problem is building noise then music at one or two in the morning," he said.
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**From the Herald Sun (Melbourne) **
Otways aim for tourist dollars
NEW bike tracks, nature walks and lookouts are part of a $7 million plan announced yesterday to attract tourists to the Cape Otway region.
As logging of the area's forests is cut, State Environment Minister John Thwaites said the local economy needs to tap into the tourism industry.
"Our aim is to make sure the Otway hinterland can establish itself as a thriving long-term tourist destination, making the most of its amazing natural features," Mr Thwaites said.
The minister opened a key part of the project, the Great Ocean Walk.
Stage one of the tourist attraction stretches 32km from Apollo Bay to Cape Otway and winds through forest, heathland and along the Otway and Shipwreck coasts.
Land conservation group Trust for Nature donated 8ha to the Melba Gully State Park, which now totals 73ha.
The park is home to four rare species of plants and animals unique to the Otways. "The land being donated provides habitat for the bristly shield, which is a type of fern, the satinwood tree, trachyloma -- a rare moss -- and the Otway black snail," Mr Thwaites said.
Other parts of the upgrade include:
A MAJOR redevelopment at Triplet Falls, including a new track and an elevated walkway to the waterfall.
SHORT walking tracks at Erskine, Beauchamp, Hopetoun and Stevenson's waterfalls.
A WALKING and bike track leading from Forrest to Lake Elizabeth.
SEVERAL mountain biking trails in the Otways forests.
The project aims to be completed by 2008.
Opposition environment spokesman Phil Honeywood said the area's unemployment will rise because of a blanket ban on the traditional logging industry.
"Any genuine new funding commitment should be welcomed as many jobs will be lost in that area thanks to the logging ban," he said.
A Victorian Environment Assessment Council report released yesterday recommended some of the area's forests become a 102,470ha national park, to include the Melba Gully park.
"This means the land would be given the highest level of protection if recommendations are accepted," Mr Thwaites said.
Otways aim for tourist dollars
NEW bike tracks, nature walks and lookouts are part of a $7 million plan announced yesterday to attract tourists to the Cape Otway region.
As logging of the area's forests is cut, State Environment Minister John Thwaites said the local economy needs to tap into the tourism industry.
"Our aim is to make sure the Otway hinterland can establish itself as a thriving long-term tourist destination, making the most of its amazing natural features," Mr Thwaites said.
The minister opened a key part of the project, the Great Ocean Walk.
Stage one of the tourist attraction stretches 32km from Apollo Bay to Cape Otway and winds through forest, heathland and along the Otway and Shipwreck coasts.
Land conservation group Trust for Nature donated 8ha to the Melba Gully State Park, which now totals 73ha.
The park is home to four rare species of plants and animals unique to the Otways. "The land being donated provides habitat for the bristly shield, which is a type of fern, the satinwood tree, trachyloma -- a rare moss -- and the Otway black snail," Mr Thwaites said.
Other parts of the upgrade include:
A MAJOR redevelopment at Triplet Falls, including a new track and an elevated walkway to the waterfall.
SHORT walking tracks at Erskine, Beauchamp, Hopetoun and Stevenson's waterfalls.
A WALKING and bike track leading from Forrest to Lake Elizabeth.
SEVERAL mountain biking trails in the Otways forests.
The project aims to be completed by 2008.
Opposition environment spokesman Phil Honeywood said the area's unemployment will rise because of a blanket ban on the traditional logging industry.
"Any genuine new funding commitment should be welcomed as many jobs will be lost in that area thanks to the logging ban," he said.
A Victorian Environment Assessment Council report released yesterday recommended some of the area's forests become a 102,470ha national park, to include the Melba Gully park.
"This means the land would be given the highest level of protection if recommendations are accepted," Mr Thwaites said.
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tropicalweatherwatcher wrote:**From The Advertiser (Adelaide) **
Police hunt for sex assault suspects
NEW Year's Eve celebrations in South Australia have been marred by sexual assaults across the state.
The Sexual Crime Investigation Branch, in conjunction with detectives from Port Lincoln CIB, are investigating an incident in which a girl was sexually assaulted by an unknown man in the vicinity of the marina at Tumby Bay.
The girl met the man during New Year's Eve festivities and was driven to the marina between 2.30am and 3.15am on New Year's Day when she was sexually assaulted.
The alleged offender is described as a caucasian male, aged in his 20s with dark hair and was clean shaven.
His vehicle was a VR/VS Holden Commodore, either dark blue or black, with shiny mag wheels.
Kadina CIB is investigating another incident in which a girl was sexually assaulted by an unknown male in the vicinity of North Beach, Kadina.
The girl met the man on Friday night and was led to bushes on North Beach where she was sexually assaulted.
The alleged offender is described as a caucasian male aged in his 20s.
The third incident occurred when a woman, 21, was sexually assaulted in the city's South Parklands. She had just left a city pub and was walking home through the parklands between 1am and 2am on New Year's Day.
As she neared the Pulteney Grammar School footbridge she was forced by an unknown male to a nearby grassed area and sexually assaulted.
The alleged offender is described as a male caucasian in his mid-30s, about 170cm tall with a slim build, shaved head and brown goatee beard.
we had a 13 yr old boy kidnap an exotic dancer here
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**From The Sunday Times (Perth) **
Man dies in sand dune rollover
A MAN died and another was critically injured when a four-wheel drive cartwheeled in sand dunes at Lancelin, north of Perth.
The passenger in the Toyota Landcruiser, a 21-year-old man, died as the vehicle flipped end-over-end about 4pm (WST) on Sunday, police said.
As the vehicle cartwheeled, its roll bars collapsed, crushing the man.
He was from the Perth suburb of Maida Vale.
The 37-year-old driver, from suburban Kewdale, was taken by helicopter to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
Police said crash investigators suspect inexperience of driving on dunes contributed to the accident.
Man dies in sand dune rollover
A MAN died and another was critically injured when a four-wheel drive cartwheeled in sand dunes at Lancelin, north of Perth.
The passenger in the Toyota Landcruiser, a 21-year-old man, died as the vehicle flipped end-over-end about 4pm (WST) on Sunday, police said.
As the vehicle cartwheeled, its roll bars collapsed, crushing the man.
He was from the Perth suburb of Maida Vale.
The 37-year-old driver, from suburban Kewdale, was taken by helicopter to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
Police said crash investigators suspect inexperience of driving on dunes contributed to the accident.
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**From The Advertiser (Adelaide) **
Tourists snap at chance for the big ones
THE hunt for Big Red is on in earnest at Whyalla, which has been dubbed by fishermen as the "Snapper Capital of the World".
Thousands of interstate tourists each year are pumping more than $100 a day per person into the Spencer Gulf city in their quest for the gulf's most prolific fish, red snapper.
Charter boat operator and tackle shop owner Rob North said yesterday he now averaged four charters a week – with up to six people on board each time – at a total cost of $600 a trip. He said the economic benefits for the steel city were "incredible".
"These guys come here for the snapper – a lot of locals kick up about the fact they're catching our fish but it's incredible the amount of money they spend while they're here," Mr North said.
He said about 40 per cent of the snapper chasers came from within South Australia, with the other 60 per cent being from interstate.
"They will fly in here and stay for 10 days, every day going on charters to catch snapper – this is the Snapper Capital of the World," he said.
Victorian fisherman Ray Smith, 54, was "lured to Whyalla" by the snapper but left disappointed when bad weather kept his boat firmly tied to the wharf.
"We're here for the snapper . . . you've got to have a go," he said yesterday.
"There's no problem getting them back home, but you guys get them bigger over here."
Mr Smith and the group of four others who travelled with him said they had each easily spent $100 a day during their three days in Whyalla.
Over the Easter long weekend, up to 800 anglers are expected to descend on Whyalla for Australia's biggest snapper fishing competition.
Tourists snap at chance for the big ones
THE hunt for Big Red is on in earnest at Whyalla, which has been dubbed by fishermen as the "Snapper Capital of the World".
Thousands of interstate tourists each year are pumping more than $100 a day per person into the Spencer Gulf city in their quest for the gulf's most prolific fish, red snapper.
Charter boat operator and tackle shop owner Rob North said yesterday he now averaged four charters a week – with up to six people on board each time – at a total cost of $600 a trip. He said the economic benefits for the steel city were "incredible".
"These guys come here for the snapper – a lot of locals kick up about the fact they're catching our fish but it's incredible the amount of money they spend while they're here," Mr North said.
He said about 40 per cent of the snapper chasers came from within South Australia, with the other 60 per cent being from interstate.
"They will fly in here and stay for 10 days, every day going on charters to catch snapper – this is the Snapper Capital of the World," he said.
Victorian fisherman Ray Smith, 54, was "lured to Whyalla" by the snapper but left disappointed when bad weather kept his boat firmly tied to the wharf.
"We're here for the snapper . . . you've got to have a go," he said yesterday.
"There's no problem getting them back home, but you guys get them bigger over here."
Mr Smith and the group of four others who travelled with him said they had each easily spent $100 a day during their three days in Whyalla.
Over the Easter long weekend, up to 800 anglers are expected to descend on Whyalla for Australia's biggest snapper fishing competition.
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**From The Advertiser (Adelaide) **
Changes likely to Bail Act
SOUTH Australia's Bail Act is expected to be overhauled early this year.
Attorney-General Michael Atkinson has completed a review of the legislation.
Premier Mike Rann ordered an analysis of the Act in September following the release of former magistrate Michael Frederick on home detention bail after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.
Frederick has since had the conviction set aside on appeal and will face a retrial this year.
A spokeswoman for Mr Atkinson said he had advised Mr Rann of possible changes before Christmas. "The Attorney is now developing some suggested amendments," she said.
In September, Mr Rann told Parliament that courts "should be careful not to create a class of convicted offenders who get bail pending appeal".
"Once an offender is convicted there is no presumption of innocence nor a presumption in favour of bail."
Changes likely to Bail Act
SOUTH Australia's Bail Act is expected to be overhauled early this year.
Attorney-General Michael Atkinson has completed a review of the legislation.
Premier Mike Rann ordered an analysis of the Act in September following the release of former magistrate Michael Frederick on home detention bail after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.
Frederick has since had the conviction set aside on appeal and will face a retrial this year.
A spokeswoman for Mr Atkinson said he had advised Mr Rann of possible changes before Christmas. "The Attorney is now developing some suggested amendments," she said.
In September, Mr Rann told Parliament that courts "should be careful not to create a class of convicted offenders who get bail pending appeal".
"Once an offender is convicted there is no presumption of innocence nor a presumption in favour of bail."
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**From The Advertiser (Adelaide) **
We won't give up until you help us
"WE'RE still here, and we're not going away" – that is the New Year message from the disabled community to Premier Mike Rann.
"We don't want any MP to think that key funding issues have been addressed," Dignity for Disabled spokesman David Holst says.
"We remain in crisis – nothing has changed. We will continue to campaign professionally, sensitively and unwaveringly."
The group's 2005 campaign diary will be unveiled at Parliament House on February 10.
Mr Holst claims the disability sector is underfunded by almost $100 million a year.
The group, which raised a private $100,000 war chest in October to highlight the plight of disabled people, is planning to keep pressure on the Government until the May Budget.
Mr Holst says if the Government "fails to deliver", the campaign will be extended until the next state election. Activities planned over the next five months include:
A FORUM for the disabled, parents, service providers, support agencies, carers and advocates on February 23.
A SERIES of 30-second television commercials focusing on the needs of the disabled.
ANOTHER round of press advertisements highlighting funding deficiencies.
LETTERBOX drops in the Government's two most marginal electorates of Adelaide and Norwood.
REQUESTS for meetings by parents and their disabled children with Cabinet ministers.
A RALLY on the steps of Parliament House.
A CHALLENGE to government MPs to play a fundraising football match against disabled youth.
"This should not be a political game, we understand that – but we have no choice," Mr Holst said.
"Parents and carers have no wish to maintain this public awareness campaign. We should not have to embarrass the Government into action.
"The only reason the Government appears to be listening is because we are making a noise. If we stop, they will think we've gone away – and we have not."
He said the the case for higher funding was compelling.
"We need a balanced, sustainable plan urgently," Mr Holst said.
The Government recently announced $7 million grants to provide equipment for the Moving On day activities program, but Mr Rann has told the group to expect "more announcements" in May. "It is good to see acknowledgement from the Premier that something genuine is being considered," Mr Holst said.
Families and Communities Minister Jay Weatherill said the Government would not formulate the Budget on the basis of pressures from particular interest groups.
"It would be wrong for us to put finance into areas where people are better organised politically – some of the most vulnerable in our community don't have a very strong voice, and their needs need to be considered when we look to apply scarce resources to all competing demands," he said.
We won't give up until you help us
"WE'RE still here, and we're not going away" – that is the New Year message from the disabled community to Premier Mike Rann.
"We don't want any MP to think that key funding issues have been addressed," Dignity for Disabled spokesman David Holst says.
"We remain in crisis – nothing has changed. We will continue to campaign professionally, sensitively and unwaveringly."
The group's 2005 campaign diary will be unveiled at Parliament House on February 10.
Mr Holst claims the disability sector is underfunded by almost $100 million a year.
The group, which raised a private $100,000 war chest in October to highlight the plight of disabled people, is planning to keep pressure on the Government until the May Budget.
Mr Holst says if the Government "fails to deliver", the campaign will be extended until the next state election. Activities planned over the next five months include:
A FORUM for the disabled, parents, service providers, support agencies, carers and advocates on February 23.
A SERIES of 30-second television commercials focusing on the needs of the disabled.
ANOTHER round of press advertisements highlighting funding deficiencies.
LETTERBOX drops in the Government's two most marginal electorates of Adelaide and Norwood.
REQUESTS for meetings by parents and their disabled children with Cabinet ministers.
A RALLY on the steps of Parliament House.
A CHALLENGE to government MPs to play a fundraising football match against disabled youth.
"This should not be a political game, we understand that – but we have no choice," Mr Holst said.
"Parents and carers have no wish to maintain this public awareness campaign. We should not have to embarrass the Government into action.
"The only reason the Government appears to be listening is because we are making a noise. If we stop, they will think we've gone away – and we have not."
He said the the case for higher funding was compelling.
"We need a balanced, sustainable plan urgently," Mr Holst said.
The Government recently announced $7 million grants to provide equipment for the Moving On day activities program, but Mr Rann has told the group to expect "more announcements" in May. "It is good to see acknowledgement from the Premier that something genuine is being considered," Mr Holst said.
Families and Communities Minister Jay Weatherill said the Government would not formulate the Budget on the basis of pressures from particular interest groups.
"It would be wrong for us to put finance into areas where people are better organised politically – some of the most vulnerable in our community don't have a very strong voice, and their needs need to be considered when we look to apply scarce resources to all competing demands," he said.
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- AussieMark
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**From The Advertiser (Adelaide) **
Abalone exports `built on theft'
SOUTH Australian fishers have accused Queensland of building the biggest abalone export industry by being soft on the theft of their shellfish.
The fishing industry wants action to stop the transport of illegally caught abalone from SA and other southern states to Queensland for easier export.
South Australian Fishing Industry Council general manager Neil MacDonald said Federal Government figures showed Queensland export companies recorded the largest abalone exports of any state despite not having naturally occurring abalone or an abalone aquaculture industry. He said this was achieved because Queensland was a weak link exploited by poachers as it had no commercial fishery and therefore almost no government policing.
While the licensed seafood export companies were legitimate, the source of the meat was often not, he said.
"The southern states put in a lot of effort in compliance to stop the illegal trade and the easy place to launder through is Queensland because there is no industry and no risks," Mr MacDonald said.
"It is easy to move illegal abalone around in Queensland because there is little monitoring and little control." The abalone industry in SA is considered the best operated in Australia, worth more than $63 million each year, but the ongoing theft problem is estimated to cost it more than $20 million each year.
President of the Abalone Industry Association of South Australia Bob Pennington said recent efforts in Queensland to regulate abalone exports had been only "partially effective".
He said a system of certificates set up by the Federal Government to track abalone from catch to export was failing because of forged paperwork.
"Pieces of paper are pretty old technology and we are looking at microchip identification of every package to identify the source," Mr Pennington said.
He said Queensland's abalone export figures were also boosted because of that state's large numbers of Asian tourists, who used a loophole which allowed them to take home 5kg of dried abalone meat.
"Tourists are acting as couriers for exporters and with the price of the dried meat in Asia it is like taking out gold basically," he said.
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Henry Palaszczuk said Queensland was improving its policing of abalone which was poached elsewhere but sold through Queensland.
Abalone exports `built on theft'
SOUTH Australian fishers have accused Queensland of building the biggest abalone export industry by being soft on the theft of their shellfish.
The fishing industry wants action to stop the transport of illegally caught abalone from SA and other southern states to Queensland for easier export.
South Australian Fishing Industry Council general manager Neil MacDonald said Federal Government figures showed Queensland export companies recorded the largest abalone exports of any state despite not having naturally occurring abalone or an abalone aquaculture industry. He said this was achieved because Queensland was a weak link exploited by poachers as it had no commercial fishery and therefore almost no government policing.
While the licensed seafood export companies were legitimate, the source of the meat was often not, he said.
"The southern states put in a lot of effort in compliance to stop the illegal trade and the easy place to launder through is Queensland because there is no industry and no risks," Mr MacDonald said.
"It is easy to move illegal abalone around in Queensland because there is little monitoring and little control." The abalone industry in SA is considered the best operated in Australia, worth more than $63 million each year, but the ongoing theft problem is estimated to cost it more than $20 million each year.
President of the Abalone Industry Association of South Australia Bob Pennington said recent efforts in Queensland to regulate abalone exports had been only "partially effective".
He said a system of certificates set up by the Federal Government to track abalone from catch to export was failing because of forged paperwork.
"Pieces of paper are pretty old technology and we are looking at microchip identification of every package to identify the source," Mr Pennington said.
He said Queensland's abalone export figures were also boosted because of that state's large numbers of Asian tourists, who used a loophole which allowed them to take home 5kg of dried abalone meat.
"Tourists are acting as couriers for exporters and with the price of the dried meat in Asia it is like taking out gold basically," he said.
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Henry Palaszczuk said Queensland was improving its policing of abalone which was poached elsewhere but sold through Queensland.
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