Ardbeg Islay single malt scotch whisky

The ultimate Islay malt whisky, Ardbeg, reveals the launch of an annual worldwide celebration to take place on June 2nd 2012 – Ardbeg Day. This Day will celebrate all things Ardbeg and see Olympic or ‘Islay-limpic’ themed parties happening across the globe, including Australia, which will be the first of 120 countries to kick off celebrations worldwide.

Ardbeg day

The announcement of a global annual event has been especially chosen to coincide with the “Ardbeg Day” which for years has taken place on the island of Islay, Scotland, the Distillery’s home.

Less serious than the larger event being held in London in July, but just as fiercely contested, Ardbeg’s Islay-limpics will run along the lines of a traditional Highland Games but with a suitably fun “Ardbeggian” twist. Stand up comedian and broadcast personality Dave Thornton will host Australia’s first Islay-limpics at the North Sydney Olympic Swimming Pool and Aqua Dining, for all Ardbeg Committee members and invited guests.

In addition to the Islay-­limpic events, Ardbeg is encouraging Australians and its 70,000 Committee members and their friends around the world to join in the fun to celebrate their favourite Distillery, through their own ‘Ardbeggian’ festivities at home, in bars and on-­-line at Ardbeg.com.

Damon Ross-Walker, Ardbeg Brand Manager said: “This year the hundreds of Committee members who would normally make the long pilgrimage to the Distillery for the annual Islay Festival, will have to travel no further than their own backyard to enjoy our unique celebration of Ardbeg in a big peaty sports day.”

“By bringing Ardbeg Day to Australia, we expect that everybody will be able to experience the peatiest, biggest tasting and most complex whisky, not only of all the Islay malts, but the whole whisky world.”

To mark the occasion, a very limited bottling of the legendary malt is being made available for Ardbeg lovers to savour. The “Ardbeg Day” bottling will be on sale at Ardbeg’s Embassies,

With just over 12,000 bottles produced, “Ardbeg Day” is an intriguing marriage of two different styles of Ardbeg, which have been re-­-racked into sherry casks for 6 months. Bottled at 56.7% ABV this is a hallmark example of the peaty, smoky complexity that puts Ardbeg in the top flight of single malt whiskies.

For the chance to be invited to Australian Ardbeg Day 2013, whisky enthusiasts can join the Ardbeg Committee at: www.ardbeg.com.

High fuel prices in Brisbane

Brisbane motorists who thought they were paying more at the fuel pump last month were right, with average prices hitting their highest level in almost four years.

Brisbane motorists were also hit with massive single day hikes in fuel prices, with high retail margins and long price cycles causing jumps of up to 15 cents per litre (cpl) on the “flip” days when the price switched from the low to high end of the price cycle.

“April was a bad month for Brisbane motorists who were forced to pay too much for fuel and caught out by longer price cycles, with only two so-called cheap days in the entire month,” RACQ Executive Manager Public Policy Michael Roth said today.

The average price of unleaded petrol (ULP) in Brisbane for April was 153.2cpl. “This is the highest monthly average since the onset of the Global Financial Crisis four years ago, and only 0.2cpl lower than the record highest monthly average of 153.4cpl in July 2008,” Mr Roth said.

“The maximum daily average ULP price was 159.5cpl on 14 April. This is the highest price we’ve seen in Brisbane since the onset of the GFC when the highest recorded daily average of 162.1cpl occurred on 11 July 2008.”

The RACQ Monthly Fuel Price Report for April, released today, emphasises that prices should have been lower, particularly near the end of the month. “The fall in the Tapis crude oil price has not been reflected in the wholesale and retail prices, all of which increased in early April and were slow to trend downwards later in the month,” Mr Roth said.

RACQ’s latest monthly fuel report can be viewed at:  www.racq.com/fuel.

Kiss Goodbye to MS’ and support current Australian research

From May 1^st a number of Brisbane’s iconic bridges and buildings will turn red for multiple sclerosis to help raise awareness for this debilitating disease during the month of May, MS Awareness Month.

Imagine not being able to brush your hair, go shopping without suffering from heat sensitivity, or get through your day without feeling extremely fatigued and pins and needles around your body.

“So you have MS,” is what you may be told. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic neurological condition among young Australian adults today. A disease that attacks a person’s brain and spinal cord causing irreparable damage.

This disease is prevalent in women aged between 20 and 40 three times more than men, and its’ incidence is only increasing. Over 21,000 Australians are currently living with MS that has no known cause or cure.

To help raise awareness for the MS Society’s ‘Kiss Goodbye to MS’ campaign a number of MS Red Supporters have pledged their support including the new Wintergarden in Queen Street and the Gateway Bridges who will turn red in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville during May.

Australians are urged to ‘Kiss Goodbye to MS’ and support current Australian research being conducted for improving treatment, prevention and ultimately finding a cure for MS.

Simply get sponsored by your friends and family to wear red lipstick to work, dare your colleagues to paint their lips red and share the message over Facebook or Twitter during May. Alternatively you can make a donation by purchasing a ‘kiss’ badge or sticker from just $4 each.

To make a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis appeal click this link: Kiss Goodbye to MS

Brisbane racing carnival

25 New Zealand race horses touched down in Brisbane yesterday for this year’s Brisbane Racing Carnival, which is shaping up as a Trans-Tasman clash like no other.

The New Zealand ‘Bloodstock’ flight, after arrival at Brisbane airport, were transferred onto waiting trucks, before heading off to various stables around south east Queensland.

Among the Kiwi contingent was champion filly Artistic, the favourite for the Queensland Oaks. Artistic is also an invitee of the new ‘Australasian Challenge‘ initiative which was launched this year to attract the best horses from Australasia to Brisbane.

Artistic was transport directly on arrival to the Traintech stables on the Gold Coast.

(PIC: Hyundai A-League Grand Final 2012...Brisbane Roar)

Hyundai A-League Champions Brisbane Roar today announced Ange Postecoglou has resigned as Head Coach, effective immediately.

Ange Postecoglou leaves the Brisbane Roar after two-and-a-half years, during which he led the club to unprecedented back-to-back Hyundai A-League Championships, a premiership and consecutive qualification for the AFC Champions League.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the owners, players and football staff of the Brisbane Roar,” Ange Postecoglou said. “Their commitment and belief has created history for this club. “I have been very proud to lead such an outstanding group of men, and I wish the club every success in the future.”

Club director Chris Fong paid tribute to Postecoglou’s impact on Brisbane Roar, but emphasised his departure would not derail the club’s determination to become an powerhouse of Australian and Asian football.

“The Brisbane Roar would like to thank Ange Postecoglou for his commitment to the club over the last two and a half years, and the considerable role he has played in its success,” ChrisFong said. “We respect how difficult this decision was for him and we wish him well in his new endeavours.

“Ange’s departure marks the beginning of a new chapter in the story of the Brisbane Roar, and we are committed to ensuring we have the right people in place to continue the club’s legacy with further successes.”

Brisbane Roar will make an announcement regarding the role of Head Coach on Wednesday 25 April.

For more Brisbane Roar info… click the link…. Roar

“CSQ D2C student Matthew Chambers (second from left) swapped the classroom for a construction site for a week”

The Queensland Children’s Hospital project being built by Abigroup will receive a boost of youthful enthusiasm this week when sixteen Year 11 and 12 students from St Laurence’s College joined the construction site for five days of work experience (April 16-20).

The St Laurance College students participated in Doorways 2 Construction (D2C), a Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) school program which helps students to prepare for working in the construction industry. During their time on the site, the students experienced numerous trades including carpentry, plastering, plumbing, electrical, gas fitting and air-conditioning.

CSQ Industry Support Officer Peter Edwards said he was looked forward to mentoring the students throughout the week. “It is great to see Abigroup and St Laurence’s working together to provide this special opportunity for students. “It is rare for school students to be able to undertake work experience on a commercial project of this size and gain exposure to cutting edge design and technology.

“The students gained a real insight into the day to day life in the construction industry and build valuable new skills they can draw on as they progress through their careers. “Across Brisbane, CSQ school programs are helping students to a find pathway into the building and construction industry,” Mr Edwards said.
Training Coordinator Matt Taylor said Abigroup was proud to be part of the work experience initiative. “We were delighted to have these young students join us on one of Queensland’s flagship commercial construction projects. “The initiative not only benefited students, but our contractors also appreciated the enthusiasm the students brought to the project. “Abigroup is committed to helping to train the next generation of Queensland’s workforce,” he said.

The students’ time on the hospital site contributed towards the work experience component of the D2C program which requires students to undertake 160 hours of structured workplace learning. After successfully completing the D2C program, students will receive a Certificate I in Construction. While on site the students will work with a variety of employers which could lead to future employment opportunities. D2C structured workplace learning is expected to be available at the site until 2015.

The Queensland Children’s Hospital will be the primary specialist paediatric hospital for the state, located adjacent to the existing Mater Hospital Campus at Stanley Street, South Brisbane.  The new hospital comprises 12 clinical levels, four basement levels and a remote energy plant which will supply the energy needs of the new hospital precinct. Total floor area is in excess of 110,000m2.

About Construction Skills Queensland: Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) is an independent industry-funded body supporting employers, workers, apprentices and career seekers in the building and construction industry. The organisation provides the construction industry with support, information, advice and funding assistance through a range of programs and initiatives. CSQ is funded by an industry training levy and is responsible for re-investing this levy into priority areas set by the Queensland construction industry. It creates and supports initiatives to ensure the future of the industry.  A major area of focus for CSQ is future skills investment. Working with owners and major contractors, associations, career seekers, teachers and trainers CSQ invests in skills development, BUILDING SUCCESS in the industry. CSQ offers a central point of contact for support, advice and assistance.

For further information click this link: CSQ

Chef Aaron's new dish

Brisbane’s award-winning URBANE Restaurant has gone all sweet – pastry chef Aaron has introduced a new plate of sheer bliss this week.

It’s a warm 100% cocoa slightly creamed with organic sheep’s milk, 40% milk chocolate ganache thread, house made aero, sweetened parsnip ice cream, crystalised milk and burnt white chocolate!!!

It’s worth a visit to:

URBANE Restaurant Details:

181 Mary Street, Brisbane, 4000, Australia, Urbane & Sub Urbane: +61 7 3229 2271

The Euro & The Laneway +61 7 3229 3686

To find out more about the URBANE Restaurant…. click this link…. URBANE Restaurant

Retired Afghanistan veteran Sergeant Michael Lyddiard who was seriously injured by an IED blast, and TV entertainer Wilbur Wilde whose son currently serves, are calling on Queenslanders to get behind this year’s RSL ANZAC Appeal to “uphold the ANZAC spirit”.

RSL Queensland launched the 2012 ANZAC Appeal this morning at the ANZAC Square Memorial in Brisbane. RSL Queensland Chairman Terry Meehan invited the public to donate a dollar for every Queenslander who had served in the Australian defence forces since the first ANZAC Day.

“More than 420,000 Queenslanders are among the 1.5 million Australians who have served this country in battle since 1915, and the tradition continues today. Thousands are still heading into battle and we are doing all we can to help them,” Mr Meehan said.

Sergeant Lyddiard urged people across the state to donate to this year’s RSL ANZAC Appeal to show their support for serving soldiers and retired veterans. “It’s a great cause, the RSL does so much to support veterans, including those who have been injured while serving overseas,” Sergent Lyddiard said.

The Townsville-based former bomb disposal expert made news headlines five years ago for suffering devastating injuries in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device blew up in his face. Michael bravely overcame his injuries and now devotes much of his time to fund-raising activities to support serving and retired serviceman and women and their families.

After almost a decade of conflict in Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor, over 200 Australian military personnel are now facing the challenge of recovering from physical and mental injury and trauma as a result of their service.

The ANZAC Appeal raises vital funds that enable RSL Queensland to give much-welcome welfare and financial support to serving Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families.

Mr Meehan said RSL Queensland could not help war veterans, past or present, without “the wonderful support of the Queensland community.” “Much of the work we do is voluntary and we need donations to continue to provide this assistance. Over the last decade, around 50,000 have bravely served in Afghanistan and Iraq over the last decade – this is only 5,000 less troops than served in the entire Vietnam War,” he said.

Wilbur Wilde said he was proud to lend his name and public profile to the RSL ANZAC Appeal cause because it was close to his heart. “My son Ryan is a Corporal in the Army Reserves who has served in East Timor and the Solomon Islands, Mr Wilde said. “I also have many dear friends who served in Vietnam, and military service runs in the family – my late Dad served with the ADF in Borneo during the Indonesia-Malaya confrontation in the 1960s.”

“I have seen first-hand how important it is for our servicemen and women to be supported when they retire from the Defence Force and go back to ‘civvy street’.  What the RSL does to help look after veterans is very valuable, our fighting forces need to be supported and when veterans come home they deserve our thanks, kindness and compassion.”

Wilbur Wilde, who originally made his name  as a saxophonist with the bands ‘Ol 55 and Jo-Jo Zep and The Falcons, came to public prominence as an entertainer through regular appearances on the Hey Hey It’s Saturday TV show.

Queenslanders can support the RSL Queensland ANZAC Appeal by buying an ANZAC badge and wearing it with pride. ADF servicemen and women will be out on the streets from today until the end of this month selling ANZAC badges for the Appeal in Brisbane and towns around the state.

For other ways to get involved, see the RSL (Qld) website: Click this link…. RSL Qld

For the fifth year running Greyhound Australia will offer free Anzac Day travel for Aussie war veterans and war widows across its entire network.

Greyhound Australia General Manager Government and Public Affairs Tony Hopkins said the proudly Australian national coach company took great pride in honouring the diggers.

“This is a very small gesture of thanks to recognise the huge commitment and sacrifice made by the brave Australian men and women who serve their country,” Mr Hopkins said. “Greyhound Australia will offer free travel on all coach services across the nation from April 24 to 26.

“We know from previous years that a number of diggers take advantage of this offer to travel to Anzac services around Australia and reconnect with the mates they served with and we are proud to be able to facilitate this. “Greyhound Australia has been operating in Australia for more than a century.

“During that time we have helped transport many troops to ships bound for tours of duties and our coaches were also responsible for transporting soldiers to reinforce our borders when the Japanese bombed Australia. “We are proud to continue the tradition of supporting our servicemen and women by carrying them free of charge this Anzac Day.”

Mr Hopkins said the offer was open to all Australian war veterans, and their widows, regardless of where and when they served their country. The booking process is simple, veterans simply need to call the Greyhound call centre on 1300 GREYOUND (1300 47 39 46).

Pic: Google Images

Queensland Museum has opened the door to its biggest exclusive touring exhibition Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb.

Queensland Museum, in partnership with the British Museum, is the only Australian cultural institution to host the spectacular exhibition in Brisbane from 19 April to 19 August 2012. It is the first time the highly prized mummies from the British Museum’s collection are visiting Australia and is the highlight of Queensland Museum’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The exhibition, curated by British Museum keeper Dr John Taylor, boasts four exceptionally preserved mummies and more than 100 ancient artefacts. It uses the latest technology to take the visitor on an exploration of the life, death and mummification of the celebrated priest Nesperennub and Egyptian civilisation from 2300BC to the first century AD.

Cutting edge medical scanning and 3D imaging have transformed the examination of ancient and fragile artefacts so that visitors to the exhibition can see inside Nesperennub’s exquisite cartonnage and underneath the mummy’s wrappings to learn more about his privileged life and death without disturbing the relic.

Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb includes a special family trail to help children enjoy and appreciate the exhibition and Queensland Museum will hold late night viewings on selected Thursday and Friday evenings in April and May.

On some Friday nights throughout the exhibition the after-life will lead to After Dark – an adults only evening program of treats and talks about everything from modern day embalming to mummies in the movies. Limited tickets for The Mummy: After Dark are available through www.foxtix.com.au.

Adult tickets start from $20 – additional booking fees apply. Concessions are also available. Tickets are for specific dates and session times.

Queensland Museum gained the exclusive exhibition through the support of Events Queensland and such a high-calibre exhibition helps position Brisbane as a must-stop destination on the national cultural tourism calendar.

For more information about Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb go to www.mummy.qm.qld.gov.au or for tickets go to www.foxtix.com.au or phone 1300 111 369.