Pyrmont Village

Pyrmont Event: A World of Teapots in Glebe Gallery

2010-07-31T07:10:42Z

Once again, the Inner City Clayworkers Gallery is hosting fabulously famous Sydney Teapot Show. This annual exhibition has been running for over 20 years now, and is always a crowd pleaser. Hundreds of stunning teapots are submitted by potters and ceramic artists from all over the country. Categories are chosen to fire the imagination of the makers, and to reflect the interest of our generous sponsors.

This year the categories are: The Best Overall Entry – CESCO Award/Margaret Brady Memorial Award, The Commemorative Teapot – Marion Baker Award, The Superficial Teapot – Journal of Australian Ceramics Hans Christian Anderson – Gleebooks, The Grotesque – not always what you think – Keane Ceramic Award, The Classic Teapot – Toby’s Estate Coffee Award. There is also an un-packers prize and the popular “People’s Choice Award”.

This is a fun show not to be missed, and the gallery will be open seven days a week for the whole month of August. Our hours are 10.30am – 6.00pm. Come along and see what people’s imaginations can do in the form of a teapot! Many other “tea related” pots are available in the gallery shop during the show, so no-one should miss out.

Contact the gallery on 9692 9717 or info@clayworkers.com.au for further information, or visit our website www.clayworkers.com.au

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Authentic Speed Networking for Pyrmont Networkers

2010-07-24T11:59:58Z

Authentic Speed Networking provides a fun, structured and professional environment for Pyrmont people to connect in Sydney! For more info or free registration, please visit www.authenticedu.com/speednetworking

Why did the group start?
Please read these questions!

Have you ever been to a Sydney networking event and got stuck talking to someone for ages and you were too polite to say anything?!
Didn’t know when or how to ask for someone’s business card?
Do you want meet new people but don’t feel like going by yourself?
Do you wish there was a place you could connect with like minded people regularly?
Have you ever had to sit through a long-winded speech at a Sydney networking event which didn’t even apply to you?

If you can understand any of those, then that’s how Authentic Speed Networking started in Sydney.

Why do people go?
1. Social Networking – Meet new people and have a fun experience…on a weeknight!
2. Business Networking – Expand your business through referrals, new business contacts and discussing anything else on your entrepreneurial mind!
3. Personal Development Community – They say “it takes teamwork to make the dreamwork” and “your network is your net worth”, but where do you find these people? Right here! Be uplifted by other like minded people that are into personal growth.
4. Communication Skills – The opportunity to talk to so many new people is perfect for improving social and communication skills!
5. Learn Something New – Every speed networking event has a short, sharp and extremely practical content piece you can use straight away.

How is Authentic Speed Networking Sydney different?

Everyone will meet at least 10 different people a night
Perfect for attending by yourself because everyone will be encouraged to meet someone new anyhow!
Fun, safe and supportive environment to expand your networking skills!
We take the pressure of asking for the business card from you because it’s built into the night!
Structured evening – No wasted time with lengthy speeches or getting stuck talking to the same person for what seems like an eternity!

Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many people attend? It varies, but between 30-50.
2. What is the format of the night? General networking, structured speed networking with about 5-7 mins per person, a short & practical speech in the middle of the night, brief thank you speech, optional general networking to finish the night! Please get there on time as our events run like clockwork!
3. The words “authentic” and “speed” seem like opposites. What’s going on there?! The speed part means there is about 5-7 minutes to connect with each person. It is authentic because the brief amount of time means people are more likely to say what they came for without dancing around the topic!
4. Who runs and sponsors the event? Authentic Education. They run modularized personal development courses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane specializing in Change for Good! www.AuthenticEdu.com
5. What if I want to continue talking to someone for longer than 5-7 minutes? You can do this in the general networking section at the end of the night. Also, you will most likely have their business card so you can connect anytime!
6. What if I don’t have a business card? We will have blank cards you can write your details on. Feel free to bring your own also.
7. What should I bring? Business cards, your friends, your radiant smile.
8. Is it free? Yes! (In future, we could charge a small amount depending on venue costs).
9. What’s the dress code? Casual clothing is allowed at the venue, but we recommend smart casual as it is a relaxed yet professional environment.

For more info or free registration, please visit www.authenticedu.com/speednetworking

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A Sydney Financial Advisor discusses SMSF and Property

2010-06-26T20:18:06Z

We thought that we would get some awareness from a leading Sydney Financial Advisor, as to what the types of investments, one should consider in today’s volatile economic times. He is Alex Dimos and he is a senior partner at Econ Financial Services, which is located across pyrmont bridge at the Galeries Victoria, in town. He was interviewed by Jessica, a Relationship Manager at EFS.

1. Alex, as one of our senior advisers, what investment trends have emerged particularly in the superannuation environment?

Since the commencement of the Global Financial Crisis we have seen a significant move towards high yielding cash and direct property.

2. Would you say that equities have become less popular since the Global Financial Crisis?

Marginally, however our experience centres on a client database which is dominated by retirees. We have found that whilst many clients have become wary of international equities, there is still significant interest in the Australian share market. To date, the large banks and resource companies which dominate the Australian Stock Exchange continue to produce strong earnings and franked dividends, which are attractive to retirees in a tax free environment.

3. There has been a rise in individuals wanting to setup a DIY Super or SMSF, why do you think people are moving this way?

In my opinion DIY Super was always a popular alternative when it came to managing one’s retirement needs, on the basis that it offers effective control and maximises investment flexibility. The trend that emerged since the Global Financial Crisis shows that individuals are concerned with where their superannuation monies are invested and who is managing it. Other benefits include maximising tax efficiency through the placement of life insurance within the fund and more options in regard to estate planning.

4. There has been much recent publicity about borrowing to purchase property in super. Have SMSF always been able to purchase property?

Yes, purchasing property through super has always been available. A SMSF can purchase property outright if it has sufficient funds available or it may purchase a property in conjunction with a member in a partnership arrangement.

5. Could you please elaborate on how someone could purchase property in conjunction with a member in a SMSF?

This strategy would involve the SMSF purchasing a property as a tenant in common with members of the fund. If the members do not have sufficient cash for the portion of the property, they can take out a loan. Since the property cannot be used as security of the loan, the members will have to use other assets as security. Many people will choose to use their principal residence as security for the loan.

6. Why would you purchase as tenants in common?

If a property is purchased jointly by a SMSF and its members, the property must be owned as tenants in common. This means that if the members die, their share won’t be inherited by the fund, instead their estate will inherit their share. A SMSF cannot own an asset as a joint tenant. SMSFs that own assets as joint tenants are in breach of the SIS Act.

7. What are the taxation implications of the above strategy?

Generally speaking, the rental income of the portion owned by the SMSF will be taxed at 15%. Some expenses will be deductible including repairs, depreciation and the building allowance if applicable. If the property is held for at least 12 months, any capital gains will be taxed at 10% if the property is sold.

The rental income of the portion not owned by the SMSF will be taxed at the marginal rate of tax. The owner will also be able to claim the usual expenses as deductions, and importantly, will also be able to claim the interest on the loan as an expense. If the property is held for at least 12 months, any capital gains will be taxed at half of the owner’s marginal rate of tax.

8. So what are the risks?

Aside from not meeting the SIS Act Regulations as they pertain to the sole purpose test, in house asset rules, suitable investment strategy etc., the normal risks associated to borrowing apply, such as the potential for default, which would put their security property at risk.

9. Can Econ Financial Services assist with all aspects of the above strategy?

Econ Financial Services has a range of suitably qualified professionals that can advise on the setup of the SMSF through to advice in securing funding for any potential purchase.

Should you have any questions relating to any matters discussed in the interview, please feel very free to give Alex a call personally on | Direct line: +61 2 9266 2250 | Personal Mobile: 0413 730 056

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80s HIP HOP WEEKEND at the Powerhouse Museum, 26 & 27 June 2010

2010-06-15T02:57:45Z

15 June 2010 – Experience what made Australian hip hop great in the 80s and still a vibrant culture today at the Powerhouse Museum’s 80s Hip Hop Weekend on 26 and 27 June, featuring music and dance performances and demonstrations, talks, workshops and films.

Across the weekend take hip hop lessons with So you think you can dance choreographer Tiana Canterbury, hear legendary indigenous rapper Munki Muk, and enjoy break dance performances by the current Australian B-Boy Champions, All Conscious Crew, including 2009 Deadly award-winner for Best Dancer, B-Boy 2ezy. Plus performances by First Flight Crew, a local eight piece hip hop group from Sydney.

On Saturday hear a talk by Rosano Martinez from Australian hip hop group Sound Unlimited as he shares his experiences of hip hop, and on Sunday author and street art photographer Melinda Vassallo will talk about some of the amazing examples of street art around inner Sydney.

Also throughout the weekend, participate in a stencil art workshop with artist and designer Chris Tamm from Pine Street Gallery (pre-bookings required) or see films by claymation animator LC Beats including ‘Mayhem in May Lane’ and his recent claymation ‘Kaos on King St’.

Plus don’t miss the opportunity to look back at the hip hop phenomenon which blossomed in the western suburbs of Sydney during the 1980s in the Museum’s current exhibition The 80s are back.

For the full program of activities across the weekend and to book into the workshops with Chris Tamm,

80S HIP HOP WEEKEND

Sat 26 & Sun 27 June, 10am – 5pm

Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo

Free with general admission $10 adult, $5 child, $6 conc, $25 family

Media enquiries:
Hayley Gallant
Tel: 9217 0157 / 0413 985 277
Email: hayleyg@phm.gov.au

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Pyrmont Cupcakes: Say YES to cupcakes!

2010-06-04T03:41:21Z

Cupcakes by Chris is a home-based cupcakery located right here in Pyrmont!

Aromas of vanilla and cinnamon fill the air of a small kitchen while the essential ingredients of flour, sugar & butter patiently await their transformation into the wonderful delights that are the foundation of Cupcakes by Chris.

Christina Song, founder and C.E.B (Chief Executive Baker), is hard at work piping on the sweet frosting, the final touch to one of her most popular flavours – Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcake. Baking has always been a passion for this self-taught baker, she says “being able to do something I love and share it with others fills me with motivation to transform ordinary cupcakes into edible happiness. It gives me such a rush!”

Cupcakes by Chris wants to set a new standard for cupcakes in Sydney. We believe in quality over quantity; all of our tasty treats are made from scratch using only the best ingredients and with only a few flavours that have been perfected. Each batch is baked to order so you are guaranteed the freshest and best tasting cupcakes. From Simply Vanilla to American inspired classics like Peanut Butter & Jelly, Cupcakes by Chris has something for everyone. We have carefully crafted harmonious cupcakes to ensure an incredible experience when you take a bite of our indulgent cakes. Our smooth melt in your mouth buttercream, cream cheese or peanut butter frosting paired with our moist and flavourful cake, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

We are always thinking of new flavours to add to our line & to give fellow cupcake enthusiasts reasons to come back for more!

Cupcakes are the perfect antidote to a sweet craving, a delectable gift and the best way to celebrate any occasion. Cupcakes by Chris is here to make life a little sweeter – one cupcake at a time.

Please visit our web site www.cupcakesbychris.com for more information.

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Joanna Rogers: Urban Balcony Pyrmont

2010-06-03T11:17:57Z

1. Tell us a little about Urban Balcony

The Urban Balcony is all about making apartment living more livable. We focus on extending the living space of your apartment by integrating balconies and other outdoor spaces with the rest of the apartment. People come into our store looking for inspiration in our stylish range of products, which have been specifically chosen to suit balconies of all shapes and sizes. We also offer a design service for people wanting to create a more complete look for their balconies. Outdoor furniture, pots and plants and outdoor-themed art constitute the majority of our products.

2. What inspired you to start Urban Balcony?

We wanted to start a business that was both niche in its focus and relevant to our interests. We were living in London for a number of years and developed a home improvement passion after a renovation of our house. It was from this that we decided it was time to leave London and our day-jobs and strike out on our own in Sydney. In 2005, we opened The Urban Balcony on Crown St in Surry Hills with a mission to offer people living around the city what large furniture stores and plant nurseries weren’t and still aren’t able to – that is, apartment specific products in a convenient location. We opened our Pyrmont store in 2008 and merged the Surry Hills store with Pyrmont last year.

3. What are the latest trends for an urban balcony garden?

We’ve worked on the premise that we leap off from interior design trends and use those in the way that we style a balcony. In the last summer that took the form of more mix-and-match furniture where we would team a table with chairs from a different range. We’re also trying to introduce more elements to make the balcony feel like a living space. This has lead us to include more soft furnishings and texture through different weaves and wall panels. For us, this introduces challenges in sourcing stylish fabrics and materials suitable for outdoor environments. For Summer 2011, We’ll stick our neck out and say that yellow is our new orange.

4. Favourite Café

Our favourite café is Pasta Vera on Harris Street. Its just a few doors down and day after day they consistently make great espresso. They also put together a pretty awesome tuna nicoise salad that goes down well for a light lunch.

5. Part of Pyrmont you really love

I’m quite partial to the new park in the water police site. We’ve been down a few times with our 14 month old girl Ella for a picnic lunch. She loves climbing over the playground and fountains that have been installed.

5. Dream real life neighbour

Kevin McLeod (of Grand Designs fame). Seems like he’d be good for a chat about our never-ending garden and design DIY projects.

6. Last Movie Saw and Enjoyed

We don’t get to the movies much now we have little Ella. The last movie that we saw was in our own living room and was “State of Play” with Russell Crowe – an excellent journalist conspiracy thriller type movie

7. Passionate about

I guess we would be most passionate about Urban Balcony – in fact we don’t talk about much else! We never switch off – when we are out or shopping ourselves, we’re looking for new ideas, and seeing how we can apply them to our designs or the way we do business. In the end, we have got a massive amount of satisfaction (and frustration in equal measures!) in growing our idea to reality.

The Urban Balcony
206 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009, (p) 02 8021-6456
(w) www.urbanbalcony.com.au

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“New Line” @ Inner City Clayworkers gallery Co-op 3-27 June 2010 !

2010-05-31T06:45:31Z

Inner City Clayworkers gallery Co-op
“New Line”
3 June – 27 June
Gallery Experience Members
Tanya Peck, Ray Stevenson and Jill Klopter
Opening Friday 4 June 6pm By Terry Wright (TAFE Ceramics Head Teacher)

Thursday to Sunday 10.30am-5pm (May June July)
Cnr St. John Road and Darghan Street Glebe 2037
Ph/fax (02) 96929717
www.clayworkers.com.au
info@clayworkers.com.au

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Freedom Flotilla with Supplies for Gaza

2010-05-30T07:36:20Z

Five ships carrying hundreds of activists set off on the last leg of a mission to deliver tonnes of aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip early on Sunday, a legal adviser to the Free Gaza Movement told AFP.

“Five ships left Cypriot waters this morning at around 5:00 am (0200 GMT),” Audrey Bomse said, adding that the fleet would arrive in Gaza territorial waters some time after 4:00 pm (1300 GMT).

Bomse said two vessels which had been due to set sail with the so-called “Freedom Flotilla” had remained in port after sustaining damaged over the weekend, in a move which the convoy’s organisers claimed was “sabotage.”

“Now we are thinking of sending a second wave of boats including these two and the Rachel Corrie, which is still en route” from Ireland, she said.

The second convoy would probably set off around Tuesday, Bomse said.

The flotilla of cargo and passenger ships, which is carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid for Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, had been due to reach Gaza on Saturday.

But its departure was delayed because of technical problems affecting two of the vessels.

Israel has slammed as “illegal” the convoy’s attempt to break its blockade on Gaza, and has naval forces at the ready to intercept the ships and detain the pro-Palestinian activists on board, who number more than 700.

http://www.freegaza.org/

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Explore the sea and sky at Sydney Observatory these school holidays, 3 – 18 July

2010-05-27T07:36:15Z

Early night tours

Nightly at 6:15pm

See Saturn and Venus setting in the Western constellations of Leo the Lion and Virgo the Goddess of Justice. The Southern Cross and other features of the clear cold winter skies are also visible during these early night sessions. Cost: $15 adult, $12 conc., $10 child, $45 family, Members: $13 adult, $10 conc., $8 child, $34 family. Bookings essential.

Late night tours

Nightly at 8.15pm

Few sights in the night sky match the beauty of the southern Milky Way’s objects like Omega Centauri and Eta Carinae. This month these objects plus others are perfectly placed high in the cold winter skies. Cost: $15 adult, $12 conc., $10 child, $45 family, Members: $13 adult, $10 conc., $8 child, $34 family. Bookings essential.

Twilight pizza nights

6, 8, 13 and 15 July, 6:00pm – 7:45pm

Special family nights featuring 3-D space adventures, telescope viewing and tasty pizza. If weather is overcast there will be a planetarium session and a star map creative workshop. Cost: $30 adult, $27 conc., $25 child (4 years and over), $85 family. Members: $25 adult, $22 conc, $20 child, $72 family. Bookings essential.

DAY PROGRAMS

3-D Space Theatre, Telescope tours and Planetarium

Experience space like never before in the 3-D Space Theatre and hands-on astronomy as part of the telescope dome tours. In July the theme for the Planetarium sessions will be the Emu in the Sky featuring stories from the oldest star watchers on the planet, the Indigenous peoples of Australia.

11.00am – 3-D Space Theatre and telescope tour featuring the program Our Sun, what a Star.

12noon – 3-D Space Theatre and telescope tour featuring the program Bigger than big.

1.15pm – Planetarium session featuring Indigenous sky stories (weekdays only).

2.00pm – Planetarium session featuring Indigenous sky stories (Weekdays only).

2.30pm – 3-D Space Theatre and telescope tour featuring the program Our Sun, what a Star.

3.30pm – 3-D Space Theatre and telescope tour featuring the programs Bigger than big and Einstein’s Universe.

4.15pm – 3-D Space Theatre featuring the programs The Little Things and Bigger than big (double feature, no dome tour).

Cost per 3-D program: $7 adult, $5 children/conc, $20 family. Members free. No bookings required.

Eggonaut Splashdown Workshop

Wednesday 7 and Friday 16 July. 10:00am, 11:30am and 1:00pm.

Use our recycled materials to build a landing capsule for your Eggonaut to safely land in our simulated ocean. Those that survive the first attempt will be launched from the highest point of the Observatory 40m above sea level! Parents and carers welcome (one free adult per child). Suitable for 8 – 12 years.

Cost: $10 child, $8 Members. Bookings essential.

MadLab Parent-Child Electronics Workshop

Saturday 3 and10 July, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Parents and kids can team up for this fun hands-on electronics workshop. Learn how to recognise different electronic components (e.g. resistors, capacitors and transistors), place these into printed circuit boards and solder each component onto the board. A tour of the 3-D Space Theatre and telescope dome will highlight applications of advanced electronics and computing. Suitable for ages 10 – 15.

Cost: $40 per team of two, $32 for members. Bookings essential.

The Blue Planet with Manly Ocean World

Friday 9 July, 10.00am – 1.00pm

Searching for water is one of the most exciting aspects of modern astronomy. The Jovian moons of Europa, Ganymede and Callisto all have water deep under their icy surfaces but do they have life like our oceans? Experience the diversity of Earth’s oceans with Manly Ocean World’s touch pool activities and be inspired to draw or colour-in your own water and sky picture. Ages 3 and over.

Cost $10 per child, accompanying adults free. No bookings required.

Solar System model-making

Daily, between 10:00am and 4:00pm

Make a mobile of the Solar System to take home and string together. It even includes the dwarf planet Pluto! Free with any 3-D Space Theatre ticket. Suitable for 4 – 7 years.

Send us your sky and weather pictures

Send us your images of the sea and sky and we will load them onto a slide show to be shown at the Observatory everyday during the holidays. Visit our website for details.

SYDNEY OBSERVATORY

Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks

Bookings & Information: 9921 3485 or sydneyobservatory.com

NIGHT PROGRAMS