Day One Hundred and Forty

Friday at last!

Event fatigue is setting in across all of team, we are counting down the hours until the end.

We had bus problems earlier in the week, now after a bit of a roasting form me and a few shirty emails they delivered well ahead of time today. Today's highlight was taking the participants to play Football at Melbourne Olympic Park.

Was a good afternoon, did feel like a teacher counting folks on and off of bus!

Here is a couple of pics of participants, you couldn't ask for a more polite, great bunch of kids. I think there will be much emotion on Saturday/Sunday when we have to send them all home to different parts of country.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Nine

Thursday...

Quit a few issues throughout the day but dealt with without too much problem. Finished up around 5pm and wondered in to town thinking it was late night shopping. apparently not, that's Friday it seems.

Anyway Myer came through and I managed to buy some trainers, new polo shirt and shorts, weather in Melbourne has really warmed up.

Wondered home and crashed out.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Eight

As I write this I'm looking after the after hours chill out room at the office, a place where the participants can go and chill. We've had Chinese takeaway and they are currently working their way through YouTube it seems on the big screen.

Today was good, event has reached its calm phase, where everything is ticking over. Kids got away early at 4.30 today which is good as they all seem knackered.

trying to keep in touch with everyone but its a bit manic.

Modified Kate's flights so she can get here earlier on Sat, that wont come soon enough for me!

Day One Hundred and Thirty Seven

Tuesday

A few more problems with event today, mess up's like bus being booked for 27th Nov instead of 27th Oct. But we managed it, participants seem to be getting along all OK.

Had a late night as I had to swap rooms so person on call could be in my room which is nominated room for staff member on call. It's a bit of a drag up rooting but not too bad. Did a load of washing in hotel laundry, oh the exciting life of events!

Sorry for short posts at moment....again events...

Day One Hundred and Thirty Six

Monday 26th Oct



Day one of event proper, all got off to a good start, had to go to airport again, picking up the late arrivals, mainly from Sydney. Funny to see the different attitude the Sydney participants had to others from around the country. Guess they just have the city in them.



Day went off OK, few hiccups here and there but no major drama.

the end of the evening was at the Cinema with participants to see Richard Franklins Stone Bros movie, I didn't hang around long and went home, had room service and went to bed.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Five

Rewritten now...

A long day spent mainly looking at baggage carousels at Melbourne Domestic Airport waiting for participants to arrive. I had a number of volunteers with me helping me transfer people to the bus to town.

Its amazing how the minicab drivers all wear the same suits, have car keys in one hand and phone in other and all stink of dodgy aftershave.

It's also amazing how many people ask you if you are there to pick them up despite holding a sign clearly saying oxfam!

Finished at airport about 9.30 and came back to Hotel and crashed.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Four

Saturday

Up and into office, met the others and we went out and about round Melbourne picking up stuff for event. Nice not to be at desk for a while!

Finished up around 5.30 and headed into town assuming shops would be open, apparently everything closes at 6pm in this town, wanted to but some trainers but ah well. Managed to trash my new boots getting in and out of minibus, pesky hire company has put that wheel blacking stuff all over tyres which is now all over my boots. Might need a new delivery via the Alv/Crystal express which rocks into town in a couple of weeks.

Went home, spoke to folks which was good, also spoke to Kate and her folks, again all good.

Watched crap telly and went to bed about 10...

Day One Hundred and Thirty Three

Into the office by 8am for a busy busy day of getting last minute details sorted for the event. In the afternoon we collected our minibus and once I was all done at office I drove back to Northcote. Managed to avoid any hook right turns (a Melbourne quirk where if you are turning right on a box junction you pull over to the left to allow straight on traffic/trams through the junction, then when light turns red you do the right turn)

Had a quick dinner at home, watched some da Vinci code movie then headed out at 10.20to airport to pick up first arrivals. managed to get lost on way to picking up other oxfam staff person but eventually made it in tie to pick up 3 participants who had travelled all day from Western Australia.

The event...

Oxfam hosts youth gathering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Oxfam Australia is hosting a gathering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in Melbourne next week to help develop and inspire the next generation of community leaders, advocates and decision makers.

Proudly supported by Middletons, CHANGECOURSE runs from 26-31 October 2009 and will host 50 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged between 18 and 25 years old for five days of networking, learning and self discovery. Participants have been drawn from all States and Territories and from major cities as well as remote communities.

Jirra Lulla Harvey, Youth Coordinator with Oxfam Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s program said the group represents the diversity of Indigenous communities across the nation with each participant bringing with them unique perspectives, knowledge and experiences.

“With 60 per cent of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders population under 25 years of age, young leaders play a vital role in creating a future of Indigenous self determination,” said Harvey.

“CHANGECOURSE will be a time for participants to examine the impact they can play in the future of their communities.”

CHANGECOURSE participants include Merindah Donnelly from Redfern, NSW, who is originally from the rural town of Tingah. “Growing up in an Aboriginal community instilled me with a passion for social justice from a young age,” said Donnelly.

“Learning about Indigenous issues from a human rights based approach helps me to articulate the things I have always felt.

“I would also like to see the youth in my community engage in education and employment opportunities, while at the same time maintaining Aboriginal ways of knowing. It’s a duality. Because while we live in a modern society, it is our right to uphold our unique cultural beliefs.”

At CHANGECOURSE, participants will attend sessions run by Emily Howie, a Senior Lawyer from the Human Rights Law Resource Centre Ltd and Margaret Raven, from the Indigenous Human Rights Network of Australia.

Other highlights include a chance to experience a tasting workshop by chefs from gourmet Indigenous caterers Black Olive, try circus skills at the National Institute of Circus Arts and a friendly match of AFL football led by Leon Egan, Indigenous Kickstart Manager at the AFL and Barry Firebrace and Ralph White from the Indigenous Unit at Sport & Recreation Victoria.

Day One Hundred and Thirty Two

Arrived office 7.45am.....left office 8.15pm Monster Day!

One of the key team on event has gone down with flu (was suspected swine for for a short time but thankfully not). This has meant much more running around and things I had assumed were all sorted (like booking of venues 3 days before the event) are perhaps not as secure as I thought. Lesson learnt, check and recheck and don't assume...my new motto.

As a result I'll be at airport at midnight Friday night picking up first arrivals.

Long day as I say, wondered home, got in at 9pm, watched half hour of telly and went to bed. Glad I'm being paid an hourly rate!

Oh and got this press release, this will get very interesting purely from an outsiders view...

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE October 22, 2009

Nokia sues Apple in Delaware District Court for infringement of Nokia GSM, UMTS and WLAN patents

Espoo, Finland - Nokia announced that it has today filed a complaint against Apple with the Federal District Court in Delaware, alleging that Apple's iPhone infringes Nokia patents for GSM, UMTS and wireless LAN (WLAN) standards. As a leading innovator in wireless communications, Nokia has created one of the strongest and broadest patent portfolios in the industry, investing more than EUR 40 billion in R&D during the last two decades. Much of this intellectual property, including the patents in suit, has been declared essential to industry standards. Nokia has already successfully entered into license agreements including these patents with approximately 40 companies, including virtually all the leading mobile device vendors, allowing the industry to benefit from Nokia's innovation. The ten patents in suit relate to technologies fundamental to making devices which are compatible with one or more of the GSM, UMTS (3G WCDMA) and wireless LAN standards.

The patents cover wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption and are infringed by all Apple iPhone models shipped since the iPhone was introduced in 2007. "The basic principle in the mobile industry is that those companies who contribute in technology development to establish standards create intellectual property, which others then need to compensate for," said Ilkka Rahnasto, Vice President, Legal & Intellectual Property at Nokia. "Apple is also expected to follow this principle. By refusing to agree appropriate terms for Nokia's intellectual property, Apple is attempting to get a free ride on the back of Nokia's innovation." During the last two decades, Nokia has invested approximately EUR 40 billion in research and development and built one of the wireless industry's strongest and broadest IPR portfolios, with over 10,000 patent families. Nokia is a world leader in the development of GSM technologies and its evolution to UMTS / 3G WCDMA as well as wireless LAN, which is also demonstrated by Nokia's strong patent position in these technologies.

Day One Hundred and Thirty One

Yep you guessed it another early start...

Another day in office getting ready for next week, it's funny how you forget all the office politics and general whinging about things which must be the same the world over!

A few meetings later (oh how I haven't missed meetings) I made my way home, stopping for fish and chips.

Watched a bit of telly (Celebrity Masterchef is on, how exciting) and then went to bed.

Oh and finally the old ones keep coming round with updated twists, but I've added it in here for a laugh...


Subject: Terrorist Alerts

The British are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats in Islamabad and have raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved."Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." Brits have not been"A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to a "Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was during the great fire of 1666.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide". The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France 's white flag factory, effectively paralysing the country's military capability.It's not only the French who are on a heightened level of alert. Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout loudly and excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs.." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose".

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels .The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.

Americans meanwhile are carrying out pre-emptive strikes, on all of their allies, just in case.

At a local level...New Zealand has also raised its security levels – from "baaa" to "BAAAA!". Due to continuing defence cutbacks (the airforce being a squadron of spotty teenagers flying paper aeroplanes and the navy some toy boats in the Prime Minister's bath), New Zealand only has one more level of escalation, which is "Shut, I hope Austrulia will come end riscue us". (these are not spelling mistakes, just typical NZ pronunciation). In the event of invasion, New Zealanders will be asked to gather together in a strategic defensive position called "Bondi".

Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be right, mate". Three more escalation levels remain, "Crikey!', "I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend" and "The barbie is cancelled". There has not been a situation yet that has warranted the use of the final escalation level.

Day One Hundred and Thirty

A really nice sunny day in Melbourne. Came in early and had a really good day getting lots of things done. It's all coming together.

Had a wonder round the Queen Victoria markets at lunchtime, some nice stuff in there but not quite up to Borough market standards!

Booked flights for Darwin next year to catch up with Hazel (well actually did that on Sunday but forgot to mention it).

Had a wonder round Melbourne Central on way home, we have to take our event participants there one night next week so wanted to get the lay of the land.

Waited for ever for a tram, got home, had a call with Kate and off to bed.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Nine

Awoke at 5.30 am, although my brain said switch the alarm off you have another hours sleep, thankfully I had set a second alarm and so dragged myself out of bed. Kate drove me to the airport and we said our goodbyes. This trip will be the longest we have ever spent apart...not looking forward to that.

Was having an uneventful flight until a poor old gentleman collapsed at the back of the plane. Seemed stuff was coming out off him from all possible means. The crew had oxygen on him and laid him out in the back row behind me. I can tell you the cabin environment wasn't pleasant for last 40 mins off flight but had to feel sorry for the guy. Still means we got fast tracked into Melbourne so paramedics could meet him.

Did a day at work, walked some of venues in Melbourne for event and then walked back to Northcote. A quiet night in with calls to Kate and then bed.

Internet (well more precisely the small laptop) is playing up in Northcote so blog updates may be sporadic or late (if anyone is still reading).

Oh and big debate around here about this...

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/split-second-twist-of-fate/story-e6frfhqf-1225788487205

Day One Hundred and Twenty Eight

A lazy morning, a quick bit of shopping and lunch before coming back to the house . We went out for a barbecue in Newtown at Carolines house. Was very relaxing and good chat and company. Came home for sleep before getting up at 5.30 and flying back to Melbourne.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Seven

Woke up with a bit of a hangover in Willoughby.

Made our way back to Glebe and met John and Rhian at the house. We took them up to the AB for a farewell lunch which was nice. We run them over to the airport, said our goodbyes and headed home.

We went back to Willoughby for a while before going back to the airport to collect Bill and Carol. They arrived just as we got to airport so was a quick turnaround.

Back to Willoughby for a quick cuppa and then we drove back to Glebe for some much needed sleep!

Day One Hundred and Twenty Six

Another long day in the office, was in work by 7.40am.

Was interesting to see the Melbourne Southern Eye in a state of dismantling, apparently it broke. It i meant to be like the London Eye but has had many problems

http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=12219

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Southern_Star_(observation_wheel)

Got most of what I wanted to done. Headed off to the airport in the afternoon and had some delays on the flight back. Got back to Sydney about 8.30. We had a quick turnaround and then went o Michaels house for drinks to celebrate our engagement. It was great to see everyone.

We talked a bit about this video which is interesting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95tmYmeHf84

Left there at 1am and took a taxi to Willoughby to look after the pets.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Five

Thursday 15th Oct..

Another cold, windy and at times wet day in Melbourne, it's like blighty here in October.

Another early wake up, although at about 6am this time rather than 4am.

A good day at the office, got lots done, still quite a bit to do but got my head fully around event now.

Had a call from a recruitment agency I met in Sydney a while back with a possible events role, should hear more form them tomorrow about it.

Flying back to Sydney tomorrow evening, cant come soon enough...

Day One Hundred and Twenty Four

Quick update today

Long day at Oxfam, woke up early again...4am, was in office at desk by 7.55. Spent all day building monster spreadsheet...

Back to Northcote at 7pm for dinner and chat with folks here. Spoke to Kate in Sydney and now Im off to bed...

Day One Hundred and Twenty Three

Second day at Oxfam (Tuesday).

Woke up early again after going to bed at about 9pm. Woke up at 3.30ish and dozed until about 5am. Got out of bed at about 6.20 for a shower. The house share I'm in is good, a bit of a trek from office but not too bad. the people who are letting me stay Eleanor and Aaron are very welcoming.

Took tram and walked into office, was at my desk by 8am. Spent all day pulling together a master logistics plan from many different sources of info, I need it all in one place to make it work.

Booked flights back to Sydney for weekend, will be in town form Friday night until early Monday morning.

Came home this evening, had some dinner and spent some more tie working on plans.

Its cold, wet and windy in Melbourne!

Day One Hundred and Twenty Two

Monday

Woke up at 3.30ish and laid awake until Kate woke up about an hour later, oh the joys of jetlag.

Got up at 6.30 and got ready to go to airport. Got to Airport to find flight had been cancelled! However was bumped onto an earlier flight and had about 10 mins to clear security and get on flight. So much for leisurely trip to Melbourne.

Arrived and took but to town and taxi to office. So far day has been good, sorting out a whole load of stuff and trying to get event clear in my head. Got some way to go. I'm writing this from office, I'm about to pack up and head to house share Ive sorted out. it's belting with rain so may taxi it instead of trams and walking, although need to figure it out so I know reverse route for tomorrow.

Pretty tired from jet lag still!

Day One Hundred and Twenty One

Happy Birthday Bill!

As it was Kate's dads birthday we went for a meal at Moncur Bistro in Paddington. Was very nice. We came back and did some sorting out and then made the fatal mistake of a little lie down at 4pm. at 6.30 we dragged ourselves out of bed feeling groggy and sat in front of TV for a while.

We had a good Skype call with folks although they could see we were knackered so it was quick.

Did some packing for Melbourne and off to bed.

Day One Hundred and Twenty

We arrived into Sydney bang on time arriving just after 6am on an uneventful flight from Singapore. managed a bit of sleep on the plane.

We were met by Bill and Carol and went to Willoughby for brekkie.

We spent most of morning there catching up and then headed back to Glebe just before lunch. We did some shopping at Broadway and then sorted our stuff out in the afternoon. I also washed a thick layer of red dust off the car from the dust storm 2 weeks ago.

We then headed into Darling Harbour to meet John and Rhian for drinks/dinner. I was pretty knackered before hand but livened up when we met them. Had drinks in Pontoon bar and then dinner in Blackbird cafe.

http://www.pontoonbar.com/

http://www.cocklebaywharf.com.au/venues/26/blackbird-cafe/

We took the tram home and are now off for some well earned kip...

Day One Hundred and Nineteen

Not sure what day this represents, for ease I'm going to say Friday...so on Thursday night we boarded our flight to Sydney. As I write this I'm stood in Singapore Airport using the free t'internet terminals, there are people hoovering around trying to get on the machines, they'll have to wait!

Flight was good, typical BA service and attitude! We slept a good 6to7 hours each on this leg. We are waiting for next leg to Sydney in an hour and half.

Day One Hundred and Eighteen

A day around Basingstoke packing, some emotional goodbyes, the joys of Heathrow T4 and a flight that got away on time!

Missing everyone in Blighty already!

Day One Hundred and Seventeen

A quiet day around Basingstoke, got up and did some shopping in Basingstoke with a Wagagmamas lunch.

In the evening a family dinner at home, with the worlds biggest Chicken Kievs.

Showed the folks the Aussie masterchef DVD to show them what we had been banging on about when we first arrived in Oz.

Hit the sack for some ZZZZZZZZzzzzzs

Day One Hundred and Sixteen

6th Oct 09

Back to London from Basingstoke for the last time. Ah the joys of South West Trains.

We caught up with Kathleen for lunch in The Mudlark, was cool to see her.

Had an excellent evening in the Refinery Bar with

Alastair, Chris, Rick, Kevin, Marianne, Dave, Aaron, Shehla, Kay, Keith, Charlotte, Tim, Pauline, Pru, Paul, Ray, Karo, Beck, Kate (obviously), random apple mac man for a while too. I believe I have name checked everyone in attendance and you have all got your little bit of blog fame as requested.

We drank too much but had a great time catching up with everyone.

And for the Stewards 2010 good food and wine review, here is link to Refinery Bar

http://www.therefinerybar.co.uk/


Kay, Keith & Kate


Kay and Keith

Charlotte and Tim


Us with Pru and Paul


Too much champagne? Kate, Kay & Charlotte

Day One Hundred and Fifteen

We had a lazy morning in Earlsfield and then headed back to Basingstoke briefly to collect some stuff. We then drove back to Yateley and had a nice dinner with folks.

This evening we spent time in the local pub I used to drink in in my earlier years.

http://www.eversleycross.co.uk/wheretogo.htm

Caught up with friends, was good to see dean, laura, craig, kay, rob, jo, jo. Chatted about old times and talked about catching up in the future.

Tomorrow its more drinks in London, lunch with Uni friends.

We'll soon be back on the plane to Oz. I'm not sure I've mentioned it before but I start 4 weeks employment (events mgt yay!) with Oxfam in Melbourne a week today...

Day One Hundred and Fourteen

A quiet day in Basingstoke with a great fry up brekkie for all the family, we then drove up to Earlsfield and had dinner with Pru and Paul at the Leather Bottle. John and Rhian are lucky to have such a good pub within 5 mins walking distance.

http://www.leatherbottlepub.co.uk/

Not much else to report!

Day One Hundred and Thirteen

Saturday

I forgot to mention yesterday, I was asked in the restaurant on Friday by an Australian waitress if I was Australian just from talking to her and not mentioning anything to do with Oz!

We got up after a great night out and did a quick trip to Chris and Helens to pick up stuff laying around there I had left behind before going to Oz. we then briefly stopped at the shops in Colliers Wood and bumped into Jon.

We came back to Basingstoke and in the evening had a family celebration meal of our engagement at the Four Seasons hotel. Very nice it was too, its very posh! There was even a C list celeb in the restaurant and for all I know lots of what looked like WAGs with footballers.

Here is link

http://www.fourseasons.com/hampshire/

Day One Hundred and Twelve

We spent the day in and around London, Kate caught up with Pru in town for lunch, I hung out in Earslfield and around Colliers Wood.

grapes pub and then went to We then both headed into town to meet Chris & Helen and Kevin and Debbie. We started in theGauco Argentinian restaurant. Had a great food but it was a bit pricey. It did have great view of Tower Bridge.

We headed back to the Grapes and drank a few more. It was great to catch up with them all and see them all looking so well.

Day One Hundred and Eleven

We headed up to London after a morning in Basingstoke. We had a good call with Bill and Carol, was good to catch up with news from down under.

We are staying in Earlsfield in John and Rhians place, its great and ideal base for getting in and out of town.

We met with Stella and Ian on southbank and had quite a few sherbets, we had dinner at Gabriel's Wharf at the riviera restaurant, was very nice. Jon also showed up for a couple which was great. We stumbled home and off to bed.