Day One Hundred and Fifty One

Our new garden furniture was delivered this morning, it looks really good in the garden, and gives us more space to eat etc. Will also make life easier when the folks arrive on Thursday.

We then had some lunch at Broadway and did some shopping for stuff for folks.

We had to got o the RTA, an experience I relish every time, so Kate could update her license, I tried to do mine but apparently you have to be in the country 6 months continually before they give you a NSW driving licence, so I'll be back there in April...more fun!

We bought some more stuff for Garden in Chatswood and then we are staying at Bill and Carols tonight. We are collecting their old sofa first thing in morning and taking it to ours, so makes sense to be here rather than fighting through traffic across bridge early doors.

Had a lovely chicken satay meal here, and off to bed soon. Heard form folks who have arrived OK in Singapore.

Day One Hundred and Fifty

Broadway and We went out an did more shopping for the imminent arrival of the folks on Thursday, went toBunnings out of town.

The weather is really picking up so we just chilled out for rest of day. We were both looking at jobs on web at the same time!

Spoke to folks late in evening to check they were all ready for their departure to Singapore, that was all good.

Not much else to report...

Day One Hundred and Forty Nine

Up early for a Sunday. 7.30 and Foxtel man was here not long after 8am. After a few technical problems the fioxtel was installed. Woohoo lots more TV channels!

We then went of r a brisk walk around local park, trying to kick start our health kick again!

Hung out around the house and then went o Bill and Carols for dinner.

Day One Hundred and Forty Eight

I got up early and went out to collect our BBQ from the shop. Came home and put it together. Bill and carol picked us up and we headed into town. They kindly bought us an engagement present in Myer and then we grabbed some lunch in the QVB.

We came back and all watched the races from Flemington with a cuppa. Bill and Carol went and we chilled out. We went out in car and looked at plants for garden and ended up buying one Fuchsia. I seem to recall they were a favourite of my grandad or Crystal likes em, anyway we have on plant at least.

We came home, had our first BBQ then had a Skype call to home. Just chilling now. Foxtel man could be here from 8am onwards tomorrow so will be hitting the sack soon.

Day One Hundred and Forty Seven

Friday

Got up and went shopping at Bunnings, needed a few bits for the house prior tot he folks arrival. Got home and we walked over to city to look at some garden furniture. We had a quick lunch in Fish markets on way over.

We bought some new towels in Myers too. Good to finally have our own and we can return our borrowed stuff to Bill and Carol too!

Came home and then nipped to Broadway for some dinner stuff. We cooked Risotto together and watched some spooks.

Didn't feel like a Friday, seem all out of whack with days at the moment, still it's the weekend now!

Our foxtel is installed tomorrow too, at last some half decent telly choice!

Day One Hundred and Forty Six

A week until the folks land on Aussie soil! Time seems to be flying, we left UK 4 weeks ago today!

A day around the house mainly, weather has been crap, we both did some job hunting today, looked at a few but I didn't apply for any I saw.

We came over to Willoughby and had a Thai takeaway, did a Skype call with Hazel and watched some telly. Not really a huge amount to write home about today!

Day One Hundred and Forty Five

A really hot night so it took a while to get to sleep, it didn't really cool down much.

We went for lunch in the rocks with Kate's dad Bill and his sisters Marion and Barbara. Barbara gave us a lovely engagement present of a painting she had done.We had lunch nearby and then left to do some shopping.

I must be becoming an Aussie, I bought myself the obligatory BBQ today. Its very similar to this

http://www.barbequesgalore.com.au/products/product-view.aspx?id=486

Came home, did a load of food shopping, had dinner at home and chilled

Day One Hundred and Forty Four

Melbourne Cup Day...

Got up early, body clock is still on working time. Did a few mails and stuff during morning. Then Michael came over and we all walked to Darling Harbour to watch the Melbourne Cup Race. Had a few bets on but wont nothing on that race. Should say we had yum cha at the Chinese restaurant at the fish markets on way over which was good.

a bookies within the pub, you can put bets We wondered back towards home and stopped at another pub, its great here the TAB is effectivelyon there and then. Won 65 bucks on another race so probably came out about even.

Wondered home, chilled out and had a skype call with Alv and Crystal...

Day One Hundred and Forty Three

Last day In Melbourne. We got up and had some brekkie in the hotel. After checking out we went our separate ways, Kate went to meet her friend Libby for lunch, whilst I went back to the office to wrap up a few last things and take the minibus back to the hire company.

We met each other again and did some shopping around Melbourne and then headed up tot he airport. Had an easy flight back, the plan was less than a third full. Everyone is heading to Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday. It's much like Grand National, although its a national holiday in Victoria for it, it's all people have been talking abut all week. People here in NSW are talking about it and taking time off too.

We got back to airport and were met by Carol, a quick trip to Willoughby and then home to Glebe for sleep!

Day One Hundred and Forty Two

Sunday

Last day of event. Out of bed at 6.10am...Outside hotel at 6.30 putting kids on bus to station. 8am taking bottles of beer of kids and sending them to have a shower and breakfast. 10am calling rooms, getting keys from hotel management to wake up kids who had drunk a bottle of tequila each until 6am.

12 o clock last kid on bus.

Happy happy event days!

Kate and I wondered round the queen vic markets, then went to Aquarium ( I think Dubai shopping centres have ruined us for aquariums).

Back to hotel for a bit

We then went out for dinner with Pip, who we used to work with at Symbian 2 years ago. Was great to see her and catch up.

We are back at hotel and off to bed.

Day One Hundred and Forty One

Saturday

Back in the office early doors at 8am to print up a few things, then planned to spend day on event at some of the activities. Instead ended up in office laminating pictures and certificates. Thankfully Kate was with me having arrived at lunchtime.

In the evening we went to Middletons office on the 25th floor of the Rialto Tower. Was amazing night with the participants doing performances etc. We got back to hotel at about 10.15. We tried to get some dinner but ended up only being able to get a crepe round the corner. Hit bed about 11.

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.