Chopper, cameras to be used in summer shark patrol

DAILY shark patrols will begin next month as part of a $1.1million plan by Surf Lifesaving WA to keep beachgoers safe this summer.

Surf Lifesaving spokesman Chris Peck said $500,000 would be spent keeping the Westpac rescue helicopter in the air for three hours every day from mid-December to the end of February.  This year’s safety plan also included spending $600,000 on 30 emergency response points at secluded beaches and 27 beach surveillance cameras. And 4300 lifesavers will patrol beaches.

It is a significant investment in using technologies to combat coastal incidents, Mr Peck said.  It is the biggest presence we have ever had. Mr Peck said the State Government had agreed to provide thousands of dollars to help operate daily helicopter patrols.  The helicopter will fly for three hours between 6.30am and 2pm.

He said the public wanted more beach patrols in summer, with many people unhappy that aerial shark patrols had operated only on weekends and public holidays.  Mr Peck said ideally aerial patrols would operate five hours a day, but there wasn’t enough money to keep the helicopter in the air longer.

I think the pressure probably came from the public to have a service mid-week, he said.  The fact that something is up there (the helicopter) looking after them gives people a sense of security.  I would have liked another two hours so that we were flying five hours a day.  It would have enabled us to spread our patrol coverage a little more broadly.

Mr Peck said the use of emergency response points and surveillance cameras would help save lives. The response points are like emergency freeway phones.  Beachgoers can push the button and say to an operator I have seen a shark, someone is caught in a rip so we can get a team to that beach quickly he said.  The beach surveillance cameras don’t just take images, they gather data.  Whether it’s looking for sharks or missing people in the water, it has the functionality to assist as a third eye.

Source www.news.com.au

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Michael Parkinson coming to Australia

Parky the legendary chat show host will be coming to Perth on the 20 October 2009 at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.                                

Parky – The One-Man Show

Michael Parkinson will be sharing his greatest moments, his love of music and sport and sharing the events of his fascinating life, live on stage in his one man show.

Venue  :  Riverside Theatre – Perth Convention Centre – www.pcec.com.au

Admission Price  :  A Reserve $139.00 p/p     B Reserve $89.00p/p   

Events contacts  :  www.ticketek.com.au

Phone  :  132 849

Related Link  :  www.parky.com.au

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Oz Blog : www.rachelhenwood.com

For the 1000’s hot footing it Down Under to live in Perth every year, it can be in the search of a better job, a better life or just the chance of a sun tan.

It can be a daunting decision to pack up your life, leave your family and make the move.  Not knowing what to expect when you get here can often be the biggest nail bitter of all, and sometimes the reason used for not making the move at all.

Many people I know, including me I might add, move to Perth without even coming over for a nose around first.

Some, like me again, have never even set foot on Australian soil before coming.

While this to some might seem like a crazy thing to do, for those who have, the chance at a better life is validation enough for such an otherwise impulsive and risky decision.

So if you’re thinking of packing up your sunnies and heading south and your knowledge of Aussie life is limited only to your in-depth knowledge of the neighbours of Ramsey Street and Summer Bay, then here is the inside scoop on what life can really be like at the bottom of the world…

Just to state the blindingly obvious and save any possible cyber bashing, everything I write about is only based on my opinions, experiences and life here in Perth and yes, although the odd thing about this place really does make you scratch your head in disbelief, on the whole, I can’t think of a place that I would rather live. 

Source  :  www.rachelhenwood.com

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Why Australia?

Quality of Life                              

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. Though it’s nearly 50% larger than Europe, it has the lowest population density of any country, with only two people per square kilometre. What’s more, Australia boasts over 10,000 beaches – more than any other nation.  

Add to that tropical rainforests, rugged mountain ranges and vast tracts of desert, and you’ve got a country that’s rich in contrast and bursting with opportunity. Australia’s diversity is world famous for a reason, and it’s yours to enjoy.

With the reverse seasons to those in the northern hemisphere, Australia enjoys a largely temperate climate. Most of Australia receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, an amazing 70% of the total possible hours.

Where else can you find a home with an average of 300 sunny days per year? That’s 300 more great reasons to move to Australia! Australia is culturally diverse, dynamic and innovative, with an enormous amount to offer migrants and returning Australians. It’s little wonder more than 30,000 Brits and South Africans make Australia their new home each year.

Expos

London : 13th June 2009

Manchester : 4th July 2009

Cape Town : 9 September 2009

Johannesburg :  12 – 13 September 2009

Durban : 15th September 2009

http://www.expo-australia.com/seminars.aspx

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