KangaNews
For Evaluation Only. Copyright (c) by VeryPDF.com Inc. Edited by VeryPDF PDF Editor Version 4.1
a great mate in Hong Kong
December 2016
NEW MEMBERS | DECEMBER 2016
John Herewini
Susan Foyn
Joanne Lee Steere
Debbie McDonald
Maxine Shaw
Nicole Zeman
Daisy Lam Tak Sin
Fiona Poon
Karen McGibbony
Maryanne McPhee
Lisa Voyles
Joanne Lee Steere
LOOKING AHEAD | January 2017 These dates may be subject to change MONDAY
TUESDAY
30
31
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY 01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
cooee coffee
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
mahjong
SMB Lunch morning tennis
sundowners comedy night
cooee coffee
ladies social golf
ladies social golf
mums and bubs 16
17
OZHK Office opens
morning tennis
18
19
20
ladies night
cooee coffee
21
ladies social golf
mahjong
22 Australia Day Race Day
ladies social golf mums and bubs 23
24
mahjong
morning tennis
ladies social golf mums and bubs
1 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
25
26
27
australia day trivia
cooee coffee
ladies social golf
28
29
DECEMBER 2016 CONTENTS New Members
1
Looking Ahead (January 2017)
2
Regular Events
3
Who’s Who
4
President’s Message
6
Thank you to our contributors
6
Charity News
7
From Your Consul-General
8
Association Announcements
9
Out & About
10
Past Events: Explore Hong Kong, The Club Lunch, Roast At The Residence
11
Calendar: December 2016
18
DEADLINE | JANUARY 2017 Advertising Booking Deadline
15 January
Advertising Material Deadline
19 January Newsletter Material Deadline
Upcoming Events
18
Wanted Event Coordinators
22
Classifieds 22 Property 25 Sports Report
27
Sports Report: Dragons
29
The Valley Vet
31
15 January EDITOR E:
[email protected] DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Dean Williams E:
[email protected] PHOTOGRAPHY Andrew Mizzi http://www.andrewmizziphotography.com/
Australian Association of Hong Kong Ltd. 11A, Shelley Court, 21 Shelley Street Midlevels Escalator, Central, HKSAR T: +852 2530 4461 F: +852 3020 0194 E:
[email protected] W: www.ozhongkong.com
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 2
REGULAR EVENTS | DECEMBER 2016 BOOK CLUB First Wednesday of the month. If interested, please Contact: Connie Albracht |
[email protected] CHARITY WORK The Fred Hollows Foundation. For information, visit www. hollows.org.hk or email Sally Hasler at
[email protected]. COOEE COFFEE Fridays 10:00 –11:30 am Oolaa Petite, Shop 2 Tower 2 Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
LADIES GOLF First Monday of the month at Kau Sai Chau. Mondays and Thursdays (handicap required) at Deepwater Bay. Contact Ella Van Westendorp |
[email protected] MAHJONG Mondays 10am – 1pm Dynasty Court Function Room Mid-Levels $80 members $130 non-members Contact:
[email protected] NETBALL For all enquiries please email
[email protected]
Contact: Nikki Wilson |
[email protected] DRAGON BOAT For all enquiries please email
[email protected]
TENNIS Tuesdays 9 – 11 am Wong Nai Chung Tennis Centre $40 members $60 non-members Contact:
[email protected]
SMB LUNCH Second Tuesday of the month Contact: Tony Crowhurst | tonycrow1955@ gmail.com SUNDOWNERS Contact: Adrian Ryan |
[email protected] MUMS & BUB's Monday mornings. Contact: Julie Forte | info@ kindermusikwithcrisel.com @Lunch Monthly lunch at a different private members club each month. Held second Wednesday of the Month Contact: LJ Ferrara | events@ ozhongkong.com
Would you like to join the Australian Association? Members, have you renewed your membership? Corporate family membership is now available for any corportate organisations in Hong Kong. For more information, please contact: Adrian Ryan |
[email protected]
3 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
DECEMBER 2016 | WHO'S WHO
GENERAL COMMITTEE
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT Gavin McDougall |
[email protected]
SOCIAL COMMITTEE CHAIR Jess Mizzi |
[email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT Ivy Wong Stephens |
[email protected]
VICE CHAIR LJ Ferrara |
[email protected]
TREASURER John Rasheed |
[email protected]
TREASURER Michael Madigan |
[email protected]
SECRETARY Eleanor Coleman |
[email protected]
SECRETARY
GENERAL COMMITTEE Joan Leong Dean Williams Bruce Andrews Veronica Dang Lauren Cain Tony Crowhurst Jess Mizzi
Manuela Guthrie |
[email protected] MEMBER BENEFITS COORDINATOR Nikki Wilson |
[email protected]
MEMBERSHIP & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Adrian Ryan PAST PRESIDENT EX-OFFICIO Jennifer Ferris
AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OFFICE Unit 11A, Shelley Court, 21, Shelley St, Midlevels, Hong Kong T: 2530 4461 | F: 2530 4497 | E:
[email protected] www.ozhongkong.com | Office Hours: 9am-5pm (Mon, Wed, Fri) Office: T: 2530 4461 | E:
[email protected] Membership Manager, Adrian Ryan: E:
[email protected] Marketing Manager, Adrian Ryan: E:
[email protected] KangaNews Editorial, Gavin McDougall: E:
[email protected]
The Australian Association office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. However, if no-one is there please leave a message which will be answered as soon as possible. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the committee. Images are the property of the Association and may be used on our website and for promotional purposes. This includes images of children from our events. If you do not want your children to be featured please contact the office.
Advertising Manager, Adrian Ryan: E:
[email protected]
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 4
Everyone sees the destination differently Our knowledgeable country guides can help the whole family settle into unfamiliar surroundings
Go knowing
www.crownrelo.com.hk 5 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
Relocating should be exciting and rewarding for everyone. Our experience and knowledge of worldwide relocations, is shared by all our people in more than 200 locations. And we’ll always be there to help you get the most from your relocation.
Tel: +852 2636 8388
[email protected]
DECEMBER 2016 | PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Hello, When I was growing up each Christmas seemed to take an eternity to arrive. Now they seem to slide-in to replace themselves with the ease and frequency of a pin at a bowling alley. It's like you just throw out the wrapping paper from one year as the nutmeg lattes return to your local global cafe chain for the next. Actually, that almost is true. I still can't get used to the Hong Kong tradition of starting to celebrate Christmas in October! My point is (and to labour it just a little with another seasonal analogy) that you barely get to break one New Year's resolution before needing to think of another that you know you cannot keep. While the practice of making New Year's resolutions, with its major flaw of adherence, is about looking to the future, this time of year also offers the opportunity to pause and reflect a little. So here goes. It's common for people in my position to wax lyrical about all we great things we did during the year that's about to pass. It's easy to do when we have had some great times. Leaving aside our Australia Day Beach BBQ, which fell victim to the coldest day in Hong Kong's recorded history, we have had another year of fun, informative, sporty and social get togethers. Our sports teams have helped to fly the green and gold in Hong Kong; under expert guidance we've begun to rediscover our amazing city in new and historical light, and; we've returned to hiking paths across an endless array of country parks. We've quizzed, played mahjong, laughed over coffee, had boys' lunches and girls' nights out. And we've tasted wine under expert eyes, shopped with the best, and styled-up while taking a punt on a field of nags on a green field 8000 kilometres away. Sure - it's been fun. But the year hasn't been without its challenges. It's no secret that Hong Kong is an expensive city and costs keep rising. There are also many more activities available than in the past. And with the advent of social media, new arrivals will often have networks established before they arrive here. We've been changing to meet these demands, including the painful task of 'slimming down' our office operations. Looking for ways to reduce costs is part of our member focus, so that we can keep our event prices low to create value. For example, this year's Melbourne Cup was run at a significantly lower ticket price than previous years. We're applying this philosophy to everything we do. We've kept membership prices unchanged for the eighth year. New activities have been introduced and long running events modified to be more attractive to newcomers. We've also recently been blessed with new committee members and volunteers bringing fresh ideas and a refreshing enthusiasm to what we do. Some of these met a few weeks ago to review our calendar for next year and our goal is to continue to bring interesting, engaging and fun activities at affordable prices to ensure that we remain a "great mate in Hong Kong". This is not possible without your support. Our members are at the core of what we do. So thank you for being a part of this friendly Australian network in Hong Kong and we look forward to seeing you at our events next year. On behalf all of our committee members and our own little group of helpers, I wish you a happy and safe Christmas and New Year. See you in 2017.
Gavin McDougall
Thank you to our contributors There is a team of diligent members and friends who prepare the regular articles in Kanga News. We would like to acknowledge them (in alphabetical order): Sam Agars Sports Report: Dragons | Bruce Andrews Dragon Boating | Greg Bax Sports Report | Karen Buckley Expat Corner | Philip Hargrave Property | Dr Lloyd Kenda The Valley Vet | Gavin McDougall Presidents Message | Paul Tighe Australian Consul General | Jess Mizzi Out & About | Members of the General and Social Committees for the photos and event updates.
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 6
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT | THE FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION
7 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
DECEMBER 2016 | AUSTRALIAN CONSUL GENERAL Hello, With the year-end holiday season upon us, many of you are no doubt busy planning to celebrate with family and friends. While this is a time for celebration, the advent of a New Year is also an opportunity to reflect on the past twelve months. In Australia’s case, our economy remains strong, despite the most recent growth figures. We’ve held another federal election accompanied not by violence or anger as happens in many other countries, but rather by the “democracy sausage”, the Australian National Dictionary Centre’s word of the year. We continue to promote openness in our relationships with other countries promoting foreign investment and free trade agreements, supporting international institutions and urging respect for the rules-based international system on which we depend. And we remain committed to the ideals of freedom of expression and the benefits to our citizens of democratic pluralism. We have much to be proud of. These core values are central to our relationship with Hong Kong. We maintain our strong support for Hong Kong’s free and open economy, its strong public institutions and the One Country, Two Systems principle which underlies its place as a unique city within China. Hong Kong remains a major consumer of our products, be they food or beverages, cosmetics, health products or, increasingly, our expertise in services. In 2016 we have also worked hard to enhance our already strong connections with Hong Kong at the political level, and through our cultural program. This has included hosting indigenous dancers, Australian comedians, artists, authors and sports teams in addition to visits by top tier government officials all working to strengthen the links between us. But the connections made at a personal level are as important as any we can make as representatives of the government. That’s why we continue to value the contribution made to the AustraliaHong Kong relationship by organisations like your Association, and by each of you. So thank you!
Janaline Oh, Acting Consul-General.
Australian Consulate-General 23rd Floor, Harbour Centre 25 Harbour Road, Wanchai Tel: 2827 8881 Fax: 2585 4457 Email:
[email protected] www.hongkong.china.embassy.gov.au Consular & Passports Office Mon to Fri: 9am – 4pm to lodge, until 5pm for passport collection. Tel: 2827 8881 Email:
[email protected] www.passports.gov.au Notarial Acts Wed only: 9am – 1pm Certified copies, witnessing signatures, document authentication. Fees apply, check the website. Visas & Citizenship Australian Visa Application Centre Unit 10-11, Floor 27, Prosperity Millennia Plaza 663 King’s Road, Quarry Bay Email:
[email protected] Tel: +852 2185 6326 www.vfsglobal.com/Australia/HongKong/ Austrade 24th Floor, Harbour Centre Mon to Fri: 8:45am – 5pm Tel: 2588 5300 Fax: 2827 4145 Email:
[email protected] www.austrade.hk Education Section Email:
[email protected] www.studyinaustralia.gov.au Travel Advice www.smartraveller.gov.au Don’t forget: - Check our website for the list of services available for Australians - Also available from our website are: - Passport, Australian visa and documentation authentication fees - Details of when passport officers will visit Macau - Public holidays observed by Consulate staff - Remember, passports take 15 working days to process - Australians living in or visiting Hong Kong and Macau are encouraged to register at www.smartraveller.gov.au. The information is used only in cases of emergency.
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 8
ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCEMENTS | DECEMBER 2016
Member Benefits Make the most of your Aussie Association membership. Check out the Member Benefits
listings on the Australian Association website. You can save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on discounted goods and services such as travel services, dentist bills, beauty care, home decorations, hotels and restaurants, and much, much more. Take advantage of the great savings … all just by carrying your Australian Association membership card. Please click here to see the latest benefits available for our members.
9 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
Out & About
DECEMBER 2016
Where has the year gone? I’m sure I’m not the only one thinking this at the moment. I feel like just yesterday it was July and I thought the summer would never end and now here we are surrounded by
| OUT & ABOUT
a safe flight and enjoy the Australian sunshine. If not the January calendar is already filling up with regular events as well as a special Australia Day trivia night. Hope to see you there!
Hugs, Jess Mizzi Chair, Social Committee
Christmas decorations. For me it is a special time because it marks one year since I put my hand up to volunteer with the Association. It has been an awesome year and there have been events big and small. I’ve had a ball at Roast at the Residence, Pink Morning Tea, Wine Tastings, Melbourne Cup and of course we still have our Christmas events to come. I’m also pleased that we have introduced new regular events to the monthly calendar. As well as continuing Cooee Coffee, @Lunch and SMB this year we have added Ladies Night and Explore Hong Kong. I’ve loved getting to know fellow members who can’t always make it to the big functions. For December we are continuing this trend with the new Afternoon Amble. Lorraine, a regular at Cooee Coffee, noticed that there are lots of hiking groups around but not so much for casual wanderers. She’s put her hand up to host this new monthly event starting Wednesday 7th December with a stroll around Lugard Road at Victoria Peak. Be sure to get onto Eventbrite and book your place! I hope to see you at a Christmas lunch, Sundowners or coffee morning before you head home for the holidays but in case I miss you have
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 10
PAST EVENTS
| Fare Well Lousie Gray OZHK Tennis
PAST EVENTS
| OZHK Tennis
11 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
COUNTDOWN TO XMAS LUNCH | PAST EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 12
COUNTDOWN TO XMAS LUNCH | PAST EVENTS
13 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
PAST EVENTS
|
XMAS BRUNCH W HOTEL PICS
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 14
Australian International School Hong Kong
Connect, Strive, Flourish
Australian International School Hong Kong is a world-class learning environment, enabling and nurturing each student to reach their full academic, cultural, physical and emotional potential. Senior students can opt to study either the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, allowing a seamless transition to respected Universities in Australia and around the world.
[email protected]
|
15 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
www.aishk.edu.hk
|
3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
XMAS BRUNCH W HOTEL PICS | PAST EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 16
17 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
DECEMBER 2016 | CALENDAR MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
01 morning tennis
cooee coffee
Kids Xmas Brunch
08
09
10
11
ladies social golf
cooee coffee
15
16
17
18
ladies social golf
cooee coffee
22
23
24
25
ladies social golf
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
book club
ladies social golf
07
Christmas Cocktails 05
086
mahjong
morning tennis
ladies social golf
SMB
SUNDAY 01
mums and bubs 12
13
mahjong
morning tennis
14
ladies social golf mums and bubs 19
20
mahjong
morning tennis
21
ladies social golf mums and bubs
explore hong kong
26
27
28
29
30
31
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
OZHK Office closed
mahjong
morning tennis
cooee coffee
Christmas Day
cooee coffee
ladies social golf mums and bubs
DECEMBER 2016 | UPCOMING EVENTS
Mahjong Mondays Did you know that a winning hand in mahjong actually contains 14 (or 17) tiles? And that the goal is to make four or five melds (also depending on the variation) and one pair, or “head”? It may sound complicated, but it isn’t and we will have you playing like a pro in no time. Beginners are welcome. Come and join in the fun. Time: 10 am – 1 pm Where: Dynasty Court Function Room, 23 Old Peak Road, Mid-levels Cost: Members: $80 / Non-Members: $130 Contact:
[email protected]
Ladies Golf Mondays Ladies (and gents) can play every Monday and Thursday (handicap required) at Deepwater Bay. *unless public holiday or tournament on* Please contact Ella van Westendorp |
[email protected] for more information NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 18
UPCOMING EVENTS | DECEMBER 2016
Mums and Bubs Mondays The Mums and Bubs group is an informal catch up for parents and their children of all ages, allowing kids to stretch their legs and parents to socialise. From June 2016, the Mums and Bubs group will meet at Baumhaus in Wan Chai. Cost: $40 Venue: “Baumhaus,”1/F, 36 Queens Road East, Wanchai (near Star Street, just opposite the entrance to Pacific Place 3). Please note: Socks are required for all adults and non-slip socks are advisable for children over the age of four years. For all class bookings and enquiries, please email:
[email protected]
Morning Tennis Tuesdays Come for a hit and giggle or if you want a “work out” we can do that too. We are looking for anyone that can hit a ball, preferably over the net. You need to be available on Tuesday mornings from 9am until 11am. We are the tennis group for you if you: • don’t want to commit to competition but want a hit of tennis • enjoy a little chat. We have two courts booked every week. If this interests you, please come along to the tennis. When: 9am–11am Cost: Members: $40 / Non-members: $60 Contact:
[email protected] Weather: Please contact the HK Tennis Centre on 2574 9122 if the weather is doubtful. Rachel has stepped down as the coordinator of Morning Tennis and so we are looking for a replacement. Please contact Adrian |
[email protected] if you would like to help.
Book Club
1st Wednesday of the month Time: Venue: Cost: Booking:
10:00am to 1:00pm Oolaa Petite, Shop 12 & 14, Regal Court, Star St., Wan Chai Pay for food and drinks on the day Not required, just show up
For any questions email Connie Albracht |
[email protected]
Cooee Coffee Fridays Cooee Coffee is our casual coffee morning get together, perfect for both newcomers to Hong Kong and also to catch up with old friends. No need to book, just turn up and enjoy some great coffee, maybe a treat and a chat. Each session is hosted by a member of the Social Committee so there will be someone to meet and greet you and introduce you to others if it’s your first visit. If you have particular questions about life in Hong Kong, we’ll be able to help answer them or at least point you in the right direction. For any questions email Nikki Wilson |
[email protected] 19 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 20
WANTED: EVENT COORDINATORS
Tennis Coordinator
Our Tuesday Tennis Coordinator is leaving Hong Kong and we require someone to pick up the ball so to speak. The requirements are enthusiasm, a tennis racquet, workout clothes and the WANT to hit a ball...preferably over the net. You need to be available Tuesday morning from 9am until 11am. This is a great way to get to know more people, especially if you are new to Hong Kong! When: 9.00 - 11.00am, Tuesdays Where: Wong Nai Chung Tennis Centre Email
[email protected] for more information.
CLASSIFIEDS
|
DECEMBER 2016
Want to advertise your business in our Classifieds area? Not only will your classified feature in the 12 month subscription of Kanga News, it will be listed on our Classified Page on our website. For more information regarding the advertising opportunities and costs please contact Adrian at
[email protected]
21 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
DECEMBER 2016 | MEET...
Meet Kris Kringle What is your favourite experience that you have had with the Association so far? Every year is a highlight but I do remember one Christmas party, I think it was back in 1967. Hong Kong was a different place then, that’s for sure. What was then called the women’s committee put a great shindig for the little Aussies. But many hadn’t seen fairy bread before and it was a real treat. Plus that Joan Leong go up to little mischief – I can’t give away too much but she’s a character, that one!
Where do you live and how long have you been in Hong Kong? Well, I don’t actually live in Hong Kong. I only visit from time to time. It’s a nice enough place but the humidity gets to me. Plus, it’s a damn bother finding places to park a sleigh, what with all those black Alphards clogging up the streets. What is it with these people who clearly have plenty of money to buy fancy cars and hire drivers but don’t seem to be able to find the cash to pay for a car park?
What advice would you give to an Australian about to move to Hong Kong? Leave your winter woolies behind. It’s warm here! Sure, the weather drops a little in January but compared to what I’m used to…
Favourite food experience in Hong Kong? I’m not that adventurous with food. Just a few biscuits, a bit of fruitcake and a nice glass of room temperature milk does it for me.
What was your introduction to the Australian Association? It was back in 1954, pretty much the year the Australian Association was formed. Received a special call to help make some little Aussies feel more at home. I know I don’t look old enough to have been around back then but, you know, I do hold my age well. Can’t give away any secrets on that front.
How are you most involved with the Association these days? I’m a little nostalgic. Every year I still feel the urge to make someone’s day. It’s an urge to brighten up lots of little people’s day to be truthful. So I still rock along to the annual Christmas get together. I have to say, I really enjoyed this year. That W Hotel puts on a pretty good spread!
Favourite holiday destination in Asia? I don’t get much time for holidays. One Christmas is over and then the elves and I start the countdown once again. I do have to say though, if ever you see a jolly bearded fellow getting a beach massage in Boracay, you might get a hint about a place I like to visit.
What would you change about Hong Kong if you could? Have you ever seen a house, a building in Hong Kong with a chimney? Seriously, these people know how to test a guy. One chimney, that’s all I ask!
Tell us something we all need to know about you? I’m real! NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 22
PROPERTY | DECEMBER 2016
This is the final property article for 2016 and what an interesting year it has been. At the start of 2016 there was a fair amount of trepidation as the real estate market had ended lower in the last quarter of 2015 and the sales results and number of new listings and sales in the coastal areas of Melbourne and Sydney over the Christmas break were said to be the quietest in memory . Real estate observers tend to use the holiday and coastal results as a litmus test for the upcoming year. Despite this slow start in 2016, the autumn sales in both Sydney and Melbourne saw some very
23 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
good results for vendors due to the lack of supply and the pent up demand by cashed up buyers. The market was buoyed along by the continued demand from overseas buyers, record low interest rates and increased investor activity. Despite the increased policing of Foreign Investment Review Board requirements overseas buyers were strongly competing with local buyers which was causing frustration amongst local buyers, particularly first homeowners and putting pressure on the different States to implement additional rules. In Victoria new rules came into effect whereby if the purchaser was a Foreign National they were required to pay additional stamp duty in addition to
DECEMBER 2016 | PROPERTY the normal stamp duty payable on the transfer of a property. The additional dutiable value payable by a Foreign National is the greater of the price paid for the property or the market value of the land and is levied at 3% on those Contracts entered into on or after 1st July 2015 and before the 1st July, 2016 and 7% of the purchase price where the Contract is entered into after 1st July, 2016.
A five bedroom family home in Linacre Road, Hampton sold for $3.47 million
Aside from the new rules which are aimed at tightening up who can invest in Australia the property market remains buoyant and this is reflected in the auction results in the second last weekend of November in both Melbourne and Sydney.
A two bedroom Edwardian brick one of a pair in Airlie Avenue, Prahran sold for $1.8 million
The clearance rate in Sydney was 79.5% which was similar to the previous weekend where it was 80.4% but significantly different to the same weekend in 2015 which was 57.5%. The figures in Melbourne paint a similar picture where the auction clearance rate was 78.7% in the second last weekend of November and 77.6% the previous weekend. Some of the outstanding results in Sydney
A four bedroom Victorian Villa in Soudan Street, Malvern sold for $4.24 million A two bedroom Townhouse in Hunter Street, Richmond sold for $1.43 million
Both in Sydney and Melbourne there will be a Super Saturday Auction weekend in the last weekend of November with Sydney set to auction over 950 properties and in Melbourne nearly 1400 properties. Finally, what does this mean for property prices in 2017? On one hand you have the Australian property experts predicting double digit price gains in both Sydney and Melbourne but on the other hand given the result of the USA Presidential election there well may be economic, social and political unrest.
included: A four bedroom family home in Burton Street, Mosman which sold for $5.77 million. A three bedroom house in Jackman Street, Bondi which sold for $3.62 million.
I wish you all Seasons greetings and a healthy and successful 2017. Philip Hargrave
[email protected]
A six bedroom home in Cotswold Road, Strathfield which sold for $3.48 million. Similarly and not to be outdone by Sydney Melbourne also achieved some very good results in November A three bedroom terrace house in Luxton Road, South Yarra sold for $2.87 million
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 24
SPORTS REPORT | DECEMBER 2016
Cricket Australia heaved a collective sigh of relief with the win in Adelaide test. While the side has been pathetic with a three nil whitewash in Sri Lanka and a five nil loss in a One Day Series against South Africa it was hoped that upon return to home shore normal dominance would return. Unfortunately it was not to be, poor results might be accepted overseas but plainly spineless play is not acceptable at home. After a shocking loss in Hobart in the second test the axe was wielded and three players were debuted and Matthew Wade was also recalled to bolster the batting the bowling was reviewed with one change being the recall of Jackson Bird. After all these changes David Warner became the old man in the team at 30. Such was the purge Nathan Lyon was also on the chopping block but escaped with an injury to Steve Smith (the NSW bowler, 25 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
not the Captain). Remember Mr Lyon is Australia’s best ever finger spinner by a significant margin and is third on the list behind Richie Benaud and Shane Warne. The side then went and won the One Day Series against New Zealand 3-0. It was a surprising result with all match wins by batting first and posting big totals and tight bowling not allowing the opposition to get their foot in the door. The now reliable David Warner and Steve Smith posted big scores.
Motor Racing Daniel Ricciardio managed to come in third place behind the World Championship winning Mercedes team. Nico Rosberg won the championship and promptly retired, perhaps being unwilling to remain a teammate with Lewis Hamilton who showed even team instructions are merely sug-
DECEMBER 2016 |
gestions. Next year hopefully we will see more ‘shoeys’ being performed on the podium.
SPORTS REPORT
of the top six.
Quotes Shane Van Gisbergen won the V8 Supercars and ended the era where Holden and Fords were the dominant vehicles. The new era, which includes coupes, turbos, six and four cylinder power plants it promises to be a season to look forward.
“I’m going to the bar” Australian Coach Darren Lehmann when asked what he was going to do after the loss in Hobart.
“I was like ‘oh man. No I’m that way thank you’” Usman Khawaja upon asking for the change room A-League to be opened for him. The ground staff offered to The A-League is right in the swing of the com- open the Pakistan Dressing room. I suppose it petition with some high standard matches being could be natural considering he is Pakistani by played. After 10 games Sydney FC has yet to birth having come to Australia when he was five, have a loss with only three draws on 24 points. but he is the Bulls Captain at his home ground and Melbourne FC is on 18 points (Two clear games) probably should have been recognised. with a host of teams only 1 or two points behind. Wanders FC the powerhouse in the past couple of years is struggling to make the top half. With the competition barely a third of the way through there is plenty of time for massive changes in make up NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 26
VET | DECEMBER 2016
The Dangers of Christmas! The Joy of Christmas does not necessarily overflow to our pets. In actual fact Christmas time can be fraught with danger for our pet dogs and cats. Several traditional festive plants such as Mistletoe and Holly are potentially poisonous to pets. So it is imperative to keep these plants away from your pets. Maybe there is no Mistletoe or Holly in the house but what about the fresh Christmas tree? Fortunately these trees are generally not severely toxic to pets. However, there are a few points to note. The Fir tree oil can be irritant to the mouth and gastrointestinal lining. Chewing and thus ingesting some of the Fir tree oil can result in excessive salivating and sometimes vomiting. The sharp fir tree “needles” cannot easily be digested and the drier they become the more dangerous they become. Chewing on these “needles” can cause puncture wounds in the mouth or worse still punctures further down the gastrointestinal passage. The water the Christmas tree sits in can also be potentially toxic to your pets. Preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers and other agents are commonly used in the 27 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
tree water to keep the tree “fresh”. If your pets drink this water they came become sick. Maybe there is no fresh Christmas tree in the house, but remember the artificial Christmas tree can also pose a risk to your pets! The tinsel and the plastic trimming cannot be digested and if enough is swallowed a blockage could occur. The paints and dyes on many of the artificial trimmings may also be potentially toxic. If you notice that your pet has chewed on the fresh or artificial Christmas tree or other festive plants, monitor them for any changes of behaviour e.g. drooling, reduced appetite, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea. Call the vet immediately if any signs are observed. Early treatment may be the difference between life and death or at least between minor and severe illness! Please note- On a happier note the popular and colourful poinsettia plants that we see so many of in Hong Kong at Christmas time are NOT toxic. Ingestion can cause some gastrointestinal upset, however they are not specifically toxic to dogs and cats. I would like to wish all the Australian Association members and their pets a safe, happy and wonderful Christmas and a healthy New Year! Dr Lloyd Kenda BSc(Psych) BSc(VetBiol) BVMS(Hons) MRCVS MACVSc(SASurgery) Valley Veterinary Centre www.valleyvetcentre.com.hk
[email protected]
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 28
29 KANGANEWS | NOVEMBER 2016
NOVEMBER 2016 | KANGANEWS 30
