Saturday, 29 September 2001
Friday, 28 September 2001
Dream opportunity for lovers of wombats, The Australian, 28 September, 2001.
Dream opportunity for lovers of wombats: [1 Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 28 Sep 2001: 16.
Abstract
They settled on Grunty Fen. The sign outside their property declares that it is exactly 66km to Mudgee and 66km to Lithgow.
Grunty Fen is now on the market for $420,000, reflecting the work and money that has been put into the property: a three-bedroom house, farm sheds, chook pens and in 1995, the piece de resistance, two self-contained tourist cottages.
"If we were younger we might have pursued building more cottages for small conferences, but we never got that far," says [Roy]. "But the cottages are enough for us to maintain. More than half of our customers are returnees, and they are our best advertisers."
* Rural
ROY and Judy Rawson did what all the retirement investors tell you not to do -- invested in a "lizard block".
The block, known as Grunty Fen, wasn't even fenced, had no infrastructure and was totally unsuited to farming.
That was in 1989, when both were retrenched and very fed up Sydney professionals living in trendy inner-city Paddington.
Roy, a jack of all trades, was working as a manager in migrant centres. Judy was a senior administrator in National Parks. Both were looking for a more peaceful life.
"We were looking for cool nights, sweet water and good soil," recalls Judy Rawson. "We didn't find the good soil, but we got the rest."
The pair searched virtually the whole of NSW for their dream spot.
They settled on Grunty Fen. The sign outside their property declares that it is exactly 66km to Mudgee and 66km to Lithgow.
"We walked over it, and we liked what we saw, we liked the 20ha forest, the streams and the house site with its views down the Ilford valley," says Roy. "And we liked the price -- $75,000 for the land only."
Grunty Fen is now on the market for $420,000, reflecting the work and money that has been put into the property: a three-bedroom house, farm sheds, chook pens and in 1995, the piece de resistance, two self-contained tourist cottages.
The Rawsons had a simple aim in building the cottages -- they had travelled the world and were looking for the sort of place they always wished they could find but rarely could, something charming, cheap and comfortable, a home away from home.
Thus was born Wombat Hilltop Cottages. They were originally called the Wombat Hilton, until the hotel chain got its nose out of joint.
They were designed by Judy and built by Roy. After some predictable to-ing and fro-ing they were given council approval after the event.
And yes, there are wombats on the property, some 23 hand-reared orphans.
Before building the cottages the couple investigated all sorts of ways of making a living -- freshwater crayfish, olives, hazelnuts, waratahs and sheep. None were very practical. Tourists seemed a better bet.
The cottages generate income of around $10,000 a year, more than enough to nicely complement their retirement income.
"If we were younger we might have pursued building more cottages for small conferences, but we never got that far," says Roy. "But the cottages are enough for us to maintain. More than half of our customers are returnees, and they are our best advertisers."
The cottages, which can accommodate between six and eight people, are timber lined, with cathedral ceilings, farmhouse-style kitchens and slow-combustion fires.
xxx
Me and the kids at Wombat Hilltop. We were all very fond of the place.
Wednesday, 26 September 2001
Monday, 24 September 2001
Hotels face $200m losses - DEATH OF ANSETT - THE FDALLOUT, The Australian, 24 September, 2001.
Hotels face $200m losses - DEATH OF ANSETT - THE FALLOUT: [1 Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 24 Sep 2001: 10.
Show highlighting
Abstract
In a statement released yesterday, Australian Hotels Association head Richard Mulcahy said the global travel crisis sparked by theterrorist attacks in the US, combined with the collapse of Ansett, had cost the hotel industry about $15million in the first week alone.
TOURISM SLUMP
AUSTRALIAN hotels could lose more than $200million in revenue by the end of the year.
In a statement released yesterday, Australian Hotels Association head Richard Mulcahy said the global travel crisis sparked by theterrorist attacks in the US, combined with the collapse of Ansett, had cost the hotel industry about $15million in the first week alone.
"With massive cancellations coming from inbound tour groups and the rate of forward bookings taking a huge downturn, we expectthe impact of this crisis to be felt to the end of this year and well beyond," Mr Mulcahy said.
"On current rates, nearly $1.2million room nights in hotels around Australia will be lost due to this crisis by the end of the year.
"There will be an unquestionable impact on jobs. Many hotels are already scaling back the number of shifts worked."
Sunday, 23 September 2001
Warming up to a long, hot summer, The Australian, 23 September, 2003. Page One.
Warming up to a long, hot summer: [2 All-round First Edition]
Louise Perry, John Stapleton. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 23 Sep 2003: 1.
Show highlighting
Abstract
In Victoria, Mildura topped a 1965 September record of 35.6C with 37.4C.
Birdsville, in southwest Queensland, topped the lot with 42.4C, its hottest September day. As Birdsville Hotel publican Kym Fort said: "It is a bit warm. It's come in a bit early so people just spend most of the day in the pub."
Moomba in South Australia reached 41.4C, a new record for the state. Alice Springs hit 39C, also a new September record.
CENTURY-OLD September records were broken yesterday when the mercury rose as high as 42C across large areas of Australia's inland.
It may be just three weeks since we kissed winter goodbye, but the flimsy dresses are well and truly out of the wardrobe for an early summer.
In Victoria, Mildura topped a 1965 September record of 35.6C with 37.4C.
In northwestern NSW, a number of records toppled. Tibooburra reached 39.1C -- a September record for the town and the state. Bourke reached 39C and Cobar hit 38C, both records.
Birdsville, in southwest Queensland, topped the lot with 42.4C, its hottest September day. As Birdsville Hotel publican Kym Fort said: "It is a bit warm. It's come in a bit early so people just spend most of the day in the pub."
Moomba in South Australia reached 41.4C, a new record for the state. Alice Springs hit 39C, also a new September record.
Most capitals had average temperatures, but Sydney got a taste of summer, with 36C in the western suburbs outstripping the average by 12 degrees.
Bureau of Meteorology climatologist Blair Trewin said inland Australia had "the hottest September day in a century or more of record".
"Over the next three months we are forecasting higher-than- average temperatures but we are also expecting higher-than-average rainfall," he said.
Southern NSW, including Sydney, Melbourne and the rest of Victoria and southern South Australia would be in for a long, hot summer with above-average temperatures.
Dr Trewin said the rest of Australia also had an increased chance of higher-than-average temperatures.
Yesterday's September scorcher
Victoria: Mildura 37.4C
(hottest for September since 1965 record of 35.6C)
NSW: White Cliffs 39.5C
(hottest September day ever in state)
Queensland: Birdsville 42.4C
(town's September
record and 0.2C below state September record)
South Australia: Moomba 41.4C
(September record for state)
Northern Territory: Alice Springs 39C
(September record)
Source: National Climate Centre
Tuesday, 18 September 2001
Racial unity important - WAR ON TERROR, The Australian, 18 September, 2001.
Racial unity important - WAR OF TERROR - IN MEMORIAM: [1 Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 18 Sep 2001: 5.
Show highlighting
"But our shock does not justify vengeful scapegoating of fellow Australians of the Islamic faith or Middle-Eastern origin.
Dr Jonas said in a statement that during testing times it was important for politicians and commentators to show strong moral leadership. He condemned threats against Muslims and their property.
"Our expectation that we will live in freedom from arbitrary acts of terror has been shattered," Dr Jonas said.
"But our shock does not justify vengeful scapegoating of fellow Australians of the Islamic faith or Middle-Eastern origin.
"It is unacceptable to make targets of people who have no links with the terrorists and who, in fact, share with all of us a horror of what has occurred."
At the weekend Dr Jones warned editors and producers of their obligations under the racial-discrimination and racial-hatred laws.
Meanwhile, a Roy Morgan poll published in this week's Bulletin magazine, has found significant support among people in the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand for retaliation only if it is directed at military targets.
Abstract
"But our shock does not justify vengeful scapegoating of fellow Australians of the Islamic faith or Middle-Eastern origin.
Dr Jonas said in a statement that during testing times it was important for politicians and commentators to show strong moral leadership. He condemned threats against Muslims and their property.
"Our expectation that we will live in freedom from arbitrary acts of terror has been shattered," Dr Jonas said.
"But our shock does not justify vengeful scapegoating of fellow Australians of the Islamic faith or Middle-Eastern origin.
"It is unacceptable to make targets of people who have no links with the terrorists and who, in fact, share with all of us a horror of what has occurred."
At the weekend Dr Jones warned editors and producers of their obligations under the racial-discrimination and racial-hatred laws.
Meanwhile, a Roy Morgan poll published in this week's Bulletin magazine, has found significant support among people in the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand for retaliation only if it is directed at military targets.
Fund good News for families - WAR ON TERROR: SHATTERED NATION, The Australian, 18 September, 2001.
Fund good News for families - WAR OF TERROR: SHATTERED NATION: [2 Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 18 Sep 2001: 9.
Show highlighting
Abstract
NEWS Corporation, publisher of The Australian, has donated $1.96million to the Twin Towers Fund, set up to support the families of the firefighters, police and emergency service workers killed in the New York disaster.
Mr [Rupert Murdoch] also expressed his personal sadness over the death of Tom Pecorelli, a multi-talented cameraman who worked at Fox Sports Net since its inception in 1996. He was on American Airlines Flight 11. Mr Pecorelli was "an exuberantly expectant father". His wife, Kia Pavloff, is pregnant with thecouple's first child.
NEWS Corporation, publisher of The Australian, has donated $1.96million to the Twin Towers Fund, set up to support the families of the firefighters, police and emergency service workers killed in the New York disaster.
In just a few days, the fund has attracted more than $US120 million ($233million) in donations.
News Corporation chairman and chief executive Rupert Murdoch said the corporation would do all it could to assist in getting donations to the fund. The New York Post and other News properties around the world, including its many newspapers, will be promoting the fund.
In a personal letter to staff, Mr Murdoch describes the events in New York as tragic and senseless. "In the coming days we will all endure great sorrow as thehuman toll of this tragedy becomes clear," he says.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the families of the victims. We must do everything possible to support them and each other as we work together to recover from the events of September 11."
Mr Murdoch also expressed his personal sadness over the death of Tom Pecorelli, a multi-talented cameraman who worked at Fox Sports Net since its inception in 1996. He was on American Airlines Flight 11. Mr Pecorelli was "an exuberantly expectant father". His wife, Kia Pavloff, is pregnant with thecouple's first child.
A memorial fund has been set up for the benefit of Kia. News Corporation has donated $US100,000 to the fund and will match any employee donations.
Donations to the Twin Towers Fund may be sent by cheque to:
Twin Towers Fund
General Post Office
PO Box 26999
New York NY 10087-6999
Donations to the Tom Pecorelli Memorial Fund can be sent to:
Rosalind Williams
Fox Broadcasting
10201 West Pico Boulevard
Building 100, Room 4482
Los Angeles CA 90035.
Monday, 17 September 2001
Friday, 14 September 2001
Australian Victims: War of Terror, The Australian, 14 September, 2001 Page One
Australian victims - WAR OF TERROR: [2 Edition]
Trudy Harris, Mark Whittaker, John Stapleton, Adam Daff. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T]14 Sep 2001: 1.
Trudy Harris, Mark Whittaker, John Stapleton, Adam Daff. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T]14 Sep 2001: 1.
Abstract
Mrs [Yvonne Kennedy] never returned home to Sydney. The 62-year-old widow and Red Cross worker was among three Australians confirmed killed when her aircraft ploughed into the Pentagon.
Federal government officials warned 90 Australians were still missing -- feared dead -- including businesspeople and tourists inside or near the World Trade Centre when the planes struck.
The number of Australians missing was increased yesterday from 58 as families and friends unable to contact loved ones bombarded officials with requests for help. Australians throughout the country continued to telephone and email each other to determine if friends and family in New York were alive.
Full Text
"THIS is my last message," Yvonne Kennedy emailed to friends last Friday after arriving in New York, excited about fulfilling her dream of seeing a Broadway show. "See you when I get home, wrecked, broke and fat."
But Mrs Kennedy never returned home to Sydney. The 62-year-old widow and Red Cross worker was among three Australians confirmed killed when her aircraft ploughed into the Pentagon.
Federal government officials warned 90 Australians were still missing -- feared dead -- including businesspeople and tourists inside or near the World Trade Centre when the planes struck.
Six Australians were also possibly on board the hijacked planes.
The number of Australians missing was increased yesterday from 58 as families and friends unable to contact loved ones bombarded officials with requests for help. Australians throughout the country continued to telephone and email each other to determine if friends and family in New York were alive.
John Howard flagged a national day of prayer and mourning next week in the wake of the tragedy.
Deputy Prime Minister John
Continued -- Page 5
From Page 1
Anderson said Mr Howard had requested the service.
"It would be my proposal that concurrent with that, the nation's religious leaders conduct a day of prayer, and the nation's places of worship across cities, towns and our villages be thrown open," he said.
In the multicultural heart of New York, virtually every nation has been hit by the disaster. As well as Australians and Americans, at least 100 Britons, 50 Bangladeshis, 27 South Koreans and 22 Japanese are dead or missing.
Mrs Kennedy, who has two sons, was treating herself to an overseas holiday after 25 years as a senior worker in the Red Cross. She was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77, bound from Washington for Los Angeles -- one of the 58 passengers herded to the back of the aircraft by men with "knives and paper-cutters".
Ms Kennedy's fellow Red Cross worker, Edithe Pigott, said her friend was the type of woman who would have been terrified.
"She was a caring, compassionate and considerate woman" who would be sadly missed, Ms Pigott, chairwoman of the NSW Red Cross, said.
The trip was Ms Kennedy's retirement present to herself. She visited family in Canada and went on an Alaskan cruise, emailing friends back home along the way.
Mrs Kennedy had been with a tour group, but had broken away in order to spend a couple of days in Hawaii.
Another Sydneysider, Alberto Dominguez, 65, was a month from retirement. The Qantas baggage handler had been visiting a sick relative in Boston and was on board American Airlines Flight 11, which ploughed into one of the towers.
His wife, Martha Dominguez, missed the flight because she decided to stay behind to nurse her brother in Boston.
Mr Dominguez also leaves behind four children and six grandchildren.
"He was a very respected and very well-known member in the community," Uruguayan consul Ana Estevez said.
Brisbane man Chris Porter, 23, is believed to have been killed by falling debris. He was working three blocks from the towers.
His father, Ross, said the young man was killed by falling plate glass.
The missing Australians include 37 from NSW, 10 from Queensland, 16 from Victoria, one from South Australia, five from Western Australia and one from the ACT. The origins of another 20 are unknown.
Andrew Knox, 29, from Adelaide, was telephoning his boss from inside one of the towers when the line went dead. No one has heard from the industrial advocate since.
Sydney computing professional Brad Noack survived, despite being inside one of the towers. But his American wife, working on a floor above, was killed.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer warned the number of missing Australians could increase.
"There are now some 90 Australians, reportedly in the vicinity of the World Trade Centre at the time of the attacks, who are still unaccounted for.
"That's not to say that is a full list of all Australians who had anything to do with the World Trade Centre at that time," Mr Downer said.
"Our staff in the New York consulate-general are urgently trying to locate the missing Australians with assistance from local New York authorities and emergency services."
Two DFAT telephone hotlines have been set up -- 1800 002 214 and 1300 555 135.
Illustration
Photo: Photo
"THIS is my last message," Yvonne Kennedy emailed to friends last Friday after arriving in New York, excited about fulfilling her dream of seeing a Broadway show. "See you when I get home, wrecked, broke and fat."
But Mrs Kennedy never returned home to Sydney. The 62-year-old widow and Red Cross worker was among three Australians confirmed killed when her aircraft ploughed into the Pentagon.
Federal government officials warned 90 Australians were still missing -- feared dead -- including businesspeople and tourists inside or near the World Trade Centre when the planes struck.
Six Australians were also possibly on board the hijacked planes.
The number of Australians missing was increased yesterday from 58 as families and friends unable to contact loved ones bombarded officials with requests for help. Australians throughout the country continued to telephone and email each other to determine if friends and family in New York were alive.
John Howard flagged a national day of prayer and mourning next week in the wake of the tragedy.
Deputy Prime Minister John
Continued -- Page 5
From Page 1
Anderson said Mr Howard had requested the service.
"It would be my proposal that concurrent with that, the nation's religious leaders conduct a day of prayer, and the nation's places of worship across cities, towns and our villages be thrown open," he said.
In the multicultural heart of New York, virtually every nation has been hit by the disaster. As well as Australians and Americans, at least 100 Britons, 50 Bangladeshis, 27 South Koreans and 22 Japanese are dead or missing.
Mrs Kennedy, who has two sons, was treating herself to an overseas holiday after 25 years as a senior worker in the Red Cross. She was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77, bound from Washington for Los Angeles -- one of the 58 passengers herded to the back of the aircraft by men with "knives and paper-cutters".
Ms Kennedy's fellow Red Cross worker, Edithe Pigott, said her friend was the type of woman who would have been terrified.
"She was a caring, compassionate and considerate woman" who would be sadly missed, Ms Pigott, chairwoman of the NSW Red Cross, said.
The trip was Ms Kennedy's retirement present to herself. She visited family in Canada and went on an Alaskan cruise, emailing friends back home along the way.
Mrs Kennedy had been with a tour group, but had broken away in order to spend a couple of days in Hawaii.
Another Sydneysider, Alberto Dominguez, 65, was a month from retirement. The Qantas baggage handler had been visiting a sick relative in Boston and was on board American Airlines Flight 11, which ploughed into one of the towers.
His wife, Martha Dominguez, missed the flight because she decided to stay behind to nurse her brother in Boston.
Mr Dominguez also leaves behind four children and six grandchildren.
"He was a very respected and very well-known member in the community," Uruguayan consul Ana Estevez said.
Brisbane man Chris Porter, 23, is believed to have been killed by falling debris. He was working three blocks from the towers.
His father, Ross, said the young man was killed by falling plate glass.
The missing Australians include 37 from NSW, 10 from Queensland, 16 from Victoria, one from South Australia, five from Western Australia and one from the ACT. The origins of another 20 are unknown.
Andrew Knox, 29, from Adelaide, was telephoning his boss from inside one of the towers when the line went dead. No one has heard from the industrial advocate since.
Sydney computing professional Brad Noack survived, despite being inside one of the towers. But his American wife, working on a floor above, was killed.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer warned the number of missing Australians could increase.
"There are now some 90 Australians, reportedly in the vicinity of the World Trade Centre at the time of the attacks, who are still unaccounted for.
"That's not to say that is a full list of all Australians who had anything to do with the World Trade Centre at that time," Mr Downer said.
"Our staff in the New York consulate-general are urgently trying to locate the missing Australians with assistance from local New York authorities and emergency services."
Two DFAT telephone hotlines have been set up -- 1800 002 214 and 1300 555 135.
Illustration
Photo: Photo
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