Monday, 20 May 2002
Friday, 17 May 2002
Tributes and praise pour in for an ordinary hero - Anzac Tribute, The Australian, 17 May, 2002.
Tributes and praise pour in for an ordinary hero - Anzac Tribute: [2 Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 17 May 2002: 2.
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 17 May 2002: 2.
Abstract
"The wonderful thing is thatthespirit andthetradition is growing stronger astheyears go by. It must have been a source of enormous comfort and reassurance and pride for somebody like [Alec Campbell] in his later years to seethewarm embrace of Anzac bytheyoung people of today as they walkthecliffs of [Gallipoli]."
"Having recently returned from Anzac Day at Gallipoli and Anzac ceremonies in France, I have a renewed sense oftheutter futility of war, which was such a constant message oftheAnzacs like Alec Campbell, whom I hadthehonour of meeting in Hobart last year.
"With Mr Campbell's passing we have lost our last living link tothebirthplace oftheAnzac spirit, which is a great loss," she said. "Mr Campbell and his fellow Anzacs fought withthekind of courage, integrity and honour that we will never forget. It is a legacy that will live on."
Full Text
TRIBUTES poured in from around Australia fortheworld's last survivor oftheGallipoli campaign.
John Howard, who met Alec Campbell on several occasions, saidtheGovernment would offer his family a state funeral, and described his passing as a significant moment inAustralianhistory.
"On behalf ofthenation I honour his life,"thePrime Minister said.
"Alec Campbell was typical of a generation ofAustralianswho, through their sacrifice, bravery and decency, created a legacy that has resonated through subsequent decades and generations.
"AllAustralianswill forever be in debt totheAnzacs, not only for what they did for us but forthelegend, forthetradition, forthestoicism under fire, sense of mateship and all those other great ideals that, increasingly, youngAustralianssee as part of their inheritance.
"The wonderful thing is thatthespirit andthetradition is growing stronger astheyears go by. It must have been a source of enormous comfort and reassurance and pride for somebody like Alec Campbell in his later years to seethewarm embrace of Anzac bytheyoung people of today as they walkthecliffs of Gallipoli."
Governor-General Peter Hollingworth said Mr Campbell's death was an occasion to reflect onthepassing ofthegeneration that helped give us our identity and character as a nation.
"Having recently returned from Anzac Day at Gallipoli and Anzac ceremonies in France, I have a renewed sense oftheutter futility of war, which was such a constant message oftheAnzacs like Alec Campbell, whom I hadthehonour of meeting in Hobart last year.
"At Gallipoli you feelthepeace oftheAustraliansand Turks killed in that futile campaign resting together. Alec isthelast to join them. May they all rest in peace."
Victorian RSL president Bruce Ruxton said he hopedthepassing of Mr Campbell asthelast Anzac would be commemorated.
He said there would be an emotional outpouring attheloss of such a fine figure, a man who had been fit enough to lasttheentire 20th century and still make it to his last Anzac day celebrations only a few weeks ago.
"It is a very significant date in our history," Mr Ruxton said.
"All Australians Should feel very sad."
Veterans Affairs Minister Danna Vale said Gallipoli held a unique place inthehearts ofAustralians.
"With Mr Campbell's passing we have lost our last living link tothebirthplace oftheAnzac spirit, which is a great loss," she said. "Mr Campbell and his fellow Anzacs fought withthekind of courage, integrity and honour that we will never forget. It is a legacy that will live on."
Opposition Leader Simon Crean saidAustralianselevated Mr Campbell to hero status as they realised they were losing their last connection with an event attheheart ofthenation's identity.
"Alec Campbell never soughtthelimelight, and never claimedthehero status thrust upon him by a nation which honours him astheembodiment oftheliving Anzac spirit."
Tasmanian senator Guy Barnett said Mr Campbell had helped make Tasmania great for more than 100 years.
"He embodiedtheTasmanian spirit as much as he embodiedthespirit of Anzac.
"Australia will never forget Anzac Cove. Let us not forget Alec Campbell."
TRIBUTES poured in from around Australia fortheworld's last survivor oftheGallipoli campaign.
John Howard, who met Alec Campbell on several occasions, saidtheGovernment would offer his family a state funeral, and described his passing as a significant moment inAustralianhistory.
"On behalf ofthenation I honour his life,"thePrime Minister said.
"Alec Campbell was typical of a generation ofAustralianswho, through their sacrifice, bravery and decency, created a legacy that has resonated through subsequent decades and generations.
"AllAustralianswill forever be in debt totheAnzacs, not only for what they did for us but forthelegend, forthetradition, forthestoicism under fire, sense of mateship and all those other great ideals that, increasingly, youngAustralianssee as part of their inheritance.
"The wonderful thing is thatthespirit andthetradition is growing stronger astheyears go by. It must have been a source of enormous comfort and reassurance and pride for somebody like Alec Campbell in his later years to seethewarm embrace of Anzac bytheyoung people of today as they walkthecliffs of Gallipoli."
Governor-General Peter Hollingworth said Mr Campbell's death was an occasion to reflect onthepassing ofthegeneration that helped give us our identity and character as a nation.
"Having recently returned from Anzac Day at Gallipoli and Anzac ceremonies in France, I have a renewed sense oftheutter futility of war, which was such a constant message oftheAnzacs like Alec Campbell, whom I hadthehonour of meeting in Hobart last year.
"At Gallipoli you feelthepeace oftheAustraliansand Turks killed in that futile campaign resting together. Alec isthelast to join them. May they all rest in peace."
Victorian RSL president Bruce Ruxton said he hopedthepassing of Mr Campbell asthelast Anzac would be commemorated.
He said there would be an emotional outpouring attheloss of such a fine figure, a man who had been fit enough to lasttheentire 20th century and still make it to his last Anzac day celebrations only a few weeks ago.
"It is a very significant date in our history," Mr Ruxton said.
"All Australians Should feel very sad."
Veterans Affairs Minister Danna Vale said Gallipoli held a unique place inthehearts ofAustralians.
"With Mr Campbell's passing we have lost our last living link tothebirthplace oftheAnzac spirit, which is a great loss," she said. "Mr Campbell and his fellow Anzacs fought withthekind of courage, integrity and honour that we will never forget. It is a legacy that will live on."
Opposition Leader Simon Crean saidAustralianselevated Mr Campbell to hero status as they realised they were losing their last connection with an event attheheart ofthenation's identity.
"Alec Campbell never soughtthelimelight, and never claimedthehero status thrust upon him by a nation which honours him astheembodiment oftheliving Anzac spirit."
Tasmanian senator Guy Barnett said Mr Campbell had helped make Tasmania great for more than 100 years.
"He embodiedtheTasmanian spirit as much as he embodiedthespirit of Anzac.
"Australia will never forget Anzac Cove. Let us not forget Alec Campbell."
Monday, 13 May 2002
Sharks steal Perth's glory, The Australian, 13 May, 2002. Page One.
Sharks steal Perth's glory: [1 Edition]
Scott Coghlan, John Stapleton. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 13 May 2002: 1.
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Abstract
IT was the battle of the richest men in Australian soccer, and it was Olympic's quartet of Greek owners that were celebrating last night after the Sharks upset Perth Glory in yesterday's National Soccer League grand final.
It was the second time in three seasons that the Glory were beaten at home in the grand final. Glory went into the game as the hottest of favourites, having topped the ladder by a record 13 points and lost only one game during the regular season -- to the Sharks.
IT was the battle of the richest men in Australian soccer, and it was Olympic's quartet of Greek owners that were celebrating last night after the Sharks upset Perth Glory in yesterday's National Soccer League grand final.
In front of 42,735 fans -- the second-biggest NSL crowd yet -- the Sharks upset the Glory 1-0 at Subiaco Oval.
A stinging left-foot strike by man of the match Ante Milicic in the 48th minute secured Olympic's second championship, 12 years after its first.
It was the second time in three seasons that the Glory were beaten at home in the grand final. Glory went into the game as the hottest of favourites, having topped the ladder by a record 13 points and lost only one game during the regular season -- to the Sharks.
Olympic's owners are Greek multi-millionaire businessmen Nick Politis, Matthew Lepouris, Nick Balagiannis and George Drivas, who between them are estimated to be worth about $700million.
On the other side of the country it is Italian-born West Australian multi-millionaire Nick Tana who holds a controlling stake in Perth Glory.
Although Olympic's owners are expected to sell the club to Leeds before next season, it did not stop them celebrating last night, and Sharks captain Clint Bolton said his side had an "open cheque" for the evening ahead.
Sharks coach Gary Phillips said he hoped the win could be the start of a dynasty for the club in the NSL.
At Hurlstone Park, members of the Sydney Olympic Social Club were dancing on tables as they celebrated the win.
Full report -- Page 26
Illustration
Caption: Shark power: Sydney Olympic fans celebrate the win resulting from the goal by Ante Milicic, right; Photo: Photo
After the party no more ecstasy as psychosis sets in, The Australian, 13 May, 2002.
After the party no more ecstasy as psychosis sets in: [1 Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 13 May 2002: 9.
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Abstract
[Ben] is one of an increasing number of young people enmeshed in the mental health system after coming a cropper on the latest generation of street or recreational drugs -- ice, shabu and new forms of ecstasy. For the first time, last year there were more arrests for amphetamine use than for heroin use.
The latest figures show heroin-associated arrests slumping to 1995 levels and heroin overdoses dropping dramatically, while amphetamine usage goes through the roof. Five years ago, police dismantled 58 clandestine amphetamine laboratories. Last year it was 201. The growing number of amphetamine users is being linked with increases in violent crimes.
National Drug and Alcohol Information Centre information manager Paul Dillon says with the recent heroin drought there appears to have been a dramatic increase in the use of ice, which is cheaper and easier to produce than heroin. Dillon says it is not surprising that more young people are getting caught up in the mental health system and that there is debate over the best forms of treatment for them.
The latest mood-altering drugs are sending some teenagers to hospital, reports John Stapleton
BEN is starting to get better. Just the other day he muttered the words "Burger King". But, although those close to him notice certain improvements, the 18-year-old remains in a Sydney hospital, heavily medicated and under psychiatric care.
There aren't many teenagers who would think that after a weekend partying on the latest generation of designer drugs and high- potency amphetamines they could end up facing electric shock treatment. But it happened to Ben.
Although he hasn't been a saint as a teenager, those close to Ben say he went significantly downhill once he started using "ice" -- a particular kind of amphetamine known to the authorities as crystalline methamphetamine.
Social workers, psychiatrists and police are expressing concerns over the increase in psychotic episodes after use of the new drug. In some people, such as Ben, the super-strong amphetamine produces symptoms almost identical to schizophrenia.
Ben's mother says he was a good youngster, playing in a band and representing his district in basketball.
"He was very clever, good creatively," she says. "Once he got into ice, when he was 17, that was when things got worse. It was the ice that made him feel like someone was about to kill him, that people were after him, the phone was bugged. He would hide under thebed, think his food had been poisoned. That was nothing like him."
Ben is one of an increasing number of young people enmeshed in the mental health system after coming a cropper on the latest generation of street or recreational drugs -- ice, shabu and new forms of ecstasy. For the first time, last year there were more arrests for amphetamine use than for heroin use.
The latest figures show heroin-associated arrests slumping to 1995 levels and heroin overdoses dropping dramatically, while amphetamine usage goes through the roof. Five years ago, police dismantled 58 clandestine amphetamine laboratories. Last year it was 201. The growing number of amphetamine users is being linked with increases in violent crimes.
Australian Bureau of Crime Intelligence Commissioner Malcolm Hyde says Australia's drug market has reached a level of dynamism not seen for years, with the use of high-potency amphetamine increasing.
"This is of significant concern not only in respect of the harm users do to themselves but the increased risk that they will pose a danger to the community when under the influence of a drug that has the potential to induce episodes akin to psychosis," Hyde says.
Exactly what sort of treatment Ben and hundreds like him should receive is a matter of debate.
National Drug and Alcohol Information Centre information manager Paul Dillon says with the recent heroin drought there appears to have been a dramatic increase in the use of ice, which is cheaper and easier to produce than heroin. Dillon says it is not surprising that more young people are getting caught up in the mental health system and that there is debate over the best forms of treatment for them.
"There have been anecdotal reports from police, ambulance officers, alcohol and other drug workers and even teachers stating that there has been an increase in violent behaviour, which they believe has been linked to drugs other than alcohol," he says.
"Some attribute this directly to the use of the more potent forms of amphetamine known as ice or shabu.
"If we look at the overseas experience, particularly some areas of Asia, where these drugs have been available for some time, there has been an increase in the number of violent crimes."
Forensic psychiatrist Gordon Davies says ice is designed to be smoked and injecting it "really causes problems".
"With amphetamines, a proportion of people who use them develop schizophrenia-like illness," Davies says. "It is not just dose related. You can stop the drug and for weeks or months they can be quite mad. The problem is that ice seems more prone to produce psychotic reactions. The people are difficult and can be dangerous to deal with.
"For treatment, you stop them using the drug and then treat them as though they were schizophrenic, with the same medication. But, unlike schizophrenia, they do well if they don't go back to the ice."
Davies says a lot of ice users are ending up in jail because they are difficult patients and hospitals are reluctant to take them. They end up in prison hallucinating and delusional, "adding to the burden of mental illness in prisons".
Australian Drug Foundation chief executive Bill Stronach says young people getting into difficulty with amphetamines have worse problems than "your standard heroin addict".
"When you come off them, you come down in a screaming heap," Stronach says.
The Family Drug Support Service, which is funded by the NSW Government to run an information line, has noticed a significant increase in calls relating to amphetamines -- up from four to 18 per cent in one year.
"We are hearing a lot more about ice and these more potent forms of amphetamines," founder Tony Trimingham says. "There are definitely indications that the damage they are causing is much more severe. The flow-on for the family is they are dealing with everything from aggression to some extremes of violence. People using amphetamines can be very difficult to manage."
Illustration
Caption: Mind games: An increasing number of young people are landing in psychiatric care after coming a cropper on ice, shabu and new forms of ecstasy; Photo: Photo
Friday, 10 May 2002
Bethungra Park farm to sell INXS of $3m, The Australian, 10 May, 2002.
Bethungra Park farm to sell INXS of $3m: [1 Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 10 May 2002: 24.
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Abstract
FORMER INXS manager Chris Murphy and his family of four children are selling their NSW rural retreat, Bethungra Park.
"I hate to see a beautiful place like Bethungra Park sit idle. The kitchen, the lounge room, the pool, the lawn should be blessed with movement and family."
Certified organic:The nine-bedroom Bethungra Park homestead; Photo: Photo
* Rural properties
FORMER INXS manager Chris Murphy and his family of four children are selling their NSW rural retreat, Bethungra Park.
The 998ha of mixed farming property at Illabo near Wagga Wagga is expected to fetch more than $3 million.
The 120-year-old nine-bedroom fully renovated homestead stands high on a natural knoll.
It offers sweeping views from its wide verandas.
The homestead has well-established lawns and vegetable gardens. More than 20,000 trees have been planted since the early 1990s. Farm buildings include a woolshed, sheep and cattle yards and steel silos.
The farm traditionally produced prized bulls, wool and wheat, but over the past decade the Murphy family has painstakingly converted it into one of Australia's leading organic producers.
The farm's brand of Wild Orchid Organic chicken and Black Mountain Organic Lamb are known and used by Australian and international chefs.
The decision to sell comes as Mr Murphy moves back into the music spotlight to promote Australia's local talent, with the growth of his Petrol Records & Publishing business and his involvement in the hit TV show Popstars.
"Now that my daughters have entered the professional world and my sons are schooling in Sydney, the family moments at the farm are few and far between," Mr Murphy said. "With the success of the excursion into Cuban music and other ventures in the pipeline, our music business requires me to return to the world of international travel and my passion for promoting and marketing Australian talent," he said.
"I hate to see a beautiful place like Bethungra Park sit idle. The kitchen, the lounge room, the pool, the lawn should be blessed with movement and family."
Agent Andrew Rice of Mel bourne rural property specialist Pat Rice & Hawkins says the main interest is coming from Melbourne and Sydney business people.
"We've had quite a number of people looking over the property. Their interest seems to be a combination of lifestyle and rural pursuit with an eye to investment.
"There's a lot that can be done with it, whether you are interested in cropping, cattle, sheep or running a horse stud.
"The organic certification .. is definitely appealing and indicates how clean the property is," says Mr Rice.
Bethungra Park goes to auction on June 6 in Sydney.
Illustration
Caption: Certified organic:The nine-bedroom Bethungra Park homestead; Photo: Photo
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