Doctors Propose 2am Closure for Pubs and Clubs

Doctors Call for 2 am Curfew on Pubs

One of the advocates for a 2am closure is Dr Anthony Lynham, who says that the problem of alcohol-related violence is not only on the rise, but also creating a negative impact into the state’s healthcare system.

“We need to emphasise there are hazardous hours and that’s after about 1.30 in the morning in the inner-city,” the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons trauma committee chairman Dr Daryl Wall said.

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons reports that there were 200 cases of glassings throughout the state of Queensland during 2010, despite official figures stating just 67.

The Queensland Police Union also recommended the 2am limit as the closing time in evidence for a parliamentary inquiry into the growing rates of alcohol-fuelled violence.

Many pubs and clubs throughout the country would be affected by such a move, with 776 of more than 6500 venues across Queensland currently licensed until 5am. … Continue Reading

Guess Who Serves Australia’s Best Coffee!

A recent survey has revealed that chains, such as Gloria Jeans, Starbucks or The Coffee Club, don’t serve the best coffee in Australia. However, McDonalds has been ranked as having the best coffee in Australia, for satisfaction and price, according to the study by Canstar Blue.

Just three months ago, the company apologised for its low standard of coffee in an advertising campaign, with McDonald’s chief operating officer announcing that the company would overhaul its coffee by introducing better-trained baristas and higher quality beans.

“McDonald’s took a strong stand by publicly admitting earlier this year its coffee offering wasn’t entirely up to scratch,” Ms Logan said.

“To turn this around in a few months is a significant achievement.”

The company also managed to come in equal first place with Michel’s for service and equal … Continue Reading

Melbourne Retains Title of ‘World’s Most Liveable City’

Melbourne retains title of 'world's most liveable city'

Melbourne has retained its position as the world’s best city to live in, as the Economist Intelligence Unit beat Vancouver to the rank of the ‘world’s most liveable city’.

Other Australian cities to make the top 10 included Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.

For almost a decade, Melbourne had shared the position with Vancouver, but finally managed to gain the number one position outright in the latest survey, released today.

Editor of the Economist Intelligence Unit Jon Copestake said that Melbourne manage to move up one spot to claim the top rankings thanks to a slight fall in Vancouver’s infrastructure score, which is one of the measures of liveability.

Vancouver is now in third place behind Vienna, Austria.

The rankings, which included 140 cities, include Sydney in sixth position, which climbed from seventh position in the February survey, while Perth and Adelaide remained equal in eighth spot.

“Australia, with a low population density and relatively low crime … Continue Reading

Schoolies Heading Overseas Warned of Dangers

Schoolies heading overseas warned of dangers

As the end of year 12 draws even closer for Year 12 students throughout the country, young Australians travelling overseas should be wary of the dangers involved in drugs and binge drinking in a foreign country.

With the strength of the Aussie Dollar and an increasing number of Australians travelling internationally for their holidays, it is likely that more Schoolies than ever will head to party destinations, such as Thailand and Bali to celebrate.

Smarttraveller.gov.au warns young Australians to stay well away from illegal drugs. An offence in Australia that is usually issued with a caution can lead to several years behind bars in a Southeast Asian prison.

Schoolies are also warned of the dangers of excessive ‘binge’ drinking, which can lead to dangerous situations such muggings, robbery and sexual assault.

Young travellers heading to well-known … Continue Reading

Superstar Chef Jamie Oliver Launches Crusade Against Obese Victorians

Superstar chef Jamie Oliver to launch crusade against obese Victorians

Celebrity UK chef Jamie Oliver is aiming to boost the lives of young Victorians by saving them from obesity by raising awareness to the benefits of a good diet and active lifestyle.

Known to many as ‘The Naked Chef’, Oliver is working with the Ballieu Government to promote his ‘Ministry of Food’ program, which is set to be included in a $40 billion State Government imitative aimed at curbing the illness associated with a poor diet.

It has been reported that the Victorian government is pursuing the superstar chef following his crusade in raising the awareness of healthy eating in the UK.

Oliver told a Melbourne newspaper that he was supportive of the Victorian Government’s plan to run an anti-obesity campaign. He highlighted his efforts with the Good Foundation team to place, and hopes the state government will go ahead with plans to open a ‘Ministry of Food’ centre.

“Our first Australian centre in Ipswich has been a huge success and we need more of these centres in towns that need our help,” he said.

The Ministry of Food program aims to educate young people about the benefits of a nutritious meal, which can be prepared simply and cheaply, without compromising taste.

The program was launched earlier this year, in conjunction with the Queensland Government, which has committed to funding worth $2.5 million over four years.

Image courtesy of bbcbreakfast

Melbourne’s Spring Fashion Week to Feature Pregnant Women

Melbourne’s Spring Fashion Week to Feature Pregnant Mums

Melbourne’s Spring Fashion Week is set to take fashion to the next level by auditioning pregnant women for the runway. Organizers of the fashion week have stated that this year they are ditching zero size models and are going forward with real women who support realistic body types. Lord Mayor Robert Doyle was very happy from the move and said that Melbourne fashion week was an international event which appealed to all shapes and sizes. Young and older expectant mothers will be appearing on the runway as of course they are beautiful and glowing creatures.

Last year’s Melbourne fashion week which featured “real people” and men and women of all “shapes and sizes” was a raving success, as it was appreciated by “real people”. Expectant mothers are also thrilled at this decision, and can’t wait for their time to shine on the runway. Interested expectant mothers can audition for a part in Target’s maternity and children’s wear fashion show on September 10^th at City Square. They can also apply online via www.melbourne.vic.gov.au, 100 women will be selected for a casting at Melbourne Town Hall on Friday. Fashion turns real this year!

Image Courtesy of Warren Raque…

Robyn Lawley Appears in Vogue Australia – First Plus Size Model in 52 Years

Robyn Lawley Appears in Vogue Australia

For the past 52 years Vogue Australia had passed up its pages on various plus size models; however 2011 was finally the year of the plus size. Robyn Lawley is the first plus size model to appear on the pages of Vogue Australia in the magazines 52 year glossy history. Curvy Lawley is a Sydney girl; she appeared in the latest issue of Vogue Australia wearing designs of the famous Alex Perry, Willow and Carla Zampatti. Lawley is not new to the fashion world and has already appeared in the fashion Bible Vogue Italia and French Elle. According to Kristie Clements, Vogue Australia’s editor the reason to feature Lawley wasn’t to get on headlines.

Ms Clements holds Lawley in very high regard; she said that Lawley is a very beautiful, special and talented girl that’s why she appeared on the pages of Vogue Australia, the decision wasn’t taken to make any sort of statement on her size.

Lawley, 21, is truly cruising the highest peaks of the fashion world at present; however her rise to fame wasn’t so smooth. She started off as a model in her early teens supporting a size 8-10, really struggled to keep her weight steady. She tried to diet for a while but soon was fed up and let her body grow naturally. She’s ruling the fashion front right now.

Lawley is all set to model Myer and Big W’s new plus size clothing.           

Image Courtesy of topsi555

Study Reveals People Who Are Smacked As Children Lack Self Control

Study Reveals People Who Are Smacked As Children Lack Self Control

A study printed on “Social Development” shows that people who are exposed to smacking and beatings during childhood, lack self-control and are awkward in social situations as adults. Children who are victims of physical abuse also lack in the areas of verbal communication, decision making and resisting temptation. According to Professor Kang Lee, lead researcher children who are brought up in a positive environment are better at social and verbal skills and have better decision making abilities and self -control. 

A positive home environment is very important for children to succeed in later years; a good childhood provides them with a solid foundation upon which they build their personality. Children who grow up in a good home environment are equipped with skills that help them succeed in school, and in outside situations too such as sports and other social activities. The study contrasted the performance of children at overseas schools practising physical and non-physical punishment.

Although corporal punishment is banned in all Australian schools, according to Professor Lee the same principles can be applied to home discipline practices. If parents regularly enforce physical punishment on their children for both big and small things, the children would likely grow up to be deficit in social situations and lack behavioural control. Dr Bob Montgomery, Australian psychologist is of the view that a lot of parents still rely on traditional disciplinary techniques as a punishment for their children.  Dr Montgomery, vice-president of Allied Health Professionals Australia believes that new forms of punishments such as time-outs are more effective and constructive for children.

Image courtesy of Mandragora