Rare and Smelly Titan Arum Blooms at Melbourne Botanic Gardens

THIS rare 2m bloom smells like death, flowers for only a few days each decade - and has green thumbs rushing to the Royal Botanic Gardens. 

Hordes of horticultural enthusiasts waited in line yesterday to glimpse the exotic titan arum - or corpse flower - which emits the stench of rotting flesh.

Nursery co-ordinator David Robbins said experiencing the potent waft was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

"In my 26 years at the gardens, it's the most exciting thing that has happened," Mr Robbins said.
He said the plant's smell - often described as a combination of blue cheese, fresh manure and rotting flesh - attracted flies, which brought pollen from other flowers and promoted genetic diversity.
Mr Robbins said the plant, which had been painstakingly cultivated, started to flower on Christmas Day.

"This one has taken seven years to flower," he said.
"We're not sure when it will flower again. It depends on how much energy is left in the tuber after this flowering."

Mr Robbins said one underground tuber, which weighed 1kg in 2006 when it arrived at the gardens, now weighed 34kg.

He said seeds of the scarce plant were collected from Sumatra, its native home, by Sir David Attenborough in 1993 while he was there filming the documentary The Private Life of Plants.
Mr Robbins and his team planned to collect pollen from the endangered species to aid its conservation by enabling the pollination of future flowers.

He said thousands of people had come to see the bloom, which was expected to wither and close today or tomorrow, and he expected many more flower fanatics would stop by.

The Tropical Glasshouse is open from 10am to 6pm today.

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Australian Hotels Prepare for Boom in Bookings in Lead Up To Ashes - Metro Hotels

With an estimated 37,000 international visitors heading to Australia for the Ashes test series this time next year, tickets to the matches aren't the only things in high demand.

Australia is set to battle England on home soil for the Ashes, with the first Test starting at The Gabba in Brisbane on November 21, 2013 and the 5^th Test finishing in Sydney on January 7, 2014. The five Test series is expected to be a boom for local tourism operators. 

According to Metro Hotels' Chief Operating Officer, George Bedwani, the Group has already experienced a huge demand for hotel accommodation in all cities where the tests are being held.

"Metro Hotels' in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney started receiving bookings from both agents and individuals as early as the day after England regained the Ashes in the 2010/2011 series," he said.
"Bookings are already extremely strong, especially group bookings, despite the series not commencing for another 12 months."

The Ashes is one of the most famous sporting rivalries in the history of the sport, and certainly cricket's oldest and most fiercely fought competition.

After England's 3-1 win in the 2010-11 Ashes Series, the 2013-14 Tour is already setting itself up to be another historic showdown, with England looking to continue their winning streak and the Aussies fired up to win back the urn.

In addition to the test matches, there will also be five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches between Australia and England.

With 13 properties across Australia, Metro Hospitality Group is the country's oldest Australian owned hotel chain. The Group offers a range of 4-star hotels and apartments in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Gladstone, with the same affordable, quality, centrally located accommodation and friendly service common to all Metro properties Australia-wide.

*2013-14 Ashes series

• 1^st Test - Thursday 21 to 25 November 2013, The Gabba - Brisbane
• 2^nd Test - Thursday 5 to 9 December 2013, Adelaide Oval - Adelaide
• 3^rd Test - Friday 13 to 17 December 2013, WACA Ground - Perth
• 4^th Test - Thursday 26 to 30 December 2013, MCG - Melbourne
• 5^th Test - Friday 3 to 7 January 2014, SCG - Sydney

Guests are able to book at all Metro Hotels properties by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternatively bookings can be made online at www.metrohotels.com.au.

Incoming Passenger Changes into Australia

A quicker and more convenient quarantine, biosecurity clearance is assured when you arrive in Australia now that low-risk products such as commercially prepared and packaged lollies, chips and chocolates need not be declared.

The changes, which have been made on the Incoming Passenger Card, are a result of the latest scientific advice that shows such food poses a lower risk.

Biosecurity officers will now focus on goods such as raw meats, live plants, seeds and fresh fruit and vegetables, which have a “much greater potential to bring diseases and pests to Australia,” Chapman said.

A Unique Melbourne Experience

Melbourne's Docklands is the emerging destination that showcases great restaurants, bars, sustainable buildings and public art in a great waterfront location. Customers will not only see how Docklands has developed over the last 13 years but listen to the stories of plentiful swamplands teeming with native birds and wildlife, of Melbourne's first race meeting and of the cricket ground where the Melbourne Club was formed.

Since 1999 over $8.5 Billion has been ploughed into Docklands by such property development heavyweights as Lend Lease. Led by the construction of Etihad stadium, the Docklands precinct has emerged as a corporate space where 29,000 workers are now based, and a residential location where its first library is being constructed right now.

Many of the buildings are home to a growing local population with developer Mirvac having built their interesting 'Tower 5' - the one that seems to have a boat on the roof which can be seen all the way down Flinders St.

However from under this very modern covering, Places Victoria have reconstructed small pieces of the old swamp environment that used to contain some of the best game hunting that the early settlers such as John Batman used to enjoy on their tables.

The Docklands Walking Experience starts from Etihad Stadium and winds through 7 of the 8 Docklands Precincts and highlights the surprising facts of the current environment, mixed with the stories of yesteryear to provide visitors with a rounded experience of the docklands area.

Passing such well-known icons as 'Cow Up A Tree' by John Kelly, the tour ends in Harbour Town for a great coffee and lunch. Use the offers contained in the included tour bag to shop in Harbour Town or enjoy local attractions such as the Icehouse.

Dates: Run 10am Tuesdays to Sundays from Etihad Stadium Docklands, adjacent Southern Cross Railway Station, Melbourne.

For more details call 0407 380969 or visit http://www.meltours.com.au/docklandswalk.htmgmail.com

Melbourne Continues as Business Events Leader

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher has announced that Melbourne has secured 14 association business events in the first quarter of 2012/13, which will generate a forecasted $27 million for the Victorian economy.

Melbourne has been awarded nine international and five national conferences, which will attract an estimated 7550 delegates to Victoria over the next six years. Some of these events include:

• Engineers Australia National Conference 2014
• Green Cities 2015
• Congress of the International Federation for Structural Concrete 2018; and
• General Meeting of the International Mineralogical Association 2018. 

Ms Asher said the wins added to the impressive results achieved in the last financial year.

"The 2011/12 financial year saw the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) deliver its best results on record in terms of estimated room nights and forecasted economic impact," Ms Asher said.

"MCVB secured 210 international and national business events for Victoria - a 62 per cent increase on the 2011/12 full year target."

"The business events secured in the last financial year will inject a forecasted $361 million into the Victorian economy over the coming years, and are a great testament to the ability of Melbourne and Victoria to compete in this global market."

Chief Executive Officer of MCVB Karen Bolinger, said the wins were a tribute to Melbourne's core strengths.

"Melbourne has a lot to offer business events including world-class infrastructure, an accessible city and the award-winning Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, which will host these events in the coming years," Ms Bolinger said.

"These bid wins shine a light on Victoria's strength in intellectual pursuits which we are eager to share with the world through our ongoing campaign, Melbourne IQ: The Intelligent Choice for Conferences."

"I would like to thank all our industry partners and the Victorian Coalition Government for their support of business events in Melbourne and regional Victoria, and look forward to what the rest of the year will bring," Ms Bolinger said.

Fans Count Down to the AFL Grand Final

Having trouble picking which team to barrack for in the grand final? The former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett is here to help.

Kennett, who had vowed to keep a low profile after relinquishing his stewardship of the Hawks this year, was conspicuous by his presence on the ground just after the final siren of the preliminary final.

Not content with hob-nobbing with exhausted players after their thrilling victory over the gallant Crows, Kennett hit the airwaves this morning, keen to remind the footy world that his vision for the Hawks is near to fruition.

"You've got to remember guys, that in 2007 we outlined our five-year plan for the club which some of you commentators thought was arrogant, when we said five years, two premierships, 50,000 members," Kennett told SEN radio Monday.

"Well this is the fifth year of that business plan and I think we should have won the grand final last year … Our membership now stands at over 60,000. If the boys can bring home the bacon on the weekend, that business plan will have lived its life."

Hawthorn didn't play in the 2011 grand final, having faltered in the preliminary final after leading by 17 points at the final change.

Asked whether he was going the "early Hawk", Kennett backed down somewhat, admitting he thought the 2012 decider would be a "gladiatorial-style contest".

"Leadership and success … depends on succession and we've got very good people at Hawthorn – my successor is well qualified, a good board, good CEO, good coach and good players. If you have the fundamentals right, at least you give yourself the opportunity of performing on the field. And hopefully next weekend, hopefully, they will bring home our 11th trophy".

Legend puts Hawthorn before family 

Hawthorn legend John Kennedy could never be cast as a villain, but the ex-Hawk premiership player and coach is just as partisan as Kennett.

Kennedy's grandson Josh is playing for Sydney on Saturday, after starting his career with the Hawks. But when Robert Walls put it to Kennedy senior that he would be happy no matter which team won the grand final, he was quickly rebuked.

Jeff Kennett congratulates Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson after the Hawks beat Adelaide on Saturday.

Hawthorn trains at Waverley Park this afternoon

Read on

Manly Set to Storm Melbourne's Fortress

Manly are plotting to storm Melbourne's fortress and seize the mantle as the NRL's new super powers in Friday night's heavyweight preliminary final at AAMI Park.

The decade's most dominant forces will collide in a high-stakes encounter, the reward a shot at premiership glory and bragging rights as the NRL's most successful club.

Renewing their bitter finals rivalry, Melbourne and Manly are clashing in the playoffs for the first time since the Storm belted the Sea Eagles 40-12 in the 2009 qualifying final.

A year earlier, Manly buried the Storm 40-0 in the 2008 title mismatch at ANZ Stadium to avenge a 34-8 loss to Melbourne in the 2007 decider.

Now the Eagles are bidding to become the NRL's first triple premiers while the Storm could have been seeking their fourth title if they had not had two stripped for salary cap cheating.
Fittingly, the sides have split their past 10 matches.

But while the Eagles hold an 8-5 edge in clashes in Sydney since the Storm entered the league in 1998, conquering Melbourne on home soil has proven an altogether different proposition.
Manly have won only twice in nine matches in Melbourne and lost their only previous clash at AAMI Park - in round one last year.

"It is tougher playing them down there," admitted star five-eighth Kieran Foran.
"They always turn up. We're going to need to be at the top of our game."

Foran, 22, hasn't forgotten his finals debut in `09 - when the Storm ripped his side apart to end Manly's season before going on to win the premiership, which was later stripped for salary cap breaches.

But Sea Eagles skipper Jamie Lyon is confident of qualifying for the club's fourth grand final in six seasons - a tally to match the Storm's dream run from 2006-09 - and says they are relishing the challenge.

"We know it's going to be a tough ask going down there. It's always hard," Lyon said.
"But if you want to be the No.1 team, you've got to beat everyone and we can't wait."

While Lyon completed the entire game after being in doubt for last Friday night's 22-12 semi-final win over North Queensland, his co-captain Jason King is a new fitness concern after lasting only 27 minutes before succumbing to a shoulder injury.

Linkin Park, Stone Sour Announce Soundwave Sideshows

Linkin Park are without a doubt one of the biggest names in modern music; their brand of modern metal has topped charts all across the planet constantly over the past decade so it makes sense that they find themselves very close to the top of the mammoth Soundwave Festival bill for 2013.

The band have just announced that, while they’re around, they’ll put on a couple of massive sideshows to make sure that any of their fans who missed out on tickets to the sold out Soundwave shows in Sydney and Melbourne will have ample chance to witness their powerful live show.

They will be joined by modern rock powerhouse Stone Sour, the “other band” for Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, a band who are a massive drawcard in their own right.

Both of these bands have massive Australian fanbases so tickets for these shows won’t stick around long; they go on sale next Friday. Both shows are licensed all ages events.

Dates are below:

Tuesday 26 February – Sydney Entertainment Centre
Wednesday 27 February – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

Good Charlotte - Sydney & Melbourne Gigs 2012

Look out fans; this September will be just like your birthday, when Good Charlotte bring their anthems back to Australia. Following the success of last years sell out tour, the band will play both Melbourne and Sydney before they head to Newcastle to play Fat As Butter Festival.

After eleven years, five studio albums, 10 million album sales and a shelf full of music and video awards, Good Charlotte’s return to Oz promises to be anything but forgettable.

Iconic tracks like ‘Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous’ and ‘The Anthem’, hit the up tempo hearts of fans to keep them moving. While their last studio album Cardiology, captured both a more personal side of writing, mixed with some of their biggest party anthem hits, including ‘Last Night’, ‘Sex on the Radio’ and ‘Like It’s Her Birthday’.

After a hectic couple of months residing in Australia and starring in Channel Nine’s The Voice, brothers Joel and Benji have returned to the States for a short time, to begin work on their debut album as The Madden Brothers (2013 release) before heading back to Australia.

With such a strong affiliation with Australia, audiences can rest assured Joel, Benji, Billy and Dean will conjure a party not to be missed!

Show Dates

Sydney - Friday 21st September ALL AGES Big Top, Lunar park, Milsons Point.

Melbourne - Thursday 20th September ALL AGES Festival Hall, West Melbourne, 300 Dudley Street

Countdown is on for the Royal Melbourne Show

WITH just 10 days until the Royal Melbourne Show, these eager entrants are scrubbing up fine. 

Julia Blick, 7, of Geelong, had the bubbles out early when she took to the tub with Japanese Spitz puppies ahead of the show's start on September 22.

Waurn Ponds dog exhibitor Pamela Taylor, who will put the pups on display, said animal breeders across the state were gearing up for the big gig.

"I've been exhibiting at the Royal Melbourne Show for 50 years. I love exhibiting because of the camaraderie."

Kids and kids at heart are treated to a taste of rural Victoria in a carnival atmosphere including animal shows, rides and showbags during the 11-day event.

More than 800 cattle, 600 horses and 3000 dogs will take part in the show with demonstrations on discipline, agility and grooming.

Melbourne Showgrounds will come alive with all the fun of the show from September 22 to October 2.

For all the latest information on the carnival, including showbags on sale, rides and entertainment visit http://www.royalshow.com.au/

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Melbourne: A Cultural Exploration

You will often hear Melburnians professing to travellers that, while Sydney may have the stunning sights, there’s a reason why so many refer to Melbourne as the ‘cultural capital of Australia’.

Melbourne is a destination for explorers; it’s one those cities with so many hidden nooks and crannies that you always come away with a hunger for more and a longing to return.

Foodies will just gobble Melbourne up, for not only is the city culturally rich, it is also deliciously cultural.

American chef, Anthony Bourbain once professed, “I’d rather eat in Melbourne than Paris”.

From your fine dining restaurants such as The Age Good Food Guide 2012’s three-Hat restaurant, Attica, to eating ‘Pintxos’ (tasty bites on toothpicks) while you sample imported beers and infused vodka at Brunswick St’s Naked For Satan, Melbourne has it covered.

The city also has suburbs that ‘specialise’ in particular culinary delights. Go to Fitzroy for Spanish, Richmond for Vietnamese, Brunswick for Lebanese and Carlton for Melbourne’s own ‘Little Italy.’ And they’re all just a tram ride away from the city.

Melbourne coffee is also world-class. Australian chef, Curtis Stone has boasted that Melbourne coffee is, “Just so much better than anywhere else. It’s better than in Italy and I travel a lot.”

There’s no better way to enjoy a cup of Melbourne brew than by sipping and strolling down one of the city’s many bustling streets. This is also the perfect time to do a spot of shopping, as most travellers also know Melbourne as Australia’s shopping capital.

From innovative designs, right down to the old treasures you dig out of a vintage bin, you can find it all in Melbourne.

Bourke St and Delgraves St in the city and Chapel St and Brunswick St in the inner suburbs are all staples for stylish and alternative fashion.

For a family outing, scrape the sky in Melbourne’s Eureka Tower, located in Southbank. The Eureka Skydeck 88 is the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere.

Whilst up there, live life on ‘The Edge’, a glass cube which slides out from the building.

Whilst in the Southbank area, take a stroll along the Yarra River, enjoy a drink or a light bight at one of the many glamorous bars and restaurants lining the water and don’t forget to check out the Crown Casino, even if only to ogle at its grandness.

The Southbank precinct is also home to many of Melbourne’s leading art galleries, including the Victorian Arts Centre, the Malthouse Theatre, the Recital Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria's international collection.

Or wander down the road to Federation Square and be inspired by visual exhibits at ACMI, the permanent collection at the Ian Potter Gallery, or see a recital at the BMW Edge Theatre.

For those who love their food, art and shopping, but who also like travelling off the beaten track, Melbourne has concentrated pockets of life and culture hiding away in its laneways, just itching to be discovered and explored.

Melbourne may not be renowned for its waves but if you’re a beach bum who just can’t get enough of Aussie beaches, Melbourne’s are still worth a meet-and-greet.

Don’t miss the colourful display of one-of-a-kind beach huts at Brighton Beach, which are highly coveted in the Real Estate market, or for a walk on the wilder side, visit St Kilda beach and have a play at Luna Park.

For sporting fans travelling to Melbourne between March and September, an Aussie Rules football game is a definite winner.

The first question asked to Melbourne children on their first day of kindergarten is not. “What’s your favourite colour?” But rather, “Who’s your team?”

There aren’t many cities around the world that unites the entire community through a sport. Even the non-sporty Melburnians have a team.

The old song goes that, “You’re nobody ‘til somebody loves you,” but to Melburnians, you’re nobody until you identify your footy team.

The dynamic city that is Melbourne has something for everybody.

Whether you’re out for a fleeting, adventurous love affair, or a place to explore cobblestone laneway by cobblestone laneway, one thing is for certain; Melbourne is a city which, once visited, every time you hear its name, your heart will feel that longing pang… and you’ll sigh to yourself, “Oh, Melbourne”.

	Flinders Street Station Image courtesy of The Melbourne Travel Guide
	Brunswick Street Image courtesy of Soho52
	'The Edge' at Skydeck 88 Image courtesy of konradlew
	A Melbourne Laneway Image courtesy of Gourmet Traveller
	Brighton Beach Image courtesy of Alexe!Paedia
	Footy Fans Image courtesy of The St Kilda Football Club View Source

Melbourne Day - Thursday 30th August 2012

The city of Melbourne comes alive in August when it celebrates its 177th Birthday. The Piazza and Promenade at Waterfront City will host free entertainment from 10am to 2pm on the Main Stage. School groups are welcome to join the fun with free activities on the Promenade. Bookings essential, limited numbers available.

Celebrations will start from Saturday 25 August with the Herald Sun's Corinella competition and free and discounted entry to city attractions.

For more information about the Festival of events leading up to Melbourne Day go online at www.melbourneday.com.au

Location - Piazza and Promenade, Waterfront City

Docklands 3008

Show on the map
Parking from $5 per day at Harbourtown. Trams run direct to Waterfront City, check tram tracker for more details.

Contact details 03 9639 6950

admin@melbourneday.com.au
www.melbourneday.com.au

Date & times  30/08/2012

Thursday: 10am - 2pm

How to get there

Trams and buses: Metlink

Price

This is a free event, Schools welcome, bookings essential.

Features

Child-friendly, Wheelchair accessible

Bookings

Bookings available via
admin@melbourneday.com.au

Click here to book

Shows Australia: JLO - Dance Again World Tour (Jennifer Lopez)

Tuesday 11th December - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

The wait is over! The Frontier Touring Company is thrilled to announce that global superstar Jennifer Lopez (a.k.a. JLO) will be touring Australia for the first time ever in her impressive 13 year long career!

JLO will be touring down under as part of her 'Dance Again World Tour' which has already visited countless cities across North America, South America, Europe and Asia in recent months.

On the 'Dance Again World Tour', JLO will be performing hits from across her expansive and impressive career, which features seven studio albums that have sold more than 70 million records worldwide.

Those lucky enough to attend one of JLO's Australian performances will be treated to songs that brought JLO to the world's attention including 'If You Had My Love' and 'Waiting For Tonight' as well as those that have introduced her music to a new legion of adoring fans like 'I'm Into You' and 'Dance Again'.

JLO's impressive catalogue is also celebrated on her recently released greatest hits collection Dance Again...the Hits (out now through Sony Music Australia).

JLO is a woman who knows how to get the party started with her signature blend of killer vocal hooks, pulsing beats and storming synthesizers.

Her arena shows in December are destined to be amongst the dance parties of the year, don't miss the opportunity to join the fun on JLO's first ever Australian tour!

"Jennifer Lopez was glitz and glam through her set. At 43, Lopez is in perfect shape, and it showed through her stepped up choreography." - Edge, Boston

Melbourne's Docklands Pulls Its Weight

DOCKLANDS, which is 48 per cent complete, has shifted the geographical heart of the Melbourne CBD to the west and is now the second-largest office precinct for prime-grade stock in the CBD.
According to Jones Lang LaSalle research, the 437,100 square metres of prime-grade stock in Docklands is more than all of Adelaide's.

It now constitutes 18 per cent of the Melbourne CBD's 2.44 million square metres of prime-grade stock, which in turn makes up more than half of the 4.27 million square metres in the CBD office market. Urban renewal authority Places Victoria says $8.5 billion worth of development has taken place in Docklands in the past 12 years.

JLL's Victorian managing director, Andrew Wood, said Docklands had been fully endorsed by the investment market, which was the ''ultimate test''. Tenants now include ANZ, NAB, Bendigo & Adelaide Bank, Axa, Medibank, Fairfax Media, Channel Nine, NBN Co, the Tax Office and Melbourne Water.

Mr Wood said many commentators maintained that Docklands had been a drag on the market and had stopped rents rising above a threshold. ''There may be some truth to this, but if it wasn't there I wonder where those tenants would have gone to satisfy the demand for campus-style, 'green', single-tenanted buildings - maybe to the suburbs, like Coles, or maybe interstate,'' he said.

''So, Docklands keeps the users in the Melbourne central activities district, which now includes Southbank, Docklands and the traditional grid. It has restaurants, entertainment, retail and hotels, so it is a fully integrated part of the CBD that over time will ensure Melbourne's broader CBD continues to build its credentials as a major international city.''

Mr Wood said some critics complained Docklands was too sterile, but all international cities had different precincts with their own feel. ''Docklands will never have the laneway vibe of the CBD's core precinct, or the retail appeal of Collins Street.

''However, Docklands offers a harbour feel around its campus office and residential areas, plus entertainment and connections not available to the CBD grid. These are of significant appeal to many major corporates.''

According to Places Victoria, more than $2.4 billion worth of private development (commercial and residential) was under construction on 16 projects in Docklands in 2011-12 - the most development in its 12-year history. This totalled about 350,000 square metres of gross floor area, including about 1500 apartments.

As of last month, there was $1.8 billion worth of construction under way in Docklands on 11 projects. When these are completed, the prime office market in Docklands is expected to grow to about 626,000 square metres by mid-2014 - about 24 per cent of CBD prime-grade buildings.

By 2025, Places Victoria forecasts that the area will have attracted a further $9 billion worth of private investment, with the number of residents expected to nearly triple from 7000 today to 20,000, and with the number of workers anticipated to double to more than 60,000.

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Melbourne Stars chasing Bolt for Big Bash League

'M' for Melbourne? Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt (above) celebrates his third London Olympics gold medal with the signature move of British dual gold medallist Mo Farah (left). The Melbourne Stars is hoping Bolt will play for them during the Big Bash cricket series.


 
The world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, could be steaming in from the Members End at the MCG this summer with an audacious plan hatched to have the Jamaican track superstar play in the Twenty20 Big Bash League.

The Melbourne Stars franchise has confirmed it is in negotiations with the six-time Olympic gold medallist and his management company and spin king Shane Warne, the team's marquee player, launched a campaign via social media on Sunday in an effort to build support for the recruiting coup. The move has the formative backing of Cricket Australia.

Bolt, who repeated his treble of gold medals in Beijing with victory in the 100 metres, 200m and 4x100m relay at the London Olympics, played junior cricket before ruling the track and has long voiced his love for the game. He famously clean bowled then West Indies captain and good friend Chris Gayle in a charity match in 2009, having earlier belted him down the ground for six, and the vision became popular on YouTube.

The 25-year-old was first approached about joining the Stars before the Games by the franchise's president Eddie McGuire, who was interviewing him in his capacity as a broadcaster at the London OIympics with Foxtel. Bolt said Warne had now spoken to him about playing in the BBL and he would consider whether to take up the offer.

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Melbourne Named World's Most Liveable City

MELBOURNE has claimed gold as the world's most liveable city but Sydney has lost its status as Australia's second-most desirable destination to Adelaide. 

Melbourne has edged out Austria's capital Vienna to claim the Global Liveability Survey title of the best city in the world to live in for the second year running.

Adelaide, Sydney and Perth have also featured in the top 10, while Vancouver - rated third - is one of three Canadian cities listed among the top destinations.

But it's Adelaide's ranking above Sydney that is likely to be the biggest local talking point, with the City of Churches ranked equal fifth, two places above.

Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey editor Jon Copestake says while Melbourne enjoys top bragging rights, there is little separating the top Australian cities.

Four of the five surveyed made it into the top 10 globally and were separated by just 1.6 percentage points. Brisbane was number 20.

"Australian cities continue to thrive in terms of liveability - not only do they benefit from the natural advantages of low population density, but they have continued to improve with some high profile infrastructure investments," Mr Copestake said in a statement.

"In Adelaide, projects completed in recent years under the Strategic Infrastructure Plan for South Australia have been enough to move the city above Sydney, whose score is unchanged (from 2011)."

The global liveability survey is an annual list compiled by the EIU, initially as a test of whether human resource departments needed to pay a hardship allowance in expatriate relocation packages.
Melbourne's score of 97.5 per cent is close to the perfect score, with the city only losing points for climate, culture and petty crime.

Adelaide lost points on culture and environment but new infrastructure in the city catapulted it above Sydney.

The harbour city scored well in health care, education and infrastructure but was regarded the least stable among the list of top 10 cities in a category that considers crime, the terror threat and the risk of civil unrest.

Mr Copestake said the impact of the Arab Spring and the Euro zone crisis were significant factors in the 2012 global rankings.

At the other end of the scale Dhaka in Bangladesh was rated the least liveable city of the 140 considered in the survey.

The world's top 10 most liveable cities:

1. Melbourne, Australia.
2. Vienna, Austria.
3. Vancouver, Canada.
4. Toronto, Canada.
5. Calgary, Canada.
5. (equal) Adelaide, Australia.
7. Sydney, Australia.
8. Helsinki, Finland.
9. Perth, Australia.
10. Auckland, New Zealand.
20. Brisbane, Australia.

Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Survey 2012.
The survey measures cities across five categories: stability, health care, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. It surveyed 140 cities worldwide.

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AN EVENING WITH DELTA GOODREM WITH SPECIAL GUEST RACHAEL LEAHCAR

Exciting news Delta fans! Delta will be hitting up Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne with her "Top Of My World Shows".

"Dainty Group and NINE LIVE are proud to announce that chart-topping Australian songstress Delta Goodrem is heading home to perform a limited run of intimate and exclusive theatre concerts in October and November.

Delta will play shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, thrilling fans with all her hits, plus previewing songs from her highly-anticipated new album, Child of the Universe."

TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE THURSDAY 16TH AUGUST.

Melbourne
Hamer Hall
Wed 7th November
Tickets from www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or 1300 182 183
OR  www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

The Glenn Miller Orchestra Touring Australia

Musical Director Rick Gerber
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN AUSTRALIA
DIRECT FROM THE USA...
The Unforgettable Music of the 1940’s
From The Golden Era of Swing
including
‘Chattanooga Choo-Choo’ & ‘In the Mood’

Touring Australia in October and November -The Glenn Miller Orchestra, a concert spectacular that promises the audience a sentimental journey down memory lane on the eve of Glenn Miller’s 75th anniversary.

Featuring the internationally renowned Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Moonlight Serenade Singers and The Broadway Swing Dancers, the great ‘Big Band’ hits, the original Glenn Miller arrangements, the music of The Andrews Sisters, the Frank Sinatra Songbook, the romantic World War II melodies made famous by Vera Lynn – music which captivated millions of people worldwide- are all brought together on stage in a nostalgic concert spectacular.

Even after 75 years, Glenn Miller’s musical arrangements are still heard around the world – timeless icons of American culture such as Chattanooga Choo-Choo, In the Mood, Tuxedo Junction, A String of Pearls, Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug and Pennsylvania 6-5000 to name a few.

“The Glenn Miller Orchestra is a colourful and flamboyant evening filled with fun and nostalgia of the 30s and 40s. Our unique jazz sound is sought all around the world and in addition to recreating the golden era of swing, we bring to life the colour, costumes and spirit. Having travelled across the globe, The Glenn Miller Orchestra is delighted to be bringing iconic tunes such as In the Mood and Moonlight Serenade to Australia,” said Musical Director Rick Gerber.

Bandleader and musician Glenn Miller inspired the World War II generation and boosted morale with his many popular songs. He formed the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1937, which immediately attracted attention and big crowds to venues, and a series of recordings followed. In 1939, Miller dominated the top spot on the various popular music charts for over a year, with In the Mood, a pared-down arrangement of the Joe Garland tune, holding the top spot for over fifteen weeks at the beginning of 1940 and Tuxedo Junction taking over and keeping Miller at number 1 into the summer.

On February 11, 1941 Miller was presented with the first ever Gold record for Chattanooga Choo-Choo. In 1942, at the peak of his civilian career, Miller decided to join the war effort. At 38, Miller was too old to be drafted, he persuaded the United States Army to accept him so he could, in his own words, "be placed in charge of a modernized Army band”. In 1944 Glenn Miller mysteriously disappeared whilst flying over the English channel from London to Paris. His original recordings continue to in the sell millions. His legacy as the most influential and famous bandleader of all time and the icon of the golden swing era and continues to inspire.

During the 1940’s Glenn Miller had more hit records than Elvis and the Beatles
“The Glenn Miller Orchestra is constantly touring, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world. ATA Allstars is pleased to be able to bring this wonderful and popular show to audiences around Australia,” said Producer Tony Brady.

View snippets of original footage:

http://youtu.be/V2aj0zhXlLA

http://youtu.be/xPXwkWVEIIw 

http://youtu.be/ip33g113FHc

MELBOURNE

Arts Centre - Hamer Hall

Dates: November 10

Times: Sat 10 November at 2pm & 8pm

Tickets: Premium Reserve: $98.90; A Res $89.90; B Res $79.90; Groups 8+ $79.90; Conc $84.90

Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or 1300 182 183

www.glennmillerorchestra.com.au