Palms

An extraordinary match the likes of which I am sure we will never see again. Queensland travelled to Perth and after rolling WA cheaply, a win was a formality, or was it….

TEAMS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Bruce LAIRD, Ric CHARLESWORTH, Rob LANGER, Kim HUGHES, Craig SERJEANT, Rod MARSH, Ian BRAYSHAW, Bruce YARDLEY, Dennis LILLEE, Mick MALONE, Wayne CLARK

QUEENSLAND: Viv RICHARDS, Alan JONES, David OGILVIE, Greg CHAPPELL, Phil CARLSON, Jeff LANGLEY, John MACLEAN, Graham WHYTE, Jeff THOMSON, Denis SCHULLER, Geoff DYMOCK

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The Tropic of Capricorn is a unique address and the Capricorn Region is home to many unique places, experiences and people. There are a multitude of things that you’ll never find anywhere else. The diversity of the region promises a varied and exciting holiday experience. For example, experience a true unspoilt paradise full of relaxation, adventure and discovery at the Capricorn Coast and the Keppel group of Islands. The Capricorn Coast is also home to award winning resorts, a host of visitor attractions and many undiscovered treasures.

The Capricorn region then extends westwards, all the way to the Central Highlands where you’ll discover Lake Maraboon, the Southern Hemisphere’s second largest man made dam. Rivers and streams to fish in, Barramundi to catch in the Fitzroy River, wetlands and lagoons to explore.

National Parks ranging from the deep green of the tropical rainforest, hidden fern gullies or the fascination of massive eucalypt forests with grove of ‘bottle’ trees, or better yet, enjoy the rich greens of golf courses in the Capricorn Region.

There’s many a ‘treasure’ in the Capricorn Region. Fossick for sapphires, gold and ‘thunder-eggs’. Discover the limestone caves just twenty minutes north of Rockhampton, Aboriginal Rock Art at Carnarvon Gorge and Blackdown Tableland, watch baby crocodiles hatch from their eggs, witness the flight of the small bent wing bats, enjoy camp drafts, picnic races, or a taste of outback life on a farm stay.

The real treasures of the Capricorn Region – the people, genuine country hospitality, and a friendly laid back lifestyle where there is always time to say ‘G’day’.

Plan to spend some time in the region, you’ll find there’s always something new to discover.

Please take me to Australia – find photos, videos, accommodation, sightseeing, tours, car rentals, package holidays and attractions around Australia. A total solution for your holiday, vacation or travel plans. http://pleasetakemeto.com

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The Mackay region boasts spectacular rainforests and national parks, secluded islands and beaches, pristine coral reefs, genuine country hospitality and historic townships. Relatively undiscovered, the Mackay Region offers a unique holiday experience that is an affordable and diverse escape from the crowds.

Located midway between Brisbane and Cairns, the Mackay Region coastline stretches 200 kilometres north from St Lawrence to Laguna Whitsundays, and inland to the town of Clermont. The region’s rich and colourful past is economically founded upon sugar cane, mining, beef and agriculture.

The Mackay Region is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday destination for travellers seeking an unspoiled, friendly contrast to more developed, built destinations along the coast. Holiday-makers ‘must-sees’ include: our palm fringed city centre, set beside the mighty blue Pioneer River, the Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton Gorge and the famous Eungella National Park. Artspace Mackay — gallery and museum, our new Regional Botanic Gardens, the impressive Mackay Marina Village, spectacular scenery of Cape Hillsborough National Park, historic seaside townships such as Sarina and Midge Point, and outback communities such as Clermont and Nebo, superb golden beaches, the Great Barrier Reef and our local islands such as Brampton and Keswick.

The region has a delightful tropical climate that is similar to that found in the Hawaiian Islands. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual as are the dress standards. Summers consist of warm, tropical weather without extreme temperatures and mild sunny winters. The average water temperature is a heavenly 22 degrees.

Like all North Queensland beaches, those in the Mackay Region can attract marine stingers and box jellyfish from October to May. To avoid danger it is recommended that you swim at patrolled beaches and/or swimming enclosures, and follow any directions from lifesavers, with regards to current conditions.

Please take me to Australia – find photos, videos, accommodation, sightseeing, tours, car rentals, package holidays and attractions around Australia. A total solution for your holiday, vacation or travel plans. http://pleasetakemeto.com

Duration : 0:0:59

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Central Coast Mariners v Queensland Roar 10 – Jan – 2009

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/roar-win-seven-goal-thriller-163029/

Roar win seven-goal thriller

Queensland Roar moved into third place on the A-League ladder with a 4-3 win over Central Coast Mariners in a Bluetongue Stadium thriller.
A double from Dutchman Sergio van Dijk and a classy finish from the impressive Tahj Minniecon put Frank Farina’s side in control before Pedj Bojic’s own goal sealed the points for the visitors, who maintained their unbeaten record in Gosford.

A late strike from Matt Simon his second goal of the game made it a nervous final 10 minutes for Roar but they managed to hold off a late charge from the hosts.

Minniecon, who will join Gold Coast United next season, was in irresistible form all night with a virtuoso display full of pace and guile and gave the normally-reliable Mariners fullback Dean Heffernan a torrid time.

It was the Mariners who drew first blood after six minutes when Dylan Macallister and Simon combined well to set up veteran striker Nik Mrjda, who swept the ball past Griffin McMaster from close range.

The hosts could have doubled their advantage when Simon latched onto a Macallister flick-on and chipped the ball over the advancing McMaster, only to see his effort drop on the wrong side of the post.

Despite their early setback, Queensland looked the better side and were unlucky not to restore parity when Luke DeVere hit the bar with a header after the Mariners defence failed to clear a corner.

Frank Farina’s side finally got back on level terms after Matt McKay robbed Heffernan of possession and rolled the ball into the path of Minniecon, whose ball behind the Mariners defence was met by the unmarked van Dijk to sidefoot home.

Roar then extended their lead early in the second half when McKay’s speculative cross caught out the hesitant Vukovic and van Dijk nodded the ball over the former Olyroo to stun the home crowd.

However, they didn’t have to wait long for something to celebrate when the impressive Simon latched onto a hopeful ball from Heffernan.

McMaster, deputising for the injured Liam Reddy, completely misjudged the bounce, allowing Simon to nip in behind him and prod the ball into the empty net.

With both teams really going for the jugular, it was Roar who grasped the initiative when Minniecon produced an exquisite touch, held off two defenders and beat Vukovic with a super strike from just inside of the box.

Minniecon was in the thick of it again on 72 minutes and played a huge role in his side’s winning strike when his goalbound effort was turned into his own net by the unlucky Bojic.

10 January 2009 | 20:54 – AAP

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/farina-minniecon-unaffordable-163077/

Farina: Minniecon unaffordable
Queensland Roar coach Frank Farina says his side will miss Tahj Minniecon next season but the club were simply unable to match the offer made to him by Gold Coast United.
Minniecon produced one of the standout performances of the A-League season in the Roar’s 4-3 win over Central Coast Mariners on Saturday, but will ply his trade with the Gold Coast in the 2008/09 campaign after agreeing a lucrative contract this week.

The 19-year-old won praise from both Farina and Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna for his performance at Bluetongue Stadium which saw him set-up two of the Roar’s goals and score one of his own.

“I said at the beginning (of the season) that we are not going to be able to keep everyone and the offer the Gold Coast made to him was one we could not fit in our cap,” Farina said.

“Tahj was man of the match tonight, he showed his professionalism as he knows he is on the move next year.

“I said to him last week to put it in during training and during games and he has done that.

“But after tonight no one can fault his commitment to Queensland Roar.”

McKinna admitted his side found the mercurial Minniecon too hot too handle.

“Sometimes he is hot, sometimes he is cold but he was on fire tonight and he gave Heff (Dean Heffernan) a hard time out there and give credit to him, he played very well,” McKinna said.

Roar striker Sergio van Dijk, who scored twice, said he is finally enjoying life in the A-League after overcoming a difficult start to his Roar career.

“It is always a great feeling to score a goal but I was always confident I would get the form back,” said the Dutchman, who took his total to seven for the season.

“We had a lot of options going forward in attack tonight, and that made it difficult for their defence and it made my job a lot easier.”

It was the third time van Dijk had found the net at Bluetongue this season, after his stunning free-kick in the 1-1 draw in December, and he admitted the picturesque stadium brings out the best in him.

“I think it must be something to do with the view of the palm trees behind the goal there!” he said

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An overview of The University of Queensland (UQ) for international students.
UQ is one of Australia’s leading learning and research institutions and ranks as one of the best universities in the Asia-Pacific region by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Academic Ranking.

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A ‘MONSTER’ great white shark measuring up to 6 metres long is prowling a popular beach after biting another great white almost in half.

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Information about accommodation choices at Global Village English Centre Sydney including homestay, student residences, share accommodation and guest houses.

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Adelaide United v North Queensland Fury 28 – August – 2009

http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=28988

Fury, Reds in goal feast

North Queensland and Adelaide United have played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night.
United was in the box seat to collect the three points when it led 2-1 midway through the second half but two goals in the space of four minutes saw the Fury take an unlikely lead.
The 10,773 crowd was stunned but were brought back to life when a hand ball call on Dyron Daal in the box during injury-time handed Adelaide a late reprieve.
Lucas Pantelis took the penalty kick and coolly delivered the ball into the right hand corner of the net.
Both teams will be disappointed not to come away with the win but North Queensland will feel the most aggrieved given its many missed opportunities.
After the Reds generated a couple of early chances it was Robbie Fowler who scored the first goal five minutes into the contest.
The Fury captain charged into the box, swooped on a beautiful James Robinson cross and kept the ball low to beat Eugene Galekovic through the pace of his strike rather than its direction.
It took Adelaide some time to regroup but when it did it bounced back in impressive fashion.
At the 23rd minute Pantelis controlled a cross from Michael Marrone with his left foot and then kicked with his right to pass goalkeeper Paul Henderson.
The stand-in captain was delighted with his effort and his celebrations included a rock-a-bye-baby mime.
His theatrics were overshadowed 10 minutes later when he set up Lloyd Owusu for his first goal for the Reds.
The big striker headed a Pantelis cross and watched as the ball slowly bounced clear of Henderson and across the goal line.
Owusu performed a weird rap-style dance before beckoning supporters to lift their voice for the home team – and a new Hindmarsh Stadium favourite was born.
Adelaide was bravely defending during the second half before substitute Daal found the equaliser in the 83rd minute.
A long midfield pass found the Reds’ defenders out of position and a composed Daal guided the ball home as Galekovic confronted him on the edge of the box.
Four minutes later fellow substitute Fred Agius set up Daniel McBreen for a score at close range.
Earlier in the contest, Adelaide began the game with some second-rate football. An early shower made conditions difficult but some of its attempts to knock the ball around were disappointing.
A rusty Mark Rudan, in his first start for the Reds, cleared two balls directly to Fowler and was lucky he didn’t cost his side another goal.
In the end it was the energy and run of Pantelis and the competitive of spirit of Owusu every time the ball was moved forward which dragged the Reds out of their doldrums.
North Queensland trailed at the break but had every reason to enter the second half with optimism given its own positive play and scoring opportunities.
Its best chance, apart from the goal, came in the 32 minute when Robinson hammered a ball straight at Galekovic before sending the ball over the cross bar on his second attempt.
The Fury were centimetres away from finding the equaliser four minutes into the second half. Fowler released Rostyn Griffiths who cleared Galekovic but his kick cannoned off the crossbar.
At the 70th minute a pre-meditated one-two play from a corner freed up Ufuk Talay who hammered a ball through the Reds’ defence but into the woodwork.
And moments later Daniel McBreen blazed away but was way off target.
North Queensland’s attacking mindset was rewarded but it couldn’t hold on for maximum points.
Adelaide United 3 (Pantelis 23, 90, Owusu 33 )
North Queensland Fury 3 (Fowler 5, Daal 83, McBreen 87)
Crowd: 10,773 at Hindmarsh Stadium
Friday, 28 August 2009
by Marcus Wilson at Hindmarsh Stadium, Sportal

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In the heart of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, lie the Whitsundays, 74 islands floating like jewels in the tropical warm waters of the Coral Sea. Discovering the Great Barrier Reef is one of life’s must-dos and it’s easily accessible from Queensland’s mainland coast at Airlie Beach or directly from the islands. It is a cosmopolitan and vibrant town filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants.

The best way to fully explore this lovely region is from the bow of a sailboat…cruise through the islands and drop anchor for a quick snorkel and fall asleep at night to the gentle rocking of the waves under a canopy of stars. Spend the day exploring the pure white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet from one of the world’s most exquisite lookouts, or enjoy the views of the reef from the cockpit of a seaplane. Paddle a sea kayak gracefully through the water, follow bushwalking trails overlooking the Coral Sea or simply relax with a cocktail by the pool.

You’ve got over 74 unique experiences at your fingertips.

“Please take me to Australia – find photos, videos, accommodation, sightseeing, tours, car rentals, package holidays and attractions around Australia. A total solution for your holiday, vacation or travel plans. http://pleasetakemeto.com”

Duration : 0:0:59

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If your impatient the most intense part is from 1:30 to 2:40, however the beginning sets the scene well and gives it an ominous and dramatic mood so I recommend watching the whole thing I recorded this from the Greyhound bus on our way from Airlie Beach to Hervey Bay, believe it was close to Rockhampton. The fires were burning all the way down to the road and I could actually feel the heat from the flames inside of the bus. Apparently the fires had been raging for some twenty odd days in the area by then. This capture was made on the evening of 20th Oct 2009.

From the look of it the firefighters had just cordoned off the area and allowed for traffic to pass when suitable, the entire area was so dry that it seemed implausible that much more than an attempt to limit the spread seemed likely.

Duration : 0:3:9

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