Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Sydney naval monument gets facelift - NEWS.com.au




A HISTORICAL naval monument on the Sydney Harbour foreshore honouring Australian sailors and ships lost in combat is being refurbished.



The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) says the work will conserve the mast of the HMAS Sydney 1 on Bradley's Head, which received State Heritage listing in 2010.


The mast is part of a memorial erected in 1934 and dedicated to the memory of members of the crew of the HMAS Sydney 1 who were killed in November 1914 in a battle against the Germans.


It was rededicated in 1964 and now serves as an official memorial to those who served in the Royal Australian Navy and the nineteen naval ships lost in service.


NPWS acting regional manager Peter Hay says the work includes erecting an 'encapsulation' scaffold around the mast.


The NPWS will also build new fences and upgrade the carpark and walking trail to the Sydney Harbour National Park where the monument is located.


"The mast is a reminder of ... the naval tradition to which all Australian and international naval personnel belong," Mr Hay said.




Sydney naval monument gets facelift - Courier Mail




A HISTORICAL naval monument on the Sydney Harbour foreshore honouring Australian sailors and ships lost in combat is being refurbished.



The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) says the work will conserve the mast of the HMAS Sydney 1 on Bradley's Head, which received State Heritage listing in 2010.


The mast is part of a memorial erected in 1934 and dedicated to the memory of members of the crew of the HMAS Sydney 1 who were killed in November 1914 in a battle against the Germans.


It was rededicated in 1964 and now serves as an official memorial to those who served in the Royal Australian Navy and the nineteen naval ships lost in service.


NPWS acting regional manager Peter Hay says the work includes erecting an 'encapsulation' scaffold around the mast.


The NPWS will also build new fences and upgrade the carpark and walking trail to the Sydney Harbour National Park where the monument is located.


"The mast is a reminder of ... the naval tradition to which all Australian and international naval personnel belong," Mr Hay said.




First Dreamliner in Sydney - JAL or Jetstar? - Sydney Morning Herald - Sydney Morning Herald


Japan Airlines will begin flying its Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Sydney in December in a move which has it vying with Jetstar to launch flights of the new planes to Australia's gateway.


As part of a rejig of its global network, Japan Airlines has announced that it will fly Dreamliners between Sydney and Tokyo's Narita Airport from December 2. They will replace its Boeing 777-200 aircraft on the daily run to Sydney – Japan Airlines' only route to Australia.


Japan Airlines plans to begin returning its fleet of Dreamliners to service from the start of June after "confirming the safety and reliability of the aircraft".


The first routes for the 787s include Tokyo to Boston and San Diego in the US.


Last month US regulators cleared the way for Dreamliners to be returned to service after approving a fix for the problem batteries on the state-of-the-art planes.


Before the grounding of the 787s in January, Jetstar had been due to take delivery of the first of its 14 Dreamliners in August.


The airline has since said there could be a couple of months' delay.


Jetstar will not release a definitive route schedule for its Dreamliners until shortly before it takes delivery of the first new planes.


They will gradually replace its A330s which fly from cities including Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast to Hawaii, Japan and Singapore.


Jetstar has said it expects to be the first low-cost carrier in the world to fly the Dreamliners.


But Qatar Airways is likely to be the first airline to operate Dreamliners to Australia with flights between its base in Doha and Perth. It has not given a specific date for the flights.


In January, the worldwide fleet of 787s was grounded after a battery fire in a Japan Airlines 787 in Boston. It was the first time the US Federal Aviation Administration had grounded an aircraft type since 1979 when it kept the Douglas DC-10 on the tarmac.


Since emerging from bankruptcy protection last year, Japan Airlines has embarked on an expansion of its international network. However, the 787 grounding has hampered those plans.


The airline has orders for 45 Dreamliners.


Ethiopian Airlines this week became the first carrier to resume flying the 787.



Incomes soar in Sydney's best-paid postcode - Sydney Morning Herald - Sydney Morning Herald


Wealthy suburb: Darling Point.

Wealthy suburb: Darling Point.



Incomes in Australia's best-paid postcode – Sydney's Darling Point area – rose by more than $21,000 in 2010-11, the latest Tax Office figures show.


Those living in the harbourside postcode of 2027, which takes in Darling Point, Edgecliff, Rushcutters Bay and Point Piper, took home an average of $203,270 each in 2010-11, up 12 per cent compared with the previous year.


The average taxable income in that postcode area was nearly four times higher than the national average of $51,342. The average male taxable income during 2011-12 was $63,000. The average female income was $42,150.


The Hunters Hill-Woolwich area (postcode 2110) was Sydney's second highest earning neighbourhood with an average taxable income of $172,530 in 2010-11, up 5 per cent in the year. Close behind was the Mosman (postcode 2088) with an average of $169,220, up 10 per cent.


Six of Australia's 10 highest earning postcode areas were in Sydney. Two were in Perth and two were in Melbourne.


Australia's second and third-highest earning postcodes are 3944 and 3142 taking in the town of Portsea on Victoria's Port Phillip Bay and Toorak and Melbourne. The average income for each was around $180,000. Perth's Cottesloe- Pepermint Grove area (postcode 6011) was had Australia's seventh highest average taxable income of $157,226.


WHERE SYDNEY'S HIGH EARNERS LIVE


Average taxable income by postcode 2010-11


1. Darling Point-Point Piper- Edgecliff (Postcode 2027): $203,270, up 12% from 2009-10


2. Hunters Hill-Woolwich (Postcode 2110): $172,530, up 5%


3. Mosman - Spit Junction (Postcode 2088): $169,220, up 10%


4. Vaucluse-Watsons Bay-Dover Heights- Rose Bay North (Postcode 2030): $166,400, up 7%


5. Bellevue Hill (Postcode 2023): $157,171, up 10%


6. Northbridge (Postcode 2063): $154,062, down 1%


7. Palm Beach, Mackerel Beach (Postcode 2108): $151,125, up 14%


8. Woollahra (Postcode 2025): $147,958, up 3%


9. Killara (Postcode 2071): $135,365, up 8%


10. Double Bay (Postcode 2028): $132,834, up 12%


Source: ATO


AUSTRALIA'S HIGHEST EARNING POSTCODES


Average taxable income by postcode 2010-11


1. Darling Point-Point Piper- Edgecliff, NSW (postcode 2027): $203,270, up 12% from 2009-10.


2. Portsea, Vic (postcode 3944): $180,001, up 19 %


3. Toorak- Hawksburn, Vic (postcode 3142): 179,037, up 8%


4. Hunters Hill-Woolwich, NSW (postcode 2110): $172,530, up 5%


5. Mosman - Spit Junction, NSW (postcode 2088): $169,220, up 10%


6. Vaucluse-Watsons Bay-Dover Heights- Rose Bay North, NSW (Postcode 2030): $166,400, up 7%


7. Cottesloe-Peppermint Grove, WA (postcode 6011): $162,134, up 3%


8. Bellevue Hill, NSW (postcode 2023) $157,171, up 10%


9. Nedlands-Crawley-Dalkeith, WA (postcode 6009): $154,285, up 9%


10. Northbridge, NSW (postcode 2063) $154,062, down 1%


Source: ATO



'Wanderers still not at Sydney's level' - Fox Sports







Syd FC v Wanderers


Still the one ... Tony Pignata still thinks Sydney FC are No.1. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited





Last season's A-League will be remembered for the fairytale debut of Western Sydney Wanderers, but Sydney FC boss Tony Pignata says it was Alessandro Del Piero's arrival that really put the league in the spotlight.



The Sky Blues played second fiddle for much of the season, but Pignata believes the Wanderers still have some catching up to do.


"I think they (Wanderers) had a very good season and that helped drive people through the gates to watch them play," Pignata said.


"But on our side we gained supporters as well. We went from 11,500 average attendance to nearly 19,000 and from a television point of view we were the No.1 club.


"They need to keep up with us, to be honest. Their average crowd was 12,000 and we were 19,000, so the onus is on them to catch up."


Pignata wasn't surprised by the huge amount of support the Wanderers garnered in their first season, but said Del Piero helped attract larger crowds to Sydney FC games and drew an international audience.


"I think who really raised the bar was Alessandro Del Piero and him coming to the A-League," Pignata said.


"What he did put the spotlight on the League and with him arriving it really thrust not only the local media, but outside as well and that really helped the growth of the A-League this season."


The Wanderers won the Premier's Plate and reached the grand final, while the Sky Blues, even with Del Piero, failed to finish in the top six.


Pignata admitted the club has under-performed over the past few years but he, along with the rest of the board, has promised to give coach Frank Farina whatever he needs to succeed next season.


Meanwhile, the club has taken its first step towards bolstering the squad by signing former Brisbane Roar player Matt Jurman.


The 23-year-old was released by Brisbane, triggering the Sky Blues to step in with an offer to bring Jurman back to Sydney, where his A-League career started.


Jurman came through the youth ranks at Sydney FC and spent three seasons at the club before signing with Brisbane Roar in 2011, where he won one A-League title.



Soldiers to train in Sydney CBD - The Australian




PEOPLE in Sydney's CBD shouldn't worry if they see soldiers with weapons and tactical equipment running around Martin Place overnight.



The Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will be taking part in a number of counter-terrorism training exercises around Sydney, including Martin Place and its underground train station on Wednesday and Thursday evening, the ADF says.


Soldiers will be carrying weapons and tactical equipment, as well as using simulation ammunition and hand-held pyrotechnics, a defence spokesman says.


Defence personnel, along with NSW Police, will also train at the Sydney Airport aviation rescue and firefighting facility between May 6 and 8.


Helicopters will be involved in exercises around the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Parramatta jail and Holsworthy Training Centre.


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Kelly Obsourne's paranoid outburst against Sydney journalist - Adelaide Now



Kelly Osbourne


Kelly Osbourne at Austereo's Sydney HQ. Source: The Daily Telegraph




IT'S far from exceptional to be screamed at by a celebrity when you write for a column like Confidential.



It's pretty vexing, however, when you're screamed at for spurious reasons.


Take my interview with Kelly Osbourne this week.


While the sit-down was meant to take place at her hotel room at The Star, some unforeseen reasons forced me to change the chat from face-to-face to phone.


Osbourne was in Sydney to relaunch Cleo last night after joining the magazine as a celebrity columnist.


There was one condition placed on the interview: No questions were to be asked about her family, specifically father Ozzy who was recently forced to admit a relapse to alcohol and prescription drug dependency after years of sobriety.


The conversation didn't start well: She called me "presumptuous" for calling her rumoured fiance her fiance.


"No worries, moving on. Your first column in the magazine is called 'Life Is Just Shit Sometimes'. Have things gotten any better since you wrote it?" I ask.


That was when it got prickly.


"You are trying to f ... ing turn this around and get shit on my family, aren't you?" she thundered. Kelly Osbourne is a celebutante and in her case that means she's a person made famous by her family connections.


She came to our attention on a reality series called The Osbournes, which painted that family as a highly dysfunctional unit - and then used daddy Ozzy as the springboard for a tenderfoot musical career by covering Madonna's Papa Don't Preach.


Why now, perhaps because she writes a column in a magazine and critiques the way people look on Fashion Police, is everything suddenly off limits?


I didn't choose to publish this because the Celebrities Being Difficult story is an easy one to write, but after hearing she lashed out at The Star, which helped fund her and her "boyfriend's" trip to Australia, because a security guard dared to treat her like a normal casino reveller, it's almost comforting to know her brattish behaviour extends beyond the average journalist.


Bit much A-list attitude from a confirmed B-lister


THE Star yesterday said an incident involving guest Kelly Osbourne had been "resolved" after the British B-lister lashed out at the casino's security this week.


Osbourne, who is staying at The Darling hotel and last night attended a mag event at the complex's Cherry Bar, took to Twitter to lambast a staffer as a "first class twat" after they queried her UK driver's licence.


Osbourne claimed she was treated "like a criminal".


She quickly backtracked yesterday, posting another tweet thanking The Star for their hospitality.


A Star spokeswoman said: "Our security team member asked her for additional ID as she was only carrying an international driver's licence, which is standard procedure.


"The matter has now been resolved with Ms Osbourne and we are looking forward to (further) hosting her."


Meanwhile, backstage sources at Sunrise say that Osbourne had a "tantrum" after being quizzed on her father Ozzy, who confirmed he had fallen off the wagon.



Man shot near Sydney sex club - ABC Online


Updated May 01, 2013 11:57:20


Police say a man shot outside a gay sex club in western Sydney early this morning was ambushed by two men.


Shortly before 1.00am police responded to reports of a shooting on Bridge Street in Rydalmere, where they found a 52-year-old man who had suffered gunshot wounds to his back, legs and groin.


He was taken to hospital where he is said to be in a stable condition.


Police are still trying to determine what happened and are keen to speak with two men of Middle Eastern appearance who they believe can help with their inquiries.


Aarows Club is a 24-hour venue for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and swingers.


Inspector Glen Parks says the man was leaving the club when he was attacked.


He says the shooting is not being treated as a hate crime or a domestic dispute.


"It's only early stages in the investigation but we don't believe that was the case," he said.


"It would appear that these two men were lying in wait in that vicinity and their actions would not suggest that."


People inside the 24-hour venue heard the shots and rushed to help the man.


Anyone with information about the attack can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.


Topics: crime, rydalmere-2116


First posted May 01, 2013 07:47:46



Kelly Obsourne's paranoid outburst against Sydney journalist - NEWS.com.au



Kelly Osbourne


Kelly Osbourne at Austereo's Sydney HQ. Source: The Daily Telegraph




IT'S far from exceptional to be screamed at by a celebrity when you write for a column like Confidential.



It's pretty vexing, however, when you're screamed at for spurious reasons.


Take my interview with Kelly Osbourne this week.


While the sit-down was meant to take place at her hotel room at The Star, some unforeseen reasons forced me to change the chat from face-to-face to phone.


Osbourne was in Sydney to relaunch Cleo last night after joining the magazine as a celebrity columnist.


There was one condition placed on the interview: No questions were to be asked about her family, specifically father Ozzy who was recently forced to admit a relapse to alcohol and prescription drug dependency after years of sobriety.


The conversation didn't start well: She called me "presumptuous" for calling her rumoured fiance her fiance.


"No worries, moving on. Your first column in the magazine is called 'Life Is Just Shit Sometimes'. Have things gotten any better since you wrote it?" I ask.


That was when it got prickly.


"You are trying to f ... ing turn this around and get shit on my family, aren't you?" she thundered. Kelly Osbourne is a celebutante and in her case that means she's a person made famous by her family connections.


She came to our attention on a reality series called The Osbournes, which painted that family as a highly dysfunctional unit - and then used daddy Ozzy as the springboard for a tenderfoot musical career by covering Madonna's Papa Don't Preach.


Why now, perhaps because she writes a column in a magazine and critiques the way people look on Fashion Police, is everything suddenly off limits?


I didn't choose to publish this because the Celebrities Being Difficult story is an easy one to write, but after hearing she lashed out at The Star, which helped fund her and her "boyfriend's" trip to Australia, because a security guard dared to treat her like a normal casino reveller, it's almost comforting to know her brattish behaviour extends beyond the average journalist.


Bit much A-list attitude from a confirmed B-lister


THE Star yesterday said an incident involving guest Kelly Osbourne had been "resolved" after the British B-lister lashed out at the casino's security this week.


Osbourne, who is staying at The Darling hotel and last night attended a mag event at the complex's Cherry Bar, took to Twitter to lambast a staffer as a "first class twat" after they queried her UK driver's licence.


Osbourne claimed she was treated "like a criminal".


She quickly backtracked yesterday, posting another tweet thanking The Star for their hospitality.


A Star spokeswoman said: "Our security team member asked her for additional ID as she was only carrying an international driver's licence, which is standard procedure.


"The matter has now been resolved with Ms Osbourne and we are looking forward to (further) hosting her."


Meanwhile, backstage sources at Sunrise say that Osbourne had a "tantrum" after being quizzed on her father Ozzy, who confirmed he had fallen off the wagon.



Sydney Airport now ranks as nation's worst - Sydney Morning Herald - Sydney Morning Herald




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Crowds increase at Sydney Airport


Sydney Airport Holdings Limited (ASX:SYD) is the busiest and worst performing airport in Australia, according to the consumer watchdog.





Sydney Airport needs to either increase investment in its infrastructure or another airport should be built in the city.


That is the verdict of the competition and consumer watchdog, which delivered another damning verdict on the airport on Monday, finding it was the country's worst, but also most profitable, airport.


The report highlighted the airport's high parking costs, and poor facilities for both the airlines and passengers that use it.


-

High costs, poor facilities: Sydney Airport. Photo: Reuters



But the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's yearly monitoring report also focused on the declining number of flights that arrive on time at Sydney and at other airports across the country.


''Where you've got a story of declining service, potential lack of investment, and on-time arrivals falling … it all comes together to tell a story that is potentially quite telling,'' ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.


Mr Sims would not say that the ACCC's latest report card demonstrated the need for another airport in Sydney. But he said something had to change. ''If you can't do any more with the site, then maybe you need a second airport,'' he said. ''If you can do something more with the site, then maybe that needs to be done.''


Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese insists Sydney needs a second airport, partly because the existing airport is running out of room. At 907 hectares, Sydney Airport is small compared with other international airports.


The ACCC report noted that in the past two years and among all airports in Australia, Sydney has invested comfortably the least amount as a proportion of its total value into its own infrastructure.


At the same time, Sydney Airport, listed on the stockmarket with a value of $6.4 billion, makes $14.96 for each passenger, almost $4 more than any other airport.


It makes more than $7600 a year for every car space it has, the highest in the country, and more than $5200 of that is profit. Among passengers, Sydney Airport had the lowest ranking for customer satisfaction in the country. However, the level of satisfaction had improved.


Chief executive officer of Sydney Airport Kerrie Mather said the airport had listened to its customers.


''Even though we've made significant investment, the [ACCC] report acknowledges that our price increases have been the lowest of all the airports and passengers appreciate the results with the highest quality of service rankings in a decade,'' Ms Mather said in a press release.


Mr Albanese is likely to release next week a study of whether a second airport should be built at Wilton, in Sydney's south-west. If, as expected, that report shows a Wilton airport is not viable, an airport in western Sydney could return to the agenda.



Alan Jackson postpones Sydney show to attend George Jones' funeral - CTV News


SYDNEY, N.S. -- Country music star Alan Jackson is postponing a show in Nova Scotia to attend the funeral of country music legend George Jones.


Jackson was originally scheduled to perform to a sold-out crowd Thursday night at Centre 200 in Sydney.


He has postponed his appearance until May 7.


Memorial and funeral services for Jones, who died April 26, are set to take place Wednesday and Thursday in Nashville.


Jackson and Jones' friendship spanned over 25 years.


In 1992, Jackson recorded "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair" along with Jones and several other artists, and the two also recorded a duet of "A Good Day for the Roses" for a Jones album in the early 1990s.



Man shot outside gay club in Sydney - Ninemsn - Ninemsn


A shooting outside a gay and bisexual social club in Sydney's west has left a man with multiple gunshot wounds.




Police were called to a car park by the Aarows club in Rydalmere just before 1am (AEST) on Wednesday following reports of a shooting.


They found a 52-year-old man with gunshot wounds to his back, legs and groin.


He was taken to hospital in a stable condition.


Police said they were seeking two men of Middle Eastern appearance over the incident which is the latest in a spate of shootings in Sydney's west.


Do you have any story leads, photos or videos?

Sydney Goes for Glitz at Waterfront Project - Wall Street Journal



After a global design competition in 2006, Sydney authorities chose a community-friendly complex of public parks, promenades and low-profile buildings for a 54-acre tract of former docklands not far from the city's famed Opera House.


Seven years later, work has begun on the 6 billion-Australian-dollar (US$6.21 billion) Barangaroo project in Darling Harbour. But it is going to wind up looking much different than the original vision.



To the chagrin of original backers, the first three structures under way are office towers soaring as high as 49 stories, creating about a third more office space than originally planned and walling off the precinct from the city. Instead of the public-use focus, the plan now includes more glitzy apartments and may even add a combined hotel and high-roller casino—proposed at the 11th hour by billionaire businessman James Packer.



The emerging project came out of a bitter debate over two different views of Australia's largest city. The winning vision is a cross between London's successful Canary Wharf office district and Marina Bay in Singapore, where major companies have established offices next to a Sands casino-resort.



The approval of the new plan over the original partly reflects increasing pressure on business and government leaders in Australia to find new sources of growth. The country's economy successfully sidestepped the economic downturn thanks to surging demand from Asia for natural resources like iron ore and coal. But growth is now beginning to slow, similar to major trading partners such as China, prompting leaders to look for other ways to stoke the economy.



Critics complain that the transformation of the Barangaroo project illustrates the sway that business interests have in Australia. "If you want to know what's happening in New South Wales, just follow the money trail," says John McInerney, a longtime critic of the Barangaroo project and former Sydney city council member.



But proponents of the current Barangaroo plan say the original one simply wasn't commercially viable. Sydney has only 27 million square feet of office space, compared with 31 million in Hong Kong, according to Cushman & Wakefield, and nearly half of the buildings in Sydney's central business district are more than 30 years old.



The casino would lift the city's after-hours appeal to wealthy Asian visitors, they add. "VIP gaming is essential to make this project commercially viable," says Todd Nisbet, a spokesman for Mr. Packer's Crown Ltd., which owns casinos in Melbourne and Perth, and has casino stakes in the U.S., U.K. and Macau.


The docklands were earmarked for development in 2003, as increasingly bigger container ships meant the port couldn't compete with more-modern facilities nearby. Named Barangaroo after a powerful indigenous Aboriginal woman from British colonial days, the site was designated a "state-significant development," allowing it to bypass city planning laws that call for low-rise development near the harbor.


Moderation was a major theme in the early planning process. Hill Thalis Architecture beat out more than 130 firms in a design competition hosted by the state government. The project's aim: to transform the ugly concrete expanse into lush gardens, playing fields and slender office towers designed to merge with the cityscape.


Following a public exhibition of the winning design, the concept plan was approved by authorities in 2007. The following year, however, as tax revenues fell sharply amid the deepening turmoil in world financial markets, the government proposed adding nearly 1.3 million square feet of commercial development.


Lend Lease Ltd., a Sydney-based developer, was selected in 2009 for the commercial development. Around the same time, the government announced it wouldn't proceed with the Hill Thalis design.


"The Barangaroo project is a disaster for Sydney—a disaster that will mar the city's western face for generations to come," says Philip Thalis, a principal of the architecture firm. "The public interest is completely subverted for private interests."


The main opposition groups, including Australians for Sustainable Development, say they don't plan any further legal action. "Given the history of the whole thing, we're a bit cynical about the opportunity to fundamentally change things now," says Mr. McInerney, the group's leader.


The office towers under development have been presold. Canadian pension fund CPP Investment Board invested A$1 billion in the project, its largest single real-estate transaction globally. Two of the three towers have been mostly leased, with Westpac Banking Group, the country's second-largest bank, accounting firm KPMG, and Lend Lease as major tenants.


Office demand is strong, property experts say. Only a handful of new developments have been completed in recent years, pushing down vacancy rates to 7.2% from an average 10% in the past decade. "The vacancy rate in the product we're selling is zero," Lend Lease's managing director for Barangaroo, Andrew Wilson, says.


Meantime, the fight over the casino is continuing. Lend Lease last year entered a two-year exclusive deal with Crown to develop a 350-room luxury hotel, but planners are still determining where to locate it in the project.


Mr. Packer, 45 years old, a Sydney-based media scion with a penchant for super-yachts, and others at Crown point to the success of Singapore's Marina Bay complex.


One of Crown's big opponents is Echo Entertainment Group, which has exclusive rights to run Sydney's only casino. Echo has applied to protect its rights, and an independent panel is considering the matter. An Echo spokesman says it is too early to discuss Echo's plans if it loses its bid.


Crown owns 10% of Echo and has sought regulatory approval to increase its stake to 25%, fanning speculation that a takeover could settle the license dispute.


That effort appears to some as "a bit of a hedge" to make sure Crown will be able to move forward with its casino, says Will Seddon of White Funds Management, which holds shares in both companies. Mr. Packer "has a fair bit of weight around town," he adds.



Sydney FC insist Western Sydney Wanderers need to catch up to them in terms ... - Courier Mail



Alessandro Del Piero


Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero has been a huge hit for Sydney FC. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: The Daily Telegraph




LAST season's A-League will be remembered for the fairytale debut of the Western Sydney Wanderers, but Sydney FC boss Tony Pignata says it was Alessandro Del Piero's arrival that really put the league in the spotlight.



The Sky Blues played second fiddle for much of the season, but Pignata believes the Wanderers still have some catching up to do.


"I think they (Wanderers) had a very good season and that helped drive people through the gates to watch them play," Pignata said.


"But on our side we gained supporters as well. We went from 11,500 average attendance to nearly 19,000 and from a television point of view we were the No.1 club.


"They need to keep up with us, to be honest. Their average crowd was 12,000 and we were 19,000, so the onus is on them to catch up."


Pignata wasn't surprised by the huge amount of support the Wanderers garnered in their first season, but said Del Piero helped attract larger crowds to Sydney FC games and drew an international audience.


"I think who really raised the bar was Alessandro Del Piero and him coming to the A-League," Pignata said.


"What he did put the spotlight on the League and with him arriving it really thrust not only the local media, but outside as well and that really helped the growth of the A-League this season."


The Wanderers won the Premier's Plate and reached the grand final, while the Sky Blues, even with Del Piero, failed to finish in the top six.


Pignata admitted the club has under-performed over the past few years but he, along with the rest of the board, has promised to give coach Frank Farina whatever he needs to succeed next season.


The club has taken its first step towards bolstering the squad by signing former Brisbane Roar player Matt Jurman.


The 23-year-old was released by Brisbane, triggering the Sky Blues to step in with an offer to bring Jurman back to Sydney, where his A-League career started.


Jurman came through the youth ranks at Sydney FC and spent three seasons at the club before signing with Brisbane Roar in 2011, where he won one A-League title.


FORMER Barcelona academy mentor Josep Gombau has been appointed Adelaide United coach for the next two seasons.


Gombau takes over from interim coach Michael Valkanis, who will remain part of the Reds coaching staff.


The Spanish-born Gombau will begin with the Reds in July, with his current assistant Pau Marti, once his commitments with Hong Kong first division champions Kitchee SC are finished.


"I want to come to Adelaide because Australia has one of the most successful leagues in Asia at this moment," Gombau said.


"I want to enjoy this experience in the A-League because I think football in Australia is growing and it would be a pleasure for me to come to this club."



Knee injury rules Sydney Swans utility Lewis Roberts-Thomson out for six to ... - NEWS.com.au





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LRT


Injury blow ... Lewis Roberts-Thomson is out for six to eight weeks with a knee injury. Source: AAP





Lewis Roberts-Thomson's knee injury is worse than first suspected, with the Sydney utility to miss the next 6-8 weeks.




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Roberts-Thomson injured his knee in the reigning premiers' AFL clash with Geelong on April 19 and the early prognosis was positive after an MRI scan.


But an arthroscope revealed more joint surface cartilage damage in his right knee, with Swans physiotherapist


Matt Cameron suggesting he could need two months to recover.



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"We need to tidy that up a little bit, which means he will be out for a little bit longer," Cameron told the club's website.


"It's an injury that can really be a little bit unpredictable and one we have to be a little bit more careful with, so it could even push out to eight weeks with him out of the game.


"It is a bit disappointing, but it's a bit unpredictable and if things go well we might be able to get an early return."



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Roberts-Thomson's absence has further stretched a Swans defence which lost Alex Johnson to a season-ending knee injury in March.


Veteran rebounding defender Rhyce Shaw is expected to return in Sunday's SCG clash with Brisbane, but Cameron noted it was no fait accompli.


"He's running well at the moment and he ran really fast yesterday and he's due to start training with the team on Wednesday," he said on Tuesday.


"It's now been a three-week injury so we won't be taking a chance if we feel he's not quite right or hasn't had quite enough preparation to put himself out there under the rigours of playing footy."


Meanwhile, Gary Rohan is slated to return to team training next week after spending more than a year on the sidelines due to a broken leg.


"Gary is running really well and has done lots of speed and agility work and he's ready to start training with the team," Cameron said.


"He's going to do some individual sessions this week with the footy and we'll have him in with the team next week."



Sydney's fine diners falling out of flavour - The Daily Telegraph



Peter Gilmore


Chef Peter Gilmore at his harbourside Quay Restaurant / Pic: Rohan Kelly Source: The Daily Telegraph




Ben Shewry


Chef Ben Shewry, owner of multi-award winning restaurant Attica in Melbourne / Pic: Aaron Francis Source: The Daily Telegraph




SYDNEY has lost its crown as the nation's dining capital to Melbourne, according to the world's most important restaurant award.



The London-based Restaurant magazine's S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best list yesterday anointed tiny Melbourne venue Attica as its preferred Australian restaurant, rating it number 21 on the international poll.


Sydney's highest-placed restaurant was the harbourfront fine diner Quay at No. 48. It was ranked 29th last year.


In a double blow to Sydney, two other local restaurants - Marque and perennial favourite Tetsuya's - were eliminated from the magazine's long list, which also rates restaurants from 51-100. It is the first time Tetsuya's has been off the list since the awards began in 2002.


But chef Tetsuya Wakuda's Singapore restaurant Waku Ghin was on the long list at No. 68.


Only one other Australian venue made the magazine's long list, Momofuku Seiobo, headed by American chef David Chang at The Star casino at No. 86.


Sydney chefs were gracious about the rise of Attica, whose chef, New Zealand-born Ben Shewry, is an industry favourite.


"We are absolutely thrilled to be on the list again this year," Quay chef Peter Gilmore said. "It's just such a huge privilege to be listed amongst such icons of the industry."


Shewry said he would "cherish the moment" without taking the award too seriously.


"Obviously it is pretty amazing for us - while we will cherish it, you can't get carried away with it," Shewry said.


The list was full of surprises, with Danish powerhouse Noma losing its No.1 position, relegated to No.2 spot behind San Sebastian's El Celler De Can Roca, last year's runner-up.


Other Australians honoured in the list were David Thompson for his Bangkok restaurant Nahm at No.32, and Brett Graham, whose London venue The Ledbury made it to No.13.



Sydney bus driver saves passenger's life - Ninemsn - Ninemsn



A security camera has captured the moment a quick-thinking Sydney bus driver jumped to the rescue to resuscitate a passenger who collapsed and stopped breathing.



A Sydney bus driver has been hailed a hero after saving the life of a passenger who collapsed and stopped breathing.




Video shows driver Amar Wahid keeping an eye on an out-of-breath woman after she struggled to get on board the bus at Burwood at 9.10am last month, Nine News reported.


Seconds later she collapsed, stopped breathing and turned blue.


Mr Wahid rushed to her side and performed CPR, which he had recently updated his knowledge of after becoming a father.


"I started doing CPR on the lady and got her alive again and then all of a sudden she collapses again," he told Nine News.


He continued to perform CPR for 12 minutes until paramedics arrived and took over.


The woman was taken to hospital and has since recovered.


Paramedics praised Mr Wahid for his calmness in a life-threatening situation and NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian said he was a "model bus driver".


"He is a typical hero, a modest hero, who did what he had to do when a woman collapsed and saved her life," Ms Berejiklian said.


But Mr Wahid said he didn't see himself as a hero.


"Other drivers, I'm sure if they know what they're doing they would have jumped and done the same thing to assist that person," he said.


"I mean, it's someone's mum and someone's wife."


Mr Wahid, who lives in Holsworthy in Sydney's south west, came to Australia as an Iraqi refugee in 1999 and is now an Australian citizen.


Source: Nine News


Author: Alexandra Pleffer, Approving editor: Fiona Willan


Do you have any story leads, photos or videos?

Sydney's Bondi Beach to receive green makeover - Channel News Asia


SYDNEY: Australia's Bondi Beach is set for a major makeover, with concrete car parks to be replaced with grass, trees and a boardwalk in an ambitious overhaul of the world-renowned site.


The draft proposal, which local authorities hope will cement Bondi's status as a world-class tourist destination, will see large areas of the foreshore currently devoted to parking turned into green space.


The Bondi Pavilion, a beachfront arts and cultural space dating back to the early 1900s when it housed Turkish baths and a ballroom, would also be restored as the "grand entrance" to the beach under the 10-year plan, released Tuesday.


"Bondi Beach is Sydney's third-most popular attraction, after the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, so we have reached for the sky with this bold plan," said Waverley Council mayor Sally Betts.


"We were conscious of preserving Bondi's heritage and character while finding ways to enhance and boost its cultural vitality".


Bondi attracts an average of 2.2 million visitors every year - 1.1 million of them from abroad - with almost half of all international tourists to Sydney making the trip to the renowned one-kilometre stretch of surf and sand.


It is most popular with British, Chinese and American visitors according to the New South Wales state tourism authority.


Betts said the overhaul, which will be open for community comment until the end of May, would see a large area of the beachfront become pedestrian-only, with a new boardwalk, waterfront cafes and beach volleyball courts.


New car spaces would be dug underground and parkland established over the top, increasing green space by 15 percent, with a tree-lined boulevard leading to the Pavilion which will serve as a gateway to the beach.


"There are so many different reasons people come to Bondi and love Bondi, and we have tried to balance those varying uses and needs," said Betts.


Bondi, which takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning the sound of breaking waves, lies seven kilometres (4.4 miles) from central Sydney.



Monday, April 29, 2013

Sydney Airport given poor ranking for service - ABC Online


Posted April 30, 2013 14:29:32


An Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report has found Sydney Airport has the lowest overall ranking for service out of the country's five major airports.


The ACCC's Airport Monitoring Report shows service quality fell across the airports in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in 2011 and 2012.


It found Sydney had the highest car parking revenue per car space and warns of extra congestion if more money is not invested in infrastructure.


But Sydney Airport says the report is ten months old and changes have been made.


The airport's general manager of Corporate Affairs Sally Fielke, says passenger satisfaction has actually increased to its highest level in 10 years.


"It doesn't acknowledge substantial investment we've made not only over the last decade but in the last 10 months in terms of increasing capacity," she said.


"Particularly at T2 where we've added five additional aircraft gates, upgraded toilet facilities, enhanced, increased and improved our carparking facilities and a range of other initiatives to improve the overall customer experience."


Trent Zimmermann from the Tourism and Transport Forum says governments need to provide more support such as reinstating border protection officers, and reducing the cost of the airport link.


"The Federal Government can get better value out of the existing airport by reducing the cap on flights," he said.


Topics: travel-and-tourism, sydney-airport-2020



'Teen Mom 2' Finale Recap: The Biggest Moments of Their Lives - Huffington Post (blog)


Writer's Note: Thank you, my sassy readers, for joining me on this journey through hell. I loved your comments and appreciated every kind word.


Jenelle

Jenelle is super pissed because Bahhbrahh and Mike "barged in" to her home yesterday for an intervention. "I've been having this sick feeling," Bahhbrahh tells Mike. "There they are, high as a kite, layin' there in bed." Mike notes that he saw a little bag and a syringe -- proof that Jenelle has moved from weed to heroin. "I just cannot even comprehend how in the world would she ever do this?" Bahhbrahh says, voice quivering. With clear eyes and a troubled heart, she looks at Mike, as if she's searching for the strength to make her next statement. She takes a deep breath and says she's going to the magistrate in the morning, and will attempt to get her daughter committed.


"She doesn't have to speak to me the rest of my life, but if I can do this and save her life, then I will." She looks down, devastated. This person she brought into the world is on the brink of leaving it ... and she's powerless to stop the cycle of destruction. That must be an awful realization, but I'm glad it's one she has finally come to. Their relationship may be ruined, but you know the nice thing about being detested by someone? It means they're still alive to hate you.


Over at Jenelle's, she and Kieffer obsess over their unwanted visitors. "They need to be punished for what they did," Kieffer says angrily. "I ain't never forced drugs on you, I ain't never put drugs in your face or tried to get you to do them," Kieffer says as some demented defense of his influence in her life. "It's hard to stay sober because I wanna get high." There's a lot I'm concerned about right now, but one thing weighs especially heavy on my mind: If Kieffer's too drugged up to whittle his special pipes, then how long must his customers wait for their special smoking accessory? Did you know that every minute, three people in America are wishing they were holding an "exotic marblewood" bubbler?


Eventually, Bahhbrahh makes good on her promise to see the magistrate. She looks blotchier and more disheveled than normal when she leaves, and immediately calls Mike on the world's largest purple phone. (I am pretty sure her first call was actually to "Saved by the Bell," wondering if Zach had a spare charger laying around.) She informs Mike that the magistrate will be going to Jenelle's house to check things out. What's done is done. Now, she must wait for the fallout.


When the cops eventually come to Jenelle's house, she's forced to to go the hospital for a psychological evaluation. It doesn't do much good, because they can't hold her, and she's released three hours later. Though she's frustrated that she had to get undressed, she did enjoy having her own TV in the hospital room. "I'm still going to stay loyal to my family and not press charges," Jenelle says stoically as Kieffer plans his legal attack. Jenelle knows that standing by Kieffer will mean she won't be able to see Jace, but she's made her choice ... and her choice just so happens to be the guy who supplies her with drugs.


Bahhrbrahh is slapped with trespassing, and Mike gets trespassing and assault. Bahhbrahh's horrified, and mentions that even the sheriff laughed when he handed her the order. Still, she could be held in contempt if she doesn't go to court, and there's nothing funny about that. "How could she do this to me, her mother?" she says, crying openly. "I am sick abouht all this. I have lost her. She's GONE. She's going to lose her life," she sobs. "That's how it is."


With that, Jace climbs into his grandma's lap and asks to go to mommy's house. "Mommy has an awful sickness," Bahhbrahh says truthfully. "We don't want you to catch it."


Back at Jenelle's house, she and Kieffer are so high they can barely walk or talk. We've never seen them in a state this awful or upsetting. Kieffer's eyes are half open, and he's staggering around like a drunk cro-mag looking for something to butcher. "I think everything will work out," Jenelle slurs as she falls into a stupor on the couch. "Everything's ... really ... going ... to ... be ... alright," Kieffer says slowly, as he loses the ability to hold his head up.


There's nothing glamorous about losing consciousness, nothing sexy about wasting away in a home you're about to be evicted from.


After four seasons of this show, it's obvious that the only reality check Jenelle's gotten has been the direct deposit kind. Recently, Jenelle was arrested for possession of heroin and assaulting her husband. I must admit, every time I see her name, I worry that it's going to be attached to an obituary. Here's hoping that she chooses life.


Leah

Before Ali's big doctor's appointment, Leah and Jeremy take some time for a date at Chocoholique, a local chocolate shop that makes light of a very serious addiction to cacao. In honor of the special dessert event, Leah dyes a chunk of her bangs dark brown. It's a small touch that most viewers probably overlooked, but I appreciated it.


Over their treats, Leah lays out the details of the next few days, and worries that Aleeah will resent her sister for the "special treatment" she is getting of late. She feels Aleeah is acting out as a result, and worries that things will get even worse after they're apart for a three days. (Aleeah will be sent to live with someone named Joetta while the rest of the family is at the hospital, which is frightening mostly because Joetta stopped being a real name in 1917, and I picture anyone with this name living in a tree stump.)


At the hospital, Ali is put through a battery of basic tests, the most painful of which feels like the snapping of a rubber band. When the results are finally in, Leah seems confused. The doctors say that Ali will eventually walk, but "the way that Ali wants to walk. It may not look like how we walk."


Eventually, Dr. Tsao says that all signs point to a muscle disorder -- probably mitochondiral disease -- but they can't know more until they do a muscle biopsy. "There's hope," he says as he leaves. They're finally close to the diagnosis they've wanted for three years ... but that could mean facing some incredibly frightening truths. "Don't get online and look it up," Leah warns her family. "She's got so many things right with her," Corey's dad says positively. "She's so smart. She couldn't get any purdier, and she's a sweet little thing." Leah listens, basking in the glow of the kind words -- but she knows something's not right with her baby, and now she's in too deep to pretend everything's OK.


The morning of Ali's muscle biopsy, her parents worry incessantly on her behalf. It's a blessing that Ali doesn't understand what's about to happen, and I bet Corey wishes this was like the rest of his life, which he doesn't fully understand. Though they don't want to cry and make Ali nervous, Corey's tears go rogue and stream down his face. He's not the smartest tool in the shed (honestly, I'm not even sure he could locate the shed), but if there was a Mensa for big hearts, he'd deserve a spot.


It's worth noting that while Jeremy isthere, he remains in the waiting room. It's a small, perhaps unconscious gesture of deference to Corey, and I applaud him for allowing Leah and Corey to act as the family they once were, before divorce complicated things.


Meanwhile, back in the pre-op space, the anesthesiologist does his best to make everything sound a bit less scary -- but it's tough to make sedation sound like spring break. Since only one parent can be in the ER when Ali goes under, Leah nominates herself. After all, it's become obvious that she can control her emotions better than poor, soggy Corey.


Though a Xanax would do Leah and Corey a world of good, it's Ali who gets a liquid happy pill to calm her ... and that backfires pretty much immediately. She goes from happy to hysterical in one fell swoop and screams pitifully until they somehow get her to swallow. (Side note: How would someone acquire that syringe of flowing happiness outside of the hospital? Asking for an anxious friend.)


As Leah pulls on the sterile jump suit (my ER nurse BFF calls it a "johnny") and booties, she turns it into a comedy routine for Ali. "Doesn't momma look funny?" she asks as she dances around like a character from the little known "Doogie Howser, M.D." and "Yo Gabba Gabba" spinoff called "Yo, I'm Doogie Howser." Her slapstick baby comedy works like a charm, and Ali is incredibly amused instead of frightened.


Finally, they head over to the ER and disappear behind the heavy doors. Outside, Corey paces. Inside, things seem to go smoothly (there's no cameras allowed, per usual). We hear Leah give Ali a kiss for luck, and then her job is done.


The second she walks out, she finally lets herself break down. "She looked over at me and she smiled real big," she says between sobs.


After surgery, Ali's groggy and scared, but doing fine. Though she's half asleep, she gets a burst of energy to say "I love you" and melt every heart in the room. She looks like a tiny celeb with mediocre fashion sense as she leaves the hospital in her white fuzzy jacket. That Ali girl is a real trooper.


We never find out what she's struggling with, but with the love of her family and the obvious determination in her little baby eyes, Ali will be taking on the world in no time ... at a run.


Kailyn

Though Kailyn still dreams of a big wedding, she decided to make an appointment at the court house so that she and Javi can make things legal before he heads out to training. "We're going to get married tomorrow afternoon," she tells Javi as soon as he gets home. "I know this is a huge step after just being engaged a few days ago," she notes. Though Javi's a little stunned (perhaps he's worried about how Kailyn will ever manage to cover the zit that sitting squarely in the middle of her head), he's excited. "Let's go pick out some sexy socks for me to wear," he says excitedly, because "pick out some socks" is probably some kinky gateway joke to teen pregnancy.


On the big day, Kailyn looks adorable in her casual white dress. Isaac, worried that nobody is exercising their God-given abilities to accessorize, decides to rock his "Toy Story" cowboy hat. After a 20-minute ceremony, everyone is crying (Kailyn's just so happy, Isaac's angry that juice has not materialized) -- and while Kailyn and her new hubby try to take a photo, Jo randomly calls her. She doesn't pick up, but it's a strange coincidence, almost like a foreshadowing of her future: Whatever she does, Jo will somehow be involved. Their decision to have a child means their lives are inextricably woven together, for better or for worse ... even if he's not the one who heard "I do."


Since Kailyn and Jo missed their last therapy appointment, they decide to hang out at the ironically-named Borderline Restaurant. Gonna go ahead and say you may not want to eat somewhere that's defined as "not fully classified as one thing or its opposite," but the teen moms aren't exactly known for their taste in food or men.


Speaking of borderline, Kailyn and Jo's relationship is similarly "characterized by psychological instability in several areas." Kailyn waits until Jo isn't mid-onion ring to drop her greasy bomb: She and Javi got married. Though he's probably stunned, he keeps a straight face. "I see -- it's all about the money," he says when she mentions the health benefits that come from their union. "I know it's the right thing for me," she says, looking away like someone who's not sure it's the right thing for her. "I just hope it's the right thing for you in five years, or 20," Jo says practically.


Back at home, Javi tells Kailyn that he'll be shipping off in a few days. Though he's going to boot camp for eight weeks and will be gone for about five months, he's got a huge grin on his face. "It's definitely sad that I'm going to be missing all the important stuff," he says with that same weird look. Maybe he smiles so he doesn't cry ... or maybe I've just seen too many Nicholas Sparks movies ... or wait, now he's crying, so I guess I was right.


As they say goodbye, Isaac gives Javi a good luck charm to keep next to his bed. His mom blesses him, and his brother wraps him in a hug. It's all too much for Javi, and eventually, he and Kailyn break into sobs. "It'll be over before we know it," she says with a shaky but determined voice. "Please take care of the dogs," he says as they embrace. It's meant to break the tension, but it doesn't work. There's no making light of the moment, no silly words that can lift the gloom that's enveloping them. As he disappears into his recruiter's office, his family nearly floods the parking lot with their tears.


Hard as it is to say goodbye, let's look on the bright side: He's leaving behind a group of people who love him ... and they'll be loving him when he returns.


Chelsea

After a very productive leave of absence, Chelsea is finally poised to return to beauty school. She's a bit nervous, so she calls friend Brittany over for moral support, and so she can feel instantly better about her own teeth-to-gums ratio.


Since she stayed up pretty late the night before, Chelsea decides not to return to school as planned. Because she's too frightened to call and tell her dad, she decides to take the high road and make her toddler say it. "Mommy ... schoool ... not," Aubree explains. She really has a way with words, that one.


To ensure that history doesn't repeat itself (or sleep in), Chelsea goes to bed early the next night and gets up on time. Though she's bright eyed and bushy tailed the next day, Aubree's not her best self -- perhaps she's tired of being a pawn in her mommy's game, or maybe she's just straight up tired, 'cause she locks herself in Chelsea's room and goes back to sleep. Chelsea's so concerned that she spends a full two minutes trying to free her child before focusing on curling her hair.


After finally dropping Aubree off at Truks-N-Tykes, the daycare where children learn how to dodge huge vehicles and fill tanks up with diesel, Chelsea finally gets to Black Hills. She gets back into the swing of things, which, at beauty school, means grabbing a mannequin head and subjecting it to an upsetting treatment that will result in bullying when it goes back on the rack.


Later, fab dad Randy comes over for a serving of pie and reality. "You probably grew up more in the past year than you did in the first 20," he says honestly. "Once I got rid of what's-his-name ..." Chelsea says, trailing off. "Remember he gave me a promise ring and then we broke up the next week?" They take a moment to thank the lord of L'oreal in hair heaven that Adam is out of their lives.


That's all folks. If you like "Real Housewives of New Jersey," please join me as I recap that in June.



Sydney man assaulted with meat cleaver - Ninemsn - Ninemsn


Police have arrested a woman found hiding in a bedroom after a man was assaulted with a meat cleaver in Sydney's west.




Police said a man drove to Mt Druitt Hospital with a head wound on Monday night after the alleged assault at Whalan.


Police attending the Whalan home were approached by a 17-year-old boy who said he had been threatened with a knife.


Officers searched the house and arrested a 35-year-old woman found hiding in a bedroom.


The woman was taken to Mt Druitt Hospital where she remains under police guard.


Police said they hoped to speak to her about the assault and the threat to the boy.


Do you have any story leads, photos or videos?

Sydney is top for population density: ABS - The Australian




THE suburbs around Sydney's CBD contain more people per square kilometre than any other place in Australia, national statistics show.



Ultimo, Potts Point-Woolloomooloo, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills represent the nation's most densely populated areas, according to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).


"Each of these areas has a population density of over 13,000 residents per square kilometre," Director of Demography, Bjorn Jarvis said in a statement.


Inner-city Melbourne has the next highest density, with 10,100 people per square kilometre.


However it had Australia's biggest increase in density in 2011-12, adding an extra 860 people per square kilometre over that period.


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Comanchero bikies arrested over bomb plot after Sydney raids - Sydney Morning Herald



Police have arrested the commander of the Comanchero bikie club Milperra chapter for his role in a bomb plot.


More than 130 police on Tuesday morning raided 10 properties across Sydney, including the Comanchero's Milperra club house, where they arrested eight members on a range of drug and gun supply charges.


Deputy Commissioner Cath Burns said Jack Dippizio, the head of the Milperra chapter, was one of those arrested.


"We will allege (he) participated in and used an explosive that was going to be used in a bombing," she said.


Ms Burn said the foiled bomb plot at Milperra Hotel last July had the potential to cause serious loss of life and injury.


Another Comanchero member, Samy Duong, is currently before the court for the bomb plot that failed to detonate.


A large quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine and cash was also seized in the early morning raids along with a number of high powered fire arms, she said.


Acting Gangs Squad Commander Gavin Wood said the investigations are continuing.


"We're not dealing with boy scouts. we're dealing with serious organised crime figures," he said.


The eight men are expected to be charged and face court later on Tuesday.




Alleged killer of Sydney brothers dressed as an old woman before attack - Sydney Morning Herald


Stabbed to death: Mario Frisoli.

Stabbed to death: Mario Frisoli. Photo: Supplied



A man accused of stabbing two brothers more than 20 times in their Sydney home allegedly disguised himself as an old woman before carrying out the killings.


Giuseppe Di Cianni has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mario Frisoli, 52, and Albert Frisoli, 56, who were found dead in their Rozelle home, in Sydney's inner west in May 2009.


Josephine Pintabona has also pleaded not guilty to the Frisoli murders and to the alternate charge of being an accessory after the fact.


Albert Frisoli: killed in his home.

Albert Frisoli: killed in his home. Photo: Supplied



In his opening address at the NSW Supreme Court on Monday, crown prosecutor Mark Hobart SC said Di Cianni and Albert Frisoli had a history marked by "animosity and violence".


The pair were co-directors of a construction company but the relationship soured after Di Cianni was diagnosed with cancer in 2000.


Believing Albert was defrauding him, Di Cianni began threatening him and launched civil proceedings against him, Mr Hobart alleged.


In response Albert had made a number of Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) against Di Cianni.


Mr Hobert said on the night of the stabbings a neighbour saw a "little old lady" walking up to the door of the Frisoli brothers' home.


"The little old lady was the accused, Di Cianni, dressed in woman's clothing," Mr Hobart said.


Once inside, Di Cianni allegedly stabbed Mario, who was alone, 21 times.


"Although Mario wasn't the main object of Di Cianni, he killed Mario anyway ... in the most brutal manner," Mr Hobert said.


When Albert returned home two hours later he was stabbed 27 times.


Pintabona allegedly drove Di Cianni to and from the scene.


A scarf found at the scene, and used as part of Di Cianni's "disguise", had DNA evidence "consistent" with Pintabona, Mr Hobart said.


But Di Cianni's barrister Peter Bodor QC said his client, who was extradited from Italy to face the charges, had consistently denied his involvement.


He said police had come up with a "theory" and then moulded the investigation to support it.


Meanwhile, David Dalton SC said there was no evidence that either Pintabona or her car was seen at the scene.


The trial continues.


AAP



Kelly Osbourne rips into Sydney security guard - Ninemsn - Ninemsn


Kelly Osbourne rips into Sydney security guard on Twitter

Kelly Osbourne rips into Sydney security guard on Twitter



Kelly Osbourne has taken to twitter to blast a security guard at a Sydney casino, accusing him of being rude and calling her a liar.




The reality TV star-turned fashion commentator, who is in Australia for the re-launch of Cleo magazine, and is believed to be staying at The Star's Darling Hotel, the Daily Telegraph reports.


"In disbelief at how rude the security guard 'Sam' at the Star casino AU was to me & my friends for NO reason he is a first class twat!" she tweeted to her more than three million followers.


"All I did was show him my ID to get into the casino he called me a liar & treated me like i was a criminal!" read another.


Osbourne, the daughter of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne and reality TV judge Sharon, will be a columnist in the new look Cleo.


She is also a host on E! channel’s Fashion Police.


The Star has yet to respond to a request for comment.


Source: The Daily Telegraph

Author: Dave Meddows. Approving editor: Emma Chamberlain.


Do you have any story leads, photos or videos?

Comanchero bikies arrested after Sydney raids - Sydney Morning Herald - Sydney Morning Herald



Senior members of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang have been arrested in a series of early-morning raids across Sydney, police say.


Officers raided 10 properties across the city, including a Comanchero club house in Milperra.


"A number of arrests have been made, including high-ranking members of the Comanchero," police said in a statement.


The raids were carried out by officers attached to the Gang Squad's Strike Force Namara, which has been investigating alleged criminal activity of some Comanchero members, including commercial drug supply, firearms offences and the attempted bombing of a Milperra hotel.


In July last year, a cleaner for the Mill Hotel at Milperra stumbled across a sophisticated home-made bomb allegedly placed by a Comanchero bikie.


The hotel, previously the Viking Tavern, is where seven people died in a shootout between rival bikie gangs the Comanchero and the Bandidos on Father's Day 1984.


The bomb's timer stopped 17 minutes before exploding.


The search warrants across Sydney are ongoing.




Sydney airport busiest, worst performing: ACCC - SBS

ACCC chairman Rod Sims said Sydney Airport, which received 36 million passengers through its doors and was both the busiest and lowest-rated airport in 2011-12, was 'perhaps of greatest concern'. (AAP)

ACCC chairman Rod Sims said Sydney Airport, which received 36 million passengers through its doors and was both the busiest and lowest-rated airport in 2011-12, was 'perhaps of greatest concern'. (AAP)





Profits are up but service at Australian airports has fallen across the board and Sydney Airport is the busiest and worst performing, the consumer watchdog says.


The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) looked at quality, prices, costs and profits related to aeronautical and car parking services at Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney airports.


Its latest Airport Monitoring Report found a decrease in on-time flights over the last 10 years, and warned that congestion will increase without extra investment.


For the first time since 2008, no airport was rated "good" or better, despite passenger numbers and revenues rising at every airport except Adelaide.


"It is apparent that continued growth in passenger numbers at most airports is placing pressure on existing aeronautical infrastructure, contributing to lower service standards," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said on Tuesday.


"More investment is required to avoid excessive congestion, and ensure that the needs of Australia's travellers can be adequately accommodated."


Mr Sims said Sydney Airport, which received 36 million passengers through its doors and was both the busiest and lowest-rated airport in 2011-12, was "perhaps of greatest concern".


But in a statement Sydney Airport said the report found passenger satisfaction was at a 10-year-high and added it had invested more than $2 billion in airport-related infrastructure in the past decade.


"In fact, Sydney Airport was the only airport to have increased its passenger rating this year, a result of the investments we've made to add capacity, streamline check-in, screening and arrivals processes and add value for passengers, including free WiFi and improved terminal facilities," Sydney Airport CEO Kerrie Mather said in a statement.


WHAT THE ACCC FOUND: AUSTRALIAN AIRPORT UPS AND DOWNS 2011-12:


* Winner: Brisbane was rated highest for overall quality of service

* Losers: Sydney was lowest rated overall for quality of service, followed by Perth

Aeronautical investment at Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney: $547.4 million (up from $339.5 million in 2010/11)

* Busiest: Sydney (36.3 million passengers)

* Slowest: Adelaide (7.1 million passengers)

* Priciest hour-long parking spot: Sydney ($16)

* Cheapest hour-long parking spot: Adelaide ($4)


SOURCE: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Airport Monitoring Report 2011/12



Alleged killler of Sydney brothers dressed as an old woman before attack - Sydney Morning Herald


Stabbed to death: Mario Frisoli.

Stabbed to death: Mario Frisoli. Photo: Supplied



A man accused of stabbing two brothers more than 20 times in their Sydney home allegedly disguised himself as an old woman before carrying out the killings.


Giuseppe Di Cianni has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mario Frisoli, 52, and Albert Frisoli, 56, who were found dead in their Rozelle home, in Sydney's inner west in May 2009.


Josephine Pintabona has also pleaded not guilty to the Frisoli murders and to the alternate charge of being an accessory after the fact.


Albert Frisoli: killed in his home.

Albert Frisoli: killed in his home. Photo: Supplied



In his opening address at the NSW Supreme Court on Monday, crown prosecutor Mark Hobart SC said Di Cianni and Albert Frisoli had a history marked by "animosity and violence".


The pair were co-directors of a construction company but the relationship soured after Di Cianni was diagnosed with cancer in 2000.


Believing Albert was defrauding him, Di Cianni began threatening him and launched civil proceedings against him, Mr Hobart alleged.


In response Albert had made a number of Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) against Di Cianni.


Mr Hobert said on the night of the stabbings a neighbour saw a "little old lady" walking up to the door of the Frisoli brothers' home.


"The little old lady was the accused, Di Cianni, dressed in woman's clothing," Mr Hobart said.


Once inside, Di Cianni allegedly stabbed Mario, who was alone, 21 times.


"Although Mario wasn't the main object of Di Cianni, he killed Mario anyway ... in the most brutal manner," Mr Hobert said.


When Albert returned home two hours later he was stabbed 27 times.


Pintabona allegedly drove Di Cianni to and from the scene.


A scarf found at the scene, and used as part of Di Cianni's "disguise", had DNA evidence "consistent" with Pintabona, Mr Hobart said.


But Di Cianni's barrister Peter Bodor QC said his client, who was extradited from Italy to face the charges, had consistently denied his involvement.


He said police had come up with a "theory" and then moulded the investigation to support it.


Meanwhile, David Dalton SC said there was no evidence that either Pintabona or her car was seen at the scene.


The trial continues.


AAP



South Sydney Rabbitohs' Adam Reynolds gets State of Origin trial against ... - NEWS.com.au





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reynolds


SouthSydney ... star Adam Reynolds prepares for an Origin-like audition against Brisbane. Source: News Limited





He trails only Cooper Cronk as the NRL's form halfback and a star performance from Adam Reynolds against a Maroons-laden Broncos this Friday night could order him a debut Origin cap.



The South Sydney Rabbitohs star continues to increase his hype and despite being just 22 years old is yapping at the heels of incumbent Blues half Mitchell Pearce.



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In the areas that a halfback should justify his pay-cheque on, Reynolds shines.



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Fox Sports Stats reveal Reynolds is one of the best kickers in the competition this season and ranks second in try-assists with eight, equal with Storm's Cronk and ahead of Pearce.


Reynolds has forced 12 drop-goal restarts in seven games, nine in the last four rounds, nearly double the next best Johnathan Thurston.


For comparison, the Broncos halves pairing of Peter Wallace and Scott Prince have nine forced re-starts between them.


Reynolds averages 339 metres per game with his prodigious boot and is a strong tackler, making 21 per hits per game and missing just 2.3.


Reynolds' 105kg halves partner John Sutton is not nearly as creative but has been brutal with his running game, averaging 101 metres per match, twice as many as Prince and Wallace combined.


While the Rabbitohs' halves are statistically dominant over their Broncos rivals, Wallace and Prince do not have the same opportunities as the club relies more on their outside backs to set up tries and hooker Andrew McCullough contributes heavily to their kicking game.


Reynolds' representative debut came last week for City against Country, where his right foot featured prominently again.


Reynolds reeled off 40-20s either side of half-time and scored a neat individual try from a grubber.


The Broncos team he will line up against in front of 40,000 at Suncorp Stadium will likely feature five players in Queensland's first State of Origin team this year (Sam Thaiday, Justin Hodges, Corey Parker, Ben Hannant and Matt Gillett).


If he impresses against that line-up it will be difficult for rookie Blues coach Laurie Daley to ignore him.


Daley has publicly backed Pearce for the No.7 role but has given no indications on his bench utility and Reynolds could play hooker as he is a strong defender with a crisp pass.


Daley was sold on Reynolds following his performance for City.


"I probably wasn't sure (about Reynolds) before the game,'' Daley said.


"It's good to know that in such a short period of time he's stepped up.


"Adam just needs to continue to develop and he's doing a good job at that. He hasn't been disheartened by the fact Mitchell will be the halfback."



Sydney man assaulted with meat cleaver - Yahoo!7 News


Police have arrested a woman found hiding in a bedroom after a man was assaulted with a meat cleaver in Sydney's west.


Police said a man drove to Mt Druitt Hospital with a head wound on Monday night after the alleged assault at Whalan.


Police attending the Whalan home were approached by a 17-year-old boy who said he had been threatened with a knife.


Officers searched the house and arrested a 35-year-old woman found hiding in a bedroom.


The woman was taken to Mt Druitt Hospital where she remains under police guard.


Police said they hoped to speak to her about the assault and the threat to the boy.

Man assaulted in his Sydney home - The Australian




A 63-YEAR-OLD man has been assaulted during a home invasion in Sydney's west.



The man and his wife were asleep in their Johns Road home in Cabramatta about 11.30pm (AEST) on Monday, when they were woken by a noise and three men, all wearing balaclavas, entered the room and started making threats, police said.


"One of the men punched the 63-year-old man in the face before all three ran from the home empty handed," a police statement said.


The man was taken to Liverpool Hospital for treatment to his eye and for shock.


A crime scene has been established at the home and police have appealed for anyone with information to contact Cabramatta Local Area Command, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.


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