The man who met Bob Marley’s son … and his colourful love story
August 10, 2008
By Gayathri Samarakoon, reporting from Qatar
“I am a man whose dreams have come true twice,” declares Akram, leaning back on a high-backed chair at the Golf Club.
It’s another sizzling hot Saturday in Qatar; a chilled beer sits on the table giving away golden hues as Akram roles out a cigarette to share his amazing story of warfare in Sudan, fleeing the army, new pastures in Qatar, a concert in Ethiopia, meeting with the Marleys and … loving an English lass!
“Let me tell it to you as it happened and then you will believe it,” Akram begins with customary Shakespearean gusto.
Akram and Emma’s story is a romance that has to be told at least once. Their story begins in two different parts of the world.
Rajaman’s Guide to Australia is just the thing for migrants
July 13, 2008
Introducing Rajaman’s Guide to Australia
By the Migrant Education Centre, Victoria
Available from www.vijithayapa.com
Cost $US4.50
Rajaman’s Guide to Australia is a practical information book released by Migrant Education Centre, Victoria.
What it is, is an ‘Idiot’s Guide to Australia’ written by GK Samarakoon an Australian writer, teacher and traveller.
The book is written by the perspective of a migrant, hence it explains things in simple language with a bit of humour.
Destination Dubai: A guide for Australians
June 14, 2008
Many Australians are venturing to Dubai to travel and work, reports Gayathri Samarakoon . . .
Dubai is becoming a commonly discussed destination among Australians who thought of it once as far-flung place nestled in the Middle East.
Then came the trade agreements between Australia and Middle East, making way for flocks of sheep to sail from Australian shores to the Arabian Gulf for barbecue purposes while also giving Dubai a commercial-orientated value.
Today, though, Dubai takes on a more fun and frolicking slant, with some Australians making it a holiday destination and many others calling it home.
Mt Warning’s National Landscape classification welcomed
June 14, 2008
The designation of the Mt Warning-Wollumbin caldera as a National Landscape elevates this precious national asset to a new level of significance, according to Northern Rivers Tourism CEO, Russell Mills.
“It’s significant in two ways – it raises awareness of the region as a must-do experience for travellers and also as a resource to be managed, sustained and protected for the regional community,” Mr Mills said.
Commenting on Tourism Australia’s marketing brand for the region, ‘Australia’s Green Cauldron’, Mr Mills said: “It’s evocative. People here and overseas know the ‘Red Centre’ as a general term for Central Australia, but they also know and understand the names of Uluru and Kata-Tjuta as specific landscapes within that region.
“Coupled with explanation of the specific experiences on offer like the Rainforest Way touring route and reference to the ancient volcanic geology and Gondwanan Rainforests, Australia’s Green Cauldron can really help develop and promote sustainable tourism to our region.”
Byron Shire Tourism Management Plan being finalised
May 14, 2008
The much-anticipated Byron Shire Tourism Management Plan, set to guide the local tourism direction and activities for the next 10 years, is expected to be tabled with Byron Shire Council next month.
A draft of the plan, developed by the Australian Regional Tourism Research Centre (ARTRC) at Southern Cross University (SCU) on behalf of Byron Shire Council, has been sent to stakeholders for final consideration.
Project co-ordinator Dr Meredith Lawrence said the plan had been prepared on the back of extensive consultation with community groups, industry and government representatives during the past six months.
“We recognised from the outset that to be effective, this plan would need to consider the needs and wants of a very wide and diverse group of people and organisations,” Dr Lawrence said.
