Latest news with #Woodend
The Age
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
We are a diverse nation. Enough stale, pale males
Long-term benefits For a project like the SRL, the last thing we need is a business case. Major projects that will continue to be impacting in 100 years' time require a vision. Business cases largely apply to the now and next few years based on business as usual. Major transport developments like the SRL are based on a vision of Melbourne where our dependence on road transport is diminished. Where we can think differently about travel across suburbs. This will allow town planners with vision, create a better living environment. Political leaders should keep quiet if this is all they can say about major projects. Howard Tankey, Box Hill North A decade late The Metro Tunnel, due to open in 2026, is actually seven to 10 years late from its originally recommended timeframe. Sir Rod Eddington's report, Investing in Transport, (2008) had it planned in two sections; the western part (Footscray to Domain) was to open in 2016, and the eastern part (Domain to Caulfield) in 2019. This version was included in the Brumby government's 2008 Victorian Transport Plan, but that was shelved by the Baillieu government in 2011. In 2013, the Napthine government proposed the Melbourne Rail Link, which inexplicably bypassed Melbourne's CBD. Finally, the Metro Tunnel was re-introduced, albeit in a shortened, single-stage form (South Yarra to West Kensington) by the Andrews government in 2014, and construction started in 2017. This was a year after it would have opened, if the original plan had been followed. Political interference in the planning process is the main cause of the delay, which has also added considerably to the cost and reduced the original scope. William McDougall, Woodend A big launch lost The Metro Tunnel opening should be a celebration of a generational step-up in rail services. It should deliver long-overdue service enhancements across much of the rail network. Despite best intentions, projects will inevitably run late however this should not detract from the primary goal of delivering better public transport. The public quickly forgets the extra time and cost of such projects once they start to experience genuinely improved services. A partial opening will undermine the community's confidence in the project. It's understandable those responsible for delivering the project are motivated to see the first trains run as soon as possible. Yet a partial service at off-peak times only will confuse passengers and compromise service reliability. The original business plan foresaw the project opening in 2026. By this measure, the project remains on schedule. The optimism of those delivering the project has created an earlier expectation. The impression of delay shouldn't become the dominant narrative. More importantly, this can't be fixed by starting services with a compromised service plan. John Hearsch, president, Rail Futures Institute Inc, Heathcote Junction Many don't get it If you ask anyone over 60 what they think of the SRL, the majority will say, why would I want to travel from Cheltenham to Box Hill on a train? They don't get it. The major benefit, in our ever expanding city, is a rail loop to connect the outer suburbs, without always having to head to Flinders Street station. Promoting travel times this early means nothing. To cancel the project would be madness, it will never be any cheaper to build. Paul Custance, Highett Education business Graeme Turner's Broken: Universities, Politics & the Public Good offers a timely and sobering reflection on the systemic neglect of Australia's universities (' Netflix has romanticised academia. This is what it's really like ', 29/6). Yet one vital consequence of this neglect is barely mentioned: the proliferation of low-quality, market-driven degrees from bottom-tier or for-profit institutions – degrees that offer little academic substance or job readiness. As public funding dwindled and universities were told to operate 'like businesses,' many did exactly that – competing for market share by offering dubious degrees with vague titles, weak curricula, and little alignment with real-world skills or scholarly merit – often from institutions few Australians could name. These programs, typically heavy on marketing spin and light on rigour, reflect a system incentivised to enrol, not to educate. In this race for enrolments, academic standards have been quietly sacrificed. Meanwhile, genuine research and teaching – especially in the humanities and sciences – are underfunded and undervalued. Students are left paying for thin content; employers are left disillusioned by meaningless qualifications. If we're serious about Australia's 'knowledge infrastructure,' we need to reclaim the integrity of a university education – not just through funding, but through regulation and an unapologetic commitment to quality. A healthy tertiary sector isn't just a line item. It's a national imperative. Professor David Fox, Beaumaris Savings start at the top Graeme Turner's article strikes a loud chord. As an academic myself, I have personally experienced the frustrations outlined and have watched over the last couple of decades as course after course has been cancelled and academics' workloads have increased due to cost-savings. However, there is one aspect to the matter that Turner did not mention. This is the inflated pay packets of the CEOs – sorry, vice chancellors – of our top universities; according to the Australia Institute many are now earning over seven times as much as their teaching staff. While many of those august institutions are firing administrative staff and increasing teaching and administrative workloads on their academics, they somehow can find the money to pay the heads of the university million dollar-plus salaries. Dr Peter Christopher White, Hawthorn The hobbies are free Shona Hendley may not be able to afford to buy herself a bathing suit (' All year, I've tried to find a new hobby. One major problem is crushing my efforts ', 29/6), luckily she can do a lot of things for free. She could join her local Landcare group and help with pulling out weeds in native bushland, and in the evening she might join a group listening for frog song. She can volunteer at her local hospital and spend time holding pre-term babies and giving them some human warmth. She can volunteer at a primary school and help children learn how to read aloud. She can go to her local library and borrow a book for free and if feeling inspired, maybe even write a poem. She can then read it for free at her local pub poetry gig and perhaps lash out, and shout herself a glass of lemonade. Di Cousens, Upwey A change of pace Shona Hendley is looking for a hobby for benefits in mental health, finding purpose and reducing stress. It must fit the budget. One answer is a weekly Scottish country dance class for $6-$10 per class. You enjoy dancing to bright and lively Scottish dance music, make new friends and grow your mental and physical health. There are groups all around Victoria that will welcome new dancers. Ross Gawler, Malvern Certain players Richmond's Tom Lynch is facing a lengthy suspension after throwing a dangerous haymaker (' 'His frustration spills over': Two-touch Tom on report after dirty day at MCG ', 29/6). As a neutral observer of the game, I could not imagine a player being mauled, held and denied access to the contest more than the number of occasions this occurred to Lynch. He remonstrated at length with the umpires. Nothing changed. The game I love and will continue to love is being compromised by players who continually push players in the back, scrag others and play outside the rules at the behest of coaches. I'm hoping to see defenders in particular given the opportunity to play in front and not get shoved under the ball. And for players like Lynch to be protected from those who scrag and block players' access to the ball. Andrew Dowling, Torquay Trusted old lippy While working overseas at weekends I always read The Age from cover to cover. The article (' Hailey Bieber's latest makeup trend is 'fairy magic'. Here's how to nail it ', 29/06) caught my eye with a breathtaking photograph and how-to video tutorial. How I would love to emulate this look and wondered what it would cost to purchase the recommended products. To my surprise they came to $598. So instead of dreaming of having a fairy magic look when I next go out, I slink away with my trusted old lippy and sunscreen. I could never justify spending close to $600 on a look, especially when the fashion could turn to something different next month. Judith G. Hudson, Elwood Public benefit Your correspondent seems to be suggesting there is an inverse relationship between the money spent on education and the prevalence of youth crime (Letters, 30/6). If he is correct, perhaps the better question might be how do we increase the amount spent on the public system to decrease the number of youths offending? John Alley, Thurgoona, NSW AND ANOTHER THING Venice wedding Bezos, Zuckerberg and co could be tamed quite quickly if the global online community decided to boycott Amazon purchases, Instagram use etc. And while we're at it, stop watching AFL on Thursday/ Friday night. Could we do it? Andrew Barnes, Ringwood So many complaints in The Age letters page about the ugly display of wealth at the Bezos wedding. I don't think they could care less. Memo to the rest of us: Money can't buy class. Robyn Williams, Sale I can't believe The Age gave a double-page spread on a multimillion-dollar wedding when there are people in war-torn streets struggling for survival. The bridegroom and the Musks of this world don't deserve one line of print. Ian Anderson, Surrey Hills Trump and Israel Is it true Trump has instructed the Israeli judiciary not to sneeze without his permission, otherwise tariffs will be imposed? (' 'We are not going to stand for this': Trump ties Israeli legal action against Netanyahu to US aid ', 30/6). Barrie Bales, Woorinen North Loading Maureen Dowd recounts Trump's view that a reporter's question disrespected the US military's action. Yet a greater 'disrespect' of the US military came from Trump himself a few years ago when he privately denigrated soldiers who gave their lives, calling them 'losers'. Joyce Butcher, Williamstown Maureen Dowd, keeping us sane and entertained. Denise Deerson, Bulleen Furthermore Now, now, George Brandis (Opinion, 30/6) calling your former colleagues 'political onanists' is a little unchristian of you. Sandra Torpey, Hawthorn
Courier-Mail
24-06-2025
- Courier-Mail
Curtis Stone shares his top travel hacks and tips for cheap eats
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. When he travels, chef Curtis Stone loves to seek out where the locals eat and discover regional dishes. I travel… For work and leisure. I come back to Australia at least six times a year, and always love filming MasterChef, which I've been lucky enough to be part of since its inception. We recently went on a family trip to Mexico because I have a restaurant, Woodend, on the Riviera Maya. Next we're going to Italy for the European summer. Curtis Stone's restaurant Woodend at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel on the Rivera Maya in Mexico. I plan the trip myself and use a travel agent… For business trips generally I lean into the experts as my schedule is often all over the place and requires more intricate planning. If it's a holiday with the family, we love to do the planning ourselves. We like the challenge of finding off-the-beaten-track hidden gems whether they be restaurants, eateries, shops, or interesting local hangouts. We often have a loose plan and then piece it all together once we arrive after speaking with locals. I can't say it doesn't stress my wife out a little. Inside my carry-on is always… My Cargo Crew chef jacket – it's one of my essential tools of the trade. I pack my suitcase… Quickly. I travel so often I've got it down to a fine art, taking only carry-on so I can get through the airport with pace. My trick is to have everything laundered and pressed as I go. It's kind of genius for business travel. Celebrity chef Curtis Stone visiting a dim sum restaurant in Hong Kong. I save money when travelling by... Eating where the locals eat. I love to get off the beaten track, immerse myself in the culture, and really understand where and what everyone eats. I did this recently in Hong Kong. I can't help but get sucked in to check out the different cooking techniques, interesting ingredients and watch the local signature dishes being created. It's just so special. I'm not going to lie – I normally ask if I can get in and check out their kitchens too. My favourite type of travel companion is… My family. As I'm constantly travelling for work, I love it whenever they can come with me. We try to have one special family holiday a year so we can truly connect by spending time together. I like to get to the airport… With seconds to spare. I see it as a challenge to be going through security as they're announcing the final call. Needless to say, I'm not everyone's favourite travel companion. Curtis Stone appears on MasterChef Australia this week. As soon as I check in… I go straight to the gate as I rarely leave enough time for lounges. On the plane I dress… For comfort. I'm a jeans and jumper kind of guy. My tip for getting the best meal possible on a flight is… Eat early, then sleep. I am all about maximising my time on the ground at the other end so on a long-haul flight my priority is landing feeling as refreshed as possible. My favourite airport is… Melbourne because it means it won't be long until I can see my parents and brother. But as far as wow factor, Singapore's Changi Airport is pretty special. St Ali is Curtis Stone's go-to coffee spot in Melbourne. Picture: Visit Victoria The one restaurant I will always visit when I'm in Australia is… St Ali in South Melbourne for my coffee fix and a snack. I'm such a sticky beak, so I usually try to check out the newest restaurants and eating spots, which means I'm rarely at the same place twice. The one thing I will always take back to the US from Australia is… Vegemite. I can't live without it nor can my kids. The one song that is always on my travel playlist… My son's band, The Rookies. He's only 13 years old but is cooler than I'll ever be. He plays lead guitar and sings. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY The destination I think is best bang for buck is... Mexico. To be honest it has the best of both worlds. Mexico is a destination that you can do on a budget or be a little more fancy. Visiting some of the smaller beach towns in Mexico you can find hidden gems and it can be really budget-friendly. The travel app I swear by is... I've always used Waze. It will sometimes take you on the tourist route, but will guarantee to avoid the traffic, mostly. Curtis Stone returns as guest chef on MasterChef Australia: Back to Win this week. The showscreens Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on 10 and 10 Play. Originally published as Curtis Stone shares his top travel hacks and tips for cheap eats
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Canterbury on the big screen at Cannes
A team of NZ actors and narrators including Davey Round, Robert Tait and the Wizard of New Zealand worked on the project. Photo: Cannes Film Festival Canterbury has hit the big screen at the Cannes Film Festival which runs until May 24. Our Man in Cannes - the David Blake Story was directed by Woodend's Sam Miller. It has dramatised scenes shot in Rangiora, Waikuku and New Brighton, along with other parts of Christchurch where locals stood in as extras. Sam Miller, who self-funded the feature film with ''sweat equity'', says the film is a must-see for ''cinephiles'' and those who love the history behind the scenes of the movies at Cannes. ''The history is just so deep and rich. It's staggering,'' he says. A team of New Zealand actors and narrators have accompanied Miller to Cannes, including Davey Round, Robert Tait and the Wizard of New Zealand. David Blake during filming at the Paradiso Restaurant, Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes. Photo: Cannes Film Festival The narrators chronicle Cannes history - Napoleon, Cote de Azur, painters Edward Lear, Cezanne, Jean Cocteau, Miro and Picasso at the La Colombe d'Or and the surprising Cannes history of British Chancellor, Lord Henry Peter Brougham and Vaux of Cumbria on the borders of Scotland. The documentary follows the life of erstwhile London producer, sales agent and Hollywood veteran David Blake who has been on the Croisette (the Esplanade) at Cannes every year since 1968. The behind-the-scenes documentary captures the history of the Cannes Film Festival and Blake's incredible access to the best parties and glamour in Cannes, Los Angeles, New York and London for over 50+ years. David Blake, born in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, in 1948 takes viewers into the history and mystique of Cannes - a unique journey to the heart of the entertainment world and its political/cultural roots. The film will premiere in New Zealand and overseas.
