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Monday, 7 March 2011

The Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow

Victoria's supershow is landing

What: Camping & Touring Supershow
When: Thursday, March 10th – Tuesday, March 15th
Where: Caulfield Racecourse
Why: Great range of caravans, campers, tents, camping gear and more.

Sponsored by CIL insurance, the biggest caravan and camping show in the southern hemisphere is landing just in time for the touring season. Check out a massive range of caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, tents, camping gear and every accessory under the sun, so you don’t have to leave luxury behind when you leave home.

Every year more and more Australians are making the great leap, discovering how affordable and awesome touring Australia can be. Whether you’re into weekends away or the big lap, they’ll be something at the show to get your pulse racing.

Over six days experts will be on hand conducting seminars on everything you need to know to hit the road smiling. As usual, the grandstand will be packed to the rafters with tourism displays offering invaluable free advice for your next adventure and there will be loads of free 2011 Tourism & Caravan Park guides.

Coxy and Franky J will be there to entertain the adults, with Roary the Racing Car on hand Saturday through Monday for the kids. Win fantastic prizes, with a Paramount Caravan worth over $30,000 up for grabs!

Open Thursday through Tuesday from 9:30AM, parking is free before 11AM. Admission is $17, kids under 15 are free. Pensioners and Senior’s Card holders $13. Wheelchair access and disabled parking available.

For more information visit http://www.caravanshow.com.au/

Thursday, 3 March 2011

Current progress with the Diploma of Editing (Publishing)

By Darren Stones

In August 2010 I enrolled in the National Editor course with Australian College QED. The course is part of the Nationally Recognised Training framework and on completion I will be awarded a Diploma of Editing (Publishing).

My purpose for undertaking this course is to increase my skill levels in the publishing industry because I'm on the verge of commencing a book. By commencing a book I mean to undertake strategic planning whereby making it profitable. I'm currently in search of a small business specialist to assist me in developing a comprehensive business plan for the publication.

I have the concept of the book firmly etched in my mind and believe there is a growing market for the style of publication I wish to write and publish. I'm looking to make it an interactive publication where readers become inspired to improve their life. I suspect the publication will see me travelling to various parts of Australia due to wanting to meet people.

To date I've completed six assignments in the course and I'm pleased with the grades I'm achieving. The course material is well presented and the feedback from my tutor Leila Kertesz is informative and encouraging.

My strategy is to complete (on average) one assignment per month as I find this to be a reasonable balance with other commitments I have. As a correspondence course, the benefit is that I can dedicate study time to suit my lifestyle.

Here's a list of the six modules I've completed, along with the grades achieved.

Modules:

Develop and Apply Knowledge of Editing in the Publishing Industry
Completed 08 Oct 2010
Result: Distinction

Edit Copy
Completed 03 Nov 2010
Result: High Distinction

Develop Knowledge of Typography, Illustration and Design for Editing I
Completed 20 Jan 2011
Result: Distinction

Edit Non-Print Media
Completed 20 Jan 2011
Result: High Distinction

Apply Knowledge of Law and Ethics for Editors and Publishers
Completed 20 Jan 2011
Result: High Distinction

Edit for Major Sectors of the Publishing Industry I
Completed 07 Feb 2011
Result: Distinction

I'm currently working my way through module seven which is Develop Knowledge of Structural Editing I and I'm well into the assignment.

Tuesday, 1 March 2011

Easter treats on the Sapphire Coast

The Sapphire Coast will be eggsactly perfect for family holiday fun this Easter

By Darren Stones

I remember the days—before Facebook and iPhones—when I’d peel back the foil paper of a neatly-wrapped chocolate Easter egg and begin to ponder its fate. Inevitably I’d begin playing with my food and go through the annual Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall ritual. Not surprisingly, Humpty would come crashing down and shatter into bite-size pieces and then I’d munch away to my heart’s content. A kid’s got to do what a kid’s got to do!

When it comes to entertaining your kids this Easter, the Sapphire Coast in New South Wales is the ideal place to take a holiday. With an abundance of kid-friendly things to do, it's time for mums and dads to make accommodation bookings in readiness for some terrific fun and games.

Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia IMG_0194_Merimbula
Merimbula Lake at low tide: Darren Stones

I’ve had Liz Swanton from Sapphire Coast Tourism on the case and she’s come up with some great Easter holiday ideas. “If your kids are captivated by critters, the Sapphire Coast offers fascination aplenty in the school holidays,” she said.

Liz says the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre at Eden is offering a tailored-to-you program of workshops themed ‘soft and squishy’, which is aimed at de-mystifying underwater creatures. For a group of four or more, the Centre will schedule a discovery session to fit your holiday timetable. Contact the Centre to book a time on phone: 02 6496 1699. http://www.sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au/


Marine Discovery Tour: Sapphire Coast Tourism

Liz also informs that platypus, snakes and koalas are among the subjects covered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Discovery walks, talks and tours program. She suggests checking the Sapphire Coast website for more details and to book your adventure by calling 1300 361 606. http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au/

Here’s 10 more beaut ideas to add to your list:
  • The Bega Cheese Heritage Centre is worth a visit to taste the region’s award-winning cheeses and find out more about the history of the dairy industry. http://www.begacheese.com.au/ 
  • The Eden Killer Whale Museum is where you will discover the fascinating story of the whales that used to help the earliest settlers. http://www.killerwhalemuseum.com.au/
Eden Killer Whale Museum, Eden, New South Wales, Australia IMG_3723_Eden
Old Tom, Eden Killer Whale Museum: Darren Stones
Merimbula Wharf, Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia IMG_8218_Merimbula
Merimbula Wharf: Darren Stones
Mitchies Jetty, Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia IMG_7872_Merimbula
Mitchies Jetty, Merimbula: Darren Stones

The Visitor Information Centres on the Sapphire Coast are staffed by friendly locals who can assist you if you get stuck for further ideas. Some centres stock toys, and all have a large range of quality merchandise. For more information, check out the Sapphire Coast Tourism website. http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au/