Dulwich HIll Village Fair - Special Event Road Closure - Sunday December 2013

Resident Notification - From Marrickville Council. Dear Resident This is to inform you that Marrickville Council will be presenting Dulwich Hill Village Fair On Sunday 1 December 2013 from 10:00am to 4:00 pm. This event will take place in Marrickville Road (between New Centerbury Road And Durham Street), part of Seaview Street (between Marrickville Road and The Seaview Street Car Park)and Durham Lane (From Durham Street To the Loftus Street Car Park). The Roads will be closed from 3:00am to Midnight and there is to be NO PARKING IN SPECIFIED PARTS OF MARRICKVILLE ROAD AND SEAVIEW STREET at this time. Residents with driveways will be able to get assisted vehicle access in and out of the festival site, however for the safety of the public we request that you leave your vehicle out of the event zone during the key period of 9:00am-4:30pm. We request your full cooperation with respect to SPECIAL EVENT PARKING RESTRICTIONS for this annual one-day event.We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and hope you will join us to celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of the Dulwich Hill Community at this year's Dulwich Hill Village fair. For Further enquiries please contact Council's events coordinator, Simone Parrott, on 02-93352281. -END- Excerpts taken from Resident Notifications issued by Caroline McLeod, Acting Manager Culture and recreation Marrickville Council.

Charles Tarbey on Property Empire 22 November 2013

Clearance rates steady. More property on the market - higher prices 

(vendors want higher prices)

Overrall 67.4% per cent for the week.

68.3 %last week

Sydney 76.3%

Melbourne 69%

Adelaide 51.9%

Canberra 52.7

Summary : Very good market place to be in

Homes Advertised for sale

Down 5.6%

Down last week, Down the week before that only slightly.

Amount of Property come on the market has dropped.

Rise in competitions lates december and early new year.

Listing NZ - two weeks ago peak,

Auckland listing numbers going backwards, which mean their market will start moving again.

Residential rent price movement

12.77 % Sydney Average Chart has been flatlining.

7.06% Vic

18.25 % Perth

12.69% Average

People need to pay attention to that

tenants are moving out and tenants are buying property

Residential Vacancy Rates.

2.44 % sydney (best performing capital city)

3.32 % Melbourne

6.23% Perth

Vacancy rates

4% vacancy rates overall

Final Note:

Perth should be concerning most investors, good market but lots of

 tenant buying the property of their landlord.

#TakeFive : Take Five minutes to learn more about #MariaDeMarco and her visions for King Street Theatre, Newtown.

1) When did your theatre first opened for business? How long have you been in the Inner West?

#KINGSTREETTHEATRE officially opened in April 2012. The #theatre has had 2 previous incarnations before we took over spanning at least 20 years. First as the EDGE THEATRE and then as THE NEWTOWN THEATRE.

2) What is your vision for King Street Theatre?

As our motto says, ‘NURTURING ALL ARTS TO LIVE RATHER THAN JUST SURVIVE’. We want it be a cultural hub for all things artistic including Drama, Musical, Cabaret, Pocket Opera, Chamber Music, Comedy, Dance, Street Art, Illusion, Grand Guignol, Erotica and the more unique subversions of Burlesque. We would also love to build on our parent company that runs KST, EMU PRODUCTIONS previous work, to continue to create and produce new works where all creatives are paid. Essentially a full time professional performing arts company.

3) What was it like when you first started your business in St Peters , Inner West?

Hard for all businesses as you start to build a profile to let people know we are there and the history of the place had not necessarily created that for us as a theatre for ALL arts. Still after 19 months we are constantly having to let people know we are here and available for hire.

4) What inspired you to get into the theatre arts?

Wow, that is a very loaded question which would take forever to answer. Both Markus Weber (Artistic & Managing Director of KST & EMU PRODUCTIONS) and myself have trained as actors in our youth and have being working as professionals since graduating from acting school. So, it is something that we have just done all our lives. We both have resumes that highlights work in 4 continents and over 60 years with a combine total of over 300 productions, that we can remember and want to mention. Not just as actors but as directors, writers, singers, producers, trainers, lyricists, creators, translators to mention just a few professions but now as owners of KST. That has to be the highlight to be able to do what we want to but also to help other artists with their dreams.

5) What are your plans for King Street Theatre in 2014 ? What can we expect from your programming next year?

We are hoping to establish a children/youth program including workshops and performances during the school holidays, as well as producing our own plays. We have our usual stable mates who are becoming our regular features during the year. They include, SHORT & SWEET FESTIVAL, SYDNEY FRINGE FESTIVAL, PLAYBACK THEATRE & CRASH TEST DRAMA.

6) Please highlight any special features or benefits of the King Street Theatre.

The main benefits is of KING STREET THEATRE is that Markus and myself understand theatre, performance and the arts. You can trust that we know what it is like to produce a play/show and we will do everything in our power to make it happen smoothly. Special features is the new equipment we have installed that never existed in the space until KST was born. We have two spaces for performance, both with their own light/ sound rig. And of course our dedicated staff .

7) Will you be conducting any classes and lessons at the King street theatre for aspiring writers, actors, and singers.

Refer to question 5’s answer, but we hope to establish some school holidays acting workshops in 2014. Our theatre is also the training ground for interns who want to learn about every aspect of theatre. From staging, lighting, sound, management, finances and FOH, our interns either spend 3 – 6 months in our theatre doing experiencing life running a small private theatre in a Sydney.

Foyer Stage, King Street Theatre
seats 60.

9)What is your favourite play and favourite playwright? Why?

My favourite play and playwright? Depending my mood but there are many for different reasons but the one that popped into my head after first reading this question was WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? . I studied it at school and then studying it at uni in as an actor, it was just a complete an utter mind altering experience. I won’t say the Edward Albee is my favourite playwright because I find him a challenge. I like JOANNE MURRAY SMITH’s themes and the fact that she writes great stuff for female actors and more importantly she is Australian. I like more Australian playwrights than international writers because I believe in having an Australian voice represented in the arts worldwide. Another reason for JOANNA MURRAY SMITH, her work translates to any culture.

10)How do clients contact you should they wish to apply for a course?

Our Facebook page is probably the most up to date information of current events at KST. Go to our website to subscribe to our monthly newsletter.


EMU PRODUCTIONS ( Theatre & Music P/L)

KING STREET THEATRE

644 KING STREET & CNR BRAY ST

(1st floor above the SOUTH END CAFÉ; entrance is on BRAY ST)

NEWTOWN NSW, 2042

0423 082 015

www.kingstreettheatre.com.au

http://www.facebook.com/pages/King-Street-Theatre/186639454714654?ref=hl

twitter: @kingsttheatre

#takefive: Take five minutes to learn more about #LaurentVilloing Culinary artist and Paris Cooking school owner.

Its not everyday Century 21 Synergy gets to meet a Culinary artist that has cook and design the menu for Her Majesty the Queen of England and her family. We are lucky to secure an exclusive interview with Laurent Villoing. Along side his tv appearances, laurent Villoing has been busy teach and managing his cooking school "Paris International Cooking School."

1) When did Paris International Cooking school opened for business? 

Paris International Cooking School was established in 1988 in London. In 1990, we started teaching cooking in Sydney Australia. 

How long have you been in the Inner West? I have opened the cooking school in it's current location in January 2000 (same years as the Sydney Olympic Games !)

Paris International Cooking School, #Stanmore.

2)What was it like when you first started your business in Stanmore/Inner West? The area has undergone some changes with many businesses changing hands in the last 15 years. However it has retained its unique disposition and the core of its demographic has pretty much remained the same. The businesses that remained, I am certain that they have now established themselves and have contributed greatly to Parramatta Road.

Paris International Cooking School, #Stanmore.

3) Do you attract any particular demographic of clientele at your cooking school ? (Are they professionals looking to pick up new skills or cuisine styles or are they foodie looking to try new things? Are they mostly locals who live in Stanmore? 

Our cooking school is open to home cooks (both male and female), we do occasionally welcome some professional chefs who is looking to learn special skills.

4) What would you say is your cooking school's speciality ?

The cooking school cater to students with different needs. Right now lots of people want to learn about pastry art, macaron making in particular, so those are our current strong teaching point at the cooking school.

Macarons & Macaroons At Paris
International Cooking School

Kitche inside Paris International
Cooking School, #Stanmore.

5) What inspired you to get into the culinary arts? 

Probably my mum's cooking, when I was a kid I enjoyed every day a selection of great food cooked with love by my mum.

Please highlight any special achievements of your own and/or your cooking school (Sydney or international)

Our cooking school was awarded a Young People's Award by the Governor of New South Wales Professor Marie Bashir for teaching young kids to cook during school holiday, we were also awarded the NSW Specialised Small Business Awards and has been nominated for many local awards.

Paris International Cooking School, #Stanmore.

6)For people who loves food but don't know where to start, which lessons or courses can you recommend for a beginner looking to learn more about french food?

Beginners cook should start with our Knife Skill Workshop (6 hours week-end class) and then maybe consider our 8 weeks Basic of Cooking class (once a week).

7) Its often hard for a professional with family responsibilities to fit cooking into the week , do you have any tips for people who love food but is time poor? Do you offer classes after hours? 

If one is short of time for cooking, always prepare more than a single meal, keep leftover and make  it as a second meal of them later. We do indeed offer daytime, evening and week-end classes (including late classes from 10.30 PM to 1 AM). you can see our cooking school timetable on our website here: www.picssyd.com.au/

8)Being an incredibly accomplished culinary artist, how do you cope with pressure when you have to cook for VIPs ? 

One step at the time and being well organised will get you out of tricky situation. 

Planned in advance (my navy training is of great help to me on a daily routine for organisational skill).

Do you have any hobbies/interests or any other business you pursue away from cooking? 

When I do not teach cooking I also manage a small business printing postcards, you can see our postcards business here: http://postcard.pics-sydney.com.au - we currently have more than 1500different postcard for sale on that website. Other hobby of mine is swimming and going dancing.

9)What is your favourite dish to cook for yourself? Care to share your recipe with our readers? 

Pretty simple but delicious recipe called "Chicken Dijonnaise". I  would it any day, time and any where.

10)How do clients contact you should they wish to apply for a course? All Contacts provided below;

School Website address: www.picssyd.com.au
Email address: cooking@pics-sydny.com.au
Postcard website: http://postcard.pics-sydney.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/picssyd
School address: 216 Parramatta Road, Stanmore 2048

Tel: (02) 9518 1066

How to get to the school

Congratulatory Notes from Top Raisers.

Well done to everyone that contributed and participated. As of Sunday 3rd November 2013, Sylvania BMW Top Raisers finished in the top 5 Fundraisers for the Sydney to Gong Bike Ride 2013. Thank you to all that participated and helped to make such a huge difference to people who need it most.

Top Raisers Bike Riders at the Gong Ride 2013.

Special Mentions go to; 

Anthony Rodriquez - Not only is dealer principal of Sylvania BMW a proud and generous sponsor to this important cause, Rodriquez had not ridden a bike in twenty years. He had his first practice the morning before, with clip in shoes. He completed the short course in just under three hours. A feat in itself.

Marty Walter - After some serious convincing, Walter agreed to do the ride this year, and not having a bike, he purchased a $50 special from ebay and struggled through cramps and fatigue to arrive early in the afternoon. He ended up third highest independent fundraiser on the day and picked up some excellent gifts.

Mark Tsen - The story of the day. After having a near miss and staying on the bike after the chain came off, Tsen was spotted at the bottom of Mckell Avenue, in the National Park. Having played it down, Tsen was left with St John ambulance staff. Twenty kilometres later,  he advanced and rode past most of his team mates. Upon arrival at the final marquee, he had been stretchered off, never to return again that day. It turns out, Tsen had to have surgery to attend some splintered bone fragment in his ankle and only got out on the following Tuesday morning. Mark Tsen has claimed the “hero of the day” category, and ironically, picked up a $50 meat tray from our sponsors, Colins butchery in Illawong.

Feedback about the day is appreciated. Please keep us informed on what worked well and what you wish to be done differently so that next year another amazing Gong Ride can be enjoyed by all. 

For those that are interested, I have listed below, the final standings for the Top Three Independent Fundraisers, and the additional prizes that were awarded on the day.

1st Peter Gourdevelis $2260. Won a BMW Msport for a weekend of his choice.

2nd Mark Goldfeder $2151. Won a BMW Athletics pack.

3rd Marty Walter $2000. Won a bottle of Moet,and a $50 meat tray from Colins Butchery at Illwong.

Keep your eyes on the Gong Ride Web pages to see the more photos being uploaded.  Search by your entrant number to find yourself on the site. The below link is a great video from MS Australia with Angelo and Megan Lofitis that was loaded on to the Gong website. Well done to all for representing the team. 

Special Thank you to Damian Jama.

The day could not have gone more smoothly if not for Damian Jama - Team Secretary of Top Raisers - he is crucial in the organization and coordination of the Top Raisers team , if anyone that did not get a chance to ride this year and wish to participate next year, please contact Damian Jama.

Damian Jama and Angelo Lofitis in Preparation for the M.S. Sydney to Gong Ride.

Overall out of the 750 teams participated in the Gong Ride, Top Raisers ranked 5th! 10,000 individuals participated this year. More than 40 cyclist participated in the Top Raisers’ team in 2013.

Top Raisers Group Photo, 3rd November 2013.

Sylvania BMW Top Raisers Bike riders at the Gong Ride.

A great time was had by all. See you next year!

-END-

M.S. Sydney to the Gong Ride

3rd November 2013 - MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride

Director of Century 21 Synergy Angelo Lofitis is passionate about properties. If there was ever a cause he was more passionate about is his community work and charitable contributions. His wife Megan has MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Having witnessed the way MS affects day to day life, Angelo has been inspired to raise vital funds for the 23,000 Australian living with this disease.

Director of Century 21 Synergy,
Dulwich Hill.

Every year MS Society Australia runs one of the largest and most respected community cycling event in Australia. The cycling event named M.S. Sydney to the Gong Ride has been running successfully for 32 years.

Angelo Lofitis founded cycling team Top Raisers with six other friends. Six years on, Lofitis recounts: “In our first year, we only hope to raise $5000, but instead we raised 17k. That was when we decided to call our team Top Raisers”.    

Top Raisers started with the generous support of sponsors such as Water Brothers Plumbing Services, Colin Butchers (sponsored meat tray prizes and meat for the bbq on the day post bike event) and Mortgage Choice - Sutherland. As years passed by, the team grew and sponsors did too.

In 2012 - Sylvania BMW came on as partner sponsors with team naming rights. They have also been most supportive by donating the first and second prizes to team members that finished the bike ride.

In 2013 Rothsay Accounting Services, AME Civil (Adam O’Malley, M: 0405 133 104) and Century 21 Synergy, Strawberry Fields Patisserie (who generously provided food and cake for all the cyclists) came on as a major sponsor for the first time.

In particular, Century 21 Synergy has agreed to donate 5% of profit to MS Australia on every property sold up to November 2013.

Other sponsors include Ashfield Cycle and Location Shots Photography. Ashfield Cycle contributed by helping the gong ride each year with bike service at the lunch spot at the National Park. Meanwhile Location Shots Photography contributed time and talent capturing the excitement of day, and documented many team photos.

Thank you to all honorable sponsors and team members involved for making this day such a huge success and donating so open heartedly.

-END-

Charles Tarbey , Property Report on My Property Empire with Chris Gray 1st November 2013

National Clearance Rates

71.8% Sydney 

79.75% Melbourne

79.9% Adelaide

69.6% overall

Boom time is in the 80% , as more stock comes on we won’t be seeing the 80% this coming summer.

#Home #Advertised for #Sale

0.55% increase

increase last five weeks,

Modest increment.

#Residential #Rent #Increase

12.5% Last week

12.35% Sydney this week

7.11% Melbourne

18.19% Perth, slightly up 

12.55% overall across the country increase

overall its seems to be flatlining

#Vacancy #Rates

1.98% Sydney

2.7% Melbourne

5.62% Perth , perth is still climbing

3.43% overall

Keep your hands in your pocket, there are more stocks coming onto the market.

New #home sales regather lost ground

New home sales regathered some lost ground in August 2013 due to an encouraging lift in detached house sales according to the #Housing Industry Association’s New Home Sales report.

“Detached house sales experienced a synchronised increase across the five surveyed states in the month of August 2013, a positive update for the new home construction outlook,” said HIA Chief Economist, Dr Harley Dale. “Strong increases were evident in New South Wales and Western Australia – areas we expect will drive continued recovery in the coming months – as well as South Australia.”

The report, a survey of Australia's largest volume builders, showed that total seasonally adjusted new home sales increased by 3.4 per cent in August 2013 following a decline of 4.7 per cent in July. The rise was driven by a 5.8 per cent increase in detached house sales. Conversely, multi-unit sales fell by 11.2 per cent in August.

“There is clear upward momentum in both new home sales and #building approvals for detached houses in 2013, which is being countered to an extent by a significant downward trend for multi-units,” commented Dr Dale.

In another encouraging sign for the Australian #property #market, #housing #approvals in August rose by 7.7 per cent over the same month in 2012, according to the latest building approval figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Orginally Posted by Paul Mylott on 28/10/2013 at 12:00 AM |

http://www.century21.com.au/blogs/post.cfm/new-home-sales-regather-lost-ground

Land sales shine brighter light on new home building

The latest HIA-RP Data Residential Land Report indicates the potential for further upward momentum in detached house construction in 2013/14, with the volume of residential land sales posting strong growth of 18.2 per cent in the June 2013 quarter.

“This is the highest quarterly volume achieved since the March quarter of 2010,” said HIA Chief Economist, Harley Dale. “The recovery in residential land sales is impressive, but from a very low base.”

“There is a close (lagged) relationship between RP Data-HIA land sales and the number of detached house starts,” noted Harley Dale. “Land sales volumes highlight the prospect of further growth in detached house starts in 2013/14 following a modest lift of 3.7 per cent in 2012/13. That would be a very positive outcome for both the new home sector and the wider economy.”

“The level of sales in 2012/13 was 56,782. Sales are therefore now back to a level equivalent to the GFC trough but no higher - the level is still 21 per cent below the historical average,” remarked Harley Dale.

“In terms of residential land prices, growth has generally been modest. A flat June 2013 quarter for the weighted median residential land value saw an increase of only 1.7 per cent over the year, less than general inflation,” added Harley Dale. ,

According to RP Data’s research director Tim Lawless, the improved vacant land market conditions are in line with improvements across the broader housing market.

“The housing market has been back in growth since mid-2012 with both the rate of capital gains and transaction volumes gathering some momentum during 2013. It should come as no surprise that the Sydney housing market, which remains well undersupplied relative to the rate of population growth and is recording the highest rate of capital gain currently, is one of the primary drivers behind the lift in national vacant land sales,” said Mr Lawless.

“While Sydney has posted a solid improvement in land sales, we are also seeing a substantial increase in the number of blocks sold in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide over the June quarter,” Mr Lawless concluded.

Originally Posted by Paul Mylott on 04/11/2013 at 12:00 AM | 

http://www.century21.com.au/blogs/post.cfm/land-sales-shine-brighter-light-on-new-home-building

When is the right time to list your property?

It is important for #vendors to be strategic when listing their #property, and with two years of continuous growth in the Australian #propertymarket, many Australians are being tempted to step off the sidelines and list their properties. In light of this, we have decided to share the following story by CENTURY 21 Australasia’s Chairman and Owner, Charles Tarbey, which is currently appearing in the October edition of CENTURY 21’s Property Investor. In this article, Charles shares his thoughts on the strength of the Australian property market, and whether you should list your property this spring.

IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO LIST YOUR PROPERTY?

With growing buyer levels, and recovering property values in many Australian markets, some #homeowners may be tempted to step off the sidelines this spring and list their properties for sale in order to realise potential capital gains.

I would encourage homeowners to list their property this spring for one reason - that is, if you're selling to buy - the next level up, or in the location you would prefer to live in.

This is because if you sell your property right now and don't buy at the same time, you're likely to lose out on further capital gains.

I believe that any well-located area in a city should experience at least some price growth over the next twelve months.

I also expect to see the mid-to-high range of the marketplace experience significant positive price growth over the next year which is another reason why I suggest buying the next level up.

WHAT SHOULD YOU PAY FOR YOUR NEXT PROPERTY?

I don't believe that there is necessarily an issue with paying a little more for a property, so long as the price you pay is reasonable in relation to the current market.

If you can get a great bargain, well done; if you end up paying a little bit more, this shouldn't matter a great deal. The Australian market will likely continue to see ups and downs, but it will always grow over the long term - and the long term is what it is all about in the real estate cycle.

The country's proximity, or lack thereof, to the rest of the world, means it is somewhat isolated from some of the negative pressures that other parts of the world can face from time-to-time. This again bodes well for continued strength in the property market.

In addition, the majority of Australia's population lives in capital cities along the coast. This trend is unlikely to change, and the projected shortage of housing stock in Australia means that prices in these areas are likely to see reasonable growth for the foreseeable future.

Australians tend to live in larger houses compared to other people around the world, elect (interesting) but stable Governments, and occupy a safe and secure part of the world. In combination, these factors may make it attractive for people to pay more to live in Australia.

THE STRENGTH AND SAFETY OF THE AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY MARKET

I believe there are other reasons for the strength of Australian property prices, which is why I suggest keeping your capital in property.

Many of these reasons have little to do with the dollar, interest rates or the economy. Rather, they concern the emotional side of property.

Firstly, as soon as someone buys a property, they tend to think it is worth more than what they purchased it for. This is a remarkable phenomenon, which ensures that confidence in property values is usually strong in Australia.

Secondly, I've never known of anyone to sell a home for less than what they paid for it - unless they were pursuing a better opportunity, or being forced to sell.

Finally, in all my years in business, I've never had an employee come into my office and say, "I'd like a pay reduction." Australians, by and large, tend to want to get paid more, and this generally translates into an ability to borrow more. And once people's borrowing powers start to increase, property prices tend to start moving.

HOW TO USE #INTERESTRATES TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Historically low interest rates mean that many property owners currently have the opportunity to fix their loan at an attractive price.

I would encourage homeowners and investors to take advantage of the borrowing environment at present, as any loan containing an interest rate with the number four or five in front of it should help a buyer over the next five to six years.

Low interest rates often provide an incentive for owners to hold onto their properties; however, with a large number of buyers looking for good quality stock, many of these owners may be tempted to trade up and potentially realise even greater capital gains.

PROPERTY BUBBLE?

With properties moving at higher prices than three years ago, coupled with an environment of  low interest rates, many Australians are concerned about the prospect of a property bubble.

I would caution both homeowners and investors to remember that there will always be some level of negative sentiment around the property market and the economy in general.

The Reserve Bank began lowering interest rates over two years ago, and any property bubble that resulted from 

these actions would have likely manifested at least a year ago - but hasn't as of yet.

LIST FOR THE RIGHT REASONS

I would again encourage homeowners and investors to carefully consider their motivations for selling - if you're selling to buy something else, go ahead and do so; don't be scared.

If you're selling to raise capital, reduce debt, or realise an asset for no other reason than to have cash in the bank, my firm belief is that you should hold off.

Many real estate agents will tell vendors and buyers that now is the right time to both buy and sell, regardless of the of market conditions. These agents are often too preoccupied with what they get out of it, rather than what's best for everybody involved.

For now, the focus for homeowners and investors should be on the potential growth in value of their property, or their next property if they trade up - not necessarily the amount of buyer interest in the market.

Century 21 encourages all parties interested in buying or selling property to consult appropriate advisors or experts before doing so.

Originally Posted by Paul Mylott on 05/11/2013 at 12:00 AM | 

http://www.century21.com.au/blogs/post.cfm/when-is-the-right-time-to-list-your-property

Your #PropertyEmpire 25 October 2013

#NationalClearanceRate

Clearance rate 74 % (overall) 

79.5% Sydney

68.6% Melbourne

67.6 % Adelaide

We expect clearance rate to be pull back, more stock on the market.

Sellers coming at higher price

Selling at the auction will be harder.

List now before christmas, you have to get in there now to give it a good run.

Realistically go in at a higher price

#HomesAdvertisedForSale

1.37% plus this week

0.48% last week

+2.15 % the week before

Its about going with the agent that can negotiate the best price for you. Not the lowest commission.

#ResidentialRentPriceMovement

12.53% Sydney

7.11% Melbourne

18.18% Perth

12.61% over all

As you can see its been flatlining for a few weeks,There seem to be a plateau on the residential rent price movement chart.

Get ready for a change

#ResidentialVacancyRates

2.28% #Sydney

2.94% #Melbourne

5.28% #Perth

3.5% over all

Keep and eye on it, watch the movement.

Entry price will be higher in January, Same amount of enthusiasm from buyers.

yes the activity will be there, Top end is starting to come on but its not the area thats selling. You will be rely on the real estate agent to negotiate the best price for you.

-END-

#Take #Five : Take five minutes to learn more about Desi Tamati

What is your professional background? Your qualifications/ your career highlights. How long have you been practicing pilates ?

I have been in the Health and Exercise Industry for the past 15 years. I worked at the University of NSW as a health and exercise specialist for 13 years. I am a registered fitness professional with  Fitness Industry Australia. I have a Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Health, Fitness and Sports Training and a Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness. I have been teaching Pilates since 2005. I have done quite a lot of intensive training in this field. I have a Certificate 4 in Pilates. I am an Accredited and Certified Pilates instructor in the following;

•      Matwork Pilates

•      Swiss Ball Pilates

•      Prenatal Pilates

•      Postnatal Pilates

•      Remedial / Rehab Pilates

•      Personal Training Pilates

I also teach Body Pump Classes, RPM (Cycle) classes and Aqua Aerobics.

Having all the years of a vast variety of experience and education, when it comes to personal training clients I prescribe exercises that are very specific and individual to my client’s needs also taking into consideration their postural alignment and any pre-existing injuries or muscle strains / tension. I can either offer them a Fitness / strength training / fat burning /  or just a Pilates session or the best of both worlds.

For those that have never done pilates, can you explain a little about what its all about? do you use machines? or is it all mat work?

My classes are Mat Work Classes. Sometimes I use therabands for some extra resistance. The way I structure my classes is that I meet all new participants before the class starts. This gives me the opportunity to do a postural analysis on each individual as this will tell me what each person will need to focus on in the class to make the work out more specific to them individually. I also make sure people know how to engage their core muscles effectively, as I have come across many people who have never been shown on a one on one basis and don’t really understand what their core actually is and how to activate it effectively and safely.

When did you start practicing pilates ?

I started practicing Pilates 9 years ago and saw first hand the benefits of Pilates classes. I saw this was a great way to really help people with ongoing injuries, pregnant women, new mums and people with postural issues. I loved it so much and was so passionate about it that a year after I started practicing Pilates I became fully qualified to teach Pilates Classes. Since then I have been continuously keeping up my education in this field in order to keep up to date with all the latest research and to keep my skills polished in order to deliver to my clients the best and safest workout.

We notice you also offer classes in pre and post natal? Can you tell us a little on how pilates is helpful for women going through pregnancy and how practising pilates post natal can improve women’s life.

In the prenatal Pilates, I focus on strengthening the appropriate muscles and stretching the appropriate muscles that a pregnant woman will need for her changing body throughout her pregnancy. By doing so my pregnant women feel less aches and pains associated with pregnancy and a greater sense of well being. I also give my prenatal clients exercises that will help with recovery after labor i.e exercises that will help minimize Rectus Diastus (abdominal muscle separation), and pelvic floor work.

My Post Natal Pilates classes are mums and bubs classes so the mother can attend the classes with her baby. In these classes we look at rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles, abdominals and spinal muscles post labor. I check each lady individually for any abdominal separation and work to rehabilitate. A lot of new mums get lower back, upper back and neck strain from breastfeeding, leaning over the cot to pick baby up, getting baby in and out of car seats / capsules and lifting heavy prams in and out of car boots. In the prenatal classes I try to develop the correct strength in the body to make all this less strenuous once baby arrives. In the post natal class I strongly address these issues.

What is it like having your pilates practice in Dulwich Hill?

I love teaching Pilates in Dulwich Hill. There is a real sense of community. Local businesses support other local businesses. My clients bring their neighbours, friends or family to the class. It’s always great when you have someone to exercise with. The best part is there are so many lovely cafes in Dulwich Hill that after class they then catch up for a coffee.

What do you think makes a great pilates instructor?

To be a great Pilates Instructor I think firstly you must have the right education and qualifications behind you as you are dealing with people’s health and well being which I take very seriously. It is important to keep up to date with the latest research and techniques. As an instructor it’s important to be able to execute correct technique as the clients do what you show them. It is important to be able to modify exercises for each individual depending on any pre existing injuries, aches or pains, postural issues etc, correct their technique if need be and show different levels of the one exercise.

Because everyone is different and attends Pilates Classes for a variety of reasons I make sure I do a 15 minute one on one with every single person that attends my classes. In the one on one I do a postural analysis which will tell me what each person needs to focus on in the class to make the workout specific for them, I make sure my client knows how to effectively engage core muscles and I explain to them some terminology that I use. By doing this I can have a person that has been attending my classes for 8 years and an absolute beginner in the same class and everyone gets a safe effective workout without feeling lost at any stage in the class.

As well as getting the most effective and safe workout for each individual, I try to educate my clients about their bodies and teach them to be in correct postural alignment throughout their daily activities.

What are the reasons why some people swear by pilates? Detail some people who have injuries and how pilates has helped improved quality of life.etc

I have a client that had two bulging discs in her lower back. She told me that before she was attending my classes she would just spasm and be in agony unable to move. She then fell pregnant and was worried that her back will give out more often with her growing belly. She started attending prenatal Pilates at the beginning of her pregnancy to the very end. She told me her back felt so much better throughout her whole pregnancy than what it was before she fell pregnant. She then went on and did post natal Pilates and is now attending my normal mat work classes. Two years on and her back has not given out.

Another client of mine is a builder. He started coming to Pilates because when he woke up in the morning his back was so stiff and he was in so much pain that to brush his teeth he could not stand upright to look in the mirror. Of course as the day progressed and he started moving around he could not stand up straight. He now has no issues. He can get out of bed without the aches and stiffness. He can stand upright to brush his teeth.

Both these clients attended my classes only once a week, however they are quite consistent with their attendance.

How often do you think someone should attend pilates in order for them to see and feel the benefits of pilates?

As in the examples I gave above, once a week is sufficient, however you have to try and be fairly consistent with it. If you attend one week, then not again for 2 weeks etc results will not be effective. If the individual can do it a couple of times a week, they will see results a lot sooner.

How can clients get in touch with you?

Clients can either ring me or email me. I also have a website and a face book page clients can visit to get more information or more of an understanding of my classes.

PH: 0415 676 261

EMAIL: desi@pilatesrevolution.com.au

Website: www.pilatesrevolution.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pilates-Revolution

#Take #Five : Take five minutes to learn more about Costa Prasoulas

1) When did you start to practise martial arts? Which particular style of #martialarts did you start with?

I've been involved within the  combative arts for pretty much all my life. My family has a history of amateur boxing and #wrestling, so my first involvement was with the arts of #Hapkido & #Taekwondo when I was approx 5 yrs of age.

Master Instructor of Martial Arts during demonstrations.

2)Your passion for martial arts seem to have endured, how has martial arts changed your life? 

The combative arts have always adapted and transpired my inner strength from young. #Discipline, focus, concentration, respect, honour and confidence have been key areas which have changed my outlook on many circumstances throughout my life. At the time, I did not realise this, however, as time passes, I tend to reflect on many obstacles in my life that I have endured. The credit is due to my perseverance of my training.

There have been many achievements throughout my career in which I worked extremely hard for. A few of the major titles have been:

*3 x #AustralianChampion

*Intercontinental & South Pacific Champion

*Bronze  medalist - World Professional Champions Cup

*3 x Nominee  for #Australasian #Instructor of the year awards

Costas Prasoulas 3 x Australian Champion for Martial Arts

3)What is the essential philosophy behind martial arts? Why it resonated with you ?

This is a great question & the core philosophy of pretty much most martial arts is the same. From #Pankration and the Hellenic ideal in Europe to south eastern Asia in #MuayThai. The core is very similar. 

Through development of a strong and healthy body, a strong mind and spirit that refuse to 'give up', you acquire attributes as confidence, self control, strength, power, self esteem, and through self - defence training we build a powerful character, thus creating a better well rounded person and citizen. This is the ultimate goal. 'The unification of mind, #body & #spirit (soul)' . 

4)Some people come to take up martial arts because of a dramatic turn of events in their life, do you often encounter students or members who take up martial arts as a sport or as a protective defence lessons after some sort of dramatic event? If so what type of clients do you often come across?

Costa Prasoulas with students from Zeus Academy

Yes indeed, there are circumstances in which people take up membership with our academy because of certain dramatic experiences they might have encountered.

We have a number of different programs that we teach, so people's reasons for training do tend to differ.

Some people concentrate on #fitness & #weightcontrol, other people bring their children for discipline & concentration, others are their for self esteem & confidence, and some like to enter the competitive sphere and strive for glory. Everyone has their individualistic goals, however, everyone supports each other, train hard together and all grow together. 

5)The urban world we inhabit has brought us many stresses. For people suffering from low self esteem, obesity or motivational problems would you recommend martial arts? If so, what type of martial arts would you recommend? How or where do they start? How would martial arts help them?

Absolutely! #Confidence, #selfesteem, #stress etc etc.. Are all areas in which martial arts training can greatly improve ones self. Irrespective of style, consistency is the key.

#CostaPrasoulas with Martial Arts Students.

Specific style of martial art would be preference of learning specific areas of combative strategies & defences, and also a little more from the traditional aspect of style. Each style has their own unique characteristics and purpose, however, the core philosophy's are the same (as we previously discussed). On our website there is a brief historical and technical explanation on the styles we teach and practice at our academy.

www.zeusacademy.com.au This will provide people with a little more insight and knowledge on specific styles as: Muay Thai/ #Kickboxing, #Hapkido, #Pankration/MMA, Taekwondo & #Brazilian #JiuJitsu.

6) Often people start gym and there are much to do outside gym in terms of supplements, food in take and diets, when you take up a form of martial art and to be successful at it, are there similar dietary or external requirements/ discipline that would be expected of the participant/your students?

#Nutrition is an important part of any sport. It is also needed to perform at your best. It provides you with energy and keeps your body at its peak. 

I like to use the word nutrition not diet, simply because we all splurge with food. What I mean by this, is that we don't want deprive ourselves from all foods all the time. So make it a rule of thumb to eat clean 75% of the time. Leave yourself some eating freedom 25%. This way, it is easier to get on top of your food intake.

Ofcourse, if we are trying to cut weight for a specific purpose or competition, we tend to be quite strict with our nutrition and supplements. 

7)How much commitment is required of a student looking to learn martial arts seriously? 

To practice and train  Martial Arts on professional and serious level you need to commit to it, just as you would anything else. You need to dedicate a minimum of 5-6 days a week training, eat well, be disciplined and motivated. 

Training on some days would involve two sessions a day, morning and evening. You need to eat at certain times and make sure your protein and carbohydrate intake is good, you need to rest properly which may include lunch time power sleeps or naps, so as to be at your peak for each session and also boost your recovery and lactic acids. As a professional athlete, you make sure your routine is one that gives your mind and body 100% .

8)Do you think exams and fitness goals are important for someone looking to study martial arts ?

Yes, of course! Belt test/exams, fitness goals are important, because you can measure progress.

It is important to have some type of short and long term goal or purpose, in which you relate to our everyday life. This also can track individual achievements.

9)Martial arts are often seen to be a discipline, a school of thought with its own rules and uniforms. What is the significance of the uniform and why do you encourage students to wear uniforms when practising the craft of martial arts?

Great question. Dependent on style of martial art, there are different uniforms and attire we associate within each. Some more casual, some more formal.  The uniform that each practitioner wears is the same. This symbolizes equality amongst everyone. The only thing that is different is the belt color. The belts symbolizes a persons dedication and commitment in a particular style and their achievements within it. 

The discipline, respect and positive attitude represented within the martial arts academy along with the uniform are suppose to symbolize an 'ideal environment or community'. Everyone is equal. Mutual dress code, mutual respect, mutual attitude. Thus building better citizens, community, which in turn build a better state, a better nation, which in turn build a better world.

This is the 'ideal' that stems from the code of honour and respect, and the martial arts uniform.

Costa Prasoulas martial arts instructor with students.

10) With so much technology around, children are growing up playing games that involve violence.  Does martial arts encourage violence among children? What positive role do you think martial arts can play in a child's life?

Master Instructor assisting martial arts student with a few pointers.

I believe that violence in video games is a grey area. We have differences. For eg. We cannot compare a violent game such as GTA (grand theft auto) in comparison to games such as ninja turtles or power ranges. Discrepancies are required and need to supervised and looked at.

In relation to positive role models, martial arts instills many qualities and life skills that remain forever.

Confidence, self-esteem, anti -bullying, #posture, #flexibility, #selfcontrol, awareness, multi tasking, power & strength on a mental and physical level, are benefits that we all try to instil in our younger generation. 

11) For someone looking to start martial arts but not sure where to start, what should a new student do? where can they enroll and find out more information? How can he or she get in contact with Zeus Academy?

There is plenty of information on many aspects of the martial arts around via the Internet, magazines, radio talk shows and TV.

I would be happy to help & share my knowledge and information to anyone that would like to learn more.

Zeus International Martial Arts Academy is based in Marrickville operating 6 days a week.

Our website has plenty of information for men, women & children of all ages, from beginners to advance 

www.zeusacademy.com.au

email: info@zeusacademy.com.au

Tel: 0410689735 or 0424097009 

It's been a pleasure talking with you all & feel free to come up and say hi! Love to hear from you. 

In closing I would like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes from #Aristotle. Take care and BELIEVE in yourself 

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."