http://www.netglobers.com/node.php?pageid=8&pageclef=rssenSat, 04 Feb 2012 14:38:04 +0100Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:38:04 +0100http://www.cafecentral.frFri, 27 Jan 2012 11:18:22 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/oceania/australia-tropical-cyclone-iggy-strengthens--31757.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/oceania/australia-tropical-cyclone-iggy-strengthens--31757.htmlTropical Cyclone Iggy strengthened to a category-2 storm on Friday, January 27th as it continues its path towards Australia’s northwest coast. Over the next 72 hours, the storm is forecast to continue strengthening: Iggy should become a category-3 cyclone by late Sunday, January 28th. Even though Iggy is not forecast to make landfall, severe weather conditions, including heavy downpours and strong winds, are expected near Christmas Island, the Kimberley and Pilbara coasts. Australia is frequently affected by tropical cyclones during the summer season (December to March). Earlier this month, Cyclone Heidi forced local authorities to issue red alerts for people leaving between Pardoo and Whim Creek (Western Australia). In the beginning of 2011, Queensland was affected by deadly flooding that damaged thousands of homes and infrastructures. People travelling to the affected areas are advised to listen to all recommendations given by authorities. Confirm all your travel arrangements as the storm could prompt authorities to close roads and trigger air traffic disruptions at Learmonth Airport (LEA). Listen to local and international media in order to get updated information. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:08:50 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/oceania/torrential-rains-cause-severe-flooding-in-fiji-31711.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/oceania/torrential-rains-cause-severe-flooding-in-fiji-31711.htmlA tropical depression affecting the isles of the Fiji archipelago has triggered heavy downpours in some parts of the country. On Monday, January 23rd, floodwaters inundated the tourist areas of Nadi and the northern city of Ba. Moreover, many roads in northern and northwestern Viti Levu Island have been flooded. Authorities evacuated at least 700 people in these areas. At the time being, two people have been killed. The Nadi International Airport has not been affected by the severe weather, but access to the airport is difficult due to road flood. Some domestic flights have been cancelled as well as inter-island maritime services. This is the worst flooding to hit Vana Levu since 2009. According to forecasts, heavy rains and thunderstorms should continue lashing the country in coming days. The flooding could reach the southern, eastern and central divisions. Authorities might declare a state of emergency in the country if the situation continues to deteriorate. Travellers currently in Fiji are advised to listen to all recommendations given by local authorities. Stay indoors until the weather conditions improve. If you are told to evacuate, do so and follow specific routes. Check your flight status before heading to the airport and confirm all your travel arrangements. Avoid flooded areas and stay away from rivers. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:05:54 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/oceania/cyclone-pounds-australia-s-west-coast-31658.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/oceania/cyclone-pounds-australia-s-west-coast-31658.htmlCommunities on Australia’s west coast are recovering after tropical cyclone Heidi made landfall late last week during the early morning hours. The category 1 storm generated wind gusts of up to 93mph and soaked the region with up to 250mm of rain. Officials warned of possible flash flooding as a result. The town of Port Hedland, nearly 1000 miles north of Perth, took the brunt of the storm. Home to Australia’s largest bulk port was closed as the storm approached. The port exports more than 240 million tonnes of iron ore each year. Heidi was the first cyclone of the season to hit land. Originally predicted as a category 2 – cyclones rated from 1-5 in severity – fell in strength but still left thousands without power. The region is also home to many of the country’s mines. Many were closed as a precaution but have now returned to full operation. Australians still brace for the worse after cyclone Tracy struck the northern city of Darwin with deadly force in 1972. The category 4 storm killed 71 people and left the city devastated. Travelers to Australia to take precautions in certain areas People are being warned to stay away from Karajini National Park, south of Hedland, as flooding has made the park extremely dangerous to visit. The park has been closed due to normally dry gorges and ravines having been filled with deep, rapid waters making them potentially deadly. Officials will continue to monitor the situation before making a decision of when to reopen the park and surrounding roads. Flights cancelled because of the storm are now back up and running.Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:52:32 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/oceania/cyclone-heidi-to-hit-western-australia--31606.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/oceania/cyclone-heidi-to-hit-western-australia--31606.htmlOn Wednesday, January 11, Cyclone Heidi (category-2) is approaching the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Authorities have issued a red alert for people living between Pardoo and Whim Creek. The storm is expected to hit Port Hedland late tonight (local time). Severe weather conditions, including destructive winds up to 140 km/h and heavy downpours are expected to hit the region in coming hours and could trigger flash flooding. The cyclone is causing road, maritime and air traffic disruptions. Port Hedland Airport has been temporarily closed. Heidi formed in the Indian Ocean early January 11th. The storm intensified to a Category-2 cyclone as it approached the northern coast of Western Australia. Each year, the country is hit by powerful cyclones that bring severe flooding. In the beginning of 2011, Queensland was affected by deadly flooding that damaged thousands of homes and infrastructures. People currently in Western Australia are advised to listen to all recommendation given by authorities. Look for shelter and stay indoors until the storm goes away. People travelling to Western Australia are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Confirm all your travel arrangements.Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:41:14 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/oceania/australian-music-festival-a-throwback-to-the-1960s--25867.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/oceania/australian-music-festival-a-throwback-to-the-1960s--25867.htmlWhen music revellers pack the grounds, some dressed in funky clothes while others leave less to the imagination, to pitch their tents under the blazing summer sun it will be easy to imagine the days of hippy free love. But this isn’t Woodstock – it’s Australia’s Falls Festival. From Dec 28 to Jan 1 thousands will descend on Australia. The event in Lorne, Victoria and Marion Bay, Tasmania has become tradition, an annual pilgrimage south to welcome in the New Year. Going strong since 1993, the festival was the brain child of a local surfer. Today the event has outgrown its humble beginnings on his parent’s farm, but maintains its roots by inviting the world to escape into a journey of music, art and film. And it doesn’t hurt that the location itself allows visitors to free their minds at two venues set in paradise. Festival goers will have the difficulty of choosing between two venues that will release their stresses of the holiday season. From its origins of the Victorian rain forest to the tropical beaches of Tasmania, both provide the perfect backdrop to say ‘good-bye’ to 2011 and a big ‘hello’ to 2012. Travel down under for a winter escape The Southern Hemisphere will be in full summer swing. Although a very popular time of year to explore Australia, why not try Tasmania for something different. The island is a magical paradise of beaches, mountains and forest. Rent a car to explore every nook and cranny. Direct flights to Hobart are easy to find, while traveling to Melbourne and taking a ferry will be its own adventure.Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:05:22 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/oceania/qantas-flights-resume-after-industrial-dispute--22373.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/oceania/qantas-flights-resume-after-industrial-dispute--22373.htmlQantas Airways resumed partially its flights during the afternoon of Monday, October 31st (local time), after having grounded the entire fleet over the week-end due to an industrial dispute. However, flight disruptions, especially flight delays, are expected to continue for the next 48 hours, the time for Qantas to clear the backlog. On Saturday, October 29th, Qantas’ decided to ground the entire fleet; this resulted in the cancellation of some 440 international and domestic flights and disrupted travel for some 70,000 passengers over the weekend. This decision was a response to a longstanding industrial dispute over working conditions which led to extensive industrial action over the last weeks. However, the Fair Work Australia labour relations Court ordered Qantas Airways and airline unions to stop the strike action and resume operations on Monday, October 31st. Over the past weeks, the airline has been facing several strikes and flight disruptions as unions are asking for better working conditions. Passengers travelling with Qantas Airways are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. For more information, please contact the airline.Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:33:19 +0200http://www.netglobers.com/oceania/new-zealand-hurries-to-clean-country-s-worst-oil-spill-22223.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/oceania/new-zealand-hurries-to-clean-country-s-worst-oil-spill-22223.htmlClean-up crews are working against Mother Nature to prevent a major environmental disaster as oil continues to seep from the hull of a cargo ship lodged on a coral reef. The container-filled Liberian-flagged vessel has been grounded on a reef 14 miles from New Zealand’s North Island since Oct 5. Worsening weather is now threatening to topple it over, releasing the remaining 1000 tonnes of oil still inside. Officials are worried that the ship will break-up, submerging in 196 feet of water. So far, at least 70 containers have splashed into the Ocean as the ship continues to be pounded by 16 ft swells. The ship’s captain has been arrested as New Zealand demands to know how the incident occurred in calm weather over a well marked reef. He faces nearly $8,000 USD in fines and up to a year in prison. The vessel’s Greek owners have yet to provide clues as to the cause. Reports of dead wildlife in the area, known for endangered species, have emerged despite the oil recovery efforts. New Zealand-bound traveler’s well-oiled plans in jeopardy Tourist beaches are being closed as the oil slick washes ashore. Black sludge has already been found on Mount Maunganui beach, and more is expected, posing a threat to the busy tourist summer season. Bathers are being told to stay out of the water and to avoid the shoreline altogether. The area along the north coast is also a hotbed for surfing, fishing and diving, activities all put on hold salvage takes place. Officials are asking people eager to assist in cleanup efforts not to handle the oil because of toxic exposure.Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:43:13 +0200http://www.netglobers.com/oceania/anticipation-grows-as-australia-s-biggest-horseracing-event-nears--22183.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/oceania/anticipation-grows-as-australia-s-biggest-horseracing-event-nears--22183.htmlOne of Australia’s greatest passions is slowly building toward its climax. On Nov 1, 24 jockeys will hope to ride their horses to first-place when they cross the finish line at the annual Melbourne Cup. They will be racing for national glory at the country’s premier event, and a piece of the $6 million USD prize purse. Although the race will draw most of the headlines as fans jump at the bit to place their bids, it will be the Spring Carnival 2011 in the days surrounding the cup that will attract people in droves, all dressed to impress. This year’s carnival festivities will include the expected glitz and glam of past Melbourne Cups as the rich, famous and beautiful knock back the champagne while capturing the attention of photographers’ lenses. Fashion shows and extravagant dining experiences are what enhances a race that’s been going strong since 1861. The Melbourne Cup is the longest – at 1.9 miles - and one of the most prestigious horseracing events in the world.   Travel in style to cheer on the ponies The Melbourne Cup attracts fans and horses from around the globe. To be one of them, a fan that is, no time is better to travel to Australia than now. It’s springtime in the south, which means warming weather and cheaper airline tickets. The Melbourne Cup covers four days of races from Oct 29 – Nov 5, with tickets ranging from $50 - $75 USD. Be sure to pack for formal and semi-formal events at the race, but let your hair down around Melbourne; a city bursting at the seams with culture and life to be discovered at your own pace. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:59:40 +0200http://www.netglobers.com/oceania/australia-qantas-airways-to-be-hit-by-strikes-22106.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/oceania/australia-qantas-airways-to-be-hit-by-strikes-22106.htmlOn Thursday, October 13th, Qantas Airways ground crew will stage a two-hour walkout during the morning and the evening peak hours, while on October 14th, the airline engineers will organise a four-hour strike at Sydney’s airport.Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:59:39 +0200http://www.netglobers.com/oceania/australia-australia-qantas-airways-braces-for-a-new-strike-22030.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/oceania/australia-australia-qantas-airways-braces-for-a-new-strike-22030.htmlOn Friday, October 7th, Qantas Airways’ Transport Workers Unions members will stage a two-hour strike between 04:00 pm and 06:00 pm (local time).