A Checklist for the Sydney Learner

 

This checklist applies to learners who have enrolled in a Sydney driving school or are being taught personally by a family member who is a licenced driver.  This is a checklist of helpful ideas that help ensure that you pass the driving tests required to get your provisional licence.

·         Learning the basics with a driving school is best. They make learning less stressful because of the safety standards of the cars used.  Driving School car units in Sydney are required to have dual control so the learner and the vehicle are partially controlled by the expert driver.

·         Even if you are with a driving school, you should do your own homework too. Read the “A guide to the Driving Test” which you can download here. It tells you what is expected of you during the test.  Use this as a guide while you learn by practice and by talking to your instructor.

·         Don’t be afraid to talk to your driving instructor.  It is better that your instructor knows how you feel and what is going on during the driving lessons.  Do ask questions as they arise. This is how you get the most out of your driving school experience.

·         Not everyone’s learning curve is the same, so be patient with yourself.  Not everyone has the dexterity and presence of mind immediately after the first try.  Take it easy and do not be too hard on yourself.  Pause and pull up on the side if you are overwhelmed.

·         Remember to relax.  Your confidence will build up as you go along.  Tension leads to panic at the first sign of and obstacle you’ll encounter. Panic impairs your reaction time.  However, being over confident also gets you in trouble.  The key is to be cautiously relaxed while you take in all the sights and the sounds around you as you drive down the road. 

·         Keep your Driving Log Book with you during the lessons – this is the log book provided for you with your L Plates after you pass the DKT. Do take the time to read it and fill out all forms and sections that apply to you. Make sure that everything is correctly filled up and are signed (when necessary). You will need it when you sign up or pre-book your driving test. 

·         Enjoy.  Learning how to drive may be overwhelming but try and have fun while learning.  It can be an exhilarating experience especially if you know you are in good hands with your driving instructor.

Australian 2013 Elections

Two weeks into the election campaigns, Australians in general are still undecided as to who they will vote for and support in the coming elections.  The electorate is just patiently waiting and listening while Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott battle it out in the campaign trail.  So far the voting public is still unimpressed by what they see and hear, saying only that they are most likely to choose the lesser of two evils.

While some say that the opinion polls conducted during the campaign period does not reflect the actual voice of a voting nation, it does however, affect opinions and sway votes more votes for the leading candidate.  And if this is the case, so far Tony Abbott may just take the win.

Despite the recent Tony Abbott gaffes on suppositories and sex appeals which have nothing entirely to do with government policies and economic development, the Liberal Party leader has taken top spot on the opinion polls by 4%.    Andrew Hughes, a lecturer for marketing and politics at the Australian National University was quoted as saying that it has always been Tony Abbott's’ election to lose.  “He won’t win by much, but he doesn't have to win by much”, he added.

Australians are seeking change after the kind of leadership they have experienced under former Prime Minister Julian Gillard. Since Rudd has taken over as Prime Minister, he may have shown promise, quickly overhauling key policies.  But the honeymoon phase has truly come to a shuddering halt, political observers said. Christopher Pyne, shadow education minister, goes as far as to say that , “ The Australian public is starting to remember all the reasons why they wanted him gone three years ago.”

Change is what the Liberal party may be able to offer and many believe Tony Abbott can deliver.  Amanda Vanstone, former Howard government minister, shares how Tony Abbott’s position on three important issues (developing Top End, border protection and power and energy issues), validates this perception.  

Only three weeks to go, and still a lot can happen.  And as the electorate, watch, wait and ponder, all eyes are on the candidates seeking the top seat.  And their vote is not driven by momentary mistakes but on how they are convinced by an aspiring leader that he is capable of running a country facing economic uncertainties.

References:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23571307

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23568819

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-10/australia-opposition-regains-election-poll-lead-amid-slowdown.html

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/rudds-mission-is-to-show-us-that-we-were-wrong-20130818-2s4uj.html

Farewell Sydney Monorail

The Sydney Monorail’s 25 year stint did not go as planned but its existence was for a time, the symbol of progress and a glimpse of the future that was to come. It was a sight to see, especially for children who live hours away from the Big City.  The ride was most especially breathtaking, while the carriages, seemingly suspended in mid-air, speed up almost silently all over the city with its tall buildings and busy streets far below. An experience the children and a few adults will never forget.  

But as other nations started to build greater feats in design, architecture and technology, the monorail stood much like an iron dinosaur, completely obsolete and more of an obstruction rather than a tourist attraction or an actual transport system.  If only Darling Harbor has kept its end of the bargain…

However, on its last weekend of operations, the Sydney Monorail once again gives back to the children of Australia.  Thanks to the citizens who wish to bid it farewell, some taking their first and final ride, some genuinely saddened because an icon will finally and completely ride its last. 

The NSW Government has encouraged everyone to take a nostalgic farewell ride on the monorail for a worthy cause and it has exceeded its expectations, for the first time. The monorail’s last weekend of operations raised $70,000.00.  All the proceeds will go to several children’s charities – Camp Quality, CanTeen, Make-A-Wish Australia, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Youth off the Streets.

The Sydney Monorail will be dismantled immediately after it closes. But part of the monorail rolling stock and track will have its place at the Powerhouse Museum.  The rest will be recycled. The end for the futuristic monorail gives way to a better Inner West Light Rail Transportation system and expansion and redevelopment of the Sydney international Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct.

Getting a Learner License

         In Australia, you may start your driving experience and get a for a learner license at the age of sixteen.  And part of that experience is to be well acquainted with the road rules and road safety.  For NSW resident learners, here are the steps to getting your learner license and be on your way to driving on your own and towards a Full License.

Step One: Read the Road User’s Handbook – It is available for purchase at the RTA office and may be read online.  Click here to read the Handbook in PDF.  The handbook is not just for learners but for all drivers and vehicle owners.  It is a comprehensive handbook on driving, road safety, licenses, NSW road laws and penalties as well as vehicle registration.  It may look overwhelming, but once you are on the road, the information will come naturally and you will find all of them very useful.

Step Two: Prepare for the Driver’s Knowledge Test or DKT- This includes step one (reading the Road User’s Handbook) and the pamphlet “Getting Your Driver’s License”.  Try taking the DKT sample test on the RTA website.

Step Three: Register for the DKT – You will need to schedule or pre-book your DKT either in person at motor registry or online. You may also call 13 22 13.

Step Four: Take the Driver’s Knowledge Test – You will need this to pass this test in order to get your Learner License and if you have read the Road User’s Handbook and taken it to heart, your passing grade is guaranteed.  On the day of the test, you have to bring copies of documents that prove your identity such as a birth certificate or a passport. Before the DKT, you will undergo an eye exam for obvious reasons, so make sure you wear proper eye glasses or wear your contacts.

Step Five: Enroll yourself in a reputable driving school – Once you pass the DKT, you get your Learner License which is valid for a minimum of 12 months to 5 years.  You are also given a logbook which will serve as your guide to know what is expected of you. Driving school instructors will log your driving time and your experience while you are with them.  It should have at least 120 hours of logged driving experience which includes 20 hours of night driving.

Step 6: Enjoy the experience of learning be aware of Road Safety rules at all times.

        There are rules that go with the Learner License and that includes being supervised at all times by a holder of a full Australian driver license and having L plates visibly displayed on the front and rear end of your car. That is all for now, stay in touch for more updates and information on driving, licenses and road safety. 

How to Find the Right Accountant

Business owners are not the only ones who need accountants. And with the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, everyone who makes any income will be busy with their financial books.  It’s an annual activity and yet somehow it does not get any easier.  Changes in status (single to married) or Student to employed, from employed to non-employed, calamities, age, number of children, lottery winnings, commissions, inheritance etc. - these are changes in your life that also change your taxpayer status.

Tax computations are complex especially for those with children and if both parents are working. Family Tax benefits can get as complicated as a quantum physics equation – at least to the ordinary person.

If you are not into accounting yourself, it is better to seek the help of an accountant so you can manage your incomes and taxes better than doing it yourself in a roundabout way.  Yes there are ready information and guidelines.  The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is also very helpful but you may still end up wondering if you have done everything right.

Good accountants may be fully booked this close to the filing season. But don’t worry, there are a good number of them and you will be able to find the right one if you ask the right questions and through proper channels.  But before you go looking one, prepare yourself and your financial papers.  Consider the scope of the work you want done and decide on a budget. Here us a few tips on how to find and deal with prospective accountants.

·         Go to these websites to find certified practicing accountants. 

v  Certified Practicing Accountants Australia

v  Institute of Public Accountants

v  Institute of Chartered Accountants  - their database is more comprehensive as well as expertise and location specific which will save you time.

·         The websites will give you names, company names, contact numbers and the address of possible candidates.  What the list will not tell is if the accountant has an ABN number, Insurance or his or her Tax Agent Status.  To get this information go to the Business Checker and search for their names or company names.  Accountants who have an up-to date status are given a satisfactory of high satisfactory rate.  

·         You can also search the Business Checker data base because some of the previous sites have an option only database so not all accountants are listed there.

·         Create a shortlist of probable candidates and ask for an initial interview.

·         Be specific about rates and scope or work to be done.  You can even ask him first if the initial interview will cost you.

·         Your financial documents need to be handled carefully and thoroughly so expertise, truthfulness and dependability should be the top criteria in deciding which accountant you will hire.

There are other informational sites you can visit regarding Australian Taxation and Accounting issues.  Anyone who receives some kind of income has a responsibility to pay taxes to the State.  This is how the State is able to provide better services to its citizens. 

References and helpful links:

http://www.ato.gov.au

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_tax_in_Australia

http://www.wealthtipsonline.com.au/pdfs/accountant.pdf

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/life-events-and-you/life-events/choosing-an-accountant

Furnishing Ideas for Small Spaces

 Hunting for an apartment is both exciting and grueling, and so is furnishing it, so brace yourself.  And the only thing that could even make this task more challenging is if you have limited space.  But do not fret, here are a few tips that help you meet the challenge and end up with the apartment of your dreams.

Minimize your load. 

If you happen to have belongings from your previous home, try holding a garage sale first.  The best rule here is if you have not used it for the last 6 months, chances are, you won’t ever use it again.  Try not to be too sentimental over the little things. Sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to let go.  Besides, you’ll need funds for your new furniture.

Maximize space and let things flow. 

Limitations bring the creative mind to work.  In small spaces, everything must have a functional purpose.  This also applies to walls (except bedroom and bathroom walls of course –unless you are daring enough that is, so if a wall does nothing else but hold pictures tear it down and you may replace it with an open backed bookshelf that doubles as a divider.    Keep this in mind also as you hunt for furniture.  Seek out sofa beds and custom furniture. 

Storage, storage, storage.

 Let’s face it, today’s world of consumerism, we are taught to acquire and acquire we do.  We all need space to keep every single thing we purchase on a daily basis. If you want to see the impact of proper storage, click here.  Yes, keeping your kitchen stored is possible too. Keeping things behind closed doors keep everything neat and in place.  Plus it forces you to clean up after yourself and put away everything you have used.  

Clean Lines, Light Colors and Mirrors.

These three things make the space bigger than it is and less cluttered than it is.  Bear in mind that light colors make small spaces look roomier.  Play with fabric texture rather than patterns.  And forgo sofas with arm chairs if you can (unless that arm hair serves as a shelf or a side table).

Accessorize with one two or three.

Do not go beyond three accessories within a space.  Accessories help personalize your space so choose well.  It can be a set of photos on the wall or a stack of books on the table or a mere basket of fruits will do. 

Lighting and Windows

Plan out your lighting fixtures and don’t forget to let it natural light.  Architects would tell you that lighting plays a very important role in their work whether it’s natural or man-made.  Make use of natural light rather than cover it.  Move a chair around to get a better idea on how furniture placements make use of the natural light. Nighttime lighting should glow and not glare. 

The Sydney Wildlife – Possums

The Awesome Possum

The Sydney Wildlife – Possums

The Australian wildlife is as diverse as its people and is an intrinsic part of its natural landscape.  In the past few decades, the land has changed drastically to include structures that symbolize human advancement.  It is change that has forced some of Australia’s wildlife to adapt itself to the urban jungle – in close proximity to humans.  Sydneysiders have learned that some of its resident possums, seen usually in parks have grown quite fond of their roofs.  And in addition, they have also learned to adjust to a diet that includes human food along with the usually leaves, berries and nuts.

In the past few years, Sydney residents have encountered possums more and more frequently.  There are those who welcome them and those that are not too happy to have them at home.  This is understandable as possums are nocturnal animals that mark their territory with their scent from bodily fluids – the kind of scent that make your neighbor wonder if you clean your toilets at all.  It fends off possum territorial competition along with your visitors.

Despite the obvious disruption and annoyance possums may cause – which includes damage to your yard and trash bins – these little creatures have as much right to have a home as we do.  So, what exactly should a Sydney resident do with a possum that seem to have claimed ownership of his or her roof?  According to WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education, Inc.) the best thing to do is to call licensed removal experts if you know their number or call WIRES so they can recommend one. Read this WIRES article to know more about handling possums in your roof.  The non-profit organization also warns against feeding or handling the possums.  No matter how much you want to help, you may do more harm than good. 

References:

http://www.wiresnr.org/Emergencyinformation.html#possums

http://www.sydneywildlife.org.au/sydneys-mammals

http://www.wires.org.au/