News

Gregory’s Books

Gregory’s has put out some excellent tourist books. The new See Australia series published by Universal Press and retailing at $32.95 each, are up to the minute guides on specific areas of travel interest within Australia. These books are a great source of inspiration and a reliable resource for the domestic traveller. See Australia Relax by well known travel author Bruce Elder, boasts comprehensive maps and is arranged by region within each state. The book showcases five star resorts, B & B’s, wineries, art galleries, health retreats and farm stays. See Australia All Year compiled by Bruce Elder and Ivan Coates, presents over 700 of the most important and unique festivals, shows and sporting meets arranged by state and month for easy reference.

See Australia National Parks compiled by Ron and Viv Moon is an essential guide for any traveller wanting to explore our nation’s national parks and witness our environmental heritage. The book is both practical and beautiful with stunning photographs and the latest road and park maps. Gregory’s has also put out Australia’s Top Tourist Destinations, written by Margaret McPhee it is the result of 20 years travel and research and twelve months of intensive labour. Featuring full colour photographs, detailed maps and a snapshot summary of information, the book captures the essence of towns and capital cities around Australia. Retailing at $25.95 it profiles more than 60 top tourist regions and features useful information including contact details and calendars of festivals and events.

See our Reader Survey page for your chance to own a copy of these books.

LifeGems

Searching for a unique way to be laid to rest? A concept called LifeGem may be for you. The website www.mylifegem.com explains this unusual process. A LifeGem is a high quality diamond that is created from the carbon of your loved one. The diamonds are real and can be kept loose or placed in a specialty setting. This is a unique memorial that will endure virtually forever and provide a lasting memory. For anybody who wants something different from the common methods of memorialisation, a LifeGem could be just the thing.

Peace of mind can be elusive for people whose lives are touched by serious illness or the death of a loved one. Set in nine tranquil acres in the Southern Highlands of NSW, the Quest for Life Foundation offers residential programs that inspire and empower people living with serious illness, grief, loss or trauma to find a meaningful way forward in their lives. Petrea King and a team of compassionate and experienced health professionals have offered these programs which include meditation, discussion and practical strategies for reclaiming peace, to tens of thousands of people since 1984. The programs recognise that whilst we can’t always change what happens to us, we can change how we’re going to respond to what happens to us. Former Patron Ruth Cracknell, AM said of the center; “What you are given immediately you come to the Petrea King Quest for Life Centre is an enormous sense of relief and you begin to feel more confident. You know that these times can and will be lived through and that you will emerge with your being more intact.”

For information about the centre and its programs please call them on
(02) 4883 6599 or visit the website at www.questforlife.com.au

The Opal Discovery Centre

Opened in October 2002 by the Hon Joe Hockey, Minister for Small Business and Tourism, the centre was was commissioned by the family company Costellos of Australia. The Opal Discovery Centre presents Australia’s international visitors with an interactive introduction to the wonders of our country’s natural gemstone. Located at Costellos’ flagship store at 280 George St, Sydney, the centre is a significant investment in Australia’s tourism industry.

Grief Education

The Centre for Grief Education is an independent, not for profit organisation that opened in January 1996. The Centre’s mission is to promote support for grieving people through education, consultancy, counselling and research. The Centre also aims to assist people during their time of grief and to prevent chronic illness and ill health. A statewide service, The Centre receives operational funding through the state palliative care program of the Victorian Department of Human Services and is located alongside the palliative care teaching unit at McCulloch House, Monash Medical Centre. With links to other grief sites, bereavement counselling services and a visitor’s book and newsletter, the site is well worth exploring for those who have been bereaved or wish to support someone that has lost a loved one. Please visit www.grief.org.au for more information.

Bronze Art

Linda Klarfeld has studied sculpture in Australia and overseas as an apprentice to renowned professional sculptors. Linda's passion, sensitivity, eye for detail and undeniable talent make her easily one of the country's leading sculptors. She has created several large public and private commissions including 'Gethsemane' - a 12 piece bronze monument unveiled by Cardinal E. Clancy, Archbishop of Sydney that now graces Macquarie Park Cemetery. Linda is also recognised for her gift for portraiture and her ability to capture her sitters' likeness and character. Public exhibitions of her work are held around Australia and private viewings can be organised at her gallery in Sydney. For more information or to contact Linda, please visit her website at www.klarfeld.com

Macquarie Park Cemetery

An architectural illustration of the crematorium and chapels that will integrate wonderfully into the beautiful landscape of Macquarie Park Cemetery at the corner of Delhi and Plassey Roads, Macquarie Park.

A state of the art crematorium is scheduled to open early 2004 in Sydney’s north. Macquarie Park Cemetery will commence construction this year of three chapels and a crematorium that will be the most modern facility of its kind. The chapels will have high-pitched ceilings and exposed beams and are designed to accommodate all denominations, cultures and beliefs. They will be available for burial as well as cremation services. Important elements of the breakthrough design include easy level access for wheelchairs, disabled persons, the frail and the elderly. Other features are a large porte cochere capable of accommodating hundreds of people and protecting them from rain or harsh sun, a children’s enclosed recreational area, direct access to the function areas and after-service catering.