One bed to every homeless person in Australia

Swags for Homeless

2010-02-08T08:29:51+10:30

Homeless get ready for more beds - as charities scramble for the unique opportunity to help homeless turned away from shelters.Mr Tony Clark, founder, chairman and volunteer of national charity Swags for Homeless, says:  "We are leveraging the current success of giving one free bed to each of the 845 official street sleeping homeless in Melbourne - a world first.  We now aim to inspire other cities around Australia and the world - on how the Australian designed all weather protection outdoor crisis bedding for homeless - can be used to tackle the desperate crisis of homelessness." Mr Clark says that in Melbourne alone there are over 35 homeless charities that are handing out the quality crisis beds to homeless.  The message from all charities is that the homeless treat our crisis beds like gold - realising that the beds are more economical than traditional non-waterproof blankets or sleeping bags that quickly go moldy and are discarded sometimes within days. "The demand is overwhelming," he said.  "Charities are screaming for our help."  Major David Eldridge of the Salvation Army writes in a letter to Swags for Homeless, "As an interim support measure, the provision of warm, waterproof bedding becomes important and we appreciate being able to provide people with your well-designed swags." According to ABS 2006 figures there are 16,375 street sleeping homeless.  "Yet, despite Prime Minster Kevin Rudd telling the nation on ABC TV that 80-90% of homeless are turned away every night from some shelters - our leaders have no plan for tonight," Mr Clark points out.  "No plan?  Not a blanket campaign.  Not a toothbrush campaign.  Not a single plan for homeless needing outdoor sleeping protection tonight.  How horrific not to have a plan for tonight. "The outdoor crisis bed has already proved itself in Melbourne.  Our biggest fans are the homeless.  They see the bed being used by fellow homeless, they go to their local crisis charity, they say please help, the charity calls Swags for Homeless, we send free beds to the charity, the charity helps the homeless - a great team effort.  To prove it works - every bed handed out by charities requires a survey to be filled in and the results are overwhelmingly positive.  Authorities need to listen - 97% of homeless recipients surveyed to date say the government should pay for this dignified outdoor crisis Bed. "Imagine if 16,375 Australians were displaced due to a disaster in one location - our leaders would be spending millions with the Army in tow quicker than you could say election.  How can we treat 16,375 Australians who sleep on the streets, in alleys, under bridges and worse - like this? It is astounding and un-Australian. "Australia needs to know we need to raise approximately $1 million plus admin is needed to give each of the 16,375 street sleeping Aussies a dignified outdoor crisis bed?  So little can help a nation." Mr Clark adds, "Equally for only $217K plus admin a dignified outdoor crisis bed could be given to every street sleeping homeless Aussie in every capital city except Melbourne. "People keep asking.  Why do I keep excluding Melbourne?  Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said to the media in Dec 2009 - by the end of his term he aims for no rough sleepers in Melbourne.  Swags for Homeless commends this great aim - but we believe Doyle currently sends a very negative message to our hard working volunteers and 35+ Melbourne charities trying to help him.  I want to personally meet with the Mayor to discuss this crisis and how we can help - but have been refused since May 2009." In one area alone, Swags for Homeless has given 400+ beds to charities close to Melbourne's CBD and Mayor Doyle's city office.  "The public needs to know the Rudd Government profited on our world first free bed hand out to all 845 Melbourne street sleeping homeless.  We had to pay 7.5% duty then 10% GST a total of 17.5% tax.  We begged for a waiver - no they said! "The reality is that Governments could have a proven emergency relief plan based on our success in Melbourne - charity letters , interviews, petitions - it's crazy not to follow success." So here we come street sleeping homeless in Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin, Perth, Hobart, Canberra and Brisbane.  Swags for Homeless is coming!  Aussie!  Aussie!  Aussie!" tonyc@swags.org.au

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2476 Swags, beds for street sleeping homeless, swags for homeless

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0411 455 779 Tony Clark, Founder & Chairman, Swags for Homeless Ltd Founded by Tony Clark, Swags for Homeless provides free Backpack Beds™ (swags) as an interim crisis measure to street sleeping homeless around Australia. The concept of a swag being used for homeless people was revolutionised to create a Backpack and Bed in one - an outdoor all weather protection sleeping unit.www.swags.org.au• National not for profit charity - donations over $2 are tax deductible• Only 1.89% of funds raised went to overheads (ASIC Audit March 2009) To purchase the famous Backpack Bed for yourself go to www.charity.org.au  *** false 03 9764 9422 false true One bed to every homeless person in Australia - except Melbourne

2010-02-09T10:48:49+10:30

584

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http://www.youtube.com/v/QWSHKvAVeFM

http://www.swags.org.au Travel Associates

2010-02-09T08:48:24+10:30

IN 2010, lovers of luxury travel are expected to visit Mexico or Korea, enjoy a roof top meal in Asia, experience the divine surroundings of an Australian eco-resort or slice powder snow on Europe’s premier ski slopes. Luxury travel experts Travel Associates has released its top five trends for 2010, which according to David Lovelock will see discerning travellers experiencing everything from ambient Asian dining to Mexican beach luxury, ancient Korean monasteries to secluded ski towns in the Swiss Alps. "Roof top dining will be a big thing in 2010 with the likes of Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar in Bangkok a popular restaurant to visit. Located on the 61st floor of the five-star Banyan Tree Hotel, this venue is one of the highest open air restaurants in the world," says David. "It's not for the feint hearted or those afraid of heights. Another favourite is the Sky Bar and its restaurant Sirocco located on the 64th floor of the State Tower in Bangkok. "Luxury ski holidays will make a comeback in 2010 with places like Zermatt in the upper Valais, Switzerland, one of 2010's must-see destinations. Located at the northern base of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of Europe's premier ski resorts known for its quality snow, excellent runs and unspoiled natural beauty." David says mounting enquiry for luxury chalet stays in Aspen USA prove more travellers are seeking international ski holidays with a touch of old world glamour, opulent accommodation and direct access to the ski slopes. Australian eco resorts such as Wolgan Valley Resort are also expected to perform well next year with more travellers keen to support the growing shift towards sustainable tourism. So too are the cosmopolitan resorts on the shores of Mexico. Travel Associates predicts luxury resorts in Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Cancun to attract scores of Australia's luxury travellers this year. And when it comes to activities and culture travel, forward booking records show private or luxury tours in Korea will become increasingly popular throughout 2010. David says more travellers will venture beyond Seoul's high-tech throng to experience spellbinding coastal and mountain scenery, ancient monasteries and temples and traditional fiery Korean cuisine. sue_johnson@travel-associates.com.au

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2497 What's hot in travel for 2010

Sally Gordon Travel Associates are specialists in creating tailor-made itineraries for travellers seeking out individual and unique travel experiences. false 0412 492 433 false true 2010 Luxe Travel Trends

2010-02-09T09:11:39+10:30

678

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http://www.travel-associates.com.au/ Claire Books Wealthy Ltd

2010-02-09T08:02:02+10:30

2010 Just the Right Gift: have you read TIGERIN yet and have you made your Tiger Talisman 2010 yet by the start of the Year of the Tiger on February 14th? New Plymouth, New Zealand - Claire Books Wealthy Ltd, publisher and distributor of children’s eBooks, announced that its newest product, TIGERIN eBook + Tiger Talisman 2010, by Claire Books has been looking forward to the start of 2010 Year of the Tiger on February 14th. TIGERIN is an educational book for children aged 5 to 12 years. It introduces them to the Positive & Creative Thinking in a child-friendly way (through the Animals of the Eastern Horoscope) AND at the same time encourages them to speak good words, plant good thoughts and generate good feelings. - It is a fairy-tale about the wonderful adventures of a little blue tiger called TIGERIN, who discovers that he is the Master of 2010 Year of the Tiger, symbolising Power, Prosperity and Luck. - Trying to understand what the celebrations are, TIGERIN meets other 11 Animals of the Eastern Horoscope who represent and protect a certain Year: Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat and Ox. - The Animals of the Year tell TIGERIN about some of the features and characteristics that can be noticed in people born under the Sign of a certain Animal. - The wise Zodiac Animals explain TIGERIN why it is important to be grateful and appreciative; feel joy, happiness and good; be generous, laugh and smile; live in harmony and peace; forgive and forget; get inspired, be creative and love their families. - The last two pages of TIGERIN contain a template of a blue Tiger with photos and Instruction. The readers have the opportunity to make their own Blue Tiger in 7 easy steps. When finished, that beautiful toy, being a small copy of TIGERIN made by children and their parents, becomes their Talisman for 2010. The readers are encouraged to charge their Tiger Talisman 2010 with joy and other kind feelings when assembling, so that it becomes powerful. TIGERIN was created to bring joy and happiness to every family. Both children and their parents will have fun together when reading the eBook and making their unique 2010 Tiger Talisman: family members reading and creating together helps bind families together. TIGERIN is currently available for purchase at www.tigerin2010.com, www.amazon.com, www.ebookstore.com.au, www.ebookstore.co.uk and www.clickbank.com. Price: US $9.99. Amazon Kindle price: US $11.99. For additional information on TIGERIN, please contact Claire Books or visit www.tigerin2010.com press@bestclairebooks.com

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2495 ebook, children's ebook, children, kids, Tigerin, Tiger Talisman, 2010 Year of the Tiger, Claire Books, education, primary school

Claire Books Claire Books Wealthy Ltd is a New Zealand publisher and distributor of the educational children’s eBooks, established in New Plymouth in 2009. true 64 21 0695857 true true TIGERIN (Ebook + Talisman 2010) To Be Discovered by February 14th, the Start of 2010 Year of the Blue Tiger

2010-02-09T08:45:09+10:30

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http://www.tigerin2010.com Pan International Creative Services

2010-02-08T23:14:14+10:30

The City of Subiaco invites the community to share in the romantic sounds of cappella music from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Sunday 14 February at Lake Jualbup. The latest concert in the Sunset@Subi series will feature the smooth vocals of the twenty-voice ensemble Tuxedo Junction, who will perform an extensive range of musical styles from barbershop to jazz, classical to rock, Bach to Beach Boys. Tuxedo Junction has been entertaining Perth audiences for over twenty-years with a blend of a cappella and choral arrangements that showcase the diverse talents and interests of this group of singers. This ensemble will perform under the musical direction of Alexander Platts, who graduated with Honors’ at the University of Western Australia, where he was later employed to coordinate the York Winter Music Festival, and undertook postgraduate studies in Adelaide and London. As a tenor soloist, Alexander sang for several years in concert and music theatre with groups as diverse as the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the D’Oyly Carte Opera Co. He has featured as a vocal soloist with all of Perth’s major choirs and in several festivals of Perth, performing occasionally with outstanding international groups such as the USA bases Bach Ensemble. The Sunset@Subi series are free community concerts that cover a mix of themes and genres suitable for all ages. For more information or a brochure, contact the City of Subiaco on 9237 9222 or visit the website www.subiaco.wa.gov.au REMAINING SEASON AT A GLANCE: Location – Lake Jualbup, corner Herbert Road and Lake Avenue, Shenton Park 21 February  WA Youth Jazz Orchestra, contemporary jazz 28 February  Chameleon Brass Band, swing big brass band 7 March       The Australian Santana Experience, Santana tribute band -ends- peter.b@paninternational.com.au

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2492 City of Subiaco, community, free community concerts, Sunset@Subi, Tuxedo Junction, Sunday 14 February, Lake Jualbup

Peter Barlow The media release relates to the next performance of the City of Subiaco’s Sunset@Subi concert series being held this summer. The concert series is now in its twenty-second year and aims to provide the community with free accessible entertainment for the local Subiaco residents to enjoy. Please feel free to include information on this upcoming concert in your public community announcements or media publication and help let the local community know about the wonderful free entertainment being presented. If you would like to arrange an interview or would like more information please contact our media representative, Peter Barlow, on 03 9412 6600 or peter.b@paninternational.com.au false 03 9412 6600 false true Cappella sounds to create a romantic evening at Sunset@Subi

2010-02-09T07:31:12+10:30

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http://www.paninternational.com.au Splash Consulting Group

2010-02-08T17:42:10+10:30

Lend Lease’s retail business has partnered with Splash Consulting Group, experts in marketing to women, to unveil ‘Good Times’; the new creative positioning statement for Lend Lease managed shopping centres. Inspired by good times being at the core of all things shopping, the creative guide has been issued to all Lend Lease managed shopping centres across the country. In developing the guide, Lend Lease’s retail business endeavoured to create a powerful brand while still encouraging the flexibility and creative spirit to connect with local markets. The guidelines focus on good design elements including emotive words, great colours and striking photography, all working to bring to life the notion that Lend Lease managed shopping centres are a place where special moments are shared. Amanda Stevens, Managing Director of Splash Consulting Group, said the guide was inspired by customer insights and an intimate understanding of the shopping centre environment and its importance to local communities. “To stand out from the crowd, a strong, unique brand is essential. But it’s also important to deliver this in a relevant and emotive way to the customer” she said. Michael Dockery, General Manager Marketing of Lend Lease - Retail, said “we’ve captured the tools necessary to deliver great creative that connects with the consumer in a comprehensive guide that’s easy for centres to follow regardless of their individual retail cross-section and geographical location.” ENDS For further information please contact Mikaeli Costello, Publicist, Splash Consulting Group - 02 8394 6211 or mikaeli@splashgroup.com.au Caz O’Neil, Publicist, Splash Consulting Group – 02 8394 6209 or caz@splashgroup.com.au mikaeli@splashgroup.com.au caz@splashgroup.com.au

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2486 Lend Lease, Splash Consulting Group, Good Times, Partnership,

0401 580 685 0412 848 730 Mikaeli Costello Caz ONeil false 02 8394 6211 02 8394 6209 false true Good Times ahead for Lend Lease’s retail customers

2010-02-08T17:52:04+10:30

1039

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http://www.splashgroup.com.au IRIS Enterprise Software Australia

2010-02-08T14:01:03+10:30

IRIS Exchequer Software Australia, a leading provider of accounting software, ERP & Business Solutions, today announced its ‘refer a friend’ promotion that will see successful referrals receive a free Apple iPad. Marketing manager Rupert Ralston explains the scheme will reward IRIS’ enthusiastic user base to let their friends in on the secret to stress-free accounting. “Our main goal with this promotion” said Rupert, “is that the next time a friend comes to you complaining about their legacy system, you can tell them there is a solution out there. That solution is, and has always been Exchequer Enterprise.” Once the IRIS Exchequer Enterprise system has been installed, an Apple iPad will be on its way to the successful referrer. While some are brushing off the Apple iPad as a gimmick with little business value, Rupert contends “the unrealised potential for this product is huge. The SDK (developers toolkit) for the iPad has already been released and we are looking into virtual windows environments so you can access your entire PC or server through a terminal server connection.” IRIS Enterprise Software has a long established reputation for innovative solutions and they offer a range of software and services for businesses in every industry. For more information on IRIS Enterprise Software Australia and Exchequer please visit http://www.irissql.com sales@irissql.com

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2485 IRIS, Exchequer, Apple, iPad

Rupert Ralston Exchequer from IRIS Enterprise software is used by over 15,000 businesses worldwide ranging from growing small to medium and large sized businesses. The award-winning business software has won ‘Financial Software Provider of the Year’ in the Real Finance/CBI FDs’ Excellence Awards more times than any other provider and continues to stay ahead of the competition with $45 million (£20 million) invested into R&D in 2009. false 02 9380 6220 false true IRIS Announces Apple iPad giveaway

2010-02-08T14:09:49+10:30

791

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http://www.irissql.com Social [Media] Butterflies

2010-02-08T13:47:32+10:30

The Social [Media] Butterflies group has been formed to be social about trying new things media and we believe we have a world first. Using the online conversation starter, micro-blogging site Twitter, we are conducting a stand up comedy event. It's called "twandup10". Twitter is a free social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters. Since Twitter's creation in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, it has gained notability and popularity worldwide. It is sometimes described as "SMS of the Internet". So, interpreted, "twandup10" means Stand Up Comedy on Twitter in 2010 using 140 character (length) jokes, gags, back slaps, laughs, sarcasm, and humour. Thanks to our Social [Media] Butterflies member Robert Godden of HR Consulting fame throwing down the challenge to other contestants, "#twandup10" will run on Monday 22 February 2010 from 8pm for 30mins. Contestants, such as Robert, will be known as "twingetwits". Twingetwits, along with hecklers will both be very much needed to make this work on the night and both need to be free from 8pm in a location accessible to Twitter (ie via computer, laptop or internet ready mobile phone). We can confirm that along with Robert (@PeopleMagicHR) we will also be entertained by the city's panda (@wang_wang), our very own @adelaidetweet guy and a mum (@CathieTranent). And we all know how much humour mums need! To register participation and aim to win the best twingetwit title, DM @charlierobinson via Twitter. The heckling crowd will judge by vote at the end (8.30pm) with the twingetwits having needed to display interaction, humour, judgement and an ability to engage, amuse and be retweeted! Social media is media designed to be disseminated through social interaction, created using highly accessible and scalable publishing techniques. Social [media] Butterflies founder Charlie Robinson says "we believe #twandup10 is a world first for stand up comedy routines and we look forward to the fun and humour the night should generate". charlie@charliedesign.net.au

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2484 twitter, comedy, fringe, twandup10

Charlie Robinson Social [media] Butterflies "socialise media" false 0418811703 false true Online experiment with Twitter using stand up comedy - #twandup10

2010-02-08T14:06:36+10:30

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http://socialmediabutterflies.blogspot.com/ HotelsCombined.com

2010-02-08T13:25:27+10:30

Sydney, 8 February 2010 – HotelsCombined.com, the world’s leading hotel meta-search engine, announced today their new supplier agreements with European online travel agents – HRS (Hotel Reservation Service) and Hotelopia, part of TUI Travel PLC. The move comes after integrating LastMinute, owned by Travelocity, part of the Sabre Holdings Corporation, Expedia in Europe and Ebookers, part of Orbitz Worldwide and follows HotelsCombined’s decision to expand into the European market. HotelsCombined.com Managing Director, Yury Shar commented: “Europe continues to be an exciting online accommodation market with plenty of potential. HRS and Hotelopia both with significant European inventories will add great value for millions of customers using HotelsCombined.com travelling in and out of Europe.” vicki@hotelscombined.com

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2483 HotelsCombined,com, European Expansion, HRS, Hotelopia

+61 403 561 344 Vicki Byrne HotelsCombined.com is the world’s leading hotel meta-search engine featuring more than 200,000 hotels in 20,000 destinations, across 195 countries. HotelsCombined.com laser targets its resources to deliver more than 900,000 real-time hotel deals which can be price compared and booked directly through leading supplier partners such as Expedia.com, Booking.com, Travelocity.com and Hotels.com as well as via corporate hotel partnerships with InterContinental, Hilton and many others. More than 6.5 million HotelsCombined.com monthly worldwide visitors utilize 4.5 million hotel images, 2.5 million hotel descriptions and maps and 1.5 million customer reviews to help choose the best hotel and best available deal. HotelsCombined.com has received critical acclaims from travel industry experts such as Arthur Frommer, founder of Frommer’s Travel Guides and Budget Travel Magazine, who said, “There's now an aggregator for finding inexpensive hotel rooms anywhere in the world, and its results seem phenomenal” and CNN has praised HotelsCombined.com saying, “If you are looking for hotels, HotelsCombined.com gives you a darn good search.” For more information visit www.HotelsCombined.com. false +61 2 8011 4192 false true New Solid European Tie-Ups for HotelsCombined.com

2010-02-08T13:29:04+10:30

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http://www.HotelsCombined.com Print Mint

2010-02-08T12:35:25+10:30

In what is becoming a tradition, fast turnaround printing house, Print Mint, is offering an exclusive, round-the-clock, discount printing service to Adelaide's Fringe performers again this year. Not only are there special Fringe rates to support the 2010 crop of talented artists, but a special mobile number for arranging printing after hours. Print Mint’s Carolyn Johnston says this flexible, discount printing service is our way of being part of the Fringe. “Audience numbers can make or break a show and one of the vital elements for getting crowds and building atmosphere is good quality flyers and posters,” says Carolyn. “You won’t find us wearing piercings or doing stand up comedy but we can do our bit to help build the buzz around the hive of creativity that is the Fringe. “We’re pretty good now at knowing what sizes and quantities most performers need so we’ll be waiting by the phone to spring into action. The special number for Fringe performers is 0413 273 938. “All Fringe performers are welcome, except, perhaps for Fire Breathers – we might ask them to wait outside!” A special Fringe page at printmint.com.au has a list of exclusive pricing offers just for performers. It also details other services that might be needed, should reformatting or redesign be needed. ENDS carolyn@printmint.com.au

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2482 Adelaide Print Shop, Print Mint, is offering Fringe artists extended hours, special prices, and direct access to its printing staff, so performers can access a reliable supply of printing on demand - posters, flyers, leaflets

Carolyn Johnston Print Mint is centrally located in Adelaide at 59 Flinders Street, Adelaide, just near Gawler Place. T 08 82329860 F 08 82329861 W www.printmint.com.au E info@printmint.com.au false 0413 273 938 false true Private Access to Special Printing Service for Adelaide Fringe Performers

2010-02-08T12:59:31+10:30

162

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http://www.printmint.com.au Gift & Homewares Australia

2010-02-08T10:31:57+10:30

Home & Giving February Fair is now less than three weeks away and is bursting at the seams with exciting new products and the latest trends in the gift and homewares industry. Boasting more product, larger stands and a continued improvement in the overall quality of exhibitor, The Fair, at Sydney Showground, offers retailers a chance to stock up on the very best that the industry has to offer and find inspiration in the innovative and expansive displays. Gift and Homewares Australia Chief Executive, Alby Taylor, said the February Fair is maxed out with top class suppliers – sprawling over three venues at Sydney Showground – The Dome, The Halls and The Howie Pavilion. “The February Home & Giving Fair is set to be one of the best yet with the emergence of a better overall quality of exhibitor. With more than 100 new suppliers and the bulk of exhibitors taking larger stands, there is more product, more inspiration and endless possibilities,” Taylor said. Renowned as the industry’s best marketplace for sourcing a variety of new and quality products, the February Home and Giving Fair promises to display a better quality and quantity of product as suppliers vie for the customer dollar. “Suppliers know that the financial crisis sorted out the women from the girls, so to speak – weaker companies simply did not survive. The upside is that there is now fierce competition for retailers’ business; suppliers are offering a better range of product and more of it, the February Fair is going to be larger-than-life,” Taylor said. Retailers seeking exciting new products and the latest trends in the gift and homewares industry cannot afford to miss this exciting fair to kick off the 2010 season. Register now by clicking on the REGISTER tab online at www.homeandgiving.com Media Enquiries: PINQUE 02 9360 6166 Mary-Jane Morse 0428 254 316 mjm@pinque.com.au PINQUE is a member of the PRIA Registered Consultancies Group and abides by the Public Relations Institute of Australia Code of Ethics mjm@pinque.com.au

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2478 gift, homewares, gift fair, gift trade, exhibition

Gift & Homewares Australia Gift & Homewares Australia (GHA) is the leading industry body representing the gift and homewares industry in Australia with origins dating back to 1977. Based in Homebush, Sydney, the ‘not-for-profit’ organisation is dedicated to serving its membership base through the provision of discounted industry services, commercial and political lobbying and three annual ‘Home & Giving’ exhibitions held in Sydney and Melbourne. Further information: www.agha.com.au false (+61) 2 9763 3222 false true ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES AT THE HOME & GIVING FEBRUARY FAIR, SYDNEY SHOWGROUND

2010-02-08T11:01:59+10:30

977

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http://homeandgiving.com/ http://agha.com.au/