Mission Berlin: Iron Curtain Dash

Orders came through from London as unexpectedly as ever. The ‘firm’ solicits my availability as a matter of protocol, but the implication is unspoken and my instructions cryptic and brief.

PROCEED BERLIN IMMEDIATELY -STOP- COLLECT PACKAGE PROCEED COPENHAGEN ASAP -STOP- AVOID DETECTION AT ALL COSTS

I deploy to Berlin as inconspicuously as possible. This is often achieved by simply travelling in plain sight and I book a business class fare to the brand new Berlin Tegel airport undercover as a portly travel journalist on a mundane assignment to write about luxury cars and hotels. Perfectly plausible.

My contact in chauffeur uniform meets me under the ‘Ankunft’ sign, his tablet bearing the name of a random travel writer plucked from a Google search.

“Welcome sir, I trust you won’t be uncomfortable travelling under this name? It seemed unusual enough to be convincing.”

We chat innocuously, chiefly about our mutual lament for the recent passing of the historic Templehof airport where, during the famous Berlin Airlift of 1949, flights landed every few minutes with supplies for the city, besieged by the Soviets for a full month as a show of Cold War obstinance.

My driver, who only identifies himself as Manfred, discreetly slips me an unmarked envelope.

The weather is bright and inviting as we arrive at Sammlung Boros, a WWII, above ground air raid bunker that now houses the impressive art collection of Christian Boros behind its two-metre thick concrete-reinforced walls. During a tour I mingle with art experts inspecting works by Ai Weiwei, Thea Djordjadze, Klara Liden, Wolfgang Tillmans and Cerith Wyn Evans. While the group is transfixed by rubber car tyre in a slowly self-disintegrating kinetic installation by Michael Sailstorfer, I open the envelope.

Identify ‘Alfie’ with ‘I bet that’s not a Michelin’

Feeling a little self-conscious, I do as instructed and from the wall of staring, incredulous faces emerges a petite young woman with a fetching boy cut and piercing eyes. Her natural smile and impeccable complexion is of the type Americans pay thousands for.

“You clearly have no idea about art, do you?” she observes bluntly, showing little sympathy for my predicament as I try unsuccessfully to dissolve back into the small group.

Alfie shows considerable restraint and continues to engage me in prescribed conversation that expands her cover as a premium lifestyle editor from Southeast Asia. Her English and diction is immaculate and her deportment flawless. Clearly, she has infiltrated her network very successfully and I dare not speculate on what necessitated her rapid extrication from Berlin.

Posing as wealthy tourists, we’re shuttled by plush minivan to the exclusive Design Hotels collection property, Das Stue, in Berlin’s leafy Tiergarten district. Pre-war, this palatial manor housed the Royal Danish Embassy and the new owners, with acclaimed Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, have restored the structure in a glorious homage reflecting the grandeur and pomp that once typified this exclusive diplomatic neighbourhood.

The rooms are really over-sized suites of 70m² with five metre high ceilings. A gleaming brass bathtub sits imperiously as a centrepiece in the ample room. Just as I’m thinking I could become accustomed to this ‘travel writer’ ruse, another envelope slides almost silently under my door. I peer through the spy hole, but the mysterious messenger is long gone.

Accept J’s invitation for dinner in ‘Cinco’, Michelin-starred Catalan chef Paco Pérez’s restaurant downstairs at 8pm sharp.

J, aka Julia the firm’s London station chief, hosts us in amazing style demonstrating her prowess for creating a seamless cover. Just as I’m finishing my Fruchte cocktail, another note has appeared under my napkin. I slide it surreptitiously into my jacket for later inspection.

08:30 engage St James red Bentley Continental GT Speed Coupe with package to Schloss Ludwigslust via E26. Contact Hildegarde.

After breakfast, there is no mistaking this supreme English automobile parked in full view at the entrance of Das Stue. Bentley’s superb Continental GT (or ‘Contie’ for short) is powered by the mammoth six litre W12 twin turbo engine in ‘Speed’ configuration and linked to an 8-speed close-ratio transmission and an advanced All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system. The powerplant one might expect to find in a Spitfire or Hurricane fighter plane. We’ll be limited to a modest 130kmh so as not to attract undue attention, but should the necessity arise, we could propel ourselves beyond double that speed in a matter of seconds.

I go to leap into the driver’s seat, upholstered in pure, delightfully aromatic hide and trimmed with walnut when my enthusiasm is interrupted.

“Do you mind?”

Alfie, as diminutive as she may be, has confidently installed herself at the helm. Those eyes, framed by eyebrows that could have been etched by Da Vinci himself, clearly indicate my station.

Without a minute to lose, we’re away into the Berlin traffic, the red beast murmuring ominously at traffic lights and growling with intimidation as Alfie applies the throttle with her calf skin boots.

We blast down the expressway on the verge of legal limit, effortlessly dispatching lumbering lorries and rising to the challenge against lesser contenders. The GT can reach 100kmh from a standing start in a smidgen over four seconds, so there’s no hanging around.

We arrive at the imposing 220 year old Schloss Ludwiglust, our massive 21-inch alloy wheels noisily crushing the ornamental gravel as we park in courtyard. Once home to the Mecklenburg-Schwerin family who resided here until evicted by the Soviets in 1945, the palace now houses the State Museum of Schwerin/Ludwigslust/Güstrow, with paintings by Jean-Baptiste Oudry and busts by Jean Antoine Houdon forming the collection.

Hildegard greets us curtly in German. Having spent her entire life in what was East Germany, she never learned English and never needed to. I go to take the envelope she discreetly holds under a brochure but Alfie snatches it, saunters nonchalantly off past a gallery of Prussian dukes and promptly resumes her position behind the hand-stitched Mulliner steering wheel.

“Get in, we’re late.” Yes, ma’am.

With an overnight at the funky East Hotel (separate rooms, thank you) in Hamburg and a lavish dinner at Clouds, 105 metres above the red-lit Reeperbahn at the top of Tanzende Türme (tower), our cover seems to be holding remarkably well. Alfie politely keeps the conversation to topics to which she thinks I might have some insight, like power output and torque. (The W12 has, by the way, 472kW and 840Nm respectively)

We keep up appearances with coffee and cake at Schlosskeller Glucksburg before the final run into Copenhagen via Nybord. Julia has transported herself ahead of time and, with much aplomb, is there to offer us champagne in Balthazar at our ultimate destination, Copenhagen’s historic Hotel d’Angleterre. Visibly relieved at our successful avoidance of inquisitive border guards and overzealous Bundespolizei, both Julia and Alfie indulge in flutes of sparkling Bollinger laced with jokes at my expense.

Now that my ‘package’ has safely delivered herself from whatever bedevilled her in Berlin, all that remains is for me to complete my undercover assignment and find some way to convincingly relate this most incredible journey. Not sure where to start really.

ShowGizmo welcomes new CEO, David Chaulk

A specialist in leading hyper-growth in early stage companies, Canadian-born David Chaulk has worked throughout Australasia, North America, and the UK in industry sectors from SaaS Software to FMCG to Utility in leadership positions including CEO, COO, Group GM and Director of Sales and Marketing.

David's career highlights include launching an international music publishing business, leading sales growth of more than 300% (in 4 years) for Australasia's largest direct response television company while building an international profile for the business and turning around one of NZ's largest office products companies from loss to profit, then successfully leading a merger with the company's main competitor.

"Since completing my last project, I've been looking for a New Zealand-based opportunity with world class potential. The events industry is one of the fastest growing verticals out there and ShowGizmo is an amazing product. I genuinely believe we can grow this business internationally and become one of the great New Zealand success stories." said David.

ShowGizmo was founded more than seven years ago and David replaces founding CEO Marie-Claire Andrews who remains on the company's board. The ShowGizmo event app has been the market leader in Australasia since launching mid-2010.

"We were pioneers in the event app space back in the days when the few people who actually had a smartphone — often a Blackberry — had no idea what an app was. It's very different in today's highly competitive environment and it's great to have someone of David's calibre in play to take us to the next level," says Chair and Co-founder Frances Manwaring.

David is no stranger to events, having been one of New Zealand's leading trombonists for many years, performing with iconic musical ensembles including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

www.showgizmo.com

Global Tourism Economy Forum

The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), and coordinated by GTERC in collaboration with UNWTO. GTEF's supporting units include the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), European Travel Commission (ETC) and Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO).
 

Since its inception in 2012, GTEF has successfully established itself as an influential high-level cooperation platform to promote sustainable development in the global tourism industry with a focus on China. To date, GTEF had received more than 7,000 participants from 63 countries and regions, including delegations from 54 provinces and cities of Mainland China; and more than 300 internationally renowned speakers.


 

Photo 1.  (From left) Mr. Bailey Sin, Marketing Director of Sociedade De Jogos De Macau, S.A., Mr. Bernard Yiu, Senior Consultant – Marketing of Sociedade De Jogos De Macau, S.A., Ms. Cindy Yang, Account Director of Resort Sales of MGM, Mr. Jason Wang, Chief Operating Officer of GTEF, Mr. Ravi Bhattari, Consul General of Consulate General of Nepal, Guangzhou, Mr. Qijie Mei, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province, Mr. Su Changde, General Manager in Southern China, Tibet Tourism Development (Guangdong) Co. Ltd, Ms. Aileen Lu, Regional Assistant Sales Manager – South China Sales of Galaxy Entertainment Group, Mr. Jacky Chan, Associate Director of Sales of Venetian Macau Limited and Ms. Winnie Pau, Supervisor – Supervisory Board of Global Tourism Economy Research Center, joined the Global Tourism Economy Forum Roadshow Luncheon in Guangzhou.

 

Photo 2. Mr. Qijie Mei, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province, gave a speech at the Global Tourism Economy Forum Roadshow Luncheon in Guangzhou.

 

Photo 3. Mr. Jason Wang, Chief Operating Officer of GTEF introduced GTEF 2017's programme and events.

 

Three months after Cyclone Debbie, Red Cross continues to support struggling NSW communities

 
Three months after the massive category four Cyclone Debbie struck, Red Cross continues to reach out to people in the Northern Rivers still struggling to pick up the pieces.

The severe weather event following Cyclone Debbie caused widespread damage and flooding in the Northern Rivers where six people died, schools and roads were closed, Lismore and Murwillumbah CBDs were inundated and many other towns and villages were isolated.

Red Cross has helped thousands of residents and visitors throughout the region. More than 140 Red Cross personnel have been on hand at Evacuation Centres, Recovery Centres, via outreach and in community work.

"We provide psychosocial support: we're there with a listening ear, a friendly face, information and connection, to help people reduce distress and cope with the situation. We do this at the height of the emergency and for years afterwards supporting the community on the long, difficult and complex path to recovery," Red Cross regional manager Janelle Cazaubon said.

"Disasters like these can be extremely distressing. We're here for the long haul, embedded into these communities to most effectively support local responses to recovery," she said.

"There are many difficulties and obstacles for people to rebuild their lives.  Many flood-affected individuals, households and businesses still don't know what lies ahead due to unresolved insurance issues, despair over rebuilding, and increased lack of control and confidence.

"We're also seeing social isolation and displacement from routine life.  Many people are not back in their homes and are disconnected from their community, family and in many instances their workplace.

"Since the flood there has been ongoing repeat heavy rain and wet weather, which has seen recurring road closures and isolation for many living in rural parts. The continuing rain has also impacted on peoples' wellbeing, with many people practicing hypervigilance, and there's increased evidence of anxiety and exhaustion."

Red Cross has begun Recovery Information Sessions to front-line community workers, giving insight into the normal reactions to an abnormal situation and is running Psychological First Aid (PFA) and recovery training in Lismore and Murwillumbah.

Red Cross is also working closely in the community with Community Neighbourhood and Community Centres, Community Associations, Schools, Local Government and Community Service providers.  Red Cross is supporting upcoming community events in villages and towns to ensure moral support to devastated communities and to help build social connectedness.

"Whether this means supporting community barbeques and other events, door-knocking to check in on folks, or advocating for community outcomes, we're staying right where we're needed."

If you or someone you know has been affected by this - or any - emergency, Red Cross has resources to help you recover at redcross.org.au/emergencyresources. To help Red Cross provide valuable disaster assistance in times of emergency, you can donate to our emergency response and recovery work across Australia at redcross.org.au or by calling 1800 811 700.

                           

 

  

 

 

The oldest rainforest on earth is under threat

The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest surviving tropical rainforest on earth and contains some of the most biologically diverse flora and fauna. Containing 80% of the world's fern family, 40% of Australia's bird species and 35% of Australia's mammals, it is vital to keep this ecosystem thriving. Rainforests like the Daintree are increasingly threatened by climate change and development and need protection.

Within the Daintree rainforest there are 122 animal and plant species listed as threatened. The Daintree rainforest contains many breeds that are not found anywhere else in the world which rely on the rainforest habitat for food, and which certain tree species within the Daintree rely on for survival.

Australia has already lost 75% of its rainforests and nearly 50% of all forests in just over 200 years, and as a result has had a high rate of species extinctions. The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW) is currently appealing to the public in a bid to raise funds to protect Australia's national parks including Australia's oldest and most well-known national park, the Daintree. Ian Darbyshire, CEO of FNPW states that through public donations the not-for-profit organisation has been able to secure and protect sections of the rainforest that were under threat, but there is still much to be done.

For more information visit www.fnpw.org.au.

 


 

 

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

For a truly sublime wilderness escape, it is hard to surpass Uganda, the undiscovered pearl of Africa. A lush landscape of deep lakes, glacial alpine mountains, wide-open savannah and dense rainforests, the country boasts wildlife not found anywhere else, making a safari here an unforgettable one.

But Uganda is perhaps best known for its concentration of primates, including its most celebrated residents – half the world's remaining mountain gorilla population. And one of the best places to see them is Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp located in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country's southwest.

Tucked away on a on a flat ridge deep within the Forest, this exclusive luxury camp comprises just eight tents, and is one of the most remote and atmospheric in Africa. Frequently visited by gorilla families due to its unique location, it is the perfect base for a once in a lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas.

Of course Uganda is one of several countries where it is still possible to observe gorillas in the wild. But the recent move by Rwandan authorities to implement a significant price hike for compulsory gorilla trekking permits from US$750 to US $1,500 per person for all visitors earlier this year has added significantly to it's appeal, with Ugandan permits considerably more affordable at just US$600 per person.

Prof Helen Herrman Recognised on Queen's Birthday Honours List

Distinguished Global Mental Health Advocate Recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours List

Professor Helen Herrman, Head of Vulnerable and Disengaged Youth Research at Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and President-Elect of the World Psychiatric Association has today been recognised with the Order of Australia in the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Professor Herrman, also Professor of Psychiatry at the Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne and Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre was awarded the Order of Australia for her distinguished and outstanding lifetime contribution to psychiatry, public health, and community mental health service reform with her endeavours leading to major advances in scholarship, academic development and clinical practice locally, nationally and internationally.

Professor Herrman has achieved numerous local, national and international awards and recognition, most recently President-Elect of the World Psychiatric Association and is due to take up her Presidency in 2017, the first Australian to achieve this significant international role. She received the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' College Citation in 2010 for contributions to national and international psychiatry and International Distinguished Fellowship of the American Psychiatric Association in 2009. She was inducted to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2013.

Mr Peter Smedley, Chairman of Orygen says, "Today, many thousands of people across the globe with mental illness are receiving improved mental health care because of Prof Herrman's tireless championing of reform and progress in mental health treatment, care and services. This is a well-deserved honour, I am delighted that both professionally and personally Helen's contribution is being recognised in this way."

Prof Herrman plays a lead role in a wide range of research projects that focus on a variety of social contexts, including violence, gender and mental health; assessment of outcomes and quality of life for people with disabilities; depression in primary health care; mental health promotion in children through family day carers; improving mental health outcomes for young people in out of home care; and youth, technology and wellbeing.

At Orygen she leads our research into the needs of vulnerable and disengaged young people designed to improve the mental health of young people in out of home care.

Professor Patrick McGorry AO, Executive Director of Orygen is delighted to see that Professor Herrman's outstanding and ground-breaking work in mental health is being recognised today in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. The esteem in which she is held is clearly demonstrated by her numerous appointments to leading health and mental health organisations in Australian and around the world. This is well-deserved recognition, Professor Herrman brings enormous passion and dedication to everything that she does", he says.