Sawasdee Australia issue 4

issue 4

Cover Talks with Homestates RealtyVisit A Cozy House In Home Style

Waltzing MatildaIn Old Tales Retold

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Editor’s inbox and Contributors

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Santanee Otto [email protected] Design Trends

Art Director

freelance grapic designercontact email: [email protected]

Phra Siphutthiwithet President & Abbot at Wat Tha Buddharam Forestdale Brisbane.

Founder of face book page to help and support women in need

Vtalk, Home Style

Jason Hagan

6 years experienceNikon D300, D90

Jim Jirarnuttaruj

14 years experience in Australia & Thailandhttps://www.facebook.com/JimJirarnuttaruj

Kirsty Turner is an experienced freelance writer specialising in travel and entertainment. She currently lives in Bangkok.

I considered myself as landscape photographer, but am also inspired by food, architecture and portrait photography as well.

To those who might be interested in my works please feel free to visit my portfolio at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/modhirannphoto/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/modhirannphoto/ Contact me at mailto: [email protected]

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SAWASDEE AUSTRALIA MAGAZINE

Contents Forth Issue/January and Februay 2015

Cover talks Successful Migrants

Nicole Tam Managing Director, Homestates RealtyClare Yeaw Operations Director, Homestates RealtyJB Palmer Senior Property Specialist

6 12-13 14 16 17 18-1924-2526-2722-23

8-9 10 11 Brislife

True Story

Real Community

20-21 2434-35 37

3 3536-37 38 42

Contact usSawasdee Australia Magazine P.O.Box 4309 St Lucia South Brisbane, Queensland 4067email : [email protected]: +661 424 022 334 or +661 451 057 063

https://www.facebook.com/sawasdee.au.mag“ SAWASDEE AUSTRALIA MAGAZINE ”

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Sawasdee Australia Photo Contest

Valentine's special gift for customers Purchase $40 receive 1 Teddy BearOR $80 receive 1 Pillow Dolls

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V-talks

SAWASDEE AUSTRALIA MAGAZINE6

Successful Migrants

In your opinion what does it take to become successful as a migrant in Australia?

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What is the major obstacle you have come across? Q

problem solving skills.

I have been here a long time - since I was 15, and my observation is that successful migrants adopt part of the Australian culture whilst staying true to their roots. I think Australians appreciate people who take on some of their culture and I will always remember mine.

Acceptance is one of my keys to become successful migrant. As I decided to live in Australia 15years ago I have to accept so many changes in my life such as career life style or even culture. Patience is also very important factor. It takes time to get a permanent residency or citizenship. Everybody has to work hard for it.

The traditional Thai culture and the Australian oneare vastly different. It takes some getting used to.

The major obstacle for everybody or me would be language. I tried so hard to study and learn in every possible ways, reading everything that has English in it. Working in the nursing home also has played a big part. I had the great opportunity to speak English to people. What is your goal and how will you achieve it?

Q

I want to be independent just like myself when I was in my country. I am working as a member of society in Australia where I live now.

across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

would love to go back to study more so I can get back to do what I love to do. In 2003, I used to working nursing home but then I got marry and had kids so I quit my job to look after my children.

I need to do something for myself and my family.It will take a lot of time and effort but I am the type of person that

4 years in Australia


Part time VIP cleaner and casual waitress


about V talker

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CUSTOMERS what our

say

4/5 Zillman Road, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

32685146 or 31720259

5 mins from Brisbane Airport

THAINARAMITwww.thainaramit.com.au

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Cover Talks

Nicole TamManaging Director

SUCCESSFUL MIGRANTS

s one of the founders of Homestates Realty, Nicole brings a wealth of property investment experiences of more than 10 years to her practice and she is passionate about helping others to achieve results. With significant expertise in sourcing and developing properties, an outstanding work ethics and a wide network of Australian and international business professionals, Nicole provides platforms for clients to establish and build successful property portfolios that wouldn’t typically be available to them.

Sawasdee Australia team is very delightful to talk to Nicole, as she takes us through significant moments in life and what does it take to become a successful migrant.

Knowledge and education means power and success - a very important attribute to Nicole’s parents. Her parents always plan ahead for Nicole and her siblings to

ensure that they receive the best education and a better lifestyle, like many other migrants in Australia. Hence, the migration from Taiwan to Australia when Nicole was little.

When Nicole first arrived in 1981, she was a little girl naively running freely and barefooted on an acreage greenly piece of land - a land fill with opportunities. At that that time, at the tender young age, Nicole thought to herself: “there are so many opportunities on this wonder land, in this world, so long as you work hard with dignity and determination, you will succeed in life one day”.

As Nicole doesn’t speak English at all when she first arrived in Australia, she had no friends, the school kids laughed at her, sticking “I NEED HELP” sticky note on her back without her knowing, burn her hair on the bus, etc. As the interviewer listening to Nicole’s childhood experience, my eyes were moist and fighting back

tears, thinking that this is horrendous, how could a little girl on this foreign land thousand miles away from her parents be able to handle these?

Nicole looked at me confidently and said: “Young and naive is just an excuse for not getting things done. I knew I wanted to be part of Australia so badly, I will learn English and I wanted to speak and write in English fluently. I practiced English day and nightly loudly, I watched English news and movies, I listened to English songs. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Nicole’s father was a very successful businessman. He started his own business from scratch, which grew from one employee to 200 employees within a short span of time – he worked very hard for the family and yet spent very little time with his children. Her father was forced to retire because of health condition, he was forced to stop his dream and leave his empire out of a sudden. Till then,

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Cover Talks

Nicole realized the importance of family and health. Her father’s experience in life has shaped her to who she is today – confident, independent and determined, the best gifts ever from her parents.

The journey that her father went through makes Nicole realize that we have to plan for the future and it doesn’t matter how glorious it will be or how successful we are today, we need to plan for tomorrow and while we are working so hard toward our goal, we still need to remember to live at the present right this moment. Nicole will spend more time to talk about her story and when she is with her daughter, she wants to be able to give her all attention that she needs to have. “Live in the present but knowing that the future will look after you because you are working towards that”, says Nicole.

To Nicole, successful is not about how much money we made, it is all about happiness. “I think earning money, earning a living it’s me other ways. You can have three jobs a day as long as you are willing to, you have a physical ability to, you have the need to, you will make it happen that’s what we call earning a living, but if you are able to not just earning money but making the meaning behind what you do, that will carry you a long way”, says Nicole.

If Nicole can have a hobby that she really wanted to, really enjoy doing every day and then at the same time this hobby is a platform to earn money and then helping others that will be fantastic so she think along the way throughout her career path in the past 20 years is proba-bly more of a searching for the right platform to be on and to become today.

Nicole has passion in property. She loves property. Some people go for inspection and just look at different properties but she loves property in the sense that she wants to see herself building the city, helping and contributing to the society. She wants to be able to drive her car and point to her little girl, “mommy actually done this, done that, as in we sold a lots”.

Nicole shares Homestates Realty’s philosophy of focusing on getting the best possible outcome for clients. She is proud of the quality of the team and the ability of the company to assist each client with a seamless transition, making their property investment process a truly unfor-gettable journey towards wealth.

To define a ‘successful migrant’, depends on how you define ‘success’, for Nicole, there is no doubt that she is one of them. We also appreciate that she and her team has a business mind focusing on assisting Thai community in Queensland. Last but not least, we ask her to describe herself in three words…

“I’m really determined, very energetic & passionate and I’m very optimistic”

“I’m really determined, very energetic & passionate and I’m

very optimistic”

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ith background in legal industry specializing in commercial litigation and corporations law, Clare Yeaw joined Homestates Realty as an Operations Director, one of the key persons who will drive this newborn company to success.

Clare was born and raised in Malaysia. Upon completion of her law degree in Australia, she went back to Malaysia and gained her experience in commercial litigation. Clare has also worked as a general legal counsel in an international financial institution in Singapore before returning to Australia to complete her postgraduate degree in legal practice and decided to make Australia home.

Clare met Nicole Tam while she was looking for an opportunity to buy a property. She decided then that she wanted to work in a company where she has room to grow, gain experience, and to be able invest in property the company was marketing. After working together for few years, the pair has decided to start Homestates Realty. She has been instrumental in the management and strategy of Homestates Realty, having been particularly involved in day-to-day operations, providing business assurance on the effectiveness and efficiency, reliability of reporting and compliance with laws and regulations. “Our commitment is to always treat people with dignity and respect”, Clare says.

Cover Talks “Success is a feeling of satisfaction and self-worth that comes from the recognition of others whom you have positive impact on their lives.”

Homestates Realty is a real estate company with its head office based in Brisbane, Australia.

We help tens of thousands of Australians, expatriates and foreigners find their dream homes or investment properties in Australia. Our residential real estate services include property investments,buying and selling establishedhomes and property managment.

We are committed and will continue to acquire and develop quality properties based on realistic values for our clients. As we are dedicated to the development of long term relationship with our clients, the best interests

of our clients are very important to us and we will place the clients’ concerns ahead of our own in each and every transaction ensuring that clients realise the highest profitperformance.

Homestates Realty consists of a proficient team of experienced professionals in key positions. Our multicultural and accomplished professionals will insist on only the highest standards, using the most sophisticated systems and working in an intense but enjoyable environment.

Our vision is that this dedication and passion will steer Homestates Realty to be the leading international real estate company in the 21st century.

About Homestates Realty

Clare YeawOperations Director, Homestates Realty


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B has always been passionate in sales, marketing and customer service. Her first experience in sales and marketing was realized when she had an opportunity to help her aunt market the holiday island resort at the Tourism Trade Fair in Thailand where she had to apply marketing strategy to boost the market interest. “Having just obtained a Physio Therapy Degree with minimum knowledge in marketing, I was certain that I have to do something to make it a success. With much research and many sleepless nights, our strategy was proven a success. We managed to tailor the holiday goers’ trip to suit their budget which involved a lot of hard work behind the scene.

The marketing experience of that time prompted her to want to learn more about marketing, which was the reason why JB came to Brisbane and further her study in a Master Degree of Integrated Marketing Communication at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Upon graduation, she landed her first job in retail industry before joining a property investment company where she learnt that she could be working hard and smart in her routine tasks and enjoying her life as a property investor at the same time.

“Vision without action is a dream…Action without vision is a nightmare” JB loves this quote: “that’s why I enjoy walking closely with clients through the journey of building property portfolio!” She says “we are not here to sell a property, but we want to grow with our clients as partners.”

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Cover Talks

My definition of “Success” is measured by the success of others and the difference I have made to their lives.

Senior Property Specialist

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Social scenes

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IN CELEBRATION OF

Birthday

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Social scenes

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Brislife

Interview with Des Power AM Founder ofAsia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA)

He founded the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in 2007. This event later became a major international cultural initiative of Brisbane and received great support from Brisbane City Council. This event operates in partnership with UNESCO, the International Federation of Film Producers, and the European Film Awards. It is the Asian arm of the Motion Picture Association of America.

Des Power talked exclusively with Sawasdee Australia in Brisbane at the recent Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Boom Buchanan writes.

What prompted you to think Brisbane is a center for Asia Pacific Film Festival and Asia Pacific Screen Awards?I think it works better here in Brisbane as a regional hub and a good venue for this event and in terms of recognition I wanted it to be like many of the world’s film festival such as Cannes, Venice and all that.

What about the support from all parties?Yes of course, it’s very nice that the Brisbane City Council and the Lord Mayor in particular has been enormously supportive. We have also been receiving great attraction from the participants over the last 7 years, so it’s been very good.

In the world level, we’ve got Cannes, Berlin and Toronto which in a way representing each region so we want to push this Asia Pacific awards up there as well. What we wanted to create is an award for the region, slowly but surely we are getting the world recognition.

It has been 8 years now since the event was founded; do you see more participants every year? Yes, we do have more and more participants every year, which mean more recognition. This year (in 2014) there’re 257 Films from 70 countries in Asia Pacific that is more than the foreign language films in the Academy awards which is amazing. They are some magnificent works and the world got to see it.

There are great talents that have to be recognized, and their products get to expand to the market. Especially if they won the awards or if they are nominated it’s a booster for the marketing as well. Take a filmmaker like Asghar Farhadi as an exam-ple, The Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) work together with Motion Picture Association and we managed to get him funded for $25,000 to finish his film and from there, he went and won an Acad-emy Award, so you know, it can’t be better!

There are some countries in the region that hasn’t been represented or under-represented?

Well, we don’t have Thai film producer and of course if we do Brisbane will be better known to Thai film industry. It will be lovely to have Thai filmmaker representatives here.

Des Power AM is an award-winning filmmaker, a writer, former journalist and foreign correspondent and chairman of a number of prominent boards in the film and events industries in Australia. . In 2006, he was honored with an AM – Order of Australia – for his services to tourism, film, broad-casting and the community.

Interview with Des Power AM Founder ofAsia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA)

"Image courtesy of Asia Pacific Screen Awards"


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Money talks

JB Palmer (Jeab): Senior Property Specialist Homestates Realty / 9C, 30 Florence Street, Teneriffe. Tel: 1300 88 66 08 Mob: 0431 535 240Email: [email protected]

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Properties never go wrong; people go wrong. When people lose money from investment it doesn’t mean that investment is a bad investment, it’s just how they do it. They need to understand the risks involved and need to surround themselves with experts to make sure their investment have the best chance of success.

JB has extensive experience in property market from her previous years with Ironfish. She has unconditionally helped many ordinary individuals and family in achieving their dreams of creating multimillion-property portfolio in Australia. She is now focusing on assisting Thai community to invest, buy, sell and rent properties with Homestates Realty.

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Design Trends A NEW CREATIVE GENERATION

What a fabulous New Year this will be! 2015 will be a time for a fresh start, bringing new and exciting things to the table. We are in a very fast pace design generation, where the variety is endless. My exciting start was not only full of �reworks, the editor of Sawasdee Australia o�ered me with an opportunity to write a new column ‘Design Trends’ for the magazine. Naturally, I excitedly took up the o�er. My idea for this column is to give you the reader, and myself, the designer, the initiative to explore the design world that is at our �ngertips together. Searching seasonal and timeless pieces, and taking an intimate look at them, we can together embrace our abundant resources from leading local and international talents.

My quest is to discover new, innovative, and revolutionary design products, and share them with you. We will embark on a forward thinking design trip, and I will provide useful tips, easy and fun DIY projects, and clever organizational tips, noteworthy to any design enthusiast. And hopefully this journey would not take my nautical exploration overboard!

Let me take you back to my �rst arrival to the land Down Under. At aged six, without one word of English, I came to a new world, a world of opportunities. Every Australian that I came across were, so warm, welcoming, patient, and at most times, were happy to assist me when I didn’t understand something. Those �rst impressions have stayed with me in my heart. My Austra-lian heritage has had as much emphasis on my life as my Thai heritage. It has given me oppor-tunities of far greater importance in the subtle elements of an Australian youth. I grew up in Brisbane, attending Somerville House as a boarder. After graduating year 12, I ventured to Los Angeles, where I received my degree as an Interior Designer. I feel fortunate and grateful to have had the opportunities to travel and had �rst hand experience in other cultures and their design societies.

On my recent return to Brisbane, it has become surprisingly diverse in every way, with abundant opportunities to grab for the fearless. I sense that Brisbane is very supportive of diverse cultures and its urban planning. There seems to be more obscure shaped buildings with modern architectural designs in and around the city. The design movement recently has been very impressive to the point that we have attracted the world’s attention - US President Obama may have recently labeled Brisbane as ‘Brisvegas’ but it was Elvis Presley who originally nicknamed the city. Though with Brisbane as lively and sophisticated as it is today, I would rather call our city BrisAngeles than BrisVegas and I hope that Hollywood comes to �lm here more often. How exciting is it that, Pirates of the Caribbean’s next sequel is being �lmed right here in Queensland!

ow, just to whet your appetite on my �rst ever column, I ventured through Bang & Olufsen’s Studio on James Street the other day hoping to explore the hot spot for design and fashion of Brisbane and I stumbled upon one amazing product for the modest. The BeoPlay A9. This seamless music system’s design and sound quality will take you on an emotional ride, where every minute of the entire journey will be magical! It’s spellbinding clarity in the sound system, powered out e�ortlessly from a one-point speaker. It delivered not only excellent crisp audio performance, but also has aesthetically propor-tioned framework, perfect for any room. The speaker front can be customized in several colors and can either be mounted on the wall or placed on the �oor on its three wooden legs. It’s airplay and DLNA for streaming is e�cient and straightforward, and it has cables provided for when you are without internet. What more can you ask for in a sound system? It is in a league of it’s own!

Art Nouveau. In reviving and subtly reinterpreting the design of the bottle, a Japanese Floral Artist Makoto Azuma made that collaboration linking man and his environment. Traditionally many of us would start the new years celebration with a bottle of champagne. To mark the fresh 2015 beginnings, may I suggest a selection from Perrier Jouet’s, ‘Belle Epoque’ 2004. Your �rst taste will harmoniously uplift you. Combined with it’s airy, fresh, and delicate bubbles, that gives a unique and elegant sensation so exotically sophisticated to the last drop.

With more popular demand for organic shapes, there has been more of an appreciation for handcrafting with care. In saying that, we should never forget, to be using materi-als friendly to the environment. Its sustainability can encourage recycling of materials, yet not compromising in the design and quality of the delivery of the products.

Recently Cult Design’s Charity Project, had 14 Australian Creatives reimagine Hans J. Wagner’s ‘CH33’ Chair. One of these chairs is called ‘Sydney Harbor’ by Ken Done.Its patriotic etching was a good translation of the project goal.

With many planned projects to be developed in Brisbane, The Crown Casino will hopefully be an iconic building for many to appreciate within the Brisbane City skyline in a few years time.

Each year, Australian have contributed to outstanding creative works that impact the world of design, whether in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, and all other Design categories. I will introduce noteworthy products to these pages and surprise you with the many talents we have. We can together explore the movers and shakers of the Australian design world.

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Diptyque Hiver mini candles are fresh with woody warmth.

Create a vision board with ideas and thoughts to inspire you. This can help de-clutter your desk.

TRENDS

Chappelli Cyles is an Australian bicycle company owned and designed by award winning industrial designer Pablo Chappelli. These are for the modern urban cyclist enthusiast and design savvy. Now cycling can be done in style!

‘Tangle’ by Liam Musgravin. This elegantly simple Tasmanian Oak table leg features interlocking equilateral triangles with a round glass top.

Chris Hardy ‘Pleat Stool’ is the mastery of plywood material, paying homage to Verner Panton’s ‘S Chair’ and Poul Kjaerholm’s ‘Cantilevered Lounge Chair’

The ornate swirl of Japanese anemones is engraved on the bottle since 1902, was created by Emile Galle, creating the partnership of the cuvee between Perrier-Jouët and

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Fashion & Trends

Future Beauty30 Years of Japanese Fashion

Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion explores the tremendous innovation of Japanese fashion designers from the early 1980s to the present. With over 100 garments featured in the exhibition, ranging from the classic and elegant to outrageous, this will be a fascinating experience and rare opportunity to view these unique creations first hand.

Japanese fashion made an enormous impact on world fashion in the late 20th century. Designers such as Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto revolutionised the way we think of fashion today.

Their works will be shown alongside examples by the techno-couturier Junya Watanabe, a protégé of Kawakubo, together with the pioneer of the 'Ura-Harajuku' movement Jun Takahashi, and the new generation of radical designers including Tao Kurihara, Hiroaki Ohya, Matohu, Akira Naka, Hatra and mintdesigns.

Curated by eminent Japanese fashion historian Akiko Fukai, Director of the esteemed Kyoto Costume Institute in Japan, this exhibition explores the unique sensibility of Japanese design, and its sense of beauty embodied in clothing.

1 November 2014 – 15 February 2015Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

Ticketed

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What are the challenges you find when provide training e.g. police?There are many challenges when you stand in front of officers. The barriers we have are the language, understanding their questions and slang words. The police force is mostly a male dominated field. When they see an Asian woman coming from non-English background telling them what should be done and how to assess situation, it is a challenge for them, so they challenge your skills and knowledge. I have to challenge them too, asking them things like, “what other languages can you speak? Or have you travelled around overseas? And “what do you see in life and community?” This is because police are not going to deal with typical Australians every time; they are going to deal with migrants, refugees, and people from different cultures. Each training session I was working in partnership with other people we would discuss how to assess situation, who is primary aggressor and who are victims in domestic violence incidents.

Do you have to be tougher than normal?When you provide training you have to be tough because you don't know what question they are going to throw at you and you have to prepare your-self emotionally, mentally and be ahead of other people with knowledge and be well aware that people comes from difference background and personal experiences and some with attitude of having power in their hands. Overall, I have been very lucky to be able to provide training to officers and show them we are l iving in multicultural communities and hope my inputs can make a difference to community.

What has contributed you getting the job at the courthouse in Queensland? The job I was doing in Sydney as a welfare worker

given me lot of experience. When I moved to Brisbane in 2000, I studied social science degree, majoring in law and counselling. My first job in Brisbane was working for the immigrant women support service in which I learned about immigration law. I completed my degrees and then I applied for a job as counsellor. When the position at the courthouse came up, I got the job. My job is to provide support for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, through the court process and provide information referrals, community education and training.

Are there any ‘Thai’ personalities that you apply in your workplace?Absolutely, Thai people in general are very gentle, nurturing and very caring because of our culture and the way our parents raise us with Buddhism and our beliefs. These personalities can lead you into many fields, as long as you are being yourself.

Being an immigrant, what more do you have to prove?You constantly have to show that your skills can improve, because things are changing all the time. You have to be 5 steps ahead of what other people can do. In the class, I have to know the law, I always have to read the legislation, which changes and is updated regularly.

You said to get a good job depends on how you present yourself, can you share us some tips?

I just be myself and be very honest. When I go for a job interview, I say, my English is not the best,but I can learn, improve and I can show you as long as you give me the chance. Migrants don’t

necessary have to be perfect in English, they just need the opportunity and it is about how you ask for that. In the first job interview, I said, I have never worked as a childcare worker, but if you give me opportunity, I’ll show you that I can provide the best quality of work and a good outcome. As long as you be yourself, they will accept you as who you are. It just takes a bit of time. Is it necessary to pursue education or training in Australia in order to help finding a job?It’s very important to have training and qualifications because it wil l lead you to bigger and better opportunities. It’s also very good if you can do volunteer work in whatever field you are pursuing because it gives you a lot of life experience. When I apply for a job, they are always looking at my experience, what sort of things I can do, and it’s very important to recognise your strengths and weaknesses.

Who is your biggest supporter in life?My family. I have 2 boys and my partner who are my strongest support. My partner, Ross, is still my best friend, we’ve been together for 20 years. I come from a very strong loving and respectful family and when I met Ross, he gave that to me and always been encouraging and supportive when I have doubt moments and when I found study or work are too hard to deal with. Also, I have always been able to call my parents and family members in Thailand for support and advice. I can feel quite lonely and isolated in Australia, but as long as I have my family, that’s my world and my universe.


Brislife

A r i s a r a J a n t h o r n( A r n n a ) rnna”, Arisara Janthorn from

Surin Province in Thailand �rst came to Australia when she was 17. She has been involved in the community welfare and counselling sector working with immigrants, refugees, homeless women, domestic violence victims and others for almost 20 years.

Today she works as a court intervention support worker at one of the busiest courts in Queensland. Part of her roles is to provide community education to community and police regularly. Imagine a petite woman talking in front of group of police o�cers, majority are "Men". What are the challenges and what can we learn from Arnna’s two decades of experience in Australia prompted me to want to hear from her stories.

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“You constantly have to show that your skills can improve, because things are changing all the time. You have to be 5 steps ahead of what other people can do.”

Nuthatai Chotechuang Twitter : @nuthatai

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Brislife

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True story

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True story

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Art-by-Art Lover

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Nuthatai Chotechuang Twitter: @nuthatai

“Kay Watanabe” took a turn from busy years as a journalist in Japan to pursue her childhood love of printmaking. She talks about inspiration around Brisbane, the city she currently calls home and how Australia’s multicultural values have changed over time.

“Being an artist is tough even for local Australians. For me, it’s not primarily a nationality issue, it all depends on how much effort I put in”

A Journalist-turned-Printmaker Kay Watanabe, says she always loved writing and enjoyed being a journalist as she could meet interesting people and get news ahead of anybody else. In Japan, Kay worked for nearly 20 years in the field of publishing and journalism in local media and an international news agency.However, Kay also had a passion for art even at a young age so she began

moved away from Japan, this continuing passion was behind the decision to change to a career in the art of printmaking. Away from her home country, Kay learnt printmaking in London and Sydney and eventually moved to Brisbane in 2010.

Inspirations around Brisbane “I like Brisbane’s laid-back atmosphere and its warm people, Brisbane’s blue and high sky during the day and lots of stars at night. I am always fascinated by the colours I find in Brisbane or Southeast Queensland; for example the colours of plants, flowers, architectures and houses.”

Challenge as an Asian artist in Australia “Living in a place which you are not familiar with is not easy for anyone regardless of their occupation. Being an artist, especially a full-time one, is tough even for local Australians. For me, it’s not primarily a nationality issue but it all depends on how much effort I put in.”

©JKDimagery/John Pryke.

©Kay Watanabe.

©Kay Watanabe.

‘Flourish’

‘Many Moons, Many Nights’

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Art-by-Art Lover

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facebook.com/kaywatanabe

Australia as a changing multicultural societyKay first came to Australia some decades ago and studied at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra for a year. There were not many Asian students in those days and the situation was quite difficult. “I was surrounded by very young Australians, they were clever but mostly unaware of what was going on outside of Australia. At times I felt I was almost treated as a strange animal by people who may not have met Asians before.”Kay says she has a positive impression now that multicultural society has changed in large Australian cities including Brisbane. “I am impressed by Australians’ willingness to value multiculturalism though I don’t think we have reached the point where we understand and respect each other fully. However, people enjoy each other’s culture more.”Kay shows her works in Australia and internationally by participating in exhibitions and competitions and teaching printmaking at workshops mainly in Brisbane.

Follow her work at facebook.com/kaywatanabe

©JKDimagery/John Pryke.

©Kay Watanabe.

©Hands on Brisbane

‘Fragments of the Night’

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True story

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Restaurant review

Restaurant review by Jason

ason Hagen is an award-winning broadcaster whose career spans more than 28 years. He is also an Author, Producer, Recording engineer, Musician, Outdoor Instructor, Maritime Skipper, Crocodile wrangler and currently the Training Coordinator at Radio 4EB which is the largest full time ethnic broadcaster in Queensland. Food and travel are his two great loves. Jason �rst visited Thailand in 1992 on his way overland to climb in Nepal and fell in love with the food, culture and friendly disposition of the Thai people.Jason is also an avid cook, whether it is cooking outdoors under a blanket of a million stars or for intimate dinner parties for his guests. He is proud and excited to be a part of the team as our restaurant reviewer.

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restaurant review with Jason Hagen

Sawasdee Australia proudly present Food critic Jason Hagen

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Restaurant review

�ai Orchid RestaurantLocation

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have lived on the north side of the Brisbane River all of my life and whenever anyone mentions the south side of town I tend to get a sudden case of amnesia and break out into a cold sweat when it comes to �nding suburbs, thank heavens for the modern age of the GPS as it was a breeze to navigatemy way to the Thai Orchid Restaurant at Carindale and to the smiling face of Mandy, my host for theevening. Mandy knew of my loveof the ocean and selecteda seafood feast �rstly consisting of Curry Pu�s,Crumbed Calamari (Pla M e u k To d ) a n d t h e must have succulent Orchid Coconut Prawns (Goong Maprow) These accompanied by the selection of fresh fruit punches make for a great start to an evening of �ne Thai cuisine. The main meal selection of this banquet was nothing less than stunning featuring Soft Shelled Crab with crispy garlic and pepper, Fried Rice with crab meat and the absolute standout for me the Festive Royal Thai Prawns, this is one dish I highly recommend. My host Mandy also saved the best for last with Moreton Bay Bugs in a light curry sauce, which was just outstanding. The seafood and produce is sourced daily and you can really taste the freshness of the dishes, something which is very important to me when dining out.

The Thai Orchid was the �rst Thai Restaurant to be established in Brisbane and it’s no wonder it is the most awarded Thai Restaurant in our city. When I think of the Thai Orchid, I think friendly and fresh. If you wish to try your

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hand at some of the Award winning recipes at home don’t forget to pick up the Restaurants very own cookbook, although I think you’ll be coming back for more….I will!

THAI ORCHID CARINDALEAddress: 14 Millenium Blvd, Carindale

Restaurant review by Jason

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Restaurant review

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Home style


Home Sweet Home

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Home style

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shop 12/110 Corner of Surf Parade and Queensland Avenue BroadbeachTel (07) 5538 6694

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Dharma Sawasdee

The Thai Buddhist Temple and community based organisation that administersto the spiritual, moral and cultural needs of the Thai Buddhist community.

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Old Tales Retold

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by Supalagsana Sontichai

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Old Tales Retold

Waltzing Matilda

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Tales from a foreigner

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�e Beauty of Big Mountain

story : Kirsty TurnerPhoto : http://khaoyaizone.com

think I’ve spotted one!” Mr C gives an ecstatic gasp, before plunging into the undergrowth, leaving my new friends and I feeling confused and bemused. Suddenly, we hear hooting and whooping noises as our guide trying to communicate with a white handed gibbon. Next thing we now, Mr C appears, beaming broadly. “I’ve found a gibbon,” he announces in awe. “Come and see, quick!” We quietly follow Mr C into the undergrowth, where he has set up his tripod and binoculars. Sure enough, through the binoculars we can clearly see a group of gibbons playing in the treetops.

I have traveled to Thailand’s Khao Yai national Park for some relaxation and a much-needed break from the city. Khao Yai is Thailand’s most popular nature reserve, and it is easy to see why. With 2168 square kilometres of lush forest, the park is a real Eden for the 300 bird species and 20 species of big mammals which shelter within its boundaries. Khao Yai means Big Mountain and the name refers to the Phanom Dongrek Mountains that make the park so special.

I had left the neighbouring town of Pak Chong early that morning, expecting to explore Khao Yai on foot. Catching a songthaew from the center of town, I arrive at the park just before 8 am. I am dropped at the park checkpoint, where I pay my 200 baht entrance fee and wait for a lift to the visitor’s centre.

After a couple of minutes, a jeep rolls down the road towards me. The driver greets me warmly and agrees to take me to the visitor’s centre. The two passengers, Fiona and Henry, also greet me warmly.

Along the way, the driver stops several times to point out macaques, kingfishers and other interesting wildlife. He introduces himself as Mr C, but it is not long before I have dubbed him ‘Mr Crazy’. Mr C is like the Thai version of Steve Irwin; he is incredibly passionate about wildlife and sometimes his enthusiasm seems a little goofy. Still, you couldn’t hope for a more knowledgeable guide.

It takes nearly an hour to reach the visitor’s centre. Once there, Mr C offers to take me along on the tour for just 400 baht for the entire day. He explains that many of the park’s features are as much as 20 kilometres apart, making it impossible to cover them on foot. As I am already captivated with Mr C and Fiona and Henry seem happy to have company, I gratefully agree.

After a short break, Mr C Provides long, white canvass socks, which we put on over our trousers, feeling rather silly. They are to protect against leeches, and I notice most of the other visitors are also wearing these latest fashion accessories.

Back in the jeep, Mr C takes us on a short ride along beautifully forested roads. Suddenly, he pulls to a halt. “Did you see that?” he asks, before plunging into the undergrowth once more. This time he has spotted a hornbill. “Khao Yai is one of the best places in South East Asia to observe these golden-beaked beauties,” Mr C tells us proudly, before demonstrating their call.

There are four species of hornbill at Khao Yai. On a neighbouring tree we spot a pied hornbill. Fiona suddenly notices we are standing near a ‘Tiger Zone’ sign and expresses her concern. Mr C simply laughs; “I have been visiting the park for seven years and I have never seen a tiger,” he confesses.

After a few minutes, Mr C drops us at the edge of the forest where we are to begin our trek. We walk for three hours, but the pace is fairly gentle. Mr C stops every few minutes to point out woodpeckers, yellow-browed warblers and an extremely beauti-ful red-breasted flycatcher.

Just as my energy is beginning to fade, we reach the edge of the forest. It takes a minute for my eyes to adjust to the sunlight as we walk across a grassy plain. After a few minutes, we pass a small lake, which is a watering hole for many of Khao Yai’s birds and animals.

A short distance away is Nong Pak Chee observation tower, and we are all quite relieved when Mr C announces we will stop here for lunch. We climb a wooden ladder up into the observation tower. Already inside are two Thai men who are camping out, hoping that their patience will be rewarded with some animal sightings.

After lunch, Mr C directs us along a neat path leading away from the observation tower. Suddenly, he orders us to crouch down to the ground. Just in time; a swarm or big black bees cross our path, hovering above our heads for a moment before passing on.

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Tales from a foreigner

Once we reach the waiting jeep, Mr c drives us to a café, where he buys us drinks to cool off. The four of us sit relaxing and talking for awhile. When we have rested, Mr C leads us down a short path, at the end of which lies the Haew Suwat Falls. This 25 metres high waterfall starred in the film The Beach. There is currently not much water flowing down the vast rock face as it is the dry season, but during the wet season many travelers take the plunge, fancying themselves, perhaps, as the next Lionardo Di Caprio.

When we have admired the waterfall from all angles, Mr C drives us to Khao Lem hill, where there are spectacular views over the park. Another short drive and a wander through the jungle, and we find ourselves perched at the very top of Khao Luuk Chang (Baby Elephant Mountain). As we sit on a rocky perch, we are actually above the highest treetops of the surrounding jungle, and the view is breathtaking.

Finally, it is time to leave Khao Yai, although I find that I am very reluctant. Mr C has one more surprise for us. On the drive back, he suddenly pulls to a halt. His sharp eyes have spotted a large scorpion sunbathing at the edge of the road; another trophy for our photo albums.

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Information

Getting There:Khao Yai is 120 kilometres North east of Bangkok. It is best to make the journey to nearby Pak Chong first as the town can be reached by bus or train from most places in Thailand.Where to Stay:If you don’t mind roughing it a little, the National Park Dormitories are the ideal place to stay. Although basic, accommodation costs just B30 per night in one of the large wooden huts.Pha Kluai Campground is ideal for those who love the great outdoors. The site is situated on the road to the Heaw Suwat falls. It costs just B20 to pitch your own tent and there are showers and toilets on the site.If you prefer a bit more luxury, there is a wide range of accommodation in Pak Chong. Khao Yai Garden Lodge is a bungalow resort on the road to Khao Yai. There is a wide range of accommodation here, from simple rooms with shared bathrooms to comfortable en-suite rooms with air-con. Tel: 044 365178 "http://www.khaoyai-garden-lodge.de" www.khaoyai-garden-lodge.de

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Aunty Susie

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Horoscope


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MonthlyHoroscope

January & Febuary

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56 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000

Tel: (61-2) 9241 1075Fax: (61-2) 9251 5981Email: [email protected]: www.thaitrade.com

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www.4eb.org.au/listenListen Live

THAI COMMUNITY RADIO

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Sawasdee Australia issue 4

Documents

Transcript of Sawasdee Australia issue 4