Wednesday 12.12.12 - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

As we are celebrating the Festive Season, AusVicMel would like to wish all the visitors visiting its website a Joyful Christmas and a Safe + Fun-Filled New Year 2013.

For those who are in Melbourne during this period, check out and enjoy all the Festive Events on offered in ThatsMelbourne.

Friday 16.11 - Melbourne Music Week

2012 Melbourne Music Week is on from 16 until 24 November. More details and information on programs, venues and artists/performers are available on MMW's webpage.

Monday 5.11 - Melbourne Cup 2012

One more sleep to go before 'The Race That Stops a Nation' is here once again tomorrow, Tuesday 6.11.12. For more information and details of the 152nd Melbourne Cup Carnival, visit the Victoria Racing Club's official website.

Tuesday 30.10 - Australia: UNSC Member 2013-2014

Congratulations to Australia for securing one of the ten non-permanent UN Security Council memberships for 2013-2014. This is an achievement that reflects the country's great efforts in recent years in areas including governance, economic and diplomacy. More details can be found in this article.

Monday 8.10 - Melbourne Festival

Only a few more days to go and the 2012 Melbourne Festival will be here once again. There is a great variety of programs on offer for this year, covering many categories including theater, film, music, and dance. The Festival is on from 11 to 27 October. More program details and information can be found on its homepage.

Saturday 15.9 - Congratulations Australian Paralympics!

Bravo to the Aussie Paralympics Team for its 5th ranking in the overall medal tally at the 2012 London Paralympics. The team's achievements at this year Paralympics include 32 Golds, 23 Silvers and 30 Bronzes. Extraordinary!!

Monday 20.8 - Congratulations Team Australia!

Very well-done to the Aussie Olympics Team for its 10th ranking in the overall medal tally at the 2012 London Olympics. The team's achievements at this year Olympics include 7 Golds, 16 Silvers and 12 Bronzes. Fantastic!!

Monday 30.7 - Go Team Australia!

The 2012 London Olympics is finally here. Goodluck to all the competitors... and Go Team Australia! View some photos of the Aussie Team, led by women basketballer Lauren Jackson, at the Opening Ceremony.

Monday 16.7 - 2012 Melbourne International Film Festival

The Annual Melbourne International Film Festival is nearly here once again. Visit MIFF's home page for more information on featured programs, venues and guest appearances at this year's festival, from 2 to 19 August.

Friday 22.6 - 2012 The Voice

Congratulations to Karise Eden for winning this year's The Voice (of Australia), and well-done also to Rachael Leahcar for taking out third place overall.  For all the actions and performances, visit The Voice's home page.

Friday 15.6 - Study in Australia Visa Information

‘Fact Sheet - Government Response to the Knight Review of the Student Visa Program

International education is one of Australia’s largest export sectors, generating income of AUD16.4 billion in 2010–11. International students pay fees to Australian education institutions and spend money on accommodation and other living costs. All of these activities generate more jobs for Australians.

The international education sector also contributes to Australia’s international relations. This is demonstrated not only through dedicated visas for AusAID and Defence students, but through the creation of links with students who return home with an Australian education and experience of Australian life. These relationships lead to a better understanding of Australia internationally and can develop into long-term connections for individuals, businesses and communities.

For these benefits to continue, Australia’s international education sector needs to remain internationally competitive. In an increasingly global world, education is highly sought after and valued. There is a demand for quality educational experiences in English speaking countries from potential students seeking to improve their language abilities and gain a qualification that will assist them in developing their careers.

The Australian Government has made a number of recent reforms to strengthen the international education sector including:

      . implementing the outcomes of the Baird Review of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000
      . amendments to the ESOS Act requiring all providers of international education to re-register by the end of 2010
      . the release of the Council of Australian Government’s International Students Strategy for Australia
      . a package of changes that was implemented in April 2011 that included reducing the student visa assessment levels for 38 countries across one or more student visa subclasses
      . the recent announcement to include new English language test providers for student visas.

While these changes are significant, the government recognises that more can be done to make Australia a preferred destination for international students.  

In December 2010, the government appointed the Hon Michael Knight AO to conduct the first independent review of the student visa program to complement the above reforms. Mr Knight reported to the government on 30 June 2011 and a copy of his full report can be viewed or downloaded from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) website...'

To read more, visit DIAC's website here 

Wednesday 13.6 - Australia: The Happiest Country on Earth!

'Australia has been voted the world’s happiest country after topping the OECD's annual Better Life Index, beating Norway and the United States'... Click here to read more.

Monday 21.5 - Aussie The Voice coaches sing together!

Check out the 4 coaches' on stage live performance at The Voice competition in Australia

Tuesday 17.4 - Rachael Leahcar: 'Aussie' The Voice!

Yesterday's performance by Adelaide's Rachael Leahcar on The Voice has moved quite a lot of people and their hearts, including all four judges and members of the audience. Best of luck and may you go all the way! See Rachael sung 'La Vie En Rose' on Monday's night right here.

Monday 16.4 - 2012 Logie Awards

The Annual Logie Awards was at Melbourne's Crown Casino yesterday, Sunday 15 April.  Check out the Australian Women's Weekly's website for photos of some of the best-dressed, as well as information on this year's Awards attendees and winners.

Monday 9.4 - 2012 International Comedy Festival

Here it is again, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has returned for 2012. Visit the Festival's home page for all of this year's programs, plus some really funny video clips and photos. Enjoy!

Monday 2.4 - April Fools 2012

Enjoy some very funny April Fools gags of 2012. Any one could be in for a surprise, some of these gags seem as real as they can get! Check them out right here.

Sunday 18.3 - 2012 Melbourne F1 Grand Prix

For Formula 1 racing fans, check out all the actions and excitement of the 2012 Qantas Australian F1 Grand Prix, currently in Melbourne from 15 to 18 March, right here.

And to all those who celebrated St Patrick's Day yesterday, may the celebrations continue to flow through until today at least!  For details of activities and locations in Melbourne, visit SaintPatricksDay.

Monday 12.3

Ausvicmel is back after a short absence. It is good to be home!
Moomba Parade is on this morning - Happy Moomba Festival! For more details, check out That's Melbourne.

Friday 3.2

Well wishes to the people of northern NSW for a swift recovery from the worst floods in 35 years which have resulted in thousands of residents being moved to evacuation centres.  For video footage, visit The Herald Sun.  A safe weekend to everyone.

Thursday 2.2

Last Tuesday's inaugural Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (AACTA) Awards saw Red Dog took out the Best Film Award.  This is a dream run for a film that was made with family spirits in mind. For more details and footage of the AACTA Awards, check out News' Video.

In cricket news, Australia again defeated India, to secure a one-nil lead, this time in the Twenty20 series in Sydney.

Wednesday 1.2

Here is a very positive travel news, particularly for overseas travelers planning for a trip to Australia.  The UK's Tatler magazine has put eight Australian hotels on its list of the 101 Best Hotels in the World for 2012. To find out which Aussie hotels are on this list, visit Travel News. 

Tuesday 31.1

Last day of 2012's first month, it is time for some reminiscence of the fantastic festivities that all happened only a few weeks ago.  Have a look at this very interesting timelapse video clip of New Year's Eve celebrations in Melbourne, which were quite unforgettable!

Monday 30.1

The 2012 Australian Open ended yesterday in an epic final battle between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. After a new record of nearly six hours on court, Djokovic successfully defended the championship crown. In the women's final, Victoria Azarenka won her match against Maria Sharapova and become the new world No 1. For more details on both final matches, see Djokovic and Azarenka.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Pacific, the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards was underway in Los Angeles. Check out the snapshots of many well-known and familiar faces attending yesterday's Awards Ceremony.

Friday 27.1

Congratulations to Gotye who came first in Triple J's Hottest 100 Countdown. In tennis, Nadal won his match against Federer at the Australian Open's final week. Have a good weekend!

Thursday 26.1 Happy Australia Day!!

Today is the official National Day of Australia.  On this occasion, well wishes to all the Aussies out there, including the recently naturalised, those who are overseas, or otherwise.  Also, greetings to all the visitors in the country on this day.  Enjoy the celebrations and be proud of this nation and its people.  And now for the music, here is The Wiggles's newest take on Waltzing Matilda from their Hot Potato studios.

Wednesday 25.1

What a wonderful person! Check out super model Miranda Kerr's transforming into Wonder Woman in this distinctive Aussie version of the US iconic super hero photo remake. Among the changes here is an Australian flag being put in place of the cloak. One day to go until Australia Day!

Tuesday 24.1

Something entertaining for the mid-week.   Have a look at this quite hilarious interview clip of writer and actor Jason Segel and Kermit the Frog during their visit to Australia to talk about The Muppets.

Monday 23.1 Happy Lunar New Year!

For anyone celebrating Lunar New Year, Happy Year of the Dragon! May the new year brings you goodluck and happiness.  Here is a clip of festivity music for you to enjoy on the occasion.  Check it out!

Friday 20.1 Aussie Inventions

Australia Day is nearly upon us. Here is a list of some world-renowned inventions that were born right here in this wonderful country. These inventions are fascinating, very practical and of immense values to the every day life. Enjoy the snapshots of something that should make us proud to be Aussies!

Thursday 19.1

New screen awards to honour local films and filmmakers were presented at a luncheon in Sydney last Sunday. The Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (AACTA) Awards were launched by the Australian Film Institute (AFI) last year to boost the recognition of Australian produced films and television shows, both nationally and internationally. The Awards's main ceremony will be held on January 31.  For more details, see ABC News.

Wednesday 18.1

Centenary commemorations had been carried out to mark Australia's first ever Antarctic expedition at Commonwealth Bay in Antarctica. This event was held to celebrate Sir Douglas Mawson and his team's arrival on the icy continent.  A small commemoration delegation arrived at the historic site for this occasion. More details can be found on the ABC.

Tuesday 17.1

Check out the snapshots and videos of the 2012 Golden Globes to discover the 'hits and misses' of this year's award winners, chic fashion and amusing speeches.  The annual event honoured the best in films, TV shows, as well as the stars themselves.

Back in Australia, the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under is currently underway in Adelaide. For more information, visit the tour's Official Website.

Monday 16.1

Day one of the 2012 Australian Open begins today.  Australian hometown favourite Casey Dellacqua secured her first round's 6-3 6-2 win in style, against Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia. For this and other results of today's matches, visit The Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific's Official Website.

In cricket, Australia took out the Third Test and the series against India in Perth. Overall, the host nation has a three-nil win in the four-match series. More details can be viewed on Ninemsn's Wide World of Sports.

Friday 13.1 Dear valued visitors

Thank you for visiting www.ausvicmel.blogspot.com.  

www.ausvicmel.blogspot.com would also like to invite you to support the products and services from brand names including those which are well-known, well-respected and of reputable size that are currently having a presence on this website. The varieties of these products and services can meet or satisfy your requirements, if come with reasonable pricings, together with the benefits and convenience of online services and purchasing. In addition and especially, there are brand names that provide a number of products and services free of charge for visitors of www.ausvicmel.blogspot.com.

If you have needs or requirements, in areas such as, and among others, airline ticket purchasing, hotel booking, internet domain name and website hosting, or other internet-website related needs, for your personal and business activities, or any other types of consumer and personal goods and services purchasing, etc. please do not hesitate to check out and give these brand names or companies a try, particularly, if you find they are trustworthy, suitable, comfortable, none-obligatory and available for your locations.

www.ausvicmel.blogspot.com looks forward to having the pleasure to be of assistance to you.  

Best regards,

Brianquand.

Friday 13.1 Kinh chao qui khach

Cam on qui khach den tham trang web www.ausvicmel.blogspot.com.

www.ausvicmel.blogspot.com xin moi qui khach ung ho cac san pham va dich vu cua nhung thuong hieu trong do bao gom cac ten tuoi quen thuoc, uy tin va tam voc trong va ngoai mang luoi toan cau hien dang co mat trong trang web nay.  Nhung san pham va dich vu da dang nay co the dap ung duoc nhieu nhu cau cua qui khach, neu bao gom cac loai gia bieu phai chang cung voi nhung tien dung va loi ich cua cac dich vu va viec mua sam tren mang. Dac biet co nhung thuong hieu cung cap mot so cac san pham va dich vu mien phi cho qui khach trong trang web nay.

Neu qui khach co nhung nhu cau nhu mua ve may bay, dat khach san hay nhu cau ve trang web, ten mien cua trang web hay noi chua dung trang web cho ca nhan hay doanh nghiep, hoac nhu cau ve san pham dich vu tieu dung va ca nhan, vv, xin vui long ung ho nhung thuong hieu hien co o day, neu thay co su tin tuong, hop ly, thoai mai, khong rang buoc va co mat tai hoac co the duoc van chuyen den dia phuong cua qui khach.

www.ausvicmel.blogspot.com han hanh va tran trong duoc phuc vu.

Than men,

Brianquand.

Thursday 12.1

To continue with the celebration theme, check out some great snapshots of what the rest of the world did to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.  It is fascinating to see different cultures having their own approaches and styles for the occasion. Have a look here.

Wednesday 11.1

It's better late than never. Check out this video clip of the 2011/2012 New Year's Eve firework display in Melbourne. Enjoy the show, especially towards the end where the Arts Centre's Tower was surrounded by wonderful rays of light, which can be said as being the results of such skillful and artistic arrangements.

Tuesday 10.1

'Life in the Coral Sea': Wonderful underwater photos taken for the Our Ocean Paradise exhibition at Oceanworld Manly for the school holidays period. This exhibition includes stunning images of Coral Sea creatures, such as the Green Turtle and Maori Humphead Wrasse.

Monday 9.1

A light hearted start to the new week. Check out some highlights and hilarious moments in an interview with Robin Williams and Dr George Miller, the star and director of 'Happy Feet 2' on Yahoo!7 Movies.

Friday 6.1

The first week of 2012 is nearly gone. Things are still a bit quiet, but it is January, which is tennis season in Australia, so there will be much more excitement coming our ways. First is Hopman Cup, and although the Australian team has not been successful so far, they did well to have some winnings. For more information on the results, visit here.  Have a fantastic first weekend of the New Year!

Thursday 5.1

This is something quite interesting. As we are approaching Australia Day, and to celebrate Vegemite’s 89 birthday, the spread's maker has decided to rebrand this famous Aussie icon to simply  'Australia'.  The new and temporary brand features the map of Australia in place of the well-known red diamond shaped logo. For more details, check out news.com.au.

Wednesday 4.1

Cricket: Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting achieved a maiden double century to lead Australia to an almost unbeaten victory against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the second Test match. More details can be seen on Ninemsn's Wide World of Sports.

Tuesday 3.1

Have a look at this impressive short film titled Time to Dream, made by Tourism Australia in Sydney on New Year's Eve 2011. Relive the moments with all the sights and sounds that were created to welcome the arrival of 2012.

Monday 2.1

It is the second day of 2012. So far, everything is nice and quiet. Perhaps this is the expectation, as people are returning home or recovering from the New Year's many welcoming parties. Take care on the roads and of each other as we wind up all those wonderful celebrations for yet another year.