Beach erosion a shore sign of why we need urgent action
CLOSE TO HOME: Climate change’s harmful effects on human health are already being felt, physician John Van Der Kallen warns. It’s common knowledge that the amount of sand on beaches changes over time. Inheavy seas, sand is eroded from beaches. In calmer periods, sand is deposited. However, we are entering a new world and can no longer be reassured by the past processes where sand on beaches is replenished.
Projections are that we are likely to see an increase in beach erosion.The recent events at Stockton where the sea came within two metres of a childcare facility are a prime example.
The culprit behind our receding shores, rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events is climate change.Yet, disturbingly, articles and subsequent editorial dealing with Stockton’s long-term erosion (NSW government not prepared to fund a groyne at Stockton, January 19, 2018) make no mention of climate change when discussing solutions.Ironically, on the same editorial page there was the story of health professionals getting arrested to stop the Adani coalmine – a mine that will worsen warming.
Climate change is here and now, and we need to start taking it more seriously. Its harmfuleffects on human healthare already being seen.
There have been calls for local and state governments to act. But what do we expect them to do?
The obvious solution is to shore up the beach to allow more sand to accumulate in front of the facility. However, at best, this is going to be only a temporary solution. And what about the rest of Stockton and any other low lying area in Newcastle or Australia?
The expected rise in sea level is well documented. This can be seen on the government website(ozcoasts.gov419论坛). The government is fully aware of what is happening. So why are they not taking it seriously?
I suspect, because it is too hard and goes against too many vested interests.
If the government took global warming seriously it would be urgently changing policy to reduce our emissions as quickly as possible.Seventy-five per cent of NSW electricity still comes from coal-fired power stations. Not only do these cause immediate health issues, they contribute to greenhouse gases and sea level rise.
Nationally, a third of our emissions come from vehicles. How is it possible that public transport is getting harder to use when we need to be using it more? Where are the incentives for us all to be changing to electric vehicles? Where is the money for adequate bike paths?Why does the government spendbillions on new roads and neglect bike paths?
Fifteen per cent of our emissions come from food production. Half of Australia’s land surface is devoted to grazing and 11 per cent for cropping. The majority of the cropping is used to produce food for animals. The majority of land clearing is to provide more space for animal grazing. What we eat has a direct effect on climate change.
The Stockton childcare facility problem is a problem for all of us. There is no easy answer, which is why, I suspect, the government response has been tardy.
Rising sea levels and more erosion are facts of life we are going to have to manage.To lessen the impact, society must take climate change seriously and make dramatic changes. We need leaders who are willing to make tough decisions. Currently, it is business as usual, which is just not good enough.
John Van Der Kallenis a physician practicing in Newcastle and a member of Doctors for the Environment Australia.
Readers’ tips: The Tip-o-meter
Tell us about the most exciting day tour you’ve ever taken and we’ll publish the best letters
TIP OF THE WEEK: FREEZE
I recently booked am 11-day tour with to Iceland and, as I often do when I travel to foreign places, I decided to add a couple of extra days to my itinerary. I’m so glad I did so.
I arrived a day before the tour started and found an exciting tour called “Into the Glacier” (intotheglacier.is), departing from the capital, Reykjavik. It’s not cheap but is worth every penny.
An ice cave has been dug into a 1355-metres long glacier (the second biggest in Iceland) and you’re taken inside it and under the ice. Being transported to the top of the glacier in a special huge truck and then fitted out in special gear due to the wet and cold inside was all part of the fun.
Irene Gillespie, North Turramurra, NSW
RED FACES
While holidaying in Berlin we decided to extend our hotel accomodation for a few extra days to give us time to book a visit the German Bundestag (Parliament House). On inquiring direct with the hotel’s front desk we were disappointed to discover they were fully booked.
Undeterred, we returned to our room, searched a hotel booking website and discovered our existing hotel with discounted rooms available for the days we needed. After booking the room, we returned to the front desk, advised them we had booked the days we wanted. We then, much to our delight and their red faces, requested and received our existing room.
Stephen Yeates, Dee Why, NSW
HEY JUDE
On a recent safari trip to Tanzania, my family and I visited and stayed The School of St Jude . It was established in 2002 by an Australian woman Gemma Sisia who, starting with a $10 Rotary Club donation decided to build a school for students from the poorest families.
The first classroom housed just three students and now, 16 years later, St Jude consists of three campuses, 1800 students, 1400 boarders and 300 staff. Hot lunch is provided each day to every student with more than 1 million meals served each year.
The annual budget of $US5 million ($6.26 million) comes from 17,000 donors, mostly Australians, with the school remaining free to students. Please donate if you can. schoolofstjude.org
Philip Monardo, Sydney, NSW Solicitor
PLAINLY JANE
I have been meaning to write to thank your columnist Michael “The Tripologist” Gebicki following my stay at the Jane Hotel in New York, as a single traveller, which I booked after reading his recommendation in Traveller on Sunday.
It was such an interesting place to stay, with a delightful cafe on the first floor, open at hours that suited my long day outings around Manhattan. The sunset view from the roof bar, towards the Hudson River, was glorious. I enjoyed my stay at the Jane Hotel so much I would definitely return to it.
Jennifer Morgan-Nicholson, Lane Cove, NSW
Charity’s NDIS complaints
PRICED OUT: Meals on Wheels volunteers Robert Wark and Lyn Richardson with co-ordinator Denise Lloyd. The organisation says it is having problems with the NDIS and fears being priced out. Picture: Simone De PeakNEWCASTLE Meals on Wheels general manager Damien Isaacs says he is not accusing his competitors of rorting the NDIS.
But he is saying that NDIS pricing schedules are being applied inconsistently and that some of his competitors are using NDIS delivery fees to cross-subsidise the price of their meals, meaning that Meals on Wheels is finding it hard to compete in Newcastle, the Central Coast and Sydney.
At the heart of his concern is differing advice over how much Meals on Wheels can charge to deliver seven days’ worth of food.
Mr Isaacs said Meals on Wheels was told it could only charge $11.61 for a single delivery of seven meals.
But he said he was losing NDIS clients to competitors who were charging the NDIS the $11.61 for every meal delivered, allowing them to charge as little as $3 a meal, or almost half the price of some Meals on Wheels offerings.
The NDIS told the Newcastle Herald: “Food is a daily living expense, and as such is not funded by NDIS supports.
“Food delivery however, where appropriate and identified as reasonable and necessary in a participant’s plan, can be funded by the NDIS.”
Mr Isaacs said NDIS participants had told him they were moving to competitors because the out-of-pocket cost was cheaper, even though they knew the provider was taking more out of their NDIS package for delivery.
“I don’t really want to get into the philosophy of this but there is a perception that NDIS plan money is not thought of in the same way as direct cash,” Mr Isaacs said.
He said Newcastle Meals on Wheels had about 800 clients including about 40 on the NDIS. He said the organisation would be financially better off out of the NDIS but it was committed to looking after the most vulnerable people in the community.
“What I do want is a level playing field, a fair and competitive market place so that everyone is charging the same way,” Mr Isaacs said. “I have tried to raise this with the NDISsince October but we have heard nothing back.
“What we need is for them to have a quick, simple review of the situation and then to publicise the result, so that we all know the exact amount that can be charged, and whether it is per meal or per delivery.”
The Herald sent detailed questions to the National Disability Insurance Agency, which runs the NDIS, but it replied in general terms without addressing itsclaimed lack of response to Meals on Wheels.
“The providers who offer food delivery services can quote and charge up to the price in the NDIS pricing guide,” NDIA said. “As such, costs may vary, depending on the number of meals prepared and the number of deliveries required.”
The peak body for disability providers, National Disability Services, endorsed the concerns of Newcastle Meals on Wheels.
Its chief executive, Ken Baker, saidhis organisation’sState of the Disability Sector reportreleased in December found that 68% of disability service providers were worried they would be unable to provide services at the prices being offered under the NDIS.
He said the other two mainproblems were inconsistent NDIS plans for individuals anddelays in payments for services already provided.
Cute cub: Perth Zoo’s baby red panda gets clean bill of health after vet visit
Perth Zoo went on cute-alert this week with their new Nepalese red panda cub passing its first health check with flying colours.
But while the little one’s clean bill of health was a cause for celebration, the check-up coincided with the rescue of six red pandas bound for the illegal wildlife trade.
The six were taken into the care of one of Perth Zoo’s conservation partners, Free the Bears, after being seized from traffickers on the border of Laos and China. Tragically only three survived their first night due to severe stress and potential exposure to disease.
Perth Zoo keeper Marty Boland said the rescue highlighted how vital coordinated zoo breeding programs were for the survival of the endangered species.
Including the new cub, Perth Zoo has successfully reared 19 Nepalese red pandas since 1997.
The two-month-old was born to nine-year-old mother, Anusha, who was also born at Perth Zoo, and six-year-old father, Makula, who was born in Canberra.
“Our veterinarians gave our furry new arrival a quick health check of its body condition, eyes, teeth, ears and weight,” Mr Boland said.
“The Perth Zoo team are also consulting with Free the Bears, providing advice on appropriate diets and how to reduce heat stress for the rescued pandas.”
Nepalese red pandas are found across the Himalayas and foothills of India, China, Nepal and Bhutan.
Deforestation and illegal poaching continue to be significant threats to remaining populations.
Less than 10,000 are thought to remain in the wild.
Perth Zoo’s red panda cub is expected to emerge from the nest box in April.
Those wanting to help Red Pandas are encouraged to donate to Perth Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Action program which supports organisations including Free the Bears and TRAFFIC, helping protect animals beyond the Zoo’s borders.
This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.
Blizzard says history proves Thunder can win from fourth
They might need results to fall their way but Sydney Thunder batsman Aiden Blizzard says you only have to look at their title run two years ago to know it’s possible.
To make the finals the Thunder must beat the Renegades at Manuka Oval on Wednesday night and hope the Melbourne outfit lose their final game of the season against Brisbane.
Blizzard was part of Thunder side which won the 2015-16 Big Bash League from fourth place on the ladder after a dramatic grand final win against the Melbourne Stars in 2015-16.
“There’s a lot to play for, if we win and win well then we give ourselves a chance to get through to that semi-final,” Blizzard said.
“It’s unfortunate that we’re in this position but it’s great we can control part of our destiny which is to get out there and score plenty of runs on Manuka Oval, which I’m sure we can do.
“We were in a similar position when we won the championship, we relied on one result to get into the finals, so we’ve been in worse positions I guess but there’s a silver lining there.”
Thunder skipper Shane Watson is in terrific touch alongside Test batsmen Usman Khawaja and James Vince, and Blizzard said all three can win a game off their own bat.
“We’ve got some batters in form so if we can get through to those finals then anything can happen, it doesn’t matter playing home or away, funny things happen in finals,” Blizzard said.
“We pretty much jumped on the back of Uzzie last time and won the championship, obviously he’s is in good form and Watto is in good form and James Vince is in good form, so there’s three wild cards there that could easily click.”
Blizzard hit the winning runs in the Thunder’s opening game of the season but has made just one more appearance since, with the Canberran averaging 13 in his two innings.
“It feels like yesterday we were starting the tournament and now we’re already at the last game of the regular season, but it’s great to be home in Canberra,” Blizzard said.
“I’ve only played two games this season and for me personally I would have liked to have played some more but there’s some bigger pictures there as well.
“There are some pretty talented young players in this team and we’ve done pretty well in this tournament, so if I get to play three games I’ll be rapt and if it’s only two I’m pretty comfortable as well.
“The generation of cricketers coming through at the moment is really strong, especially in Twenty20, so I’m more than happy to make way for some of the talent.”
Blizzard will likely earn his third start of the summer at Manuka after batsman Callum Ferguson was ruled out on Sunday and Khawaja remains under an injury cloud.
“I just need to make sure I don’t trip over anything, we’ll see. I’ll just control what I can and train well and we’ll see what happens,” Blizzard said.
“The average score at Manuka is around 180 so it will be interesting to see which way we go, whether we go batting heavy or bowling heavy.
“Clearly we have to win and win well, that might be in my favour, but we’ll see what the selectors go with.”
With just a handful of tickets remaining the match is expected to be a sell-out and Blizzard has backed a “sea of green” to be in the stands at Manuka.
“I’m really proud the region has got behind the match, it’s a sell-out, so you can’t ask for much more than that,” Blizzard said.
“The Thunder have done a great job nominating Canberra as their regional venue for this fixture and and it would be great for a lot of people to get out there early and support the WBBL match as well.”
This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.
Electoral commission didn’t get value for money on 2016 election contracts
The Australian electoral commission didn’t get value for money on the $27 million it spent on technology to scan senate ballot papers at the last election, an audit has found.
The election agency was also criticised for the IT security surrounding the ballot scanning system, with the Australian National Audit Office finding that the agency “accepted IT security risk above its usual tolerance”.
The report also found that not enough attention was given to ensuring the AEC could identify if the system tasked with counting the 14.4 million ballot papers had been compromised.
The system for scanning ballot papers was required following changes made to Senate voting laws that allowed voters to make optional preferences above the line, where previously preferences were distributed in line with party tickets. While the original work order to Fuji Xerox to design and develop the program was worth $7.6 million, the cost to deliver the system for the election was $19.2 million. Other cost increases included changes to the system to allow the ballot papers to be viewed by a human, and securing CCTV footage.
The report found that due to the three month timeframe to design and deliver the system, compromises were reached between the AEC and Fuji Xerox, including ditching the requirement to comply with Australian government IT security frameworks. According to the audit, the AEC reported that a quarter of government controls for treating security risks hadn’t been implemented.
The system was designed and tested to address risks to ballot paper data, but a late decision was made to count all Senate ballot papers by AEC staff as well as the scanning system to ensure public confidence, the agency said. It wasn’t recorded how many times the scanning system didn’t match with the count by AEC staff.
The report found there was a 10 month delay in the agency instructing the IT contractor Fuji Xerox to delete ballot paper images and the data files. The instruction to delete the files was made on July 7, 2017, and only came after Fuji Xerox reminded the AEC that it was still waiting on approval to delete the files. The AEC paid a fee of $13,800 for each month the data was stored, adding $138,000 to the cost of the project.
The AEC told the auditor that it wasn’t aware of any ballot papers that were unaccounted for, but that is below the agency’s aim of 100% assurance of accountability for all ballot papers. The auditor found that in future, the agency “needs to be better able to verify and demonstrate the integrity of its electoral data”.
“It has not undertaken a statistically valid audit to verify or demonstrate data integrity,” the report said.
The report also found the AEC had “insufficient emphasis” on demonstrating value for money in contracts for outsourced transport of ballot papers, on which it spent $8.7 million on 17 contracts with ten suppliers. The AEC didn’t generate enough competition for its business, the report found.
Scrutiny of the transport of ballot papers was high after the 2013 election where the loss of 1375 Senate ballot papers in Western Australia meant a new Senate election needed to be held.
While the AEC has agreed either in full or with qualifications to the recommendations in the auditor’s report, the agency defended its handling of the 2016 election, calling it the “largest, and in many ways, most complex in the nation’s history”.
The double-dissolution election, short turnaround from some boundary redistributions and the advertising campaign surrounding new Senate voting laws were just some of the “layers of complexity” highlighted by the agency. It was also the first national poll to come after the implementation of recommendations following the loss of the ballots in the 2013 election.
The context of the election was so important to the service delivery that “the lack of focus on these issues in the ANAO report is potentially misleading to the reader,” Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers wrote in a response to the report.
In a response to the auditor’s report, Fuji Xerox said the project had delivered value for money for the taxpayer, “given the risk profile, accuracy, scale and immutable deadline of the design, build and delivery phases of the project”.
“The AEC, 12 weeks out from the 2016 election and in response to parliament’s passing of new Senate voting arrangements – the biggest in over 30 years – developed successful and secure arrangements to ensure that over 14 million Australian voters had their say and voted in the 2016 federal election” AEC spokesman Phil Diak said after the report was released.
“The AEC stands by what was achieved and is proud of it.The AEC always focuses before every electoral event on what can be improved in its preparations and has cooperated fully with the ANAO in the production of this report.”
This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.
Game on: A Sydney start-up’s plan to solve a global pill problem
Lindsay Alexander uses Perx to help him manage his medications.
Half of Australians living with a chronic disease such as diabetes are failing to take medications as prescribed, resulting in needless deaths, hospitalisations and the waste of healthcare resources.
Sydney start-up Perx Health has decided to tackle this worldwide health problem, developing a NSW government-supported app that gamifies medication-taking so users who adhere to their medication regimen are rewarded with petrol vouchers, movie tickets and gift cards.
“Not taking prescribed medications is one of the biggest hidden problems in modern health care,” said co-founder Hugo Rourke.
“What we’re trying to do is to change the experience from a nagging chore to something fun and engaging, creating positive reinforcement.”
After receiving a $25,000 grant from Jobs for NSW to develop its technology, Perx last year signed an agreement with NSW Health and Sydney Local Health District to pilot the free rewards app with diabetes and cardiovascular outpatients clinics at Royal Prince Alfred, Concord and Liverpool hospitals.
This year, with a new $100,000 “building partnerships” grant from Jobs for NSW under its belt, it plans to launch further trials and find “big business” customers such as health insurers and pharmaceutical companies.
“We’re going to be running a randomised control trial with the University of Sydney to prove the efficacy of Perx over standard care and to show that Perx can help people,” said co-founder Scott Taylor.
“In the long term, in this connected world, we want Perx to be the motivation platform for health, so that every time you do an activity, whether it’s medication or something else, you’re rewarded for it.”
Multiple studies have shown that in the developed world 50 per cent of people with chronic diseases fail to properly take prescribed medications, with reasons ranging from safety concerns to affordability, from forgetfulness to practical difficulties such as swallowing pills.
The World Health Organization has declared non-adherence as “an increasing, worldwide problem of striking magnitude ??? that is impairing the ability of health care systems around the world to achieve population health goals.”
An Australian study found 43 per cent of patients instructed to take statin drugs stopped taking them after six months, and 23 per cent failed to collect their first repeat at just one month.
Professor Tim Usherwood from Sydney University said non-adherence reduced the effectiveness of medicines and could lead the prescriber to escalate treatment unnecessarily and potentially dangerously.
“Electronic reminders, such as text messaging, have been shown to increase medication adherence,” he said in Australian Prescriber.
The app helps patients manage their medication routine by sending reminders and following-up, which is especially important for diabetes and cardiovascular patients who may have to take up to a dozen different pills at different times of the day. The real rewards
Lindsay Alexander, a 70-year-old retiree from Artarmon, said Perx has helped him to stay on top of the 10 medications he needs to take every day for type 2 diabetes, as well as hypertension, cholesterol and kidney stone issues.
“I’ve been diabetic for 20 years and yes I’ve forgotten to take my medication many times because when you’re out and about and it’s easy to forget until you start feeling that something’s not right,” he said.
Mr Alexander has been rewarded with fuel vouchers and movie tickets, but he said the best part about Perx were the benefits of using his medications properly.
“The beauty of it is that it alerts you to take your medication at the right time and if you don’t it will send you a reminder half an hour later,” he said. “It’s fantastic”.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said if Perx succeeds, it could ultimately reduce impacts on the health system.
“The company has been supported with a $25,000 Minimum Viable Product grant to help develop its technology and is now validating its clinical and commercial potential with the assistance of a $100,000 Building Partnerships grant,” he said.
“In the last financial year Jobs for NSW committed more than $23.7 million on loans, grants and financial guarantees to support businesses including $7.5 million in regional and rural areas.”
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Halep breezes past Osaka to reach quarter-finals
No.1 seed Simona Halep has returned to the Australian Open quarter-finals after comfortably winning her fourth-round encounter against Japanese youngster Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-2 at Margaret Court Arena on Monday evening.
Halep hasn’t featured in the final eight at Melbourne Park since 2015 and she now has the chance to reach her maiden semi-final at the year’s first grand slam when she faces either Barbora Strycova or Karolina Pliskova in the quarters.
The Romanian, who is also chasing her first grand slam title, struggled with Osaka’s raw power early in the match but became an irresistible force once she found her rhythm, winning nine of the last 11 games of the match to blitz her less experienced opponent in 79 minutes.
Osaka ultimately failed to adapt to the feel of the match, trying too hard to find the angles that weren’t there while hitting the ball with too much power in what was a high-risk strategy, which led to more unforced errors than the 2017 French Open runner-up (31-18).
Australian Ash Barty’s third-round conqueror was also hurt by her low percentage of second-serve points won (35) compared to Halep (55).
The world No.1 took her chances when they arose, winning five of seven break points while Osaka could only manage one of eight. The duo were level on winners 22-22.
Osaka looked the more likely of the two to break first as she probed Halep’s serve more ominously in the early stages.
The youngest player left in the women’s draw pushed Halep to deuce on her first three services games, and brought up the first five break-point opportunities of the match, including four in the world No.1’s third service game.
But Halep hung tough and, after six deuces in the sixth game, finally held to make it 3-3 before making Osaka pay immediately for her wastefulness by breaking her serve in the very next game.
The top seed then proceeded to turn the screws on Osaka and began dictating terms by forcing the youngster all over the court with clever shot selection. Halep broke Osaka again in the ninth game to take the first set 6-3 in 42 minutes.
Osaka’s powerful forehand brought up yet another break-point chance in the opening game of the second set and it was a case of sixth time lucky for the 20-year-old as she took a 1-0 lead.
However, Halep broke back immediately to level proceedings at 1-1 and, after saving another pair of break points – one with a magnificent cross-court forehand – took a 2-1 lead before breaking Osaka once again to take full control of the contest.
From there, the result was just a formality as the gulf in quality and class between the two players became more and more apparent. Halep will now feature in her third quarter-final from her last four grand slams.
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Brumbies coach McKellar confident he can fill Pocock void
ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says his young guns can replace David Pocock after losing the star flanker for three months on the eve of their Super Rugby season.
McKellar is confident the Brumbies culture of performing when called upon will fill the Pocock void and pointed to Chris Alcock stepping into the role with aplomb last season.
Although Alcock has left the club, McKellar said there are several back-row options and emphasised the Brumbies will still be a force without Pocock.
“We’re well prepared with guys like Tom Cusack, who was one of the best performers in the NRC last year, then guys like Lachy McCaffrey, Lolo [Fakaosilea] and Rob [Valetini],” McKellar said.
“There are a number of guys that can fill that position and we need to understand Poey hasn’t been at the club for nearly 18 months.
“So whilst it’s disappointing, we feel we’re in a good position to handle another couple of months and then benefit from getting a world-class player back and important time of season.”
McKellar admitted it was a tough decision to put Pocock under the knife but would not be drawn into comment as to why it wasn’t done during his sabbatical last year.
“The choices were keep pushing through and managing a knee that wasn’t allowing him to perform at 100 per cent or go in and bite the bullet and get the surgery done so we have a world-class player being able to train and perform at the level we expect,” McKellar said.
“It was a joint decision, obviously you talk to the player and consider what’s in the best interest of the player and club, these decisions are always tough.
“Until you get an arthroscope in the knee, you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, it could it have been couple of weeks, but it is what it is and now we’re dealing with it.
“It’s going to benefit David and is obviously a short-term speed bump for us but we’re prepared and we believe in the guys we have.”
The Brumbies are famous for developing unknown players into Wallabies and McKellar said the setback was another chance for somebody to prove themselves.
“I’ve said a number of times the Brumbies provide opportunity for people, we develop footballers to make sure when their opportunity comes that they’re ready to perform,” McKellar said.
“We’re really confident that the names I mentioned are going to be able to do that. Tom Cusack has spent the past 12 months transferring from sevens to Super Rugby.
“He’s a strong No. 7, his preseason was a bit disruptive with a little surgery on his wrist, but if he’s the one who gets the first opportunity then I’m confident he’ll perform.”
McKellar said Pocock’s absence would not affect his captaincy plans which suggests the returning Christian Lealiifano or last year’s skipper Sam Carter will lead the Brumbies this season.
“The message I want to get across is we’re still in a good position to fill the void and provide an opportunity for someone else,” McKellar said.
“David is still going to contribute off the field and have a strong presence around the group, he’s a valuable member of the team.
“Christian played his last game for Ulster this morning [Monday] and got through okay, so he’ll also come back into the group this week and have a big impact as well.”
Pocock said the end-of-sabbatical surgery was the “smart decision” to avoid long-term damage.
The 65-Test Wallaby could be back as early as the Brumbies’ first home game of the season on March 17, but will wait to meet with medical staff before plotting a path back to Super Rugby.
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Seven of the best: the world’s top sevens players
A host of rugby superstars are in Sydney this week for the Sydney Sevens, one of only three tournaments on the world series circuit to combine men and women in a three-day event. From track stars to dancing Fijians and bruising dual-format specialists, the talent on show at Allianz Stadium will be second to none. We pick seven of the best from around the world.
1. Dan Norton, England It is hard to go past the man who last year became sevens’ all time top try scorer. With a try in the Hong Kong world series tournament last April, Norton surpassed the 244-try record set by Kenya’s Collins Injera since his debut in 2009. He was sitting on 261 tries at the end of last year’s world series and has arrived in Sydney intent on adding more to the tally. Norton has terrific pace and can step off both feet, traits that have no doubt helped make him one of the most dominant players on the men’s circuit.
2. Rosko Specman, South Africa It is hard to single out one player in the dominant and hugely experienced South African men’s sevens team, known as the Blitzboks, but it may as well be the man they call ‘Speck Magic’ for his incredible pace and darting footwork. The 28-year-old was named on the dream team for the 2016-17 world series and rivals US stars Perry Baker and Carlin Isles for speed over 100 metres. In a country where many sevens players still covet 15s contracts, Specman is a staunch believer that sevens stands alone.
3. Charlotte Caslick, Australia There is a reason braids have become the hairstyle du jour for aspiring sevens players around Australia and it has a lot to do with the exhilarating style showcased by Australian star Charlotte Caslick. Still only 22, Caslick plays with the assured cool of a sevens veteran thanks to almost five years in the national program. Over that time her combination of strength, pace and vision has made her the archetypal Australian player and her dominance during the team’s 2016 Rio campaign has made her the unofficial face of the sport around the country.
4. Portia Woodman, New Zealand It is difficult to overstate Woodman’s influence on women’s sevens as a sport, let alone the Black Ferns. She was crowned World Rugby’s women’s player of the year last year and helped New Zealand claim the 2016-17 world series, a redemption of sorts after the bitter disappointment of losing to Australia in the gold medal match at the Rio Olympics a year earlier, not to mention the manner in which it happened (Woodman was sin-binned in the final for a knock-on and in an emotional post-match interview shouldered much of the blame herself for the loss). A dual-format wunderkind when the trend is for less and less crossover between 15s and sevens, Woodman scored 13 tries in five games at last year’s 15s World Cup in Ireland, including a staggering eight in one match.
5. Michaela Blyde, New Zealand If the rest of the Black Ferns play in Woodman’s shadow, it is only a matter of time before youngster Michaela Blyde emerges to claim her own share of the limelight. The 22-year-old was named 2017 world women’s sevens player of the year for her part in New Zealand’s dominant season, which included 40 tries and a nod for impact player of the series. After a debut at the Noosa 7s, Blyde has quickly converted her childhood athletics training into quick feet and scorching pace, traits that appear to put her front and centre of plans for new New Zealand coach Allan Bunting.
6. Jerry Tuwai, Fiji The diminutive heart and soul of the 2016 Olympic champion Fiji men’s team and its newest captain, having taken charge at the start of the 2017-18 world series in Dubai last year. Like many of his team mates, Tuwai came from humble beginnings, learning to play rugby on a roundabout in a settlement in Suva, with plastic bottles or tied-up T-shirts for balls. His parents saved up enough money to buy their talented son a pair of rugby boots and he has repaid them many times over with a glittering career on the sevens circuit – he was nominated for world sevens player of the year last year – and a humility that sees him keep his gold medal at home with his father.
7. Perry Baker, US American speedster Baker was named 2017 world sevens player of the year thanks to a series-topping haul of 57 tries, 76 clean breaks, and 285 points. As a 21-year-old American football player Baker was destined for an NFL career, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011. A knee injury cruelled his chances and the wiry 20-something picked up rugby in his hometown Daytona Beach, in Florida. He played sevens for Fairmont University while studying for a degree in criminal justice and was later spotted by US coach Mike Friday. It didn’t take long for the player nicknamed ‘Speed Stick’ to make a mark, picking up the 2014-15 rookie of the year title, top try scorer in the 2015/16 series and last year’s string of accolades.
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Sixers bolter Ben Dwarshuis named in Aussie T20 squad
Twenty20 bolter Ben Dwarshuis’ initial reaction to Australian selector Mark Waugh’s phone call on Monday morning was scepticism, before he realised what was happening and managed to articulate a few thank yous.
Waugh phoned the Sydney Sixers spearhead to tell him he’d been picked in Australia’s 14-man T20 squad for next month’s Tri Series against New Zealand and England and Dwarshuis couldn’t believe the words he was hearing.
“I was a little bit sceptical at first, it was very much out of the blue,” Dwarshuis said.
“Personally I think I’ve been bowling pretty well but it still came as a big shock to get the call from Mark Waugh. I was a little bit lost for words at first.
“You always aspire to play for Australia, as a young kid growing up it was always an ultimate goal. Every time that you go out and play for your domestic team you’re looking to perform well and then hopefully get that selection into the national outfit.”
The 23-year-old has long been on Waugh’s radar and with Jason Behrendorff injured and Mitchell Starc being rested for the forthcoming Test tour of South Africa, Dwarshuis fills the hole left for a left-arm quick.
He only has six wickets for the Sixers this season, but has been their most consistent bowler.
Teammate Sean Abbott meanwhile, who’s 33 wickets in the BBL over the past two seasons is more than any other player, was again overlooked.
“He has improved out of sight from year-to-year,” Waugh said of Dwarshuis.
“He’s put on five or six kilometres in pace, he’s been hovering around the low 140s every game and I think with the bowling attack you need variety in one-day cricket and he offers the left-arm variety, all the other bowlers are right-armers.
“He can swing the new ball and he’s bowling quick, that’s the reason he got the nod. He’s been good for the Sixers, not taking a lot of wickets but with an economy rate of around six.
“Sean Abbott, he continues to get wickets but right-arm medium-fast bowlers we’ve got a few of them. Whilst he’s doing well we just think there are better options.”
Dwarshuis and Abbott will both play in Tuesday night’s final-round Big Bash game against the Melbourne Stars at the SCG before the former links up with the Australian squad.
Much-maligned Stars all rounder Glenn Maxwell is set to play for the Stars on Tuesday after he was named in the Australian T20 squad meaning he will play international cricket for the first time this summer.
Alex Carey’s super summer will continue after he was named at wicketkeeper, while Big Bash superstar D’Arcy Short is set to make his international debut after blasting 504 BBL runs already this season.
“He reminds me of David Warner a bit with his clean ball-striking,” Waugh said about Short.
“He’s come from nowhere for a lot of us, I hadn’t seen him before last year in the Big Bash. He put together a lot of good innings there but this year he has gone to the next level.
“He’s the sort of player that has that X-factor. He’s got good left-arm wristies as well. He’s the sort of player we want to keep coming through.
“We’ve got to keep regenerating our squad, he’s the type of player who can do that.”
Australian T20 Tri-Series squad
David Warner (c) (No BBL club) Aaron Finch (vc) Melbourne Renegades Ashton Agar Perth Scorchers Alex Carey Adelaide Strikers Ben Dwarshuis Sydney Sixers Travis Head Adelaide Strikers Chris Lynn Brisbane Heat Glenn Maxwell Melbourne Stars Kane Richardson Melbourne Renegades D’Arcy Short Hobart Hurricanes Billy Stanlake Adelaide Strikers Marcus Stoinis Melbourne Stars Andrew Tye Perth Scorchers Adam Zampa Melbourne Stars
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Who is Canberra’s favourite fighting son?
These are the three men that have emerged as the face of combat sports in Canberra.
Ben Edwards and Duke Didier are both eyeing the UFC octagon while Australian middleweight boxing champion Dave Toussaint wants to crack the top 15 in the world by the end of 2018.
But who is Canberra’s favourite fighting son? For that, just ask Didier.
“There’s a few things floating around about who is Canberra’s favourite fighting son, we’ll just chuck that in the paper that I am Canberra’s favourite fighting son,” Didier laughed.
“Speak to either one of them and they will give you a different answer.”
Edwards is one of Didier’s best mates and wasn’t surprised at all by that response – laughing it was “shocking” to hear that from a former Commonwealth Games judo representative that oozes confidence.
“You’ve got to give it to Dave for what he’s done recently. I’ve only just come back but I dug myself a pretty deep hole,” Edwards said.
“You’ve got to give the crown to Dave and even though Duke is coming off a loss, he is the Brace light heavyweight champion and he’s the main event on the next show. It can be subjective but I’m definitely not the number one guy at the moment – but hopefully my day shall return.”
Toussaint jokes there is “no doubt” Didier says he’s the top dog, but he says they’ve both got a fair way to go if they’re going to emulate Edwards – a former kickboxing superstar and Australian heavyweight boxing champion.
The UFC octagon could be as little as 12 months away for Edwards (2-0), having been told a 4-0 start to his mixed martial arts could be enough to secure a contract.
Didier (6-1) is eyeing the same stage and soon they’ll take their next step together at a landmark event for mixed martial arts in Canberra – alongside other members of their growing “scrap pack”.
Edwards will fight for the Brace heavyweight championship against Kym Robinson, while Didier will defend his light heavyweight belt against an opponent to be confirmed at the AIS Arena on March 3.
“He’s going to hate me for saying this, but I was a kid and I literally walked up to Ben Edwards and introduced myself in the cab rank,” Didier said.
“I was like ‘my name is Duke and I want to fight like you’. I shouldn’t rap him, but he was the best bloke ever about it.
“Now I’m defending my Australian title on the same show that he is fighting for a heavyweight belt.
“I think it’s pretty cool that what started as a young kid pestering Ben Edwards in the cab rank has ended up with two Australian title fights in the AIS Arena, a scrap pack and a whole thing going.
“Me, Dave and Ben, we’re all very good mates first and foremost. The other thing is, Dave’s dad Dean was my first boxing coach. He tells me I’m not allowed to say he was my boxing coach because my boxing is not good enough yet.
“We’re all really good mates. That’s the coolest thing about the whole thing, we’re all on the same page, we’re all good mates and we all just want all of us to to do the best for each other.
“It’s not cutthroat at all, if one of us does good, all of us do good and it’s good for Canberra.”
For Toussaint (12-0 with eight knockouts), an Australian title win marked the end of years of agonising close losses in the amateurs that robbed him of national gold.
He overcame shoulder surgery to beat Shane Mosley Jr on the undercard of the Jeff Horn-Manny Pacquiao showdown in Brisbane in July and announce himself to the world.
If 2017 was the biggest year of his career, 2018 is shaping up to be an absolute monster.
“By the end of this year I’ve got a goal to be top 15 in the world,” Toussaint said.
“Canberra is going off at the moment, it seems to have a lot of good fighters. Benny used to do boxing with me and trained with me for a fair bit so I know him and Duke pretty well. It’s good to see them doing well as well. Hopefully they get to the UFC.
“A lot can happen in a year.”
Edwards says if Toussaint reaches the pinnacle, it couldn’t have happened to a better person.
“You get your stereotypes of fighters but honestly most fighters are really good people. Dave is certainly one of those dudes, he’s just a humble electrician and by far the best boxer I’ve been in the ring with, he’s an absolute gun,” Edwards said.
“I hope he keeps getting big fights on the world stage like he did on the [Jeff Horn versus Manny] Pacquaio undercard.”
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Scud: Kyrgios must choose coach ‘on his terms and when he’s ready’
Australia’s Davis Cup hero Mark Philippoussis believes Nick Kyrgios must eventually turn to a coach in the pursuit of grand slam success, but only “on his terms and when he’s ready”.
In the wake of Kyrgios’ fourth-round Australian Open exit to world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov where the Australian won new-found respect for his maturity and self-control, the 22-year-old confirmed he would continue to self-coach, figuring that, given his form this year, he must be doing something right.
Asked about the prospect of appointing a new coach in 2018, Kyrgios said: “I don’t think so. You know, I feel like I have lost one match this year, so I’m doing all right.”
Philippoussis, a two-time grand slam finalist, was among the observers won over by Kyrgios under the white-hot glare of centre court and a prime-time TV audience. Kyrgios won just one less point than Dimitrov – 157 to 156 – in losing 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 in three hours and 26 minutes.
“I was very much impressed with the way he hung in there after losing that first set,” Philippoussis said.
“He lost that first set, he hung in there. He lost that second set in a tie-breaker. It could have gone either way.
“He won the third set, break down, hung in there and came back and ended up losing in a tiebreaker. It was very impressive and I believe he’s making the right steps.”
Philippoussis says Kyrgios’ appetite for the contest was on full show.
“He has the game to go all the way but I believe there’s certain things, steps he’s got to take to in order to get there,” said the 1998 US Open and 2003 Wimbledon runner-up.
“But from what I saw last night he’s taken one major step on his own … and that’s the way he’s competing. Yes, he’s still going to be vocal at certain things, but that’s his personality and we’ve got to accept that.”
Kyrgios had also been playing in the doubles competition with fellow Australian Matt Reid but, after playing doubles in near-40-degree heat the day before his third-round win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the pair withdrew. Reid has been firmly in the Kyrgios corner during this campaign.
Philippoussis said Kyrgios should be the person to reach out to a potential new coach.
“It’s important to surround yourself with the team to give yourself the best opportunity,” he said.
“I definitely think at some stage he’s got to look at one, but it’s got to be on his terms and when he’s ready, because that means believing in that person, and listening to that person.
“But going forward I do believe that at some stage he’s going to have to make that call but, like I said, it’s going to have to be his call and I believe he’s got to be that person to reach out to that person, instead of the agents and the managers.”
Philippoussis also backed the school of thought that the team environment that exists in the Davis Cup – and at the first Laver Cup last year – had helped Kyrgios and would continue to do so.
“What makes a team stronger is the fact that you have different personalities,” said Philippoussis, a Davis Cup hero for Australia in 1999 and 2003.
“I’m a different personality than Pat Rafter, than Lleyton Hewitt, than the Woodies. When we came together we had the same common goal. That made us stronger – it didn’t make us weaker.
“He [Kyrgios] is a perfect example of that. He’s different but when he comes together, he knows what has to get done and enjoys it.
“He loves being in a team environment.”
Against Dimitrov, Kyrgios played offensive tennis, attacking when cornered; whereas the Bulgarian played the safer but more-assured game.
At the net at the match’s end, Kyrgios urged his friend to have more belief in himself that he can go all the way in the game.
“I just told him to believe in himself – sometimes I think he lacks belief,” said Kyrgios.
“He is one of the best few players in the world and he isn’t playing his best yet.”
The crowd acknowledged the difference in Australia’s best male player 12 months on and stood to applaud and embrace him for his game and the change in it.
“I think I probably deserved it, actually,” Kyrgios said of the ovation.
“I won a tournament in Brisbane, I gave my best efforts this week and I fell short. I beat three quality opponents and I lost tonight to one of the best players in the world.”
When it was pointed out that John McEnroe had observed that he had not seen him fight in a match like he did on Sunday night, a clearly chuffed Kyrgios allowed himself a brief smile: “I can’t argue with that.
“I feel a lot better this time around [compared] to last year. I didn’t really know what I was going to do after the Australian Open last year. I feel like I have got more vision and more of a goal for this year.
“I just feel like I am trying to get better. There were periods last year where I felt I was doing it for the sake of doing it.”
He successfully worked on aspects of his game in the off season, without a coach but taking counsel from Lleyton Hewitt and others.
Kyrgios took out his frustrations by admonishing those in his box during the match against Dimitrov that his racquets were not strung right and then scolded them for not jumping to their feet often enough in support.
Afterwards, he was almost sheepish about the theatrics.
“I was talking to my friends. Just talking to them,” he said.
With Michael Gleeson
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