Michels Warren in the news - Saturday 28 January 2012
Michels Warren Managing Director Phil Martin and our digital media consultant Leila Henderson were asked by The Advertiser for their insights on the risks and benefits of using Twitter in your PR campaign.
You can read the article here.
Racewear veteran presents summer collection at Strathalbyn Cup - Thursday 5 January 2012
From the 1980s bold red blazer to the black on white polka dot v-neck dress, Perri Cutten has been perfecting racewear for Australian women for over 30 years – and this year it’s South Australia’s turn to get a glimpse of the label’s latest twists on race day classics.
On January 15, Perri Cutten, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011, will bring its timeless style to the state’s most glamorous provincial race meeting as the major partner of the Perri Cutten Strathalbyn Cup.
Perri Cutten will sponsor the major race of the day and host a fashion parade featuring a collection that pays homage to the 1940s.
“This year Perri Cutten’s fashion is all about femininity, with cuts that are universally flattering like stretch silk dresses fitted at the waist, delicate patterned blouses that cross over the body, midi length skirts and textured pencil skirts,” Zoe Baker of Perri Cutten said.
“In true Perri Cutten fashion, the styling remains classic, but the colour palette is a bold step forward. The Spring Summer collection that will be worn at Strathalbyn sees the introduction of bright pinks, greens, yellows, blues and reds.
“We’re very excited about the new collection and the opportunity to bring it to Strathalbyn.”
Zoe said those dressing for the Strathalbyn Cup should keep in mind these basic rules:
· A head piece is mandatory.
· No denim at the racetrack.
· Daywear – not evening wear!
· Add some structure, like a tailored jacket for when the sun goes down.
· A wedge is always great to give you some height and stop you from sinking sink into the grass.
Perri Cutten’s parade won’t be the only major fashion event happening on the day; the winner of the Strathalbyn Fashions on the Field will proceed to the SA Derby Day Final of Fashion at The Races – a year-long, state wide style search featuring SA racing’s richest ever prize pool.
Held just 40-minutes from Adelaide amid the rose gardens and nearby vineyards of the boutique Strathalbyn Racecourse, the Strathalbyn Cup is expected to attract close to 5000 punters and fashionistas alike.
Racegoers will also be treated fine local food and wine and a top field certain to entice racing purists, with a range of hospitality and picnic options for families, friends and corporate groups.
“The Strathalbyn Cup is now one of SA’s premier racing events and we’re expecting a large crowd in 2012 given the scale and variety of activities planned both on and off the track,” Strathalbyn Racing Club Executive Director Sharon Cimarosti said.
“The greatest appeal of the Strathalbyn Cup is the setting – it’s a short drive from the city, the scenery is stunning, and you’ve got world class wineries at your fingertips.
“Being in January, it’s also a time when people can truly relax and appreciate the experience of a glamorous, authentic provincial race day.”
The Perri Cutten fashion parade will follow Race 4 (approx. 2.30pm), with gates opening at 9.30am and racing starting at noon.
For further information or to book online visit www.strathracing.com.au
Low-carb Bellitá puts guilt-free potatoes on the menu - Wednesday 14 December 2011
A new variety of potato has hit the shelves and it seems destined to become a winner with families looking for a low-carb, guilt-free favourite.
The all-natural Bellitá has around 50% less carbohydrates when compared with other commonly available potato varieties with just 9.5 grams of carbs per 100 gram serving.
That's also considerably less than a bowl of pasta at 67.6 grams or a bowl of rice at 76 grams*. Bellitá potatoes are also rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6 and potassium and are also a good source of dietary fibre.
Marketed under the Little Tractor Potatoes brand, Bellitá is another product from The Mitolo Group - one of Australia's leading growers of potatoes and onions.
"Bellitá potatoes are naturally grown and naturally low in carbohydrates," said Frank Mitolo, The Mitolo Group's Sales and Marketing Director.
"Each Bellitá potato is a nutritionally perfect package that is high in essential vitamins and minerals and simply good for you."
The Bellitá is now available at leading independent greengrocers and supermarkets in South Australia, Queensland and Victoria with the other states scheduled to follow soon.
Bellitá is a brilliant all-rounder and tastes great boiled, baked, mashed, roasted or in salads. For recipes and more information, visit http://www.littletractorpotatoes.com.au.
*Referenced from Food Standards Australia and New Zealand NUTTAB 2010
South Australia a hot spot for wave energy - Tuesday 29 November 2011
South Australia has the natural potential to become the nation's wave energy capital with the launch today of a 110 metre wave energy converter from the TechPort Australia facility in Adelaide.
Wave Rider Energy Managing Director Christian Gerlach said the launch of the Wave Rider pilot plant paved the way for future development of more plants around the South Australian coastline.
Mr Gerlach was speaking at the official unveiling of the Wave Rider which has been put to water off the Common User Facility in Osborne, Adelaide after four years of research, development and construction.
"There is significant uncaptured energy in the ocean waves and the Southern Ocean produces some of the most powerful waves in the world - making it an ideal launching point for the first Wave Rider," Mr Gerlach said.
"The South Australian coast has excellent wave energy potential and there are three wave energy hotspots in South Australia - the Limestone Coast, Kangaroo Island and the Eyre Peninsula."
The first ever Wave Rider pilot plant will be moored off the coast of Elliston by March next year after a period of commissioning and testing at a dock in the Port Adelaide River.
"Ideally suited to provide energy to remote communities, the Wave Rider has tremendous potential and the pilot will provide us with proof of concept - an essential part of the research and development process," Mr Gerlach said.
Mr Gerlach said success at Elliston would open the way for Wave Rider Energy to build plants for energy production at other locations along the South Australian coastline. If the pilot wave converter proves a success, work will get underway on building a full scale model with the capability to supply energy to an entire town the size of Elliston.
The Wave Rider converts the ocean's kinetic energy into mechanical energy. An open steel cage-type system and seven buoyancy pontoons keep the massive structure afloat, while buoys below the surface move up and down as waves pass through.
Movement of the buoys then causes the rotation of an axle on top of the Wave Rider which, in turn, powers various generators to produce electrical energy. The structure will be fitted with sensors and video cameras for Wave Rider Energy to monitor its capabilities for the duration of the 12 months after it is launched.
The advantages of wave power include their operation in a remote location; the predictability of waves (they can be predicted five days in advance); their capacity to generate significant amounts of energy; and their minimal cost to operate and maintain.
Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Tom Koutsantonis congratulated Wave Rider Energy on launching the pilot plant.
"By continuing to build on our capabilities, we are seeing more and more innovative technologies being developed, significantly reducing our carbon footprint," Mr Koutsantonis said.
"South Australia's renewable energy capabilities include more than half of Australia's wind power generating capacity, 15 per cent of Australia's residential grid-connected solar power, vast geothermal resources as well as ongoing research in wave-power."
Mr Gerlach said the Wave Rider had the potential to power homes and industrial plants such as desalination plants and other off-grid applications.
"There will be minimal impact on the environment but likely future social and economic benefits through sustainable energy generation - we're excited about its potential," he said.
Symbion launches Clinect - Monday 28 November 2011
Australian pharmacy leader Symbion has announced the launch of Clinect, a product management solution that assists in bringing medicines currently only available internationally into Australia and New Zealand.
Clinect, which is a new division of Symbion, aims to improve patient outcomes by improving access to specific products.
“Due to the relatively small populations of Australia and New Zealand there are many medicines which can legally be prescribed by specialists here but are just not available to patients without going through a complex and often expensive importation process,” said Stuart Spencer, General Manager of Group Business Development at Symbion.
Clinect also provides a complete product management solution to pharmaceutical companies seeking to access the Australian and New Zealand markets. Services include; Named Patient Programs, Market Access Programs, Pharmacovigilance and Medical Affairs support.
“Clinect is a new solution which simplifies and streamlines this process, opening up access to a range of highly beneficial medicines which are currently only available overseas,” Mr Spencer said.
Mr Spencer said Clinect would utilise Symbion’s “intimate knowledge” of the international pharmaceutical market.
“Symbion is in the fortunate position of having not only the experience but also the relationships to bring Clinect to the market,” he said.
For more information about Clinect, visit www.clinect.com.au.
New videos for Freightliner - Tuesday 22 November 2011
As part of our ongoing work with Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific, Michels Warren has just completed a series of videos highlighting the features and benefits of the New Generation Freightliner Argosy.
The five videos, which highlight the truck's outstanding design, performance and safety features, form part of the "It's Got Your Back" campaign developed by ChinaShop for the new Argosy, which is already making its presence felt in the Australian market.
Bedford to breathe new life into Scholars Cafe - Tuesday 15 November 2011
The state’s most diverse disability service provider – Bedford – is set to extend its reputation as leader in catering services thanks to a new partnership with another iconic Adelaide charity.
Bedford has teamed up with the Can:Do Group at Townsend House in Hove to assume operation of Scholars Cafe at Can:Do’s Townsend Park Lifestyle Estate, and use its experience in hospitality to breathe new life into the business.
Following an official opening ceremony to be held on Monday, November 14, Bedford will begin providing daily food and beverage services to 170 residents and staff at the retirement community and within the Can:Do4Kids - Townsend House headquarters.
As the second community-based cafe to be opened by Bedford in less than 18 months, the partnership with the Can:Do Group will create more employment opportunities for people with disability and bring Bedford’s formula for success in hospitality to the operation.
In mid-2010 Bedford assumed operation of Entwich Cafe at Enterprise House on Greenhill Rd, formerly run by Business SA, where it doubled turnover in the first 10 months and now provides lunches and morning tea to more than 200 Business SA staff and other neighbouring businesses.
“The Entwich success story was so positive that we have spent the last few months scoping out sites to create a similar facility,” Bedford Chief Executive Sally Powell said.
“When the opportunity to partner with the Can:Do Group at Townsend House was presented it fitted our criteria perfectly – they wanted to improve the cafe but needed to outsource the work.
“By working with Bedford, the Can:Do Group is also providing more community-based employment and training opportunities to people with disability.
“The cafe already has an established customer base thanks to those people living or working at Townsend House, but we plan to improve it significantly with a new menu, the highest quality food and access to Bedford’s outstanding full-service catering.”
From Monday to Friday a Bedford team will run Scholars Cafe and prepare and serve a complete hot and cold menu including gourmet baguettes and sandwiches, salad packs, fruit salad packs, Bedford’s popular homemade pies, pasties and sausage rolls, as well as a weekly ‘Roast of the day’, lasagne, stir fry and more.
The facility will also allow Bedford employees the opportunity to receive barista training with a state of the art coffee machine installed on site.
The Bedford hospitality team located at Panorama and Clapham currently offers a comprehensive range of catering services across metropolitan South Australia including corporate functions, special events and conference services with a philosophy of tailoring any package to the client’s needs.
The Can:Do Group is an umbrella brand that includes South Australia’s two oldest registered charitable service providers – Can:Do 4Kids - Townsend House and Deaf Can:Do - the Royal South Australian Deaf Society.
Can:Do 4Kids - Townsend House provides a helping hand for eyes and ears, delivering outcomes for South Australian’s from birth to 25 years who are deaf, blind, or who have a sensory impairment.
Deaf Can:Do – The Royal South Australian Deaf Society, has been providing services and support to the South Australian Deaf and hard of hearing Community for 120 years.
The organisation also operates a full audiology service through Can:Do Hearing, as well as within the Lifestyle Estate – Townsend Park, Meander Cottages and at Townsend in Strathalbyn.
Bedford background: Visit www.bedfordgroup.com.au/news_and_info
Media Information: Anna Kenneally, Michels Warren: (08) 8267 6888 or 0433 271 700
Interviews: Sally Powell, Chief Executive – Bedford: 0421 856 249
Bedford Media Contact: Sabine Kloss, Marketing Manager, Marketing & Fundraising: (08) 8275 0222 or 0403 465 950
Spitfire – change the way you think about props - Tuesday 15 November 2011
It used to be that three-bladed propellers were for speed and four blades were for holding and acceleration. The Spitfire’s unique design changes that forever– it’s the ultimate performance four-blade aluminium propeller.
The Spitfire’s aggressive blade design uses features borrowed from Mercury’s hugely popular Fury and Enertia props, so that on the water it provides incredible holding in the turns and eye-watering acceleration.
With high rake angles, a large blade area and reduced diameter, the Spitfire is something special. In fact, it actually has the same top speed as the Black Max but with 25% quicker acceleration.
Mercury created the Spitfire especially for boaters with mid-range (40-60hp) outboards. However with these results, Mercury now intends to spread this technology across other horsepower ranges.
Coming soon will be Spitfire propellers specifically designed for 75-125hp and 25-30hp range engines.
With the industry’s largest and best range of props - more than 700 in all - Mercury Marine is No. 1 in the world for propellers.
Michels Warren in the news - Monday 7 November 2011
Michels Warren managing director Phil Martin was asked to provide comment from a crisis management perspective in an article about the Qantas shutdown in Saturday's Advertiser.
Leila Henderson, our digital/social media affiliate, was also extensively quoted. You can read the full article on the Adelaide Now website here.
People’s Choice passes on full rate cut – eases pressure - Tuesday 1 November 2011
People’s Choice, Australia’s second largest credit union, has announced it will pass on – in full – today’s cut in official interest rates by the Reserve Bank.
“We will be passing on the full 0.25% cut to all our standard variable rate home loan customers,” said Managing Director, Peter Evers.
“With cost of living pressures going up, we’ve made a quick decision so our members will get the maximum benefit.”
This cut – the first by the Reserve Bank since April 2009 – means a saving of more than $50 a month on the average mortgage of $300,000 over 30 years.
People’s Choice new standard variable mortgage rate will be 7.45% per annum.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Marcus La Forgia – 0421 585 740
Make sure your donation counts - Wednesday 26 October 2011
As the debate continues over how much money charities spend to raise funds, there is one unique way South Australians can ensure 100% of their donation gets to their selected group.
With the People’s Choice Community Lottery every cent contributed will flow through to the charity or not-for-profit group involved. Guaranteed.
“The Community Lottery has been running since 1984 and has given back more than $7 million to the community. Next year alone we aim to raise $2 million for worthwhile causes,” said People’s Choice Credit Union Managing Director, Peter Evers.
“People can rest assured that if they buy a $2 ticket, every cent gets to the right place. There are no middle-men, no hidden fees or costs, no administration levies – nothing.”
The Community Lottery is unique because participating groups sell $2 tickets and keep 100% of every dollar they raise.
People’s Choice runs the Lottery, covers all costs and organises the giant prize pool, with the support of generous businesses and media partners.
“For many community groups, there just aren’t the resources to put together a fundraiser of this size, so we do it for them,” Peter said.
“We’re often asked ‘what’s the catch?’. Well there isn’t any – that’s what makes this lottery unique.
“It costs absolutely nothing for groups to participate and for some, it provides a lifeline to continue operating.”
Groups interested in participating in the 2012 People’s Choice Community Lottery can visit peopleschoicecu.com.au
MEDIA CONTACT:
Marcus La Forgia – 0421 585 740
Tragedy at Malaysian MotoGP - Monday 24 October 2011
The MotoGP world is in mourning following the death of Italian Honda rider Marco Simoncelli in a horror crash during the Malaysian Moto GP.
The race was halted four minutes after it began when Simoncelli fell at turn 11 and was hit by Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi.
As Simoncelli tried to arrest the fall, his bike veered across the track and straight into the path of Edwards and Rossi.
The race was immediately red-flagged and the Italian was pronounced dead a short time later.
"Today we are left devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marco’s family at this terrible, terrible time, and with his team,” said Taka Horio, General Manager of the Bridgestone Motorsport Department.
“Words can do no justice to the emotion we are all feeling. The MotoGP family has lost one of its bright stars, a genuine character whose larger-than-life persona, charisma and unstoppable spirit were infectious, and we’ve all lost a great friend.
“We worked closely with Marco for his first two years in MotoGP and it was clear that he was a true racer, something he proved again and again this season. Determined to the end, and a great showman. His ascent through the field in just two seasons has been fantastic to watch, testament to his raw talent, ability and dedication to the sport he so loved. We remember fondly the tenacity and spirit with which he raced, and he will be sorely, sorely missed."
Summer job tip No. 1 – Persistence - Thursday 20 October 2011
With summer right around the corner job seekers are being advised to be persistent in their summer job search.
That’s according to one of Australia’s largest and most experienced job services organisations, The Salvation Army Employment Plus (TSAEP).
During the summer months, thousands of extra jobs are created across Australia and employers are taking steps now to secure the right people for work over the festive and summer season.
“Heading into the holidays and Christmas the retail and hospitality sectors are the ones really looking for additional staff virtually everywhere,” said TSAEP spokeswoman Kirrilee Trist.
“They are doing it right now and while some jobs will be filled, there’s still a lot out there.”
According to Ms Trist, job hopefuls should persist despite recent news of retail sector woes.
“While retail might not be booming, there is no doubt that businesses increase staff levels going into this peak period.”
Being willing to work late, start early or do odd shifts will certainly increase your chances of securing a position, according to Ms Trist.
“Once you get the job and show your worth there could well be a chance to alter your hours later on,” she said.
“And remember local areas can also have their own boom industries which thrive in summer – for example fruit picking season will begin soon in several agricultural areas across Australia and up in Queensland resorts and leisure centres will be looking for additional staff to help with the summer travel rush.
“Whether you’re looking for a temporary job or trying to start a career, our experience shows if you can get in early you will certainly increase your chances of securing the ideal summer job,” she said.
“If you land a summer job not only do you get paid but you get experience which can help you secure something more permanent in the New Year.
“And TSAEP is always here to give job seekers a helping hand with any of their employment needs.”
TSAEP has pulled together the following list of tips to help people secure a summer job.
SEARCH HIGH AND LOW – Many seasonal businesses don’t advertise job openings (or haven’t gotten around to it) so it often pays to simply knock and ask. Meeting your potential employer face-to-face puts you well ahead of the pack – you get to sell yourself and you show initiative.
GET NOTICED – First impressions do count so you need to show you care. Get noticed for the right reasons - dress appropriately and be polite.
BE PREPARED – Before you hit the streets put together a succinct resume and a one-page cover letter with your personal details and an outline of any relevant experience you might have. Even if there’s no job today you can leave it behind in case there’s an opening later.
MAKE TIME – Find out what’s happening in your area. Is there a seasonal industry you weren’t aware of? Spend at least 15 minutes a day on your job search, opportunities come and go quickly, so you need to be in the game on a daily basis.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX – Many assume summer jobs are only available in the retail and hospitality sectors, however the festive season is also a busy period for the Post Office with an increase in Christmas post being sent around the world.
PERSISTANCE PAYS OFF - While you don’t want to be a pest, persistence is a very important component of the job search process. There might not be a job available now but there could be in the future. Check in from time with employers, this can help you stand out from other candidates.
BE POSITIVE – Show a little of the energy you’ll bring to the job.
TSAEP can also assist employers at this time by helping to select the best applicants and, in some cases, offset the costs of appointing staff.
Media inquiries - Kirrilee Trist, TSAEP Marketing & Communications Manager,
0400 058 000.
Construction to begin on new 33-home display village - Wednesday 19 October 2011
Opportunities for growth and an award-winning master planned community has attracted Australia’s leading home builders to Bluestone in the Adelaide Hills, where construction of an all new 33-home display village will soon commence.
Located at its newest neighbourhood “The Outlook”, the village will feature cutting edge designs that capitalise on the commanding views and semi-rural setting of Bluestone’s latest and future land releases.
Named South Australia’s Best Residential Development between 50 and 600 lots in 2010, Bluestone’s reputation for quality has enticed a number of high-profile building companies to showcase homes at the new village - including several well-respected interstate brands.
The likes of Simonds Homes, Sterling Homes, Hickinbotham Homes and nine more popular names will feature their latest designs.
Australia’s third largest residential builder Metricon has committed to display a range of homes at the village, identifying Bluestone as an ideal place to enhance its presence in the South Australian market.
“We see Mount Barker as a serious growth opportunity,” Metricon General Manager of South Australia Richard Bryant said.
“We saw good brand alignment between us and Walker Corporation in terms of its vision and how it is designing and presenting at Bluestone.
“Metricon offers a fresh choice of innovative, quality homes, superior value and the ultimate customer experience. Metricon’s extensive range of beautifully designed, award-winning homes really fit with what Bluestone is all about and are perfectly suited to the South Australian lifestyle.”
Metricon plans to construct 2 single-storey and 2 double-storey display home designs at Bluestone.
The village will eventually replace the existing display village on Greenfield Street and will also include a new Land Sales Centre. The existing Land Sales Centre will be retained as offices for Walker Corporation staff.
Bluestone Development Manager Chris Buttignol said the announcement formed part of a string of new developments at Bluestone in recent months.
“Since May this year we’ve received rezoning approval to extend Bluestone’s boundaries into Wistow and released the first lots at ‘The Outlook’,” he said. “Huge progress has also occurred in terms of landscaping and construction of community facilities so families can truly picture themselves living here.”
“Now with the new display village and the calibre of home builders that have come on board Bluestone is able to increase its product offering and value to buyers.
“We’re fortunate to be building a new community in a beautiful, family-oriented location like the Adelaide Hills and are doing everything possible to pass on that opportunity to buyers in terms of quality and value.”
The new Bluestone display village will open in spring 2012.
For more information on land sales at Bluestone Mt Barker please call 1800 790 700, email us at sales@bluestonemtbarker.com.au or visit the Land Sales Centre at Greenfield St, Mount Barker. Open 7 days from 10am-5pm.
Learn more about Bluestone Mt Barker at http://www.bluestonemtbarker.com.au/
For media information: Anna Kenneally at Michels Warren PR on 8267 6888 or 0433 271 700
Wendy’s bands together to support CanTeen - Tuesday 18 October 2011
Throughout the month of October, Wendy’s stores across the country will be selling bandannas to help raise funds to support young Australians living with cancer.
Wendy’s is again supporting CanTeen’s National Bandanna Day, an event that will hold even more significance this year – Wendy’s has just formalised its relationship with CanTeen, signing on as a major national partner for the next three years.
“CanTeen’s mission is to support, develop and empower young people living with cancer by providing an Australia-wide peer support network for 12-24 year-olds,” said Wendy’s CEO Rob McKay.
“At Wendy’s we see a lot of people that age – on both sides of the counter – so we’re big supporters of the work CanTeen does for young people in our community.
“We’re enormously pleased to have signed on as a national CanTeen partner for the next three years and are very much looking forward to supporting this organisation in its efforts to provide invaluable support services for young people living with cancer.”
CanTeen bandannas will be available at selected Wendy’s outlets in the lead up to National Bandanna Day on October 28.
“Our bandannas are more than just a fashion accessory – they are a symbol of the cancer experience for young people. They also represent the importance that CanTeen places on enjoying every moment and living life to the full,” said CanTeen CEO Andrew Young.
“This year we’re aiming to sell one million bandannas so we’re really pleased to have Wendy’s on board to help us achieve this. We’re also very excited about our partnership with this iconic Australian brand and are looking forward to working with them over the next three years.”
For more information please visit www.wendys.com.au
Thoroughbred Racing SA launches new TV ad - Tuesday 18 October 2011
Thoroughbred Racing SA’s brand ‘The Races’ will re-emerge on TV screens this week with the launch of a bold new commercial – its first in many years.
Created to capture the glamour and excitement of the sport right across the State, the new ad forms the second phase of the industry’s ‘There’s nothing like a day at The Races’ re-branding campaign which started in 2009.
Follow this link to view the new commercial: www.youtube.com/theracessa
Designed by local agency KWP! and brought to life by award-winning Adelaide filmmakers Resin, the commercial features a combination of live and computer generated imagery with horses thundering through some of South Australia’s most picturesque locations.
Thoroughbred Racing SA Industry Marketing Manager Jane Wellington said the new commercial and branding campaign was about promoting The Races as a unique day out.
“No other industry combines such strong social and sporting traditions as racing. The ad is all about capturing the unique racing experiences throughout South Australia,” Jane said.
“It takes viewers on a journey across the State from the beach to the vineyards, and the city to the outback, and sets the scene for what family and friends can do during a day at The Races – it forms a link between tourism and racing.
“The Races are a way to experience South Australia – and to do it in style.”
The commercial includes a voiceover that builds on The Races’ ‘There’s nothing like a day at The Races’ tagline. Cory Swaffer from KWP! said the agency aimed to bring to life in moving pictures the print and outdoor campaign it developed during the first phase of the new umbrella brand.
“The print campaign captured the glamour and excitement of horse racing with dynamic visuals of glamorous models interacting with a field of race horses in surreal locations. This was achieved with a fair amount of Photoshop trickery,” Cory said.
“Even still, taking this idea to TV without trampling the talent with a stampede of horses was quite a challenge.
“But the guys at Resin were up to it and came up with a brilliant combination of live action footage and computer generated imagery.
Adelaide agency Finesse Models sourced on-screen talent for the commercial while the silks appearing on the jockeys are also local – representing the colours of South Australia’s best known racing identities.
For more information visit www.theracessa.com.au
Mercury Builds the Ultimate 150 FourStroke - Tuesday 18 October 2011
Once again, Mercury Marine has stamped its leadership in marine engine technology with the release of its new 150 hp FourStroke EFI outboard engine.
With its breakthrough design, this 150 hp FourStroke offers unprecedented durability under all conditions and delivers superb fuel efficiency and tremendous performance.
“We listened to what boaters were asking for and then set out to build the ultimate 150 horsepower FourStroke outboard,” said Mark Schwabero, president of Mercury Marine. “The finished product is an engine that is incredibly durable – more durable, in fact, than any other 150 FourStroke ever built – but is more compact than the less-durable engines of our competition. It delivers great fuel efficiency and tremendous performance.
“I believe we accomplished exactly what we aimed for; this engine is a perfect addition to our wide breadth of four-stroke engines.”
The engine boasts a 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder in-line configuration that easily creates superior power for single or twin applications. In fact, it has more displacement than any other 150 hp FourStroke engine, yet it delivers fuel efficiency at cruising speed that no other engine can beat.
At just 206kgs, Mercury’s new outboard is by far the most compact FourStroke 150 hp outboard in the world. In fact, it’s just 11kgs heavier than Mercury’s popular OptiMax 150 direct-injected outboard.
This means it’s the perfect option for owners wanting to repower their boats, especially older models with transoms not designed to accommodate the weight of conventional FourStrokes.
Add all this together and it’s far and away the best value for money 150 hp FourStroke on the market.
Amazingly, the Mercury 150 FourStroke has almost 20% fewer parts than a Yamaha F150, proving that better technology can deliver durability and performance while simultaneously reducing package size and weight.
The new 150 FourStroke is designed, built and tested to be one of most reliable and durable engines in the world. It will start and run consistently and last longer on any body of water anywhere in the world, having proved itself in severe field testing in conditions as varied as cold 20-foot saltwater swells off Canada, commercial fishing in the warm waters of the Bahamas and the unprotected seas around Guadeloupe in the French West Indies.
It’s easily handled thousands of hours of hard-core severe duty, real-world testing in applications the average boat operator will never endure.
The new engine also provides a massive torque curve which ensures that even the heaviest boats will plane quickly.
“The new Mercury 150 is class-leading in every respect but we particularly focused our attention on being a stand-out in the areas that our customers told us really matter - quality and reliability, smooth operation, a great torque curve, low weight and compact size, plus excellent fuel economy,” said David Foulkes, vice president of engineering at Mercury.
In short, Mercury’s new 150 FourStroke is compact, powerful, incredibly reliable and delightfully easy to operate.
Australia's Casey Stoner seals championship on Bridgestone - Monday 17 October 2011
Sunday October 16 2011 is a date Australia’s Casey Stoner won’t forget in a hurry.
Not only did he win his fifth consecutive Australian MotoGP race at Victoria’s Phillip Island circuit, but he also sealed his second World Championship - with both won on Bridgestone tyres.
And, to cap off a perfect day, it was also his 26th birthday.
"To win like this is really something special; words can’t describe it. It’s been pretty much a perfect season for us, and a big thank you to the team and to everyone,” Stoner said.
“This weekend’s been great for us, but the race threw a few curve balls. They were very, very tricky conditions and there were a few heart-in-mouth moments! I wanted to win this one. Maybe it was just meant to be, but it’s something unbelievable."
With his main championship rival Jorge Lorenzo out of the weekend after damaging his hand in a practice crash, Stoner ran away at the front and was never threatened.
This title is the first for Honda in the 800cc era, and he will go into the history books as both the first and last 800cc MotoGP World Champion after his first title in 2007 - which was also the first on Bridgestone tyres.
"Congratulations Casey and Repsol Honda for a very well deserved World Championship,” said Hiroshi Yamada - Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department.
“ It was always going to be a special moment at his home race but Casey was the first World Championship on Bridgestone tyres and a big force in catapulting us to the front of MotoGP so we are especially happy to see him win in such fashion in front of his home fans.
“From all at Bridgestone Motorsport, we sincerely applaud the effort he and the team have put in all season and right from the start it was clear they would be a force to be reckoned with this year."
The teams now head to Malaysia for the penultimate race of the 2011 MotoGP championship season.
Championship Standings
1. Casey Stoner (Aus) 325 points
2. Jorge Lorenzo (Sp) 260
3. Andrea Dovizioso (It) 212
