Canadian Australian Club Event Reports

Trivial Pursuits the 3rd

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:15:37 GMT

This past Wednesday the CAC had another go at Trivia in the Rocks. This game started with a difficult round, with all teams in the comp falling in the 16-20 point range. Even though we had some mature brains at the table, there were still some tunes and questions that we left blank.

All in all, there were 5 of us out, and we came in 5th. So not a bad effort again.

Next trivia night TBA, as a few of us regulars have some busy months ahead. If anyone is interested in "hosting" the trivia" (all you have to do is email Catriona our Event's person, and then show up on the night) and she can book a table under the CAC name for you. It's a great, relaxed way to meet some new people and give your brain a work out at the same time!

Wine Night Blurb

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:09:10 GMT

(handwritten by Kim Preminger, transposed to online format by K. Prokopovich)

After I found all the lamb bones and did 3 loads of wash in the dishwasher, I got to thinking; "As fun as all that was, next time can we go simpler on the food???"

* I (Kathleen Prokopovich) would like to interject that Kim held a fantastic wine night, and the theme was "Funny Labels/Names". We had some classic bottles including: AC/DC Hells Bells Sav Blanc (my personal fave!), Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch, Oomoo, Squid's Fist...etc. Kim is a mean cook in the kitchen, and as always the food was delish. Especially the lamb lollipops that she inevitably found around the house the next morning*

We need a volunteer for the next Wine Night (the theme can be - "Best Wine", cover charge $5!) and all you really need is a block of Coon and a packet of Arnnotts Shapes or or something...or hey! Let's go pot luck!

*I have to agree, you could even order Thai or something. There's no better way to meet members than over some bottles of wine. All you have to do is provide the venue, Cat our events person will set everything else up.*

More Trivial Pursuits

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:48:04 GMT

On a rainy Feb 29th a group of 5 met to battle it out for some prizes at the Australian Hotel.

We were running high from our last trivia battle, but despite our best efforts, we ended up coming 5th out of 10.....at least we were able to enjoy the fruits of our last labour, and have a pizza and a few jugs of beer to ease the loss.

As some of our more worldly (i.e over 40) trivia buddies were MIA that evening, it was left to Gen X/Y to answer the questions. We didn't do too badly and at least we got the Neil Young question and what makes up an atom.

Unfortunately we did not know the answer to "Who was known for her "million dollar legs"?" or "Which medal has 3 naked men with their arms on each other shoulders?", therefore we had to accept our lot at 5th place.

To quote Catriona, "It doesn't matter how you know it, just that you do."

So on those words of wisdom, the CAC would like to welcome members of all ages to head to the Australian Hotel on March 21st where we will do battle once again for top spot.

Trivial Pursuits

Chris Betcher — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:21:46 GMT

It's always amazing just how much useless information people store in their heads. But what's even more amazing is just how impressive that list of useless information can be when you have several heads working together.

On Wednesday night, Feb 8, a group of trivially-inclined CAC members met up at the Australian Hotel in the Rocks for their regular trivia night challenge. As well as a good chance to socialise, have a few drinks and enjoy a good pub dinner, we also got to show just how much useless information we actually do carry in our heads.

It's always surprising to see just how many truly obscure questions can be answered by a diverse group of people. Whether the topic is history, geography, sport, politics, science, literature, music or film, if you get a group of people together the stuff they collectively know is always pretty impressive.

Apparently we were extra impressive on this particular night because we ended up winning the whole thing! Yes, we took out the first place, and so we've decided we need to go back and defend our title!

So join us next Wednesday night, Feb 29, for another evening of fun and trivia, (and also beer and wedges) as we try to prove that the last time was not just a fluke, but that our collective Canadian Australian brains really are superior!

Australia Day

Chris Betcher — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:40:35 GMT

The plan was to celebrate Australia Day in traditional Aussie style starting with a few hours at the beach for some sun, surf and sand, followed by a potluck backyard barbie at Chris and Linda's place. The great rainy summer of 2012 had other plans. So, we skipped the beach and settled for just the Barbie portion but started it a little earlier.

Guests included two dogs – one Canadian, one Aussie and a half dozen hungry Aussies and Canucks. We served up traditional Aussie tucker – including prawns, lamb, snags from the Barbie all washed down with some local Aussie brews and wines. We even had an all-Aussie music playlist in honour of the occasion.

The sun popped in and out and even though we had a few no-shows, those who did waved their flags, showed their Aussie spirit, raised a glass to this awesome country and had a great Australia Day.

By Linda Johannesson

Jan 18: Hockey Night in Sydney Returned!!

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:16:34 GMT

For the first CAC event of 2012, six of us attended the first Hockey Night in Sydney of the New Year. It was a great chance for committee members Catriona and Kathleen to meet new members Nick, Roma, Judy and Judy's Husband (sorry! I'm super bad with names!). We had a table with a great view of the screens, and Nick was able to support his Canadians and introduce his partner Roma to some hockey action. Though Ottawa won that game in the end (Alfie shoot out saves the day) we all had a great time watching "the good ol' hockey game" over some discounted pints and food.

The HNIS schedule is up on the CAC page, so anyone is welcome to attend. Though not official CAC events, Kathleen is typically there, so feel free to come down and introduce yourself. The next HNIS will be Wednesday Feb 15th.

CAC AGM & X-Mas Party

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:07:31 GMT

There was an abbreviated agenda but we still managed to get through:

Approving proposed amendments to the Constitution (please see the new Constitution here: www.canadianaustralianclub.com/Constitution)
Noting and agreeing operational changes to the Executive Committee and the nature and frequency of committee meeting (please see the AGM 2011 minutes), and last but by no means least,
Electing our new, slimmed down Committee for 2012.

This latter item was as successful as these elections have been in recent years, returning a full slate of officers and volunteers – some new faces, some familiar returnees – for a complete committee (!), as follows:

President: Chris Warrick
Treasurer: Jeff Downs
Membership: Brenda Misener
Events: Catriona Kerr
Volunteer Coordinator:Kathleen Prokopovich

…ably supported by four Key Volunteers: Maria, Sarah H, Dale P and Pam T as well as a number of additional volunteers.

Chris Betcher returns in an Ex-officio capacity as Webmaster and all members were once again encouraged to put their hands up to volunteer to help with running particular events.

I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from the new Committee as they get up to speed in the New Year.

------

After a successful AGM, new and old CAC members kicked off the holiday season with the CAC monthly mixer and Christmas party! Members had a great time catching up, drinking, eating and buying raffle tickets. The CAC committee would like to give a BIG thank you to David Cost-Chrétien of the Canadian Way for his generous donation of smoked salmon, caviar and other Canadian produce for us to raffle off. This year all proceeds from the raffle went to Australia Red Cross, and the club managed to raise $100 for this very worthy organization.

CAC members in attendance at the Quay West Hotel were able to eat, drink and be merry and celebrate the start of the holiday season.

The CAC committee wishes all CAC members a happy Christmas and New Year, and we hope to see all of you at the next monthly mixer!

Thanksgiving 2011

Chris Betcher — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 02:51:33 GMT

On October 9, the club successfully celebrated another wonderful thanksgiving day at the Rose Bay RSL Club. It was a great turnout, with close to 100 club members there to eat, drink and play. As always we has roast turkey and all the trimmings (well, we might have missed the cranberry sauce!) and a delicious selection of pumpkin and apple pie for dessert. I don't think anyone left hungry!

We had the usual fun and games, pin the tail on the turkey and some apple bobbing for the kids, as well as some fun kayak races out on the waters of Sydney harbour. At one stage it looked like it would be too windy to take them out, but the universe smiled on us and the wind dropped in time for the water to become calm again.

As our illustrious president pointed out in his brief speech, we have much to be thankful for. Our two countries are certainly two that many people would love to live in, and we are lucky enough to have strong connections to both.

It was also nice to have the company of our new Canadian Consul General, Mario Ste-Marie and his lovely wife Anne and their children. We are very lucky that Mario and Anne were able to join us for the day.

There was also the usual raffles and silent auctions, where club members could win prizes or bid on items, and all money raised goes back into helping the club grow even stronger.

With so many club members present we took the opportunity to take a group photo, you can see it on the front page of the website. It was also great that so many new members were there as well, many that I met were coming along on a club outing for the very first time. We also had quite a few visitors and guests, and I hope they felt very welcome.

Thanks to Catriona, Chris, Kathleen, Sarah, Brenda and Linda and anyone else who played a part in bringing the day together. Events like this don't "just happen" so sincere appreciation goes to those who worked so hard behind the scenes to bring it all together.

Let's do it again next year!

Chris B

Tucker and Dale vs Evil Event Report - By Dale

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 14:23:18 GMT

On Saturday the 18th of June 14 club members and guests went to see the Sydney Film Festival session of Tucker and Dale vs Evil. This was the second session of the movie showing at the SFF with both session having sold out very fast due to very good word of mouth.

The club met across the road at the Star bar doe a drink or two before heading over to the cinema a bit early due to the line for the move starting to get quite a few people trying to get good seats.

The movie started with a short film called Bear. This was an Australian short written, directed and starring Nash Edgerton (brother of Aussie actor Joel Edgerton). Not to spoil the film but it set the surprising slightly graphic dark comedy tone perfectly for Tucker and Dale.

Tucker and Dale vs Evil is a move about two kind hearted hillbillies who are heading up to their "Fixer-upper holiday home" high in the Appalachian mountains. Along the way they encounter a bunch of preppy college kids who confuse Tucker and Dale for being the evil redneck weirdos... After this a series of misunderstandings happen that result in the college kids having a series of hilarious accidents resulting in the others thinking it was Tucker and Dale that murdered them.

All in all the movie was very well received with everyone who saw it and I highly recommend watching it if you ever get the chance.

Sydney Architecture Walk Report - By Kim

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:18:29 GMT

Architectural Walks have been going on in a number of cities in the world for quite some time now. It was only recently that we learned of the Sydney version. These 2 hour walks operate out of the Historical Houses Trust and all start from the Museum of Sydney in the CBD. We took the tour called "Harbourings" which took us to Circular Quay, through the Rocks and over to Walsh Bay Finger Wharves. The tour guide was a hipster styled architect named Eoghan Lewis, who could tell you more than you ever thought possible about the Sydney Opera House...there is even a walk called "Utzon" which is half an hour longer than the others!

We learned a lot about the origins of Sydney, the planning of the city and subsequent evolution. We visited that awful, ugly, concrete council housing project next to the Harbour Bridge and learned why not to hate it quite so much (it is actually pretty well thought out). We listened to tales of all the political struggles involved in the planning of Sydney and how close Paddington and The Rocks came to be torn down!

There was an interesting discussion of the history of the development of Walsh Bay Finger Wharves and we wandered around there for a while when the tour finished. An impromptu lunch with all CAC members was had at Lord Nelson Pub.

It is to be noted that these talks do not go into architectural styles, but rather the history and the circumstances and planning principles surrounding the development of different areas. Other tour titles include: "The City, Sydney" and "Art, Place and Landscape". They also do bike tours which go further afield and you can rent a bike for an extra charge if you don't have your own.

Our tour was the last of the series and the program goes into hiatus for a few months. The next series will start up in September and we will consider doing another tour then. For more information about the walks go to sydneyarchitecture.org, and stay tuned to the CAC website come September in case we plan another group.

AIHL Bears vs Blue Tongues game wrap

Mon, 30 May 2011 01:57:33 GMT

It was another good game of hockey out at the Penrith Ice Palace on 22nd of May. The Bears were up against their closest rivals on the competition table.

The game started out strong for the bears with the goals levelled 1-1 after the 1st period with very good and fast hockey being played by both sides. The second period saw the Bears come out strong and stay that way to lead 3-1 by the end of the second period.
The final period started out well but had play stopped due to an unfortunate injury when one of the Blue Tongues players received a very fast puck to the face. after play resumed the momentum that had been carrying the Bears through the majority of the game seemed to be lost with the Blue Tongues coming back and winning 6-3.

Pop Heads Trivia Night

Mon, 16 May 2011 06:03:49 GMT

There was a good turn out for the Pop Heads music trivia night at the Erko on the 3rd of May. The musical eras covered by the trivia were from the 50's through to the 80's.
The competition was pretty stiff, however our group came a very respectable 2nd last... The prizes included some classic albums on vinyl and the entire Rod Stewart back catalogue that was divided up by the team based on the hilarity of the cover art :)

A fun & entertaining night was had by all...

Kolbeh Persian Restaurant Evening

Mon, 02 May 2011 07:47:51 GMT

On April 16th the club members met at the Kolbeh Persian restaurant in Cremorne for a night of Persian delights – ( food and Belly Dancing).

One couldn’t help noticing that 95% of the patrons were indeed Persians and dressed to the hilt. The food courses kept coming and coming, ending with a yoghurt style desert complete in its individual plastic tub. somewhat novel.

The belly dancing eventually started and Isobel and Kim were in turn escorted onto the dance floor for very credible performances a good time was had by all.

- Garth Byrne

Ice Hockey Excursion- Sydney Bears vs Canberra Knights - By Kathleen Ryan

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:37:04 GMT

After a scenic drive to the Penrith Ice Palace, club members were treated to (to quote the immortal words of Stompin Tom) the good old hockey game. It may not be NHL caliber, but there is some definite hockey talent on the Sydney Bears team. With some swift passes, quick feet and an intense offensive line, the Bears walloped the defenseless Canberra Knights 10 to 0.

To give Canberra some credit, they only had a team of 12 (to the Bears 22) and their goalie did his best to try to fend off the stellar Bear’s shots.

I would like to give a big thank you to Brett Nelson Bond from the Sydney Bears for the generous donation of 4 complimentary tickets to the game. I would also like to thank Doug Wilson and Jules Buchanan from Hockey Night in Sydney for promoting the event with their crew. Between both groups 14 of us turned up to support the Bears. Play off-season starts in September, and as the Bears are ranked 3rd (out of 7) in the Australian Ice Hockey League, I’m sure the club will make another treck out west to cheer them on to the finals.

Possible Worlds – Sydney Canadian Film Festival - By Kathleen Ryan

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:34:24 GMT

What better place to catch a movie then with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge as a backdrop. So the club was off to the Dendy-Opera Quays to catch a great movie at the Sydney Canadian Film Festival. With a great turn out of 23 people (and everyone showed up….yay!) we were treated to both an animation and a cross country documentary.

First we were treated to Higglety Pigglety Pop! an animation voiced by Meryl Streep and Forest Whitaker. Though a bit abstract in concept, it was a very funny take on a dog’s view of how to gain “experience” in a Mother Goose world.

The feature film “Finding Farley” tracked one family on their quest to follow the literary footsteps of Canadian author Farley Mowat (Never Cry Wolf, A Whale for the Killing). Their 5000 km trip including trekking, sailing, and canoeing with 2 adults, a 2 year old and the indomitable family dog. This movie touched on some of the move remote and beautiful areas of Saskatchewan, Northern Manitoba, and Newfoundland and I think most of us were impressed with the family’s dedication to pursue the journey in spite of the mosquitoes, black flies and turbulent sailing weather.

Group conscience….4 out of 5 stars!

I highly recommend that everyone gets out to see at least one movie at next year’s festival. Not only are there free drinks at some movies, but it’s so important to support the Canadian and Australian independent film industry. Congratulations to all the volunteers and organizers of the festival, it was another successful year and we look forward to what you will bring us next year!

June Wine Night - By Kim

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:57:22 GMT

I tried to keep this wine night on concept for wine glut and global economic meltdown, but a few other modern issues got included along the way.

As far as the food went, the emphasis was on globalization as this is a worldwide problem, and in particular the countries that have featured one way or another in the recent downturn: there was Greek salad, of course, Indian pappadums, and even Middle Eastern cous cous where I got a bit naughty and mixed in some Danish feta! China was represented by a BBQ duck, also as a bit of a good luck charm: in Vietnam eating duck turns your luck around, so only eat it if you are having bad luck. We all ate duck for the world economy: things should be getting better now.

By the way, eating dog is believed in Vietnam to make your business grow, but uhm, let’s not. We had a dog in attendance at the wine night and we will have to consider that enough.

Of course there was the ubiquitous crackers and cheese, olives and cocktail quiches. What’s a wine night without that! And in light of the airline furore in Europe, I couldn’t resist serving a goat cheese with a bit of ash on it! We had some sheep cheese too – for the lactose intolerant!

Dedicated to the victims of the Gulf of Mexico fubar, we had Deepwater Horizon Cajun Shrimp: they were a bit oily!

I chanced on a recipe on the internet (as you do) for a pie created to express the emotion of shadenfreude, which is the feeling of joy at another’s misfortune. It is a really overwhelming, dark, bittersweet pie that is best served in very small portions. As the Australian wine industry is struggling with the wine glut at the moment, with many really good wines are being sold off cheap as cleanskins, the wine theme of the night, we experienced shadenfreude at the wine industry’s misfortune, and enjoyed the pie!

Rocky Road (ahead) finished the evening!

The wine? Oh yes, the wine. Normally at these events we go around with each bottle in turn and everyone tries the wines at the same time. For something new we had all the whites opened first and everyone could try what they wanted, then we had a break and some supper and hit the reds in the same manner. I tried to keep some order by numbering the bottles and we had a vote at the end as to which was the tastiest. Best of Cleanskins White was: # and Red: #. Only one entry in the Sparkling category, but two couples brought # and it was very popular.

I’m looking forward to attending the next wine night. Who’s up for hosting it?

March monthly mixer

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:27:10 GMT

It must have been the rain in Sydney. It took us 45 min to get through the LCT to the city. I still don't know where the hold-up was. Still tonight was a great night with seven people and our baby, Grace, turning up. Grace was all decked out in her club t-shirt.

Sadly only one person made the effort of dressing in green, so this makes an easy winner.

Support the club by making your presence felt and do it in person. See you next month.

Dinner at Maya da Dhaba by Kathleen Ryan

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:24:44 GMT

After a brief trip to the sub continent, I thought I should share my favourite Indian restaurant with the rest of the Club. Maya da Dhaba is known for it’s great goat and vegetarian curries, and this night was no exception. We had a great turn out and everyone enjoyed an authentic Indian experience. The set banquet menu provided a taste of everything and plenty of food. I was a bit nervous hosting for the first time, but I managed to meet some great club members as well as eat some great food. Thank you to all who turned out to make this such a successful event!
Kathleen

Pancakes at the Rocks and The Markets - By Sarah Hatfield

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:39:16 GMT

It was another beautiful, sunny, Sydney morning when 15 pancake hungry CAC members and friends headed to the Pancake On The Rocks for a lovely brunch. Who knew there were so many different choices - banana pancakes, chocolate pancakes, pancake pizza, the list goes on and on.... We all, of course, ordered pancakes! They were light, fluffy and smothered in butter and maple syrup - yummy!!

After a lovely brunch we headed to the historical markets in the Rocks and toured the stalls. It was one of the hottest days in Sydney, but that did not deter us, or fellow shoppers :-) Our dear friend Frank Yong joined us for the day before heading back to Toronto and he found some great gifts to take home with him. To cap off the day we enjoyed some cold drinks at a local pub. Another lovely get together!

Sarah

Sailing Day Video Report - Part Deux

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:59:28 GMT

A few more highlights from the day! Thanks to all for a fabulous experience.
And here's a link to the photos used in the slideshow http://www.flickr.com/photos/28441501@N08/