Perth's Chinatown Gets $2m Revamp

The West Australian government will spend $2 million to revitalise Perth's Chinatown precinct with lanterns and road stencilling.

As part of the revitalisation, Chinese New Year celebrations will be expanded into Chinatown laneways in 2014 with a $50,000 state government grant to the Chung Wah Association.

Premier Colin Barnett said on Sunday the aim was to create a more vibrant precinct for families, locals and tourists.

"Chinatown is a popular location for people of all ages and an important business precinct in Northbridge that has been rundown for some time," he said.

"This investment will transform the area to its former glory of the 1980s and ensure it remains an exciting and culturally important destination for years to come."

The Chinatown precinct is bound by Nicks Lane and Roe and James Streets in Northbridge, and includes 13 restaurants and businesses.

The wider Perth City Link project will create five new connections between the city and Northbridge, which will encourage more people to pass through the Roe Street area every day, the premier said.

The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2015.

New A380 flights from Perth

New A380 flights from Perth

Emirates the world’s largest international airline, is set to launch A380 super jumbo services to Perth from March 1.

According to Canberra sources the airline has slots approved for the 496-seat A380 to replace one of its tripe daily Boeing 777 services.

The A380 flight is scheduled to arrive at 5.25pm and depart at 10.30pm.

To see a virtual reality view of the A380 click here.

Emirates had planned to operate the A380 from Perth from mid year but delays in the installation and integration of the new aerobridge has put that back to March next year.

However, that A380 was allocated to Brisbane.

While the new service is slated from March 1 it may slip depending on A380 deliveries.

Emirates operates the world’s largest fleet of A380s with 39 in service and the airline had 51 on order.

But this week it ordered another 50 taking the total backlog for the airline to 101.

The Emirates A380 has 14 first class suites, 76 business class beds and a lounge bar on the upper deck and 406 economy class seats on the main deck.

At this week’s order announcement Emirates President Tim Clark said that the A380 “remains highly popular with our passengers.”

“It is still one of the most efficient aircraft to operate today in terms of fuel burn and emissions per passenger, and it gives us the flexibility in some cases to meet passenger demand in slot-constrained markets.”

One of the most popular features of the A380 is the quiet cabin and the plane is more stable than most in turbulence.

The Emirates A380s are mobile phone and email capable and have over 1500 entertainment options.

Emirates has been associated with Europe’s largest passenger aircraft since April 2000 when it was the first airline to announce plans to purchase the super jumbo.

The A380 is a major part of the airline’s ambitious expansion plans outlined by Mr Clark earlier this month.

“By 2020, we will have more than 250 aircraft serving some 70 million passengers across six continents. It will make us the largest airline on the planet by international passenger traffic,” Mr Clark said.

“However, being the biggest airline in the world is not really the end goal. Our aim has always been to connect travellers from around the world to Dubai, and other destinations with just a single stop via our hub.

“The strategic location of Dubai makes it possible for us to serve almost 90 per cent of the world’s population with non-stop flights.”

Over a third of the world’s population lives within a 4-hour flight from Dubai, and two-thirds are within an 8-hour flight.

Today, Emirates operates nearly 3,200 flights globally per week to 135 destinations in 76 countries.

The airline has 50,000 staff made up of 160 nationalities

Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Metro Hotel Perth - October

On average, 37 Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer today.

Metro Hotel Perth is collaborating with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to help spread the word regarding breast cancer awareness and continued support for breast cancer research.

For the month of October, Metro Hotel Perth has changed their building spotlight from blue to pink (see photos below) - to highlight the importance of vital research into prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Global Illumination campaign is a unique initiative involving thousands of individuals, families, schools and businesses across Australia to put the spotlight on breast cancer awareness by illuminating buildings, monuments and landmarks around the world in a blaze of pink light!

Breast cancer is the third leading cause of death in women in Australia*, and continued research for prevention strategies, early detection, and cures or treatments are paramount in saving and prolonging lives. *Australian Bureau of Statistics

As the years pass, researchers, scientists and doctors are getting closer and better at treating and possibly finding a cure for breast cancer. But it takes time, people, dedication and funds to continue this progress: this is where the National Breast Cancer Foundation needs our help - because fundraising saves lives.

Twenty years ago, 30% of women diagnosed with this disease lost their lives. Today, that rate has halved - due to research. Through continued fundraising support, we hope to see the death rate drop even more significantly, so that in the future, breast cancer no longer strikes fear in women and their loved ones.

Here's what you can do to help:

• To find out where your donations go when you give to the NBCF, here is their page: http://pinkribbonbreakfast.org.au/info/where-your-money-goes

• If you are interested in raising funds for the NBCF, information and support can be found here: http://www.nbcf.org.au/Support-Us/Raising-Money.aspx

• For tips, ideas and tools regarding creating your own fundraising event, see here: http://pinkribbonbreakfast.org.au/info/ideas-and-tools

• Can't give money but have the time? Why not volunteer at the NBCF: http://www.nbcf.org.au/Support-Us/Volunteer.aspx

• Don't have the time? You can still help by being part of the research to help beat breast cancer! It can be as little as filling in a form. See here for NBCF research projects that you can participate in (even if you are time-poor!) https://www.register4.org.au/index.php/About-us/about-us.html

So no matter where you are in Australia, you can be part of the community to bring awareness to this disease and together let's find a cure.

Are you in Perth and want to see the Metro Hotel Perth building lit up beautifully in pink? Here's where to find us: 61 Canning Hwy, South Perth WA 6151 Australia

For more information on breast cancer and the NBCF, here's their official website: http://www.nbcf.org.au

Article by Metro Hotel Perth
Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrohotelperth

Freemantle Dockers Brace for AFL 'War' With Sydney Swans

Fremantle AFL skipper Matthew Pavlich says he respects Sydney's culture, and how they go about their football.

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich says his side are preparing for "footy war" ahead of Saturday night's AFL preliminary final against Sydney at Patersons Stadium.

The Dockers are strong favourites to win the match given their hot recent form and home ground advantage.

In contrast, Sydney have been ravaged by injuries, with key players Adam Goodes, Kurt Tippett, Rhyce Shaw, Tom Mitchell and Sam Reid all out of action.

However, Pavlich said the defending premiers shouldn't be taken lightly, especially given their reputation for playing a hard-nosed, contested brand of football.

"You admire a lot of teams in the AFL but certainly Sydney - their culture, leaders, the way they go about their business - we very much respect what they're about," Pavlich said on Thursday.

"And that's why we're preparing ourselves for what we call footy war, because it's going to go until the end.

"They are contested, big-bodied players.

"What they're about is exactly what we'd like to be about as well. We understand how hard a game it's going to be."

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Sparkle Special @ Metro Hotel Perth

Metro Hotel Perth invites you to book this Sparkle Special for $165.00 per room per night including: 

• Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine
• Chocolates on arrival 
• Staying in a deluxe Room 

Location: 61 Canning Hwy, South Perth WA 6151 Australia

Phone: +61 8 9367 6122

To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/255

Terms & Conditions: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/255

Features of Metro Hotel Perth:

• Hotel safety deposit boxes
• Licensed restaurant and bar
• 7 days breakfast and dinner
• Laundry/dry-cleaning services -
• Guest laundry with washing machine and dryer on 5th floor  
• Conference and function facilities
• Administrative services
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Complimentary vehicle parking   

The hotel is close to Perth’s major tourist attractions, Perth Zoo, Kings Park and the river foreshore. The Burswood Casino complex is 2.5 kms from the hotel as is the famous West Australian Cricket ground. Located within walking distance from the hotel are many fantastic restaurants offering a wide variety of international cuisines. Guests who wish to dine in are able to enjoy the hospitality of the Perth region with many dishes featuring locally sourced produce.

Metro Hotels Winter Australia Accommodation Specials

Now that Winter is upon us, Metro Hotels would like to welcome their guests for a nation-wide Winter warm up!

Below are some accommodation specials around Australia that may interest you for the chilly months ahead.

Melbourne VIC

Metro Apartments on Bank Place is offering this winter warmer accommodation special for $175.00* staying in a one bedroom apartment including: 

• Free unlimited wireless Internet 
• Bottle of wine on arrival 
• Late check-out of 11am
• Continental boxed breakfast for two

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/303

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Brisbane QLD

Metro Hotel Tower Mill is offering this winter warmer hotel special for $123.00* per night staying in an executive double room including:

• 2 full hot buffet breakfasts 
• Free car parking 
• Free wireless Internet 
• Late check out till 12 noon

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/309

Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone is offering this winter special for only $150.00* per night with: 

• Late checkout of 12.00 noon available on Saturday & Sunday

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/310

Metro Hotel Ipswich International is offering this warm up in Ipswich hotel special for $149.00* per night staying in a Superior Queen including:

• Hot chocolate welcome pack 
• Breakfast 
• Free Internet 
• Free Parking 
• $30.00 voucher when 2 people dine in the Restaurant for a two course meal 

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/311

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Perth WA

Metro Hotel Perth is offering this winter weekender hotel package for $299.00 per night staying in an executive room including: 

• Late Check out
• Breakfast for two
• Sparkling wine on arrival
• Chocolates on arrival
• $10.00 Coles voucher per stay 

Offer is valid Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/304

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Sydney NSW

Metro Hotel Miranda is offering this Baby It's Cold Outside hotel package for $105.00* per night staying in a standard balcony queen OR twin room including:

• Hot chocolate and Raisin toast 
• Free internet 
• Free car parking 
• Late checkout of 11AM

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/308

Metro Hotel on Pitt is offering this Winter Sydney CBD getaway hotel special for $134.00 per room per night including:

• Free wireless internet
• A bottle of wine on arrival
• Late check out of 12 noon
• Staying in a Standard\Single\double\twin room (Subject to availability)

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/306

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Winter great saver hotel package for $129.00 per room per night including: 

• Free wireless internet 
• Free Breakfast for 2 adult 
• Free bottle of wine on arrival 
• Free late check out by 12 noon (Subject to availability)

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/307

Metro Apartments on King is offering this Winter warmer special including:

• Free Sparkling wine
• Chocolates

At $179.00 Sunday-Thursday, $279.00 Friday-Saturday (minimum 2 night stay).

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/167

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour is offering this Winter warmer accommodation special staying in an executive apartment including: 

• Free Sparkling Wine 
• Free Chocolates
• Late checkout of 12 noon

$229.00* Sunday-Thursday, $349.00* Friday-Saturday (*minimum two night stay).

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/298

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André Rieu to Tour Australia - The Waltz Tour Goes On

Violin master André Rieu, one of the best-selling live acts in the world, is delighted to announce he is returning to Australia with a brand new show in October 2013. Called "And The Waltz Goes On Tour", the tour is named after his successful album on which he collaborated with Sir Anthony Hopkins. Rieu will perform in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Billboard ranked his 2011 tour as the 9th highest grossing tour of the year, just behind Lady Gaga. He has broken all classical concert records, packing stadiums and arenas with more than 700,000 adoring fans each year. Rieu has sold over 32 million albums globally and received 330 platinum awards for his albums. With his natural charisma, Rieu conducts his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and plays his 1732 Stradivarius violin to create a celebratory atmosphere.

"Every night when I play around the whole world, I see with my own eyes what the waltz does with the audience. People get out of their seats and waltz in the aisles spontaneously. They sing, they smile and for a moment they forget all their worries and are happy. That is why this tour is an ode to the waltz!" says André Rieu.

As always, the maestro and his orchestra will perform beautiful waltzes on this tour, but the concerts are much more than that. From famous Viennese operettas to film scores, spirituals to musicals, and from folk songs to marches; Rieu's concerts are a perfect mix of thrilling, romantic, festive and emotional melodies combined with surprises, balloons, beautiful soloists and of course Rieu's great sense of humor.

So far, 2012 has been a hugely successful year for the violinist. Rieu gave a record breaking series of 30 sold-out concerts in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He won a Classic BRIT award for his album "And The Waltz Goes On" and is nominated for a prestigious Mexican Luna award. With his first tour in Brazil Rieu reached the #1 position in Pollstar’s Box Office Chart of highest grossing tours in July. Leaving behind artist like Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Coldplay, Celine Dion, The Black Keys and Pearl Jam.

TOUR DATES*:

Sat 12 Oct - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Wed 16 Oct - Allphones Arena Sydney
Sat 19 Oct - Rod Laver Arena Melbourne
Wed 23 Oct - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Tue 29 Oct - Perth Arena
*Ticketek is selling for the above venues only.