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Clearance Auctions Decluttering the Lives of Victorians
Most Victorians have too much stuff. Living in a consumer-focused society, it is no surprise that we succumb to buying more than we need. We buy a brand new iPhone even though tour current one still works fine, simply because the latest one is newer. No longer are we happy with a 40 inch television and need the latest LED 60 inch smart TV.

There are a number of reasons why we buy more stuff than we need:
- we think it will bring happiness
- we think it will impress others
- we are continually bombarded by advertising
- we envy people who own more than us
A recent survey showed that Victorian households spend more than $100/week on clothes, shoes, furnishings and equipment. But for a lot of people, it can be common to spend thousands every month on new stuff.

Source: ABS

This all leads to a build up of more and more material items and thanks to the rising housing market, while the size of our homes are getting smaller, the amount of stuff we own is increasing. Which is why so many people live in clutter!

Reducing Clutter with Clearance Auctions

Our busy lifestyles mean it can be hard to find the time to reduce the clutter in our homes. And when there’s so much of it, where do you start? Luckily there are services that can not only help you get rid of the stuff you don’t need, but actually sell it on your behalf, making you some money in the process!

Abbeys Auctions is one such company, and can assist in house clearances throughout Victoria. An auction house with decades of experience, it is ideal for deceased estates, households looking to downsize, or simply people with lots of stuff they want to get rid of.

Abbeys offers a free no-obligation assessment in your home, will compile a complete inventory list, provide a valuation of your contents, and will sell the goods via public auction. They can even remove rubbish and recyclables, ensuring your house is fully decluttered.

Id you’ve only got a few items you might consider listing them on Ebay of Gumtree or scheduling a hard rubbish to get rid of any broken or useless items. But if you need to downsize or declutter then it is highly worth considering clearance auctions, and reaching out to a team that can manage everything for you.
October 25, 2017
Legit Window Tinting Avoids Complete Darkness
Window tinting is a very popular practice for cars in Melbourne and throughout Australia. It provides added privacy as well as reducing the glare from the sun.

Unfortunately a proportion of car owners have got a tint that is darker than legally allowed, making their vehicle unroadworthy.

In Victoria, the legal tint level is 35 per cent light transmittance or higher. However according to Vic Roads, it is advisable that the light transmittance of windows to the side and in front of the driver is not reduced below 70 per cent.

Tinted windows that go beyond the safe level can drastically reduce the drivers’ vision. Eye contact cannot be made with other drivers and for elderly people or those with impared vision, it can make the vehicle very difficult to drive safely.

Because of this, Victoria police ran an operation in 2016 cracking down on illegal window tints. Despite the state legislated level of 35 per cent light transmittance, authorities detected cars with tints as low as 3 per cent.

“The closer the number is to zero, the less visibility. It’s extremely dangerous”, Senior Sargent Dale Johnstone said after the sting.

The Benefits of Window Tinting on your Automobile are Obvious
- Reduces glare – The strong sun rays can impact your vision on the road, making it dangerous to drive when it’s shining right into your face
- Protection the upholstery – Reducing UV light from the sun helps prevent fading of your upholstery, meaning your seats and other interior will look better for longer. This also helps the resell value of the car.
- Increased privacy – If others can struggle to see into your car, it will hide potential valuables and reduce break ins when the vehicle is parked. It also gives you more privacy while driving.
- Heat reduction – As well as reducing the sunlight, window tinting also minimises the amount of heat getting into your car, making you less reliant on the air conditioning system
So it’s not surprising that many drivers want to go down this road. But how can they be sure the tint they are getting is legal?

“A reputable installer will make sure they only install films that comply with the minimum 35 per cent limits”, Andrew Booth from local company All About Window Tinting told us.

“All of our automotive films are supplied by WFAANZ member manufacturers, and these are guaranteed to have low reflectivity, and abide by the local laws.”

A vehicle fitted with a tinted windscreen or window which is not in accordance with the requirements of VicRoads is considered unroadworthy, and subject to fines and other penalties.

“Metallic tints can cause reflections from the sun or other light sources”, we were told by Richard of Kustom Window Tinting in Melbourne’s east. “This can distract drivers on the road and result in an accident”, he said.

So if you’re wanting to get your vehicle tinted but are scared about what you can or can’t do, speak to a professional. Consult with your WFAANZ member to ensure you don’t inadvertently break any laws, and get your tinting specialist to guarantee the film they are installing has at least 35 per cent light transmittance.

For further information please read the VicRoads Vehicle Standards Information or write to the Manager – Vehicle Safety & Policy
60 Denmark Street, Kew, 3101 or contact your local VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
August 9, 2017
Melbourne Magic Festival Celebrates Milestone

No it’s not an illusion. This month, the Melbourne Magic Festival turns 10 years old! It still may not be old enough to vote but it’s definitely old enough to put on a great magic show or two!

From humble beginnings a decade ago, the annual event has grown in size every year, and now features in excess of 60 Australian magicians, as well as several from overseas (yes a lot of them come for the restaurants!)

The performers will begin to display their talents from July 3 at Northcote Town Hall and cease their artistry promptly on July 15. Amongst the festivities a number of them will surely be enjoying Estelle Bistro on High Street for some upscale bistro dining in a swanky setup.

In 2015, the festival got widespread media attention thanks to crazy American Wayne Houchin, who decided to hang upside down by his feet from a crane. If that wasn’t crazy enough, the crane was 100 feet in the air – and he was escaping from a straight jacket at the time!

Some of the international magicians this year include Dani Da Ortiz (Spain), E G Lee (South Korea) and Joshua Jay (Murica!)

But we are shining a spotlight on a couple of local stars, who’s shows promise to entertain.

‘The Confidence Artist’ is veteran magician Nicholas J Johnson’s 2017 show, which focuses on why people still fall for the oldest tricks in the book. Find out if humans are just plain stupid and learn some tricks you can use on your friends at a later date!

“Magicians don’t often get to work with each other”, Johnson told us, “and so it’s a pleasure to be able to join together to create magic as a team”.

Known throughout the industry as the “honest conman”, Johnson has been performing magic for over 2 decades, showing audiences how tricks work. He regularly performs to corporate companies and schools, uncovering the secret of how to cheat, lie and swindle (as if big business and students didn’t already know how to do that).

For the younger fans of magic, you might want to check out Tim Credible. He is one of Melbourne’s most popular children’s entertainers and with sidekicks such as Ace the Party Poodle and Douzie the Dragon, how could he not be?

Performing his own magic school, Tim has come a long way from his days entertaining the ladies at Bridie O’Reilleys on a Saturday night with his coin tricks in the 90s.

His interactive magic is fun for the whole family and will teach people of all ages how to perform their own magic tricks.

So head down to Northcote Town Hall this July and experience some magicifient entertainment!

July 7, 2017
Wildlife Park in Melbourne to get $50m makeover

The historic Gumbuya Park in Melbourne’s south east will be receiving a major makeover in the near future to re-energise the area and improve the tourism potential in regional Victoria.

The park is aiming to be known as the “Disneyland of Victoria” and includes plans for a 500-bed hotel, state of the art waterpark, a winery and microbrewery and even a meerkat enclosure.

Located in Tynong about 70km from the Melbourne CBD and a 40 minute drive from popular Phillip Island, the investors are hoping to cash in on the already established tourist market out that way.

“The penguins get 1.4 million visitors a year, so that’s obviously our target market,” director Ron Weinzierl said. “If we build it as a destination, people will come to Gumbuya and do day trips down to Phillip Island.”

Gumbuya Park will also look to employ an additional 450 workers which is great news for any regional town. The venue was established in 1978 by Ron Rado after he decided to convert it from a pheasant farm. In the 1980’s it was well known for it’s catchy jingle “Gumbuya Park is the place to be, Gumbuya Park is full of fantasy”.

But over the years the venue became quite tired, and even the butt of satirical jokes.

The park is closing this month and will reopen at the end of 2017.

For those looking for a more environmental and educational experience with wildlife in Melbourne and regional Victoria, you may not have to wait long. Reptile Encounters is a fast growing business providing wildlife shows and school incursions around the state and are looking to launch their own nature park in the near future.

Owner Josh Cox has been looking at potential venues and is passionate to bring his vision to life. From humble beginnings, Josh started the business with a handful of lizards, snakes and a single crocodile. The company now has hundreds of animals from turtles to stick insects and even small mammals.

Kids can get up close and personal to Australian native animals and learn about their habits and their ecosystems.

“Quite often you’ll get children at the start who are very timid, and by the end of it, they’re beaming, they’ve got a lot of confidence from it, and they’ve had a great time”, Josh said.

And it’s not just for the kids. “I think I learnt a lot as well”, one father said at a recent show.

Josh is also in the middle of writing his first book called “Better Humans”. It definitely seems like he practices what he preaches. Watch this space.

July 5, 2017
Fulfil Your Corporate Christmas Needs

That time of the year is fast approaching again, with Christmas now less than 1 month away! The shops are already filled with red and green advertising and the lights are starting to go up at homes all around Melbourne.

It’s also the time that work christmas parties start swinging in to action, as businesses wind down for the year with a celebration and appreciation of the staff. If you’ve been given the responsibility of planning this year’s work party, I hope you’ve already locked something in. But if not, here are some last minute ideas to bail you out, and keep you in the company good books!

Corporate Entertainment Ideas

Melbournians love being entertained so if you’re looking for an idea to intrigue your crowd, look no further than these.

Corporate Magician – Nicholas J Johnson is a local Melbourne magician who is perfect to give your staff a much needed break from the hecticity of work! Known as the “honest conman”, his magic shows will have everyone dazzled and wanting more. Funny, intriguing and definitely rewarding to anyone who attends, Nicholas is an award winning magician well known for his brilliant corporate shows.

Corporate Wildlife Show – Reptile Encounters delivers a unique one-of-a-kind experience in your office, perfect for a corporate event such as an end of year Xmas breakup. Josh and his team will bring a selection of snakes, lizards, turtles and even a crocodile along, and educate and entertain you with some of Melbourne and Australia’s cutest native critters! Also great for corporate team building activities.

Corporate Cakes Catering – As well as entertainment, it’s also important for christmas parties to provide catering. Chef Momos has the best corporate cakes in all of Melbourne, suitable for any number of staff. Whether you’re after custom cakes, slices, cookies or even friands, their selection will surely take care of everyone’s tastebuds. Available in corporate gift boxes or presented on trays for a function, contact Karen and Illy for your needs and they will look after you!

Corporate Boat Parties – It can be hard finding a venue for to hold your Christmas party, especially if you’ve left it this late! So why not consider holding your work function on the water! Williamstown Charters provides corporate river cruises out on Port Phillip Bay or along the Yarra River. Their vessel holds up to 60 people and can fully cater the event or you can BYO. Captain Mick will sail you on the road to party success, as your workers have the time of their lives!

We hope this selection of corporate christmas party ideas has helped you out. Have a fantastic Christmas, safe holidays, and an awesome 2017!!

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November 27, 2016
Local Girl Brings Us Organic Baby Clothes
Despite advances in technology, science and general awareness, the word is getting unhealthier. We exercise less, eat more processed foods, and are exposed to a range of potentially harmful chemicals in a wide range of places. One of those places are in baby clothes, which (if not organic) can cause many health issues.

Conventional cotton in most baby clothes:
- can use genetically modified seeds
- experiences defoliation induced by chemicals
- can use synthetic fertilisers
And during processing, this cotton experiences:
- chlorine bleaching which produces toxic bi-products
- synthetic treatment with additional chemicals
- heavy metal pigments which can leach into the skin
All this results in a baby exposed to lots of nasties, at an age where development is so important!

Enter organic baby clothes. Thankfully Jo from Bamboo Lulu a local Melbourne Business has sourced a range of the best bamboo clothes and toys and organic cotton baby clothes. The cotton uses GMO free, untreated seeds, and uses organic compost and crop rotation to facilitate soil fertility and water retention.

The processing of the baby clothes also utilises safe peroxide for the whitening, natural dyes and water based inks.

The result is 100% eco friendly products that will not cause any skin irritation or other harmful effects.

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November 4, 2016
A Reptile School Incursion Makes Learning Fun

Keeping our children entertained and educating them at the same time can be a hard task, but most teachers would agree that hands-on activities can be a real winner. The problem can be in finding the right type of activities that are both safe and educational at the same time.

This is where reptile school incursions can be so useful, because the students can comfortably learn more about the animals who share our planet in a controlled and safe setting. Just imagine the excitement felt by the children when they actually hold or pet a snake, frog or little turtle and how much they can learn from the experience.

So what are the real world benefits of organising a reptile incursion at your school?

Lots of fun, entertainment and education

Whether it is a class of pre-schoolers or year 10 students, everyone will have a hoot handling the reptiles, while at the same time learning more about our wildlife. Pre-schoolers are simply captivated by all of these weird creatures, but they also love to touch them and to ask lots of questions as well.

Learning why our reptiles have such long tongues, why frogs don’t have teeth and why turtles hide in their shells can really enrich your children’s lives. Primary school children can learn more about the different types of reptiles in Australia, their habitats, what they eat and how they protect themselves against predators.

Of course, older students in year 10 for example, can learn more about reptile biology and the classification of different animals. Regardless of their age, everyone will have plenty of fun and learn lots of new information about our native wildlife, with each show crafted to individual age groups.

Don’t forget that most providers will work with teachers to put together additional classes for their students, which can be held before or after the reptile shows. These are particularly relevant for older students, as the materials provided by a professional reptile show will support the Australian curriculum.

Save money on field trips

Reptile incursions can save a school a lot of time and money. This is because when an educational reptile show comes to your school, you avoid having to organise buses and everything else that is involved in a trip to the zoo or wildlife park. You also don’t have to worry about taking a large group of children on an excursion, because the show comes to you instead.

Safety comes first in reptile shows

Safety is always a factor when young children are on field trips, so you will be happy to know that all of the reptiles in the shows are tame, raised in captivity, non-venomous and are used to being handled. None of these reptiles have been taken from the wild and they are all very comfortable being touched and carried around by people.

All of the reptile shows will have been designed specifically for different age groups and the presenters will be highly experienced in handling reptiles. All of this means that planning safe educational activities for your students has never been so easy. This takes the pressure away from teachers to try and find safe and affordable providers for activities that are educational, enriching and fun, as well as exciting and engaging.

Everyone who attends a reptile school incursion, including both the teachers and the children are always enthralled by the reptiles. Who knew education could be so much fun?

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September 26, 2016
Last Minute Ideas For Your Work Christmas Party

Rushing around trying to organise a Christmas party for your work? You’ve left it damn late, but lucky we are here to help. Here are 3 great ideas if you’re a business in Melbourne needing to book a fun last minute Xmas party!

Williamstown Charters Boat Cruise

Mick from Willy Charters provides an awesome day or night out on the water, at a very reasonable price! His boat can hold up to 60 passengers and you can leave from Port Melbourne, Docklands or Williamstown.

Cruise down the Yarra or out on the bay for a Christmas Party you will never forget. You can organise you’re own music, and source your food and alcohol or get it fully catered.

Find out more.

Olive and Harry Cocktail Caravan

If you’ve left it this late, you may be stuck organising your Xmas party in a park! But never fear, Olive and Harry can make any venue come to life with their authentic vintage cocktail caravan.

Their fully trained staff will serve any drinks you require, including cocktails, beers, wine, champagne and spirits. The caravan creates a unique atmosphere and the catering takes it out of your hands and allows you to let your hair down with your co-workers!

Find out more.

Lux Coach

Only have a small group and want to entertain in style? Why not get chaffeured around in a luxury coach that has been decked out specifically for high end private functions!

Complete with it’s own bar and butler service, it is the ultimate travel experience with 3 LCD screens, comfortable couch chairs and an atmosphere that will have you thinking all your Christmases have come at once.

Find out more.

November 30, 2015