Doncaster Shoppingtown Westfield Boxing Day hours.

Went past Doncaster Shoppingtown Westfield this morning and it was very quiet being closed for Christmas day. A sign out the front displayed "Boxing Day 8am to 9pm", so we can expect quite a bit of traffic in the area for Boxing Day sales on Wednesday.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

Carols By Candlelight Ruffey Lake Park on Friday, Doncaster on December 14, from 6pm

The annual Carols By Candlelight event is celebrating more than 30 years of bringing yuletide spirit to the city.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Westfield Doncaster Christmas trading hours 2012

NOTE: 10/12/2014 - I've seen a number people visiting this post recently. Here is a link for the 2014 hours.
http://justlocal.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/christmas-shopping-hours-westfield.html

For those interested in Doncaster Shoppingtown Christmas trading hours the following may assist. It should be noted these times may change.

December
16 Sunday  9am-6pm
17 Monday  9am-9pm
18 Tuesday  9am-9pm
19 Wednesday  9am-9pm
20 Thursday  9am -12am
21 Friday  9am -12am
22 Saturday  9am-10pm
23 Sunday  9am-10pm
24 Monday  9am-5.30pm
25 Tuesday  CLOSED
26 Wednesday  8am-9pm
27 Thursday  9am-9pm
28 Friday  9am-9pm
29 Saturday  9am-6pm
30 Sunday  10am-5pm
31 Monday  9am-5.30pm

January
1 Tuesday  10am-5pm
2 Wednesday  9am-5.30pm

Kelvin Eldridge
Online Connections
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if your require assistance with your computer.
Assisting residents and businesses in Doncaster, Templestowe, Eltham and surrounding suburbs.
No call-out fee or fix minimum charge if located in Templestowe or an adjoining suburb.

Internet Explorer 10 - The preferred Australian English spelling now available

I’m pretty excited to announce I’m now making available the preferred Australian English spelling file for Internet Explorer 10 running on Windows 8.

Internet Explorer 10 has Australian English spellchecking built in, but like Microsoft’s Office products, the spellchecker accepts thousands of secondary spelling variations such as words with “ize”, American spelt words such as “mom” and some errors. The preferred Australian English spelling file corrects these issues.

If written communication matters to you the preferred Australian English spelling file is a must have. If you’re a student, applying for jobs, or write reports or sales material, the preferred Australian English spelling file is a must have.

You can find the preferred Australian English spelling file for Internet Explorer 10 at www.Australian-Dictionary.com.au.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
The creator of the preferred Australian English spelling dictionary.

MANNINGHAM Mayor Jennifer Yang

MANNINGHAM Mayor Jennifer Yang hopes to head the council that delivers Doncaster Rail.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Doncaster rail would boost inner-north tram, bus services, reports finds

I find it interesting this report suggests the tram line extension from Camberwell to Heidelberg. The problem I find with reports is you have to ask the question, “who funded the report?” If an organisation wants repeat funding they usually have to produce a report acceptable to those paying the bill.

Personally I wonder why there isn’t more said about extending the tram line from North Balwyn to Doncaster Hill. The train is expected to cost close to a billion dollars. A tram extension I’d estimate would cost a tenth. To those surrounding the rail line we’d still need public transport to get to the line because I can’t see the required parking being provided.

TRAM and bus services would be increased in the inner-north if the Doncaster rail line was built, an expert report states.... Read More

There is a lot of promotion of the train line. Things should be kept in perspective. Only three per cent of the population regularly use a train to get to or from work or school. A lot of noise for such a small section of the population.

One person did say to me once they didn’t want a train line to the area. Their reasoning was train lines bring crime and violence. That is confirmed by the government with armed guards now manning some of the stations around Melbourne.

I’d like to know why almost nothing is being said about extending the tram line from North Balwyn to Doncaster Hill. I can only guess that if the tram line it thrown into the mix, politically it makes it harder for councils to push for a train line. If anyone knows a link to an article on why the tram line isn’t being considered I’d be interested in reading the information.

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Author Andy Griffiths visited students at Doncaster Gardens Primary School

TOP-SELLING children's author Andy Griffiths knows how to capture a young audience's attention.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Wonderland Kinder and Childcare centre in Doncaster

Thanks to a state government cash injection, existing buildings will be expanded to allow the Doncaster centre's kindergarten program to provide an extra 16 places for four-year-old children in the 15-hour weekly program.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Blackburn resident Olinka Baykara will exhibit her artwork at Doncaster and Templestowe Art Society

OLINKA Baykara's first solo exhibition at Doncaster and Templestowe Artists' Society has brought her full-circle.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Traffic lights out at Doncaster Road, Williamsons Road, Elgar Road and tram Road

Just went through the intersection at Doncaster Shoppingtown (Traffic lights out at Doncaster Road, Williamsons Road, Elgar Road and tram Road). The traffic lights are not working. Take extra care.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

Apple Doncaster store not opening at 2am for one day sale

For those wondering if the Apple store in Doncaster Shoppingtown will be open at 2am, the start of the one day sale, according to a staff member they won't be.

Apple Doncaster will be opening at 8am on Friday.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

New site for The Preferred Australian English spellcheck dictionary

Recently Google changed their algorithm which significantly impacted the position of the Australian English spellcheck dictionary in the Google search results. From number one position to nowhere to be found. In essence traffic to the site dropped 80% overnight. This should be a warning for anyone who puts a lot of time and money into obtaining a position in Google. All your time, energy and money could be wasted overnight by decisions Google makes in terms of generating traffic to your site.

The preferred Australian English spellcheck dictionary is the only free service available to Australians to assist them with using the preferred Australian English spelling. Over a thousand people a week used the site and Google simply changed their algorithm making the page almost impossible to find. The original page will remain (www.justlocal.com.au/clients/oooau), but in addition, you can now find the main page at www.Australian-Dictionary.com.au.

 

The site www.Australian-Dictionary.com.au will become the main site for my dictionary work.

 

You can still find the main page if searching (“Australian Dictionary”) using Bing, where the site is positioned in first position and in Yahoo where the site is positioned second. My apologies for any inconvenience. What Google does is outside of my control.

I hope you find my work to be of assistance.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au   

Wonderland Kinder and Childcare centre in Doncaster

Thanks to a State Government cash injection the existing buildings will be expanded to allow the Doncaster centre's kindergarten program, to provide an additional 16 places (for a total of 31) for four-year-old children in the 15-hour weekly program.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

A SCOUT hall for children with disabilities has been vandalised in Doncaster.

The attack, overnight on Wednesday, November 14, left the Sixth Camberwell North Scouts hall with broken windows.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Rock and roll flash mob hits Westfield Doncaster Shopping Centre

More than 80 dancers strutted their stuff around Westfield Doncaster Shopping Centre on Saturday at 2.30pm.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Doncaster Secondary College year 9 students have planned the Doncaster RSL sub-branch service

Barry Greenwood ( Australian serviceman), with friends Alan Peacocke (British serviceman) and David Jones (US serviceman), as they prepare for Doncaster RSL Remembrance Day 2012... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

A fairway on the Eastern Golf Club, still a fair way from becoming an urban village

AN UNDERBIDDER has delayed Mirvac's controversial plans to replace the Eastern Golf Club course in Doncaster with a $1 billion-plus urban village.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Doncaster Primary prepares for celebration

School principal Vicki Mackrell said they were busy gathering stories, photos and memorabilia about the school's past and kicked it off with a recent visit from two former students, now aged 89, who came to speak to the grade 6 students about their primary school years.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

AN 18-year-old Campbellfield man was arrested by police at his property this afternoon over a series of alleged armed robberies at gaming venues.

Seven armed robberies occurred across five gaming venues in January, March, April, July and September this year. The venues were in Bulleen, Eltham, Bentleigh East, Doncaster and Thornbury.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Man attacked after trying to save pet dog from jaws of pitbull-cross in Ruffey Lake Park

A MAN who tried to rescue his dog from being attacked by another dog was allegedly assaulted by its owner.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Blind man hit by car in Heidelberg

He said a car being driven by a 79-year-old Doncaster woman hit the man.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Thieves target eastern suburbs pharmacies

Chemists in Glen Waverley and Doncaster were also hit.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

A BUS passenger assaulted a driver in Doncaster on Tuesday - after the driver offered him a free ride

A man boarded a bus on the corner of Doncaster Rd and Whittens Lane about 8pm and tried to pay for his ticket in 5c and 10c cent coins... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Lost Nokia mobile found at Doncaster Shoppingtown around 5pm on Friday 2nd of November 2012

I was at Doncaster Shoppingtown and found a Nokia mobile phone in a case near the bottom the escalators in the section near Target and the Apple store. If you’ve lost a Nokia mobile phone I handed it in to the information desk on the upper floor, near the Apple store/Nespresso. Hope the mobile makes its way back to you.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require computer support.
Servicing Doncaster, Templestowe, Eltham and the surrounding area.
Not call-out fee for Templestowe or adjoining suburbs.

Apple iPad Mini Doncaster Shoppingtown store

Dropped in today to the Apple store at Doncaster on the off chance the iPad Mini was on display ready for sales tomorrow.

It wasn't. The iPad Mini should be on display tomorrow, the 2nd of November. The sign in the window had a time of 8:00am.

I most likely won't purchase one because it misses a couple of features on the entry level model I'd prefer, but it will be interesting to see how light the device is.


Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

Windows 7 to Windows 8 Pro upgrade is not a straight forward upgrade for all Windows 7 editions.

I decided to buy the Windows 8 Pro upgrade from the Microsoft Online Store this morning. I have an older development machine I’d like to install Windows 8 Pro on. The machine is currently running the trial version of Windows 8 Enterprise Edition which expires after three months. I opened my notebook and went to download. From the first screens presented on the Microsoft Online Store I couldn’t just buy and download Windows 8 Pro and then burn it to a disk. The screens take me through the steps of checking my machine and at this point I decided I’d rather go to Officeworks and buy Windows 8 Pro on special for around $9 more. I’m hoping the special also includes the DVD so I don’t have to spend the time downloading and burning a DVD.

The problem I find with downloading programs is things can and do go wrong. When I support people I take into account people have a range of skills. If things go wrong for me, then they’ll go wrong for others and really, I want people to have the best experience they can, given what technology often puts us through. On a number of occasions when I’ve assisted people who have downloaded their software, they don’t have a copy of their software to reinstall when there is a major problem. This means to fix the problem they have had to buy the software again. In other situations people have lost their product key, or the product key is in their emails on their computer which is no longer working. People should have a copy of their software and their product key stored separately to minimise the chance of having to incur additional costs and delays.

One big surprise for me was the following statement on the Microsoft Online Store.

“If your PC is running Windows 7 Home Basic or Home Premium, your files, programs and settings will easily transfer to Windows 8. If your PC is running Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate, Windows XP or Windows Vista, you will need to reinstall your programs. Some features such as touch may require a new PC. To check compatibility, visit your PC manufacturer’s website and check out www.windows.com/upgrade to run the Upgrade Assistant to check for compatibility and get more details on system requirements.”

To me an upgrade is you insert the disk, run the program, the upgrade occurs and you continue working. This is generally relatively easy for anyone who is comfortable working with technology. Having to reinstall all your programs is much more time consuming. You never know if you’ve got all the disks, the licence numbers and even if some of the programs such as drivers will even work. Reinstalling your software can often wipe existing data for some applications and that is pretty scary if you don’t know what you’re doing. I’ve often reinstalled Windows and then spent hours downloading and updating drivers for sound cards, video cards and other devices in the computer. An upgrade to a new version of Windows can mean some of your peripheral devices don’t work and may never be able to be used again with your upgraded computer.

What surprised me and I didn’t know, even though I’ve spent numerous hours researching, installed Windows 8 Release Preview, installed Windows 8 Enterprise Edition, and attended a Microsoft day-long seminar, that the upgrade will only work easily with Windows 7 Home Basic or Home Premium. I mostly now support micro and small business clients (as well as home users) and for business I’d always recommend the Pro version of Windows. People buying Home editions would often bring a computer into a large business or government environment wanting to use their computer for work, but couldn’t because it couldn’t connect to their network at work. There were also other features missing in the Home edition. Thus it was safer to purchase the Pro edition of Windows.

Now every one of those computer running the pro edition of Windows 7, will now effectively have to do what is nearly a complete reinstall of their computer. That is a very costly exercise if you are using an IT consultant to upgrade your computers. I wouldn’t upgrade a machine without first doing a review of the machine, determining what programs and data the user has on their machine, performing a backup of their hard disk, and then installing the new operating system, reinstalling all their applications, bringing across their data and then fixing any issues that have been created, such as drivers for hardware or peripherals not working. This could easily be a $300-$500 (or more) cost per machine. I personally find it hard to justify putting that amount of money into an older machine.

Windows 8 is not a simple upgrade anymore and it is now an upgrade you need to think seriously about. If you have to pay $300-$500 to upgrade an older machine, that sum of money could easily go a long way towards the cost of purchasing a new machine. With a new machine at least you know the machine has been designed to run the new operating system. You don’t have to try to fix things that didn’t work in the upgrade. Because your data is still on your old machine you can take your time to migrate your data and applications. I often leave the old decommissioned machine with the client for two weeks just in case something they hadn’t realised the was something on their old machine they needed to be migrated and now doesn’t work on their new machine. Then after that period the old machine can be cleaned and reused in another part of the business.

As an extra tip I don’t generally buy the Office software licence with the machine as that software can only be used with that machine. I purchase the more expensive stand-alone version of the Office. That enables me to use the software on two machines (a desktop and a notebook) and to transfer the software to a new machine. (I’ll need to recheck the licence to see if this still applies.) I’ve had clients who have had their computers stolen. The insurance companies won’t pay for the software and the software is only licensed for the machine that was stolen. The client can’t use the software on the new replacement machine and are thus out of pocket hundreds of dollars. I’ve also confirmed this with Microsoft.

Until today I didn’t realise that only the Home editions of Windows 7 will be a relatively straight forward upgrade exercise. That means for me, the majority of machines could potentially be equivalent to a reinstall and that is a much more time consuming and thus expensive exercise. Many of those who purchased a machine recently running Windows 7 with a $14.99 upgrade to Windows 8, will probably now be regretting they didn’t just wait and buy a new computer and save themselves the time and energy required to upgrade. I’ve recommended that my clients defer purchasing machines until after Windows 8 ships. Retailers who just wanted the sale would have been pushing out machines and not advising clients of the time and effort to upgrade. Consultants who have advised clients to purchase a Windows 7 machine and then to later update may get some agro from their clients. Some consultants would have done this knowingly to obtain additional support work and others would not have known the upgrade wouldn’t be a simple upgrade.

I’m posting this article to all my blogs including my Online Connections blog (www.blog.onlineconnections.com.au) and also each of the JustLocal postcode blogs I maintain, to ensure people I support now know if they are thinking of upgrading to Windows 8, there is more work involved than previously anticipated.

If you’d like to be kept informed with technology related news, most news is posted to my Online Connections blog (www.blog.onlineconnections.com.au). For clients I also provide the MyAnswers solution database where I post problems and solutions I find when working with clients. This enables me to share solutions between clients reducing the costs overall for all clients. You can keep updated on new solutions on the MyAnswers site (www.MyAnswers.biz)  by looking at the Recent solutions posted. I expect to post quite a number of issues and solutions relating to Windows 8.

Kelvin Eldridge
Online Connections
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for computer advice and support.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham, Templestowe Lower, Lower Plenty, Doncaster East, Montmorency, Bulleen, Warrandyte and Research with no travel or call-out fee. For suburbs outside this area travel time is chargeable.
 

Windows 8 release date in Australia is today. Windows 8 Pro upgrade available now.

Windows 8 Pro upgrade is now available for download from Microsoft’s Online Store for $39.99. There are a number of things you should keep in mind.

1. Whilst at $39.99 the Windows 8 Pro upgrade is a bargain compared to previous upgrades, if you have an ageing computer think about whether it is best to save the money and put it towards a new computer, or to install Windows 8 Pro to keep your existing computer going and use the latest version of Windows.

2. Keep in mind Windows 8 is very different from what you are used to. At first this will be frustrating for most, but as with all past changes, once you get used to it, it won’t really matter.

3. Around 10% of older computers I’d estimate won’t be able to be upgraded. I estimate there will be over 100 million computers currently being used worldwide which won’t handle the upgrade. Check Microsoft’s refund policy, or the policy of the store where you purchase the software. The system requirements stated on the Microsoft web site do not take into account many computers which exceed the minimum requirement cannot install the Windows 8 upgrade. This is based on testing the Windows 8 Preview Release and I don’t believe this has changed.

The Microsoft Online Store provides a link to the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant which you can use to test if your computer can install Windows 8. I’d recommend running the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant before purchasing the Window 8 Pro upgrade. On the netbook computer I use (it is around three years old) 11 issues were found and one was quite serious.

4. Keep in mind only upgrading from Windows 7 is what we’d normally consider a real upgrade. Windows Vista and Windows 8 will require reinstallation of your applications and isn’t an upgrade to me. My concern here is people running the upgrade on a Vistra or Windows XP machine will end up with a machine where there programs won’t run if they don’t understand how the upgrade works. I’d suggest Windows XP and Windows Vista users consider the upgrade to be like a fresh install. If you had to do a new install of your computer what do you need to save first.

5. You should perform a backup of your data (including programs you may have download and any settings your programs may store) before you perform any upgrade to your computer.  

I’m suggesting to my clients they should purchase the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro even if they don’t install the upgrade right now. Until January 31^st 2013 you’ll be able to buy Windows 8 Pro via download for $39.99. After that date the price will most likely revert to the very expensive upgrade prices of past, which means it may no longer be worth upgrading an older machine. This of course may change and Microsoft may decide to keep the upgrade prices at a reasonable level, but I wouldn’t count on it. Based on what I’ve read the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro on DVD could cost as much as $290. To me it doesn’t make sense to pay that much money to upgrade an older machine when that money could go to a new and faster machine.

You can buy Windows 8 Pro upgrade from a retailer, or save some money and download the upgrade from the Microsoft Online Store. The upgrade from a retailer will cost around $20-$30 more. I’m not sure at the moment, but I suspect the retail version may include a DVD. You should check if the DVD is included in the purchase from a retailer.

As I find issues with Windows 8 I’ll add the issues and solutions to MyAnswers for clients. I’ve already identified and documented a shortcoming of Windows 8 Mail which largely stops me from using Windows 8 Mail and may stop others.

Most importantly, do run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant first to make sure upgrading your computer won’t cause you any grief. Well, no more grief than normal.

If you forget where you can download the Windows 8 upgrade, the Microsoft Online Store is available on the main page of JustLocal (www.JustLocal.com.au). JustLocal is an advertising service I’ve created to help local businesses advertise cost effectively.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for computer support.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

NOTE: The link to the Microsoft store above is an affiliate link. Purchasing using this link means I receive a commission but does not affect the price you pay.

Thieves grab boat from Vic driveway

Police say the offenders drove to the Kalimna Crescent residence, in Doncaster, some time between 9am and 1.30pm (AEDT) on Monday, hitched the 2008 Sea-doo Challenger to a vehicle and drove away... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Doncaster Tennis Club president Andrew Jackson

Club president Andrew Jackson said the club had three of its en tout cas surface courts replaced with synthetic clay surfaces earlier this year.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Doncaster resident Irene Ho says people need to check the fine print before moving into apartment complexes

Irene Ho, who lives in the Acadia complex on Doncaster Rd, said she no longer felt happy in her own home after numerous disputes with the building's management committee.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Decision delayed on Manningham planning future

A DECISION on the future of high density planning in Manningham will be delayed until the new council is installed.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Man assaulted after dog attack in Doncaster

The victim's dog was running off-lead at Ruffey Lake Park when an "American staffordshire cross pit bull terrier" attacked it about 7.15pm on June 27.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Doncaster Secondary College teacher John Cusack

Hundreds of students spent the day at home as teachers from state schools across Melbourne's east took part in stop work action this morning.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Diane Townes, 63, was walking her dog in Ruffey Lake Park last month

A DONCASTER woman who suffered a fractured leg when she was knocked over by a dog off its leash has urged pet owners to be more careful.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Police post $100,000 reward in hunt for armed robbers

Investigators believe that the same four men were involved in seven armed robbery attempts across gaming venues in Bulleen, Eltham, Bentleigh East, Doncaster and Thornbury.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Diamond engagement rings stolen in Doncaster

The man entered David East Jewellers at Westfield Doncaster just before 6pm on August 16.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Ross Wilson, of Daddy Cool

Ross Wilson, of Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock, will play Doncaster Shoppingtown Hotel this month as part of a whirlwind tour of the country.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Doncaster apartment block at 5-7 Curlew Court approved by tribunal

A CONTENTIOUS development in a Doncaster court has been approved after a lengthy battle before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Van was parked in the Westfield Doncaster car park before the two men broke into it and drove off last Thursday

The van was parked in the Westfield Doncaster car park before the two men broke into it and drove off last Thursday. One of the men snapped the boom gate, allowing the other man to drive through, police said.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Women warned over sex pest

WOMEN are being urged to travel in pairs at night and carry a phone in their hand as police continue to investigate a spate of sexual assaults across Manningham, Whitehorse and Boroondara.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Bob Jones with some of the RSL's war memorabilia

WALKING into the Doncaster RSL sub-branch will become a tour through history after a new memorabilia hall is unveiled.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Development gets thumbs-up at 2-6 Thiele Street Doncaster

A CONTROVERSIAL 50 apartment development in Doncaster has been approved by Manningham councillors.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

VCAL students help out at Kevin Heinze Garden Centre

PINES Learning students are helping to ring in spring at Kevin Heinze Garden Centre.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Google search Australia and Google advertising has now been removed from JustLocal.

Recently Google updated their search algorithm which resulted in my dictionary page going from the number one position in Google when people search for “Australian dictionary” to nowhere to be seen. That means around a thousand people each week using my free Australian English dictionary service will no longer find a free Australian English dictionary service. If Google can do that to me so easily, they can do it to any business.

I’ve also noticed that between 25% and up to possibly 40% of searches coming to my site have no search term, which means people are logged onto a Google service and whatever they search for is being tracked to them individually.

These actions concern me. I don’t want to encourage people to put time and effort into creating a presence in Google search results when any time, effort, or money they outlay, could easily end up being wiped away so easily. I’m also very concerned about the privacy of Australians. Over 90% of Australians use Google for searching with 25-40% of those having their search activity tracked to them individually. I’ve read this information can be handed to law enforcement agencies without a court order. How this information is being used by others is not known to us and for me that is a concern.

Whilst I can’t stop using all Google services, I’ve decided at this point to remove Google advertising from my site and the Google custom search engine.

JustLocal has been designed to provide single click access to businesses in an area. Something which is very difficult and time consuming with a search engine. For example, a very popular fish and chip shop called Shark Tank Seafood opened a few months ago in Templestowe. My blog entries appear in Google’s search results, but the page with the menu at http://www.justlocal.com.au/clients/shark-tank-seafood-templestowe/ cannot be found. If you visit www.JustLocal.com.au/3106 (the page for Templestowe), you can access the Shark Tank Seafood menu with a single click.

JustLocal offers single click access to local businesses. Google offers endless searches with no guarantee of finding what you want.

By continuing to include Google’s custom search in JustLocal, people will continue to unproductively search for local businesses often being presented with large overseas businesses, or business not in the area with deep pockets to advertise. Once people realise there is a better way to find a local business using JustLocal, JustLocal will grow to service locals better. Shark Tank Seafood receives over a hundred views of their menu a month as a result of JustLocal’s efforts to promote them. That’s a lot of potential business.

 

Thank you for your continued support and I trust JustLocal assists local businesses and residents.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au
Help to build a stronger local community through stronger local businesses.

Slim chance at Sherbrooke Theatre Company

Bowls of lollies and plenty of cake is on the menu for Slim Chance - the story of a weight-loss group making many more weight gains, discussed over coffee and cake, than any sort of slimming.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Teen causes $10,000 damage at drive-thru

AN unlicensed 18-year-old driver has caused $10,000 damage at Doncaster Inn drive-thru on Saturday, September 15.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Will the government automatically refund red-light camera fines and demerit points they weren't entitled to?

Eight red-light cameras have now been shown to have an incorrect timing for the amber light causing thousands of motorists to be fined and lose demerit points.

The cynic in me wonders whether the government will show integrity and refund the money and points they weren’t entitled to. If the government requires people to lodge some form of request they know full well there will be a large number of people who won’t be bothered and many who simply won’t even realise. A way to gain revenue I do not consider to be ethical or appropriate.

For those who were fined at the red-light camera on the intersection of Doncaster Road, Manningham Road and Tram Road I’ve posted videos of the traffic lights as they were when people were fined when the amber timing was set to 3 seconds, and after they’ve been corrected which shows the amber light at 4.5 seconds.

Manningham Road, Doncaster Road, Tram Road Red-Light Camera. Amber Traffic Light set at 3 seconds

Manningham Road, Doncaster Road, Tram Road Red-Light Camera. Amber Traffic Light set at 4.5 seconds

The first picture is taken 0.5 seconds after the light turns red which would indicate anyone with a fine of up to 2 seconds may be entitled to a refund.

The details of the red-light cameras which were not set to AustRoads guidelines are the following:

Terminal Drive & Centre Road, Melbourne Airport
AustRoads guidelines: 3.5 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 16 Nov 10 - 24 Jan 12

Doncaster Road and Williamsons Road/Tram Road, Doncaster
AustRoads guidelines: 4.5 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 5 Oct 11 - 7 Aug 12

Fyans Street & Moorabool Street, South Geelong
AustRoads guidelines: 4.0 secs
Actual time: 3.5 secs
Incorrect amber period: 11 May 10 - 24 Aug 12

High Street & Mahoneys Road/Keon Parade, Thomastown
AustRoads guidelines: 4.5 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 20 Oct 11 - 26 Sep 12

Warrigal Road & Centre Road, Bentleigh East
AustRoads guidelines: 4.0 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 1 Aug 10 - 16 Aug 12

Heatherton Road & Gladstone Road, Dandenong North
AustRoads guidelines: 4.0 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 29 Dec 04 - 16 Aug 12

Foster Street and McCrae Street, Dandenong
AustRoads guidelines: 4.0 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 18 Oct 10 - 16 Aug 12

Stud Road & High Street, Wantirna
AustRoads guidelines: 4.5 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect amber period: 28 Dec 06 - 23 Aug 12

Whilst I haven’t confirmed (as I was not able to get through on the Fines Victoria telephone line) you should review your fine with regards to the time difference and keep in mind the first picture is taken at 0.5 seconds after the light turns red. Thus I suspect you should be able to add the 0.5 seconds to the time difference between the AustRoads guidelines and the Actual time.

In an ideal world the money and points should be automatically refunded. Being far from an ideal world it would be prudent to lodge a submission for a refund of the money and points.

There is still no guarantee the government will be refunding anything, just that the situation will be reviewed.

My own experience at the Manningham Road/Doncaster Road intersection is that during the time whilst the amber light timing was incorrectly set it created a very dangerous situation for drivers. Whilst approaching the lights at normal speed, well below the 70kph speed limit, the amber light changed so quickly you have to brake much harder than normal which could easily cause a car behind to crash into the rear of a vehicle. I believe the intersection should also be reviewed for crashes which may have occurred as a result of the amber light timing being incorrectly set.

Please let others know about the situation at the intersections mentioned above. The number of people who have been incorrectly fined could easily be in the tens of thousands and may be someone you know. They may not have even mentioned being fined as many people are embarrassed by being fined. In this case they could have easily been fined for something which was not their fault, but the fault of VicRoads, if VicRoads is in charge of setting the timing for the amber light.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Doncaster Road and Williamsons Road/Tram Road red-light camera

“The Government has asked Victoria's Road Safety Camera Commissioner, His Honour Judge Gordon Lewis, to broaden his investigation into the issue of amber light timing at red-light camera intersections after a VicRoads review identified seven additional sites that were found to be inconsistent with the Austroads guidelines.” – State Government Victoria Fines site.

Doncaster Road and Williamsons Road/Tram Road
AustRoads guidelines: 4.5 secs
Actual time: 3.0 secs
Incorrect Amber period: 5 Oct 11 - 7 Aug 12

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Bus stop relocation for routes 305, 318, 905, 906, 907 and 908.

On the Smartbus 905 I noticed a bulletin which read the following:

"Bus stop relocation for routes 305, 318, 905, 906, 907 and 908. Effective Tuesday 25th September 2012 until further notice.

Due to construction works, the city terminus for bus routes 305, 318, 905, 906, 907 and 908 will be relocated east of Lonsdale Street, near the corner of King Street."

Allow extra time for the walk to the station and a brolly for Melbourne's often unpredictable weather.



Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

A WOMAN has given birth to a son on the side of the Eastern Freeway during peak hour in Doncaster

The woman's husband is believed to have delivered the baby in the back seat of the vehicle, which was parked on the side of the Doncaster Road off-ramp about 7am.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Attempted robbery of 7Eleven in Doncaster

The man entered the Doncaster Rd store and started pacing in front of the counter about 3am on March 30... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

15-storey tower in Hepburn Road Doncaster

DONCASTER residents have lost their VCAT fight against a 15-storey tower in Hepburn Rd, despite fears for its fire safety.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Electric Lounge Launch at Westfield Doncaster

You may remember a little while ago, I posted about a project that I worked on with Westfield Doncaster called ‘The Electric Lounge.’... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problem.
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.

Doncaster Boy, 14, charged over police chase

A 16-year-old Rowville boy and a 14-year-old Doncaster boy were arrested after allegedly evading police in Glen Park Rd, Bayswater North, at 1.50am today.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Valleygirl Doncaster Shoppingtown

According to the boards in front of a vacant shop at Doncaster Westfield, Valleygirl is coming soon.


Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

Dessert Story Doncaster Shoppingtown

Tonight I noticed a new store has opened next to Coles called Dessert Story. The signs states Taiwan and Hong Kong Dessert Secrets. The store has replaced the sewing machine store.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

Doncaster water plan wiped out

YARRA Valley Water is planning its next move after Manningham Council's rejection of a $5.4 million water treatment plant in Doncaster.... Read More

I can’t help feeling all of these water projects should now be reviewed with regards to the desalination plant coming on line. Each of the water suppliers will have their own projects and councils will also be creating their own projects. Everyone pulling in their own direction for their own interests. Surely all of the water plans should be overseen by some governing body to ensure the most appropriate use of funds is being made.

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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No problem too small.

An application to develop 4 Sovereign Point Court into 96 one, two and three-bedroom apartments with 131 parking spaces was passed 4-3 by Manningham councillors.

A DONCASTER court will nearly double its population after a 10-storey apartment development was approved by the council.... Read More

That certainly is a close decision. I can’t help wondering what the decision might have been if the other councillor were present.

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

The Super Cool - Doncaster Shoppingtown

We are EXTREMELY excited to announce our next location/collaboration – and it’s the magic number 10 destination for our mobile emporium!... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Doncaster rail concerns raised at forum

Questions about transport, parking, education, and disability and mental health support were on the agenda during a community forum held by Doncaster MLA Mary Wooldridge on August 23. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

A PLAN to hand control of almost a third of Melbourne's bus routes to one company

Public Transport Victoria will appoint a single operator next year to run 30 per cent of the city's bus network - including the four heavily used Doncaster rapid-bus routes and three growing orbital routes that ring the middle and outer suburbs.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Water treatment plant in Doncaster rejected

MANNINGHAM Council has rejected Yarra Valley Water's application to build a water treatment plant in Doncaster.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

New exhibition Potters Cottage: A Tribute

Get a glimpse of rarely seen ceramic works from private collections at the Manningham Art Gallery’s new exhibition Potters Cottage: A Tribute. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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No problem too small.

Doncaster sewage plant in doubt after council backflip

PLANS for Yarra Valley Water to build a sewage treatment plant in Doncaster may not receive council approval.... Read More

 

This type of project makes you wonder whether it should have been shelved some time ago. Given the desalination plant will stand idle for many years, perhaps this type of project should be reconsidered.

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Rabbi Gidon Fox, Rabbi Adi Sultanik, Rabbi Daniel Rabin and Rabbi Yaakov Glasman at the recent 50th anniversary of the North Eastern Jewish Centre in Doncaster

THE North Eastern Jewish Centre (NEJC) has celebrated its 50th anniversary in Doncaster.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Sex attacker strikes in Doncaster

The assault took place last night in Doncaster just before 7.30pm as the victim got off a bus on High Street and began walking on Soderlund Drive, where she was attacked.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Reuben Penna fears odours from a proposed sewage treatment plant near his home could kill him

A DONCASTER pensioner who needs an oxygen tank just to breathe fears a proposed water treatment plant just metres from his home could prove fatal.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Reuben Penna fears odours from a proposed sewage treatment plant near his home could kill him

A DONCASTER pensioner who needs an oxygen tank just to breathe fears a proposed water treatment plant just metres from his home could prove fatal.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Local news item

The 15-year-old Year 10 Doncaster Secondary College student is one of only 18 backing vocalists selected for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular at Hisense Arena, Melbourne Park, on September 8.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

THE Manningham Concert Band is bringing the music of New York's Broadway to Doncaster.

Doncaster Secondary College's theatre will transform into a sight and sound show this Saturday for the band's annual gala, Broadway Spectacular.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

POLICE have discovered a sawn off shotgun, cash and drugs during a vehicle search in Doncaster

Doncaster police intercepted a 29-year-old man from NSW outside a 7Eleven store in Doncaster on Monday, at 3am.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Doncaster Library opens

DONCASTER Library threw open its doors to the public this morning.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Frightening attacks on women in Melbourne's east

In each case the offender approached the women from behind and pulled them to the ground before indecently assaulting them in Lower Templestowe, Templestowe, Doncaster and Box Hill. In one case he placed a woman in a headlock before dragging her to the ground.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Number plate thefts in Doncaster and Bulleen

Manningham police detective Sgt Doug Beare said items had been taken from nine cars - including five number plates - across the two suburbs from July 28 to August 12.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Doncaster rail link remains on hold

Transport advocates fear a train line from the city to Doncaster is slipping down the state government’s list of priorities, after it asked the Commonwealth to support plans to build an east-west freeway link.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Vietnam Veterans Day service in Doncaster

The Doncaster RSL has held a Vietnam veterans commemorative service for the past 33 years.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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No problem too small.

Veida Paul of Doncaster

Veida Paul was at Colonial Fresh Market in Westfield Doncaster two weeks ago when she was charged a higher price for bread than advertised.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Exchanging money for foreign currencies at Doncaster Shoppingtown

Living in Templestowe, the closest place to exchange money when travelling overseas is Doncaster Shoppingtown. However make sure you shop around. I saved around $80 by having another quote ready for comparison.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for computer support.
Servicing Doncaster, Templestowe, Eltham and the surrounding area.

 

Genevieve Keogh, Eltham East Primary's Japanese teacher

Genevieve Keogh, the school's Japanese teacher, said children from every grade enjoyed the chance to try everything from karate to drumming.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Darrell Lea's Westfield Doncaster store closes

WORKERS at Darrell Lea's Westfield Doncaster store are out of a job today after the confectionary giant announced the closure of five Victorian stores.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Purpose-built Olympic Games Lounge as Westfield Doncaster (Shoppingtown)

THERE are plenty of cheers coming from shoppers at Westfield Doncaster as they barrack for Australian athletes from the centre's purpose-built Olympic Games Lounge.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Les Clark is campaigning against inappropriate development in Doncaster

RESIDENTS are calling on Manningham Council to turf out plans to build a four-storey, 55-apartment complex on a Doncaster side-street.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Doncaster home owners fear sewage plant will hit property prices

DONCASTER residents living near a proposed sewage treatment and recycled water plant fear property values will dive if the facility is built at the Tram Road Reserve next year.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Doncaster railway line 'could be built for $840m'

A RAILWAY line to Doncaster could be built for $840 million and paid for using taxes raised from the higher property values it would generate, says a report.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

LUSH Doncaster store manager Bronwyn Anderson and co-worker Niamh O'Doherty

THERE was plenty of love on display at Westfield Doncaster's LUSH store, with customers encouraged to kiss-and-tell as part of the cosmetics company's nationwide campaign for marriage equality.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Residents led a protest against Doncaster's proposed water treatment plant

Doncaster residents have taken their fight against the proposed Tram Rd Reserve water treatment plant to the streets.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Man in court over brothel killing

A Melbourne man charged with murdering a man outside a city brothel has appeared in court.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Doncaster star Russell Ford is on his way to London after being added to the Olympic team

When the 16 members of the Australian men's hockey team for the London Olympics were announced in mid-June, Russell Ford's name wasn't among them.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

House prices fall in Doncaster, Doncaster East and Templestowe

Prices for houses dropped dramatically in Doncaster by 9.2 per cent and Doncaster East by 7.9 per cent from June 2011 to June 2012, while Nunawading fell 7.1 per cent, Templestowe fell 7.4 per cent and Vermont fell 5 per cent.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Halls for Hire to cost more in Manningham

I recently read an article indicating Manningham council will make hiring security mandatory when hiring a hall.

Manningham Council chief executive Lydia Wilson said the council had liaised with Doncaster police to change the policies of its Party Safe program to make hiring security mandatory on council-owned property.

If you’re considering hiring a council owned hall for your next event you should enquire about, or at least make an allowance for hiring security.

When I checked the Manningham site for the halls they hire I noticed it didn’t cover the community owned facilities where functions are regularly held and young people attend.

It is a pity there are gate crashers in the area and my own experience verifies young people turning up to a party uninvited.

When looking at hiring a council owned hall compared to having a function at commercial premises make sure you take into account costs such as security as council owned halls. Commercial premises I’ve checked out make no mention of security and often already have security in place.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require computer support.
Providing support in Doncaster, Templestowe, Eltham and surrounding areas.

Directories clogging up Google search results for Australians

Often I find the results provided by Google search are next to useless. If you search all pages you end up getting many directories and large sites from overseas. The actual sites of the business I’m looking for is unlikely to appear. If you reduce the search to pages from Australia it is better, but then the results of overwhelmed by directories of review sites. I find others feel the same way.

To make it easier for Australians for find local businesses I’ve decided to add a Search feature to JustLocal. JustLocal doesn’t require people to search. The aim is for people to have single-click access to businesses in an area. However, I appreciate it will take some time until the goal of JustLocal is realised. In the meantime, people will still search to find sites on the internet, but the Search feature on JustLocal now makes it easier for Australians to find local businesses.

First the Search is limited to only find results from pages on sites which use Australian domains. That removes large overseas companies dominating the results. Next I’ve identified and filtered out dozens of directories and review sites.

Now if I search for “Doncaster East Pizza” I get a good list of the sites in the area and that is the result I want.

Give the Search feature of JustLocal a go and let me know what you think. If you find a directory or review site in the search results I’ve missed, let me know and I’ll add the site to the exclude list.

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/
Helping the local community prosper by strengthening local business.

Big W photolab closed.

The Big W photolab department was closed yesterday when I visited. New equipment was being installed and it reopens on Friday.

Luckily I had my iPhone. I was able to check Officeworks and saw they also do photos. Yesterday they had a special of 9 cents a photo instead of the usual 10 cents.


Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

Zara Doncaster Shoppingtown

The work is progressing on the new Zara store at Doncaster Shoppingtown. The building work near the bus area is where Zara will be located. It looks like Zara will occupy two levels which is unusual as Zara is on the top level inside Shoppingtown.


Inside the Centre there is boarding and a peep hole so you can check progress.

For those interested in a job at Zara there is an email address job@au.inditex.com on the boarding with the words "now hiring". Good luck to those who apply.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.

POLICE have arrested a man over the alleged murder of a man outside a South Melbourne brothel in 2009

Arson and Explosive Squad detectives arrested the 33-year old Doncaster man this morning.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Whittens Lane resident Fiona Scott has called on MPs to stand up for their constituents

DONCASTER residents fighting a proposed $5.4 million water treatment plant have appealed for help from politicians.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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No problem too small.

Doncaster residents protest against water recycling plant

PROTESTERS gathered in the Manningham City Council offices this afternoon to argue against a proposed water recycling and sewage treatment plant at the Tram Road Reserve.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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No problem too small.

Refusal of a Queens Avenue Doncaster apartment complex

DONCASTER residents opposed to high-density development had a win last week with the refusal of a Queens Avenue apartment complex.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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No problem too small.

Doncaster residents to protest against water recycling plant

Doncaster residents will stage a protest outside the Manningham council offices on Monday, July 9 at 12.30pm against a proposed water recycling plant at Tram Road Reserve.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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No problem too small.

THIEVES are targeting Manningham tradies

Sen-Sgt Volk said offenders had used screwdrivers to force locks on vans and trucks, with expensive heavy-duty power pools the most popular stolen item.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Heidelberg West man jailed after Doncaster burglaries

A HEIDELBERG West man who "terrified" a family during a Doncaster burglary has been sentenced to four years in jail... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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No problem too small.

Aimee Dickson

TEAMWORK paid off for young hockey player Aimee Dickson, who is off to London for the Olympic Games.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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No problem too small.

Man still in coma after Eastern Freeway crash

The man, in his 20s, lost control of the ute he was driving and it spun off the road and hit a tree between Elgar and Doncaster roads on June 21.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Home in Winston Drive, Doncaster was robbed

On the same day between 3.30pm and 9pm a home in Winston Drive, Doncaster was robbed of expensive electrical equipment.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
No problem too small.

Leading jazz pianist Bob Sedergreen and Friends - Annemarie Sharry, Brian Abrahams, Kim May plus special guests South of the River Choir.

An initiative of Manningham Council, Manningham Music presents leading jazz pianist Bob Sedergreen and Friends - Annemarie Sharry, Brian Abrahams, Kim May plus special guests South of the River Choir.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Whittens Lane resident Fiona Scott said people were still opposed to the plans lodged with Manningham Council in February

DONCASTER residents angry about a proposed sewerage treatment plant 40m from their homes say they have not been properly consulted by Yarra Valley Water.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Doncaster man charged over car thefts

A DONCASTER man accused of stealing cars has been arrested after he was identified in CCTV footage.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Elizabeth Grover in warmer times at Doncaster

LOOK through the annals of the Doncaster masters athletics venue and you won't find the name Elizabeth Grover chipped in stone.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Two-car crash on Tram Rd, Doncaster about 7am.

Nunawading Highway Patrol Sgt Paul Egan said officers attended a two-car crash on Tram Rd, Doncaster about 7am.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Payday lender banned for five years

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission confirmed today a person from Doncaster, did not have a licence but had been operating a consumer credit service, through payday lending business Cashpal.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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The man has hit shops in Chelsea Heights, Brighton, Fawkner, Doncaster, Eltham and Essendon

The man has hit shops in Chelsea Heights, Brighton, Fawkner, Doncaster, Eltham and Essendon on 13 separate occasions between May 21 and June 10, entering the shops and stealing more than $6000 worth of bourbon and whisky in cartons.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Dot Haynes is a Doncaster resident

Dot Haynes is a Doncaster resident who has lived in Manningham for 19 years. A regular at council meetings for six years, she says she’s fed up with representation in the Koonung ward.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Heidelberg West man to face court for crimes in Doncaster

A HEIDELBERG West man is set to appear in court to answer 30 charges of theft and burglary in Doncaster.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Current positions at Manningham Council

Finding local jobs can be difficult. I noticed the following page on the Manningham Council site for current positions with the council.

www.manningham.vic.gov.au/work/home_employment/home_current_positions.html

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Councillor Jessica Villarreal quits 'toxic' environment

RESIDENTS in Manningham’s Koonung ward fear they will be under-represented, after councillor Jessica Villarreal quit the council blaming ‘‘toxic environment’’.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Painter Doncaster, Templestowe and surrounding areas

Quite a while ago I received an pamphlet in the letter box. It was from a local painter & decorator. I kept the pamphlet because I’m interested in local businesses. I don’t know about others, but I find dealing with tradespeople isn’t one of the most fun experiences for me. I’ve had quite a few bad experiences. I know there are good tradies out there, but finding them can be hard.

I needed some painting done so I called Bill. He was quite pleasant, came out quickly and was good to deal with. Needless to say he got the work.

If you’re looking for a painter you can now find Bill on the JustLocal service on the Templestowe page (www.JustLocal.com.au/3106) or direct at http://www.justlocal.com.au/clients/templestowe-painter-and-decorator.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.JustLocal.com.au

Is Fitness First at Doncaster Shoppingtown being sold?

I read that 24 Fitness First gyms were being sold and I wondered if the Fitness First at Doncaster Shoppingtown was one of them.

From what I've read there are six gyms in Victoria being sold. The Doncaster Shoppingtown gym is not one of them.

The Victorian Fitness First gyms being sold are: Nunawading, Malvern East, Chadstone Platinum, Highpoint, Essendon and Epping.


Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
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Bus lane proposal on High Street Doncaster.

Yet another bus lane to further restrict the flow of cars in the Manningham area. Fifteen per cent of the travelling public to further disadvantage the 85% of local residents who use cars. Traffic flow should be improved for everyone, not just for government run facilities. Then bus lanes wouldn’t be required.

VicRoads is proposing to install a part-time bus lane on High Street, Doncaster later in 2012. The bus lane will run southbound from north of Stutt Avenue to Doncaster Road and will operate from 7am-9am and 4pm-7pm, Monday to Friday.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Manningham seniors Beryl Gray and Doss Lusted celebrate the 30th anniversary of Doncare's Social Support Group.

Operated from Wesley Uniting Church in Doncaster East every Tuesday, the group’s management was taken over by welfare organisation Doncare 10 years ago.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Fouad Elias, of Doncaster

Fouad Elias, of Doncaster, said the pilot had told passengers something "weird" had been found in the plane and he was returning to Melbourne.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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80 per cent issued for speeds less than 10km/h over the limit.

State government statistics show more than 1.1 million speeding fines were issued in the 2010–11 financial year, with 80 per cent issued for speeds less than 10km/h over the limit. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Whitehorse rail plan gets thumbs down

A BOX HILL-Doncaster rail line proposed by Whitehorse council has failed to win support from neighbouring Manningham City Council.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Principal Eva McMaster said that following the successful trial

DONCASTER Secondary College is one of three Victorian schools to trial a program to educate year 8 students about positive body image.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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Talks for striking Doncaster workers

Hundreds of Hanson Construction Materials employees walked off the job last Monday to try to secure improved pay and working conditions.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
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29-year-old Doncaster man

THE last living moments of a man who died after being hit by a bus will be re-enacted tomorrow in Melbourne's southeast in a bid to unravel his mystery demise. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for help with your computer problems.
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