Sue's meeting people in Command!

January 14, 2009

On one of my recent trips to PNG, I had the pleasure of having a private interview with Commadore Peter Illau, the Commander of Papua New Guinea’s Defence Force.

Commodore Peter Illau and Sue Liu

Commodore Peter Illau and Sue Liu

Of course I can’t tell you what we discussed – because that’s CLASSIFIED Information – TOP SECRET! I put this photo in – because I LIKE it!

Zulu’s client NCS is a key service provider to PNG DF! Commander Illau was the guest speaker at the NCS Conference in November and kindly granted me an interview at DF HQ in Port Moresby.

For more information about what NCS do for PNGDF – visit www.ncs.com.pg

Zulu's pen – the pen of choice

January 14, 2009

Just further to a previous story about the power of the Zulu pen

Noel Foley and the his pen of choice from Zulu (co-incidently in "safety orange")

Noel Foley and his pen of choice from Zulu

Whilst up on Lihir Island in PNG recently, and going about my work for client NCS, I was touching base with the General Manager of Lihir Gold Limited, Mr Noel Foley.

I took Noel a little by surprise with our meeting ( ie- I didn’t have an official appointment and he had NO time to prepare….) and out comes the Zulu Communications PEN!

Forget the Mont Blanc, – Zulu’s pen is the pen of choice!! It even comes in “safety” orange – very important for our work up on Lihir!

The impact of an appropriate GIFT and the importance of acknowledgement

November 1, 2008

My message this November Newsletter is simple as we head into the Silly Season of consumerism-plastic-charged-Christmas-excess-spending-choices.

DO YOU HAVE TO GIVE A GIFT?

Of course – you are not obliged or have to do ANYTHING. That’s when it comes down to the power of intent – and as a marketing and communications “exercise” – what you do or don’t do can speak VOLUMES.

My opinion is that this end of the year – is a great time to reward and acknowledge your clients, suppliers, supporters, staff and loved ones (friends and family) for the value of what they have contributed to YOUR business and your life over the year. Some people succumb to laziness or “too-busy-to-think-about-it-ness” at this time of the year – and I suggest taking some time OUT to consider the value of giving and appreciation to those important people who support you in your life.

Here are some thoughts for GIVERS:

Thinking about the “why” of giving is just as important as the “what” to give. How do we make our giving choices have impact and meaning – for not only ourselves but to those who receive from us? Do you consider the thoughttand effort ( or not) that has gone into the choice of gift that you’ve received ?

Of course – in these times of economic stress and consumer excess – consideration also HAS to be give to “how much” – to give and to spend. The less we can afford to give – the MORE we have to consider the relevancy of what, who and how we give it.

Here are some thoughts for RECEIVERS:

  • Acknowledgement of receipt of a gift – is so VERY important – to the GIVER
  • Taking the time to communicate a simple THANK YOU – is ESSENTIAL – don’t forget or get to busy to do this.

So, whatever you decide and choose to do (or not) – if I’ve helped you stop and think about it and consider your options – that’s my gift to you.

OK – I’ll get OFF my soap box now……….

Free Basketballs for Kids in need

October 31, 2008

One of Zulu’s Community long time supporters, who wishes to remain nameless – (but let’s just call him Michael)  has generously donated 50 Basketballs to Zulu’s Community left over from a promotion.

Basketballs for kids in need

Basketballs for kids in need

“Michael” and Zulu’s Community would like to donate these basketballs to projects or organisations that support children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds – either in Australia or overseas. So, If know of or a re connected to a project or  cause who would LOVE to have some of these basketballs, please send me an email and  tell me about your organisation and your kids. First in – best dressed!

  • Limit of 10 balls per  organisation – they are flat and need to be inflated.
  • Collect from Balmain by Friday 14 November

Sue's AMAZING Winged creature photos

September 30, 2008

Check out these photos that I took in PNG and Lao!

Orange Dragon Fly - Lao July 2008

Orange Dragonfly - Lao -July 2008

Moth and fly - can you see the fly? Hidden Valley, PNG - September 2008

Moth and fly - can you see the fly? Hidden Valley, PNG - September 2008

Red Dragonfly - Lao - July 2008

Red Dragonfly - Lao - July 2008

Crossing the swollen Mumeng River on the way to Hidden Valley

September 27, 2008

Here’s the story about crossing the Mumeng River in Papua New Guinea.

Watching the antics on the river is a major spectator sport for the villagers
Watching the morning river crossing is a major spectator sport for the villagers

During my September trip to PNG and on one of our travel days – we were on the road at 7:30am to travel the 3-4 hours of mountain roads up to one of our mine sites – Hidden Valley.

The journey promised to be exciting and the day long – as we planned to visit two sites this day – which required us to cross the swollen Mumeng River about an hour out of town.

It had been raining hard all night and steadily spitting with rain in the morning as we left Lae.

As we crossed over the bridges on the way – we felt that it was a fair expectation that the river would be up and this major crossing where there was no bridge.

Arriving at Mumeng

When we arrived at 9:00am- we joined a queue of 4WDs and trucks on our side of the river – and got out to survey the scene. We watched the trucks and vehicles crossing and decided to give it a go and fang it across the river.

Hairy scarey or WHAT! We crossed – went up to Hidden Valley mine site – and were back on the nose of 2pm – racing the rain clouds in the mountain – to cross back over before the afternoon rains from the mountains made it to this part of the river, making the crossing impossible.

The big diggers are trying to build up the bed of the river so that the vehicles can cross
The big diggers are trying to build up the bed of the river so that the vehicles can cross
Surveying the scene and deciding whether to cross

Surveying the scene and deciding whether to cross

I stepped the wrong way - ended up ankle deep in mud - and entertained the locals....
I stepped the wrong way – ended up ankle deep in mud – and entertained the locals….

OUR TURN

Then it's our turn

We're next

We're up next

ROCK AND ROLL - whoo hooo
ROCK AND ROLL – whoo hooo


Winter white as a ghost – I make small children cry!

September 27, 2008

I need to work on taking the glare off my very Sydney winter white skin, because on my recent trip to Lihir, I was making small children cry – mistaken as a GHOST.

I have only ever been mistaken for a “white” person once before – in Zimbabwe in Africa… and now here in PNG – it seems there is only black and white with no other shades or colours in between.

On my drive around the island of Lihir – we stopped half way around to visit a village on the beach who had just finished their church service.

I stepped out of our vehicle – and immediately spotted some children playing on the black sand beach.

I followed the kids down the beach – with my camera and was followed by more kids and we had ourselves a little photo session – most of them were fascinated!

One of the little boys in the group started to cry- and I was then told that he was scared because I am WHITE and he thinks I am a ghost. They don’t see any other people in this part of the island – so I am considered white and frightening.

Can you spot the ghost?

Can you spot the ghost?

Here are some of the photos from my very short time with this village.

YOUR BOOBS – an issue close to my heart in OCTOBER

September 18, 2008

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – if anyone has a right to get on the Breast Cancer band waggon, it’s me.

Every October – I am faced with the issue of Breast Cancer as I remember my dear mother, Lynette – who passed away on 12 October 1993 at the age of 52 after a five-year battle with the disease.

I am considered “High Risk” for breast cancer because of my “significant family history ” with this disease . Two of my mother’s sisters have also had breast cancer, my auntie Marilyn losing her 17-year battle in 2005. Because of this history and having gone through my own breast-related issues/treatment over a period of years, I am monitored annually by the Hereditary Cancer Clinic and am part of the high-risk group the at Prince of Wales Hospital.

KEEP ABREAST OF BREAST CANCER

In particular – Women aged 50-69 should have a mammogram every two years. Just because you are not of this age group does NOT mean that you should not know what to be looking out for! To ALL women (and men too) – particularly young women who may think that Breast Cancer is not a topic they need to think about right now – please take the time to find out a bit more about this disease – that affects 1:8 women in Australia.

FREE INFORMATION POSTERS

Here are some FREE information posters that I produced for Breast Cancer Awareness month in 2007 for my client St George Private Hospital – who I thank for allowing me to use them here at Zulu.

  • Keep abreast of Breast Cancer
  • Breast Cancer Facts
  • Please do forward this post to your friends.

    ALL THE VERY “BREAST” to you this month

    Zulu's championing the cause for natural Soy Candles – the answer is clear

    September 14, 2008

    This is my story about discovering the benefits of candles made from natural soy.

    I was given a beautiful candle at the beginning of the year which I loved! The fragrance was divine – and I loved burning it in my office. Toward the end of the candle – I noticed that the container was getting sooty.

    Well take a look at this……..this is how the candle glass ended up! What is the deal with this soot?? PARAFFIN is what! Should we be concerned about burning paraffin candles?

    My friend Jill has been making candles made of Soy and she gave me one as a gift recently. I decided to find out more about the differences between paraffin and soy – and here’s what I’m sharing with you today.

    Once you read what’s below – you’ll see the benefits of using Soy wax candles are obvious and I for one am a convert!

    Why are candles made of Paraffin BAD?

    • Most candles are made of paraffin wax, a petroleum by-product that is classified as a petrochemical.
    • Paraffin contains 11 different toxins, two of which are KNOWN carcinogens.
    • Breathing in the soot released by paraffin is as dangerous as inhaling second-hand smoke.
    • Burning paraffin wax emits harmful vabours, and black soot.
    • To release fragrances, paraffin must be blended with chemicals.
    • If you spill paraffin wax it is extremely difficult to remove from fabric.

    Why are candles made from Soy better for your health and environment?

    Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is hydrogenated soybean oil- a vegetable. Here are some facts about the candles that Jill makes.

    • Candles made from Soy are 100% all natural, biodegradable and completely non-toxic.
    • Soy wax burns cleaner and cooler and completely away.
    • Soy wax is toxin and carcinogen free.
    • Candles made from soy burn up to 50% longer than paraffin-based candles and produce 90% less soot.
    • Soy wax burns cooler, which disperses the aroma more quickly. Even when unlit, a soy candle’s fragrance is evident.
    • Soy wax is also water soluble and biodegradable, so with some warm soapy water it’s very easy to clean up if there are spillages.
    • Using candles made from soy wax supports our farmers.

    Which would you rather experience, burning paraffin or lighting Soy candles?

    I know it’s fairly cheap to buy pretty candles or bags of tealights for cheap from discount stores – but when I think about what exactly I’m burning into the environment when I burn paraffin wax – it’s usually in an enclosed space and I shudder at the thought of toxifying my environment – regardless of the prettiness or the nice smells!

    Stay tuned for Zulu’s next step in the war against paraffin and campaign for candles made from 100% natural soy wax.

    Collection of clothes and goods for Wagga refugees

    August 28, 2008

    Zulu’s client Aspire Australia is collecting general goods and clothing to take down to refugee communities in Wagga Wagga, NSW.

    CEO Sarah Gillis has been supporting these settlers who have arrived from war ravaged and politically unstable countries across Africa and Asia after suffering various forms of political, physical, religious or cultural persecution.

    Aspire collection

    Sarah and her daughter Emily transported the first trailer load of goods to Wagga in May this year.

    COLLECTING FOR SEPTEMBER TRIP NOW:

    So have a look in your cupboards and see if you have any items in good condition which could be donated to help the refugee families in Wagga – either for the children, parents or household.

    Contact Aspire Australia to arrange delivery (you can drop off to our North Sydney office) or collection: 02 9956 6011 or visas@aspireaustralia.com.au

    Sarah is also raffling a Zulu donated quilt to help raise money to continue her support of refugees in Wagga. Find out how you can buy a raffle ticket to win the quilt.

    « Previous PageNext Page »