featured – A to Z Queensland https://azqueensland.com AZQueensland.com Tue, 07 Feb 2023 04:07:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://azqueensland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-AZ-32x32.jpg featured – A to Z Queensland https://azqueensland.com 32 32 Wildlife in Queensland https://azqueensland.com/environment/wildlife-in-queensland/ Tue, 07 Feb 2023 02:04:48 +0000 https://azqueensland.com/?p=3629 Read more]]> Wildlife Adventures in Queensland: A Journey Through the Heart of Nature

Queensland, Australia, is full of surprises. This place is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Queensland, with its diverse national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and marine parks, provides a wide range of opportunities to explore and experience nature’s wonders.

This article will take you on a journey through the heart of Queensland’s wildlife, giving you an idea of what to expect and how to make the most of your experience, whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer.

The Outback: Home of the Big Red Kangaroo

Visiting the Outback to see the famous “Big Red” kangaroos is one of Queensland’s most iconic wildlife experiences. With their powerful hind legs, unique tail, and distinctive red fur, these magnificent creatures are truly a sight to behold. The Outback is a vast and rugged landscape teeming with wildlife ranging from majestic eagles to rare reptiles and marsupials. Whether you prefer to explore on foot, horseback, or in a 4×4 vehicle, the Outback provides limitless opportunities for adventure and discovery.

Wallabies with agility and iconic Tree Kangaroos

Beyond the Outback, Queensland has a plethora of other exciting wildlife experiences in store for you. The beach at Cape Hillsborough, for example, is home to agile wallabies known for their quick reflexes and playful personalities. Meanwhile, Tropical North Queensland’s national parks are ideal for spotting iconic tree-kangaroos and a variety of possums. These parks provide a wealth of opportunities to observe and learn about the local flora and fauna, whether you are an experienced wildlife photographer or simply looking for a fun way to explore the great outdoors.

Marine Life Carnival in Color

Queensland’s marine parks are a must-see for water enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in a vibrant carnival of fish, dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles that call the Great Barrier Reef and other marine parks home. Snorkeling and diving are the best ways to see the constantly changing show, and they provide an unforgettable experience for both beginners and experts. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, you will undoubtedly leave with memories to last a lifetime.

Tips for Safe Wildlife Encounters

Queensland is home to an array of iconic wildlife species that will take your breath away, from the lush rainforests of the Tropical North to the pristine beaches of the Whitsundays. However, keep in mind that some of these creatures can be dangerous, so it’s important to admire them from a safe distance.

Take, for example, Wongari. These dingoes are frequently seen roaming the sands of K’gari (Fraser Island). Meanwhile, the massive and majestic cassowaries live in the Tropical North, and estuarine crocodiles can be found in many national parks in the Townsville, Whitsundays, and Tropical North regions.

It is critical to follow some simple guidelines to ensure your safety and the safety of the wildlife. To begin, keep dingoes safe by never feeding or approaching them. Cassowaries should be approached with caution and given plenty of space. Finally, be croc-aware by obeying all signs and warnings in crocodile-infested areas.

Queensland is a place where nature, adventure, and wildlife coexist harmoniously. This beautiful land has something for everyone, whether you want a peaceful escape or an adrenaline-filled adventure. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and prepare to be amazed by Queensland’s wildlife. You will not be disappointed!

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Easter 2023 Queensland Style https://azqueensland.com/family/easter/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 06:55:28 +0000 https://azqueensland.com/?p=3595 Read more]]> Countdown to Easter Sunday 9th April 2023

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Easter is a time for family gatherings and celebrations in Queensland. There are numerous ways for Queenslanders to celebrate the holiday, ranging from religious observances to family gatherings and public events.

Good Friday 7th April 2023

Easter is a deeply religious holiday for many people, and attending church services and mass is an important part of the celebration. Good Friday and Easter Sunday services are especially popular because they allow people to reflect on the significance of the holiday.

However, Easter is more than just religious observances; it is also a time for families to gather and create memories. Nothing beats spending time with loved ones during this special holiday, whether it’s a special meal or an Easter egg hunt.

Easter Holiday Ideas

Let’s head to the beach! Because Easter falls at the end of summer, many Queenslanders take advantage of the warm weather by heading to the beach for a day of swimming, surfing, and other outdoor activities. The Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Cairns are all popular weekend beach destinations in Queensland.

Easter egg hunting is a popular activity for children and families in which Easter eggs are hidden in various locations and children are encouraged to find them. Many towns and cities in Queensland host Easter egg hunts for children and families to enjoy.

Camping and outdoor activities, use the long weekend to go camping, hiking, and enjoy the great outdoors. Queensland has many national parks and forests to explore, including Lamington National Park, the Daintree Rainforest, and Whitsunday Island.

To commemorate Easter, many Queensland towns and cities host public events such as parades, markets, and Easter-themed festivals. These events frequently include live music, food stalls, and other family-friendly activities.

Easter brunch or lunch with family and friends at one of the state’s many restaurants and cafes.

Family gatherings to celebrate the holiday. Special meals, gift exchanges, and Easter egg hunts are frequently included.

Easter is an excellent time to visit some of Queensland’s most popular attractions, including theme parks, zoos, and aquariums. These attractions provide a wide range of activities and entertainment for people of all ages.

For wine enthusiasts, a tour of one of Queensland’s wineries is an excellent way to spend the long weekend. The Granite Belt region is home to a number of wineries where visitors can sample local wines while admiring the stunning scenery.

During Easter, many Queensland towns and cities host art and craft markets where visitors can browse and buy handmade items from local artisans.

Easter retreats – why not spend the long weekend relaxing, meditating, and participating in yoga or other wellness activities at a retreat centre.

Easter is a great time for sports fans to catch a game of Rugby League, AFL, or cricket in Queensland. Throughout the state, many stadiums will host games over the long weekend.

Queenslanders love to spend the Easter long weekend in a variety of ways, including enjoying the great outdoors, attending public events, and spending time with family and friends. Whatever your tastes are, Queensland has something for everyone to enjoy during this special holiday.

Need to plan ahead?

Countdown to Easter Sunday 31st March 2024

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Fair Work’s Challenge to Mantle Group Hospitality https://azqueensland.com/business/fair-works-challenge-to-mantle-group-hospitality/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 01:38:31 +0000 https://azqueensland.com/?p=3589 Read more]]> Company avoided paying workers penalty rates for 22 years

Mantle Group Hospitality (MGH) is owned by millionaire pub baron Godfrey Mantle and wife Jenny Mantle who run iconic Queensland venues like the Pig ‘n’ Whistle and Jimmy’s on the Mall in Brisbane’s crucial Queen Street Mall. But for decades, workers of MGH have been underpaid of their rightfully earned wages and entitlements. Now, Fair Work is finally challenging these wrongdoings.

Mantle Group has been exploiting a loophole in Australian law to deny their staff penalty rates for more than two decades. The Fair Work Commission labelled Mantle’s practice disgraceful, reflecting the general sense of injustice surrounding this company’s decision to take advantage of a long-expired agreement that provides no financial benefit to their employees. Mantle’s appalling stance is at odds with current standards of corporate social responsibility and fair employment practices that require businesses to pay their staff according to the applicable laws and regulations. It is also symptomatic of deeper problems within the system that allow companies like Mantle Group to use outdated legal provisions for unjust and unfair gain.

The Mantle Group is a successful family-owned enterprise comprising multiple companies and trusts incorporating Hospitality, Property Development and Mining. Established in 1979 by Godfrey Mantle, Executive Chairman known as “hospitality king”. The Mantle Group continues to be 100% privately owned and managed by the Mantle family today.

Spanning multiple business operations across South East Queensland and New South Wales their hospitality interests and venues include Pig ‘N’ Whistle, The Charming Squire, Jimmy’s on The Mall, Jacqueline’s Ridge, Mantle & Moon Coffee, Mayfair College, Milano, Phuc Deli-Viet, The Squire’s Landing, Babylon Brisbane, Babylon Rooftop in Sydney, The Lucky Squire, The Sound Garden, The Summit Brisbane at Mt Coot-tha and James Squire brew houses in Brisbane, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

The Unfair Agreement Used By Mantle Group Hospitality

MGH has been accused of wage theft by using so-called zombie agreements which include pay and conditions significantly less than those provided by the modern Award. Under this agreement, workers are underpaid weekend penalty rates, allowances such as working late or early, superannuation payments, and other entitlements they are due. Not only that, but they are also reportedly miss-classified to keep wages low and use hard-to-understand agreements to baffle workers into not understanding their rights.

Fair Work’s Challenge To The Zombie Agreement

However, after a long battle against this unfair agreement, Fair Work has now challenged its use by the Mantle Group Hospitality. It has been alleged that Mantle Group’s zombie agreement was in direct breach of the modern award that applies to their staff, particularly with regards to public holiday entitlements at its venues in Brisbane city and Sydney. So far, it appears that Fair Work has successfully taken legal action against some elements of this agreement as well as issuing compliance notices to ensure future compliance from the company moving forward.

Going Forward With A More Equitable Agreement

It is expected that going forward both parties will work together towards a more equitable agreement that ensures staff can continue working while still receiving their rightful wages and entitlements. This could be potentially beneficial for both employers and employees alike as it could create clearer guidelines on how much should be paid out per hour/week/month along with other workplace benefits such as additional leave days or sick leave policies among others benefits – all within reasonable limits set by both parties.

While it is unclear what will come out of Fair Work’s challenge to Mantle Group Hospitality’s zombie agreement, one thing is certain: something needs to change if young workers are going to get the fair pay they deserve for the work they do. Hopefully this challenge will finally put an end to years of miss-classification and wage theft so that young people can start getting compensated fairly for their work once again. It would be a win not just for them but also for businesses who want an ethical workforce backed up with concrete rules about compensation packages. Either way we will have to wait until further updates from Fair Work become available before we know how successful this challenge has been in bringing fairness back into play when it comes to compensating casual workers in hospitality industries across Australia.

If you are a hospitality worker impacted by the Mantle Group contact the Fair Work Commission for support.

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Exploring Higher Education in Queensland https://azqueensland.com/education/exploring-higher-education-in-queensland/ Tue, 24 Jan 2023 01:14:02 +0000 https://azqueensland.com/?p=3527 Read more]]> With the variety of universities in Queensland, it can be difficult to decide which higher education institution is right for you. Each university has its own legislation and offerings that make them unique from one another, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision. In this blog post, we will explore the 9 universities that offer higher education in Queensland.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university that offers students the opportunity to study courses such as nursing, teaching and business as well as theology and philosophy. ACU also has campuses in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.

Bond University

Bond University is a private university based on the Gold Coast. Their courses are focused on developing practical skills like law, medicine, business and psychology with an emphasis on global issues.

Central Queensland University (CQU)

Central Queensland University (CQU) is a medium-sized university that offers students a wide range of courses including health sciences, engineering and IT as well as teaching and education programs. They also have campuses located throughout Australia in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Griffith University

Griffith University is a research-intensive university offering courses such as dentistry, architecture and music alongside more traditional degrees such as engineering or business. They are located on the Gold Coast but also have campuses in Brisbane and South East Asia.

James Cook University (JCU)

James Cook University (JCU) is a public university based in Townsville with additional campuses in Cairns and Singapore. They offer courses related to tropical science, marine science and sustainability along with more traditional degrees like law or engineering.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is one of Australia’s leading universities for technology-related degrees such as computer science or data science alongside humanities studies like creative writing or visual art studies. QUT also has campuses located across Australia including Brisbane and Melbourne as well as international locations like London or Geneva.

University of Queensland (UQ)

The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s top universities offering degrees across all fields ranging from medicine to arts or law to engineering with additional campuses located around Australia including Adelaide or Perth.

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) provides online learning opportunities for those who cannot attend classes on campus due to their location while still providing access to world-renowned experts in their respective fields through video conferencing technologies such as Skype or Zoom conferences during class time slots for feedback sessions with course coordinators or lecturers if needed by the student attending remotely . USQ also offers traditional face-to-face classes at their Toowoomba campus for those who prefer this method of learning over remote learning options available through USQ’s virtual classrooms platform .

University of Sunshine Coast (USC)

University of Sunshine Coast (USC) provides world-class higher education institutions located on two stunning campuses – USC Moreton Bay near Redcliffe Beach on the Redcliffe Peninsula; USC Fraser Coast situated between Hervey Bay & Bundaberg; both approximately an hour north & south respectively from Brisbane city center. USC offers specialised courses ranging from Marine Science & Environmental Studies, Biomedical Engineering, Law & Justice, Business & Tourism, Creative Industries, Psychology & Counselling, Computing Sciences – all focusing heavily upon sustainability practices & initiatives wherever applicable.

Where next?

Deciding where you should pursue your higher education can be overwhelming when there are so many different institutions available in Queensland alone. Queensland universities offer higher education across diverse subject areas ranging from medicine to creativity studies so you can explore your educational options without feeling overwhelmed by all the choices available. With this information you can now begin researching which institution will fit your interests best.

Universities in Queensland

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Griffith University

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University of Queensland

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Queensland University of Technology

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University of Southern Queensland

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Central Queensland University

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Australian Catholic University

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