Commonwealth Games - Melbourne - HELP!

Discussion in 'Commonwealth Games 2006 Badminton' started by adelina76, Feb 10, 2006.

  1. adelina76

    adelina76 Regular Member

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    Hi guys,

    I have great news! IBF has just hired me to be their eyes and ears for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Melbourne (since I live in NZ). I will be writing daily reports on the Commonwealth Games for IBF to be published by them and so I'll have access to the badminton event and the players, yay!

    What I really need help is with accomodation. I will be there from March 15th to 26th and will need somewhere to stay while I'm covering the games. I'm wondering if anyone in Melbourne would be kind enough to offer me some sort of accomodation (I'm more than happy to sleep on the couch!) or otherwise, suggest some really reasonably cheap accomodation around Melbourne?

    I'm looking forward to this event, not only will it be my first big badminton report coverage, but also first visit to Australia! So I hope that some good Aussies will be kind enough to extend their hospitality to their cousin Kiwi! :)

    Adelina
     
  2. noluckjim

    noluckjim Regular Member

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    Wow, you're so lucky :) Maybe you should have asked them to provide accommodation (closer to the players, the stadium... :rolleyes: )

    Better sharpen those camera skills too :D
     
  3. Loh

    Loh Regular Member

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    Congratualations Adelina! I'll be at the Games from March 18 to 25. It was FEND who recommended me to stay at the budget hostel (dorm with beds) at Urban Central Backpackers. You may wish to find out more from their website but I'm quite happy with what they provide and had booked with them just yesterday. Hope to meet up with you there. :)
     
  4. kokcheng

    kokcheng Regular Member

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    Great!Looking forward to your report and hopefully some interviews with the players.The least IBF could do will be to provide accomodation and food for you.But,knowing how passionate BF members are,I think you did not ask for anything.
     
  5. madbad

    madbad Regular Member

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    Hi Adelina

    Congrats on your hiring. From reading your previous posts, I am sure you'll do more than a good job in your position. My question is: If IBF "hired" you, are they not covering your accommodation/expenses, etc.? Is that not normally commensurate with a "hiring"? Just curious. :eek:

    Anyway I hope you make out OK. Looking forward to your reports.
     
  6. FEND.

    FEND. Regular Member

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    Go urban central backpackers. At least that's where Loh and I will be staying and that it's easier to keep track of where everyone is :D
     
  7. adelina76

    adelina76 Regular Member

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    Urban Central Backpackers

    Thanks Loh and FEND for the recommendation. Can I assume the backpacker is very near to where the stadium is? Not even sure how transportation system works in Melbourne. I mean is it like Singapore where everywhere is accessible by metro-line / subway (in which case, distance isn't an issue)?

    To answer the other questions posted so far about IBF and their payment for accomodation and food - I'm not getting paid for these but I'm getting paid quite well for the articles that I'll be writing which in a way makes up for the other expenses (to a point). I guess I'm not looking at making much money out of this assignment but at least it'll give me a chance to be at the Commonwealth Games and also see Melbourne, so can't complain lah! :p

    As for my photo skills noluckjim, you guys are spared from having your visions impaired from trying to decipher from the blurred images who the players are! We're using professional photographers for the assignment.

    I'll confirm my accomodation and it will be good to meet up with all of you that's going to be there too! Perhaps we can even squeeze in a friendly game here or there?

    A
     
  8. noluckjim

    noluckjim Regular Member

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    If I recall correctly, guessing players from less than amiable pictures is a favourite past time around here... :p

    Irrespective of that, make sure to enjoy yourself :)
     
  9. FEND.

    FEND. Regular Member

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    It's walking distance, hence I chose it. Give it a call asap as places fill up.

    http://www.urbancentral.com.au

     
  10. extreme_kaki

    extreme_kaki Regular Member

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    Wah enjoy life ah boss. have some great big juicy "tim sum" there man.:D
    rgds

     
  11. Loh

    Loh Regular Member

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    I think tze yang, who also hails from NZ but is currently working in Melbourne for about 3 months now, may be able to arrange some games for BFers. I'm looking forward to that, especially when FEND promises to bring extra rackets! Anybody else wishing to join us, please PM tse yang. :)
     
  12. Maz

    Maz Regular Member

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    Hi Adelina,

    Congratulations on this fantastic opportunity.

    May I go on to make two requests:

    1) Please ensure that your coverage is more extensive on Aus/NZ teams (or any other Oceania individuals) as I think we will need it most.
    2) Hope to meet you too as I will be one of the (younger/st) umpires there (but don't interview me if I get into controversial matters...hehe :eek: )

    Maz
     
  13. Loh

    Loh Regular Member

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    Hi Maz

    Nice to know that you'll be umpiring. Hope you've got sufficient practice on the 21 points. The cameras will be on you if you boo booed unless you want to be in the news! :p Hope to meet up with you too.
     
  14. tze yang

    tze yang Regular Member

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    hi adelina, i dnt think transport would be a matter to anyone watching the games because they are providing free public transport on the day u have a pass to one of the events which i guess would be everyday for u, and in the metro area most train stations are within walking distance to key places so dw bout transport that would be my tips
     
  15. adelina76

    adelina76 Regular Member

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    Hey guys,

    Good to hear Tze Yang is arranging some games for us, I'll be sure to bring my badminton gear then. Wow, just looked at that Urban Backpackers site, they're charging AUS$35 per night's stay during the C Games..crazy! I'm going to be there for almost 10 days, that's a lot of money! Trying to find cheaper accomodation at the moment..perhaps see if I can stay with the NZ team! :p

    Maz, as for the reports on the oceania team, I am not sure if I'm able to focus too much on them more than obvious attention giving to the host nation simply because the coverage is for international badminton. Having said that, if they're to cause an upset, I'll be sure to write more about them! :) Also, looking forward to meeting you. Make sure you wear a big name tag or at least put your pics here so I know what you look like so I can go around and say hi!

    Also, good to know transportation won't be an issue during the games. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

    A
     
  16. FEND.

    FEND. Regular Member

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    Wow, lots of people from bcentral will be there. Hope to see everyone.
     
  17. adelina76

    adelina76 Regular Member

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    Hi guys!

    I've booked at the Victoria Hotel - Melbourne. While the name sounds flash, the "hotel" probably would not be given that I've booked a 15 female dorm type accomodation! Hehehe, the life of a struggling journalist! :)

    Anyway, here's the contact details. I'll be there from 15th March onwards. Can we arrange for us to somehow meet somewhere? Let me know...

    The Victoria Hotel-Melbourne
    215 Little Collins Street
    Melbourne
    p. 03 9653 0441
     
  18. FEND.

    FEND. Regular Member

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    I guess Loh is buying the beers?
     
  19. Loh

    Loh Regular Member

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    No prob man! I understand beers are cheap down under, or is it wine? Certainly cheaper than in Singapore where the tax is pretty high! :crying: Btw, FEND, are you of legal age for beers or wines? ;)
     
  20. FEND.

    FEND. Regular Member

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    Yes I am :D. And I have to bring ID to get my uniform and pass so yea. :D
     

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