Halal Food

One problem as a Muslim in Australia is how to find Halal food. Particularly me and muslim community who live in the country (non-metropolitan Australia) such in Bendigo. Muslims who live in Melbourne and Sydney have better access to get Halal food in certain restaurants and butchers whose owners are coming from Middle Eastern (Lebanese), Turkish, Pakistan and India with strong Islamic culture.

In Bendigo, with very small Muslim population, so far only two restaurants that have Halal certificate, first is Lady Sultan Turkish Kebab that owned by a Turkish family and second, Nando's Chicken a franchise restaurant that obtain Halal recognition from Islamic Council of Victoria. Previously, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) was certified as Halal as they cook chicken from Ingham (a Halal Chicken slaughter company). However, about six months ago Ingham has had been declared as non-Halal so that all three KFC' restaurants in Bendigo should be refrained.

But Alhamdulillah, we have no difficulties to buy Halal chicken in Supermarket here. Some companies such as Hazeldens, Baiada, Lilydale and Steggles are granted Halal Certificate from AFIC (Australian Federation of Islamic Council). Their products can be found easily in every Supermarket; IGA, Safeway and Coles. Although there is no Halal label in their products, but we can check their Halal accreditation information from their website.

For you who need further information about Halal Chicken and Meats in Bendigo, you can check my other blog on : http://bendigomoslem.multiply.com/














Picture from www.maitredefoods.com.au

One Tree Hill Lookout

One Tree Hiil Lookout is located in One Tree Hill Regional Park, one of Bendigo's major recreational area. This park is 1,090 hectares wide with colourful of wildflowers and variety of daisies. Some wild faunas can be found here such as wallabies and lace monitors.

The Lookout is probably situated in the highest elevation of the park. Thus, the view of the forest and the city can be seen. It also used as bushfire surveillance tower, to anticipate if the flame appears in the south eastern Bendigo. I am not sure about its height, but probably around 50 to 70 metres. It is not really high but enough to see the amazing view.














Picture from: www.travelvictoria.com.au





























Picture from my camera

Cold...

Winter has come in June. The temperature in Bendigo has dropped below zero in some days. Chill, cold and so freezing especially at night. Each time I go out I must wear layers of clothes, or probably I ever wear 5 layers! Sometimes with head cover and gloves (if i ride bike).

I never experience this cold before. Last year on winter I went home to visit my family, therefore exeperiencing winter in June-July is my first time.

In early days there were some rains and lasting almost a whole week. Make me sick and just rest at home. It obstruct my thesis process, but anyway try to enjoy it. By spending more times with family, and my daughter.

Brrrr, I miss my home country, with temperature just 30 degree average.

My Last Class

I just finished my last subject. Thus, I still have another semester to finish my degree. I need to complete my minor thesis for another 6 months. Time is going to quick, not ralize that I should back home soon. This is the photo of my classmates from the last class, only few 7 students. Probably one of the smallest class that I ever attended. I can't wait to type my thesis, struggling and fight against laziness :-) he3

Indonesian Community in Bendigo Easter Parade

Every year Easter Festival commemorates in Bendigo. This year, the festival conducts within four days Friday to Monday, from 10 to 13 April 2009. On Monday, the big parade is held which participated by numerous groups and institutions. This parade also a part of "Sun Loong" Dragon attraction (the longest Chinese Dragon in the World) that only performs once a year. Thousands of people gathered to watch the parade whom mostly are coming outside of Bendigo, even from overseas.

This year Indonesia community is also invited by the council to participate. After absent last year, now the community eager to carry fantastic performance to the crowd. Around 80 people join the Indonesian parade group, who are plenty of them are not native Indonesian. Some of them are students from Ambonese, some are Indonesian residents. The rests are Australian who interested with Indonesian culture and students from local schools.

The Indonesian group comprises of people who wear traditional dresses (such from Aceh, Borneo, Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Bali and Molluccas). Around ten of them dance Kuda Kupang, play gendangs and gongs, while the others just walking and waving their hands to audiences. Three pedicabs (becak) accompannies the group to create the uniqueness. The group walks through the city centre in the route for about 2 km.

As the parade over, Sun Loong comes as the closing ceremony. It's amazing to wonder how big and long it is. The parade started from 11.00 and finished at 13.00. Afterwards, Bendigo becomes quiet and calm again.