cabberra 18

ISSUE #18 APR. 2014

BOOK & TRACK

CTIA MEMBERSHIP

CHANGES TO DISPATCH

MEET THE DRIVER

P.05

P.10

P.16P.12

NEW MECURE TAXI RANK

TRY THE NEW CANBERRA ELITE MOBILE BOOKER

CANBERRAELITE.COM.AU

Make sure you update your driver details.

Visit reception at the Base.

FLEET NEWS 02

TRAINING ROOM 03

MOBILE BOOKER 03

CTIA 04

CTIA MEMBERSHIP 05

EVENTS 07

GROOVIN THE MOO 09

CHANGES TO DISPATCH 10

PICKUP LOCATION 12

KINGSTON FORESHORE 13

HOTEL HOTEL 14

OUT & ABOUT 15

MEET THE DRIVER 16

MULTICULTURAL 18

COMMENDABLE DRIVERS 19

This month I will use Aerial’s Point of View to put on record comments on a perceived level competition playing field for taxis. I do this by using comparison numbers that seek to put some balance back into the debate about service charges used in the taxi industry. I refer only to the Canberra market.

Aerial has in the past been accused of having comparatively high taxi base fee charges. This claim has been responded to with proof of the many services provided by Aerial at no extra charge to the taxi operator. Aerial’s base fee equals $2.24 of an average taxi job. The comparison that should be made here, by all taxi operators and drivers is to compare this cost per job with the fee imposed by alternatives. Taking the app. bookers who are to date non-accredited in the ACT, typically take $5.00 per job off the fare, from the driver. That is more than 200% above what is charged by Aerial. Aerial as an accredited taxi network offers amongst many other services, full public liability insurance, camera security, vehicle inspections, complaints and human rights management and a range of other taxi business services as well. The non- accredited app providers offer none of this – just a booking.

The independent taxi trial currently underway should make use of a comparison of operating costs against job numbers. In pasts debates over the scale of Aerial’s base fees I have argued that full compliance with the ACT Government’s minimum service standards and in particular waiting times requires a substantial investment in people and infrastructure. This investment needs a fleet of 250 cars at the very least to obtain a fair return and continue. In 2014 I would revise this to 280+ cars. This is why over the last 30 plus years three other taxi companies have tried to make a success of Canberra and they have failed financially. I.e. They could not achieve a viable fleet size.

Current interest at both the Federal and Territory levels in cutting regulatory red tape can mean cost savings to business. Aerial supports this approach and in particular the use of sunset clauses on existing regulations and regulatory impact assessments for new regulations. But all this has been tried before in the taxi industry and the common outcome have been deterioration in customer service and overall decline in passenger safety. The return of taxi regulation in NZ, to what is a deregulated market is a defining example of this trend.

My point in raising all of this in Point of View is that politically correct changes that get marketed as improving competition or cutting regulation can look good on this side of the fence but do the homework before buying. There are lots of hidden costs and there are only two choices. Pay and meet the survival test head-on. Don’t Pay and let customer service and passenger safety be compromised.

Aerial’s has just recently invested to upgrade our dispatch system and our level of customer service and compliance with minimum service standards are excellent. Our substantial investment in people and infrastructure in Canberra is needed to sustain this performance and seek further improvement. Legislation and regulations have a responsibility to protect and nurture business investment in the interests of sustainable markets and community benefits.

Aerial will watch with interest the methods used to test the performance of independent taxi operators against minimum service standards. Competition is sustained only on a truly level playing field.

MARK BRAMSTON MANAGING DIRECTOR

AERIAL‘S POINT OF VIEW

ISSUE #18 - APRIL. 2014

Make sure you update your driver details.

Visit reception at the Base.

For any enquiries regarding the CabBerra magazine, please give us a call on 02 6126 1696 or email us at [email protected]

WELCOMECABBERRA EIGHTEEN - 01

FACEBOOK.COM/AERIALCG

Hello to all the drivers and operators. In this edition of the Fleet news we wanted to address two important issues- How to get through fleet inspection successfully and the need for all drivers to have their personal details up to date.

Fleet Inspections are an integral part of keeping the standards of the Canberra Elite and Silver Service networks at the highest level. Recently we have delivered the same messages over and over again. So we thought this month why not put these messages in print.

BEST STEPS TO PASSING FLEET INSPECTIONS

Wash and Vacuum the Taxi before arriving at inspection. Dirty Taxis are not inspected and are sent away to be cleaned before being inspected

If you notice damage to the Taxi ask the operator when it is likely to be fixed, this allows you pass this information on to the Aerial staff at inspection

Even if you believe the Taxi will fail inspection for any reason you must still present the Taxi for inspection

Make sure your Taxi has a child H-Harness and First Aid Kit

Remove any type of tape that may be on the Taxi

Check to see if your Camera Status Light is GREEN

Every week we see so many Taxis pass inspection with the Taxis being in great condition. You can tell that both the operator and their drivers have worked hard to present the Taxi at such a high standard. However at the end of the day it only takes one badly presented Taxi to destroy the public image of the entire fleet. Let’s work together to get the all Canberra Elite and Silver Service Taxis looking as good as we all know they can be.

One part of the industry that as a driver or operator you may not know much about is the way we keep a record of a driver’s details. Each driver has a profile built into the MT Data system. On this profile you will find all the information about a driver. i.e. name, licence expiry etc. From the 26th of March 2014 the MT Data system will automatically suspend a driver from logging in if the expiry dates on either the drivers licence or the authority card are out of date.

Please note that just because you have renewed your licence with the Government it does not mean the profile at the base is up to date. You have to come into the base so Aerial can take a photocopy of your Drivers licence and PVDAC to update your MT Data profile. This change will also be good for all drivers because from now on the system will advise a driver if their licenses are about to expire through a message when you log in.

That’s all from the Fleet Department for this edition of Cabberra, stay safe and we will see you on a rank soon!

FLEET DEPARTMENT

FLEET NEWSPASSING THE FLEET INSPECTION AND CORRECT DRIVER DETAILS

NEWS

1

2

3

4

5

6

02 - CABBERRA EIGHTEEN


Hello all,

I hope you are all well. This issue I thought I would have a quick word about our elderly and disabled customers and the importance of these people to our industry. This also works the other way around, taxis (and drivers) are an important part of a lot of people’s lives and without us they would find it very difficult to get around.

Taxis are a necessary part of the public transport picture in the ACT and therefore are a significant part of the community. You drivers ARE a part of the community and I thought it might require someone to say it before some drivers recognise that fact.

Aerial has recently sent me to a training course which was targeted at trainers that work with elderly and disabled people, and how those trainers could help those people identify the barriers they face to taking part in recreational activities and how they could overcome those barriers and stay connected to the community. One thing I was told during the course is that research

has shown that the health impact of being disconnected from the community can be as bad as a moderate smoking habit.

One of the barriers that came up more than once was transport. One person I met at the course works for the Council on the Ageing (COTA) and was nice enough to send me the results of a survey they carried out on taxis. Of over 400 people surveyed 17% dislike catching taxis because of the behaviour or attitude of taxi drivers. I think it is a shame that nearly 1 in 5 of the elderly people surveyed feel this way. One comment from the survey was “Some drivers still smoke - I’m asthmatic….Plus they speak in their language attached to their mobile phone so it is hard to converse or convey and they are rude. Some make you feel threatened or unsafe . One has refused to take a taxi voucher.”

Please keep in mind that often these people rely on us to be able to stay active in the community and they should not feel that catching a taxi is a negative thing.

Please do everything that you can to assist your passengers and make it a positive experience for them. Think about how you would expect a driver to treat your grandmother or father.

I don’t like to focus on the money side of things too much but it would pay for us to remember that while some trips may not be worth a lot of money, as a whole if we didn’t have these people using taxis it would be a big loss to the overall income of our industry. Also the aging population is always increasing and the more people that use the taxi service the better for all of you.

Take care all.

MICHAEL CLARE

TRAINING ROOMNEWS

CANBERRA ELITE’S BOOK AND TRACK MOBILE BOOKER IS LIVE!Customers can now book and track a taxi using their mobile phone.

It’s all based through Canberra Elite’s convenient mobile website that works just like a mobile Ap.

By visiting CanberraElite.com.au on a mobile phone, customers can book a taxi quickly and easily using their current location, and then watch their taxis progress on its way to them.

Canberra EliteMobile Booker

The mobile booker can be saved to a mobile phone home screen for future convenience.

HOW DOES BOOK AND TRACK HELP YOU THE DRIVER?

As soon as a taxi is dispatched to the customer, they are notified of your taxi number and can watch your progress. This will help customers know exactly which taxi to look out for and help them make sure they are there when you are.

With clearer notifications to customers, the opportunities for M50s and no shows should reduce.

CABBERRA EIGHTEEN - 03


NEWS

Tony not only promotes the interests of the CTIA at CBC meetings.

He has a working relationship with our regulators, Canberra’s planning people, and ACT Roads who allocate and administer parking arrangements around the city.

Drivers are not always happy with governmental decisions about the above matters, but rest assured Tony’s input on behalf of the CTIA does have a positive effect on many of those decisions.

Drivers and operators should contact Tony through the CTIA office at 02 6126 2842 to discuss any matter relating to the taxi industry and its dealings with government.

One driver did approach the CTIA last month and suggested that the CTIA was not interested in drivers because we did nothing to ensure there is a drop-off and pick-up zone outside the new Abode Hotel in Tuggeranong.

A look at the site will indicate that the builder decided that more rooms were better for him than an entrance driveway. The CTIA will see what might be done but it appears there is no room for a kerbside pick-up and drop-off zone near the front entrance.

JOHN MCKEOUGH

• Overseas tourism (from China, Singapore, US and UK) was up last year mainly due to such things as the three blockbusters at the National Gallery of Australia, the football and other centenary celebrations. Mr Ian Hill, General Manager, Australian Capital Tourism expects numbers to be down this year, but expects to build on some of the 2013 initiatives, and to see more special events.

• The Council will be promoting the development of the City Plan, the Australia Forum and international flights. They are not expecting a higher level of financial support from the Federal government.

• Regarding the proposed amalgamation of the CBC and the Canberra Chamber of Commerce, Tony said that at the time of the previous taxi industry review, he felt the CBC had ambushed the taxi industry and that the Chamber of Commerce had been the only business group to offer support. He was later approached with an offer of discussions about his concerns.

• It is intended that the Tourism, Sports and Arts Task Force becomes more active.

• The Canberra Casino is to be sold to a Chinese group. This should have the effect of attracting a higher number of Chinese visitors to Canberra

Over the past six years or so, Tony Bryce (pictured above), Executive Officer of the CTIA, has been attending meetings of the Canberra Business Council on behalf of our association.

Tony has built up a positive relationship with members of the CBC, and he has made its members aware that generalised comments about the taxi industry are usually wrong and he has always defended and promoted the taxi industry at CBC meetings.

It has been usual in the event of a taxi industry inquiry for the Canberra Business Council to condemn the performance of the industry often re-using anecdotes that have been used in a previous inquiry. In other words the impression of poor service seemed to have been permanently ingrained.

During his time as CTIA representative at CBC meetings Tony has often felt the need to correct a person who has expressed an unfair criticism of the industry.

As a result, he has built a certain amount of good will with many people in the CBC and earned the respect of other members.

Tony reported the following from the meeting of the Canberra Business Council of 28th February:

OUR MAN IN THE

CAPITAL.TONY BRYCE



CTIA MEMBERSHIPHave a voice in your taxi industry

Become a member today.

Visit www.canberrataxiindustry.com.au to download a membership application form.

Associate Membership to the Canberra Taxi Industry Association Ltd for the year 2014/2015 is open to all ACT Taxi Industry participants such as Plate Owners, Operators, and Drivers. Annual CTIA Associate Membership subscription is $30.00 (incl GST) valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Once membership payment has been made, and your application has been approved, a CTIA Uniform Voucher valued at $40 and a CTIA membership card will be mailed to your address.

$30Receive a CTIA uniform voucher with

your membership valued at $40





MOCHE CULTURE

North coast 100–800 AD Bead in the form of an owl’s head Gold and turquoise; Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán, Lambayeque © Photograph Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán

SICÁN-LAMBAYEQUE CULTURE

North coast 750–1375 AD Tumi [Sacrifical knife] Gold, silver, chrysocolla, turquiose, lapis lazuli, spondylus; Museo Oro del Perú, Lima

© Photograph Daniel Giannoni

The National Gallery of Australia will host a major international exhibition, Gold and the Incas: Lost Worlds of Peru from 6 December 2013 until 21 April 2014. The exhibition will be on display in Canberra only.

Gold and the Incas is the most important survey of Peruvian art ever staged in Australia and will show- case the splendour of the ancient pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru. Audiences will encounter the depth, drama and beauty of the famous Incan empire and its predecessors. More than 200 objects, from scintil- lating gold pieces made to decorate the nobility in life or in death, intricate jewellery, elaborate embroi- dered and woven cloths to breathtakingly sophisticated ceramic sculptures will be on display.

The exhibition will be open every day (except Christmas day) from 10am – 5pm. Tickets are on sale through Ticketek.com. au or 1300 795 012 and at the Gallery.

6 DECEMBER 2013 UNTIL 21 APRIL 2014. THE EXHIBITION WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN CANBERRA ONLY.

The National Gallery of Australia is an Australian Government Agency.

NEWSCABBERRA FOURTEEN - 09

NEWSCABBERRA EIGHTEEN - 07


EVENT DATE AND TIME LOCATIONMichael Jackson HIStory II 1/04/2014 The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre

Get messy with Grandma or Grandpa 2/04/2014 to 7/05/2014 National Museum of Australia

Music at Midday 2/04/2014 Canberra Theatre

Johnny Castellano is Mine 03/04/2014 to 12/04/2014 The Street Theatre

National Carillon tour 3/04/2014 to 26/04/2014 National Carillon

Old Masters Lecture Series 03/04/2014 National Museum of Australia

Brumbies v Blues 4/3/14 GIO Stadium

Shen Yun 2014 4/04/2014 to 5/04/2014 Canberra Theatre

Songs in the Key of Motown 04/04/2014 Canberra Theatre

Canberra and Region Heritage Festival 5/04/2014 to 21/04/2014 Various Venues

Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival 5/04/2014 to 6/04/2014 Various Venues

Carillon Frolic 05/04/2014 National Carillon

John Waters: Looking Through a Glass Onion 05/04/2014 The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre

National Carillon Frolic - Family day on Aspen Island 05/04/2014 National Carillon

The Mont 24 Hour MTB Race 05/04/2014 to 6/04/2014 Kowen Forest

Wine Harvest Festival - Tour 5/04/2014 to 6/04/2014 Lerida Estate Winery

Andante Andante followed by Shenanigans Barbershop Quartet at the High Court 06/04/2014 High Court of Australia, Public Hall, level 2

Canberra Airport Open Day 06/04/2014 Brindabella Business Park

Paco Peña - Flamencura 06/04/2014 The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre

An Evening with Kris Kristofferson 10/04/2014 Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre

Luminous World: Contemporary Art from the Wesfarmers Collection 10/04/2014 to 29/06/2014 National Library of Australia

Sydney Dance Company presents Interplay 10/04/2014 to 12/04/2014 Canberra Theatre Centre

ACO – Haydn and Italian Cello 12/04/2014 Llewellyn Hall

Australian Running Festival 12/04/2014 to 13/04/2014 Old Parliament House

Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights 12/04/2014 GIO Stadium

GIANTS vs Western Bulldogs 12/04/2014 StarTrack Oval

Hustle and Scout: Twilight Fashion Market 12/04/2014 Nishi Building

John Butler Trio 12/4/14 Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre

Kowen Forest Ride 12/04/2014 to 13/04/2014 Kowen Forest

Tidbinbilla Extravaganza 13/04/2014 Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Wanderlust Meets Simon Milman 14/04/2014 to 24/04/2014 National Museum of Australia

National Folk Festival 17/04/2014 to 21/04/2014 Exhibition Park

Canberra Raiders vs Melbourne Storm 20/04/2014 GIO Stadium

Old Bus Depot Markets - Portobello Road 20/04/2014 Old Bus Depot Markets

The Night Café at the High Court 20/04/2014 High Court of Australia, Public Hall, level 2

Horrible Histories – Awful Egyptians 22/04/2014 to 24/04/2014 Canberra Theatre

Hugh Laurie and the Copper Bottom Band 22/04/2014 Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre

Justice Crew 23/03/2014 Australian Institute of Sport Arena

Pre-Anzac Day Services at the Australian War Memorial 24/04/2014 to 25/04/2014 Australian War Memorial

Anzac Day Services at the Australian War Memorial 25/04/2014 Australian War Memorial

Brumbies v Chiefs 25/04/2014 GIO Stadium

Groovin the Moo (GTM) 2014 27/04/2014 The Meadows, University of Canberra

FASHFEST 29/04/2014 to 3/05/2014 FASHFEST HQ

EVENTS - APRIL 2014



A FOUR DAY EVENT SHOWCASING

CANBERRA FASHION

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FASHFEST.COM.AU

CANBERRA

3 0 A P R I L - 3 M A Y

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Team Groovin the Moo is in the highest of spirits to be welcoming a new bunch of Artists to take part in the regional Australian festival fun! The eclectic line up for 2014 is sure to provide another year of pure solid gold for the GTM community and all the new friends who will help to create GTM Oakbank SA for the very first time.

For GTM, 2014 symbolises ten years of making the annual overland journey into its much-loved communities that are now considered home. The simple set up and the honest country hospitality of those original GTM’s is still the life-blood that flows through the festival today.

The double outdoor stages, the glow of the Moolin Rouge Big Top Tent and the variety of the flavorsome, fresh and local produce on offer.

This will be happening at The Meadows, University of Canberra, Kirinari Street Bruce.

SUNDAY 27TH APRIL

AREAS SUBJECT TO GPS DISPATCH (CRASH)

AREA8-O'Connor

9-Dickson (Rank Preference Area)

10-Braddon

11-ANU

12-City West

13-City East

14-Russell

16-Middle

17-Deakin

18-Manuka

47-Parliament (Rank Preference Area)

48-Kingston

AREAS NOT SUBJECT TO GPS DISPATCH (CRASH)

AREA

1-Ngunnawal 2-Gungahlin (Rank Preference Area)

3-Mitchell 4-Charnwood

5-Kaleen 6-Kippax

7-Belconnen (Rank Preference Area) 15-Fairbairn

19-Fyshwick 20-Woden (Rank Preference Area)

21-Weston (Rank Preference Area) 22-Mawson

23-Kambah 24-Tuggeranong (Rank Preference Area)

25-Erindale 26-Lanyon

27-Garran 30-Hume

31-Cotter 32-Tharwa

33-Williamsdale 34-Bungendore

35-Wamboin 36-Eaglehawke

37-Sutton 38-Murrumbateman

50-Airport 51-Airport Terminal

55-Queanbeyan East 56-Queanbeyan

57-Queanbeyan West 58-Jerrabomberra

CHANGES TO DISPATCH AREAS AND PROCEDURES

EFFECTIVE 1ST MARCH 2014

GPS DISPATCH TABLE

DURING PARLIAMENTARY SITTING PERIODS

Monday to Thursday (7.30am to 9.30 am & 2.30 to 5.30PM)

Friday (7.30 am to 9.30 am)

All other times these areas will be subject to normal dispatch (i.e. Rank, Plot, GPS, Cover)

ALL TIMES IN THESE AREAS – NORMAL DISPATCH



SIX AREAS HAVE REDUCED IN SIZE CREATING FIVE NEW AREAS AND BOUNDARY CHANGES TO A FURTHER TWO AREAS.

New MTDATA BoundariesEffective March 2014CAPITAL GROUP LIMITED

SOUTH SIDE

NORTH SIDE

KALEEN

GIRALANG

LAWSON

KALEEN

BELCONNENBELCONNEN

BRUCE

MACQUARIE

COOKARANDAjamison

HOLT

MACGREGOR

HIGGINS

LATHAM

KIPPAX

MELBA

SPENCE

EVATTMCKELLAR

EVATT

HAWKER WEETANGERA

SCULLINPAGE

FLOREY

HAWKER

CHARNWOOD

DUNLOP

FLYNN

FRASER

CHARNWOOD

BANKS

GORDON

CONDERLANYON

GREENWAY

BONYTHONTUGGERANONG

OXLEY

MONASH

WANNIASSA

GOWRIE

FADDEN

MACARTHUR

ERINDALE

ISABELLA

PLAINS

CALWELL

RICHARDSON

THEODORE

CHISHOLM

GILMORE

CALWELL

Googong

williamsdale



NEW MECURE TAXI RANKWe would like to inform all drivers that Mercure Hotel (located on Ainslie and Limestone Avenues), has now set up a new taxi rank.

There is a designated 2-vehicle space located in the parking area between the front entrance of the hotel and the beer garden.

The management of the hotel welcomes all taxi drivers at the rank to enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and water throughout the day at the hotel.

PICKUP LOCATION



HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE KINGSTONFORESHORE?Many new apartment buildings are being built in this area. New restaurants and bars are also opening up along the lake all the way down Eastlake Parade and Trevillian Quay.Some of them that you may have heard mentioned include:

• Remedy by Londsale Street Roaster

• C-Dine Bar

• Morks Thai restaurant

• The Rum Bar

• Max Brenner

• 38 Espresso

When you get a quiet moment, head to the Kingston Foreshore and familiarize yourself with this new area.

KINGSTON FORESHORE



EVENTS

Hotel HotelA NEW HOTEL FOR CANBERRA.

PART OF THE NEW ACTON PRECINCT.

PICKUP: 25 EDINBURGH AVE, ACTON. PLEASE USE THE SLIP LANE OUT THE FRONT OF THE HOTEL.



OUT ABOUT04

JAGJIT SINGH TX 203

ABBAS TX 214

SARWAR MUHAMAD TX182

S. CHANDRAMDHAN TX 482

MOHINDER TX 181

GAGANDEEP TX 151

ZAIN TX 50 AND QAISER TX73

SATVIR SINGH TX484

ALI TX68

SUMEET TX175

MR ZAIN TX50

GREWAL TX 166

AN

D

APR. 2014

EVENTSCABBERRA EIGHTEEN - 15


Why Canberra?

I was only in Melbourne to complete my degree in Climatology. Came here in 2009 from Melbourne and I loved how peaceful it is here, however I have plans to move back to Melbourne in July.

What do you like most about your job and why did you choose it?

I enjoy the flexibility of this job despite the long shifts; 12 hours a day 7 days a week but I get to see places. It is always interesting because everyone’s different, you can always make an educated guess – for example Sydney people are always in rush and impress with the smooth sailing traffic, where Melbourne folks are usually friendly.

What do you think of the new taxi rank at the airport and what are your thoughts about the Canberra Airport going international?

The new taxi rank is great, however small adjustments could make it more practical and comfortable for the drivers. I think if the awning is extended to the back, it will definitely help during wet or hot weather conditions. I also think that the rank should have a better canteen/facilities for drivers to take a short break – especially better toilets. With the current arrangements, sometimes I find it hard to even go on a short break at the airport (to leave the taxi), you’d either end up upsetting others or will have to compromise being cut in the queue of taxis.

In terms of going international, it is great for as it would be more convenient. It would save many the time and effort of travelling.

What are some of the memorable moments you have had?

I particularly remember a girl who had missed her bus so I drove her to Sydney. It was a very good trip with a very good fare too. The other one I had was to Thredbo where the gentleman was flying to the Gold Coast but missed his connecting flight so for that I got about $460 to Thredbo. Many of the other drivers have said that I am lucky but I think that’s the way it is, all jobs has its ups and downs.

Have there been many changes since you started as a driver?

I feel like many more drivers as of late, are bolder at not abiding the rules. Like illegal parking or speeding. When I first started it was pretty smooth sailing. And we were also friendly back then. I draw the line when some drivers start to whinge and whine about this job. Better than whinging, I feel that it is better to accept the nature of this job and be happy with what you’re doing as it will give you more satisfaction.

There are always ups and downs, not always happy times but it is good to make the most out of it.

Last Friday of every month!, From 10am-11am

30 National Circuit Forrest | 62034300

Enjoy a free Morning tea for Taxi Drivers

Meet the driver:

Love Kapil 27 years old 4 years experience



Proudly Supported by:

www.thecanberraguide.com.au

Introducing The Canberra Guide, the first official smart-phone app and mobile website that enables visitors to the nation’s capital to browse attractions, restaurants and events in a mobile friendly format.

Download it now on:



Proudly Supported by:

www.thecanberraguide.com.au

Introducing The Canberra Guide, the first official smart-phone app and mobile website that enables visitors to the nation’s capital to browse attractions, restaurants and events in a mobile friendly format.

Download it now on:

Taleb has been driving taxis in Canberra since January 2013. He moved to Australia from the Kingdom of Jordan, to complete his Masters in Medical Radiation and Physics at the University of Wollongong. Taleb chooses to live in Canberra, commuting to Wollongong when required, because he has family here in Canberra and he believes it is a beautiful and peaceful city. He especially enjoys driving taxis in Canberra as he gets to meet a lot of interesting people here.

Taleb would like to share with his fellow drivers a little about his home country. Jordan is an Arab Kingdom located in Western Asia and sharing borders with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Palestine and Israel. He feels very fortunate to come from Jordan, as it is a safe country rich in history, geographical beauty, friendly people and great community resources such as health and education.

As a stable monarchy, established post World War I, Taleb attributes Jordanian successes to its forward thinking and benevolent King Abdulla II and his family. King Abdulla is active in improving the way of live of his citizens, their security and resources on local, national and international levels. He often travels all over Jordan to interact with his people

M U LT I C U LT U R A LA BRIEF LANGUAGE TUTE, COURTESY OF TALEB:

Hi Marhaba

Goodbye Ma’a al salameh

How are you? Keef el hal

Good Momtaz alhamdo lel allah (Excellent, Praise be to God)/Jayed (Good)

EVENTS

and ensure the poor are well taken care of. Jordan continues to be a secure and popular place to live, despite being close to countries of continued civil unrest due to Abdulla’s strong diplomatic relations all over the world. He was recently considered one of the top most influential Muslims in the world and is very well liked by a vast majority of his people.

Taleb suggests Jordan as a place to visit, offering the most amazing sunsets and sunrises, fabulous food and beautiful historical monuments. The famous Dead Sea can be found on the border of Jordan and has been noted since antiquity for its health benefits. The Dead Sea is approx. 10 times saltier than oceans and no fish or plants can live in its water, hence its name. The water is very dense so there is no need to swim, you can just float. Interestingly, its shores have the lowest surface land on earth, at greater than 400m below sea level.

The historical city of Petra is also located in Jordan and is truly an amazing site. It was carved directly out of rose coloured rock over 2000 years ago by the Nabataean people. The Nabataeans were conquered by the Romans and a number of well preserved Roman Amphitheaters still exist in Jordan today.

If you ever find yourself in Jordan, Taleb insists you try the Kebabs (or Shaurma) as you have never really had a kebab until you do. If you would like to experience a little bit of Jordan from Canberra, try cooking their national dish, Mansaf. It’s a cooked rice, meat and almond dish served with Yoghurt that has been served since antiquity during times of celebration.

TALEB MOHAMMAD AL WADI TX: 89

NATIONALITY: JORDAN

LANGUAGE: ARABIC



C MMENDABLE DRIVERS

ENTERTAINMENT

Last Friday of every month!, From 10am-11am

30 National Circuit Forrest | 62034300

Enjoy a free Morning tea for Taxi Drivers

ALI RAZAAlthough told that you only had to drop the mobile phone that was left in your car back to the base, you have driven back to the passenger’s house to return the phone at no cost in Narrabundah. Your great customer service is greatly appreciated by the passenger and the base. Great work.

THOMAS CLIFF

Thomas one of your passengers has called us to let us know how grateful she was. You have provided an exceptional customer service when she had a seizure. We were told that you’ve made sure that you have helped her to ensure that she did not fall and helped her getting out of the vehicle safely. You have also assisted her getting into her house, which has not only impressed her but all of us here, at the base. Well done!

SAMUEL GRAHAM Samuel, you have recently returned a bag that was left in your car. Your passenger was very happy and would like us to pass on her gratitude for such a fantastic effort and honesty. Keep up the good work and we hope to see more compliments coming through.

COMMENDABLE DRIVER



C MMENDABLE DRIVERS

We’re here to look after you8am to 11pm EVERY DAY!

Shop 2, Jolimont Centre, 65 Northbourne Avenue. Canberra City Act 2600. Phone (02) 6161 1133

ABDUL KANI SULEIMAN KHALIEF

One of your passengers wrote to us.

“I would like to thank my driver for his courteousness and professionalism.

Abdul picked my husband and I up late at night after a dinner on the new Kingston Foreshore. He knew his way around but realised into the journey that he may not have taken us by the most direct route.

He requested that we pay the amount we thought was right for the journey. Its nice to know you can trust your drivers to look after you and are focused on keeping the customer happy.”

Well done Abdul. You are a credit to the industry.

BING WEIWe received a call from Mrs. Cremin who would like to commend TX454. She said that you are the nicest and pleasant driver she has met in a very long time. We were told that you have assisted her with her groceries, waited whilst she returned to the shop to look for a ring she had lost. She was very impressed with your professionalism; you have made all of us so proud.





ENTERTAINMENT

This is how we started.

Xerography celebrates 75 years.

Seventy-five years ago, Chester Carlson created an easier way to duplicate information on paper. Named “xerography,” his invention revolutionised how information is shared and, ultimately, how office work gets done. In celebrating this 75th anniversary, we also celebrate Carlson. While tinkering in his lab in Astoria, Queens, he had one simple objective in mind: “…to make office work a little more productive and a little less tedious.” Fast forward to today: Simplifying how work gets done is core to Fuji Xerox and to the value we bring to our customers around the world.

Xerox is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation.