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7 tips to negotiate your Australian home loan

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As an expat, you might think your home loan options are minimal. Indeed, many banks are unwilling to lend cash to expats. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to take the first offer handed to you. In fact, expats have as much right (and power) to negotiate their home loans from afar as those living in Australia. Odin Mortgage share seven key tips to bear in mind before approaching a lender to negotiate your Australian home loan. 

1 Shop Around

The first thing to remember is that you’re not bound to stay with the same bank you have always used. Quite the opposite. It’s best practice to shop around for your Australian home loan and to look at all your options before settling on a lender. 

Do your research to discover which lenders are friendly to expats and where you might get the best rates. Find out what the market rate is so you know what you should be paying when it comes to negotiations. Expats should not pay higher interest rates than Australian permanent residents unless you cannot provide proof of your income.

Don’t be afraid to leave your current lender if elsewhere is offering a better rate. You can even use your market research to negotiate with your current lender who might provide you with a better deal if they fear you’ll go somewhere else.

2 Know Your Borrowing Power

As well as conducting market research, you should also know how much you can borrow. To understand this fully, you need to be aware of:

  •  Your net income (your annual salary minus any income tax)
  •  Your net expenses (e.g. rent, transport, school fees, holidays)
  •  Your ongoing liabilities (e.g. credit cards and loans)

Minus your expenses and liabilities from your income after tax, you’ll have the amount of money you can spend on mortgage repayments. This will give you a good idea of how big a loan you can approach the bank for. However, this is where it might get tricky for expats. While banks consider the entirety of an Australian income, they’re less willing to look at your total income if you earn in a foreign currency. 

Banks might only consider 50-80% of your net income, depending on the stability of your foreign income currency, to protect themselves against exchange rates. Most lenders will accept USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, AED, HKD, and NZD. Make sure you take this into account when considering your borrowing power.

3 Have A Strong Credit Score

A strong credit score will help anyone negotiate a better Australian home loan. A score between 600 and 850 is considered ideal, particularly as an expat, as banks may be suspicious of your foreign income. Maintaining a good record of repaying loans will prove your worth to the lender, and you’ll have a better chance at securing a lower interest rate. You might also want to provide statements showing your repayments as far back as you can.

4 Save A Hefty Deposit

The bigger your deposit, the more chance you have to secure lower interest rates and better loan terms. Expats are required to provide a down payment that is a minimum 20%-30% of the property value.

Generally speaking, the lower your loan to value ratio, the better the loan deal you’re likely to get. You can calculate your LVR by dividing the amount of money you plan to borrow by the property value. 

Similarly, ensure that you have steady employment and evidence of a foreign income. Be aware that if you’re self-employed, it might hinder your negotiations. Make sure you can show the required documentation, such as tax returns. 

5 Don’t Be Afraid To Ask

Ever heard the phrase “Don’t ask, don’t get”? Well, this is certainly true when negotiating your home loan. If you see lower interest rates offered to new customers than what you discussed, request that you receive the same rates. The same goes for if a competitive bank is offering better rates. You can use this as a bargaining tool if you wish to stay with the same lender or refinance your loan elsewhere.

Even if you only manage to reduce your interest rate by 0.5%, this can have quite significant long term savings. Don’t be afraid to strike up the conversation with your lender; what have you got to lose?

6 Be Mindful Of Ongoing Fees

Remember that your interest rates are not the only thing on the negotiation table. Ongoing fees, such as service fees or administrative costs, are all open to a bit of bartering. For instance, a $10 monthly fee might add up to $3,000 over a twenty-five-year mortgage. 

7 Call In The Experts

If you’re still struggling to negotiate the best loan deal, don’t hesitate to call in the experts before signing a contract you’re happy with. Odin Mortgage is available to find the right home loan to suit your circumstances and haggling the terms on your behalf. Don’t forget we are here for you! 

Odin Mortgage is a leading Australian mortgage brokerage for Australian expats and overseas residents globally. 

Get in touch today for advice on how you can negotiate better home loan terms. odinmortgage.com
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Riding into 2022 with ANZA Cycling

Last November’s return to groups of five to ANZA Cycling came as wonderfully refreshing news – at last we were once again able to run some Club Induction Ride groups. A workaround the prior month had seen newcomers interested in finding out more about the club and our activities paired up for a “Buddy Ride” where each prospective member was partnered with one of our Ride Captains. Whilst this proved a good way to share the club spirit, it was quite removed from our usual inductions, whereby prospective members are treated to a full run-down on our group ride etiquette, style and rules, and taken out for the full experience of a 40-50km ‘ANZA’ bunch ride. Let’s hope the new year sees more induction rides, which are typically held on the first weekend of each month, and we can get closer to the “new max” of ten in a bunch.

What are the new rules for cyclists?

As of January 1, 2022 there is likely to be an enhanced enforcement of rules pertaining to cycling in Singapore. Cyclists should be aware of the following points:

  • General road cycling
    Cyclists ARE ALLOWED to ride on any roads, EXCEPT expressways (PIE, AYE etc) or in tunnels (flyovers and underpasses are okay!)
    HELMETS are MANDATORY (on the road), as are LIGHTS (white front, red rear) during hours of darkness
    Groups should strive to leave a BUS LENGTH DISTANCE between groups
    Cyclists MUST follow road rules in accordance with the TRAFFIC CODE
  • CYCLING On multi-lane roads (more than one lane in a single direction)
    Cyclists ARE ALLOWED to ride TWO-ABREAST
    Cyclists ARE ALLOWED to ride in groups of MAX 10 (or MaxN as per Covid restrictions)
  • CYCLING On two-way roads (only one lane in a single direction)
    Cyclists must ride in SINGLE FILE (and split to MAX 5)

Following suggestions that a ‘safe passing’ rule be added to the Traffic Code, a requirement has been put in place that motorists leave a minimum 1.5m distance when overtaking when cycling in Singapore. This currently appears as a ‘guideline’, although we hope that it will soon also be enshrined in law, so as to be enforceable.

Left: Amanda Lewis with new member Marc Holloway. Right: Megan with new member Thierry Bergero

Kudos to all

Congratulations to all our members who took part in the Metasprint Series 2021 Triathlon, which was held in a modified format, comprising a 15km Wattbike cycle, a 750m open water swim and a 5km run at Palawan Beach, Sentosa in November. Similarly, huge kudos to all members who participated in the final event of the JungleCross offroad series. With road events limited to the OCBC ITT and TTT held several months back, the Singapore Cycling Federation has been exploring options for virtual road racing. They’ve since established The Cycling Esports Singapore National Championship, a qualifier for the UCI Esports World Champs, which will take place on stationary Wattbikes. Stay tuned for updates!

All ANZA rides now on new Bunji app

Over the past 18 months, we’ve witnessed growing diversity in what our members want from their cycling. With that, a proliferation of channels and platforms are now used to coordinate group bike rides. While this has been exciting to see, it has provided a challenge to uphold our core value of inclusion. Recognising this, three of our club members, Marco and Ewa Mejia together with Chris Willmott, co-developed an app specifically to serve the needs of sporting clubs such as Anza Cycling. This app is called Bunji.

Bunji is a word widely used across Australia, derived originally from Warlpiri, an indigenous Australian language from the Northern Territory that means “mate” or “friend”. Meanwhile, the app logo is a symbol for “meeting place”. The ANZA Cycling committee was excited to pilot the beta version of Bunji exclusively and since its launch to club members in late November 2021, we’ve been happy to see how many members are putting it into play. It has made the process of joining rides so much easier.
We ask all ANZA Cycling members to download Bunji, which is freely available on iPhone, iPad and Android phones. Find ANZA in the Clubs section and request to join. Contact Marco Mejia at marco@bunjiapp.com if you have issues or questions.

Introducing our new Membership Co-ordinator, Ann York

Ann and her husband Graeme have been expat-ing for 17 years, with stints in London, Chicago, Bangkok and now Singapore, where they’ve lived since 2019.

“We joined ANZA straight after arriving in Singapore, and it’s been an absolute lifesaver, particularly throughout the pandemic. The social interaction (even when in groups of two) during the past few years has provided a real mental wellness boost.

I used to work in accounting, administration and recruitment, but maintaining a career while on the move was a challenge, so I moved into the fitness industry. I’ve been lucky to work as a fitness trainer in the UK, USA, Thailand, and now here. The flexibility around where and when I teach is great and it also means I can go home regularly and visit our (now adult) kids in Perth and Melbourne. Right now I work for Pure Gyms, teaching around 10 classes a week (BodyPump, Spin, Core & HIIT bike).

I took up cycling six years ago, when a friend of mine in Melbourne gathered a small group of friends together for a 200km weekend charity ride. That pretty much kicked off my cycling addiction.

I really got into road cycling while living in Bangkok. There are some fantastic rides through the rural villages. We would drive out of the city most weekends, to ride in beautiful, interesting places, dodging all sorts of obstacles along the way. I’ve also cycled in Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos, as well as central and northern Thailand – it’s a great way to see Asia, away from the usual tourist traps.

I also ride in Melbourne with a big ladies cycling group where there are around 200 of us cycling at all levels. Pre-Covid we cycled from Porto in Portugal to San Sebastian in Spain, and in 2019 Denmark and Poland.

ANZA Cycling is a huge part of my life, and I was excited to take on the membership role. I love being part of a committee that is so passionate. I’m really looking forward to meeting more members in person and seeing the plans for the future as we open up more fully.”

 

Be the star you are at Dulwich College Kindergarten School

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For children aged 2-7 years-old, Dulwich College Kindergarten School (DUCKS) is a dream. Located within the campus of Dulwich College (Singapore), it delivers a challenging, ambitious and holistic education enabling students to discover and develop their full potential. Children receive a happy and purposeful introduction to learning and an emphasis on pastoral care which ignites a warm and welcoming school environment. And that’s not all . . .

It’s a dual language environment (English and Mandarin)
At DUCKS, every class is taught by at least one native English-speaking teacher and one native Mandarin-speaking teacher. Children are fully immersed in the two languages all day and the aim is confidence and competency in both. Acquiring proficiency in more than one language broadens children’s horizons, promoting endless possibilities for social and emotional growth, alongside academic development. DUCKS children also have daily Mandarin lessons.

High potential learners
A balance is struck between student self-guided explorations and the teaching of core competencies, particularly in reading, writing, phonics, maths and Mandarin. Teachers at DUCKS extend and challenge students in areas of strength and interest.  This might involve additional maths for children who demonstrate advanced knowledge of numbers, or enabling children to lead a lesson on a subject they’re especially confident in. 

Leadership potential
Leadership positions open to DUCKS children include Student Council, House Captains, Ecowarriors and Techsperts. Dulwich College Kindergarten School believes that all children should have the opportunity to meet their potential and perform highly in areas in which they have particular talents and skills.

Specialist teachers
All DUCKS children have weekly swimming lessons using the school’s three pools, and from the age of five years-old, they have specialist PE, music and choir lessons. They also have weekly specialist library lessons in a beautiful dedicated Early Years library and plenty of opportunities for drama, with all children performing in the 740-seat professional theatre regularly.

The DUCKS specialist teacher programme allows those with particular talents to excel in specific areas like music, sport, drama and art.

Incredible facilities
The purpose-built state-of-the-art campus offers outstanding amenities designed to nurture the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of younger students. The world-class DUCKS facilities include three swimming pools, playing fields, indoor gymnasium, a rooftop bike track, library, two dining rooms, a butterfly garden, water play area, Forest School, and a professional kitchen. DUCKS children also have regular access to the Performing Arts Centre with three theatres. 

We embrace nature
The Forest School at Dulwich College (Singapore) uses the outdoors to build independence and self-esteem in children. The natural environment gives students an opportunity to take measured risks, collaborate with peers, design challenges and problem-solve. At DUCKS, there’s a dedicated outdoor area where children in the Early Years go to Forest School on a weekly basis with the Forest School leader. Activities might include making a fire, toasting marshmallows, sawing wood or digging trenches. This allows children to apply academic skills, build emotional resilience, learn to manage risk and – importantly – have fun! 

Dulwich College Kindergarten School (DUCKS) is located within the campus of Dulwich College (Singapore), a leading international school with a British independent school ethos, which draws upon a proud 400-year heritage of excellence, innovation and values of the founding school in London. 

Visit singapore.dulwich.org for more information.

Hotspots: Whisky Tasting at Ren Lounge

When released, vintage whiskies usually attract a certain type of enthusiast – usually one who loves collecting and boasts big pockets – but even they’d have to think twice about buying a bottle of the Yamazaki 55. This blend of single malts distilled in the 60s by the revered House of Suntory became the most expensive Japanese whisky in the world in 2020 after fetching over one million Singapore dollars at a Bonhams auction in Hong Kong. 

It’s understandable then, that when ANZA were invited to attend a tasting of Yamazaki selections at Ren Lounge as part of the Yamazaki 55 launch presentation in Singapore, we went along feeling very thirsty! 

Full disclosure: we didn’t get to taste this rare whisky. However, we were treated to the exceptional range of Yamazaki selections. Ren Lounge Chef Samuel Liu allowed his own artistry to come through via a stunning omakase menu that paired seamlessly with the rich notes of each Yamazaki bottle. 

Our welcome drink was a refreshing highball prepared with Yamazaki Distillers Reserve which made the perfect companion to our starters of oysters, smoked eel and Chawanmushi with a lemon dashi jelly. For me, the Distillers Reserve is an outstanding bottle starting with red berries that quickly transform into honey, vanilla and a dash of cinnamon. 

Next was the Yamazaki 12, the flagship of House of Suntory’s whisky. In classic Yamazaki style the berries are ever present along with some zest, apples and almonds which matched perfectly with our charred mackerel and sushi selection.  

After finishing the seafood dishes, the multi-award winning Yamazaki 18 arrived. The nose is full of dry fruits, caramel, vanilla, and a dash of Mizunara oak.  The palate provides a burst of spiciness and the long finish transforms into delicate berries, malt and oak. It was an outstanding pairing with the sweet nuttiness of our wagyu beef.

The room was buzzing with anticipation for the Yamazaki 25 tasting, another multi-award winner. A whisky enthusiast friend actually recommended this whisky to me back in 2010 whilst visiting Tokyo – he said it was special and he was right! Back then you could find a bottle under SGD$200 at the airport, today it sells for over SGD$15K.  

Plenty has been written about this legendary whisky and before the Yamasaki 55, it was the oldest release by House of Suntory. This remarkable 25-year-old has been aged in the best sherry casks for the entire maturation period adding fragrant layers of dry fruit and oak. It has a striking dark coffee/port colour as if impersonating a dark Spanish brandy with a nose full of rich plums, dry figs, prunes, and oak. The palate is complex but extraordinarily balanced, and the buttery long finish brought delicate hints of chocolate and caramel.  

Verdict: While I felt fortunate to sample all of the whiskies, the Yamazaki 25 tasting was the highlight. The room filled with ooohs and aaahs at each sip from all invitees. It was a superb presentation by the House of Suntory and trying the selection side-by-side has renewed my admiration for Yamazaki whiskies.

REN LOUNGE

30 Beach Road #01-01, 189763
JW Marriot Hotel
Renlounge.sg
house.suntory.com

 

Awkward teen topics – discussed!

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In my GP practice I see a lot of teenagers. Although mental health is a common concern, I have noticed an increase in parental worries around sex, drugs and alcohol. This is especially concerning in Singapore where poor decision making by a teenager may have family-wide consequences. Here’s a brief summary of what to be aware of.

Sex

The average age for having sexual intercourse in most Western nations is 15 – 17 years old. The legal age to have sex in Singapore is 16 years old. This means that it is a punishable offence to have sex with persons below 16 years of age. Adolescents at international schools may have varied religious and cultural backgrounds which can affect when children start having sex, but it is worth your teen knowing the law.
If you suspect they are sexually active, speak to them about both contraception and sexually transmitted diseases. If this feels uncomfortable, you’re not alone! Often parents ask me, as a neutral third party, to raise these issues and discuss risks and options to ensure their children are protected. If your child hasn’t yet had their HPV vaccine, this can be a good time to come to the doctors together. It also gives me a natural opportunity to raise difficult topics with them on your behalf if need be.

According to data, 15% have tried alcohol by 11, and 73%
by the age of 15

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by teenagers. This tends to be in binges which is bad for their health and may lead to other risks such as emergency room visits, deaths and unwanted pregnancies. UK data indicates that 15% of teens have tried alcohol by age 11, and 73% by the age of 15. ​Having said this, children today are more likely to abstain from alcohol than previous generations. The legal age for drinking alcohol in Singapore is 18, and again, it is important to talk to your child about the law, whatever your personal views may be.

Drugs

Recreational drugs are illegal in Singapore and teenagers should avoid them. Nevertheless, as a GP I am well aware that adolescents are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours and may make poor decisions. Peer pressure can be a significant factor during these years and giving your child ideas of a ‘way out’ if they find themselves in a compromising situation regarding illegal drugs can be helpful. Lines such as “I’m not into that” or “I’ve got a match tomorrow” may help them to navigate that key moment. If you’re concerned, please come and talk to us and be assured that we are a confidential and safe space.

How can a GP help?

Prevention will always be better than a cure, so seek medical help early. Any treatment should be a shared decision with you and your doctor. Please feel free to visit any of our experienced General Practitioners at Osler Health International. Find Osler Health clinics at 328 North Bridge Road, #02-27 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 188719 and 1 Vista Exchange Green, #B1-27, The Star Vista,138617. Email us at raffles@osler-health.com or starvista@osler-health.com

Dr Neil Forrest is a British trained GP family doctor based at Osler Health Star Vista (off Holland Rd). For appointments please visit osler-health.com

 

5 ways to ease back-to-school stress

A new school term can be a time of turbulence for children and parents alike. Here, Ron Drisner, pastoral counsellor at Canadian International School (CIS) shares ideas that will make the return to class as calm as possible.

1. Get involved
For many students, returning to school can be a difficult adjustment after the carefree Sentosa-soaked routine of their holidays. Starting school can also be challenging for students joining a new school after having just endured international travel and all the current disruption it brings.

A suggestion for those with younger children is to go to the school with your child early on, arrange to meet their teachers, visit their classrooms, and get to know some of their classmates. 

For older children, parents can reduce stress by going over their schedule and talk through strategies on how they’re going to approach their first day of school. Covid-19 protocols have limited visitation to schools, but even a virtual orientation or opportunity to meet the teacher can help to set students’ minds at ease. 

2. Recognise signs
The past two years of uncertainty has likely already raised anxiety-levels for all. With this in mind, keep supporting your child by looking for signs of extra stress. Keep an eye open for red flags like drastic changes in behaviour or mood, fluctuations in their appetite or sleep patterns, as well as signs that they aren’t motivated to do activities or hobbies that they usually can’t get enough of.  When you do recognise stress, don’t be afraid to check-in to see how they’re doing.

3. Learn to listen
Whatever the age of your child, communication and being present is so important in helping them to deal with returning to school. Take time to sit down and actively listen to what they’re looking forward to in the new school year, as well as what might be concerning them. 

Be aware of feelings they bring up around the pandemic. Stay empathetic and share your feelings about Covid-19, based on informed and accurate information. Asking how they are feeling not only helps you to get to know them  better emotionally, it also shows how much you care and helps lessen any anxiety they might be experiencing.

4. Share feelings
What if your child doesn’t know how they’re feeling? It’s not unusual for children and teens to struggle to articulate emotions. Parents can help by assisting their children to expand their emotional literacy. One way of doing this is by having a ‘feeling chart’ posted on the refrigerator or in a child’s room so children (and parents!) can refer to it. A feelings chart has a list of feelings, often accompanied by a picture illustrating the facial expression that might go along with the corresponding feeling word. Search for ‘printable feelings charts’ online and you’ll find a wide variety of resources available. 

5. Get a good book
Sleep is so vital to emotional and physical health, and this is especially true for returning to the routine of school. Start children on a schedule before the first day, and once school has begun, make sure there is consistency when they go to bed. Engage in two to three relaxing activities to help them wind down before falling asleep – indeed, research shows that children who read prior to bed or were read to often sleep better and longer.

Find out more about Canadian International School (CIS) at cis.edu.sg

What’s on in Singapore in January 2022

Nicole Phua will be starring at SAW

Art takes over
Singapore Art Week (SAW) returns this January for its 10th edition. It will be a celebration of the Singapore visual arts in the past decade. Over 100 events are happening across the island and online, with close to 600 artists and creatives, curators and partners from Singapore and countries such as Bangkok, China, Australia, Turkey, the UK and the States taking part. As well as on-site exhibitions, tours and trails, transnational collaborations, and virtual art experiences, art lovers can see their favourite precincts and neighbourhoods come alive with cool art launches and expanded programmes.
From 14-23 January 2022. For the latest updates, follow @sgartweek. artweek.sg

Children’s Museum Singapore

More museums incoming
In Singapore more is more, so we enter the new year with two new excellent museums. The Singapore Philatelic Museum (SPM) has been revamped to emerge butterfly-like as the new Children’s Museum Singapore (CMSG). As Singapore’s first dedicated children’s museum, it’s packed with curiosity, experimentation, sensory experiences and play. Meanwhile, Singapore Art Museum (SAM) launches the super-sleek SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark (TPD) this month, offering a range of art programming for all ages alongside family-friendly exhibitions and hip stuff for teens. Look out for the forthcoming Singapore Art Book Fair which is taking place there.
Find CMSG at 23-B Coleman Street, 179807. SAM at TP, 39 Keppel Rd, 01-02, 089065. singaporeartmuseum.sg

Well, that’s absurd
From the creators of interactive theatrical dining events Andsoforth, Absurdities is a new restaurant that’s not really a restaurant, but instead an immersive experience. Located in a secret shophouse, it uses set design, soundscape and lighting to transport guests to six different and captivating environments in 120 minutes. While doing so, you’ll enjoy an omakase of six courses and two alcoholic surprises. Nope, we don’t quite know what to expect either, but doesn’t it sound fun?!
Absurdities is at a secret location. Open Thurs to Sat, 6:30pm-10:30pm through to 29 January. andsoforth.com.sg

TV faves come to town
Fans of SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dora the Explorer and Bubble Guppies – rejoice!  “The World of Nickelodeon” is coming to town and makes for a fantastic family day out. Find yourselves in a world of interactive games and obstacles, alongside a Slime Lounge, Jellyfish Fields, a soft playground and climbing wall. There’s also the opportunity for kids (and adults) to meet their favourite Nickelodeon characters. We’ll totally understand if you need a long lie-down afterwards.
From 26 Feb 2022-17 April 2022. Let’s Play @03-208/209, Marina Square. Find out more at sistic.com.sg

Festival feeling
Keep the festive celebrations alive by heading into Little India on Saturday, 15 January. This date marks Pongol, an ancient Hindu harvest festival which gives thanks to nature for a good harvest, especially rice, and for a prosperous beginning to the year.
– Raelene Tan

Top global employee benefits trends for 2022 and beyond

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Pacific Prime_Top global employee benefits trends 2022

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, the world has been characterised by seismic changes across all industries. This has inevitably caused big changes within the area of employee benefits. From the rise of the hybrid work schedule and telehealth apps to COVID-19 insurance, these dramatic changes look set to stay. When it comes to putting yourself first in the workplace, Pacific Prime Singapore can keep you up to date with the top global employee benefits trends in 2022 and beyond.

What are the top global employee benefits trends in 2022? 

A few key trends took the industry by storm in 2021. For implementation tips and a deeper dive, download the free Global Employee Benefits Trends Report 2021.

1. A hybrid workplace model

For many, working from home has taken precedence due to Covid-19. Employees and businesses alike have discovered the benefits of remote working for employees, and workers are now demanding similar flexibility post-pandemic. This is the way to go if employers want to boost work-life balance and staff retention. 

2. Mental health benefits

It’s no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a plague upon mental health. Enter Employee Assistance Programs and their holistic approach to employee health. If you’re a business owner, consider investing in telehealth apps that provide mental health services.  

3. Holistic employee wellbeing 

Employee wellbeing is no longer just about physical health. Instead, it’s multidimensional and inclusive, with financial wellness coming out as a top concern. As mental health and financial health are intricately linked, providing workers with resources to lessen financial stress is a good idea. 

4. Diversity, equity, and inclusion goals

Women, LGBTQ+ employees, and people of colour faced the most challenges over the course of the pandemic. Besides lending them a hand during these difficult times, top talents are also attracted to companies that prioritise diversity, equity and inclusion.   

5. Flex benefits 

Flex benefits are the future. You might have noticed more Gen Zs are entering the workforce. What you should know is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to employee benefits plans. For instance, some workers might benefit from a free gym membership while others prefer child care support.  

Looking to secure the right group insurance plan? Reach out to Pacific Prime Singapore. As experienced employee benefits specialists, they offer free plan comparisons and impartial advice. Contact them today to get a free quote.

 

Beach safety essentials

It’s in our Australasian blood to spend the festivities by the beach. As much as backyard barbecues, pavlova and Carols by Candlelight are synonymous with the silly season, so too is time on the sand. There’s literally no better place to spend the well-deserved end of year break than with family and friends beside gorgeous beaches and ocean water. However, as the fine food takes hold, your togs get tighter, and the Christmas cheer grows cheerier, make sure you always follow these safety rules.

Hydrate (& hydrate)

Heat stroke and sunburn are no joke. If you plan on staying out all day, make sure you’re prepared. Bring a tent to keep the kids in the shade, wear a hat and a rashie (or t-shirt), and use a broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen with minimum SPF30. It’s also recommended to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light and prevent the risk of cataracts or other eye damage.

The only thing we want sizzling are the shrimps on the barbie and not the soles of your feet, so make sure you wear thongs when negotiating the hot sand. (Otherwise, you might end up doing the infamous tiptoeing-to-the-waters-edge-dance).

Also, bring water down to the beach in a large bottle that can be refilled. Many beaches have water fountains near the showers/changing rooms.

Swim between the flags

When the beach is patrolled, the safest place for a swim is of course right in front of the lifeguards – you’ll spot them either in a tower or a sun tent. In Australia and New Zealand, it’s safest to swim between the red and yellow flags. In Singapore, there are usually lifeguard towers on either end of the beach. As for unpatrolled beaches, don’t go swimming by yourself or venture out too far from shore. It helps to have a good understanding of the potential dangers and to be able to recognise rip currents.

Know the dangers

Rip currents (or rips) are water currents that flow away from the shoreline toward the ocean very fast. They’re a common hazard on most Australian beaches, with many people losing their lives to them. Keep your eyes peeled for these signs:

  • Deeper, dark coloured water with fewer or no breaking waves
  • Discoloured brown water and foam on the surface beyond the breaking waves
  • Rippled water and debris floating out to sea
  • If you get caught in a rip and feel yourself being pulled away from the shore, stay calm and turn on your back to float with the rip. Raise one arm, call out and signal for help.

Never swim against the rip; instead swim parallel to the shore or towards the breaking waves and let them carry you back to safety.

Beware marine life

While this doesn’t apply to Singapore so much, Oz has a reputation for being home to the deadliest animals in the world – some of which live in the ocean. If your Christmas dips are taking place in the waters of Western and Northern Australia, take heed: if you get stung by tropical stingers, call emergency services or see the lifeguards immediately. If available, apply vinegar to the sting – some beaches have a little box with a bottle near the entrance.

Adhere to warning signs

Beachy issues to be aware of include rip currents, big swell, shallow sandbanks and marine animals. Signs at the entrance to the beach will indicate any potential danger happening that day. When any of these signs are up, swim with caution. Here are some important warning signs to familiarise yourself with:

See you in 2023!

A big shout out to all our volunteers who went above and beyond for our ANZA Nippers throughout 2022. From our age managers and assistants, to doting parents and those. working tirelessly behind the scenes, thank you for your smiles and for bringing joy to the beach each week.

The past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for ANZA Nippers. We were able to increase group sizes once the restrictions ended, we had more children than ever keen to join the community, and we were able to organise the club’s infamous barbecues and family events. Just like many of the things we missed during the pandemic, they taste that much sweeter now. We wish everyone at ANZA and the Nippers community a wonderful holiday season. Stay safe!

For press and media enquiries contact Kat at sgnipperscomm@gmail.com
Stay up to date with ANZA Nippers news by following us on @sgnippers or @SingaporeNippers

Source: www.royallifesaving.com.au Find more safety tips on their website

Hotspots: Open Farm Community

As a girl who grew up in the heart of the countryside, I am au fait with a fresh vegetable. An earth-tinged potato, a bright green string bean, and a crunchy carrot complete with its leafy bits are a taste of home for me, which – let’s face it – is something that many expats are hungry for right now.

So, it’s with great joy that Open Farm Community (OFC) has launched a new ‘Farm Feast’ menu full of dishes packed with ingredients that are sustainably produced and humanely farmed from trusted local suppliers and vegetables handpicked from their on-site garden.

The new family-style tasting menu was conceived on the back of increasing dine-in restrictions and pandemic fatigue. Eating at home can feel monotonous, dining out can feel stressful. With this in mind, founder Cynthia Chua worked with head chef Oliver Truesdale to create ‘Farm Feast’. Offering hearty and healthful meals in a relaxed setting, the aim is to reignite the fun of restaurant dining and to bring people together through communication and communal food (like the good ol’ days).

The relaxed setting at OFC works from the get-go. My friend and I both arrive for dinner after a busy day, and the twinkly fairy lights, warm tropical breeze, and our table being on the outdoor deck in between the actual crops works magic on us. With a glass of natural wine in hand (they host over 1,000 organic and biodynamic wines from around the world), we are good to go.

Cauliflower Wings, OFC Sweetcorn Ribs and Farm Feast Ancient Grains and Seeds

We keep our set-menu pescatarian, keen to see the veggies sparkle as the stars of the show. The bar begins high with Cauliflower Wings (shaped like chicken drumettes) which are coated in an addictive tamarind miso sauce and sprinkles of sesame and green onions. Every flavourful bite feels gently chewy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth-in the middle (and also, nothing like cauliflower!). The SG Grown Radishes feel completely unique here in Singapore and present a raw crunch of purple, accompanied by lashings of cultured cream and a sourdough crumble. Locally sourced pumpkins come smashed with splashes of wild honey, mustard and seeds for a nutty crunch.

Fresh Seared Hokkaido scallop medallions arrive atop a creamy Hokkaido corn puree seasoned with ground black lime and a hit of wasabi. The house-farmed OFC Farm Sweet Corn – blistered till sweet and served with a dip of green peppercorn, shimichi and olive oil – makes us forget that meat exists altogether.

While we’re reliably informed that the Grassfed NZ Short Ribs, doused with mole sauce and three treatments of local onions, is a firm favourite, we’re hooked on herbage. The steamed Tiberias Barramundi fillet in smoked mussels cream, smoked ikura and puffed pulut hitam, is chunky, light and boasts an Asian familiarity without being overpowering.
Integral to the experience are the accompaniments. All orders come with Ancient Grains and Seeds, and house-made pickles such as QJ’s Kimchi – a take on the Korean staple that ferments the likes of broccoli stems and melon rinds in spice.

Closing the feast, we cleansed our palates with a refreshing Cucumber Sorbet before nose-diving into a decadent chocolate dessert made from Single Origin beans.

Verdict: Gather a gang together for the communal sharing of wholesome dishes that provide a taste of great food and freedom. Just don’t expect me to give you any of my Cauliflower Wings.

Open Farm Community’s Farm Feast caters to all dietary requirements and requires the whole table’s participation starting at S$88 pp from 6pm-9pm daily. Dishes change seasonally.

Open farm Community
130E Minden Rd, 248819
openfarmcommunity.com

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