This is where I'll post any information, warnings, and links I feel will be useful or important for fellow Australians or New Zealanders to know. After all, we need to look out for each other.

If you would like to comment, or know of a product or information that should be included here, please .

Flowers of the Spike Wattle and Hairpin Banksia, Bunyip State Park, Victoria
Photographer: Peter Neal

Read my Squidoo review of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne (and one in Sydney). 

Book recommendation

- Don't Sign Anything, by Neil Jenman, ISBN 0-958-65174-4

Thinking of buying or selling property in Australia or New Zealand? There is very little in the way of protection for consumers in the real estate industry. Don't sign anything until you get independent advice. Read this first before you make a decision that will impact on your financial security. Sellers, protect yourself with a Sellers' Protection Guarantee that you can attach to any agreement signed with any real estate agent - free of charge. 

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Buying real estate?

Don't go into real estate blind. Some excellent advice from real estate lawyer Peter Mericka B.A., LL.B of Lawyers Real Estate Pty Ltd. Spend some time exploring this website as there is a lot of useful information provided, and I also recommend getting the free autoresponse email which collates everything you need to know in one document with links to further information and explanation on the website. Peter also writes a real estate blog.  

See also Don't Sign Anything by Neil Jenman

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Trend reviews

- Chemical-free cleaning

Chemical-free cleaning is an increasing trend in Australia. It makes sense to look at alternatives when we hear reports that we are not only damaging the environment with all our chemicals, but also our health. 

Chemical-free cleaning uses microfibre materials which are designed to use cold water to break down dirt and grease and trap it in the fabric. Hot water, soap, and chemicals can inhibit the cleaning action, but mild soap can be used to launder the microfibre cloth after use. 

With a little scepticism I recently tried out the Oates Clean^{® *} Enviro Kitchen Mitt - and I'm no longer sceptical. It does work, and in some instances with far less scrubbing power than I usually need to use with ordinary detergents. It even worked on the soap residue on my glass shower screen. There is no need to rinse any surfaces after cleaning, which saves time and energy (try splashing the inside of a shower screen from the outside, without getting everything wet). I know this will cut down on the amount of detergent I use, as well as saving me a little on my energy bill by reducing the hot water used for cleaning. And a major benefit is no longer breathing in those hazardous fumes. 

Sabco Onewipe^TM * and Enjo^® * are the other two major sellers of chemical-free cleaning products. While Oates and Sabco are available in your local supermarket, Enjo is only sold through demonstration parties. Update: Woolworths/Safeway is now selling their own Homebrand chemical free products. 

*Products not made in Australia

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- Chemicals in cosmetics

There have been a number of scares over chemicals and potential carcinogens used in the mostly unregulated cosmetic industry. See a list of the most commonly used chemicals here. I haven't tried any of Vicki's chemical-free products yet, but it looks like she's on the right track. You can even learn to make your own soap.

Seven's Today Tonight on 21 September 2005 featured beauty therapist Sharon McGlinchey who has also developed a line of chemical-free organic skincare products. 

Another range of natural skin-care products is Alchemy and Akin, by The Purist Company. This range is available quite widely in natural beauty stores, and the website also has plenty of information on commonly used irritants and the natural alternatives, and an FAQ section by chemist, Will Evans. 

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- Mineral crystal deodorants

If you're nervous of using antiperspirants containing aluminium, or if you just hate the smell (and white marks) of cream deodorants or the stickiness of roll-ons, then I highly recommend trying a mineral crystal deodorant. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it works at keeping odour and moisture at bay. It dries quickly, leaving no visible or tangible residue on your skin or clothing, and has no scent at all to interfere with your choice of perfume. The odour protection lasts easily as long as an antiperspirant, and it will keep you moderately dry, although it will not prevent perspiration completely. This in itself makes the crystal a healthier option because it does allow the skin to breathe and moisture to escape. You will get several months' use out of one crystal, making it very cost effective.

Available from most supermarkets, pharmacies, and stores selling skincare products. Online suppliers in Australia include Pygmy Possum and Biome.

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Aussie Critters

If you're a cybervisitor from outside Australia or New Zealand, you probably associate kangaroos and koalas with Australian wildlife - which is correct. But let me introduce you to some of our other cuties. (Warning for ophidiophobics: The final two images below are of snakes.)

Common Brushtail Possum Photographer: Peter Neal, copyright © 2006	Common Brushtail Possum Photographer: Peter Neal, copyright © 2006	Black Wallaby (aka Swamp Wallaby) Photographer: Peter Neal, copyright © 2006
Elle with an Eastern Grey Kangaroo - a juvenile just recently out of its mother's pouch Photographer: Peter Neal, copyright © 2006	Peter with a Laughing Kookaburra Photographer: Elsa Neal, copyright © 2006	Eastern Grey Kangaroo Juvenile Photographer: Peter Neal, copyright © 2006
King Parrot (male) Photographer: Elsa Neal, copyright © 2006	Laughing Kookaburra Photographer: Peter Neal, copyright © 2006	Crimson Rosella munching a grevillea flower Photographer: Peter Neal, copyright © 2006
Water Dragon Photographer: Peter Neal, copyright © 2006	Red-bellied black snake (venomous) Photographer: Peter Neal, copyright © 2006	Broad-headed snake (venomous) Photographer: Peter Neal, copyright © 2006