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Found this on the nationals 09 message board and thought it was interesting... sorry if its already been brought up. -- Inside L, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 13:25:55"
Hi All,
My name is Joe Pezano and i work for a company Called Rising Stars Management Group. We are a Travel Manament Company that look after a number of Sporting Asociations that travel for there State, National&International Tournaments.I am working with an Irish Dancing School in Sydney for the Nationals in Geelong for 2009. I have Secured Accommodation at various Hotels and Apartments in and around the Geelong area.If anyone would like some help in securing Accommodation Flights, Vehicles,,,

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Replies:
- Has anyone actually received a reply from Joe regarding accommodation? (NT) -- What's his email and phone contact? Thanks., Sun, Aug 17 2008, 22:47:53"
- There's a nationals 09 message board? I havn't received a reply from Joe yet. (NT) -- -, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 22:56:55"
- I did get a reply, he asked how many people / group etc and said he'd get back to me. Haven't heard from him since so I've booked my own at the Mercure Geelong (NT) -- Why wait, when I could do it myself (B-)), Sun, Aug 17 2008, 23:52:20"
  - The Mercure wouldn't let me book. Said only accepting bookings from teachers. When did you book? (NT) -- Thanks, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 23:55:16"
  - Would you mind sharing how much the Mercure is please. Did you tell them it was for the dancing? Surely they can't say teachers only, what if you were just a member of the public not related to dancing? (NT) -- -, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 0:16:19"
    - I booked about 3 weeks ago. $269 per night in Queen room (NT) -- mum, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 4:47:10"
      - $269 a night! on my goodness, how can we ever afford the Nationals if that is the kind of price we have to pay? we have solo at the beginning of the week and figure at the end so have to stay 6 nights, thats over $1,600 just for a room alone. AIDA please choose somewhere more affordable for the next nationals. (NT) -- priced out of nationals, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 7:21:32"
        
        I agree, I thought it was expensive too but hey what do you do when there is nothing else available. (NT) -- mum, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 8:40:02"
        Are you kidding? What about Sydney prices....for everything!!! (NT) -- We pay $215 at Bankstown for Winter Solstice. $269 is not cheap but not out of the ordinary.....it is the Mercure, there are cheaper options., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 23:57:26"
        
        Agree, but at least for WS it is only 1 maybe 2 nights, not 6 or 7. Either way it would be great if aida could arrange a feis rate like they do for Nans, Opryland was around 50% off the normal rate, only $140 a night at that huge 5 star resort that's usually over $300 a night. (NT) -- -, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 1:12:23"
        Everyone I know paid $140 at travelodge, why were you charges so much (NT) -- Even cheaper booked on line earlier, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 10:32:34"
- No thanks Joe - GO AWAY. (NT) -- --, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 0:22:01"
- Could you attach the link to the 2009 Nationals message board please? (NT) -- thanks, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 0:37:21"
- I thought it was stressed that Joe was not linked to a Sydney Irish Dancing school? (NT) -- seems like nobody told Joe that., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 0:51:09"
  - Can one suggest that Joe might be telling an untruth? (NT) -- --, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 0:57:36"
    - Joe might be working with one or 2 of the mothers but the TC of the school posted below that she is not involved - and she is a very honest lady (NT) -- who has no reason to lie. I'm sure she is as frustrated as everyone else., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 1:23:05"
- I too have a booking at the Macure and im no teacher ( I have a booking cinfirmation number ) (NT) -- :o) bookeds about 5 months ago, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 1:03:03"
  - Price? (NT) -- please., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 1:26:21"
    - $140 per night (NT) -- so if joe trys to charge any more than this Mmmmm......., Tue, Aug 19 2008, 1:32:08"
      - The person up above is paying $269, that's a big difference. Are there different rooms to choose from? (NT) -- why the diff?, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 2:19:49"
        
        maybe because I booked sooooo early I got the prices 2007 and they did not know there were national on......thank good I have a booking number :o) (NT) -- good luck to all, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 7:58:40"
        
        I'm the $269 person and I rang the Mercure just now as thats a HUGE difference, they assure me thats the price today. But I also got a call from Joe today as I had indicated to him when he 1st posted on this message board that I was interested. Anyway he could offer me a better price in a better room. So maybe, based on the prices the Mercure is offering today he's not a bad option after all (NT) -- mum, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 8:28:50"
        
        Would you mind saying how much Joe could do it for and what kind of room it was? (NT) -- Thanks, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 8:54:56"
        
        Joe -1 brm apartment $240, Mercure was Queen room $269 (NT) -- mum, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 9:38:01"
        
        Based on that Joe is making $100 profit per room. (NT) -- Right I'm off to book out all the rooms for 2010 nats and make a killing(lol), Tue, Aug 19 2008, 10:34:54"
        
        I don't think so, the person who got the cheap rate booked in 2007, rates have gone up since then as the mercure itself is charging recent bookings $269 for a room, Joe is actually cheaper as his is an apartment. Don't like what he has done but don't think he is making $100 (NT) -- -, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 11:34:42"
        
        Take a closer look. of course he is. & posster said they were of to make booking for (NT) -- 2010. Good plan, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 13:02:03"
        
        I don't fel like i've been ripped off by Joe, I never told him how much I was quoted by the Mercure, he fair and sqaure beat the price I was offered. Maybe prices in 2007 were $140 but when I booked with the Mercure 3 weeks ago and when I confirmed the price with them today, they are charging $269. I much prefer to save $29 a night and have a more space. (NT) -- mum, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 13:13:44"
        
        The price for your room should be $190.00 Joe is making a VERY nice profit from you. As Joe has block booked so many rooms the hotel has bumped up the price of the remaining rooms. (NT) -- SUPPLY AND DEMAND, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 22:33:20"
        
        How do you know the price should be $190? The hotel website wont even show that far in advance. (NT) -- -, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 23:10:51"
        
        how do you know that ? if the price "should" be $190 why are the Mercure charging me $269 ?? (NT) -- mum, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 23:25:15"
        
        Because they can, and know desperate people will have to pay. All the hotels in Geelong are now finding out how desperate we are because of Joe kindly booking everything reasonable so as to "help" us (NT) -- To his benefit of course!, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 1:13:32"
        
        I know the price should be $190.00 as I am a travel agent and I have access to online wholesale sites. I managed to book Grand Chancellor Hobart for $155 per night for this years Nationals. (NT) -- AIDA need to do something about Joe NOW !!, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 11:47:27"
        
        So what rates can YOU offer us in Geelong? if you can't beat 'em, might as well join 'em! Would love to stay at the Sheraton but not at $300 a night. (NT) -- -, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 14:54:38"
        
        We can't offer anything as Joe has booked nearly everything available offered to agents. I am stuck like everyone else! I will NOT book through Joe, I might go to the NAN's instead of Geelong next year and take the kids to Disneyworld! (NT) -- Travel Agent Mum, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 5:03:31"
- Has anyone had a reply from Joe? I emailed him last week and have not heard back as of tonight. (NT) -- -, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 10:11:15"
  - No - I've emailed 3 times over the last 2 weeks, with only one response when I emailed someone else in the office - she said Joe would contact me on his return on 11th Aug. Today in desperation I emailed her again - still nothing. Surely it isn't so difficult? I only enquired about booking a room for set dates, within Australia, with plenty of notice. (NT) -- Nothing whatsoever heard from Joe. Not impressed., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 11:13:42"
    - Do you think Joe might be ducking for cover now - hence no response to your emails and phone calls? Has anyone received a response from this elusive man? (NT) -- It all seems a bit dodgy to me..., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 23:42:58"
      - No reply here either. Could someone from the Sydney school that Joe claims to be helping shed any light on the situation? Have you been in contact with him, please ask him to respond. (NT) -- ridiculous situation, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 23:51:10"
        
        Silly question maybe but has anyone tried to phone Rising Stars? Perhaps they aren't needing the 46 rooms at the Woolstore any more!! (NT) -- Some of us might be able to get a booking., Tue, Aug 19 2008, 0:47:28"
- Had a reply from Joe, almost every place is over $200, not affordable for us I'm afraid. (NT) -- -, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 10:14:10"
- Hi, we booked a few weeks ago. Got a fab rooms at the Henry Jones Art Hotel -- Sep living area and kitchen. $185 Just across from venue, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 10:30:25"
  - Quick Joe might be monitoring this board and snap up any spare (NT) -- rooms there!, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 10:31:32"
  - Isn't that in Hobart? we are talking about Geelong. (NT) -- -, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 11:36:01"
    - Yes you are right.. The topic has stretched from Geelong to Hobart. -- Previous posts mentioned difficulty with accom in Hobart, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 12:03:32"
      - No worries, I thought you had discovered one hotel I hadn't tried in Geelong! (NT) -- LOL!, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 12:11:59"
- Rising Stars management group office found. (NT) -- Just by accident I located a Rising Stars office. It is on Lexington Dr in Bella Vista Sydney. In the Norwest business park, Fri, Aug 22 2008, 11:26:31"
GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AT THE AISLING SCHOOL .WILL BE THERE IN SPIRIT. HELLO GERALDINE -- KATHY & TAMARA, Fri, Aug 22 2008, 9:54:26"
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Replies:
- Thanks so much Kathy and Tamara!! Still missing you. (NT) -- Aisling friends., Fri, Aug 22 2008, 10:04:39"
I was just wondering if anybody knows what type of wig Ceili Moore wears? I think it is gorgeous -- Thanks, Sun, Aug 10 2008, 7:47:13"
[Edit]

Replies:
- perhaps a sarah from melanie murphy? i know a few aislings wear them (NT) -- it looks kind of like one, Sun, Aug 10 2008, 8:52:13"
- The dancers at Aisling buy long loose curl wigs BUT then re-curl them to their own style. (NT) -- Was told by Aisling parent who's daughter had a gorgeous wig I liked., Mon, Aug 11 2008, 7:49:10"
- HI, I didn't know you could re-curl wigs, can any body offer me advice on how/when you do this?Many thanks (NT) -- Fizzy wig Mum, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 11:57:14"
  - oooh recurling wigs would save me a fortune too... my barbies can be the guinea pigs..lol (NT) -- Lee in Darwin, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 1:57:53"
  - Before it gets "fuzzy". We have recurled some of our wig - you need to spray "wig protector" (not hair spray) on your wig regularly. We spray our wig after every 6th wearing. You can recurl your wig by using a very big chunky comb (looks similar to a brush) that we bought from Liz Deans. Liz showed us how to do it - I'm sure she would show you how to curl your wig also. (NT) -- It takes a lot of time but is much cheaper than buying a new wig. Ours came up looking lovely. Many hours spent in front of the telly doing this! GOOD LUCK with curling yours., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 2:15:09"
    - Perhaps Liz Deans could write a "how to" on this and sell it with the combs. (NT) -- I'd have a go., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 3:29:46"
- That's a good idea haha I will let my mum know and get her onto that when i see her tonight! haha. (NT) -- Briony., Fri, Aug 22 2008, 5:25:12"
- i have a wig i would love to re curl as its gone all fuzzy. i would be happy to buy a special comb if i knew how to do this. what about a youtube demo?? (NT) -- wigged out mum, Fri, Aug 22 2008, 9:20:09"
Just wondering if Milton will be at NSW state Championships taking photos? -- thanks., Fri, Aug 22 2008, 2:45:49"
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Replies:
- Yes we will be blessed with fabulous photo's from Milton this weekend. (NT) -- We are so grateful Mitlon., Fri, Aug 22 2008, 2:53:20"
  - thanks and I agree with your sentiments! What would we do without Milton's photos! (NT) -- -, Fri, Aug 22 2008, 2:59:49"
MakeUp/ Wig Service @ 2008 Nationals-HOBART..Only 10 places left so if interested please email now to reserve your place. I have availability for the 7's, 9's, 12's and 15's. All other age groups are now booked out. Thankyou to all who have emailed. Your place is reserved and I will make a time once AIDA release the timetable. -- Maura, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 9:26:03"
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Replies:
- bump (NT) -- Mm, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 9:40:33"
- bump (NT) -- mm, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 4:03:28"
- Hello everyone, I am now fully booked out. Thanks to you all for the support. (NT) -- Maura McAleer, Fri, Aug 22 2008, 2:56:10"
HOBART - sponsors & advertisers for this years nationals have now been added to the aidainc site. This includes Orana House B&B (who still have rooms available) and Endota Spa (who are offerring a discount on tanning on the Tues and Wed). Please check out the aida website and support these and other local businesses who are generously supporting our championships! -- Eilidh Laws (TCRG, Hobart), Tue, Aug 19 2008, 5:06:59"
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Replies:
- and I know everyone is going to ask about tanning at the venue! We have not been able to secure an on-site tanner as yet - but we are still hopeful. If an on site vendor is found I will post a message here as soon as I can. (Endota are only a 2min walk from the venue though).... (NT) -- Eilidh, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 5:10:03"
- Will happily support our ID sponsors. Now will someone support us ID families by tellins us how much it will cost us to get into the venue? And, when we migt be able to buy these tickets. (NT) -- Fair's fair., Tue, Aug 19 2008, 5:49:50"
  - The ticket costs are now on the aida website, $30 adult (NT) -- lp, Fri, Aug 22 2008, 0:10:10"
Could someone please post the actual dates for the 2009 nationals being held in Geelong. I cannot find the dates on any sites. -- thanks, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 12:28:29"
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Replies:
- 28th Sept - 4th Oct 09 (NT) -- a mum, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 13:14:11"
  - thanks! (NT) -- thanks, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 23:00:56"
I've tried the link posted lower down to get tickets for the Australian Champs online but it doesn't seem to work. Can someone give me the actual email address please. -- Confuzzled., Thu, Aug 21 2008, 12:26:36"
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Replies:
- bump (NT) -- Confuzzled, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 12:36:53"
- www.aidainc.com (NT) -- bb, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 14:37:32"
A thought for accommodation at all future Nationals (Geelong 2009 excluded as the Joe problem already exists). -- SEE INSIDE but this would help eliminate the "Joe's" of this world., Thu, Aug 21 2008, 4:02:50"
Would it be possible for AIDA to block-book a number of hotel rooms (without depsoit as Joe has done) at "X" amount of hotels. All ID families would be notified so that they have a chance individually book accommodation with the hotels that AIDA have blocked booked. There would be an expiry date on the block-bookings after which families would have to find their own accommodation.

AIDA would not be responsible for any deposits or transactions - that would be the responsibility of each family. AIDA would have some indication (of number of rooms required) as a result of attendance at the Nationals from the previous year or when the Natioanls were held in that particular state in previous years.

[Edit]

Replies:
- I think this is how they do it for feis in America. Usually because the feis is being held in the hotel, but sometimes they secure additional hotels. Apart from everyone frantically ringing up to book the morning they are released, it seems to work really well. (NT) -- Is this possible?, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 5:21:36"
- This has been suggested down below. I think special rates were offered for the Grand Chancellor in Hobart? and also at Jupiters at the Gold Coast, don't know why it wasn't done for Geelong, maybe none of the hotels were interested. It would be great to have the nationals back at the Burswood in Perth, it's so nice to be staying right at the venue. Would gladly go back to one hall and more days of dancing for that kind of venue! (NT) -- -, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 6:06:59"
  - i agree. i enjoyed perth 100%! for some reason, im still not convinced that 2009 nationals in geelong is going to be amongst the 'memorable' ones of the gold coast and perth... (NT) -- shame...and i am from victoria!, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 6:18:57"
    - Burswood was definately the BEST Nationals I had ever been to. Fantastic staying in the hotel in just catching the lift down to dance. 2005 Gold Coast would have topped Burswood if it only had 1 hall. (NT) -- Loved Jupiters and Burswood please bring them back., Thu, Aug 21 2008, 8:20:39"
- I thought Sydney was fanstatic, Darling Harbour was amazing (NT) -- mum, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 12:15:47"
Nationals 2009 -- just thinking, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 13:51:29"
I'm sure Vic AIDA has already considered these options, but would it be possible for The 2009 Nationals to be held at one of Melbourne's many theatres?

They would certainly have adequate seating/ stage facilities. There is the Princes Theatre, The Comedy Theatre, Forum Theatre, Regent Theatre etc.

I'd assume it was too expensive to consider but there is also Crown's ballrooms.

And it would be more beneficial for people to get to a CBD location rather than in Geelong.

It would mean that even if accomodation was booked outside the CBD, people could still use the public transport system. Trains and trams ususally run quite smoothlyespeciallt to the city.

Could anyone from Vic AIDA possibly shed some light on whether this is a viable option?

[Edit]

Replies:
- AIDA Vic has been investigating possible venues for more than 5 years. Every possibility has been explored and there is nothing available/suitable in or around the Melbourne CBD, suburbs or other Regional areas in late September/ early October. Be assured that AIDA Inc and AIDA Vic are doing everything possible to ensure that the 2009 National Championships are a success....more inside -- Mary Grantham, President AIDA Vic, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 2:07:17"
  - Geelong is not the issue I think. I think its the fact that some one is trying to make a huge profit out of the fact its in Geelong with limited accommodation. But yet again a travel agent could have done the same by booking all the big hotels in Hobart (lucky they didn't). It does not effect us as we never stay in the venue hotels but I can see peoples points it just adds to the cost. BUT do we know this has anyone compared what the price would be direct with the hotel or through this snake? (NT) -- It may be much the muchness NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SNAKE!!, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 3:35:06"
    - yes see below threads (NT) -- :-), Wed, Aug 20 2008, 4:47:41"
    - There is also a lot of caravan parks with self contained cabins in and around Geelong we did this in Perth and the kids loved it it also cuts down costs when you can do your meals yourself. We were 20 minutes away from venue in Perth but had no traffic issues and prefer to be a little outside the city. (NT) -- idmum, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 5:59:24"
      - Was really hoping no-one mentioned this on the board. Hope Joe doesnt go and book these now too! (NT) -- -, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 1:18:46"
      - SHHHHH! That will be Joe's next target! (NT) -- -, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 5:56:51"
  - We really love traveling to where the Nationals are held. We are noticing that costs are ever-increasing. Being limited to expensive accommodation is nearly the final straw. Joe has made it particularly difficult for any of us to secure any reasonably price accommodation however short a stay. Points to Joe for being quick off the mark. Unfortunately, it will be at the cost of participants at the National championships. -- More inside, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 4:00:22"
- I don't know if Joe is the only issue though... -- It all comes down to money at the end of the day., Wed, Aug 20 2008, 4:21:08"
  - No, it's not - it is however, the straw that may well break the camel's back for a lot of families. (NT) -- --, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 4:56:22"
- Were there issues with the Camberwell venue that was used last Victorian nationals? Has ID outgrown that type of venue? (NT) -- -, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 4:53:45"
  - We had outgrown that venue before we ever used it, way too small, literally could not get into the rooms to watch dd dance. It was only used as an emergency venue when there was a problem with the original venue booked. (NT) -- -, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 5:02:21"
- thankyou to Mary Grantham for taking the time to come on here to explain all this AGAIN. Why are we all so quick to jump to conclusions and point the finger so quickly and assuming it's all down to laziness etc of the hosting state! (NT) -- lets try to enjoy the dancing :), Wed, Aug 20 2008, 6:53:17"
  - I second that - Thank you Mary for your explanation yet again! It's very easy to complain when other people are doing the hard yards in organising this event! It's not AIDA Vic's fault that this Joe person is unscrupulous and by the looks of it a profiteer! (NT) -- IDMum, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 1:03:04"
- Nationals -- Ellen (Happy), Wed, Aug 20 2008, 8:49:54"
  - its on the aida site now in their online shop (NT) -- have fun, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 6:15:47"
AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP ADMISSION TICKETS - now available on the website. www.aidainc.com -- AIDA Inc, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 14:18:14"
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Replies:
- Can we purchase these at the venue. These cimbinations? (NT) -- ?, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 23:46:44"
- I would like to thank AIDA for their new initiative. I love the on-line ordering for tickets and merchandise. It took me about 5 minutes in both cases instead of I don't know how long in the line. (NT) -- Happy Mum, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 1:29:34"
The Problem is... -- -, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 0:33:25"
People will be desperate, Joe has all the rooms, so they won't wait, they will book through Joe even if they don't really want to, he will make a nice profit and now that he knows there is money to be made, he will just wait until the city is announced each year and do the same again and again.
The question is what will AIDA do to prevent this total buy out of most of the available rooms in the host city for future years? Fair enough, he caught us unawares this time, but now that we know about him, something needs to be done. Nationals must be booked in a city that will offer us a suitable venue and also offer us a special deal on accommodation. If a deal can't be done, such as in Geelong, then that city is not chosen. It doesn't matter how desperate that state is to host the Nationals, if they can't offer the complete package of venue and accom at a conference rate, then they should stand back and let another city take it.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Part of the problem seems to be that Hobart and Geelong are fairly small cities, at least compared with others where the Nationals have been held recently. I appreciate some people may not want to travel, but most have to wherever it is held, and many make this their one big annual holiday, so somewhere with plenty of accommodation and lots of tourist facilities would be so much preferable, and would avoid Joe monopolising and profiting from us on hotel bookings (NT) -- next time please AIDA? I will not book anywhere through Joe!, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 1:07:31"
- It would be awful to see a profiteer like Joe, who is monopolising the accommodation in Geelong area, affect the numbers entering and attending the Nationals in 2009. This is the big picture. His inflated price affects families and their limited budgets. I think the AIDA should be concerned by this, particularly the VIC branch of the AIDA. If families choose not to come due to accommodation costs, on top of all the other costs involved with the competition and numbers are down, you have less of a chance of covering the costs of running the event. (NT) -- Food for thought, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 2:27:17"
- Most accommodation are requesting deposits by Jan/Feb. If held rooms do not have deposits by then, these rooms would surely have to be released. There may be quite a few options for accommodation early in the year which still leaves time before the Nationals. Price though, may still be an issue as accommodation now realise they have a captive market! Dealing directly with motels through email has been the best option for me. I then keep a written record of quotes so I can get a fixed price. (NT) -- Good luck - maybe Joe will have quite a number of unbooked rooms come 2009!, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 23:48:47"
- I've been getting some hopeless suggestions from Joe for rooms in Geelong. All I want is two beds, and he keeps offering me queen bed rooms (apartments actually). Yesterday he said another client had told him the Mercure had rooms for $267, indicating maybe I should contact them myself. Some travel agent - if he can't sell the rooms he's booked he won't even find out about others; we have to do that ourselves. (NT) -- Not exactly helpful Joe! I'll book my own room, Thu, Aug 21 2008, 0:25:42"
NSW State Solo Championships -- Allison Bennett TCRG, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 8:11:46"
Doors will open at the following times -
Friday 9.45am
Saturday 8.15am
Sunday 9.00am

Please remember that Club rules apply at all times.

Many thanks

[Edit]

Replies:
- time for U12 please (NT) -- I have conflicting information about what time the U12 girls are dancing - does any one know if it is 11.30am or 1.30pm (Thanks), Tue, Aug 19 2008, 10:40:54"
  - if you mean the 12yrs they are on Saturday at 11.30am. the presentation and results are at 1.30pm. the 11yrs (u12) are on at 9.30am (NT) -- :), Tue, Aug 19 2008, 11:57:55"
    - sorry that should have been 9am for the 11yrs. 11.30am for 12yrs. sat timetable inside. -- ;), Tue, Aug 19 2008, 12:02:24"
- Timetable -- Allison Bennett TCRG, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 0:08:07"
- Does anyone know what the door charge per person is for the NSW State Championships? (NT) -- Is there a reduced price for 2 days or 3 days etc. Thanks, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 4:24:58"
- bump (NT) -- ..., Wed, Aug 20 2008, 23:51:29"
Does anyone require accommodation in Hobart. I have a 5 bed room close to the venue if anyone is interested. -- L, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 0:20:05"
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Replies:
- I am not making any money on this, I have booked this apartment and no longer need it. (NT) -- :), Wed, Aug 20 2008, 2:30:42"
  - I just rang the Henry Jones Hotel right across the road from the venue. They still have rooms for $195 per night and it looks really nice. (NT) -- They also have some for $240 per night but be quick!, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 8:57:32"
Entries to the Southern Cross Feis close this weekend. -- Miss Jan, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 5:57:40"
[Edit]

Replies:
- May we give them to you at the State this weekend? (NT) -- Thanks Miss Jan, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 6:15:59"
  - yes you can. (NT) -- Miss Jan, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 6:48:42"
    - Thanks Miss Jan! (NT) -- See you there., Wed, Aug 20 2008, 8:56:05"
Has it been confirmed that the people who posted entries for the Southern Cross Feis before it was postponed are still entered? -- thanks!, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 4:43:08"
[Edit]

Replies:
- for the revised date in September (I forgot to add) (NT) -- -, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 4:47:12"
- All entries posted to the Southern Cross Feis are included in the competition. (NT) -- Miss Jan, Wed, Aug 20 2008, 5:56:33"
Mrs May Dwyer, Mother of Maureen Whelan and Joan Livermore, Grandmother of Bernadette Whelan, passed away this morning, aged 97 years. Mrs Dwyer was an integral part of the Irish Dancing Community and was the Secretary of the INA for many years. She will be sorely missed by all. Please keep Maureen, Joan, Bernadette and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this sad time -- ., Tue, Aug 19 2008, 6:41:01"
[Edit]

Replies:
- Our prays are with you Maureen, Joan and Bernie at this sad time. God bless. (NT) -- May she rest in peace xx, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 7:01:34"
- Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time. (NT) -- Maura McAleer and Family, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 7:29:41"
- My thoughts are with you and your families during this sad time. (NT) -- b, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 8:13:57"
  - God bless you all at this very sad time. Thinking of you. (NT) -- In my prayers., Tue, Aug 19 2008, 13:07:54"
- d -- D.W, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 14:13:40"
- Our thoughts are with Maureen & Bernadatte and their families at this sad time. (NT) -- Thinking of you, Catherine, Jennifer and everyone at the Oxenham Studio., Tue, Aug 19 2008, 23:23:30"
- Sincere condolences to Maureen and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. (NT) -- Michelle Bacon (nee Tidmarsh), Wed, Aug 20 2008, 3:46:40"
sorry if it has already asked but can someone please post the vic team timetable -- THANKS, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 9:53:11"
[Edit]
Wollogong Feis Closing date extended to 25th August -- C May, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 3:18:44"
The closing date for the Wollongong Feis has been extended to Monday 25th August. Please see your teacher for an entry form or download it from the aidainc website... http://www.aidainc.com/syllabus/WollongongFeisentryform08.pdf

[Edit]

Replies:
- Thank You!!! (NT) -- Happy Mum, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 7:43:13"
Is anyone interested in a cheap holiday in the snow? I have timeshare which is due to expire so this holiday must be taken before the end of August. I have booked a 2 bedroom/sleeps 6 self contained unit at MANSFIELD COUNTRY CLUB RESORT-Victoria, near the Mt. Buller and Mt. Stirling snowfields. I am selling at my cost of $700 BUT I've listed it on eBay as an Auction starting at $350 so a real bargain to be had if you can take off for a week. Link to eBay lising - -- http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOLIDAY-Last-minute-getaway-near-Victorian-snowfields_W0QQitemZ120293640587QQihZ002QQcategoryZ16123QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem, Tue, Aug 12 2008, 4:51:16"
[Edit]

Replies:
- Is your name "Joe?" (NT) -- lol, Tue, Aug 12 2008, 5:04:48"
  - LOL that's funny....NO I'm not Joe. Just another ID family who can't use their timeshare because they travel to Nationals with daughter. (NT) -- Genuine offer. Very cheap holiday. These resorts are always 4-5 star, great family accommodation., Tue, Aug 12 2008, 5:49:12"
    - Ok, good luck - wish we had time to take up this fantastic offer! (NT) -- :-), Wed, Aug 13 2008, 1:15:57"
    - Me too! wish we could take a week in the snow but nows not the time. (NT) -- Hate to miss a bargain., Thu, Aug 14 2008, 3:26:43"
- Come on guys. Any takers? (NT) -- Bargain!!!!, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 0:37:52"
- For goodness sake...this is getting buried under Joe. Anyone know of anyone who might be interested in this bargain? Genuine, seriously good deal. I just don't want to lose all my money and waste a great holiday. (NT) -- I'm locked in to this week but can't take it., Sat, Aug 16 2008, 1:08:35"
- have tried using your link and nothing happens !!!!! (NT) -- ., Sat, Aug 16 2008, 12:42:22"
  - Oh ok. Please try again I'll post the link again for you to copy. I've tried it and it does get me to the right place. Also if you search ebay.com.au "holiday last minute" it comes up hilighted in purple. (NT) -- Link - http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOLIDAY-Last-minute-getaway-near-Victorian-snowfields_W0QQitemZ120293640587QQihZ002QQcategoryZ16123QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem ............., Sun, Aug 17 2008, 2:20:54"
- COPY FROM http to ViewItem (NT) -- Thank you!, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 2:22:55"
  - If you put the link inside the message instead of in the subject line, it will come up as a clickable link..have a look inside... -- -, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 2:51:24"
    - Thank you very much! (NT) -- A novice at this., Sun, Aug 17 2008, 3:01:44"
- Trying to keep this above Joe! This is a genuine offer, at least I won't be making a profit! Unless there's a bun fight for it before auction closes....I wish!!! (NT) -- $50 a night in a 4-5 star resort, you can't beat that., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 1:12:42"
- This holiday just sold for $350. (NT) -- A true bargain!!!!!, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 4:41:34"
  - Lucky winner - hope they have a blast! (NT) -- wish it were us!, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 4:54:35"
Could AIDA please give an indication of what entry tickets will cost to the Nationals in Hobart. -- We have a large family contingent coming and I want to budget for the cost of entry., Thu, Aug 14 2008, 4:51:39"
[Edit]

Replies:
- Come on AIDA, give us some feed back - no repsones make it hard for families (NT) -- Please........., Fri, Aug 15 2008, 9:44:21"
- ANy information would really be helpful. (NT) -- Its frustrating - come on AIDA - why the silence?, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 10:42:24"
- Maybe Joe has block booked all the tickets! (NT) -- Hee, hee, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 11:14:42"
  - Now THAT is funny, thanks for the laugh ROFLOL (NT) -- Mum, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 11:38:37"
- this is ridiculous. can anyone from aida please give us prices? (NT) -- dm, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 11:45:46"
- Even if it's an indicative price - please (NT) -- -, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 0:38:25"
- Could AIDA at least let us know WHEN we might have this information. (NT) -- We would all stop asking., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 1:39:39"
- Thanks AIDA appreciate the timetable for the Nationals. Will it be possible to pre-purchase entry tickets before arriving in Hobart. (NT) -- As an alternative, can we purchase entry tickets the day before we are dancing? I dont want to get stuck in the queue like what happened at the Gold Coast., Tue, Aug 19 2008, 3:09:19"
- bumping! (NT) -- please?, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 4:21:18"
Timetable for the Nationals is out. See the Nationals website. For those who have booked in for Makeup/Wigs I will be sending you a booking time over the next week. Thankyou. -- Maura, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 1:38:07"
[Edit]

Replies:
- thanks for letting us know does anybody have an idea of how many girls will be competing in the 17yrs ladies? (NT) -- would really like to know. aida?, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 2:06:03"
- bump (NT) -- anyone?, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 4:00:07"
fab new dresses for sale on aaron crosbie web site if looking for a dress you really should have a look!!!! -- crosbie fan, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 20:12:41"
[Edit]

Replies:
- Do you think a website address may be helpful? (NT) -- Don't have time to search the net, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 22:47:05"
- Not OP but her you go..... http://aaron-crosbie.com/ (NT) -- 2 seconds on Google...easy to find!, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 2:32:45"
  - Thanks but that didnt work (NT) -- like the first response - dont have time to waste searching the net., Sun, Aug 17 2008, 10:39:01"
    - Worked fine for me. Did you copy and paste it correctly? -- Link inside, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 11:18:15"
    - But you have time to post replies here (NT) -- Probably takes more time to post here than look it up, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 11:22:46"
      - Oh come on - replying on the message board is quick and simple. Searching for something as open ended as "irish dance dress" takes some serious time. (NT) -- wouldnt you agree?, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 0:28:46"
        
        op tells you which site to look for a simple search of aaron crosbie dresses brought the correct website up as the first result for me (NT) -- .., Tue, Aug 19 2008, 0:53:04"
        
        But it didnt for me! (NT) -- -, Tue, Aug 19 2008, 1:01:32"
- Hi here's the correct link http://www.aaron-crosbie.com/itemsforsale.htm, (NT) -- Hope that help's !!, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 11:42:37"
C'mon AIDA. 1 month, 2 weeks and 5.5 days. -- Can we please have the times for the Nationals., Mon, Aug 11 2008, 12:39:44"
[Edit]

Replies:
- Entry fees too please. What's taking AIDA so long? (NT) -- ??, Tue, Aug 12 2008, 0:35:16"
  - bump bump bump :-) (NT) -- ., Tue, Aug 12 2008, 5:29:38"
- 1 months, 2 weeks and 3.5 days. (NT) -- A timetable would be nice please AIDA, Wed, Aug 13 2008, 13:40:03"
- 1 month, 2 weeks, 2 days. We need to leave as soon as my daughter's results are over. Still have flights to book! (NT) -- Please AIDA!, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 10:14:59"
- Praise the Lord! The timetable for the Nationals is now up on the nationals site. (NT) -- Thank you AIDA, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 14:00:45"
- bump (NT) -- *|*, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 21:13:37"
Tir an Oir photos now available on www.swoose.net -- Milton Baar, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 12:58:43"
[Edit]

Replies:
- Thank you Milton, lovely photos as always, and thanks for coming to Canberra (NT) -- ., Sat, Aug 16 2008, 13:20:40"
- Aww, I miss you guys - wish I was there! Thanks Milton :) (NT) -- Catherine, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 13:57:23"
- We miss you too Catherine. (NT) -- Come home soon., Sat, Aug 16 2008, 14:33:20"
  - WATCH OUT FOR SCORPIONS CATHERINE!! HeHe (NT) -- Jannell, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 12:05:42"
- placings for 15 years please (NT) -- cheers, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 22:41:35"
  - 15 & 16 yrs were combined - 1st - Sophie Parfitt - Simpson, 2nd - Laura Corkhill - Simpson, 3rd - Claire Dillon - Sullivan, 4th - Elizabeth Feint - Simpson, = 5th - Katherine Musgrove - Gregory & Anita Carr - Tir an Oir, 7th - Jacqueline Hauesler - Simpson, 8th - Asher Larnach - Maher, 9th - Ian Petelczyc - Tir an Oir, 10th - Danielle Resiak - Sullivan. 18 yrs and under - 1st - Laura Hannon - Simpson, 2nd - Claire Petelczyc - Tir an Oir (NT) -- Parent, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 23:27:34"
- Thanks Milton! We have missed you, your photos are always so much better than anything I could do. (NT) -- Thankful Cbr mum, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 6:04:13"
- Any more results?? (NT) -- cs, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 8:06:34"
  - Bump!! (NT) -- cs, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 11:44:54"
    - Any more results?? (NT) -- --, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 15:31:06"
- 7 & 8 Years Intermediate 1st Leah Town, Simpson 2nd Lara Haynes, Simpson 3rd Zoe Hoare, Simpson 4th McCawley Jordan, Gregory 5th Alana Cunningham, Tir An Oir 6th Fiona Ballard, Tir An Oir 7th Daniel Maloney Tir An Oir (NT) -- ACT Mum, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 8:56:11"
- 7 & 8 Years Open 1st Allison Manuel, Simpson 2nd Sophie Kelly, Simpson 3rd Lara Haynes, Simpson 4th Kelaney Davey, Simpson 5th Zoe Hoare, Simpson (NT) -- ACT Mum, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 8:57:56"
- Thankyou to all the Simpson and Tir an oir parents that helped with the quick pack up at the end. (NT) -- Kathryn, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 9:01:08"
  - Your welcome! (NT) -- Non Simpson or TiranOir parent., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 7:39:15"
    - Sorry! I'd forgotten there was one Gregory left at the end. Thankyou to everyone who helped. (NT) -- Kathryn, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 11:15:36"
- Sunday photos now available (NT) -- Milton Baar, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 12:34:15"
  - I can't see them!! Maybe it's just me.... (NT) -- --, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 12:40:47"
    - Have you tried refreshing your browser - that may do the trick - usually F5 or something similar (NT) -- Milton Baar, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 12:44:57"
      - Yep, Works now!! (NT) -- cs, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 15:29:41"
  - Gorgeous photos, thanks Milton (NT) -- ., Sun, Aug 17 2008, 13:00:12"
  - Thanks for coming to Canberra - great photos (NT) -- Appreciate your time, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 13:45:23"
- Are there any other results?!?! (NT) -- ********, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 4:14:43"
- Nine years?? (NT) -- ----, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 5:02:51"
- 9 years results,Tir an Oir -- Michelle Dwyer, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 8:15:27"
  - Great results!! (NT) -- **, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 14:10:33"
can anyone tell us what time the revesby workers club and bankstown sports club will be open for the solo and teams -- ta, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 10:46:53"
[Edit]

Replies:
- Teams are at Bankstown Sports Club (NT) -- /, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 13:39:55"
  - Er, yes, that's what the OP says - OP wants to know what time both places are open! (NT) -- :-), Mon, Aug 18 2008, 0:23:13"
- bump (NT) -- Mum, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 7:36:01"
Who is Joe? -- Very Concerned parent., Fri, Aug 08 2008, 0:02:39"
Does anyone know who this Joe character is who has booked all the accommodation in Geelong during the time of our 2009 Nationals Irish Dancing Championships. If Joe reads this board I hope he can tell us about himself and what he has to offer to the Irish Dance community. In the mean time, I hope everyone will pass this message to everyone they know in Irish Dancing and warn their class members not to make any booking through Joe or anyone unofficially recognized by AIDA. I also hope AIDA will act upon this and advise all members to alert parents and dancers. If Joe adds is 10% commission to all bookings not only will he make a small fortune but it will cost families an average of $50 to $200 extra for their accommodation.

I usually book a year in advance for our National Championships accommodation and I am very concerned that I am being told by most hotels they have no availability 14 months prior to the event.

[Edit]

Replies:
- I do recall 'Joe' posting on the board when it was announced that Geelong was going to be hosting next year. Perhaps his email address is still buried somewhere in the archives? (NT) -- This sounds ridiculous!, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 0:28:28"
- Just looked at the Quest website, I wonder what Joe's rates will be, their current rates are studio apt $135, 1BR apt $155 and 2BR apt $210. Will be interesting to compare. So Joe, how much will you charge us? (NT) -- -, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 0:36:57"
- I made a booking at the Mercure in Geelong on Tuesday. They told me they only had queen rooms left and they are $269.00 per night. THey'd better be great rooms at that price, I am only paying $210 at the Grand Chancellor (TAS) for a King room!! (NT) -- I think they all put up their prices when they know its "event" time., Fri, Aug 08 2008, 1:05:58"
  - I just phoned the Mercure and was told that teachers had booked out nearly all the rooms!! They wouldn't let me book at all. So how did you manage to make a booking? We haven't got a hope if teachers have booked some hotels out and Joe has booked out the others!!! (NT) -- Time to move the Nationals to the Gold Coast!, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 4:36:55"
- Hey Joe, you might want to buy some Irish Dance dresses while you are at it and inflate the prices on these. (NT) -- Dont limit your greediness to accommodation only., Fri, Aug 08 2008, 2:01:10"
- Can we change Joe's name to Wally and then we can ask "WHERE'S WALLY?" (NT) -- Joe is behaving like a WALLY!, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 3:01:58"
- When I tried to book accommdation a couple of months ago at The Quest I was told that Joe a director of a company called The Rising Star Managament Agent has already taken a block booking. Fine I thought I would try a couple of other venues, however same story. When I contacted Joe to enquiry about accommdation ( and it took 4 calls before I could speak to him) he would not confirm how much the rooms would cost - enought said !!!! I have to admit like others I am so angry that this company has been allowed to block book so much accommdation by the hotel owners in Geelong. (NT) -- D Mum, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 3:12:07"
- There isnt anything to worry about as long as no body books through him. If he has no deposit by january all acommidation he has booked becomes available again. (NT) -- we all gotta hold out, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 3:47:56"
- I was given his email by one of the booked hotels, and wrote to enquire about rooms, but I got an automated reply that he is away from June to 14th August. The very helpful hotel person I spoke to laughed at the fact Joe wouldn't even know the hotel prices for next year as they hadn't been fixed yet, even though he has booked all the rooms for two weeks. Rising Star has a website, but even emailing somone else in Travel elicited the same response that Joe is away till next week. (NT) -- Not impressed., Fri, Aug 08 2008, 3:51:41"
- Why doesn't somebody contact the media? Legally I'd say he wouldn't be doing anything wrong but bad publicity isn't going to help his business. If everyone also boycotts him then the hotels will be left with no bookings so maybe do a mass campaign to them too. (NT) -- not going to Geelong, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 4:23:39"
  - i think this fella just went about things the wrong way. If he had contacted AIDA & got approval to book on their behalf, things may be looking a bit different. (NT) -- I don't think this will really interest the media IMHO, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 4:38:54"
    - i agree. if we give him a chance we might find that he is acually helping us by making the accomadation available to only us. also its not as though he didnt give us warning. he posted on this board several months ago. (NT) -- ., Fri, Aug 08 2008, 4:46:54"
      - maybe someone could bump that post? (NT) -- tia, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 4:53:15"
      - He NEVER said he was booking ALL the accomodation in his self promotion post. (NT) -- ....., Fri, Aug 08 2008, 5:23:38"
        
        Exactly, and I am quite capable of picking up the phone and making my own booking directly with the hotel, I don't need help with that, he is hindering me as I want to make a booking and can't, I want to book direct, not through a third party. Don't need his help thanks very much. (NT) -- Boycott Joe!, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 5:40:32"
        
        How did Joe even come to be involved in our nationals? Did he just hear that they would be on and see it as a business opportunity for himself? Or did he hear it was on and think 'gee those irish dancers seem lovely, how about I do the right thing by them and completely book all the hotels they need and not tell them'. (NT) -- What do you think?, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 6:18:22"
        
        I heard that Joe is associated with a Sydney Irish dance school. (NT) -- Why don't they just tell him to back off?, Sat, Aug 09 2008, 0:09:10"
        
        This is what I was told as well. That a Sydney ID school has hired him and accomm will only be available through him. (NT) -- It's ridiculous and means we won't be going!, Sat, Aug 09 2008, 6:33:52"
        
        Which school? Doubt they would have (NT) -- sanctioned Joes actions. Aida will sort it out., Sat, Aug 09 2008, 7:16:14"
        Yes it's true. He is definitely attached in some way to a Sydney school. (NT) -- It's common knowledge., Sat, Aug 09 2008, 8:51:52"
        
        He is not attached to a Sydney school. (NT) -- not booking through joe, Sun, Aug 10 2008, 0:50:03"
        
        i heard he some connections with the halloran school (NT) -- not naming names lol but just from what ive heard..., Fri, Aug 15 2008, 4:09:32"
        
        You might like to read Donna Halloran's reply just further down! (NT) -- A Halloran mum, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 12:28:23"
        
        Well Joe himself says (on the Nationals 09 board) that he is working with a Sydney ID school. (NT) -- It's straight from the horse's mouth., Mon, Aug 18 2008, 0:53:28"
    - You kidding? Have you not seen the crap Today Tonight and ACA roll out disguised as a story? (NT) -- This would be their headliner, Wed, Aug 13 2008, 12:22:22"
- haha i reckon someone should contact a current affairs show like today tonight and get them to investigate into it! it might be interesting and worth a laugh! (NT) -- haha this sounds really sneaky to me-dont fall for it!, Fri, Aug 08 2008, 10:23:34"
  - Geelong Motor Inn still have vacancies but some of the Tripadvisor reviews on it are dreadful. Does anyone know it if's OK? (NT) -- Thanks., Fri, Aug 08 2008, 23:26:51"
    - 1 and a half star accommodation (NT) -- -, Sat, Aug 09 2008, 12:39:32"
- I just googled "Joe Pezzano" and found this photo of Joe Pezzano of Rising Stars Travel. It seems he is not in Sydney at all. link inside this post -- angry mum, Sat, Aug 09 2008, 12:22:24"
- Accommodation -- Donna Halloran, Sat, Aug 09 2008, 13:06:54"
  - Hi Donna, I hope you and all other teachers will advise parents and dancers not to book through him. (NT) -- Please bring this up at the next meeting. It is not fair that we will have to pay more money!, Sat, Aug 09 2008, 13:11:54"
  - thanks donna (NT) -- =), Sat, Aug 09 2008, 13:24:08"
    - Well if Joe Pezzano is related to someone at the aforementioned school then surely the relatives can tell him that the Irish Dancing Community is not impressed??? (NT) -- Surely a simple answer., Sun, Aug 10 2008, 2:22:03"
- If Joe doesnt reply by the date stated in his emails I wil personally take him to both A Current Affair and Today Tonight. Im sure they would love a story like this (NT) -- Not interested in being ripped off, Sat, Aug 09 2008, 13:48:09"
  - Actually I just remembered I have a brochure that was left on the tables at the Reserve Premiership in NSW. This company was also supplying accomodation for the NANs (NT) -- Not sure what I did with the brochure though, does anybody else recall this?, Sat, Aug 09 2008, 13:50:26"
- How lovely for him to go/ afford a holiday from June to 14 August, business must be doing well !!!!!!! (NT) -- DM, Sat, Aug 09 2008, 15:29:59"
- and i think people are forgetting that the venue in Geelong is a dump aswel!! i think someone needs to seriously look at everything again becuase i would hate there to be no aussies becuase of the venue and becuase of some random guy booking everything out...PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO WANT TO COME SOON PLEASE DO SOMETHING AND GIVE US SOME ANSWERS thanks (NT) -- WORRIED, Sun, Aug 10 2008, 10:00:17"
  - Stop trolling about the venue (NT) -- only problem is the seedy businessman, just boycott him and hopefully he'll make the loss he deserves., Wed, Aug 13 2008, 12:29:42"
    - Yes, and how do you suggest we "boycott" this buffoon when he has booked a huge proportion of the available accommodation? It's expensive enough to got to the ID Nats without having to hire a car because thanks to Turkey Joe we have to stay 45 minutes drive away. (NT) -- It's not about the venue - my problem is with Joe, Thu, Aug 14 2008, 2:18:33"
      - If no body books with him he wont be able to make the deposit meaning all his booked accomodation will become open to hte public again. (NT) -- We've just got to wait abit, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 2:43:30"
- I am spreading the word around. Don't book through Joe. Fair enough if someone wants to help, but this is NOT the way to go about it. (NT) -- boycott joe!, Thu, Aug 14 2008, 2:23:25"
Not Much -- Me, Mon, Aug 18 2008, 0:43:17"
Heyy

[Edit]
FISHER'S GHOST FEIS - It's that time again. Entry forms soon to be available from www.irishdancinginsydney.com and www.colleensofcanberra.com. Dates: 20 & 21 September; Set dances: No recall, so all competitors compete in set dance round (good practice for the Australian!); Adjudicator Eileen Mulcahy ADCRG. We hope to see you all there. -- Campbelltown Irish Association, Thu, Aug 14 2008, 5:45:48"
[Edit]

Replies:
- Looking forward to it, was a lovely feis last year :) (NT) -- id mum, Thu, Aug 14 2008, 5:48:50"
- One of my favourites. Best trophies, nice atmosphere and last year there was an awesome canteen. (NT) -- Looking forward to it., Thu, Aug 14 2008, 23:14:36"
- Where is this feis held. Would like to come. (NT) -- Melbourne mum, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 0:36:48"
  - It is being held at St Gregory's College, Badgally Rd Campbelltown. It's about 40 minutes from Sydney Airport. Great venue, big stage, and awesome canteen! (NT) -- ID Mum, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 0:50:48"
    - Thanks. Sounds great! Hope we can come. (NT) -- ;-)), Fri, Aug 15 2008, 11:35:51"
- Maybe some kind Sydney families could pick up dancers at the airport if that is on their way. (NT) -- Always good to have lots of competition., Fri, Aug 15 2008, 5:54:26"
- when will the entries be available, will the entry advise which days which ages are on ?? (NT) -- hope so, makes it easier, not wasting money on something you can do :-), Fri, Aug 15 2008, 9:36:30"
  - oops meant can't do (NT) -- , bad typer, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 9:39:07"
- I have just put the entry form up on the Simpson site, I will put the link inside... -- Lisa, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 11:05:15"
  - What ages on each dqy please. Impossible to enter if that basic info is not given. No need for times just days . (NT) -- Please, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 10:31:45"
- Is it possible for the 14's and over to be on the same day. (NT) -- //, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 13:40:59"
Hi dancers, teachers and parents! Next month's issue of IDM's Dancing Down-Under will be a State Championships special! So... I'm looking for loads and loads of pics of dancers who took part in their state's championships. I will attend the NSW Championships... but I need help with all the other states. Please email me pics, and any info of interest to me at: niamhchampion@hotmail.com Cheers, Niamh. -- Niamh Champion (Urgent), Wed, Aug 13 2008, 12:54:41"
[Edit]

Replies:
- A big thanks to the Kavanagh School in WA for your pics! To all other dancers from other schools and states - please get those pics in! Anyone going to class tomorrow please tell your fellow dancers to email me their pics... my email is easy - its my full name at hotmail... niamhchampion@hotmail.com, Cheers. (NT) -- Niamh Champion (Urgent), Wed, Aug 13 2008, 17:22:43"
- wow!!! thanx I cant wait for the next issue of IDM!!! (NT) -- Photographic, Wed, Aug 13 2008, 21:59:17"
- the qld states starts tomorrow, so i'm sure alot will send some pics to you after they finish on sunday. (NT) -- -, Thu, Aug 14 2008, 8:05:53"
- Thanks to everyone for all their pics... Some of you are extremely cute! You all deserve to have your pic in the mag... so keep on sending them, and spreading the word.. G'luck QLD! (NT) -- Niamh Champion (Urgent!), Thu, Aug 14 2008, 8:32:44"
- BUMP (NT) -- bumpy, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 4:30:52"
PLEASE POST QLD STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS HERE -- dancer, Thu, Aug 14 2008, 23:11:16"
[Edit]

Replies:
- bump (NT) -- jhk, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 4:00:38"
Hmm -- Dancer, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 2:10:38"
Moderator, could you please tell us if all these pro rising star posts are from the same person? Im guessing Joe is back from a holiday... or has employees posting pro joe posts. We are not "idiots" as you may think joe, as one the posts stated.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Earlier on, the Moderator confirmed that all the "Joe" posts were from the same person. (NT) -- So ridiculous, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 5:58:15"
  - Ok. This is interesting. I phoned the Woolstore in Hobart. There are five rooms booked under the name of Joe Pezzano and 41 rooms booked under Rising Stars Group. The hotel said these 41 rooms are booked for hockey teams. So Joe and Rising Stars have at least 46 rooms booked at the Woolstore in Hobart from 29th Sept. That's why it's full. (NT) -- He has been very quick off the mark., Sat, Aug 16 2008, 6:08:51"
- Yes all the posts in defence of Joe are from the same person from a Melbourne suburb. (NT) -- Moderator, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 6:14:44"
  - I wonder if the hockey players feel the same way we all do? 41 rooms...that's a lot of hockey players. (NT) -- Wondering, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 6:25:39"
- I was told there was also an Antarctic meeting on at the same time, and they usually use the Woolstore, so there will be more unhappy people searching for accommodation in Hobart that hasn't been snapped up by (NT) -- Joe, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 11:40:16"
- Thanks Mod, seems to me like Joe is trying to persuade us to book through him. (NT) -- How ridiculous, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 12:59:24"
- Maybe this pro Joe person could tell us all who they are and why they are supporting him. I am assuming all the posts have been removed as I cant find them.He is ruining the reputation for Vic AIDA and Geelong as the host city! (NT) -- ID mum catland., Sun, Aug 17 2008, 0:21:53"
  - I think that ship has sailed long before Joe emerged. Victoria hosting Nationals is not something that people look forward to. 2002 was a joke! Let's hope that low expectations leads to an AWESOME event. I remember Perth 2003 when heaps of people boycotted due to the distance and it was absolutely fabulous. It still remains a benchmark for us. (NT) -- Let's keep an open mind. Our attitudes will add to the atmosphere! Maybe staying in the city and shuttling will work so who needs Joe's rooms. PEACE!, Sun, Aug 17 2008, 2:10:48"
Got them thanks Milton....cool as usual. -- DM, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 13:02:01"
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Hi Milton....thanks for doing that so quickly, however, I'm getting a message that says "source not found"....just wondering if I am doing something wrong. -- DM, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 12:52:31"
[Edit]

Replies:
- It says it's a 404 error....just so you know. (NT) -- DM, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 12:53:55"
- Just me fighting with the MAC!!!! (NT) -- Milton Baar, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 12:57:34"
Hi Milton, can you tell me when you'll be posting the pics of the Tir an Oir Feis please. -- DM, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 12:11:25"
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Replies:
- Soon I hope - I have just started using a MAC and I am trying to replicate what I used to do on he PC - it is not so easy......I am not that smart (NT) -- Milton Baar, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 12:15:20"
  - We think you are very smart....and very generous in the time you spend taking pics of our children. Thankyou. (NT) -- DM., Sat, Aug 16 2008, 12:26:59"
Any Tir An Oir results yet? -- --, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 10:05:30"
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Replies:
- 19-20 years girls....1st Tahleasin Parker, 2nd Jacqueline Gregory and 3rd Siobhan White. (NT) -- DM, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 10:32:05"
- 13 years: 1st Conor Simpson, 2nd Chelsea Kean, 3rd Edmund Hallisy, 4th Alessia Simpson, 5th Brooke Haling, 6th Sarah Skotnicki, 7th Rachel Shanks, 8th Kaitlyn Lewis, 9th Sharnie Watson. (NT) -- ., Sat, Aug 16 2008, 11:09:06"
2009 NSW school holidays being on Friday 26th Sepember 2009. The same problem that we had in Canberra is going to happen again! -- /, Thu, Aug 14 2008, 6:47:28"
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Replies:
- i dont understand...what happened in canberra? (NT) -- dancer, Thu, Aug 14 2008, 6:59:28"
- What problem is that? (NT) -- Confuzzled, Thu, Aug 14 2008, 7:00:21"
- Year 12 finishing up the week Nationals were on. (NT) -- /, Thu, Aug 14 2008, 7:07:31"
  - But don't the 2009 Nationals start the week of Sept 28th?? (NT) -- Confuzzled too., Thu, Aug 14 2008, 7:24:28"
- NSW school holidays in 2009 begin on Oct 2nd, so the Nationals are on during the last week of the school term. (NT) -- Check NSW Educ. Dept website, Thu, Aug 14 2008, 14:15:30"
- WE had school the week of Nationals in QLD when it was held in QLD (NT) -- :), Thu, Aug 14 2008, 22:44:11"
  - No. School holidays in NSW start on 26th September. I just checked with the school. (NT) -- Are you mistaken?, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 14:45:45"
    - Oh sorry I am the one who is mistaken. You talking about 2009. I am talking about 2008. Sorry! (NT) -- Dancer's mum, Sat, Aug 16 2008, 0:12:55"
I just wanted to say a big congratulations to the Keltikka girls from the Northern Territory who competed at the SA State Championships for the Roberts Academy over the weekend. First competition ever and they were so excited and did us proud! We are loving this new adventure and you will see a lot more of us around in future! Congrats to Shawnee too, the other Darwin girl in the mix :o) -- Sarah in Darwin, Tue, Aug 12 2008, 0:50:07"
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Replies:
- Can we move the 2009 Nationals to Darwin? Sounds a whole lot more exciting up there! (NT) -- That way, we can get rid of Joe and the accommodation problems!, Tue, Aug 12 2008, 1:55:19"
  - well, we do have a STUNNING new convention centre! Then again, sounds like this Joe person would stick his nose in wherever you go though and so a contingency plan would need to be in place to stop him anyway. And there is the small fact that the AIDA crew have worked so hard to put together the Geelong thing...but hey, keep us in mind for the future, we have oodles of accommodation and October is the down season for tourism *hint hint, nudge nudge* lol (NT) -- Sarah in Darwin, Tue, Aug 12 2008, 2:11:38"
    - Way to go Sarah! Love to visit NT!!!! (NT) -- lol, Tue, Aug 12 2008, 2:29:38"
- We have looked round our brand new world class convention centre and it would be fantastic ( we could even envisage what each area would be used for)... and the whole wave pool and tourist precinct will be finished in the next 2 years... so maybe in a few more years we can get everyone up here - at least you won't freeeze..lol.. and many r=tourist opeartors would likely do good deals given enough notice that it is definately on. (NT) -- Lee in Darwin, Tue, Aug 12 2008, 11:35:54"
- It would be AWESOME to go to the Northern territory.It`s such an amazing place( I was there back packing!)I would love to bring my kids there-go to Kakadu etc.cyclone tracey exhibit was amazing. If it was through the Nationals being held up there that is the only way many families would discover this wonderful part of Australia-as lets face it , our "Nationals" holidays are the only holidays in the whole year that some of us get to go somewhere with our families due to rising cost of everything.It should be definitly looked at as a real possibility.PLUS I want to go somewhere warm!!!!!!! (NT) -- Here`s to Irish dancing our way around Australia!!!!!!!!!! and see this sunburnt country, Wed, Aug 13 2008, 1:09:03"
- Me too. Me too. We have "done" all over Aus except for this fantastic part! (NT) -- AIDA, is this a possible option for the future?, Wed, Aug 13 2008, 1:47:18"
  - Yes please AIDA! Our holidays all revolve totally around Irish Dancing, and we just love going to different places that we would not otherwise get to. So much to see up near Darwin, we'd be there in a flash - and I bet there's plenty of accommodation available too!! (NT) -- Loved Perth, looking forward to Hobart and Gold Coast again, Wed, Aug 13 2008, 2:26:44"
- Can we vote on this? (NT) -- It would be really cool to go there., Wed, Aug 13 2008, 6:05:19"
- Hey Darwin dancers... I would love to have a chat with you guys for Irish Dancing Mag! Do you think you could email or call me??? I'd love to hear from you ASAP, I think the world should know we have dancers in the Northern Territory! I look forward to hearing from you! Cheers, Niamh Champion. (NT) -- Niamh Champion (Urgent), Wed, Aug 13 2008, 12:41:28"
  - yeah, awesome! Sending you an email right now, have lots of pics from states too so yeah (NT) -- Sarah in Darwin, Wed, Aug 13 2008, 14:19:35"
- It was great to see you guys down here and having such fun in doing so! Results aside it was fantastic to see you given the opportunity to come down and compete, congratulations the Andrew and his school for entering into such a promising venture! We look forward to seeing you down more often... The dresses looked stunning! (NT) -- Look forward to seeing the pics in the Mag, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 1:47:37"
  - yes I agree. was good to see Darwin dancers compete. Will be very rewarding for them to finally acquire their TCRG certificates and teach independently. Good luck to the teachers in training. (NT) (NT) -- NT, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 5:03:02"
- AIDA: can you please tell us if this is possible? the majority of us would love to go to darwin! i think its the only place in australia the nationals havent been held! please can we go there next year? (NT) -- dancer, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 7:11:09"
  - Next year might not be possible - 1: becuase its already booked in Geelong 2: because the fantastic venue that is our new convention centre is very popular for conferences and the like... sneak preview : http://www.darwinconvention.com.au/ ..hint hint hint -- Lee in Darwin, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 11:34:36"
    - AND it would be better for it to be in a few years so that we can actually have some dancers competing in solos too! (NT) -- Sarah in Darwin, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 11:39:56"
      - seen the new website for it - looks fantastic ... it doesn't mention lots of other stuff around Darwin to see / do/ eat etc ... but there is still plenty on there (NT) -- Lee in Darwin, Fri, Aug 15 2008, 11:43:24"

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