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Woolworths to enter $24 billion hardware sector
− Grows local independent retail hardware sector via acquisition of Danks
− Launches destination home improvement store network
− Announces JV with leading US home improvement retailer Lowe’s

The Board of Woolworths Limited (Woolworths) has approved plans for the company to enter the $24 billion plus hardware sector with a multi format strategy designed to meet the everyday home improvement needs of Australian consumers.

First Coles and Woolworths compete in the supermarket aisles. Then the competition moved further into the bottle shop, and also service station sector. Now they will compete again in Retail Hardware sector or home improvement sector.

This fresh new home improvement offer will be based on a combination of significant local and international industry expertise, the right range representing value and choice; and a mix of convenient traditional hardware store formats and large destination home improvement stores to broaden consumer choice.

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On April 22nd at the Hilton in Sydney Rachael was crowned Miss Universe Australia. Rachel finch will compete in the Miss Universe pageant on August 23rd in the Bahamas. In celebration of her 21st birthday on July 8th, Rachael launched her website to the world. You can follow all of Rachael’s preparation and lead-up to the Bahamas and learn about her experiences as an international model and aspirations for a career in the television and media industry. Rachael’s goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of others by sharing her experience and knowledge while maintaining her true Aussie spirit!

Rachael Anne Finch was born in Sydney but raised in Townsville, north of Queensland. She grew up playing sport on the weekends and going on camping trips with the family on the holidays. She stated that “sport had a great influence on my life and some of my fondest memories are days spent with my team mates at the touch (football) fields or alongside the running track”. Growing up in regional Queensland, Rachael said it, “enabled me to appreciate the rural communities and their beautiful surroundings from a young age”. Water skiing has been a part of her family for many years and when Rachael gets home to Townsville she says “Going out for a ski is on the to-do list!”

Rachel finch attended Ryan Catholic College throughout her schooling life and graduated in 2005 with an Overall Position of 7. She had planned on studying a degree in Business or Events Management at University while doing part-time work.

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Australia’s new international airline V Australia Airlines today announced Phuket and Johannesburg as its next two destinations along with a strengthened focus on Melbourne just six months after launch. Four new V Australia routes to commence from December onwards^ include:

• Brisbane to Phuket, Thailand direct twice weekly from 22 November 2009.
• Melbourne to Phuket, Thailand direct flights 1 a week from 3 December 2009.
• Melbourne to Los Angeles, USA direct flights twice weekly from 1 December 2009.
• Melbourne to Johannesburg, South Africa direct flights from 13 March 2010.

The airline has also lodged an application with the International Air Services Commission for permission and slots to operate flights between Australia and Fiji. (Read the article)

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JetStar.com have a special launch sale fare just for Australia Market!From 25 October 2009, Jet star airlines will commence domestic flights between Sydney and Melbourne ’s Tullamarine airport!

To celebrate, JetStar Sale will have 10,000 seats for only $19 for Jetmail members only. But you will have to be quick. This super sale is only for 2 hours between 8am - 10am (AEST) today, unless sold out prior.

Sale fares are for travel between 25 October - 9 December 2009, 3 February - 23 March & 4 May - 22 June 2010. Limited availability on public holiday and event weekends (Melbourne cup, Grand Prix, Schoolies week and Mardi Gras). (Read the article)

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In a joint announcement today with Industry, Trade and Industrial Relations Minister Martin Pakula, Costco confirmed it is seeking 225 full time and part employees for its Docklands store.

The membership warehouse will open in July 2009 and mark the international retailer’s first location in Australia.

For you guys who dont know anything about Costco wholesale, Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. They provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Costco’s low warehouse prices to Australia,” said Costco Australian Country Manager, Patrick Noone. “We look forward to contributing to the community in many ways, and to making a positive impact on the local job market.”

Costco is recognized worldwide for providing its employees with real living wages – the highest in the industry in the United States. In addition it is known around the world for its ethical business practices. (Read the article)

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