Posts by Neena Bhandari

From a ‘Woman Chief’ to a Champion of Women’s Rights

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 09.10.2010 (IDN): Helen Samu Hakena exudes a serenity that belies her extraordinary energy and inner strength that she has devoted to the cause of justice, peace building and advocating for women’s and human rights and the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325.

Recognising her expertise in advancing the role and interests of women in peace and security processes, Helen has been nominated to the Asia-Pacific Regional Advisory Group on Women, Peace and Security launched in Bangkok (Thailand) this week to mark the 10th Anniversary of the adoption of UNSCR 1325. It is the first regional group of its kind that will advise and support governments, civil society and other relevant players on the effective implementation of the resolution in the Asia-Pacific region.

Born as a `woman chief’ on September 13, 1955 in Gogohe village on Buka Island in the Papua New Guinean (PNG) province of Bougainville, Helen’s parents ensured that she was raised with high ideals to lead her clan. Christian teachings on morality had a strong and powerful influence on her.

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Dining out on instant reservations

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 07.10.2010 (The Sydney Morning Herald): When it comes to booking flights, hotels, car hire or concerts, increasing numbers of us jump on to the internet. But booking restaurants is another matter, with most people still picking up the phone or emailing, waiting for the restaurant to open and respond.

However an online booking engine developed last year, Dimmi, is helping to change the face of Australian restaurant reservations.

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From Byron to the world

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 13.09.2010 (The Sydney Morning Herald): From its modest beginnings on an old farmhouse stove in 1990, the Byron Bay Cookie Company has become an international brand, exporting to 20 countries and employing 100 people in Australia and another 100 indirectly through its distribution partners in the UK.

The home-grown cookies, originally baked by Maggi Miles and Gary Lines on their farmhouse stove for the local market in the coastal town of Byron Bay under the name of Pickles, Pies and Petticoats, soon became a staple at local cafes. As their popularity grew, the cookies made their way on the shelves of prestigious national and international stores such as David Jones, and Selfridges and Harrods in the UK.

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