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Sydney, Australia – 2 November 2011: Ladies who lunch can have their gold jewellery evaluated, be entertained with live music and fashion, be pampered with the latest skin and beauty products and help raise funds for charity while enjoying a delicious three-course meal in glamorous Double Bay!

The Gold Company is hosting a ladies luncheon charity afternoon at Pink Salt in Double Bay on Wednesday 30th November to celebrate the recent months’ gold record price highs. This ‘gold rush’ has seen people trading in unwanted jewellery that’s collecting dust in drawers for Christmas cash or donations, as well as gold bullion investment.

This year, The Gold Company is supporting Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, to help to improve the quality of life for seriously ill and injured children, by donating the proceeds from the luncheon.

Tickets cost $50, which includes a three course meal, champagne on arrival, fashion parade, skin care and cosmetic treatments, and gift bags (valued at more than $100). Guests will also receive a velvet pouch, which they can bring their unwanted gold jewellery to the luncheon for a no obligation evaluation. They then have the opportunity to keep the jewellery, accept the money it’s been valued at, or donate this amount to the hospital.

The three-course lunch menu includes an entrée of caramelised onion and goats cheese tart with crisp herb salad and golden beets. Main course options include atlantic salmon with orange, fennel, coriander and harissa salad and infused yoghurt; slow roasted chicken with golden polenta and mushroom sauce; and a vegetarian option of wild mushroom linguini with black truffle emulsion. Dessert is a selection of petit fours.

TV personality Clint Dowdell (as seen on Network Ten’s, The Circle) is the afternoon’s MC alongside co-host and Miss Universe Australia 2011 first runner up, Tegan Martin. Guests will be also be entertained by singer songwriter, Nathan Dale and a fashion parade showcasing international designer Mauricio Alpizar’s latest spring/summer 2011/12 collection, while being pampered with Nude By Nature and Derma Research skin products. Plus, everyone who brings a piece of gold jewellery to be evaluated on the day, will go into the draw to win a white gold diamond pendant, donated from The Gold Company.

Roy Cohen, Director of The Gold Company said: “Our ladies luncheon is a great opportunity for women to get together and enjoy good food, music, fashion and pampering, learn more about the value of their jewellery and the options for trading or investing in gold, while also contributing to a very important cause.

“We’re looking forward to what promises to be a wonderful day on the eve of summer and hope to continue to raise funds for the vital work and research at Sydney Children’s Hospital.”

Guests should arrive between 11.30am and noon for the lunch.

For more information about the event or to purchase tickets please contact Dean on 02 96920334.

To book, please contact rsvp@galvanized.net.au

Bookings are essential and payment is required at time of booking. Sorry, but there no refunds on purchased tickets.

It felt good to arrive in Adelaide ready to live my dream.  What would emerge in the next few days I was about to find out.

I arrived early on the first day of competition as my very first event started at 9 a.m.  This was to be my introduction into competing on an athletic track, but was not daunted by this.   The 65 – 85 yrs 5000m Walk was my 1^st event and a chance to check out the opposition.   They were mostly a group of women mainly from a South Australian Club, looking very professional and obviously race hardened.   Then, came the big surprise when the Umpire reminded us of the race walk rules and consequences if we contravened.   I had been given the wrong information, obviously, as I had never race walked in my life but fortunately did have a rough idea.   It was a heel and toe action with the advancing leg to be straight until the follow through with the other leg.   We were given a person who was our lap counter and wore a corresponding number on our right leg.   Then, when the gun went off,  we were on our way, all heading for that shorter inner lane.   It felt strange at first but I seemed to be travelling well side by side with a 75 yr old, until the judge reminded me that by being in the 2^nd lane it was 40 metres a lap further!!.  Needless to say I was endeavouring to pass this 75 year old and eventually did find the right moment in the last  lap and headed for the finishing line.   Time taken was 39 mins.24, I was happy with that as my first race walk and happier still when I had no infringements.   Out of the 12 contestants I came 3^rd overall, but had won my first gold medal at a Masters Games in my own age group.  What a feeling that was, to be able to stand on the podium and receive my gold medal.  I had surprised myself, and I understand quite a lot of other people as well, judging by the response I received from many of the contestants at the stadium that day.   Before the race, I daresay I was the unknown quantity, but I had thrown down the gauntlet for the rest of the Games meet.

The 2^nd day was a 3000m race walk starting at 9 a.m., however, I awoke to find that two alarm clocks had let me down, it was 8 a.m.!!  A quick cup of coffee and a call for a taxi and I was able to make it in time, but seemingly not focused.   The race went well and I finished in 23.56 mins, placed 5^th in the same 12 contestants as previously, but I still won a gold medal in my own age group.   Immediately following the race we were all called together by the judge who had a stack of infringement notices in his hand, some of them coloured red, the more serious penalties.    He proceeded to name the offenders, I was not among them.  I was gaining confidence by this but I still practiced each day in the long corridor of the hotel, making sure I was ready for the next race.

The 3^rd day and the 1500m race walk, which is a sprint I was told, but not until 1.45 p.m. so no worries about sleeping in, fortunately.   This was going to be a real test, however, I was not fazed by it.   This would be the 60 – 85 yr age group, a larger one this time.   It was all over very quickly and I gave it all I had and surprisingly came 4^th overall.  My time was 11mins 24.  This I feel was my finest hour, my best race, and the most challenging.   No infringements again, my confidence was gaining more  ground.  Another gold medal and that elation again when on the podium.  No one can put a price on that!!

Now I had two free days to recuperate before the 10,000m race on the Wednesday.   Still practicing in the corridor each day to perfect that particular style, but still concerned about concentration throughout the longer distance.   Did not want to be disqualified, yet I was heartened, too, that I had not incurred any penalties so far.   When Wednesday arrived I made  sure I had reception at the hotel give me an early morning call as the race commenced at 7.30 am.   The contestants were the whole 30-85 yr age group, a much larger number and a few state champions as well.   Again, judges were around the course watching our every move.   Things went well for me that day and although I was dying to revert to my natural style I stuck to the rules and finished in 82 mins. No infringements so collected my 4^th gold medal.   Unfortunately three people were disqualified and I’m sure they were devastated as I would have been under the circumstances.

Naturally after a race or before one I had time to talk to many contestants, not necessarily race walkers, but others who were competing in other athletic events.   It was interesting to find that we all had so much in common and the younger ones wanted to know what my recipe was that would keep them competing at an older age.   We all agreed that exercise stimulated not  only the body but also the brain.   We discussed our passion and feeling of well being after an event.   I felt comfortable talking to them although there was, in some instances, a vast age difference.   I would like to thank James, a champion from Victoria, who commented that I had good leg action and who warmed up with me prior to the 1,500m race and who spurred me on throughout the race itself.   There were others, too, who encouraged me throughout my events, even the Judge called Bob, who reminded me that the 2^nd lane was the longer route to take, everyone was to there to help and advise.   Alison, an 88 year old competitor, is also my inspiration for the future, not only a delightful lady but still with that competitive spirit.   Linda, another lovely lady who had battled against bi-polar disease for many years and was competing in the Games successfully.   Many thanks to Colin Hainsworth, the 81 yr old competitor who is urging me to become a race walker, and was complimentary about my efforts at the Games.   Said I was better than he is agewise and he has been race walking since he was 15 yrs old!! I went there to find people like me who haven’t yet given up, we are dwindling in numbers, that is for sure, but I am so glad that I am still one of them.   How can I ever, ever, feel old…. never.

Heather Lee

Another early start, up in time to catch the 5.17 a.m. train, where it was good to meet a Dad and his three young sons off to tackle the Family Run.   Then a couple of stations further on a walking friend with her daughter and two grandchildren were going to do the same.  Each station seemed to swell the numbers of people heading off to the Sydney Running Festival, so I was not alone.  The Bridge Run and the Family Run seem to have become a favourite with families from all over the country and even from overseas.   I find it infectious and I expect that they do also. It’s good to see that so many people are willing to ‘give it a go.’

The start of the race could not be in a more delightful place with views of the Opera House just across the water.  35,000 competitors of all ages, shape and size were there but the organisers were well prepared and they controlled the crowds admirably.  Only the best people were there, I might add, in fact Tony Abbott, the Opposition Leader, was interviewed a little more than a metre from where Dan, from the Gold Company, and myself were standing.

The long wait for our group to start and head off for the Opera House was hot and getting hotter as time crept on, I hoped it would not greatly affect my finish time.   Finally, about 9.30a.m. we were on our way.

When Dan announced that he had decided to join me  this year, my immediate reaction was ‘This will be interesting’ and it was.   Dan followed my lead, so to speak, when I jogged, he jogged and then when I broke into a brisk walk , so did he.  This way we wended our way along the picturesque route, first we were to cross the Harbour Bridge itself, along Macquarie Street and then round by Lady Macquarie’s Chair and back along Macquarie Street  and finally down to the Opera House.   We finished in 69 mins, not bad at all and both agreed it was just great.  Just to compete and to enjoy the exercise itself, to me that’s a great satisfaction, I may only be one of a very large  number of competitors but at least I am one of them, and that’s enough for me.

We were presented with our medallions, this time featuring Robert de Costello on one side and another one to add to my growing collection.   Then it was time to say goodbye to Dan before he headed home, while I left to explore the  Recovery Area and try to find the Cancer Council tent.   Unfortunately, there wasn’t one this year but people did find me, a group of young Cancer Council supporters who knew me stopped to have a chat and they took some photos.  Another young lady who had interviewed me earlier this year also stopped to catch up for a while.  One man, as he passed me asked my finishing time, and when I told him he said ‘that’s not fair now you’ve raised the bar too high’!!   Just love those moments, they make my day.  Time then to catch the train and head home, another good to be alive day in my book.

Later heard on the news that several hundreds were treated by paramedics because of the unseasonal high temperature, one 30 year old went into cardiac arrest at the finishing line, fortunately he did recover.    The weather is always an unknown factor, we have to take what comes.

FOLLOWING MY DREAM.

At almost 85 years of age, I have long since dreamed of competing in the highly rated Masters’ Games.   For me, it would be the ultimate test.   It would be an opportunity to meet other like minded seniors’ with the same unfailing enthusiasm and passion for the spirit of competition..

The World Masters’ Games were held in Sydney 2009 , but then I did not rate myself highly enough on a world stage.   A lot has happened since then.  I have continued to compete successfully in age group category events so feel I have completed my apprenticeship, so to speak.   Also, The Gold Company of Sydney have sponsored me over the last twelve months.   This has re-energised my enthusiasm as they feel I am an inspiration, and this in itself inspires me to live up to that belief.

My physiotherapist drew my attention to the Australian Masters’ Games to be held in Adelaide in October this year.   Finally, the chance presents itself to follow my dream.   Older senior competitors numbers have dwindled but I feel sure they are out there somewhere.   I hope to meet them and compete against them, to compare notes and make lasting friendships based on our common bond,

I go with confidence and a good history backing me up.   Whatever the outcome I will enjoy every moment and have an enduring story to tell.

Heather Lee

GoldSwap

Spot gold prices are setting fresh records as investors dump stocks and other riskier assets to rush into safe-haven investments for their perceived security.

Gold has rallied to its second record high in a week with spot gold hitting a record $1,825.40, as investors pull back again from the commercial paper market with strains contributing to the stock sell-off and the rush into gold and government bonds.

According to Roy Cohen, Director at The Gold Company, the economic crisis is having a dichotomous effect that has people not only investing, but cashing in too.

“This week, we’ve set a record for the number of customers coming in to sell unwanted gold jewellery,” said Mr Cohen. “People are asking questions about purchasing gold coins and bars as an investment more frequently and we’re seeing a lot more first time customers come in, whether it’s out of curiosity or to get their gold appraised. It’s a sign of the times – those who aren’t investing in gold are selling it as fast as they can, to take advantage of the record price.”

Mr Cohen said that despite the high price, uncertainty in the global economy and markets means people are likely to continue buying up also.

“Gold is real money and has been for a thousand years. When paper currency gets devalued and other assets such as stocks and property fall, gold is the safe place to put your money as you know it will hold its value.

“Trading in old jewellery for physical gold bullion is smart investing – taking what’s lying around and converting it into a productive asset. These types of ‘GoldSwap’ transactions are up 40 per cent in the past month”.

Potential investors are taking an active interest in the different options available to them. While finding the extra money to become an investor may be difficult, most people on average have at least $600 in gold and diamonds they no longer want at home. Everyday retail investors can use this untapped store of value to invest in gold or silver bullion without having to deplete their cash flow, turning it into a productive asset.

“As for the benefits of holding physical bullion, ownership of gold and silver bullion represents a hedge against inflation, maintenance of purchasing power and insurance against economic uncertainty,” added Mr Cohen.

The Gold Company has been recognised among Australia’s most progressive organisations, winning the Australian Business Award for Service Excellence in the 2011 Awards. The GoldCompany is acknowledged as an industry leader for exceptional service and professionalism and honours its professional contributions to the industry as a whole.
The Australian Business Award for Service Excellence recognises organisations that deliver outstanding customer service. The Australian Business Awards challenges the full spectrum of private, public and non-profit sector organisations in Australia through its comprehensive business and product award categories.

Now in its sixth year, the Australian Business Awards program recognises organisations that demonstrate the core values of business excellence, product excellence, corporate responsibility, sustainability and commercial success in their respective industries.

Tara Johnston, Program Director of the Australian Business Awards, said the standard of entries for 2011 was a testament to the strength and resilience of the Australian economy.

“Australian businesses continue to adapt business processes, invest in product development and develop dynamic e-business initiatives that increase productivity and quality standards for all. The Australian Business Awards provide a welcome opportunity for organisations committed to business and product excellence to receive recognition throughout their respective industries for driving positive business outcomes,” said Johnston.

“We are proud that the Awards continue to promote the key values in the workplace which foster a vibrant organisational culture and encourage enterprise, product innovation, service excellence, marketing excellence, environmental sustainability and community contribution. We would like to congratulate all the 2011 winners for achieving exceptional results within the respective award categories.”

Business award entries are separated by industry classification per award category and evaluated in accordance with the award criteria across seven main areas, including leadership and strategy, impact on industry, adaptability and sustainability, human resource management, customer relationship management, process management and evidence of success.

I have just completed a ‘Relay for Life’ fundraising 24 hours, an experience I will remember always. Teams had organised their own fundraising over the past few months, coming together for this Relay as the finale. The camaraderie of this very dedicated group of people who had given up their time in their common goal to raise much needed funds to help combat this terrible disease, Cancer. They had, each and every one of them, been touched by cancer, some were survivors, some carers, like myself, and every one of them had lost a beloved family member or friend at some time. The Relay would see these people walking around a measured circuit at the local Showground, relaying the whole 24 hours, myself included.

Heather and Dan of the GoldCompany who Donated $2500.00

This gathering was like family and the common bond was tangible. Early Saturday morning saw tents and stalls being erected around the Showground where the event was held, brazier fires or patio gas heaters in readiness for the cold night ahead. Lots to be done in readiness, everyone working together in harmony. Finally we had the opening ceremony which was very emotional, short messages from local notable people, followed by a 2 minute silence for family and friends no longer with us.

Then we took off on a walk that would not end until the next day, groups taking turns around the field. I was not attached to a group and my plan was to walk intermittently for the whole time. Two very generous sponsors, one a friend who wished to remain anonymous, and the The Gold Company of Sydney, were paying $10 a lap to the Cancer Fund, the friend had capped the figure to $1,000.00, but the Gold Company’s generous offer was unlimited. There were other smaller donations but nevertheless swelling my fundraising efforts. I had plenty of enthusiasm and determination to give 100% of effort. I was obviously the oldest participant, at 84 years, but was soon aware of the affection and warmth of everyone towards me. As the day progressed, I was frequently asked ‘ How many laps have you done? And as the number increased their interest mounted and I was enthused and more determined to keep going and push to my limit. Both my sponsors came to spur me on, which was heart warming.A walking friend, Ray, who had a serious melanoma removed a couple of years ago came along to walk with me.We had previously attended City2surf ,Bridge Run and Mt Annan events together and I welcomed his presence and support.

Early evening we had the’ Hope Ceremony’ placing candles to form the word ‘Hope’ in the spectator grandstand as a reminder of lost ones.The candles burned bright throughout the long night. A young man spoke of his life long battle, his survival odds were nil after many treatment experiments but he managed somehow to live, giving hope to sufferers.

As night approached I had decided to forego sleep which did bother a lot of people concerned for me. Two in particular, one was Daniel a 38 year old father of four, who accompanied me for a long time until his leg troubled him and Dave who was in the local Radio Van. Dave only had to relay updates to the Radio Station periodically and so was able, also, to walk with me and when a break was needed we went to the warmth of the van, wonderful as the night was quite cold and foggy. Finally it was dawn and the groups of people relaying had dwindled a little. Finally, the closing ceremony and the clean up of the grounds, the use of which, I believe, was donated. Once again the closeness of this wonderful group of people was so obvious, all who had worked and walked together for the 24 hours.

I was asked to say a few words having completed 225 laps in all, a distance we calculated to be at least 75 klms. I said what a wonderful weekend it had been and a pleasure to take part in this great cause. How I had wanted to push boundaries to see just what I was capable of ,and then said ‘Now I know’. Then it was time to go home and relax and the aching muscles would recover quickly, helped by the knowledge that they were my way of contributing. The local Relay had been held over the last 8 years and had, so far, raised $800.000. well worth all the hard work.

gold-reserves

Governments, or nowadays central banks, are traditionally the largest holders of gold. And for most of the past two decades, central banks have been net sellers of gold. But since 2010, central banks are net buyers again, because central banks of emerging market economies are aiming to diversify their ever growing currency reserves and reach a similar level in gold reserves as the club of “old” industrial economies.

Looking at the list of the 10 nations with the largest gold reserves, 3 of them are now BRIC nations, with other like Brazil, Mexico or Thailand catching up:

#1 United States: 8134 tons of gold

#10 India: 558 tons of gold

It was big news in April when it became known that the central bank of Mexico bought up a large chunk of almost 100 tons of gold during February and March alone. Such a large order is one of the biggest central bank purchases in recent history, as it was worth USD $4.6 billion and equivalent to about 3.5 per cent of annual mined output.

Russia bought 18.8 tons of gold in March, and Thailand bought 9.3 tons. India drastically expanded its gold reserves in 2009, and will most likely overtake the Netherlands soon to become the new number 9 in the list.

GoldSwap a GoldCompany trademark

Customers visiting us to sell their gold would pepper us with questions about how ‘investing’ in gold really works, and how you would go about it. With the shaky economy and rising gold prices at the forefront in the media, people were looking for a safety net.

Finding the extra money to become an investor may be difficult however, but we found that on average people have at least $600 in gold and diamonds just collecting dust in a drawer. Taking this untapped store of money and turning it into a productive asset seemed like a no brainer! So off we went and GoldSwapTM was born!

WHAT & HOW
The purpose of this innovation is to… Allow everyday ‘mom & pop’ retail investors to exchange their scrap and unwanted gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds for LBMA ‘good delivery’ bullion bars, tradable globally without question.

It does this by…With the state of the stock markets, economic turmoil and inflation, GoldSwap helps people preserve their purchasing power. Gold is the best protection in terms of financial preservation, and passing wealth from one generation to the next. A dollar today is not necessarily going to be a dollar tomorrow…but an ounce of gold will always be an ounce of gold.

PURPOSE & BENEFITS
This innovation improves on what came before because…Consumers could only sell their gold to secondhand dealers, pawn shops, or gold buyers for a non-guaranteed amount of cash. Refineries would charge a significant fee for refining and only take minimum quantities. Buying physical bullion would require a cash investment not possible for many people.

Its various benefits to the customer/end-user include…providing a hedge against inflation and preserving purchasing power without the need to be a professional fund manager or heavy market investor, and without a cash outlay.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
In the past, this problem was solved by…Currently, there are no other gold traders that will trade unrefined jewellery, diamonds, etc. as trade for investment grade bullion.

Its predecessors/competitors include…Buying coins/bullion for cash not readily available.

TARGET MARKET
It is made for…Any Australians possessing gold, diamonds, platinum, or silver that is collecting dust in their drawers.

DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY
It is available for sale through…

Personal visit to one of our Sydney offices
Request of our free prepaid, registered, and insured GOLDPak postal services
Request of free prepaid Australia Air Express courier service

Our marketing strategy is to…

Coordinated TV, Radio, and print advertising
Integrated social media campaign (Facebook, Twitter)
Sponsorship of various high-profile events via donations of gold bullion
Continued development of industry partnerships.