Hello fellow students and friends,

We would like to inform you that there will be a BSS Weekly Run this Saturday 4th July, 9AM at Carlton Garden. Some exercise and a game of soccer. Hope to see you there!

BSSMelb.

Dear Students, Family and Friends.

Just a quick update: as examinations near, as of tomorrow (06/06/09), all BssMelb Events have been postponed until further notice, which unfortunately also includes the BssMelb weekly run.

We wish all of you the best of luck in your studies and examinations and importantly, to take care of yourselves.

Look forward to seeing you soon!
- BssMelb

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION FROM
BRUNEI HIGH COMMISSION, CANBERRA

Assalamualaikum and Good Morning Everyone.

Below is an Official Statement from the Brunei-Australian Education Attache of the Brunei High Commission in Canberra.

Regarding: The Recent Racial Attacks in Melbourne.

Dear Students, Friends and Family.

In light of the recent apparent racial attacks on Indian students in Melbourne, the Brunei High Commission in Canberra would like to advise all Bruneian citizens working, studying, residing or traveling to Melbourne to practice caution and care when going out in public, particularly areas beyond their respective educational institutions.

Whilst safety of Bruneian citizens in Australia is one of the Brunei High Commission’s priority, the Brunei High Commission would like to remind all Bruneian citizens to be vigilant and careful at all times.

Unless necessary, it is advisable to avoid going out during late hours at night and passing through areas deemed unsafe, such as quiet alleyways or low-lit streets. Should you need to travel through such places, please notify friends or relatives in advance - it is strongly advised not to travel alone.

Should you encounter any behaviour that you find to be racially-offensive or threatening, please contact the appropriate local authorities as well as the Brunei High Commission immediately.

Wassalam.
Pg. Ayup Pg. Hj Othman
Brunei-Australian Education Attache
Brunei High Commission, Canberra
Australia.

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION FROM
BRUNEI HIGH COMMISSION, CANBERRA

Dear Students and Friends,

Assalamualaikum and Good Evening to Everyone.

This is a student health announcement regarding the increasing widespread cases of the Swine Flu H1N1 (Influenza A)

Currently in Victoria, it has been reported that there are now over 300 cases of Swine Flu. According to the news, more persons are to fall sick. (Source: West Australian News)

Health professionals are concerned that the Influenza A has a strong potential to significantly threaten human health. While there are no reports of the virus in Brunei, The Bruneian Ministry of Health and the Brunei Commission in Canberra are advising Bruneian citizens living, working, studying and/or travelling overseas to take precautionary and preventative measures.

For all Bruneians currently in Australia, the following steps have been advised:

1. Receive your seasonal flu vaccination: it is strongly advised that you should visit your healthcare provider and ask to receive your seasonal flu vaccination. As the cold winter arrives, there is a higher potential for you to fall sick and be more vulnerable to diseases.

2. Stock up Cold & Flu medication: These products may prove helpful for relief of sore throats, block noses and other discomforts in the event that you fall sick. Please seek advise from your pharmacist on the proper medication for you.

3. If you ARE SICK: It is STRONGLY ADVISED to go and see a doctor immediately; it is important that you do not wait.

In the event that Swine Flu is confirmed: It is important that you contact either BssMelb (call 0410893242) or the Brunei Commission (Pg. Ayub @ (02) 6285 4500, 6285 4501, 6285 4503) as soon as possible - the Brunei Commission will contact you in person. Stay indoors and limit contact with other persons.

Please note:
If you are a Brunei citizen living, working, touring and/or studying overseas, you will need to rely on your local healthcare providers and locally-available medication.

Notification for Bruneians travelling abroad:
Bruneian citizens should be aware that it is advisable not to travel during an outbreak as restriction of travel maybe the best way to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. You should avoid non-essential travel beyond your home or workplace and limit activities that could expose you to others who may be ill. Consult your doctor before you travel and ask about medications you should take with you. Please consider changing your travel plans as restriction of travel maybe the best way to reduce the risk of exposure.

Despite the pending sadness that is due to come in several day’s time, there was still a strong sense of happiness and companionship last Friday night during a gathering of friends in the Block M restaurant, which was nestled in winding lane of Little Bourke street.

Organised by the In-Service students, the jamboree was a surprise farewell dinner for the Melbruneian family to bid farewell to two of their closest mates, both of whom will be leaving Melbourne in days to come.

On behalf of the organisers, BssMelb would like to wish Lt. Haji Moslimi and Hjh Sofinaz a heartfelt Congratulations on the success and conclusion of their studies in Melbourne. We wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavours, whatever it may be and may you prosper in health and happiness wherever the road takes you!

Once again, Congratulations!

Centre: Hjh Sofinaz

Centre, back: Lt. Hj Moslimi

*Know of someone graduating or leaving Melbourne for good? If you
would like BssMelb to send them a congratulatory/farewell post
on your behalf, email us: info@bssmelb.org

Hey Folks!

As heaps upon heaps of papers fly in and out of our folders, we can’t help but note that for majority of us it’s assignment week and ultimately crunch time for studies! Hard work and study time increases but don’t let the stress get you down. Scientifically it’s been proven that taking a break from the stress to sit back and enjoy the brief moment of worry-free freedom is actually healthy for us! For those in BssMelb, this was the Ice Skating Winter Wonderland!

It was awesome to see so many turn up in big numbers and have fun with themselves! Whether its your first time on the ice or you’ve been ice-skating pro since you popped out of your mom’s womb, it was good to see everyone’s faces gleam with smiles and twinkling eyes. Whilst some twirled like tinkerbell on ice, others were still learning on how to put our best foot forward - there was even a point where we created a group train! Everyone was a good sport!

On behalf of BssMelb, thank you for showing your support of our activities and showing up to our events. We sincerely hope you had a blast! Good news: Photos from the BssMelb Winter Wonderland is up on >photobucket< …. so enjoy!

Hey Guys,
Are you all ready to skate? Show us your best move~

Since we need to collect payment for the event, please come between 6:00-7:15PM to get yourself registered. Myself and Nadzri will be there to collect payment. Please do come in time so we can collect the tickets (7:30PM)

We will be waiting outside the Wonderland park, right under the Southern Star (Ferris Wheel).

-Tram 48 (via Flinders Street) and Tram 86 (via Bourke Street) will take you to the Waterfront City stop/HarborTown.

NOTE: For those who might still be interested to join, you may purchase individual tickets at the ticket counter. Price would be $18 plus skate rentals.

Cheers,
   Suryati & Nadzri

Here are some pictures of the Mothers Day Classic, it was nice to see some of the Bruneians and friends to join the fun walk/run. There were more than just the walk, there were many stalls giving out freebies and services. It was a good day for a fun walk.

With Storm Trooper

With Malaysian Friends

I'm doing this for Mothers in Brunei

Hope to see some of you all next years Mothers Day Fun! It’s more than just a walk…

Hi guys!

Just for your information, RSVP for Winter Wonderland is already closed. For those, who are might have last minute interest to join. You can still come on the spot and buy your tickets at the ticket counter, it will be $18 (+ skate rental)…

Those who have booked… information regarding meeting point will be posted very soon! Payment are to be made an hour BEFORE the event, or anytime early. So come back and keep updated!

Cheers,

    Suryati

Great news peeps! For those who just got the news about our upcoming event “Winter Wonderland“… you’re in luck! We are Extending the RSVP date to this Sunday 10th May @ 2PM…

So come on and join! To join please SMS us @ 0404940301 or 0433289123 with you and your friends’ FULL NAME. That way we could update the list faster!

Cheers everyone!

Hope to see you there!