Latest news with #Scandinavian-style
Otago Daily Times
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Otago Daily Times
Op shops a trove of treasures
Proving that one person's trash is another person's treasure, a Dunedin woman has furnished her home with free and thrifted pieces. Kim Dungey reports. "It's kind of crazy," Anna Easton reveals. "My husband will be walking down the street and someone will yell out to him, 'I love your new bed sheets'." The comments might be a little personal but they're par for the course when thousands of people follow your wife's every decorating move on social media. Dubbed the "op shop queen", Mrs Easton has styled almost their entire home with things bought from second-hand stores and op shops or found on the side of the road. After two decades travelling the world, she returned to New Zealand with her South African-born husband, Sean, and their daughter, Frankie, in 2020. The family initially lived in Mrs Easton's home town of Oamaru, before moving to Dunedin. While much of their furniture is still in storage, the Halfway Bush house they are renting is filled with colourful and eclectic objects. "Everything from our couches to our stereo, our Persian rugs, our artwork, fabrics and clothing, it's all got a story," she says, pointing out the gold velvet curtains in the living room that cost just $30. "I was so excited when I saw them, I threw them over my shoulder. I'm just like, 'this is insane'." There are also vintage bowls and cutlery, candlewick bedspreads, retro lampshades, a Marantz stereo "that plays as beautifully as it did in the 1970s" and old-school speakers, some of which serve as bedside tables and coffee tables. The recycling enthusiast says she gravitates to certain colours, such as mustard, turquoise, orange and yellow, and describes her style as "eclectic colourful textures, bold boho art, modern retro and totally random". "I haven't done it for fun recently, just because we've been moving so much, but when I do go to op shops to browse, my favourite thing to look at first is the homewares/bric-a-brac section — that's my guilty pleasure," she says, picking up two mid-century "genie" bottles she found at the Oamaru Trading Post and "had to have". The items they have found on the side of the road have blown them away, she adds. In Melbourne, where they lived for a decade, they drove around on the days kerbside hard rubbish collections were held, dragging home colourful rugs, wooden pews and a green-fringed lampshade. Frankie's Scandinavian-style day bed was found around the corner from their home, as mother and daughter were returning from the supermarket. "I saw it and was like, 'oh my God'. The week before, I'd found a [flatbed] trolley on the side of the road so I got the trolley, put the bed on it and wheeled it the two blocks home." Working as a freelance photographer in Victoria's capital took Mrs Easton to suburbs she would not usually visit. "I'd see all these op shops and it was really exciting so I started to make a list of them to remember the best places to buy rugs or furniture or curtains. Then I started photographing them and making albums on my computer." That led to a Facebook page and website, She Hunts Op Shops, where she writes about op shops, photography, family life, outdoor adventures and "owning a poo business" — the couple bought a Portaloo and septic tank business, Awamoa Sanitation, in 2020 and still commute to Oamaru to run it. She also recently recorded a podcast for the Otepoti Waste Minimisation Network (Rethinking Waste on Spotify) and is planning a guide on Dunedin's op shops to complement the Wanaka, Queenstown and Oamaru ones already on her website. "We love living in Dunedin. It's the funkiest city in the whole world ... and the op shops here are dripping with treasure." The secrets to successful op-shopping include visiting them regularly and being patient, she says. Sometimes she has time to browse but usually she is looking for a specific everyday item. "I could go to six op shops in a day but when I go, I'm in and out like a fly." "For instance, if we need more screws or tools for our business, I'll go to specific op shops that I know sell hardware and I'll buy them there ... And if we really need some sheets, I'll only look at sheets. I won't look at anything else." Having moved seven times in the past four years, she also knows something about making a rental more homely. The first thing they do is put their own curtains up, she says, adding that replacing the "corporate grey" curtains in their rental immediately changed the look of the whole house and that she collects second-hand curtain accessories, such as wire, rings and hooks, "because buying that stuff new is just so expensive". Then they add their own lampshades, rugs and artwork, placing any existing ones into storage until they leave. While she will buy new items as a "last resort", op shop purchases are usually cheaper, more sustainable and better quality, she says. It's also about nostalgia and the thrill of not knowing what she will find. Recently, she went to a charity shop to buy a mop, also leaving with a $3 disco ball. "It's brought me so much joy. It's in my bedroom and when the sun hits it, that room sparkles like it's Studio 54." Frankie, 9, has inherited her parents' thrifty ways. "She's into buying things second-hand on Facebook Marketplace, which I think is really awesome. She's happy to wait for the best deal as opposed to wanting everything now. And she looks after her toys so she can sell them on afterwards ... " At the same age, Mrs Easton also had an eye for a bargain. "My friends and I built a tree hut and I chose the location specially to be above the dump so I could see what people were throwing out," she says. "When they left, I would drag the furniture up the hill. I decorated our entire tree hut with stuff from that rubbish tip."
New Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Chennai corporation launches dedicated AC lounge for gig workers in Anna Nagar
CHENNAI: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) opened the first of its dedicated lounges for gig workers at Anna Nagar on Wednesday. The facility was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin from the Ripon Buildings, alongside several other civic projects. GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran stated that similar, but larger, lounges are also being planned in Thiruvanmiyur and Villivakkam for construction workers, and another one for gig workers will be opened soon at GN Chetty road in T Nagar. The Scandinavian-style AC lounge for gig workers at Anna Nagar 3rd avenue will operate 24/7, providing amenities including seating, mobile charging points, drinking water, and toilet facilities. Taking to X, Chief Minister M K Stalin said, 'The lounge along with the parking facility launched in Anna Nagar is a place where a large number of women work.' Kumaragurubaran stated that the initiative was in response to a request from the Gig Workers Welfare Association. The corporation plans to rope in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to support the expansion of the project. Balaji K (53), a food delivery person from Poonamallee, said, 'I start my day at 5:30am and travel across the city delivering food until night. I can't return home for a short break due to the distance, often taking shelter in parks, bus stops, or roadside. This lounge offers us a clean, safe place.' M Ganesan (50), a bike taxi rider, said,'We constantly use our phones for navigation and battery drain is a major issue. Previously, I had to return home just to charge my phone. Now I can do that here and also take a short break.' Delivery executives said that such facilities can be installed in other parts of the city too.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Ukrainian school helps the displaced build new lives through hospitality
In a luxurious resort complex north of Kyiv, 12 women are retraining to enter the hospitality sector in a new school that will kickstart a fresh life for Ukraine's internally displaced people (IDPs). The women, mostly from Ukraine's occupied territories, are learning to be housekeepers in the first program organized by German-born non-profit school Grains. Unlike other hospitality schools in Ukraine, Grains also focuses on the personal development of students, and they are guaranteed a job with the Shelest hotel after they complete nine days of training. Grains is the brainchild of Berlin-based venture developer Maddina Katter and Elena Muradyan, CEO of Shelest, a luxury hotel that opened in 2020. They hope to address two challenges: integrating some of the approximately 5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and addressing a workforce deficit in the hospitality sector, which has boomed since the full-scale invasion due to rising domestic tourism. Integrating IDPs is a top priority for Ukraine's Social Protection Ministry, and the ministry found 30% of Grains' applicants. The ministry said it would help Grains secure more funding if at least two IDP students entered employment afterwards. "The government needs us," Katter told the Kyiv Independent. "Until today, there is no project in Ukraine that directly connects education and employment, and also works with the personal (development) of students. "Students will never pay for the school, made possible thanks to partners who will provide the 180,000 euros ($205,000) needed annually. The main donor is German defense company ARX Robotics, which initially invested 25,000 euros ($28,000) into the non-profit company. "It's a blueprint that we want to develop in the future." Shelest, owned by one of Ukraine's top investment bankers, Ihor Mazepa, covers operational costs, including bussing students to school from Kyiv, food and drinks, plus bookkeeping and HR. The school, a trendy Scandinavian-style building constructed with wood and glass, is nestled into the Shelest resort and connects to the restaurant where students train. It's a win-win, Katter said. Shelest gets qualified staff, IDPs get jobs, and the state receives taxes and spends less on support programs. In the future, Grains will include other programs like bar and restaurant work, and partner with other high-end hotels offering good salaries and benefits. The courses are open to all Ukrainians, but Katter wanted the first one to be geared toward women. Read also: In wartime Ukraine, a university grows — and reclaims a space once reserved for the corrupt The idea for Grains came to Katter over two years ago in Berlin when she met Muradyan, who had fled Ukraine with her daughter. Katter had already set up the company Bulletproof Ukraine, making affordable bulletproof vests for civilians, and wanted to create an educational project. When she heard Muradyan's struggles to find employees in the hotel industry, she realized hospitality would be the right path. Salaries have increased in the sector, and housekeepers can earn Hr 1,400 ($35) daily in a hotel like Shelest, above the average salary in the country. Katter saw the opportunity for Grains to help reduce unemployment among IDPs in Ukraine, which is higher than among other citizens, and plug the workforce deficit. "We want to show to the students that they can be creators of the reality they want to live in." Alongside theoretical and practical classes, taught by senior staff at Shelest, Katter starts every eight-hour day with a personal wellness session at 10 a.m. This is not about mental health, she says, but helping students set and achieve personal goals and breaking free from something she believes plagues post-Communist countries – the Soviet mindset. Katter wants students to gain confidence and aim high in their careers. Grains sets out a path to progress in the hospitality industry, but the skills they learn are transferable to other jobs if students want to try something else. "In the Soviet mindset, everyone is just confined to whatever life path is outlined for them. We want to show to the students that they can be creators of the reality they want to live in,' Katter said, adding that she also sees this issue in her homeland, Kazakhstan. For now, Grains has space for maximum 20 people per course, and soon students will be able to stay in on-site dormitories. For the first program, the school interviewed 60 applicants and accepted 12 who the company felt were keen to remain in hospitality. The first students graduated on May 23, and 95% went on to work at Shelest. The next program will launch at the end of July for housekeepers, while the team currently develops a culinary arts course with esteemed Kyiv chef Mirali Dilbazi. One student, Tetiana Izorkina, originally from now-occupied Luhansk, saw the program advertised on Telegram, a messaging app. Stable and safe work is hard to find in her current town, Dobropillia, Donetsk Oblast, which is near the front line. Her mother and grandmother initially thought Grains was a scam because it was free, an issue that Katter says will be solved once the company has a bigger presence and reputation. Fortunately for Izorkina, it wasn't, and she found herself in awe of the manicured lawns, flowerbeds, and contemporary art that decorates the resort. "In Donetsk Oblast, you only see gray colors. There are only soldiers around me, and you cannot see beautiful art. You only see dark," she said, adding how happy and emotional she felt to be on the course. For Izorkina, hospitality will be one of the key industries when the war ends, as tourist numbers are expected to climb back to over 14 million per year. She wants to join those working in hotels, restaurants, and bars to welcome tourists with high hospitality standards. In the long term, Ukraine is just the beginning, and Katter wants to take it worldwide. She sees Germany as the next country due to the high number of displaced people living there. "What we are building right now in Ukraine is a start. It's a blueprint that we want to develop in the future. Grains needs to become a tool that works for people everywhere in the world," she said. Hi, it's Dominic, thank you for reading this story. It's not all doom and gloom in Ukraine, and I want to shine a light on some of the positive things happening during the war. The women I met on the course were incredible and inspiring. It takes a lot to completely start fresh in life, especially when you've had everything turned upside down. To help us keep bringing you good news from Ukraine, please consider becoming a member. We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Age
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Age
The partners who can't live together, or apart
Who are the Liberals? So the federal Liberal Party, not to mention the state Liberal Party in Victoria, is now facing the prospect of its irrelevance as if it was not already apparent before the recent federal election. Party spokespeople repeatedly say they must define and return to their fundamental values. What are they? Small government and respect for personal freedom. Is that it? Could someone flesh this out? What does this mean for state education, for aged care, for workers' rights, for small and middle sized business and so on? The problem is that there is no one among the Liberals with the vision of a Menzies let alone his oratorical ability to sell his vision. There is no one who can move on from this moribund bunch of lightweights and rejuvenate, let alone start another party, as Menzies did in similar circumstances. Yes, that is what he did and this is where they are now. John Whelen, Box Hill Sth Power failure Net zero now describes the chances the Liberals and Nationals have of regaining power until they shed their ideological aversion to renewables. Craig Jory, Albury, NSW Hiding the truth The article ″ Australia rebukes Israel ″ (21/5) is notable for two revelations. One, the timidity of our response to Israel's weaponisation of starvation in Gaza in withholding backing for the direct warning of sanctions by our closest allies. We've been similarly exposed before, and there's not even an election now, as an excuse. The second is even more interesting: as Benjamin Netanyahu pushes on with the plan to take full control of a mostly empty Gaza, in which 'just enough aid to prevent hunger' will flow, the Israeli PM is disarmingly frank about the calculation behind this policy tweak. Dependent on international finance and materiel to further his campaign, he confesses the (limited) renewal of aid is to placate supporters who 'cannot handle images of starvation'. This is surely a new cynical twist to the old maxim: ″the first victim of war is truth″. Hide it if you can – just don't scare the horses. Ken Blackman, Inverloch It's not working for me Premier Jacinta Allan, would you please define 'working people' for us Victorians? I get confused because I forever see you and your colleagues in Hi-Vis vests and hard hats on those major infrastructure projects that have blown budgets and our state's debt levels. Charles Griss, Balwyn No boastful patriots Tim Soutphommasane (Comment, 21/5), rightly invokes ″an ethos of fairness, equality and humanity″ as central to an intelligent framing of patriotism for Australia. For too long, the lazy, reflexive boofheaded values of advertising copywriters embodied in the ″Come on Aussie, come on″ tradition have defined a love of this nation. A humbler Scandinavian-style pride in a society that treats its citizens as deserving of well-funded educational, health and aged resources should be our focus. Decency should be celebrated. If the Anzac martial tradition at Gallipoli is to be acknowledged, it should be in the context of recognising the common values shared in 1915 by young Ottoman Turk country boys with their prayer mats and Korans; and Anglo-Celtic bush lads from a Christian tradition acknowledging each other's courage, as attested in historical accounts of their encounters. Patriotism need not be boastful. Jon McMillan, Mount Eliza Applaud those protesters Well done to the farmers, firefighters and everyone else who protested in Melbourne on Tuesday. They managed to do what so many of us would love to but haven't, and that is to mobilise against the increasing cash grab by this state government to prop up its gross mismanagement. Jan Grutzner, Richmond The wasted years Correspondents to the Letters pages seem divided between the need for major infrastructure and the cost. The current problem is that developments like the Suburban Rail Loop and the North East Link are necessary components for a fast-growing Melbourne, but are seen as unaffordable in the eyes of many due to the state's parlous budget situation. Federal funding, which is really essential, is limited and in recent years has tended to favour the north-eastern states at Victoria's expense. On an Australia-wide basis infrastructure development has been too late, having regard to the speed of growth of the nation this century. It is regrettable that at the height of the mining boom, when federal funds were more than adequate, the financial benefits were dispersed in the Howard years as tax advantages instead of being invested in infrastructure development, which would have been far less costly then, and beneficial to the nation as a whole. Brian Kidd, Mt Waverley Change investment In relation to comments that the proposed changes to superannuation will hinder investment, I ask, why does this investment need to be within the superannuation framework? What's to stop the wealthy from investing outside of superannuation? Since superannuation is intended to provide a reasonable income during retirement, can't we simply stick to that vision, rather than turning self-managed funds into huge investment facilities, with incomes far beyond what most people have in retirement. Eileen Ray, Ascot Vale School parking jam I live opposite a state primary school and can say that the daily 'parking stoush' is not restricted to so-called 'privileged' schools. While I am unable to park outside my house during the 'drop-off' and 'pick-up' times, these restrictions do not seem to apply to some parents. They not only park illegally, but consider it OK to straddle private home crossovers and/or nature strips. This is not done just to drop off or pick up their children as they lock their cars, carry their child's bag and cross the supervised crossing to 'deliver/collect' their offspring at the school gate. Parking restrictions may be a nuisance to residents, but they exist to make it safer for the school's students. It is a pity that some parents do not seem to realise, or care, that their illegal parking eliminates this safety feature and causes traffic congestion. Tony Wheeler, Templestowe Lower Stop the heritage loss In ref to ' Melbourne's character and liveability is being bulldozed – we should be alarmed' (20/5) I am alarmed. I was alarmed in 2016 when the first planning zone laws came in. I kicked and screamed, wrote letters to the government and talked with locals about how the state was bulldozing us by rushed decisions to change the zoning on our streets. With no answers to my questions our neighbourhoods were starting to change – 12 apartments here, a high-rise there, a sign of things to come. Not content with this, the state government is coming back determined to take every piece of grass we have left, the air we breath and the safety we had as we walked, biked, and shopped in our local communities. This heritage we have in our very young country should be placed with pride. The pride in our single-fronted cottages, weatherboards, cream brick veneers, Housing Commission flats, and our grand Victorian, Edwardian, and Federation homes. All part of a history that if demolished can never be replaced again. I come again, kicking and screaming, asking the same questions. How do we stop this from happening? Sharon Hendon, Glen Iris Energy alternatives Australia started large-scale mining uranium at Rum Jungle in the Northern Territory in 1954, but has only ever used tiny amounts for medical purposes, exporting the rest. Who knows how much ends up in nuclear weapons? France started building nuclear power plants in 1956, now has 18 supplying much of the country's electric power. In Australia, the conservative parties have had long periods of government, but only now have decided nuclear is the thing. Can anyone believe they are real? Meanwhile, China has become the largest generator of electricity by both hydro and wind in the world. It has also built at least one heliostat mirror array using sun to heat molten salt, which retains heat overnight enough to make the steam to turn the turbines to make electricity just like burning coal and gas, but without adding to rapidly increasing planet overheating. Why does Australia not pay for these facilities by charging those who extract fossil fuels a whole lot more? Loch Wilson, Northcote Some are lucky Yes, some might enjoy seeing white fields covered in frost, but as I turn on our heater with the temperature hovering around 0 degrees, I can't help but feel for those people less fortunate, with no warm place to sleep, through no fault of their own. I feel so privileged living in my cosy and warm house. Pam Christensen, Leongatha North Gift of gratitude The article ″ My resurrection (thank you) cost $7 ″ (21/5) made my heart sing – along with the music the author Fotis Kapetopoulos describes. Gratitude is a wonderful asset and this writer has it in spades alongside his gift for describing eras, lifestyles and our public health system, which is so often criticised. Kay Cole, Hawthorn East AND ANOTHER THING Politics The Nationals remind me of my childhood. When I threatened to run away from home, my mother offered to help pack my bags. Peter Thomas, Pascoe Vale Sussan Ley has made her mark by stating that all policies will be reviewed given the election result. The Nationals, with no review of failed policies, served up a foolish ultimatum and failed. Mike Fajdiga, Beaumaris Backers of the previous coalition will now need to pick which independent party to finance. The Liberals or the Country Nationals. Interesting times ahead. Meg Paul, Camberwell The Nationals couldn't split the atom so they split the opposition. Geoff Allen, Parkdale Nuclear power brought the Coalition partners together on climate policy. But now it seems to have contributed to their split. Nuclear fusion has given way to nuclear fission. Anthea Hyslop, Eltham Forget about the doors being open for a reconciliation between the Liberals and Nationals because the knife drawers will always remain open. Rob Prowd, Box Hill South Have the Nationals finally signed their own death warrant? Chris Burgess, Port Melbourne Bridget McKenzie (″Stupid move: Howard slams Coalition bust-up″, 21/5) doesn't know the difference between reasonable requests and unreasonable demands. Les Aisen, Elsternwick It has taken a woman to stop the tail wagging the dog. Martin Crowe, Fitzroy North
Scotsman
05-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
A future living among friends
Social isolation and the rural housing crisis is being tackled in a bold housing experiment on Orkney Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A bold housing experiment is underway in Orkney that could redefine how communities live and thrive. In the far north of Scotland, a group of residents, many in their 70s, are leading a Scandinavian-style co-housing project aimed at tackling social isolation and the rural housing crisis. Their vision is simple yet profound: create a neighbourhood of private homes alongside shared spaces, fostering close-knit living. The project, Hope Cohousing, would be Scotland's first fully rental co-housing development, and it's already shovel-ready after six years of determined effort. As this innovative venture gains momentum, it challenges traditional thinking on planning, property values, and community cohesion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Co-housing is an intentional housing model where residents design and manage their neighbourhood collectively. Originating in Denmark in the 1960s, it combines self-contained private homes with shared facilities like a common house, gardens, and recreation spaces. Daily life is semi-independent, promoting both privacy and regular social connection. The new cohousing project is centred on St. Margaret's Hope on Orkney (Picture: Adobe) Denmark has made co-housing mainstream, with around 50,000 Danes living in such communities, and similar models have spread across the US and England. Until now, Scotland has lagged behind, with funding and planning hurdles. Hope Cohousing is poised to change that. Hope Cohousing illustrates how this model addresses both loneliness and housing affordability. The founding members, older residents of Orkney, sought alternatives to isolated, hard-to-heat homes. By clustering six eco-friendly houses together in St. Margaret's Hope, the project ensures independence alongside community support. Importantly, these homes are all affordable rentals – not for sale. This opens cohousing to long-term tenants who might not have the means to buy, offering a secure home in a supportive environment. It also addresses broader pressures like fuel poverty and the ageing population, providing modern, energy-efficient homes at affordable rents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hope Cohousing demonstrates grassroots community development in a rural area often overlooked by mainstream builders. Initiated by a Community Interest Company formed by local residents, the project secured land from Orkney Islands Council and garnered planning permission after years of advocacy. All the Hope Cohousing homes are affordable rentals, says Rob Aberdein Support from Robert Gordon University architects and Scottish Government funding further enabled the project. Echoing Denmark's success, Orkney's model shows how rural councils and communities can collaborate to deliver alternative housing solutions. The Hope Cohousing journey exposed systemic barriers for community-led developments, requiring creative navigation through grants and permissions. Its success could inspire councils elsewhere to adopt more flexible planning approaches for community-driven housing. Hope Cohousing homes won't affect open-market prices directly, but their presence could unlock under-occupied homes as residents relocate, freeing up existing housing stock for families. Cohousing also reframes housing not as a mere commodity, but as infrastructure for well-being – offering long-term community benefits without undermining property markets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At its heart, Hope Cohousing is about combating loneliness by designing community into everyday life. Residents will share communal meals, gardens, and decision-making, creating a daily fabric of neighbourly support. In a rural area like Orkney, this closeness is vital for quality of life, especially for older residents. The initiative also empowers local people to tackle social challenges directly, setting an example for other communities. Its success could inspire wider uptake of community-led models across Scotland. This is more than a housing project – it's a proof of concept for a different way of living in Scotland. If successful, it could influence planners, policymakers, and other rural communities to embrace co-housing as part of the solution to Scotland's ongoing 'housing crisis'. While funding challenges remain, there is growing governmental and public support. The Orkney model suggests a more Scandinavian-inspired approach to housing – one rooted in community and well-being – could become part of Scotland's future.
