Onerva Utriainen Photographic Exhibition

Posted on 30/05/2015 by faccadmin in News

Works by one of our Melbourne based members, ONERVA UTRIAINEN, are featured in a ‘mini art fair’ style exhibition at the ANITA TRAVERSO GALLERY, 7 Albert Street, Richmond VIC 3121.

The exhibition, AT_SALON² : SEASON 2 runs until 19 July 2015 and all of our members and friends in Melbourne are encouraged to get along to it. The ANITA TRAVERSO GALLERY is open Wednesday through Saturday 11am to 5pm, and by appointment.

ONERVA UTRIAINEN Pastoral Passages #30

Born in Finland, ONERVA UTRIAINEN trained in Italy and has been exhibiting professionally since 1993 in Europe and more recently in Australia. Her work is held in numerous private and corporate collections nationally and abroad, and is on the board of many art foundations in her homeland.

Cargotec’s Kalmar wins significant order for Melbourne’s new automated container terminal

Posted on 03/09/2014 by faccadmin in News

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has won a significant contract to deliver container handling equipment and related automation technology worth of more than EUR 40 million to Port of Melbourne’s new container terminal, operated by Victoria International Container Terminal Ltd (VICTL). The order includes 12 automated stacking cranes and 11 automated shuttle carriers and they will be delivered during 2016.

Kalmar’s partnership with VICTL, a consortium comprised of Philippines-based International Container Terminal Services Incorporated (ICTSI) and Australia’s Anglo Ports, marks a milestone in Australia’s port infrastructure development. Australia has shown the way in port automation and Kalmar has played a key role in introducing innovative automation solutions to the country’s leading ports.

The new terminal at Melbourne’s Webb Dock will introduce fully automated operations from gate to quayside and deliver an estimated capacity of 350,000 TEU in its first phase. When fully developed, the 35.4 hectare terminal will be able to handle up to 1.4 million TEU annually. Construction of the terminal superstructure and facilities is planned to commence in late 2014.

Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI head of the Asia-Pacific region said: “This is a premier project for ICTSI in Australia and the partnership with Kalmar allows us to introduce cutting edge, best-proven automated container handling equipment and technologies to Webb Dock. Kalmar’s strong track record in delivering automated terminal solutions in Australia as well as in other parts of the world will help us to put Melbourne amongst the leading ports of the world.”

Olli Isotalo, President of Kalmar, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been selected as the main partner in this landmark project. Our proven solutions and experience in port automation will not only ensure superior operating efficiency but also minimal environmental impact in this highly populated area. We are committed to delivering VICTL a high-performing system with best of breed automated port equipment.”

www.cargotec.com

Cargotec shapes the cargo handling industry for the benefit of its customers and shareholders. Cargotec’s business areas MacGregor, Kalmar and Hiab are recognised leaders in cargo and load handling solutions around the world. Their global network is positioned close to customers and offers extensive services that ensure a continuous, reliable and sustainable performance according to customers’ needs. Cargotec’s sales totalled approximately EUR 3.2 billion and it employs approximately 11,000 people. Cargotec’s class B shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki under symbol CGCBV. www.cargotec.com

Inaugural Scandinavian Film Festival

Posted on 22/05/2014 by faccadmin in News

The inaugural Scandinavian Film Festival is set to heat up the Australian Winter this July with the coolest films from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland hitting screens nationally.

Presented by Palace and screening exclusively at Palace Cinema locations, the Scandinavian Film Festival will delight audiences with the best drama, crime and comedy of the region.

With Scandinavian crime drama the hottest property of the last few years, it only made sense to delve even deeper into Nordic film. Australian audiences will have the chance to experience the breadth of style, humour, action and mystery that Scandinavian film has to offer. Here are a few titles from the 2014 edition to whet your appetite…

The Festival will open with the Swedish blockbuster The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared (Hundraaringen som klev ut genom fonstret och forsvann). A delightful, colourful comedy of unexpected surprises based on the hugely successful international bestselling novel by Jonas Jonasson which was published in more than 35 countries. This is the unlikely story of Allan Karlsson (played by popular Swedish actor/comedian Robert Gustafsson), a 100-year-old man with an eventful past who keeps stumbling into extraordinary circumstances.

Easy Money III: Life Deluxe (2013) is the final installment following JW, an economics student who falls into the seductive world of drug running. To celebrate, the entire trilogy will be screened starting with Sweden’s top-grossing film of 2010 Easy Money (Snabba cash) and Easy Money II: Hard to Kill (2012) all of which star Joel Kinnaman (RoboCop, The Killing). Based on Jens Lapidus’ international best-selling novel, Easy Money is a taut, intelligent feature, which went on to be presented by fan Martin Scorsese in the USA and UK.

From Finland, director Taru Mäkelä’s August Fools (Mieleton Elokuu) is a smart, uplifting comedy set in the context of the Cold War. Marvellously multilayered, the story is loosely based on real political events, paired with a delightful romance. Set in 1962, a middle-aged milliner, part-time clairvoyant, is forced to revisit the past when the man she loved 20 years ago and thought dead walks into her little hat shop in Helsinki.

The rugged, isolated beauty of Iceland is showcased in the powerful family drama Metalhead (Málmhaus) – a story of loss and grief led by a breathtaking and award-winning performance by Thorbjörg Helga Thorgilsdóttir. As a 12 year-old, Hera (Thorgilsdóttir) witnesses the tragic accident that kills her older brother, Baldur. But not long after the loss, it is as though the heavy-metal-loving Baldur has never left her side as Hera takes on her brother’s identity, claiming his wardrobe, record collection and electric guitar.

A complicated tangle of race, love and family is explored in I Am Yours (Jeg er din) from Norway. Amrita Acharia’s (Game of Thrones) multifaceted performance is captivating and sympathetic in the taut, intelligent relationship drama by director Iram Haq.

Denmark’s Mikkel Norgaard demonstrates Danish suspense at its best in The Keeper of Lost Causes (Kvinden i buret). Scripted by Nikolaj Arcel (the original The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and A Royal Affair) and based on the international bestselling crime-thriller of the same title, the film follows a police officer who gets reassigned to a dead-end new department for old, terminated cases. Although given explicit orders to only read and sort through the cases, not a single day passes before he is thrown headfirst into a mystery of a well-known female politician.

The full program launches in early June.

For more information visit www.scandinavianfilmfestival.com

Blues take home FACC Ice Hockey Trophy

Posted on 13/11/2013 by faccadmin in News

Many thanks to those who participated in the recent ‘Hockey Night’ event at the Ice House in Melbourne on 1 November 2013.

Blues win with sudden death goal from Anthony Bletcher of Switch Marketing.

The afternoon began with a friendly (but action packed) ice hockey game of ‘Blues vs Whites’. With fantastic performances on both sides, the game went on to overtime. A sudden death goal from Anthony Bletcher of Switch Marketing sealed victory for the Blue team. Best of all, the game ended in a friendly fashion with no recorded penalties or injuries!

After the game, Team Finland Ambassador Lydia Lassila briefed the gathering on her preparations and plans to win back-to-back Olympic Gold in Aerial Skiing in Sochi, Russia. Lydia has now travelled to Ruka, Finland where she will base herself in preparation for the World Cup season and for the February 2014 Olympic Winter Games. You can follow Lydia’s journey and preparation through Twitter and Facebook.

The next event for Melbourne members and friends will be the 2nd Annual FACC Victorian Chapter Golf Day on Saturday, 14 December 2013 at RACV Cape Schanck Golf Course.

Helsinki again amongst top ten most liveable cities in the world

Posted on 29/08/2013 by faccadmin in News

HELSINGIN KAUPUNKI/CHRISTIANA MESINO
Helsinki gets best possible ratings for its healthcare and stability in the latest EIU survey.

Finland’s capital Helsinki has again been ranked amongst the top ten most liveable cities in the world. The report just published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) reveals that Helsinki has maintained its position as the 8th most liveable city in the world.

The Australian city Melbourne maintained its top position third year in a row. Syrian capital Damascus was ranked as the least liveable city. EIU report surveyed a total of 140 cities under five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.

Helsinki received overall rating of 96 out of 100, and it got full marks (100) for the healthcare and stability. City’s infrastructure received 96.4 points, education 91.7 points and culture & environment 90 points out of 100.

The most liveable cities in the world 2013:

1. Melbourne (Australia)
2. Vienna (Austria)
3. Vancouver (Canada)
4. Toronto (Canada)
5. Calgary (Canada)
6. Adelaide (Australia)
7. Sydney (Australia)
8. Helsinki (Finland)
9. Perth (Australia)
10. Auckland (New Zealand)

www.eiu.com

MM

News courtesy of Good News! from Finland / Finnfacts.

Konecranes delivers cranes to Sydney and Melbourne

Posted on 24/07/2013 by faccadmin in News

KONECRANES
Konecranes has received an order from Pacific National which is Australia’s largest private rail freight operator.

Konecranes has received what the company calls a groundbreaking order from Australia.

The Finnish company is delivering four cranes to Pacific National which is Australia’s largest private rail freight operator. The investment in these cranes is part of larger modernization projects in the company’s terminals in Sydney and Melbourne.

— With the new cranes and other upgrades in systems and infrastructure, we will significantly improve the productivity of our largest freight terminals, says Rodney Burfoot, Pacific National’s Crane Project Manager.

— Intermodal business is growing globally and this order will further strengthen our position on the market, says Ville Hoppu, Konecranes’ Sales Manager, Port Cranes

Pacific National is fully owned by the Australian Stock Exchange listed entity Asciano and operates a rail freight network between key cities in Australia.

During the last three years Konecranes has handled repair and maintenance of the Australian company’s current cranes at Sydney and Melbourne.

Konecranes specializes in the manufacture and service of cranes and overhead lifting equipment. The group has 12,100 employees in 48 countries and is headquartered in Hyvinkää, Finland.

www.konecranes.com

MM

News courtesy of Finnfacts / Good News! from Finland

Apocalyptica announces first ever Australian Tour

Posted on 30/08/2012 by faccadmin in News

Apocalyptica are coming. Twenty years from inception, one of the biggest names in European metal is finally touring Australia. Combining classical nuance with brutal breakdowns, this fantastic Finnish four-piece are quintessential Eurock with a difference. They are metal, with cellists.

Apocalyptica - Touring Australia 2012

Their most recent album, 7th Symphony was produced by Joe Baressi (Queens Of The Stone Age, Tool) and features guests vocalists including Gavin Rossdale (Bush), Brent Smith (Shinedown), Joe Duplantier (Gojira) and Diane Warren (Award winning songwriter for artists like Aerosmith, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion). 7th Symphony has been touted as the band’s most inspired release to date, with equal emphasis on beautiful melodies and heavy, bombastic rhythms.

Their track “Beautiful” is particularly bare and vulnerable, but it may have something to do with its unique recording process. “We decided to play it naked,” songwriter Eicca Toppinen says. “It was a moment where there were four guys naked in the room just playing acoustic music. Being naked always brings good feelings. Immediately, it was much more fun.”

Now with over four million album sales worldwide to date and a reputation for an incredible live show under their belt, Apocalyptica make their first ever trip to Australia this August. Don’t miss these unique live performances.

APOCALYPTICA AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES 2012

Brisbane
Thursday 30th August – Hi Fi Bar, Brisbane QLD
Tickets: thehifi.com.au or 1300 The HIFI & Moshtix outlets
including Kill The Music, Butterbeats CBD & Valley and Atlantis Music Southport

Sydney
Friday 31st August – Hi Fi Bar, Sydney NSW
Tickets: thehifi.com.au or 1300 The HIFI & Moshtix outlets
including Resist Records, Utopia Records & Red Eye Records

Melbourne
Saturday 1st September – Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne VIC
Tickets: thehifi.com.au or 1300 The HIFI & Moshtix outlets
including Fist2Face, Polyester Records & Greville St Records

Marimekko brings its bold colours and patters to Sydney and Melbourne

Posted on 30/08/2012 by faccadmin in News

Some sixty years ago, Marimekko revolutionised the textile industry in Finland with its bold and brilliant, unconventional prints. At first, Marimekko was a phenomenon. Then it grew into an outlook on life: courageous, egalitarian and positive. Its strikingly inventive patterns and clever use of colour translated into strong contemporary collections of home décor, clothing and accessories. Ever since, it has flourished in the boundary between art and design.

Marimekko celebrates a rich and colourful history in Australia – its groundbreaking designs first arrived here in the early 1960s. Now, following the recent opening of stores in New York, Boston, Hong Kong and more, Marimekko brings its striking point of view to Sydney and Melbourne in October-‐November. Both locations, the Sydney flagship and the Melbourne store, will feature the entire range of Marimekko products, from signature fashions to home furnishings.

The 300 sqm Sydney flagship is located in the heart of the city at 66 King Street adjacent to Louis Vuitton and Apple. The store was designed by Marimekko’s store design team and the Tokyo architecture firm IMA who are behind, among others, the Marimekko flagships in Helsinki and New York. Both lower level and mezzanine maintain the art deco integrity of the building and neighbourhood while elevating its mood. With eight-‐metre ceilings and great natural light, the store will showcase the whole world of Marimekko at its best.

The Melbourne store is in the fashion heart of the city at 576 Chapel Street. With over 200 sqm of space on one level, Marimekko will bring even more colour to an already vibrant area.

“We are thrilled to open two unique sites. The King and George Street precinct is burgeoning with innovative brands and we are happy to bring Marimekko’s bold and joyful designs there. The opening of these two stores is a significant step for us as we aim to build Marimekko a stronger presence in Australia,” says Paul Alvarez, Retail Manager of Marimekko Australia.

Marimekko is a Finnish textile and clothing design company renowned for its original prints and colours. The company designs and manufactures high-‐quality interior decoration items ranging from furnishing fabrics to tableware as well as clothing, bags and other accessories. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, its unparalleled printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. Marimekko products are sold in approximately 40 countries. In 2011, brand sales of Marimekko products worldwide amounted to approximately EUR 170 million and the company’s net sales were EUR 77 million. The number of Marimekko stores totalled 90 at the year end. The key markets are North America, Northern Europe and the Asia-‐Pacific region. The Group employs around 500 people. The company’s share is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com