Industry experts believe that the on-going Qantas strikes will have a damaging effect on Australian tourism. This is because Australians are fearful that their flights will be grounded. In order to avoid this, many Australians are choosing to stay home this summer.

Marketing Twenty-Twelve and Beyond will take place at the Hilton Sydney on October 19-20. This annual conference presented by the Australian Marketing Institute is designed to stress the importance of marketing to a business survival. Those interested in branding, design, gaining customers and learning about social trends will find this conference educational. Hundreds of marketers from all over the Sydney area including such suburbs as Peakhurst are expected to attend.

Businesses who are wondering how social media and public relations can aid their business, should attend a new workshop in Sydney. This workshop will be available to small business operators in September as part of the event "Small Business September".

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has spoken out defending her decision to spend over $12 million taxpayer dollars on advertising her controversial carbon tax. Gillard claims the spending is justified as it is about providing the Australian public with the facts about carbon tax and how it will affect them.

Residents of the Hurstville local government area will have a chance to hear Terry Boylan, colourful senior zookeeper and recent author, speak at the end of this month on modern zoos and his role in them. The talk will take place at the Hurstville City Library on Thursday, July 21.