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We often complain about the circumstances in our lives and with the winter and cold setting in, complaining becomes easier. But we have so much to be grateful for here in Australia and the situation in Zimbabwe and other Southern African nations only serves to emphasis how lucky we are to be living in such a prosperous country. Our thoughts are with all those who are trapped in uncertain times and those who have loved ones still living through forgotten hardships.

In line with welcomed prosperity, this issue features some amazing Southern African athletes and sporting greats who have made Australia their new home and who are taking on the Australian sporting world in a big way. World renowned South African jockey Jeff Lloyd moved to Australia with his family late last year and is already on his way to winning another premiership. Sabona also features some inspirational young athletes; Grant Britz, 20 year old swimmer and ex-Jo’burg boy is about to hop on a plane to Europe for a couple of months before representing Australia in the Beijing Olympics and another ex-Jo’burg boy 17 year old Mark Swanepoel has secured himself a 2 year contract with Super 14’s Red’s Academy!

With sport being such a huge part of our lives back home and here in Australia, we thought it only appropriate to include a section on sports for kids in Australia and how to get involved.

Based in Orange, NSW is Richard Turnbull, one of South Africa’s most respected sports conditioning and rehabilitation experts. He has worked with many international teams during his career in South Africa including the Springboks Rugby Team during the 1993 World Cup, which was played here in Australia! He is now well entrenched in his new life in Australia, winning the Sports Personality of the Year at Orange’s Australia Day awards in 2002.

One question that Sabona is often asked is “how much does it really cost to live in Australia?” and “how much does one need to be able to live comfortably in Australia?” Well we all have varying levels of comfort, but Sabona has endeavoured to include some useful tips and sites you can check out to get an idea of living expenses here in Australia.

This issue is once again packed full of informative stories, humour and business tips, which we hope will keep you company in front of a blazing fire and perhaps with a hot chocolate in hand. Enjoy!