Cocos related news articles

1. Local photographs end up as 2011 Cocos Stamp Collection 

Australia Post recent "Cocos Boat Series" stamps were captured by local on-island photographer, Karen Willshaw | Cocos Barefoot Photography.  Karen has been commissioned by Australia Post on several occasions to supply her images for Cocos stamp issues such as "Flora" and "Dugong with Batfish".  For more information on Karen's photography, visit: http://www.karenwillshaw.com/

Australia Post Website

The remote Cocos (Keeling) Islands are dependent upon boats in their daily life and are also a haven for water-based activities. This stamp issue features four types of watercraft used around the islands.

Jukongs (60c) These Malay sailing boats are an end result of generations of Scottish and Malay adaptations. The bottom is broad and bears a keel of about 150mm. Larger jukongs are sailed at least once a year during Hari Raya festivals.

Small boat ($1.20) Small boats are popular with the younger generation and are ideal for travelling across the lagoon or similar short trips.

Glass-bottom boat ($1.80) This Glass bottom-boat allows tourists to observe the unique marine life swimming beneath them.

Yacht ($3.00) Numerous yachts visit the islands each year, particularly those making around-the-world voyages. Direction Island is an ideal sanctuary.

Issue highlights
This is the first time a stamp pack has been produced for a Cocos (Keeling) Islands stamp issue.

Purchase the set through Australia Post Shop here

2. Russian heroes in the Battle of Penang by Tiberius Kerk - Free Malaysia Today

"Since Russia was a key member of the Allies, she sent a light cruiser, Zhemchug, to escort British and French transport ships across the Indian Ocean in the early stages of the war.

The UK and French vessels were carrying military personnel and cargo as they sailed across the vast ocean. In the long journey, Zhemchug made a detour to the harbour of Penang for repairs.

Unknown to the Allied forces, a German high speed cruiser, Emden, had slipped into Penang waters disguised as a British ship.

In a surprise attack, Emden launched several torpedoes at Zhemchug. The Russian cruiser didn’t stand a chance as the torpedoes found their target with devastating effect". Read more

3. Foodies seeking the most authentic dishes from around the world trek to the Islamic hub in Sydney's southwest Lakemba by Daisy Dumas CNNGo.com

Island Dreams Café

Specialising in home-cooked meals from two of Australia's far-flung territories -- Christmas and Cocos Islands -- Island Dreams Café delivers a dose of sleepy island life to the suburbs – despite there being fewer than 200 islanders in New South Wales.
The islanders’ Malay ancestors heavily influence this cuisine's flavors and it's hearty stuff. Typically popular dishes are ayam panggang and acar –- lemon chili chicken and cucumber and carrot pickle.

Coconut oil features throughout (palm oil is used on the islands) and the fresh chili used in the special sambal tumis cuts through the rich chicken and fish dishes, which are prepared each morning by Islander Alimah Bilda. The fish crackers -- alarmingly rainbow-colored -- are also a delicacy. Read more