Australia Society Tokyo News

A Practical Guide to Buying Property in Sydney

Fri, 03 May 2013 12:51:00 GMT

Woodhams Relocation Centre in Sydney, Australia are inviting you to join them for a free online seminar which will provide guidance on many of the practical questions facing buyers, including:

-What’s happening in the market currently (prices, new selling and buying approaches, etc.)

-What do we need to do, and when

-Buying time lines

-Financing – what’s available, on what terms

-Taxation issues – stamp duty, land tax, capital gains, etc.

-Legal matters – changes in real estate law, conveyancor or solicitor?

-Risk Management – pitfalls to be aware of

-Strategies – Buyer checklists, tips for buying off the plan etc.

Click here to download the flyer

Click the following link to register for the webinar

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/742169806

ASIJ Summer Passport Program - June 10-28

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 20:38:41 GMT

Join ASIJ's three-week learning adventure that offers a unique opportunity for students to further their studies and to explore their passions and interests. Designed to enrich and complement our core curriculum, the Summer Passport Program offers new opportunities for present and visiting students alike.

What's in store for the Summer Passport Program students this summer?

• NEW! For children currently in kindergarten or grade one we will be offering an English language development class. Students who speak no English at all, or who are limited in English, are welcome to join. We look forward to helping them build their English skills.

• Grades 1-2 and 3-4 Japanese Classes will explore three of Japan's World Heritage Sites. There will be hands on experiences using crafts, cooking and literature.

• Kindergartners will voyage to the bottom of the sea as they discover the wonders of the ocean...and they may even dig for buried treasure left by a pirate!

• Grade 1 - Dinosaurs rule!

• Grades 2-4 will "journey" to exciting destinations (Brazil and South Africa) and become cultural ambassadors.

• Grades 5 - 11 students are treated to an array of diverse classes - SAT, JV SAT, writing, reading development, Japanese culture, basic math, algebra, geometry, hands on science classes, robotics, Mac essentials, Photoshop, painting, drawing, woodworking, ceramics, guitar, creating music, basketball, soccer, Frisbee, fitness, and more....

We continue to offer the Readak study skills program for students in grades 5-11. » Learn more

Please visit our website (http://community.asij.ac.jp/passport) and download the Summer Passport Brochure to find out specifics for all the classes.

We believe we have something for everyone and hope you consider our program as you make your summer 2013 plans.

Karen Rossetto
 Program Director

0422-345300 ext 520
passport@asij.ac.jp

Gabrielle Moulding Exhibition: Tokyo - Changing Seasons, May 24th - 25th

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 03:12:03 GMT

GABRIELLE MOULDING

Watercolour & Mixed Media

TOKYO - CHANGING SEASONS

EXHIBITION AND OPEN HOUSE

Friday 24^th May - 10am - 3pm

Saturday 25^th May – 10 am – 12 noon

Hiroo Hilltop gardens - 402

3-17-8 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku

Please drop in for tea/ coffee and light refreshments!

RSVP : Ella 080 4473 2106 / ellamoulding@mac.com

For more information/price list and to view paintings visit: www.gabriellemoulding.com

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‘ Ducks and sakura at Shinjuku Gyoen park ’ Tokyo ,2013. Watercolour.

‘Melting snow on the steps of the old gates of Zojoji Temple’ Tokyo , 2013. Watercolour.

ASIJ Open Campus - Saturday, April 27 9am-12pm

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 01:43:24 GMT

You are invited to see what makes ASIJ such a special place: Bring your children and spend an exciting day at The American School in Japan.

• Explore the outstanding, spacious facilities

• Ride the bus and enjoy snacks when you arrive

• Attend presentations by the Admissions Office and key faculty representatives

• See our students in action on the athletics field and on stage in our spring musical*

Learn about recent initiatives at school. Meet and talk with experts from each division about ASIJ’s curriculum, student learning outcomes, college placements and the admissions process.

RSVP requested, parking and bus service available - please contact the Admissions Office at enroll@asij.ac.jp or call 0422-34-5300 ext 720.

*Please note that complimentary tickets for the 1pm performance of the high school spring musical Beauty and the Beast are available for interested families courtesy of the Admissions Office. These are available by reservation onlyundefinedplease let us know if you would like tickets when you RSVP for the Open Campus event.

Double Black Hotel Special Offer

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 01:30:11 GMT

Our friends at the Double Black Hotel are happy to be able to offer members of the Australia Society Tokyo a 15% discount off their published rate from 22 february until the end of the 2013 ski season.

All you need to do is login to your Membership account at www.AustraliaSocietyTokyo.com, follow the link and input the special discount code.

Not yet a member? It is easy to join by following this link. Memberships start from only 3,000 yen.

Blues Festival in Bridgetown WA Nov 10 & 11, 2012 Video Streaming

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 23:56:58 GMT

This is the 20th year of the Blues Festival in Bridgetown WA and will have a line up of 42 acts.

They will be streaming the festival on the 10 and 11 of November this year, linked from Their web site www.bluesatbridgetown.com

The main performance stage will have 6 cameras, video mixed and uploaded as Artist Sets or Brackets to create an almost live 24 hours of video.
The video will be hosted through a cloud service provider so it will be available with fast access globally.
The files will also remain in the Cloud service for a good period of time to view.

A DVD will be produced from the quality video for purchase after the Festival or pre-order and save on the purchase.

They are a small community of only about 3,000 people and the Festival needs to grow through this online delivery to stay sustainable.

Message from our new President

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 02:12:33 GMT

Greetings to all our Members, Future Members and friends,

I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Australia Society Tokyo and to help make it even more attractive for all our members and prospective members. The AST is run by a very capable group of volunteers who put in a lot of effort to arrange and hold enjoyable events and activities for our members.

Martin Giles has taken on the role of Vice President and we are both looking forward to making the AST even better. I encourage all those in our membership who are interested in helping out or have ideas for events to contact us at any time because the AST really is a Society of the members, for the members, and by the members.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at our upcoming events. There is a Wine Event on Friday (Aug 17th) at Roti in Roppongi, and the Family BBQ will be held at the Australian Embassy on September 22nd. Feel free to bring colleagues and friends, too. Then of course the big ones: the Melbourne Cup Day Event in November and the Australia Day Ball in January 2013. The Kids' Christmas Party will be held as usual in early December. Last but not least, our monthly Coffee Mornings are also great for meeting people and having a chat in the morning. Check our website for more details about all our events.

I really hope you will all help us spread the word about the Australia Society Tokyo and its purpose.

Alex Byrne
President - Australia Society Tokyo
president@AustraliaSocietyTokyo.com

National Australia Bank Property Loan Special Offer

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 03:17:11 GMT

Click image to download the leaflet

QANTAS Early Summer Deals

Sat, 19 May 2012 14:55:02 GMT

Our good friends at QANTAS have Early Summer Deals on offer!

Deals to Australia are on now

Beat the heat in Australia
With cool destinations across Australia on offer now, there's no better time to go.

Travel dates
Deals are available in Economy from Tokyo Narita to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth from 14 July 2012 until 30 September 2012. Tickets are valid for travel for up to 3 months.

Book now
Offer ends 11.59pm (Tokyo time) Thursday 31 May 2012, unless sold out prior.

Visit qantas.com today for great fares, with the convenience of managing your booking online. Prices based on payment at qantas.com.*
For full details click here

Tokyo English Life Line needs your help

Tue, 08 May 2012 03:03:33 GMT

TELL Needs Your Help Today

Tokyo English Life Line (TELL) is a not-for-profit organization providing counseling and support services in the community for nearly 40 years through the Life Line, professional face-to-face counseling services, workshops, Employee Assistance Programs and online resources. In the wake of the 2011 Earthquake, TELL has expanded its activities to include psychological first aid training to first responders and volunteers in affected areas, in addition to our regular support services.

Now TELL needs your help. In order to continue providing these essential services we need financial support and volunteer Life Line telephone counselors.

Donate Today Donations can be made through the TELL website in yen or dollars using PayPal, First Giving or JustGiving Japan. Checks or bank/ postal transfers also very welcome.
http://www.telljp.com/index.php?/en/how_to_donate/

Become a Life Line Telephone Counselor TELL offers a comprehensive Life Line training program that offers training in client-centered counseling and an opportunity to provide direct support to people in need in the community. Click below for details and an application form.
http://www.telljp.com/index.php?/en/life_line/

For questions about other ways in which you or your organization can support TELL's mission in Japan, please email us at lifeline1@telljp.com

Thank you in advance for your generous support!

Sincerely,

Jason Chare, Life Line Director - lifeline1@telljp.com

Linda Semlitz, Counseling Center Director - clinical.direct@telljp.com

http://www.telljp.com/

Videos from the 2012 Australia Day Ball

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:08:41 GMT

Videos from the Australia Day ball are now available to view by clicking the links below.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AustraliaSociety/videos
Videos by Terabyte Station

Updated video - KINETIC ART dance group at the 2012 Ball

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:30:52 GMT

Attendees of this years Australia Day Charity Ball "Winter Nights" were entertained with the unique dance performance of KINETIC ART.

Click image to view the video

KINETIC ART is a group of three dancers who perform artistic breakdance. KINETIC ART created a unique dance that is based on breakdance and involves innovative poses and unexpected flow with interesting movement of their three bodies intertwined. Their goal is to give excitement, inspiration and a shock to the audience. KINETIC ART is excited about future performance opportunities not only in Japan but worldwide.

Affiliation：Chojinpro URL:http://www.chojinpro.co.jp

KINETIC ARTは、男性2名、女性1名からなるアーティスティックなbreak dance crewです。break danceがベースで、さらに身体と身体が奇妙に絡まり合う、斬新なポーズや奇想天外な流れのある、新しいダンスを造り出しました。見る人に、期待と感動と衝撃を与えたいと、常に考えています。日本国内は勿論、今後は海外の方達にも目にしていただけるように、活動を続けて行きたいと思っております。

Affiliation：Chojinpro URL:http://www.chojinpro.co.jp

Shine on! Songs - Album by The Tyler Foundation

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:56:21 GMT

The Tyler Foundation would like to mention that they just launched an album featuring Julian Lennon, Maxi Priest, Sir Tim Rice, Alan Menken, Amber Lily and others. All proceeds go to Tyler Foundation (www.tylershineon.org) It’s getting good comments and is available:

- On their website (digital or physical copy): http://www.shineonsongs.org/products-page/

- On iTunes (digital) at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shine-on!-vol.-1/id467415020

Here’s video from one of the songs on the album featuring Rie fu and a kid’s chorus from Sakari Elementary School in Tohoku: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK6ubEuLeqw

Thanks for your support!
It would make a great Christmas present!

Melbourne Cup Luncheon photos

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:53:20 GMT

Photos from the Melbourne Cup Luncheon are now available.
Members please login to access the link.

Adults BBQ - 1st Oct - Registrations open - LAST DAY!

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 21:45:34 GMT

Registrations for the Annual Adults BBQ have now opened for Members.
Get in early to secure places for your family, friends and guests.

Non member registrations open on Saturday, 27th of August.

Click here to view the Adults BBQ events page and register.

Tokyo Goannas recruiting!

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 02:39:34 GMT

Presidents Report 2011

Tue, 24 May 2011 02:01:23 GMT

May 23, 2011
Presidents Report; AGM 2011

Last year the Australia Society had about 100 members. This year we have increased it to over 260. In addition we have also increased our attendees to events significantly with many events being sold out or almost full, a great result overall. We held 17 AST events; coffee mornings, wine nights, sports events, adult and kids BBQ’s, a golf day, beer garden and our major events the Melbourne cup (sold out) and the fantastic Australia Day Ball.

Our volunteer committee has exceeded themselves this year and my thanks go out to them for all the hard work put in to make the Society a success. – Thank you all.

We have again raised funds for the various tragedies that the world has faced; the Earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan as well floods and cyclones in Queensland – we will donate about around ￥4.25 Million to these tragedies, with Queensland getting the larger donations. The committee has yet to decide the final amounts, as things were delayed due to events. Jason Buckley will outline our improved financial situation.

A big thank you to all our sponsors who generously donate products and funds needed to keep the society going and Ambassador Murray Mclean whose assistance and help over the year is greatly appreciated.

2010-11
President: Trevor Reynolds
Vice-President: Simon Masnick
Treasurer: Jason Buckley
Secretary: Alison Reynolds
Sponsorship: Judy Taylor-Boland
Webmaster: Beynon Louey

Committee Members
Bindi Codrington
Sophie Lappin
Mary Hanami
Mary Saphin
Tony Scimonello
Jacqui Bayne
Andrew Harford
Meredith McGarry

Yours sincerely
Trevor Reynolds
AST President

Australia Day Ball 2011 photos uploaded

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:17:52 GMT

Photos from the Ball have just been uploaded in the 'For Members' area.
Click here for login to view and download.

Information on radiation for Australians in Japan 27 March 2011

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:08:52 GMT

Website of the International Atomic Energy Agency with daily updates regarding the Fukushima Nuclear Accident and conditions of the reactors
www.iaea.org

List of nationwide radioactivity by prefecture. Radiactivity in water and rain. Updated daily.
http://atmc.jp/

NHK WORLD web streaming news and information in English
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/

Below is a portion of the Bulletin with wind conditions. For the full bulletin please visit www.smartraveller.gov.au

Information on radiation for Australians in Japan

This Bulletin is current for Sunday, 27 March 2011.
The Bulletin was issued on Saturday, 26 March 2011, 21:43:21, EST.

This travel bulletin should be read in conjunction with our travel advice for Japan.

The Department of Health and Ageing (DOHA) and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has issued the following advice on exposure to radiation arising from nuclear incidents in Japan, based on available information and current assessments:

Advice on exposure to radiation arising from nuclear incidents in Japan

Advice for Australians remaining in Japan on food and water precautions, the availability and use of potassium iodide tablets and on appropriate sheltering from radiation if required have been provided today by Australia's Chief Medical Officer and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

Extensive advice on these new topics of concern, together with information for people returning from Japan and for use by GPs is contained on this website and is updated regularly.

As a result of new assessments of the situation in Japan, ARPANSA and the Department of Health and Ageing recommended, as a precautionary measure, that Australians within an 80 km zone from the Fukushima nuclear power plant move out of the area.

The US had made a similar recommendation in accordance with the standard guidelines of their Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Their guidelines would require a zone of 80 km (50 miles) around the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

ARPANSA is closely following the safety issues surrounding the Fukushima Dai-ichi site and in particular the current status of the four reactor units and the spent fuel ponds at a number of the reactor units. ARPANSA notes that the Japanese Government has increased the International Nuclear and Radiological Events Scale (INES) rating for this event to INES Level 5 (an accident with wider consequences) for three of the reactor units.

The ARPANSA modelling of airborne radioactive material released from Fukushima Dai-ichi predicts that for Saturday and Sunday any airborne radioactive material will be pushed south-east out to sea. There is a predicted wind shift along the east coast early Monday morning, airborne radioactive material in this region may be pushed to the west towards Tokyo city for a short period of time with a time of arrival Monday afternoon. At around lunchtime Monday there is a predicted wind shift around the reactor site, any airborne radioactive material will then be pushed to the north-west, with possible landfall to the northern part of mainland Japan later that day.

Australians returning home from Japan are highly unlikely to be contaminated or exposed to significant radiation and will not require checks for radioactivity. However, if people wish to seek medical advice they should contact their local GP.

ARPANSA and the Chief Medical Officer advise that iodine tablets are only required when exposed to substantial radiation doses from radioactive iodine. There is no current need for those returning from Japan or those in Japan outside the exclusion Zone to consider the use of potassium iodide tablets at this time.

Discussions continue with medical organisations and state and territory health authorities on these issues. Further information will continue to be provided by the Australian Government as the situation develops.

Information on radiation for Australians in Japan 24 March 2011

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:26:53 GMT

The travel bulletin below is a copy from Smartraveller. Updated bulletins are posted every 12 hours or more frequently as required. Please visit the Smartraveller website for the most up to date information.

This Bulletin is current for Thursday, 24 March 2011.
The Bulletin was issued on Thursday, 24 March 2011, 21:06:33, EST.

This travel bulletin should be read in conjunction with our travel advice for Japan.

Advice on exposure to radiation arising from nuclear incidents in Japan

Extensive advice on these new topics of concern, together with information for people returning from Japan and for use by GPs is contained on this website and is updated regularly.

The weather prediction information for the current period indicates that the wind conditions are quite complex. The ARPANSA modelling of airborne radioactive material released from Fukushima Dai-ichi predicts that the plumes would initially move toward the south east and then change direction to move toward the north, passing over mainland Japan. Following a wind shift late Friday evening AESDT, any plume is predicted to move towards the east out to sea. Releases of airborne radioactive material over this time period are not predicted to pass over Tokyo city.

Advice to Australians remaining in Japan

Current Situation

The earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March 2011 has damaged a number of nuclear reactors on the east coast of Japan resulting in release of radioactive contaminants to the atmosphere. The Japanese Government has imposed evacuation zones and shelter in place zones around affected reactors in Fukushima prefecture. These protective action zones may be revised by the Japanese Government as circumstances change.

What should Australians remaining in Japan do?

Australians remaining in Japan should follow any protective measures recommended by the Japanese Government. This may include evacuation or shelter in place orders.

Australians remaining in Japan should not travel into the official evacuation or shelter in place zones. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that Australians within an 80 km radius of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant move out of the area.

ARPANSA and the Chief Medical Officer advise that iodine prophylaxis is only required when exposed to substantial radiation doses from radioactive iodine. The current situation does not require administration of iodine prophylaxis. This situation may change and Australians remaining in Japan should follow recommendations of the Japanese Government in this regard.

What are the symptoms of radiation exposure?

Radiation health effects are related to the magnitude and duration of exposure. Australians remaining in Japan may be exposed to low levels of radiation associated with contaminants released from the damaged nuclear reactors. Low level radiation exposure produces no physical symptoms. There is no specific health test available for low level radiation exposure and no medical treatment is required.

Australians in Japan may find www.mofa.go.jp/ a helpful English language website with local information.

Shelter in place (sheltering)

In the event of a significant release of radiation, Japanese public health and emergency management officials may advise people in a specified area to take shelter. This is known as “shelter in place” or “sheltering”. Shelter in place involves keeping members of the population indoors, in suitable buildings, to reduce radiation exposure from airborne radioactivity and from ‘ground or sky shine’. Shelter in place is not recommended for a period exceeding 48 hours as the efficacy of this measure reduces over time. Sheltering is effective until the concentrations of radionuclides within the shelter become comparable with those outside. Sheltering must be stopped when the concentrations outside begin to decline below those inside (e.g. when the source of exposure has been removed or any ‘cloud’ containing radioactive material has passed). The time scale during which sheltering may be useful ranges from a few hours to a couple of days. The Japanese authorities will advise when to begin and cease shelter in place arrangements.

While sheltering, people should be aware of the heating devices used in the enclosed space. Heaters and other devices that run on oil, gas, coal or wood should be avoided while sheltering due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. When sheltering in cold conditions, it is recommended that extra layers of clothing be worn or electrical heaters to used.

What to do if you are advised to take shelter:

During the early stages of a release of radioactive material, while a radioactive plume of mixed radionuclides is passing, a large proportion of the individual radiation dose may arise from inhalation.
Sheltering in a building can reduce the radiation dose from inhalation by a factor of 2 and external radiation doses from the passing plume can be reduced by a factor of 10 for brick or large buildings.
Light weight or open buildings provide less protection.
If you are advised to take shelter you should:
- Turn off the air conditioner, ventilation fans and furnace and close fireplace dampers and other air intakes.
- Close and lock all windows and doors.
- Go to the basement or other underground area if possible.
- Stay as far away from windows and doors as possible.
- Place physical barriers, such as lead, earth, concrete or stacks of books between yourself and the source of the radiation to provide shielding from gamma radiation.
If you are outside when you are advised to shelter, remove clothing and shoes and place them in a plastic bag before entering the house. During severe weather, such as extreme cold, remove at least the outer layer of clothes before entering the home to avoid bringing radioactive material into your shelter. Leave clothing and shoes outside. Shower and wash your body with soap and water. Removing clothing can eliminate up to 90% of radioactive contamination.
When you move to your shelter, use duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal any doors, windows, or vents for a short period of time while a radiation plume is passing over. Within a few hours, you should remove the plastic and duct tape and ventilate the room. Suffocation could occur if you keep the shelter tightly sealed for more than a few hours.
Sheltering is not recommended for longer than 48 hours. This period may be less, depending on climatic conditions.

Advice on potassium iodide tablets

The Australian Government has sent potassium iodide tablets to the Embassy in Tokyo. Should it be required, additional supplies are available.

These tablets have been provided as a precautionary step and would be made available only when deemed medically necessary for those Australians in Japan exposed to substantial doses of radiation. At this stage, radiation levels are much lower than the levels at which potassium iodide tablets would be needed. On 20 March, Japanese authorities announced radiation levels by prefecture for 19 March, which indicated a gradual decline in radiation levels around the country.

ARPANSA and the Chief Medical Officer advise that potassium iodide tablets are only required when exposed to substantial radiation doses from radioactive iodine. There is no current need for those returning from Japan or those in Japan to consider the use of potassium iodide tablets. There is no need for any Australian to visit the Embassy requesting tablets. The circumstances in Japan are under constant review and Australians will be notified if this advice changes.

When would I be advised to take potassium iodide tablets?

In the event of a significant release of radiation containing high levels of radioactive iodine, Japanese public health and emergency management officials may advise people in a specified area to take potassium iodide.

Advice on the points of distribution and when to take Australian Government potassium iodide tablets will be given by the Australian Government. The advice will be provided by the Chief Medical Officer after consultation with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

Advice to take the medicine would be given when it was considered that there was a risk of exposure to a level of radioactive iodine within the body that could cause damage to the thyroid gland. In children, the level of radioactive iodine that can cause damage is lower than it is for adults. Therefore, advice may be given for children to have potassium iodide but not for adults.

The Australian Government is aware of the decision by the UK Government on 19 March, via its travel advisory that it would begin distributing iodine pills to British citizens in Tokyo, Sendai and Niigata as a contingency measure, with instructions only to take the pills when advised to do so by the British or Japanese government (stating that scientific advice was not to take the pills in the current situation).

At this stage, there is no need to distribute iodine tablets to all Australians in Japan. If necessary, tablets will be distributed based on the risks to the affected population. On 20 March potassium iodide tablets were provided to eight Australians and their dependents known to be in the Sendai area. The use of the tablets is only on approval of the Chief Medical Officer.

Do not take potassium iodide unless you are instructed

In the situation where significant exposure to radioactive iodine may occur, the benefits of potassium iodide greatly outweigh the risk of side effects. It is important, however, that people only take potassium iodide when instructed to do so and that they carefully follow dose instructions. Adverse health effects from potassium iodine are usually mild, such as an upset stomach. The medicine, however, can cause allergies and may result in thyroid problems. Adverse health events are more likely if you take more potassium iodide than recommended.

If people are asked to take the tablets they should report any side effects to their doctor. Where more than one dose is required, pregnant and breast-feeding women and babies under the age of one month should seek advice from their GP and have their thyroid function monitored by their doctor. People with known allergy to iodine should not take potassium iodide.

What to do if you are advised to take potassium iodide

Potassium iodide (KI) is a medicine which can protect the thyroid gland from harmful effects of contamination with radioactive iodine that has been inhaled or ingested from contaminated food or water. It does not protect any other part of the body, nor does it protect from other radioactive materials which people may be contaminated with at the same time.

Potassium iodide tablets must be used in conjunction with other emergency protection measures such as evacuation or sheltering.

Timely administration is essential for KI to be protective. It must be taken at least an hour before exposure or within 24 hours of exposure (the earlier after exposure the better). For a one-time exposure take one dose as soon as possible after you are advised to take it. Do not take a dose if more than 24 hours has passed since a one-time exposure. One dose provides protection for 24 hours, so for continuing exposures, take a dose every 24 hours until the danger has passed and you are advised to stop.

You will be given dose directions and instructions on how to take the medicine when you are given the medicine. If you are given Australian Government potassium iodide (KI) tablets, you will be given a printed instruction sheet.

The Australian Embassy will advise on where you can get access to supplies of potassium iodide.

Facts about potassium iodide

Potassium iodide is an iodine salt in medicine form. Iodine is an important chemical needed by the body to make thyroid hormones. Most of the iodine in our bodies comes from the food we eat. Potassium iodide is given to people who have been exposed to radioactive iodine due to a nuclear emergency to protect the thyroid gland from harm.

Potassium iodide acts to block radioactive iodine from being taken into the thyroid gland and helps protect the gland from injury. The thyroid gland will only take in a certain amount of iodine. If harmless iodine from the potassium iodide fills the thyroid gland it blocks the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid.

Advice to Australians returning from Japan who have concerns about possible exposure to radiation

Current Situation

The earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March 2011 has damaged a number of nuclear reactors on the east coast of Japan resulting in release of radioactive contaminants to the atmosphere. The Japanese Government has imposed evacuation zones and shelter in place zones around affected reactors in Fukushima prefecture. The Australian Government has recommended that Australians within an 80 km radius of the damaged reactors in Fukushima move out of the area.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is closely monitoring the nuclear situation in Japan. ARPANSA advises that for Australians returning from Japan there is a chance of exposure to low levels of radiation associated with releases from damaged nuclear reactors. Exposures are more probable for those who were in Fukushima prefecture or immediate surrounding areas subsequent to 11 March 2011. In addition Australians who were in the region of the recently revised exclusion zone of up to 80 km away from the reactors would have been exposed to even lower levels of radiation as they were even further away.

What to do if you are worried?

As precautionary measures people should shower, washing hair and body, and wash clothes. These simple measures should effectively remove any low level contamination which may have been present. There has been advice given in related information about circumstances where stable iodine may be required to be administered. There is no requirement for the administration of stable iodine for someone returning to Australia from Japan.

If on return to Australia you or your family are concerned about possible exposure to radiation, you should visit your local GP and let them know where in Japan you were.

What are the symptoms of radiation exposure?

Radiation health effects are related to the magnitude and duration of exposure. Australians returning from Japan may have been exposed to low levels of radiation associated with contaminants released from damaged nuclear reactors. Low level radiation exposure produces no physical symptoms. There is no specific health test available for low level radiation exposure and no medical treatment is required.

Food and Water: Food and Water in Japan and Food Imported from Japan

Food and Water in Japan: All Australians in Japan are strongly encouraged to follow the protective measures recommended by Japanese authorities in relation to food and water safety. Food Standards Australia New Zealand recommends the following more general precautions be adopted:

1. All food stored inside since sheltering was advised, such as food in the home, shops or other buildings, should be safe.
2. Foods that are well packaged (i.e. in tins, cartons or bottles including bottled water) should also be safe, even if carried outside while sheltering is advised.
3. As a precautionary measure, avoid foods that may have been outdoors in the affected areas such as fresh produce from crops grown in the fields, gardens or allotments or sold loose in outdoor markets.
4. Fish, shellfish and seaweed products from affected areas should also be avoided.
5. Avoid milk that comes from an affected area. Imported milk products from countries outside Japan should be safe.
6. Bottled water and tap water in areas not affected by radioactive contamination, is safe to drink. Water sourced within areas that have been contaminated by airborne radioactivity may contain increased levels of radioactivity. Australians should follow the health warnings provided by the Japanese Government on the safety of water within specific areas.
7. On 23 March Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced that infants up to 12 months old in Tokyo (covering the 23 wards of central Tokyo, Musashino City, Machida City, Tama City, Inagi City, and Mitaka City) should not drink tap water. Radioactive iodine in levels exceeding the Japanese standards (for that age group) was detected in water tested at one of the city’s water purification plants. Australians should follow this advice.
8. Tap water remains safe for Australians older than twelve months.
9. Australians remaining in Japan should follow any protective measures recommended by the Japanese Government.

Food Imported from Japan:

In its most recent assessment of the situation in Japan, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has noted that the Japanese Government has moved to place new restrictions on certain foods sourced from areas of Japan where radiation contamination has occurred. As a precautionary measure, and consistent with approaches internationally, FSANZ has today requested the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to institute a Holding Order for all foods of interest originating from the Japanese prefectures of Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki and Tochigi. Foods of interest in this context are milk and milk products, fresh fruit and vegetables, seaweed and seafood (fresh and frozen).

Advice to date has indicated that the risk currently posed by Japanese foods imported into Australia is neglible as Australia does not import fresh produce or milk products from Japan. In fact, Australia imports very little food from Japan. Imports are limited to a small range of specialty products, for example seaweed-based products, sauces etc.

However, consistent with approaches internationally and as a precautionary measure the Australian Government has asked FSANZ to liaise with other Australian regulators, such as ARPANSA, the AQIS and Customs, to ensure a coordinated approach to managing any potential risks to the Australian food supply chain and the monitoring of any foodstuffs from the affected prefectures entering Australia.

This information from ARPANSA and DOHA is current as at 2100 hrs (AEDST) on 24 March 2011. This information will be updated every 12 hours or more frequently as required.