Doing what comes naturally

I am in Sydney now and did a quick macro safari around mum's garden and these were the only insects I managed to find for TT.  Thanks for hosting Loisbiz.  I think they might be flies of some description, possibly a garden soldier fly.  I have only done a quick search so I stand to be corrected.

I missed the Melbourne cup as I was in the car at the time.  How did I manage to do that?