Benny
ISSUE 05 / SEPT - OCT 2021
FREE
FOR LOCALS & VISITORS ALIKE
The G O A T
Aussie Alps
Soundtrack Aus
We dive deep in the Central Coasts Lavender Goat.
Camping yarns, specialty mountain careers and wild locals.
Support the Australian Music Industry and discover new tunes.
B E N N Y S U P P LY C O . C O M . A U
BRING THE LOVE OF THE COAST INTO YOUR HOME
baharitribe.com
© 2021 Studio Benny The information contained in Benny Magazine is given in good faith and believed to be accurate at time of printing. The contents of this publication are subject
CONTRIBUTORS
to copyright and cannot be reproduced in any shape or form without written consent from
Nat alie Wabbis
Studio Benny or Benny Supply & Co.
Editor in Chief, Creative Director & Founder
hello@studiobenny.com.au
Tim Machon
www.bennysupplyco.com.au
Weekend Warrior
Benny Supply & Co
Robert King
Central Coast, NSW Australia
Sally Burgemeestre Rosie Maidman Luke Foster Melodious Haze
Publication designed by Natalie Wabbis.
S&P Wabbis
Cover image by @_jemmadarling / @baharitribe
Proofreaders
EDITORIAL
IN THIS ISSUE
G'day.
Camping Gone Wrong
We were absolutely shattered when we got the news of extension after extension of these current lockdowns... knowing so many businesses would struggle to keep their doors open. Unfortunately, this lockdown rocked so so many businesses, including us, and we had to make the tough decision to go online only for this issue.
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But, there always comes some good news - going online means we don’t have any restrictions on the length of this issue, so we were able to add so much more to this edition
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that you would have missed out on otherwise. We will also now be sending Benny directly to your inbox on launch day to our subscribers. So, if you’d like Benny in your inbox, jump on our website and subscribe to our newsletter. No spam Benny mag, new products and sales only. Promise. We thank you so much for sticking by us, and we hope to be back better than ever come Summer with Issue 06, back in printed form and distributed at your fave local businesses.
benny
Three knuckle-heads share their alpine camping mishaps.
Art For The Soul We asked local Bella Rose Art, some questions about her love for art.
Alpine Careers
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We chat to three snow bunnies who have some pretty rad careers.
Soundtrack Australia
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The music industry has taken one of the hardest hits over the past 18 months. Here’s how you can help.
CO N TACT US h e l l o @ s t u d i o b e nny.co m . au A DVERT ISE W IT H US h e l l o @ s t u d i o b e nny.co m . au Cover image by @_jemmadarling // @baharitribe
www. b e n nysu p p lyco.co m . au In st ag ra m // @ b e nnysu p p l y.co + @ s t u d i o b e nny
Please recycle. 1
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ALPINE CAMPING? I HADN’T ‘TIL LAST WINTER
Two months in advance, a couple of mates and I chose a date we could all make. We’re a bunch of seasoned riders and have had avalanche training, so we had a rough idea on how to predict the riding and camping conditions beforehand. We had all bought a few things to get ourselves set up. A sleeping bag, camp mat, dry bags and I also got myself a 65L backpack to carry it all in. A couple of items we hired or borrowed from people we knew, like a tent and what turned out to be the best piece of kit on the trip - The Biolite camp stove.
Keeping an eye on the weather and it started to look good, I mean really good. Storm of the season three days prior type good. A few days out and we realise we let the forecast get the better of us. There should still be some snow fall at high elevations, but freezing level is bouncing up and down like a yo-yo, and the wind is violent. No bother, there’ll still be fresh snow, and we can just save it as a good trip with some mates.
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WEEKEND WARRIOR
WEEKEND WARRIOR
Three Rookies Go Snow Camping
The day has finally come. We pile all our gear into my truck, make a quick stop at the bakery for a big boy breakfast, and get on our way. As we arrive in the Thredbo overnight carpark, we can tell that the night was a warm one and have no idea what the snow and conditions have in store for us once we get to the top. We buy our Backcountry Access Pass and get going up the main lift. This pass just allows us one lift up the Kozi Express and that’s it. But seeing as we are lazy, we sweet talk the lifties at the top to let us take a ride up the T-bar as well. This shortened our hike by about 30 long minutes.
So, the shovels came out and we started digging. We have two tents and think we should be able to get them both in a space we have designated in an hour or so with all hands-on deck. Wrong. So Wrong. This is where we realised the extent of the snowpack were digging into. It had gotten wet right through and then froze right through. Effectively we had to dig down about 1 - 1.5m through mostly ice. It was slow going but the whole thing took us about 3.5 - 4 hours. Even that was only enough space for one of the tents we brought… so we said, “F**k it. We’re all friends here,” and decided to get three big boys in one small tent.
We get to the top of Thredbo and we put our skins on, do last minute gear checks, and we’re on our way to Rams Head. This walk, with day packs, is a quick 30 - 45 mins from the top of Thredbo but we have a 20kg pack each, and then there’s the fact we’re kinda lazy so it’s slow going. But all in all, we get to Rams Head in about an hour and a half. We ditch the pack and cruise around looking for a spot that requires the least amount of digging and will protect us from any winds that may, or may not, kick up at any time. The spot we found was a small wind lip right next to the steep part of Rams Head, overlooking Leatherbarrel Creek, out toward the Victorian high country.
The tent was up, we’re unloading all of our essentials into it (mats, sleeping bags, packs) and organising all our food. We make a ‘kitchen’ area. We quickly discover we have enough food to last us comfortably for about two weeks. Now it’s time to rip down into the valley and grab some wood for the camp stove. ‘Finally!’ we all think. ‘Some snowboarding!’ We clip the boards together, grab the day packs, and get on our way. Scoping the area, we surmise we should be able to get there and back ‘in an hour or so’ because ‘it’s only just down there.’ Wrong again. SO wrong. >>
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We get down to the valley and the three of us look at each other with some concern. “Was that fun?” Dale asked. “Ahh. She was a little slick.” I replied. Not too worried we set about collecting the wood. Three full packs should be enough we thought (similar to our food was enough for two weeks.) Time to transition and start the climb back to camp. I went straight for the crampons, knowing that they will help, to climb this ice rink back to camp. Wrong again. In about three quarters of an hour we had made it only 60m up the hill, slipping and sliding all over the place. We have a midmountain meeting and decide that boot packing will be our only option at this point. Finally, a good decision, but progress was still slow going. With every step we had to make sure we made it through the thick ice crust on top by stomping down hard. Now normally that wouldn’t be too much of an issue, but we were dropping a few of the sticks we had gone down to collect, and they were taking off down the mountain into the valley some 600m below. Nothing stopping them. It was steep, the sun was setting, and it wasn’t the most fun I’ve had on a mountain. But, after a three hour hike, we arrived back at camp just in time to get the last glimpses of the sunset. This made the whole ordeal of the day totally worth it. Time for a beer. Yes, we dragged beers out there, that’s why the packs were so heavy. Dinner time on the mountain and Dale had a freeze-dried meal for two. Tom and I had the trusty Mi-Goreng noodles. We got the water underway. Which obviously takes much longer when the outside temp is -9 degrees Celsius. And one thing you may not know about snow camping, is that the hot meal you’re hoping will warm you up, goes cold in a matter of seconds.
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All in all, it was a nice, cold, clear night and the first time in my life we had to put beers by the fire to warm them up. We had timed the trip perfectly, to have no moon, and the centre of the Milky Way directly overhead, which was an amazing sight to behold in the darkness. The three of us clambered into the tent and climbed into our sleeping bags with a fair bit of clothing on. Fearing the cold ground underneath, I knew it would be sucking out the warmth, I was concerned about not getting any sleep. Of course I was wrong again. At about 2am I woke up in a panic, I was no doubt the hottest I had ever been in my entire life. I started to squirm around. Then heard Dale ask, “Are you hot?” “I am f-ing dying!” I aggressively whispered. We broke out into a ten minute strip show in the tent to get some clothing off till we were all down to just our thermals with sleeping bags unzipped. During the late night entertainment, we had agreed to get up to watch the sunrise. When we woke it was SO bright outside we were sure we had slept in and missed it. I checked my watch, yep, by about three hours. Idiots. It’s 8:30am and we had a good laugh and got up to make some coffee to start our day. Overnight the snow had firmed right up again. So, before we set off, we decide to take it easy and let the sun get to it and soften it up for us.
Right before midday we’ve had enough waiting. “Let’s go snowboarding!” Skinning up to overlook the main range, I notice that the snow is probably the worst snow I have ever seen in my entire life, and that’s saying something living in Australia. The call is made, we will just ride down into Bogong creek, there should be some windblown snow in there and we can have some fun. You guessed it, wrong again. The snow was unforgiving, and jarring on the knees and ankles, so we decide to skin back to the top and head over toward Mt Kozi. Looking out across the horizon we can see some weather starting to build. We pull out the trusty phones to check the weather and it has taken a turn for the worst. We discuss our options and with the word rain getting thrown around a lot we decide to pack it in and head home. So, we pack up camp, fill in our hole we have dug out, to try leave as little trace we were there as possible, and high tail back down Thredbo. As excited as we were to finally snowboard on some groomed runs it’s very different to do it with 20kg strapped to your back. We get back to the truck just as some drizzle starts and we give each other the look of relief. As we get back into town we call in to shower, then meet up for some beers and pizza, and just chill out. Looking back on it we’re all still super stoked and vowed that this was something we would continue doing yearly. Our planned trip this year was going to be a little further afield but with all the current restrictions and lockdowns, the trip is on thin ice. The resolve is the same and those sketchy moments we had out there have become hilarious memories now that we have a chuckle about every now and then. If you like skiing or snowboarding, I encourage all of you to head out to get a guide, or join a tour, and head back country. you’ll find some of the most unique scenery of anywhere I’ve seen in the world. We live in the lucky country for sure.
FRESH LOCAL THREADS JUST HIT THE COAST Shop The Range at bennysupplyco.com.au
BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR. S U P P O RT LO C A L .
@ b e n n y s u p p l y. c o 5
Bella Rose Art TUMBI UMBI, NSW
Who are you and what do you do? I’m Bella, a selftaught mandala artist. I create unique fine art prints, surfboard art, tattoo designs and more. How long have you been a creative for? In 2015 I fell in love with mandala designs and taught myself how to draw. What is your favourite thing about what you do? I love that I can bring unique artworks into people’s life that make them happy! Where did you learn to do what you do? I actually taught myself. I used mandala colouring books to help calm my anxiety and then fell in love with the drawing and creating art. Have you thought about teaching your craft? I have! I run mandala workshops for private groups in their homes. What inspires you today? I am deeply inspired by nature and the ocean; this is where I feel most at peace and can take it all in. I am also inspired by anyone that can pursue their passions in life, lots of artists, creatives and business owners! How long did it take you to turn your craft into a business? I began creating in 2015 and set up my ABN and website in 2020. So, 5 years! What environment do you like to work in most? In my home studio! I need to have music, podcasts or movies playing in the background to get in the zone. How has your work changed over time? My art has gotten more detailed and I have started branching out to tattoo designs which is super fun! What’s the most rewarding aspect about your work? I created a colouring book to help others calm their mind and I receive so much positive feedback on how this book has helped people with their anxiety! That is the most amazing feeling to know I can help people the way that art has helped me.
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What do you do to keep yourself motivated? I make sure to take time to do the things that light me up inside. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or unmotivated, I go for a swim in the ocean to recharge! I also make sure to exercise regularly, spend time with my loved ones and take some downtime too. What piece are you most proud of? I think it would be my balance mandala canvas. It is an 80cm x 80cm canvas that took me about 30 hours to complete and there are lots of details in the artwork that I’m super proud of. Do you do custom pieces? Yes! I create custom surfboard art, custom canvases or prints, and tattoo designs too! Where do you hope your creative future takes you? I hope to keep growing and expanding. I would love to have my art in homes all around Australia! Can you share any advice for aspiring creatives? Just start getting your work out there! I made an Instagram page when I was still learning and drawing for fun and eventually this led to sales and where I am today! You will never ‘be ready’ so just start today!
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www.bellaroseart.com
Instagram // @bellaroseart__
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One Incredible Counter-Clockwise Loop EARLIER THIS YEAR I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO FLY DOWN TO TASMANIA TO PICK UP AN FCS SURF LAND CRUISER WITH A CAMPER
After arriving in Hobart and getting the camper up to scratch, I hit the road to start my road trip around Tasmania, and then back up to NSW. As a travel photographer, I’ve been doing my best to see as much of Australia as possible as the borders open and close. My journey started in Hobart as I made my way counter clockwise around the island. My first stop was at the Bruny Island Dairy farm where I set up camp next to some friendly dairy cows. From there, I made my way to the Tasman Peninsula where I got to experience the great capes, waking up at two am to see the amazing Cape Raoul at sunrise.
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From there, I visited the surf town of Bicheno and made my way to the epic Wineglass Bay track in Freycinet National Park. It was overcast, so I did the hike twice at sunset. This is definitely worth doing if you’re an experienced hiker. My next stop was the red lichen rich rocks of the Bay of Fires, the blue water contrasting so beautifully with the red rocks. I then cut across to the northern part of Tasmania visiting the Ben Lomond National park, and summoning one of the windiest roads I have ever seen, Jacobs Ladder. The north and west coast of Tasmania was truly spectacular, from ancient caves to beautifully remote waterfalls, and the famous Stanley Nut. Tasmania is truly a one of a kind destination and really a right of passage for most Australian travellers. I hope you enjoy my images from the adventure through one of Australia’s most wild and spectacular states.
Wo rd s a n d i m a g e s b y R o b e r t K i n g . w w w. ro b k i n g p h o t o . c o m I n s t a g r a m // @ k i n g _ ro b e r t o 11
Australian Alps THERE’S MORE TO THE SNOW THAN... SNOW
In Australia between June and August, thousands of people migrate towards south-eastern Australia to explore the seemingly endless mountains of the Australian Alps.
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In a place where the climate is ruled by everchanging conditions, the growing season for a lot of vegetation is relatively short. Soils across the alps are highly organic and support a variety of grasslands, herb fields, heathlands and wetland complexes full of unique plants and animals.
While many are in search of the perfect powder, the snow-capped mountains support a variety of fauna and flora species. At lower altitudes, large mammals are most diverse. Species you may see include the Red-necked and Swamp Wallabies which are both a very similar size, but differ in colour with the Red-necked Wallaby sporting a light grey and reddishbrown coat with pronounced red shoulders. In comparison, the Swamp Wallaby is generally darker grey and brown, with a light-coloured belly and a white jaw stripe. The Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus is also a common sight at these lower altitudes, as are bird species such as Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae and Superb Lyrebird Menura novahollandiae. >>
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WORDS BY SALLY BURGEMEESTRE
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While most large mammals are found at lower altitudes only a few native species are known to exist in the alpine and subalpine zones. These species include: • the endangered Mountain Pygmy-possum Burranys parvus where only 2,000 individuals are thought to remain. • the critically endangered Southern Corroboree Frog Pseudophyrne corroboree a small yellow and black striped frog at risk from disease and feral animals; and,
• t he vulnerable Broad-toothed Rat Mastocomys fuscus which is being displaced by horses within its alpine range.
Other more common species within the alpine zone include the Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes, the Dusky antechinus Antechinus swainsonii and the agile antechinus Antechinus agilis, Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus and the Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus.
WORDS BY SALLY BURGEMEESTRE
While the snowfields are a place of magic and excitement for many Australians, the Alps are facing a multitude of threats including global warming, invasive species, altered fire regimes, and inappropriate management practices. Temperatures have risen by 0.4 degrees since 1979, and rainfall has decreased by approximately six percent. For alpine species, which already have restricted distributions, every increase in temperature confines their range further. Eventually, they will have nowhere to go. The tree line may also rise encroaching on the snowfields and expanding into the grasslands and species rich herb fields resulting in a more fire-prone landscape. Many of these species can be found in and around the snowfields but are generally nocturnal and are not often seen by visitors. Even so, be sure to keep your peepers peeled while you’re exploring the majesty of the snowfields for the iconic cubed shape scats of the wombat, the wide shuffle of an echidna, the footprints of an Eastern grey Kangaroo hopping through the snow. Just remember, if you stack it, don’t take it personally when a kookaburra laughs at you from its branch.
Images kindly supplied by Glenn Mckimmin. www.glennmckimmin.com Instagram// @glennmckimmin Visit the gallery at 421 - 423 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty NSW.
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The Lavender G O A T CHARMHAVEN
WORDS BY @_EATWITHJESS
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BENNY EATS OUT
WARM WELCOME. CHEERFUL ATMOSPHERE. LUSH, OVERFLOWING CABINET. IT SOUNDS PRETTY GOOD RIGHT? THAT’S ONLY PART OF WHAT THE LAVENDER GOAT HAS TO OFFER.
Setting themselves up in a little spot in Charmhaven, the girls have put their own charm and pizazz into this space- and the locals cannot thank them enough! A great spot for a coffee on the Pacific Highway where the charm gives you a break from the hustle and bustle of the world flying past. The expertise and knowledge of the café world are clear at The Goat. The freshly roasted “Fat Goat” beans are robust in flavour and fill the space with that delicious, caffeinated wafting we all know and love. And don’t get me started on the treats… Okay, I’ll start. The cabinet houses treats for all occasions: Gluten Free, Health Freaks, Cheesecake lovers and beyond. The stuffed cookies are a never-fail option (try the Caramilk and Biscoff. You will NOT be disappointed) and you cannot leave this place without a White Chocolate Caramel Slice! Trust me, no matter which gorgeous flavour filled treat you choose, it will be heaven on the palate. Their ‘standard’ menu is also a show-stopper. Breakfast offers you a delicious Goat version of the Avo Smash, a big Benny plate, a smoothie bowl- the menu is your oyster. Lunch then gives you a humongous Steak Sandwich, a tower of a Lamb Burger, Tacos, Salads, and the many, many bread options from the cabinet. The Goat has been impressive from it’s opening. Their friendly service and delicious food and beverages have been a positive stamp on the local and travelling community alike. It would be remiss of you to not add this on your list of go-to cafés. Their hours have varied during lockdown, so be sure to check their socials before you venture out. The whole menu is available for takeaway (even better) so get yourself there; we love it and you will too.
The Lavender Goat $-$$ Monday - Thursday 6am - 3pm | Friday 6am - 8pm Saturday 7am - 8pm | Sunday 7am - 3pm 127 - 131 pacific highway, Charmhaven
www.thelavendergoat.com.au Instagram // @the.lavender.goat 17
Snow Day At The Office WHEN MOST PEOPLE THINK OF SKI SEASON JOBS, THEY PICTURE TWENTY-SOMETHINGS SMILING AWAY WHILE WORKING LONG SHIFTS BEHIND THE BAR, HELPING YOU ONTO THE LIFTS, OR TEACHING YOUR LITTLE DARLINGS HOW TO SKI.
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CAREER GOALS
CAREER GOALS
What many people don’t realise, is that winter seasonal work can also lead to long term careers in some very interesting roles. Benny managed to grab these guys for a quick second to find out more about how they spend their winters.
Meet Joey Stanco – 2020 Boot Fitter of the Year, and expert snow gear reviewer. Joey specialises in the fitting of ski and snowboard boots as well as fixing all manner of boot related issues. Originally from Long Island, New York, Joey spends his Australian winters at ESS Boardstore in Jindabyne and during the Northern Hemi winters, he works out of his own store ‘Joey’s’ in Myoko, Japan. Joey, why are your boots the most important part of your ski/snowboard kit? Your control while skiing or riding comes from your feet. The more movement or pain you have in your feet, the harder it is to control your ski or board. How did you get into boot fitting and how long have you been doing it? I always had problems finding boots that fit me well. I used to modify my boots after I bought them to make them work for me. My first job in a ski/snowboard shop was in 2005 in New York. I have been working in snowsports retail since then! What’s your secret Joey? Listening to people is especially important when you are trying to help people with their boot problems. Listening is the secret to working out what the actual problem is. Once you know the problem you can find a solution. How many boot fits can you do in an average day? Great question! It definitely depends on the individual customers and their needs. However, you could average a fitting to take 30-45 minutes and there is 12 hours in a busy work day, so you can do the math! What do you love about your job? I love helping people with their problems. I was ready to leave retail because it was not rewarding enough for me. Once I found boot fitting and the ability to truly make a difference with people and skiing and snowboarding, I have not looked back!
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Have you ever wondered how those jumps and rails appear in the terrain parks? Or maybe you’ve seen the freestyle skiing and snowboarding on the Winter Olympics? While you’re tucked up in bed recovering from your big day on the hill… or at the bar, a team of builders, shapers and groomers work together to create some amazing features come morning. One of these creators is James Byrne, park designer and manager at Thredbo Terrain Parks. He has spent the best part of a decade working with the crew at Cardrona Parks, New Zealand, before debuting at Thredbo this season. For James, attention to detail and carefully curated design is key to building world class parks Working on park crew is a whole lot more than just maintaining features during the day. What happens of a night? Building or setting new features is usually done after hours when the public have left the mountain. It’s a combined effort from the main operator in the snow cat, hand shapers on the snow, snow makers and groomers to bring the idea or concept to the snow. There’s a lot that goes into a build from fabricating new rails to pushing tonnes of snow to bring the idea to life. Having an expert builder operating the cat makes a huge difference to what is possible - having extensive experience gives a better understanding of how different features will flow in relation to one another.
What is your favourite type of feature to ride? It would have to be a combination of rails and transition. Something that can be ridden in a variety of ways and hit from different angles. What would your advice be for someone who’s keen to get onto a Terrain Park Crew? Advice for aspiring shapers would be to get to know the park crew and show that you’re keen to learn. You spend a lot of time with a small group day in day out. There’s a lot of hard work involved and lots of different avenues you can take within the industry. You’ve got to have a real love for building, shaping and riding features. 20
WORDS BY ROSIE MAIDMAN
What’s your favourite part of building parks? It would have to be working after hours and watching a design or concept take shape.
Did you know that there’s so much more snow to explore outside of the resort boundaries? Splitboarding and ski touring has exploded in popularity across the Australian snow in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why... watching the sunrise from the summit before dropping into untouched powder. As you’d expect though, this escape into nature does come with risks attached. Luckily, there are backcountry guides like Alex Parsons who have spent years learning the terrain and the risks involved. They’ve also attained all the necessary qualifications in avalanche training, wilderness first aid, and outdoor recreation to keep you safe on your next adventure.
What does your role as a backcountry guide involve day to day? My role as head guide means I get up a little earlier than the rest of the team and start looking at weather and avalanche danger from 7:30am. I look at things like wind, snow, potential white-outs, avalanche risks and other hazards, and try to figure out the best plan for each of the tours going out. I might need to cancel a tour at the last minute, or pick conservative options to keep our guides and guests safe. At 8:00am, I meet the team and we discuss our route choices for the day and our guests. Then it’s time to gear up and meet the guests! We grab first aid kits, shelters, GPS, satellite phones, radios, flares – all the fun things! What can a guest expect from a tour? Once we’re ready, we get the guests prepped with gear and make sure they’re ready for the conditions of the day. Then for the next 6 - 7 hours we’re out in the mountains, past the resort boundaries, giving our guests the best day of their lives. We’ll teach them mountain safety, gear usage, navigation, avalanche awareness, environmental info and indigenous history throughout the day as we skin up hills and ride back down them. How did you get into guiding? I started in the industry as a snowboard instructor for around 10 seasons, then did a few as a media coordinator that involved a lot of backcountry media trips. Meanwhile, I was picking up all the various qualifications you need to have to be a backcountry guide. Then all of a sudden it all came together, and I applied to be a backcountry guide at Thredbo! What’s the best thing about your job? I help people fall in love with the mountains like never before. They see our alpine region in a completely different light and realise that there is so much more than groomed runs and rails. They see our beautiful snow gums, our ice-covered rocks, and I teach them about how climate change is affecting our native species, how the snow is receding and leaving our little pygmy possums without a place to live. It can be a true mind shift for people, to be in a place that is both stunningly beautiful and heartbreakingly fragile. If someone is interested in getting into the backcountry, would you recommend they go out with a guide for their first time? Absolutely. Learn the right habits early on and they’ll serve you well for the rest of your life. Backcountry gear is complicated and specific, while the backcountry itself is hazardous. It is not something to learn the hard way. Come with us and we’ll give you a great time. Plus, most of the guides are hilarious and good looking. Is there anything you’d like to add? Yes please! I’d like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land where I walk every day. Here in the mountains, that’s the Ngarigo people. I’d like to pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and their traditions and customs. The mountains here are powerful and when we move among them, it’s great to think about how people have been here for thousands of years before us. Come for a walk some time! 21
FRESH LOCAL THREADS JUST HIT THE COAST
B E A G O O D N E I G H B O U R . S U P P O RT LO C A L . B E N N Y S U P P LY C O . C O M . A U 22
STUDIO LANE C O F F E E . W I N E . C R E AT I V E S PA C E . T R E AT S + J A F F L E S MON - FRI 6.30AM - 1.30PM
S AT 7 A M - 1 P M
4/185 THE ENTRANCE ROAD, ERINA
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MELODIOUS HAZE
Quivers ALBUM REVIEW Golden Doubt 2021
No one likes an album review that simply references every single band from a genre or region and outlines the reasons why the reviewer feels compelled to make comparisons. But what happens when, with every listen, you find yourself compelled by the overarching sense that there is a similarity in many ways between two bands? Well yes, sometimes you gotta run with it! Ex Hobart, now Melbourne based foursome Quivers have many comparisons to the great band from Brisbane, The GoBetweens. Boomers reading this will know who I am talking about, but the millennials might need a prompt reminding them; lets start with the main access bridge in Brisbane is named after these Aussie indie-pop legends, as well as one of our favourite stages at Splendour, The GW McLennan Stage from one of the founding members from Grant McLennan. So, now you’ve read through the rambling history lesson, lets talk about Golden Doubt. Lets talk harmonies, lets talk jangly guitar, lets talk catchy lyrics and lets talk textbook indie melancholy! Yep, this has all the key ingredients for the making of a great record. Opener ‘Gutters of Love’ hits with its floral appeal and bright bubbly hooks. Can someone explain to me if this is a happy or sad song? I’m yet to work that one out and perhaps I’ll never know. ‘Chinese Medicine’ is clearly an absolute peak point in the harmonious bell curve but it’s the piano arrangements that really join the dots on what is another brilliant highlight.
It’s definitely at this point I start questioning how on earth it has taken me so long to come across this great Australian export – its not like we’ve had a shortage of time on our hands over the past 18 months! Alas, as the strings continue and the guitar hooks stretch out more than your worn out Pilates bands, things keep blossoming away; ‘Laughing Matters’ delivers a candidate for lyric of the year when front man Sam laconically tells us “… there is too much Phil Collins in the air tonight.” Go out there and get this great album on your favourite music playing means and don’t forget to check out The Go Betweens whilst you’re at it! A deserving 7/10 for this one.
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4 0 % O F F C U S T O M D I G I TA L I L L U S T R AT I O N S
ENDS
MIDNIGHT
31ST
OCTOBER
2021
T R E AT Y O U R S E L F. O R S O M E O N E , AT L E A S T
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Soundtrack Australia It’s been a tough year a half. For many many reasons, which we all know too well. At the time of writing we don’t have high hopes of coming out of our NSW lockdown by the time this issue is released, therefore we have skipped our Gig Guide for this issue, as sadly, we don’t believe many gigs will be going ahead, at least not nearby. Instead, we want to shout out some of our favourite Australian artists. The music businesses is struggling at the moment, so we want to help support it, especially Australian artists. Listen to their music, download an album, buy their merch, share their music. And who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favourite you can’t stop listening to! We were going to go in alphabetical order so we don’t play favourites, but it didn’t look as good. I hope you’re sitting down.
BALL PARK MUSIC You’ll be bopping all day, night and year long with this five piece band out of Brisbane. They’re twelve year history makes you feel like you’ve grown up with them - because let’s be honest, there’s a high chance you have. Let’s hope we can grow old with them too.
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GFLIP
BAKER BOY
ALI BARTER
If Cher was reincarnated as a gangster, G Flip would be the end product. Bringing the beats, the vibes and none of our much maligned auto-tune!
Our main man from Regional Victoria, Baker Boy hits us up with swagger and mouthwatering hip hop jams; fresh from top to bottom.
The pop rock singer-songwriter you need in your life. If you haven’t heard her lockdown tune with partner, Oscar, from Holy Holy - do yourself a favour.
OCEAN ALLEY
SPACEY JANE
CUB SPORT
The alternative psychedelic rock band bringing some modern style reggae to your ears and emotions.
If you haven’t heard the indie rock garage band who have been making waves since 2016, you’ve been living under a rock for sure.
Cub Sport will make you feel all the feels, feels you didn’t even know you had inside of you. Play them loud.
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POLISH CLUB
SAMPA THE GREAT
HOLY HOLY
What do you get when you combine clubbing and Poland; yeah, that’s right! Sweaty pits and bleeding gums, this is some fine Aussie Rock ‘N’ Roll.
Mixing up the absolute bangers; Sampa is our main beat dissolving hip hop troubadour; we think you’re going to love her like we do!
Holy Holy is a musical project that brings together two composers from two different cities; embodying what music and performance should be.
GANG OF YOUTHS
SAN CISCO
TONES & I
Rustic outback meets sleek modern rock; Gang Of Youths are your perfect road trip playlist essentials.
If you’re after stormy beats and ABBA style pop jams, look no further than this great band out of Fremantle. The WA legacy lives on!
What can we say, the busker from Byron who cracked the code and made it mainstream; Tones & I is your sound temple songstress.
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MORE THAN JUST EGGS BENNY
Crudo Three Ways CURED FISH AT HOME
PREP TIME 20 minutes
COOK TIME Nil
SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
FOR THE SALMON
Crudo really needs to be prepared just before eating, otherwise the citrus and acid will cook the fish, ruining the flavour and buttery like consistency.
200g Sashimi Grade Salmon, finely sliced 1 apple cheek, skin on, julienned and cut into tiny cubes 1/2 a long red chilli, seeds removed, julienned and cut into tiny cubes Grated rind of 1/2 a lemon Juice of 1/2 a lemon Good quality extra virgin olive oil Baby micro herbs of finely shredded mint for garnish A little sea salt FOR THE KINGFISH 200g Sashimi Grade Kingfish, finely sliced Approximately 1/4 of a baby fennel bulb, shaved with a mandolin 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, ground slightly in mortar & pestle 1/2 tsp of chilli flakes Grated rind of 1/2 an orange Juice of 1/2 an orange Dill sprigs for garnish Extra virgin olive oil A little sea salt FOR THE TUNA 200g Sashimi Grade Tuna, finely sliced 1 small ripe tomato, grated directly onto the fish, skins discarded Baby basil leaves Extra virgin olive oil Cracked pepper and a little sea salt
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To prepare the Crudo, lay the thinly sliced fish in a single layer on three plates and top with the various toppings. Drizzle all of them with a good lug of oil and sprinkle the toppings evenly so that every mouthful is a burst of flavour. Serve with crusty Italian bread.
w w w. e m s fo o d fo r f r i e n d s . c o m . a u
I n s t a g r a m // @ e m s fo o d
EMS FOOD
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Benny
ISSUE 05 / SEPT - OCT 2021
FREE
FOR LOCALS & VISITORS ALIKE
The G O A T
Aussie Alps
Sountrack Australia
We dive deep in the Central Coasts Lavender Goat.
Camping yarns, specialty mountain careers and wildlife locals.
Support the Australian Music Industry and discover new music.
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