Marque Magazine Summer 2015/16

funny girl Mary Coustas shares her seven deadly sins

catch the camel train Plan a trip to beautiful Broome

THE AUTO CLASSIC MAGAZINE

MARQUE SUMMER

SUMMER 2015/16

●

01

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

DESIGNING & CRAFTING AUSTRALIA’S FINEST HOMES SINCE 1956.

For the ultimate design and construction experience let us guide you on one of the most important journeys of your life, building your new home. To view this home and receive a complimentary, no obligation design and cost assessment call today.

08 9382 4880 zorzi.com.au

Multiple Australian home builder of the year.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

02

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

MARQUE SUMMER

●

03

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

natural beauty

SURROUND YOURSELF IN

E

B a

Early Bird Special*

Book now for March & April 2016 and receive 15% off the nightly rate!

berkeleyriver.com.au

08 9169 1330 I stay@berkeleyriver.com.au

* Terms and conditions apply.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

05

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

IGNITE SOMETHING O N LY T H E P E R F E C T C U T C A N U N L E A S H A DIAMOND’S BRILLIANCE.

Exclusively available at

Subiaco | Bunbury | Kalgoorlie smales.com.au

CONTENTS MARQUE | THE AUTO CLASSIC MAGAZINE | SUMMER EDITION

70 WELCOME TO MARQUE MAGAZINE

I

s there a better time than WA’s long, hot, lazy summer to kick back with a good read?

This issue of MQ Magazine is certainly jam-packed with a great range of entertaining and informative articles, covering everything from Gabi Mills’ great chat with sculptor Christian de Vietri to a mouth-watering guide to the best of Christmas seafood.

And if you’re a strictly point-and-shoot camera phone type, check out how the professionals do things with our spread of some of the amazing winning images from the Canon Australian Professional Photography Awards.

Norman Burns explores the booming local spirits industry and discovers why surf lifesaving is such an integral part of the WA lifestyle.

We also pack our bags for a look at the splendid Laos “City of Gold”, Luang Prabang and soak up the sights, sounds and tastes of the jewel of the northwest – Broome.

Of course, no issue of MQ would be complete without some great features on the fantastic BMW range – from the all new, dazzling 7 Series models to Matt Mills taking the all new X1 for a spin.

And BMW Club WA president John Slade explains why 200,000 BMW owners worldwide love shooting the breeze with their fellow BMW owners.

From all at Auto Classic, we wish readers a safe and pleasant holiday and festive season.

Darrin Brandon Dealer Principal, Auto Classic

72

68

14 CHRISTMAS WISHLIST

10

MQ TIPS

he hottest shows, events, T exhibitions and ideas around

13

MY CITY

Meet master jeweller, Craig Rosendorff

Our collection of gifts - let's hope you're on Santa's nice list

14 MQ CHRISTMAS WISHLIST Covetable gifts for everybody

16 MQ BMW CLUB Meet like-minded BMW owners

18 WHEN IN ...

Luang Prabang, Laos

22 MQ BEAUTY Put on your party face and celebrate

the festive season in style

24

WATCHWATCH Breitling’s best timepieces

86

50

MQ LAST WORD Mary Coustas's Seven Deadly Sins

MARQUE SUMMER

●

08

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

26

MQ THRILLS

Perth gears up for Speed Fest

28

LET'S GO TO ...

Broome

30

MQ PEOPLE

racey Curtis-Taylor's incredible solo T flight to Australia in a bi-plane

34 BMW REVIEW The beguiling BMW X1

36 MQ ARCHITECTURE Perth architect, Sam Teoh

52 BMW

34

38 42

COVER STORY

MQ TRAVEL Family-friendly Fiji’s

Malolo Island

46

MQ TRAVEL Take a cruise around the

Mediterranean

50

MQ PERFORMANCE

Co3’s artistic director Raewyn Hill

70

58

MQ FASHION

Designer Steph Audino

68 MQ APPETITE

Our seasonal seafood round-up

72 MQ PROPERTY

Averna Homes 74 MQ PERSONAL TOUR

Auto Classic’s Simon Matthews takes a tour of the X1

52 MQ PHOTOGRAPHY Canon Australia Institute of

76 MQ R&R

The rich history of WA’s surf

58

BMW PREVIEW

The all new BMW 7 Series

80

60

MQ THIRST

lifesaving community

Pro Photographers Awards

he rise of WA’s artisan T distilleries

66

BMW DRIVING EXPERIENCE

THE AUTO CLASSIC MAGAZINE

66

MQ ART

Christian de Vietri, sculptor

84 MQ BUSINESS CLASS

British Airways 86 MQ LAST WORD

Mary Coustas’s seven deadly sins

Published by

Editor

Gabi Mills | gabi@premiumpublishers.com.au

Premium Publishers, Freemasons House, 181 Roberts Road, Subiaco WA 6008.

Art Director

Cally Browning | cally@barecreative.com.au

Sales

Natalie Du Preez | natalie@premiumpublishers.com.au

Kevin Farrell | kevin@premiumpublishers.com.au

Ph (08) 9273 8933 premiumpublishers.com.au

Contributors Dianne Bortoletto Norman Burns, Adam Collins, Anna Hartley, Beverly Ligman, Matthew Mills, Sandra Harris Ramini, Alex Speed.

Images

MARQUE SUMMER

Crib Creative, Elements Margaret River, Matt Jelonek

●

09

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

PREMIUM PUBLISHERS

TIPS

The hottest events, the best innovations, travel inspiration and exhibitions

ONE FOR KRALL FIVE-TIME Grammy Award winning jazz pianist and world-renowned singer Diana Krall is coming down under, bringing her Wallflower World Tour to Perth.

Krall, who last toured Australia in February 2014, has played to an international audience of millions – including headlining The Montreal International Jazz Festival.

In 2016, she’s showcasing her 12th studio release, ARIA Jazz Chart number one Wallflower, representing new artistic ground for the celebrated artist.

Perhaps taking a leaf out of Taylor Swift’s copy book, Wallflower is album of covers, specifically songs that topped charts during her youth.

Although the title track is a fairly obscure Bob Dylan creation, with hits such as The Mamas & the Papas’ California Dreamin’, Elton John’s Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word, and The Eagles’ Desperado we are in familiar territory. The southern hemisphere even gets a look-in with Crowded House’s Don’t Dream It’s Over.

Audiences of The Wallflower World Tour shows will see a mix of this new material, new ground for the diversely talented singer, as well as favourites from her extensive catalogue.

Catch Diana Krall under the stars at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, with her band and a full orchestra on Saturday, February 13. For details visit: livenation.com.au.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

010

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

WALL-E

Every bite takes you home ITALIAN FOOD EXPERT Massimo Montanari’s book is called Food is Culture, but he wasn’t the first to say it, and it doesn’t take a professor to know that the history of world cultures is inseparable from the history of their foods.

Compiled by Gaye Weeden and Hayley Smorgons, Every Bite Takes You Home is a cross-between cookbook and biography, sharing the stories of 16 asylum seekers who have found a home in Australia.

Each person’s unique story is presented alongside their favourite recipes and culinary traditions. From Sudan to Afghanistan, from Burma to Vietnam, the book includes dishes as diverse as Tibetan momos, Afghan kabuli pulow, Persian kebabs, and the Kaffir prawn curry from Sri Lanka.

By generating acceptance and understanding across diverse cultures and societies, this book aims to remind us that food can unite us all.

The authors say that “the idea that food can unite people has always run through our publications, but it has never been as real or immediate as within the pages of this book.

A CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY designed for adults who neatly colour between the lines of reproductions of artworks created in a style that was once considered graffiti? That’s meta.

That’s what Australian artist Kyle Hughes-Odgers is offering us in Off The Wall, a colouring book for adults. As an internationally renowned fine artist, Kyle has held exhibitions and created public art extensively throughout Australia and in New York, Los Angeles, Singapore and Berlin.

His most recent solo exhibition, A Survival Guide, is currently showing at Swinton Gallery in Madrid, yet, in Off The Wall, he’s doing something rather different, taking his street art to the page and bringing a cool new aesthetic to the stress-relieving pleasures of colouring-in.

Kyle won a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Crystal Kite Award for his debut picture book, Ten Tiny Things (with Meg McKinlay), yet it is clear that his art appeal transcends age barriers.

His children’s books are typically purchased by adult fans of his fine art and street art, and the request to produce a Whatever our culture, wherever our homeland, food is our common ground.”

All profits from the sales of the book will be donated to asylum seeker support centres and organisations to directly assist asylum seekers and refugees.

Every Bite Takes You Home, Ilura Press, $62

MARQUE SUMMER

●

011

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

colouring-in book came directly from his fans, including some of his approximately 10,000+ Instagram followers.

If you still can’t quite wrap your head around the layers of art, symbol and establishment present in this creation, just relax. Grab a crayon, breathe, and colour in.

Visit kylehughesodgers.com for more information.

TIPS

MY CITY

CRAIG ROSENDORFF Rosendorff Diamond Jewellers Rosendorff Diamond Jewellers has been at the heart of Perth for more than half a century and its founder and owner, Craig Rosendorff, wouldn’t have it any other way. By GABI MILLS. Images by CRIB CREATIVE.

P

erth – A City that has given me great opportunity and success. I commenced working in the city when l was 14. My first job was as a postage clerk at a Financial Institution then venturing into retail at The Modern Gifte Shoppe at the age of 16.

I then purchased the store when I was 23, and that evolved into Rosendorff as we know it today. l’ve always been interested in diamonds, jewellery and gold and, to be honest, Rosendorff hasn’t changed that much from those early days. We still personally hand pick all our diamonds, design and hand craft diamond rings and jewellery for our wonderful clients.

The most joyful aspect of what we do is that families return year after year with the next generation. Our pieces ultimately become heirlooms, loved and cherished.

The culture we’ve instilled in our team is to never judge a client, to treat them all equally, no matter what their price expectation is. We have an unwavering commitment to

provide the most amazing customer experience; after all, it’s one of the happiest times in our client’s lives whether it’s getting engaged, married or buying a special piece, celebrating life’s precious moments. I’m still very hands-on; I collaborate with our team of designers and Master Jewellers right up to the special piece being presented to our clients.

We have a great team of passionate individuals who have been working on creating new designs to drive the Rosendorff Brand into the future.

A Rosendorff piece of jewellery is very much my style, a style that’s based on classic heirlooms that are beautiful and timeless.

I’ve travelled all my life, going direct to manufacturers, cutting out the middleman. I formed lasting associations early on with cutters and polishers and because of that, have access to the most brilliant diamonds, like those found in Namibia. Every Rosendorff Together Forever diamond is fashioned from

MARQUE SUMMER

●

012

●

ROSENDORFF WILL ALWAYS HAVE OUR FLAGSHIP STORE IN HAY STREET MALL

this superior rough diamond crystal, individually selected and then polished to my exacting specifications.

We are proud of being a recognized leader in our community for our support and participation with many local causes such as the Lexus Telethon Ball and the Ronald McDonald Ball to name a few. Supporting the lives of children, young people and the community throughout Western Australia. This year we proudly donated magnificent pieces of jewellery to support these wonderful charities.

I applaud Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and Premier Colin Barnett as being the most progressive visionaries for

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

GARDENS OF DELIGHT

improving the city. They’ve done an enormous amount to make Perth an aspirational place to enjoy small bars and eateries.

Rosendorff will always have our flagship store in the Hay Street Mall. I love this showroom – we’ve been here at Trinity Buildings since 1983. That’s 32 years! When you come to Perth nowadays you feel the atmosphere in motion, transforming Perth into a vibrant international city. There’s been a huge rise in inner city living, bringing colour and culture to the CBD. We have a city that runs from the causeway to the Terrace and over to Northbridge; it’s wonderful. MQ

MASTER CRAFTSMAN Opposite left, Craig Rosendorff, owner and founder of Rosendorff Diamond Jewellers. Opposite, handcrafted elegant Halo earrings from $1,590. Above, Tennis bracelet, $4,390.

MARQUE SUMMER

AFTER YEARS OF digging, construction and transport detours, the Elizabeth Quay development on the Perth foreshore is finally making her Grande Dame entrance. It seems appropriate then, that it is going to start it’s life with a bang. In what will be the first major event at the Quay, the Perth International Arts Festival is bringing the popular Chevron Festival Gardens to the riverfront precinct this summer, which will be its home for the next four years.

For 25 nights, the new Festival hub will burst into life, with a packed schedule of live music and delicious food, taking over Lot 4, which will be a temporary outdoor venue for festivals, concerts and sporting events, on the corner of The Esplanade and William Street.

Between February 11 and March 6, a sensational line-up of international and national artists such as Jose Gonzalez, The Triffids, Kev Carmody, Dub Pistols, Goran Bregovic (pictured) and Tim Rogers & the Bamboos will light up The Mainstage with jazz, world music, rock, pop, folk and gospel.

Visit perthfestival.com.au for the full program of events.

WELCOME TO COUNTRY IMAGINE YOU’RE ON the road, travelling through an entirely remote part of Australia or perhaps a busy city and residential area, when an alert pops up on your smartphone advising you have now entered the boundary of a traditional tribal group.

At the tap of the screen, a video pops up and a local Elder or knowledge carrier welcomes you and provides you with important information about their country. That is exactly the concept of Welcome To Country, a new app developed

by Ngarluma man Tyson Mowarin. “I remember people talking about how Kevin Rudd speaks Mandarin and although he could say hello at the foot of the Great Wall of China, our PM at the time couldn’t say hello at the foot of Uluru,” Tyson said.

“I wanted to teach people how to speak the languages and acknowledge all our different nations."

This app complements, and is an extension of the custom Welcome to Country, which dates back before the settlement of Australia by Europeans.

If your tribal group would like to get involved, please contact Weerrianna Street Media at tyson@wsmedia.com.au Visit welcometocountry.mobi

●

013

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

MQ TIPS

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

DESIGN LIKE A PRO iPad Pro,

from $1,249

The new, larger iPad Pro features a stunning 12.9-inch Retina display with 5.6 million pixels, the most ever in an iOS device, and groundbreaking performance with the new 64-bit A9X chip, rivalling most portable PCs. It is thin, light and delivers all-day 10-hour battery life that users have come to expect from iPad. Apple Pencil for iPad Pro makes drawing and sketching feel remarkably fluid and natural, and delivers incredible accuracy for activities like fine art illustration and detailed 3-D design.

Visit apple.com/au for more information.

RUST NEVER SLEEPS

THE DARK SIDE BECKONS Royal Selangor Darth Vader 8-inch figurine. By the time you’re reading this issue of MQ, Star Wars: The Force Awakensmania will be in full swing. The reboot of the franchise is sure to have collectors scrambling for all manner of Star Warsrelated objects, not the least of them this very cool Darth Vader pewter figurine from Malayasian pewter masters Royal Selangor.

Darth is one of three eight-inch limited edition figurines.

Just 5000, individually numbered, Vaders have been made, with a recommended retail price of $380.

Visit: starwayrs.royalselangor.com

Qlocktwo Collectors Edition Rust.

Some seriously clever out-of-the-box thinking went into the German-designed Qlock series of watches, alarm clocks and wall displays; the superbly named duo of Biegert & Funk came up with the concept (which has scored more than a dozen international design awards), in which the time is “told” via a display of letters (ie “it is quarter past seven”). These wall-mounted models would add a real visual “wow factor” to any home or office. The “raw”, hand-rusted treatment given to these steel, individually numbered collectors’ editions, means no two Qlocktwos are ever the same. Available in two sizes, 45x45cm and 90x90cm, priced from $3150. Exclusive Perth stockist Monde By Design, 53 Bayview Tce, Claremont, ph 9284 4141.

Visit mondedesignstore.com.au

BMW ICONIC UNIVERSAL TABLET CASE $179 Exclusive universal tablet case made of calfskin leather with a double seam in waxed thread and magnetic flap closure.

The outside of the case features an extra pocket and a stainless steel-look BMW logo. The inside has a decorative jacquard lining bearing the BMW kidney grille design and the BMW lettering. Made in Italy.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

014

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

BMW BUSINESS CARD & CREDIT CARD HOLDER WITH MONEY CLIP $169 BMW CUFFLINKS $119 Brushed stainless steel cufflinks designed exclusively for the BMW Liefstyle Iconic Collection. The rubber inlay in the BMW kidney grille design is weather-resistant and the bars have a swivel function.

Elegant card holder made of high-grade leather, with an inner compartment and three reinforced slots for credit cards or business cards. The inside has a jacquard lining with a woven kidney grille design and the BMW lettering, while a stainless steel-look BMW logo adorns the outside. Made in Italy.

DASCHUND BOOKENDS $80 For the book and dog lover in your life, what could be better than combining both passions in this groovy Daschund bookend? Elegant and quirky, it's the perfect way to store your favourite novels without them becoming, ahem, dog-eared.

Fenton & Fenton – visit fentonandfenton.com.au.

BMW ICONIC BOARDCASE SPINNER 20” $529 Carry-on cabin trolley in woven nylon with genuine leather inserts. It features a self-oiling roller system and aluminium telescopic bars which are simple to release for both right-handers and left-handers, as well as numerous outside and inside compartments. The exterior is adorned with various BMW logos, either engraved or as plaques.

Your North side Accredited BMW Bodyshop specialists Whether a minor scratch or major damage, your BMW is better off in the hands of experts.

Conveniently located in Osborne Park, every paint and panel technician who works on your vehicle is highly trained in BMW repair techniques, ensuring that your Ultimate Driving Machine will be restored back to its factory-quality finish.

Our Services include: • Full BMW accident repairs to the highest standards with genuine BMW parts • Glass breakage repairs • Trim and Convertible roof repairs • Able to liaise with all insurance companies • Glasurit paints, a world class refinish system

We’ll get you back on the road MARQUE SUMMER

●

015

●

6 Roberts St , Osborne Park WA 6017 AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

✆ 08 9443 3434 e jwzarb@bigpond.com

BMW CLUB

FUN ON HIGH BEEM The BMW Club WA offers the perfect environment to get the most out of being a BMW owner.

O

ne BMW owner, good. 200,000 BMW owners, incredible.

And all of those 200,000 BMW owners have one thing in common – they’re members of the 680 officially recognised BMW car and motorcycle clubs, including the very active BMW Club WA. “The goal of the club is to bring BMW owners together through a variety of social and technical events,” says John Slade who's in his third term as president after joining the club six years ago.

“I wanted to broaden my circle of friends and develop an interest outside of my working life,” says John. “Like my father, cars have always been an interest and having just purchased my first BMW I was looking for an interest which would offer activities that could be enjoyed as a family, including our son.

“BMW Club membership is family-friendly, with a single membership covering both partners and children. I’m glad I decided to join, have learned a lot about BMWs and cars in general, and made many new friends from all ages and backgrounds.”

And for just $77 annually, members certainly get a lot of bang for their buck.

“We hold social drives on weekends to places of interest that finish at restaurants for breakfast or lunch, a great way to enjoy owning and driving a BMW. "The club also holds technical meetings at BMW Service Centres with performance tuners and other specialists.

“We are involved in car shows and displays; for example, the Como Rotary South Perth Car Show,

MARQUE SUMMER

●

016

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

which this year raised $16,000 for charity. The club also participates in the annual German Car Day, non-competitive driver training at Barbagallo Raceway. navigation trials, and Show and Shine Days.”

And it’s with the Show and Shine Days that members really get to show off the love for their cars and engage in a friendly battle of “one-upmanship”.

“This year’s Show and Shine was held in Manners Hill Park, Peppermint Grove, where there was a lot of friendly competition for prizes donated by BMW Group Australia for the best turned-out cars. There was a great range of models on display, from the stylish and rare CSL BMWs of the early 70s to the latest, state-of-theart M4,” says John.

He is also at pains to point out

the club is not “just guys talking about their cars”, with a number of female members equally enthusiastic and proud about being a BMW owner.

“The club enjoys a valued relationship with Auto Classic BMW, which supports the club by inviting members to special events, including new model launches and technical information opportunities, as well as offering club members reductions in BMW service costs and the purchase of genuine BMW parts. Discounts may also apply in the BMW Lifestyle Shop,” says John.

With those 680 clubs throughout the world, when travelling BMW Club WA members always have a chance to connect with their fellow BMW enthusiasts.

“Earlier this year I visited the BMW Club Houston, Texas, which was a highlight for me and an association I hope to continue,” says John. *terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit bmwclub.asn.au

COLLECTORS' ITEMS The BMW Club WA is family-friendly and the ideal place to share knowledge about the marque.

PEACE OF MIND A

side from the potential danger to life and limb, car accidents are a major pain in other ways. Even with minor accidents, your vehicle will probably need to be off the road for some time for repairs - school pick-ups, visiting the rellies, going to work or just getting away to the beach becomes a logistical nightmare.

Thankfully BMW owners (new and old) have a white knight in the wings - Compass Claims who, as long as you are not at fault in the crash, will provide you with a replacement vehicle at no cost* while yours is in the workshop.

And this is a like-for-like vehicle too, not some run-of-themill dunger.

So how does it work?

1 If you’re not at fault in a motor vehicle accident, call 1300 783 707 and Compass Claims’ 24/7 customer service team will

MARQUE SUMMER

●

017

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

guide you through the process 2 Once approved, Compass Claims will arrange the delivery of the replacement vehicle to your chosen location (for example, your work, home or smash repairer).

3 At the end of the hire, Compass Claims will collect the vehicle from your repairer and recover the cost of the hire directly from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

The leading provider of Accident Replacement Vehicles Australiawide, Compass Claims has more than 10 years’ experience.

“Our customers are our number one priority and we offer an ethical and trusted service that combines flexibility, efficiency and peace-of-mind,” says Compass Claims.

Visit compassclaims.com.au.

WHEN IN ...

Laos

WHEN IN ...

Sandra Harris Ramini soaks up every magical moment of a visit to Laos and the City of Gold, Luang Prabang.

W

e have wing-side seats in the smallest plane I have ever been in.

“Pretend it’s a private jet with a few friends,” suggests my husband, nodding courteously to the 40 or so other adventurous souls.

None of us had visas. None of us had been to Laos before and all of us were a little apprehensive.

Happily, our fears on all points were groundless.

Buzzy little plane with propellers worked fine. Arrival couldn’t have been nicer and getting our visas was easy peasy. Friendly smiles, lots of stamps and the Customs lady even had a frangipani in a vase on her desk. We were on our way.

Luang Prabang means City of Gold and instantly I was on the

lookout for the famous temples and palaces glistening in the sunshine, but they came later.

Instead we are dazzled by gorgeous scarlet blossoms of the flame trees lining our route, soft pink or vanilla coloured frangipani, the national flower of Laos everywhere, its scent hanging heavy in the early afternoon air, lush green foliage with yellow edges, banana leaves, bamboo, various palms and soft, morning glory plants twisting up tree trunks, climbing across tin roof tops.

We turn into our hotel. Called the Victoria Xiengthong Palace and built for the former Royal Family in traditional style, it oozes dignity and a great sense of tranquillity.

We say that if this is Laos, we think it’s wonderful. Gently we are told we are not in Laos (pronounced louse) but Lao pronounced Lao. Definitely preferable. A beautiful young woman in traditional Laotian costume passes silently by carrying a dustpan and brush as if they were revered and precious artefacts.

Perhaps they are. When we are shown our room it is spotless; all MARQUE SUMMER

●

018

●

dark wood and soft furnishings in white and cream.

A ceiling fan, straight out of a Graham Greene novel, swirls lazily above our heads. It’s only for atmosphere.

The air-conditioning is doing a splendid job.

Later that evening as we walk back from dinner in a charming restaurant specialising in Laotian cuisine, Le Sen, we point out to each other the way the puddles of yellow light from the lanterns on verandas turn neighbourhood houses into mysterious silhouettes.

Thick, fleshy leaves of the banana palms cast strange shadows and the soft, muted conversations that we can neither properly hear nor understand all add to that Graham Greene ambiance. An Englishman in a crumpled white suit and a panama hat would not be out of place here.

As we speculate on the scene and try to place ‘our man in Luang Prabang’ two young monks pass by, their brown heads burnished like copper and their saffron robes catching the light for a moment and then they’ve gone, lost in the darkened street. The next morning in the bright sunlight I am presented with a bicycle. It’s yellow and appears to be made from bamboo. Which it is.

Reinforced bamboo, provided by the hotel and perfect for exploring the back streets of Luang Prabang. I cycle about, a bit wobbly, largely ignored by everyone except the monks. They are fascinated by what I’m up to, where I came from, what I’m doing and most importantly, do I like Luang Prabang? I am equally interested in them.

While I imagine they have to spend a great deal of time praying and tending to the myriad temples in this area they also seem hard at work at what appears to be

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

their school, washing down the floors, scrubbing steps.

And they’re only about 12 or 13 years old. I am inspired to take part in one of the great and moving sights in Luang Prabang, which takes place in the early morning, just before dawn.

The monks emerge from their temples and shuffle through the streets with their begging bowls to receive alms in the form of sticky rice. While it might appear to be an act of charity to the monks, it’s actually the other way around because it allows the donor to benefit spiritually from the pleasure of giving. Such a simple ceremony in the cool dampness of the dawn and everything I hoped it would be.

But this was in late March. Apparently in the high season it becomes a bit of a scrum.

Back at the hotel, a tuk tuk, which is basically a covered cart on a motorbike, has arrived to take us to one of the local beauty spots, Kuangi Falls. “It’s 40 minutes away,” says the hotel receptionist, “and well worth seeing.”

Forty minutes maybe in a car. Not in a tuk tuk. But the destination makes up for all the bumps and rattles and swerves and near misses.

We come across layers upon layers of waterfalls, cascading down the rocky mountainside. The sunlight catches the spray, the water swirls invitingly, youngsters are diving in, their parents are paddling and splashing and stupid us didn’t even think of bringing a pair of bathers.

Maddening. Thankfully a whiff of something delicious, too irresistible to ignore takes us down the hill.

We follow our noses to find a very basic restaurant on the kerbside, just a few wooden tables and a barbecue with chicken, pork and fish skewered on bamboo wafting out these tempting smells.

We order fish from the Mekong and chicken with

INVITATION TO EXPLORE Laos is a relatively undiscovered destination in South East Asia, full of colourful landscapes.

24 ST Q U ENTI N AVE, CL A REMO NT WA 6010, (08) 9383 360 0

MARQUE SUMMER

●

019

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

MQ WHEN IN ...

FAST FACTS

LUANG PRABANG Sandra and her husband flew from Hanoi to Luang Prabang with Vietnam Airlines. vietnamairlines.com.

THEY STAYED AT The Victoria Xiengthong Palace victoriahotels.asia/en/overviewxiengthong

THEY ATE AT Le Sen 113 Manomai Road, Mano Village, Luang Prabang, A romantic setting and delicious Lao food with a French touch. A little out of the city centre but an easy walk from the market.

TRANQUIL BASE Left, Sandra Harris Ramini checks out the sights of Luang Prabang on her trusty two-wheeled steed.

dipping sauces, all washed down with freshly squeezed mango juice, thick, tasty and undiluted. The evening starts with a walk down through Luang Prabang High Street, which is prettiness personified.

Imagine a dark night lit with myriad of fairy lights, rows of tiny boutiques as vibrant as the merchandise in their windows in turquoise and pink and yellow and green and, unlike almost anywhere else, the people match the place.

Slight, graceful, with their shining eyes and sweet smiles the Laotians must be one of the most attractive people in the world.

Our walk takes us past the Emperor’s Palace, with a lovely green dragon across the front door and

onto the market proper, all under canvas cover and filled with even more delicate, colourful goodies.

Scarves and purses and belts and bags; silk birds and hand-cut cards with trembling butterflies between their pages, handmade shirts and shimmering fabrics.

It is like a feast for the eyes but the stomach is beginning to demand attention. We’ve been given several recommendations, none of which we could find and then we happen upon Khaiphaen, a restaurant enterprise that was started in Cambodia for the benefit of deprived, disaffected children of the war.

They bring the children here to Laos, teach them English and Lao and train them in the catering profession.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

020

●

Khaiphaen Restaurant 100 Sisavang Vatana Road, Ban Wat Nong. Between the French Institute and the Mekong River.

Smiling, charming young waiter service, carefully identified by their aprons as student or teacher.

Delicious Lao food, nicely presented and very reasonably priced. And just by eating here you are making a difference.

Sunday morning we have a rendezvous with the main reason for this trip, the Mekong River. It oozes tales of grandeur and distinction this river, but while the boat is a beautiful creation carved out of local wood with every table adorned with a red rose, this is a journey tinged with melancholy.

The river is suffering, it is one of the most polluted in the world and the locals are feeling the effect. We visit a village along the banks which makes its own whisky from sticky rice. Not quite my husband’s single malt, but nonetheless an interesting experience.

Our destination was ‘the cave of 100 Buddhas’ but actually there were thousands of them, all heights, all colours, all of great significance to the Laotian people who come here to meditate and appease their gods.

We can only hope they are listening.

Further down the river massive diggers are making dams and changing fish cycles.

Somehow there is a sense of tranquility. But for how long?

Laos still has magic. Best feel the spell while we can. MQ

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

THE SILK ROAD

BY PRIVATE TRAIN

China | Kazakhstan | Uzbekistan | Turkmenistan | Russia 23 September – 15 October 2016 (23 Days) Retrace one of the most important trading routes in history, following in the footsteps of explorers, warriors, poets and nomads along the ancient Silk Road.

It’s all included

All travel by Private Train aboard the Shangri-La Express, Golden Eagle and Bullet trains Pre and post tour arrangements including stays at the Raffles Beijing and Moscow’s Ritz-Carlton All meals with wine, beer and soft drink All sightseeing excursions with a visit to The Ark in Bukhara Our Select program, giving you a choice of complimentary sightseeing options A Tour Host Team including an accompanying doctor All four T’s: tipping, taxes, transfers and travel insurance* And more thoughtful extras... such as Point-to-Point luggage service and a higher Tour Host to guest ratio

Moscow RUSSIA

Volgograd

KAZAKHSTAN

Druzhba Beijing Turpan Almaty TURKMENISTAN Dunhuang Tashkent Ashgabat Samarkand CHINA Mary Merv Xian Caspian Sea

Khiva

UZBEKISTAN

Bukhara

All included from $36,145 per person twin share from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane^ Phil Asker Pty Ltd CC2015 *Subject to meeting requirements of the insurer. ˆPrices from other cities are available on request.

1300 www.captainschoice.com.au MARQUE| 021 AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU | SUMMER 1300 163 163 517 517 www.captainschoice.com.au ●

●

Included Flight Shangri-La Express Golden Eagle Bullet Train Coach

BEAUTY

Tis’ the

season

Can you believe it’s that time of year again? Nope, neither can we. But we do love the festive season and all the parties it brings. Here’s how to shine at yours. By BEVERLY LIGMAN.

A

h, the silly season the time of full-to-exploding diary engagements, festive parties

and possibly one too many

2

champagnes.

Getting dressed up to go out

3

night after night can take its toll on your beauty regime so here’s a few quick fixes which will have you

1

sparkling all the way through.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

022

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

HYDRATE 1 MAC Fix +, $27 @ David Jones.

And we don’t just mean by drinking water.

Help your skin cope with constant make-up by using MAC’s miracle Fix +, it’s a great primer under make-up (spritz it after you’ve used your moisturiser); it also helps set your face once it’s on.

2 Hydrodol capsules, $21.99 at most pharmacies.

Speaking of hydration these will save you from a hangover. Take four of these magic capsules while you’re drinking and I promise you will be sans a sore head the next day…ready to face your next engagement.

to adjust accordingly. Don’t be afraid to use a bronzer or a highlighter on cheekbones and your décolletage, but choose the right one. Add a great base and some cheek stain and you’re sorted.

My all-time favourite highlighter, this MAC Mineralize Skin finish is subtle but sparkly. Brush it over cheekbones for a lustrous, just been on holiday look.

5 The Base LB Cream by Lara Bingle, $24 at Vanity Box Beauty Ateliers (6468 6471) This is an ace new base by Lara Bingle. The colours are perfection and it’s just the right amount of tinted moisturizer and BB cream to tick all the boxes.

3 Sodashi Brightening Marine Mineral Mask, $110 and Sodashi Calming Serum, $106.50 @ sodashi.com If you have 10 minutes downtime somewhere in your hectic schedule, try local skin star Sodashi’s Brightening Marine Mineral mask. It will plump and rehydrate even the dullest skin and once you’ve done that, pop its amazing Calming Serum over the top to boost moisture levels and really get your glow on.

6 Benefit Posie-tint and Bene-tint original, $55 @ Myer.

If you’ve never tried a cheek and lip tint… it’s time. You can sweep this little beauty across cheekbones for a natural flush and while you’re there put some on your lips for a natural hint of colour that will last all day long. Available in original or Posie Pink.

FINAL FLOURISH

7 Natio Smoothie Lip Colour Crayons, $12.95 @ Priceline and Pharmacies. Not sure about lipstick?

Then try a lip crayon. Impossible to get wrong the colour is vibrant and perfect for a colour pop! My fave shade is Petal.

8 Napoleon Perdis Super Lips in Bionic, $38 from counters at enex100 and Claremont Quarter.

Brave enough to rock a red lip? Then this is the lipstick for you. Napoleon Perdis really packs a punch with this, great colours and good staying power. Now to find the Mistletoe . . .

9 OPI, Gwen Stefani Gold topcoat in ‘Don’t Speak’, $29.95 @ David Jones.

If rock goddess Gwen Stefani can, then you can. This gorgeous gold top coat by OPI gives nails a festive touch.

10 Lancôme Le Vernis, $31 @ Priceline and selected Pharmacies.

Gorgeously manicured nails never go out of style and neither does this colour. A classic, Lancôme's Le Vernis in Shade 102 will never let you down.

If there was ever a time for bold lips and nails, then Christmas is it. Why not pop some gold on your nails for a festive flourish and don’t be afraid to add a distinctive pop of colour in coral, red or hot pink to your lips to get puckered up and ready for NYE.

GET GLAM 4 MAC Mineralize Skin Finish, $47 @ Myer In summer, skin gets sun-kissed and hair gets lighter so your make-up palette needs

9

6 4

7

10 8 5

MARQUE WINTER

●

023

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

WATCHWATCH Presented by SMALES

REACH FOR THE SKIES Famous for its aviation-inspired watches, Switzerland's Breitling pulls out all the stops when it comes to ultra-accurate timepieces. By NORMAN BURNS Images: COURTESY BREITLING

S

witzerland’s Breitling was founded in 1884 but its fortunes soared - literally and figuratively - with the rise of the aviation age in the 20th century. From cockpit clocks for the RAF in World War II to ultra-accurate and rugged pilot’s watches, Breitling’s association with flying even extends to space – NASA astronaut Scott Carpenter wore a Breitling into orbit, the model later being dubbed the Cosmonaute.

The company, which is one of the few family-owned independent Swiss watch brands remaining, also has its own jet display team; an impressive platform indeed to fly the company flag throughout the world.

Today Breitling, which produces around 150,000 timepieces a year, remains a world leader in aviationthemed timepieces, but also has some of the slickest sports, diving and dress watches around. It is also a stickler for accuracy and ALL of its models are submitted to the prestigious Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, or COSC,

for rigorous testing to meet the specifications of chronometer.

COSC defines a chronometer as a “high-precision watch capable of displaying the seconds and housing a movement that has been tested over several days”. In fact, each movement (both mechanical and quartz) is tested for several consecutive days, in five positions and three temperatures, before it can get an official “pass”.

One of Breitling's most enduring models is the Navitimer, first introduced in 1952 and which included a circular slide rule to help pilots with navigation calculations.

The Navitimer is the world’s oldest mechanical chronograph still in production.

Compared to many rivals in its price bracket, Breitling takes a pretty conservative approach in its watch designs but its timepieces have evolved in an environment – ie flying – where accuracy, visibility, durability and ease of use are paramount.

Breitling timepieces are available at Smales boutique in Subiaco.

Visit smales.com.au

MARQUE SUMMER

●

024

●

GALACTIC 36 SLEEK T OK, it’s a bit of a given that most watch geeks are probably male; but that doesn’t mean there aren’t women’s watches produced to the same technical and design standards as those for the guys, as the Galactic 36 Sleek T proves. A COSC-certified Breitling SuperQuartz movement lurks under the 36mm case (water-resistant to 100m) and the gun-metal grey bezel is created from ultra-hard, scratch-resistant tungsten carbide. A mother-of-pearl or lacquered black dial adds the fashion kudos to what Breitling calls “the ultimate sports watch for women”.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

SUPEROCEAN II The Superocean, part of Breitling’s line-up for more than 50 years, is a rugged diver’s watch rated to operate in exceptionally demanding conditions for professional, military or recreational divers. For Superocean II Breitling has tweaked the dial and bezel and introduced a new, 36mm size as one of three variants. The watch case has also been slimmed down but that hasn’t meant taking any shortcuts with functionality there’s the unidirectional rotating bezel to mark off dive times, plus extra-large, luminiscent rounded Arabic numerals and oversized hands. A Breitling Caliber 17 automatic movement is housed in the steel case and the 36, 42 and 44mm models are water-resistant, respectively, to 200m, 500m or 1,000m.

NAVITIMER 01

CHRONOMAT 44

Hands-down, one of the coolest timepieces around (whether you’re a pilot or not), the Navitimer has been an aviation favourite since it was introduced in the 1950s. The circular slide rule on the bidirectional bezel will help you calculate all manner of things while a Breitling 01 automatic calibre, providing a 70-hour power reserve, ticks along unerringly. The 43mm Navitimer comes in various “flavours”, with the 18k rose gold model really reinforcing the jet set kudos.

With a royal-blue dial framed by a unidirectional, ratcheted rotating bezel adorned with futuristic numerals, the 44mm Chronomat 44 is a very striking looking watch. Looks alone, of course, don’t cut it with Breitling and under the hood beats the Breitling 01 automatic calibre (70 hours power reserve). Water-resistant to 500m, the Chronomat has eight “standard” variants but Breitling also has released special limited and boutique editions of one of its most popular watches.

SUPER AVENGER II Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the Super Avenger II and, with a big, bold 48mm case, no-one will miss this one on your wrist. A Breitling 13 automatic movement (COSCcertified, natch) runs the show, you get 42 hours’ power reserve and the watch is water-resistant to 300m.

Screwed-in pushpiece guards and a solid screw-lock crown with non-slip grip add to the Super Avenger II’s overall aura of, well, invincibility.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

025

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

THRILLS

RACING IN STYLE

The Perth Speed Fest Motor Show will bring a touch of Le Mans to the city, thanks to some very special vintage cars taking a turn around the track.

By DIANNE BORTOLETTO.

R

obert Jordan has a car collection that would be the envy of any motorsport historian and the Sorrento resident has offered to display two of his six historic racing cars at the Perth Speed Fest Motor Show, which will present some of Perth’s rarest and most unique vehicles.

Robert has put forward a Le Mans style 1982 BMW C81 Group C race car and a 1973 Brabham BT41 Formula 3 vehicle, both of which MARQUE SUMMER

●

026

●

have an accomplished racing history on international circuits.

The vehicles are still used for racing today by Robert, who says while he is a collector, he doesn’t believe in letting dust settle on his vehicles, preferring to race them rather than show.

“Driving these race cars is a huge adrenaline rush,” he says.

“You are normally sitting 40 millimetres off the road surface, and the speed and acceleration

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

is breathtaking.”

“The competitive spirit is always present with wheel to wheel racing – you can’t help but want to get to the front and stay there.

“I love the historic race cars from the 1960 to 1980s. The manufacturer’s designs, particularly in relation to aerodynamics and style, were unique. Each model of car had character.

“All race cars require some form of restoration to ensure the mechanical condition of the car before a race meet. Everyone has their own version of ‘race ready’ and this depends on how much they prepared to risk their lives on the mechanical soundness of the car, but my cars have every nut and bolt replaced before they hit the track.”

On race days the cars attract plenty of attention from the public who are intrigued about the vehicle’s history and ability.

“The general public often marvel and make comment about the engineering of these cars, which sees them still handle the same and achieve the same speed that they did 20 to 30 years ago.”

Attendees will have an opportunity to give their favourite Perth Speed Fest Motor Show vehicle an official ‘thumbs up’ with a vote in the People’s Choice Award via the soon-to-be-released Perth Speed Fest app, and a specialist judging panel will also be awarding Best in Show, Best in Era and Best Dressed.

The Perth Speed Fest Motor Show is an opportunity for enthusiasts such as Robert to showcase their stunning vehicles for the public to enjoy.

Organisers will carefully select about 200 vehicles for inclusion in the motor show with a range of eras, from pristine pre-1940s historics to modern supercars, giving the public a great insight into motoring history.

“The motor show is more than a show and shine, it’s a moving visual

feast – cars and bikes will be on display for all to admire, and then, by category, they will participate in parade laps along the Tarmac,” said Perth Speed Fest’s Greg McNeil.

The motor show is just one component of the Perth Speed Fest which is inspired by the UK’s iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The event will showcase a wide range of motorsport disciplines such as drag, motocross rally, drift, speedway and stunt bikes, with MARQUE SUMMER

●

027

●

ICONIC RACERS Over 200 vehicles will be selected for inclusion in the motor show, including vintage models.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

spectators being able to look forward to seeing Australia’s biggest names in motorsport in action such as F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, V8 Supercar drivers Will and Alex Davison, MotoGP rider Jack Miller, F1 legend Alan Jones, rally champion Alister McRae, motorsport broadcaster Greg Rust and V8 pit lane reporter, Perth’s own Riana Crehan. MQ Perth Speed Fest, Sunday December 13, Perth Motorplex. Tickets can be purchased at perthspeedfest.com .

LET'S GO

LET'S GO TO...

Broome A visit to the pearl in the north west of WA - Broome - is a must-do part for many people.

Matthew Mills has the low-down on this gorgeous little town and its surrounds.

I

t can be hard sometimes to wrap your head around the sheer size of our great state, but it’s put into sharp focus when you fly from Perth to beautiful Broome on what begins as a chilly spring morning.

Two and a half hours later you emerge into the sticky, tropical heat of what feels like a whole new country – and, for me, spells holidays and adventure – and yet the reality is that you and your jet plane have never actually left Western Australia.

And so it was that me, my wife and our three youngest kids stepped blinking into the sun from Broome International Airport’s arrivals lounge, excited and ready for a funpacked break in the state’s evocative northern outpost.

That feeling of another country is

enhanced as your embrace the town’s culture, slipping into what the locals call “Broome time”, relaxing, slowing down and brushing off the hustle and bustle of real life.

Easy going as it is however, Broome and its surround offer myriad places to stay, from top-notch luxury to backpacker staples, and a seemingly never-ending list of places to go, things to see and adventures to be had.

SPLASH OUT Above, one of Cable Beach Resort and Spa's two beautiful pools.

STAY Over the last decade, Broome has seen a fantastic boom in quality hotels and resorts and nowadays the choice available is quite staggering for such a small town.

Resorts such as The Oaks Sanctuary and Seashells have added MARQUE SUMMER

●

028

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

a luxurious twist to the longestablished camping and caravan parks, but the daddy of them all still has to be Cable Beach Resort & Spa. Set in 17 hectares of lush gardens and the only resort which overlooks beautiful Cable Beach itself, this much-loved haven has been welcoming guests since 1988. It was the labour of love of Lord Alistair McAlpine, who fell in love with Broome during a visit in the late 1970s and worked long and hard to develop what has since become one of WA’s most iconic holiday destinations.

We stayed in one of the resort’s chic two-bedroom bungalows, like all the other accommodation designed in the architectural style of the shuttered houses of the master pearler. Studio apartments and

BROOME TIME Top left, take a camel ride with Red Sun Camels or right, take an exhilarating day trip to the Horizontal Falls.

Below, one of the luxurious rooms at Cable Beach Resort and Spa.

Then once at the falls we boarded a powerboat to take us to the natural phenomena itself – the only horizontal waterfall in the world. Caused by the Indian Ocean tides coming and going through 20m wide gaps in the soaring cliffs, the currents are incredible and only the skilled seamanship of the boat’s pilot keeps you safe from its indescribable power.

Finishing with a barramundi lunch on board the luxury houseboats the crew calls home before a dip in a shark cage to meet the resident ‘pets’, you’d be hard pressed to find a more exhilarating experience.

EAT AND DRINK We tried all four eateries Cable Beach Resort & Spa offers during our stay – and they are all just awesome. The Club Restaurant evokes a bygone era with its exquisite artwork and artefacts on display for you to admire while you enjoy

FAST FACTS Cable Beach Resort & Spa visit cablebeachclub.com Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park visit malcolm douglas.com.au/wildernesspark Broome Hovercraft Adventure Tour visit broomehoevercraft.com.au Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures visit horizontalfallsadventures.com.au Red Sun Camels visit redsuncamels.com.au Matso’s visit matsos.com.au

luxurious villas are also available – everything sleek, comfortable and a pleasure to call home for your stay.

For kids and grown-ups alike, Cable Beach’s main draw are its two wonderful swimming pools – a family pool for everyone to muck around in and a sumptuous, beautifully calm adults only version that is simply heaven. Take a book, order a cocktail and relax.

Of course, though, the spa is also simply superb – as are the quartet of restaurants – so much so that you could well find yourself not wanting to set foot out of the resort at all.

VISIT That, though, would be a shame, despite the fact that wanting to milk every minute of your stay at Cable

Beach Resort and Spa make perfect sense.

Among the many excursions that everyone will enjoy is a trip to the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, where you can get up close and personal with these fearsome beasts as well as meet a menagerie of other Aussie birds and beasts, and a Broome Hovercraft Adventure Tour, a unique way to see the ancient land and beautiful ocean around you.

But the one must-not-miss excursion has to be a seaplane trip to the Horizontal Falls. Me and my daughter Daisy journeyed together on this fantastic adventure, flying first in a plane that would have made Indiana Jones proud up the coast, swooping low over islands, drinking in the mesmerising Kimberley views.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

029

●

beautiful food with an Italian twist. And then there’s the informal Sunset Bar & Grill – superb food served in a relax atmosphere as you sip your wine and gaze out over Cable Beach itself.

A change of style is offered at the resorts two other restaurants – Zensai, where executive chef Joji Iwama creates delights from his Japanese homeland and Rambutan, where classic Malay cuisine is designed with Chinese, Indian and Indonesian flavours.

Should you want to explore Broome itself, however, head to Matso’s for a great lunch and great craft beers and The Zookeepers Store, for a mouthwatering breakfast.

DON’T MISS No stay at Cable Beach is complete without watching the simply incredible sunsets Broome can boast. Sitting at the bar with a cold G&T is a lovely way to experience it – but make sure that at least once you watch it on camelback. Red Sun Camels does daily tours that are just pure Broome. MQ

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

PEOPLE

That magnificent woman

N I E H C A M G N I IN HER FLY

Thousands fly every year from the UK to Australia; it’s no big deal in the 21st century. But Briton Tracey Curtis-Taylor isn’t sitting back in the relative comfort of a wide-bodied jet; she’s flying her own, open-cockpit vintage plane 22,000km in an epic journey to retrace the flight of a pioneering aviatrix and bring back the romance of flight. By NORMAN BURNS. IMAGES: COURTESY TRACEY CURTIS-TAYLOR

I

t’s hard enough dealing with red tape from, say the local council over minor matters (for example, keeping an existing recycling bin instead of having to pay for another, bigger, one you don’t really need).

Spare a thought then for British aviatrix Tracey Curtis-Taylor and her team who had to negotiate flying routes over the airspace of 23 countries - many in the volatile Middle East - as part of the planning for her epic 22,000km solo flight from England to Sydney.

Add in potentially dangerous weather conditions (Curtis-Taylor will have to contend with the monsoon season as she flies across the Timor Sea into northern WA), and the sheer physical and mental effort needed to pilot a vintage, open-cockpit Boeing Stearman biplane (often over long stretches of open water) and you have a challenge many would put straight into the “too hard” basket.

But not Curtis-Taylor who, by the time you read this, should be nearing the end of her three-month adventure which retraces the path taken by pioneering aviatrix Amy Johnson.

In 1930 the Briton, from Hull,

became the first woman to fly solo from Great Britain to Australia.

Johnson was killed in 1941 when the plane she was flying for the Air Transport Auxiliary crashed in bad weather into the River Thames. Her body was never found.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

030

●

FANTASTIC VOYAGE Tracey Curtis-Taylor in the cockpit of her vintage Boeing Stearman.

Right, before take-off earlier this year.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

Curtis-Taylor, who was raised in Canada, says it was the 1965 comedy film Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines that sparked her love of vintage aircraft as a child. She had her first flying lesson at 16 but it wasn’t until she emigrated to New

MARQUE SUMMER

●

031

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

MQ PEOPLE

Zealand in the 1980s, to be with her twin sister, that she took up flying in earnest. Her flying took on an extra dimension thanks to lessons in World War II planes from military pilots in the New Zealand Warbirds Association.

With her private and commercial “wings” (and instructor rating) secured, Curtis-Taylor then began a career in aerial photography and mapping, skills which would stand her in good stead for her flying expeditions to come.

Curtis-Taylor’s fierce sense of adventure (and love of vintage cars) came to the fore when, in 2007, she took part in the gruelling Peking to Paris centenary car rally, an epic sixweek journey in a vintage car through the Gobi Desert, northern China and Russia.

But with flying her first love, it wasn’t long before she looked to the

THIS IS STICK-AND-RUDDER FLYING, REAL HANDS-ON STUFF

skies again. In 2013 she completed a 10-month solo flight across Africa, from Cape Town to Britain. The trip was inspired by another pioneering British aviatrix, Lady Mary Heath, who was the first woman to gain her commercial pilot’s licence. In 1928, Lady Mary made the first solo flight from South Africa to Britain.

One of the great joys of flying across Africa, and which CurtisTaylor will experience again in her current trip, was the “freedom” in travelling over the continent compared with airspace restrictions in Britain.

“Flying this low (below 1,000 feet) it’s really barnstorming. Across Africa MARQUE SUMMER

●

032

●

I was about 25 feet off the deck and it’s the sort of flying you can’t do in England any more,” the 53-year-old told Channel 7’s The Morning Show before setting off in October from Farnborough on the first leg of her trip.

Her route will take her across Europe and the Mediterranean to Jordan, over the Arabian Desert, across the Gulf of Oman to Pakistan, through to India and on to Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia before making landfall in far north WA near Kununurra.

For her “Bird in a Biplane” journey, Curtis-Taylor will be shadowed by a support plane with a camera crew (the journey is being made into a documentary) but the restored 1942 Boeing Stearman biplane she flies,powered by a Lycoming 680 radial engine packing 300 horsepower and carrying extra fuel tanks to extend its maximum flying range to six hours, is devoid of all mod cons, save an iPad and GPS system.

Being wind-blasted in the open cockpit is also a

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

challenge (“my hair looks like road kill after six hours in the plane,” says Curtis-Taylor.

Curtis-Taylor, who is aiming to land in Sydney on January 6, says politics and the weather are the two biggest obstacles in the journey.

“I think politics is going to prevail through the first part of the journey in the Middle East. There are some very complicated procedures in terms of the permissions you have to set up. I think it’s politics from Turkey through to Burma and then the weather from Burma onwards.

“This is stick-and-rudder flying, real sort of hands-on stuff and you are very much at the mercy of the elements. I am flying into the monsoon, which is Singapore and south from there, the monsoon line, which is the inter-tropical convergence zone, will by laying right across the Timor Sea as I cross into northern Australia,” she says.

THE LONG WAY ROUND Left, Curtis-Taylor's route from Farnborough in the UK over some of the most politicallycharged airspace in the world, before her final destination, Sydney.

As well as honouring Johnson’s incredible effort all those years ago (“to try to emulate the pioneering aviatrix of the 1920s and 30s is my kind of raison d’etre”) Curtis-Taylor is very much flying the flag to prove that women can more than foot it with the guys when it comes to aviation,

science and engineering careers.

“It’s a big political issue . . . how under-represented women are in sciences, technology and engineering,” she told The Australian newspaper.

The balance is reset at least in part by this singular adventure by this singular woman. MQ To follow Tracey Curtis-Taylor’s progress, visit birdinaplane.com

“GOLF AS NATURE INTENDED” MEADOW SPRINGS, MANDURAH, WA Just 45 minutes from Perth in the coastal town of Mandurah, the Meadow Springs golf course promises a unique experience through open bushland.

GOLF. AS NATURE IN

MEADOW SPRINGS, MAN

Meadow Springs offers superb facilities for golfing, corporate golf days, weddings, meeting and Just 45 minutes from Perth in the coastal town of conference facilities privatepromises functions.

Springsand golf course a unique experience

Memberships areMeadow available withoffers pro rata Springs superb facilities for golfin meeting andcontact conference facilities specials and New weddings, Year details.

Please us for more information!

Memberships are available with pro rata specia

Please contact us for more info

Meadow Springs Driv

Tel: (08) 9581 6002 | E

www.msg

MARQUE 033 6002 AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU Meadow Springs Drive, Mandurah, WA 6210 SUMMER | Tel: (08) 9581 | E: golf@msgcc.com.au | www.msgcc.com.au ●

●

REVIEW

PERFECTLY FORMED BMW’s X1 leads from the front as the nation’s appetite for SUVs grows a-pace. By MATTHEW MILLS.

T

he latest evolution of BMW’s fantastic SUV, the X1, is simply remarkable.

Its original incarnation was an out and out success, the entry level variant of the BMW’s highly successful X range bringing a wonderful combination of off-road smarts and metro-friendly motoring to a grateful Australia a little over five years ago.

Drivers loved it, only really finding one criticism – that, like all small cars, backseat passenger legroom and all round boot capacity wasn’t quite what all customers needed.

As the second edition approached, then, BMW listened long and hard to the feedback before Calvin Luk, the designer of the new X1, and their team weaved their engineering MARQUE SUMMER

●

034

●

magic to offer even more value to their legion of loyal customers.

Put simply, the X1 has morphed into a sleeker version of this fantastic little SUV. The bonnet has pulled itself in and the boot has pushed itself out, reshaping the X range’s starter model into a vehicle perfect for today.

The result is that the legroom in the back now easily and comfortably accommodates a 180cm adult and the boot space has increased by a massive 20 per cent, rising to an enviable 85 litres.

Surprisingly, however, although the second generation

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

X1 seems so much bigger – and in real terms offers so much more space – than its predecessor, it’s actually a few centimetres shorter than the one that went before. That’s BMW engineering for you.

Great to look at then from the outside, and once inside I was immediately hit with that satisfying feeling one always gets when behind the wheel of a BMW. Beautiful trim graces comfortable seats and the dash has that majestic quality BMW customers have come to expect from the range.

Front and centre is the tablet-style screen that displays the impressive tech that comes as standard – navigation, Bluetooth phone connection, great sound system, reversing camera and all the other gadgets the modern driver requires, all controlled by BMW’s clever iDrive rotary dial between the driver and passenger.

The screen itself is 22.35cm wide,

diesel powered variants, one petrol and one diesel is front wheel drive, the higher end models which are all-wheel-drive are one petrol one diesel. During the upgrade, BMW switched the X1 from the 3 Series base car to the one designed for the 2 Series Active Tourer. This, of course, means the two-wheel drive sDrive variants are now front wheel drive, the xDrives remaining all-wheel.

Auto Classic lent me the X1 xDrive 20d, to put through its paces - and it

LITTLE BEAUTY The BMW X1 is packed with innovative features including BMW's iDrive, Bluetooth and a great sound system.

considerably bigger than the 16.5cm standard.

A generous sunroof allows brilliant access to the great Australian outdoors and, at night, the interior lighting is stylish – the cabin illuminated in a vibrant, exciting red that just has to be seen to be appreciated properly.

On the road, of course, the X1 is a dream to drive.

This latest evolution comes in four flavours, two petrol and two

just flew.

Zippy doesn’t do this little beauty justice. The powerful engine delivers 140kW of power and 400Nm of torque, the kind of oomph that mean there’s plenty there if you need it.

From a standing start, it will hit 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds.

And yet it’s quiet and smooth on the road, the eight-speed automatic transmission that’s fitted as standard to all the X1s doing its job with smooth, confident efficiency.

Around town, the new X1 hugs the tarmac, cornering with confidence.

And on the freeway, it feels confident and safe. It cruises effortlessly, but has the top end in reserve to get you out of trouble if the worst comes to the worst.

I’m told that my X1, the diesel, can tow up to two tonnes – unfortunately I didn’t have a caravan around to test this – which is excellent pulling power for a small car. And yet all that grunt doesn’t make it too thirsty, taking you 100km on just 4.9 litres of fuel.

Safety wise, it’s got all the tech to minimise your chances of a spill, five airbags, four-wheel ABS, electronic stability control, traction control and brake assist.

The all new BMW X1 has taken a car that was making heads turn and moulded it into a game-changer, a market leader that’s heading to the top of the small SUV sector. It’s a new look that you’re going to love. MQ

FAST FACTS BMW X1 Drive away prices from:

X1s Drive 18d .........................................$56,387 X1s Drive 20i ..........................................$58,623 xDrive 20d ............................................ $63,842 X1 xDrive 25i ..........................................$67,463

MARQUE SUMMER

●

035

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

ARCHITECTURE

SAM’S TOWN Put your architectural dreams in the gentle, safe hands of Sam Teoh and you’ll be rewarded with a unique residence, made with love.

By GABI MILLS. Portrait CRIB CREATIVE

S

mall is beautiful. And in Sam Teoh’s case, that’s just the way he likes it.

Heading up Sam Teoh Architects for the past 19 years, the Perthbased architect and his team create beautiful residences and deliberately keep their client list, well, bijoux.

“My intention was to set up a small boutique practice in 1996,” says Sam from the practice’s HQ in Nedlands.

“We only handle a small number of clients at any one time, with a smattering of commercial work too.

Our clients choose us because our attention to detail is second to none we take the client brief seriously.”

These days, thanks to TV shows like The Block, Sam says clients are pretty informed and have firm ideas about what they want. Where the practice comes in is helping those ideas spring to life.

“Most of our clients come to us with an idea that’s not gelled yet.

Every client has requirements and ideas, and the skill is to go through those requirements, sift the ideas and identify function and aesthetics.”

Sam’s quiet authority comes from the respect he is held in by his architectural colleagues and clients, past and present, who wouldn’t trust anybody else to build their dream home.

“We have held steadfast to our MARQUE SUMMER

●

036

●

SMART SOLUTIONS Above, Sam Teoh has been at the helm of his company for the past 19 years. Right, examples of Sam Teoh Architecture residences.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

intention from day one to only work on houses that respond to their location, and reflecting the changing seasons.

“We are dedicated to the pursuit of high quality design with an emphasis on environmentally friendly and solar-efficient designs.”

Sam loves a challenge too, particularly ones where space is at a premium, working hard to maximise the visual as well as external space constraints.

“Small block design challenges are interesting to us as a practice,” says Sam, who works with a small (yes, that word again) team of three architects.

For instance, a north Perth

residence introduced a lot of new solutions on its compact 280sqm plot, with light crowning the property, drawing the eye up and implying a far more spacious property than was actually the case.

An elegant, long thin plunge pool was a particularly stunning visual addition, running along the length of one of house’s walls.

but the light is blocked by them in winter. The push in the last 20 or so years is to get as much light into rooms as possible, but you have to balance that with keeping the summer sun out and work with solar principals.

“It’s a battle won to recognise this - I’ve always been a good instigator of ideas. That’s how change happens.”

Another space-deprived project - The Rise, in Subiaco - squeezed into just 190sqm, tested Sam and his team’s innovative approach to the limit.

“We even used roof space for bedrooms,” he says of this modern yet entirely liveable work of architectural art.

Sam finds his inspiration for such tough nuts to crack from around the world, believing it’s one of the ‘best things an architect can do.' However he finds ideas by looking closer to home too, like the old Nedlands Californian-style bungalows built in the 1920s and 30s.

“They’re large houses, with verandas wrapped around them

Personally Sam prefers clean cut, simple lines but that doesn’t mean all personality has to be discarded in the pursuit of modernity.

“I don’t like to create white boxes - they’re not pleasant to live in, but I do love making good use of shapes.”

At any one time, the practice will be working on ten or so projects, all at different stages, in general taking two to three years to complete a single project.

“We win work mostly on word-of-mouth referrals,

with budgets varying from $750,000 to the $2 to $3million mark.”

Sam, who often finds himself still at work after 11pm most nights, is as driven now to create beautiful homes as he was nearly two decades ago.

“We start with the client’s brief and their impetus that’s what drives our work.” MQ Visit samteoh.com.au

MARQUE SUMMER

●

037

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

COVER STORY

HEADING SOUTH The photogenic BMW X5 is put through its paces in the Margaret River Region.

By RUSSELL ORD. Images by ELEMENTS MARGARET RIVER.

T

ravelling south from Margaret River to the newly proclaimed Walpole Wilderness Area, a huge 378,000 hectares of Western Australia’s southern forest, was a drive of complete comfort in the BMW X5.

Last month, I had the opportunity to test drive the new model and it exceeded my expectations on the coastal tree-lined roads to Walpole.

The X5 is an incredible piece of machinery, from the slippery rain-soaked roads of Denmark to the gravel back tracks on the way to the Bicentennial Tree located in Pemberton, the BMW X5 was a dream to drive.

The X5 is an incredible piece of machinery.

From the slippery rain-soaked roads of Denmark to the gravel backtracks on the way to the Bicentennial Tree located in Pemberton, it was a dream to drive.

As I’m a driver keen to take the car out exploring as well as travelling with the family, I was delighted BMW have packed exceptional features and space within the car.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

038

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

BEAUTY IN MOTION Clockwise from far left, early morning surf check in Peaceful Bay with Kalani Ord; exploring the road on the way to Valley of the Giants; when the new meets old, BMW X5 and the old-style Tony Hardy Single fin; early morning drive through the countryside to Mount Frankland wilderness lookout.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

039

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

MQ COVER STORY

CATCHING AIR Clockwise from left: Golden rays over Peaceful Bay; Tavian Ord taking a break after hours of skateboarding. Opposite, left to right: Sunrise at Walpole Wilderness Resort; organic fruit and veg shopping in Pemberton.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

040

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

Ahoy Buccaneers MARQUE SUMMER

●

041

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

MALOLO

MAGIC

Fiji's Malolo Island Resort bewitches and beguiles Alex Speed and family, where the warmest of welcomes makes it hard to ever say goodbye.

I

’ve heard it said the journey is only as good as the welcome you receive.

Arriving at beautiful Malolo Island Resort, which lies among Fiji’s Manmanuca islands, is to be welcomed like you’ve never been welcomed before. A greeting my family will never forget.

The afternoon before, we arrive in the Pacific Ocean island nation following an easy flight from Sydney and stay overnight in the marine town of Denarau.

At home we have left behind one of the chilliest cold snaps Australia has had in five years but here four hours’ flight closer to the equator, it is glorious shorts and summer dresses weather.

We embrace it. At 6pm our three kids are still in the hotel pool, delighting in the 25 degrees’ heat.

First thing next morning we breakfast pier-side among Denarau’s bars, tourist shops and day-trip hawkers. Catamarans depart three times a day to service the Manmanuca islands with food, fuel, water and of course, the country’s mainstay, visitors. You can also catch a seaplane or private speedboat to Malolo Island, and over the course of our week there we see many others arrive in such style.

But for us, the ferry with its large contingent of locals and the welcome air conditioned lounge for island guests, only adds to our anticipation.

It is a beautiful morning for a catamaran trip and the sea sparkles

MARQUE SUMMER

●

042

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

and dances as we head off. It is our family’s first trip to Fiji and has been a talking point for at least the past six months.

The trip takes an hour or so, out past other resort islands such as Treasure, Beachcomber and Mana.

I first heard mention of Malolo Island Resort via a friend on Facebook a year or so ago. At the time, I recall wondering why I had never heard of a place that certainly in its social media feeds looks so

gorgeous. Since visiting myself, I have learnt many other people I know love the place so much they return every year. One old school friend even confided she conceived both her children on Malolo.

Happy we are soon to be let in on their secret, we arrive in the catamaran offshore Malolo Island.

The resort remains unseen around a rocky outpost. Met by smiling Malolo Fijian staff in a speedboat in the morning sun, we are quickly MARQUE SUMMER

●

043

●

FIJIAN WARMTH Crystal-clear waters and the welcoming nature of Fijians make for a great holiday combination for visitors to the islands.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

transferred. Kids in; adults in, bags in and then we are off, roaring across the blue sea waters.

Our first sight of the resort as we near the beach does not disappoint.

Think Hamptons-style white beach bungalows - 48 in total, four different categories, some for couples; others sleeping up to seven people, spaced out along the entire length of the white-sand beach and enclosed by spectacularly lush, vegetated hills.

At the far end of the beach,

MQ TRAVEL

HAZY, LAZY DAYS Malolo Island is the ideal place to chill out. Far right, the Hamptons-style Malolo Island Resort is a beautiful place to stay.

a lovely long wooden jetty is the entrance way to the resort and immediately our attention is drawn to the sounds coming from the end of the pier as we get closer. A group of Fijian staff – about 10 in total- is singing us a welcome.

Playing ukuleles, guitars and swaying as they clap, they smile their welcome through their notes and end with a rousing ‘Bula, bula’ (hello, hello) as our boat comes alongside.

Then each of us is welcomed onshore with a warm hand and a traditional lay, made with tiny local shells. It is a greeting of such warmth and sincerity I will never forget it and as it turned out, it set the tone for a magical family holiday.

Malolo Island Resort is the one of only two resorts in Fiji to be 100% owned by a local family and run and staffed by Fijians. Part of the AHURA Resorts Group, its sister resort is the high-end, award-winning, adults-only five-star Likuliku Lagoon Resort with Fiji’s

only over-water bures, sitting hidden around a corner. But for a family of five badly in need of some winter sunshine, and a truly memorable, intimate experience far from the maddening crowds with a true element of luxury, we hit the jackpot with Malolo.

Originally opened in the 1970s, Malolo Island Resort was badly hit by category five Cyclone Evan just prior to Christmas in 2012. Guests and most of the locals had been evacuated but the cyclone ripped through the resort and caused millions of dollars of damage.

It opened eight months later after a $2.3 million rebuild and redesign with a nod to Fiji’s British colonial past. This included a $700,000 kitchen refurb, now run under the expert eye of chefs Yngve Mulder, formerly Eithad’s first class in-flight executive chef and his partner Rhéa Pacaud.

Always of importance to my lot, and let’s face it anyone on MARQUE SUMMER

●

044

●

PLAYING UKULELES, GUITARS AND SWAYING AS THEY CLAP, THEY SMILE THEIR WELCOME THROUGH THEIR NOTES holiday, the food certainly didn’t disappoint. With three restaurants including the excellent adults only a la carte Tree Tops with its bird’s eye views over the ocean (and where hubby and I dined several nights as the kids were looked after by a resort babysitter in our bure) the food with its emphasis on local seafood and fresh produce, and not having to cook for a week, was a big highlight for me.

The kids loved the open-air Beach Bar at the end of the jetty. There we enjoyed several happy hours, and ate lunch each day, the kids finishing and running off to visit the treehouse-style kids club or to play beach volleyball or rugby on the sand. Two gorgeous pools – one adults only with a swim-up bar complete with a lovely covered outdoor lounge with day beds for parental snoozing – ensured we spent most of our time in cossies by the pool. We also frequently borrowed the paddleboards,

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

canoes and sailboards provided free of charge or went snorkelling just off the reef which surrounds Malolo’s beach.

The water was clean and aqua blue and, for my husband and I, these were some of the happiest times. Swimming with the kids through a giant shoal of silver fish; having a ride on the giant inflatable

beautifully made up and turned down morning and night by Malolo’s charming staff.

A guest of the resort for the first two days, and under our own steam for four days, on the first day we were treated to a wonderful speed boat ride to nearby Castaway Island.

Location of the hit Hollywood movie Castaway starring Tom Hanks

banana tow on the sea; relaxing on the verandah of our bure only steps away from the ocean’s edge. Fully air-conditioned and decorated in plantatiocolonial-style with a double bed and singles in the adjoining room, our bure was elegant and

and his basketball friend Wilson, we spent an idyllic morning there snorkeling. We also feasted on a picnic provided by the resort replete with pastries and fresh fruits.

Later, back at the resort, I enjoyed a complimentary treatment

at Leilani’s Spa. With treatment rooms backing onto the surrounding rain-forested hills and a magnificent Banyan tree within touch, it is the most memorable foot treatment and pedicure I have ever enjoyed.

But while I was kicking back, our kids were off making friends everywhere – both guests and staff. And that, as a parent is probably one of the aspects of Malolo, both my husband and I appreciated most. Ringed in by steep hills which are only accessible via one mountain track to Jonas Lookout, and with staff working a 11 days on, three days off roster, faces of staff and guests soon become familiar.

There is a wonderful genuine grace of ease and caring quality about the Malolo Island Resort and its people.

When our son Lochy, eight, decided he would ingratiate himself as part of the welcome singing party complete with coconut boobs, no one batted an eyelid.

On the contrary, the staff whooped and hugged him and for the week after Lochy became greatly loved and universally known around the resort as ‘coconut boy’ from the manager Sake to the ladies cleaning our bure.

This gave my husband and I the confidence to allow Lochy and his sister Issy, 10, the freedom to go off for adventures around the resort with their new-found friends, also young guests of Malolo.

Our four-year-ole Murdo was happy pottering with Mum and Dad or spending some time in the kids’ club enjoying its extensive program of activities. When preorganised family activities at the resort were imminent, Jim, one of the big Fijian staffers and local village chef, would sound the huge, hollowed-out driftwood drum, and the kids would know to return to us.

You’d be hard pressed to find a more beautiful, relaxing, luxurious resort – whether you have kids or not.

I am already planning our return.

Visit maloloisland.com

In the unfortunate event of an accident to your vehicle, Perth’s original and best BMW and MINI accredited body repairers will ensure your vehicle is repaired to the highest standard utilising only genuine parts and approved repair techniques.

Spraypainters and panelbeaters Established Since 1977 Closely located to both the airports & the city 187 Campbell Street, Belmont WA 6104 Tel: (08) 9478 2404 • Fax (08) 9479 1487 E: admin@miragespraypainters.com.au

MARQUE SUMMER

●

045

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

accredited repairers Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB919

TRAVEL

SAILCENTURY OF THE

Mal Rogers has his timbers suitably shivered on a Mediterranean cruise aboard the Star Clipper.

A

s the clipper nosed away from its mooring, the topgallant sails filled, the boat heeled over gently, and we edged out into the Mediterranean. The smaller sails, the angel pokers and cloud disturbers began to billow, and Cannes, our port of departure, silently slipped astern.

Yep, angel pokers and cloud whatnots — and that’s just for starters.

Many new terms will be added to your vocabulary on a voyage on the Star Clipper.

Running before the wind, the 110M barquentine is just about the most elegant craft afloat: four masts, 16 sails, 6,700 SQM of billowing canvas. More prosaically, two

2,500hp diesel engines are available when the wind fails to make an appearance.

The Star clippers offer around 170 passengers a taste of life before the mast. Not to mention G&Ts by the pool and languorous lunches that last until evening.

The ship, although appearing like a romantic apparition from a previous era, offers a high degree of luxury — not to mention a surprising number of excellent places for sunbathing. These include nets hanging from the bowsprit; from this super-hammock you’ll be able to stare down at the azure waters of the Med, and may even exchange glances MARQUE SUMMER

●

046

●

with friendly dolphins.

Our voyage began at Cannes. I’d imagined a town of deep wealth populated by beautiful people. Which is exactly how it was.

But we had little time to enjoy this corner of France and its many diversions. After minimal paperwork at the dockside, our squat little tender chugged into harbour to pick us up. Looking very business-like against the sleek yachts moored in the marina, in businesslike fashion it conveyed us to the Star Clipper, moored out in the bay.

At four bells, or maybe six, we were aboard and heading for our quarters. The clipper’s Edwardian-era style accommodation is entirely right – all wood, brass and nautical fittings. The cabins are small, comfortable, and functional.

Back on deck it was time for the sail-away. Casting off from the quayside in a Star Clipper is always an occasion, done with due swashbuckling pomp. Immaculately dressed sailors scamper about doing things with capstans,

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

belaying pins, hawsers and ropes.

It’s quite a show. Orchestrated to the tune of Vangelis’s 1492 symphony, the sails unfurl with dramatic ceremony, along fairylit rigging. Our imposing Russian captain, had he been playing the part, would have been well over the top.

He barked out orders here, swept the horizon there. The helmsman, Manjeet, would continually call out the ship’s bearing to him, while other crew members did equally impressive posing and grandstanding beside charts and compasses.

It was a send-off that wouldn’t have disgraced Vasco da Gama.

Underway now, the wind caught the mainsails, the sun set over Cannes, and we blew southwards to Corsica.

Our first stop was L’Île-Rousse.

Before mooring, we would have the drama of the local pilots coming alongside in official boats. At L’Île, one of the pilots grabbed the rope ladder to pull himself aboard. A tricky manoeuvre, it usually went smoothly enough. But this time the poor chap’s cap was caught by the wind and went bowling off in the direction of Africa.

It was unclear whether our pilot hadn’t expected it to be windy, or if he just hadn’t done much of this sort of work before. Anyway, his cap was gone for good, and he disconsolately made his way up the ladder.

Any anxiety caused by this interesting little vignette was soon forgotten on L’Île-Rousse. It turned out to be pretty much a median Corsican town — ravishing to look at and tranquil to visit. The streets, just wide enough for two donkeys to squeeze past each other, were lined with shops, cafes, and half-forgotten, ancient churches.

Corsica’s history seems altogether too clamorous to be contained inside one small island. Everyone from the Phoenicians to the Saracens have engaged in handbags with the locals.

Even the British had a go — Calvi, at the top of the island, is where Nelson lost his eye; it’s also one of several

places where Christopher Columbus wasn’t born.

Don Juan probably wasn’t born here either, although similar claims are made. But his parents definitely were Calviennes, who subsequently decamped to Seville. Don Juan is not the only Corsican to have had an opera written about him. Another is the slightly less romantic figure of all-round cad Theodor Von Neuhoff, Corsica’s one and only king, The Westphalian impressively managed to con a British monarch into giving him money on the grounds that Corsica was the source of the “elixir of life” — a lie, of course, but you could see where he was coming from.

Theodor arrived on the island and managed to get himself crowned Theodere I. But his reign was shortTHE HIGH SEAS Sailing around the picturesque islands of the Mediterranean aboard Star Clipper.

lived, and by 1736 he had been chased off the island, forced to pursue further skullduggery elsewhere in Europe.

All these facts and more can be gleaned from the various day trips organised from the ship, and conducted by local guides.

You can, of course, opt to stay on board; it’s entirely acceptable to be one of the “been there, haven’t done that” T-shirt-wearing fraternity. But when a force 5 freshening breeze sweeps you round the southern tip of the island, and the arresting sight of Bonifacio heaves into view, you know MARQUE SUMMER

●

047

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

you’ll want to explore this cliff top town. No matter how injudiciously you’ve spent the previous evening, dancing on deck and what not.

All Corsican towns and villages are either implausibly perched on mountainsides of biblical ruggedness, or desperately clinging to a rocky coastline. Bonifacio is no exception.

It teeters vertiginously on a narrow wedge of limestone high over the sea.

From the harbour, a calfwrenching climb up steps cut into the cliff face led to a drawbridge and into the Haute Ville. Built mainly in the 16th century, the tiny, tottering houses look as if they’re prevented from dropping into the Mediterranean below by a web of laundry lines and telephone wires.

The town is threaded by shadowy alleyways that, in the evening, are ethereal and mysterious.

Unsurprisingly, this is the setting of Guy de Maupassant’s story, Vendetta. The word’ vendetta’, apparently, originates in Corsica.

MQ TRAVEL

Somehow, it’s not a surprise.

Although the people are friendly — friendlier, probably than les folks on the French mainland — the island can still feel decidedly foreign, distinctly mediaeval, and definitely spooky.

A local bishop in Saint-Florent, until recent times, kept a loaded pistol by the altar during mass.

On nearby Sicily — an island to which Corsica is, unsurprisingly, frequently compared — they say that revenge is a dish best served cold.

But listen: when it comes to tacos and burritos, they’re best served piping hot.

And that’s what was on the menu on board tonight. The food on the Clipper by the way, is plentiful, and given the tight space afforded to the kitchen, appetising enough. But you’ll be happy no doubt to dine out on the odd day trip.

Soon we were underway again, heading south by south east on a beam reach, tacking against the wind on a bearing of 324 degrees (that’s all guesswork by the way). Our journey round Corsica continued — and life on board settled into a satisfying rhythm.

In the evenings a small amount of entertainment is provided — a pianist doubles as a DJ, and a multilingual entertainments officer runs quizzes and the like.

Sadly, on the night our party decided to enter Le Grand Quizathon, we were pipped at the post by a German team. We didn’t know that before becoming Elvis Presley’s agent, Colonel Tom Parker professionally represented a troupe of dancing chickens.

The Germans did.

Our last stop before returning to Cannes was the most famous seaside resort in Europe — Saint-Tropez.

Once the haunt of Juliette Gréco, Brigitte Bardot, Picasso and Jean Paul Sartre, today many believe it has somewhat moved down gear, with billionaire oligarchs rubbing shoulders with overpaid sports stars, rock singers and the odd MAW (model, actress, whatever).

But if you see the likes of Bono or Phil Collins approaching, not to worry.

St Tropez has many places to hide.

I particularly recommend you hurry into L’Église de Notre-Dame MARQUE SUMMER

●

048

●

de l’Assomption. You can’t miss it.

Its ochre-pink and yellow bell tower dominates the Old Town, or La Ponche. The church houses a bust of St Tropez himself.

I know, I know. I never really thought of their actually being a bloke called Tropez. I expect the Germans knew.

His duties as a saint, apparently, include looking after sailors. I duly doffed my (imaginary) hat in his direction, and headed out into the old town. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with yacht charter companies, international banks, and designer boutiques who’ll be delighted to relieve you of all your worldly assets.

All this glitz and glamour, you have to remind yourself, is housed in one little French village. But it’s not all Versace and Louis Vuitton. Head up the narrow side streets and you’ll find old-fashioned butchers’ shops, a ALL ABOARD The fish market, a boulangerie, and dusty Star Clipper crew old squares where the locals still play make even the most petanque. dedicated landlubber But soon it was time to get back at ease during their voyage. on board, listen out for Vangellis, and watch for the last time as the crew struck the topgallant, unfurled the moonsails and pulled up the long rope thingies.

For us passengers, we were left to meditate on what any cruise motto should be: “The cure for anything is salt water — sweat, tears, or the sea.”

I tell you, a trip on the Star Clipper is enough to bring out the poet in anyone. MQ

FAST FACTS Star Clippers (starclippers.co.uk) offers fully-crewed sailing voyages in the Mediterranean, the Baltic, Central America and the Caribbean on three of the world’s largest tall ships.

There are three clippers: the Royal Clipper, the Star Clipper and the Star Flyer.

The ships are unsuitable for children and the fact that the wifi is iffy (at best) and expensive, probably means not many teenagers will be on board.

Getting there: Fly to Nice, France and nip around the coast to Cannes.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

MARQUE SUMMER

●

049

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

PERFORMANCE

FEET FIRST Raewyn Hill, artistic director of Perth’s newest dance company Co3, is taking a leap into the unknown. By ANNA HARTLEY.

T

his has certainly been a big year for Co3 artistic director Raewyn Hill and for the arts in Perth.

After some seven years of planning, contemporary dance company Co3 made its grand debut in November at the Heath Ledger Theatre to rave reviews and almost sell-out crowds.

In Raewyn’s words, for both Co3 and for Perth, “it was time”.

Co3 is perhaps less a traditional dance company than the amalgamation of a range of pre-existing companies and concepts, with a new bold vision for the future.

The name itself provides the clue: “Co” is an abbreviation for ‘company’ and ‘contemporary’. The number three is representative of the three parts of the company: a professional dance ensemble, a youth program and an

MARQUE SUMMER

●

050

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

education program.

It also represents the two companies that Co3 is built upon: Buzz Dance Theatre, Steps Youth Dance Company, and the creation of the new professional West Australian ensemble.

Bringing together all of these elements, Co3 describes itself as a “contemporary company having contemporary conversations.”

So far, they seem to be the kind of conversations that Perth audiences want to join in with.

While some may baulk at the challenge of taking on so much in so little time, not so Raewyn.

“What we’ve achieved in seven months would probably usually be done in three years,” she says.

Raewyn has jumped in feet first.

“It’s been an epic year. Nothing short of epic,” she says.

For a Kiwi girl who has lived and worked in Paris, Russia, New York, Auckland, Hong Kong, Tokyo and

remote Queensland, she seems to be very happy to be this far out west.

“When I arrived here, I had this great sense of feeling like I came home,” she says.

“There is a real sense of community here in a way that I haven’t experienced in a lot of other places. There’s been an enormous amount of goodwill and want and desire for this company to take flight.”

While this goodwill was encouraging and welcome, Raewyn and her team were, to some extent, flying blind, unsure of what or who to expect.

“There was a lot of expectation of what the company was going to be, what it would look like," she says.

“For us really now it’s just kind a looking forward. Now that we’ve met our audience I feel like in some part my job is going to be a bit easier.”

In some ways, her job is simple.

To deliver on the company’s three guiding principles and motto: Curate, Commission and Create.

Curate, Raewyn explains, is about reimagining existing works, which otherwise would probably have been shelved and never looked at again.

“It’s about bringing a second life to a work. We can support the emerging to established choreographer, who would like a second opportunity to view a work.”

Commission involves bringing in the experts, that is makers who are changing or shaping their artform, yet who due to the nature of the industry might lack the opportunity to experiment and be daring with a professional ensemble.

“It’s about celebrating the choreographer, the voice and encouraging them to contribute what they are working in or explore some new ideas,” says Raewyn.

Finally, Create is where we can see Raewyn’s hand at work, “engaging with spaces, with people and collaborators where you wouldn’t necessarily see or experience dance, and popping up in unexpected places or with unexpected people”.

It’s this last element that is creating a lot of buzz, on the back of the recent announcement of a new 24-month collaboration with the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Reason for Being.

Each month for 24 months, Raewyn and her team will spend a week inside the state’s pre-eminent artistic space, working on a new piece from top to bottom, unrehearsed, in front of anybody who wishes to stop by.

“You can rock up and plug your headphones in and listen to the dialogue that’s going on between the dancers and myself,” says Raewyn.

DRAMATIC DANCE Bottom left, Co3 artistic director, Raewyn Hill debuted new work in November.

She describes it as their most responsive project yet, and explains that the project developed in response to a series of questions the company as a whole was asking of itself.

“How do we engage with our audiences? How do we really break down that barrier of what we do versus what we are perceived to do?

“I sometimes think ‘My god what have I signed myself up for?’ As a creator, there is safety in the studio.

When you test ideas out, some ideas don’t work and you have that luxury of being hidden away and just presenting the gem at the end.”

In real life, the challenges are real says Raewyn.

“Sometimes ideas don’t come.

Our process is very in-depth. We talk a lot, we debate a lot, we watch films, we read books. It’s very opinionated and it really draws on the strengths and the characters of the dancers as well as myself. So it’s revealing, but MARQUE SUMMER

●

051

●

I guess that’s the thing, sometimes (as a viewer) when you watch that process you feel there’s a real richness or a real connection. You find a way into the work.”

If 2015 was a big year, then 2016 is set to be perhaps even bigger.

As well as Reason for Being, Co3 are about to release a return of their launch season in March at the State Theatre of WA, as well as a number of school performances, and two evening performances of Reloaded, which Raewyn says has been driven from the public who are hungry to see it again.

With the year set to start off with a big bang, she wants to make sure that the company is attracting the right kind of audiences.

That is, anyone and everyone, especially those who might not think they have a place at a contemporary dance performance.

“Perhaps you haven’t engaged with contemporary dance before, but perhaps you like boutique beer or love fashion or, have a curiosity for poetry” as Raewyn sees it, you will be in exactly the right place.

“If you come to Co3 you will have contact with the next generation of extraordinary voices of young people who have an opinion and who have a great sense of self and their place in our city.

“We are a company that’s not afraid of being accessible.”

And it has an artistic director, it would appear, who’s not afraid of anything. MQ

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

PHOTOGRAPHY

VIVID IMAGEINATION Words NORMAN BURNS Images Courtesy CANON AIPP AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS/ JOHN ANSELL/KERRY MARTIN/RICKY GESTRO/STEVE SCALONE/KATIE KOLENBERG

I

n the 1920s, US adman Fred Barnard came up with the snappy phrase ‘one picture is worth ten thousand words’.

And he’s right on the money when you take a look at the stunning entries in the 2015 Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards.

Nearly 650 entrants submitted a total of 2,434 images, vying for the grand prize of $10,000 and category prizes of $1,000. Entrants could submit just four prints, and all had to be of the same category if they wanted to win a category award. A jury of professional photographers judged the awards, now in their 39th year.

And, with every man and his dog

having a camera at their fingertips through iPhones and the like, the awards take on extra relevance for those who make their living out of photography.

Said judge Jackie Ranken: “In today’s digital world, everybody wants to be able to capture images and remember great moments, but for professional photographers it is more than that. It is about using photography to tell brave, emotive stories that create powerful impressions and have an impact on the viewer. The APPA Awards is an incredible celebration of those who do it best.”

To see all the winning entries, visit canon. com.au/appa or aippappa.com.au

MARQUE SUMMER

●

052

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR | John Ansell PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER John Ansell took the main gong for a set of four images chronicling Australia’s history.

Based in Traralgon, Victoria, John’s striking shots depict the indigenous community, a Queen’s scout signifying 200 years as a British colony, an Italian immigrant representing Australia’s blossoming as a multicultural society and a picture of a young Sudanese refugee breaking free of chains - the emergence of a new direction in Australian society.

Said John: “Winning this award is the most incredible accolade of my career. At the APPA Awards your fellow photographers aren’t your competitors, they are your source of inspiration and what encourages me to push the boundaries every year to try something new.”

Explaining the image above, John says he credits the scouting movement with keeping him out of a lot of trouble as a teenager. “The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling when younger, and the integrity of Lord Baden Powell when slightly

MARQUE SUMMER

●

053

●

older, seemed to resonate with me. He seemed to display the best of British characteristics that this changing country needed. In every scout hall I went into there would be this portrait of the founder Baden Powell looking down. This image concept is entirely about that small portrait of him in the background. The shirt is that of a young scout and Lord Baden Powell is placed to be looking down on an older, softer and hopefully wiser man, not the young, and often stupid, teenager he looked over and tried so hard to guide in the 70s industrial town of Dandenong.”

Visit johnansell.com.au

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

STUNNING Part of John Ansell's award-winning portfolio.

MQ PHOTOGRAPHY

STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR | Ricky Gestro Perth’s Ricky Gestro is only beginning his journey behind a camera (he’s currently studying an Advanced Diploma of Photography) but his great shot of a coal worker in India (above, right) shows he already has two vital attributes to be a successful pro snapper - curiosity and a great eye for the subject. “I was in Varanasi, India, in March this year on a research project as part of my final year of study,” says the 29-year-old.

“I’d got lost one day after walking along the Ganges River and found an area attached to Kashi Railway Station, a coal yard. I went back three days later and

snuck in. I spent almost four hours among the workers, who were loading coal from trains to trucks. I spoke and ate food with them as well as taking some portraits. This guy caught my eye with what he was wearing and his look - he had an intense stare. He seemed keen to have his picture taken, so it was a nice experience for both of us.”

Ricky, who got the photography bug while travelling in Asia in 2012, says he’s looking to become a “well-rounded portrait photographer”. And with his AIPP award it seems he is well on the way to achieving that.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

054

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

PET/ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

|

Kerry Martin

OK, everyone say “awwwww”. This gorgeous shot of three-month-old Great Dane puppy Bella was part of Melbourne snapper Kerry Martin’s winning portfolio in the pet/animal section.

“It was towards the end of her session, when a little tired (as puppies can get) that she flopped down. It was one of those moments when I just knew it was a photo I was going to love,” says Kerry. The judges loved it too.

For more on Kerry Martin’s work, visit akemiphotography.com.au

MARQUE SUMMER

●

055

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

MQ PHOTOGRAPHY

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR | Katie Kolenberg This great shot of little Kayla (eight months, above) was part of Canberrabased Katie Kolenberg’s winning portfolio. Six years ago Katie quit what she calls a “comfortable public service career” to set up her own family portrait business, Heartstory Photography. Despite having no formal training in photography, Katie has proved a natural behind the

camera, gathering a swag of awards (she now works with her partner Jeremy, also a finalist in the family category).

“When Kayla arrived for the shoot with her family her mum was very apologetic, saying she couldn’t get her pigtails straight and that Kayla hated her messing with her hair. But the very thing the mum

MARQUE SUMMER

●

056

●

was worried about really made a great picture,” says Katie. And while they say “never work with children or animals” Katie says one of the secrets to getting great pictures of young ones is “not to try to get them to do anything”. “We really try just to get the children to be themselves,” she says.

Visit heartstoryphotography.com.au

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR | Steve Scalone Melbourne’s Steve Scalone, who began his photography career working in commercial labs, took this superbly moody shot in Chicago in February - right in the middle of one of the USA’s coldest winters on record.

“This image was taken in -15C and I was still amazed how many people were out and about living everyday life,” says Steve. MQ For more on Steve’s work, visit stevescalone.com

MARQUE SUMMER

●

057

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

PREVIEW

SEVEN

heaven

BMW’s 7 Series has long been at the vanguard of engineering and technical innovation in motoring; with the all-new 7 Series models, BMW takes the joy of driving to a different planet altogether.

S

etting a standard in motoring excellence is something of a two-edged sword; each successive model not only has to match that which has gone before, but also raise the bar with new standards in engineering, technology and design.

With its new 7 Series, BMW does just that - an incredible feat, given that since its inception in 1977 the 7 Series has been a byword for automotive innovation of the highest order.

The list of the 7 Series’ cutting edge achievements is long and illustrious; the world’s first electronic speedometer (1977); electronic cruise control (1978); fully fledged 4-channel

ABS in series production (1979); and on-board computer (1980).

Now, with the release of the new model BMW sets a new benchmark once more, with worldfirst technologies such as the BMW Carbon Core, BMW Gesture Control and BMW Display Key. Says BMW Group Australia Chief Executive Officer Marc Werner: “The all-new 7 Series not only introduces over 25 new technical innovations to world markets but also offers elegant styling and luxurious appointments.

“But, most importantly, the allnew BMW 7 Series brings driving dynamics back to the luxury segment and delivers the engaging experience MARQUE SUMMER

●

058

●

people expect and admire from BMW.” The five models currently available are: BMW 730d (from $238, 787); BMW 740i ($245, 923); BMW 740Li ($260,620); BMW 750i ($315,594) and the top-0f-therange BMW 750Li (from $340,176), all drive away prices.

And the cars incorporate some truly intriguing technology and engineering.

The Carbon Core, for example, means the 7 Series’ chassis are constructed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, steel and aluminium. The result? A much lighter car (weight savings of up to 130kg) but one in which the strength and rigidity of the passenger cell is increased.

The 7 Series, too, has a much “greener” enivronmental footprint.

Says BMW: “By incorporating BMW EfficientLightweight technology and the resourceefficient selection of materials, in addition to new, greener production processes in addition to recycling, the

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

EXCELLENCE AS STANDARD With the release of the new model BMW 7 Series, fans of the range will be well-served.

enviromental impact of the all-new BMW 7 Series, over its life cycle, has been reduced.”

So that’s lighter and greener covered - and you can add ‘smarter’ to the resume as well, with the incredible BMW Gesture Control.

Operating with the iDrive system, the gesture control identifies hand movements via a 3D sensor control.

In other words with a wave of the hand you can control the volume in audio applications and accept or reject incoming telephone calls. You can even pair a specific gesture with an individual function.

Via the BMW Touch Command on a removable seven-inch tablet in the

rear console, users can operate the infotainment and comfort functions in the vehicle, or browse the web.

The BMW Display Key shows various information about the vehicle’s status and allows selected functions to be controlled via the integrated touch display. It has a range of 300m and is supplement by a regular key.

And as well as all this wizardry, BMW offers a range of luxurious features as standard that must have rival manufacturers choking on their cereal.

There’s the interior and exterior

mode shows the vehicle and its enviroment from various perspectives to aid safe manouevring in confined, low visibility situations.

Previously, adding an M Sport package to your car was a $10,000 extra. Not any more.

All BMW 7 Series owners can now have the M Sport suite (M Aerodynamics package, M steering wheel, 20inch double-spoke bi-colour wheels and BMW Individual roof liner in anthracite) as a no-cost option.

Under the hood, the new 7 Series features the latest generation BMW EfficientDynamics engines, offering improvements in power, performance and fuel economy.

The BMW 730d is powered by a 3.0litre, six-cyclinder BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine that can accelerate 0-100kmh in just 6.1 seconds but which delivers outstanding fuel usage of just 4.9 litres per 100km.

Design Pure Excellence packages, Harman/Kardon surround sound system; extended leather upholstery in Nappa leather (including instrument panel with contrasting seam) and glass sunroof as standard.

Add in stunning safety systems (Driving Assistant Plus, which is headlined by Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function), Active Park Distance Control, Parking Assistant and Voice Control and the 7 Series has dialled the “wow factor” up to 11 - but that’s not all.

BMW has introduced a new generation of its stunning Surround View system, offering 3D, Panorama and Top View modes. The 3D View

The range-opening petrol counterparts, the BMW 740i and 740Li, have 3.0litre, six-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engines, and fuel economy of 7 litres per 100km.

All of the above adds up to an incredible collection of driving machines, the 7 Series beautifully summed up by UK Car Magazine’s reviewer Ben Miller with his take on the 730d: “Truly it’s a technological powerhouse, from the i-inspired structural carbonfibre to the dismissal of unwanted phone calls with a nonchalant swipe of your hand in thin air.

“But for all its innovative, mostly brilliant new systems, the 7 remains a compelling driving machine, one able to morph at will between leather-lined isolation chamber and genuinely rewarding, admirably communicative sports saloon.” MQ For more information on the new BMW 7 Series, contact Auto Classic on (08) 9311 7533 or visit autoclassic.com.au.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

059

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

ENTER THE

REVIEW THIRST

SPIRIT WORLD Whisky. Gin. Vodka.

Rum. From Kununurra to Albany, the Swan Valley to inner city Perth, WA is in the grip of a distilling boom that's producing top-shelf spirits that are wowing fans all over the state, the country - and the world. Norman Burns reports.

Whiskey is liquid sunshine

- GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

N

ot too long ago, anyone who suggested Western Australia could give the Scots, Irish or Americans a run for their money in the whisky/whiskey stakes - or be producing world-class, award-winning gin, vodka or rum - might have been regarded as having “one too many”.

But here we are in 2015 with WA’s nascent distilling industry collecting the lion ’s share of the gongs at the recent, inaugural, Australian Distilled Spirits Awards.

Albany’s Limeburners (produced by the Great Southern Distilling Company) won the whisky prize for its peated single malt; the Hoochery in Kununurra for its Spike’s Reserve dark rum; and the gin trophy to Perth ’s The Westwinds Gin.

And these three distilleries are but the tip of the iceberg as WA entrepreneurs from all walks of life (lawyers, accountants, sea-changers to name but a few) blaze a new frontier in spirit production.

The origins of The Grove Experience distillery and nanobrewery in Margaret River are unique though; the Hughes family (Steve, Val and son Nik) had been operating a winery at their Wilyabrup property but a neighbour’s generosity with, of all things, lemons put them on a different path.

“There was a declining interest in winemaking within the family and a growing need to change and do something different; our very generous neighbours at the time MARQUE SUMMER

●

060

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

would drop off lemons for our lemon tart dessert but we found ourselves with so many lemons - and we could make only so many lemon tarts.”

When a friend suggested they make limoncello it sparked the family ’s interest in creating liqueur - and paved the way to distilling.

JUST 90 BOTTLES, EACH INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED, SIGNED AND PRESENTED . . . HAVE BEEN PRODUCED

The fates were indeed in alignment when Alaskan James Reed dropped into The Grove ’s restaurant for lunch with his wife Jodi and daughter Lindsey. The family were celebrating receiving their Australian permanent residency visas and planned to settle in the South West of WA. At this stage, the Hughes had their distillery plans well underway but had not even advertised for someone to fill the all-important head distiller position. Unknown to them, James had been involved in distilling back in the USA since he was 14, specialising in the development and manufacture of stills.

Says Val: “We had no idea that we were serving the person who would become The Grove distiller; it was quite a surprise for us to see James again, applying for the position we had advertised. James couldn ’t believe his new home would

provide him with the opportunity to work with something he had been passionate about as long as he could remember.”

So The Grove had acquired a distiller and next it needed a still, but this was not quite as straightforward as you would think.

“When we received our Arnold Holstein still from Germany the assembly instructions were in German!“ recalls Val. “We tried to find a local German-speaker but to no avail.”

Son Nik stepped into the breach with the classic Aussie “no worries” approach and had the still installed and operating within a week.

Today, The Grove Experience is producing boutique quantities of small batch, handcrafted spirits and liquors such as Grappola, a Caribbean-style rum, vodka, craft brews such as ale and stout and its MARQUE SUMMER

●

061

●

GREAT TIMING Alaskan James Reed’s arrival in WA dovetailed nicely with The Grove Experience’s move into distilling.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

piece-de-resistance (so far), a very limited edition single malt whisky.

Just 90 bottles, each individually numbered, signed and presented in a special Tasmanian Oak, felt-lined collector ’s box, have been produced - at $,1000 per bottle. Val says around 50 have already been sold.

Says James: “This $1000 bottle is a collector ’s piece; it ’s the first single malt whisky to be distilled and released in the Margaret River Region…it ’s something for the collector that will never be again.”

A “single malt whisky” does not necessarily refer to a single type of whisky, says James.

“A single malt whisky is a bit of a misconception as it formally means it is a whisky (and its mash) made from a single distillery. The Grove Experience whisky is also a single grain (malted barley) whisky and also a single barrel malt whisky. Most

MQ THIRST

whiskies are a blend of several barrels to have a consistent flavour.

“To offer a special and unique creation, and taste experience, we choose to maintain a single barrel for each release. This means each release will have its own character, making it special in its own right and more interesting to compare and contrast with other releases. As far as single malt being the ’Holy Grail ’ of whisky, that generally stems from the traditional, old Scottish single malt whisky being made from barley in a traditional pot still from a single distillery hundreds of years ago. This old-world technique is still honoured and carried on in whisky making today.”

James says all whisky distillers consider their product “special” but having total barrel “providence” gives The Grove Experience an ace up its sleeve.

“We also make a traditional and true bourbon and can use our own high quality (both the bourbon and the barrels) ex-bourbon barrels to age the whisky. We can ’t officially call it ’bourbon ’ since it is made outside of America - we call it American Style Spirit to comply with legalities. Our

enhanced pot still.”

The Margaret River region ’s climate is also a big factor in honing a product with a distinct character.

“This region brings wonderful, salty air, with our distillery just a few kilometres from the ocean. Our cool winters and very warm summers (compared to Scotland or Tasmania) allow our whisky to age a little quicker than cooler climates…one more thing that makes it unique,” says James.

So how should one savour The Grove Experience whisky?

“I recommend drinking it slow and neat to savour every drop; though some prefer to have it on ice,” he says.

Val says The Grove Experience plans to keep focusing on being a boutique, small-batch producer.

“We are excited that more distilleries are beginning to operate in Western Australia and hope that our ’all grain, no grape ’ distilling begins to shine a light on welldeserved top shelf spirits. Having James is such an asset; his expertise over the past years with us has yielded a wide range of spirits we are very proud of - whisky, bourbon, rum, spiced rum, gin, absinthe, flavoured vodkas, and more. Each batch is an art. Each week a new endeavour unfolds and we see some great new creations on the horizon.”

The Grove Experience, 491 Metricup Rd, Wilyabrup. Ph (08) 9755 7458, or visit thegroveexperience.com.au

I RECOMMEND DRINKING IT SLOW AND NEAT TO SAVOUR EVERY DROP ~ James Reed on The Grove's $1000 a bottle whisky

coppersmith here custom makes our small 50litre barrels per my specifications using virgin American white oak. We fill the barrels with the bourbon then after only one initial usage, refill them with our whisky (or our rum) allowing the sublime bourbon residuals to penetrate the whisky characteristics. Another factor is that we sell about 10% of our bottles from each batch, at full barrel strength (around 62%) offering customers the full flavour straight from the barrel without any dilution.

And we custom-make each mash in small, highly controlled batches and use a very high-end Arnold Holstein MARQUE SUMMER

●

062

●

OVER THE MOON Crazy Uncle moonshine, from Perth’s Whipper Snapper Distillery, is aged for eight weeks in white oak casks.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

WHIPPER SNAPPER DISTILLERY Like excited, expectant parents, the crew at very funky Whipper Snapper Distillery in East Perth are counting down the days until next June. For then, after a twoyear “gestation”, their Americanstyle corn mash whiskey, (using premium WA-produced corn, wheat and malted barley to make the “mash” which then goes through a distillation process) will make its debut. Whipper Snapper celebrated its first birthday in September (its origins are worthy of a Hollywood movie involving, among other things, a 50-year-old moonshine recipe,

tracking down relatives of a WWII US bomber pilot, and then elisting the help of a legendary Scottish whisky distiller) and it already has product on the market - a clear white spirit straight out of the still, Moonshine, that ’s recommended as a cocktail base and is perfect with citrus/ginger beer or spicy mixes and Crazy Uncle Moonshine, aged for eight weeks in white oak casks. With

III - better known as Spike - got the gem of an idea to diversify and set up his own rum distillery. Twenty years on The Hoochery (Spike coined the term from the name of an Alaskan Indian tribe, the Hoochinoo, who made alcoholic liquor; “hooch” then became slang for illegal bootlegging) is WA ’s oldest continuously operating legal distillery. Spike, 71, had to battle mountains of red

rum. Spike says the local conditions mirror almost exactly that of the birthplace of rum, the Caribbean.

“We ’re in a true rum climate; similar temperatures and similar soils to places like Martinique,” says Spike.

The Hoochery, 300 Weaber Plains Road, Kununurra. Ph: (08) 9168 2467, visit hoochery.com.au

GREAT SOUTHERN DISTILLING COMPANY KIMBERLEY GOLD; Ray Dessert III - aka Spike - runs WA's oldest continously operating distillery, The Hoochery, near Kununurra

its Australian Corn Whiskey, though, Whipper Snapper will have officially “arrived” on the world whiskey scene. - a mighty effort from a Perth start-up. From around $20 a person, Whipper Snapper also offers tours of its still - and tasting as well, natch.

Whipper Snapper Distillery, 139 Kensington St, East Perth. Ph: (08) 9221 2293, visit whippersnapperdistillery.com

THE HOOCHERY DISTILLERY Australia ’s wine country is a long, long way from the tropical Kimberley but it was on a 1995 vineyard trip “down south” that Californianturned-Ord River farmer Ray Dessert

tape when applying to set up his still but his persistence has paid off handsomely. Sporting a distinctive “red-eye crocodile” logo, the Hoochery ’s rums include the goldmedal winning Spike ’s Reserve - “an extra-smooth drop that should be drunk neat, on ice, in a chilled glass” says Spike. The Hoochery produces around 20,000 bottles a year (a minute amount compared with the output of the likes of Queensland ’s Bundaberg Rum) but with 25,000 tourists passing through a year, word is spreading fast. And is not just bottles alone; the Hoochery does a roaring trade in cakes baked with MARQUE SUMMER

●

063

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

At the time of going to press, Albany ’s Great Southern Distilling Company was in the running for two prestigious gongs at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) Annual Awards in London Asia Pacific Spirits Producer of the Year and overall Distiller of the Year Award. This follows hot on the heels of its flagship Limeburners Single Malt Heavy Peat whisky winning an IWSC gold medal (and gold at the Australian Distillers Association awards. Said head judge Nick Stock: “The Limeburners whisky exhibited an incredible purity and elegance and that really set it apart from all the other whiskies.”) Great Southern ’s founder and distiller Cameron Syme spent 16 years ’ researching his dream to create a world-class whisky in Western Australia before setting up the company, which also produces gin, vodka, brandy, grappe and fruit liqueurs using locally sourced materials including karri honey and organic fruit, in 2004. And Great Southern is not resting on its laurels - it plans to open a second distillery in Margaret River.

The Great Southern Distilling Company, 252 Frenchman Bay Rd, Albany. Ph: (08) 9842 5363 or visit distillery.com.au

THE WEST WINDS GIN The Dutch had the foresight to come up with a juniper berry-based therapeutic drink (ie gin) but it was the English who really took to it with gusto - and not just for medicinal purposes. The great thing about this drink (a grain-based alcohol flavoured with juniper as its base) though is

MQ THIRST

each gin distiller can stamp their own personal, and unique, taste with the addition of “botanicals” such as spices, herbs and fruit. And this is where The West Winds Gin has an ace up its sleeve, adding native Australian ingredients such as lemon myrtle, wattle seed and native bush tomato, into its line-up. The exact recipe is, of course, a commercial secret but the Margaret River-based The West Winds Gin has really hit its straps with three blends, all very much with a “pirate” theme; The Cutlass (50% alcohol by volume), The Sabre (40%abv) and The Broadside (58%abv). Says The West Winds Gin founding partner Paul White: “The Broadside is what we call ’navy ’ strength; that is the spirit supplied to the navy was supposed to be above 57% abv; they used to add in gunpowder and set it alight if the spirit burned they knew they had been supplied the right stuff.”

Paul doesn ’t recommend trying this today, of course, but he does suggest adding a slice of green capsicum to a West Winds Cutlass gin and tonic, or a slice of ruby red grapefruit to a West Winds Broadside gin and tonic to bring out those beautiful botanicals.

Visit thewestwindsgin.com

HIPPOCAMPUS VODKA Tucked away in inner-city Gordon St, the Hippocampus Metropolitan Distillery prides itself on producing smooth, environmentally responsible (the soft wheat used in the distilling process comes from biodynamic wheat farmers in Dumbleyung) vodka via a boutique German-made copper still that goes by the name of Kylie. It ’s a funky little operation in which the wheat is fermented in small batches in filtered Margaret River rainwater to create a ’wash ’.

The wash then goes into Kylie, which removes any impurities before the final spirit is blended with purified water, bottled by hand and ’rested ’ before sale. Says Hippocampus: “The result is a local style of vodka that is incredibly soft, rich and smooth. The nose has a beautiful aroma of wheat and the palate is smooth, clean and rich with no harsh flavours.”

Hippocampus Distillery, 19 Gordon St, West Perth. Visit hippocampusmd. com.au for more details.

KICKING BACK Top left, the groovy tasting room at Whipper Snapper and, above, one of The West Winds sensational locally produced gins.

OLD YOUNG'S An appreciation of a fine gin and tonic has led James Young down some pretty interesting paths in MARQUE SUMMER

●

064

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

life - kickstarting his dream to craft his own gin, for one, and becoming coach of the Lithuanian women ’s hockey team for another. “A mate and I were having a few gins and watching the Eurovision Song Contest; we said ’whichever country wins we ’ll go there ’. That year it was Estonia, so off we went and had one of the best weeks of my life. We vowed to return and ’do the Baltics ’ and I ended up in Lithuania,” says James. A keen hockey player, coach and administrator, James got involved in the Lithuanian hockey scene, eventually rising to becoming coach of the women ’s national side.

Returning to WA though, James had his sights set on a new path.“My brother and I were were having a few G&Ts and one of us - I can ’t remember who - suggested we distill our own gin,” says the 43-year-old.

That idea - we ’ll dub it ’Project X ’ - is still coming together but in the meantime James, who has a background that includes top sports management, coaching and marketing, saw a golden opportunity when the Swan Valley ’s Wild Swan distillery came up for sale. He promptly bought it and now Wild Swan is morphing into Old Young's (a nice play on James ’ surname), with an accent on gin and vodka.

And it ’s with the vodka that James is really letting his imagination run wild, a Pavlova-flavoured vodka going gangbusters. “It ’s complex because you are trying to give the impression of a dish; I knew what I wanted and tried about 35 different recipes before coming up with the final one. It has passionfruit, strawberry, kiwifruit, sugar, burnt sugar and kiwifruit,“ says James. And the verdict from customers? “One described it as a liquid orgasm,” says James. Which is good enough for us. Stop press: Old Young's won a swag of medals at the Hong Kong international wine and spirits competition in November, including a gold for its 1827 Gin. MQ Old Young's Distillery, 10581 West Swan Rd, Henley Brook, or visit oldyoungs.com.au. Ph (08) 9296 6656.

magazine Celebrating all that’s wonderful about Margs and the south west The BRAND NEW Your Margaret River Region Magazine

For your chance to reach thousands of visitors to the south west’s premier tourist destination, call Natalie on 08 9273 8933 or email natalie@premiumpublishers. com.au now to book your advertisement.

Produced by Premium Publishers, Your Margaret River Region Magazine is endorsed by the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association.

PREMIUM PUBLISHERS

Premium Publishers.

Page turners for brands.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

065

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

DRIVING EXPERIENCE DAY

THE NEED FOR SPEED Auto Classic invited customers to participate in the annual BMW Driving Experience and for those who attended, it was a day not to be forgotten.

A

uto Classic customers lined up recently for the opportunity to test their racing skills at the Barbagallo Raceway in Wanneroo.

Each session was broken into two different styles of racing and manoeuvring, giving participants the opportunity to experience the Ultimate Driving Machine in a fast-paced environment.The adrenaline-charged vehicles chosen for these events were the BMW M4 Coupe, BMW M3 and the BMW M125i. The Motorkhana circuit demonstrated the acceleration, braking and handling of the new BMW M125i. The circuit had tight corners, slaloms and hard braking exercises. To add to the experience and excitement, participants were timed and had the opportunity to improve over three attempts. Participants also experienced both the BMW M4 and the BMW M125i on the unrestricted raceway. Under the direction of a professional race car driver, participants were able to practice different race handling techniques which allowed everyone the ability to get a feel for the sporting capabilities of the vehicles. To conclude the session, everyone was treated to a hot lap in the BMW M3, which provided a great opportunity for the instructors to showcase the full capabilities of the Ultimate Driving Machine.

To discover more about the BMW Drive experience visit bmw.com.au/ com/en/insights/driving_experience/ or call 1800 000 269.

MARQUE SUMMER

â—?

066

â—?

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

FAST AND FUN Auto Classic clients burnt some rubber on the Barbagallo Raceway in Wanneroo, putting an exciting collection of BMWs through their paces.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

067

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

APPETITE

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS The old cliché of prawns on the barbie is right on the money but, as seafood expert Theodore Kailis explains, West Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to the bounty from the sea.

By NORMAN BURNS. Images by CRIB CREATIVE.

T

aking in the spectacular array of seafood at Kailis Bros Leederville shop you can’t help thinking that Kastellorizo’s loss is certainly Perth’s gain.

In 1914, 14-year-old George P Kailis arrived with his family in Western Australia from that picturesque Greek island. Growing up, the new migrant tried his hand at many things, from working in Queensland’s cane fields, to

MARQUE SUMMER

●

068

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

sponge diving and more, before getting into the seafood trade in Perth in the 1920s selling fresh fish from a basket.

Soon George took a job at a Barrack Street fish shop, which had a novel way of delivering orders out to the 'burbs – on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. In 1936, George P took over the shop (where it became a thriving business and landmark until March 1990; in 2000 Kailis Bros. established its state-of-the art retail outlet, restaurant and function centre in Leederville) and the rest, as they say, is history.

By the time George’s son Michael inherited the business, Kailis was a familiar name on the WA fishing scene, one that proudly continues today with Michael’s sons - George, Nicholas, Theodore and Matthew now running a family empire which includes pretty much all aspects of the seafood business, from wholesale to retail.

“We have a great relationship with fishermen, which was started by my grandfather,” says Theodore.

Contrary to popular misconception, Kailis doesn’t own its own boats but does lease out fishing quotas.

Kailis is, of course, a year-round operation but it’s the Leederville shop’s pre-Christmas week seafood “marathon” that’s worthy of inclusion into Perth’s tourist attractions.

Says Theodore: “Christmas week is our biggest week of the year . . .

We’ll sell around 20,000kg of fresh, succulent seafood. We stay open from 6am on December 23 until 6pm on Christmas Eve. “Seafood is best eaten as fresh as you can get it, so you should look to buy as close to the day you are going to eat it as possible. An exception, and great value, is salmon which could be poached a day or two before and served up in a salad.”

And as for cooking? “There’s an old saying ‘if you think it’s ready, it’s a minute too late’ - so give cooking seafood your full attention.”

We picked Theodore’s brain for his top Christmas seafood selections. A word of warning though; if you’re hungry, don’t read ahead.

ABALONE

PINK SNAPPER

A true ocean delicacy, abalones are only harvested in a very short season but one that dovetails nicely in with our summer. Theodore recommends chucking these WA-caught beauties on the BBQ and then drizzling over a Mediterranean dressing (olive oil, lemon juice and some garlic), or grilling and slicing them and adding to an Asian salad with a Thai namjin dressing.

TIP Freezing abalone before cooking them can help tenderise the meat.

“Pink snapper is the ‘default’ fish for summer; it’s mild tasting and has a great texture,” says Theodore. Whole pink snapper is ideal for baking in foil on a BBQ.

BLUE SWIMMER CRAB Mandurah-caught blue swimmer crab are an ideal summer dish. Theodore says you should look for a crab that has a good weight to it (“if it feels heavy it’s full of meat’’). To cook, boil the raw crab for 12 to 14 minutes.

When cooked they will turn a vivid orange.

TIP As soon the crabs are cooked, plunge them into crushed ice. “Otherwise they will keep ‘cooking’ in the shell as the heat is trapped there,” says Theodore.

PRAWNS The humble prawn has transcended being a mere food source to become an integral part of the Australian vernacular (“don’t come the raw prawn with me”) and probably nothing sums up a West Australian Christmas lunch better than freshly sizzled prawns. Theodore suggests a quick flash fry on the BBQ and then seasoning these succulent beauties

with chilli, garlic and coriander - or going “Japanese” by adding mirin and wasabi for a prawn with a kick.

TIP Prawn heads make a great base for fantastic fish stock.

ROCK LOBSTER Sure, rock lobster is pricey but it is the “king” of local seafood and ideal for special occasions - like Christmas lunch. “WA lobster is an iconic produce - you can boil them, steam them, BBQ them,” says Theodore. His serving suggestion: “Cook the lobster and then slice the meat into medallions; serve with crusty bread and an olive oil, pepper and lemon juice dressing. Delicious.”

TIP Look for lobster with a heavy, dense feel and hard shells.

SALMON Kailis sources its magnificent salmon specimens from Tassie and Theodore rates the fish as one of the unsung heroes for the dinner table. “Salmon has become very popular over the past few years because consumers have a far better understanding of what to do with it; it used to be a bit of an ‘intimidating’ dish.” Poaching a whole salmon is an ideal, and time-saving, idea for a big Christmas gathering, he says. “You can poach it in advance, and then flake it for a salad, or serve with a dill mayo or vinaigrette dressing. It’s a great value fish; around $80 for 4kg and that will feed a dozen people.” MQ Visit kailisbrosleederville.com.au.

MUSSELS Chilli mussels are a staple in winter time but a nice summer take for local mussels is to throw them on the BBQ and toss in a simple dressing, such as lemon vinaigrette, says Theodore.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

069

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

FASHION

It takes courage to start your own label at just 21, but that’s exactly what Perth’s designer darling Steph Audino did. By BEVERLY LIGMAN.

THE

DREAM WORKS

F

or the multi-talented WA designer Steph Audino, life is a runway.

Even stepping out with her best girlfriends on a Saturday night can provide inspiration for new pieces.

And it was that simple love of fashion that led to her first starting her namesake label four years ago.

Frustrated with what she found in the shops, she began sewing her own creations and it wasn’t long before

family and friends started asking her to make them some of their own.

It’s obvious that Steph loves what she does and after her stunning Telstra Perth Fashion Festival (TPFF) show this year, the young designer has certainly come of age.

Her new collection is a tour de force, with months spent on embellishments, fabric sourcing and creating. The result is a beautiful selection of shapes that make women feel sexy, feminine and confident.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

070

●

Which was exactly the designer’s aim.

Think long full skirts, silhouette skimming tops, playsuits, bodysuits, capes and stunning special occasion gowns that quite simply take your breath away.

Her colour palette for the current Via Rodeo collection is full of jewelled tones such as emerald, fuchsia, cobalt, navy and red and Steph says she was inspired by a recent visit to Rodeo Drive.

“When I first got to Rodeo Drive I had to stop and really take in that moment,” she says.

“I felt like I was in my element, it was so glamourous and luxurious, exactly like it was in the movies, so two days later I decided I had to do a shoot there and the Via

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

Rodeo collection was born.

“Inspiration for me can come from anywhere; sometimes it’s a piece that I need myself that’s missing from my own wardrobe, and sometimes it’s glamour inspired by a location or a look I’ve been thinking about.”

The 25 year-old is a strong advocate for her own label, often wearing her own creations, and never missing an opportunity to dress up.

“I love dressing up,” Steph says.

“That’s what so amazing about what I get to do every day, it really is playing dress ups!

“It doesn’t need to be an occasion for me to do that and I think that everyone needs to do it a bit more

Week last year and I wanted to show Perth what I could do,” she says.

“It was incredible getting to work side by side with someone like Alvin.”

She can also call Mel B a fan, the

IT TAKES TEAMWORK TO MAKE THE DREAM WORK

often. It makes you feel good and I’ve always said that its better to be overdressed than under dressed.”

Humble and grounded Steph says that she has been incredibly privileged to work with local designers such as Alvin Fernandez of Ae’lkemi and Aurelio Costarella to learn her craft.

She shared the runway with Fernandez at this year’s TPFF and says it was a “huge moment”.

“I’d shown at New York Fashion

former Spice Girl bought several of her pieces when the label was in its infancy.

Steph Audino also has strong supporters in well known names such as Samantha Jade and Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi.

“I still remember the exact moment that I met Mel B at Hatch in Carillon City,” Steph says.

“She walked in and when I saw her I just froze. But she was so lovely and she bought and wore a few pieces MARQUE SUMMER

●

071

●

while she was here for Perth Fashion Festival that year.

“It did amazing things for the brand and it was incredible to me that someone like her who I’d grown up idolising was wearing my pieces.

“I think she really encompasses the Steph Audino woman; she’s confident, glamourous, sexy and classy. I

was blown away by that experience.

“And similarly working with people like Samantha Jade and Lisa Scaffidi has been such a pleasure. Lisa has always been a strong supporter of mine and I’m a big admirer of both of them.”

But it’s not in Steph’s nature to take anything for granted.

Showing a business acumen that belies her years, she already gives back to several charities and projects she’s involved in, including Telethon and donates money for children’s tuition in Indonesia where some of her garments are made.

“I’ve worked hard but I realise that I’ve also been given a lot of opportunities in my life so far and I want to be able to help out others where I can,” she says.

“There’s so many things I’ve learnt since having my own label, but even though I started it very young, I would encourage others to do that same.

“You don’t have to know how to do everything in business, you just have to have a good team around you, which I’m very blessed to have.

“I love the saying ‘it takes teamwork to make the dream work’ – it’s so true.

“I’m really looking forward to putting together my next collection and continuing to make my dreams a reality.” MQ Steph’s collection is currently available Australia wide at stephaudino.com.au and also at boutiques such as Et Seq, Harry & Gretel, Lulu and Sasha and Allina Collections in Sydney.

COLOURFUL PALETTE Left, Steph Audino has achieved a huge following in a very short time for her luxurious gowns.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

PROPERTY

D esigns for life

Averna Homes survived a baptism of fire - being founded just before the GFC - to become one of Perth’s leading boutique home builders.

Founder and owner Paul Serra talks about the key elements which make an Averna home stand out from the crowd. By NORMAN BURNS.

B

uilder Paul Serra has a very understanding family.

The founder and managing director of Belmont-based Averna Homes often can’t resist, when he’s out and about on a family drive, taking a detour and checking up on the progress of his company’s projects around Perth.

Like children, each of the boutique builder’s project is equally

precious to Paul.

“Every home needs to be as good for the client as if it were for me,” says Paul, who founded Averna Homes in 2007.

The Serra family moved to Western Australia from Abruzzo, in central Italy, and Paul’s father was a ceramic tiler.

“My father wasn’t afraid of hard work,” says Paul, who at just MARQUE SUMMER

●

072

●

16 worked alongside his dad before swapping tools for textbooks to further his building career, completing diplomas in building construction, surveying, his builder’s registration and then moving into business management and accounting.

The combination of business savvy, trade experience, and the hard work ethic he inherited from his dad (who now helps his son out in Averna) proved invaluable for the fledgling Averna Homes; just a few months after getting Averna off the ground, Paul - like all in the building industry - was faced with the economic tsunami

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

STRONG ETHOS No two Averna home designs are ever the same.

of the Global Financial Crisis.

“We survived the toughest,” says Paul, who adds that the situation in 2015 is still tough but in the nine years’ since the GFC Averna has forged a reputation as an award-winning boutique builder of exceptional, affordable, quality homes based on timeless designs.

Paul chose the name with purpose; ‘Averna’ is an Italian

digestive liqueur that is enjoyed after a meal. “It leaves you feeling satisfied and that’s what I want our clients to feel,” says Paul. “Averna Homes has become a branded name in the marketplace; it's seen as a brand of the highest quality.’’

Averna’s strategy to build this reputation is based on offering topclass designs (no two home designs are ever the same) that won’t date and provide an ideal combination of function-and-form for clients.

“The first thing we do is get people to sit with our designers - not salesmen. We are proud of our flair and innovation; we encourage prospective clients to go out and look at our show homes because these show what Averna is capable of,” says Paul.

Averna builds between 20-30 homes a year, most in the $650,000 to $1.5 million bracket.

instead Averna faces new challenges in creating and designing beautiful homes for much smaller blocks.

Clients often still want all the features they can afford (for example plunge pools, al fresco areas) even though there is far less space to work with.

Says Paul: “We’re completing a home in Claremont that’s on 210sqm; the challenge is designing a family home with four bedrooms and room for a family to enjoy.’’

Working on these small blocks presents many challenges.

“There are issues such as compliance with the neighbours, excavation and so on; often we’ve had to think outside the box to meet these requirements.”

Just as block sizes have changed, so too have clients’ tastes - and expectations.

“Sculleries are really big now; people want an offkitchen preparation area so the kitchen is always left nice and tidy,” says Paul.

Whereas an ornate chandelier may once have dominated a stairwell entrance, the trend now is for more efficient and low-key lighting, such as LED lights or even motion-controlled lighting systems.

Averna engages technology specialists when it comes to the clients’ requirements for hi-tech fittings, such as

It’s Averna’s meticulous attention to the small details in a build, from interior colour schemes to “floating cabinetry”, that sets the builder apart from its rivals, says Paul.

Since setting up Averna, Paul has seen some dramatic changes in the industry.

The “McMansions” of old, sitting on massive 800sqm-plus blocks are, by and large, gone;

wireless systems or home automation.

“People could spend from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on what level of technology they want in their homes,” says Paul.

Meanwhile Averna’s pièce de résistance, a two-storey, five-bedroom show home with a first-level pool, is nearing completion in South Perth.

“It’s going to be the masterpiece to showcase the ultimate in what Averna can achieve in a modern home,” says Paul. MQ Visit avernahomes.com.au

MARQUE SUMMER

●

073

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

PERSONAL TOUR

X MARKS THE SPOT Auto Classic’s Simon Matthews selects his favourite elements of the dazzling new BMW X1. Images by CRIB CREATIVE.

A

uto Classic sales executive Simon Matthews says BMW’s beautiful new X1 “ticks all the boxes” for his active lifestyle.

“It’s perfect, whether it be golf, a weekend away or a bike ride,” says Simon. Among the X1 xDrive 25i’s standard features are head-up display, leather trimmings, the Navigation Plus system, fully electric seats with lumbar support, seat heating and 19inch alloys.

Customers, however tall (or short), will be sitting pretty in the X1, which also features state-of-the-art LED headlights.

“They cut through the darkness further than BiXenons and create a great visual appeal from the front,” says Simon. MQ

1

The BMW X18d starts from $56,387 drive away.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

074

●

 NAVIGATION PLUS This is a really great, easy to use and read, system. The Navigation Plus centre console has a big screen, includes a 20GB hard-drive, Bluetooth streaming and the visual display for the rear-view camera.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

Lifetime Guarantee

 19" ALLOY WHEELS

2

These lovely proportioned wheels fit the wheel arches to a tee and give the X1 a fantastic, slick, modern look.

At Peter Wilkinson & Co, we are so confident in the quality of our workmanship that we provide a lifetime

 THE SPACE RACE

guarantee on all of our repair work.

With a 505-litre capacity boot, the X1 is ideal for carrying all the necessities of life - like my golf clubs.

If, in the unlikely event, you are not completely satisfied with the work we have undertaken, simply contact us and we will gladly address your concerns.

3

Why Choose Peter Wilkinson & Co?

• • • • • •

45  COMFORT ZONE You can’t get much more comfortable than the X1’s brilliant all-electric seats with lumbar support; a touch of the button and the special memory feature kicks in. You’ll get the perfect driving position for your shape - whether you’re short or tall or inbetween.

All work is factory-backed Lifetime product guarantee on all paintwork 12-month/20,000 km guarantee on all new parts Lifetime guarantee on all repair workmanship No risk of voiding warranty We use only genuine parts

 LIGHT UP MY LIFE The LED headlights are brilliant; they shine further and the ‘cornering’ system means the headlights follow the contour of the road; the driver can see well ahead, whatever the conditions.

Accredited BMW Bodyshop 1 Adrian St, Welshpool WA 6106 ✆ 08 9362 5622

info@peterwilkinson.com.au

MARQUE SUMMER

●

075

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

R&R

NOT DROWNING,

BUT SAVING

With 30 clubs under its banner, Surf Life Saving Western Australia offers opportunities that transcend sport and fitness. And it's a social movement that has been a part of the very fabric of the community for over 100 years, as Norman Burns reports.

Images CRIB CREATIVE/SURF LIFE SAVING WESTERN AUSTRALIA

T

here’s plenty to be thankful for living in beautiful WA. An easy going, relaxed lifestyle; a virtually pollution-free environment; a Mediterranean climate with some of the world’s most accessible, and incredible, beaches.

This summer 1,229 people in WA will have an extra-special reason to count their blessings. They are all alive thanks to the quick thinking, skill and utter dedication of members of Surf Life Saving Western Australia, having been rescued by lifeguards after getting into trouble off our beaches .

Alas, 10 others tragically died in coastal drownings in 2014/15, deaths which the SLSWA says highlights the need for greater awareness across the state of its BeachSAFE

principles of Supervision, Aquatic Education, First Aid and Emergency Preparedness.

Surf lifesavers have been part of the fabric of West Australian life for well over 100 years since, in response to a number of drownings at Cottesloe Beach, the Cottesloe Surf Club was formed in 1909 (the second was in Bunbury in 1915). Other clubs sprang up along the coast, but it wasn’t until 1926 that the SLSWA was formed.

Today, thousands of junior and senior members belong to the association’s 30 clubs and while the SLSWA is the biggest provider of paid lifeguards (under contract for local or state government agencies) on WA beaches – the bulk of those red-and-yellow-clad, eagle-eyed MARQUE SUMMER

●

076

●

lifesavers on duty are volunteers.

Says SLSWA president Craig Smith-Gander: “Surf life saving is a sport, a volunteer community service, a leadership school, a training and development institution, and a community hub all wrapped up into one bundle.

There is no other organisation similar to this anywhere in the world. Everything starts with BeachSAFE – our reason for being is to keep the Australian bathing public safe at the beach.

“The vast majority of the resources we use to achieve this aim comprise volunteers that selflessly give their time to keep the public safe at the beach. It's an organisation that is Australia-wide (313 clubs around our coastline), is over 100 years old, and is truly and icon of our country.

It is addictive because it touches so many elements of our society – we love the beach, we love sport, we are a volunteering society, we thrive in community environments – mateship and selflessness being qualities that underpin the Australian character, and we are surrounded by the ocean.”

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

BY THE NUMBERS 43,567 number of actions by lifesavers in 2014/15 to prevent injuries/incidents

20,139 number of SLSWA members (seniors and juniors)

1909 year Cottesloe SLSC was founded, WA's oldest surf lifesaving club

1,229 number of lifesaving rescues in WA in 2014/15

365 number of days the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter is in service

30 number of clubs affiliated to SLSWA. The newest, Port Walcott in the Pilbara, was founded this year

10 number of coastal drownings in WA 2014/15

Like many in surf lifesaving, Craig got into the sport via family; his father, a champion lifesaver in his youth at Swanbourne Nedlands, suggested he join a club. He duly did, hooking up with North Cottesloe in 1974 as a 14-year-old (and cycling all the way in from Alfred Cove) and has been a member (apart from stints at Batemans Bay SLSC and Mooloolaba SLSC while in the army) ever since rising to club captain and president.

Now his children, Gordon (24), Maddy (20) and William (13) are at the club.

Craig says the SLSWA is blessed to have great long-standing and generous sponsors.

“The uniqueness of surf life saving as a volunteer community organisation and a sport helps us greatly when we reach out to the private sector for sponsorship. Federal and state governments also provide

MUSCLE POWER Crews compete in a surf lifesaving carnival at Cottesloe in 1938.

a substantial amount of financial support to our organisation in our quest to keep the Australian bathing public safe. Westpac is our longest standing sponsor nationally and in WA, providing the vast majority of the funding that keeps our helicopters in the air around the country,’’ he says.

“In Western Australia we also have very longstanding sponsorships from Woodside and Wesfarmers in particular. Nationally our partnerships with DHL and Telstra also have considerable longevity. There are many Western Australian companies that support our endeavours – without them we would not be able to maintain our community services. We are truly grateful and appreciative of the support from government, corporate, and the public.”

The SLSWA also has a great relationship with the Royal Lifesaving Society, which is primarily focused on still water and pool

environments, says Smith-Gander.

“We do different things but we have the same ultimate aim - to protect the bathing public. We are not competitors at all, the relationship is extremely collegiate.

There is quite a cross-pollination of membership, with many of our ‘clubbies’ active in Royals. Royal Lifesaving in WA is not a clubfocused organisation, whereas SLSWA is,” he says.

The first surf lifesavers of 1909 would be agog at the amazing progress in equipment, and technology, in helping keep beachgoers safe and that evolution is on-going says Smith-Gander.

“This summer we are completing the digitisation or our radio network – made possible by a $1.65 million community grant from BHP Billiton and an extremely generous contra donation from Axicom (formerly Crown Castle Australia).

This project allows us to safely patrol more of our coastline, allowing our volunteers and professionals to be in touch with headquarters and the emergency services at all times.

“Innovation has always been important to lifesaving - it is not that long ago that surf boats and surf reels were our main method of rescue.

These are now almost exclusively used in surf sports, although I must admit the last rescue I did was in a surf boat (we came to the aid of a kite surfer some 3km off Leighton Beach last summer – I can’t imagine what would have happened to him if we hadn’t happened past!).

“We now use IRBs (rubber duckies), helicopters, the Wesfarmers jet ski teams, rescue board and rescue tubes as our main rescue resources.

We are actively investigating the use of commercial drones to enhance our Westpac Lifesaver helicopters, and we use social media extensively to keep the bathing public informed of beach conditions – the SLSWA Twitter feed has more than 45,000 followers.”

And as SLSWA evolves in the 21st century, one vital driving force has not, and never will, change - the singleminded determination of its volunteers to make Western Australian beaches as safe as they can be.

Surf Life Saving is the largest volunteer organisation of its kind in Australia. As a not-for-profit movement, Surf Life Saving exists only through community donations, fundraising and corporate sponsorship.

To donate to Surf Life Saving WA, visit www.beachsafeappeal.com.au /... continued over

MARQUE SUMMER

●

077

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

MQ R&R

THE GENERATION GAME THEY SAY ‘BLOOD is thicker than water’ but it could be salt water that flows through the veins of the Hounslow clan.

Four generations of Hounslows have been - and still are - active with Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club, the state’s oldest. Their involvement, and those of many other families, is testament to the attraction of surf lifesaving as an activity that can keep you physically and mentally fit for decades, is challenging (but great fun) and also offers plenty on the social front.

Rod Hounslow (81) joined Cottesloe with his late brother Peter all the way back in 1941.

“My dad had been taken prisoner by the Japanese and the late Cec Addison, champion surf lifesaver, club president and life member,

used to bring us down to the beach after Sunday school,” recalls Rod, who became a champion in both individual swimming and team surf lif saving, even making the Australian team in 1956 in what was an Olympic demonstration sport.

Cottesloe Beach during the Second World War years was a far different scene to that of today says Rod. “The beach was ringed with barbed wire and there were stakes jutting out of the sand in case of invasion; there was an anti-aircraft battery on the beach.”

Not the most ideal place to learn your surf skills, but Rod and his brother were naturals. Rod recalls many dramas and incidents during his active time with Cottesloe but one date - November 25, 1951 - is seared into his memory.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

078

●

BLOODLINES three generations of Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club's Hounslow clan (from left) Rod, David and Grace.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

During an inter-patrol contest off the beach, Rod’s lifesaving gear almost cost him his life as his oldstyle belt line - one which did not have a quick-release mechanism became snagged underwater.

He told The West Australian at the time: “The reelman, unaware that I was in trouble, kept pulling the line.

If I had been wearing a Ross-type belt (the one with a quick-release catch) I would have been all right. The tension on the line kept tightening my belt. I thought I was gone...”

The incident led to the Ross belts becoming standard issue at surf clubs.

Rod survived and went on to compete with great success for Cottesloe, has served as club president and is a life member. Now his nephew David (57) is the club’s deputy president and David’s daughter

Grace (17) a club stalwart, and a great advertisement for why the sport offers so much more than merely “dragging people out of the water”.

Says David: “I used to bring Grace down to the beach from a very young age; there were always club members keeping an eye on her.”

Grace joined the Little Nippers, honing her skills over the years and now is an accomplished life saver with an enviable skillset that goes way beyond standard first aid, including being qualified in spinal injury management (a common occurrence when people get dumped) and resuscitation.

But Grace says surf life saving has also given her confidence (“you get to talk to people of all ages and from all walks of life in the club”) and the ability to think coolly and calmly, traits that will be invaluable once she joins the workforce.

With Cottesloe’s “patrol area”

stretching around 1.5km, there’s always plenty for the club’s lifeguards to watch out for, says David.

“Tourists, the elderly and even people who are good pool swimmers

can often under-estimate the power of the ocean,” says David. And, he adds, rescue techniques, and equipment, have come a long way from the original “reel lines” used to pluck people out of the surf.

“We have the IRBs (rubber duckies), jetskis and the Westpac rescue helicopter.”

The bottom line though is that beachgoers need to respect the power of the ocean and even experienced ocean swimmers, including some of Cottesloe’s own members, can get into trouble; David relates the story of one member who was spotted floating off the beach by a boat crew doing some training.

“They went over to say g’day and asked him how he was going - he had broken his neck and was at the mercy of the waves, unable to do anything. The crew put their spinal injury training into practice and got him back to shore; he made a full recovery and doctors said his survival was a million-to-one.”

While Grace looks to university and a career beyond, travel perhaps, the call of the beach will always be close.

“I’ll always find time to be in a surf club; I’m really glad I stayed with this,” she says. MQ For details of joining Cottesloe Surf Club, visit cottsurf.com or call 9383 4400.

You may be aware that some of the major banks have increased their interest rates in the past week.

The good news is that there are many lenders in the market place offering some very competitive rates on their mortgages and in many cases there are substantial savings to be made.

Forexample: on a $400,000mortgage, a 0.5% decrease couldmean a saving of$2,000overthe theyear.

If you have not looked at your mortgage rates in the past two years it is worthwhile having a discussion with PEARD Fl NANCE to see if we can help you save!

MARQUE SUMMER

●

079

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

PEARD FINANCE (08) 9273 8955 WWW.PEARDFINANCE.COM.AU

ART

THE RIPPLE EFFECT Christian de Vietri’s extraordinary sculpture - Spanda - is ready to take its place at the heart of the city’s new Elizabeth Quay development, an expression of artistic confidence from an artist at the height of his powers.

By GABI MILLS. Images by CRIB CREATIVE. Images of Elizabeth Quay & BHP Billiton Water Park: METROPOLITAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

K

algoorlie has never, it’s fair to say, claimed to be a hotbed of artistic talent.

Digging up big valuable rocks, yes.

Producing world-famous sculptors, no. However, when Christian de Vietri was born in the dusty old mining town, that all changed.

Chosen to create the centrepiece of the new Elizabeth Quay development, Christian’s elegantly monumental work - Spanda - is poised to take centre stage in Perth’s new spirit of exuberance.

With a mother who was a dancer and a father who was a consultant geologist, Christian is the first to admit that he wasn’t ‘around art’

much as a kid.

“I just loved to draw,” he says, as we chat in his beautiful garden in Perth.

“We did travel quite a bit and I lived in Europe as a youngster.”

Inspired by a high school art teacher who took an interest in his burgeoning talent, Christian found himself spending more and more time in the art room at school. An art degree at Curtin University followed and then it was off to Paris where he did a student exchange at the National School of Fine Art in that artistically rich city.

Christian had his first solo exhibition in 2004.

MARQUE SUMMER

●

080

●

“I wasn’t sure what I had hoped for my first show, but it seemed to have an impact and led onto a number of different things,” he says.

One of those things was becoming the youngest finalist in the National Sculpture Awards.

He went on to live in New York for seven years, where he received his Masters in Fine Art from Columbia University, citing his mentor Liam Gillick as a major influence.

I asked Christian where he comes up with his ideas.

“For me, the idea of 'coming up with ideas' is in itself problematic, because it’s about being open, rather than doing something specific,

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

THOUGHTPROVOKING Christian de Vietri's new Spanda sculpture (left) and his symbolic St George and the Dragon work (below).

otherwise it tends lead to the false belief that creativity is coming from me. And that’s a sure way to kill it.

Creativity is never in the possession of the artist. It’s a matter of being open enough for it to pass through without grasping onto it.”

The genesis of the Elizabeth Quay commission began with a simple vision of union and was developed via a 3D modelling programme that Christian uses as his medium.

“It began with an idea of the individual and the universal, and the form came by playing with 3D modelling software.”

Spanda is a Sanskrit word that means ‘divine vibration’.

“The term is used to describe how consciousness moves in waves of contraction and expansion.

The sculpture gives form to this primordial energy. My intention in making this sculpture is to express and facilitate oneness of the individual with the universal.”

As an artist who has deliberately remained out of the public eye in the last few years, Christian’s public art works, like the St George and the Dragon sculpture outside St George’s Cathedral, generate strong responses from the public.

“That was my first large-scale public work and it taught me a lot about how I wanted to work.”

MARQUE SUMMER

●

081

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

Now you’ll find Christian’s work in public spaces around the world, and he has won awards including the Art and Australia Emerging Artist Award, the Qantas Spirit of Youth Award and the Hugh Child Award for excellence in sculpture.

Shortlisted for Spanda, he was then asked to make a model of his work which went on to scoop the prized commission last year.

The $1.3million structure, standing some eight storeys high, and designed to represent ripples, was an inspired choice for one of the city’s biggest infrastructure projects in many years.

The art will be located on The Landing at the northern end of the

MQ CULTURE

quay and is one of 10 public artworks to be commissioned as part of the $4 million public art program at Elizabeth Quay.

Other works at the quay will include 2-D and 3-D Aboriginal artworks and the newly installed Signature Ring public art piece in Barrack Street Jetty.

Since learning of the commission, Christian and his construction team have been hard at work bringing the model to life.

“The sculpture has been made in sections, and engineered in Brisbane.

It’s made from carbon fibre, very similar to the material that planes are made from. It’s light, graffiti-resistant and strong with a degree of flexibility, and it’s been rigorously tested by an aerodynamics team.”

The graceful, looping design could be interpreted as a gateway to the city, framing the new quay and the river in gleaming white.

“I’m interested to see how it will affect the city,” says Christian.

Using just a stylus to create such dramatic artistic expressions, the world of 3D art is an ever-changing landscape, he says.

“There’s so much happening with 3D processes and of course I can do it anywhere - I don’t need a studio necessarily.

“The concept of community is a pretty broad one for me. Home is in my heart, so in that sense I don’t really have a strong attachment to where exactly I live.

“I’ll go where I’m needed. At some point that will be back into the ground. At a certain point while living in New York I realised that I’d built up a kind of identity about 'being a New Yorker', and it was causing me to suffer because whenever I wasn’t there I’d have this niggling feeling of not being whole. Letting go of that idea was liberating.

"I realised I could never be truly content if my contentment was dependant on where I lived, or on anything other than simply being."

MARQUE SUMMER

●

082

●

FAST FACTS

Elizabeth quay

BHP BILLITON WATER PARK Located opposite the Esplanade train station, and framed by William Street and Geoffrey Bolton Avenue, BHP Billiton Water Park is the primary entry point to Elizabeth Quay. The park includes amphitheatre style decking, family-friendly dining options and an interactive water feature made possible by a generous $10million contribution from BHP Billiton. The water feature covers over 470sqm and will become a place where children and families can come to relax, splash around and cool off.

THE ISLAND The Island and the 20-metre high suspension bridge linking to it, will offer spectacular views of the river and city.

The 1928 Florence Hummerston Kiosk has been painstakingly relocated and rebuilt on

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

The Island and will soon reopen as a family-friendly cafe offering relaxed dining and refreshments. Families will also love the nautical-inspired nature playground and opportunity to explore the Duyfken, which will be seasonally moored at a jetty on the eastern side of The Island.

THE PROMENADE The waterfront promenade will provide a continuous, walkable circuit around the Elizabeth Quay inlet and island.

Stretched over an area of around 1km, the split-level promenade provides for a busy pedestrian area on the upper level with a more casual space at the lower level.

A ribbon of trees will provide shaded places for visitors, shoppers and alfresco diners to relax and enjoy the inlet views.

THE INLET The Inlet reconnects the city with the river and is the focal point of Elizabeth Quay. Public jetties on both sides of The Inlet will host 24 short-stay berths and can be used for special events such as boat shows, marine events, concerts or performances.

The Inlet will be a hive of activity when the Transperth ferry relocates from Barrack Street Jetty to a new ferry terminal on the western promenade. The 20-metre high suspension bridge across the inlet is a stunning architectural feature, providing a popular vantage point for river views, as well as recreating the popular ‘bridges’ recreational circuit around the Swan River. MQ

SPANDA IS A SANSKRIT WORD THAT MEANS 'DIVINE VIBRATION'

MARQUE SUMMER

●

083

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

BUSINESS CLASS

A VERY BRITISH AFFAIR A long-haul trip from Sydney to London really allowed Adam Collins plenty of time to experience British Airways' service.

FLIGHT DETAILS • British Airways, Club World, Boeing 777-300 • London to Sydney, via Singapore.

THE EXPERIENCE A giant, metal tube that spits you half way across the planet with hundreds of other sweaty and slightly irritable humans. This, more often than not, is international travel. The hard bit before the fun bit.

I’ve done my share of journeys at both at the front and the back of the plane, so in gearing up for this latest cross-continental sojourn I pondered whether issuing faint praise would be

the best I could manage in this review.

How good could it be, relative to all the other metal tubes, after all?

Well, talk about confounding expectations. My 24 hours in transit with BA were so joyous that I wish I could spend many more days unavailable to the outside world at 35,000 feet.

When taking your seat, you promptly realise that you’re staring at someone else, just off-centre, the configuration of the cabin designed to maximize every available inch to afford a bigger bed and superior legroom.

When assessing a flight, so much hinges on the seats. I’m not a short MARQUE SUMMER

●

084

●

RELAX IN THE SKIES The business class offering from British Airways allows travellers to enjoy a proper night's sleep thanks to the generous bed configuration.

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

bloke, and I even had room to spare at the end (and in a rare treat, the blankets are also made to cater for the more well-built among us). In summary: you can put away the sleeping tablets as you’ll be getting a proper night's sleep, not stealing a few hours of awkward kip.

Cleverly, the recline is complemented by a separate footrest opposite that means you can sit part of the way back watching telly without your feet hanging over the edge. This small modification illustrates how no corners have been cut in convenience or design.

Moving to the in-flight

entertainment, a welcome element of the extensive catalogue are television seasons featuring from start to finish in box-set form. There’s nothing more annoying than spooling through and seeing a couple of episodes from the middle of season four on the menu.

What’s the point? For my part, this allowed the precious hours necessary to indulge in Better Call Saul (that I can also recommend).

The dissemination of noise cancelling headphones isn’t unique, but a further convenient touch is that they also work on the audio jack of your phone. And when you’re done with them and want to nod off, there’s no shortage of places to put them away with deep bins to house a veritable home office if you’re like me and like everything within reach.

But one thing you can do without is a phone charger – you’ll only need the cord due to the handy USB input.

THE VERDICT General comfort.................................................. 9 Seat/bed.................................................................9.5 Service............................................................................. 9 Food................................................................................... 9

ONE THING IS FOR SURE: NO ONE DISEMBARKS HUNGRY.

Drinks................................................................................ 9 General experience.................................9.5

THE SERVICE More important to me than having my name remembered or a fast-track customs card is the awareness and good nature of staff to keep coming back to top up my glass long after everyone else has reclined.

I also admired the captain explaining to us, in very good humour, how he was going to try to and the plane the very moment the curfew ended at the other end. These aren’t people who are punching the clock; they are fine ambassadors for their brand who are having a good time in what they do. And it shows.

THE MENU My late grandmother would say to me, no matter how old I got, that I was a growing lad and needed regular feeding.

This principle is enthusiastically embraced in Club World.

If you can’t get excited about lobsters and crayfish as the mere starter then you’re wired the wrong way. Similarly, the choice of mains – four of them, all said – spanning pork belly to haddock to chilli pasta to corn-fed chicken, is the dictionary

definition of being spoiled for choice.

Joining the usual array of beer and spirits are a pair of whites and reds (in both instances one emanating from France and the other South Australia) on a list that proudly states that the selection is award winning, For mine, the chardonnay from Burgandy served as a fine companion.

Between courses (a cooked breakfast served before landing in both Singapore and later in Sydney) you are encouraged to graze away at toasted sandwiches, chocolates, lollies and fruit. One thing is for sure: no one disembarks hungry. MQ MARQUE SUMMER

●

085

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

LAST WORD

SEVEN DEADLY SINS MARY COUSTAS

L

ogie and AFI award-winner Mary Coustas is bringing her beloved creation Effie – the Virgin Bride to stages across Australia this summer, visiting Perth’s Astor Theatre on February 26 and 27. Sharing her story of a decade of IVF treatments, tragedy and motherhood at 49, Mary recently touched the nation’s heart with her appearance on 60 Minutes. She’s currently a regular on Channel 9’s Today Show – The Grill and is finally back in theatres, with her biggest stage show in decades.

Visit effievirginbride.com or frontiertouring.com/ effie for tickets.

Gluttony What is the food you could eat over and over again?

Vegemite and avocado with lemon, sea salt and pepper on seeded toasted bread. Sometimes there’s nothing better than of a piece of toast and a great cup of coffee.

Greed You’re given $1m that you have to spend selfishly - what would you spend it on?

I would love to renovate a country property. I’ve no doubt the kitchen would be where I would spend most of the money. Big benches, deep large sinks, two wall ovens, a wine fridge, an ice maker, a walk-in pantry - the ultimate kitchen to cook in. I know it’s not a frivolous spend but one I could definitely indulge in every single day.

Sloth Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

I am obsessed with Greece. No matter how many times I’ve been there I always discover new places to fall in love with. I don’t need to

do much when I’m there. Just being in that atmosphere is all I need to feel completely satisfied. The Greeks love to sit and talk about everything from politics to philosophy and they do that every day of their lives. I love their passion, their sense of community and their daily devotion to being social. They know to keep things simple. I can’t be around them or be reminded of that enough.

Wrath Which news story makes you white with rage?

I’m constantly heartbroken and enraged by any crime committed against children. To rob a child of trust, safety and innocence is the most hideous act imaginable.

Envy Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

I know it’s probably not that urban and hip of me to admit this but I am a huge fan of all that Oprah has accomplished. She has pioneered so many causes, she has shed light on so many issues that often get very little MARQUE SUMMER

●

086

●

attention put on them. And she has literally run her own show. She is big hearted, big brained and one of the most powerful people in the world. That is worth plenty of awe and envy I think.

Pride What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of?

I am very proud of my mother, Fani. Being educated was her dream as a young girl in Greece. That opportunity was robbed from her and she was instead put in the fields to work on her parents' farm. She wanted more from her life than that so she packed her bags and came out to Australia as an 18-year-old on her own. She met and married the love of her life and, a year after my brother was born, my father had the first of many heart attacks.

My mother was widowed at 49. Regardless of all that she has been through she is one of the most positive, infectious and happy characters you will ever meet. I am beyond proud of her for that.

Lust What makes your heart beat faster?

I never thought I would adore the person I married as much as I do my husband George. I am very indulgent when it comes to bothering him physically. I can’t help but want to pinch, prod and squeeze him when he’s within arm’s reach. I love making him laugh or catching him off guard with my affectionate harassment of him. He is a serious man a lot of the time so I think that’s just my way of perforating that exterior and forcing a reaction. MQ

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

MARQUE SUMMER

●

087

●

AUTOCLASSIC.COM.AU

A C TO N REAL ESTATE

With one of us, you get all of us

APPLECROSS 9316 8088

CANNING VALE 6350 0000

COTTESLOE 9384 6999

MANDURAH 9550 2000

PROJECTS 6160 6480

SOUTH EAST 9497 3773

BALDIVIS 9523 3888

CENTRAL 9381 5566

DALKEITH 9386 8255

MARGARET RIVER 9758 8898

ROCKINGHAM 9592 8999

STRATA 9468 7705

BUNBURY 9791 5777

COMMERCIAL 9386 9981

DUNSBOROUGH 9755 3399

MOUNT LAWLEY 9272 2488

SOUTH 9474 2088

VICTORIA PARK 9470 5556

BUSSELTON 9754 9200

COOGEE 9434 8200

FREMANTLE 9319 3022

NORTH 9285 0111

SOUTH CENTRAL 6310 0300

WEST COAST 9400 1600

WWW.ACTON.COM.AU