AusBiz – June-July 2023

74. THE AI BOOM

It’s natural to feel a little uneasy about the rise of artificial intelligence. But fear not! We discuss strategies to future-proof your job in the AI revolution.

Automated exam assessing

Macquarie University is developing an AI system capable of marking student exams.

Australia is experiencing critical teacher shortages and increased workloads. Conventional exam grading is a time consuming and expensive process, which uses precious resources many schools can’t afford to waste, such as labour.

In an attempt to combat this, researchers from Macquarie University’s Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence have been given a $500,000 grant to put towards developing algorithms that can be used to mark student papers.

This program will be developed by analysing previous exams, lectures and other materials to identify and evaluate patterns in responses. Using this information, AI will be able to accurately, quickly and more efficiently mark exams.

According to Professor Amin Beheshti, director of the Centre for Applied AI, this new grading system has many benefits for student learning.

“It will save time and resources, allowing educators to focus on other important tasks. It eliminates human bias, ensuring all students are graded fairly and accurately, and it provides immediate feedback to students, allowing them to learn from their mistakes and improve their performance in future exams.

“Another key benefit of using

SUPER SATELLITES

Apple’s text-for-help initiative has been launched in Australia.

Focused on preventing injury and fatality in the bush, the service allows stranded Aussies to send for help even when they have no signal on their phone. Apple users can connect to Globalstar’s 48 low-Earth orbit satellites, allowing them to call emergency services under this satellite coverage.

The initiative was first launched in the US and Canada in November 2022, and has already supported the search and rescue of individuals in three US states.

According to Greg Joswiak, Apple worldwide marketing senior vicepresident, the technology was inspired by a desire to increase safety for users in rural areas.

“Some of the most popular places to travel are off the beaten path and simply lack cellular coverage,” he says.

generative AI to automate exam marking is its ability to detect plagiarism. By analysing and comparing the answers provided by students in the same exam, as well as previous exams, generative AI algorithms can identify similarities that may indicate plagiarism.”

This will promote academic integrity and offer a fair examination of all students’ work. The program is still in its early stages, but it indicates a renewed focus on the education sector and the continued integration of technology into everyday life.

“Our teams worked tirelessly to tackle a new set of technical challenges to bring this service to life.”

However, some issues still remain when it comes to accessing this important service. Only Aussies carrying an iPhone 14 currently have the ability to use the remote connection, due to hardware limitations on older phones. This limits the effectiveness of the program for many users who possess older models.

Luckily, researchers are continuing to work on this technology in the hopes of expanding coverage to all Apple phones in the near future. Similarly, Google and Android are expected to announce similar services later in the year. Apple’s text-for-help initiative needs improvements before all Aussies can be confident in their ability to call for support no matter where they are, but it does speak to an exciting future for digital connection and safety.

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST EXPENSE MANAGEMENT TOOL KEEPS ON GROWING

Sharon Nouh, CEO of ProSpend (formerly expensemanager) is so much more than her current job title. A ‘women-in-tech’ pioneer in Australia, a single mum, an innovator, a two-time entrepreneur, a pet parent, interior design enthusiast, art collector… the list goes on. Sharon’s story is inspiring, to say the least.

The tech industry across the globe, is predominantly male led so Sharon’s success is a testimony to the fact that gender doesn’t determine one’s ability to be successful in the software industry.

Having worked for travel agencies and set up her own in Adelaide and Sydney, she saw first-hand the difficulties her clients had with manual and paper reconciliation of travel and entertainment expenses. After the merger of her travel agencies with a travel technology company, Sharon saw this as her opportunity to use technology to

solve this manual process. She designed and led the development of Australia’s first expense management tool, launching with its first customer, KFC, which took a leap of faith in Sharon and her minimum viable product (MVP). This was almost a decade ago, and KFC remains a ProSpend customer today.

Sharon didn’t just stop at automating expenses, knowing that businesses would want to automate all of their business spend processes. Today the ProSpend platform digitises and automates business expenses, invoices, purchase orders, budgets and its most recent launch is a treasury module that includes virtual debit cards and payments.

As a complete business spend management platform, ProSpend is now a partner to more than 550 customers across Australia and New Zealand.

“I hope my success will inspire other women and girls to pursue careers in technology and to challenge the perception of VCs that backing women-led technology companies is worthwhile,” says Sharon.

We have been providing highly skilled and experienced heavy mobile equipment maintenance personnel to our clients in the resources sector for over twenty years.

We are always on the lookout for dedicated mechanical tradespeople, whether you are highly skilled and experienced or just starting out, we will find the right job for you; and what’s more, we will pay for your interstate flights and accommodation, or fly you to any destination for your R&R, including overseas.

Make the change, feel the difference!

Business enquiries welcome.

1300 65 75 45

MIND GAMES AND MONEY: ARE YOU MAKING THESE SIMPLE MISTAKES WITH YOUR MONEY?

How can cognitive biases impact us when managing our money? Saxo Australia takes a deep dive into the role of our cognitive biases in behavioural finance.

words: David Harvie

Buckle up! We’re plunging into the harrowing abyss of cognitive biases in behavioural finance. These mental tricksters are like sirens luring us towards the rocks, attractive, deceptive and ultimately destructive. But have no fear: we have the answer! In this case, knowledge is power and the more we know the better we can navigate these treacherous waters. So, let’s meet these beguiling beasts.

First, let’s get this straight – our brains are treacherous liars. They’re wired with a cocktail of cognitive biases that lead us astray, particularly in the complex world of finance. These mental shortcuts, born out of eons of evolutionary survival, can steer us off cliffs in today’s financial landscape. Understanding them is akin to decoding the madness that governs the market.

BRING ON THE BIASES

Take the ‘confirmation bias,’ a devilish little demon that has us cherrypicking information to support our preconceived notions. You think gold is on the rise? You’ll start seeing signs everywhere – a glint in your bartender’s eye, a golden sunset. Meanwhile, you’re ignoring the critical data that screams it’s going to crash.

Then there’s the ‘overconfidence bias.’ This is the swaggering cowboy of biases, convincing us we’re sharper, smarter, luckier than the rest. It’s the voice whispering that you’re the next Warren Buffett, even as your investments burn to the ground. You can feel this bias when you hear that voice in your head telling you this is the best idea you have ever had and you should go all in because you are so smart; we have all heard this sneaky little voice.

And let’s not forget ‘loss aversion.’ It’s the primal fear of losing what we have, often causing us to make irrational decisions. It’s the gutwrenching instinct that convinces you to hold onto a plummeting stock, praying for a miracle, instead of cutting your losses. It is the same instinct that that keeps blackjack players at the table long after they should have folded and gone home for the night.

Then we have ‘hindsight bias:’ the ‘I-knew-it-all-along’ phenomenon. This nasty critter has us believing we predicted past events with impossible precision. Made a lucky bet on a skyrocketing stock? Hindsight bias will have you convinced you’re a clairvoyant, completely ignoring the fact that you were throwing darts blindfolded. As the old saying goes, ‘even a broken clock is right twice a day.’

Why does this matter? Because it fuels overconfidence. It tricks us into believing we can predict the future based on the past. But remember, the market is a wild beast and predicting its movements is like predicting where a balloon will land in a hurricane. Don’t

let hindsight bias fool you into thinking you’ve tamed the storm. Next, we have the ‘anchoring bias.’ This is the mental hitching post where we tether our decisions, usually to the first piece of information we come across. Say you hear a hot tip that a certain stock is worth $100 a share. That figure becomes your anchor. Even if subsequent information suggests it’s overvalued, you’ll be reluctant to adjust your expectations. This can lead you to make misguided decisions, clinging

a bitter pill to swallow, but it just might save you or make you many thousands of dollars.

Remember, the market doesn’t give a damn about your biases. It’s a ruthless, uncaring beast, ready to devour the unwary. So, arm yourself with knowledge, tread with caution, and never ever let your guard down. Economist and investor Benjamin Graham said, “in the short term, the market is a voting machine, over the long term the market is a weighing machine.”

Your biases will lead you to be part of the voting process, trying to make decisions that are popular or smart based on poor information. Knowing and challenging your biases will guide you to the weighing machine, a machine that is famous for redistributing wealth out of the pockets of dumb investors to smart investors applying knowledge about the market and themselves to make longer term decisions.

stubbornly to your anchor while the ship is sinking. In the frenzied seas of finance, adaptability is survival. Don’t let anchoring bias chain you to a sinking ship. Anchoring bias is another reason investors throw good money after bad trying desperately to prove their original idea was true and correct.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Don’t think you’re immune, because you’re not – unless you’re not human. We’re all dancing to the tune of our cognitive biases, whether we admit it or not. They’re lurking in the shadows, pulling the strings deep in our minds, turning the rational world of finance into a chaotic circus.

As we said at the outset knowledge is power – and awareness is the first step towards liberation. Learn to recognise these biases. Question your motivations. Challenge your assumptions. Strip away the illusions and confront the cold, hard reality. It’s

BECOMING A BETTER INVESTOR

Congratulations! In learning about biases, you are now in a better place to be a better investor. You can make your own calls and hold your biases in better control. But if this is all too much for you and you don’t have the time, patience or interest to keep track of and challenge your biases then there is another way.

Why not employ an expert to do this for you? Someone who is trained professionally to track their biases as well as the market and make smarter decisions rather than emotional ones.

Managed investment portfolios, run by professionals, expertly crafted by seasoned money minds and soulless algorithms could help chart an even course through the boiling seas of market uncertainty. A steady captain at the helm, one trained to handle choppy waters, makes a journey well worth taking. Stay sharp, stay sane, stay invested.

“In the short term, the market is a voting machine, over the long term the market is a weighing machine.”

Building an effective payroll is key to protecting company data and creating a positive workplace culture. By improving performance in this area, businesses can expect increased wellbeing for workers and stronger overall outcomes.

But why is payroll so important? And how can you ensure the best outcomes for your business?

THE IMPORTANCE OF PAYROLLS

Payroll is the process of determining how much money is owed to each employee based on their work. However, the shortcomings of Australia’s current payroll systems are becoming more evident due to factors such as the continued

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PAYROLL

Businesses across the country are constantly searching for ways to streamline and improve their workplaces. An often overlooked but vital aspect of this growth is proper payroll processes.

words: Matilda Meikle

impact of Covid-19, as well as labour shortages in almost every industry.

Experts from leading payroll services suggest that evolving these programs from unpredictable and reactive to data-focused and driven might be the key to solving a majority of problems and future-proofing Aussie businesses.

They argue that finding qualified, hardworking professionals has never been more challenging. However, by paying attention to the wellbeing of employees, companies can set themselves apart and encourage applications. It all starts with a strong payroll. Having a quality system can reduce stress and highlight the reliability of your business.

As such, leading payroll service

provider ADP has put together a list of strategies that businesses can employ to improve their payroll system and grow their organisations as a whole.

TECHNOLOGY

One of the simplest ways to streamline the payroll process is by investing in technology designed specifically for this purpose. By integrating a cloud-based, unified system, the payroll can adapt and grow alongside your business. Luckily, there are so many options for digital support in a modern age – however finding the right model for your business can be a challenge.

To ensure you make the right choice, focus on how the system

will build on your current operation, whether it has been designed with the specific purpose of supporting business development, and whether it can help the company reach its individual targets.

RELIABILITY

Beyond just finding a system that simplifies payroll processes, you also need to focus on the reliability and accuracy of the software. While reducing cost and tax penalties is important, ensuring the payroll program complies with labour-related legislation is a fundamental way to avoid unnecessary complications. Fines for non-compliance can be some of the biggest blows to reducing overall cost and mitigating errors. By doing the research when establishing your payroll scheme, you can avoid complications later down the line.

VISIBILITY

When running a business, you can’t protect what you can’t see. As such, it’s vital that your payroll system works alongside all other HR and accounting programs. By ensuring smooth interdepartmental collaboration, employees can feel comfortable making decisions, and unnecessary confusion will be reduced. By fitting your payroll program into other programs already in use, you will encourage seamless transactions across your business and reduce issues caused by a lack of communication.

AGILITY

For the best outcomes, it is important to introduce payroll systems that can adapt to new markets and expand as your business grows. This comes by focusing on agility.

Having a versatile system means you don’t have to worry about transferring data or adopting new programs as you expand. Instead, you can feel confident that your payroll will suit whatever situation you find yourself in. It also means the company can predict problems and changes in pay-related trends before they occur, so that your business can pivot and avoid issues before they arise.

COMMUNITY

Perhaps most important to developing a strong payroll system is finding a solution that works best for your teams and departments.

With so much to consider, it can seem simplest to turn the entire process over to digital programs and online servers. However, payroll is an issue that effects all departments and workers, meaning it’s important to listen to feedback from staff, such as those working in HR and finance.

Moulding your payroll to suit the values of your team is key to improving its effectiveness and ensuring it speaks to the needs of every team member. However, it’s also vital to increasing the wellbeing of your staff. Maintaining an open line of communication reduces payrelated anxieties, encouraging a happier workplace culture.

Clearly, payrolls are more important to running a successful business than they first appear. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your company is in the best position for growth and development, while also reducing costs and promoting a positive workplace. Navigating the business world becomes a lot simpler when you start with a strong payroll system.

THIS PAGE: OPEN COMMUNICATION ABOUT PAY CAN LEAD TO A HAPPIER WORKPLACE CULTURE.

“Moulding your payroll to suit the values of your team is key to improving its effectiveness and ensuring it speaks to the needs of every team member.”

New Trinity Pro survey drone available from Position Partners

Next Generation drone from Quantum Systems expands operational capabilities, reduces risk and provides industry-leading aerial intelligence.

Position Partners is pleased to announce the availability of Quantum Systems’ new Trinity Pro remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) for the Australian and New Zealand market.

The new model, with its broad range of sensors, further improves the ROI from its highly successful predecessor the Trinity F90+, and firmly places itself as the premier fixed-wing VTOL drone.

“Having seen the new model in action during an exclusive distributor pre-release event in Germany last week, the team at Position Partners is excited to introduce this highperformance VTOL solution to our local market,” said Gavin Docherty, RPAS Product Manager at

Position Partners, Quantum Systems’ Australian and New Zealand distributor.

ADDRESSING THE EVERCHANGING NEEDS OF THE COMMERCIAL MARKET

The Trinity Pro, with its state-of-the-art flight control system, allows for continued adaptation and evolution to meet ever-changing industry requirements.

Designed with the needs of tomorrow’s data consumers in

mind, the Trinity Pro provides an expanded feature set, capturing and delivering more data in less time than ever before. The Trinity Pro transforms drone capabilities, while remaining easy to operate and simple to integrate into existing workflows.

With minimal downtime and low maintenance requirements, the Trinity Pro positions itself as the easiest to use, and highest performance fixed wing/VTOL drone on the market today.

FOCUSING ON HARDWARESOFTWARE SYNTHESIS

The Trinity Pro is an advanced unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed to adapt to changing demands, provide additional connectivity and accelerate decision-making. At the heart of Trinity Pro is the Quantum-Skynode autopilot, utilising a Linux mission computer. This provides additional onboard computing power, increased internal storage, versatility and seamless interoperability. These advanced avionics systems enable AI-readiness for the platform, support for downstream integration of nextgeneration sensors and provide cutting-edge safety features during field operations.

Included in the Trinity Pro system is Quantum-Systems’ proprietary operations software, QBase 3D, and an ever-expanding portfolio of industry workflow and software integrations, which eliminate complex mission setup processes and maximize ROI in terms of cost and time efficiency.

The Trinity Pro’s new capabilities include planning functions for missions requiring take-off and landing at different locations, allowing for efficient and safe long corridor flights and BVLOS operations. The platform also incorporates advanced self-diagnostics to ensure smooth and safe operation.

Trinity Pro launches alongside a new customer portal, an online solution for managing individual drones and fleets, training and support activities. Users can easily access support, training materials, documentation and online courses to enhance their skills and earn certifications.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

Trinity Pro now includes an enhanced terrain-following system, which significantly improves safety during operations. Additionally, improvements to trigger point calculations results in improved

image overlap and higher data quality. Trinity Pro also features automatic wind simulation for crash avoidance in bad weather and a linear approach for landing.

Furthermore, Trinity Pro is equipped with a downfacing LiDAR scanner that provides highly accurate ground avoidance and landing control. The system features USB-C ports for faster data transfer. Trinity Pro is protected against dust and water damage and features increased wind limits of up to 14 m/s in cruise mode (handling gusts up to 18m/s) and 11 m/s during hover.

“Hundreds of customers across various industries, including mapping, surveying, forestry, utilities and construction, rely on the Trinity platform in their daily operations. The new capabilities of Trinity Pro make it even easier for professionals to expedite data collection and management, operations, and ultimately improve decision making. Through an enhanced user experience and a streamlined integration of future technologies, we are building on the success of the Trinity platform to help customers take advantage of aerial intelligence at scale,” said Florian Seibel, CEO of QuantumSystems GmbH.

BUILT ON THE LEGACY OF THE TRINITY F90+ UAS

The Trinity UAS (launched in 2017) was designed to streamline the complex process of collecting aerial data. Since then, the Trinity platform has continued to improve in its performance and functionality, and additional features have been introduced to make the technology even more accessible and usable for daily operations.

With drone adoption continuing to rise, worldwide customers are utilising the Trinity platform to gather more aerial data than ever before to optimise their business processes. The platform has already accumulated over 75,000 flight hours and continues to innovate in response to the increasing demand for automation, data quality and safety assurance.

This announcement builds upon Trinity’s established success in supporting professionals across various industries, and it introduces novel solutions to meet even the most demanding requirements of commercial users.

For more information about Position Partners, visit positionpartners.com.au or call 1300 867 266.

THE POWER OF PINE NUTS

Pine nuts could be Australia’s next big industry, but there are a few thorny challenges to overcome first.

words: Matilda Meikle

Last year, AgriFutures Australia released the Australian Pine Nut Strategic RD&E Plan (2022-2023).

This 10-year scheme highlights the benefits of developing a national pine nut industry, both economically and environmentally.

With Australia importing such large quantities of pine nuts every year, it’s easy to see how creating a local economy could benefit the agricultural sector as a whole. But in order to build this new industry, we need to start now.

REPORT REVELATIONS

AgriFutures’ plan for developing a thriving pine nut industry identified five areas that need to become a

priority in order to meet production demands over the next decade. These suggestions included increasing the output of the Italian Stone Pine (Pinus pinea), a Mediterranean stone pine primarily grown in Southern Europe.

Currently, Australia has only two commercial-sized pine nut growers. This includes Richard Zwar, who began growing crops almost 22 years ago.

“Our market is very much a boutique one but with strong demand, and we sell a recognised clean, green Australian product that doesn’t battle with the pest and disease issues that face overseas markets that grow them,” he says.

AgriFutures’ plan also promotes the introduction of an industry body, and

a nut-growing manual. By implementing these steps, they suggest Australia could see a booming pine nut industry in the near future.

A LONG GROWING TIME

The main challenge hindering the possibility for an Australian industry is the time it takes to produce pine nuts.

According to Richard, “it’s approximately seven to 15 years before you get a reasonable crop, so there’s definitely work to be done around how to bring that first harvest forward.”

In order to decrease the amount of time it takes to produce a strong yield, more research needs to be done on

grafting trees. There is currently a limited amount of information available to potential growers, hindering their capabilities.

With such a long growing time, many farmers are put off by the idea of dedicating land and resources, when the results may take years to emerge. However, AgriFutures believes that the positives far outweigh the negatives.

POTENTIAL OF PINE NUTS

With other nut industries thriving all over the country, including everything from almonds to pistachios and macadamias, it’s easy to see how pine nut production could be beneficial for Aussie growers. Pine nuts are a relatively expensive product, usually selling for around $50-$100 per kilo. If farmers can begin harvesting this crop, the potential for profit is high.

According to AgriFutures Australia Manager Emerging Industries Laura Skipworth, “there is a global demand for pine nuts and production in Europe is declining, so it’s an ideal time to be investing in the potential of this industry.”

While the long growing time is a hindrance to quick development, experts believe rotational cropping could be the answer. For established farms, planting pine nuts around other crops limits the amount of land dedicated solely to these plants, and stops them from becoming a hindrance.

Pine nuts will also stand up to the harsh Australian climate, making them a safer investment in the long run.

GREEN GROWERS

As well as economic and industrial benefits, the Pinus pinea also provides environmental incentives.

THIS PAGE: THE PINE NUT INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA MIGHT BE SMALL, BUT ITS POTENTIAL IS MUCH BIGGER.

The plant is known as a carbon sequester, meaning it captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Farmers can therefore reduce their carbon footprint simply by growing it.

According to Laura, there are other environmental benefits as well.

“After kernels are retrieved, pinecones can be used for oil extraction and the residue can be used to produce biochar, thereby leaving minimal waste productions to deal with. This makes it a really environmentally conscious crop.”

The pine nut industry in Australia may be small, but its potential is much bigger. In order to capitalise economically and environmentally, AgriFutures believes the time to invest is now. If we can promote the introduction of a pine nut industry, the results could be highly beneficial.

“The plant is known as a carbon sequester, meaning it captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Farmers can therefore reduce their carbon footprint simply by growing it.”

HOW TO FUTURE-PROOF

YOUR JOB IN THE AI BOOM

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent, it’s natural to feel a little uneasy about the future of our careers. But fear not! With the right approach and mindset, you can adapt to the AI revolution and ensure your career remains relevant and thriving.

Words: LJ Charleston

With machines performing tasks at unprecedented speeds and with unparalleled accuracy, it seems like the days of human labour may be numbered. However, let’s explore strategies to keep your job from becoming an AI casualty, and how to stay ahead of the game and thrive in an AI-dominated world.

EMBRACE CREATIVITY

Creativity is always going to be a vital skill. The unique cognitive processes that drive human creativity remain beyond the reach of robots, making it an essential tool for anyone determined to maintain their job security. By focusing on creative pursuits, you’ll be in a better position to ensure you’re indispensable and irreplaceable.

According to McKinsey & Company’s ‘State of AI in 2022’ survey, business adoption of AI has more than doubled since 2017. More than 20 per cent of respondents in 2017 claimed they adopted AI in at least one business area, but now it stands at 50 per cent.

The good news is that the survey found jobs requiring creativity are less susceptible to automation, with only 4 per cent of roles with a high degree of creativity seen as being at risk of automation.

HARNESSING HUMAN EMOTION

Machines might excel at crunching numbers and analysing data, but they still struggle to understand human emotions and nuances. Fostering empathy, active listening and effective communication will help you maintain a strong human connection in the workplace, which can be invaluable in a wide range of industries, especially when you’re frequently dealing with clients.

Emotional intelligence (EI) – the ability to recognise, understand and manage our own emotions and those of others – is an indispensable skill that AI cannot mimic. By harnessing EI, you’ll be able to build strong connections and navigate complex social situations.

It goes without saying: human emotion plays a significant role in decision-making, relationship building and communication.

ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING

As AI’s role in our lives grows, so does the importance of ethical considerations. Human judgement is essential for assessing the potential consequences of AI-driven decisions, such as their impact on privacy, fairness and societal values.

“Machines might

excel at crunching numbers and analysing data, but they still struggle to understand human emotions and nuances.”

THIS PAGE: AS AI BEGINS TO STREAMLINE MORE PROCESSES, STRONG TEAMWORK AND NETWORKS ARE CRUCIAL IN DRIVING ORGANISATIONAL SUCCESS.

By cultivating a strong ethical compass and understanding the implications of technology on society, you can play a crucial role in shaping responsible AI adoption and navigating complex ethical dilemmas.

A Capgemini Research Institute study found that organisations with high EI levels outperform their counterparts in various key performance indicators.

According to the study, “this includes customer satisfaction, employee engagement and revenue growth.”

CRITICAL THINKING AND COMPLEX PROBLEM-SOLVING

For all its advantages, AI lacks the capacity for nuanced understanding and context-sensitive judgement. Critical thinking is quite human as it involves the ability to analyse and evaluate information objectively

to make informed decisions, while complex problem-solving requires identifying and addressing underlying issues.

So, if you’re able to fully develop these skills, you’ll be better placed to tackle intricate problems in areas such as strategy, operations and management, where human intuition and judgement are so important.

COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK

AI-driven tools can streamline many processes, but human collaboration remains a crucial factor in generating diverse ideas, fostering innovation and driving organisational success. As work becomes increasingly interdisciplinary, strong teamwork and collaboration skills will be crucial. Focus on effective communication, active listening and conflict resolution to excel in teambased environments and you’ll be seen as a valuable team player.

THIS PAGE: EMBRACING LIFELONG LEARNING IS A SURE-FIRE WAY TO THRIVE IN AN AIDRIVEN FUTURE.

If you embrace lifelong learning, foster human-centric skills and adapt to the changing landscape, you can not only safeguard your career but you’ll be able to thrive in the AI-driven future.

DEVELOP A MULTIFACETED SKILL SET

Set yourself a goal of developing expertise in multiple disciplines, as this can make you an invaluable asset. By combining knowledge from various fields, you can approach problems and projects with a unique perspective that AI systems – which often specialise in a single domain –cannot replicate.

Interdisciplinary expertise allows you to contribute more holistically to your business, making you a vital resource in roles that require broad knowledge and diverse skill sets.

CULTIVATE A STRONG PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

Another thing AI isn’t able to do is build a robust professional network. A strong network is invaluable because it can give you great access to new opportunities, resources and insights that can help you stay ahead in your industry.

If you’re actively participating in networking events, conferences and online forums, you’ll be in a position where you can develop relationships with peers, mentors and thoughtleaders – all of whom can support your career growth and open doors to new possibilities. Networking also leads to opportunities for collaboration which, once again, highlights the unique importance of human connections: something that’s truly worth its weight in gold.

“AI-driven tools can streamline many processes, but human collaboration remains a crucial factor in generating diverse ideas, fostering innovation and driving organisational success.”

SHELTER, SAFETY AND SELF DETERMINATION

These Aussie charities are bringing communities together and making the world a better place. While each organisation is unique, they are united in their goal to make real change. By supporting each other and those who are less fortunate, these wonderful programs are doing their bit.

Words: Matilda Meikle

BACKPACK BED FOR HOMELESS

In 2019-2020, over 82,000 requests for shelter from people experiencing homelessness in Australia couldn’t be met. This is the reality Tony Clark hoped to change when he founded Backpack Bed in 2007. With his wife, Lisa, he designed Backpack Beds: both a shelter and bag to store belongings. It’s water and wind proof, rolls up into a backpack for easy travel, and offers protection for all seasons. Now, Backpack Bed for Homeless has delivered over 36,000 of these life-saving beds to people sleeping

rough across the country. They have also partnered with over 800 homelessness agencies to offer mental health support, emergency shelter, and outreach programs focused on helping Aussies get back on their feet. The not-for-profit is all about offering dignity and protection to everyone, with a mission to see all people experiencing homelessness set up with a Backpack Bed in the future. They also deliver hypothermia packs to protect individuals from harsh weather and keep them warm during the night.

In 2011, Backpack Bed was awarded the Australian Human Rights Award

TOP TO BOTTOM: BACKPACK BED FOR HOMELESS. IMAGE: BACKPACK BED FOR HOMELESS. WALTJA DIRECTORS (BACK ROW, L-R): ENID GALLAGHER, SANDRA WINDY, MARY TILMOUTH, MARGARET CAMPBELL.

(FRONT): IRENE NANGALA. IMAGE: WALTJA ABORIGINAL CORPORATION.

DONATE HERE

for Best Community Organisation, demonstrating its commitment to helping everyone, and its life-saving work in the homeless community. By donating, you can ensure homeless Aussies have a warm, comfortable place to sleep, and help Backpack Bed and its partners continue providing support across the country.

WALTJA TJUTANGKU PALYAPAYI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

Waltja is an organisation that works with Indigenous communities in central Australia. The directors are all Indigenous women Elders who come from remote communities, giving them the knowledge to find the best ways to support locals. Waltja focuses on the gaps these remote communities experience in receiving crucial services for children, youth, Elders and people with a disability.

The organisation is based in Alice

Springs, however its services extend all across the state to around 13,000 people in nine different language groups. Waltja means ‘family’, and is all about supporting members of Indigenous families and communities, focusing on social issues that are overlooked by other organisations. Each project aims to promote selfdetermination and capacity in the area.

These projects include the Reconnect Program, which helps young people at risk of homelessness to reconnect with their family and community. This is achieved by helping them to set up bank accounts, and training for them to be job-ready.

Another recent Waltja program targeted suicide prevention in women and young girls. Delivered by Elders, it was all about building a long-lasting support network in several different towns.

You can donate directly or purchase artworks and jewellery made by Indigenous artists from its Alice Springs shop.

BRIGHTSIDE FARM SANCTUARY

Founded in 2006 by Emma Haswell, this not-for-profit animal shelter is located on 50 acres of farmland in Tasmania’s Huon Valley. Primarily, Brightside Farm Sanctuary rescues sick and neglected animals and rehomes them with loving Aussies. Each year, around 400 animals find new families to support them. The farm also serves as a permanent home for around 250 farm animals, offering services including medical treatment, vaccinations and food.

As well as protecting animals in need, Brightside also offers education programs to nearby schools. Around 30,000 students have had the opportunity to learn about animal welfare and the impact of factory farming. Students are welcome to visit the farm and meet the animals, or Brightside will come to them with its staff of passionate animal-lovers. Emma and her team also campaign regularly to end animal cruelty.

To support the farm and the animals, you can make a donation via the Brightside website. Or sign up for the adoption program and welcome a furry friend into your home.

THIS PAGE: EMMA HASWELL OF BRIGHTSIDE FARM SANCTUARY. IMAGE: BRIGHTSIDE FARM SANCTUARY.

“Waltja means ‘family’, and is all about supporting members of Indigenous families and communities, focusing on social issues that are overlooked by other organisations.”

ENABLING A MENOPAUSE FRIENDLY BUSINESS

MENOPAUSE FRIENDLY WORKPLACE RECOGNITION

Menopause Alliance Australia has a team of experts in the field, including our Directors –gynaecologist, endocrinologist and fertility specialist, Professor Roger Hart; gynaecologists Dr Bernadette McElhinney and Dr Jennifer Pontre; women’s health specialist, general practitioner and menopause specialist, Dr Lesley Ramage, and highly experienced business professionals.

Menopause Alliance Australia can help you enable a menopause friendly business by:

✓ Engaging and providing guidance with implementing a workplace policy to reflect menopause.

✓ Certified evidence-based education and training.

✓ Advice and valuable support options tailored to your workplace.

✓ Online resources.

menopause can offer many rewards. Growing awareness of the problem and fem-tech could lead to better-run companies delivering higher returns.”

Be recognised with our endorsement badge as a MENOPAUSE FRIENDLY WORKPLACE by the expert panel of Menopause Alliance Australia.

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THIS PAGE: NINA’S RAINBOW DIAMOND NECKLACES TIDAL AND AURA. IMAGE: SUPPLIED.

RAINBOWS, ROSES AND PEARLS

Nina’s Jewellery offers some of the most unique pieces on the market, living up to its reputation as the coloured diamond specialist. We chat to Shivangi Modi, General Manager of Product and Finance, about the Rainbow Collection, rose cut diamonds and South Sea Pearls, and what the future looks like for Nina’s.

Nina’s launched the Rainbow Collection early in 2022. What has the reception been like so far? It’s been one of our most successful collections. One person every three days buys a piece from the Rainbow Collection. The most popular pieces are ones with the full colour spectrum of rainbow diamonds. We make sure that all the coloured diamonds we use have the same vividness and colour intensity as the Argyle pink diamonds.

That’s the secret of designing this collection: if you put pink in between yellow and green it pops even more. Now, we’ve expanded the collection from rings into pendants and earrings as well. We’ve also got pieces at all price points, to make it more accessible.

Rose cut diamonds are a vintage style that is coming back into fashion. Can you tell us about your rose cut diamond collection?

Rose cuts are very unique to the Australian market. They have been with us for 500 years, but gained popularity in the last few years (thanks partly to Jennifer Aniston’s engagement ring!).

The name comes from the triangular facets which look like the petals unfolding in a rose. Compared to a brilliant cut diamond, which has 57-58 facets, a rose cut diamond has between 3 and 24 facets. It has a flat bottom, rather than a peak, which allows it to sit closer to your finger.

The best part is that, because of the flat bottom, they look larger on your hand than a brilliant cut diamond. The light also passes through it more subtly: it’s calm and has a warmth to it.

Another thing that’s really unique about rose cut diamonds is the different geometric shapes you can source, like round, cushion, hexagon and trapezium cuts.

Your South Sea Pearl collection is sourced from the waters off Broome and the South Seas. What should people look for when buying pearls?

If you’re buying pearl earrings, you need to first make sure that the

earrings are sitting well on your earlobe. And, of course, you also have to look at the quality and lustre of the pearl.

With our South Sea Pearl collection, customers were looking for something fresh, modern and valuable. We wanted to make the collection really wearable, so you can complete your entire look with just one piece of jewellery. It’s the perfect finishing touch for a professional woman looking for understated elegance.

It has certainly been an exciting time for Nina’s. What does the year ahead look like?

This year has been so exciting for us, and we’ve come up with so many different concepts and styles. We are looking at creating more ranges

tailored to the online market, because it has doubled from last year. We are very popular in Western Australia, while Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are our other three main markets. But because of our online presence, we have gone international too.

We take a lot of inspiration from nature, such as the texture and shape of basalt rocks in our South Sea Pearl collection. We’re also developing a range based on quandong seeds, which are native to Western Australia, which will be coming out for Christmas.

We are also designing more of our Crown Jewels collection, which are one-off, once-in-a-lifetime pieces. It includes pieces ranging up to $200,000, and they are designed to be exciting, aspirational and like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

“It’s the perfect finishing touch for a professional woman looking for understated elegance.”

ABOVE AND BELOW: NINA’S ROSE CUT DIAMOND BRACELETS ROSA AND ROSETTE; NINA’S SOUTH SEA PEARL ATHENA NECKLACE AND ATHENA EARRINGS. IMAGES: SUPPLIED.

STRIKING GOLD IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S MINING INDUSTRY

Words:

Launched in November 2021, Thinking Critical South Australia aims to uncover innovative and creative individuals and companies who can boost the state’s mineral capabilities. The Department for Energy and Mining South Australia partnered with Unearthed Solutions to create this crowdsourcing challenge, and it has already resulted in several major developments in the mining sector.

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

Each year, companies compete in Thinking Critical South Australia to demonstrate how their idea is a valuable investment for the development of the mining industry. Although it has only been live for two years, the competition has already reached 200 participants and resulted in 40 unique proposals.

The first round of the challenge involves the judging panel selecting 11 shortlisted teams, who then go on to develop and present their proposal plan. From these proposals, five winning groups are chosen.

Each of the lucky winners receives a $50,000 prize, as well as support in business development through specialist advice and marketing opportunities. The aim is to help these businesses turn their pitches into viable products that can be used to support South Australia’s booming mining industry.

A recent South Australian program is helping to foster significant development in mining technology.

Matilda Meikle

THIS PAGE: COOBER PEDY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA, A FAMOUS OPAL MINING TOWN.

“South Australia is a ‘gold mine’ of critical minerals. It is home to 65 per cent of Australia’s graphite resources, as well as the world’s biggest zircon mine.”

A STATE OF SURPLUS

South Australia is a ‘gold mine’ of critical minerals. It is home to 65 per cent of Australia’s graphite resources, as well as the world’s biggest zircon mine.

Already, the state has invested significant resources into exploring and extracting these minerals. It established the Australian Critical Minerals Research Centre in the University of Adelaide, the first of its kind in the country. In fact, most South Australian universities are at the top of the game when it comes to geoscience and resource processing.

It’s no surprise then that the government is eager to hone the technology employed in mining ventures. By supporting these start-ups, it is investing in increased capabilities and efficiency. There is also a large focus on businesses that offer solutions for environmental protection, meaning the planet is a priority as well.

INGENUITY AND IMAGINATION

Last year, five well-deserving companies took home the prize, and they are already making waves. This includes businesses such as QL Space, based in Perth. Its idea stemmed from a desire to improve exploratory drilling using artificial intelligence (AI), satellite images and sensors. These tools allow the company to interpret the collected data and produce structural and geological maps that can help mines target rich deposits. They can also improve efficiency by monitoring the supply chain and providing suggestions.

Another winner changing the game is CBSM Mining Services, which has created the South Australian dry and wet comminution technology. Its invention is called the Gyratory

Rolls Crusher (GRolls), a machine that can operate in dry or wet conditions to break down geological materials into fine and ultra-fine particles while reducing power and water consumption. This means it is better for the environment and isn’t impacted by the conditions of the mine. Workers can save energy and time when working with this prototype.

Thinking Critical South Australia is still a relatively new initiative. However, it demonstrates Australia’s commitment to sourcing new technologies and programs that could improve the efficiency of our mines, while also protecting our precious environment. With new start-ups continuing to emerge, it will only be a matter of time before the next round of winners emerge to support mining in South Australia.

RIGHT: THINKING CRITICAL SOUTH AUSTRALIA. IMAGE: SUPPLIED.

“In fact, most South Australian universities are at the top of the game when it comes to geoscience and resource processing.”

Cheriton Valley: A PICTURESQUE HAVEN AND THE PERFECT CITY ESCAPE

Nestled in the beautiful Cheriton Valley just minutes north of the town of Gingin, an exclusive country address with an idyllic lifestyle in a safe, close-knit community awaits. It offers the best of countryside living while being on the fringes of Perth.

Country Heights Estate has been developed to an exceptional standard with fast-speed internet, scheme water, power and sealed roads, whilst retaining its rural charm and natural beauty – with stands of mature gum trees and untouched bush adding to its appeal.

The stunning estate is home to 313 exclusive 1-hectare lots, plus rural residential homesites with utterly breathtaking views of rolling hills and sweeping valleys.

Claymont Chairman Jerry Goh says fully serviced large hectarage home sites having scheme water in such close proximity to metro areas are a rarity, with the homesites being 25 times larger than the average suburban home site, for a better price.

The enchanting estate aims to deliver an improved quality of life with plenty of fresh air and wide-open country spaces for the whole family to enjoy, while also offering enough space for large pets to roam and play.

ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, WITH THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Country Heights Estate is easily accessible via the completed NorthLink Tonkin Highway extension. With this new development, travel times to myriad metro areas with high-density work places and shopping centres have been significantly slashed.

Joondalup, Wangara, Malaga, Morley, Balcatta, Ellenbrook and Midlands are between 30 minutes to 45 minutes from the estate, and the airport and Perth CBD are an hour or less away.

“With its excellent accessibility, Country Heights Estate offers a unique opportunity to live the ultimate lifestyle with the best of both worlds – healthy living in a safe country community on large hectarage home sites, and the ability to work in metro areas with an easy commute,” says Jerry.

As a result of the lockdown experienced during the pandemic, there is a growing popularity with city-dwellers seeking a lifestyle change to regional areas which are within easy commutable distance to the city. It gives them more room and space to spend quality time at home, with more flexible work-fromhome lifestyles.

“The availability of high-speed internet here is perfect for those who desire a rural work-from-home lifestyle, making Country Heights Estate an ideal place to live and work partly or fully from home,” Jerry says.

The nearby Gingin town has every a tree-changer could possibly want – including great schools, a medical centre, post office, bank, hotel, cafes, shops, and numerous recreational and sporting facilities.

Ideal for the building of a family home, retirement, an investment, or to claim your own weekender on the edge of the Darling Scarp, the estate is also within easy reach of coastal communities such as Lancelin, Seabird and Guilderton on the pristine Moore River.

WHAT’S ON OFFER

Stage 1 included 45 homesites that were well received, as it is now sold out. The next 61 homesites will be released in Stage 2 comprising Stage 2A, 2B and 2C with titles expected early in 2023. Selling prices start from $215,000 to $305,000 for premium elevated homesites with stunning panoramic valley views.

Take a scenic drive to Country Heights Estate to see it for yourself.

For more information, please visit countryheightsestate.com.au (or use the QR code below).

Alternatively, contact our agents Tom Cabassi: 0429 095 864 or Rob French: 0401 970 997.

THIS PAGE: SYDNEY HARBOUR, SPECIFICALLY LAVENDER BAY, IS THE SITE OF THE NEW LIVING BOULDERS PROJECT.

ROCK ON

Artificial boulders housing rockpools have been dropped into Sydney Harbour in an attempt to preserve local marine life.

Words: Matilda Meikle

Living Boulders are the result of a collaboration between marine scientists, Sydney by Kayak and North Sydney Council. Dropped into the waters of Lavender Bay, they will serve as a home for marine organisms and a solution to the continued impact of coastal development and erosion.

BRILLIANT BOULDERS

Coastal development includes activities such as building harbours, stabilising shorelines and introducing other man-made structures. This has resulted in the destruction of many marine habitats, and a loss of marine biodiversity along Sydney’s shores.

In order to combat this, scientists have developed Living Boulders. The boulders have been designed to echo the success of Living Seawalls, structures which provide marine habitats to flora and fauna in overdeveloped areas.

The boulders are intended for

breakwaters and revetments where marine habitats are being steadily destroyed. By acting as a home for a variety of wildlife, they should help to restore biodiversity.

According to project leader and marine scientist from Macquarie University Professor Melanie Bishop, “Living Boulders contain rock pool mimics, providing a critical but otherwise missing intertidal habitat for organisms along the modified Lavender Bay shoreline, and we expect them to increase biodiversity in the area.”

Rockpools are an important ecosystem, serving as a nursery habitat for young marine animals, and host to a diverse network of life. They also offer short-term protection to animals isolated from the sea. By introducing new rockpools within these boulders, Melanie and her team are hoping that the surrounding ecosystem can flourish.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: KAYAKERS ON SDNEY HARBOUR; A LIVING BOULDER IN LAVENDER BAY. IMAGE: ARIA LEE; LIVING BOULDERS PROVIDE A HABITAT FOR MARINE LIFE LIKE SEAWEED.

MAKING A SPLASH

So far, 15 Living Boulders have been placed in Lavender Bay. They each weigh around 130 kilograms, and are made from specially designed 3D moulds. Each boulder houses several rockpools, and has a surface that mimics typical erosion patterns in those rockpools. The rough texture is ideal for seaweed and oysters, which then attracts other wildlife.

“Our designs for these boulders are informed by nearly five years of research from our successful Living Seawalls program, and they can either be incorporated into existing coastal defence structures, or be built into new structures,” says Melanie.

The boulders were created using an eco-blend concrete which was designed by Alex Goad from Reef Design Lab in Melbourne. This eco-blend is a moist material perfect for native seaweed species. In turn, seaweed acts as an ideal habitat for fish and other small animals.

The first 15 boulders were funded by Sydney by Kayak, which facilitates paddling tours around Lavender Bay and Milsons Point. The team are dedicated to protecting Sydney’s coastline, and viewed this project as a great way to encourage further conservation.

“Living Boulders can reintroduce rock pools, an essential habitat to marine life, in areas fortified by breakwaters and other structures, and protect life from predators and environmental stressors,” Melanie adds.

The project will be monitored closely over the next 12 months. If successful, experts are hoping similar projects can be introduced to other areas of Australia, ensuring our coastlines and marine life are protected for the future.

“Living Boulders can reintroduce rock pools, an essential habitat to marine life, in areas fortified by breakwaters and other structures, and protect life from predators and environmental stressors.”

THIS PAGE: THE PROJECT WAS A COLLABORATION WITH SYDNEY BY KAYAK, NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL AND LIVING SEAWALLS.

PAVING THE ROAD FOR A GREENER FUTURE

What started out as an inventive idea could help to permanently reduce national waste levels and protect our environment.

Words: Matilda Meikle

A new partnership between an asphalt company and a green group has resulted in Australia’s first road made from recycled single-use coffee cups. The 50-metre strip of asphalt has been laid in western Sydney, and is already standing up to the unrelenting nature of Aussie traffic.

The program is an attempt to ‘close the loop’ on waste, creating a circular economy where landfill is used in other products instead of being destroyed. It could help to reduce carbon emissions and create a greener future for all.

COFFEE CUP CONUNDRUM

Every day, 2.7 million single-use coffee cups are thrown away in Australia. This means around 1 billion cups end up in landfill every year. Because of the plastic lining on the inside of the cups, they can’t be recycled using traditional met hods.

In total, coffee cups are the second most common waste item after plastic bottles. According to experts, people aren’t being properly educated on how to dispose of them, which is leading to increased emissions and energy use in order to get rid of them.

THIS PAGE: IN AN AUSTRALIAN FIRST, A 50-METRE STRETCH OF ROAD IN SYDNEY HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED OUT OF SINGLE-USE COFFEE CUPS.

“It’s not until you’re actually buying back the products that are made out of that reused material that you’re properly recycling.”

A SECOND LIFE

That’s where State Asphalt Services comes in. Thanks to Closed Loop, which works with businesses to improve their environmental impact, it has partnered with the recycling company Simply Cups to work on an initiative using these overlooked cups.

Usually roads are held together with cellulose imported from international manufactures. But the team have found that the same material can be sourced from the plastic and paper found in coffee cups. So far, the road made from this new material has been tested as rigorously as any other. This includes withstanding Aussie heat and traffic, as well as being put through a machine that flexes it until it fails.

According to John Kypreos, director of State Asphalt Services, “it’s a better performance product than what we were producing before.”

CLOSING THE LOOP

Testing began on this new material in an attempt to achieve net-positive

waste. Net-positive waste occurs when an item has more positive than negative impact on the environment. This doesn’t mean it has zero negative impacts, but rather the raw materials are used in new ways instead of ending up in landfill, reducing the need for energy and greenhouse gases.

However, for this system to work, someone needs to be buying these recycled products. And that’s where the partnership comes in.

According to Rob Pascoe, founder and head of Closed Loop, “it’s not until you’re actually buying back the products that are made out of that reused material that you’re properly recycling.

“It’s not just a matter of lifting the lid on your yellow bin at home and putting stuff in the bin and saying, ‘I’ve done my job.’”

To make an environmental impact using this recycled waste, three main things need to occur. First, a product needs to be made from the waste.

Then, the product needs to prove useful for some purpose. And finally, it has to be commercially viable. The asphalt made from coffee cups is a great example of this plan in action, as an everyday item that is easily collected and recycled has found a second purpose which has proven sustainable in the long term.

THE ROAD AHEAD

By reusing waste, Australia could see significant environmental and economic benefits. In fact, for every 10,000 tonnes of waste that’s reused or repurposed, 9.2 jobs are created. This is compared to the 2.4 jobs created by sending the same material to landfill.

While turning coffee cups into roads is just the first step towards eliminating carbon emissions, there’s still more work that needs to be done. The more we invest in recycled products and invite inventive solutions, the stronger our environment will become.

“The asphalt made from coffee cups is a great example of this plan in action, as an everyday item that is easily collected and recycled has found a second purpose which has proven sustainable in the long term.”

Experts from Macquarie University were trying to find a faster way to anneal silicon when they discovered that microwave radiation can replace traditional recycling methods for solar panels. By selectively heating the silicon in a microwave until it softens, it can be removed mechanically from the rest of the solar panel. This means that materials including glass and aluminium can be recovered and recycled, rather than being destroyed as they usually w ould.

Research suggests that one million solar panels will reach the end of their lifespan in the next 20 years. Current methods of recycling are considered time consuming and inefficient, often resulting in much of the panel being crushed and disposed of. This new method of recycling could be the solution the industry has been searching for. Estimates suggest this microwave technology is 40 per cent

SAVVY SOLAR PANELS

Words: Matilda

more effective than the current processes. If this practice is adopted by the industry as a whole, it would make it easier to retrieve valuable substances like silver from solar panels.

“We are using very little energy just to soften the plastic,” says Dr Veetil, head researcher and senior lecturer for the School of Engineering at Macquarie University.

“At the moment about 50 per cent of the value of recycling a solar panel comes from the silver content. The glass is not regarded as valuable because it’s crushed, and then when you try to extract the silver, it comes to around 0.06 per cent by weight.

“But if you are able to remove the glass intact, the silver content in the remaining materials is 1.46 per cent. That’s about 25 times more than we get now.”

This has several environmental and economic benefits. The uncrushed glass can be reused in other projects, and the collected silver adds profitability to the solar panel recycling process, which previously held little value for the industry.

Turning this discovery into an everyday practice, there’s still work to be done. Dr Veetil and his team are now concerned with improving the efficiency of the process by developing a mechanical system that can remove the glass from the solar panel while microwave radiation is in use. This requires a compact and affordable design, and will take time to achieve.

However, if this new method can be implemented, it could be a major step towards reducing Australia’s carbon footprint. What began as a happy accident is now an exciting environmental discovery.

A happy accident has increased solar panel recyclability.

Meikle

The next great thing from King Island – whisky made with love

Local King Island resident Heidi Weitjens was the tenth person to open a distillery in Tasmania, and the first to do so on King Island. Inspired by King Island’s incredible produce, made with love, and guided by the mentoring of The Godfather of Tasmanian whisky – Bill Lark, Heidi’s Distiller Choice is a whisky to watch, and it’s already a whisky to love.

King Island Distillery also produces native gin, ruby grapefruit spirit, Bella Chella Limoncello, a cold brew coffee martini that rivals any on the market, and Heidi’s signature spirit, Peerless Point cask aged vodka. And the first ever garlic spirit – local manuka honey meets lemon garlic and ginger to create an antibiotic tonic.

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