Alliance Airlines Magazine - Aug/Sept 2019

aug/SepT 2019

A real Australian business magazine

Get Real

Awesome fishing hotspots of WA & NT where you can take time out

V8 SPEED RACERS

Meet Jamie Whincup and Shane van Gisbergen

HOW’S THE SERENITY? Eco-minded luxury at Billabong Retreat

RYOKAN DOWNTIME Learning to breathe again in rural Japan

H Paul Worstling visited Seven Spirit Bay and reckoned: “Truly outstanding fishing in a remote paradise... clearly great for fishos and just perfect for couples.”

H Casey Stoner with one of several brightly-marked bar-cheek coral trout from Seven Spirit Bay.

F Geoff Doig with one of many barra he caught during his stay at Seven Spirit Bay. “Fabulous in every department... the fishing was incredible in the creeks and offshore.”

“The Barra Lodge was a great way to spend time with my son. 100-plus bluewater pelagics in the morning and 30-odd barra in the afternoon... hard to beat.” Bill Young “An outstanding fishing experience. I took my father to the Arnhem Land Barra Lodge for his 80th birthday.

The staff couldn’t do enough …he will remember this trip for the rest of his life.”

Clynton Bartholomeusz

“Shane (bald one), Merv and Bob would like to thank you for a great trip. All the staff were great, Barra Lodge accommodation fantastic, and experience unforgettable… especially 80 barra in one day by the 3 of us.”

Shane Ryland

“Absolutely the best trip I have ever been on. All the Barra Lodge staff were excellent and in particular the fishing guides went the extra distance to ensure we were spoilt with fish.”

Michael Day

“An amazing trip of a lifetime... fishing at Seven Spirit was awesome.

We caught some pretty good barra and more than 20 in one session.

Greg and I also had a first catching mackerel and it was a heap of fun.

A great family trip in paradise.”

Melanie Harris

“I never realised that a place as awesome as Seven Spirit Bay could exist in such a remote location.

The fishing action was nonstop - amazing. I’m bringing my sons back for sure.”

Paul Eather

“The staff and guides made our trip memorable and our accommodation was great. The fishing, sharks, crocs, storms, camaraderie made our Barra trip outstanding. Thank you so much guys, we had a BALL.” Michael Southcott

Talk to Alex Julius and his team to book your exclusive fishing adventure NOW! SEVEN SPIRIT BAY

For further information on Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge or Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge barralodge@nafa.com.au

08 8983 1544

BarraLodgeNT

sevenspiritbay.com.au

barralodge.com.au

Two Great Fishing Lodges in Arnhem Land Seven Spirit Bay

Arafura Sea

Maningrida

Seven Spirit Bay

ool

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Liv er p

Timor Sea

Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge

Ri

Darwin

ver

Van Diemen Gulf

Arnhem Land

This iconic lodge has been completely refurbished, offering luxury wilderness accommodation in an area teaming with sportfish.

Location

Seven Spirit Bay is situated on the western side of Port Essington on Cobourg Peninsula in the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, western Arnhem Land.

Sportfishing Seasons October / November 2019 March / April 2020

Fishing

Lodge guests have access to a huge expanse of bays, headlands, offshore reefs and islands where Spanish mackerel, giant trevally, golden snapper, coral trout & many other pelagic and tasty reef species abound. Plus the many sandy mangrove creeks and flats offer great barramundi, threadfin salmon and mangrove jack fishing.

Above: Seven Spirit Bay sportfishers are at home both on the bluewater and in the creeks.

Left: Seven Spirit overlooks Coral Bay in Port Essington and can only be reached by private charter flight or by water.

Air-conditioned luxury villa accommodation.

Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge Peak Seasons Only

Following the complete refurbishment of the iconic Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge, professionally-guided fishing tours only take place during the Top End’s two peak seasons.

Fish The Build-Up

(October / November 2019) During the Top End’s Build-up, our Arnhem Land big tidal rivers teem with hungry barra.

Fish The Runoff

(March / April 2020) Barra Lodge will again be open solely for fishing from 1 March until 30 April 2020, coinciding with the Top End’s fabulous Run-off barra fishing.

Bluewater Fishing

When you’re tired of catching barra, you can experience some of the best light tackle bluewater sportfishing Australia has to offer.

1. Quench your thirst at The Barra Bar 2. World-class bluewater sportfishing 3. New Oceanmaster boats are fishing weapons 4. Join the Lodge Metre Club

Welcome.

WELCOME ABOARD

As we start out the new financial year, now is an opportune time to review our achievements over the last 12 months. During this period we’ve won new contracts in both the resources and tourism sectors, grown and extended existing contracts, and continued to be an active participant in all the communities where we are based and fly to.

On that note, we recently announced the exciting establishment of new operational bases in Rockhampton and Darwin.

However, I am most proud of our continued safety record and industry-leading on-time performance. BHP recently acknowledged this commitment to safety when they presented Alliance with an Aviation Safety Award in recognition of its safe carriage of 3.5 million BHP staff and contractors aboard Alliance charters throughout Australia over the last 17 years.

All of this would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the people we have working for Alliance all around Australia. To our pilots, cabin crew, engineers, administrative staff, all our suppliers and subcontractors: a big thank you goes to you for being part of this successful, world-class team.

Alliance is built upon the values of our founders, and has upheld these values since the company’s inception in 2002. They have always encouraged us to proactively meet our clients’ needs and to create new markets with a personal and caring attitude, all without the bureaucracy that is sometimes associated with larger companies.

Finally, I would like to thank you, our customers, and the companies you work with, for putting your trust in Alliance and our friendly staff.

Lee Schofield Chief Executive Officer

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL

Publisher: Michelle Hespe publisher@publishingbychelle.com Art Director: Jon Wolfgang Miller Lifestyle & Travel Sales Manager: Sonja Halstead sonja.halstead@publishingbychelle.com WA & NT Sales Manager: Greg Parkes greg.parkes@publishingbychelle.com AusBiz. Sales Manager: Effe Sandas advertising@publishingbychelle.com Assistant Editor: Sarah Hinder editorial@publishingbychelle.com Sub-editors: Claire Hey & Shane Cubis Editorial Assistants: Haley Halvorson & Nadia Trégouët

CONTRIBUTORS

Sarah Hinder Ben Smithurst Andrew Ettingshausen Darren Baguley Ian Lloyd Neubauer Lisa Smyth Kirsten Craze

PRINTING

Blue Star PRINT 81 Derby St, Silverwater NSW 2128

Cover image: Tourism WA.

Alliance is published by Publishing ByChelle (ABN: 78 621 375 853 ACN: 621 375 853) 3 Westleigh Street, Neutral Bay, NSW 2089 publishingbychelle.com The reproduction of any content, in whole or part without prior written permission by the publisher, Michelle Hespe, is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the content are those of the contributors, and not necessarily those of the publisher. All information in this magazine was believed to be correct at the time of publication, and all reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders.

Publishing ByChelle cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine, they will not be returned. We apologise if we don’t get back to your email, as we do receive a large volume of communication via various online channels. Some images used in Alliance are from iStock and Getty images, and we make every effort to credit all contributors.

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33. father’s day gifts

Our wrap-up of great gift ideas for Dad.

In this issue.

AusBiz. Check out AusBiz. at the back of the magazine.

upfront

Features

9 Alliance News

18 Billabong Retreat

COMING INTO LAND We investigate the value of farmland in agricultural regions.

20 V8 Supercars

AGRIBUSINESS Saltwater crocodiles mean lucrative business for Australian farmers.

New Alliance aircraft supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month; aviation pinoeer Steve Padgett receives an OAM; Alliance announces new PerthUluru and MelbourneKununurra flight routes.

15 Entertainment

The latest books, music, movies, tours and cool art.

16 Events Calendar What’s on around the country throughout August and September.

This eco-minded retreat surrounded by bushland is just outside Sydney.

Our avid sports writer interviews V8 Supercars champs Jamie Whincup and Shane van Gisbergen.

24 Fishing Hotspots Rugby league legend Andrew Ettingshausen, aka ET, shares his favourite fishing spots around Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

24 30 Japan Getaway

We take the path less travelled into Japan’s Gunma Prefecture with a stay at Bettei Senjuan, and uncover cultural offerings from healing hot springs and zen-like countryside to fascinating food.

PROPERTY BIZ We take a close look at the booming tiny house trend.

CAREFLIGHT An Australian success story in aeromedical training and service.

AUG/SEPT 2019

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PUBLISHER’S

Our team had a great time putting this issue together.

We scored an exclusive interview with two of the best V8 Supercar stars from Australia and New Zealand – Jamie Whincup and Shane Van Gisbergen – getting the low down on their competitive natures, and also debating just which is Australia’s best bit of track.

Our Assistant Editor had some time to sit back, breathe deeply and relax in the Australian bush at the beautiful Billabong Retreat, where it’s all about eco-minded luxury, yoga, healthy eating and relaxation. And I made it across the ocean to Japan, where I had some much-needed downtime in a traditional Ryokan tucked away in the mountains of Gunma.

But the highlight of the past few months was catching up with someone most of you have seen about – Andrew Ettinghausen. Aka ET. Being a mad fisherwoman new to the game, it was great to meet someone who has had his own fishing show for more than 20 years, and he was more than happy to share his top fishing hotspots around two of his favourite states: NT and WA. As you’ll know if you’re into fishing, it can be one of the most relaxing activities out there, and also one of the most challenging and adrenaline pumping. I love to sit on a pontoon or by the river fishing for flatheads, and as evening falls, trying my hand at hauling in a jewfish. There is something so rewarding about hauling up a crab pot to find a big old mud crab – it makes me feel good to know that I can provide some food for the family. But as ET said, it’s the feeling of getting away from everything and just being on the water that draws so many people in. And the fact that, when you are fishing with others, you are all just concentrating on one thing – bringing in a fish. “Fishing is a great way to get away from everything,” he said. “It gives you time to regroup. You can sit back and think about things as you fish. It’s also a leveller.

Doesn’t matter if you’re a prime minister or the farmer down the road – you’re just someone out there enjoying fishing.”

I also admire the fact that most people in the fishing world understand how important it is to take care of the environment and fish stocks. ET is a big greenie at heart and knows not to bite the hand that feeds him. “I’m not a person who likes to kill lots of fish – I let 95 per cent of our fish go,” he told us. ”With big barramundi, for instance, you don’t keep them, as they’re

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

the females and they can lay thousands of eggs, which means great fish stocks in the future. On the other hand, a nice 60-centimetre barramundi is great for the dinner table and won’t put a dent in the fish stock. It’s all about sustainability.”

Sit back and enjoy this issue. We hope we’ve given you some inspiration for your next getaway, and that you make use of some of the hot tips from ET. Drop us a line anytime – we love hearing from you.

MICHELLE HESPE

@ALLIANCE _ MAG /ALLIANCEAIRLINESMAG

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Route Map

Where we fly.

Alliance Airlines is Australia’s leading air charter services operator.

PORT MORESBY

CHRISTMAS ISLAND GROOTE EYLANDT

CAIRNS

BROOME

CENTURY

TOWNSVILLE

PORT HEDLAND K A R R AT H A

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CAPE PRESTON

ROCKHAMPTON GLADSTONE BUNDABERG

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POR T MACQUARIE

K A LG O O R L I E

NEWCASTLE PERTH

SYDNEY

ADELAIDE

Private charter flights Alliance Airlines & Virgin Australia commercial flights

NOTE: MAPS ARE NOT TO SCALE

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AUG/SEPT 2019

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Live Wild Kimberley Coast Expedition Cruising 2020 Epic landscapes. Speed boats across waterfalls. Untamed wildlife on secluded islands.

Ancient Indigenous rock art. With APT’s best-in-class fleet of small expedition ships, as well as direct flights now operating from Melbourne to Kununurra, the Kimberley has never been more accessible. Don’t wait. Do the Kimberley now.

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Alliance News.

Stay in the know with what’s happening with our airline and in our industry.

Photo of the month

All of our planes in a row,

taken at Perth Airport.

Image courtesy of Wendy Muller.

Supporting awareness for breast cancer Alliance Airlines continues to support the efforts of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and as part of our partnership with BCNA, we have painted our latest aircraft to enter the fleet (VH-NUU) with special BCNA livery. We think the ‘Pink Lady’ looks fantastic and is sure to garner some attention during its work flying around regional Australia.

Left to right: Russell Bryant, Alliance Airlines Regional Manager WA/NT; Masafumi Otsuka, Vice-Consul Consulate-General of Japan in Perth WA; Tomokazu Inoue, Section Manager Air Purchasing JTB; Takashi Saito, JTB; Kevin Brown, Chief Executive Officer Perth Airport.

Alliance flies to Uluru In conjunction with JTB Australia, Alliance Airlines has announced a new charter flight service between Perth and Uluru.  AUG/SEPT 2019

9

Alliance News Steve with son Darren, a longserving captain with Qantas.

Steve Padgett: aviation pioneering at its finest Steve Padgett’s fascination with all things aircraft began when he was a small boy growing up in the early 1950s in the inner western Sydney suburb of Ashbury. And it has never wavered since.

Over the course of more than 50 years, Steve has occupied practically every seat within the aviation industry: pilot, instructor, salesman, purchaser, charter operator, broker, spare parts provider, airport facility operator and, of course, most significantly, co-founder and chairman of Australia’s third largest aviation group, Alliance Airlines.

This remarkable contribution was formally acknowledged this June, when, as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Steve was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for outstanding achievement and service.

“If it’s not a stupid question, Mr Padgett, how do you stay so

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

upbeat and passionate all the time, particularly at your age?” a well-lubricated staffer asked the Alliance chairman, as the airline’s end of financial year party reached dizzying heights.

The chairman didn’t quite know whether to hug him or hit him, given the back-handed nature of the compliment. But his answer still came quickly. “I work in aviation,” said Steve. “How could I not be upbeat and passionate?!”

The anecdote captures perfectly the mindset of a man who has devoted his entire professional life to aviation in Australia. In typical fashion, the Alliance chairman has never sought the limelight, often preferring instead to go quietly about his business, and always putting back into the industry as much as than he takes out, if not more.

Aside from his broad responsibilities with Alliance, Steve is the founder

and managing director of Flight Options, a Sunshine Coast Airportbased business specialising in advanced pilot training, private jet charter and ab-initio training. While in his ‘spare time’ he also serves as the chairman of the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame, and sits on the council of the Australian Air Force Cadets.

Alliance Managing Director Scott McMillan calculates that there are thousands of Australians who owe Steve a debt of gratitude.

“His influence on aviation in Australia has been profound,“ McMillan said. “All the people Steve has employed over the years through his various businesses, suppliers, pilots he has trained, scholarship holders he’s sponsored – not to mention all the passengers he’s carried on his aircraft – it’s impossible to accurately fathom the impact he’s had.

“And he’s done all of it with his own money… It’s one thing to build

Alliance News

Steve pictured preparing for an early solo flight out of Sydney’s Bankstown airport.

Steve celebrating Aeromil’s 25th birthday with wife Lorraine.



Steve with his great mate, motor racing legend (and regular customer) Jack Brabham, the day before he died.

a business empire, but Steve carried all the commercial risk himself.”

One of the Alliance chairman’s greatest legacies, says McMillan, is the role he played in developing the Sunshine Coast Airport into what it is today. “Maroochydore was virtually a wasteland before Steve moved his business there in the early 1990s,” he explains.

“The terminal was nothing much more than a big shed. But through his entrepreneurial spirit and charismatic personality, Steve attracted business to the area.

Singapore Airlines, for instance, soon established a world-class training facility for all its pilots within the airport precinct.

Virtually singlehandedly, he put Maroochydore on the map.”

However, just as commendable as what Steve has created over the course of his distinguished career, is how he has gone about it. From a very early age, he focused on building and retaining long-term, mutually beneficial relationships – not only with the people who could potentially help him at the time, but with virtually everybody he encountered.

Over the years, this generosity of spirit and authenticity opened doors and created opportunities that would never have surfaced had he opted instead for a quick fix or to make a quick buck. He told anybody who would listen that the best type of customer was a repeat customer: somebody who over time would become a willing advocate. It’s no coincidence that Alliance has only ever lost one contract – a contract that six months later was renewed, when the mining company realised it had made a terrible mistake.

“Steve is a genuine pioneer of aviation in this country,” says McMillan. “He’s shown the way, he’s set standards, and without his vision and foresight, Alliance wouldn’t exist as it does today. There is no more worthy recipient of an OAM.” AUG/SEPT 2019

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Alliance News

Left to right: Mollie Hill, Tourism WA; Alex Ananian-Cooper, National Charter Manager Alliance Airlines; The Hon Allanah McTiernan, WA Minister for Regional Development; Cr David Menzel, President of the Shire of Wyndham/East Kimberley; Michael McConachy, Chair East Kimberley Marketing Group; Angus Tandy, APT.

New Melbourne-Kununurra flights Alliance Airlines will commence a new scheduled direct flight between Melbourne and Kununurra, three times a week, from May to August 2020, reducing flight times, lowering airfares and growing tourism to the untouched wilderness of Western Australia’s North West.

The seasonal flight trial has already

received strong support from global travel company APT, which will use the flights as part of new cruise packages across the Kimberley. The flights will also be incorporated into APT’s short break travel packages, which will include trips to the Bungle Bungle Range and Ord River, and will utilise Alliance Airlines’ Fokker

70 aircraft operating out of Virgin Australia’s terminal at Melbourne Airport. The initiative is the result of a partnership between Alliance Airlines, Tourism WA, the East Kimberley Marketing Group, the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, the Kimberley Development Commission and APT.

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SATURDAY

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SUNDAY

DESTINY DOWNS ATRA ROPING

AUG/SEPT 2019

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Out & About.

The grand dame of Melbourne raises the bar on pampering When staying in Melbourne, you won’t find a better location than the Yarra River.

And at the grand dame of hotels, The Langham, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of Southbank Promenade, in the buzzing arts district. It’s also a gentle stroll from Melbourne’s many lovely laneway restaurants and designer clothing stores.

The Langham is synonymous with luxury and style, and now it has raised the luxe bar with an indulgent pampering package that will certainly have any woman (or indeed, man) swooning.

Guests receive a 90-minute BABOR Rose Grand Cru facial with active rose ingredients; a relaxing arm, hand and foot massage; a glass of premium sparkling wine or collagen

beverage; access to tri-bathing facilities for the day of treatment; and complimentary valet parking.

Signature Langham white robes and slippers are provided for the duration of your visit, and you can enjoy the spacious salt water Jacuzzi with stunning views of the city skyline. Then indulge in a traditionalstyle sauna before enjoying a shower in the river stone snail shower, which forces 12 jets of water on to all of your muscle groups.

The Langham is all about relaxation, and so there is a ‘no rush’ policy – linger longer and enjoy your time in downtime Melbourne for as long as you like. The package starts from $269 per person and is subject to availability. Visit langhamhotels.com

Park Regis Subiaco Located in Subiaco, just 10 minutes’ drive from Perth CBD, Park Regis Subiaco is the city’s newest cosmopolitan hotel, opening in November 2019.

Offering 168 well-appointed guest rooms and superb conference facilities, the hotel boasts the only rooftop bar, restaurant and pool in Subiaco, and is conveniently located near Perth’s buzzing entertainment and dining precinct.

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

Entertainment.

compiled by: sarah hinder

books

Image: Jen Rosenstein

tour

KISS: END OF THE ROAD

Room for a Stranger, Melanie Cheng

May 2019, Text Publishing, fiction Since her elderly sister died, Meg has lived on her own.

She doesn’t really mind.

But after her house is broken into, she decides to take in a roommate. Student Andy, struggling to cover his tuition, moves in. This story unfurls around these two Aussies‘ unusual relationship.

ART

Songspirals, Gay’wu Group of Women

August 2019, Allen & Unwin, cultural studies At the heart of Aboriginal cultures is song. Songspirals are sung by Aboriginal people to awaken Country, and are different ways of understanding the relationship between people and place. This book offers an opportunity for outsiders to understand their role.

Desert Mob 2019

September 5–October 20 at Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs NT This annual gathering of Territory artists brings together Desart members and seeks to connect Aboriginal art from remote communities to the wider world. The 2019 exhibition will display hundreds of new works by emerging and established artists, as well as host an art market and symposium events. desertmob.nt.gov.au

Malcom Young, Jeff Apter

August 2019, Allen & Unwin, biography This is the first in-depth biography of Malcolm Young, the founder and driving force of AC/DC, who provided the muscle behind their signature songs.

Focusing on Malcolm, it tells of his remarkable rise from working class life to the biggest stages in the world.

THEATRE

November 16–30 in Perth WA, Adelaide SA, Brisbane Qld, Melbourne Vic, Newcastle NSW & Sydney NSW KISS will return to Australia for one final time in their last ever END OF THE ROAD world tour.

The much-anticipated tour wraps up the band’s 45-year career, which contributed to the launch of the world’s greatest era of rock ‘n’ roll.

Jasper Jones

August 16–September 7 at Dunstan Playhouse in Adelaide SA Hilarious, bright and bubbling with intrigue, Kate Mulvany’s adaptation of Craig Silvey’s popular coming-of-age novel is a heart-warming ride into the subconscious of Australia’s small towns.

In a race against time and prejudice, two young outsiders band together to solve a mysterious murder. statetheatrecompany.com.au AUG/SEPT 2019

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What’s on.

Our pick of the very best gigs, festivals, and cultural and sporting events from around the country. compiled By: Sarah hinder August 8–15 Airlie Beach Race Week

Airlie Beach Qld The famous Airlie Beach sailing festival is accompanied by terrific onshore activities, from a fun run to a French-inspired long lunch with matching wines. abrw.com.au

August 8–11 Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo

Mount Isa Qld This mining town puts on four jampacked days of rodeo action and outback competitions, as well as the Isa Street Festival and Rodeo Ball. John Farnham and Busby Marou will headline the special 60th anniversary rodeo rock concert. isarodeo.com.au

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

August 8–25

August 16–19

Darwin NT This tropical capital city is transformed when free outdoor events, concerts, theatre productions and multicultural food stalls pop up across town. darwinfestival.org.au

MacDonnell Ranges NT Along the spectacularly scenic Larapinta Trail, this four-day, four-stage running race is a unique way to experience one of the country’s most epic and renowned treks. rapidascent.com.au/runlarapinta

Darwin Festival

August 9–18 The Ekka

Brisbane Qld It’s all about agriculture at The Ekka, where you can wander through animal exhibits, marvel at fresh food displays and watch whip-cracking competitions at the state’s largest annual event. ekka.com.au

Run Larapinta

August 17

Henley-on-Todd Regatta

Alice Springs NT Held on the dry, sandy bed of Todd River, this mock regatta sees participants build and race their own ‘boats’ made from metal frames and banners. henleyontodd.com.au

Events Calender Shinju Matsuri.

August 28–September 1

September 7–15

South West region WA In Busselton, Bunbury, Dunsborough, and Margaret River, new Australian and international cinema will screen in the region’s theatres, bars, wineries and galleries. cinefestoz.com

Broome WA Japanese for ‘festival of the pearl’, Shinju Matsuri celebrates Broome’s diversity of cultures and early days as a producer of rare South Sea pearls. Events include the symbolic Floating Lantern Matsuri and a long-table feast on Cable Beach. shinjumatsuri.com.au

CinefestOZ Film Festival

August 30–September 8 Melbourne Writers Festival

Melbourne Vic Melbourne’s literary festival hosts readings, film screenings, workshops, book launches and banquets with some of the best writing talent from around the globe. mwf.com.au

September 6–8 Barossa Gourmet Weekend

Barossa Valley SA In one of the country’s premier food and wine regions, you can feast your senses on a smorgasbord of experiences, from tastings and masterclasses to gourmet trails and garden parties. barossagourmet.com

August 30–September 1 Red CentreNATS

Alice Springs NT Over Father’s Day weekend, this festival of wheels puts on a wild show of professional burnouts, off-road jumps and drag racing. And you don’t have to be a car enthusiast to belt out along to the classic Aussie rock concert. redcentrenats.com.au

September 6–28

Brisbane Festival

Brisbane Qld This three-week cultural celebration delivers a program of art, theatre, opera, dance, circus and major public events, culminating in Australia’s longest fireworks display, the Sunsuper Riverfire. brisbanefestival.com.au

Shinju Matsuri

September 12–22

Darwin International Film Festival

Darwin NT Under a blanket of stars at Darwin’s waterfront Deckchair Cinema, DIFF presents local and international films, plus great filmmaking workshops and exhibitions. diff.net.au

September 26–29 Bellingen Fine Music Festival

Bellingen NSW From classical to opera to jazz, enjoy a diverse mix of fine music concerts and workshops in this 10th anniversary event. bellingenmusicfestival.com.au AUG/SEPT 2019

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Getaway

DOWN BY THE BILLABONG Immersive oasis Billabong Retreat offers eco-minded luxury in a stunning bushland setting. Just outside Sydney, it’s the perfect escape to reset and revitalise. words: Sarah Hinder

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

I drive north, away from the mad dash of a Sydney Monday morning. As the cars thin to a drizzle and my route becomes one winding, single-lane road through paddocks of hay-chewing cows and trotting horses, the weekday hubbub fades away. I’m on my way to a secluded retreat designed to immerse guests in nature.

Not long after the road plunges into unperturbed bushland, I spot a humble wooden sign that reads ‘Billabong’. Turning into the driveway, I see welcoming log cabin-like buildings with smoke rising from the chimneys. A woman in chef’s garments smiles at me as she carries a carton of vegetables across the yard. At reception, I’m greeted by the lovely Jess. Full of energy, she takes me on a tour around the grounds, from the treetop yoga room and the cosy dining hall to my deluxe cabin lodgings, all the while explaining a little history of the retreat and just how everything works.

Surrounded by trees, shrubs and ferns, the eco-cabins are set upon stilts on a rocky outcrop, blending almost seamlessly into the bushy landscape. From their efforts to build the retreat infrastructure to fit in with the surrounding environment, to the rainwater tanks and gas cylinders fitted to each individual cabin, owners Paul and Tory von Bergen successfully realised their vision of establishing a fully certified eco-retreat.

Stepping into my cabin, I draw breath. Key still in hand, I skip across the timber-floored room straight to glass double-doors, which throw wide open onto views of twisting and towering gum trees. Down below the tree line stretches the gorgeous rippling billabong – certainly the largest and most full of life that I’ve ever seen. The sounds of whipbirds, bellbirds, rosellas and other natives fill the trees (it’s certainly not all magpies and mynas here), only to be briefly interrupted as a flock of noisy geese cut across the water. A freestanding

Getaway

bathtub stands to one side of the covered balcony, while table and chairs – a perfect reading nook – rest in the other. Hold that thought.

I unpack my belongings into a beautiful mahogany-coloured wooden chest, throw on an extra layer and head straight down the ‘tough’ rocky track to the billabong (there’s also the option of a more level round track). I keep an eye out for wallabies, monitor lizards, bluetongues, possums and other resident locals while the leaves above hum with birdsong. Reaching the water’s edge, shrouded by waterlilies and reeds, I slowly pad my way down the light path that sidles unobtrusively along the shore of the billabong. A few ducks glide across the water, while I spot the geese making nests on the far side.

Returning to my cabin, I spend some time relaxing on the balcony with a good book and a cup of tea, simply taking in the serenity. Next up is yoga at sunset. Stepping into the pleasantly warm yoga room with mats and blankets awaiting, I make my way over to a vacant spot and take in the expansive studio, facing a floor-toceiling wall of windows. Now, in the very treetops, the upper branches of the giant gums sway gently behind the glass as Kirsty, our yoga and meditation teacher, quietly speaks with each

of us to understand our experience and comfort level. We practice Yin yoga, a meditative and slower-paced style, where poses are held for longer periods and deep relaxation is the aim of the game. My favourite part: we finish off with a full 20 minutes of guided meditation as an orange sky melts away behind the trees. Naturally.

There’s no need to rush here.

Later that night we each slowly drift towards the dining room from our scattered cabins. I now can’t

help but find myself surprised there’s even a dozen people here. From the undisturbed silence, one could be forgiven for assuming they’re the only person for miles. We sit down together along homely long wooden tables.

The room warmed by a welcome gas heater, we calmly chat and learn a little about each other while enticing smells drift in from the adjoining kitchen.

Just before we eat, our chef Tash joins us to say a few words about what’s motivated her to cook tonight’s healthy wholefood dinner. I head to bed full and satisfied, listening to the sound of an easy silence, dissolved only by the occasional hoot of a nearby owl.

I wake well rested and head straight up to the yoga studio for the early morning practice as the sun rises.

Then, unable to resist, spend the rest of my stay soaking up the view over my beautiful balcony. As I head back to the carpark, well wished by sunny receptionist Jess, I hear the sounds of laughter and bright chatter drifting from the nearby kitchen window.

Through the bushland and back onto the road, I drive away feeling elated.

Reset and revitalised. billabongretreat.com.au | 02 4573 6080

AUG/SEPT 2019

19

Adventure

Speed Supercars heroes Jamie Whincup and Shane van Gisbergen talk competitiveness, Australia’s best bit of track, and trans-Tasman cake ownership. words: ben smithurst

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

Jamie Whincup

Adventure

s r e c a r

“That’s disgraceful,” said Whincup.

“He should be deported.”

Charming, well-liked and universally respected, Triple Eight Racing’s pairing of seven-time Supercars series victor, Virgin Australia ambassador Jamie Whincup (Australian), and 2016 champion Shane van Gisbergen (New Zealander) are superstars of their sport. So who’d have expected

that one throwaway film question might have ruined it all?

“So,” we asked ‘SVG’, “would you say you’re more of a Bullitt man or a Mad Max guy?”

“Bullitt?” said the Kiwi. “Is that the one with Steve McQueen? I don’t know – I haven’t watched it.”

“Oh,” we said. “Mad Max, then.”

“I haven’t seen Mad Max, either.”

Cue long pause. And potential

Shane van Gisbergen

expulsion from the country.

Can two of motorsport’s greatest competitors make peace long enough to give us an insight into their almost three decades of combined Supercars experience? Or will Shane be bundled into a van by the Department of Home Affairs, doomed to live out his days in a Dunedin shed with Dave Dobbyn and Dustin Martin’s dad? 

AUG/SEPT 2019

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Shane van Gisbergen 22

ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

What’s the best part of any track in Australia to race?

Yep, yep. It’s actually a couple of corners before Skyline [at Mount Panorama, Bathurst]. We all call it ‘The Grate’. You come down into a dip, big compression and the steering literally locks up because the loads are so high.

So you’ve got to be prepared and have the steering set to what angle you want. And then the compression, you just can't turn the car for a split second because the steering jams up.

It’s got walls on either side, inside and outside, and the walls are your apex points and your exit points, so if you ride on the wall, then you’ve done a good job.

Sounds scary.

I don’t think I’ve ever been through there on the limit and got away with it. Every time you come up to it your brain says, ’Yep, we’ll go faster this lap.’ And your foot just comes straight off the pedal.

It’s such a crazy corner.

How does it get in the car?

The normal rule is that it’s 20 degrees hotter than ambient temperature. In Adelaide this year it was 40 degrees all week, and first race of the year, it was a killer – 60 degrees in the car for a 250-kilometre race, so almost two hours. We were in there, battling. The exhaust is right below you and right beside you, so the heat just comes straight through. It’s not like a road car, there's no insulation at all, it’s just straight metal, and it just absorbs everything.

What’s it like to win a championship?

Yeah, it took a while to sink in.

You know, I won mine on the Saturday so I still had Sunday to race, and yeah, was just a cool feeling. It was my dream to be in the series, and then to win one was just icing on the cake.

What do you like most about it?

The battles. Our cars are so awesome to race and you can go wheel-to-wheel and

someone can hit you and carry on. It’s just a battle you know, I’ve had some of the best races and jumped out of the car stoked and I’ve come fourth or fifth. I just love racing, and V8s I think has the best racing and also some of the best drivers.

And some of the most competitive personalities.

It’s remarkable it doesn’t get more heated.

Yeah, but they’re people you work with the whole time.

That’s why I think in our sport you don’t see drivers fighting like you do in rugby league or something, because you’ve got to race that guy the next week, you know? If you square someone up, they’ll get you.

Plus it is dangerous, so you’ve got to look after each other.

There’s a fair bit of comradery, but even if you sometimes see them for a drink afterwards, it’s hard to be friends because they’re fighting for the same goal. So it can be pretty tense and tough but it’s still cool.

Jamie Whincup Are you madly competitive at every activity?

I’m naturally a competitive person. I like to get the most out of any activity. When you get older, you’re a bit more aware of your limits, so… well there is no limit. You’re more aware of your expectations, I should say.

well; you can make mistakes that way. I’ve made some pretty silly errors when everything’s happening naturally, and I’m not actually fully focused on what I’m doing.

While it’s great, and it’s a very surreal, weird feeling, I try to snap out of it as quick as I can.

So you’ll be pumping the grandkids at ping pong when you’re elderly.

I think so. I actually reckon I got it from my father. Dad always used to say: ’The day you beat me is the day I’ll give it away,’ so he was always battling with me ’till he was 50 years old.

It’s part of your job, but for a layperson, what’s it like to crash at high speed?

The feeling is that everything’s happening in slow motion.

A half a second crash feels like it goes on for 10 seconds, as you do everything you possibly can to one: try and get out of the situation, or two: try to minimise as much as you can.

You will remember every hit, every G, every roll – it will feel like everything is in slow motion, and the amount that your brain is taking in at that time is out of control, and you’ll be able to remember that for the rest of your life, it’s just embedded.

Ayrton Senna talked about being so ‘in the zone’ that it was almost like observing yourself driving, without conscious thought.

Do you get that?

I know exactly what he’s talking about there. Most athletes will get it, when you’re so in sync with what you’re doing.

You’re not actually consciously thinking about changing gears, where to turn into the corner, where to brake, it’s all happening naturally and it’s almost like your brain is thinking about something else. Ayrton explained it better than anyone; you can almost sit above and just look at what’s going on because your body is just acting instinctively on the task at hand.

It sounds awesome.

It can be really dangerous as

races V8s for a living. Send him home, you reckon?

Yeah, back over the ditch I reckon. I think he still claims the lamington is his, and how he can do that is beyond me, but he claims the lamington is from Kiwiland and it’s as good as [marshmallow-based New Zealand confectionary delicacy] the chocolate fish, he reckons.

They can dispute pavlova, but lamingtons are from Qld. Virgin Australia flies into and out of Brisbane from Bundaberg, Gladstone and Port Macquarie. Anyone at the airport could set him straight.

Exactly. It’s unbelievable.

Next thing you know, they’ll be claiming Russell Crowe.

Virgin Australia is a proud codeshare partner with Alliance, flying in and out of Brisbane from Bundaberg, Gladstone and Port Macquarie.

You’ve won seven championships. When did you feel comfortably established in the sport?

The answer to that is never.

The cemetery is full of disposable people. There’s always someone ready to take your job. To be in one of the best racing seats in the country, at the top level of motorsports, your job is never secure.

Finally, deportation. SVG hasn’t seen Mad Max, yet he AUG/SEPT 2019

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Adventure

NT & WA: ET’s top

Rugby league legend and fishing enthusiast Andrew Ettingshausen, aka ET, takes us through his absolute favourite places around Western Australia and the Northern Territory for a day of fishing. words: Andrew Ettingshausen

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

Adventure The Kimberley.

+1m barra!

MV Cannon‘s gourmet meals.

NT WEST COAST – “THE RUN OFF” (MARCH TO JUNE)

THE FITZMAURICE (JULY)

FISHING HAS NEVER LOOKED THIS GOOD

THE KIMBERLEY

(AUGUST TO OCTOBER)

NT NORTH COAST

REMOTE COASTLINE SPORTFISHING IN UNRIVALLED LUXURY FIRST CLASS GUIDES, FOOD AND ADVENTURE!

(OCTOBER)

THE MINI MINI / WEST ARNHEM LAND – “THE BUILD UP” (NOVEMBER)

5 stars on Tripadvisor

CHOICE OF CHARTERS OR JOIN YOUR OWN

Cannon Charters

WA & NT

It was to be the once-in-a-lifetime experience. But after a week on MV Cannon, it became my ‘whenever I can’ experience. Imagine a new, pristine, tropical location every day, promising the thrill and excitement of your next personal best of any number of hard fighting fish. The anticipation of every cast is palpable. You never know what is going to slam your lure next. The guides are excellent and know everything to teach beginners or educate old hands with new tricks.

MV Cannon takes you to new spots overnight, so there’s no fishing time wasted. While you’re on board, you relax in 5-star comfort with an onboard chef skilfully serving meals any restaurant would be proud of. The ice-cold beer tastes so good after a day chasing trophy fish, and the stories and banter keep getting better as the evening draws on. You sleep in private air-conditioned quarters, two with ensuites.

There’s plenty of hot water and the crew even do laundry for you. Wake up in the morning with a difficult decision (after breakfast and coffee) of blue water or river? Queenfish, mackerel, tuna or barramundi, jacks and trevally?

The scenery is mindblowing. Red cliffs with even redder sunsets. Thick rainforest or the grassy flood plains with crystal clear water flowing down into the salt. There are birds, crocs, dolphins, buffalo and dingoes – a menagerie of animals in their natural environment. Eventually all dreams end, but there was one thrill left for me: being picked up on a remote river by a Paspaley Pearl flying boat to be whisked back to civilisation.

MV Cannon is truly your ‘whenever you can’ experience! cannoncharters.com.au | bec@cannoncharters.com.au | 0417 457 135 – Testimonial by Greg Parkes.

AUG/SEPT 2019

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Adventure Coral Bay.

Kimberley Coastal Camp.

Exmouth.

Coral Bay Rowley Shoals.

Coral Bay

Rowley Shoals

Coral Bay is a beautiful location within Ningaloo Reef Lagoon. Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters are the guys to fish with here. They can put you onto sailfish and marlin and drop the baits down deep to catch the prized red emperor. It’s a breathtaking holiday destination right on the beach with terrific snorkelling and swimming. mahimahifishingcharters. com.au

Departing from Broome, it’s a 24-hour charter boat trip to the three coral atolls that make up the Rowley Shoals. The long trip out is entirely worth the effort – this remote location provides amazing fishing, beautiful reef structure and a lagoon with a sand cay which creates a sheltered anchorage.

Sailfish abound outside the reef, but inside is where the magic happens, and diverse coral reef species thrive.

WA

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

WA

Kimberley Coastal Camp, near Kununurra WA

Flying into Kununurra, you’re halfway to the remote Kimberley Coastal Camp.

A unique destination, this top-rated lodge sits right on the water’s edge. The fishing is on par with the incredible scenery – big barra, black jewfish, golden snapper, coral trout, queenfish and trevally are in abundance. kimberleycoastalcamp. com.au

Exmouth WA

Exmouth is, simply put, a fishing paradise. Located at the top end of Ningaloo Reef, the crystal-clear lagoon is home to a wide variety of reef fish. A short trip out through the lagoon entrance sees you fishing in the deep blue Indian Ocean, chasing sailfish, marlin and tuna. Charter boats work out of this WA hotspot, and if you’re wanting to battle a game fish, your chances are excellent. visitningaloo.com.au

Adventure

Broome WA

Another breathtaking location set upon beach sand dunes, the Ramada Eco Beach Resort is where I stayed on my last trip to Broome. We caught sizeable barramundi in the local creek and sailfish along the coast while fishing from a game boat with a talented skipper and deckhand. ecobeach.com.au

Mary River, near Darwin NT

Mary River.x

Broome.

Maningrida.

A couple of hours’ drive from Darwin is the magnificent Shady Camp boat ramp on the Mary River. I like to fish with the team at Territory Guided Fishing, who recently took me out from their liveaboard vessel, parked at the mouth of the river, to fish the coastal creeks. My biggest barra was 117 centimetres, so they really know their stuff.

My favourite time of the year is April and May, when the wet season finishes, and the run-off is in full swing. ntfishing.com.au

Maningrida NT

From the air, you’re compelled to look out the window as you fly over some of Australia’s most majestic rivers and wilderness on your way to Maningrida. Staying at the Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge will see you hooked up to jumping barra from day one. The rivers each side of Maningrida hold huge numbers of these iconic Aussie sportfish. You won’t be disappointed. barralodge.com.au AUG/SEPT 2019

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Adventure

Cobourg Coastal Camp.

Cobourg Coastal Camp

Wessel Islands

Perched right on the northern Cobourg Peninsula, the camp overlooks the flat clean waters of Port Essington.

With special permission from the traditional owners to operate in this spiritual Indigenous homeland, one of the best sportfishing destinations in the Top End has emerged. An abundance of sportfish – golden snapper, black jewfish, queenfish, trevally and mangrove jack – await your lures and baits. cobourgcoastalcamp.com.au

The Wessel Islands are one of my favourite Top End destinations. The crew on board Wildcard Luxury Cruises offer wet season fishing and exploratory charters around these ancient islands.

This is a definite bucketlist trip to a magical part of Australia that not many get to experience. If you love catching big Spanish mackerel and sportfishing for sailfish and big trevally, this place is for you. wildcardluxurycruises. com.au

NT

Wessel Islands.

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

NT

Adventure

Dhipirri Lodge, near Milingimbi Island NT

A short trip from Milingimbi Island will see you fishing at one of the Top End’s best barramundi camps: Dhipirri Lodge.

While barra are the major target species here, you’ll also do battle with a wide variety of sportfish when angling in these untouched waters. East Arnhem Land has been inhabited and fished by Indigenous owners for more than 40,000 years, and you can truly feel this ancient history all around you. dhipirribarra.com.au

Dhipirri Lodge.

AUG/SEPT 2019

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Hotel Review

B R E AT H I N G I N

If you’ve only ever explored Japan’s wonderful frenetic cities, you might not understand why this beautiful country is so Zen. WORDS: Michelle HespE Like most of us these days – running around a slave to technology and with a stupidly busy schedule – I was in need of some real downtime. Some time to breathe. And I found it, in an elegant Japanese ryokan (traditional guesthouse or inn) tucked away in snowand mist-covered mountains.

It had everything the doctor and chiro had ordered, with

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

a big dose of fairy tale.

At Bettei Senjuan, nestled at the foot of Mt Tanigawa in Gunma Prefecture in northern Minakami, I ticked off the elements needed for a few days of true relaxation and rejuvenation: fresh mountain air, healthy food courtesy of mother nature (prepared by incredible chefs), massages, walking, hot mineral healing springs,

zen-like reading rooms, an abundance of natural light, and views to die for. Not to mention attentive, kind staff who somehow soundlessly floated by, ready to take care of my every whim if need be, or quietly understanding if I needed alone time.

There are only 18 suites at Bettei Senjuan, each with its own outdoors onsen that you enter through the

Hotel Review

bathroom, and a communal onsen with luxurious pampering products, massage chairs and exquisite views. In winter, sitting in a hot tub and marvelling at steam rising and merging with snakes of mist while rivulets of water carve their way through snow and ice is a seriously relaxing experience. And even better with a hot tea or saké.

THE ART OF JAPANESE FOOD Meals at Bettei Senjuan are an entertaining yet calming affair: like interactive theatre, where the diners are involved in every exquisite dish. As a family or group you can sit in your own private dining space, all at individual little tables, and a degustation can involve eight to 10 intricately prepared courses that are nothing short of works of art – and in true Japanese style, every ingredient is sourced, handled and displayed with love and care on ceramic bowls, plates and platters handmade by local artisans.

Each of my interesting (to a foreigner!) and delicious

dishes is presented by a cheery waitress who offers the food as a gift. She clearly loves her job, and politely and humbly discusses where every ingredient is from and the methods of cooking (some modern, some traditional) that the chef has applied.

Among the many delicate appetisers I indulge in are herring roe with dried tuna shavings, salmon roe with grated radish, and local apple dressed in tofu.

Then comes oyster cake with white miso soup, red bream, yellow tail and trout sashimi, and a dumpling dish with red king crab sauce. It’s enough to have any seafood lover rejoicing.

Next my own little hotpot over a flame is delivered, and I’m taught how to cook my local Joshu beef and crack a freshly laid egg in for good measure. Dessert is a bracken rice cake with black syrup and citrus sherbet.

By the time I leave my table, bowing back to my server with heartfelt gratitude, I feel as full as I do content. I saunter quietly home in my slippers

and yukata (a casual version of the kimono, usually made of cotton), admiring the soaring ceilings of the hotel’s rightfully famous architecturally designed swooping wooden walkway.

It’s lit up in all its glory, and golden spotlights bounce off the snowy hillocks growing larger by the minute outside.

Each evening when I return to my suite, after dinner and perhaps a latenight saké or wine in the hotel’s bar, I smile at the transformation. By day the space is a sitting

room with elegant, low-slung traditional Japanese furniture, the pared-back decorations including a ceramic vase here and a single sculptural element there, neatly placed in a tokonoma (alcove). Every space is created to induce calm.

By night, the staff have laid out a traditional futon bed on the tatami (straw) mats, and I sit quietly at the low wooden table, legs on the floor, enjoying a green tea and nibbling sweet dumplings that are kept warm in a steamer. Then I crawl into my quilt, which has an opening on top so you can slip inside like a sleeping bag, making sure I’m facing the view before I fall asleep. There’s snow falling lightly, sprinkling like icing sugar across the mountains, dusting the treetops. There’s no sound except my slow, measured breathing, in and out, in and out – just like the doctor ordered. senjyuan.jp

AUG/SEPT 2019

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Dream the days away at Frenchman’s River.

Beauty, luxury, serenity. Come and stay. book@frenchmansriver.com.au | 0466 790 142 @frenchmansrivercygnet | www.frenchmansriver.com.au

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day gift ideas After a great gift for a great dad?

Try out these creative ideas.

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1. kickin’ it The zip-sided chemical-resistant #982 by Blundstone is ideal for industries where there is a potential risk for caustic or acid exposure. Packed with the latest innovations in safety and comfort, they are perfect for keeping you protected if you’re on your feet all day. For further details visit: blundstone.com.au

Compiled by: haley halvorson

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2. Tackle It Shimano’s backpack with tackle box makes a stylish addition to every fisherman’s collection.

With four included tackle trays, sunglasses case, tool holder and drink pocket, it doesn’t matter whether he’s a diehard fisher or weekend warrior – this bag will have his back. $99.95, ottostackleworld.com.au

3. master series 15-year-old whisky This premium single malt whisky represents the very best from Tasmania’s Hellyer’s Road Distillery. Selected by the master distiller, it has been drawn from some of the popular distillery’s oldest casks. $282.90, hellyersroaddistillery.com.au

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4. Handmade Shoes These classic Oxford toecap brogue shoes are handmade by master shoemaker Andrew McDonald. Business classics, they’re made with black and brown box calf upper, and brogue detail on the toecap for a refined look. Available sizes include men’s 40-46.

From $795,andrewmcdonald.com.au

Receive a bonus antler shoe horn to the value of $50 if you mention InflightMags Stocks limited!

AUG/SEPT 2019

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Father’s Day Gift Ideas

5. Sock it to Him Who said socks had to be boring? Who said socks even had to be identical? These ‘odd socks’ are made from sustainable bamboo, which is moisture wicking and anti-bacterial. Meaning, no more stinky feet! $16.95, lambchopssocks. com.au

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6. Get Smart

7. Gentlemen Only

8. hair hero

Carry all you need without the struggle of fitting a bulky wallet into your favourite suit or pair of jeans. Stay efficient and say goodbye to getting stuck when your phone’s run out of battery. KobZ Smart Wallet’s clever design combines storage for cash and cards with a portable power bank. $99, top3.com.au

The Handy Man Tool Kit is a mini workbench in a box. Bringing together all the standard fixer-upper necessities, the solid wooden case holds a hammer, tape measure, wooden ruler, pliers, multi-ratchet screwdriver and a pencil.

Each premium-quality piece is strong, ergonomic and made to last. $99.90, top3.com.au

The perfect solution for a dad in need of thicker, stronger hair.

This Hunter Lab Hair Care Kit, which includes an Invigorating Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner, is packaged within a luxury black gift case. Both practical and indulgent, this gift is wrapped and ready. $84, hunterlab.com.au

ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

9. go fish in coral bay, WA Operating out of Coral Bay on Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters offers fantastic full- and half-day fishing tours in addition to private charters for small groups.

Light game and bottom fishing, as well as heavy game fishing, can all be catered for.

From $225, 08 9942 5874 mahimahifishingcharters.com.au bookings@mahimahifishingcharters. com.au

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10. Sortable & Portable

11. Love the Beard

12. Well-Groomed

This foldable carry-on bag can be compacted into a zip-up pouch when not in use. It’s handy to pop in checked luggage to use as a small day bag when out and about. The bag features a front zip pocket that slips over luggage handles, so it’s easy to transport with the rest of your gear. $14.95, buymythings.com.au

Think of this beard oil as ‘man oil’.

It’s good for all those itchy skin, dry jawline and frizzy facial hair symptoms that most men don’t like talking about.

Whether your dad has got a beard or not, this stuff gets to the bottom of all skin problems, moisturising and healing both his skin and beard. $44, blackchicken.com.au

Turn Dad’s bathroom into a sanctuary of organisation by giving all his grooming tools a home of their own.

The Harvey & Oliver Set by Tooletries will help to ‘shave’ time off his morning or night shower routine. Plus, the steamy, warm water means shaving in the shower is better for his skin. $54.95, tooletries.com AUG/SEPT 2019

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Multi-tool with USB port Expands 4 cm for more capacity

MAKERS OF THE ORIGINAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE

|

ESTABLISHED 1884

WERKS TRAVELER 6.0 SOFTSIDE

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

13. All Teched Up The Gaucho Techroll, in racing green no less, is the ideal gift for the man who ‘has everything’. Keep his tech gear and accessories organised with this soft genuine leather mobile tech organiser, which can be personalised with his name. $269.22, giftslessordinary.com

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14. keep Him Cool Keep his drinks cold in Packit’s 9-Can freezable insulated cooler, with a built-in eco-gel liner that lets you take meals and drinks everywhere without the need for ice packs. It keeps contents cool for up to 10 hours, is PVC and lead-free, non-toxic, reusable, and folds compactly in the freezer for storage. $44.95, biome.com.au

15. Get Comfy, Dad This lightweight and ergonomically designed Kikkerland iBED lap desk

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is Dad’s answer to comfy use of his tablet or e-reader when on-the-go. Thanks to the roomy, non-slip surface and a sturdy microbead cushion, he can just pop his book or tablet into the slot and be ready to go. $19.99, yellowoctopus. com.au

16. Made with Love These bespoke sterling silver children’s drawing cufflinks from Gifts Less Ordinary are the perfect personalised gift for a new dad this Father’s Day. $221.22, giftslessordinary.com

16 AUG/SEPT 2019

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The Secret is Out Interior Secrets is your online destination for great designer furniture. Based in Melbourne and delivering Australia wide, Interior Secrets is passionate about excellent craftsmanship and iconic modern styles, offering homeowners a wide range of designer furniture at honest, straight from the manufacturer prices.

By partnering with the best suppliers and manufacturers directly, Interior Secrets cuts out unnecessary costs to help you stay within your budget. Give your home the modern makeover it deserves for less. Save more with Interior Secrets' online store and live the styles you want today.

interiorsecrets.com.au | 1300 668 605 | sales@interiorsecrets.com.au

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

17. Get Rolling

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The Studio Roller is an innovative way to display information in the cafĂŠ, office or home. A simple and functional wall-mounted bracket seamlessly dispenses kraft paper to write ideas, menus, specials and daily tasks. $243.92, georgeandwilly.com

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18. The Finer things in Life The stunning Van Daemon decanter sets (in three designs) include a whisky decanter and four heavybased tumblers large enough to accommodate 2-inch whisky stones, cubes or an ice ball. Each set comes in a gift box, which can also store its contents for years and generations to come. $149, freshaustralianstore.com

19. Some Like it Hot Inspired by Alaskan whalers from the 18th century, the Fire Starter provides a revolutionary way to light your fire without kindling or newspaper. The porous

ceramic stone absorbs lamp oil in the steel vessel. Once lit, it produces a generous flame for 15-20 minutes, allowing for large logs to catch fire. $337, georgeandwilly.com

20. A Carry-on for the frequent flyer dad Boasting voluminous packing space of 32 litres, this super sleek carry-on is the perfect travel companion for any jetsetter dad. It can also expand up to 4 centimetres to increase packing capacity and comes equipped with a handy USB port which can connect to a battery pack.

Now he can keep his device powered when on the go. $759, victorinox.com AUG/SEPT 2019

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JOIN OUR TRIBE! Follow us and stay in touch: @carolinalifestylelabel

Here's 20% off your next purchase!

Enter the code AllianceCarolina online at checkout OR present it in store to claim your 20% off.

carolinalifestyle www.carolina.net.au

*Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer limited to one use per customer.

AusBiz.

NEWS+VIEWS | MINING | AGRIBUSINESS | INFRASTRUCTURE

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12 P.2 buisness news+views p.3 QLD invest special p.6 mine fires on the rise P.12 agricultural land prices P.18 agribusiness: saltwater crocs P.22 property biz: tiny houses P.26 charity spotlight: careflight

Business News+Views

WORDS: sarah hinder

Australian grains making waves in Vietnam Every year Australia exports more than $460 million worth of wheat into Vietnam, mostly used in bread and noodles. According to a new research report published by the Australian Export Grains Innovations Centre (AEGIC), this number is expected to increase by 44 per cent by the year 2030.

Australia’s wheat has historically been used across Vietnam’s higherpriced food sectors, explains lead report author Dr Peter White.

“Australian wheat has an excellent reputation for noodles in Vietnam,

[and] is Vietnam’s first choice for bread (bánh mì),“ he says. “Vietnam is one of the top 10 beer markets in the world, and Australia is already their largest supplier of malt and malt barley.”

With the country’s middle class expected to make up one quarter of its 96 million-strong population by 2030, the demand for high-quality Australian grain and wheat is expected to be at an all-time high.

Meanwhile, Australian barley imports into Vietnam have the potential to double by the same year.

To find out more visit aegic.org.au

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Investment Special

QLD Invest deliver valuable property investments to Australian families Let’s face it, working for the man is good for paying the bills, but to really get ahead, we all know that property investing is a must. As a wise old investor said to me years ago: “This property will never be as cheap as it was when you bought it.” Well, I guess that’s why they call it REAL estate.

Where do you start? Seriously!

How much research do you need to conduct before you buy a property?

When navigating all the contradicting property reports out there, it’s easy to follow the herd, simply because that’s what the herd does. Plus, who has the time to drive across the country investigating every nook and cranny, trying to locate that ‘great deal’?

Well, enter Korry from QLD Invest.

The really unique thing about what Korry does is he ‘manufactures’ the wealth into the property design. It’s a concept that takes time to wrap your head around. But once you get it, you’ll probably never buy a stock standard property again. QLD Invest was set up by Korry in order to deliver real wealth, to everyday families, through smart property investments.

Korry explains that his team spends most of their time looking at council zoning, and what would be allowable under council rules. Then designing a building that will deliver a specific commercial outcome to the investor.

“We deliver a complete package.

All the investor needs to do is be prepared to work with the mortgage broker to get the lending in place and sign a few contracts.

“We’ve got dozens of clients currently involved in projects which will provide $80,000-$120,000 in immediate uplift, within six to eight months. Not only that, it provides big tax deductions. It’s hard to beat. And an investor on a normal salary can get into high return property, with around $100,000 equity or deposit.”

Korry explains: “We named the business QLD Invest because southeast Queensland is in fact one of the best locations for investment at the current time and foreseeable future.

“Many of our projects are returning high weekly rents and incredible returns of 6 to 15 per cent each year.

On top of that is the capital growth.

One of our clients who wanted to move up from Sydney, is in fact getting a 25 per cent annual return on the project that we delivered. It’s basically allowed the family’s dad to stay at home. That’s life changing, and that’s when I get real satisfaction from my business. We are a family business, and we pride ourselves in helping families secure a great future.”

QLD Invest makes the investment process seamless. With every step, from initial discussion through to securing lending, managing the project and getting it rented, the team at QLD Invest support the process at no charge to clients.

“We deliver far more than most people would be able to achieve with their own knowledge, and we do it quickly, including high return SMSF property.“ Talking with Korry, you will learn more in three minutes than you may in a lifetime. qldinvest.com.au | 0439 425 855 korry@qldinvest.com.au

Korry and Roma from QLD Invest with their daughters.

AUG/SEPT 2019

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Hunter Valley

At the heart of Subiaco in Perth: Park Regis Subiaco – Opening November 2019.

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Business News+Views

South Queensland Energy and Resources Expo

Northern Australia wild for rice In the first project of its kind undertaken in Australia, the new Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) plans to launch a $505,000 research collaboration to kick off a rice sector in northern Australia.

Partnering with organisations including the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), the 18-month project will trial three different scenarios for the proposed industry, including production of unique wild rice and northern Australian rice varieties, and the potential global commercial use of these varieties’ genes.

QAAFI’s Professor Robert Henry explains: “a ‘North Australian rice’ grade would be worth $50 million within seven years.“ For more information visit crcna.com.au

South-west Queensland is leading the way in Australia with enormous growth and diversity across a range of industries. With major infrastructure projects already underway and a raft of others about to start, the entire region is in ‘fast forward’. The South Queensland Energy and Resources Expo is on this October 16–17 at Toowoomba Showgrounds.

For your chance to be involved free call 1800 671 588, or register online to book an exhibition space. Delegate registrations are now open at energyandresources.com.au

StayWell and Prince Hotels & Resorts offer luxury One of the largest hotel management groups in Asia-Pacific, StayWell Holdings and its parent company Prince Hotels Inc offer a diverse portfolio of properties across a combined total network of 75 operating hotels worldwide.

The company’s combined brand offerings include The Prince, Grand Prince Hotel, Policy, Park Regis, Prince Hotel, Leisure Inn Plus, Prince Smart Inn and Leisure Inn. Each brand offers guests quality experiences from luxury to lifestyle.

Prince Hotels & Resorts and StayWell have set a strategic goal to deliver a total of 250 hotels. The expansion of both company brands will take place across the world.

The opening of Perth hotel Park Regis Subiaco in November 2019 will mark the launch of a flagship Park Regis property in Australia.

AUG/SEPT 2019

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Mining

Darren Baguley Darren specialises in the fields of technology, mining, agriculture, energy and business.

Mine fires on the rise THE INCREASING USE OF PLASTIC IN MOBILE PLANT ON MINE SITES HAS LED TO A MARKED INCREASE IN MINE FIRES. According to the NSW Resources Regulator, the number of fires on mine sites has doubled in nearly a decade. A recent report from the regulator found that more than 200 fires were reported between September 2014 and May 2017.

On average that’s about six per month – double the number reported between 2001 and 2008.

Further, the regulator noted that between May 2016 and May 2017 a total of 97 incidents were reported, at an average of eight fires each month. It also noted that high temperature diesel engine exhaust and turbo surfaces were the ignition source in 69 per cent of fires in the data period.

This trend is not restricted to New South Wales, or even Australia: according to international insurer FM Global, mine plant fires are on the rise everywhere. The US-based insurance firm has offices worldwide, and specialises in insuring large corporations. It has 300 mining sites on its books, spread across the globe.

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Mining

Unlike most insurance companies, which employ actuarial calculations to determine risk, FM Global determines risk, and premiums, by applying engineering analysis.

This approach takes the view that property losses can be prevented or mitigated, and the company’s engineering personnel regularly visit clients to evaluate hazards and recommend improvements aimed at reducing physical and financial losses if an incident occurs.

According to Group Manager, Account Engineering, Mike Beaumont, the increase in mine fires highlighted by the NSW Resources Regulator is definitely a trend and not a statistical outlier. “FM Global’s data, including over 50 mining sites in Australia, shows that fire incidents at mines are on the increase,” he says.

“While the number of fires that affect mobile plants remains relatively stable, there has been a significant rise in fire incidents (both in frequency and severity) involving other types of fixed plant, such as

rubber belt conveyors, vibratory screens, hydro-cyclones, piping and rubber-lined equipment.”

During the reporting period, fire accounted for 27 per cent of all losses on mine sites. If the use of autonomous vehicles continues to rise, as widely expected, the risk of fire could increase further unless it is managed appropriately. The NSW Regulator, however, argues that “engineering technology is available to virtually eliminate fires on mobile plant, as demonstrated by underground coal mobile plant statistics…

There continues to be clear indication that hot surface and inadvertent release of combustible fluid is a dominant condition causing fires on mobile plant at mines. Surface temperature control by water jacketed turbos and exhaust manifolds as typically available on marine application engines, or other methods, should be considered as a means to eliminate hot surface ignition sources.”

One factor that FM Global’s data suggests is contributing to the rise  AUG/SEPT 2019

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Mining

in mine fires is the increased use of plastic equipment and plastic parts.

The issue isn’t so much with the plastic equipment, but with the fire awareness that goes with it. Put simply, plastic is more combustible than metal, and as plastic parts replace steel, there needs to be a change in fire prevention strategies. For example, a recent fire was caused by workers doing hot work above plastic filtering screens, which caught alight.

Beaumont says: “In FM Global’s view, there has been a lag in updating fire safety practices in line with the increasing use of new materials, such as plastics, in mine sites.

There needs to be more education and awareness around combustibility issues when using plastic equipment in a mine site. Also, consideration should be given to improved use of fire protection equipment in key areas of plastic equipment concentration.”

According to Beaumont, FM Global has done a lot of the work for mining companies already when it comes to improving fire prevention standards. “This can be found in our Data Sheet 7-12 ‘Mining and Ore Processing Facilities,’ which is available on our website,” he says.

“This standard is in the process of being updated to provide even more detailed guidance for plastic equipment where we are seeing more losses, and should be available to the public later in 2020. Remaining on top of evolving standards in this area and implementing new recommendations is key to mitigating risk.

“In the meantime, FM Global recommends that miners conduct on-site hazard analysis before starting any hot work. One recommendation to mitigate the risk of fire would be flanging off pipes so that fires in one vessel won’t jump to another if the worst does occur.”

Beaumont says that mine operators

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also need to think about how they are configuring flammable materials. Miners should try to keep the concentration of combustible equipment below a reasonable level, as this can minimise the spread of fire if it occurs.

FM Global believes it is key to ensure miners are aware of any safety related issues, such as combustibility, when new equipment is introduced.

According to Beaumont, failing to adequately educate staff on the ground leads to a far greater risk that appropriate precautions may not be taken. “Staying on top of your equipment maintenance is

another important factor,” he adds.

“Many fires are related to equipment failure, where machinery is running for long periods without maintenance.”

While, thankfully, the rise in mine fires has not resulted in fatalities, with any fire there’s a risk of injuries or death if it isn’t contained effectively, says Beaumont. “As a property insurer, FM Global’s focus and expertise is on the property damage/business interruption side of the equation. We’re not safety experts. But the risks associated with mine fires highlight why it’s imperative for miners to understand fire risk and take appropriate precautions.”

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Achieve maximum effectiveness onsite with Topcon technology and MAGNET software integration One of the largest surveying firms in regional New South Wales, PHL Surveyors has been operating for more than 100 years in Griffith, and for the last 12 years in Bungendore. PHL Surveyors is involved in many facets of surveying including rural boundary definition, rural and urban sub-division, large-scale irrigation design work, planning and engineering works.

The company has been using MAGNET software since the late ‘80s, and first purchased Topcon robotic total stations from Position Partners about seven years ago. Two years ago, PHL Surveyors made the decision to fully integrate its system by purchasing Topcon GNSS equipment.

Operating the Bungendore branch, Alan Longhurst is one of three directors at PHL Surveyors. “One of the projects we’re working on at present is a 20-kilometre rural marking job, where the boundaries have been very difficult to access, and the terrain is pretty steep,” Longhurst explains.

“We’ve utilised several technologies onsite, including total stations, GNSS equipment, AllDayRTK, as well as kinematic methodology – and have

been very impressed with the way the Topcon equipment has performed. It’s made the task so much easier for us.”

PHL Surveyors found that working with Position Partners to integrate the two technologies has resulted in an entirely seamless process.

Longhurst explains: “Since Topcon has taken on the role of developing MAGNET software, we’ve found that it’s worked seamlessly with the use of GNSS equipment and robotic total stations, where in the past we’ve had to use other third-party software and swap it through different applications.”

PHL Surveyors chose a combination of Topcon total stations, GNSS and MAGNET to enable an integrated process both in the field and the office.

“We found the cost effectiveness and the accuracy that we can achieve using Topcon equipment is really impressive,” Longhurst explains. “Now we can operate much more effectively in the office, transferring data to and from equipment and to and from field parties. We feel quite content with where we are now.”

PHL Surveyors has used MAGNET software, in one form or another,

for more than 30 years, and one thing that has kept the company using the software is the support received from Position Partners.

“Whenever you use software or surveying equipment like this, there are always issues. The key to having a good software base is the support you get when things go awry or when there are questions to be asked and answered.

We’re very happy with the way Position Partners is supporting us in the use of this software and we see no reason to change,” affirms Longhurst.

“The use of MAGNET software is critical to the way we operate our survey practice. Without it we couldn’t achieve the outcomes we need to satisfy our clients’ needs.”

AUG/SEPT 2019

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Agricultural Land Prices

Darren Baguley Darren specialises in the fields of technology, mining, agriculture, energy and business.

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AusBiz.

Agricultural Land Prices

Coming in to land

THE VALUE OF FARMLAND IN SOME AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL REGIONS HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES, AND LARGER FARMS ARE BECOMING BIGGER.

Recent reports by Rural Bank and Rabobank indicate that, despite dry conditions in much of the country, rural land prices continue to climb, with Victoria, South Australia and Queensland all showing double digit growth year on year.

According to Rural Bank’s 2018 Australian Farmland Values report, “the national median $/ha price increased by 10.7 per cent in 2018; the fifth consecutive year of growth.

“Farmland value rose again in 2018. Most states recorded an increase in the median price, ranging in growth from -5 per cent to +17 per cent. [The data was compiled from] over 255,000 transactions, accounting for 297.5 million hectares

of land with a combined value of $150.4 billion over 24 years.”

While there is considerable variation from region to region and state to state, all states saw increases except Tasmania, which fell by 5.0 per cent. According to Rural Bank CFO Will Rayner, the fall came after a “sustained period of really strong growth, and the fall mainly represents prices reverting to the mean.”

According to the Rural Bank report, in 2018 the median price of Victorian farmland increased by 14.1 per cent compared to 2017. This marks the third consecutive year of growth in median value per hectare, bringing the three-year average annual growth rate to 12.2 per cent.

The estimated number of farmland transactions in 2018 was 1,681, down 8 per cent compared to 2017.

Although much of Queensland has been suffering drought or drier than normal conditions, the median price of farmland in Queensland increased by 15.7 per cent in 2018 following a 2.8 per cent decrease in 2017.

The estimated number of farmland transactions in 2018 was 1,721, just one more than in 2017.

In New South Wales the median price of farmland increased by 9.6 per cent in 2018, while the volume of transactions decreased by 18 per cent; this trend was mirrored in South Australia, with an increased median (+17 per cent) and lower  AUG/SEPT 2019

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Agricultural Land Prices

transactions (-12.6 per cent).

Western Australia recorded the lowest rise in the median (+3.8 per cent), but unlike South Australia and the eastern states, WA saw an increase in the number of transactions (+9.1 per cent). Tasmania’s 5 per cent decline in median needs to be put in context against growth of 19.3 per cent in 2017. In Tasmania transactions also decreased 11.7 per cent, a turnover remaining close to the 10-year average.

According to Rural Bank and Rabobank, the 2018 growth in median farm price can be attributed to a different mix of farm sales to 2017.

There were fewer sales in 2018, and of farms that did sell, a greater proportion were high value per hectare properties, which contributed to pushing the median higher.

According to RaboResearch Australia & New Zealand Agricultural Analyst Wesley Lefroy, “consolidation and drought are major driving factors behind this. Consolidation is the factor over the long term, but the major factor right now is the drought.”

Despite the drought, the number

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of distressed sales has fallen as a result of improved operating profits, and in circumstances where farmers may have previously sold (such as retirement), the property is now often being continued to be farmed or leased in order to benefit from capital appreciation.

Lefroy says: “opportunistic purchasing drove prices of smaller properties, and heightened demand for ‘add-on’ blocks for existing farms has driven price growth of smaller properties (2.6 per cent CAGR [compound annual growth rate]).

The reason for this is that consolidation has been going on for some years now and larger properties have more purchasing power. There also can be considerable neighbourly competition where a block comes up for sale 

Fast Facts Rural Bank 2018 Australian Farmland Values report Y-oY% State breakdown NSW farmland

9.6

VIC farmland

14.1

SA farmland

17.0

TAS farmland

-5.0

WA farmland

3.8

QLD farmland

15.7

National

10.7

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Agricultural Land Prices

and it complements a number of operations in the area.”

Rayner adds that demand is also being driven by farmers seeking regional diversification. “Regional diversification brings opportunity because prices, productivity and conditions vary so significantly from region to region. It’s becoming increasingly common for pastoral companies and large family operations to buy properties in high rainfall areas to essentially buy their own haystack.”

Lefroy says it is important to keep in mind that agricultural land prices have mainly been driven by a rise in operating profits. “Agricultural land prices don’t correlate with residential property, population growth or unemployment, it’s all about commodity cycles and profitability.

Nationally, the five-year average (2013-2017) farm operating profit was close to seven times larger than a decade earlier (2003-2007) [according to data from the Australian

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Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES)].

Growth was strongest for broad-acre cropping and mixed livestock farms.”

It is important to keep in mind that the reported increase in operating profit has been driven more by macroeconomic conditions than increases in agricultural productivity.

For a large part of the past five years, the overnight cash rate has been at record lows, and the value of the AUD/ USD has been weakening since 2013. A string of favourable seasons elevated production, and most agricultural commodities traded in a profitable range. None more so than beef, wool, and sheep meat prices, which reached decade highs in 2016 and 2017, while the sheep meat price continues to climb. Increased operating profits enable farmers to purchase more land. For corporate investors, high operating returns increase the attractiveness of farm investments.

Nevertheless, good investment

opportunities in agricultural land remain. In the Rabobank report, ’No Summit in Sight: Ag Land Prices to Climb Higher, Australian Agricultural Land Price Outlook 2018’, Lefroy notes that a proportion of land was sold under market relative to productive capacity. “One of the challenges for buyers is that in a perfect market you would be paying for what you could produce – 3 tonne/hectare should be $3,000/hectare – but there is a big variation from region to region. Doing a lot of due diligence in terms of understanding long-term production capacity and reliability of production, there is the opportunity for prospective buyers to buy land well under market value with a similar productive capacity.”

With interest rates at record lows and demand likely to continue, both Rayner and Lefroy believe demand for agricultural land and continuing strong prices will be a feature of the future.

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Agribusiness

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Agribusiness

Ian Lloyd Neubauer With nearly 20 years’ journalism experience, Ian is abreast of global news as it happens.

HUNTED TO THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION, THE SALTWATER CROCODILE HAS MADE A STELLAR COMEBACK, CREATING A BUNCH OF LUCRATIVE SIDE BUSINESSES IN THE PROCESS. “Shoot the lot of them.”

That was the general consensus towards the estuarine or saltwater crocodile in Australia until a few generations ago. And that we did, using Aboriginal labour and guidance to hunt crocs for their skin – to the brink of extinction. By the early 1970s crocodile numbers had dwindled to fewer than 3,000. The species was added to the endangered list and hunting was banned.

There are an estimated 150,000 saltwater crocodiles in the Top End now, making them the beneficiary of the most effective predator conservation program ever conceived.

Its great success is credited to the concurrent launch of incentive-based income streams: crocodile farming for leather and meat and a tourism industry sector underpinned by our love-hate relationship with the world’s most efficient predator.

To gain a better insight, we spoke with three business owners in three different industries that have helped save the saltwater crocodile from humanity’s reptilian nature.

Turning trash into cash

When Aaron Rodwell was a kid he emptied the family swimming pool and turned it into a reptile enclosure. When he grew up, he got a special permit to remove problem crocodiles from the wild that pose a threat to tourists and cattle stations. A decade ago, the Darwinite’s special relationship with the predators led him to create Croc Stock and Barra, a crocodile fashion and apparel company in a class of its own.

“Never kill an animal unless you’re going to use or eat all its parts.

That’s how I roll,” Rodwell says.

“I turn parts that normally get burned at the crocodile farms into products.

I make backscratchers from the claws, necklaces and earrings from the teeth, and I make taxidermy skulls for collectors and universities. The crocs I kill in the wild, their skin is too tough and old to make products, so I sell them as trophy skins.”

Farmed crocodile skin is mostly used for handbags, and Australian saltwater crocodile skins are considered the best in the world. The big European fashion houses can’t get enough of them, so  AUG/SEPT 2019

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Agribusiness

five years ago two of the biggest – Louis Vuitton and Hermès – bought 12 out of 14 crocodile farms in Australia. Their least-expensive crocodile handbags sell for around $50,000. Others go for more than twice that much.

But Rodwell’s handbags, made from crocodile backstraps and crowns, sell for much less: $500 to $1500.

“Those big companies, they’ve monopolised the market and made it hard for Australian producers to find skins,” he says. “But I have a special relationship with the farmers because I turn their trash into cash. What farmer in the world wouldn’t like that?”

Taste like chicken… and fish Low in fat and cholesterol but rich in protein, crocodile meat is not only good for you but makes you look good thanks to its high colloid content, which delays the onset of wrinkles.

But how does it taste?

“It’s not fishy, not meaty, it has a neutral taste, like a cross between seafood and chicken,” says Marnie Flanagan of Naturally Wild, a supplier of Australian-farmed buffalo, boar, venison and crocodile meat.

“I always compare it to calamari – light white meat that goes very well with lemon, butter and salt.

“When I started my company in 2010, I did shelf tests with the supermarkets to see what cuts of meat sold,” she recalls. “One of the barriers we found is that people didn’t know how to cook croc because, like all game meat, it’s easy to overcook, turning it tough and leathery, and those consumers never come back.

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Fast Facts

6 metres

The largest saltwater crocodile reliably measured was was 6.17 metres from nose to tail.

31 people

In Australia, 31 people have been killed by crocodiles since hunting was outlawed in the 1970s.

Agribusiness

“So to make sure they wouldn’t be disappointed, we tried ready-toheat meals – crocodile green and red curries. But they weren’t big sellers, so we went back to square one and figured out crocodile tail steak was a winner because it’s the most tender part of the animal. We also do sausages that are 90 per cent crocodile meat with rice flour added.”

The crocodile meat market in Australia remains small because of limited supply and high prices. A 250-gram crocodile steak sells for about $13 at Coles – more than $50 a kilo.

“The people who buy it tend to be health-conscious, looking for low-fat meat that’s unsullied by antibiotics,” Flanagan says. “It’s also popular among food adventurers and people who’ve travelled overseas and tried game meat on safaris in Africa, and aren’t geared on the repetitive Australian diet of beef, lamb and chicken.”

Crocodile bungee

Between 1984 and 1988, visitor numbers at Kakadu jumped from 75,000 to 200,000. Credit for the spike, according to Peter Hook of Kakadu Tourism, goes to “the crocodile in the shape of Paul Hogan’s Crocodile Dundee – and by the opening of the Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru.”

Visitor numbers in Kakadu have taken a hammering over the years, but have now surpassed 1988’s level, with 200,577 visitors in 2018. Nearly every single one of those who visit the park for the first time will buy a ticket for a jumping crocodile show on the Adelaide River.

“It’s like when you go to Paris, you see the Eiffel Tower. When you come to the Northern Territory, you go to see the crocs. It’s on everyone’s must-do list,” says Maxine Bowman of Adelaide River Cruises, one of three tour boat operators on the waterway.

“The other two companies are much bigger than us and have bigger boats – ours is just a little family business,” she says. “We only have two boats that can take a maximum of 45 people twice a day – but that’s part of the appeal. Our boat drivers are two brothers who’ve been doing the same job for 20 years. We offer tourists a more personalised experience.”

Animal welfare groups have voiced concerns about operators that coax crocodiles to jump out of the water, saying it changes the predator’s behaviour and encourages them to attack human beings.

But Bowman says that’s bull: “Crocs jump naturally in the wild. I have personally seen egrets perched on low-lying branches or walking along the bank of a river when all of a sudden you hear this massive whoosh as a crocodile explodes from the water for lunch. It’s the greatest show on earth.”

AUG/SEPT 2019

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Property Biz.

A mini revolution

IMAGES: TINY HOUSE COMPANY.

THE TINY HOUSE MOVEMENT IS GAINING MOMENTUM IN AUSTRALIA. SO WHAT’S THE DEAL?

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AusBiz.

Property Biz.

Kirsten Craze Kirsten Craze is a freelance journalist who has been writing about property in Australia and overseas for more than 15 years.

Blame the Marie Kondo minimalism trend, or the fight against McMansions, but an increasing number of Australians are rethinking what makes a house a home, and downsizing their footprint to upgrade their lives. For a small but growing proportion of the population, that means choosing a tiny house.

As our metropolitan and regional centres grow up rather that out, and housing affordability becomes a challenge, some Aussies are of the belief that good things come in small packages.

While the concept has taken off globally, and spawned a number of popular reality TV shows plus a 1.9 million-subscriber-strong YouTube channel called Living Big in a Tiny House, Down Under the phenomenon is still relatively small. Dr Heather Shearer, research fellow with the Cities Research Institute at Griffith University and author of ’Towards a Typology of Tiny Houses’, says while Australia’s climate and lifestyle perfectly lend themselves to tiny house living, it is estimated only 200 to 300 people have taken the leap.

“One of the interesting things I found in my research was the wide disparity between people who find them so fascinating and say they would love to live in a tiny house, and the very few people who actually do,” she says.

Heather explains that while the idea of a tiny house fits with many Australians’ philosophy of living a simple life, the reality of a mini-footprint goes a lot deeper.  AUG/SEPT 2019

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Property Biz.

What is a tiny house?

Useful resources Australian Tiny House Association australiantinyhouse association.org.au Tiny Houses Australia facebook.com/ tinyhousesaustralia The Tiny House Company tinyhousecompany. com.au The Tiny House Resource Guide tinyhousecompany. com.au/tinyhouse-planningresource

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Although media might suggest the movement is a minimalist millennial invention, tiny houses have been around since emergency housing was needed after WWII. While there is no formal definition of ’tiny house’ in Australia, the concept usually refers to dwellings with a footprint of less than 40 square metres, which can usually be purchased for $50-100,000.

Some are converted shipping containers or refitted buses; others are purpose-built fixed tiny houses or tiny houses on wheels (THOW), which can be transported like a caravan.

But more than just glorified caravans and cabins, today’s tiny houses benefit from modern architectural techniques and technological advances in systems such as solar power, rainwater tanks and composting toilets.

Where can they go?

Buying a tiny house to put on any old suburban block might sound like a cost-effective way to climb onto the property ladder. But it’s not that simple according to Lara Nobel, architect and carpenter with the Tiny House Company, a firm that offers design advice and building services.

“People want a short, snappy answer about where they can put a tiny house, but unfortunately you need to consider a number of things,” she says. “Where’s your backyard?

What’s your council area? Is your tiny house going to be on wheels? Is it not on wheels?

How is it connected to the ground, the utilities?”

In conjunction with ESC Consulting, the Tiny House Company produced a planning guide to consolidate a number of frequently asked questions. And while there is no one-size-fits-all answer to where a tiny house can be built or “parked” in Australia, many local councils often break them down into two categories: those with wheels and those without.

On wheels, a tiny house is often treated as a caravan, and therefore can only really be a ’home’ for a short period, while those without wheels are often considered a ’granny flat’, and not to be treated as a primary dwelling.

“What we discovered, and a lot of other people are finding out, is that some councils just don’t know what to do about tiny houses – it really is such a grey area,” Lara says.

Heather agrees there is plenty of room for improvement when it comes to how councils treat tiny houses: “It’s not that local councils don’t permit them; they just don’t recognise them in their local laws and planning schemes.”

Who can build them?

Potential tiny house dwellers can purchase plans from a number of specialist companies and head down the DIY route, or engage a builder, but either way the red tape isn’t the same as with a standard house.

“One of my hats, as well as being a researcher, is as a planner,” Heather explains. “Ideally, from a planning perspective, I’d like to see tiny houses more regulated. Currently, if you build a tiny house on wheels, as long as it adheres to the transport regulations that apply to caravans, like electrical and building tickets, it’s okay. But there’s nothing to say they have to be built to any sort of building code, because they’re considered vehicles.”

But Andrew Carter, Lara’s partner and another Tiny House Company architect, says for the longevity of the movement and the wellbeing of all those involved, building regulations do need to come into play.

“They’ve been around for such a short period of time that there hasn’t been the necessity for precautions and the building techniques that the industry has tried and tested,” he says. “And as they aren’t specifically tested in the tiny house world, people assume you don’t need to do it.”

According to Lara, the safest solution for those looking at a tiny house life is to consult an experienced firm. “We come across a lot

Property Biz.

of people in the DIY category who imagine it’s like building a regular home on a small scale. But, if anything, making it tiny is actually far more complicated,” she says.

Why go tiny?

Going tiny gives people all the perks of living in a standard detached home – without the mammoth mortgage. And by going down the THOW path, owners claim more freedom.

Lara and Andrew lived in a tiny house for two years before and after the birth of their first child. “It sort of confirmed our suspicions,” Andrew says. “We already knew that we didn’t need a lot of space. If your storage is customised to suit your needs, you really can scale down.

“It’s not just about reducing the size of a standard house and having it function the same way. It has to be designed differently so that you have overlapping functions for spaces.

Everything has multiple uses through the day.”

Andrew says if we look to other cultures we would see most people live in far smaller spaces.

“The default is set so high for Australians that we think we need so many things – but if you adjust your lifestyle, it’s manageable.”

Lara adds that just because your home is tiny, your lifestyle doesn’t need to be. “Your house is your retreat,” she says, “but you also use the local parks, cinema, pool, library or coffee shop. You’re out and about more than if you have a big house with a media room and its own pool and double lock up-garage. We felt like we were more surrounded by community.”

Who fits the tiny house mould?

The first rule of tiny house living is that it’s not for everyone – but it can serve a purpose for a number of people at various life stages.

According to Heather, the two most common demographics of tiny house dwellers are people in their 20s looking for a first home solution, and women over the age of 55 who live alone and either choose, or are financially required, to downsize their lives.

“It’s a niche solution for a small part of the housing market. Tiny houses serve a specific purpose, and they serve it quite well,” says Andrew. “It’s funny, because we do also spend time convincing people not to buy a tiny house after getting to know them and what they’re really chasing. I think some people get swept up in this idea of them without fully considering what it involves.”

Tiny House Company designers, builders and company directors Greg Thornton, Andrew Carter and Lara Nobel.

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WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT CAREFLIGHT In 1986 CareFlight established Australia’s first dedicated medical emergency helicopter service.

Not only does the original rapid response helicopter service continue to serve the community in Sydney, the critical care team model it pioneered has been emulated around the world, making CareFlight an Australian success story in aeromedical training.

Doctors teaching doctors

CareFlight was the first organisation in Australia to be accredited by the Specialist Medical Colleges for training doctors in critical care skills outside of a hospital.

The doctor training program sets a benchmark both in Australia and internationally. It attracts and trains upwards of 50 specialist doctors each year, who will go on to fly all over the country and beyond, saving lives with CareFlight and many other organisations.

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Today CareFlight trains doctors aboard its helicopters, propeller and jet aeroplanes, as well as in road vehicles.

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Nursing jobs like no other

The extraordinary conditions of Australia’s Top End call for a unique solution. CareFlight doctors, nurses, pilots, engineers, logistics, dispatch and support staff work together as one team, and across all operations.

The team is Australia’s only fully integrated aeromedical service, operated on behalf of the Northern Territory Government.

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Training as midwives and in other advanced skills is vital for nurses so they can learn to manage all types of emergencies and save seriously injured and ill adults, children and babies who might be hours away from a hospital. 

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Fast Fact CareFlight trains some of the only nurses in the world who undertake downthe-wire rescues from the helicopter, day and night, over land and water.

AUG/SEPT 2019

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Darwin

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CareFlight’s social purpose and teaching on the ground CareFlight has grown to be one of the best known and most trusted charities in Australia. Its mission is unrelenting: to save lives, speed recovery and serve the community. All of the resources the not-for-profit can muster are strategically directed into growing the charity’s social impact.

The helicopter services in Sydney and Darwin are the best-known examples of CareFlight’s social impact funded with community support. In recent times, helped by businesses and individuals, CareFlight’s education programs have branched out to touch the lives of Australians right around the country, and will be expanding into Queensland soon. Highly trained and experienced pre-hospital medical specialists now deliver advanced training to volunteers and clinics in remote communities. Together, it’s about building resilience in remote, rural and regional Australia.

Territory Generation CEO Tim Duignan

“The MediSim Trauma Care Workshops have provided invaluable and potentially life-saving training to those in rural and remote areas, including some of our own employees, who may be the first responders in the event of a serious incident.”

TIO CEO Daryl Madden

“The MediSim program provides potentially life-saving education in some of the most challenging locations in the Northern Territory, and empowering local workers and volunteers with the skills and confidence as first responders is a great outcome for these regions.”

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Cairns

Alice Springs

Brisbane

Perth Sydney Adelaide

Reach of mobile training since 2011 Total MediSim Training Sessions: 352 Total Responders attending: 5,011 We are looking for sponsors to expand our MediSim program into all states including Queensland.

Trauma Care Workshops

CareFlight’s award-winning MediSim program provides medical simulation training to rural and remote emergency service volunteers and workers. Given locals in remote locations are often the first to arrive at the scene of a major trauma incident, CareFlight trains them to deliver pre-hospital emergency care while awaiting the arrival of professional help. Educators use mobile simulation equipment and realistic scenario training to give participants the confidence to take action at an emergency scene that could ultimately save a life.

CareFlight instils cutting edge prehospital knowledge and skills in the workshops. Participants are also shown ingenious improvisation techniques that will work on scene, for example to stem serious bleeding or make a splint.

Dr Ken Harrison developed Trauma Care Workshops after years flying on the CareFlight helicopter. He was also able to draw on his personal experience of being deployed with CareFlight’s disaster cache to Indonesia after the 2004 tsunami, experiencing first-hand the need for improvisation due to lack of surgical equipment. More than 5,000 Australians have now been upskilled with MediSim. It continues to be delivered at no cost to participants.

Canberra

Melbourne

Hobart

Sick and injured kids in remote communities

Building lasting resilience is vital in remote and regional communities.

CareFlight’s Top End team last year developed an additional clinical training program designed specifically to help sick and injured children in remote and regional settings, particularly Indigenous communities.

Over the past year, eight workshops have been delivered at no cost to participants and health clinics. This is largely made possible with financial support from CareFlight’s partners TIO and Territory Generation.

Paediatric cases are challenging for all clinicians, particularly when access to specialists is limited. The course was designed to help clinicians diagnose and treat children to ensure they receive the vital treatment they need.

Experienced CareFlight nurse and midwife Dean Blackney led development of the course. He said it was designed to share the latest evidence-based knowledge in managing and stabilising unwell and injured children and babies.

“Remote area clinicians are well trained, but they don’t see trauma after trauma like those working in a big hospital. Practising their skills can mean the difference between life or death in a lot of situations,” Blackney says.

Learn about the history of the Huon Valley apple industry

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Take a tour of the Charles Oates Distillery

Visit the Saturday Artisan & Produce market

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Contact

25mins

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www.williesmiths.com.au appleshed@williesmiths.com.au (03) 6266 4345 2064 Huon Hwy, Grove, TAS, 7109 25 minutes from Hobart

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Puzzles

CROSSWORD

R Z W C C O W A R D I C E

E T E E I E B R Z F Y A C

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SOLUTIONS:

E T E E I E B R Z F Y A C

J C C C L P C P I G S D I

U C I F I H I R U L G V T

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SERVICE SLUICE THRICE TWICE VOICE

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NOVICE PRACTICE PRECIPICE PREJUDICE REJOICE

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LATTICE

CHOICE COWARDICE CREVICE DEVICE JUSTICE

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally. Theme: ‘ICE’ WORDS

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ADVICE

WORD SEARCH

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DOWN 1. Wept 2. Pronto (1,1,1,1) 3. Jumping parasite 4. Tennis-shots exchange 5. Tropical swamp trees 6. Supplies 9. Paints roughly 11. Balancing feat 13. Fully 15. Sultan’s wives 16. Sufficient 18. Musical composition 19. Appeal earnestly 21. Egyptian river 22. Profound

I L Q L U W S E R V I C E

ACROSS 1. Submerged sandbank 7. Nice 8. Baked dough 10. Semi-paralysed person 12. Pathetic loser 14. Highs & ...

16. Whirlpool 17. Meataxes 20. Outmanoeuvred 23. Holy city 24. Agreeably 25. TV serial melodrama, soap ...

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