P.66 the changing face of earth’s geological history
P.70 teen health improved with family exercise
P.74 Amazing aussie charities you can support
p.78 Accessible bridge climb in brisbane
An unearthed dinosaur has been named after two women for their dedication to their community and beyond. Meet Jo-Jo.
TWO NEW SPECIES OF ‘DUNNY FROGS’
Two new species of ‘dunny frog’ have been identified in Queensland and Western Australia.
The red tree frog, commonly known as the ‘dunny frog’ due to its tendency to turn up in outback toilets and water tanks, has long been acknowledged as one large species. However, researchers from The University of Western Australia and museums in Queensland have now identified three distinct species.
“A lot of people have come across these frogs in the outback, where they often turn up in wet areas like sinks and toilets,” says Dr Renee Catullo from the University of WA.
Initially, the red tree frog was thought to be one species with the largest distribution of any frog species
in Australia – spanning 4.6 million square kilometres.
Yet, by studying genome data, body metrics, and male mating calls of these frogs, the team identified two new species: the western desert tree frog, which is found in the Pilbara and central arid zones of WA, and the ruddy tree frog, which lives in tropical Queensland and New South Wales.
“These frogs are a great example of how species can adapt to extreme environments, from tropical coastlines to dry deserts,” says Dr Catullo.
“Their abundance and diversity make them an important model for studying the evolution of Australian frogs.”
Interestingly, while the mating calls from each species showed strong
Breakthrough in battery recycling
Researchers have found a way to destroy PFAS, a harmful chemical released during the recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries have been a critical part of the transition to clean energy over the last few years, powering laptops, electric bikes, smartphones and more. However, the uptake in battery use has created an environmental problem, as researchers have identified a new type of PFAS called bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimides (bis-FASIs) in lithium-ion batteries, which is released during recycling.
This PFAS chemical is resistant to conventional methods of degradation, and can withstand high temperatures.
similarity, closer examination revealed differences in the number of pulses in each note, frequency, and call duration. The western desert tree frog displays a higher dominant frequency in calls than the ruddy tree frog, for example.
According to the report, all three species are under no significant threat, with widespread and abundant populations.
However, a CSIRO team led by Dr Jens Blotevogel and Dr Wenchao Lu has been able to identify the optimal conditions to thermally destroy PFAS during battery recycling.
Using quantum mechanics, the team designed a computer simulation to test the behaviour of bisFASIs molecules during incineration.
“Our research showed that at relatively low temperatures, around 200-500°C, PFAS volatilises and moves from the battery into the gas phase, where transformation begins – but it doesn’t yet result in harmless products,” says Dr Blotevogel.
In fact, the researchers determined that fully breaking down PFAS requires a temperature of roughly 950°C.
“We identified the intermediate compounds formed, the key barriers in the process, and determined the required temperatures and times to fully break down these chemicals,” Blotevogel said.
Now, the team is hoping to increase awareness among recycling operators, to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities in stopping the release of PFAS.
“While most plant operators are aware of valuable resources like lithium, nickel and cobalt in batteries, they often don’t realise that PFAS are also involved,” Blotevogel explains. “We’ve built an innovative model to guide them – now it’s up to the operators to design their plants so that the PFAS are completely destroyed.”
DRY JULY WITH SEADRIFT DISTILLERY
The search
for non-alcoholic
drinks that still had great taste led Alastair and Carolyn Whitely to create Australia’s first non-alcoholic distilled spirits.
WORDs: Michelle Hespe
After thirty years of drinking various kinds of alcohol, Alastair Whitely sought out a non-alcoholic drink for adults that he enjoyed.
His wife Carolyn, who had been working in innovation with some of the top alcohol brands in the world, suggested that he create something to suit his own palette.
Wanting to distil his drinks with the same craft and care as alcoholic spirits, Alastair did extensive research and found a family in Portugal that had been hand-beating copper pot stills for five generations.
Satisfied with his choice, he bought a still. After it arrived at their home
on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, it was installed in the couple’s back shed, where Ali’s many experiments began.
One day during the following year, Ali found Carolyn in tears. Fearing the worst, he asked what was wrong. She told him that they’d won silver in one of the world’s biggest spirit awards, hosted by the London Wine and Spirits Association.
“How did that happen?” Ali asked, knowing he’d not entered any awards. Much to his suprise, Carolyn had secretly entered his gin alternative.
The confidence that the win created led to a search for a place to build a distillery, bar and a trusted brand.
That place was in Sydney’s Brookvale, and the pair poured time, love and money into creating a welcoming, industrial-style warehouse venue, complete with hanging gardens and copper pot stills.
Over the past five years the team has launched a full range of alcoholic alternatives including Seadrift Marine (vodka-style), Seadrift Coast (gin-style), Seadrift Wild Hibiscus (pink gin-style), Seadrift Orange Aperitif (Aperol-style), and most recently Seadrift Whiskie. The whisky alternative involved a complete reinvention of the process in order to produce a spirit with the complexity and notes that whisky is known for.
Up against 4,000 other entries, Seadrift Whiskie recently scored a gold medal at the World Alcohol Free Awards.
The drink opens with notes of smooth oak, progressing into a smoky warmth and finishing with a lingering vanilla sweetness. It’s complex and delicious – the perfect end to a winter’s night.
Like all Seadrift products, it comes from a botanical distilled base, using fresh, locally grown botanicals, giving it both a brightness and intensity.
Alastair and Carolyn have gone from producing spirits in their shed to Seadrift being served in some of Sydney’s top restaurants, including Firedoor, Quay and Margaret.
“As we understand the benefits of moderation more, it’s a great way to cut back or take a break from alcohol,” says Carolyn. “And with the Sydney restaurant trade now seeing the benefits of catering for non-alcoholdrinking guests, it’s possible to get a fantastic mocktail that has equal depth and quality to cocktails.”
If you’d like to try some for yourself, Seadrift Distillery is open for tastings. Or check out the range online and make Dry July a little more exciting. Visit: seadriftdistillery.com
POWERING INDUSTRY. PROTECTING TOMORROW.
At Australian Power Equipment (APE), we’re doing power differently. As a proudly 100% Australian supplier of new and refurbished high-voltage equipment, we help industries across Australia and beyond to stay switched on — while keeping sustainability front and centre.
Our approach is simple: deliver smarter, faster, more sustainable power solutions. Whether it’s supplying new transformers or reconditioning quality assets from decommissioned sites, we’re reducing waste, shortening lead times, and helping our clients meet both deadlines and environmental goals.
In fact, our circular economy model is what sets us apart. By repurposing stranded assets – often within days – we turn what’s old into something future-ready. It’s a win-win for urgent projects, tight budgets, and the planet. From powering remote mining operations to supporting the transition to renewables, we’re constantly finding new value for our clients.
But sustainability for us goes beyond just products. We’re actively involved in Australian wildlife rehabilitation and rewilding programs – because building a better future means looking after more than just business. Our commitment extends to safety, community, and the long-term resilience of the industries we serve.
When breakdowns or supply chain issues hit, our critical sourcing services kick into gear. Co-director and veteran engineer Andrew Cockbain moves fast to source certified, site-ready equipment – keeping operations running and downtime to a minimum.
Co-director and renowned business strategist Abby Crawford’s forward-thinking leadership has seen APE evolve from a start-up to a national success story, with our reputation for service, reliability, and sustainable solutions growing with every project. Our team is lean, our network is wide, and our commitment to quality is unwavering.
As we expand our reach across Australia, New Zealand, and new global markets, our mission remains the same: power progress, protect people as well as the environment, and deliver real value to our clients.
66kV revenue metering
Mackenzie Platypus. Photo by: Rick Stevens
SUPPLIER OF PROVEN POWER EQUIPMENT
Australian Power Equipment is a leading provider of low, medium and high-voltage power equipment across the Power Generation, Infrastructure, Renewable Energy and Resources sectors.
As the agents for Üntel cables, B&D transformers, Leistung Energie switchgear and WE Walter substations, they can supply new equipment to specification.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, the company also provides repurposed and refurbished equipment including substations, transformers and switchrooms.
They can provide immediate solutions to unplanned outages with their in-stock equipment or their critical sourcing solutions.
Australian Power Equipment is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and electrical engineering support, ensuring businesses can make best-practice decisions for their operations.
AGENTS FOR
Directors Andrew Cockbain and Abby Crawford
11kV Switchgear
Type 241 cable
2000kVA transformer
FIRST NATIONS TOILET PAPER START-UP YARN’N ROLLS OUT NATIONWIDE
Words: Emma Bartolomucci
First Nations-owned and operated toilet paper start-up Yarn’n is now accessible to even more Australians, with Woolworths exclusively stocking the products in all of its supermarkets nationwide, as well as online.
The launch marks a significant milestone for the company, which was founded with a mission to provide not just high-quality, environmentally friendly products, but also a platform for positive social change.
GIVING BACK
A key aspect of Yarn’n’s mission is giving back. Fifty per cent of the profits from every single roll of Yarn’n sold goes to The Yalari Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation that provides full boarding scholarships to Indigenous children from regional and remote communities around Australia.
“When I started Yarn’n, I wanted to make a real difference in Indigenous communities,” explains Yarn’n CEO and founder Lane Stockton.
”The toilet paper market in Australia is almost a $2 billion industry, largely dominated by global players. I saw an opportunity to create something that would give back while providing a product that aligns with my values: supporting education and opportunities for Indigenous children, especially those in remote areas.
“Our goal is to combine business with purpose, using Yarn’n to drive change and ensure that our success helps those who need it most.”
ARTISTS & CULTURE BEHIND THE ART
Each roll of Yarn’n is individually wrapped in recycled paper adorned with original artwork from emerging and established First Nations artists. This not only provides a unique touch to the products, but also amplifies the promotion of Indigenous culture in households across the country.
Ambrose Killian, a proud Eastern Arrernte and Western Bundjalung man, is the artist featured for the Yarn’n Woolworths distribution.
His artwork is titled ’Beneath the Surface’, and it captures the deep connection between water, knowledge and survival, a powerful reflection of ancient stories and the importance of understanding terrain in harmony with nature.
“When I first met Ambrose, we were both just 10 years old. We’ve been close friends ever since, and I knew his artwork would be the perfect fit for Yarn’n,” says Stockton. “His piece, ’Beneath the Surface’, speaks volumes about our heritage and mission. It’s more than just beautiful art, it opens up conversations about our culture and connects people with the history and values that drive our work.”
“We’re the only Indigenousowned and Australian-made toilet paper brand in a market dominated by large players.”
LEFT TO RIGHT: LANE STOCKTON (RIGHT) CONNECTS WITH AMBROSE KILLIAN (LEFT); YARN'N TOILET ROLLS CELEBRATE ART FROM FIRST NATIONS ARTISTS.
“Our mission is to foster understanding and support, and ultimately, a brighter future for all.”
A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
What sets Yarn’n apart from other toilet paper brands in Australia is ”not just its unique cultural impact, but its commitment to sustainability.
“We’re the only Indigenous-owned and Australian-made toilet paper brand in a market dominated by large players,” says Stockton. “When you buy Yarn’n, you’re not only getting a quality product, but you’re also contributing to something greater. Our manufacturing process supports local jobs and reduces transportation emissions, which is a key part of our environmental strategy.”
Yarn’n’s approach isn’t only about business; it’s about doing good. The inclusion of Indigenous art on the packaging further emphasises the
company’s dedication to cultural awareness. As Stockton puts it “by showcasing Indigenous art, we aim to raise awareness and create appreciation for First Nations cultures. Ambrose’s work is a beautiful way to highlight those values.”
On top of this commitment to championing Indigenous artists, Yarn’n also partners with the Yalari Foundation to empower Indigenous children through education.
“Yalari has an incredible track record of providing scholarships and support to Indigenous students. Their work aligns perfectly with what we’re trying to achieve at Yarn’n, and by partnering with them, we can have a bigger impact on these kids’ futures,” Stockton explains.
THERE'S A DEEPER MEANING OF ‘BENEATH THE SURFACE’
The artwork ’Beneath the Surface’ is a visual representation of the values at the heart of Yarn’n’s business. It showcases the deep, underground water sources in Ambrose’s homeland, reflecting the sustainable practices of Indigenous cultures that have existed for thousands of years.
“We strive to mirror that sustainability in our own operations,” says Lane. “The artwork’s depiction of water beneath the surface resonates with us because it reflects how we aim to go beyond just providing a product. We want to highlight the pressing issues that Indigenous communities face, raise awareness, and create more opportunities for future generations. Our mission is to foster understanding and support, and ultimately, to create a brighter future for all.”
YARN ’
NEW DISCOVERY REWRITES THE TIMELINE OF EARTH’S GEOLOGICAL COMPOSITION
Words: Fran Molloy
Researchers have made a startling breakthrough discovery that changes our understanding of Earth’s early geological history, challenging beliefs about how our continents formed and when plate tectonics began.
A study published in Nature reveals that Earth’s first crust, formed about 4.5 billion years ago, probably had chemical features remarkably like today’s continental crust.
This suggests the distinctive chemical signature of our continents was established at the very beginning of Earth’s history.
Professor Emeritus Simon Turner from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University led the study, which included researchers from around Australia and the UK and France.
“This discovery has major implications for how we think about Earth’s earliest history,” says Professor Turner.
“Scientists have long thought that tectonic plates needed to dive beneath each other to create the chemical fingerprint we see in continents.
“Our research shows this fingerprint existed in Earth’s very first crust, the protocrust – meaning those theories need to be reconsidered.“
RETHINKING EARTH'S EARLY FORMATIONS
For decades, scientists have tried to identify when the Earth's crust formed plates that began to shift about, marking the earliest evolution of life.
The chemical signature of rocks formed in subduction zones (where one plate has slipped beneath another) is distinctive in its low quantity of the element niobium.
Scientists thought finding the age of the earliest low-niobium rocks was the key to identifying when plate tectonics first began; but while a series of research teams tried to track this down, the results from each study were remarkably inconsistent.
“I began to wonder if we were asking the right question,” says Professor Turner.
Together with collaborators across six universities, he created mathematical models simulating early Earth conditions when our planet’s core was forming and an ocean of molten rock covered the planet’s surface.
The team’s calculations showed the protocrust – Earth’s earliest crust formed during the Hadean eon (4.5 to 4 billion years ago) – would naturally develop the same chemical signatures found in today’s continents, without needing plate tectonics to create them.
CHEMICAL CLUES TO FORMATION
The initial results from the model showed that under the reducing conditions of early Earth, the element niobium would become siderophilic, or attracted to metal, sinking through the global magma ocean into the Earth’s core.
“Scientists have long thought that tectonic plates needed to dive beneath each other to create the chemical fingerprint we see in continents.”
THIS PAGE: METEOR BOMBARDMENTS
CAUSED EXTENSIVE DISRUPTION TO THE EARTH'S CRUST.
“I realised there might be a connection between early core formation, high siderophile element patterns, and the infamous negative niobium anomaly observed in continental crust,” says Professor Turner.
The distinctive signature of the continental crust matched the probable signature of material extracted from the mantle after core formation but before meteorites bombarded early Earth – solving the mystery of why the chemical signature appears in nearly all continental rocks regardless of age.
EARLY EARTH’S EVOLUTION
“Our research shows that the chemical signatures we see in continental crust were created in Earth’s earliest period – regardless of how the planet’s surface was behaving,” says Professor Turner.
“This early crust was reshaped and made richer in silica thanks
to a combination of meteor impacts, chunks of crust peeling off, and the beginning of plate movements.”
The first crust likely broke into pieces that became thicker in some areas, forming the beginnings of continents.
As these pieces moved sideways, the molten magma between them created a crust similar to what we find in ocean floors today.
METEOR IMPACTS AND PLATE TECTONICS
The heavy meteor bombardment during this early period caused extensive disruption and recycling of the crust.
Plate tectonics may have worked in fits and starts, triggered by meteor impacts until about 3.8 billion years ago, when meteor bombardment decreased dramatically as the early solar system’s chaos gave way to more orderly orbits.
Plate tectonics then fell into a continuous, self-sustaining pattern.
“This discovery completely changes our understanding of Earth’s earliest geological processes,” says Professor Turner.
“It also gives us a new way to think about how continents might form on other rocky planets across the universe.”
This story was first published in The Lighthouse by Macquarie University.
BETTER HEALTH AND WELLBEING FOR FAMILIES THAT EXERCISE TOGETHER
words: Matilda Meikle
Research shows that teens who exercise with their parents – whether it’s bike rides to backyard footy – report better physical and mental health.
Researchers from the University of South Australia, in collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (CHEO RI) and a team of Canadian partners, found that teenagers exercising with their family were more likely to meet important fitness goals. The more regularly these families exercised together, the better the outcomes.
This is vital as data from the World Health Organization shows that 80 per cent of teenagers are not getting enough physical activity, and that one in five teens play on digital screens for at least four hours a day.
SUPPORTING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE
This important study was conducted using the responses of 8,213 Canadian teenagers aged 12-17 years, self-reported in the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth.
It found that only 11 per cent of teenagers met national guidelines of 60 minutes of medium to vigorous physical activity per day, and just over half (56 per cent) of teenagers engaged in less than two hours of recreational screen time per day.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, out of the 3.3 million young people estimated to live in Australia, 14 per cent of those aged 12-17 meet the clinical criteria for one or more mental disorders, the most common of which being anxiety. In fact, the leading cause of burden for people aged 15-24 is anxiety and other mental health conditions.
These statistics reveal the challenges faced by young people, who are impacted by physical and mental health concerns on a daily basis. Getting out of the house and into their bodies is a great way to reset the system.
According to co-researcher from CHEO RI, Dr. JP Chaput, parents play a powerful role in influencing the behaviour of their children and encouraging them to get moving.
“Exercising as a family does more than get hearts pumping – it may strengthen bonds, build confidence, and can have a real impact on teenagers’ mental wellbeing,” Dr. Chaput says.
“Exercising as a family does more than get hearts pumping – it may strengthen bonds, build confidence, and can have a real impact on teenagers’ mental wellbeing.”
“When parents take an active role in their teens’ physical activity, it can build stronger emotional bonds, improves communication, and helps create a protective buffer against mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression.
“So, when families prioritise being active together, they’re not only building healthy habits, they’re also investing in their teenagers’ long-term wellbeing.”
MOVING FOR MENTAL HEALTH
The report, which was published in the medical journal Health Rep, found that simple, family-based activities can significantly improve the overall wellbeing of Australia’s teenagers.
In fact, it was found that those who engage in daily exercise with the family had a higher life satisfaction. 23 per cent of respondents were able to meet physical activity guidelines of more than 60 minutes a day, and 74 percent met the recommended screen
THIS PAGE: RESEARCH SHOWS THAT TEENS WHO EXERCISE WITH THEIR PARENTS REPORT BETTER PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH.
“Getting teenagers up and moving is crucial to reversing the slide into inactivity – and as our study shows, the key may be in getting the whole family involved.”
time guidelines of two hours or less a day. Additionally, 81 percent of teens participating in daily activity reported better mental health, lower stress (86 percent), anxiety (73 percent) and depression (89 percent).
Dr Justin Lang, Adjunct Professor with UniSA and the Public Health Agency of Canada, believes that the positive outcomes of regular community fitness go beyond just physical improvements.
“We know that regular exercise is great for both the body and mind. But with more teenagers glued to screens and devices, it’s easy for sedentary habits to take hold,” Dr Lang says.
“Getting teenagers up and moving is crucial to reversing the slide into inactivity – and as our study shows,
the key may be in getting the whole family involved.
“We found that teenagers who exercise daily with their families are twice as likely to meet activity and screen time guidelines, and four times more likely to report stronger mental health and greater life satisfaction.
“The message is simple: when parents get active with their teens and lead by example, everyone wins. Teens feel better, move more, and their mental health is stronger.”
Dr. JP Chaput echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of connecting with teens in this pivotal stage of life.
“Ultimately, it’s a reminder that even small, shared moments of movement can make a big difference.“
We’re so much more than just a bowls and tennis club. We’re a community.
With a rich 140-year history, we proudly offer one of Sydney’s most stunning all-weather bowling greens, four top-tier competition tennis courts, a bistro and bar serving your favourite meals and drinks, and our renowned on-site wood-fired pizza oven. You’ll find us in the heart of Neutral Bay.
THREE AUSTRALIAN CHARITIES BUILDING RESILIENCE AND REDUCING STIGMA
Words:
Matilda Meikle
LEFT TO RIGHT: MEALS WITH IMPACT CRAFTS CULTURALLY FOCUSED FOOD; GOTCHA4LIFE DELIVERS A SESSION TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS; HAPPY PAWS HAPPY HEARTS CONNECTS SOCIALLY ISOLATED PEOPLE TO SHELTER ANIMALS.
Australian charities are the backbone of relief and wellbeing support across the country.
Tackling issues including mental fitness, loneliness and unemployment, these three not-for-profit organisations are creating new opportunities for those in need while helping to reduce stigma in the wider community.
GOTCHA4LIFE
Gotcha4Life is a not-forprofit foundation providing mental fitness workshops, programs and resources to schools and workplaces across Australia. It is committed to helping Aussies develop the tools they need to stay mentally fit, focusing on emotional adaptability, social connectedness and help-seeking.
The Mentally Fit Primary Schools Program takes a curriculum-aligned approach to teach young people how to build health habits, delivering workshops and talks in schools across Australia. Gotcha4Life also designs free resources to help educators improve wellbeing in their classrooms, including short videos, calming exercises, art activities and more.
Gotcha4Life runs interactive talks and workshops that empower individuals in the workplace to build mental fitness. This includes keynote
presentations, and workshops delivered by expert partners.
The Tomorrow Woman workshop is all about empowering girls and women with tools to share their voice and develop confidence.
The Mental Fitness Gym App is a new tool allowing access to wellbeing support anywhere, anytime. It provides more than 100 mental fitness exercises, personalised exercise suggestions, and structured workouts to build healthy habits. The free app was designed with the help of mental health experts, making it a robust and impactful tool.
In 2024 alone, Gotcha4Life delivered more than 2,500 workshops to 103,694 participants. This included a high percentage of young people, and people in regional and remote communities. After completing a Gotcha4Life session, 83 per cent of participants felt their life was positively impacted.
HAPPY PAWS HAPPY HEARTS
Happy Paws Happy Hearts seeks to connect socially isolated people with shelter animals to help them overcome physical and emotional loneliness and develop a new outlook on life.
DONATE HERE
DONATE HERE
In Australia alone, 1.2 million people report experiencing social isolation or exclusion. At RSPCA, over 87,000 animals are waiting for adoption every year. Seeking to address both of these problems, Happy Paws Happy Hearts works with animal shelters across the country to deliver in-shelter and online programs that teach vulnerable people how to care for and train rescue animals.
Each week, it works with almost 500 participants across eight locations all over the country. The In-Shelter Programs allow participants to build trust and connect with a range of shelter animals, including dogs, cats, wildlife and farm animals. Individuals build confidence, social connection and a sense of purpose by interacting
with animals and staff, while the shelter animals benefit from positive reinforcement-based training and learn important socialisation skills.
The HPHH Online Program is a virtual tool teaching participants about the basics of animal behaviour through activities, quizzes and videos. Each term focuses on a different aspect of the animal care industry, and participants are encouraged to join weekly livestream sessions where they meet rescue shelter animals and trainers.
Since launching in 2015, Happy Paws Happy Hearts has generated more than 251,000 hours of social connection and over 61,000 hours of animal training. This year, the charity is celebrating 10 years
THIS PAGE: HAPPY PAWS HAPPY HEARTS PARTICIPANTS WITH RESCUE KITTENS; MEALS WITH IMPACT PARTICIPANTS CONNECT CREDIT: LONGBOY MEDIA.
of support, continuing its mission to provide animals with important human interaction, and isolated individuals with connection and improved wellbeing.
MEALS WITH IMPACT
Meals With Impact is a not-for-profit helping women from migrant and refugee backgrounds to find employment through a love of food.
The organisation follows a ‘paid to work’ model, offering disadvantaged women an opportunity to learn essential employment skills over the course of a three- to six-month program. During this program, women from refugee or migrant backgrounds help Meals With Impact design and cook culturally appropriate foods for catering services and events, as well as working in its café.
Meals With Impact runs a Food and Community Hub in Melbourne, where customers can purchase hot meals, salads, sandwiches and sweets inspired or created by recipes from the team. The café is supported by women from the employment program, and all proceeds are reinvested in this social enterprise to fund training and support.
The corporate volunteering program is a great way to learn about food insecurity in Australia. Company members from major Australian businesses are invited to prepare and pack meals for food relief, which are then donated to local charities and organisations in need. Over the last two years, Meals With Impact has donated 31,174 meals and employed 40 refugee and migrant women, with much more planned for the future.
DONATE HERE
THIS PAGE: WHEELCHAIR USERS WILL NOW BE ABLE TO SCALE BRISBANE'S STORY BRIDGE USING A SPECIALLY DESIGNED MOTORISED STAIR CLIMBER.
BRISBANE UNVEILS THE WORLD’S FIRST WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE BRIDGE CLIMB
Words:
Emma Bartolomucci
Wheelchair users will soon be able to enjoy climbing Brisbane’s Story Bridge from the Howard Smith Wharves.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb is bringing in a new age of tourism in Australia with the world’s first wheelchair-accessible bridge climb to open soon.
Made possible through a $250,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund, the new climb will allow users to scale Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge in a specially designed wheelchair.
The motorised stair climber wheelchair is of the highest safety standard and has been customised using advanced technology especially for the Story Bridge. This advanced wheelchair ensures individuals with accessibility requirements can enjoy smooth and safe movement over inclines, ergonomic design for participant comfort, and integrated safety features.
The ambitious project was codesigned by tourism operator John 'Sharpey' Sharpe and Mike Box, of Box Wheelchairs, along with Timothy Lachlan, a professional wheelchair moto-cross rider who played a key role in testing the system and refining its performance on the Story Bridge.
ACCESSIBLE TOURISM AT ITS FINEST
Andrew Powell, Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, says the accessible bridge climb is a welcome addition to Brisbane’s tourism offerings.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to growing adventurebased tourism in Queensland,” Minister Powell says.
“We know that once visitors experience something like this, they’ll be the best ambassadors for our State.”
Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin welcomes the move by the team at Story Bridge Adventure
Climb, which is making tourism icon even more accessible.
“This is a great local tourism business going from strength to strength, opening up access for even more locals and visitors,” Minister Minnikin says.
The accessible bridge climb positions Brisbane as a world-class city with dynamic tourism offerings ahead of the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE
The accessible bridge climb will accommodate up to nine participants, including one wheelchair user, and a minimum of three supportive companions.
The experience takes between two to three hours, featuring commentary about the history of Brisbane and the Story Bridge from expert hosts, as well as a group photo to capture the special occasion from the Top Platform, and a Story Bridge Adventure Climb cap.
Queensland’s 2021 Australian of the Year, Dinesh Palipana OAM, participated in the climb earlier this year. He believes that the climb and the focus on accessible tourism reflects the spirit of a warm and inclusive Queensland.
“When I was lying in a hospital bed once, not far from the bridge, I remember looking out the window,
wondering if I would be outside again. To be now seeing the world from the top of our city’s bridge is like a dream,” Dr Palipana says.
“With about one in six people on this planet experiencing disability, the courage to do things like this reduces disability, enabling people to participate in a full life.
“The world is shaped by people who don’t see it as it is, but see it as it can be. I feel lucky to have this opportunity, thanks to people who are shaping the world. We continue to show the pioneering spirit of Queenslanders, highlighting that we can, and we will.”
Luke Fraser, CEO of Howard Smith Wharves by Artemus Group, sees Brisbane as a world leader in accessible tourism, which a YouGov survey has shown is a key priority for Brisbane locals.
“This world-first accessible bridge climb marks an important step for accessibility and adventure tourism in Australia, and Brisbane is leading the way. We are proud to deliver this initiative and be a leader in memorable tourism experiences for all,” he says.
“Research conducted by YouGov found three in five people want Brisbane to be known as accessible. In the lead up to 2032, we’re committed to creating experiences for all to enjoy the very best that Brisbane has to offer.”
EROMANGA DINOSAUR NAMED IN HONOUR OF TWO LOCAL MOTHERS
Words: Matilda Meikle
The Natural History Museum in Euromanga has announced that it will be naming a recently unearthed dinosaur after two local mothers, to honour their dedication to the museum and wider community.
The sauropod dinosaur, unearthed last year in a major dig, has been named JoJo in honour of Jo Pegler and Joanne Wilkinson, who play an integral role in the ongoing success of the museum.
Joanne is a founding supporter and educator, while Jo is Laboratory Manager and a founding staff member of the museum. Both women have been working at the site since its establishment 20 years ago.
CELEBRATING AUSSIE MOTHERS
Museum co-founder and director Robyn Mackenzie OAM says “Sauropods typically abandoned their young.
“So while our JoJo may have been a neglectful mother millions of years ago, we’re using her to celebrate two women who are not only fabulous mums, but are also key to the work we do at the museum.”
The announcement of JoJo’s name came in May, just in time for Mother’s Day. And while the team is usually out digging for fossils in the Queensland
outback this time of year, the May dig was delayed due to flooding.
Sadly, these devastating floods have wiped out 85 per cent of visitor bookings at the museum, a big blow for a not-for-profit institution that relies on tourism for funding.
But despite this setback, the team is still in high spirits.
“We’ve weathered a lot out here,” says Robyn Mackenzie. “And it’s the community – especially the women, the mothers – who help us hold everything together. JoJo the dinosaur is our way of honouring that resilience and love.”
THE FOSSIL FIELDS
The Euromanga dinosaur fossil fields, where JoJo was discovered, were first identified in 2004. That same year, the Euromanga Natural History Museum was established to house the large collection of dinosaur and megafauna fossils collected in the region.
The museum’s collection now includes Australotitan cooperensis (“Cooper”), Australia’s largest dinosaur and the second largest dinosaur globally by mass and length.
Over the past 20 years, the team has uncovered a number of other impressive finds. In 2021, dozens of bones from a new Eromanga dinosaur were discovered, with the process of preparation and research still underway to determine if this is a new species.
A CALL TO ACTION
As part of the exciting announcement of JoJo’s name, the Euromanga Natural History Museum is calling on Australians to plan a trip to the region to support its vital recovery.
“The landscape is looking beautiful, we’re dry, and all roads to Quilpie Shire and Eromanga are now open. There’s so much to see and do here that I hope tourists will support us by planning trips out to us,” says Robyn.
“We have a strong collection of prehistoric marine fossils from our south-west Queensland region, due to our history as an inland sea. I’m hopeful the recent rains and floods may have helped unearth a treasure trove of fossils awaiting discovery when we can get back out and dig later this month.”
TOP TO BOTTOM: ROBYN MACKENZIE AND JO PEGLER IN A REPLICA SAUROPOD NEST; THE DIG SITE FOR JOJO THE DINOSAUR (CREDIT: STEVE YOUNG).
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