True Blue Magazine - Feb/March 2019 - Anna Gare

TrueBlue Feb/March 2019

OUR HEART IS IN THE COUNTRY

TUCK INTO SWAN VALLEY WA’s sweet treat haven

GREAT WESTERN PLAINS

Reach for the stars in Australia’s only Dark Sky Park

WAGGA WAGGA WANDERS

True country hospitality in one of Australia’s thriving regional hubs

Anna Gare to be

FAMILY, FOOD AND CABBIE CONVOS

AusBiz.

A real Australian business magazine

griffith pioneer park museum & cultural centre In a picturesque bush land, Pioneer Park Museum hosts original buildings, machinery, vehicles, and antiques depicting the history of settlement of Griffith and surrounds. With a kiosk, picnic areas and playgrounds, the whole family can take a step back in time!

Griffith Italian Museum A fascinating collection of photos, machinery, homewares and recordings tracing the contribution of Italian migrants to the area.

OPENING HOURS Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4pm Weekends 10am - 3pm 02 6962 4196 Remembrance Drive, Griffith NSW www.griffithpioneerpark.com.au

griffith regional art gallery

Home to a vibrant program of touring and local exhibitions, National Contemporary Jewellery and Couture Collections. Regular artist talks and workshops.

Wednesday - Friday 10am - 5pm Weekends 11am - 2pm 167 Banna Avenue Griffith | 02 6962 8338

W W W. G R I F F I T H R E G I O N A L A R T G A L L E RY. C O M . AU

• • • •

Bagtown Pioneer Village Irrigation and Wine Museum Historical Vehicles Old Time Action Day - Easter Weekend

griffith regional theatre

A state of the art performing arts centre presenting a program of national and international drama, dance, circus, music, comedy and children’s theatre. Contact theatre for details of our current shows and for bookings.

BOX OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm (& 1 hour prior to a show)

1 Neville Place Griffith | 02 6962 8444

W W W. G R I F F I T H R E G I O N A LT H E AT R E . C O M . AU

Letter from the COO

EDITORIAL

Welcome aboard, and to the February/March issue of True Blue 2019 is now well under way and so too is summer. If you’re looking to escape the heat, why not hop on a Rex flight and head south to the country's island state of Tasmania, where the average summer temperature is 23 degrees Celsius. While spectacular any month of the year, summer really is the time Tasmania comes alive. In less than an hour, you can fly from Melbourne to Burnie on Tasmania’s North West coast looking out over Bass Strait at Emu Bay. From beaches to lookouts, to cheese sampling and whisky tasting, or platypus viewing and art appreciation, Tasmania’s most westerly city might just be the summer escape you have been looking for.

For a South Australian island getaway, Kangaroo Island is less than a 30-minute flight from Adelaide, and offers pristine wilderness and endless gastronomic delights. 155 kilometres long and up to 55 kilometres wide, Kangaroo Island (affectionately known as KI) is the third largest island off the coast of mainland Australia. Due to its isolation, KI has an abundance of fauna, such as a colony of seals at Seal Bay, and the waddle of penguins at Penshaw.

In business news, Rex recently acquired the latest edition to its fleet, a Saab 340B+ all the way from Anchorage, Alaska. This new edition to the fleet has undergone the necessary regulatory and company checks before its entry into service. VH-ZPA brings the Rex Saab fleet to 58.

As readers may be aware, over the past months, Rex has partnered with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to raise funds for drought stricken communities. Rex and the FRRR acknowledges passengers for their enormous generosity and contribution to the cause, having raised more than $23,000. On behalf of Rex and the FRRR, thank you!

Now sit back, relax and enjoy your flight today.

Neville Howell Chief Operating Officer

Publisher: Michelle Hespe publisher@publishingbychelle.com Art Director: Jon Wolfgang Miller Lifestyle & Travel Sales Manager: Sonja Halstead sonja.halstead@publishingbychelle.com AusBiz. Sales Manager: Effe Sandas advertising@publishingbychelle.com Sub-editors: Claire Hey and Shane Cubis Editorial Assistant: Sarah Hinder editorial@publishingbychelle.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Sue Wallace Michelle Atkinson Darren Baguley Sarah Hinder Lisa Smyth Jac Taylor

PRINTING

SOS Print + Media 65 Burrows Road, Alexandria, NSW, 2015

True Blue is published by Publishing ByChelle, (ABN: 78 621 375 853 ACN: 621 375 853) Suite 2, Level 8, 100 Walker Street North Sydney NSW, 2060 (02) 9954 0349 publishingbychelle.com The reproduction of any content, in whole or part without prior written permission by the publisher 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 True Blue are from istock and Getty images, and we make every effort to credit all contributors.

FEB/MARCH 2019

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A Room with a Zoo Experience the unforgettable...

Giraffe Treehouse

uShaka lodge

Jamala dining

Jungle Bungalow

Animals: Please note that while the animals generally join guests as shown, no guarantee of their attendance or length of attendance can be given.

WINNER - Best Deluxe Accommodation in Australia*

NATURALLY! A unique animal lodge located in Canberra, rated by local and overseas celebrities and guests as one of the best in the world.

Check our guest feedback on Tripadvisor.

02 6287 8444 | info@jamalawildlifelodge.com.au * 2017 Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence

www.jamala.com.au

Publisher's Letter

Standing there in an ancient landscape, its ink-black sky strewn with sparkling stars, is an awesome feeling

Chilling out after a wine tasting at Houghton wines. After almost 200 years in the Swan Valley, Houghton has moved to Nannup, WA. Read our Swan Valley feature on page 39.

@TRUEBLUe _ MAG

/TRUEBLUEMAG

Welcome back to another issue of True Blue. A couple of months ago, I was lucky enough to explore a naturally stunning pocket of Australia: Warrumbungle National Park. Getting there is a great road trip for city slickers, as it’s only five hours drive from Sydney, and you can stop in the beautiful Blue Mountains, Mudgee, Dubbo and lovely Orange along the way. Which is exactly what my sister and I did.

A lack of human impact on the natural environment out there has resulted in such minimal light pollution that the stargazing is phenomenal. It’s so impressive on the Great Western Plains that the region has been declared as Australia’s only Dark Sky Park.

This achievement is no small feat — the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) had to pick one of the most pristine sky areas in Australia, and they chose the area where the Siding Springs Observatory is located, near Coonabarabran on the edge of Warrumbungle National Park. It’s been classified as a ‘gold-tier quality site’ and is now protected. Being protected means that everyone living in the region strives to ensure that the light pollution is kept as low as possible, because dark, natural night skies are important to animals, plants (and even humans!) who need regular intervals of light and dark in order to know when to eat, sleep, hunt, migrate and reproduce.

Light pollution in the region is reduced by doing things such as modifying lighting so that it faces downwards, fitting lights with shields,

replacing or disconnecting upward facing lights, placing lights in public areas on a timer to reduce the length of their use, and it has been decided that there will be no street lighting within the Dark Sky Park.

After spending a few hours at an observatory at night in the Dark Sky Park, I was impressed. And the added bonus is that with such reduced light pollution, you also tend to get a sense of peace, not to mention wonderment.

Standing there in an ancient landscape, its ink-black sky strewn with sparkling stars, is an awesome feeling. And to see the moon up close through a giant telescope puts a lot of things into perspective. It made me feel very small in comparison to the world, but at the same time reinforced the idea that all of those pesky things we humans stress about are often not as important as we make them out to be.

Just to be alive and well, gazing up into the night sky is a marvellous thing.

Read the full story on page 44, and we hope you enjoy the other stories in this issue as much as we’ve loved putting them together.

MICHELLE HESPE AND THE TEAM AT TRUE BLUE FEB/MARCH 2019

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HOME TO OVER 75 STORES

87 BAYLIS STREET, WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650 | T: 026931 7277

wagga-marketplace

@wagga.marketplace

WAGGA M ARKE TP L AC E .C OM

57: mother's day gifts

We've put together some lovely gifts that mum is sure to love!

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Cover Story

Meet chef, author and TV presenter Anna Gare, to learn about her life devoted to food and family

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

IMAGE OF MINING What’s going on within the industry to bolster its image.

MENTAL HEALTH Fantastic organisations around Australia dedicated to providing support for mental health issues.

upfront

Features

07 Rex News

28 Destination Highlight

Rex partners with the FRRR to raise money for drought relief; The Field of Light in Albany honours the ANZACs; the Taste Great South Food & Wine Festival soon gets underway; and Rex awards winners of the Red Room Poetry Object competition.

13 Rex Directory

Some of the best places to eat, stay and play across the exciting Rex network.

WAR ON WASTE A discerning look at Australia’s infrastructure for managing waste.

21 Entertainment

HUMAN RESOURCES What does HR look like in the technology age?

22 Events calendar

The latest theatre, art exhibitions, books and tours in Australia.

A line-up of some the best events around the country this February and March.

Nestled on the Murrumbidgee River, Wagga Wagga oozes charm. Get into its great galleries, fabulous wine scene and local paddockto-plate experiences.

34 Sip, Eat, Sleep

The latest offerings from some top hotels in metro, rural and regional Australia.

39 Food & Wine

We explore the beautiful Swan Valley in WA – a haven of sweet treats.

48 Kangaroo Island Adventure

This South Australian island of pristine wilderness has fauna in abundance and world-class food and wine at the stunning Southern Ocean Lodge.

54 AGS Awards

The Australian Geographic Society's inspiring annual awards recognise some of Australia's most exceptional adventurers and conservationists.

44 Road Trip

Stargazing in the Warrumbungles and history, adventure, nature and fine food of the Great Western Plains.

54 FEB/MARCH 2019

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SO MANY REASONS TO VISIT

Outback Queensland

Make 2019 the year to visit an iconic outback event or look for Tat one of the world class paleo attractions Bamaga NPA

Mornington Island Karumba

Cairns

Normanton Burketown Doomadgee

Townsville

Longreach

Bedourie

Windorah St George Thargomindah Cunnamulla

Brisbane West Wellcamp

Brisbane Photo Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Rex News Rex Airlines initiatives supporting regional causes

TACKLING TOUGH TIMES TOGETHER Giving a little goes a long way Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal If you travelled with Rex between September and November last year, you might recall hearing the inflight call for donations to support drought relief and the collection tins at check-in points and lounges across Australia.

Rex partnered with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to raise money for its Tackling Tough Times Together drought relief program, which provides funding for communities to address issues they identify as important in keeping their neighbourhoods vibrant during the ongoing drought.

Thanks to the generosity of Rex passengers, $23,168.51 was raised for drought-affected communities.

Incredibly, one passenger also sent FRRR a cheque for $10,000.

“To every Rex passenger and staff member who helped fill the collection tins, we pass on our heartfelt thanks,” said FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton.

“The impacts and challenges drought-affected communities face are varied and complex, and while

they are unique to each town, there are common themes around access to health, education, income and employment opportunities, access to transport and cultural activities.

“We’ve already received lots of requests from communities, so every dollar donated will make a big difference,” explained Ms Egleton.

“We also appreciate the $10,000 worth of flights Rex has donated to FRRR. This will make it easier for our staff to visit more rural, regional and remote communities across Australia.”

FRRR has been supporting rural and regional Australian communities since 2000, providing grants and helping local leaders solve issues in whatever way makes sense for their community.

What the grants fund varies enormously. For example, in Glen Innes, NSW, the local Landcare group received a $9,826 grant and partnered with Rural Fit to deliver the Friends with Health Benefits program to local farmers, helping to improve their fitness. Participants reported feeling

better about themselves, developed an interest in nutrition and made friends.

Another grant of $2,700, funded

by Aussie Farmers Foundation, went to The Women of the Outback and opened the first Women’s Shed in Charters Towers, Queensland. This was in response to the need for a safe space for drought-affected women to learn basic skills and improve social wellbeing through empowerment.

FRRR has begun the process of awarding grants to local not-for-profit groups for activities and services in drought-affected communities that address the most pressing needs.

Having run in Queensland for the last five years, the program will help to relieve current stressors and symptoms, and most importantly build capacity and resilience for the future.

Communities can apply for grants up to $20,000 right through to $150,000.

For more information visit frrr.org.au/ grants/TTTT, and if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation please go to frrr.org.au/donate FEB/MARCH 2019

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Albany to Perth from$130*

*Terms & conditions apply Photo Credit: Amazing Albany

Rex News

Visiting Albany to Remember

Narelle Levin at the National Anzac Centre, Albany

Private Charlie Fincher

Field of Light Avenue of Honour

IMAGE: MARK PICKTHALL

Albany in Western Australia is on the opening page of the ANZAC story. It was from here that nearly 40,000 troops sailed by convoy for the battlefields of World War I. Tragically for many it would be their last glimpse of Australia.

Albany takes pride in honouring the first ANZACs and is home to the acclaimed National Anzac Centre, where visitors experience a deeply personal connection to the events of more than a century ago.

Albany has become an important ‘pilgrimage’ destination for Australians and New Zealanders keen to explore the legend that has shaped two nations.

To mark the end of the Great War the National Anzac Centre and Foxtel launched a major competition for a ‘Remembrance Tour’ of ANZAC Albany and the battlefields of the Western Front, including flights to Albany, courtesy of Rex. Narelle Levin of Melbourne submitted the winning entry, writing poignantly of her family’s personal connection to the ANZAC story: “Great Uncle Charlie’s blood stains Gallipoli’s shores and Grandad Carl’s footprint is imprinted on the Fields of Flanders; the Digger to me is family.”

Narelle’s great uncle Charlie Fincher was an exceptional footballer who played for South Melbourne and Essendon before enlisting in the AIF at the outbreak of war. He departed Albany on the Orvieto, the flagship of the First Convoy, and was among the first to be killed during the landings at Gallipoli.

Private Carl Dettmann, Narelle’s grandfather, sailed aboard the troopship Wiltshire in the 4th Lighthorse Regiment. Carl later transferred to the 1st Australian Cyclist Corp where he served on the Western Front.

In November 2018, Narelle and her husband Leon began an epic journey to honour their family members’ service and sacrifice. They arrived in Albany 104 years to the day since Charlie and Carl set sail.

“I never imagined how emotional I would feel looking out over King George Sound. To think of those young men going off to war is very moving,” recalls Narelle.

Narelle and Leon spent many hours at the National Anzac Centre, where multimedia and interactive displays bring to life the experiences of the Diggers.

In the evening they visited the Field of Light: Avenue of Honour installation by Bruce Munro that pays tribute to those who served. “I had shivers running down my spine,” says Narelle.

The Field of Light: Avenue of Honour continues until ANZAC Day 2019. fieldoflightalbany.com.au

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Rex News

Taste Great Southern Food & Wine Festival 2019 Food and wine lovers will be treated to an array of gastronomic events from a host of Australian chefs, led

by MasterChef winner Adam Liaw, at the 2019 Taste Great Southern Food and Wine Festival.

Centered around the Great Southern region of Western Australia, from April 4 to 14, The Taste Great Southern Food & Wine Festival will showcase the best wine and produce of the region, with a backdrop of spectacular scenery.

MasterChef ’s Adam Liaw will be making appearances at the opening of the Women of the Region Lunch at Hybla Tavern in Albany on Thursday April 4, the Rockcliffe Night Market on Friday April 5 in Denmark, the Albany Wine and Food Festival at Eyre Park on Saturday April 6,

10 TrueBlue

and Light It Up – the special event planned to coincide with the Field of Light: Avenue of Honour on Sunday April 7.

Award-winning wine journalist and author Max Allen, notable for his work as a columnist for the Australian Financial Review and Wine Editor of Gourmet Traveller magazine, will be making the journey to Taste Great Southern for the first time.

In 2019 the stars of the show will be the region’s produce – marron, Wagyu beef, asparagus and berries, the incredible seafood and the stunningly diverse selection of awardwinning wine from across the Great Southern region.

Events are continuing to be announced. For information visit: tastegreatsouthern.com.au

Rex News Rex winners Shyam (primary school category) and Emma (Teacher category)

Overall first place winners: (L-R) Joe, Jana and Joy the winner of the Primary School category was Shyam’s Poem: ‘My Inheritance’

the Winner of the Teacher category was Emma’s Poem: ‘The Locket’

Red Room Poetry - Poetry Object 2018 The winners of the largest free poetry competition in Australasia include teachers and students from regional and rural locations, writing poems rich with intergenerational significance.

Shyam Ashokumar (Grafton), Maddie Hook (Orange) and Emma Ingram (Grafton) were awarded the Regional Express (Rex) Prizes in the Red Room Poetry Object competition. All their poems look to the past in order to appreciate the present. Teacher Emma’s poem ‘The Locket’ reaches across time and space to evoke a necklace inherited from her mother; Year 4 student Shyam’s ‘My Inheritance’ is about a small bird statue that, while fragile, is a symbol of timelessness; and Year 9 student Maddie’s ‘Mahogany Bones’ infuses a piano with the soul of a grandfather now gone.

The Red Room Poetry Object competition winners, (judged against more than 2500 entries) were announced in December 2018 at a special event held at the Powerhouse Museum (MAAS) in Sydney. Students

and teachers from Australia and New Zealand were awarded prizes from a total pool worth more than $10,000. Shyam, Maddie and Emma received Rex prize packs, including Rex flights.

Joanne Patrick from Rex was thrilled with the young poets’ work. ”I had forgotten how terrific poetry is.

What amazing little philosophers you have showcased!”

First place went to Jana Karkar (Wollongong), Joe McFadyen (Maitland) and Joy Reid (Sale). Their poems were featured in a short animation which was screened in cinemas around Australia, including in Dubbo and Toowoomba, in the December-January holiday period.

Judge Bella Li said she could “only imagine the enthusiasm for poetry [that’s been] inspired in younger generations (so important and valuable).”

To read the Rex prize-winning poems in full visit redroomcompany.org/projects/poetry-object Poetry Object opens again in April 2019, and it is free to enter.

FEB/MARCH 2019

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,

TrueBlue Experiences

Directory

Great places to stay, and awesome things to do across Australia

Loyalty Beach Campground & Fishing Lodge 1 LOYALTY BEACH RD, BAMAGA, QLD T 07 4069 3808 E fishcapeyork@bigpond.com loyaltybeach.com

Just 45 minutes from Australia's northernmost tip, we offer 13 acres of stunning beachfront, including 11 acres of open bush camping.

We have town water, power supplies and our restaurant and bar is open seven days a week.

Nautilus Arts Centre

Sapphire Waters Motor Inn

66 TASMAN TERRACE, PORT LINCOLN, SA 5606 T 08 8621 2351 E nautilusartcentre@plcc.sa.gov.au nautilusartcentre.com.au

32-34 MERIMBULA DRIVE, MERIMBULA NSW 2548 T 02 6495 1999 E info@sapphirewatersmotorinn.com.au sapphirewatersmotorinn.com.au

Nautilus Arts Centre is a place to gather, innovate, and celebrate. Located in the heart of Port Lincoln's CBD, it is also an outstanding venue for weddings and conferences. In the building you will find art galleries, the Gallery Shop and Nautilus Theatre.

An award-winning motel located just a short walk from the CBD, restaurants and clubs of Merimbula. We have a large range of room types to suit all occasions. Set on Merimbula Lake on the Sapphire Coast, we offer some of the most spectacular scenery on the NSW coast.

FEB/MARCH 2019

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Outthere MEDIAKIT 2016/17

Directory

TrueBlue Experiences

Bamaga NPA

where we fly

Gununa

Doomadgee

Cairns

Normanton

Burketown

Townsville Mount Isa

Richmond

Julia Creek

Hughenden

Winton Longreach

Boulia Bedourie

Birdsville

Windorah

Quilpie

Charleville

Brisbane Thargomindah

Coober Pedy

Wellcamp/ Toowoomba

St George

Cunnamulla

Lismore Grafton Armidale Broken Hill

Perth

Taree Ceduna Whyalla

Dubbo Parkes

Mildura

Esperance Albany

Griffith

Adelaide

Port Lincoln

(Kangaroo Island)

Melbourne

Mount Gambier

King Island Burnie

Metro Hotel Perth

Absalom's Art Gallery

Sundowner Cabins

61 CANNING HIGHWAY, SOUTH PERTH, WA 6151 T 08 9367 6122 E perth@metrohg.com metrohotels.com.au

638 CHAPPLE STREET, BROKEN HILL, NSW T 08 8087 5881 E jackab5@bigpond.com.au jackabsalom.com.au

226 BROADBENT TERRACE, WHYALLA NORRIE, SA T 08 8645 1535 E sales@sundownercabinpark.com.au sundownercabinpark.com.au

On the banks of the Swan River, Metro Hotel Perth offers a variety of room types, the vast majority of which offer stunning views of the Perth skyline. Great value rates, friendly service, free parking and free unlimited WiFi. Restaurant and bar, room service, 24-hour reception.

On your next visit to Broken Hill, Absalom's Art Gallery is a must. It has the finest collection of outback paintings by Jack Absalom, and features the largest opal display in the Southern Hemisphere. Hope to see you on your next visit. Come in and say hello.

Offering accommodation for all budgets at daily or weekly rates. Choose from 72 Modern Cabins: three with disability access, 52 two-bedroom, seven one-bedroom with full kitchens and 10 Studio Cabins. We also offer a great range of fully furnished units or houses in Whyalla.

RoofClimb Adelaide Oval

Adelaide Oval Stadium Tour

Port Lincoln Visitor Centre

ADELAIDE OVAL, WAR MEMORIAL DRIVE, NORTH ADELAIDE SA 5006. T 08 8331 5222 E enquiries@roofclimb.com.au roofclimb.com.au

ADELAIDE OVAL, WAR MEMORIAL DRIVE, NORTH ADELAIDE SA 5006 T 08 8205 4700 E enquiries@adelaideoval.com.au adelaideoval.com.au/tours

3 ADELAIDE PLACE, PORT LINCOLN, SA T 1300 788 378 E info@visitportlincoln.net.au visitportlincoln.net.au

Take a fascinating journey behind the scenes.

Explore the 100-year-old heritage scoreboard, gain an insight into match-day preparations inside the players’ change rooms, feel the roar of the crowd on the hallowed turf through the interactive players’ race, and much, much more.

The Visitor Centre is the perfect place to start planning your Eyre Peninsula adventure.

Visit us to obtain permits, book land-based tours, ferry tickets and charters for shark, tuna and seal dives, and fishing. Drop in for travel brochures, souvenirs and postcards and internet access. Open seven days a week.

An unforgettable experience awaits with this exhilarating adventure across Adelaide Oval’s iconic roofline. Enjoy picturesque views of the city and beyond before testing your nerve with a lean-out point 50 metres off the ground! With a wide range of climb possibilities, RoofClimb is a must-do for locals and visitors alike.

National Anzac Centre

King Island Escapes

67 FORTS ROAD, ALBANY, WA, 6330 T 08 6820 3500 E info@nationalanzaccentre.com.au nationalanzaccentre.com.au

135 BARNES RD, LOORANA, KING ISLAND, TAS T 0417 580 550 E stay@kingislandescapes.com.au kingislandescapes.com.au

National Anzac Centre uses multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts to create a personal connection with the past, as well as pay tribute to those who served. The stunning building overlooks the location from where the convoys gathered and left.

This ultimate beach retreat will take your King Island experience to another level.

Our four-bedroom architecturally designed accommodation, with bespoke cedar hot tub and sauna, is tucked into a hidden coastal setting with direct access to your private beach.

Charleville Cosmos Centre & Observatory 1 MILKY WAY, CHARLEVILLE, QLD T 07 4654 7771 E enquiries@cosmoscentre.com experiencecharleville.com

At our amazing observatory, see the wonders of our outback night skies and view the beauty of the Milky Way galaxy through a powerful Meade telescopes. Enjoy ‘Astronomy by Day’ and book in for our incredible ‘Sun-viewing’.

Newcastle

Orange

Wagga Narrandera/ Wagga Leeton Albury

Kingscote

Bathurst

Sydney

Moruya Cooma Merimbula

Ballina

(Byron Bay)

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council WITH RESPECT AND PRIDE WE STRIVE TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN BASED ON UNITY, EQUITABLE SELF–GOVERNANCE, EDUCATION AND CULTURE

The Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) governs the Northern Peninsula Area situated on the tip of Cape York Peninsula, Far North Queensland.

The NPA region consists of five communities: Umagico, New Mapoon, Injinoo, Bamaga and Seisia.

All communities have unique cultural systems and have both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.

The NPA is known for: • Peaceful serenity at sunset • Palm cockatoos, the NPA region's most iconic bird • Seasonal dusk and dawn skies add to the beautiful scenery • The Jardine River Ferry is the only means of transport to reach this northern-most point of Australia • NPA is home to the most northerly point of this great country, affectionately known as ‘The Tip’ • The Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula region of Queensland covers a wide geographic area of approximately 48,000 square kilometres, and includes three local government council areas

Visit or contact us: 180 Adidi street, Bamaga | (07) 4090 4119 | info@nparc.qld.gov.au

Rex FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions As you sit back in comfort en route to your destination, the Rex crew hope you enjoy this entertaining and informative light reading.

Q. Why do the flight attendants insist that all window blinds be up for take-off?

A. The most critical phases of a flight are the take-off and the landing. In the most unlikely event of a situation that requires an emergency evacuation, it is important that crew and passengers are able to have a clear view of the outside conditions in case of obstructions. For example, before exits are opened, staff must check for fire or other obstacles that may present potential hazards during the evacuation.

Q. Why do you have to stow your hand luggage in the overhead lockers, under the seats or in the seat pockets for take-off and landing?

A. Flight crews are required by Civil Aviation Regulations to secure the cabin as well as possible for take-off and landing. As mentioned, these are the most critical phases of the flight and securing as much hand luggage as possible ensures that in the unlikely event of an emergency, the exits and aisles stay as clear as possible, in case evacuation is necessary. It is also important to keep hand luggage secure whenever possible to ensure that heavier items do not become airborne within the cabin. This is especially important when the aircraft is experiencing turbulence.

Q. Why do you feel so tired from flying?

A. As the aircraft altitude increases, air pressure decreases. As the pressure of the air decreases, the body absorbs less oxygen than it would at sea level — therefore, it must work harder to supply oxygen to the body’s cells. As the body is working harder, it becomes more tired.

Q. Why do you sometimes feel pain in your ears or sinuses during ascent or descent?

A. The sinuses and middle ear are aircontaining cavities that connect with the nose via narrow channels. As aircrafts ascend and cabin pressure drops, air passes out of these cavities (without any effort from the passenger) to balance the cabin pressure. It is a different matter during descent, as the cabin pressure increases. The channels close down and must be actively opened by holding the nose and

16 TrueBlue

blowing to inflate the cavities. Facial and ear pain can occur during descent if re-inflation does not occur, and this is much more likely if the passenger has nasal congestion. If you must fly with a cold or hay fever, use a decongestant nasal spray before descent and buy some ‘ear planes’ to plug your ears. (Information contributed by Dr Daniel Hains, ENT Surgeon.)

Q. When can electronic equipment such as laptops, iPods and mobile phones be used?

A. All Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) must be placed in flight mode inside the departure terminal and must remain in flight mode until inside the arrival terminal. Small hand held PEDs weighing less than 1kg, such as mobile phones, can be used in flight mode during all stages of flight on Rex’s Saab 340 aircraft. PEDs over 1kg, such as laptop computers, must be stowed appropriately for taxi, take-off and landing, and are permitted to be used only during cruise when the ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ sign is switched off.

PEDs cannot be used while crossing the tarmac.

Q. What is the average speed of the aircraft when cruising in-flight?

A. Approximately 500 kilometres per hour.

Q. Why do you have to get permission from the Captain to move to a vacant seat?

A. The aircraft’s take-off speed is calculated by the weight and balance of the aircraft, and many factors need to be considered for a successful take-off. Factors include the weight of passengers and where they are seated, the weight of cargo, freight and fuel, the distance available on the runway, etc. For example, if there are 100 or more kilograms of freight in the cargo, the balance of the aircraft will be better maintained if passengers are seated in the forward rows.

AIR TURBULENCE

Q. Aircraft often experience air turbulence, but what causes it?

A. Imagine the air around the aircraft is water in a stream. We can see how water is disturbed around rocks or when two streams converge.

Turbulence in the air is similar: as the aircraft passes through cold air or in the vicinity of

terrain that has disturbed the airflow — often incorrectly referred to as ‘air pockets’ — the aircraft climbs and descends in the same way that a boat moves on water. Though turbulence can be uncomfortable, it poses no threat to the aircraft and is akin to driving on a rough or unsealed road. More severe turbulence can be associated with developing thunderstorms.

The Saab 340 has a sophisticated weather radar that pilots use to avoid these areas.

Occasionally, a flight attendant will discontinue serving passengers in turbulent conditions; this is a precaution to ensure everyone’s safety.

Q. Why should you keep your seatbelt fastened even when the ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ sign is switched off?

A. On occasions, the flight crew cannot foresee turbulence or it is not picked up on the flight-deck radar. Because of this, we could unexpectedly experience turbulence at any time. The company recommends that you always keep your seatbelt fastened while you are seated — for your safety, just in case unexpected turbulence is encountered.

ENGINE NOISES

Q. Why do the aircraft’s engine noises change during flight?

A. Aircraft need more power to climb than to descend, in the same way that a car needs more power to go up a hill than down one. The Saab 340 turboprop has more than enough power to climb, so shortly after take-off you will notice a change in noises as the power is reduced.

The pilots also control the pitch angle of the propellers for various stages of the flight and as they ‘change gears’, this can also be heard in the cabin.

Q. What should you do if you see or hear something that does not look or sound right?

A. Please advise your flight attendant. The flight attendant may be able to answer your query and allay any fears. If not, the flight attendant will contact the flight deck and advise the pilots of anything unusual. Rex encourages open communication and will always treat a passenger’s concerns with the utmost seriousness.

Rex Exercises and Stretches

Exercise and stretch regularly while seated Exercise and stretch regularly while seated

IN-FLIGHT COMFORT

SEATED EXERCISES

Exercise and ExerciseSTRETCHES andstretch stretchregularly regularlywhile whileseated seated SEATED

Inflight comfort

Flying can be demanding and altitude may make your body more sensitive to the Flying can be demanding and altitude effects of alcohol and caffeine. Sitting in one may make your body more sensitive place for a long time can be uncomfortable to the effects of alcohol and caffeine. and slow down your blood circulation.

Flying be and Sitting in one place for a long time can Flyingcan can bedemanding demanding andaltitude altitude To helpmay your body adjust to flying make your body more be uncomfortable and slow downand your may make your body moresensitive sensitive to maintain your personal comfort and to and caffeine. blood circulation.

To help your body tothe theeffects effectsofofalcohol alcohol and caffeine. wellbeing, wein recommend you take the Sitting one place for a long time adjust to flying and to maintain your Sitting in one place for a long timecan can following steps: be your personal comfort and and wellbeing, beuncomfortable uncomfortable andslow slowdown downwe your blood ToTohelp recommend you take theyour following bloodcirculation. circulation. help yourbody bodysteps: ANKLE CIRCLES —floor, Lift feet FOOT PUMPS —with Start withonboth ANKLE CIRCLES Lift feet off draw a circle with FOOT PUMPS Start both heels the floorheels and pointon feet the upwardfloor as high Keep hydrated.

Drink plenty of fluids — adjust to flying and to maintain off draw a circle with and point feet high as Then youliftcan.

Then put adjust to flying and to maintainyour your thefloor, toes, simultaneously moving one foot the clockwise as you can.

Thenupward put both feetas flat on the floor. heels high, keeping the water, juice, non-caffeinated soft drinks — to personal comfort and wellbeing, we toes, moving both balls feet flatfeet ononthe floor.

Then lift heelsintervals. high, keeping and thesimultaneously other foot counterclockwise.

Reverse circles. of your the floor.

Continue cycle in 30-second Keep hydrated.

Drink of fluids personal comfort andplenty wellbeing, we – Do each direction for 15 seconds.

Repeat one foot clockwise and theif desired.the balls of your feet on the floor. Continue cycle in preventrecommend dehydration, fatigue and headaches. you take the following steps: water, juice, non-caffeinated soft drinks recommend you take the following steps: ANKLE CIRCLES Lift feet off floor, draw a circle with30-second FOOT PUMPS Start with both heels on the floor and point feet upward as high other counterclockwise. intervals.

Minimise– intake of dehydration, alcohol andfatigue coffee.

ANKLEfoot CIRCLES Lift feet off floor, draw a circle with FOOT PUMPS Start with both heels on the floor and point feet upward as high to prevent and the toes, simultaneously one foot clockwise as you can. Then put both feet flat on the floor. Then lift heels high, keeping the Reverse circles. moving Do each Exercise Exercise and and stretch stretch regularly regularly while while seated seated the toes, simultaneously moving one foot clockwise as you can. Then put both feet flat on the floor. Then lift heels high, keeping the Moisten the face to help reduce drying and the other foot counterclockwise.

Reverse circles. balls of your feet on the floor.

Continue cycle in 30-second intervals.

Keep hydrated.

Drink plenty of fluids –– direction seconds.Reverse circles. balls of your feet on the floor. Continue cycle in 30-second intervals. headaches.

Minimise intake ofthe alcohol and the otherfor foot 15 counterclockwise.

Keep hydrated.

Drink plenty of fluids Do each direction for 15 seconds.

Repeat if desired. effects of cabin air.

Repeat if desired. water, juice, drinks Do each direction for 15 seconds. Repeat if desired.

SEATED SEATED EXERCISES EXERCISES and coffee.

Moisten the facesoft to help water, juice,non-caffeinated non-caffeinated soft drinks –reduce dehydration, fatigue and the drying effects of cabin air. to Eat lightly.

Eat lightly on longer flights –totoprevent prevent dehydration, fatigue and headaches. intake alcohol avoid indigestion — our in-flight is headaches.Minimise Minimise intakeofofmenu alcohol and Moisten the totooptions. help Eat lightly.

Eat lightly onface longer flights designed tocoffee. provide lighter meal and coffee.

Moisten the face help to reduce the ofofcabin air. avoid indigestion –effects our inflight menu reduce thedrying dryingeffects cabin air.is Exercise. We encourage you to do the designed to provide lighter meal options. gentle on-board exercises on this flights page to Eat Eatlightly. lightly.Eat Eatlightly lightlyon onlonger longer flightstoto enhanceavoid yourindigestion wellbeing during the flight.

– our inflight menu isis Exercise.

We encourage you to the avoid indigestion – our inflight do menu We recommend you do these exercises for KNEE LIFTS Lift leg with knee SHOULDER ROLLS Hunch ARM CURLS Arms held at 90° angles, designed totoprovide lighter meal gentle onboard exercises on thisoptions. page to designed provide lighter meal options. bent while contracting your thigh shoulders forward, then upward, elbows down, hands in front. Raise hands about five minutes every one to two hours. enhance your wellbeing during theStartheels flight. muscle. Alternate legs. Repeat 20 then backward, then downward, up to chest and back down. Alternate ANKLE CIRCLES ANKLE LiftCIRCLES feet off floor, Lift feet drawoffa floor, circledraw with a circleFOOT with PUMPS FOOT StartPUMPS with both withonboth the heels floor and on the point floor feetand upward point feet as high upward as h should also occasionally walk down We encourage you to do the theYou toes, simultaneously the toes,Exercise. simultaneously moving one foot moving clockwise one footyou clockwise as do you can.

Then as you putcan. both Then feet put flatboth on the the feetfloor. flat on Then theliftfloor. heels Then high,liftkeeping heels high, the keeping to 30 times for each leg. using a gentle, circular motion. hands. Repeat in 30-second intervals.

We recommend these exercises Exercise.

We encourage you to do the and the other and foot the counterclockwise. other foot counterclockwise.

Reverse circles.

Reverse balls circles. of your balls feet on of your the floor. feet on Continue the floor. cycle Continue in 30-second cycle in intervals.

30-second intervals.

KNEE LIFTS Lift leg with knee SHOULDER ROLLS Hunch ARM CURLS Arms held at 90° angles, aisles, as space permits.

In addition, weto exercises on this page Do each direction Do each forgentle direction 15 seconds. foronboard Repeat 15onboard seconds. if desired.

Repeat if desired. every KNEE LIFTS Lift leg with knee SHOULDER ROLLS Hunch ARM CURLS Arms held at 90° angles, for about five minutes one to two gentle exercises on this page to bent whileLIFTS contracting thighleg shoulders forward, then upward, elbows down, hands in front. Raise hands KNEE —your Lift SHOULDER ROLLS ARM CURLS Arms recommend that you avoid crossing your bent while contracting your thigh shoulders forward, then upward, elbows down,— hands in front. Raise hands enhance your wellbeing during hours.

You should also occasionally walklegs. muscle.knee Alternatebent legs. Repeat 20 then backward, then downward, to chest and back down. Alternate enhance your wellbeing duringthe theflight. flight. with — Hunch shoulders heldupup at muscle. Alternate legs.while Repeat 20 then backward, then downward, to90° chestangles, and back down. Alternate to 30 times for each leg. using a gentle, circular motion. hands.

Repeat in 30-second intervals. you do exercises SEATED down the aisles, as permits.

In MovingWe about the aircraft.

You may move contracting your forward, upward, elbows down, to 30 times forSTRETCHES each leg. thigh using athen gentle, circular motion. hands.

Repeat inhands 30-secondinintervals.

Werecommend recommend youspace dothese these exercises muscle. Alternate legs. then backward, then front. Raise hands up to for minutes one toand two addition, we recommend that you avoid about the aircraft as spaceevery permits when forabout aboutfive five minutes every one to two Repeat 20 to 30 times for downward, using a chest and back down. hours.

You should walk crossing your legs.also the seatbelt sign is off.

However, when the hours.

You should alsooccasionally occasionally walk each leg. gentle, circular motion.

Alternate hands.

Repeat SEATED aisles, asas space permits.

InInremain SEATEDSTRETCHES STRETCHES seatbeltdown signthe is you are required in 30-second intervals. down theon aisles, space permits.to addition, we recommend that you avoid Please note: you should not do any of seated with the seatbelt fastened. addition, we recommend that you avoid crossing your legs. these exercises if they cause you pain or If you feel unwell, tell the cabin crew.

They crossing your legs. cannot done withcommon ease. can assist withbe the more in-flight KNEE LIFTS KNEE Lift legLIFTS with knee Lift leg with knee you should SHOULDERnot SHOULDER ROLLSdo Hunch ROLLS Hunch ARM CURLSARM ArmsCURLS held atArms 90° angles, held at 9 Please note: any offurther complaints and, if necessary, can seek note: you shoulders should not do any bent while contracting bent whilePlease your contracting thigh your thigh forward, shoulders then forward, upward, thenof upward, elbows down,elbows handsdown, in front. hands Raiseinhand fron muscle. Alternate muscle. legs.

Alternate Repeat legs.

20 Repeat 20 then backward, then then backward, downward, then downward, up to chest and up to back chest down. and Alternate back down. these exercises if they cause you pain or Moving about the aircraft.

You may and assistance these exercises iffor they cause you pain to advice 30 times for to 30 each times leg. for each leg. using ayou. gentle, using circular a gentle, motion. circular motion.or hands. Repeat hands. in 30-second Repeat inintervals.

30-second cannot be move about thewith aircraft ascan space permits On descent.

Ears and sinuses cause cannot bedone done withease. ease.

SEATED SEATEDEXERCISES EXERCISES

Inflight Inflightcomfort comfort

and when thethe seatbelt sign is discomfort, due to change inoff. air pressure on descent.

To minimise discomfort: Moving about the aircraft.

You may about the asasspace you are required to remain seated with • Yawn move or swallow frequently. move about theaircraft aircraft spacepermits permits the seatbelt sign isisoff. the seatbelt fastened.

• Pinch and your nostrils together blow firmly andwhen when the seatbelt signand off.

However, when the seatbelt sign into your cheeks with mouth However, when theyour seatbelt signisclosed. ison on you are required to remain seated with Ifyou you feel unwell, tell the cabin crew. are required to remain seated with the fastened.

They can assist with the more common theseatbelt seatbelt fastened. inflight complaints and, if necessary, If you have ongoing discomfort, seekcan the Ifseek feel tell cabin further advice and assistance for you. advice of the cabin crew Ifyou you feelunwell, unwell, tellthe the cabincrew. crew.

They Theycan canassist assistwith withthe themore morecommon common inflight complaints and, if necessary, can descent.

Ears and sinuses can KNEE TO CHEST KNEEBend TOOn CHEST forward Bend slightly. forward slightly.

FORWARD FLEX With both FLEX feet With oncan both the floor feet on theOVERHEAD floor OVERHEAD STRETCH Raise STRETCH both hand Rais inflight complaints and, ifFORWARD necessary, Clasp hands Clasp aroundhands left knee around andleft hugknee it toand hug it toand stomach and heldstomach in, slowly held bend in, slowly forward bend forward straight up over straight yourup head. overWith yourone head. han seek further advice and assistance for you. cause discomfort, due toassistance the change seek further and for you. your chest. Hold yourthe chest. stretch Holdforthe15 stretch seconds. for 15advice seconds.and walk your and hands walkdown your hands the front down ofin your the front ofgrasp your the wrist grasp of the theopposite wrist of the hand oppos and

SEATED SEATED STRETCHES STRETCHES Moving about the aircraft.

You may However, when the seatbelt sign is on KNEE TO CHEST Bend forward slightly.

Clasp hands around left knee and hug it to your chest. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds.

Keeping hands around knee, slowly let it KNEE TO —10slightly.

Bend down.TOAlternate legs. times.

KNEE CHESTCHEST BendRepeat forward KNEE TO CHEST Bend Clasp forward slightly. forward Clasp hands slightly. around left knee and hug it to Clasp hands around left knee and hug it to your chest.around Hold the stretch knee for 15 seconds. hands and your chest. Hold theleft stretch for 15 seconds.

Keeping aroundchest. knee, slowly let it hug it hands tohands your Hold Keeping around knee, slowly let it down.stretch Alternate legs. Repeat 10 times. the seconds. down. Alternatefor legs.15 Repeat 10 times.

Keeping hands around knee, slowly let it down.

Alternate legs. Repeat 10 times each leg.

FORWARD FLEX With both feet on the floor OVERHEAD STRETCH Raise both hands and stomach held in, slowly bend forward straight up over your head. With one hand, and walk your hands down the front of your grasp the wrist of the opposite hand and legs toward your ankles. Hold the stretch for gently pull to one side. Hold the stretch FORWARD FLEX —back With STRETCH — for 15 seconds.

RepeatRaise on theboth other side.

15 secondsFLEX and slowly sit up.

FORWARD With both feet on the floor OVERHEAD OVERHEAD STRETCH hands FORWARD FLEX With both feet on the floor OVERHEAD STRETCHstraight Raise both hands both on floor both hands andfeet stomach heldthe in, slowly bend forward Raise straight up over your head. With one hand, and stomach held in, slowly bend forward straight up over your head. With one hand, walk your hands down front of your grasp theyour wrist of the opposite hand and andand stomach in,the slowly With and walk yourheld hands down the front of yourup over grasp the wristhead. of the opposite hand and legsforward toward your and ankles.walk Hold the stretch for onegently pull to one side.the Hold the stretch bend hand, legs toward your ankles. Hold the stretch for gently pullgrasp to one side. Holdwrist the stretch for 15opposite seconds. Repeathand on the other side. seconds and slowly the sit back up. your1515 hands front of the for 15 seconds. Repeat on theand other side. secondsdown and slowly sit back up.

of your legs toward your ankles. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up.

gently pull to one side.

Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the Please note: you other side.

should not do any of these exercises Please note: you note: you SHOULDER STRETCH — Reach your right handcause over you ifPlease they should not do your left shoulder. Place your left hand behind your right should not doany any PLEASE NOTE: You pain or cannot be elbow and gently press your elbow toward yourexercises shoulder. ofofthese shouldSTRETCH not do any SHOULDER Reach your right hand HoldNECK With your these exercises the ROLLS stretch forshoulders 15 seconds. Repeat on thewith other side. done ease. over left shoulder.

Place yourifleft hand relaxed, drop your ear to shoulder and ofyour these exercises ififthey theycause causeyou you behind right elbow andpain gently press your gently roll your neck forward and to the theyyour cause you NECK ROLLS —each With your drop your elbow toward your be shoulder.

Hold the stretch other side, holding position for shoulders relaxed, pain or cannot be or cannot done pain or cannot be ear to shoulder and gently roll your neck forward and to forwith 15 seconds.

RepeatReach on theyour otherright side.hand five seconds.

Repeat times.

SHOULDER STRETCH NECK ROLLS With yourfive shoulders ease.

SHOULDER STRETCH Reach your right hand the other NECK ROLLS With your shoulders done with ease. side, holding each position for five seconds. over your left shoulder. Place your left hand relaxed, drop your ear to shoulder and done with ease. over your left shoulder. Place your left hand relaxed, drop your ear to shoulder and

Keeping hands Keeping around hands knee, around slowlyknee, let it slowly it legs toward your legs toward ankles. your Holdankles. the stretch Holdforthe stretch gently for pull togently one side. pull Hold to onetheside. stretch Hold air pressure onletdescent.

Toslowly minimise for Repeat 15 seconds. on theRepeat other on sideth down. Alternate down. legs.

Alternate Repeatlegs.

10 times.

Repeat 10 times. 15 seconds and 15 seconds sitand back slowly up. sit back up. for 15 seconds.

On discomfort: Ondescent. descent.Ears Earsand andsinuses sinusescan can cause discomfort, due to •cause Yawn or swallow frequently. discomfort, due tothe thechange changeinin air pressure descent.

ToTominimise •air Pinch youron nostrils together and blow pressure on descent. minimise discomfort: firmly into your cheeks with your discomfort: • •Yawn swallow mouth closed.

Yawnoror swallowfrequently. frequently.

• •Pinch Pinchyour yournostrils nostrilstogether togetherand andblow blow into your cheeks with your Iffirmly you have ongoing discomfort, firmly into your cheeks with your mouth seek theclosed. advice mouth closed.of the cabin crew.

times. behind your right elbow and gently press your Repeat gentlyfive roll your neck forward and to the gently roll your neck forward and to the other side, holding each position for other side, holding each position for five seconds. Repeat five times. for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side. five seconds. Repeat five times.

behind your right elbow and gently press your toward your shoulder. Hold the stretch 12 elbow elbow toward your shoulder. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Please note: Please you note should not should do any not d of theseofexercises these exer if they cause if theyyou cause pain or cannot pain orbe cann done with done ease. with e

SHOULDER SHOULDER STRETCH Reach STRETCH your right Reach hand your right hand NECK ROLLSNECK With ROLLS your shoulders With your shoulders over your leftover shoulder. your left Place shoulder. your left Place hand your left handrelaxed, droprelaxed, your eardrop to shoulder your earand to shoulder and Ifyour have ongoing discomfort, Ifyou you have ongoing behind your behind right elbow and right gently elbow press and gently your press your gentlydiscomfort, roll your gently neckrollforward your neck and forward to the and to the elbow towardelbow your toward shoulder. your Hold shoulder. theadvice stretch Hold the stretch other side, holding other side, each holding positioneach for position for FEB/MARCH 2019 seek the of the cabin crew. seek the advice cabin crew. for 15 seconds. for Repeat 15 seconds. on theRepeat other on side. the other side.of fivethe seconds. five Repeat seconds. five times.

Repeat five times.

12 12 12

12

17

Up, up and away!

Regional Express: Our heart is in the country Bamaga NPA

Mornington Island (Gununa) Karumba Normanton

Cairns

Burketown Doomadgee

Townsville Mount Isa

Julia Creek

Hughenden

Richmond

Winton

Boulia

Longreach Bedourie

Windorah Charleville

Birdsville Carnarvon

Brisbane West Wellcamp (Toowoomba)

Quilpie Cunnamulla

Monkey Mia Coober Pedy

Brisbane

St George

Thargomindah

Lismore Ceduna

Grafton (Yamba) Armidale

Broken Hill

Perth

Port Augusta Whyalla

Ballina (Byron Bay)

Dubbo

Parkes

Orange Esperance Albany

Mildura

Port Lincoln

Adelaide

Kangaroo Island (Kingscote)

Griffith

Narrandera-Leeton Wagga Wagga Albury

Mount Gambier

Melbourne King Island

Burnie

18 TrueBlue

Newcastle Bathurst

Sydney

Moruya Snowy Mountains (Cooma) Merimbula

Check-in Info

CHECK- IN

BAGGAGE

Online check-in You can check-in online through the Rex website, rex.com.au, on your desktop or mobile devices between 48 hours and 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight.

Checked baggage Passengers on all fares (except Rex Flex) are permitted a 15 kilogram free baggage allowance.

Passengers in possession of a Rex Flex Fare are permitted a 23 kilogram free baggage allowance.

Airport check-in If you have checked baggage, we recommend that you arrive at the airport for check-in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure of your flight at all airports except Burketown, Queensland (90 minutes before).

Passengers with international connections (within 24 hours) are permitted a 23 kilogram free baggage allowance upon presenting a valid itinerary or ticket.

Cabin baggage A maximum of two pieces per passenger up to a total of 7 kilograms of cabin baggage is permitted on board.

Rex check-in closes: •6 0 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at Burketown airport.

•3 0 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Queensland airports (with the exception of Burketown above).

•2 0 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at regional airports in NSW, SA, Tas, Vic and WA.

Excess baggage Excess baggage is permitted subject to restrictions of the day and a surcharge of $7.70 per kilogram.

Virgin Australia Baggage Agreement Rex accepts the checking of baggage to/from Virgin Australia flights. Ask at check-in for more information.

Passengers with special requirements Passengers with special requirements must check-in at the airport (online check-in is not available) no later than: •6 0 minutes prior to scheduled departure in major cities and all Queensland regional airports except Burketown (please see below).

• 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure in NSW, SA, Tas, Vic and WA regional airports.

• 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure in Burketown.

REX AIRCR AFT FACTS

AIRCRAFT

MAX. TAKE-OFF WEIGHT (KG)

SPEED (KM/H)

AVAILABLE SEATS

GALLEY

REST ROOM

AVAILABLE AIRCRAFT

CRUISE ALTITUDE (METRES)

CREW

SAAB 340

13,155

520

34

Y

Y

56

8,000

3

FEB/MARCH 2019

19

Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery 51 Brolga Street, Quilpie. QLD. 4480 | P: (07) 4656 0540 www.visitquilpieshire.com | E: tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au

Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery 51 Brolga Street, Quilpie. QLD. 4480 | P: (07) 4656 0540

Entertainment

Entertainment

Compiled by: Sarah hinder

books TOUR IMAGE: HERRING & HERRING

The Orchardist’s Daughter, Karen Viggers

February 2019, Allen & Unwin, fiction.

Set among the mountains and old-growth eucalypt forests of Tasmania, this story follows a home-schooled girl on an isolated apple orchard.

When tragedy strikes her family, Mikaela must fight to uncover the truth of her past and discover the strength to move forward.

The House on the Mountain, Ella Holcombe & David Cox

February 2019, Allen & Unwin, children’s fiction.

This powerful story follows a family who lose their home in a bushfire, and their long journey of recovery and healing that follows. Inspired by true stories of the Black Saturday bushfires that swept across Victoria in 2009, this moving picture book is illustrated by David Cox.

ART

March 2019, Allen & Unwin, true story.

Chinese-Australian journalist Monica Tan always felt unsure of her place in this country. So she put her cityslicker life on hold and hit the road on a 30,000km solo outback odyssey. Stranger Country chronicles her sixmonth journey through some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes.

Ozzy Osbourne, No More Tours 2

March 9 & 11 in Melbourne Vic & Sydney NSW Ozzy Osbourne returns to Australia for two last wicked shows at Download Festival, performing alongside heavy metal superstars Judas Priest, Slayer, Anthrax, The Amity Affliction and Alice in Chains.

THEATRE QUILTY

Ben Quilty, Australia, born 1973, The Pink dress, 2016, Southern Highlands, New South Wales, oil on linen, 265.0 x 202.0 cm; Private Collection, Courtesy the artist, Mim Stirling.

Stranger Country, Monica Tan

March 2 – June 2 at Art Gallery of SA, Adelaide SA The first major survey exhibition of acclaimed contemporary artist Ben Quilty. The national tour moves to the Qld Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane from June 29 to October 13, and the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney from November 9 to February 2, 2020. artgallery.sa.gov.au

Animal Farm

March 21-30 at Space Theatre, Adelaide SA Don’t miss this oneman version of George Orwell’s political classic Animal Farm. Written in the 1940s in response to the rise of authoritarian governments, Orwell’s novel is regarded as one of the greatest stories of English literature. statetheatrecompany. com.au FEB/MARCH 2019

21 17

Events Calendar

What's on & What's hot Our pick of the very best gigs, festivals, and cultural and sporting events from around the country.

Compiled by: Sarah hinder

February 1-3 Festivale

Launceston Tas Starting out as a multicultural street party in 1988, Festivale today showcases the best food, wine, beer and arts Tassie has to offer. festivale.com.au

February 1-2

February 7-9

King Island Tas This relaxed island festival revolves around surfing, yoga and chilled acoustics. foki.com.au

White Hills Tas Headliners at this camping festival include Lily Allen, The Jungle Giants and Vera Blue. partyinthepaddockfestival. com.au

Festival of King Island

February 1-10 Sydney Lunar Festival

Sydney NSW Traditional lion dancers and fire crackers kick off Chinese New Year in Sydney. 2019 welcomes the Year of the Pig. sydneychinese newyear.com

22 TrueBlue

February 2-10

St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival

Brisbane Qld, Sydney NSW, Adelaide SA, Melbourne Vic & Fremantle WA Providing a platform for local talent and a stage for international heavyweights, Laneway is a fine choice to see contemporary laidback rock. lanewayfestival.com

Party in the Paddock

February 14-17

Chinchilla Melon Festival

Chinchilla Qld At the world’s biggest watermelon festival experience melon skiing, melon chariot races, melon bungy and melon eating! The quirky event is all about fun and supporting the local community. melonfest.com.au

Events Calendar Events Secret Garden Festival

February 9

March 1-17

Sydney NSW Creating a platform for filmmakers and celebrating new talent, this is the world’s largest short film festival. tropfest.org.au

Canberra ACT Light projections bring the city to life at night, while 30 hot-air balloons take to the skies each dawn in one of the world’s longest-running hot-air ballooning events. enlightencanberra.com

Tropfest

upcoming - may 4

February 15-16

Mountain Sounds Festival

Trundle ABBA Festival

Trundle NSW Frock up for the 2019 Trundle ABBA Festival on May 4 for a day full of entertainment featuring the world’s number 1 ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again. trundleabbafestival.com.au

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Sydney NSW This kaleidoscope of events celebrates Australia’s vibrant LGBTQI community, culminating in the Mardi Gras Parade and Party on March 2. The 2019 theme is Fearless – an acknowledgement of how LGBTQI people around the world express who they are. mardigras.org.au

IMAGE: JEFFREY FENG PHOTOGRA[HY

February15-March 3

Enlighten

March 1-18

Sculpture by the Sea

Mount Penang NSW Now in its sixth year, expect to see Angus & Julia Stone, What So Not and Courtney Barnett perform at this camping do. mountainsoundsfestival. com.au

Perth WA This beautiful sculpture park graces the sands of Cottesloe Beach, featuring works by more than 70 artists. sculpturebythesea.com

February 22-23

March 8-11

Brownlow Hill NSW It’s all about adventure and sensational outfits at this 48hour forest disco, where the line-up isn’t announced until after the festival has sold out (which it does every year!). secretgardenfestival.com.au

Adelaide SA This lively celebration presents unique, extraordinary music in an inclusive family-friendly atmosphere. womadelaide.com.au

Secret Garden Festival

March 1-17

Adelaide Festival

Adelaide SA This program of arts and culture includes Adelaide Writers’ Week, which brings together eminent writers in a much anticipated program. adelaidefestival.com.au

WOMADelaide

March 20-24

World Science Festival Brisbane

Brisbane Qld Bringing together great minds in science, Queensland Museum explores the crossover between science and the arts with workshops, demonstrations and cinema. worldsciencefestival.com.au FEB/MARCH 2019

23

Cover Story

24 TrueBlue

The R eal World of

ANNA GARE

She’s an accomplished chef, author, TV presenter, musician and mum who loves getting back to basics. Anna Gare chats to us about a life devoted to food, family and friends.

WORDS: Michelle atkinson | Photography: France Andrijich

Anna Gare has an early childhood memory of moulding pies from sand in the family home’s backyard sandpit.

“I was only about three years old,” she says. “And then later, at about six or seven years of age, I would wait on my sister as though we were in a restaurant. She would lounge around, and I’d ask her what she would like to order, then rush off and make it. Being the youngest kid of four, it was also a sure-fire way to get the attention of my brother and sisters – I wooed them over with food and great service!”

By the time Anna could reach the benchtop of her mum’s kitchen, she was cooking for family and friends.

“And that’s a very good thing, because my mum was a terrible cook!” she laughs. “The fact that she burnt toast and couldn’t boil an egg meant I had more free rein in the kitchen. Mum also really encouraged us all to pursue our dreams – which, four decades ago, wasn’t the norm.

Now it’s different. Now kids are encouraged to follow their dreams or otherwise they’ll end up living lives that they don’t enjoy.”

When Anna was around eight, her family moved to Fremantle, where all the kids found themselves lucky enough to go to Lance Holt School, founded by the man of the same name. The school’s philosophy was based on creativity and getting out of the classroom. And so when Anna was about nine, and her friend around 10, they started a weekly restaurant in the arts classroom, offering three courses for $1 every Wednesday. “It was the best excuse ever to get out of class and be creative, and people loved it,” she says. “We loved that school because if you had an idea, they said ‘go for it’. It turned into such a success that when I went back there with one

of our kids recently, it was nice to see that they were still running that restaurant on a Wednesday!”

Anna was a very busy kid, and she hasn't slowed down when it comes to adding more feathers to her cap.

By 12, she and her sister had started a band with two of their friends called the Jam Tarts. They went on to tour the country, performing at acclaimed international music festivals and on TV for more than 10 years.

While she was growing up, Anna also had a dream of being in The Guinness Book of Records, which she was always reading with her siblings. That dream came true in 2014, after she was approached by Ministry of Food (created by fellow chef and friend Jamie Oliver) to try and break the record for the most people at one cooking lesson. “We did it!” squeals Anna with delight.

“There were thousands of kids making rainbow salad wraps, so there was beetroot and pear and everything else everywhere. It could have also broken the Guinness World Record for the biggest mess ever created!”

By 25, Anna had two little kids, and decided it was time for a change. Although she’d been a musician for a decade, she always knew cooking was her calling, and so she started her own catering company. “Music was and still is a huge part of my life – I am always cooking to music and when we get together my brother and sisters all sing and play music and carry on, but I just knew that it wasn’t my natural calling. I could sell a song, and I was a good performer, but I wasn’t the best in the group by far, and I just felt lucky to be there.”

From the first wedding she worked at, Anna’s business – Deluxe Catering – took off. “The phone didn’t stop ringing!” she says. Things rolled on from there, and Anna 

KARIJINI

eco RETREAT

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ecoretreat karijini

Cover Story

"So many people are looking for a healthier lifestyle these days. They are taking a more environmentalist approach to their food, and that's a fantastic thing."

went on to present her own cooking segment on chat show Perth at Five, and had cooking segments on Today Tonight and Perth’s Nuts and Bolts, and to narrate a fivepart series for The LifeStyle Channel, Chefs Christmas, where famous food-makers invited viewers into their homes to share their festive entertaining secrets.

In 2007 Anna starred with chefs Ben O’Donoghue and Darren Simpson in The Lifestyle Channel’s The Best in Australia. A year later she was nominated for ‘Favourite Female Personality’ at the 6th Annual ASTRA Awards, and in 2010 she was a judge on Junior MasterChef Australia. In 2013, Anna co-hosted reality TV competition The Great Australian Bake Off, and in 2017 she began presenting the chef segment for Nine’s Destination WA. Her latest show, Anna Gare’s Cab Fare, has Anna meeting taxi drivers from all over the world, chatting to them about their favourite recipes then going to their homes to cook the dishes. “It’s an idea that I have had for a really long time,” she says. “And I was so pleased when it came to fruition. It’s what I normally do anyway – chat to cabbies and learn about their lives. I love to discover the difference between our cultures. And everyone I met was so warm and welcoming – taking me into their homes to meet their families. You never stop learning with cooking, especially when cooking with others.”

All of the recipes that Anna makes then go online, and there are some crackers, such as Cambodian-style green mango and prawn salad, Cyrille’s zingy lemon tart (and his rich chocolate mousse), Toufic’s Lebanese stuffed zucchinis, Greg’s vegan lentil bolognese and Omar’s malawah (aka sweet Somalian pancake).

Of everything she has achieved in her career over the past four decades, Anna admits her three cookbooks are what make her the proudest. “I’ve always had all of these

recipes in my head and on paper, and it’s the best feeling ever to have them all in books with beautiful shining covers, that people love. They are so popular.

They are also something that I can leave behind for my children and for others.”

Despite the fame that has come from her many ventures, Anna loves nothing more than relaxing with her husband and kids in the great outdoors, and one of their favourite places to do this is on their old cray boat.

“I love lying in our swags on the beach or on the boat – which is really a platform floating in the sea! – with lots and lots of stars above my head. We often head out to the Abrolhos Islands from Fremantle – it’s such a magical place. I’ll say to my husband or the kids, ‘Right, what shall we eat today?’ And they’ll go and catch a coral trout and bring back only what we are going to eat. It’s about the hunt, the catch and the cooking – getting back to the basics. And we meet the local crayfish women and men, who are amazing people.”

Some of Anna’s other favourite places in Australia are Kununurra in the Kimberley, Exmouth (where she recently went swimming with whale sharks) and the beautiful place she calls home – Denmark and the Great Southern region. “It’s been four years now since we moved to the bush, and I can’t get enough of it,” she says. “It’s the best thing we’ve ever done. Down here there are so many people growing their own produce and making their own food from scratch. So many people are looking for a healthier life these days – wanting food with no preservatives, no additives. They are taking a more environmentalist approach to their food, and that’s a fantastic thing, as really, it’s about getting back in touch with the real world. And more and more today, that’s what people need, to reconnect with the real world.” TB

Destination Highlight Pomingalarna Reserve

WAGGA WANDERINGS Farm-fresh produce, flavours to be savoured and fabulous festivals prove the thriving Riverina city has plenty of heart.

WORDS: Sue Wallace

When it comes to names, Wagga Wagga well deserves its double billing. So nice it was named twice, these days most people shorten it to just the one Wagga. Home to more than 65,000 people, the largest inland city in NSW boasts a fabulous food and wine scene, a rich art and culture hub, and excellent sporting facilities.

Straddling the Murrumbidgee River, Wagga is a city that has come of age, says Food I Am’s Tania Sibrey, who runs a cooking school as well as organising private dining

experiences and food tours. “It has been exciting to watch the changes in the food scene in Wagga since we opened the business in 2011,” she says. “There are now so many growers, producers, great restaurants and cafés, and people who are passionate about what they do.”

Tania runs 40 cooking classes a year with well-known international, national and local chefs. “We focus on paddock-to-plate experiences,” she explains. “There’s great produce around including strawberries, Coolamon 

Quirky Fact Lake Albert

The name Wagga Wagga comes from the Wiradjuri language, meaning “the place of many crows”, while the suburb Gumly Gumly means “place of many frogs”.

FEB/MARCH 2019

I M A G E : D E S T I N AT I O N N S W

Destination Highlight

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Destination Highlight

Top to Bottom: Food I Am Cooking School; Lost Lanes Festival; Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.

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Cheese, pistachios and walnuts, fresh vegetables and fruit, and Riverina lamb and beef.”

You can fill your basket with seasonal produce at the Riverina Producers' Market every Thursday, and if you’re a caffeine fiend, head to Trail Street Coffee Shop where the red velvet waffles are a standout. For a sweet treat, head to bakery So French So Fresh, where Bernard Hoff crafts wonderful breads and pastries – the almond croissants are magnifique!

Knight’s Meats & Deli is a well-established Wagga business with a focus on gourmet produce from across the Riverina. There is a real passion in the city for locally produced food, and Knight’s caters for that demand with a large range of quality produce and a selection of unique flavours that the Riverina has to offer.

If you’re still hungry, Mates Gully has a big following, or for relaxed casual meals try Magpies Nest, where the Riverina lamb “massaged in zaatar and good oil” will have your tastebuds watering. The Roundabout Restaurant, in the heart of Wagga, also features local produce in dishes such as ballotine of chicken with a lavender glaze, sweet corn purée, wilted rainbow chard and Pendergast Apiaries honey emulsion. The Oakroom is another dining hotspot serving specialities such as Riverina black angus sirloin cooked to perfection.

Feeling parched? Thirsty Crow Brewing Co. opened in 2010 and continues to offer a great selection of lagers, stouts and everything in between. Book a weekend brewery tour that includes a tasting. On the wine front, drop into Boutique Wines by CSU. It took home a swag of medals for its entire range in last year’s Australian and New Zealand Boutique Wine Show. The wine is made on the premises at Charles Sturt University, including fruit from premium vineyards owned by alumni of their Agricultural and Wine Sciences program. The cellar door is open for tastings daily.

CSU winemaker Campbell Meeks says the awards are important as they give a voice to small producers who can be more flexible and able to push the limits in terms of varieties, wine styles and winemaking technique. “In that way we can be trailblazers and a valued part of the Australian wine industry,” he says.

Tim McMullen of Borambola Wines, 30 kilometres from Wagga, is also impressed by the city's burgeoning food and wine scene.

Fact File EAT & DRINK Food I Am foodiam.com.au Trail Street Coffee Shop trailstreet.com Mates Gully Restaurant matesgully.com.au Magpies Nest Restaurant magpiesnestwagga.com The Roundabout Restaurant charlessturtwagga. com.au/roundaboutrestaurant.aspx Knight's Meats knightsmeats.com.au The Oakroom townhousewagga.com/ the-oakroom

Oura Beach Reserve

“People are sourcing local produce and it’s great to see local restaurants supporting growers,” says Tim, who planted the first vine more than 20 years ago. Along with awardwinning wines, they also produce Tuckerbox Hoppy Lager and Tuckerbox Apple Cider.

Wagga has come a long way since Captain Charles Sturt set foot there in 1829. His name has been honoured around the city, most prominently at Charles Sturt University.

Today the city has a vibrant art scene with the impressive Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, home to more than 2600 pieces. Beauty abounds in the National Art Glass Collection, with 500 works that trace developments in contemporary art glass practice from the 1970s to today.

Gallery director Caroline Geraghty says there’s an eclectic collection of works to interest all tastes. “We have a calendar of dynamic contemporary exhibitions planned, including Sarah McEwan: Feelings from Bodies which features feelings from 50 participants that you can see, spanning a large-scale installation, and Moving Histories // Future Projections which brings together some of Australia’s leading female contemporary artists working across screen-based media,” she says.

For a different artistic take, check out Wagga’s vibrant mural laneway in Cadell Place.

The Lost Lanes Festival will return here in June.

It’s no wonder Wagga is known as the City of Good Sports, with many famous athletes hailing from the place. Wagga-born sporting legends include former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor, rugby league greats Peter Sterling

and Steve Mortimer, AFL heroes Paul Kelly and Wayne Carey, tennis star Tony Roche and Australian Rugby Seven's Alicia Quirk.

There are plenty of excellent sporting facilities around. If you feel like doing laps, head to the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre. Hackers are well catered for with two golf courses. Racing fans should be in town on May 2, when fabulous two-day carnival the Wagga Wagga Gold Cup kicks off with the Town Plate.

Other festivals include cycling and craft beer event Gears and Beers, the Gumi Festival – when the Murrumbidgee River sees inflatable home-made devices sail downstream in the quest for aquatic glory – and Fusion, a multicultural outdoor live music festival.

There's also a new children’s festival in the September school holidays called Spring Jam. There’s lots of wide-open space to be enjoyed, including the 42-kilometre Wiradjuri Walking Track, winding through parklands and along riverbanks. Keep an eye out for wildlife through Silvalite Reserve and Pomingalarna Park. Collins Park and the Wagga Botanic Gardens, Zoo and Aviary are family favourites.

Come summer, one of the most popular haunts for all ages is Wagga Beach – even though it’s 400 kilometres inland there’s a sandy foreshore on the Murrumbidgee River. Amanda Hayes, who grew up in Wagga, says it is one of the highlights of the city. “Everyone flocks there to escape the heat and have a swim. It’s a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. We may not have the waves but we sure have a great beach,” she says. TB

Thirsty Crow Brewing Co. thirstycrow.com.au Boutique Wines by CSU winery.csu.edu.au Borambola Wines borambola.com Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and National Art Glass Collection wagga. nsw.gov.au/art-gallery STAY The Houston thehoustonwagga. com.au Best Western Charles Sturt Suites and Apartments charlessturtwagga. com.au Mantra Pavilion Hotel mantrapavilionhotel. com.au Quest Wagga Wagga questapartments.com. au/properties/nsw/ wagga-wagga/questwagga-wagga/ SPA Circa 1929 Day Spa circa1929.com.au/dayspa MORE INFORMATION visitwagga.com FEB/MARCH 2019

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Business Opportunity

Wagga Wagga: Open for business Investors and entrepreneurs seeking high value opportunities are turning to regional hotspots such as Wagga Wagga to invest and develop new business.

Wagga City Council General Manager Peter Thompson said the growing intensity for regional investment is based on affordability and a new perspective on regional connectivity. “A city the size of Wagga provides a high quality lifestyle and this means business operators can source staff and also enjoy the rewards of their own success,” he said. “We’re open for business. We are in advanced negotiations with business investors and entrepreneurs on a range of projects. There’s never been a better time for investors to go outside the major cities and look at what a regional capital such as Wagga has to offer.”

Mr Thompson said significant investment in the city’s Bomen Enterprise Area in the next two years will transform the way investors view Wagga, NSW’s largest inland city and one of the state’s fastest growing regional centres.

“The multi-million dollar investment all three levels of government are making in the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub will set up our city for investment and business opportunities for many decades,” he said.

“Partnering with the NSW and Federal governments, and also an internationally renowned cornerstone investor such as Visy Logistics to deliver this infrastructure, is critical to the city’s foundation for business growth. Wagga is dispelling any myth that profits in regional centres are restricted to regional business. An excellent example of

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a business thriving globally from facilities in Wagga is Riverina Oils & Bio Energy (ROBE).”

ROBE chief executive officer Scott Whiteman said Wagga provided some of the best logistics and storage facilities available in Australia, with the advantage of being located between Sydney and Melbourne. “In 2013 we built a state-of-the-art fully-integrated oilseed crushing and refinery plant which we strategically located in Wagga,” Mr Whiteman said.

“We have never regretted our decision to establish the facility in Wagga.”

Mr Thompson said Council’s new Regional Activation Unit provided a comprehensive service to investors and new business to discuss and plan development opportunities.

“We’re looking at emerging national and international markets, as well as what we do well already,” he said.

“We see many opportunities in the Asia-Pacific area and we’re pursuing business to consider Wagga as a preferred destination.”

Mr Thompson said the city is investing in its future to ensure investors have access to the “complete package” Wagga has to offer. “Wagga has a growing population, proven economic output, trade, commerce, cultural and social life. The quality of life in Wagga is a key attribute of the region. Health, education and recreation are all features of a booming NSW regional capital,” he said.

“If they want to invest, let me say now is the time, and Wagga is the place to do it.”

A FEW OF OUR

favourite

THINGS

FEB/MARCH 2019

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Out & About

Sip, Eat, Sleep Sydney’s sporting capital’s new luxury hotel Australia’s largest owner-operator of hotel suites is strengthening its presence in Sydney by announcing a new luxury hotel near Sydney’s great sporting arena.

Positioned right next to the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, Meriton Suites Carter Street, Lidcombe is the perfect accommodation option for sporting enthusiasts and concert goers alike.

Surrounded by some of Sydney’s most popular sporting landmarks and with a total of 153 suites, Lidcombe’s Meriton Suites are the perfect option for a luxurious stay, where guests can immerse themselves in all the action at Sydney’s sporting and entertainment capital.

“We are delighted to announce our newly opened hotel in Sydney’s West.

The property features chic, designer inspired furniture with fresh tones and polished interior details that reflect not only the global five-star trends

Top Tier in the Territory Experience one of the Northern Territory’s most unique hotels. Located on The Esplanade with panoramic views over Darwin Harbour and close to the dining and entertainment district of Mitchell Street, Novotel Darwin CBD is central to all of Darwin’s major tourist attractions.

Its central location and accessibility make it perfectly suited to both business and leisure travellers. The hotel boasts 140 rooms including standard hotel rooms with stunning harbour views, junior suites and two-bedroom apartments, making it an ideal choice for families. The unique atrium lobby, with its palm trees and tropical rainforest vibes provide a top spot for a cold refreshing drink after a day exploring the Territory. The hotel has two function rooms with an abundance of natural light, and four spaces for corporate and social events. accorhotels. com/gb/hotel-1748-novotel-darwin-cbd/index.shtml

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but also what our guests now expect from our hotels,” said Matthew Thomas, Group General Manager of Meriton Suites.

Meriton is renowned for its large open-plan style accommodation, and guests can also expect to be treated to the best views of Olympic Park, right across to Sydney’s skyline.

All suites feature a fully-equipped kitchen, an internal laundry, spacious bedrooms and living areas.

The property offers one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom suites, and also includes two stunning fourbedroom Penthouse Collection suites, which, just like the four-bedroom suites, come with their own private rooftop terraces.

Meriton Suites currently operates 18 properties across Sydney, Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, including two located on the doorstep of Sydney Airport. meritonsuites.com.au

Wagga Wagga.

The well-connected city.

Economic growth with GRP of $3.7B to June 2017 Skilled workforce is 65% certificate-level educated or higher Connecting to capital cities via road, rail and air networks City is serviced by 140 weekly flights between Sydney & Melbourne Population growth target of 100,000 people by 2038

Call us to talk about business opportunities in Wagga Wagga.

Wagga Wagga City Council General Manager Peter Thompson Ph: 02 6926 9121

MORE THAN JUST A

HOTEL

Australia’s LARGEST owner-operator of hotel rooms with 18 locations across Sydney, Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.

Enjoy more space than a typical hotel room in a studio, 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedroom suite, all with your very own kitchen, lounge and dining area. Meriton Suites offers apartment-style designs built for your home away from home, including two great properties located near Sydney Airport. With resort style facilities in every location, our fitness centres are equipped with both cardio equipment and weight machines. Each one of our properties has an indoor heated swimming pool, spa and sauna, whilst our two Gold Coast locations as well as our Church Street, Parramatta hotel also feature an additional outdoor pool and sun deck.

Many of the suites within Sydney have stunning views across the city’s iconic harbour and the impressive city skyline. In Brisbane, we have the two tallest buildings offering unrivalled views of the picturesque city, while out suites on the Gold Coast feature spectacular views of the beautiful coastline and pristine waterways.

Book direct at meritonsuites.com.au and be offered the very best price on all accommodation. Our Australian based telephone reservations team are also available to help book your next stay and guarantee to beat any cheaper online rates.

meritonsuites .com.au | 131 672

Out & About

The Art of Ovolo Nishi With its unusual pineapple inspired structure, Ovolo Nishi (formerly known as Hotel Hotel) has been a talking point since it was completed in 2013. Its new incarnation in the Ovolo group of hotels has injected new life into the project that was the work of more than fifty designer-makers, architects, artists and other big thinkers.

The design represents stories of traditional Australian landscapes and culture and it sits in the heart of a buzzing new hub of restaurants, cafes, bars and entertainment venues, making it an ideal place from which to take in Canberra’s many art and cultural offerings. However, you could spend days just

exploring and enjoying the hotel. It has an ultra-cool library and lounging space and the Monster Saloon and Bar offers local, seasonally based dishes with a Japanese and Middle Eastern flair. There’s also a huge collection of art on display, and within the complex there’s a cinema, art gallery, pilates studio, hair salon and a bicycle shop. Living up to the Ovolo name, the rooms are nothing short of awesome, with cool artwork and designer pieces artfully placed, beautiful, tactile fabrics such as soft leather on arm chairs and silky drapes, designer mood lighting and beds that warrant a long sleep-in. ovolohotels.com.au

In the Heart of Griffith Centrepoint Apartments Griffith offer spacious, contemporary, one-, two- and three- bedroom self-contained serviced accommodation and Studio Style suites, right in the heart of Griffith’s CBD. With luxurious accommodation that is competitively priced and being 100% locally owned and operated, Centrepoint Apartments Griffith offers a high level of service and great facilities for discerning guests. The apartments are only a 200 metre walk to some of the finest restaurants and cafes in country New South Wales, and they were recently refurbished in order to suit guests’ high expectations. Built with the business traveller in mind, they’re spacious and luxurious, providing all selfcontained features and facilities required for an extended stay in Australia’s fastest growing regional city. The apartments are ideal for relocation stays or a family holiday. centrepointapartmentsgriffith.com.au FEB/MARCH 2019

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Stay a Night or Stay a While While in Griffith, come and stay at the recently refurbished Centrepoint Apartments right in the heart of Griffith’s CBD. Room Facilities: • 24 Serviced Studio Suites, One & Two Bedroom Apartments • King & Queen Beds • Flat Screen TV & Foxtel

• Personal CD/DVD Players • Climate Controlled Ducted Air-Conditioning • Complimentary WIFI • Electronic Swipe Keys • Hairdryers • Lift • Disabled Facilities •Secure Off-Street Parking

T: 02 6960 2000 E: sales@centrepointapartmentsgriffith.com.au W: www.centrepointapartmentsgriffith.com.au 129-139 Yambil Street GRIFFITH NSW 2680

South Perth’s Finest

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The 4.5 star Pagoda Resort & Spa is situated in the heart of the vibrant City of South Perth, just 5 minutes from Perth City Centre.

Pagoda’s Summer Breakaway Specials, extended exclusively for Rex Airline flyers to 31 March 2019.

Accommodation Packages from $155 per night. Use Promo Code: REX

112 Melville Parade, Como, WA 6152 | 08 9367 0300 | rooms@pagoda.com.au | ABN 51 161 221 941

SWANNING

ABOUT

Swan Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. But be warned that the locals also take nougat, nuts, honey, cheese and chocolate very seriously, so take an empty suitcase.

WORDS: michelle hespe

I

Food & Wine

t’s a rainy morning in Perth when we set off for Swan Valley, but Sylvia Mills from Luxury Outback Tours and I can’t wait to hit the country roads that wind off into the verdant hills barely half an hour after leaving the CBD. “The sweet treats we have planned will taste the same whatever the weather is doing,” Sylvie assures me with a laugh.

DOWN TO THE CRUNCH

Our first stop in Swan Valley is a double-dipping treat, as in two adjoining buildings are Mondo Nougat and Morish Nuts. Both companies had humble family-run beginnings, but today each has claimed its rightful place on the Australian gourmet snack stage.

“Most people assume that ‘real’ nougat is chewy!” exclaims Italian-born owner and founder of Mondo Nougat Alfonso Romeo. “This is not at all true; the nougat that Italians love is actually the crunchy variety.”

He holds out a platter scattered with crunchy vanilla nougat pieces, which taste as good as they crunch, and then I move on to some of their other popular varieties, such as the chewy macadamia and honey, pistachio and almond, and my favourite, salted caramel. I bite into a cranberry and pistachio, followed by a soft vanilla. Just as delicious.

Sylvie snaps a photo of me in front of the cute aqua green Italian Fiat that’s loaded up with nougat, and I buy a cooler bag filled with every type on offer (justifying this with the fact that Easter is around the corner). Then we watch the show in the production room, where bakers are cutting large slabs of freshly cooked nougat into little oblong treats.

Like a true Nonna who can’t feed her family enough, the (somehow) slender manager offers me a taste of the homemade gelati, and he won’t let me escape without sampling the famous Mondo Nougat Cheesecake. Who am I to refuse?

A hop, skip and a jump takes us into Morish Nuts. Twenty years strong, this family business disrupted the snack scene

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Fast Fact

Croatian farmers were a huge part of early migration to the region, and were largely responsible for transforming traditional agricultural lands into the vineyards we know and love.

Food & Wine

"One can’t help but grin like the Morish peanut man when you discover the range of nutty offerings."

a decade ago, using a family recipe prepared in their Swan Valley kitchen to reinvent the approach to bagged nuts.

Branding helped this local business stand out and thrive – the bold black-and-white striped packaging featuring a grinning peanut man in a top hat and bow tie holding a walking cane is as recognisable as he is joyous.

One can’t help but grin like the Morish peanut man when you discover their range of nutty offerings, such as hot and spicy caramel-coated cashews and pistachios, praline with hot and spicy caramel and chilli, lime zest and spices, abalone- and truffle-flavoured macadamias, and Peanut Crunch (a slab of popcorn and peanuts smothered in a rich caramel butter coating with a sprinkling of coconut) and Peanut Brittle. My favourite is the wasabi macadamias.

“We tried out the abalone and wasabi macadamias in Margaret River, with a couple of our guys selling them out of a van to surfers and tourists,” says owner and 'Principal Nut' Archie Moroni. “They thought they had enough stock for a week but they ran out in a day!” he laughs. “They are just too good!”

SWEET AND SAVOURY If you have only ever consumed mainstream processed honey, then you haven’t really experienced true honey.

Honey is a food worth dedicating your life to, as we come to understand when we meet the passionate beekeeping couple behind House of Honey – Rupert and Kim Phillips.

The incredibly busy store and tasting room are proof that patience and passion for natural produce pays off.

“Harvesting honey only when the bees have capped the cells allows the honey to fully ripen,” Kim explains. “West Australian honeys have intense flavours and the highest nutritional value, and we only use traditional, sustainable farming methods.”

She guides me through the crowds to the tasting table, where there are more then 20 different varieties of honey on offer. The Jarrah variety is a stand-out. Amber-coloured with a malty flavour, it is renowned for its high antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. I also love the Banksia flavour, which is citrusy and ideal for peppermint tea, and Blackbutt (dubbed the Guinness of honeys), which is heavy and thick.  FEB/MARCH 2019

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Getaway

Fast Fact

Swan Valley is home to the oldest vines in WA.

There are endless plants and trees that bees can extract pollen from, and the result means an enormous range of taste sensations. “So many people don’t realise how different one honey can be from another,” Rupert says.

We finish off our tasting, buy some Jarrah honey (when in Rome…) and wrap things up by tasting the company’s range of meads and honey-infused liqueurs. For those new to it, mead is an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with various fruits, spices, grains, or hops. The delectable drinks warm the belly and coat my lips with another kind of sweetness.

Next Sylvie and I decide it’s time to indulge my craving for something else that the Swan Valley is famous for: cheese.

Set metres from Olive Farm Wines cellar door, The Cheese Barrel is all about enjoying local and international artisan cheeses and matching wines, locally roasted coffee, and more sweet treats if you so desire, in a shed with floor-toceiling glass doors that open on to a wooden deck set up for outdoor tastings and lunches, with stunning views of Susannah Brook.

The rain has stopped, and as I settle in for a cheese tasting, a rainbow arches across the paddock and the fields are bathed in a warm golden light. People look up from their wine and platters, exclaiming over the storybook vista.

I decided then and there to come back again, pledging to spend an entire afternoon here enjoying the setting and the world-class produce.

WINE O’CLOCK As it’s past midday (“It’s 5pm somewhere in the world,” says Sylvie with a grin), it’s high time for some wine tasting. And what better way to kick off than with a tasting at one of the original wineries in Australia, Houghton Wines.

Established in 1836, when three army officers bought land in the Swan Valley just four years after Western Australia was colonised, it is one of the country’s oldest operating wineries. In 1937 its signature white burgundy, Houghton White Classic, was released, making a huge splash in the wine world. It’s still famous today and is the perfect barbecue wine.

The winery’s cellar door is like a miniature museum celebrating its impressive heritage. Take time to wander and read, as there are some quirky tales to enjoy, such as the one about Moondyne Joe, the WA bushranger who was caught trying to steal bottles from Houghton’s cellar when the owner happened to bring some local police around for refreshments. “If you’re going to go down for your crimes, that’s a brilliant way to do it,” says the cellar door manager: “surrounded by great wine!”

The wine tasting was enough of a treat, but the bar was then raised when Iron Chef Australia winner Herb Faust, who runs the café at Houghton, brought out some of the tastiest bite-sized dishes I’ve ever come across. Some of his most

FoodGetaway & Wine

Fact File Luxury Outback Tours luxuryoutbacktours.com.au Mondo Nougat mondonougat.com.au Morish Nuts morish.com.au House of Honey thehouseofhoney.com.au The Cheese Barrel thecheesebarrel.com.au Sandalford Wines sandalford.com Houghton wines houghton-wines.com.au

popular dishes are savoury churros with jamon, caramelised pear and Cambray blue cheese; Margaret River wagyu with green mango, crisp fish and hot and sour sauce; and fritters of queso Mahon (a Spanish cow’s cheese) with charred corn, avocado and jalapeňo mojo.

Truth be told I’m rather full by this stage, but I make time for a late lunch at Sandalford Wines, where the restaurant is one of the busiest in the valley, attracting large groups as well as those after an intimate experience.

Founded in 1840, Sandalford is one of Western Australia’s oldest and largest privately owned wineries. The cellar door doubles as a large store offering all sorts of wine paraphernalia, and the tastings can include Estate Reserve, and Margaret River and Element Wines, as well as ultrapremium drops.

The grounds are well worth a leisurely wander, where you’ll find some of the oldest vines in the country, planted in 1890, in a pretty-as-a-picture lush garden patch that is an ode to the early days of Australia’s winemaking.

En route to the restrooms, check out the hallway and grand staircase where there’s barely any wall room left, as it’s plastered with framed concert posters showcasing the famous musicians who have performed here. The signed pieces from Sandalford’s colourful past are nothing short of gobsmacking. Pretty much any band you’ve ever heard

of, and any musician of merit – and even all those awesome one-hit-wonders you may have forgotten – have entertained the crowds here.

I sit in the afternoon sun on the outdoor patio and tuck into the Ferguson Valley lamb rump with charred carrot purée, Wanneroo sugar snaps, shallots and a mint jus, beautifully paired with a Sandalford Cabernet Merlot. The fallen rain has the gardens, vines and green grass glistening.

I skip desert, but only because I have a plan for later. I’m staying at the hot new hotel in Perth: the glamorous, uberstylish Westin, so Sylvie and I cruise back to the city and the porter loads my five bags of local goodies on to the bell boy’s cart.

Due to genius forward-thinking – or rather, knowing in advance that nothing excites me more than taking locally made treats from a wine region home to share with friends and family – I have an empty suitcase ready to roll.

Speaking of rolling, that’s what I do: through the lobby and up to my stunning modern suite, where, after a snooze, I can’t resist opening a bottle of white burgundy and having an evening glass of wine while the sun sets across Perth.

Then I open some Morish wasabi macadamias, and arrange a little slab of camembert and a couple of pieces of crunchy vanilla nougat on a plate. My day of swanning is over, but my evening of delectable delights is just beginning. TB FEB/MARCH 2019

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Road Trip

AD

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The Great Western Plains is famed for its abundance of nature and its clear night skies for stargazing, but it's the country hospitality that will have you coming back.

WORDS: michelle hespe

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Road Trip

Donna the astronomer, who offers stargazing tours at Milroy Observatory in Coonabarabran, aims a telescope at the moon so that we can all get a close-up look at its crater-filled surface. Myself, my sister and a group of other keen stargazers from across the world gasp at how clearly the galaxy is unveiled, and then settle into our seats to learn about the universe sprawled around us.

Donna explains that under optimal conditions such as this, in Australia's only Dark Sky Park located in the Warrumbungle National Park, we're looking at around 2,500 stars, at most. Not millions, as people often presume. That’s about 1/100,000,000th of the total stars in our own galaxy.

My mind is already doing cartwheels, and then we move on to chatting about the Milky Way, which has a diameter of 100,000 light years. When you take into account that a light year is the distance light travels in a year, and that light can travel around the Earth seven times in a second, the distance of a light year becomes mind-bogglingly enormous.

The most modern, extremely fast spacecraft would take about 18,000 years to travel one light year. And when it comes to the Milky Way, we’re talking about 100,000 of them.

After a few hours stargazing with Donna, my sister and I head home for a peaceful night's sleep in our beautiful lodgings, Mirrabrook Cottage, which is just outside Coonabarabran in the foothills of the Warrumbungles.

We're up early to admire the views as the sun rises over the mountains that surround us on all sides. With the recent well-received rains, the paddocks and hills are a deep rich green, and the horses grazing in the fields lend the scene a storybook prettiness. 

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The two-bedroomed self-contained cottage has a lovely wooden deck from which to drink in the view, and owners Kelly and Wes have ensured that luxurious touches such as Sheridan towels, a bottle of bubbles upon arrival, and eco-friendly toiletries make the experience even more special and relaxing.

Later that morning we drive an hour down the road to visit Emu Logic Farm in Tooraweenah, which is home to around 1000 emus. There we greet baby emus still kitted out in stripy fluff, young emus that are as gangly as they are cute, and paddocks of noisy adult emus emitting drum-like noises. No matter what age an emu is, they are undoubtedly one of the most ungainly looking creatures around! We feed them while learning about the business from owners Penny and Phil.

The couple try to use every part of the birds once they are processed, but the main aim is to extract emu oil, which is a remarkable natural remedy for joint pain and athritis. The bird's feathers are used in arts and crafts, the bones are used for dog food and the meat is snapped up by chefs. The family also create their own emu jerky, which, with simple natural

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"We make the most of the glorious summer weather by hiring some kayaks from Adventure Craft Hire, and paddle down the beautiful Macquarie River."

left to right: kayaking on macquarie river; (Top) men who perished or were injured in world war 1; (bottom) old signage of towns of the great western plains; pulled pork salad at church street cafe, Dubbo; kangaroos roaming the land in the warrumbungles national park;emu logic farm.

ingredients spicing up the tinly sliced dried meat, is delicious.

Next we journey to the Coo-ee Heritage Centre in Gilgandra, which is a gallery, visitor information centre and also a museum proudly keeping the story of the Coo-ee marchers of 1915 alive.

If you're not familiar with the story, in 1915 during World War I, recruiting committees were formed in towns all over Australia. Under the leadership of Captain Bill Hitchen, 25 men who had decided to enlist set off on a march to Sydney. Gathering other recruits along the way, they numbered 265 by the time they reached Sydney. This became known as the Coo-ee Recruitment March.

Just down the road is a popular little cafe and art gallery called the Next Grind. If you want a nice homemade meal, or a refreshing tea or

Road Trip

Fact File Milroy Observatory milroyobservatory.com.au Siding Springs Observatory sidingspringobservatory. com.au Mirrabrook Cottage stayz.com.au Emu Logic Farm emulogic.net.au

coffee with a slice of cake, this is the place to stop. The cafe is also bursting at the seams with local arts, crafts and homewares.

After a 45-minute drive down the Newell Highway, we reach the buzzing city of Dubbo, which is not only renowned for its friendly country hospitality, but also for its laidback lifestyle and sense of space.

We spend one night at the Westbury Boutique Bed & Breakfast, which was built in 1915. In its heyday it was replete with tennis courts, a cellar and extensive gardens. Today, owner Tish has lovingly turned the home into an elegant hotel that is also home to her beloved Thai restaurant. The food is delicious and fresh.

Every room is beautifully decorated and Tish's great eye for art gives the estate even more charming character.

For those after an experience where you can be immersed in nature, stay at the Billabong Camp at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, and make sure you fit in a night and morning tour to get up close and personal with the zoo's many wonderful inhabitants.

We make the most of the glorious summer weather by hiring some kayaks from Adventure

Craft Hire, and paddle down the beautiful Macquarie River, where you can glide through parklands all the way up to Sandy Beach for a swim in the cool fresh water. Owner David England is a hoot, and he will happily point you in the right direction to enjoy some of Dubbo's many other offerings.

When it comes to food, wine and beer, we enjoyed awesome Italian fare at Bellotti's in the Cascades Motor Inn (try the minted ricotta, chargrilled local peaches with San Danielle prosciutto bruschetta ) and loved the pulled pork and haloumi salads at Church Street Cafe, which is also a popular hangout for drinks. If you love craft beer, don't miss The Monkey Bar, and on the drive back to Sydney, swing

by Alby & Esthers in Mudgee, which is hidden away in an 1873 stone terrace in a quaint cobblestoned corner of Market Street. The food, ambience, service and beverage offerings are outstanding.

Cruising back to Sydney, we have the windows down and the road trip tunes on shuffle. The sun is shining, and filled with fresh mountain air, we're both relaxed and recharged after our Great Western Plains Adventure. TB

Rural Museum and Coo-ee Heritage Centre ruralmuseum.org.au/cooee-heritage-centre Next Grind Cafe & Art Gallery (02) 6847 2707 Westbury Boutique Bed & Breakfast westburydubbo.com.au Billabong Camp at Taronga Western Plains Zoo taronga.org.au/dubbozoo Adventure Craft Hire adventurehire.com.au Bellottis at Cascade Motor Inn cascadesmotorinn.com.au Church Street Cafe cscdubbo.com.au The Monkey Bar themonkeybar.com.au Alby & Esthers albyandesthers.com.au

Off the Grid

GREAT SOUTHERN

WONDERS

‘Wildly peaceful’ may seem like a contradiction in terms, however Kangaroo Island seamlessly merges many wild wonders and an extraordindary sense of peace.

WORDS: Michelle Hespe

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Off the Grid

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bout half-an-hour’s drive from Kangaroo Island’s Kingscote Airport, many travellers stop to take photos of a motley crew of mailboxes that belong to the residents of Vivonne Bay. Not all of them were actually mailboxes in their former lives. Granted, there are some made in the more traditional manner – a study box on a post with a pitched tin roof – but the others were once bar fridges, oil drums, doghouses, microwaves… and there’s even an old dryer. “The dryer and the doghouse are great due to their capaciousness,” says our minibus driver. “And they’re also critter-proof!”

My partner and I take some photos, and before we board the coach, I read a little note that someone has written in bright yellow paint on a scrap of green metal: “If you live on Kangaroo Island, you’re better off than 99.9 per cent of the population.”

I smile, thinking that this trip to the bottom of Australia is going to surprise us in many more ways over the coming days.

One third of this remote 4400 square km island is devoted to nature reserves, and with a population of only 4700, the locals have plenty of room to move. Kangaroo Island’s reputation has long intrigued me: it’s known for its wild and woolly weather and just as wild seas, its beautifully rugged landscapes, fabulous organic produce and the 1500 Aussie species that call it home: koalas, wombats, wallabies, sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, echidnas, 

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Off the Grid

Cape Barren geese, and the tiger and pygmy copperhead snakes. We’ve already noted the tiger snakes here are larger and more venomous than their mainland counterparts, and agree it’s a good thing I’m quite a stomper when bushwalking.

And, of course, the island is known for its roos. The creatively named Kangaroo Island kangaroos are found only here, and with no natural predators, they’re the slowest-moving of the species. Closely related to the western grey kangaroo, they’re typically smaller and sturdier, with thicker, darker brown coats. Basically, they’re cuter than mainland kangaroos.

After he and his hungry crew discovered it in 1802, the island was given its name by Matthew Flinders. They couldn’t find any human inhabitants, but were overjoyed to find something else: meat for a hearty stew. In his diary, Flinders wrote: “The ship’s company was employed this afternoon in the skinning and cleaning of kangaroos. They stewed half a hundredweight of heads, forequarters, and tails down into soup for dinner… and as much steak, moreover to both officers and men as they

“Despite its name, many people visit Kangaroo Island to see Australia’s undeniably cutest marsupial, the koala, in its natural habitat.” could consume by day and night. In gratitude for so seasonable supply, I named this south land Kangaroo Island.”

Despite its name, many people visit Kangaroo Island to see Australia’s undeniably cutest marsupial, the koala, in its natural habitat. There are tens of thousands of them living on KI, so you’re almost guaranteed to see one awake and climbing about. In the 1920s, 18 koalas were taken across to Kangaroo Island as a precaution to prevent their extinction. However, due to the lack of predators and an abundance of their favourite food – gum leaves – their number spiralled out of control.

A single koala eats 200-500 grams of leaves a day, so they have literally been eating themselves out of house and home. Today, koalas have to be desexed and some relocated in order to keep the numbers under control.

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place to see a sustainable population in the wild.

We take some wonderful photos of koalas on the move, and of many just slouching about as they’re known to do.

As native animals are in such abundance on Kangaroo Island, many visitors opt to be

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Off the Grid

Fast Fact Fur seals and sea lions are members of the Otariidae family, distinguished from true seals by external ears and forward-rotating hind flippers, which assist with movement over land.

Southern Ocean Lodge

amongst it all in the many small lodges, hotels, cabins, caravan parks, campgrounds and private rentals dotted around the island.

Others (like us) don’t want to miss out on the fine food, wine and other luxurious offerings of Southern Ocean Lodge, named fourth-best hotel in the world in the US’s Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2016 World’s Best Awards.

Stepping through the lodge’s grand entrance at the end of a timber walkway, away from the whipping winds that have me blushing and the native shrubs dancing, there is no doubt in my mind as to why so many people talk about this place.

It’s not easy to take in the 1548 squaremetre architectural spectacle, which slices through the blanket of lime green native vegetation like the elegant wing of a gigantic jumbo jet, without our mouths hanging open. It’s perfect timing then, when a lady approaches us bearing flutes of champagne upon a silver platter and canapés that get us excited about the lunch to come later.

Champers in hand, we are guided to lovely leather seats positioned before the astounding view – three-metre floor-to-ceiling glass windows that make us feel as though we are perched on the edge of the world.

Designed by award-winning Adelaide firm Max Pritchard, the building is like a reflective mood ring. From dawn to dusk and throughout the night, it absorbs the surrounding world’s inherent energy, converting it into something that has the

power to move anyone who steps into it.

Everything, from the pale timber bespoke Khai Liew lamps and furniture to the leaf collages by local designer Janine Mackintosh, and the seats made for taking in these unbelievable views, were chosen to create an oasis where nature is always centre stage, and relaxing is the aim of the game.

There are plenty of activities on the island, but it’s also perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to slip into typical Southern Ocean Lodge life: late breakfasts followed by a leisurely activity, a three-course lunch with perfectly paired wines, perhaps another activity, afternoon canapés and après-activity drinks, followed by dinner and dessert, paired with more of those fine wines. Guests can help themselves to most of the wines in the cellar, and other topnotch tipples (think Henschke Hill of Grace, Penfolds Grange and the best Bourdeaux) available upon request.

We decide upon three of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic activities during our three-day stay: visiting a sea lion colony in Seal Bay, taking in the Remarkable Rocks and venturing into the wonderful world of Admirals Arch.

At Seal Bay Conservation Park you’ll find an enormous colony of sea lions. Our guide explains they’re called a raft when on the water and a rookery when breeding. We’re in luck as breeding season has passed and we arrive after nap time, when hundreds of sea lion pups are loping about after their mothers like cheeky cherub-faced cartoons.

A winding wooden walkway takes visitors 

Off the Grid

“As a blood orange sunset explodes beneath the gathering black clouds, we are in complete awe of nature.”

Top spot for an afternoon drink at Southern Ocean Lodge

through scrubland that the sea lions call home, and out on to the beach where white sand, blue sky and unspoiled vistas sprawl in every direction. Life has not changed here for these creatures for thousands of years – their home is how it has always been, albeit with streams of people taking photos and smiling at their antics. There are sleeping sea lions everywhere: crashed out in the dunes, lying about on the beach, exhausted after big swims and hunting sprees in the ocean. There are plenty of warning signs about not getting too close, and for good reason – a protective bull can weigh up to 350 kilograms!

You can’t visit Kangaroo Island without paying a visit to the Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park. A stunning ensemble of boulders atop a granite dome, they’re Mother Nature’s version of Sculpture by the Sea. Formed during the post-Cambrian period around 500 million years ago, the unusually beautiful shapes and vibrant colouring were caused by rain penetrating the upper layer of the rock, decomposing it into separate boulders. The wind, waves and lichen have since worked wonders, resulting in one of the most photographed natural spectacles in South Australia.

Just when you thought one remote island

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could not have been bestowed with more astounding natural beauty, enter Admirals Arch – a partly underground world of ancient caves where the wind, rain and waves have created a natural bridge with stalactites adorning its underside like jagged chandeliers.

Designated as a significant geological monument, the site attracts thousands upon thousands of visitors a year. The New Zealand fur seals love this rocky playground’s sheltered ledges – there are usually hundreds of the creatures cavorting about.

On our last evening at Southern Ocean Lodge – where we’ve made friends, fallen in love with the chef and indulged in some of South Australia’s finest wines – a storm rolls in, and we are able to experience the wild weather that this part of the world is renowned for, while warm and cosy in our luxurious suite, seated in the large window as though we’re before a stage. The ocean is spread out like a dark, tumultuous JMW Turner oil painting created with layer upon layer of heavy brush lashes.

As a blood orange sunset explodes beneath the gathering black clouds, we are in complete awe of nature. We’re framed by our window looking out at the edge of the world, feeling small in comparison to the show unfolding before us, but never more alive. TB

Fact File Southern Ocean Lodge southernoceanlodge. com.au Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (for koalas) hansonbay.com.au Seal Bay Conservation Park sealbay.sa.gov.au For more information on Kangaroo Island tourkangarooisland. com.au

Off the Grid

World-class airport for Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island’s stunning new airport provides a warm welcome and stylish entry point for visitors to the island. Its award-winning, state-of-the-art design reflects the brand values of Kangaroo Island and like all great airports, is much more than a transit lounge.

Professionally curated art exhibitions run throughout the year, showcasing the Island’s growing reputation for producing world-class art. Three distinct exhibitions will be mounted in 2019 which, together with wallsize brand images and themes, transform the light and spacious airport interior into a gallery.

For visitors, it provides a first glimpse of the natural wonders of the Island and how local artists have been inspired by their Island home.

Visitors can check out what’s on offer by utilising the large, centrally located, interactive touch screens which offer information on accommodation, tour operators, places to visit, things to do, places to eat and airport art exhibitions.

The airport is also home to the Island’s first social enterprise,

with Council and the MOBO Group working together to provide employment, training and development opportunities through the airport café and retail area. This is great for those in the community who may not be able to engage fully in the traditional workplace. When you visit the airport say hello and try the coffee!

The project is the culmination of several years of work and is a collaboration between local, state and federal governments, with the federal and state governments providing the majority of the funding for this essential infrastructure.

The government investment in this critical infrastructure has encouraged private sector investors to invest in significant tourism projects such as the $20-million Kangaroo Island golf course, and the $35-million American River Resort, which will commence development this year.

For further information contact Kangaroo Island Council on 08 8553 4500 or visit www.kangarooisland.sa.gov.au Eagle Perch by local artist Caroline Taylor

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Conservation & Exploration

OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELD

The annual Australian Geographic Society Awards recognise and encourage Australians who have achieved remarkable goals in conservation and adventuring.

WORDS: Sarah Hinder

Established in 1987, the Australian Geographic Society Awards recognise inspiring Australians who represent our greatest adventurers or who are dedicated to ground-breaking work in conservation.

We talked to three recipients of the 2018 Awards to find out what drives such passion.

Atticus Fleming Lifetime of Conservation Award

During his 16 years as chief executive officer of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Atticus Fleming dedicated his life to protecting Australia’s endangered wildlife and habitats. From modest beginnings starting out as a small WA operation with the sole purpose of conserving Australian wildlife, Atticus saw the organisation grow to be the largest private owner of land for conservation in the world.

When asked what inspired him to make conservation his life’s work, Atticus points to his childhood growing up in the small New South Wales country town of Bakers Swamp, south of Wellington. “Being immersed in nature every day – whether exploring the

hills or swimming in the creek – inspired in me a love for the Australian bush and its animals,” he says. “People like Harry Butler and David Attenborough were also an important influence, showcasing how special Australia’s wildlife is and how much of it we have already lost.”

While Australia is one of the most important countries on the planet for wildlife, Atticus is quick to point out we have the worst mammal extinction rate in the world. “Feral cats kill more than a million native animals every night!” he says. “The continued loss of wildlife and habitats is a big risk to the very systems that give us clean air, clean water, productive soils and a friendly climate. Protecting our natural capital is the best way to ensure industries including agriculture, tourism and so on have a sustainable future.

“As a community we have caused a lot of damage, mostly because we didn’t understand the consequences of our actions,” he continues. “However we now know what happens when you take too much water out of our rivers, clear too much vegetation and fail to remove feral animals and weeds. So there should be no more excuses. The next 10 years are critical. We need more practical, on-ground action – especially against feral animals – based on good, sensible science.”

Today the Australian Wildlife Conservancy manages 4.65 million hectares across Australia, including regions within the Kimberley and the Top End. Atticus has led the organisation in developing a new model for conservation, and has protected some of the largest remaining populations of many threatened species, including bilbies, numbats, Gouldian finches, purple-crowned fairy wrens, bridled nail-tail wallabies and more. “Recently the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and New South Wales National Parks reintroduced bilbies to the Pilliga, near Narrabri, which is a good example of how we can turn back the tide of extinctions,” he says.

Jade Hameister Young Adventurer of the Year This was the second time 17-year-old Jade Hameister took out the Young Adventurer Award, having also won in 2016 after becoming the youngest person ever to ski to the North Pole. In 2017, aged 15, she became the youngest woman ever to cross Greenland – the second largest polar ice cap on the planet. And last January she completed her “Polar Hat Trick” by reaching the South Pole from the Amundsen Coast, earning her the 2018 award. Her epic 37-day trek made her the youngest person ever to complete the journey unassisted and unsupported, the first Australian woman to do so, the youngest person to reach both Poles, and the youngest ever to complete the Polar Hat Trick.

Jade explains that she began preparing for her dream of undertaking polar quests from the age of 12, after becoming inspired on an expedition to Everest Base Camp. “I spent nearly every day in the gym for the next three years trying to build strength and muscle, as well as doing long endurance sessions, like dragging heavy car tyres behind me on the beach and using the same harness I would use on my actual expeditions to simulate dragging a sled.”

Jade speaks candidly about the difficult parts of her incredible journeys, but her over-riding emotion is gratitude.

“There were lots of hard parts, but they are also some of the things that I now miss the most about my polar expeditions,” she says. “Being alone with just the voice in your head for nine to 10 hours a day was something I had never experienced before – and that voice was often negative and full of selfdoubt. But I am now so grateful that I did it. Sharing a tent  FEB/MARCH 2019

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Conservation & Exploration

with my dad for almost 80 days, including training camps, when we were both physically and emotionally drained, was also very challenging – but we now have an amazingly strong bond because of it.”

For motivation in dark times Jade focused on “reminding myself to be grateful for having the opportunity to be chasing my dreams, and that it’s been a privilege to experience such incredibly beautiful places.” Now her message to other young women dreaming of adventure is clear: “We need to shift our focus from how we appear, to exploring the possibilities of what we can do. Don’t wait until you think you can do something perfectly, just get started and have a go.”

Reaching the South Pole was the culmination of three years of hard work and sacrifice. “For me the reward was in the journey, not in the achievement of the destination,” she says. I really miss the daily grind of working hard towards a big goal.” For now, though, her goals are closer to home.

“I’m focused on Year 12,” Jade explains. “But I never want to stop exploring. It doesn’t always have to be an extreme expedition – it might be a new business or a new way to try and help solve an issue I care deeply about.”

Sophia Skarparis Young Conservationist of the Year

Sophia receiving her award from the Duchess of Sussex

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Committed to creating a plastic-free country, 15-year-old Sophia Skarparis started a petition pushing for a ban on plastic bags in New South Wales.

After smashing her original goal of 10,000 signatures, Sophia sent her petition to the State Parliament, where the issue was finally debated last October. Despite this, the New South Wales government continues to support a stance on having no ban on plastic bags.

“Labour is seeking bipartisan support for existing legislation that they already have on banning single-use plastic bags,” Sophia explains. “If this is not achieved, they are looking to go to the polls with this as an election issue.”

New South Wales is now the only state in Australia that has failed to legislate against single-use plastic bags, leading the country in the nine billion plastic bags that end up in landfill and our oceans every year.

Throughout the process of lobbying for signatures, Sophia never lost her motivation, explaining that she received lots of support from environmental groups, individuals and organisations. “I believe my generation can be gamechangers,” she says. “We are more conscious about the environment; we are actually seeing the negative impact on marine and bird life that plastic is having.”

As for what we as individuals can do to help the environment, Sophia has this advice: “Say no to single-use plastics. And educate yourself and others on plastic pollution and climate change.” TB

Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day gift guide Find the perfect gift for Mum.

1. Florae Cosmetics Bags by Ecology

Compiled by: Sarah Hinder

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Inspired by the intriguing native flora of Australian bushland and curated to compliment the beauty of a picturesque native landscape, this Florae cosmetic bag collection makes for stylish travel. $44.95, ecologyhomewares.com.au

2. Rare Carafe & Radiant Glasses by Puik

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Inspired by the scarcity of water, designer Lara Van Der Lugt believes we need to start cherishing the resource like diamonds. This eyecatching set – great for sangria, wine, punch or whisky – is made from mouth-blown crystal glass, which catches the light in the manner of a real diamond.

Carafe $88, set of two glasses $63, top3.com.au

3. manly spirits coastal citrus gin A summer gin perfect for those balmy nights where a refreshing G&T is in order. Flavours of Lemon Aspen, Sea Parsley, Lemon Myrtle, Fresh Corriander Leaf and Meyer Lemon give this lovely, fresh gin earthy lemon notes with herbaceous undertones. It has a juniper core with a lingering finish. $80 (delivered in a gift box) manlyspirits.com.au

4. Smeg Citrus Juicer This ‘50s-style juicer is a premium appliance designed to make the juicing process clean and simple. Made from stainless steel, it has a 70 watt motor with a built-in sensor, and is available in seven colours. $219, davidjones.com.au, harveynorman.com.au

FEB/MARCH 2019

Mother’s Day Gifts

5. Live Whole Coconut Yoga Mat Made from 100 per cent natural tree rubber and reinforced with coconut coir fibre, this yoga mat is durable and easy to grip, as well as biodegradable, fair trade and sustainable.

For every mat sold, Live Whole buys back acres of land for conservation in partnership with the Rainforest Trust conservation society. $99, livewholeyoga.com

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6. Botanica Boutique Biodome

7. Intrinsic Hello Gorgeous Scarf

8. Eco Bottle by Independent Studios

Designed with ideal conditions for growing small plants, ferns and mosses, this aesthetic vivarium has an opening at the top to enable watering and airflow – great for both temperate and tropical plants. $199, top3.com.au

Designed in South Australia and made in India, this lightweight fine cotton scarf brightens up any outfit with its colourful haze of pink and turquoise, a touch of gold, and fun tassels. $49.99, intrinsiconline.com

Liquid will stay cool in these stylish, double-walled ceramic bottles that have a broad opening, making them fantastic for smoothies and easy to clean. They hold 325 millilitres and come with a wooden lid. $24.95, birdsnest.com.au

Mother’s Day Gifts

9. Cheeseporn Cheese Board by DOIY Made from acacia wood, this interesting cheese board comes with two golden-hued stainless steel knives that have integrated magnets to keep the knives attached to the board for ease of use. The knives are what make the cheese board unique, with small decorative holes that allude to Swiss cheese. $69.95, until.com.au

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10. May Gibbs Blossom Gardening Gloves by Ecology These May Gibbs by Ecology gardening gloves will pull on Mum’s heart strings, remembering a childhood with May Gibbs’ Snugglepot and Cuddlepie stories. $16.95, ecologyhomewares.com.au

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11. Corkcicle Stemless Wine Tumbler

12. Giniversity Gift Pack

Mum loves her wine? This stemless, triple-insulated wine cup is made for wine on-the-go. These handy cups can go where glass can’t. They also include a lid, and keep beverages cool for nine hours and hot for three hours. $24.95, mrandmrsjones.com.au

This lovely gift pack is the perfect way for mum to try all three of the most popular Ginversity gins. The pack includes individual 100 millilitre bottles of London Dry Gin, Botanical Gin and Barrel Aged Gin. $55, distillery.com.au FEB/MARCH 2019

NATURE IN A BOTT LE

Mothers’s Day Gifts

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13. Kate Spade Ballpoint Pen in Gift Box

15. Bush Gifts by Bush Heritage Australia

This refillable, metal pen in a matching paper gift box reads: “There are always flowers for those who want to see them”, inside the lid. $69.95, mrandmrsjones. com.au

For a meaningful gift with a feel-good factor, Bush Heritage Australia’s range of gift cards, featuring beautiful photography of Australian native species, are a thoughtful gift for the ecoconscious mum. Each Bush Gift card, e-card or PDF certificate support Bush Heritage’s work on the ground, from managing fire, invasive weeds and feral animals, to planting trees, restoring habitats for native birds and critters, and protecting vulnerable Australian flora and fauna.

Bush Gifts range $15-$200, bushheritage.org.au/bushgifts

14. Intrinsic Beautiful Angel Bracelet In pretty hues of pink, turquoise, green and yellow, this beaded bracelet is handmade in India and designed in South Australia.

The bracelet arrives nestled in a gold foil embellished jewellery box. $34.99, intrinsiconline.com

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16. Tondo Mortar & Pestle Swedish designer Jessika Kalleskog presents this fresh new design for a kitchen device that has been used since ancient times. Both a sculpture and a tool, Tondo forms a calmer motion that the classic mortar and pestle. $299.95, designhousestockholm. com

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Mother’s Day Gifts

17. Noritake Sixties This new range of drinking glasses, created by IVV artisans in Tuscany, is available in sets of six.

Each glass features a unique geometric design inspired by a female icon of the 1960s, including Jackie Onassis, Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin, Audrey Hepburn, Raquel Welch and Yoko Ono. Clear $144, Leaf Green, Smoke & Indigo $151, noritake.com.au

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18. Hummingbirds Wall Art by IXXI

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IXXI presents an innovative way to display works of art in any room.

The Dutch-designed system, made up of individual squares and connectors, is supplied in a compact box with assembly tools.

Made in the Netherlands, IXXI cards are 0.33 millimetres thick and made from high-quality synthetic material, Synaps, which is waterproof, durable and UV-resistant. $125, until.com.au

19. Lumio Rechargeable Booklight This book-like booklight creates an ambient glow for reading at night.

With the option to either lay open like a book or to form a full bright circle, Lumio’s latest creation is USB-rechargeable, with a battery that provides up to eight hours of full charge with continuous use. $318, top3.com.au

20. Blunt Umbrellas

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Striving to change the ‘throwaway’ culture of umbrellas, Blunt’s design is about workmanship and sustainability, meaning its canopy will not tear at the tips or easily turn inside-out in windy weather. $99-$179, bluntumbrellas.com.au FEB/MARCH 2019

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NEWS+VIEWS | MINING | AGRIBUSINESS | INFRASTRUCTURE

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05 P.5 renovating the image of mining P.10 mental health organisations P.16 infrastructure: war on waste P.22 hr in the modern age P.28 business: pecans and macadamias P.34 australian distilleries

Business News+Views

Business News+Views Bringing you the latest insights and analysis.

WORDS: Sarah Hinder

AERIAL DUST SUPPRESSION A P P L I C AT I O N .

Australia-wide Environmental Solutions Erizon, Australia's leading environmental specialist, delivers safe, sustainable, long-term and environmentally friendly solutions, that guarantee results, using Australian product and innovative technology.

How eco-friendly are Erizon’s large-scale dust-suppression and rehabilitation projects?

All of Erizon’s products are 100 per cent eco-friendly. We understand the importance of preserving our native ecosystems for future generations. We are committed to being as environmentally friendly as possible. Rehabilitating damaged and depleted soil is a difficult, but vital, task in Australia. Successfully reviving landscapes through soil remediation creates spaces where wildlife and humans can thrive together.

Implementing good environmental practices during major projects results

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in benefits for communities, companies and government organisations alike.

How effective is Erizon's large-scale environmental rehabilitation after mining?

Put simply, extremely effective.

Mines have a legal responsibility to rehabilitate their mines. We partner with many clients on their large-scale projects, using the latest techniques to ensure full site revegetation is achieved with a tailored solution that uses native plant seeds while continually monitoring results post-application to ensure positive outcomes. Erizon’s tailored approach to environmental site rehabilitation takes into consideration the climate, site size, soil and chemical properties in order to prepare an appropriate remediation plan aimed at erosion control, dust suppression and successful revegetation of even the most damaged and degraded soils.

What are the effects and advantages of introducing drone technology?

Erizon utilises the latest in drone and imaging technology. Drones are used to provide 3D modelling, area monitoring and image mapping which, along with soil testing, allows us to map the rehabilitation area in a high degree of detail. This ensures that solutions are applied with precision and accuracy, and that all areas are covered uniformly, while also increasing site safety and granting us the ability to provide accurate quotes for revegetating large-scale areas.

Post-application Erizon utilises some of the latest industrial drones.

We can take advantage of multispectral and thermal imaging cameras and sensors in order to gain a deeper understanding of how our plants are performing.

Visit erizon.com.au, Contact info@erizon.com.au, 1300 182 182.

Environment ISO 14001

Quality ISO 9001

Business News+Views

Grow our own: it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee In response to predictions of a global coffee shortage, non-profit institute World Coffee Research is undertaking international coffeegrowing trials, testing 35 vareities of coffee across 23 countries, including Australia.

While Australia has a limited association with coffee production, parts of the country have potentially favourable conditions for successfully growing the coffee plant.

Extreme weather events and a rise in attacks by crop pests and diseases are expected to damage the world’s current major coffee-growing regions. Meanwhile, “demand for coffee is expected to double by the year 2050,” according to partnership director at the institute, Greg Meenahan. “If nothing is done, more than half the world’s suitable coffee land will be pushed into unsuitability due to climate change.”

For more information visit worldcoffeeresearch.org

Global oil and gas conference in Perth to focus on renewables This March, Perth will host the 38th Australasian Oil and Gas (AOG) Conference and Exhibition, a leading global event – and the region’s biggest annual outlook event – in the oil and gas sector.

The three-day conference will cover topics highlighting changing trends in the industry, including the rising confidence of the oil and gas market, new uses for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and new energy. This year’s theme is ‘an energy shift’, with a focus on investigating how major oil and gas firms can add renewables to their production portfolios and supply chains.

“Renewables are reliable, plentiful, and will continue to decrease in cost as technology and infrastructure improve, so it’s easy to see why some of the biggest companies in the world are embracing

them into their business as they aim to lower emissions, reduce costs and enhance social licence,” said AOG event director Bill Hare. “In a recent survey of AOG attendees 90 per cent said they wanted to meet new energy exhibitors in 2019, and 83 per cent had plans to incorporate new energy into their business.”

The exhibition provides a unique environment for industry policymakers, experts and educators to network, last year attracting more than 8000 oil and gas leaders from 45 countries, including Norway, Scotland, Belgium, Malaysia and the UK. In 2019 AOG will host more than 250 global companies.

The 2019 AOG Conference and Exhibition will be held at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, March 13–15. For more information visit aogexpo.com.au FEB/MARCH 2019

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Mining

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

Renovating the image of mining MINING HAS AN IMAGE PROBLEM, BUT LEADING COMPANIES ARE TAKING UNPRECEDENTED STEPS TO REJUVENATE THEIR CULTURES AND REPUTATION. When most people think of mining, they think of destructive environmental practices, accidents, toxic chemical spills and the fractious community relations that result.

When investors think of mining, they think of stock price underperformance relative to other sectors and question marks as to whether mining’s historic lack of workforce diversity is impacting on the sector’s productivity.

Despite mining’s significant contribution to the economy – according to Deloitte Access Economics, the mining and METS industries contribute 15 per cent to Australia’s GDP – the industry’s reputation has become increasingly tarnished

in recent years.

The toxic legacy of old mines had blanket media coverage all over the country, but less attention is paid to mining companies that buy old mine sites to clean them up. Similarly, vast open-cut mines are highly visible, but a properly rehabilitated former mine site can be indistinguishable from surrounding bushland or pasture.

The Australian mining industry is highly regulated, but when a disaster such as the 2015 Fundão tailings dam collapse in Brazil occurs, the casual observer doesn’t make the distinction – or worse, thinks that companies which  FEB/MARCH 2019

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Mining

One measure many leading companies are implementing is taking a decisive stance on corporate social responsibility. operate in Australia have laxer standards overseas. Such negative perceptions can also lead to implacable community opposition and the loss of a social licence to operate.

In the world of 24/7 news cycles and opinions aired in the court of social media, this type of backlash is bound to spiral.

Mining companies are taking proactive steps to address – and change – their cultures and reputations, but there is still a long way to go.

All these factors damage reputations and impact stock prices, but they also influence recruitment and employee engagement. Mining’s tarnished reputation makes it an unattractive industry to work in – the best and the brightest university graduates do not have mining at the top of their list – and many existing employees are attracted by the high wages and nothing more.

While the challenge is considerable, some of Australia and the world’s leading mining companies are up for it. Most critically, they are starting to realise that addressing these issues needs to go beyond PR exercises. To rebuild trust with investors, employees, communities, government and the public, mining companies cannot engage in mere spin.

Communication is vital – few people will know of the good you do if you don’t tell them – but must be backed up with behavioural changes.

One measure many leading companies are implementing is taking a decisive stance on corporate social responsibility (CSR). While Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman may have dismissed CSR initiatives as socialism, more and more companies are seeing that the pursuit of profit above all else risks alienating everyone except shareholders.

CSR is, however, a broad term, and the measures companies are taking vary considerably. Some are choosing to be more transparent about their tax disclosures. For example, in 2010 Rio Tinto began voluntarily disclosing details of the taxes and royalties it pays on an annual basis. BHP followed suit in 2015, committing to detailed taxes-paid reports.

Other measures mining companies are taking to demonstrate their CSR values include increasing disclosure on climate change. For example, in 2016 Anglo American, Glencore and Rio Tinto shareholders passed resolutions 

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Mining

Fast Facts

$236.8 billion

In 2015-16 the Mining and METS sector contributed $236.8 billion to GDP, around 15 per cent of the Australian economy.

1,139,768

The Mining and METS sector provides 1,139,768 FTE jobs across Australia.

16.1%

Mining is the most maledominated industry in Australia. Women comprise just 16.1 per cent of sector employees.

calling for increased disclosure on climate change.

The following year, The Guardian reported that BHP shareholders urged the company to “terminate membership of bodies that demonstrate a pattern of advocacy on policy issues at odds with the company’s positions since 2012”.

The shareholders backing the resolution were concerned that BHP risked reputational damage by being a member of bodies such as the Minerals Council of Australia that “hold policy and advocacy positions out of step with community expectations” on issues such as climate change and energy policy. In a similar vein, several mining companies have started reporting against voluntary sustainability standards such as the Carbon Disclosure Project, the Global Reporting Initiative and the Task Force on Climaterelated Financial Disclosures.

Others are taking more direct action. Sandfire Resources’ DeGrussa Copper-Gold Mine in Western Australia boasts the largest integrated off-grid solar and battery storage facility of any mine in Australia (and quite possibly the world). The $40 million ARENA-funded project supplies around 20 per cent of the DeGrussa mine’s annual power requirements and cuts its emissions by 12,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Other examples of direct action include empowering local communities to monitor water quality using a variety of platforms, including video, apps that access online data

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or the ability for community members to conduct their own tests. In all cases, this level of radical transparency helps keep companies honest.

However, while some mining companies are tackling the long, hard task of shifting perceptions and driving behaviour change, there is little doubt that those companies remain in the minority. As an industry, there is still much work to be done, but the alternative is unsustainable. Coal mining, especially thermal coal, is on the verge of losing its social licence to operate, and this trend is having a broader impact.

The mining industry cannot rest on its laurels, relying on reserves of goodwill built up in earlier decades. What worked in the past no longer works in today’s hyperconnected world. To sustain its licence to operate in the shadow of climate change, cultivate employee loyalty and win over key stakeholders, the mining industry must engage in a concerted, and multi-year, effort to repair its reputation and regain public trust.

According to Deloitte UK’s Global Mining Tax Leader, James Ferguson, “If mining companies truly hope to repair their image, they must do more than change their messaging. They must also fundamentally change their behaviours around the way they mine, how they engage with communities, attract talent and deliver on their promises.”

Mental Health Support

Support when you’re struggling STATISTICS SHOW THAT MORE THAN 3000 AUSTRALIANS DIE FROM SUICIDE EACH YEAR. WE SPOKE WITH OUTSTANDING NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS R U OK? AND LIFELINE ABOUT THEIR WORK IN PROVIDING ESSENTIAL LIFE-SAVING SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IN CRISIS, AS WELL AS PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THEIR LOVED ONES. Sarah Hinder Sarah is a Sydneybased journalist who enjoys writing about Australian social and environmental causes.

Res tota Mental Health Support

R E G U L A R LY C H E C K I N G I N W I T H FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S I S O N E V I TA L W AY T H AT W E C A N K E E P OUR LOVED ONES SAFE.

For many Australians caught in a cycle of struggling with their mental health and battling tough circumstances, life’s ups and downs can become overwhelming. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 3128 people committed suicide in 2017, making it the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44. Meanwhile, the suicide rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is roughly twice that of non-Indigenous Australians.

Around Australia we have incredible resources available to support ourselves and those we love when we need it most.

R U OK? is a suicide prevention charity encouraging people to look out for the signs that someone they care about is struggling, and empowering them to have a conversation that could change a life. R U OK?’s goal is to inspire people to take the time to ask: “Are you ok?” and to listen to the response.

“We can help people struggling with life feel connected long before they even think about suicide. It all comes down to regular, face-to-face, meaningful conversations about life.

And asking, 'Are you ok?' is a great place to start.”

Meanwhile, Lifeline is dedicated to providing 24-hour support for people in times of crisis. The not-for-profit has more than 10,000 volunteers working around the country to help Australians doing it tough. Every year they receive almost a million contacts from people reaching out. In 2018 the organisation partnered with Twitter to offer support via the social media network, and they are currently trialling a

text service that they hope will be a gamechanger in making their vital work accessible to all.

What’s the number one thing family and friends can do for someone who is struggling with depression, anxiety or thoughts of suicide?

R U OK? Use our four steps to start a conversation: ask, listen, encourage action and check in. Make sure you’ve chosen a time they can sit down and talk, and create a safe space for them. If you suspect someone is considering suicide, ask them directly in a calm, non-judgemental way.

Listen to what they say and allow them to talk about what is going on for them. Take what they say seriously. Help them find pathways to professional support, such as calling Lifeline or booking an appointment with their GP. If you are worried for their immediate safety, call Triple Zero (000) or take them to the local Emergency Department.

LIFELINE Be open to connecting with them. Family and friends have an important role to play in reducing the isolation that can be experienced by people struggling with thoughts of suicide. At Lifeline we believe that no person should ever have to face their darkest moments alone. That’s why our crisis support line 13 11 14 is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to offer support to anyone who is struggling.

DEC 2018/JAN 2019

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Mental Health Support

R U O K ? ' S A N N U A L C O N V E R S AT I O N CONVOY VISITS TOWNS AROUND RURAL AND REGIONAL AUSTRALIA TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION.

When dealing with depression or anxiety, what support is on offer and how can it be accessed?

R U OK? Our website provides a comprehensive list of help-seeking avenues for a variety of issues that people face. We all go through life’s challenges: grief, relationship breakdown, job loss, etc. When our relationships are strong, we are best placed to notice the signs that someone is struggling. You can find professional support for yourself or the person you are worried about online at ruok.org.au/findhelp.

LIFELINE Our service is available to anyone experiencing emotional distress at any time. You can call our telephone line on 13 11 14 (24/7), or chat to a crisis supporter through webchat at lifeline.org.au (7pm to midnight Sydney time).

What support is available to people living in regional and rural areas?

R U OK? We are committed to reaching everyone, no matter their location. With reduced mental health services, isolation and climate issues impacting those in regional areas, looking out for the signs that someone you know might be struggling with life is critical. R U OK? has created a 'Mateship Manual' – a short, simple guide designed specifically to address issues regional Aussies face. Find it at ruok.org.au/everyday-resources. We also provide a set of resources specifically targeting fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) employees who are at risk of isolation and disconnection from friends and loved ones.

Tailored guides can be found at ruok.org.au/work.

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LIFELINE We have 40 centres around Australia and 20 of them are in rural and regional areas. The message we want to get to people in the country is, when you call Lifeline your contact is kept confidential. Calls are not answered by your local centre, they can be answered by a volunteer anywhere around the nation.

What about young people who are struggling with mental health?

LIFELINE In 2017, twice as many young Australians died of suicide than on our roads. We have to get the message to young people that they can reach out to Lifeline for help.

Our trained crisis supporters are highly skilled listeners who will talk or chat online to any person who is experiencing emotional distress at any time.

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Mental Health Support

And migrants to Australia?

LIFELINE Anyone in Australia can contact Lifeline. There is a free interpreting service provided by the government for people who do not speak English. To access it call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 and explain that you want to speak to Lifeline in the language required. The operator will call 13 11 14 on your behalf.

Find out more at tisnational.gov.au Sometimes the most important thing we can do to support ourselves is simply to start today. What is one thing I can do today to support my own wellbeing?

R U OK? Meaningfully connect with people in your life who really matter to you. When our connections are strong, we are more likely to feel supported and able to face the challenges that arise in all our lives.

LIFELINE Allow yourself the time to do something you enjoy.

And what is one thing I can do today to support other people in my life?

R U OK? Visit them, phone them, check in with them, ask them how things are really going in their life. Have

a meaningful conversation that allows them to open up and tell you what’s going on with them. It’s often said that the things that keep us up at night aren’t as bad when you’ve shared them with a friend, and that heartfelt conversation can be a great starting point to supporting someone.

LIFELINE Look out for each other. When you notice a change in behaviour, check it out. Ask your friend or family member if they are ok. If they’re not, you can call Lifeline for advice on how best to help them, or ask them to call Lifeline for themselves, or suggest taking them to a GP. If life is in danger always call 000.

How can I get involved with and support your work?

R U OK? Familiarise yourself with the free resources on our website to help navigate the conversation when someone says: “No, I’m not ok.” You can host community, school or workplace events that integrate the R U OK? message, participate in challenges such as fun runs and walks to increase awareness, share our message on social media and inspire others to look out for those in your world, become workplace champions or become community ambassadors. Our website is a great starting point for

APPS

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BEYONDNOW Beyond Blue’s app to help create a suicide safety plan when experiencing crisis or distress.

HEADGEAR An engaging and anonymous way to assess and monitor your mental health.

THE CHECK-IN Beyond Blue’s easyto-use app for young people to check in with a friend they’re concerned about.

WELL MAN Practical information and skills for men’s mental health and resources for men considering suicide.

AusBiz.

LIFELINE EXISTS BECAUSE OF ITS TRAINED VOLUNTEERS, WHO ANSWER CALLS FROM AUSTRALIANS I N N E E D 2 4 / 7.

Mental Health Support

people wanting to get involved: ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day.

LIFELINE Lifeline exists because of our volunteers – and we always need more! We want to answer every call that comes in, but sometimes in peak service periods callers hang up before we can get to them. Our challenge is to encourage people to hold on until we can answer their call. We are always looking for volunteers to help with this. Head to our website for more information about volunteering: lifeline. org.au/support-lifeline/volunteer.

SUPPORT SERVICES R U OK? Support for friends and family of people at risk of suicide, plus resources to access a variety of organisations that can help with mental health and suicide prevention. ruok.org.au/findhelp LIFELINE 24/7 phone service and online chat (7pm to midnight Sydney time) for people at risk of suicide.

13 11 14 lifeline.org.au SUICIDE CALL BACK SERVICE 24/7 call service for people at risk of suicide.

1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au GRIEFLINE Counselling for people experiencing grief.

1300 845 745 griefline.org.au KIDS HELPLINE Counselling for young people aged five to 25.

1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au MENSLINE AUSTRALIA 24/7 support for men with family and relationship issues.

1300 78 99 78 mensline.org.au 1800 RESPECT 24/7 counselling about domestic violence.

1800 737 732 1800respect.org.au

MHIMA Multicultural mental health resources.

02 6285 3100 mhima.org.au SUPPORT AFTER SUICIDE Support for the bereaved.

03 9421 7640 supportaftersuicide.org.au BEYOND BLUE Support and resources for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention.

1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au REACHOUT Online resource for young people and their parents. reachout.com APS Find a local psychologist.

1800 333 497 psychology.org.au VIRTUAL PSYCHOLOGIST 24/7 online chat, phone, text, email psychologist service for farmers and rural Australians.

Call 0404 032 249 Text 0488 807 266 virtualpsychologist.com.au/ home LIFELINE SERVICE FINDER Online map directory of health and community services. lifeline.serviceseeker.com.au MYCOMPASS Proven techniques to help manage depression, anxiety and stress. mycompass.org.au

R U OK'S C O N V E R S AT I O N CONVOY IN OUTBACK AUSTRALIA.

FEB/MARCH 2019

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Infrastructure

PLASTIC STRAWS AND COFFEE CUPS GET A LOT OF AIR TIME WHEN IT COMES TO AUSTRALIA’S “WAR ON WASTE”, BUT OUR FOCUS NEEDS TO SHIFT FROM MANAGEMENT TO PREVENTION IF WE ARE EVER GOING TO THE CLOSE THE LOOP.

Lisa Smyth Business and travel writer Lisa Smyth is a non-stop nomad, living everywhere from Myanmar and Germany to PNG.

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AusBiz.

Infrastructure

Earlier this year Coles and Woolworths enraged customers and created a viral Twitterstorm when they announced they would no longer be providing plastic bags free of charge.

Following in the footsteps of similar successful initiatives in the UK and Europe, Australia’s two largest supermarket chains were endeavouring to reduce plastic waste. But is Australia’s waste problem as simple as cutting down on plastic bags, straws and bottles?

“Plastic represents only 6 per cent of waste to landfill in Australia,” explains Mike Ritchie, Managing Director of waste experts MRA Consulting Group. “If you want to make a difference to waste to landfill, you start with organics and you fix that problem before you even look at anything else.”

According to the most recent National Waste Report from 2016, Australians produced 64 million tonnes, or 2.7 tonnes per person of waste in 2014-15. According to Ritchie, 20 million of those tonnes goes to landfill, and the rest is recycled… which is positive, right?

Ritchie passionately disagrees. “Our recycling rates have stagnated at about 56 per cent for almost 20 years.

Australia is currently ranked about 17th in the world for recycling and nothing is changing. Organics – food and green waste, garden waste, cardboard and pallets, and timber – represent 10.5 million tonnes of that 20 million.

To improve our recycling rate we must get organics, which mostly come from commercial sources, out of landfill.”

No roads to China

Eighteen months ago China imposed a ban on accepting any more foreign recycling, and even though Australia only sent 3.5 per cent of its recycling to China, it created a lot of talk about a recycling “crisis”. Experts are concerned that recyclers who are unable to ship their waste to China will be forced into more expensive solutions, and recycling will become a less viable waste management option. But not everyone sees the China ban as a problem.

“I think it was too easy to ship our waste to China,” says Nicole Boyd, GM Infrastructure Innovation for the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA).

“Now we have to actually start thinking about how we can deal with our waste in a sustainable and economic manner.”

What often gets lost in all the talk of the “war on waste” is that recycling is not a priority solution. According to the waste hierarchy, we should prioritise avoiding, reducing and reusing waste (prevention) long before we consider recycling, recovering energy from waste and, as a last resort, sending waste to landfill (management).

“There is no such thing as waste; it’s all just resources,” enthuses Boyd. “We need to change our thinking. For example, when you build a tunnel you’ve got all this waste soil, but for somebody who needs to fill in a big space, that’s not waste. It’s about creating a circular economy – we have certainly encouraged infrastructure projects to think

Fast Fact

2025

The World Economic Forum estimates circular economy activities could be worth $26 billion each year in Australia by 2025.

FEB/MARCH 2019

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Infrastructure

"There is no such thing as waste; it’s all just resources."

IMAGES: IBIS STYLES HOBART HOTEL.

about waste management and how they can reuse waste or actually avoid waste altogether.”

According to Circular Economy Australia, their name refers to “an alternative model that anticipates and designs for resources to be either safely returned to nature or back into systems where they can be reused or renewed”.

Ultimately, Australian businesses need to be thinking about what they can do at the top of the waste hierarchy instead of focusing on managing waste once it is already produced.

A green stay

Fast Fact

Perth

Parts of Perth are trialling clear wheelie bins to encourage homeowners to reflect on what they’re putting in them.

One company that has taken this to heart is the Fragrance Group, owner of the ibis Styles Hobart Hotel. Last year the hotel was named Australia’s first and only 5-Star Green Starcertified hotel. The certification is awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

Project architect Peter Scott of Tasmanian firm Xsquared Architects explains the development aimed to address holistic sustainability across a range of measures, including construction stage waste management, and reduced volumes

of construction and demolition waste sent to landfill.

“We were committed to minimising end-oflife waste. That included the potential waste from the demolition of the building in 50 years, but also minimising the waste from regular fit-outs of the hotel. We selected more durable materials, fittings and finishings so the average fit-out cycle of seven years could be increased to 10 years. In this way two cycles of renewal in the 50-year life of the hotel are eliminated from the waste stream.”

The hotel also meets commitments for energy efficiency, thermal insulation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions – though guests will hardly notice the sustainability measures in place during their stay.

“Our client wanted to provide a good hotel experience, not necessarily a good sustainability experience, for guests. But they also have operational commitments as part of their certification, with a waste target of no more than one kilogram per guest per night, which is about seven times less than the Australian average. It’s all about avoiding waste in the first place.”  FEB/MARCH 2019

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Infrastructure

“I’d say 95 per cent of our products are now compostable."

IMAGE AND QUOTE: RICHARD FINE, F O U N D E R A N D S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y D I R E C T O R AT B I O PA K .

Completing the circle

The circular economy is as much about returning materials safely to nature as it is about avoiding and reducing waste, and this is where composting has a huge role to play. Food contaminates conventional recycling streams, and is one big reason why 10.5 million tonnes of our landfill is made up of organics.

“Since we started in 2006, we have been trying to close the loop and find a viable end-oflife option, which of course is composting,” says Richard Fine, founder and Sustainability Director of food services packaging supplier BioPak. “I’d say 95 per cent of our products are now compostable, and we will be phasing out the remaining plastic items in the next two years.”

BioPak doesn’t just create compostable coffee cups, lids, takeaway containers and cutlery; the company provides a compost collection service to make it easier for cafés, restaurants and hotels across metro areas to “close the loop”.

Some groups, like the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, already have separate streams for food and packaging waste that, once composted, creates electricity and produces fertiliser. The organisation diverts 84 per cent of its waste from landfill, and is on track for 90 per cent by 2020.

So if Australia is to meet its waste reduction targets, companies need to take a little advice from their local GP – prevention is always better than cure.

HAVE A PLASTIC free

summer!

FEB/MARCH 2019

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Technology

Is technology a help or hindrance to HR? ONCE SEEN AS PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATORS AND COMPLIANCE WARDENS, THE HR PRACTITIONER HAS EVOLVED TO BECOME ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN ANY BUSINESS – AS LONG AS THEY CAN KEEP UP THE PACE. HR professionals have had a bad rap for a while now. For some people, a call to the HR office is akin to the long walk to the principal’s office, or a trip to the dreaded dentist.

But, with the rapid speed of change in business caused by digital disruption, the HR function has expanded beyond simple support and is now a critical part of a company’s leadership team.

Stepping up

“HR professionals used to be the custodians of personnel guidelines, the rule book of an organisation, and administered people processes,” explains Peter Wilson, President and Chair of the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI). “Now the expectation is that the HR person will be a professional expert in that organisation and be able to deliver HR practice against that. They’re experts and they have a leadership pathway available to them.”

According to a July 2018 report from Deloitte Access Economics, the HR sector will grow from 218,000 people in 2016-17 to 245,000 in 2021-22 – an annual average growth of 2.3 per cent. HR professionals with postgraduate qualifications are projected to be earning $160,000+ per annum by 2021-22.

“HR is now a valuable contributor to a business’s success,” says Jennifer Gale, General Manager of Human Resources and Corporate Planning at Renault Australia. “Today, HR is just as much a business partner as finance, sales or marketing, and contributes to commercial objectives.”

The need for speed

There is no doubt that technological and digital disruption across all industries has played a large part in the expanded scope of the HR role. A 2017 Deloitte report entitled 'Rewriting the rules for the digital age' revealed that 85 per cent of Australian HR professionals believe fostering a better employee experience was their most important 

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Lisa Smyth Business and travel writer Lisa Smyth is a non-stop nomad, living everywhere from Myanmar and Germany to PNG.

Technology

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Technology

priority, closely followed by building the organisation of the future (84 per cent). However, alarmingly, only 9 per cent of companies said they understand how to build a "future-ready" organisation.

“The greatest disruption to HR has been the speed at which business is changing. HR people need to be able to adapt to change a lot quicker than they ever did before, especially if they want to retain employees,” says Gale. “Social media has provided a lot more channels for employees to network and research job opportunities – turnover is much higher.”

Technology is constantly changing how the HR function is performed. Digital tools and platforms can now help improve and manage the employee experience, support employee upskilling and self-directed learning, and provide data to help improve employee engagement and retention.

On a global level, the 2017 report from Deloitte stated that 33 per cent of HR professionals are already using some form of artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver HR solutions, and 41 per cent are building mobile apps to deliver HR services.

Wilson names the Australian Taxation Office, CSIRO and Cochlear as organisations that have embraced technology in HR: “These are the guys that understand all that

technology, and they’ve applied it in spades to how they manage their people.”

Ivan Pierce, Chief People Officer at insurance company Youi, and his team recently won Best HR Technology Strategy at the Australian HR Awards 2019.

“Over the past 10 years, there has been an increased need to understand data and apply a scientific methodology to people initiatives to provide evidence of their value,” explains Pierce. The Youi HR strategy includes a gamified recognition platform that reinforces positive employee behaviours that align with company values.

“As our people go about their day, they earn points, badges and prizes for the myriad of different ways they contribute to our culture and success. The platform helps our people track their own achievements and celebrate important milestones,” he explains. “But it’s important to remember that even though technology provides opportunities for innovation in HR, it doesn’t replace the richness of human contact and personal recognition.”

Rise of the machines

While technology is impacting HR operations, it is also disrupting every other business area. With AI and machine

Fast Fact

51%

Only half of Australian and New Zealand HR leaders (51 per cent) say they are successful at retaining talent.

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Technology learning paving the way for automation of processes – and even entire jobs – managing that transition for employees and businesses has fallen heavily on the shoulders of HR professionals.

“Technology has impacted the conduct of work overall, and the work of the profession – it puts a double obligation on the HR professional,” laments Wilson.

For instance, a 2017 report forecasts that the global mining automation market will grow in value by almost 50 per cent by 2023, and APAC is estimated to be the largest market. This will have positive impacts on worker safety and mining productivity, but automation is already causing alarm among employees about job security.

While numbers vary widely, a September 2018 report from the Regional Australia Institute estimates 22 per cent

of jobs nationally are highly vulnerable to automation.

However, while types of jobs may be vulnerable, that doesn’t necessarily mean people will lose their jobs.

“One of the most important ways businesses can be ‘future ready’ is to invest in developing their people’s skills and capabilities. Having a strong learning and development focus, supported by the right technology, is a critical foundation for any successful business,” suggests Pierce.

With Australian HR professionals closely focused on retention, automation can present an opportunity to develop upskilling programs within organisations. A recent survey by recruitment company Hays showed that 59 per cent of Australian workers want a job offering ongoing learning and development opportunities.

Back to basics

Technology will continue to force businesses, and HR practitioners, to evolve and adapt at a swift pace. However, Pierce insists that technology alone is not where the HR function begins and ends.

“Get your foundations right. Embed your company values well, and even in a fast-changing world your people will make good decisions based on having the right mindset. Invest heavily in showing your people how much you care. No business should underestimate the importance and value in providing their people with a positive employee experience.”

Fast Fact

16%

One in six (16 per cent) HR leaders in Australia and New Zealand say they do not use technology to improve HR outcomes.

FEB/MARCH 2019

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Jac Taylor Jac Taylor is a travel photographer, writer and TV producer who has captured the far corners of Australia.

NUTS for

NUTS

We go behind the scenes at Stahmann Farms to see what makes this Australian operation, that has been in business for 50 years, such an ongoing success story.

In the USA, in certain circles at least, the Australian town of Moree is spoken of with great reverence. On all conference charts, and on every industry paper, it is a compulsory inclusion – if you’re an American nut farmer that is. Same for the South Africans. For many of us, it may exist as a mid-sized dot on a map in the northern plains of New South Wales, in the heart of the wheatbelt, but for the global nut industry, it is nothing less than a benchmark of nearperfection.

It wasn’t always this way, explains Ross Burling, CEO and director of the Stahmann Farms nut company in Australia, and a man who is obviously, passionately nuts about nuts.

“After a first planting in Gatton in Queensland, Deane Stahmann Jnr founded the very first pecan farm in Moree in 1967, and had 68,000 pecan trees planted in 1971, because he knew that Moree is actually possibly the best spot in the world to grow a pecan – except maybe one place in South Africa,” Burling concedes. “But yes, when you go to a conference in the US, you’ll see Moree up there on the screen next to Texas, et cetera, as a positive benchmark.

And everyone knows Stahmann because of that.”

It’s this savvy dedication to ideally matching crop to location that has stood Stahmann in a strong position to diversify, which is exactly what it has done now, as it branches out – so to speak – into macadamias.

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“We bought our first macadamia farm this time a year ago, after we looked at all the areas you could possibly grow them globally, and considered Bundaberg [in Queensland] to be the best location. The climate looks ideal for macadamias, but it’s also well supported by people, by industry – everything is right there,” says Burling. “Our pecan trees are now 47 years old, and we’ve learned that the first thing you need to get right is this: you only plant a tree once in its life, so you need to plant as well as you can. You have to get the climate right and the varietal right, so we put a lot of work into that.”

So why macadamias? After all, pecans have been wonderfully successful for Stahmann Farms over the years.

There are 660 hectares planted at the Moree farm right now, according to Burling, and that number is set to double to more than 1400 hectares by the end of August. The Moree crops provide Australia with 80 per cent of its pecans. Once expansion is complete, this looks to increase to 96 per cent.

“Interestingly enough, our factory in Toowoomba started processing macadamias in 1994. We had this great, big processing facility to process pecans six months of the year, and then we used to stop work for six months,” explains Burling. "We were looking for another product to fill those six months.”

MAIN IMAGE: K ATHY SMITH AT STAHMANN FARMS FACTORY IN TOOWOOMBA, QLD. RIGHT IMAGE: RIVERSIDE ALL AUSTR ALIAN FL AVOURED R ANGE.

Of course, it never quite works like that, as Burling knew. “Easter and Christmas are still on the same days, peak selling time for the two nuts is the same, so it isn’t quite as simple as that.

“But look at almonds and walnuts – they’re the behemoths, the glamorous ones,” he explains. “Pecans and macadamias are the honest nuts. They work together synergistically, since they’re both the least known nuts on the global market.”

That’s changing rapidly though. In the 20-something years that Stahmann Farms have been involved with macadamias particularly, its people have seen the stereotype of macadamias evolve well beyond the once comparatively ‘unknown’ nut. It’s a comfortable expansion for a company that only numbers perhaps 220 people on the payroll in its busiest times.

“We’ve grown the business for security, not just for our stakeholders, but for our people,” says Burling. “A number of our staff reached their 35th anniversary working for us last year – that’s most of their life spent with us.  FEB/MARCH 2019

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

TOP TO BOT TOM: SORTING PECANS AT STAHMANN FARMS FACTORY IN TOOWOOMBA,QLD; ROSS BURLING, CEO STAHMANN FARMS ENTERPRISES; PECAN TREES AT PALLAMALLAWA IN MOREE, NSW.

We all have a stakeholding in this business, it’s just that for some, it’s more personal than others.”

Although Deane Stahmann Jnr passed away in 2013, there is a clear continuing thread in the company culture, that is based on his philosophies as he steered the business through earlier decades. “He was always a very strategic thinker,” Burling says. “He had a wonderful vision, and that’s why we look so good on paper. He always said you should maximise your unfair advantage, your point of difference.

And that’s what we try to do.”

For Stahmann Farms, that may well describe their early adoption of vertical integration, or as Burling prefers to call it, "value streams": simply put, performing all stages of the process, from farming through to processing and packaging.

“We know from pecan farming that sometimes you make more money being the farmer, sometimes more as the processor or seller,” explains Burling.

"Being fully vertically integrated means you can maximise production at every step of the stream, so you can build a more confident supply chain and schedule with retailers with more confidence, as a result. The marketer can talk to the farmer, meaning every step of the process is in touch with every other one – and that maximises consumer satisfaction.

“Everyone is getting excited about ‘paddock to plate’,” Burling says, “but you’ve got to live it and practise it.

Otherwise it’s no different from going to a farmer, getting his product and putting it in a packet. And most of the people that work here still get excited about nuts – so that’s not a bad recipe for success either.”

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Australian Distilleries

THAT'S THE SPIRIT A BUREAUCRATIC TWIST OF FATE IN COLONIAL TIMES STALLED THE AUSTRALIAN SPIRITS INDUSTRY FOR 150 YEARS. NOW, HOMEGROWN DISTILLERIES ARE TAKING THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE AS SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST.

Lisa Smyth Business and travel writer Lisa Smyth is a non-stop nomad, living everywhere from Myanmar and Germany to PNG.

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Z E S T Y L I M O N C E L L O , M A N LY S P I R I T S C O . I N S Y D N E Y, N S W.

Australian Distilleries

M A N LY S P I R I T S C O .

I N S Y D N E Y, N S W.

“I would prefer barley be fed to pigs than it be used to turn men into swine.” So said, reportedly, Lady Jane Franklin in 1838. Jane was the wife of the Governor of Tasmania at the time, John Franklin, and her disdain for whisky led him to outlaw small pot stills on the island.

Unfortunately for Australia’s many small batch distilleries, John Franklin’s ban was written into national law when Australia was federated in 1901. From that point on only large distilleries, such as Bundaberg Rum, would be able to keep their doors open. But, 90 years later, Bill Lark, the ‘grandfather of Australian spirits’, had the law overturned in Tasmania (with other states soon doing the same), and the Australian spirits industry finally began to recover from Lady Jane’s history-defining horror.

“Tasmania has a beautiful community of distilleries. Bill Lark was very open with helping everyone out each time a new distillery opened,” says Sebastian Costello, Owner and Director of Melbourne’s Bad Frankie, until recently Australia’s only bar exclusively serving Australian spirits.

The bar’s name is a cheeky nod to Franklin, and it is as well-known for its gins and whiskies as its extensive jaffle menu. “In the USA you get bourbon and burgers, and in Mexico they have tequila and tacos. I wanted to do something very authentic, very Australian, and in 2014 there were just enough Australian spirits around to fill a bar, and it felt right to pair them with the quintessential Aussie toasted sandwich.”

When Costello opened Bad Frankie he had 80 Australian spirits on the back bar – today he has 500. That phenomenal growth has mostly come from Australian craft spirits, which according to research released in November 2018, is growing at 110 per cent in contrast to the total spirits market. The category is now worth $17.1 million, up from $10.8 million

S U L L I VA N S C O V E D I S T I L L E R Y I N H O B A R T, TA S .

in 2017, though craft spirits are still just a drop in the large barrel that is the $1.8 billion local spirits industry.

Entering the world stage

There are an estimated 120 distilleries in Australia today, located everywhere from city industrial districts to rural farmhouses and ocean-fronted cellar doors. Back in 2013 there were fewer than 50. If you ask many in the industry the turning point came in 2014, when Tasmania’s Sullivans Cove Distillery won the World's Best Single Malt for its French Oak at the World Whiskies Awards.

“We were the first non-Scottish or non-Japanese brand to win that award – it was absolutely huge for a small distillery from Hobart,” explains Adam Sable, Managing Director of Sullivans Cove. “That win helped establish Australian spirits internationally and entrench Australia in conversations about the world’s best spirits.”

Using only 100 per cent Tasmanian ingredients, Sullivans Cove is the second oldest whisky distillery in Tasmania, having opened a few years after Lark Distillery. In 2018 it again won big when its American Oak was declared World's Best Single Cask Single Malt.

“Our customers are after a very high-quality whisky that has been matured for long periods of time. Some Australian whiskies appeal to a broader market, but our consumers are generally pretty discerning,” notes Sable. “Global demand is far outweighing what we have available – it’s very difficult to allocate stock.”

On the more affordable end of the Australian craft whisky scale is Starward, a Melbourne distillery that opened its doors in 2007. Matured in Australian wine barrels for three ‘Melbourne years’, this crowd-pleaser now turns over $2 million a year.  FEB/MARCH 2019

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Australian Distilleries STONE PINE DISTILLERY IN B AT H U R S T, N S W.

Fast Facts

Cheese

Tasmania’s Hartshorn Distillery uses cheese by-products to make its gin and vodka, the latter of which won World’s Best Vodka in 2018.

2015

Kristy Booth, daughter of Bill Lark, opened Killara Distillery in 2015. It is one of very few distilleries in the world to be owned and operated by a woman.

A splash of lemon myrtle

Despite the international accolades that have rolled in for Sullivans Cove, it is gin, not whisky, that is currently dominating the Australian spirits scene. At last year’s Australian Distilled Spirits Awards there were 31 entries in the whisky division, 29 vodkas, 23 rums, 10 brandies and a whopping 130 gin entries.

In Australia a spirit must spend two years in a barrel before it can be called whisky, but gin can be distilled, bottled and sold all on the same day – an ideal scenario for cash-starved craft distilleries.

“In Australia we have a background in high-quality wine and craft beer, so there was no reason we wouldn’t be good at distilling spirits. It was simply the legislation holding us back,” rationalises Vanessa Wilton, Co-owner of Manly Spirits Co. Having only launched in April 2017 on Sydney’s northern beaches, the distillery’s Australian Dry Gin has already won Double Gold medals at the 2018 San Francisco Spirits Awards, one of the key annual global competitions.

“Australian spirits are really punching above their weight on the global scene in terms of quality,” says Wilton. “All of our products have won silver or gold medals in the big competitions.”

Rather than place all its eggs in one basket, Manly Spirits, like numerous other distilleries around the country, has a

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diverse portfolio, distilling gin, vodka, whisky and liqueurs.

Costello, Sable and Wilton all agree that what sets Australian spirits apart from their global competitors is the use of native Australian botanicals.

“Australia has this amazing botanical library that sort of got lost for a while but has been rediscovered,” notes Wilton.

“We work with Elijah Holland who was Head Forager for the NOMA pop-up in Sydney in 2016. He introduced us to ingredients like sea parsley, finger lime and anise myrtle, so our white spirits have a distinctly Australian and marine botanical profile.”

A level playing field

Sydney’s pop-up of the world’s best restaurant, NOMA, also had a hand in raising the profile of Bathurst’s Stone Pine Distillery, when its Orange Blossom Gin was selected to be the first pour on site.

“The fact that we are small, regional, seasonal and produce limited editions fitted really well with what NOMA was trying to do,” says owner Ian Glen. “It really helped my distributor to open more doors for us.”

Ian and his wife Bev were looking for a lifestyle change when they moved to rural Australia in 2006. With a long family history in the Scottish distilling industry, Ian saw how cocktail culture and craft spirits had taken off in the UK and

Australian Distilleries

the USA, and knowing that Australia tends to come up a few years behind those two main markets, figured he should get in early.

“There wasn’t such a thing as an Aussie gin when we started – it was a hard sell,” recalls Glen. “But in the last two to three years there has been a marked change driven by the small bar movement, and it has become a whole lot more viable as a business model, especially as we are finally getting a rebate on the excise.”

Despite small rebates, Australian spirits are still taxed at a much higher rate than wine or beer, with the excise increased every six months in line with inflation. Yarra Valley’s wildly popular Four Pillars exports gin to 23 countries, but most distilleries claim the ‘spirits super tax’ stops them from achieving anything close to that scale.

“It’s just plain common sense,” exclaims Glen. “All alcohol in Australia should be taxed the same so we have equal opportunities. It should be a level playing field.”

New frontiers

Despite some barriers to entry there are still plenty of people who see the vast potential in Australian spirits, such as Margaret River winemaker Greg Garnish who in 2018

GREG GARNISH, H A R M A N ' S E S TAT E I N MARGARET RIVER, WA.

launched Australia’s first pisco. “We started selling our version of pisco, a white brandy usually made in Peru from Muscat grapes, at our cellar door, and it exploded,“ says Garnish. “Wine has happened. Craft beer has happened.

There is just such massive growth to be had in spirits.”

Garnish is so convinced, he is leaving winemaking behind to open his own distillery in 2019.

That’s not to say that Australia’s alcohol industries can’t work together. “My personal view is that we will see a bit of a revival of brandy in years to come,” remarks Sable. “It’s traditionally been seen as an older person’s drink, but given that we have such a fantastic wine industry, it’s a real point of difference for Australian brandies.”

While Sullivans Cove released their own limited-edition brandy in 2018, other distilleries, such as South Australia’s award-winning St Agnes, have been handcrafting Australian brandy for decades.

Costello agrees with Sable’s prediction. “There is a renaissance coming in brandy and rum, and vermouths are having a moment. But the mentality of Australian spirits is that we are competing with overseas producers and not amongst ourselves. So, no matter what you drink, just make sure it's Australian.”

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A Class Above St Joseph’s Nudgee College was established in 1891 and is one of the oldest continuing Catholic boys’ boarding schools in Australia. More than 1,590 young men from Years 5 to 12, including more than 260 boarders, call Nudgee College their school. Amongst the student cohort you will find writers, athletes, artists, performers, science enthusiasts, maths fanatics, leaders, builders, dreamers, all-rounders, and everything in between.

On a daily basis students are taught, cared for, and challenged by teachers who want to bring out the best in all of their students – they want to help them find their strengths. The holistic education, personal development, and wellbeing of each student is a key focus of the College.

As 2018 College Captain Angus McDonald said, the College’s real success lies in the relationships that the boys build while they are at school.

“Nudgee College is a place where every student can find somewhere to belong,” he said, “and where every one of our talents and skills have the opportunity to grow and develop.

“We create a bond, not only with our beloved school, but with each other, laying the foundation for a community and a brotherhood that will remain a central part of all of our lives long after we leave this College.”

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high-quality facilities to help them nurture and develop their talents and strengths.

Nudgee College is offering Academic Scholarships for students entering the College from Years 7 to 11 in 2020, who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement based on the results of the ACER Scholarship Examination, and exhibit qualities commensurate with the College's motto: Signum Fidei – a Sign of Faith. Academic Scholarships are awarded to students who are considered to have exceptional academic ability and potential. Parents can register their child to sit the ACER Scholarship Examination at scholarships.acer.edu.au.

Bush Boarding Bursaries are also available for new students entering Years 7 to 10 in 2019. For further information about scholarships and bursaries, please visit nudgee.com/scholarships-and-bursaries.

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Puzzles

CROSSWORD

A A R S Y N T S R O E O M

M R O W T J H R L E T L K

G C N S U O R C O G G E E

N P G A W H O E I P S I J

I I M S U Y W B D V E R T

R H A F I R E E A T E R H

G W N D P S R E L B M U T

E Z E P A R T G N I Y L F

SOLUTIONS:

S C T N E H E S E P W T P

T K S O G K F T H D A N H A A R S Y N T S R O E O M

M R O W T J H R L E T L K

E E R I W L I A F M I W S G C N S U O R C O G G E E

N P G A W H O E I P S I J

I I M S U Y W B D V E R T

R H A F I R E E A T E R H

G W N D P S R E L B M U T

R R T L M O N K E Y S S T

S C T N E H E S E P W T P

E Z E P A R T G N I Y L F

B S E W A T K R H O R S E

T K S O G K F T H D A N H

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TAMER TENTS TIGERS TIGHT-ROPE TUMBLERS WHIP CRACKERS

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: CIRCUS

E E R I W L I A F M I W S

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WORD SEARCH

R R T L M O N K E Y S S T

BIG TOP CLOWNS ELEPHANT FIRE EATER FLYING TRAPEZE HORSE

DOWN 1. Repeatable (of speech) 2. Witness 3. Inscribe 4. Manner 5. Gum sore 6. Teen hero 10. Italian fashion & design hub 11. Spiral pin 13. Task-completion date 14. Verve 16. Comprehend (4,2) 18. Small rugs 19. Indecent material 20. Auld ... Syne

B S E W A T K R H O R S E

ACROSS 1. Raise petty objections 4. Florida city 7. Happened (upon) 8. Surpass 9. Sanctuary 12. Made angry 15. Assess 17. Took (baby) off bottle 18. Lunches or suppers 21. Childhood disease 22. Watery hail 23. Fine particle

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