TrueBlue Magazine - Feb/Mar 2020

TrueBlue Feb/March 2020

OUR HEART IS IN THE COUNTRY

A real Australian business magazine

CULTURE IN CAPE YORK

Explore Australia’s northernmost tip

GOLDEN BENDIGO From gold rush history to modern culinary offerings

DIVING INTO NEWY NSW’s cool coastal city is packed with action & adventure

MAN

OF THE

LAND Meet Matt Wright, the Outback Wrangler

Quilpie Shire - a stunning Outback region in South West Queensland that is steeped with a rich pioneering and prehistoric history.

Incorporating the towns of Cheepie, Adavale, Toompine, Eromanga and Quilpie, there is sure to be something to entertain.

Quilpie Shire is also host to unique and exciting events with two new events featuring in 2020; - The Quilpie Cup featuring the opening round for Queensland Racing ‘Battle of the Bush’ , Saturday 2nd May 2020 - Outback Queensland Golf Masters round in Quilpie on 4th & 5th July 2020 Dinosaurs at the Eromanga Natural History Museum - Opal - Art - Exhibitions - Events - National Parks Outback Pubs - Museums - River walks or simply watch the sunset at Baldy Top, your Outback Adventure starts here!

Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, 51 Brolga Street, Quilpie QLD 4480 (07) 4656 0540 tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au www.visitquilpieshire.com

ANNUAL EVENTS April - Adavale Rodeo, Gymkhana & Campdraft April - Eromanga Rodeo & Campdraft April - Toompine Easter Gunshoot May - Quilpie Cup June - Quilpie Polocrosse Carnival July - Bash Break on Brolga July - Outback Golf Masters July - Nockatunga/Toompine Polocrosse Carnival August - Quilpie Golf Open September - Kangaranga-Do September - Quilpie Show & Rodeo September - Pride of the West Races September - Quilpie Gykmhana and Enduro October - Quilpie Bowls Carnival

Find us on

facebook.com/visitquilpieshire instagram.com/visitquilpieshire #visitquilpieshire

Letter from the COO

EDITORIAL

Publisher: Michelle Hespe publisher@publishingbychelle.com Art Director: Jon Wolfgang Miller AusBiz. Brand & Communications Manager: Effe Sandas advertising@publishingbychelle.com Lifestyle/Travel Brand & Communications Manager: Shakira Wood shakira@publishingbychelle.com Assistant Editor: Sarah Hinder editorial@publishingbychelle.com Editorial Assistant: Samuel Steinberg Sub-Editors: Shane Cubis & Claire Hey

CONTRIBUTORS

Welcome to the February/March issue of True Blue.

With 2020 now in full swing, it’s the perfect time to start thinking of holiday plans for the year ahead. With flights from Sydney to Armidale taking just over an hour, it’s a fantastic destination for a long weekend getaway. Rex has flights departing daily, and we introduced our popular Community Fare on the Armidale route in October 2019 for just $119 one-way. The Community Fare ticket price is available outside of 30 days prior to departure (subject to availability), and becomes available again for all remaining unsold seats within 24 hours of departure.

You can visit the breathtaking Wollomombi Falls, which are located in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. They are one of the highest falls in Australia and the views are most spectacular after heavy rain. There’s also a self-guided heritage walk right through the city of Armidale, and the Armidale Folk Museum is open daily.

In November last year, Rex acquired a pilot training academy in Ballarat, in regional Victoria, which Rex has

renamed the Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA) Victoria. AAPA Victoria will augment the extensive pilot training that we already conduct at AAPA Wagga Wagga in regional New South Wales. AAPA Victoria will focus on the training of pilots for several Chinese airlines, while AAPA Wagga Wagga will continue to expand to facilitate the training of Rex cadet pilots in addition to training pilots for various airlines from Vietnam. AAPA is proud to be one of the biggest pilot training academies in Australia.

Rex has also once again partnered with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to help raise funds for the devastating bushfires that have been engulfing the country over the past months. Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by the fires, and our heartfelt thanks to those who have donated so generously.

Until next time, safe travels.

Neville Howell Chief Operating Officer

Darren Baguley Sarah Hinder Briar Jensen Tatyana Leonov Ian Lloyd Neubauer Tim Richards Beau Robinson Lisa Smyth Samuel Steinberg

PRINTING

Blue Star PRINT 81 Derby Street, Silverwater NSW 2128

Cover image: Sam Collins

True Blue is published by Publishing ByChelle, (ABN: 78 621 375 853 ACN: 621 375 853) Level 1, 3 Westleigh Street, Neutral Bay NSW 2089 publishingbychelle.com The reproduction of any content, in whole or part without prior written permission by the publisher 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/MAR 2020

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We are so lucky to live in a country where so many people think selflessly and put out a helping hand.

@TRUEBLUe _ MAG

/TRUEBLUEMAG

The first thing I want to do here is thank all of our voluntary Australian fire fighters. And indeed those who have joined the ranks from other countries.

Hundreds of thousands of Australians, many without much training and who have spent their lives working in other fields such as business, teaching, nursing, building, accounting – the list goes on – have raced to the forefront of the worst fires Australia has ever experienced.

They put their own lives at risk to help save this country, its people, our wildlife and ancient habitats, and the homes of so many. Let’s not forget that these people have their own lives and families to take care of, but they left their jobs and homes, enduring gruelling shifts over days.

All RFS volunteers are heroes of the highest order. And the fight is not over yet. Every year there are natural disasters and weather conditions that put lives at risk, and we are so lucky to live in a country where so many people think selflessly and put out a helping hand.

On a happier note, I caught up with Matt Wright, the Outback Wrangler, (page 30) who has made a big name for himself here and overseas as a man from the bush who is not afraid to confront a five-metre salty up to no good, and show it who’s boss. He’s relocated some of the most dangerous creatures on the planet.

We also explore the culture of Cape York (page 34), and embark on a budget-conscious trip around

Brisbane (page 38), to show that you can experience this busy city without breaking the bank.

One of our writers headed to Newcastle (page 42), which long ago shucked off its reputation as being the steel city in favour of having a more cultural approach to lifestyle.

We headed to Victoria to explore one of our most stunning gold rush cities – Bendigo (page 48), and made it out to Cahills Crossing (page 54), on the border of Kadaku and Arnhem Land, for an outback adventure.

Everyone in our office understands how precious our wildlife is. And so in the sad wake of unprecedented fire damage to our flora and fauna, we look into FAME. This not-for-profit conservation foundation is dedicated to saving our native species. Read the story on page 58.

And finally, my message to everyone is that we need to keep exploring our beautiful land. You can help the communities affected by the fires by visiting them. It’s not just about putting money back into their towns and villages (that’s crucial), it’s about being there for the people who need a helping hand, love and support. That’s what Aussies do best – support one another in times of need.

MICHELLE HESPE & THE TEAM AT TRUE BLUE FEB/MAR 2020

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Credit: Destination NSW

Discover Griffith - one of Australia’s most liveable country towns, according to the Weekend Australian Magazine. Located in the heart of the NSW Riverina, Griffith is a vibrant regional centre servicing a population of 52,000. Griffith is bursting with life and energy. The main street is dominated by Italian cafÊs serving great coffee, pizza, local wine and house-made gelato. The people are friendly, the boutique shopping is impressive and the wine is divine.

Make time to Visit Griffith - a great place to explore, a great place to live.

visitGriffith.com.au

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Cover Story

We chat to Aussie croc wrangler and conservationist, Matt Wright.

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

REGIONAL COWORKING More and more people in regional Australia are taking a different approach to working.

AUSTRALIAN APPLES Our apple producers are doing it tough, but there are ways that we can support them.

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS The Australian transport industry is transforming.

upfront

Features

07 Rex News

28 Meet the Chef

42 Newcastle

Rex flies UN Youth Australia Representatives around the country; Get ready for the 2020 Taste Great Southern Food & Wine Festival; Fans travel to the Parkes Elvis Festival in style on Rex’s Hound Dog Express plane; Can Assist supports Aussie families affected by cancer; Rex provides relief to bush fire-affected communities.

Meet Alla Wolf-Tasker, from the Lake House, Daylesford.

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit this cool coastal city.

34 Cape York

48 Golden Bendigo

The best way to experience this Northern Qld gem.

This modern foodie haven has a history rich in gold.

38 Brisbane

54 Philanthropy

Have a great experience in Queensland’s capital while on a budget.

FAME protects native plants and wildlife that we are in danger of losing.

15 Out & About A few cool hotels and restaurants around Aus.

16 Entertainment The latest theatre, books, art shows and music tours.

18 What’s On & Hot A line-up of events and festivals across the country.

42 FEB/MAR 2020

5

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UPFRONT

From cape to cape Outback, what do young Australians care about?

Young Australians aged 12–25 make up a fifth of our population. And roughly a third of them live outside Australia’s capital cities. So, what matters to them?

That question was one of many posed in 2019 by UN Youth Australia, a not-for-profit led by people under 25.

In conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the organisation runs the Australian Youth Representative to the UN program. In 2019, Rex supported UN Youth Australia for a second successive year. Between March and August, Rex covered flights for the Australian Youth Representative and an accompanying volunteer to six regional areas across three states. Their findings are striking.

In many cases, the answers echo what the organisation heard in the capital cities. In particular, concern over climate change was a dominant theme coming from young people everywhere in 2019. This issue was raised more than any other, and was indicated as a concern by more than half of the young people surveyed. Of course, global warming leads to different results in different communities.

“In 2019, I saw first-hand why young Aussies care about climate change in regional areas,” says Kareem El-Ansary, the 2019 Youth Representative. “We arrived in Townsville just after the flooding early in the year. Young people in agricultural communities like Longreach also directly linked droughts to climate change.”

Youth representation was also a dominant theme in both the country and the city. Less than half of the young people

Kareem El-Ansary, 2019 UN Youth Australia Rep, with a Rex pilot.

asked by UN Youth Australia felt that they were represented in politics. So, where do young regional Aussies differ?

One area is mental health. This was raised as an issue everywhere in Australia, but is a particular crisis-point in regional areas. Kareem says that outside the capital cities, in particular, services just aren’t up to scratch.

“In 2018, our Youth Rep called for increased funding of services in regional areas. This is still our recommendation, even after some improvements last year,” he says.

“Governments also need to place mental health within a broader context. Many young people in regional areas linked mental health to a lack of social spaces. I spoke to one group of young people whose only viable social space was the one with internet – the local McDonald’s.”

Yet, the news from young Australians isn’t all bad. A striking number, according to UN Youth Australia’s Chief Youth Rep Officer Nick Mezo, are optimistic about their future.

“This was our most comprehensive engagement of young people, and in particular with young regional Australians,” says Nick. “That just wouldn’t have been possible without the support we got from Rex. Our volunteers were taken from one cape to another. We roamed from Carnarvon and Monkey Mia out west, to Ceduna in the south, and up northeast to Longreach, Mount Isa and the northern peninsula.

“I’m really excited to launch such a comprehensive snapshot of young people. Our report is very good reading.”

To learn more, visit unyouth.org.au FEB/MAR 2020

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news

10 days of tantalising treats at the 2020 Taste Great Southern Food & Wine Festival Julie Goodwin, the inaugural winner of Australian television series MasterChef, will be among more than 25 chefs and presenters participating in over 30 events making up the 2020 Taste Great Southern Food & Wine Festival, from March 26 to April 5.

Julie will be at the Women of the Region Dinner on Thursday March 26, Denmark Night Markets on Friday March 27, the Shop Local/Eat Local Albany Farmers Market on Saturday March 28, and Dinner by the Lake at The Lake House Denmark.

2019 MasterChef finalist Derek Lau will be the celebrity presenter at the Albany Wine & Food Festival at Eyre Park in Albany on Saturday April 4, with chefs Amy Hamilton, Anna Gare and Geoff Richardson.

Southern Sets is a new contemporary music festival which will be staged as part of Taste Great Southern Food & Wine Festival on Sunday April 5.

For more information and to book tickets, head to tastegreatsouthern.com.au

FEB/MAR 2020

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news

Hound Dog Express a huge hit for Elvis fans For the third year running, Rex partnered with Parkes Elvis Festival and took the Hound Dog Express into the skies. Guests were treated to return flights from Sydney to Parkes, pre-flight entertainment in the Rex Lounge and a their choice of a ticket to the Miss Priscilla Dinner or the US Feature Artist, Dean Z. There was ‘A Little Less Conversation’ and a whole lot of serenading by Elvis Tribute Artist, Stuey V, in the lounge, then the fun continued on the flight to Parkes. The Festival is now in its 28th year and runs in the second week of January. This year’s theme was Elvis’s 1966 film Frankie and Johnny, and festivalgoers dressed in fun costumes inspired by the film. parkeselvisfestival.com.au

Pictured: Cr Ken Keith OAM, mayor of Parkes Shire Council, First Officer Bassil Saker, and Elvis tribute artist Stuey V.

Feel the power of orchestral music in your town in 2020 The Sydney Symphony isn’t just an orchestra for Sydney, it’s for the people of NSW. With the support of Rex, we’re embarking on our 82nd year of regional touring in 2020.

Find out more information at sydneysymphony.com 02 8215 4600

Regional Tour Partner

Government Partner

news

Can Assist: assisting country families affected by cancer As Can Assist approaches its 65year anniversary, the organisation pays tribute to its past and presentday 3000-strong volunteer network throughout country New South Wales.

In the mid-1950s, two-thirds of all cancer patients were treated with radiotherapy. With only four radiotherapy units at the time – all located in Sydney – cancer treatment for those living outside the city was both costly and more difficult. Can Assist Founder Mona Ham, who was married to a radiotherapist at RPA Hospital, had insights into the extra burdens on country people affected by cancer. She was determined to help and established Can Assist in 1955.

After 65 years of operation, the disparity in the cost of cancer treatment between city and country remains, and Can Assist continues to play its role in levelling the playing field. Despite an increase in cancer care facilities outside of Sydney, patients living outside a major city remain 17 times more likely to report geographical or financial barriers to care compared to those living in the city.

Today our branch network covers country New South Wales. With no

government assistance, the vast bulk of our fundraising activities take place in the country, where our 55 branches disperse between $2.5 million and $3.5 million annually. Every person involved in our branches operates on a volunteer basis, and 100 per cent of the country-raised proceeds stay in the country to help those who need it. Our branches know their community and are effective in distributing assistance.

Robert from Cumnock had to travel 300 kilometres back and forth to Orange for treatment. Robert’s wife Gail said that her husband could see she wasn’t coping with the financial stress, so he asked for help.

“When Can Assist called to say our CTP insurance was paid, we both burst into tears,” Gail said. “To think that someone could do that was amazing.

I don’t think we could have survived without Can Assist, it’s like having a friend you haven’t met.”

Cancer affects all areas of life for families, and one small act of kindness can be incredibly powerful. One bill paid can make all the difference, and Can Assist is an amazing resource that people can lean on for assistance.

To learn more, visit canassist.com.au

AAPA GRADUATION: A CELEBRATION FOR TEAM OF CADETS 27 cadets celebrated their graduation with Rex’s Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA) in December. 24 Rex cadets and three Vietnamese cadets all went through months of rigorous flight training to successfully obtain their Commercial Pilot Licence, and many of them are now First Officers on Rex’s fleet of Saab aircraft. Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Michael McCormack MP, was the Guest of Honour, and helped present certificates and awards to the graduates.

AAPA is based in Wagga Wagga and cadets are provided with complete live-in training, with individual accommodation, fully-catered dining, and a 24-hour gym and swimming pool available, as well as social and recreational activities.

Rex established the Pilot Cadet Program in 2007 to help combat a worldwide pilot shortage, and 13 years later are proud to be training some of the best up-and-coming pilots in the country.

FEB/MAR 2020

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news

Rex provides relief to bush fire-affected communities Rex is saddened by the tragic loss of life, property, livestock, flora and fauna caused by the devastating bush fire crisis.

We are in solidarity with regional and rural Australians affected by natural disasters such as drought, flood and fire. This is why the Rex Relief Fund was established.

The Rex Relief Fund provides travel credit to victims of natural calamities, as well as organisations working to alleviate the impact of such disasters.

12 TrueBlue

Interested parties may apply for bush fire assistance via the Rex website.

In addition to collecting donations for the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), Rex has also waived excess baggage fees for fire fighters helping to combat the fires and scheduled additional services where possible, committed to assisting those passengers whose travel arrangements have been directly impacted by the fires.

regional news

Ride, wine and dine your way through Margaret River This new Ultimate Ride to Wine and Dine tour is a private mountain-bike experience led by Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours, in partnership with the highly-acclaimed Leeuwin Estate. Starting with Indian Ocean views from Boranup Karri Forest, guests choose either electric

mountain bikes or giant dualsuspension mountain bikes before being personally guided into the forest, home to some of the largest and most ancient trees in the world.

The leisurely two-hour scenic ride through forest and farmland finishes up at Leeuwin Estate winery, where

guests then enjoy a behind-thescenes tour, learning about the winemaking process and tasting of five iconic Art Series wines.

Tours run for about six hours in small groups of up to six people. margaretrivermountainbiketours. com.au

See the Mornington Peninsula from above A fantastic experience to jump aboard in the Mornington Peninsula is Arthurs Seat Eagle – an aerial gondola that glides above Arthurs Seat State Park with astounding 360-degree views of the Mornington Peninsula and out to the ocean.

Bespoke picnic packages are available to complement the sightseeing experience, full of goodies such as hot pastries, wraps, snacks and sweet treats. There are ample walking paths – many are wheelchair- and pram-friendly – to explore and find a secluded picnic spot within the park, as well as at nearby Seawinds Gardens, home to indigenous and exotic gardens with a William Ricketts sculpture collection featured throughout. aseagle.com.au FEB/MAR 2020

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out & about Chocolate Buddha: reimagined Chocolate Buddha reopened its doors at the end of 2019 after a major renovation by leading Australian architect Peter Maddison (Maddison Architects, Grand Designs Australia).

The space has undergone a complete facelift, now boasting a high-tech sushi train, with Melbourne’s first high-speed shinkansen delivering hot food plates to diners.

“The design responds directly to Japanese cuisine with a kitchen set up specifically for ramen and donburi, and with dedicated sushi chefs on show. Collectable ancient Buddha statues are strategically located to breathe a sigh of tradition and authenticity to the space,” says Maddison.

The new eclectic menu embraces vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and kids’ options, while the drinks menu features a selection of cocktails, Australian and Japanese beers, boutique wines to match Japanese flavours, and a cool selection of saké and umeshu. chocolatebuddha.com.au

GOOD VIBES IN DARLING HARBOUR

As the spectacular Barangaroo development continues to emerge in all its shining glory, Darling Harbour is transforming into the buzzing epicentre of Sydney – showcasing the great lifestyle that comes with modern waterside city living.

Just down the road at Darling Quarter is TFE Hotels’ latest offering: Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour. Chinatown is right on its doorstep, and the hotel is surrounded by bars, cafés, restaurants and the recently revitalised Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, making it an ideal place for business travellers to stay and play. The super-sleek hotel lives up to the vibrant, cool approach and aesthetic that Vibe stamps on its innovative properties, with the heated rooftop pool and chic bar and eatery – Above 319 – being the crème de la crème of this popular property.

Sip champers under the stars or enjoy a poolside beer or wine at sunset after a big day exploring the city. At lobby level there’s the Sussex Store, which is open from early to late and offers coffee, snacks and a cosy spot for a late lunch.

The rooms and suites embrace a calming, modern palette of pale grey and crisp white with wooden accents, and all have mini bars, Nespresso machines, Wi-F- and TVs. If you just want to hide away, there’s always room service to indulge in, and a 24-hour gym to work off the awesome burgers on offer. vibehotels.com

FEB/MAR 2020

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entertainment

Watch, read & listen

by: Sarah hinder

art 22nd Biennale of Sydney

March 14–June 8 in locations around Sydney NSW This year, 98 artists will participate in art installations and performances in six locations around Sydney. In 2020 the theme is NIRIN, a phrase of the Wiradjuri people of western New South Wales meaning ‘edge’. The 22nd Biennale of Sydney focuses on “our city as an expansive, global city comprised of vibrant, complex villages.” biennaleofsydney.art

Image: David Hindley

Image: Rankin

tour

Ahmed Umar, Thawar, Thawra (Ox, Revolution), 2014, ceramic, earthenware, glazed with redcopper (oxblood), body: 135 x 235 x 110 cm , horns: 178cm, Installation view at The National Museum of Art, Norway, Courtesy the artist.

Queen + Adam Lambert

February 13–29 in Brisbane Qld, Sydney NSW, Melbourne Vic, Perth WA, Adelaide SA & Gold Coast Qld Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?

Adam Lambert joins Brian May and Roger Taylor around Aus this summer. queenonline.com

16 TrueBlue

Scorpions & Whitesnake

February 19–24 in Melbourne Vic, Sydney NSW & Brisbane Qld These two hard rock legends are ready to rock you like a hurricane.

Here we go again. the-scorpions.com whitesnake.com

Lenny Kravitz

April 3–8 in Sydney NSW, Newcastle NSW & Melbourne Vic Lenny Kravitz returns to Australia for the first time in eight years on his epic world tour. Are you gonna go his way? lennykravitz.com

entertainment books

theatre

How Good’s Australia, The Betoota Advocate

November 2019, Pan Macmillan, humour Australia’s oldest and favourite newspaper takes a satirical look at the country’s public and political ups and downs over the past few years.

Just how have recent times shaped the nation?

Bob Hawke: The Complete Biography, Blanche d’Alpuget

December 2019, Simon & Schuster, biography This new commemorative biography, beautifully written by the late Bob Hawke’s wife, brings together a complete, definitive account of his life and legacy.

The Gospel According To Paul

A Country Nurse, Thea Hayes

January 2020, Allen & Unwin, memoir From life as a 19-year-old trainee nurse from Sydney, to 20 years living and working on Wave Hill Station in the NT, to life throughout rural Queensland, Thea Hayes’ colourful life shines through in every page.

March 24–April 4 at Dunstan Playhouse in Adelaide SA The hilarious Jonathan Biggins becomes Paul Keating in a virtuosic performance that brims with the former Prime Minister’s signature wit and charisma. statetheatrecompany. com.au

art Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art

art Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

March 27–April 26 at Mrs Macquarie’s Point in Sydney NSW Sydney’s annual Handa Opera event is set in a magnificent open-air opera house on the harbour with fabulous fireworks at every show.

This year’s performance is La Traviata. opera.org.au/harbour

February 29–June 8 at Art Gallery of SA in Adelaide SA Marking its 30th anniversary, the 2020 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art: Monster Theatres will “probe our understanding of fear, horror, strength and survival in the postinternet Anthropocene. Through the works of 23 artists, the pathology of the monster will be challenged, and the expectations of spectacle and storytelling will be ruptured.” agsa.sa.gov.au Leigh Robb, Curator, Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide; photo: Saul Steed.

FEB/MAR 2020

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events

February 13–March 15

Image: Ande Castellucci

Garden of Unearthly Delights Adelaide SA All about arts and entertainment, this fun festival’s got theatre, comedy, cabaret and good tunes. gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au

What’s On & What’s Hot February 1–9

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

February 7–March 1 Perth Festival

Perth WA A city-wide celebration for all ages, Perth’s major cultural festival presents a diversity of perspectives on the world through theatre, dance, film, visual and cultural arts. perthfestival.com.au

18 TrueBlue

BY: Sarah hinder

February 9

February 14–March 15

Melbourne Vic Australia’s largest free summer celebration celebrates 40 years in 2020, with entertainment across multiple stages plus workshops, sports, carnival rides and buskers. stkildafestival.com.au

Adelaide SA Internationally renowned as one of the best openaccess arts festivals, artists from across the globe participate in this festival full of pop-up events.

Be sure not to miss stand out show Blanc de Blanc Encore. adelaidefringe.com.au

St Kilda Festival

February 14–March 1

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Sydney NSW This kaleidoscope of events celebrates Australia’s vibrant LGBT+ community, culminating in the Mardi Gras Parade and Party on February 29. The 2020 theme is WHAT MATTERS – what matters and what will you fight for? mardigras.org.au

Adelaide Fringe

February 20–23 Superloop Adelaide 500

Adelaide SA Round one of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship series, the Superloop Adelaide 500 is the crown jewel for motorsport Down Under. superloopadl500.com.au

February 22

South32 Rottnest Channel Swim

Rottnest Island & Perth WA In one of Western Australia’s most iconic events, swimmers brave the 19.7km open water swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island. rottnestchannelswim.com.au

February 28–March 1

2020 Superbike World Championship Phillip Island Vic The Phillip Island Circuit jumps into action for the Superbike World Championship. Since 1990, the track has hosted the adrenaline-pumping event with riders racing around the iconic circuit right next to the ocean. phillipislandcircuit.com.au

events

Nannup Music Festival Nannup WA An eclectic mix of acts, from rock gigs to instrumental masterpieces, are set up against a bush backdrop in this down-toearth celebration that will leave attendees with a sense of community. nannupmusicfestival.org

February 28–March 15 Adelaide Festival

Adelaide SA An exciting program of arts and culture, including Adelaide Writers’ Week, which brings together eminent Aussie writers. adelaidefestival.com.au

February 29

Pako Festa

Geelong Vic This much-loved community arts festival celebrates multicultural Geelong.

There’s a street parade with ethnic floats and stalls selling traditional foods. pakofesta.com.au

March 9–20

Brunswick Music Festival

Melbourne Vic Brunswick’s artistic spaces, streets and footpaths set the stage for emerging musicians and artists. brunswickmusicfestival.com.au

March 14–15

Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest

Mandurah WA Immerse yourself in this event complete with performances, celebrities, comps and, of course, crabs! crabfest.com.au

March 25–27

World Science Festival Brisbane

Brisbane Qld Embrace your inner curiosity here, where you can learn about everything from the basics of gravity to new developments in space tech. worldsciencefestival.com.au

March 6–9

Adelaide SA This lively celebration of music, arts and dance presents extraordinary entertainment in a familyfriendly atmosphere. womadelaide.com.au

March 27–April 5

March 6–23

Sculpture by the Sea

Perth WA This beautiful pop-up sculpture park graces the sands of iconic Cottesloe Beach for three weeks. sculpturebythesea.com

Wooden Boat Festival Geelong

Geelong Vic This biennial regatta is a favourite on the seafarer’s calendar, providing locals and visitors alike with the opportunity to see some of the most historic wooden vessels in Australia. woodenboatfestival geelong.com.au

March 25–April 19

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

WOMADelaide

March 6–9

Image: Kip Moore

February 28–March 2

Melbourne Vic MICF is filled with an outstanding program of stand-up comedy, theatre, cabaret, film, radio and art. comedyfestival.com.au/2020

Tasting Australia

South Australia An outstanding showcase of SA’s food and wine culture.

The program is a paradise for gourmands, with activities like wine masterclasses and food writing workshops. tastingaustralia.com.au

March 18–22

CMC Rocks

Ipswich Qld Presenting the world’s best superstars, this outstanding country rock do welcomes a fantastic international line-up to the heritage city of Ipswich. cmcrocks.com

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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

directory

TrueBlue Experiences

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

King Island Escapes.

COAST HOUSE Tasmania

RoofClimb Adelaide Oval

Adelaide Oval Stadium Tour

CYGNET, TASMANIA T 0409 446 290 E stay@coasthousetasmania.com coasthousetasmania.com

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

COAST HOUSE Tasmania offers exclusive boutique accommodation nestled on a private peninsula in the beautiful Huon Valley. Surrounded by waterways and wildlife, this stunning setting offers guests the ultimate tranquil getaway. Wine and gourmet meals are included with your stay.

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.

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

Take a fascinating journey behind the scenes.

Explore the 100-year-old heritage scoreboard, gain 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.

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directory

Back Country Bliss Adventures Daintree Discovery Centre PORT DOUGLAS QLD T 07 4099 3677 E sales@backcountrybliss.com.au backcountrybliss.com.au

Within an ancient rainforest, step into the cool, crystal-clear water and drift with the current as you explore life under the water’s surface. Watch fish dart in and around river stones and keep your eyes out for the occasional turtle. The perfect experience to stay cool in the tropics.

CNR CAPE TRIBULATION RD & TULIP OAK RD, COW BAY QLD T 07 4098 9171 E info@discoverthedaintree.com discoverthedaintree.com

This environmental interpretive centre allows you to experience this natural wonder.

Don’t miss the 23-metre treetops canopy tower, 10-metre aerial boardwalks, animated dinosaurs in the Jurassic Forest, the jungle bug exhibit, and the freshwater rainforest aquarium.

Daintree Wilderness Lodge

Rottnest Express

1980 CAPE TRIBULATION RD, DIWAN QLD T 07 4098 9105 E reservations@daintreewildernesslodge.com.au daintreewildernesslodge.com.au

BARRACK STREET JETTY ELIZABETH QUAY, PERTH | B SHED VICTORIA QUAY, FREMANTLE | NORTHPORT NORTH FREMANTLE WA T 1300 467 688 E reservations@rottnestexpress.com.au rottnestexpress.com.au

Unwind in one of our seven cabins, hand-built within the Fan Palm gallery of the Daintree Forest, giving guests the chance to witness its wildlife and flora found nowhere else on earth.

It’s a true ecologically sustainable rainforest experience, but with all the modern comforts.

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

Immerse yourself among the raw beauty of King Island from the comfort of our luxury four-bedroom retreat. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the red cedar hot tub and glass sauna, with access to your own private beach.

Relax and reconnect at Porky Beach Retreat.

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Rottnest Island’s most experienced cruise company operates daily ferry services from Perth and Fremantle year-round, plus offers day tour packages, including complimentary transfers from hotels in Perth and Fremantle.

Prema Shanti Yoga & Meditation Retreat TURPENTINE RD, CAPE TRIBULATION QLD T 07 4098 9006 E info@premashanti.com.au premashanti.com.au

The only yoga and mediation retreat in the world situated in the heart of two World Heritage-listed eco-systems: the GBR and the Daintree. Our program runs seven days a week, year-round. We cater to all levels of experience.

King Leopold Air GUS WINCKEL ROAD, BROOME INTL. AIRPORT WA T 08 9193 7155 E info@kingleopoldair.com.au kingleopoldair.com.au

From the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungles to the gorges of Karijini National Park, from the Horizontal Falls and the majestic Mitchell Falls, King Leopold Air has been flying to Australia’s north-west for more than 25 years. Our scenic adventure flights are the best way to experience the incredible Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours 19 GAUDRONS RD, SAPPHIRE BEACH NSW T 0409 536670 E info@wajaanayaam.com.au wajaanayaam.com.au

Guests will be immersed in the Gumbaynggirr culture while stand-up paddling with direct descendent Aboriginal guides on the Split Solitary Island Marine waterways. All Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours include bush tucker and water safety-certified guiding.

Wildlife Habitat PORT DOUGLAS RD, PORT DOUGLAS QLD T 07 4099 3235 E info@wildlifehabitat.com.au wildlifehabitat.com.au

Wildlife Habitat is a leader in eco-tourism, offering visitors the opportunity to observe native wildlife. Cuddle a koala and spot a cassowary. Enjoy breakfast with the birds and lunch with the lorikeets. Admission includes a five-day entry pass and all park tours.

I N F L I G H T I N F O R M AT I O N

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 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 I have to stow my 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 heavier items do not become airborne within the cabin. This is especially important when the aircraft is experiencing turbulence.

Q. Why do I 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 I sometimes feel pain in my ears or sinuses during ascent or descent?

A. The sinuses and middle ear are air-containing 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 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 hayfever, 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?

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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 handheld 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 I 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 I keep my 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 the 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 I do if I 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 passengers’ concerns with the utmost seriousness.

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

Newcastle Bathurst

Narrandera-Leeton Wagga Wagga Albury

Mount Gambier

Melbourne

Sydney

Moruya Snowy Mountains (Cooma) Merimbula

King Island

Burnie

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I N F L I G H T I N F O R M AT I O N

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.

Rex check-in closes: • 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at Burketown airport.

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

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

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

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: • 60 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 AIRCRAFT FACTS AIRCRAFT

MAX. TAKE-OFF WEIGHT (KG)

SPEED (KM/H)

AVAILABLE SEATS

GALLEY

REST ROOM

FLEET SIZE

CRUISE ALTITUDE (METRES)

CREW

SAAB 340

13,155

520

34

Y

Y

60

8,000

3

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Exercise and stretch regularly while seated SEATED EXERCISES

Inflight comfort

ANKLE CIRCLES Lift feet off floor, draw a circle with the toes, simultaneously moving one foot clockwise and the other foot counterclockwise. Reverse circles.

Do each direction for 15 seconds. Repeat if desired.

FOOT PUMPS Start with both heels on the floor and point feet upward as high as you can. Then put both feet flat on the floor. Then lift heels high, keeping the balls of your feet on the floor. Continue cycle in 30-second intervals.

Flying can be demanding and altitude may make your body more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and caffeine.

Sitting in one place for a long time can be uncomfortable and slow down your blood circulation. To help your body adjust to flying and to maintain your personal comfort and wellbeing, we recommend you take the following steps: Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids – water, juice, non-caffeinated soft drinks – to prevent dehydration, fatigue and headaches. Minimise intake of alcohol and coffee. Moisten the face to help reduce the drying effects of cabin air.

Eat lightly. Eat lightly on longer flights to avoid indigestion – our inflight menu is designed to provide lighter meal options.

KNEE LIFTS Lift leg with knee bent while contracting your thigh muscle. Alternate legs. Repeat 20 to 30 times for each leg.

SHOULDER ROLLS Hunch shoulders forward, then upward, then backward, then downward, using a gentle, circular motion.

ARM CURLS Arms held at 90° angles, elbows down, hands in front. Raise hands up to chest and back down. Alternate hands. Repeat in 30-second intervals.

SEATED STRETCHES

Exercise. We encourage you to do the gentle onboard exercises on this page to enhance your wellbeing during the flight.

We recommend you do these exercises for about five minutes every one to two hours. You should also occasionally walk down the aisles, as space permits. In addition, we recommend that you avoid crossing your legs.

Please note: you should not do any of these exercises if they cause you pain or cannot be done with ease.

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 down. Alternate legs. Repeat 10 times.

SHOULDER STRETCH Reach your right hand over your left shoulder. Place your left hand behind your right elbow and gently press your elbow toward your shoulder. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

FORWARD FLEX With both feet on the floor and stomach held in, slowly bend forward and walk your hands down the front of your legs toward your ankles. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up.

NECK ROLLS With your shoulders relaxed, drop your ear to shoulder and gently roll your neck forward and to the other side, holding each position for five seconds. Repeat five times.

OVERHEAD STRETCH Raise both hands straight up over your head. With one hand, grasp the wrist of the opposite hand and gently pull to one side. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Please note: you should not do any of these exercises if they cause you pain or cannot be done with ease.

Moving about the aircraft. You may move about the aircraft as space permits and when the seatbelt sign is off.

However, when the seatbelt sign is on you are required to remain seated with the seatbelt fastened.

If you feel unwell, tell the cabin crew.

They can assist with the more common inflight complaints and, if necessary, can seek further advice and assistance for you.

On descent. Ears and sinuses can cause discomfort, due to the change in air pressure on descent. To minimise discomfort: • Yawn or swallow frequently.

• Pinch your nostrils together and blow firmly into your cheeks with your mouth closed.

If you have ongoing discomfort, seek the advice of the cabin crew.

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Chef Talk

Love from the farm Meet chef, business owner, entrepreneur and champion of Australian produce and community Alla Wolf-Tasker, from Lake House, Daylesford. words: Michelle Hespe

Images: Lisa Cohen

This year marks 35 years since Alla Wolf-Tasker and her husband Allen opened Lake House in Daylesford, effectively changing the face of regional dining. At the time people thought the couple were crazy to open a fine-dining restaurant on the edge of what was more swamp than lake, in a town that had certainly seen better days.

Today, the ever-evolving Lake House, which was named one of Australia‘s Top 50 restaurants in the 2019 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide, has a lovely new sibling: Dairy Flat Lodge and Farm.

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This exciting project is another long-held dream realised for the Wolf-Taskers, as the 15-hectare working farm in nearby Musk – complete with an olive grove, a vineyard and a turreted house with an underground cellar space accessed via a tunnel – will provide the produce for both of the properties’ inventive menus.

“With the farm‘s location and suitability, it was like the universe giving us a shove,“ explains Alla.

“I’ve always seen Lake House as a work in progress, and have been on the lookout for ways to

Chef Talk

enhance the entire experience for our guests. Provenance has been a conversation I’ve been having with them for decades, long before it became fashionable, as they understand how little fashion has to do with it all.

“Where your food comes from, and what’s been done to it before it came to you, is a very critical consideration. Our guests understand the close relationships we have built with growers and suppliers over many years, and now they are also able to visit our extensive farm just a few minutes down the road and see where the plants, vegetables and fruit for their meals have been harvested.“ Guests can also try their hand at gardening, beekeeping and sourdough-baking workshops at the farm, where last year more than 700 varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs were planted.

“Many in our first season were experimental,“ says Alla, “but this year we have a firmer grip on the rotational needs of our seasonal menus, and are also maximising the varieties that do well in this climate.

The farm operates on regenerative principles, so low- or nil-tillage, with cover crops and crop rotation helping to ensure soil health. No pesticides are used and we operate on organic principles with the use of some biodynamic preparations.“ Alla says that the fresh, abundant produce that rolls through the kitchen doors on a daily basis has fuelled the team’s creativity.

“Even the simplest things, such as a seasonal green salad, are now a cornucopia of many interesting varieties of small pieces picked in their prime, such as the Asian and European leaves that need little more than a lick of our beautiful first harvest EVO and some salt flakes to finish them off.“

Alla has been on the delicious national produce judging panel for the past 14 years, and feels blessed to regularly meet the best and also up-and-coming Australian producers out there.

“Whether they be cheesemakers, pork, lamb or beef producers, fishermen, grain growers or myriad other things, they’re the best of the lot and they continue to influence our menus on an ongoing basis,“ she says. “In fact, guests may have read the little note on our menus that has been there a long time: ‘We seek out and celebrate the wealth of specialty produce from all over Australia.

If there’s a great supplier doing something remarkable out there, we’ll find them.’”

There’s a lot of loyalty and love from regular Lake House guests.

“Many of them tell me that our place is a respite from the relentless responsibilities of today’s world,“ Alla says. “I want them to sink into the beauty of our surrounds and allow themselves to slow down and leave things to us – whether it’s a pre-arranged massage and soak in a hot mineral-water tub or a delicious supper tray delivered after a dark and stormy drive from the city, when getting into pyjamas and watching a movie is all one can manage. Sometimes I watch the softly lit dining room fill with guests sitting down to dinner after what may have been a lazy day for some or a day of adventures for others.

The murmur of conversation, soft laughter, the tinkle of toasting glasses and then the lulls that fall with the appreciation of good food and wine is mesmerising.

It’s those sounds that let me know how successful we’ve been.“ lakehouse.com.au dairyflatfarmdaylesford.com.au TB

ALLA SHARES A RECIPE

GOAT’S MILK CUSTARD, TEMPURA OF BRASSICAS, SWEET MUSTARD DRESSING Serves 10 as a starter

GOAT’S MILK CUSTARD • 300ml goat’s milk (or 300ml cow’s milk and increase goat curd to 250g) • 1 rosemary sprig • 1 thyme sprig • 1 garlic clove, sliced • 200g fresh goat curd • 2 pastured eggs (or 3 eggs for a firmer set and a quicker cook but more eggy flavour) • salt and freshly ground white pepper Bring the milk, rosemary, thyme and garlic to a simmer.

Remove from the heat and leave for 30 minutes, covered.

Pass through a sieve onto the curd then whisk or blend to a smooth consistency. Allow to cool.

Whisk in the eggs. Season with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Distribute the mix among 10 lightly greased plastic dariole moulds, approximately 125ml capacity.

Cover each with clingwrap and steam at 86C for around 30 minutes. The centre should be just set but still wobbly.

Allow to cool before turning out. Can be reheated for approximately 15 seconds each in a microwave.

SWEET MUSTARD DRESSING Will make more than you need for this dish • • • •

50g Dijon mustard 100g wholegrain mustard 90g honey 40ml Cabernet Sauvignon vinegar • up to 500ml grapeseed oil Combine the mustards, honey and vinegar in a blender. Add the oil slowly enough to ensure emulsification. Add a splash of water if needed, if the mixture is getting too thick.

Season.

ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS: • A mixture of small pieces of brassica leaves (preferably including mustard leaves) that are dipped in a tempura batter and fried.

• Fresh seasonal shoots, leaves and flowers (alliums in particular).

TO SERVE: Centre a warm custard on each plate, sprinkle over the tempura and fresh garnishes.

Spoon some sweet mustard dressing alongside.

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Cover Story

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Cover Story

When others go into hiding, there’s one man who goes head-to-head with Aussie beasts.

WORDS: Tatyana Leonov

FEB/MAR 2020

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Cover Story

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Matt gets real close to crocs when working; With his wife, Kaia, and son, Banjo; Matt shows his daughter, Brooke, how it’s done; Another day in the office.

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he three grown men look tiny in comparison to the massive male saltwater crocodile that’s been eyeing them off for his next meal. Walking precariously around the large trap that has the croc encased, the men start to formulate their plan. Unexpectedly, the croc swipes its tail, covering the men in a tsunami of mud and blurring their vision. Unshaken, the men regain their focus and strategically climb around the trap’s exterior, working out how they are going to restrain the prehistoric predator that’s been destroying livestock and livelihoods.

Matt Wright guides his two mates, Jono and Willow, directing them what to do with the rope.

They lasso the rope at the crocodile’s mouth, attempting to loop it around its jaw. After a couple of attempts, Matt successfully secures the croc’s snout and has the animal fastened.

The next step is to open the cage and move the croc out, ready for a safe relocation. Once the croc is outside and on dry land, the first step will be to cover the croc’s eyes and tape up its jaw. This tactical move covers the animal’s sensory organs, calming it down and making the whole process safer for the animal and the people in close proximity.

The suspense is next-level, and it’s like this with every single episode of National Geographic’s Monster Croc Wrangler, which airs in more than 130 countries globally. The episodes show Matt and his mates working with crocs in their natural habitat. Often the jobs are in the middle of nowhere, where natural elements – extreme humidity, relentless heat, bugs and having to travel long distances with tricky logistics – make everything all the more challenging.

Monster Croc Wrangler is the next iteration of the Darwin-based wildlife conservationist’s hugely popular series Outback Wrangler.

In real life – and in his different TV shows – Matt tracks down, captures and transports a diverse range of animals in need of help, such as crocodiles and snakes. His intention is to combat human-animal conflict globally and highlight the importance of humanity prioritising the environment and wildlife.

“When an animal is accused of being a threat to people, pets or livestock, I’m called in to catch it and to try and find a solution for the animal in distress – and save it from being destroyed,”

Cover Story

he explains. “This keeps the balance between animals and humans. Humanity needs to come up with better ways to coexist peacefully with Mother Earth – she is the one calling the shots at the end of the day.”

Matt has an innate zest for life and fell in love with adventure before he could spell the word.

“I was one of those super-energetic kids who wanted to get right into everything. It drove my mother insane,” Matt laughs. “I had this longing to explore, to be in the countryside and around wildlife.”

His outback upbringing and farm life in South Australia would soon see him hone his skills in handling and dealing with some of Australia’s most deadly animals, as well as rearing and rehabilitating the cuter and more cuddly marsupials we all know and love.

“I was handling deadly reptiles – browns, taipans, tigers – from the age of six, and loved diving with great whites by the time I hit puberty.”

Matt was 18 when he moved to the Northern Territory – and anyone who knows Matt probably realises dealing with crocs was the logical next step. “It just sort of became my job,” he says.

“Some people wanted crocs shot, so I offered to move them instead.”

A leader in animal conservation globally is just one of the many hats Matt wears today.

He’s the star of his own TV show (and is toying with where to go next in this space) and has big plans for Australia, the country of which he is so proud and protective. He’s also a helicopter pilot and tourism operator, with some pretty special offerings for travellers who like to get off the beaten track.

Matt’s most important job, though, is being a husband to Kaia and father to Banjo, who was born in August 2019. “I did try to call him Tarzan, but Kaia bailed on it. We settled with a good ol’ Aussie name and I called one of my crocs Tarzan instead,” he chuckles.

Matt still works and plays in the wild, just at a different pace now. “I don’t go as hard and I stop a bit more to smell the roses, so I have time at home with my wife and little man,” he says.

But even life on the home front looks a little different for Matt compared to the rest of the world. “We have a few pet crocodiles that live at one of our tourism operations… about 12

or so. They are the world’s largest crocs, with each one measuring between four and six metres,” he says. “Banjo has checked them out.”

Tourists, too, can get to know the huge reptiles when glamping at Matt’s Top End Safari Camp, with local operator-led educational tours offering those staying a newfound appreciation for the prehistoric creatures. And that’s not the only highlight – being lulled to sleep by the sounds of nature while watching the glittering stars in the sky is magical. The helicopter and airboat adventures are the cherries on top of the cake.

Banjo is definitely a lucky little boy, and it’s inevitable that as soon as he is old enough he’ll be able to experience this on a day-to-day basis.

In the meantime, Matt is still keen on introducing the little man to the wild. “I have a little croc in the backyard at home – her name is Jilly, and Banjo laughs when she comes out of the water,” Matt says. “We also have peacocks, ducks and eight or nine snakes in the house. He’s getting brought up among the wild and he loves it.” TB For more information on the Top End Safari Camp and the full Matt Wright, Explore The Wild tour series, visit mattwright.com.au

Cheers!

Matt has been an ambassador for Great Northern Brewing Co. since 2017. Both proud Queenslanders with a passion for the natural environment, Great Northern Brewing Co. and Matt have partnered on projects enabling people to get out and enjoy relaxing in the great outdoors.

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Adventure

TICK TIP OFF

THE

You don’t need your own four-wheel-drive to reach the northernmost tip of mainland Australia and its rich multicultural communities.

Image: Darren Jew

WORDs: Briar Jensen

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Adventure

Like a black licorice strap, Bamaga Airstrip stands out incongruously against the orange dirt, a clearing edged by termite mounds in an expanse of green woodlands. Bamaga, a two-hour flight from Cairns, is part of Queensland’s Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), and puts me within striking distance of the top of Cape York.

Outside the small terminal, Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags flap languidly in the heat; inside, a detailed artwork depicts the diverse cultural mix of the region, of which I have only knotted threads of knowledge, something I aim to unravel during my visit.

The NPA encompasses five communities – three Aboriginal and two Saibai Islander. Of the Aboriginal communities, Injinoo is home to the area’s traditional landowners; Umagico to those displaced from Lockhart 

Fast Facts The Torres Strait Islands are part of Australia and stretch the 150km to Papua New Guinea, with Saibai Island just 5km from PNG. Making rock pyramids at sites like The Tip is considered disrespectful by traditional landowners.

Removing a stone without permission will bring bad luck.

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Images: Peter Lik

Adventure

PREVIOUS PAGE: Coconut Island in the Torres Strait.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Kids on Pajinka Beach; The nothernmost point of Australia; Peninsula Developmental Road.

River; New Mapoon to those relocated due to bauxite mining near Weipa. Bamaga and Seisia are home to Saibai Islanders forced to flee their Torres Strait homeland in the 1940s due to flooding.

Bamaga, about 30km from The Tip, is the service centre of the NPA, a laidback little town with mango trees shading the main street, where horses and dogs wander freely. I’m staying at Cape York Peninsula Lodge, beside Mosby Creek, which offers airport transfers. The recently refurbished, air-conditioned rooms have timber decks and a central swimming pool. The restaurant, decorated with traditional Torres Strait headdresses, is run by Craig Drew, previously of Walter’s Lounge in Airlie Beach, and serves up artfully presented, city-styled dishes.

The lodge is owned by Bamaga Enterprises Ltd (BEL), an Indigenous, community-owned, not-for-profit company that aims to raise the standard

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of living of the area’s Indigenous residents through infrastructure, grants, donations and scholarships. BEL’s assets include Bamaga’s service station, tavern and bakery, and in the past 10 years it has reinvested more than $2.5 million into the NPA community.

You can hire a four-wheel-drive from the lodge, but I opt for their escorted tours, first heading south, via the very expensive Jardine River Ferry, to Fruit Bat Falls. Named for their winged shape, the falls curve beckoningly across Eliot Creek like opened arms.

Crystal-clear water tumbles over a wide, russet rock shelf into a green sandy-bottomed pool that’s happily croc-free. Above the two-metre falls I soak in rock holes and lie in chiselled channels for a pummelling natural spa.

Next day we strike out for The Tip, detouring to Somerset Beach, site of the first European settlement in the region in 1864. Established as a hub for the Torres Strait, the site proved

difficult, so administration moved to Thursday Island in 1877. All that remains at the picturesque beach are headstones, cannons and remnants of a well. There are Aboriginal rock paintings in the next bay, but they are only accessible at low tide.

The red dirt road to the top funnels through a dense tunnel of lush rainforest before arriving at Frangipani Beach. It’s a 15-minute walk over a rocky headland to The Tip, and from the final crest we can see the Arafura Sea to the west, the Coral Sea to the east, and the current ripping through Endeavour Strait.

And there it is, the sign declaring ‘You are standing at the northernmost point of the Australian continent.’

Only I can’t stand right there, as high tide lashes the sign. I straddle the waves for an obligatory photo, gripping the sign lest I get washed away.

It’s thrilling to reach Pajinka, the Indigenous name for The Tip, but with York and Eborac Islands almost within spitting distance it’s easy to imagine them once connected by a land bridge.

Remembering the hand-drawn map at Bamaga Airport, where the Torres Strait Islands appear like stepping stones between mainland Australia and PNG, it’s abundantly clear why the two

Adventure

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Aboriginal guide ‘Rusty’; Jason Tchen Pan at Roko Pearls; fishing on Pajinka Beach.

Fact File Cape York Peninsula Lodge cypl.com.au

Image: Briar Jensen

Roko Pearls rokopearls.com.au

countries are inextricably linked.

Bush-bashing nearby reveals the remains of Pajinka Wilderness Lodge, an up-market resort with a complicated history that closed 20 years ago after the generator caught fire. Back near Bamaga Airport we take in the WWII wrecks nearby, including the remains of a DC3 and Beaufort Mark VIII. Locals fish off Seisia Wharf as I depart on a tour to Roko Island Pearl Farm which, with its floating jetty over turquoise waters, looks like it belongs in the Pacific, aside from the resident croc. At a table overlooking the sea, family pearl technician Jason Tchen Pan demonstrates the intricate operation of seeding an oyster and harvesting a pearl, before a tour of the island.

I’m keen to see local art, but apart from that on Thursday Island, it’s hard to uncover. Aboriginal elder Rusty Williams tells me much of their storytelling is through dance rather than art, which can be seen at the Laura Dance Festival.

The 93-year-old also explains their culture suffered when they were banned from speaking their language at school and by the dispersal of menfolk working

Thupmul Coffee Espresso Bar facebook.com/ThupmulCoffee-EspressoBar-1402980159916855 New Mapoon Art Centre nparc.qld.gov.au/ourcommunity/arts-culture

on pastoral properties.

Thupmul Espresso Coffee Bar in Umagico has a selection of Indigenous art for sale, along with great coffee.

The NPA Arts Centre at New Mapoon, a humble Colorbond building which has been closed for months due to staffing issues, is reopening thanks to newly appointed Art Development Co-ordinator John Tabuai. An artist himself, he plans on liaising with the communities and sourcing funding to showcase more local works.

While I’ve managed to separate some threads from my tangled knowledge of the region, others remain firmly snagged by the complexity of multi-layered bureaucracy, politics, funding and native title. I’m far from weaving my metaphorical basket of understanding but this trip has brought a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of Cape York. TB FEB/MAR 2020

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Experiences

Brisbane on a budget Queensland’s capital may be one of Australia’s largest cities, but that doesn’t mean a visit needs to break the bank.

Lace up your walking shoes and get exploring.

WORDs: Samuel Steinberg

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Experiences

1 Take a hinterland road trip Brisbane is surrounded by an array of mountains, all perfect for a day trip that lets you both reconnect with nature and take in Brisbane’s sublime collection of skyscrapers from afar. If you want something closer to the city, Mt Coot-tha is the place, offering the perfect blend of metropolis and countryside.

On the other hand there’s Mt Glorious, with incredible westerly views. Just south of that peak is Mt Nebo, the ideal place to escape from the city and have a nice, calming picnic. Wherever you go, there are plenty of hiking and walking opportunities through bush reserves and national parks. Not to mention, there’s no cost for visiting any of these places. So pack some snacks, hit the road, and enjoy some fresh Queensland air.

2

Images: Tourism & Events Queensland

Browse Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) A great way to familiarise yourself with a city is to experience its art. Luckily Brisbane has plenty, and it’s all free at QAGOMA! The gallery hosts a wide variety of Australian and international exhibitions, with a focus on Australian and Pacific contemporary art.

You could spend an entire day getting lost among everything there is to see, and it doesn’t stop at just the art. Have fun as a family in the Children’s Art Centre

or catch some of the best international films at the Australian Cinémathèque.

If that’s not your thing, stick with the 16,000 works the gallery has for you to look at, ranging from conventional paintings to surreal installations that will make you question where reality ends and art begins. You might end up losing a few bucks to special exhibitions or the café, but otherwise you can safely explore QAGOMA for a grand total of $0.  FEB/MAR 2020

39

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Experiences

3 Explore South Bank

Considered the cultural heart of Brisbane, South Bank has so much more to offer than the typical park. For one thing, it’s settled in a location that has a stunning view of the city skyline. That’s not to mention the luxurious artificial beach right in the centre, so you can simultaneously take a dip and take in supreme urban views. South Bank also hosts some of Brisbane’s best food, assuming you don’t mind splurging just a little. If you’d prefer not to, though, there are still plenty of free events that take place here year-round. Even when nothing in particular is on, you can simply soak up the fabulous atmosphere with a relaxing stroll. Be sure to take plenty of pictures while you’re here; it’s something you’ll want to remember.

4 Stroll through Davies Park Market There are plenty of fantastic markets to choose from around Brisbane, though some may charge for entry.

For a free and fulfilling market experience, go with Davies Park Market. You’ll find plenty of goods, ranging from fruits to crafts to vintage vinyl. You can always stick with not spending money, too, and just wander around the stalls, getting a great taste of Brisbane culture.

If you are willing to let loose a little, nothing at this place should be too detrimental to your bank account.

In fact, if you were planning on getting some souvenirs or groceries anyway, the market might even end up saving you money! Regardless, a lovely Saturday afternoon wandering around this vibrant market in Brisbane’s West End is a day well spent.

5

Images: Tourism & Events Queensland

Catch the Brisbane Ferry A river cruise through the city sounds like a fabulous idea, but in most places this can be a pricey activity.

Never fear, Brisbane has its own ferry system that charges only $4 to ride! You can go all the way from one end of the beautiful river to the other, all for just $4. For the best experience, take the ferry from Powerhouse to South Bank. That way you’ll get to see the Story Bridge, the CBD, and everything in between. Enjoy the delightful breeze as you coast along and take in the city’s best sights. On choppier days, you may also be in for an exciting ride. Consider going for the classic Titanic pose while the dazzling city lights sparkle around you. TB FEB/MAR 2020

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Experiences

Di v e

i n t o

N EW C A S T L E With beautiful beaches and awesome surf breaks, a valley brimming with wineries on its doorstep, lively pubs, cool cafes and festivals all year round, Newcastle has everything you need for an action-packed getaway.

WORDs: Samuel Steinberg

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Images: Destination NSW

Experiences

FEB/MAR 2020

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Experiences

As a bustling city, there’s always excitement to be found in Newcastle. This expands tenfold when Newcastle hosts a festival, of which there are plenty to enjoy throughout the year. If you’re around in February you can catch Homebase, a massive bloc party with music, plenty of great food and all-around good vibes set to neo-soul and RnB. Moving into March there’s The Drop Festival, an all-ages affair that will feature Boy & Bear and The Presets in 2020.

On the other side of the festival spectrum, check out NewRun in April – aka the Newcastle Running Festival – to either take part in the racing events or cheer on the marathon men and women from the sidelines.

Grab a drink Whether you’re in the mood for a beer as the sun sets or an espresso martini to boost your energy, there are plenty of great pubs and cafés in Newcastle.

You can’t go wrong with Carrington Place, a gastropub constructed from the overhaul of the old Oriental Hotel that now offers luxurious dining and wines. If you’re specifically looking for beer, opt for the Grain Store, Newcastle’s premier craft beer joint. Situated in a converted warehouse with art deco tiling and 21 beer taps, there’s just as much ambience as amber fluid. On the hot beverage side of things, your best bet is Three Monkeys Café, which succeeds on more levels than just coffee. Stop by for lunch, afternoon tea, or a delicious breakfast in addition to your typical cup of joe. If what you crave is on the fancy side, go for Mockingbird, home of Newcastle’s best avocado toast, a plethora of other healthy options and, of course, great coffee. 

FEB/MAR 2020

Image: Grain Store

Image: Destination NSW & Surfest

Fire up with a festival

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Experiences

Visit the Hunter Valley Take a journey out to the nearby Hunter Valley, where you can really relax into your everyday holiday. It’s one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, but that on its own isn’t what makes the Hunter so special. The clean vineyard air and atmosphere contribute to one of the most relaxing opportunities you’ll have. Take a scenic cruise on the Hunter River, or stop by in April for the Hunter Vally Steamfest, where you can catch a steam train. Kicking back with a book and a fancy wine is just as good, though. Sign up for a wine tasting, visit a few cellar doors, and let the fun escalate from there.

Whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong in the Hunter Valley.

Images: Destination NSW

Have fun on the water When you’re in Newcastle, you’ll never be too far from the ocean. Though, for something really cool and unique, be sure to check out Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lagoon at 110 square kilometres. That’s roughly twice as large as Sydney Harbour and only barely smaller than Port Stephens.

There are plenty of options to choose from here, the most iconic of which is surfing – on the beaches east of the lake.

But for those that love the feeling of the fresh salt lake breeze without the intensity of ocean waves, there’s also windsurfing.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to stay relatively dry, there’s the option to enjoy a relaxing day on a sailboat in the middle of the lake, where you can leave all your troubles behind. Just make sure to pack the sunscreen. The Newcastle sun does not mess around – right through every season. TB

46 TrueBlue

VISIT THE REAL AUSTRALIA

TRULYAUS.COM

Getaway

Strike in Bendigo Bendigo had its first lucky strike with a gold rush that left a legacy. Add its modernday culinary offerings and rich culture, and you have a compelling city to explore.

Words: Tim Richards

SAMPLING THE FOOD SCENE

“I love chocolate, it’s always been a treat,” says Hayley Tibbett, owner of Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates.

“It only takes a little to give you that good vibe.” For more than a decade, Tibbett has been creating fine Belgian-style chocolate in the heart of Bendigo’s CBD, and I’m delighted to sample a few tasty items such as shiraz ganache and chocolates with

48 TrueBlue

salted caramel and sea salt.

Chocolate is only the start of the dining adventure in Bendigo, whose food scene has leapt upward in quality in recent years. Held twice a month next to the Bendigo Visitor Centre, the Bendigo Community Farmers Market is a guaranteed source of local produce. One stall to look out for is Vintage Kitchen Preserves, where owner Sue Gerdsen sells

spreads made with the utmost attention to minimising waste – including the ’Outback Chutney’, made from zucchinis grown ’out the back’ of her house.

The city also has some great restaurants. Masons of Bendigo is a stylish space serving dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients within a former glass factory. In atmospheric Chancery Lane is 

Getaway

Images: Bendigo Tourism

THE BENDIGO COMMUNITY FARMERS MARKET IS A GUARANTEED SOURCE OF LOCAL PRODUCE.

LEFT: A delectable dish from Masons of Bendigo.

RIGHT: Bendigo Community Farmers Market.

FEB/MAR 2020

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Northern Peninsula Area

WITH RESPECT AND PRIDE WE STRIVE TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN BASED ON UNITY, EQUITABLE SELF–GOVERNANCE, EDUCATION AND CULTURE. Cape York is at the very northern tip of Australia. It’s a narrow peninsula only 80 miles south of Papua New Guinea, with the Coral Sea to the east, the Arafura Sea/Gulf of Carpentaria to the west and the Torres Strait Islands to the north.

The Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) is a land of two seasons: the wet season, December to April, and the dry season, May to November. NPA is made up of five Indigenous communities; Injinoo, Umagico, New Mapoon, Seisia and Bamaga.

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) NPARC is the governing local council involved in developing the local economy through everyday municipal services, operating local enterprises and administering social, community, cultural and recreational activities.

Visit the NPA, by air, sea or by road. Explore the adventurous, challenging and historical Telegraph Track or drive by the Scenic Peninsula Development Road all by 4WD only.

This sacred area is full of wonderful nature at every turn, scenic views, waterfalls, and sunsets equal to the best in the world and make your way to the very tip of the Australian continent, a must do when you visit this remote area.

Enjoy the cultural performances, indigenous arts and crafts, fishing tours, boat trips, scenic helicopter flights from Punsand Bay, croc spotting, or other seasonal tours.

Accommodation options range from motel units and self-contained cabins, to lodge rooms, eco tents and camping.

Embark upon adventure in the Cape York region. Come and experience the unexpected.

For all the latest information about the NPA visit the Council website – www.nparc.qld.gov.au

Getaway

smooth bar The Dispensary, with a great drinks list ranging from local wines to obscure European beers.

And Bendigo Wholefoods is a local favourite, matching a specialist grocery with a café specialising in tasty wholesome dishes – my bowl of housemade falafel with creamy beetroot hummus and coconut labneh makes for a great lunch.

INDULGING IN ART AND PERFORMANCE The city’s cultural pride and joy is the Bendigo Art Gallery, which regularly hosts exclusive exhibitions with wide popular appeal. These shows have covered subjects such as Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe, with one of the most recent blockbusters featuring impressive portraits of British royalty.

Another cultural drawcard is the Ulumbarra Theatre, set within the walls of a former prison. The venue’s name means ’meeting place’ in the

NEXT PAGE: Sweet treats being created at Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates; Bendigo WholeFoods Kitchen.

UNEARTHING THE GOLDEN AGE Bendigo was swept up in the gold rush fever that struck Victoria in the mid-19th century. One of the best ways of learning about that era is to drop into the Central Deborah Gold Mine, an original structure that’s open for visitors to explore.

There are several tours available, but the top attraction has to be the Nine Levels of Darkness, which takes you 228 metres below ground, dressed in miners’ gear, to learn the traditional tricks of the trade: navigating tunnels, setting charges and operating a drill.

DISCOVERING CHINESE HERITAGE Another aspect of Bendigo’s past was the large number of miners who arrived from China, hoping to strike it lucky on the goldfields in the face of considerable discrimination. The Golden Dragon Museum tells the story of the city’s Chinese community through fascinating exhibits. The ceremonial dragons that give the museum its name include newcomer Dai Gum Loong, the longest in the world at 120 metres. Each year the dragons wind through the city streets for the annual Easter Festival.

Outside the museum is another highlight, the Yi Yuan, a ’garden of joy’ based on the design of the gardens of the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Within its grounds are a Buddhist temple, and there’s a tea room if you fancy a cuppa.

RIDING A HERITAGE TRAM

Image: Kate Minotti

Image: Tim Richards

FROM TOP: Exterior of Bendigo Art Gallery; Balgownie Estate.

language of the local Dja Dja Wurrung people, and it fulfils that function admirably with a diverse program of music and plays.

A fun attraction that threads together city highlights is the heritage tourist tram operated by Bendigo Tramways.

One line remains from Bendigo’s original tram system which ran from 1890 to the 1970s, and it plays host to a range of vintage vehicles.

At one end of the route is the  FEB/MAR 2020

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Getaway

Central Deborah Gold Mine. From here the tram heads east along High Street and Pall Mall past the elegant Alexandra Fountain. At its eastern terminus is the Joss House, a Chinese place of worship surviving from the gold rush era. Tram tickets are valid all day and allow passengers to hop on and off at stops along the way.

An extra drawcard is the monthly Blues Tram, which features live music and refreshment along the rails on a Saturday afternoon.

Images: Bendigo Tourism

SHAPING CLAY AT BENDIGO POTTERY On the edge of town in Epsom is Bendigo Pottery, founded in 1858.

There’s a museum showing off its historic wood-fired kilns, and displays of equipment used down the decades.

There’s also potential shopping to be done, via the wide selection of tableware and cookware made on the premises, and galleries selling the work of local potters. The most enjoyable activity, however, is to throw your own pot. Visitors can book a pottery class and be expertly led through the art of moulding a ceramic creation, which is then glazed for an additional fee.

STAYING OVER IN CITY AND COUNTRY My first night in Bendigo is spent at the Quest Schaller, a sleek modern hotel near the CBD which features the vibrant work of Melbourne artist Mark Schaller. Rooms are compact but bright and airy, with small balconies.

For my final night I swap city for bush, taking the short drive to Balgownie Estate. In addition to a relaxed restaurant with views over the grapes, this winery offers upmarket tent accommodation on its grounds. My ’glamping’ tent turns out to be spacious with a comfortable bed, and it’s a delight to sit on the deck as the sun sets.

STROLLING THE PARKLANDS After indulging in the foodie and cultural highlights of Bendigo, there’s no better way to wind down than a stroll through Rosalind Park. This beautifully landscaped space lies between the Bendigo Art Gallery and the Visitor Centre, its grassy slopes criss-crossed by paths and the Bendigo Creek. The park’s lookout tower within an old mining frame is the perfect place from which to take a parting photo of this memorable regional city. TB

Fact File Indulge indulgechocolates.com.au Bendigo Community Farmers Market bcfm.org.au Vintage Kitchen Preserves facebook.com/vintagekitchenpreserves Masons of Bendigo masonsofbendigo.com.au The Dispensary dispensarybendigo.com Bendigo Wholefoods bendigowholefoods.com.au Bendigo Art Gallery bendigoartgallery.com.au Ulumbarra Theatre ulumbarratheatre.com.au Central Deborah Gold Mine central-deborah.com Golden Dragon Museum goldendragonmuseum.org Bendigo Tramways bendigotramways.com Joss House bendigojosshouse.com Blues Tram bendigobluesandroots.com.au/ events/the-blues-tram Bendigo Pottery bendigopottery.com.au Quest Schaller questapartments.com.au Balgownie Estate balgownieestatebendigo.com Rosalind Park bendigo.vic.gov.au/Things-to-Do/ Parks-and-Gardens/Rosalind-Park FEB/MAR 2020

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Philantropy Getaway

Saving our species

Even before this summer’s catastrophic bushfires, Australia was rated as the number-two country in the world for species loss. Tracy McNamara, CEO of FAME, talks about the battle to conserve our species.

WORDS: Sarah Hinder | photography: Sarah ash

54 TrueBlue

Philantropy CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Koala; Mary River turtle; FAME CEO Tracy McNamara.

If there was ever a time when species extinction was not on the public radar, then the dreadful, destructive and relentless bush fires of the past few months have changed all that.

Australians have arguably never been more aware of the distress and threat to Australia’s native species.

Not-for-profit conservation initiative the Foundation for Australia’s Most Endangered Species Limited (FAME) is one fantastic organisation whose work is now needed more than ever.

The Foundation is dedicated to pushing back the staggering reality of endemic flora and fauna species extinction occurring across Australia.

The queue for species support just lengthened considerably, and already the Foundation is helping.

According to FAME CEO Tracy McNamara, the Foundation helps bring species back from the brink in three main ways: by providing funds to enable projects to proceed, by often sustaining this funding over the life of a project, and by maintaining a high level of communication with members, donors and the public – to raise awareness of the serious situation that Australia’s native flora and fauna is facing.

“FAME is a very practical organisation and we take great pride in selecting projects and programs that have a high chance of success,” Tracy explains.

“We collaborate with the private sector, public sector and not-for-profit

enterprises to achieve the best possible results. Our partners are generally experts – we leave on-ground efforts to them while we back them financially and provide support, which would not otherwise be available.”

One of the greatest threats currently faced by Australian wildlife, particularly after the bush fires, is being overrun and killed off by introduced animals and invasive species, such as feral cats, foxes, pigs and rabbits and a plant-root disease. Feral cats alone kill more than one million native animals every night.

“Where fauna is concerned, we need to deal with the menace of feral cats and foxes,” explains Tracy. “Some observers may feel our antipathy towards feral cats to be unbalanced, but as we know: a feral cat is to a domestic cat what a  FEB/MAR 2020

55

Philantropy

LEFT: Mountain pygmy possum.

RIGHT: Tasmanian devils.

wolf is to a chihuahua. Cats and foxes – both introduced species – are savage predators, and a variety of counter measures are employed to control their numbers. Meanwhile, for flora, it’s most often land clearing and bush fires that present the greatest threat.”

One excellent example of where FAME has stepped in to reverse the course of species extinction is in the South Australian outback. Feral cats and foxes have decimated the western quoll population in the northern Flinders Ranges. As a result, quolls had been extinct in the area for more than 100 years. FAME’s reintroduction program, in co-operation with the South Australian and Western Australian governments, has now resulted in a sizeable healthy population of quolls thriving in their natural habitat. Incidentally, the project also resulted in brush-tailed possums surviving in that area.

Another of FAME’s high-priority projects is currently underway in Western Australia’s wheat belt, south-east of Perth, supporting the last surviving small wild population

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FAME’S REINTRODUCTION PROGRAM HAS RESULTED IN A SIZEABLE HEALTHY POPULATION OF QUOLLS. of numbats. In flora, FAME is working with partners to save the last stand of bulburin nut (macadamia jansenii) trees near Gladstone, Queensland.

“We have just completed our first quarter of a century,” says Tracy.

“To mark our first 25 years, we proudly displayed a banner that lists 20 successful projects – and that is not a complete list. A quick glance shows, among others, that we committed to protecting native orchids back in 2004, the southern emu-wren in 2006, the eastern quoll in 2007, the mahogany glider in 2011, and the western quoll and brush-tailed possum in 2013.”

The continued, and increasing, loss of wildlife and habitats across the country is not only decimating natural

ecosystems, it also poses a big risk to the very systems that provide us clean air, clean water, productive soils and a sustainable climate. Protecting our natural environment is the best way to ensure Australia’s biggest industries, including agriculture and tourism, have a viable and sustainable future.

One way in which FAME can continue to support worthy causes is with the support of businesses.

“There’s always a queue of deserving projects looking for support, but our ability to help is always dependent on our resources,” says Tracy. “We know from our approaches over the past years that many businesses welcome involvement in the kind of work we do.

“The team at FAME is open to talking with any corporation that feels it may be able to help – sometimes it may be funds, but often a business has skills and experience that are invaluable to the Foundation’s work.

We’d love to hear from any organisation, whatever their level of interest.”

To learn more about FAME’s initiatives, visit fame.org.au TB

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BUSINESS NEWS & VIEWS

DEFINITION OF ‘AUSSIE BEACH’ CHANGED IN TOP 20 OF 2020 LIST

Image: Rik Soderland

In the official ‘Top 20 Australian Beaches 2020’ list, an inland ‘beach’ has been named for the first time. Wagga Wagga’s historic Wagga Beach made the cut at number nine this year in Tourism Australia ambassador Brad Farmer’s list. Farmer, who co-wrote 101 Best Australian Beaches in 2012, has spent his life visiting and studying thousands of Australia’s sandy hotspots.

The annual top 20 list takes into account academic-based criteria such as environment, water quality, cleanliness, social history and facilities, as well as factors such as international suitability, beach safety and engagement with authentic Aussie locals.

101bestbeaches.org

OzHelp wins ACT Social Change Maker Award Nominee for the 2019 Telstra Social Change Maker Award and winner of the ACT category, OzHelp is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preventing suicide and promoting mental health by providing evidence-based preventive mental-health programs in high-risk workplaces across the country.

“Our hope is that by winning the ACT category for Social Change Maker and being placed on this renowned national platform, we can shine a light on suicide risk factors in high-risk industries, as well as show how employers can take a proactive approach in supporting their employees and their communities to be healthy and to thrive.”

OzHelp seeks to break down barriers in order to better promote positive self-care and help-seeking behaviours. The organisation was established after apprentice David O’Bryan took his own life, followed by another three young Canberran men in a three-month period. David’s mother realised the dire lack of support services for young apprentices and vowed to make a change.

Eighteen years on, OzHelp’s programs are delivered nationally, and in 2018 more than 38,000 people benefited from a range of programs, tools and awareness campaigns. ozhelp.org.au FEB/MAR 2020

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AUSBIZ NEWS

TINY HOMES CARNIVAL REACHES SYDNEY For the first time, the Tiny Homes Carnival will come to Sydney this March 7–8. Leading the way in the tiny house movement – described as “a social trend to simplify our lives by reducing size without sacrificing quality of life” – Big Tiny are collaborating with Australian Tiny House Association to bring this exciting international carnival to St Ives Showground in Sydney’s north.

The tiny house trend has grown enormously in Australian in recent years, as has integrating the concept of tiny houses with ecotourism.

Special guest speakers John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin from Netflix’s Tiny House Nation will be taking the stage, as will Bryce Langston, creator of the popular web series Living Big in a Tiny House. tinyhomescarnival.com

FAST FACTS WA’s newest national park

Image: Tourism WA

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands, a series of 122 ecologically significant islands surrounded by coral communities, have recently been granted national park status. Located 60 kilometres off the coast of Geraldton, the islands extend across 100 kilometres of the Indian Ocean. They’re accessible by several boat day tours, as well as scenic flights from Geraldton and Kalbarri, which offer land-based activities such as guided nature walks and snorkelling. westernaustralia.com

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AusBiz.

50m²

According to the Australian Tiny House Association, “tiny houses are moveable dwellings up to 50m² that are suitable for residential use.”

11,761

Australia is officially home to a total of 11,761 beaches. This number has the potential to soon grow with the introduction of ‘inland beaches’ to the list.

16%

Just 16 per cent of Australia’s beaches are accessible by conventional roads.

A further 12 per cent are accessible by unsealed roads, 29 per cent by four-wheel-drive, and 43 per cent are inaccessible.

KARIJINI

eco RETREAT

World class Karijini National Park is a must-see for any visitor to the Pilbara and located in the depths of the park is the magnificent Karijini Eco Retreat.

Designed with the environment in mind • Deluxe and dorm style eco tents and cabins • Outback restaurant & bar • 15 min. walk trail to Joffre Gorge • Campground with BBQ facilities, showers/WC • Easy access - only 3km unsealed

Bookings T: (08) 9425 5591 E: reservations@karijiniecoretreat.com.au W: www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au Off Weano Road, Karijini National Park, Western Australia Owned by the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation

ecoretreat karijini

27 June to 3rd July 2020 7 days of riding Road - Elite Rider & Social Rider Packs Mountain Bike - Fast Pack & Fun Pack Fully Catered & Supported

Raising funds to support the education of kids in the bush.

Early Bird Offer

Register Now until the end of February to receive a free pair of C2K Knicks (Value $185)

C2KBIKERIDE.COM.AU

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride Taking place this June 27–July 3, the 2020 Cairns 2 Karumba Bike Ride will see riders of all abilities and experience levels race or ride 780 kilometres through astounding Far North Queensland scenery, from Cairns on the east coast to Karumba in the remote Gulf of Carpentaria.

For elite riders, the event offers the chance for a solid training week before a major event. To the social rider, the journey can mean an unforgettable week away with mates and the chance to meet new people and make life-long friends. If the full week isn’t possible, there’s also the option to join for a one- or threeday ride, which still allows you to be part of the amazing experience.

The ride offers two main tracks: Like to keep it clean? The road ride will be your thing! Don’t mind getting a little dirty? Then the ‘Dirty Boys’ ride is for you! Both rides start and end together daily, before splitting off during the day to offer two very different riding experiences.

The ride has never been just about the cycling. C2K raises money each year for the Cairns School of Distance Education to assist in the education of kids across Far North Queensland, which allows them to be part of experiences that may not be otherwise available. In recent years this has included a program called Pedals, where students have been part of workshops provided by some of Australia’s best presenters across a range of areas. Small schools along

the ride’s route also benefit from the ride with funds going to projects such as interstate trips, robotics programs and upgrading school sporting grounds and equipment.

Along the ride, riders meet with many families for whom they are raising funds, and see the benefits they have received. Each year, the almost

70 volunteers and event sponsors involved make the ride possible.

The early bird registration special ends February 29. After that, you can register any time until May 31. If you are interested in riding, being a supporter to a mate or family member, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor, please visit c2kbikeride.com.au FEB/MAR 2020

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Workforce

solutions

Are you looking for a reliable workforce to help you plan ahead?

The Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) is an employer sponsored program connecting eligible businesses in rural and regional Australia with workers from nine Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste. The PLS offers employers access to a reliable workforce when there is not enough local labour available to fill low and semi-skilled positions.

The PLS is open to all sectors, including: • • • • •

Aged care and social assistance Accommodation and food services Non-seasonal horticulture & agriculture Fisheries and aquaculture Meat processing

For more information: Contact the Pacific Labour Facility Enquiries@pacificlabourfacility.com.au Phone: (07) 3557 7750 www.pacificlabourmobility.com.au

SPECIAL FEATURE Jason Mani from Malaita province in Solomon Islands harvests vegetables at Gracekate Farms.

Photo: Pacific Labour Facility.

David Sondopiea from Papua New Guinea works at Skybury Farm in Mareeba, Queensland, through the PLS. Photo: Pacific Labour Facility.

Helping regional and rural businesses address labour shortages The Pacific Labour Scheme connects workers with rural and regional Australian businesses that can’t find enough local labour.

Kerry and Simon McCarthy own and manage Gracekate Farms on the Darling Downs in Queensland, supplying leafy greens to farmers’ markets as well as major national supermarkets.

Gracekate Farms has employed workers from Solomon Islands through the Australian Government’s Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) since 2012, and many of these have returned to the farm for several seasons in a row. Having these seasonal workers on the farm has enabled the business to expand, and the McCarthys have now also signed up to the Government’s newer Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) to meet their longer-term labour needs.

While the SWP allows farmers to employ workers from nine Pacific

countries and Timor-Leste for unskilled roles for up to nine months, the PLS enables employers to recruit workers for low-skilled and semiskilled roles for a longer period of one to three years, subject to local market testing requirements.

Kerry McCarthy says the Solomon Island workers have been highly productive and have hit the ground running from the start.

“Our team from Solomon Islands is fabulous – because of them we’re now able to plan ahead,” she explains. “It will be great to get a more permanent workforce on the ground soon to help us prepare for the harvesting season.”

Along with the SWP and the Working Holiday Maker Programme, the PLS is another way in which rural and regional

Australian businesses and Pacific island workers can benefit from labour mobility arrangements in our region.

People from Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu can apply for employment in Australia through the PLS. Anyone who signs up to the scheme from these countries has the same workplace and health and safety rights as Australian workers, and built-in systems protect them against exploitation.

Rural and regional Australian employers from any industry or sector can apply to join the PLS. For more information, and to find out your eligibility and if Pacific labour mobility meets your employment needs, visit the website: pacificlabourmobility.com.au FEB/MAR 2020

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MINING: TAILINGS

TELLING TAILS We delve into the management of tailings storage facilities, highlighting the risks and looking at how new technology is being utilised.

Words: Darren Baguley

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MINING: TAILINGS

When Vale’s tailings dam near the Brazilian city of Brumadinho burst, it killed hundreds of people, threatened global iron supplies, and reset the conversation on tailings dam safety.

Just after noon on 25 January 2019, Tailings Dam I of the Brazilian mining giant’s Córrego do Feijão iron ore mine collapsed, flooding the valley below with a 12 million-cubic-metre cascade of thick brown tailings sludge that swallowed the mine’s offices and its packed caféteria, farms, the hamlet of Vila Ferteco, and buildings on the outskirts of the city of Brumadinho.

Official figures state that 272 people died in the disaster, including 14 whose bodies have never been recovered.

In the aftermath of the disaster Vale’s stock price plummeted 24 per cent, and was followed by a farreaching, criminal investigation that’s still ongoing. The company’s viability is being questioned after numerous individuals, companies and businesses launched the largest lawsuit in UK history in the wake of a previous disaster: the 2015 Samarco Mariana dam collapse. That failure killed 19 people and virtually destroyed the nearby villages of Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu de Baixo.

It does not take much imagination to expect that similar suits will follow the Brumadinho disaster.

There are more than 3500 tailings

dams worldwide, and according to mineral process engineering company McLanahan’s International Business Manager Richard Williams: “there are one or two tailings dam failures a year.” But the 2019 failure threatened the global iron ore supply, with frenzied trading pushing prices up 18 per cent in a fortnight, rocketing the commodity price towards 2014 levels as other miners struggled to lift production.

Another impact was the effect the disasters had in the boardrooms of the world’s major mining companies.

In December 2016, the International Council on Mining & Metals, which encompasses the 27 leading mining companies in the world, put out a position statement bluntly titled ‘Preventing catastrophic failure of tailings storage facilities’. In September 2019, the Minerals Council of Australia followed up with the Australian Mining Tailings Communique, a document developed in concert with its members. The communique acknowledged that “tailings management in Australia is advanced and highly regulated but focuses on demonstrating global leadership and best practice in governance, information sharing and technical expertise in tailings storage management. The communique also seeks to solidify 

FEB/MAR 2020

11

One Passion. Many Opportunities.

Find your opportunity Liebherr-Australia are seeking suitably qualified people to join us.

Further information at: www.liebherr.com.au/jobs

MINING: TAILINGS

AS SOCIETY COMES TO ACCEPT THE NEED TO ELIMINATE TAILINGS DAMS, THE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE ABLE TO MOVE IN PARALLEL.

the industry focus on preventing a repeat of past tailings storage errors.”

The mining equipment, technology and services sector has responded favourably to what it sees as a new willingness on the part of mining companies to invest in tailings storage management and safety. Williams says, “without a socially acceptable plan to responsibly deposit and rehabilitate these areas, you have no project and the community expectation appears moving to some form of dry tailings.

Multiple technology options exist currently to produce and stack dry tailings. There are no technical limits to achieving this, only a cost implication.

As society comes to accept the need to eliminate tailings dams and loss of life, all of the industry should be able to move in parallel to improve the safety and reliability in these areas.”

He adds: “A number of McLanahan customers are currently assessing how ‘filtered tailings’ could fit into their resource expansion projects or upgrade projects. When we configure a filtered tailings solution, we typically aim for a closed loop or zero pond tailings management strategy. For a closed loop tailings system, quarry operators are encouraged to consider an ultra-fines recovery system, where potentially usable ultra-fine product can be reused as a blend medium or for other products, rather than sending it straight to waste. Quite simply, product fines that would go to a pond can now be redirected to a thickener, where they are densified, and process water is captured for plant reuse.

The thickener underflow is pumped to a mixing tank and run through a filter press, where the solids are further dewatered and a dry cake is produced.

The filtrate (water) is also captured from this process for reuse or disposal to alternative markets.”

While there is a definite move

towards dry processing of tailings, there are thousands of tailings storage facilities in existence, and a key challenge for mining companies is monitoring the status of both open and closed tailings facilities.

According to Inmarsat’s Mining Innovation Director Joe Carr: “there is a wide range of methods used across the industry for collecting data at tailings dams by mining companies, regulators and auditors, but the vast majority typically rely on manual processes … This manual approach to data collection commonly leads to human error in the reporting of  FEB/MAR 2020

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MINING: TAILINGS

There are innovative technological solutions which give mining companies a centralised, real-time and reliable view of the status of their tailings facilities.

FAST FACTS • Tailings are the finegrained solid residues left after minerals and metals have been extracted from an ore.

They are commonly transported as slurry and thickened before being stored in tailings dams.

• There more than 3500 tailings dams worldwide.

metrics, which leads to a lack of consistency in reporting, making it difficult for mining companies to obtain a complete view of the conditions at their tailings facilities. ”The net effect of this is that mining companies often have a disjointed and siloed approach to managing tailings dams, which they struggle to access, comprehend and use any data they collect. It is a particular problem for mining companies with global operational footprints, as they often struggle to bring the data together from their tailings dams across the world to a central place,” says Carr. ”Furthermore, even the larger companies that have more sophisticated multi-sensor systems may have a completely different arrangement at another dam, making data standardisation a difficult and inconsistent process.

“Fortunately, there are innovative technological solutions that have been developed and implemented, which give mining companies a centralised, real-time and reliable view of the status of their tailings facilities. For example, our solution allows mining companies

OPAL MINE TAILINGS NEAR COOBER PEDY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

to gather and process data from various sensors via edge computing technologies, like LoRaWAN, and send it via our ultra-reliable L-band network to a central cloud dashboard that displays the data.”

According to Carr, the most obvious benefit of this approach is that “it allows off-site teams to manage their tailings sites more proactively by giving them a centralised and real-time oversight of key metrics, such as pond elevation, piezometric pressures, inclinometer readings and weather conditions. This means mining companies can make faster, better-informed decisions and stop any issues from developing into more serious problems, dramatically improving the safety of their dams and local communities.”

Given that two tailings dam collapses in less than 10 years have killed close to 300 people, caused massive environmental destruction and are threatening the viability of one of the world’s largest mining companies, both the change in emphasis and the advent of new technology are very welcome developments.

FEB/MAR 2020

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Tiny Surveyor Pre-Marking Robot Mark lines from the comfort of your car!

Tiny Surveyor is a robotic pre-marker tool that will save you time, increase safety and enable you to mark out road lines automatically. With the ability to interface to any GNSS or total station for precise height measurements, the Tiny Surveyor is a versatile and reliable tool that works for eight hours on a single charge.

Key benefits: • Up to 10 times faster than marking out on foot • Increase safety by following the robot from a car • Reliable, repeatable 2-3cm accuracy • Works as hard as you do with 8 hour battery • Versatile to accommodate different spray can sizes • Compact, portable design makes for easy transportation • Use with your existing GNSS and optical survey equipment • Works with a variety of standard file formats Visit our website to register for a demo roadshow near you in 2020!

Get in touch today:

1300 867 266 info@positionpartners.com.au www.positionpartners.com.au Australia • New Zealand • SE Asia

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Final trim the Topcon way

Topcon machine control technology will provide you with the flexibility to mix and match your grader solution to suit different applications at different stages of the project you’re working on.

With many of the new construction graders in Australia arriving from the factory or dealer with the option for an integrated system and basic machine control technology already installed, it is more important than ever to ensure you have the best solution on your grader that both suits your current needs and has the ability to grow with your business.

If you rely on a factory-fitted system, you may be limited by the fact that these systems are often not upgradeable or transferable between machines, so if you need a more sophisticated solution, it can be difficult to proceed without starting again with a different option. This can be needlessly expensive and time-consuming.

Ensuring you have the best machine control solution is arguably even more important on your grader, because if fine tolerances are not achieved consistently across the site, it will result in rework and extra materials, increasing costs and decreasing efficiencies. Ideally, you need to get the grade right the first time, and Topcon machine control can ensure you do.

“The machine control technology available from Topcon is compatible across all machine types, makes and models. This makes it a highly

flexible and customisable solution.

A GNSS machine control system can be adapted with a high precision laser transmitter that combined will deliver millimetre vertical precision for fine grading tasks, a technology unique to Topcon,” says Josh Allan, Construction Business Manager at Position Partners Australia.

Topcon machine control technology is the most flexible on the market, so you can mix and match your solutions to suit whatever job you’re working on.

All contractors can attest that every job is different, and you often need more than one machine control system configuration to complete the range of tasks you work on to the tolerance you require.

Topcon grader machine control gives you the option to: • Easily swap machine control technology between machines – so you can stretch your machine control system across a range of machines.

• Scale up or scale down to suit the job – for example, you might box out a subdivision with GPS/ GNSS, but then you can switch to a sonic tracker to follow the kerb.

Topcon lets you work with 2D or 3D technology without having to install a whole new system.

• Combine GPS/GNSS with other technology, including laser or prisms with a total station, to increase accuracy even further for final trim work.

FEB/MAR 2020

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REGIONAL: COWORKING

COWORKING IN THE COUNTRY Coworking spaces are popping up all over regional and rural Australia, but are they here to stay or just another ‘remote working’ fad?

Words: lisa smyth

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REGIONAL: COWORKING

I wanted to see if you could create a software engineering industry in a small rural town.

When Liam O’Duibhir opened the tech-focused coworking space CoWS Near The Coast in the rural NSW town of Bega in 2014, it was a big deal.

“There was a massive opening ceremony – the local MP came and gave a speech and everything,” laughs O’Duibhir. “It was a grand experiment – I wanted to see if you could create a software engineering industry in a small rural town. Now we have freelancers, people who work remotely for big companies in Sydney and Brisbane, and people just passing through, visiting family. But it’s still mostly people in the tech sector.”

Australia is the sixth fastest-growing

market for coworking in the world, just behind the UK at number five, and Luxembourg in the top spot.

While the vast majority of coworking spaces are located in capital cities, and concentrated in the central business districts of those cities, a 2017 study reports that 15 per cent are located in Australia’s regional towns.

“It’s become unstoppable,” explains O’Duibhir. “There are now multiple coworking spaces in the Bega Valley, and Bega is only a town of 5000 people! We were the first ones to introduce the idea to local government – they had no idea what coworking was – and now our valley is brimming with coworking spaces.”

WORKING ON A ‘SEA CHANGE’ Initially, coworking spaces were seen to only cater for IT start-ups and entrepreneurs, and were snapped up due to their reduced costs, flexible leasing terms and speed of delivery – the average move-in time for a small business in Australia to a coworking space is just 37 days. In the beginning, the ability to get a business up and running in a short space of time with minimal spend was the key attraction.

But lifestyle choices are now increasingly becoming a factor, with places like Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and NSW South Coast having the highest concentration of  FEB/MAR 2020

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REGIONAL: COWORKING

A COMMUNITY OF CO-WORKERS

coworking spaces. Ben Howe, CEO of Co Spaces in Southport, Queensland, says, “It’s unbelievable the people who live on the Gold Coast and fly in and fly out to Sydney a few days a week. With technology getting better and internet speeds getting faster, there’s no reason you can’t work outside the major cities.”

When it comes to regional coworking spaces, there are no hard and fast rules, says Dr Yvette Blount, Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University Business School. “Regional coworking spaces are unique to their locations because communities and their needs are so different,” she explains. “Jobs are different, and lots of people are looking for a ‘sea change’ or ‘tree change’. Working remotely all the time is not productive or good for your mental health, and coworking spaces

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can help with social isolation.”

While many people would never consider giving up a stable job in a big city, ‘sea changers’ are increasingly blending the best of both worlds. Major corporations, such as Woolworths, Accenture and LG Electronics, now make up 20 per cent of coworking space clients in Australia; five years ago they constituted only 2 per cent.

“Out of the eight businesses we have working from the space at the moment, four are satellite offices for larger companies, two of which are international businesses,” notes Julia Telford, Director of Queensland’s Goondiwindi Business Hub. “People want to raise their kids in a country town, but also have a professional environment to work from, and we offer that.”

Along with price and leasing terms, coworking members in large cities usually consider if a space is close to major transport links or has parking, as well as whether it’s within walking distance of good lunch options. In regional and rural towns these factors are obviously less of a consideration, and instead the focus is on how the space contributes to the local community.

“We partner with the Chamber of Commerce on events for new arrivals,” says Telford. “We have afternoon meet-ups for people who are new to town to help them build their network quickly – both professionally and personally. Rural Queensland can be quite isolating, and we want to support and provide connections, so no one feels like they are on their own.

“Of course, one of the big challenges in regional areas is good internet access. A lot of farmers come into the hub specifically to use the internet – if we don’t have a desk available we sometimes set them up in the kitchen! No one gets turned away.” 

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REGIONAL: COWORKING

Tim Ford founded CoHoots Coworking in Castlemaine, Victoria, in 2014, and he declares community, not coworking, was always the focus of the business. “Our passion is enterprising communities, and we run events for the Castlemaine community all the time. We wanted to build a sense of community cohesion within the coworking concept.”

COMMERCIAL COWORKING

FAST FACTS • 7.3 months is the national average length lease of a coworking space.

• 64 per cent of coworking members are aged 25-44.

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While many regional coworking spaces are a positive addition to their communities, overall they don’t have the highest success rate.

“A lot of coworking spaces in regional and rural areas are set up using government grants and they are not sustainable in the long term,” explains Blount. “The volume is just not there in country locations, and that’s why a lot of them fail.”

Telford knew the risks of setting up a coworking space in a town of just 6000 people in 2014, but kept the bottom line in mind. “We knew we needed to run it as a commercial business, which is why we focused on getting longer-term tenants. You need to consider the rural context, especially when deciding the price point, but you have to run your space with a long-term business model in mind.”

Howe agrees that the future of regional coworking spaces is about finding ways to make them more profitable, and thinking outside the box. “We built the first rooftop bar in Southport and it has started to change how people view the area.

People want mixed-use spaces – coworking spaces that also function as art galleries, cafés and bars. We need to get smarter and create spaces that are just as much about liveability and community as work.”

AGRIBUSINESS: APPLES

Disrupting a primary industry isn’t easy, but these three operations are keeping the doctor at bay with innovative thinking.

Words: Ian Lloyd Neubauer

UPSETTING THE APPLE CART

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AGRIBUSINESS: APPLES

If you think Australian dairy farmers are doing it tough, spare a thought for our apple growers.

Since the turn of the century, one out of every two has gone out business. Of the relative few who remain, some are choosing to let crops rot on their trees rather than accept farmgate prices set by the big supermarkets at as little as 90 cents per kilogram for a fruit that costs at least $2 a kilogram to produce.

At the same time, Australians are eating 12 per cent fewer apples than they did in 2015, while apple exports have fallen 19 per cent since 2016, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Then there’s the drought and its impact on the size and number of apples produced. Australian farmers grew 14 per cent fewer tonnes last year compared to 2017. ď ˝

FEB/MAR 2020

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AGRIBUSINESS: APPLES

PREVIOUS PAGES: BRAVO™ APPLES; DARKES ‘HOWLER‘ CIDER FROM GLENBERNIE ORCHARD. FROM LEFT: BRAVO™ APPLES ORCHARD; BRAVO™ APPLES; CHRIS MCCOLL OF KALANGADOO ORGANICS; GLENBERNIE ORCHARD; KALANGADOO ORGANICS APPLE JUICE.

Consumers are happy to pay more for new ‘designer apples’.

Many in the industry believe the outlook is grim and that soon only large-scale producers will survive. But with every new threat to business comes an opportunity. We talk with three apple farmers using novel strategies to earn a living in the face of a perfect storm.

DESIGNER STRAINS While sales of mainstream apple varietals like Red Delicious are in decline, consumers are happy to pay more for new strains of ‘designer apples’ that comprise about 10 per cent of the market. Examples include Redlove, a red-fleshed apple developed in a Swiss breeding program, Yello, a new hybrid varietal from Japan, and Bravo™ apples, a sweet burgundy-coloured apple from Western Australia that comes loaded with juice. At the time of writing, Bravo™ apples were selling for $8.50 at Coles. Granny Smiths? Only $3.50.

“Consumers are willing to pay a premium for Bravo™ apples because they taste better, have a distinct look and because people know it’s a better quality product developed here in Australia,” says Rebecca Blackman, CEO of Fruit West, a cooperative of growers that owns the global Bravo™ apples Plant Breeder’s Right (PBR). “We can’t keep up with demand.”

Currently, 8 per cent of Fruit West’s Bravo™ apples are exported to markets in Asia, UAE

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and North America. The figure towers above the national average (only 1 to 2 per cent of Australian apples are exported), and already eclipses the 5 per cent target set by Agrifutures Australia, a government body focused on the long-term prosperity of rural industries.

Exporting more apples, the industry recognises, can give farmers some leverage over the prices paid by Australia’s big supermarket chains.

Fruit West has set a much higher export target for Bravo™ apples. Within a decade, the cooperative aims to export 70 per cent of stock to lucrative new markets in China, North America and Europe. “We definitely see exports as the future,” Rebecca says.

“It’s always been the plan.”

CUTTING OUT THE MIDDLEMAN In the 1990s, Chris and Michelle McColl of Kalangadoo Organics, a small apple farm on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, grew table apples and sold them to a wholesaler who on-sold them to supermarkets where they went for $4 per kilogram. But the McColls were getting only 40 cents.

“We couldn’t survive. It wasn’t sustainable,” says Chris. “So, in 2002, we changed our business model and converted to organic.

The difficult thing about the conversion was

AGRIBUSINESS: APPLES

that many of the problems organic farmers face are unique to their properties. It took a lot of trial and error to get things right.

“Once we had our product right, we decided we only wanted one person between us and the consumer, because in our experience the longer the supply chain, the less we earn.

So we had to start doing all our own packing and distribution. We also decided to sell to independently owned businesses only because you can build personal relationships with them.

It’s a much more resilient business model than having just one big corporation that’s typically foreign-owned buying all your apples.

“There’s a mantra in farming today that you have to get big or get out. But that’s not necessarily the case. You can go in another direction like we have: stay small, focus on quality and do things big producers can’t do. We grow 50 tonnes of apples a year – nothing in the grand scheme of things – but we’re doing okay.”

THE THEME PARK The Fahey family have been growing apples in Darkes Forest in the Illawarra region since 1939. But around 30 years ago, the family began noticing a downward trend in apple consumption and narrowing of profit margins, so they diversified into stone fruit, a crop with very different agro-ecological requirements

to apples. If one crop has a bad year, the other tends to flourish, and vice versa.

“Our family has always been innovative and looked at creative ways of doing things,” says Jo-Anne Fahey of the Darkes Group, a small business empire that incorporates Darkes Brewing, producers of an apple cider than won gold at the World Cider Awards last year; the Appleshack, a boutique cellardoor-like retail outlet that sells branded apple juice, jams, honey, ciders and vinegar; and Glenbernie Orchard, a working farm that offers pick-your-own apple tours and hosts weddings on the weekends.

“Our tours are not just point-andpick experiences. They are value-adding experiences,” explains Jo-Anne. “We take people on a journey of learning so they can understand the journey our trees go through in the different seasons of the year and the constantly evolving challenges we face.

We demystify farming. We answer questions.

We share stories that they take with them and share with their family and friends.”

She adds: “It’s not all doom and gloom in our industry. It is if you take the approach that our business is just about growing table fruit and accepting low prices. But if you get creative and more in tune to what is possible beyond the farmgate, things look very different.”

TOP 5 AUSSIE APPLE PRODUCTS 1. APPLE JUICE The average Australian consumes 1.2 litres per year.

2. CLOUDY APPLE JUICE Unfiltered apple juice, full of pulp and fibre.

3. APPLE CIDER An alcoholic drink made primarily from ‘cider’ apples.

4. APPLE VINEGAR Made from fermented apple juice.

Great on salads.

5. DRIED APPLES A healthy snack with no added sugar or preservatives.

FEB/MAR 2020

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TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS: INLAND RAIL

THE MISSING LINK While the debate over a high-speed rail link between Australia’s far-flung cities rages on, a new freight railway line between Brisbane and Melbourne is right on track.

Words: Ian Lloyd Neubauer For all the talk of a high-speed rail link between Melbourne and Brisbane, it’s not going to happen any time soon.

It’s just too expensive: $120 billion, the equivalent of a generation’s worth of Australia’s infrastructure spend on one project. As the debate trundles on, another rail link between the two cities is quietly taking shape: the $10 billion Melbourne-to-Brisbane Inland Railway. With a top speed of 115 kilometres per hour, it was not designed as an alternative to air travel but to provide fast and cost-effective freight transport between Australia’s four richest farming regions and booming export markets in Asia.

When it comes online in 2024 or 2025, Inland Rail will reduce freight time along the 1700-kilometre route from four to five days to less than 24 hours.

According to the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), the

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government body managing the project, Inland Rail will add $16 billion to Australia’s GDP and do much to relieve congestion in Sydney – the current midway point for freight on the eastern seaboard. It will also reduce carbon emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year.

Inland Rail is not one big new project. It is 13 individual projects that will link existing rail infrastructure and complete the backbone of a national freight network. The longest project is Narromine to Narrabri in Central New South Wales, at 307 kilometres long. The most complex section is a 6.38-kilometre tunnel that will be built through the steep terrain of the Toowoomba Range in Queensland.

PADDOCK TO PORT

Inland Rail is no ordinary train line; it’s a high-tech freight line of the

future. Instead of regular trains, it will use mega-trains up to 1.8 kilometres long with double-stack carriages and increased axle loads that significantly increase the payload of each train.

And instead of carting produce to stations, farmers will able to load produce onto trains in their fields thanks to new mobile rail loading kits.

“Traditionally we would have carted the chickpeas to port in trucks,” says Stuart Tighe of Boolah Partnership, a grain grower in north-central New South Wales participating in trials of the mobile loading system. “We are loading today the equivalent of 70 double-stacked train carriages. Before it would have taken us about a week and we’re now doing it in six hours.”

The ARTC says Inland Rail will deliver savings for farmers of $5 to $10 per to tonne. “It’s sort of history-making when farmers can 

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS: INLAND RAIL

Inland Rail is no ordinary train line; it’s a high-tech freight line of the future.

FAST FACTS • The steel required to complete Inland Rail is five times the quantity used to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

• Inland Rail will remove 200,000 truck movements from our roads every year and prevent road deaths, according to the Truck Accident Research Centre.

FEB/MAR 2020

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TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS: INLAND RAIL

FROM TOP: MODERN HIGHSPEED TRAINS AT MILAN CENTRAL STATION, ITALY; INLAND RAILWAY IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

actually load directly into a train from their paddock. It just makes sense,” says Moree Plains Mayor Katrina Humphries.

The National Farmers’ Federation believes the new system will prove a game-changer for agriculture in the eastern states. “In my opinion, Inland Rail represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” says CEO Simon Talbot. “The mining boom is over but Australian agriculture can double in value and provide high-quality produce to Asian markets.”

NOT IN MY BACKYARD Yet in parts of the country where individual Inland Rail projects are taking shape, the NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) phenomenon has divided opinion. In some places it is being alleged routes have been selected in the interest of big business instead of farmers and regional communities.

Documents obtained by The Guardian show the Wagners – a prominent Queensland family who came in at 14th place of BRW’s rich

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families list in 2015 – lobbied the government to divert the line past their Wellcamp airport outside of Toowoomba. The Guardian’s report did not allege the Wagners had acted unlawfully, but it highlighted concerns the ARTC is not being as consultative as it claimed in a $190,000 taxpayerfunded advertising campaign.

“I support Inland Rail and all it has to offer,” says Robert Mackay, a farmer on the NSW-Qld border whose land will be cut into four portions by the project.

“But the ARTC has disregarded advice regarding flooding from the local community and proceeded with an alignment right below the junction of the two biggest rivers in the area. It’s a recipe for a flooding disaster.”

The ARTC has also come under fire about its routing decisions along the Narromine and Narrabri project in Central NSW. There, in a section near the town of Coonamble, it decided to build a new railway line that will cut through 300 properties instead of using an existing rail corridor that wouldn’t impact a single landowner. 

DISASTER

APPEAL Please donate now

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TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS: INLAND RAIL

FROM TOP: CENTRAL STATION, SYDNEY; SOUTHERN CROSS STATION, MELBOURNE.

FULL STEAM AHEAD ARTC says it took the aforementioned decision in order to make the inland route quicker. But the NSW Farmers Association says that’s bull, claiming the new route will lead to savings of only four minutes – not enough to justify the impact on 300 landowners.

After failing to convince ARTC to rethink its decision, NSW Farmers took its case to Canberra in early 2018, and demanded an independent inquiry into Inland Rail.

No one much listened until the federal election was called in April, and the Labor Party saw an opportunity to steal votes from the Nationals.

“This is appalling. The government has botched this from day one,” thenInfrastructure Spokesman Anthony Albanese said on talkback radio at the time. “It’s very clear that there are real issues with the route going through prime agricultural land, that the locals aren’t being listened to.”

Labor’s announcement gave those 300 landowners a clear way to make their voices heard at the election. But a large majority of people in the bush voted against Labor and its calls for an independent enquiry into Inland Rail.

Outgoing ARTC chief John Fullerton did, however, take the challenge to heart, and promised to take a more consultative approach with landowners. But he also maintains an independent enquiry cannot be allowed to delay Inland Rail. “Every day our freight task grows – freight volumes are forecast to more than double by the year 2050,” he says.

“Our existing transport network won’t cope with this increase in freight without further investment.”

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Fast Fact

CareFlight’s 24/7 HelpPoint centres make or receive more than 80,000 phone calls each year when coordinating medevac missions around Australia.

Taking the hospital to the patient: CareFlight’s medevac mission

As a patient-focused organisation, CareFlight finds innovative ways to get medevac patients to the vital treatment they need as quickly and safely as possible.

It’s the type of scenario that most FIFO workers would rather not think about: you’re working in a very remote location, a long flight away from essential services, when you become seriously unwell; or there’s an accident and you, or a workmate, require urgent hospital treatment. What happens next?

While the statistics tell us that the probability of these scenarios happening is very low, in the notso-distant past patients requiring emergency treatment in remote locations had a reduced chance of making a full recovery.

But today, thanks to advances in aeromedical care, patient outcomes have improved significantly.

CareFlight, a not-for-profit organisation, funds many of its community programs by providing

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aeromedical and medical staffing solutions to the oil, gas and mining industry across Australia helping it realise its mission to save lives, speed recovery and serve the community.

Commencing in 1986 with a single rescue helicopter, CareFlight’s founders had a vision to create a new kind of medical retrieval service in Australia that focused on starting emergency department care at an accident scene, rather than many hours later when the patient arrived at a city hospital.

For severely injured and very sick patients, starting treatment at the scene dramatically increases their recovery prospects.

“We know that patients have the best chance of recovery if we reach them quickly and immediately commence emergency department standard

treatment on-scene,” says Dr Toby Fogg, CareFlight’s National Medical Director and Retrieval Specialist.

“Our mission on a medevac is to remove any time, distance and logistical barriers to getting hospital treatment delivered to a patient at the place of injury – well before the patient actually gets to a hospital emergency department.”

From its urban beginnings, CareFlight now operates a fleet of more than 15 aeromedical aircraft, including search and rescue medevac helicopters, air ambulance jets and turbo-prop aeroplanes, as well as patient transport vehicles. The CareFlight team is made up of more than 520 people across Australia, including emergencycare doctors, nurses, intensive-care paramedics, pilots, engineers, logistics,

SPECIAL PROMOTION

dispatch and support staff.

“We spend much of our time either performing medevacs or training to be the best we can be for a patient going through the worst day of their life,” says CareFlight CEO Mick Frewen.

LIFE BLOOD

CareFlight’s established relationships with hospitals across Australia, and its sophisticated logistics network, means that it can gain rapid access to blood if needed during a complex medevac.

Dr Fogg relates a case where a patient who needed four units of blood over an extended medevac received two life-saving transfusions enroute to hospital, because CareFlight’s team was able to arrange for blood delivery from its hospital partners during transport transfers.

“Not only did the patient need blood, they needed to get to hospital quickly.

We were able to deliver both aspects of care in a compressed timeframe.

We have put in place processes that allow us to get rapid access to blood if we need it,” says Dr Fogg.

THE I-CARE STRETCHER SYSTEM – AN INNOVATIVE RESCUE REMEDY

In 2013, INPEX approached CareFlight to assist in the development of an innovative solution to speed up the medevac process from remote locations to city hospitals. INPEX is operator of the Ichthys LNG offshore facilities located approximately 220 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia.

Conducting a medevac from an off-shore oil and gas facility is inherently complex, involving rotary, fixed-wing and road ambulance platforms for the journey to the nearest hospital, which could be more than 1000 kilometres away.

Multiple transfers mean a patient could be moved from one stretcher and life-support equipment to another, three or four times. Each transfer can take up to 45 minutes for a patient in a critical condition.

“This creates a lot of challenges,” says Dr Fogg. “These transfers can take 30 minutes or more to move the patient. If they’re on life support, we have to slowly and methodically swap all the monitoring equipment and the drips, the life support and the breathing machine. Each change carries a risk of something going wrong, usually in the middle of nowhere.”

INPEX had conducted a detailed study to assess the capabilities of hospitals and airfields in north-west Australia. Based on this, INPEX’s objective was to devise a solution that adopted world’s best practice for the seamless delivery of remote and offshore diagnostics, medical care and aeromedical evacuation to INPEX staff and their contractors.

Fundamental to this objective was the need to develop a new stretcher system that could be used seamlessly between road, rotary and fixed wing assets needed for a medevac from the Browse Basin.

With funding from INPEX of $3 million and a team of more than 80 technical specialists working together for seven months, INPEX and CareFlight developed and launched the ‘I-CARE‘ Stretcher System.

I-CARE allows a patient to be transported from an offshore clinic to hospital on the same stretcher and life support system, irrespective of how many different modes of transport are used. It comprises a light-weight stretcher, a secure oxygen system and a swivelling ‘bridge’ that holds vital medical equipment. The unit locks securely into the transport platform – whether, helicopter, jet, turbo-prop aircraft or road ambulance – and is easily wheeled between them.

I-CARE also includes a telediagnostic unit, so remote medical specialists who are part of CareFlight’s extensive Australia-wide network can help offshore paramedics determine whether a patient needs evacuation, and also provide lifesaving medical diagnosis and direction to CareFlight paramedics working in remote locations.

“Thanks to INPEX’s investment and research, we’ve been able to bring something new to the industry and dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to get a patient in a remote location to hospital care,” says Dr Fogg. “For example, in one client’s medevac logistics chain, we have reduced the medevac time from their remote location to a city hospital  FEB/MAR 2020

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

from eight to six and a half hours, while also reducing the risk to the patient.”

CareFlight was named Australia’s most reputable charity at the end of 2019. Fraser Allen, CareFlight’s General Manager Partnerships and Development, says that having partners such as INPEX for joint collaboration and innovation is crucial to the organisation’s focus on bringing quality care to regional and remote Australia.

Sponsorships, donations and contributions from the proceeds of oil, gas and mining service agreements have also helped CareFlight fund and deliver more than 400 ’MediSim’ Trauma Care Workshops to 5800 first responders working in remote locations across Australia.

“Collaboration and innovation are a critical part of our DNA because saving lives only improves when you challenge the traditional barriers that slow medevacs down,” says Mr Allen.

“We share a common denominator at CareFlight: we collaborate and innovate to improve speed to patient; the medical skillset we take to the patient and the aircraft type that is best for the patient – we just keep re-examining how we can make this faster and better to reduce the impact on the patient.”

TELE-DIAGNOSTICS – EXACTLY WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED In May 2014, CareFlight’s telediagnostic system was put into practice for the first time during a life-saving medevac off the coast of Western Australia.

A worker on an offshore drilling rig was feeling unwell and visited CareFlight’s intensive care paramedic in the rig’s medical facility.

Tests were done immediately and the real-time results sent via the I-CARE tele-diagnostic device to a CareFlight emergency department specialist in Perth. The specialist confirmed that the patient was suffering a heart attack.

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CareFlight and INPEX developed the I-CARE Stretcher System

reduces time and clinical risk when transferring patients between multiple modes of transport = better patient outcomes

To save the cardiac muscle, time was of the essence. The paramedic activated a medevac via CareFlight’s 24/7 HelpPoint centre and arranged online assessment of the patient’s ECG results in real-time via a tele-diagnostic link to a cardiologist at Royal Darwin Hospital.

The on-site medevac team, the CareFlight critical care specialist, and the Darwin cardiologist decided that instead of waiting for the patient’s arrival at hospital, that thrombolysis would be immediately administered on the rig to break up and dissolve the blood clot that was blocking the patient’s artery.

The patient was evacuated to an airbase in WA’s North Kimberley, transferred on the same I-CARE stretcher and critical care equipment to a waiting jet air ambulance, and

flown to Royal Darwin Hospital.

As a result of the integrated response, the worker made a full recovery and was back at work three months later.

“Everything combined to save his life: the speed of transfer made possible by the I-CARE system; our paramedics; specialist consultant doctors; CareFlight’s logistics; and our relationships with our hospital partners,” says Dr Fogg.

“We’re here to make a difference because we can significantly increase the level of care that the patients get at the place where they are most vulnerable: the side of a road; down a canyon; lost in the bush; out at sea – to be able to put in place all the procedures and equipment and people to not only help the patient survive, but to see them back at work, it’s fantastic.”

Save lives, speed recovery and serve the community

DE L I V E R I NG COM M U N I T Y BE N E F I T S F ROM BUSI N E S S SOLU T IONS

• Priority medevac services by fixed wing • Corporate social responsibility programs

• On-site helicopter, clinic and paramedic solutions • Corporate sponsorship opportunities

• Trauma training (on and off-site) • 24/7 clinical governance and logistic solutions

Call Fraser for your business solution on 0488 999 582 or email fraser.allen@careflight.org

OPINION FEATURE

SOMETIMES YOU SIMPLY NEED TO HAVE THE TOUGH CONVERSATIONS Words: Beau Robinson

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30–6 was the final score. We had been beaten, and convincingly.

It was round two of the 2011 Super Rugby season and we, the Queensland Reds, had suffered a thoroughly disappointing loss to our arch-rivals the NSW Waratahs. This season had been looking good, after the boys had finished the previous season in fifth position.

But the start of the season definitely wasn’t going to plan. We’d had a skin-of-your-teeth win against the Western Force in round one at home, with the final scoreboard reading 21–20.

As a playing group, we had high expectations for the season – higher than anyone else could have placed on us. I wasn’t there the previous season, but coming at the start of the 2011 preseason, there was a real buzz around the place.

So what happened that night in Sydney with the Waratahs defeat? We were up for the game, but they were up for it more. They had sensed that this year would be tougher than they had faced in a long time… and they would be right, but not on this night.

Ewen McKenzie, our coach, got us into the meeting room to face him. There were no heated words, no yelling and screaming – something Ewen was more than capable of, but not tonight.

He wanted answers from the playing group.

Why were we not up for it? Pre-season, the pre-season games and training had all been good. Why weren’t the performances? This went on for about 40 minutes. Were we still living on last year’s achievements? There seemed to be a lack of enthusiasm and that showed in a lack of communication. Communication is one of the best indications of whether a team – business or sport – is committed. Communication leads to clarity and confidence.

We walked out knowing what had to change.

And it did. The next time both teams met we were on a roll and went on to beat the Waratahs.

We would actually go on to become champions.

As a business leader, you will at times find yourself in Ewen’s position. You don’t always know, or have to have the answers. So, ask your team what’s going on. Especially if you’ve set the standards and expectations as a group, and they aren’t being met. Sometimes the team needs to take ownership for their performances.

Don’t just allow it to go on, unaddressed.

Have the tough conversations.

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

14. Masted vessels

16. Wheel covers

18. Nakedness

17. Wound with claw

21. Pencil end

19. Illinois is there (1,1,1)

22. Canoe oar

20. Surrendered

24. Wear by rubbing

22. Short pasta tubes

25. Global hostel chain (1,1,1,1)

23. Highest ranking peers

26. Charitable 27. Dessert, ... pie 28. Cash machines (1,1,2) 29. Occurred afterwards

ALEXANDER BASSANIO BEATRICE BENEDICK BURGUNDY CALIBAN

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CASSANDRA CLARENCE CLEOPATRA DESDEMONA FREDERICK HIPPOLYTA

HOLOFERNES LYSANDER MARCELLUS PROSPERO QUINTUS VALENTINE

H O L O F E R N E S Y E C

L L O I E L I A A U R N O

C Y O L L N E U P C S E N

L T N U A B I P Q L T B A

F A S A V Y D N U G R U B

E O R X N N E S T E D E M

O P E Z T A S C D R C D E

P P P U I A S N R N I I D

A I S A N F A S E A S C S

T H O D E X E R A D M K E

R A R H E C A L I B A N D

A A P L D L Y S A N D E R

P W A K C I R E D E R F A

SOLUTIONS:

15. Try

P W A K C I R E D E R F A

13. Eve’s mate

A A P L D L Y S A N D E R

12. Devour

R A R H E C A L I B A N D

6. Unrelenting

11. Recesses

T H O D E X E R A D M K E

10. Erected

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: SHAKESPEARE CHARACTERS.

A I S A N F A S E A S C S

5. Dancer’s costume

P P P U I A S N R N I I D

9. Australian gem

WORD SEARCH

O P E Z T A S C D R C D E

4. Actress, ... Monroe

E O R X N N E S T E D E M

8. Large

L L O I E L I A A U R N O

3. Anaesthetises

C Y O L L N E U P C S E N

2. Attain

7. Consumption

L T N U A B I P Q L T B A

1. Feminine

5. Look before you ...

F A S A V Y D N U G R U B

DOWN

1. Series of rabbit tunnels

H O L O F E R N E S Y E C

ACROSS

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