MINErSLIFEMoNTHLY
Issue 24 — April 2013
w work Inside this Month Page 3
Workers sacked for Harlem Shake Safety too far?
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Worst mining accidents website goes viral
Page 6 Worker William Tetau brings respect back to the pub scene
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MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
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➤ EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
What’s on this month
Notes from the editor IT WAS sad news to hear of the Western Australian mining workers who got the sack after posting a Harlem Shake (dance craze) video on Youtube. There will of course be people sitting in both camps of this argument, but one question has to be asked - has our industry taken safety too far? Anyone who has been on a mine site will know you have to wear a hat, gloves, high vis, steel capped boots and fill out a mountain of paperwork before you can do so much as sneeze. While this has no doubt saved lives, incidents like this one probably could have been handled better. The workers have also been banned from working or contracting for the company anywhere else in the world for the rest of their lives. And it will probably be something they’ll want to keep off their resumes too. In other news the Acland coal mine near Jondaryan has been given the green light for another expansion by the Newman Government. Also this month the report into health complaints from Tara residents who claimed CSG was causing symptoms such as nosebleeds, headaches and nausea has published its findings. So what is the verdict? The report’s clinician, a Brisbane based doctor, found that there was no basis for the claims. However president of the Lock the Gate Alliance, Drew Hutton, said not enough of the residents were tested. Here’s hoping you all have a great Easter and get some downtime to kick back, go camping, and escape the grind, at least for the long weekend.
The Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is published by the Dalby Newspapers, 119 Cunnningham Street, Dalby Q4405. Phone 4672 5500. Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is printed by APN Print, 50 Industrial Avenue Toowoomba Q4350 (2012) Free publication and is not to be sold. All material published in the Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. DISCLAIMER: the information contained within Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher; Dalby Newspapers will not be liable for any opinion or advice contained herein. Page 2.
exhibits, entertainment, cattle, horses, ring events, fireworks. Sunday, April 21 – Dalby Country Music Club social at Dalby Senior Citizen’s Centre 1pm. Wednesday, April 24 – Women’s Networking Group at Mary’s Commercial Hotel 5.30-7pm. Saturday, April 27 – Dalby Players Little Theatre presents Seven Nuns at Las Vegas at Little Theatre 8pm. Saturday, April 27 – Dalby Girl Guide Support Group presents Trivia in the Trenches at Girl Guide Hut North Street 7pm. Table booking phone 4662 4455. Saturday, April 27 – NBHA Barrel Races, Dalby Showgrounds 10am start, practice from 8am. Sunday, April 28 – Dalby Players Little Theatre presents Seven Nuns at Las Vegas 2pm. Wednesday, May 1 – Business After Hours, Carrick Aland 5.30-7pm. Saturday, May 4 – Fickle Folk Club plays at Mary’s Commercial Hotel 2-5pm. Sunday, May 5 – Dalby Picnic Race Day at Bunya Park DULACCA Saturday, April 20 – Toomba Ladies Day at Toomba, 403 Ellerslie Rd Dulacca 10.30am. GLENMORGAN Saturday/Sunday, April 13/14 – Glenmorgan Trail Bike Ride, phone Sean on 0417 634 174. JANDOWAE Saturday April 6 – Jandowae Races including Jandowae Cup, bookmakers and Fashions on the Field, first race 1.15pm Tuesday, April 9 – Youth Week event at Jandowae Showgrounds 3-8pm laser skirmish, rock climb-
EDITOR Lisa Machin - 07 4672 5506 GROUP EDITOR Derek Barry - 0407 648 224 WRITERS Lisa Machin, Nancy Evans, Richard Coombs, Jill Poulsen MEDIA SALES CONSULTANTS Lisa Burges, Tracey Murphy, Laurell Ison, David Richardson GENERAL MANAGER, SURAT BASIN PUBLICATIONS David Richardson ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES T: (07) 4672 5500 F: (07) 4672 5510 E: advertising@dalbyherald.com.au Dalby Newspapers, PO Box 5, Dalby QLD 4405 WEBSITE Suratbasin.com.au EMAIL thirstywork@suratbasin.com.au
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ing, outdoor cinema. Saturday, April 13 – Jandowae Timbertown Bowls Day, Jandowae Bowls Club 3pm Thursday, April 25 – Anzac Day Dawn Service 6am, march from Athlone Cottage 11.30am followed by service at Memorial Hall Saturday April 27 – Jandowae Quiz Night at Memorial Hall. Sunday, April 28 - Jandowae Markets, Lions Park 8am to noon. Friday, May 3 – Jandowae Uniting Church smorgasboard JONDARYAN Saturday, April 13 – Old time dance at Flagstone Creek Hall (Jondaryan Woolshed) dance to live band 8pm to midnight. Sunday, April 21 – Big Sunday Country Brunch at Jondaryan Woolshed 9-11am, 4692 2229. MEANDARRA Thursday, April 25 – ANZAC Day service 11am at Sara St, Meandarra followed by barbecue lunch at the hall. MILES Saturday, April 13 – Markets at St Luke’s, Dawson Street Miles, 8.30am, phone 4627 1757. MONOGORILBY Saturday, April 20 – Camp Oven Comedy evening at Monogorilby Hall noon until late. Book by April 13 on 4165 8121 or email sher-mb157@bigpond.com. MOONIE Saturday, April 13 – Casino and Cocktail Evening at Moonie Sports Club from 7pm, phone Kate on 4665 9186. ROMA Sunday, April 7 – RSL Markets at Roma RSL 8am to 1pm Friday, April 12 – Roma Social Dance, RSL Hall 8pm. Phone Bev
0427 864 807 Saturday, April 20 – Roma Farmers and Artisans Markets at Big Rig Parklands Riggers Road 8am to 12.30pm Friday, April 26 – Roma Social Dance RSL Hall 8pm. Saturday, April 27 – Friends of Westhaven Cent Auction at Westhaven Nursing Home 2pm ST RUTH Saturday, April 27 – Old time dance at St Ruth Hall 8pm. SURAT Saturday/Sunday, May 4/5 – Surat Secret Weight Family Fishing Competition and Carp Buster final at Surat Fisherman’s Park. TARA Saturday, April 6 – Tara Markets 7am to 2pm Tara Men’s Group Shed cnr Day and Fry Streets. Thursday, April 25 – Anzac Day service Saturday, May 4 – Tara Catholic Fete and Auction at St Joseph’s School 9am to 5pm, auction 9am. TAROOM Friday/Saturday, April 12-14 – Taroom Golden Horseshoe Campdraft THE GUMS Saturday, April 6 – Centenary celebrations for The Gums School from 9am. WANDOAN Monday/Tuesday, April 22/23 – Wandoan Show Saturday/Sunday, May 4/5 – Wandoan Campdraft WARRA Saturday, April 13 - Warra Country Markets, Warra Memorial Hall, 8am - noon Saturday May 4 – Annual dance at Warra Hall. Music by Silver Comets 8pm to 1am.
➤ CFMEU’S SHANE BRUNKER
CONTACT US
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Thirsty Work editor, Lisa Machin.
A QUICK roundup of what events are happening around the region. BOWENVILLE Saturday, April 6 – Bowenville Hall Committee old time dance from 8pm. Music by Mark’s Music. Saturday, May 4 – Bowenville Hall Committee old time dance 8pm. Music by the Diamonds. CAMBOOYA Saturday/Sunday, April 20/20 – Cambooya Campdraft at Cambooya Recreation Grounds CHINCHILLA Now to Thursday, April 11 – Art exhibition ‘Buckley and Clark – Sisters in Art’ at White Gums Gallery Chinchilla. Sunday, April 21 – Markets at Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre 7.30 am to 12.30 pm Miniature trains run at Chinchilla Museum 10am-4pm. Saturday, April 27 – Chinchilla Races COORANGA NORTH Sunday, April 7 – 75th anniversary and last Mass at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Cooranga North. Mass 11am followed by lunch at hall. DALBY Wednesday, April 3 – Business After Hours at Waminda Services, Patrick Street 5.30-7pm Saturday, April 6 – Fickle Folk Club plays at Mary’s Commercial Hotel 2-5pm, phone 4663 2184. Sunday, April 14 – National Youth Week event at Thomas Jack Park 2-8pm laser skirmish, rock climbing, outdoor cinema. Sunday, April 14 to Saturday, April 20 – Dalby Big Air hang gliding comp at Dalby Aerodrome. Friday/Saturday April 19/20 – Dalby Show, ring events, pavilion
Challenges for Tarong AS THE dust settles on yet another contract change at the Meandu (Tarong) Mine the membership are regrouping to continue their struggle. In 1985 Tarong Mine was opened and operated by Rio Tinto to supply coal to the nearby Tarong Power Station. Rio used its entire ideological HR arsenal in trying to de-unionise the mine and targeted activists on a regular basis. But the membership stood strong even though they had lost significant density. In 2008 the Tarong Energy Corporation (TEC) bought the Coal Operation and Thiess was appointed as the operator and continued the anti-union agenda. With the re-negotiation of the 2008 agreement the lodge executive had a concentrated membership drive and density went up as high as 80%. In mid-2011 the Qld Government restructured the
Shane Brunker, Vice presdient of the Queensland District Branch of the CFMEU. power generators which saw three corporations moved into two; this resulted in TEC moving into the Stanwell Corporation stable of generators. From September 2011 through to October 2012 the CFMEU was a part of the Single Bargaining Unit renegotiating the Enterprise Agreement at the Power Station. Two weeks after the completion of the negotiations and before the EA was approved by Fair Work Australia, Stanwell announced that they had to mothball two of
the five units at the station. This coincided with the appointment with a new contractor at the mine, Downer EDI Mining. The flow on effect was that 65 employees at the power station and 70 employees at the mine, mostly CFMEU, were retrenched. This had a devastating effect on the local community with 135 families being forced out of the region. Community groups like the Rural Fire Service, SES and sporting clubs have all suffered from Stanwell’s decision to mothball units. In my view this is an attempt to force up electricity prices. On January 1, members gathered at one of the local establishments to regroup, farewell their comrades, and hold elections. The Tarong CFMEU has shown resilience in the past when faced with adversity and I am sure that the lodge will re-build and continue to represent their members.
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
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Always safe hands with Lockyer QGC workers had the chance to pass a footy with league legend Darren Lockyer recently, as part of their company’s latest safety campaign. Rubbing shoulders with Lockyer is part of QGC’s new campaign ‘every day is game day.’ Its aim is to get supervisors and workers thinking as a team and keeping safety in
Origin’s health and safety manager Andrew Behrens, said Lockyer’s conversations around planning and being prepared were very relevant. “Darren spoke about how things have changed over the years; today in sport and business it’s very disciplined and you need to plan carefully every day in order to succeed.”
You should only ever start a job ❝ when you have a game plan, the Darren Lockyer
right training, and the right kit to get the job done properly
top priority. Last month Lockyer did a four-day tour of the three pipeline camps south of Biloela and north of Miles. He talked to drilling and gathering crews, before finishing up with frontline supervisor Q&A sessions at Origin’s Spring Gully gas processing facility. “You should only ever start a job when you have a game plan, the right training, and the right kit to get the job done properly,” Lockyer said.
Origin’s document controller (Taloona) Ebony Edgar said workers were thrilled at the chance to meet and chat to the league legend. “He wasn’t like a celebrity at all, he was very open and approachable, and he spoke about how everyone is a leader and a role model for safety, especially when you have new people joining the team.” So far the ‘every day is game day’ program has reached over 3,200 Australia Pacific LNG workers.
Rugby league great and Australian Pacific LNG Project Safety Ambassador Darren Lockyer with the winners of the obstacle course grand final at the end of the Every Day is Game Day event at Spring Gully. Teams lead a blindfolded member through the course with the help of toy instuments to get to their PPE and then safely home. Picture contributed.
Sacked for dance video WA miners fired for Harlem Shake underground
This YouTube clip was the video evidence that got 15 Western Australian miners fired for making a Harlem Shake video. Photo Contributed
We would have all seen the YouTube phenomenon that is the Harlem Shake. A group of people, one starts dancingusually with a weird object on his head- and then cut to the next scene where everyone is letting rip with some weird and wonderful props/moves. The craze has spread around the world with many clubs and groups getting in on the action,
(including one by the Cronulla Sharks). No harm in that right? Wrong. For around 15 mine workers in Western Australia making a Harlem Shake video got them sacked. So has safety gone too far? The video was uploaded to YouTube and shows the workers letting loose with some funny moves, including the caterpillar, on site in
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an underground mine. They have since been fired and banned for life from any Barminco projects in the world. The Barminco workers’ video joins around 4000 uploaded to the web, but has left the workers jobless and with a sour taste in their mouth of safety gone too far. Speaking anonymously to media, one worker said the tactics were heavy handed in
what was a bit of fun. The worker also said some of his colleagues who watched the stunt but did not participate were given the sack. For their part Barminco said one of the reasons the workers were let go was because they were not wearing PPE in the clip. The workers said they had taken their shirts off so the company’s logo wasn’t splashed around YouTube.
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➤ FITNESS WITH NIKKI MORRISON
Strength is the base for all fitness Being strong makes you feel better, look better and allows you to perform every-
How often? How hard? How much?
What type?
provement in body shape. So how do you get the results?
Muscle Strength 2-3 times per week Heavy to Very Heavy resistance Up to 8 reps 2-3 sets per exercise (more if low reps) 2-5 minutes rest (depending on intensity) Compound/multi joint exercises
day tasks with greater ease. When you train to get stronger, your neural drive increases. This is your ability to send a greater number of nerve impulses, at a greater speed, to recruit muscles to make movement. Other benefits include improvement in co-ordination, increase in overall health, injury prevention and im-
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Here is a program example for an intermediate lifter, based on the guidelines for strength training. Heavy Load (85% 1RM) Rest between sets is 3 minutes (the heavier the load, the more rest required between sets)figure out your limits and build up gradually. 4 sets/7reps Include 2 warm up sets (50% of work load)
1. Squats 2. Bench Press 3. Chin ups 4. Shoulder Press 5. Plus core If you are a beginner, you need to start with a moderate resistance, not heavy, and gradually progress. You should also do 10 reps and as you increase your weight, lower the repetitions. Also have less rest initially and build this up as your weight increases. Remember… too much too soon can lead to injury. SOURCE: Muscle Strength Program from The Australian Institute of Fitness
BENCH PRESS: Find a weight you can handle and then build up over time. Use a spotter.
SQUATS: Back straight, knees bent, extend your body in one clean motion and then lower slowly.
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Jen Price from Cancer Council Queensland demonstrates how much sugar there is per can of soft drink. But just what other foods is sugar in? By NIKKI MORRISON I am considering getting on the bandwagon to quit sugar. I have the book, I know what the program involves and I have the recipes to substitute for my favourite things. But I am stalling. The whole notion of ‘quitting’ automatically makes me want to eat it more. I eat well daily. I snack on natural almonds, don’t drink anything but water (and the odd glass of wine) and enjoy salads and vegetables with every meal.
CHIN UPS: Lift with your arms, don't strain your neck. Keep your back straight and look straight ahead
SHOULDER PRESS: Keep back straight and extend arms fully to bring weights above head.
But since I bought the book, I have been buying a small treat (usually a milky way) whenever I stop to get petrol! How much harm can it do? How much is too much? Who am I kidding? Sugar is bad for you, toxic even. There is an endless list of how sugar affects our health. Our bodies don’t need it and yet pretty much everything we eat is laced with sugar. Even when you are trying to do the right thing and eat well, sugar is there: low fat yoghurt, tomato sauce, muesli bars and cereal. When you look at the list, it shows you why ‘clean eating’ has taken off. It seems the only thing you can trust to be sugar-free is fresh, clean food prepared by you. Food 2 slices bread Snickers bar Small mixed berry muffin Yoghurt 200g 1 Gingersnap cookie Pringles Special K 1 cup Drinks Soft drink 600ml Can of flavoured mineral water Apple juice 250ml Big M milk 300ml Sports drink
Teaspoons of Sugar 10.5 8.5 8 6 3 1.5 1.5 Teaspoons of Sugar 20 11 7 7 5
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MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
PINK LADY: Lyncor workers show off the excavator.
A BIG LADY THE 48,000 tonne Lady Lee had motorists staring when she was transported down the Warrego Highway on the back of a truck towards Roma. The bright pink excavator was heading for the Reedy Creek mining site, near Yuleba, which she now calls home. The 637D CAT scraper is working hard at the Reedy Creek site raising $5 for breast cancer research for every hour she works. Lyncor’s chief executive Steve Pitt said it
was the company’s second fundraising scraper. “Evelyn was our first and she’s been out in the field since October,” Mr Pitt said. “The company directors wanted to put something back into the community and thought this was a great cause and something that all people can relate to.” Mr Pitt said Lady Lee was named after two-time breast cancer survivor Lee Wilson, whose husband is a CAT rental dealer with company ties.
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Mining mayhem exposed by facebooking workers
FACEBOOK site Mining Mayhem shows the worst mining industry accidents and has become an internet sensation – attracting more than 20,000 fans in less than four months. While images of bogged and burning 20-tonne trucks might
❝
Mining Mayhem creator
I’m surprised by the amount it happens be good for a laugh, the site’s creator said publishing the photos had also had an unexpected, beneficial result. “I think it opens a few eyes up, and people think about how easily it (accidents) can happen,” the South Australiabased creator, who did not want to be identified, said. “Working in the industry, I know it happens, but I’m surprised by the amount it happens; obviously because mining companies try and keep it under their hat,” he said.
BALL OF FLAMES: This is one of the images from the website shows black smoke engulfing this piece of heavy machinery as the tyres catch fire. Photo Contributed The site took five minutes to set up, beginning with a casual chat between workmates; it now shows images of mishap from the world’s mine sites,
including the Surat Basin. The site’s creator said workplace confidentiality surrounding the incidents meant details were vague and people re-
mained anonymous. Since its inception four months ago, Mining Mayhem has exploded in popularity, and now has 27, 504 likes.
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PERSONALITIESOFSURAT
Racing legend pushes respect in Chinchilla
GOLD Coast Ford Falcon icon Ryal Harris didn’t drive home from the Club Hotel on the night, but his attendance at the S.O.S Bring Back Respect tour launch surely drove the crowds in. The 2012 V8 Ute champion was in town as a special guest for the highly anticipated party, themed with coloured wrist bands to promote better
respect between singles and those in relationships, and prevent violence. “The whole ‘respect’ thing is something I believe in; it’s nothing religious at all, it’s just about instilling more respect in the community,” Ryal said. “Coming from the Gold Coast, where you’ve got guys out on a Friday or Saturday night just looking for a fight, I think it’s a great concept to
LOUD LAUNCH: The Respect Enterprises team celebrates a succesful SOS Bring Back Respect launch. Photo Harry Clarke
❝
Gold Coast Ford Falcon icon Ryal Harris
The whole ‘respect’ thing is something I believe in; it’s nothing religious at all, it’s just about instilling more respect in the community bring to pubs and clubs.” S.O.S founder and Respect Enterprises Pty. director, William Tetau, said red or green wrist bands were huge hit at major music festivals, and at the launch party in Chinchilla this month. Around $1100 was raised for the Save the Children Foundation on the night. “The support from the Chinchilla community was great, especially their support for the charity; we can’t wait for the next one,” William said. Leading up to the Gold Coast 600 in October, which will feature Ryal Harris, S.O.S – The tour’s progress can be followed on Facebook and we will also keep an eye on them in the pages of Thirsty Work.
A CHAT WITH
William Tetau
Job/Employer: Ostwald Brothers Tell us a little bit about your background and how you ended up in Chinchilla? In October I had the opportunity to join Ostwald Brothers as an earthworks supervisor and am very happy I made the move as all my other contracts were FIFO round the country. It was good to be based few hours away from the coast. What do you enjoy about your job? I enjoy the challenges with the job helping and teaching new comers and really trying to set an example for a good working culture, as in workplace respect between workers, supervisors and subcontractors. A happy workplace is a good workplace. What exactly is Respect Enterprises and how did it come about? Respect Enterprises Pty is the first registered respect company on the world. The company trust has three businesses underneath it which are RE Clothing, SOS State Our Status, and our
William Tetau is the mastermind behind the social bands to bring respect back to pubs. upcoming Respect Enterprise Education. We have workshops for kids to make respect fun, also a full workplace respect workshop for inductions for all business to use to set their culture in a workplace. What does the future hold for Respect Enterprises? Well the future is looking very busy but very good. We are definitely growing, we are proud sponsors of Ryal Harris and our rugby league team in Newcaslte, Gateshed Zebras, which has generated a lot of media attention for us. Please follow us on SOSBring Back Respect.
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INDUSTRYUPDATES
Wandoan coal still on cards
DESPITE Xstrata Coal announcing it will consolidate its two operating units in Australia, a spokesperson for the company said it will have no impact on the Wandoan Coal Project. The consolidation will result in the New South Wales and Queensland divisions combining under a single Xstrata Coal Australia operating division and management structure, to be run out of NSW. Western Downs Regional
Council Mayor Ray Brown said the news was “disappointing”. “The community in Wandoan has been going through this uncertainty for around 15 years” he said. A spokesperson for the company said the Wandoan Project is currently in the feasibility stage and remains subject to final approval. “In terms of our project pipeline, nothing has changed except that all projects in Australia will be
managed by the Xstrata Coal Australia management team,” the spokesperson said. “Following the Queensland Land Court’s recommendation to award a mining lease for the Wandoan Project, we are working towards the final grant of this lease by the Queensland Government. The companies’ Mackay office will also be closed, with an unspecified number of jobs to be lost.
ALL CLEAR: All that remains for Xstrata to proceed with their Wandoan Coal Project is the final okay for the Queensland Minister. Photo contributed.
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The fire pit near the bar is sure to be a popular site in the colder months at Diamantina Village. Photo Derek Barry
WITH a pool, tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, a licensed bar and a restaurant there’s plenty to love about the Diamantina Village. General operations manager Craig Kimmorley said the amenities provided were unlike any other development in the Roma area. "Diamantina will be a unique experience where providing an
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SUDOKU
CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 6 Pigeon sound 7 Dessert 8 Form of oxygen 9 Ascend 10 Lack of honesty 13 Narrow passage between islands
KEYNUMBO
An All Australian Word Game
14 Watery soup 16 Authorise 17 Anger DOWN: 1 Reverberation 2 Delighted 3 Part of church
FOCUS WORD
* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once * Each word must be four letters or more * Find at least one nine letter word * No swear words * No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’ * No proper nouns and no hyphenated words
© MARK SCRIVENER
Answer: 135. Divide by one-half = multiply by two 2. Can you find the word that can end the first word and start the second to give two new words? e.g. QUICK sand PAPER (quicksand, sandpaper) RED---LID (3 letters), SUN---ANY (3), TEA----PIECE (4 ), IMP----LEI (4)
Good: 8 words Very good: 12 words Excellent: 21 words
SOLUTIONS
Mind Twister 1. Divide 62 by one-half and add eleven.
TODAYS FOCUS
Answer: EYE (red-eye, eyelid), LIT (sunlit, litany), TIME (teatime, timepiece), LORE (implore, lorelei) 3. 11, 13, 13, 14, 15, 17, 17, 18, 19, ?
SUDOKU
Answer: 21. Repeats a difference of 2, 0, 1, 1 (11+2=13, 13+0=13 etc.)
CROSSWORD Across: 6 coo, 7 parfait, 8 ozone, 9 climb, 10 insincerity, 13 inlet, 14 broth, 16 license, 17 ire. Down: 1 echo, 2 joyous, 3 apse, 4 oracle, 5 stubby, 10 icicle, 11 noting, 12 ironic, 14 beef, 15 heel.
KEYNUMBO
4 Divine revelation 5 Thickset 10 Finger of frozen water 11 Taking heed of 12 Satiric 14 Complain (colloq.) 15 Part of foot
4. If 68978 = SENSE what does 3198 equal? Answer: TONE (first letters of names of numberssix eight nine seven eight ) 5. Can you untangle this advice? Swaylaxrytxotxebxdomest...nadxordupxfoxti! Answer: Always try to be modest…and proud of it! (each word is scrambled with x for spaces)
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An old pair of classic kicks with a touch of protection
Adam Hills
(On the Australian National Anthem): It's just not the most inspiring anthem in the world is it? I mean, the words are alright: 'Australians all let us rejoice, for we are young and free', except for that last line 'our home is girt by sea.' 'Cos 'girt' means surrounded. How many of you have ever used the word 'girt' in a sentence in your life? Seriously, you never see a policeman and 4 police cars outside your house saying : 'Come out of there with your hands up, we have you girt.'
NEED A LAUGH ■ I tried to catch some fog, but I mist. ■ When chemists die, they barium ■ Jokes about German sausage are the wurst. ■ I know a guy who is addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop anytime. ■ What does a clock do when it’s hungry? It goes back four seconds. ■ Class trip to the Cola-Cola factory. I hope there is no pop quiz. ■ Energizer battery: charged with battery. ■ How do you make holy water? Boil the hell out of it. ■ When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble.
Quote of the Month A LOT of people say there's a fine line between genius and insanity. I don't think there's a fine line, I actually think there's a yawning gulf. You see some poor bugger scuffling up the road with balloons tied to his ears, he's not going home to invent a rocket, is he? – Bill Bailey
DIG IT
Meet Biggsy and Tiny!
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Let Biggsy the truck driver and her best mate Tiny show you around. She’s a feisty, independent woman making her way in what used to be a man’s world and Tiny is a big, burly shovel operator with a sensitive side. Check out each month as their story unfolds against a backdrop of huge machines and enormous holes in the ground. Comic written and drawn by Ad Long Page 9
Want to see what the locals are up to? Pick up a copy of our area papers
OUT&ABOUT
Dalby Herald
Every Tuesday & Friday
Mike Laverty and David Nevell at Business After Hours.
Jenny McKinnon catches up with Jenny and Mick MacNellie at Business After Hours at the Arrow Energy Community Information Centre.
The Western Star
Every Tuesday & Friday
Balonne Beacon Every Friday
Paul Moyes and Peter Waters.
Kevin Strett, Jason Schroder and Ed Hoffmann.
Arrow hosts after hours
Chinchilla News Every Thursday
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Arrow Energy’s Community Information Centre in Dalby hosted Business After Hours in March. Members of the Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry were fascinated with the centre and were interested in the speakers from Arrow Energy who talked about the company’s involvement in the region and contribution to the local community. Business After Hours is hosted by a different business each month giving members of the chamber a chance to catch up after work and find out about other businesses in the town. The next event will be held at Carrick Aland on May 1.
Darryl Phillips, Jason Marini and Jason Caruso. Photos Nancy Evans / Dalby Herald
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MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
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ROAD TEST Performax International Tundra
Hefty hauler packs a punch VITAL STATISTICS
This super-sized ute has a footprint that is massive, Grant Edwards reports
C
■■■ ▼
OMPARISONS with Frodo Baggins wouldn’t be far from the truth. While the frame of yours truly is heavily skewed to the “compact” genre, the Toyota Tundra can’t help but make just about anyone feel small. They don’t come much bigger or brasher. Inside there is acres of space courtesy of a massive footprint, while a hairy-chested V8 lurks beneath the hulking skin. Demand has been unprecedented for this behemoth. More than 20 of the $100,000-plus utes have already been sold and importer Performax International has a growing order list of 30. Performax imports the utes (and others such as the Chevrolet Silverado, Camero and Ford
Model: Performax International Toyota Tundra Crewmax. Details: Four-door massively large four-wheel drive utility. Engine: 5.7-litre V8 petrol generating maximum power of 280kW and peak torque of 543Nm. Transmission: Six-speed automatic. Consumption: 15 litres/100km (approximate average). Towing: 4 tonnes, payload 705kg. Tow ball rating 400kg. Bottom line: From $100,000. As tested $115,600. Mustang) from the United States and then undertakes the conversion to right-hand drive. Due to demand, the Gympie-based operation with dealerships in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth has put on a second production line. The conversions take about two-three weeks, but will get faster as the team becomes more familiar with the vehicle which has only been on the books since September. Performax’s Brett Loweke said the Tundra is the most complex conversion the team had undertaken, primarily due to the
Toyota Tundra with Performax Gympie right-hand drive conversion.
hefty wiring requirements. Buyers have so far come from a wide cross-section, from grey nomads through to city dwellers wanting a hefty cruiser.
Comfort
Yes, it’s massive. Actually 5.82m long, 2.3m wide, 1.925 high and a wheelbase of 3.7m. Despite those dimensions getting inside isn’t a daunting a task courtesy of running boards and well-placed handles. The doors open wide too, at a near 90-degree angle.
Inside there’s enough head and leg room to embarrass a limousine and five adults easily find enough space. The finishes are a mix of Toyota toughness along with some nice luxuries. There is a simplistic gauges design inside deep tubes, while the hard plastics on the dash, doors and console are broken up by wood-inspired inserts. Finding your way around the cabin is easy, with well labelled buttons. Four main dials operate the dual
zone air con, although reaching the fan control can be a stretch for the driver. Big plush seats adorn the spacious cabin, they are typically American, flat but ultra cushy. The driver finds getting a position at the helm simple with electric adjustment of the steering wheel and seat.
On the road
This big ute can haul. There’s a $220 speeding fine testament to that. The husky 5.7-litre V8 does a stellar job, answering every prod of
Dave Kavney’s life-long love burns green HR Holden a thing of beauty and a joy forever
THERE IS no better sound first thing in the morning than the rumbling purr of a six cylinder HR Holden as you back it out your driveway. This is the sound that Dave Kavney has spent many hours and much labour perfecting, as his wife can attest to. The 1966 sedan glimmers brilliantly in the sun; it’s hothouse green, the colour of envy. “I’ve built this from the donor parts of two other cars,” Dave says. “It’s certainly a labour of love.” Done as a premier special, the body is lowered all round and features a warm 202 engine with five speed Selica gear box. Page 12.
“I did all the work myself except the upholstery, I even painted it inside and out.” Dave also races and came fourth in period class at Eastern Creek last Sunday. He says the vintage circles have a lot to offer. “As soon as I got a license I was into cars,” he said. “There’s a lot of friends to be made in the vintage car scene. “The HR was a fantastically popular car in its time. “They sold something like 369,000 in the three years they were running.” Dave’s Holden is in period style magnum - with alloy wheels, bucket seats and Ford XR8 pattern
Nothing beats the rumble of firing up his HR Holden for owner Dave Kavney. Photo Lisa Machin / Dalby Herald upholstery to match the hothouse green. He remembers being able to open a stubbie on the door or the dashboard in his youth and says
the allure is in “playing around the stuff I grew up with.” “I love the sound, the age, and just taking it out for a run,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where.”
FIND US ON
www.drive.com.au
THE LOWDOWN
They don’t come much more imposing than the Toyota Tundra. On first introductions the driver feels every centimetre of its bulk, but gets some distance under your belt and the hefty ute is reasonably easy to navigate – even around the city. It’s also an attention grabber, and it’s already generating interest from a wide buyer audience. Our test saw some surprisingly good economy figures…no worse than some much smaller commercial offerings. For those wanting heaps of space in the cabin and the tray, along with a sizable towing capacity, they don’t come much better.
WHAT MATTERS MOST
The good stuff: Imposing road presence, not much else around in this size or towing capacity. What we’d like to see: Diesel option – but that would come with a steeper retail price and upkeep. Warranty and servicing: Four years, 120,000km warranty. Servicing is every 10,000km or six months.
Demand has been unprecedented for this behemoth the right foot with smooth acceleration. It won’t throw your head back, but it never felt underpowered during our sojourn. Typically American in its performance, the ride is wallowy and soft, yet the Tundra feels extremely
well planted. The steering is light although direct. Parking can be a challenge due to a large turning circle, making the front and rear sensors a vital ally. Switching to four-wheel drive is simply a case of turning a dial on the dash, where you can choose from two-wheel drive, four-high or four-low.
What do you get?
The variants can be customised, but standard kit includes cruise control, 20-inch alloys, Bluetooth phone connectivity, CD stereo with USB and iPod connectivity and 12
speakers, front and rear parking sensors, trip computer, along with the complete safety kit of six airbags, stability and traction control, trailer sway control and anti-lock brakes.
Other options
There really isn’t much which combines the Tundra’s cabin space, utility body and luxuries. Wagon options include the Toyota LandCrusier Sahara ($113,490), Nissan Patrol ($113,900) and Lexus LX570 ($140,400).
Running costs
There are no official figures, but a
Aussie charm a-plenty at the new Bun Pub
mixture of highway and city driving should return about 16 litres for every 100km. Servicing and spare parts should not be an issue, and can be accessed through most Toyota and Lexus dealerships. It’s backed by a four-year warranty and there is also 24-7 roadside assist for the same duration. Insurance would be worth investigating, premiums would vary between companies.
Practicality
You can load up the whole family along with all their goods and chattels, and even tow the kitchen
sink. Inside there is a massive centre console, about 30cm wide and equally deep with a brilliant centre tray for phones and CDs. Those Yanks must be a thirsty lot. There are dual bottle holders along with a space for one cup in the console, the centre rear arm rest also has a pair, while every door also has twin bottle storage spots. Braked towing capacity is four tonnes on this model, while the payload is just over 700kg.
Developing and Supporting the Community
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BUN PUB: Cold beer and a sense of humour? You're in the right place. Photo Contributed THE BUN pub is one of those old Aussie gems that are getting harder to find. Owners Judy and Bud Angel took over in May last year and have given the old girl a facelift. Renovated rooms, a beer garden/function area, and plenty of old school charm is what you can expect when you walk through the doors of the Bun pub.
❝
Bud Angel
We’ve done heaps of renos from front to back, bottom to top “We’ve done heaps of renos from front to back, bottom to top,” Bud said.
So is it still a good old Aussie pub? “Bloody oath,” he reckons. A new bar top with pine uprights, and four beers on tap keeps the tongue wet and the stress down. You can also find a great steak here with a selection of counter meals under $20 and steaks supplied by local producer Maclagan Meats.
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EMPLOYMENT&TRAINING
Young guns learn the ropes at Santos HARDWORKING young blokes are stepping up and making the most of a chance to learn from the guys at The Santos GLNG Project. Two new apprentices and seven Indigenous students are among those getting hands on
and easy to get along with so I’m really enjoying it.” Jesse’s high school traineeship has knocked a year off his apprenticeship and he has been able to start off as a second year. “The work I did in school has
Upstream Regional Manager at Origin Energy Rob Hart with apprentice chef Damien Pyke. Photo Contributed
really like working with engines and ❝ Imotors he said. Everyone is really Roma local Jesse Johnston
Origin offering
cruisy too and easy to get along with so I’m really enjoying it
and taking part in the project’s opportunities . At just 18 years of age, Roma local Jesse Johnston is one of the two apprentices that will be working in Santos GLNG’s gas field operations. Jesse was part of the GLNG school-based traineeship program in Roma and is excited to now be working on the project and getting industry experience. “I really like working with engines and motors,” Jesse said. “Everyone is really cruisy too
LIVING on apprentice wages can be tough, as trainee chef Damien Pyke can attest. He’s one of more than 100 apprentices around the south-west who has received a boost from the Origin Community Skills Scholarship program. Mr Pyke, an apprentice chef at Chinchilla Palms travel lodge, said the scholarship has made life a lot easier. “Now going to be able to put a car on the road which will make it easier to get to and from work,” My Pyke said. “It’s also helped me to buy my knives and uniforms.” At the start of each year of his apprenticeship Mr Pyke will be given a payment through the scholarship program. Mr Pyke said apprentices also get a chance to meet the other scholarships applicants at an annual Origin dinner held for the program. “We have an apprentice here who’s fairly new and I told her to apply for it because it’s a great opportunity to get a boost and meet some great people,” Mr Pyke said. Origin’s Approvals Land & Stakeholder Manager, Rebecca Pickering said the Skills Scholarship program was about supporting local communities in the gas fields. “The community is concerned about the number of young people leaving town to find work, and we designed the Origin Skills Scholarship program to help turn the tide,” said Ms Pickering.
definitely helped because it got my foot in the door,” he said. Jesse recommends both the traineeship and apprenticeship to anyone and says that with a little hard work they can easily be done. “You just have to buckle down and focus on what you want to do,” he said.
FIND US ON 18 year old Jesse Johnston from Roma is Santos GLNG’s newest apprentice. Photo: Melissa Mobbs
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DIGITALDOWNTIME ➤ ITUNES AUSTRALIA CHARTS: TOP 10
➤ MOVIE REVIEW
1 Let Her Go - Passenger 2 Can't Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton) - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 3 Thank You - MKTO 4 Just Give Me a Reason (feat. Nate Ruess) - P!nk 5 Hey Porsche - Nelly 6 Impossible - James Arthur 7 I Need Your Love (feat. Ellie Goulding) - Calvin Harris 8 I Could Be the One (Nicktim Radio Edit) - Avicii & Nicky Romero 9 Feel This Moment (feat. Christina Aguilera) - Pitbull 10 Mirrors - Justin Timberlake
➤ GAME REVIEW
Bruce Willis, left, and Jai Courtney in a scene from the movie A Good Day To Die Hard. Supplied by Picselect. Frank Masi. TM & © 2012 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Not for sale or duplication.
A Good Day To Die Hard ACTION star Bruce Willis and Australian actor Jai Courtney star in this rather underwhelming addition to the much loved Die Hard franchise. Bruce reprises his role as ruthless cop John McClane, who travels to Russia to save his wayward son Jack, only to discover that he's actually a CIA agent trying to prevent a nuclearweapons heist. This is the fifth instalment of the Die Hard franchise, but it feels more like the distant cousin who comes creeping at your grandmother's death bed for their
cut of the will. In fact, the only way this film resembles the first Die Hard film we all know and love from 1998 is that Bruce is still doing that obnoxious smirk in every scene. But this time he looks over it, and it shows. "Let's go kill some mother---ers" is the closest we get to a catchphrase and boy is it a stinker, just like this film. If it's non-stop action, unnecessary car chases, explosions, brainless violence and buff guntoting men you're after, A Good Day to Die Hard has you covered.
➤ TOP 10 MOST WATCHED YOUTUBE CLIPS
March 1 Guy gets punched by street performer! (Original) 2 Lamborghini Veneno $4.5 million supercar | Performance | Drive.com.au 3 Daytona 300 crash 23/2/13 Spectator view 4 Ed Sheeran & Passenger - No Diggity Vs. Thrift Shop (Mashup) 5 Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag - World Premiere Trailer 6 Iggy Azalea - Work 7 UFO? Time Lapse Photos Outside RC's Woolloomooloo Office 8 10 Surprise Eggs Unboxing Kinder Surprise Toy Story Disney Mickey Mouse Thomas Tank Dora Easter Eggs 9 Harlem Shake (Cody Simpson) - Tour Bus Turn Up 10 I'm banned from the USA
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God of War
Get ready for an epic journey. GOD of War: Ascension is the latest gory adventure featuring the troubled spartan, Kratos. Ascension is a prequel to the epic trilogy, and it tells the story of Kratos before the events in God of War 1. This is the first God of War game to include multiplayer, and although it doesn't enhance the game, it doesn't hurt it either. The sheer scale of the game has been heightened even more, if you can believe that, there are a lot of moments where the camera will zoom out and you'll see just how beautiful the game really is. The music is just as heart pounding as before, if you have a pair of headphones on hand, use them. The core gameplay hasn't
received any massive overhauls, but the combat has been greatly refined. Since the Blades of Chaos is Kratos' only main weapon, the combat really focuses on the two blades, rather than a host of other weapons you would've come across in previous games. Instead of separate weapons, you have the ability to combine different elemental powers into the Blades. The single player really flows nicely throughout, while the beginning starts off a little slow, the
tempo really ramps after and never slows down. The new multiplayer component can add a lot more time on to your game, if you're interested that is. God of War: Ascension is another great game out of the series, and although it doesn't live up to the hype set by God of War 3, it's still a blast to cause chaos as the Ghost of Sparta. The campaign is a blast to play, and even with the tacked on multiplayer, there's no denying that the latest is still a load of fun.
➤ TECHNOLOGY REVIEW
Got wood… app? Sure do Now there’s app for those DIY projects lying around the place, if a mate asks you to help him build the outdoor set he’s been putting off for months, or if you’re just plain into wood, there is something for you. I.D. Wood is your guide to over 200 different wood types from around the world with full screen samples and information.The app will work with or without an internet connection so that the samples and information are always at your fingertips. From the basic to the exotic, I.D. Wood
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coverstory
Winter’s chill sets the scene HBO fantasy drama Game of Thrones returns for spellbinding new season and Seanna Cronin reports on the action
I
T’S the most pirated TV show in history and arguable the biggest currently in production. If you haven’t seen Game of Thrones, or at least heard of it, then it’s high time you got with the program, pardon the pun. The hit HBO fantasy drama, based on George RR Martin’s fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, follows various characters and families as they battle for the power of the Iron Throne in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. Set in pseudo-medieval times, Game of Thrones is a brutal world ruled, mostly, by men and featuring mythical creatures like white walkers and dragons. It’s a big-budget production, filmed largely on location in Northern Ireland, Malta, Croatia, Iceland and Morocco. While the conditions are often challenging, star Michelle Fairley says filming outdoors is essential to recreating the epic and sweeping scale of Martin’s world. “When you’re outside or on horseback or in a camp where it’s muddy, all the natural elements are involved in creating the look,” she told The Guide during a recent visit to Australia. “It also helps you as an actor. If you’re meant to be struggling through the mud to
potentially end the war by returning Jamie Lannister, but that she has humiliated her son and undermined his position of strength, his leadership.” While Fairley, Iain Glen and Peter Dinklage are some of Game of Throne’s most familiar faces, the rest of the show’s cast is getting its first real taste of fame. In casting little-known, and in some cases completely unknown, actors, the show’s producers have created instant stars in Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Maisie Williams (Ayra Stark), Richard Madden (Robb Stark) and Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen). “It allows viewer to grow with the characters,” Fairley said. “They’re not misled by the persona of a well-known person. It gives them the ability to create a new character the audience is able to go along with from the word go.” The only question for viewers is, where do your loyalties lie? With the Starks of the North, the Wildlings beyond the wall, the treacherous Lannisters or the dragon queen Daenerys? New characters making their Game of Thrones debuts include The Queen of Thorns (Diana Rigg) and Mance Rayder (Ciaran Hinds). Game of Thrones - Showcase - Monday at 3.20pm Qld, 4.20pm NSW.
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get there, then you want to be struggling and that affects how you’re going to speak, your breath, the effort involved. It makes it a much truer experience. It’s hugely enriching. This is a tough world that these characters are meant to be surviving in.” In the highly anticipated third series, a decade-long summer is coming to an end and winter begins to descend on Westeros. For Fairley’s character, the widowed Lady Stark, the struggle for revenge against her husband’s killers and the effort to win back the trust of her eldest son Robb continues. “She becomes a more isolated, dark human being,” she said. “She retreats into her mind; she’s grieving as well. It’s a constant struggle with her conscience. She becomes reflective, thinking back long and hard about her actions and possibly her involvement in the destruction of her own family.” Lady Stark will also be seeking revenge against childhood friend Little Finger, who has betrayed her for the favour of the Lannisters, the family occupying the Iron Throne. “She placed her trust and loyalty in a man who she grew up with and expected him to reciprocate that to her, and unfortunately he lied,” she said. “From that she’s had to learn. She learned through humiliation not only that she did not get her daughters back and
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CULTURE SPARROW | with Patrick Williams| patrick.williams@scnews.com.au
See Australia before you go overseas OVERSEAS is overrated. Sounds like the words of a wise old man who has seen it all abroad only to come home to realise home is where the heart is, doesn’t it? Nope. It’s just me. Young Australians seem to have a fascination with overseas travel, but how much of their home country have they seen? They leave their jobs, take a year off after high school and basically abandon any plans to make a life for themselves and are hell-bent on travelling to the other ends of the globe. Never mind seeing a bit more of what we have on offer here. I was born in Hobart and lived there the first seven years of my life. From memory we had a holiday to Launceston once before eventually relocating to Queensland. Besides the Sunshine
❝
It’s hard to be an ambassador for Australia when you’ve barely ventured outside your own town .
Coast I’ve spent time on the Gold Coast, driven to Sydney with a couple of stops along the way, spent half a week in Perth and spent some days in Melbourne. The furthest north I’ve been in Australia is Hervey Bay. It’s hardly a strapping Australian adventure, but it’s a start. We’re all gung-ho when it comes to setting off overseas, but few of us are willing to explore this sunkissed country we call home. Can all those young Aussies exploring overseas
claim to know well exactly what we’ve got here? Seeing a postcard of the Twelve Apostles is one thing, but seeing them would be quite another (I imagine. I haven’t been there myself yet). I had a friend who never left northern NSW before jetting off to Europe for two months when she turned 20. Her Aussie experience was basically zilch, limited to textbooks and what she’d seen on TV. It’s like that for a lot of Aussies living overseas. It’s hard to be an ambassador for Australia when you’ve barely ventured outside your own town. Perhaps many of us had one too many bad family vacations when we were kids to see marvels like the Big Prawn. An in-depth knowledge of our own history is so much better than where you can buy the best beef massaman in Phuket.
CULTURE: The Big Prawn in Ballina, hardly heartland Australia, but it’s a start.
PHOTO: LISMORE NORTHERN STAR
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Japan, in many ways, has it all – a beautiful, ancient culture, buzzing cities, the great outdoors and fantastic cuisine. And though many of your mates may have just headed there for the skiing, there’s plenty more to this island nation than the slopes. In fact, there’s enough to keep you occupied for months, but it is compact enough for you to cover a reasonable portion of the country in two weeks. Most trips start out in the mega-metropolis of Tokyo, where you’ll most likely touch down at Narita Airport. There’s plenty of beautiful temples to wander through, but the Tokyo fish market and watching sumo wrestlers training
or competing will help prevent temple fatigue. Tokyo will keep you occupied for several days – particularly if you squeeze in a trip to Dis-
neyland. It’s common to then beat a path south, stopping at Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. A change from the city life can be found on the
Izu Peninsula, a two hour train journey from the capital. It’s there you’ll find the best onsens – hot spring baths – in the country, as
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well as a chance to get active. Parts of the peninsula have great surf beaches, and the whole area is a good spot to cycle around. If you enjoy hiking, head to West Izu for some beautiful mountain treks. If you’re keen to party, be aware that Japan’s nightlife is a little offbeat, often revolving around karaoke, but beer gardens are very popular, as are sake and beer breweries. Now is a good time to head to Japan, with the Aussie dollar at a strong point, but it’s still one of the more expensive Asian countries, similar to Western Europe. For more info, head to jnto.org.au.
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MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
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➤ FISHING REPORTS
Fishing picking up again Local Fishing Reports By Dylan Mott FISHING is going great with still some run in the Condamine River. Saltwater yabbies, prawns and worms seem to be the best bait with the odd fish being caught on a bobbed blueclaw cray. Coolmunda Dam Golden perch are being caught on trolled hard bodied lures towards the dam wall and along the old creek bed. There have been reports of goldens being caught on
spinnerbaits in the timber. Somerset Dam The dam is still discoloured but has produced a few average bass and golden perch on jackalls and spinner baits around the timber at Kirkleagh. Bjelke Petersen Dam The water is still very dirty and the dam has been fishing poorly. The best suggestion would be to fish for bass and golden perch on live bait using a sounder to locate them. Boondooma Dam
There is still a lot of dirty water and fishing has been slow. You could try for bass and golden perch on bait along the newly covered grassy banks or set a few pots for red claw crayfish. Borumba Dam Bass are biting on soft plastics and spinner baits and saratoga on surface lures around the dam edges. Coastal: Spanish mackerel, sweetlip and moses perch are biting on Coolum Reef, flathead
and whiting around the Maroochy River mouth, Twin Waters, South Channel, Goat and Channel Islands, grunter bream and school jew at Picnic Point and mud crabs throughout the river in Maroochy reigon. Offshore: Sweetlip, tuskfish, snapper and moses perch have been caught at Caloundra 12 Mile and Yellowfin tuna on Tweed 9 Mile and snapper, maori cod and moses perch near the Mud Hole at Kingscliff. Send your photos to basstobarra@bigpond.com.
Lachlan Hirning shows a nice golden he caught on a bobbed jackall lure, one of about 20 fish in his bag that day. Photo Contributed
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Barramundi Fillets Seafood has an unfairly intimidating reputation, making people reluctant to give it a go in the kitchen. The main trap is overcooking your fish, and that’s not difficult to avoid, as long as you don’t bail from the kitchen for 20 minutes and forget about the stove. I can (somewhat) guarantee this one won’t go wrong – just stay around. For four people, you’ll need:
Ingredients
4 x 180g barramundi fillets 2 ½ cups roasted macadamia nuts 1 ½ cups fresh breadcrumbs 2 eggs, lightly beaten ¼ cup olive oil Lemon wedges and aioli to serve
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Throw the nuts and crumbs in a food processor, blend to fine crumbs. Put it in a shallow dish and grind in some salt and pepper. Lightly beat the eggs with two teaspoons of water. Now it’s simple – dip in the wet mixture, coat with the dry mixture, pressing on with your fingers. Cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 20 minutes. Now, the dangerous part – cooking. Just heat some oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, and when it’s hot, throw in the fillets, cooking for about three minutes each side. When it’s golden, it should be done. Don’t overdo it. Now just serve with some lemon, aioli and a green salad and you’ll be set to impress. Recipe from taste.com.au.
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SPORT
Challengers lining WHILE most bookies have the 2013 premiership a race in four between Hawthorn, Sydney, Collingwood and West Coast, there is no shortage of teams lining up to make the finals and dispel that belief. The battle for a place in the final eight should be a beauty in 2013,
COACH: Brenton Sanderson. CAPTAIN: Nathan van Berlo. LAST SEASON: 3rd (18-7). ARRIVALS: Angus Graham (Rich). DEPARTURES: Kurt Tippett (Sydney), Michael Doughty (ret). HIGH 5: Patrick Dangerfield (pictured), Scott Thompson, Taylor Walker, Sam Jacobs, Daniel Talia. ONE TO WATCH: Brad Crouch, 19. COMEBACK TRAIL: Jared Patrenko (shoulder), Brodie Smith (collarbone). UNDER THE PUMP: Richard Tambling. FORECAST: Made the big leap from 14th in 2011 to being one straight kick away from playing in a grand final last year under Sanderson. Have a much tougher draw this season however. FINISH: 8th.
COACH: Michael Voss. CAPTAINS: Jonathan Brown/Jed Adcock. LAST SEASON: 13th (10-12). ARRIVALS: Brent Moloney (Melb), Stefan Martin (Melb). DEPARTURES: Josh Drummond (ret), Ben Hudson (Coll). HIGH 5: Jonathan Brown, Daniel Merrett, Matthew Leuenberger, Tom Rockliff, Daniel Rich (pictured). ONE TO WATCH: Sam Mayes, 18. COMEBACK TRAIL: Matt Leuenberger (achilles), Brent Staker (knee). UNDER THE PUMP: Jordan Lisle. FORECAST: Should build on a great 2012, with a defence shored up by Merrett and an impressive midfield bolstered by Moloney. FINISH: 11th.
COACH: Mick Malthouse. CAPTAIN: Marc Murphy LAST SEASON: 10th (11-11). ARRIVALS: Nil. DEPARTURES: Jordan Russell (Coll), Brett Thornton (GWS), Paul Bower (del). HIGH 5: Chris Judd (pictured), Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Carrazzo, Eddie Betts. ONE TO WATCH: Levi Casboult, 21. COMEBACK TRAIL: Andrew McInnes (knee). UNDER THE PUMP: Jarrad Waite. FORECAST: Promise may finally turn into performance with the arrival of Malthouse, who will ensure the Blues have a harder edge. A return to the finals at least is on the cards. FINISH: 7th.
COACH: Nathan Buckley. CAPTAIN: Nick Maxwell. LAST SEASON: 4th (17-8). ARRIVALS: Jordan Russell (Carl), Clinton Young (Haw), Quentin Lynch (WC), Ben Hudson (Bris). DEPARTURES: Sharrod Wellingham (WC), Chris Dawes (Melb), Chris Tarrant (ret), Simon Buckley (del). HIGH 5: Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke, Dane Swan (pictured), Dayne Beams, Dale Thomas. ONE TO WATCH: Jackson Paine, 19. COMEBACK TRAIL: Luke Ball (knee), Lachlan Keeffe (knee). UNDER THE PUMP: Alan Didak. FORECAST: Fully fit, the Magpies will definitely be around the mark. FINISH: 3rd.
COACH: Kevin Sheedy. CAPTAINS: Callan Ward/Phil Davis. LAST SEASON: 18th (2-20) ARRIVALS: Brett Thornton (Carl), Stephen Gilham (Haw). DEPARTURES: James McDonald (ret), Luke Power (ret), Steve Clifton (del). HIGH 5: Callan Ward (pictured), Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Jonathan Giles, Phil Davis. ONE TO WATCH: Lachie Whitfield, 18. COMEBACK TRAIL: Setanta O’hAilpin (knee), Dom Tyson (knee). UNDER THE PUMP: Tom Scully. FORECAST: Don’t expect much of a rise up the ladder, but do expect the Giants to provide plenty of reasons for rivals to fear them in the future. FINISH: 18th.
COACH: Alastair Clarkson. CAPTAIN: Luke Hodge. LAST SEASON: 2nd (19-6). ARRIVALS: Brian Lake (WB), Jonathan Simpkin (Geel), Matt Spangher (Syd). DEPARTURES: Clinton Young (Coll), Chance Bateman (ret), Stephen Gilham (GWS), Tom Murphy (GC). HIGH 5: Lance Franklin, Sam Mitchell (pictured), Jordan Lewis, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli. ONE TO WATCH: Brad Hill, 19. OUT OF ACTION: Michael Osborne (knee), Brendan Whitecross (knee), Matt Suckling (knee). UNDER THE PUMP: Xavier Ellis. FORECAST: After two near flag misses, the Hawks should be as hungry as ever. FINISH: 1st.
COACH: Mark Neeld. CAPTAINS: Jack Trengove/Jack Grimes. LAST SEASON: 16th (4-18). ARRIVALS: Chris Dawes (Coll), David Rodan (Port), Shannon Byrnes (Geel), Cam Pedersen (NM). DEPARTURES: Brad Green (ret), Brent Moloney (Bris), Stefan Martin (Bris), Jordan Gysberts (NM), Cale Morton (WC), Ricky Petterd (Rich), Liam Jurrah (del). HIGH 5: Mitch Clark, Nathan Jones (pictured), James Frawley, Jack Trengove, Jeremy Howe. ONE TO WATCH: Jack Viney, 19. COMEBACK TRAIL: Mitch Clark (foot). UNDER THE PUMP: Colin Sylvia. FORECAST: There is light at the end of the tunnel after a spring clean-out. FINISH: 14th.
COACH: Brad Scott. CAPTAIN: Andrew Swallow. LAST SEASON: 8th (14-9). ARRIVALS: Jordan Gysberts (Melb), Ben Jacobs (Port). DEPARTURES: Cam Pedersen (Melb), Hamish McIntosh (Geel), Aaron Edwards (Rich), Matt Campbell (del). HIGH 5: Andrew Swallow (pictured), Drew Petrie, Daniel Wells, Todd Goldstein, Jack Ziebell. ONE TO WATCH: Kieran Harper, 20. COMEBACK TRAIL: Leigh Adams (shoulder). UNDER THE PUMP: Lachlan Hansen. FORECAST: With the challengers lining up outside the top eight, the pressure will be on the Kangaroos. FINISH: 13th.
COACH: Ken Hinkley. CAPTAIN: Travis Boak. LAST SEASON: 14th (5-16-1). ARRIVALS: Angus Monfries (Ess). DEPARTURES: Danyle Pearce (Frem), Troy Chaplin (Rich), David Rodan (Melb), Ben Jacobs (Port), Steve Salopek (del), John McCarthy (dec). HIGH 5: Travis Boak, Brad Ebert (pictured), Jay Schulz, Kane Cornes, Hamish Hartlett. ONE TO WATCH: Oliver Wines, 18. COMEBACK TRAIL: Robbie Gray (knee), Nick Salter (foot). UNDER THE PUMP: John Butcher. FORECAST: Has a new coach, new captain and new hope, but it could be the same old story for the Power. FINISH: 17th.
Dalby’s moto-x track reopens for business IT WAS hard to keep the grins off the faces of those tearing around the Dalby motorcross track after a two year closure ended recently. The need for speed was abundant with some great jumps in action and riders of all ages making the most of the day. Page 22.
Dalby Motorcross Club member Jason Burton said it was great to be back on the dirt again. “We opened again for the first time two weeks ago and I think all the local riders are happy to have a place to ride again,” Mr Burton said. The track’s first week-
end of opening for 2013 drew 80 riders across all ages and the club is hoping for a similar turn out next month when they host their sign-on day. The sign on will be held on April 7 and all ages and skill types are welcome to come along and try out the sport or register with the club.
“Anybody wanting to join the club or attend club meetings can register for information via email on the Dalby Moto website. A canteen will be operating during the sign-on day and volunteers are being sought to help with both the cooking and as track supervisors.
Sam Gray pops a wheelie while going over the newly installed woops at Dalby's motocross track. Photo Lisa Machin
SPORT
up for finals
Terry Mallinder previews the AFL season ahead, one team at a time.
COACH: Damien Hardwick. CAPTAIN: Trent Cotchin. LAST SEASON: 12th (10-11-1). ARRIVALS: Chris Knights (Adel), Troy Chaplin (Port), Aaron Edwards (NM), Ricky Petterd (Melb). DEPARTURES: Angus Graham (Adel), Brad Miller (ret), Kelvin Moore (del). HIGH 5: Jack Riewoldt (pictured), Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio, Ivan Maric, Dustin Martin. ONE TO WATCH: Nick Vlastuin, 18. COMEBACK TRAIL: Nathan Foley (achilles), Jake King (knee, groin). UNDER THE PUMP: Tyrone Vickery. FORECAST: Surely this is the year for the Tigers to make finals. Then again, this is Richmond we’re talking about. FINISH: 9th.
COACH: James Hird. CAPTAIN: Jobe Watson. LAST SEASON: 11th (11-11). ARRIVALS: Brendon Goddard (SK). DEPARTURES: Angus Monfries (Port), Mark McVeigh (ret), Kyle Reimers (del), Brent Prismall (del). HIGH 5: Jobe Watson (pictured), Michael Hurley, Brendan Goddard, Patrick Ryder, Brent Stanton. ONE TO WATCH: Joe Daniher, 18. COMEBACK TRAIL: David Zaharakis (quad). UNDER THE PUMP: Scott Gumbleton. FORECAST: Will be determined to put behind them a disappointing 2012 on the field, and a disastrous summer off it. And should with a better injury run. FINISH: 10th.
COACH: Ross Lyon. CAPTAIN: Matthew Pavlich. LAST SEASON: 6th (15-9). ARRIVALS: Danyle Pearce (Port). DEPARTURES: Greg Broughton (GC), Antoni Grover (ret), Nick Lower (WB). HIGH 5: Matthew Pavlich (pictured), Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, Stephen Hill, Luke McPharlin. ONE TO WATCH: Josh Simpson, 18. COMEBACK TRAIL: Anthony Morabito (knee), Aaron Sandilands (hamstring). UNDER THE PUMP: Zac Dawson. FORECAST: Began living up to their potential in 2012 under Lyon, and have the talent to consolidate their spot in the finals. Sandiland’s absence early on could hurt though. FINISH: 6th.
COACH: Chris Scott. CAPTAIN: Joel Selwood. LAST SEASON: 7th (15-8). ARRIVALS: Hamish McIntosh (NM), Jared Rivers (Melb), Josh Caddy (GC). DEPARTURES: Matthew Scarlett (ret), David Wojcinski (ret), Shannon Byrnes (Melb), Jonathan Simpkin (Haw). HIGH 5: Joel Selwood (pictured), Jimmy Bartel, Tom Hawkins, James Kelly, Steve Johnson. ONE TO WATCH: Nathan Vardy, 21. COMEBACK TRAIL: Travis Varcoe (foot), Daniel Menzel (knee). UNDER THE PUMP: James Podsiadly. FORECAST: With plenty of stars left – and some good kids and handy recruits – the Cats are sure to keep shining. FINISH: 5th.
COACH: Guy McKenna. CAPTAIN: Gary Ablett. LAST SEASON: 17th (3-19). ARRIVALS: Greg Broughton (Frem), Tom Murphy (Haw). DEPARTURES: Josh Caddy (Geel), Tom Hickey (SK), Josh Fraser (ret). HIGH 5: Gary Ablett (pictured), Nathan Bock, David Swallow, Harley Bennell, Zac Smith. ONES TO WATCH: Jaegar O'Meara, 19, Jesse Lonergan, 18. COMEBACK TRAIL: Nathan Bock (leg), Seb Tape (knee), Trent McKenzie (knee). UNDER THE PUMP: Charlie Dixon. FORECAST: Third year in, time to get some results. Young talls must stand up. Bock’s return will help. FINISH: 16th.
COACH: Scott Watters. CAPTAIN: Nick Riewoldt. LAST YEAR: 9th (12-10). ARRIVALS: Trent Dennis-Lane (Syd), Tom Hickey (GC), Tom Lee (WAFL). DEPARTURES: Brendon Goddard (Ess), Jamie Cripps (WC), Jason Gram (del), Brett Peake (del). HIGH 5: Nick Riewoldt (pictured), Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo, Leigh Montagna, Sam Fisher. ONE TO WATCH: Tom Lee, 22. COMEBACK TRAIL: Rhys Stanley (knee). UNDER THE PUMP: Sam Gilbert. FORECAST: The premiership window is shut – and staring back at them is the reflection of a fading force. FINISH: 12th.
COACH: John Longmire. CO-CAPTAINS: Jarrad McVeigh/ Kieren Jack. LAST SEASON: Premiers (19-6). ARRIVALS: Kurt Tippett (Adel). DEPARTURES: Trent Dennis-Lane (SK), Mark Seaby (del). HIGH 5: Josh Kennedy (pictured), Kieren Jack, Adam Goodes, Lewis Jetta, Ryan O'Keefe. ONE TO WATCH: Dean Towers, 22. COMEBACK TRAIL: Gary Rohan (broken leg), Alex Johnson (knee). UNDER THE PUMP: Jesse White. FORECAST: With the addition of Tippett, the Swans have only gotten stronger. Premiership hangover could be their only downfall. FINISH: 4th.
COACH: John Worsfold. CAPTAIN: Darren Glass. LAST SEASON: 5th (16-8). ARRIVALS: Sharrod Wellingham (Coll), Cale Morton (Melb), Jamie Cripps (SK). DEPARTURES: Quentin Lynch (Coll), Koby Stevens (WB). HIGH 5: Dean Cox, Jack Darling, Daniel Kerr (pictured), Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui. ONE TO WATCH: Scott Lycett, 20. COMEBACK TRAIL: Mark LeCras (knee), Mark Nicoski (hamstring). UNDER THE PUMP: Cale Morton. FORECAST: With its potent attack fit and firing, the Eagles have no deficiences – and no reason why they can’t go extremely close. FINISH: 2nd.
COACH: Brendan McCarthy. CAPTAIN: Matthew Boyd. LAST SEASON: 15th (5-17). ARRIVALS: Koby Stevens (WC), Nick Lower (Frem), Brett Goodes (VFL). DEPARTURES: Brian Lake (Haw), Lindsay Gilbee (ret), Ryan Hargrave (ret), Justin Sherman (del). HIGH 5: Matthew Boyd (pictured), Ryan Griffin, Daniel Cross, Adam Cooney, Robert Murphy. ONE TO WATCH: Jake Stringer, 18. COMEBACK TRAIL: Dale Morris (broken leg). UNDER THE PUMP: Ayce Cordy. FORECAST: In rebuild mode, the Dogs have some promising kids. But need to find goalkickers to be competitive. FINISH: 15th.
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
with Geelong, Carlton, Adelaide and Fremantle the frontrunners, but facing stiff competition from Essendon, Richmond, North Melbourne, St Kilda and even Brisbane, which will all be confident of success after a sensational NAB Cup campaign.
Big guns reload for shot at premiership By TERRY MALLINDER
IN KEEPING with the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, Hawthorn will not be trying to re- educate prized recruit Brian Lake. The Hawks will want him doing exactly what he has done for the best part of a decade with the Western Bulldogs – manning the opposition’s monster forwards. Despite turning 31 and being in the twilight of a distinguished career, the 195cm 104kg full back is seen as the missing piece of the Hawks’ premiership puzzle. After finishing third in 2011 and second last year,
Hawthorn is favourite for the 2013 flag. With Lake on board, the line-up looks complete, but it may be a case of now or never for the brown and gold, which has an ageing midfield and may next year lose the services of arguably the game’s biggest name. Lance Franklin has declared he wants to remain a Hawk, but is holding off on contract discussions until season’s end, meaning the superstar spearhead will be an even bigger talking point than normal throughout 2013. There is, of course, also the issue of rival outfits, and the big guns, in particular
KEY HAWK: Brian Lake. the past three flag winners – Sydney, Geelong and Collingwood – have reloaded after some aggressive recruiting. The Swans are clearly not content with just the 2012 flag. Working as hard off the field as they did on it last year, the Swans snatched
Queenslander Kurt Tippett from Adelaide in the most controversial of moves. Due to his under-the-table financial bonuses from the Crows, the powerhouse is not available until the second half of the season, but will then link with the great Adam Goodes and young Sam Reid in the Swans’ attack. While they didn’t quite land on their feet last season, the Cats may fancy their chances of continuing the pattern of winning a flag every two years, after triumphs in 2007, 2009 and 2011. They still have an abundance of triple-premiership players, and although two of
the more valuable ones, Brad Ottens and Matthew Scarlett, have retired, ruckman-forward Hamish McIntosh (North Melbourne), and tall defender Jared Rivers (Melbourne) have been brought in as cover. Likewise, Collingwood has recruited Quentin Lynch from West Coast in the hope he will provide better support to Travis Cloke in attack and Darren Jolly in the ruck than Chris Dawes (now at Melbourne) did in 2012. The arrival of Clinton Young (Hawthorn) and Jordan Russell (Carlton) will complement an already potent Magpie midfield. While Adelaide, West
Coast and Fremantle again remain clear dangers, Carlton is hoping the highestprofile arrival of them all can help it not only get back into the finals after a disastrous 2012, but become the genuine flag threat it has promised to be. His name is Mick Malthouse. But, it’s not just the flag fancies who have restocked with ready-made stars. Brisbane has high hopes for ex-Melbourne pair Brent Moloney and Stefan Martin, while experienced backmen Greg Broughton (Fremantle) and Tom Murphy (Hawthorn) have been welcomed to the Gold Coast.
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Are you looking at or thinking about purchasing a diamond? NOT sure where you should go, where the best deals are or don’t know much about diamonds? Then why not drop in or call Gary and Carol Schefe at Coomber Bros Jewellers, Roma. As Antwerp Diamond Brokers they have all the necessary qualifications and contacts to help you purchase the perfect diamond at the perfect price. You can sit with them in their private lounge area be assured of them getting the best diamond for you. At the end of May, Gary and Carol will be travelling to the largest jewellery fair in the world. With this show offering a large number of eminent professional experts on gemology and exposure to the latest industry information and newest products. Gary and Carol are excited about attending this prestigious event,’’ “This show will have a huge variety of new jewellery items, things that have never been seen before and the range of gemstones etc that will be available will be huge”. At the Jewellery Fair they will have access to hundreds of diamond site holders from all over the world and as they travel with their own gemologist you will be assured of getting the best diamond for you. “By having access to a huge range of diamonds to choose from this ensures our customers get the best diamonds at the very best prices. We quote our clients on a diamond we can source
here in Australia but then we find when we get to the trade fairs we find either better quality diamonds or bigger diamonds for the same price, which is a win win situation for our clients” said Gary. Coomber Bros Jewellers stake its reputation on quality and service and always ensure their clients come away winners. Rivaling larger chain stores in the industry Coomber Bros Jewellers pride themselves on the personal and professional care that is taken in selecting the right diamond or gemstone for you. They have their own in-house jeweler who can personally design and make the perfect ring or jewellery piece for you. The Diamond 4C’s Diamonds are not all equal. In fact, there are significant differences in quality and ultimately price. To understand a diamond’s value you must evaluate the diamond under the internationally recognised standards of the Diamonds 4C’s: Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat. CUT This does not refer to the overall shape of the diamond but rather the quality of the cutting. It is the single most important aspect of any diamond. The proportion, finish and symmetry of the external facets of the diamond are what creates the fire and brilliance. A diamond may be colourless and flawless but if it is not cut
Carol and Gary Schefe of Coomber Bros Jewellers, Roma take personal care to ensure that you are well informed about your diamond selection.
well it will appear dull and lifeless. CLARITY This refers to the amount and size of natural imperfections in the diamond. This may be internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes). The fewer inclusions in a diamond, the rarer and valuable the gem. COLOUR A diamonds colour is determined on a colour scale from D (colourless) to Z (yellow/brown). The most sought after diamonds have no colour. Whilst most diamonds appear to have no colour, in actual fact they have tints of colour as shown on a colour scale.
CARAT A diamonds weight is measured in carats, abbreviated ct. One carat can be divided into 100 points. Therefore, a diamond weighing one quarter of a carat can also be referred to as being 25 points. What does this all mean? When you are out searching for the diamond or diamond ring that you want, you need to take all of the above into account. Its like comparing apples with apples, you will never find two the same. Each diamond has its own signature, so no two diamonds will be the same. A 1.00ct diamond in one store is not going to be the same in another store which means they won’t be the same price.
Diamonds hand selected just for you.... • Selecting diamonds from all around the world. • No obligation free quotes. • Constant contact with you every step of the way. 78 McDowall Street, Roma P 4622 1145 | F 4622 7445 E sales@coomberbros.com.au Page 24.
• Contact us or drop in now to find out how we can save you money. • You won’t be disappointed.
www.coomberbros.com.au