Rock June/July 2015 by Edge In-flight Magazines

E TAKE M!

H O ME

ISSUE 19 JUN/JUL 2015

Mount

Baw

Baw The hidden ski secret in Victoria

FOOD & WINE The wine lovers’ workout

ADVENTURE

Wild water rafting in Fiji’s beautiful rivers

CULTURE

The latest events around the country

SMOOTHER SMOOTHER SMOOTHER FLIGHTS SMOOTHER FLIGHTS FLIGHTS START AT FLIGHTS START START AT AT START AT

BECOME A MEMBER BECOME A MEMBER BECOME A MEMBER AND SA VE UP TO BECOME A MEMBER AND SA VE AND SAVE UP UP TO TO YOUR AND SAVE UP TO YOUR YOUR AIRPORT PARKING YOUR AIRPORT PARKING AIRPORT PARKING FREE courtesy shuttle to AIRPORT PARKING and your terminal FREEfrom courtesy shuttle to

20% OFF 20% OFF 20% OFF

FREE courtesy shuttle to and fromundercover your terminal 24 hour or and from your terminal FREE courtesy shuttle to outdoor parking 24 hour security undercover or andhour fromundercover your terminal 24 or outdoor security parking Car detailing and servicing outdoor parking 24 hour security undercover or available Car detailing and servicing outdoor security Car detailing andparking servicing available Be rewarded with FREE available Car detailing and servicing parking & carwith washes Be rewarded FREE available Be rewarded with FREE parking & car washes parking & carwith washes Be rewarded FREE parking & car washes BRISBANE

(07) 3268 4222 BRISBANE BRISBANE

(07) 3268 4222 (07) 3268 4222

ADELAIDE

(08) 8340 5200 ADELAIDE ADELAIDE

(08) 8340 5200 (08) 8340 5200

BRISBANE BRISBANE BRISBANE ADELAIDE

BRISBANE

ADELAIDE MELBOURNE ADELAIDE MELBOURNE ADELAIDE MELBOURNE MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE

(03) 9334 5777

MELBOURNE MELBOURNE

(03) 9334 5777 (03) 9334 5777

For further information, please visit our website ADELAIDE MELBOURNE www.andrewsairportpark.com.au or(03) contact (07) 3268 4222 (08) 8340 5200 9334 5777 your local branch For further information, please visit our website For further information, please visit ouryour website www.andrewsairportpark.com.au or contact local branch www.andrewsairportpark.com.au or contact your local branch For further information, please visit our website BRISBANE

www.andrewsairportpark.com.au or contact your local branch

routemap

Welcome to ROCKS, the inflight magazine for Alliance Airlines This month in ROCKS, there’s a new section of the magazine called ‘OUTthere’, which is dedicated to national events, travel and health news, and entertainment. You’ll find regional stories from Rutherglen and Mount Baw Baw plus a celebrity interview with stunning Queenslander Margot Robbie. As always, we’re pleased to have you on board, whether you’re one of our regular travellers or flying with Alliance for the first time. We’d particularly like to say hello to those passengers travelling our new Emerald – Brisbane route. In addition to our existing RPT routes of Perth – Karratha and Adelaide – Olympic Dam flights, we’ve implemented three weekly Emerald – Brisbane return flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. So whether you’re travelling for a long weekend away or a quick business trip, our friendly cabin crew are dedicated to making your journey comfortable and stress-free. For timetables and reservations visit our website allianceairlines.com.au or call HelloWorld Emerald on 07 4982 1133. If you have any feedback, feel free to contact us at jennifer@allianceairlines.com.au, but for now, sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.

Scott McMillan Managing Director

Faye James and the team at Rocks and Alliance

Rainbow Valley, Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

ROCKS is published by Edge 51 Whistler Street, Manly NSW 2095 Phone: 02 8962 2600 edgecustom.com.au ROCKS is published by Business Essentials (Australasia) Pty Limited (ABN 22 062 493 869), trading as Edge. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of the Publisher. Information provided was believed to be correct at the time of publication. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. ROCKS cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine, they will not be returned. A selection of images used in this publication has been sourced from Thinkstock, Getty Images and Corbis.

GROUP EDITOR Faye James ASSISTANT EDITOR Riley Palmer SENIOR DESIGNER Guy Pendlebury SUB-EDITOR Jael Livingstone, Alarna Haigh CONTRIBUTORS Simone Henderson-Smart, Ben Smithurst PUBLISHER Geoff Campbell PRINTER SOS Print & Media

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Scott Hunt 02 8962 2600 scott.hunt@edgecustom.com.au WA AND NT SALES AGENT Helen Glasson 08 9381 3991 helen@hoganmedia.com.au

Attention: FIFO Miners and Oil & Gas Employees Earning $110k-$300k

Tax–time looming or here now

Slash your tax—why pay more? Save thousands in Tax

YOUR REWARD: take 5 minutes on the plane read below and Tax Plan your way to a huge refund

6 reasons to appoint:

TAX TIME

FIFO Accountants

1.Find you every dollar due to you 2015 Tax Refund or no fee. ....

1. Tax Plan your future – How we will save you Tax. We apply Tax Ruling’s (TR). Some have gone all the way to the high court. These TR’s have saved our clients thousands of dollars in tax, over twenty years ago and we still use the same TR’s now. High Court Rulings are very hard to overturn. Rulings that it is highly likely, you do not know & nor are you applying these tax rulings now. These rulings and information will first be applied to saving you tax. Then we give you 7-8 slides on your appointment for later reference.

2.Direct Rental Property Russell & I have both completed separate multi million dollar projects. This experience you can to draw from. 20 Analytical Taxation Property Points Before You Purchase. Wrong structure cost thousands, (see Right Structure) It’s not an emotional buy, it’s a rational tax based Analytical numbers buy. Cost Base, Indexed positive income, Net rental yield, Stamp duty, Income/Expenses, Loan Costs, Purchase costs, Capital Growth, Cap Allowance Div 43 write off , Taxation Depreciation. What about a 6-9 page Taxation Analysis before you buy, so why not ask us for some help?

3.Slash super fees and rescue your money from greedy Fund

Managers that link their fees to your fund balance. Every time you salary sacrifice more, receive a pay rise, put a lump sum in, they get paid more! Their fees are linked to your balance. A SMSF eliminates hidden fees. “Its virtually impossible” to understand these fees Alan Kohler ABC and the Eureka Report. We recommend you subscribe as they are paid by subscriptions to newsletters & online information. Save your funds from the pending stock market crash, see point 4.

4.Impartial advice from our recommended list of PhD’s & Analysts who picked the last three crashes & warned us well before. Did your Fund Managers warn you? These PhD’s will tell you, when to buy & sell shares. Since 2005 they have out performed Warren Buffett $4.60 to $1. They are paid by subscription to newsletters that have no bias therefore we leave the Advice to the PhD’s and Analysts on...

5.Direct Gold Silver coins or bars. Massive increases coming, in precious metals. What about the huge blowout in the Gold/Silver ratio, the scarcity of silver, the enormous demand with decreasing supply. Did your Fund Managers tell you this. Why not? Quite simple they can’t get paid. 6.Exit Strategy from FIFO work—your own Business generate

similar income pay only 8-15c tax instead of 31c plus. Why pay $30k$100k in Franchise fees & 10% plus annually? A very expensive option! You can be the Boss. What business? All Business’s that suits you & we will teach you how. Workbooks, video’s, ongoing assistance, Marketing, Management, Accounting, we are the Business owners to give you proven systems. Not government agency staff, who never owned business in the real world. Challenging hard work, yes, but very Rewarding.

(we have the latest tax deduction finder that is your Industry, Profession, Trade and employee specific, this means nothing is missed)

2.Save you a minimum of $3K in tax by Tax Planning or no fee. (this means simply, if we can not show you how we will save you the $3K minimum and then apply it, you get the appointment at no cost to you.)

Right structure for you & pay less Tax. These structures are treated differently for tax purposes, differ on asset protection and are taxed at different rates. Therefore depending on, your salary or wage, children’s age, assets ie Real Property, Married, Single, Partner. All will make a huge difference why we, would set up one structure or another. Such as, Individual, Partnership, Syndicate, Company, Family Trust, Discretionary Trusts, Self managed Super Fund (SMSF) also combined with a Family Trust, Company. Wrong structures may cost thousands to fix they may trigger a CGT event & incur state stamp duties. .

Save massive amounts of hard earned Dollars in Tax. The system is unfair to employees. Business averages just 8-15c in the dollar. Think about this. If you earn $160k a year, you’re paying a whopping $49,547or an average of 31c in the dollar. That’s double the amount in tax that business pays. Over the next ten years when you’re trying to get ahead & save for an early retirement, it can be a real struggle. It’s not the ATO’s fault, I suggest you have a choice. You can reduce your Tax Legally, however if you do nothing in the next ten years that’s $495,470.Let face it, it is very likely in the past ten years that’s exactly what you did, nothing. Why? Because it takes time and is a pain in the arse. Look above at the dollars that’s more than a lot more painful. However you could save $3—$15K pa or a lot more. That’s $30—$150,000 over ten years, I’m sure you could use the tax saved. What we will do for you - We will Slash Your Tax & put a smile on face. No if’s, buts' or maybe’s. We will save you a minimum of $3K to 15K in Tax pa, perhaps more. Providing you act on our recommendations & answer a 5 – 7 minute simple questionnaire, so why not ring us now and watch our video online, so that you can make an informed choice.

Use your phone to Snap a photo of the ad and ring us when you land. We are here to help you save Tax. FIFO Accountants Pty Ltd FIFO Tax Planning 0448 073 201

Accountants to Oil Gas and Mining for 26 years

www.slashyourtax.com.au Tax Agent No. 00846005

ABN 48 136 589 994

routemap

DARWIN

GROOTE EYLANDT

LAWN HILL

CAIRNS TOWNSVILLE

THE GRANITES

PORT HEDLAND KARRATHA

MOUNT ISA

CLONCURRY TREPELL

PHOSPHATE HILL EMERALD

TELFER

BARIMUNYA

COONDEWANNA

NEWMAN

PARABURDOO

ULURU (AYERS ROCK)

ALICE SPRINGS SUNSHINE COAST

BALLERA MILES MOUNT KEITH LEINSTER

BRISBANE

PROMINENT HILL OLYMPIC DAM

LEONORA EAST JAURDI PERTH

PORT AUGUSTA

SYDNEY

ADELAIDE AUCKLAND MELBOURNE

ROTORUA

BLENHEIM

WELLINGTON

QUEENSTOWN TE ANAU

safetyinfo

ABOUT US Alliance Airlines was established in 2002, recognising the growing demand from the domestic mining and energy sector for a provider of safe and reliable air transportation services to and from remote site locations. Alliance commenced operations with two Fokker 100 aircraft servicing two FIFO contracts, both of which are still serviced today. Our company has since expanded its fleet and operational capabilities to better service the continuing air transportation needs of the mining and energy sector. Alliance is a leading mining services company specialising in providing: • FIFO services • Ad hoc charter services • ACMI, or wet leasing, services. In December 2011, Alliance successfully listed on the ASX as AQZ.

FLIGHT BOOKINGS For customers wishing to book flights between Perth and Karratha or Brisbane and Emerald, this must be done online: allianceairlines.com.au/home For customers wishing to book flights between Adelaide and Olympic Dam, this can be done online: qantas.com

OUR FLEET FOKKER F100

Number

Passengers

100

Length

35.5 metres

Wingspan

28 metres

Engines

RR Tay 650-15 Turbofans

Cruise Altitude

11,000 metres

Cruise Speed

800km/h

Range

3,167km

Passenger Detail

All economy seat configuration, 33-inch seat pitch, galley, toilet, pressurised, air-conditioned

FOKKER F70LR

CHARTER BOOKINGS For corporate or private charters of Alliance aircraft, the following contacts are available: allianceairlines.com.au/charters sales@allianceairlines.com.au

07 3212 1501

SAFETY INFORMATION Even though you may travel frequently, please familiarise yourself with the Safety On Board card located in your seat pocket.

Number

Passengers

Length

31 metres

Wingspan

28 metres

Engines

RR Tay 620-15 Turbofans

Cruise Altitude

11,000 metres

Cruise Speed

800km/h

Range

3,800km

Passenger Detail

All economy seat configuration, 33-inch seat pitch, galley, toilet, pressurised, air-conditioned

ALCOHOL

Passengers are not permitted to bring alcohol on board for inflight consumption. On flights where Alliance offers a bar service, our flight attendants adhere to RSA guidelines.

SEAT BELTS

Please observe the ‘Fasten Seat Belt’ signs when illuminated. In the interest of safety, keep your seat belt fastened at all times in case of unexpected turbulence.

CABIN BAGGAGE

Passengers should ensure that carry-on baggage does not weigh more than 7kg and fits into the overhead lockers.

FOKKER F50

Number

Passengers

Length

25 metres

Wingspan

29 metres

Engines

2 x PW125B Turboprop

Cruise Altitude

7,800 metres

Cruise Speed

500km/h

Range

2,600km

Passenger Detail

All economy seat configuration, 33-inch seat pitch, galley, toilet, pressurised, air-conditioned

contents

04 safetyinfo Please take the time to read up on Alliance Airlines’ safety information.

07 thecrust Quirky winter bars and music venues you’ve never heard of.

10 getaway Escape Fiji’s tourist hotspots and head to the heart of Viti Levu, the nation’s largest island, for a river rafting experience that also takes you to the heart of Fijian culture.

Issue 132 • June/July 07 cultureclub

What’s happening around the country, from art and music to theatre and cinema.

12 closeup

27 weekender

Michelle Hespe goes skiing in Victoria’s Mount Baw Baw and discovers a village that is as affordable as it is friendly.

Stunning Queenslander Margot Robbie talks about her rise through Hollywood’s ranks and her encounters with some big-name celebrities.

37 charity

16 kitchenconfidential

39 healthnews

18 food&wine

41 travelnews

The Powder Keg chef Elijah Holland tells Faye James how he makes traditional Brit food glam.

Simone Henderson-Smart tries out the wine lovers’ workout, cycling through Rutherglen and Beechworth.

Ningana Fine Foods is changing the lives of people with disabilities, writes Melissa Peterkin.

The latest tips, tricks and products to help you look and feel your best.

Hot tips, special offers and new venue launches that will have you dreaming and scheming about your next holiday destination.

RegionalBusinessReview Mini-mag inside featuring all the latest news & views from around Australia, including: • Inside Mining • Investment

• Agribusiness • News & Reviews 5

Time you had a long weekend in Brisbane? Alliance Airlines have three weekly Emerald - Brisbane return flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Perfect for a long weekend or a quick business trip!

fares from

140 on

e way

Emerald â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Brisbane Schedule

Brisbane â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Emerald Schedule

QQ4061

Monday#

Dep 7:25am

Arr 8:45am

QQ4060

Monday#

Dep 5:30am

Arr 6:55am

QQ4067

Thursday

Dep 6:00pm

Arr 7:20pm

QQ4066

Thursday

Dep 4:05pm

Arr 5:30pm

QQ4067

Friday

Dep 6:10pm

Arr 7:30pm

QQ4066

Friday

Dep 4:05pm

Arr 5:30pm

Timetable effective from 23 September 2014 except where shown. All times shown are local. Departure and flight times are subject to change depending on Air Traffic Control and weather conditions on the day. Brisbane departures and arrivals are at Brisbane Airport Domestic Terminal (Common User). # Monday departures reschedule to Tuesday when a Qld Public Holidays falls on a Monday. *fares include passenger charges but exclude credit card surcharges. Conditions apply.

Online reservations at www.allianceairlines.com.au or helloworld Emerald on 4982 1133 www.allianceairlines.com.au

thecrust

E WHERAT TO EINK & DR

FIVE OF THE BEST

WINTER PUBS

When ice cubes pour from your kitchen tap and a polar bear’s eaten the postman, there’s always dark beer in a warm bar. WORDS: Ben Smithurst

The Lord Dudley Hotel Paddington, NSW

The Shipwright’s Arms Battery Point, TAS

Windsor Castle Hotel Windsor, Vic

The Brisbane Hotel Highgate, WA

The Grace Emily Adelaide, SA

It’s kinda dim, with dark wood panels, open fireplace and an authentic English pub feel that’s miles away from the cod-Irish plastic Paddy vibe of your typical city’s Stabby McBloodbaths. With 18 beers on tap and British chef Matt Fosker doing modern Australian fare with a Blighty twist, there’s little excuse to head back out into the cold, posh, boat-shoe-shod streets. 236 Jersey Road, Woollahra, 02 9327 5399, lorddudley.com.au

Like most Hobart pubs, the Shipwright’s has a log fire and plenty of character – only in Shippies’ case, it’s thanks to 169 years of history. It remains old school, but decidedly welcoming. Their mantra: “We don’t have poker machines, nor are we a betting shop. You won’t get your ears punished with loud music. We don’t have pool tables. We don’t do bok choy or tofu.” Perfect. 29 Trumpeter St, Battery Point, 03 6223 5551, shipwrightsarms.com.au

It’s got a trio of pink elephants on the roof, and a tiki courtyard, and is as hipster-y as a barista’s fixie bike. If that fills you with rage, look elsewhere, but if not, the Windsor will draw you and hold you tighter than One Direction’s trousers. It’s dimly lit, with a cosy fire and hefty parmas – and that tropical garden is awash with heaters, and the ripe hormonal swell of youth. Cool, yeah? 89 Albert Street, Prahran, 03 9525 0239, windsorcastle.com.au

The Brisbane’s Pilbara-sized beer garden hardly screams ‘winter’ – but inside there’s a mix of contemporary style and old-school charm (The Brisbane dates back to 1898 as a workingman’s watering hole) with inviting sofas and a roaring fire. Duck upstairs later for a laugh at Lazy Susan’s Comedy Den with an eclectic mix of the too-cool and the down-toEarth, or just lose your shirt at the pool tables. 292 Beaufort Street, Highgate, 08 9227 2300, thebrisbanehotel.com.au

There’s an open fire in the front bar, one of South Australia’s best live music venues out the back and so much Coopers on tap you could drown a blue whale. One of the city’s most laid back pubs, the Grace Emily eschews manufactured quirkiness for genuine character. Dingy but not dirty, utterly pokie free and with more colourful characters than a Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers/ Teletubbies mashup. 232 Waymouth Street, Adelaide, 08 8231 5500 7

FLY IN CHILL OUT Bright Side Port Coogee offers 17 exclusive apartments positioned perfectly in Australia’s most exciting new marina village. Shoot across to Rotto on the boat, duck into Freo for coffee and culture or kick back on your own balcony,

this is West Coast living at its best.

ONLY 5% DEPOSIT REQUIRED

WORLD CLASS BEACHES

400M

WORLD CLASS MARINA

200M

CONSTRUCTION STARTED

DOME CAFE

300M

COMPLETION MID 2016

6 BRUNSWICK STREET PORT COOGEE MARINA VILLAGE 1 x 1 Apartment + Studio 64m2 + Balcony 17m2 + 1 Car Bay $460,000 2 x 2 Apartment 80m2 + Balcony 21m2 + 1 Car Bay

$525,000

2 x 2 Apartment 84m2 + Balcony 21m2 + 2 Car Bays

$615,000

WA’S LEADING SUPPLIER OF CONCRETE REPAIR AND PROTECTIVE COATING SERVICES. WWW.DURATECAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

Sarah Brolsma

0407 939 931

sales@yolkpropertygroup.com.au

brightsideportcoogee.com.au

PERTH: 08 6267 2370 KALGOORLIE: 08 9021 5277 KARRATHA: 08 9185 6077

EXTENDING THE LIFE

OF YOUR ASSETS”

CONCRETE REPAIR & COATINGS

TECHNICAL SURVEYING

PROTECTIVE COATINGS

TANK LININGS

thecrust

SECRET GIGS Rock along to some of Australia’s strangest music venues.

THE CAPRICORN CAVES Rockhampton, Qld You don’t get much more underground than what the Underground Opera Company – a lushly appointed touring troupe that plays in strange venues nationwide – called “the most acousticallysounding caves in the country”. This November is its eighth year playing the above-ground caves, nestled in a huge limestone ridge 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton. Their show features a sumptuous line-up of popular opera arias and musical theatre songs, all performed in what were once coral atolls around volcanic islands – albeit several million years ago. 30 Olsens Caves Road, The Caves, 07 4934 2883, capricorncaves.com.au

TANKS ARTS CENTRE Cairns, Qld

THE TRIFFID Brisbane, Qld

The three colossal concrete fuel tanks hidden by the rainforest shroud of Mount Whitfield, near Cairns, were built for the Royal Australian Navy in 1944. They were in use until 1987 – but since have been repurposed (and extensively refitted, obviously) as a community arts space. No novelty venue, Tanks now hosts a constant roster of local and international acts, with recent performances including the Jazz Up North festival, Michael Franti, Augie March and the Doug Anthony All Stars. Beware, though, during summer: there’s no air con. 46 Collins Ave, Edge Hill, 07 4032 6600, tanksartscentre.com

After 25 years in the music industry, Powderfinger bassist John ‘JC’ Collins should know a decent stage when he sees one. But when he decided to convert an old Brisbane WWII hanger into a rocking venue even his closet friends must have suspected JC’s brain had burned through one ‘Sunsets’ too many. And yet, Newstead’s The Triffid is the result: a cavernous, Berlin-esque warehouse space with an 800-person capacity and a 490-square metre outdoor beer garden to boot. Hosts everyone from the hip (San Cisco) to the heavy (Karnivool), with a long line for grub come Taco Tuesdays. 9 Stratton Street, Newstead, 1300 762 545, thetriffid.com.au 9

getaway

GO WITH

THE FLOW The highland wilderness isn’t a usual attraction for tourists visiting Fiji. But they’re all missing something truly magical, Simone Henderson-Smart discovers. “PLEASE, SIGN your life away,” says the man across the counter, flashing a huge smile as he hands me a pen. It’s a cheeky grin, challenging me to guess how serious he is. I’m in the office of Rivers Fiji, excited about my impending trip into the highlands and completely unaware that I’m about to be born again. Viti Levu’s pristine stretches of palm-fringed white sandy beaches and contrasting aqua waters have long lured tourists to this South Pacific island. But, as I’m about to discover, the real Fiji isn’t found in the resorts on the coast. To get a true sense of this place and its gorgeous people, you need to head for the hills – which is precisely why I’m signing my life away and hopping on a bus to the Upper Navua River. Inland Fiji is a dense tropical wilderness in the most life-affirming hue of green. Nature rules here and everything grows with rampant abundance. There are stands of bamboo close to 100 metres tall, thousands of species of palm

trees and ferns, and it seems as though everything growing has something else growing on it, with creepers and vines adding yet another layer to the thick jungle. It appears that nothing could cut through this wilderness. But that’s forgetting the sheer power of water. The Navua River has carved a deep gorge through the region, creating a jaw-dropping, steep-sided playground of more than 50 waterfalls, heart-pounding rapids and endless greenery. To be able to play here, all you need is a good guide and a raft. The lovely locals at Rivers Fiji happily supply both for a day of non-stop awe and thrillseeking action. Lifejacket and helmet on, paddle in hand, we trek down through the jungle to the riverbed, where we meet our guides and get a quick lesson on how to negotiate this powerful river. “Bula! Welcome to our office,” Jo says, with the satisfaction of someone who knows he’s landed the best job in the world. In fact, all around us

Inland Fiji is a dense, tropical wilderness in the most life-affirming hue of green. Nature rules here and everything grows in rampant abundance. 10

Images: Aaron March

the guides are frolicking in the water, grinning and whooping like little kids. It’s infectious – our whole group is loosening up and getting into the spirit, too – despite the seriousness of Jo’s safety speech. As a whitewater novice, I’m feeling nervous, even more so when I tune in to the roar of the river rushing over the rocks as we climb into our boats. “Just lean in,” shouts Jo, “and grab the chicken line!” He’s laughing. It’s called the chicken line because the strap around the raft is for pussies. None of the guys dare touch it, but I’m leaning in and holding on with all of my might. I needn’t have worried; Jo is in complete control. First rapid negotiated and my heart is pounding. Not from fear as I expected, but from absolute exhilaration. Paddles in the air, we whoop and cheer, urging the river to “bring it on!” And it does, with many more sections of rapids making our hearts pound, punctuated by long stretches where we just drift downstream staring at the mind-blowing scenery and feeling truly blessed to be able to visit such a remote part of the world. With each bend in the river the stresses of city life are slowly melting away. There are waterfalls around every corner; some offer a delicate spray others a thunderous roar. We pull over and hop out at one of the guides’ favourite spots.

We just drift downstream, staring at the mind-blowing scenery and feeling truly blessed to be able to visit such a remote part of the world.

Images: Aaron March

getaway

“This is Free Massage Waterfall,” Jo enthuses. Not its traditional name, I suspect, but wholly appropriate. Jo is the first to demonstrate how to properly experience the intensity of the water. At the bottom of the fall is a broad stone slab, perfect for stretching your body out for a pounding. This river really does work magic – I feel the healing power of water as the torrent works my muscles. The complete rebirth happens just a little further downstream when we are encouraged to jump out of the rafts and float with the flow for a while. One of the other guides, Pita, is singing

a traditional Fijian love song. Lying on my back, looking up beyond the sheer cliffs and waterfalls into the clear blue sky, I completely let go and sense an incredible feeling of peace and calm. It’s like the river has pressed my ‘refresh’ button. I feel like a completely different person to the one who hopped on the bus earlier that morning. Later that evening, I become an honorary Fijian. The guides have organised for us to visit one of the small villages along the river near where we’ve set up camp for the night. The locals come out of their huts to greet us: we receive a shake of the hand from the elders and frantic

* Plus site works

getaway FAS

T FAC Fiji is T actua more lly than 3 made up Levu 00 is of you’ll being the lands, Viti l arg fin neigh d the capit est. Here bouri al, S nearly ng cities uva, and , hom thre Fiji’s p e-quarters e to opula o tion. f

Round-up STAY The Uprising Beach Resort Queens Road, Pacific Harbour, Fiji uprisingbeachresort.com

EXPLORE Rivers Fiji offers daytrips of either the Upper or Middle Navua River, as well as longer 8-day adventure packages. riversfiji.com

It’s clear that we are very welcome here, but the true welcome is in the chief’s hut where a special ceremony awaits us. waves from the children. It’s clear that we are very welcome here, but the true welcome is in the chief’s hut where a special ceremony awaits us. We are invited to sit cross-legged around the edge of a room that is full of villagers – notably the chief’s son, the three elders and a very smiley young man mixing up kava in a large wooden dish in the centre of the room. One of the villagers explains that they are going to speak their local dialect for a while as part of the traditional welcoming ceremony. And then we’ll drink kava. Far from a tourist show, it’s apparent from the looks on the villagers’ faces that this is a special experience for them, too. After 10 minutes of

traditional chanting and praying, we are officially adopted into the village community. “You are one of us now. You are Fijian. Please, you can talk and laugh and drink kava with us.” And so we talk and laugh and drink kava well into the night. The villagers ask us many questions, and we ask back, in an authentic cultural exchange that is rarely experienced between tourists and local indigenous people. They feel blessed to have us in their village and we, too, know we are blessed to be there. Its been just one day; one incredible day. It feels like I’ve been away forever – and I know that’s not just the kava talking. 15

Warren H Williams

WE ALL STAND ON SACRED GROUND: NAIDOC 2015

VALE BREWI ALWAYS IN GOOD

The City of Karratha is celebrating Indigenous culture from Saturday 27 June through to Sunday 26 July. Principal Sponsor

VALE BREWING. ALWAYS IN VALEGOOD BREWING. ALWAYS IN COMPANY. GOOD COMPANY.

Presented by

DRINK RESPONSIBLY

For information: www.karratha.wa.gov.au/NAIDOC or contact the City of Karratha on 9186 8559 or email enquiries@karratha.wa.gov.au.

DRINK RESPONSIBLY

planner

Planner

JUNE

Our top pick of events coming up around the country...

Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream, National

F T O TH N N E EVE MO H T

JUNE 5–JULY 12 Starring Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Tiana – Disney on Ice’s latest incarnation is the “ultimate princess experience”, bringing four beloved Disney princesses together for a show-stopping stage spectacular. Combining the modern-day princess films Tangled and The Princess and the Frog with the timeless fairytales Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderella, this action-packed ice-skating extravaganza is a classic-meets-contemporary celebration of 75 years of Disney princess stories. Dare to Dream is coming to Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney this winter. disneyonice.com.au

JUNE

JULY

JUNE 26–28

Truffle Kerfuffle Southern Forest Food Festival, Perth

Get set to discover the secrets of a global delicacy: the black Périgord truffle. At the festival, guests can hunt for truffles with the help of speciallytrained dogs, wander the farmers’ markets, sample truffle dishes and experience cooking masterclasses with some of Western Australia’s top chefs. trufflekerfuffle.com.au

look

ahead

AUGUST 7–9 Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo Grab your cowboy hat and boots for the ultimate bull-riding competition! isarodeo.com.au

JULY 12

JULY

JULY 23–25

Beer Can Regatta, Darwin

Royal Darwin Show, Darwin

This annual charity event is a funfilled day of activities for the young and young-at-heart. The main event is a race across Darwin Harbour in homemade beer-can boats, but there’s also a host of other novelty races and challenges. Organised by the Lions Clubs of Darwin, this year’s beneficiary is HPA Disability Services. beercanregatta.org.au

This is a true Northern Territory experience, showcasing the best of the region. Pavilions present livestock, exotic birds and giant pumpkins for judging, and experts will be on hand to offer advice on everything from gardening to beekeeping. There is also musical entertainment, rides and arts and crafts. darwinshow.com.au

AUGUST 15–22 Hamilton Island Race Week Yachties and spectators converge for Australia’s biggest offshore keelboat regatta. hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au

else

where

JUNE 19–28 Queenstown Winter Festival New Zealand’s snow season kicks off with a buzzing blend of winter sports, culture and entertainment. winterfestival.co.nz

JULY 25

Australian Outback Marathon, Uluru

Competitors test their endurance through the heart of Australia, racing alongside some of Australia’s most spectacular landmarks, including the monumental Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Shorter distances also available for those less inclined. australianoutbackmarathon.com

JUNE 24–28 Glastonbury Festival, England Kanye West and Foo Fighters are headlining the UK’s biggest music event, now in its 45th year. glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

what to pack

What to pack Our faves for the month... staff pick

Eagle Creek Morphus bag, $395, eaglecreek.com

Malin + Goetz beauty products, POA, mecca.com.au

what to pack Russell Athletic leggings, $59.99, russellathletic.com.au

Glagla Classic shoes, $89.95, glaglashoes.com.au

Derek Cardigan sunglasses, $89, clearly.com.au

Black Diamond Apollo lantern, $89.95, paddypallin.com.au

Nemo Nocturne 15 down sleeping bag, $499.95, paddypallin.com.au

Nemo Losi LS 2P tent, $479.95, paddypallin.com.au

entertainment

Entertainment The latest and greatest things to hear, see and read...

listen

Viator

BLUR: THE MAGIC WHIP In 1997, Blur was one of the most iconic representations of Britpop, with the “woo-hoo!” hook of ‘Song 2’ in 1997 becoming a soundtrack for a new rock’n’roll generation. Critics have praised the album, starring original line-up singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree. Rolling Stone magazine gave it four out of five stars and said, “The band’s first album in more than a decade is a dark, seductive set that cements a legacy.”

JAMIE FOXX: YOU CHANGED ME FT. CHRIS BROWN Jamie Foxx has been moving and shaking in the film sphere in recent years, but those who recall his Oscar-winning performance as Ray Charles in Ray in 2004 know the man can sing. ‘You Changed Me’ , the lead single for his latest album Hollywood: A Story of a Dozen Roses, is a collaboration with Chris Brown that talks about finding a girl who is mentally and physically stimulating, who changed his life after a string of one-sided relationships.

App Store, free/ Google Play, free The new Viator app shows you the most beautiful photos of 2014. Selected from thousands of images, travel experts have made a selection of ten pictures that preview the most amazing experiences. Be inspired by the diversity of possibilities and convinced by personal recommendations!

WunderWalk

watch: MINIONS

staff pick

download

Animation, Comedy, Family The infamous minions from Despicable Me 1 & 2 are back in their very own feature film. Having served countless evil masters since the dawn of time, including T.Rex, Genghis Khan, Napoleon and Dracula – and always accidently destroying them – the minions fall into a state of depression and disorientation. But when Kevin, Stuart and Bob meet female supervillain Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock) they find themselves in a world of trouble. Are the three minions able to find a new master and save minionkind from annihilation? In cinemas June 18. minionsmovie.com

read POSTER GIRL Beccy Cole, Hachette Australia, $32.99 Award-winning country music singer-songwriter Beccy Cole’s life story has all the ingredients of a compelling memoir: sacrifice and success; happiness and heartache; and the quest for inner peace and public validation.

App Store, free/ Google Play, free Are you sick of always visiting crowded touristy places on your vacation? WunderWalk offers you the perfect way to discover the world and then share it with your friends! The app uses recommendations from hundreds of people to generate a personal itinerary specific to your needs, offering you the best advice for food, shopping, attractions and more.

Foodspotting ULTIMATE RECORD BREAKING DESTINATIONS Samantha Wilson, New Holland, $29.99 If you love pushing the boundaries of adventurous travel, Samantha Wilson’s book has all the largest, highest, lowest, oldest, deepest and most extreme places to add to your bucket list.

SEASON OF SALT & HONEY Hannah Tunnicliffe, Pan Macmillan Australia, $29.99 After the death of her fiancé, Frankie Caputo withdraws from her life and flees to a remote cabin to overcome her loss. Spiced up with Italian recipes, this story handles grief and starting over in a most heartwarming way.

App Store, free/ Google Play, free Find and share your favourite dish wherever you are in the world with Foodspotting! The app allows you to find good restaurants and also certain dishes that have been positively rated with photographs by other users. Just tap in your location and enjoy your foodie favourites wherever you travel.

BUGABOO - WITH OUR NEW ERGO PLUS ADJUSTABLE HARNESS FOR COMFORT AND FIT, THE BUGABOO IS DESIGNED FOR TOUGH TREKS LIKE THE OVERLAND OR KOKODA. A NEW FRONT POCKET, STASH POCKET, HYDRATION PORT, BUILT IN RAIN COVER AND LIGHTWEIGHT BUCKLES MAKE IT TOUGH AND VERSATILE SO YOU ONLY HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE PATH AHEAD.

P6 Advert (awaiting artwork) Vigilante Blackwolf

MADE TO ESCAPE. VISIT WWW.BLACKWOLF.COM.AU OR CALL 1800 227 070 FACEBOOK.COM/BLACKWOLFGEAR

cultureclub

CULTURE CLUB GOT A THING FOR THEATRE? LOVE LIVE MUSIC? ENJOY GREAT GALLERIES? READ ON FOR WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH...

SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL

JUNE 3–14

Celebrating cinema from around the globe, the esteemed Sydney Film Festival prides itself on its selection of “courageous, audacious and cutting-edge cinema.” The 12-day festival screens documentaries, feature films, short films and animations across the city, with a special hub at Town Hall for free performances, exhibitions and industry talks. sff.org.au

ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL

JUNE 5–20

With the man behind Dame Edna Everage, Barry Humphries, at the helm, the feather boas will no doubt be flying in all directions at this year’s song-and-dance festival celebrating the wonderful world of cabaret. From fishnets and false eyelashes to seductive serenades, audiences will be spellbound by the world-class line-up. Full program and tickets at adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

stacffk pi

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL May 28–June 7

The 2015 Melbourne International Jazz Festival will set this chilly city on fire with a thrilling program featuring some of the world’s most legendary jazz artists, contemporary innovators, blistering instrumentalists and soulful singers such as Kurt Elling (pictured) and Herbie Hancock. Think intimate club gigs, late-night art parties, film screenings, talks and workshops – many of them free. melbournejazz.com

cultureclub

June 19–24 ST PETERSBURG BALLET’S SWAN LAKE, MELBOURNE

Critically acclaimed and internationally renowned, the St Petersburg Ballet is hailed as one of the greatest ballet companies in the world. Australian audiences can experience the majesty of a full-scale classical performance when the company brings its rendition of Swan Lake to Melbourne as part of its international tour. Tickets from ticketmaster.com.au

DYLAN MORAN ‘OFF THE HOOK’

July 10–August 19 Touring nationally

For fans of the hit British show Black Books, Dylan Moran needs no introduction. For the rest of you, it’s time to meet the incredibly witty, adorably disheveled and hilariously funny Irishman. If you love clever comedy, you’ll fall hard for Moran. abpresents.com.au

AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC, TOWNSVILLE

July 31–August 8 Celebrating its quarter-century in 2015, this year’s festival offers a free concert featuring the majestic 1812 Overture in the Queen’s Gardens on Sunday, August 2. It will also see the return of the everpopular concert crawl – where one ticket allows music lovers to attend three halfhour performances on the same night. For the full program head to afcm.com.au

15-6387 SP PRESS_275x210mm FA.indd 1

15/05/2015 10:14 am

Exhibitions  Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair runs from August 7–9 at the Darwin Convention Centre and comprises Indigenous art, music and performance. Indigenous art centres are a thriving expression of Aboriginal culture, however many dedicated galleries are located in remote regions that are hard to get to. For city-goers, each year a collection of works from more than 40 galleries across the country comes together under the one roof. As well as being a platform to showcase both established and emerging artists’ works, the fair provides buyers with the opportunity to purchase artworks direct from the galleries. darwinaboriginalartfair.com.au

Above: John Wolseley has taken inspiration for his latest exhibition from water, and how its fluidity shapes Australia’s landscape.  John Wolseley: Heartlands and Headwaters is showing at the National Gallery of Victoria until September 20. In this series of drawings on paper, Wolseley explores the beauty and fragility of Australia’s wetland ecosystems. Using techniques similar to Australian Indigenous artists, he makes use of natural materials found on site; charcoal, ochres and plants – in order to give a true sense of the place that he is depicting. johnwolseley.net

Above: Artist Regina Pilawuk Wilson, of the Durrmu Arts program, will display her striking weavings at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.

5 SECONDS OF SUMMER JUNE 20–29

Tickets and tour dates available online now.

TOUR 10

 GOMA Q: Contemporary Queensland Art is the first in a series of exhibitions that celebrates the best visual artists around the state. Profiling emerging, mid-career and senior artists from a range of disciplines – including painting, photography, ceramic, video, performance, installation and sculpture – the exhibition will show at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art from July 11 to October 11. qagoma.qld.gov.au

JOHNNY MARR JULY 18–22

HIS HOLINESS THE 14TH DALAI LAMA JUNE 4–15

Linatex® Premium Rubber, the best protection against long-term wear and tear for your mining equipment. This means less downtime and a lower total cost of ownership. To put it simply, Linatex® lasts. To find out more visit linatexlasts.com

LINATEX

RED RUBBER™ PRODUCTS It’s our trademark. Since 1923.

Premium Rubber Products

LINATEX

Copyright © 2015, Weir Minerals Australia Ltd. ®All rights reserved. LINATEX, RED RUBBER and the Linatex red colour are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Linatex Ltd. WEIR is a trademark and/or registered trademark of Weir Engineering Services Ltd. 156387/0415.

weirminerals.com

GOLDEN GIRL

closeup

OUTthere speaks to Queenslander starlet Margot Robbie about her rise to fame, slapping Leo in the face and those steamy rumours about Will Smith...

AT JUST 24, Australian beauty Margot Robbie has already worked with the cream of Hollywood royalty. She starred in Martin Scorsese’s Oscarnominated hit The Wolf of Wall Street with Leonardo DiCaprio and she is cast alongside Tina Fey, Michelle Williams and Samuel L. Jackson (to name-drop a few) in a bunch of films slated for release in 2015. Not bad for a girl who, up until four years ago, was a regular on Neighbours. But Robbie has only good things to say about the soap, acknowledging that many Australians who make it big in Hollywood have graduated from either Ramsay Street or Summer Bay. “It’s like a rite of passage,” she says with a smirk. “And clearly it’s a tried and tested path boasting some huge success stories.” One might call Robbie an ‘overnight’ success. The actor moved to Los Angeles after only two and a half years on Neighbours. Once there, she promptly landed the role of Naomi Lapaglia in the The Wolf of Wall Street, playing the wife of shady entrepreneur Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio). The relatively unknown Robbie delivered a revelatory performance that made her one of the industry’s most in-demand stars. Since, she’s snagged lead roles in films such as Tarzan, Suite Française and The Taliban Shuffle – Fey’s highly anticipated comedy. But the first release in her 2015 assault is Focus, a comedy-thriller set in the world of organised con-artistry. Her sizzling chemistry with leading man Will Smith even led to rumours of an on-set romance. On the day we meet, Robbie is simply stunning in a black halter-neck top and cream trousers, but she’s also approachable, genuine and down-to-earth. 13

closeup

What was it like working with Will Smith on Focus? Wonderful, funny. A blast. He’s the Will Smith that you see in films and TV. He’s the exact same guy. There’s such warmth and [he’s very] welcoming and no, there’s no attitude on set. He just rallies the entire set, gets everyone in this fantastic mood, which makes the whole day. You’re never going to be around him and not laugh, not have a good time. It’s just his natural makeup.

The chemistry between you guys is really something. I know, I think that came as a surprise to many people, even ourselves. We weren’t expecting it. But I guess you can never predict how you’re going to get along with someone. For some reason, we just walked into the room and got along so well and that went on throughout the shoot. It was fantastic. And it doesn’t happen with every actor you work with, it doesn’t happen with every person you meet.

You play an expert con artist in this film. Some useful tips for life? Very useful [laughs].

You also learned how to pickpocket – have you tried this out in real life? I have, and I’m not afraid to say, I’m rather good at it now. I started out terribly and would always get caught. They’d be like, ‘Eh, what are you doing? Why’s your hand in my back pocket?’ Now, they haven’t a clue.

You left Neighbours less than four years ago; do you ever pinch yourself and say, “How the hell did I get here?” Well, I pinched myself when I was working on Neighbours and I pinch myself where I am now. They were all fantastic opportunities for me.

Soaps are far more technical than one would think. There’s so much happening around you all the time, there’s so many people involved and storylines – [it’s] totally different from a movie in that regard and you have to be skilled to do that job. There’s often so little acknowledgement for that. We were shooting an episode a day. One whole episode a day.

Would you say the biggest coup was landing Naomi in The Wolf of Wall Street? Every actress in town was after that part.  Yes, of course, it was huge. [I had to dive in] headfirst. It’s Scorsese – it was huge. It still is.

But Martin Scorsese and Will Smith are a long way from Neighbours.

And it all came about from that surprise slap across Leo’s face in the audition…

They’re just further extensions of the same job. Neighbours was my schooling – I really learnt so much and it annoys me when people say how happy I must be to have graduated up, as it were. Let me say, I was over the moon when I landed Neighbours. It was the biggest thing to happen in my life and so, so exciting. I never thought I’d get to that level.

I do wonder sometimes what would have happened had I not slapped him. I still remember that stunned silence when I did it.

You improvised it, right? I was supposed to walk away from him, but I just got really into the moment and turned around and smacked him and said, ‘F**k you!’

Margot’s rise to the top Neighbours (TV Series)

2008–11

Pan Am (TV Series)

2011–12

About Time 2013 The Wolf of Wall Street 2013 Suite Française 2014 Z for Zachariah 2015 Focus 2015 Tarzan 2015 Fun House 2016 Suicide Squad 2016

closeup

I just got really into the moment and turned around and smacked him and said, ‘F**k you!’ Once I did it, I was like, ‘Well, that was a terrible idea, but at least I got to smack Leonardo DiCaprio!’ Once I did it, I was like, ‘Well, that was a terrible idea, but at least I got to smack Leonardo DiCaprio in the face!’

What was it like working with them [DiCaprio and Scorsese], considering they’ve worked together many times before?  They had this bond where one finished the other’s sentence and it was like telepathy. I found myself thinking, ‘Was something changed there? Did I miss something?’ I had to up my game so much to keep up.

What can you tell us about your next movie, Tarzan? It’s not the traditional Tarzan story, it’s set after so you won’t be seeing him in the jungle. But there’s great action and [a] love story and its been a lot of fun.

You play Jane. How does she differ from the original story? Yeah, she’s quite independent, not so reliant on Tarzan. I kind of like the strong female characters. She’s a strong character and fun.

Lastly, in Suicide Squad, you’re back with Will. What can you tell us about the film? We’re due to start shooting I think, really soon, like literally right after [finishing Focus]. The script keeps changing as far as I know, so what I can tell is not much because I know so little myself! I don’t know what my relationship will be like with Will, I don’t think it will be similar to Focus but I’m so excited to get started. [It’s] so different from anything I’ve worked on before. 15

kitchenconfidential

Ye Modern Pub Signature dishes and drinks include oysters with gin and tonic sorbet, duck schnitzel lollipops and Negroni ice cream sandwiches.

Home to not only what is perhaps Sydney’s most impressive gin collection, but to equally impressive chef Elijah Holland, The Powder Keg Restaurant & Bar in Potts Point embodies the essence of 17th-century English and Dutch cuisine. In true testament to its name, The Powder Keg provides the perfect blend of distinctive cocktails and delicious food. Signature dishes and drinks include oysters with gin and tonic sorbet, duck schnitzel lollipops, Negroni ice cream sandwiches and the Gunpowder Plot – a lethal concoction of gin, gunpowder tea, Fernet Branca, gunpowder syrup, dandelion and burdock bitters, lemon juice and egg white for froth, served in a smoke-filled glass casing. Formerly employed by popular Australian restaurants ARIA and Jonah’s, Elijah has been refining his craft since the age of 14. Today, his classic English- and Dutch-inspired dishes with a contemporary flair complement The Powder Keg’s main draw: gin-based cocktails perfected

Faye James speaks to chef Elijah Holland about his recreation of traditional dishes for the modern palate.

by mixologist and owner Grant Collins. His vision of a restaurant possessing both a modern setting and historic spirit is now a reality. Elijah’s passion for cooking and his commitment to the discovery and creation of new dishes is obvious, both in and out of the kitchen. Spending his free time foraging for native plants, flowers and other edibles for use in his culinary creations, this is just one of Elijah’s uniquely personal approaches to cooking. In true 17th- and 18th-century fashion, he strives to make as many of his dishes as possible from scratch – including “breads, butters, cheeses, ferments, pickles and charcuterie.” Elijah doesn’t take the creation of new dishes lightly, but rather executes his culinary decisions with a specific vision in mind. “It can take some time to plan,” he says, “but it’s an exciting process to have an idea and work hard to put it onto a plate and see it come to life.” It is obvious just by his presentation of dishes that a personal touch is important to Elijah.

SODA BREAD Ingredients • 250g wholemeal flour • 250g plain flour • 1 tsp bi-carb soda • 1 tsp salt • 420ml buttermilk • Sesame seeds Method 1. Mix flours, bi-carb soda and salt in a large bowl. 2. Add buttermilk slowly, while mixing slowly, until sticky dough forms. 3. Lightly flour your bench, gently roll and fold the dough a couple of times to combine. Do not knead. 4 Shape the dough into a loaf. 5. Cover a tray with sesame seeds and roll the entire loaf into the seeds. 6. Score the top, dust with flour and bake at 200 degrees for 30 minutes. 7. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

Rapidfire What ingredient couldn’t you live without? Butter! The amount that I dredge on my toast in the morning almost sickens my girlfriend. What’s the most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten? Emu egg! As far as traditional and cultural research goes, what country would you like to go to? Why? I’d love to go to Norway or Denmark. There is so much to explore and draw inspiration from; and food sustainability and way of life is remarkable. Some of the best and most innovative chefs I know have come from there.

This touch often comes in the form of a colourful display of freshly picked edible flowers. As chef of an establishment whose claim to fame is its drink selection, it speaks volumes about Elijah’s talents that he is able to create a menu that is both widely received and well-regarded by the public and food critics alike. So what does the chef himself recommend? “My plum Eton Mess,” he says. “This is my own little twist and version I feel really expresses my passion for food.” With Elijah’s mind brimming over with ideas, it sounds as though clientele of The Powder Keg can expect to see some exciting new menu additions in the near future. “I love to see how far I can push myself and my cooking,” says Elijah. “Food is such a creative thepowderkeg.com.au outlet for me.”

SOUR CREAM BUTTER Ingredients • 1l sour cream Method 1. Whip sour cream with an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture thickens and turns to butter. 2. Separate butter from buttermilk by straining the butter through a tea towel or cheese cloth. 3. Store in an airtight container in a cool place. 4. Slice warm bread and serve on wooden board with butter and a pinch of sea salt.

food&wine

THE WINE LOVERS’

WORKOUT

Can you eat fabulous food, indulge in fine wines and exercise at the same time? In the Victorian wine regions of Rutherglen and Beechworth you sure can, writes Simone Henderson-Smart.

’ll confess: I hate gyms. Sweat and strain and being yelled at by some muscled-up 20-year-old in lycra leaves me cold. Unfortunately, I really love food and wine! There’s a dreadful incompatibility there – I’m totally aware of it – and until a recent weekend in north-east Victoria, I thought my waistline was doomed. That was until I discovered the joys of cycling through wine country.

Day one: Rutherglen Perhaps it’s because in their hearts they are naturally humble and hardworking, but the winemakers of Rutherglen do the family business thing really well. Morris and Campbells have been making wine here for five generations; at All Saints Estate the sixth generation has is now at the helm and, astonishingly, Stanton & Killeen are now into their seventh generation of winemakers. The region is probably best known for its fortified wines – most notably Muscat and Tokay – but there are other fascinating and fabulous wines created here by each new generation looking to leave its mark. As my guide, Natalie, says, “If you want to try something you’ve never had before, you’re in the right place.” We’re about to embark on a ‘Seasonal Food Foray’ tour and although I’m a little nervous about the 20-kilometre bike ride involved, I’m incredibly excited.

The brainchild of the owners at The Pickled Sisters Café, the foray is a picnic of sorts comprising four dishes made with seasonal and local produce, and matching wines from four different wineries. The meal comes packed in a pretty four-storey stainless steel tiffin that fits neatly into the bicycle basket. First stop is Cofield Wines, conveniently next door – although we have cycled from town so I feel I’ve earned my house-smoked salmon and herbed sour cream served with chargrilled baguette. The dish is paired perfectly with a chilled glass of Cofield’s 2012 Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay. As Nat remarks, and I must agree, “Any day that you’re drinking champagne before midday is a good day.” There’s no rest for the wicked though, and we hop back on our bikes and head to our next pit stop at Pfeiffer Wines. The winery is abuzz. Vintage has come early this year and everything has ripened at once, so they’re picking and fermenting at a frantic pace. Word on the proverbial grapevine is that 2015 will be a brilliant harvest for Rutherglen wines and the vignerons are all very excited. We set up at a more peaceful spot next, on the bridge that crosses the carp- and turtle-filled river running through the estate. Along with some food for our new aquatic friends, The Pickled Sisters have also supplied us with a very generous glass of their 2013

The winery is abuzz. Vintage has come early this year and everything has ripened at once, so they’re picking and fermenting at a frantic pace.

Images ÂŠ Ewen Bell

food&wine

Marsanne to match with our second course: Milawa free-range chicken and pistachio terrine served with peach chutney. At this stage, although I’m rather thankful for Rutherglen’s lack of hills, I’m holding up well. The sun is shining, there’s a cool breeze blowing and I’m exercising – with a smile on my face! I could get used to this. Next we pull up our bikes at the Stanton and Killeen cellar door. Dropping in for a quick pre-meal tasting, I’m particularly impressed by their reds. Although you can still find punch-you-in-the-face Durifs that can get up to 18% alcohol-by-volume, there is a refined elegance starting to show through in the red wines of Rutherglen. Stanton and Killeen’s 2012 Shiraz Durif (a 50/50 blend) is a fine example of this, and it goes down nicely with our seared fillet of beef served with salsa verde and a green bean, tomato and olive salad.

Next we pull up our bikes at the Stanton and Killeen cellar door. Dropping in for a quick pre-meal tasting, I’m particularly impressed by their reds. The blessed folk at The Pickled Sisters have saved the best for last. As previously mentioned, the Tokays of Rutherglen have a well-deserved reputation for quality and Campbells has some of the very best. It’s a wonderful match for our dessert of orange and almond cake, served with confit of oranges and citrus syrup and a tub of local Gundowring vanilla ice cream. I’d be more than happy with just the tub and the Tokay – and say as much when I go into the cellar door for a tasting. “Oh I know!” laughs Ian, the man behind the bar. “We once had a group doing just that. I told them, ‘that doesn’t have the heart foundation tick of approval … you keep that up someone’s gonna die!’” Not if they have their bikes though, Ian. It’s all about balance.

Day two: Beechworth Feeling emboldened by my efforts yesterday, today I decide to tackle 38 kilometres of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Damian Cerini of Tour de Vines has put together a cracking itinerary that makes the most of the region’s produce and wineries.

food&wine

We visit vignerons, stop for a much-needed ice-cold beer, pop into an olive grove, taste cheese and lunch at the famous Milawa Cheese Factory and, finally, wind up at the Brown Brothers’ bustling cellar door. What started out as a hobby has now become a full-time business for Damian. “I used to bring friends here from Melbourne for weekends of eating and drinking and cycling, and it just kind of took off from there,” he explains. He’s picked a perfect part of the world for it. It’s not as flat as Rutherglen, but thankfully our route is downhill and pretty soon I’m going faster on a bike than I’ve ever done before and I’m not even pedalling. The trail is busy, and I note that my fellow cyclists are hardly spring chickens. “Cycling’s the new golf,” a smiley old bloke declares at our first stop, the Pennyweight cellar door. “Lots of older people are getting into it and it’s something we can do with our wives. Most guys who play golf just go by themselves.” He’s part of a group of three couples who are doing the same tour, but they just have a map and are taking their time at each place, smiling and chatting and sampling. It’s very clear from the sparkle in their eyes and the grins on their faces that they’re big fans of the wine lover’s workout too.

Round-up GET THERE Rutherglen and Beechworth are a 30-minute drive from Albury.

STAY At a self-contained boutique villa set in a working vineyard: The Wicked Villa 165 Hopetoun Rd, Rutherglen 02 6032 7022 rutherglenvic.com/accommodation/ the-wicked-villa

EAT Sip and graze at: Thousand Pound 82 Main Street, Rutherglen 02 6035 2222 thousandpound.com.au Feast at: All Saints Estate 315 All Saints Road, Wahgunyah 02 6035 2222 allsaintswine.com.au

MORE INFO victoriashighcountry.com.au tourdevines.com.au

Surveying and spatial science is at the heart of Australia’s development and growth

CRICOS No. 00001K – RTO Code 0101 – 150278

Be one step ahead with a course at CIT – the premier provider of surveying and spatial vocational training for Queensland and the ACT.

Our certificate III to diploma qualifications are flexible, practical and delivered locally. Train with cutting-edge technology, work with industry experts and gain the hands-on skills you need to be a part of Australia’s growing future.

food&wine

Hunter Valley

Wine & Food Month The Hunter Valley is well known for its delicious year-round food and wine offering, but for the entire month of June as the Hunter celebrates its culinary heritage, there are a number of events planned that allow you to get up close and personal with the region’s chefs and winemakers. Here’s a sample of what’s on offer this year.

Olive Long Table Luncheon The Art of Gnocchi

June 6, 13, 27, 11.30am Learn how to make gnocchi in a masterclass at renowned Italian restaurant Il Cacciatore before enjoying a fabulous two-course meal overlooking the beautiful Hermitage Estate.

hermitagelodge.com.au

June 6, 12pm The annual Whispering Brook Olive Long Table Luncheon has become one of the region’s most popular events. Guests are seated (weather-permitting) at a long table in the olive grove and served a Mediterranean-inspired menu prepared by Andrew Wright. Lunch is accompanied by live music, followed by a tutored walking tour in the olive grove with a guest speaker talking about the amazing properties and applications of extra virgin olive oil.

whispering-brook.com 24

Viva Verdelho

Weekdays in June, 10.30am– 2.30pm Tullochs, the pioneering family of Verdelho, have matched five styles of Verdelho – from the low alcohol sparkling style of Verscato to the luscious fortified Créme de Vin – with five creative food accompaniments. Foodie delights range from Thai beef salad to Turkish delight.

tullochwines.com

food&wine

Dine with the Dynamic Duo

June 14, 12pm This year the Hunter has produced two young culinary superstars: Young Restaurateur of the Year, Troy Rhoades-Brown, and Gourmet Traveller Wine’s Young Winemaker of the Year, Gwyn Olsen, of Briar Ridge Wines. Join Gwyn and Troy at Muse Restaurant in Hungerford Hill for a sumptuous four-course menu matched with Briar Ridge wines. The menu is creative and flamboyant with liberal use of liquid nitrogen to create dishes the whole restaurant “oohs” and “aahs” over as plates are served. The food is completely delicious (and beautiful), but the standout dish has to be the Muse coconut dessert. Book early, this event will sell out fast. musedining.com.au

Wine… and Die!

June 20, 6.30pm The Sebel Kirkton Park is putting on an event with a kick this year – a progressive degustation dinner filled with gourmet food, fun and fictional intrigue. The aim of the game is to solve a murder-mystery before the guilty party strikes again. Guests are encouraged to dress up in costume and stay, play and solve a murder.

Bare Vine & Bubbles

sebelhuntervalley.com.au

petersonhouse.com.au

June 27–28, 10am–4pm Peterson House is famous for bubbles and breakfast, and this event is an opportunity to sample their wines as well as those of Savannah Estate and Lambloch Estate. Paired with gourmet delights from Restaurant Cuvée, this is sure to titillate your tastebuds.

For a full list of events and venues visit winecountry.com.au 25

Build Build your yourbusiness business with with with

Cavalier Cavalier Cavalier

Take Takeyour Take yourbusiness your business business to tothe the tonext next the level next levelby level by by joining joining joining the thewinning winning the winning team teamteam at atCavalier Cavalier at Cavalier Homes. Homes. Homes. Being Beingpart Being partofofpart a amarket market of a market leading leading leading new newhome home newBuilding home Building Building Group, Group,Group, your yourbusiness business your business will willhave have will the the have support support the support ofofnational national of national marketing marketing marketing campaigns, campaigns, campaigns, online onlinesales online salesand and sales marketing marketing and marketing strategies, strategies, strategies, business business business coaching coaching coaching and andproven proven and proven Building Building Building Industry Industry Industry software. software. software. Add AddtotoAdd this thisto this the thebenefit benefit the benefit ofofnationally nationally of nationally negotiated negotiated negotiated supplier supplier supplier deals dealssupporting deals supporting supporting our ourextensive extensive our extensive range rangeof range ofdesigns, designs, of designs, you youwill will you then then will have have then allall have the theall the tools toolsyou you tools need need you toto need help helpto build build help a abuild better, better, a stronger better, stronger stronger business. business. business.

Call CallususCall today today usto today tofind findto out out find more: more: out more:

1300 1300CAVALIER 1300 CAVALIER CAVALIER 1300 13002282 1300 22822282 5437 54375437

www.cavalierhomes.co.nz www.cavalierhomes.co.nz www.cavalierhomes.co.nz

weekender

Screaming for Michelle Hespe visits one of the lesser-known ski resorts in Victoria and discovers a village that is as affordable as it is friendly.

Mount Baw Baw

EARN FROM 12% RETURN PER ANNUM Own Your Own Shipping Container and benefit from secure container leasing options Now you can Own Your Own Shipping Container and earn a return from leasing the container to various companies with returns from 12% per annum*. Container leasing either provides a Fixed Return on your initial outlay of 12% or you can opt for the Aggressive Lease where, based on actual previous performance over the past 2 years, returns in excess of 20% . Once the containers are purchased, they are leased to various companies creating a safe and lucrative return outperforming all other asset classes. The Benefits • Purchase from as little as $4,100 USD. Discounts available for quantity purchases • Returns starting from 12% per annum • No ongoing fees after the initial purchase • The containers belong to you, allowing you to claim depreciation • Sell your containers back for full price anytime after 3 years • You have a legally binding agreement with the leasing agents • A brilliant way to invest while increasing your serviceability • Start up costs relatively low in comparison to other business operations *Return continues for the life of the containers. Average container life is 15yrs.

SUMMARY OF RISK-RETURN TRADE-OFF BETWEEN ASSET CLASSES

INVESTMENT

RETURN*

NO. OF YEARS

26%

Value-priced stocks

14.62%

Growth stocks

11.96%

Stocks (S&P 500)

8.97%

136

Corporate bills

8.00%

150

Commodities (CRB index)

5.53%

Treasury bills

5.10%

172

Municipal bonds

4.24%

150

Shipping Containers

Source: Global Financial Data, 2012

Find Out More Info by Scanning this QR Code! Simply open the QR Reader on your smartphone, scan the code and you can instantly find out more information on this exciting offer. Don’t have a QR code scanning app for your smartphone? Search your app store for ‘QR Reader’.

*Average annual return over the stated time period

Disclaimer: Information provided is not intended to be Tax, Financial or Accounting advice. We recommend you obtain independent advice from your own Tax, Financial or Accounting Professionals as individual tax or ﬁnancial positions may vary.

www.oyosc.com.au www.oyosc.com.au

Helene Thomas Ph: 0402 059 909

outtahere

he sound of kids screaming filters through the snow gums that are so heavily laden with snow it’s hard to tell where the trees stop and the mountain begins. There’s a snaking road, covered in sun-dappled snow, leading to a break in the trees where the screams have reached fever pitch. All of a sudden an adult voice joins the pandemonium – yelling out: “Move it! I’m going to hit you!” Rounding a final corner in the road, the cause of the screams is in full view – a hillside so white in the midday sun that it’s hard on the eyes. And all over it, like fluorescent sprinkles on a giant cupcake, are the brightly clad bodies of hundreds of children (and a few adults) on toboggans. They are going for it – some standing up, knees shaking as they tightly grip the rope handle, others hurtling backwards, some joined together with little gloved hands, and some sitting properly, neatly tucked in, screaming with joy as they fly down the hill into a sweeping bend that slows them

Rounding a final corner in the road, the cause of the screams is in full view – a hillside so white in the midday sun that it’s hard on the eyes. down just in time to avoid hitting upcoming bushland. It’s hard not to smile while taking it all in. And this scene alone – the kids, the laughter and the excited shrieking – sums up the spirit of Mount Baw Baw. This small village is all about family-friendly fun. You don’t go to Baw Baw if you’re a competitive skier or snowboarder into challenging runs that have the potential to land you in hospital. Nope. And you don’t go to Baw Baw if you can’t get up a hill on a poma – the type of ski lift that consists

of a circular ‘seat’ you place between your legs and a pole you hang onto for balance. In this beautiful mountaintop resort, only a few hours’ drive from Melbourne, it’s all about nice, easy runs (there are only seven) and there are no chairlifts – so the poma or t-bar lift are your only way up. But that’s what gives Baw Baw its character – there are people being helped up by strangers everywhere – newbies on the snow who are just getting their balance and landing in a tangled heap of limbs, stocks, skis and laughter.

outtahere

There’s a lot of shrieking and the poma operators are never short of patience as they watch people fall off – helping them up so that they can give getting up the mountain another shot. That’s not to say that there aren’t some great runs in Baw Baw for those who know their way around the slopes. There are plenty of intermediate and advanced skiers about, but it’s more about cruising than flying down the kind of black runs you might find in Victoria’s Falls Creek. And for Europeans and Americans accustomed to the high slopes of places like Montana’s Big Sky or France’s Val Cenis, Baw Baw is a place that can give them an on-snow holiday that isn’t going to have them heading home with a sore coccyx and painful burning thighs. Skiing aside, there are the huskies of Baw Baw to meet and two hound dogs who think they are huskies. All winter long, the resort offers sled tours, where you can check out the pristine areas of the resort behind a team of eight very excited dogs, learning about them and their environment as you glide through the

Skiing aside, there are also the huskies of Baw Baw to meet. And two hound dogs who think they are huskies.

outtahere

Above: Wining and dining at The Village Restaurant.

Narnia-like landscape. The Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours headquarters in the Village Bowl is worth visiting even if you don’t go for a ride, just to meet the many well-loved and pampered dogs. Off the snow and après ski, Baw Baw is just as welcoming and family-oriented. There are four places to eat in the village,

plus the Skiosk located at the base of the skiing area, and most of the apartments and accommodation options have fully-equipped kitchens for dining in. The Village Restaurant offers the most upmarket cuisine in town – the chef doing a great job of creating delicious meals from fresh food sourced in Gippsland and the surrounding valleys, which

are renowned for their abundance of fine produce. The Village, as the regulars call it, also has a deck with jaw-dropping views across Latrobe Valley. Whether it’s summer or winter, the deck is the place to be... unless you’re a kid, and then the place to be is in the Village’s movie room – that’s chockers with bean bags and other rugrats. Staff show the latest films in the afternoons so the little ones can wiggle out of their boots and suits and hang out (or pass out) while the adults indulge in a little food and wine. A few minutes’ stroll down the road is Alpine Bistro, the place for a pub lunch or dinner and an après ski drink, and down further, right on one of the two tobbogan fields, with awesome views of the snow gumsurrounded ski runs, is Kelly’s Café. It dishes up more casual food such as pizzas, pies and toasties, and it’s also (thankfully) licensed. Many a parent can be spotted relaxing with a beverage while their kids scream their hearts out on toboggans. Another reason so many people are drawn to Baw Baw, is that it’s affordable ski holiday destination.

ACCURATE PAYLOAD DATA IN A SINGLE DRIVE THROUGH SCAN No payload management system puts more critical load information in your hands than the Loadscan Load Volume Scanner. TM

IN-CAB CONSOLES FOR ACCURATE PAYLOAD DATA COLLECTION

NEW!

Loadscan scans and measures every load allowing real time load data analysis. R

Loadtrak combined with Loadscan LVS provides a complete and comprehensive Payload Management System

3D scans of every load are

Increaseefficiency efficiencybyby Increase accountingforforhaul-back haulback accounting

3D scans of are recorded to every allow load monitoring recorded to allow monitoring of load distribution of load distribution

Non-contact, lowdata maintenance Valuable load proven measurement systemsfactors you to increase trucking can rely on

Consistently readings andaccurate calculated metric tonne for every load readings and calculated metric tonnes for every load

Valuable load data proven to measurement system you increase trucking factors

can rely on.

Loadscan Load Volume Scanners generate a remarkable return on investment. Visit our website for examples www.loadscan.com.au R

To learn more about the Loadscan Load Management Solution and how it can streamline your operation, email info@loadscan.com R

LOAD MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Load reports transmitted to your site or head office

0414LS WWW.DEVCICH.CO.NZ

Allowsdata datacollection collection Allows of various load types of various load types

www.loadscan.com.au /////////////////////////////////////

outtahere

There’s a huge array of cabins, lodges and apartments to rent for about $100 to $200 a night, a backpackers where beds are only $25 a night, and a Flashpackers – offering double rooms that are more upmarket for just $75 a night. Or you can go all the way and rent a stylish house for about $2,000 a weekend for 14 people, and for a premium offering in winter, you can rent out a super stylish lodge that sleeps six, for $1,400 for an entire weekend. All of these options are, more or less, right on the snow. Although Mount Baw Baw turns into a winter wonderland when the snow hits, it’s equally popular in the summertime, when people flock to the mountain for awesome mountain biking trails, downhill road biking, hiking, bushwalking, climbing and to simply enjoy some downtime. The village is heavily into promoting the arts and offers programs for writers in residence, as well as an Eco Art prize that gives

artists a chance to work on projects in the inspiring natural surrounds. In 2013, Baw Baw also launched the ArchiBawBaw, a portrait competition that offers a total of $,000 prize money for the best portraits of someone who has an interesting past linked to Mount Baw Baw. Some of the top entries can be seen hanging at The Village Restaurant, keeping the history and heritage of the region alive and local. That’s the thing about Baw Baw – yes, it’s a stunning alpine location with its snow gums, creeks, rivers and mountains – but it’s really the people who make it special. As soon as you step through the big stonework walls that frame the village’s entry gates, you’re surrounded by people, staff included, who are just so happy to be there. And if it’s winter, then the joyous screams of kids getting their toboggan kicks will no doubt be a timeless holiday soundtrack to remember.

It’s a stunning alpine location with its snow gums, creeks, rivers and mountains – but it’s really the people who make it.

Round-up GET THERE Mount Baw Baw is a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne, and in the snow season it’s a requisite to have tyre chains on board to enter the resort. Alternatively, drive or train it to Moe and organise a transfer with Mt Baw Baw Transport Service online at mountaintopexperience.com/snow

STAY There are self-catered options on the mountain to suit every budget – head to mountbawbaw.com.au/accommodation for the full run down.

EAT & DRINK The Village Restaurant Bookings essential: 03 5165 1123 Alpine Bar & Bistro Open ‘til late, during winter only, for a quick coffee, a hearty pub feed, or to dance the night away.

MORE INFO mountbawbaw.com.au

insidertips

INSIDER TIPS

THIS MONTH WE SPEAK TO JAY O’SHEA FROM BAND O’SHEA ABOUT THE BEST MUSIC HOLIDAYS OUR FAVOURITE COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVALS CMC Rocks You’ll see a fantastic array of country music talent, both international and local. CMC goes all-out to bring the biggest A-list stars from the USA and Canada to Queensland and have them play right alongside our local faves. cmcrocks.com.au

Gympie Music Muster Be prepared for some down and dirty country fun. This place is full of good times and happy memories just waiting to be made. muster.com.au

Tamworth Country Music Festival It’s iconic and kinda crazy, but an awesome opportunity to discover new talent in country and blues, roots, rock and reggae. I’ve had some of the best times I can remember in Tamworth. tamworthcountrymusic.com.au

TPAOCPKI5NAGLS

E S SE

NTI

1. A cool cap to cover bad hair. WILSON TOUR CAP

RRP $19.95

2. Lip balm. I ALWAYS carry it. BOTÁNI’S HEALING LIP BALM

RRP $11.95

3. Tint with sunblock, essential when you’ve got skin like mine. JANE IREDALE TINTED MOISTURIZER SPF 15+ RRP $54 4. Bug repellant – as long as it’s only toxic to bugs! PARA’KITO BUG REPELLANT CLIP

RRP $24.95

5. A serious pair of sunglasses to block out the Aussie sun. ARMOUR POLARISED

RRP $64.95

Best time of the day.

Early evening – that’s when everyone gets fired up. Drinks are flowing, everyone’s mood is spiked and the place is jumpin’, jumpin’!

Don’t leave home without...

Pants. I’ve tried it – and it didn’t work out so well!

Ideal travelling companion.

O’Shea’s latest album The Famine and the Feast is out now.

My husband and kiddos. I can’t imagine doing anything without them. I’m such a sook!

Conquer Cystic Fibrosis through research

n 2002 a small group of

parents of children with CF decided to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis WA (CFWA) which, at the time, was in need of financial support. The 65 Roses Grand Ball for Cystic Fibrosis was born and $42,986.25 was raised. Realising the potential they had to raise significant funds, and driven by the need to do all they could to make a real difference for people with CF, in 2003 this same group, in addition to raising money for CFWA, raised funds to donate to research. Since then, the group has grown to encompass people with CF and family friends. This very dedicated and extremely hard working group have continued to organise the 65 Roses Grand Ball for Cystic Fibrosis, making it an annual event. Their major focus being research. Why? The answer is best told in the numbers. Life expectancy in Australia for people with CF in

the 1960’s was 5 years. It is now 35 years. Deaths in Australia of younger people have, thankfully declined dramatically since 1998. The six years from 1998 to 2004 saw a fall of 70% in the number of deaths of people with CF aged under 20 years. The greatest contributing factor to this is undoubtedly research. Research leads to improvements in treatments,which in turn leads to longer, healthier lives. To date the 65 Roses Balls have raised $910,976.13 for CFWA and CF research. In 2012, Conquer Cystic Fibrosis was incorporated, thus allowing for expansion and increased fundraising for CF research. The Ball, the major fundraising event has been renamed “The Conquer Cystic Fibrosis Grand Ball”. Unfortunately there is still no cure for Cystic Fibrosis. But that is something Conquer Cystic Fibrosis Inc, intends to change.

There is still no cure for Cystic Fibrosis

Conquer www.conquercysticfibrosis.com

C stic Fibrosis Inc.

charity

A GIFT

THAT GIVES ingana Enterprises Inc. has found an innovative way to add relish to the lives of people with disabilities. Through its subsidiary company, an Australian Disability Enterprise called Ningana Fine Foods, it is providing 27 people with disabilities with meaningful employment at its farm in Griffith, New South Wales. Here, in the cultivated dirt of the Riverina, the fruit and vegetables of Ningana Fine Foods are planted, harvested and packaged by the organisation’s supported employees. According to Jo Polkinghorn, Business Development Manager at Ningana, what makes Ningana Fine Foods so special is the fact that its employees are able to “travel the journey from planting the seedlings through to labeling and packaging the products and delivering them to the customers.” Jo believes that being communityminded is an essential ingredient for a successful business. In her self-proclaimed role as a ‘Minister of Opportunities,’ Jo identifies, creates and garners support for different opportunities within the organisation that will help the organisation achieve social and economic participation on behalf of individuals living with disabilities. One such initiative was the opportunity to create a range of preserves from the

Ningana Fine Foods is helping people with disabilities put food on the table – quite literally. Melissa Peterkin speaks to the social enterprise about adding value to people’s lives.

farm’s produce. In November 2012, Ningana launched a range of subsequently certified-organic preserves under the ‘Jam I am’ and ‘Wam Bam Man Jam’ collections. Although it initially only featured a trademark strawberry jam, the range of preserves for sale has since grown to include flavours such as pumpkin chutney, strawberry topping, tomato relish, orange marmalade and – the latest addition – zucchini pickle. What’s more, its organic fruit and vegetables are sold at local markets as well as markets in Sydney and Melbourne, and the organisation is “currently working with a distributor to take the products to the major cities.” A typical day starts at about 7am, when Ningana’s employees – whose ages range from 18 to 64 – begin their work on the farm. Everyday jobs include planting, harvesting, weeding, watering, tractor driving and labelling jams. The challenges of employing individuals living with disabilities are met with

determination by Ningana’s staff, who ensure that employees are able to achieve goals in the workplace environment. While employment is an important aspect of Ningana’s mission, the true success lies in providing its employees with “skills, a social network, a weekly structure, an income, the opportunity to participate in the community [and] access to a wider support group.” Founded in 1965, Ningana Enterprises provides support for more than 100 individuals living with disabilities and their families. As well as employment, the organisation assists with training opportunities, respite care, accommodation services, day programs and support with living skills. All sales of preserves and fresh food is put back into the organisation, making any Ningana Fine Foods product truly a gift that gives. “Ultimately we want to empower people with a disability and their carers to lead full and valuable lives,” Jo says.

What makes Ningana Fine Foods so special is the fact that its employees are able to “travel the journey from planting the seedlings through to labeling and packaging the products and delivering them to the customers.” 37

www.safesite.com.au

Conquer Cystic Fibrosis through research Life expectancy in Australia for people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in the 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was 5 years. It is now 35 years. Deaths in Australia of younger people have, thankfully declined dramatically since 1998. The six years from 1998 to 2004 saw a fall of 70% in the number of deaths of people with CF aged under 20 years.

The greatest contributing factor to this is undoubtedly research. Research leads to improvements in treatments,which in turn leads to longer, healthier lives.

There is still no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, but it is something Conquer Cystic Fibrosis Inc. intends to change.

www.conquercysticfibrosis.com

Conquer C stic Fibrosis Inc.

healthnews

ION L

H E ALTH

R IT

CHO

L NU

HEALTH NEWS

WORK IT

THIS MONTH MASSAGE THERAPIST ANITA WHELAN TALKS TO US ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE. “Massage isn’t just about relaxation and a good ‘rub down’. On a purely practical level, massage can relieve muscle tension, pain and restriction – all of which can lead to headaches, muscle tears, sports injuries and repetitive strain conditions. “Massage is also an amazing stress-management tool. Thorough treatment from a certified massage therapist – who listens not only to what you say verbally, but what your body is saying – will assist you to reconnect with your body and hear what it tells you. The body is extremely sensitive and if we are able to listen to its language, we can prevent many stress-related disorders. “Regularity is the key to success. One treatment can feel good and seem to ‘fix the problem’, but before you know it your back starts hurting again, or the headaches return. Regular treatment keeps the soft tissue in good condition, preventing it from forming adhesions (knots). Regular massage maintains a healthy flow of oxygenated blood to the soft tissue (organs included!). “A good therapist will keep notes and continue to work with you to achieve and maintain good joint and soft tissue mobility and flexibility; working with you and providing you with treatment that is specific to your needs. “Rule of thumb for how often one should receive massage: if there is no injury or underlying condition, one massage weekly for one month; then one massage fortnightly for one month; then one massage monthly for general good health.” anitawhelan.com.au

LIQUIDO ACTIVE Liquido Active has collaborated with renowned US Yogi Tiffany Cruikshank on a new socially-conscious line of active wear. A percentage of all sales are donated to charities in India, including the Nabadisha Education Project, which addresses education and support issues for children in Kolkata. The bold prints and colours of this limited-edition range has been popular with celebrities such as Sofia Vergara. What makes these garments even better is that they are made from amni polyamide, a breathable and durable fabric that offers 50+ UV protection. liquidoactive.com

HEADS UP ON HANGOVERS Planning a big night out, but dreading the next day? Try HeadsUp, a new Australian product specifically formulated to prevent the symptoms of a hangover. Containing a combination of plant extracts, vitamins and minerals, it claims that best results will be achieved by taking up to four tablets before bed after consuming alcohol. Please see packaging for full ingredients, claims and dosage instructions. headsuprelief.com.au 39

A world of engineering

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is the frst, and the only, Australian university to have both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifcations accredited under the EUR-ACEÂŽ label system. Coupled with accreditation from Engineers Australia, an engineering degree from CDU will give you the fexibility to pursue an engineering career around the world. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, CDU is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide*. As a recognised leader in online education, we can help you realise your global potential in a way that best suits you.

CDU060-OT

Find out more at cdu.edu.au/engineeringworld

*Times Higher Education, World University Rankings 2013-2014. CRICOS Provider Number: 00300K (NT) 03286A (NSW) | RTO Provider Number: 0373

TRAVEL NEWS OUR HOT PICKS FOR THE MONTH

TH E L

ONTH L

L AY

G E TAW

Hotel luxe

If you’re getting tired of the cookie-cutter hotel stay, then you’ll love QT’s fabulously quirky residence right in the heart of Sydney. Located within the historic Gowings and State Theatre buildings, the hotel retains much of the art deco architecture, and boasts an award-winning spa and restaurant. Indulge in a range of sumptuous treatments before hitting the famous Gowings Bar & Grill for the best steak in town, then head back to your ultra-chic room for the night. qthotels.com.au

The Greens

NEWS FROM THE RIVERINA Barellan Beer (the crowdsourced beer launched at Taste last year) is now available at Barellan and District War Memorial Club and the Commercial Hotel, Barellan. Farm tours are available by appointment, providing visitors with the opportunity to see where the barley has come from.

North Sydney bowling club The Greens is freshly refurbished, and has a new menu to go with it! The menu features wholesome dishes such as 12-hour roasted lamb shoulder, whole stuffed spatchcock with warm puy lentils, baby corn and pickled zucchini or blue swimmer crab spaghetti. Top it all off with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour – it can’t be beaten. thegreensnorthsydney.com.au

FUSION BREAKFAST Following popular demand, Sokyo at Sydney’s The Star is now open for breakfast between 7am and 10.30am, serving a delicious continental breakfast with a Sokyo twist. We highly recommend the modern creations such as the hearty Sumo Breakfast (choice of eggs, grilled bacon, Japanese sausage, sautéed mushroom, edamame, roasted potato, tomato, avocado, toasted ciabatta), the healthy Bircher-San (quinoa bircher muesli, watermelon, mint, crispy lychee, Greek yoghurt) and the sweet pancake with banana purée, Nutella and walnut crumb. Delish! star.com.au

LORD HOWE ISLAND SCENTS

Perfect for beauty m avens !

We simply adore the latest range from Maine. Its crisp coconut fragrance with a twist of lime juice, sweet orange, fresh cilantro, and subtle bergamot, with base notes of vanilla bean and coconut cream – the new collection is sure to transport you to an island paradise. The range, which reflects the moistureladen sea breezes of Lord Howe Island, includes Hand & Body Crème, Hand & Body Wash, Body Polish, Hand & Nail Crème and French Milled Soap. Scrumptious! cocco.com.au 41

TWO~ BO COMNUS PLIM INC ENT LUS ARY IO DR N ~ INK S!

TRAVEL NEWS L

TH E L

ONTH L

L AY

Cosy up in the Bunyas

G E TAW

It’s a great time to celebrate winter on high in the majestic Bunya Mountains. An offshoot of the Great Dividing Range formed about 30 million years ago, this unique habitat protects the largest remaining bunya pine forest in the world. Crisp mountain air, walks in the national park, soaring views and holiday houses warmed by crackling fires make it the perfect place to cosy up. Walks ranging from 500 metres to 10 kilometres traverse rainforest, bunya pine and eucalypt forest, waterfalls and grassy ‘balds’, and offer the chance to see native wildlife and 121 bird species including brilliantly coloured king parrots, satin bowerbirds and crimson rosellas. There’s just enough civilisation to keep you happy – cafés, an elegant restaurant, a general store, monthly markets and a daytrip diversion to the cellar doors of the South Burnett Wine Trail. The best news is that it’s less than two hours’ drive from Toowoomba. southernqueenslandcountry.com.au

Get hands-on at Cobb + Co

Taste a Strangebird A Strangebird isn’t actually a bird. It’s a wine trail through the lesser-known alternative wine varietals produced in Southern Queensland Country’s Granite Belt region. If you think Chardonnay and Shiraz are the be-all and end-all, be you’ll be blown away by the likes of Verdelho, Viognier, Marsanne, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot and Gewertztraminer. Join winemaker and educator Peter Orr for a Strangebird Trail Masterclass – a sensory journey at Stanthorpe’s Queensland College of Wine Tourism on June 6. You can also do a self-guided Strangebird trail – simply pick up a map from a local information centre or download it from qcwt.com.au

Discover your creative side learning a traditional skill at one of Cobb + Co Museum’s hands-on workshops in Toowoomba. Expert artisans guide small groups in skills such as silversmithing, blacksmithing, glass-bead art, stick-furniture making and leadlighting. School holiday workshops are also offered for teens. While you’re there, take a look at the museum’s outstanding collection of horse-drawn vehicles and explore the natural and cultural history of the Darling Downs cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au

ON THE GO Need better equipment to eat on the go? Try the Light My Fire MealKit. Designed by Scandinavian Joachim Nordwall, this stylish kit will fit nicely into your backpack, picnic basket or even your lunch box. It contains everything you need to prepare and eat a meal anywhere. Made from easy-to-clean, taste-free material, it is also stain- taste- and odour-resistant, BPA-free, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and stackable. Just perfect. paddypallin.com.au

Perfect for travel ling!

EUDCTAION CAHNGES EEVRYTIHNG If you’re not educated reading a simple sentence is almost impossible! Imagine trying to get a job, keep yourself healthy or support your family if you never got to finish school? That’s the story for more than 60 million girls around the world. But it doesn’t have to be... We believe that every girl on the planet has the right to an education. And we’re doing something about it. We work with girls in Sierra Leone, West Africa – one of the worst places on earth to be born a girl. We provide scholarships, build new classrooms, offer business training and remove the barriers to them completing their education.

And we want you to join us. BECAUSE AN EDUCATED GIRl CAN CHANGE HER wORlD.

Changing the world one girl at a time.

www.onegirl.org.au

travelnews

TRAVEL NEWS

L D RI N

N K U P! L

D R IN K U

P! L D

New craft brewery:

Young Henrys Young Henrys, whose flagship store opened in Newcastle, NSW in 2012, is about to open its second venue – in the Margaret River region of Western Australia. The ‘Beer Farm’, 20 minutes north of the Margaret River township, will provide the region with a fresh, innovative and environmentally-friendly approach to craft beer. younghenrys.com

New cellar door:

Brygon Reserve

Brygon Reserve Wines’ new cellar door is only nine kilometres from Margaret River and is located right next door to Colonial Brewing Co on Osmington Road. Since 2009, this dynamic winery has claimed more than 400 awards and accolades, including nine international trophies. Visit the cellar door for award-winning wines and take a peak into a working winery surrounded by picturesque vineyards, landscaped lawns, a private lake and chalet accommodation. brygonreservewines.com.au

MUST DO! If you’re suffering from food and wine overindulgence in the Margaret River, get yourself to the Boranup Forest for a bush adventure on an electric quad bike. Vroom, vroom! That’s right: an electric quad bike! EcoAdventures Margaret River is the only place on earth that operates these environmentally-friendly vehicles, built specifically for this landscape. Take a fully-guided tour to some of the hidden gems of the forest and nearby Hamelin Bay, both of which are part of the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park. You can even take an iPad with you to learn about the region’s flora and fauna, shipwrecks, ecology and the cultural history of the region. margaretriver.com.au 45

Agribusiness

Open to opportunities in rural Australia? TAKE A CLOSER LOOK. Government grants are available for registered general dentists who want to work in private practice in a location more regional, rural or remote than their current location. Look what’s on offer: • Relocation grants of $15,000 to $120,000 • Infrastructure grants up to $250,000

The 2015/16 funding rounds are: • 7 September–9 October 2015 • 22 February–24 March 2016 To see if you’re eligible: Visit: www.rhwa.org.au/DRISS Email: DRISS@rhwa.org.au Freecall: 1800 475 433

Dental Relocation and Infrastructure Support Scheme is funded by the Australian Government and administered by Rural Health Workforce Australia.

Food manufacture & retail

Wine

travelnews

M U ST S E

MUS

T SEE L US

TRAVEL NEWS

EE L M

Devils in the Dark

Endemic to Tasmania, Tasmanian devils are pocket rocket carnivores that are as fascinating as they are feared. Seeing them up close during the day is a rare experience due to their nocturnal nature, but visitors can now view this mysterious creature during a Devils in the Dark tour. Developed at East Coast Natureworld in Bicheno by a devil expert with more than 30 years’ experience, this is an incredible opportunity to see the animals behave in a simulated ‘wild’. The hissing, screaming and fighting begins at sunset – be there, or be square!

devilsinthedark.com.au

Brooke St. Pier

TABLE CAPE

LIGHTHOUSE TOURS Shining like a beacon as you approach, the Table Cape Lighthouse has been protecting sailors and ships since 1888. The only operating lighthouse open for tours on Tasmania’s mainland, it now offers an insight into what it takes to operate these life-saving warning lights. Learn about the history of the lighthouse and ascend the spiral staircase for sweeping views of Table Cape, formed over 13 million years ago. Adults $10, children $5. tablecapelighthousetours.com.au

The Brooke Street Pier has been around since the 1820s and has always helped attract trade in Hobart. Now, there’s a new contemporary take on the old pier, in the form of a four-storey floating pier. Is it a building? Or is it a boat? Either way, it’s an ever-changing space full of food, artisans and tourism, currently featuring the likes of The MONA Ferry, William McHenry Distillery, Grandvewe Cheeses and Bright Eyes coffee. brookestreetpier.com.au

Bespoke Tasmania Tours and Gin Workshop Well-travelled, well-heeled local Kim Dudson’s Bespoke Tasmania features exclusive tours of the very best Tasmania has to offer: artisan brewers and distillers and access to exceptional historical properties and premium food producers. Kim will handcraft tours to suit the visitor’s interest and now also offers Gin Workshops with none other than master distiller William McHenry of McHenry’s Gin. Over four spirited hours, you’ll tour his distillery, enjoy a tutored tasting learning about the gin flavour profile in depth and finish with a gin-matched lunch in the pretty mountainside grounds as well as your own bespoke gin recipe. Tours start from $225 or can be incorporated into a Bespoke Tasmania day tour. bespoketasmania.com

Perfect for cold c limate s

CRAGHOPPERS COMPRESSLITE JACKET We just love these jackets. Lightweight, super-compressible and ready for action, straight from its own stow sack, it’s a smart choice for instant warmth. CompressLite jackets are extremely warm, windproof and thankfully rainproof too. RRP $129.99

miners

watch built tough for mining

You r lo here go !

SPECIAL OFFER Mention this ad to recieve a free set up of your order.

CUSTOMISE THE WHOLE DESIGN: Bands,

dials, hands, logos, case colours and packaging. Above and underground safe mine approved watches.

REWARD YOUR STAFF with a

gift they can use ... day after day.

DESIGN ASSIST Product Selection Based on your brief we can assist in the selection of suitable watch styles, logo placement, qualities and colours to maximise results. We take into account the environment that the watch will be used, quantities required, function, budgets, user demographics and compatibility with your logo and branding. Product Design Based on your branding requirements we assist in watch model selection, dial choice and position, method of branding and packaging.

Order now at: minerswatch.com.au Contact: info@minerswatch.com.au

AGRIBUSINESS

MINING

INVESTMENT

PLUS...

The latest news, information and innovations from the agricultural industry

Helpful insights and fascinating facts about the Australian mining and resource sector

Top tips from the experts on how to make the most of your hard-earned cash

Conference destinations Motoring review Must-have boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; toys Seasonal flavours

RegionalBusinessReview Issue 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June/July 2015

Fruits of

their labour Up and coming movers and shakers in the agribusiness sector

WORDS: BEN SMITHURST

MAZDA BT-50 IT MAY HAVE A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE, BUT EVEN BEFORE ITS SCHEDULED RHINOPLASTY, THE JAPANESE UTE IS PLENTY TOUGH. STEP BROTHERS isn’t the greatest achievement in the film careers of either John C Reilly or Will Ferrell, but if you are looking for a film to quote endlessly at your mates then you can do worse. It has very little to do with cars and even less to do with utes, but there is a scene where Will Ferrell’s rude co-worker, Randy, makes a fist and talks about how dearly he’d love to beat Will’s ass. “I don’t know what it is about your face,” says Randy, pursing his lips and gripping his knuckles, “but I just wanna deliver one of these right in your suck hole.”

RegionalBusinessReview

autoreview

Mazda’s BT-50 has a punchable face. Burly, with a wide, gurning grin, it is the Kyle Sandliands of work utes: if you don’t like it, then the most fleeting of glances at its face makes otherwise reasonable men disproportionately angry. It has done so since it debuted its current face, which was pencilled in Australia by Mazda’s Japanese ute design chief, Ryo Yanagisawa, at Ford’s Broadmeadows facilities in Victoria. (Mazda and Ford have shared utility components between

the BT-50 and Ranger, respectively, or their earlier iterations, since 1972.) Nobody has much liked how the BT-50 has looked since it landed in 2011. Indeed, it is widely believed that the ute’s distinctive bull bar – which looks like nothing so much as a vehicular version of a party mask from a Florentine masked ball – was designed specifically to cover as much of it as possible. And yet as 2015 broke, it had still managed to secure 8.75 per cent of Australia’s ute market.

Mazda is aware of this, though, and so will shortly debut a mid-life styling revision, touching on both the interior and exterior looks. This is important, because compared to cars, which debut new root-and-branch models regularly, lifecycles for utes typically stretch for a decade or so. This is good, and much deserved. Because the innards will remain – and even among a brace of worthy contenders in a year hot with new offerings, including Toyota HiLux, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton, the plucky Mazda holds its own. The Mazda’s pre-facelift range starts with a manual 2.2L four-cylinder two-door cab-chassis rear-wheel-drive 4x2 XT (from $25,570), which produces 110kW at 3700rpm and 375Nm from 1500-2500rpm. It runs all the way to an automatic, halo version at $53,140, which buys a 3.2L five-cylinder turbo-diesel dual-cab 4x4 GT, and pumps out 147kW at 3000rpm and a thumping 470Nm from 1750-2500rpm. That compares

Mazda and Ford have shared utility components between the BT50 and Ranger, respectively, or their earlier iterations, since 1972. RegionalBusinessReview

autoreview

very favourably to Toyota’s super-popular HiLux, the priciest midyear 2014 version of which, the Black Limited Edition, cost $55,900 as a 3.0L diesel four-pot, and produced 126kW and 360Nm. Australia has embraced Mazda in the small car market. The Mazda3 is the car that put paid to the Holden Commodore’s record 15-year streak at the top of Australian sales charts in 2011 and 2012. Since then, it has jostled with the Toyota Corolla as the nation’s most popular new car – and while the Corolla has edged it to the number one slot in 2013 and 2014, the lil’ Mazda3 is undoubtedly a superior car on the road. Even considering its limp-wristed curves, and the generally Spartan layout of most utilities, where the luxury bar is set criminally low, the BT-50 follows the Mazda3’s lead. Which is to say that it is better dynamically, and with better ride and handling, than most rivals. Its elegant interior shifts it from ‘basic tradie sled’ to being a ‘road-oriented work ute’. As per Mazda’s volume passenger cars, the Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6, the cabin layout is intuitive and clutterfree. There’s six-speaker sound, USB and iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth streaming is standard in crew-cab versions – a classy set of interfaces that are let down only by a poxy five-inch LCD screen.

2014 Mazda BT-50 GT

SPECIFICATIONS Engine Type DIESEL TURBO F/INJ Engine Size

3.2L

Cylinders

DIESEL TURBO 5

Torque

470Nm @ 1750rpm

Power

147kW @ 3000rpm

Fuel economy 9.2L/100km Shape

Four-door ute

Transmission Auto 4x4 dual range Price

$53,140

RegionalBusinessReview

Braked towing capacity is a belting 3500kg, with payload capacity leading its competitors at 1350kg (with the 147kW engine) for the freestyle cabin, dropping to 1088kg with the dual cab model. The tray has half-a-dozen tie-down hooks. There are a choice of two transmissions: a six-cog manual or a buttery six-speed auto. Independent front suspension flatters a rigid rear axle –the leaf springs thereon add to the typical ute judderiness, because 1350kg is a lot to

support. But even with no extra weight over the rear tyres, it’s a reasonably settled performer for non-work driving. It’s unfair to describe the BT-50 as ugly. Indeed, its punchable visage is a reflection of the delicacy of its curves. Its lines are a turn-off because nobody on a building site likes a poseur. But what it lacks in overt manliness, it makes up for in ability – and value per dollar. No matter how steroidal its cosmetic update, its bare-bones performance will remain.

Its elegant interior shifts it from ‘basic tradie sled’ to being a ‘road-oriented work ute’.

GLOBA068_275x210_RegionalBusinessReview_Advert.indd 1

13/04/2015 10:16 am

TO STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME, YOU NEED THE UAS BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE, NOT PLAY

...don’t waste your MORE THAN 80 TECHNICIANS time with toys NATIONWIDE TO SUPPORT YOU

Get in touch after touch down:

boystoys

GOTTA HAVE IT

WE UNEARTH THE BEST GOODS AND GADGETS JUST FOR YOU

1. Canon PowerShot N2 Price: $419 Website: canon.com.au Dubbed by Canon as a ‘selfie camera’, the N2 makes it near impossible to take an imperfect, uncentred profile pic. This pint-sized gadget features a touchscreen that tilts up to 180 degrees – a process that automatically activates ‘selfie mode’: a 16-megapixel sensor and an 8x optical zoom. The camera also boasts Creative Shot mode for both stills and videos, a feature that offers special effects – such as slow motion – and 46 different filters. Use the built in wi-fi for easy sharing. 2. Toshiba Encore 2 Price: From $399 Website: mytoshiba.com.au Toshiba’s first 10-inch tablet, the Encore 2 is a power-packed productivity tool with a reasonable price tag. Complete with Windows® 8.1 and a one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal, this device offers the best of PC in the form of a slim-line, lightweight and elegantly finished tablet. 3. Acuter Sky Land Binocular Price: $180 Website: ozscopes.com.au Gander at our solar system’s stars, moons and planets in high definition with the Acuter 15x70 binocular. A huge aperture makes these ideal for astonomical viewing or for long-distance land viewing. They are equipped with ED glass and fully multi-coated for enhanced contrast. Affordable and transportable.

RegionalBusinessReview

HV TESTING PERMIT TO WORK MECHANICAL SPECIALISTS EEHA INSPECTIONS ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENTATION PRECOMMISSIONING & COMMISSIONING SPECIALISTS

To speak to EPS Group Australia about your project, call 1300 EPS GROUP today or visit www.epsgroupaustralia.com.au

boystoys

4. Shimano Sport Camera Price: $270 Website: shimanofish.com.au Snapping consistent high-resolution images and 180-degree, HD videos, this shootand-share sports camera is suited to action aficionados. Like a shiny lure to a Blue Trevally however, this palm-sized device is particularly appealing to the ardent fisherman who can send it into the deep blue via a tripod and sinker, or mount it on their canopy crossbar in order to catch the moment … at the very least. 5. Strike Alpha Cradle Price: $149 – $242 depending on the mobile device Website: strike.com.au Putting safety first, Strike’s Alpha Cradle reduces your need to be constantly pawing over your device while driving. Secured in a sturdy cradle that boasts an internal passive antenna, your phone will have wider coverage and faster speed, all while being charged at up to two amps output – making the Alpha Cradle the fastest phone-charger in the world.

RegionalBusinessReview

boystoys

6. RocketSkates Price: From $499 Website: actonglobal.com Strap your feet in and let these smart skates take the reins. Communicating with one another for the sake of general coordination, these bad boys will have you zooming to your destination at up to 19 kilometres per hour. And with an app that configures to your smartphone, you can track your routes and distances travelled, perform diagnostics, monitor battery status and interact with other skaters digitally. On your marks, get set… Go! 7. Luxury Gold BlackBerry Passport Price: US$1,342 (free shipping) Website: goldgenie.com.au The masters of luxury customisation at Goldgenie are bestowing their highest honour on the sophisticated BlackBerry Passport: the Midas touch. Glittering, glamorous and gilt, your smartphone will be forged in stainless steel and plated in 24-karat gold, rose gold or platinum, rendering you an exclusive member of the Gold club with a lifetime guarantee on your phone’s customisation. 8. Music Flow Wi-Fi Series Price: $249 Website: lg.com Music- and movie lovers rejoice! Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, LG’s Music Flow Wi-Fi series consists of a portable speaker, two sound bars and a streaming 3D Blu-ray player. While each item can be purchased and used independently, creating a smart home cinema is what makes this series an audiophile’s dream come true. Also featuring LG HomeChatTM, you can text your speakers with simple commands – giving you your very own in-home PA.

RegionalBusinessReview

INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR SALe OR DeVeLOPMeNT ROCKHAMPTON

Gracemere Industry Park is the first of its kind in the region and is set to become Central Queensland’s leading industry park.

Key features:

The park is designed with Type 1 Road Train access in mind, with wide estate roads and immediate access to the Capricorn Highway and the purposebuilt Gracemere Industrial Area Overpass.

• Gateway to Central Queensland’s mining region, ideally located to major road infrastructure with immediate access to key transport routes

The park offers competitive land solutions for local and international businesses looking to be part of the region’s continued economic growth. Land allotments cater for High, Medium and Low Impact industrial users, with sites from 2000sqm to 5Ha.

• The only High Impact industrial land of greater than 3Ha immediately available in the market • Purpose-built Toll NQX Logistics Facility already under construction

• Direct multi-combination vehicle Type 1 Road Train access • Design and Construct warehousing and workshop solutions also available • The land is not flood affected • Government Incentives available

For more information on this exciting opportunity: Neale Crow - Knight Frank T: 0418 886 162 Glen Wintour - Gibb Group T: 0456 816 260 Matt Thiselton - Gibb Group T: 0433 197 729

gracemereindustrypark.com.au Proudly developed by

boystoys

10.

9. earHero Sports Headphones Price: $127 Website: earhero.com If you’ve ever been so into your music that you failed to observe the glaringly obvious oncoming traffic, these earphones might just save your life. Designed for the CIA and FBI, earHero earphones are the only ones on the market that enable you to listen to music and surrounding noise simultaneously. 10. Bushnell 8x30 ImageView Price: RRP $339 Website: bushnell.com Enabling you to enjoy an up-close-and-personal experience while maintaining a safe distance, these digital binoculars capture photos and videos of the images viewed through the lenses. The binoculars output JPEG photos (up to 12MP) and AVI video files (1280x720p HD) that can be stored on either the binoculars’ 16MB internal memory or an external SD card with up to 32GB capacity.

11.

11. GolfBuddy PT4 GPS Price: RRP $499 Website: drummondgolf.com.au While most of us don’t have our own golf caddy, GolfBuddy PT4 GPS is the next best thing. A hand-held GPS, this little gadget will help you navigate over 37,000 golf courses from around the world. Your pocket buddy can also keep score for up to four players, and give a statistical analysis of your game so that you know where to improve for next time.

RegionalBusinessReview

boystoys

12.

12. LifeProof case for iPhone 6 Price: RRP $79.99 Website: lifeproofcasestore.com.au It’s really not worth taking chances when it comes to the lifeline that is your iPhone 6. Lightweight and slim-fitting, you’ll hardly notice this LifeProof case as it protects your phone from the potentially fatal forces of water, dirt, snow and shock. 13. Cool Water Kingy Kayak Package Price: RRP $838.98 Website: kangarootentcity.com.au Whether you’re looking for a picturesque way to get fit, or a means to navigate into the ideal fishing locale, the Kingy is the perfect kayak for families, beginners and old hands alike. Enabling you to jump right in the driver’s seat and hit the high seas, the Kingy package includes two centre hatches, fishing-rod holders, scupper plugs and a double paddle with contoured blades.

13.

14.

14. Kulcar Price: RRP $129 Website: kulcar.com.au Entering a sealed car that has been stagnating in the sun for several hours is akin to jumping into a sauna when you’re fully clothed – unpleasant to say the least. Keep your cool with the solarpowered Kulcar; a ventilator that is guaranteed to reduce your overheated parked car’s temperature by at least 10 degrees while you swan around at the beach. 15. SkyWatcher SW707 Refractor Telescope Price: RRP $199 Website: tasco.com.au Calling all amateur astronomers! Enjoy the crisp, clear images of the universe through the lens of SkyWatcher’s SW707 Refractor – a 70mm achromatic telescope designed specifically with the novice in mind. Easy to set up, this lightweight telescope will turn beginners into planetary prodigies in no time.

RegionalBusinessReview

15.

BridgeClimb

The top of your list Down Under. There’s one ultimate Sydney experience. Climb to the top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge – there’s no better way to see Sydney.

To Book: (02) 8274 7777 / bridgeclimb.com facebook.com/ bridgeclimbsydney

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE STRONG PARTNERS. TOUGH TRUCKS.™

BUT YOUR DOWNTIME DOESN’T HAVE TO BE. When you’re working in demanding environments you need your equipment to work for you – not the other way round. The Hyster® lift truck with tyre handler attachment is the most efficient solution for every over-sized tyre changing job. With a lifting capacity of 15 tonnes and the functionality to complete a tyre change without the operator leaving the cab, the Hyster tyre handler is a change for the better that can deliver both safety and cost efficiency to your bottom line.

WWW.HYSTER.COM Is a Registered Trademark.

*Special equipment may be required.

/Hysterasiapacific

@Hyster_AP

agribusiness

We bring you the latest news, innovations and opinions as Aussie agribusiness transitions from the mining boom to the dining boom.

meettheproducer

Deliciously delicate Dekopon BRANDED THE SUMO CITRUS IN HOMAGE TO ITS JAPANESE ORIGINS AND AMPLE SIZE, THE DEKOPON IS BOTH DELECTABLE AND UNATTRACTIVE. WORDS: RILEY PALMER

It’s fair to say the Dekopon is visually unattractive. It is oversized for a mandarin, has dimpled thick skin and, perhaps most unappealingly, possesses a variety-defining knobby protuberance called a ‘top knot’. But scratch below the surface – an almost effortless procedure given how easy the Dekopon is to peel – and you have a sweet-tasting, seedless citrus fruit whose firm flesh gives way to an intense and highly moreish flavour. Packed by Aussie citrus-pundits Pacific Fresh, the Dekopon – or Sumo Citrus as it is more commonly known – has only been harvested in Australia since 2011. Entering into its fifth season, the Sumo Citrus is growing in popularity, making the tender harvesting and packaging of this delicate fruit all the more important. Australia’s relationship with the Dekopon began a whole decade before the first harvest. Taking us back to the beginning, chairman of Pacific Fresh, Frank Mercuri, says; “We [Pacific Fresh] imported the Dekopon budwood from Japan in 2001. But it had to be checked by quarantine for any viruses, so it wasn’t released to us until 2003.” As Australia’s sole producers of the Dekopon, Pacific Fresh were at that time only given two trees from quarantine and were subsequently tasked with multiplying them. “There’s a lot of work in multiplying the budwood,” says Frank. “It takes a lot of 18

RegionalBusinessReview

time … It’s a costly exercise.” Of course, even after mandarin orchids are planted, commercial yields don’t normally begin until the third or fourth establishment year, making the risks of introducing a new citrus variety both extensive and long-term. Over the past 14 years however, Pacific Fresh growers have risen to the challenge. “We planted 14,000 trees between 2006 and 2008,” explains Frank, “and today we proudly have 40,000 trees in the ground.” Currently Dekopon are grown on 15 different farms in the Riverina. Located in south-western New South Wales, the region’s warm climate, high soil fertility and relative abundance of water make it one of the most prosperous citrus regions in the world. “The variety started out only being grown in Leeton,” says Frank, “but we now have farmers growing them for us in the Sunraysia and Riverland areas, too.” The Sumo is usually harvested from late July to early September, and while there is little difference in the growing of Dekopon than other citrus varieties packed and marketed by Pacific Fresh (such as Navels, lemons and grapefruit), the harvesting and packaging processes vary greatly. “Each of our growers has their own picking crew,” says Frank. Likening Dekopon to stoned fruit he continues; “The fruit is so fragile that is has to be picked with snippers.”

meettheproducer

or $2.50 per mandarin. While this is still considered pricey by way of mandarins, in the context of production costs the expense is understandable. Although exporting the Dekopon to countries like Japan certainly is appealing, Pacific Fresh is first looking to boost the supply and sale of Sumo mandarins at home in the domestic market. “At the moment we are only supplying Woolworths Australia in New South Wales and Victoria, but those sales are going very well,” says Frank. “The Sumo is already very popular, but as we increase to more stores throughout Australia it should get even more so. There are still consumers who don’t know the variety because it’s not sold in their town yet.” That said, Australia’s recent Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan and Free Trade Agreements with both Korea and China are a point of much interest in Australia’s citrus industry more broadly. “As volumes increase in the next few years we’ll certainly be looking to export,” says Frank. “The Dekopon is very popular in Japan, the United States, and Korea in particular.”

Even after mandarin orchids are planted, commercial yields don’t normally begin until the third or fourth establishment year. Once picked, the delicate handling of these mandarins continues right the way down the remainder of the production line. “Pacific Fresh had to invest a lot of money in machinery to be able to handle the delicate Dekopon,” explains Frank. “Normal citrus can take a bit of punishment,” he continues, “but for the Dekopon we had to install belts instead of rollers,” an investment that cost the company a fair bit, in fact, close to half a million dollars.

Thus the Dekopon are a much more labour-intensive fruit than other citrus varieties, making them more costly to both produce and purchase. In Japan, where the fruit originated, it’s alleged that a single Dekopon sold for a market value of $10. Fortunately, since it first landed on Australian supermarket shelves in 2011, the Dekopon hasn’t cost consumers close to that much – with Woolworths Australia selling the fruit for roughly $7 per kilo,

FAST FACTS • Scientists at a government research facility in Japan developed the Dekopon (originally called Shiranuhi) in 1972, when they crossed a kiyomi – an orange-tangerine hybrid – with a ponkan. Dekopon is a compound word deriving from deko (meaning bump) and pon (from ponkan – the fruit from which it originates).

RegionalBusinessReview

profile

A success story Founder and director of specialist succession planning company ProAGtive, Isobel Knight knows a thing or two about the busines of farming. She shares some pearls of wisdom about planning for the future of rural Australia. WORDS: RILEY PALMER

NOT TO REDUCE her to the sum total of her titles, but Isobel Knight has accrued a rather long list to her name – mother of three, wife, cattle trader, scholar, director of ProAGtive, winner of the 2013 NSW and ACT Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Woman of the Year… the list goes on. Yet underneath all of these labels and accolades, Isobel is overwhelmingly driven by her innate desire to make a significant difference in the lives of rural families going into the future. What is succession planning and why is it so important in a rural setting? I think succession planning has been quite ill-defined. People tend to see it as simply having a will – and all that ensures, potentially, is that an asset goes from one person to the next. True succession planning is actually about business continuity, and business continuity through the generations. In a rural setting it’s a little more complex than it might be in a pure business sense, because we’re talking about our farms and our families, and these farms are our homes.

RegionalBusinessReview

What prompted you to get into succession planning? The first time I became aware of anything in regards to succession was probably when my father and his brothers – who had all worked in a family business together – reached their long-term goal, which was to have a farm each. The real struggle arose when they had to decide exactly how their business partnership was going to unwind, because they didn’t have a predetermined recipe for that. It was quite difficult because, from a strategic viewpoint, they had very different ideas. Rather than communicate, they avoided it, because they didn’t want to create upset or conflict. So that was the first I had to do with it, and I saw that it was so much more complex than dividing assets by however many people. At that time, there was no-one helping families through the process of working out how the business itself was

going to be able to support all of the family needs going forward, so that is why I started doing this work. It’s very much about how to manage a business ongoing; who’s going to make what decisions, how it’s going to be financed and what opportunities it creates. So much of that is about communication, psychology, understanding process and understanding farm financial analysis. I’ve studied business law, psychology, counselling, mediation, grass management and all sorts of things to try and tie some of this in, so that people could be supported much better in better decision-making. How important is education to people living in rural communities? I see it as being vital. As a result of Gough Whitlam’s government my tertiary education was free – and if it wasn’t for that, then I couldn’t have done it. I think the barrier today is just the sheer cost associated with education for people in rural communities versus those already in metropolitan areas. For instance, my

True succession planning is actually about business continuity, and business continuity through the generations.

profile

FAST FACTS • In her downtime, not that there is very much of it, Isobel does watercolour paintings of the Australian countryside. • ProAGtive model internally exactly what they encourage their clients to do – an external party facilitates their biannual strategic team meetings.

strong businesses, and people choosing to stay in Australian agriculture.

children have had to go away from home to study, so we’ve had to pay for their living and there are so many rural families who simply can’t afford to pay for that. Also, when I think back, there weren’t many people in my family who had tertiary qualifications prior to me, so that was a bit of a barrier psychologically. If you add the cost on top of not understanding how the whole system works and not knowing its value, because it hasn’t been in your family culture, it just compounds the degree of difficulty. How do you juggle raising three children, running ProAGtive and managing your cattle trading business? There’s a lot of logistics management. We have a yearly planner and a monthly planner and everything is colour-coded [laughs]. My husband, Rod, really supported my need to establish a career for myself, and my need to make a difference. If I hadn’t had his

support it would have been completely impossible. But because he was able to be flexible with his time as a farmer – he wasn’t a 9 to 5 worker – we were able to fit in the needs of the children. And I won’t say we did it well, because I don’t actually believe that any parent ever strikes a perfect balance. You oscillate from one extreme to the other and you never feel like you’re doing it well. Certainly it’s easier now that our children have grown up. What’s been the most rewarding thing about working at ProAGtive? When one of my colleagues started working with me, she said, “The hardest thing about this work is that there’s no instant gratification,” [laughs] – and there’s not! It’s quite hard to start with. People are going through a psychological journey, which can be quite confronting. But then the rewards come as time goes on and families are committed to the process. You see families that are well connected with strong relationships,

In 2013, you won the NSW and ACT RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year award. What was that experience like for you? I didn’t expect to win because I’m not a political animal. I’m relatively unknown, and succession is not a topic that has ever been popular. So I actually saw it as incredibly brave of the judges – the recognition that this is an important arena in rural Australia and for the work that’s being done was really rewarding. The other thing that was terrific about it was the opportunity it gave me to network with other women from all different backgrounds. This helped me recognise that for so many women – myself included – even if we sound articulate and have degrees behind our names so that on paper we’ve got the wherewithal, a lot of us generally lack confidence. The whole experience was quite inspiring, too, because I realised that I have more to contribute. In time I’d like to use some of the experiences I’ve had – courtesy of the families I’ve worked with – to actually advocate for rural Australia at a different level. I’m not quite there yet, but the award gave me the insight into that being a true and eventual possibility.

RegionalBusinessReview

agribusiness

water,

water

everywhere

WORDS: RILEY PALMER

Once an abundant natural resource, water is fast becoming a valued commodity. In the land of droughts and flooding rains, agribusiness depends on water management to secure their industry now and into the future.

FROM A YOUNG age we are taught that without water, there is no life on earth. We know this intellectually, yet many of us still struggle with the practicality of water preservation, indulging in a lengthy hot shower on a cold winter’s morning or failing to fix a leaky faucet. If you can imagine this battle with resource preservation expanding from your individual use to large-scale irrigated agriculture, you’ll begin to understand the context of concern surrounding our nation’s water security. Add into the mix political tumult, climate change and predicted El Niño weather patterns across eastern Australia, and the subject of water 22

RegionalBusinessReview

security and resource management principally elicits feelings of anxiety and uncertainty … Which is precisely why water management is a topic we can’t afford to put off for a rainy day – and not least of all because they are so few and far between. All of our rural communities’ most viable industries – not to mention the economic drivers of our nation as a whole – depend on water and its proper management to succeed, from farming livestock and crops, to the production of power and energy. Thankfully, the framework implemented by Australia to manage our water resources is broadly regarded as setting the international

benchmark. Waterfind CEO Alister Walsh reiterates this point, saying, “The management model that was developed in relation to the Murray Darling Basin is a model that has since been used as a framework for most resources in Australia. In fact, a lot of countries around the world are looking quite closely at how we’ve done it. We’re generally known as world leaders in this space.” He credits our current model to the management implemented during the millennial drought. “The interjurisdictional management became really apparent in the drought because the states had to cooperate in the face of really critical circumstances,” he says.

agribusiness

“But it’s meant that we’ve got a best practice framework really, in both the cooperation of resource management between states, and the confidence that provides agribusiness and irrigators in Australia today.” To put these accolades in context, water management is an extremely complex process. For starters, there are five different levels of management in Australia – national, cross-border, state or territory, regional and local. And as Alister indicates, the relationships between these levels of management are vital in cohesively governing water markets, pricing, supply and quality. Where policies and regulations can vary

between borders, water is literally a free-flowing commodity and as such, it doesn’t adhere to territorial lines drawn on a map. “It’s not that there’s a line down the middle of the Murray River and that the resource stops at the border,” laughs Alister. This is where one of the main regulators of water supply, water trading, becomes important. Operating within a framework of self-management, water trading is the buying and selling of water access entitlements and allocations on either a permanent or temporary basis. “Water trade in its infancy really grew out of the southern connected system,” explains Alister. “Agreements were made between

New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia to allow for the transfer of water between the Murray, the Murrumbidgee, Goulburn, Loddon, Campaspe etc. that opened up many more opportunities for irrigators to trade across the region.” The relationship between the states meant that just prior to the millennial drought taking hold, water became available to irrigators who were unable to simply turn off their production. Alister recalls, “Some irrigators that may have been growing annual crops just didn’t grow anything, and water was moved to other irrigators that had long-term investment in permanent plantings.” In this way, people involved in RegionalBusinessReview

5.1

– kilometres of 600mm steel pipe laid in a 12 hour shift.

750

– kilometres of steel pipeline laid across Australia since 2011.

2.9

– kilometres of steel pipeline welded in a single day.

EXPERIENCED

HDPE PIPELINES | STEEL PIPELINES | CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE | RENEWABLE RESOURCES

www.mpcgroup.com.au

agribusiness

permaculture – who feel not simply the income impacts of losing crops for that season, but the asset impact for years to come – were able to survive the drought. “Everybody needs water, don’t get me wrong,” reiterates Alister, “ but without a certain amount of water the investment they’ve made in growing and maturing a permanent crop can been cut short.” These days, water trading is a nation-wide practice, and one that has seen more crossover between urban and rural water use than ever before. “Through direct buyback or efficiency funding for infrastructure, over the past decade we’ve really seen Melbourne start to tap into the Goulburn region as a backup resource, and Canberra tap into the upper-Murrumbidgee,” says Alister. However, the overwhelming trend of recent years is that we are able

to use less water, more efficiently. “Yes, the output from the Murray-Darling Basin has dropped back,” something Alister attributes to factors like climate change. “But we’re achieving much higher economic output than we were before the drought, with lower levels of water use. We are doing more with less.” Yet the various governments, irrigators, regulators, environmentalists and individuals at the coalface – irrigators, farmers, producers etc – are all in agreement that there is still more to do. Hence the federal government-funded programs that are helping to facilitate major infrastructure projects and increase the efficiency of irrigation distribution in exchange for water saved, such as the Private Irrigation Infrastructure Operators Program for NSW (PIIOP), and the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency

Program. “Certainly the PIIOP and OnFarm programs’ funding has enabled a lot of system improvement,” says Alister. “All of the investments that do recover water are actually future-proofing a lot of these areas. So the investment leaves a legacy that allows these communities to do a lot more with a lot less for a long time to come in future.” Having been a delivery partner for Rounds Three and Four of the On-Farm program, Waterfind have been involved in some inspiring business turnarounds. “Getting involved with the On-Farm program is really another way for us to create wealth for agriculture and make sure that regional communities have an ongoing capacity to operate,” explains Alister. “We’ve been involved in storage reconfiguration, channel reconfiguration, the transition from traditional rice-paddy operations to bankless channels, and in some cases, simple things like laser levelling paddocks.” While uncertainty surrounding water security seems to be flowing in the wake of the government’s disbandment of the National Water Commission, we need only look to the foreign capital that’s being invested in Australian agriculture and international interest in our water management systems to recognise that the insecurity is largely overstated. In fact, the level of improvement in water use to economic output over the past decade speaks for itself. “We’ve almost doubled our level of GDP output per gigalitre used,” says Alister, “so that’s a significant efficiency gain and one that puts us in good stead.” RegionalBusinessReview

INDUSTRIAL All-Purpose Pipe Repair Kit

FIXAPIPE速 pipe repair kit is ideal to temporarily fix a wide range of broken, corroded or cracked pipes, including metal, concrete, fibreglass, polyethylene, ceramic, stainless steel, copper, rubber and more. Easy to use with clear, simple instructions, FIXAPIPE速 sets in minutes, reducing downtime and labour and enabling you to get back to work sooner. Featuring tamper-proof packaging, you can rest assured FIXAPIPE速 is kept sealed and secure at all times.

www.fixapipe.com.au Available from:

13 73 23 blackwoods.com.au

13 12 68 covsparts.com.au

08 9258 5877 perthpetroleum.com.au

1300 774 557 globalspill.com.au

f lavours

THE GANTRY RESTAUR ANT AND BAR Sydney

FLAVOURS FROM NEW HAPPENINGS TO FAB PRODUCE, WE UNEARTH THE LATEST TABLETOP TREATS.

SUPER SIPPER Low in sugar, with twice the antioxidant activity of blueberries and up to four times the vitamin C of oranges, blackcurrant juice is a potent weapon in the fight against colds and flus. Barker’s of Geraldine Blackcurrant Fruit Syrups, RRP $7.49, are available in the cordial aisle from supermarkets nationwide.

The Sydney Theatre Compan y may be a little further up the road but Pier One has a typ e of theatre all its own. The show belongs to newcomer The Gantry, with its menu of freshly-foraged, simple flavour s taking centre stage. As you would expect from a place on a pier perched on the harbou r foreshore, it’s all about seafoo d – well, mostly. There’s also some Mirrool Creek lamb, Cap e Grim beef and Jumjum muscovy duck all trying to stea l the limelight. The wine and cocktail lists are the per fect sup por t act, with the stunning scener y created by award-winn ers Bates Smart inside and the natural splendour of Sydney Har bour outside. There’s even a condensed pre-show menu, just in case you’re heading up the road to see what Cate Blanchett’s up to at the theatre . thegantry.com.a

RegionalBusinessReview

f lavours

The 100-metre meal We’re all aware of food miles these days, and while it’s not always possible to eat local, visitors to Margan Estate in the New South Wales Hunter Valley wine region can enjoy a fabulous meal of Suffolk lamb and heirloom vegetables with a glass of Barbera – with everything grown within 100 metres of the restaurant. Served daily for lunch throughout June as part of Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month. A full calendar of events is available online at winecountry.com.au

Aussie brand, Buderim Ginger, has identified that cooking with cordial is set to be the next cooking trend. thegingernet.com

Masterclass

Located at Sydney’s iconic fish markets, The Sydney Seafood School offers regular cooking classes during the week as well as weekends. Their winter classes range from simple barbecue, paella and Singapore chili crab to more challenging classes led by celebrated chefs such as Damien Pignolet and Alessandro Pavoni. For the full schedule and bookings go to sydneyfishmarket.com.au

Destination: Flavour McLaren Vale Sea and Vines, June 5–8 Coonawarra Cellar Dwellers, July 1–31

FRESH PICKINGS

This month we’re loving: Brussels sprouts Low calorie, extremely low GI and linked to cancer prevention, surprisingly the health benefits of these cute little bundles aren’t too well known. They are even high in vitamin C, with a 1-cup serve delivering a hefty 125 per cent of the RDI – perfect for the winter months. Forget the smelly boiled version, just quarter and add to a stir-fry. They also pair up well with bacon. But then, what doesn’t? 28

RegionalBusinessReview

Yum yum cha

Fans of Byron Bay’s Red Ginger Asian food and homewares emporium will be delighted to know that their can’t-stop-at-one dumplings and steamed buns are now available from select IGA stores in New South Wales, as well as at the Standard Market Company’s outlets in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

FARMERS’ MARKET

Slow Food Farmers’ Market Melbourne, VIC There are several farmers’ markets around the Melbourne suburbs, but this is the only one dedicated to the slow food movement. Based on the basic principles of good, clean, fair food, the produce here is fresh, seasonal and organic – direct from the farms and full of nourishment. Highlights are the handmade cheeses from the lovely ladies at Holy Goat, and the fresh pastas and sauces made with homegrown veggies from the family at Take Me Home Pasta. WHERE: Abbotsford Convent, St Heliers Street, Abbotsford. WHEN: Every fourth Saturday of the month, 8am–1pm.

// U N R I VA L L E D PA R T N E R S H I P

The Hitachi EH5000AC-3 mining truck and EX8000-6 backhoe excavator. From the factory to the pit, Hitachiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ultra-class hydraulic excavators and electric drive mining trucks are engineered to maximise the productivity of mining operations. Our flagship machines deliver unmatched performance and reliability when it comes to loading and haulage. The most powerful and productive combination yet.

Fleet Management System

Unearth your potential with a postgraduate degree in Mining Engineering. Mining Engineering

Postgraduate programs with pathways to industry certification.

Never Stand Still

Engineering

Mining Engineering

Master, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate of Mining Engineering Master and Graduate Diploma of Mine Geotechnical Engineering Graduate Diploma of Mine Ventilation Statutory Coal Mine Ventilation Officer Course

Get the edge, improve your prospects Find out more at mining.unsw.edu.au or call +61 2 9385 5346

advertorial

“The length of tenure is a result of the positive working relationships we have built and the value we deliver to the customer in precedence to margin at any cost.”

THE QUIET ACHIEVER: one of Australia’s largest underground mining production projects ne of Australia’s largest underground mines - the OsborneStarra copper and gold mine in Queensland – is nearing end of life after 20 years of operation and 29 million tonnes of copper and gold ore production. The pending completion of the project’s development and mining contract by PYBAR Mining Services marks an achievement that has redefined it as a major player in the Australian market - firmly cementing its position 32

RegionalBusinessReview

as Australia’s third largest underground mining contractor. The Osborne-Starra project, owned by Chinova Resources, is among the top 20 largest metalliferous underground mines in Australia by tonnes of ore mined and one of the top three largest mining operations in the country that contract out all or the majority of their mining function. PYBAR CEO Paul Rouse said: “This project is a validation of PYBAR’s ability to manage projects to the end of a mine’s life. The length of tenure is a result of the positive working relationships we

have built and the value we deliver to the customer in precedence to margin at any cost.” PYBAR has been responsible for all of the mining activities at the OsborneStarra operation, comprising of up to 150,000 tonnes per month of ore production, as well as up to 400 metres per month of development. Today, the Osborne mine is also approaching the exhaustion of its ore reserve with mine production due to conclude by September 2015. For more info visit: pybar.com.au

insidemining

Helpful insights and fascinating facts about the Australian mining and resource sector.

miningprofile

REMUNERATIVE

ROSTERING

WITH A VISION TO PROVIDE THE FIRST END-TO-END CLOUD-BASED WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FOR THE RESOURCES, CONSTRUCTION AND ENERGY SECTORS, ENVERRO CEO LEIGH KELSON IS NOTHING IF NOT AMBITIOUS. WORDS: RILEY PALMER

ining rosters have copped a lot of flak in recent years. Among other offenses such as inefficiency, they are seen to facilitate the itinerant lifestyles that are often associated with issues of mental health. Designing the perfect roster seems elusive, yet it’s something all mining companies strive for – not only for the sanity of their workers, but also for improving their overall profitability and productivity. Having developed a cloudbased rostering platform specifically for the resources, construction and energy sectors, Enverro make tangible these industry-wide objectives and bring us one step closer to the elusively perfect roster. We speak with Enverro chief executive Leigh Kelson about his company’s new software – the Crew & Roster solution – and how it centralises worker data and reduces manual errors common to largescale projects. Q: Describe what the Crew & Roster solution is and how it’s different from what currently exists. A: Our Crew & Roster solution simplifies the process of assigning workers to crews, managing roster patterns and filling vacancies on large capital projects.

RegionalBusinessReview

This is critical functionality for any company responsible for providing labour on construction, resource and energy projects. While many large or mid-size mining operations already have an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system or a human resource information system (HRIS) in place, these systems only manage a portion of human resource processes and are typically companycentric, not project-centric. This means that the mission-critical logistics related to qualifying, approving, scheduling and deploying workers to and from remote worksites is often managed via a spreadsheet, or something similar. Q: What are the most common manual errors made with largescale rosters? A: One of the most common inefficiencies is managing resources between projects. Poor management of

made. As a result, travel and related costs increase as well as prolongation fees. Not to mention that project equipment is sadly underutilised. Q: How does Enverro account for the varying rosters required by companies whose mining operations differ? A: Our software differs from other solutions in that it is highly configurable via a web-based interface and that it is project-centric. It facilitates a number of industry-standard patterns, but also allows our customers’ experienced human resources teams to build custom patterns to assign the safest roster for a particular project, or even a particular type of crew. Q: What mining companies are currently using Enverro? A: Crew & Roster is still very new,

Poor management of the demobilisation cycles and ineffective transitioning of workers on and off projects can cost companies millions. the demobilisation cycles and ineffective transitioning of workers on and off projects can cost companies millions. Also, working with multiple spreadsheets increases the likelihood of errors being

but is currently in use on several LNG projects and is in the process of being implemented by Homeground Solutions (a subsidiary of Decmil Group). Australian mining contractor,

miningprofile

FAST FACTS • Until November 2014, Enverro was known as PRM Cloud Solutions – a software company launched by Leigh Kelson in 1996.

Downer, is currently using Enverro to help them bring international employees into Australia. They found that mobilising their workforce was complicated, made more difficult through the use of spreadsheets to track their employees. They couldn’t access documentation about individuals in one place and had no way to store supporting documents that might be required for a government audit. In using Enverro, Downer has been able to understand everything going on with an individual at a glance, store all related records and documents in one location and run reports quickly and easily. They can also track things like ongoing visa monitoring, compliance and post-placement care

activities – things that play an important role in workforce retention. Q: How do you account for the rapid changes that are taking place across the Australian resource sector? A: We have learned from our customers that the one thing to expect is constant change. We have to support the reality that people take leave or require unexpected schedule variance, that rosters may need to be tweaked or completely rebuilt, that crews can be assigned new patterns and that workers move among crews frequently. So our software has been designed with visualisation tools that enable us to recalculate rosters in real-time.

• Enverro floated on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in December 2014, seeking an initial public offering (IPO) of $4 million to help fund their international expansion. The company is particularly interested in establishing themselves in Texas, which is renowned for its oil and gas industry.

RegionalBusinessReview

THE EXPERTS COME TO YOU TEX Onsite Australia’s leading on-site testing and calibration company, delivering quality every time Full complimentary compliance management service HV Testing Power System Protection Instrument Calibrations Electrical Condition Monitoring Including: Electrical, Dimensional, Insulating Oil Analysis full range of Torque, Pressure, Height Safety Flow and much more Lifting Equipment

MOBILE TESTING & CALIBRATION SERVICES LAB & ONSITE SERVICE CAPABILITIES AUSTRALIA WIDE

CONTACT 1300 785 935 www.texonsite.com.au

Ground Support Systems THE CHALLENGE: Enhancing the safety and increasing the production levels of underground mines by providing the highest quality ground support products and services possible.

Quality & Safety Innovation Technical Support

THE SOLUTION: Jennmar Australia will provide the total ground control solution incorporating: • The complete range of ground support products for coal and hard rock mines. • Innovation and problem solving tailored to specific mine sites. • Continual training and support by our highly experienced service technicians. • The most responsive and reliable supply, providing the right products on site and on time. • Supply centres in the hub of the mining districts. Sydney Head Office & Plant

Queensland Plant

WA Plant

Ph (02) 4648 7500

Ph (07) 4952 8700

Ph (02) 9408 9900

Support you can trust underground www.jennmar.com.au

news+views ROLLS-ROYCE ENGINES TO POWER WORLD’S FIRST MINING SHIP Rolls-Royce – the elite of the automobile industry – will provide the engines to power the world’s first seabed mining vessel. Designed by SeaTech Solutions for Marine Assets Corporation (MAC), the ship is expected to reach completion by

late 2017 and will be used off the coast of Papua New Guinea by Nautilus Minerals’ Solwara 1 project in the Bismarck Sea. In water depths of up to 1,600 metres, highgrade copper, gold, ore and silver will be extracted from the seabed. From March 2016, Rolls-Royce will deliver six nine-cylinder engines, three underwater mountable thrusters, two

RAPP-IT PIPE Repair Bandages have recently launched a larger sized bandage (100mm x 9m, RAP304) which is ideal for emergency applications on large industrial pipes. The release was prompted by increased demand from mining maintenance managers nationwide for an appropriate bandage to repair leaking or damaged pipes with a diameter greater than 6”. Rapp-it Technical Specialist, Shayne Evers, said that a standard pipe repair on a 10” pipe with a RAP304 is cheaper and uses less bandages to achieve a successful repair. “This is an important time and money saver for maintenance teams, as a faster repair results in less downtime. It also enables a smoother application with greater tension applied throughout the repair,” Evers said. As an Australian owned and operated company with thirty years’ experience servicing the mining and industrial sectors, Rapp-it understands how important it is to maintain stringent quality assurance programs for the benefit of its customers. The product has been awarded a NATO (Northern Atlantic Treaty Organisation) number, an internationally recognised certification awarded to key quality products and suppliers. Rapp-it Pipe Repair Bandages are a leader in their market, currently the only pipe repair bandage with NATO Certification in the world. Rapp-it continually meet customer demands by researching the effects of harsh chemicals and solvents on site. In particular, Rapp-it have researched and tested the effects of hydrochloric and sulphuric acid, along with MEK and caustic soda, with no results indicating damage to the bandage strength. Rapp-it is also compliant to Australian and New Zealand Potable Water Standards, thus being safe for use on drinking water lines. Rapp-it Pipe Repair Bandages are suitable for use in a wide variety of pipe repair applications, with four smaller bandage sizes available, ranging from 50mm to 100mm wide and 3.6m to 4.8m long. Rapp-it Pipe Repair Bandages are an emergency pipe repair kit which can be used on all types of rigid pipes, including poly, steel and concrete in many different situations.

Advertorial

RAPP-IT PIPE REPAIR BANDAGES CONSISTENTLY MEETING CUSTOMER DEMANDS

retractable Azimuth thrusters and two bow thrusters all to the Fuijan Mawei shipyard in China. The company’s six B33:45 medium-speed diesel generators will provide the vessel with 31.4 megawatts of power. Mark Reeves, MAC’s chief operating officer, is very optimistic about the deal and says that since it was reached, “it is apparent that there is huge potential in subsea mining,” a sector of the industry that “can be extremely lucrative compared to land mining, with mineral content per tonne of ore considerably higher than land-based mines.” President of Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine, John Knudsen, shares in the anticipation of the contract established between the company and MAC: “Deep sea mining is an exciting new industry and with our extensive pedigree in the offshore business, we look forward to working with [MAC] and their partners in enabling them to become first movers in the extraction of valuable minerals from the seabed.”

MINING MACHINES A joint project by industry companies Anglo American and Atlas Copco that emphasises the development of new underground mining equipment has entered an advanced stage, with testing anticipated to begin later in the year. Mechanical excavation technology research and development by Anglo and Atlas has been underway since 2012, and is focused primarily on ensuring both faster and safer underground mining. Mikael Ramstrom, Atlas Copco manager of global strategic projects and alliances, says that one method of achieving more cost-efficient and predictable ore production is to “move towards continuous mining systems based on mechanical rock cutting.” The new mining equipment is “expected to transform the extraction process of ore RegionalBusinessReview

PROUDLY SUPPLYING WASTE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS TO THE RESOURCE INDUSTRY Toxfree provides a comprehensive range of waste management and industrial services to the oil and gas industry. We pride ourselves in tailoring innovative solutions for our customers, ensuring safe, reliable and sustainable outcomes. Our focus is simple; solve our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; problems, and do it safely.

What can we solve for you?

safe.reliable.sustainable

1300 toxfree

Photos by Michael Lawrence & Duncan Macfarlane

With over 55 sites nationally and servicing over 20,000 customers, Toxfree provides solutions for some of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading businesses and government organisations throughout Australia.

www.toxfree.com.au

A non-profit humanitarian organisation whose aim is to improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing. surfaid.org

news+views

from underground hard rock mines.” As part of Anglo American’s FutureSmart™ approach to mining, the equipment developed through this project is designed to promote “sustainable, lasting change.” The philosophy behind this is explained by Anglo American group head of technology development Donovan Waller: “We are looking for a radical transformation of the way we do things and that means taking a fresh approach. Anglo American believes in seeing how technology can benefit entire systems, not just certain parts of them. We also believe that the benefits to the industry

as a whole can only be realised through openness and collaboration.”

ROCK-SOLID SUICIDE PREVENTION In an effort to reduce the risk of suicide among workers in the mining and oil and gas industries, Mining Family Matters has partnered with Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Networks. While the majority of attention around mortality within the industry concerns accidental work-related fatalities, suicide is a statistical reality that requires an equal amount of preventative measures.

GUT-WRENCHING slow-motion: an underground mine worker walks towards a blind corner; an LHD bears down, head-on; flesh and machinery collide. A terrifying image for every mining man or woman, management or operator, but one only too common in Australian mines. Though our safety standards are among the world’s toughest, we saw a spike in fatalities to 17 workers Australia-wide in 2013/14 largely due to unnecessary accident. A poignant reminder our mine workers face hazards every day of their working lives. A new electronics system, operating in hard rock and now under trial in Australian coal mines, is already saving lives. It detects converging man and equipment, equipment and equipment, even equipment approaching infrastructure using a low frequency magnetic field. Used in all mining operations, the magnetic field provides safe non-visual detection within the high-risk zone, from zero metres to 35 metres from the equipment. It instantly sets off warning alarms for both worker and machine operator and even shuts down machine operation. Worker alarms are fastened as close as belts and hard hats. The HazardAvert system was developed in the USA by STRATA Worldwide using NASA low frequency electronic field technology used as part of the space program. The system is deployed in over 100 mines in the USA, South Africa, and now Australia. Modified and fully approved for the rigorous Australian safety standards, the system is suited to underground and surface coal and hard rock mining.

Advertorial

NASA SMARTS GOES UNDERGROUND

In particular, those working and living the fly-in fly-out (FIFO) lifestyle are especially at risk. Western Australia mental health commissioner Tim Marney explains how FIFO workers can be at risk: “Social isolation, family or financial stress and high risk-taking behavior; those are three proven risk factors predominant in an age and gender cohort already predisposed to suicide. Add to that shift work, and it is clinically proven that messes with mental health.” Now known as the Rock Solid Suicide Prevention Program, the initiative seeks to build “emotional resilience and help prevent suicide among workers in the male-dominated resources industry, while also resourcing families with practical strategies to survive the challenges of working away … or shift work,” says Mining Family Matters. The program will include interactive learning workshops for companies to better understand how to lessen work-related stress on employees. Ideally, the program will help to not only inform, but also remind companies and workers alike of the importance of mental health, especially in such a risky and demanding industry.

REDTRAX Redpath Mining Contractors and Engineers have developed a new raisedrill carrier dubbed ‘Redtrax’ to transport raisebores and other materials around mining sites. The innovative piece of equipment “frees previously required mine equipment such as telehandlers, forklifts and LHDs that were required, allowing them to perform other duties simultaneously elsewhere on the mine site,” says Redpath. The machine is “compatible with sand, mud and water, both on surface and underground.” Its ability to handle heavy loads “makes swift work of transporting a variety of raisedrills,” states Redpath and while Redtrax is designed for specific Redpath models, it will be able to handle most drills on the market. Additional features of Redtrax include: low noise levels, low emissions and the option to be controlled remotely or via an umbilical cable. Eight Redtrax machines are anticipated for release this year, with more units to be released in 2016. RegionalBusinessReview

snapshot

RegionalBusinessReview

snapshot

snapshot RegionalBusinessReview

Image: BHP Billiton

Coal mine in Bełchatów, Poland

specialreport

TRICKS OF THE TRADE WHETHER A SKILLED CRANE OPERATOR OR A GEOLOGICAL ENGINEER, EMPLOYEES OF THE RESOURCES SECTOR ARE INCREASINGLY REQUIRED TO HAVE A FORMAL EDUCATION. WORDS: RILEY PALMER

RegionalBusinessReview

specialreport

t risk of bursting a few bubbles, it must be said that the oftenpeddled ‘get rich quick’ sentiment associated with the mining industry is largely a fallacy. In fact, the inflated incomes attained by employees of the mining sector during a boom, while often perceived as quick-cash, are more likely the result of a lot of forethought, time and effort put into formal education. According to Mining Careers, 63.4 per cent of miners have a Certificate III or higher – a statistic corroborated by CEO of Engineers Australia, Stephen Durkin and Deputy Director of The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), Professor David Brereton, both of whom have noticed a rising level of interest in tertiary qualifications relating to mining specialties over the past decade. In a hands-on industry where skills were once largely learned on the job, Professor Brereton insists that expectations of mining professionals are changing. “Learning on the job is useful for acquiring the knowledge and skills for specific roles, but today’s industry professionals need to be able to step outside these roles and take a broader view,” he says. “The ‘on-the-job’ approach is about the ‘here and now’, whereas mining is a rapidly changing industry.” He pauses to take stock before adding; “People need to know what is coming down the road and how

to deal with those challenges.” Additional expectations placed on individuals at all levels of the industry are essentially what is driving the resources sector’s requirement for tertiary education. Speaking on the engineering trends in relation to the mining sector, Mr Durkin explains; “As budgets get leaner and staffing gets tighter, more and more mining companies are seeking engineering

“Professional attributes other than just technical skills are becoming increasingly important in today’s modern world.” 44

RegionalBusinessReview

graduates with a combination of knowledge and experience that means they can hit the ground running.” While he concedes that there is still a significant role for on-the-job training, Mr Durkin has noticed that apprenticeships or internships tend to be simply one constituent in the broader context of formal education, rather than the complete component. He adds; “Professional attributes other than just technical skills are becoming increasingly important in today’s modern world. This extends to things like project management, leadership skills, systems integration, communications skills, ability to

‘The most important project I’m managing is my own career.’

Kylie Rivers, Consultant at Thinc, Bachelor of Business, Master of Project Management, QUT.

It was the real-world experience and the connections of the lecturers in industry that convinced Kylie Rivers to choose us for her Master of Project Management. Her decision has paid off. Kylie is responsible for managing more than 30 projects and her career outlook is promising. Forecasters predict there will be a shortage of highly qualified, experienced project managers by 2020. Graduates interested in taking their project management careers to the next level will be able to choose between two courses: Master of Project Management 3 semesters full-time.*

Graduate Certificate of Project Management 1 semester full-time.*

Flexible study options for both courses are available, as well as online continuing professional education modules. For prerequisite requirements and more information, search ‘QUT Project Management’ or visit www.qut.edu.au/project-management to make your next project your most rewarding. *Part-time mode available.

specialreport

“They need to make sure they have the qualifications and experience that will maximise their employability and they have to be adaptable – education is a way of doing this.”

RegionalBusinessReview

listen to what is required and explain implications around difficult technical issues, cross-cultural intelligence, cultural awareness and an understanding of the laws around industry.” Of course, mining industry education is currently at a critical juncture; at once faced with the declining nature of Australia’s resources sector, and the potential changes ahead for the entire tertiary education sector as it faces government reform. Both Professor Brereton and Mr Durkin have noticed that the mining boom brought with it an increase in specialised qualifications: for instance, where a student may have previously studied mining engineering as an elective, they are now able to study it as a stand-alone degree. “We are generally seeing a rising level of interest in people seeking specialist professional qualifications to supplement the basic

bachelor’s degree,” says Professor Brereton. “Although,” he reflects, “numbers are down a little at the moment because of the downturn in the industry.” Mr Durkin postulates about the future of these specialisations in the current industry context, saying; “Often, but not always, these specifically-named degrees revert back to a foundation degree as the market and economic conditions change.” He muses; “It will be interesting to see what happens to highly specialised degrees like mining engineering if the tertiary sector undergoes deregulation.” Irrespective of the semantics, formal education will continue to be a requisite for the majority of people working on a mine site; from technical operators such as a plant foreman or shift boss who require a VET/TAFE or university qualification and extensive training, to professionals like metallurgists and surveyors who require a university degree and experience. Referring to engineering specifically, Mr Durkin states; “Education remains and will continue to remain integral to engineering, both in the mining sector and elsewhere.” He believes that the skills learned through tertiary studies give individuals a competitive advantage that sets them apart even when the sector is in decline. “From a student’s point of view, as the resources boom reaches its peak and starts to slow down, having a solid tertiary education, coupled with as much experience they can get through job placements may give them a competitive advantage over other job hunters.” Professor Brereton agrees, adding; “It’s a cyclical industry, and employees need to plan for the long haul. They need to make sure they have the qualifications and experience that will maximise their employability and they have to be adaptable – education is a way of doing this.”

Earn a second income anytime, anywhere A Foreign Exchange worth making

Discover Financial Freedom through Forex Start your trading journey today and register for our FREE FX Workshop At this on-site 2 hour training workshop you will learn; What to trade within your down-time 4 simple trading strategies, that you can set and forget Low risk management techniques State of the art software that makes trading easy

Voted the BEST FX Educator 2012 & 2013

Developed by Millionaire FX trader Greg Secker

FX WORKSHOP Chinchilla - Base Camp Friday 19th June at 5pm

1800 720 964 learntotrade.com.au/fx/?gid=insidemining Learn to Trade Pty Ltd (ACN:138178542, AFSL:339557) provides general information and educational content only. This is not personal advice and no individual needs or circumstances have been considered, nor is this an offer to buy/sell financial products. Financial products are complex and entail risk of loss. You should always obtain professional advice to ensure trading or investing in such products is suitable for your circumstances. Ensure you obtain, read and understand any applicable offer document.

advertorial

Learn to

TRADE IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED WHAT THE WORLD OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE (FOREX) TRADING CAN OFFER YOU, HERE RORY MCCANN, A FORMER MINER SHARES HIS STORY ABOUT LEARNING TO TRADE THE CURRENCY MARKETS.

MY TRADING journey began in March, 2013 whilst at home on R&R. At the time I was working as a leading hand on the MCJV QGC export pipeline. I was based in camps from Chinchilla to Gladstone working a FIFO roster of 28 and 9. On that break I attended a two day Foreign Exchange Trading Workshop with Learn to Trade, held at their live trading floor in North Sydney. I did not have much knowledge of Forex, nor the extraordinary size of the market - $US5 trillion traded daily! I knew this was what I had been looking for- endless opportunities for an additional income stream that I could access anytime, anywhere. When I started trading, I became over-excited and made lots of mistakes. I saw the AUD/USD shoot up and placed a trade that had potential to make huge cash returns - but I didn’t stick to the strict risk management techniques I’d been taught at the course, and lost my entire stake instead. Since then I’ve learnt I have to be disciplined, follow the risk management rules and a trading strategy that works for me. This year I was invited to the launch of a new charting software package, SmartCharts. This innovative

RegionalBusinessReview

software has turned trading on its head for me. I previously spent painstaking hours looking over possible trade set-ups and there was always room for calculation errors and missed opportunities. Now, I simply nominate the top ‘flashing choices’ that have shown all the right signals for being potentially good trades, I check the sets ups are indeed good and then take the trade by hitting the BUY or SELL signal suggested. These are entry, exit and stop-loss levels that I can double check and of course adjust later as the trade unfolds within the risk and strategy rules I’ve learnt. Then I sit back and wait for pending orders to trigger! My profits took off straight away and I was able to take twice as many trades and double the profit! Of course I have wins and losses but with the right strategies and especially trading risk discipline it’s been working well for me. Now, only two years into my FX trading journey I have been lucky enough to leave my job and focus on

becoming a ‘full-time trader’. I aim be at my screen trading for about 10 hours per week. I’m now working alongside Learn to Trade to help reach-out to other miners who may also be looking for an interesting new money making skill. My lifestyle now allows more time to do the things I enjoy, spending time with my family and reaping the benefits of working from home. For anyone looking to try their hand at currency trading or simply looking for a secondary income now is a great time to start! The volatility of the market is increasing and accessible tools like SmartCharts enable every day people to find and exploit those trading opportunities. Living the good life, Rory McCann. If you’re in interested in learning to trade currencies using risk management techniques, get in touch with Learn to Trade today for a FREE 2 hour on-site introductory workshop on 1800 7209 64 or visit us online at learntotrade.com.au/fx/

I’m now working alongside Learn to Trade to help reach-out to other miners who may also be looking for an interesting new money making skill.

FINALLY A PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

ALL NATURAL + DELICIOUS Great as a healthy meal replacement or snack + supports weight loss, body shaping + recovery. Benefits Gluten free, low carb, high protein, grass fed, no artificial sweeteners, fillers or gums, low fat and purely delicious. Available online at thehealthychef.com

VALE BREWING. ALWAYS IN GOOD COMPANY.

DRINK RESPONSIBLY