AIRPORT I SS UE 1 0
magazine H A R B O U R A I R P O R T
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C O F F S
Meet the Coffs Harbour Airport Team Ensuring smooth and efficient airport operations
How to Train Your Dragon The Arena Spectacular Touring in March 2012
From Wings to Wheels When it comes to rental cars, the choices are sky high
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NORFOLK ISLAND Discover a World where you can be as busy or as laid back as you want to be... Marine
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contents ISSUE 10
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on the cover 5
Meet the Coffs Harbour Airport Team Ensuring a smooth and efficient airport operations
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How to Train Your Dragon The Arena Spectacular Touring in March 2012
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From Wings to Wheels When it comes to rental cars, all you have to do is choose
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features 8
Keeping Watch Meet the man who keeps passengers and planes safe
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Talkin’ Technology We look at the latest in gadgets and gizmos
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Newcastle Art Gallery Presenting Australian Modern Masterpieces
17
The Future of Boarding Schools Delving into the traditional
18
NSW Business Buzz What’s happening in and around town
21
A Right Royal View Queen Elizabeth II loved it and you will too
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AIRPORT ISSUE 10
magazine H A R B O U R A I R P O R T
www.inflightmagazine.com.au
C O F F S
Meet the Coffs Harbour Airport Team Ensuring a smooth and efficient airport operations
regulars 4 Welcome to Coffs Harbour Airport
How to Train Your Dragon The Arena Spectacular Touring in March 2012
5 Coffs Harbour Airport Updates 19 Puzzles
23 Talk Back
From Wings to Wheels When it comes to rental cars, all you have to do is choose
I’M FREE
TAKE ME WITH YOU
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PUBLISHER Patrick McElligott patrick@inflightmagazine.com.au
EDITOR Bettina Maniatis bettina@inflightmagazine.com.au
ART DIRECTOR Lawrence Borchers lawrence@inflightmagazine.com.au
WELCOME TO COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL AIRPORT
ADVERTISING & ENQUIRIES WESTERN EDITION [WA] Daniela Raos daniela@inflightmagazine.com.au NORTHERN EDITION [QLD] Robyn Crouch robyn@inflightmagazine.com.au SOUTHERN EDITION [NSW] Brittany Cavill brittany@inflightmagazine.com.au BOATING INDUSTRY Patrick McElligott patrick@inflightmagazine.com.au XP TRAVELLER Anita Hennessey anita@inflightmagazine.com.au PRINTING www.dynamicprint.net.au Airport Magazine is published bi-monthly by Inflight Publishing Pty. Ltd. Views expressed in Airport magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. No responsibility is accepted by the publisher or the printer for the accuracy of information contained in the text or advertisements. Advertisements must comply with the relevant Trade Practices Act 1979. Responsibility for compliance with the act rests with the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement. Neither the publisher nor the editor accepts responsibility for advertisements.
P U B L I S H I N G
Ph (07) 3891 7793 • Fax (07) 3891 7702 PO Box 6133, Buranda, Qld 4102 www.inflightmagazine.com.au
A • • • • • • • •
s 2011 draws to a close it is time to reflect on the past 12 months and to look to the year ahead. We enjoyed another successful year in all aspects of airport operations. Some of the highlights include:-
Successfully hosting the Service Centre for the World Rally Championships. Supporting the Queensland Floods Appeal which was co-ordinated by Biggles Flight Lounge staff, Leonie and Tina. 150 large boxes and 30 bags of goods were sent to needy communities in the Grantham area. Hosting the opening night of the Utopian Dance Festival in January. Commencing new shuttle bus services in May. Congratulating another team of young Air Niugini cadets graduating as pilots after being trained by Professional Pilot Training. Reaching the trigger point for the installation of Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services. Planning has now commenced in earnest for this new facility. QantasLink introducing the first stage of their Next Generation check-in system. Major terminal improvements including; repainting, new carpet, additional seating in the Biggles Café area and new flat screen televisions in the departure lounges.
And, we had a record 12 months to June 30 with almost 340,000 passengers, 6.5 per cent growth on the previous year. But we will not stop there. On the drawing board for next year, we have more major projects including; • Extending the airport apron to increase parking for large aircraft. • Building a new road to provide airside access for heavy vehicles such as freight, fuel and fire trucks. • Expanding the parking facilities for buses, shuttle buses and taxis. • Resurfacing the main runway. I also look forward to working with our airline and aviation industry partners to further improve airport services and infrastructure over the next few years. Thank you to all airport staff for your continued support and co-operation in 2011. It is greatly appreciated. And to all staff, passengers and visitors, best wishes and compliments of the season from Coffs Harbour Regional Airport. Dennis Martin Airport Manager
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MEET THE AIRPORT TEAM M
ost days, visitors to Coffs Harbour Airport arrive, check-in, board their flight and depart for destinations near and far. A seamless process that happens day in day out. How, or perhaps more to the point, who is responsible for ensuring smooth and efficient airport operations? In this edition of Airport, we introduce you to some of the airport personnel and a snapshot of their lives at Coffs Harbour Airport. Let's begin.
MARK FITTON OPERATIONS OFFICER DENNIS MARTIN AIRPORT MANAGER Coffs Harbour Airport is a separate business unit of Coffs Harbour City Council for which Dennis has overall responsibility for its efficient, safe and profitable operation. Dennis comes from a long career in aviation with Ansett Australia where he worked in various roles over a 27 year period in places such as Broken Hill, Adelaide, Sydney and Coffs Harbour. As most of his career was in the commercial side of the airline industry it was no surprise that Dennis brought new ideas and innovations to the role of Airport Manager when appointed in 2008. Some of the changes already completed include; upgraded passenger lounge, ongoing renovation and beautification of the terminal and surrounds, introduction of new parking arrangements including paid general parking and dedicated parking areas for rental and airport workers vehicles. Twenty twelve will be another busy year as Dennis has a number of major projects on the drawing board. These include; an extension to the aircraft parking area, a new access road for heavy vehicles such as fire tenders, freight and refuelling trucks and improved parking facilities for buses and taxis. Parallel with his career in aviation Dennis also has a long and proud history of service to the community. He established the Coffs Harbour Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC), has served on the Regional Tourism Board, Airport Development Board, Coffs Harbour Futures Board, Coffs Coast Marketing Committee, CHYFM Community Radio Board and Coffs Harbour Rotary at local and district level. Dennis' dedicated service to the community has been both appreciated and recognised on a number of occasions. Some of the awards received include:• • • •
Tourism Award for “Individual Contribution” in 1989 Rotary “Paul Harris Fellowship” in 1997 Coffs Harbour Citizen of the Year in 1998 Rotary “International Service Above Self Award” in 2000
And when not around airports and aircraft, Dennis spends most of his time with family, especially the youngest members of the Martin clan as he is now a very proud grandfather.
Mark is the Airport's Mr Fixit. His domain encompasses the terminal buildings, public and private car parking facilities and 'airside' - the runways, apron, taxiways, in fact - the total area inside the airport boundary. This combination of civil and aviation infrastructure ensures Mark and his team of four reporting officers are constantly on the go. The terminal building receives constant attention. Air conditioning, plumbing, electricity supply and lighting are regularly monitored to ensure comfort and convenience for airport visitors and the businesses that operate in and around the terminal; from passenger check-in, to security screening, the cafe, taxis and shuttle bus services. The operations team also undertake regular maintenance and replacement programs of furniture, fittings, painting and gardening - crucial in keeping the airport looking spic and span, creating a positive first impression for visitors and a sense of pride for Coffs Coast residents. Airside, the team make daily inspections of the runway, apron pavement, line markings and lighting systems and regular reviews of surrounding vegetation and animal activity to ensure aircraft can land and take-off safely. With Coffs Harbour's sub-tropical climate and the airport's one thousand acres of grassed area, the tractor mower almost never stops. Only between June and August do men and mower enjoy a brief reprieve. In addition to ongoing maintenance, there are always Dennis Martin's new projects to implement - never a dull moment for Mark and his team. In his past life, Mark and wife Carol operated the Urunga Caravan Park. They were responsible for all aspects of the business - from customer service to maintenance and management. This was followed by time as a cattle farmer on the New England Tableland. And again, this came with overall responsibility for farm management and operations. Now, outside his daily airport routine, Mark and Carol are avid rally enthusiasts. Mark the driver, Carol his navigator. To-date, Mark has built three rally cars from the wheels up -except for the engine. But relishing a challenge, his next project is to construct another vehicle, complete with rotary engine. Now you know why Mark is Coffs Harbour Airport's Mr Fixit.
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MEET THE AIRPORT TEAM
ANTON VEUGEN COMPLIANCE OFFICER As his title suggests, Anton has responsibility for ensuring Coffs Harbour Airport complies with a myriad of local, State and Commonwealth Government aviation regulations. In many ways, he is like the middle man between the regulatory authorities and the airport. The Federal Government’s Office of Transport Security and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority are constantly up-dating and up-grading Australian airport security, infrastructure and safety practises and procedures. All are required to be attended to and put into practice. For Anton, this entails managing the procedural manuals and communicating changes to airport personnel to enact and record compliance. This also means advising these changes to organisations which co-operate with the airport in times of emergency such as Police, Fire, Ambulance and Emergency Services. Until recently, the Aerodrome Operations Manual, Airport Emergency Plan, Safety Management Systems and Transport Security Program to name but four were all paper based documents. But no more. After a dedicated effort by Anton, Coffs Harbour Airport is now one of the first in Australia to operate with a complete set of digitised procedural manuals. Changes and up-dates are now communicated to airport staff and appropriate external personnel and organisations in a more efficient, timely and cost effective method. Before entering the civil aviation sector, Anton completed 20 years military service in the Royal Australian Air Force. An Advanced Avionics Technician, he maintained the electronic systems and equipment on multi-million dollar aircraft - F111 fighter jets, F18 Hornets, Blackhawk helicopters, Hercules transports and Boeing 707 aircraft. This and a time spent with the RAAF’s VIP division, 33 Squadron, provided Anton with invaluable experience in procedures and protocol which are an important part of his position with Coffs Harbour Airport. When not at the airport, Anton enjoys spending time working on his self built, high speed, water cooled computer. The recipient of an academic University Medal for exceptional course work from James Cook University, he is a wiz in digital multi media and thoroughly enjoys getting lost in cyber space.
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Barbara Hill
BARBARA HILL & MELISSA SCHULTZ ADMINISTRATION OFFICERS This is a job share position which works well for Barb, Mel and Coffs Harbour Airport. A very important aspect of this position is to manage the security clearances and passes for airport staff, workers and trade visitors to the airport. Since 9/11, security measures at all Australian airports have intensified. Airport operators are required to check the bonafides and maintain records of people accessing airports, including Coffs Harbour Airport. To manage this, Barb and Mel are in the process of implementing a new electronic based identification and security clearance system. Once installed, this will improve security in keeping with Federal Government requirements of maintaining records of visitors to the airport, particularly those with access to the airside areas of the airport. Another development currently underway is the introduction of an electronic key system. When fully operational, this will improve the issuing, control and replacement of keys and locks to all parts of the airport. As well as the improved security, the system will deliver significant cost efficiencies to the airport's operational budget. Other aspects of a typical day for these ladies include the administration of correspondence, record keeping, arranging meetings, managing lost property and attending to calls and enquiries from the general public. There is never a dull moment in this position. For example, whenever the RAAF C17 transport plane visits Coffs Harbour for practise runway approaches, the airport administration phone starts ringing. This aircraft is huge, looks formidable and makes a
MEET THE AIRPORT TEAM Melissa Schultz
Boris Svrznjak and Steve Ide
Paul Jennings
thunderous roar which can be a little frightening. Barb and Mel have to reassure callers it is our military making a short visit and not a foreign invasion. There are also times when these ladies need to be very diplomatic and understanding. A recent call received from the public was from a first time flyer soon to take to the sky. The person requested a seat away from the window so as not to be exposed to the exhaust fumes from the engines. The person was reassured they would be able to breathe easy on the flight and to call their airline to request an aisle seat. Out of hours both Barbara and Melissa lead busy lives.
Terry Cooper
Barbara enjoys keeping fit and healthy. A one-time A Grade tennis player, she now regularly exercises with friends at aquaaerobics and with husband Ken enjoys a game of golf. All this is perhaps necessary as Barb has to keep up with her six equally active grandchildren aged between 1 and 10 years. A resident of Coffs for over 30 years, Barbara worked for Council in a variety of positions before joining the airport team. Her first position was with the Economic Development Unit, then followed stints in Records Management, Human Resources and Council’s tourism marketing department. So Barbara has a good working knowledge of Council and Airport business. Like Barbara, Melissa has little ones. A boy and girl aged four and two. Mel says that her two children are a delight and handful, keeping her fit and healthy. Before family and prior to working for Coffs Harbour Airport, Mel enjoyed a stint of city living in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney – in retailing, merchant banking in the fraud division and retail banking. However, it was the call of Coffs Harbour that drew her back to settle and join the team at Coffs Harbour Airport.
BORIS SVRZNJAK, STEVE IDE, PAUL JENNINGS & TERRY COOPER These four Reporting Officers are often seen around the airport. Their responsibilities include; ensuring passenger safety as people board and disembark aircraft, maintenance of the terminal and airfield and up-keep of navigational aids.
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Keeping Watch...
Airport RAAF C17 visiting Coffs Harbour
F
or Craig Dunstone, keeping watch so passengers, pilots and planes are safe is his number one priority. From the console desk and observation deck on top the Airservices Coffs Harbour Control Tower, Craig and his team of three air traffic controllers constantly survey the skies over and around Coffs Coast, talking with pilots to guide them around, over and onto Coffs Harbour Airport. Mostly it is the routine Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) aircraft of Virgin, QantasLink and Brindabella that they assist every day of the year. But, as the skies over Australia become busier, so too does their work load here on Coffs Coast. At capital city airports like Sydney and Melbourne, Air Traffic Controllers tend to specialise in their tasks due to the high volume of traffic. However, at Coffs Harbour, each controller undertakes most aspects of control including; aircraft approach procedures, aerodrome traffic, surface movement and clearance delivery. In translation, this means getting aircraft safely into Coffs air space, landed, parked appropriately and then back into the sky and
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on track to their next destination. Unlike major capital city airports with sophisticated radar to assist controllers with air traffic supervision, Coffs Harbour air space is managed primarily via radio communication with pilots and visual observation of aircraft. However, it is expected that in 18 to 24 months time, new hi-tech instruments will be installed in the Coffs Harbour tower to assist controllers to monitor and manage aircraft movements. Interestingly, the part of the sky administered by the Coffs Harbor control tower is perhaps best described as an inverted multi-tiered wedding cake. The area immediately around Coffs Harbour Airport is the smallest, then, with increasing height up to just over 1200 metres, the area of controlled air space expands to approximately 35 kilometres. With the only controlled air space between Newcastle and Coolangatta, the Coffs Harbour Control Tower has a variety of ‘customers’. Air Niugini contract locally based Professional Pilot Training to instruct their new recruits, Coffs Coast Aviation Centre, Coffs Harbour Aero Club and Port Macquarie based flying instructors all use Coffs Harbour Airport
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so trainee pilots gain valuable experience flying in controlled air space. And one of the world’s major airlines, Singapore Airlines regularly visits Coffs Harbour Airport as part of their trainee pilot’s graduate program. But wait, there’s more. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Air Ambulance of NSW, Australian Customs, Precision Helicopters, the two airport based skydiving operators, private jets and fixed wing aircraft that visit us all receive guidance and operational clearance from the Coffs Harbour control tower. So too the military. Again because of our geographic location, halfway between RAAF bases at Amberley and Williamstown; jet fighters, helicopters, transport and surveillance aircraft utilise the services of Coffs Harbour Control Tower as they transit up and down the coast. And whenever air force manoeuvres are being practised just over the horizon off Coffs Coast, our control tower helps keep civilian and military aircraft separated and safe. So the next time you visit the airport and look up to the white tower, be assured that our dedicated air traffic controllers are keeping watching, keeping us safe. n
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Call us on 1800 636 525 for your free information pack Or visit www.visitcooma.com.au www.inflightmagazine.com.au
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How to Train
Your Dragon ctacular Arena Spe
Touring in March 2012 I
f you missed out on the hugely popular Walking with Dinosaurs The Arena Spectacular, now’s your chance to make up for it as a live entertainment event for a worldwide audience makes its way to our shores. How to Train Your Dragon Arena Spectacular is an epic arena adventure inspired by the Academy Award nominated DreamWorks Animation film, How To Train Your Dragon and will bring high-flying, fire-breathing dragons to life in an unprecedented live entertainment event for a worldwide audience. In How To Train Your Dragon Arena Spectacular, audiences across the globe will have the unique opportunity to experience the world of How to Train Your Dragon in a one-of-a-kind, live theatrical event that promises to break every rule of traditional arena entertainment. Fire-breathing dragons will soar overhead, immersing audiences in a magical and mythical world of Vikings and dragons. The astonishing cast of characters features 24 dragons, some with wingspans of up to 14 metres, Viking warriors and world-class circus and
t-see This mus ectacle arena sp s world in it will beg ustralia tour in A 2012 in March are ets and tick ow le on sa n k. te via Ticke www.inflightmagazine.com.au
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acrobatic performers. The arena spectacular will feature unrivalled production values, projections, flying, stunts, fire and pyrotechnics. In one of the largest theatrical arena productions ever to go on tour, How To Train Your Dragon Arena Spectacular will require an unprecedented 40 semi-trailers to transport the production around Australia. How To Train Your Dragon Arena Spectacular centres on Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t fit in with his tribe’s longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Hiccup’s world is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges him and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different point of view. n
How to Train your Dragon Arena Spectacular
Fun Facts Number of Dragons: 24 Dragons 10 Different Species Represented
2 x Gronckle – 3m long with 2m wing span 1 x Nightmare – 4m long x 6m wingspan 1 x Skrill - 4m long x 6m wingspan
5 Large Dragons
Suits and Puppets
Nadder – Height at shoulder 4m x 12m long & wingspan of 9m
2 Skrills – 2.5m tall x 4.3m long+ 4 Wrestling Dragons Suits - 2m long 2 Stinger suit puppets – 2m at hips tall x 4.5m long 1 Kite dragon – 2m wingspan Multiple nesting dragons (Zipplebacks) 1 Egg Biter Multiple shadow puppets 2 wrestling puppets
Each large dragon:
Each large dragon contains:
40 x 53 foot semis trailers (truck is 22.3m long with cabin) for the Australian Tour
Gronckle – Height at shoulder 3m x 7.5m long & wingspan of 5m Nightmare - Height at shoulder 3.5m x 15.5m long & wingspan of 14m Night Fury (Toothless) – Height at shoulder 2.5m X 8.5m long & wingspan of 10m Red Death – Head and neck total length 12m+, head 5m wide and 6m long, tail is 20m long
7 Flying Dragons 3 x additional Nightfurys (Toothless) – at various scales
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132 metres of hydraulic hose 90 square metres of fabric 12.2 cubic metres of foam 200 litres of paint
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7 kilowatts of power from 16 truck batteries 1 kilometre of cabling in each body 24 microprocessors control movement along with 15 hydraulic rams and 6 hydraulic motors each
Weighs 1.6 tons (standard family car) Takes 3 people to operate: 1 Driver and 2 Voodoo Puppeteers, one operates head and tail gross motion, one in charge of minor movements: mouth, blinking & roars
Trucks:
The touring company is made up of: 80 touring cast and crew
Tickets to HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON ARENA SPECTACULAR are on sale now from Ticketek.com.au or 132 849. Ticket prices range from $49.90 to $99.90. MELBOURNE 2 to 11 March - Hisense Arena SYDNEY 15 to 25 March - All Phones Arena BRISBANE 28 March to 1 April - Brisbane Entertainment Centre Inflight Publishing has tickets to give away to the Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne shows. For your chance to win, email us at info@ inflightmagazine.com.au with your name and mailing address as well as the answer to the following question: how many dragons appear in the show? Competition closes at midnight on Monday 6th February 2012.
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talkin’ technology KEEPING UP WITH THE LATEST GADGETS AND GIZMOS t iDRY The revolutionary iDry is perfect for travelling as iPhone addicts can take their prized possession underwater without the risk of water damage. This innovative case lets you take underwater photos and videos of up to 5 metres, as well as enabling texts and calls while in the water. Music can also be played over the loudspeaker, in or under water. RRP>> $50.00 but online only $11.95 saving 76% Available at oo.com.au
u USB FRIDGE COOLER This mini fridge is the coolest way to keep your drinks chilled while at your pc - perfectly sized for your standard can of soft drink and powered by usb, this will easily be the best addition to your desk this summer. RRP>> $19.95 Stocked at Officeworks: www.officeworks.com.au
t FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 7 CAMERA Printing excellent credit card-size colour photos instantly, this lightweight and compact camera is great for any holiday maker. RRP>> $85.00 Stocked at Officeworks: www.officeworks.com.au
p KAISER BAAS BT-130 BLUETOOTH PROMINI KEYBOARD This pocket sized keyboard connects wirelessly to Bluetooth enabled devices including desktop or notebook computers, Playstation 3, iPads, iPhones and smart phones. RRP>> $74.96 Stocked at Officeworks: www.officeworks.com.au
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q EDIFIER AUDIO CANDY A compact, lightweight (less than 200 grams), portable audio speaker system with up to 5 hours of audio playback, the Edifier Audio Candy features SD card input and is compatible with MP3 and WMA audio formats. It also has an FM Radio tuner with 24 preset channels and 3.5mm auxiliary input for audio connectivity to multiple audio hosts. RRP>> $49.95 Stocked at Harvey Norman or call (02) 9527 0042 for further stockists.
Experience
a Modern Summer
Sensation at Newcastle Art Gallery S
ome of the most iconic modern Australian paintings will travel north this December when Australian Modern Masterpieces from the Art Gallery of New South Wales goes on display at the Newcastle Art Gallery. Bringing more than 30 of the State Gallery’s most important Australian modern masterpieces in conversation with key works of art from the Newcastle Art Gallery collection, this exhibition will present a fresh look at this vital period in Australian art history. On display will be significant Australian artists including Arthur Boyd, William Dobell, Margaret Olley, Russell Drysdale, Grace Cossington Smith, Donald Friend, James Gleeson, Roy de Maistre, Sidney Nolan, John Olsen, Margaret Preston, Lloyd Rees, Jeffrey Smart, Roland Wakelin, Brett Whiteley and Fred Williams. The Newcastle Art Gallery was selected as the only New South Wales venue for this exhibition in recognition of its significant collection. The quality and breadth of the Newcastle collection means there are many works of art from Australia’s ‘second’ city, Newcastle, ready to hang side by side to complement the paintings making the journey from Australia’s ‘first’ city, Sydney. Each of the modern masterpieces from the Art Gallery of New South Wales will be paired with a work of art by the same artist from the Newcastle collection. Of particular interest to local audiences will be Sir William Dobell’s 1948 Archibald Prize winning portrait of Margaret Olley, which gives a nod to the ongoing artistic legacy of this town. Newcastle’s vibrant arts and cultural scene was one of the main reasons the Lonely Planet guide picked it as one of the hottest destinations for 2011, and the Gallery’s contribution to this continues through bringing the highest quality exhibitions to the region. The exhibition will be supported with a wide ranging events program for all ages. Summer is always great in Newcastle, but with this exciting exhibition taking centre stage at the Gallery, the 2011/2012 season will be even hotter than normal. n
AUSTRALIAN MODERN MASTERPIECES from the Art Gallery of New South Wales will run from 10 December 2011 to 4 March 2012. An admission fee applies; $8 general public, $5 members/ concession and children under 12 years are free. For details regarding all exhibitions and events programming, visit www.nag.org.au (Above) Brett Whiteley The green mountain (Fiji) 1969 oil, collage on cardboard Art Gallery of New South Wales Gift of Patrick White 1979 © Wendy Whiteley
(Right) Grace Crowley Portrait of Lucie Beynis 1929 oil on canvas on hardboard Art Gallery of New South Wales Purchased 1965 © Reproduced with permission of Grace Crowley Estate
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CALROSSY ANGLICAN SCHOOL
You’re invited to join us at our Experience Day, 24 February, 2012!
Contact the Registrar, Mrs Miriam Knight, for further details on 6766 2965.
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Chrisitian - Personal - Caring
The Future of Boarding Schools BY RICHARD STOKES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AUSTRALIAN BOARDING SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION (WWW.BOARDING.ORG.AU)
S
o many of the population involved in education today, especially those working in private schools, are wondering whether the traditional boarding school will survive. But what is a traditional boarding school? In Australian terms this is difficult to answer, as there are many different types of schools which offer boarding. Some aim mainly at the country market, providing education for ‘kids from the bush’. Others aim at the overseas market, looking to provide an education for those students from non-English speaking countries, particularly those from Asia. Yet others aim at the short distance market – those from within 100km of the school but who need a boarding school for some reason or another. Schools are recognising the changing expectations of the market, and adapting, refocusing and reconfiguring their services to respond to these market forces. Boarding schools are looking at a range of options, such as extended day, weekly boarding and short term stays. Many families are keen to have time together every weekend, so a weekly boarding option has become common in most schools in Australia. Such an option, coupled with the support and supervision provided whilst boarders undertake their homework, assignments and study, helps many families who have struggled to provide a suitable environment for academic excellence. The structure provided by a boarding school is one in which adolescents can really excel, and the freedom offered by being able to be at home on weekends provides an excellent choice for many families. Casual boarding, where students stay for two or three nights a week, is becoming increasingly common in many schools. Such an offering helps those students who are actively involved in the co-curricular programme of schools and helps save wasted travel time which can be transferred into study and social time together. Schools often offer this at a reduced rate, providing families with a real alternative to long hours on buses or trains or in cars. Short stay boarding, where students stay for a week, two weeks or up to a term, is also an option many boarding schools have begun to offer. Many parents have particularly busy times in their work schedule, or must travel interstate or overseas for short periods, and schools which allow students to stay in the boarding house during such periods have often picked up full time or weekly boarders as the children have enjoyed the time in boarding, and often have achieved excellent results with their studies. Long day boarding is another of the new breed of offerings. Some schools have branched into offering their students the opportunity to stay at school longer, do homework, have dinner, participate in clubs and sports training, all before their parents pick them up on their way home from a long day at work. For those families living reasonably close to the school where the parents still want daily contact with their child, the long day option is very attractive. Next issue, I’ll discuss why parents might consider sending their children to boarding school in the first place. n
BALANCE Great boys growing into great men of integrity, faith, wisdom and compassion
Life at Knox Grammar School balances the academic and the co-curricular, the personal and the social, through its ‘whole of life’ programs, its high level of academic support, and individual care, all within superb facilities and accommodation. 2013 and 2014 boarding enrolments are currently being confirmed. To discuss boarding at Knox, please contact Martin Gooding on 02 9473 9768 or goodingm@knox.nsw.edu.au Knox Grammar School | Pacific Highway, Wahroonga | 02 9487 0122 www.knox.nsw.edu.au | A Uniting Church school for day boys K-12 with boarding for up to 150 boys from Years 7-12
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Business Buzz
Protect your property Cedarwood Apartments Open all year round
Y
ou’d think somewhere like the Australian Alps would be dead over the summer season… but you’d be very mistaken with the Falls Creek region offering a number of enticing options in the warmer months Unlike other Australian Alps properties, Cedarwood Apartments, located in beautiful Falls Creek - North East Victoria, has accommodation to rent all year round – and you’ll find holidaying there in the summer months certainly has its benefits. “One of the benefits of coming here in summer is that our prices are much lower,” said manager Narelle Clark. “In fact, you’re looking at paying less than half of the peak rates so it’s extremely good value.” But it’s not just value for money that makes a summer holiday at Falls Creek worth your while with activities abound. “Believe it or not, there’s actually a lot more to do in the summer than winter,” Narelle said. “In winter, if you’re not a skier there aren’t a lot of options, but in summer you can go mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, do photography – you name it!” Additionally, Cedarwood Apartments is actually the highest building in the area meaning the views are second to none and the silence is almost deafening. “Another benefit to summer is that it’s very quiet,” Narelle added. “There are also a number of festivals and events over the season including the Falls Creek Singles Festival over the New Years weekend, the 2XU triathlon, Billy Cart Derby, 3Peaks Cycling challenge and Easter Festival to mention a few. “You can’t get a resort where there’s so much to do and Cedarwood’s big roomy apartments are a big advantage over other properties.” To book or find out more about Fall Creek, visit the Cedarwood Apartments website at www.cedarwoodfallscreek.com n
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from fire season with IB International
Increase protection with irrigation
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hey are part of our country’s heritage but when bush fires strike, there’s little we can do. There are ways to protect our homes offering peace of mind for when the season does arrive. Watering your gardens and homes beforehand is important and the trick is to get as much water as possible in the places it is needed. This is a good idea before any threat to our home, not during. Using a sprinkler or pump is the best option as a garden hose hand held can be extremely dangerous if the threat of a bush fire is looming. The most important thing to do if this is the case is leave your home. In mining for dust control and fire prevention, water cannons are used to ensure that the coverage is correct. Pressure, positioning, angle and flow are paramount to making this work. Vari-angle water cannons with the right sized nozzles and configuration protect mines, ports and everyone on site. Where your home is concerned, small embers can land and start their own fires. They can ignite fires long before the fire reaches your boundaries, and can cause damaging spot fires. So when it comes to watering, getting pressure ratings, angles and flow right will mean greater coverage and less risk. Canons with the right pressure ratings can ensure that flow covers all areas, taking into account wind pressure and other variables. Irrigation specialists deal with this every day. The same challenges on the mine site apply wherever water application takes place. When it comes to configurations that will make a difference to your own risk reduction for your home and around your property you need to consider the following: Portability/flexibility - being able to move canons and sprinklers around, perhaps some fixed and others on portable stands. When there is no risk of fire, this level of flexibility will allow the cannons and sprinklers to be used for crops, turf and flora. Properly configured pumps and hose - Depending upon the goal of your risk reduction, you can configure what you need to suit your access to water and the position of your home. For further information on how to increase protection around your home against bush fires, visit ibinternational.com.au n
Puzzles Crossword
ACROSS 1 3 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 21 22 23
- - - - in the woods (4) Material formerly used for making incombustable articles (8) Folding paper decoratively (7) Small live piece of coal (5) Haiti's seaport (4-2-6) To pay before service (6) Take no notice of (6) Employing somebody to park your car (5,7) To restrain (5) Esteem (7) An end-blown flute (8) Shock (4)
Sudoku Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row, column and 3x3 square must contain one of each digit.
DOWN
SOLUTIONS
1 2 4 5 6 7 8 12 14 16 18 19
A tube through which a stream of air is forced into a flame (8) Tree heath (5) Lacking in size (6) Formal attire for a woman (7,5) An ingredient of cigarettes (7) Serum's plural (4) Derogatory term or slang for a Queenslander (6,6) To increase (8) Stretchy (7) Thinly scattered (6) Without skill for a particular task (5) A rolled metal bar (1-3)
Find-a-Word
Artichoke Asparagus Bean Beetroot Broccoli Capsicum Carrot Cauliflower Celery
Cucumber Eggplant Eschalot Parsley Parsnip Pea Potato Pumpkin Radish
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Red cabbage Shallot Spinach Sweetcorn Tomato Turnip Zucchini
Issue 10
19
From Wings
to Wheels
I
n the days of Fokker Friendships, when rental vehicles first became available from the old Coffs Harbour Airport, there was a combined fleet of around 50 cars between Avis, Budget and Hertz. Now the first three have been joined by Coffs Harbour Rent A Car, Europcar and Thrifty and customers can choose from a combined fleet of 350 plus vehicles. Many first time visitors to Coffs Coast are often surprised that one local and five national car rental operators are based at Coffs Harbour Airport. Stationed at the southern end of the terminal, the car rental counters are often very busy shortly after the arrival of each QantasLink and Virgin Australia flight. While some people are collecting cars to start their Coffs Coast holiday, the majority of renters are here from other industry sectors – corporate executives and government officials, health and medical practitioners and education industry personnel to name but a few. With the up-grade of the Pacific Highway in progress, geologists, surveyors, heavy equipment technicians and engineers are regular visitors to the region to work, troubleshoot and review construction progress. Many carry various pieces of expensive technical equipment, so commercial vans and robust 4WD drive vehicles capable of carrying these people and their tools of trade to off-road worksites are in high demand.
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When sporting events are staged on Coffs Coast ‘people movers’ are the preferred vehicles. Teams require these so they can easily transport players, officials and equipment between their accommodations and the bcu International Stadium and other sports grounds. In peak holiday periods and for major events such as National OzTag titles, Australian Touch Football, World Rally Championships and National Soccer Championships, demand is strong for nearly all vehicle types. When this happens, additional stock is brought in from the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Tamworth, Brisbane and Sydney. Fortunately for the Coffs Coast community, the combined resources of the car rental companies more than not meets this demand, helping to keep Coffs Coast a favoured holiday and sporting destination. Like all industries, car rental companies have had to adapt to the vagaries of world events and ever changing consumer demand. A few years ago, when the price of fuel in Australia suddenly spiked, corporate demand for larger six cylinder vehicles quickly dived. Smaller, more fuel efficient cars became the favoured rental vehicles. Unable to amend fixed contacts with vehicle manufacturers, car rental companies has to de-fleet as quickly as possible, but in the interim, price discounting of larger cars was the order of the day. Now that the price of fuel has stabilised, and $1.50 per litre is the new norm, demand
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for all vehicle types has also levelled off. But not the ever changing requests from consumers. The new challenge for rental companies is meeting demand for vehicles with gadgets and widgets – GPS, Blue Tooth, MP3 and iPod connectivity. With ever changing child safety legislation and improved consumer education, people are also demanding the latest in convenience and safety from the car rental companies, especially in regards to seating for babies and young children. Here on Coffs Coast, the car rental companies are rising to the challenge. Many of the new features sought by visitors are now standard fittings in about fifty per cent of the fleet. Other items, such as GPS and child seating are available as an optional extra. And the up-grading of the combined fleet continues almost daily. So however you wing it to Coffs Harbour Airport, there will most likely be a set of wheels just right for you. All you have to do is choose – Avis or Budget or Coffs Harbour Rent A Car or Europcar or Hertz or Thrifty. n
A right
view
Queen Elizabeth II loved it and you will too
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n 1970, after berthing and disembarking from Royal Yacht Britannia in Coffs Harbour, the Queen and her entourage were escorted to Sealy Lookout in Bruxner Park for views of the city and surrounds. Then, the city fathers were rightly proud of the site which was prepared by the Coffs Harbour Lions Club as part of the Captain Cook bicentenary celebrations. At 310 metres above sea level, the panorama takes in the Pacific Ocean and islands of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, marina and harbour at Coffs, the city and surrounding settlement, hillside banana plantations, forested ranges and the scalloped shaped coastline stretching south to the distant horizon. After the Royal party departed, the surrounding native bush and exotic plants slowly but surely reclaimed lost ground. Until
recently, visitors could still access the lookout but the expansive view once enjoyed by the Queen became less and less. Now, thanks to Forests New South Wales, the newly installed $600,000 Forest Sky Pier allows visitors to once again enjoy this royal, wide-screen panorama of Coffs Coast. The 21 metre walkway is an easy stroll or roll if in a wheelchair, from the car park to the end of the viewing platform suspended above surrounding foliage and ferns. Officially opened by the Hon Barry O’Farrell MP, Premier of New South Wales on 15 December 2011, the site is open daily from dawn until dusk. In addition to the views, there are marked walking trails through lush forest in Bruxner Park Flora Reserve. Here and in adjoining Ulidarra National Park is old growth coastal eucalypt forest and a range
of native wildlife including wompoo pigeons, currawongs and kookaburras, koalas, little bent-wing bats and masked owls. So bring walking shoes, food and drinks and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Coffs Coast bush for an hour or more. All this is only ten minutes drive from the Coffs Harbour city centre. Head north on the Pacific Highway, past the Big Banana, turn left onto the Bruxner Park Road and again another left turn near the ridge top to Sealy Lookout. You are soon there. The Forest Sky Pier’s stylish timber and steel construction is now the place on Coffs Coast to capture a snap of your loved ones - be they princes or princesses, kings or queens or all the members of your very own ‘royal family’. They and the view are worth it. n
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Issue 10
21
Top 5
Family Travel
TIPS
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t’s that time of the year - families everywhere are looking for a much deserved getaway holiday, whether it be up the coast, interstate or overseas. Family travel can, at times, be stressful and Australia’s leading travel agency group, Travelscene American Express, understands that kids need to be entertained and budgets need to be followed.
“Wednesdays are also the cheapest days to fly, while weekends are most expensive”
Their top 5 tips when travelling with the family are: 1.
Look for package deals. Most people book flights and accommodation separately which can end up in spending more than intended! Package deals can offer huge discounts, and travel agents are the most up to date with what’s hot and what’s not.
2.
Use reward points such as airline frequent flyers or, if you’re an American Express card member, you can use your Membership Rewards points to pay for all or part of your travel. Using them for your next family holiday means you save cash, and gain extra money to keep the kids entertained.
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3.
Choose hotels with free add-ons. Some hotels charge for the extras that can come free at other accommodation sites, such as internet access and breakfast. Taking the time to search around for what is included can be time consuming, but will ensure you have more spending money for activities.
4.
Travel during non-peak periods. From mid-January onwards, many airfares, resorts and hotels move from a high season to a shoulder season pricing, which means less crowded resorts and hotels as well as great savings in the last weeks of school holidays.
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Wednesdays are also the cheapest days to fly, while weekends are most expensive. Ask your Travelscene American Express agent to help plan your family holiday so you get the best value deals on hotel rooms and flights.
5.
Pack carefully! To keep children entertained choose toys that will occupy your kids for long periods of time such as a board game or portable DVD player, while the classic games such as ‘I Spy’ can keep the whole family entertained. Luggage costs should also be kept in mind, so divide belongings in a carry-on or bring a second piece of luggage – which will still cost less than an overweight bag. To help you plan your family holiday, talk to an experienced Travelscene American Express Member agent, who will provide direct access to airlines, hotels and tour operators, as well as exclusive deals only available through an agent. Contact your local Travelscene American Express Member on 13 TRAVEL (13 8728) or visit www.travelscene.net.au n
TALK BACK WITH OCCUPATION: Folks seem to like the cartoons I’ve been in. Oh, and lots of folks know about my club. I bet a lot of little kids know about my clubhouse too. WHAT DO YOU NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT: If ya ask me, it sure is hard to beat a pair of red shorts, they are a must when we pack to travel! And my music. I like all sorts of music! If it can get me dancin’, great! If it can get a crowd dancing, that’s even better! Of course I never travel without Minnie and my friends Goofy, Donald, Daisy and the rest! FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION: We love travelling all over the world, meeting children and making them smile
Mickey Mouse and dance and sing. Australia is one of our favourites. Australian kids sing real loud! WHAT’S THE WILDEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU AND THE DISNEY CREW? Well, between Donald’s practical jokes and Goofy almost blowin’ things up all the time, I’d have to say, “this week.” (ha-ha).
art. Not to mention, it’s a great way to get to know other people. But maybe the most important thing to me is how much fun music can be!
WHAT’S COMING UP FOR YOU NEXT? “Rock and roll!” (ha-ha). We’re touring Australia these summer holidays (from 28th December 2011 to 6th February 2012) with Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival. I can hardly wait to see all my friends from down-under, real soon. I heard that kids who are into music are really good at learning all kinds of stuff, like math and science and
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Issue 10
23
AUSTRALIAN MODERN MASTERPIECES f r o m
1 0
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A r t
G a l l e r y
D e c e m b e r
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o f
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N e w
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S o u t h
W a l e s
M a r c h
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Selected from the collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, this exhibition presents over eighty icons of Australian modern art, by artists including Grace Cossington Smith, William Dobell, Russell Drysdale, James Gleeson, Sidney Nolan, Margaret Olley, John Olsen, Margaret Preston, Lloyd Rees, Jeffrey Smart, Brett Whiteley and Fred Williams. Newcastle Art Gallery is the only New South Wales venue for this exhibition and will include complementary works by these artists from its collection.
Newcastle Art Gallery LAMAN STREET NEWCASTLE NSW 2300 T 02 4974 5100 www.nag.org.au
Left - Grace Cossington Smith Trees (detail) c1927 oil on plywood 88.5 x 72.0 cm Purchased with assistance from the Art Gallery and Conservatorium Committee 1967 Newcastle Art Gallery collection © Estate of Grace Cossington Smith Right - Grace Cossington Smith The curve of the bridge 1928–29 oil on cardboard 110.5 x 82.5cm Art Gallery of New South Wales Purchased with funds provided by the Art Gallery Society of New South Wales and James Fairfax AO 1991 © Estate of Grace Cossington Smith