Coffs Harbour Airport Magazine Issue 13

Issue 13 • www.inflightmagazine.com.au

AIRPORT MAGAZINE

Bonville Golf Resort

Coffs fly drive oasis

Fishing Fanatics

We speak to the boys from Channel Seven’s Hook, Line & Sinker

Winter Whale Watching

Port Stephens, the Humpback Highway

I’M FREE

TAKE ME WITH YOU

Tim Storrier The histrionic wayfarer (after Bosch) 2012. Winner 2012 Archibald Prize

ARCHIBALD.PRIZE.2012

NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY 12 JULY - 26 AUGUST An Art Gallery of NSW exhibition toured by Museums and Galleries NSW.

Newcastle Art Gallery LAMAN STREET NEWCASTLE NSW 2300 02 4974 5100 www.nag.org.au

contents ISSUE 13

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on the cover 5

BONVILLE GOLF RESORT Australia’s fly drive oasis

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FISHING FANATICS We speak to the boys from Channel Seven’s Hook, Line & Sinker

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WINTER WHALE WATCHING Head to Port Stephens to see the amazing Humpback Whales migrate

features 17

REED’S NEWCASTLE-HUNTER REGION EXHIBITION Mining community engagement to have a strong focus

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SMARTER TRAVEL BITES Pack a healthy attitude for eating when travelling

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UNREAL FUR It’s so much better to go faux

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WIN TICKETS TO CIRQUE DU SOLEIL You still have a chance to enter

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FOREIGN EXCHANGE Southern Cross University’s English Language Centre

10 regulars 4 Welcome From the Airport Manager 10 Chit Chat Each issue, we have an exclusive interview 15 Our Backyard We journey to somewhere in Australia, easily accessible to you 20 Fashion Fever Something for the fashion savvy 24 Talkin’ Technology The latest in gadgets and gizmos 30 Talk Back Our regular travel interview

Issue 13 • www.inflightmagazine.com.au

AIRPORT MAGAZINE

Bonville Golf Resort Coffs fly drive oasis

Fishing Fanatics

We speak to the boys from Channel Seven’s Hook, Line & Sinker

Sydney Sizzles

Experience a Sydney winter, there’s nothing else like it

I’M FREE

TAKE ME WITH YOU

On the Cover: Bonville Golf Resort

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WELCOME TO COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL AIRPORT

PUBLISHER Patrick McElligott patrick@inflightmagazine.com.au

EDITOR Bettina Maniatis bettina@inflightmagazine.com.au

DESIGN Lawrence Borchers lawrence@inflightmagazine.com.au

ADVERTISING & ENQUIRIES WESTERN EDITION [WA] Daniela Raos daniela@inflightmagazine.com.au NORTHERN EDITION [QLD] Robyn Crouch robyn@inflightmagazine.com.au SOUTHERN EDITION [NSW] Patrick McElligott patrick@inflightmagazine.com.au BOATING INDUSTRY Brittany Cavill

W

elcome to this edition of Airport Magazine.

We are fortunate to live on Coffs Coast with our relaxed coastal lifestyle surrounded by tranquil rural hinterland, the Solitary Islands Marine Park and World Heritage listed rainforests.

Added to these natural surrounds is the infrastructure and amenities that sets us apart from other communities. We are proud to feature two of these in this edition.

Bonville Golf Resort is a world class championship golf course which is like a secret oasis. With its long tree-lined fairways, watercourses, defending sand bunkers and verdant greens, it is famous for its beauty and its challenges. The 18 hole course tests players from far and wide who come to play this ancient of games.

But Bonville is more than a golf course. The club has an award winning restaurant and a variety of on-course and clubhouse function facilities for corporate and social events.

Another of our icons is the Coffs Harbour Education Campus, a trend setting education facility. CHEC is a special partnership between Southern Cross University, North Coast Institute of TAFE and Department of Education and Training (Coffs Harbour Senior College). All facilities are shared by the three sectors.

At CHEC, Southern Cross University operates an accredited English Language Centre. People from around the world, especially students from Asia, come to Coffs to learn and improve their English language skills. A story on the Centre and the people who support it is included in this edition on page 28.

In October this year Coffs Harbour Regional Airport will play an integral part in the Australian Rally Championships. The Service Park for the rally will be at the airport as it was for last year’s World Rally Championship. We are again proud to support this great sporting event and hope that it will be a precursor to World Rally returning to Coffs Coast next year.

And finally, for your chance to win tickets to Cirque du Soleil, flying QantasLink and staying at the Menzies Hotel in Sydney, turn to page 27. Good luck.

I trust your visit to the airport is a pleasant experience and you enjoy the content of this magazine.

Dennis Martin Airport Manager

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brittany@inflightmagazine.com.au XP TRAVELLER Patrick McElligott patrick@inflightmagazine.com.au PRINTING Geon 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 TRADE SHOW ORGANISERS

Bonville Golf Resort

Australia’s Fly Drive Oasis

F

ifty minutes after take-off from Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport you land in sub-tropical Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales north coast.

After collecting cases and clubs from the airport baggage carousel watched over by John Eales, past

captain of the Australian Wallabies, it is a short ten minute drive to what is arguably the most beautiful golf course in Australia – Bonville Golf Resort.

Bonville’s long undulating fairways, defiant bunkers and verdant greens are surrounded

by hills and valleys dressed with stately flooded gum trees and sub-tropical palms. Except for the occasional sounds of a grunting koala and forest song birds, the only other sounds you hear is the ‘ping’ and ‘thwack’ of other players on their way around this

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“Bonville’s long undulating fairways, defiant bunkers and verdant greens are surrounded by hills and valleys dressed with stately flooded gum trees and sub-tropical palms.” golfing heaven. Or hell. This par 6079 metres 18 hole par 72 championship course is challenging.

Fortunately, what is not so challenging is the 19th hole, the stately two story Federation style club house overlooking the 18th green.

Views from the ground floor Flooded Gums fine dining restaurant are to the 18th fairway and green, surrounding hillsides and most of the year, bright blue skies.

From the outside terrace you can sit back under large shade umbrellas, sip a latte or a lager and watch golfers putting on the 8th hole. Upstairs the Tournament Bar has a comfortable club atmosphere with leather lounges, pool table and open fireplace.

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Downstairs and a short walk from the clubhouse is the resort’s accommodation – spa rooms and executive rooms adjacent to the first fairway. The perfect place to rest and recuperate for another day of golf.

But if still feeling energetic, there are tennis courts and a billabong style swimming pool to enjoy before retiring.

Perhaps it is all this that brings golfers from around Australia and the globe to Bonville. But this is only part of the story.

The other equally if not more important chapter concerns the Bonville family. The 82 men and women who care for the club and its guests.

At Bonville, a good number of the ‘family’ have been with the club for many years

including Brad Daymond. What started out as a job turned into a long term passion. His first ‘date’ with Bonville was 3rd January 1992.

He was the club’s first golf pro and she a brand new golf resort.

Back then, the fairways and greens and staff professionalism were not yet fully developed and the club did not perform as hoped. Then in 1999 new owners took over the resort and started making changes to improve the Bonville experience.

As a golf pro, Brad always displayed a passion for the game, striking the ball with flair, taking calculated risks and enjoying passing on tips to players wanting to improve their game. Then, in 2001 the owners having witnessed his

4th hole. Photo courtesy of Bob Weeks.

golfing professionalism and determination to continually improve, offered him the opportunity to be the resort’s general manager. With relish and a twinkle in his eye, he said yes.

Since then he set about developing staff and upgrading services and facilities to improve the total experience guests enjoy at the club – not just the golf.

The team at Bonville consist of full, parttime and some casual team members, most with over five years of service at the resort.

Around a quarter of the team have over ten years service which enables the passing on of valuable information and knowhow to all team members so they better serve guests.

Brad is passionate about continually

Jen Daymond teeing off. © Rob Cleary/ Seen Australia ®

improving the club facilities and his team’s performance. According to Brad, the Bonville experience is more than 4 ½ hours on the course. It is a total experience – golf plus; cuisine of fresh local and regional produce accompanied by carefully selected Australian and international wines, comfortable on-course accommodation, club facilities in which to relax and share time with friends and colleagues and attentive friendly service from all staff members. “We prioritise, implement, review and re-prioritise, that way, we continually lift the bar making it hard for competitors to keep up” said Brad. This strategy appears to be working.

The number of awards won by Bonville

is impressive. This year, Luxury Travel Magazine announced Bonville as Australia’s Best Golf Resort. Recently the Flooded Gums restaurant won for the fifth time the Northern NSW Restaurant & Catering Association Award for Excellence. These are on top of the 11 years of being recognised as Australia’s Most Beautiful Golf Course on Mainland Australia by The Golf Course Guide.

Winning these awards has been the result of the Bonville team bringing a number of projects to fruition. These include; rebuilding all 52 bunkers over the past two winters with new matting, drainage and sand; refurbishment of the resort’s 30 guest rooms and developing the cuisine and wine list of

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Richard Harris (left) Jason Little (right)at Airport. © Rob Cleary/ Seen Australia ®

Rack of lamb. Photo courtesy of Bob Weeks.

Flooded Gums restaurant in partnership with sister restaurant, Jonah’s of Whale Beach in Sydney which is a member of an exclusive collection of the world’s finest hotels and gourmet restaurants, the Relais and Chateaux Group.

When the Australian Wallabies had their national training camp in Coffs Harbour, Bonville was the team’s official golf resort.

After leading the team for many years, John Eales handed over the captaincy of the Wallabies to George Gregan then became a member of the Bonville family. He is now the club’s official ambassador. This partnership has helped raise the profile and develop business for both Bonville and Coffs Coast. Recently, two of John’s rugby colleagues, Jason Little and Richard Harris accompanied a group of senior executives from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Bonville to experience two days of fine hospitality and great golf. This has proven successful and is now being aggressively pursued to maximise business for the club and staff.

Another initiative started some time ago is the Bonville Mixed Pairs Winter Challenge.

Created to fill a gap in the golfing and accommodation business over the cooler months, the first year was played by only five couples. That was over ten years ago. Since then, the popularity of the event has grown to such an extent that the winter event now has a waiting list and a new summer equivalent has been started.

Business Events Corporate golf, product launches and special events are another aspect of golf and hospitality at Bonville.

Each year for the past ten years, QantasLink has held its corporate golf day at Bonville to thank key corporate clients for their continued patronage. Ian Greenwood, QantasLink Area Sales Manager, says “We choose Coffs and Bonville as we have

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Academy of Golf’s Richard Sheridan giving tuition.

Photo courtesy of Bob Weeks.

several flights per day to and from Coffs Harbour and apart from being a most beautiful golf course, the team at Bonville under Brad Daymond’s leadership are professional and pay particular attention to detail which is paramount”.

Other notable events staged include; NSW Local Government Association’s gala dinner in marquees on the 14th fairway with live music and dancing, American Express Corporate Golf Day, the Volvo Truck Klassic golf tournament, Optus Corporate Cup and the North Coast NSW Regional Final of the Holden Scramble.

These are in addition to the conferences, weddings and degustation dinners that happen year round.

Newest Family Member To further develop the Bonville experience,

Brit, Richard Sheridan has been appointed and welcomed as the club’s Head Teaching Professional.

Richard has recently swapped the desert sands of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the greenery of Coffs Coast. In Dubai, he was the Senior Teaching Professional at the Butch Harmon School of Golf. His time there was very rewarding as he became the No1 Player in the UAE PGA Order of Merit in 2008/09 then went on qualify to play in the 2010 and 2011 HSBC Abu Dhabi Championships.

After working and studying with Butch Harmon (who taught Tiger Woods for 10 years) Richard is now developing golfing tuition packages for players at Bonville.

And his style of tuition involves more than just hitting a ball, it is a wholistic approach.

According to Richard, every player is assessed as a unique individual with their specific physical capabilities, skills level, lifestyle and personal golfing goals in mind.

Combining past UAE teaching experience with his Level One and Level Two Titleist Performance Institute certification and modern technology (ultra high-speed video equipment) Richard reviews a person’s current physical and golfing performance and then in consultation with the player develops a physical, health and golf program to improve overall performance.

Bonville and the Academy of Golf with Richard Sheridan offers Stay, Play and Learn packages starting from $260 per person twin share. For details, contact the club or visit the Bonville website.

So when contemplating where to play a round of golf, with more than golf on offer consider Bonville. Think of the club as if your own sub-tropical oasis – surrounded by natural beauty where you can sip and chip, wine and dine, fly and drive. Fourrrr. n For details on all that is available at the club, contact; Bonville Golf Resort North Bonville Road Bonville NSW 2452 Tel: 02 66534002 Web: www.bonvillegolf.com.au

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g n i h s i F A Coupla’

Fanatics

WE CHAT TO NICK DUIGAN AND ANDREW HART OF AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE FISHING SHOW, HOOK, LINK & SINKER.

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opular fishing series Hook, Line & Sinker is now in production with its eighth season after signing a deal with 7Mate for free-to-air broadcast of 20 new episodes which began in mid May. Scheduled for Saturdays at 5:00pm, the 7Mate agreement includes 20 brand new, premier episodes as well as some of the boys’ best episodes from their previous seven seasons.

Shot entirely in stunning High Definition, hosts Nick Duigan and Andrew Hart take viewers across Australia to find the best fishing spots, provide fishing and cooking tips, and always have a laugh with their wacky sense of humour.

We understand you guys are now in production on the eighth series of Hook, Line & Sinker – what can we expect?

Nick: It’s a bit of a break out year for Hook, Line and Sinker. It’s the first time we’ll air nationally on free to air TV (Saturday arvo 7Mate) so we’re racking up the miles all over the country putting together 20 new shows.

We really try to strike a balance between some truly spectacular fishing and also the notion that fishing with your friends is meant to be good fun. So from a fishing perspective, we’ve got some sensational game fishing for Blue Marlin off Tweed Heads, some angry, boat eating Mako sharks in Bass Strait, Barra in the Kimberley and plenty of other good stuff as well. On the fun side, we’re both trying to restore a couple of sub $1,000 dollar boats into tournament rockets, we’ll be fishing the croc infested waters of the NT with the world’s most sophisticated radio controlled vessel, the Cindy Maree II and joining the grey nomads for a pilgrimage up the WA coast.

So all in all, another day at the office really.

Andrew: It’s a bigger year than ever before! We’ve got shows coming up from all over Australia. From surviving massive seas in Tasmania catching tuna to sunning ourselves in the Kimberley.

For all those keen fishermen out there, can you give us some vital tips on how to snag a great dinner?

Nick: It’s probably a bit disingenuous for us to be handing out tips given our track record but here goes! There is a great saying I heard from an old bloke who was bream fishing on the side of a river. He was perched on an old fold-up chair, using an ancient rod and reel and next to him in the ubiquitous white bucket was a brace of nice fish. Andrew and I on the other hand were in a flash new boat with enough lures, rods and reels to stock a tackle shop but hadn’t turned a scale all day. We stopped and asked the bloke the secret of his success and his succinct reply was: “If you want to go fishing, use a lure but if you want to catch fish, use bait.” It’s hard to argue.

does not matter what you are fishing for, but if you use the lightest line, the smallest sinker and smallest hook you can, you will get more bites!

Any all time favourite fishing stories?

Andrew: My favourite would have to involve our radio control boat, the Cindy Maree II. She appears on the show every season (Cindy Maree 1 was sunk by a giant squid) with a new mission each year of catching a fish on film on remote control. It’s really frustrating, and a bit stupid, but Cindy Maree is very much a part of the show.

This year she will battle crocodiles in the NT while trying to catch a barra!

Nick: For me there’s probably one day in my fishing career that stands out as a turning point. It was very early on in the days of Hook, Line and Sinker and up to this point I’d never really caught a big fish. On this day, we headed out east of Tasmania for a spot of Mako shark fishing.

The day went well and after an hour or two we had not one but two big Makos swimming around the boat. To cut a long story, after more than four hours of battling the bigger of the two sharks and utterly spent, we managed to tag the fish and let it swim away. It was something of an awaking for me, that fishing was indeed a passion worth pursuing.

For anyone that loves the idea but has never fished before – where is a good starting point?

Andrew: Local knowledge is key. If we fish somewhere we’ve never been, it’s important to get somebody who knows what’s going on. That’s why if you’ve never fished before the best thing to do is to go with a charter or a guide. You’ll learn more in one day from someone who knows what they are doing than in a year of trying to do it yourself!

Nick: Yes, find a friend! Do whatever it takes to get in with someone who knows what they’re doing. These days it’s not

that hard. In most places, there are web forums dedicated to fishing in the local area and these can be gold mines of information and more importantly, sources of potential fishing buddies. Fishing is all about confidence, once you actually see a particular technique work for yourself, the desire to give up and try something else isn’t nearly as strong.

What are some of your very favourite fishing spots throughout the country?

Nick: It’s hard to rate destinations really because for us they kind of live or die on the vagaries of weather and fishing but I do have a few absolute favourites. The township of 1770 is just about the picture perfect pinup of what a Queensland coastal village should be, gentle pace of life, not too many people and sensational access to some beautiful bits of the Great Barrier Reef.

On the New South Wales south coast is a little gem of a spot called Bermagui.

It’s not the most fashionable town on the Sapphire Coast but as a place to catch a fish, there are very few better. At various times of the year, Marlin, Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna along with Kingfish, Snapper and just about anything you can think of can be caught at Bermi. And for truly ‘blow you away beauty’ and epic scale there’s no going past the Kimberley region of WA. We’re fresh back from a trip to the Kimberley Coastal Camp in the Admiralty Gulf and sort of can’t stop raving about the place. The fishing is as good as you would expect with Barra, Mangrove Jacks and Mud Crabs in the creeks and Queenfish, Giant Trevally, Mackerel and Jewfish in the blue water. Throw in some of the oldest, most culturally significant rock art anywhere on earth and a 5 star camping experience and the Kimberley takes some beating. n

Andrew: My biggest tip is to keep it simple and fish as light as you possibly can. It

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Nowhere like Newcastle N

estled in the heart of the Hunter Region is the beachside city of Newcastle. A top ten city in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2011’ guide, Newcastle has a rich history, quirky arts culture and a thriving dining and shopping scene. Newcastle is a city that is always changing, a city with world class business, research and industry, and a city of hardworking genuine people. Whether you’re travelling to the region for a visit or looking for a place to settle down, there is endless choice in Newcastle.

There are few cities in the world beyond Newcastle that can say their city centre is surrounded by eight beaches. Merewether, Newcastle, Nobbys, and Bar Beach in particular are popular surfing and fishing locations, and are conveniently located close to the city centre. Ride the wave of surfing culture that characterises the city and join the locals for an early morning dip, or lunch break surf. Swim in the art deco Newcastle Ocean Baths (opened in 1922), and have fish and chips at the Canoe Pool, built in the late 1930s for young swimmers.

Take a moment to sit and watch the port in action and be amazed as giant 300m freight ships, close enough to touch, are guided into the harbour by comparatively tiny tugs and a pilot flown out to each ship by helicopter. This city is the biggest exporter of coal in the world. Sharing

the harbour with coal ships are freight ships, fishing boats, ferries, yachts, kayaks and private vessels, making for a chaotic but exciting scene.

Newcastle is the ideal place to catch some culture, with a cluster of galleries and boutiques along Darby Street, Newcastle East and Cooks Hill. Watch a performance at the spectacularlyrestored Art Deco Civic Theatre, which presents an amazing, diverse range of shows. Or visit Newcastle Art Gallery, one of Australia’s leading regional galleries with a magnificent collection from local, national and international artists and a full schedule of impressive travelling exhibitions.

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For a walk through Newcastle’s history tour Fort Scratchley Historic Site, with its commanding position guarding the Hunter River Estuary. Overlooking another famous historic site, Nobbys head lighthouse, the Fortress has a long and interesting military history. Revisit Newcastle’s convict past with a trip to the convict-hewn Bogey Hole, built around 1820 for the personal use of Commandant James T. Morriset. Located beneath a rocky prominence that gets battered during rough seas, the Bogey Hole is a feat of architecture.

To satisfy your appetite, Newcastle offers a diverse range of dining. Sip cocktails at a one of the many harbourside Honeysuckle restaurants with bustling maritime views by day and glittering shores by night. Dine in cosmopolitan Beaumont Street, home to a range of Mediterranean restaurants and quirky sidewalk cafes. Check out the live music at one of the many local pubs around the city and finish up with late night coffee at funky inner city Darby Street. For those looking for fine dining, go no further than Newcastle city centre, a busy business precinct with a smattering of first class restaurants. Newcastle East also boasts a range of fine dining restaurants with sweeping views of the harbour and beaches. n

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ewcastle Art Gallery looks forward to welcoming Tim Storrier , who has been awarded the 2012 Archibald Prize for The histrionic wayfarer (after Bosch), a self portrait, when the prestigious art prize heads to the gallery in July.

The Archibald Prize is eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike, and never ceases to create lively debate amongst the arts community and wider public.

The annual exhibition, which is judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW, is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art prizes. It’s awarded to the best portrait painting, preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics.

This year’s winning portrait was painted by artist Tim Storrier.

“It refers to a painting by Hieronymus Bosch called The wayfarer painted in 1510 where the figure is believed to be choosing a path or possibly the prodigal son returning,” said Storrier.

“It also has other references, I believe, but they are rather clouded in biblical history and time.”

Archibald Prize

(Above) Adam Chang Emile Sherman Image courtesy of Art Gallery of NSW

Heading to Newcastle Art Gallery

(Top) Kate Beynon Lindy Lee (Year of the dragon) Image courtesy of Art Gallery of NSW

(Above) Angus McDonald Tim Maguire Image courtesy of Art Gallery of NSW

Newcastle Art Gallery last exhibited the Archibald Prize in 2005, when Newcastle artist John Olsen won the award, with his painting, Self portrait Janus faced.

“The Archibald Prize is always one of the most talked about and popular travelling exhibitions in the country,” said Director Ron Ramsey. “We look forward to welcoming it to Newcastle in 2012.”

The Archibald Prize was first awarded in 1921.

In this, the 91st year of the prize, there were 839 entries. In 2012, the prize money for the winner of the Archibald has increased from $50,000 to $75,000.

Also announced recently were the winners of the Sulman and Wynne Prizes. Imants Tillers won this year’s Wynne Prize for Waterfall (after Williams), and Nigel Milsom wins this year’s Sulman Prize for Judo House pt 4 (Golden mud).

Melbourne artist Raelene Sharp was awarded the Packing Room Prize in conjunction with the 2012 Archibald Prize for her portrait of actor John Wood.

The Archibald Prize 2012 will be on display at Newcastle Art Gallery from the 12th July to the 26th August 2012. For details regarding all exhibitions and events programming, visit www.nag.org.au n An Art Gallery of NSW exhibition toured by Museums and Galleries NSW.

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VISIT THE ‘HUMPBACK HIGHWAY’ E

very winter, Port Stephens hosts thousands of visitors who flock to the region to see one of the largest, most majestic and very accomplished long distance swimmers, the Humpback Whale, make its migration north to warmer waters.

Making their annual migration up the east coast, it’s estimated that around 12,000 whales make this annual trip between May and October each year.

Port Stephens, which sits on a peninsula, provides one of the best vantage points to view these whales up close. It’s so well known for its great vantage points that locals call Port Stephens the ‘Humpback Highway’.

The majority of large whales in the southern hemisphere follow a general migration pattern.

They spend summer in the cold waters of Antarctica, where they feed on enormous

quantities of the prawn-like krill. In autumn, as the temperature falls and ice begins to form on the sea surface, the whales begin their northward migration to more temperate, subtropical or tropical waters to give birth and to mate before returning to Antarctic waters at the end of spring.

So far this year, it’s been a fantastic Port Stephens whale watching season; the Humpbacks have shown off with multiple breaches, tail lobs and surface rolls. Cruise passengers have also reported seeing huge pods of dolphins, penguins, sea birds, seals and orcas.

Google will help you find the whale watching operators who operate cruises from the Port Stephens marina throughout the day.

The marina is an easy 25-minute drive from Newcastle Airport.

We highly recommend you slot time into your itinerary to jump on board a cruise and see for yourself these spectacular giants of the sea and the amazing display they can put on. It really does need to be seen to be believed.

Tips for Whale Watching • Take your camera and a good pair of binoculars.

• Choose a clear, calm day from June to October to take your cruise.

• Spot a whale/s by looking for the ‘blow’; the cloud of spray that appears as air is exhaled through the blowhole.

• No more than three vessels should attempt to watch a whale or group of whales at one time. n

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AT THE COALFACE OF MINING INNOVATION

Register to Visit

miningandengineeringnsw.com.au

28 – 30 August 2012 Newcastle Entertainment Centre NEW SOUTH WALES MINING & ENGINEERING

MINING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TO HAVE STRONG FOCUS AT REED’S NEWCASTLEHUNTER REGION EXHIBITION

A

range of mining community-focused events and information sessions will be a major feature of this year’s Mining & Engineering (M&E) NSW exhibition in Newcastle in late August.

Reed Mining Events will be holding M&E NSW at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre from 28th to the 30th August.

Reed Mining Events is the organiser behind Australia’s largest and most successful mining exhibitions, including Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX), held in Sydney in September last year, and the Queensland Mining & Engineering (QME) exhibition, held every two years in Mackay.

Key elements of M&E NSW will include a Women in Mining day, a careers and recruitment program, health and welfare sessions for local miners and their families, plus a campaign aimed at encouraging “frontline” miners – operators, maintenance personnel, shift managers and supervisors – to attend.

“Community is a vital element of the ongoing success of the Australian mining industry, and an event such as M&E NSW gives the mining community a unique opportunity to come together and engage with each other,” said Paul Baker, Exhibition Director for Reed Mining Events. “That’s why, over the past two years, we have developed an integrated program to allow anyone who is involved in the mining community – or who is looking at opportunities to do so – to participate in Reed Mining Events exhibitions.”

Mining community-related events that will be an integral part of M&E NSW 2012 include: • Women in Mining, which aims to celebrate the increasing role of women in mining – and to encourage greater participation from women who are considering careers in the industry.

• A careers and recruitment program through the M&E NSW Careers Centre that will bring together mining companies with people from the Hunter and surrounding regions who are looking at careers and opportunities in mining.

• Advice and support on health and welfare for local miners and their families, with practical information sessions put on by Mining Family Matters.

“With our mining community approach to M&E NSW, we want to get the message out that everyone involved in the mining community, no matter at what level, should come along to the exhibition,” said Baker. “Mining has really moved on from being a ‘male-only’ industry, and it has recognised that it needs to engage with people across the community – not only those currently involved, but those looking at job opportunities, and which will allow the industry to grow and prosper in years to come.

“At the same time, we are also keen to encourage those already in the industry and working in frontline roles to come along to M&E NSW. “It is a once-in-two-years opportunity for them to see at first hand the latest products, services and techniques that they are likely to be working with in the future.

“It’s also an opportunity for them to identify for their employers new products and services which should be considered – as well as giving ‘hands-on’ feedback to exhibitors and suppliers.

“Over the next few months, we’ll be releasing more details about each of our mining community-related events that will be part of M&E NSW 2012.”

Baker added that mining companies with operations in the Hunter Region who would like to become involved in the M&E NSW Careers Centre should contact Nina Vidale at Reed Mining Events on 02 9422 2451 or nina.vidale@reedexhibitions.com.au n

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SWITCH PROPERTY MANAGERS & RECEIVE A FREE iPAD* RUN Property Tracker lets your property manager proactively notify you of important changes to your rental property.

We can instantly notify you when: • Funds are paid into your account • Statements are issued • Rents are increased • Invoices paid

Switch online in less than 3 minutes and claim your FREE iPad Visit run.com.au/iPADIF Promo code: iPADIF *The gift is an Apple iPad 16gb model, awarded in the form of a $540 voucher redeemable at any Apple Inc. store.

To qualify you must sign an exclusive authority with RUN Property between 1st May 2012 and 1st August 2012. Gift will be awarded once property generates first rental income. The offer is limited to one Apple iPad per customer and the property concerned must be within the RUN Property service area and earning minimum $350 rent per week. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. RUN Property Tracker to be launch on the app store 28th May 2012.

run.com.au iPad Offer Ad 190x132.indd 1

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13/06/12 2:35 PM

PACK A HEALTHY EATING ATTITUDE WHEN YOU TRAVEL E

ATING nutritiously while travelling is an ongoing challenge for the healthsavvy traveller, so here are a few tips to save your waistline and bottom-line.

Anyone who travels extensively knows there can be long stretches between healthy meals and often, just getting to a grocery store may also be difficult, so munching on simple whole foods is out of the question.

The jet-setting crew at Escape Travel have eaten their share of bad in-flight food and takeaway meals when travelling for work or play, so here is a list of their healthy alternatives.

PACK SNACKS FOR THE FLIGHT Kicking off a trip on the right foot is important, mainly because of the way it makes you feel when you arrive at your destination.

It usually all starts on the flight. In-flight food can be a hit or miss, so it’s handy to have a few backups for when you don’t like what is being served on board.

Packing some substantial snacks, like apples, nuts, muesli bars and dried fruit in your carryon bag is not only quick to do, but it’s cheap.

DITCH WHITE TABLE CLOTHS No matter how many top notch restaurants there are in your area, sometimes nothing will quite satisfy your cravings as well as a homecooked meal.

Unless you’re staying in a self-contained apartment, most hotel rooms don’t offer a kitchen, so there’s no way to fire up the stovetop. Instead, check out the kids menu in your room service. These are often staple dishes of a meat and three veg.

FUSSY EATERS If you’re watching your weight or you suffer from food intolerances, look out for dishes that are not loaded with carbs or laced in cream. Sometimes, if there is nothing that ticks all your boxes on the menu, kindly ask the chef if it’s possible to make a meal that you can eat. Great examples include

stir-fry vegetables with chicken or grilled fish with salad.

BYO Bring your own food, particularly if you are travelling domestically. It is safe to pack a box of muesli, packet of crackers or tins of tuna in your suitcase, but beware that any fruits or vegetables must be discarded upon entry to another state or country.

Better still, if you can drive to your destination, why not pack a camping stove in the car. These handy little burners are a fantastic way to fire up a quick barbecue dinner.

Keen meat-eaters can go as far as bringing vacuum-packed meat with them into some Asian countries, but best to check the entry regulations prior to your departure.

For more healthy travel ideas or tips on what you can bring on your travels, speak to a travel consultant as Escape Travel.

Phone Escape Travel on 1300 799 783 or see escapetravel.com.au n

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UNREAL

fur Go Faux U

editor’s word

nreal Fur welcomes you to be the first to view a sneak peak of their new faux fur collection, The Northern Aurora.

Inspired by the unique and breath-taking phenomenon of the winter Nordic sky, Unreal Fur brings you a range of both natural and vibrant faux fur garments and accessories for all women.

With the assistance of public awareness and animal activist groups, there has been a strong shift in our community’s attitude towards wearing real fur.

Unreal Fur brings you only the highest quality faux fur – the look is the same, the feel is soft and luxurious to touch, the options are endless and your conscience is clean.

The unveiling of their first collection brings you an assortment of texturally rich faux fur pieces. A range of natural-looking furs, mixed with classic ivory and black and infused with pops of purples, gingers and blues creates a warm and wintry colour palette for women of all ages.

Having just launched their online store at www.unrealfur.com.au, Unreal Fur invites you to join them on the “faux” side. n

Faux fur is more affordable, better quality and doesn’t smell unpleasant - unlike the real stuff. What’s more, by choosing faux fur over real, you’re choosing not to take part in the cruel practice of skinning animals alive or killing by electrocution!

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“You cannot fake chic, but you can be chic and fake fur” - Karl Lagerfeld

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How Art Gains Value Part 3

BY CELIA BERRELL

The Best Adventure We’ve embarked upon a journey that’s our precious gift of life.

And celebrate its glory, filled with beauty, love and strife.

For now the seas are placid and the sky’s a radiant blue.

With joy and faith, we take each step.

Your Light will see us through.

Poem inspired by Davson’s painting, On the Ark of Salvation (inset).

On the Ark of Salvation

W

hether you are viewing a painting for its inspiration or investment potential, there are ways that enhance the appreciation process - both for the viewer and the painting. How can we really tell if a painting is good or not? The beauty or impact of a painting can be a very personal thing. But there’s more to valuable art than just a pretty face.

The Power and the Passion Myth, art and spirituality lie at the heart of many cultures. Religious reverence has powered some of man’s most fantastical achievements, particularly in art and architecture. From the Egyptian Pyramids to the Sistine Chapel, regardless of our personal beliefs, we truly stand in awe.

There is certainly plenty of art that reflects beliefs and stories in such passionate ways that just viewing them somehow connects us.

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Davson in her art studio hallway

Whether they are cave drawings, a canvas of Christianity or an Aboriginal Dreamtime depiction, they will be images that show and share, reflecting how someone somewhere cares.

There was a time when wealth was

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lavishly bestowed on spiritual or religious art, particularly in eras such as Renaissance Europe and ancient Egypt. In comparison, our Indigenous cultures see the riches of storytelling as paramount to the art’s value.

But then spirituality is not about monetary richness. It is more about fulfilling our lives and souls.

In our modern Western world at least, the artists most dedicated to creating images that uplift the soul and inspire positive passion for life are frequently generous artisans who are doing it out of love. Perhaps this is a predominantly feminine trait, with gentleness and joy being the reward as well the gift. Spiritual art is a diverse genre whose expression gives us all the freedom to fly and dream for a greater good. It is also again attracting a return to high wealth investment. Are we becoming tired of confronting, aggressive or art that shocks or depresses the senses?

Many great artists have created spiritually uplifting paintings. Can you match the artist with the title of the painting they created?

1. Sandro Botticelli 2. Sharon Davson

3. Vincent van Gogh 4. Salvador Dali

Sharon Davson and Leo Sayer in front of Gifts of Trust

Answers: 1C: 2A: 3D: 4B Discovery

Artists of the Ark Discussing artist’s spiritual beliefs tends to sound like a testament to their good behaviour! None of us are perfect, but two words aptly describe Davson for a character reference and her spirituality: generosity and gratitude. Her art, particularly since the mid 1990s, has been created with the intention of uplifting and inspiring others in their faith.

Believing we can make a difference in the world may sound presumptuous, but if we are prepared to give of ourselves in the attempt, and meet like-minded people along the way, it might just work. And for Davson it did - and still does. For example, her environmental and world peace charity ventures and initiatives over the past two decades contributed towards many improvements and changes in our global community, as well as helped to bring out the best in everyone they touched.

In 2002, Davson also became a Founding Patron of the Multifaith Association of Newcastle & Hunter Region. Finding common ground between various faiths, the association organised functions that

A. On the Ark of Salvation B. Madonna of Port Lligat C. The Virgin and Child with five Angels D. Pieta

celebrated the region’s cultural diversity and its compatibilities.

On a personal level, and as a member of Sukyo Mahikari since 1995, Davson is comfortable with faith having different flavours. Sukyo Mahikari includes people of different religious preferences that see their participation in sharing the Light of God and all creation as a natural progression from their foundation beliefs. And gratitude is a key component of any form of spirituality.

Davson incorporates these beliefs into her art, and with some surprising results. The more dedicated to inspiring others she became, the higher the values of her paintings also became.

Now several of her major works are re-selling for substantive seven figure sums.

One of the highlights of Davson’s spirituality and artistic career was when her painting With Gratitude Comes Growth was gifted by the Australia-Oceania Region of Sukyo Mahikari for the collection of the Hikaru Memorial Museum Takayama Japan in 1996. Then from February to July 2003, her flagship of spiritual art On The Ark of Salvation became the frontcover illustration for six monthly copies of the

Offering Gratitude Together

Sukyo Mahikari International Journal.

As an artist who works mainly on commission, On The Ark of Salvation is one of only a handful of personal major works created by Davson. Since the painting’s creation in 1999, the image has acquired an impressive provenance through publications and major retrospective exhibitions of Davson’s art in public galleries. In 2011, it sold for $1.3 million, making it the highest valued painting by a living Australian artist.

Her inspirational paintings are now a highly valued commodity, and a new art movement is subsequently taking shape. On 3rd November 2011 in Takayama Japan, the Arkists or Artists of the Ark was formally pronounced with Davson as the acknowledged leader and artistic inspiration. The movement invites all artists who create in any medium for the uplifting joy and gratitude of their spiritual beliefs to become connected.

Could this be a resurgence of spiritual art rising to the role of lead violin instead of second fiddle in the wonderful orchestra of art and life?

Contact Davson Art management to acquire her art from $5,000 and upwards; to learn more about why Davson’s art has experienced better than approximately 20% per annum growth for collector / investors for more than two decades; or to find out more about the Artists of the Ark.

Enjoy the benefits…

I Wonder What Reality Is

mobile: 0416 026 426 email: sharon@davsonart.com www.davsonart.com n

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talkin technology KEEPING UP WITH THE LATEST GADGETS AND GIZMOS

p LASER UNIVERSAL BLUETOOTH STEREO HEADSET Listen to music or take phone calls wirelessly with these stylish headphones.

Stockist details: Officeworks (www.officeworks.com.au) Laser Universal Bluetooth Stereo Headset>> RRP $39.84 p MICROSOFT PERRSON 3500 WIRELESS MOBILE MOUSE Personalise workspaces with a unique design from the premier artist Stina Persson.

Stockist details: Officeworks (www.officeworks.com.au) Microsoft Perrson 3500 Wireless Mobile Mouse>> RRP $29.95

q MOSHI MOSHI POP PHONE This funky handset turns your tablet or computer into a telephone.

Stockist details: TeleChoice (www.telechoice.com.au) Moshi Moshi Pop Phone>> RRP $49.00

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p FERRARI SAMSUNG GALAXY S II LEATHER FLIP CASE Stockist details: TeleChoice (www.telechoice.com.au) Ferrari Samsung Galaxy S II Leather Flip Case >> RRP $49.00 p LUMIE BODYCLOCK Also known as a wake-up-light or dawn simulator, the Lumie Bodyclock is an alarm clock that wakes you up with a gradual brightening light, naturally re-setting your sleep/wake cycle to help you feel refreshed, alert and energised all day. The sunrise effect is a natural cue for your body to reduce the production of sleep hormones, such as melatonin and gradually increase the levels of those that help you get up and go (cortisol).

Bodyclock Starter 30>> $149.95 through Wake Up Bright (0487 335 397 or admin@wakeupbright.com.au).

p SANYO VPC-E1600 TOUCH SCREEN DIGITAL CAMERA Stockist details: Officeworks (www.officeworks.com.au) Sanyo VPC-E1600 Touch Screen Digital Camera>> RRP $95.00

q WACOM BAMBOO PEN TABLET An ultimate digital tool to pursue artistic interests such as drawing, painting or animating.

Stockist details: Officeworks (www.officeworks.com.au) Wacom Bamboo Pen Tablet>> RRP $93.53

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NOVOTEL TWIN WATERS RESORT N

ovotel Twin Waters Resort is making it easy for families to relax during winter thanks to their Stay Three and Save 33% offer with prices starting at $119 per night.

Until 31st August, the offer includes accommodation in a Resort Garden View Room for up to two adults and two children with accommodation from just $119 per night.

The resort is the perfect environment for families with the Novotel & Family brand policy offering free accommodation and breakfast for up to two children (aged 0 to 15) when sharing the same room with their parents. Children also receive a free toy on arrival, 20 minutes free internet access and there’s a Kapla play area in the lobby and Nickelodeon TV. The resort features over 40 free activities

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for kids and access to the resort’s lagoon and water sport facilities including windsurfers, catamarans, kayaks, water trampoline, beach volleyball, putt-putt golf, cricket sets and more to make it heaven for kids and peaceful for parents.

Paid activities include Kids Club and babysitting services, Cirque Espace trampoline and trapeze classes, bicycles and Lagoon Day Spa and golf at the nearby 18 hole Twin Waters championship course.

Just five minutes from the Sunshine Coast Airport, an hour north of Brisbane and a short drive from the famous Australia Zoo and Aussie World, Novotel Twin Waters Resort offers an ideal setting for an affordable family holiday.

For more information on Novotel Twin Waters Resort visit

www.inflightmagazine.com.au

www.novoteltwinwatersresort.com.au or to book call 1800 072 277 or email stay@twinwatersresort.com.au n

PRIZE

Novotel Twin Waters Resort is offering three nights for either a couple of family of four including daily buffet breakfast.

For your chance to win, email us at info@inflightmagazine.com.au with your name, mailing address and why you love the magazine! The best answers will win!

WIN TICKETS

to Cirque du Soleil - a teeming world of insects

C

irque Du Soleil has returned to Australia with the criticallyacclaimed and family-friendly big top production OVO. This show has entertained and thrilled over 2 million people in 15 cities in Canada, United States and Mexico. Now Coffs Harbour Regional Airport and Inflight Magazine is giving you a chance to see it too!

OVO, meaning “egg� in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The cast of OVO is comprised of 55 performing artists from 14 countries specialising in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of OVO is the stunning Flying Act in which a group of scarabs soar high above the stage, from both edges to the middle landing on a platform. You will experience all this excitement under the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (big top).

Not only will you see the show, you will be flown from Coffs Harbour to Sydney and home again at turbo prop speed with Qantaslink and enjoy two nights of luxury accommodation at the Menzies Hotel in the Sydney CBD surrounded by shops, restaurants, nearby Circular Quay, The Rocks and the Opera House. n To win double passes to the show, return flights from Coffs Harbour to Sydney with QantasLink and two nights accommodation at the Menzies Hotel, head to our website and follow the prompts to fill in a few simple questions.

GOOD LUCK! Competition closes at midnight on 13 August 2012. www.inflightmagazine.com.au

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Kerrie with Robert and Wesley. © Rob Cleary/ Seen Australia ®

Foreign Exchange K

errie Robinson has been a dedicated ambassador for the past 12 years.

During this time she has welcomed many overseas visitors and hosted many more dinners. And soon she is to travel to China representing Australia, but not as a staffer of the nation’s diplomatic corps. Like many other Coffs residents, Kerrie is a home host ambassador supporting Southern Cross University’s English Language Centre in Coffs Harbour.

On any given day around noon at the university campus, you will hear a variety of foreign accents and languages. When the international students break from class for lunch they gather, just like Aussie students do, to chat and share stories about their lives and future aspirations.

Except when students from the same country chat in their native tongue, the common language spoken is English. This makes for interesting listening. At times there is miscommunication which often results in

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peals of laughter due to a mix-up of words and meanings.

Kerrie knows from practical experience how interesting this can be. She recalled one occasion when her Thai student Suppamongkon Singchoopan ‘Robert’ - came to her with a worried look on his face. When she asked what the matter was he shook his head and lamented that his grandma was very bad. Thinking that his grandmother may have been in poor health or perhaps something more serious, Kerrie suggested they talk.

Robert explained that he was very nervous that his grandma was not good and that he may have to return to Thailand.

But Kerrie’s concern for Robert was soon relieved. He went on to explain that he had difficulty in getting words in the right order in a sentence. Then the penny dropped.

It turned out he was worried about his English grammar, not his Thai grandma.

The English Language Centre at Southern

Cross University (SCU) is one of many English language centres promoted by universities around Australia and the English speaking world. Competition is fierce, particularly between Australia, UK, Canada and USA. It is for this reason that SCU endeavours to provide a quality academic and homestay experience for all fee paying international students who elect to study at the university, be they long-term degree students or short-term study tour participants.

Given our geographic location, Australia attracts students from our Asian neighbours.

The young men and women currently studying at Coffs Harbour’s English Language Centre come from Bhutan, China, Japan, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Some are studying to improve their English then will return to their home country. Others study English as part of their primary degree course such as IT and Tourism.

While Kerrie is a member of SCU’s

Caroline Mueller and English Language Class Class. © Rob Cleary/ Seen Australia ®

team of homestay ambassadors, Caroline Mueller is one of the university’s academic ambassadors. She is Head Teacher, English Language Studies.

One of her primary tasks is to encourage students to adopt a different method of study and learning. Until now, many international students education was based on traditional rote learning.

At SCU and other Australian English language centres, teaching is more of a robust two way affair with questions and answers, debates and discussion between teacher and students and among the students.

This year with a class of 13 students from six different Asian countries and cultures, Caroline was challenged. Some students were very shy as it is not their custom to voice a personal opinion but rather, to only repeat what they had been taught.

But she is winning them over. Students are told it is OK to make mistakes, have personal opinions and are encouraged to take a particular point of view – so long as their position is based on research and facts.

Now after a few months at SCU, most of her students participate in lively debates often at their own instigation with Caroline directing and adjudicating as required. For these students, this is a new way of learning.

Each year, SCU representatives travel to Asia to promote the variety of academic courses and English language programs.

While the range of degree courses on offer is many and varied, the one that attracts most international students to the Coffs Harbour campus is the Bachelor of Business in International Hospitality and Management.

In Asia, the tourism industry is growing at an exceptional pace, particularly in China. There and in many other expanding Asian economies, there is strong demand for academically qualified and industry trained staff.

Fortunately after much concerted effort by SCU’s dedicated tourism school personnel, the university is recognised as a leader in the tourism industry – for the high quality of teaching and the success in placing

students in tourism and hospitality businesses when undertaking internships required to complete degree courses. This helps counter competition and the affect of the high value of the Australian dollar.

The other aspect for SCU’s popularity is the prestige and respect gained by international students from having successfully lived, studied and graduated from university in Australia. With so many people seeking employment in Asia, having a recognised university and industry relevant degree is a distinct advantage.

To remain competitive, SCU is constantly exploring options to improve their courses and programs for both Australian and international students. Recently, the university was successful in securing Commonwealth Government funding for their Partners for the Future Project. The project aims to establish SCU College to help students transition into university-level studies. Part of this development is the recruitment of additional project and teaching staff to deliver the ITbased Personal Learning Environment and to support quality learning experiences.

The desired outcome of this program is to encourage more students to study and graduate with university degrees for their personal benefit and for the people of their respective communities and countries.

Each year Coffs Harbour welcomes over 200 overseas students visiting for short and long term study. Some are high school students here for two weeks of intensive English tuition; others are university students furthering their knowledge of English to improve their grammar (not grandma) and employment prospects while others are here to learn English and graduate with degrees in IT, Business Management and other disciplines.

When not at the university, many shortterm students are usually out and about in groups visiting the attractions and undertaking excursions around Coffs Coast. Long- term students are often young adults who also get out and about, many in their own vehicles, acquired soon after arriving so they have

independent transport. Collectively, these international academic visitors make a significant contribution to the local economy.

According to Kerrie and Caroline, it is the combination of study and living with Australians and fellow students from other countries that helps foster learning, respect and understanding between people of different cultures.

Kerrie also highlights that she too has learned a great deal from hosting students.

Over the past years, she has come to better understand Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Thai cultures. She has had the pleasure of meeting the parents of a number of her students when in Australia on holiday and to see their son or daughter graduate. Another bonus is that she has learned to cook dishes from all these countries. And very soon a very excited Kerrie will be travelling to China for a three week tour guided by her current homestay student, Wen Yang Wang ‘Wesley’.

According to Kerrie, life with her international family is just the same as if they were her own – with some days better than others. But she is quick to mention that there are many moments of mirth and merriment.

Like the time her Korean student, Namchoo decided to teach her Korean cooking. All was going well until Kerrie suggested the dish need more flour. This resulted in Namchoo giving her a puzzled look and a shrug of his shoulders before dashing out of the kitchen – to shortly return with a bunch of fresh flower(s). Followed by much laughter.

So, the next time you are at Coffs Harbour Airport and see locals holding welcome placards printed with Asian and Australian names, it could be Kerrie and other SCU Coffs Harbour Homestay Ambassadors about to start another round of foreign exchange. n

An international student’s weekly fee for Homestay accommodation and meals is $195 per week. This is managed by SCU for the first 10 weeks.

After this time, the arrangement is a private exchange between the student and his or her home host.

If you would like detailed information on how to become a Homestay Ambassador and share life with an international student, contact Nicky Dunstan, Administration and Homestay Officer, International Office, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour Education Campus (tel 02 6659 3150 or email nicky.dunstan@scu.edu.au).

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TALK BACK WITH

Emma Dean OCCUPATION: Songwriter/Musician/Performer/Actor/ Dreamer (I do these things separately and sometimes all at once!)

FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: New York became my favourite travel destination after I performed some showcase concerts there in October 2011. I adore the lush world of cabaret, musical theatre and fringe theatre so I spent most of my downtime going to see shows. I was in heaven. I’m thrilled that I will be back there to perform my show “An End To Dreaming” alongside Jake Diefenbach this August for The New York International Fringe Festival!

TRAVEL TIP: For those gluten intolerant vegos out there like me, be prepared to explain (in multiple ways) that chicken doesn’t actually fit into that category. Oh and, don’t forget the folder with all your tickets and accommodation receipts.

Long story!!

MOST EMBARRASSING TRAVEL MOMENT: I was on a plane bound for Melbourne for my first interstate show back in 2003.

My bass player and I were going through the check list of things we were to bring.

Warm coats - check; keyboard cables check; violin - check; CDs; uh oh. It was my one job to bring the CDs and I forgot!

We ended up dragging our feet around to every CD store in Melbourne and buying multiple copies of our own album to sell at the gig. I am now especially organised and a big believer in making lists!

WHAT’S COMING UP FOR YOU NEXT? I’m currently splitting my time between my own pop-cabaret solo performance and my new electro-fairytale-pop duo with Jake Diefenbach called Geppetto.

In June, I will be taking my one-womanshow STRIPPED to Adelaide Cabaret Festival which has been a dream of mine for many years. Geppetto have just finished recording our debut EP with the fabulous Darren Middleton (of Powderfinger fame) and we will be performing at some Australian festivals before taking our show to New York for the Fringe Festival in August. All details can be found on my website www.emmadean.com n

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NMC0014/L&L/H

We help support more than the NSW economy.

State Emergency Service and funding the refit of a Westpac

Mining does far more than just provide jobs and create a strong

rescue helicopter, just to name a few. We help out not because

economy, because a strong economy is nothing without strong communities. NSW miners provide over $1.2 billion in royalty funds

we have to, but because we want to. We want to be part of the

each year, on top of taxes, for essential government services. That’s

community. We want to make NSW strong. We want to make

enough to employ over 13,000 nurses or buy 2,500 new buses.

NSW proud. That’s why we won’t rest, because it’s not enough

1

2

However, for all this, our proudest achievements are our support of a whole range of community services. Like the Rural Fire Service,

worldclassminers.com.au

just to be good for the NSW economy.

We want to be good for NSW.

Source: 1NSW Treasury. 2PricewaterhouseCoopers.

World Class Miners

OF FE HU R EN RR DS Y JU !

LY

31

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Go to the Avis counter on arrival Subject to availability. Refuelling service charge, local taxes, excess kilometres, optional insurance cover, Vehicle Registration Fee, Concession Recovery Fee or Premium Location Surcharge (if applicable) administration fee, miscellaneous charges and GST on these items not included. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, coupon or promotion. The free day offer and Qantas Frequent Flyer points are not available on package tour, travel industry or Government rates. Avis standard age, credit and driver requirements apply. Full terms and Conditions are available on avis.com.au You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn points. Quote your membership number when booking. Membership and points are subject to the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.

A joining fee may apply. For more information about earning points with Avis visit qantas.com/cars