AusBiz - October-November 2022

INNOVATIONS IN BUSINESS, MINING AND AGRICULTURE

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HOW LIVING SEAWALLS ARE INCREASING BIODIVERSITY IN SYDNEY HARBOUR

According to new research on Living Seawalls, this marine science initiative is having significant environmental benefits. The study, which involved two years of monitoring and evaluation of a large Sydney Harbour installation, has given scientists hope for a brighter future for our marine life.

Living Seawalls are a collection of modular panels designed to be installed along coastal sites to increase biodiversity, which has been disappearing from Sydney harbour in recent years. According to Associate Professor and coastal ecologist at Macquarie University, Melanie Bishop, the trials have been successful so far.

“Our research assessed how biodiversity on the seawall panels changed through time,” she says. “We found that 115 different species colonised the wall over a two-year period… about 20 per cent greater than what we see on unmodified sea walls.”

The seawalls are designed to be tailored to each site. As sea levels rise, the panels can be expanded vertically to keep up. While normally, seawalls are bare surfaces with minimal protection from predators or extreme weather, Living Seawalls help to keep habitats cool and sheltered.

So far, ten different habitat surfaces have been designed,

mimicking various natural shoreline features including rockpools, sponge fingers and weathered rock. After the two year study period, researchers found a high number of oysters along the panels, which improved water filtration and became an important food resource for local fish species.

According to Melanie, the project “involves ongoing monitoring and evaluation, collecting data that informs decisions on how to best use these approaches and how to continue to improve these approaches over time.”

The prototype producing environmentally friendly hydrogen

moisture from the air. These absorbed molecules are then split into hydrogen and oxygen gases, in a process called electrolysis.

According to the study’s lead author and a senior lecturer in chemical engineering at the University of Melbourne, Dr Gang Kevin Li, “hydrogen is the ultimate clean energy…as long as you have renewable sources of energy to electrolyse the water.”

Researchers have built a prototype for a solar powered device that produces hydrogen fuel from moisture in the air. This hydrogen has over 99 per cent purity, even when used in air as dry as 4 per cent humidity. While still in the early stages, this technology could allow for the production of hydrogen without carbon emissions.

Hydrogen is an important resource

used in a variety of industries, yet is relatively scarce in nature. Water is the only byproduct it yields, however the process of creating this hydrogen requires energy input involving fossil fuels, leading to carbon emissions.

The device which seeks to put an end to this reality is made up of spongy material with a hygroscopic liquid. This fluid has the ability to absorb

If successful, the device could be an extremely useful tool in areas where liquid water is not abundant enough to produce hydrogen.

“Large parts of the world have water scarcity problems,” Li says. “When you have lots of renewable energy – wind or solar – you [often] don’t have much fresh water for this type of hydrogen production.” Li and his team are working hard to finalise this important device, which could be the future of renewable energy.

The Complete Mine Site

EXCITING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THREE GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPANIES

Boost Juice, Finance Apps and Enterprise Outsourcing have agreed to partner to enable Boost’s international expansion.

Finance Apps and Enterprise Outsourcing announced this week that they have entered a strategic partnership with Boost Juice. Back in 2000, three completely different companies started their journey to success in their chosen fields. One was

in the healthy juice and smoothie retail space; another was in procurement and inventory management; and the third in information technology. All companies have two things in common: passion and customer-first thinking. Today, they come together

in partnership to continue their success in an ever-changing, fastpaced environment. This is where the innovative, tasty and healthfocused Boost Juice meets Enterprise Outsourcing and specialised Finance Apps procurement software.

This partnership will simplify and enhance daily business operations for selected Boost Juice international locations, bolstering their competitive advantage and innovative products in international markets. Finance Apps is a specialised mobile digital procurement and inventory management software solution that targets the restaurant and hospitality industry, and Enterprise Outsourcing is a global leader in technology that provides an innovative and secure technology platform for any business.

These two companies have come together to provide Boost with a tailored procurement and inventory management application and a

THIS PAGE: BOOST HAS OVER 600 STORES IN 14 COUNTRIES, MAKING IT ONE OF THE LARGEST JUICE AND SMOOTHIE BRANDS IN THE WORLDS.

integrations for accuracy. It also provides holistic procurement capabilities on a global scale.

Callum Mackay, Head of International Business at Boost Juice, mentioned, “We are thrilled to announce this innovative partnership with Enterprise Outsourcing and Finance Apps. This partnership allows our international network to securely enter the digital age with the latest technology providing a customised procurement and inventory solution for our Master Franchise partners around the world. The solution will directly streamline our stores’ procurement and stock take processes which ultimately saves time and decrease costs via detailed reporting functionality.”

Schalk van der Merwe, CEO of Finance Apps adds, “We have implemented our unique procurement application which enables each Boost Juice store to manage their procurement needs in a secure centralised location. Through userfriendly technology, they will be able to manage their inventory accurately and efficiently.”

secure, innovative platform for the implementation of the latest technology. This will enhance operations and streamline processes, as well as offer 24/7 support to prevent any downtime globally.

Boost is now one of the largest juice and smoothie brands in the world with over 600 stores across 14 countries and a simple vision of making sure every customer leaves a Boost Juice bar feeling just that little bit better. Finance Apps has been intuitively developed to consolidate all procurement and inventory processes with any Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution. The application is easy to use and access with comprehensive

Enterprise Outsourcing’s costeffective solutions enable a competitive advantage with seamless operations. Through continuous evolvement of their service offerings that are in line with customer requirements and market demands, they deliver unique IT solutions and online services that are innovative and cost effective.

“We have integrated and implemented state-of-the-art technology tools, as well as set up support portals that are 24/7 available to assist each Boost Juice store. Our skilled technicians are available to prevent any downtime on a global scale,” says Sascha Joubert, COO of Enterprise Outsourcing.

“This partnership allows our international network to securely enter the digital age with the latest technology providing a customised procurement and inventory solution for our Master Franchise partners around the world.”

Cheriton Valley: A PICTURESQUE HAVEN

Nestled in the beautiful Cheriton Valley just minutes north of the town of Gingin, an exclusive country address with an idyllic lifestyle in a safe, close-knit community awaits. It offers the best of countryside living while being on the fringes of Perth.

Country Heights Estate has been developed to an exceptional standard with fast-speed internet, scheme water, power and sealed roads, whilst retaining its rural charm and natural beauty – with stands of mature gum trees and untouched bush adding to its appeal.

The stunning estate is home to 313 exclusive 1-hectare lots, plus rural residential homesites with utterly breathtaking views of rolling hills and sweeping valleys.

Claymont Chairman Jerry Goh says fully serviced large hectarage home sites having scheme water in such close proximity to metro areas are a rarity, with the homesites being 25 times larger than the average suburban home site, for a better price.

The enchanting estate aims to deliver an improved quality of life with plenty of fresh air and wide-open country spaces for the whole family to enjoy, while also offering enough space for large pets to roam and play.

ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, WITH THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Country Heights Estate is easily accessible via the completed NorthLink Tonkin Highway extension. With this new development, travel times to myriad metro areas with high-density work places and shopping centres have been significantly slashed.

Joondalup, Wangara, Malaga, Morley, Balcatta, Ellenbrook and Midlands are between 30 minutes to 45 minutes from the estate, and the airport and Perth CBD are an hour or less away.

“With its excellent accessibility, Country Heights Estate offers a unique opportunity to live the ultimate lifestyle with the best of both worlds – healthy living in a safe country community on large hectarage home sites, and the ability to work in metro areas with an easy commute,” says Jerry.

As a result of the lockdown experienced during the pandemic, there is a growing popularity with city-dwellers seeking a lifestyle change to regional areas which are within easy commutable distance to the city. It gives them more room and space to spend quality time at home, with more flexible work-fromhome lifestyles.

“The availability of high-speed internet here is perfect for those who desire a rural work-from-home lifestyle, making Country Heights Estate an ideal place to live and work partly or fully from home,” Jerry says.

The nearby Gingin town has every a tree-changer could possibly want – including great schools, a medical centre, post office, bank, hotel, cafes, shops, and numerous recreational and sporting facilities.

Ideal for the building of a family home, retirement, an investment, or to claim your own weekender on the edge of the Darling Scarp, the estate is also within easy reach of coastal communities such as Lancelin, Seabird and Guilderton on the pristine Moore River.

WHAT’S ON OFFER

Stage 1 included 45 homesites that were well received, as it is now sold out. The next 61 homesites will be released in Stage 2 comprising Stage 2A, 2B and 2C with titles expected early in 2023. Selling prices start from $215,000 to $305,000 for premium elevated homesites with stunning panoramic valley views.

Take a scenic drive to Country Heights Estate to see it for yourself.

For more information, please visit countryheightsestate.com.au (or use the QR code below). Alternatively, contact our agents Tom Cabassi: 0429 095 864 or Rob French: 0401 970 997.

Mitsui & Co. and Position Partners join forces

Mitsui & Co. becomes majority shareholder in Position Partners to advance digital innovation across construction and mining.

Positioning and site automation solutions company, Position Partners announces that Mitsui & Co. (Mitsui), through its Australian and Japanese entities, has increased its investment to become the majority shareholder. This partnership will leverage growth opportunities in intelligent positioning solutions throughout Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

With aligned strategies to accelerate the deployment of digital and automated systems on all types of machines, Position Partners will further pursue its partnering vision with customers to improve productivity, safety and sustainability in the construction, resources and geospatial sectors with the support of Mitsui’s networks.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with locations in more than 60 countries worldwide, Mitsui invested in Position Partners in 2019 to hold a 20 per cent share in the company. Mitsui’s strategy to accelerate digital transformation across multiple sectors

including construction, resources, transport, and logistics, aligns with Position Partners’ positioning systems and support expertise.

Following Position Partners’ strong business performance, Mitsui has become the majority shareholder.

“Since 2019, we have launched initiatives that have been fostered through the Mitsui network, notably in our mining business,” said Martin Nix, Position Partners CEO.

“Mitsui has also enabled collaborations for two of our key services: Tokara, construction site remote access and data transmission solution; and AllDayRTK, our national GPS network.

“Supporting new growth opportunities and leveraging our capabilities will provide an even better experience for customers,” he added. “Our Southeast Asia and mining systems businesses can expect to be significant beneficiaries of Mitsui’s post investment strategic support.

“Mitsui recognises that our ability to deploy solutions to sites with various

types of machinery, systems and software is critical to realising the full potential of digital innovation in the construction, mining and geospatial industries,” Mr Nix said.

To ensure continuity, the existing Position Partners executive team remains. The Board will include three nominee Directors from Mitsui and key system and product suppliers have endorsed the change.

“Mitsui looks forward to building on the already strong collaborative relationship we enjoy with the Position Partners team, working together toward our shared strategic goals to accelerate digital transformation and contribute to sustainable futures,” said Koichi (Marcos) Wakabayashi, Operating Officer, Mobility Business Unit 1, Mitsui & Co Ltd.

“This announcement represents an exciting next step in our company’s evolution and growth. More opportunities for customers, employees, suppliers and partners can be expected,” Mr Nix concluded.

THE OYSTER’S JOURNEY

The oyster industry is a delicate operation with many moving parts. We explore how oysters get from nursery to farm to plate, all in time for Christmas.

Words: Ian Neubauer

THIS PAGE: OYSTER BEDS IN MERIMBULA, NSW. THE TOWN IS FAMOUS FOR THE QUALITY OF ITS PRODUCE.

“He was a bold man that first ate an oyster,” wrote the Irish satirist Jonathan Swift of the gooey, chewy tidbit with taste profiles that range from salty to sweet, and flavours as diverse as cucumber to copper.

We will never know who that first man (or woman) was, although we do have some idea of when it was. Evidence of oyster consumption in the form of fossilised shells dates back to the Stone Age: 2.5 million years ago to 9600 BCE. In South Africa, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of shellfish dinners enjoyed by humans that are 164,000 years old.

Oysters were cultivated and eaten by the upper class in Ancient Greece. Wealthy Romans loved them too and were the first to claim that oysters act as an aphrodisiac – a claim that has never been scientifically proven.

Oysters were an important food source for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years as evidenced by the large number of kitchen middens found along the country’s coastline. Commercial oyster harvesting in Australia started almost immediately after European colonisation in the 1870s with the exploitation of natural oyster beds. They were exhausted within a century and are yet to recover.

Oyster farming had primitive beginnings in New South Wales, before the practice expanded into a high-tech industry with farms in every state. Here, we’ll explore the process of how oysters are spawned, farmed and shipped to stores through the tales of three experts.

THE NANNY

Where do baby oysters come from? From adult oysters, obviously. But it’s a lot more complicated than that, explains Jonathan Bliton, director of the state-of-the-art $3.5 million Albany Shellfish Hatchery in Western Australia.

“First,” he says, “we put the adult

oysters in a shallow tray with flowing seawater where we try to simulate what happens in the wild during the summer. Cool water comes in from deeper parts of estuaries or bays and washes over them. Then the sun heats the water and the oysters release their eggs and sperm on the outgoing tide. We cycle the temperature up and down in the spawning tray to mimic this phenomenon to induce spawning and carefully mix the sperm with the eggs to ensure high rates of fertilisation.

“Next,” Jonathan says, “we tip buckets of fertilised eggs into a 20,000-litre tank bubbling with heated seawater. If all goes well, the eggs hatch out into free-swimming larvae. After 48 hours, we put them into a clean tank and feed them cultured microalgae – repeating the process every two days. It’s a very technical operation and it uses a lot of manpower and energy.

“After the free free-swimming stage that lasts about three weeks, the larvae choose a place to settle and metamorphose into what we call ‘spat’ – tiny oysters half a millimetre in size. They spend the next three months in the nursery where we fatten them up with cultured microalgae until they reach 2mm. Then they’re ready to be delivered to farms.”

THE FARMER

In 2010, Justin Gos’ family bought Barilla Bay Oyster Farm and Restaurant near Hobart International Airport. While they started building up an aqua-tourism business with daily tours, Barilla’s core business is still farming.

“We hold lease number 001, which gives you an idea about our heritage,” Justin says. “We produce up to 250,000 dozen oysters each year and in the next three to five years we hope to double or triple that. But with oysters,” he adds, “Mother

CLOCKWISE FROM

TOP LEFT: 20,000L TANK IN THE LARVAE ROOM; MICROALGAE BAG ROOM; FRESHLY SHUCKED OYSTERS. IMAGES: ALBANY SHELLFISH HATCHERY.

Nature can be quite tricky. Planning around her is always difficult.

“The first thing about farming oysters is that we can’t see them. They mature in seawater and success is dependent on sunlight, temperature, nutrients and other things we are not aware of. It takes about two years for an oyster to fully mature from a spat. And if for any reason they don’t get fat, there’s nothing we can do about it,” he says.

“Six years ago, we experienced a tragedy and lost 99% of our stock (about 25 million oysters) to a disease called Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome. It made things incredibly difficult. We didn’t know what the future might hold and it took us about four years to get back on our feet. Many of our colleagues in NSW are going through a similar thing right now with QX disease. It means we’ll have the chance to sell a bit more stock on the mainland

this year, but fingers crossed, they’ll come good soon.”

THE DELIVERY GUY

Every year in the lead-up to Christmas, when millions of Australians on the eastern seaboard buy oysters, Sam Gordon and the team at Blue Harvest are working overtime to help Woolworths, Harris Farms and other retailers meet demand.

“Christmas is a manic time of the year for us but the key is knowing it’s going to be manic and having all our systems and personnel in place so that when the rush comes, everything falls into place,” Sam explains. “We learn more and get better at doing it every year.

“What makes it even more challenging,” he says, “is that oysters have a short shelf life – even shorter than prawns. Pacific oysters have a shelf life of seven days once they’re harvested, though when we

ship them from Tasmania we only get five days. Sydney Rock Oysters only have two to three days of handling time, however, there are ways of extending that. We have processing tanks in Jervis Bay where we can hold them in 8-degree water for several weeks.

“Every moment of what we do is crucial,” he says, “because oysters live in a marine environment that is outside of farmers’ control. So, if you have a sudden change in temperature or salinity and suddenly there is a loss in quality, we have to source oysters from another region. That’s why we represent about 25 farms up and down the NSW coast and as far south as Tasmania. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without oysters.”

“We produce up to 250,000 dozen oysters each year and in the next three to five years we hope to double or triple that.”

JAW-DROPPING JERKY

According to new research, the beef jerky industry is making a massive comeback, becoming a popular snack of choice for consumers across the country.

Words: matilda meikle

JERKY CRAZE: DRIED BEEF IS THE TALK OF THE TOWN, WITH JERKY RISING IN POPULARITY AS A LEAN, TASTY AND HEALTHY SNACK FOOD.

A new report published by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), shows that jerky is worth $40 million in the national market, with a “high growth opportunity” in the future. The report states that “Australia is poised for a meat snacks revolution.” But what does that actually mean? And how are businesses preparing?

A GROWING MARKET

MLA’s report reveals that demand for jerky is bigger than ever. As a versatile and healthy snack, customers are turning to this dried meat as an alternative to other, less nutritious products for their day-to-day diets.

That’s good news for Aussie brands like Jeerks Beef Jerky. Jeerks founder Pip Clark is one example of how the jerky market is adapting to this new rising demand, drawing on her passion for fitness and health to fill a gap in the market for lean, healthy and tasty produce. One hundred percent Australian made, their product is stripped of all fat, making it a high protein and low carb snack for any time of day. With research finding that 50 percent of consumers prefer to get their protein from natural foods like nuts and meats, Pip is helping

to revolutionise the way Aussies think about jerky. Her healthy product and delicious recipes for cooking at home, speak to this desire for quality food, and the jerky craze sweeping Australia.

This phenomenon has reached all the way to rural Queensland, where husband and wife team Doug and Rachelle produce their delicious Nive Jerky on their family-owned cattle station. To perfect their snack, the pair trialled over 70 recipes, settling on four flavours to tailor to a wide range of tastes: original, roasted chilli, Thai fusion and heated garlic. Their paddock-to-plate philosophy helped carry the small brand through COVID-19, despite challenges including factory shutdowns and a slowing market.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR JERKY?

One study found that there was a 50 percent growth in the jerky sector in the US and the UK between

2011 and 2016. Clearly, Aussie businesses are having to put their best foot forward to keep up with this new market, and that means getting inventive.

Jim’s Jerky has been in the game for 17 years, and are still hand cutting the meat and naturally drying it to this day. But while the process is tried and tested, the brand is seeking innovative expansion opportunities. They are currently in talks with Vietnam’s largest luxury exporter Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPPG), to try and tap into their $10 billion Vietnamese consumer market.

For now, it seems that beef jerky is the talk of the town. According to Food South Australia CEO Catherine Sayer, “snack foods are definitely on the rise, and we’re seeing the emergence of beef jerky.”

With Aussies searching for tasty, healthy snacks now that the world is opening up again, these local farmers are meeting the demands of an everexpanding market.

“Snack foods are definitely on the rise, and we’re seeing the emergence of beef jerky.”

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S NOT MILK

Food tech company NotCo is stirring up the alternative milk industry with its new plant-based drink made using artificial intelligence.

Words: Emily Riches

Plant-based alternatives to animal products have come a long way. You may have already seen the latest player in the game, NotMilk, landing on shelves at Woolworths. NotMilk is the brainchild of NotCo, a Chilean food tech company on a mission to produce plant-based and sustainable alternatives to animal products without losing any of the taste, texture or cooking functionality.

“We believe we must completely change the food system and to do so we need to create amazingly delicious products that don’t require people to compromise or make sacrifices,” says

Matias Muchnick, CEO and co-founder of NotCo. But it’s how they do this that is really making waves.

Using a one-of-a-kind artificial intelligence program nicknamed “Giuseppe,” the technology is designed to find combinations of plants that replicate animal-based products. They call it ‘taking the animal out of the equation.’ So, while most plantbased milks are characterised by their main ingredients – oat, soy or nuts, for instance – NotMilk is all based on flavour, texture and functionality.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Giuseppe uses machine learning to study the molecular structure of animal products and replicate them using plant-based alternatives. While this may sound like science fiction, the idea works on the premise that a typical Western diet only utilises about 200 of the world's 300,000 edible plants.

Giuseppe has access to vast information about these plants and looks for combinations to replicate animal products as precisely as possible. In this way, NotCo can analyse huge volumes of data to determine patterns and combinations that

would otherwise be difficult or impossible for humans to do alone.

(And if you’re wondering, Giuseppe got his name as an homage to the Italian renaissance painter, Giuseppe Arcimboldo, who is best known for his ‘fruit and vegetable’ portraits.)

The recipes Giuseppe comes up with are then tested by real-life chefs, who enter their sensorial feedback and reviews back into the system, which then develops new recipes. Apparently, Giuseppe’s firstever attempt at NotMilk came out bright green, as it didn’t understand that adding dill would result in a green hue. Lesson learnt! NotCo quickly taught Giuseppe how to recognise the colours of plants as well.

Some of the more interesting ingredients that make up NotMilk include pea protein, pineapple juice concentrate, sunflower oil, salt and cabbage juice concentrate, but results in a silky texture and a remarkably milky taste. According to one writer, “it’s the very mild hint of pineapple that adds a slight milky sweetness to the drink. It’s impressive and certainly delicious.”

COFFEE CULTURE

Whether you crave a cappuccino or favor flat whites, there’s no doubt that Australians love their coffee. And with NotMilk sipping, slurping and frothing just like milk, it could be the next big thing for mixing with our favourite beverage.

“We believe NotMilk will be perfect for Australia’s incredible coffee scene, offering the best plant-based alternative there has ever been,” Matias says. “Given 95% of Aussies love milk in their coffees, this is a huge market ripe for disruption.”

In fact, NotCo is currently in talks with a range of leading local coffee brands to supply NotMilk to cafes throughout Australia.

BETTER FOR THE PLANET

Matias says that his original motivation behind was rooted in creating great food that not only tastes amazing but is better for the world.

According to NotCo, NotMilk takes 92% less water to produce than cow’s milk and produces 74% less CO2 emissions. By replacing a glass of regular cow’s milk

with NotMilk each day you could save the equivalent of 52 minutes in the shower, 12 hours of light generated by a lamp or 40 kilometres driven in a car.

With NotBurger and NotChicken also on their way to supermarket shelves near you, NotCo is even further shaking up the Australian food industry. The results overseas speak for themselves. When NotMilk first launched in Chile it was the number one selling plant-based milk in its first week, while NotBurger sold out three months of supplies in just three weeks. It continues to hold 5 per cent of total market share in the entire burger category, including the animal-based.

“The world needs a change today,” says Matias. “This is not just a food revolution, it is a revelation. For a better world, a more sustainable world and a world just as delicious.”

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: NOTCO CEO AND CO-FOUNDER MATIAS MUCHNICK; NOTMILK IS SILKY AND CREAMY JUST LIKE MILK; GIUSEPPE IS NOTCO'S AI "CHEF." IMAGES: SUPPLIED.

CHEESE, PLEASE!

A project brought on by the 2022 floods in eastern Australia, this cheese is a collaboration between Towri Sheep Cheeses, Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, Summer Land Camels and Naughty Little Kids. All these farms can be found in the Scenic Rim, a stunning region in South East Queensland including six national parks, the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, as well as many gourmet and winery experiences. What better place to create this delicious new cheese?

THE IDEA

When the floods hit New South Wales and Queensland earlier this year, farms across the country were badly affected. This

included Towri Sheep Cheeses, a leading agri-tourism operator and producer of award-winning cheeses on over 300 acres of land.

“The floods caused absolute devastation to our business, livestock and family farm, including the collapse of our main water supply,” says Dallas Davidson,

who runs Towri with her mother. “Milk production went down 100 per cent as our dairy was completely flooded. It was pretty horrid… but we emptied our gumboots, dried out our work gear and thought about how we could keep moving forward.

“Then, it hit us, we could simply ask our friends – two and four legged.”

EWE+3 is Australia’s first sheep, camel, goat and Jersey milk cheese: an innovation born from difficult circumstances that has brought the community together.

Words: Matilda Meikle

“We live in the glorious Scenic Rim, a region of dairies, of inspired producers, and of truly creative partnerships born of Eat Local Week, so let’s create a collaboration cheese.”

This initial idea developed into a collaboration with Tommerup’s Dairy, producers of acclaimed dairy products and famed for their chemical-free and biodynamic practices. Together, these farms created Moo & Ewe, a Jersey and sheep milk range. But they didn’t stop there.

“We thought – let’s take this further. We live in the glorious Scenic Rim, a region of dairies, of inspired producers, and of truly creative partnerships born of Eat Local Week, so let’s create a collaboration cheese.”

Towri and Tommerup connected with Summer Land Camels and Naughty Little Kids, two other producers in the region who were eager to experiment. After lots of trial and error, EWE+3 was born.

THE FARMS

Towri Sheep Cheeses is home to over 350 Awassi sheep, specifically bred for milking. Their property also includes a cheesery, visitors area, cheese tasting areas and beautiful gardens.

Their initial partnership was with Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, a sixthgeneration family farm emphasising clean, green practices. They produce rich dairy products in their on-farm creamery.

The collaboration also includes Summer Land Camels, Australia’s largest commercial Camel Dairy, and Naughty Little Kids, an award-winning cheese and gelati producer catering to the allergy-free market.

Clearly, these farms know what they’re doing, and the results are delicious.

THE CHEESE

EWE+3 is a sheep, camel, goat and Jersey milk cheese. The complexity of

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: THE EWE+3 CHEESE TEAM; DALLAS DAVIDSON, OWNER OF TOWRI SHEEP CHEESES; THE EWE+3 CHEESE IS AN AUSTRALIAN FIRST. IMAGES: SUPPLIED.

the different milks means the natural rind cheese is full of flavour. This includes an earthy, buttery undertone, making it the perfect companion to a glass of wine and a relaxing evening.

EWE+3 has already been picked up by some of the major restaurants in Queensland, including The Paddock, ESSA, Blume Restaurant and Mason Wines, with enquiries rolling in from other states. It’s also available at Towri’s Farmer’s Markets, and at their monthly Open Farm Days.

THE POWER OF POST

Mental health has always been important. But now more than ever it’s vital that we check in with our loved ones and start a conversation around wellbeing. Thanks to Australia Post, this is becoming easier. In the leadup to R U OK? Day, they teamed up with Beyond Blue to deliver free mental health postcards to 3 million households around the country, sharing support for those experiencing hard times, and keeping Australia connected.

Words: Matilda Meikle

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

With the impacts of the COVID-19 lockdowns still taking toll, the discussion around mental health is vital to keeping Australians feeling safe and supported. According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2021, 15 per cent of Australians experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress, and 16 per cent of households had at least one financial stressor. Issues such as anxiety and depression are becoming increasingly common amongst all age groups, leading to poorer mental health outcomes as communities fight to maintain strong wellbeing.

But it’s not all bad news. The survey also found that 61 per cent of Aussies used at least one strategy to manage their mental health, and 3.4 million people saw a health professional. It seems we’re

finding new ways to stay mentally fit, including exercise, positive thinking and taking time to do things we enjoy. The postcards from Australia Post are only strengthening this move to greater awareness and change.

SENT WITH LOVE

Feeling connected can make all the difference to someone struggling through hard times. Australia Post is aiming to make mental health a part of everyday conversation and build more connected communities. Their vast network of offices is spread across over 4,000 communities around Australia, putting them in the perfect position to make this change.

This isn’t the first time our letterboxes were filled with messages of love, as the postcard project was also undertaken last year. Due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, many people found themselves sending a postcard for the first time in years, allowing them to reach out to the people that

matter. The mental health advice on the cards was helpful for anyone feeling lost or isolated in the unusual circumstances of the pandemic.

According to Australia Post General Manager of Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Nicky Tracey, they were also wildly popular.

“We’re thrilled with the response to this wellbeing initiative last year. It was great to hear stories of people writing postcards for the first time in years and also the joy of finding a surprise message from a loved one in their letter box.

“This year, with many Australian households under cost-of-living and other pressures, this is a really simple way people can reach out to check in on loved ones or send messages of love and support.”

Clearly, this mental health check-in has been very impactful in the past. But what does it look like this year? And how can we make a difference?

THE NEXT STEP

With Mental Health Month in October, this partnership between Australia Post and Beyond Blue comes at the perfect time. Those wanting to show their support for family and friends could send their loved ones a postcard for free, containing a blank space to write a message, and a tearoff section with helpful information about staying connected for our mental health.

Executive Officer Georgie Harman says this initiative is vital in spreading important mental health messages across the country.

“This postcard campaign is another way to get people talking about mental health and supporting each other,” she says.

This initiative is an example of how Aussies continue to look after each other despite tough times, and emphasises the importance of good wellbeing.

For anyone experiencing mental health concerns, or needing support, you can go to the Beyond Blue website at www. beyondblue.org.au, or try talking to your loved ones. As a community, we can ensure that everyone feels seen and connected, and it’s as simple as sending a postcard.

For those wanting to reach out to someone who is struggling, it’s important to get the conversation started, and remain open and supportive for the people that matter most.

THIS PAGE: AUSTRALIA POST AND BEYOND BLUE ARE CONNECTING COMMUNITIES WITH THEIR POST CARD INITIATIVE. IMAGES: SUPPLIED.

“This year, with many Australian households under cost-of-living and other pressures, this is a really simple way people can reach out to check in on loved ones or send messages of love and support.”

COUNTING THE COST OF LIVING

Thanks to the rising rate of inflation, Aussies are making significant changes to their spending and saving practices.

Words: Matilda Meikle

According to new research by leading consumer intelligence platform Toluna, 94 per cent of Australians are concerned about inflation and how it may affect daily life. This rapidly changing reality is a challenge for everyone, especially younger generations who are facing major questions around mortgage and funding options. So, what does it mean in the short-term, and what does the future hold?

THE SURVEY

Toluna surveyed 1,005 Aussies in July, asking about their inflation concerns. The research – which sought to collect real-time consumer insights – found we are dramatically changing the way we spend money to combat rising prices. In fact, many people are putting off spending such as upgrading tech (20 per cent), and delaying costs such as home repairs (20 per cent), in order to save.

According to Sej Patel, country director for Toluna in Australia and New Zealand, these findings are unsurprising.

“In this economic climate, price is the number one factor when it comes to purchasing decisions.

“Our research shows that consumers are truly feeling the pinch of rising inflation. Australians are doing everything they can to cut back and financially safeguard themselves as much as possible – delaying travel, driving less, eating in and putting off any unnecessary spending.”

“Currently 82 per cent of Aussies aged between 18 and 35 are concerned about mortgage repayments, with 18 per cent seeking additional income such as working for Uber or Doordash, and 16 per cent selling personal items in an attempt to increase funds.”

This need to spend wisely is spreading over all aspects of life. While some are choosing to cancel entertainment subscriptions (12 per cent), others are reducing cover to lower fees for their health insurance (10 per cent).

Even with the world opening up after COVID-19, Australians are now 69 per cent more likely to prepare meals at home to avoid the cost of eating out, and one in four have reduced the amount they spend on takeaway coffee.

CHANGING AUSTRALIA

It seems the hike in inflation is here to stay, along with ongoing rises in interest rates. As such, we all need to change the way we think about

our money. However, according to Toluna, young people are feeling the impact more than most.

Currently 82 per cent of Aussies aged between 18 and 35 are concerned about mortgage repayments, with 18 per cent seeking additional income such as working for Uber or Doordash, and 16 per cent selling personal items in an attempt to increase funds.

With over half of our young people currently trying to refinance, we must consider how the economic climate is damaging them, and what it means for the future.

The younger generations are putting off plans to buy a home, and working more than ever to boost their cash flow.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Inflation and the skyrocketing cost of everyday life is a national concern. Currently, a third of Aussies believe the cost of living will mean having less to spend at Christmas this year, leaving many to wonder what can be done.

According to Sej, this may be the new norm – one that will require adjustment in the business sector.

“With consumers cutting spending at every turn, businesses must identify ways to demonstrate value in order to retain customers,” he says.

“Along with value for money, brands should continue to communicate what they stand for in order to continue attracting and retaining their core customers.”

It’s hard to tell what the future of spending will look like, but this survey is certainly raising questions around how Aussies choose to use their money.

beyond anxiety

DIGGING DEEP

Whether it’s focusing on finding work for women, supplying books in First Nations languages to Indigenous communities or protecting our native flora and fauna, these three Australian charities are looking to the future.

Words: Lily Shaw

FITTED FOR WORK

With a mission “to help women experiencing disadvantage to get work, keep work and navigate their world of work,” Fitted for Work provides several services to help Australia reach gender equality in the workforce. The organisation can help women create resumés, find professional clothes, hone interview technique, build job skills and more. It has provided job readiness support services to around 38,000 women since 2005. This work has become especially important considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as disadvantaged women are at higher risk of being left behind as the world begins to get back to work. All the services provided by Fitted For Work are available online, so all women can get the help they need. Through the programs, women are typically able to obtain jobs in around 73 days. Women’s participation in the workforce is vital to Australia’s economy and to the lives of women across Australia. Our future needs females, and Fitted for Work is doing a wonderful job in making sure that happens.

INDIGENOUS LITERACY FOUNDATION

Remote Communities in Australia tend not to have the infrastructure for libraries or bookstores, leaving people who live there without access to reading materials. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is working to change that. ILF has three 

FROM TOP: FITTED FOR WORK HELPS WOMEN

BECOME JOB READY; IMAGE: FITTED FOR WORK; ILF ROMOTES LITERACY FOR REMOTE COMMUNITIES. IMAGE: TIFFANY PARKER. OPPOSITE: THE AWC HAS BEEN PROTECTNG NATIVE FAUNA FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS.

programs: Book Supply, Book Buzz and Community Publishing Projects. Book Supply gives Indigenous Communities access to reading materials. Packs of books curated by age group are sent to remote and very remote Communities, and at least 45 per cent are written or illustrated by Indigenous people. Book Buzz is designed to develop pre-literacy skills for children under five. For this program, ILF partners with FaFT and KindiLink in the Northern Territory and Western Australia to engage kids in learning to hold books, navigate from the start to the end and follow the story. Finally, Community Publishing Projects help remote Communities share their stories, often in First Nations languages. These books help revitalise and preserve Indigenous Languages and share stories that reflect remote Communities’ cultures and way of life.

These programs are incredibly important to realise ILF’s vision statement, that reading opens doors to future opportunities and choices.

By listening and responding to what Communities want for their children, ILF ensures that Indigenous children and families, living in some of the remotest areas across Australia, have access to culturally relevant books, books in First Languages and early learning books and resources.

AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

One of the world’s largest conservation organisations, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) has been doing amazing work for 30 years. Much of Australia’s wildlife is found nowhere else in the world. This makes conserving our biodiversity all the more important

THIS PAGE: ILF’S VISION STATEMENT IS “READING OPENS DOORS.” IMAGE: TIFFANY PARKER; FITTED FOR WORK HELPS WOMEN FIND PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE; IMAGE: FITTED FOR WORK; AWC IS TACKLING EXTINCTION WIHT A NEW APPROACH TO CONSERVATION.

– and it’s no easy task. Australia has more than 80 animal species that are considered critically endangered, and the worst rate of mammal extinction in the world. The AWC has tackled this problem with a new approach to conservation, acquiring land through partnerships with Indigenous, government and local landowners. The team also do a lot of land management work – in fact they deliver the largest, nongovernmental fire-management program in Australia. They also work to control feral cats, which are a huge threat to Australia’s native wildlife, killing 1.4 billion native animals every year. The AWC has provided fenced areas free of feral cats, and is working with CSIRO to develop long-term solutions. In this and myriad other ways it is working hard to live up to its mission of “effective conservation of all Australian animal species and the habitats in which they live.”

SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS AT CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE OF WAGGA WAGGA

Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga is a flourishing organisation that offers an inclusive, welcoming environment for teachers and students.

Our schools aim to educate the whole child so that they can grow academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally. We achieve this through the pillars of faith, learning, care, service and stewardship.

The Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga is located within Wiradjuri country in the Riverina and southwestern district of New South Wales. We proudly support 24 primary schools, 5 secondary schools and 2 boarding schools. We employ over 1,500 staff and educate 8,600 students each year.

Our principals and school staff are committed to helping each student grow to their full potential, and become active contributors to their local and global communities as good citizens and leaders. Our aim is to equip students to become lifelong, independent learners

and to search for meaning and relevance in a complex and challenging world.

Teaching is an inspiring and rewarding career, and we offer fantastic development opportunities and support for new teachers. Our threeyear Early Career Teacher Program includes quality mentoring and targeted professional learning, as well financial benefits including a relocation or retention allowance depending on your employment location.

We are committed to supporting you in your teaching career, offering opportunities to grow and develop, learn new skills and network with supportive co lleagues.

The community across the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, which includes Wagga, the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, Albury and South Western NSW are friendly and welcoming, and perfect for those who love a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. The Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers are significant features of the area, with the Snowy Mountains just an hour away for plenty of fantastic skiing, fishing and c amping.

With a diverse range of primary and secondary school roles you’re bound to find the perfect fit for the next stage of your career. We are always on the lookout for great people to join our diocese. If you’re interested, please get in touch with us today.

ww.catholic.edu.au/

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE 2022 BOB HAWKE LANDCARE AWARD

Introducing Bruce Maynard, Dr Mary Retallack and Geoff Bassett as emerging leaders in championing Landcare and natural resource management in Australia.

Words: Carolyn Chen

Humans have worked with agriculture for tens of thousands of years, and leaders and innovators in Australia today have been able to take farming to new heights. New technological achievements are still being made with the hard work of individuals involved in landcare. Bruce Maynard is this year’s winner of the prestigious Bob Hawke Landcare Award, a national award recognising outstanding individuals who have been leading the movement in natural resource management and sustainable agriculture, alongside finalists Dr Mary Retallack and Geoff Bassett.

The Bob Hawke Landcare Award is named after former Australian prime minister the Hon. Bob Hawke AC, who contributed greatly to the rise of the landcare movement from grassroots to government. “I am very pleased to maintain an association with Landcare through this award, named in my honour,” he said at the award’s inception. “The Decade of Landcare initiative I declared in 1989 has now spanned well over three decades. This in itself highlights the need and willingness by community

volunteers to continually raise awareness and participation in activities directed at protecting the environment and giving their continued support to ensure that the practice of sustainable farming remains paramount.”

Eligibility for the Bob Hawke Landcare Award includes Australian citizenship and active involvement in landcare, natural resource management, or sustainable agriculture. The advisory panel, comprised of representatives with Indigenous perspectives and experience in farming practice and the community, chose Bruce as the winner.

With the award comes a prize package of $50,000, for further development of Bruce’s knowledge and skills to continue with even stronger contribution and leadership in landcare.

BRUCE MAYNARD

Bruce Maynard from New South Wales is an agricultural innovator and developer of the No Kill Cropping System, Stress Free Stockmanship competencies, and Self Herding, among many more accomplishments in agricultural techniques. The No Kill Cropping System is a revolutionary technique that retains

“The work of Dr Retallack, Mr Maynard, and Mr Bassett could not be more important. These finalists are the Landcare leaders and innovators that are paving the way for Australia’s sustainable farming future.”

- Senator Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

THIS PAGE: BRUCE MAYNARD IS THE FOUNDER OF THE REVOLUTIONARY NO KILL CROPPING SYSTEM.

FROM TOP: DR MARY RETALLACK PIONEERED THE ECOVINEYARDS PROGRAM; GEOFF BASSETT'S FARM MOJO PROGRAM SUPPORTS BROADACRE FARMERS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

full grassland functions to result in the consumption of almost no external inputs. His Stress Free Stockmanship competencies and Self Herding are the result of his strong commitment to animal welfare and his collaborative effort in a new field of animal behavioural science with Dr Dean Revell. Bruce has also formed the Constructive Farming Cooperative and shared his innovation and extensive experience with landcarers and farmers all across Australia. The

Constructive Farming Cooperative is a group of farmers and researchers committed to furthering the application of regenerative agricultural techniques.

DR MARY RETALLACK

Hailing from South Australia, Dr Mary Retallack is an experienced agroecologist, scientist and third-generation viticulturist involved with the ecological restoration of vineyards throughout Australia. She has pioneered the highly successful EcoVineyards Program, funded by the National Landcare Smart Farms Small Grants and in collaborations with the Wine Grape Council of SA and more than 60 partnering organisations. The program uses Mary’s research in native insectary plants to influence the wine growing practices of more than 6,000 grape growers around Australia. Mary’s pursuit of environmental stewardship is a crucial key to the management of over 146,000 hectares of wine grapes throughout the country.

GEOFF BASSETT

Also from New South Wales, Geoff Bassett is a specialist in regenerative agriculture and soil health, founder of Farm Mojo, and project leader and research collaborator with The Carbon Farm and Southern

Cross University. As professional farmer with experience spanning more than 40 years, Geoff works on enhancing on-farm soil fertility through microbiology and techniques such as mineral balancing and carbon sequestration. His Farm Mojo program supports broadacre farmers across Australia to transition from using contemporary chemicals to working with natural systems. Geoff’s extensive work with Landcare groups across Australia over 35 years has encouraged improving economic and environmental outcomes in rural communities, as well as ensuring long-term environmental resilience to climate change.

GOING FORWARD

“The work of Dr Retallack, Mr Maynard, and Mr Bassett could not be more important. These finalists are the Landcare leaders and innovators that are paving the way for Australia’s sustainable farming future,” says Senator Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. “Their achievements show exactly why farmers, graziers and land managers across Australia need to be part of the conversation on how to address the climate crisis and improve sustainability. Their forward-thinking approach to agriculture is exactly what we need to build resilience and improve environmental outcomes.”

As Bruce says, “I really believe that farmers have the opportunity to work together to address some of the greatest pressures facing us globally such as climate change and species decline. I hope that my work will inspire others to begin their own sustainable farming journey and contribute to a greener future for Australian farming.”