Research has revealed that workplaces that make employee wellbeing a priority achieve higher levels of productivity.
In a study commissioned by COS, a leading Australian product supply solutions brand, more than 1,000 Australian workers were surveyed about their experience in the workplace.
It was found that while 92 per cent of people believe that employee wellbeing leads to greater productivity, only 69 per cent of individuals felt their organisation was actively prioritising it, in a result that highlights the disconnect between what employees need and what they are receiving.
Additionally, the research showed that workplaces where leaders
A solution to silica sickness
New testing has proved the effectiveness of silica monitors in saving thousands of Aussie lives.
In a world first, workplace safety tech company Trolex has developed a realtime monitor for silica dust.
Silica is a natural and harmless part of soil, sand and granite. However, disturbing these materials through construction or mining can result in silica being inhaled into the lungs, causing silicosis as well as other lung diseases and even cancer. In fact, research from The Lung Foundation has found that around 600,000 Australian workers are exposed to silica dust every year, spanning a variety of industries including quarrying, construction, tunnelling, mining and manufacturing.
In order to prevent these irreversible health issues, Trolex has introduced the AIR XS Silica Monitor, proven to be a consistent and accurate tool for
monitoring silica after passing rigorous testing from a leading hygiene and laboratory testing organisation.
According to Group CEO of Trolex, Glyn Pierce-Jones, this monitor promises enhanced safety for Australian workers.
“The current testing methodology for RCS only allows users to take an average reading over an eight-hour period, and typically takes up to four weeks to produce a result,” he explains.
“Our AIR XS Monitor was designed to provide an accurate reading with immediate results, letting workers know when their health is in danger and allowing employers to respond in the most efficient manner.
“These latest test results are another indicator of what we already knew at Trolex: that the AIR XS could be part of a desperately needed solution to an urgent health crisis.”
adopt qualities such as honesty and authenticity developed a more positive and collaborative environment. In fact, 53 per cent of employees agreed that they felt more engaged in workplaces with authentic leadership.
Speaking about the findings, Co-CEO of COS, Amie Lyone, said there are several ways businesses can improve overall employee wellbeing, including by encouraging open conversation,
introducing flexible work policies and offering vital supplies and services.
“Employee wellbeing goes beyond simple perks,” she explained.
“It’s about fostering a leadership commitment that is genuine, honest, and aligned with the company’s values.
By creating a supportive culture, businesses can show their employees that they are valued and that their wellbeing is a priority.”
EMPOWERING FIFO WORKERS ON THE DIVORCE JOURNEY: A GUIDE TO RECLAIMING YOUR STRENGTH
Divorce is a challenging journey, especially for men in FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) employment. The unique pressures of your work environment can amplify the emotional strain of a divorce, making it feel even more isolating. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial to navigating this difficult time effectively. Words: Catherine Carr
UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES
FIFO work presents distinct challenges during a divorce. The long stretches of time away from home, the isolation of remote work sites, and the intense focus on your job can make it difficult to process the emotional upheaval of a divorce. Many men find themselves blindsided by the end of their marriage, especially when life onsite can create a sense of disconnect from personal life. Recognising these challenges is the first step toward managing them.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING SUPPORT
One of the key observations is the lack of support systems for men during divorce. Feelings of abandonment, hopelessness and loneliness can take a toll, leading to mental, emotional and physical deterioration. Seeking support beyond legal assistance is crucial.
BUILDING A STRONG SUPPORT TEAM
Assembling a comprehensive support team can make a significant difference. Consider including:
• GP: Addressing mental health issues early, ensuring sufficient sleep, and managing depression.
• Divorce Coach: Focusing on goals, self-improvement and providing referrals to legal and mental health professionals.
• Counsellor: Offering emotional support, aiding in recovery and helping define future life goals.
• Accountant: Assisting with financial matters during divorce.
• L awyer: Providing legal guidance, ensuring confidentiality and personalised advice.
NAVIGATING POSTDIVORCE CHALLENGES
Post-divorce, men encounter various challenges, including changes in financial situation, asset management,
parenting agreements and navigating social events. It’s essential to seek support to handle these aspects and ensure a smoother transition. Cultivating a cordial relationship with your ex-partner is also beneficial, particularly when social events bring you together.
REDISCOVERING HAPPINESS AND DATING
Once the dust of the divorce settles, many men express a desire to find happiness and potentially explore new relationships. While it might be tempting to dive into online dating apps immediately, it’s important to take the time to heal first. Temporary distractions may offer a quick fix, but the fulfilment of a compatible, longterm partnership requires a wellnurtured emotional state.
Reconnecting with your best self is essential. Learning from the lessons of a failed marriage and recognising red flags can pave the way for lasting happiness. Focusing on personal growth and readiness before venturing into new relationships will help build a healthier and more fulfilling future.
Navigating divorce while managing the demands of FIFO work can be challenging, but building a robust support network is instrumental in a successful transition. By seeking support from various professionals and approaching post-divorce life with intention, you can not only survive but thrive through this challenging period, emerging stronger and laying the foundation for a fulfilling future. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
Email: thejoynarrative@gmail.com
www.thejoynarrative.com.au
Catherine Carr, CDC
Certified Divorce coach, Counsellor and Holistic Wellness Coach
SHOULD KIDS HELP TO DETERMINE OUR DIGITAL FUTURE?
New research from the University of South Australia suggests that banning digital media could have a negative impact on children and tweens.
The study, funded by the Australian Research Council and the British Academy Foundation, included 62 Year 5 children (aged 10-11) from Australia and the UK. It found that technology helps kids to stay connected, creating a sense of belonging among peers and maintaining relationships with extended families.
Lead researcher of the paper, UniSA’s Professor Sue Nichols, says the benefits of allowing children access to digital media are often overlooked in wider conversations around the risks.
“Primary children in the 10- to 11-year-old age bracket frequently use social media to connect with
their family and friends, and do so through messages, video calls or playful and humorous apps,” she says.
“Social connection, a sense of belonging, practical assistance, and organising daily life are all benefits that children and families see through digital media, with the immediacy, flexibility and multifunctionality of different apps being key to maintaining these relationships.”
into programs and policies focused on developing safe technological practices for children.
Researchers found that children were using more than 40 different apps for gaming, creative production, learning, communication, hobbies, life admin and more.
Co-researcher Dr Hannah Soong says this new information can help to integrate children’s perspectives
“Many children demonstrated their own criteria for what constitutes a risky interaction and are practising strategies to limit their exposure to various kinds of online risks,” she says.
“We are now at a crossroads where broad-brush decisions are being made about the use of social media, but children should have a voice in their own digital space.”
DIVORCING WHILE FIFO?
When you’re on the road a lot with work, meetings interstate, remote working conditions and then the stress of divorce is added to the mix, you need someone who’s got your back—an ally, a team member who doesn’t judge or have an opinion. Someone who understands the process and can support you with:
• Emotional processing
• Unpacking the pain
• Moving into the ‘business of divorce’
• Streamlining your thoughts
• Making your time with your lawyer more effective
• Communication strategies around children
• Property and finance
• Child focused outcomes
• Your new life transition
• Future hopes and dreams
YOUR FIRST 45 MINUTE APPOINTMENT IS FREE OF CHARGE.
See if a divorce coach and counsellor is helpful on your journey. Email thejoynarrative@gmail.com and let’s set up a time for a zoom meet.
Catherine Carr | The Joy Narrative CDC certified Divorce Coach/ Counsellor/ Holistic Wellness Coach
Q&A WITH ANDREW COCKBAIN OF AUSTRALIAN POWER EQUIPMENT
We chat with Andrew about how innovative critical sourcing and the principles of a circular economy are driving the sustainability goals of Australian Power Equipment.
How has your background in engineering shaped your approach to Australian Power Equipment?
My background as an electrical engineer was in predominantly large service, infrastructure and resources sectors around Australia and internationally in Asia, Europe and Africa.
Having worked as both a manager and project manager, I have extensive experience in providing high voltage electrical engineering solutions, as well as project management and engineering integration that involve integration complexities to the end client. I have also consulted directly within mine sites, so I understand some of the demands they face, and the critical elements that they need from their suppliers.
In launching Australian Power Equipment with my business partner Abby Crawford, we believed that
between us we had the experience to offer not only incredibly effective power solutions, but to create a business that focused on superior customer service, sustainability and culture.
How does Australian Power Equipment incorporate the principles of a circular economy in its operations and product lifecycle?
While a core component of our business is based on our clients ordering new equipment to specification from the range of proven brands we represent in Australia (B&D Transformers, Üntel cables, Leishstung Energie switchgear, WE Walters substations to name a few), there is a growing demand for products that can provide solutions quickly.
We have significant knowledge of stranded assets from various sites
around Australia and internationally, and can overhaul and repurpose these in a matter of weeks. This saves time and saves them from landfill or scrap, which is a high-energy cost that impacts the environment. The rehabilitated equipment may be a stop-gap solution, or sometimes it is spot on for the client’s requirements, and we hire or sell to them for the duration of their operations. Critical sourcing utilises existing assets, it helps keep industry going with minimal shutdown and it underscores our customer service model. As I like to say, “if you’re stuck, we’ll get you unstuck.”
Managing a company with two directors and no extra staff is quite unique. How does Australian Power Equipment operate under this structure and what are the advantages or challenges?
Myself and Abby have both worked within large national and international corporations as well as independently, and have built up a wealth of contacts we can reach out to for various services. We launched Australian Power Equipment during the pandemic, and have experienced rapid growth – rather than employ a production team, we are able to select the appropriate service personnel or business to support the specific role. It keeps us agile and at the same time the client knows our focus is on the safety, quality and reliability of the delivered product.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations in terms of sustainability and market expansion over the next five years?
I see Australian Power Equipment continuing to grow not only in the range of products and services we offer our clients, but also in the geographical areas that we operate in. Sustainability is going to be a big area of development and growth: it’s such a critically important aspect for every business in Australia to be embracing.
UNDERSTANDING THE “TRUMP TRADE” – IS YOUR PORTFOLIO PREPARED?
The July 13 assassination attempt on former United States (US) President Donald Trump has increased the likelihood of his victory in the upcoming US election. This has prompted Australian investors to evaluate the potential consequences of a Trump victory in November, and again grapple with the concept of the so-called “Trump Trade”.
The Trump Trade refers to the market movements and investor behaviours that emerge in response to a Trump Administration’s potential economic policies and political actions. The term gained prominence particularly after Trump’s election in November 2016, when markets reacted positively to his promises of deregulation, tax cuts, and
increased infrastructure spending. The Trump Trade primarily reflects the expectation of a pro-business environment and a significant boost to the US economy through fiscal stimulus.
To understand this concept and what markets are anticipating – as well as how Australian investors can respond – we need to reflect on
words: Althea Spinozzi, Saxo Head of Fixed Income Strategy
“A Trump victory in 2024 could imply that the Federal Reserve remains cautious about cutting interest rates, as a pro-business environment might reaccelerate the US economy and revive inflation.”
market behaviours during Trump’s previous presidency and the upshot for equities, bonds, commodities and the US Dollar.
THE MARKET IMPACTS OF THE TRUMP TRADE PRE-COVID-19 (2017-2020)
Equities: US equities, particularly in sectors such as technology, financials, industrials and energy, saw significant gains. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which reduced corporate tax rates, was a major boon for tech companies, many of which had large cash reserves held overseas. The repatriation of these funds allowed for increased investment, stock buybacks and dividends, further boosting stock prices. The S&P 500 index rose 62 per cent from Trump’s election victory in late 2016 to the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Bonds: Expectations of increased government spending, higher growth prospects and a hawkish Federal Reserve led to a rise in US Treasury (US government bond) yields for two years following Trump’s election win. The yield on 10-year US Treasuries rose 138 basis points to 3.25 per cent in the two years to November 2018. The improved economic outlook also significantly boosted corporate bond markets, especially high-yield bonds, as investors gained confidence in the creditworthiness of companies.
The US Dollar: The US Dollar appreciated significantly against major currencies, including the Aussie Dollar, due to expectations of higher interest rates and stronger economic growth. This meant a better deal for Australian exporters to the US.
Commodities: Industrial metals like copper surged on the anticipation of increased infrastructure spending, while oil prices showed resilience due to expectations of energy sector deregulation. Gold prices also saw an initial rise as investors sought safe-haven assets amid uncertainty surrounding Trump’s policies, but became more volatile from 2018.
WHAT WERE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE TRUMP TRADE?
US Monetary Policy: With stronger economic growth and inflation expectations, the Federal Reserve was more inclined to increase interest rates to prevent the economy from overheating –further strengthening the US Dollar against currencies such as the Aussie Dollar. This was a shift from the ultra-low interest rate environment that prevailed following the Global Financial Crisis. The Federal Reserve also began to consider reducing its balance sheet, which had ballooned due to years of quantitative easing.
Geopolitics: Trump’s protectionist stance, exemplified by tariffs on Chinese goods and renegotiations of trade agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement (now the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement), created uncertainties in global trade. Likewise, the Trump Administration’s unpredictable foreign policy, including confrontations with North Korea and strained relations with traditional allies, added to geopolitical risks. Markets often reacted poorly to news of these tensions, while
emerging markets (particularly those with strong trade ties to the US) faced increased risk premiums.
WHAT WOULD A RENEWED TRUMP TRADE MEAN FOR AUSSIE INVESTORS?
A Trump victory in 2024 could imply that the Federal Reserve remains cautious about cutting interest rates, as a pro-business environment might reaccelerate the US economy and revive inflation. As such, for Aussie investors, the Trump Trade means reassessing and rebalancing portfolios to align with the new economic landscape and mitigate risk.
Aussie investors, capitalising on low-cost international market access through global investment brokers such as Saxo, may thus wish to consider their next steps across all asset classes (in alignment with their risk appetite and personal circumstances):
Equity Allocation: Increased exposure to US equities, especially in sectors benefiting from deregulation and tax cuts, may become favourable.
Bond Strategy: A cautious approach to long-term bonds due to the potential for rising yields.
Currency Considerations: Hedging strategies will become more critical for Aussie investors with significant international exposure to protect against a stronger US Dollar.
Geopolitical Hedging: Diversifying into assets less sensitive to US political shifts may become prudent.
Disclaimer: Saxo Capital Markets (Australia) Limited (Saxo) provides this information as general information only, without taking into account the circumstances, needs or objectives of any of its clients. Clients should consider the appropriateness of any recommendation or forecast or other information for their individual situation.
Aptella partners with Sphere Drones
Designed to enable easy data collection on any site no matter how remote, hazardous, and hardto-access it is, Sphere Drones’ selfsustaining mobile payload platform HubX will be distributed by Aptella for resources, mining, construction, and emergency services.
Technology solutions provider Aptella announces a partnership with Sphere Drones, an Australianbased full-stack technology and drone services provider. Under the agreement, Aptella will distribute the HubX mobile payload platform, which enables autonomous scanning and mapping operations to customers across the resources, mining, construction and emergency services sectors.
“Our team is focused on sourcing and deploying best-in-breed innovation from around the world for our customers,” says Martin Nix, Aptella CEO. “It is an honour to partner with an Australian-based development team and collaborate with Sphere Drones to bring this unique, full-service HubX solution to our customers.”
HubX is a mobile solution designed for Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) or terrestrial scanning tasks in regional and hard-toaccess locations, remotely and at scale. Its self-sustained, mobile form-factor is unique and readily deployable on any site. Its bespoke solar power system and the 5G/satellite internet solutions are all backed by built-in redundancies, giving businesses peace of mind to deploy HubX anywhere.
The large configurable payload bay on HubX provides businesses with the flexibility to mix and match enterprise payloads on the platform to suit their unique business needs and scale remote data collection. From seamlessly integrated DiaB to terrestrial scanner payloads, businesses can also plug-and-play any third-party payload hardware of their choice to suit their project needs.
When coupled with DJI’s Dock 2, HubX simplifies DiaB operations for businesses, enabling them to be operational on delivery day, and have pilots up and flying in 30 minutes from arriving on site. With this configuration, HubX expedites adoption of drone operations and the road to beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations for businesses.
Gaining certification to operate drones remotely via a remote operations centre (ReOC), is a complex and time-consuming process. The HubX solution expedites this with a managed service offering, enabling customers to deploy the platform immediately and gain their own certification in due course if desired.
“We are thrilled and excited to announce our partnership with Aptella,” says Paris Cockinos, Sphere Drones CEO. “With Aptella’s commitment to HubX, expertise in the mining and construction sectors and their ability to support customers throughout Australia and New Zealand, made them a natural choice as a channel partner. We look forward to delivering HubX to untapped key verticals, including civil construction, and expanding our presence in the global market.”
With locations throughout all States and Territories of Australia, in SouthEast Asia and New Zealand, Aptella supports the civil construction, building, mining and geospatial industries with world-leading technology solutions. Under the agreement, the company will offer HubX demonstrations and initial deployment, working alongside Sphere Drones for technical support.
“Adding HubX to our drone technology offering gives customers the ultimate choice when selecting the best fit for their application and business needs,” adds Gavin Docherty, Market Development Manager for drones at Aptella.
For more information, please contact the Aptella team on 1300 867 266 or visit aptella.com
COLLABORATING ON TRENDS IN MINING, INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) is where the most influential people in the mining industry come together, delivering ideas, inspiration and serving as a meeting ground for the industry. From ground-breaking technology and world-class content to a vivid showcase of all the elements that make the mining industry great, IMARC is an opportunity to learn from more than 600 mining leaders and resource experts with a program covering the entire mining value chain.
REGISTER AND RECEIVE 10% OFF WITH THE DISCOUNT CODE 5F335A
imarcglobal.com
ATTENDEES 9,000+ SPEAKERS
OVER 500 OF THE WORLD'S MOST INFLUENTIAL COMPANIES
RECORD HIGHS FOR AUSTRALIA’S ENDANGERED SPECIES
Research shows that a record number of Australian native species have been added to the national threatened species list over the past two years.
Words: Matilda Meikle
An increase in land clearing and climate change is having a major impact on native animals in a trend that could see higher levels of extinction, if not addressed in the immediate future. Major organisations are calling on government bodies to implement new legislation for the protection of flora and fauna before it’s too late.
AUSTRALIA’S ENDANGERED ANIMALS
According to research from the Australian Conservation Foundation, 144 species and ecological communities were added to the threatened species list in 2023, bringing the total number of endemic plants, animals and ecosystems at risk of extinction to 2,212.
Additionally, 44 new projects resulted in 10,426 hectares of habitat destruction, equivalent to the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground 5,000 times over.
In a report released by Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), it was found that there has been a 50 per cent increase in the number of ‘critically endangered’ Australian animals in the past two years. This is partly due to cuts in conservation law reforms central to the Nature Positive Plan. The current nature laws, which include the NPP and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, stopped only one project from being approved. This was a thermal coal project in central Queensland.
According to CVA Executive Manager of Policy and Government Relations, Stephen McDonald, “the environment sector has lost tens of millions of dollars and tens of thousands of conservation volunteers critical to saving native species the past two years.
“We’re advocating for a nationally consistent framework for community action and citizen science that can deliver the impact and measurements at scale needed to reverse the decline in our native species.”
THIS PAGE: THE KOALA WAS LISTED AS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES ON AUSTRALIA’S EAST COAST IN 2022.
THIS PAGE: HABITAT DESTRUCTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ARE THE LEADING CAUSES OF FLORA AND FAUNA EXTINCTION IN AUSTRALIA.
He says: “That’s why we’re advocating for a nationally consistent framework for community action and citizen science that can deliver the impact and measurements at scale needed to reverse the decline in our native species.”
HABITAT CLEARING
The Australian Conservation Foundation puts this species endangerment down to the flaws within Australia’s national environmental laws. While the rate of habitat destruction has slowed, making up less than half of the national average over the past 10 years, land clearing continues to occur without a proper assessment required under national environmental laws.
“Together we can protect the nature and wildlife that still flourish in our big backyard, and work together to restore the places and ecosystems that have been damaged.”
With only one project denied approval, this means many native animals face losing massive amounts of habitat. In fact, habitat destruction is the leading cause of plant extinction in Australia, the most common form being for agricultural use such as beef production.
The Invasive Species Council reveals that more than 10 million hectares of land has been cleared since the year 2000. This has created an ‘extinction debt’ as the time lag between habitat destruction and species decline means we are still seeing the impacts of land clearing from years prior.
THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Another major factor contributing to species endangerment and extinction is the threat of climate change. Fluctuations in the environment have devastating consequences on wildlife health by disrupting ecosystem balance.
Similarly, Wildlife Health Australia reveals that climate change can act as a “threat multiplier,” compounding the influence of other factors such as habitat loss, pollution, tourism and trade to further damage native flora and fauna.
Severe weather events including floods and fires, brought about by changing weather conditions, can directly injure wildlife, displace whole species, contaminate or destroy food and water, and increase species susceptibility to disease outbreaks.
Equally, higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere lower nutrient levels in plants. This means herbivorous animals are ingesting less protein, iron and zinc in their diet. The decline in prey species also impacts the diet of predators, disrupting the entire food chain.
A POSITIVE FUTURE?
Australian species may be at risk due to a number of environmental factors,
but there is hope for a stronger future if action is taken now.
McDonald claims that “our experience in bringing animals back from the brink of extinction shows there is hope. But the sheer size of Australia – and the problem –means we need more community action, not less.”
He hopes that organisations and governments will band together to reform environmental protection services and educate communities about the importance of sustainability for the future of native species.
The Australian Conservation Society is also positive about the chance of renewal and regeneration.
“We have the solutions to create a better Australia, for people and nature,” it states in the report.
“Together we can protect the nature and wildlife that still flourish in our big backyard, and work together to restore the places and ecosystems that have been damaged.”
The sky’s the limit Australian boarding schools are providing a holistic education experience that prepares students to soar. Words: Emily Riches are supported by passionate and experienced teachers. Mentorship programs also ensure every child receives individual attention and guidance. This supportive environment encourages personal growth and prepares students for leadership roles.
Picture this: a school where every aspect of your child’s growth is carefully nurtured, from academic prowess, to personal resilience, social skills, independence and more. Australian boarding schools offer exactly that: a pathway to excellence that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms.
There are more than 200 schools with boarding facilities in Australia, making up 2.2 per cent of the country’s schools. For parents living in rural areas or seeking a specialised education for their child, boarding schools offer unique learning opportunities, world-class facilities and a variety of cocurricular activities.
Academically, Australian boarding schools teach a diverse and rigorous curriculum, and students
Boarding schools also offer an amazing array of co-curricular activities for students to follow their passions, including sports, music, community work and more.
Central to the boarding school experience is the community that fosters long-lasting friendships. Students can thrive in an inclusive environment where shared experiences in dormitories and weekend activities allow them to build strong connections with their peers.
Australian boarding schools offer students not just a path to academic success, but also the skills and values needed to thrive in all aspects of life. These institutions are shaping the leaders of tomorrow by providing a balanced and inclusive education that encourages students to achieve their aspirations.
Discover your Home Away from Home at John Paul College Boarding. Co-ed Christian Ecumenical boarding school located 20 minutes south of Brisbane’s CBD. Offering enriching boarding experiences from Year 7 in our serene Fenton Village nestled in native bush land.
Sydney’s secret talent factory: inside The McDonald College’s incredible 2024 season
Forget awkward highschool plays – The McDonald College is a cut above. This K-12 school, lauded for its integrated performing arts program, just wrapped a phenomenal season of student productions that left audiences spellbound and critics raving. Their recent take on A Chorus Line was particularly mind-blowing.
Academics seamlessly blend with daily classes in performing arts –ballet, dance, acting and music – all during school hours. This immersive environment generates realworld experience, cultivates professional skills in emerging performers and provides a solid academic basis for future success in any field.
the importance of teamwork. They develop a strong work ethic and the resilience needed to navigate the demanding world of performance.
“Simply phenomenal! I forgot it was a student show,” remarked one attendee.
This exceptional talent pool isn’t a fluke. The McDonald College draws in the next generation of talent from around Greater Sydney and New South Wales and builds them into the stars of tomorrow. Alumni include former Wiggle Emma Watkins, Logie and AACTA nominated actors Bojana Novakovic and Ayesha Madon (Heartbreak High), performer Tim Draxl, comedian Felicity Ward (star of the upcoming The Office Australia), ARIA nominated singer Meg Mac and many others.
Emotional wellbeing and support are high on the agenda too, especially so for the students who board at the school. Students receive guidance and care from dedicated staff like Rebecca Rogers, Head of Boarding (registered nurse and a mother of three, two of whom attended The McDonald College).
“We take pride in treating each other with kindness and tolerance,” says Rogers. “It’s a small boarding house with a family feel, and the support the students show each other, whether they’re aspiring actors or musicians, is truly special.”
Boarders learn essential life skills, independence, self-care, effective time management, and
The College actively encourages students to pursue professional opportunities, facilitating external auditions and providing guidance throughout the process. Many graduates go on to prestigious performing arts institutions such as NIDA, WAAPA, or The Royal Ballet School in London, while others choose completely unrelated paths, empowered by the skills and confidence gained at The McDonald College.
Celebrating 40 years of excellence in performance and academic success
The only school of its kind in Australia
Offering daily tuition in Acting, Ballet, Dance, Music and Musical Theatre integrated into a regular school day with a strong academic curriculum and an extensive After Hours program. Our boarding house welcomes students from Years 7-12.
Open Days: 5 Sept + 17 Oct
Auditions: 16 Aug + 1 Nov
FUNDING FOR SCHOOLGIRLS SEEKING A FUTURE IN THE STEM INDUSTRY
A new scholarship will provide almost 300 Year 9 girls in regional and remote locations with hands-on science, technology, engineering and maths training.
Words: Matilda Meikle
For the first time, students from the Northern Territory and regional South Australia will be brought to Adelaide as part of the Flinders University STEM Enrichment Academy Workshops. The program aims to inspire a love of STEM in young women, encouraging them to pursue further education and careers in these fields.
PROMOTING PARTICIPATION
The Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources is providing Flinders University STEM Enrichment Academy with almost $1 million in funding, with the aim of supporting 1,000 high school students and teachers on the path to tech and engineering education over the next year.
The program involves flying students to Flinders University to participate in workshops and programs. It also included the Flinders University STEM conference, which celebrated its fifth year back in June, and gave Year 9 students a better understanding of STEM education and workplaces before making subject selections for their senior secondary school years.
Professor Maria Parappilly, chief investigator of the Australian Government’s Women in STEM
THIS PAGE: A GROUP OF YEAR 9 GIRLS WHO ARE PART OF THE FLINDERS UNIVERSITY STEM ENRICHMENT ACADEMY WORKSHOPS.
“Several of our NT applications state the students are interested in enrolling to study engineering, hoping to use this experience to start their STEM studies to find a career in areas of high demand and high pay.”
EDUCATION
THIS PAGE: FEMALE STUDENTS GAIN HANDS-ON SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE OF STEM SUBJECTS AT FLINDERS UNIVERSITY.
and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) grant, says Flinders University aims to reach an additional 1,000 SA and NT schoolgirls living in regional and remote areas by 2025.
“Already since May last year we have ‘enriched’ 500 schoolgirls as part of the Phase II targets, and are delighted to be inundated with applications from rural and remote schools alongside strong interest from metropolitan schools to support our growing program,” says Parappilly.
“Several of our NT applications state the students are interested in enrolling to study engineering, hoping to use this experience to start their STEM studies to find a career in areas of high demand and high pay.”
The government funding is also being put towards a new diploma course for up to 150 secondary school STEM teachers.
According to Parappilly, “we hope to increase the gender balance in occupations such as engineering, mathematics and other career pathways by equipping female students with fresh insights into the potential and excitement of
STEM subjects, including with industry placements and hands-on skills en richment.”
A SNAPSHOT OF THE STEM INDUSTRY
In Australia, women make up around 16 per cent of all engineering graduates and 13 per cent of the engineering workforce.
In a study conducted by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources in 2023, it was found that girls’ confidence in STEM subjects is lower than boys’, and continues to fall as they age. Additionally, the pay gap between men and women in STEM was around 17 per cent last year, or $27,012. Women made up 23 per cent of senior management and 8 per cent of CEOs in STEM industries.
This shows a major gap in the STEM sector when it comes to supporting women and encouraging industry-related pursuits. However, it’s not all bad news. The same 2023 report found that the number of women in STEM careers increased by 68 per cent between 2012 and 2022. Similarly, girls make up a majority of students choosing STEM subjects in Year 12, including biology, earth science, chemistry, and agricultural and environmental studies.
A POSITIVE RESPONSE
As part of the Flinders University program, students from several regional SA and NT schools have been selected to attend workshops and enrichment days to further a passion for STEM subjects.
This includes 50 students from the NT and 80 from rural SA, comprising areas such as Port Lincoln, Millicent and Kadina. Thirteen Indigenous students were also selected from regional SA, Kaurna Plains Schools and the NT.
According to Darwin Middle School teacher Prue Rathborne, “The 15 young women selected to attend the three-day workshop [at Flinders] have been ecstatic about the life-changing opportunity that will facilitate their growth and development in STEM fields.
“As an educator, it has been inspiring to witness how an opportunity can positively shape the confidence and attitudes of young women towards their future in STEM disciplines.”
Darwin Middle School principal Ben McCasker says that the trip to Adelaide “will unleash the possibilities to our students, as they immerse themselves in a truly rich experience.”
NOT JUST A WILD GOOSE CHASE
Researchers from Flinders University have unearthed a nearly complete skull of the extinct Genyornis newtoni: an immense prehistoric bird that once roamed Australia.
words: Emily Riches
THIS PAGE: CLOCKWISE: RECONSTRUCTION OF GENYORNIS NEWTONI. IMAGE: JACOB C. BLOKLAND; FOSSIL SKULL; LEG BONE OF GENYORNIS NEWTONI; PHOEBE MCINERNEY AND JACOB BLOKLAND WITH A SKULL.
THUNDER BIRDS ARE GO
For over a century, the true appearance of Genyornis newtoni – known as mihirung paringwal (meaning ‘giant bird’ from the Djab Wurrung mob) or the ‘thunder bird’ – has eluded scientists. This enormous, flightless bird stood two metres tall and weighed up to 230 kilograms – around five times the weight of the southern cassowary.
It was just one species of megafauna that existed in Australia, alongside three ton wombat-like Diprotodons and 4.5-metre-long venomous goannas known as Megalania.
The first and only previously known Genyornis skull, reported in 1913, was severely damaged, leaving much to speculation about the thunder bird’s appearance. Today, thanks to scientists’ exploration and advanced palaeontological techniques, the mystery has been solved.
During field trips to the remote region of Lake Callabonna in South Australia,
a team led by PhD candidate Phoebe McInerney made a groundbreaking discovery in 2019. Among the fossil remains was a near-complete skull of Genyornis newtoni, which allowed researchers to reconstruct the bird’s appearance for the first time. These findings were published in the journal Historical Biology
THE SKULL
Genyornis and its cousins in the family Dromornithidae (known as dromornithids) have unusually large skulls for flightless birds. The tall skull features a short braincase attached to a large and robust lower jaw, which first gave it its name: Genyornis roughly translates to “jaw bird” in Greek.
Genyornis, however, is set apart from other dromornithids by its distinctive upper jaw. A tall ridge runs down the centre of the beak, and a bulbous structure called a casque is positioned in front of the eyes, above the small
nostrils. The casque’s purpose is unknown but it might have been for sexual display.
“Genyornis newtoni had a tall and mobile upper jaw like that of a parrot but shaped like a goose, a wide gape, strong bite force, and the ability to crush soft plants and fruit on the roof of their mouth,” says McInerney.
The detailed study of the skull morphology enabled researchers to infer how Genyornis ’ head functioned, including muscle placement and movement. Jacob Blokland, a co-author, was then able to create a scientifically accurate reconstruction of Genyornis
He explains: “The form of a bone, and structures on it, are partly related to the soft tissues that interact with them, such as muscles and ligaments, and their attachment sites or passages. Using modern birds as comparatives, we are able to put flesh back on the fossils and bring them back to life.”
The intricate and complex similarities between and early waterfowl, such as the South American screamers and the Australian magpie goose, provided important clues for understanding
the evolutionary lineage of Genyornis
“The exact relationships of Genyornis within this group have been complicated to unravel, however, with this new skull we have started to piece together the puzzle which shows, simply put, this species to be a giant goose,” McInerney says.
ADAPTION AND EXTINCTION
Blokland’s reconstruction revealed not only the bird’s formidable appearance but also adaptations for an aquatic habitat. The enclosed palate, rearpositioned nostrils and ear protection all help to prevent water inflow and limit hearing interference while feeding submerged.
These features indicate Genyornis had adapted to thrive around swamps, wetlands and lakes. However,
as the Australian continent began to dry out around 50,000 years ago, these wetlands began to shrink and vegetation patterns changed. The bodies of freshwater once present in northern South Australia are now mostly dry salt lakes.
While Genyornis was able to move across open ground between bodies of water using their broad, short toes and hoof-like claws, their reliance on freshwater and new plant growth would have made survival more difficult as ponds and lakes shrunk and disappeared. It is thought that Genyornis became extinct around 45,000 years ago.
This may not be the whole story, but as McInerney points out, “The drying of the Australian continent likely played a significant role in the demise of Genyornis and other dromornithids.”
While these megafauna are no longer with us, the discovery Genyornis newtoni ’s skull
a significant milestone in palaeontology, offering a window into the life of one of Australia’s most intriguing prehistoric creatures.
ABOVE AND BELOW: AN ARTISTIC RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SKULL. IMAGE: JACOB C. BLOKLAND; GENYORNIS PHYLOGENY SIZE COMPARISON. IMAGE: PHOEBE MCINERNEY.
Q&A WITH CHANEL MELANI AND SALLY CARTER, FOUNDERS OF BIRDS OF ISLE
Birds of Isle is a female-founded rum brand using native Australian botanicals to reinvent this classic liquor.
Words: Matilda Meikle
Birds of Isle co-founders Chanel Melani and Sally Carter are passionate about developing flavours which celebrate the beauty of Australia, and practising sustainability in everything that they do. We asked about experimenting with Aussie botanicals and changing perceptions of rum.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START MAKING RUM?
We’ve always wanted to start our own drinks business. Sally has had a longstanding love for rum, growing up in country New South Wales in the heartland of rum drinkers. Chanel wanted to create a business that challenged social norms and broke down cultural barriers. Rum was the perfect spirit for us to craft because it blends our passions and allows us to fight rum’s outdated perceptions. We believe that Australia should be one of the world’s greatest rum producing countries. Sugarcane is the main ingredient in rum, and Australia crushes 30 million tonnes of sugarcane every year. Despite this, countries growing less sugarcane than Australia are more well known for rum than we are. Birds of Isle was established to change this.
HOW
DID YOU DISCOVER BUNYA NUTS? DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THEM BEFORE YOUR RUMMAKING VENTURE?
When we started, we knew we wanted to find a way to bring terroir into a molasses rum. So we spent a lot of time reading cookbooks by Indigenous chefs, and learning about native Australian ingredients that grew locally in our region, Bundjalung Country-Northern Rivers. Bunya nuts were one of the top ingredients on our list, but we didn’t know a lot about them. We wanted to learn more from our Indigenous community first-hand, and we were
very fortunate to find Bundjalung woman, chef and Indigenous cultural advisor Mindy Woods to help us with this process.
WHAT INSIGHT DID YOU GAIN WHILE WORKING ALONGSIDE AN INDIGENOUS CHEF AND CULTURAL ADVISOR?
Mindy taught us that we could use the shells as well as the nuts. She showed us how smoking the shells, or setting the shells on fire, before soaking them in the rum can impart beautiful aromas and flavours.
And that was it for us. We knew we could make a molasses rum that not only had terroir in it, but also took inspiration from peated whiskies and smoky mezcals. Bringing smoke into a spirit in a new, Australian way that felt relaxed and mellow, reflecting Australia’s easy-going culture, really hit the mark for us.
TELL
US ABOUT
THE VALUE OF SUSTAINABILITY. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ENGAGE WITH SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES?
We want to do our part to help preserve the environment that gives us life every single day. That starts with small, everyday choices that anyone can make.
• O ur distillery runs on solar power.
• We use both the nut and the shell from the bunya nuts in our maceration. Typically, only the nut is used in cooking and the shells are discarded.
• O ur label is made from sugarcane waste pulp.
• We chose to use cardboard for our cases and D2C shipping boxes (including the protective inserts). So, our packaging is curbside recyclable across
THIS PAGE: BIRDS OF ISLE RUM IS MADE USING BUNYA NUT, A NATIVE AUSTRALIAN INGREDIENT. IMAGE: SUPPLIED.
LEFT TO RIGHT: TONIC AND ORANGE PEEL TWIST; FOUNDERS CHANEL MELANI AND SALLY CARTER MAKE A PERFECT TEAM. IMAGES: SUPPLIED.
“Bartenders have congratulated us on making such a beautiful rum, and customers who don’t normally like rum say that ours is delicious and different to what they’ve experienced in the past.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR BIRDS OF ISLE? ARE YOU PLANNING TO EXPERIMENT WITH OTHER AUSTRALIAN BOTANICALS?
Australia. Our packaging was also c ustom made to fit our bottle, so it reduced excessive packing materials.
• We reuse the cardboard that our supplies are shipped in as inserts for our cases.
• O ur daily life and practices in the office carry over sustainable practices too, since every little bit helps.
WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD TEAM?
Not only are we business partners, but we are partners in life too, so we really knew each other well before co-founding Birds of Isle. We are polar opposites, which works well for
us, as our individual strengths are the other’s weaknesses. We’re like a mini football team, continually supporting each other, and enabling each other to let our strengths shine.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY FEEDBACK FROM HAPPY CUSTOMERS?
We’ve been overwhelmed with so many great comments so far. Bartenders have congratulated us on making such a beautiful rum, and customers who don’t normally like rum say that ours is delicious and different to what they’ve experienced in the past. It’s been one of the best parts of creating this spirit.
Bringing terroir and the flavours of Bundjalung into our rum is something we’re passionate about, and we are the first distillery to use bunya nuts in alcohol. We unexpectedly discovered that bunya nuts elicit childhood memories for a lot of people in the Northern Rivers, so many customers have shared their bunya nut stories with us. It’s been a really genuine and special way of connecting with our customers. Our next release will feature a different native Australian botanical that we are currently exploring. Following that we will release our flagship rum, made from local molasses sourced from the Northern Rivers. There’s lots in the works that we can’t wait to share with our customers.
THREE INCREDIBLE AUSSIE CHARITIES WE NEED TO BE TALKING ABOUT
Words: Matilda Meikle
These three Aussie charities spread themselves across regional and remote locations in order to support those in need.
From all corners of the country, from rural towns to major cities, volunteers are making change and doing their bit for a better tomorrow.
LITTLE WINGS
Little Wings is a notfor-profit organisation helping helping families with sick kids access the top children's hospitals across NSW by providing free ongoing flight and ground transport during treatment. The charity acknowledges that sick children living in regional NSW and parts of Queensland and the ACT often have to travel large distances to access specialised medical services. It strives to ease the financial burden and emotional weight of this travel by accommodating simple and
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: LITTLE WINGS VOLUNTEERS AND PILOT. IMAGES: LITTLE WINGS; 300 BLANKETS VOLUNTEERS AND SOUP KITCHEN. IMAGE: KIT EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY.
free travel for families to and from medical facilities.
Little Wings started by flying children to undergo cancer treatment at The Children’s Hospital in Sydney, and has since expanded to help other sick kids receiving treatment in five more major locations. Between 2021 and 2022, it supported 2,061 missions, and its planes have flown more than 5 million kilometres since the charity’s establishment in 2012. Bringing children home after treatment means they can spend time with family and friends, which is an important factor in maintaining good mental health. Reducing travel time can also help families to balance other commitments and focus on what matters most. However, Little Wings acknowledges that not all families can travel interstate. The Medical
Wings program sends healthcare professionals to regional locations to staff pop-up clinics for those who need to remain where they are. In 2022, it facilitated 129 clinics across New South Wales and supported 3,200 families.
300 BLANKETS
On any given night, there are around 122,494
people sleeping rough in Australia. 300 Blankets is a charity supporting those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Victoria.
Since 2015, 300 Blankets has been organising Outreach Programs, where groups engage with individuals sleeping rough in Melbourne’s CBD twice a week, offering friendship and support to combat the impacts of social isolation on homeless individuals. Every Sunday, the not-
DONATE HERE
for-profit hosts a soup kitchen, staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers who prepare and share nutritious meals with anyone struggling to make ends meet, including individuals and families.
Throughout all of its services, 300 Blankets makes it a priority to distribute warm and clean blankets to those in need. It also travels to companies, schools and community groups to develop a greater understanding of homelessness, its causes and associated issues
through presentations and volunteer programs. 300 Blankets teaches communities about homelessness and reduces stigma to encourage more support for those in need.
VETS FOR COMPASSION
Vets for Compassion is a 100 per cent volunteer run group working to improve animal welfare across Australia. The team consists of veterinarians, wildlife darters and
wildlife rescuers who respond to urgent calls for help at any time of the day or night. This can include anything from life-saving surgery to rescue, rehabilitation or re-homing.
The team undertakes a number of year-round projects, with some of the most prominent being: the humane capture, treatment and release of wildlife including kangaroos and stray dogs; transportation of wildlife to clinics and shelters; performing emergency surgery on injured animals; and supporting relocation and rehabilitation of wildlife after bushfires, floods and disease outbreaks.
Last year, Vets for Compassion responded to 1981 call outs. On the website you can find useful information about what to do if you come across an injured animal, or if you simply want to support the wildlife in your area. On any given week, the team will receive between 20 and 50 call outs and clinic visit requests, travelling thousands of kilometres to help sick and injured animals.
DONATE HERE
THIS PAGE: VETS FOR COMPASSION IS STAFFED BY KNOWLEDGABLE VOLUNTEERS. IMAGES: VETS FOR COMPASSION.
BUYING FUGLY FOR FARMERS
Food waste is a $20 billion problem and while the climate impact of food waste is significant, the ones really bearing the weight of this cost are farmers.
So much hard, back-breaking farm labour goes to waste, and often for the silliest of reasons. But there are things that we can all do that not only benefit our dinner plates, but go a long way to helping our farmers, too.
Good & Fugly, the food waste fighting social initiative, recently published The Farm To Supermarket Food Waste Report 2023 – the first in-depth research into the impact that food waste has on Aussie farmers. You may already know that 8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by food waste. What you might not be aware of is that food waste threatens the viability of Australian farmers, too.
And so much of that food waste is totally preventable. Much of it is food that has no supermarket buyer because it’s not pretty enough. As this report shows, by giving farmers the
opportunity to sell this produce, not only are you helping to save the environment, but you’re helping to save Australian agriculture, too.
First, the big, scary figures: 68 per cent of farmers reported that the single most common cause of food waste in the supply chain is, incredibly, ‘appearance.’ By contrast, only 26 per cent reported that produce is rejected due to ripeness, and 9 per cent that pest infestation is a reason. Those two things would make sense since they
compromise the flavour and may pose a health risk. Appearance, however, is not. When produce is rejected, farmers often have little choice but to give it away (to the same supermarkets who rejected it, no less) for free. Twentythree per cent of farmers reported that supermarkets expect them to hand over the rejected produce for free. Otherwise, they often find themselves selling it at a steep discount (35 per cent). A further 19 per cent throw the produce away (immediately creating food waste).
The silver lining is that 37 per cent of farmers can find an alternate buyer for the produce. This is where services like Good & Fugly come in: to help create those alternative pathways that farmers so clearly need. Good & Fugly pays farmers a fair price for their imperfect produce and delivers it straight to your door in fresh, delicious, curated boxes.
So, if you’re interested in finding out more about Australia’s food waste issue and the clever Australian start-up helping to solve the problem, head to goodandfugly.com.au.
LEFT TO RIGHT: WESTERN DELICATE MOUSE. IMAGE: IAN BOOL; EASTERN DELICATE MOUSE. IMAGE: JUSTIN WRIGHT.
TWO NEW SPECIES DISCOVERED IN AUSTRALIA
In a study led by the Australian National University (ANU) and published in the Molecular Ecology journal, two new species of mice were identified in different regions of Australia.
Words: Matilda Meikle
NOT YOUR AVERAGE HOUSE MOUSE
According to the study, native rodents have existed in Australia for around five million years. In fact, there are more than 150 rodent species in Australia and New Guinea that can be found nowhere else in the world.
The two recently discovered species belong to a group of rodents known as delicate mice. These tiny creatures weigh up to six grams, though most are even smaller. The Atlas of Living Australia reveals that the delicate mouse is mostly found in sandy savanna climates, making nesting chambers in hollow logs, burrows, or under large pieces of bark. The delicate mouse diet consists of grass seeds, plant matter and some invertebrates, foraged at night.
Also known as Molinipi (Pseudomys delicatulus), the delicate mouse was previously thought to be a single
species located in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.
However, experts have now realised that the delicate mouse is in fact three species inhabiting different locations. Each of these species are genetically distinct, and their non-compatible sperm and chromosomes make it unlikely for interbreeding to occur.
The mice have been given new names in order to account for their differences. The “northern delicate mouse” will keep the original scientific name of Pseudomys delicatulus
The “western delicate mouse,” found mostly in Western Australia, is now known as Pseudomys pilbarensis or Kalunyja in the Kariyarra language. Similarly, the “eastern delicate mouse,” located in Queensland and New South Wales, is known as Pseudomys mimulus, or Kalla in the Wik-Mungkan language.
The discovery of multiple delicate mice species was made using genomic sequencing, as well as data on reproductive traits and high-resolution CT scans.
CHANGING THE STORY
According to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Australia has some of the most unique mammal species in the world, with 87 per cent of the 316 terrestrial species endemic to the continent. This means that protecting native animals is vital to the maintenance of this distinct and beautiful ecosystem. Sadly, native rodents are one of Australia’s most threatened land mammal groups, due to the introduction of invasive species such as feral cats and red foxes.
While the delicate mouse has not been the focus of conservation efforts in the past, research models developed by ANU reveal that 95 per cent of current delicate mouse habitats may become uninhabitable by 2100 given current global warming rates.
Equally, while experts previously believed that one species of delicate mouse was spread across a large proportion of Australia, the distinction of three unique species has now lowered estimated population levels, suggesting that delicate mice may be more at risk than expected.
This has encouraged recognition of the immediate threats to delicate mice, and a plan to reassess the conservation status of all three species in order to protect them for the future.
Ettricks Rocks’ Retreats offers guests a choice of three different villas – all of them perched on a wonderfully wild landscape above the ocean on remote King Island. From the peace and warmth of your abode you can look out as the roaring forties plays havoc with the waves and the native Australian landscape. It’s a space where you can truly relax while appreciating the power and beauty of mother nature. W: ettrickrocks.com.au • E: info@ettrickrocks.com.au • P: 1300 195 596
