Alliance Airlines Magazine - June/July 2019 by publishingbychelle

JUNE/JULY 2019

Fishing Dreams Out on the water with Haines

AusBiz.

The real Aussie business mag

GET INTO MADAPOW! We explore the ski region of Madarao, Japan

COLORADO DREAMING Whatever season it is, Colorado shines all year

The FIFO Life: What’s your end game? Is it worth it? We understand what FIFO workers go through. Trading time away from the family, wear and tear on your body, tiring rosters and spending hours in taxis, on planes and in airports. Do you wonder if you are really getting ahead? And are you losing $40-60k a year to the taxman? Have you built up enough assets so that you can walk away one day? There is a better way. We can help you to: Discover how you can cut your tax, and use your savings to build equity Perth FIFO workers are using property investment to slash $10,000 to $20,000 off their taxes and pay off their mortgages 8–10 years earlier Put a timeframe on your exit plan

GET STARTED: Claim your FREE personal tax and investment PLAN valued at $200 (limited to FIRST 30). Text your name with code 1505 to 0481 737 425 for a 5-minute chat. Don’t LET one year in this game turn into TEN!

Welcome. WELCOME ABOARD 2019 continues to see Alliance Airlines expanding our business across several key areas while proudly maintaining our first-rate safety and on-time performance records. We have renewed our flying agreement with Virgin Australia for a further three years, which will see more Alliance planes flying along Virgin routes, including international flights between Brisbane and Port Moresby, along with the introduction of Virgin’s inflight entertainment programs aboard these flights. We have welcomed Agnew Gold Fields as a new client and have been successful in extending several contracts with long-term clients in Western Australia and Queensland. JTB recently announced the expansion of its highly successful Queensland day trip charters to Uluru to now include additional day charters from Perth. I am also proud of the ongoing sponsorship and exceptional commitment of Alliance and our staff to the local communities that we fly to. Recent highlights include our sponsorship of the highly successful Tasting Australia event in South Australia and the commitment of our Brisbane staff in entering the 24 Hours of LeMons car race, which raises funds for prostate cancer research. Again, this year Alliance continued to provide charters to Emergency Services departments right around the country to help move staff from state to state and provide assistance in minimising the devastation caused by bushfires and floods. We also recently celebrated our 17th birthday and were fortunate enough to have three of our four founders present for the occasion. We took the opportunity to celebrate our achievements and to acknowledge the contribution made by all four founders in creating Australia’s leading charter airline operator. If you have any feedback about your experience on our flights or would like to make a charter enquiry, feel free to email us at media@ allianceairlines.com.au We look forward to continuing to see you fly with Alliance. Lee Schofield Chief Executive Officer

EDITORIAL

Publisher: Michelle Hespe

publisher@publishingbychelle.com Art Director: Jon Wolfgang Miller Lifestyle & Travel Sales Manager: Sonja Halstead sonja.halstead@publishingbychelle.com AusBiz. Sales Manager: Effe Sandas advertising@publishingbychelle.com Sub-editors: Claire Hey, Shane Cubis Assistant Editor: Sarah Hinder editorial@publishingbychelle.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Mathew Scholz Ben Smithurst Darren Baguley Lisa Smyth Ian Lloyd Neubauer Kirsten Craze Ryan Watson

PRINTING

Blue Star PRINT 81 Derby St, Silverwater, NSW, 2128

Alliance is published by Publishing ByChelle (ABN: 78 621 375 853 ACN: 621 375 853) 3 Westleigh Street Neutral Bay, NSW 2089 publishingbychelle.com The reproduction of any content, in whole or part without prior written permission by the publisher, Michelle Hespe, is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the content are those of the contributors, and not necessarily those of the publisher. All information in this magazine was believed to be correct at the time of publication, and all reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. Publishing ByChelle cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine, they will not be returned. We apologise if we don’t get back to your email, as we do receive a large volume of communication via various online channels. Some images used in Alliance are from iStock and Getty images, and we make every effort to credit all contributors.

JUNE/JULY 2019

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Our wrap-up of the latest and greatest travel products.

AusBiz.

In this issue. upfront

Features

9 Alliance News

16 Skiing in Japan

Alliance commemorates its 17th anniversary; Australian Air League cadets attend the Australian International Air Show; Wrightsair takes travellers on tours above Anna Creek Painted Hills.

16 Events Calendar

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on in cultural and sporting events throughout June and July.

18 Entertainment

The latest books, music tours and cool art around our great Aussie towns.

THE SMART FARM Is the Australian agriculture industry ready for digital farms?

We uncover the best skiing and cultural offerings of two Japanese cities: Madarao and Gunma, for a diverse and adventurefilled international getaway.

22 Fishing boats

Five years ago Mathew Scholz began his search for the ultimate fishing boat. He shares his story, investigating the best types of boats and gear keen fishermen need to transform themselves into a true fishing aficionado.

Check out AusBiz. at the back of the magazine.

22 24 Colorado in every season

Ideal for an intrepid adventure, Colorado boasts world-renowned hiking and skiing surrounded by astounding natural phenomena to explore through every season.

AUSTRALIAN EGGS We investigate how the Australian egg industry is changing. WHY WAGYU? We explore the bright future ahead for Australian Wagyu beef cattle farmers. PROPERTY BIZ. Why are so many Aussies opting to buy off-the-plan?

JUNE/JULY 2019

PUBLISHER’S

Welcome to another issue of Alliance magazine. This one is a special one for me, as not only have we covered two of my favourite places (Colorado and Japan), we’ve also included a fishing special so that you can be inspired by someone who made a lifestyle change in order to focus on fishing. Japan has been on my bucket list for more than a decade, and it was so eye-opening to explore a country that has two crazily juxtaposed ways of living: quiet rural village life where you can be surrounded by nature and ancient art and culture, as opposed to life in a city like Tokyo where there is literally an endless stream of things to boggle your brain. We took our kids on a 10-day trip to Japan, and six months later, they have not stopped talking about it. They loved the madness of the city train stations and the excitement of the bullet trains. They were ridiculously happy about petting hedgehogs and puppies, while having a milkshake, and they wanted to stay on the ski slopes of Madarao forever. But it was the food and the Japanese people that really impressed us. Kids can be picky when it comes to trying new things, but there is something about the unique dishes and the traditions behind Japanese food that make it so special. We arrived on New Year’s Eve to a relatively quiet Japan,

as most people head to temples to pray on this day, and upon booking into our hotel (one where we slept in cupboardlike beds – more excitement) we were immediately welcomed with bows and clasped hands, ramen and sake. The hotel owners had invited a group of friends and family to join them for supper and some amusing late night television, and although they didn’t speak much English and our Japanese is terrible, we felt like family within minutes. During our 10 days we visited the same restaurant in a quiet neighbourhood of Tokyo three times, and by the third time we were welcomed like old friends, the kids and our sushi and sashimi preferences remembered. For our daughter’s birthday we found a special barbecue restaurant in a busy mall and were serenaded by a pianist as we indulged in delicacies artfully assembled on our individual barbecue plates. Every single dining experience came with a story and memories that we still talk about. We were so in awe of this little country that we’ve already booked our return trip for next year, and intend to further our knowledge and get into sumo wrestling and samarui swords. So, happy reading, watch this space, and enjoy your journey across the country today.

MICHELLE HESPE

@ALLIANCE _ MAG /ALLIANCEAIRLINESMAG JUNE/JULY 2019

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Route Map

Where we fly. Alliance Airlines is Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading air charter services operator.

PORT MORESBY

CHRISTMAS ISLAND GROOTE EYLANDT

CAIRNS

BROOME

CENTURY

TOWNSVILLE

PORT HEDLAND K A R R AT H A

CANNINGTON

CAPE PRESTON

ROCKHAMPTON GLADSTONE BUNDABERG

SUNSHINE COAST

MOOMBA

BRISBANE

POR T MACQUARIE

K A LG O O R L I E

NEWCASTLE PERTH

SYDNEY

ADELAIDE

Private charter flights Alliance Airlines & Virgin Australia commercial flights

NOTE: MAPS ARE NOT TO SCALE

key

JUNE/JULY 2019

Alliance News. Stay in the know with what’s happening with our airline and in our industry.

Photo of the month Our Fokker 70 VH-QQR in Perth. Image courtesy of Darryl Walker.

Alliance CEO and clients enjoy Tasting Australia’s Coffin Bay experience Lee Schofield hosts clients Paul O’Brien and Elizabeth Reed Lange at Coffin Bay.

Left to right: Chas Jacobsen, major shareholder; Steve Padgett, Chairman and founder; Lee Schofield, CEO; Scott McMillan, Managing Director and founder; and Hugh Jones, founder.

17th birthday celebrations Alliance Airlines CEO Lee Schofield presents plaques to commemorate and acknowledge the role of the founders and early major investors in Alliance Airlines.

JUNE/JULY 2019

Alliance News 50 South Australian officers and cadets of the Australian Air League in front of their Fokker 50 charter prior to attending the 2019 Australian International Airshow at Avalon.

Australian Air League flying high in South Australia This February, 50 South Australian officers and cadets of the Australian Air League travelled to Avalon in Victoria to attend the 2019 Australian International Airshow. The group chartered an Alliance Fokker 50 and met up with Victorian cadets to attend the biennial event. The weather was hot, reaching a high of 38 degrees Celsius, however this failed to curb the enthusiasm on the day with the cadets viewing a vast array of Australian and international military and civil aircraft. The undoubtable highlight of the visit was a combined operational display of all current Australian Defence Force aircraft, which participating in a mock exercise to demonstrate the interaction and capability across the respective army, navy and airforce services. Cadets also had the opportunity to talk to pilots and ground crew members about their experiences and to discuss potential future career choices. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) presented an

exhibition showcasing the defence force in the 21st century and encouraging greater female participation within its related science and engineering fields. The Australian Air League has three squadrons in South Australia, located at Gawler Airfield, Parafield Airport and the South Australian Air Museum in Port Adelaide. Children aged eight to 18 are welcome to join, as are adults keen to volunteer their time assisting the cadets who meet once a week during school terms and participate in flying and community activities during the year such as ANZAC Day. Further 2019 highlights for the cadets include the chance to speak with an astronaut on the International Space Station. The aim of the Australian Air League is to encourage interest in aviation while developing the teamwork and leadership skills of its dedicated young cadets. If you are interested, please visit airleague.com.au, email info@airleague.com.au or call 1800 502 175. JUNE/JULY 2019

Alliance News

Explore Anna Creek Painted Hills with Wrightsair Flying over this mysterious-looking landscape, the vastness of radiantly illuminated hills and intriguing patterns stretching before us, I catch my breath… you could be forgiven for thinking that we had travelled the 55 million kilometres to Mars in this ethereal landscape. In fact, we have only been flying for 20 minutes out of the small outback town of William Creek in South Australia. The Anna Creek Painted Hills, not to be confused with the Painted Desert near Coober Pedy, are said to be more than 50 million years old. Located on private property – and the largest cattle station in the world – Anna Creek Station, the site is inaccessible by road. Its remote location on private property means scenic flight operator Wrightsair has exclusive access to land here, providing tourists travelling in Outback South Australia a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the phenomenon. This remarkable wonder of nature, which has been compared to the Bungle Bungle Range in Western Australia, spans more than 300 square kilometres, appearing as gigantic lemon meringue pies peaking up from the desert landscape. As we depart William Creek, the small town with a current population of 10 (mostly pilots) begins to blend into the desert landscape. Our pilot, who has been flying out here for more than four years, provides informative commentary along the way about the area and where we are headed – it is clear he has an undeniable passion for the outback. As we approach, I see the strange formations start to appear in front of the flat desert landscape. Before we know it, we are immersed in the middle of striped sandstone hills – the colours and patterns pop out in stark contrast to the crystal blue hue of the sky. We circle around a towering rock pinnacle, clearly eroded by weather over time, and the dirt airstrip appears before us. The experience is so new

ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

that only around 300 people have yet had permission to land. Exiting the plane, we are led by our pilot who takes us on a guided tour along a dry river bed through to the hills. Just walking along the river bed is an experience in itself – I am simply awestruck at the untouched nature of this environment. Leaving the river bed, we head up a slope to a hill where we can get a spectacular view over the vast landscape laid out like a carpet. This ancient landscape was once an inland sea – its evidence is found in the fossils scattered around us. Settled back inside the aircraft, we head back to William Creek, where our pilot expertly lands the plane

with barely a bump. I have left only memories and taken only photos, but the adventure is beyond what I have ever experienced before, and I leave this place with a newfound respect for nature and its forces which have created these unblemished marvels. Wrightsair operates scenic flights over the Anna Creek Painted Hills, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, the Marree Man, Dalhousie Springs, Wilpena Pound, Coober Pedy and Simpson Desert from William Creek, Coober Pedy, Marree and Wilpena Pound. Charters can also be arranged from Adelaide, Olympic Dam, Uluru, Alice Springs and other regional locations. For more information visit wrightsair.com.au

Regional News Australia Post One Netball Ambassadors Kate Moloney (L) & Caitlin Thwaites (R) with Maya, 7.

Nominating our community champions The 2019 Australia Post One Netball Community Awards nominations are now open. The awards shine a light on outstanding locals, recognising champions in communities who develop inclusive environments. Past winners have demonstrated a commitment to creating welcoming environments for existing and new participants, including people with disability, regional and remote communities, Indigenous communities, and multicultural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Each winner will receive prizes worth more than $1,000, including an Australia Post Gift Card by Mastercard, a netball signed by the 2019 Australian Diamonds Team, and a visit from an Australia Post One Netball Ambassador. Nominations are open until June 30, with one winner from each state and territory to be announced on August 15. To learn more or nominate visit onenetball.org.au

R U OK? launches a suicide prevention campaign for First Australians R U OK? is a suicide prevention charity that aims to empower Australians to meaningfully connect with the people in their life. In response to national research which has shown that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are almost twice as likely to commit suicide as nonIndigenous Australians, R U OK? has launched a suicide prevention campaign, Stronger Together, with an aim to more effectively support First Australians struggling with mental health issues. Developed alongside an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory group and

Indigenous-owned agency 33 Creative, a key component of the campaign features Indigenous role models who have experienced mental health issues and who have been positively impacted by reaching out for help. The Stronger Together campaign seeks to provide support to people who may have never had access to such resources. The key message is: “Let’s talk. We are stronger together.” It is never too late to start up a conversation with a loved one and ask, “R U OK?” If you or someone you know needs support, please visit ruok.org.au/findhelp

JUNE/JULY 2019

What’s on.

Our pick of the very best gigs, festivals, and cultural and sporting events from around the country. compiled By: Sarah hinder

June 1–30 Pie Time

Southern Highlands, NSW This month-long festival celebrates everything to do with the great Aussie pie. From pie-themed treks and tours to the two-day Pie Fest main event in Bowral, the Southern Highlands goes all out for the humble pastry. pietime.com.au

June 1–2 Goldfields Cyclassic

Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Menzies & Leonora WA This two-day cycling race sees professional and amateur riders race across the goldfields of Western Australia, from Kalgoorlie-Boulder to Menzies and on to Leonora. Offering $40,000 total in prize money, the race is heralded ‘Australia’s Richest Handicap Cycle Race’. cyclassic.com.au

ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

May 24–June 15

June 5–9

Sydney NSW The city is transformed each winter into a festival of free events, art and light displays. Wander the city streets through night markets and forests of light. vividsydney.com

Gold Coast Qld It’s all vintage cars and rockabilly glamour at Australia’s largest rock ‘n’ roll and nostalgia festival. This is one fun celebration of everything there is to love about the 50s, 60s and 70s! coolyrockson.com

Vivid Sydney

May 31–June 3

Leonora Golden Gift

Leonora WA This event is host to the Elite Mile race – Australia’s richest mile running race with $50,000 up for grabs. The accompanying racing carnival features concerts, markets and fireworks. leonoragoldengift.com

Cooly Rocks On

June 5, June 23 & July 10

2019 State of Origin

Brisbane Qld, Perth WA & Sydney NSW NSW fight to defend their 2018 title in this epic rivalry. Game II will for the first time see an Origin match in Perth at Optus Stadium. nrl.com

Events Calender

July 1–31

Birdsville Big Red Bash.

Adelaide Guitar Festival

Adelaide SA The most significant festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, this event sees guitar competitions, workshops and intimate performances. adelaideguitarfestival.com.au

June 21–23

Coober Pedy Opal Festival

Coober Pedy SA With fireworks, a street parade, drive-in cinemas and live entertainment, this community event celebrates what’s great about remote Coober Pedy. opalfestival.com.au

July 5–14

Darwin Fringe Festival

Darwin NT With a mission to support emerging artists, this openaccess festival is dedicated to developing its arts community. darwinfringe.org.au

July 10–14

Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge

July 12–14 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

Cairns Qld Designed to showcase the vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, CIAF is a not-for-profit celebration spread across three days of markets, workshops, insightful talks and performances. ciaf.com.au

Cloncurry Qld One of the greatest horse events in Oz, the competition displays horses’ athleticism and riders’ horsemanship. currychallenge.com.au

July 14

Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta

Darwin NT Spectators cheer on competitors racing in boats built from beer cans, while participants can try sandcastle building and thong-throwing. beercanregatta.org.au

July 16–18

Birdsville Big Red Bash

Birdsville Qld The world’s most remote music festival is an experience of a lifetime as Australian country and rock musicians play the Simpson Desert. bigredbash.com.au

July 20–21

Regional Flavours

Brisbane Qld Queensland’s premier food and wine festival dishes out delicious offerings the Sunshine State has to offer, featuring chefs, industry experts and market stalls. regionalflavours.com.au

July 26–August 4

Australian Festival of Chamber Music

Townsville Qld This internationally acclaimed event brings together the world’s finest chamber musicians in a series of concerts and special events. afcm.com.au

July 27

Australian Outback Marathon

Uluru-Kata Tjuta NT If sprinting across the outback with views of Uluru sounds like fun, this is the event for you. australianoutbackmarathon.com JUNE/JULY 2019

Japanese Getaway

ALLIANCE MAGAZINE

Japanese Getaway

JUMP INTO

Powder to die for, monkeys to swoon over, and a culture that’ll have you becoming another of Japan’s many lovers. WORDS: Michelle HespE | PHOTOGRAPHY: Andy solo Japan has always been in the top few places I wanted to visit. Now, having explored some of this remarkable country, I can safely say that everything you hear about it is true – the crazy, cool, colour and energy of Tokyo, the time and love put into preparing and presenting unbelievably good food, and the snow – ahh, the snow. My friend once said: ”Skiing in Japan is like playing around inside a beanbag.” Yes, the beer and whiskey offerings are amazing, and, of course, there’s endless awesome sake. The bullet trains are an adventure in themselves, and you can’t go to Japan without hanging out in an animal café at least once – take your pick of cat, dog, rabbit, hedgehog

(highly recommended) or owl (not so recommended, as they keep them awake during the day). Then there’s the cherry blossom bonanzas, icesculpting and fire festivals, and enough art, culture and beautiful traditions to make your head spin. From immacualte geishas, fastidious tea ceremonies and sumo wrestling, to heavenly flowerfilled gardens and onsens in snowy mountains and busy cities, Japan is utterly intoxicating. Art lovers rejoice in the ancient forms of art – from ancient pottery and ceramics, to calligraphy on silk, origami and tapestry. And then there’s the modern day marvels, such as the world’s first digital art musuem (Mori Building Digital Art Museum: 

JUNE/JULY 2019

Japanese Getaway

EPSON teamLab Borderless) and, of course, Japanese comics and anime. One thing is for sure: every time you think you’ve thought of everything to see in Japan, someone will add something else to your list. So in order to avoid being overwhelmed, narrow it down to doing a few things every time you head back there – as we did.

GET INTO MADAPOW Aussies are understandably adept at skiing on ice and slush, because sadly we’re not blessed with the kind of snow found in the US, Europe and Japan. Japan is famous for its awesome snow, and there’s a staggering 500 or so ski resorts packed into a country that’s only 379,000 square kilometres (Australia is 20 times the size), but there’s one little place that you may not have heard of (yet). In the northern part of Nagano prefecture, between Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen, majestically sits Madarao Mountain. In a picture-book pretty village, the mountain rises to 1,382 metres tall, has 31 separate courses and 13 lifts. It also hosted Japan’s first Freestyle Skiing Competition, so there are many unique courses to choose from – and 60 per cent of them are ungroomed. This little niche is so famous for its powder snow that it’s been nicknamed MadaPOW, with Powderhounds saying it has the best powder on earth! Australian couple Andy and Dan Solo recently bought an old ski chalet in Madarao and have transformed into the coolest, most stylish and cosy place to stay on the mountain – Snowball Chalet. The chalet has 13 rooms and a beautifully intimate lounge room, where guests can relax and meet others before and after hitting the mountain. There’s

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also an incredibly luxurious yurt in the yard next to the chalet, made for honeymooners or special parties. The suite has its own designer fireplace created by a 450-year-old company (which started as a samurai sword manufacturer in Gifu prefecture), a vinyl collection and turntable, a reading area, two lounges and private Ofuro (Japanese bath) with mountain views. Two years into their new venture, the couple, who divide their time between Bondi and Madarao, have also opened a bar and restaurant just a stroll down the road. Called Shaggy Yak, locals and tourists flock there to listen to cool tunes, courtesy of a DJ, while indulging in après-ski drinks. Snowball Chalet offers guests a few select tours to be enjoyed once they’ve had their fill of powder, including an authentic onsen experience and the chance to hang out with snow monkeys in their natural mountain habitat.

Clockwise from Top Left: The light shows at teamLab Borderless will blow your mind (Photo courtesy of Aleney de Winter); The wild snow monkey park, where you you can watch wild Japanese macaques bathe; Inside the luxe yurt suite at Snowball Chalet.

Japanese Getaway

ZEN TIME A word you’ll need after a big day on the mountain (besides noodles, beer and sake) is onsen. An onsen is a Japanese spa facility built around natural hot springs, and as Japan is a volcanic island, there are more naturally occurring hot springs in this country than anywhere else in the world. In fact, there are 30,000 onsens and 3,000 onsen resorts in Japan. A group of us travelled to Maguse Onsen, about an hour’s drive from Snowball Chalet. There are rules when it comes to bathing at onsens that should be taken into account, such as men and women bathe in different areas (some onsens are mixed-gender), clothes aren’t worn and tattoos aren’t welcomed.  JUNE/JULY 2019

Japanese Getaway

Clockwise from far left: Hanging out with snow monkeys; Never look a monkey in the eyes as he could be the boss, and they do not like being challenged; traditional Japanese homes; quaint Madarao village; the walk up to Jigokudani YaenKoen; hitting the slopes of MadaPOW.

It's one of the most wonderfully liberating experiences to bathe with strangers, naked, and for no one to bat an eyelid. And at Maguse, you are also blessed with one of the most stunning views in the region. Sitting in the hot springs, the steam rising and an evening mist creeping through the valley and across the mountains, is an experience that you won’t easily forget. Whatever your problems or challenges in life, an onsen makes them fade away, along with relieving tired muscles and busy minds. They offer Zen time.

MONKEYING AROUND Even as an adult, it’s hard to say ’no’ when in Tokyo to hanging out for a wee while in a hedgehog café and cradling one while you enjoy a beverage.

SITTING IN THE HOT SPRINGS, THE STEAM RISING AND AN EVENING MIST CREEPING THROUGH T H E VA L L E Y A N D A C R O S S T H E MO U N TAI N S, I S AN E X P E R I E NC E T H AT YO U W O N ’ T E A S I LY F O R G E T. Things get a load more exciting at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen – the wild snow monkey park, where you can watch wild Japanese macaques bathe, pick nits off one another and monkey around. It would be easy to presume that monkeys around the world follow suit and enjoy an onsen, but in fact, this spot is said to be the only place where they do this. So why do they do it, and why here, in a remote part of Japan? The story goes that one young pioneering monkey decided to take a dip and relax in the hot springs, and its

behaviour influenced the entire group. It’s widely believed that bathing in hot springs in Jigokudani is an integral part of the creatures’ way of surviving the harsh winters. So, in warmer seasons, they forego baths and simply enjoy the spectacular surrounds. It’s an incredible experience, and the monkeys don’t seem bothered by the many people who now come to visit. But be warned: do not look a big male straight in the eyes, as the boss does not like competition, monkey or not. snowballchalet.com JUNE/JULY 2019

Sponsored by The Haines Group

the most incredible and versatile waters you could dream up. Non-stop fishing action is what the last six months have been for me – we’re spoilt with a plethora of reef species, and giant trevally right on my doorstep too. As you’d imagine, I never want to leave this incredible place. Every day I remind myself to never take it for granted. Hence the nickname for my boat: ‘Wetsundays’. For a couple of months each year, the wet season takes over in this region. That would normally put a halt on fishing for me, but thankfully barramundi thrive in these conditions. Being able to fish floodwater and lakes for catches more than a metre long (in water that’s barely a metre deep) is a huge reason I purchased this specific boat. The 485SF and 543SF step up and perform when targeting inshore and impoundment fish, with so many benefits such as minimal draft and an extremely stable platform. You can really push out into the most tight and secluded areas with ease. Generally, I decide whether to fish the impoundment systems based on weather and how choppy the crossing will be. These two boats take to it effortlessly, no matter the forecast. When it comes to barramundi, learning about their bite times and habitat is nothing short of addictive – if you’re anything like me, you’ll end up fishing all day and night. Thankfully,

sleepovers are a lot more comfortable on the front of the 543SF, and being able to camp comfortably under the stars makes that fishing life even more blissful. Winter in the Whitsundays means pristine weather conditions and perfect sunny days with low wind, meaning I will be casting day in and day out, adding to the list of incredible fish I’ve landed on my deck. At this time of year, I search far and wide into untouched waters – pushing the boat as far as it can go to learn more about other interesting species. The 543SF and the 788SF allow you to really push the boundaries and get you into areas with the best dogtooth tuna and trophy-sized marlin. There are no two boats that will push your limits in the fishing world better than these, thanks to all their extra benefits and fuel capacity. You’ll never need to worry about not being able to get where you’re aiming to find that catch of the day. Besides being the best fishing vessels on the market, Haines Signature Boats are nothing short of amazing for day-to-day use. Since moving up north I have been able to use mine almost four times a week for different reasons – leisurely day trips over to Whitehaven Beach and Long Island with friends are comfortable and easy, thanks to its reliability and stability. Even after a full day at work, it’s so easy for me to jump in the boat and catch a fish for dinner. I use it as much as I possibly can, and always catch myself admiring the craftmanship when I hook up the boat. For now, I will be focusing on what I love doing most of all, which is learning the habits and feeding patterns of barramundi. Luckily, I’m a 20-minute drive away from one of Australia’s best impoundment systems. It’s a dream for many to do this even a couple of times a year, so I never lose sight of how lucky I am. Best of all, eventually I will be able to use my boat with my family, to make great memories in comfort and style. JUNE/JULY 2019

HIGH ON

COLO With 58 mountains topping 4,200 metres, four national parks, 41 state parks and 28 ski resorts, Colorado is an adventure playground all year round. WORDS: Michelle Hespe Here’s a cool armchair travel tip: Google ‘Colorado’ and hit ’Images’. What will crowd your screen is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colours and shapes, courtesy of Mother Nature, in the form of mountains, rivers, sunsets, forests, gorges, lakes, snow and flower-covered fields, and animals, that look as though they’ve stepped out of an animation. We’re talking moose, big-horned sheep, elk, cougars, foxes, bears and deer. And of course – the cutest Colorado critters of all – prairie dogs and chipmunks. The inspiration is sure to have you clicking away, booking a flight deal – as let’s face it, there’s nothing like the real thing. The best thing is, it doesn’t matter when your next chance to get away is, because Colorado is an incredible destination at any time of year. 

RADO

JUNE/JULY 2019

THE ENDE AVOR YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU WANTED. OR MAYBE YOU DID.

DRIVING YOU BE YOND YOUR IMAGINATION. I’LL HELP YOU RE ACH FAR OFF PL ACES. AND CRE ATE MEMORIES YOU'LL KEEP, LONG AFTER YOUR RETURN. I’M COLOR ADO. AND I’LL SHOW YOU WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE TRULY ALIVE.

Get the guide at COLORADO.COM

Alliance International Feature

As the sun sets in the majestic mountains of Colorado, you’ll feel as though you’re on the edge of the world. Wildlife spotting is a popular pastime in Colorado, where there are 960 species to tick off your critter list.

SPRING

Colorado is ablaze with colour all year round, but in spring this dazzling state becomes a wildlife photographer’s dream, and the sunny days with crisp cool evenings make it an adventure lover’s playground. Spring is also a time for renewal and nurturing. As Colorado has 31 historic hot springs, an abundance of spas within its ranches and resorts, plus wellness retreats with yoga, Pilates and meditation, you can mix pampering and soul searching with adventure. If you want to get the adrenaline pumping, mountain biking, hiking and trekking trails are absolutely endless, and with so many mountains, abseilers consider Colorado one of the best spots in the world to climb high. Spring is also wildflower season, so whether you’re on foot or taking a road trip, you'll see the hills exploding with colour. With more than 9,656 kilometres of rivers, Colorado is a haven for fly-fishers, especially in locations such as The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Trout is the name of the game – with rainbow, cutthroat, brown and lake trout on offer, and there's plenty of salmon about too. Don’t miss the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is nothing short of spectacular. Open year-round, night and day, here are the tallest dunes in North America. Take a walk at night under a starry sky or a surreal stroll guided by moonlight. Go sand sledding and enjoy Medano Creek at the base of the dunes, which springs up from the winter run-off. 

JUNE/JULY 2019

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SUMMER

Who doesn’t love a state that has 300 days of sunshine? Add to that 41 state parks and 26 national scenic byways, and your summer road trip is sorted. There are also eight national monuments to take in, including Brown Canyon, which is one of the USA’s most popular whitewater rafting locations, and Chimney Rock National Monument, which was once home to the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians, and has more than 200 homes and ceremonial structures built by the Chaco people more than 1,000 years ago. Go camping in places where you won’t see another person, challenge yourself with rock climbing, ziplining and canyoning, or immerse yourself in Colorado’s 58 ’fourteeners’ – peaks more than 4,200 metres high! Summertime is also an ideal season to stay at a ranch, where you can experience life as a cowboy or cowgirl – whether horse riding, learning to rope in a cow, taking a wagon ride, or fishing in a pristine mountain setting. You can visit Colorado’s many western towns and learn about the culture

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and wild western history of this remarkable place any time of year, but in summer it’s lovely to feel the sun on your back as you wander the streets, and it’s a great time to get into the action of a rodeo. Colorado hosts hundreds of events every year, from rock concerts in incredible outdoor settings, to beer trails and foodie experiences that show off the culinary arts and the many exceptional chefs who are proud to call Colorado home.

When camping in Colorado away from city and town lights, the swathes of glittering stars are mesmerising. Fly fishing for trout is taken to another level when surrounded by towering mountains.

Colour, colour, colour... in autumn Colorado is resplendent – the mountains, valleys and plains are awash with vibrant golds and tarnished orange against a medley of deep, lush green forests and fields. In fact, the lovely town of Aspen is named after a tree with leaves that turn bright gold, orange and red, making the mountains look as though they are on fire. Add to this the deep blue of the many rivers and lakes, and you have a nature lover’s paradise. Fall is perfect for a road trip, and a wonderful time to go camping or stay in mountain hotels, with dropped accomodation rates. Wildlife viewing is at its finest during this time of year, and with more than 960 species (including the state’s mascot, the bighorn sheep) to tick

off your critter list, you won’t be short of winning Instagram shots. During fall you can also be entertained by the exchange of bugle calls in Rocky Mountain National Park when elk are in mating mode. Seeing these creatures in herds, with the bulls fighting, is a sight not easily forgotten. With the weather cool, it’s also a wonderful time to hike the 6.5 kilometres to the top of Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride, Colorado’s tallest waterfall. The majestic curtain of water thundering into the gorge is a moving reminder of the power of nature. Rafting is one of the best ways to delve into Colorado’s seven major rivers, and you can be out on the water all day, passing peacefully through fairytale landscapes, and never see another soul. 

FALL

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The dazzling colours of Colorado’s forests and mountains in autumn (or ’fall’ in the US) are absolutely breathtaking.

JUNE/JULY 2019

WINTER

Image: Alterra Mountain Co.

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FACT FILE Beaver Creek is part of Vail Resorts and is included in Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass (which can also be used at other Colorado ski resorts, Breckenridge, Vail, Crested Butte and Keystone) epicaustraliapass.com.au Winter Park is included in Alterra’s Ikon Pass (it can be used at Colorado’s Copper Mountain, Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Eldora), ikonpass.com Beaver Creek beavercreek.com Winter Park winterparkresort.com Denver visitdenver.com For information about Colorado year-round, visit Colorado Tourism Office colorado.com

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Beaver Creek Resort

For snow bunnies, it doesn't get better than Colorado. You can combine a road trip with any of the 28 ski resorts scattered across the state, or narrow it down to a couple that are near to one another, such as Beaver Creek and Winter Park. Get into all manner of activities on the snow such as dogsledding, ice climbing, snowshoeing (there’s an awesome tour through the forests of Winter Park) and sipping on a beverage in front of an open fire in a log cabin. Ladies must fit in a spa treatment at a dreamy ranch, such as the one at Devil’s Thumb. In Beaver Creek, don’t miss the amazing dinner experience at Beano’s Cabin, where excited guests take a sleigh ride up the mountain to dine in a beautiful, expansive log cabin restaurant. The food is delicious, the service is impeccable, and the views of the mountains outside are breathtakingly stunning. There are plenty of events in winter in Colorado, including ice sculpting and snow sport competitions, light festivals and the annual National Western Stock Show in Denver. In winter the national parks are white wonderlands where you can enjoy peace and quiet as you explore by hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Last, but definitely not least, winter is a superb time to explore the astoundingly arty and sophisticted city of Denver. But really, it’s an exciting destination any time of year. And the best news is: there’s a winter train direct to Winter Park from Denver that runs on weekends from January to March.

Urban Adventures in Denver, Colorado Gateway to the American West!

SIP & SAVOR ON A PATIO.

With 300 days of sunshine,

Denver’s outdoor patios are always ready to welcome you! Sample creative cuisine at chef-owned restaurants in historic Larimer

Square, Denver Union Station and throughout the city’s neighborhoods.

EXPERIENCE A WALKABLE CITY CENTER.

It’s easy when you take the train from Denver International Airport to Denver Union Station that features farm-to-table restaurants, The Terminal Bar and Cooper Lounge, and hop on the free 16th Street Mall shuttle to explore more of downtown.

B-CYCLE TO NEIGHBORHOODS.

Grab a B-cycle to pedal your way through creative art districts that surround the city center like Highlands, Art District on Santa Fe, Golden Triangle Creative District and RiNo (River North) offering colorful street art, independent boutiques, craft breweries and unique eateries.

GET INSPIRED BY ART!

Visit Denver Art Museum, home to famous Western and American Indian art collections, enjoy interactive exhibits at History Colorado Center and see works of Colorado artists and international design at the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art.

RiNo Art District + Pharaoh One

LISTEN TO MUSIC UNDER THE STARS!

No music lover’s bucket list is complete without experiencing a concert at the worldfamous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre; and, during the day, you can hike the park’s scenic trails amidst ancient, giant boulders.

KARIJINI

eco RETREAT

World class Karijini National Park is a must-see for any visitor to the Pilbara and located in the depths of the park is the magnificent Karijini Eco Retreat. Designed with the environment in mind • Deluxe and dorm style eco tents and cabins • Outback restaurant & bar • 15 min. walk trail to Joffre Gorge • Campground with BBQ facilities, showers/WC • Easy access - only 3km unsealed

Bookings T: (08) 9425 5591 E: reservations@karijiniecoretreat.com.au W: www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au Off Weano Road, Karijini National Park, Western Australia Owned by the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation

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Travel Products

1. Blunt Umbrella Striving to change the ‘throwaway’ culture of umbrellas, Blunt’s design is about workmanship and sustainability, meaning its canopy will not tear at the tips or easily turn inside out. Easy to store, adding a Blunt umbrella to your travel items is great for smart and sustainable travel. $99-$179, bluntumbrellas.com.au

Travel products These smart and savvy travel products will have you ready to dive head first into your next holiday. Compiled by: Sarah Hinder

2.Catherine Manuell Design Overnight Bowler Bag Perfectly suited for an overnight or long weekend trip, this lightweight and stylish bag has a separate base compartment for storing your laptop or shoes, an accessible side pocket for documents and essential items, and the option of adjustable shoulder or across-the-body straps. $180, catherinemanuelldesign.com

3. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

4. Scrubba Wash Bag

This compact choice is Canon’s ultimate travel companion camera with SuperZoom technology. Featuring 65x optical zoom and 130x zoom plus, 4K movie recording, auto lighting optimisation as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to transfer your photos to your smart phone – this could easily be the only travel camera you’ll ever need. $749, canon.com.au

This handy gadget is a pocketsized washing machine, providing a machine-quality wash in just minutes. Simply fill the lightweight bag with water and a dash of washing liquid, then scrub your clothes for three minutes. A Scrubba Wash Bag allows you to pack less, live green and have fresh, clean clothes anywhere, any time. $64.95, thescrubba.com.au

JUNE/JULY 2019

Travel Products

5. KobZ Smart Wallet

Small, light and efficient, this is a smart wallet of impeccable design. With storage for all the essentials – notes, credit cards and ID – and an inbuilt battery pack to charge your phone or tablet on the go, it’s the ultimate travel wallet. $99, top3.com.au

6. kangaroo island wool scarf A fabulous take-home souvenir, this beautiful scarf is a practical, zero-itch, no-pill, easy-care garment. Made from Kangaroo Island Wool’s finest merino and blended with eco fur, it is warm, light, soft and durable. Use the code ‘kangaroowool19’ to receive free shipping on all orders more than $150. $139, kangarooislandwool.com

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7. Black Chicken Remedies Travel Skin Care Kit

8. Welcome to Country, By Marcia Langton

Want to land your flight looking, smelling and feeling fabulous and – best of all – hydrated? Black Chicken Remedies Travel Skin Care Kit is your secret. Pack it in your luggage to ensure you’ll be prepared whatever happens on your trip. $74.95, blackchicken.com.au

This travel guide to Indigenous Australia and the Torres Strait Islands offers a fascinating look into the history and customs of our first peoples, and provides a state-by-state directory of Indigenous tourism experiences. $39.99, hardiegrant.com/au

Travel Products

9. The North Face Base Camp Duffel Potentially THE ultimate travel duffel bag, its tough, water-resistant material keeps your belongings safe and its clean-cut look – and range of sizes to choose from – means it’s an easy choice for all manner of travel, from off-the-grid camping to a casual weekend getaway. The duffel is built with organisational mesh pockets throughout, adjustable shoulder straps and padded side handles. $180-$300, thenorthface.com.au

11 10

10. LAPOD Lap Desk Holding all your laptop accessories in a single cushioned storage pod, the minimalist design LAPOD by Tony Heap both allows for easy storage and provides an ergonomic ‘lap desk’ when travelling. Store your laptop, charger, cables, mouse, USBs, tablet, stylus and more, and simply work from anywhere. $150, top3.com.au

11. Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II

12. R.M. Williams Classic Craftsman Boots

This second release of top-tier Bose headphones are engineered with even more precise noise-cancelling technology. Blocking out noise when travelling, the headphones are sturdy, impact-resistant and connect via Bluetooth. The best part: 20 hours of battery and super-quick charging. $499.95, bose.com.au

Put your best foot forward with these R.M.Williams’ iconic Craftsman boots. Handcrafted in the Adelaide workshop, the Craftsman boots feature a classic chisel-square toe with a flat heel, and are great for every occasion. $595, rmwilliams.com.au

JUNE/JULY 2019

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Travel Products

13. Dometic Portable Fridge The Dometic Waeco CFX portable fridge/freezer models are energy efficient with excellent cooling performance, even in high ambient temperatures. The CFX comes in various sizes, and is robust and reliable, whatever the conditions. You can live off the grid and run the CFX off the Dometic PLB40, a portable lithium battery which provides up to 40 hours of cooling on a single charge. From $999, dometic.com

14. Afternoons with Albert Cord Roll This essential travel companion allows you to neatly tuck away your small electronics and belongings, allowing you to enjoying travelling rather than searching through cords. Made with vegetable tanned leather, these cord rolls are 100 per cent handcrafted â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cut, stamped and sewn by hand. $75, top3.com.au

15. goTenna Mesh When venturing off grid or out of range, this USB-sized device pairs with your smartphone to send texts and GPS locations without reception, data or Wi-Fi. With a range of up to

6.4 kilometres, the device works well for keeping safe and connected when on an outdoor adventure, travelling overseas and when attending a festival or stuck in a large crowd. $254, gotennamesh.com

16. Catherine Manuell Design Airport Trolley Set This boutique design labelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature piece blends a classic hard-shell twopiece set with colourful eye-catching fabrics. Made with tough materials designed for airport travel, the two pieces can be used separately or smartly joined together for easy airport carting. $450, catherinemanuelldesign.com

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Travel Products

17. Wacaco Nanopresso One of the most innovative portable espresso machines on the market, the Nanopresso brews a high-quality espresso, wherever you are in the world. All that’s required is ground coffee and boiling water; the rest is taken care of by the easy-to-use manual pumping system. It’s light, ergonomic and eco-friendly. $91.90, wacaco.com

18. Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow Jacket

19. Anker PowerCore+ 20100

From a drizzle to a downpour, this breathable raincoat is designed to keep the wearer on-the-go through any weather. Light, stretchy and easily packable, the rain jacket is made from 100 per cent recycled nylon yarns, and comes in both men’s and women’s sizes. $279.95, patagonia.com.au

This ultra-high capacity portable charger is impressive for its charging speed and flexibility to charge a range of devices. Simultaneously charging up to three devices, it lasts up to seven days without recharging and is compatible with Apple and Android phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, consoles and more. $159.95, myanker.com.au

20. Retreatment Botanics by Olivia Newton-John

Take care of your skin even when on the go. Australian singer-songwriter, actress, author and environmental and animal rights champion Olivia Newton-John has launched an all-natural luxury skincare range. To ensure a completely holistic experience, each formula features all-natural aromas, which evoke the sensory journey of a timeless retreat. $39-$95, retreatmentbotanics.com

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NEWS+VIEWS | MINING | AGRIBUSINESS | INFRASTRUCTURE

27 p.10 digital effectiveness in mining P.16 the smart farm P.22 aussie eggs: the cage-free movement P.27 australian wagyu beef P.32 property biz: buying off the plan P.37 education spotlight: st annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college P.39 financE tips: wealth protection

We’re there in person when it counts At Elders Insurance we’ll make the effort to come to you, no matter how remote. While other insurance companies may think that’s going too far for a customer, we don’t think we can go far enough. Because in a crisis the last thing you need to be chasing is your insurance company. Whatever insurance you need, there’s a good chance we can help. Contact us for a personalised quote.

eldersinsurance.com.au | Call 13 56 22 Underwritten by QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd. ABN 78 003 191 035. AFSL 239545. Consider the PDS to decide if a product is right for you.

Business News+Views Bringing you the latest insights and analysis.

WORDS: libby masi & sarah hinder

Maqro’s hybrid robo-advice model could be the next big thing for investors Robo-advice is the latest innovation shaking up the financial services industry. A combination of a loss of faith in existing adviser services and the growing popularity of high-tech, self-serve digital solutions has led to a spike in the use of online investment advice. Maqro is on a mission to harness this change in preferences to robo-advice and is working to provide Australian investors with smart technology-driven solutions. Robo-advice is an automated financial service using portfolio management algorithms to optimise clients’ investments. Maqro co-founder Conrad Song explains: “By being able to gather huge amounts of information together more effectively than a human adviser – such as years of market movements, fund performance, product features and more – robo-advice is one of AI’s most exciting applications.” What sets Maqro apart from other organisations offering robo-advice services is its ground-breaking hybrid model, which provides clients access to systematic algorithmic investment strategies online and combines

the best features of this financial service, the objectivity of robo-advice and a human connection via its chat interface, which allows investors to communicate with their adviser. Maqro has a team of knowledgeable, experienced advisers with a passion for investment and innovation. “Maqro’s solution is forging new ground in two ways. For investors it’s a transparent, cost-effective way to get high-quality, unbiased advice delivered by a real human,” says Song. “For advisers in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive marketplace, it’s an innovative solution they can white-label and scale to suit their business.” Maqro works to provide profitable, convenient and technology-focused products that can be taken anywhere with its mobile app. It’s a useful tool for those looking for affordable investment advice options. The robo-advice market is currently worth $500 billion and is expected to grow beyond $1 trillion in 2020. As an innovation that is changing the way everyday Australians invest, Maqro’s trajectory is one to be watched. For more information visit maqro.com.au  JUNE/JULY 2019

Business News+Views

Atlas People expands to New Zealand Atlas People recruits qualified chefs to work in regional and remote towns around Australia. Remote pubs, clubs and restaurant operators find Atlas People’s service invaluable when they require an extra hand, as one call to the team provides access to a pool of high-quality accredited chefs. Now, after 15 years in operation, the company is expanding into New Zealand, both broadening its first-rate talent pool and providing chefs from both countries the opportunity to work abroad and expand their skill set. Aussie chefs will have the opportunity to work New Zealand’s ski season surrounded by picturesque landscapes, while Kiwi chefs can embrace the small-town charm of regional Australia. Managing Director Doug Fletcher explains that when working with

Kennards Hire: meeting the needs of Australia’s resources sector As operators in the resources sector know all too well, even the smallest delay can cause significant disruption to a project. Managing large-scale operations in some of Australia’s most remote locations means operators require access to reliable equipment, innovative technology and skilled technicians who put safety first. “What [Kennards Hire] offers is a complete partnership, where we work with our customers from initial planning right through to equipment delivery and ongoing management for the life of their projects,” says Tony Symons, Kennards Hire General Manager, WA and NT. Major resource operations, such

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as mine sites, are as diverse as they are complex, and rely on their supplier to provide equipment that will meet the tough demands of any task. This is where technology is increasingly taking a front seat. Cloud-based fleet and Bluetooth tracking systems, mobile sign-in/ sign-out systems and the use of QR codes are a few ways that equipment technology is meeting the growing demands of the construction, mining, oil and gas industries. By implementing the latest technology, Kennards Hire is leading the industry and delivering new service innovations to its customers. For more information call 135 135 or visit kennards.com.au 

Atlas People you are dealing with a team of experienced staff who understand the hospitality industry and, in particular, clients’ needs in regional and remote towns. “Our ‘try before you hire’ service and available talent pool means we can have a chef in place within 24 to 72 hours, no matter the location,” he says. “Let’s face it, anyone can find a chef in the city because of the sheer number of people who live there, however away from the city, as any owner or manager of any business will tell you, it is hard to find qualified people.” Call (07) 3088 3700 for Australian east coast locations, (08) 9468 7500 for west coast locations, and +64 3 6694796 for New Zealand locations. You can also visit atlaspeople.com.au or email admin@atlaspeople.com.au

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Business News+Views

Mining industry supports AIMEX Registrations for Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) 2019 edition are now open, with more than 6,000 mining industry professionals and an additional 2,000 exhibitor personnel set to take over Sydney Showground for three days this August 27–29. More than 500 exhibitors are expected to attend the event, which brings decision makers and mining leaders from across the world to AIMEX, with ContiTech Australia, ESS Engineering, ALFAGOMMA, Cummins, Hitachi and Volkswagen signed up for the exhibition. For the second time, a free-to-attend multi-stream mining conference will be embedded within the exhibition, providing visitors the opportunity to hear from mining innovators and disruptors. The AIMEX conference, brought to visitors by Davey Bickford Enaex, will focus on the changing of mindsets and how to survive the impact of future technological, social and environmental changes. The conference will also cover the rise of automation and robotics as well as the use of AR and VR to enhance safety training for staff. In a first for AIMEX, five of Australia’s biggest mining companies will come together to create the AIMEX Mining Pavilion. Centennial Coal, Glencore, MACH Energy and Whitehaven Coal will join Yancoal Australia to outline their enterprises, connect with suppliers and drive recruitment strategies. Centennial Coal’s Executive General Manager

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Approvals, Sustainability & Corporate Communications Katie Brassil said involvement in the AIMEX Mining Pavilion allows Centennial Coal to promote the company’s initiatives and engage with the industry and suppliers more broadly. “We think it is a perfect opportunity for us to tell our story, not just in terms of Centennial and what we do and that we are loud and proud coal miners, but also the story of our communities and our most valuable asset: our workforce,” says Brassil. “Our people look forward to AIMEX. As a company, we encourage and promote innovation, and [are] on a digital transformation journey. AIMEX provides a fantastic opportunity for our people to experience the latest products and equipment up close, and to network with suppliers and industry peers.” AIMEX Event Director Brandon Ward said the newly launched Mining Pavilion, along with the conference component of AIMEX, adds significant weight to encourage mining professionals to attend the biennial event this year. “AIMEX is the most important mining industry event in 2019,“ says Ward. “We are delighted to welcome five mining companies onboard this year as part of our first AIMEX Mining Pavilion, and are excited to bring together our second free-to-attend conference, which will again give attendees the chance to hear from industry experts and to challenge them on what the future holds for the sector.” Registrations for AIMEX are now open at aimex.com.au

Business News+Views

Keypoint demystifies property investment for Aussie taxpayers Keypoint Management Group is an investment management company based in the heart of Leederville, Perth. Stimulating conversation around the aspirations of hardworking ‘Pay As You Go’ Australians, Keypoint uses property investment as a vehicle to leverage tax and inflation to build a future asset base and to provide everyday Australians with greater financial and lifestyle options, such as funding education, travel and retirement. Property investing requires co-ordinating a myriad of services, including builders, finance brokers, accountants, property managers and financial planners, which can prove to be arduous in the often time poor world of their clients. Keypoint has fostered the best mix of these services over the last 12 years to ensure a smooth progression from goal setting, financial modelling to implementation. Keypoint empowers its clients to ‘jump off the treadmill of life’, to consider their finances and how they could be doing things more efficiently. With an aim to demystify the world of property investment, Keypoint ensures its clients are armed with the knowledge to build an asset base with the confidence of having a seasoned team doing all the heavy lifting. To find out more call 1300 859 320 or visit keypointmg.com.au

Inland Rail project delivers savings to the agricultural industry Recent research by the CSIRO into the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Project has recognised a shift in the transportation of agricultural products from road to rail. The national science agency’s analysis predicts that by replacing existing agricultural road trips with Inland Rail lines, the industry could save between $64 and $94 per tonne, with an overall potential to reduce industry costs by an estimated $70 million per year. CSIRO Principal Research Scientist Dr Andrew Higgins explains that the savings will be beneficial across all levels of the Australian agricultural industry. “The benefit is for those selling to market, basically large farming corporations, food companies and those behind processing facilities... the savings would then be passed back on to farmers.” The Australian Government has committed $9.3 billion to complete the 1700-kilometre spine of Australia’s freight rail network, connecting Melbourne to Brisbane in 24 hours. For more information on the CSIRO research report findings visit csiro.au  JUNE/JULY 2019

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World’s largest telescope will have you seeing stars A team of Australia’s brightest has joined forces to design local infrastructure for the world’s largest radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). This billiondollar project will provide scientists the ability to explore the universe in unprecedented detail, hundreds of times faster than any current facility allows. The entire SKA project was designed by more than 500 engineers and scientists from 20 countries, making it a global mega-science undertaking. The SKA will be co-hosted in South Africa’s Karoo Region and Western Australia’s Murchison Shire, which were chosen for several reasons – from their above atmosphere, to the radio quietness as a result of being some of the most remote locations on the planet. While South Africa is set to host high- and mid-frequency dishes

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across the continent, Western Australia will host 132,00 lowfrequency SKA antennas, with more than 65,000 fibre optic cables connecting to a data-processing facility stretching 2,000 square kilometres across the outback. “The data flows will be on the scale of petabits, or a million billion bits, per second – more than the global internet rate today, all flowing into a single building in the Murchison,” says CSIRO’s SKA Infrastructure Consortium Director Antony Schinckel. SKA Infrastructure Australia will be led by CSIRO with the help of Australia’s national science agency and industry partner Aurecon Australia, building all that is needed to make the radio telescope a reality. Aurecon’s Senior Project Engineer Shandip Abeywickrema claims the design team’s biggest challenge

was minimising radio ‘noise’ created by the systems placed at the hightech astronomy observatory – which is essential to avoid drowning out the faint signals from space the telescope is designed to detect. Australian SKA Director David Luchetti says: “CSIRO and Aurecon have delivered world-class designs, and the collaboration between the Australian and South African infrastructure consortia is a great example of the massive global effort behind the SKA project.” Once all designs are completed, they will go through a rigorous design review for the entire SKA system, to ensure there are no errors. This will take place ahead of the development of a construction proposal, with construction expected to begin in 2020. For more information, visit csiro.au/mro or ska.gov.au

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Mining

AI and the digital mine BIG DATA, ANALYTICS AND AI ARE TRANSFORMING OUR WORLD. THEY WILL HAVE A SIMILAR IMPACT ON THE MINING INDUSTRY.

In its recent report, ‘The top 10 business risks facing mining and metals 2019–2020‘, consultancy firm Ernst & Young (EY) placed digital effectiveness as the number-two business risk facing mining companies, down one place from its position last year. According to the report, although Australian mining companies lead the world in automation, they’re well off the pace when it comes to the digital transformation gathering force in other industries. According to EY, “a recent poll of over 600 mining and metals executives revealed that a significant 37 per cent of

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management have little or no knowledge of the digital landscape. The stark reality is that digital is the key to achieving productivity and margin improvements. Miners are making significant strides in applying digital solutions to single issues or bottlenecks. But it is only when miners apply these solutions across the entire value chain to create a digital mine that they can truly transform and emerge as the dominant players in the market.” Like any fundamental transformation, transitioning to a digital supply network (DSN) will take time. It cannot be done overnight,

however industries that have already begun their digital transformation journey have left clear signposts for those following. The transition to the digital mine of the future begins almost invariably with a focus on core mining processes, working towards the goal of automating mining operations and digitising those assets. The technologies driving this step change include autonomous vehicles, wearable technology, threedimensional (3D) printing, drones and a plethora of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors all connected in real time through a pervasive network. While this level of automation

Mining

Darren Baguley Darren specialises in the fields of technology, mining, agriculture, energy and business.

Fast Facts

1951

In 1951, CSIR Mk.1 (later CSIRAC) was the first computer in the world to play music at the first computer conference held in Australia.

2.5 quintillion

The world currently creates 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every day.

and interconnectedness will greatly increase safety and improve profitability through efficiency and reduced maintenance costs, the real value will be found in the data these systems generate and capture. Nevertheless, when it comes to big data, remember what they say: data is not information, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, understanding is not wisdom. Nowhere is this truism more correct than in the mining industry. To truly create the digital mine, information must flow from node to node of the digital supply network through a series of iterative steps known as the physical-digital-physical (PDP) loop. In a PDP loop, data is first captured in the physical world through sensors and warehouse in enterprise resource planning (ERP) or similar systems – essentially creating a digital record. The captured data is analysed and useful insights are gleaned, informing actions and decision-making in the physical world. In the report, ‘Tracking the trends 2019: The top 10 issues transforming the future of mining‘, consultancy Deloitte contends, “Although most mining companies have the first stage

of the PDP loop in place, and many have the second, far fewer are yet able to harness the last, most important stage – the ability to act on the data they have analysed. In fact, some research shows that miners may use less than 1 per cent of the data they collect from their equipment. “Before the industry can use the supply network to fuel growth, rather than merely driving incremental improvements, a cultural shift must take place – one that empowers executives to make decisions by relying on data outputs rather than on gut experience. This is ultimately the nirvana of the DSN – the ability to leverage advanced algorithms, AI and machine learning to turn data into insights that allow companies to reduce their capital expenditures, respond to changing project requirements on the fly and optimise mine planning to integrate real-time changes.” To truly unlock this value, companies will have to completely rethink the way they use information. Creating an information layer that aggregates data in multiple timelines from across the digital supply network will enable mining companies to use data-driven analytics to inform planning, control and decision-making.  JUNE/JULY 2019

Mining

One of the many challenges this data-gathering presents, however, is its sheer volume. The world currently creates 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every day, and as the IoT becomes ever more pervasive this number will increase exponentially. For a human to draw insight from this data unaided is akin to drinking from a firehose, so mining organisations are tackling the challenge with the aid of analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). For the purposes of definition, AI can be thought of as machines that are able to perform tasks that up until now required human intelligence. As AI becomes a reality, three stages of development are becoming apparent. Stage one is AI that digitises processes but still requires human assistance and interpretation – robotic process automation, for example. In stage two AI uses machine learning to augment human decision-making. Machine learning ‘trains’ algorithms with large amounts of data and the algorithm responds without being explicitly programmed. Finally, in stage three AI decides and executes autonomously in response to an overarching directive, eg a fully

AusBiz.

autonomous haul truck or dragline. Many mining organisations, especially those below the top tier of miners, are only working at stage one AI, or not working with AI at all. Leading mining companies have been at stage one for some time now and are now moving towards stage two, where AI drives cognitive insights which are used to augment human decision-making. In a case study cited by Deloitte, “A global miner’s haul trucks that operate within the pit were often observed queuing at the crusher and shovels. Analysis of truck fleet data revealed an uneven distribution of haul trucks between shovels. This resulted in longer cycle times and truck bunching. Through the adoption of machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT), truck cycle efficiency was improved, resulting in greater capital utilisation and increased annual material movement.” To succeed in transitioning to a digital supply chain which fully uses the capacity of AI to transform operations, miners will need to think big, start small and scale fast. Thinking big means getting clear on the vision, strategy and desired

business outcomes for the future. Starting small means executing on the strategy by designing and delivering in sprints. Scaling fast means developers work quickly to get to minimum viable product, rapidly scale up and embed successful products operationally before moving on to the next one. According to Deloitte China’s Mining and Metals Leader, Kevin Xu, “The mining sector is at the earliest stages of building a digital supply network – which is both a risk and an opportunity. Those organisations that crack the code around fully interlinking their supply chains can gain the end-to-end visibility they need to enhance their asset utilisation, operational efficiency and productivity – realising hard dollar savings as a result.” Australia was the third country in the world after the UK and the USA to have an operational computer, an early lead which subsequent generations squandered. Top-tier Australian mining companies are leading or level with the rest of the world when it comes to AI and digitally transforming the mining supply chain. Hopefully we’ll learn from history.

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Increase safety on your site with proximity detection systems According to Safe Work Australia, the mining industry has seen a 51 per cent increase in the number of serious claims for disease and injury between 2000-01 and 2013-14. Proximity detection and collision awareness systems are the kind of safeguards that mine operators can implement to reduce accidents, keep track of machine movements and mitigate risk across the site. Proximity detection systems can increase safety onsite by alerting machine operators, drivers of light vehicles and individuals on foot to their proximity to other workers via small devices fitted to the machine or worn on clothing. Collision awareness technology alerts operators to collisions, either with other machines or assets such as coal valves or stackers and reclaimers on stockpiles when they enter an avoidance zone. Since the technology’s inception, proximity detection and collision awareness solutions have become both more sophisticated and easier to use. Historically some systems have been known to ‘over alarm’ or be very complex to install and manage, becoming a hindrance to productivity. This ‘boy who cried wolf’ situation can lead to more dangerous conditions onsite with machine operators and workers not treating alarms with the same seriousness due to the high number of false alarms. The way to reduce these false alarms and increase urgency and reaction to alarms is to improve accuracy. Some systems, such as those by Blue Electronics, have features that increase accuracy and greatly reduce false alarms. Blue Electronics has improved the technology around its collision avoidance systems with the use of

SBAS and Bluetooth low-energy technology – a fail-safe method that covers you if your GPS drops out. According to Position Partners, Blue Electronics’ solution provider for Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, the systems offer a highly modular and user-friendly solution. “The devices can be installed in a matter of minutes on any machine, heavy or light, so they can be swapped between plants,” said Andrew Granger, Position Partners Business Development Manager for Mining. “A relative accuracy of +/- 1 metre is achievable with no special infrastructure,” he added. “However, for applications requiring higher accuracy, such as stockpiles and rehabilitation, operators can upgrade the system by adding a base station or our AllDayRTK network and achieve accuracies of +/- 25mm. These systems are extremely reliable and easy to deploy – they are a great option for all mine sites, large or small.” JUNE/JULY 2019

Agribusiness

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT ‘SMART FARMS’ CAN INCREASE YIELDS AND REDUCE OPERATING COSTS, BUT IS THE AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY READY FOR DIGITAL FARMING?

IoT is coming to a farm near you Australian farmers are often romanticised as ’battlers’ – men and women who persevere through wildly unpredictable events such as drought, plagues of pests, floods and our country’s woeful internet coverage to deliver fresh produce and goods to millions of people around the world. Extreme hardship is accepted as a way of life for many Australian farmers – but does it have to be? What if managing thousands of hectares of crops or hundreds of paddocks filled with livestock could all be done at the touch of a button from an iPad or smartphone? What if farming could be smart not hard? “The next generation of Aussie farmers is much more open to

AusBiz.

new technologies,” says Dominik Baumeister, Strategy, Innovation & Technology Partner at PwC. “It keeps them tied to the industry, and, surprisingly, our research shows that the agriculture industry as a whole is really open to new technologies, compared to the construction industry, for instance.” Baumeister is referring to the research he helped pull together for a 2018 report that PwC prepared for the Australian Computer Society, titled ’Australia’s IoT Opportunity: Driving Future Growth’. The report predicts that the Internet of Things (IoT) and ‘smart farming’ could deliver benefits of $14-22 billion to the Australian agriculture industry

annually through improved crop and livestock yields, reduced wastage and livestock mortality, operational process improvements, and maintenance and labour cost savings. But what exactly is a ’smart farm’?

Connecting things

The Australian Government’s Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation defines IoT as “a wirelessly connected network of objects and devices enabling computers, machines, infrastructure, animals and people to transfer data between each other, without human interaction”. Unlike agtech that seeks to solve only one problem – such as how to shear a sheep faster or automate 

Agribusiness

Lisa Smyth Business and travel writer Lisa Smyth is a non-stop nomad, living everywhere from Myanmar and Germany to PNG.

Fast Facts

The digital IQ of Australians is 2 per cent below the global average.

USD $0.30

The average cost of a sensor in 2023 will be USD $0.30, down from USD $0.50 in 2016. JUNE/JULY 2019

Agribusiness

irrigation processes better – IoT technology allows farmers to closely monitor, in real time, the environment and health of their entire property, plus all their machines, crops and livestock, using a series of sensors and drones connected to a central system. Using historical data from that specific farm alongside data sets from the region and even the country, a farmer can be alerted to the best time to harvest, when a machine needs maintenance, and even when a cow is about to give

AusBiz.

birth. A smart farm helps the farmer predict the future and act proactively, rather than reactively. “We found that smart farms can help in two key areas: process improvements and efficiencies, which will lead to cost reduction and, more dramatically, predicting things like water and fertiliser needs could increase yields by up to 25 per cent,” explains Baumeister. “This will be crucial to maintaining Australia’s global competitiveness in the sector.”

The future is here

It is estimated that by next year the number of IoT devices for agricultural use will have reached 75 million. Already, in 2016, it was reported that 40 per cent of growers in the US corn industry (producing 70 per cent of the crop) were using IoT applications to manage their cropping program, helping with decisions about

pesticide use and planting density. Closer to home, dozens, if not hundreds, of projects and trials are taking place across the country. In Tasmania the government is developing an IoT solution to help oyster farmers predict and adapt to disease and climate change. Calum Carruth, co-owner of the 170,000-hectare Murchison House Station in Western Australia, told iTnews in January that he believed his recently installed whole-of-farm connectivity system would save the business $25,000 in water costs in the first year alone, and “that’s without factoring in that my workers can do something else instead of trough runs.” “Technologies like servers and drones are still quite visible, but in the future the technology will be very much in the background, working autonomously, without the need for people to do the analysing and number-crunching,” explains Dr Rachelle Hergenhan, a member of 

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Agribusiness

the University of New England’s SMART Farms project team. “But connectivity and cost are two of the major hurdles to implementing IoT solutions on Australian farms. You need the internet for remote access, so a poultry farmer can check the temperature and humidity in their henhouses, or a crop farmer can monitor soil moisture and adjust accordingly in real time. IoT is a decision support tool, and the flow-on effects from making better decisions earlier are numerous.”

Social licence to operate

While many regional and remote telecommunications networks have sprung up in recent years to service areas where the NBN can’t reach and 3G or 4G services are patchy, cost-effective connectivity remains the biggest hurdle for Australian producers to implement IoT technologies. In the US, Microsoft’s Project FarmBeats has been trialling the idea of laying Wi-Fi over TV whitespaces – essentially unused

TV channels – but such advances are few and far between down under. “Australia needs to up its game in innovation; we are a reasonable way behind the rest of the world,” says Baumeister. “An unprecedented 27 years of economic growth has made us complacent and created a culture of limited innovation.” A lack of connectivity and innovation is of even bigger concern when you consider just how far-reaching the effects of IoT technologies can be. With more consumers than ever demanding information about the environmental and ethical impacts of agricultural production, actors all along the supply chain can benefit from full traceability and transparency of a product from paddock to plate. For instance, Woolworths is pursuing one of the country’s largest IoT projects, installing sensors throughout its supply chain. Codenamed Fresh Insights, it won’t just optimise

efficiencies – the company plans to make data available to shoppers so they can check the provenance of produce and goods. “These days farmers must prove they looked after the land and livestock in order to have a social licence to farm in Australia,” notes Hergenhan. “A group might accuse a farmer of polluting a water source, but if they have a smart farm, the data can disprove those claims. It’s a win for farmers and customers.”

Fast Fact

IBM

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AusBiz.

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Australian Eggs

THREE good eggs HATCHING FRESH PLANS TO FREE HENS FROM CAGED LIFE.

Ian Lloyd Neubauer With nearly 20 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; journalism experience, Ian is abreast of global news as it happens.

AusBiz.

Australian Eggs

ntil the 1980s, keeping a few chooks in the backyard for eggs was an everyday part of the Australian experience. But as our population expanded and cities became denser, we started buying commercially produced eggs at supermarkets and grocery stores. To keep hens safe from predators and disease, farmers developed a new system of production whereby flocks were housed in individual cages about the size of a sheet of A4 paper. By the 80s, caged eggs accounted for 80 per cent of consumption in Australia. The system proved highly efficient, but according to animal welfare groups was cruel as it restricted the birds’ behavioural needs: fluffing their wings, perching, bathing in dust and scratching around in the grass for insects. In the past decade, the movement has sparked a return to non-cage production systems which allow hens to move around freely and enjoy a better quality of life. Today, nearly 45 per cent of all eggs sold in Australia prescribe to animal welfare norms. This issue at AusBiz we meet three Australian egg farmers who’ve transitioned from cage to non-cage systems, including one who’s pioneered an entirely new way to house hens – a system that’s now being adopted by farmers all over the world.

The veteran

From humble beginnings in 1946, Golden Eggs has become Western Australia’s largest producer, with seven farms processing a million eggs per day. “I’m old enough to remember when all our chooks were free-range,” says Managing Director Peter Bell. “But in the 60s and 70s, we moved about 95 per cent of our flock to cages. Now we’ve moved about 60 per cent back to non-cage systems. The major supermarket chains have been a real driver of egg-purchasing habits. The media has also had a huge impact.” Bell and the 200 staff at Golden Eggs use two kinds of non-cage production systems – free-range and barn-laid, the latter referring to eggs laid by hens who live in big sheds equipped with nesting boxes, perches for hens to jump on, and food and watering systems. “Essentially it’s very similar to the free-range system,” says Bell. “The barns are highly automated and we control the temperature to create the optimum environment. The only real difference is the hens can’t go outside during the day. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing because when hens are indoors they’re safe from eagles and foxes. One free-range farmer in New South Wales said he had to shoot 12 foxes every weekend.” Barn-laid eggs cost less to produce than free-range 

F R E E - R A N G E H E N S AT G O L D E N E G G S FA R M .

Australian Eggs

eggs because they take up less farmland. They retail in supermarkets for about $4 a dozen – $1 less than Golden Eggs’ free-range equivalent. “The biggest challenges for farmers who transition from caged to non-caged are livestock management practices,” Bell says. “When hens are in cages, not that much can go wrong with them. But the moment they start scratching around on the ground they’re exposed to bacterial infections and all kinds of diseases.”

The free radical

Morry Wroby’s egg farm in the Victorian town of Seymour originally produced fertilised eggs or embryos for a pharmaceutical producer of human flu vaccines. But when demand for vaccines hit rock bottom in 2012, he retooled his business to produce free-range eggs, renaming it Lucky Chicken Eggs. “Imagine the boss at your office locked the doors and you couldn’t go outside. You’d feel pretty stressed, wouldn’t you?” Wroby asks. “But if the doors were open, you wouldn’t worry about it. Your office has air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter. You’re better off being inside. “In the same way, we never close the doors on their barns. Some hens will spend all day outside, some only go outside once every two or three days, and about 15 per cent never go out – we don’t know why. But the

AusBiz.

important thing is that the hens get to decide.” Lucky Chicken Eggs has tripled in size since 2012, with nine free-range egg farms across the state producing 250,000 dozen eggs a week, sold exclusively at Coles. The company also produces a niche brand of even ’freer’ free-range eggs called Valley Park – the only egg brand in Victoria certified by the RSPCA. At $6.90 a dozen, they cost double the price of caged eggs, but sell like hotcakes in the supermarket. “The reason they’re so expensive is that the freer the hens are, the higher the mortality rate,” Morry explains. “If you want to make sure your kids never get sick, you’d keep them locked up all day. But if you send them to school, they’re going to fall down in the playground, scratch their knees, get into fights and catch the flu. But that’s life and it’s also our creed. We give our hens a good life worth living.”

The caravan kid

In 2010, at the age of 24, Port Macquarie man Daniel O’Brien set himself the goal of producing the best certified organic eggs in Australia. He assumed it would take him a few years, but within 12 months his company Oxhill Organics was supplying restaurants like Rockpool by Neil Perry and Agape – one of Sydney’s top organic restaurants. “Chefs would say this was the best egg they’d ever tasted; they held together so well and were so bright,” O’Brien says. One day he was looking at a large patch of ground, which

Australian Eggs

his chooks had very quickly turned from grass to dirt. Hens don’t like to move far from their barn because of their innate fear of predators, so it was very hard to shift them around. But what if he moved the barn? Not just once, but regularly? It would spread the hens’ manure evenly across his paddock, giving the grass a chance to regrow and the chickens a ’salad buffet’ – fresh grass stocked with bugs and beetles. The solution? A mobile pasture-egg barn that you can hook up to a tractor and move around like a caravan. “One day someone said, ’you should sell these’,” O’Brien recalls. “I thought the cost would be prohibitive – I spent $25,000 building the first one. But when I put a video up on YouTube showing how it works, I started getting emails and calls from farmers in America saying they wanted to buy one. It was so big it could never fit in a shipping container, so I teamed up with my brother and we re-engineered them as flat-packs. We sold our houses and lived on noodles for a year – put everything on the line. The investment paid off. We sold 12 in the first year.” In 2013, the Chicken Caravan was named Australian Farm Invention of the Year by NSW Farmers Federation. Today they sell in more than a dozen countries and are recognised as the industry leader. “We’re constantly improving them,” reveals O’Brien. “Now they have solar panels and we have people flying in from as far away as Angola to see how they work.”

OVER CHOOK EGGS? TRY THESE: Duck eggs

Blue in colour and higher in protein, duck eggs are 50 per cent larger than hens’ eggs. Demand is driven by the Filipino community and restaurants who use them in sponges and pavlovas. RRP: $9 per dozen

Quail eggs

Olive-sized, quail eggs are full of vitamin D. Great for canapés, bento boxes and a whole gamut of Asian food. Raising Japanese quails at home is easy – five can live in one square metre. RRP: $5.50 per dozen

Emu eggs

F R O M L E F T: GOLDEN EGGS; C H I C K E N C A R AVA N ; DANIEL O'BRIEN, FOUNDER O F C H I C K E N C A R AVA N .

Emerald green and the size of a mini-football. Prized by Indigenous Australians and bodybuilders for their super-high concentration of protein and healthy fats. RRP: $3 each.

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Australian Wagyu Beef

Darren Baguley Darren specialises in the fields of technology, mining, agriculture, energy and business.

Bright future for Wagyu beef

CURRENTLY IN A HOLDING PATTERN DUE TO REDUCED PROFITABILITY, WAGYU BEEF OFFERS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR CATTLE PRODUCERS LOOKING TO BREAK OUT OF THE COMMODITY BEEF MARKET. There is no doubt that Australian beef producers have been doing it tough in recent years, with drought in New South Wales and Queensland leading to skyrocketing feed prices. But while higher grain costs have reduced profitability and seen herd expansion stop, premium Wagyu beef retains a bright future in Australian agriculture. So, what is Wagyu beef and how are Wagyu cattle different from common beef breeds such as Angus

and Hereford? Wagyu beef is grain-fed to a high degree and has rapidly developed a reputation as a premium product. Indeed, Australian Wagyu producer Jack’s Creek has had the current title of World’s Best Steak Producer for two consecutive years, as well as World’s Best Fillet Steak in 2017. Fans of Wagyu say it is almost as different as lamb is to beef; its fine intramuscular marbling of mostly monounsaturated fat has a low melting point which, when  JUNE/JULY 2019

Australian Wagyu Beef

cooked, gives the meat an incredibly tender and juicy flavour. ’Wagyu’ translates simply as ’Japanese cow’, and there are four distinct breeds: Japanese Black, Japanese Polled, Japanese Brown and Japanese Shorthorn. All four derive from cross-breeding Asian cattle with mostly European and British breeds in the 20th century. The Japanese Black makes up 90 per cent of all fattened cattle in Japan, and most Wagyu in Australia derive from that breed. While there are Wagyu herds in Canada, the US and the UK, due to an accident of history Australia has the largest herd outside of Japan. During the 90s, the genetics from 220 animals were exported from Japan to Australia via the US, because at the time there was no trade protocol for the export of semen or live animals from Japan to Australia. Not long after the material was received in Australia, Japan banned the export of Wagyu genetics. According to Australian Wagyu Association CEO Dr Matt McDonagh, from that initial importation the Australian Wagyu herd has continued to grow, expanding 20 per cent year on year between 2013 and 2018. Currently, around 100,000 purebred Australian Wagyu can trace their bloodlines back to the original 220 animals. There are a further 200,000 Wagyu-cross animals that are mostly Wagyu bulls over Angus cows and Wagyu bulls over Angus-cross Wagyu cows – known as F1 and F2 crosses. Surprisingly for an animal that originated in Japan, where they were hand-fed from birth and used as beasts of burden, Wagyu and Wagyu-cross animals have thrived in every part of the country from Tasmania to Northern Australia. According to McDonagh, a big part of their success is the breed’s biology. “Wagyu females are quite small compared to European breeds. Females are typically around

AusBiz.

500 kilograms – 600 kilograms is considered a very big cow by Wagyu standards, whereas bulls can get to 800 or 1000 kilograms,” he says. “And Wagyu cows are very efficient and effective. They can thrive in just about any of the Australian conditions; their inherent fat makes them very fertile and they produce small calves that grow out into large cattle that can go into feedlots.” One of the salient features of Wagyu in Australia is the high level of vertical integration; typically, the beef producer, feedlot and exporter will be owned by the same company. According to McDonagh, “90 per cent of Australian Wagyu production is exported, but with the increase in production of Wagyu beef in Australia, Australian consumers are starting to get exposure to Wagyu products. They’re starting to understand the difference in Wagyu and non-Wagyu, so supermarkets, high-quality butchers and hatted restaurants such as Rockpool and Cha Cha Cha are leading to recognition of Wagyu in the domestic market. “Wagyu is a very different paradigm to standard commodity beef, as highquality cuts are worth several hundred dollars per kilogram in export markets. So, where the rest of the industry is focused on how you can produce at as low a cost as possible, Wagyu is a race to the top – how can you produce the best-quality product possible?” While Wagyu has been on an upward trajectory for several years, in the past few years growth has flattened out. Because Wagyu cattle’s diet has a high grain content, the recent drought in New South Wales and Queensland, and subsequent rise in grain prices, has led to reduced profitability for mainstream producers. There is, however, a small number of pasture-fed Wagyu producers who have not been impacted by the rise in grain prices. One of these is 

Fast Facts

90,000

Australia produces 90,000 tonnes of Wagyu beef annually.

0 to 9+

Meat Standards Australia grades marbling on a scale of 0 to 9+; typically only full-blood/ purebred Wagyu can score at the upper end of that scale.

Australian Wagyu Beef

JUNE/JULY 2019

Australian Wagyu Beef

Gundooee Organics’ Rob Lennon, Australia’s only certified organic pasture-fed Wagyu producer. Lennon purchased his 760-hectare property near Leadville in 1998 and became organically certified in 2006. A practitioner of Allan Savory’s Holistic Management™, he currently runs 300 F2 Wagyu cattle (75 per cent purebred Wagyu and 25 per cent Angus) across 30 paddocks, which have around 70 species of deep-rooted primarily native perennial pastures. During winter, green oats are ‘pasture cropped’ into the dormant native pasture to provide a supplementary food source. According to Lennon, “Our focus fundamentally revolves around building soil fertility, with healthy soils being our greatest farming asset. Our health is inextricably linked to soil. Healthy soil

AusBiz.

“Wagyu is a very different paradigm to standard commodity beef, as high-quality cuts are worth several hundred dollars per kilogram in export markets... Wagyu is a race to the top – how can you produce the best-quality product possible?” is needed for healthy grass, which in turn feeds the cattle we consume. “Our grasses have a symbiotic relationship with the microbes living in our soil. Root exudates, containing minerals and sugars, feed beneficial (hopefully) microbes. In turn, these microbes form a barrier against pathogens that attack the roots.” Gundooee Organics supplies to nearly a dozen fine quality butcher shops

in New South Wales and Queensland, as well as several hatted restaurants. While there is little doubt that the drought is causing growth in Wagyu production to slow down, the opportunities for producers to supply a high-end product to a luxury market mean demand for Wagyu will continue to grow globally, and Australian producers are ideally positioned to meet that demand.

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Property Biz. INFINITY BY CROWN IN S Y D N E Y WA S D E S I G N E D B Y AWA R D - W I N N I N G ARCHITECT KOICHI TA K A D A A N D I S H O M E TO MORE THAN 300 A PA R T M E N T S , M O S T O F WHICH WERE BOUGHT OFF THE PLAN PRIOR TO COMPLETION.

Kirsten Craze Kirsten Craze is a freelance journalist who has been writing about property in Australia and overseas for more than 15 years.

Buying off the plan PURCHASING AN APARTMENT WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO KICK THE SKIRTING BOARDS CAN MAKE SOME BUYERS FEEL LIKE THEY’RE FLYING BLIND. HERE’S SOME ADVICE ON ENSURING PEACE OF MIND. 32

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Property Biz.

When you’re buying off the plan, timeframes can blow out and final finishes may differ from the glossy marketing material that originally reeled you in. And while buyers often count on their new apartment’s value rising during the months (sometimes years) between signing on the dotted line and receiving the keys, there is a chance that asset could actually be worth less. These are the calculated risks when buying off the plan, but nevertheless the process can still be a rewarding one, both emotionally and financially, if done with due diligence. According to the ’Developer Insights Series 2019’ on new apartments by REA Group (the company behind property portal realestate.com.au), 40 per cent of potential purchasers were drawn to buying off the plan because of modern features, 35 per cent liked the fact no one else had lived there and 31 per cent were attracted by the customised finishes. Conversely, the barriers buyers saw included 47 per cent who were put off by unexpected costs and 36 per cent who thought buying off the plan would be stressful. The NSW Office of Fair Trading suggests buyers of new property should “exercise caution and obtain appropriate legal advice before signing any documents or paying any money.” But even after the lawyers and accountants

have dotted the ‘i’s and crunched the numbers, there is still more homework to be done to make sure you’re on to a good thing.

Is it all good in the ‘hood?

Chances are your new apartment is being built in an established suburb, so a few Saturday mornings cruising local cafés or evenings spent passing by could enlighten you on the area. Michael Romano, Development Director at Crown Group, says savvy buyers should also study what new infrastructure is in the pipeline and if it can cope with an influx of residents. “Ask yourself if it’s near travel amenities,” he says. “Where’s the train station? Where’s the bus stop? How long would it take me to get to work? Look at other retail and recreational amenities such as supermarkets, food and beverage outlets, sporting facilities and clubs.” He adds that health and education facilities are also key: “Does the location have access to good quality schools, universities and medical facilities? For young families, what about access to childcare? Buyers can then do an assessment of the pros and cons of a location. If it’s ticking lots of pros, then they can narrow down with respect to the kinds of projects that are available in that location.” 

Fast Fact

80%

When flathunting, 80 per cent of would-be apartment buyers are considering new and established properties, while 20 per cent are specifically seeking to buy off the plan.

JUNE/JULY 2019

Property Biz. UPON COMPLETION, MASTERY BY CROWN – A FIVE-BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN SYDNEY – HAS AT T R A C T E D M A N Y O F F -T H E - P L A N B U Y E R S DUE TO PERKS SUCH AS I T S ‘ S TA C K E D F O R E S T ’ FA C A D E , P O O L A N D ROOFTOP GYM, PLUS ITS J A PA N E S E F O O D C O U R T.

Who is the builder?

Fast Fact

57%

As they shortlist potential projects, 57 per cent of offthe-plan buyers are concentrated on the purchase price, 47 per cent focus on the location of the development, and 42 per cent want to be close to public transport.

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Without a tangible product, buyers need to have faith in the builder of their future flat. Each state and territory has a department or office of fair trading that can offer advice on how to research a builder and their reputation. But beyond that, Romano says the internet is a valuable resource. “Go to their website to help you understand what past projects they’ve done and to see their track record,” he advises. “It’s important to look at the developer and builder’s credentials and even see if they’ve won industry awards.” REA’s Insight study showed 75 per cent of new apartment buyers found value in visiting a developer’s corporate website, with half of those seeking information on specific units and floor plans while a third were looking to scrutinise the developer and builder. “Take it a step further and visit their completed projects and make inquiries with the owner’s corporations to get some feedback with respect to its quality and condition,” says Romano.

Are you paying too much?

If an apartment’s value is less on settlement day than the agreed price, a buyer’s funds might not be approved for the full amount, leaving them financially vulnerable. “We suggest buyers stress test what the outcome will be if the market goes up when they settle; and equally, what the outcome will be if the market goes down,” says Romano. The REA survey showed that 31 per cent of potential buyers saw the upside of buying off the plan because it allowed them extra time to save, and 72 per cent said special offers like developers paying stamp duty or initial body corporate fees got them over the line. Most experts agree that, in today’s market, one thing off-the-plan buyers can’t do is get rich quickly. “We’ve always recommended to our customers that investing off the plan is a long-term decision. It’s not an asset class that can be speculated,” Romano says. “What customers want to ensure is that they don’t buy at the peak of the market and, as we know from all the information out there – we’re not at the peak of the market.”

Property Biz.

What’s the plan?

Author and interiors expert Naomi Findlay advises buyers to consider a practical plan of attack when buying off the plan. “Do a solar study to look at daylight access. Where is the sun and where is the shade? That’s a big thing in apartment living because if the only outside area is a west-facing balcony, you’re not going to be able to enjoy it much in summer. Really think about what it is going to be like to live in the place,” Findlay says, adding that noise pollution and ventilation are also incredibly important elements that don’t show up on a plan. “Lots of buildings being built now – unless you have your front door open and another unit has its front door open – then there is very little cross-ventilation, and that’s really important. “Look at the overall size and layout, and consider exactly how you are going to live in that space. Where do you put a TV or a feature piece of art? Is there enough area for you to circulate around a dining table? Visit a display suite and see the size of the furniture in there as well. Is the two-seater that is being used really a two-seater or is it just a giant armchair?” Findlay says size and aspect really do matter when it comes to the finished product: “If one day you fell out of love with a brass tap, or the carpet, you can change those. But you’re never going to be able to change the ventilation, ceiling height or the actual size of the unit. So dive a little deeper into how you might use the space, don’t just fall for what you’ve seen in the beautiful brochures.”

Think outside the box

Buying off the plan is not just about purchasing an apartment. In today’s developments, purchasers are buying a lifestyle. Of those surveyed in the REA Insights study, the most popular amenity – at 30 per cent – for house hunters was a common barbecue area, landscaped gardens or communal decks, while outdoor pools and gyms were also highly desired at 24 per cent. “There are hidden special facilities that might not show up in the floor plans,” Romano explains. “For example, a lot of projects now are offering storage cages, which is quite important for people moving from a house to an apartment. We’re also seeing trends with respect to electric charging stations on site, car share spaces and car wash bays.”

Case Study: Zoran Pilic

Boasting more than 30 years’ experience in the construction industry across a variety of projects and countries, Zoran Pilic has bought two brand-new apartments in the same Sydney development by Crown Group, including one off the plan. “I’m a builder by trade, and I could see the quality of the construction was good. I couldn’t see cracking or waterproofing problems in the bathrooms, or any of those problems, so I was happy,” he says. “When we look for apartments off the plan, we look for location, a return, an investment that will last, and the quality of the building that won’t require maintenance in years to come. “There are a lot of shonky builders out there today, and in my job I go around and fix a lot of developers’ problems. Crown Group wasn’t on the list, so long-term I knew the sinking fund would not get burnt by putting extra money into repairs.”

JUNE/JULY 2019

St Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University Residential College

Transforming School Leavers into Young Professionals

Accepting applications for 2020 www.stannscollege.edu.au

St Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University Residential College Affiliated with The University of Adelaide University of South Australia Flinders University 187 Brougham Place, North Adelaide SA 5006 (08) 8267 1478 info@stannscollege.edu.au

Education Special

St Ann’s College St Ann’s University Residential College provides accommodation in a safe and inspiring environment where opportunities for education and personal development are encouraged. New students from diverse backgrounds are invited to contribute to a happy social atmosphere in which fun and academic success are priorities. St Ann’s is proud of its academic results, with 95 per cent of its subjects passed with the help of 63 academic tutors. Ten residential tutors provide academic and social leadership, as well as pastoral care, to students. St Ann’s College annually provides more than $80,000 in scholarships and prizes to both first-year and returning students, which can ease the financial burden on rural and regional students and their families. In 2018 Renae Kretschmer made the move from Wirrabara to St Ann’s College in North Adelaide while studying at the University of Adelaide. “I had a good education at Booleroo Centre District School, became interested in science subjects early on, and that led me to study Animal Science at the University of Adelaide,” she explains. Renae was awarded a Regional Science & Engineering Scholarship by the Playford Trust in 2018, which provided assistance with college fees and created a smooth transition to Adelaide for both Renae and her family. “My move to Adelaide in 2018 was a challenge because of my big involvement in the family farm. The Playford Trust Scholarship, which was an honour to receive, gave me confidence that the move was the right decision, as finances had been a great concern. St Ann’s College and its welcoming community of

ST ANN'S COLLEGE OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS WHO ARE EXCELLING IN THEIR CHOSEN FIELD

people experiencing similar changes helped me adapt to a new lifestyle right from day one.” Thomas de la Perrelle completed his senior schooling at St Joseph’s School in Port Lincoln, and is currently living at St Ann’s College while in his second year of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide. Since moving to Adelaide, Thomas has been supported by the St Ann’s College community. The support provided him the opportunity to take on several leadership roles at St Ann’s, coaching both the college band and hockey team as well as offering pastoral care as a residential tutor. In 2019 Thomas was awarded the Chartwells/St Ann’s College/ Playford Residential Scholarship. “I am extremely grateful to have been selected for this scholarship. It means a great deal to not only myself, but my family and extended family, that I should be recognised in this way,” says Thomas.

“This financial assistance will allow me to focus more on my studies throughout the year. I am sure that this focus will hold me in good stead as I continue my degree and move into the workforce, so I thank the college for choosing to invest in my future.” St Ann’s College applications for 2020 are now open. Apply now to join an exciting and diverse community you will never forget. For more information, contact St Ann’s College on (08) 8267 1478 or email info@stannscollege.edu.au JUNE/JULY 2019

Finance

Ryan Watson Tribeca Financial’s CEO knows all about money management.

Wealth protection in uncertain times Life can be unpredictable. And when it comes to managing finances, instability can have a devastating impact. The good news is that by being strategic about planning for wealth protection in uncertain times you can help safeguard yourself against financial insecurity – and prosper. The first sensible steps towards protecting your wealth should involve fresh diversification and rebalancing of your portfolio. Changing the way you invest and growing your money is not an overnight deal. The start of the 2018 financial year was marred on a global scale by significant upheaval and uncertainty that included the ongoing Brexit saga, as well as growing trade tensions between China and the US. Fears of the economy putting the brakes on are well-founded and will continue to be an issue – factors that will see economic growth in the year ahead remain uncertain. Inflation that exceeds returns on savings account interest rates and the worry about hanging on to bonds, shares and assets that might take a dive in what is clearly an unstable climate are all legitimate reasons to feel nervous about the direction of your own wealth protection.

To help you feel more in control of your financial future, try these practical tips to help your investments remain as protected as possible while we all ride out the storm:

Diversify your investments

Different industries are impacted by different events and the flow-on effect negative news has on the stock market is just as varied. An economic crash in one sector can lead to a boom in another. By diversifying across different industries, your finances will be better protected. When you spread investments over a combination of assets you have access to potential for both shortterm and long-term financial growth – without all your eggs in one basket. Diversification also means mixing up your investments within each asset class. A portfolio that has a good balance of shares in both small and big business, as well as different geographical territories, is another smart way to reduce risk.

Seek professional advice

Sure, you might have managed your share portfolio well yourself to date, but do you really have the insights to weather a volatile financial future?

Honing a robust investment portfolio requires experience and professional knowledge. Even if you only utilise a professional adviser to set things up, it can be an important investment for your financial future. Advisers aren’t just relying on their own understanding. Most quality financial advisers have access to a team of support people who help them monitor daily market fluctuations and to make informed decisions about when to invest and when to get out.

Cash creates a buffer

Any wealth protection strategy needs to incorporate a cash-onhand buffer to help you ride out inevitable tough times. Liquidating assets when times get tough is never a positive thing, so to minimise the impact investment losses may have on your day-to-day life, keeping cash close by for emergency situations is a critical way to protect your secure financial future and prevent you from making impulsive decisions that might see your losses become even worse. Investing money is always a roller-coaster. By being prepared for the downturns, you can enjoy the good times even more. JUNE/JULY 2019

Puzzles

CROSSWORD

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MACARONI SCARCE VICAR

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CAROL CAROUSEL CARPENTER CARRIAGE CART

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CARBON CARDBOARD CARDIGAN CARETAKER CARGO

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CHILDCARE CREDIT CARD

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CARNATION CARNIVAL

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally. Theme: CAR WORDS

E N I R R C R M B V S A C

CAR PARK CARAMEL

WORD SEARCH

M H O D E A I O E T A O C

DOWN 1. Pitiful 2. Fashion direction 3. Holed atmosphere layer 4. Bun seed 5. Court clown 6. First-born 10. Greenish-blue 11. Inflatable mattress 12. Disc jockeys (1,2) 13. Emollient, ... vera 14. Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currency unit 15. Good-luck pet 16. Removed (hat) 17. Lose concentration 18. Volunteers 19. Cowardly person 20. Passionate dance

C L D E C Q N V P L B L L

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The Aboriginal Artists Project combines the fashion accessory designs of Catherine Manuell with the artworks of many wonderful women artists from remote Australian communities. Shown here is the Bush Yams artwork by Evelyn Pultara from the Utopia region of Central Australia. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of these products goes directly to the artists.

Call us on 03 9486 4066 for help or a little personal service, or email: info@catherinemanuelldesign.com

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