TrueBlue – January-February 2022 by publishingbychelle

TrueBlue Jan/Feb 2022

OUR HEART IS IN THE COUNTRY

IF YOU READ ME, TAKE ME HOME!

A real Australian business magazine

Queensland UNIQUE PLACES AND WIDE OPEN SPACES

SNOWY MOUNTAINS Exploring some of our highest things

WAY OVER WEST Dive headfirst into Western Australia

FROM THE BRITISH MUSEUM

ON SHOW AT THE

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA, CANBERRA 17 December 2021 — 1 May 2022 nma.gov.au/ancient-greeks

PRESENTING PARTNERS

MAJOR PARTNERS

COMMUNITY PARTNER

The presentation of this exhibition is a collaboration between the British Museum, Western Australian Museum, National Museum of Australia, and Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum. (image) Fragment of a sarcophagus (detail) Klazomenai (modern Urla), Turkey, about 525–515 BCE. © Trustees of the British Museum, 2021.

EDITORIAL Publisher & Editor: Michelle Hespe publisher@publishingbychelle.com Assistant Editor: Darcy Watt editorial@publishingbychelle.com Designer: Ryan Vizcarra Sub-editor: Claire Hey

ADVERTISING

sales@publishingbychelle.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Christine Retschlag Danielle Lancaster Darcy Watt Dave Smith John Borthwick Kirsten Craze LJ Charleston Will York

We’ve all been very much impacted by the pandemic in one way or another. The new hope on the horizon – as restrictions ease enabling interstate travel – is that it’s finally time to reconnect. Reconnect with family and friends, reconnect with travel. Reconnect with a summer holiday. There will be many memorable moments and floods of tears at happy airport reunions, as family and friends embrace for the first time in many months, some meeting new family members for the first time. Of course, the distance has been hard, and some reunions ignite the pain of separation. The team here at Rex is excited to fly into the future. We’ve seen an opportunity in adversity to spread our wings, and despite the headwinds of the past 24 months, we have successfully

started domestic services with a fleet of Boeing 737-800NG jets and launched 11 new routes across the network. In December, we commenced new services between Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and restarted services between the Gold Coast, and Sydney and Melbourne. On 1 January 2022, we also started servicing the Queensland regulated Central 1 route from Brisbane to Roma and Charleville with our Saab 340 aircraft. It’s a momentum we intend to continue in 2022 and beyond. This year also marks Rex’s 20th anniversary, and we look forward to connecting even more Australians than ever before.

Neville Howell Chief Operating Officer

PRINTING

IVE Print Sydney 81 Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW 2128

True Blue is published by Publishing ByChelle, (ABN: 78 621 375 853 ACN: 621 375 853) Level 1, 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 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 True Blue are from iStock and Getty Images, and we make every effort to credit all contributors.

JAN/FEB 2022

Publisher’s letter Welcome to our first issue for 2022. Did you know that True Blue is now the longest continually running inflight magazine in Australia? 2020 and 2021 were challenging years for everyone, but we figured that our loyal readers (of both our print publication and TrulyAus.com online) would want us to keep the travel and business inspiration coming. And I am so glad we did! So here we all are, back on planes visiting friends and family, or you might be heading to or from work. Whatever brings you here, we are pleased to offer you more wonderful stories by our top writers, which I hope will have you dreaming, planning and booking that next awesome getaway soon. This issue we decided to dive into WA. Those borders have been firmly shut for far too long, but we figured that once they do open, many of you will be heading straight for that Western wonderland that really does feel like it is another country. With its seemingly endless beaches and rugged, ancient landscapes where the red earth meets bright turquoise waters, it’s a place that offers incredible backdrops for outdoor adventures.

If you would like to read the digital version of True Blue, please be our guest! Simply go to trulyaus.com – which is dedicated to exploring and celebrating all things Aussie, giving travellers the lowdown on the best places in regional, rural and outback Australia.

TRULYAUS.COM 2 TrueBlue

As we are now planning ahead for Aussie experiences in the cooler months, we’ve also included an Outback Queensland special in this issue, covering some lesser-known gems we know will satiate your love of wide open spaces filled with so many friendly faces. Recently I headed off to one of my all-time favourite places: the Victorian High Country. I go skiing there every year, but in summer it’s just as breathtaking. I’d never been to Mt Buller in the warmer months and I will be going back. The recent rain also meant the rainforest was astonishingly green, and the creeks and rivers were in full flow. While I was there, our Assistant Editor Darcy was across the border in the Snowy Mountains – and, well, you don’t get higher than that down under. Enjoy the read, and happy, safe travels.

MICHELLE HESPE & THE TEAM AT TRUE BLUE

Inside TrueBlue upfront 11 REX News Rex commences services on the Golden Triangle; New flights to Roma in Outback Queensland; Rex plays key role in vaccination drive; A new Excellence in CrisisInspired Innovation Award.

Features 30 Hit the Gulf

The ‘west coast’ of Queensland is often overlooked – although brimming with salties, the sunsets in the Gulf of Carpentaria give Bali a run for it’s money.

46 The Wild West From the Coral Coast down to Perth, Western Australia is where travellers can admire the natural wonder of Stromatolites and see kanagroos on bright white sands. It’s a nature lovers’ paradise of wild beauty.

52 Get up high in the Snowies Meet the land of Australia’s highest things, where the sun greets Mount Kosciuszko each morning, offering breathtakingly magical vistas. Summer in the Snowies is a must-do.

38 Outback Qld From Hughenden and Toowoomba to Quilpie and Murweh, Outback Queensland is an incredible place with great fishing, camping, stargazing and characters galore.

AusBiz. Check out AusBiz. at the back of our magazine. INVESTING Due to their rarity, pink diamonds are rapildy increasing in value. START-UPS A new app called Wall St. Rank is upping the bar on investment advice. PROPERTY Regional property boomed alongside the WFH movement.

INDIGENOUS AUS Aboriginal Bush Traders pay artists upfront for their art and products. INNOVATION A deep dive into six new agricultural innovations.

JAN/FEB 2022

In-flight Entertainment & Wi-Fi is taking off! Be entertained with free in-flight entertainment! Enjoy a great selection of entertainment options - stream a world of blockbuster movies and addictive TV shows on selected domestic flights operated by our Boeing 737-800NG jet fleet. You will also be able to purchase Wi-Fi Internet Passes to browse the web or stay connected with all your favourite networking apps. High-speed streaming is complimentary for Business Class passengers.

Step by step: How to connect onboard

Streaming Passes available for purchase soon

Choose network.

Regular speed for browsing

Turn on device’s Wi-Fi and connect to the Rex Wi-Fi network “REX”.

Suitable for simple web browsing, email, instant messaging and social media (excludes video and app stores).

Welcome. Once device recognises the network, select ‘Continue’ to join. If needed, open your internet browser and type wifionboard.com

Connect. Once connected, passenger can access purchase a Wi-Fi pass to start streaming.

Have a question? For any questions or troubleshooting, live chat is available 24/7 to assist you.

Terms and conditions apply.

30 minutes from $6.50* High-speed for streaming Suitable for a faster connection speed supporting video streaming services such as YouTube (excludes app stores). 30 minutes from $9.75*

UP, UP AND AWAY! Rex: Our heart is in the country

Bamaga NPA

Mornington Island (Gununa)

Cairns

Normanton

Burketown

Doomadgee

Townsville

Richmond

Mount Isa

Hughenden

Julia Creek Winton

Boulia

Longreach Bedourie Birdsville

Carnarvon

Windorah Charleville

Roma Brisbane West Wellcamp (Toowoomba)

Quilpie Cunnamulla

Monkey Mia

Brisbane

St George

Thargomindah

Coober Pedy

Gold Coast Ballina (Byron Bay)

Lismore Ceduna Whyalla

Perth Esperance Albany

Port Lincoln

Adelaide

Griffith

Dubbo

Orange

Bathurst

Narrandera-Leeton Wagga Wagga Albury

Kangaroo Island (Kingscote)

Mount Gambier

Coffs Harbour

Armidale

Parkes

Mildura

Domestic Routes Regional Routes

Grafton (Yamba)

Broken Hill

Melbourne

Port Macquarie

Sydney Canberra

Moruya Snowy Mountains (Cooma) Merimbula

King Island

Operated in partnership with Burnie

Our heart is in the coun

JAN/FEB 2022

BAMAGA

Connecting Queensland since 2009

CAIRNS

TOWNSVILLE

From the sun-kissed outback, to the picturesque gulf and the tropical east coast, start planning your holiday at home!

MOUNT ISA

WINTON

BOULIA

LONGREACH

BIRDSVILLE

CHARLEVILLE

Roma

London... Paris...

Sydney Melbourne

I N F L I G H T I N F O R M AT I O N

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS As you sit back in comfort en route to your destination, the Rex crew hope you enjoy this entertaining and informative light reading. Q. Why do the flight attendants insist that all window blinds be up for take-off? A. The most critical phases of a flight are the take-off and landing. In the most unlikely event of a situation that requires an emergency evacuation, it is important that crew and passengers are able to have a clear view of the outside conditions in case of obstructions. For example, before exits are opened, staff must check for fire or other obstacles that may present potential hazards during the evacuation. Q. Why do I have to stow my hand luggage in the overhead lockers, under the seats or in the seat pockets for take-off and landing? A. Flight crews are required by Civil Aviation Regulations to secure the cabin as well as possible for take-off and landing. As mentioned, these are the most critical phases of the flight, and securing as much hand luggage as possible ensures that, in the unlikely event of an emergency, the exits and aisles stay as clear as possible, in case evacuation is necessary. It is also important to keep hand luggage secure whenever possible to ensure heavier items do not become airborne within the cabin. This is especially important when the aircraft is experiencing turbulence. Q. Why do I feel so tired from flying? A. As the aircraft altitude increases, air pressure decreases. As the pressure decreases, the body absorbs less oxygen than it would at sea level – so, it must work harder to supply oxygen to the body’s cells. As the body is working harder, it becomes more tired. Q. Why do I sometimes feel pain in my ears or sinuses during ascent or descent? A. The sinuses and middle ear are air-containing cavities that connect with the nose via narrow channels. As aircrafts ascend and cabin pressure drops, air passes out of these cavities (without any effort from the passenger) to balance the cabin pressure. It is a different matter during descent, as the cabin pressure increases. The channels close down and must be actively opened by holding the nose and blowing to inflate the cavities. Facial and ear pain can occur during descent if re-inflation does not occur, and this is much

more likely if the passenger has nasal congestion. If you must fly with hayfever, use a decongestant nasal spray before descent and buy some ‘ear planes’ to plug your ears. (Information contributed by Dr Daniel Hains, ENT surgeon.) Q. When can electronic equipment such as laptops, iPods and mobile phones be used? A. All Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) must be placed in flight mode if access to the tarmac (including by bus) is required during boarding or disembarkation, and when instructed to do so by the cabin crew. Small handheld PEDs weighing less than 1kg, such as mobile phones, can be used in flight mode during all stages of flight. PEDs over 1kg, such as laptop computers, must be stowed appropriately for taxi, take-off and landing, and are permitted to be used only during cruise when the ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ sign is switched off. PEDs cannot be used while crossing the tarmac. Q. What is the average speed of the aircraft when cruising in flight? A. Our Saab 340 has an average cruising speed of approximately 500 kilometres per hour. The Boeing 737-800 NG has an average speed of 830 kilometres per hour. Q. Why do I have to get permission from the Captain to move to a vacant seat? A. The aircraft’s take-off speed is calculated by the weight and balance of the aircraft, and many factors need to be considered for a successful take-off. Factors include the weight of passengers and where they are seated, the weight of cargo, freight and fuel, the distance available on the runway, etc. For example, if there are 100 or more kilograms of freight in the cargo, the balance of the aircraft will be better maintained if passengers are seated in the forward rows.

AIR TURBULENCE

Q. Aircraft often experience air turbulence, but what causes it? A. Imagine the air around the aircraft is water in a stream. We can see how water is disturbed around rocks or when two streams converge. Turbulence in the air is

similar: as the aircraft passes through cold air or in the vicinity of terrain that has disturbed the airflow – often incorrectly referred to as ‘air pockets’ – the aircraft climbs and descends in the same way that a boat moves on water. Though turbulence can be uncomfortable, it poses no threat to the aircraft and is akin to driving on a rough or unsealed road. More severe turbulence can be associated with developing thunderstorms. Aircraft have a sophisticated weather radar that pilots use to avoid these areas. Occasionally, a flight attendant will discontinue serving passengers in turbulent conditions; this is a precaution to ensure everyone’s safety. Q. Why should I keep my seatbelt fastened even when the ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ sign is switched off? A. On occasion, the flight crew cannot foresee turbulence or it is not picked up on the flight-deck radar. Because of this, we could unexpectedly experience turbulence at any time. The company recommends that you always keep your seatbelt fastened while you are seated – for your safety, just in case unexpected turbulence is encountered.

ENGINE NOISES

Q. Why do the aircraft’s engine noises change during the flight? A. Aircraft need more power to climb than to descend, in the same way that a car needs more power to go up a hill than down one. Rex aircraft have more than enough power to climb, so shortly after take-off you will notice a change in noises as the power is reduced. The pilots also control the pitch angle of the propellers for various stages of the flight, and as they ‘change gears’ this can also be heard in the cabin. Q. What should I do if I see or hear something that does not look or sound right? A. Please advise your flight attendant. The flight attendant may be able to answer your query and allay any fears. If not, the flight attendant will contact the flight deck and advise the pilots of anything unusual. Rex encourages open communication and will always treat a passengers’ concerns with the utmost seriousness.

JAN/FEB 2022

Take a bit of

home with you!

Did you know that Rex has a range of merchandise available on our website? If you can’t get enough of Rex, are an avid aviation collector, or simply love travel, you can take a piece of Rex home with you. Rex has been connecting regional Australia flying our Saab 340 aircraft for over 19 years. We offer a range of merchandise, such as a Saab model aircraft, a Rex KeepCup, cap, umbrella and more. We’ve also introduced the sale of our new Boeing 737-800NG model aircraft to celebrate the launch of domestic operations which took off in March 2021.

$3000

To start your Rex Collection, visit rex.com.au .

$500

$2000

$1200

$15

$300

BAGGAGE

Carry on baggage

CHECK- IN

ROUTES

FARE TYPE

WEIGHT ALLOWANCE

ALL REGIONAL SERVICES

ALL FARES

7KG

PROMO AND SAVER FARES

7KG

FLEX

10KG

BIZ SAVER

10KG

BIZ & BIZ PLUS

15KG*

ALL DOMESTIC SERVICES

Online check-in You can check-in online through the Rex website, rex.com.au, on your desktop or mobile devices between 48 hours and 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight.

* no one piece may weigh more than 10kg Checked baggage

Airport check-in If you have checked baggage, we recommend that you arrive at the airport for check-in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure of your flight at all airports except Burketown, Queensland (90 minutes before).

ROUTES

ALL REGIONAL SERVICES

Rex check-in closes: •6 0 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at Burketown airport. •3 0 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Queensland airports (with the exception of Burketown above). •2 0 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at regional airports in NSW, SA, Tas, Vic and WA.

ALL DOMESTIC SERVICES

FARE TYPE

WEIGHT ALLOWANCE

COMMUNITY, PROMO, SAVER

15KG

FLEX

23KG

PROMO, SAVER & FLEX

23KG

BIZ SAVER, BIZ & BIZ PLUS

32KG

Passengers with international connections (within 24 hours) are permitted a 23 kilogram baggage allowance upon presenting a valid itinerary or ticket.

Special requirements: Passengers with special requirements must check-in at the airport (online check-in is not available) no later than: •9 0 minutes prior to scheduled departure for domestic flights and flights departing from Burketown. •6 0 minutes prior to scheduled departure for regional flights departing from major cities and all Queensland regional airports except Burketown (please see below). •4 5 minutes prior to scheduled departure in NSW, SA, Tas, Vic and WA regional airports.

Please refer to rex.com.au for more baggage allowance information. Excess baggage Additional checked baggage allowance may be purchased during booking. For baggage presented at check-in which is over the baggage allowance, excess baggage is subject to capacity and a surcharge of $5.50 (incl GST) per kilogram is applicable.

REX AIRCRAFT FACTS AIRCRAFT

MAX. TAKE-OFF WEIGHT (KG)

SPEED (KM/H)

AVAILABLE SEATS

GALLEY

REST ROOM

FLEET SIZE

CRUISE ALTITUDE (METRES)

CREW

SAAB 340

13,155

520

30-36

7,600

BOEING 737-800 NG

79,015

830

176

10,000 TO 12,000

JAN/FEB 2022

10 TrueBlue

News

the golden triangle commences On December 17, 2021, Rex added Brisbane to its domestic 737800NG jet network, with the launch of Brisbane to Melbourne flights. The Brisbane to Sydney inaugural flight took off a few days later, on December 20. Brisbane is now the fifth capital city destination in the Rex domestic network, enabling Rex to achieve its long-stated goal of servicing the ‘Golden Triangle’ (Sydney – Melbourne – Brisbane). Rex is now operating double-daily Brisbane to Melbourne flights on weekdays and a return service on Saturday and Sunday; and triple-daily flights between Sydney and Brisbane Monday to Friday, with double daily service on weekends. All Rex

Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff and Rex Deputy Chairman, Hon John Sharp AM, welcome passengers on the inaugural Brisbane-Melbourne domestic service.

domestic fares include 23 kilograms of checked baggage, carry-on and refreshments. Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane Airport Corporation, Gert-Jan de Graaff, said that while Rex has been operating at BNE for years, the recent expansion of operations will give travellers more options than ever to travel across Australia’s east coast. “We know that Queensland is

the place to be, and we are excited to see Rex commencing services between Brisbane and Melbourne and Brisbane and Sydney. “With Rex offering services across Australia’s ‘Golden Triangle’ and now operating 737s in and out of Brisbane, we are heartened as this is a clear demonstration that confidence to do business in Queensland is stronger than ever,” Mr de Graaff said.

CARNARVON MONKEY MIA

Our heart is in the country

Connecting regional Western Australia rex.com.au | 13 17 13 Photo credits: Tourism Western Australia

PERTH

ESPERANCE ALBANY

Rex launches flights to Roma The town of Roma has a diverse offering of things to do and see, with plenty of manmade and natural surprises in store. WORDS Steve Jones

ESTABLISHED IN 1867, Roma is named after Lady Diamantina Bowen (Contessa Diamantina Georgina Roma) – wife of the first Governor of Queensland, George Bowen. It is a part of Maranoa Shire and is located about six hours drive from Brisbane and 350 kilometres north-west of Toowoomba. Prior to European settlement, the land was home to the Aboriginal peoples of the Mandandanji Nation. SALEYARDS ACTION Roma has a proud history of beef production going back well over 150 years and today, it is home to the southern hemisphere’s largest saleyards. A town rich in sheep and cattle grazing, visitors can experience the real outback while watching the

12 TrueBlue

Roma Saleyards in action from a unique viewing platform. Cattle buyers and sellers come together from all over the country to see the animals go under the auctioneer’s hammer. Prices for prized bulls often go for more than a small car, with top sales in the realm of $19,000 and the average price just shy of $10,000. In addition to the Tuesday morning weekly tours, there is an interactive Interpretative Centre, which is open each day from 8am until 5pm. BOTTLE TREES AND THE GREEN CANYON One of the more popular attractions in Roma is the War Memorial and heritage-listed Heroes Avenue. In a tradition that started in 1918,

Queensland bottle trees have been planted along the sidewalk, each representing a local soldier who died in WWI. Beside each of the current 93 trees is a plaque on the ground that tells the fallen soldier’s story. Outback Queensland might be the last place you’d expect to find Australia’s ‘Green Canyon’ (aka Carnarvon Gorge) but the Roma region is full of surprises. At 30km in length and 60 metres deep, Carnarvon Gorge is characterised by towering white sandstone cliffs. It is also home to more than 2,000 examples of Aboriginal rock art, 173 species of birds, and its 2,000-year-old cycads attract upwards of 70,000 visitors every year.

New routes

THE BIG RIG Roma was also the first place in Australia where natural gas was discovered. The Big Rig Oil and Gas Interpretative Centre and Night Show Sunset Experience is great for an interactive insight into the hardships and heroic stories of oil drilling and exploration. Now the experience

comes to life even more vividly through the 40m high Big Rig Tower and Tree Walk. The story of our oil and gas pioneers comes alive through immersive interpretive exhibits, machinery displays, audio-visual features and through our local ‘Roma Rigger’ guides. At the top of the Big

Rig Tower, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views across Outback Queensland. Rex launched services between Brisbane and Roma on January 1, 2022, operating 28 return flights weekly, and with fares starting at $159. This wonderful region is an easy one-hour flight away.

to visit your National Library See national treasures and exhibitions, explore the bookshop and reading rooms, and enjoy a coffee at Bookplate Cafe.

Open daily Parkes Place, Canberra (next to Questacon) Stewart Dawson & Co., Fob Watch Belonging to Henry Lawson, 1902 JAN/FEB 2022

News

Rex plays key role in vaccination drive Antonio Winterstein (pictured second from left) and Matty Bowen (third from left) pictured in Mornington Island with the NWHHS and Rex team

Local school children were invited along to join in the fun, including a BBQ and some exciting giveaways

REX HAS proudly supported the push to raise vaccinations rates in remote parts of North Queensland, particularly among the Indigenous communities of Doomadgee and Mornington Island. Rex is one of the key sponsors of the recent ‘Make the Choice’ community events in both destinations (and Mount Isa) to promote the uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations. Rex flights ferried in doctors and specialists from the North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS). Through our seven-year partnership with Cowboys House, the airline also enlisted former NRL players Matt Bowen and Antonio Winterstein from the North Queensland Cowboys to join the campaign and their star power enticed hundreds to attend the vaccination clinics. Selfies with both were popular as were the sausage sizzles and Rex and

14 TrueBlue

Cowboys merchandise which were given away, much to the delight of young and old alike. Rex has deep roots in Queensland and flies to 24 destinations in the state including many remote and regional destinations. The airline has forged strong community relationships over many years reflecting Rex’s signature tag line – ‘Our Heart is in the Country’. Rex Airlines Queensland State Manager, Steve Jones said the airline recognised the importance of protecting Australians against COVID-19 and was the first in the country to have all frontline staff vaccinated by November 1, 2021. Rex donated four complimentary return flights – two for each of the communities – for travel to either Mount Isa or Cairns. All vaccinated residents from Doomadgee and Mornington Island were eligible to enter the prize draw.

“Reliable air links to remote and regional communities have never been more important than during the pandemic. Rex has a proud record of providing these essential services to Doomadgee and Mornington Island for the past 7 years, ensuring these regions remain connected with larger centres,” Mr Jones said. North West Health Service Chief Executive, Craig Carey said the partnership between the three major stakeholders was a testament to the level of commitment to protect Queenslanders – especially the most vulnerable communities – against the current pandemic. “Rex Airlines and the North Queensland Cowboys have shown themselves to be excellent corporate citizens and have not hesitated to assist us in protecting North West Queenslanders against this virus,” Mr Carey said.

News

Opportunity in adversity They say fortune favours the brave. Expanding an airline and launching new city routes in the middle of a pandemic was nothing if not bold, But Rex is renowned for doing things differently. AS AUSTRALIA’S largest regional airline, Rex’s rich history is peppered with examples of innovative approaches and out-of-the-box thinking. Last year, with much of the aviation industry tipped upside down and many carriers grounded by the global impact of COVID-19, Rex decided the time was right to morph from being a regional operator into a domestic airline operating jet services between capital cities. Rex had a unique opportunity to expand an airline – built up over many years and underpinned by the expertise of an executive management team that understood the challenges in the most difficult of times. The time was right to spread our wings because of three main factors. Firstly, an abundance of available aircraft at lease rates slashed to historic lows. Secondly, a plentiful supply of highly skilled professionals such as pilots, flight attendants, airport staff and other professionals who’d either been retrenched by other airlines or had taken redundancy packages. And finally but very importantly, unexpected access to critical airport infrastructure such as gates, lounges and check-in desks. The speed of Rex’s transformation was extraordinary. In November 2020, financing for its foray into the domestic market was confirmed. Within six months Rex obtained approval for jet operations on our Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), recruited and trained crews and engineers, procured six Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, and started domestic operations on five routes. Fittingly, Rex’s first flight from

Melbourne on 1 March 2021 was celebrated with much fanfare. The public celebrations, though, were the end result of tireless effort behind the scenes by a small, dedicated team based at Melbourne Airport. Notwithstanding the challenges confronting our team, each and every one of them rose to the occasion, driven by their unbridled passion for the industry and a determination to achieve something quite incredible in a remarkably short time.

Innovation and creativity has long been part of Rex’s DNA, and it was on show again after the pandemic hit in April 2020, with Rex being the first airline to introduce temperature testing of passengers at check-in, and make the wearing of masks compulsory on all flights – six months ahead of any other carrier. At the time, Rex was ridiculed for over-reacting. However, when you know you’re right and dare to be different, fortune does indeed favour the brave.

Michael Venus, Director of Media Relations, Jess Makarewitsch, Corporate Communications Executive, Bianca Farrugia, Melbourne Ramp and Catering Manager; Jo Fletcher, Melbourne Airport Manager; Michelle Gordon, Regional Airports & Project Manager; and Steve Loader, Director of Corporate Relations

Rex wins a Melbourne Airport Excellence Award for Excellence in Crisis Inspired Innovation The dedication of the Rex team was recognised recently when Rex won Melbourne Airport’s Excellence in Crisis-Inspired Innovation Award. The award was open to organisations who have adapted and evolved to stay relevant during unprecedented, challenging times at Melbourne Airport. The integrity of this award reflects both creativity, innovation, and also the implementation of something new. JAN/FEB 2022

Events

What’s on & What’s hot Our pick of the very best gigs, festivals, and cultural and sporting events from around the country. Compiled by: Darcy Watt

Jan 14 – 23 Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival

Tamworth, NSW The Golden Guitar Awards turn 50 this year, as more than 700 artists – including Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand and Troy Cassar-Daley – perform at this unique celebration of Aussie country music. tcmf.com.au

Jan 5 – Feb 20 Summer of Cricket 2022

Australia-wide The summer of cricket is well underway, with the 4th Test of the Ashes series held at the SCG on Jan 5, and the 5th hosted by Hobart for the first time ever on Jan 14. The women’s team also face an English side while the men’s team turn their sights to New Zealand and Sri Lanka. cricketaustralia.com.au

16 TrueBlue

January 15

Great Australian Beer Festival

Geelong, Vic Beer cocktails, craft beer trails and more than 200 beers and ciders to taste and purchase: cheers to that! gabfgeelong.com.au

January 21 – 29

Santos Tour Adelaide

Adelaide, SA Elite cyclists from a range of disciplines will be put to the test for this picturesque nineday event showcasing the best of South Australia. tourdownunder.com.au

January 15 – 16

February 4 – 6

Sydney, NSW The first Sydney Festival was held back in 1977, and now the annual event has grown to celebrate the city’s diversity, vigour and confidence. sydneyfestival.org.au

Adelaide, SA Cheese tasting, wine drinking and craft beer sipping are on the backdrop of live music with this lively celebration of great Australian produce. cellardoorfestival.com

Sydney Festival

Cellar Door Fest

Events

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

February 5 – 13

March 11 – 14

St Kilda Festival

WOMADelaide

St Kilda, Vic A celebration of summer, community and music, it’s a massive day of free fun. stkildafestival.com.au

February 18 – 20

Feb 18 – Mar 6 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Sydney, NSW United We Shine is this year’s theme, as thousands converge on Sydney in one of the world’s biggest LGBTQIA+ celebrations. mardigras.org.au

Jan 17 – 30 Australian Open

Melbourne, Vic It’s been mired in COVID controversy, but come what may the Grand Slam season kicks off in January with the Australian Open. Will Ash Barty take out the women’s title? Will Novak Djokovic get the jab? Get along to Melbourne Park for your serve of the tennis action. ausopen.com

Moreton Bay Expo

Adelaide, SA It stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance, and the festival brings international attention to talented artists from around the world. womadelaide.com.au

Moreton Bay, Qld In the mood for adventure? Outdoor gear, the latest caravans and camper trailers, boating, fishing and 4WD accessories all converge at the Redcliffe Showgrounds. bayexpo.com.au

March 11 – 14

February 18 – March 20

March 11 – 14

Adelaide Fringe Festival

Adelaide, SA Thirty-one days of eclectic performances including cabaret shows, visual art, comedy, circus and so much more are passionately put on display for everyone to enjoy. adelaidefringe.com.au

March 4 – 6

Repco Supercars Championship

Newcastle, NSW The race for the championship title begins in the first event of the season. Newcastle’s street circuit will reverberate with the sound of engines. supercars.com

Moomba

Melbourne, Vic This free community festival makes the most of the warm weather with rides and experiences for everyone. moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au

Port Fairy Folk Music Festival

Port Fairy, Vic Celebrate all things folk music over four days and nights in the historic fishing village of Port Fairy. portfairyfolkfestival.com

March 12 – 31

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

Melbourne, Vic Categorised in the top food and wine events in the world, explore long lunches and delicious dinners with every cuisine to explore. melbournefoodand wine.com.au JAN/FEB 2022

Entertainment

Watch, read & listen

Compiled by: Darcy Watt

books

Missing by Tom Patterson February, Allen & Unwin, biography and true stories In 1972 Mark May is 18. He is bright, beautiful, and has a scholarship to study law. A decade later he descends alone into remote gorge country in north-western NSW and lives in rough camps for 35 years. On a whim, his brothers go looking for him. Based on a true story, the book has been hailed for its emotional eloquence.

THEATRE

I Didn’t Do The Thing Today by Madeleine Dore

That’s the Spirit by Clare Voitin

January, Murdoch Books, popular psychology

Unmistakably, gin is in. But there’s more to the world’s fastest-growing spirit than meets the eye. Whether it’s the botanicals included, the style of gin produced or the distilling method, every gin has a DNA and a personality of its own. This book teaches you everything you need to know about gin – even down to how to drink different gins properly.

We’re obsessed with busyness. Do this, do that, the laundry, the catchup, the work thing. Even on days when we get a lot done, the thing left undone can leave us feeling guilty, anxious or disappointed. Writer and podcast host Dore inspires readers to take productivity off its pedestal.

Film

January, Publish Central, cookbooks

PODCAST

North by Northwest

Death on the Nile

Criminal by RadioTopia

March 9-27, Sydney Lyric Theatre, Sydney NSW

In cinemas February 10

Narrated by Phoebe Judge, two new episodes per month

David Campbell will star in this adaptation of Hitchcock’s classic thriller, North by Northwest. The tale of mistaken identity is showing again after sell-out seasons in Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. The stage version will be a mixture of gripping comedy and suspense. northbynorthwesttheplay.com

18 TrueBlue

Kenneth Branagh directs and stars as mousatchioed detective Hercule Poirot in this adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel. A picture-perfect honeymoon set against the backdrop of the Egyptian desert will entangle viewers in drama and mystery at the box office. Aussie actor Adam Garcia also joins the all-star cast. 20thcenturystudios.com.au

Criminal is an award-winning podcast about crime. It explores the intricate stories of people who’ve committed crimes, been wronged, and been caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is one of the most popular podcasts in the world and you can start listening from any episode. thisiscriminal.com.

e c n e i r e p x E

LUNA PARK

IF YOU’RE SEEKING OUT A MAGICAL, MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE THIS SUMMER, STEP INTO THE ICONIC LAND OF LUNA PARK – WHICH HAS ONE OF THE BEST HARBOURSIDE POSITIONS ON SYDNEY HARBOUR. Whether you take in the stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from Luna Park’s wine bar, Ferris wheel or roller coaster, your breath will be taken away. To add to the fun that Luna Park has always been famous for, there are now nine new rides for thrill-seeking enthusiasts to enjoy alongside the all-time favourites that will never go out of style. The exhilarating new line-up includes the tallest and fastest multi-launch coaster and the first single-rail coaster. For regular thrill seekers, Luna Park now has a loyalty program so that you’ll be rewarded for coming back for more. Inside the big toothy grin there is more that might come as a surprise… Luna Park has catered for visitors since 1935, and it’s not just the rides it’s been delivering on. With refurbished buildings that have modern trimmings and a ‘step-back-intime’ finesse, each venue in Luna Park captures

a unique setting for pre-dinner drinks and canapés. Add the spellbinding Sydney Harbour backdrop and you have a location and destination unlike any other in the world. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the heritagelisted Crystal Palace frame the glittering harbour, and during the evening the building comes to life in theatrical yellow and purple hues. World-class audio-visual experts on site provide all the necessities for business conferences and meaningful family speeches. The entire venue can even be tailored to your style through lighting, branding and other activation options that will add an extraordinary personal element to any event. Experienced wedding planners are also on hand every step of the way to ensure that guests will forever be talking about the happy couple’s big day. Fine dining is delivered with tantalising excellence at Luna Park, where the passionate staff source the best local and seasonal produce.

For something more low-key but just as memorable, the new and expansive outdoor deck will have you cheering the night away with views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, yachts and ferries gliding by the Opera House. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, glitzy work function, or just a great day or night out, Luna Park is bursting at the seams with features that hallmark a unique and special venue – location, size, facilities and, of course, those awesome, uber-fun rides! lunapark.com.au

JAN/FEB 2022

Events

THE FESTIVAL LIGHTING UP

Canberra

Enlighten Festival will once again light up the nation’s capital over 17 days of culture and creativity between March 4 and 20.

Now in its 12th year, the 2022 Enlighten Festival is taking over the entire city of Canberra with a packed program of exciting events. Illuminations@Enlighten will light up the national attractions in a stunning display of light, sound and movement from March 4-14, with projections on some of Canberra’s iconic buildings, including Australian Parliament House; the National Library of Australia; the National Gallery of Australia; Questacon; the National Portrait Gallery; and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. In a special offering, some of these attractions will also offer exclusive ticketed events giving access to areas normally closed to the public, as part of After Dark@Enlighten. The Festival Hub @Enlighten will bring the National Triangle to life with a range of options for dining and relaxing from March 4-14, centred around the ever-popular BentSpoke Beer Garden@Enlighten, offering a place to meet, gather, eat and soak up the festival vibes.

20 TrueBlue

The opening weekend will also see the return of the Night Noodle Markets @Enlighten from March 4-6 in the National Triangle, transforming the West Lawns into a vibrant, bustling Asian street food festival. The opening weekend also includes a brand new experience, Canberra’s new urban street art event Surface Festival@Enlighten. The Canberra Day long weekend (March 11-14) sees the arrival of an exciting new food precinct – The Forage@Enlighten – offering an exciting lakeside zone for indulging in regional food and beverages. The weekend kicks off with Lights! Canberra! Action! @Enlighten on Friday, March 11, which shines a spotlight on local filmmaking talent in this short film festival, before our gaze turns skyward as Balloons @ Enlighten lift off and fill the skies with colourful hot-air balloons from March 12-20. The Canberra Day celebrations continue on March 13 with Symphony in the Park @Enlighten. The Canberra Symphony

Orchestra will take to the stage in Commonwealth Park to perform,with this year’s special guest, ARIAwinning singer-songwriter Lior. On March 14, Canberra Day@ Enlighten will bring Commonwealth Park to life with a showcase of local multicultural community activities with fabulous food, beverages and performers from around the globe, making a great day out for the whole family. The Festival Hub@Enlighten will also be home to the amazing Van Gogh Alive exhibition – the most visited multi-sensory experience in the world, which will run for the duration of Enlighten. Note that tickets will be sold separately. This year the festival expands across the lake to Canberra City with Night Trail @Enlighten, taking visitors through Civic, Braddon and Haig Park with an amazing array of installations and illuminations. Entry is free, but COVID restrictions may apply. For more information visit enlightencanberra.com

THE BUSH WAS HIS STUDIO:

George French Angas Exhibition at the National Library of Australia, Canberra WORDs: Darcy Watt

Australian and New Zealand landscapes are understandably the subjects of much adoration. Lands of vast plains, beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, ancient rainforests and reefs, and seemingly endless desert terrain are just some of the wonderful places to explore in the Antipodes. Around 178 years ago in 1843, a 21-year-old man by the name of George French Angas arrived on a boat from England to capture the beauty of these landscapes in immaculate detail, in his stunning collection of paintings. The evocative scenes of Australia and New Zealand transport people back in time, as Angas enjoyed capturing the life and the land of Australia’s First Peoples in the two-year period that he spent down under. During this period he completed 300 finely drawn watercolours which were showcased in an enthralling 1846 exhibition at the Egyptian Hall in London, and are the basis for two magnificent volumes. “He was the first person to capture the scenes in colour and with such command,” says Philip Jones, curator

of the National Library of Australia’s current exhibition, and a Senior Researcher at the South Australian Museum. “The scenes will easily strike a chord with audiences.”

his father’s status. There are many recognisable landmarks in his works such as Winter’s Hill from Port Lincoln, and Mount Lofty above the plains of Adelaide.

Philip spent several decades committed to delving into the life and art of Angas, including undertaking a Fellowship at the National Library where he pieced together the story of who Angas was and who he was working with at the time.

Philip says that if Angas hadn’t become known for his paintings, his natural talent and the subjects he depicted would have still had an impact on the natural history world.

His research is now a part of the major exhibition ‘Illustrating the Antipodes: George French Angas in Australia and New Zealand 1844-1845,’ which is on display at the National Library of Australia in Canberra until January 30, before travelling to the South Australian Museum for display in March.

“He was an expert on Australian shells, having had over 250 shells named for or by him,” says Philip. The exhibition – presented in partnership with the South Australian Museum – is featured alongside the Library’s Treasures Gallery, which is a fascinating accumulation of Australian artefacts.

“Angas was extremely fortunate to be the eldest son of George Fife Angas, one of South Australia’s founders,” Philip explains. “And so he was very well equipped with paints on remote frontiers. This is evident years later in the quality of the work that remains.”

Wander among a selection of our national treasures, such as an Olympic medal from the 1912 Stockholm Summer Olympic Games won by swimmer Fanny Durack – the first Australian woman to win an Olympic gold medal for swimming. Henry Lawson’s fob watch is also on display.

As a travelling painter, Angas had a comfortable experience due to

Admission to both exhibitions is free. For more information, visit nla.gov.au JAN/FEB 2022

Getaway

Laidback Luxury

Cupitt’s Estate in Milton has already made a name for itself – for its beer, wine, dining, cheese, and live music events in the vineyard. Now its architecturally designed Pods are the talk of town and beyond. WORDs: Michelle Hespe

Wally Cupitt greets us at the Cupitt’s Estate cellar door, swirling the last mouthfuls of a sneaky glass of one of his favourite creations – Dusty Dog Shiraz. “Excuse me,” he says, finishing it off and then giving us a quick nod. “What can I say? It’s my job.” And what a job it is: winemaker at Cupitt’s Estate, where the wine club went through the roof during COVID, not only because the wines are so good, but because the locals and people from far and wide are getting behind local businesses and truly supporting them in times of need. Cupitt’s Estate was hit by the 2020 bushfires and the 2021 floods, and the ongoing pandemic meant that its popular restaurant was closed for long periods. But the silver lining is that the award-winning produce that this family-run business creates – beer, wine, cheese, bread, and everything grown in the vegetable gardens – are now in high demand. We join Wally on a tour of the property and he introduces us to the 2,000 thriving sauvignon blanc vines that sprawl like a shimmering lime green carpet under the setting sun, their neat rows meeting paddocks where hundreds of cattle graze. It’s a quintessential NSW South Coast countryside view for the restaurant and beer garden perched on the layers of lawn and gardens above us, with Burrill Lake and the Budawang Mountains completing the vista. Wally leads the way down a sloping gravelled pathway with rustic stone walls on either side, topped with

22 TrueBlue

tangles of earthy-smelling sage bushes and towering hedges of neatly trimmed rosemary. At the end is an imposing blackened wooden door with massive hinges that wouldn’t look out of place on an English castle or a Tuscan villa. It looks as though it’s always been there – rammed into the side of the hill to hide the goods in the underground cellar. “This was Mum’s idea. She comes up with things like this and goes for it,” says Wally with a wave of his arms, as if to take in the entire property. “You can’t stop her or tell her to slow down. She’s mad, in a good way of course. She also decided to make our cheese after travelling all over France and visiting all the top vineyards, cellar doors and fromageries. She came back and just did it. That’s Mum for you – she’s a powerhouse.” Wally runs a fun and informative

Getaway

SMART, COOL & COSY: Far left then clockwise: Exteriors of the new Pods; The stylish living rooms within cabins are a cosy haven; Luxurious king-sized beds; Cupitt’s Estate sour dough; Wally Cupitt with his renowned Dusty Dog Shiraz.

wine tasting while pairing the wines – Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine, Rosie’s Rosé, chardonnay, pinot gris, sangiovese, tempranillo and his beloved Dusty Dog Shiraz – with Cupitt’s Estate Narawilly and Veuve cheeses. Both were made by Wally’s mum Rosie and are French in style, velvety smooth and delicious. He wraps things up by offering us a taste straight out of the barrel of a wine soon to be released – a new Fiano. It’s light but will no doubt develop the nutty, textured taste it’s renowned for, and it already has a lovely floral and pineapple nose. We fit in a Cupitt’s beer in the garden before dinner, and learn that the team have just won three medals including a Gold for their Milton Pilsner, Silver for the Hazy Pale Ale and Bronze for the 2021 Imperial Stout, at Australia’s Independent Beer Awards. The restaurant is the epitome of laidback luxury, with locally sourced and unadulterated produce grown on the estate appearing in hearty classics such as pan-fried Murray cod with Tuscan kale and Warrigal greens; seared duck breast and confit leg with garden beetroots, burnt onion and mulberry vinaigrette; and chargrilled wagyu rost biff with asparagus and (here it comes again, Wally!) a Dusty Dog Shiraz jus. The produce has always been the star of the show at Cupitt’s Estate, but now 10 new luxury pod cabins have

landed, adorning the eastern slopes of the property where once there were only grazing paddocks. The initial concept for the modern pods – which are timber and galvanised steel-clad container-style cabins – came from Brett Sherson of Sherson Architecture. They were then designed by Prefabulous and the interiors are the work of Meg Campbell from Neon White Design in Ulladulla, working alongside Rosie to bring more of her wonderfully creative ideas to life. Inside the 47 square metre pods are light-filled living spaces with a lounge, dining table and kitchenette including a mini bar, spacious bedrooms with king-sized beds, and stylish black bathrooms with gold fixtures. Some pods have a full-sized bath on the balcony overlooking the property and beyond. The focus is on minimal, modern yet cosy design, and produce, as always, is key to an authentic experience at Cupitt’s Estate. It’s at the heart of what this family does so well. Make sure you have a night in. Take a long bath at sunset on the balcony and indulge in some Cupitt’s cheese, which is perfect alongside the awesome sourdough made on the premises. So good, especially when paired with a glass of the ol’ Dusty Dog Shiraz that Wally has us hooked on for life. cupittsestate.com.au TB

JAN/FEB 2022

Weekend escape

n u f r e Summ IN MT BULLER

Sitting at an elevation of 1,600 metres, and only a few hours’ drive from Melbourne and Albury airports, the resort village of Mt Buller is an ideal place to hit the snow. But now this pretty-as-a-picture town is transforming itself into a hub of activity in the summer months. WORDs: Michelle Hespe photography: tony harrington

am definitely guilty as charged. I think of Falls Creek, Hotham and Mt Buller in Victorian High Country, and I think of skiing, mulled wine, open fireplaces and snow piling up outside the windows of my toasty room in a ski lodge. But in fact there are so many things to do in Mt Buller and its surrounds in the summer, and 2021 marked the launch of long lunches at the Iron Maiden Smokehouse at The Summit to celebrate this. Here are some of the great things to get into during the hotter months.

LONG LUNCHING What better way to take in views of the Victorian Alps than with live music and a long lunch with hundreds of others seated on the top of a pictureperfect mountain? Add slow-cooked meats and vegetables prepared by chef Ross O’Meara (of Gourmet Farmer fame), and a retro ice-cream caravan serving handmade gelato, and you have the recipe for a long and indulgent day.

MOUNTAIN BIKING Quite literally get on top of the world at Mt Buller and experience the rush of mountain biking at altitude. There are thrills (and hopefully not too many spills) galore on the downhill course, an uphill road

24 TrueBlue

challenge that will have those calves burning, and myriad cross-country trails. The stunning alpine views and the cool, rejuvenating climate make this region an ideal place to mix exercise, adrenaline and exploration. If you prefer to go at a slower pace with less risk involved, there are endless walking tracks, from ‘mellow’ to ‘mountain goat’ levels.

HITTING THE TRACKS Victorian High Country is heaven on earth for lovers of four-wheel driving. There are thousands of kilometres of trails and some of the toughest tracks in Australia, so if you are not entirely confident, it’s best to book in with a 4WD club or join a tag-along tour. Make sure you visit Craig’s Hut, which is a replica of the hut that was built for the film set of The Man from Snowy River. Sadly, the original hut was burnt down in the 2006 bushfires. As the government had already spent millions on the surrounding camping and picnic areas complete with a large carpark, they decided to supply all of the materials, and the second Craig’s Hut was built completely by local volunteers.

SUMMIT SESSIONS Pack a blanket (it gets chilly at night in the mountains, even during the

hottest months) a picnic, and maybe even your dancing shoes, for Sunset Sessions at the Summit. Pick a spot on the mountain and let Faces of Group create an audio experience like no other as the sun sets over Lake Eildon, and the stars come out to play. DJ’s Zane Velu & Phil Napoli and Melbourne duo MAMI also create the beats for these magical evenings.

KICK BACK WITH BLUES When night has settled in, pop over to the Moosehead Bar and kick back on one of the leather lounges to take in some blues while indulging in a tipple. The staff mix up an awesome selection of creative or classic cocktails that’ll be sure to have you sliding into a relaxing summer’s night. Music kicks off around 8.30pm and it’s a super friendly place where locals and visitors mingle after some fun and fresh air on the mountain.

GET INTO STARGAZING If you are keen to take in the night outdoors, book in a stargazing session with volunteers from the Astronomical Society of Victoria. Gazing up into our universe in a mountainous region with barely any light pollution is an incredible way to appreciate all that we are lucky enough to have around us. TB

Weekend escape

TOP LEFT, THEN CLOCKWISE: FUN TIMES AT MOOSEHEAD BAR; SUNSET SESSIONS AT THE SUMMIT; MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING IS HUGE IN BULLER; STARGAZING WILL GIVE YOU A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE OF THE REGION; THE FIRST LONG LUNCH AT THE IRON MAIDEN SMOKEHOUSE.

JAN/FEB 2021

OUT OF THE BLUE AND

26 TrueBlue

Explore

into the Black Coober Pedy is famous for its opals, but there’s a lot more to be explored – both above and below the ground. Words: JOHN BORTHWICK

JAN/FEB 2022

Explore

SWISS CHEESE “Out of the blue and into the black” is how soldiers described dropping into an enemy tunnel during the Vietnam War. You get the idea, minus the terror, as you’re winched 20 dark metres down a narrow opal mineshaft in the middle of the baking South Australian desert. But once you hit the bottom, chances are there’s a spacious, well-lit cavern full of mining gear, a generator and maybe even an old crate to sit on. Welcome to the Coober Pedy underworld, where hundreds of mineshafts and galleries burrow, Swiss cheese-like, beneath the outback landscape. So, what’s there to do, both above and below ground?

DIG SOME HISTORY Following the discovery of opals here in 1915 the surrounding desert plain was soon pocked with diggings and their conical mullock heaps. At the same time Coober Pedy – local Aboriginal language for 'whitefella’s hole in the ground' – began to earn a Wild West-like reputation. South Australian writer Max Anderson captures the spirit of place: “It was a polyglot, international outpost where everyone had opal in their eyes, although no one nationality had a monopoly on wild ways. Today, it’s a perfectly functioning Outback community. But you only have to gaze over that endless sea of pale mullock heaps – seen best under a glowing full moon where they look like shark-fins – to realise that those roaring days made for one of Australia's great Outback stories.”

VISIT A MUSEUM Several commercial museums here retell the early, hardscrabble days of riches or ruin, of cave-ins or a seam of glorious, translucent opal – no bucket descent involved. The Old Timers Mine, hand-dug in 1916, offers a self-guided tour through its galleries and recreated troglodyte-like

28 TrueBlue

dwellings. Meanwhile, the larger Umoona Mine complex includes Aboriginal interpretive displays, a theatre and guided tunnel tours. You exit, naturally, through the gift shop and its trove of opal jewellery.

HOME SWEET DUGOUT More than half the town of around 2,000 people live underground. After gophering away all day in a mine or opal shop, families come home to roomy dwellings carved into the hillside. With a comfortable temperature of around 24ºC, these expandable dugouts have plenty of unexpected creature comforts. Some are almost mansions, lacking only a view from most rooms. Pick a soundtrack: Neil Young’s Out of the Blue or Bob Dylan’s Subterranean Homesick Blues?

BEND THE KNEE With its early reputation as a place beyond both the bitumen and redemption, plus a main street nicknamed Bolshevic Gully, this might not be a town where you’d expect to find many God-fearin’ institutions. Nevertheless, some diggers did bring their faith with them. Their churches – dugouts, of course – reflecting their ethnic origins have evolved into elegant catacombs

SURPRISES OUT BACK: For a small town, Coober Pedy has plenty to experience. It’s home to Crocodile Harry’s infamous underground party palace and even an underground church.

Explore

honouring different creeds, with Greek and Serbian Orthodox as well as Anglican and Catholic chapels. Vaulted ceilings and stained-glass faux windows today make them meditative, calm places where you can duck in to pray or just retreat from the boulder-splitting summer heat.

CHOW TIME Like being in Casablanca for the waters, at 750km north of Adelaide, you’re probably not in 'Coobpeedie' for the fine dining. Nonetheless, there’s plenty of wholesome fare for the constant influx of four-wheel drive nomads, fly-in visitors and backpackers, not to mention the locals. Pizza and pasta are a given, but then add Aussie, Italian, Croatian and Greek options. Try Tom and Mary's Greek Taverna or Umberto’s in the Desert Cave Hotel.

DEEP SLEEPING Coober Pedy accommodation is predictably split-level, including underground hotels as well as aboveground motels, apartments, caravan parks and backpacker lodges. If you’re sleeping subterranean for the first time it might take a few minutes to shake off the mild claustrophobia of reclining deep-six, so to speak, in a room that has no windows and is as silent as, well, the grave. Distract yourself by admiring the beautiful patterns and veins in the clay walls.

The best digs (so to speak) in town are probably the Desert Cave Hotel and Opal Inn.

BOOT HILL The town’s original cemetery near the Greek Orthodox Church goes back to 1921, while the more recent 'boot hill' is dotted with poignant tombstones dating from the early 1970s. One much-photographed headstone adorns the grave of miner Karl Bratz. It’s an 18-gallon beer keg bearing the simple Outback epitaph, “Have a drink on me.”

DEEP HOLES, TALL STORIES Those inter- and post-War years of wild poker games, binges, brawls and jalopies loaded with gelignite might be long gone, but this is still a town of characters and their yarns – but no names, no pack-drill. Pull up a beer at, say, the Outback Bar and Grill, and soon you’ll be overhearing lines the likes of, “I built a beautiful tunnelling machine. It cost me $70,000 and my marriage. But I’ve still got the machine.” Or a crusty local wag bunging it on for some wide-eyed backpackers: “You know why there’s no crocs left in Lake Eyre? The sharks got ’em all.” After all, what would the Outback be without a bit of bulldust? TB operates flights to Coober Pedy. Visit rex.com.au for prices and details. JAN/FEB 2022

Carpentaria Country OUR SALTWATER OUTBACK WORDs: JOHN BORTHWICK

30 TrueBlue

Explore

YOU CAN TELL when dry season has arrived in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Come early April, a motorcade of grey (if not tangerine to polka-dot) nomads starts rolling into town. Sporting thousand-yard grins and watches set to wine o’clock, they’re storming Barradise with fishing rods and a tinny in tow. Queensland’s overlooked 'west coast' is raw and wondrous, a saltwater outback whose Arafura-blue waters, even if a bit snap-happy with crocs, have sunsets that give Bali a run for its money. A trio of Gulf towns, Normanton, Karumba and Burketown, form what I call the Carpentaria Triangle – a mysterious zone where Big Smoke obsessions like woke-ism, celebrity culture and pompous ships of state sink without trace.

NORMANTON The painless way to arrive is, of course, on the wing. But the unique way is aboard 'the train that runs from nowhere to nowhere', the 140-year-old Gulflander service. It rattles in from Croydon, officially 94 miles – not 150 kilometres – to the west. The 'Tin Hare’s' route across the savannah plains is replete with gold rush ruins, mail drops, brolgas and abandoned whistle-stops, all of it animated by the train driver’s vivid narration. You step down from the old red rattler beneath the huge hooped iron roof of Normanton’s heritagelisted 1889 station. Once known as the Capital of Carpentaria, the town still has streets wide enough for a bullock dray to do wheelies, along with elegant 19th-century architectural oddities like the massive Burns Philp trading depot. But time hasn’t stood still here. The town’s famous Purple Pub is now rivalled by the Lime Green Butcher and the Hot Pink Bakery. It’s lunchtime when I wander into the latter, noting the display of ready-to-go rolls. “A salad roll, please.” “Certainly, mate. What’ll it be, pork or beef?” “Just salad, thanks.” “Sorry, all our salad rolls are made with meat.” No country for old veggos, this. But definitely one for great beef salad rolls. On the same main street is the replica of a crocodile that’s been dead since 1957 but can still scare the living daylights out of you. Krys the Croc had jaws that might wolf down a bullock like a salad sanga. At 8.64 metres, this two-tonne saltie – the largest crocodile ever shot – met its match in the diminutive local hunter Krystina Pawlowski.  JAN/FEB 2022

Explore

TOP TO BOTTOMT: Karumba Barra Centre; Savannah Way caution sign; Purple Pub in Normanton (photo by John Borthwick)

Normanton – all balmy dry season days, cold beer and well-shaded campgrounds – is, for many visitors, a thousand miles from care. It’s also around 3,000km from Melbourne, the distance that the ill-fated 1861 Burke and Wills expedition tramped across the continent until they reached a spot just short of the Gulf. You can turn off the Savannah Way 30km outside Normanton and find the poignant Camp 119, the northernmost point of their trek. The gnarled coolabahs that shade this tranquil billabong were young when the explorers carved their initials in them before turning south to meet their fate.

KARUMBA Karumba, at the mouth of the Norman River, is the only town among the Gulf trio that sits right on the coast. It might be an angler’s 'barradise' but, predictably, there’s a local moan that the weather is “always either too wet or too dry.” In fact, the April-May temperature of around 27ºC is just perfect. The Gulf is indeed a place of extremes, weather-wise, creaturewise and, in the past, behaviour-wise. An unlikely crew of bards, Californian rockers the Red Hot Chili Peppers (what were they even doing way out here?), nailed Karumba’s extremes in their song Animal Bar: The cry of isolation/ the high of meditation/ for sweet precipitation. They name-ticked the legendary Animal Bar where, during last century’s prawn and barramundi booms, a drinking session could get so wildly animated that every moveable item, including ashtrays, was bolted down. Just one rule applied: all brawls to be settled by sunrise. Today I sit at the

32 TrueBlue

Explore

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Karumba Croc Cruise; Carpentaria Shire HQ; Stargazing in Burketown; The Gulflander train (photo by John Borthwick)

breezy, open-fronted pub. With not a fight in sight, all is calm at the Animal Bar and next door too, at the very ironically named Suave Bar. I board Ken Nottle’s Crab and Croc Tour for a spectacular exploration of Karumba’s Six-Mile Creek. We catch giant mud crabs and drop in on an impressive show-pony – a four-metre crocodile called Hollywood who can’t stop posing for photos. White-blazed sea eagles and brahminy kites swoop and pinion above us. It’s a domain of jabirus and pelicans, mangroves and sandbars, and lurking “big lizards” – Ken’s name for the saltwater crocodiles. A Karumba tip: take a tour at the high-tech, science-rich Barramundi Discovery Centre to see how barramundi are bred and nurtured. Then don’t miss a bite of the café’s excellent barraburgers.

BURKETOWN Robert O’Hara Burke didn’t reach the Gulf – the wet season swamps thwarted his desperate, last-ditch efforts – but later settlers honoured the blowhard Melbourne Irishman with a new town on the Albert River. Unlike its namesake, Burketown survived and thrived. Today the tidy town of around 300 people is a notable success story for the Ganglidda-Garawa community that has steadily built up its tourism assets, financial independence and educational achievement. You can fly into Burketown or drive the Savannah Way 230km from Karumba, a journey of wedge-tailed eagles, flash mobs of cattle and the Leichhardt Falls. However you arrive, there’s a well-appointed cabin waiting at the Indigenous-owned Savannah Lodge, an oasis of greenery and a good pool. I base myself there while

joining local specialists Yagurli Tours for tag-along drive excursions to hot springs and pristine billabongs, plus a sunset river cruise and finally a night of desert stargazing. Led by Aboriginal rangers Pat Cumsing and Lurick Sowden, we head out across a vast salt pan – northern Australia’s largest – that stretches beyond the town. As dusk fades to darkness the rangers set up a sophisticated, barrel-sized telescope and focus on the moon. With no light pollution, the high definition, cratersand-all image is stunning. As the moon sinks and the sky reveals a tsunami of stars, the men re-story the constellations with their people’s sky dreaming astronomy. Emus and night owls reclaim the heavens and Orion’s Belt loosens. TB operates flights to Normanton. Visit rex.com.au for prices and details. JAN/FEB 2022

e n a b s i Br

A C U LT U R E V U LT U R E ’ S G U I D E T O

34 TrueBlue

Stay

London may have the Tate and a bloke named Banksy, while Barcelona goes all gaga over Gaudi (and deservedly so), but Brisbane is Queensland’s capital of culture. And it's even home to our very own Banksy-style street artist. Words: Christine Retschlag

1. SURRENDER TO SOUTH BANK STYLE Start any cultural crawl of the capital in the aptly-named Cultural Precinct at South Bank – home to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Art Gallery (QAG), State Library, Queensland Museum, and Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). QAG and GoMA are renowned for hosting world-class exhibitions such as the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. Younger culture vultures adore the interactive spaces at GoMA and SparkLab at the Queensland Museum, as well exploring the Queensland Maritime Museum at the southern end of South Bank Parklands. While on this side of the river, sink your teeth into authentic First Nations art at Aboriginal Art Co – a haven for ethically sourced works. STAY: For style and culture with an infinity pool and a bustling bar overlooking the river and the city skyline (plus Australia’s largest hotel penthouse suite), dip your toes into Emporium South Bank.

2. INHABIT INNER CITY COOL IMAGE: The pool at the Calile Hotel in Brisbane is as fresh and fun as Brisbane’s style.

Brisbane’s CBD offers a cacophony of culture right under your nose. Head to the historic City Hall, home to the Museum of Brisbane – which presents evolving exhibitions and tours galore,

including the recently launched Tides of Brisbane Boat Tour which gives the splashdown on the city’s history. A Walking in Wartime Tour (available by demand) tells the tale of the city during World War II, and ends at the MacArthur Museum – the former headquarters of Governor MacArthur. Down near Roma Street, check out the Queensland Police Museum, which pays homage to the history of policing in the state, while at the other end of George Street (and on the other side of the law), the Commissariat Store Museum explores the history of Brisbane’s convicts. Looking for something lighter? The QUT Art Museum nearby shines the spotlight on contemporary art. In the heart of the CBD, Birrunga Gallery is in an Indigenous-owned art gallery, performance space, café venue, and licensed wine bar with mixed media artworks and handmade products for sale, and native herbs and ingredients in its delectable dishes. STAY: For a taste of the cosmopolitan capital head to W Brisbane with its riotous colours, splashes of art and sparkling views over the river to South Bank. More low key but equally glam, The Inchcolm By Ovolo’s boutique neo-Georgian design is a classy cultural experience in itself for a city more accustomed to big, bold hotels. Head here for cocktails and jazz.  JAN/FEB 2022

Stay

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Sign, South Bank Parklands and Fortitude Valley (All images courtesy of TEQ.).

3. GET YOUR VALLEY GIRL ON Fortitude Valley has always been a bubbling brew of culture, from Indigenous art galleries to China Town and a slew of nightclubs and pubs in between. Just a stroll down Brunswick Street Mall is enough to fill your cultural cup for days. Should you be in search of more, check out the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts – home to the Institute of Modern Art, or the nearby Philip Bacon Gallery, which houses works by some of Australia’s best artists including Margaret Olley. The Valley is also where you’ll most likely spot the work of Brisbane’s answer to Banksy – the “Blue Ninja” whose blue artworks, such as the blue butterfly in Bakery Lane, mysteriously appear on buildings. STAY: Touted as Brisbane’s only street art hotel, The Constance is like stepping into a gregarious gallery. Crystalbrook Vincent at the bustling Howard Smith Wharves precinct – home to some of the city’s latest and greatest bars and restaurants – has more than 500 prints by acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo. Do have a drink at its rooftop bar Fiume under the shadow of the Story Bridge and overlooking the river.

4. DIG NEW FARM’S VIBE For years it supplied the electricity for the largest tram network in the southern hemisphere, but these days the Brisbane Powerhouse is a bright spark on the cultural scene. Perched on the banks of the Brisbane River, this historic building still carries the edgy remnants of its industrial past, making it one of the most sought-after entertainment spaces in the city with

36 TrueBlue

a sizzling smorgasbord of acts and events all year long. Head here on Saturday mornings for the Jan Powers Farmers Markets or check out its free comedy acts while sipping a brew from its breezy Bar Alto. STAY: The Calile Hotel is a little bit of LA luxe in the heart of James Street, where Brisbane’s beautiful love to amble around high-end designer stores and people watch while slurping Martinis.

5. EXPERIENCE A WEST SIDE STORY It’d be easy to get caught up in the gorgeous galleries, sassy street art and eclectic exhibitions of Brisbane, but it would be remiss to ignore some quintessential Queensland culture. Head to Milton in the inner west to the XXXX Brewery Tour, where you’ll learn all about how Queensland’s popular brew came into being. Sated, you can walk to nearby Suncorp Stadium and take a guided tour of the cauldron of rugby league. Head a little further west to St Lucia and explore the hallowed grounds of the University of Queensland with its UQ Art Museum. STAY: Its name is synonymous with seafood and the boutique Gambaro Hotel is also home to Gambaro Seafood Restaurant and Black Hide Steakhouse. Want to literally taste Brisbane culture? Try the Moreton Bay bugs here. TB operates flights to Brisbane. Visit rex.com.au for prices and details.

Outback Queensland

Top outback EXPERIENCES

38 TrueBlue

Outback Queensland B AC K

T O

Hughenden

N AT U R E

I N

Hughenden, around halfway between Townsville and Mount Isa on the Overlander’s Way, is surrounded by four national parks, spectacular volcanic basalt tablelands and sweeping black soil plains. Words: Danielle Lancaster

Across this land, forming one-third of the Australian Dinosaur Trail, giant dinosaurs once roamed through a very different landscape. Luckily, these days you’ll be welcomed by the friendly local humans who now inhabit the region.

FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE Say hello to Hughie, the Flinders Discovery Centre’s star attraction – a seven metre-tall life-size replica skeleton of a Muttaburrasaurus. View the impressive fossils and gems collected locally and from around the world. Step back a little less time to glimpse at the glory days of sheep in the region in the “Shearing the Straggler” permanent exhibit.

PORCUPINE GORGE NATIONAL PARK Often referred to as Australia’s Little Grand Canyon, the first lookout over this stunning national park lies about 60km north of Hughenden. The gorge is a jewel in the landscape a mere five hundred million years in the making, with towering cliffs carved by flowing creeks and millennia of weather.

WONDERFUL WINDMILLS AND SCULPTURES

OPPOSITE PAGE: Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve. THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: White Mountains National Park; Iconic Queensland windmills; Porcupine Gorge National Park (All images courtesy of TEQ.)

The Wirilla Station windmill is a massive 35-foot Comet windmill on the outskirts of town at Wirilla Station. It was the eleventh out of only 15 of the giant windmills ever created, and has the ability to pump over 1 million litres of water every day.

BASALT BYWAY This scenic 95km 4WD trail rambles through a spectacular landscape. There are rolling volcanic basalt walls, deep long valleys and excellent lookouts, plus an array of flora and fauna to spot along the way. See if you can spot the Flinders poppy – which Hughenden is well known for – in the grassy downs areas. It bursts into flower in the drier months, creating rivers of red in the open plains.

WHITE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK A mere 80km east of Hughenden is the magical White Mountains National Park, one of inland Queensland’s most botanically diverse parks. It’s renowned for its contrasting white sandstone bluffs, wild wilderness and colourful wildflowers, which spring to life generally in the winter months. Then there’s the plentiful fauna in this special park, which protects 14 different ecosystems in the Desert Uplands bioregion.

KOOROORINYA FALLS NATURE RESERVE This is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve is on private property 54km south of Prairie. Tower Creek after rain creates an impressive waterfall into a rocky gorge. Following the wet season a chain of permanent billabongs endure and provide first-rate fishing and swimming – or maybe simply relaxing by the banks.

operates flights to Hughendon. Visit rex.com.au for details. JAN/FEB 2022

Outback Queensland

TAN TAL I S I N G

Sitting 700 metres above sea level on top of the Great Dividing Range, Toowoomba’s fertile soils from this once active volcanic range reward us with beautiful parks and gardens. But wait, there’s more!

Toowoomba, Queensland’s largest inland city, also known as the Garden City, is just over an hour’s drive from the state capital.

1. CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS

Toowoomba

Words: Danielle Lancaster

One of the longest-running events in Queensland’s glowing calendar of activities, the Carnival of Flowers all began in Spring 1950 with a street procession that stretched three miles in length. Led by a bullock team and watched by a crowd estimated to be 50,000 strong, it was a resounding success and has remained successful ever since.

2. EXPLORE THE STREET ART An outdoor gallery awaits with Toowoomba’s Street Art Trail. Tip: start in Neil Street and allow at least an hour or two to weave your way along the streets and lanes while pausing to enjoy the cafes, coffee and culture along the way. Don’t forget your camera.

3. OLDEST PUBLIC URINAL The oldest public urinal in Toowoomba could easily make the list as one of Queensland’s quirkiest buildings. The heritagelisted male toilet was constructed in 1919. It’s not open to the general public – for obvious reasons!

4. COBB+CO MUSEUM Forming part of the Queensland Museum, the Cobb+Co Museum is home to the National Carriage Collection. Along with the coaches and a vast range of vehicles, the collection includes an array of memorabilia from the horse-drawn era. Everything from farm wagons and delivery carts to the Rolls Royce of carriages: the landau is proudly displayed.

5. TOOWOOMBA SPEEDWAY Get your adrenaline pumping at the Toowoomba Speedway. Every genre of car is on display and revving its engine, from sprint cars to racy V8s and Formula 500s. If you are a car enthusiast Toowoomba has a huge calendar of events to choose from to get your gears into top speed.

6. RUSSELL STREET HISTORICAL WALK Toowoomba boasts many iconic Queenslander buildings – an architectural style developed to make the best of the climate on top of the Great Dividing Range. Wander down the Russell Street Historical Walk and see grand buildings dating back to the 1860s.

7. JU RAKU EN JAPANESE GARDEN

TOP TO BOTTOM: Toowoomba's hertiage-listed Empire Theatre; The Carnival of Flowers; Ju Raku En Japanese Garden (Images courtesy of TEQ.)

40 TrueBlue

Discover tranquillity in one of Toowoomba’s most peaceful and beautiful parks in the Japanese Garden. Encompassing 4.5 hectares, Ju Raku En roughly translates as ‘to enjoy peace and longevity in a public place.’ Toowoomba’s Japanese garden is Australia’s largest, most traditionally designed Japanese garden and perfect for a stroll. operates flights to Toowoomba. Visit rex.com.au for details.

Outback Queensland

Quilpie

H I D D E N

G E M

Don’t be fooled: there is plenty to do in the outback at the ‘End of the Line.’ Words: JILLIAN RAMIREZ Nestled in the seemingly endless outback of South West Queensland is the quaint town of Quilpie. It was founded in 1917 after the arrival of a railway line from Charleville, hence its title as “the end of the line.” Even though the population is just shy of 600 people, there’s no shortage of things to do.

NATURAL TREASURES Grazing and mining drive the town’s economy. Therefore, the region is rich in natural resources, including gas, oil and one of the largest boulder opal deposits in the world. Eromanga, an hour’s drive down the road, is home to the region’s dinosaur trail. Although its population is only just over 100 people, Eromanga offers world-class prehistoric and geological experiences for visitors at the Eromanga Natural History Museum. The museum houses the largest dinosaur ever discovered in Australia, Cooper. In his day, he was almost 30 metres in length and weighed between 30 and 40 tonnes.

WHERE TO STAY When you think of outback accommodation, you might imagine dusty caravan parks and roadside motels. That’s not the case in Quilpie. Moble Homestead is run by the Rutledge family. The land has been in their family for five generations, first purchased by

the Rutledge brothers back in 1914. Today it is home to the current generation – Brian, Kylie and their four daughters. They welcome visitors into their cosy abode and treat them like family. “Moble has always been a gathering place throughout the generations,” Kylie explains. “So we knew that opening our doors to visitors would be a strength we could utilise. We have welcomed some interesting people over the past year which, in turn, has rewarded us with rich experiences as well.” Across the estate, guests can enjoy strolls around the gardens, swimming, canoeing, fishing and sitting around a crackling campfire at night.

WHAT LIFE’S ALL ABOUT A big part of the Quilpie lifestyle and ethos is sharing seasonal, home-cooked food, surrounded by good company. As Kylie puts it: “We live in an area that some may consider isolated, and we are adept at making our own fun, so why be dull? We love to share good food and laughter – it’s the basis of a life well lived.” Despite its remoteness at “the end of the line”, there’s plenty to do in and around Quilpie. Indulge in sunsets at Cave Hill or have a beer and a yarn with the locals at Toompine Hotel. One thing’s for sure: you’ll feel welcomed everywhere you go, as if you’re part of the Quilpie family.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Guests enjoying hiking, canoeing and a campfire at Moble Homestead run by the the Rutledge family. (Images courtesy of TEQ.)

operates flights to Quilpie. Visit rex.com.au for details. JAN/FEB 2022

Outback Queensland

Warrego WAN D E R I N G

T H E

Words: Danielle Lancaster

Come and wander along the wonderful Warrego River, which sits beside Charleville in Outback Queensland. It’s a place to pull over and relax, where huge river red gums fringe the banks with a backdrop of mulga trees. At dawn and dusk, mallee ringneck parrots dance among the trees with their other feathered friends who call this permanent waterhole home. This mighty river forms part of the Darling catchment within the MurrayDarling basin, and is one of the few rivers where silver perch breed naturally. It’s a delight for campers, fishermen and nature lovers – but wait, there’s so much more to lure you into pulling up for a night or two. Ideally, the Ward River is located only 20km west of Charleville on the Diamantina Developmental Road, Australia’s longest road, offering another perfect place to stop, camp, fish and admire nature in the heart of the Mulga Lands. Grab that fishing line, the book you’ve been meaning to read, a pen and paper, or your camera. There’s so much to adore along this beautiful stretch of waterway.

Add to that the chance of adding eel-tailed catfish and spangled perch to your catch as an additional bonus. Size and possession limits do apply. No permits required.

FABULOUS FISHING

CAMPING TIPS

With fingerlings of golden perch and Murray cod released annually (644,000 yellow belly and 52,000 Murray cod since 1992) along the Warrego and Ward Rivers, you are almost certain of a bite.

* Watch the sunset from your campsite on the east of the Ward River. * Forget the fishing and admire the wildlife along both of these rivers. * Free camping sites have very few amenities – take out what you bring in.

42 TrueBlue

FISHING TIPS * Live bait includes yabbies, shrimps, worms and prawns only. * For the best fishing tips, call into Jude’s Browse In on Charleville’s main street, Alfred Street, for all the updates on the best bait to use and what is biting. Jude is a local legend and a true character. Make sure you take some time to read her cartoons on the front of the store. Look left on the shelf behind the counter – Jude’s Browse In is also the local adult entertainment store for the region.

CAMPING Charleville offers a range of camping from free sites along the Warrego and Ward rivers plus the Rock Pools to paid campgrounds in a variety of settings in and around town. The Charleville Visitor Information Centre staff have maps and advice to guide you to the perfect spot.

ABOVE: The Warrego River is a beautiful spot to enjoy many activities, but one of the best is the glowing afternoon Queensland sunsets.

MORE TO DO IN CHARLEVILLE › See the night and day sky at the Cosmos Centre › Visit endangered bilbies › Meet the farmer on an Outback Date Farm Tour › Learn history along a WWII tag-along tour and at the Secret Base › Immerse yourself in flora at Charleville Botanic Reserve › Sip and chat with a local at the iconic Corones Hotel And, like the ad says, ‘but wait, there’s more’! There is so much more to see and do in the outback hub of Charleville.

operates flights to Charleville. Visit rex.com.au for details.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE IN

Home of Australia's beloved bilby, and a stargazing experience like no other.

Charleville Bilby Experie

ecre W II S

nce

t Base

C o sm o s C e

Visit Charleville Visitor Information Centre Railway Station, King St, Charleville experiencecharleville.com.au (07) 4656 8359

ntre (s tar o

ne)

Top 10 things to do in Charleville 1. Cosmos Centre 2. Meet endangered Bilbies 3. Discover the secrets of the WWII Base 4. Take a tour of Hotel Corones 5. Visit the Botanic Reserve 6. Meet the farmer on an Outback Date Farm Tour 7. Wander the Graham Andrews parklands and Outback Native Timber Walk 8. Step back in time at the Historic House Museum 9. Wander along the Warrego River Walk 10. View the Water Tower mural – part of the Silo Art Trail

THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE IN

QUEENSLAND’S BACKYARD! Outback Queensland is home to an abundance of authentic heritage attractions, vibrant country towns, quirky and classic events, and stunning natural wonders. Experience a timeless landscape or explore historic towns and get to know the locals. Come face-to-face with Australia’s largest dinosaurs or follow in the footsteps of our early explorers and pioneers. Whether you’re looking to connect with nature, experience genuine country hospitality or share a once in a lifetime journey with family, you can be assured of a warm welcome in Outback Queensland. Where will your next Outback Queensland adventure take you? With 16 destinations in Outback Queensland, Rex Airlines will get you there.

S TA R T P L A N N I N G YO U R O U T B A C K A D V E N T U R E T O D AY:

outbackqueensland.com.au

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND EVENTS PLAN YOUR NEXT OUTBACK ADVENTURE! Our world-class events offer entertainment and fun for all ages: from camel and horse races, rodeos, and sports events, to music, food and movie festivals – and everything in between. You can be assured of a warm welcome in Outback Queensland.

Make su re you pre -boo k all you r Outbac k events , acco m m odation and attracti ons – to avoid disappo intmen t.

Start planning your Outback Event today outbackqueensland.com.au/events

Paradise

DIVE INTO THE

WONDERFUL WEST

46 TrueBlue

Paradise

It’s always been considered a world away – and more recently, with its borders firmly shut, Western Australia really has seemed like its very own country. If you’re ‘stuck’ there, or if you plan to go soon, here are some of the wild and wonderful places to visit. WORDs: Darcy Watt

Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool.

JAN/FEB 2022

Paradise FROM LEFT: Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge, Frenchman Peak, Lake Hillier, Cottesloe Beach and a kangaroo on Lucky Bay, (Images supplied by Tourism WA)

CRUISING THROUGH CARNARVON If you love combing beach sand for unique shells and exploring subtropical pretty-as-a-picture pastel landscapes, then Carnarvon on Australia’s Coral Coast is one place you should add to your great Western exploration. Carnarvon sits on the edge of an enormous slice of paradise: around 604,500 hectares of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Site. On the harbourfront, palm trees line the esplanade where crystalline waters brush the shore. Carnarvon is home to only 4,500 people, meaning a day at the beach can be an isolated excursion in paradise. Ancient history runs deep in Carnarvon – the surrounding region is home to five Aboriginal language groups: Yinggarda, Bayungu, Malgana, Thadgari and Thalanyji. A permanent exhibition at the Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre is an award-winning interactive display and Sky Dome, which has a time-lapse video of a starry night sky and commentary about the art of stargazing and

48 TrueBlue

what it means for the Aboriginal community. The centre is also home to an impressive 33,000-year-old shell necklace.

NEW, OLD AND BOLD Between the months of December and March, Quobba’s Shell Beach – which is only a 20km drive north of Carnarvon – becomes a sanctuary for turtle hatching. Adult green, loggerhead, hawksbill and flatback turtles frequent the waters off the coast of Carnarvon all year round, and you can also tick off that bucket list experience of swimming with whale sharks here. With new life there is old life too, and Quobba is also known as an underwater museum of coral formations that are around 7,000 to 8,000 years old – although, to be fair, in terms of reef systems this is actually quite young. There are also traces of former human activity just along the shore where you can see the remains of the Korean Star shipwreck. On May 20, 1988, the bulk carrier vessel ran aground during cyclonic weather conditions, which caused it to drag

FUN FACT Carnarvon was the first place in Australia where an Overseas Telecommunication Commission dish was built for space missions.

operates flights to Esperance. Visit rex.com.au for prices and details.

Paradise

its anchor. Unfortunately, around 600 tonnes of fuel and oil were lost in the precious waters. The powerful blowholes and surging swells of The Bluff make this region a drawcard for visitors from Australia and across the globe, and a huge left-handed reef break is frequented by adventurous surfing aficionados, usually through the months of May to August.

BEAUTY AND THE BAY Esperance, with it’s striking white sand, is a quintessential Australian beach lover’s dream. The pure colour is due to milky frosted quartz, especially surrounding Lucky Bay. Approximately 45km south-east of Esperance, travellers can 4WD along the beach and camp for the night among mobs of friendly kangaroos. It’s also a paradise for snorkelling, swimming and fishing.

There are more than 100 islands in the Recherche Archipelago near Esperance that are uninhabited, having been declared nature reserves in 1954. Middle Island is home to the phenomenal Lake Hillier – where a combination of salinity and bacteria is believed to be the reason for its stunningly vivid hot-pink colour. Scenic flights over the lake are the best way to see this sweeping portrait of magenta, especially when buddied up with the turquoise oceanic waters that run parallel to the lake.

WALKABOUT Esperance has an abundance of beautiful bays to explore, all within a day’s drive from the city centre. Hellfire Bay has been said to have much softer sand than Lucky Bay – so soft it elicits squeals of delight from visitors, as it squeaks cleanly beneath their feet.

FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS While on the Coral Coast, make sure you check out the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, which are approximately 3.5 billion years old – making them the oldest in the world. They are a layered rock-type reef formation created by cyanobacteria, some of the earliest life on the planet. This display by Mother Nature is also the largest living stromatolite colony in existence today. The area is overlooked by a raised walkway so visitors can admire the natural wonder without disturbing it. It’s located 100km south-east of Denham or 35km from the Overlander Roadhouse.

You can walk between the two bays over the course of a day if you tackle the Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail. There is no 4WD access on the Cape Le Grand beach, meaning it is often the more peaceful choice, and the carpark on site has been adopted by lazing kangaroos. If you have a spare three hours in your itinerary you should consider the challenging walk to the 262m summit of Frenchman Peak. The peak’s shape was thought to resemble the hats of French troops in the 1800s, hence its name. The trail is considered a Class 5 walking track recommended for experienced bushwalkers only. It’s steep, but you don’t need to climb right to the top to appreciate the serenity.

FINDING THE BEST OF FREO Freo – as the locals know it – is renowned as an artsy alternative to its sister city of Perth. Trams glide the streets among heritage-listed colonial buildings, passing markets, breweries, cool restaurants and eclectic cafes where many a busker performs. The harbour is always bustling, and there are plenty of historical exhibits to see at the WA Maritime Museum. Perched on the 

operates flights to Esperance. Visit rex.com.au for prices and details. JAN/FEB 2022

Paradise FROM LEFT THEN CLOCKWISE: Gold coin from Perth Mint; Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour; a cute Quokka; Hamelin Pool Stromatolites; Esperance's very own Stone Henge (Images courtesy of Tourism WA)

Indian Ocean’s shore, the museum encapsulates Fremantle’s past, present and future as a coastal city and port. One of the most popular experiences in this colourful place is the Fremantle Markets. Independent producers and creators have been hustling there since 1897. Ensure you visit while still hungry and with a bag to carry your goods, as there are tempting culinary surprises in every stall, and it’s the best place to pick up locally made clothing, art, crafts and so much more. Speaking of eating, Kailis’ Fishmarket Café is rated one of the best spots in town to be served up delicious local seafood straight from the surrounding waters. It’s located on the harbourfront, so you’ll be spoilt with top views and awesome people watching. Dine on snapper, western rock lobsters or shark bay cuttlefish as boats gently bob on the water right in front of you. If you’re after fine dining, Samson’s Paddock is an award-winning tapas restaurant that dates back to the 1830s. Many a horseman would have dabbled in a beverage or two here. And if you’re a craft beer fan, don’t miss the rightly famous Little

50 TrueBlue

Creatures Brewery, where you’ll find it difficult to choose an area of the iconic building to hang out in while enjoying the award-winning beers on tap. There’s the Great Hall (dubbed the main event), where you can sip the famous Pale Ale and snack on pizza while soaking up the brewery chaos, or take a stroll out to the backyard to enjoy your beer with a slice of sunshine by the harbour. Or check into The Brewhouse, where locals tend to gather, and chat to fellow hop heads while learning about the brewing process. There’s a dogfriendly beer garden, too, if you have your four-legged friend in tow. Freo is a multicultural town enhanced by the mix of students attending Notre Dame University. On Friday and Saturday nights many of them head to the tropics-inspired party paradise Cali Beach Club, which holds regular music events. Cocktails can be enjoyed on the sand all night long, or you can laze about on the bean bags for a relaxed afternoon or sing your heart out at a silent disco. Built back in the 19th century, Fremantle Prison (often referred to as Fremantle Gaol) housed some of

Australia’s most notorious convicts, and was in operation until 1991. A series of prisoner riots and concerns with conditions led to a Royal Commission in 1983 that recommended the prison be shut down for good. Beatings, hangings, and dramatic escapes are detailed vividly in the records of imperial convicts, colonial prisoners, enemy aliens, prisoners of war and maximum-security detainees. A must-do is braving up and embarking on one of the spooky, torch-lit ghost tours that scare the pants off everyone on Wednesday and Friday nights.

BEAUTIFUL, BOUNTIFUL PERTH According to the Noongar traditional owners and custodians of the Perth region, the Swan River was created by the rainbow serpent Waugal, as the river takes the form of a giant snake winding its way through the city. Nowadays, the river is where the community converges for a love of the water. Everything you can think of regarding water happens here: water-skiing, swimming in the Bicton Baths, fishing, boating and stand-up paddleboarding. Many of these

Paradise

activities also take place offshore at iconic beaches such as Scarborough and Cottesloe. Cottesloe’s esplanade in is jam-packed with food and drink venues that welcome all sandy-footed wanderers. It’s a popular area to linger longer, especially considering that Perth has eight hours of sun per day to bask in. Besides being one of the sunniest cities in the world, Perth is also one of the most isolated – meaning it has a lot of sky free of light pollution by night. This is why you can see some exceptional sights after dark. Perth Observatory, for instance, is the state’s oldest observatory, and it’s located only 25km from the CBD. Here you can experience night sky and full moon tours through the lens of various telescopes. It’s also home to many interesting historical artefacts, including the first star atlas ever printed in 1729.

NATURE'S BEST For more than 50 years the Rottnest Express has been taking visitors to see quokkas at Rotto, as the island is affectionately called by the locals. Touching the quokkas is strictly a no-go, but nothing sums up Rotto more than a smiling selfie alongside

one. Exploring the island by bike is one option – or you could say the only one, bar by foot – ensuring a degree of safety for the island’s precious fauna and flora. Similarly, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is an attraction where you can relax, picnic and wander through native vegetation. The park overlooks Perth’s CBD and boasts grasstrees and kangaroo paws as well towering eucalypts. A War Memorial with an eternal flame and an 18 metre granite pillar honours the Western Australians who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

THE GOLDEN EAGLE Perth is a city that did well out of the Western Australian gold rushes of the 1800s, when some of the largest gold nuggets ever found were unearthed. And The Perth Mint struck gold again when it was rated Tripadvisor’s 2021 Travellers’ Choice for its tour. The staff are famous for being both informative and funny as they guide visitors through vaults, show them a live gold pour in the melting house, and introduce them to many other valuable artefacts, such as a hefty gold nugget and a one tonne gold coin made from 99.99 per cent pure gold. TB

DID YOU KNOW? In Esperance there is a model replica of the UK’s Stonehenge as it would have appeared in 1950BC. It consists of 137 pink granite stones acquired locally, and visitors can experience the summer and winter solstice just as they would have been at the original Stonehenge.

operates flights to Carnarvon. Visit rex.com.au for prices and details. JAN/FEB 2022

Australia’s HIGHEST THINGS

A journey through the Snowy Mountains region in summer brings renewal, a sense of awe and a great excuse to support local communities on the rebound after COVID and bushfires. Words: Darcy Watt

52 TrueBlue

Getaway

THERE’S SOMETHING SO renewing about cold air and biting winds when the sun’s out. When you breathe it all in, every inch of your lungs expand beneath layers of clothing. No, I’m not in Antarctica – New South Wales can get bitterly cold too you know, even in spring and summer. After landing at Cooma airport, I take the local Snow Link Shuttle to Jindabyne, and smile to myself as I hear that the radio station is tuned into Snow FM. It’s an apt soundtrack as we head towards the Snowy Mountains – the land of Australia’s highest things. As we cruise along, the endless stands of trees seem to grow taller when laid up against a backdrop of

mountain peaks that you can only take in by slightly tilting your head upwards. It’s immediately obvious why this region is an adventurer’s paradise. The Snowy Mountains region is one of the best places in the state to ski, snowboard, mountain bike, hike and simply experience iconic Australian high country. It’s also home to a majestic mountain that needs no introduction if you grew up in Australia – our country’s tallest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko.

HIGH ON TASTE My afternoon kicks off well with a visit to family-run Wild Brumby Distillery. The venue proudly lays claim to being

the highest distillery in Australia, offering a delicious line-up of schnapps, vodka and gin. The restaurant serves huge, hearty meals – plates of veal schnitzel, kipfler potatoes, beef gulasch, dumplings, sausages and sauerkraut. Iron-clad walls supported by strong wooden beams showcase an eclectic range of ski-inspired décor. It’s a homely kind of place and the happy chatter and friendly banter from all corners of the venue suggest it’s also a local hangout. A colourful tasting board of the schnapps offerings – cherry, peach, pear and classic butterscotch – helps warm my spirit. 

JAN/FEB 2022

Getaway

TOP TO BOTTOM: Thredbo chairlifts; Eagles Nest Restaurant (Photos by Darcy Watt); Thredbo Wellness Retreat, (Image supplied Thredbo Resort)

By day, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa transforms into a bustling hub of activity. Guests can kayak on the crystal alpine waters, hike in the surrounding mountains, and mountain bike within the resort. There’s also trout fishing on the lake, where you might be lucky enough to catch a tagged fish and win one of the Snowy Trout Challenge prizes. The competition runs until the end of May 2022. Also on site is an indoor heated pool, restaurant, and a spa where a relaxing facial will have you feeling you’re on cloud nine.

HIKE CARAMBA TRAIL

As day turns into night, the roads and wilderness converge in the quiet darkness. The golden headlights on Snow Link guide the way – a wellexperienced driver behind the wheel who obviously knows the area like the back of her hand. After a while we reach the mountaintop through a glittering haze of a million sleeting snowflakes, to see deer munching delicately on tufts of grass. It might be cold, but it’s a winter wonderland.

A MOUNTAINTOP SANCTUARY I check into my suite that’s perched perfectly above the water at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa. Below in the darkness, frogs ribbit in calming synchronisation, wind whistles through the trees, and even though I can’t see them, I know the deer, kangaroos and brumbies are bound to be close by. There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep in the mountains, snuggled up in luxury linen.

54 TrueBlue

Scoring fresh snow beneath my hiking boots at the beginning of an Australian summer sure is unusual. Australia has a striking Alpine environment, and it’s even better explored on foot – and at night. With backcountry head guide from Thredbo Alex Parsons, a full moon hike up to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko is something that should be ticked off your bucket list. Considering I’m no expert on surviving in the wilderness, hiking past rivers and alpine lakes after sundown is not something I’d brave alone. I’m also not keen on launching my own version of Into the Wild. However, as we gently trundle on, step by step it becomes easier, and before we know it the conversation is flowing. Alex is an eco-warrior who speaks gently yet firmly about the fragility of the Australian environment. She explains that the mountain pygmy possum is barely bigger than the palm of a human hand, and its life in an Alpine climate means constantly battling the elements. Hibernating throughout the winter, this cute little critter spends its summers building up reserves to survive the cold months. “The mountain pygmy possum is endemic to the region and relies on eating bogong moths among other things to build up its fat reserves for winter,“ says Alex. ”Both are suffering severely due to climate change.”

Getaway

We learn about other native species as we hike, and how rare some of them are. I’m shocked to learn, for instance, that there are only 50 yellow and black striped southern corroboree frogs left in the wild. “For our Alpine superstars, life in such harsh conditions isn’t easy as it is,” Alex explains. “Then if you add climate change to the list, along with introduced species such as feral cats, foxes and brumbies, you have the concoction for disaster.”

HIGH HOPES The next day I take the scenic chairlift up to Australia’s highest restaurant – Eagles Nest. My ski pass, which I’ve pocketed near my chest, scans automatically at the ski lift gates. In peak season, efficiency is key. On reaching the restaurant, aweinspiring views of sweeping valleys and mountains can be paired with a tipple of schnapps to warm things up a notch. Jacinta Counihan – a restaurateur and ski enthusiast from Thredbo – explains that although the views are great, it’s fairly difficult running a mountaintop restaurant. “It’s a strange operation working at Australia’s highest restaurant – getting your snow gear on in the morning and the logistics of carrying food and drink up here doesn’t always work,” she explains. “But the staff do a fantastic job considering the elements they deal with every day.”

Thredbo is a self-contained village with a supermarket, post office, bottle-o and garbage service, so you don’t have to leave for anything once you’re settled in. The local community have lived here for a long time – including Stuart Diver, who was the sole survivor of the tragic 1997 Thredbo landslide. The locals run events all year round such as mountain bike clinics, live music shows, hiking tours and yoga retreats. Which brings me to Australia’s highest yoga sessions. Jane Corben from the Jindabyne Yoga Shala operates a three-day all-inclusive wellness retreat in Thredbo. An early morning wake-up call is well worth it, especially when you’re jumping into a cosy 4WD while it’s still dark, then ascending the winding mountain road. As I relax into the Yin yoga experience, the sun rises over the snow-laden landscape, creating a uniquely grounding experience on the tallest summit in Australia. The vista is as captivating as Jane’s class. If you’re brave enough, a coldwater immersion in the alpine rock pools is an optional extra. I wore swimmers under my clothes and was pumped with high hopes until I felt the water temperature. Walking away, I figured that being a newly converted yogi was enough of an achievement during my time in the Snowies. Next  time, maybe. TB

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Alex Parsons leading the way through a Thredbo hike; Thredbo Wellness Retreat, (Image supplied Thredbo Resort); The rare mountain pygmy possum.

operates weekly flights to Cooma (Snowy Mountains). Visit rex.com.au for prices and details. JAN/FEB 2022

Dima and Hani, former refugees who were trapped on Nauru and now live in Canada.

Freedom is only a flight away You can help refugees on Nauru and PNG find freedom by securing resettlement to Canada.

NEWS | charity | finance | Property | Business

14. WOMEN IN BUSINESS Although still a minority in Australia, more women than ever are taking the leap and being their own boss.

P.8 Q&A with socks for support p.10 pink diamond supply chain P.22 wall st. rank investing P.24 the regional property boom p.28 Indigenous Australia P.32 protecting our precious gliders p.36 2022 Innovations in ag

AUSBIZ NEWS

CASH IS KING AND WE WANT IT BACK Furthr – an automatic cashback app – has partnered with major Australian online retail brand The Iconic. The partnership means customers of The Iconic will receive cashback automatically when they purchase their shopping. The app launched at the beginning of 2021, and co-founder Nathalie Mann recognises the partnership with The Iconic as a breakthrough business moment. “The Iconic is one of the biggest online retailers in Australia and we are thrilled to add it to our platform. Every time you shop with your nominated card, you receive 5 per cent back from our partners – it is a simple proposition that adds up.” Furthr promises no flash sales, no expiring offers, and no complicated clauses. Your loyalty is rewarded with cashback credited to your linked card each time you spend with a Furthr partner. Furthr already has an ecosystem of partners including Adore Beauty, LVLY – the flower and gift delivery service – and SEND, the grocery delivery service. Furthr is designed for a seamless cashback processes where no coupons or codes are required. By simply adding their Visa or Mastercard to Furthr, consumers will earn cashback every time a spend with partners occurs. Furthr’s growing portfolio is a good sign cashback concepts are being adopted by Australians.

IT’S BEEN A DIFFICULT TIME FOR SAVING A study by Credit24, a leading supplier of short- and medium-terms loans, has revealed that more than a quarter of Australians don’t have adequate financial reserves. Of those Australians questioned, 27 per cent estimate their savings would last less than three months. This research reveals that after considering monthly expenses such as food and grocery expenditure, mobile phone costs and utilities etc, nearly half of respondents have little or no money left each month. Only 6 per cent of respondents indicated they were left with a large amount of financial reserves. If the participants were to lose their main source of income, 13 per cent of Australians indicated their savings would last for a period of 6 months, and 22 per cent said more than 12 months. According to the study, male participants in Australia were more likely than female participants to save money every month where possible. A desire to do whatever they want – such as travel, purchase goods and essentials, and so on – was the most common reason Australians gave for being motivated about their financial future. When it comes to Australians’ borrowing habits, 60 per cent have not borrowed any money in the past year, while 20 per cent borrowed from banks, 13 per cent from parents and 6 per cent from friends.

AusBiz.

SUPPLIERS OF NEW, USED AND RECONDITIONED PARTS & COMPONENTS P 1300 4 SPARES E sales@expressway.com.au W www.expressway.com.au SUPPLYING THE EARTHMOVING INDUSTRY WITH PARTS & EQUIPMENT SUITABLE FOR CATERPILLAR & HITACHI SINCE 1964

WORKSHOP FACILITIES IN WAUCHOPE, HUNTER VALLEY, MACKAY & PERTH

WAUCHOPE 02 6585 1000

HUNTER VALLEY 02 6574 6499

MACKAY 07 4955 0220

PERTH 08 9477 1355

GUNNEDAH 02 6741 4777

AUSBIZ NEWS

AGRICULTURE IS SET FOR A RECORD YEAR – AND BIOSECURITY IS KEY This financial year the Australian agricultural industry is forecast to reach $78 billion in value, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES). The news has been welcomed by the industry, although Animal Health Australia (AHA) and Plant Health Australia (PHA) remain vigilant, as there are animal and plant diseases on the Australian doorstep that could derail these record-breaking figures. AHA CEO Kathleen Plowman says, “even with a highly effective biosecurity system, there is still a risk that new pests and diseases will enter the country. A large, multi-state foot and mouth disease outbreak in Australia could cost an estimated $5 billion per year until its eradication.” The importance of maintaining biosecurity management practices is highlighted through the Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030 Roadmap. Both AHA and PHA improve national biosecurity outcomes by joining the necessary stakeholder forces of experience and knowledge. “Biosecurity equals food security. Without a strong biosecurity system, our economy and our Australian way of life will suffer and diminish,” says Kathleen. When considering the impact of biosecurity, PHA insists that the return on investment lies in prevention rather than cure – especially given the difficult conditions Australian farmers have faced recently, including droughts, plagues, fires and floods.

Small Business Month 1 - 31 March 2022

Rebuild, Recharge and Renew this NSW Small Business Month.

Free Local Events

Business Support

Professional Networking

Find an event near you. Visit smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au

AUSBIZ NEWS

THE PECKING ORDER Lucia Regolin has spent most of her university life studying the behavioural patterns of young chicks at the University of Padova in Italy. Under the supervision of her two professors, she wanted to discover more about the species most exploited by humans and, how this research could positively impact on welfare issues. From her research, Lucia discovered that chickens understand social hierarchies within a coop. She explained that the ‘pecking order’ behaviour is a very real concept. The birds that Lucia researched exhibited an ability to understand the rank or social hierarchy of birds in the same coop after experiencing interactions amongst one other. “The birds would not challenge an individual who has defeated another individual known to be higher than themselves in the social hierarchy,” says Lucia. “In general, higher-ranking birds tend to perch higher up, but it is likely to depend on the safety of the roost – so higher-ranking birds would preferably perch high off the ground but not exposed to predators.” Her research also demonstrated an advanced memory capacity among chicks. Lucia said, “Five-day old chicks can remember an object for several minutes and recall its spatial location and some of its features. If baby chicks have such incredible abilities, I would expect adult chickens to be very good at distinguishing and remembering situations for much longer time.” Similar research conducted by Christine Nicol, Professor of Animal Welfare at the Royal Veterinary College reported, “Hens respond with increased alertness, decreased preening behaviour and a reduction in eye temperature. And with increased heart rate and maternal vocalization. The pronounced and specific reaction observed indicates that adult female birds possess at least one of the essential underpinning attributes of empathy.” Among memory capacity, understanding social hierarchy and feeling elements of empathy, Lucia’s research was able to prove basic math abilities amongst the chicks. “I showed that chicks can characterise separate objects – food vs social objects, and that they have a sense of numbers and can even do some basic math, for example, 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 is more than 1 + 1; but 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 is less than 1 + 1 + 1,” said Lucia. The elements of Lucia’s research aim to increase an awareness of welfare issues for the chicken industry. The research highlights the birds need a positive social environment to truly flourish and be healthy, not just a cage-free environment. Lucia says, “Even in free range conditions we should be always careful before judging what is good or bad for the animal, as long as there are human-imposed constraints.”

JAN/FEB 2022

Your gateway to every machine and survey asset in the field

Supports Leading Brands Send and receive files from most leading positioning technology brands and machine makes

Get in touch today:

1300 867 266 info@positionpartners.com.au www.positionpartners.com.au Australia • New Zealand • SE Asia

Project-wide and fleet-wide Whether you’re managing multiple assets on a single project, or a fleet across multiple projects

Remote access to your devices Login and remote access leading brands of 3D machine control and some survey assets

POSITION PARTNERS

Technology adoption supports responsible mining for MACA Founded in Western Australia in 2002, MACA is an ASX-listed company that offers end-to-end contracting services across the mining, infrastructure and construction sectors throughout Australia and overseas. A values-led work ethic, a ‘can-do’ approach, and agile operations are what drives the company in its approach to projects and its selection of partners, explains Technical Services Manager Shane Clark. “People First is a guiding principle at MACA in everything we do, with a focus on responsible, sustainable mining. As such, we look for partners that share our values and care about giving back to the community. It’s not only about profit.” Responsible for the mining group’s operational technology, estimating and engineering, Shane researched the vendors and technologies available that would offer maximum productivity. With an initial focus on standardising the high precision systems, he concluded that Position Partners offered the widest selection and greatest flexibility when it came to on-boarding equipment. “Our operations are complex, but our procurement doesn’t have to be,” Shane says. “I’d rather have one supplier that can

work with us towards mutual outcomes and the technology we want to embed in our business. “In contracting, our wheel changes daily, and we need a supplier that can be flexible around our evolving needs. Some of the monolith technology suppliers can’t operate that way, you have to conform to their processes if you want to buy product from them, and that doesn’t work for us.” Position Partners’ experience and product range for civil applications has also been advantageous for MACA, as the company delivers civil services in parallel to its mining operations. “That is another reason for choosing a supplier that can offer more flexibility and experience in their product and service offering, as most of the larger vendors either specialise in civil, or mining, not both,” Shane says. A supplier with local operations in WA was also critical. “I certainly experienced frustrations trying to get support out of South Australia or Queensland with other vendors, so we were never going to select a supplier that didn’t have strong local support capabilities,” Shane adds. Now that MACA’s technology adoption is strategically focused on operational

efficiency, Shane says he takes a collaborative approach to on-boarding new solutions. “Generally, I have a solution in mind or a problem I want to solve as part of a tender,” he says. “I approach most things from an estimating perspective, getting into the detail of what a client requires for their specific project and then carving an offering out of that.” Sometimes Position Partners also puts forward upcoming solutions that are in the pipeline or very new to market. “We ask MACA for their wish list, including improvements or features on an existing platform, things that aren’t necessary or not quite right, or an entirely new technology,” says Bernard Cecchele, a Founder and Key Account Manager at Position Partners. “We then work to source and customise solutions to suit.” MACA’s approach to on-boarding technology is to be an early adopter of new solutions to market where there is potential for productivity, safety and/or efficiency gains. Keeping its workforce safe is paramount in all that MACA does. The company is currently exploring retrofit electrification of equipment with global business investment conglomerate Mitsui & Co. Ltd, with safety at the forefront. “When you’re entering a new frontier and pushing the limits of technology with alternative fuel sources, I’d rather have that tested on an autonomous vehicle without a person inside that machine,” Shane says. “We are committed to being leading edge in our approach to projects and lowering our impact to the environment, but it can never come at the expense of safety for our people.” JAN/FEB 2022

Q&A

THE CHARITY KEEPING PEOPLE WARM At just eight years old, Benjy Orwin started a sock charity. His mission was simple: help others. Benjy could never have imagined how big an impact he would soon make. I don’t exactly know anything else about them other than they’re warm and comfy to wear.

Collecting socks and donating them to those in need is continually one of the greatest highlights in Benjy’s life. Benjy felt that socks are a staple clothing item and that everyone should have access to warm clothes, especially during cold winter nights. And so Socks 4 Support was started, and young Benjy has been admired throughout media outlets the country over, for his big heart and impact on others. WHERE AND WHEN DID SOCKS 4 SUPPORT START? I was walking home on a cold Friday night wearing a beanie and jacket and I was freezing. I thought to myself, how are the people who don’t have warm clothes feeling? You see, my family and I were huddled in our woolly jackets and beanies, trying to keep warm. I asked my parents why. They told me: it’s sad, because these people are freezing outside and there aren’t many people who try and help them. When I heard this, I decided that I wanted to help those people. I decided to collect socks because I felt that they are a really important item of clothing. However, not many people think socks are important enough to donate. WHAT SORT OF SOCKS DO YOU ACCEPT AS DONATIONS? I accept both new and second-hand pairs of socks, but second-hand pairs have to be in good condition.

AusBiz.

The socks also have to be paired, preferably with a matching sock. WHERE SHOULD PEOPLE GO IF THEY WANT TO DONATE? People can send me an email at donateyoursocks@gmail.com and I can tell them where to send the socks. I also have a box at MP David Southwick’s office. People can also follow me on my Instagram page and see what I do with the socks. I want to start a Socks 4 Support website but I haven’t made it yet. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PAIR OF SOCKS THAT YOU OWN? I think my favourite pair that I own is a greyish pair of socks with blue stripes.

EIGHT YEARS OF AGE IS SO YOUNG TO START A CHARITY, DID YOU EVER HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT WHETHER YOU COULD DO IT? I could tell that people were doubtful about Socks 4 Support. When I held my first talk at the school assembly I announced that I had a goal of 5000 pairs. At the time, I had a collection of 21 pairs. I was determined to prove everyone wrong. By the end of that year, I had collected 5026 pairs of socks, and right now I am sitting on around 25,886 pairs of socks over a period of four years. WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? I’ve learned that you can accomplish anything when you set your mind on something. When I started Socks 4 Support, I had no idea that I would ever be able to get on to things like the radio or the TV. I think another important thing I’ve learned is that you have to dedicate yourself to your charity or project, as you’ll never get anywhere if you don’t put in the time and effort. And one last thing, age does not make a difference to success, only hard work has that kind of important impact.

Q&A

WHAT WAS THE MOMENT THAT YOU KNEW YOU WERE MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES? I realised the full extent of what I was doing when people started asking me for socks, rather than me contacting them. It was at this moment I realised it was something people needed, instead of simply a project I was doing to help out. Also, when I was nine years old I was lucky to go into a shanty town in South Africa and deliver socks to really poor adults and children in person. Seeing their appreciation made me even more determined to keep on collecting socks for as long as I can. The feeling of making other people happy when I give them socks is the best feeling ever.

HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT THE RESPONSE YOU RECEIVED FROM WRITING TO THE QUEEN AND PRINCE WILLIAM? I was shocked and excited to receive two letters from the royal family. One was from Buckingham Palace and the other from Kensington Palace. Even though neither of them could help me because of their policy not to endorse individual projects, it was still incredible to receive a reply in the first place! HOW DID SOCKS 4 SUPPORT PARTNER WITH SOXY BEAST? In my first year of Socks 4 Support, I spoke to a couple of radio stations. While guest speaking, a man named Giuliano contacted me. He asked if he could donate socks and give me a tour of his sock company – I was amazed to be contacted by a sock manufacturer. At the time, no one had heard of me or Socks 4 Support outside of my school. Giuliano from SoxyBeast held a factory tour where I learned how socks are made. Giuliano then donated a box of 500 pairs, it was delightful and we now stay in touch. Since the tour, he’s been really helpful in donating socks every year. Giuliano at SoxyBeast has been amazing in supporting me.

WHEN YOU FINISH SCHOOL, WHAT CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING BOTH PERSONALLY AND WITH SOCKS 4 SUPPORT? I haven’t thought about what I want to do with Socks 4 Support as I get older. I’ll probably keep on doing whatever I can to help those in need. Job wise, I’ve always wanted to be an archaeologist. Who knows, maybe I’ll find some old pairs of socks in some Egyptian tomb somewhere! WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG MOVE FOR SOCKS 4 SUPPORT? I have been planning to do a small event with my school where we will be packing around 1000 pairs of socks for the festive season! Next year, I also hope to use some of the money that I won from the Edstart Achievement Award to travel interstate and overseas and spread the word about Socks 4 Support. The more people who know about it, the more people can donate socks and the more people I can help.

I would love to get on a talk show and bring my charity to the attention of others on a more global level. WHERE DO YOU THINK THE LOVE FOR HELPING OTHERS CAME FROM? My grandparents are heavily involved in charity work. My grandmother was the one who took me to the shanty town in South Africa to donate with another organisation. I think I must have inherited the love and drive to help others from them.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION ON WHERE THE WORLD IS HEADED? Honestly, I don’t know. I believe that my generation has a big responsibility to change what we are doing in regard to climate change. We have to listen to what those in the know are telling us and do what we can to prevent further damage to our planet. In regard to COVID, I think that it should start to disappear once everyone gets vaccinated. We are lucky to have incredible developments in medicine that has allowed for a vaccine to be available relatively early on as opposed to other pandemics.

JAN/FEB 2022

IN THE PINK Since WA’s Argyle Mine closed in 2020, the value of pink diamonds has sky rocketed. Here Anna Cisecki, Executive Director of Australian Diamond Portfolio, explains why.

Approximately 95 per cent of the world’s pink diamonds were produced at the Argyle Mine in Western Australia. Since its closure in 2020, the price of pink diamonds is rapidly increasing. Anna Cisecki from the Australian Pink Diamond Portfolio says the Australian mine produced the highest quality pink diamonds in the world. Investors are rapidly recognising this. Pink diamonds have displayed value increases every year without fail. Since the Argyle Mine closure, there’s less supply and greater demand.

AusBiz.

WHAT CAUSES THE COLOUR VARIATION IN PINK DIAMONDS? Pink diamonds have a certain mythical allure in some ways. Unlike with other coloured diamonds, to date, we still don’t know specifically what causes their colour. Natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth when carbon is exposed to enormous heat and pressure. In the case of other coloured diamonds, if traces of another element are present, you get a coloured diamond – for example,

traces of boron will result in a blue diamond, and traces of nitrogen will result in a yellow diamond. With pinks, however, there are no other trace elements; rather, it’s a twist in the lattice structure caused by an unknown fluke of nature.

WHAT ARE YOUR CONCERNS REGARDING THE ARGYLE MINE CLOSURE IN 2020? The closure of the iconic Argyle Diamond Mine is in essence the end

MINING

of an era in the diamond world. It’s a geological masterpiece, a one-off that won’t be repeated ever again. Most of us in the industry feel pretty special to have been involved in its story, as it were. That said, even though the mine has closed, its story will not just live on, but thrive in the years to come, just like the names of history’s most famous artists – demand for their work lives on long after they themselves are gone.

HAS THE CLOSURE OF THE MINE BENEFITED YOU IN ANY WAY? Given that the Argyle Mine represented 95 per cent of the global supply of new pink diamonds each year, its closure has profound implications for investors. They were rare to begin with, but that scarcity has gone to a whole new level now, with the production of pink diamonds essentially coming to a complete halt going forward. So with no new supply coming and growing demand, prices are being driven up significantly and we foresee a pretty strong bull run on pink diamonds for the decade to come, which will of course mean that we expect trade to continue booming.

IT’S BEEN SOME TIME SINCE THE CLOSURE, CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THIS HAS HAD AN IMPACT ON THE PINK DIAMOND TRADE? In terms of the closure of the mine last year, we’re definitely seeing a sense of ‘fear of missing out’, as it were. Demand was already strong leading up to the closure, but since the announcement that the mine had ceased operating, we’ve seen an almost 50 per cent increase in demand, and this is being seen across the industry. With no new pink diamonds coming onto the market in the near future, people are becoming very motivated to buy now before the chance to own one of these unique assets is gone forever. With growing demand and finite

PRETTY IN PINK: NO ONE KNOWS WHAT CAUSES SOME DIAMONDS TO BE PINK. LEFT: ANNA CISECKI COUNTS HERSELF LUCKY TO BE INVOLVED IN THE ARGYLE MINE STORY.

supply, the price of pink diamonds has risen very strongly and has outperformed almost all other asset classes, including shares, property and managed funds. We’ve seen an average 30 per cent growth overall across all categories of investment pinks, with the top categories of pink diamonds seeing more than 40 per cent price growth since the Argyle Mine ceased production.

CAN YOU PREDICT WHEN OTHER MINES MIGHT RUN OUT OF SUPPLY AS WELL? While occasional pink diamonds can be found in other mines (in Brazil, Russia and India, for example), there is no other steady supply of pinks in the entire world. The Argyle Mine was unmatched in the sheer quantity and quality of the pink diamonds it produced over the years. So even though other diamond mines might be maintaining or even increasing production, they aren’t producing pink diamonds – especially of the quality Argyle is known for – in any great volume at all. As such, the implications for investment are significant. Market fundamentals dictate that when the supply of a product in high demand is cut, prices are very likely to increase.

AS AN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL, WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON CHOOSING TO INVEST IN PINK DIAMONDS? In terms of the future outlook, pink diamonds are incredibly well positioned to thrive, and not just because of the closure of the Argyle Mine. Pink diamonds have a number of characteristics that investors find greatly appealing, particularly considering the volatile economic situation we find ourselves in now. Some of these reasons are specific to the diamonds themselves as mentioned, including their rarity and physical beauty, which make them very attractive. They are also very stable, in that they don’t demonstrate the volatility we’ve seen in equity markets, commodities or even with gold and other precious metals. So when financial markets wobble, as they invariably do, pink diamonds can typically be relied upon to maintain their value. They are also truly limited in supply, which gives them inflationprotecting qualities, and the proven history of strong long-term returns make them attractive as investments in their own right too. It’s worth remembering that even when Argyle was in production, pink diamonds were growing by more than 10 per JAN/FEB 2022

MINING FEELING FLUSH: THE VALUE OF PINK DIAMONDS HAS GROWN 30 PER CENT IN THE PAST FINANCIAL YEAR.

of Origin and Authenticity, as well as have a laser inscription with a unique ID number physically present on the diamond itself.

WHAT DO YOU PREDICT THE VALUE OF THESE DIAMONDS TO BE IN FIVE TO 10 YEARS? cent per year. And now, with 95 per cent of the world’s annual mine production gone, and with demand continuing to rise, it is almost certain that prices will continue to rise as well, and that the next decade is likely to be incredibly rewarding for investors who put some of their money in this unique asset class.

YOUR WEBSITE SAYS: ‘AVERAGE 11.2 PER CENT GROWTH PER YEAR’, AND YOU’VE ALSO SAID ‘IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, DELIVERING AN AVERAGE RETURN ON INVESTMENT OF 30 PER CENT’. COULD YOU EXPLAIN SIMPLY WHAT THIS MEANS? Historically speaking, growth in prices is not linear – it is not the same every year, some years pink diamonds appreciate more, some years less. The average over the past 10 years has been 11.2 per cent, per year. Growth has exploded in the year since the Argyle Mine closed and we’ve seen a 30 per cent price growth in the last financial year alone.

HOW CAN BEGINNERS START TO INVEST? One of the most beautiful things about pink diamonds is that they are still accessible to a fairly wide audience. While it’s the multimillion

AusBiz.

dollar diamonds that tend to capture most media attention, you can certainly still buy high-quality, investment grade pink diamonds from a starting point of approximately $20,000. That’s one of the reasons why they are becoming increasingly popular with retail investors, and in particular with SMSF trustees, as diamonds are an allowable investment within a self-managed super fund.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING SO FAR IN SUCH A HIGHROLLING BUSINESS? While we do deal with high-end investors, the majority of our customers are SMSF trustees and retail investors. The key to our success has been founded on providing high quality, transparent information about pink diamonds and an end-to-end solution that makes it easy for investors to buy, store, and sell the asset.

THE VIBRANCY AND COLOUR DEPTH OF AUSTRALIAN PINK DIAMONDS IS SAID TO BE INCOMPARABLE. IS IT POSSIBLE TO TELL WHERE PINK DIAMONDS IN THE MARKET RIGHT NOW CAME FROM? Yes – pink diamonds that were both mined and cut by the Argyle Mine will be accompanied by a Certificate

While each diamond is unique, history provides a guide of where prices will head. If pink diamonds grow by 11 per cent per annum, in line with their long-run average, then a $50k stone will be worth closer to $140k a decade from now. If they continue to grow at 30 per cent per annum like they have for the last year, that same $50k stone bought today would be worth $689k in 10 years, while 20 per cent per annum growth would see the diamond worth just over $300k. There are no guarantees of course, but given the closure of Argyle, we are confident the next decade will be at least as rewarding as the last 10 to 15 years have been.

ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY POTENTIAL LOCATIONS OF CONSIDERATION TO MINE PINK DIAMONDS IN AUSTRALIA AGAIN? There have been no new significant deposits of viable mining opportunities to replace the pink diamonds from the Argyle Mine. Hypothetically speaking, even if a new mine were to be detected in the future, it takes on average 10 to 15 years for a mine to reach the point of commercial production.

DO YOU OWN A PINK DIAMOND YOURSELF? I do – I am a firm believer in the importance of owning hard assets as part of a diversified portfolio. Pink diamonds form an important portion of my own SMSF.

@ausbizmedia

IZM AUSB

ausbiz

EDIA

media

Stay connected with us for the latest news in Australian business, agriculture, mining and more. a

edia usbizm

@@AUSBIZMEDIA AUSBIZMAG

/AUSBIZMEDIA /AUSBIZMAG

BOOK REVIEW

AusBiz.

BOOK REVIEW

WOMEN ON TOP Australian women remain in the minority as leaders of the business world. Now a new book by start-up hub Fishburners wants to address that imbalance, by sharing the stories of trailblazing female founders. Words: LJ Charleston

JAN/FEB 2022

BOOK REVIEW

FIRST ROW L-R: Betty Andrews Rhoda Esquivel Sarah Cummings Claudia Galvis SECOND ROW L-R: Lindy Chen Michelle Forster Stephanie Weiss Mellonie Francis THIRD ROW L-R: Vanouhi Nazarian Nicole Marshall Laura Simmons Annie Slattery

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that women-led businesses are very much in the minority in Australia. Even though more women than ever are taking the leap and being their own boss, the start-up sector remains male dominated. In October 2020 there were 355,000 registered start-ups, but only 22 per cent are run by women, pointing to a rise of only three per cent across two decades. Australia’s biggest start-up hub Fishburners has helped more than 3,000 people start a business since 2011 – and now it wants everyone to know about the women-led businesses that are thriving. CEO Nicole O’Brien believes the newly released book Fempowered Females will inspire other women, by giving practical advice and tips about being an entrepreneur – and how your business can grow from just one great idea. There’s clearly a hunger for such information as the book reached 'best seller' status on Amazon just two days after publication.

AusBiz.

“If a start-up is something you’re passionate about and you’ve got a good idea, you should go for it.” “Female founders have a much bigger role to play in unleashing new ideas, services and products and shaping a world that meets their needs,” Nicole says. “Fempowered tells the stories of some incredible female founders, and our hope is that it will inspire more women and girls to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams as decision makers, change makers, leaders and trailblazers.” According to Nicole, there’s a huge need for encouragement, guidance and inspiration for womenled start-ups. “A McKinsey Global Institute study found that advancing women’s equality could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025. So we’re here to get more women hired, promoted and invested in, and get more businesses started.

“It takes a lot to incorporate a start-up into a woman’s life, especially if she has a young family – but it can be done,“ Nicole continues. ”If a start-up is something you’re passionate about and you’ve got a good idea, you should go for it.” Here five of the women featured in Fempowered Founders share their words of wisdom.

BETTY ANDREWS, FOUNDER AND CEO OF HSTL&HRT “You never know whether a business is going to be viable until you go ahead and do it. Just get started! Everyone says it but just go and do it. Don’t hire a website designer, get on WordPress or Squarespace. You don’t need a co-founder. It’s instilled in us that we need a co-founder because

BOOK REVIEW

it’s hard. It’s not true! You can do it on your own. “You don’t have to be perfect to do it and you don’t have to wait. You don’t have to get an MBA, but if you want some help there’s always a way of going out and finding it. It might be hiring a business coach or asking someone to be your mentor. Go out and experiment.” hstlandhrt.com

CLAUDIA GALVIS PLATA, CEO OF PUMPFREE ENERGY “In my corporate career, I didn’t believe in the glass ceiling until I cracked the top of my head on it. Working 100 per cent in a start-up has been harder than any corporate job but it has given me purpose because now I work with others to ensure we’re working towards something meaningful every day . My advice: check that your idea is enticing to those who would pay for it and then get the right team together to make it happen. “For pitching, plan what to say and how to say it, then speak slowly and with all your passion. Practice, practice, practice, and make sure you know the technology you’re using; there’s no point practising with full use of your

hands and a lectern and then have to handle a microphone and short cards. Dress for the audience and use clean humour. These little nuggets worked for us and we even won the Fishburners Cleantech pitch night.” pumpfree.com.au

VANOUHI NAZARIAN, CO-FOUNDER OF WAGECHECKER “A person can spend two years sitting in their study trying to plan out what their start-up will look like, but they’ll never get anywhere. They need to be out there, selling, from day one. Even if everything isn’t perfect, be out there selling. “For prospective founders who haven’t settled on a business idea yet, go out and talk to people in industries you care about. Spend 10 per cent of your time listening. For those who already have an idea, stop procrastinating and just do it. Stop looking for the ‘why not’ and look for the why.” wagechecker.com

even something simple like posting to a Facebook group. Eventually it becomes easier to self-motivate. “Women have a tremendous opportunity to enter the start-up market. From a content perspective, I’ve been very successful in my marketing journey. There’s enormous demand for women-orientated content but there aren’t enough women’s voices or enough women micro-influencers speaking out.” rareiio.com.au

NICOLE MARSHALL, FOUNDER AND CEO OF GRASSHOPPER

MELLONIE FRANCIS, CEO OF RAREIIO

“Even though times are tough now around the world there are so many amazing opportunities out there. So why not take the chance to learn, grow and try out something new? “Every time I face a fear, the next milestones become less daunting and more achievable. There’s no better time to start than now. It takes courage to create something new like a startup. You’ll never be ready to start, you’ll never be in that perfect place where everything lines up, so just start now!” playgrasshopper.io

“Sometimes the journey can seem overwhelming there is so much to do. Start small, it doesn’t matter what it is,

You can buy a copy of Fempowered Founders at amzn.to/3om584k

JAN/FEB 2022

A BLAST FROM THE

PAST

The main street of Eden has taken a step back in time with the recent unveiling of the impressively restored façade of the Hotel Australasia.

discovered the bones of the building were in remarkably good condition. The 1904/05 front façade inspired the whole project. “The first task was to rebuild the front parapet as it had been knocked off to install the new façade in 1957,” Mr Rankin said. Another major task was lifting the floorboards, taking two months to restore. Every little detail has been researched and reinstated – colours, internal timber staircase and front ironbark balustrade. “The original colours were found around the windows and doors; everything was tiled over. It’s all been about saving and preserving the local history,” Mr Rankin said.

For 117 years Hotel Australasia has been an integral part of the social and physical fabric of the township of Eden; its long and colourful history holding a special place in the hearts of generations of locals. Those following the hotel’s restoration progress will be pleased to learn the doors are expected to open once again in March 2022, after its sudden closure in 2010. Bega Valley Shire Council originally purchased the historic hotel in February 2016 as a civic space. Following strong pressure by community group Eden’s Australasia Inc, the landmark building gained Heritage listing status with a view to restoring the beautiful original front façade. Four years later local commercial building contractor Neil Rankin bought the historic building from Bega Valley Shire Council. And with another change in ownership, developer Core Asset Development (CAD) identified the potential in the grand old lady of Eden in September 2021. CAD retained Mr Rankin and his team to finish the job.

AusBiz.

The heritage renovation has been met with much anticipation from not just those involved in the build, but also the townspeople – many of whom have a deep and personal connection to the building’s history. LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS To Mr Rankin, Hotel Australasia is more than just another project, it’s a labour of love for him and his highly skilled team of trades. When restoration work began almost two years ago, it was

CAD has also bought the Eden Fishermen’s Club and plans to redevelop the site into the Sapphire of Eden, a $100 million project comprising a four-tower complex. When open the building will offer an eight-room, five-star boutique heritage hotel with restaurants, outdoor eateries and ‘Rankin’s Bar’, vodka and gin distilleries plus more. Mr Rankin said, “It’s the biggest development in the town since Ben Boyd arrived in the area in 1842 with all his gold. Eden is getting a new lease on life.” For further restoration information and updates join Eden’s Australasia Facebook page: @AustralasiaHotel

START-UP

APP FOR FOR YOUR APPETITE How a new Aussie restaurant search app is helping people with food intolerances dine out stress-free. Words: LJ Charleston

AusBiz.

START-UP

El Salem knows how difficult it is to find places to eat that cater to her specific diet: gluten and dairy free, and low FODMAP. On most occasions, her only choice when eating out was spending ages searching menus for meals she was able to eat. She was also tired of hassling waitstaff with an endless array of questions. “I’d just hope for the best at whatever restaurant my friends were going to. I always felt like a pain, and I hated being the person who couldn’t eat stuff all the time,” El says. “The problem is that people with dietary requirements cannot easily find restaurants that cater for them or know what the quality of those options are for which they are often paying extra, such as for vegan cheese or gluten-free bread.” Seizing the opportunity to fill the gap in the market, El created the Eatwell app. It’s like a Tripadvisor or Google Maps for people with dietary requirements. Users can input any dietary requirement, allergy or diets they have, and the app shows them restaurants that are recommended by other users with the same needs. Then, they’re shown specific menus for what they can eat. “My biggest success so far has been our user feedback following our launch. It was so positive with users saying it solved their problems of finding great places to eat, and they only wanted extra features like interacting with others like them on the app. “Prior to developing our app, I did seven rounds of design getting

“I always felt like a pain, and I hated being the person who couldn’t eat stuff all the time.”

feedback and iterating with 80 user testing participants in our target market, which paid off,” El says. The Eatwell app helps you find the best places to eat, rated and reviewed by others with similar food issues. You can rate and review places to eat for all your dietary needs. If you have any allergies or are on a particular diet, the app has also got you covered. It takes away any dietary-related stress by showing you a menu just for you, instead of showing the food you can’t eat. El says the start-up journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been an enormous help being part of the Fishburners start-up community “My main challenge at the start was to understand how to build an app, designing it, and how to go about finding good, cost-effective engineers. I simply asked every software engineer friend I knew, as well as posting on the Fishburners Slack channel if they knew anyone who could help, which led to the two engineers we have today,” El says.

“It’s great being supported by people who’ve been in exactly the same boat, and are so helpful whenever we have questions. It’s impossible to have all the skill sets needed to successfully launch a business, and a community that’s so responsive and helpful is invaluable.” El is now focusing on growing communities around the Eatwell app, which focuses on bringing people together through food. “People with food intolerances usually feel like the odd one out without any decent restaurant options. We cover Sydney and are expanding to Melbourne restaurants in the coming months, and hopefully to Queensland and New Zealand,” El says. “I’d advise other start-up founders to always focus on the user and you can’t go wrong. Instagram polls are the quickest and best way of seeking advice on specific questions. And constantly try to seek longer one-toone feedback from users and solve for their pain points.” eatwellapp.com.au JAN/FEB 2022

BUSINESS

ANALYSE THIS Aussie tech company Wall St Rank is helping Gen Z investors navigate the US stock market by giving access to Wall Street’s analysts. Words: LJ Charleston

Wall St Rank CEO Amrit Rupasinghe noticed a sharp rise in the number of people turning to TikTok and YouTube during the pandemic, looking for 'expert advice' about investing. He realised time-poor investors were relying on social media platforms when researching stock ideas – and that gave him a great idea for his business. It is a classic case of being able to pinpoint a gap in the market and move on it quickly. Now Wall St Rank is helping people access stock ideas, based on the consensus opinion of top Wall Street analysts. Amrit sees his business as solving a major problem for investors, by shortlisting analyst-vetted stocks from a pool of more than 7,000 stocks listed on the US exchanges. “This is particularly difficult for people not from the US investing in that market,” Amrit explains. “When time-poor investors look for stock ideas by looking at TikTok, this results in a lot of misinformation being spread, and investors getting burned. We want these investors to know that they can easily get signals

from sector-specific analysts who deeply understand the sectors and the companies they cover.” As Wall St Rank is entirely bootstrapped, Amrit has been relying on a team of freelancers who’ve been working on different parts of the project. He says this aspect of the work has been challenging. “Managing different time zones, communication mediums and work styles has been quite challenging. I’m happy to say that we’re cracking $ 5,000 in MRR [monthly recurring revenue], so I can start to spend more on reliable dev resources. “Our biggest success is the main source of traffic for us is referral, and we’ve had 40,000+ visitors to the site from 165 countries. It goes to show that we’re solving a real problem for part-time investors – especially those that are non-US based.” Amrit sees Wall St Rank as part of the wave of new fintechs democratising Wall Street for parttime investors. His vision for the product is to be the go-to resource for smart money signals.

“Analysts typically cover sectors they have domain interest and/or expertise in, and they go deep.” 22

AusBiz.

“We started with sell-side analysts’ ratings, but we want to highlight what the buy side is actually investing in as well. For example, we’ll soon be ranking the top 100 hedge funds by performance, and sharing their holdings,” Amrit says. “In the past, you would have had to park at least a $1 million with a fund to know its holdings – with Wall St Rank you can do so from $11.99 per month. That is extremely powerful.” Amrit says there are some key factors people need to know about investing.

›› W HY ANALYST PREDICTIONS ARE USEFUL “Analysts typically cover sectors they have some domain interest and/ or expertise in, and they go deep,” explains Amrit. “They also have access to complex financial models that help them project the growth of certain metrics on the stocks they follow. “Other than scrutinising financial statements, filings and material announcements, they also consider macro-economic data, industry tail and headwinds, they tour facilities, have access to management, follow bloggers and talk to suppliers and customers.” In contrast, a part-time investor can spend around two hours researching all the companies they are interested in per week, Amrit says.

›› K NOWING WHERE DATA COMES FROM “Analysts cover multiple companies in their sector, and provide detailed research reports on them (which they update when assumptions for their previous assessment have changed). These reports have to be purchased directly from the firms, and are too expensive for the average investor. We work with certain financial data providers that have relationships with these analysts to access summary data (rating, price target, revenue estimate, earnings estimate, beta),” Amrit says.

BUSINESS

THE BIG ISSUES While, on the surface, Wall St Rank seems like a simple product, Amrit says he’s faced countless issues throughout the journey – leading to two important decisions that are now at the heart of the business. “The two decisions I’ve made are: make Wall St Rank a popular research tool for part-time investors globally. And, that I won’t stop until Wall St Rank is a popular research tool for part-time investors globally! “And I’d like to share some advice for other start-ups: join a start-up community for support. Fishburners has been great for us. Being part of a community that’s striving to make positive change in people’s lives

“As a second-time founder, the biggest difference is focusing on distribution above everything.”

has been very helpful,” Amrit says. “Also, most first-time founders focus on product. But, as a second-time founder, the biggest difference in my approach is focusing on distribution above everything. “I have 10 times less resources than I did in my last company, but the scale I’m experiencing with this venture is far greater because I prioritised my go-tomarket strategy.

“I plan on evolving the business to become the go-to resource for all smart money signals. For example, we will soon be displaying the rationale behind a specific analyst rating and price target on a stock, and also which top fund managers are buying it. “I am really excited to see how the platform is going to evolve over the course of 2022.” wallstrank.com

JAN/FEB 2022

PROPERTY

REGIONAL PROPERTY BOOM Forget the idea of a 'small country town' – the Australian regional property market has surged with new work-from-home capabilities. Words: kirsten craze

AusBiz.

PROPERTY

“Working from home looks to have some degree of permanency post-COVID and is one of the catalysts of this trend, with more people basing themselves in regional locations to work remotely, or balancing office work with home working.”

A regional real estate renaissance has taken flight, perhaps the least expected side effect of the global pandemic. Within weeks of COVID landing down under, many economists and property professionals were predicting prices would plummet as much as 30 per cent. That didn’t happen. Instead, some capital city markets experienced a roller-coaster ride, with values initially softening but finishing 2021 on a high. However, it’s the regional markets that have really boomed. In CoreLogic’s latest Regional Market Update, 25 regions were analysed, with 24 recording double-digit annual growth for house values. More than 50 per cent of the regions had an annual rise in excess of 20 per cent and, incredibly, seven regions experienced a jump in house values above 30 per cent for the year to October 31, 2021.

FROM HOLIDAY HUBS TO PERMANENT ADDRESSES Tim Lawless, research director at CoreLogic, says each area had its own reasons for the lift in values, but common threads were: a population migration away from capitals; historically low interest rates; relatively easy access to credit; higher household savings; and the simple fact country homes have traditionally been cheaper than those in the cities.

“There has been a broad demographic shift where more Australians are prepared to consider housing options outside of the capital cities, which has seen net internal migration rates to regional Australia reach record highs,” he explains. “Working from home looks to have some degree of permanency post-COVID and is one of the catalysts of this trend, with more people basing themselves in regional locations to work remotely, or alternatively balancing office work with home working.” The Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven region of NSW had the largest hike in house values, with an increase of 35.9 per cent, according to CoreLogic’s report. With house values increasing 32.8 per cent, the Richmond-Tweed region in northern NSW (including in-demand Byron Bay) had the second biggest jump, and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland (home to Noosa) recorded an annual growth rate of 32.3 per cent. As long-standing holiday home regions for Sydney and Melbourne’s wealthiest, these popular vacation destinations are fast becoming more permanent getaways for cashed-up city escapees. When once upon a time buyers would have second homes in towns such as Bowral, Byron Bay or Noosa Heads, local agents report a trend of buyers relocating for good, keeping their city pad as a part-time residence instead.

JAN/FEB 2022

PROPERTY

EXCHANGING THE DESK FOR A LIFESTYLE DESTINATION Eleanor Creagh, senior economist at realestate.com.au’s data arm PropTrack, says as 2021 came to a close, housing values in regional Australia were rising at their fastest annual pace in more than 30 years. She cited the work-from-home movement from the pandemic as the main driver. “Hybrid work is resulting in a decoupling of employment from locality, weakening the once strong gravitational pull of CBDs,” Eleanor noted in the PropTrack Regional Australia Report. “Better-than-expected experiences working from home and accelerated remote work adoption through the pandemic have given many an opportunity to live in areas that previously would have been impractical. As a result, regional centres are seeing rapid population growth,” she said. The REA Group research revealed the most searched for region over the 12 months to October 2021 was the Gold Coast, followed by the Sunshine Coast, then Geelong, and finally the Illawarra. Within the first year of the pandemic, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded the highest number of interstate movers for a March quarter since 1996, with the movement of net migration into Queensland double the decade average. In the 12 months to March 2021, a net

AusBiz.

43,000 people exited capital cities in favour of regional hubs – the biggest net influx to the regions since the ABS began compiling the data in 2001. Although the next data set is yet to be released from the ABS, Eleanor says she estimates that the regional-bound migration is continuing en masse.

RISE OF THE COMMUTABLE COMMUNITY While a new breed of virus escapees are seeking wide open spaces and tranquility, the snapshot of regional real estate prices shows out-of-town buyers are keen to keep the city on their doorstop. “The top performing regional areas were all coastal or lifestyle markets generally within a two-hour commuting distance of a capital city. These areas fit within the broad trend where demand has surged for lifestyle properties that offer a blend of liveability and commutability,” Tim says. “This mismatch between available supply and demand has created a heightened level of urgency among buyers, generating strong selling conditions where homes are snapped up quickly with minimal levels of negotiation,” he says. The quickest selling regions within the CoreLogic report were the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Ballarat, where the median time on market for houses was 18 days over the 12 months to October 2021.

ABOVE FROM LEFT: NOOSA HEADS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST; AUTUMN COLOURS IN BOWRAL.

PROPERTY

The longevity of the regional boom will largely depend on affordability, Tim adds. But as more companies begin to formalise post-pandemic hybrid working policies, commutable areas are likely to remain the most highly sought-after property markets.

REGIONAL RISES DEPEND ON AFFORDABILITY Country and coastal towns have always been the cheaper housing option in Australia, but the great price divide is shrinking. “If housing values across regional parts of the country continue to outpace the capitals, the obvious outcome will be that regional markets lose their affordability advantage,” Tim explains. “We can already see this trend

NEWCASTLE JOINS OTHER COASTAL AREAS IN MOSTSEARCHED REGIONS.

taking shape in some of the most popular regional coastal markets, such as Byron Bay where median house values are $1.7 million, and Noosa where median house values are $1.2 million – much higher than comparable capital city values.” The seriousness of the regional affordability dilemma was recently highlighted in the ANZ CoreLogic Housing Affordability Report. Nationally, the ratio of housing values to household incomes reached a concerning new high in June, as did the number of years it takes to save a deposit, and the portion of income required to pay rents. Eliza Owen, head of Australian research at CoreLogic, says the report emphasised the strained and restricted conditions for local buyers in regional Australia.

“Affordability challenges in regional Australia have been exacerbated by COVID, where normalised remote work trends and appealing coastal or tree change settings became ‘pull’ factors of demand, while high capital city property prices and the higher incidence of strict social distancing restrictions became ‘push’ factors, ultimately driving people away from major cities,” Eliza says, adding that for sale listings across regional Australia remained 36.9 per cent below the five-year average (as of November 28, 2021). “The combination of more people arriving in regional Australia, and fewer people leaving for the cities, has created additional demand for housing, pushing the number of homes available to buy or rent to extreme lows.”

HIGHEST YEARLY GROWTH SHOALHAVEN AND SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS (NSW)

35.9%

SHORTEST DAYS ON MARKET GOLD COAST, SUNSHINE COAST (QLD) AND BALLARAT (VIC)

18 DAYS

LOWEST YEARLY GROWTH TOWNSVILLE (QLD)

LONGEST DAYS ON MARKET NEW ENGLAND AND NORTH WEST (NSW)

62 DAYS

*CoreLogic Regional Market Update, November 2021

Top searched regions

Region Gold Coast (Qld) Sunshine Coast (Qld) Geelong (Vic) Illawarra (NSW) Newcastle & Lake Macquarie (NSW)

Average val (houses) $730,000 $730,000 $675,000 $805,000 $690,000

Average val (units) $455,000 $490,000 $470,000 $575,000 $510,000

JAN/FEB 2022

INDIGENOUS AUS

UNBREAKABLE BONDS

For the Aboriginal Bush Traders, there has been a silverlining through COVID-19. Closed borders meant an opportunity to celebrate their art and culture. Words: Will York

AusBiz.

INDIGENOUS AUS

Currently in the Northern Territory there are three busy green ants working together to build a nest. The green ants stand out from the ant-crowd because they work closely with one another to build a healthy home high up in the treetops. The three green ants in this story are Aboriginal people and Aboriginal Bush Traders, Industry and Government, all of whom are collaborating to work towards creating a secure and sustainable future (the nest) for Aboriginal People. Aboriginal Bush Traders is a not-for-profit social enterprise that ethically sources unique Indigenous owned, designed and produced artwork and products. The magic of its good work is twofold: the NT communities from which the products are sourced receive financial support, and the greater public is being taught an appreciation for Australia’s Indigenous culture.

A DIFFERENT FRAMEWORK FOR BUSINESS Its modus of operandi is a little different to usual consignment galleries, and the difference is because of its social enterprise framework. The first rule of Aboriginal Bush Traders is that every artist or producer is paid upfront. It deals directly with the artists or deals with art centres throughout the NT to ensure every step of the way is ethical.

“Every time you walk through the door, there isn’t one piece that hasn’t been paid for, all the artists have already been paid,” says manager of Aboriginal Bush Traders Samoane Regattieri. “Upfront payment is important because many of the artists support their families and communities.” ABT encourages the artists to set up business accounts and will never pay in cash. They also ethically source products from manufacturers who make products with Indigenous designs on them. The idea behind checking every step of the way to be ethical is to develop sustainability for the recently booming Indigenous art industry. Samoane doesn’t thank the COVID-19 pandemic for many things, but she does acknowledge the related border restrictions forced Australians to fall in love with their backyard all over again. “We’ve gone back to the ’90s, where Aboriginal art sold like wildfire. What happened shortly after in the 2000s was that all the international travel to places like Bali led Australians to be more interested in overseas art than our own.” According to Samoane, the pendulum has swung back, which is why its even more important to set up ethical guidelines to ensure Indigenous businesses are not taken advantage of.

LEFT: BAUBLES AND TJANPI DESERT WEAVERS BASKET, ROSELLA PLANT AND BASKETS, YVONNE ODEEGARD NECKLACE

JAN/FEB 2022

INDIGENOUS AUS

A major focus at this year’s Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) 10th economic forum in Alice Springs was black cladding: an unethical business practice where companies market, or clad, their brand to emulate Indigenous culture with little-to-none Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander consultation. For example, there are businesses that will provide 51 per cent of ownership to an Indigenous entity, while the 49 per cent minority is a non-Indigenous entity, and the purpose is to receive procurement policies or contracts that have been put in place to support Indigenous businesses. What typically arises is the 49 per cent isn’t much of a minority, and in fact will call all the shots while benefiting from the support programs.

A PROMISING FUTURE In February of 2021, a non-Indigenous beauty brand sold ‘Red Central Australian sand’ as a skin exfoliant. It designed its packaging with Aboriginal dot painting, and to the unassuming eye it looks to be an Indigenous product. After heavy criticism, the brand took down the product and issued a statement that said the business had been shut down. The place in the market for enterprises such as ABT is growing bigger and bigger by

AusBiz.

the day. Research from Monash University found that 92 per cent of Australian consumers believe sustainable business practices should be standard. The average consumer has turned woke, which means they consider the ethics of their purchase. Where has it come from? How was it made? Are the ingredients ethically grown? These questions and many more have been introduced to the consumer experience, which is why ABT and other enterprises have become so successful. Samoane manages ABT under the mentality of: “listening but also hearing our customers.” Her savvy business attitude motivates her to always have her finger on the pulse, and to make sure she finds the products customers want. She’s currently working on a campaign to bring Central Australia to Darwin. Recent travel restrictions put in place by the Northern Territory Government have put the remote Central Australian tourism industry in a chokehold. Her solution for the art centres in these areas who haven’t been able to receive visitors is to sell their products and get people excited to visit when restrictions are dropped. The nest is always changing, always being built, and is always strong.

ABOVE: BUSH MEDICINE, CANDLES AND TEAS FROM VARIOUS ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADER ARTISTS.

T R U LYAU S .CO M

YERRANDERIE – A 'GHOST TOWN' IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW.

THE PLACE TO FIND REAL AUSTRALIAN STORIES

ENVIRONMENT

GLIDING HIGH Australia’s iconic greater gliders were hit by devastating habitat loss after the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires. Here Drew Liepa – senior program officer at Greening Australia – tells AusBiz. about the Gliding to Recovery program to install 300 nest boxes across East Gippsland’s Hartland State Forest, in conjunction with Landcare Victoria, in an effort to research the little-known species and save it from extinction. INTERVIEW BY: darcy watt

Q. THE POPULATION OF GLIDERS HAS DIMINISHED BY 80 PER CENT OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS. HOW IS IT MEASURED AFTER EVENTS SUCH AS THE 2019-2020 BLACK SUMMER BUSHFIRES? It’s challenging to assess the impact on populations immediately after a natural disaster, and even now, two years after the 2019/2020 bushfires began, we still don’t know the full extent of impact of these devastating fires on greater glider populations. We do know that the fires had a significant effect on greater glider populations and their habitat in East Gippsland. Research by Deakin University also found that across Australia, almost 30 per cent of greater glider habitat was burnt in the 2019/2020 fires. Q. WHAT MAKES THE GREATER GLIDER SUCH A UNIQUE ANIMAL, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PROTECT THE SPECIES? Greater gliders are Australia’s largest gliding mammal. They have large fluffy ears and a long, furry prehensile tail. They can glide up to 100m in a single glide and can change direction at a 90-degree angle mid-flight. Greater gliders play significant ecological and functional roles in

AusBiz.

ecosystems; they are an important part of forest food webs and their disappearance or population decline risks disrupting the delicate balances that exist in the natural world. Additionally, taking action before greater gliders disappear entirely from the wild is crucial, as strategies such as captive breeding and reintroduction programs are costly conservation interventions and have increased risks of failure. Australia is home to an incredibly rich diversity of wildlife and many species are found nowhere else in the world – including greater gliders. It’s critical that we take action to protect and conserve this unique species before it is too late. Q. WILL CAMERAS BE INSTALLED IN THE GLIDER NEST BOXES TO MONITOR WHETHER THEY ARE BEING USED? The nest boxes we are installing will be monitored for occupancy (by any species, including greater gliders or sugar gliders) using a thermal monocular and thermal drone flyovers approximately two months after the boxes have been installed. Using a thermal monocular, Greening Australia has previously observed greater gliders using our nest boxes at other sites in Victoria.

The measure of success will come several years later when we survey the area (using thermal drones and on-ground surveys) to ascertain if the population is stable or has increased against baseline data. Q. DOES THEIR TENDENCY TO INHABIT SMALL, ISOLATED HOME RANGES ALSO HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF GREATER GLIDERS? Although there is currently little understanding about the genetic relationships between greater glider populations, there is a concern that habitat loss and fragmentation is placing the species at further risk of the effects of low genetic diversity. Greater gliders are unable to move effectively or safely through cleared land to access new habitat or other glider populations, which means that gene flow between populations – genetic exchange via breeding – can be virtually non-existent. This can create low genetic diversity in small and isolated populations. Populations with low genetic diversity can have a negative impact on population health, including by limiting the ability to adapt to environmental change and increasing the risk of extinction.

ENVIRONMENT

Photograph by: Doug Gimesy

JAN/FEB 2022

ENVIRONMENT

DID YOU KNOW? GREATER GLIDERS ARE ONLY FOUND IN AUSTRALIA, AND REPRODUCE ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS.

Q. DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PLANS TO DEVELOP SIMILAR RESPONSES IN OTHER BUSHFIRE AFFECTED AREAS? For now the scope of this project is limited to our actions in Hartland State Forest. However an exciting component of this project is the development of a new suite of greater glider genetic markers from scat testing, which will provide environmental practitioners with a powerful tool to better understand, map, plan, monitor and protect populations in the future. The nest box design and the implementation process we are using for this project can also be applied in other locations where greater glider populations live to support the recovery of this vulnerable species. Additionally, an important component of the Gliding to Recovery project has been involving local Landcare networks and community members. In partnership with Far East Victoria Landcare Network, Greening Australia is delivering community engagement and training events that focus on educating and building the awareness and capacity of locals to assist in conservation efforts. Q. WHEN WAS IT DECIDED THAT THE PROJECT WAS NECESSARY? Five years ago survey data highlighted a rapid decline in greater glider population in their stronghold areas including the Southern Highlands of Victoria. Taking action on the ground to address some of the threats facing this species became even more urgent than it already was. Additionally, the bushfires of 2019-2020 destroyed close to 30 per

AusBiz.

cent of greater glider habitat. The impact of these fires was catastrophic for this already vulnerable species, diminishing suitable hollows and causing drastic habitat fragmentation, so our Gliding to Recovery project provides much needed shelter in unburnt pockets of land. Q. BESIDES NATURAL DISASTERS, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OTHER MAIN THREATS TO THIS SPECIES? Greater gliders’ reliance on forest habitat and large hollow-bearing trees means that habitat loss and fragmentation from land clearing and bushfires pose a major threat to this vulnerable species. Habitat fragmentation and population isolation also impact the ability of greater gliders to move through landscapes and recolonise suitable habitat, and reduces

genetic exchange between subpopulations. As populations decline and become more isolated, they are also more prone to the effects of small population size which could mean genetic decline. It is well documented that greater gliders also have poor dispersal abilities, occupy very small home ranges (approximately 1-4 hectares) and generally do not breed every year, so population growth is slow. These factors contribute to making the greater glider extremely vulnerable to wildfire and other threats such as hyper-predation by owls. Climate change also poses a severe threat for this species. Hotter, drier climates predicted may cause heat stress and increased rates of mortality for greater gliders, while more frequent and intense bushfires will continue to contribute to habitat loss and population decline.

ENVIRONMENT

progressive loss of large hollowbearing trees due to land clearing is happening at a much faster rate than these hollows are formed naturally, leading to a significant lack of hollows for greater gliders. Q. HOW IS GREENING AUSTRALIA AND LANDCARE VICTORIA INSTALLING THE NESTING BOXES WITHIN THE TREE CANOPY? We work with a team of expert arborists to install the nest boxes at heights where we know the greater gliders are moving about in the forest. This can be 20-30 metres up in the canopy. Each arborist climbs up the trunk of the tree to install the nest box and is supported by someone on the ground, who will help to hoist the boxes and other necessary tools up into the canopy using ropes. Q. WHERE DO YOU EXPECT THE POPULATION TO BE A FEW YEARS AFTER THE INSTALLATION OF THE NESTING BOXES?

Q. SO FAR, WHAT HAVE BEEN THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROJECT? The enthusiasm and dedication of the project team has been truly inspirational. Spending time immersed in the habitat of greater gliders has given us a greater understanding and appreciation of their preferred glide pathways and feed trees. Conventional spotlighting to survey greater glider presence has always been a challenging, so our ability to

use thermal drones in areas has been a massive highlight. This technique has allowed us to better map the distribution of greater gliders. Q. WHY IS THERE A LACK OF NATURALLY FORMED TREE HOLLOWS IN THE LANDSCAPE? Greater gliders prefer to inhabit old-growth forests and the hollows they use for shelter and nesting can take hundreds of years to form. The

By implementing 300 nest boxes in Eastern Victoria, we are aiming to enhance critical habitat refugia for greater gliders and prevent further population decline in our target area – Hartland State Forest. Because greater gliders are slow to reproduce (producing only one young roughly every two years) population growth will inevitably be gradual. However, we hope that through targeted, proactive and science-based interventions such as the Gliding to Recovery project, over time we can reverse the decline of greater gliders and help this uniquely Australian animal to thrive. JAN/FEB 2022

AGRICULTURE

SIX SUPER INTERESTING INNOVATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE FARMS OF THE FUTURE As the world unites to minimise global warming, agriculture is set for a massive shake-up to ensure we can still feed the planet while keeping it in good nick for our grandchildren. Words: Dave smith

AusBiz.

AGRICULTURE

“The commitments being made today show that nature and land use will contribute to addressing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.”

In the disastrous 2°C climate change scenario for 2050, available cropland will decrease by 10 per cent, yields will drop by up to 30 per cent, while the world will need 40 per cent more food to feed a growing population. That was the message for agriculture at COP26, the 2021 UN Conference for Climate Change held in Glasgow late last year. It was followed by a call for governments and industry to invest $70 billion over the next 20 years to accelerate the shift towards sustainable farming and land-use practices. Australia was among 26 nations to throw its hat in the ring by setting out commitments to plans that will help farmers pollute less and protect food supplies against climate change. “The commitments being made today show that nature and land use will contribute to addressing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss,” COP26 President Alok Sharma said. “If we are to limit global warming and keep the goal of 1.5°C alive, then the world needs to use land sustainably and put protection and restoration of nature at the heart of all we do.” To mark Australia’s commitments and the progress that has already been made, we’ve put together a list of six of the most interesting innovations in sustainable farming.

1) THE KRAY DRONE Farmers using drones to spray crops is nothing new. But the new Kray Protection UAS drone from the US improves the technology by an order of magnitude. As the world’s first fully digital and unmanned crop sprayer capable of autonomously spraying fertilisers and pesticides, it offers a complete replacement for ag planes – at around 10 per cent of the cost. And unlike other drones that require farmers to spend dozens of hours learning how to fly one or pay a professional pilot thousands of dollars a day to drive out to their farm, the Kray drone is fully automatic thanks to a computer vision system that reads the terrain and adjusts the machine’s movements mid-air to avoid obstacles like windmills. Its spray jets are also JAN/FEB 2022

AGRICULTURE

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: ASPARAGOPSIS GROWING IN TANKS; SELF POLLINATOR ON THE GO; COWS ARE A PART OF FUTUREFEED’S GAMECHANGING PLAN TO REDUCE EMISSIONS; THE KRAY DRONE; LACHIE HART, STOCKYARD, AND ANDREW QUINN, CBA.

best-in-class, ‘electrostatically charging’ droplets to reduce drift and deliver the kind of variable rate spraying required for sustainable agriculture. And with an operating speed of 110km/hour and only 15 per cent of its productive time needed for tank refills and battery charge, the Kray drone can cover up to 1,200 acres per day – making it the most efficient and environmentally friendly cropspraying solution on the planet.

2) SUSTAINABILITY LINKED FARM LOANS Stockyard has been producing premium grain-fed Wagyu and Angus beef products at its 20,000head feedlot in the Darling Downs region of South East Queensland since 1958, and exporting meat overseas for nearly 50 years. Last year it became the first primary producer in Australia to successfully apply for a sustainability-linked loan with Commonwealth Bank. A three-year, reduced-interest loan, it sets out clear outcomes for Stockyard in terms of emissions reduction, animal welfare and workplace health and safety.

AusBiz.

“We welcome the opportunity to participate in this innovative financing structure and make a commitment to tie sustainability targets to our financing,” managing director Lachie Hart says. “The loan also provides opportunities to access internationally recognised ESG (environmental, social and governance) credentials to help us secure capital and customers in the future.”

3) MECHANICAL BEES Thirty-five different horticultural sectors in Australia with a combined farm gate value of $14.2 billion depend on pollination services supplied by beekeepers. But these tiny, under-appreciated workers are highly vulnerable to biological threats like the Varroa mite, which has killed 30 per cent of bees in parts of the US, and the Tropilaelaps mite, native to the giant honey bees of Asia, which is even more fatal. Neither disease has arrived in Australia yet but it’s only a matter of time, according to the CSIRO. Enter Edete, an Israeli start-up that has invented an artificial solution to bee pollination that stores pollen

in tiny tubes and distributes it on plants using mechanical pollinisers. The invention has already been successfully trialled on almonds, apples, pears, plums, cherries, cotton, canola seeds and pistachios. Edete’s mechanical bee is expected to hit the marketplace at the end of this year or early in 2023.

4) AUTONOMOUS IRRIGATION SYSTEMS For thousands of years, the decision on how and when to water trees has been based on farmers’ experience and intuition or gut instinct. SupPlant, another Israeli ag-tech start-up, changed that a few years ago when it launched a hardware-software solution that monitors plant stress and water content using sensors fitted out with artificial intelligence. The data is used in conjunction with real-time and forecast climatic data to project plant growth patterns, then uploaded to a cloud-based algorithm every 10 minutes to provide precise irrigation recommendations for farmers. Named one of Time magazine’s 100 best inventions of 2021, its new product,

AGRICULTURE

6) SEAWEED TO CURE THE EARTH

SupPlant API, does the same without the need for investments in hardware. “Our new technology collects and analyses local climatic data and unique plant and irrigation data from a model training farm that services more than 10,000 small growers with the same variety, thus providing lowcost irrigation solutions without the necessity of larger capital investments in hardware on the ground,” says CEO Ori Ben-Ner. “This allows small growers to gain the value derived from an adaptable irrigation strategy."

5) ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN FARMING The most vocal critics of alternative proteins are farmers and their associations, who feel it threatens the production of traditional animalbased proteins such as meat, milk

and eggs. But it’s time to put aside those squabbles and accept that consumers in this day and age want both. “Protein is a macronutrient that’s essential for life,” says Mirjana Prica, managing director at the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre. “No one commodity, industry or food has the rights over protein.” The alternative protein sector in Australia is currently small but it’s growing quite fast; by 2025 it’s predicted that plant- and insectbased protein will account for more volume (yet less value) than animalbased protein. The shift will prove especially beneficial for crop farmers who diversify with high-value crops such as legumes, lentils, fava beans, chickpeas, soy, peas, pulses and mushrooms – and fill a growing global protein deficit in a sustainable way.

Research by the CSIRO has shown feeding cows a small amount of Asparagopsis taxiformis, a species of seaweed found on Australia’s East Coast, slashes methane production by more than 99 per cent. Given that more than a third of methane emissions created by human activity comes from cows and sheep, seaweed could be a serious gamechanger in the fight against global warming. Seaweed is also a potential source of biofertiliser in dried or fresh form, effective for ripening or increasing the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables as well as conditioning soil – an eco-friendly option to overcome the shortcomings of chemical-based fertilisers. And seaweed removes carbon from the atmosphere at a faster rate than any terrestrial plant. A recent study by the University of California found the state’s agricultural emissions could be completely offset by growing seaweed in just 3.8 per cent of its waters. Currently, there is only one commercial seaweed farm in Australia – near Nowra on the NSW South Coast – but watch this space. JAN/FEB 2022

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD 1

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Narcotic drug called OP8 (6)

2. Go before pence fade from sight (7)

5. Be quiet! Oh see, ruler is awful! (8)

3. Eager to change? Say yes! (5)

8. Blood-pumping responses experienced on seeing idols (5-6)

4. What you are expected to do at every other repast (3)

10. However, redhead abandoned Burt (3)

Each number represents a different letter of the alphabet. Work out which number stands for which letter to complete the crossword. We’ve given you two letters to start. All words are from a dictionary and no proper nouns are used. All letters of the alphabet are not always used. When you have cracked the code fill in the answer in the boxes below.

12. Even Tina could be sort of blind (8)

6. Crossover of seasons initially for lettuce (3)

14. Essential character of foreign tea urn (6)

7. Fence-sitting gear (7)

15. Of French man engaged in resolute resistance (8)

9. It’s jumped on but it’s a fashionable activity (9)

17. What’ll they say about acacia tree? (6) 11. Not active but still manages to interfere with radio (6) 18. Had some credit originally? That’s news, boss! (6)

13. Lack of knowledge about ocean ring (9)

20. Fibs about returning cage heirlooms (8)

explosive! (8)

20. Serving boy with fish (7)

25. Large nonflyer seen in the museum (3)

21. Eleventh rally will hold you spellbound (7)

26. Doing astronomer’s job when suffering from concussion (6,5)

24. Encountered the queen - a car park timer (5)

28. Putting on clothes instead of bandage to cover wound (8)

26. Mayday call sounds overly suspicious at first (1,1,1)

29. Conditional release for father with part in play (6)

27. Grasp odd break (3)

12 12

7 12

16 3

9 21

18 19

18 15

14 16

16 14

19 20

21 22

19 12

4 8

18 18

16 14

14 18

18 18

12 12

4 9

2 2

18 7

23 24

S O S

M T

U R N

SOLUTIONS:

E E M U I

D V

ANSWER: 3 18

C H

E R G

O P

N E

T T

N G S N

E G A A D

G E

H R O B

E S

H I

W A

E A M

N C I

R O E

O A T

I L D

E A

N G

O R

N D

I E C

I T

U R

H O C

S B

A A

L U

E K

N G

AusBiz.

D R

12 18

12 14

2 11

3 21

20 18

15 17

16. Absorbed in canvas shelter (6)

22. Retire with show-biz act at home (4,2) 19. Starr or Moon, for instance, plays bongo (7) 23. Diner might sound somewhat

CLUE S

5. Shyest rangers hide? Weird! (7)

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Dreaming of a holiday overseas? Experience a taste of Italy in Canberra

With the atmosphere of an Italian Piazza, the lobby is your gateway to explore Canberra from the EAST. “At East Hotel, Roman chef Francesco Balestrieri, alongside the hotel’s food-loving owners Dion Bisa and brother Dan Bisa, has created a menu that honours and celebrates their shared Italian heritage—with fresh, handmade pasta, authentic Roman pizza and dishes you might find from a hole-in-the-wall, clandestine restaurant in Rome.” Sonya Gellert, Delicious Magazine

PACKAGES

An Italian Getaway

A Family Italian Adventure

• One night’s accommodation in a Luxe Studio • 2 classic Negronis & an Agostinis antipasto platter • Secure underground parking

• One night’s accommodation in an East Two Bedroom Apartment • A bottle of Italian vino • A family gelato pack • Secure underground parking

From $270

+61 2 6295 6925 EASTHOTEL.COM.AU

From $380

TrueBlue – January-February 2022

Articles inside

Six Super Interesting Innovations For Sustainable Farms Of The Future

Gliding High

Unbreakable Bonds

Regional Property Boom

Analyse This

App For Your Appetite

Women On Top

In The Pink

The Charity Keeping People Warm

Australia's Highest Things

Top Outback Experiences

A Culture Vulture's Guide To Brisbane

Carpentaria Country – Our Saltwater Outback

Out Of The Blue And Into The Black

Summer Fun In Mt Buller

Laidback Luxury

Dive Into The Wonderful West