True Blue - October-November 2022

TrueBlue

OUR HEART IS IN THE COUNTRY

Australian

GOLD COAST

SUMMER LOVIN’

Summer is calling

It’s been a very big few months for us as we celebrated our 20th birthday. The festivities culminated in Rex being named Airline of the Year at the inaugural Australian Aviation awards. I had the honour of accepting the award at a black-tie gala dinner in Sydney. It was a fabulous night with many Rex staff in the audience. Their attendance was both important and symbolic. While I paid special tribute to the leadership of our Executive Chairman Lim Kim Hai and our Management team, I was also delighted to be able to publicly acknowledge the efforts of our amazing staff who go that extra mile to ensure you, our passengers, have a memorable flight. From pilots and flights attendants to engineers and front line airport workers, to the unsung heroes who work ‘below the wing’ like our fantastic aircraft support staff on the ground, who ensure your luggage arrives when you do. All of them pull together before, during and after every flight. Some may be surprised to learn that we operate on average about 1,700 flights a week across our regional and domestic networks. This equates to more than 80,000 flights a year which is not far behind our much bigger competitors.

As much as anything else, aviation is a people business and during the pandemic Rex didn’t shrink like other airlines. On the contrary, we recruited several hundred new staff so we’d be properly prepared for when people were able to travel normally again. It’s no coincidence that Rex has been largely immune from the operational problems which have bedevilled every other major airline in Australia over recent months. We stuck by our staff and they in turn repaid our loyalty by rising to the occasion and always going above and beyond, enabling us to maintain service standards which remain to this day the envy of the industry. There will be more opportunities for you to enjoy their traditional country-style hospitality as our seventh Boeing 737-800NG has recently entered service enabling us to add additional capacity on the ‘Golden Triangle’ routes between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. We look forward to welcoming more aircraft early next year to meet the surge in demand. The future is exciting and we look forward to sharing it with you and welcoming you on board again soon.

Neville Howell Chief Operating Officer

EDITORIAL

Publisher & Editor: Michelle Hespe publisher@trulyaus.com

Assistant Editor: Emily Riches editorial@trulyaus.com

Designer: Ryan Vizcarra

Sub-editor: Claire Hey

ADVERTISING publisher@trulyaus.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Carolyn Chen Emily Riches

Gemma Hart Ian Neubauer

Jess Makarewitsch Lily Shaw Matilda Meikle Michelle Hespe

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.

wine voucher*

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The boring bits: To use

voucher

Dive into summer

There’s a lot to get excited about right now, as we head into a summer that could not feel more different than it did last year. At the beginning of last summer we were all wondering when next we could head off to somewhere lovely on a plane, or even cross state borders by car or train. Plenty of us were stuck in isolation while others joined friends and family and tucked into the Christmas ham.

So for this issue, we have dived headfirst into summer and all of the great things you can do in the coming months. From ferry rides to top Sydney harbourside locations, to the best ocean pools in Western Australia, and unusual high tea options across the country, we’ve got you covered for things to do when it heats up.

Recently I was lucky enough to explore the culinary delights of the Gold Coast and indulge my gourmand tendancies, and I have to admit, the hype is real. The Goldie has turned a corner and become a hotspot for hatted restaurants, with chefs turning meal times into experiences not to be forgotten. It’s not that surprising considering the awesome produce available on the coast and in the hinterland of this stunning region that is an ideal place for some summer fun.

As our regular readers know, at True Blue we like to support the educative experiences that tell the stories of our First Nations people, and in this issue we’ve pulled together some of the most fascinating sites and attractions in Meanjin – aka Brisbane.

We also love our Pacific Island neighbours and in every issue we’ll bring you a story brimming with Pacific inspiration. Turn to page 42 to dive into 47 reasons why you should have exploring Papua New Guinea on your bucket list.

In AusBiz, we have concentrated on innovative releases and advancements in agriculture, exploring how oysters make it from the nursery to our plates, looked into the popularity of beef jerky, and checked out a food tech company that is stirring up the alternative milk industry.

Enjoy the read and your travels.

MICHELLE HESPE AND THE TEAM AT TRUE BLUE

you would like to read the digital version of True Blue, please be our guest!

ONLINE

DOWN BY THE RIVER Chilling out by The Darling River in Wilcannia.

Cover photo: Boranup Beach, near Margaret River. Image: Tourism WA.

Stay connected on the fly with Wi-Fi

Time to sit back and relax with entertainment and internet at your fingertips on selected domestic flights operated by our Boeing 737-800NG.

Enjoy a great selection of free blockbuster movies and addictive TV shows or stay connected by purchasing Wi-Fi Passes and surf the net in the sky

complimentary for Business class passengers.

Wi-Fi Passes available for purchaseStep by step: How to connect onboard

Regular speed for browsing

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

Welcome.

Browser should open automatically. If needed, open your internet browser and navigate to wifionboard.com to connect.

Once connected, passengers can access complimentary in-flight entertainment.

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

30 minutes from $6.50*

High-speed for streaming

flight from $9.99*

Suitable for a faster connection speed supporting video streaming services such as YouTube (excludes app stores).

30 minutes from $9.75*

Purchase a Wi-Fi Pass to start streaming (free for Business Class)

Have a question?

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

Entire flight from $14.99*

in-flight web portal for more information. Terms and conditions apply.

are subject to change at any time. Please access the

FLOAT ON:

Pop your bathers on and jump into some of the best ocean pools in WA.

Inside TrueBlue

upfront 11 REX News

Rex receives the Airline of the Year award at the inaugural Australian Aviation Awards 2022. Rex also acquires two new aircraft and flies Evonne Goolagong Cawley to outback Queensland.

Features 24 Best high tea

32With a rising demand for bite-sized morsels and fine china, we’ve collected some of the most unique high tea experiences around the country.

34 Summer fun Summer is calling! Why not head out and explore a new region – from the Eyre Peninsula’s sensational seafood to a classic beachside holiday on the Sapphire Coast. Plus, check out our handy summer survival guide.

AusBiz.

Check out AusBiz. at the back of our magazine.

AGRICULTURE

From nursery to farm to plate: we explore our oyster industry.

BUSINESS

Demand for beef jerky is surging as a craze for the snack sweeps Australia.

TECHNOLOGY

Would you drink milk produced by an AI? NotCo thinks you should.

42 PNG Perfection

Heed the call for adventure and intrigue with these 47 amazing things to see and do in Papua New Guinea.

52 Gourmet Gold Coast

We chat to some of the best chefs on the Gold Coast about the growing worldclass restaurant scene, now ripe and ready for serious foodies.

60 Great outdoors

Get outdoors with our top picks of Aussie-made products for summer.

A TINY GETAWAY:

Stay in a tiny house in Robertson to relax and recharge.

FINANCE

How is inflation affecting everyday Australians and what can we do about it?

CHARITY

Check out three fantastic Aussie charities to support this month.

Where safety meets style

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All glasses in the range come fully certified to Aus/NZS 1337.1 for plano lenses and 1337.6 for the magnified and prescription range.

There is also a higher ballistic military range (120 mps), and frame and lens combinations to please everyone.

Buy yours with confidence today. You won’t look back!

Visit us at fuglies.com.au or call and talk to our friendly team on 0408 748113

CHECK-IN

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.

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).

Rex check-in closes:

• 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at Burketown airport.

• 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Queensland airports (with the exception of Burketown above).

• 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at regional airports in NSW, SA, Tas, Vic and WA.

Special requirements:

Passengers with special requirements must check-in at the airport (online check-in is not available) no later than:

• 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure for domestic flights and flights departing from Burketown.

• 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure for regional flights departing from major cities and all Queensland regional airports except Burketown (please see below).

• 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure in NSW, SA, Tas, Vic and WA regional airports.

REX AIRCRAFT FACTS

BAGGAGE

Carry on baggage

* no one piece may weigh more than 10kg

Checked baggage

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

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.

UP, UP AND AWAY!

Rex: Our heart is in the country

Bamaga NPA

Mornington Island (Gununa)

NormantonBurketown Doomadgee

Mount Isa

Boulia

Birdsville

Bedourie Windorah Quilpie

Coober Pedy

Ceduna

Whyalla

Port Lincoln

Esperance

Domestic Routes

Regional Routes

Operated in partnership with

Carnarvon Monkey Mia Adelaide Griffith

Mount Gambier

Broken Hill

Hughenden

Charleville Roma

St George Cunnamulla Thargomindah

Toowoomba Wellcamp

Brisbane

Coffs Harbour

Armidale

Townsville Gold Coast Parkes

Mildura Wagga Wagga Albury

Julia Creek Richmond Winton Longreach Melbourne

Dubbo

Orange

Narrandera-Leeton

Cairns Perth Albany

Port Macquarie Sydney Moruya Canberra

Merimbula

King Island

Burnie Devonport

Our heart is in the country

INFLIGHT INFORMATION

Rex welcomed two new aircraft to the family recently.

An additional Boeing 737-800NG joined the fleet – pictured here in Brisbane after her maiden voyage from France. The aircraft will enable Rex to add additional capacity on the ‘Golden Triangle’ between Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Rex also took delivery of its 61st Saab 340 turboprop, bolstering our fleet of aircraft operating to regional and rural destinations. Rex operates the world’s largest fleet of Saab 340 aircraft.

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.

Rex received the ‘Airline of the Year’ Award at inaugural Australian Aviation Awards for 2022

The judges recognised that Rex has been able to not just survive, but thrive, where other airlines have failed.

Not only does the introduction of Rex’s domestic trunk services bring another competitor to Aussie skies, keeping fares low, but Rex also provides passengers seamless connectivity to its regional network.

The airline’s renowned customerfocused hospitality has also proven a strong point of difference throughout the pandemic, and particularly now during the post-pandemic travel boom with Rex’s industry-leading on-time performance.

Rex lands in Devonport

CEO and co-founder of Aerologix, Tom Caska, presents Chief Operating Officer, Neville Howell, with the trophy for Airline of the Year.

Rex recently celebrated the inaugural flight between Melbourne and Devonport. The flight was welcomed into Devonport by Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, Rex Deputy Chairman, the Hon. John Sharp AM and CEO of the Tasmanian Ports Corporation (TasPorts), Anthony Donald, as well as Devonport Mayor, Annette Rockliff and Latrobe Mayor, Peter Freshney.

The popular new route has a convenient twice-daily weekday service, enabling day return travel in both directions. Fares start from an affordable $149* each way.

Goolagong Cawley visits Cunnamulla

Rex recently flew tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley to the outback Queensland town of Cunnamulla. Cunnamulla, located 750 kilometres west of Brisbane, is home to approximately 1,200 people, its most famous being the ‘Cunnamulla Fella’ – a larger-than-life statue celebrating the quintessential Aussie stockman.

Evonne was in town for two and a half jam-packed days, spending time with patients at Cunnamulla Multi Purpose Centre, visiting the two local schools and also participating in a Q&A session with other schools in the district. She met local Elders at an afternoon tea hosted by Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health, and attended an art exhibition by local indigenous artist Andrew Nelson at the Cunnamulla Fella Centre.

The community enjoyed hosting Evonne and sharing the many wonderful local experiences the town has to offer.

Paroo Shire Council CEO Cassie White pictured with Evonne Goolagong Cawley in Cunnamulla.

Our Government values the economic and social contribution of a strong, competitive aviation market in Australia. For 20 years now Rex has been a robust competitor in this market, especially in our regions. I am pleased to add my personal congratulations to the company on this anniversary.

20 YEARSCelebrating

Over two decades, Rex has become one of the threads that keeps communities connected across our huge continent. Rex is now a staple of the Australian sky, flourishing and creating jobs in the process. Good jobs that Rex staff can take great pride in. Congratulations, and here’s to your next twenty years.

We should never forget that for regional and rural Australians, Rex is more than just another airline. Your service connects many Australians to friends, family and essential services in a way that would otherwise be impossible.

In connecting regional centres, you also help to power and grow the economies of so many communities.

Rex has an exciting future ahead.

Congratulations to Rex Airlines as you celebrate 20 years of operation.

For two decades, you have connected regional and urban Australia as one of the country’s largest independent regional carriers.

May the legacy you have created over the past 20 years continue long into the future.

Rex Airlines plays a critical role in employing Victorians, hosting thousands of flyers and servicing regional cities across our state. Your work has supported local communities affected by flood, fire and pandemic. Congratulations on your 20th anniversary and all the very best in the years ahead.

For two decades, Rex has been going the distance – taking to the sky to connect the people of regional and remote Australia. On behalf of the Queensland Government, I commend Rex for their ongoing commitment to service delivery and for creating opportunities to explore Queensland’s unique landscape.

Rex Airlines has been a great asset to Western Australia since it started flying between Albany and Esperance to Perth in February 2016, followed by the addition of the Carnarvon and Monkey Mia route in July 2018. On behalf of the Western Australian government, I congratulate Rex on 20 years of operations, and thank you for your continuing commitment to our State and our communities.

It is a great pleasure to congratulate Rex Airlines on twenty years serving the people of regional Australia. I thank Rex for their commitment to SA, congratulate them on 20 years of service and achievement, and send my very best wishes for a bright, successful future under our wide southern skies.

Rex wishes to thank

On behalf of Tasmanians I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Rex Airlines. We appreciate the deep history of Rex in enabling and connecting communities and we value the services Rex Airlines provide to Tasmania. We look forward to continued growth of Rex services in Tasmania.

and

From humble beginnings, Rex has grown into Australia’s largest regional airline and has remained committed to connecting Australia. On behalf of the ACT Government, I would like to congratulate Rex on this significant milestone and look forward to our connections continuing to thrive.

of Australia for helping

to be what we are today.

Mr Andrew Barr MLA Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory

The Hon. Jeremy Rockliff MP Premier of Tasmania

The Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP Premier of South Australia

The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP Premier of New South Wales

The Hon. Dan Andrews MP Premier of Victoria

The Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Premier of Queensland

The Hon. Mark McGowan MLA Premier of Western Australia

The Hon. Peter Dutton MP Leader of the Opposition

The Hon. Catherine King MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia

Flying high – Rex celebrates 20 years

WHETHER IT’S travel for business or leisure, access to vital medical care or education, moving freight nationwide, operating aeromedical services or meeting the aspirations of pilot cadets, the Rex Group keeps Australians connected in cities, regional towns and remote communities.

August marked a significant milestone for Rex with the airline celebrating 20 years in the air.

Today, the Rex Group comprises Rex, Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline, operating the world’s largest fleet of 61 Saab 340 turbo-prop aircraft and seven Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to 58 destinations throughout all states in Australia, as well as wholly owned subsidiaries Pel-Air Aviation, a 24/7 air freight and charter operator. The Rex Group is also the leading provider of aeromedical operations, including air ambulance services for Ambulance Victoria and New South Wales Ambulance, and runs the Australian Airline Pilot Academy, which trains world-class pilots for Rex and numerous international airlines at its campuses in Wagga Wagga and Ballarat. Rex Group also encompasses the propeller maintenance organisation, Australian Aerospace Propeller Maintenance.

Rex held a special ceremony in Wagga Wagga to commemorate the airline’s first flight, which departed Wagga Wagga bound for Sydney on August 2, 2002.

In attendance was Dr Joe McGirr MP, State Member for Wagga Wagga, Mayor of Wagga Wagga City Council, Dallas Tout, Kay Hull AO, Rex Ambassador and former Federal MP for Riverina, Warrick Lodge, Rex General Manager, Network Strategy, and Hon. John Sharp AM, Rex Deputy Chairman.

Passengers also joined the celebrations as they were feted with surprise sparkling wine and special commemorative giveaways.

The milestone is a very proud day for the airline – with Rex operating more than a million flights and carrying more than 21 million passengers over the past 20 years.

Rex rose from the ashes of the Ansett Australia collapse, following the merger of Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines.

The dedication of Hazelton, Kendell and Ansett staff, who went above and beyond the call of duty, and the

tenacity and vision of our stakeholders who fought against all odds to launch Rex, has triumphed to become part of Rex’s DNA.

The past 20 years have been anything but smooth flying for the industry – from the aftermath of 9/11, SARS, the Global Financial Crisis, to worldwide pilot and engineer shortages, oil price shocks, volcanic ash clouds, and devastating and unprecedented drought, bushfire and floods, not to mention the challenges arising from COVID-19 over the past two and a half years.

Yet, despite that, Rex has not just survived (particularly significant as 18 Australian regional airlines collapsed in that time) but managed to emerge stronger than ever: Rex’s post-COVID recovery is in full swing, with phenomenal growth on both the regional and domestic networks – and a glowing outlook for the future.

We thank the people of Australia for their unwavering support.

As we continue to spread our wings, we’re looking forward to flying more Aussies to more destinations than ever before, and long into the future.

Mayor Dallas Tout, Kay Hull AO, Hon. John Sharp AM, Dr Joe McGirr MP and Warrick Lodge celebrate Rex’s 20th birthday.

Rex passengers received goodies to celebrate Rex turning 20.

Careers in aviation take flight

IT SEEMS that humankind has always had a fascination with flight.

From Daedalus and his son Icarus in Greek mythology and Leonardo da Vinci’s renaissance drawings, to the evolution of flight over the past century as what we know it today – modern aviation is a remarkable feat.

The Wright brothers could only dream that from their flights in 1903 – 4.5 billion passengers across the globe would travel on flights in 2019.

To manage these millions of passengers, airlines have many specialty operational, logistical and administrative departments, each instrumental in contributing to a seamless journey for passengers.

Despite being Australia’s largest independent airline, staff comment that there is something special about working for Rex, which is attributed to Rex’s history.

Rex has roots in regional Australia with predecessor airlines Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines founded there by two Aussie pioneering aviators.

This means that Rex has a customer care philosophy bred from the bush – or as Rex calls it, its trademark ‘country hospitality.’

Regan, a Flight Attendant based in Orange, embodies the Rex customer care mission perfectly.

“Rex sets itself apart from its competitors; we pride ourselves on the country hospitality that we provide. We strive to make every passenger feel individual and welcomed on our flights,” she says. “We are proactive in providing customer service that leaves a lasting impression.”

However, the role of a Flight Attendant is more than just a brand ambassador – with Regan finding the critical role a fulfilling and meaningful career.

“I had always admired and been inspired by flight attendants as they looked like they had such a glamorous and gratifying job - I was looking for a career that would challenge me while also strengthening the skillset I had and building new talents, so I applied for a flight attendant position with Rex!

“It’s a lot more than just serving drinks and tending to passenger’s needs. A flight attendant’s chief responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of the flight and crew. This is done by ensuring cabin equipment is serviceable and sufficient and making sure passengers are informed of emergency and safety procedures before every flight,” she explains.

While Regan looks after her passengers, Aircraft Support Officer Brent works hard to make sure that they – and their baggage – get to where they need to be, on time, every time.

“I love working in aviation. Getting to work around planes all day, watching them take off and hearing the rumble of the engines is always something special,” he says.

“Being an aircraft support officer is a dynamic role as we essentially facilitate all the aircraft take offs and landings.

“When our plane is about to land, we are on the tarmac to make sure everything is ready. Once the aircraft arrives, we disembark passengers and offload bags and freight. We complete any ground servicing that the aircraft may need such as refilling the water, and then get ready to load bags and passengers for the next flight. After all our passengers are on board, we connect our push back tug in preparation for departure.”

While watching these magnificent flying machines take off and land all day is the perfect backdrop for Brent, there is a great bunch of passionate people, with a unique team spirit which tops it off.

“Rex is a great place filled with great people. I work with fantastic gate staff and flight crew.

“My favourite part is dispatching the aircraft, where I get to talk to the pilot as we push the aircraft off bay and start up the engines. Then once the plane has departed, we head back to our crew room before our next flight comes in and then we do it all again – all with a smile and the best bunch of people.”

For Regan, who commented that she still catches up with friends she made during her flight attendant training course more than six years ago, it’s not just the Rex team,

or ‘Rex family’ as she calls it, which contributes to her love of the job but her passengers as well.

“Working as a flight attendant is such a rewarding and adventurous job with many perks that include traveling opportunities and meeting new people on a daily basis,” she says.

“Being a regional flight attendant, I also have the added benefit of having regular passengers that I build a friendly rapport with because they travel with Rex so frequently.”

Rex has had phenomenal growth over the past two years, and the airline is looking for enthusiastic and passionate individuals to join the Rex team.

“It’s a really interesting and exciting time at Rex as we continue growing – more aircraft, more destinations, and more passengers. It also opens other opportunities for us in the future and so I am excited to see where my career in aviation will take me,” says Brent.

If a career as an Aircraft Support Officer or a Flight Attendant interests you, or to check out other career opportunities at Rex, log on to careers.rex.com.au and apply today.

Soar to new heights with a career in aviation

currently expanding our wings,

seeking enthusiastic team

us

LEFT

RIGHT: Aircraft Support Officer Brent; Flight Attendant Regan.

Murweh Shire is brimming with rich cultural history

THE MURWEH Shire is a vast area at the heart of South West Queensland’s Mulga lands. It includes the towns of Charleville, Augathella, Morven and Cooladdi.

Located a nine-hour drive from Brisbane on the Warrego River, Charleville has a fascinating Aboriginal cultural heritage, enhancing Murweh Shire’s natural landscape.

The Bidjara People are the Traditional Owners of the land, descendants of those who have lived in the region since time immemorial. They are people of the bush and the rivers, and maintain an unbroken connection to Country.

Aboriginal people in Australia have the longest continuous cultural history of any group of people on Earth.

Dreaming for Aboriginal people expresses the connection between all people and all things. It represents the time when the Spirit Ancestors moved over the land and sea, creating the natural and social world.

The Murweh Shire has a wealth of Aboriginal cultural and sacred sites, artefacts and artwork, and is the resting place for Aboriginal people whose ancestral remains have been placed with care and ceremony. Particular locations within the Murweh landscape – waterholes and natural

springs, caves, sand hills and rocky outcrops – are likely to harbour Aboriginal cultural sites and artefacts.

Please don’t disturb, pick up or remove cultural materials. Often where something was made or left by Aboriginal people thousands of years ago is as important as the artefact itself.

Cultural heritage sites include:

• Rock art including engravings, stencils and drawings.

• Burial sites, often found in caves, rock shelters, sand hills and trees.

• Grinding grooves, used to grind seeds and sharpen stone tools –often found near a water source.

• Scarred trees, where sections of bark have been removed to make canoes, containers or shields.

• Artefact scatters, quarries and earth mounds.

• Ceremonial places such as bora rings and stone circles.

The Queensland Police Service has worked with local Bidjara Elders and community leaders to produce a useful and informative booklet on cultural artefacts in the Murweh Shire.

Find the booklets at local tourism outlets and post offices.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Quinine tree used for medicine; sandstone caves formed over thousands of years; grinding grooves and stones used for sharpening tools. Reproduced with permission. With thanks to Bidjara Elders, the Queensland Police Service with the assistance of Acting Senior Constable Laurie Bateman, the HOPE Program (South West Hospital and Health Service), the University of Southern Queensland and the Cultural Heritage Unit (DSDSATSIP). Photography by Sergeant Gregory Dwyer, 2022.

To find out more, visit:

• DSDSATSIP Cultural Heritage Unit: 1300 378 401; cultural.heritage@ dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au

• M urweh Shire Council: (07) 4656 8355

To discover this important and rich part of Australia’s history, Rex flies to Charleville from Roma, Toowoomba Wellcamp and Brisbane, with daily connecting flights from Melbourne and Sydney.

Watch, read & listen books

The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera October, HarperCollins, Young Adult

In the prequel to the international bestseller, They Both Die at the End, two more strangers spend a life-changing day together after discovering that one of them will die in the next 24 hours.Told with warmth and wit, this story is guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on young readers, proving that what matters most in life is connection.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

October, HarperCollins, fiction

Based on Charles Dickins’ David Copperfield, this novel follows a boy born to a teenage mother in southern Appalachia as he fights for survival, braving everything from foster care to child labour and addiction. Through it all, Kingsolver teaches us how to navigate the chaos of the modern world, and voices the concerns of the next generation.

All Things Aside by Iliza Shlesinger

October, Abrams Image, nonfiction

A deeply funny and honest account of the world through the eyes of comedian Iliza Shlesinger. In this collection of essays, she explores the issues of everyday life, from social expectations to the scams when marketing for women. From intimate moments to funny observations, this book delivers a punchy and heartfelt story.

THEATRE

The Tempest

15 November-17 December, Roslyn Packer Theatre

Richard Roxburgh returns to the stage for this powerful adaptation of Shakespeare’s final play. This tale of shipwreck and magic is entertaining and deeply moving, exploring questions of love, loss and everything in between. The production is set to be a highlight of the year. sydneytheatre.com.au

PODCASTFilm

Halloween Ends

13 October, Universal Pictures,

Directed by David Gordon Green

The next instalment in the longrunning Halloween franchise, Halloween Ends follows Laurie as she tries to let go of the past and reclaim her future. However, when brutal murders start occuring in her town, a string of violence and terror will force Laurie to confront her demons. universalpictures.com.au

Morbid

Narrated by Alaina Urquhart and Ashleigh Kelley

Morbid is a true crime and spooky history podcast narrated with humour and wit. Each week, it delves into a new horrifying crime, weaving an engaging tale with the hosts’ signature banter and commentary. It’s a widely popular podcast, and the perfect ‘light-hearted nightmare.’ morbidpodcast.com

Compiled by: Matilda meikle

Oct 1-8

Boom! International Festival of Percussion

Darlington, NSW

Boom! is a celebration of percussion styles from all around the world. Experience performances, workshops and talks. All of these will leave you with a deep appreciation for all things percussion. boomfestival.com.au

What’s on & what’s hot

Our pick of the very best gigs, festivals, culinary and cultural events from around the country.

Oct 1-2

Gears and Beers

Wagga Wagga, NSW

With beautiful cycling routes and craft beer, this event is a must-visit for bike lovers. Start your day on one of the tracks fitted for biking, then end it at the craft beer festival with drinks and entertainment. You can expect delicious local food and live entertainment as you cool off after a morning of cycling and racing in the sun. gearsandbeers.org.au

Oct 7-9 & 14-16

The Only Oktoberfest Brisbane Brisbane, QLD Celebrate German culture with great food, performances and, of course, beer at this authentic Oktoberfest. oktoberfestbrisbane.com.au

Oct 14-Nov 5

Fringe Brisbane Brisbane, QLD Comedy, cabaret, circus, burlesque, music, theatre, performance, arts, drama, storytelling - you name it, it’s at Fringe Brisbane. It’s time to get wild and weird. fringebrisbane.com.au

Oct 14-19

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

Phillip Island, VIC

Get ready for thrills and spills over an adrenaline-fuelled three days. With some of Australia’s fastest riders, anything can happen. motogp.com.au

Oct 15 The Granny Smith Festival Ryde, NSW

Celebrate all things Granny Smith in Ryde with stalls, performers and an amazing parade. ryde.nsw.gov.au

Compiled by: lily shaw and matilda meikle

Sculpture by the Sea Tamarama, NSW

The world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition is returning to the iconic Tamarama to Bondi coastline, featuring 100 artists. sculpturebythesea.com

Oct 19-30

Adelaide Film Festival Adelaide, SA

A warm and welcoming place to catch films you won’t see anywhere else. This year, there is a strong focus on community and conversation. adelaidefilmfestival.org

Oct 28 - Nov 6 Milbi Festival

Bundaberg, QLD With events for the whole family, the Milbi Festival showcases the Bundaberg region’s rich cultural heritage. Stop by to celebrate marine turtles and get in on some of the events. whatsonbundaberg.com.au

Nov 10-13

Wings on King Island

King Island, TAS

Tasmania is home to so many unique birds, and King Island is one of the best places to see them. King Island is always looking for birders to help track the population, but each spring and autumn, experienced birders and aspiring amatuers come together to check on the birds of King Island, and ensure they continue to thrive. birdsofkingisland.com

0ct 28-nov 1

Mansfield High Country Festival Mansfield, VIC Five exciting days of food, wine, racing, art and more in this regional festival. It’s the perfect event for community and family fun. highcountryfestival.com.au

OCT 29 - Nov 5

Melbourne Cup Carnival Flemington, VIC

It’s the race that stops a nation. Join in on the fun and witness the Melbourne Cup make history once again. vrc.com.au

Oct 31-Nov 27

Darwin International Laksa Festival Darwin, NT

Join laksa lovers from all over to taste amazing dishes and vote for your favourites to help determine who makes the best Laksa in Darwin. laksafestival.nt.gov.au

nov 11-13

Effervescence Tasmania

Sparkling Wine Festival

Relbia, TAS

Join Tassie’s best sparkling winemakers for a weekend of bubbly celebrations, featuring food, wine and great beats. effervescencetasmania.com

Nov 4-12

Crocodile Trophy

Cairns, QLD

The Crocodile Trophy is the oldest mountain bike stage race in the world, and it’s open for professionals and amateurs alike, resulting in days of competitive fun. croctrophy.com

Nov 18-20

Bredbo Sheep Dog Trials

Bredbo, NSW

Watch 150 of the best sheep dogs in the country compete in a variety of exciting categories in the Snowy Mountains. nswsheepdogworkers.org.au

Milbi Festival

Bountiful buffet for brekkie lovers

There are buffets and then there is Bazaar at QT Hotel on the Gold Coast: a smorgasbord of international taste sensations. It’s a fun dining experience for breakfast, lunch or dinner, where guests can let themselves loose in a culinary world designed to ensure that there is quite literally something for every taste. It’s an awesome place for a relaxed brekkie of champions. Sweet tooths will be in a spin at the sight of walls of juices, smoothies and yoghurts, while the platters of muffins, brownies, brioche, waffles, pancakes, pikelets, eclairs, croissants and pies is enough to have anyone’s mouth watering. There is a section devoted to the big breakfast – bacon, eggs, toast, avocado, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans and anything else you want on your plate are continually being cooked and dished up in front of guests. For lovers of Asian delights you can tuck into your favourite rice and noodle dishes, and if you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, then load your plate with crunchy raw veggies, salads, cured meats and cheeses. One thing that can never happen here is someone leaving hungry.

Carnarvon to rock the solar eclipse

On April 20, 2023, visitors to the Gascoyne region can grab front row seats to one of nature’s most phenomenal shows – a solar eclipse. At around 11:27am, the path of totality will graze the tip of WA in a 40-kilometre-wide track along the Gascoyne coastline, making it the most accessible land-based place on Earth to view the spectacle. “Observers can expect to see the sun’s bright disc slowly being covered by the silhouette of the moon to produce a diminishing solar crescent,” says Rick Tonello, Chief Astronomer at the Gravity Discovery Centre. “Just as the last of the sun disappears behind the moon, an interesting optical phenomenon known as the Diamond Ring Effect will occur, where the final rays of sunlight pass between the rugged lunar topography.”

The Gascoyne region is a dark sky tourism hotspot, and one of the best places in the world to watch the stars, sun and moon journey across the sky. To celebrate this unique event, Carnarvon will host a week of festivities from April 15 to 21, 2023. Carnarvon Rocks 2023 Festival offers something for everyone – live music, astrophotography, kid’s activities, cultural experiences and more. For more information, visit carnarvon.org.au

Jessica Hickman is paving the way for healthier workplace culture with the Upstander Movement. She talks to Matilda Meikle about the future of Aussie businesses, how to create meaningful change and her new book.

What was your experience like working in the construction industry, and how did being bullied by our manager affect you?

My manager was a serial bully. He would physically intimidate me, undermine my efforts and break down my confidence. I felt completely alone and helpless, which ultimately led me on my mission to develop Bullyology and raise awareness about the toxic bullying and harassment happening in Australian workplaces.

Tell me about the Upstander Movement. Where did the idea come from and how did you go about setting it up? The idea came when I learnt about ‘the bystander effect,’ where people stand by, turn a blind eye or walk by certain incidents

because they just don’t want to get involved. I could clearly see bad behaviour was becoming the norm in workplaces, so I decided to teach people what they could do to be an Upstander. The Upstander Movement is about helping people become the champions and custodians of workplace culture through awareness, dedicated training and capability building.

What has the reaction been like from the schools and workplaces that participate in your workshops?

Extremely positive, people are loving the proactive approach to building a speak up culture. It’s been really exciting to see organisations doing more than just ticking a box. They’re putting in the hard

Q&A WITH ‘BULLYOLOGIST’

Jessica Hickman

work to create systemic cultural change. I think people are really receptive to the training because they feel empowered.

As well as creating a healthier workplace cultures, are there any major changes you feel Australia needs to make as a whole?

I think we need to start by reframing thoughts around bullying. With the workplace becoming more and more multicultural and multi-generational, old ideas just aren’t going to fly. We need to be purpose driven, with the values of empathy, ethics and equality. To stay current and relevant, businesses need to be proactive and fight to be better.

Your new book, The Upstander Leader: How to develop a speak-up culture, comes out on 27 September 2022. What inspired you to write this guide?

A lot of business leaders were reaching out to me saying that they wanted to create change. They wanted to make sure that they were

not unconsciously becoming involved in unethical practices. After running workshops for many years on the Upstander movement, I decided that it was time to package it in a book for leaders. It’s ultimately a toolkit for existing and emerging leaders on how to create a thriving workplace culture and spark change.

What can we be doing on an individual level in order to support this move towards healthier working environments?

Grab a copy of the book, engage in a session within your workplace and commit to being an upstander!

What’s next for you and the Upstander movement?

Lots of exciting things are happening for the Upstander movement. The new book is coming out, and I’m also going to be doing lots of talks and workshops with proactive organisations across Australia. The new version

of the Upstander Academy is also about to launch, so I’m very excited for this new chapter. T B

Apps of kindness

Q&A WITH RUBY RIETHMULLER

Emily Riches chats to Ruby, founder of Womn-Kind, about the launch of the Womn-Kind App: a first-of-its-kind social wellness app to improve access to mental health resources for young people.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Womn-Kind?

Having grown up on a farm in regional NSW and navigated my own mental health challenges, I felt compelled to create a youth-led organisation to reduce the burden of mental illness on young people, curb the statistics and change the stigma.

Born around the idea that ‘‘I thought it was just me (but it isn’t),’’ Womn-Kind is a unique source of personal empowerment and emotional support with a strong philosophy of young people leading young people.

What are some of the issues that young people face that Womn-Kind helps to address?

Research suggests that over 60% of young people in Australia are suffering from psychological distress and that suicide is the leading cause of death. At the centre of many challenges is societal pressure and expectations.

Womn-Kind dives into fostering body confidence,

personal growth, leadership skills, a balanced lifestyle, practicing healthy habits, communicating your needs and emotions, navigating changing relationships, using your voice for good and managing uncomfortable emotions.

What is the value of mentorship for girls and other young people?

Even with a loving family, a great group of friends or the support of school staff, teenage girls can often feel isolated, lost or misunderstood. WomnKind provides girls with an ally without judgement. Our mentors are nurturing the upcoming generation of empowered female leaders to recognise their potential, find comfort in their own skin and take proactive charge of their mental health.

How can we as a community better support young people when it comes to mental health?

If we are to encourage young people to feel comfortable to share their emotions and experiences

– both the good and the bad – then we need to be open to having the hard conversations, lean into vulnerability and engage in mental health promoting activities. Young people are as much the future leaders as they are the present leaders and therefore need to be present in any room where decisions are made, particularly those that relate to them.

Can you tell us about the new Womn-Kind app?

The Womn-Kind App is a social wellness app, which will provide on-demand access to evidence-based, engaging and largely preventative wellbeing resources that optimise the mental health of girls and gender diverse young people. Launched in October 2022, our app has been carefully curated over the last 18 months by young people for young people and will ensure that

To stay up to date with WomnKind, check out their Instagram (@womnkind) or website womnkind.com.au

every girl – regardless of their geographic location –has access to the right support at the right time, all the time.

Our app covers everything from leadership to consent, sleep and body image, and has resources on yoga, pilates, meditation and breathing. Users can engage with an inclusive, diverse and empowering online community and connect with a network of allied health professionals from the comfort and convenience of their own device.

What’s next for you and Womn-Kind?

Among many other things in 2023, we’ll be embarking on a regional tour to deliver wellbeing workshops in communities that may not otherwise have the same access to mental health services. T B

Earl Grey WITH A TWIST

With a rising demand for bite-size morsels and fine china, the “afternoon tea” experience has been taken to the next level by these fantastic venues across Australia. Whether you’re a lover of savoury treats or chocolate decadence, there’s something for everyone in these eight extraordinary high tea experiences.

Words: Gemma Hart

COLLINS COFFEE HOUSE, VICTORIA

Many of the finest high tea experiences around come from large-scale hotels, their kitchens and cafes specifically designed to offer high-class gastronomic delights. Sometimes, however, high tea is best tasted as it once was: in the intimate confines of a pretty cafe or elegant drawing room. The Collins Coffee House in Melbourne has a fantastic atmosphere for high tea. Dine in a beautiful heritage building with marble-topped tables and fine china, where dainty delicacies give the illusion of a smaller, more intimate venue. If you’re looking for the full, immersive experience, the House also hosts themed events including a Bridgerton-inspired high tea this October. Grab your lace gloves and formal wear, lords and ladies: it’s time to dine like it’s 1819.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Time for a cuppa? Images: Thorngrove Manor Hotel; Ginza Miyako.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

The trend for high tea has gone in many unique and unusal directions.

Images: Living Room Bar; Chocology; Collins Coffee House; Eat Your Art Out; Cambewarra Estate; Crown Perth.

FIREWATER GRILLE WESTERN AUSTRALIA

When we think of high tea, images of dainty, crustless sandwiches and cupcakes start dancing through our minds: pretty and delicious but not always the best when you're craving a little sustenance in your afternoon. At the Duxton Hotel, however, the Firewater Grille has you covered. As well as a classic sweet-breads high tea, they also provide meat and bread-based canapés, turning your afternoon event into a savoury one. Petite, meat-packed sandwiches, ham bites and savoury pastries are on offer alongside tea and cocktails. Themed events are also widely popular, including their upcoming Spring High Tea, where food and drink are crafted on the theme of native Australian flowers. If you’re looking to enjoy creative, culinary delights this October, we recommend booking now.

CAMBEWARRA ESTATE NEW SOUTH WALES

The beautiful grounds of Cambewarra Estate are the perfect locale for fine dining. Relaxing with a succulent piece of cake and accompanying cup and saucer can surely only be improved with sunshine upon your face? Open to individuals, groups and families (including high teas designed for children) the Estate has something for everyone to enjoy. Still not satisfied? How about indulging in a nostalgic Alice in Wonderland moment and enjoying your high tea sitting in a giant tea cup with Cambewarra’s VIP High Tea Cup Experience? The Mad Hatter’s tea party awaits…

GINZA MIYAKO SOUTH AUSTRALIA

How about switching classic sandwiches and pastries for dorayaki and an-pan? Ginza Miyako, in the heart of Adelaide, offers a Japanese fusion high tea that combines the best of English Regency elegance with a centuries old Japanese tea ceremony. Eat on floor-based seating, in a traditional manner, inside a shoji screen dining room. With soft, muted lighting, a zen-like atmosphere and awardwinning food, Ginza Miyako is an experience not to be missed if you’re looking for a unique afternoon boost in Adelaide.

THORNGROVE MANOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Ever wondered what it would be like to dine as English royalty? A small jewel of a hotel with a mighty facade, Thorngrove Manor is a fairytale castle nestled in the verdant greenery of the Adelaide Hills. Iron gates, tended lawns and historical decor create a medieval fantasy for both overnight guests and dining

visitors. Enjoy the high tea package beside a roaring fireplace in their dining hall, or take it to the next level in their Ultimate High Tea for Two: a private experience in the Kings Chamber, popular with romantic dates and soon-to-be newly weds. The manor’s combination of skilled chefs, impressive hospitality and unbeatable location make it a must-visit for lovers of history and medieval whimsy.

CHOCOLOGY TASMANIA

So, you possess a sweet-tooth that just can’t be sated by cake alone? The Tesoro Hobart in Tasmania won’t let you down! Their Chocology afternoons of cacao-inspired high tea are the perfect indulgence for those whose desires tend towards the bittersweet. Whether your love lies in the darkest of chocolates or the sweetest of treats, these Chocology events have something for you, serving their confections alongside pots of tea or glasses of bubbly. With their decadent little morsels packed with ingredients such as tryptophan to boost your serotonin,

a happy afternoon with these chocolate connoisseurs is practically guaranteed. With events for both children and adults, Tesoro Hobart spreads the joy to one and all. Best yet, they offer boxed confections for you to take home!

LIVING ROOM BAR QUEENSLAND

For some, nothing beats the calm of the high tea experience. The meditative sipping of hot tea creates a cocoon of mental tranquillity. For others, such serenity leads to itchy restlessness. But what if tea was accompanied by an activity? A creative pursuit to inspire the mind and preoccupy the hands? The Living Room Bar of West Brisbane has you covered. At their Eat Your Art Out event, instead of canapés and vibrant snacks, you’re served a blank canvas of panna cotta. Edible paints and fine brushes replace condiments and cutlery and suddenly you’re the chef in charge of your cuisine’s aesthetic. Create a work of art as you sip a hot beverage or fine wine (your choice) and then enjoy the fruits of your labour by tucking into your creative

dessert. We love this imaginative take on the high tea phenomenon.

CROWN PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy high tea in Perth, there is one name that rises above all others. Crown Hotel prides itself on delivering not just one exceptional high tea package but a choice of many, depending on your favour. From artisanal gin to Cantonese-inspired snacks, there is a high tea for you,

no matter your mood. Our recommendations, however, lie with their High Cheese event. Held in the La Vie Champagne Lounge, the High Cheese afternoon tea favours savoury over sweet, and crisp flavours over creamy sugar. From roasted potatoes and cured meats to fine, infused camemberts and goat cheese desserts, this “high tea” can be accompanied by tastings of champagne or Glenfiddich Whiskys and is a gentleman’s and lady’s delight.

T B

THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE, TOP TO BOTTOM:

The iconic yellow and green Sydney Ferries; Taronga Zoo with Sydney skyline; Camp Cove; Robertson's Point Lighthouse; Parramatta River at Gladesville.

Images: Destination NSW.

Ferrynice

Forget trains, buses and cars: jump on one of the iconic yellow and green Sydney Ferries and cruise to these iconic gems around the harbour.

WORDs: Carolyn Chen

TARONGA ZOO

Celebrate Australia’s diverse array of wildlife at Taronga Zoo, reached by a short ferry ride from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf. It’s also the starting point for the Bradley Head’s Walking Track, one of Sydney’s best seaside walks. You’ll get fantastic views of the city and Sydney Harbour Bridge to complement the natural landscape.

WATSON’S BAY

For a soothing, serene journey, ride the ferry to peaceful Watson’s Bay to relax and rejuvenate. Munch on some of Doyle’s famous fish and chips while you’re here, and be sure to take the excellent coastal walk up to the charming Hornby Lighthouse. Splash in the stunning blue ocean at Camp Cove, or wait until sunset for a truly dazzling display.

CREMORNE POINT

Touted as one of the best ferry experiences by locals, the ferry ride to Cremorne Point and subsequent walk to Mosman Bay is a must-do. Once ashore, stroll along the harbour path for glimpses of idyllic beaches and unique architecture. With a heritage-listed lighthouse, rainforest paths and scenic views, this is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss.

PARRAMATTA

In Sydney’s Greater West, Parramatta is a fast-growing hub of art, entertainment and delicious eats. Instead of taking the train or bus, travel in style by cruising on the RiverCat down the smooth waters of the Parramatta River for a truly unique ferry experience. Once you’ve arrived, enjoy your time around town or visit the nearby Sydney Olympic Park. 

BUNDEENA

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla Wharf to Bundeena for the best way to access Sydney’s spectacular Royal National Park. In Bundeena, get your adventure shoes on for an array of fun outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, kayaking and more. We recommend the easygoing bush walk along the Jibbon Track for wonderful coastal views, Aboriginal rock engravings and a unique view of the Sydney skyline.

SHARK ISLAND

For a truly special Sydney ferry experience, book a ferry to Shark Island, nestled by Rose Bay. This tiny island has beautiful views, and despite the name, is not very popular with sharks. The best way to enjoy a trip to Shark Island is to bring a picnic basket for a day by the shore with family and friends.

MANLY

How could we not mention this Sydney classic? The Manly ferry has been entertaining locals and tourists alike since 1855. Hop aboard this iconic vessel from Circular Quay and enjoy the dazzling blue waters of the bay as well as views of Sydney’s most famous landmarks. Once you’ve touched down at Manly Wharf, take an easy stroll along Manly Beach, or for those who enjoy a challenge, head off on the 10 kilometre Manly to Spit Bridge walk, with enchanting views from North Head and Sydney Harbour National Park.

BALMAIN

Head over to the lovely suburb of Balmain by crossing underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge by ferry. This vibrant suburb has a rich history as an industrial centre. In Balmain, you can check out Ballast Point Park for unique views over the harbour or hit the Dawn Fraser Baths for a swim. If you’re here on a Saturday, visit the Balmain Markets. Support a local vendor and peruse through handmade art and crafts, antiques, trendy fashion and more. T B

Fly into Sydney with Rex airlines

TOP TO BOTTOM: Bundeena Wharf; Shark Island in Sydney Harbour; Manly Wharf; Balmain Markets. Images: Destination NSW.

The

of the

SEVEN SEASIDE POOLS IN

Western Australia

Dip into WA’s amazing natural and man-made pools located by the sparkling Indian Ocean.

WORDs: Carolyn Chen

SCARBOROUGH BEACH POOL

One of Perth’s most popular beaches now has a geothermally heated public pool right by a beautiful stretch of white sand and teal sea. Scarborough Beach Pool is a massive 50 metre outdoor pool with great facilities, a cafe and tons of food options nearby. Its clear waters are suitable for year-round swimming – perfect for fitness or leisure. Open early and closing late, Scarborough Beach Pool is also the ideal spot for a splendid view of the sunrise and sunset.

METTAM’S POOL

Mettam’s Pool is a calm yet exciting spot in Perth that's great for families. Its turquoise waters reveal protective reefs and a rock pool to explore. This natural lagoon has the perfect conditions for an afternoon of snorkelling fun. Watch out for all the different kinds of fish and shellfish in this lovely area.

HAMERSLEY POOL

With shallow water and a cosy beach, this seaside destination is another beautiful natural pool for swimmers and snorkellers. Small but inviting, Hamersley Pool is perfect for relaxing on the sand or taking a dip free from large waves.

BICTON BATHS

Bicton Baths is located by the beautiful Swan River near the Perth oceanfront. Not only a great place for a swim, this location is also great for picnics, barbecues, strolls, paddleboarding and more. Built and operated by the Melville Water Polo Club, Bicton Baths has several pools to choose from and a superb view of the sparkling blue river.

INJIDUP NATURAL SPA

Three hours south of Perth you’ll find Injidup Natural Spa. This treasure of a rock pool is sheltered from the boisterous Indian Ocean by an outcrop of rocks. The white foam cascading over the rocks makes for an iconic photo. Better than a regular spa, Injidup Natural Spa is a must-visit destination with its natural massage sensations and stunning views.

GREENS POOL

WA locals love this spot in Williams Bay National Park, known as one of the best beaches in Australia. With glassy turquoise waters, Greens Pool is spectacular for swimming and snorkelling, and is the perfect summer spot for everyone. You’ll get your exercise in while having a fantastic time. If you’re looking for leisure, bask in the sun on the fine white sand or huge granite rocks, and enjoy the undeniably beautiful seascape.

LITTLE LAGOON

Further up north in Denham, this incredible natural pool off the Peron Peninsula is a hidden gem for adventurous travellers. Little Lagoon’s calm waters are perfect for swimming and fishing, and the pool is a stone’s throw away from other amazing sites like Shark Bay’s Monkey Mia. Come bask in all the natural beauty of this almost perfectly round azure jewel of the west.

Fly into Perth with Rex airlines

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Greens Pool; Injidup Natural Spa; Little Lagoon; Bicton Baths (Image: Darryl Ruland); Mettam's Pool; Scarborough Beach Pool. Images: Tourism WA.

SUMMER LOVIN’

Summertime in Australia means long days spent relaxing at the beach or revelling in the countryside. Here’s our round-up of some top summer destinations and activities around the country.

Words: Claire Hey, Matilda Meikle and Emily Riches

MAGIC BEACHES

The Sapphire Coast, NSW

The far south coast of New South Wales is the ideal destination for anyone wanting a nostalgic beachside summer holiday. Stretching from Bermagui to Eden, the Sapphire Coast is filled with beautiful beach towns, pristine waters and breathtaking views of the open ocean. With fresh sea air and gorgeous lookouts, there’s plenty to explore.

Don’t miss the Blue Pool at Bermagui – an aptly named 50-metre seawater swimming hole hewn into wave-cut platform below the cliffs just out of town. Regularly ranked among the prettiest of the state’s ocean pools, this idyllic spot is truly a gem in the Sapphire Coast’s crown.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Aslings Beach Rock Pool, Eden. Image: Destination NSW; Greenpatch, Jervis Bay. Image: Dee Kramer Photography.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Baby turtles at the Lady Musgave Island Experience; Snorkelling at Lady Elliot Island. Images: Tourism and Events QLD.

If you’re stopped near Bega, journey into Wadbilliga National Park to see plunging gorges, scenic surrounds and stunning wildlife. While you’re there, enjoy an adventure with Brogo Wilderness Canoes – the team will provide you with maps, route suggestions and Canadian-style canoes to cruise down the Brogo River. Pack a picnic to share along the peaceful banks.

Further south, Eden is a great spot for snorkelling and scuba-diving. Splash around in Twofold Bay, the third deepest natural harbour in the southern hemisphere, and glimpse some amazing sea creatures, including the elusive weedy sea dragon. Afterwards celebrate the ocean’s bounty by sharing a seafood basket from Eden Fish & Chips while the sun sets, or try something slightly fancier at Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Fly into Merimbula with Rex airlines

REEF ENCOUNTERS

Southern Great Barrier Reef, QLD Explore the incredible Southern Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Bundaberg, and grab a

chance to swim alongside curious turtles and giant manta rays.

From November through to January, female turtles come ashore to lay eggs on Bundaberg’s Mon Repos Beach as well as on nearby Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island. The hatchlings emerge between January and March, ready to make their journey to the sea. Mon Repos Conservation Park is home to the largest loggerhead turtle rookery in the South Pacific, and hosts the only ranger-guided turtle encounter on the East Coast. On the nightly tour the rangers explain the region’s unique ecosystem and rich history, as well as give insights into their research into turtle conservation.

Then it’s time to pull on your snorkel and dive in! Bundaberg has several beaches to choose from, or you can take a scenic flight to Lady Elliot Island or a boat ride to Lady Musgrave Island and enjoy spending the day in the warm, crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life such as manta rays, dolphins and an array of colourful fish.

Bundaberg itself has lots to explore. The region is known as Australia’s food bowl for

Full flavour & no carbs. This is your beer.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

The Lane Vineyard. Image: South Australian Tourism Commission; The Clare Valley. Image: Lachlan Swan.

a reason: the philosophy here is paddock to plate, and you can taste delicious local produce at the many restaurants, markets and cafés. Top it off with a tour of iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery, where you can learn how the award-winning liqueur is made and sample some top-shelf rum.

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WINE TIME

Epicurean Way, SA South Australia is blessed with a plethora of wine regions, and you can sample four of the best by driving the Epicurean Way from McLaren Vale through the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley to the Clare Valley. Visit in summer to see grapes hanging heavy on the vines and the harvest season kicking off, and enjoy sundrenched days merging into long, lazy evenings, perfect for lingering over a gourmet meal and a stellar wine flight.

Tucked between sandy beaches and mountain ranges 45 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale hosts some of the oldest vines in Australia. Established as a wine region in 1838,

today it is noted for its progressive producers with a focus on sustainability. Go for the charming villages great food and bold reds. Meanwhile, overlooking the city from the east, the Adelaide Hills is a standout for its cool-climate wines, epic views, native wildlife and gorgeous scenery.

An hour north-east, the Barossa Valley is one of the world’s great wine producing regions, packed full of historic vineyards and famed for its full-flavoured Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. Thanks to its European heritage, there are bakeries, smokehouses and awardwinning restaurants to explore, too.

If the road less travelled is more your style, leave the car behind and hire a bike to explore at a slower pace. The Clare Valley’s Riesling Trail cycleway follows a disused railway line for 33 kilometres, meandering through charming market towns and rolling countryside dotted with cellar doors. One thing’s for sure: you’ll never be short of a chance to quench your thirst!

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NATURAL HISTORY

Albany region, WA

Perched on the edge of the Southern Ocean in the far south-west of Western Australia, the Albany region bursts with natural beauty and historic significance.

The rugged cliffs and windswept beaches of Torndirrup National Park protect Albany’s natural harbour from the wildness of the southern seas. Venture on to the cantilevered lookout 40 metres above the churning waters of The Gap or take in the view of the Natural Bridge for a thrilling glimpse into one of Australia’s most exposed coastlines.

You can also tackle sections of the epic 1,000km Bibbulmun track – a 

Blackcurrant & Plum has delightful fruity notes of blackcurrant and lemon with the intoxicating allure of cyclamen, pine, and plum.

Mulled Wine encapsulates those rich, heady and warm aromas of fruit and lashings of red wine – claret tones mingling with sweet orange and woody spices.

The spicy scent of Gingerbread brings back warm childhood memories of baking and stealing pieces of sweetness from the gingerbread house under the cover of night.

Our candles emanate joy and a sense of serenity, and there is a scent to suit everyone. Luxury candles at affordable prices. See our whole range here: lightandglodesigns.com.au

LIGHT UP THE LIVES OF OTHERS, AND SPREAD SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER THIS YEAR.

coastal hike stretching all the way to Perth – or choose from the many nature and heritage trails to explore. Cool off with a well-deserved dip: Albany’s beaches are truly some of the best in the country, boasting pristine white sands, rocky outcrops and crystal-clear, turquoise waters. Families will enjoy the calm, shallow waters of Middleton Beach and Emu Point, while the adventurous can take a secluded stroll on Little Beach with its impressive granite boulders.

History buff? Step back in time and check out Albany’s many heritage buildings, such as the Old Gaol, built in the 1850s. The city dates from 1826, when the first settlers arrived on the brig Amity – a replica of which now sits on the waterfront. You can also visit the Historic Whaling Station, dedicated to the town’s long whaling history, and the National Anzac Centre, which commemorates the 41,000 troops who departed from Albany to fight in World War I.

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MARINE PLAYGROUND

Eyre Peninsula, SA Summer in Australia is all about getting on the water, and the coastal paradise of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula is one of the best destinations for doing so. There are plenty of mainland and marine adventures to be had

among the region’s epic beaches, stunning national parks and in the cool waters of the Spencer Gulf and Great Australian Bight.

For an encounter to remember, get up close and personal with some of our most impressive apex predators: great white sharks. There are two cage dive companies operating out of Port Lincoln that can take you out to the Neptune Islands for a chance to come face-toface with these mesmerising creatures. You can also swim with wild dolphins and curious sea lions at Baird Bay, and search the sea grass at Tumby Bay jetty for the elusive leafy seadragon, only found in Australia’s southern waters.

Port Lincoln is known as the “seafood capital of Australia” for a reason: it’s heaven for lovers of shellfish, crayfish and everything in between! Pop along to The Fresh Fish Place for the freshest fish and chips in town, take a seafood cooking class or join a behind-thescenes tour. Of course you can’t beat oysters plucked from the ocean. Visit the cerulean 

TOP LEFT:

The thunderous waters of The Gap, Albany; Little Beach, Albany. Images: Tourism WA. The cerulean waters of Coffin Bay. Image: Tourism SA.

CLOCKWISE FROM

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

Tuck into an Aussie summer staple, fish and chips; eat oysters straight from the ocean in the Eyre Peninsula; take the ride of a lifetime in the High Country. Image: Visit Victoria.

waters of Coffin Bay for an unforgettable tasting experience on a working oyster farm. Slip into some waders and learn all about the oyster industry while sampling fresh oysters shucked straight from the sea.

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High Country, Vic

Think the Victorian Alps are all about skiing and snow? Think again! The mountaintops of the High Country offer a refreshing escape from the heat of summer, and there’s an exhilarating array of epic outdoor activities on offer.

Pitch a tent amid the gorgeous twisted snow gums at Mount Buffalo’s Lake Catani. From here you can hike through scenic backcountry to plunging waterfalls, or launch onto the water with a canoe and a fishing rod. If glamping is more your style, try the Alpine Nature Experience at Mount Hotham eco-camps for a tent strung up like a hammock between the trees.

If you fancy yourself like the Man From Snowy River, take the ride of a lifetime exploring the High Country on horseback. Saddle up at Mt Stirling

and roam freely along mountain ridges or through wide-open fields and thick forest gorges. Guided tours can be tailored to suit all ages and abilities, including day trips and overnight treks. Scenic trails leading to Craig’s Hut and the Stirling Summit offer breath-taking views of the surrounding region.

For those who prefer getting around on two wheels, there are more than 250 kilometres of bike trails to suit all levels of experience. Get your thrills at the Mt Buller Bike Park, with an extensive network of trails, a pump track and skills park, or pedal at a slower pace along the Great Victorian Rail Trail. Wherever you go, there will be cafes, restaurants, farm gates and food producers to stop at along the way to refuel. T B

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SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE

1. Summer is a busy time for both domestic and international travellers – especially during the school holidays. Popular accommodation and tours often sell out, so book well in advance.

2. In the tropical north the wet season runs from November to April, bringing heavy rain and high humidity. Flooding is a real risk, and large areas of national parks will be closed.

3. It’s also cyclone season for Cairns and the Whitsundays, and stinger season on the Great Barrier Reef – so be sure to wear a stinger suit when swimming for safety.

4. Remember to slip, slop, slap: slip on long clothing, slop on high SPF sunscreen and slap on a hat. Always carry water with you, and a first aid kit and mozzie repellent won’t go amiss!

REASONS TO TRAVEL IN

PAPUA47

Papua New Guinea is the destination of a lifetime: culturally rich and incredibly diverse, with a wealth of things to see and do. Why not answer that call for adventure and intrigue? On the country’s 47th Independence Day anniversary, check out the top 47 things to do in PNG and put some of them on your travel bucket list.

THIS PAGE: Kayaking at Nusa Island Retreat, New Ireland Province.

Image: Micah Trostle, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.

NEW GUINEA

1

Challenge yourself by trekking the famous 96 kilometre Kokoda Trail. Short treks are also available from Owers’ Corner to Ioribaiwa Village. Visit the Kokoda Track Authority website for a list of licensed tour operators.

2

Snorkel, kayak or go scuba diving at Kimbe Bay with tours by Walindi Plantation Resort. The bay is home to more than 96 per cent of the Indo-Pacific region’s coral species.

3

In August and September every year, experience a spectacular highlands festival, such as the Enga Show, Goroka Show or Hagen Show.

4

Take the Twin Peaks challenge in Simbu and the Western Highlands. Climb the highest mountain in Oceania at 4,509 metres, Mount Wilhelm, then tackle Mount Giluwe at 4,367 metres.

5

How about some off-grid surfing in Namatanai, New Ireland Province? Stay at the peaceful Rubio Plantation Retreat where nothing else matters except you and the ocean.

6

Heat things up at Mount Tavurvur with a historical volcano tour in Rabaul, East New Britain. Eat a delicious fresh wild fowl egg boiled at the Matupit Hot Springs.

7

If you love things naturally wild and weirdly wonderful, then you need to see the national bird – the Raggiana bird-of-paradise – in full display at the Varirata National Park.

8

Support local artisans, and buy PNG-crafted products handmade with love at the POM City Markets held every second Saturday and Sunday of the month at the National Museum & Art Gallery.

9

The Sirunki Agro Farms in Enga Province provide the sweetest tasting experience ever for strawberry and honey lovers.

10

Explore the founding of a nation at the Haus Independens museum in Downtown, Port Moresby.

11

Experience the best of Kawas hospitality at the Uruna Bay Retreat, Pokpok Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Go island hopping and water skiing while you’re there.

12

The pristine waters and dazzling beaches of the Duke of York Islands in East New Britain await. Book a homestay with the friendly DOY islanders.

13

For thespians who love drama, see some of PNG’s best actors hit the stage at the Moresby Arts Theatre.

14

If you are a didiman or didimeri at heart, you will love the Morobe Show in November. See amazing rodeo-style events and browse various stalls showing off some of the best crops in this part of the region.

15

There is nothing like seeing Port Moresby’s Fairfax Harbour at night on board Sportfishing PNG’s MV K20 yacht –especially if you love the finer things in life.

Pay homage to a bygone era at Bitapaka War Memorial in East New Britain which holds timeless stories of heroism and sacrifice that should never be forgotten.

16

mettle. It roams the river systems of the Gulf and Western Province. For that once-in-a-lifetime fishing adventure, contact Sportfishing PNG.

30

Local tour operators LaeAbout Tours offer a unique mangrove adventure along the Labu Lake in Morobe Province. This fun and educational tour allows visitors to navigate the mangroves, trek through the bushes and meet the locals, while learning the cultural values of the Labu people and their connection to the natural environment.

31

Unwind with friends at the Japanese Spy Bar, Paradise New Wewak Hotel in the East Sepik Province. Enjoy the locally themed cocktails: Wasara Mai Tai, Dagua Breeze, Wia Magarita, Maprik Martini and more!

32

A guided tour of the ancient Tawali Skull Caves is a must while staying at the Tawali Leisure & Dive Resort on the East Cape of Milne Bay Province. Your friendly local guide will share stories of long ago, taking you on a fascinating discovery of bizarre burial rituals and a warmongering way of life that no longer exists.

33

Experience the magic of a night tour at the Walindi Plantation Resort, West New Britain. See the magnificent ‘firefly tree’ or catch a glimpse of the rare, nocturnal and endemic Golden Masked Owl.

34

Bibliophiles can find the best collection of books at the University Book Shop located at the University of Papua New Guinea, Waigani Campus in Port Moresby. Satiate your imagination and knowledge with remarkable works of PNG literature, with classics by authors Vincent Eri, Ignatius Kilage, Russell Soaba, John Kasaipwalova, Kumalau Tawali, Nora Vagi Brash and more.

35

Offering panoramic views of Mount Hagen town, in the Western Highlands Province is the boutique lodge Rondon Ridge, owned by Trans Niugini Tours. This beautiful hideaway provides charming accommodation and appetising meals. The lodge’s tropical surroundings are perfect for guests after some naturefocussed hiking, bird watching or cultural tours.

36

In the heart of the Sepik River, discover the Abelam People of Maprik and their fascinating masks celebrating yam harvests. Visit the Apangai village which has a special ceremonial house called Kurambu, which stores important ritual arts and crafts. Tours are available from local tour operators Sepik Adventure Tours which cover the length and breadth of the East Sepik Province.

Nusa Island Retreat in New Ireland Province is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Just a short boat ride from Kavieng town, the retreat has comfortable beachfront

37

FROM LEFT:

Bitapaka War Memorial; Asaro Mud Men. Images: David Kirkland for PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.

bungalows, the best food in the New Guinea Islands region and it offers surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and game fishing.

38

As an architectural wonder blending the modern and traditional, the National Parliament House deserves a visit while you’re in the nation’s capital. Well manicured lawns, gardens, traditional sculptures and ponds are spread out over the grounds for you to explore.

42 National Remembrance Day every July 23 is a special day of observance in Papua New Guinea honouring the men and women who served during the World Wars and peacekeeping missions in the country and abroad. Join in the national commemorations at the Ela Beach Memorial Park, and key war memorials in Rabaul, Kalibobo, Lae and Alotau.

life. Enjoy endless swimming opportunities with the sea at your doorstep, short treks in the nearby jungle, meeting the friendly local Sepoe villagers and sampling traditional Gulf dishes.

46

43

A haven for the humble cuscus and all manner of bird life in Manus Province is Mendrelin Island, part of the Pityiliu Islands. This is a wonderful spot for picnics and appreciating nature.

39

40

Milne Bay’s giant manta rays of Gonubalabala Island are a magnificent sight to behold. A seasonal cleaning station for large marine life, go diving to get up close and personal with these giant wonders of the deep as they rejuvenate in this natural underwater salon.

41 Spot the iridescent male Flame Bowerbird in the interior Highlands of southern Papua New Guinea. Book a tour with one of the best bird-watching tour guides in the country – Samuel Kepuknai and his team Kiunga Nature Tours.

You’ve probably heard of the amazing and world-renowned scuba diving in Papua New Guinea. It’s a technical activity that requires training, however, in Port Moresby, you can make your scuba diving dreams come true by taking up diving courses that will bring you a step closer to discovering the magic of diving. Contact PRO Dive PNG for scuba diving lessons.

Let your hair down at the Lamana Gold Club – one of Papua New Guinea’s popular nightclubs in Port Moresby. Dance the night away with your friends in the adjoining outdoor club or enjoy a cold one with a live band indoors. Lamana is the place to party.

47

44

Avid golfers will be impressed with the championship 18-hole golf course at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club. Also available is a practice driving range plus a short game practice area for chipping and putting. Visit the Port Moresby Golf Club website for visitor entry fees.

Orchid lovers will find the National Orchid Gardens at 14-Mile on the outskirts of Port Moresby a visual treat. There are over 3,000 known species of orchids in Papua New Guinea, and you will be amazed at the variety, colour and uses of these phenomenal plants. T B

Kawas – endearing term for the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Didiman – male agricultural specialist or enthusiast.

Didimeri – female agricultural specialist or enthusiast.

Garden kaikai – fruits and vegetables grown locally.

45

Imagine a beachfront all to yourself and glorious ocean sunsets every day. Sepoe Village Guest House in the Gulf Province offers visitors a quaint escape from modern

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Indigenous

BRISBANE

Meanjin, or Brisbane, was founded upon the homelands of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. Meanjin is derived from the Turrbal word for the spike of land that the city sits on. With a heritage dating back more than 23,000 years, Brisbane’s Indigenous community is recognised through sites and attractions across the city, celebrating their history and traditions.

WORDs: Matilda Meikle

Performer from Spirits of the Red Sand, a live theatre experience. Image: Tourism and Events QLD.

BIRRUNGA GALLERY

Brisbane’s only Indigenous-owned art space, Birrunga Gallery offers exhibitions, tours and classes that explore the rich Indigenous culture found in the area. The café also uses native ingredients from Australian suppliers to create a unique dining experience. Founded by a Wiradyuri man, Birrunga Wiradyuri, the gallery is dedicated to supporting native art and exploring ideas of culture and spirituality through creativity.

SPIRITS OF THE RED SAND

A breathtaking live theatre experience, Spirits of the Red Sand is an unforgettable event that can be undertaken both during the day and at night. By day, Welcome to Country helps visitors discover stories of the Dreamtime as they participate in boomerang painting and sample bush tucker. By night, the award-winning roving dinner and theatre tells the unforgettable story of three

Indigenous brothers and their families, taking guests on a journey beyond the Dreamtime through 1800s Australia to the present day.

NYANDA CULTURAL TOURS

Located 25 minutes from the heart of Brisbane, Nyanda cultural tours take guests on an exploration of how Indigenous people connect with, and use, the land. Traditional owner guides help visitors gain a deeper

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Guide from BlackCard cultural tours plays the didgeridoo for guests, while another group visits a city mural; Performer from Spirits of the Red Sand conducts a smoking ceremony. Images: Tourism and Events QLD.

appreciation of our First Nations history by participating in a smoking ceremony, learning Yagara language words, and trying out spear throwing.

DREAMWORLD CORROBOREE

Australia’s first theme park attraction dedicated to Indigenous culture, Dreamworld Corroboree is not to be missed. Opened in 2013, it is first and foremost an animal sanctuary, featuring native animals and displays highlighting their associated traditional stories. The nearby Corroboree Theatre presents the creation story of the Gold Coast through film, also including artworks, photos, and interactive displays that explore the prominence of Indigenous culture.

FROM TOP: Tour guide at QAGOMA; Spirits of the Red Sand; Birrunga Gallery and Dining; Koala at Dreamworld Corroboree. Images: Tourism and Events QLD.

QAGOMA

The Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art houses a permanent Indigenous collection, and the largest collection of Indigenous fibre art in Australia. The focus is on modern art, with works drawn from all over the country featuring paintings, sculptures and photography telling the story of Indigenous heritage.

BLACKCARD

Located in the centre of Brisbane, BlackCard cultural tours help visitors learn about Brisbane’s Aboriginal history alongside an Indigenous guide. BlackCard seeks to help all Australians acknowledge our shared obligation to the land, and to each other, in order to grow as a country.

RIVERLIFE MIRRABOOKA

Part of the stunning Riverlife Adventure Centre, Riverlife Mirrabooka allows visitors to explore First Nations culture. Watch and participate in traditional song and dance, play Aboriginal instruments, and listen to educational talks about Indigenous history. This experience is designed to create an understanding of the spiritual connections between culture and country.

NURRI MILLEN TOTEM TRAIL

Developed in 1996 by Indigenous artist Ron Hurley and six other First Nations artists, Nurri Millen is a trail of 18 totems commemorating the Dreaming as well as exploring Indigenous connection to the plants and animals of the Boondall Wetlands, just north of Brisbane Airport. The totems stand as lasting symbols of traditional culture, celebrating the stories and customs of the region. T B

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Catherine Manuell Design in collaboration wirth artist Mim Cole – celebrating our Aboriginal Women Artists project. Working with wonderful Aboriginal women artists from creative communities around Australia.

percentage of all sales goes directly to the artists. Colourful designs for our everyday, colourful travels. Showcasing Australian women artists’ paintings, and other vibrant collections!

Catherine

THE GOLD COAST LIKE A GOURMAND

Mention hatted restaurants and molecular gastronomy, and the Gold Coast is probably not the first location to spring to mind. Yet over the past few years a world-class food scene has been growing, and it’s now ripe and ready for foodies.

WORDs: Michelle Hespe

LEFT, THEN TOP TO BOTTOM:

Stanthorpe figs with goats curd, vanilla pickled pistachio and brick pastry from Palette; Surfers Paradise at dusk; The delectable root beer dessert from Citrique; Citrique's signature oven-baked snow fish, with wood-fired cauliflower, lemon zest, dukkah crumble and lemon verbena sauce.

THE SOUTH Coast of Queensland earned its moniker of the Gold Coast in the 1950s, thanks to its expensive real estate and the high cost of living. It was an easy way to refer to the holiday strip from Southport (which was a hotspot for wealthy Brisbane residents) through to Coolangatta.

Local entrepreneur Keith Williams opened Surfers Paradise Ski Gardens in 1958, which initially offered spectacular water-skiing shows, and over the years has morphed into today’s Sea World.

The area’s first theme park Magic Mountain started out as a chairlift at Nobby Beach in 1962, becoming a castle-themed attraction by the mid-Seventies. Dreamworld opened its doors in 1981, and the Gold Coast was booming.

However, ask anyone who spent much time in Surfers Paradise or on the Gold Coast in the Eighties, Nineties and Noughties about the food and beverage offerings, and you’re likely to get similar responses: it was all about fried food, takeaway chains, perhaps a nice café or two and your local Thai and Chinese joints alongside pubs and many clubs.

Fast forward to 2022, and there are more and more fine dining options joining the throng of already established eateries and bars that wouldn’t dream of dishing up schnitty and chips.

In fact, the Goldie has laid claim to 22 hatted restaurants for 2022.

DECADENCE AT CITRIQUE

Citrique is tucked away behind an ornate Asian-inspired wooden wall on the first floor of the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa, which had an incredible $35 million makeover in 2020.

TOP TO BOTTOM:

South Australian sardines with fermented tomato, steamed fennel, chilli relish and fermented herb oil; Chef Jon Nurminen; The stunning view from Gods of The Sea.

Step into Citrique and you slip into a world where the culinary talents of Executive Chef Paul Smart are showcased in five-course degusations of decadence that bring his love of Australian produce, seafood and Asian flavours together in sweet harmony.

Paul has travelled and worked his way around the world while sharpening his approach to food and cooking techniques, but it was seven years of working in Asia – particularly his times at the Sofitel in Bangkok –that gives his style a sophisticated Asian flair.

Citrique’s Bay bug dumplings with a bisque sauce, kaffir lime, coconut sambal and herbs from the hotel’s garden is one of Paul’s signature dishes, and the scallops white bean cassoulet with smoked ham hock is an absolute delight. The more robust roasted lamb rack with mint gel, pomme purée, baby turnips and

chimichurri is delicate yet rich, and oh-so tender. The staff add to the experience of immersive, dynamic dining with at-table preparations of the dishes and Paul loves to roam the room and chat to diners.

If you’re a seafood fan, order the seafood tower – which includes oysters, spanner crab, Moreton Bay bugs, Mooloolaba king prawns and Hervey Bay scallops in the shell, salt-and-pepper squid, battered fish and grilled prawns.

Paul’s love of molecular gastronomy comes to the fore in a dessert called the JW Raspberry Root Beer. It is a miniature thin-walled white chocolate barrel with The Hot Shoppe inscribed on it, which is a nod to legendary entrepreneur and founder of Marriott International James Willard Marriott (the JW in the hotel’s name), who launched Hot Shoppes Inc which later became the Marriott Corporation.

The sublime dessert comes surrounded in a playful smattering of rose petal crumbs, poached rhubarb and popping candy. It arrives at your table with a smoke-filled bubble that you can pop, allowing the smoke to swirl gently across your table.

RHAPSODY AT GODS OF THE SEA

Hatted restaurant Gods of the Sea is perched on the side of a wharf –where any passionate fisherman dreams of being – on the aptly named Seaworld Drive.

The stunning view that diners are welcomed by is a signature Surfers Paradise vista: pelicans skimming the water, yachts cruising, fisherman laughing and chatting in bobbing tinnies, hotels and sky-living apartments rising high across the bay.

Finnish chef Jon Nurminen and his front-of-house business partner Warren Lucas create an inviting, exciting atmosphere at Gods of the Sea, and everything on the menu –whether it be produce, beer, wine or water – is 100 per cent Australian in

order to support Aussie producers and lower environmental impact by reducing the distance from farm to table.

The meals bring together Jon’s experience working with seafood from his years spent at the iconic (and now sadly closed) The Fish House in Burleigh Heads, and his homeland’s Finnish cooking techniques, such as smoking, fermenting and curing. In Finland, for instance, pickled trout is a classic Christmas meal.

The mussels in a chardonnay broth is sensational, and the pickled Petuna ocean trout with a native berry spice dust and smoked oil foam capture the essence of Jon’s approach. Or the smoked tomato, pickled carrot and leaf salad with king fish crudo and fermented pumpkin, pickled onion and trout-skin crackers is another awesome Finnish creation with an Aussie influence.

Warren then matches each dish with a different wine or beverage for a delectable series of flavourful fare.

The pared-back décor – lashings of white with green plants and pale wooden floors – with stylish blackand-white fishing and sea-inspired photography artworks give this stylish restaurant its fresh, lively and summerfun feels.

THE ART OF GASTRONOMY AT PALETTE

Two-hatted Palette inside the Home of the Arts (HOTA) six-storey gallery is an experience like no other on the Gold Coast. The menu not only changes in line with the seasons, but according to what exhibition is on display in the main gallery.

Explore the edgy gallery (which aims to inspire debate) from the top down, and then settle in for a series of perfectly balanced, exceptionally artistic food and wine pairings that bring to life the remarkable culinary talents of Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law.

In Dayan’s words: “You can expect all the great aspects of fine dining: fresh, local, high-quality produce with amazing provenance, knowledgeable staff, but with no stuffy bowties or waistcoats.”

A tasting menu with matched beverages will set you back around $200, but it’s worth every cent. Even the bread – Burleigh Baker charcoal sourdough, teamed with 96-monthold rice culture whipped miso butter – is out-of-this-world awesome.

A single chicken wing appetiser that has been deboned and doused in karage flavours with a light chilli glaze sets the stage for the unique offerings to follow.

From there on in each dish just gets better and better, until it wraps up with a chocolate miniature model of the colourful HOTA building, filled with flavours of strawberries and cream. It looks rather out-of-place set on a Gold Coast table as it’s covered in dry ice “snow” – but that’s what HOTA does too: makes you look and really think.

Other standouts are Dayan’s creative take on lobster thermidor (with cheese, beer mustard and fennel) and a 150-day dry-aged beef sirloin which, in line with a recent LEGO-based exhibition, you construct yourself after a plate arrives with the piece of meat sitting alone. A

perfectly presented tray of garnishes then joins the table, including parsnip purée, sautéed rainbow chard, hasselback Jerusalem artichokes, mushroom sauce, and a Bordelaise sauce with flecks of bone marrow.

Creating an artwork that looks as good as it tastes is a tough work for anyone lacking Dayan’s talents – but due to his input, you can still create a masterpiece of taste.

LEFT THEN CLOCKWISE: Palette's calming decor; Lady Musgrave Island swordfish and Margra lamb; Dayan's take on lobster thermidor with pickled beer mustard and local cheese.

BELOW THEN CLOCKWISE:

The magical entrance and exterior of Uncle Su; Modern artworks adorn the walls;

table for four set with taste sensations

with wines and cocktails.

HOT TO TROT AT UNCLE SU

Arriving at Uncle Su in the Star Casino is magical. The floorboarded entry has lasered visuals of lapping water so you can part the ocean like Moses as you step into this stunningly detailed Chinese restaurant, which is somehow both bright and light and rich and moody at once. With the thin, pale strip-wood panelling encasing the entire restaurant, it feels as though you are sitting inside an intricate Chinese lantern.

Uncle Su focuses on offering its diners the freshest live seafood, so tanks of lobsters, fish, abalone and other marine delicacies line the walls. It also specialises in hand-made lunchtime yum cha and a delicious blend of Cantonese-style favourites, with a selection of signature Beijing and Szechuan dishes. The bar staff put together sensational cocktails with traditional Chinese ingredients. Try the watermelon cocktail with Aperol, jasmine tea and chrysanthemum, which arrives in an intricately painted porcelain cup depicting Chinese flowers and vines, sitting on a bed of ice in a matching bowl.

The chicken san choy bau with prosecco is a great way to start your meal, followed by soft-shell crab with

a glass of chardonnay. Both are light and bursting with freshness and flavour. If you’re a meat lover, the Darling Downs sliced wagyu with straw mushrooms and water chestnuts in oyster sauce garnished with fried Chinese donuts is a show-stopper. For chilli fans not afraid to walk on the wild side, try the Szechuan poached beef with some of the hottest chillies on the planet. Wow-ee, is it hot to trot!

To splash out, you can order a superior bird’s nest with chicken soup, which comes with a $188 price tag. That seems fair enough when the waiter explains that the gatherers need to climb a tree to find the nests, as it’s the swiftlet’s hardened saliva that is the delicacy. Chinese people believe the spit helps maintain youth, as well as contributing to a long, healthy life and a strong body.

Finish your meal with a soohting pot of Chinese tea – perhaps a brew that aids digestion. Pu-erh is a popular one, made from the fermented leaves and stems of the Camellia sinensis plant. Because after a few days or a week on the Gold Coast swanning from one restaurant to another, you’ll no doubt need to digest what you’ve eaten, seen and experienced. T B

Fly into Gold Coast with Rex airlines

WHERE TO FIND THESE CULINARY WONDERS

Pioneer Brewing Co is an award-winning Australian indie brewery located on our family farm near Orange, Central NSW.

Visit the taphouse or grab your ‘Ultimate’ Pioneer Brewing mixed case today – 12 different farm fresh beers direct to your door Australia-wide.

Use coupon code ‘inflight’ with your order to receive a FREE Pioneer Brewing Co stubbie holder

Know your Beer. Know your Farmer pioneerbrewing.com.au

Pete Gerber, Farmer & Brewer

RECHARGE IN

Robertson

Spend a big weekend in a tiny house and explore this tranquil hamlet, where it’s all about local produce, spectacular scenery and a relaxed country atmosphere.

Words: emily Riches

TUCKED AWAY in Robertson, an easy two-hour drive from Sydney, you’ll find Foxglove Cottage: a Tiny Away cabin in the beautiful Southern Highlands on Gundungurra Country. This little piece of paradise is our home for the weekend, and sits on the working farm of our hosts Max and Miriam. As we arrive on Friday night, they greet us with a warm welcome and plenty of recommendations for things to see and do during our stay.

Tiny Away aims to provide guests the opportunity to enjoy unique

properties and reconnect with nature in an eco-friendly, sustainable way. Our tiny house is private and cosy, complete with an outdoor fire pit and an undercover screen for movies. Inside the cottage awaits our first taste of Robertson: a cheese platter with locally made brie and vintage blue cheese, a jug of crystal-clear spring water, fresh milk, Max’s homemade port and mead, as well as his award-winning honey. With full bellies, we fall asleep to the gentle sounds of rain on the roof and a

chorus of frogs from the nearby Missingham Creek. I’m already excited for what’s in store tomorrow.

We wake to a view of green pastures and grazing horses, and decide to visit the Lees Road Lookout, just a ten-minute walk from the cottage. As we pass sweeping farmland and curious cows, I’m not surprised that Robertson was the setting for the 1995 film Babe. The lookout sits 580 metres above sea level and offers utterly breathtaking views over the Illawarra escarpment, rainforests and rolling green hills, all the way down to Lake Illawarra and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great introduction to the landscape, and clear why Robertson is known as the “green heart of the Southern Highlands.”

From Foxglove Cottage it’s just a short drive to the town centre, so we

OPPOSITE, THEN TOP TO BOTTOM :

Blue Pool, Budderoo National Park; Scenic aerial of Robertson in the Southern Highlands. Image: Dee Kramer Photography; Foxglove Cottage, a Tiny Away cabin; Robertson Pie Shop. Image: Destination Southern Highlands and hcreations.com.au

head in for breakfast at Moonacres Kitchen, a popular local cafe, where we tuck into pancakes with poached pear and rhubarb compote. The owners pride themselves on using ingredients grown from their organic farm, and also run cooking classes at the Moonacres School.

It may be small, but Robertson is full to the brim with delightful cafes, quirky shops, small galleries and friendly locals. It has a thriving community art scene, so we pop into the Southern Highlands Artisans Collective to admire their latest exhibitions. Across the road is the Old Robertson Cheese Factory, which houses Mumma’s Country Kitchen –a gorgeous cafe and dairy store selling locally made cheeses, chutneys, jams, oils, marinades and more. Inside, you’ll also find The Cool Room – A Country Emporium filled with fascinating vintage wares and curios: we spend a good half hour rummaging, but could have easily spent the whole day.

We pick up some local salami from Pecora Cheese and Wine, a lovely little wine bar with delectable grazing plates, and visit the peaceful and fascinating Robertson Cemetery for a bit of town history. Another spot for history buffs is the Robertson Hotel – built in 1928 and once considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the Commonwealth, it’s a great place to enjoy a fancy meal or high tea.

The town is also host to the annual ‘spud-tacular’ Robertson Potato Festival, so we stop by its quirkiest landmark, the Big Potato, for a photo op before heading out to explore the countryside. Robertson is spoilt for

choice when it comes to natural beauty, with three waterfalls within easy driving distance of the town. At Carrington Falls, a short, accessible track circles the top of the falls, which drop a spectacular 90 metres into the valley below. The nearby Blue Pool is a serene swimming hole that cascades down to Nellie’s Glen, a great spot for a picnic, or there are plenty of other walking tracks for keen bushwalkers to explore.

After a quick and chilly dip in Blue Pool, we stop by the famous Robertson Pie Shop for a late lunch before heading back to Foxglove Cottage. We spend the afternoon soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of the farm, lounging in the hammock, and being introduced to Max and Miriam’s three horses and two friendly Border Collies. It’s so relaxing and we feel totally at home.

Max and Miriam recommend getting takeaway from Pizzas in the Mist, a popular woodfired pizza restaurant and eating it by the fire, but as the rain picks up, we opt for a meal at the charming Robertson Public House instead. The mushroom burger and chicken parmy hit the spot, and I think back on our day well spent with great food, natural beauty and a good amount of relaxation.

The next morning as we’re getting ready to leave, Max pops over and asks if our batteries are recharged?

The answer is a resounding yes. T B

Fly into Sydney with Rex airlines

TINY AWAY GETAWAYS

For wineries: Tiny House 888 – Hunter Valley, NSW

For a farm stay: Cottesloe – Meander Valley, TAS

For horse riding: Wodalla Horse Farmstay – Nyora, VIC

To switch off: The Ridge – Korweinguboora, VIC

To explore: Kookaburra Cabin – Sunshine Coast, QLD

To be lakeside: Dandelion Retreat – Lochiel, SA

For alpacas: Alpaca Tiny House – Flowerdale, VIC

Visit tinyaway.com

TrulyAus

Products

OUR TOP PICKS OF AUSSIE-MADE PRODUCTS FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Compiled by: Matilda Meikle

1. Camp Eco – Body suds

Camp Eco strives to create products which will keep you and your campsite clean, while also looking after the environment around you. Their body suds are suitable to be used as hand and body wash, and come in a recyclable bottle, with all contents sourced locally. campeco.com.au $14.90

2. Wilderness Wear –Ascent Jacket

The Ascent jacket is ideal for versatile outdoor use, made from premium lightweight fabric and Merino wool. It uses Nanosphere technology to adapt to any weather and activity, including hiking, snow sports and camping. Plus it comes in a broad range of stylish colours and neutrals. wildernesswear.com.au $325

3. Australian Ugg Boots - Hiking Ugg Boots

These hiking ugg boots are the perfect combination of comfort and practicality. Made with the same quality as regular sheepskin boots, the more durable rubber sole is ideal for trekking in nature and exploring the outdoors. They work well in cold temperatures, and have a reinforced toe area for added protection. australianuggboots.com.au $229

4. Overedger Pack

This spacious pack is the ultimate camping kitchen organiser, with pockets for all of your cooking supplies and plenty of room for added extras. It’s durable, waterproof and dustproof, making it perfect for an outdoor adventure. overedger.com.au $349

5. The Cardan Group –Lifestyletable

A low profile and simple table which can be easily attached to the side of a caravan, Lifestyletables are becoming increasingly popular with those seeking adventure. They’re designed to fit onto existing caravans and motorhomes with ease, with a smooth surface and easy construction. They are available in black or white, and a range of sizes. thecardangroup.com $323

6. Pilanky

Pilanky is the all-in-one camping bed for toddlers. Every product comes with a mattress, pillow and detachable sheet which works as a warm and colourful sleeping bag alternative. They are machine washable, and available for personalisation to make your child’s camping experience completely unique. pilanky.com.au $129

7. Caravanning with Kids – Travel Journal

Travelling with kids can be difficult, especially when trying to keep them entertained. For long journeys, this travel journal is the perfect solution. The educational and fun activities will keep kids writing, drawing and thinking for hours. It also comes with a plastic coated checklist, which can be used again on every new adventure. adventureawaits.com.au

$24.95

10. Swag Pocketz

The swag pocket was created as a top and bottom sheet that simply slides over your mattress and into your camping swag with ease. It’s very spacious, and rolls up small for easy transportation. Made from a cotton blend, the material feels soft and comfortable when looking for a good night’s sleep. swagpocketz.com $150

8. Recycled Mats – travel fire pits

Made from steel, these fire pits are cleverly designed to be completely portable, packing flat inside a tight carry bag. They are easy to transport and quick to set up, providing hours of outdoor heat for those chilly nights spent out under the stars. Don’t forget to get the marshmallows ready for this one! recycledmats.com.au $238.95

9. BDM Leather – Camper’s Choice cutlery roll

Made using versatile canvas material, this cutlery roll will help keep your tools safe and organised. With ten utensil pockets and an easy roll-up system, it’s easily transportable and perfect for organisation. It’s designed to withstand the Aussie outback, meaning you can feel safe knowing your tools are protected. bdmleather.com.au $71.50

Whether planning a picnic in the sun or an exciting camping trip, this multipurpose blanket will be right there with you. It’s both water and wind proof, with fleece protection for added comfort and Hi Viz reflection in case of emergency. This blanket is an essential for anyone venturing out into nature, and also makes for a great gift. savitrek.com.au $189.99

12. KLIPSTA – hat clip

Klipsta is the amazing new invention for anyone on the go. Thanks to smart design and innovation, you can quickly and easily attach your hat to your bag or belt, and keep it securely fastened with the added lock function. It’s as simple as that! Plus, the clips come in a variety of bright and fun colours to suit everyone. klipsta.com

$24.95

INNOVATIONS IN BUSINESS, MINING AND AGRICULTURE

Direct

P.64

bearing capacity surfaces such as

now possible with Erizon’s

HOW LIVING SEAWALLS ARE INCREASING BIODIVERSITY IN SYDNEY HARBOUR

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

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

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

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

So far, ten different habitat surfaces have been designed,

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

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

The prototype producing environmentally friendly hydrogen

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

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

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

Hydrogen is an important resource

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

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

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

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

The Complete Mine Site

EXCITING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THREE GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPANIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheriton Valley: A PICTURESQUE HAVEN

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

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

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

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

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

ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, WITH THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT’S ON OFFER

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

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

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

Mitsui & Co. and Position Partners join forces

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE OYSTER’S JOURNEY

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

Words: Ian Neubauer

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE NANNY

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

“First,” he says, “we put the adult

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

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

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

THE FARMER

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

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

CLOCKWISE FROM

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

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

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

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

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

THE DELIVERY GUY

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

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

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

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

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

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

JAW-DROPPING JERKY

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

Words: matilda meikle

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

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

A GROWING MARKET

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

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

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

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

WHAT’S NEXT FOR JERKY?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S NOT MILK

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

Words: Emily Riches

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

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

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

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

HOW DOES IT WORK?

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

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

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

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

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

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

COFFEE CULTURE

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

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

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

BETTER FOR THE PLANET

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHEESE, PLEASE!

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

THE IDEA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Words: Matilda Meikle

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

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

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

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

THE FARMS

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

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

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

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

THE CHEESE

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

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

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

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

THE POWER OF POST

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

Words: Matilda Meikle

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

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

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

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

SENT WITH LOVE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE NEXT STEP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COUNTING THE COST OF LIVING

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

Words: Matilda Meikle

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

THE SURVEY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHANGING AUSTRALIA

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT COMES NEXT?

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

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

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

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

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

beyond anxiety

DIGGING DEEP

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

Words: Lily Shaw

FITTED FOR WORK

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

INDIGENOUS LITERACY FOUNDATION

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

FROM TOP: FITTED FOR WORK HELPS WOMEN

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

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

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

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

AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

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

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

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

SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS AT CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE OF WAGGA WAGGA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ww.catholic.edu.au/

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE 2022 BOB HAWKE LANDCARE AWARD

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

Words: Carolyn Chen

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

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

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

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

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

BRUCE MAYNARD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DR MARY RETALLACK

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

GEOFF BASSETT

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

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

GOING FORWARD

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

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