True Blue - December 2022/January 2023

At Rex, we believe airfares should be fair and reasonable – offering good old-fashioned value for money. Other airlines clearly don’t share the same view.

We don’t slug you extra for checked baggage, or to eat and drink on board as our inflight refreshments are complimentary.

By any benchmark, Rex fares are the most competitive of any fullservice Australian airline. Indeed, in many instances, our fares on our domestic jet network are hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars cheaper than some of our competitors.

I share this view with you not to brag, or to bang our drum. To me, it’s important that you are aware of the differences between Rex and the rest. We don’t price gouge, and we don’t – and won’t – rip you off.

Almost every other day at the moment we’re greeted by screaming headlines about “sky-high airfares” and “the soaring cost of air travel,” which is mainly related to international carriers, but also when it comes to domestic airlines.

While Rex is not immune to the record fuel prices and inflation-driven cost pressures, we are doing what we can to shelter our customers from the full impact. An example of this is the fundamentally different attitude to the cost of flights which connect remote and regional communities to our capital cities across the country.

We have always tried to work closely with council owned or operated regional airports, forging partnerships which provide them with

a fair commercial return. This, in turn, allows us to keep airfares affordable.

One such partnership initiative to keep fares affordable is the ‘Rex Community Fare’ scheme – an industry leading initiative which has revolutionised the cost of regional travel. Today, despite the significant increase in operating costs, the ‘Rex Community Fare’ still provides excellent value on selected routes across our regional network.

It works like this: discounted Community Fares are made available for early-bird sales up to 30 days prior to departure, subject to Community Fare availability. Plus, all remaining unsold seats within 24 hours prior to departure are also released as Community Fares.

So, unlike other airlines that force you to pay more the later you book, Rex actually offers access to the cheapest airfares right up to the last minute.

I hope the differences I have highlighted help you to better understand why Rex is different to other airlines, and how we do things differently.

Our philosophy is driven by a determination to provide you, our passengers, with the best possible on-board experience, underpinned by exemplary customer service delivered with warm, old-fashioned country hospitality.

And all of this won’t cost you a fortune!

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

Adam Smith Carolyn Chen Emily Riches Gretel Sneath Ian Lloyd Neubauer Jeanette Severs Lauren Lefever Jess Makarewitsch Matilda Meikle Sue Wallace

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.

Adventures like no other

For this issue, I spent a few days in the port city of Devonport in North West Tasmania. Being a regular visitor to Tassie, I have to confess that I, like so many others, have always seen Devonport as a springboard into the rest of the Apple Isle, especially if you arrive on the Spirit of Tasmania. This time I stayed a while, explored Devonport and then drifted around the beautiful North West of the state – from Burnie to Stanley, and the lovely beaches of Port Sorell to the east.

It’s a windy, wild part of Tasmania with rugged cliffs and turbulent seas, and a great place to see many seasons in one day. It’s also an amazing area to explore the fantastic produce this island state is known for. With smatterings of established and brand-new restaurants, bars, cafes, breweries, wineries, distilleries and markets, there’s no shortage of places to experience the produce and talents of the locals.

In South Australia, we delve into the many magical, otherworldly experiences on the Limestone Coast. From exploring caves with ancient marsupial bones, to hiking, 4WDriving and diving in stunning limestone caves with brilliant blue waters, this part of our country is like no other.

We also dive headfirst into another port city – lovely, laidback Port Macquarie. Here you’ll find endless places to explore outdoors, meet friendly locals at every turn and enjoy a tantalising trail of foodie experiences that revolve around seafood and sundowners.

We have plenty more travel inspiration in this issue for you, and some great stories in AusBiz that will have your finger on the pulse when it comes to juggling your finances in difficult times, appreciating fresh innovations in farming and the oyster industry, while also learning about some big movements in mining. We discuss how menopause affects women in the workplace – a somewhat taboo subject (and yet every woman goes through it), cybersecurity concerns and a landmark win for the people of the Tiwi Islands.

Enjoy the read today and drop us a line any time – we love hearing from you.

WILD AND WINDY

Braving the wild winds atop The Nut in Stanley, after taking the chairlift to the top.

Cover photo: Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, Devonport. Image: Grant Wells

Simply head to trulyaus.com – which is dedicated to exploring and celebrating Australian destinations and experiences, and showcasing Australian made products. To read more AusBiz stories, visit us at ausbizmedia.com

MICHELLE HESPE AND THE TEAM AT TRUE BLUE

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.

Passes available for purchase Step by step: How to connect onboard

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.

Wi-Fi

Regular speed for browsing

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

30 minutes from $6.50* Entire flight from $9.99*

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

30 minutes from $9.75* Entire flight from $14.99*

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.

*Prices are subject to change at any time. Please access the Rex in-flight web portal for more information. Terms and conditions apply.

LEARN TO SURF:

Discover some of the best beaches around the country for beginners.

Inside TrueBlue

upfront

12 Rex News

Rex purchases National Jet Express; the airline honours Max Kingston; Rex partners with Delta Air Lines for flights to the US; a wildlife group in Roma receives much-needed support

Features

32 Delightful Devonport

There is a lot of buzz about Devonport as the gateway to Tassie’s fabulously fooddriven North West. Spend some time in this up-andcoming region and pack in a host of culinary experiences.

38 Riches of the Riverina

Albury, Wagga Wagga and Griffith are home to fabulous restaurants, quirky cafes and excellent wineries that showcase the great local produce of the rich Riverina region.

AusBiz.

Check out AusBiz at the back of our magazine.

FINANCE

Investment advice from CEO of Saxo Australia, Adam Smith.

AGRICULTURE

A look into farming and agriculture trends for 2023.

HEALTH

It’s time to discuss menopause awareness in the workplace.

48 Picnic in Perth

We show you the best parks, beaches and gardens in Perth to throw down a rug.

52 Adventure on the Limestone Coast

The guided adventures on offer give a fascinating insight into the area’s unique landscape. But it all depends how far you want to step – or crawl – out of your comfort zone.

58 Escape to Esperance

Find sea, sun and simple pleasures in Esperance.

60

SUMMER FUN:

The best new Aussie-made products for summer.

BUSINESS

Tech start-up Oceanfarmr launches finance program for oyster farmers.

MINING

Mining is expanding, with Queensland and Western Australia leading the way.

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.

THE LEADING GOLD COAST LUXURY RESORT

Create life’s most meaningful moments in luxury accommodation with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Gold Coast Hinterland.

Enjoy a poolside retreat and snorkel in the resorts iconic saltwater lagoon teaming with tropical fish.

JW culinary offerings showcase local produce, from fresh seafood to Japanese artistry and specially crafted cocktails.

+61 7 5592 9800

jwmarriottgoldcoast.com

INFLIGHT INFORMATION

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.

New era for Rex Group FIFO, Charter and Freight

Rex continues to spread its wings, recently finalising the purchase of National Jet Express (NJE), formerly Cobham Regional Services.

Rex has announced bold plans to grow NJE into Australia’s premier Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO), charter and freight operator. They intend to enlarge the fleet and expand the business in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

“Resource companies all over Australia can now count on a modern, comfortable and environmentally friendly fleet for their FIFO needs,” says Rex Group Executive Chairman, Lim Kim Hai.

Rex looks forward to growing its presence in Australia’s booming FIFO, charter and freight market.

Rex and Delta Air Lines now boarding

Vale Max Kingston

Rex wishes to pay a special tribute to a very dear friend, Max Kingston.

Rex is excited to have launched an interline service agreement with Delta Air Lines.

Rex passengers travelling to mainland America can now easily connect with Delta’s daily non-stop flights from Sydney to Los Angeles – all with seamless onward connectivity to nearly 50 cities in the US and Latin America. It’s travel made simple: on one itinerary and with a single bag drop.

Max Kingston at Rex’s 20th anniversary celebrations

Max was a proud Rex Ambassador for 18 years, and a much-loved member of the Rex family. He regularly attended the airline’s functions, from route launches to charity events, with his last public appearance being at Rex’s 20th birthday celebrations.

Max was a veteran of the travel industry, beginning his career with the Bank of NSW Travel Service in 1956. In 1992, he became World President of Skål, a global industry networking organisation for travel and tourism professionals. He was then appointed as Honorary World President.

Max passed away aged 88 surrounded by his family. Our condolences go out to the Kingston family, and Max’s many friends at both Rex, and across the world.

Rex also looks forward to showcasing the best of Australia to Delta passengers from the US, Canada and Mexico as they explore down under on our domestic and regional services.

Comfort and convenience in Brisbane

If you’re flying into Brisbane, look no further than the Brisbane Airport Hotels Group, comprising the 3.5 star ibis Brisbane Airport, 4.5 star Novotel Brisbane Airport and 5 star Pullman Brisbane Airport. Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, the ibis, Pullman and Novotel Brisbane Airport will cater to all your needs.

Avoid the hassle of traffic and early wake-up calls by staying at the ibis or Pullman Brisbane Airport, both of which are conveniently located within a five-minute walk of the Domestic Terminal and only a short drive to the International Terminal.

Alternatively, if you are seeing a concert or enjoying the sights of Brisbane, The Novotel Brisbane

Airport offers accommodation near the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Eagle Farm and Doomben Racecourse and is only 20 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. Its idyllic location also makes for ease of access to the

CARNARVON

Brisbane Cruise Terminal as well as the DFO shopping precinct.

Enjoy the convenience and comforts of the Brisbane Airport Hotels Group on your next stay. Visit bneahg.com.au

MONKEY MIA

Connecting regional Western Australia

Photo

Wildlife Group in Roma Receives Important Training

BASED IN Roma, Queensland, the Maranoa Wildlife Caring & Education Centre (MWCEC) is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers. The goal of the group is to care for sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife from the Maranoa and neighbouring regions, with the aim of successfully rehabilitating and integrating them back into their natural environments. The animals that come into care are varied, including everything from birds like rosellas, frogmouths and owls; marsupials, such as bettongs, possums and sugar gliders; and reptiles, including blue-tongue lizards and turtles.

Situated 500 kilometres west of Brisbane, resourcing and training for MWCEC staff is often difficult to arrange. However, with support from both Rex and Santos, the group was recently able to connect with an experienced wildlife vet, Dr Robyn Stenner, to run several training workshops. Two workshops were also opened up to animal carers from South West Queensland and attendees as far away as Cunnamulla.

Robyn has spent more than 10 years working in hospitals dedicated to the treatment of Australian wildlife. This includes time as a veterinarian in three

“While caring for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife is challenging, it is also a very rewarding experience, knowing that you have contributed to giving an animal a chance to live a ‘normal’ life in the wild.”

major wildlife hospitals in South East Queensland, work within koala population health monitoring projects, and time as a wildlife carer.

She has always had a strong passion for wildlife, and started caring for orphaned possums and injured birds while at university. Robyn has developed a number of courses aimed at helping wildlife carers manage complex cases, with the aim of giving these animals the best chance of survival.

“The training is very important for MWCEC,” says MWCEC Director Meryl Eddie.

“It is comprehensive, from speciesspecific workshops to more in-depth look at husbandry, health assessment, disease and trauma management.”

Meryl says the reasons for wildlife coming into care can be quite varied.

“We see animals that have been hit by vehicles, or have been impacted by natural disasters such as bushfires,

storms, floods and droughts.

“Some animals that come into care may be affected by a disease or poisonous toxins found in native plants in the environment. Some animals only require short-term care (up to a week) while others, particularly those orphaned or badly injured, often require long-term care, even up to 18 months.”

The group is consistently trying to raise funds to provide better training and service.

“You can support MWCEC by logging on to mwcec.org.au and visiting the ‘Be Involved’ section of the website,” explains Meryl. “You can also become a carer, or provide a financial donation either towards the group or a specific animal currently in care.

The MWCEC is always looking for more wildlife carers and we offer mentoring support for new carers who join our group.

“Many hands make light work, as the saying goes,” continues Meryl.

“While caring for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife is challenging, it is also a very rewarding experience, knowing that you have contributed to giving an animal a chance to live a ‘normal’ life in the wild.”

Some shining stars at Rex

MEET OUR stars Annette, a Customer Service Officer, and Ryan, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.

Annette is a veteran of the industry, commencing as a flight attendant with Trans Australia Airlines (“Too many years ago to mention!” she says), working with a few other airlines and eventually retiring.

“When I came upon the opportunity to be involved in airport life again I decided to take it wholeheartedly, and came out of retirement – for which I am now so grateful,” she says.

“The role a Customer Service Officer plays is many and varied, giving the empowerment of making a difference to the customers’ experience, being part of a team and so much more,” she says.

Ryan has been with Rex since the start of his career 17 years ago, joining the airline as an engineering apprentice. He is now the Base Maintenance Supervisor at Rex’s maintenance hangar in Wagga Wagga.

“As a kid growing up on the farm, I was always interested in pulling things to pieces, or fixing things,” he says.

Inheriting an interest in aviation from his father who was interested in WWII aircraft and his uncle who was a pilot for Rex, a career in aircraft engineering made sense.

Ryan says he thoroughly enjoyed the apprenticeship program, and has seen other engineering careers flourish after completing the four-year program.

“I’ve now had the pleasure of seeing several Rex apprentices that I was

involved in supervising over the years go on to become licenced aircraft maintenance engineers – one is even a Leading Hand. It’s a very proud moment!” he says.

In fact, with a vast network, there are lots of options for engineering at Rex.

“Leading Hands, Base Managers, Technical Support Engineers

Maintenance Planners. A few have even gone to the dark side and become pilots.

“I am now based in Wagga Wagga, but I’ve worked in Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns… and visited destinations around Australia from Longreach to Mildura.

“If you enjoy being challenged, travelling, meeting amazing people and a fulfilling job with plenty of opportunity… why wouldn’t you want to be an aircraft engineer!” says Ryan.

For Annette, the dynamic airport environment and interacting with our valued passengers offers something new every day.

“There is always an opportunity to make a difference be it to just offer assistance to someone, for me these are the highlights we encounter every day.

“The recovery from Covid and Rex’s growth has been spectacular to witness. It’s still very exciting, and despite my (many!) years in the industry, it never gets old!” she says.

“Rex has a warm family atmosphere within our group, and this still remains, despite our vast growth in the past few years. There is still the sincerity and strong customer-focused values among all staff.”

Could a career in aviation be for you? From airport to admin, we’re spreading our wings and looking for enthusiastic individuals to join us for the exciting new horizons ahead. Visit careers.rex.com.au.

or

From boarding to baggage collection, you’ll meet some of our superb team at the airport working tirelessly behind the scenes to get you away on time. Helping to support the millions of Rex passengers flying across our network every year are dedicated professionals with an unwavering passion for aviation.

Ryan, a Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and Base Supervisor.

Annette, a Customer Service Officer.

Watch, read & listen

books

Seeing Other People by Diana Reid

Out now, Ultimo Press, Fiction

From the author of Love & Virtue comes a hot summer novel about romance, friendship and sisterhood. Eleanor, Charlie and Helen have to navigate the boundaries between love and morality when they are thrown together over summer. But when things get complicated, they have to confront their own actions, and figure out what it is they really want.

A History of Fear by Luke Dumas

December, Atria Books, Thriller

When an infamous serial killer is found hanging in his cell, having left behind a manuscript claiming to answer all unsolved question surrounding his murders, police are intrigued. What follows is a haunting first-person account of youth, religion and the darkest parts of humanity. A History of Fear will send your heart racing, and your mind spinning.

Your Table is Ready by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina

December, St Martin’s Press, Memoir

From an early career serving theatre stars, to running the hottest restaurants in New York, Michael Cecchi-Azzolina has seen it all. In his new book, he breaks down how restaurants really run, exposing the secrets and professionals that dominate the industry. Your Table is Ready will keep readers engaged with its raunchy, revelatory stories.

THEATRE

Prima Facie

8 Feb-29 Mar, Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne

Following a sold-out West End season, the original Australian production of Prima Facie finally makes its way to Melbourne, starring Sheridan Harbridge (The Beast ).

Written by Sydney-based former lawyer Suzie Miller, Prima Facie is a searing indictment of a legal system that consistently fails women. mtc.com.au

PODCAST Film

Avatar: The Way of the Water

15 December, 20th Century Fox,

Directed by James Cameron

The sequel to the wildly popular blockbuster, Avatar: The Way of the Water tells the story of Jake Sully and Neytiri as they take on an ancient threat, bringing audiences right back to the incredible fantasy world of Pandora. The film is guaranteed to be a roller coaster of action and adventure. www.avatar.com

Modern Love Podcast

Hosted by Anna Martin, episodes released weekly

Based on the beloved New York Times column, Modern Love discusses the real and complicated love lives of everyday people. Listeners will be taken on a journey through the highs and lows of modern love, learning all about these life-changing moments of connection, and how they continue to impact the world. nytimes.com

Compiled by: Matilda meikle

Major Partners

What’s on & what’s hot

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

Dec 11-apr 16

Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse Melbourne, VIC

The first major Australian exhibition to explore the work of ground-breaking fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Showcasing 60 garments and accessories, plus 50 designs from the NGV. ngv.vic.gov.au

Dec 17

Woolworths Carols in the Domain Sydney, NSW

On its 40th anniversary, bring your friends and family to The Domain for Australia’s biggest free outdoor Christmas party. Come together to celebrate the holiday season, with fabulous festivities, food and, of course, carols. Get down early for the preshow concert and sing your heart out. carolsinthedomain.com

Dec 26-30

Boxing Day Test Australia vs South Africa Melbourne, VIC Australia will take on South Africa in the annual Boxing Day Test at the MCG. This is sure to be unmissable cricket. visitvictoria.com

Dec 26-Jan 1

Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Hobart, TAS

One of the world’s most prestigious boat races, watch the flotilla of colorful yachts race out of Sydney Harbour to the finish line in Hobart. rolexsydneyhobart.com

Dec 27-Jan 1

Woodford Folk Festival Woodford, QLD

A legendary cultural, music, arts, environment and performance event in regional QLD featuring more than 2,000 performers, 35 venues and 438 acts. Camp for a week for an out-of-this-world experience. woodfordfolkfestival.com

Dec 27-Jan 2

Tasmania’s Taste of Summer

Hobart, TAS

On Hobart’s scenic waterfront, enjoy the best of the state’s food, drinks and fun. tasteofsummer.com.au

Compiled by: emily riches

Dec 31-Jan 1

NYE Fireworks

Sydney, NSW

One of the best NYE fireworks displays in the world, watch as Sydney Harbour lights up with a scintillating show. sydneynewyearseve.com

Dec 29-Jan 8

Falls Festival

Various locations

Ring in 2023 with Falls Festival, back for the first time since the 2020 event was cancelled. Travelling from Melbourne to Fremantle via Byron Bay, get ready for international headliner Lil Nas X, nostalgic Aussie faves The Wiggles, English darlings the Arctic Monkeys, punk rockers Amyl and the Sniffers and many more. fallsfestival.com

Jan 5-8

Summernats

Canberra, ACT

One for the rev heads. There’s classic and vintage cars on display, burnout competitions, cruising aound the track, plus evening entertainment. summernats.com.au

Jan 5-29

Sydney Festival Sydney, NSW

Established in 1977, Sydney Festival is a celebration of art, performance, music and big ideas. The festival transforms the city every January. sydneyfestival.org.au

Jan 13-22

Santos Tour Down Under Adelaide, SA

The biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere, this 10-day event brings UCI WorldTour professional cycling teams to race on the streets of Adelaide and regional SA. tourdownunder.com.au

Jan 16-29

Australian Open Melbourne, VIC

The best tennis players in the world compete in the first Grand Slam event of the year at Melbourne Park. Nothing says Aussie summer like tennis, so head on down. ausopen.com

Jan 20-21

Great Australian Beer Festival Geelong

Geelong, VIC

An iconic summer festival in Johnstone Park, this event brings together brewers and distillers from around the country for tastings, live music and a great weekend. gabfgeelong.com.au

Jan 26

Yabun Festival

Sydney, NSW

Australia’s biggest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander festival, Yabun celebrates culture, survival and resilience. Head down to Victoria Park for a day of music, performance and community. yabun.org.au

Jan 26-29

Festival of Sails

Geelong, VIC

Check out some world-class sailing action and fantastic entertainment on Geelong’s iconic waterfront. festivalofsails.com.au

Feb 17-19

Riverboats Music Festival

Echuca-Moama, NSW/VIC

This beloved and renowned regional music festival features The Whitlams, CW Stoneking, Spiderbait and many more. riverboatsmusic.com.au

Yabun Festival

The wondrous quirks and perks of Ovolo

There are hotels, and then there are awesome experiences. From the moment you step into the impressive lobby of Ovolo Woolloomooloo –which was once a busy working wharf and the site of Sydney’s first fish market – you’re whisked into a wonderland of perks and quirks that come together to offer a fun, decadent Sydney holiday. From the cart of sweet treats straight out of a fairy tale, to the bright yellow trolley laden with bottles of prosecco, there are fun ways to indulge at every turn.

The hotel has retained the soaring ceilings of the warehouse-like space, and beneath them is a labyrinth of cool chill-out spaces to enjoy a beverage, read a book, get some work done, or just kick back and listen to the DJ. Everywhere there are

interesting pieces of art to amuse and delight. From zany 70s starburst acyclic paintings and bonsailike creations in glass cabinets, to pop-art style posters and lines of books that are actually sculptures, it’s hard to know where to look and what to love next.

The rooms are as lively as the public spaces, with stools, cushions and artworks creating myriad colourful pops, and bedheads that depict dreamy or quirky scenes. The configurations are all aptly named – Superoo, Deluxaroo Loft, CityVoo and Ultraroo (to name a few). If you want to raise the bar, book direct and ‘The Perks’ is all yours. It includes sundowner drinks at social hour, treats

from the mini bar, a full vegetarian breakfast, 24-hour gym access, and a Loot bag packed with goodies to take home. The pool (above) with a spa and outdoor lounging cabanas is a must-do on your staycation – it’s a hidden oasis where you can truly relax. Visit ovolohotels.com

New summer menu at Il Pontile

If there’s three things that you can count on enjoying in Sydney during summer, it’s the dazzling harbour, fabulous dining, and fascinating people watching. Il Pontile – an Italian restaurant on Woolloomooloo’s historic Finger Wharf – brings these things together to offer guests a delectable dining experience. With the warm months upon us, there’s a new summer menu that is enough to have any Italophile giddy with excitement. Kick off with some king prawn carpaccio with truffle cream and powdered capers – a dish that is perfectly suited to a glass of bubbles or a Pinot Gris. The sourdough served with a soft-as-silk ricotta mousse and basil-infused olive oil is worth writing home about. For lovers of red meat, try the beef carpaccio with crispy parmesan

crumble, with rocket sauce and caramelised pear – or if you want to continue along the seafood path, the fried calamari and prawn basket is a signature snack. The handmade pastas are just like nonna makes them – the tagliatelle served Neapolitan style with zucchini, basil puree and parmesan cheese puree and the Gnocchi with cherry tomatoes served with provolone cheese fondue being standouts. Mains at Il Pontile are classic beauties. The premium Angus eye fillet topped with truffle butter and the enormous veal cutlet on the bone, served with cherry tomato sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano are both showstoppers. All of this while the sun sets on a sparkling harbour behind a non-stop parade of some of Sydney’s most well-heeled urbanites out making the most of a long, hot evening. Visit ilpontile.com.au.

Great DOC and DOCG wines from Piedmont

The most prestigious terroirs, the sunniest locations, the native varieties. To produce its noble wines, Duchessa Lia has chosen the vineyards best suited to the great DOC and DOCG wines of Piedmont.

Nobili

Enjoy a ‘Summer of Fun’ at East Hotel

Get ready for a ‘Summer of Fun’ at the East Hotel in Canberra.

This year, East is dialling up the fun and doing summer differently. Join other guests for a jam-packed holiday season full of exciting games and awesome activities.

East is transforming into “destination kids’ zone,” with movie nights, pizza picnics, fun competitions and a bunch of other special events that will be taking place across the summer season. East’s kids’ zone will set up activities such as table tennis, giant Connect Four and basketball shooting, to name just a few.

Want to get out and enjoy some fun in the sun? Head across the road to Manuka pool after grabbing an East towel and picnic blanket from the lobby and slapping on some sunscreen. East guests can enjoy free entry to Canberra’s favourite (and oldest!) swimming pool. This heritage site has fun kids’ pools, along with the main pool and lovely green outdoor spaces.

East can’t wait to welcome you for its ‘Summer of Fun.’ Mention this advertisement when booking for 10 per cent off Agostinis and Joe’s Bar, where delicious food is the name of the game.

Visit easthotel.com.au

History meets luxury on the Sapphire Coast

The new sparkling jewel in the crown of the Sapphire Coast is the Hotel Australasia: a landmark heritage hotel in Eden which is set to reopen after a multimillion dollar renovation. This luxury boutique hotel is known to locals as the Grand Old Lady, and at 119 years old, she definitely deserves the auspicious title.

With a stunningly restored façade and expansion which includes eight superbly appointed rooms, a new restaurant, bar, distillery and a high tea lounge, Hotel Australasia is the perfect base to explore Eden and the beautiful Sapphire Coast region.

Locals and guests alike can eat at Circa 1904, the hotel’s new fine dining restaurant serving fresh, seasonal dishes with produce from the region, or enjoy a drink at the heritage John

Hines Bar to taste the vodka and gin made in-house. For something more fancy, take high tea in the intimate, decadent spaces of Judy’s Lounge.

As a landmark destination, Hotel Australasia is close to the hearts of many in Eden, and its reopening will provide a great boost to tourism in the region. Mark Toma, a director of Core Asset Development, is thrilled by the outcome and the reception.

“We are excited to be re-opening this Sapphire Coast icon and providing the region with a muchneeded boost, generating jobs and tourism growth. We are so proud to open the hotel again and welcome locals and tourists, especially as cruise ships have now returned to the newly renovated port in Eden.”

Visit hotelaustralasia.com.au

Immerse yourself in luxury at Rimba Sweat

Enter the luxurious sanctuary of Rimba Sweat to a world of calm, privacy and relaxation. Tucked away in a Neutral Bay laneway on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, the new studio from owner Lauren Wright is a little oasis that “exudes a sense of slow.”

The space is airy and light –reminiscent of a chic Mediterranean villa – with soft grey tiles, arched doorways and curtains sectioning each private sauna room. The studio boasts five state-of-the-art infrared sauna suites for you to sweat it out in a 50-minute session. They’re each equipped with a Smart TV so you can select a film, playlist or podcast to enjoy inside, while afterwards you can experience a waterfall shower with complimentary Aesop products.

The heart of the studio is the stunning Remedy Room, Sydney’s

first communal contrast therapy room, sitting up to four guests. It features a custom-made traditional Finnish sauna, two elevated ice baths (sitting at a cool 10 and 5 degrees) and a pail

Space, style and service at Adina Apartment Hotels

Adina Apartment Hotels combine the best of both worlds: stylish apartment living that feels like home, with the seamless service and amenities you’d expect from a hotel. Their spacious and comfortable apartments offer guests the chance to relax and explore the heart of neighbourhoods around Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

With one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments on offer, there is plenty of room to stretch out compared to a standard hotel room. The design-led apartments focus on stylish contemporary living, with space to both work and relax. Each room incorporates classic architecture, Australian furniture and local artwork.

There are plenty of clever features and creature comforts to enjoy, such

as a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, as well as 24-hour reception, room service, on-site gyms and fitness facilities, and flexible meeting rooms. Perfect for solo travellers, groups or families looking for more independence on their travels.

The Adina team are ready to welcome you with warm and friendly Australian hospitality, plenty of local knowledge to share and are always on-hand to assist in any way you need during your stay. Located in convenient neighbourhoods in major cities, Adina Apartment Hotels allow you to discover the local lifestyle at its best.

For your convenience, you can also enjoy up to 20% off when you stay three nights or longer, or you

shower for a refreshing rinse in between the two extremes.

Sauna therapy has many benefits, including aiding in muscle and injury recovery, relieving stress, boosting immunity and contributing to overall wellbeing, with many guests feeling a sense of euphoria and energy after their session.

Lauren’s passion for this restorative therapy is evident in every detail, from the private dressing rooms and elegant furnishings to the signature drinks available, including their custom Jamu shot (with coconut water, orange juice, lemon, ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper) for that extra zing from the inside out.

Leave Rimba Sweat feeling absolutely restored and refreshed, with an extra spring in your step.

Visit rimbasweat.com.au

can take advantage of their early bird offer and receive 20% off when booking in advance online.

Visit adinahotels.com

Fine dining and luxury ON THE GOLD COAST

Stepping into the stunning lobby of JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa gives guests an enticing introduction to the sophistication and grandeur that unfolds beyond the welcoming entrance fit for royalty.

With 223 rooms and suites, the hotel’s luxurious yet laidback style is inspired by the region’s natural surroundings – golden beaches, lush rainforests and endless blue skies –and reflects the natural beauty and relaxed mood of coastal Queensland.

For those who knew the Gold Coast’s JW Marriott in a former life (before its incredible $35 million makeover in 2020), the saltwater lagoon that is home to more than 300 tropical fish has long been a talking point – you can head down from your room and go for a cave snorkel

without leaving the premises, then relax afterwards on the sandy shores with a cocktail and some canapés.

For those with children in tow, there’s a freshwater pool with a slide, and an aquatic centre where you can pick up snorkels, flippers and (wait for it)... underwater scooters. Simply hold on and these robotic wonders will take you on an underwater adventure.

The pool flows on to an outdoor living space with lounge areas and dining options as well as cabanas tucked into the tropical gardens, where you can kick back in style and order a meal from the retro food van serving up tasty street food.

When afternoon rolls around, relax inside at Chapter & Verse, which also opens out onto a patio, where you can indulge in a cocktail, champagne or a

craft beer while listening to live entertainment and dining on some decadent dishes made for sharing.

Sweet tooths can order high tea, and there’s a whisky bar for those who fancy a dram before bedtime.

Headed up by Executive Chef Paul Smart, Citrique restaurant offers one of the best laidback fine dining experiences on the Gold Coast, and if you are a seafood lover, you will swoon over the Bay bug dumplings and the seafood tower that includes oysters, spanner crab, fresh market fish, salt and pepper squid, Mooloolaba king prawns and Hervey Bay scallops.

At Misono, dine at one of the Gold Coast’s largest teppanyaki restaurants or tuck into the new live sushi bar for a taste of authentic Japan.

Visit jwmarriottgoldcoast.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Be welcomed into the stunning lobby; enjoy a swim in the saltwater lagoon; taste fresh seafood at Citrique; relax poolside; stay in the elegant Executive Suite. Images: supplied.

LEARN TO SURF LEARN TO SURF

Australia is renowned for its fantastic coastline and beautiful beaches. Where better to catch a wave for the first time? We’ll show you the perfect places to start your surfing journey.

WORDs: Carolyn Chen

NOOSA MAIN BEACH

Noosa Heads, QLD

Noosa Heads is known for its stunningly beautiful coastline connected to the Noosa River mouth. The clear turquoise waters and mellow swells of Noosa Main Beach make it a great spot for beginners. First Point at Noosa Main Beach is one of the most accessible areas close to the main commercial hub to delve into the waves.

MOOLOOLABA BEACH

Sunshine Coast, QLD

The sandbars stretch long at Mooloolaba Beach (with no rips!), making this a perfect location to learn in the whitewater. This safe, sheltered beach has great small waves for introducing kids and beginners to surfing.

TURNERS BEACH Yamba, NSW

South of Byron Bay, Yamba is home to similar laidback vibes and natural beauty – without the crowds. Yamba has a number of beaches to choose from, but Turners Beach is one of the best to learn how to surf. Its gentle swells at the ends of the beach and multiple surf schools and board hires to choose from make it an ideal destination for beginners.

MANLY BEACH Manly, NSW

Protected from winds and dangerous currents, the everpopular and dazzling Manly Beach is also one of the easiest spots around Sydney to learn how to surf. Surf operators are in no shortage at Manly, and it also has some of the best boutique shops and restaurants to peruse after your surf lesson.

FRONT BEACH

Torquay, VIC

Also known as Cosy Corner, Front Beach in the surf town of Torquay near Melbourne is a great spot for families. Small, safe waves make Front Beach a sheltered location for kids and those who’ve just picked up a surfboard.

SMITHS BEACH

Phillip Island, VIC Phillip Island is a popular day trip or long weekend getaway and also offers some prime beaches for surfing. Smiths Beach has easy spilling soft waves for beginners to look out for, making it the place you want to go to stand on your board for the first time.

PARK BEACH

Hobart, TAS

Close to the capital city of Hobart, Park Beach in Tasmania is a sheltered surf spot with small waves and many fellow beginner surfers. Head out to this beach on a sunny day and don’t forget your wetsuit!

GOOLWA BEACH

Middleton, SA

The gentle rolling waves at Middleton’s Goolwa Beach make it a popular destination for beginner surfers hailing from Adelaide. It has one of the broadest sandbars in Australia for a whitewater wave that can send you straight back to the beach and last for over a minute.

TRIGG BEACH

Perth, WA

Trigg Beach, along with the famous Scarborough Beach, draws crowds due to the plentiful sandbars and great conditions for beginners learning to handle a board. Known for having the most consistent surf break around, Trigg Beach is sure to help you on your way to becoming a pro surfer in no time. T B

A LITTLE FANCY BUT SALT OF THE EARTH

Eden’s new boutique hotel is opening along the sparkling Sapphire Coast. With a five-star stay, fine dining restaurant and bistro pub - it’s sure to provide an extraordinary experience for holidayers and locals alike.

OPENING EARLY DECEMBER

Visit hotelaustralasia.com.au

@hotelaustralasia on socials

A new dawn for

DEVONPORT

When compared to Hobart, Devonport has long been Tasmania’s less glamorous port city. However, as tourism in the North West continues to gain momentum, Devonport is quickly becoming a bustling cultural hub enticing visitors to spend time exploring its many offerings.

Words: Michelle Hespe

MOST PEOPLE know Devonport as an industrial port city where the Spirit of Tasmania docks. But now, with Rex flying in daily, and the city going through the largest urban renewal project in regional Australia, there is a palpable buzz about Devonport –the gateway to Tassie’s fabulously food-driven North West. You could easily spend a week just in this part of Tasmania, but even if you only have a weekend or a few days, there is so much to see and do.

Half an hour down the road to the west is the city of Burnie, and another hour’s drive has you at the charming town of Stanley – famous for the huge landmark mountain jutting into the sea called The Nut. Just over an hour’s drive will have you in Launceston, but closer to Devonport, you can explore the beautiful golden beaches, native bushland and undulating countryside of Port Sorell, which is less than a 20-minute drive away.

The produce, people and stunning landscapes of this region are what make it so special. Wild winds and plenty of rain have created rugged coastlines that plunge into pebblestrewn beaches, and the countryside and thriving farmlands on bright red volcanic soil look like neat patchwork quilts of alternating verdant greens. It’s an artist’s dream location and a gourmand’s idea of heaven.

FROM THEN ' TIL NOW

Since the mid to late 1800s, Devonport has been a hub of activity, with timber milling, coal, shipping and transport being the main industries propelling its rapid population growth. 

TOP TO BOTTOM: Part of the Mersey Bluff Precinct on Bluff Beach – Drift Cafe below, with Mrs Jones Restaurant Bar Lounge on the top floor. Image: Tourism Tasmania. Guests enjoying the ambience of Frankie J's; Double room in the Novotel Devonport.

In 1889, the Mersey Bluff lighthouse was completed, and it is still one of the major landmarks and tourist destinations. Today it has a sprawling caravan park on rolling green hills beneath, right next to Bluff Beach with views of the harbour and Bass Strait beyond. It’s a spectacular place for those camping or in caravans.

The Port of Devonport is where the town’s revitalisation is in full swing. Its LIVING CITY project –hailed as a once-in-a-generation set of urban development initiatives – has been designed to take the region into a bright new future.

LIVING CITY is estimated to generate $250 million in construction investment and includes three phases to date: the Southern Rooke Street revitalisation, paranaple centre precinct development, and the recent Waterfront Park and hotel projects. The entire foreshore is being transformed into parklands and sculpturally led entertainment areas, with a $49 million Novotel Devonport development, which

includes an enormous wooden boardwalk jutting out into the harbour – offering some of the best views in the city.

Inside the hotel on the ground floor, you’ll find Mr Good Guy – an Asian restaurant that became so popular after its opening in 2017 in Hobart that it’s now the place to be in Devonport. The restaurant offers a modern twist on South East Asian dishes, and it’s also one of the prime places in town to watch the harbour and cruise ships come and go as you dine.

Make sure you try a range of dishes, with their most popular being chicken bao buns, laksas and curries. The Nyonya style Kapitan chicken and potato curry is a standout. There’s a great range of wines and beers, and the staff make delicious cocktails to bring out the spicy, zesty flavours, such as the lychee martini.

The arts, dining and bar scene around paranaple arts centre (straight across the road from the Novotel) is where more of the action is, with a large market area at its centre complete with a huge



MAKING IT ALL HAPPEN

Since LIVING CITY first became a concept in 2009, Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman has seen the project evolve with the masterplan officially adopted in 2014, after five years of significant research and community engagement.

“LIVING CITY was a 10-year plus vision to create a new Devonport – a bold new future, valuing all that was good about the city, yet recognising that there was potential for the city to aim higher,” Alison says. “The benefits from Council’s bold investment in LIVING CITY have never been more evident, with strong investment confidence continuing to grow.”

Alison said the plan was conceived from the clear need for action in order for Devonport to fulfill its potential as the service centre for the region.

The major $71 million paranaple centre construction incorporated the paranaple arts centre, Market Square Pavilion, Library, Service Tasmania, Council offices and the convention centre.

Alison said the city’s convention centre is a popular choice for national and state conferences with demand continuing to grow.

“Recent announcements such as Rex’s decision to return flights to Devonport Airport this year is welcomed as it increases access into the region for business and tourism-related travel.

CHANGE IS ON THE WAY: The LIVING CITY project continues: the entire foreshore is being transformed into parklands and entertainment areas.

Alison said the council’s $17 million Waterfront Park project will include a children’s play space with adjacent BBQ shelter and public amenities, endemic Tasmanian plantings, amphitheatre, water and mist feature, events common, pathways, lighting, a rotunda and the much-anticipated elevated walkway, which juts out over the Mersey River.

“The City is transforming, and Devonport really is a place its residents can be proud to call home.”

For more information on the LIVING CITY project head to Devonport City Council’s website at www.devonport.tas.gov.au

The Devonport Regional Gallery showcases a diverse exhibition program of contemporary art. The program consists of National Touring shows from prestigious galleries and museums from across the Country, as well as exhibitions promoting contemporary Tasmanian artists.

There are three galleries on-site to explore, and it is free to enter. Open 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday, and 9.00am – 2.00pm on Saturdays and Public Holidays. (Closed Sundays).

FROM LEFT THEN CLOCKWISE:

Gin tasting at Southern Wild Distillery; vineyards at Ghost Rock Wines; oysters at Mrs Jones; shop 'til you drop at Hellyers Road Distillery in Burnie.

Images: Tourism Tasmania.

screen and seating for events and entertainment. Clustered around the gallery –which has a Theatre Bar, Upper Gallery and a Little Gallery – are a string of new places to have a drink and a meal.

In Market Square Pavilion you’ll find three beauties that bring food and booze together.

Frankie J’s is a fun, retro-style wine and cocktail bar that dishes up traditional Italian wood-fired pizzas and pastas. Its signature drink is the Frankie J’s Fluffy Duck. They also have small plates and platters, and the focus is on fresh local Tassie produce and the very best Italian cheeses, meats and small goods. Live music and DJs get the precinct buzzing on Friday and Saturday nights.

Beer lovers can rejoice as Island State Brewing has moved in. This cool company also has a large brewery and bar in Ulverstone (a 15-minute drive from Devonport) and Penguin Beer Co. in the quaint tourist town of Penguin, which is only a half-hour drive and home to one of Australia’s big things – a penguin, of course. There’s an impressive row of beers on tap, and they have regular trivia nights. Guests can order in pizza from Frankie J’s and make a night of it.

Southern Wild Distillery (from the makers of well-known Dasher + Fisher Tasmanian gin) is right next door, where you can taste and buy some gin made by distiller George Burgess, who says of his gins: “I wanted to create spirits that had a spirit. That surprised the palate, that embodied a place and time, that celebrated small local growers, that embraced the seasons and all their beautiful imperfections. It makes gin more delicious and life far more interesting.”

He has local growers for all of the flavours in the gins, such as wakame seaweed, Tasmanian pepperberry, lavender, strawberries, sloe berries, raspberries and the many botanicals that go into the delightful mixes. You can embark on a tasting flight of six Dasher + Fisher gins, do a gin-making tour, or simply hang out at the Southern Wild Bar and enjoy a gin of your choice.

DOWN THE ROAD...

For whisky lovers, you can’t come to this region without visiting Hellyers Road Distillery in the city of Burnie. Atop a hill overlooking Burnie and the undulating countryside, there is a restaurant on-site with incredible views,

TASTE YOUR WAY

The Tasting Trail from the Cradle to the Coast is a food and drink trail designed to guide visitors through the North West on a discovery tour of the finest local produce on offer. Whether you’re into sweet treats, fresh produce, fine wines or other delicious delights the easy-to-use website will guide you to awardwinning produce, cellar doors, restaurants, cafes, distilleries, breweries, farm stalls and more. Each business has a sign out the front with a QR code that directs you to the next hot spot.

and you can do a comprehensive whisky tour where you can sample the goods and see where it’s made and stored in impressive rows and stacks of barrels. There is a well-stocked whisky store (which is like a candy store for adults) and recently Hellyers perfected its cream liqueurs. Alongside the coffee and hazelnut varieties, there's now a lip-smackingly good salted caramel offering.

For breakfast and those after a cheeky brunch with some fizz, head down to Drift Café on Bluff Beach – a few minutes’ drive from downtown Devonport. With sprawling green lawns that meet the impressively pebbled beach, it’s a picture-perfect location and the food is as fresh and as local as it comes. The hanging plants and floor-to-ceiling glass windows allowing the sun to stream in, will make you want to linger longer. They also do great coffee and ice-creams, which you can grab from the servery that opens up onto the lawn. If fish and chips is more your thing, you can sit in the park and watch the world drift by while tucking into the good stuff. They are open every day from 6.30am until 4pm, so you can also head down for a late lunch of tacos or tasty burgers.

Upstairs is the swanky Mrs Jones bar and restaurant, with amazing views across Bluff Beach and out to the wild waters of Bass Strait. Beneath the wooden, church-like ceilings, enjoy a fine dining experience in a retreat-like space that is warm, welcoming and utterly sophisticated. The restaurant prides itself on locally sourced premium produce with a focus on creating vibrant, contemporary, unique dishes.

For a vineyard dining experience with a cellar door tasting, head out of Devonport towards beautiful Port Sorrell, where you’ll find Ghost Rock Wines, which scored 5 Red Stars by James Halliday Wine. They’re serious about their gorgeous wines here, which are only matched in brilliance by the wonderful views across the vineyards thriving on rich volcanic soil, to the rolling green hills and the sea beyond. Sit on the outdoor deck and enjoy a three-course meal paired with wines, with the sun on your face and a sea breeze in your hair.

The menu changes with the seasons and the produce available, but think delicate dishes for an entrée, such as Southern rock lobster soft tacos with avocado pico de gallo, pinto bean hummus and chipotle in a lobster broth, and more hearty options such as the melt-inyour-mouth, delicious charred Cape Grim flat iron steak (the best meat in Tasmania) with local mushrooms, shallots, sweet potato and truffle butter

The vineyard hosts Concert in the Vines, Northwest Tasmania’s iconic music event. In 2023, the concert is scheduled for February 25 with music legends Jon Stevens and Pete Murray lined up to belt out hit after hit of their own much-loved songs. T B

Experience the new

Novotel.

With rooms designed to be lived in and glittering waterfront views, disconnect from your busy life and enjoy time well spent at new Novotel Devonport.

Exclusive to True Blue readers, enjoy 15% off* your stay when you book before 9 February. Scan the QR code to redeem your offer.

*Offer valid for bookings made by 9 February 2023 for travel from 9 December 2022 to 30 September 2023, subject to availability. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount. Discount applies to room only rates.

RIVERINARiches

Albury,

Words: Sue Wallace

WHETHER YOU’RE planning a restaurant and winery hop or just passing through, these three vibrant destinations have much to offer on the culinary scene – plus a big side serving of warm hospitality.

Innovative chefs, passionate producers and acclaimed winemakers are showcasing their serious culinary credentials, and you won’t be disappointed by what's on offer.

AMAZING ALBURY

Cosmopolitan Albury hugs the Murray River opposite its twin city, Wodonga, and has a buoyant dining scene that showcases the area’s great produce.

Yardbird restaurant opened last year in a renovated industrial building – once a mechanic’s workshop – boasting a 13-metre bar and an eclectic feel. Head chef Simon Arkless stars here, enticing diners

to try European-themed cuisine and fabulous wines.

“Our menu is all about fantastic produce, great wine and bold flavours from Spain, France and Italy, and the season’s best local produce,” says Simon, whose kitchen features a specially imported Spanish Mibrasa oven. “We love bold flavours without fuss or fanfare, and the intense heat of the imported oven does just that.”

Favourites include charcoal-grilled Wagyu hanger steak with watercress and fresh horseradish with a salad of roast Jerusalem artichoke, local blood orange, goat curd and hazelnuts.

Charcuterie, tortilla, croquettas and Padrón peppers star in tapas offerings, and the drinks menu has more than 200 wines plus craft beers on tap as well as traditional cocktails highlighting local distilleries. The Murray River Sea Monster with spiced rum and bitters has a following.

Love Italian? Head to East Albury’s new Italian restaurant, Mamma Mia Italian Kitchen, where owners Serena McGuffie and Italian-born Alessandro Destri serve traditional pizza and pasta dishes inspired by family recipes. The former corner shop features a Cinque Terra theme and an environmentally friendly pizza oven imported from Italy.

Also new on the scene is gastro pub The Lincoln, in revamped premises on the Lincoln Causeway between Albury and Wodonga. It offers casual family dining and grab-and-go options.

Popular favourites include the Level One Wine Bar in Dean Street, with a menu focused on local produce and 300 wines to tempt you, while nearby Aida restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine and a fun atmosphere.

Spanish cuisine is at the heart of Saludos near the garden end

Wagga Wagga and Griffith are home to fabulous restaurants, quirky cafes and excellent wineries that showcase the great produce of the rich Riverina.

THIS PAGE: Hume Dam Lookout. Image: Visit Albury Wodonga.

of Dean Street, with Spanish treats and tapas to share. You may even catch a flamenco dance performance!

Bistro Selle, a small European-style bistro in central Albury, does the classics with a twist, while chef Ludo Baulacky offers a cosmopolitan menu at The River Deck Cafe on the banks of the Murray at Noreuil Park. The Italian-inspired Norma Wine and Pasta, located in a converted corner shop, serves Italian fare deserving of a nonna’s praise.

Need a drink and a trim? The quirky Two Fingers bar and gentlemen’s barbershop offers both. Or you can indulge in high tea and lunch at the Vintage Rose Tea & Coffee House in East Albury, where French patisseriestyle desserts are served on beautiful china.

For a picturesque wine tasting, cross the heritage-listed Bethanga Bridge on Lake Hume to Websters Estate, a boutique family-run winery offering guided wine tasting and delicious platters – it’s all about graze and gaze, with sweeping views over the lake.

Across the river in Wodonga is award-winning Miss Amelie, where David Kapay’s eclectic modern European fine-dining menu shines.

Fly into Albury with Rex airlines

GORGEOUS GRIFFITH

Often referred to as Little Italy, with more than 60 per cent of its residents claiming Italian heritage, Griffith has a vibrant food bowl with an emphasis on big tastes and top wineries producing swoonworthy drops.

Chef Luke Piccolo, who opened Limone Dining in 2016, describes the city as home to “genuine” food, where amazing produce stars – with much of it grown on the Piccolo Family Farm. Here farm to fork rules, with a focus on seasonality.

“We are in a bit of a bubble in Griffith, and everything is centred around great food and great experiences,” says Luke, who thrives on cooking food that reflects his heritage and story. “That’s what I love about cooking with the diverse

BEST WESTERN PLUS HOVELL TREE INN Albury, NSW

With its well-manicured gardens and hedges, complete with a charming rock pool and fountain surrounding the hexagonal conservatory style restaurant, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the English countryside.

However, you’ll definitely know you’re in Albury when you stay in one of the oversized luxury suites at the Best Western Plus Hovell Tree Inn, because you can cross the road and take a wander along the mighty Murray River.

The location is whisper-quiet and the landmark hotel has 60 newly refurbished stylish rooms, ranging from studio to twobedroom apartments. The hotel has a welcoming restaurant with views of the gardens and trees serving modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean influences, and a great selection of wine, beer and cocktails.

There’s a large outdoor rooftop swimming pool with a spa, and a Swedish-style sauna.

Exclusive offer: Stay 2 nights and save 15%!

selection of fresh produce – we have it all,” he says.

Casual cucina Zecca Handmade Italian, where co-owners Ben Di Rosa, his wife Michaela Cangelli-Di Rosa and friend Daniel D’Aquino create authentic Italian recipes, has a big following. It’s housed in the original

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Yardbird; Level One Wine Bar; Two Fingers; Albury CBD at night. Images: Visit Albury Wodonga.

Rural Bank building, and “zecca” means mint in Italian, a nod to money. The menu changes daily for lunch and dinner and the pasta dishes are divine.

A farm-to-table philosophy is also central to the Bull & Bell Steakhouse, known for its established traditions, dynamic wine, food and produce with a background of European flair and a strong Italian heritage.

“Farm-to-table philosophy is all about ensuring every step your food has taken, between being in the ground and on the hoof to your dining table, is carefully monitored, to ensure sustainable practices and that the food is kept as fresh and unprocessed as possible,” says executive chef Anthony Fullerton. “We have set ourselves a 300-kilometre radius where we have worked with farm gate producers to provide us with the best local ingredients.’’

Another popular Griffith institution, La Scala, opened its doors in 1977. Open in the evenings, it serves up traditional wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, gelato and delicious desserts.

Fill up your picnic basket at La Piccola Grosseria, a small family-owned authentic Italian deli run by Salvatore, Michele and Maria Trimboli, who specialise in coffee, cold meats, antipasti, homemade bread, biscuits and Italian treats.

Wineries include Yarran Wines, established by the Brewer family, with organically certified vineyards and a cellar door on the outskirts of Griffith, where you can go for a guided tasting.

Calabria Family Wines is another familyestablished winery that dates back to 1945. The estate is home to a Tuscan-style cellar door where visitors can try award-winning Italian grape varietals including Nero d’Avola and Montepulciano.

It’s also worth dropping into De Bortoli’s cellar door in Bilbul for a tasting, garden tour and delicious platters, and Whitton Malt House just outside of Griffith for food and beverages where local sustainably sourced produce is the star of the show.

Fly into Griffith with Rex airlines

WONDERFUL WAGGA

Straddling the meandering Murrumbidgee River, the city of Wagga Wagga has become an exciting foodie centre. Food entrepreneur Tania Sibrey of Food I Am, who runs a cooking school and organises private dining experiences and food tours, is confident the Riverina is set to become the next top dining destination.

“The food and wine scenes have really matured in the Riverina, and we’ve had a lot more cafes, bars and restaurants open, offering what used to be just the metro experience,” she says.

Jamie Shepley, co-owner of Mr Lawrence cafe and bar on the Murrumbidgee, agrees that Wagga is ready to take on that food destination mantle.

Mr Lawrence, named for the original owners 

Bull & Bear Steakhouse. Image: supplied; Zecca. Image: Visit Griffith; Charles Sturt Winery. Image: supplied.

FAST FOOD FACTS

Griffith has so many kilometres of trellised vines they could lap Australia’s coast three times, and the region recently planted one million hazelnut trees for chocolate maker Ferrero.

Chiko Rolls originated in Wagga Wagga. Invented by Francis Gerald McEnroe, a boilermaker from Bendigo, the popular Australian hot snack made its first appearance at the Wagga show in 1951.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

Book Direct & Save

Looking for your next getaway? Stay with us and create memories to cherish. Whether you are looking for a city stay, coastal escape or an adventure a little further afield, we have it covered. Our hoteliers are waiting to welcome you with exceptional service and comfort all delivered with in-depth local knowledge to ensure your stay is second to none.

When you join Best Western Rewards and book direct you gain access to our exclusive offers and lowest rates – guaranteed! Scan the QR code and join 50 million other loyal Rewards members.

With 4000+ hotels in 100 countries worldwide including Australia and New Zealand, BWH Hotel Group is the place to stay - visit BestWestern.com.au

ABOVE:

Magpies Nest. Image: supplied.

of the premises T. Lawrence & Sons, features local produce and serves great coffee and cocktails –making it the perfect spot for a Pick Me Up Espresso Martini.

Jamie and his business partner Luke Kerlin also own Hide Steak & Bar, which is devoted to tender cuts of meat, sides and sauces.

The Oakroom at the Townhouse Hotel Wagga is another dining hotspot. A menu standout is the lamb backstrap served with pea puree, toasted macadamia, Persian feta and artichoke – and you can’t pass up a grand finale of strawberry ‘lamington’ with mascarpone and coconut.

Pastorale by Meccanico on Sturt Street is a European-inspired restaurant nestled inside the heritage Riverine Club, where co-owner Richard Moffatt sources the best regional produce to be cooked over charcoal and a naked flame.

“We have fabulous produce in the food bowl area – great vegetables, Murray cod and meats – the standard has really improved over the years,” he says. “I don’t believe in overcomplicating the cooking process, and we remain very true to European-inspired dishes where the flavour talks.”

Other popular restaurants include The Charles in the heart of Wagga and Magpies Nest. For great coffee and food try the Trail Street Coffee Shop and Mates Gully Cafe & Restaurant.

If you love craft beer, drop into the

Thirsty Crow Brewing Co. It’s been going since 2010 and offers a great selection of lagers, stouts and everything in between.

On the wine front, Boutique Wines by Charles Sturt University has its cellar door on the edge of campus, and produces award-winning wines made by students of the wine science and viticulture program. Its bounty has attracted a swag of medals from boutique wine shows.

Borambola Wines, owned by Tim and Naomi McMullen, produces beer, cider and an array of wines. Pop along for a tasting in beautiful surrounds about half an hour from the city.

“People are sourcing local produce and it’s great to see local restaurants supporting growers,” says Tim, who planted his first vines almost 30 years ago.

Gin lovers will enjoy Riverina Gin, established by Jake and Tessa Eaglesham. The distillery produces a dry gin with local botanicals inspired by the Riverina, handmade in a copper still using the traditional one-shot distillation method. Scottish-born Jake says the couple fell in love with the process of gin-making and their signature blend reflects the tastes of “place”.

It’s hard to resist souvenirs when you visit the Riverina. You may well return with a carload of goodies. T B

Fly into Wagga Wagga with Rex airlines

BEST WESTERN PLUS BOLTON ON THE PARK Wagga Wagga, NSW

“Everything you need is right here with us,” the owners of the Best Western Plus Bolton on the Park say. The over-sized suites have king and king single sized beds, spacious lounge, dining and working areas, and some feature large modern kitchens. All rooms have bright stylish artworks and smart décor that gives the spaces a cool yet homely feel.

There is a bar and restaurant onsite and an outdoor beer garden where you can enjoy the lovely Wagga weather. Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, ‘The Bolton’ is a short walk from the city's thriving dining and shopping scene.

BEST WESTERN AMBASSADOR MOTOR INN & APARTMENTS

Wagga Wagga, NSW

Light-filled, beautifully maintained, fresh and modern, the Best Western Ambassador Motor Inn & Apartments offers typical motel-style convenience, just a short drive from the airport and city centre. The spacious ground floor rooms all include comfortable queen size beds, free high-speed WiFi, with two-bedroom apartment options for longer stays or larger families.

There is outdoor seating and a barbecue area where guests can relax after a big day of working or exploring. The owners take great pride in delivering home-cooked meals, and continental and hot breakfasts straight to your room.

Exclusive offer: Stay 2 nights and save 15%!

Have

SEAFOOD AND SUNDOWNERS IN

Port Macquarie

Welcome to Port Macquarie – where oyster and lobster tastings by the river, buckets of prawns on the pontoon and fine dining in seafood restaurants are all a part of the enviable lifestyle. And did someone mention sundowners? Let’s dive right in…

1. SUMPTUOUS OYSTERS STRAIGHT FROM THE RIVER

The charming township of Laurieton is home to Armstrong Oysters, a second-generation, family-operated business that supplies Sydney rock oysters to top restaurants across the country. Head on down to the Shop Front where you can taste oysters plucked straight from the river: it doesn’t get any fresher than this!

2. SEAFOOD PLATTERS & PRAWNS ON THE PONTOON

The Big Oyster (aka ‘The Shuck Shack’) is a Port Mac landmark – a little ‘ol blue boat shed hovering over the Hastings River. Just a short wander over the bridge, you’ll discover mouth-watering prawns, oysters, lobster, bugs, crab and fish (cooked and fresh). You can order a seafood platter to tuck into on the

adjacent pontoon. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of something chilled!

3. BEST FISH & CHIPS

Laurieton Seafoods & Co-op are tipped as the best fish and chips on the North Coast for a reason – every morning, fresh fish come straight off the local trawlers. Enjoy your catch overlooking the river, or take a short drive to North Brother Mountain and enjoy a perfect seafood picnic, complete with amazing views.

4. BILLS FISHHOUSE & BAR

Local Chef Pete Cutcliffe (who also owns top-rated Twotriplefour at Cassegrain Wines) has developed a cult following for his ocean/paddock to plate style. Bills is a casual, modern restaurant that embraces locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable

ingredients to produce simple, delicious food. With a great drinks list and wonderfully welcoming vibes, you can’t go wrong indulging here.

5. WHALEBONE WHARF

No introduction is necessary for this Port Mac icon, which holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors who are in the know. The nautical chic white boathouse perches over the Hastings River, boasting spectacular river views. To arrive in true style, you can drop in by sea plane or helicopter. The sublime setting is upstaged only by the food.

6. THE STUNNED MULLET

The Mid-North Coast’s finest hatted restaurant continues to surprise and delight under the skilled and experienced direction of owner

LEFT TO RIGHT: Whalebone Wharf. Image: Remy Brand; Dish at Stunned Mullet. Image: Lindsay Moller; Oysters at Bills.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Sails Resort. Image: Laneway Photography; Chop ‘n Chill; Zebu Bar. Images: Remy Brand.

Lou Perri. With a menu featuring dishes such as ‘Glacier 51 Toothfish’ and a seriously impressive, awardwinning wine list, this place has become a destination unto itself.

7. LITTLE SHACK OF PLENTY

This place gets a lot of love, and rightly so. Perfectly positioned on the iconic breakwall overlooking the river, it has a retro holiday vibe, and you can relax under a tropical umbrella with a cocktail in hand. Make sure you try the lobster roll and frozen margarita combo, and bring your dancing shoes, as Little Shack is often host to some of Port Mac’s best musos and DJs.

8. GOOD VIBES AT ZEBU BAR

Located on the Town Green overlooking the river, Zebu Bar is perfect for dolphin and people watching. Recently renovated, this casual spot has a great bar menu.

9. NEWCOMER – BANKS CAFÉ

This hidden gem is one of Port Mac’s newest cafés, sitting pretty on the banks of the Hastings River, overlooking a heritage timber trawler. It’s chic and stylish, the food is fresh and tasty, and the views are sublime.

10. HELLO SAILOR

Hello Sailor at Port Marina is a fun alfresco venue with a reputation for the best margaritas in town. Here you can find local beer on tap and a street-food style shack out the back, with a fresh and creative menu that includes buckets of prawns and po’ boys. There’s often great live music to bop along to, and it has a cool vibe while being super friendly.

11. SAIL AWAY IN STYLE

The Hamptons-style splendour of Sails Resort is where you’ll find The

Boathouse Bar & Restaurant. Enjoy the sophisticated fit-out, or venture out onto the deck and lawns, complete with fire pit and a great view over the water. The bar features funky decor and comfy lounges to enjoy a coffee or a cocktail. You can even pull up in style by kayak, or take it up a notch on the fitness scale and arrive on a standup paddleboard.

12. CHOP ‘N CHILL

A local favourite and in prime position on Town Green, at Chop ‘n Chill, you’ll find super friendly service alongside great food and beverages. Local musicians often entertain guests, and it’s a great option if you’ve got kids as you can dine alfresco while watching them attempt to climb the majestic fig tree next to the brand new playground out the front.

CHECK OUT PORT MACQUARIE’S TASTE TRAIL: AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO FOOD, WINE, ART AND CULTURE portmacquarieinfo.com.au

Fly into Port Macquarie with Rex airlines

The sunrise swim. The coastal walk followed by a luxuriously long lunch. Forest-bathing. Kayak-to-café. Sundowners that blend seamlessly into dinner. On no one’s schedule but your own. Escape the Rush Race. www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

Your insider’s guide to all the good stuff.

BEST PICNIC SPOTS IN Perth

Perth is rich in picturesque parks, beautiful beaches and fantastic flora and fauna. Pack a picnic and set out in search of the best spots in the city.

Words: Matilda Meikle

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a picnic outdoors with friends and family. We’ve got you covered with this list of the best beaches, parks and gardens in and around Perth to do just that.

KINGS PARK

Kings Park is one of the biggest inner city parks in the world, visited by 6 million people every year. With stunning views over Perth City and the Swan River, it’s not hard to see why. Whether you’ve packed your own snacks, or bought some from one of the many cafes found all over the park, picnicking here will never disappoint. Nearly two thirds of the park is bushland, so you’ll be surrounded by an array of flora and fauna, including wildflowers found nowhere else on the planet. Kings Park also has playgrounds to entertain the kids, so you can picnic with the whole family.

LESMURDIE FALLS NATIONAL PARK

If you’re looking for an adventure, then Lesmurdie Falls National Park is the place for you. Work up an appetite by taking a walking trail up to the viewing platform over the Lesmurdie Waterfall. On a clear day, sights across Perth City all the way to Rottnest Island make for the perfect

picture. Then descend back to the designated picnic area, with access to barbecues and views along the falls. We recommend staying for a sunset, as it’s sure to be the highlight of your week.

COTTESLOE BEACH

There’s nothing better than a relaxing day at the beach – except maybe a delicious picnic to finish the afternoon off. Cottesloe Beach is home to more than a kilometre of pure white sand and beautiful ocean views. The tiered grass area overlooking the water is the ideal place to lay out the picnic rug while the kids run around in the nearby playground. You can choose to indulge in fish and chips from the famous Amberjacks cafe, or bring your own treats and relax in the shade.

QUEENS GARDENS

Queens Gardens was built in honour of Queen Victoria, and is the best place for those looking to picnic in style. Pop the champagne and choose a spot by the lake to watch the swans and ducks while you dine. Explore the gardens to find replicas of famous English monuments, such as the Peter Pan statue originally of Kensington Gardens, and the park bench from Notting Hill. Need we say more? 

OPPOSITE AND THIS PAGE: Overlooking the city at King's Park; Cottesloe Beach. Images: Tourism Western Australia.

WALYUNGA NATIONAL PARK

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can enjoy a relaxing and peaceful picnic experience at Walyunga National Park. It’s steeped in Indigenous history, including one of the largest known Indigenous campsites in Perth. You can picnic by Boongarup pool, where picnic tables and barbecue facilities are provided, and explore the flooded gums and wildlife all around. You may even want to try a walking trail or two, or enjoying staying tucked away in the shade.

HYDE PARK

Hyde Park is an oasis in the city, and is also a registered Indigenous site of significance as an important place for the Whadjuk Noongar people. Picnickers can choose a spot by the lake, and let your kids run around in the nearby children’s playground, or in the water playground for those hot summer days. Dogs are welcome here too, meaning everyone can join in on the fun.

MILLBROOK WINERY

Millbrook Winery is a bit of a drive, but it’s definitely worth the journey. Located at the picturesque Chestnut Farm, the owners are

happy to let anyone set up a picnic and enjoy the scenery if they purchase a bottle of wine. And trust us, that’s no hardship: Millbrook has won many awards, showcasing just how good their wine really is. Plus, you can order a pre-made picnic basket, which includes a variety of homemade goodies straight from their on-site kitchen. Dig in and spend the rest of the day wandering the surrounding orchard, olive grove and vineyards. There’s beauty to be found in every direction.

WHITEMAN PARK

Only thirty minutes from the heart of Perth, Whiteman Park is sure to be a whole day affair. There’s plenty to see and do, including a miniature train line, museums and heaps of playgrounds. There’s even a water playground for those warmer days. You can also stop by the Caversham Wildlife Park, where they offer up-close experiences with native animals, such as hand-feeding kangaroos and holding koalas. After a long day of exploring, settle down at any of the picnic tables around the park, and enjoy a delicious meal with the family. With lots of wonderful views, Whiteman Park really does have everything. T B

Fly into Perth with Rex airlines

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The lookout over Lesmurdie Falls; Hyde Park; Feeding animals at Caversham Wildlife Park; Millbrook Winery. Images: Tourism Western Australia. Walyunga National Park. Image: DBCA .

The guided adventures on offer in the Limestone Coast give a fascinating insight into the area’s unique landscape. But it all depends how far you want to step – or crawl – out of your comfort zone.

WORDs: Gretel Sneath

ADVENTURE CAVING deep underground at the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s the best way to experience this ancient time capsule of stalactites, stalagmites and precious fossils. “Some of our caves are quite squeezy in sections, and you need to tilt your head to the side and try to get as flat as you can,” advises site manager Thomas Shortt. “But it’s worth the effort as the caves are pretty spectacular.”

Mount Gambier’s iconic Blue Lake / Warwar offers a different window into the region’s geological past. Take a guided tour down the original well shaft in a glass-panelled lift to get a closer view of the limestone-filtered water before embarking on a 3.6-kilometre walk or jog around the crater rim. The cobalt water looks inviting, but as the regional city’s chief water supply, it’s a no-go zone for swimmers.

Scuba divers can explore the secret tunnels of Engelbrecht Cave, carefully weaving their way through a dazzling maze beneath Mount Gambier’s streets. Local company Dive Experience also offers a guided scuba dive in the privately operated Kilsby Sinkhole located 15 kilometres south-west of the city. The 70-metre chasm situated in the middle of a paddock on a working sheep farm is rated among the world’s best dive sites. “The water clarity is exceptional and cave divers say it’s the closest thing to flying because it just feels like you’re suspended in air,” says owner Graham Kilsby. It’s also the perfect spot for novice snorkelers, with supervised sessions in the

spectacular open lake section available for groups of up to eight. You can taste the famous Sinkhole Gin after you take the plunge, and soon you’ll be able to stay on-site, with four self-contained cabins due to open early next year.

At nearby Mount Schank, you’ll find more one-of-a-kind accommodation at the foot of the dormant volcano. The owners of eco-estate Mountain Path Meadows have constructed South Australia's first timber geodesic dome, a unique spherical retreat situated on ancient lava flows with sweeping views of the starlit sky and surrounding forest. A second larger communal geodome that sleeps 6-8 will also welcome guests from January 2023. “Our eco-friendly, off-grid experience gives adventurous wanderers the chance to reconnect with nature, disconnect from the hustle of everyday life, and enjoy a restorative retreat,” says owner and host Rachel Gerds. 

Scuba diving at Little Blue Lake; Take a hike on the rugged Robe coastline. Images: South Australian Tourism Commission; Explore the Kilsby Sinkhole with Dive Experience. Image: Tourism Australia.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Narracoorte Caves. Image: Tourism Australia; Beach 4WDriving. Image: South Australian Tourism Commission; South East Safari. Image: Tourism Australia.

Mount Schank itself makes for a fascinating hike; scale several hundred steps to enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape with its rich patchwork of fertile paddocks and the ocean beyond. A basic trail traces the rim of the crater and descends deep within the landmark that last erupted around 5,000 years ago. Walk the Limestone Coast guide Natasha Dawson says the climb is one of the highlights of her multi-day group walking tours. “It’s steep, but it’s short and really rewarding – and the seated rest stops along the way mean that you can bite it off in chunks,” she says. Continuing south to the coast, Port MacDonnell is widely referred to as the nation’s rock lobster capital, but it’s also a sport fishing mecca that lures anglers from around the nation. The family-owned Port MacDonnell Fishing Charters knows all the good spots, with one passenger recently landing a 135-kilogram Southern blue fin tuna. Captain Jason Fulham also takes bird watchers 30 kilometres out to the continental shelf for pelagic tours. “On most trips we see around 20 species of birds, ranging from the wandering albatross with its enormous three metreplus wingspan to small Wilson’s storm

petrels, and there’s also different types of birds at different times of the year,” he says.

Back on dry land, trained ecologist Abigail Goodman invites small groups to ‘connect to the joy of nature’ on a South East Safari walking tour. The gentle meander through critical habitats including Bool Lagoon and the Coorong uncovers fascinating facts and stories about the wildlife spotted along the way, from the elusive Australasian bittern to the migratory waders from Siberia.

For a shot of adrenalin, you can take the track less travelled on a guided mountain bike tour of the rugged Robe coastline. From photo opportunities at the iconic obelisk to afternoon tea stops, Tracx tours are the perfect way to experience this popular coastal village, voted the state's best small tourism town in 2021. If you’d rather kick back and let someone else do the hard work, Billy Bob’s 4x4 Tours take in the sandy dunes and lagoons of Little Dip Conservation Park and the sheltered bays of Nora Creina. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a wombat or two – the local guides know all the secret spots. T B

into Mount Gambier with Rex airlines

LIMESTONE BITES

After a big day of adventuring, try these exciting new (and newlook) Mount Gambier eateries: Little Rippa Brewery and Wood Fire Restaurant recently started pouring its small-batch beers at this family-friendly venue on the city’s outskirts at Yahl.

Groovy bar and restaurant Noky is now open at The Henty.

The Presidential has had an ultra-glam restaurant revamp, serving an authentic taste of the Limestone Coast with seriously good food and an extensive regional wine list. The historic Globe Hotel has reopened its doors; in addition to offering a bar, bistro and beer garden, it’s the city’s newest nightspot.

Fly

DIVE INTO THE PACIFIC ISLANDS

TRULYPACIFIC.COM

Esperance SPOTLIGHT ON

Stunning beaches and simple pleasures: Esperance is the perfect summer holiday destination for sun, sea and easy adventure.

WITH A population of approximately 12,000 people, Esperance is a quiet, coastal town on the south-east coast of Western Australia. It was traditionally named Kepa Kurl by the local Nyungar and Ngadju people who have lived on Country for more than 50,000 years. The town received its European name from a French navigator in 1792, who named it after his ship The Espérance (meaning ‘hope’ in French).

Esperance is a region of exceptional natural beauty, with long ribbons of powder-white beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, stunning mountains and spectacular wildflowers. Just off the coast you’ll find the untouched islands of the Recherche Archipelago, while in town you can find a thriving community scene, great food and drink, and a laidback vibe.

SEE THE SIGHTS

The 40-kilometre Great Ocean Drive from West Beach to 11 Mile Beach is a great way to take in some of the

most spectacular swimming and surfing beaches in the country. Your choices to stop for a dip in the pristine waters are almost endless, but local favourites include West Beach, Blue Haven and Twilight Beach.

Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park is famous for its friendly, sunbaking kangaroos as well as having some of the whitest sands in Australia. Just a 45-minute drive from Esperance, you can pull up right onto

the beach for a perfect day out in the sun. Make sure to grab a coffee from the Nyungar-owned Lucky Bean cafe.

Lake Hillier on remote Middle Island is a natural bubblegum pink colour (thought to be due to colourful bacteria and algae), and best appreciated from the air. Book a scenic flight with Fly Esperance, which will also take you to Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid National Parks, or explore by chopper with Helispirit.

ABOVE AND BELOW: A pod of dolphins at Twilight Bay; kangaroo at Lucky Bay. Images: Tourism Western Australia.

Words: Emily Riches

TOP TO BOTTOM:

Cape Le Grand National Park; Lucky Bay Brewing; a view of Lake Hillier. Images: Tourism Western Australia.

TASTE THE LOCAL DROPS

Launched in December 2020, Esperance Distilling Co is the smallest distillery in Australia: a father-and-son team operating with just a 30-litre pot still. They produce unique, smallbatch gins using native botanicals from the region, such as acacia, lemon myrtle, grass tree sap, strawberry gum, kelp and sea parsley. Have a taste at local restaurant Taylor St Quarters or newly renovated pub 33 Degrees.

Lucky Bay Brewing, on the outskirts of town, is a community-focused space that prides itself on sustainability and delicious beers. Make sure you try the Sandy Hook Barley Pale Ale and the Lockdown Dark Lager, brewed with locally grown grains. If you’re peckish, there’s also tasty wood-fired pizzas or nachos to fill you up.

A BITE TO EAT

The waterfront restaurant Taylor St Quarters was once a hospital and tearooms, but in 2017 became a chic restaurant and bar on the Esplanade, specialising in modern Australian cuisine. You can dine on their seasonal menu, including linguine with Shark Bay prawns or local pork belly, while enjoying the views from the deck overlooking the yacht marina.

A few cafes vie for the title of best coffee in town, but you can’t go wrong with DownTown Espresso Bar, Cloud Eleven Coffee + Tea or Coffee Cat on the Esplanade for a great cuppa.

STROLL AROUND TOWN

The Cannery Arts Centre is housed in a heritage building originally used as a fish cannery on the beautiful Esperance foreshore. This vibrant arts facility hosts contemporary art exhibitions, concerts and events. Take

a yoga class with Twilight Yoga Studio and Retreats, or participate in a range of creative workshops for both kids and adults.

The Esperance Growers Market is a must-visit: a local institution, it is held every second Saturday from 9am to 12pm at the Esperance Scout Hall. Fill up your shopping bag with a range of local goodies including organic produce, fresh bread, pastries, flowers and preserves.

The Esperance Museum’s fascinating collection offers a unique insight into the history and growth of the town, from settlement as an agricultural station to the gold boom of the late 1890s.

GET ADVENTUROUS

The distinctive Frenchman’s Peak in Cape Le Grand National Park is said to resemble the hat of French troops in the 1800s. The steep hike is 3km return – but worth it for the sublime views over the coastline and islands.

Chase thrills and spills at the scenic Esperance Mountain Bike Track (also known as ‘The Piggery’) north of town. Berms, jumps and other features are scattered throughout the 13.5-kilometre loop track, but it’s also suitable for beginners.

Woody Island is the only island in the archipelago with visitor facilities operated by Woody Island Eco Tours. Take a day trip by boat or helicopter to experience a guided eco-walk and snorkelling, or you can soak up the island’s natural beauty overnight by camping or glamping in their tents and safari huts. T B

Fly into Esperance with Rex airlines

DID YOU KNOW?

Esperance is home to the only full-scale replica of Stonehenge outside of the UK, which appears as it would have in 1950BC. It was built on a cattle farm in 2011 and consists of 137 pink granite locally quarried stones with a combined weight of 2,500 tonnes.

TrulyAus Products

OUR TOP PICKS OF AUSSIE-MADE PRODUCTS FOR FUN IN THE SUN

Com piled by: lauren lefever

1. MerryPops

MerryPops artisan ice blocks are the perfect combination of delicious and refreshing for hot summer days. They’re made with all natural and high-quality ingredients, and there’s a flavour for everyone to indulge in. merrypops.com.au $5

2. Sunday Supply Co – Tallow Towelling Beach Bag

Designed for any beach outing, Sundy Supply Co’s beach bags are large and super durable. From beach towels to sunglasses, sunscreen and your favourite book, this bag is bound to fit it all. sundaysupply.co $189

3. Fella – Casanova Top

Fella is devoted to creating premium swimwear that exudes elegance and celebrates the feminine form. The signature fabric and retro styling makes you feel supported and stylish while you’re enjoying a day at the beach or pool. fellaswim.com $155

4. Grown Alchemist – Natural Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF-30

Slapping on the SPF is a necessity during our warm summer months. Grown Alchemist’s sunscreen is made with a lightweight and vegan zinc formula, leaving your skin fresh, protected and glowing. grownalchemist.com/au $59

5. Ere Perez – Rice Powder Blush and Bronzer

Enjoy rich, glowing colour and confidence all summer long with Ere Perez rice powder bronzers. With all natural ingredients, these bronzers come in different shimmering shades to suit any skin tone. ereperez.com $48

6. Goldfield & Banks – Pacific Rock Moss

Goldfield & Banks is dedicated to curating unique and exotic perfumes. Each scent is highly concentrated, releasing visions of Australia’s coastal vistas, sandy deserts and enchanting forests. goldfieldandbanks.com $235

7. Sienna Byron Bay – beach duo

Add a pop of colour to any outfit by wearing nail polish from Sienna Byron Bay. These nature-inspired polishes are vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good while looking good too. sienna.co $79

8. Corban & Blair – Luggage Tag

Summer’s a quintessential time to grab your passport and take the trip you’ve always dreamed of. With Corban & Blair’s leather luggage tags, both you and your suitcase will be travelling in first class. corbanblair.com.au $25

9. Nelson Made – Ina Slide

Crafted with recycled leather and padded woven straps, Nelson Made’s sandals are elegant and eco-friendly. These stylish shoes are perfect for an afternoon on the beach, an evening out or just to wear around the house. nelsonmade.com.au $349

10. Pacifico Optical – Buckler

Designed in Sydney’s own Bondi Beach, Pacific Optical glasses fuse Australia’s coastal lifestyle with European classicism. The company values earthy tones and elegant shapes, making unique specs at an affordable price. pacificooptical.com $215

11. Sandy Snoots – Dog Life Jacket

Sandy Snoots life jackets are the perfect summer accessory for your pup. The buttery soft fabric and panelled foam design mean your pooch is safe to enjoy a pool day without compromising on style. sandysnoots.com.au $119

12. SunnyLife – Vintage Pool Ring

Born on the beaches of Sydney, SunnyLife is dedicated to creating quality summer essentials. Their unique pool floats are designed to brighten up your summer and help you relax in style. sunnylife.com.au $64.99

ALL AUSTRALIAN WITH

WilsonPayne

We chatted with designers Stuart Wilson and Chris Payne of WilsonPayne about Aussie icons, nostalgia, and their new Australiana collection.

Words: Emily Riches

Tell us about the inspiration behind your Australiana Collection? How did it all begin?

Our background is graphic design, and some time ago we produced a tea towel featuring Australian native flora and fauna as a special Christmas gift for all our clients – some being international. The feedback from that gift was so positive we were compelled, and excited, to explore the possibilities!

Your designs are colourful, nostalgic and fun. How did you go about choosing and illustrating them?

We focused on all that is uniquely Australian, and if it was cute and tugged at fond memories, we would then have to make a feature of it. We can’t tell you the amount of times customers would say that our products make them happy and smile! We love hearing that!

Your products are eco friendly and produced locally in Australia. Why is this important to you?

Given that we’re celebrating all that is Australian, to be authentic, it was essential to produce locally – in fact, if we couldn’t produce our designs in Australia we would’ve stopped at just the one tea towel gift! We’re proud to support local manufacturing and to know that we’re reducing our enviromental footprint by not importing products. This ethos resonates with customers choosing unique gifts, we know there’s a real appreciation for quality Australianmade products when sending to loved ones overseas.

Do you have a favourite product or design?

That’s a difficult question – it’s kind of like asking parents to name their favourite child! However, if pressed, we’d probably lean toward our

Kookaburra Socks, partly because the kookaburra was the leading character from our first range and he still has so much ‘tude! (But don’t tell the others that...) A close second would have to be our Aussie Snacks tea towel – this one conjures up so many fond memories.

What’s next on the cards for WilsonPayne?

For some time we’ve been asking customers to select their favourite Australian animal, food, flower or destination – whatever works for the customer. We’re looking forward to referring to this wealth of information for our next wave of inspiration!

Where do you love to travel in Australia?

It would have to be anywhere with nature and wherever we can best hear the sounds and take in the smells that make Australia Australia! That’s a pretty broad response, sorry! T B

NEWS | Finance | health | agriculture | mining | environment

80. OCEAN FARM FINANCE

Tech start-up Oceanfarmr launches Farm to Buy, a new program to finance the aquaculture industry.

P.64 ausbiz. news p.66 investing advice

P.72 farming trends P.76 menopause awareness p.84 mining state of mind P.88 scholarship winners p.92 cybersecurity concerns

ELECTRIFYING THE NATION

The Evolution Group, one of Australia’s largest traffic control and management companies, has committed to becoming the first company in the world to fully electrify its fleet of light utility vehicles in Australia and New Zealand.

The Evolution Group will convert 500 of its vehicles to fully electric over the next five years, with a further target of having the first electrified traffic management vehicle ready and roadworthy by 2023. The announcement comes after the company’s recent partnership with Tembo, the electric vehicle subsidy of the global B Corporation, VivoPower International –a global B Corporation – which will help Evolution fulfil its conversion promise.

Kerry Dale, Non-executive Chairman of Evolution, says: “Evolution is constantly evaluating opportunities to offer innovative and competitive solutions to the industry. We have one of the largest fleets of vehicles for traffic management services across Australia and New Zealand,

Windy warriors

The Government has announced Australia will be joining the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA), an association organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency. The collective aims to see 380 gigawatts of offshore wind infrastructure built globally by 2030. Currently the world has around 60 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity, with no operational projects in Australian waters. However, many private companies are keen to explore opportunities to advance Australia’s contribution, which with the potential to reach a capacity of 40 gigawatts.

Nine other countries, including Japan, Germany, the US and the UK have joined the alliance after COP27, the UN Climate Change Conference, held in Egypt earlier this year. Speaking at the summit, Australia’s Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen stated: “Australia is back as a constructive, positive and willing climate collaborator.” His words have raised hopes of Australia taking stronger action on climate change going forward.

Currently, Australia is ranked 51 out of 59 countries for its climate action, according to the annual Climate Change Performance Index. It’s a sobering statistic, and one the government hopes to combat through this increase in action. This includes a bid to host the UN Climate Conference in 2026, a demonstration of their commitment to protecting the environment.

and being the first to commit fully to electrification will help to set eco-friendly standards for the industry.”

The first phase will involve electrifying 80 vehicles, which will be tested in commercial trials. If the trials are successful, Evolution is committed to transforming its whole fleet, maintaining its objective to deliver costeffective and environmentally friendly solutions.

Cheriton Valley: A

PICTURESQUE HAVEN AND THE PERFECT CITY ESCAPE

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.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

What should a long-term investor do? How do you save for your goals and aspirations? Adam Smith, CEO of Saxo Australia, gives us his seven top tips on becoming a better investor.

In the words of American economist Benjamin Graham, “the essence of investment management is the management of risks, not the management of returns.”

Understanding your investing psychology is crucial to building your portfolio and managing risks. Different investors realise their dreams at different times.

Some investors are willing to take on investment risk because they are confident that the stock market will recover in the long run, which fits their long-term investment horizon. Other, more cautious, investors may regard a 20 per cent drop in the value of their portfolio as disastrous. These investors may have loss aversion, meaning they

fear losses and feel the pain of losses more than they enjoy gains.

For your long-term financial health, it’s critical to understand which type of investor you are (risk averse, loss averse, risk-taking or long-term) and to set your portfolio at the appropriate risk level to avoid panicking at the worst possible time, selling out and incurring significant losses, only to jump back into the market once the gains from any rebound are in the rearview mirror.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT INVESTMENT?

Here are some valuable tips on how to pick it. Investing can

be a daunting task, even in the best of circumstances. We want to make things a little easier. While not every investment will be a winner, understanding what makes an investment worthwhile can help you build an enviable investment portfolio.

Choosing a good investment is a combination of understanding their financial situation and identifying the more significant trends that will shape the market in the future. Whether you’re a seasoned stock market veteran or a complete novice, refreshing and refining your investing strategy is never wrong.

With that in mind, consider the following seven suggestions to help you become a better investor.

1. Know what you want from your investment portfolio

Before making any market moves, it’s critical to understand what you hope to gain from your investments. Everyone has different goals when investing, so being honest with yourself is essential. Looking for high short-term returns? You may want to make ‘riskier’ investments. Do you want to start building a long-term nest egg? You may want to consider investing in high-quality bonds.

Know what you want from your investing experience before putting your money where your mouth is. This way, you can be confident in your decisions and satisfied with the results.

2. Observe what sectors are experiencing change

A changing world means shifting fortunes for businesses all over the map. While everyone will recommend different sectors, keeping an eye on commodities (particularly companies involved in mining and exporting oil, coal, gas and gold) is worthwhile as the world is facing a shortage of real resources and rising demand. Consider companies that manufacture electric vehicles, as the market is expected to grow in the coming years.

Identifying market trends will help you understand how the market is thinking now and how it will think in the future. World events, government legislation and innovation can all change the fortunes of companies and even entire sectors, so keeping up to date is a must.

3. Identify companies that will play a crucial part in pushing their sector forward

Now that you’ve identified which industries are changing, look for companies that will drive the change within those industries. For example, if you’re interested in electric vehicles, you might consider investing in electric car manufacturers such as Tesla and

Volkswagen. You can also consider investing in companies that mine materials such as lithium, aluminium, copper, cobalt and nickel, all of which are used in producing electric vehicles.

Keep in mind that the market is constantly evolving, so identifying these changing sectors early on can help maximise the profit you’ll make from your investments.

4. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Compared to a portfolio that only includes stocks from one sector, a diverse portfolio is more likely to succeed over time. If you only invest in a few companies, one company failing or underperforming can spell disaster. On the other hand, if you have a diverse portfolio of companies from various industries, you are much more likely to withstand changing market conditions.

5. Numbers don’t lie – so look at their financials Before investing, look at the company’s public financials and ensure it has a track record of increasing its cash flow and earnings. You can use a platform like ours or Yahoo Finance to quickly and easily determine if a company’s earnings and cash flow have been increasing, and if these trends are likely to continue. Such numbers, known as ‘fundamentals', can quickly help you understand how the company performs and manages its accounts. Fundamental analysis is integral to deciding which companies to invest in, so don’t rush it. When you select companies with rising cash flow and earnings, their stock tends to increase. You don’t want to be backing a company that’s not gaining business or is going backwards financially.

6. Think with your head, not your heart FOMO (fear of missing out) can be a powerful motivator, especially if you’re part of a group betting on a specific stock or sector. However, if the numbers don’t add up and it’s not

a stock you’d typically invest in, don’t take the risk.

7. Time in the market is better than timing the market Stock and bond price declines, as we are currently experiencing, create opportunities to invest at much lower prices. Investors should not try to ‘time’ their investments but instead spread them out over regular intervals. This is known as dollar cost averaging and is accepted as an excellent way to build portfolios, especially when stock prices are volatile. The reality is that most gains in a portfolio come from asset allocation – the mix of stocks and bonds – rather than picking winners in a selection of individual stocks.

MANAGED PORTFOLIOS MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU

Finding the right mix of stocks and bonds for your risk tolerance and life stage is challenging. Only investors with the time and knowledge should attempt to create and manage their asset allocation.

Research from The Advisable Australian 2022 report illustrates that many investors in Australia are looking for sophisticated investing support yet are being priced out of private wealth management services. Managed portfolios can be an excellent way for time-stretched investors to diversify their portfolios, grow their wealth and minimise risk.

In 2023, Saxo will launch lowcost, expertly managed portfolios to help bridge the chasm between Australian investors and the everpresent opportunities across the global markets. The portfolios are curated by renowned masters of the global markets, including Black Rock, Morningstar and Nasdaq. The funds dynamically allocate assets that reduce your risk in the bad times, and shift assets when the markets turn good again, so you can keep calm and carry on.

DIVERSITY IN RETAIL

words:

The new three-year project launched by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), the Australian Retail Association and Disability Employment Australia will help to nurture a more accepting workplace for diverse Australians. The project will involve 120 participants, with trials in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to establish their “retail readiness.”

The study, a big step forward for creating a more inclusive country, comes after the Australian Government provided an $867,420 grant, which was administered by the Department of Social Services. Thanks to this funding, the QUT research team hopes to gain insight

into how to prepare and support workers, and deliver impactful training to increase employment opportunities in the retail sector for workers with psychosocial disability.

AUSTRALIA’S RETAIL INDUSTRY

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing, young adults between the ages of 15-24 with a disability are more than twice as likely to be unemployed or experience longer periods of unemployment.

At the same time, due to the continued effects of Covid and an ongoing workers shortage,

there are over 46,000 vacant jobs in the retail sector. This large gap in the workforce is a problem the QUT project aims to solve, focusing on helping the retail sector to develop a more accessible environment for diverse workers.

Once the program has been completed, trainees will be provided with a certificate from the Retail Training Institute, which will allow them to access new opportunities in a previously closed employment market. These trainees will be well equipped with the skills needed for successful retail careers, meaning both employer and employee can thrive.

New research into long-term employment for young adults with psychosocial disabilities is helping to change our workforce for the better.

Matilda Meikle

THE STUDY

Professor Gary Mortimer, one of the lead researchers on the QUT team and chair of the ARA’s Consumer Research Committee says that research shows customers developed positive relationships with brands after engaging with diverse workers.

“Developing programs to help people with psychosocial disability overcome barriers to employment enables them to enter a workforce that provides gainful employment, social engagement and meaningful income,” he says.

“This is real-world research that’s going to deliver real outcomes for not just retail businesses, but society in general.”

And Gary isn’t alone in that sentiment. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA), one of the leading companies launching this project, wants to create a unified and diverse workplace. As a sector that employs

1.3 million Australians, retail has the opportunity to grow into a community of accepting and forward thinking team members. The ARA informs, advocates, educates, and protects the retail sector, hoping to turn this dream into a reality.

Paul Zahra, ARA CEO, says retail is one of the most diverse work sectors in Australia.

“Improving the diversity, equality, and inclusion opportunities for people with a disability is an important focus for our team members.

“We applaud and warmly welcome this investment from the Federal Government which will be critically important in undertaking this work.”

The project is still in early stages, but could signal the beginning of a more open and accepting workforce, providing diverse Australians with employment opportunities and helping to educate the public.

“Developing programs to help people with psychosocial disability overcome barriers to employment enables them to enter a workforce that provides gainful employment, social engagement and meaningful income.”

THIS PAGE: EMPLOYING 1.3 MILLION AUSTRALIANS, RETAIL IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE SECTORS IN THE COUNTRY.

Monitor where it matters most with InfraGuard

Senceive’s InfraGuard wireless monitoring system is ideally suited to sites and structures that are considered valuable and vulnerable, and where there is the possibility of sudden, potentially catastrophic movement.

InfraGuard, available from Position Partners, is a sophisticated wireless monitoring solution to help asset owners manage critical infrastructure.

It not only tells you what your assets are doing – it shows you. Smart tilt sensors respond to movement to give you immediate insight of an event at a remote site. You will get alerts of small-scale movement which could indicate the early signs of a slope or structural failure, and graded alerts of further movement, backed up by photographic images.

InfraGuard is primarily intended to detect movement but can also include cameras that are triggered by tilt sensors, providing an instant view of potential problems so that users can differentiate between false

alarms, small-scale movement and large-scale movement that could represent an emergency – all without visiting the site.

With a proven track record of detecting potentially disruptive and dangerous events, InfraGuard can be your eyes and ears on site, without needing feet on the ground.

Data assessment and management is performed in the field without relying on external server analysis – if a sensor detects movement that breaches a threshold, it will trigger a sample to be taken on all the sensors within its network. This is crucial for interpreting an alert to understand its validity or impact.

When movement is detected, a higher sampling rate is often required to understand the rate of change and to plan appropriate steps. Pre-defined parameters and trigger levels can be programmed, which instruct the system to change sampling and reporting rates according to the degree of movement.

InfraGuard is built around the Senceive FlatMesh intelligent communication platform and therefore provides long-term, low maintenance monitoring, with readings taken at set intervals in normal conditions. When the system detects movement, it responds automatically by accelerating sampling and increasing transmission rates, with the extent of the response related to the severity of the event.

The system is suitable for many monitoring applications including:

• Sites where there is the possibility of sudden, potentially catastrophic movement.

• Sites that are considered valuable and vulnerable.

• Monitoring slopes such as road and rail cuttings, embankments, levees and mines.

• Sites where early warning of failure such as landslips and rockfall would be needed.

For more information, visit positionpartners.com.au/product/ infraguard/

FARMING TRENDS ON THE RISE

It’s an Australian way of life, and agriculture accounts for 12 per cent of our GDP. As the world grapples with rising production costs, the war in Ukraine and post-pandemic supply chain disruption, what does the future hold for Australia’s farming industry?

Words: Jeanette Severs

THIS PAGE: WHEAT FIELD IN MIROOL, NSW. THE MAJORITY OF AUSTRALIAN WHEAT IS SOLD OVERSEAS TO ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST.

EXPORT MARKETS

Agriculture accounts for 12 per cent of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP), but we produce substantially more food than we consume – with 71 per cent of our agricultural output exported to international markets. By comparison, as a nation we import only about 11 per cent of the fresh and processed food and beverages we consume.

In 2020-2021, more than 88 per cent of Australian agricultural exports were destined for Asia, with the top five export markets being Greater China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

International trade is crucial to global food security, and for a long time Australia has undertaken a key role in the Asia-Pacific region,

supporting policies that enable food self-sufficiency in countries with lowand medium-income populations.

NEW TECH

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant flaws in supply chain management, with medical and food security in the spotlight. Global accounting firm EY predicts that in the next three years companies will significantly increase investment in cold storage sensors for medical supplies, and in technologies that limit supply chain disruption for basic household and food products.

GPS technology is already enabling the use of driverless forklifts, tractors and trucks, while fully automated planning in horticulture allows vegetables to be harvested, sorted,

washed and bagged with minimal human intervention. In the dairy industry, automated milking systems also enable cows to choose when they want to be milked.

Drone technology is on the rise, with delivery drones broadcasting fungicide, herbicide and insecticide, as well as beneficial predator insects, into crops. Drones are also being used to sow seed and survey herds of livestock.

Digital technology is enabling sensors to identify where electric fences are experiencing issues, and when bores and troughs stop working. Using these technologies to identify faults reduces the need for a large workforce to manually monitor farm infrastructure.

FANTASTIC FIVE

Beef, lamb, aquaculture, dairy and oilseeds comprise the ‘fantastic five’ of Australian agriculture.

It’s estimated that 55 per cent of Australian land is given over to beef farming – as broadacre grazing, farming on developed country, or intensively in feedlots. The red meat sector on its own contributes $7 billion to Australia’s GDP. With an estimated 25 per cent growth in consumer demand for red meat and livestock products, Australian producers want to be recognised as a key supplier to global markets.

The dairy industry and food processing sector is the third largest rural industry in the country. Annually Australians consume on average 97 litres of milk, 13.6 kilograms of cheese, 4.1 kilograms of butter and 9.4 kilograms of yoghurt.

The dairy industry also includes products such as dry milk powder,

“Drone technology is on the rise, with delivery drones broadcasting fungicide, herbicide and insecticide, as well as beneficial predator insects, into crops.”

THIS PAGE: SHEEP IN BALLARAT, VIC. LAMB IS ONE OF THE 'FANTASTIC FIVE' OF AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: OYSTER FARM; POULTRY BREEDERS NEED TO PROVIDE ENRICHMENT FOR LIVESTOCK; PROTECTING CATTLE FROM FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE IS AN ONGOING ISSUE.

infant formula and food, biopharmaceuticals and beverages enriched and fortified with milk protein and fat. Australia exports 32 per cent of its milk products to China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan.

The war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on global wheat prices and volumes. And with excellent seasonal forecasts for most regions, Australian grain growers have also sown grain, pulse and oilseed varieties. The majority of Australian wheat is sold overseas, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, where it is processed to make bread, noodles and pasta.

Most of Australia’s aquaculture production comes from high-value species such as pearls, salmonids, tuna and oysters. More than 40 types of seafood are cultivated in farms, including barramundi, silver perch, Murray cod, mussels, prawns and oysters, while nearly 60 per cent of Australia’s aquaculture production comes from wild-catch fisheries in the surrounding oceans.

ANIMAL WELFARE

Consumers are increasingly demanding high standards of welfare for farmed animals.

Poultry meat breeders are required to provide environmental enrichment for their livestock, and ducks specifically need access to water for bathing. The code of practice for the welfare of pigs raised for meat consumption includes protection from extremes of climate, appropriate care to allow the animals to socialise and display normal pig behaviour.

Red meat processors are requiring guarantees from producers that pain relief has been used in animal husbandry (for castration, tail docking and dehorning, for example), and transparency over whether antibiotics are provided to treat injuries or infections.

The CSIRO and leading industry organisation Meat & Livestock Australia, along with government departments, are developing a tool to assess, benchmark and objectively track changes in welfare performance, and clearly identify areas for improvement across Australia.

BETTER BIOSECURITY

Indonesia’s outbreak of foot-andmouth disease has put biosecurity in the spotlight, but stopping diseases

and pests at the border is an ongoing challenge for Australia’s agricultural industry. Any breach could be a serious threat to food production, food security and trade agreements.

One of the biggest risks to biosecurity is travellers bringing contaminated clothing into the country after hiking through regions or visiting farms where disease is rife. Contaminated food products concealed in luggage – however innocently – are another factor.

As well as foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease and African swine fever have also spread into new regions within the Asia-Pacific zone. If these highly contagious diseases were to get a foothold in Australia’s livestock the effects could be devastating. Globally, African swine fever accounts for 82 per cent of reported pig deaths.

In terms of pests, Khapra beetle – a destructive pest found in at least 75 countries and a significant risk to the grain industry – is on the watchlist. It arrives in shipping containers, imported grain and other foodstuffs, machinery, cargo and mail, and again thanks to unsuspecting travellers.

IT’S TIME TO TALK ABOUT MENOPAUSE

THIS PAGE: TALKING ABOUT MENOPAUSE IN THE WORKPLACE CAN REDUCE STIGMA AND ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO SPEAK UP ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES.

According to researchers at the Australian Menopause Society, the symptoms of menopause are becoming worse and worse, which directly affects menopausal women while they are at work. These symptoms can be often misdiagnosed as mental illness or other conditions, and can severely impact attendance and productivity.

As many women will experience menopause while they are of working age, it is vital to acknowledge the challenges they face in the workplace due to their menopausal symptoms.

STARTING THE CONVERSATION

Menopause is the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle, and happens to every woman at some point in her life. In Australia, more than 80 per cent of women experience mild to harsh menopause symptoms.

A quarter of women going through menopause endure debilitating symptoms, including but not limited to irregular periods, hot flashes, chills, mood changes, irregular sleep patterns and more. These symptoms can last up to 10 years, with many women cutting down their hours, only working part-time or retiring early to cope with their symptoms.

As a result of the severity of these symptoms, women can become discouraged at work, which results in a decrease in job satisfaction and reduced working hours. According to the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST), menopause costs women upwards of $17 billion annually in lost revenue and superannuation.

Many women have difficulty identifying their symptoms, which leads them to avoid seeking help. Having colleagues who do not understand menopause or don’t have enough information about it makes it even harder for them to discuss or ask for help.

Researchers have found that early diagnosis and education is an important preventative measure for menopause and its related illnesses. When the necessary actions are taken to educate others, it reduces absenteeism in the workplace

Many women will experience menopause while they are in the workforce. How can businesses start the conversation to provide better support?

Words: Lauren Lefever

and encourages women to speak up about their experiences.

ENDING THE STIGMA

Janet Michelmore AO, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, stresses the importance of ending the stigma in regards to menopause in the workplace and finding women the necessary treatment.

“We need to break taboos around the topic of menopause and encourage women, their partners and families, and workplaces to acknowledge this life stage and talk more openly about it. We need to find options and uncover more ways to keep women in the workplace so they can

contribute to society and the economy as they wish to,” says Janet.

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a national not-for-profit organisation that advocates for women’s health education. The organisation honours the work of Jean Hailes, who opened the nation’s first women’s health clinic dedicated to menopause. In 2022, the Jean Hailes organisation opened two clinics in Victoria specialising in women's health issues.

Janet encourages women everywhere to check out the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health website for updated information, booklets, video and podcasts on how to manage menopausal symptoms.

“Important conversations and increased education for women and their health practitioners around menopause have to become the norm,” says Janet.

It’s essential that workplaces today recognise the negative impact menopause has on the many women at work.

There are many different strategies

BELOW: JANET MICHELMORE IS THE CEO OF JEAN HAILES, A NOTFOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION THAT ADVOCATES FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH. IMAGE: JEANHAILES.ORG.AU

management and HR can implement that will help women feel more comfortable talking about their symptoms and asking for assistance.

Some of them include:

– Encouraging support groups to discuss perceptions of menopause.

– Providing HR managers and other employees with the necessary training and information on what menopause is and how it can impact work conditions.

– Understanding that each woman experiences menopause differently.

– Creating new HR policies that promote menopause-friendly ideas.

– Assisting in awareness campaigns that acknowledge menopause and work to remove the stigma behind it. Managing symptoms and understanding them better can greatly contribute to women’s wellbeing at work. It’s time we take the necessary steps to make women feel comfortable and heard at their workplace.

“We need to break taboos around the topic of menopause and encourage women, their partners and families, and workplaces to acknowledge this life stage and talk more openly about it.”

SHELLING OUT FOR OYSTERS

Oyster farmers come up against many different challenges in their work, including waves, wind, tides, disease and climate change. However, one of the biggest hurdles they face is finance. Oceanfarmr’s Farm to Buy program hopes to provide a solution.

Words: Emily Riches

OPPOSITE AND RIGHT: THE OYSTER INDUSTRY IS WORTH BILLIONS OF DOLLARS GLOBALLY.

OCEANFARMR IS IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO FINANCE THE GROWTH OF THIS SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY.

Ewan McAsh is a game-changer. A marine biologist turned oyster farmer, Ewan founded the farm management app Oceanfarmr (previously SmartOysters) in 2017, which turned the regenerative aquaculture industry on its head.

Oceanfarmr allowed oyster farmers to accurately record the activity of their farm using GPS-enabled technology, rather than just relying on their own memory, skill, experience and grit.

Now, following the success of Oceanfarmr, Ewan is back at it again with Farm to Buy, a program that aims to continue supporting ocean farmers and the expansion of Australia’s aquaculture industry.

OVERVIEW OF THE OYSTER INDUSTRY

The oyster industry is worth US$150$300 billion globally – and growing. As Ewan says, “Over the past 10 years we have seen an increased appreciation and awareness of the health benefits of eating seafood as

well as the environmental benefits of ocean farming of oysters, mussels, and seaweed. Demand and prices have significantly increased but growing conditions have become more challenging. The end result is that farmers have had to rapidly change cultivation methods, adopting new technology and growing methods to meet the market.”

Oceanfarmr’s Farm to Buy program has been designed with this in mind. As the only company dedicated to the ocean farming sectors of oysters, mussels and seaweed, Oceanfarmr is in a unique position to finance the growth of the sustainable ocean farming industry.

HOW DOES FARM TO BUY WORK?

While land-based agricultural farms often have the option to use their land as an asset to secure financing, ocean farmers have traditionally found it more difficult to access capital.

As Ewan explains, “They simply cannot use marine leases as security

for traditional bank loans, and with the farms being underwater, they are perceived as high risk.”

The Farm to Buy program is enabling farmers to expand their production by providing initial crops and infrastructure. For example, the oyster farmer will receive a crop that can be grown over a 12-month cycle as well as the infrastructure to grow it (oyster baskets). The farmer makes no upfront or ongoing payments. They then farm the crop for the 12-month cycle, and when it is harvested and sold, use the funds to pay out the finance. The farmer will then have ownership over the new baskets and farming system outright.

Not only does this alternative allow farmers to expand their production, it also eliminates the fear of debt from traditional financing options.

As Ewan says, “Farm to Buy is tailored specifically for ocean farmers. It’s not finance in the traditional sense, more an innovative combination of crop financing, share farming and asset management. [It] enables

LEFT TO RIGHT: SUE AND GREG MCINTYRE, PAMBULA, NSW; OYSTER FARM IN EAGLEHAWK NECK, TASMANIA.

farmers to leverage their expertise and farm data to fund new gear and grow their farm’s production. It does not require security. It does not require monthly cash repayments. Instead, it enables farmers to invest in the newest, most robust farming technology.”

To access Farm to Buy, the farmer must be an existing farmer and Oceanfarmr subscriber, with at least three months of farm data tracked with Oceanfarmr.

WHAT WILL IT ACHIEVE?

This farm data is an important aspect of the program. Oceanfarmr constantly captures hundreds of data points over time across crops, assets and activities. The Oceanfarmr team then work closely with the farmer to provide insights on their business and infrastructure.

The Farm to Buy program uses that data to show that these farmers have better farm practices, efficiency and scalability, to maximise crop value and de-risk the farm.

Oceanfarmr has shown that shellfish and seaweed farmers who most actively use the Oceanfarmr app can typically manage more stock, have lower mortality rates and are

frequently more profitable. Not only that, but finance providers can also benefit by using Oceanfarmr to more effectively measure the risks associated with aquaculture farming.

The importance of sustainable aquaculture for the environment can also not be overstated. As Ewan notes, “Sustainable aquaculture needs no inputs so uses little to no natural resources. It draws nutrients out of the ocean currents thus improving water quality. The farms provide habitat and shelter for other sea animals. The world has a growing need for healthy protein which shellfish provide without damaging the environment.”

As climate change has a wider effect on ocean life and landscapes, the technology will also allow farmers to increase the quality and quantity of their yields. Ewan is looking forward to the changes this will bring to the industry. “This means more sustainable, quality seafood can be

grown, more jobs for local regional areas – for both young and old farmers and staff – and more opportunities for young farmers to come into the industry.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR OCEANFARMR?

Ewan was blown away by the initial response to Farm To Buy. “We had a huge response to the Farm to Buy with now more than $60 million in farm finance enquiries. So, our focus at Oceanfarmr is getting farmers set up to take advantage of this new program, with mussel and seaweed farms to be added next.”

They have just had a massive investment from Katapult VC, which will be used to accelerate and expand the Farm to Buy program, allowing more farmers to access much needed resources to grow their farms sustainably.

Visit oceanfarmr.com

“Sustainable aquaculture needs no inputs so uses little to no natural resources. It draws nutrients out of the ocean currents thus improving water quality.”

MINING STATE OF MIND

As the world enters a new minerals super cycle, mining is expanding all over the country, with Western Australia and Queensland leading the charge.

words: Ian Lloyd Neubauer

DELVING INTO WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The comparative ease in planning new projects, strong government support and a high chance of hitting pay dirt saw Western Australia ranked as the world’s top jurisdiction for investment in mining by the Fraser Institute’s most recent annual survey of mining companies.

Western Australia is already the world’s largest producer of iron ore, pearls and diamonds by volume, and it has more than a third of the world’s proven gold reserves. It has also positioned itself as the world’s largest producer of lithium concentrate, a crucial ingredient for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles.

Some 250km south of Perth, Greenbush – the biggest hard-rock

lithium mine in the world – has two new projects in the works that will lift production from 1.27 million tonnes per annum to more than 2 million tonnes per annum by 2025.

Wesfarmers and Chile’s SQM have started early mining operations at the new $1.9 billion lithium mine and processing plant at Mount Holland, 450km west of Perth, which sits on one of the largest undeveloped deposits in the world. Production will commence at full capacity in the second half of 2024.

Mount Holland also has a power plant with 27,000 solar panels, which will provide a quarter of the power for its processing plant as the industry moves towards net-zero or ’green’ mining. The Kathleen Valley lithium mine will build Australia’s largest

wind-solar power station, while the Pilgangoora lithium project has commissioned a solar generator.

Fortescue Metals has promised to spend $6.2 billion to achieve net zero for direct energy and electricity use at all its iron ore mines by 2030. Bellevue Gold is claiming it will be the first ‘green gold’ mine, following the installation of a renewable power system at its Kalgoorlie mine.

With Australian dollar gold prices trading near record highs, historic gold mines in Western Australia are getting new leases on life. The Kalgoorlie Super Pit has had its first expansion in 30 years with drillers now hitting gold mineralisation up to 2km below the surface. And at the Burbanks gold mine 550km west of Perth – the richest gold mine in the

state in the early 1900s – Greenstone Resources has started mining on a trial basis at the historical 150-metre pit.

“To put that into broader context, a number of the other mines within the region will often mine down to 1,000 or 1,200 metres below surface quite comfortably,” managing director Chris Hansen told the ABC. “So we really are just scratching the surface here.”

Construction has also begun at the upcoming $2.1 billion Onslow iron ore project in the West Pilbara region, one of the largest iron ore mines in the state. A new port will be built to service it, with the first ore shipments scheduled to sail to Shanghai in December 2023. The project is backed by Baowu, China’s largest stateowned steelmaker.

And Rio Tinto is on its best behaviour after destroying two 46,000-year-old sacred indigenous sites in the Pilbara in 2020. Earlier this year the mining giant opened the most high-tech, environmentally friendly mine in the region, which features autonomous trucks, trains and drills, a digital replica of the processing plant with an interactive 3D environment for virtual reality training and a solar farm with 83,000 panels that meets one-third of the facility’s energy needs.

All in all, the future looks bright for mining in Western Australia.

“We offer a stable investment environment, we have a strong economy, highly skilled workforce, and world-class mineral resources backed by industry-leading mining

and logistics infrastructure. This means our state is well-placed for the future,” says Premier Mark McGowan.

ON THE FRONTLINE IN QUEENSLAND

When Queensland hiked coal mining royalties in June, after a 10-year freeze – hoping for a larger share of the super profits mining companies are earning in the state – the Queensland Resource Council warned the local coal industry was at risk. And when BHP said it was pausing a proposed $1 billion investment at the Blackwater South coal mine as a result, it seemed the council was right.

But coal is now trading at more than $500 per tonne – a 150 per cent increase compared to the previous year – and mining in Queensland is

“We offer a stable investment environment, we have a strong economy, highly skilled workforce, and world-class mineral resources backed by industry-leading mining and logistics infrastructure. This means our state is well-placed for the future.”

THIS PAGE: THE KCGM SUPERPIT KALGOORLIE BOULDER. IMAGE: TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

thriving, not just in coal but with new developments in gold and copper, too.

The biggest new project, the Olive Downs coal mine in the Bowen Basin, represents a $1 billion investment that will eventually add a projected $10 billion in gross state product. More than 500 jobs will be created during the construction phase, which has begun, and another 1,000 mining jobs will be created when it is operational. Olive Downs will produce 15 million tonnes of high-grade metallurgical coal for steelmaking every year, and could theoretically operate for 80 years.

BHP also has big plans for coal mining in the Bowen Basin. Shortly after announcing the freeze at Blackwater South, it sought federal

approval for another coal mine south of Blackwater. BHP has also applied to expand its Peak Downs mine in the Bowen Basin.

Then there’s Grosvenor, an underground mine in the Bowen that was closed in May 2020 after five workers were seriously injured in a methane explosion. Grosvenor has now received approval from the state regulator to restart operations.

In the Mount Isa region of North West Queensland, South African mining company Harmony Gold has paid $230 million for the Eva Mine, and is set to commence operations next year. Eva is expected to produce 45,000 tonnes of copper and 18 tonnes of gold over 15 years. And Altona Mining is looking to develop

ABOVE AND BELOW: ONSLOW IRON ORE ROADTRAIN. IMAGE: INTERNATIONAL MINING; COAL IS NOW THRIVING, AND TRADING AT $500 PER TONNE.

Little Eva, part of Australia’s biggest undeveloped base metal site, which contains 1.65 million tonnes of copper and 0.4 million tonnes of gold.

In the Darling Downs, a 13-year application process – the longest in the state’s history – has finally paid dirt for the New Hope Group after it received state approval for the third expansion of its New Acland mine. New Acland is projected to produce 7.9 million tonnes of coal over the next 15 years – 60 per cent more than it was producing until November of last year, when the mine closed after all the coal in its second expansion had been extracted.

New Acland’s application for a water licence is still pending, while environmentalists and farmers have vowed to fight on and stop the expansion from ever seeing the light of day. But many people in the nearby town of Oakey see things in a different light. “This will be a relief for the town. The town has suffered, there is no doubt about that, you only have to walk down the main street. Two of the hotels have closed and one of the cafes closed only a few weeks ago,” Pat Weir, the local Liberal MP, told the ABC.

Last but not least, 700 jobs were saved in the Isaac Region after an expansion to the Carborough Downs metallurgical mine was approved, increasing it’s lifespan by 11 years.

“Queensland is naturally blessed with the world’s highest quality metallurgical coal, which the world needs to make steel,” Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said after giving Carborough Downs the green light.

“Even as the world transitions to renewables, metallurgical coal for steel will remain an essential and valuable international export commodity.”

TRULYAUS.COM

Best and brightest

Words: Lauren Lefever

As advancements in agriculture continue to occur, it’s important to recognise and appreciate those who are making strides to create a positive change in the industry.

The NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarship Program has been rewarding, promoting and encouraging excellence in the agriculture sector since its creation in 1993.

This year, five women were the recipients of the five different $4,000 scholarships, each being honoured for commitment to agriculture advancement of regional communities.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be in their first or subsequent year of study, or their second year or subsequent year of university or vocational education.

Their parents or legal guardian must also have been full producer members of NSW Farmers for two consecutive years at the time of the application.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs committee chair Garry Grant says that the scholarship is a really great opportunity for students who are dedicated and disciplined in their agriculture studies.

THE SCHOLARSHIPS

Below we have covered the five different scholarships students could apply for.

The EL O’Brien Scholarship

The EL O’Brien Scholarship commemorates the commitment of EL (Dick) O’Brien, a Walgett wool grower and senior official in the United Farmers and Wool Growers Association (UFWA).

The John White Memorial Scholarship

The John White Memorial Scholarship was created in honour of former NSW Farmers’ Association Chief Executive John White. John was pivotal in the process of combining the Graziers Association and the United Farmers’ and Woolgrowers’ Association in 1978 to create NSW Farmers’ Association.

The Alan Chapman Memorial Scholarship

The Alan Chapman Memorial Scholarship honours the commitment of Alan Chapman, who served for 30 years on the NSW Farmers Council and attended 51 NSW Farmers Conferences throughout his career.

The Graham Blatch Memorial Goobang Scholarship

The Graham Blatch Memorial Goobang Scholarship pays tribute to Graham Blatch, former NSW Farmers’ Association Regional Services Manager. Graham has been a member of the Association since he was 18, and has influenced many farmers throughout NSW and spent his life committed to the advancement of agriculture.

The Paul Lockyer Memorial Scholarship

The Paul Lockyer Memorial Scholarship pays respect to the work of Paul Lockyer, an Australian television journalist for the ABC and the Nine Network. He spent

much of his career reporting on regional and rural issues throughout Australia.

THE RECIPIENTS

This year, five stellar young women were chosen based on their commitment to the farming industry and their active engagement in their studies and community.

JESSICA RYAN

Jessica Ryan is the winner of the EL O’Brien Scholarship and she is a student from Charles Sturt University studying agriculture business management. Jessica has spent her life tending to her family’s farm and plans to continue that work after her graduation.

“Farming is an evergrowing industry, where staying innovative is getting harder yet becoming the simplest way to be profitable. I hope to be a part of the positive change in farming, even if it is in the smallest way possible,” Jessica said.

EMME WILLIAMS

Emme Williams was the recipient of the John White Memorial Scholarship.

Emme is a student from Charles Sturt University studying for a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Emme grew up immersing herself in agriculture and rural communities. With age and experience, her passion for the agricultural industry and working alongside

farmers as a veterinarian has flourished.

“I want to give back to the industry that grew such a large personal passion for livestock, through educating others and showcasing the power of animal welfare in nutrition, genetics, environment, and husbandry,” Emma said.

IMOGEN WILKES-BOWES

The winner of the Alan Chapman Memorial Scholarship is Imogen Wilkes-Bowes, a student at the University of Sydney studying for a Bachelor of Science. Imogen has grown up working on her family farm, and regularly returns home to help her parents in the farming industry.

“I have chosen to pursue

medicine because I believe that the gap in healthcare outcomes between rural and metropolitan areas can be bridged by healthcare which focuses on prevention, education and support, which I hope to provide,” Imogen said.

MATILDA CLIFTON

The winner of the Graham Blatch Memorial Goobang Scholarship is Matilda Clifton, a student at the University of Sydney receiving a Bachelors of Science. Growing up on her family’s farm, Matilda was taught the importance of teamwork from a very young age. She is concerned with the lack of mental health resources provided to younger people, and aims to bring a change to the current state of rural healthcare.

“I look forward to moving back to the country and promoting mental health awareness, increasing accessibility and knowledge

of services, as well as breaking down the stigmas that farmers and country towns have surrounding mental illness,” she said.

SOPHIE CARGILL

The recipient of the Paul Lockyer Memorial Scholarship is Sophie Cargill, a student at Charles Sturt University studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Sophie is interested in providing more mental health resources in rural areas, and plans to improve the accessibility of health services in remote areas.

“I hope to improve the quality of life experienced by Australians living in regional and remote communities, by encouraging them to live active, safe, and healthy lifestyles,” Sophie said.

A similar story first appeared in The Farmer magazine for the NSW Farmers Association.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JESSICA RYAN; IMOGEN WILKESBOWES; SOPHIE CARGILL; MATILDA CLIFTON; EMME WILLIAMS.

THE HAPPIEST MAN ALIVE

In a landmark case, the Munupi Clan prevented oil and gas producer Santos from drilling in the sea north of the Tiwi Islands.

Words: Lauren Lefever

READ IT ONLINE

On September 21, 2022, the Federal Court dismissed Santos’s attempt to drill for gas in the sea north of the Tiwi Islands. Federal Court Justice Mordecai Bromberg decided that the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), should not have approved Santos’s request to drill off the islands, as the company neglected to discuss this decision with the Tiwi Traditional Owners. Santos was ordered to remove its rig from the island and vacate the premises by October 6.

OPPOSITE: SENIOR LAWMAN DENNIS TIPAKALIPPA; PITJAMIRRA BEACH ON MELVILLE ISLAND. IMAGES: REBECCA PARKER.

RIGHT: TIWI ISLANDERS PROTESTING THE BAROSSA GAS PROJECT; A GAS CARRIER. IMAGES: REBECCA PARKER.

PRIOR TO THE DRILLING

At the beginning of the project, Santos said it had sent the Tiwi Land Council a consultation package in June 2022 regarding its plans. This was then followed up with a second email a few weeks later.

Santos said that further attempts to contact the Council were made by phone, but no response was received, giving the impression that there were no issues or concerns.

Justice Bromberg told Santos that the Tiwi Land Council did not have ultimate jurisdiction over the Sea Country, and the lack of response, “may also have raised a doubt or concern as to whether the invitation to engage in consultation had actually reached a person who was likely to have regarded the invitation as of relevance to any representative or other function that that person may have.”

THE LAWSUIT

The lawsuit was initially launched in June 2022 by Senior Lawman of the Munupi Clan Dennis Tipakalippa, one of the Traditional Owners of the Tiwi Islands. Dennis voiced his concern with the implications of drilling in the sea, mentioning the possibility of spill.

The Senior Lawman informed the court that he and many Traditional Owners of the islands have a spiritual connection with the Sea Country, the northern part of the island that extends into Santos’s project area. Dennis also stated that a lot of time is spent fishing and hunting in the water. The offshore project posed a risk to many food sources for those who reside in the Tiwi Islands.

In August, the federal court made a trip out to the Pitjamirra Beach on Melville Island in the Tiwi Islands to

receive personal attestations from the Traditional Owners, including in the form of song and dance. While the court was making its decision, Santos agreed to cease any drilling before making contact with the gas reservoir.

Justice Bromberg stated that there is enough evidence to assume NOPSEMA did not consult the Munupi, and the sufficient Sea Country material that Santos needed to consider was not considered.

THE HAPPIEST MAN ALIVE

At the conclusion of the trial, Dennis stated that he was “the happiest man alive.”

“The most important thing for us is to protect our Sea Country. We want Santos and all mining companies to remember – we are powerful, we will fight for our land and Sea Country, for our future generations, no matter how hard and how long,” he stated in an interview.

EDO Special Council Alina Leikin declares this a “huge victory for the Munupi Clan and a testament to their

strength and dedication in the face of one of Australia’s largest mining companies.” She predicts it will encourage future consultation with First Nations people on projects regarding their land.

Alina also expressed how much of a privilege it was to represent Dennis and the Munupi Clan throughout this process.

“Today’s decision puts oil and gas companies on notice. It sets a new standard about the depth of consultation that companies are required to conduct with Traditional Owners before they gain approval for drilling in Sea Country. It confirms that the voices of First Nations communities must be heard when their Countries and cultures are under threat,” she said in an interview.

Jason Fowler, Energy Campaigner at the Environment Centre NT, also gave his input on the situation.

“This is a historic decision that could have enormous ramifications not only for the Barossa project, which is now in disarray, but for all offshore oil and gas projects.”

STAYING CYBERSECURE

Recent cyber attacks have led to significant data leaks, and industry leaders fear that Australians are losing confidence in the country’s cybersecurity capabilities.

Words: Matilda Meikle

Recent cyber attacks in Australia have resulted in identity leaks and significant breaches in user confidentiality. One incident with MyDeal.com.au occurred when a compromised credential, due to an increase in users, allowed access to the database that stored user information. In total, this attack led to the release of 2.2 million customers’ data, including everything from emails, names and phone numbers, addresses and birthdays.

In an interview with Channel 9, Professor Sanjay Jha, Chief Scientist at the UNSW Institute for Cybersecurity,

stated: “the breach raises serious concerns for the end user’s confidence in using online services and poses a serious challenge for the industry.

“Compromised credentials should not provide easy access to malicious actors when multi-factor authentication is in place. You would expect more stringent authorisation and access control and network partitioning to protect these critical assets.”

But with these leaks becoming more and more regular, how should the public respond? And what measures are being put in place to ensure our digital safety?

PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY

A simple way to increase online safety is by following the Cyber Security Guidelines released by the Australian Cyber Security Centre. They outline a series of measures that can help businesses protect their online systems from breaches, allowing customers to feel safe and secure.

Dr Arash Shaghaghi, a senior lecturer in cybersecurity at the UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering and UNSW Institute for Cybersecurity, says it’s clear the newest research on cybersecurity isn’t being implemented fast enough by

many industries, resulting in these attacks. If companies listen and respond to this new information, our data may be better stored and protected.

“Users’ data is collected by various services without any control from the end user, and often the data collection to join these services is excessive – leaving end users vulnerable and with limited options when a serious breach occurs,” he says.

“Other parts of the world are investing heavily in technological measures such as self-sovereign identity, where users would have better control over who has access to what part of user identity and other information.

“We need to enhance investment in practical research and think of measures that facilitate the adoption of the latest technologies to reinforce our resiliency against the growing number of attacks targeting Australia.”

By adopting innovative technological solutions, companies can secure the future of cybersecurity.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

In September this year, 10 million Optus customers were hacked when cyber criminals broke into the system and stole personal details including passport ID and driving licence numbers. The breach revealed that an open port used for testing purposes was left in the final product version, creating an opening which was exploited by the hackers.

While this attack was shocking, it’s not uncommon in the digital world. Professor Jha recalls a similar incident when boxing an early version of the Philips Hue bulbs. His team discovered that it was possible to control these devices through similar open ports.

“This was reported to the company who fixed the problem in their future version. A simple penetration testing of servers before deployment could have potentially made such attacks difficult, if not impossible.”

Professor Jha has been concerned about the use of authorisation processes for a long time, claiming that an enforcement of harsher penalties for negligence may ensure future attacks are prevented.

By educating businesses and offering better digital support for improving these processes, the public’s data can be protected.

But for this to happen, researchers and industry need to come together, working closely to safeguard Australia’s online community. “We need to regain the community’s confidence in our cyber capabilities,” he says.

These inventive solutions to our cyber security problems may just save Australians from further attacks, but it’s up to businesses to implement strategies online and regain public trust.

“Users’ data is collected by various services without any control from the end user, and often the data collection to join these services is excessive - leaving end users vulnerable and with limited options when a serious breach occurs.”

LEARNING IN THE HARBOUR CITY

Located just eight kilometres east of Sydney’s CBD, Kincoppal-Rose Bay is nestled amongst extensive private bushland, with easy and direct access to the harbour’s beaches.

For our boarders, KRB is a home away from home where they can relax and unwind. We cultivate a close-knit and nurturing community that allows many opportunities to connect, relate and gain an understanding of different cultures.

The beautiful harbour at Rose Bay is a serene backdrop to the learning, development and adventure that takes place within our school every day. Our location and campus design offers the very best of nature with many opportunities to exercise and be active in a beautiful setting so our students can continue to thrive.

Boarders at KRB live and learn on the picturesque edge of Australia’s biggest city. By taking advantage of all the learning and cultural opportunities that Sydney has to offer as a truly global city, boarders at KRB can expand their world.

The city’s many galleries and museums offer rich learning experiences for our students, with premier cultural institutions such as the Art Gallery of NSW situated less than 10 kilometres from Kincoppal-Rose Bay.

On the weekend, boarding staff facilitate an array of activities, both on campus and around the city. These include attending festivals such as Vivid Sydney, going to sporting matches such as the AFL and Sydney Swifts games, days at local beaches such as Bondi and Coogee, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and surf lessons. There are also visits to the CBD, the many shopping precincts, cinemas and local markets.

For more information, visit krb.nsw.edu.au

KRB Scholarships

Kincoppal-Rose Bay offers a range of scholarships and bursaries including a number of means-tested full boarding and tuition scholarships.

Applications for Kincoppal-Rose Bay scholarships for students entering Years 7, 9, 10 and 11 in 2024 are open now until Monday 13 February 2023.

Visit www.krb.nsw.edu.au for more information and to apply.

WITH FRIENDS LIKE THAT, WHO NEEDS ANEMONES?

Australia’s first offshore coral nursery at Fitzroy Island has spawned an abundance of coral, thanks to the Reef Restoration Foundation.

Words: Matilda Meikle

Reef Restoration Foundation’s CEO, Ryan Donnelly, says the start of coral spawning was recorded by a coral farming expert and three marine biologists. As coral is crucial to marine biodiversity, it’s an exciting development, opening the door for further marine habitat restoration on the Great Barrier Reef.

CRUCIAL CORAL

Reef Restoration Foundation planted coral on underwater frames in 2017, after the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority granted a permit for the pilot research program.

“We planted coral cuttings in a degraded patch of reef and these pioneer species have grown to around 1 metre in diameter, helping to create a healthy and complex habitat for various corals and marine life,” says marine biologist and Master Reef Guide Azri Saparwan.

“Watching our coral babies reproduce for the first time to create the next generation of corals was a beautiful and humbling experience.

“The spawning was a showcase of how the Great Barrier Reef generates new coral recruits each year as part of its regeneration process.”

The techniques employed by these scientists were based on reef restoration sites in Florida, where healthy coral was attached to underwater frames, and then planted onto hard substrate after a growing period of around six months.

THE PROJECT

Cameron Bee was part of the team recording the coral spawning. He has 25 years’ experience in coral aquaculture, specifically with coral farms in the Asia-Pacific region, and is part of the Great Barrier Reef Legacy’s Living Coral Biobank project.

“We are facilitating reef recovery in a time when disturbances are more frequent and severe. Growing corals to create habitat is important, but additionally taking them through to spawning is a milestone in our bid to maintain biodiversity,” he says.

Additionally, Reef Restoration Foundation has partnered with the Tropical North Queensland tourism

industry and corporate sponsors to support the Fitzroy Island nursery, as well as another two outer reef sites on Hastings and Moore Reefs.

“It is a community effort as we receive no government funding and rely on the support of around 50 volunteers, with about one-third of these experienced divers working in the tourism industry,” says Ryan Donnelly.

“The challenge for the Great Barrier Reef is far from over, with scientists telling us the water will continue to warm, but we are up for the fight. In a changing climate, it is all about buying time and selling hope.

“We need to drastically reduce global emissions, but at the same time work collaboratively to build the resilience of the places we love. We all have a role to play.”

LEFT TO RIGHT: RYAN DONNELLY, CEO; MARINE BIOLOGISTS AZRI SAPARWAN AND HANNAH KISH. IMAGES:RRF.

A SUMMER OF FAMILY FUN AT EAST

If you’re visiting Canberra, there is no better time to check out East’s Summer of Fun.

Ping Pong battles, foosball playoffs, movie marathons, pizza picnics and so much more will help keep the whole family entertained!

EASTHOTEL.COM.AU

The future depends on what you do today

Discover the simple, low-cost way of investing used by investors like you. Invest without borders with Saxo.