OUTthere Rex March 2014

Swanning around Gourmet meanderings in the Swan Valley

Nature’s cradle Rich discoveries in Tassie’s Derwent Valley

Issue 117 • March 2014TOP PERFORMING AIRLINE ASIA-PACIFIC 2013

TOP PERFORMING REGIONAL AIRLINE 2009-12

BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE

A U S T R A L I A N

READERS’ CHOICE AWARD

20112013

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ARISINGADDAMO

Owl Eyes takes the stage

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WELCOME to the March issue of OUTthere.As this month firmly entrenches us in the 2014

business year, we are mindful to recognise the important relationships we have with our passengers and the communities we service.

As with any business, our customers (in our case, passengers), are the reason we exist. And while Rex has been fortunate to receive many global aviation accolades in the past, we are particularly proud when we are recognised by the most important people in the industry – the travellers themselves. Late last year Rex was honoured to receive the commendation of ‘Best Australian Regional Airline’ as voted by readers in the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. The awards saw more than 1,100 people nominate what they consider to be the best travel-related experiences in Australia, and we were proud to be included on an exclusive list of winners. To be recognised by our passengers in this way is truly gratifying.

We are also conscious of the important relationship we have with the communities to which we provide services. In 2013 we continued our partnership with Brand South Australia in association with their Regional Awards program. The program acknowledges important contributions from individuals, groups and businesses across regional South Australia, and Rex was proud to offer our support through flight assistance. Such initiatives demonstrate the passion and resilience of regional communities, and we are pleased to be able to support these communities who have shown great loyalty to our airline over the years.

It’s heartening to be involved in such meaningful partnerships with our passengers and regional communities, and we look forward to continuing strong relationships in 2014.

So until next month, from all 1,000 of us at Rex, Air Link, Pel-Air and AAPA, we invite you to sit back, relax and let us do the flying.

Dear friends of

Destination of the month: Dirt n dust in Julia Creek.

welcome

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Go to the Avis counter on arrival.

*Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon or promotion, including package tour, corporate, travel industry or Government rates. Valid for a single car group upgrade, from a Group X to Group A, Group A to Group B, Group B to Group C, Group C to Group D, Group D to Group E, Group E to Group P. Subject to vehicle availability at time of rental. SAVI7995

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getaway: we explore the Derwent Valley

VIII rexnewsThe 2013 Rex AGM report; Rex named ‘Best Regional Australian Airline’ for a second time.

XI rexcommunityThe SA Regional Awards supported by Rex as its airline of choice; Moruya holds its 17th jazz festival.

XV don’tmissThe latest upcoming events around the country.

XVI artspaceWill Maguire is breathing new life into an ancient craft.

XVIII regionalstopoverRiley Palmer travels to Julia Creek for a truly dirty and dusty Outback festival experience.

01 checkinARIA award-winning songstress Taasha Coates from The Audreys talks blues and roots and the Adelaide Hills.

03 entertainmentA selection of the latest compelling books, music, and DVDs.

04 citybitesSome hotspots in our major cities; eat, stay and play in the big smoke.

06 closeupSongstress Brooke Addamo, otherwise known as Owl Eyes, is making waves in the music industry.

12 outtahereKaren Halabi crisscrosses the country in search of the best Aussie pubs.

18 food&wineThe Swan Valley, near Perth, is full of hidden treasures and local Mel Hearse knows exactly where to dig up the best.

24 getawayMichelle Hespe gets charmed by the delights of Tasmania’s Derwent Valley.

30 agribusinessSue Webster weighs up recent advances in farming technology and uncovers a future full of surprises.

• news & views• international mining• resources sector issues• finance & technology

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Issue 117 • March

contents

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The Rex Story - The First 10 years.(Soft Cover) $40

Rex LCD Clock with Message BoardBlue or Green - $20











OUTthere is published by Business Essentials (Australasia) Pty Limited (ABN 22 062 493 869), trading as Edge, under license to MGI Publishing Pty Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of the Publisher. Information provided was believed to be correct at the time of publication. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. OUTthere cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine, they will not be returned. Some images used in OUTthere are from Thinkstock and Getty Images.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle [email protected] EDITOR Danielle CheneryASSISTANT EDITOR Simone Henderson-SmartINTERNS Dana Groop, Kyle Soyer SUB-EDITOR Kris Madden PRODUCTION MANAGER Brian VentourSENIOR DESIGNER Guy PendleburyPREPRESS COORDINATOR Tarn MountPRINTER SOS Print & Media

CONTRIBUTORS Riley Palmer, Karen Halabi, Mel Hearse, Sue Webster, Amal Awad, Oryana Angel, Fiona Poynter, Christine Retschlag, Ian Neubauer, Liam Egan, Kevin Lee, Lesley Parker.

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, Rex and OUTtherePeter [email protected] NATIONAL SALES MANAGERS, Inside Mining Chris [email protected] [email protected] ACCOUNT MANAGER, National Property Guide, Classifieds and SkytransRobert [email protected], SA and NT SALES AGENTHelen Glasson, Hogan MediaPhone: 08 9381 [email protected]

PUBLISHER Geoff CampbellCHAIRMAN Chris Innis CEO Eddie Thomas

OUTthere is published by Edge51 Whistler Street, Manly NSW 2095 Phone: 02 8962 2600,www.edgecustom.com.au

You may have heard about the ‘full moon’ in Darwin in early February. It was in the grass beside a train track, and it wasn’t a pretty sight. I’m not talking about something celestial, although some of the white bottoms in the row shone as white and bright as the sun. I’m talking about the local greeting as The Ghan cruised into Darwin for its 10th anniversary run. The gathering of Darwin locals dropped their pants and flashed their bums, all for the joy of the passengers aboard. Where else in the world would that happen? ‘Only in Darwin’ glasses were raised to the rowdy row and their cheeky welcome.

The rest of the three-day iconic journey from Adelaide to Darwin was moon-free (except for the real deal surrounded by stars every night), and included three stops in the desert for the 230 passengers aboard. First stop was a concert in the tiny settlement of Pimba (population of around 50) with none other than legendary rock star James Reyne dishing up an awesome Australian Crawl set while standing on the back of a truck.

The next stop was Alice Springs, where everyone disembarked for tours of the town and its galleries, and some travelled out of town to join a camel ride through the red dirt plains awash with swathes of the greenest of green shrubs, trees and bush land, still wet from the first rains of the wet season. Camels are an intrinsic part of The Ghan experience, as it was on their backs that the millions of sleepers that The Ghan travels along were carried. Did you know that a camel can carry almost its own weight? A staggering 450 kilograms (they can get up to about 600 kilograms).

Final stop before the final destination of Darwin was Katherine Gorge, where our group was lucky enough to have the rain stop, just before the roads were closed off, and then lucky enough for it to have rained enough to get a large speed boat through three of the main gorges in Katherine Gorge. There are 13 gorges in all, and a quick spin within the majestic, towering ancient walls, is enough to have the mind boggling at the history of such an incredible place.

Finally, Darwin and a ‘full moon’. It was truly an amazing trip and I highly recommend the journey to anyone wanting to experience Australia’s Red Centre. There is something so relaxing about rattling along rails while you’re in your bed at night, looking up at the stars and desert passing, knowing that you’ll wake up in another far flung outback town and another adventure.

Enjoy your trip today and drop us a line sometime – we love hearing from you.

Michelle Hespe and the OUTthere team

From the editor...

Above: With my camel, Anna, at Pyndan Camel Tracks.

Cover photograph supplied by Mushroom

Group

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Exercise and stretch regularly while seated.In-flight comfort

SHOULDER STRETCH Reach right hand over left shoulder. Place left hand behind right elbow and gently press elbowtoward shoulder. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

NECK ROLL With shoulders relaxed, drop ear to shoulder and gently roll neck forward and to the other side, holding each position about five seconds. Repeat five times.

KNEE TO CHEST Bend forward slightly. Clasp hands around left knee and hug it to your chest. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Keeping hands around knee, slowly let it down. Alternate legs. Repeat 10 times.

FORWARD FLEX With both feet on the floor and stomach held in, slowly bend forward and walk your hands down the front of your legs toward your ankles. Hold the stretch for I5 seconds and slowly sit back up.

OVERHEAD STRETCH Raise both hands straight up over your head. With one hand, grasp the wrist of the opposite hand and gently pull to one side. Hold the stretch for I 5 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

KNEE LIFTS Lift leg with knee bent while contracting your thigh muscle. Alternate legs. Repeat 20 to 30 times for each leg.

SHOULDER ROLL Hunch shoulders forward, then upward, then backward, then downward, using a gentle, circular motion.

ARM CURL Arms held at 90° angles, elbows down, hands in front. Raise hands up to chest and back down. Alternate hands. Repeat in 30-second intervals.

ANKLE CIRCLES Lift feet off floor, draw a circle with the toes, simultaneously moving one foot clockwise and the other foot counterclockwise. Reverse circles. Do each direction for I5 seconds. Repeat if desired.

FOOT PUMPS Start with both heels on the floor and point feet upward as high as you can. Then put both feet flat on the floor. Then lift heels high, keeping the balls of your feet on the floor. Continue cycle in 30-second intervals.

SEATED EXERCISES

SEATED STRETCHES

Flying can be demanding, as altitude may make your body more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and caffeine. Sitting in one place for a long time can be uncomforrable and slow down your blood circulation.To help your body adjust to flying and to maintain your personal comfort and well-being, we recommend you take the following steps:

Keep Hydrated Drink plenty of fluids – water, juice, non-caffeinated soft drinks – to prevent dehydration, fatigue and headaches. Minimise intake of alcohol and coffee. Moisten the face to help reduce the drying effects of cabin air.

Eat Lightly Eat lightly on longer flights to avoid indigestion – our in-flight menu is designed to provide lighter option meals.

Exercise We encourage you to do the gentle on board exercise diagrammed on this page to enhance your well-being during the flight. We recommend you do these exercises for about five minutes every one to two hours. You should also occasionally walk down the aisles, as space permits. In addition, we recommend that you avoid crossing your legs.

Please note: You should not do any of these exercises if they cause you pain or cannot be done with ease.

Moving About The Aircraft You may move about the aircraft as space permits and when the seat belt sign is off. However, when the seat belt sign is on you are required to remain seated with the seat belt fastened.

If you feel unwell, tell the cabin crew. They can assist with the more common inflight complaints and, if necessary, can seek further advice and assistance for you.

On Descent Ears and sinuses can cause discomfort, due to the change in air pressure on descent. To minimise discomfort:• Yawn or swallow frequently;• Pinch your nostrils together and blow firmly

into your cheeks with your mouth closed.If you have ongoing discomfort, seek the advice of the cabin crew.

rexsafety

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 the 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 you have to stow your 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 that heavier items do not become airborne within the cabin. This is especially important when the aircraft is experiencing turbulence.

Q. Why do you feel so tired from flying?A. As the aircraft altitude increases, air pressure decreases. As the pressure of the air decreases, the body absorbs less oxygen than it would at sea level – therefore, 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 you sometimes feel pain in your 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 aircraft 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 a cold or hay fever, 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. With more new technology being used by passengers every day, it is difficult for flight crew to differentiate various items of electronic equipment. Most electronic items are permitted for use while in cruise – however, only after the FASTEN SEATBELT sign has been switched off. Mobile phone use is also permitted provided that the phone’s ‘flight’ mode has been activated prior to boarding the aircraft.

Q. What is the average speed of the aircraft in flight?A. Approximately 500 kilometres per hour.

Q. Why do you 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. They include the weight of passengers and where they are seated, the weight of cargo, freight and fuel, the distance available on the runway et cetera. 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 TURBULENCEQ. 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. The SAAB 340 has 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 you keep your seatbelt fastened even when the FASTEN SEATBELT sign is switched off?A. On occasions, 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 NOISESQ. Why do the aircraft’s engine noises change during 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. The SAAB 340 turboprop has 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 you do if you see or hear something that does not look or sound right or normal?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 passenger’s concerns with the utmost seriousness.

As you sit back in comfort en route to your destination, enjoy this compilation of light reading that the Rex crew hopes you will find interesting and informative.

Frequently Asked Questions

rexFAQ

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VIII

rexnews

REX HAS BEEN voted ‘Best Australian Regional Airline’ for the second time in the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Rex won the same category in 2011, the inaugural year of the awards; and was a finalist in 2012.

The Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards survey, conducted over a three-month period, saw more than 1,100 readers nominate what they consider to be the best travel-related experiences in Australia.

At the awards ceremony held in Sydney on December 4, 2013, Rex took out the coveted title, ahead of three other finalists, QantasLink, Virgin and Jetstar.

Honoured to receive the award on behalf of Rex was Rex’s Chief Operating Officer Garry Filmer, who commented: “To be held in such high esteem by our passengers is incredibly encouraging, and we are very proud to have our passion for delivering safe, reliable and quality regional air services acknowledged in this way.”

“We are thankful to our staff who consistently provide excellent customer service with a personal touch, and on behalf of our management and board of directors, would like to thank them, across all 35 ports, for contributing to this achievement.”

Thank you to our passengers who took the time to vote for Rex in the awards.

SIMPLY THE BEST

Above: Rex Chief Operating Officer Garry Filmer receiving the award from Australian Traveller Editor Georgia Rickard.

Travel in Rex-tra Style!Book Rex-tra Legroom on-line now*

Emergency exit row seats have a couple of inches of extra legroom and can now be reserved for less than $10.00 each sector*. Plus, enjoy the Rex-tra Legroom in row 1 to be one of the first to disembark on arrival.

You can purchase Rex-tra Legroom any time on-line by selecting the Amend Booking icon on our website. You will need your Rex Booking Reference for this.

If you have purchased your ticket through a travel agency or travel manager, ask them for the relevant Rex Booking Reference. And the next time they book your Rex flight, remember to ask them to add in the Rex-tra Legroom directly.

*Terms and conditions apply.

rexnews

IX

Above and above right: Attendees at the AGM; Rex Executive Chairman Lim Kim Hai addresses a question from a shareholder.

The Board has authorised an investment plan of $50 million in this current financial year.

AGMTHE 2013 AGM was held on November 27, 2013. Deputy Chairman John Sharp chaired the meeting, presenting a summary of the past financial year to shareholders.

While the company posted a before tax profit of $19.2 million in FY 2013, the year was characterised by government policies that contributed to reductions in both profits and network passenger numbers.

As the economy appears to show no signs of recovery in the near future, the Board has warned there will be a significant deterioration of profits in the current year compared to last financial year.

The Board has authorised an unprecedented investment plan of $50 million in this current financial year to place Rex in a strong position when the economy improves. In view of these substantial capital investments and the volatile environment, it was decided to be prudent and conserve cash and consequently no shareholder dividend was paid for FY 2013.

The following resolutions were also voted in during the AGM: Resolution 1: Adoption of remuneration report; and Resolution 2: Re-election of John Sharp as a Director.

Paradise Taveuni, situated on the southern tip of Taveuni, is a secluded and remote boutique oceanfront Resort. Nestled amongst lush tropical gardens with Rainforest Mountain as a back drop the resort caters to discerning travellers looking for their own piece of paradise. Its unique deep water frontage allows Guests to dive, snorkel and swim from the lava flow edge into pristine warm tropical waters at any time. If you’re searching for true Fijian hospitality and long to experience the culture of this mystical land, spend some time in Paradise.

[email protected] | www.ParadiseinFiji.com

stic FibrosisCConquer

Inc.

Conquer Cystic Fibrosis through research

www.conquercysticfibrosis.com

Life expectancy in Australia for people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in the 1960’s was 5 years. It is now 35 years. Deaths in Australia of younger people have, thankfully declined dramatically since 1998.

The six years from 1998 to 2004 saw a fall of 70% in the number of deaths of people with CF aged under 20 years.

The greatest contributing factor to this is undoubtedly research. Research leads to improvements in treatments,which in turn leads to longer, healthier lives.

There is still no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, but it is something Conquer Cystic Fibrosis Inc. intends to change.

rexcommunity

XI

THE SOUTH Australian Regional Awards program, run by Brand South Australia, garnered overwhelming interest in 2013, with the program receiving the highest number of entries and nominations in its 14-year history.

Brand South Australia’s CEO Karen Raffen was thrilled with the 1949 nominations and 500 entries received across South Australia’s seven regions.

“These record numbers ensured the many significant contributions made to our regions were acknowledged,” said Raffen.

In October last year, all winners, finalists, entrants and nominees of the 2013 Awards were congratulated and recognised for their efforts and regional contributions.

“It was truly wonderful to see the individuals, groups and businesses receive the recognition they deserve for contributions to their region,” said Raffen.

“We have some great talent in our regions and exceptional people willing to contribute their time and effort.”

Brand South Australia flew with Rex to reach destinations for the awards program.

The team first boarded Rex to fly to Mount Gambier to participate in judging panels for the Limestone Coast region.

Judging panels involved a mix of category sponsors and local Regional Development Australia representatives. They judge every entry for the region and select the finalists and winners.

The team again took to the skies with Rex, flying to Whyalla to attend the presentation for the Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula region.

Brand South Australia again thanked Rex for its contribution to the South Australian Regional Awards as a supporting partner and accommodating the team throughout the year.

“Rex is our regional airline of choice and they’ve been a wonderful supporting partner to us over the past two years,” said Raffen.

Sandi Watkins, State Manager of Regional Express, mirrored the feeling.

“Rex is proud to have partnered with Brand South Australia and the Regional Awards program these past two years,” she said.

“Rex is committed to giving back to the regional communities we serve, and so we are pleased to be able to support the regional South Australian community who have shown great support to our airline.”

Nominations and entries for the 2014 South Australian Regional Awards are open from March 24, 2014, and Brand South Australia is again hoping for a record-breaking year. Nominations will close June 23, with entries closing July 21.

If you know someone who is making or has made significant contributions to their region, you can nominate them for a regional award. With 14 categories, there are many areas where the program can recognise significant contributions to each region.

To nominate or to learn more about the South Australian Regional Awards program visit brandsouthaustralia.com.au

Above and above right: Some of the grateful winners and finalists at the Limestone Coast Presentation Evening for the 2013 South Australian Regional Awards; Kelly Breuer – Entertainment for the Far North Presentation Evening and the Yorke and Mid North Presentation Evening.

South Australia’s regional airline of choiceBrand South Australia travelled with Rex throughout South Australia for the Regional Awards program.

If you know someone making a contribution to the region, nominate them for an award.

EXCEED YOUR LIMITS!Ribose is a powerful source of instant energy which multiplies the ability of your muscles to work harder and longer.

JUMPSTART is an energy cream that contains Ribose supplemented with Creatine, Carnitine and Caffeine. Using Transdermal Technology, the active ingredients penetrate directly to the targeted muscles, giving a sustained boost to your speed, strength and endurance during intense physical activities. It also helps in muscle recovery after the activity.

Exceed your personal best timings for marathons and competitions with JUMPSTART!*

For more information and trial results, visit www.lynkbiotech.com/webshop.

*Individual results may vary.

rexcommunity

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THE 17TH MORUYA Jazz Festival kicked off with a bumper festival program across the weekend of October 18–20, 2013. Rex has sponsored the event for several years and Rex Ambassador, Max Kingston, was delighted as usual to represent Rex at the event, presenting the prizes and participating in the parade.

Jazz music fans were in high spirits with a jam-packed program that kept all entertained. The 2013 headliners of the festival, Miho Jazz Orchestra from New Zealand, stirred the crowd with their stylish contemporary jazz and hint of Pan Pacific flavour.

Festival-goers enjoyed the Big Band street performance, the customary Jazz Picnic, and the Gospel Singing Concert among the many jazzy programs. In total, there were approximately 35 jazz combos and six major choirs, including the famous Canberra Barber Shop men’s group.

Rex supplied four return tickets for the raffle draw at the golf club on Saturday night. The night was a huge success with more than 400 people with their eyes on the Rex prize. The funds raised were donated to the Oncology Unit of the Moruya Hospital.

Clockwise from top left: In the lead car of the parade – Max Kingston with Deputy Mayor of Moruya and Eurobodalla Shire Councillor Gabi Harding; Max Kingston with the Sydney Army Band; the beautiful Moruya River.

And all that Jazz!

Making technologywork for the land.Farming, the biggest job on earth.

With every year that passes, farmers are expected to work harder and smarter. To feed a growing and demanding population, farmers must produce more and better quality crops. Without machinery and technology, this job would be an impossible task. At BASF, we’re

creating chemistry that helps farmers improve productivity and profi tability, increase yields, and produce tastier and more nutritious crops. Meeting global demands is a big job. With help from BASF, it’s in farmers’ hands.

thebiggestjobonearth.com.au

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don’tmissthese events in March if you’re in the right place at the right time.

FEBRUARY 28–MARCH 16Melbourne Food & Wine FestivalDive into 17 exhilarating days and more than 200 events celebrating all things aquatic at Melbourne’s premier annual wine and food event. In 2014, the theme is water – and you’ll find yourself soaking, dousing, steaming and fishing your way through a veritable ocean of information – from sous vide to sustainability, and the Amazon to the Arctic. melbournefoodandwine.com.au

MARCH 7–10WOMADelaide, AdelaideWOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) has grown into one of Australia’s most popular festivals. Located in the heart of Adelaide, the event features performances and workshops on seven different stages by some of the best and most exciting musicians, dancers, DJ’s and street theatre artists. Kids are free! womadelaide.com.au

MARCH 1Mardi Gras Parade, SydneyFrom Oxford Street to Anzac Parade, the Sydney Mardi Gras parade is something you will not forget! Join with the other 10,000 people who attend the event and enjoy the festivities including the extravagant parade with its flamboyant floats. The vibrancy, creativity and diversity of the parade will leave you feeling completely hyped. mardigras.org.au

FEBRUARY 28–MARCH 9Byron Bay International Film FestivalThis is the seventh year of the iconic 10-day Byron Bay film festival; and with more than 200 films from more than 300 countries, this year’s festival promises to be even more diverse, cutting-edge, inspiring and innovative. The festival brings attention to important social, cultural and environmental issues, and is guaranteed to entertain and captivate. bbff.com.au

MARCH 11–16Empire by Spiegelworld, MelbourneDue to popular demand, Empire returns to the rooftop of Crown Melbourne under the beautiful Spiegeltent. Smashing through the borders of comedy, circus, vaudeville and burlesque, Empire presents the sexiest, most daring artists from across the globe. Straight from New York, the 90-minute performance is expected to dazzle, amaze, thrill and thoroughly entertain. empireaustralia.com

MARCH 8–30Lorne Sculpture BiennaleThroughout March, Lorne’s picturesque shoreline will come alive with inspiring and moving sculptures by exciting artists. The 2014 Lorne Sculpture Biennale promises to push boundaries and will showcase artists whose sculptures reflect contemporary ideas and the beautiful landscape of Lorne. The event also includes a series of free outdoor events, night events, workshops and educational programs for all ages. lornesculpture.com

MARCH 21–JUNE 9Biennale of SydneyThe theme of the 19th Biennale of Sydney is ‘You Imagine What You Desire’. Presenting a vibrant list of more than 90 artists from 31 countries, the festival aims to celebrate imagination, artistic talent, inspiration and innovation. It is Australia’s largest contemporary arts festival and is held at a range of striking venues including the Art Gallery of NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Carriageworks and Cockatoo Island. biennaleofsydney.com.au

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MARCH 1–30Illusions, Sanctuary CoveThe Village Theatre in Sanctuary Cove will get a full-blown blast of Vegas when Australian Entertainer of the Year Matt Hollywood brings his special touch of magic to town. Blending comedy, tricks, stunts and illusions, Matt has left audiences worldwide alternating between rapture, awe and side-splitting laughter. Tickets available from dinnershow.com.au

Making technologywork for the land.Farming, the biggest job on earth.

With every year that passes, farmers are expected to work harder and smarter. To feed a growing and demanding population, farmers must produce more and better quality crops. Without machinery and technology, this job would be an impossible task. At BASF, we’re

creating chemistry that helps farmers improve productivity and profi tability, increase yields, and produce tastier and more nutritious crops. Meeting global demands is a big job. With help from BASF, it’s in farmers’ hands.

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WILL MAGUIRE is a master at ‘upsetting’ and ‘hot punching’, which makes him sound a lot like someone you really wouldn’t want to mess with. Thankfully, the only things he beats into submission are super hot pieces of steel; expertly crafting them into sometimes functional, and always beautiful, works of art.

Upsetting refers to the process of hammering the end of a piece of steel to make it fatter – such as forming the head of a nail or bolt – and hot punching is simply punching a hole through a piece of hot steel with a cold steel punch.

Maguire mastered these and other techniques during his studies to become a blacksmith and boilermaker in the Hunter Valley, north of Sydney. It was

a four-year apprenticeship that began with backyard experiments and ended with a journey.

“Initially, from reading books, I loved the idea of forging steel. This led to me building a little shed and mucking around, and eventually to an apprenticeship in blacksmithing at a local industrial workshop,” he explains.

At the end of his apprenticeship, Maguire became a ‘ journeyman’: a tradition that is very much alive and well in many European countries. Maguire’s own journey took him first to England and eventually to St Petersburg in Russia.

“Being a journeyman is an old tradition,” he explains. “When you finish your apprenticeship you go off travelling, working with different masters, seeing

other ways of doing things and generally expanding your mind and skill set.”

These days it is largely an informal and very personal journey, although in countries such as Germany, some craftsmen still do it under a system based on very old traditions, such as a specific costume to be worn that identifies them as a journeyman. They are not allowed back within 100 kilometres of their hometown for three years and one day; and any workshop is obliged to take them in if they arrive at the door. If there is not enough work to keep them they will be provided with a bed and meal and sent on their way.

“I came across quite a few during my travels and not just in the blacksmithing trade either, it seemed like a great thing.”

AbsolutelyAN ANCIENT CRAFT MEETS ARTISTIC WHIMSY IN THE DELICATE HAND-FORGED WORKS OF WILL MAGUIRE, WRITES SIMONE HENDERSON-SMART.

The only things he beats into

submission are super hot

pieces of steel.

Clockwise from left: Will in his Hunter

Valley studio; ‘Long Memory’; ‘Devoid’; ‘Figure Sculpture’.

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Bucking tradition, Maguire spent only two years abroad and passed on wearing the special outfits. He recalls it was a time of great learning and inspiration, as well as competition.

“The couple of years I spent overseas was a huge adventure,” he says.

“I was taken in by the blacksmithing community in the UK and shown

such hospitality and openness it was unbelievable. I learnt so much from the guys over there. I also spent a lot of time travelling all over the place. The most memorable journeys were a trip to a crazy international forging festival in the Ukraine and a jaunt in Russia working with a smith called Igor making big forged insects.”

The ‘all over the place’ refers to the many international blacksmithing festivals and competitions in cities Maguire took part in during that time, including Ybbsitz (Austria), Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine), Arles-Sur-Tech (France), Nagoya (Japan), County Carlow (Ireland) and the World Forging Championships in Stia (Italy), as well as many others around England.

“The World Forging Championships are held every two years,” Maguire says. “It happens over two or three days, and teams and individuals compete in time slots to design and produce an item to a set theme. The Italians in particular get very competitive. It is also a big festival with lots of fun and frivolity.”

Heading back home with a head full of knowledge and a heart full of artistic inspiration and longing, Maguire set up his own forge in the pretty town of Branxton in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, where he designs and produces bespoke items for homes, businesses, public institutions and community spaces, as well as his own pieces for exhibition.

His list of awards and accolades seems to grow exponentially every year – although that is not what drives a blacksmith artist like Maguire.

“I love designing and making a work for someone that they genuinely love and it improves their life by its presence. There is so much satisfaction in this and I really feel I am doing something worthwhile,” he reveals.

His latest work has taken an organic turn, and pays tribute to the delicate shapes of the Japanese art of bonsai.

“I have been to Japan a number of times and love travelling around absorbing the culture and history of the place. It is often the small things that most catch my eye like small design details on shop signage or the floral patterns on a kimono. On my last visit I spent quite a bit of time looking at old calligraphy and the shapes and forms produced by these beautiful characters – this then informs my sculpture,” he says.

Maguire’s artistic vision is bringing traditional blacksmithing into the 21st century, and beauty into homes and public spaces around Australia.

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Riley Palmer ventures out to Julia Creek in remote Queensland for a festival with a difference.

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It seems illogical that this relatively unknown sport should be paired with a relatively unknown town

with the intention of thrusting both into the limelight.

Previous page clockwise from left: The hotly-contested bullride; the cycle leg of the triathlon; headliners The Mick Lindsay Band; fashions on the field; a cyclist braving the heat and dust; Australia’s best butt? Above and inset: More than 450 competitors of all ages registered for the trialthlon.

TWO HUNDRED and fifty kilometres from Mount Isa, the heat dances along a solitary gravel road that leads into town. The air is thick and heavy; you can feel it stick resolutely to the inside of your lungs as you breathe, the same way it does in a sauna. This is Julia Creek; a place where giant plumes of Outback dust are par for the course – which may not sound like much of a selling point, except that it is. Every April, like clockwork, Julia Creek’s Dirt n Dust Festival attracts the masses; this year inflating the town’s population of 500 to more than 3,000, for a long weekend of fun, frivolity, and athleticism.

The athleticism precedes the frivolity however, and age comes before beauty; the juniors taking to the pool and courageously showing the adults how it’s done.

Parents, friends and siblings assemble along both sides of the road just outside the local swimming pool in anticipation of the moment when, out of the pool, and onto their pint-sized bicycles a throng of highly excited four to six-year-old children are the first to emerge. Each year the crowd cheers and shouts as these little bundles of determination and enthusiasm pedal frantically up the wide asphalt road. Each year the cheering is underscored by a cooing over the adorability of these tiny athletes.

Brows furrowed and lips pursed, these little children are visible reminders that size has no bearing on fortitude or accomplishment, something that rings true of Dirt n Dust, and Julia Creek more broadly (the expanse of which you can amble across in roughly 20 minutes). For the past 19 years, Julia Creek’s Dirt n Dust Festival has celebrated the big things that come from small ideas, and the big accomplishments of a small town.

It all started one fateful night in 1994. A group of mates sat around a bar speculating various ways in which to make Julia Creek a household name. Among them on this particular evening was Max Fegan, a then radical sports fiend who had recently returned from his time ‘abroad’ (interstate) parading fluorescent Speedos and a mullet, all in the name of triathlon. Max was a keen triathlete in the days before most people knew that triathlons were something to be keen about. He fondly recalls being asked on that night in 1994: “What’s that weird sport you play Max?” And so an idea was born.

It seems illogical that this relatively unknown sport should be paired with a relatively unknown town with the intention of thrusting both into the limelight. Yet 19 years later, the Dirt n Dust’s triathlon boasts a record 450 registered competitors; going to show this crazy little venture seems to have worked. Add to that a rich race day, some gutsy bullriders and the search for Australia’s best butt and it’s easy to understand the draw of the festival.

The drought very nearly turned the festival’s iconic triathlon into a duathlon. Instead, the swim leg was reduced to accommodate the creek’s low water level.

BONDI LIFEGUARDS GET DUSTYUnable to experience all the Dirt n Dust in person? You’re in luck. Catch this year’s 20th annual Festival from the comfort of your couch. A few of Australia’s most famous lifeguards from Bondi Rescue are trading Bondi’s beach for Julia Creek’s dust to enter the competition. Although the show still lacks a name, and broadcast dates are not yet confirmed, the hour-long special is set to air in 30 countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The lifeguards may not be completely out of their element in events like the triathlon and Bog Snorkelling. They might even have a chance at the Best Butt Competition. But there’s no doubt horseracing and bullriding are quite a bit different to surfing, and that should make for some good fun that you won’t want to miss.

OF COURSE OUR LAGER TASTES GREAT, WE’VE GOT NEIGHBOURS LIKE THIS BLOKE/

VA L E/ L G R

PROUDLY BREWED IN McLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

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Bulls, bikes and butts aside, Julia Creek has always been a temptress. Justin Vardy, festival compere and Julia Creek local recounts: “I moved here when I was 18, and even though my wife and I tried, we just couldn’t stay away.”

Perhaps then, it’s not only the blistering heat and promise of cycling against a brutal headwind that draws ever-increasing numbers to Julia Creek each year. Perhaps it’s the magnetic force of the town, and, in particular, its people, that keeps everyone coming back for more.

However, there is a somberness that underscores the infallible hospitality of the Julia Creek locals.

“A lot of people are doing it really tough locally,” explains Justin, referring to the incredibly dry summer they’ve just endured. “A lot of volunteers are unable to make it this year as they have to work.”

With the increasingly obvious and difficult impact of climate change being felt quite strongly in Outback Australia, the juggling act between volunteering,

family life and work in a rural community, has become all the more precarious.

While the show must go on, Justin concedes; “It’s hard to fully embrace the festivities when you know people are missing out because they’re herding cattle.”

Environmental hardship is tragically close to home in Julia Creek. On a purely logistical level, the drought very nearly turned last year’s triathlon into a duathlon. Instead, the swim leg was reduced to accommodate the creek’s low water level.

Not one to let the drought rain on his parade, 77-year-old Fred Schneider and his trademark dirt-encrusted Akubra have endured Julia Creek’s extreme weather too many times to count.

“Oh I don’t know,” says Fred when asked how many of Julia Creek’s triathlons he’s competed in, “It could be 10. Or 12. Not really sure.” It turns out 2014 marks Fred’s 13th triathlon; only a broken leg, bowel cancer, and bypass surgery keeping him from competing in the past. When asked if he feels nervous about the impending race, Frank replies: “No, I’m too old to get nervous,” he chuckles briefly before continuing, “I’m the only competitor in my age group, so I win anyway.” You certainly can’t fault his logic.

The Dirt n Dust Festival runs from April 11–13, 2014

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What are your favourite haunts in South Australia?I live in the Adelaide Hills and I’m immensely fond of the area and my dad lives in the Barossa Ranges. I love the wine districts and hills. When I was a kid I spent a lot of time in the Murray – I learnt how to swim in the Murray River. I prefer it to the sea; I’m not made for the sea. I live in Mount Barker now, which is the Adelaide Hills’ largest regional centre. It’s nice when you’ve got a kid to be able to walk to the shops and places like that. It’s about 40 kilometres from the city. It’s walking distance to everything I need.

What’s your favourite place in Australia?I love Avoca Beach in NSW. I also lived for a while in Brisbane and loved the border area between Queensland and NSW – the Ballina area. My partner is an ex-Queenslander. So even though I said I’m not made for the sea, I do love coastal areas. I tend to like beach culture. I like Ballina because it has hills – it’s pretty and lush.

Tell me about how The Audreys first started?Guitarist Tristan and I met while we were both Uni students in Adelaide. We started playing covers, then originals, then we got a few more band members. In 2005, we got signed by ABC. We made albums in 2006, 2008 and 2010 and we won ARIAs for each album – in the Best Blues and Roots album category. We were never the favourite. With the first award we were told we had no chance. The second time we were told there was no way we would win twice, and before winning the third time, we were told there was really no way we would win three times.

What have been your most rewarding moments?I love playing live. You have to love it as a working musician because there is a lot of effort that goes into it – a lot of faffing around. But I love being on stage. I am starting to enjoy recording more though. I used to see it as a necessary evil to be able to go on the road, but I’m starting to enjoy it more and have more ideas. Because we’ve had the same producer, we’ve learnt so much, and now it’s more of a collaboration – more of a creative process.

What about the challenging side? Being a musician, the low income is a challenge, especially when you have a

family. It’s one thing to run out of money for rent and food when you’re on your own, but another when you have a kid. But my partner is really supportive. Also there’s a lot of unglamorous parts to being a musician. I have to do my own accounts. Then there’s emails and admin and travel, which can get boring and tiring. Writer’s block can also be hard. Tristan and I live in different states, so if we arrange to meet and have nothing, it’s hard. One time, we went to lots of trouble to organise a writing session – had babysitting organised, food stocked, ready to go, but then we had no ideas. So we just went to the nearest pub and got pissed. We’d had a session at the same place, months earlier and came up with five songs in three days. Sometimes you wake up and your brain is swirling with ideas, other times, it’s nothing.

What inspires you creatively?Other music, but our songs are narratives – we try to tell stories. We like to think of a character and give them a story, so I can be inspired by books I read, people I know and the absurd love you feel for your own child.

What do you aim to communicate through your music?There is definitely a mood to our music, but it’s not something contrived. I think it would show if it was. Once we decided to deliberately try something upbeat and it sounded stupid. I’ve also learnt not to impose our interpretation of songs onto people. Someone once told me they loved a song for something specific, but I said ‘No, it’s not about that!’, and they got really upset. So we try not to be too directive – we let people do what they will with our songs.

The Audreys, ARIA award-winning Australian blues/roots band, released its new album ’Til My Tears Roll Away this month and will be touring around Australia in May/June. Danielle Chenery talks to lead singer Taasha Coates about creativity, performance and family.

minutes with …

Five

“When I was a kid I spent a lot of

time in the Murray – I learnt how to swim in the

Murray River. I prefer it to the sea.”

Taasha Coates

1

checkin

getsorted

HARDER TO TAMEMcAlister KempThe story of how the music video for the title track of

McAlister Kemp’s latest album, Harder to Tame, was

filmed, is almost as wildly entertaining as the song

itself. Drew laughs as he comments the music video

was a bit ‘racier’ than their other videos, but was the

largest scale production they have done, despite

being short on extras on the day of filming. Their

peer rep solved that problem brilliantly by walking

into a local youth hostel and offering free beer to

anyone who wanted to be in a music video.

It has only been five years since Drew McAlister

and Troy Kemp started playing music together and

they’ve come from casually jamming in their spare

time, to being at the top of the country music charts

in Australia. Now they’ve even begun to catch fire

in the US.

Despite all of the awards, including the

prestigious CMC (Country Music Channel) Music

Award for Best New Oz Artist, Drew and Troy are so

humble they are still surprised by the dedication of

their fans. They were amazed when they played at

CMC Rocks last year and the crowd began singing

along with them.

Drew acknowledges touring is a gruelling

process, but it is also clearly his passion.

“Touring is a challenge. Period. That hour and 15

minutes on stage is the most pure part of this

business. That time on stage, that’s when there’s no

record companies, no legal contracts – none of that

stuff. It’s the pure part – that’s why we do it.”

Drew’s advice for aspiring musicians is to make

sure you keep your priorities in check. “Family is

everything, you can’t do any of this unless you have

a really good base at home.”

TAKING TO THE SKIESJim EamesA collection of Australian aviation tales from

the hilarious to the absurdly dangerous,

as told by author, journalist,

and generally huge fan

of flying, Jim Eames.

Includes forgotten stories

about the Catalina flying

boats, and a wild stunt

performed by a civil

aviation director who

taxied a plane down

a main street in Perth,

before parking and attending a ball.

THE GRASS CASTLEKaren ViggersMuch like the author herself, lead character

Daphne grew up riding horses and working

with cattle. The story

begins with tragic

upheaval when Daphne

and her husband are

forced off the land they

call home. Years later,

while on a visit back to

her valley, Daphne meets

Abby, a young girl who

avoids people because

of a horrific event she

suffered in her teens. The women help each

other to live without the burden of their secrets.

ONE BOY MISSINGStephen OrrCelebrated author Stephen Orr releases a

novel that begins as a crime mystery before

becoming something

deeper. When a butcher

sees a young boy being

shoved into the boot of a

car, he reports the crime

to Detective Bart Moy.

When Moy can’t find

anyone who is missing

a child, he continues to

search anyway, in honour

of his own son who he

had lost.

listen watch

EVEREST App store, freeDetermine your

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Track your progress, and find

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DROPBOXApp store, freeA free and

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computer to your phone or

iPad. Enables you to bring

your files everywhere with

you and view them offline.

INSTRUC-TABLESApp store, free

DIY instructions for how to

make just about anything, from

silly putty to a chair made out

of tennis balls. Share your own

ideas and enjoy the innovative

creations of fellow DIYers.

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tunein

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entertainment

citybites

FRESH START FOR A WELL-LOVED CLASSICSydney

The beloved institution that is Macleay Street Bistro has new owners and a hot new head chef at the helm, reinvigorating a restaurant that has set a benchmark for French classic bistro-style dining in Sydney for 30 years. In this intimate, sophisticated dining space in the middle of thriving Potts Point, it’s all about wonderful seasonal flavours and pure, classic French combinations. And now there’s also an international boutique organic and biodynamic wine list to indulge in. Chef Tom Williams has worked at some of Sydney’s top restaurants over the past 15 years, including Bambini Trust and Tetsuya’s. His refreshing summer menu includes elegant entree dishes such as a House-Cured Tasmanian Salmon with a Fennel and Orange Salad. And for mains, there’s a melt-in-your-mouth Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi with Sage Buerre Noisette perfectly summing up how Williams ups the ante on beloved classics. For sweet tooths, the Champagne-Poached Pear and Passionfruit Sorbet leaves palates sparkling, inciting thoughts of starting the fun all over again. macleaystbistro.com.au

nightout

LOFTY HIDEAWAYSydney

Tucked away in Manly’s Market Lane, new bar-cum-eatery – Donny’s – brings a slice of New York to Sydney’s Northern Beaches. With its funky décor; high ceilings, exposed brickwork, copper pipes, chic lighting and hardwood bench tops, you’d be hard-pressed not to imagine this stylish bar amid the cool hangouts of the Big Apple’s Meatpacking District. Co-owner, avid foodie and ex-actor Matt Clifton, has brought this loft-style bar to life with an imaginative menu and creative cocktails. Having worked at Merivale’s Ivy, Matt knows a thing or two when it comes to stylish hotspots and crowd pleasing food and drink combos. Get into Donny’s signature Barramundi Wellington washed down with a chilli and coriander Margarita (or three) while listening to laidback bar-time beats. Prices are definitely above that of the pub grub Manly was once known for, but if you’re looking for something funkier than most, Donny’s is set to be a haunt for locals, and a destination for those who know it’s worth crossing the bridge or harbour for a great night out. donnys.com.au

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SMILES AND STYLE Adelaide

Friendliness and effortless style are the name of the game at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel, Adelaide. As soon as you pass through the grand stone facade and into the foyer, the smiling staff ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Right in the middle of the city on trendy, bustling North Terrace, the hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Adelaide and her many renowned wine regions – all within driving distance. A recent refurb of the 245 rooms has spruced up the classic contemporary interiors, and all rooms and suites feature sophisticated furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities. The hotel’s Federal Restaurant and Bar offers a refined choice of great local wines, and the modern Australian dishes showcase the region’s enviable produce. For onsite meetings, conferences, weddings and special events, the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide features seven fully flexible meeting rooms. So if stylish accommodation, personalised service and first-class amenities are at the top of your agenda, you know where it’s at. mercuregrosvenorhotel.com.au

sleepover

BUSINESS CHICPerth

For people travelling regularly for business, finding a hotel that feels like a home away from home is key to having an enjoyable and productive trip. Fraser Suites pride themselves on being both a hotel, and a haven offering short- and long-term stays in apartment-style suites. Fraser Suites Perth upholds this approach; and being completely built from the ground up, the architects and designers have poured over every detail. The suites are modern yet welcoming, super stylish yet comfortable, and it’s an assuring mix of a hotel with help on hand 24/7, yet with the feel of chic, inner-city apartment living. Fraser Suites Perth is in the Free-Transit Zone of Perth’s CBD, meaning it’s a quick walk to most of the city’s hotspots. The building houses 236 studio residences and 1-2 bedroom apartments, a range of configurable meeting rooms and entertainment spaces, and a health and wellness sanctuary including a 25 metre pool, sauna and 24-hour gym. There’s also a bar and The Dining Room restaurant offers modern meals using the state’s finest produce. perth.frasershospitality.com

sleepover

“As soon as you pass through the grand stone facade and into the foyer, the smiling staff ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.”

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citybites

rooke Addamo, aka Owl Eyes, was only 17 years old when she was thrown into the spotlight as one of the

finalists on reality TV show Australian Idol, back in 2008. She was somewhat controversially eliminated from the show during the Top 11 results night when, on voting night, lines went down in her local area.

But six years later, the 23-year-old, originally from Werribee in Victoria, hasn’t looked back. She claims Idol did nothing for her anyway. “It broadcasted my awkward teenage years on national TV,” she laughs. “For my current career it did nothing – I’m on a completely different path now,” she says confidently.

For Addamo, her musical journey began when she was 12 years old. “I fell in love with music early when my parents signed me up for singing lessons to combat shyness,” she explains. “It became my whole world as a teenager. I feel like it really raised me – it helped me grow as a woman and find myself. I am still learning all the time but I have come far,” she says.

The music industry certainly isn’t known for being a gentle one to grow up in. “I tell myself to not sweat the small stuff but it doesn’t always work because I freak out about stupid things all the time,” she says. “But the music industry has taught me to stand up for myself and for what I believe in. You have to be strong to get your way.”

Addamo describes her music as “synthy, dreamy pop jams you can dance to”. As Owl Eyes, she has released three EPs: Faces (2010); Raiders (2011); and Crystalised (2012). Last year came her first full-length album, Nightswim. She has multiple triple j Hottest 100 appearances to her name and has really nutted out her songwriting process.

“When I am not recording or writing I take a notepad around to write down words or phrases,” she says. “I watch movies and listen to music to stay inspired, and then I take little seeds of ideas into the studio and work on music – usually starting with a beat and layered synths. Then the music dictates the melodies that come

Brooke Addamo, otherwise known as Owl Eyes, has come a long way since her Australian Idol days.

Danielle Chenery talks music with one of Australia’s rising young stars.

ON ADDAMO

“The music industry has taught me to stand up for myself and for what I believe in. You have to be strong to get your way.”

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to my mind. I am very fortunate to work with some amazing producers,” she explains.

“I am inspired by so much music at the moment. My favourite album of last year was The North Borders by the band, Bonobo,” she adds.

Modestly, Addamo admits her biggest achievements are “yet to come” but says releasing Nightswim is one of her top accomplishments. “It took me a while but I am so happy I stuck it out because it has opened a lot of doors for me,” she says.

Indeed, Addamo is still very much at the beginning of an exciting music career, with 2014 looking to be her biggest year yet. She’s currently working on some new music and hopes to have something fresh out there soon.

But first, this young Australian songstress is heading overseas. She’s

off to the US this month for SXSW (South by Southwest), which is an annual interactive film and music festival and conference that takes place in Austin, Texas. “It will be my first overseas tour and I am so excited. It is the next step in my music career and I am very ready for it,” she says. “I am very lucky because my company is taking me to Coachella, a famous annual music and arts festival in California,” she adds.

“I love being on tour,” she enthuses. “The last tour I did was with Flight Facilities, touring around playing the Falls and Southbound festivals, which was amazing. I love touring with Flight Facilities – they are all great friends

Addamo is still very much at the beginning of an exciting music career, with 2014 looking to be her biggest year yet.

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of mine, and the crowds for those shows were insane.”

Addamo says her biggest goal in life is to be “making music for a very long time”, and one of her dreams is to perform at the Forum Theatre in her hometown of Melbourne. “It’s a beautiful old building and every show I have seen there has had great sound,” she explains.

Addamo admits that while social media has its obvious benefits for the music industry, she finds keeping on top of it all a bit of a challenge.

“It is easier to find new and exciting music now, but you have to have a strong online presence to be heard, and sometimes I am not great at maintaining that,” she says.

Just working in the Australian music industry is keeping Addamo happy for now. “It is so inspiring. So many of my friends are achieving amazing things at the moment and I am so proud to be part of it all.”

OWL EYES’ DEBUT

ALBUM NIGHTSWIM

IS OUT NOW VIA

ITUNES AND

IN STORES

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Australia is bursting at the seams with great Aussie pubs in towns where true Australian country hospitality is still alive and well, writes Karen Halabi.

NEXT TIME YOU’RE passing through a country town, head for the wide verandahs and cheery atmosphere of the local pub. It’s here you’ll discover the soul of a town. It’s also where the beer is cold and yarns are spun. Pubs across this wide brown land are brimming with character. And characters.

There’s nothing Aussies like more than to crack a cold one on a hot summer’s day. When you’re in the bush, stopping at a welcoming watering hole to wash away the taste of dust with an ice-cold beer is as close as you’re likely to get to heaven.

The bush pub is a gathering place for locals. Here you’ll find fair dinkum Australians who’ll share a story, crack a joke and apologise when their dog eats one of your thongs. Shout the bar, buy a ticket in the meat tray or just tear a wet coaster into 1,000 bits – the choice is yours, and you’re more than welcome. Then order a counter meal and bed down for the night.

Here’s a state-by-state rundown of Australia’s best bush boozers.

NEW SOUTH WALESIn Broken Hill, call into The Palace Hotel, the historic, three-storey pub with long verandahs and elaborate cast-iron

Great Outback Pubs

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balustrades that featured in the movie, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Or visit The Silverton Hotel, 26 kilometres away, in a mining ghost town known for its hospitality and 50 or so quirky local residents.

Much further north you’ll come across The Billi Pub in historic Billinudgel, the former home of Mar Ring, Australia’s (and possibly the world’s) oldest publican. Mar was publican for 53 years until the age of 101. She lectured Bob Hawke on how to pull a beer; and was awarded an MBE. A painting of her still hangs over the public bar. This timber pub in the Brunswick Valley, close to Byron Bay, is steeped in history, with many photos of the old township and with a good collection of memorabilia. The Billi is simply a good old country pub of yore with tall stories and a friendly atmosphere. The Bistro tucker is home style cooking and Norma is the best pub chef this side of the Black Stump.

QUEENSLANDThe Tattersalls Hotel in Winton has also been serving up genuine outback hospitality for 120 years, and is a top spot to share an icy beer with a Banjo Patterson poem’s worth of locals including miners, station owners, ringers, truck drivers, cattle buyers and shearers. All that’s missing is a drover and a beardy bushranger in a slitted tin hat.

A little further north along the Matilda Highway, be sure to stop and drink a toast to Australia’s hardest working dog, the blue heeler, at The Blue Heeler Hotel in Kynuna. It’s the 100-year-old hotel where Banjo himself observed Champagne being handed through the window to end the angry shearers’ strike of the 1800s. The Combo Waterhole, the famed billabong featured in ‘Waltzing Matilda’, is 20 kilometres south of Kynuna.

On the same outback highway headed north towards Mt Isa, you’ll meet locals as colourful as Mick Dundee. Many point out what is and isn’t a knife at the historic Walkabout Creek Hotel in McKinlay. It’s famous as Crocodile Dundee’s regular drinking spot in the original film of the

You’ll meet locals as colourful as Mick Dundee over an ice-cold beer in the historic Walkabout Creek Hotel in McKinlay in outback Queensland.

same name. Known originally as the Federal McKinlay Hotel, it was sold for $290,000 after the movie was made and is now a tourist attraction – McKinlay’s only one.

One of Australia’s most legendary watering holes is The Birdsville Hotel. On the desolate Birdsville Track in Outback Queensland near the South Australian border, it dates back to 1884 and epitomises the essence of the Outback.

Historic Eumundi on the Sunshine Coast boasts Joe’s Waterhole. Formerly The Commercial Hotel, which is obviously a much better pub name, there is something special about this quirky Queensland pub. Wide balconies and timber latticework shades dimly lit bars and swirling ceiling fans.

At Nobby, in the Darling Downs around Toowoomba, masses of memorabilia adorn the walls of Rudd’s Pub. This 100-year-old pub isn’t named after a recent Prime Minister; rather it’s a memorial to outback poet Steele Rudd. The walls of this pub-cum-museum are covered with photographs, knick-knacks and reminders of the times in which Steele Rudd lived. Rudd also inspired the hugely popular 1930s-50s Dad and Dave radio series, and you can sit back and listen to ‘Dad and Dave’ yarns and even order a ‘Dad and Dave Combo’ for dinner.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAThe only stopover on the 528 kilometre Birdsville Track, the Mungerannie Hotel

DID YOU KNOW? Australia’s unofficial national

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sits on the edge of the Sturt, Stony, Simpson, Tirari and Strzelecki deserts, and beside the Derwent River – an oasis in sharp contrast to its surrounds. Right in the heart of Burke and Wills explorer country, the Innamincka Hotel at Cooper Creek in South Australia played host to early drovers who brought cattle down the Strzelecki Track. The pub’s convivial ‘Outamincka Bar’ has become the stuff of bush legends and is a must-stop for anyone travelling in these parts.

You can’t get more outback than the famous Prairie Hotel at Parachilna in South Australia. Built in the 1890s, the pub attracts visitors from all over the world who come to try the renowned Australian native cuisine or bush tucker, otherwise known as ‘feral food’, while drinking in draught beer as well as the view of the magnificent Flinders Ranges.

The William Creek Pub is bang in the middle of the world’s largest cattle property, Anna Creek Station. At 23,800 square kilometres, Anna Creek is almost half the size of Tasmania, but by way of contrast, William Creek – population: six – is SA’s smallest town. The William Creek Pub has an almost legendary status and is the only ‘watering hole’ on the Oodnadatta Track between Marree and Oodnadatta. The only corrugated iron hotel still trading in SA, this original pub is filled with mementos from thousands of visitors.

WESTERN AUSTRALIAThe Roebuck Bay Hotel, or ‘Roey’ as the locals call it, lives by the saying “if it’s going to happen in Broome, it’s going to happen at the Roey”. If you stumble across local character, ‘Swindle’, pull up a chair and order a coldie because he has enough

tales about pearling and gangsters to last a week.

While sunset camel rides on Broome’s Cable Beach are world famous, it’s the tales about beer drinking camels that draw attention at The Whim Creek Pub. Halfway between Karratha and Port Hedland, this pub has its own wildlife sanctuary and was once home to a camel with a penchant for beer. You can’t miss it – it’s painted bright pink!

The biggest and best-known pub in Kalgoorlie, with 11 beers on tap, The Exchange holds the record for the biggest sales of Jim Beam bourbon in regional WA. It was originally constructed as a shed in the late 1800s.

The population of the small goldmining town of Kookynie, 200 kilometres from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, is fewer than 10 people, but the town’s 1894 vintage Grand Hotel, with its big verandahs and spacious rooms, survives. It was once the favourite watering hole for local prospectors.

NORTHERN TERRITORYThe colourful Daly Waters Pub, clad in corrugated iron, served Australian and American airmen – including a fighter squadron – who were based in the town during WWII. Once a popular drover’s rest, this unusual pub, built in 1930, gained fame as a stopover for pilots and passengers arriving on the new Qantas airline in 1934. (Daly Waters, incongruously, was the site of Australia’s first international airport.) Today, it’s a

pit-stop for thirsty tourists travelling the Explorer’s Way between Alice Springs and Darwin. You can spend hours browsing the walls of the pub bedecked as they are with foreign currency, souvenirs, underwear and machinery.

At Maluka’s Bar at Mataranka Springs, just south of Katherine, you can lean against the bar with its bright paintings and then toddle off to see the nearby replica of the hut in which Jeannie Gunn lived at Elsey Station. The first white woman in the area, Gunn told her story in the 1908 autobiographical novel We of the Never Never.

The world-famous Humpty Doo Hotel in Arnhem Land is conveniently located for travellers heading to Kakadu. The hotel has many slightly mad local characters, as per all great frontier boozers; pull up a pew.

At The Barra Bar & Bistro on the Kakadu Highway, you can cook your own local delicacies on a supplied barbecue with an accompanying buffet.

Just south of Darwin on the Darwin River Road at Berry Springs, you’ll find The Litchfield Pub, home of the bull arena and shed, which has a 55-metre long bar.

True Australian country hospitality is still very much alive and well in our Outback hotels. Whatever the style of accommodation or the location, the locals will greet you with a firm handshake and a steady gaze and call you ‘mate’. Our great Aussie pubs are about the people and the places, and they’re undoubtedly the heart of our nation.

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aving grown up in the Perth foothills, I’m no stranger to the magic of the Swan Valley – I’ve been there for school

excursions to the various petting farms; spent days at Caversham Wildlife Park with my own children; and I’ve attended more than a few weddings at some pretty salubrious venues in the region.

Indeed one of the key reasons to visit the Swan Valley again and again and never tire of its charms is the sheer volume of experiences it offers. The Swan Valley food and wine trail itself boasts more than 200 attractions along the 32-kilometre stretch, including wineries, restaurants, cafes, breweries, distilleries, art galleries, seasonal roadside stalls, heritage sites, wildlife and family fun. You can go for a few days, a week, a day or even just a couple of hours. It’s been a favoured spot for long, lazy lunches with friends for decades and it’s even a great place to bring the kids.

“The region is compact and easy to navigate, so visitors can comfortably explore six or seven attractions in a day”, says Mike Foley, chief executive for the City of Swan, who adds the area is known for its local produce and organic offerings.

Most recently I was treated to a two-day

spa stay at Brookleigh Estate, and while I enjoyed the spa treatments immensely, and the dinner at the onsite Stewart’s lived up to its reputation for fabulous fine dining; I also really enjoyed grabbing one of the hire bikes and trundling around the area. Some highlights included my daily jaunts to the Swan Valley Café for organic omelettes filled with oozing cheese, delicious coffees and, for one memorable lunch, a plate piled high with incredible salads made from local produce.

On another recent visit to the region, my family set off with the intention of stopping at all the shop-front outlets and food stalls along the trail. We packed in the House of Honey, the Swan Valley Egg Farm, the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and Mondo Nougat.

Come lunchtime, we dropped into Elmars and discovered it was a lot bigger than expected. It has a great sit-down dining area and the largest glass micro-brewery in the Southern Hemisphere. Not only does it offer its own beers and wines on site, there’s also a selection of wines from other local vineyards.

Having left Elmars far later in the afternoon than expected, we headed back out along the trail for our next planned stop – Maggie’s Place. Maggie’s is a good place

to leave until last if you plan to stock up. It sells high-quality seasonal produce from local producers, so there is no better way to fill your fridge.

The ladies in the shop front have no shortage of ideas and enthusiasm on what you can do with the various ingredients and how to get the most out of them. Owner Maggie Edmonds, a retired farmer who lives on a small rural property north of Bindoon, is passionate about supporting local growers and shares a wealth of information on how to use up all your produce to avoid the massive wastage seen in Australia. “Soups, juices and casseroles are a great way to use veggies that are past their prime, and a lot of them can be frozen if you don’t want to consume them immediately but they are approaching their used by date,” she says. We left the Swan Valley after seven hours with our car and bellies almost uncomfortably full.

There are a number of fine dining options along the trail, most notably Stewart’s, Fillaudeau’s Café Restaurant and Dear Friends, all of which make good use of the local and often organic produce on offer. My last meal at Stewart’s involved a slow cooked lamb fillet, creamy mash and seasonal greens that were all locally sourced and phenomenal in flavour.

Celebrating 180 years of winemaking, the Swan Valley has become a destination for foodies and wine buffs. Mel Hearse works up an appetite while checking out the goods.

Below: There is a Margaret River Chocolate Factory in Swan Valley.

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This image: Upper Reach Winery won Best Exhibitor at the 2010 Swan Valley Show.

Above: Stewart’s Restaurant at Brookleigh Estate has a reputation for fabulous fine dining.

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Wine, beer and cheerThe Swan Valley has no shortage of vineyards, and you’ll need to do little more than drive up the Great Northern Highway or East Swan Road to find plenty of quality vineyards and cellar doors to stop at.

One that rates a special mention is Upper Reach; which took out the gong for Best Exhibitor at the 2010 Swan Valley Show. Owned and operated by Derek and Laura Pease, Upper Reach is an eight-hectare property nestled on the banks of the Swan River. You can chill out on the deck enjoying good food and wine or take a tour of the vineyard with Laura. The wines themselves have steadily gained a strong reputation: the 2009 Reserve won Gold at the Perth Royal Show as the top WA shiraz

and second top shiraz overall, and then took out another gold and three trophies at the Swan Valley Wine Show. They were also named Gourmet Traveller’s Star Swan Valley Cellar Door in 2013.

Talijancich Wines is another really worthwhile stop on the trail, which came recommended to me by a sommelier friend who had worked at the vineyard years ago. The staff is knowledgeable and talked me through the wines in a way that helped me learn rather than feel how little knowledge I have about wines. The vineyard has been in the family since 1932 and is the first vineyard in WA to achieve bio-dynamic certification – and also one of the few in the country to produce the Spanish varietal graciano.

If spending an afternoon in a massive beer garden is your bag, or you are looking for a child-friendly spot to set up for a long lunch, then Feral Brewing Company is a good choice. It boasts vast grassy play areas and open dining spaces that make good use of their rural setting. It’s easy to spend an afternoon enjoying the craft beers produced on site, or sample from the ever-changing menu.

“We pride ourselves on using locally-sourced produce, hence the constantly

“We pride ourselves on using locally sourced produce, hence the constantly changing selection.”

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changing selection,” says sales manager Steve Finnery. He says the brewery was set up as a destination in itself – a place to visit with friends and enjoy a day outside of the daily grind. “The brewery is located on an amazing bit of land that makes you feel like you could not be any further away from the city in Outback Australia. There is a real rawness to the Swan Valley that can’t be found anywhere else,” he adds.

Stay and playIf you have the luxury of time, the Swan Valley offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. One of our favourite holidays was a stay at the Perth Vineyards Holiday Park, which offers luxury self-contained cottages and sites set among the vineyards. There is also a range of boutique bed and breakfasts, friendly farm stays, chalets and self contained cottages.

There are more than 20 operators who offer a range of tours through the region. Visitors can choose to travel in a horse-

GOThe Swan Valley is 25 minutes from the Perth CBD and only 10 minutes from Perth Airport.

STAYBrookleigh Estate1235 Great Northern Highway, Upper Swan08 9296 0018, brookleigh.com.au The Vines Resort & Country ClubVerdelho Drive, The Vines08 9297 3000, vines.com.au

EAT & DRINKTalijancich Wines26 Hyem Road, Herne Hill08 9296 4289, taliwine.com.auUpper Reach Winery77 Memorial Avenue, Baskerville08 9296 0078, upperreach.com.au

EXPLORECheck out the local arts and crafts while travelling the trail – the area is rich in local artisans. Yonga Boodjah Aboriginal Art Gallery features the works of acclaimed artists Phil Narkle, Dennis Kickett (Noongali) and new talent Fiona Reidy. 6571 West Swan Road, West Swan, 08 9374 0049, YongaBoodjah.com.au

MORE INFOswanvalley.com.au

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drawn wagon, by coach or join a boat cruise. The Swan Valley Shuttle operates a hop-on and hop-off bus from Wednesday to Sunday. Brookleigh Estate also offers bike hire to visitors to the area – a great way to get from stop to stop and work up an appetite along the way.

Upcoming eventsIn 2014, the Swan Valley will celebrate 180 years of winemaking in the region with many wineries hosting events. A few highlights for March include: • The Twilight Concert Series at Upper

Reach Winery on March 1 and 15;• Lionel Richie and John Farnham performing

at Sandalford Wines on March 2;• The third annual Swan Valley Vintage

Weekend, which runs from March 14–16. A host of events are organised as part of the weekend, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy some fine wine, good company and experience firsthand the crafting of Swan Valley wine from vineyard to bottle.

This image: The Swan Valley and Eastern Region visitor centre, located in the Guildford Courthouse.

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getaway

Michelle Hespe explores Tasmania’s Derwent Valley, and discovers an historical haven brimming with surprises.

Valley of Delights

Staff at the New Norfolk asylum’s antique store getting into the madness of Halloween.

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WILLOW COURT, in the grounds of the old mental asylum of New Norfolk, Derwent Valley, is rollicking with colour and the vibe of a party in full swing. Ghosts, zombies, witches, lunatics, pumpkins and people of all ages are bathed in the spring sunshine – smiling, selling and buying wares of all sorts. In the shade of the willow tree that gave the court its name back in the 1830s when it was planted and the building was erected; and along the footpath leading to the hospital’s main entrance, are market stalls selling everything from incense, candles and tie-dyed clothing, to books, bags and homewares. The freshly prepared food has the whole scene enveloped in the scent of home-baked goodness.

The asylum, which now houses an antique store bursting at the seams with fascinating collectibles and furniture capturing the remarkable history of the region, is like a theatre stage. That’s largely because it is a theatre stage today, with witches winding their way through the objects and crowds, stopping to entertain and harass whoever they can. Every year, New Norfolk celebrates Halloween with this fancy dress market, with all the locals getting in on the fun and madness. A psychiatric doctor behind the cash register in a laboratory coat and goggles, and his pregnant wife dressed in the ragged white nightdress of a clearly demented patient, are grinning ear to ear as they sell, wrap and package up pieces from years gone by.

The mad markets are the first stop on my full-day exploration of the Derwent Valley organised by Herbaceous Tours, with a focus on the region’s history. Sally Legosz is the passionate mastermind behind Herbaceous Tours – a business that expertly tailors trips of all types in Tasmania. Her main aim is to make sure people get exactly what they are after when exploring the Apple Isle and its many diverse and inspiring landscapes, villages towns and cities. Whether it’s history, culture, geography or food and wine, Sally has the contacts, passion, the knowledge and the know-how, meaning her clients are always delighted by the adventures spread before them.

Not simply salmon Set in a romantic 19th century English garden planted back in 1861, the Salmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery in the Derwent Valley’s town of Plenty is a soul-soothing set-up.

It’s the oldest hatchery in the southern hemisphere. With its rich, fertile landscape that has barely changed in 150 years, it doesn’t take much imagination to envisage the ladies and gentlemen of yesteryear relaxing on the shaded lawns.

In the moat-like ponds, thousands of fish at all stages of life can be watched or fed as they gracefully sweep through the crystal clear waters beside intensely green grassy-knolled islands. If you love to eat seafood, it’s hard not to salivate while eyeing off the plumped-up

Top to bottom: Distiller Dean Jackson at Redlands Estate; The Salmon Ponds, with its rich, fertile landscape, has barely changed in 150 years.

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brown, rainbow and brook trout, and the over-sized shimmering Atlantic salmon. And it’s interesting to note that until the first brown and rainbow trout were bred here in 1864, it was impossible to fish for these striking creatures anywhere in the southern hemisphere. They became the base stock of streams and lakes in Australia and New Zealand.

Those more into the sport itself rather than a finished product on a plate, will love the onsite museum’s coveted collection showcasing the changing face of fishing equipment over time, and the history of Tasmanian angling. It’s all arranged in a cottage built for the first superintendent of the Salmon Ponds back in 1865.

The secret world of RedlandsIt’s always a great sign when you turn up somewhere and there’s an artist in the fields with an easel and paints, quietly working on capturing the surrounding

scenery. Redlands Estate deserves that kind of dedicated artistic attention, because it is a wonderful world of natural and man-made beauty.

The gardens were originally created in 1819 by George Frederick Read – a wealthy merchant banker. Twenty years later, Count Strzelecki visited the banker and implemented a 300-acre irrigation system on the then 800-acre property, which survives to this day. Convicts toiled away for years to create the farm and buildings on the property, where hops were grown for grog, nicotine for smoking and trading, hemp for hanging hops, and beautiful gardens for relaxing, including a walled ‘Secret Garden’ and tennis courts.

The remarkable sandstone and wood cottages, sheds, main house and other buildings – including an old granary and a general store – still stand, as reminders of the community of people who once called Redlands home.

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Today, there is also a 45-minute whisky tour offering visitors insight into how whisky is made on the property; or a longer, four-hour tour where you can get hands-on with the distiller and really learn the ropes. There is also a three-day ‘Royal Distiller’ package for single malt enthusiasts which includes five-star accommodation, transport (helicopter if desired) to Redlands, and an incredible experience where guests handcraft their own barrels, malt barley, distil whisky (which is later aged) and fill six of their own customised 20 litre-barrels with Redlands Single Malt. The Redlands extravaganza includes digging for peat, flights to other wineries and Tasmanian producers, and a personal chef to cook all meals to boot.

Down by the riverYou might drive straight past this little gem of a cafe if you aren’t in the loop – The Possum Shed on Tyenna River has some of the most delicious homemade cakes, fresh hot scones, sandwiches and pies in the area, and they can be savoured while seated on the lovely outdoor balcony by the river’s edge, where the water literally babbles along beneath you. It’s the perfect stopover on the way to Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park, and with the fresh mountain air, it’s a nice way to make sure you’re bright and bushy-tailed for longer drives.

There’s a range of unusual teas and coffees available, and the walls and shelves are always loaded with an eclectic range of local artworks and craft. It could really be called the Platypus Shed, as local resident Flossie the platypus often makes herself comfortable beneath the café on the banks of the river. Many guests have been lucky enough to meet her, and her portrait is proudly displayed on the balcony’s wall.

Fall for RussellEven if you’ve only seen a few photographs of Tasmanian waterfalls, you’ve most likely clapped your eyes on stunning Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park. With its three tiers of majestically cascading clean mountain water, surrounded on all sides by a fairytale rainforest that wouldn’t look out of place in Lord of the Rings, it

has to be one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Australia. And it’s an easy 20-minute walk along an immaculately kept bark chip pathway from the tourist information centre in the park. People have been attracted to this enchanting area for more than a hundred years, as the falls were Tasmania’s first nature reserve and Mount Field has been a national park since 1916.

Woodbridge on DerwentAfter a long day of exploring the Derwent Valley, finding a luxurious place to relax and indulge in, is a pursuit that should be taken very seriously. And if you prefer your luxury mixed inextricably with history, then you can’t go past Tasmania’s only member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Woodbridge on Derwent.

This elegant mansion, which was built in 1825 and meticulously restored to its former glory, sums up all that is wonderful about Tasmania – its beauty, history, and its many fine wine and culinary offerings. The hotel gracefully adorns the banks of the Derwent River, surrounded by vivid swathes of flowers and lush foliage through which pebbled paths flow down to the

Above from top: The Possum Shed on Tyenna River has an outdoor balcony by the water; front balcony of The Possum Shed; wildlife abounds.

The Possum Shed on Tyenna River has some of the most delicious homemade cakes, fresh hot scones and sandwiches in the area.

MEET A JULIA CREEK DUNNART and watch a live feeding session of grubs, crickets and cockroaches.

‘At the Creek’ is a multi-award winning visitor information centre and tourist attraction in Julia Creek. Throughout the Centre there are several interactive audio and visual tools to help you experience what it is like to live, work and play in McKinlay Shire and Julia Creek.

A new addition to the centre is ‘Beneath the Creek’ which explores the underground features that have shaped the regions past through an interactive floor and touch screens.

‘Beneath the Creek’ features the nocturnal viewing area of the endangered marsupial the Julia Creek Dunnart. The Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis Douglasi) is a small endangered nocturnal marsupial found only in the Mitchell grass plains of the Shire. Sightings are rare, which is why the centre’s nocturnal viewing area is so special.

‘At the Creek’ is open from October to March on weekdays from 9.00am to 5.00pm and from April to September the complex is additionally open on Saturday and Sundays from 9.00am to noon.

So come to the visitors centre to learn about the land, the culture, industries past and present, education via School of the Air, meet a local and learn the history of transportation ranging from Cobb and Co to the Great Northern Railway.

MCKINLAY SHIRE - 2014 EVENTS CALENDAR

Dirt & Dust Festival 11-13 April

Julia Creek Artesian Express Races 12 April

Julia Creek Campdraft 16-18 May

McKinlay Races 21 June

Saxby Roundup 27-29 June

Julia Creek Races July

Sedan Dip Campdraft and Rodeo 22-24 August

Sedan Dip Races 23 August

Julia Creek Races September

North West Pony Club September

Cultural Capers October

Julia Creek Western Riding Club Challenge 3-5 October

Julia Creek Races November

Please contact At the Creek on (07) 4746 7690 or via email [email protected] for further information.

The Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival will celebrate its 20th year in 2014! A three day celebration of all things dirty and dusty including:

Junior and Senior Triathlon, Horse Races, Australia’s Best Butt, Dirt

n Dust Bullride - Sanctioned by PBR, The Mick Lindsay Band, Family

Entertainment, Gum Boot Mud and Slush Events!

The Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival – is not just your average dirty weekend!P: (07) 4751 6607 | www.dirtndust.com

11-13th April 2014

34 Burke Street, Julia Creek Qld 4823P: 07 4746 7690 E: [email protected] www.atthecreek.com.au Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.comJuliaCreekVisitorInformationCentreFind The Julia Creek Dunnart on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JuliaCreekDunnart

‘At the Creek’ Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre

JULIA CREEK DUNNARTCheck out our new website

especially dedicated to the Julia

Creek Dunnart. See a bunch of

photos, educational information and

follow Digby on social media. You can

buy dunnart related merchandise

and even feed him! Visit the site to find out more.

www.juliacreekdunnart.com.au

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river where guests can arrive by seaplane. The suites blend modern luxurious amenities with elegant historical grandeur, and the small touches are what obviously matter to owners Laurelle and John Grimley – such as guests’ names inscribed in calligraphy on dainty bedroom door plaques.

A dining experience at The Woodbridge on Derwent, in a whitewashed whimsically decorated pavilion above the river, is one that will linger with you long after you’ve taken your last sip of dessert wine. It’s an intimate dining room experience, and the beautifully presented meals crafted from the finest of Tasmanian produce can be matched with exquisite local wines. Dishes such as the slow roasted pork belly with ginger, garlic and marmalade glaze, red cabbage braised with apple and spices, pumpkin puree and sugar snap peas sum up the meals that make for contented diners. Lingering in the pavilion to take in the view is encouraged, but that would mean missing out on the luxurious suites.

One guest put it beautifully; saying that staying at the hotel is like being given the keys to a friend’s mansion. If only all friends had houses like Woodbridge, and if only we all had lush backyards like the Derwent Valley countryside.

STAYWoodbridge on Derwent6 Bridge St, New Norfolkwoodbridgenn.com.au

EAT & DRINKThe Possum Shed 1654 Gordon River Rd, Westerwaythepossumshed.com.auRedlands Estate759 Glenora Road, Plentyredlandsestate.com.au

EXPLOREHerbaceous Toursherbaceoustours.com.auWillow Court Historic Sitenewnorfolk.orgSalmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery and Gardens70 Salmon Ponds Rd, Plentysalmonponds.com.auRussell Falls in Mount Field National Parkparks.tas.gov.au

MORE INFOderwentvalley.tas.gov.auderwentvalley.com.au

Round-up

Image: The castle-like exterior of Woodbridge on Derwent.

AG-MACHINES: BRAINS AND BRAWN

AG-MACHINES: BRAINS AND BRAWN

WHILE THE FARM MACHINERY MARKETPLACE GETS WOWED BY BIGGER AND BIGGER BRUTES, THE REAL DRIVE FOR FARM PROFIT IS ACTUALLY IN THE SMALL STUFF – CLEVER

TECHNOLOGY THAT IS CREATING KNIFE-EDGE PRECISION, WRITES SUE WEBSTER.

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ut on the river flats they’re cutting baby-leaf lettuce. A hydrostatic drive unit is powering a horizontal-

plane saw shearing the plants off at precisely the right level to avoid soil contamination. The delicate leaves are carried up a conveyor belt and boxed, still in the field. No scramble for seasonal pickers.

Down at the local tractor dealership, the new farmhand is learning to steer a harvester without getting a whiff of diesel. Like a pilot, he is training on a simulator and working interactively on his PC. Across the desk, an older contractor is doing a refresher class. Come harvest, there’ll be no staff downtime.

On the fringes of Brisbane, in a sensitive water catchment area, microwave sensors are driving the automatic system on the twin-disc fertiliser spreader. A swivelling arm sets a spread pattern that self-adjusts application rates if rain suddenly hits,

or a different batch of fertiliser is introduced. No excess nutrients leach away or escape into run-off.

In the foothills of the Great Divide, there is no rattle of diesel in the orchard packing shed. The silent plug-in hybrid tele-handler is stacking boxes, working indoors and creating no fumes. When the driver is finished, she recharges the 30kWh lithium battery off the shed’s solar panels.

A Western Australian wheatfield contractor is cutting forage using data from moisture sensors to determine how finely to chop the material to ensure the best nutritional content.

In Tasmania’s ‘heavy carrying country’ they’re sorting spuds. An upward blast of air through a conveyor screen is keeping newly-dug potatoes aloft, separating them from the heavier lumps of clay and rock. These impurities are caught in a segmented lock and drop away, leaving the potatoes to travel on for washing and packing. No bottlenecks.

Near Mt Gambier, a laser-guided arm is attaching cups to the four teats of a genome-mapped Holstein cow who has ambled into the dairy unaided. A scan of her electronic ear tag identifies her nutrition spreadsheet. The customised feed is automatically batched and dumped into her feed bin. The farmer never leaves her seat in the glass-panelled control room.

Across the wide brown land, the new crop is going in. A robot-driven air seeder is following GPS co-ordinates to within centimetre-tolerance. It is planting GM-derived seeds at precise depths, delivering varying amounts of pre-emergent fertiliser depending on soil type or switching seeds mid-pass: automatically swapping from grain to maize seeding. Sensor monitoring alerts when there is over-sowing. No wasted seed.

And as the unmanned robot trundles across the field, it draws down data on the seed type, the soil

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type and the climatic conditions. And as it works, it collects real-time information about the sub-surface soil condition using electro-magnetic imaging and digital probes. That information feeds back via the telemetry links for analysis.

Some of these technologies exist on Australian farms; some are pending. But the indisputable trend is this: agricultural equipment on tomorrow’s farms will not just be harvesting food and fibre; they’ll be harvesting facts for feeding back into the system for subsequent harvests.

In November 2013, John Deere launched a software collaboration giving farmers wireless feeds to manage their machine and agronomic data. Earlier in the year the company’s vice president, Public Affairs Worldwide, Charles R. Stamp, Jr admitted: “We are at the beginning of another technological era, which even yet doesn’t have a shorthand name. It is the convergence of computer and

satellite technology, enabling monitors, sensors, telematics, cloud data storage and more. It’s amazing how technologically advanced agricultural machinery is today. For example, our 7R tractor contains five times the amount of software code in the US space shuttle’s flight-control software.

“Mechanisation is an often-overlooked factor in analysing the challenge of feeding the world. Improved crop genetics and fertilisation receive the most focus, especially when discussing agriculture in the developing world. But, it is clear that the challenge can only be met

with increased mechanisation.” Improved information technology

was identified as one of the three major contributors to growth in farming in the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) November technical report.

The report highlighted two elements of precision agriculture: auto-steering using GPS; and applying fertiliser at variable rates by remote monitoring. Auto steering has won a lot of fans, particularly on large landholdings. It represented two-thirds of the 2012 cropping area, up from

“It is the convergence of computer and satellite technology, enabling monitors, sensors, telematics, cloud data storage and more.”

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just under half in 2008. Variable fertilisation rates technology saw slower adoption.

Tillage gear is the hot-ticket item this season, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia, which reports that sales of tillage gear and air-seeders are shaking off the doldrums that have lingered since 2007.

However, overall the Australian marketplace for ag technology take-up is patchy and lacks potency. Our farms account for only about four per cent of the world’s ag equipment purchases, and even those sales figures are optimistic, according to Alan Kirsten, owner of Agriview, Australia’s foremost ag machinery market researcher. “In Australia, between 10,500 and 11,000 tractors are sold annually, and a good proportion of those are sold to lifestyle farms,” he said.

His company has tracked ag equipment sales for more than 30 years and one of the strong trends has been longer buying cycles. He puts the average re-equipping cycle now at about 14 years. “In cropping

terms, we’re still tilling and sowing the same amount of area but there’s fewer farmers and their properties are bigger. The equipment is doing less hours; it’s more efficient and it’s lasting longer, so the sales cycles are going on longer and longer as a result.”

While the marketplace might not be quantity-driven, it is becoming more componentry-driven in the hunt for accuracy. Seed Hawk national sales manager Tim Needham said: “There’s definitely a trend towards precision placement and guidance. Seeding rates are getting lower, which increases the requirement for precision. We’re now seeing hybrid canola rates down to one to two kilograms per hectare. You have to have accuracy at those low rates.”

Modern farm machinery can be big – juggernaut big. And while the giga-sized grunty gear and the big boys-toys get all the attention at field days, the real revolution is the small, smart stuff. Change is ever-present in farm machinery. After all, it was only 60 years ago, in 1953, that tractors surpassed horses as the major source of power on Australian farms.

DID YOU KNOW• A.H. McDonald built the first Australian-made tractor in 1908. It weighed 4.5 tonnes and had a power to weight ratio of 307kg/kW. Australia once had 25 tractor-making firms, now it has none.

• The word ‘tractor’ was patented in 1890 by George. H. Edwards of Chicago for a steamer design that was never commercialised. The word was first used to describe a piece of agricultural equipment in 1906.

• There are more than 60 tractor factories in China and the annual growth in domestic tractor demand in that country is estimated at six per cent.

There can be only one true forerunner. In underground mining automation, it is undoubtedly Sandvik AutoMine™. The Sandvik AutoMine™ product family covers fleet automation, single loader automation, block cave draw control and process control systems. Benefits include increased fleet utilisation, improved working conditions and safety, increased production as well as reduced maintenance costs. Sandvik AutoMine™ provides industry-leading safety, productivity and peace of mind for your operations.

Sandvik AutoMine™: The New Era of Mining.

Join the movement towards The Future of Mining.It’s This Way: mining.sandvik.com

SANDVIK Part Sales 1800 1 726 3845 | General Enquiries 1300 1 726 [email protected] 1 www.mining.sandvik.com/au

Sandvik AutoMine 1-3P advt.indd 1 14/02/14 2:48 PM

Issue 09 – March 2014

Growth predicted for the transport sector

IN FOR THE15

LONG HAUL

08 FOREFRONT 21 MINING REVIEW 31 INVESTMENT 45 TECH TALK

insidemining

For information call +44-1691-676235 or visit us online at www.skyjack.com

By keeping design simple and using proven technology, Skyjack products offer the rental industry’s best life cycle value through low cost of ownership, ease of service and maintenance while retaining high residual values. Skyjack products feature:• Standard color coded and hard wired relay based control systems which are easy to trouble shoot and repair using commonly available components• Common components across model groups making replacing or repairing components easy and cost effective• Replaceable modular platform railings and repairable fiberglass cowlings.• No complicated and expensive computers or can-bus systems• Robust steel construction

Simply Reliable

simply reliable

Vertical Mast Lifts • Electric Scissor Lifts • Rough Terrain Scissors • Articulating Booms • Telescopic Booms • Telehandlers

INSIDE_MINING_JAN_2014.indd 1 12/13/2013 8:32 AM

DECENT EXPOSUREWhy attend an industry expo? You will find a mother lode of important information and discover golden networking opportunities. Live demonstrations can help you find the best equipment for the best price; and you can talk directly with experts and even the creators themselves. Find ways to strengthen your existing business relationships, or field new ones. Seek out potential employment opportunities, or new training methods for your own employees. Australian Events are key players in the expo business and have three must-visit events coming up: the Central Queensland Industry and Resources Expo (CQ

Expo) at Rockhampton Showgrounds from March 19–20, the inaugural North Queensland Industry and Resources Expo (NQ Expo) at Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre from March 27–28, and the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo at Toowoomba Showgrounds from June 18–19.

THE ART OF SUPPLIESSpeaking of industry gatherings, attending one may also be the best way to secure a mine supply contract. As Centennial Coal’s group contract manager Stewart Jolly explained at a recent Austmine event, most mining sites already have more than

2000 existing suppliers and no time or resources to answer every single phone call. Thus, a potential supplier will be much more successful with an actual face-to-face conversation with an engineer. Industry events are the perfect place to meet potential clients who are actively looking for goods and services in the mining and resource sector.

MINE GAMESNo, we don’t mean playing bat and ball with a rock and a pickaxe; we mean applying game elements and design as a problem solving and training strategy for the mining industry. The fancy word for it is ‘gamification’, and it has the potential to address two challenges currently facing the mining industry: one – the need to quickly train a new, younger workforce as the old one retires; and two – the need to give miners ‘hands-on’ experience in a safe environment. Whether using an actual 3D simulation, like the aviation industry has for many years, or simple games encouraging teamwork and competition, companies have found gamification is a winner for encouraging stronger collaboration and more innovative thinking.

CSG CONTROVERSY New restrictions to coal seam gas (CSG) extraction announced by the government recently in New South Wales are not being well received. Following last October’s prohibition of CSG development within two kilometres of all its residential areas, the state government added more reforms in January. These excluded 2.7 million hectares of residential zones, future growth areas and land used for vineyards and horse breeding from CSG operations, and requiring mining and CSG ventures to have Gateway Certification before even applying for development on an additional one million hectares of the state’s prime farmland. The NSW government says it believes the reforms are well balanced and clear, but not everyone agrees. On one hand, the Australian Petroleum Production and exploration Association (APPEA) warn of skyrocketing gas prices, and argue the

Trenching is an integral part of pipeline installation, and because of the hazards linked to excavation and trenching jobs, the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act has provided detailed provisions covering this heavy work.The OHS&W Act aims to enlighten employers about their responsibilities regarding the safety and welfare of workers involved in trenching activities, and the regulatory provision covers guidelines on the quality of equipment used in trenching as well as the assessments and evaluations that should be done by the employer to ensure safety.OHS&W regulations require that thorough assessments must be made by an engineer for any trenching work that exceeds 1.5 metres in depth. The employer and the project manager must devise safety systems to ensure it is safe to work at the site. Trenching work involves

different safety risks, which can be due either to natural factors or the processes or equipment used by the employer.The type of soil is a big factor – disturbed ground, or previously excavated ground, presents bigger safety risks to workers and sufficient care is necessary when dealing with such soil.These risks can be considerably controlled with the help of a reliable contractor. Reay Services Group is focused on providing top quality contractor work for PE pipeline and mining services; specialising in pipeline installation as well as safe trenching work. The company makes sure all the necessary site studies are performed, and only the latest trenching machines are used to make work more efficient and less exhausting for the workers.More info at reaygroup.com.au

For information call +44-1691-676235 or visit us online at www.skyjack.com

By keeping design simple and using proven technology, Skyjack products offer the rental industry’s best life cycle value through low cost of ownership, ease of service and maintenance while retaining high residual values. Skyjack products feature:• Standard color coded and hard wired relay based control systems which are easy to trouble shoot and repair using commonly available components• Common components across model groups making replacing or repairing components easy and cost effective• Replaceable modular platform railings and repairable fiberglass cowlings.• No complicated and expensive computers or can-bus systems• Robust steel construction

Simply Reliable

simply reliable

Vertical Mast Lifts • Electric Scissor Lifts • Rough Terrain Scissors • Articulating Booms • Telescopic Booms • Telehandlers

INSIDE_MINING_JAN_2014.indd 1 12/13/2013 8:32 AM

3

news+views

HANDLING THE HAZARDS OF TRENCHING

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reforms are too broad and poorly timed, given that the NSW chief scientist has yet to release a final report on the impacts of CSG development. And on the other hand, many NSW farmers and lobby group ‘Lock the Gate’ assert the reforms are not broad enough and the Gateway process won’t actually stop unacceptable development. The only ones not complaining are those living in the metropolitan and residential zones where extraction is barred.

RIO BUYS NHULUNBUYAhead of the closure of its alumina refinery in Gove at the end of July, Rio Tinto has announced a bailout package to help support the local community. Project director Jo-Anne Scarini says the packages show Rio Tinto recognises the adverse impact the refinery closure will have on the town of about 4000 people, especially given that 1000 jobs will be lost.“Rio Tinto recognises the regional economy will transition over a number of years and has committed to provide financial support to Nhulunbuy businesses and a safety net for residential property investors over the next three years,” she said about the package.There has been no dollar figure placed on how much the support package will come to, but Rio Tinto has committed to reducing local business power tariffs by as much as 50 per cent in the first year and will also reduce rents on the majority of its commercial properties in town by a similar amount.Local homeowners will have their council rates and charges subsidised, and mortgagees will get a reprieve with interest costs being reduced by 50 per cent in the first year.Ms Scarini also hopes to retain a workforce of approximately 300 from the operation to keep the local community as large as possible, and will be looking to support FIFO opportunities out of Nhulunbuy to other operations across Rio Tinto.

MINERS HIT PAYDIRTJobsearch giant Seek has released its annual salary survey, and it looks like the mining industry is still reaping rewards. Resources and energy jobs rank at the top of the food chain when it comes to take home pay, commanding the top five positions in the survey. Top spot goes to oil and gas

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5

PEOPLE MAKE IT HAPPEN, SAYS McLANAHANGeorge Sidney, president of McLanahan Corporation, is a firm believer that ‘people make it happen’, and it is this attitude that has guided the mining and minerals processing equipment company through 179 years of continuous operation; through war, depression, boom and bust.McLanahan Corporation has had its fair share of extraordinary people, such as Samuel Calvin McLanahan who developed the first single roll crusher and log washer. However, the company has found it is often ordinary and practical people with good experience and intentions from diverse backgrounds who mould and remould company culture, leading to success over time. In Australia, McLanahan’s people follow the philosophy of continual improvement. This does not just mean making a better product, it also means delivering a better experience. The company strives to deliver real value to its customers in every area, from customer service and equipment manufacture through to field services.Another favourite catch cry from George Sidney is: “Make it safer, simpler and smarter.” McLanahan provides equipment with significantly lower part counts, more standardised parts, and lighter stronger materials – all to make life simpler.Design changes have also led to faster installation times, with fewer personnel, through modularisation. Also, innovations in sealing and protection lead to vastly improved wear rates and replacement intervals to deliver greater overall availability. Better still, using new automation telemetry, data management, trending analysis and condition status monitoring, the need for human interaction and constant maintenance is removed – making it a safer experience for all workers. mclanahan.com

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geoscientists with an average salary of $158,671, compared to a national average across all salaries of $81,055. The next four on the ladder are mining managers, mining geoscientists, oil and gas drillers and mining engineers. Interestingly, the sector stayed on top even though the average salary across mining, resources and energy dropped six per cent to $138,083; reflecting an overall drop in salaries across all sectors nationally.

SCALING BACK THE SCALEA new automated scale control system – the first of its kind in Australia – is decreasing both time spent unclogging pipes and the production costs for Western Australia’s Boddington gold mine. Senior metallurgist Paul Petrucci said Boddington used to accidently dose excess lime in the process water during unplanned outages; causing scale build-up. However, the new system has substantially reduced the problem. It can be monitored remotely and around the clock – and includes a customised, site-specific, anti-scalant based on water quality tests. This means build-ups, blockages and other scale events can be dealt with much more quickly and efficiently, minimising chances of production down-time or even a full plant shut down.

KEEPING IT LOCALIn an effort to attract more Indigenous workers, CopperChem, owner of the Great Australian Mine on the outskirts of Cloncurry near Mount Isa, is skewing its workforce in favour of a local workforce over fly-in fly-out employees. Between February and November 2013, FIFO’s dropped from 80 per cent to just 20 per cent. According to the mine’s Indigenous liaison officer, Leon Gertz, the local Indigenous workers are much more stable as employees because they’re already established in the area. Most of these workers are graduates of the 10-week course at Dugalunji Training Camp near Camooweal. The program guarantees most graduates a job, and Scott Seymour, one of 30 Indigenous workers at the mine, said the opportunity changed his life. Other mining companies, such as Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and Fortescue Metals Group are also increasing their Indigenous workforce.

TARANAKI’S GROWTH CATCHES MINER’S ATTENTION Taranaki in New Zealand is catching the attention of miners wanting to find work close to a place they are happy to call home. The region is in the midst of its busiest onshore program yet, and next year the attention will head offshore.All of New Zealand’s oil and gas production happens in Taranaki, and things are booming there at the moment. Miners are attracted to its innovative oil and gas industry, which offers plenty of job opportunities along with the region’s exciting lifestyle. Globally there aren’t a lot of locations that offer both. Because Taranaki is undergoing growth, a lot of job opportunities are becoming available, spanning a raft of projects from prospecting to engineering and more; however the region is most popular for its lifestyle. It offers everything from epic surf breaks, to an impressive events calendar, and many miners end up living less than 10 minutes from work, making it suitable for young families. For more information on Taranaki check out swapsides.co.nz

INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR SALe OR DeVeLOPMeNTROCKHAMPTON

For more information on this exciting opportunity:

Gracemere Industry Park is the first of its kind in the region and is set to become Central Queensland’s leading industry park.

The park is designed with Type 1 Road Train access in mind, with wide estate roads and immediate access to the Capricorn Highway and the purpose-built Gracemere Industrial Area Overpass.

The park offers competitive land solutions for local and international businesses looking to be part of the region’s continued economic growth. Land allotments cater for High, Medium and Low Impact industrial users, with sites from 2000sqm to 5Ha.

Key features:

• The only High Impact industrial land of greater than 3Ha immediately available in the market

• Purpose-built Toll NQX Logistics Facility already under construction

• Gateway to Central Queensland’s mining region, ideally located to major road infrastructure with immediate access to key transport routes

• Direct multi-combination vehicle Type 1 Road Train access

• Design and Construct warehousing and workshop solutions also available

• The land is not flood affected

• Government Incentives available

gracemereindustrypark.com.au

Neale Crow - Knight Frank T: 0418 886 162Glen Wintour - Gibb Group T: 0456 816 260Matt Thiselton - Gibb Group T: 0433 197 729

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BigfootSOME SAY THE MINING AND RESOURCE SECTORS’ IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT IS JUST A SMALL FOOTPRINT; OTHERS CHARGE IT’S TOO HEAVY A TREAD.

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“The clearance and land disturbance can be dramatic, which is why we have a strong regulatory system.”

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from the industry, mining makes up nearly a quarter of the Australian economy. “Apart from export dollars, employment, revenue and tax streams that flow back to various government bodies, mining provides raw materials that are the basis for many of our day-to-day infrastructure and facilities we are dependent on,” says Bennison.

He further adds the Australian mining and resources industry is so heavily regulated, on a state and federal level, that environmental impact is examined in great detail before any project is passed.

“Overseas, we are [regarded as] one of the leading nations in mine rehabilitation practices,” says Bennison.

In Western Australia, our richest state in terms of natural resources, the management of environmental protection, in relation to mining, is largely overseen by the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP), the Department of Environmental Regulation and the Environmental Protection Authority of WA.

DMP executive director of environment Dr Phil Gorey says athough it’s a weighty income for the

state, the mining footprint is actually quite small.

For exploration licences, the disturbance [to the environment] is 0.1 per cent of the actual tenement area. For mining, it’s a bit higher; around five per cent of mining lease area is disturbed, according to Gorey.

“At that scale, the clearance and land disturbance can be dramatic, which is why we have a really strong regulatory system where every decision to approve a mine site is informed with clear understanding of what the environmental impacts might be and all practical measures taken to offset those impacts.”

One of the big issues for WA, and other parts of the country, is mine rehabilitation after operations have ceased. In July, the DMP rolled out a new environmental security system, the Mining Rehabilitation Fund, which requires holders of mine tenements to pay a levy for the rehabilitation of abandoned mines in the state.

Essentially the fund is an insurance policy for the state, for instances when the mine goes bankrupt.

“The small cost required to plan for mine closure is greatly offset by the company then avoiding unnecessary costs later on, when closure is not better planned,” says Gorey.

The fund will also contribute to the rehabilitation of some 10,000 abandoned mine sites from earlier mining days, which now mar the outback landscape.

Today mining projects are in a different league than they were 100 years ago, and gaining approval is a far more complicated process.

Not all projects get the go-ahead either: the bid by Central West Coal to develop a coal mine south of Eneabba, in 2011, was rejected by the Environmental Protection Authority, as it didn’t meet environmental objectives for protecting flora and fauna.

Indeed, last year the WA government knocked back Vasse Coal Management’s underground black coal mine proposed for an area about 15 kilometres from the popular Margaret River wine destination.

THERE’S NO denying it. Mining in Australia has an impact on the environment, but experts in the sector say damage is actually minimal – and, to an extent, justified.

“Mining creates less than one per cent of the national footprint,” says Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) CEO Simon Bennison. “When compared to other land use activities, like agriculture and urbanisation, it’s very small,” he adds.

The main environmental impacts of mining are deforestation; greenhouse gas emissions; surface and groundwater disturbance; and soil and air pollution – impacting native vegetation and fauna.

But then there’s the dollar value the mining and resource sector injects into the economy, helping to support a way of life Australians have become accustomed to.

The Reserve Bank recently estimated the Australian resource sector makes up 18 per cent of gross value added to the economy. With mining becoming increasingly important, its contribution to the economy has doubled since 2003-4.

Taking into account the demand, supply and the spill-over effect created

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dredging proposals in the reef – about 40 million cubic metres of proposals are waiting approval, according to Wishart.

Of course there are differences of opinion, and the peak representative

group for Queensland mineral and energy companies says the project will not cause significant harm to the reef.

“Neither an increase in shipping traffic nor decades of port dredging has been scientifically recorded as contributing to coral cover loss or a historical decline in the environmental health of the reef,” says Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche.

Yet the expansion is critical for the state economy and jobs, he says.

“As well as supporting the industries that drive the state’s economy – minerals and energy, agriculture and tourism – functioning ports and shipping are essential for the livelihoods and well-being of almost one million Queenslanders who work and live alongside the Great Barrier Reef.”

However, Roche agrees the mining sector, like other human activity, impacts the environment.

“Where the government has a role to play is in assessing to what extent a proposed development may have a ‘significant impact’ on the environment.

“As such, both the Queensland Government and the Australian Government have various environmental legislation that

require a proposed project to assess the extent of their proposed impact, and to then first avoid, then minimise, mitigate and then offset an impact,” says Roche.

Dr Stuart Rosewarne, a senior lecturer in the department of political economy at Sydney University, says there are two major problems with the development of the mines in the Galilee Basin (where the coal will be sourced to be exported from Point Abbot).

These are the likely damaging consequences that dredging to accommodate coal vessels will have on the Great Barrier Reef, and the longer term implications the issue of greenhouse gases – in the vicinity of 100 million tonnes – could have in exacerbating climate change.

“The challenge we have in trying to limit the onset of problems is that governments are unconditionally wedded to supporting the resource boom for short term economic gain and not considering the longer term consequences of those developments,” says Dr Rosewarne.

Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia environment manager Kane Moyle recognises that, in some instances, there are unavoidable environmental impacts, however the value a mine may bring in terms of future employment and financial benefits justifies that impact.

In those instances, the mining companies have to offset that impact through other means.

“Offsets are typically a direct acquisition of land, which is then vested in conservation.

“There are also indirect offsets such as research programs to boost scientific knowledge or other environmental management programs in the region,” says Moyle.

The resource sector is a big contributor in this area, taking in scientific research done in remote WA for museums and other university research institutions, he adds.

And then there’s the battle raging over the proposal to construct the world’s biggest coal port at Abbot Point, Queensland, 25 kilometres north of Bowen – on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef.

The planned port expansion will see the relocation of three million cubic metres of mud and sediment dredged up in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It’s been approved by state government, and recently got the green light from federal government.

Australian Marine Conservation Society Great Barrier Reef campaign manager Felicity Wishart, says the project will cause considerable damage to the reef.

“All this seabed dredge spoil will be dumped in the reef’s waters and recent new modelling shows that sediment from dredge dumping travels much further and for longer (it can be suspended and resuspended numerous times) than previously thought,” says Wishart.

“The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage Area and a marine park. It needs to be adequately protected.”

This project is just one of many

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future growth of Queensland’s coal industry,” a spokesperson from Aurizon told Inside Mining.

WIRP will develop new rail lines and upgrade existing lines in stages, creating a vital link between WICET and mines in the southern Bowen and Surat basins. Stage one of the project involves six segments of expansion, allowing for a 30 per cent increase in coal tonnage transported from the southern Bowen Basin by 2015.

But Aurizon’s vision for growth extends well beyond WIRP. The rail group is currently investigating the huge potential of Queensland’s last vast coal reserve in the Galilee Basin. It is working with mining and infrastructure firm GVK Hancock to unlock the basin’s resources through the joint development of a rail line and a new coal terminal at the existing Abbot Point Port.

“This work not only brings us a step closer to jointly providing the primary rail and port solution for the Galilee, it brings the whole region a step closer to realising the benefits of one of the largest regional development opportunities this state has seen for decades,” says Aurizon managing director and CEO, Lance Hockridge.

GVK Hancock’s involvement in the project allows the miner to provide an integrated ‘pit to port’ solution for exporting coal, comprising mining, rail and port capabilities. “We will create jobs, contribute to the economic development of the region and improve quality of life,” the firm says. GVK Hancock owns the Alpha, Alpha West and Kevin’s Corner coal projects in the Galilee Basin.

The Australian mining sector faced its fair share of challenges in 2013, but the future looks bright for the country’s heavy haul infrastructure groups, who are determined not to let a weaker coal export market derail their expansion plans.

Australia’s main rail freight operators for the resources industry, Aurizon and Asciano, are predicting continued growth in haulage volumes, underpinned by expectations of long term growth in the country’s resources sector. With big projects afoot, the firms are gearing up for an exciting 2014.

Aurizon, formerly known as QR National, is Australia’s largest rail freight operator. The firm manages the 2670-kilometre Central Queensland Coal Network that links the state’s coal mines to ports at Bowen, Mackay and Gladstone on Australia’s eastern seaboard. From these ports, black coal is bound for energy hungry markets in Japan, China, South Korea, India and Taiwan.

With a keen eye on growth, Aurizon is in the midst of a massive staged expansion of its central Queensland rail infrastructure to service the new Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) at the Port of Gladstone. The project aims to add 70 million tonnes annually to central Queensland’s export capacity. Queensland is already Australia’s largest coal exporting state, with annual exports of around 200 million tonnes.

“The $900 million Wiggins Island Rail Project (WIRP) is one of the largest rail expansions in Australia and represents a significant commitment to the

Fast fact:Trains

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and 148 wagons,

amounting to a length of

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size can carry about 8500

tonnes of coal.

industryfocus

17

The proposed rail and port infrastructure development is expected to attract an investment for Queensland in the order of $6 billion, providing more than 1300 jobs during construction, and around 300 long-term jobs once operational. But initially only 300 kilometres of the 500 kilometres of new corridor and track under the original GVK Hancock proposal will be constructed, before connecting into existing Aurizon infrastructure. This will allow a phased development at the Abbot Point T3 terminal to match volumes and ramp-up, thereby materially reducing the initial cost of infrastructure, according to GVK Hancock and Aurizon.

“We’re pleased this also aligns with government objectives – getting early tonnes out of the Galilee, at lower cost by tapping into existing infrastructure and consolidating tonnages onto a common corridor,” says Aurizon’s Hockridge.

Competitive edgeMinimising costs remains top of the agenda for mining firms in the face of soft global markets, high production costs and a high dollar. Increased competition in the rail haulage sector is key to enabling miners to reduce costs. There are signs that port and rail haulage group Asciano (which owns Pacific National Coal) could be encroaching on Aurizon’s territory, according to some miners. “Gradually, we are seeing more competition in coal transportation,” Australian mining firm Bandanna Energy told Inside Mining. “Bandanna

Energy recently signed a 10-year contract with Asciano, which competes with Aurizon. Increased competition is a good thing, but there is room for more,” the miner’s chief development officer, Stuart Clarke says.

Asciano’s Pacific National Coal is the largest operator in New South Wales and the fastest growing coal haulage operator in Queensland. The rail group has recently expanded its Australian east coast operations with the acquisition of Newcastle-based integrated logistics company Mountain Industries. The investment boosts the capabilities of Asciano’s ports and stevedoring division, aiding the development of a ‘pit to port’ logistical solution for its customers.

But while infrastructure operators may be focused on expansion, rail and port fees have become an increasing problem for miners struggling to cope in the downturn. Many are facing charges regardless of whether they actually use the infrastructure – an industry practice known as take or pay. This is forcing some miners to continue coal production, even if it is uneconomical.

Take or pay is one the biggest challenges facing the coal industry today, according to Bandanna Energy, which is yet to enter into production. It is an especially big liability for small, independent producers. In the case of Bandanna Energy, rail and rail freight makes up over 20 per cent of the cost of production, with this figure rising to around 40 per cent when port charges are taken into account.

“It is a double-edged sword because you need port and rail allocations in order to get project financing, but once you have secured these, you then have the perceived burden of take or pay commitments,” says Bandanna Energy’s Clarke. But it is less of a burden for the miner compared to other juniors, as Bandanna’s Springsure Creek mine is only 38 kilometres from an existing rail line, unlike some mines, which are hundreds of kilometres from any existing rail lines.

Queensland’s coal industry is undoubtedly feeling the effects of a weaker export market. Spending in the Mackay region – comprising the city of Mackay and the northern Bowen Basin coal region – fell 12 per cent as a result of the coal industry’s belt tightening, according to an Australian Bureau of Statistics breakdown of resources sector spending across Queensland in 2012-13.

“The state’s resources diversity has delivered a record economic contribution to the people of Queensland but there’s also a salutary reminder that our hard won reputation as a minerals and energy supplier of choice should not be taken for granted,” says Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche, in response to the figures.

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“Maintenance, once the Cinderella of the boardroom, is a pivotal function and demands management attention and, if managed well, can be a source of competitive advantage.”

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Despite its crucial impact on mining operations, little has been written about the exact cost of machinery downtime and failure. In fact, one of the most recent pieces of research harks back to a 1998 paper produced by Kreilis and Singleton at the Coal Operators’ Conference at the University of Wollongong. While the paper itself is dated, the sentiment it contains remains pertinent, if not more important, today: that both costs and equipment reliability have one significant thing in common – they are driven substantially by maintenance.

“Maintenance, once the Cinderella of the boardroom, is a pivotal function and demands management attention and, if it is managed well, can be a source of competitive advantage,” the research states.

“They [major miners] made the decision to put maintenance high on their agendas because they realised that good maintenance is a vital factor to achieving excellence.”

While major miners and some machinery suppliers appear reluctant to speak publicly about their machinery citing “competitive reasons”, the Kreilis and Singleton research paper states maintenance costs are commonly between 30 and 50 per cent of mine site total operational costs,

with BHP spending between $1 billion and $1.5 billion each year on servicing its machines and equipment.

The Construction & Mining Industry Group (CMEIG), told Inside Mining it was “critical” in this billion-dollar industry, that every facet of machinery works. The CMEIG was formed in 2003 as a non-profit organisation to represent the construction and mining equipment industry and allied equipment and services on issues impacting on the delivery of business. Members of the CMEIG national executive read like a Who’s Who of the mining machinery business and include representatives from Tutt Bryant, Caterpillar, Volvo, Komatsu, Clark Equipment, Hitachi, Toyota Material Handling and Atlas Heavy Engineering.

Liebherr-Australia sales and marketing general manager Dave Pichanick has told Inside Mining the German-based company – which has

been operating in Australia for 20 years – had 55 per cent of the market share in its machinery classes of main mining excavators and ultra-class trucks. Liebherr manufactures the biggest ultra class trucks in the world at 360 tonnes.

“Our reputation is very strong, we are a reliable market leader and have the most popular machine in our classes. We are ahead of the pack,” he says.

“It is a simple business where we don’t have all the other processes and equipment the other companies have.”

Pichanick says, while lubricants needed to be changed every 500 to 1000 hours and tyres every 3000 to 5000 hours, much depended on the mine site conditions such as abrasion, twists and turns and gradient.

“Maintenance has to be really good. The bigger the equipment, the more maintenance and planning. If you don’t service it at the right time, eventually something will go,” he says. “The

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bigger you go, the more tender loving care you have to give.”

Pichanick said the mining machinery market is currently more competitive than it had been even two years ago.

According to the Mining and Construction Machinery Manufacturing in Australia: Market Research Report, released by IBISWorld in November last year, slowing growth in the mining sector is adversely affecting demand for industry products.

“The Mining and Construction Machinery Manufacturing industry is forecast to decrease by 2.3 per cent over 2013-14 to $4.9 billion. This is in contrast to the past five years, with revenue estimated to grow at an annualised 1.7 per cent over the five years to 2013-14,” the report states.

“Weak construction activity and volatile consumer sentiment has reduced demand for [specialised]mining machinery.

“In light of less than favourable business conditions, growth has slowed as mining firms have shifted their focus from capacity expansion to low-cost production.”

The report, subtitled, ‘A small cog in the works: Downstream industries weaken, containing industry demand’, goes on to say industry players are intensifying their efforts to improve operational efficiencies to curb expenditure, which suggests the mining industry could be poised for some exciting machinery innovations in the coming years.

“Investment and research expenditure remain crucial for companies to produce more durable and efficient machinery and equipment. Large players recognise the value of innovation in obtaining a greater market share,” the report states.

“During the past few years, there have been moderate improvements in technology ranging from advanced drilling equipment to innovative shovel and crushing equipment.”

Robert Trzebski, CEO of Austmine, which is the leading industry association for the mining supply sector, has told Inside Mining Australia

leads the world in mining technology and services.

“It is all about the technology. The mining industry is faced with four key issues – productivity, cost efficiency, safety and responsible mining/the environment,” he says.

“Automation is the future. Rio Tinto recently announced that it is getting rid of 250 train drivers in the Pilbara, but where there are losses there are also new opportunities. Mining is not the most progressive industry, but it has to be because cost pressures will continue.

“Other parts of the world, such as China, are good at copying similar products and they are at lower prices but also lower quality. There is competition and pressure but quite often even under normal circumstances, the most expensive product and service in Australia leads the world.”

Trzebski says while factors such as volume, price, availability and suitably of operations are all considered when mining companies are selecting machines and products, supply is the biggest issue that is affecting the mining industry.

“There was a time probably three or four years ago when you had to wait 1.5 years to get the tyres delivered. Now there are plenty of trucks sitting around,” he says.

“The buyer is king now. There is an oversupply of everything at the moment.”

But miners shouldn’t get too complacent about the current competitive prices, says Trzebski, with reports Southeast Asia will be requiring $30 billion worth of mining equipment in the next three to four years. “The boom times are definitely over but demand will continue growing,” he says.

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are represented in the association’s membership.

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25

THE NEW PILBARAAs the iron boom changes gears in Pilbara, West Africa’s untapped resources are drawing eyes down under. WORDS: IAN NEUBAUER

IN APRIL last year, President Ali Bongo of the West African nation of Gabon flew into Perth to address a meeting of the Australian African Business Council. His mission? The Western Australian equivalent of selling ice to the Eskimos: asking local mining companies to throw their hats into the ring at Gabon’s Belinga iron ore deposit, one of the largest undeveloped iron ore deposits in the world.

“We have a stable country in the heart of Africa that offers many investment opportunities, particularly in the mining sector,” Bongo said. “We are asking Australian companies to help us to develop our mining sector. Gabon will welcome you with open arms.”

OUT OF AFRICA Investing in foreign mines is a risky proposition, especially in Africa where civil unrest, unstable government, endemic corruption, skills shortages and byzantine labour laws are par for the course. Gabon, however, boasts significantly lower sovereign risk than its neighbours in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has a democratically elected government, a relatively small population of 1.6 million

in a landmass larger than Victoria, well-established offshore petroleum and refinery industries and one of the region’s most modern deep-water ports.

Outside the capital Libreville, infrastructure is generally poor with only one major railroad, the Trans Gabon Railway (TGR). But things are about to get a whole lot better. Over the next six years, Gabon’s $12.8 billion National Infrastructure Master Plan will see 21 major projects in health, education, housing, internet, rail and road come online. Gabon is an “attractive investment destination”, according to CIA’s The World Factbook.

Oil money is being used to pay for the new infrastructure. But with oil production now passed its peak and

estimated to fizzle out by 2025, the Gabonese Government has began planning for an after-oil scenario. Since 2010, it has attracted more than $4 billion in direct foreign investment outside the oil sector.

Industrial extraction of gold began in 2012, with production projected at 1.2 million tonnes per year, and Gabon is now the world’s second-largest producer of manganese, which is a key ingredient in the production of stainless steel.

Australia has played a hand in Gabon’s progress, becoming our third largest merchandise trading partner within Africa and accounting for $400 million of trade on top of the $1 billion worth of crude oil we buy each year.

Industrial extraction of gold in Gabon began in 2012, with production projected at 1.2 million tonnes per year.

This image: Gabon’s President Ali Bongo

came to Australia in 2013 to spruik

mining investment opportunities

in Gabon.

26


Last year, when Gabon revoked a Chinese company’s rights to mine manganese and iron ore at Belinga for failing to get a start on a 250 kilometre- long railway needed to connect Belinga to the TGR, BHP came knocking. In January, Bloomberg reported a deal was about to be inked following a high-level meeting between Gabon and BHP. But in March, BHP closed its offices in Libreville without warning and froze all its projects in the country.

ENTER THE MINORSBHP’s reversal was attributed to a slump in Chinese demand for steel that has seen the miner scale back non-performing assets all over the world. At the time it was seen as a huge blow for Gabon but, looking forward, it’s likely to be remembered as a temporary setback. The Belinga Deposit could hold as much as four billion tonnes of iron ore, so the safe bet is it’s only a matter of time until another mining giant takes over from where BHP left off.

A number of small Australian mining companies are placing millions on that bet by exploring mining concessions that lie in close proximity to the Belinga.

Among them is Perth-based Volta Mining. In June, the company announced it was on track to formalise finance, drilling services and access to rail for its Mbombo iron ore project, a 4000 square kilometre concession that lies roughly halfway between Belinga and the TGR.

“We are pleased with the progress of discussions achieved to date and look forward to successfully concluding arrangements,” says Volta’s managing director David Sumich. “The resulting agreements will better enable us to generate significant value for our shareholders and Gabon.’’

Then there’s Sydney-based Waratah Resources. In July, Waratah’s managing director Ben Fitzpatrick brought a delegation of South Korean Government officials and corporate investors to discuss a rail solution for its Mekambo-Est iron ore project, a 1300 square kilometre

concession some 100 kilometres west of Belinga that could hold up to one billion tonnes of iron ore.

“BHP and RIO are so big they are like governments, but we are a lot more flexible in the way we operate,” Kirkpatrick says. “Our mines won’t go online for a couple more years but that’s fine with us, we’re in it for the long run. Meanwhile, we’ve created a revenue stream for the project by selling

commodities in China and we’re looking at building thousands of new houses together with the Gabonese Government.

“It takes a lot of time and money to do things in the jungle. It’s going to be a slow burn,” Kirkpatrick says. “But the Gabonese are striving to build a great nation and I’m confident they’ll succeed. In five years’ time, mining companies are going to be rushing in to get a piece of the action.”

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Traditionally, Australians are not gemstone investment oriented, but coloured gemstones can be a worthwhile long-term investment. Investment-grade coloured gemstones represent a stable asset class that, historically, has shown consistent price growth, say industry sources.

Industry pundits attribute this growth partly to demand for diversity, and partly to a mainstream asset investment portfolio, particularly since the onset of the global financial crisis.

Coloured gemstones are also increasingly in demand as a portable source of wealth in turbulent economic times.

Price growth, furthermore, is set to escalate over the next few decades, the sources said. This will result from an anticipation of increasing scarcity of investment-grade stones coming onto the market as existing supplies are held onto tightly by investors and few new natural sources of supply are being discovered.

The impact of this anticipated shortage is already evident in the market for investment-grade pink diamonds, says Varoujan Djeva, managing director of Australian Diamond Brokers.

Recently, price increases have been more substantial for pinks than for any other type of diamond, the result of a growing investor awareness that the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia’s Kimberley region – which produces 90 per cent of the world’s pink

diamonds – has limited production time left to unearth investment-grade pinks, and the equally valuable and even rarer blue, green and red diamonds.

Adding to their appeal as an investment is the fact that each Argyle diamond comes complete with an Argyle certificate, Djeva says. This certification will only help to drive the price of pinks upwards as Argyle production of the stones winds down over the next decade.

Graham Easy, executive officer of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers’ New South Wales division, says, however, that while investment-grade coloured gemstones “have a fine record as a stable asset over the long term,” investing in them is not without significant risks.

Of crucial importance is ensuring the gemstones you’re buying are natural and not enhanced stones, he says. For example, 90 per cent of sapphires currently being sold in the marketplace are treated in some way to enhance their colour or quality. While enhanced stones do have commercial value, it is far less than the value of an investment-grade natural stone, albeit the fact that both can look equally beautiful to the untrained eye.

To mitigate this risk, cautions Easy, no gemstone should be purchased without certification from an internationally recognised gemological laboratory, as some current methods of treating non-natural stones can be difficult to detect.

TOP-GRADE COLOURED GEMSTONES CAN BE A PROFITABLE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT, BUT INVESTING IS NEVER WITHOUT SOME RISK.

WORDS: LIAM EGAN

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Easy added there are “outrageous claims” on the internet by some companies about gemstone value and price appreciation. It goes without saying an investor should never buy a stone without seeing it, he cautions.

Auctioneer David Bubb of ABA Associates in Sydney advises self-education is critical for would-be investors in coloured gemstones, and provides an extra layer of protection against the high risks involved.

He advises any intending investor to complete a course in gemology, such as one of those offered by the Gemmological Association of Australia (see end note).

“These courses will ‘never make you an expert’,” he cautions, “but you will at least learn the rules of buying and selling gemstones.” These sales take place principally through retail jewellers, some of which also act as brokers, as well as through auction houses and internet-based dealers. There are also some wholesalers who will sell to investors.

On the other hand, Bubb says, the marketplace has benefits for skilled investors, in that it means gemstones are bought and sold in a “true supply-and-demand market” (as opposed to the colourless diamond market, for example, which, historically, has been price-controlled by the De Beers

Adding to the risk is the fact that a lot of laboratories internationally are capable of testing and certifying stones as natural and untreated, but only a few of them can provide stones with globally recognised certification. These are the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS), the Gübelin Gemological Laboratories and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

For coloured diamonds not originating from the Argyle mine, the Antwerp Diamond High Council (HRD) can provide investors with this globally recognised certification.

Easy also cautions against buying gemstones purely on the basis of their valuation. “It is interesting the recognised laboratories mentioned above would never provide a valuation on a stone,” he says. “They would only ever tell you what the stone is and whether it is natural and untreated.”

Equally, he emphasises no-one can tell you what a particular gemstone will be worth in the future. A valuation gives you nothing but a quote on what it would cost to replace the stone at the time of purchase.

“If a client asked a reputable valuer what the value of a stone would be in 20 years, he or she would undoubtedly be told to come back in 20 years and get a replacement value quote done.”

Australia’s gem industry

Australian diamonds were first discovered in Bathurst in 1851

90% of diamond production takes place in the Kimberley, WA

16mtotal carats produced

annually in Australia

$578.3m bi-annual revenuefrom diamonds, 2012-13

Coloured stones: Among the most valuable coloured gemstones are rubies, sapphires, emeralds and rare coloured diamonds.

investment

33

corporation). By extension, this means that an investment-grade coloured stone will “get a world price based on supply and demand”.

It also potentially increases the liquidity of gemstones as an investment, he adds. “If, for example, the market climate is bad for a gemstone’s sale in Australia, you can try to sell it in America; or if it’s bad in America, you can always try to sell it in China.”

Currently, there is strong demand for investment-grade gemstones from within China, Central Europe and America, says Kenneth Marks of Sydney gemstone jeweller and broker Percy Marks Fine Gems. The auction houses in New York, for example, are now fetching some “incredible prices” for good gemstones, Marks notes. Recently, an Argyle diamond sold for more than US$1.3 million at Christie’s Auction House in New York; 30 years ago, the same stone would have sold for US$50,000 to US$100,000, he says.

The most valuable coloured gemstones are emeralds, sapphires, rubies and pink diamonds, as well as blue, green and red diamonds, although the latter three types are very rare nowadays, Marks says.

Outside the coloured diamonds, he adds, most global demand currently is for Burmese sapphires, Burmese rubies and Columbian emeralds. There is also significant demand for Alexandrites, aquamarines and black opals.

Over the past 10 years, the approximate per-carat price of investment-grade Columbian

emeralds would have doubled to US$50,000, depending on the size of the stone, Marks says. In general, bigger stones are more valuable than smaller stones.

A Burmese ruby would have more than doubled in value from the approximate US$16,000 per carat price it would have fetched 10 years ago, he notes. Generally, rubies from Thailand are not as valuable as others, but they would still fetch substantially more than the approximate US$8,000 they would get 10 years ago.

Kashmir sapphires, which are in particularly strong demand in China right now, would also have nearly doubled in price from roughly US$16,000 10 years ago, which is a significant jump.

Alexandrites from Russia have a very limited market, Marks says, but these rare gems would easily have doubled in value on the approximate US$12,000 per carat they fetched in 2003.

The value of other beautiful gemstones, such as tsavorite, tanzanite and tourmaline, would also have grown significantly over the past decade, he says – however, because they have a tendency to dip in and out of fashion, it has been more difficult to give a reliable estimate of price growth for these.

The Gemmological Association of Australia (gem.org.au) offers courses such as the GAA Diploma in Gemmology, as well as other short introductory courses.

…that’s because he and his Hunter Valley team are repairing giant Off the Road Tyres in the world’s most advanced tyre repair facility.

When it comes to OTR repairs, not many have the experience of Robbie Roser. He knows that every small step in Bridgestone’s unique OTR Tyre Repair System demands the most exacting of standards to ensure every repair complies with, or exceeds, Australian Standard AS4457.2-2008. The Bridgestone Tyre Repair System has been developed over many years and is based on a fundamental understanding of the tyre, providing ‘worlds best’ quality of repair and the highest levels of safety when the tyre is returned to service.

Bridgestone’s Tyre Repairers are craftsmen. Each are trained to the exacting and accredited (Australian Skills Quality Authority) Bridgestone Tyre Repair Training course. This training course provides the only comprehensive Off the Road Tyre repair accreditation in Australia.

www.bridgestone-earthmover.com.au

Even after 35 years in the tyre repair business Robbie still loves coming to work…

Bridgestone OTR Tyre Repair System

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Fast facts:The factors that

give gemstones an investment value are carat weight, colour, clarity and cut, as

well as certification – however, base prices for investment-grade gems are ultimately

set by supply and demand.

A stone’s ‘beauty’ depends on its colour

(hue), vividness and tone, along

with its brilliance, clarity, transparency, proportion, symmetry

and finish.

In general, the bigger the investment-grade stone, the greater its potential value and prospect for growth.

The largest pink diamond discovered in Australia is known

as the Argyle Pink Jubilee, at 12.76 carats

unpolished. It was unearthed at the Rio

Tinto Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia in 2011.

investment

34

…that’s because he and his Hunter Valley team are repairing giant Off the Road Tyres in the world’s most advanced tyre repair facility.

When it comes to OTR repairs, not many have the experience of Robbie Roser. He knows that every small step in Bridgestone’s unique OTR Tyre Repair System demands the most exacting of standards to ensure every repair complies with, or exceeds, Australian Standard AS4457.2-2008. The Bridgestone Tyre Repair System has been developed over many years and is based on a fundamental understanding of the tyre, providing ‘worlds best’ quality of repair and the highest levels of safety when the tyre is returned to service.

Bridgestone’s Tyre Repairers are craftsmen. Each are trained to the exacting and accredited (Australian Skills Quality Authority) Bridgestone Tyre Repair Training course. This training course provides the only comprehensive Off the Road Tyre repair accreditation in Australia.

www.bridgestone-earthmover.com.au

Even after 35 years in the tyre repair business Robbie still loves coming to work…

Bridgestone OTR Tyre Repair System

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Have we got it right?Have your say, visit our website.www.allshelter.com.au

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andvik’s AutoMine Lite for Loading automated mining system is designed for single load-haul-dump operations in hard rock underground mines, providing a

safer, more productive alternative to conventional remote control systems.

With a number of highly successful installations around the world, it provides full remote load-haul-dump (LHD) supervision and control of a single loader – and can be easily upgraded to a fully automated Sandvik AutoMine system.

According to Rowan Melrose, Sandvik’s global head of automation, automated operations improve working efficiency, reduce risks in hazardous production areas, and can eliminate the need for operators to travel underground during shift changes.

“AutoMine Lite significantly enhances working safety and makes operating easier through automating as much as possible of the load-haul-dump cycle,” he said.

“Repeatable tasks of tramming (hauling) and dumping are completely automated while the bucket loading cycle is tele-operated.”

AutoMine Lite is designed to suit a range of different mining methods and applications, including:

• Sub-level caving and open stoping, loading to ore passes, crusher, stockpile

• Backfilling • Transfer level loading from ore

passes or crusher • Block caving in hazardous areas • Mine development, including

loading after blasting• Other operations requiring high

levels of safety and remote control of a single LHD.

AutoMine Lite consists of an ergonomically designed operator station,

an integrated onboard automation package for the loader, a purpose-built safety system, and a reliable and simple communications system between them.

In addition to AutoMine Lite for Loading, Sandvik offers a full suite of AutoMine solutions for fleet and single machine operations, across both surface and underground mining.

In other recent news, Sandvik and the Australian-based Maptek Pty Ltd have announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop integrated planning, execution solutions and automation systems for the entire mining industry.

The MOU is designed to develop automated mining equipment, which can connect to and work directly from

the data produced by Maptek’s industry leading range of mine planning and measurement products, said Sandvik’s Rowan Melrose.

Peter Johnson, Maptek’s general manager – Australia, said the agreement would result in miners being able to send detailed design and modelling data flowing though their mine operations, and monitor real time performance and conformance.

“This is the next step towards further unlocking the inherent value in resource and mine planning data,” he said.

“The biggest challenge remains consistent delivery across the mining value chain, and this initiative between Maptek and Sandvik is aimed directly at achieving that.”

Sandvik automated mining system for single loadersSandvik is delivering multiple safety solutions, putting better work practices at the forefront.

PH: 1800 08 2244

Have we got it right?Have your say, visit our website.www.allshelter.com.au

When widths are important

New RangeNew SizeS

WiDTH

HeigHT

* Sizes do not include container. ** Custom sizes also available.CASA – WIDE – Profile

l High strength woven polyethylene fabric

l easy to transport kit forml Ultra violet ray protectionl Semi translucent covers –

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techspecial

39

McLan_183x124IM_O.indd 1 11/02/2014 4:34 pm

Flame resistant workwear is an essential piece of safety equipment for protecting workers exposed to heat, flames, arc flash and flash fire. It’s the last line of defence in these hazardous environments in the event an accident occurs. However, the success of your flame resistant (FR) clothing program depends heavily on the fabric used to construct the garments.

Both arc rating and flash fire testing are done by fabric brand and weight; the fabric brand is also the key factor in durability of FR properties, initial and long term comfort, shrinkage control, wear life, and more. For these reasons, it’s very important you take an active role in specifying a proven fabric brand such as Westex Ultrasoft for the production of your finished garments.

Here are a few questions to consider when evaluating fabric manufacturers:• Are the fabric’s flame resistant

properties guaranteed to last the life of the garment (and if so, by whom, and with what qualifiers)? Lately, there’s been a lot of discussion about the difference between “inherent” and “treated” FR fabrics. These terms refer to the methods used to achieve a fabric’s flame resistant properties. And while some manufacturers would like you to believe this issue is important, it’s important to remember these terms have no basis in textile science. A better approach to choosing the right fabric is to look for data and performance characteristics that prove how well it performs in the real world, over time. Flame resistant fabrics such as Westex Ultrasoft, with its 28 years’ experience and tens of millions of garments in circulation worldwide are evidence of the irrefutable facts, which solidify a

reputable brand. Combine this with the results of multiple independent laboratory evaluations and you have a sound basis for a safety decision. It’s not how the flame resistance is engineered that counts; it needs to be FR for the life of the garment.

• Is the fabric comfortable? Let’s face it – no one on your team is going to want to wear an uncomfortable, stiff garment that shrinks a size or two as soon as you get it near a washing machine. In order for your FR clothing program to be successful, it’s critical the garments you select are made from durable, yet comfortable, fabric that your employees will want to wear. Cotton rich flame resistant fabrics such as Westex Ultrasoft® are worn

by workers worldwide because of the combination of durability, protection and comfort. Learn as much as you can about the fabric’s feel against the skin and susceptibility to shrinkage.

• Is the fabric’s brand reputable? You get what you pay for; so don’t be afraid to pay for quality—it’ll pay off in the long run. Generic and off-brand fabrics often claim to provide excellent protection, but their bargain basement prices should definitely make you think twice about their claims. A marginally lower up-front investment on a low-quality product is a high risk that could lead to employee injuries, program dissatisfaction and/or significant additional costs downstream.

The safety is in the fabricWhen safety is involved, fabric is critical. Use this guide to help choose your manufacturer of flame resistant workwear wisely.

advertorial

41

Position Partners is now the distributor of DynaRoad software, in close collaboration with Dr Russell Kenley, CEO of Location Based Management Systems (LBMS).

The distribution announcement follows the recent acquisition of Helsinki-based DynaRoad Oy by Topcon Positioning Group and the establishment of the Topcon Helsinki Technology Centre.

The new centre will see collaboration and integration between Topcon’s positioning and machine control systems and DynaRoad’s construction project planning and scheduling solutions.

“As Topcon’s exclusive Australian partner, Position Partners and DynaRoad’s local supplier LBMS were able to take the opportunity to work together and create an ideal setup for the Australian market,” said Martin Nix, Position Partners CEO.

“We are thrilled Dr Kenley has agreed to work with us in an advisory capacity. His expertise with DynaRoad software will be a terrific asset to our customers and employees alike.”

Dr Kenley added: “The synergy between Topcon and DynaRoad from a development perspective will be mirrored in Australia at a distribution level, as I work alongside Position Partners to deliver well supported solutions to our customers.

“Market adoption of DynaRoad has grown considerably in recent years, so it is the perfect time for Position Partners to take on the distribution. As a national company with extensive knowledge of the civil construction industry, they are the ideal fit,” Dr Kenley said.

DynaRoad is a workflow solution specifically designed for major earthworks projects. In addition to traditional project

management software, it features mass-haul optimisation, advanced resource-based scheduling and site monitoring. DynaRoad can build powerful models to rapidly calculate and optimise haul distances, reduce the need for stockpiling and plan and control project execution.

The DynaRoad software, when combined with Position Partners’ Tokara telematics and Topcon’s SiteLink 3D Enterprise platform, will create an integrated machine control and planning solution for all phases of an earthworks project, including estimation and pre-planning, through to construction and completion.

For more information about DynaRoad mass-haul solutions and Position Partners, please visit positionpartners.com.au or call 1300 867 266.

Position Partners acquires DynaRoad software distribution rightsSURVEY AND MACHINE CONTROL SPECIALIST COMPANY POSITION PARTNERS HAS ACQUIRED THE DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS FOR DYNAROAD MASS-HAULAGE AND SCHEDULING SOFTWARE IN AUSTRALIA.

Did you know?With offices in every state and more than 200 people, Position Partners is the largest Australian-owned company that focuses entirely on the distribution and support of positioning and machine control solutions for surveying, civil works, mining and building projects. Position Partners is committed to increasing productivity for its customers and building lasting business relationships around high calibre positioning activities.Position Partners is Topcon’s exclusive Australian partner for machine control and positioning systems. A full range of leading instruments and systems is backed by superior service and industry expertise to give its customers the support they need for any project.

BLUE HORIZONS PROPERTY is proud to announce the launch of our brand new oil worker’s accommodation investment, Great American Lodge Montana. Located just across the state line from Williston, North Dakota, in the heart of the town of Culbertson, Montana, our latest opportunity sits right in the middle of the oil boom of the Bakken Formation.

We are offering great investment opportunities in worker studio accommodation. With the Watford City, Great American Lodge site completely SOLD OUT, now we have the green light to start marketing studios in the new Culbertson site. These studios are extremely limited, so do not hesitate to contact us for more information and a free Investors Brochure.

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For more information on this exciting opportunity:

Gracemere Industry Park is the first of its kind in the region and is set to become Central Queensland’s leading industry park.

The park is designed with Type 1 Road Train access in mind, with wide estate roads and immediate access to the Capricorn Highway and the purpose-built Gracemere Industrial Area Overpass.

The park offers competitive land solutions for local and international businesses looking to be part of the region’s continued economic growth. Land allotments cater for High, Medium and Low Impact industrial users, with sites from 2000sqm to 5Ha.

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• The only High Impact industrial land of greater than 3Ha immediately available in the market

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• Gateway to Central Queensland’s mining region, ideally located to major road infrastructure with immediate access to key transport routes

• Direct multi-combination vehicle Type 1 Road Train access

• Design and Construct warehousing and workshop solutions also available

• The land is not flood affected

• Government Incentives available

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The Wheatstone Project Case Study

NewSat delivers fast, reliable and secure satellite communication solutions to the energy sector

All images are for illustration purposes only. Terms and conditions apply. For more information go to newsat.com or call +61 3 9674 4688. ©2014 NewSat Ltd ABN 12 003 237 303.

With remote sites and exploration teams requiring more capacity for real-time data transfer, video conferencing and welfare communications to on-site office services, remote asset monitoring, and workplace health and safety, NewSat has the satellite solution to enable these high bandwidth and mobility applications to function effectively.

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n an industry where 10 tonne trucks are driven for 12 hour shifts, work is conducted hundreds of metres under the ground and explosives regularly employed, it’s little

wonder that safety and comfort is a serious issue for miners.

Tragedies like the Pike River coal mine accident, where 29 miners were killed in New Zealand, the Beaconsfield mine collapse in a Tasmanian gold mine, the Chilean mining accident in 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico and hundreds of other deaths in mines around the world serve as a grim reminder of the inherently risky nature of the work.

The mining industry is the sixth-most dangerous for employees, according to recent Safe Work Australia figures.

In 2009–2010, it had 14.9 serious injury claims per 1000 employees, and six fatalities for a rate of 3.5 per 100,000 workers.

Figures aside, there has been big progress in improving the safety of mine workers through the development of new technology.

Robert Trzebski, CEO of

Austmine, the peak body for the Australian mining equipment, technology and services sector, says there has been a major shift in the industry since the GFC.

“We have entered what we call the technological age of mining. It’s really about smart mining and using technology to make mining more pleasant and safe,” says Trzebski.

“Mining technology minimises

the contact between humans and machinery. It removes the risk of impact of operations on human beings,” he says.

Baseball caps that monitor driver’s conditions; glasses that predict micro-sleeps; autonomous trucks, trains and drills; and collision avoidance technology are just some of the technologies being used to improve safety.

SMART MININGWHILE MINERS IN THE FIELD WILL ALWAYS OPERATE WITH A CERTAIN DEGREE OF RISK, GREAT MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE SAFETY CONDITIONS – AND A BIG PART OF THIS PROGRESS IS THROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGY.

WORDS: ORYANA ANGEL

Clockwise from top left: Mining engineer shows the minister the importance of stone dusting in an underground coal mine; aerial view of mine site – with the use of VR, the layout of mine facilities and terrain can be studied; simulation of underground coal mine Longwall, with simulation of chocks and shearer.

45

Sponsored by

techtalk

Mark Williams, the director of Simtars – a new virtual reality (VR) mine training facility in Brisbane – acknowledges working in the mining industry is dangerous.

The three big-ticket issues, supported by statistics and fatalities, are mine ventilation, strata control or supporting the roof of a mine, and transport management, he says.

“Most of the mining injuries in the past 10 years have been as a result of vehicle collisions – both underground and above,” says Williams.

“It’s all about situational awareness. In mining, the environment changes constantly and you have to be able to identify hazards and manage risk.”

The new VR training facility, the most advanced of its kind in the world, is based on an exact replica of an underground and open-pit coal mine at the Carborough Downs Mine near Moranbah, in the northern Bowen Basin.

“Because we expose trainees to the environment and put them under a range of situations to test their reactions, it’s all about how they identify hazards – for example, we can simulate fires, a roof or wall collapse and vehicle collisions,” says Williams.

Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA workplace health and safety manager Richard Wilson says using

technology to improve the life and safety of its workers is paying off.

“The long term injury rates have halved in the sector over the past 10 years,” says Wilson.

Autonomous technology has brought about great change, he adds.

“Take for example autonomous trucks – there’s a huge safety advantage. The drivers of the 10 tonne trucks that lift hundreds of tonnes of ore every day, are not sitting in the cab all day; they are in an air-conditioned office in Perth where they are less likely to be fatigued and are more aware of their surroundings.

“If an accident does happen, and the truck runs off the side of the road, the driver won’t be injured,” says Wilson.

This technological revolution in the industry has also helped raise the bar on comfort for workers.

Rio Tinto has developed the mobile camp, which is used in the exploration stage of a new project

when there is nothing on site yet.“It’s a palatial camp on wheels,

with the latest technology, that can literally be dropped in the middle of the desert and be fully-functional from day one,” says Wilson.

This is a far cry from conditions miners lived, and worked in, just a decade or so ago.

“Back then, camp might have been a row of dongers with communal bathroom facilities,” says Wilson.

“Today they have full service gyms, five-star conditions, commercial gyms and everything else needed to ensure workers are healthy and happy,” he adds.

With loneliness and isolation a big risk factor in modern day mining, internet connectivity is now a given at most mine sites – no matter how remote it is.

“Often there are iPads on loan for workers so they can speak to their family in the privacy of their own accommodation.”

“If an accident does happen, and the truck runs off the side of the road, the driver won’t be injured.”

Clockwise from top left: Walkway above the conveyor transfer – roof mesh is secured using roof bolts; trainer shows the minister how VR can help workers understand hazards associated with moving parts of the conveyor; simulation of underground coal mine Longwall with simulation of chain conveyor – with VR all areas can be safely visited.

46

techtalk

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Check out some of the latest hot properties on the market in our regional towns and cities.

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Contact us today for more information and receive a free comprehensive investors report

Want to know where the next big property market wave will hit? With Blue Horizons, you can be assured to be in the right place at the right time.

The heart of good property investment is finding the next boom but it can be tricky. Traditionally it was seaside towns that displayed the double-digit growth we are looking for. Today it’s locations with high employment growth that send property prices soaring.

Blue Horizons has identified resource towns backed with the strength of mining and gas developments, that are packing a fierce punch. For example, Chinchilla, Miles and Wandoan located in Queensland’s Surat Basin; rural towns set to explode with $30 Billion worth of coal and gas projects surrounding them.

A boomtown is about more than just the booming employment – it’s about the corresponding development in both residential and commercial arenas. Skyrocketing rents and capital gains are in store for anyone smart enough to invest in property now. You are in the perfect position to expand your wealth beyond your expectations.

Blue Horizons is your perfect partner. We specialise in offering high yield, rapid capital growth property investments resulting from mining and industrial expansion.

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Corr 0409 455 604 Helene 0402 059 909 www.bluehorizonsproperty.com

Contact us today for more information and receive a free comprehensive investors report

Want to know where the next big property market wave will hit? With Blue Horizons, you can be assured to be in the right place at the right time.

The heart of good property investment is finding the next boom but it can be tricky. Traditionally it was seaside towns that displayed the double-digit growth we are looking for. Today it’s locations with high employment growth that send property prices soaring.

Blue Horizons has identified resource towns backed with the strength of mining and gas developments, that are packing a fierce punch. For example, Chinchilla, Miles and Wandoan located in Queensland’s Surat Basin; rural towns set to explode with $30 Billion worth of coal and gas projects surrounding them.

A boomtown is about more than just the booming employment – it’s about the corresponding development in both residential and commercial arenas. Skyrocketing rents and capital gains are in store for anyone smart enough to invest in property now. You are in the perfect position to expand your wealth beyond your expectations.

Blue Horizons is your perfect partner. We specialise in offering high yield, rapid capital growth property investments resulting from mining and industrial expansion.

We have been 100% focused on the Surat Basin since 2008, personally investing in these areas ourselves. We act as your property partner, taking care of business while you are at work. From choosing colours to final inspections, and everything in between, we provide a personal and complete service.

Once you start working with Blue Horizons, we will inform you of new releases as they happen. We have a diverse selection of properties to offer - House and Land, Duplex and Land, Townhouses and Villas, all competitively priced and delivered turn key with the highest level of finishes.

Brisbane

ChinchillaMilesRoma

PACKAGE A - DUPLEX

2 x 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double car lock up units, ducted A/C, stone benchtops standard.

Price: $715,000



PACKAGE B - HOUSE

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double car lock up, ducted A/C, stone benchtops as standard.

Price: $460,000



PACKAGE C - TOWNHOUSE

3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double car, lock up, separate fenced yard, ducted A/C as standard.

Price: $439,000

Rent: $865 per week


S U R AT B A S I N I N V E S T M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Contact Blue Horizons Property today - [email protected] www.bluehorizonsproperty.com

Disclaimer: Information provided is not intended to be Tax, Financial or Accounting advice. We recommend you obtain independent advice from your own Tax, Financial or Accounting Professionals as individual tax or financial positions may vary.

UniqueVoted Australia’s #1 Town

Absolute oceanfront luxury2 level apartment

Situated immediately aboveCraigmore Rocks - Convent BeachYamba

33 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms - 2 Car 02 6646 2299

COASTAL PROPERTIES WITH POTENTIAL FOR LONG TERM CAPITAL GROWTH.

North Stradbroke Island is just an hour from Brisbane with some of the best beaches in Australia.

Discover Stradbroke has a range of unique houses and apartments for sale with magnificent views in walking distance to beaches, shops, cafes and restaurants. Make your dream a reality.

Take a virtual tour on discoverstradbrokerealestate.com.auOr call Julie Elliott on 0408 853 940 or 07 3415 3949.

properties ranging from apartments and charming beach shacks to architecturally-designed

Inspired by paradise

Take a virtual tour

View to Moreton Island

Cylinder Cove Apartments Claytons on Cylinder Beach

North Stradbroke Island

Ray White EmeraldNo.1 Award Winning

Real Estate Officefor 8 consecutive years

Servicing the Central Highlands

raywhi teemera ld .com.au

07 4982 2400

RayWhiteEmerald.indd 1 14/04/13 11:20 PM

Since the launch in 2008 NRAS sales are going through the roof

NRAS = POSITIVE GEARINGRECEIVE - TAX FREE FROM THE GOVERNMENT

Over $100,000Choose from the best range of HIGH CASHFLOW

properties all over Queensland - NRAS or not: BRISBANE & IPSWICH MORETON BAY REGION LOGAN & SCENIC RIM MACKAY & BOWEN BASIN

GLADSTONE & ROCKHAMPTON GOLD COAST & SUNSHINE COAST TOWNSVILLE & GALILEE BASIN TOOWOOMBA & SURAT BASIN

Over 40 years experience

request yOur free investment kit and indicative cashflOw nOw

Personal contact by email and phone

Phone Graeme on 0417 725 168 | Email [email protected] | www.NRASQueensland.net.au

Graeme Shiels

COASTAL PROPERTIES WITH POTENTIAL FOR LONG TERM CAPITAL GROWTH.

North Stradbroke Island is just an hour from Brisbane with some of the best beaches in Australia.

Discover Stradbroke has a range of unique houses and apartments for sale with magnificent views in walking distance to beaches, shops, cafes and restaurants. Make your dream a reality.

Take a virtual tour on discoverstradbrokerealestate.com.auOr call Julie Elliott on 0408 853 940 or 07 3415 3949.

properties ranging from apartments and charming beach shacks to architecturally-designed

Inspired by paradise

Take a virtual tour

View to Moreton Island

Cylinder Cove Apartments Claytons on Cylinder Beach

North Stradbroke Island

CASH POSITIVE INVESTMENT PROPERTYFEATURE PROPERTY ANDERGROVE, MACKAY$379,900 Terrace Home and Land With No Body Corporate rent unfurnished @ $450pw/rent furnished @ $550pwCash Flow Per Annum $4,238The Mackay Regional Council area is one of the fastest growing in Queensland, with an average annual growth rate of 2.9% The Mackay region is the gateway to the rich coal deposits in the Bowen basin.

• Suitable for SMSF• 3 Bedrooms• 1Bathroom• 2 Car Garage• House Area 150m2• Registered

FULL TURNKEY INCLUSIONS• Stone kitchen bench tops • Remote operated garage • Full landscaping package

• European Stainless Steel Appliances • Air conditioning - split system • Quality carpets, ti les and blinds

ADDITIONAL FREE BONUS OFFER • Free Legal’s • Free depreciation schedule • Free landlords insurance (12 months)

• Free lawn and garden care (12 months) • Free independent inspection

Whether you’re a first time investor, or an investor adding to your portfolio our professional team will assist you to develop an individual investment strategy and to locate quality, high performing properties that will enable you to achieve your

individual investment goals. Our professional team can arrange financing the deal with lenders who understand the needs of property investors

REAL ESTATE FOR REAL LIFE

HOUSES, TOWNHOUSES & DUPLEXESFROM $330,000 TO $550,000SUITABLE FOR SELF-MANAGED SUPERANNUATION FUNDS

ALL OF OUR PROPERTIES ARE LOCATED IN PRIME RENTAL AREAS AND WILL HAVE PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Contact Alan at: [email protected] or on 0421 705 116.

In the following high-growth areas in QLD:• Chinchilla • Miles • Roma • Emerald • Gladstone • Mackay • Moranbah • Clermont • Blackwater • Kingaroy • Coomeran • Pimpama • Northlakes • Brisbane

www.wilsonpropertygroup.net

Contact our Residential Sales Team:

Sophie Keily

0408 380 091

Karley Geale 0412 474 341

Commercial Industrial: Nellie Smithurst 0413 121 241Kim Coghlan0432 168 952

77 Camooweal Street,Mount Isa

Ph: 07 4744 [email protected]

Jays Real Estate is family owned and operated, boasting 3 generations who work in the business. As Mount Isa’s largest agent, Jays has remained independent of national franchise agencies, standing alone on its record of professionalism for over 30 years. We strive to give old fashioned service and care, with plenty of local knowledge.

Investors be aware: Mount Isa continues to have a strong demand for modern, brand new, quality accommodation

Brand New Townhouses for SaleEach townhouse consists of:

- 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms- Ensuite & WIR to main - BIR to the second & third

bedrooms- Double Lock up garage- Open plan living area- Modern fittings and fixtures- Landscaping with shared

recreation area- Deck

LISTED: $495,000.00 REF: One11

www.jaysre.com.au

Positive Cash FlowFrom Day One.

Owning a fleet of ATMs, has become a well known business opportunity since Own Your Own ATM launched in March, 2009. Many of our clients have diversified their portfolio and are now enjoying 20% p.a. returns that an ATM business provides for the life of the agreement.

It is possible to use your ATM income to subsidise a large investment portfolio and not hit the serviceability wall, allowing you to make further investments in the future. Unlike a term deposit, where you are liable for tax at the first dollar of interest earned, ATMs being plant and equipment, can be depreciated to offset transaction income earned.

These private ATMs are placed in a variety of convenient locations throughout Australia. You own the Automated Teller Machines and experienced national ATM deployers place the machine in the site and manage it.

ATM income is directly deposited into the account of your choice. Legal agreements state the deployer must cover all costs for parts and maintenance, insurance and payment processing for the life of the agreement.

ATM owners are paid a minimum 20% p.a* or $.30 per transaction, whichever is higher, paid monthly.

In times of market volatility, a portfolio of ATMs can provide a steady income stream and potentially solve your cash flow issues

Since it’s inception after the Reserve Bank Reforms in March

BENEFITS OF OWNING YOUR OWN ATM

2009, ATM ownership continues to hit all the right keys.

day you purchase your machines.Instant income - you will be paid calculated from the very

first

Buy in cash or borrow with property equity and pay down your non tax deductible debt on your home faster.

ATMs are brilliant for saving, as returns compound when monthly payments are deposited into a savings account.

ay vary.

at

Disclaimer: Information provided is not intended to be Tax, Financial or Accounting advice. We recommend you obtain independent advice from your own Tax, Financial or Accounting Professionals as individual tax or financial positions m

Contact us to receive further information

www.ownyourownatm.com.au

BUSINESS HOURS ATMs TRANSACTION FORMULA

2,002

1,282

705

471

472

556

813

1,123

490

842

$600.60

$384.00

$235.00

$235.00

$235.00

$235.00

$243.90

$336.90

$235.00

$252.60

Luna Park KIC090600143

Sea Lake Foodworks KIC090600146

Caloundra Caltex KIC090600147

Hazelbrook Bowling KIC090200014

Tumbarumba Bowling Club KIC090200004

Wardell Liquor KIC091200001

Northhampton Supermarket KIC090300074

BP Childers KIC091200002

Grand Old Crow Hotel KIC090200028

Sportsmens Hotel KIC090300065

Total Amount Due $2,993.00

This portfolio of 10 business hour ATMs cost $140,000 plus gst.

0 -783 transactions $235 per month784 + calculated at $0.30 per transaction

Site Name Serial Number Total Total Monthly Transactions Amount Due

* Example: a business hour machine costing $14,000 ex gst, the annual return is $2,800 or $235 per month. Returns continue for the life of the agreement.

Ceilings • Wall Paneling • Shop AwningsFeature Walls • Kitchen & Bathroom Splashbacks

22 Vale Road Bathurst

02 6332 1738www.pressedtinpanels.com

Australian artist, Dee Jackson,creates beautiful watercolour portraits.

Dee JacksonBlack Yoghurt Designs

Tel: (02) 9416 2265 / +612 9416 2265Mob: 0439 986 452 / +61 439 986 452

Email: [email protected]

Dee Jackson

PORTABLE LIVING IN UNDER 30 MINUTES

1x Standard Unit 5.8x2.4x2.4Specs Included Online

BATHROOM STUDY AREABEDROOM

AliHut™ is without doubt the most economical, the quickest and most impressive emergency response shelter on the world market today. The uses for AliHut™ are endless, mining camps, portable living, permanent living, site offices and many more applications. It only takes 30 minutes to install an AliHut™.

CONTACT US TODAYPhone: 07) 55 94 65 77or email: [email protected]

AliHut™ strives to create a user friendly living environment for everyone

Production of 10,000 per year (conditions apply)

Huge transportation savings

Huge labour savings

AliHut™ can be stacked either vertically or horizontally for transportation

Reuse time and time again with ease and no tradesman required!

Made to order, AliHut™(p) can have many assorted “special features” or simply remain as a base model for emergency deployment.

1x Standard Unit with Bathroom • Includes- Moulded Floor• Internal Plumbing to external connector• Shower Cubical• Vanity• Toilet• Internal wall with sliding door

INTRODUCING ALIHUT™

ALIHUT™ BENEFITS

Cyclone Rating Region C&D: C3

OUTthere Rex March 2014

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