outthere rex july 2014

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Issue 121 • July 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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The Cool ListNSW’s ‘Chief Funster’

shows you how to make the most of winter

Corner CountryOutback beauty with a

splash of café culture

Indulge in Mudgee It’s quality over quantity in

this popular wine regionSharing sacred culture through dance

stripped bare

Destination of the month: Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island. Nearest Rex port: Kingscote.

WELCOME to July OUTthere. In this issue we celebrate the accolades received by the Rex Group at the Transport & Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC) Awards For Excellence earlier this year. We were thrilled that our efforts and initiatives in training were recognised by the TLISC, which supports industries such as aviation with skilled workforce development programs.

The awards, including the Innovation & Excellence in Workforce Development (Aviation) and 2014 TLISC Trainee of the Year, are evidence of the Rex Group’s commitment to skills training for long-term investment in the aviation industry; a position shared by the TLISC.

Long-term investment in industry training catalysed the significant task of acquiring and installing a SAAB 340 Full Motion Flight Simulator at our Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA) in Wagga Wagga. The acquisition augments the Rex Group’s abilities in offering a more seamless transition from cadet pilot to first officer.

We celebrated the official opening of the simulator at AAPA in late April, in conjunction with the Rex Cadet Graduation Ceremony, which brought another 22 pilots into the Rex Group.

With many of our company’s skilled personnel based in regional areas such as Wagga Wagga, Albury, Orange and Dubbo we are pleased that this investment in training also supports the local communities. We look forward to maintaining sustainable training and employment opportunities for staff in these areas.

So, until next month, from all 1000 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

Image: Tourism SA

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Issue 121 • July

VI rexnewsRex celebrates the official opening of its Full Flight Simulator and the graduation of cadet pilots; Rex bags four industry awards.

XIII rexcommunityRex receives a visit from disability support group The Leisure Company in Wagga Wagga.

XV don’tmissUpcoming events worth checking out.

XVI artspaceA mother and her daughters turn their passion for food and design into a book publishing business.

XVIII regionalstopoverDavid Gilchrist ventures to ‘Corner Country’ where three states meet, and discovers diamonds in the dust.

01 checkinSimone Henderson-Smart catches up with the lovely Maggie Beer for a chat about her latest mission.

03 citybites Exciting hotspots in our major cities; eat, stay and play in the big smoke.

05 entertainment A selection of compelling books, music, DVDs and apps to check out.

06 closeupSimone Henderson-Smart enters the wonderful world of Bangarra Dance Theatre and discovers a place of amazing talent mixed with deep spirituality.

13 outtahereNew South Wales’ ‘Chief Funster’ tackles the top 10 things to do around the state when the cooler weather hits.

21 food&wineMichelle Hespe heads to Mudgee for polo, and stays on for the food and wine in a town where people enjoy the finer things in life.

30 getawayMitch Brook has fun sampling the fresh flavours of the Mornington Peninsula.

37 profileAmal Awad talks to Rachel Robertson, a born adventurer who dropped everything to lead an expedition in Antarctica.

• news & views• resources sector features• innovation & technology • the state of mining

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contents

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

Rex LCD Clock with Message BoardBlue or Green - $20

















I was recently invited to a birthday near Rutherglen in Victoria, and it was one of the most spectacular dinner parties I’ve ever had the honour of attending. Hosted by the Brown family to celebrate 150 years of winemaking, the dinner was set up in the grand barrel hall in the All Saints Estate castle in Wahgunyah. This main wine storage area is lined with huge, 100-year-old oak casks, all filled with rare Tokays and Muscats, and when it was originally built, it was considered to be the largest wine storage facility in the Southern Hemisphere.

The three siblings who now run the show are Eliza, Angela and Nicholas Brown. They are all fourth-generation winemakers who are passionate not only about their craft, but about the history of the estate that they inherited from their parents. The dinner was an incredible opportunity to meet people who are a part of the industry, and friends and colleagues of the family – but it also gave a fascinating insight into the Chinese history of the region, which has deep roots in the All Saints Estate.

The Chinese came to seek their fortune in the goldfields of Rutherglen, Chiltern and Beechworth in the 1800s, and many then settled there. When gold mining dwindled, George Sutherland Smith and John Banks (the original Scottish owners of the estate, who planted the first vines) employed many Chinese, housing them in huts on the property. The All Saints Estate’s Chinese Dormitory was built more than 100 years ago and is the last remaining example of its kind. Visitors to the property can visit it today and see how the workers lived back then. It’s a poignant reminder of how basic accommodation was for such hard-working employees. Winters must have been incredibly

harsh in the simple wooden sheds that had one open place to share among 20 or so workers.

Importantly, it was the Chinese who made many of the vineyards in the region a success, as it was their labour that helped to expand and maintain the existing vineyards.

At the dinner party, the siblings invited the granddaughter of one of the original Chinese workers to the stage to make a speech. She spoke lovingly of her grandfather, who worked so hard on the vineyards to make the wine we were all drinking possible. It was a night of amazing people, beautiful food and wine, and inspiring family stories. Those stories are the ones that we love bringing to you while you travel, and we hope that you continue to enjoy them.

Take care, have a great flight today, and drop us a line sometime – we love hearing from you.

Michelle Hespe and the OUTthere team

From the editor...

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-SmartINTERN Cortney Roark SUB-EDITORS Sally Macmillan, Liani Solari PRODUCTION MANAGER Brian VentourSENIOR DESIGNER Guy PendleburyPRINTER SOS Print & Media

CONTRIBUTORS David Gilchrist, Amal Awad, Mitch Brook, Jack Cleaver, Christine Retschlag, Oryana Angel, Darrell Croker, Kevin Lee, Zoran Solano, Michael Yardney

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR, In-flight DivisionJason [email protected] NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, Rex, OUTtherePeter [email protected] NATIONAL SALES MANAGERS, Inside Mining Chris [email protected] [email protected] ACCOUNT MANAGER, National Property Guide, skytransRobert [email protected], SA and NT SALES AGENTHelen Glasson, Hogan MediaPhone: 08 9381 [email protected]

PUBLISHER Geoff CampbellCHAIRMAN Chris Innis CEO Eddie Thomas

ON THE COVER:

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

Cover image of B

angarra from Clan by Greg B

arrett.



















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editor’sletter

APRIL 28, 2014, was a special day for Rex. The company celebrated two important occasions – the official opening of its SAAB 340 Full Motion Flight Simulator (FFS), and the graduation of the thirteenth and fourteenth classes of Rex cadet pilots from Rex’s subsidiary, the Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA).

The event was held at AAPA where the simulator has been installed at a purpose-built training facility. The Hon. Warren Truss MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development officiated on the day before a crowd that comprised of government, airline, community and business leaders as well as proud parents, relatives and friends of the graduating cadets.

“Rex is an integral part of the regional aviation sector and plays a pivotal role in servicing regional areas,” Mr Truss said.

“This is the most modern pilot training facility in the Asia Pacific region, not only

because of the standard of instruction, but also the access students have to state-of-the-art equipment.”

“The simulator we are opening today will also augment training by providing a seamless transition from Cadet to Regional Express SAAB 340 First Officer all at the one facility.”

The simulator was acquired from FlightSafety International in May 2013, and it obtained certification from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on April 16, 2014.

The new simulator centre is a further investment by Rex in pilot training. Rex has invested $28.5 million in AAPA, making it the

most modern pilot training facility in Australia.Commenting on the official opening,

Rex General Manager Flight Operations and Chief Pilot Neville Howell said, “This is a significant milestone for the Rex Group and an achievement we are immensely proud of. With a fleet of 50 SAAB 340 aircraft in the Rex Group, the additional simulator will greatly add to the training system, bringing greater efficiencies and flexibility to crew training management.

“The SAAB 340 Full Motion Flight Simulator is the ultimate training tool. It allows for more effective instruction and

Official opening of simulator and cadet graduation

“Rex is an integral part of the regional aviation sector and plays a pivotal part in servicing regional areas.”

Testing out the sim – Mr Truss with Federal Member for Riverina /

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance The Hon.

Michael McCormack MP.

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prepares the pilot for a raft of abnormal and emergency scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. This demonstrates the absolute commitment Rex has for safety and to ensuring the highest possible training standards.”

Following the opening of the simulator, Mr Truss presented the certificates to the graduating cadets as their proud families and friends looked on.

In his speech, Mr Truss said, “It is extremely pleasing to see 22 graduates, including three female pilots, ready to take to the skies as fully qualified regular public transport pilots.

“I commend your dedication to training and study, and particularly your choice of profession, as the aviation industry is a key driver to the Australian economy.”

Mr Truss also presented some special awards to those cadets who demonstrated outstanding performance in a range of different aspects. Rex013 student Rachel Orr displayed terrific aptitude. She received both

the Chairman’s Award for Highest Overall Assessment and the Jeppesen Award for Most Improved Performance.

Rex014 student Greg Ashelford also excelled, winning the Jeppesen Award for his class, as well as the Scholastic Award for the Highest Theoretical Performance.

The Rex013 Scholastic Award was

presented to Jack Trentin, and Blayne Kingston from Rex014 was delighted to win the Chairman’s Award.

Congratulations to all graduates on your dedication to achieve this great accomplishment, and thank you to all who made the opening and graduation a memorable and special occasion.

Above from top: The simulator centre is officially opened; Rex 014 and instructors with guest of honour, Mr Truss.

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THE REX Group was recognised by the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC) at its annual awards ceremony in Melbourne in early April.

Rex won the Innovation and Excellence in Workforce Development (Aviation) Award. This award recognises Rex for its innovative approach to the development of a unique cadet pilot program through its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA), a registered training organisation (RTO).

The high calibre of the cadet program contributed to one of its cadets, Carl Riseley – recipient of the Rex Cadet Programme (batch 11) Chairman’s Award – winning the 2014 TLISC Trainee of the Year Award.

The Rex Group also picked up two Highly Commended Awards: one by Rex in the Chairman’s Award category, and the other by AAPA Instructor Scott Gregory in the Trainee of the Year category.

Present on the night, Rex Director

Mr Chris Hine said: “We are extremely honoured to be recognised in so many different categories. It is pleasing to see that the substantial investment Rex is making in training airline pilots in Australia through AAPA is being appreciated.

“Rex is also building up the pool of airline engineers by accepting more than 15 apprentices every year. We hope we have set an example for other airline operators to invest in our industry’s future for the long term.

“We would like to thank the TLISC for offering the Awards for Excellence, and for the vital role it plays in supporting organisations such as ours

with a skilled workforce development program. To date, 226 pilots, representing 85 per cent of the total number of Rex pilots, have benefited from the Enterprise Based Productivity Places Program and National Workforce

Development Fund, and have achieved their first tertiary-level diploma with the assistance of the TLISC.

“These awards pay tribute to Rex and AAPA staff, as well as the cadets who have been a part of developing and making our innovative and comprehensive cadet pilot program so successful. They should rightfully feel very proud.”

The Rex Group takes out four awards at the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council awards

“We hope we have set an example for other airline operators to invest in our industry’s future for the long term.”

Above: (L-R): AAPA Chief Pilot Jason Sedlock, Rex First Officer Carl Riseley, Rex Director Jim Davis, Rex Director Chris Hine and AAPA Instructor Scott Gregory.

Image courtesy of TLISC.

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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 cruise?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

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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.

Exercise and stretch regularly while seated.

SHOULDER STRETCH Reach right hand over left shoulder. Place left hand behind right elbow and gently press elbow toward 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

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.

In-flight comfortFlying 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 uncomfortable 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.

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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.

REX ALWAYS welcomes visits from schools and community organisations. The Leisure Company in Wagga Wagga recently enjoyed an excursion to the Wagga Wagga hangar and Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA) facilities.

The Leisure Company is a non-profit organisation that

provides recreation and life and work skills for those with a disability. It provides support so that disadvantaged people can be involved in community activities.

Rex administrative and engineering staff provided a tour of the facilities, and the visitors all left as budding aviators.

The Leisure Company visits Rex

Left and far left: Inside the Rex hangar at Wagga Wagga; Testing out the cockpit.

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JULY 2–30Yulefest, Jenolan CavesMany venues in the Blue Mountains region offer Yulefest packages, but heritage-listed Caves House, at Jenolan Caves, which features Edwardian architecture and log fires, is a lovely place to re-create some European Christmas magic. On Wednesday and Saturday nights in July Santa puts in an appearance, bearing gifts for the kids. jenolancaves.org.au

JULY 4–10Cinderella, AdelaideCinderella has been given a ‘40s glam makeover by former Bolshoi Ballet artistic director, Alexei Ratmansky, for this production by The Australian Ballet. Ratmansky injects new life into traditional ballet technique, as well as adding a sprinkle of wit and warmth to this well-loved story. australianballet.com.au

JULY 17–20Adelaide International Guitar FestivalOnce again the Adelaide Festival Centre pays homage to the world’s most popular instrument – the guitar. Curated by the sublimely talented classical guitarist Slava Grigoryan, the festival includes a line-up of stars from Australia and around the world and crosses many different styles and genres of music. Performances are complemented by workshops, masterclasses and Meet the Maker sessions. festivalsadelaide.com.au

UNTIL AUGUST 31The Lion King, Sydney The acclaimed musical, seen by more than 70 million people around the world, is based on Disney’s popular children’s film of the same name. Classics such as ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’, entertain family members of all ages. Final tickets are on sale for performances at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. lionking.com.au

JULY 5–6Oz Comic-Con, MelbourneReturning to the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, this weekend convention dedicated to pop culture has geeks, fans and the weirdly dressed very excited. Once the domain of Trekkies, there are now thousands of die-hard fans willing to worship at the altar of their particular show. This year’s special guests include Kristian Nairn (Hodor) and Daniel Portman (Podrick Payne) from the hit show Game of Thrones. ozcomiccon.com

JULY 25–27Splendour in the Grass, Byron BayThis fantastic festival attended by thousands each year features a line-up of the hottest artists of 2014, including Outkast, City and Colour, and Australia’s Angus and Julia Stone. Combining live music, mosh pits and camping, Splendour sells out in a matter of hours. Happily, there are some exciting sideshows to placate fans who miss out on the main event. splendourinthegrass.com

JULY 4–6Build & Renovating Expo, MelbourneThinking about renovations? In the process of building? This popular expo, held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, has nearly 100 exhibitors, plus experts on hand to show you the latest trends, techniques and products. You’ll find all the inspiration you need to hammer, drill, paint and sand your way to a better home. buildexpo.com.au

JULY 5Sawtell Chilli FestivalThe Coffs Coast turns up the heat this winter with a day dedicated to the small but never humble chilli. There will be food stalls offering all sorts of variations of the colourful spice – from mellow to mind-blowing. Other attractions include live entertainment, competitions and kids’ rides. sawtellchillifestival.com.au

JULY 3–13Grafton Cup CarnivalAttracting more than 30,000 horse-lovers and racing fanatics, the Clarence River Jockey Club is home to the richest non-metropolitan carnival in Australia. Over the three race days there are plenty of opportunities to frock up and have a flutter. Marquee packages, including gourmet finger food, hot lunch and an open bar, are available for as little as $150. crjc.com.au

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

Meet the family that turned its passion for fresh food into a small publishing empire. The women from Smudge Publishing speak with Simone Henderson-Smart.

here are many versions of foodies’ heaven in Australia. For some it’s the impossibly green

rolling hills of the Barossa Valley. Others are enraptured by Noosa’s nom. For this family of publishers, it’s a no-brainer: “The laneways of Melbourne!” exclaims writer, editor and matriarch Jonette George. “We could get lost in them forever.”

Jonette, along with daughters Daniele and Kaitlyn Wilton, has turned this passion into one of the most beautiful books that any coffee table would be proud to display. Flavours of Melbourne is for sturdy tables only, though – its 490 pages are a testament to just how many great bars and restaurants are to be found there.

The women lost themselves in these laneways, tasting and discovering and photographing, to produce a definitive guide so no-one need ever get lost there again.

They met the chefs, including the likes of Vue de Monde’s Shannon Bennett, and share their stories, as well as their recipes, in a very approachable way. “Between all our staff we try to make sure that all the recipes are proofed and made at home,” Jonette says. “We ask the chefs to ‘dumb down’ their recipes

so home cooks can easily re-create them – it’s about the flavour, so our readers can get a glimpse of what each restaurant produces.”

Kaitlyn’s photography is stunning. She incorporates lots of location shots of the street art for which the laneways are also famous, so the reader really has a sense of wandering through the streets with her.

The book is one of many published by the family that indulges its passion for great food – a passion that was ignited when

mother and daughters were living in the United States.

“Kaitlyn and I went to school in the United States for our final years of schooling,” Daniele explains. “Mum found the local supermarkets had every type of fruit and vegetable you could ever want – but none of it was local. It was imported from all over the world and cold-stored. The majority was tasteless.

“When we returned to Australia, we vowed to buy local produce in season, so we could taste the food we ate, as well as know it was fresh.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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Mother Jonette George (centre) with daughters Daniele (left) and Kaitlyn (right).

Jonette has turned this

passion into one of the most

beautiful books that any

coffee table would be proud

to display.

People need to buy from their local farmers’ market.

“Do a taste test at home – buy a tomato from the supermarket and then buy a tomato from your local farmers’ market. The farmers’ market tomato is bursting with flavour and is just so different to the one from the supermarket, which has been sitting there for months.”

Not surprisingly, the women are champions of the gate-to-plate phenomenon. In fact, they stumbled upon the book publishing idea on a food- and wine-filled trip to the Mornington Peninsula.

“Mum and I started Smudge Publishing in 2009,” recalls Daniele. “Our love of food and wine took us on a journey to the Mornington Peninsula and we discovered a book full of venues. With a lifelong background in the publishing

industry, Mum said to me over a glass of wine, ‘Why don’t we publish a book down here?’”

“Produce to Platter Mornington Peninsula was the first book we published, and shortly after that came our award-winning Flavours of Melbourne.”

Many others followed, all with the signature slick design and beautiful photography for which

Smudge Publishing is known. There have been burger books and coffee books, and next up the women have Sydney in their sights. Kaitlyn has already moved there, and Jonette is hot on her heels.

No doubt they will regularly turn to their 490 pages of culinary excuses to visit Melbourne, and pop back home for many more slices of foodies’ heaven.

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Left: The Smudge Publishing team outside its Melbourne office.

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Hunkered down among the rocks and sand dunes of north-western New South Wales, Tibooburra emerged from a red,

silver and gold landscape, below an indigo sky.

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ruising along the Silver City Highway, I don’t see Tibooburra until I’m at its doorstep. Hunkered down among the rocks and sand dunes of north-western New South Wales,

Tibooburra emerges from a red, silver and golden landscape, spread expansively below an indigo sky.

Getting to Tibooburra meant a relaxing five-hour drive from Broken Hill, through a landscape of mulga and spinifex along the outback highway – itself a mishmash of sandy loam, stony gibber and narrow blacktop.

Take my word, you’ll never really know Corner Country without a stopover at Mount Gipps Station. A brief turn-off along a sandy track about 40 kilometres from Broken Hill brought me to this famous outback sheep station.

These days, John and Kym Cramp, descendants of the area’s pioneers, run the property as a station stay and working sheep station, offering a firsthand experience of life in Corner Country.

John and Kym introduce their guests to a property that’s divided by the Barrier Ranges and has a rich geological history spanning 1.7 billion years. Mount Gipps Station is also strewn with tin, silver, lead and zinc mineshafts and miners’ huts that date back to the nineteenth century.

One of the highlights for those staying at the property is the Champagne hilltop sunset tour. A sky full of stars

or a moonlit night with an endless horizon is an outback experience that’s difficult to beat.

Despite wanting to arrive at Tibooburra, arguably the capital of Corner Country, well before sunset (that witching hour when kangaroos and other wildlife get active and make travelling bush byways a risk) I’d allowed the landscape of Mutawintji National Park to keep me too long.

That’s not surprising, because as you drive into Mutawintji you enter a breathtakingly beautiful ancient land that has an unbroken connection to its Indigenous custodians. This continuing link means that with the help of a tour guide and a well-crafted audiovisual display, I was introduced to one of the finest collections of Aboriginal art in New South Wales. Among the ancient artworks are some rare stone etchings on a precarious precipice, best viewed from a steel gantry.

For the record, Corner Country straddles New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia around Cameron Corner. Named after New South Wales Lands Department surveyor John Brewer Cameron, Cameron Corner became famous as a stopover on the road to more remote towns in other states. That makes Corner Country a real adventure region of rolling red dunes, wide-open spaces, claypans and salt pans, ephemeral creeks, watercourses and sandstone escarpments. On the edge of Corner Country, Mutawintji

David Gilchrist visits New South Wales’ Corner Country and discovers a land full of natural treasures, history — and a surprising café culture.

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Melbourne’s funkiest café district, alongside a fascinating, vibrant arts community equal to Sydney’s bohemian bunch.

Among the best of the cafés is Café Alfresco, while one of the most notable galleries is the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, which boasts an amazing array of work by local and international artists. There are more than 30 reputable galleries in Broken Hill, but not all the artwork is indoors. The Living Desert Reserve is a collection of large rock sculptures set on a rise that looks back at the city and out towards the desert country. It has a connection with the land that is as strong and tangible as the flora and fauna the reserve protects.

After my Broken Hill art feast, I reset my focus on Tibooburra, which sits sanguinely near the apex of the intersection between the borders of New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. Along its dusty main street is a hotchpotch assortment of typical country-town buildings. Perhaps the most notable of these is the Family Hotel, with its gobsmacking interior – some of which should be zipped into a sealed section.

Applied directly to the rendered walls of the hotel are paintings by celebrated Australian artists such as Clifton Pugh, who spent weeks in the region painting. Naked bodies sprawl over doorways, elfin figures prance through the Outback, and many a tourist stops just to have a cold beer while perfectly positioned at the end of the bar beneath the boobs, bottoms and other well-displayed bits. Rumour has it that there’s even a fading Drysdale painted on the wall of the pub’s storeroom.

The real treasure, however, is Sturt National Park and Cameron Corner. Here, sandy and gibber tracks lead through an ever-changing landscape, from the Waka Claypan to mulga and sand dune country, and the 5,614-kilometre Wild Dog Fence that was constructed to keep roaming dingoes of the north and west out of the pastoral lands of New South Wales. This country is a photographer’s heaven.

At Cameron Corner there is a country roadhouse/corner

store adjoining a sandy golf course that’s visited by thousands of travellers every year. It’s home to a black dog who is ready to retrieve my golf ball should I decide to fit in a game. If you go there, say g’day to eccentric owner Fenn Miller. He’ll tell you a good yarn and offer you a cold beer and a beaut burger. “Everyone says you’re in the middle of nowhere, but we’re in the centre of everywhere,” Fenn reckons.

For those who have a real taste for outback history, make sure you visit the ghost town of Milparinka, not far from Tibooburra. The only permanent residents of the town are the owners of the recently reopened Albert Hotel.

National Park is a short drive from Mount Gipps Station and not far from the Corner Country gateway, Broken Hill.

To get a good feel for the city of Broken Hill, I drove to the Line of Lode Miners Memorial atop the mullock heap that bisects the city. It’s an eerie and poignant reminder of the long and sometimes tragic history of the city that established BHP. Broken Hill is saturated with authentic outback experiences. Yet there is a fascinating array of cafés and restaurants that would be at home in

Broken Hill is full of authentic outback experiences yet also has a fascinating array of cafés and restaurants.

FAST FACTCorner Country

straddles New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. Stretching out from the site is the world’s longest

fence – the 5,614-km Wild Dog (Dingo) Fence.

Above and below: Aerial view of Mutawintji National Park; Living Desert Sculptures, Broken Hill.

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Milparinka is set for a resurgence, especially considering the cooking skills of the hotel’s remarkable chef, Becky. And her husband, Phil, pours a cold beer with a warm smile.

Although I found Milparinka a comfortable stopover thanks to cosy rooms at The Albert, there’s more there than fine country hospitality. Under the tutelage of local Milparinka heritage enthusiast Ruth Sandow, who hails from Pimpara Lake Station, volunteer guides spin fascinating yarns about the historical town and its strong connection to explorer Charles Sturt’s fruitless search for an inland sea in the early 1800s. Nearby is the grave of James Poole, Sturt’s second-in-charge.

My loop through Corner Country had me heading back towards the town of Silverton, which is tied forever more to George Miller’s Mad Max movie franchise – all the movies were shot there. Now there’s a museum run by a Mad Max fanatic alongside a handful of galleries filled with some fantastic art. The local pub, The Silverton Hotel, is also a crowd puller as it’s covered with photos taken during the making of Mad Max and the many other films that have used Silverton’s dusty ghost town appearance as a backdrop.

Just outside of Silverton, I came across Eldee Station. Quality accommodation, wonderful food, a breathtaking Champagne hilltop tour higher than that at Mount Gipps, scenery that would make a photographer drool and excellent 4WD experiences make it hard to go past. In fact, there isn’t much out in Corner Country that you should go past without checking out, as every old building and every turn in the road seems to have another intriguing tale to tell.

STAYThe Imperial Fine Accommodation 88 Oxide Street, Broken Hill08 8087 7444imperialfineaccommocation.comMount Gipps StationBroken Hill08 8091 3537mountgippsstation.com.auGranites Motel and Caravan ParkCnr Brown and King streets, Tibooburra08 8091 3305Eldee StationWilangee Road via Broken Hill08 8091 2578eldeestation.com

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Above: The Mad Max museum, Silverton.

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What will you be doing five years from now? Continuing as a cook, author and manufacturer. This journey is one for the rest of my life, however, my business life goes on quite separately. I merely have to balance my life so I can devote enough time to that and have my treasured family life, too. There’s a lot to be done and no-one can do it alone, so I’m fortunate to have lots of great help!

What’s your favourite dish to cook for your family?If it’s a Sunday night, roast chook with seasonal greens. However, it depends on the time of the year and the celebrations. We also enjoy yabbies with verjuice mayonnaise.

You recently launched the Maggie Beer Foundation in the aged care sector. What was the catalyst?The seed for the foundation was planted when I was made Senior Australian of the Year at the Australia Day awards in 2010. This led me to address care leaders during an aged care conference in 2011 about trying to lead the aged care sector towards greater food enjoyment and choice. Following up with a lot of research, I knew that I wanted to make a difference. Since then my thoughts and networks have grown, and with the support of my husband, Colin, and my marketing manager, Sarah Goodwin, I launched the Maggie Beer Foundation: A Good Food Life For All.

What are the foundation’s aims? In a nutshell: find the great exponents of aged care, reward them with kudos and

learn about the innovations that people are willing to share to help everyone in aged care have a good food life. Work with three facilities within reasonable reach to influence their food practices so they can become models of what can happen by working from the ground up, and then they can influence others. The three pilot South Australian aged care homes are: Abbeyfield residential care at Williamstown, Mount Pleasant Hospital aged care facility managed by Country Health SA, and Ridgehaven Residential Care Centre.

Why are you concerned about aged care?First, there are amazing aged care homes around Australia and we certainly hope to find them all and celebrate them. However, from personal visits to aged care homes of all kinds, and phone calls, letters and emails from staff, family members and friends that are devastating to read, there is a definite need for change in so many.

How will you change the way meals are prepared in these facilities?Now that the foundation is formalised, we’re setting out to raise funds to support the work we need to do. This work/change will have to evolve with the input and support of passionate people in the field. The first step towards nutrition, however, is fresh seasonal ingredients, cooked with care.

She’s Australia’s favourite family cook: a big-hearted woman with an even bigger smile. Maggie Beer tells Simone Henderson-Smart about her new mission.

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BEER LOVIN’ AT THE OAKSThe Oaks in Sydney’s Neutral Bay has long been an institution for lovers of beer, food and wine. Now the popular pub is proudly supporting Australia’s burgeoning

craft beer scene by hosting The Six States of Beer. This series of bimonthly events spotlights a different state and its craft beer offerings, which are complemented by a selection of produce from the same states. In June, craft beer and chocolate from Western Australia were on the menu. In August, the spotlight is on beer and pork from New South Wales; in October it’s all about beer and seafood from Queensland; and in December the focus is on beer and wine from South Australia. The sold-out events in February (beers, bites and beats from Victoria) and April (beer and cheese from Tasmania) confirmed the public’s enthusiasm for events celebrating Aussie craft beers and excellent regional food. The beer-accompanying degustation menus are the work of acclaimed chef Danny Russo. ‘Beer Diva’ Kirrily Waldhorn hosts the evenings, her wit and beer knowledge making the events all the more merry. Tickets are $60. sixstatesofbeer.eventbrite.com.au

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HEART OF THE CITYFor good reason, many people are firmly loyal to the Four Seasons. Always set in the heart of a city,

its hotels have an emphasis on luxury and style without being ostentatious. At the point where Circular Quay, The Rocks and the CBD converge, Sydney’s Four Seasons is in a prime position for guests to make the most of Australia’s stunning harbour city. The hotel’s 531 rooms range from the uber-luxurious presidential suite to simple yet elegant guest rooms, and all have a 42-inch LCD television and wireless internet. Just over a year ago, Sydney’s Four Seasons opened a fine-dining restaurant called The Woods, a warm and welcoming venue that embraces modern quirkiness and sleek creative architecture. The décor features giant artwork recipes and handwritten letters on the ceiling, walls of hanging gardens and sculptural pieces related to food and wine. The restaurant has wide mirrors ingeniously placed to give the illusion of many more rooms in the distance. The menus raise the bar for hotel food, with delicately prepared dishes that are as beautifully displayed as they are lovingly made. The wood-roasted spatchcock with parsley root, burnt butter, white radicchio and sea parsley and the olive wood-roasted Milly Hill lamb with eggplant and piquillo pepper are perfect examples of the restaurant’s hearty yet creative approach to decadent dining. fourseasons.com/sydney

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THE POWER OF BONESKeelen MailmanAllen & Unwin, $29.99The inspiring true story of

an abused and neglected

girl who never forgot the

importance of family and

culture and grew up to be

the first Indigenous woman

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station in Australia. Fittingly,

the station is on Bidjara

country – land that was camped on and cared

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grandparents, and where her ancestors left

their marks on cave walls 10,000 years ago.

SWIMMING IN THE DARKPaddy RichardsonPan Macmillan, $29.99The disappearance of

her sister forces Lynnie

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secrets but Lynnie is praying it’s a lifelong habit

they’ll be able to break.

MAMMOTH BOOK OF BRAIN GAMESGareth MooreMurdoch Books, $12.99Give brain fade the flick

with this entertaining book

that aims to get readers

to expand their thinking.

There are 365 days of

puzzles and challenges

and also ‘rethinking’ pages,

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brains in everyday life.

CAUTIONARY TALESHarmony JamesIf you like your country music old school, you’ll enjoy this album.

Harmony James is one of Australia’s sweetest singers, and her previous

two albums spent time hanging around the top of the country music

charts. Her third album sees the country girl transplanted to the city,

leaving her comfort zone and conquering the concrete jungle. There

are some A-grade collaborations with the likes of Brooke McClymont

and, in keeping with the dual-city recording of the album, Harmony’s

sound has one foot in Sydney and the other firmly planted in Nashville.

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BLACK RAIN FALLSSony MusicOn May 30, 1990, Aussie band Midnight Oil hit

a peak, performing at Radio City Music Hall in New

York City. It was a year after one of America’s worst

ever environmental disasters: the oil tanker Exxon Valdez had struck a reef off the pristine Alaskan coast

and dumped more than 40 million litres of thick,

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Exxon didn’t care at all.

Ever the environmental crusaders, the boys from

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noticed the Exxon headquarters across the road

from Radio City, the temptation to “give Exxon the

finger”, as Oils drummer Rob Hirst puts it, was too

great and they staged a protest gig in the middle

of the street. Black Rain Falls is the story of that gig.

“We’d blocked the street, and traffic is like God in

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could do one song and then they’d shut us down.

After a few bars the cops’ hips started swaying

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We ended up playing into the lunch break

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Coinciding with the DVD release will be a tour,

although “this time,” Hirst says, “we get to stay at

home and send our stuff on tour.” He’s referring to

an exhibition that opened in Sydney on June 20,

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Australia, featuring Midnight Oil memorabilia, home

movies and musical instruments. “It’s great! The attic’s

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n an old pier jutting into Sydney Harbour a story is being born, nurtured by dancers who use their

bodies and their instincts to mould and shape it. They inhabit the story, and the story lives inside them, as it has since the Dreaming. It’s a very organic process and quite astounding to watch. It’s instantly apparent that they do things very differently at Bangarra Dance Theatre.

Brothers Stephen and David Page have been living and breathing contemporary Indigenous dance

theatre since forming Bangarra 25 years ago. The hours are long and the men are prolific. With Stephen as artistic director and David as composer, they have produced and toured a new production every year. It’s a compulsion. For Stephen, it hit him from the very first performance.

“I had a sixpack and hair back then,” he laughs. “I was young and hungry and had no fear – you just dive in and take risks. But when you hear that first song, you just realise it’s what you were born to do. You know it’s not work when you don’t

even have to think about it – it just flows – and we keep getting better and better.”

That compulsion is also tied up with a deep-seated need to keep the continuous link to story and culture going, which is something the dancers share. Bangarra keeps this alive with regular trips to remote Indigenous communities, where cultural immersion helps the dancers to reconnect, as many of them actually grew up in the city.

For dancer Yolande Brown, a descendant of the Bidjara clan in

Bangarra Dance Theatre is much more than a performing arts company. It’s also a living organism, breathing life into stories and forming an unbroken link to culture, ancestry and spirituality that spans more than 400 centuries, writes Simone Henderson-Smart.

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central Queensland, reconnecting with her traditional homeland and people has been an inspirational and grounding experience.

“The commonality between the dancers is our passion for dance, but it’s also exploring history and identity, discovering who we are, and our story,” she says.

Stephen Page explains the link to country perfectly: “The land shapes the people, the people shape the language, the language shapes the song, the song shapes the dance, and the spirit flows through it all.”

It’s how they create, offering themselves as vessels through which story and spirit can flow – both far back into the past, as well as into the future – and becoming part of that eternal organic link.

Stephen only brings broad sketches to the studio, letting the dancers fill in the gaps.

In rehearsal for new production Patyegarang, Stephen is working closely with the dancers to bring his latest story to life. It’s all about suggestion and collaboration, with the choreography largely being shaped by the dancers themselves and how they feel most comfortable flipping, leaping and gliding across the stage.

When writing the music that inspires the dance, David is also aware that he needs to leave space for the performers’ own artistic expression: “Dancers act with their bodies. I don’t overproduce the music because the dancer provides the lyrics. It’s almost filmic.”

Similarly, Stephen only brings broad sketches to the studio, letting the dancers fill in the gaps.

Previous page: Thomas Greenfield in Patyegarang. Above: Daniel Riley, Deborah Brown and Waangenga Blanco. Below: Stephen Page workshops Patyegarang with dancer Thomas Greenfield.

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“Dancers communicate so profoundly with the mere flex of a foot or a hand, a shift of focus or a roll of the head,” he says. It’s clear he trusts their instincts and abilities.

It’s a sacred, special experience, and one not often found at the pinnacle of dance theatre. Dancer Luke Currie-Richardson knew this from a young age. “I danced to be in this company – no other reason,” he says. The journey so far has taken him from the company’s base at the Sydney Opera House to some of the most prestigious theatres in Europe and deep into outback Australia. It’s a life of immense joy, and Luke’s beaming smile is a permanent fixture as he recounts some of the highlights.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t performing in The Hague in the Netherlands that made Luke the most nervous and excited. It was performing at a funeral for a much-loved Indigenous elder. Six clans had gathered to pay their respects, and at first Luke didn’t think Bangarra would be dancing. “We put ochre on our foreheads out of respect, and we were just sitting there watching,” he recalls. “In the end, we got up and joined in, but it

was so nerve-wracking dancing in front of the owners of these dances, in a community where they dance every day, every week.” Luke’s deep reverence for his culture is palpable.

For Yolande, too, it’s the time ‘on country’ that is so precious and teaches her the most. It’s quite something for accomplished dancers at the top of their field, who regularly tour internationally, flying around the world and staying in flash hotels, to be able to perform at the other end of the spectrum. Footlights are replaced by little open fires dotted around the desert floor, and the stage is something they’ve had to fashion themselves in a dried-out creek bed.

Apart from the compulsion to perform, it’s clear that the main driving force for all involved in Bangarra is teaching and sharing their precious Indigenous culture – not just to the next generation of Indigenous Australians, but to people all over the world. And they know dance theatre is the best way to do it. But more than that, they have their creative feet firmly planted in the present, using contemporary dance and music to tell their stories in a way

that connects with audiences easily.As Luke puts it, “It’s nice to be

able to sidestep daily materialism and go on a spiritual journey with the audience, to step into something that transcends language.”

Yolande agrees: “There’s a lack of platforms to share Indigenous culture; the education system just doesn’t touch on the depth of it. But there is so much knowledge out there. Get a mature-age education by following us!” she laughs. “Dance is the best way of learning and teaching.”

Bangarra Dance Theatre is performing Patyegarang nationally until September 6, followed by Kinship regionally in October and November. Visit bangarra.com.au.

It’s a sacred, special experience, and one not often found at the pinnacle of dance theatre.

Yolande Brown in rehearsal for Patyegarang, the new production that tells a fascinating

Sydney story and had its world premiere there in June to mark Bangarra’s 25th anniversary.

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1Skydive over the beachWith 892 beaches in New South Wales, there’s no shortage of

beautiful scenery to discover. But from 4500 metres in the air, the view is even more incredible. I highly recommend it at terminal velocity – you know, where you can’t possibly fall any faster. You can experience some amazing skydiving with Skydive the Beach and Beyond in Byron Bay, Skydive Coffs Harbour, and Coastal Skydivers in Port Macquarie, just to name a handful. Recently, I did a skydive with Skydive the Beach in Wollongong, and even though you’re falling at more than 200 kilometres an hour, the experience is surprisingly serene. After the chute is pulled, the next five minutes of soaking up the scenery helps the adrenaline settle and solidifies the moment as one of the best of your life.

2Get back to natureAny map quickly reveals that New South Wales is huge, and

much of it is untouched countryside, prime for exploring and connecting with nature. Experience a seemingly never-ending expanse of nature on a staggering scale at the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains. While the history of the Jenolan Caves is enchanting, a tour where you have to angle your way through a network of imposing natural tunnels is nothing short of exhilarating. Also not to be missed is canyoning through natural pools of water with Blue Mountains Adventure Company. Another top spot is the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney, which has plenty of secrets to uncover – especially on a night photography class with Understand Down Under.

WINTER FUN:

Don’t let cooler temperatures dampen your appetite for adventure. New South Wales ‘Chief Funster’ Andrew Smith shares his favourite state secrets.

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3Explore boutique breweries, bars and historic pubs

Arguably one of the most exciting Australian cultural booms is the explosion in craft beer and artisan brewing, with some of New South Wales’ smallest breweries making the biggest waves. Australia’s oldest pub brewery in The Rocks, The Lord Nelson, has a spot-on British feel, while newcomers such as Young Henrys in Newtown add a bit of grunge and Sydney hipness. There’s no reason to drink boring beer in Sydney when pubs such as The Local Taphouse, Harts Pub and the Royal Albert Hotel serve nothing but topnotch local craft beer. And at boutique bars Yulli’s (Surry Hills) and Frankie’s Pizza (CBD) there’s seriously good food to soak up the booze.

4Indulge your inner artistSydney is such a good spot for those who are artistically minded and

seek inspiration. Events range from massive festivals to intimate events. Vivid Sydney is held every winter and offers 18 days packed with technology, light, thrilling shows and music. Carriageworks (left) near Redfern uses the converted rail yard space for incredible events that change on a weekly (if not daily) basis. Even strolling through Newtown reveals art on what seems like every street. For a fun spectacle, head to Darling Harbour on Saturday nights when they put on a fireworks show just for the heck of it. Isn’t the weekend good enough reason to celebrate? I think so, too.

5Go seafaringIn New South Wales there’s a plethora of bays and inlets that

provide some of the best water activities imaginable, ranging from relaxing to heart-pounding. Cruise Sydney Harbour on the Tall Ships, where you’ll relax on the water and have a chance to climb the mast and tap into your inner pirate. Dolphins are amazingly easy to spot on a Moonshadow cruise in beautiful Port Stephens bay. Conversely, twin 200-horsepower engines take you nearly three metres into the air as you rip through waves on Port Stephens Watersports’ Thundaraft. It might be hard to believe, but it’s an experience that could potentially one-up skydiving for intensity.

Image: Tourism

NSW

Image: Tourism

NSW

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6Go hot air ballooning over vineyardsThe Hunter Valley is known for

its wines, but hot air ballooning over the vineyards is almost worth a trip on its own. It’s an experience that can’t be passed up – the hot air balloon gives you a view of the Hunter Valley in its entirety as you drift over the wine estates while the morning fog rolls in. Back on the ground, many cellar doors offer wine-tasting. At the Hunter Valley Resort you can put what’s in your glass into context at the Wine Theatre and learn to crush grapes by foot! Hop in the basin and feel the fleshy grapes between your toes, or just enjoy a crisp glass of wine at the cellar door.

7Follow the festivalsJust like the country itself, Australians like to do things on

a big scale. This is certainly true for festivals, which are huge and are held all year round. At events such as Big Day Out, Soundwave and Future Music Festival, thousands of people turn up to see the biggest artists in the world performing in the one place at the one time. Equally as large, and famed for its easygoing vibe, Byron Bay Bluesfest sees thousands of people jamming, camping and meeting new people. What has become a ritual for many is the road trip to these events; getting there is half the fun when you cruise up the Pacific highway to Bluesfest.

8Have fun on four wheelsIf you’re a fan of gears, horsepower and exhaust, you’re in luck. Over

the years I’ve seen many gearheads rejoice as some of the most amazing cars on the planet tear up the asphalt at top speeds. The Bathurst 12 Hour race brings both modified production cars and top-of-the-line GT-class cars out to challenge the aggressive course. At Sydney Motorsport Park the Top Gear Festival and Ferrari Racing Days showcase serious horsepower and even some F1 cars, and there’s the Sydney 500 V8 Supercars at Homebush. It’s not all cars, though – at Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures, take a quad bike out on the course and sling mud as hard as you can. Speed is a thirst that must be quenched!

Recent F1 Grand Prix winner,

Daniel Ricciardo, demonstrating at the 2014 Top Gear

Festival, Sydney.

Image: Tourism

NSW

Image: Tourism

NSW

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9Talk to the animalsThere are so many interesting animals in Australia, including a

ridiculous number that are native. It’s no surprise, then, that there are some terrific zoos in New South Wales. You want to pat a wombat or put a meerkat on your head? Sure thing – head to Symbio Wildlife Park, about 45 minutes south of Sydney. Taronga Zoo in Sydney is an iconic place for a reason – you can’t miss the giraffe-feeding against the Sydney Harbour backdrop. At Taronga Western Plains in Dubbo there are some 700 animals ranging around three square kilometres of bush. Stay overnight at the new Zoofari Lodges and see kangaroos, zebras and water buffaloes from your porch – an experience that can’t be matched elsewhere.

10Get fresh with foodThe produce available in New South Wales is second to

none. Most of what is consumed here is also produced here, meaning chefs have an abundance of fresh local ingredients at their fingertips. Regional towns such as Orange offer some top-quality wining and dining venues; from the Union Bank Wine Bar to Factory Espresso, it’s hard not to constantly fill yourself to the brim with top nosh. The Hunter Valley is also packed with delicious eateries. In Sydney, there are cafés everywhere; start in Surry Hills with Reuben Hills, Robocog or Bills for breakfast, then top up with brilliant coffee at Sample Coffee or Single Origin Roasters. If you’re seeking one of the best examples of Australian pride, drop into The Pie Tin in Newtown for a freshly baked sweet or savoury pie.

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managing commercial property and tenancy relocation and answers the five most important questions to consider in order to smooth the process and avoid costly pitfalls.

1. When to start planningIn today’s changing economic times lease options and expiries often stay off the radar until tenants are at the mercy of their landlord. Depending on the complexity of the space and the amenity required, key dates need to be flagged well in advance and preparation of the tenancy brief should be organised at least 18 months ahead of potential relocation.

2. Selecting an owneryou can work withParticularly dynamic companies, which are likely to further expand or contract within normal negotiable lease terms, need to ensure they engage with a landlord who is in sync with the level of flexibility they may require. Larger property management organisations

can seriously compromise the flexibility necessary to ensure the accommodation is efficient and relevant. Choose your landlord and their property manager carefully as a lesson not to learn the hard way.

3. Selecting yourlocation’s driversOur cities are changing. The average age of a building in Brisbane CBD is now 28 years old and lacking in cost effective amenity. Accessibility and sufficient affordable car parking are also growing issues. Consider where your business really needs to be because relocating to a more convenient location could save significant property occupancy costs. Retaining a serviced office in the CBD for meetings if you need a presence is worth considering.

4. Avoiding business disruptionOffice amenity and efficiency expectation of staff have changed dramatically in even the past five years. Work place ratios, break out space and amenity in general require regular reviews and a new layout could be what is required to revitalise staff enthusiasm. Be careful never to agree to building modifications or refurbishment while your are in occupation. The disruption will be intolerable and it is far better to simply move to a new space.

5. How to integrate lessee and lessor worksFitout costs can really get out of hand. If possible, plan far enough in advance to relocate to a new building or space being refurbished ahead of completion. By integrating lessee and lessor works the cost of relocation, aside from any incentives, will be reduced by at least a third of the cost when your new layout can incorporate all the electrical, mechanical and hydraulic requirements without the waste of reworking these services in completed vacant areas.

Revellers head across the fields of Bunnamagoo Estate Wines.

Despite the lack of pony action at Polo in the Paddock, Michelle Hespe gets into Mudgee – a place where great food and fine wines always lead to fun times.

Mudgee Meanderings

ou’d have to be mad to complain about the rain when the region in question has been drought-stricken for years. That’s the

philosophy that the thousand or so revellers adopted at this year’s Polo in the Paddock in Mudgee. The ponies didn’t get their hooves onto the racing track, but that didn’t stop the party trackside kicking off at 11am and continuing all day throughout the sporadic downpour. Heels were dumped in favour of gumboots (with most country ladies being far more prepared than those doing the road trip from Sydney) and men’s jackets

were thrown over party frocks for kicking up some mud while dancing in the rain.

From the back of a truck bed, country star Lee Kernaghan let loose with some cracking hits, and raffle prizes included goods from Paspaley, YSL Beaute, Ralph Lauren, RM Williams and Bunnamagoo Estate Wines – the beautiful sprawling vineyard in which the annual event was hosted. Despite the lack of polo, the event raised more than $5,500 for charities, including a generous donation from Kernaghan after his guitar was auctioned off to one very proud guest. Australian

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food&wine

The Mudgee Wine and Food Festival is a great excuse to visit the historic town.

fashion designer Camilla Franks judged the best-dressed competition, and the kids, who didn’t give two hoots about the rain, leapt about in a jumping castle, well-placed away from the long tables for lunch in a trackside paddock.

At the tables, delicious Bunnamagoo wines and craft beers and ciders were poured to match the incredible array of local produce presented for lunch. Needless to say, everyone left the event merry, despite sporting speckles of mud and hair not particularly blow-dried.

If you’re in Mudgee, there is no excuse for not staying awhile and enjoying the local offerings.

Filling up in Mudgee Mudgee has long been a destination for lovers of food and wine and, being less than a four-hour drive from Sydney, it attracts city dwellers seeking a relaxing country break filled with all the good things in life. The region is home to more than 50 well-known vineyards and wineries, with the earliest plantings taking root in the 1850s. It is known for having perfect conditions for vineyards, with the town and surroundings perfectly positioned on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range – meaning warm days, cool nights and incredibly fertile soil.

Every year from mid-September to early October (this year from September 12 to October 5), the region hosts the Mudgee Wine and Food Festival. Live music, special cellar door experiences,

Guests at the Mudgee Wine

and Food Festival enjoying top drops.

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food&wine

The ponies didn’t get their hooves onto the racing track, but that didn’t stop the party trackside kicking off at 11am and continuing all day.

events and celebratory menus for lunches and dinners across the town and in the vineyards transform Mudgee into a showcase of wonderful local produce.

But even when there isn’t a festival as a drawcard for foodies, Mudgee has so much on offer, with dozens of great restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs, all staffed by some of the friendliest people you’ll find in regional Australia.

Rice & Ice is a relatively new restaurant on the block, dishing up wonderfully authentic Thai dishes, and donning its yum cha hat on the weekends. The busy little restaurant is run by an incredibly welcoming Thai family who present the wonderful flavours of traditional Thai cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They serve meals that their family would cook at home, and treat customers like loved ones. They also own the My Thai next door, which was so popular that they opened a second place to keep up with the demand.

Offering modern à la carte cuisine in a stylish establishment perfect for long lunches and dinners that drift organically into the night, Sajo’s Lounge Bar & Restaurant in Church Street is considered an institution in Mudgee. The menu is modern, with a focus on local ingredients showcased in meals that all have clever flourishes, be it in terms of ingredients or presentation, or both.

The Mudgee clock tower; built to commemorate

soldiers who fought and fell in WWII.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church at night,

downtown Mudgee.

Delicious Thai treats at Rice & Ice.

Imag

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FAST FACT’Mudgee’ reputedly

derives from the Wiradjuri Aboriginal term ‘Moothi’

meaning ‘nest in the hills’. Aside from wine, the area is noted for its fine wool, beef, lambs,

cereal crops, vegies, and honey.

Locals and visitors enjoy the fine wine and fare at Sajo’s.

The entree menu has delicious dishes such as homemade salmon gravlax with mustard dill cream, caperberries and radish, or rabbit and herb tortellini in a saffron consommé with rabbit confit. The main menu embraces traditional hearty meals, always with a culinary twist. For instance, the slow-roasted pork belly is accompanied by roasted capsicum, seared scallops and pickled cucumber with marinated mushrooms, and the chargrilled lamb backstrap delights diners by being paired with roasted prosciutto-wrapped figs, a silky goat’s curd cream and brioche.

Fit in a classic cocktail (there are $10 cocktails on Thursdays for ‘ladies night’) and a couple of wines from the exciting menu packed with fine local vintages. And you can’t leave without fitting in a lip-smacking dessert such as the passionfruit cheesecake with a marshmallow and mint apple salad. It somehow manages to seem refreshingly healthy while being wickedly decadent.

Come morning, if you’re suffering from dusty head syndrome after so much wonderful food paired with exciting wines (after all, it’s wise to fit in a couple of wine-tastings as well as many meals when in Mudgee), head to the quirky retro-embracing haven that is Butcher

Shop Cafe. Yep, you guessed it – housed in a butcher shop built in 1875, this café is loved by locals and run by ex-Sydney boy James O’Neill. Metal meat-hanging rods on the ceiling and the original butcher’s tiles give hints of its former life, and James is a fan of interesting antiques, so there are some great kooky conversation starters hanging about – such as the bulbous glass wine holders dangling from the ceiling.

The menu is in keeping with the theme, including the Butcher’s Breakfast (the whole shebang) and the Butcher’s Benedict (with bacon and tomato instead of smoked salmon). The regularly

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food&wine

Metal meat-hanging rods on the ceiling and the original butcher’s tiles give hints of the café’s former life, and James is a fan of interesting antiques.

6'36'15'11

Before

'3'3'1'1'11'11

Beforeeeee After

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Shop 13, 227 Elizabeth St

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Mr. JNK_July2014.indd 1 13/06/2014 09:55

The spaces are a riot of texture, colour and scent. And the mouth-wateringly good dumplings and exotic teas are what have customers flocking back every week.

changing range of cakes and cookies is made locally for the café, and all of your classic lighter brekkies, such as pancakes, muesli and fruit salad, are also on the menu.

Dumplings and teaArtist and fabric designer Na Lan, originally from Central China, is the woman behind a true gem of a café/restaurant/homewares store in Rylstone, about 40 minutes’ drive from Mudgee. This very special dumpling and tea house, called 29 Nine 99, is a delightful, seemingly haphazard ensemble of incense-perfumed nooks and crannies where you can sit indoors or outdoors surrounded by intriguing, vivid colours. From teapots, ceramic platters, plates and vases, to bags, scarves, jewellery, serviettes and silk clothing, the spaces are a riot of texture, colour and scent. And the mouth-wateringly good dumplings and exotic teas are what have customers flocking back every week, ensuring that Na Lan is one of the busiest business owners in town.

As numbers are inextricably linked to China’s traditions and culture, with a person’s fortune often revolving around digits, Na Lan named her arty little slice of China after the date of her marriage to her Australian hubby, Reg. They were married on September 29, 1999.

Traditional Chinese dumplings and tea at 29 Nine 99 in Rylstone; and below, business owner Na Lan.

Images this page courtesy of Karon Grant

6'36'15'11

Before

'3'3'1'1'11'11

Beforeeeee After

www.TALLER.com.auFree delivery in Australia & worldwide delivery

SYDNEY STORE

Shop 13, 227 Elizabeth St

Sydney NSW

02 8021 3405

BRISBANE STORE 76 Wickham St

Fortitude Valley QLD

07 3162 3499

MELBOURNE STORE

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Collingwood VIC

03 9078 7938

5'115 116'16'16 16'36 3

BBefoforere AftAfter

Mr. JNK_July2014.indd 1 13/06/2014 09:55

27

food&wine

De Beaurepaire, besides being the surname

of the vignerons, is French for ‘from a beautiful hideaway’.

Let there be wineWine-tasting is usually top of the agenda for visitors to Mudgee (for very good reason) and there are many cellar doors to knock upon. However, if you’d like to fit in your dumplings, tea and wine all in the space of an afternoon, drive 1.5 kilometres out of town to visit the team at De Beaurepaire Wines Tasting Room. This charming tasting room, owned by a husband-and-wife team, is open weekends (by appointment only). The building was a stone stable back in the 1880s, and a Melbourne Cup winning horse is buried on the property.

Rylstone is about 200 metres higher in elevation than Mudgee, thus having different weather conditions leading to longer ripening periods and later grape harvesting. This culminates in the top wines from De Beaurepaire having classic cool-climate characteristics. It’s another business that has a sentimental name: De Beaurepaire, besides being the surname of the vignerons, is French for ‘from a beautiful hideaway’. The winemakers concentrate on handcrafted wines made from their own fruit, adopting a philosophy of quantity over quality.

And, really, that’s the philosophy all of Mudgee holds close to its heart. It’s about one lovely, long, quality experience in a weekend or on a long break, even though the quantity of attractions on offer could keep any lover of food, wine and history busy year-round.

EAT & DRINKBunnamagoo Estate Winesbunnamagoowines.com.auRice & Ice rice-and-ice.comSajo’s Lounge Bar & Restaurantsajos.com.auButcher Shop Cafe49 Church Street, Mudgee29 Nine 99 Yum Cha and Tea HouseLouee Street, RylstoneDe Beaurepaire Wines Tasting Roomdebeaurepairewines.com

STAYParklands Resort & Conference CentreA grand, sweeping drive leads to this sprawling resort, which is both a well-equipped conference centre and a popular meeting place for locals and visitors. Set in an oasis of green lawns, with wide balconies overlooking beautifully manicured gardens, it’s no wonder many weddings are held here. parklandsresort.com.au

Round-up

FAST FACTThis year’s annual

Mudgee Food and Wine Festival will be held from

September 12 – October 5, and gives visitors ample

opportunities to sample the high-quality local fare.

De Beaurepaire’s charming cellar door in an 1880’s stone stable.

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food&wine

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B LU E G O LD M EDA L W

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Mitch Brook spends a weekend on Mornington Peninsula, where the air is as fresh as the produce.

PRIDE OF THE PENINSULA

board a small tin dinghy slowly putt-putting over the clear water of Dromana Bay, the crisp sea winds fan my face. I look back to the shore

and see, over a grey-blue blanket of water, Safety Beach behind us. Ahead of us is a small fishing barge, swaying on the calm waters of the bay. I pull my jacket closely around me, as even on Autumn days, the weather down this way can be chilly.

I clamber up to the fishing barge and Geoff Newing of Dromana Bay Mussels meets me in a bright red spray jacket, looking windswept. Beside him, mussels are growing thickly on lines hanging below the surface of the water. Once fully grown they are pulled out of the water by the boat’s crane and harvested. The same mechanism removes the mussels, which are then washed in a barrel-shaped cage and deposited out the end – where Geoff is standing.

Geoff cracks open a washed mussel with a small knife. “If you’ve ever noticed the different colours of mussels,” he says, “it indicates gender. Orange ones are female.” He points to the newly shelled creature then picks another, inserts his

blade and cracks the shell open and shows me. “The white ones are male.”

I watch as he pops the newly shucked animal into his mouth, chewing steadily with a grin – my uncertainty must be showing, as I had not realised you could eat mussels raw.

“We have an emphasis on freshness,” he says. “To produce very fresh, high-quality product.”

I know what’s next; Geoff offers me a freshly shucked female mussel. I’m a little nervous, but put the mussel in my mouth. It’s cold, soft, salty and sweet.

“Make sure you chew it to get the real flavour,” Geoff says.

I chew, discovering that the mussel is incredibly refreshing and light, but it’s not overbearing. It’s actually delicious.

Geoff is one of the many small Mornington Peninsula producers that call this beautiful region home. He’s dedicated and passionate because he’s doing what he loves, just like the many others in the community, operating in a range of incredibly varied industries.

A short drive away (nearly everything is a short drive away on the peninsula) I come

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to Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, owned and operated by the Gallace family.

Wandering the strawberry fields, punnet in hand, and picking fat, ripe strawberries off the rows of shrubs is such a simple pleasure, topped off by biting into a fresh one still warm from the sun. The self-pick experience is fun for kids too, judging by the squeals of delight I hear while roaming the fields.

Like many producers here, the Gallace family operates more than just a farm. While the Gallace elders Mick and Anne mostly look after the fruit grown on the farm as respected wholesalers, the younger Gallaces – Matt and his wife Ruth – have branched off with their own wine label called Rebello Wines.

Rebello focuses on making wines from fruit, like their Strawbellini Moscato Sparkling. They also make fruit liqueurs, aa well as the popular Cheeky Rascal Cider. The latter blends cider and fruit wines to make quirky mixes such as Vanilla Bean Apple, Gingerberry and Pomegranate Apple. These products are available online as well as at the Sunny Ridge onsite shop, which doubles as a strawberry-inspired dessert café. Don’t leave without sampling the chocolate-dipped strawberries: simple yet sublime.

Another local with a flair for produce is Tamara Newing – wife of Geoff – who owns and operates her BoatShed Cheese enterprise from a converted boat shed at their home.

“All of our cheese is small-batch,” she says with pride. “I don’t use anything that’s mechanised; we hand-stir and hand-cut the cheese. Absolutely everything is hand-moulded and turned.”

Having such a small operation means that Tamara can keep a close eye on the cheese. “When you’re doing everything in small

Previous page: Cape Schanck boardwalk. Top to bottom: Handmade cheeses from Boatshed Cheese; a pier in Portsea, Mornington Peninsula; chocolate-dipped strawberries from Sunny Ridge Café.

Image: Tourism

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batches you can give individual cheese attention, making sure that it’s aged just perfectly.”

Despite being established in 2012, BoatShed Cheese has won local and international awards, most recently winning gold at the May Royal Queensland Dairy Awards for its goat curd, and Best International Cheese at the US State Fair in North Carolina for its Chelsea Blue.

My favourite is the Black Pearl, which won Best Victorian Goat Cheese and Best Australian Non-Bovine Cheese at shows in 2013. It’s a fresh, light goat cheese, with a soft white rind dusted in ash. I’m sure I am one of many fans.

Capping off my trip is a visit to Red Hill Epicurean, which is a bakery, restaurant, and wine-tasting area adjoining function rooms. Grab a table in the cavernous industrial-style

dining space, near the open fireplaces, and check out the delicious Italian-inspired menu. My pick is the Diavolo di Mare, a spicy prawn linguine, and a smooth, warming pumpkin ravioli with burnt butter sauce. Wines are selected from local vignerons such as Prancing Horse, Paringa Estate and Rebello.

By day, Red Hill Epicurean has pizza-, pasta- and coffee-making classes and an extensive and impressive self-serve wine tasting system.

On the winding roads of Mornington Peninsula, twisting their way through hills, valleys and fields, you can’t go 500 metres without seeing a signpost pointing the way to another brewery, winery, dairy or bakery. I think I can speak for all lovers of food and wine when I say that’s just the way I like it.

GET THEREMornington Peninsula is about an hour and 20 minutes’ drive from Melbourne.

STAYFlinders HotelCorner Cook & Wood Streets, Flinders03 5989 0201, flindershotel.com.au

EAT & DRINKDromana Bay MusselsOpen Friday through Sunday 10.30am to 2.30pm on Safety Beach Foreshore – Dromana side of the boat ramp. 0409 192 770; dromanabaymussels.com.au BoatShed CheeseSample and purchase the range of BoatShed Cheese at various farmers’ markets around the region and in Melbourne. See the website for when and where. Tamara Newing also holds cooking and cheese-making workshops. boatshedcheese.comSunny Ridge Strawberry FarmU-Pick open during strawberry season November to April. Strawberry Café open weekends May–October 11am to 4pm.sunnyridge.com.auRed Hill EpicureanHome to a restaurant, bakery, wine tasting space and function rooms. Also hosts cooking and coffee classes.redhillepicurean.com.au

Round-upHarvest time at one of the many

Mornington Peninsula wineries. The cool climate here produces stellar

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Grab a table in the cavernous industrial-style dining space, near the open fireplaces, and check out the delicious Italian-inspired menu.

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IT STARTED with a newspaper ad, a call-out for a one-off opportunity and the promise of adventure. For Rachael Robertson, the opportunity to lead an expedition in Antarctica proved too exciting to overlook.

“I was literally sitting there reading the careers section on Saturday and saw the penguins in the ad,” she says. “I thought, I’ll go for it.”

It was 2005, and the then 35-year-old Robertson revelled in her role as head ranger for the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, with an office in Lorne and the opportunity to drive from Torquay to the South Australian border as a day job.

“I loved it, loved my family, loved my life,” she says.

Fast-forward nearly a decade later, and a reflective Robertson concedes there was a reason she was looking at the career section, something she never did.

“I was single, I didn’t have kids, I didn’t have a mortgage, so it was pretty easy to go on an adventure,” says Robertson. “I think I might have just been, in the back of my mind, looking for a big adventure, hoping that one day I might settle down and marry and have children.”

Robertson has since married and is

a mother to one child, but she admits that at the time, she wasn’t completely certain packing up and going to the end of the earth for more than a year was the answer. It proved a fortuitous decision, however; Robertson is now on the speaker’s circuit full-time and has written a book about her experiences in Antarctica.

During the Antarctic summer, groups of 120 occupy the research stations – scientists conducting research plus the trade crew doing construction – then they depart in February, leaving a small team of

18 behind to maintain the facilities. “We just keep the joint warm, keep

the power on, the water going, we look after it until the next summer when the next lot of scientists come up,” says Robertson. As team leader, her job was to coordinate Davis Station. In summer, it was a purely managerial role that focused on logistics. For the rest of the year, however, her position took on a different slant.

Nine months of isolation, four of which are in 24/7 darkness during the winter, meant Robertson had to build morale and teamwork with a bunch of

LEADING

EDGEThe opportunity to lead an expedition in Antarctica saw Rachael Robertson tested to her limits. She talks to Amal Awad about leadership and adventure.

Above: Davis Station, Prydz Bay, Antarctica, where Rachael was based.

Image: Hannes Grobe, Alfred W

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JOURNAL TO BOOKRachael Robertson kept a journal during her time in Antartica as a way to cope with the experience and keep her ‘resilient’. It’s now been published as a book — Leading on the Edge.

Queen Maud Land

Victoria Land

Australia/NZ

Wilkes Land

Graham Land

Weddell Sea

Amundsen Sea

Size of United Kingdom for comparison

Ross ice shelf

Ronne-Filchner ice shelf

Brunt ice shelf

Sackleton ice shelf

Amery ice shelf

A N T A R C T I C A

Ross Sea

Kilometres0 2000

“I thought, I can’t actually respond to these guys 24 hours a day, every day, for the next year. It’s going to kill me.”

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strangers who didn’t always get along. More specifically, four women and 14 men, some from the city and others country folk, traversing a diversity of qualifications, beliefs and outlooks.

“People ask me about the environment, and I say the 24 hours of darkness, the minus 35 degrees temperatures, the blizzards… that’s tough, it’s harsh. But that ain’t a patch on what it takes for 18 strangers to live together, on top of each other, with no privacy – everyone knows everything about each other,” she says.

Robertson says she hadn’t anticipated it would be small things that caused so many problems, and that a large part of her job would be trying to get her team to deal with the issues rather than ignore them.

“I call it the bacon war, because we had a fight about whether bacon should be soft or crisp. And it turned out this bacon war between two of my teams – my plumbers and my mechanics – was a different issue about whether the plumbers were treating the vehicles properly because the mechanics had to service them.

“It manifested into bacon because each team thought the other team was deliberately cooking it a certain way to annoy them.”

Realising that teamwork trumps harmony, Robertson made this thinking a rule. She didn’t expect the team members to love, or even necessarily like, each other but they would have to show respect to one another.

“We had a rule called ‘no triangles’. If you’ve got an issue, if you’ve got a problem, just go straight to the source. You don’t go to a third party. It was a really powerful tool for building respect.”

Another step towards creating a more pleasant atmosphere was encouraging them to reduce their reliance on Robertson.

“I thought, I can’t actually respond to these guys 24 hours a day, every day for the next year. It’s going to kill me. I have to find ways of building this team so they don’t rely on me being all things to all people. I needed to put

a boundary there. So I did.” For her part, Robertson kept

herself in check by keeping a journal, which is now her book, Leading on the Edge.

“It helped me sleep and sleep made me resilient,” she says.

Peer support was also a saviour. Robertson describes a good friendship with the leader at Mawson Station, a

distant 1000 kilometres away.“Having a peer who knew what I

was going through, who understood the challenge of the role, who understood the environment – it just taught me so much. Particularly in these remote areas, the peer support is just critical. You need someone you can talk to.”

Robertson says she also stayed resilient by telling herself and her team to focus on what they do have, not what they don’t.

“And what we had was the opportunity to see this amazing wildlife and to make some good money and to set ourselves up for the future.”

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Jack Cleaver raises five key factors that could see Australian mining reach new heights.

10 THE ONLY WAY IS UP

17 INDUSTRY FOCUS Scoping out scientific

roles in mining

Issue 13 – July 2014

20 MINING REVIEW The state of mining

in Tasmania

26 SPECIAL REPORT Pros & cons of contract

labour in mining

insidemining

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NEW HOPE GROUP CUTS QUEENSLAND MINING JOBS As coal sales fall, so does the number of mine workers. A recent 17 per cent fall in coal sales – to 1.33 million tonnes – has forced New Hope Group to cut five per cent of its workforce.

About 30 of New Hope Group’s 600 workers will lose employment. As of now, the West Moreton mine and the corporate office will see the effects of the job cuts.

New Hope Group CEO Shane Stephan said making the decision was not easy but it had to be done because of the significant drop in coal sales.

“The continuing difficult times for the coal industry have required some difficult decisions to be taken regarding employment, to allow the company to endure this low point in the cycle and emerge in the best shape possible when conditions improve,” Stephan said.

The job cuts will not hinder production, as current tonnages will be maintained at the mines involved.

New Hope Group isn’t the only company making these decisions, with Wollongong Coal cutting 152 jobs and Glencore also shedding 40 jobs.

CAPE YORK TO SEE INCREASE IN WATER RESOURCESA moratorium that blocked the use of Cape York’s water resources for irrigation has been approved for removal.

The lifting of the moratorium will create opportunities for economic development on Cape York Peninsula, according to Andrew Cripps, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines.

Cripps said there is a plan in motion for water resources in Cape York’s future, as the government named agriculture as one of Queensland’s four economic pillars in 2012. A

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news+views Compiled by Cortney Roark

Australia’s leading on-site test and calibration company TEX Onsite now provides a complimentary compliance management service to all clients Australia wide.

The Comprehensive Management System (CMS) is unique to TEX Onsite and allows clients to leave all the burden of remaining compliant to the professionals. The supporting Data Management and Scheduling Service keeps track of clients’ equipment and provides reinspect notification dates, as well as downloadable test and calibration certificates.

Many clients are very appreciative of the CMS – “It’s like having another staff member we don’t have to pay for,” reflected one. “Having experienced technicians service our equipment and then actually manage the whole process is so economical and a dream come true.”

Australian-owned TEX Onsite is a genuine on-site HV (high voltage) test, inspect and instrument calibration service with around 30 service vans on the road throughout Australia and New Zealand, plus five fully-equipped airplanes servicing remote sites.

Their product range is vast, covering many industry sectors including mining, construction, manufacturing, shipping, electrical generation and distribution, rail and much more. The enormous advantage of such an extensive product range is clients need only call one organisation to service all their compliance needs.

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The TEX Onsite range includes, HV test of all equipment, inspection of lifting equipment, height safety, and instrument calibrations; including electrical, dimensional, torque, pressure, flow, fuel flow, infrared, thermal imaging, sound, surveying equipment and much more.

The high end Power System Protection Maintenance Service embraces generation, transmission and distribution situations and incorporates large industrial electric motor test and inspection. For more information visit texonsite.com.au

WHAT ALL INDUSTRY WANTS – SOMETHING FOR NOTHING

“The former Labor government stood in the way of new water users [using] this valuable resource productively on the Cape, due to its ‘lock it up’ mentality,” Cripps said. “We are reducing ... regulation to unlock development opportunities on the Cape, with the removal of the moratorium being the first important step.”

Cripps added this will impact on people with a water licence, as well as

new water users, as they will be able to pursue development opportunities.

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines is finalising a Cape York Water Strategy, which will identify actions of the government to support development and safeguard the future water supply needs of the community.

The strategy will cover the Archer, Coleman, Ducie, Embley, Endeavour,

Holroyd, Jacky Jacky, Jardine, Jeannie, Lockhart, Normanby, Olive-Pascoe, Stewart, Watson and Wenlock basins.

100 JOBS CUT AT BHP BILLITON BHP Billiton has cut 100 jobs at its Perth iron ore headquarters to ensure efficiency within the company.

A spokesperson for the company said it is committed to its productivity agenda. Many workers affected were involved in projects that had wound down, and since BHP is focused on costs and productivity gains, these workers were let go.

The company reported it is “focused on delivering value by safely and sustainably growing volumes while reducing costs”, and when employees are affected by this, they are given assistance in their efforts to find employment.

The spot price for iron ore is now around $92 a tonne, which marks a 31 per cent fall since the beginning of the year.

BHP’s coal and aluminium businesses have seen cuts as well, and its Nickel West business will be sold because of a desire to decrease unwanted assets.

ILUKA RESOURCES AND BRAZIL’S VALE TEAM UP FOR TITANIUM DEVELOPMENT Australian mineral sands producer Iluka Resources and Brazil’s Vale have partnered for a new development in South America.

The agreement applies to the staged evaluation and potential development of the major titanium minerals deposit at Tapira in Minas Gerais state, Brazil.

Iluka managing director David Robb said this is a very positive endeavour for his company and will give Iluka the opportunity to work on the potential commercialisation of the Tapira Complex, which is one of the largest known undeveloped titanium mineral deposits.

The Tapira Complex contains titanium dioxide, ilmenite and perovskite and covers an area of about 35 square kilometres.

Iluka will work on geological and metallurgical programs to plan for the development of a large-scale titanium feedstock operation.

Vale fertilisers and coal executive

MACK CEMENTED IN SAFETY Mack Trucks has been recognised for its contribution to improving safety within the Australian trucking industry thanks to its Road Stability Advantage (RSA) technology. Boral, whose new concrete agitator trucks use Mack’s RSA, was named as one of only three finalists at the 2013 WorkCover NSW SafeWork Awards for ‘Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue’.

The RSA system helps to protect truck drivers by using information from a series of sensors to respond to potentially hazardous situations.

The stability feature aims to prevent rollovers by automatically applying the brakes if a truck makes a sharp turn, changes lanes suddenly or is faced with obstacles on the road such as wet or icy surfaces.

This technology has significantly improved the safety of concrete agitators, which have an increased chance of rolling over compared to similar-sized trucks, due to their dynamic loads and high centre of gravity.

Vice President Sales - Mack Trucks, Dean Bestwick, said RSA in concrete trucks had been such a great success that it would soon be available across its entire range of trucks. “There was a great need in the market to find a solution to the dangers associated with concrete trucks and we rose to the challenge,” he said.

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director Roger Downey believes this partnership will benefit his company greatly. “The agreement with Iluka brings a partner with the expertise to add value and seek alternatives for faster development of the Tapira Titanium Project,” he said.

LED LIGHTING TOWER TO BE LAUNCHED AT QME EXHIBITIONMickala Mining will launch its LED lighting tower and give live demonstrations at the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) at Mackay Showground from July 22–24, 2014.

Designed and manufactured in Australia, the LED lighting tower has dual- or single-axle configuration and optimised lighting capabilities that make it more cost-effective than halide lighting systems. It’s projected that each unit could save up to $64,000 per year.

Mickala Mining, which employs more than 100 people, markets its business as a one-stop shop for mining needs, as it manufactures lighting towers, maintains towers, supplies and installs HDPE fittings and piping, supplies maintenance workers and more.

SANTOS GLNG PIPELINE WINS AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIESSantos GLNG, Thiess and Saipem Australia have won the 2014 Queensland Premier’s Innovation in Sustainable Technologies Award for the Narrows Crossing Tunnel.

The undersea tunnel, which runs between Gladstone and Curtis Island for 4.3 kilometres, allowed Saipem Australia to install the Santos GLNG gas transmission pipeline in a way that left the seabed undisturbed.

Project manager James Campbell accepted the award and said it was “fitting recognition of the innovative tunnel solution that eliminated the environmental disturbance associated with alternative methods such as dredging or trenching”.

The project required a team of 75

people and took about four weeks to complete. As the first undersea gas-industry crossing to Curtis Island, the project was also named runner-up for the overall Premier’s Sustainability Award.

A tunnel boring machine was used to build the tunnel and about 55,000 cubic metres of earth was excavated, which is being used by Gladstone Regional Council for ash pond rehabilitation.

REVOLUTIONARY MINING BOOT WINS AWARDBlundstone’s mining boot is safe and tough and now it’s also award-winning.

The 980 underground mining boot is manufactured specifically for the mining industry and won the NSW Minerals Council Health & Safety Innovation Award.

Made by Hobart-based Blundstone, the boot has a height of 350 millimetres

POSITION PARTNERS NOW IN NZPosition Partners has announced its expansion into New Zealand with a new branch in Christchurch. The Australian-owned positioning and machine control solutions company attributes the growth to increased demand for its services outside of Australia.

“Since introducing new technologies such as ground penetrating radar and Unmanned Aerial Systems in Australia, we’ve noted a rise in demand from other countries, including New Zealand,” explained Martin Nix, Position Partners CEO.

“It makes sense to open a branch in Christchurch that will offer a range of solutions and support services for the surveying, engineering, mining and construction industries,” he added.

Position Partners New Zealand offers sales, hire, services and training across a range of products including mobile mapping and scanning solutions, US Radar ground penetrating radar (GPR), MAVinci and AscTec Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Carlson machine guidance.

Managing the new branch is New Zealand Sales Manager, Jamie Nelson. Having worked for Position Partners for two and a half years as a machine systems specialist in Australia, Mr Nelson, who is a New Zealand national, is excited about the opportunities to grow business in his home country.

“There is a great deal of opportunity to increase efficiencies and productivity through new technology such as UAS and GPR,” Mr Nelson said. “People are interested in learning more about these innovative solutions and I’m looking forward to getting out on the road to demonstrate how they can increase a company’s bottom line.”

For more information, call 03 366 1726 or visit positionpartners.co.nz.

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and is waterproof. It was designed by consulting with workers at Centennial Coal. The manufacturer said that working directly with the miners brought firsthand experience and knowledge into the equation, which helped to create a durable, safe boot.

The boot is made from high-quality leather with waterproofing, abrasion resistance and tear strength that is better than other leathers. It features fully enclosed metatarsal protection, a quick and simple lacing system and a rubber outsole with increased slip resistance.

Rob Regan, the NSW Department of Resources and Energy director of mine safety operations, said the Blundstone 980 has changed the way mining boots are made.

MINERS DISCOVER 700 NEW NATIVE SPECIESBHP Billiton, through its Sustainable Communities Program, has joined forces with Earthwatch Australia and the Commonwealth Government, investing $4 million in a species discovery project called Bush Blitz. The project has been running since 2010, and has so far unearthed more than 700 new native species Australia-wide. Discoveries have

included 272 new bugs, 130 new spiders and scorpions, as well as 36 new species of native bees.

BHP Billiton President – HSE, marketing and technology, Mike Henry, said the company was committed to supporting the program into the future.

“Supporting biodiversity is important to us – we do this at BHP Billiton mine sites through our land management practices and through our contribution to programs such as Bush Blitz, which are leading to a greater understanding of the unique biodiversity values found in Australia,” Henry said.

“I am really excited for everyone taking part in the program, particularly the traditional owners and teachers who are playing a key role in the Kimberley Blitz.”

RECORD IRON ORE SHIPMENT DEPARTS FROM PORT HEDLAND The increase in Australian iron ore exports shows no signs of abating, with a record being set at Port Hedland recently. The port, which is Australia’s biggest for iron ore exports, set a new benchmark of 1,270,721 tonnes when seven capsize vessels sailed on a single tide in early

June and emphatically smashed the previous record of 160,000 tonnes.

The record comes on the back of a 3.55 per cent increase in exports from Port Hedland between April and May this year, setting a monthly record of 36 million tonnes.

Although the increase in iron ore production is being blamed for a drop in value for the commodity, the big three – BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group – have all added extra tonnages to their businesses and are still expanding their operations in the Pilbara. Which is good news for the economy, as it seems the extra capacity will manage to offset any further price falls and the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics is actually expecting the value of iron ore exports to increase from $57.1 billion to $76.8 billion this financial year.

Treasurer Joe Hockey is blaming the good weather for the recent record shipments, saying “It’s an extraordinary quarter in March when you don’t have cyclones, particularly in Western Australia affecting Port Hedland, so our miners are exporting their socks off, and thank God because it’s having a positive impact on our economy.”

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…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

tyre-repair-ad 210x275.indd 1 4/03/13 12:58 PM

news+views

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news+views

…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

tyre-repair-ad 210x275.indd 1 4/03/13 12:58 PM

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FORGET THE PRESENT DOWNTURN IN THE RESOURCES SECTOR. HERE ARE FIVE KEY FACTORS THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO SEE THE AUSTRALIAN MINING INDUSTRY EXPAND ENORMOUSLY OVER THE NEXT 50 YEARS.

WORDS: JACK CLEAVER

Taking mining to

the next level

forefront

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forefront

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1. The global rise of AsiaLet’s start with the big one: Asia’s demand for Australian minerals is tipped to surpass even our tripling of mineral exports in the decade to 2011.

Here are the facts:• By 2050, Asia will be the centre

of global commerce, producing more than half of global output.

• The population of the Asia-Pacific region will increase sixfold between 2009 and 2030. It will be the largest regional market in the world.

• Rapid urbanisation across Asia will support increasing living standards. The rate of urbanisation in China is 100 times the scale and 10 times the speed of Britain’s Industrial Revolution. By 2050, average Asian incomes will be equal to European incomes today.

• Another 250 million Chinese will move to the cities by the year 2025 – all needing apartments, roads, cars, bridges, power and resources.

• Some 70 per cent of China’s 1.4 billion people will be living in cities by 2025 – that’s a billion people.

• In addition to China, India and the rest of Asia will see unparalleled mass migration to the cities – the greatest mass migration in history.

• The next generation will be the wealthiest and best educated in Asian history.

This is truly a remarkable page in history that our mining industry has the chance to write on.

2. ProductivityLet’s talk about where mining’s growth has to come from. Some 58 per cent of the income growth that Australians enjoyed between 2005 and 2012 was attributed to one-off conditions related to the resources boom. This has hidden real declines in our productivity performance, according to the McKinsey Global Institute’s 2012

report, Beyond the boom: Australia’s productivity imperative.

The report, which is available online, makes good reading. Here’s an excerpt: “Resource sectors: Getting capital productivity right. Australia is less than halfway through the capital boom, with $443 billion in investment still to come in the resources sector. Major capital projects are prone to inefficiencies and overruns…”

Importantly – and critically for the next step in lifting our mining industry – the report goes on to say: “…but the country has an opportunity to boost its capital productivity by up to 30 per cent if firms emphasise a top-level focus on value, adopt a best-practice ‘tool kit’ and assemble project teams with superior execution skills.”

Essentially, the report has highlighted the three things we need to do. The succinctness of those three goals should be our mantra. The task of getting to the next level is in our hands.

3. Infrastructure bottlenecksOur infrastructure deficit is putting us on a road to nowhere. We really need a national coordinated plan to fix our bottlenecks and help mining get to the next stage, which is critical for our economy.

There is hope for the future. Infrastructure Australia was set up as a statutory body in 2008 to organise and prioritise infrastructure spending, reporting to the Council of Australian Governments. Its National Infrastructure Plan, released in June 2013, outlines the major infrastructure reforms that are needed to lay the foundations for a more productive Australia over the next 50 years.

Sir Rod Eddington AO, chairman of Infrastructure Australia, says in his foreword to the plan: “The national infrastructure plan is not a long

Those three goals should be our

mantra. The task of getting to the next

level is in our hands.

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national freight network that would allow freight to be transported efficiently across borders and operate to a single set of rules was first proposed in 1898, around 115 years ago. It is time we got on with delivering them.”

Taking 115 years is sheer craziness! Let’s hope this sensible plan is implemented. As space won’t permit me to cover all the initiatives here, you can check out the plan at infrastructureaustralia.gov.au.

4. Upping our skillsWe won’t be able to stop demand, but we could stop our chances of growth.

Why is this nation allowing up to 20 per cent of our youth to be unemployed while our current workforce ages? According the Australian Bureau of Statistics, some areas in Australia have already reached this alarming figure.

We must find the key to giving today’s youth the aspirations, tools and resources to gain skills that will be vital to delivering the growth that is surely coming our way in the resources sector. We have good raw human material – let’s use it to deliver a better future for all of us.

5. Expanding our vision and capabilitiesAustralia has always had a wide-reaching vision, but it’s time to take it further. Grabbing opportunities

from wherever they may arise is something we’re good at. After all, we have one of the world’s top three most experienced and innovative mining industries, so we have the opportunity to export those world-leading attributes (as we do now, to some degree) to a new level and, at the same time, lead the world in developing the future of mining.

Mining is on the cusp of a revolution. Here are the developments that are coming our way (if they haven’t already), which we can be the first to use:• Tunnel boring machines replacing

drill and blast.• Autonomous technology – driverless

haul trucks and other machinery.• Enhanced GPS – ‘to the centimetre’

accuracy is now possible.• Robotics – the big thing on the

horizon is self-activating and self-aware robots, which are coming sooner than we think.

• Remote control of mining machinery from a comfortable city desk.

• A shift in our focus internationally to Africa, South America, the ‘Stans’ in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Mongolia and the Asia-Pacific region.The bottom line? The challenge is

out there, so go for it Australia.

list outlining 50 years’ worth of projects. It is a plan focused on the changes we should make to the way we use, invest in and deliver economic infrastructure.

“Some of these reforms have been around for many years. For example, the idea of creating one

Show me the moneyNothing is going to happen unless our banks see a dollar in it. Our banks, investment institutions, venture funds and government need to actively keep our mining companies in Australian hands – otherwise we could see our wealth going overseas.

Australia has $1.7 trillion in superannuation savings accumulated over 20 years of mandated contributions, which could be the key. But our financial institutions and government are risk-adverse. The answer: spread the risk.

Geographic diversification will eventually generate superior risk-adjusted returns for long-term global investors by reducing overall portfolio risk from direct Australian mining, while capturing some of the higher rates of return offered by the emerging markets of Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. For global investors, India, China and other emerging markets constitute enormous reservoirs of new commodities consumers.

To tap into this wealth, we need to keep our skills, retain ownership, and convince our lenders that they could be on to a good thing.

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Forget the white lab coat. Scientists involved in Australia’s mining industry are just as likely to be wearing hi-vis vests, hard hats and steelcapped boots. According to

Hays recruitment, a geoscientist is involved in the discovery, exploration and development of natural resources such as gas, oil and water. They interpret geophysical, geochemical and geological data to develop models of the subsurface of the earth, with the aim of discovering commercially viable and exploitable reserves of natural resources such as oil and gas.

Then there’s the environmental scientist, whose career focuses on everything from developing renewable energy, to finding ways of eliminating or protecting the environment from pollution.

Meet two men of science who are at the forefront of the mining industry.

The geoscientistA love of geology led Greg Almond into the industry and his role as geology manager for Roy Hill in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. He undertook a Bachelor of Science in Geology at the University of Otago, New Zealand, before starting as a graduate geologist in Kalgoorlie.

Almond worked his way through the ranks, becoming a mine geologist, then project manager and senior manager in both Australia and

overseas, which helped him to climb the career ladder. His role entails:• Supervising the activities of the geology

department (five geologists, four field assistants and a team of drillers).

• Drilling exploration holes through the deposit.• Providing samples to determine the tonnage.• Grading the ore deposit.

“The role of scientists in the mining industry is hugely important. From geologists defining ore bodies – with the aid of a huge amount of technical assistance from labs, geophysics methods and specialists – to civil and mining engineers building infrastructure, to the ongoing technical work needed to support modern mining, science is a massive part of the story,” Almond says.

“I always loved geology, and the idea of a job that let you get out of the office always appealed. And what I learnt about the mining industry from some of my lecturers drew me towards it. So I saved up for a ticket to Australia, got the train to Kalgoorlie, started knocking on doors and was lucky enough to get a start.

“Obviously the mining industry is known for its remuneration. More than that, though, the work is interesting. You get to see parts of the world that most others don’t even know about, and working on massive projects is exciting.

“The mining industry isn’t going anywhere in a hurry. The industry will always have a need for

MINING IS A SCIENCETHERE ARE MANY INTERESTING ROLES AND DISCIPLINES IN THE

RESOURCES SECTOR. INSIDE MINING PUTS A GEOSCIENTIST AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST UNDER THE MICROSCOPE.

WORDS: CHRISTINE RETSCHLAG

industryfocus

17

new people. Exploration is historically a bit up and down, but the operational roles are pretty solid.”

The environmental scientistAn opportunity to further his career in water management and environmental planning drew Robbie Cocks into mining and his most recent role as a senior environmental adviser at a goldmine 30 kilometres from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. He undertook a Bachelor of Science degree and had more than five years’ experience in the mining sector to take to his latest role. The role involves a number of key jobs, including:• Supervising a graduate environmental adviser

and two environmental technicians;• Reporting and communicating on all

compliance issues and drafting regulatory mining proposals and annual reports;

• Monitoring and reporting all water, flora/fauna, dust, hydrocarbon management and soil conditions at the mine;

• Opting into the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) as well as online management communications to exempt the mine from any environmental bonds, and paying an annual levy.“The role of environmental scientists in

mining is critical for ensuring the mine stays operating under the licence conditions prescribed by the Department of Environment Regulation WA and mining conditions laid down by the Department of Mines and Petroleum WA,” Cocks says. “All work carried out by an environmental scientist in mining is directed towards maintaining statutory obligations regarding the environmental impacts of all types of mining activities.

“Ten years ago there were many cowboys who didn’t give the natural environment a second thought, bush bashing in vehicles and disturbing heritage and natural sites. Nowadays, with the big push for occupational health and safety, and regulators clamping down on our rough-and-ready approaches of the past, there has been a significant change in focus regarding how mining environments are managed and how the environmental scientists are viewed by their peers.

“Mining in Australia is widespread and ageing, and not many new mines are opening up. Therefore, there is a growing need for mine and land rehabilitation, and this is where scientists new to mining will have the greatest opportunity to commence work.”

“All work carried out by an environmental scientist in mining is directed towards maintaining statutory obligations regarding environmental impacts.”

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TASMANIA boasts a ‘small but significant’ resources sector, according to industry heavyweights, who cite mining as the state’s biggest exporter. Indeed, if you look at the list of resources it mines, Tasmania is more than pulling its weight. It is the only Australian state that extracts tin among its raft of other commodities, including iron ore, zinc, copper, lead, gold, silver and industrial minerals such as silica.

In true Tassie style, when asked what impact the high-profile states such as Western Australia and Queensland have on the island state’s mining sector, Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council (TMEC) CEO Terry Long firmly but politely told Inside Mining: “Not applicable.”

Long doesn’t mince his words when speaking about the environmental issues they are battling down south. “Demand in Tasmania is currently strong. Most of Tasmania’s minerals are exported overseas. The future looks strong for the next 30 years or so if approved mining in Tasmania is permitted to proceed and reach its potential,” he says.

“The challenges are extreme environmental groups who are against mining activity, especially in Tasmania’s mineralised north-west. They will use whatever tools possible to hold up and delay any approved mines.

“The area is known to be one of the world’s most highly mineralised and

WORDS: CHRISTINE RETSCHLAG

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prospective regions with a history of 140 years of mining. It’s a hotbed of minerals such as gold, silver, tin, zinc, iron ore and tungsten.”

Last year, former Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings announced there was more than $11 billion in untapped mineral potential on the west coast.

The most recent Tasmanian Mining Economic Survey reveals the sector has been growing steadily, with a slight stumble around the GFC, in the eight years leading up to 2010–11.

The number of employees is now at 2561 and contractors at 1067, making a gross annual payroll of $240 million. Eight mines are in profit and two are reporting marginal results, but none have posted a loss.

Aaron Brannigan is general manager of Tasmania’s MMG Rosebery mine, a polymetallic base metal mine that produces ore, which is then processed into zinc concentrate, lead concentrate and gold and silver doré. Rosebery also produces a small amount of copper concentrate. Challenges have included continuing to uphold safety records, as well as the mine’s declining grade profile.

“Rosebery has had a declining grade profile over the past couple of years – and it’s still continuing to decline – so there is a requirement to produce more ore to maintain a metal profile, allowing us to remain a sustainable operation in the future,” Brannigan says.

“The site is managing that through the implementation of a number of programs, including significant improvement in stope turnaround time and keeping the haul trucks in cycle. Remarkable improvements have been achieved in mill throughput via greater collaboration across the site.

“Rosebery achieved records in mining and milling in 2013, which was an exceptional result,” says Brannigan, adding that current demand for Rosebery’s products is “solid”.

“Our concentrates are shipped in bulk carriers to smelters in Hobart, Port Pirie and internationally. Gold doré bars are sold to a refinery in Australia,” Brannigan says. “Commodity markets are continuing to improve, with supporting economic data showing improved outlook for developed economies, adding confidence to long-term commodity market growth projections.

“Rosebery makes a significant financial contribution to the state’s economy – approximately $60 million

in royalties paid in the past five years. The company also contributes a significant amount to surrounding communities by way of sponsorships, donations and other [contributions].”

Despite this, Australian Greens Leader and Tasmanian Senator Christine Milne has told Inside Mining that Tasmania has huge renewable energy reserves and does not need fossil fuels.

“Mining is, by definition, unsustainable, because the resources

Challenges have included continuing to uphold safety records,

as well as the mine’s declining grade profile.

Above and previous page: MMG’s polymetallic base metal mine located in the township of Rosebery, on Tasmania’s west coast.

miningreview

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are non-renewable, so the key is to minimise impacts on water, biodiversity and the environment generally,” she says.

“The new push for unconventional gas mining is a problem for our food producers and tourist towns. It’s crazy to disrupt our food-producing regions and endanger long-term groundwater supplies for short-term gain from gas exports, especially since Tasmania does not need fossil fuel energy.

“Attempts to mine the Tarkine, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest tract of temperate rainforest, fly in the face of the ongoing battle to recognise and protect it.

“The Greens want industry and government to recognise the need to protect Tasmania’s natural values and food-producing areas. We are a clean, green and clever state.”

Surprisingly, though, Milne concedes there is a place for a mining industry in Tasmania.

“Some mining is essential to produce the minerals that support our modern lifestyles, but it must return a financial dividend to the people and give back to

nearby communities,” she says.“These mines must take full

responsibility for their waste, must not pollute the land or water, and must operate with the consent of landowners and traditional owners, not forcing themselves onto public or private lands which are best suited for other purposes, whether that be conservation or farming.”

Grange Resources manager director Wayne Bould says his mine has been operating since 1968, producing iron ore pellets for export to Japan and, more recently, China. The mine employs about 600 people full time and about 400 contractors.

“We are a bit of a late-comer, but we produce about 65.5 per cent iron ore content, compared with the Pilbara, which produces between 50 and 62 per cent. To my knowledge, we are the only producers of iron ore pellets in Australia that actually exports.”

Doing business in Tasmania, whether mining or otherwise, is challenging because of the high costs of transport in and out of Bass Strait.

Fast facts• Minerals and metals

make up more than half of Tasmania’s exports by value.

• In 2010/2011, the value of sales/shipments

from mines was $1.03 billion — an increase

of 17 per cent in a year. $17.3 million was spent on mining leases — up

three per cent.

“Mining isn’t an easy game at the best of times. You’re relying on a deposit likely placed there as an act of God. We all have issues in that regard,” Bould says.

“Our ability to compete and sustain our business in Tasmania is about hardworking people who are innovative and conscientious.”

“We are a bit of a late-comer, but we produce about 65.5 per cent iron ore content, compared with the Pilbara, which produces between 50 and 62 per cent.”

miningreview

25

TRANSIENT WORKFORCE

WORDS: ORYANA ANGEL

CONTRACTORS MAKE UP A LARGE PORTION OF PEOPLE WORKING IN

THE RESOURCES SECTOR, BUT THERE ARE SOME SNAGS...

specialreport

26

Back in mid-2012, around the peak of the mining boom, the success of some $268 billion worth of projects hinged

upon having enough manpower to complete the projects.

Chris Kent, state regional director for Western Australia and national director of resources and mining at Hays recruitment, says one of the biggest differences between then and now is the growing use of contractors.

“We were placing a lot more permanent positions back then. About 50 per cent of revenue was from permanent requirements, which ramped up towards the peak,” says Kent. Now, he estimates, about 20 per cent of positions are permanent. “There’s been a massive shift towards contract requirements over the past two years.”

Kent says it’s the overall feeling of uncertainty, especially in iron ore and coal prices, that’s driving

the trend. “There’s a concern that if prices get lower, projects are not justifiable. Everyone has their finger on the trigger. They can’t afford to carry underperforming assets,” he explains.

“They see contractors as a way of being able to flex up and down on headcount without going through major redundancies,” he adds, citing flexibility as the main benefit of using contractors.

“It represents ‘try before you buy’ for miners and enables workers to get more diversity in experience. If you’ve worked on a goldmine and want to get into iron ore, they might take a chance on you on a contract basis and see if you can develop that skill set,” says Kent.

He adds that many candidates are looking for temp assignments because the nature of the work is mostly fly-in fly-out or drive-in drive-out and contract workers see it as a way to find work/life balance.

“They can also experience working for a big company like BHP and for a junior company,

too – getting the idea of the difference and where they want to end up in the future.”

Jody Elliott, a consultant who specialises in sourcing trends, strategies and global skills supply and demand for the resources sector, says organisations see the use of contractors as a simple, effective solution to a particular need.

“They like to use contractors to outsource work when they don’t have the required expertise within their permanent workforce or don’t regard the function as core business,” she says.

“In cases where entire production or operational areas of a mine site are outsourced to a mining contractor, the decision is typically taken because the operator believes the expertise, skills and efficiencies offered by the contractor far surpass what the operator is capable of providing.”

Elliott says often parcels of work or functions can be outsourced to organisations that specialise in that work or function. “A completely

“They like to use contractors to outsource work when they don’t have the required expertise within their permanent workforce.”

specialreport

27

new mine and/or operator is often well suited to – and elects to – outsource components of the operation, which may include production and/or maintenance, for example,” Elliott explains. She also says that functions such as drilling and shutdowns are outsourced, as they are not considered core business.

Professor Peter Hartley, BHP Billiton Chair in the Business of Resources at The University of Western Australia’s Business School, agrees that a lot of contractor work is often specialised and technical.

“What’s happened over time is that contractors have developed specialised expertise in performing these types of functions and have become highly efficient in them,” Hartley says.

For instance, a major player might have a need for seismic activity in the beginning of the project, but then won’t need it again until some time down the track. “Rather than employing someone to do that and then let

them go, they employ service companies that do a job for each company and keep the workers fully employed,” says Hartley.

An example is experienced liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant builder Bechtel, which is building about half the world’s under-construction LNG plants. The American contractor is constructing all three Curtis Island LNG projects: BG’s Queensland Curtis LNG project; the Santos-led Gladstone LNG project and the Australia Pacific LNG project.

Contracting out can be a good thing, says Hartley, because having a market for these services means that contracting firms are competing with one another.

“Taking advantage of that competition will drive costs down and give contractors incentives to perform,” he adds.

Conversely, the very benefits of using contractors can also be the precursor to its downsides. If a task is not understood innately, for instance, it can be difficult to

specialreport

28

“Taking advantage of that competition will drive costs down and give contractors incentives to perform.”

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manage and assess how well the task has been done.

Hartley says there must be ways to ensure the contractor has completed the job to a certain quality. “If there are ways they can do it less well, and if it’s hard for you to detect that, it could end up as a very expensive mistake. The last thing you want to do is take the contractors to court,” he warns.

And this happens. The 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which claimed 11 lives and is the largest accidental marine oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry, is a classic example.

At least three years of court battles followed the disaster as BP fought with two of its major contractors. BP blamed American contractor Halliburton for botching

the cement work on the failed rig, while rig operator Transocean put responsibility back on BP for compromising the integrity of the well, each shifting responsibility for the disaster away from themselves.

Also, just as contractors allow for the dissemination of information, this can flip from being a bonus to a hitch. “You might lose exclusive ownership of the technology. If you get a subcontractor in, it’s hard to make sure they don’t tell other businesses. It’s hard to hold onto that intellectual property,” says Hartley.

“There is also a loss of control of technological innovation, to some extent. They have all the expertise and you don’t. You don’t know when the expertise will be important for the next technical innovation.”

There is also the safety factor. A disturbingly high proportion of

contractors are hurt in accidents on mine sites. In February this year, the Queensland Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health, Stewart Bell, issued an alert about the number of contractors killed on Australian mine sites. In the seven months leading up to February, eight workers died on mine sites, including five contractors.

“Families should be confident that when a loved one goes to work in the mining industry they will come home safely, regardless of whether they are contractors or mining company employees,” he wrote in a statement.

He said mine operators, site senior executives and managers must understand that effective management of contractors is among their key obligations.

Fast facts• The ‘Queensland

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2012–13’ found contractors

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industry fatalities over the past decade.

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specialreport

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Diesel surged into public discussions as the May federal budget approached. A Senate inquiry into the government’s

Commission of Audit fuelled speculation about changes to the diesel rebate scheme. Members of Labor and the Greens pressed senior bureaucrats and industry leaders on the scheme’s merits, and government sources confirmed the budget razor gang was examining it.

The Greens continued a campaign for miners to lose the credits.

“We have always said farmers who need our support should continue to receive it through the fuel rebate, but the big miners can’t have it both ways,” Greens leader Christine Milne said, a week out from the budget.

“They’re making a one-off profit from natural resources that belong to every Australian, and if they won’t pay the mining tax they must stop reaping billions of dollars from the public purse through rebates. It seems that everyone but the big end of town will do the ‘heavy lifting’ in this budget.”

The ABC reported “speculation” of a possible cut to the 38 per cent fuel tax credit had prompted emergency crisis meetings in the mining industry.

“Leaked confidential correspondence between top mining chief executives, obtained by the ABC, reveals deep anxiety within the resources sector,” it stated.

Treasurer Joe Hockey assured the mining industry that there would be no cuts to the diesel fuel rebate. And he was true to his word.

Way back whenBack in 1926, a petrol excise was introduced to raise revenue for road building and maintenance. A diesel excise was added in 1957. The rebate of the excise on diesel was implemented to reimburse industries for fuel used in activities not requiring access to

government roads. The scheme applies to mining, agriculture, manufacturing, health services and construction, as well as arts and recreation.

Only the ‘fossil-fuel industries’ come in for criticism when the rebate scheme is judged. And it is a long time since governments have used ‘petrol money’ solely for roads, although that will change with the budget’s reintroduction of fuel indexation.

Opponents of the scheme say the mining industry already receives more than $2 billion in concessions, and fuel tax credits are a “subsidy” providing a “huge advantage”.

The mining industry points to a principle of sound taxation policy that states business inputs should not be taxed. This is consistent with Australia’s GST system and has been confirmed by Treasury in notes released under the Freedom of Information Act: “Fuel Tax Credits are not a subsidy for fuel use, but a mechanism to reduce or remove the incidence of excise or duty levied on the

fuel used by business off road or in heavy on-road vehicles.”

Writing in The Australian a week before the budget, Judith Sloan said commentators should get their facts straight when making strong statements about preferred means of reining in spending or raising more revenue.

“Take ABC1’s Insiders program on Sunday,” Sloan wrote. “Phil Coorey, from The Australian Financial Review, maintained that Treasury has been arguing for a paring back of the diesel fuel rebate for years. Where does he get that information?

“In fact, the diesel fuel rebate is not contained in the Treasury’s tax expenditure statement because it is not regarded, quite rightly, as ‘a provision of the tax law that causes a deviation from the standard tax treatment that would apply to an activity or class of taxpayer’.

“In fact, all the evidence points to Treasury being a staunch defender of the rebate as a means of avoiding the imposition of a tax on a business input.

FAST FACTIn Britain, diesel fuel is labelled either red or

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“In fact, all the evidence points to Treasury being a staunch defender of the rebate.”

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(Note that farmers, as well as miners, receive the rebate.) Dating back to 1982, the rebate is structured to minimise compliance costs, ensuring the excise is paid only for road use.

“As John Ralph, former leading company executive and director, pointed out in this newspaper, there are other means to achieve this result. In Britain, for example, diesel is labelled red and white to make the distinction between its use and its liability for excise. We simply chose another means to achieve the same result. But every working journalist should understand that the diesel fuel rebate is not a subsidy.”

Digging inMinerals Council of Australia chief executive Brendan Pearson reportedly told the Senate committee not to touch the fuel credits scheme. Mr Pearson said descriptions of the scheme as “fossil fuel subsidies”, and calls for it to be scrapped, were part of a “thinly disguised anti-mining agenda’’.

Tax office figures showed the rebate cost the government $5.4 billion in 2012–13, with the mining industry

claiming $2.1 billion of that and farmers about $700 million.

Critics will always circle, but Treasury supports the scheme, asserting that abolishing credits would impose an unfair tax on industries reliant on diesel fuel simply because they operate large equipment in remote areas and generate their own power off the electricity grid.

According to one mining services company senior executive, “with the massive investment required to bring new production to market and to operate a mine, every additional cost reduces Australia’s competitiveness against our global competitors.

“Our mining industry is world-class and has sophisticated technology, significant innovation and some of the best professionals available. Why, as a country, do we not get behind our strongest industry that creates so much wealth, employs people on very high salaries and contributes huge sums of money to local communities?

“It seems there is an element of tall-poppy syndrome when it comes to the treatment of the mining industry. It’s time we took a more mature view and considered the long term for our country.”

“Why, as a country, do we not get behind our strongest industry that creates so much wealth?”

Fast factThe diesel fuel rebate can also be claimed by producers of biodiesel and

renewable diesel under the ‘Cleaner Fuels’ grant

scheme.

mininginsider

39

THE HITACHI EH5000AC-3 is the company’s largest rigid dump truck and one of the most sophisticated mining haulers on the market.

It incorporates a Cummins QSKTTA60-CE diesel engine that generates 2125 kW (2,850 HP) at 1900 rpm and meets EPA Tier 2 emission requirements. The all-hydraulic actuated braking system provides precise braking control and quick system responses, and a new Hitachi system monitor displays information and diagnostics of all onboard systems and controls.

The most significant update is the truck’s new AC Drive System. At the core of the new system is the innovative propulsion technology, which delivers an entirely new level of efficiency, boosting hauling capabilities for mining operators globally.

AC Drive-proven performance and economic advantages, combined with a high-powered engine and the truck’s long-

frame life, means mining operators will benefit from better performance, higher availability, and significant reductions in maintenance and operating costs.

The new technology outperforms previous systems to provide optimal stability, improved efficiency, and enhanced reliability. It features:• Slip control for excellent traction• Slide control with anti-lock brakes for

improved stability• Pitch control, which provides rebounding

ride-control (greater control of bouncing when stopping)

• Skid control for stability in cornering when road conditions are slippery.Utilising existing slip/slide controls on

Hitachi trucks with Hitachi AC Drive Systems, the new Drive System now features sensors on all four wheels.

It incorporates additional feedback from the drive system, front wheels, steering,

suspension, and other systems on the truck to enhance the slip/slide control feature. New control systems in the EH5000AC-3 include the pitch control feature for improved comfort and frame reliability, and skid control to enhance stability and steering correction to keep operators on track.

Other key improvements to the EH5000AC-3 have been designed to ensure the highest level of safety. Superior visibility around the machine perimeter has been achieved through the integration of strategically positioned mirrors and cameras, as well as wider front glass in the cab.

A new high arch design with bolt fastened cab support requires reduced assembling time and streamlined serviceability during engine overhaul.

For more information, visit hitachi-c-m.com/au

Hitachi’s heavy-duty haulerBUILT FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE, THIS WORKHORSE MAKES LIGHT WORK OF BIG JOBS.

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Dampier Salt RIO TINTO has a large stake in three salt mining operations in Western Australia: two in the Pilbara and one in the Gascoyne area. Based in Dampier, Port Hedland and Lake MacCleod, the salt mines produce more than nine million tonnes of salt every year, making Dampier Salt one of the world’s largest privately owned salt producers. The large evaporation ponds, which cover up to 52 square kilometres, are also an important bird habitat.

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TRUCK TECHNOLOGY IS TAKING GREAT STRIDES FORWARD, RESULTING IN A SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT WORKPLACE.

WORDS: ORYANA ANGEL

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At Freightliner, another of the industry giants, product planning manager Chris Loose says the big development in the industry has been a push towards improved vehicle safety for big trucks.

“In the past, safety wasn’t so important, but now customers are driving this. Particularly with dangerous goods, it’s becoming mandatory to have safety systems in place or you don’t sell a truck,” says Loose.

“It’s a huge improvement from an attitude of only a few years ago.”

He says the company is now seeing a lot more interest in its trucks that have roll stability – a system designed to be proactive and improve vehicle stability by slowing the vehicle as it goes around corners.

There’s also increasing interest in electronic braking systems (EBS) technology, which works by applying the brakes when sensors detect that

Innovation is rapidly changing truck technology in the mining industry. Driverless trucks, mandated anti-lock brakes and a greater emphasis on safety, are all great news for miners. Trucks that have the ability to

transport greater capacities, as well as success in reducing environmental noise, will offer benefits to everyone.

Mack Trucks’ vice-president Dean Bestwick says we’re in a period that’s all about “finessing the technology that we currently have”.

In conjunction with its parent company, Volvo Group, one of the most exciting projects that Mack Trucks is working on is the 290-tonne gross combination mass (GCM) truck. This Mack Titan has been developed to transport commodities from the ground to a processing plant or distribution point where there isn’t a railway available and when the job is not suitable for yellow mining equipment.

“When there is a large amount of material and you can’t get access to rail, this is where the new high-GSM Mack Truck comes into its own,” Bestwick says.

The Mack Titan, with the combination of a 685-horsepower engine and mDRIVE (automated manual transmission), can haul up to four trailer loads. The truck is then highway-ready – the trailers can be unhooked and it can be used on the road as a normal prime mover.

“While it resembles a highway truck, the engineering is in the driveline and under the hood to increase the load it can carry while being a lot more economical than buying large yellow equipment,” Bestwick says. They are set to be available in the first quarter of 2015.

Fast facts• Australia is a hub

for mining software, with 60 per cent of the world’s product

developed here.

• A new Australian Design Rule will require anti-lock braking systems

(ABS) or load proportioning

brake systems to be installed on new

heavy trailers.

“In the past, safety wasn’t so important, but now customers are driving this. Particularly with dangerous goods.”

Image courtesy of Caterpillar Inc

Image courtesy of Mack Trucks

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innovation

the trailer is not in a controlled situation.One of the biggest changes to truck technology

in the past few years has been the development of autonomous – or driverless – trucks.

In the Pilbara, Caterpillar has already deployed autonomous trucks at Fortescue Metals Group’s Solomon mine and plans to expand the fleet to 45 Command trucks over a three-year period.

Caterpillar is also working with BHP Billiton and has launched a Cat Command for Hauling production trial at the Jimblebar mine in Western Australia. The company is also in negotiations with other groups for the autonomous hauling solution.

Caterpillar global mining technology and solutions manager Dale Blyth says the main benefits of autonomous trucks is safety and improved productivity.

“The past five or six years have seen

customers wanting to test the technology with small-scale operations. We are now working with our customers to expand into large mining operations,” says Blyth.

Meanwhile, Queensland-based transport equipment developer Duratray has been working on a way to reduce environmental noise on mine sites.

A trial held at Moolarben Coal Mine near Mudgee, New South Wales, compared noise output between the loadings of a standard steel dump tray and a Duratray Suspended Dump Body (SDB). The results were encouraging, showing that noise was reduced by up to eight decibels.

Moolarben has since launched a ‘stealth fleet’ of Komatsu 830E haul trucks fitted with custom-designed SDB. The technology is also being utilised in some of the largest mines in Australia, Africa and the Americas.

Image courtesy of Caterpillar Inc

innovation

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resourceinsight

The rare pink diamond

• Diamonds were formed about three billion years ago, 150 kilometres beneath the earth’s surface. Under temperatures between 900 and 1300 degrees, and great pressure, carbon atoms joined to crystallise and grow as diamonds inside rocks. The atoms arranged to form diamond’s hard substance.

• A diamond’s beauty comes from its ability to refract light. This is true of all transparent gems, but diamonds have a higher refractive index, which is what gives them their sparkle.

• The world’s largest diamond mine was discovered in 1979. It became the Argyle Diamond Mine.

• In 1851, a gold prospector near Bathurst, New South Wales, found the first diamond in Australia.

Pink diamonds do not come cheap. The highest quality gems are sold at private, invitation-only auctions (also known as ‘tender’) and can fetch anywhere from $100,000 per carat to more than $1,000,000. On average, pink diamonds cost 20 times the price of an equivalent-sized white diamond.

Argyle pink diamonds have been sold at tender since 1985. Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine, in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, is the world’s largest supplier of pink diamonds, with more than 90 per cent of pink diamonds coming from there. Even so, for every million carats of rough diamond found, less

than one carat of this is deemed fit for auction.

Why the diamonds are pink is a mystery. One theory is it is due to a change in the diamond’s molecular structure either after it is formed in the earth’s mantle or when it ascends to the earth’s surface.

Indigenous Australians have another theory. They say that pink diamonds are from the hearts of barramundi fish that were escaping from three women who were trying to trap them. Where the fish landed became the mine site and the different coloured diamonds in the mine are from different parts of the fish.

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Develop wealth through property with the right advice

Develop wealth with property

49

propertyguideNational

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

50 HOW WE VIEW WEALTH The way we think can

shape how ‘rich’ we are

53 DIG IN YOUR HEELSBag your dream house,

without extra cash

55 7 INVESTOR HABITS The habits of effective

property investors


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and family (and some random people they don’t know) will think they’re doing well in life.

In most cases, though, the reality is that they aren’t. They can’t afford the car, so they take a lease or personal loan over four or five years, usually with a 30, 40 or 50 per cent ‘balloon/residual payment’ at the end.

Putting that in plain English, a balloon payment means you won’t, or can’t, pay off the vehicle in the specified time. If the car has a 40 per cent balloon, you’ll only pay off 60 per cent of the contract price, but you’ll pay interest on the whole amount.

In effect, you’re renting the car, which is depreciating at least at the same rate. When

MONEY IS A man-made concept designed to facilitate the bartering of goods and services. But across the world today, money is really a ‘fiat currency’ – that is, it has no underlying value of its own.

Most people don’t realise that the actual value of their money is completely controlled by government and its whims, fantasies and needs.

What makes you feel rich is your perception, your attitude to life and all it holds. Money is simply a means to achieve your goals. Let’s look at it this way: What do we really need in this life? Food, water, shelter and clothing. However what some people actually strive for is status symbols relevant to food,

water, shelter and clothing.Those people are chasing

the illusion of success, adorning themselves with various products, labels and brand names to show off their perception of their own success. Sometimes to people they don’t even know.

I’m continually intrigued by this in relation to motor vehicles. Otherwise intelligent people go to extraordinary lengths to parade their idea of success by their choice of a luxury vehicle. Often, and sadly, they do so when their financial reality is anything but successful.

Many people believe they need to borrow $40k, $60k, $100k, $150k or even $200k to buy a luxury car so that friends

Founder and director of Smart Property Adviser

KEVINLEE

Most people don’t realise that the actual value of their money is completely controlled by government and its whims, fantasies and needs.

A recent media article published on news.com.au asked a sample of average Australians whether they considered themselves to be rich or comfortable. Their responses confirm that money alone does not maketh a man rich.

ARE YOU RICH OR COMFORTABLE?


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I suggest stepping outside the system – start putting an asset base together to provide for your future, as soon as you can.

We can help you create your strategy, but I wouldn’t wait too long to get started.

Kevin Lee is regarded by many as Australia’s most trusted property investment adviser. To attend one of Kevin’s free ‘No Secrets’ Seminars, visit smartpropertyadviser.com.au

decent incomes become jaded. Firstly there are years of striving for excellence in high school, followed by years of studying at university. Then there are subsequent years of climbing the corporate ladder until you reach the pinnacle – that $200k salary and the expected prestige that goes with it. But then there is often the self-realisation that you’re actually in the same rat-race and on the same treadmill as everyone else, except your treadmill is costing a lot more to operate.

Unless you look at your own situation now and do something about it, it’s not going to get any better in your lifetime. The statistics below reinforce what you’re really up against.

Firstly, Australia’s estimated population is 23.4 million (ABS, May 2014). According to the 2011 Census, there are about 5.7 million kids, 2.37 million people on the age pension, 850,000 on the

invalid pension and more than 1.5 million on other government benefits. There are 929,000 full-time students over 19 years of age and 1.8 million government employees.

So if you do the maths, there are 13.2 million Australians indirectly relying on the taxes paid by the 10.2 million people who work in the private sector. That’s 56 per cent of the population relying on the taxes paid by the other 44 per cent. It is simply out of whack. It’s unsustainable, and it can’t work over the long term.

I believe that the 2014 Federal Budget was recognition of the fact that the system isn’t working, and that it looks like becoming increasingly worse over the next 40 years or so. It’s unfunded and systemic.

Will the age pension be around when you reach 70? I personally doubt it very much.

So the question is, what will you do about your future?

the finance term is finished, you either need to buy the vehicle at its residual value or trade it in and start from scratch again.

This is a sure-fire way to financial disaster for most Australians. You might look rich driving that expensive car, but you should consider the long-term financial damage before you sign that contract.

In my opinion, whether you really are rich, comfortable or struggling is often out of your hands anyway, and is largely the result of the way our country and its system works. Because even though you may be earning $200,000 a year, after income tax, mortgage repayments, credit cards, car and personal loan repayments, a plethora of indirect taxes and levies and the cost of living, if you’re like most families you’d be lucky to save $1000 a month. And if your kids are in private schools, you can forget saving.

It’s easy to see why people on

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Changing the world one girl at a time.

EUDCTAION CAHNGES

EEVRYTIHNG

BECAUSE AN EDUCATED GIRl CAN CHANGE HER wORlD.

If you’re not educated reading a simple sentence is almost impossible! Imagine trying to get a job, keep yourself healthy or support your family if you never got

to finish school? That’s the story for more than 60 million girls around the world. But it doesn’t have to be... We believe that every girl on the planet has the right

to an education. And we’re doing something about it.

We work with girls in Sierra Leone, West Africa – one of the worst places on earth to be born a girl. We provide scholarships, build new classrooms, offer

business training and remove the barriers to them completing their education.

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the selling agent can give you the winning advantage.

Because we included a detailed clause in the contract to market the property for rent before the property transaction settled, we had a tenant ready to move in at settlement time.

The new tenant just happened to be the other interested buyer who was not in a position to make another offer. But they loved the property so much that they decided they would rent it. And they agreed to pay $640 per week, which reflected a premium return. Overall, a sweet victory for my client.

Zoran Solano is the office manager and senior buyer’s agent at Hot Property Specialists Buyers Agency. He has been a buyer’s agent for more than five years now and is recognised as one of Brisbane’s leading agents in buyer representation. hotpropertyspecialists.com.au (07) 3170 3760.

When putting in an offer on a property, it’s not always the money that gets you over the line.

renovation works – a bonus for my buyer.

After I inspected the property and undertook a comparative market analysis, I found the property to be competitively priced.

The selling agent was marketing the property in the high-500s, so I offered $580,000 with our best conditions – a 30-day settlement, building inspection and rental clause – which allowed us to market the property for rent before settlement.

The vendor’s agent told me there was another offer on the property and the price I offered wasn’t high enough. I dug in my heels on our offer price and said, “That’s all we have. If it’s not enough, we’ll move on.”

The selling agent said, “Look, you’re not far off.” I said, “We’re done negotiating.” He said, “The other offer is $10,000 more than yours, and it’s from another buyers agent [that] I know usually leaves a

little in the tank.”I didn’t appreciate the

game he was playing. He was trying to auction us up, which is a practice he’s not supposed to engage in, and he was a high-profile agent.

Thirty minutes later he said, “Congratulations, the seller has accepted your offer.”

It turned out the vendor preferred our conditions of a shorter settlement and our cash offer with no finance clause to the other interested buyer’s price offer of $10,000 more. This was because it allowed the vendor to relocate sooner with a greater guarantee of settling. Apparently the other offer included a longer settlement.

What this proves is that to be successful with an offer it’s not always only about money. Being in a position to place an offer with competitive time frames, finance pre-approved and the confidence to negotiate (and knowing when not to negotiate) with

From Hot Property Specialists Buyers Agency

ZORAN SOLANO

DIG IN YOUR HEELS

advertorial

Having the confidence to dig in your heels on price and not play the selling agent’s game doesn’t come easy to many. This is why it’s handy to have another agent do the batting for you.

I recently bought a property on Brisbane’s north side, about eight kilometres from the CBD, on behalf of a New Zealand investor. Their brief was to find a renovated property to lease and hold, giving them a foothold into the Brisbane market.

The vendor wanted to sell because they were relocating elsewhere; they had overcapitalised on the

www.onegirl.org.au

Changing the world one girl at a time.

EUDCTAION CAHNGES

EEVRYTIHNG

BECAUSE AN EDUCATED GIRl CAN CHANGE HER wORlD.

If you’re not educated reading a simple sentence is almost impossible! Imagine trying to get a job, keep yourself healthy or support your family if you never got

to finish school? That’s the story for more than 60 million girls around the world. But it doesn’t have to be... We believe that every girl on the planet has the right

to an education. And we’re doing something about it.

We work with girls in Sierra Leone, West Africa – one of the worst places on earth to be born a girl. We provide scholarships, build new classrooms, offer

business training and remove the barriers to them completing their education.

And we want you to join us.


53

BUYER’S AGENT VENDOR ADVOCACYSTRATEGISTS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

How to know your buyers’ agent is only working for you

Looking to buy real estate in Brisbane? Don’t do it alone!

EXPERTS ARE SAYING BRISBANE IS THE NEXT

MARKET TO MOVE

One thing I find really frustrating as a buyers’ agent are the other buyers’ agents who act dishonestly and discredit our practice.

I’m talking about those so-called buyers’ agents who steer buyers towards a new apartment or house development on behalf of a developer. Upon sale they receive a healthy sum in the back pocket from the developer and leave you with a poor investment choice.

Other dodgy so-called agents who call themselves buyers’ agents may not charge the buyer a fee. But this is when the alarm bells should be screaming because the agent must be paid somehow, if not by the buyer, then by who? In this scenario they should be honest and tell buyers they’re simply a selling agent representing a developer.

More and more selling agents are masquerading as buyers’ agents or buyer managers these days so be careful not to let that line be blurred if you’re after independent advice.

Fortunately there are plenty of honest buyers’ agents with buyers’ interests only at heart. If you’ve done your homework thoroughly you’ll find one who will help you get ahead on your property investing, particularly helpful if you’re time-poor, geographically challenged, or want to get the best value for your dollar with the greatest potential of return or capital growth.

It helps to know there is a professional body to go to – the Real Estate Buyers’ Agents Association of Australia – where you can find a listing of credible buyers’ agents Australia-wide and learn some useful tips on finding a goodie.

So how should you qualify a buyers’ agent before you start talking strategy and sending one out on the property hunt?

1. Is the buyers’ agent appointed in writing to represent you? In Queensland this written appointment form is called PAMD form 22A, there are standard government forms for each state. Also check if they’re members of the Real Estate Buyers’ Agents Association and the Real Estate Institute in their state.2. What fees do they charge? For genuinely independent advice you should pay a fee, this could be a flat rate or commission. Otherwise be suspicious of their motive.3. Check their website. If it features properties for sale, or sales pitch-style articles about a particular development then be cautious.4. Do they have current professional indemnity insurance?5. How much experience do they have as a specialist buyers’ agent? This means time being paid fees by buyers only, not sellers. Do they thoroughly understand the market conditions and real estate transaction process?6. Can they provide testimonials and referee contact details?Well that should give you a good start to finding a genuine buyers’ agent. Good luck on your buying mission!

Zoran Solano Buyers’ agent, Hot Property Specialists Buyers Agency

SUITE 1/15-17 MONTAGUE ST, GREENSLOPES | P (07) 3170 3760 | E [email protected] | W hotpropertyspecialists.com.au

Michael Yardney is a director of Metropole Property

Strategists, which creates wealth for its clients through

independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy.

metropole.com.au

BUYER’S AGENT VENDOR ADVOCACYSTRATEGISTS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

How to know your buyers’ agent is only working for you

Looking to buy real estate in Brisbane? Don’t do it alone!

EXPERTS ARE SAYING BRISBANE IS THE NEXT

MARKET TO MOVE

One thing I find really frustrating as a buyers’ agent are the other buyers’ agents who act dishonestly and discredit our practice.

I’m talking about those so-called buyers’ agents who steer buyers towards a new apartment or house development on behalf of a developer. Upon sale they receive a healthy sum in the back pocket from the developer and leave you with a poor investment choice.

Other dodgy so-called agents who call themselves buyers’ agents may not charge the buyer a fee. But this is when the alarm bells should be screaming because the agent must be paid somehow, if not by the buyer, then by who? In this scenario they should be honest and tell buyers they’re simply a selling agent representing a developer.

More and more selling agents are masquerading as buyers’ agents or buyer managers these days so be careful not to let that line be blurred if you’re after independent advice.

Fortunately there are plenty of honest buyers’ agents with buyers’ interests only at heart. If you’ve done your homework thoroughly you’ll find one who will help you get ahead on your property investing, particularly helpful if you’re time-poor, geographically challenged, or want to get the best value for your dollar with the greatest potential of return or capital growth.

It helps to know there is a professional body to go to – the Real Estate Buyers’ Agents Association of Australia – where you can find a listing of credible buyers’ agents Australia-wide and learn some useful tips on finding a goodie.

So how should you qualify a buyers’ agent before you start talking strategy and sending one out on the property hunt?

1. Is the buyers’ agent appointed in writing to represent you? In Queensland this written appointment form is called PAMD form 22A, there are standard government forms for each state. Also check if they’re members of the Real Estate Buyers’ Agents Association and the Real Estate Institute in their state.2. What fees do they charge? For genuinely independent advice you should pay a fee, this could be a flat rate or commission. Otherwise be suspicious of their motive.3. Check their website. If it features properties for sale, or sales pitch-style articles about a particular development then be cautious.4. Do they have current professional indemnity insurance?5. How much experience do they have as a specialist buyers’ agent? This means time being paid fees by buyers only, not sellers. Do they thoroughly understand the market conditions and real estate transaction process?6. Can they provide testimonials and referee contact details?Well that should give you a good start to finding a genuine buyers’ agent. Good luck on your buying mission!

Zoran Solano Buyers’ agent, Hot Property Specialists Buyers Agency

SUITE 1/15-17 MONTAGUE ST, GREENSLOPES | P (07) 3170 3760 | E [email protected] | W hotpropertyspecialists.com.au


55

Habit 2 – Begin with the end in mindBy focusing on your desired outcomes, you will be compelled to lead yourself towards those goals, thus developing the habit of personal leadership. The key is in blocking out the distractions that can inhibit forward momentum by instead concentrating your efforts on relevant actions to propel you forward.

How to apply it – All the successful investors I know have set themselves a long-term goal of financial independence and have a written plan and strategy of how they’re going to get there. Then it’s easier for them to make their investment decisions in light of their goals and not be distracted by the short-term market noise.

HAVE YOU noticed how some people seem to rise to the top of their chosen field, or journey ever higher up the property ladder, while others consistently achieve the same ‘average’ results?

In the 1990s, management guru Dr Stephen Covey explained what he believed to be the defining characteristics that distinguish ‘highly effective people’ in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which has become a modern-day business classic.

Not surprisingly, the seven habits Covey suggests we should aspire to if we want to replicate the achievements of others are also very important to the business of property investment. So let’s take a moment to reflect on the seven significant traits.

Habit 1 – Be proactiveLife is not simply a series of events that happen to us. In every moment, you are faced with a choice and the opportunity to move forward in your life’s purpose. You can choose to have a positive or negative attitude and you can choose to take control or be controlled. This is about either taking responsibility for your own destiny or being overtaken by the actions of others and, in doing so, becoming a victim.

How to apply it – Become the pilot of your life and not a passenger. You are where you are because of all the things you’ve chosen to do and all those you’ve chosen not to do. Either you run the day or the day runs you!

From Metropole Property Strategists

MICHAELYARDNEY

All the successful investors I know have set themselves a long-term goal of financial independence and have a written plan and strategy of how they’re going to get there.

THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PROPERTY INVESTORS


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effective you must look after the only tools you have control over – your mind, body and spirit. Maintain balance in all you do and never stop learning.

How to apply it – The best investment you can make to ensure success through property investing is in your own wisdom. Don’t be afraid to spend (invest) money on your education and be prepared to learn not only from your victories but also from your mistakes and those of others.

To become financially independent you must follow the habits of successful investors who’ve already achieved what you want to achieve. Turn part of your income into capital by saving and investing, then slowly build your asset base by reinvesting until you eventually have a ‘cash machine’ that gives you the financial independence you desire.

we spend our ‘listening time’ thinking about our reply. In doing so, we place our ideals and philosophies on others, without truly hearing them. As a consequence, we go through life missing out on valuable insights.

How to apply it – Many property investors suffer from confirmation bias, which is the tendency to begin with an answer and then search for evidence to support the preconceived outcome. The lesson here is to be sceptical of your preconceptions and try to disprove your own theories rather than continually defend them.

Habit 5 – Think win-winMore is gained from life through the art of cooperation than competition.

How to apply it – Win-win not only applies to negotiations, but to all elements of your life. Learn how to be happy with

what you have while you pursue all that you want.

Habit 6 – SynergiseCreative cooperation among humans allows us to uncover new solutions to old problems. When we interact with one another and apply the rule of empathetic listening, we augment our brainpower and grow from our experiences with others.

How to apply it – There is no such thing as a self-made millionaire. Every successful property investor turns to a proficient team of consultants for advice and to mentors for inspiration and counsel. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up, rather than negative nellies who will drag you down.

Habit 7 – Sharpen the sawThe greatest asset you will ever have in life is yourself. To be

Habit 3 – Put first things firstOnce you have established attainable goals, you must develop the habit of planning and implementing activities that will enable you to reach them. Importantly, you need to learn to prioritise your actions in a way that reflects your values and life purpose. This is the art of manifesting your ideas into physical reality by taking a step-by-step approach.

How to apply it – Keep the big picture in mind and don’t be afraid to say no to so-called opportunities if they don’t fit in with your plan. I’ve made more money by saying “no” to deals than by saying “yes”. Take personal responsibility, because while you cannot change the circumstances, the cycle or the market, you can change yourself. That is something you have control of.

Habit 4 – Seek first to understand and then to be understoodMost people engage in conversation to be heard rather than to understand. Often, instead of really hearing what someone else is telling us,

Keep the big picture in mind and don’t be afraid to say no to so-called opportunities if they don’t fit in with your plan.

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