Download pdf - Journey Magazine

journey

THE TONGSAI BAYKoh Samui’s little gem

Winter 2012 | $9.95 incl GST

POLAND The magic of Warsaw

USAIN BOLTThe sprint sensation’s journey to the top

ISSN 2200-5552

A magazine about people and placesAU

ST

RA

LIA

N

EUROPEAN CLASSIC CAR EXPERIENCE

WIN $500 TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE COURTESY OF

GAZ MAN AND ODYSSEY TRAVEL

SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY

Descent into madness

LONDON OLYMPICS

TASMANIA’S OLYMPIC ROWERS reflect on what it takes to win gold

Untitled-4.indd 1 23/07/12 9:28 AM

2 journey - A magazine about people and places journey - A magazine about people and places 1

journey issue 1 v2.indd 2 23/07/12 8:22 AM




F2F Journey DPS.indd 5 9/07/12 4:34 PM

www.ingmarbergman.se

SYDNEYTHEATRE.COM.AU9250 1777

CASTHUMPHREY BOWERMITCHELL BUTELKERRY FOXJOHN GADENWENDY HUGHES

ANNA MARTINJESSICA NASHQUEENIE VAN DE ZANDT DYLAN YOUNG

DIRECTOR SIMON STONESET AND LIGHTING DESIGNER NICK SCHLIEPERCOSTUME DESIGNER ALICE BABIDGE

COMPOSER AND SOUND DESIGNER STEFAN GREGORYDRAMATURG TOM WRIGHT

7 AUG – 8 SEP 2012SYDNEY THEATRE

A FILM BY INGMAR BERGMAN ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY ANDREW UPTON & SIMON STONE

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR

FACE TO FACE

Kerry Fox plays a woman whose life is

spiralling out of control

F2F Journey DPS.indd 6 9/07/12 4:34 PMjourney issue 1 v2.indd 2 23/07/12 8:22 AM


F2F Journey DPS.indd 5 9/07/12 4:34 PM

www.ingmarbergman.se

SYDNEYTHEATRE.COM.AU9250 1777

CASTHUMPHREY BOWERMITCHELL BUTELKERRY FOXJOHN GADENWENDY HUGHES

ANNA MARTINJESSICA NASHQUEENIE VAN DE ZANDT DYLAN YOUNG

DIRECTOR SIMON STONESET AND LIGHTING DESIGNER NICK SCHLIEPERCOSTUME DESIGNER ALICE BABIDGE

COMPOSER AND SOUND DESIGNER STEFAN GREGORYDRAMATURG TOM WRIGHT

7 AUG – 8 SEP 2012SYDNEY THEATRE

A FILM BY INGMAR BERGMAN ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY ANDREW UPTON & SIMON STONE

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR

FACE TO FACE

Kerry Fox plays a woman whose life is

spiralling out of control

F2F Journey DPS.indd 6 9/07/12 4:34 PMjourney issue 1 v2.indd 3 23/07/12 8:22 AM


jour

ney

journey A magazine about people and places

Issue 1 Winter 2012

Editor Richard Henry

[email protected]

Art Director Matt Ody

[email protected]

Contributors:Garth Masters, Penny Mcleod,

Mark Bailey, Rob Symons, Denise Kipling, Peter Isaac,

Craig Davies, Helen Macnair, Belinda Jeffery and the Great Barrier

Marine Park Authority.

Printer: Kingswood Press

Black Hawk Publishing Pty LtdPO Box 159

Cygnet, Tasmania 7112Phone: 03 6297 8297

[email protected]

National Sales Office 300 Gilles Street, Adelaide

South Australia 5000Phone: 08 8223 2612 Phone: 08 8223 2629

Fax: 08 8224 0404

DisclaimerBlack Hawk Publishing Pty Ltd is not committed to nor takes responsibility for the views expressed in articles or

advertisements herein.

The publisher could not possibly ensure that each advertisement published in

this publication complies with the Trade Practices Act and responsibility must

therefore rest with the person, company or agency approving the advertisement

for publication.

www.blackhawkpublishing.com.au

BLACK HAWKpublishing pty ltd

ABN 85 150 236 927

From the publisher

Australian Journey was borne of my love for magazines. When I started my career as a graphic designer at News Limited in the 1980s, newspapers were king. The publishing

landscape has changed dramatically since then, and magazines now have a central place within contemporary media.Unlike newspapers, lifestyle magazines are designed to be enjoyed over several days, even weeks. They can be bold, beautiful and inspiring in ways that newspapers can’t. As an Art Director and designer for some beautiful magazines over the last 10 or so years, I think we have hit the mark with what people really like in a magazine, something that can be picked up several times over the life of the edition. This magazine seeks to tell stories about people and places to inspire our readers to do things differently, take risks and have adventures. There are endless stories to be told about people who are living full and fascinating lives all around the world, and interesting places yet to be explored.In our first issue, we tell the personal stories of Olympians Usain Bolt and Tasmanian rowers, Scott Brennan, Anthony Edwards and Kate Hornsey. Our interview with Jamaica’s Usain Bolt provides a fascinating insight into what life is like for the world’s fastest man – off the track, in his home-town.Our series of interviews with Tasmania’s Olympic rowers reveals what it takes – setbacks, early mornings and family support – to reach the top and stay there. I am no photographer but I have submitted the amazing picture this issue and would love you, the reader, to submit some of your own for possible publication over the coming editions.Our European correspondent Garth Masters, whose passion, apart from writing is food and photography, captures the magic of Warsaw in his first in a series of travel features on European cities that you may not have read too much about. He will be traversing Europe over coming issues with Berlin, Germany, as his next stop.In each issue, motoring enthusiasts can look forward to previews of upcoming tours, stories of great road-trips, and car and motorcycle reviews. This time, President of the National Press Club of New Zealand Peter Isaac previews an upcoming tour of Europe’s motoring meccas, taking in Italy, Germany, Sweden, France and the Czech Republic. We seek to cover all the cornerstones of home life with features on food, health, finance and retirement. We have Rob Symons and Denise Kipling delivering some advice on the volatility of financial markets and important aged care decisions.A report on extreme weather and the Great Barrier Reef gives an interesting insight into the damage caused by cyclone Yasi and how the reef can, and is, recovering.In this issue, chef and author Belinda Jeffery has food covered. We feature several recipes from her latest book, The Country Cookbook.That’s the magazine this issue and I hope you enjoy it, get on board and look forward each quarter to the new edition. The next issue will be in newsagents Australia-wide in the spring.Many thanks go to our contributors and especially Penny Mcleod, whose knowledge of magazines and her journalistic experience has been invaluable.

Matt Ody



contentswinter 2012

USAIN BOLT The world’s fastest man (VJ to his dad) opens up on his training to keep his mantle as the world’s supreme sprinter, his entourage, coach, chef and eating chicken nuggets pre-race!

MOTORHEAD HEAVEN! An unbelievable touring opportunity with Odyssey Travel to travel around Europe and visit the amazing Ferrari Factory in Maranello and BMW World in Munich and much more!

POLAND Warsaw, as compared to some other capital cities in Europe seems to be cheap, clean and modern. It has everything you could need and lots of hidden gems.

FACE TO FACE The Sydney Theatre Company’s latest offering is directed by Simon Stone. Australian Journey looks a little deeper into the show and how it came about.

YOGA IN A NUTSHELL Yoga classes are everywhere - on the beach, in the park, local studios, community centres, gyms, leisure centres and school. There are classes to suit all ages and abilities, but which one is for you?

YUMMINESS! Belinda Jeffery delights us with some beautiful recipes.

LET’S KOH SAMUI Hidden amongst 25 acres of breathtaking natural beauty and overlooking a sandy bay, The Tongsai Bay is renowned for its privacy and tranquility and its passionate love for the environment.

Cover shot: St Paul’s Cathedral from Millenium Bridge across the River Thames, London. Image: Shutterstock

AMAZING PICTURE The majestic Mt Everest.

8

1480

44

34

22

6

64



The

maj

estic

Mt E

vere

st. I

mag

e: M

att O

dy



WE ALL LOVE

USAINFrom his stylist to his chef, from his bodyguards to his coach, a small army of assistants helps keep Usain Bolt on track at home in Jamaica. Mark Bailey catches up with the world’s fastest man, and his entourage.

WORDS | MARK BAILEY/TELEGRAPH MAGAZINE/THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE IMAGES | SHUTTERSTOCK & ACTION PRESS

8 journey - A magazine about people and places



Trai

ning

har

d fo

r the

201

2 Lo

ndon

Oly

mpi

c Gam

es. I

mag

e: th

eleft

y/Sh

utte

rsto

ck

journey - A magazine about people and places 9



Even his bodyguards, who dress in jeans and trainers, share Bolt’s nonchalance. Today, one is carrying a plastic bag full of food; the other an umbrella in case Bolt requires shade. They look more like his uncles.This is Bolt’s private world: warm, supportive, casual and fun. “All these people are key for me,” he says in his gruff, playful baritone, when we sit down in an air-conditioned van nearby. “Obviously lots of people want to know me now so it’s hard to know who to trust. All the people I work with have known me for years. And I have childhood friends that I trust. We do everything together – laughing, playing games, going out, talking. These people are like my family. They’re always here.”

The madness that surrounds him is growing. A global television audience of four billion is expected to watch Bolt perform at the London 2012 Olympic Games this summer. If the 25-year-old is nervous, it doesn’t show. Off the track, his every move is glacially slow. Good humour rises from him like a vapour, coating everyone around. He says he can’t wait to get to England. “I have always had good support in London – especially with all the Jamaican people there – and I have thought of this since Beijing. I want to be a legend. I want people to remember me for ever. That means I need to do great things in London. I’m looking forward to putting on a beautiful performance for the world.” On the journey to Jamaica I see his face on ads

on the London Tube, at New York’s JFK Airport and on billboards in Kingston. “I enjoy all that,” he grins. “I like seeing myself all over the world. Wherever I go people take pictures and put them on Twitter. I enjoy being the centre of attention.”Bolt’s superhuman achievements, along with his engaging personality, are what make him so compelling. His first world record came in the 100m (9.72 seconds) in New York in May 2008, beating fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell’s record by 0.02 seconds. At the Beijing Olympics that summer he set three world records, in the 100m (9.69), 200m (19.30) and 4 x 100m relay (37.10). The following year, he further slashed his individual records (9.58 and 19.19) at the World

The fastest man on earth is lying motionless on the spongy blue running track at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. He appears to be asleep.

The elongated limbs of his 6ft 5in body stretch across the track like felled branches. Protruding from beneath his hitched-up T-shirt, a xylophone of abdominal muscles glistens in the midday sun. From a nearby festival the mellow patter of reggae floats along the warm Caribbean breeze. A contented smile melts across Usain Bolt’s face.This supine figure is surrounded by people in a hurry. A film crew, sponsors and PRs are scuttling around, planning, chattering. A photographer is preparing for his next shot, and wants Bolt in a horizontal position. Unbeknown to anyone, some teenage boys have clambered over a fence and are hiding behind an advertising banner. At intervals they pick up the banner and stealthily shuffle closer to their idol, like cartoon spies tiptoeing behind a cardboard bush.The photographer moves towards Bolt and straddles him, camera poised. Suddenly, one of Bolt’s eyes opens and spins, surveying the comical scene. Then both eyes frantically search the swarm of people for Nugent Walker Junior (‘NJ’), Bolt’s personal assistant, housemate and best friend since primary school. NJ is giggling uncontrollably and is searching his pockets for his camera phone. Bolt starts to crack too – his chest heaves and deep booming laughter fills the air.This is the life of Usain Bolt, the international sprint sensation who finds himself trailed by sponsors, fans and international media, plus a handful of close friends to gently cocoon him from the madness. His personal entourage has a familial air. His stylist, a matronly Jamaican lady, dabs his face with make-up like a nanny wiping a toddler’s face. His publicist, Carole, brings him a plate of chicken and rice. If these are the mother figures who keep Bolt in check, his coach, Glen Mills, and his manager, Norman Peart, are the stern yet nurturing father figures. His agent, Ricky Simms, and NJ are like brothers, playful but protective.



100m

Wor

ld R

ecor

d, B

eijin

g O

lym

pic G

ames

200

8. Im

age:

Pet

e N

iese

n/Sh

utte

rsto

ck

Championships in Berlin. Research by Ethan Siegel, an American theoretical astrophysicist, suggests that Bolt represents a physiological leap forward. The men’s 100m world record has dropped by 0.05 seconds every 10 years since 1968 (when Jim Hines became the first man to break 10 seconds). But Bolt has been performing at a level three decades beyond what should be achievable in the present era, according to Siegel’s graphs. And Dr Peter Weyand, a leading physiologist at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and an expert on the science of sprinting, says ‘Bolt is a freak – he defies the laws of biology.’Bolt is blessed with unique physical gifts. ‘He is such an unusual physical specimen and one

need not look beyond that for an explanation of his speed,’ Mark Denny, a Stanford University biology professor, tells me. With his long legs, Bolt takes 41 steps to complete the 100m. His rivals take 44. He has a high percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres, which produce explosive speed, and he can channel more than 1,000lb of force through each stride – double the human norm, according to Dr Weyand. Professor Alan Nevill, a biostatistician at the University of Wolverhampton, suggests his superior height enables him to dissipate heat faster, so his muscles can work harder.Yet Bolt is still regarded as not taking his talents very seriously. He is known for eating chicken nuggets before big races, and plundering

Chinese restaurants on trips to London. He performs Jamaican dance hall jigs on the track, and broke the 100m record in Beijing with a shoelace undone, celebrating victory several metres before the line.But his preternatural gifts are honed by a gruelling training regime. He spends hours refining his technique on the track and building strength in the gym. “Because I am always messing about and my running style looks effortless, a lot of people think I’m lazy – which I am sometimes,” he admits. “But I say to them, ‘See you in the morning at 6am, come and watch me train.’ I am blessed with natural abilities, but I make the most of what I have. I enjoy myself because I work hard.’

“He is such an unusual physical specimen and one need not look beyond that for an

explanation of his speed.”

On

your

mar

ks...

Imag

e: A

ctio

n Pr

ess



Usain St Leo Bolt was born on August 21 1986 in the parish of Trelawny in north-west Jamaica. He grew up in a bungalow with his father, Wellesley, who ran a grocery store, and his mother, Jennifer. “I am very like my mum,” he says. His stylist nods. “I have her skin, her hair and I am lazy. I probably get my good things from my dad. Me and my mum share the same bad habits.”Bolt grew up with his older half-sister, Christine, and younger half-brother, Sadiki. He was a hyperactive child. “There’s something wrong with VJ [Bolt’s nickname], he’s not normal, he keeps flipping over and jumping,” his dad remarked, before marching his son to the doctor.In reality, he simply needed to burn off his excess energy. He was talented at football and cricket but excelled at sprinting and won school and regional competitions. Was he a well-behaved child? “In the middle,” he says sheepishly. “Most of the teachers liked me and knew I was good at running, so if I got into trouble I could get out easily. But if I did something really bad and my dad found out… that was a problem. I used to escape out of the yard a lot. My dad was old school, saying you shouldn’t leave the house until you’ve done your homework. I wanted to play football, so I got in trouble. But you can’t be too good, or it’s no fun, right?”Fuelled by his favourite meal – his Aunt Lilly’s jerk pork and dumplings – Bolt grew stronger and faster and won a sports scholarship to William Knibb High School in Trelawny. Training was anathema to Bolt and he used to hide in the nearby games arcade instead. As a result, his talent flickered rather than shone.Following stern lectures from his parents and teachers, at the age of 14 he became more serious. A year later he won 200m gold at the 2002 World Junior Championships in Kingston. Before the race, he was so nervous he put his spikes on the wrong feet, but it was a pivotal moment. “After winning in front of my home crowd, I thought, ‘How can I ever worry again?’ I’ve been relaxed ever since.”Jamaica expected great things from the young sprinter when he turned professional in 2004, but a combination of debilitating injuries and ill-discipline led to failure at the Athens Olympics – he was eliminated in the first round of the 200m. In Jamaica, journalists were scathing; newspaper cartoons belittled him; locals mocked him on the street. “People said a lot of bad things about me, that I was lazy or I was always clubbing. They said my career was over.” Disillusioned, he turned to Glen Mills, a portly, bespectacled sprint coach based in Kingston. Mills quickly identified the source of Bolt’s injuries: he suffers from scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and sought treatment. Mills also had the tact to deal with Bolt’s wayward character. “He understands

my personality and that’s why we work,” Bolt says. “He is serious and I don’t mess him around, but he makes it fun for me. I need laughter. It’s funny, I look forward to the end of the season when I can party, but after two weeks I want to come back because I miss the fun [at the track].”Usain Bolt’s five-bedroom mansion in Kingston resembles a teenage boy’s fantasy den. It is littered with giant plasma televisions, game consoles, DJ decks and footballs. Outside, there is a swimming-pool and a fleet of expensive cars including a Range Rover, all black.Bolt lives with NJ and Sadiki. The trio spend hours playing video games or exploring Kingston’s clubs. ‘I drink Guinness,’ Bolt announces. He says he never argues with NJ, but I remind him of a disagreement they had in front of me last summer. Bolt had wanted to watch Kung Fu Panda 2 at the cinema. NJ preferred X-Men: First Class and got his way. Bolt hated it and chastised his friend. Bolt loathes domestic chores. “Once a year I will clean my room, just because I feel I should,” he huffs. “But we have cleaners. If the cleaners saw me they would be shocked. I would rather be lying in a bed than changing one. Although I did clean my closet once…” No wonder he loses things. He left his Olympic gold medals in a New York hotel room (but later recovered them), and found his World Championship medals in his wardrobe after a year of searching. He employs a chef to keep his diet on track. “My coach informs him what to cook, and it’s not KFC,” he says glumly. “He does what he’s told and so do I. My chef won’t let me bribe him.”Bolt is conducting this interview for his sponsors, Visa Europe. In the accompanying television ad he is seen running around London. In reality, he’s borderline agoraphobic. “I couldn’t even go shopping for clothes in Oxford Street,” he says. “People will jump on me. Camera phones. Screaming. Shouting. Nightmare. I have to get NJ to do my food shopping here,” he says. “If I walk into a supermarket, it is OK as everybody in Jamaica tries to be cool, but if one person asks for a photo then everybody rushes over. It’s chaos.” Bolt cultivates his playful image, but he has a quieter side. His favourite pastime is dominoes. He confesses that he still likes to doze on the couch with his head on his mother’s lap. He pines for the countryside. “Out in the country people don’t stress me out so much. I visit my parents, who are enjoying retirement. We sit down, play dominoes, drink beers and chill. I love the countryside. That’s where I will build my dream house.”He coyly admits that he is currently dating a girl. “I’ve traded a few,” he giggles, “but it takes time to meet the right girl and I think this one is going somewhere.”

What about parenthood? “I used to think, ‘after the Olympics’, but I broke up with my last girlfriend three years ago so it will be a few years before I think about baby Bolts. I will spoil my kids. That could be a big problem. My dad was strict and I want to teach my kids respect, but I will be more chilled out.”For now, Bolt has more immediate concerns. The world is expecting extraordinary feats this summer. He hopes to complete the 100m in 9.4 seconds and the 200m in under 19 seconds. Will it happen in London? “Who knows?” he says. “I’m more confident that something special might happen in the 200m. The 100m is more technical. If one thing gets messed up, you won’t be as fast. The 200m is my more natural event. Watch and see.”Bolt’s main rival at the shorter distance is his training partner, Yohan Blake. The 22-year-old won the 100m at last year’s World Championships in Daegu, Korea, after Bolt was disqualified for a false start. ‘The scuttlebutt is that Bolt jumped because he knew how fast Blake was,’ Dr Weyand says.Bolt admits to nerves, but not fear. ‘It is better than if I did it in the Olympics,’ he says philosophically. ‘But it won’t happen again. I was not in the right mood. My form was not good so I wanted to put on a show. But I don’t worry about other athletes. If I am in form, I know I’ll win.’He is also looking beyond London, to the following Games in Rio. “I will definitely try a new event for 2016,” he says. “Maybe the 400m or the long jump. I’d like to continue to sprint but I will want to do something new, to keep it fun.”When he eventually retires he wants to explore the world of business, through restaurants, fashion and music. He has launched a bar in Kingston called Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records. “It’s different from all the rest, like me. I check up on it sometimes. I think I could be a good businessman if I applied myself, but I will just get NJ to do everything and take the glory.” He takes a moment to reflect. “The truth is I just want to be happy. In 10 years’ time I want to be comfortable in a nice house with my family and just… relax.”Before leaving Jamaica, and on Bolt’s recommendation, I visit his bar. There are televisions everywhere – in the booths, above the bar, in the lavatories. The menu serves jerk pork, inspired by his Aunt Lilly’s signature dish. Does Usain ever come here, I ask the waitress. “Oh yes, we see him around,” she replies. Does he ever help out? A frown. “No, not really. He just sits on that couch and has a beer. But that’s OK. We love him. Everybody loves Usain.”

aj




Usa

in B

olt r

eflec

ts. I

mag

e: th

eleft

y/Sh

utte

rsto

ck




EUROPEAN

VACATIONPresident of the National Press Club of New Zealand, Peter Isaac, previews two upcoming car tours, which promise to take classic car enthusiasts to the holy grails of motoring history.

WORDS | PETER ISAAC IMAGES | SUPPLIED




Ferr

ari’s

in R

ome




THE patent on January 29, 1886 to Karl Benz for the world’s first automobile ushered in the final and most dynamic stage of the industrial revolution. Simultaneously, this

patent detonated the start of the consumer revolution that continues unbroken to this day. So enduring was Benz’ blending of line and mechanics that the motor car ever since has set the standard for applied design over every single product line of anything at all.The automobile’s advent greatly accelerated the unification of new nations such as Australasia, Germany, and Italy. It conferred on their citizens a personal freedom unmatched to this day by any other transport mode. Automobiles generated the greatest single industrial

expansion of all time. Today, automobile production and acquisition remains a prime statistical economic yardstick of all developed nations.Automobile fabrication through its immense demand for components from sub contractors ushered in the era of resource and skill pooling and thus eliminated the previous productivity remuneration which was based on individual piece work. More than any other product before or since the automobile changed the way people thought, behaved, went about their daily labours, and spent their leisure time.These are just some of the reasons that Odyssey Travel will later this year take its tour parties on two expeditions into the European birthplaces

of the automobile. These tours are focused on the early development of the automobile and the way in which it has adapted over the past century to the demands placed on it as its users sought more, and still more mobility.“This is as much an historical trip as one dedicated to learning about past civilisations or rulers,” says president of the Sydney-based Council of Motor Clubs, Terry Thompson. “You are looking at the industrial artefacts that relate to the way we live and work now.”With over 20,000 individual members, his organisation is charged with preserving motoring history.A mechanical engineer and a member of the Road Safety Advisory Council of New South

“Classic car people tend to be very partisan. They will usually favour one marque above all others. So the tours have been devised to appeal to these specific maker- interests among

enthusiasts. Others will want to see absolutely everything and take the combined tour.” Tour leader Evan Jones



Wales, Thompson describes the Odyssey expedition as being similar in purpose to an archaeological dig. “The similarity is that these tours will be quite literally coming to grips with the beginnings of daily life nowadays.”Tour participants will be allowed entry to the Ferrari factory, he says. The only other way to get inside the factory is to possess in your own name the ownership papers of a Ferrari _ one you have bought fresh off the showroom floor. “A bit beyond the means of most of us,” he says. “But the educational underpinning of Odyssey opened the factory doors.”Tour participants will find their own knowledge of automobile history greatly expanded. “They’ll

find their own perceptions extended when they go to the Volvo museum and discover that Volvos once had running boards,” Thompson says.The Odyssey expedition comprises two tours. The first of these, the Classic Cars of Italy and France Tour, starts on September 5 this year at Milan, and travels through Italy and France until September 18. The second tour, Classic Cars of Northern Europe starts at Copenhagen and proceeds through Sweden, Germany, France the Czech Republic and then Germany again and terminates at Stuttgart on October 8.“I sense that some die-hards will want to take both tours, back-to-back,” says tour leader Evan Jones.

“Classic car people tend to be very partisan. They will usually favour one marque above all others. So the tours have been devised to appeal to these specific maker- interests among enthusiasts. Others will want to see absolutely everything and take the combined tour.” There is no such option for Evans who will lead both tours. He will be on the road in both southern and then northern Europe for the duration, from the start of the first tour in Milan through to the conclusion of the second tour in Stuttgart. “It will be my idea of heaven,” says the classic car enthusiast. “It comes after 40 years of non-stop devotion to classic cars and motor sport.”On-tour live events such as those at Monza in

Mer

cede

s Ben

z 300

SL G

ullw

ing,

Mer

cede

s Ben

z Mus

eum

Ferr

ari M

useu

mLtoR: Evan Jones, Program Leader, Terry Thompson, President of the Council of Motor Clubs Inc & Mark Banning Taylor, CEO Odyssey Travel at The Australian Motorlife Museum, Kembla Grange



Italy, and then the Misano MotoGP race day in San Marino will allow the party to assess performance under race conditions. As will factory test drives, Evans says. These experiences will be enhanced by visits to the celebrated collections. Attention to local cuisine in all the countries visited will add spice, literally, to the programme too.Odyssey’s emphasis on behind-the-scenes participation takes the party on its northern European leg through the Volvo Torslanda factory at Gothenburg then through VW’s Autostadt, car city, at Wolfsburg. Here the party will witness for example, the sight of VWs whirring off the assembly line and being stacked in glass encased silos 60 metres high. Then, still in north Europe, the tour will go to Bavaria to BMW. At BMW the party will again see cars under construction.The tour of working factories also extends to the specialist small car maker, notably the Pagani sports car factory at San Cesario sul Panaro in Italy, and also the Daimler-owned Smart Car factory at Hambach, which was originally co-owned by the Swiss Swatch organisation. Now Daimler is the sole owner of this factory for the ultra compact environmental car. The genesis of the automobile all those years ago gave the Italians with their passion in regard

to the perfection of form another entirely new form to bring to perfection, that of the motor car. They lost no time in doing so and the results can be seen at tour visits to these shrines of the early motor vehicle _ notably at the Schlumpf Collection with its row upon row of Bugattis, at the Umberto Panini Museum with its Maseratis and at the Alfa Romeo Museum at Arese. When you look at these hand-made Maseratis and Bugattis, says Thompson, you will appreciate why when they change hands, if they ever do, they do so for 10s of millions of dollars. They are works of rare art and their value reflects this, he says. Indeed, there is a special stop to make this point about art and engineering at the outset of the tour. On the very first day that this two-leg tour starts in Milan, the tour will view The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. He was the artist-engineer among whose inventions in the transport sphere are numbered the double hull, the helicopter prototype, and the armoured car.Even so, the factory visits are not all high-end. They include the practical and thus include the Skoda works at Mlada Boleslav north east of Prague. The resuscitated Skoda occupies a product market position once held by its new owner, VW.The Odyssey organisation with its university

framework has identified the newly recognised sphere of industrial history, identifiable through its artefacts, as a significant new realm of learning and one that can be studied by examining what can only be described as contemporary relics. Fiat’s Lingotto factory near Turin, which was completed in 1923, is such a relic. Unlike any other automobile factory to that time, the factory featured a spiral assembly line that moved up through the building and a concrete banked rooftop test track. Similarly, Odyssey’s tour includes emphasis on the one place on the face of the earth in which industrialism and sentiment happily coalesce. This is in the car town of which Detroit was once the best-known. Wolfsburg is one example. Maranello home of Ferrari and Scuderia Ferrari Formula One is another. Stuttgart still another. “You look at these cars and you are looking at the expressions of the cultures from which they emerged,” says chief executive of Sydney-based Odyssey Travel, Mark Banning-Taylor. “Their form and shape tell you who made them, where, and when.”Tour leader Jones has a soft spot for several museums en route, notably the Schlumpf Collection at Mulhouse in Alsace northern France, considered the world’s major repository of Bugattis.



He is also struck by the bizarre presence in southern Germany on Lake Constance of the Vonier Museum, undisputedly the largest collection of Rolls Royces on the face of the planet with a total of 1000 exhibits. This seaside area around Freidrichshaven was an early example of a greenfield technology centre having been home to, Dornier, Zeppelin and the Zeppelin subsidiary the high end car maker, Maybach, now owned by Daimler. Fresh from the exposure to so much magnificence on Lake Constance, the party will turn north to Stuttgart and the Mercedes Benz Museum just outside the main gates of the Daimler factory. This is the last working day of the two-leg tour and at the Mercedes-Benz Museum the party will have a quick and consolidated top up tutorial in the form of the display of the 120-year continuous timeline of automotive history, the only such display anywhere. Handling experience is also very much part of the fabric of this two-leg expedition and thus the party will take a participatory, inside view of events – a hallmark of all Odyssey tours. In Berlin, for example, the party will view the German capital from a Trabant. Not so long ago the two-stroke Trabi was the pride of East Germany.

Paris will be similarly experienced from a 2CV. On the Champs-Elysees, the party will pull into the Renault Showroom and then the Citroen Showroom there to discuss with staff owner preferences and a host of other price performance topics. Symbolically, the 2CVs will then take the group to the Renault Museum at Boulogne Billancourt and then to the Citroen Museum at another Paris suburb, Aulnay-sous-Bois. In the old world, incredibly to an even greater extent than in the new world, classic cars are quite simply and literally, icons. An example is the Panini family and their museum at Cittanova, near Modena, which is on the tour stop itinerary. The Panini Museum features one of the world’s finest collection of Maseratis. The family also sells visitors Parmesan cheese. Under the leadership of Umberto Panini, a dairy farmer, the family saved the collection for their neighbourhood and for Italy. They bought it at the very moment when the auction sale-house catalogues were being printed in London. This is why the Odyssey tour also includes a visit to the family Hombre dairy farm, which the family continues to run in conjunction with its museum, and from which, they proudly sell their cheese.

It is a tour emphasis on vertical integration that extends for example to the Weltkulturebe Volklinger Hutte steel works at Saarbrucken. The multi-media introduction to the heritage sintering-plant takes the visitor on a journey through time, from the beginnings of the Völklingen Ironworks right up to the present day. While Benz of Mannheim started selling his three wheeler automobile, which he called the Motorwagen, the world’s first commercially available automobile, there was a similar development that was in full swing not far away. At the same time, unbeknown to Benz, another German, Gottlieb Daimler (1834-1900), of Stuttgart was also completing his own automobile. It was the first to have four wheels. In 1926, the companies of Benz and Daimler merged to form Daimler-Benz. Stuttgart thus describes itself unequivocally as the “cradle of the automobile” and its civic charter affirms the right for individuals to have and retain under any circumstances the right of mobility conferred upon them by the automobile.A suitable final destination and terminus for this month-long automobile odyssey.

BMW

Wor

ld

Classic car and motor vehicle enthusiasts have the opportunity to

visit key ‘holy grails’ of motoring history as part of this year’s two ‘classic cars of Europe’ tours being offered by Odyssey Travel.Classic Cars of Italy and France in September and Classic Cars of Northern Europe in mid-September provide travellers with a unique chance to visit museums and tour factory plants of all the famous brands. There are also several visits to private collections not available to the public. Each of the tours is limited to 15 participants and is run in parallel with an arts and cuisine appreciation programme which may suit companion travellers. Also for real car enthusiasts both tours can be booked together as they are scheduled to follow one another. Both are led by Evan Jones. For more information on Odyssey’s classic car programs in Europe, please visit www.odysseytravel.com.au or call 1300 888 225 for more details. Odyssey is offering all clients who book on this program the chance to win a $500 voucher to update their wardrobe courtesy of GAZ MAN. After booking simply email Odyssey at [email protected] and tell us in 25 words or less what part of this cars program you are most looking forward to and why.

GREAT OFFER!

Ferr

ari r

acec

ar at

Mar

anel

lo

aj







SYDNEY Theatre Company director Simon Stone had been reading the screenplays of legendary Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman

when he discovered a Bergman work he’d never heard of.It was the screenplay for the ground-breaking 1976 film, Face to Face, a psychological portrait of an educated, middle-class woman and her unexpected emotional breakdown.“I was supposed to be doing another work for the STC but at the last minute I said (to STC co-artistic director Andrew Upton) I really think we should be doing Face to Face instead,” Stone says.“At the time I had just opened (Henrik Ibsen’s) The Wild Duck and while I was writing The Wild Duck, I was reading a lot of Bergman screenplays as a way of inspiring myself into a more modern context for the Ibsen play.“I had never read the screenplay for Face to Face before, or seen the film, which was really weird because I have seen pretty much every other one of Bergman’s films – he’s pretty much my favourite filmmaker.”Stone, who is also Resident Director at Sydney’s Belvoir theatre, was deeply moved by the screenplay and saw enormous potential within it.“I was blown away by it both personally and emotionally, but also

by the formal possibility it had as a piece of theatre rather than as a screenplay because it’s all about the space of someone’s life becoming invaded by every unresolved issue that she had been avoiding for her whole life,” he says.Bergman’s film featured Liv Ullmann as Jenny, a successful, well-travelled psychiatrist who has an equally successful husband and beautiful daughter, and was praised for its powerful but subtle study of a woman in crisis.Stone and Upton’s adaptation for stage, with New Zealand actress Kerry Fox as Jenny, will be a world-first when it opens at the STC in August. “The film hasn’t yet been proven as a piece of theatre so there’s no reason to expect it will work,” Stone says.“It’s always completely nerve-wracking to make those leaps of faith, and my instinct sometimes pays off and sometimes doesn’t. You always have to go into the fray hoping that it will. “You can’t create from a place of fear. You can’t do anything even vaguely new if you’re being careful of making sure that you don’t fail.“All of the my favourite filmmakers, all of the great filmmakers and innovators, have made some really dud things and people try and analyse where things went wrong but they didn’t go wrong. There was just as

PORTRAIT OF A WOMANSydney Theatre Company’s stage adaptation of film classic Face to Face is a gripping tale of a woman’s descent into madness.

WORDS | PENNY MCLEOD IMAGES | ELLIS PARRINDER & GRANT SPARKES-CARROLLSi

mon

Sto

ne in

Fac

e to

Face

rehe

arsa

ls. Im

age:

Gra

nt S

park

es-C

arro

ll



“You can’t create from a place of fear. You can’t do anything even vaguely new if you’re being careful of making sure that you don’t fail.” STC co-director Simon Stone

much chance of succeeding as failing.”The stage production will without doubt be a very different work to Bergman’s film. However, the film’s psychological textures and the protagonist’s psychological journey will remain paramount.Stone hopes to create a theatre experience that is visceral, and which speaks directly to its audience.“I think that the mental world is the entire frame of a theatre, so there’s actually more opportunity to speak of fractured minds in a theatre because you can actually fracture the frame that the audience is watching – the whole space is the mind,” Stone says. “It’s easier to get an audience to experience viscerally the kind of cataclysm that a nervous-breakdown is because they are sitting in the same room and their senses are being confronted with the show.”Stone says some of the women in the audience will see themselves in Jenny.“It’s about a woman very much like the (educated, middle-class) women who are coming to the theatre. She’s having an unexpected confrontation of her assumption that her life was on track and that she was settled and happy.“All human beings have essentially two great fears and one of those is to die unexpectedly and the other is to go mad. “Face to Face is an exploration of one of those two great fears: What if we discover that we weren’t as sane as we thought we were.”There is also hope in the story, which Jenny only discovers by descending to a dark place, and finally revealing and accepting herself. This sense of truth and honesty is drawn out by Fox, a film, television and stage actress who has performed in New Zealand, Sydney and London, most recently in Andrew Bovell’s Speaking in Tongues in the West End. She is joined on stage by John Gaden and Wendy Hughes.“You need a lead actress that is going to be as unadorned as the script itself, and Kerry is so immediate and so truthful and doesn’t rely on tricks at all,” Stone says.“She never lies in her performances and that’s exactly what the role needs.”Face to Face, 7th of August to the 8th of September, Sydney Theatre, Walsh Bay. N

ew Z

eala

nd a

ctre

ss K

erry

Fox

. Im

age:

Elli

s Par

rinde

r

aj




WORDS | PENNY MCLEOD IMAGES | PETER WILLIAMS & SHUTTERSTOCK




MASTERSTROKETasmania’s Olympic rowers Scott Brennan, Anthony Edwards and Kate Hornsey reflect on their rowing journeys on the eve of their next big adventure: the London Olympics.

Dav

id C

raw

shay

and

Sco

tt Br

enna

n




Tasmanian rower Scott Brennan has competed in two World Rowing Championships and two Olympic Games.“My earliest rowing memory is being thrashed in my first race. There were four of us, we were brand new to the sport and had only paddled a few times in a boat together. We were racing against boys in the age group above us who had trained for 18 months. Needless to say, it wasn’t pretty. However, from that disastrous

first experience, two of the boys (the Burke twins) and I decided we could do better and formed a quad with another friend Chris Egan, whose father Damien coached us. In our new combination we raced the next three years with much more success. “Most of the important fundamental skills I use now were learnt in those early times: mostly hard training and harder racing, and from there it was a natural progression from state teams to Australian junior teams and then my first Olympics in Athens when I was 21.

“I’ve had highs during times of international success, but it was the failures, disappointments and injuries that brought out the best in me and honed my desire to take things as far as I could. Combining university studies (towards a degree in medicine) often had a detrimental impact on my ability to perform consistently, but my time spent learning in a hospital also taught me unexpected lessons about resilience, perspective and meaning.“I wanted to start rowing after I saw (Tasmanian rower) Stephen Hawkins win gold in 1992 at

Ant

hony

Edw

ards

, Sam

Bel

tz, B

en C

uret

on, T

odd

Skip

wor

th



Growing up I always viewed myself as too small, too weak, too lacking in talent to ever make it to an Olympic gold medal. So I searched for different qualities – desire, stubbornness, persistence – to get me there. Scott Brennan

the Barcelona Olympics. Something about the fact his house was just down the road from mine in Lindisfarne (on Hobart’s eastern shore) was significant to me as a nine year old. “Without question my father provided me with encouragement, which was endless and unwavering. He drove me to training every day and watched all my races, developing his own love for the sport in the process. He continues to be actively involved in Tasmanian rowing now that I am living interstate.“My biggest challenge was conquering my

doubts as a young athlete that I would never be good enough to achieve what I wanted. Growing up I always viewed myself as too small, too weak, too lacking in talent to ever make it to an Olympic gold medal. So I searched for different qualities – desire, stubbornness, persistence – to get me there. I discovered a willingness to push myself beyond where I thought was possible for my body to go, until it became a habit, and an eye to the way I did things in order to move better, be more efficient, get everything out of the limited resources I had.

“My early successes in underage rowing in the single scull at an international level remain defining highlights for me – they were the first proof that perhaps, after all, I was good enough. A gold medal in Beijing was obviously a highlight in terms of achievement, but by then I already believed in myself and the hardest part was done. “Tasmania’s greatest advantage lies in its coaching expertise and racing environment. I don’t just mean that these are of incredibly high quality, which they are, but it’s their accessibility to developing rowers that sets the state apart. “By the age of 17, I was lining up against Australian representatives, world champions and Olympic medallists. These weren’t one-off races either. I was getting this opportunity every few weeks over the entire summer, every year. Rowers tends to be down-to-earth and eager to share, and having (Tasmanian rowing) Olympians like Simon Burgess and Darren Balmforth share their knowledge with me whenever I asked them questions was incredible. Their coach, (former TIS head coach) Sam LeCompte, had an enormous impact on my life. “The Huon River, Lake Barrington and the Derwent River are all inseparable from my strongest rowing memories. Summer weekends rowing on the Huon with friends made something I already loved even better. It’s not my main training ground, but it has a special place in my heart (I block out the bitter winter memories though).”

Tasmanian rower Kate Hornsey has competed in five World Rowing Championships and one Olympic Games.“It has been a very long journey for me. I started back in 1994 when I was in year 7 (at The Friends’ School in Hobart) and never did I dream of representing my country, let alone going to the Olympics twice. “I loved rowing right from the beginning. I really enjoyed spending time with my friends and we all loved the water. I made some very dear friends in my school rowing days and they are still some of my closest friends now. We just spent so much time together and we really enjoyed what we were doing on and off the water. Amazingly, Kerry (Hore) and I rowed together at school and had some excellent



results together. It’s great that we’ve been able to continue and reach the pinnacle of our sport together.“I started rowing because my best friends at the time had older siblings that rowed. I hated the thought of being left out so I just had to join in. My parents hated the idea of it to begin with because they weren’t too keen on the early mornings. Funnily enough, they soon became my biggest supporters and are now very happy to travel to all corners of the world to cheer me on.“I would have to say my most memorable year was my first senior A team in 2005. I didn’t have a pair partner that year and had to prove myself in the single to be given a chance. I did well enough at the nationals so the selectors gave me

a young girl to row with just 10 days before our selection trials. “I had to move to Perth for a couple of weeks to get the pair up and running and we managed to get third at the selection trials. After many selection races in bigger boats I was named in the women’s eight and four. We went to the Worlds in Japan a few months later and we won the eight in an upset and dominated the four. I came home from my first world championships as a dual world champion. What started as a difficult season ended with a fantastic result.“I love being a Tasmanian and I have many fond rowing memories. Tasmania has an amazing (rowing) culture but unfortunately not one that is currently suitable for me. I am a sweep rower and therefore need other heavyweight women sweep rowers to row with. Tassie currently has a lack of such athletes at the elite level and so I moved to Melbourne to where our category squad was based. I found the culture and facilities in Melbourne to be first rate and not dissimilar to that in Tassie. The Institutes of Sport in all states give athletes a great deal of support and funding to achieve their best.“The Huon River has never been a training base for me, however, I have raced and trained there many times in my younger years. It is a beautiful spot and the community really embraces our sport. I always loved going down there to compete in regattas or row a 5km time trial on glassy water.”

Tasmanian-based rower Anthony Edwards has competed in 11 World Rowing Championships and four Olympic Games.“My first experience of rowing was sitting on the river banks watching my older brothers row, and wanting to go out there and join them. Hence when the first opportunity to row came along I took it. That was in 1985 when I was 13 years old. Now, 27 years later, I have taken many journeys: the Atlanta Olympics (bronze medal); Sydney Olympics (silver medal); Athens (a silver medal); and then the Beijing Olympics and my lowest moments. “(Before the Beijing Olympics) I cracked my rib and nearly didn’t make it there. We finished a disappointing 9th place. I still find it hard to look at the photos and have never watched any of the races from Beijing. “Now I am here preparing for the London Olympics, my 5th Games. I am having the time of my life. Winning the World Championship in Bled, Slovenia last year was a huge highlight in my rowing career, which I’ll never forget. I can appreciate every single moment. I know that when the training really hurts, it’s for a good reason. I know when I am nervous that I am actually really excited. And I know that when I line up in London that this is where I want to be, and, it will be made all the more special knowing that my family is in the grandstand watching me.

After many selection races in bigger boats I was named in the women’s eight and four. We went to the Worlds in Japan a few months later and we won the eight in an upset and dominated the four. Kate Hornsey



Imag

e: S

hutte

rsto

ck

“The greatest challenge for me now is achieving a balance (that allows me to spend time with) my wife and two children; training; and working as State Development Officer for Rowing Tasmania. My days are measured in minutes. Training at times can be really tough, but I see this as my time out. I think that is why I am enjoying it more than ever, because I appreciate every moment that gets presented.“Tasmania has a wonderful rowing culture. We are a great rowing community that is supported from the top at Tasmanian Institute of Sport level, down to Rowing Tasmania level and into our Clubs and schools. We go to regattas at Lake Barrington where Olympians and school kids rub shoulders and chat and even race with one another. It’s those special opportunities that our future Tasmanian Olympians will come from.“The Huon River holds special significance for me. (TIS head rowing coach) Sam LeCompte was a great coach who coached and mentored me through 1997-2004. He passed away in 2005 and his ashes are spread on the Huon River. I know that being able to compete in the Lightweight 4 and make this boat a successful boat would make him proud.”

Imag

e: S

hutte

rsto

ck

aj



30 journey - A magazine about people and places journey - A magazine about people and places 31 BEE-12-316 ©QUT 2012 18690

A masters engineered for sustainability

Prudence Cox, real QUT graduate and Urban Development Project Officer for the City Centre Master Plan Team, Brisbane City Council.

Build on your existing degree and professional experience through a winning mix of coursework, peer interaction, professional engagement and research projects. This course will enhance your engineering knowledge, creativity, initiative, accountability and planning skills, and equip you to meet new professional challenges and develop sustainable solutions.

You’ll have direct access to world-leading researchers and academics with real-world expertise who work closely with industry and government on a regular basis.

Time to upgrade

In addition to your chosen study areas, you’ll also develop your research skills through formal training and a two-semester research project under the guidance of experienced academic staff. Your research project can address a challenge of direct personal or professional interest to you and benefit your organisation or community.

Study options

Choose one of four specialisations, or diversify your capabilities across a wide range of disciplines that interest you. Whichever option you choose, our new Master of Engineering degree is designed around imperatives for a sustainable future:

Electrical Through studies in networking and communication, systems and control, you’ll graduate equipped to take up leading roles in networking and communications, manufacturing, process control, system design and automation.

Mechanical Focusing on advanced design, advanced materials and solar thermal energy, you’ll be prepared for a wider variety of career prospects in mechanical engineering-related industries.

Sustainable Energy Your studies in Earth, electrical, thermal, and building systems will equip you to design human energy service solutions within environmental, social, economic and technical parameters, for a low-carbon society in the 21st century.

Transport Learn to face the challenges of urban global growth and the consequent costs of traffic congestion and road safety to governments, communities and individuals through studies in transport planning and strategic modelling, advanced traffic and transit operations, and intelligent transport systems.

Cross-disciplinary option Or you can choose to complete your Master of Engineering without specialisation. Customise your study plan to suit your interests by choosing any units from the course electives suite.

Postgraduate studies are also available in:

• Engineering Management • Engineering (Power Generation) – industry sponsored • Engineering (Railway Infrastructure) – industry sponsored • Infrastructure Management • Project Management • Urban Development

An alternative entry pathway to these masters exists through the Graduate Certificate in Built Environment and Engineering.

For more information or to apply for our July 2012 intake, please phone (07) 3138 8822, email [email protected] or visit www.qut.edu.au/engineering.

CRICOS No. 00213J BEE-12-319 ©QUT 2012 18714

QUT’s new Master of Engineering degree will take your engineering career to the next level.

18714_Sustainable Aust ad and editorial.indd 3-4 24/05/12 4:08 PM


30 journey - A magazine about people and places journey - A magazine about people and places 31 BEE-12-316 ©QUT 2012 18690

A masters engineered for sustainability

Prudence Cox, real QUT graduate and Urban Development Project Officer for the City Centre Master Plan Team, Brisbane City Council.

Build on your existing degree and professional experience through a winning mix of coursework, peer interaction, professional engagement and research projects. This course will enhance your engineering knowledge, creativity, initiative, accountability and planning skills, and equip you to meet new professional challenges and develop sustainable solutions.

You’ll have direct access to world-leading researchers and academics with real-world expertise who work closely with industry and government on a regular basis.

Time to upgrade

In addition to your chosen study areas, you’ll also develop your research skills through formal training and a two-semester research project under the guidance of experienced academic staff. Your research project can address a challenge of direct personal or professional interest to you and benefit your organisation or community.

Study options

Choose one of four specialisations, or diversify your capabilities across a wide range of disciplines that interest you. Whichever option you choose, our new Master of Engineering degree is designed around imperatives for a sustainable future:

Electrical Through studies in networking and communication, systems and control, you’ll graduate equipped to take up leading roles in networking and communications, manufacturing, process control, system design and automation.

Mechanical Focusing on advanced design, advanced materials and solar thermal energy, you’ll be prepared for a wider variety of career prospects in mechanical engineering-related industries.

Sustainable Energy Your studies in Earth, electrical, thermal, and building systems will equip you to design human energy service solutions within environmental, social, economic and technical parameters, for a low-carbon society in the 21st century.

Transport Learn to face the challenges of urban global growth and the consequent costs of traffic congestion and road safety to governments, communities and individuals through studies in transport planning and strategic modelling, advanced traffic and transit operations, and intelligent transport systems.

Cross-disciplinary option Or you can choose to complete your Master of Engineering without specialisation. Customise your study plan to suit your interests by choosing any units from the course electives suite.

Postgraduate studies are also available in:

• Engineering Management • Engineering (Power Generation) – industry sponsored • Engineering (Railway Infrastructure) – industry sponsored • Infrastructure Management • Project Management • Urban Development

An alternative entry pathway to these masters exists through the Graduate Certificate in Built Environment and Engineering.

For more information or to apply for our July 2012 intake, please phone (07) 3138 8822, email [email protected] or visit www.qut.edu.au/engineering.

CRICOS No. 00213J BEE-12-319 ©QUT 2012 18714

QUT’s new Master of Engineering degree will take your engineering career to the next level.




QUT takes holistic approach to energy systems research and education

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is a leading

Australian university in the field of energy systems, with both its research focus and its new Master of Engineering – Sustainable Energy specialisation focusing on the five key areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, power convertors, energy delivery and integrated system modelling. Together these areas represent an integrated system approach to the supply and management of energy in society.

A holistic approach to research

QUT’s applied energy and research program focuses on strategies that have been, or could be, applied in Queensland to maximise the energy efficiency potential of the residential sector. Combining technical, social and economic methodologies, the program, led by Dr Wendy Miller, quantifies and qualifies the multiple benefits of bundling strategies. These strategies incorporate optimisation of energy efficiency strategies in building design, house construction, appliances and energy technologies, as well as the roles that all people in the housing supply chain

play in contributing to energy efficiency outcomes.

Technical aspects of this program focus on building physics, energy utilisation and supply strategies. This includes the use of physics-based thermal simulation software to demonstrate design strategies that optimise the performance of new construction materials and processes, such as advanced glazing and structural insulated panel. Data from thermal imaging and air leakage testing from both occupied and display homes in South-East Queensland and Townsville is analysed to evaluate the impact of houses as they are constructed. Methods used reveal often-hidden strengths and weaknesses in the housing construction sector that impact energy efficiency potential.

One study of consumption and generation data from occupied homes in a South-East Queensland estate showed household energy consumption 50–80 per cent below the South-East Queensland average, and, with small solar power systems, the benefits of zero energy or near zero energy homes due to the building strategies. The project has also conducted some initial

analysis of the impact of urban planning on household efficiency potential, and the effect that suburbs of high efficiency houses would have on electricity infrastructure.

New microgrid facility to aid energy research

QUT’s new Microgrid Facility (MGF), led by Professor Gerard Ledwich, provides a unique platform for new research and interaction amongst researchers working in the areas of renewable energy, distributed generation, distributed storage, power systems, demand management, communications and

power electronics. The new research facility will enhance university-industry research collaboration in areas such as distributed energy resources and the validation and ongoing improvements of QUT–developed inverter voltage controllers and protections systems in distribution networks.

Assessing social factors

The new test facilities complement a techno-social approach to research programs such as electricity demand side management models, optimisation and customer engagement.

Professor Laurie Buys leads the social change and design research that focuses on social sustainability, understanding consumer behaviour and consumers’ capacity to adapt to market restraints and the resultant complicated technology.

Advanced systems modelling is needed to manage this complexity. Professor Robin Drogemuller, previously involved in building envelope energy performance standards and their implementation through the Building Code of Australia, leads research in agent-based modelling with applications such as the optimisation of the planning, management and operation of building infrastructure and energy systems. Interfacing CAD and analysis software with the vast amount of data from a wide array of sensors can lead to the development of decision support models and alerting systems to enable better management of built assets.

Addressing the skills issue

To support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon future, QUT is actively involved in several projects relating to identifying and addressing skill shortages, such as membership of the Australian government’s Energy Efficiency Advisory Group, engagement with Engineers Australia in delivering stakeholder workshops, and the development of curriculum frameworks for renewing sustainable energy education in the tertiary sector (Australian Learning and Teaching Council).

Sustainability masters for engineers

Commencing in July 2012, QUT’s new Master of Engineering – Sustainable Energy specialisation course reflects on all of these activities through a multi-disciplinary integrated systems approach that also addresses the current and future skills needs of industry.

Its foundation is on holistic system awareness extending beyond traditional systems engineering to incorporate skills in identifying and evaluating the physical, cultural, economic and environmental systems within which energy services are to be delivered.

Future-mindedness, diagnostic skills, modelling, benchmarking and life-cycle thinking are integrated into the course. To address behavioural and organisational considerations, the course puts a strong focus on communications with participants actively developing their skills in engaging all stakeholders and presenting proposed solutions in the language and format appropriate for different stakeholder needs.

For more information about QUT’s sustainability research and the new Master of Engineering course, contact Dr Wendy Miller at QUT’s Science and Engineering Faculty. Dr Miller’s details can be found at http://staff.qut.edu.au/staff/millerw2/.

Master of Engineering specialisation units

Just some of the sustainability-themed units (subjects) available within QUT’s new masters program:

Energy Systems Fundamentals focuses on the identification and critical analysis of component parts of energy systems, the functioning of various energy systems as a whole, and the inter-relationships between energy systems and other environmental, social and economic systems. It incorporates the processes of identifying, implementing and evaluating energy efficiency opportunities.

Solar Thermal Systems (Heat and Power) focuses on solar geometry and solar resource assessment, and the manipulation, concentration and conversion of solar thermal energy into useful energy services for industry, buildings and direct use.

Energy Optimised Buildings and Communities is based on the premise that a low-carbon, environmentally sustainable future is dependent on the optimisation of energy efficiency and embedded renewable energy systems at a building and precinct level, requiring an integrated systems approach to the design, construction, operation and performance evaluation of our built environment.

Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Storage and Electricity Distribution Systems explores the strategies and tools used for the identification and modelling of electrical service needs, renewable energy resource assessment and forecasting processes, and the key science and engineering of energy conversion chains from primary renewable energy sources to final electrical services. Smart and efficient energy storage and distribution systems are explored as part of this ‘well-to-wheel’ supply chain analysis.

Climate change is just one of the factors that emphasises the urgent need for a transition to a new energy system that is low carbon and places lower demand on network infrastructure. The low-carbon energy system of the near future will incorporate renewable energy, smarter use of power grids and dramatically increased energy efficiency in our homes, buildings and industry.

Each part of the housing supply chain has a part to play in the optimisation of energy efficiency...

The course aims to equip students to actively participate in sustainable energy solutions in research, industry, advocacy, markets and politics.

Energy systems aren’t just about engineering, science and technology – it is people that create the need for energy services.

Professor Robin Drogemuller – developing decision support models for better asset management

Professor Laurie Buys – focusing on social sustainability, consumers’ behaviour and their capacity to adapt

Dr Wendy Miller – leading QUT’s holistic approach to energy sustainability

Professor Gerard Ledwich – developing new platforms for energy research




QUT takes holistic approach to energy systems research and education

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is a leading

Australian university in the field of energy systems, with both its research focus and its new Master of Engineering – Sustainable Energy specialisation focusing on the five key areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, power convertors, energy delivery and integrated system modelling. Together these areas represent an integrated system approach to the supply and management of energy in society.

A holistic approach to research

QUT’s applied energy and research program focuses on strategies that have been, or could be, applied in Queensland to maximise the energy efficiency potential of the residential sector. Combining technical, social and economic methodologies, the program, led by Dr Wendy Miller, quantifies and qualifies the multiple benefits of bundling strategies. These strategies incorporate optimisation of energy efficiency strategies in building design, house construction, appliances and energy technologies, as well as the roles that all people in the housing supply chain

play in contributing to energy efficiency outcomes.

Technical aspects of this program focus on building physics, energy utilisation and supply strategies. This includes the use of physics-based thermal simulation software to demonstrate design strategies that optimise the performance of new construction materials and processes, such as advanced glazing and structural insulated panel. Data from thermal imaging and air leakage testing from both occupied and display homes in South-East Queensland and Townsville is analysed to evaluate the impact of houses as they are constructed. Methods used reveal often-hidden strengths and weaknesses in the housing construction sector that impact energy efficiency potential.

One study of consumption and generation data from occupied homes in a South-East Queensland estate showed household energy consumption 50–80 per cent below the South-East Queensland average, and, with small solar power systems, the benefits of zero energy or near zero energy homes due to the building strategies. The project has also conducted some initial

analysis of the impact of urban planning on household efficiency potential, and the effect that suburbs of high efficiency houses would have on electricity infrastructure.

New microgrid facility to aid energy research

QUT’s new Microgrid Facility (MGF), led by Professor Gerard Ledwich, provides a unique platform for new research and interaction amongst researchers working in the areas of renewable energy, distributed generation, distributed storage, power systems, demand management, communications and

power electronics. The new research facility will enhance university-industry research collaboration in areas such as distributed energy resources and the validation and ongoing improvements of QUT–developed inverter voltage controllers and protections systems in distribution networks.

Assessing social factors

The new test facilities complement a techno-social approach to research programs such as electricity demand side management models, optimisation and customer engagement.

Professor Laurie Buys leads the social change and design research that focuses on social sustainability, understanding consumer behaviour and consumers’ capacity to adapt to market restraints and the resultant complicated technology.

Advanced systems modelling is needed to manage this complexity. Professor Robin Drogemuller, previously involved in building envelope energy performance standards and their implementation through the Building Code of Australia, leads research in agent-based modelling with applications such as the optimisation of the planning, management and operation of building infrastructure and energy systems. Interfacing CAD and analysis software with the vast amount of data from a wide array of sensors can lead to the development of decision support models and alerting systems to enable better management of built assets.

Addressing the skills issue

To support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon future, QUT is actively involved in several projects relating to identifying and addressing skill shortages, such as membership of the Australian government’s Energy Efficiency Advisory Group, engagement with Engineers Australia in delivering stakeholder workshops, and the development of curriculum frameworks for renewing sustainable energy education in the tertiary sector (Australian Learning and Teaching Council).

Sustainability masters for engineers

Commencing in July 2012, QUT’s new Master of Engineering – Sustainable Energy specialisation course reflects on all of these activities through a multi-disciplinary integrated systems approach that also addresses the current and future skills needs of industry.

Its foundation is on holistic system awareness extending beyond traditional systems engineering to incorporate skills in identifying and evaluating the physical, cultural, economic and environmental systems within which energy services are to be delivered.

Future-mindedness, diagnostic skills, modelling, benchmarking and life-cycle thinking are integrated into the course. To address behavioural and organisational considerations, the course puts a strong focus on communications with participants actively developing their skills in engaging all stakeholders and presenting proposed solutions in the language and format appropriate for different stakeholder needs.

For more information about QUT’s sustainability research and the new Master of Engineering course, contact Dr Wendy Miller at QUT’s Science and Engineering Faculty. Dr Miller’s details can be found at http://staff.qut.edu.au/staff/millerw2/.

Master of Engineering specialisation units

Just some of the sustainability-themed units (subjects) available within QUT’s new masters program:

Energy Systems Fundamentals focuses on the identification and critical analysis of component parts of energy systems, the functioning of various energy systems as a whole, and the inter-relationships between energy systems and other environmental, social and economic systems. It incorporates the processes of identifying, implementing and evaluating energy efficiency opportunities.

Solar Thermal Systems (Heat and Power) focuses on solar geometry and solar resource assessment, and the manipulation, concentration and conversion of solar thermal energy into useful energy services for industry, buildings and direct use.

Energy Optimised Buildings and Communities is based on the premise that a low-carbon, environmentally sustainable future is dependent on the optimisation of energy efficiency and embedded renewable energy systems at a building and precinct level, requiring an integrated systems approach to the design, construction, operation and performance evaluation of our built environment.

Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Storage and Electricity Distribution Systems explores the strategies and tools used for the identification and modelling of electrical service needs, renewable energy resource assessment and forecasting processes, and the key science and engineering of energy conversion chains from primary renewable energy sources to final electrical services. Smart and efficient energy storage and distribution systems are explored as part of this ‘well-to-wheel’ supply chain analysis.

Climate change is just one of the factors that emphasises the urgent need for a transition to a new energy system that is low carbon and places lower demand on network infrastructure. The low-carbon energy system of the near future will incorporate renewable energy, smarter use of power grids and dramatically increased energy efficiency in our homes, buildings and industry.

Each part of the housing supply chain has a part to play in the optimisation of energy efficiency...

The course aims to equip students to actively participate in sustainable energy solutions in research, industry, advocacy, markets and politics.

Energy systems aren’t just about engineering, science and technology – it is people that create the need for energy services.

Professor Robin Drogemuller – developing decision support models for better asset management

Professor Laurie Buys – focusing on social sustainability, consumers’ behaviour and their capacity to adapt

Dr Wendy Miller – leading QUT’s holistic approach to energy sustainability

Professor Gerard Ledwich – developing new platforms for energy research




THE WARSAW I SAW WAS NOT AN EYESOREWhat do you think when I say Warsaw? Some people draw a complete blank, others think of Communism and housing blocks and, oddly enough, many just think of Russia. Warsaw is certainly something completely different.

WORDS & IMAGES | GARTH MASTERS




Mar

ket S

quar

e, W

arsa

w




Warsaw is the capital of Poland and its Masovian district, and recent host of the European Union Presidency. It is believed, officially, to be

home to 2.5 million people and growing rapidly, though many Varsovian residents would suggest the population is nearly double. The city is divided physically, and some would say mentally, by the Vistula River (Wisła, in Polish pronounced vis-wa). The left bank is the “centrum” area, which comprises the famous Warsaw Old Town and is the central business district; and the right bank is known as an industrial, working class area with newer neighbourhoods.Warsaw’s residents are lucky because the city truly experiences four distinct seasons. It is particularly beautiful in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.What makes Warsaw magical Although Warsaw was settled around 1300, it is to me one of the newest of all capitals in Europe. About 85 per cent of the city was destroyed after WWII, which means the majority of Warsaw is now only about 70 years old now.The result is a city unlike any other in Europe. Warsaw’s inhabitants are proud of their heritage,

traditions and history, but likewise embrace the freedom and modernity that came after the collapse of Communism in 1989. The rapid development of new shopping precincts and eating establishments in recent years testifies to the relative strength of the city’s economy. It is now a major international tourist destination. The top ten places in Warsaw according to polls are: s The Botanical Gardenss The Palace of Culture and Sciences The Right Bank district of Pragas Old Towns The Uprising Museums Łazienki Palace complexs Wilanow Palaces Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Swiat s The National Museums The Warsaw University Library While most tourists who visit Warsaw and Poland in general, do so in the summer months, visitors from the Southern Hemisphere often come during the less hospitable December/January period when the city is blanketed in snow and ice. So, what can you do all year round in Warsaw?

The Palace of Culture and Science is the best all-year-round attraction. In the warmer months, you can stand on the 30th floor observation deck and enjoy a slow sunset, while in the winter you get to see the city softened by snow and aglow with lights.Walking along Warsaw’s best known and most prestigious streets, Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Swiat, you will see a multitude of cafes, restaurants, palaces, churches (including one with the heart of Chopin), and many boutique shops. You can admire Polish women, always impeccably dressed and somehow able to walk on cobbles and pavers in very high heels, snow or sun, it makes no difference. You can sit on special benches that play Chopin’s music or, if you are lucky, catch a glimpse of a wedding party leaving or entering the church of Saint Anne. If you are there near Christmas, you can marvel at the street lights.However, Warsaw’s best kept secret is the food. The city’s cuisine is understated; yet there is so much more than just pickles and sausage. The quintessential experience of local cuisine is pierogi, a type of dumpling filled with all manner of stuffings. It is normally steamed/boiled (gotowany) but can also be baked

Wisl

a O

ld T

own

‘You can sit on a bench that will play Chopin music or, if you are lucky, catch a glimpse of a wedding party leaving or entering the church of Saint Anne.’



The

Pala

ce o

f Cul

ture

and

Sci

ence




(pieczony) or fried (smażony). There are many different varieties, but the most common are pierogi ruskie, Russian style (white cheese, fried onion, potatoes and white pepper), and pierogi z kapusta i grzybami (cabbage and mushrooms). These can be made at any time of the year with such ingredients, and also eaten on religious days when meat is frowned upon. However, pierogi are not just savoury, they also make delicious deserts when made with apple, blueberries and strawberries. In Warsaw, wherever you see the sign Pierogarnia, you

Cen

tral

Sta

tion

‘The Palace of Culture and Science is to me the best all year round attraction, in the warmer months you can stand on the

30th floor observation deck and enjoy a slow sunset, where as in the snowing months you get to see an all together different city

softened by snow and with all the lights on.’

The

rebu

ilt R

oyal

Pal

ace

at th

e st

art o

f the

Old

Tow

n di

stric

t.



Autu

mna

l pro

duce

are assured of a good meal. For a great variety of pierogi and English-speaking waitresses in traditional garb, try Zapiecek on Świętojańska 13 in the Old Town, opposite the Archikatedra św. Jana Chrzciciela Cathedral. Nine pieces will cost around 23PLN or about $6.50.For a taste of Warsaw at the turn of the 20th century, try the classic Wedel Pijalnia (meaning Wedel drinking location). Wedel is the most famous of Polish chocolate brands and the Pijalnia on ul. Szpitalna 8 in the city centre is fabulous. The waitresses are dressed as 1920s

tearoom hosts and the drinking chocolate and truffles really are wonderful. It is a popular place in winter – to warm up, discuss business or even take a date. Make sure you try the torcik wedlowski (the Wedel wafer cake). Some other food highlights are: s Golonka (pork knuckle)s Gołąbki (cabbage rolls)s Żurek (sour rye soup) s Flaki (tripe)

s Bigos (hunters stew)s Pączki (Polish donuts)s Makowiec (Poppy seed cake)s Polish sour dough bread I find Warsaw as compared to other capital cities in Europe to be cheap, clean and modern. It has everything you could need and lots of hidden gems. There must be a reason it has just hosted the Euro 2012 football tournament.Next issue, Berlin.

‘The quintessential experience of local cuisine is pierogi, a type of dumpling filled with all manner of stuffings.’

Trad

ition

al P

iero

gi

Osc

ypek

on

the

grill

aj



With more and more people travelling overseas for pleasure or business, advances in technology are enhancing the travel experience.

If you are a frequent international traveller, it’s likely that you have seen or used SmartGate before. In fact, more than 6 million travellers have used SmartGate Australia-wide since its inception.

SmartGate is a state-of-the-art biometric face recognition technology that offers eligible travellers arriving into Australia’s international airports the option to self-process. It provides a secure, efficient way to clear through passport control.

SmartGate explained

SmartGate is a simple two-step process involving a kiosk and a gate.

The kiosk (step 1) checks if you are eligible to self-process. Kiosks are located within the passport control area.

The gate (step 2) uses the data in your ePassport and face recognition technology to perform the customs and immigration checks that are usually conducted by a Customs and Border Protection officer.

Once you’ve made your way through the gate, you are still subject to all existing customs, immigration and quarantine requirements. You must also continue to declare any goods subject to government prohibitions or restrictions.

Facial recognition technology

Customs and Border Protection uses facial recognition technology because it is less intrusive than other biometric measures, easy to use and more broadly applicable to the general population.

Face recognition technology works by mapping the underlying bone structure of the face. With SmartGate, a mathematical formula is used to check that the photo of your face matches your ePassport photo.

For the face matching process to be effective, it is important that SmartGate can clearly see your face. So when using the gate, you can leave your prescription glasses on but you will need to remove sunglasses and hats.

Don’t worry if you’ve changed your hairstyle or your weight—SmartGate has been designed to allow for small changes in appearance.

More Australian and New Zealand travellers can now use SmartGate

The first SmartGate opened at Brisbane in 2007 and has been rolled out progressively since then. You can now use SmartGate when you arrive in Australia at Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Gold Coast and Darwin international airports.

In January 2012 the age eligibility for SmartGate was lowered from 18 years to 16 years. If you have an Australian or New Zealand ePassport and you are aged 16 years or over, you can use SmartGate.

All Australian passports issued after 24 October 2005 and all New Zealand passports issued after November 2005 are called ePassports. You will know that you have an ePassport by the ePassport symbol on the front cover (see image).

If you have an older passport, without the ePassport symbol on the cover, you won’t be able to use SmartGate until you renew your passport.

Why use SmartGate?

SmartGate gives you a choice about how you are processed when you arrive back in Australia after international travel. You can choose to be cleared by a Customs and Border Protection officer or use SmartGate to self-process. Using SmartGate to self-process may be faster than waiting for a Customs and Border Protection officer, particularly during peak periods.

The number of arrivals and departures at Australian international airports continues to grow. SmartGate is just one initiative Customs and Border Protection is using to process increasing traveller numbers efficiently and securely.

Next time you return from your travels overseas, look for the SmartGate kiosks and streamline your arrival with SmartGate.

Streamline your arrival into Australia using SmartGate

‘Get a head start’

ePassport symbol

Did you know?• Morethan6milliontravellershaveused

SmartGateinAustraliasinceitopenedinAugust2007.(AsatMarch2012).

• Youdon’tneedtoapplyorregistertouseSmartGate,yousimplyneedtoholdanAustralianorNewZealandePassportandbeaged16orover.

• YoucantellifyourpassportisanePassportbylookingatthebottomofthefrontcoverforthegoldePassportsymbol.

• Ifyoucannotcompletetheprocessateitherthekioskorthegate,youwillbedirectedtoaSmartGateassistancedesktobemanuallyprocessedbyaCustomsandBorderProtectionofficer.Youwon’thavetogotothebackofthequeue.

• YoucanfindmoreinformationaboutSmartGateatwww.customs.gov.au/smartgate

Using SmartGate is simple

Step 1:• Look for the SmartGate kiosk, located in

the concourses or at passport control.

• Place your ePassport into the reader and answer a few questions using the touch screen.

• Follow the instructions on the screen and proceed to the gate.

Step 2:• Look for the gate, located at passport

control.

• Follow the instructions on the screen.

• Remove sunglasses or hats.

• Look at the camera while your face is compared to your ePassport photo.

• When the gates open, proceed to the baggage hall to collect your luggage.

Remember to keep your Passport, your SmartGate ticket and your Incoming Passenger Card together. You will need them again once you have picked up your luggage.

‘Using SmartGate is simple’



With more and more people travelling overseas for pleasure or business, advances in technology are enhancing the travel experience.

If you are a frequent international traveller, it’s likely that you have seen or used SmartGate before. In fact, more than 6 million travellers have used SmartGate Australia-wide since its inception.

SmartGate is a state-of-the-art biometric face recognition technology that offers eligible travellers arriving into Australia’s international airports the option to self-process. It provides a secure, efficient way to clear through passport control.

SmartGate explained

SmartGate is a simple two-step process involving a kiosk and a gate.

The kiosk (step 1) checks if you are eligible to self-process. Kiosks are located within the passport control area.

The gate (step 2) uses the data in your ePassport and face recognition technology to perform the customs and immigration checks that are usually conducted by a Customs and Border Protection officer.

Once you’ve made your way through the gate, you are still subject to all existing customs, immigration and quarantine requirements. You must also continue to declare any goods subject to government prohibitions or restrictions.

Facial recognition technology

Customs and Border Protection uses facial recognition technology because it is less intrusive than other biometric measures, easy to use and more broadly applicable to the general population.

Face recognition technology works by mapping the underlying bone structure of the face. With SmartGate, a mathematical formula is used to check that the photo of your face matches your ePassport photo.

For the face matching process to be effective, it is important that SmartGate can clearly see your face. So when using the gate, you can leave your prescription glasses on but you will need to remove sunglasses and hats.

Don’t worry if you’ve changed your hairstyle or your weight—SmartGate has been designed to allow for small changes in appearance.

More Australian and New Zealand travellers can now use SmartGate

The first SmartGate opened at Brisbane in 2007 and has been rolled out progressively since then. You can now use SmartGate when you arrive in Australia at Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Gold Coast and Darwin international airports.

In January 2012 the age eligibility for SmartGate was lowered from 18 years to 16 years. If you have an Australian or New Zealand ePassport and you are aged 16 years or over, you can use SmartGate.

All Australian passports issued after 24 October 2005 and all New Zealand passports issued after November 2005 are called ePassports. You will know that you have an ePassport by the ePassport symbol on the front cover (see image).

If you have an older passport, without the ePassport symbol on the cover, you won’t be able to use SmartGate until you renew your passport.

Why use SmartGate?

SmartGate gives you a choice about how you are processed when you arrive back in Australia after international travel. You can choose to be cleared by a Customs and Border Protection officer or use SmartGate to self-process. Using SmartGate to self-process may be faster than waiting for a Customs and Border Protection officer, particularly during peak periods.

The number of arrivals and departures at Australian international airports continues to grow. SmartGate is just one initiative Customs and Border Protection is using to process increasing traveller numbers efficiently and securely.

Next time you return from your travels overseas, look for the SmartGate kiosks and streamline your arrival with SmartGate.

Streamline your arrival into Australia using SmartGate

‘Get a head start’

ePassport symbol

Did you know?• Morethan6milliontravellershaveused

SmartGateinAustraliasinceitopenedinAugust2007.(AsatMarch2012).

• Youdon’tneedtoapplyorregistertouseSmartGate,yousimplyneedtoholdanAustralianorNewZealandePassportandbeaged16orover.

• YoucantellifyourpassportisanePassportbylookingatthebottomofthefrontcoverforthegoldePassportsymbol.

• Ifyoucannotcompletetheprocessateitherthekioskorthegate,youwillbedirectedtoaSmartGateassistancedesktobemanuallyprocessedbyaCustomsandBorderProtectionofficer.Youwon’thavetogotothebackofthequeue.

• YoucanfindmoreinformationaboutSmartGateatwww.customs.gov.au/smartgate

Using SmartGate is simple

Step 1:• Look for the SmartGate kiosk, located in

the concourses or at passport control.

• Place your ePassport into the reader and answer a few questions using the touch screen.

• Follow the instructions on the screen and proceed to the gate.

Step 2:• Look for the gate, located at passport

control.

• Follow the instructions on the screen.

• Remove sunglasses or hats.

• Look at the camera while your face is compared to your ePassport photo.

• When the gates open, proceed to the baggage hall to collect your luggage.

Remember to keep your Passport, your SmartGate ticket and your Incoming Passenger Card together. You will need them again once you have picked up your luggage.

‘Using SmartGate is simple’



Tweed Coast Holiday Parks in NSW offers seven spectacular holiday destinations on the Beautiful Tweed Coast - an area rich in natural wonders with a temperate climate all year round. All parks are situated in idyllic locations with beachfront or riverside views.

The spectacular subtropical region of the Tweed Coast is the idyllic location for

summer family holidays, weekend getaways or weekend winter warmers for those who aren’t fortunate enough to enjoy a temperate climate all year round.With 37 kilometers of unspoilt surf beaches, you can enjoy some of the best surf breaks in the world. As well as surfing, there are a myriad of water sports that can be enjoyed in the Tweed. Swim, snorkel, water-ski, throw in a line or whatever takes your fancy, all in the magnificent expanses of uncrowded beaches or waterways surrounded by picturesque headlands. And not only does the Tweed offer some

of the best coastlines in the World but also majestic national parks and rainforests, including several World-Heritage listed areas. Towering over Tweed Valley is Mount Warning, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest extinct shield volcano – a must climb for the adventurous types, or even those who just want to capture a glimpse of a mesmerising sunset.

Surfari TentsCamping holidays have gone upmarket at Tweed Coast Holiday Parks with the arrival of Surfari tents at Kingscliff North and Hastings Point Holiday Parks. Everything is provided in the luxury, en-suite tents which

are beachfront in Kingscliff or back onto the Cudgera Creek at Hastings Point on the beautiful Tweed Coast.Modelled on the luxury safari tents which are popular on African safaris, the canvas tents are elevated on a wooden deck and feature a kitchenette, tv, queen bed and double bunks for the kids with en-suite.The Surfari tents sleep 4 with the larger Bombora tents at Hastings Point sleeping 6. With the Tweed offering a number of five-star resorts, the Surfari tents offer a quality accommodation option to suit people and families with smaller budgets in great water side locations.

There truly is so much excitement on the Tweed




Discover theseven wondersof the Tweed

Tweed Coast Holiday

Parks has seven exciting

destinations that will keep

you and the kids happy.

With plenty of beaches,

national parks, fi shing

spots and much more, the

kids will be entertained.

And, the comfortable

accommodation will fi t

the bill – with plenty of

cash to spare. qu

adra

nt.c

om.a

u T

RT

2176

6

A choice of affordable accommodationwith beachfront or riverside views available

BOOK NOW!

For a simply perfect coastal holiday,

book now. Freecall 1800 234 121or email: [email protected]

www.tchp.com.au

Caravans

Cabins

T

P

d

y

W

n

s

k

A

Kingscliff North

Camping

Boyds Bay

Hastings Point bostings Point

Pottsville SouthP

Pottsville North

K

Fingal

H

Kingscliff Beach




Let’s KOH SAMUISince opening in 1987, The Tongsai Bay has established itself as the leading family owned hotel on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, Thailand. Hidden amongst 25 acres of breathtaking natural beauty and overlooking a sandy bay, the hotel is renowned for its privacy and tranquility, its passionate love for the environment and last but not least, the friendliness and professionalism of its staff.

WORDS & IMAGES | CRAIG DAVIES




Let’s KOH SAMUI




It all began in 1985 when the late Akorn Hoontrakul, then chairman of The Imperial Hotel Group, saw Tongsai Bay from the sea and declared that it was love at first sight.

Seven days later Akorn purchased the land. For three months he slept on the beach, dreaming of his ideal resort, and started to plan the layout and location of the rooms. A key challenge was to do it without cutting down a single tree or cause damage to the beautiful natural surroundings. The Tongsai Bay opened its doors in July 1987 and became the first five-star luxury hotel on Koh Samui, under the umbrella of The Imperial Hotel Group. Following a period of illness in 1993, Akorn sold the Imperial Hotel Group whilst retaining The Tongsai Bay, because he wanted to live out the rest of his life there with his beloved wife Chompunute.

In 2000 Akorn passed away and management of The Tongsai Bay moved to the capable hands of his son, Thanakorn and his daughter in-law, Saisiri who both share Akorn’s passion for the environment and for providing the highest standards of hospitality and service. In 2009 Michael Holehouse, a seasoned British born hotelier with 14 years experience of working in Thailand was appointed Managing Director. He reports directly to the family who now reside in Bangkok. Michael is equally committed to taking The Tongsai Bay to even higher levels of service whilst maintaining the green policies already in place. Tongsai Bay’s peaceful and secluded beach is almost 200 metres long and never gets crowded even when the hotel is full. Although the sand is of a course type it is completely natural and kept in pristine condition. The beach slopes quite steeply into the sea and within a few steps the water is deep – making it ideal for swimming

and enjoying the free water sports available – Hobie Cats, sailboats, windsurfers and kayaks.Perhaps their greatest claim is that no hotel or resort on the island offers the privacy and isolation guests enjoy. That means there are no beach vendors or outside visitors. Additionally, in keeping with our ‘green policy’ and their passion for tranquility, no motorised water sports are available or allowed.

A PAMPERING EXPERIENCE One of the most important facilities of The Tongsai Bay is the Prana Spa. Spa treatments are now firmly established as a major component of a holiday in Thailand. The Spa, set amidst the hotel’s natural green surroundings, provides a selection of therapeutic, healing and restorative treatments, which can help control or decrease stress and thereby lessen susceptibility to stress-related problems. Of course, many of our treatments are simply there for your pleasure!



Tongsai Bay offer some original treatments such as the “Samui Dream” which is a traditional Thai remedy combining coconut oil and local herbs to repair sunburned skin. Each spa cottage offers complete privacy and tranquility – they are equipped with two massage beds, two treatment beds, two easy chairs for foot treatments, a steam room, and an open-air bathtub for floral baths. Our experienced Spa Manager will be delighted to discuss your requirements and recommend suitable courses of treatment.The Tongsai Bay has created some unique packages for your pleasure. Whether you are looking for a short getaway break, a medium length holiday with lots of value added benefits or a once in a lifetime romantic extravaganza – we have something to suit you.For those of you planning to get married, as Koh Samui’s most romantic hotel, they can offer you that perfect wedding as well as assistance throughout the planning stages.

Last but not least, they are the ideal venue for that small executive meeting or staff motivational get-together. Flexibility is the name of the game and they can ‘tailor make’ the ideal programme to meet all your needs

ACCOMMODATION A variety of accommodations are available that range from Beachfront Suites, Cottage Suites, Special Cottage Suites, Tongsai Grand Villas, Tongsai Pool Villas, all the way up to the ultra flash two Special Villas (Akorn and Nang Gong)that are situated on the hillside and are the most wonderful villas to relax and take in the eye-catching vista. RESTAURANTS & BARS There are a miriad of options to satisfy even the most discerning diner in the resort. The Po-Lad Bistro & Bar, located on the beachfront and next to the main swimming pool, is both open

air and also has a covered air conditioned area, offering contemporary international cuisine (Thai, Chinese and Western influence).Chef Chom’s Thai Restaurant is located on the hill leading down to the beach. The restaurant seats 100 indoors and on the terrace with spectacular views across the bay. Chef Chom’s Thai Restaurant specialises in Royal Thai Cuisine with an a la carte menu and with the most sumptuous seafood you could imagine.The Butler’s Restaurant is truly unbelievable, with a Europen slant on the food and with only 20 seats available, becomes a very intimate affair. The restaurant is situated near the half moon pool and only allows children over the age of 12 to dine. For further information, go to www.tongsaibay.co.th

aj


It all began in the year 2006! Richard and Marisse Kinnon and their children Abigail, Jeremy and Lane, were in their fifth year of consistent drought on their Outback Queensland Cattle Station. It was evident that this family had to do something to help retain their cherished grazing land and the way of life if offered. With their passion for history and heritage, Kinnon & Co was born:

* 2006 The Station Store created

* 2006 The real life galloping Cobb & Co ride was founded

* 2007 The million star “Clancy’s on the Thomson” overnight tour innovated

Life became more hectic than ever.

Every day a new set of challenges. The business was bursting at the seams and needed to grow in order to deliver a more comprehensive experience.

* 2010 The unique outback evening experience on the Old Paddlewheeler revived

* 2010 The old time tent show about our famous cattle duffer – Harry Redford retold

* 2011 Accommodation Kinnon & Co Outback Lodges purchased, to complete the whole experience for the traveller.

All this history and heritage can be relived with a family that is proud of their forefathers who made this wonderful land what it is.

Kinnon & Co. is a family owned and operated business, however, our staff take on ownership of the name and are integral and proud of helping create the Kinnon & Co. experience. We love providing a historical experience for you, our guests, but we also acknowledge that this experience has allowed us to keep our grazing land and provide jobs for fellow Australians.

I had a dream..



STEP BACK IN TIME WITH KINNON & CO....




Just when financial markets seemed to be making some headway after the volatility of recent months, the European debt crisis has sparked a new round of market jitters.And it isn’t just Europe that’s been

making investors nervous. Moves by the Chinese government to reign in growth to more sustainable levels, while potentially positive in the long run, have nonetheless seen commodity prices fall. That’s impacted the share price performance of Australian miners, driving our market lower.By 18 May 2012, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index had fallen 8.4% from its 2012 high a few weeks before, wiping out the gains achieved earlier in the year. (Source: Colonial First State) What does it mean for your investments?At times like this, it’s only natural for investors to be concerned. But while everyone wishes the market was performing more strongly, it’s also important to put these latest developments into perspective.Although the Greek situation has shaken world markets, its direct impact on the Australian economy may be relatively small, although the financial impact will still be felt by Australian companies. Nevertheless, while commodity prices have declined in 2012, with the broad-based Thomson Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index losing 7.3% since the beginning of the year, it is still 45% above its lows in March 2009. So commodity prices remain strong.

How should you respond?When markets disappoint, it’s important to step back and focus on the fundamentals of good investing. Here are some essential principles to keep in mind.1. Stay diversified

Experience shows that diversification can be a good strategy for smoothing out investment returns and managing risk, while still achieving the returns you need to reach your investment goals. Depending on your risk profile, that means holding a portfolio spread across a variety of asset classes, including cash and fixed interest for stable returns, plus property and infrastructure, Australian shares and global shares for capital growth.

2. Take a long-term view While market volatility can have a significant effect on your investments over the short term, its impact tends to be smoothed out over time. So if you’re investing for the long term, it makes sense to take a long-term view. That means staying invested and giving your portfolio time to recover

After all, if you react to short-term market movements by exiting or switching your investments, you may risk turning your paper losses into real losses, while missing out on any recovery down the track3. Ensure your portfolio matches your risk

profile That isn’t to say you shouldn’t review your portfolio and your strategy to make sure they

VOLATILE MARKETS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEMThe European debt crisis, lower Chinese growth expectations and a drop in commodity prices have combined to drive a new wave of volatility on world financial markets. So what does it mean for your super and your investments? And how should you respond?

WORDS | ROB SYMONS IMAGE | SHUTTERSTOCK

still fit your needs. In particular, it’s a good idea to check that your portfolio still matches your investment time-frame and risk profile, with the right mix of defensive and growth assets.

Remember, when markets are volatile, there are often good opportunities to buy assets at discounted prices. The aim is not to time the market, but to get the right balance between risk and reward, achieving the highest return compatible with your personal attitude to risk.4. Consider a cash investment

We understand that, in this uncertain environment, many investors are looking for a low-risk cash investment that helps them earn a competitive return while keeping funds on hand for emerging opportunities.

The chart below shows how these and other major asset classes performed during the year to 31 March 2012. It’s a useful reminder that one month’s underperformer can often be next month’s best performing asset class - which is why it’s important to diversify. ASSET CLASS PERFORMANCE, MARCH 2011-MARCH 2012

aj



This document contains general advice. It does not take account of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider talking to a financial adviser before making a financial decision.

Rob Symons is an authorised representatives of Financial Wisdom Limited ABN 70 006 646 108, AFSL 231138, (Financial Wisdom) a wholly-owned, non-guaranteed subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank

of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Information in this document is based on current regulatory requirements and laws as at 1st July 2012, which may be subject to change. While care has been taken in the preparation of this document, no liability is accepted by Financial Wisdom, its related entities, agents and employees for any loss arising from reliance on this document.Should you require any further information please contact Rob on (08)82232915 or email [email protected]




You know you want the best care, but the practical financial issues also need to be considered.• Is the preferred aged care facility

affordable in both the short and long term?

• Will the choices you make now impact on pension entitlements?

• Will the family home need to be sold to obtain capital to pay for the aged care facility?

Before a person enters residential aged care, they must be assessed and approved by the government’s Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). ACAT helps older people and those who care for them decide what kind of care will best meet their needs when they can no longer manage on their own. ACAT is made up of a range of health care professionals, including doctors, nurses and social workers There are two levels of care:• Low level residential: provides accommodation and personal care, such as help with dressing and showering, as well as occasional nursing care.

• High level residential care: provides care for people with a greater degree of frailty, who often need continuous (24-hour) nursing care.While the Australian Government provides funding to residential aged care homes to assist with the costs associated with providing care, most residents will have to pay certain fees and charges. The amount you will need to pay depends on your income and assets. An accommodation bond is the entry fee for low level care or extra service facilities. The amount you will be asked to pay will depend on your assets at the time of entry, but may be negotiated between the resident and the facility. An accommodation bond is like an interest free loan to the aged care home. You can pay it as a lump sum, regular periodic payments or as a combination of both. The majority of the bond must be refunded to you on your departure. The accommodation charge is the entry fee for high level care, and is a daily amount payable by the residents. The amount payable will depend on your level of assessable assets on the date of permanent entry.

AGED CARE - HELPING YOU TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS

When the time arises to help a loved one into an Aged Care Facility it can be confusing and emotionally challenging for all.

WORDS | DENISE KIPLING IMAGE | SHUTTERSTOCK

The basic daily care fee is an ongoing fee payable as a contribution towards your daily living costs – for example, the costs of nursing and personal care, meals, cleaning, and recreation. The basic daily care fee is negotiated between the resident and the aged care provider, subject to legislated maximums.An income tested fee is another ongoing daily fee, charged in addition to the basic daily care fee. The amount you will pay is calculated based on your income at the time you enter the aged care facility. The assessment is conducted on a quarterly basis and the income tested fee will be adjusted accordingly.Where some aged care facilities provide extra services, an extra service fee will be payable. These services can be offered across the whole facility or in a designated part. Extra services mean that the facility will provide you with a higher standard of accommodation and services, which you will pay for in the form of a daily extra service fee. Extra services may



Financial Success (SA) Pty Ltd & Denise Kipling are Authorised Representatives of Financial Wisdom Limited ABN 70 006 646 108 AFSL 231138 This information has been prepared without taking into account any one person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this you should, before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. Any taxation position described in this document is general and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice. Because of this you should, before acting on it, consider its appropriateness, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. The information in this document is current as at 20 September 2011, and is given in good faith. Reasonable care has been taken to ensure that it is derived from sources believed to be accurate, and that examples are fair and reasonable. However, it should not be considered a comprehensive statement on any matter nor relied upon as such. Financial Wisdom Limited nor any of its related entities, employees or directors gives any warranty of reliability or accuracy and do not accept any responsibility arising in any other way, including by reason of negligence for errors or omissions or any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by reliance on this presentation.This disclaimer is subject to any contrary requirement of the law.

include a choice of meals, wine or massages. Accommodation and services vary from one facility to another, so you will need to check with the provider to find out whether they provide extra services and, if so, what the extra service fee is at their facility.The value of your assets will be used to work out the entry fee for aged care. Your assessable assets for determining the amount of accommodation payment can include any property or item of value that you or your partner have an interest in within Australia and overseas. It can also include assets that you have gifted within the last

five years. Assets are assessed shortly before or at the time a person permanently enters residential aged care. Generally, your principal home will be counted as an asset for aged care assessment purposes, unless certain exemptions are applied. For example, your house would be exempt if your spouse or de facto partner continued to live in the principal house after you moved into an aged care home.The income test for aged care purposes uses total assessable income measures. Total assessable income includes ordinary income (as assessed by Centrelink/DVA) plus service pensions, income

support supplements, income support payments and any other assessable income, such as certain compensation payments and foreign pensions.There are many options when it comes to aged care and the financial decisions you make can have a major impact on the affordability of aged care in the long term. Financial arrangements can vary within a facility and from one facility to the next. It is important to seek advice regarding your personal situation. Decisions such as whether or not to sell your family home should be looked at within the bigger picture to ensure your maximise your pension entitlements.

aj



Undoubtedly one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets and I’m about to let the cat out of the bag! A Five Star Island hideaway in Thailand that I’ll bet you didn’t know existed.

On a recent trip to Thailand I had the pleasure of visiting The Racha on Racha Yai Island. Located some 12

miles south of Phuket and what can only be described as one of the most stunning and romantic island resorts I have ever experienced.

The experience begins from being collected at the airport in a BMW 5 Series (I’m feeling important already) a 45 minute drive to Chalong Bay which is the jetty were most of the boats leave from to Phi Phi Island etc, this is also were The Racha have there mainland reception. Upon arrival you are greeted with refreshing towels, welcome drinks, amenities and a hint of what awaits you on the island. It’s the little things that stand out for me; selecting your own fragranced oil and to find it burning in your room on arrival; completing check in formalities so when you arrive you

can go straight to your villa and your holiday begins, little things I know but they do make a difference.

A forty-five minute transfer from Chalong Bay by The Racha’s private boat has you landing at the floating jetty directly in front of the resort. Racha Yai is a small Island approximately 2km x 3km and nested in the most pristine bay you will experience in Thailand is the resort itself.

You are then escorted to your villa and given an introduction to your room and the resort’s amenities, right down to your own personal iPod with a large selection of music; flat screen Plasma TV and the workings of your private pool (should you have chosen that villa category).

By day the villa’s are stunning but by night they become even more alluring, with under bed lighting, a large bed with big white fluffy pillows; this sets the tone for the villa with clean, simple, modern lines; minimilistic if you like that term, large bath tubs and outdoor rain showers. The whole resort is stunning but honestly, I had trouble leaving my villa!

Sawadee Krab Welcome to Thailand’s premier deluxe island hideaway.

ADVERTORIAL



The Racha has three restaurants, two bars plus in-villa dining. The Anumba Spa with a wide range of soothing massages, body treatments and facials. Facilities include a gym, sauna, steam room, yoga room, shop & health bar. Recreational facilities, two swimming pools with underwater music (kind of hard holding your breath and listening to it but a nice touch none the less) flood lit tennis & basketball courts, boats for private excursions, all terrain vehicles, mountain bikes, library plus a five-star PADI dive centre. In addition there are Thai cooking classes, Thai boxing classes and batik painting.

Hunger pains draw me towards the restaurants. It’s not often that you go to a Thai resort and aren’t force fed Thai food, surprisingly The Racha doesn’t have a Thai restaurant, they have the Earth Café serving international cuisine, the Fire Grill which is fine dining, the Sunset Beach which is casual and the Sunrise Café for a wide range of cocktails with fusion Thai and Western cuisine for lunch and dinner,

choice’s choice’s choice’s.Before adjourning (you are naturally drawn back to your Private Villa)

I stopped by the Ice Bar for a nightcap and enjoyed the live band for a few bars and a few more nightcaps!

The Racha is an absolute must for honeymooners, romantics and couples that want to experience all of the above, a word of advice, don’t go there on your own.

The Racha is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and was voted one of the top 100 hottest new resorts in the World by Condê Nast Traveller.

To find out more about The Racha:

Please call Hotel Representation Australia on 02 9410 3405, or visit www.theracha.com

The RachaKoh Racha Yai

Phuket Thailand

Sawadee Krab Welcome to Thailand’s premier deluxe island hideaway.


WILL YOU RECOGNISE A HEART ATTACK?By Professor James Tatoulis, Chief Medical Advisor at the National Heart Foundation of Australia.

ADVERTORIAL

Heart disease is the number one killer of Australian men and women. Nearly 10,000 Australians die of heart attacks every year – that’s the equivalent of 27 lives lost every single day.



Imag

e: G

etty

Imag

es




As a heart surgeon, I perform bypass surgery on around six people each week and the outcomes are excellent.

Unfortunately, many others are not so lucky, because they are caught unaware by their heart disease and have fatal heart attacks, or sustain severe heart muscle damage before they access medical care. The sad reality is that many of these men & women die unnecessarily. More than half of people who die of a heart attack die before they get to hospital where cardiologists like me can perform relatively simple, but lifesaving procedures to restore blood flow to the heart.The main reason people arrive at the Emergency Department too late or don’t arrive at all is that they fail to recognise the warning signs of heart attack or if they do, they don’t act on them by calling Triple Zero (000).Many people consider themselves fairly invincible. At least until they turn 60! The idea that they might have a serious health problem doesn’t cross their minds, but it should. Heart attack warning signs aren’t always what you think - symptoms are not necessarily sudden or severe and some people don’t experience chest pain at all.The ‘Hollywood Heart Attack’, which we constantly see in films and on TV, always involves someone experiencing a sudden jolt of severe pain before they collapse to the ground clutching at their chest.In real life, heart attacks often don’t look like that. Warning signs can include pain, pressure, heaviness or tightness in one or more parts of the upper body (chest, neck, jaw, arm(s), shoulder(s) or back) in combination with other symptoms of nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness or a cold sweat. [See inset]Most of the heart attack patients I treat tell me they knew something was wrong.

Many will say that it’s like having an elephant putting more and more weight on your chest over 10 to 15 minutes until it is almost unbearable. Others tell me they just felt unwell and were overcome by a sense of doom.I can’t say this to people often enough - if you think you could be having a heart attack, call Triple Zero (000). Using an ambulance is the safest and often fastest way to get to hospital.People who are treated within an hour of their first heart attack symptom have the greatest chance of not only surviving their heart attack, but continuing to enjoy a good quality of life.Many people worry about being a burden to the ambulance service – please don’t. Paramedics would rather attend to a false alarm than arrive too late to save your life or the life of someone you love.

What puts you at risk of a heart attack?While there are some risk factors you can’t do anything about, like your family history and your age, you can greatly reduce your risk of a heart attack by improving your lifestyle.The simple act of walking for at least 30 minutes every day can cut your heart disease risk by up to 50%. Diet is of course important too – visit the healthy eating pages on the Heart Foundation website heartfoundation.org.au for more information about healthy eating for your heart.It (hopefully) goes without saying that giving up smoking is vital – within a year of quitting your risk of a heart attack has greatly reduced. It’s essential that everyone 45 and over, or 35 if you are from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, see their doctor for a heart health check every year. There you can get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked and discuss how to manage these risks with your doctor.

What may come as a surprise is that depression is also an important risk factor. Recent studies suggest that people with mild depression are twice as likely to die from a heart attack with severe depression having an even more profound effect.I also see many people who have had a heart attack go on to suffer depression so the best advice I can offer is to ask for help – depression can be treated with medical and non-medical therapies and seeing your health professional is a good first step.I see far too many people lose their lives or lose quality of life, because they didn’t ask for help when they needed it so please – if you think you could be having a heart attack, call Triple Zero (000). People die from heart attacks, but not from embarrassment.Learn the warning signs today and survive tomorrow, download your free action plan at heartattackfacts.org.au or call the Heart Foundation Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87.

3 Call 000* Triple Zero

Will you recognise your

heart attack?

• Ask for an ambulance.

• Don’t hang up.

• Wait for the operator’s instructions.

*If calling Triple Zero (000) does not work on your mobile phone, try 112.

1 STOP and rest now

Do you feel any

In one or more of your

You may also feel

Yes

tightnessheaviness

pressurepain

jaw arm/s back shoulder/s

neckchest

dizzy short of breath

a cold sweatnauseous

2 TalK Tell someone how you feel

Yes

© 2009 National Heart Foundation of Australia ABN 98 008 419 761.

Are your symptoms severe

or getting worse?or

Have your symptoms

lasted 10 minutes?

FAST FACTS

• Heart disease is the number one killer of Australian men and women.

• Each year there are approximately 55,000 heart attacks in Australia, that is 151 every day, or 1 every 10 minutes.

• For 10,000 Australians a year their heart attack is fatal.

• More than 50% of people who die of a heart attack don’t make it to hospital, because they take too long to call Triple Zero (000).

• On average people wait 4 hours before they act on their warning signs. Even more alarming 1 in 3 wait longer than 8 hours.

Visit heartattackfacts.org.au or call 1300 36 27 87.

Prof

esso

r Jam

es T

atou

lis



3 Call 000* Triple Zero

Will you recognise your

heart attack?

• Ask for an ambulance.

• Don’t hang up.

• Wait for the operator’s instructions.

*If calling Triple Zero (000) does not work on your mobile phone, try 112.

1 STOP and rest now

Do you feel any

In one or more of your

You may also feel

Yes

tightnessheaviness

pressurepain

jaw arm/s back shoulder/s

neckchest

dizzy short of breath

a cold sweatnauseous

2 TalK Tell someone how you feel

Yes

© 2009 National Heart Foundation of Australia ABN 98 008 419 761.

Are your symptoms severe

or getting worse?or

Have your symptoms

lasted 10 minutes?


COCHLEAR executive Bronwyn Evans owes her success in business in part to a chance reading of Germain Greer’s landmark book, The Female Eunuch.

This year’s co-recipient of a prestigious Harvard Business School scholarship was a school student when her older sister - ‘a reasonably radical feminist at the time’ - handed her the 1970 bestseller. “The book was pivotal,” Evans says. “It made me realise I could do anything and I especially didn’t want to be a teacher or nurse. I wanted to do something that women didn’t usually do.” Evans, now Senior Vice President, Quality Clinical and Regulatory, of one of Australia’s largest biomedical companies, ear implant manufacturer Cochlear, fulfilled her vow by becoming an electrical engineer and business leader who has helped lead the way for female engineers working in a male dominated industry.

Although progress towards gender equality has been made over the past 40 years, the gender equality journey is clearly far from over. Women still make up only a small proportion of leadership roles within Australian businesses.This is in part due to a critical shortage of mid-career female professionals who struggle to combine work and family responsibilities, and entrenched attitudes, including the view that the collaborative management style of women is not effective. Groups such as national membership organisation Chief Executive Women, which sponsors 19 annual scholarships for businesswomen including its flagship Harvard Business School scholarship, and high profile business women including Westpac boss Gail Kelly have sought to address gender inequality through research and public debate.New ASX corporate governance guidelines on gender balance at board level have facilitated

recent board-level reform, and women as a result now represent 14 per cent of the boards of all ASX 200 companies.Employers of over 100 people now report on gender diversity outcomes, and their employees have the right to request a change in their working arrangements, such as working hours, patterns or location to help them care for a child, as a result of legislation introduced last year.Evans, a first-generation university student who with her six siblings grew up in Dapto on the south coast of NSW, was initially served well by her competitive spirit and natural ability in maths, science and project management.But she quickly learned the role good managers can and should play in mentoring and trusting women who have leadership potential.“I started my career in the Electricity Commission and I remember being given a construction project to supervise on my own when I was just 25,” Evans says.

A STEP AHEADCochlear’s Bronwyn Evans and Save the Children’s Suzanne Dvorak talk to Penny McLeod about their journey to the top.

WORDS | PENNY MCLEOD IMAGES | SUPPLIED



“On any given day I’m a CEO, a mum, a friend. When I was at Harvard University I was completely absorbed in thinking. Being able to draw on the experiences of women from around the world was also wonderful.”Suzanne Dvorak

Suza

nne

Dvo

rak




Bron

wyn

Eva

ns



“That was an important turning point for me. The head engineer took a risk on me and gave me a project to run and it really felt like the real thing.”Chief executive officer of not-for-profit humanitarian organisation, Save the Children, Suzanne Dvorak, co-recipient of CEW’s 2012 Harvard Business School scholarship, agrees that internal feedback and support for women is critical. “Most women don’t have the internal feedback that I was lucky enough to have,” Dvorak says of her early career experience working at Telstra. “I had good managers who were confident enough to give me feedback and who were more interested in the organisation’s success than their own. That positive experience of good mentors internally really set me up for success.”

Flexibility in the workplace, including part-time and remote working arrangements, and good childcare options are regarded as essential for keeping women in the workforce after they have children. Research shows that there are 1.3 women to every one man in Australia’s university system, but 10 or 15 years later that dominance isn’t reflected in the workplace because of issues such as family and re-entry into the workforce.Dvorak, a mother of two, started her career as a humanitarian worker with the United Nations on missions in Cambodia, Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam, where she helped establish a communications network, build an orphanage and establish health clinics.She later became CEO of reproductive health care provider, Marie Stopes International in Australia, and won a Telstra Business Women’s Award for her work with the organisation in 2005.She remembers a moving comment made by a speaker at a Telstra function, about the importance of mentoring women returning to the workforce after having children.“She said women need mentoring at that time because that’s when they’re most vulnerable,” Dvorak says. “My husband would come into work so I could breast-feed. Flexibility is the key, but it’s also about culture. There are a lot of organisations

that are doing great things for women, but the proof of the efficacy of those efforts is whether those women continue to be promoted.”Evans likewise recognises the importance of flexibility and a culture of support for women.Since being headhunted to join Cochlear from GE Healthcare six years ago, she has established a Women’s Network based on a program run by her former employer. This allows her to mentor young female engineers while also running a team of more than 70 engineers, scientists and administration staff.“For young women engineers it’s very challenging to progress into engineering leadership positions because this sector has few senior women role models and a dominant male culture, with almost 90 per cent of engineers being men,” Evans says.

“I really liked the GE model and thought it had worked very well so I went to the CEO (Dr Chris Roberts) at Cochlear and said this is a program I would like to start.“Since then we have run a series of workshops with inspiring speakers and that’s something we do quite well now.”Having self-confidence and inquiring minds have also served Evans and Dvorak well. Both women have shown a preparedness to step out of their comfort zones by taking on new roles in other companies, and have honed their skills through further study. Evans’ 29 year career has spanned roles at the NSW Electricity Commission, Standards Australia and GE Healthcare in Australia and Singapore, and now Cochlear.She says she has gained something from each job. Standards Australia opened her eyes to the world stage; and GE refined and strengthened her knowledge of business.“The GE experience was very important for me because the company is very competitive commercially,” Evans says.“Working for GE was like doing an MBA by apprenticeship. You look at your numbers and business every week. You report every month. That business discipline was very important for me.”Equally important was time spent completing a PhD in engineering at the University of

Wollongong in the early days of her career.“The benefit of doing that was to become a much stronger engineer. I had the luxury of diving much deeper into fundamental principles. “Lecturing also changed the way I appreciated engineering. (Lecturing is) about performing – not quite entertaining (students), but you have to keep the attention of people who may want to be elsewhere.”Her recent Harvard experience was likewise life-changing. The one-week Women’s Leadership Forum: Innovation Strategies for Changing a World at Harvard Business School was designed to bring an elite group of businesswomen together from around the world to encourage innovation and enhance leadership skills. For Evans and Dvorak, who were this year’s recipients of two annual scholarships worth up to $20,000 offered by CEW to senior Australian businesswomen, it was an opportunity to think critically without interruption about business problems and leadership. Both say it provided them with renewed confidence in their own abilities, and introduced them to an international network of likeminded businesswomen. Evans applied for the Harvard scholarship in part because of the Harvard brand and CEW’s commitment to women with leadership potential.“Harvard University is one of those mythical places and it lived up to every one of my fantasies. It’s a lovely campus and the calibre of the people doing the case studies and sessions was exceptional. “We came to Harvard with a business challenge and that made the sessions very practical. I came back with a five-point plan to resolve the problem – I am an engineer after all.”Dvorak likewise says the benefits of the experience were “huge and multiple”. “On any given day I’m a CEO, a mum, a friend. When I was there I was completely absorbed in thinking. Being able to draw on the experiences of women from around the world was also wonderful.“Regardless of all the management theory, it all comes down to trusting yourself and other people. You have to trust in your judgement and be flexible. You can go down a path, but if you have to change direction, change.“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – celebrate them. If we make the same mistake twice, we fail.”

“Harvard University is one of those mythical places and it lived up to every one of my fantasies. It’s a lovely campus and the calibre of the people doing the case studies and sessions was exceptional.”Bronwyn Evans

Although progress towards gender equality has been made over the past 40 years, the gender equality journey is clearly far from over. Women still make up only a small proportion of leadership roles within Australian businesses.

aj


According to the Australian Sports Commission, yoga is now the 14th most popular physical activity, ahead of AFL and dance. Yoga classes are everywhere - on the

beach, in the park, local studios, community centres, gyms, leisure centres and school. There are classes to suit all ages and abilities, but which one is for you?

Nearly all yoga styles are rooted in Hatha yoga; yoga’s physical discipline that focuses on developing control of the body through asanas or poses. It is the yoga of physical wellbeing. While all yoga styles seek to balance the body, mind, and spirit, they go about it in various ways. They may differ in how asanas are done and where they focus the attention - on mastering and holding the posture, on strict alignment, on breathing, on the flow of movement. Some will use props while others will heat up the room.I have described some of the most popular styles below. Of course there are other styles and variations, for example, restorative, pregnancy, post natal, mums and bubs, kids etc. No style is better than another; it is simply a matter of personal preference. Find a teacher that you can relate to and a style that you enjoy. Ashtanga Vinyasa (or Astanga) Yoga is the system of yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This style is physically demanding as it involves synchronizing breathing with a continuous series of postures. This process produces intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat

that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Power Yoga is the American interpretation of ashtanga yoga, a discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing. Vinyasa Yoga, commonly called “Vinyasa flow” or just “flow” is a dynamic style similar to the Ashtanga practice in that poses flow from one to the next, but rather than a traditional sequence of postures, no two classes will be alike.Bikram is practiced in rooms heated to 105 degrees to help you sweat out toxins and keep flexible. The 26 yoga postures developed by Bikram Choudhury are allegedly designed to give every component of your body what it needs for maximum health and functioning.Jivamukti combines the physical style of Ashtanga with meditation and spiritual teachings. Developed in 1984 by David Life and Sharon Gannon, this style is described by the Jivamukti Yoga School as “a vigorously physical and intellectually stimulating practice leading to spiritual awareness”. Integral Yoga is a gentle, holistic practice meant to be incorporated at work, school, and everyday life. Iyengar focuses on experiencing each pose and proper alignment. Postures are held longer in Iyengar than they are in other yoga styles, and props like blocks, straps, and cushions are also

Yoga is hugely poplular in Australia. Over coming issues of journey, Helen Macnair will discuss health and wellbeing on a wide range of topics.

YOGA IN A NUTSHELL

WORDS | HELEN MACNAIR IMAGE | SHUTTERSTOCK



encouraged. Iyengar yoga was developed over seventy years ago by B.K.S. Iyengar and is one of the most popular types of yoga taught today. Because of its slow pace, attention to detail, and use of props, Iyengar yoga can be especially good if you’re recovering from an injury. Kundalini concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. In addition to postures, a typical class will also include chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises. Kundalini, a branch of tantric yoga, was a closely guarded secret until 1969 when Yogi Bhajan brought it to the West.Sivananda is a slow-paced practice built around a series of 12 basic postures in tandem with ‘proper’ habits and thinking. Sivananda teaches 5 principles of yoga: the basic postures for flexibility and strength, proper breathing, relaxation, a healthy vegetarian diet, and positive thinking and meditations. Viniyoga is a customised yoga practice, where the poses and breath are synchronised according to the individual’s needs and interests. This adaptive approach to yoga is also holistic—incorporating breathwork,

postures, sound, meditation, and readings. Hatha yoga is the foundation of all Yoga styles. Basically it incorporates Asanas (postures), Pranayama (regulated breathing) and meditation into a complete system.

Yoga Australia (YA) is the governing body for yoga in Australia and a good place to start if you are looking for a class near you www.yogaaustralia.org.au

aj




Our aim is that you will be spoiled for choice. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to resist the temptation to stay in the comfort of your tent.

4 Rivers Floating Eco-Lodge offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend time with our neighbours. Theirs is a simple life that up close and personal has had a profound affect on all those who share it for even the shortest time. Venturing further afield, our trekking tours into the jungle offer you the chance to discover the customs, beliefs and natural cures of the inhabitants of the Cardamom Mountains and its forests. You can follow the spore of its secretive wildlife and experience first hand the sights and sounds of an untouched tropical paradise as you penetrate deeper into the undergrowth. And always keep your camera at the ready so you can capture the beauty of one of the world’s largest rainforests.Rich in natural beauty, Tatai River is your highway to the wonders of the Cardamoms and Southeast Asia’s largest coastal mangrove.Kayak down river with our experienced local guide who will lead you through the mangrove waterways that reach back into the jungleIndulge yourself with a hydro massage courtesy of the majestic Tatai Waterfalls, team up with some locals and try your hand at fishing for your supper or snuggle up with that special someone during our Sunset Cruise. The river is all things to all people, from trailblazers to romantics.And as the clock ticks on, maybe it’s spoil-yourself time with a refreshing dip in the river or

a chance to lounge by the restaurant and enjoy the majestic colours of the setting sun. Picture yourself gently rocking on the Tatai rivers tidal flow, your tented villa being the last word in outdoor luxury. At a generous 45sqm it is filled with quality furnishings, a well equipped bathroom, a spacious sundeck and flat screen TV plus free WiFi, all the luxury and high-end facilities you need in a four-star boutique resort. Fireflies and glow-worms light up the river at night the peace and tranquillity is breath taking. In the fold of the Tatai river the forest reaches out to meet you. Home to rare and endangered species such as the Clouded leopard, Javan rhinoceros, Pileated gibbon, Malaysian sun bears, Indochinese tiger and Asian elephants, a sighting of one of these threatened species is worth 1,000 safaris anywhere else in the world. 4 Rivers Floating Eco-Lodge is at one with the natural order and engages the local community in promoting and fostering the soft tread of an environmentally aware footprint.Remote but accessible, getting to4 Rivers Floating Eco-Lodge is your opportunity to acclimatise yourself to the country, the region and its always smiling, welcoming people.What Cambodians don’t know about freshwater and saltwater fish could occupy a pinhead.It’s a fact recognised by top celebrity chef Rick Stein, who travelled to southeast Asia to write his Far Eastern Odyssey bestseller and make a BBC tv series about the food and culinary skills he picked up in Cambodia.

So come and experience the taste of the heart of Cambodian food. You will be able to understand, and agree, why Khmer People are so proud of their dishes. Combined with our guests origins, the result is a mix of food culture prepared and cooked with local ingredients.Western and southeast Asian food are a speciality alongside a wide selection of culinary offerings from around the world complemented by our sommelier’s choice of wines and spirits from our carefully chosen cellar of fine wines.Under the expert eye of our resort’s experienced and acclaimed chef and his team, everything from breakfast to an haute cuisine dinner, a barbecue or vegetarian creation are made from fresh produce bought at local markets. All meals are lovingly prepared in a purpose-built kitchen geared to the needs of our guests.Mother Nature’s cradleLeave your imagination at the door, because the Cardamoms will go beyond even your wildest expectations. As you stroll through the virgin forest, the stillness is broken only by the roar of the Tatai river as water cascades and crashes into a gorge 12ft below.Once the torrent has been tamed in the dry season, it is possible to wade out into the gently rolling stream and dive into the depths below. The water is as crystal pure as nature intended.The lush forested slopes of the Cardamoms are a perfect hiding place for the rare Javan rhinoceros, Indochinese tiger and Asian elephant. A sighting of one of these threatened species is worth 1,000 safaris anywhere else in the natural world. Gibbons sometimes serenade

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

WORDS | CRAIG DAVIES IMAGE | SUPPLIED & SHUTTERSTOCK

journey issue 1 v2.indd 66 23/07/12 12:11 PM


www.ecolodges.asia

... floating in a river of tranquillity

Remote but accessible, getting to 4 Rivers Floating Eco-Lodge is your opportunity to acclimatise yourself to the country, the region and its always smiling, welcoming people.Latitude : 11°31’50.00 N Longitude : 103° 8’41.00 EThe resort is ideally situated in Tatai, next to the Thai border halfway between Bangkok and Phnom Penh (via Koh Chang).Highway 48 cuts straight through the jungle, with dramatic views of the magnificent Cardamom mountains. Tatai is 20 minutes by car from Koh Kong City, four hours from Phnom Penh or three hours from Sihanoukville.You embark at the steps of the bridge in the village of Tatai; in our boat the trip downstream the bridge to the resort takes less than 10 minutes with our speed boat or 25 minutes with our old timber cruising boat.

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

at sunrise and barking deer yelp at the edge of the jungle. Siamese crocodiles, once thought extinct, have also been seen in the rivers that criss-cross this magical haven.According to the Wildlife Alliance, World Wildlife Fund and other concerned charities, this remarkable rainforest ecoregion is considered to harbour more than 100 mammal species including numerous endangered animals such as the clouded leopard, pileated gibbon and Malaysian sun bear.

The resident birdlife is estimated at a staggering 553-plus species, although in all probability many will be added after more comprehensive surveys. A veritable twitchers’ paradise, waders from storks to cranes inhabit its wetlands, song birds love its wooded slopes and the brahminy kite hovers overhead on the lookout for a meal. Among the rarest of sightings are the silver oriole and the great hornbill, which are thought to be on the brink of extinction. aj

‘This is one of the most amazing properties I have seen, a truly unique experience’

journey issue 1 v2.indd 67 23/07/12 12:11 PM


EXTREME WEATHER AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

WORDS | GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY IMAGES | SUPPLIED

The summer of 2010-11 brought unprecedented weather conditions to Queensland. Cyclone Yasi was one of the most powerful cyclones to have affected the Great Barrier Reef since records commenced, while South East Queensland experienced intense rainfall, up to 400 per cent higher than normal.

These extreme weather events damaged coral reefs and seagrass beds, leading to additional pressures on important species such as dugong and green turtle. They

also had implications for the industries and communities that depend on the reef, including direct damage to infrastructure and impacts to natural resources.

Coral reefs have a natural ability to recover from extreme weather impacts, enabling the reef to bounce back from these events. While the Great Barrier Reef is expected to cope with the impacts of climate change better than most coral reefs around the world, the spate of severe floods and intensity of recent cyclones will test its resilience.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority implemented the Extreme Weather Response Program to better understand the impacts of extreme weather on the Great Barrier Reef and help reef industries and communities prepare for future extreme weather events.

Climate scientists predict increased frequency of extreme weather events such as flooding rains and intense cyclones as a result of climate change. The effects of recent extreme weather events highlight the need for effective management and active stewardship.

Insights from the Extreme Weather Response Program are being used to guide the focus of management into the future and to help build the resilience of the Reef and its industries and regional communities to climate change.

What was so “extreme” about the summer of 2011? Summer is always a period of heightened risk for the Great Barrier Reef. Warmer conditions bring the threat of high sea temperatures that can cause coral bleaching and wet seasons with strong monsoonal conditions can result in large flood plumes and damaging cyclones.

While regional climate processes such as El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cause seasonal

weather patterns to swing between clear/dry (El Niño) and cloudy/wet (La Niña), global climate change is altering the underlying conditions. Already, we are seeing patterns consistent with predicted effects of climate change: an increased prevalence of coral bleaching in El Niño summers and more damage from floods and cyclones during La Niña years.

The summer of 2011 featured an unusually strong La Niña event. It brought exceptional weather across Australia, resulting in the second wettest summer on record. In South East Queensland, the summer saw intense rain and devastating floods. North Queensland experienced tropical cyclone Yasi’s very destructive winds and a powerful storm surge. In combination, the summer of 2011 had brought conditions unprecedented in the history of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

This was not the only wet and windy summer for the Great Barrier Reef. Three of the last four summers have all had above average rainfall in eastern Queensland associated with La Niña conditions.



The cumulative effects of these wet seasons have meant that some sensitive species (such as corals, seagrasses, green turtle and dugong) were particularly vulnerable to the extreme weather conditions that occurred in the summer of 2011.

Why is extreme weather a problem for coral reefs? Cyclonic winds and floodwaters can have severe impacts on coral reef ecosystems. Floodwaters entering the Great Barrier Reef can cause stress to inshore ecosystems through reduced salinity, increased turbidity and elevated concentrations of nutrients and agricultural chemicals. Prolonged exposure can lead to death in some species, especially sessile (attached) organisms such as corals and seagrasses.

Corals and seagrasses provide essential habitat and food for many other species such as fish, turtles and dugong; their loss can have flow-on effects through the system.

Some species, especially various types of algae and crown-of-thorns starfish, can actually benefit from the increased input of materials (e.g. nutrients), leading to imbalances in the system.

Tropical cyclones affect coral reefs in different ways. Cyclones cause exceptionally strong winds which generate powerful waves that crash onto shallow reef areas and create damaging turbulence in deeper areas. Flood plumes, caused by the intense rainfall that often accompanies cyclones, can expose large areas to stressful changes in water quality. Particularly intense and large cyclones, such as cyclone Yasi, can also cause destructive currents as huge amounts of water are driven by sustained winds and waves.

Through the direct forces of waves and currents, and the impacts of sand and rubble tossed around by underwater turbulence, cyclones can cause extensive damage to corals and the underlying reef structure.

Cyclone Yasi crossed the Great Barrier Reef near Dunk Island, exposing the coast and adjacent areas of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to wind gusts up to 285 km/h. Extensive flooding resulted in persistent floodplumes in the central and southern Great Barrier Reef.



At reefs exposed to the full force of a cyclone there can be near-complete destruction of the coral community and associated species, leaving a barren and pulverised reef substrate. For weaker cyclones or at reefs further from the centre of intense cyclones, damage is generally less severe. Patches of reef may still be denuded by the cyclone’s force, but these are usually outnumbered by the many patches of surviving coral.

Cyclones can also damage seagrasses and other coastal habitats such as mangroves and wetlands. Seagrasses in the intertidal zone can be ripped up by large waves, while deeper seagrass meadows can be scoured by strong currents. Mangroves and wetlands can suffer the effects of fierce winds and unusual or prolonged inundation.

Cyclones and floods in historical context The Great Barrier Reef ecosystem has evolved under a natural regime of cyclones and floods, so in many ways severe weather is ‘normal’. Between 1995 and 2009 approximately 34 per cent of all coral mortality recorded in long-

term monitoring1 of the Great Barrier Reef is attributable to storm damage.

However, recent conditions are causing unprecedented challenges for the Great Barrier Reef. The floodwaters now entering the Great Barrier Reef carry chemicals (nutrients and pesticides) and quantities of sediments that would not have occurred prior to European settlement. Severe cyclones are predicted to occur more frequently as the climate warms, bringing a future where the recovery potential of coral reefs and seagrass meadows becomes increasingly important. Chronic stresses from reduced water quality can hinder recovery of damaged seabed communities. Therefore, the combined effect of increased flooding and more severe storms means efforts to restore the natural resilience of important habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass meadows are more important than ever before.

The extreme weather events of 2011 caused a range of impacts to the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. Fortunately, the major tourism areas off Port Douglas, Cairns and Airlie Beach were spared serious damage. However, while the

effects of these events were patchy, the combined damage from floods and cyclone Yasi spans a large area and the most severely damaged reefs could take decades to recover. Many of the impacts were immediate and direct, such as broken coral from cyclone-driven waves and seagrass meadows scoured by flood plumes. Other impacts are indirect and will take time to fully manifest. These include the effect of damaged seagrass meadows on dugong and green turtle populations and the potential effects on seabirds impacted by changes to islands and cays used for nesting.

Reefs feel the brunt of extreme weather Coral reefs were affected by both flooding and cyclone Yasi with many inshore reef areas experiencing some stress from floodwaters during 2011. The exceptionally large volumes of water flowing from rivers in South East Queensland had the greatest potential to cause lasting damage. The worst effects of the flooding were confined to inshore reefs close to the mouths of major rivers. Surveys of coral reefs in the Keppel Bay region, near the mouth of the

1 Australian Institute of Marine Science Long Term Monitoring Program



Fitzroy River, showed floodwaters had caused severe damage to shallow reef areas. Reefs fringing the mainland sides of islands had the greatest exposure to floodwaters, and it was here that up to 85-100 per cent of corals were killed.

While the reefs of the Keppel Bay region have historically shown an impressive resilience to impacts from floods and coral bleaching, recovery at the most severely damaged sites will take many years. Cyclone Yasi is one of the most damaging single events to affect the Reef in the last 100 years. It caused patchy damage across offshore, mid-shelf and inshore reefs along 400 km of the northern Great Barrier Reef. Damage was largely confined to an area south of Cairns to around Townsville, sparing major tourism areas. Overall, approximately six per cent of reef habitat in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park suffered severe damage (most corals broken or removed). Approximately 85 per cent of coral reef habitat in the Marine Park escaped largely undamaged by the cyclone.

Cyclone Yasi was not the only major cyclone to affect the Great Barrier Reef in recent years. In fact, four other category five cyclones have

affected the Reef already this century (compared with only two last century – both in 1918). As a result of the large scale impact of these cyclones (especially cyclones Yasi and Hamish in the last few years), it is likely storm damage now accounts for the largest share of coral mortality on the Reef over the past two decades.

Coral trout catches dive in wake of cyclone Many commercial fishers reported dramatic declines in catch rates of coral trout at shallow reef areas affected by cyclone Yasi. Follow-up research found this was not related to a change in the abundance of coral trout, but rather appeared to be explained by a decrease in the ‘catchability’ of these fish. These results are consistent with the effects reported following cyclone Hamish in 2009.

Underwater surveys of shallow reefs (less than 20 m) offshore Townsville found the numbers of adult coral trout in Marine National Park (Green) Zones – which are closed to fishing – had not been affected by cyclone Yasi. In contrast, the research documented a large decline in the abundance of adult coral

trout at nearby reefs open to fishing (Habitat Protection (Blue) Zones) since previous surveys. The very low numbers of adult fish in Blue Zones compared with Green Zones suggests that Blue Zone reefs off Townsville have received substantial additional fishing pressure since the last surveys. This is likely to be the result of a northward movement of the southern commercial fishing fleet in response to depressed catch rates on reefs affected by cyclone Hamish.

Most commercial fishing activity targeting coral trout takes place in shallower waters. Although the post-Yasi surveys were restricted to these relatively shallow areas of the Reef, anecdotal reports from recreational and commercial fishers who fish deeper shoals suggest that populations of coral trout may have been less impacted in these deeper habitats. In combination with the Marine National Park Zones, these refugia will play an important role in the recovery of coral trout populations in shallow areas affected by intense fishing pressure. The research reinforces the importance of Green Zones for the protection of coral trout populations.



Overall, the results indicate that coral trout remain prominent components of the fish community throughout the areas affected by extreme weather, even though specific sectors of the commercial fishing industry have been impacted by depressed catch rates.

Monitoring of recovery and further research are continuing, including a coral trout tagging program. This work will help fishers and management agencies better understand the implications of extreme weather on fish populations and inform management arrangements that can further improve the ecological sustainability of the coral reef finfish fishery.

Seagrass meadows in decline Seagrass meadows are vitally important to the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. They are also vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather.

Preliminary survey results indicate the extensive and prolonged floods have caused significant damage to important seagrass meadows in the southern Great Barrier Reef. Cyclone Yasi also damaged seagrass meadows. There are indications that many shallow water or intertidal meadows suffered severe scouring within the area affected by gale force winds. Deepwater surveys using remotely-operated vehicles indicate cyclone Yasi may even have damaged seagrass meadows down to at least 30m depth: deepwater sites known to have lush seagrass meadows five years ago were found to be almost completely barren following cyclone Yasi.

The difficult task of assessing the full extent of seagrass loss is continuing, but it is likely there will be more seagrass lost as the long-term impacts of flooding manifest. The rate of seagrass decline depends on the type of seagrass community, with some species of seagrass able to tolerate longer periods of light limitation than other species.




Recovery rates are also highly variable. Some meadows with intact seed banks or remnant plants can show strong recovery in a year or so, while other slower-growing species and areas with diminished seed banks may not recover for decades.

The effects of the extreme weather events follow a series of stressful wet seasons for seagrasses. Prior to the 2011 summer, many intertidal seagrass meadows hadshown a trend of declining abundance. In combination, these observations indicatethat seagrasses, and the species thatdepend on them, are especially vulnerable to changing conditions and will require increased management focus in coming years. It is critical that monitoring and research continue to build knowledge of the status and trends of this very important habitat and the options for building their resilience in a changing climate.

Dugong and turtle lose food supplies Dugong and green turtles are almost entirely reliant on seagrasses for their nutrition. This strong dependency has meant dugong and green turtles have also suffered from the 2011 summer’s extreme weather. Information received through the Marine Strandings Program reveals a dramatic increase in the number of dead turtles and dugong reported from beaches in areas affected by extreme weather.

Dugong deaths following cyclone Yasi and the floods were much higher than any previous year for which there are records. One hundred and eighty one strandings were reported up until November 2011 compared to 85 for the same period in the previous year. Due to chronic pressures and slow reproduction rates, dugong populations were only just beginning to stabilise after an extended period of decline. Experts are concerned the losses following extreme weather events could have a significant bearing on the

long-term vulnerability of dugong, at least in waters south of Cooktown.

Stranding reports for green turtles in Queensland are also significantly higher than previous years. Reported deaths for 2011 up to November were 1275 compared with 754 for the same period in the previous year. Green turtles are able to partially compensate for decreased seagrass availability by eating algae and mangrove leaves and by having relatively low energy demands. While this enables them to cope with declines in seagrass better than dugong, the lower nutritional value of these foods renders them more susceptible to ill health and death.

It is likely the impacts of the extreme weather of 2011 on dugong and green turtles are being exacerbated by the longer-term decline in seagrass abundance. As a result, experts are predicting the increase in dugong and turtle deaths may be a trend that continues at least into 2012. Reversal of this trend will require substantial recovery of seagrass meadows as well as careful management of other risks to these species.

Further research is under way to track the movements of green turtles as they search for suitable feeding areas. Initial results show green turtles are concentrating their movements at particular sites, indicating they are locating suitable seagrass meadows even in areas affected by cyclone Yasi. This work will improve our understanding of changes in distribution and behaviour so managers can better target efforts to minimise avoidable risks and support recovery of dugong and green turtle populations.

Islands and beaches Islands provide habitat for a diversity of terrestrial species and are a critical breeding habitat for marine species such as seabirds and marine turtles. Many island features are

vulnerable to extreme weather, with forest habitats and nesting beaches susceptible to cyclone impacts and ecosystems at risk from pest introductions facilitated by floodwaters.

Island surveys confirmed cyclone Yasi caused extensive damage to vegetation. Large trees and entire sections of rainforest were destroyed on islands exposed to very destructive winds, resulting in the loss of food and habitat for many animals that rely on island forests. Numbers of breeding pied imperial pigeon on North Brook Island in 2011 are less than ten per cent of previous years, suggesting the island or mainland feeding habitats are too damaged to support normal breeding.

Cyclone Yasi, possibly in combination with cyclone Anthony, caused the formation of new rubble cays on some reefs and the loss of some sandy cays. The erosion of shorelines by waves has changed beaches and sand spits on many islands. These changes impacted turtles and seabirds that use these sandy areas. Breeding was disrupted on affected islands, with loss of eggs and chicks recorded.

Michalmas Cay, a very important area for seabird breeding and tourism, lost half of its available nesting habitat. The effects on seabirds will continue until there is substantial recovery of these habitats. Large amounts of marine debris, including vegetation, logs, damaged vessels and infrastructure, were reported to have washed up on islands impacted by floodwaters. The debris increases the risk that mainland pest species are transferred onto islands. Island vegetation is already showing early signs of recovery, with abundant reshooting from broken stems and seeds on many islands. However, there is concern that weeds will slow, or prevent, full recovery in some areas. Sections of fringing mangroves killed by cyclone Yasi will take many years to recover, although foliage is quickly sprouting on surviving trees.



Rainforest and bushland birds on islands are expected to recover as the vegetation re-establishes. Turtles and seabirds are likely to adjust to changes in beaches and islands over time, although there is the risk that breeding success in the coming season will still be affected. Further surveys are planned to assess longer-term impacts on these species at key locations.

Islands are also an important focus for people visiting the Great Barrier Reef, with many receiving high numbers of visitors annually. Key infrastructure, such as landing facilities and walking tracks, were damaged by cyclone Yasi. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service repaired these as a priority and some key sites were operational within a few weeks after the cyclone. Others, like the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island and facilities on Dunk Island have taken months just to clear and re-open. Some of the restoration work will not be completed for another 12 months.

Extreme weather doesn’t just affect the ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef; it also impacts the industries and communities that depend on them. Insights into the social and economic impacts can help Reef industries and communities better prepare for future events, and identify ways they can support the recovery of the Reef in the wake of extreme weather impacts. Understanding the consequences for Reef industries and communities is also important for effective conservation of the Great Barrier Reef, as changes in patterns of use

following extreme weather events can create new ‘hotspots’ of pressure on the ecosystem.

Following cyclone Yasi and the floods, a rapid assessment of social and economic impacts on the commercial tourism and fishing industries evaluated the effects of these events on Reef dependent industries.

Tourism operators The Great Barrier Reef marine tourism industry is a significant contributor to regional economies along the Great Barrier Reef coast. This makes the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry particularly vulnerable to declines in reef health.

The extreme weather events of the 2011 summer did not cause serious damage to the major tourism destinations off Port Douglas, Cairns and Airlie Beach. Minor damage was reported at some fragile reef sites as far as 500 km from the eye of cyclone Yasi, but the majority of tourism sites were providing high-quality reef experiences for visitors within days following cyclone Yasi.

Despite minimal damage to major tourism destinations and popular reef sites, tourism operators did suffer impacts following the extreme weather. Many businesses – especially those affected directly by cyclone Yasi – lost operating days due to damaged infrastructure such as vessels, berthing facilities and shore-based facilities. There were 1.58 million visitor days to the Marine Park in the 2010-11 financial year, a 10 per cent decline from the previous year. Much of the tourism industry is reliant on

access to healthy reefs to present to their visitors. For many tourism operators a decline in overall visitation to the region was the source of most economic hardship.

The social and economic surveys revealed many tourism operators believe the high profile of cyclone Yasi and the floods in local and international media gave the impression the entire Great Barrier Reef was severely damaged, causing tourists to postpone or cancel their plans for travel to the region.

Although the vast majority of Reef tourism operations and destinations were fully operational within days following cyclone Yasi, industry sources reported visitors from outside the region (especially internationally) perceived the Great Barrier Reef as being unlikely to provide a good tourism experience as a result of cyclone Yasi and the South East Queensland floods.

The tourism industry was also affected by the disruption to normal transport routes across Queensland. Impacts on air, rail and road networks from the extreme weather events forced visitors to change their travel plans and bypass or curtail their stay in the Great Barrier Reef region. Reduced opportunities for seasonal work in agricultural sectors damaged by cyclone Yasi also contributed to reduced visitation to the region.

A number of northern Great Barrier Reef island tourism resorts were very badly damaged by the cyclones that occurred in the summer of 2011



and were closed while damage was repaired. Resorts at Dunk and Bedarra islands have been most severely damaged, and both remain closed and are unlikely to re-open in the immediate future. Some of the impacts of the tourism downturn were offset by the influx of workers involved in the post-Yasi recovery efforts. However, this tended to assist accommodation and restaurant businesses rather than reef-based tourism operations. The surveys also found the impacts of the extreme weather events were significantly exacerbated by the underlying downward trend in tourism visitation to the Great Barrier Reef region associated with global economic conditions and other externalities.

Commercial fishers Commercial fishers suffered a range of impacts following the extreme weather of summer 2010-11. The effects of cyclone Yasi on coral trout catches were a major impact on many Reef-dependant fishing businesses. In addition to decreased catch rates, cyclone Yasi reduced the ability of fishers to access fishing locations, compromised water quality and created debris that caused damage to fishing gear. Fishing businesses also suffered damage to vessels and landbased infrastructure.

In the southern Great Barrier Reef, the major flooding in South East Queensland affected inshore fishers, especially those targeting mudcrabs and barramundi. Catches of both of these species increased in many locations

due to favourable conditions caused by strong freshwater flows into estuarine systems.

Research revealed some commercial fishers have strategies in place to build resilience to unpredictable events such as extreme weather.

Diversification proved a particularly important strategy following cyclone Yasi and the floods, as this enabled some fishers to switch to other target species (such as mudcrabs or barramundi) or focus on other (non-fishing) business interests to maintain income while coral trout catches were low.

Fishers who have managed to adopt these resiliencebuilding strategies are likely to have an improved business outlook in the wake of extreme weather impacts.

However, most fishers expect to suffer some level of financial hardship for an extended period as a result of cyclone Yasi.

The Great Barrier Reef is a dynamic ecosystem that is naturally resilient to severe weather events such as cyclones and floods. However, mounting local and global pressures mean many aspects of the Great Barrier Reef system are under growing stress, potentially undermining its resilience.

The implications of the extreme weather events of 2011 have caused lasting impacts, but they also create an opportunity to learn about ways managers, Reef industries, researchers, Traditional Owners and the community can help the Reef be resilient to the effects of extreme weather events and a changing climate.

Reef recovery While storms are a normal part of the Great Barrier Reef environment, cyclones of Yasi’s intensity and size have historically been rare events, recurring on timescales of centuries, rather than decades. Climate scientists are concerned that climate change could cause an increase in the frequency of extreme intensity storms, potentially making these very rare events more common in the future.

Yet, cyclones are not the only risk predicted to increase as the climate changes. Coral bleaching events, already attributed with causing severe and lasting damage to 18 per cent of the world’s coral reefs, are projected to increase in frequency and severity as global average temperatures rise over the course of this century.

While the Great Barrier Reef is healthier and more resilient than most coral reefs around the world, the cumulative effects of climate change and coastal development mean coral reefs around the globe will be damaged more often and spending more time in recovery.

Although pressures from climate change are largely beyond the control of marine managers, modelling studies clearly show effective management of local stresses such as pollution and overfishing will play an increasingly crucial role in the fate of coral reefs.

In recognition of the growing pressures associated with extreme weather events and climate change, the GBRMPA and its partners are focused on restoring the resilience of the



Great Barrier Reef. Major initiatives include the Australian Government’s Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, which aims to halt and reverse the decline in water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef, the rezoning of the Reef in 2004 (which increased the coverage of no fishing areas from five per cent to 33 per cent) and widespread efforts to ensure sustainable fishing practices.

For reefs in healthy conditions, signs of new coral growth and recovery can be often seen within a few years. However, full recovery of a coral reef community can take more than a decade, even for offshore reefs, which are less affected by degraded water quality. Efforts to build the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef will be crucially important to the ability of reefs to recover from future impacts.

Partnerships in resilience Reef industries, researchers, communities and Traditional Owners are all key partners in the protection and care of the Great Barrier Reef and many are proactively taking steps to support the resilience of the Reef in the wake of the extreme weather events of 2011.

Tourism operators protect reef resilience The Reef tourism industry is a key partner in Marine Park management and is working in partnership with the GBRMPA to build the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef and improve responses to extreme weather events. For example, through the integrated Eye on the Reef program, tourism operators and other reef visitors have been helping managers assess the spatial extent of damage from extreme weather, and to provide early warning of new issues that might be a concern for the Reef ’s health.

Individual operators and tourism associations are also working in partnership with managing agencies to ensure arrangements and mechanisms are in place to promptly respond to industry needs as a result of an environmental incident such as a cyclone or coral bleaching.

The control of crown-of-thorns starfish is a direct way in which individual tourism operators are supporting Reef resilience. Crown-of-thorn starfish are a natural predator of corals on the Great Barrier Reef and scientific research has shown the devastating outbreaks over recent decades are linked to an increase in nutrients entering the Reef. While there are strategic programs to improve water quality on a Reef-wide scale, the Reef tourism industry has invested large efforts in limiting the local-scale impacts of the starfish through control programs focused on important tourism sites. These efforts have been beneficial to tourism businesses operating in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

It is possible that local-scale starfish control could provide important, wider ecological benefits to reefs struggling to recover from storm damage. As part of the response to the extreme weather impacts, GBRMPA has partnered with the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators to reinvigorate the crown-of thorns starfish control program, including new equipment to increase the industry’s capacity to remove starfish from multiple high use tourism locations and to extend control work into other areas.

Commercial fishers tag trout for the future Commercial fishers are participating in a tag and release program to help the industry and management agencies learn more about coral trout before and after extreme weather events. Tags and tagging kits have been distributed to Reef Guardian Fishers, enabling baseline information on coral trout growth, survival and movement to be obtained from a number of reefs throughout the Marine Park. Information from the tagging program will contribute to the ecologically sustainable management of coral trout.

Commercial fishers have also been helping to reduce pressures on turtles and dugong. In stranding ‘hot-spots’ fishers have altered their netting practices to minimise the risk of animals being caught in nets.

Aquarium collectors: stewardship in action Aquarium fishers demonstrated their stewardship of local resources through a self-imposed moratorium on collecting at reefs affected by the South East Queensland floods. Many of the reefs in the Keppel Bay region are important to the commercial fishers that collect corals and fish for the aquarium trade. Pro-vision Reef, the peak body for these aquarium fishers, collaborated with management agencies to activate their Stewardship Action Plan following reports of damage to Keppel Bay reefs. Aquarium fishers also assisted in the collection of information on the Reef ’s condition by providing the first underwater images of reefs after the floods.

Traditional Owners caring for sea country Traditional use activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are managed under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003 recognises that under section 211 of the Native Title Act 1993, Native Title holders may undertake traditional use of marine resources in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

While Traditional Owners have Native Title rights to conduct traditional use activities, many Traditional Owners share conservation concerns

due to the combined effects of extreme weather events, boat strikes, coastal development, habitat degradation, netting and pollution that impact on marine environments and resources.

Some Traditional Owner groups are actively engaged with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority through formal management arrangements. These partnerships involve management elements such as compliance activities and monitoring human impacts and the condition of plants and animals. Traditional Owner groups play an important role in research occurring on the ground with some groups actively involved in turtle tagging and tracking programs on their sea country areas.

Recreational users and the community A key challenge for marine managers lies in understanding the impacts of events such as extreme weather on rare or highly mobile species such as dugong and turtles. However, with the help of people who are visiting the Reef or adjacent coastline, managers can get a better idea of changes in the behaviour, movement or death rates of these important species. The Eye on the Reef and Marine Strandings programs enable Reef visitors and members of local communities to help keep an eye on the health of the Reef by reporting sightings of iconic species, unusual behaviours and injured or dead wildlife. Following the extreme weather of summer 2010-11, these programs have been especially important. Reports from members of the public about the number and location of stranded dugong and turtles is providing managers with an important measure of mortality and helping to assess the ongoing impact of extreme weather on these species.

Looking to the future It is impossible to attribute any single weather event to climate change. However, there is mounting evidence weather patterns are changing as the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continues to rise. Although the total amount of rainfall and the average number of cyclones is not predicted to increase, intense rainfall events (with increased flooding risk) and severe cyclones are predicted to occur more frequently under a changing climate. Small changes in the strength or pattern of extreme weather can significantly affect an ecosystem. For example, scientific modelling suggests an increase in cyclone intensity of half a category would result in 50 – 60 per cent greater loss in coral cover as a result of cyclones. This highlights the value of learning about the implications of extreme weather events such as those that affected the Reef in the 2010-11 summer if we are to help build the resilience of the Reef to future challenges.


76 journey - A magazine about people and places journey - A magazine about people and places 77 journey - A magazine about people and places 77



We can’t control the weather, but we can help reefs be more resilient A future of increased frequency of extreme weather events brings greater risk to reefs from floods, cyclones and high water temperatures. It also shortens the time available for reefs to recover between damaging events. Reef recovery is particularly sensitive to environmental conditions (such as water quality), so changing weather patterns mean efforts to restore the natural resilience of the Reef are increasingly important. Reducing the amount of fertiliser and pesticides entering the Great Barrier Reef, minimising loss of soils into our rivers and ensuring our fishing is sustainable will all help the Reef cope with climate change. Through measures such as Marine Park zoning, improved fisheries management arrangements and the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, the Australian and Queensland governments are seeking to reduce non-climate change related pressures and disturbances, so the Reef is more able to withstand, and recover from, the impacts of climate change.

Managing the Great Barrier Reef in the wake of extreme weather The Great Barrier Reef Extreme Weather Program has provided important insights into the potential impacts from extreme weather events and their implications for Reef industries

and regional communities. As a result of this work, extreme weather events are now recognised as an important risk to the Great Barrier Reef and the GBRMPA has developed an integrated response strategy for extreme weather events.

The recent impacts from extreme weather have reinforced the importance of effective management of the Great Barrier Reef and highlighted the critical role of stewardship in ensuring its conservation and sustainable use. Focal areas for the GBRMPA include inshore biodiversity, the Reef Guardians stewardship program and the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan 2020 targets. The Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report, Climate Change Action Plan and the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (currently under development) are key documents outlining the future focus for management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The Extreme Weather Response Program—a government partnership The Extreme Weather Response Program was implemented by the GBRMPA and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to improve our understanding of the impacts and implications for the Great Barrier Reef following Queensland’s floods and cyclone Yasi in the 2010-11 summer.

The program was supported by funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative. It was built on existing Reef conservation programs of the GBRMPA and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and benefited from strong collaborations with research agencies (including the CSIRO, James Cook University and the Australian Institute of Marine Science), Traditional Owners and Reef industries including tourism and commercial fishing.

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian Government. While reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this article are factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, mor reliance on, the contents of this article.

For more information on extreme weather in the Great Barrier Reef, please visit the GBRMPA website: www.gbrmpa.gov.au

savethechildren.org.au

“My daughter was almost dying” said Amina, “but today I have a healthy daughter and I’m so happy. You cannot even compare the joy I feel today to the sadness I felt. It is just not comparable.”

Last year, three-month-old Umi was brought into a Save the Children-supported health clinic in Kenya, weighing just 1.7 kg. Umi was acutely malnourished, dehydrated and suffering from bronchial pneumonia.

With Save the Children’s support, Umi was nursed back to full health. Now 15 months old, Umi is taking her first tentative steps.

Phot

os: P

er-A

nder

s Pe

tter

sson

/Col

in C

row

ley/

Save

the

Child

ren

Dec 2011Umi, 9 months old, at a Save the Children-supported health clinic.

June 2012 Umi, 15 months old, now healthy and taking her first steps.

July 2011Umi, 3 months old, at a Save the Children-supported health clinic.

Save the Children is Australia’s leading independent emergency relief and development organisation for children. We save and protect children’s lives. We strive to give every child a safe and happy childhood. Globally, Save the Children works in 119 countries. In Australia, we work in every state and territory with programs in more than 90 locations.

Follow us on...

1800 76 00 11

There are many ways you can make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children in Australia and around the world - donate, volunteer, become a Member, leave a gift in your Will. Visit savethechildren.org.au for more information.

STC00687_Journey magazine ad.indd 1 9/07/2012 11:00:56 AM

aj



savethechildren.org.au

“My daughter was almost dying” said Amina, “but today I have a healthy daughter and I’m so happy. You cannot even compare the joy I feel today to the sadness I felt. It is just not comparable.”

Last year, three-month-old Umi was brought into a Save the Children-supported health clinic in Kenya, weighing just 1.7 kg. Umi was acutely malnourished, dehydrated and suffering from bronchial pneumonia.

With Save the Children’s support, Umi was nursed back to full health. Now 15 months old, Umi is taking her first tentative steps.

Phot

os: P

er-A

nder

s Pe

tter

sson

/Col

in C

row

ley/

Save

the

Child

ren

Dec 2011Umi, 9 months old, at a Save the Children-supported health clinic.

June 2012 Umi, 15 months old, now healthy and taking her first steps.

July 2011Umi, 3 months old, at a Save the Children-supported health clinic.

Save the Children is Australia’s leading independent emergency relief and development organisation for children. We save and protect children’s lives. We strive to give every child a safe and happy childhood. Globally, Save the Children works in 119 countries. In Australia, we work in every state and territory with programs in more than 90 locations.

Follow us on...

1800 76 00 11

There are many ways you can make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children in Australia and around the world - donate, volunteer, become a Member, leave a gift in your Will. Visit savethechildren.org.au for more information.

STC00687_Journey magazine ad.indd 1 9/07/2012 11:00:56 AMjourney issue 1 v2.indd 79 23/07/12 8:25 AM


WORDS | AUSTRALIAN JOURNEY IMAGES | RODNEY WEIDLAND




The Country Cookbook by Belinda Jeffery & photography by Rodney Weidland, published by Lantern,

rrp $59.95

BELINDA JEFFERY

THE COUNTRY COOK

In 2002 Belinda and her husband traded city life for the Far North Coast of New South Wales, where she now focuses on writing and teaching. She is a regular contributor to food and wine magazines,

a restaurant reviewer for The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide and an experienced judge for a number of industry awards.Belinda admits that - like so many seachangers and tree-changers - she was naive when making the big swap from city to country life.“It was hard. My husband found it difficult to get work and for me, I had dribs and drabs; I taught at a cooking school and even started selling my cakes to local businesses,” Belinda says.“We contemplated a number of times selling the house, but we really didn’t want to return to the city.”It took the best part of five years for the couple to eventually settle down and find a stable income, before they felt at home in their new community.That was three years ago, with the couple now happily immersed in their country life in the northern NSW coastal town of Mullumbimby.And to mark that eight-year transition, Belinda has now launched The Country Cookbook, which she says is the book she has most loved writing.The book follows her journal over those initial years, with monthly entries about daily life, food and the local environment – including the establishment of her own edible garden – and is peppered with 150 modern Australian recipes, as well as stunning photos.

“It’s not a tell-all journal, instead it’s really about the life we have here, the growers, the farmers’ markets, the animals, the produce,” says Belinda, who for several years has been in remission from breast cancer.“What prompted me also was the fact so many people think about and ask about the seachange and the tree-change. I guess in a way I’m answering that.”Belinda, a regular contributor to delicious. magazine, has written several cookbooks including Mix & Bake and Belinda Jeffery’s Tried-and-True Recipes.While the name of this latest offering suggests old-fashioned country cooking, Belinda says it follows her signature style of modern Australian.“There are scones, but there’s also a lot of Asian things and modern, such as lamb shanks with harissa; simple dishes with something a little different.”Belinda says despite the initial humps of life in the country, she now considers herself a local and would never contemplate a return to Sydney.“Just the way of life, and being part of a small community nourishes us, nourishes the soul,” she says.“I now find it difficult to be in the city, the pace is so hectic, even the smell I don’t like.” Belinda was asked a quick-fire five questionsQ1. What’s your favourite food destination?Adelaide. I love the buzz and bustle of the Central Markets, and there is just so much good food and wine to be had there.

Q2. Is there anything you would never eat, even just once, to try it?

Yes, probably rather a lot if I think about it! I draw the line at things like eyeballs, snouts and ears, and anything that’s endangered.

Q3. What do you eat when you’re ‘off duty’: any guilty food pleasures or eateries you can’t get enough of?

Lots of guilty food pleasures, I’m afraid...Chocolate Digestive biscuits (especially dunked into a glass of cold milk), mashed potatoes with lashings of butter, barbecued lamb chops with a thick layer of fat and a dollop of tomato ketchup. Our local pizzeria, Milk and Honey, is home away from home for us. The food is great - fresh, simple and full of flavour.

Q4. Can you name one restaurant trend you love, and one you hate?

I love that more and more restaurants are sourcing and cooking locally-grown produce, and in some places have their own kitchen gardens. I’m so over gels, foams, blobs, soils, bubbles and food that has been mucked about with to the ‘N’th’ degree...

Q5. What’s your most hated food writing word or phrase?

I’m in the middle of writing another cookbook at present, and the word I have deleted most is ‘delicious’! My Roget’s Thesaurus is an absolute saviour. aj


82 journey - A magazine about people and places journey - A magazine about people and places 8382 journey - A magazine about people and places



• Start by making the filling. I know it’s a bit more work, but unless you have an enormous frying pan, I’m afraid you’ll have to cook the mushrooms in two pans – it’s nigh on impossible to fit them all into one pan, and even if you manage to do so they will tend to stew rather than fry. So first off, divide the oil and butter evenly between two large frying pans. Warm them over medium heat, then put half the garlic and onion into each pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until they have softened. Now increase the heat and divide the mushrooms evenly between the pans. Cook them for about 15 minutes, tossing regularly, until the juices have evaporated and the mushrooms are starting to sizzle. It’s really important to ensure the liquid has boiled off the mushrooms – if not, the filling will be too wet, and the excess liquid may seep into the pastry, making it soggy (the bottom is always a bit soggy, but ideally the rest should be crisp).

• When the mushrooms are ready, turn off the heat. Combine them all in one pan, then mix in the sour cream, mustard, lemon juice and salt and pepper. Leave the filling to cool, then stir in the dill and hazelnuts. (You can make the filling the day before you want to use it and store it in the fridge, but if you do this, don’t add the dill and hazelnuts until the last minute so the dill flavour is fresh and the nuts keep their crunch.) Whatever you do, make sure the mushroom mixture is cool before you start making the pastry coils, otherwise you’ll have the devil of a job handling them as the warmth of the filling will soften the filo too much and melt the butter.

• Lightly butter a 26 cm springform cake tin and line the base with baking paper.• Unroll the filo sheets onto the bench and cover them with a slightly damp tea towel to stop them drying out. Lay three

sheets of filo directly on top of each other, buttering each sheet lightly as you go. Spoon about a quarter of the filling in a rough log shape down one long side of the filo, making sure it’s about 3 cm in from the edge. (I find a small palette knife comes in very handy at this point, to neaten up the mixture and shape it more easily.) Now roll up the filling in the filo to form a narrow rope, making sure the pastry at the far end is well buttered so it seals properly. Now lightly butter the rope, then cut it in half. If you are anything like me, by this stage your hands and the bench will be very buttery and messy, but do persevere as it does get easier as you go. By the way, you could use olive oil instead of butter, but I find the oil doesn’t give the pastry quite the same lovely crispness and fl avour as butter does. Then again, I would say that, as I’m a bit of a butter girl! Whatever you decide, it’s important that the coil is well lubricated as it will help make it supple enough to bend.

• Now, coil one half of the rope into a tight snail shape. This is easier said than done as the first coil is the trickiest one to do. Don’t worry if it splits – mine often does, but it is easily patched later. Now sit this in the centre of the tin. Attach the other half of the rope to this by pushing the ends together so it looks like one continuous coil (you may have to smooth the join together with your fingers). Make three more ropes from the remaining filo and filling, however don’t cut these ones in half. As each one is ready, just add it to the coil. By the end, the coil should fill the pan (you may have to squash it in a bit to make it fit).

• When it’s finished, brush a little more butter over the top and patch any joins or tears that need it with a small piece of filo. Sprinkle the seeds over the top, then put the tin in the fridge for 30 minutes or so to firm up the pastry.

• In the meantime, preheat your oven to 190°C. Sit the tin on a baking sheet to catch any drips of butter, and bake the strudel for 35–40 minutes or until it is golden.

• When it’s ready, transfer it to a cooling rack and leave it to settle for 10 minutes or so. If the top isn’t as brown as you would like, you can slip the tin under an overhead grill (on medium heat) for a few minutes to colour it a bit more – watch it like a hawk if you do this, as it catches quickly.

• Slip off the outer ring of the tin, and slide the strudel onto a serving plate. I find a couple of large egg slices help with this, as does using a bit of leverage from the baking paper underneath. Garnish with dill sprigs.

• To serve, slice the strudel into wedges – a wide-bladed server comes in handy here to lift each slice off the plate intact, but if the coils pull apart a bit just push them back together again. No-one will ever know, I promise.

Coiled Mushroom, Hazelnut & Dill Strudel

- 12 sheets filo pastry, plus a few extra in case of tearing- 150 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled- Poppy, sesame or nigella seeds, for sprinkling- Dill sprigs, to garnish MUSHROOM FILLING- ½ cup (80 ml) olive oil- 60 g unsalted butter- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped- 2 large onions, finely chopped- 1 kg mushrooms, fairly thickly sliced- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream- 2 teaspoons Dijon or honey mustard- Lemon juice, to taste- Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to taste- ¼ cup (15 g) firmly packed finely chopped dill- 60 g roasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped SERVES 4–6

Rather than being rolled into a log, this strudel is made into slender ropes that are coiled and joined together to make a rather spectacular dish, as you can see. However, it is a little fiddly to do, so if it all seems a bit daunting, just make it into a regular strudel shape instead – it will taste just as good. Using a variety of mushrooms will give more complexity to the flavour and texture; however, this version with the field mushrooms also tastes wonderful.



• Put the prunes into a small bowl and pour in the prune juice and armagnac or cognac, if using. Stir them together, then set the bowl aside.• Tightly wrap a 23–25 cm springform cake tin with foil – as the cake is baked in a water bath, this will help stop any water seeping into the batter. I find

a sheet of foil from a roll of extra-wide foil is best for this. Butter the tin and line the base with buttered baking paper. Dust the tin with cocoa powder, tap out the excess, and sit it in a large roasting tin. Preheat your oven to 170°C.

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped chocolate and whisk it in with a balloon whisk until the mixture is smooth. Take the pan off the heat, tip in the extra cocoa powder and whisk until it’s thoroughly incorporated. Now stir in the pecans and prunes with their juice, then set the mixture aside to cool to lukewarm.

• Tip the eggs, egg yolks, sugar and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for a minute or so, until the mixture starts to look a bit foamy (unlike many cake recipes of this type, you don’t need to beat them until they are fluffy). Pour in the chocolate mixture and vanilla and whisk again until the batter is well combined (don’t be alarmed that it looks quite wet and sloppy – it’s meant to be like that). Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin.

• Now, pour enough very hot tap water into the roasting tin so it comes halfway up the side of the cake tin. Carefully lift the lot into the oven and bake the cake for 1¼–1½ hours, or until the surface appears to be dry and crusty (with, quite possibly, a crack or two) and the cake feels set if you lightly rest the palm of your hand on top and gently wobble it.

Flourless Chocolate,Pecan & Prune Truffle Cake

- 250 g pitted prunes, quartered- 220 ml prune juice- 1½ tablespoons armagnac or cognac (or use extra prune juice, if you prefer)- Dutch-processed cocoa powder, for dusting- 250 g unsalted butter- 250 g good-quality dark chocolate, chopped- ¾ cup (75 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder, extra- 125 g roasted pecans, chopped into small pieces- 8 eggs, at room temperature- 2 egg yolks- 400 g caster sugar - Pinch of salt- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract- ½ quantity ganache- Pecan praline, optional- Thick cream, to serve SERVES 16–20 (YOU ONLY NEED A SMALL SLICE!)

This beautiful cake is best made at least a day or two ahead of time, as the flavour only benefits from sitting (I’ve even eaten a slice after three weeks and it was still terrific). The texture is that of a mousse, with the prunes adding a sensuous lush-ness and the pecans contributing not so much their flavour but rather a welcome crunch. Interestingly, like many very rich cakes, it does actually benefit from a small scoop of cream to cut the intensity of each mouthful. And I imagine (not that I’ve tried it) that instead of the icing, the cake could look lovely with a drift of softly whipped cream and some splinters of roasted pecans on top – or even just a dusting of icing sugar. But for my money, I do love the look of the rubble of coarsely chopped praline.

Chocolate GanacheGanache is lovely stuff and terribly easy to make. There are lots of different versions of it (many use cream rather than butter), but whatever recipe you use, you end up with a silky, chocolate glaze that forms a glossy icing when it’s poured over a cake.

• Put the chocolate, butter and water into a medium-sized, heavy-based saucepan over low heat. Let the chocolate and butter melt, stirring the mixture frequently, until the ganache is smooth. (I use a small, flat sauce whisk for this, as it gets right into the corners of the pan where the chocolate tends to clump a bit.) The most important thing to keep in mind when you’re making ganache is that it mustn’t get too hot and boil – if it does, it becomes oily and grainy and there’s not much chance of salvaging it, I’m afraid. Once it’s silky smooth, take it off the heat and let it cool until it’s barely warm and of a thick pouring consistency. Pour as much as you need over the cake.

• Scrape any leftover ganache into an airtight container, seal it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, gently warm it over very low heat, then let it cool to the right consistency.

- 250 g good-quality dark chocolate, broken into small chunks- 125 g unsalted butter- 50 ml water MAKES ABOUT 1¾ CUPS – ENOUGH TO ICE 2 MEDIUM-SIZED CAKES



84 journey - A magazine about people and places journey - A magazine about people and places 85 journey - A magazine about people and places 85





• In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the coconut cream, curry paste, ginger, lemongrass and coriander.

• Line a lidded container large enough to hold the chicken with a large, sturdy plastic bag. Sit the chicken pieces in the bag and scoop in the marinade. Tie a knot in the top of the bag, then squish it about in your hands so that the chicken is thoroughly coated in the marinade. (Make sure you use a good strong bag for this or, as I’ve found to my cost, the bag could tear as you squish the chicken, making rather a horrible mess!) Put the bag back into the container and cover it tightly with a lid. Now just pop the lot into the fridge for at least 3–4 hours or, better still, overnight. If you remember, give the chicken pieces another squish from time to time.

• When you are ready to cook the chicken, preheat your oven to 190°C. Line a shallow baking tray with baking paper and sit the chicken pieces on it, skin-side up. Squeeze any leftover marinade in the bag over the chicken. Slip the tray into the oven and cook the chicken for about 40 minutes, until it is deep golden brown on top.

• While the chicken is cooking, make the cucumber ribbons. To do this, run a vegetable peeler repeatedly down the length of a cucumber to form long narrow ribbons, stopping when you get to the seeds. Rotate the cucumber and do the same again. Repeat with the remaining cucumbers, then put the ribbons into a large bowl, cover them with plastic film and chill them. (I discard the seedy cores and the first ribbons on each side as they are all skin and a bit chewy.)

• When the chicken is nearly done, combine the olive oil, ginger, garlic, vinegar, caster sugar, chilli and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Sit the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to the boil. As soon as it boils, remove it from the heat and stir in a little of the lime juice. Taste it and add salt and more lime juice, if necessary. Pour this over the cucumber ribbons and thoroughly mix it in.

• When the chicken is ready, sit one or two pieces on each plate and place a tangle of cucumber ribbons alongside. Finish off with a sprinkling of coriander leaves and, if by any chance you have them, coriander flowers. This is delicious with a bowl of jasmine rice.

Coconut Chicken with Spicy Cucumber Ribbons

- 2 × 270 ml cans coconut cream- ¼ cup (75 g) your favourite curry paste (I use Patak’s Tikka Masala paste)- ¼ cup (45 g) finely chopped ginger- Inner hearts of 3 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped- ¹⁄3 cup (20 g) finely chopped coriander- 8 chicken chops (partly boned leg and thigh portions) or skin-on chicken thighs- A few lacy coriander leaves, to garnish- Steamed jasmine rice, to serve

SPICY CUCUMBER RIBBONS- 800 g Lebanese or other small cucumbers, washed and dried- 2 tablespoons light olive oil- 2 tablespoons very finely shredded ginger- 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped- 1 tablespoon rice (or white wine) vinegar- 1 teaspoon caster sugar- 2 small red chillies, finely chopped- 3 teaspoons sesame oil- 1 tablespoon lime juice - Sea salt flakes, to taste SERVES 4 HEARTY EATERS OR 6 LIGHTER ONES

This scrumptious chicken dish is perfect for times like today when we’ve been out and about for most of the day and the thought of cooking something from scratch is less than inspiring. The marinade only takes a few minutes to make and basically you just plonk the chicken into it the night before you need it, make sure it’s well coated (and covered, or everything in your fridge will smell rather exotic!) then leave it until you’re ready to cook it. I nearly always serve this with jasmine rice and something cucumber-y, as their cool freshness is a lovely balance for the spicy chicken. The cucumber ribbons look really pretty and I love to make them when time is on my side. When it isn’t, I’m just as likely to seed and slice the cucumbers then mix them with a little plain yoghurt, fresh mint and salt, and serve this instead.



• For the chermoula, put all the ingredients into a bowl and thoroughly mix them together. Set the bowl aside in a cool spot while you prepare the salmon.

• Trim the fillets up a bit, removing the thinner ‘tail’ if necessary, so they are roughly log-shaped (hang on to the trimmings as you can make extra rolls from these). Pop all the fish onto a plate and into the fridge.

• Now lay a sheet of foil large enough to comfortably enclose one fillet on your work surface, then put a slightly smaller sheet of baking paper over this. Overlap two to three large

leaves of English spinach, shiny-side down, in the middle of the baking paper. Now, thoroughly coat one piece of salmon in the chermoula and sit it in the middle of the leaves. Using the paper to help you, wrap the leaves completely around the fish (use some extra leaves if the salmon isn’t covered) then wrap the paper around it too, to form a log. Roll this up snugly in the foil. Secure the ends of the foil by twisting them tightly in opposite directions so the whole package resembles a neat bonbon. Pop it in the fridge and repeat the rolling and wrapping with the



Salmon, Spinach & Chermoula Rolls

- 4 small fillets of Atlantic salmon (or ocean trout), skin off- 12–16 large English spinach leaves, washed and stalks removed- lemon wedges, to serve

CHERMOULA- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper- 2 teaspoons freshly ground cumin seeds- 2 teaspoons freshly ground coriander seeds- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika- 2 teaspoons sweet Hungarian paprika- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper- 6 large cloves garlic, finely chopped- ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon or lime juice- 1 small red chilli, seeded and chopped- ½ cup (25 g) finely chopped coriander- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil

TOMATO SALAD- 4–5 large ripe tomatoes, seeded and sliced- ½ small red onion, very finely sliced- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil- ½ teaspoon freshly ground cumin seeds- good pinch of smoked paprika (you could use sumac instead)- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more to taste- sea salt flakes, to taste- handful of small black olives- tiny coriander leaves, to garnish

SERVES 4

More often than not I’m perfectly happy with a simple piece of grilled salmonaccompanied by nothing more than a squeeze of lemon juice. But sometimes I geta craving for something a bit more complex and interesting, and when I do it’s hardfor me to go past this tart, spicy Moroccan marinade that adds so much verve towhatever it’s used with.This particular dish came about through one of those happy coincidenceswhen I happened to have rather a lot of leftover chermoula in the fridge and waswondering how to dress up some salmon fillets for dinner. Well, one thing led toanother and these lovely rolls are the result. They look and taste wonderful, and arefantastic for a dinner party, as they can be made well ahead and simply popped inthe oven to cook when you need them.

remaining fillets. (At this stage, I mix the trimmings with some of the remaining chermoula then bundle them together into one or two rolls as well – they don’t slice quite as neatly as the rolls made with the whole fillets, but I usually chill them once they’re cooked and have them cold the next day, by which time they cut beautifully.) Chill all the rolls for a couple of hours.

• Preheat your oven to 200°C.• Sit the salmon bonbons on a

baking sheet, then put them in the oven and bake for 15 minutes – if

the fillets are very thick, allow an extra couple of minutes. Remove them from the oven and leave the rolls in their wrappings for at least 20 minutes to settle and firm up a bit – the foil will keep them warm. (You can also chill them and serve them cool if it’s a really hot day.)

• While the rolls are settling, put the tomato, onion, olive oil, cumin, paprika, lemon juice and salt into a bowl and gently stir them together.

• To serve the salmon, put a good spoonful of salad onto each plate, then scatter some olives and tiny

coriander leaves on top. Unwrap the logs. Using a sharp knife (preferably not a serrated one as it tends to tear the flesh), slice the salmon into thick rounds. Overlap these on the plate beside the salad and serve with lemon wedges.



• Preheat your oven to 180°C. Butter a 24–25 cm round cake tin and set it aside.

• For the caramel topping, melt the butter in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and salt and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes until it’s glossy. Don’t be alarmed if the sugar doesn’t dissolve completely – it tends to form a slush. Just be a little careful as you cook this: don’t let it cook for too long or get too hot, or else the butter will separate out. This is not a major tragedy as you can still use the mixture – it’s just a bit more awkward

to do so as the sugar hardens.• When the caramel is ready, pour

it into the prepared tin and tilt it to coat the bottom evenly. (If the topping has separated a bit and the sugar has hardened, just press it in as best you can – it will melt again as the cake bakes.) Now, peel and slice the bananas fairly thickly (about 6–7 mm), then sit the slices in overlapping circles over the base of the tin so they completely cover the caramel. Set the tin aside while you make the cake batter.

• Put the flour, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg into a food processor and whiz them together for 10 seconds.



Upside-Down Sticky Banana Cake

- 180 g self-raising flour- ¼ teaspoon salt- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg - 1 medium-sized very ripe banana- 2 tablespoons sour cream- 2 eggs- 180 g caster sugar- 90 g cultured unsalted butter, in small chunks, at room temperature- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract- golden syrup and thick cream or vanilla ice-cream, to serve

CARAMEL TOPPING- 60 g unsalted butter- ¾ cup (165 g) brown sugar- large pinch of salt- 4–5 large just-ripe bananas

SERVES 4

A NOTE ON BANANAS . . .It’s important that the bananas for the caramel topping aren’t too ripe, otherwise they collapse and become mushy as they bake. The cake will still taste great – it just won’t look as pretty. This works in reverse for the banana that’s part of the cake batter: it’s best if it’s really ripe because it’s sweeter and mixes in more evenly.

This cake really needs to be eaten the day it’s made to look its most beautiful,glossy best. Not, I hasten to add, that I’ve ever found that to be a problem – thehardest thing is trying to keep everyone away long enough for it to cool down a little!However, in the interests of seeing whether it would keep, I managed to snafflea slice when I made the one in the photo and refrigerated it overnight (with a bignote on it threatening dire things to anyone who even thought about eating it!).The next day I gently warmed it and then of course had to eat it – in the interests ofresearch, you understand – and it was terrific! The bananas weren’t quite as glossyas when it was freshly turned out, but the taste and texture were perfect.

Tip them into a bowl. In another bowl, mash the banana then stir in the sour cream. Set both bowls aside.

• Put the eggs and sugar into the processor, then whiz them together for 1 minute, occasionally stopping and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula. Add the butter and vanilla, and whiz again for 40 seconds or so. Now, scrape the mashed banana and sour cream mixture into this and whiz them together for 10 seconds or until they’re just combined. The batter may well look a little curdled at

this stage, but don’t worry – it will be fine. Add the flour mixture to the food processor and pulse them together until they’re just combined.

• Dollop spoonfuls of the cake batter into the tin over the bananas and spread it out evenly. Do this fairly carefully so you don’t disturb the bananas underneath.

• Bake for 45–50 minutes until the cake is golden and springy when you give it a gentle prod in the centre. Remove it from the oven and leave it to settle in the tin for 3 minutes. Then carefully loosen

it around the sides (watch out for your fingers as the tin will be very hot). Sit a serving plate on top of the tin and, holding the tin with a tea towel to protect your hands, fl ip the cake and plate over. Sit the plate on the bench and leave the tin on top for 20 seconds: this creates a little bit of steam which helps the cake come out of the tin easily. Gently remove the tin. Don’t worry if some banana slices stick to the bottom of it – just scrape them off and press them back onto the cake. Occasionally, I’ve found the caramel has hardened a little and some bits

have stuck to the base of the tin – if this happens to you, very gently and briefly warm the base of the tin on the stovetop to dissolve the hardened caramel then drizzle it over the cake. Let the cake cool.

• Just before serving, brush a little golden syrup over the top. This cake is lovely served warm or at room temperature with cream or ice-cream.


Organic Wines are made under rules and processes, monitored and recorded in complying with the certification authority of the Australian Certified Organics (ACO) whose offices are in Queensland together with the offices of The Biological Farmers Association (BFA). These organisations are linked to the worldwide organisation established with small beginnings in Germany in the late 1940’s and 1950’s following the events of the second World War which had laid waste much agricultural land in Europe.

The Wild Fox vineyards along the Gawler River, west of the Barossa were established in 1996 with a zero tolerance to the use of chemicals on the soil for weed control, or in the air for pest and disease control. Natural fertilizers made from composted leaf, or from composted animal manure were used right from the beginning. ”Cover crops “ of legumes, usually Faba beans, were planted for winter growth between the rows of vines. These were turned into the soil in early spring returning nitrogen to the soil for the vines use.

The Markou vineyard extends beyond the “organic” requirements to be certified “Biodynamic”, indicating that all waste such as prunings and leaf are returned for the soils enrichment. This term Biodynamic appears on the back of the labels.

Another condition in meeting “certification“ is the establishment of understory bushes and small trees in the surrounding environment

of the vineyard for small birds to live in. They ensure a healthy attention to managing the small mites and insects that can attack leaves, thereby affecting healthy growth cover for the grapes.

The grapes at the Wild Fox Vineyards are grown in a warm to hot climate. Steady ripening of the fruit is conducive to full flavour, and damage due to mildews is a rare event. Careful monitoring of watering is also essential to achieve full flavour. The grower of organic grapes must get full flavour. He/She cannot hide poor quality fruit with additives in the winery. (See www. food additives.com. wine for a list)

These are the conditions established by the Markou family, and no compromises have occurred. The weather climate particular to the season creates any subtle differences in taste. Hence the excitement at vintage!

That is why there are so many small wineries attached to vineyards in Australia. The grape grower wants control over the wine making as well and wants to enjoy the rewards of the taste.

Over watering produces weight in the final tonnage the grower presents to the wineries. That’s what the grower gets paid for. Astute winery owners also monitor Quality from supplying vineyards. But the bigger companies like Treasury Wines (formerly Fosters, formerly Southcorp), and Yallumba are catching up to the need to be more environmentally friendly. However the big companies will never pay the fees associated with Organic Certification. Their profits would be eroded to an unacceptable level to their shareholders.

Wild Fox Wines is a small family owned business, wholly grown and operated in South Australia.

What is the difference between Organic and Preservative Free?

Under Organic Certification, Australian Standards permit up to 120 parts per million

of added sulphites as preservative. The American standard is 100 parts/million.

All Wild Fox Wines are made to meet the American standard for our export trade. Wild Fox works hard to add only minimum sulphites, so the parts per million are much lower than the limit imposed by the ACO.

The Organic certification is maintained by the grower and winemaker by strict attention to detail in the records pertaining to every aspect of the operations. These records are scanned by the certifying inspector who visits the property at least once a year, and at any unannounced visit.

Wine labelled “Organic” is also under the scrutiny of AQIS. (Australian Quarantine Inspection Services) Checks by AQIS, centred in Canberra, with offices in every state are meticulous, and protect Australia’s labelling of food and wine.

When the wine is made the winemaker will add only as much as the wine needs to be preserved for about 10 years for reds. White wine is usually consumed nearer to its vintage.

In a 2003 Merlot produced under the OVA organic label. Only 31 parts (per million) of sulphites were added.!!! It was still beautiful nine years later.

Preservative Free means Free of Preservatives.

Vegan Friendly (on the label) means that no white of egg has been used in the clarifying process.

Preservative Free wines are meant to be enjoyed now. They are not intended to be shelved or stored for longer than 12 months after bottling. That fact is the reason why we do not bottle more than we can reasonably sell. That is also why they are more expensive as there is some risk that we will have ”left over” stock. That is also the reason we run out of the preservative free wines.

www.wildfoxwines.com

What is the difference between ‘Organic Wines’ and conventional Wines?



’wild in taste, mild on nature’ Since establishment in 1998, our estate vineyard,40 kms west of the Barossa Valley, has been true to the best biodynamic and organic farming practices to produce quality organic and preservative free award winning wines. All for the pleasure of the fine wine connoisseur and especially for those with allergies and or indifference to additives. For the good of our health and the environment.

‘Organic wines which stand up to critical assessment in their own right and pass any taste test with flying colours. Let me tell you it’s a long journey to have your vineyard accredited as organic.’ Paul Le Lacheur (wine journalist)

Why drink wild fox certified organic wineHealth: very favourable to people who experience allergic reactions to non-organic wines, Vegan friendly.

Environment: our organic bio-dynamic farming practices ensure preservation and sustainability of ournatural environment.

Taste: an all natural flavour and taste that more than pleases the palate.

Quality: National and International awards plus 4 star rating in Winestate magazine.

D ISC O UNT

SPEC

IAL OFFER

10% *

*Visit our website, enter the code (NATAUS) and receive a 10% DISCOUNT when you order. ‘Now available award winning Organic Beer’.

’for fox sake’ ... www.wildfoxwines.com

What is the difference between ‘Organic Wines’ and conventional Wines?



“(Peter Cullen) was provocative, constructive, brave … always grounded in good science”

Andrew Campbell of Triple Helix

“… he was someone to whom prime ministers looked for leadership”

Tim Flannery, The Age, 18th March 2008



BRIDGING SCIENCE, PEOPLE & THE ENVIRONMENT

www.petercullentrust.com.au



Tongsai Bay is located on Koh Samui, an island in the Gulf of Thailand just a short distance by air from Bangkok and across the southern peninsula.

The view of Tongsai Bay is hypnotic, as it is set amidst a secluded ocean cove; two immense-blue swimming pools, an eco-friendly colony of cottages, low rise buildings and villas barely displacing the lush greenery on the hills of the islands

north east corner.

www.tongsaibay.co.th


Koh Samui 84 Moo 5 Bo Phut, Koh Samui Suratthani 84320 Tel: +66 (0) 77 245 480 500 Fax: +66 (0) 77 245 462 Email: [email protected]

Bangkok Office24 Soi Sukhumvit 38, Sukhumvit Road Prakhanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2381 8774 6 Fax: +66 (0) 2381 8772Email: [email protected]


Get a head start

Use SmartGate to self-process through passport control when returning to Australia

If you are an Australian or New Zealand ePassport holder aged 16 or above, look for SmartGate at Darwin, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth and Gold Coast international airports.

Visit www.customs.gov.au/smartgate for more information.
