RedInflight Issue 3 (July/August '09)

BrindaBella airlines magazine july/august 2009 issue three

profile Jo Vanzella Brindabella airlines to hong kong

SHAWVineyard Estate

travel experience hungarian Salami

with a dash of paprika

feature The Birdsville Racesenviro-mental

where do you stand?

a relaxing escape with a touch of italy

*Offer applies to Woolworths/Safeway Supermarkets and Liquor (excluding Tasmania). You must be an Everyday Rewards member and Qantas Frequent Flyer member and link your memberships to earn points. Excludes selected purchases such as smoking/tobacco products, gift cards and other specified services. Conditions apply to this offer and both programs, for details visit qantas.com/woolworths.

Get rewards faster. Now earn points with Woolworths

Supermarkets*.With Woolworths and Safeway Supermarkets now on board, you can watch your Qantas Frequent Flyer points really

take off and reach the rewards you want faster. Every time you shop, you’ll earn a point for every dollar over $30 spent when you present your Everyday Rewards card*. You then have many ways to use your points, on everything from Award flights on Brindabella, Qantas and other partner airlines to over 1,000 products in the online Qantas Frequent Flyer Store in Australia.

How to start earning: 1. Pick up an Everyday Rewards card

If you don’t have one, you can pick one up at your local Woolworths or Safeway Supermarket.

2. Register and Link Register your Everyday Rewards card and link it to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account at everydayrewards.com.au

If you’re not already a Qantas Frequent Flyer member you can join now through Everyday Rewards without paying the usual joining fee.

3. Start earning! Just present your Everyday Rewards card every time you shop.

qantas.com/woolworths

The 3S Group presents the Inaugural

Patrick Purtle0428 851 704

For CatalogueContact: Tim Atkins

(02) 6785 1486

ULMARRA Singleton

AUSTRALIAN EQUINE & LIVESTOCK EVENTS CENTRETAMWORTH NSW WEDNESDAY 19th AUGUST 2009

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Offer 1 Offer 2• Accommodation in a Queen Room with

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• Hot breakfast in Crossroads

Restaurant & Bar

• Complimentary 24 hr Wireless Internet

• Glass of house wine in the evening

when dining

• Qantas Frequent Flyer points or Escape

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• Early check in from 8:00 am

• Late check out up to 6:00 pm

Only$170 per night Mon - Thu

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Whether it’s a sales presentation,

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• Offer 1 is valid for stays until 31 August 2009• Offer 2 is valid for bookings until 30 September 2009.• Subject to availability and conditions apply.• Bookings must be made directly with hotel and must quote “Brindabella”

Cnr Oxley Highway & Ebsworth StreetTamworth NSW 2340

Phone: 02 6765 8361 • Fax: 02 6762 0894Email: [email protected]

in brief

publishing

contents

welcomeredinflight BrindaBella airlines magazine | july/august 2009 issue three

published by Man Bites Dog Public Relations for Brindabella Airlines

ABN 30 932 483 322 PO Box 4106 Ainslie ACT 2602 t 02 6161 2751 | f 02 6262 7721 [email protected] www.manbitesdog.com.au

editor Liz Lang

design Nina Vesala

adVertising and editorial enQuiries [email protected] 02 6200 0679

printed by Blue Star Print Group

LEGAL NOTICE RELATING TO COPYRIGHT, WARRANTIES AND LIABILITIESMan Bites Dog Public Relations (‘MBD’) owns the copyright in this pub-lication. Except for any fair dealing as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwth), no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of MBD. MBD has been careful in prepar-ing this publication, however: it is not able to, and does not warrant that the publication is free from errors and omissions; and it is not able to verify, and has not verified the accuracy of the information and opin-ions contained or expressed in, or which may be conveyed to readers by any advertisement or other publication content. MBD advises that it accepts all contributed material and advertisements contained in this publication in good faith, and relies on various warranties and permis-sions provided to it by the persons who contribute material and/or place advertisements. Those warranties and permissions include that neither the material and/or advertisements are misleading, decep-tive or defamatory, and that their use, adaptation or publication does not infringe the rights of any third party, or any relevant laws. Further, MBD notifies readers that it does not, nor should it be understood to endorse, adopt, approve or otherwise associate MBD with any repre-sentations made in contributions and/or advertisements contained in the publication. MBD makes no representation or warranty as to the qualifications of any contributor or advertiser or persons associated with them, and advises readers that they must rely solely on their own enquiries in relation to such qualifications, and be satisfied from those enquiries that persons with whom they deal as a result of reading any material or advertisement have the necessary licences and professional qualifications relating to the goods and services offered. To the maxi-mum extent permitted by law, MBD excludes all liabilities in contract, tort (including negligence) and/or statute for loss, damage, costs and expenses of any kind to any person arising directly or indirectly from any material or advertisement contained in this publication, whether arising from an error, omission, misrepresentation or any other cause.

06 > travelcelebrating homemade hungarian salami

07 > in brief enviro-mental: climate change in a different headspace by lish fejer

enjoy the journey by nicholas Molloy

08 > cover storyshaw Vineyard estate Cover image: Shaw Vineyard Estate, Murrumbateman, ACT

10 > profile Jo Vanzella cathay pacific

12 > feature John harriott's account of the birdsville races 2008

14 > destinationsflightpaths and schedulespecial offerwhat's on

15 > puzzles

bAe J41 JetstreAm AircrAft

Length: 19.53 metres, wingspan: 18.4 metres Height: 5.6 metres Cruise altitude: 25,000 ft Max cruise speed: 540km/hr Seats: 30, pressurised, air conditioned

metro 3

Length: 18.1 metres, wingspan: 17.4 metres Height: 5.1 metres Cruise altitude: 8520 metres Max cruise speed: 500km/hr Seats: 18, pressurised, air conditioned

www.brindabellaairlines.com.au

We believe australia's economic situation is improving, and we would like to thank all our customers for your support during this difficult period of time. Government budget cuts do affect us, as does the general downturn in travel. Government agencies who supply to the aviation industry still continue with the same levels of charging and do not share the burden of the decrease in airline yields.We are pleased that we have been able to continue to provide the same level of service

throughout the past turbulent months, and we greatly appreciate your support as customers of Brindabella Airlines.Our new Tamworth – Brisbane route is proving very successful and we look forward to increasing the frequency of flights on this route from July onwards.to celebrate our new route, from 16 July – 31 august 2009 Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn double points on all eligible flights between tamworth and brisbane.We would love to hear your feedback, please e-mail [email protected]

Lara Corry-Boyd and Jeff Boyd

Our new Tamworth – Brisbane route is proving very successful and we look forward to increasing the frequency of flights on this route from July onwards. ”

“

6 | july/august 09 7

travel

What happens When an aircraFt is de-iced beFore Flying? Frozen contaminants such as water or frost cause control surfaces to be rough and uneven disrupting smooth air flow.

When the weather dictates, de-icing on the ground is done by spraying aircraft with a non-toxic de-icing fluid such as proplyene glycol, similar to the antifreeze used in car engine coolants. This fluid is heated prior to application to melt the existing ice and prevents ice reforming until the aircraft is airborne.

Brindabella aircraft use black inflatable 'boots' on the leading edges of the wings and tail to crack and dislodge the formed ice. Ice is prevented from forming on windscreens, propellors and engines by electrically heated 'mats'.

hoW oFten does an aircraFt go in For maintenance?The manufacturer of the aircraft is required as part of the aircraft certification process to publish a maintenance schedule that specifies the required maintenance for the aircraft and the intervals between maintenance visits. This maintenance schedule is similar to that which a car manufacturer specifies for your car but with an aircraft, it is mandatory and must be complied with.

Brindabella Metro aircraft have a major maintenance check every 150 hours of flight. Brindabella J41 aircraft have a major maintenance check every 250 hours of flight. Additional tasks are done on a daily and weekly basis as required.

Maintenance on aircraft is much more detailed than that for a car and each completed maintenance task must be certified by a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME) as being carried out correctly, completely and safely.

Do you have a question for the pilot or engineer?

e-mail: [email protected] with your questions

flying facts

ever thought about that finely shaved salami beside your salad? Hungary is famous for its paprika and salami which is now mass produced and exported. But there are a few families still in Hungary that take great pride in their own home made version. Salt, pepper, paprika, music and community are some of the essential ingredients.

All over Central Europe the influx of modern technology is fairly recent and has happened very quickly. Some regional areas still have no plumbing or running water and electricity is a relatively new thing. Live music is the most common form of entertainment and will usually play a part in any celebration or gathering. No amplified bass booming across the valleys of Hungary yet, but you know there is a party on somewhere when you hear the sound of strings drifting on the wind!

One occasion that certainly demands some spirit lifting music is a pig kill. Usually done in winter, this is still common practice in Hungary, although with new EU health regulations coming in, it may not be for much longer. Each family will usually keep their own pigs in rural areas and will kill two or three for their own use each year. In an ideal carbon conscious world, this makes sense, no travel, shipping, supermarkets or packaging costs.

A pig kill is a fairly big event and around twenty family and friends will often gather to help throughout the day. Starting early in the morning and even with all this help, it takes a full day.

No part of the pig is wasted, meat is cut and frozen or smoked, the fat is smoked to be used later as lard or eaten with bread. All the rest is minced and made into sausages and salami, with a little paprika, garlic and onions. The blood is either cooked and eaten on the day fried with onions, or put into the sausages. Hocks are smoked for soups and the ears and tongue is often boiled and left to set into a jelly, later eaten cold.

So next time you put salami on your sandwich picture the snow covered valleys, the family, friends and music and try washing it down with a little Palinka (plum brandy)!

Contact Sally Corry at Carpathian Tours T: 02 9597 1767 www.carpathiantours.com.au

HungarianSalami

6 7july/august 09 |

in brief

Enjoy tHE journEyWe oFten hear oF the need to have goals and obJectives, and that We need to plan, organise and be disciplined. Which is all good advice i’m sure. I don’t profess to be a self-help guru – far from it. I work, have a family and like most, have a rather full day with what often seems like not enough hours in it.

I work with many different business owners and their staff. I also manage a team in our own offices. As such, my day lends itself to being a great observation deck for human endeavour. I often watch people drive themselves, and you can see that for most they are striving to achieve financial certainty for themselves and their families; a worthy goal indeed. It then got me thinking: are we all striving so hard to get to ‘some place’, financial security, a new house, car, boat, holiday or whatever it may be, that sometimes we forget that we spend much of our lives in the pursuit of those goals? That perhaps we may be missing the main game?

Most of our working hours are either spent at work or thinking about work. If the job that we perform on a daily basis is not something that we are genuinely interested in and challenged by,

then the question must be what are we doing with some of the most productive years of our lives? I’m not suggesting that your job should be tossed if you answered no. But perhaps it’s more about a re-assessment.

Instead of being tense and apprehensive about our work day, try to relax and enjoy it. It’s not always possible, but needn’t be that difficult either. If you have great people you work with who are dedicated, fun and genuine individuals then your place of work should therefore be a pretty good spot to be. Stop and enjoy a laugh occasionally. Take time off where possible. Build some perspective into your day. Do you save lives for a living? If not, the odd mistake won’t be catastrophic. Instead learn from it, put it behind you and move on. In short there are enough items in our day that we can’t control. Manage the ones that we can! Life is to be lived and your job is a central part of your day and thus your life. Don’t look forward to what might be on the horizon, enjoy the moment. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.

As a business owner and business consultant one might think this article is targeted at those who own and operate businesses. Perhaps, but

the message or thought is the same regardless of whether you are an employee or an employer. Much has been written about the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and its impact on the stock market, housing, business and employment. No doubt this tends to make us more alert in whatever role we work in on a day-to-day basis. Often as a business consultant we are

asked to assist in developing strategies to assist business owners improve the performance of their business. One of the key objectives of an employer (business owner) or an employee must be to make their business or role in the organisation sustainable. So if we are in a job that we don’t like we are taking up the best years of our lives simply to generate an income with no positive outcome. * Nicholas Malloy, senior partner at Easdown partners, Wagga Wagga.

by nicholas molloy

enviro-mental Climate Change in a different headspaCeby lish FeJer

i am a carbon cop. Talk to me about energy efficiency – shorter showers, hot water systems*, thermostats, house orientation, eaves, and insulation. If it has to do with using less energy for the same job, I love it. It is not sexy but it works.

Carbon Cops screened on ABC TV looking at household energy use and how to reduce it. I am not an environmental scientist but biochemist/science communicator. Likewise, the families we worked with were not environmental bearded-types. They were normal Aussie families living

in normal Aussie homes leading normal Aussie lifestyles. The common link was that they all wanted to do something to reduce their energy bills and as a result reduce their impact on the planet. All families reduced their energy use by 50% using a mixture of behavioural change and technical fixes.

The environmental movement, especially that relating to the threat of climate change, is a huge, growing and groaning, challenge.

Seventy per cent of Australians believe that we should take action to combat climate change and reduce our emissions.

Where do you stand? Are you of the thinking we must unite across the globe to drastically reduce carbon emissions or are you more of the ‘Que sera sera’ school of thought and that it is all going to happen regardless of what we do or don’t do? Are you somewhere in between?

For me, I am always on the side of action, however little or large. Even with my love of the subject I still go through periods of carbon fatigue from the seemingly endless streams of information, legislation, regulations and recommendations about how to combat climate change. Understandably all this can sometimes

make you switch off from the whole debate or think that it is all too big for an individual to cope with. Increased awareness does not necessarily result in increased motivation and action.

If you had mapped my headspace over the last few months it would have been peaks and troughs, positive and negative, hopeful and hopeless.

I kick myself out of it not by thinking about the problem of inaction but the opportunities in action. Climate change presents us with huge challenges but with these comes great chances to shine with our leadership, our technology and our energy.

We have to shift our communication and thinking about climate change away from the weight of worthiness to seeing the great opportunities that it presents us. We have this chance now. Seize it.

* If you have an existing electric hot water monster/system make the most of the great rebates available from the NSW State and Federal governments to change this to a more energy efficient solar or heat pump hot water system. You would be crazy not to. That’s the Carbon Cop coming out of me.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.“

”

cover story

SHAWVineyard EstateFINDING AN ExCEPTIONAL GLASS OF WINE IN CANBERRA IS FAST BECOMING A SHAW THING

rising star of canBerra’s wine region

8 | july/august 09

canberra noW boasts 140 vineyards and 33 boutique cellar doors to visit, with the capability of producing more than 2 million bottles of wine annually. More importantly, the region is now finally receiving some serious recognition from the wine industry and consumers, both at home and abroad, as a producer of world-class, cool climate wines.

Shaw Vineyard Estate in particular has been championing the region's ability to make a wide variety of styles at a consistently high quality level. They were recently presented with six awards at the 2009 Decanter World Wine Awards and 2009 London International Wine Challenge, bringing their total International awards to 25 (not to mention the numerous Australian wine show medals and trophies), an impressive feat in the short five years since their wines were released to the public.

Often called the rising star of the region – rather aptly as their logo bares the unique star formation that rises above Australia, the Southern Cross – Shaw Vineyard Estate was established in 1998 by Graeme and Ann Shaw, whose commitment to the Canberra wine district saw them establish one of the largest privately owned vineyard holdings in the region at 85 acres.

Located just off the Barton Highway to the northwest of Canberra in the beautiful area of Murrumbateman, it is these pristine vineyards, with their enviable cool climate and large variety of soils and aspects that enable Graeme Shaw to grow grapes from most of the major varieties (including Riesling, Semillon, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz) providing quality fruit for the production of a full range of 100% estate-grown wines.

Add this to the fact that Shaw Vineyard Estate is very much a family business, with Graeme and Ann ably assisted by their two children, Michael the viticulturist and Tanya the cellar door manager, and you have superior craftsmanship and quality-control which creates an exciting range of consistently superb wines, year after year.

The Shaw Vineyard Estate portolio is divided into three core labels: Winemakers Selection (a range of fresh, easy drinking wines perfect for everyday enjoyment) the Premium Range (selected from the most regionally expressive parcels of fruit and quality barrels) and the Reserve wines (based on the ‘best of the best’ concept and produced in limited quantities). These ranges are joined by two ‘celebration’ wines, Vive & Cielo (a lively, semi-sweet white and a sparkling, designed for fun).

As a family business Shaw Vineyard Estate is also very aware of families less fortunate than themselves and has been a committed supporter of Camp Quality – Australia's leading raiser of funds and laughter for families and kids with cancer – for nearly 20 years now. This year sees Shaw Vineyard Estate take this a step further with the release of a charitable wine range called The Laughter Series. Fifty dollars from each case of wine

sold goes directly to the local Camp Quality. The aim is to raise an additional ½ million dollars for this worthwhile cause (you can purchase the wine via the internet at www.shawvineyards.com.au and www.campquality.com.au/laughterserieswine).

As well as creating great wines the Shaw family has made their picturesque property (only a 20 minute drive north of Canberra) a wonderful place for any family to visit. The cellar door and award-winning restaurant facilities offers a relaxing escape with a touch of Italy and as an additional unique feature, they house a wonderful ceramics gallery, featuring hand made pieces from Deruta in Italy exclusive to Shaw Vineyard Estate in Australia.

So next time you are in Canberra, drop in as you’re ‘Shaw’ to enjoy yourself!

The cellar door and award-winning restaurant facilities offers a relaxing escape with a touch of Italy and as an additional unique feature, they house a wonderful ceramics gallery, featuring hand made pieces from Deruta in Italy exclusive to Shaw Vineyard Estate in Australia. ”“

SHAWVineyard Estaterising star of canBerra’s wine region

9july/august 09 |

Winemaker's tasting notes

shaw vineyard estate premium semillon sauvignon blanc 2008

“This wine was a new addition to our range in 2008 and has become an instant

favourite, holding all the soft mouthfeel, rounded palate, and generous fresh

fruit flavours this style does so well.

I get an aroma of fresh cumquat and passionfruit, followed by a soft palate with good

fruit depth, length and balance, with a fresh minerally lime juice finish.” Graeme Shaw.

Top 100 NSW Wines, James Halliday 2009.

shaw vineyard estate Winemakers selection cabernet sauvignon 2008

“Thanks to the wonderful cool climate in Canberra we get a combination of rich

fruit flavours and fine silky tannins in our reds. This cabernet is full of ripe black

currant and cassis fruits with the typical well balanced palate and long finish that

this part of Australia is becoming famous for.” Graeme Shaw

Awarded Bronze Medal in London Decanter World Wine Awards and London

International Wine Show.

THE CANBERRA WINE DISTRICT IS RELATIvELY NEW IN COMPARISON TO THE NEW SOuTH WALES PIONEERS OF THE HuNTER vALLEY, MuDGEE AND THE RIvERINA, WITH THE FIRST COMMERCIAL WINERIES ONLY ARRIvING IN THE REGION IN THE '70s.

Visit shaw Vineyard estate at 34 Isabel Drive

Murrumbateman NSW 2582Tel: +61 (0)2 6227 5827

Web: www.shawvineyards.com.au

BY ALEx GILSON

10 | july/august 09

profile

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE uNuSuAL OR DIFFICuLT SITuATIONS YOu'vE FACED WHILE FLYING? At the moment the most difficult thing I find is working all through the night, I am currently on flights that are no less than 8 hours and often start work about 11.30pm, so fatigue management has been a big learning curve. When I was flying in Australia the most challenging part was having to deal with all aspects of the flight either by yourself or with one other pilot. Most days brought new things to consider such as the weather and aircraft or passenger concerns. No one day was ever the same.

JO vANzELLA WAS PREvIOuSLY A METRO CAPTAIN WITH BRINDABELLA AIRLINES, TWO YEARS AGO SHE MOvED TO HONG KONG TO FLY WITH CATHAY PACIFIC. WE CAuGHT uP WITH JO FOR AN uPDATE.

TELL uS A BIT ABOuT YOuRSELF: I am married to a primary school teacher. I live in Hong Kong and work for Cathay Pacific. I am loud and talk too much!

HOW WAS YOuR TRANSITION FROM BRINDABELLA AIRLINES TO CATHY PACIFIC? It has been quite a big change. Hong Kong is a big jump from Canberra but it's a really exciting city that keeps me busy. I can't really compare Brindabella Airlines with Cathay, it was nice working for a small operator as you got to work with the same people every day and I had a very constant schedule. Now every time I go to work I meet 12 new crew members and I am still yet to meet any of my bosses which I find quite strange.

A LOT OF PILOTS DREAM TO WORK FOR AN INTERNATIONAL CARRIER, WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOuT YOuR JOB? Travelling all over the world. I have visited some great places that I never thought I would be able to go to. I also can't complain at having on average 20 days off every month.

PILOTS HAvE TO 'CLOCK uP' A LOT OF HOuRS BEFORE THEY CAN FLY FOR A COMMERCIAL AIRLINE, HOW DID YOu CLOCK uP YOuR HOuRS? I learnt to fly in Canberra then Fiji, after that moved to Perth to fly for a small flying school/charter company. I never had an instructor's rating so I flew light aircraft all over Western Australia. A few years later I was lucky enough that Jeff and Lara gave me a job at Brindabella Airlines, and as the company grew I was able to gain more and more experience in larger aircraft which then helped me get the job at Cathay.

Jo VAnzellA second officer Airbus A330/A340

“ Hong Kong has been a big jump from Canberra but it is a really exciting city that keeps me busy.”

Pictured above left: Jo Vanzella Second Officer, Cathay Pacific 2009. Pictured above right: Captain Brindabella Airlines Metro Aircraft 2005. Pictured above: Jo with First Officer Sean Tesoriero, Metro Aircraft 2005

WHAT IS YOuR FAvORITE TRAvEL DESTINATION AND WHY? Most places are awesome for different reasons, but high on the list would be my ski club in New Zealand, Anchorage and Rome. Actually everywhere I seem to go is great for different reasons.

WHAT ARE YOuR PLANS FOR THE FuTuRE? I hope that my future is to stay flying with Cathay and living in Hong Kong. I have not really looked that far ahead, I think I am having too much of a good time at the moment!

10

Jo VAnzellA second officer Airbus A330/A340

Tamworth Regional Airportwelcomes Brindabella Airlinestamworth regional airport is the home of:

• BAeFlyingCollege• QantasLinkDash8–400maintenance• SigmaAviation• CountryCapitalAviation• BrittenNorman• AustralasianPacificAeronauticalCollege• CivilAviationSafetyAuthority

further development opportunities exist:contact airport managermichael dubois on(02)67675543

12 | july/august 09

red skies, red sand, red meat and red wine Birdsville Races 2008

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our plan Was to Fly to birdsville races in Far south West Queensland via overnight stops in hungerFord (nsW/Qld border) and longreach Qld, returning via an overnight stop in bourke.

To offset the costs we invited Rob, a mate from rallying and his mate Scott a US, IT project manager living in Canberra who was keen to get a taste of the Australian Outback.

With wide eyed excitement we punched into the sky and once level and on track we achieved a ground speed of about 300kms per hour.

We arrived in Bourke to the welcome of three crows on a fence and stayed just long enough to refuel. Once back in the sky it was a short trip, destination 'Back of Bourke' and beyond, to Hungerford (population 7). Peter the local publican of the Royal Mail Hotel met us at the airfield and ran a shuttle service to and from the pub in his 4x4.

Next morning with deteriorating weather looming to the NE we flew NW to Thargomindah. Although the other aircraft were staying overnight, we had planned to fly on to Longreach but the threatening weather and rain prompted Matt, my son and pilot to reconsider and wait on the ground for more favourable conditions. So much for the drought!

At about 1400 the weather had cleared sufficiently for Matt to take off and we flew to Longreach where blue skies provided a backdrop for photos of the little Cessna parked in the elongated late afternoon .

In Longreach we introduced Scott to the concept of a pub crawl. We started at one end of town and walked via a beer at a number of rambling old pubs to the other end of town where a strategically positioned RSL Club enabled us to have another enormous steak

although Matt the pilot had fish (food for the brain).

Longreach to Birdsville (where the dust never settles) was an easy three hour flight through clear skies. The colour and texture of the terrain was inspirational. After refuelling we parked each of the aircraft and established our camp sites under the wings. The shadows were lengthening as we exited the airfield perimeter fence and headed for the action at the Birdsville Pub and the atmosphere of the main street of Birdsville.

'Give’m a rally on the drum and a rally on the bell' announced the 9:30 pm session in Fred Brophy's Boxing Tent.

This bush tradition gives challengers the opportunity to earn a quick $60 by winning three rounds against one of Brophy's 'professional' boxers. Twenty dollars per round per win, nothing for a draw and because Brophy’s a generous bloke he doesn't charge the loser for the experience. It seemed too a hard way of winning some beer money!

On Saturday morning we took a bus to the race track which is a couple of kilometres out of town and across the Diamantina River. At the racecourse there was an air of excitement as the stables and mounting yard were occupied by horses and punters were keen to make up for the savings untouched from last year’s event.

Matt's system of picking the bookie with the most attractive bag girl and then selecting a horse with a name that sounds fast, failed this year as there was no bag girls to establish the datum for the scheme.

Afterwards back at the pub we watched the sun set and enjoyed some pre dinner beers before savouring the occasion with a pizza and a bottle of red wine on the veranda of the bakery. Given the long flight ahead on Sunday we were back at the campsite and in bed by 9.30 pm and 'lay

under the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars' listening to John Williamson ballads being played over loud speakers in the beer garden of the pub.

At about 9.30 am Sunday Matt kicked the tyres, lit the fires and taxied for a departure on runway 14 destination Bourke. As we ascended above the Diamantina River we could see the dust trails from convoys of 4x4s and buses headed east towards Brisbane or south along the Birdsville Track towards Adelaide. Sight seeing over, Matt dialled Bourke into the GPS and we were headed for home. After refuelling at Bourke we were forced to hail a cab to the Port o' Bourke Hotel. Normally the publican will collect you however, the Bourke Rams had won the footy final the day before and as the major sponsor of the team he was still in celebration mode.

Bourke is on the Darling River and prior to the railways, river boats transported thousands of bales of wool and other produce each year on the Murray-Darling river system. Now even the railway has gone and multiple trailer and road trains are used on the often dirt roads.

At the airport we waved goodbye to the three crows on the fence and flew home to Canberra tracking via ‘The Dish’ at Parkes New South Wales and a elevated lap of the Bathurst 1000 circuit at Mt Panorama. We arrived home with the flight time for the round trip at 15.9 hours. Once again the excursion to Birdsville had been a great adventure. * John Harriott accompanied his son Matt who is an instructor at Brindabella Flight Training.

Birdsville Races will be held 4–5 September, Brindabella Airlines will be chartering flights from Canberra and Newcastle. For further information please contact 02 6200 0679.

BY JOHN HARRIOTT

feature

12

Birdsville Races 2008

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02 6161 2751

0402 900 402

f. 02 6262 7721

PO Box 4106 Ainslie ACT 2602

www.manbitesdog.com.au

media relationswriting and editingcommunication strategy advertisinggraphic designevent management government relationsnew mediapublishing www.b2bincanberra.com

Want more bite for your advertising buck?‘‘ ’’

For large agency results at a fraction of the price

call 02 6161 2751

One central location. Three great offerings.Quest Albury is the perfect relaxation destination in Albury, for business and leisure accommodation.

Boasting Albury’s finest cuisine, with the new Q Manhattans restaurant onsite.

To complete the picture Quest Albury also features its very own Endota spa, where you can soak the best in massage facials and body treatments. One great destination, three perfect ways to relax.

Quest Albury – Call 02 6058 0900 550 Kiewa Street, Albury NSW 2640 Visit www.questalbury.com.au

Your perfect travel companion.Albury

lake crackenback resortA Winter Remedythe perfect cure for the winter blues.

From $495 per person

• 3nightsaccommodation• Hotbuffetbreakfast• 1x2coursedinner• 1x1hrmassage• WinterremedypackSubjecttoavailability.Conditionsapply.

1800020524reservations@lakecrackenback.com.auwww.lakecrackenback.com.au LCR3735

Hertz has a car to fit you

Hertz is conveniently located at the airport in Tamworth and at other airports within the Brindabella network. Call 13 30 39 or visit hertz.com.au

14 | july/august 09 15

destinations

whAt's on July/August 09

17 July > Queensland Music Festival 30 July > Brisbane International Film Festival 23–28 august > Mercedes-Benz Brisbane Fashion Festival, City Hall21–23 august > Brisbane Marathon Festival 2009, South Bank Parklands www.brisbaneinwinter.com.au

4juLy> Sawtell Chilli Festival, First Avenue, Sawtell4–12juLy> South Solitary Open Days, South Solitary Island6 august > Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival, Coffs Harbour Racing Clubwww.coffscoast.com.au

12 July > A-League Soccer Championships8-9 august > Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park DK Sessions, Town Beach15–29AuguSt>Country Energy Australian Surf Festival15-16 august > NSW Junior Road Cycling Championships, Pacific Parkwaywww.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

11–26juLy> NIB Hunter Festival of Sport, various sporting venues 17–19juLy > The Shoot Out 24 Hour Filmmaking Festival, various locations9 august > Wallsend Winter Carnival, Nelson Street, Wallsend www.visitnewcastle.com.au

1–30AuguSt> Fireside Festival, various locations, Canberra8 august > Australian Chamber Orchestra – Resonance, Llewellyn Hall, ANu 26 august > Alice Cooper, National Convention Centrewww.visitcanberra.com.au

10–12 July > Beat the winter Blues n’ Jazz, Milawa and surrounds 24–26 July > Echuca Moma Winter Blues Festival, Echuca7 august > Ned Kelly Weekend, Beechworth Historic Courthouse www.destinationalburywodonga.com.au

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flightpAths And schedule

Canberra – Albury $151Canberra – Newcastle $181

Port Macquarie – Brisbane $169

Coffs Harbour – Brisbane $160

Tamworth – Brisbane $185

All prices are one way fares and seats are limited.

Book Now! www.brindabellaairlines.com.au

SeAT SAle!

queensland

new south wales

brisbane

coffs harbour

port Macquarie

newcastle

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h 16–19juLy> Hats off to country, Tamworth’s Mid-Year Country Music Festival31juLy–2AuguSt > Tamworth Antiques and Collectables, Tamworth Town Hall16 august > 37th Tamworth Ten Fun Run www.visittamworth.com

Canberra - Newcastle - Canberra

Days Flight No. Depart Time Arrive Time

Monday to FQ103 Canberra 0630 Williamtown 0740Friday

Monday to FQ104 Williamtown 0805 Canberra 0915Friday FQ105 Canberra 1045 Williamtown 1155

Monday to FQ106 Williamtown 1445 Canberra 1555Friday

Sunday to FQ107 Canberra 1715 Williamtown 1825Friday FQ108 Williamtown 1855 Canberra 2005

Canberra - Albury - Canberra


Monday to FQ201 Canberra 0700 Albury 0745Friday FQ202 Albury 0810 Canberra 0855

Monday to FQ203 Canberra 1700 Albury 1745Friday FQ204 Albury 1805 Canberra 1850

P/Macquarie - Brisbane - P/Macquarie


Monday to FQ501 P/Macquarie 0705 Brisbane 0900Saturday FQ502 Brisbane 0930 P/Macquarie 1125

Sunday to FQ503 P/Macquarie 1505 Brisbane 1700Friday FQ504 Brisbane 1730 P/Macquarie 1925

C/Harbour - Brisbane - C/Harbour


Monday to FQ501 Coffs Harbour 0800 Brisbane 0900Saturday FQ502 Brisbane 0930 Coffs Harbour 1030

Sunday to FQ503 Coffs Harbour 1600 Brisbane 1700Friday FQ504 Brisbane 1730 Coffs Harbour 1830

Brisbane - Tamworth - Brisbane


Monday to FQ601 Brisbane 0630 Tamworth 0745Friday FQ602 Tamworth 0815 Brisbane 0930 FQ605 Brisbane 1715 Tamworth 1830 FQ606 Tamworth 1900 Brisbane 2015*service due to commence May 2009. A Saturday and Sunday service will commence early June 2009.

Timetable as at 20/4/09

www.brindabellaairlines.com.au* Please note these are local times in Brisbane and does not include

daylight savings

*

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timetable as at 01/07/09

*A Saturday and Sunday service will commence July 2009.

14 15july/august 09 |

puzzles

Across:

2. In which 100m event at the 2008 Beijing games did Libby Trickett win Gold setting a new Australian record?

4. In October 1988, Brazillian Ayrton ______ was named Formula One world champion?

5. On what birthday is a golfer eligible to compete on the Champions Tour?

7. 40 all in tennis

9. Badminton equipment

10. Sport related to bocce and pétanque

12. Canberra NRL team name

13. Australian Mathew Helm is associated with which Olympic sport?

down:

1. 1970 Wimbledon Ladies Singles Champion. Margaret________

2. Covering of a snooker table

3. Casey Stoner currently competes in the MotoGP class for the _______ Marlboro Team

4. The 'freeride' style is commonly associated to which sport?

6. Number of points needed to win a set in Beachvolley Ball

8. Rapid, blitz & bullet are types of what popular game?

11. Tour de France jersey colour awarded for sprint points

Answers: CrosswordAcross: 2. Butterfly, 4. Senna, 5. Fiftieth, 7. Deuce, 9. Shuttlecock, 10. Bowls, 12. Raiders, 13. Diving. Down: 1. Court, 2. Baize, 3. Ducati, 4. Snowboarding, 6. Twentyone, 8. Chess, 11. Green.

Answers: Brain teasers Sport: 1. Media Puzzle, 2. 99.94, 3. Mark Webber. General Knowledge: 1. Five (Australia is the sixth largest country: Russia, Canada, China, USA, Brazil), 2. Queensland, 3. Fraser Island. Arts and Literature: 1. Joern Utzon, 2. 103, 3. Arthur Boyd. History and Science: 1. 11, 2. 1974, 3. Professor Graeme Clark. Entertainment: 1. Fiona and Adam, 2. Crocodile Dundee, 3. Benita. Geography: 1. Steep Point (Shark Bay), 2. D - 35%, 3. Newcastle. Fabulous Facts: 1. Having a sleep. 2. B - Largest Christmas Cracker, 3. Love Kylie.

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brAin teAsers

sport

1. Which horse won the Melbourne Cup in 2002?

2. What was Sir Donald Bradman’s batting average?

3. Who is Australia’s only Formula One driver?

general knoWledge

1. How many countries are larger than Australia?

2. In what state/territory was the highest recorded temperature, of 53oC recorded?

3. Australia has the world’s largest sand island. What is its name?

arts and literature

1. Who designed the Sydney Opera House?

2. How many albums did the late Slim Dusty record?

3. Who painted the Nebuchadnezzar series?

history and science

1. How many ships were in the First Fleet?

2. What year did Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin?

3. Who invented the bionic ear?

entertainment

1. What were the first names of the winning couple from The Block?

2. What is the highest grossing Australian movie?

3. Who is the longest serving presenter of Play School?

geography

1. Name Australia’s western-most point?

2. How much of Australia is classified as desert A) 8% B) 16% C) 25% D) 35%

3. Which is the second largest city in NSW?

Fabulous Facts

1. In rhyming slang, if someone said they we going to have a 'bo-peep', what they be doing?

2. Australians hold the world record for which amazing feat? A) Fastest beer bottle opening B) Largest Christmas cracker C) Most sheep sheared in 24 hours D) Largest chicken dance.

3. What is Kylie Minogue’s lingerie line called?

RedInflight Issue 3 (July/August '09)

Documents

Transcript of RedInflight Issue 3 (July/August '09)