 |
| Tas-Regions September 2009Contents include:
Walnut |
Back in the late 80s, Germans helped germinate a Tasmanian walnut industry - from onions!
When German clients of Tasmanian onion exporter Peter Gilham told him that their countrymen munched several thousand tonnes of walnuts each Christmas, he heard opportunity knock and soon began laying the foundations for a Tasmanian walnut growing industry.
It was, however, a slow, painstaking process, explains Leigh Titmus, the General Manager of Webster Walnuts, the only large-scale commercial producer of quality walnuts in Australia.
“We needed the genetic material of modern lateral bearing varieties, which was only available overseas,” says Leigh, who joined Peter Gilham’s company, Vecon in the early research and development days and remained when 180-year-old Tasmanian food and agribusiness company, Webster Ltd bought the operation in the mid-90s. “That made it tricky on a number of levels.”
Article in full
Mac, Bonnie and Jackie |
Ulverstone kelpie trainer Jackie Merchant knows the therapeutic benefit of a loyal, loving, amusing dog during one of life’s inevitable rough patches, and it has inspired her to work on a book about the impact of dogs on our lives.
“Connection, company and excuses – these marvellous things our dogs give us,” says Jackie. “They can really help to keep our wheels on the cart. Just the feel of your dog’s head under your hand can sometimes enable you to remember to keep breathing in and out.”
Jackie admits that she is biased, but considers kelpies the best of man’s best friends.
“They are focused, loyal and energetic, and the more you put into them the more you get out of them,” says Jackie. “Each one is different in temperament and response so they are a constant learning experience, and with the intelligence and focus they can be very funny.”
Jackie has loved kelpies for a long time, and has owned them since she was 15 years old.
“My first one was the deal I made with my parents about moving onto a farm. She was a pet and spent most of her time following me around on the horses. I was unable – as always! – to come up with a name, and she was known as JD for Jackie’s dog.”
Article in full
Jeamba amd Monique Van Melick with Olivia, Matthew and Pip Cunningham |
An unplanned immigration experiment in Circular Head has proven a great success for two Dutch families and the family dairy business that sponsored them.
When Matthew and Pippa Gunningham two years ago employed Gerard Mulder to manage their Mawbanna dairy farm, they had never met him. But the Gunninghams knew firsthand that uprooting a family in Europe and starting a new life across the world proved firm commitment to a job.
“Gerard had good references, we talked on the phone and he made a good impression,” says Matthew. “And we knew as English immigrants ourselves that you don’t come all this way for nothing, so we gave it a whirl. It turned out very well – the Mulders did a great job, and became great friends as well.”
The Gunninghams were so happy with the experience that they sponsored another Dutchman to replace Gerard. This time Matthew had actually met and interviewed Jeamba van Melick but the main reason for employing him was again the level of commitment he showed to the job – transplanting his family from Holland.
Article in full
Ptunarra Brown Butterfly |
A co-operative conservation effort between Gunns Limited, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Cradle Coast NRM and community volunteers is helping in the ongoing survival of a threatened butterfly found only in Tasmania.
The rare Ptunarra brown, a small, pretty brown and orange butterfly, is known in just a few areas of the State including parts of the Midlands, Northwest Plains and Central Plateau.
Diminishing habitat and an introduced predator have reduced Ptunarra brown numbers alarmingly in recent years, but action to arrest the slide is underway at the huge Gunns Limited-owned Surrey Hills Estate in north-west Tasmania.
Surrey Hills contains almost 5000 hectares of native grasslands, much of which is perfect habitat for the butterfly and a vital stronghold.
Article in full
 For broadband users:
Full edition (44 pages, 6.27 MB)
For users on slower connections:
For ease of downloading the magazine has been divided into four parts:
Part A (includes cover, index and pages 1-5, 1.48 MB)
Part B (includes pages 6-15, 1.24 MB)
Part C (includes pages 16-26, 1.77 MB)
Part D (includes pages 27-44, 1.89 MB)
Tas-Regions is a quarterly magazine, focussing on rural and regional issues, published by the Department of Primary Industries and Water. If you would like a printed copy of Tas-Regions:
Contact: Tas-RegionsSimon DeSalis
Communications Consultant
GPO Box 44
HOBART TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6233 6859
Fax: 03 6233 2939
Email: Simon.DeSalis@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
| |
