ISSUE 38 film to boost Denmark

TV star’s feature film of Tim Winton novel

Funding secured through the GSDC helped to clinch a decision to produce a feature film of Tim Winton’s award-winning novel Breath in the Great Southern.

Australian actor and star of Simon Baker visited Denmark on Friday 10 July for the announcement of the project.

The production of Breath is supported by $1.5 million in State Government Royalties for Regions funding administered through the GSDC and $800,000 through ScreenWest.

Mr Baker will star in and direct the film, and said he was familiar with the book.

A location-scouting tour of the South West included a visit to Denmark, and Mr Baker said he and Australian producer Jamie Hilton immediately felt it was the right place to make the film. Culture and Arts Minister John Day (left), actor and director Simon Baker (centre) and Regional Development Minister Terry Redman celebrate “It was just the feel of the place and the the announcement of the Great Southern sense of community environment that rung production of the feature film Breath. out and felt special,” Mr Baker said.

“We knew right there. We just looked at each “ScreenWest and the Great Southern other and we knew that we had to somehow Development Commission have worked inside this issue: try to make it work in this particular area.” closely with the film’s producers to sell the State’s attributes as a premier filming Mr Baker said he felt honoured that the destination,” Mr Day said. Minister’s Budget overview...... 2 ‘powers that be’ had supported the intention Plan for Katanning workforce...... 2 to come to the Great Southern to make the Breath is set in and around the fictional town film. of Sawyer, which is based on Denmark. The Nine projects gain RGS funds...... 3 neighbouring town is called Angelus, which is Medallist’s work on show...... 3 Regional Development Minister Terry Redman based on Albany and is a fictional location in and Culture and the Arts Minister John Day many works by Tim Winton. Young artists honour Anzacs...... 4 joined Mr Baker for the announcement. Investors explore potential...... 4 Breath tells the story of two teenagers Focus on ancient fish traps...... 5 Mr Redman said the production would who are befriended by an older surfer and generate significant economic activity for the introduced to risks and challenges that Noongar stories on the record...... 5 Great Southern. significantly change their lives. Pitch for rally visitors...... 6 “Breath will create local jobs, directly benefit The production team includes Oscar- and Classic cars take to the streets...... 6 the local economy and showcase the Great Emmy-winning US producer Mark Johnson Key conference for region...... 7 Southern to the world,” Mr Redman said. (Breaking Bad, The Notebook, Rainman) and Australian producer Jamie Hilton of See Downhill riders thrill crowds...... 7 Mr Day said the production would employ Pictures (The Little Death, The Waiting City, Regional businesses shine...... 7 West Australian film professionals and crew, Backtrack). along with about 150 Great Southern locals Happy times for students...... 8 as actors, extras and surfing doubles. Contact: Bruce Manning, ph. 9842 4888 Minister gives Budget overview

Regional issues canvassed

Business and community leaders from throughout the region attended a GSDC and Albany Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Friday 15 May to hear details of the 2015-2016 State Budget from Regional Development Minister Terry Regional Development Redman. Minister Terry Redman (centre) with Albany Chamber of Commerce Mr Redman gave an overview of the and Industry president budget and explained specific issues that Rod Hedderwick (left) would affect the Great Southern. and GSDC Chairman Peter Rundle. “We’ve seen in this term one of the most unprecedented impacts on the State budget that we’ve ever seen in ,” Mr Redman said.

“Iron ore royalties have dropped off significantly and at the same time there’s The audience was told that exports were such as the Growing Our South Fund, the a significant drop in the GST, so that makes growing strongly and business investment Regional Telecommunications Project and it a huge challenge.” was peaking. the Seizing the Opportunity in Agriculture program. Mr Redman said the key elements of the The Government had accepted that there budget included reform and efficiencies in would be a budget deficit over the medium Initiatives for 2015-16 in the region include the public sector and aiming for a minimal term but it forecast a return to surplus by a regional tourism marketing campaign, impact on households and businesses. 2017-2018. new visitor infrastructure at and development planning He said the Government also aimed to Mr Redman said the Great Southern for the long-vacant Middleton Beach hotel would benefit from the Government’s site. 2 reduce debt through asset sales and to create jobs through an asset investment State-wide programs, and there would be program. further gains through regional programs Contact: Bruce Manning, ph. 9842 4888

Plan for Katanning workforce

Priority actions identified

Katanning has a new plan that identifies its provision of employment opportunities for Plan (launched in 2013) in recognition current and projected needs for workforce people with disabilities. of Katanning’s status as a SuperTown development and skills. and regional centre in the central Great Actions include establishing a steering Southern. The Katanning Workforce Development committee for the Agrifood Precinct Plan was launched by Department of project and initiating an employment pact GSDC Regional Manager Industry Training and Workforce Development aimed at achieving the same workforce and Infrastructure Russell Pritchard Director General Dr Ruth Shean on participation rate for Katanning’s said the Katanning plan fitted into the Thursday 11 June in Katanning. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal population. Commission’s overarching strategic approach to the development of the The document sets out ten practical Dr Shean acknowledged the contribution Great Southern, guided by the Great and achievable priority actions to to the project by the Great Southern Southern Regional Investment Blueprint. address issues such as low labour force Workforce Development Alliance, chaired Mr Pritchard said that achieving significant participation and high unemployment by the GSDC. She said producing a strategic aims always came down to the rates among Aboriginal people, access to workforce development plan for Katanning engagement of local people. education, training and migrant settlement was set as a priority action under the services, availability of childcare, and Great Southern Workforce Development Contact: Russell Pritchard, ph. 9842 4888 Nine projects gain RGS funds

Program supports initiatives across the region

Nine projects worth a total of $12 million million of Royalties for Regions funding,” Mount Barker’s saleyards will be improved will receive funds through the GSDC’s Mr Rundle said. by roofing a section of the stock holding Regional Grants Scheme (RGS), bringing pens, for which $200,000 in RGS funds more than a million dollars of State “In this round of the RGS, there is was allocated in a $700,500 project. Government Royalties for Regions support support for continued development in into the Great Southern. the agriculture sector, enhancement of International Arts Festival was community and sporting facilities, and allocated $43,480 to support the 2016 Regional Development Minister Terry growth of tourism and major events. Great Southern Festival, and the City of Redman announced the successful grants Albany was allocated $20,001 to support on Thursday 4 June. Mr Redman said “As the projects are undertaken and its hosting of the 2015 Clipper Round the the RGS provided opportunities for local completed, they will enhance the lives World yacht race. communities to improve and develop of regional residents and build the Great infrastructure and community services. Southern economy,” Mr Rundle said. With the support of a $27,630 RGS grant, Princess Royal Sailing Club will The $1.066 million Great Southern grants The ’s $3.16 million build accessible boat storage and training were part of a $9.024 million program redevelopment of its swimming pool facilities to improve its sailing programs supporting 86 projects across Western gained a $200,000 RGS grant that will for juniors, school groups and people with Australia’s nine regions. support the landscaping, car parking and disabilities. access road components of the project. GSDC Chairman Peter Rundle said the Australia’s South West will undertake grants for the Great Southern would A $3 million upgrade of the Tambellup a $175,000 capacity building program continue the Commission’s work Sports Pavilion attracted an RGS grant throughout the Great Southern, supported of promoting economic and social of $200,000 and the Denmark Riverside by $25,000 in RGS funds, to enhance development in the region. Club secured a $200,000 grant to support growth in tourism. its $2.57 million project to replace the “This is the fourth round of the Great existing bowling club building. The Shire of Details of the RGS grants are on the GSDC Southern Regional Grants Scheme, which Kent is building a $1.8 million community website at www.gsdc.wa.gov.au. has supported more than a hundred hub at Nyabing, which was allocated projects since 2009 with about $12 $150,000 in RGS funding. Contact: Christine Grogan, ph. 9842 4888 3 Medallist’s work on show Dieback fight in focus

A demonstration of the Phytofighter 3000 Places are limited and people wanting to dieback boot cleaning station will feature attend are invited to register by email to at the biennial GSDC Medal field day on [email protected] or contact Monday 14 September. the GSDC Albany office on 9842 4888.

Tour guide and WOW Wilderness proprietor The 2014 GSDC Medal finalists Basil Gary Muir will present details of the work Schur and Stephen Frost each received a he has undertaken since being awarded $2,000 grant towards their work in natural the 2014 GSDC Medal, including the resource management. innovative cleaning station aimed at reducing the spread of dieback. Mr Schur allocated his grant towards travel Regional Development Minister Terry to Asia to attend shorebird conferences The medal award included a $12,000 Redman (left) presented Gary Muir with the and visit key feeding sites on migratory bird grant, which Mr Muir applied across four GSDC Medal in June 2014. routes. Mr Frost undertook a high tannin key projects: Project Dieback, UR Walpole fodder trial aimed at naturally controlling school education program, Walpole stand which incorporates a disinfectant intestinal worms in sheep, as part of Wildness Biodiversity Project and the WOW spray that kills dieback spores. a whole of farm approach to reducing Wilderness Communication Strategy. chemicals in production. The field day will be held at the WA Museum The Phytofighter is part of the dieback work, Co-op Building and costs $10. Morning tea Contact: Jessica van der Waag and comprises a convenient boot-cleaning and lunch will be provided. Ph. 9821 3211 Young artists honour Anzacs

Mural part of youth art program

Young artists have created an ambitious mural with an Anzac theme in St Werburgh’s Lane on the side of the Dog Rock Boulevarde shopping centre in Albany as part of a youth arts project supported by the GSDC.

War veterans Murray Maxton and Harold Martin officially opened the mural ‘A Salutation to Anzacs’ at a sunset ceremony on Anzac Day.

The GSDC supported a $95,773 Albany Youth Support Association (AYSA) project, of which the mural is one component, with Above: The mural ‘A Salutation to $19,985 of Royalties for Regions funding Anzacs’ is on the side of the Dog through the Community Chest Fund. Rock Boulevarde shopping centre.

A group of aspiring young artists from Albany and Denmark helped to create Right: At the official opening of the the artwork, guided by experienced mural, artists Chad Marwick (left) and Darren Hutchens (right) joined mural artists Chad Marwick and Darren war veterans Murray Maxton (centre Hutchens. left) and Harold Martin.

AYSA youth services coordinator Aaron Initial concept designs for the mural were a kind of personal journey,” Mr Hutchens Bailey said the mural project was an developed in consultation with the RSL said. “If this mural can help other people exciting opportunity for the association. and Cockles Pty Ltd, the owners of the Dog come to understand the history of our Rock Boulevarde shopping centre. nation, then I think we’ve achieved our 4 “These large-scale community art projects objective,” he said. are a great way to grow young people’s Artist and former Albany resident Darren skills,” Mr Bailey said. Hutchens said coming back to Albany to Further elements of the AYSA project work on a project of such a magnitude was included youth workshops in Term 2 “It gives them a chance to develop pride of significant to him, as was the fact that his covering visual arts, hip-hop and beat- place and ownership, and it’s a great way great-grandfather fought at Gallipoli. making, song-writing and recording. for them to get a deeper understanding of the Anzac tradition.” “I only recently found this out, so it’s been Contact: Steve Pontin, ph. 9842 4888

Chinese investors explore potential

Delegations seek opportunities

In March and April, the GSDC met two in aquaculture, timber, viticulture, International Cooperation Program. GSDC business delegations from China to horticulture, food processing, agriculture, Chief Executive Officer Bruce Manning enhance their understanding of investment tourism, energy and tertiary education. escorted the delegation to view kikuyu possibilities in the Great Southern. production and research sites. On 24 April, the GSDC hosted a delegation On 26 March, a delegation from Shanghai from the Jiangsu Province and Chinese The group also met with Professor Steve visited the Great Southern to explore its Academy of Sciences, which is exploring Hopper, from the Centre of Excellence in business potential. options to import kikuyu from the Great Natural Resource Management, to discuss Southern. the potential for collaboration, student A GSDC presentation to the delegation exchange and study opportunities. showcased existing and potential The delegation comprised four professors international investment opportunities and a research associate from the Contact: Bruce Manning, ph. 9842 4888 Focus on ancient fish traps

Project enhances heritage site

Ancient fish traps on the north shore of Members of the Albany Albany’s Oyster Harbour now boast a Heritage Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation cultural shelter, boardwalk and interpretive cut the ribbon to open signs provided with the support of the the Oyster Harbour Fish GSDC. Traps project: (from left) Eliza Woods, Stan Loo, The Oyster Harbour Fish Traps project was Averil Dean, Aden Eades, Cheryle Colbung and officially opened on Thursday 28 May by Vernice Gillies. members of the Albany Heritage Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation (AHRGAC).

Enhancing the fish traps site was a $185,000 project of the AHRGAC, which gained $100,000 in State Government Royalties for Regions funding through the GSDC’s Great Southern Regional Grants “In the tourism field, it will build on the Scheme. higher profile that the region is gaining through other heritage projects like the AHRGAC Chairperson Vernice Gillies National Anzac Centre. acknowledged the project’s supporters. “It links into other projects and proposals “This project has been a long-time dream that will eventually lead to tourism trails GSDC Board member Margaret Gorman (left) of the local Menang Noongar people, to with cultural connections.” with Vernice Gillies and Harley Coyne at the be able to take care of and protect our fish opening of the fish traps project. traps,” Ms Gillies said. Students from the nearby Great Southern It comprises low stone structures on the Grammar School contributed to the project harbour floor that were used to trap fish Speaking at the event, GSDC Board by creating art that was included in the that swam in on the high tide and were member Margaret Gorman said the interpretive panels. unable to escape when the tide fell. Commission’s support was aimed at 5 preserving a precious part of the region’s The panels also include illustrations of Augmenting the GSDC’s funding, the heritage and making it more accessible to celebrated 19th century paintings by artist Oyster Harbour Fish Traps project was locals and visitors. Robert Neill. supported by Lotterywest, Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA), WA Museum, “This shelter and boardwalk will attract The Oyster Harbour Fish Traps was one of South Coast NRM and the City of Albany. tourists and it is also an asset for education the first sites declared a protected area and recreation,” Mrs Gorman said. under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Contact: Christine Grogan, ph. 9842 4888

Video record of Noongar stories

Recollections of Aboriginal elders

Stories of Noongar life in and around Participating Noongar elders will tell the A copy will be used in an audio-visual Gnowangerup will be recorded on video as stories of their lives at the mission near display at the Gnowangerup Heritage part of an Indigenous Community Stories Gnowangerup and the transition to the Centre. Program delivered through the Film and town reserve in the 1960s, including their Television Institute (FTI) and ScreenWest. relationships with townspeople, farmers Filming will take place over four to five and other Noongar people. days in October at sites in and around Supported by the GSDC, the Gnowangerup Gnowangerup including the Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation and the Elders from Albany, Gnowangerup and Mission, the two reserves, Twisted Tree Gnowangerup Community Resource Katanning have been approached and and Kebaringup worker hut. Centre successfully made a joint expressed interest in taking part. The submission to the FTI to record the stories resulting video will be the property of the Contact: Jessica van der Waag of Noongar people from the area. Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation. Ph. 9821 3211 Classic cars take to the streets

Drivers race against the clock

Classic cars took over the streets of central Albany on Sunday 31 May to thunder and purr through their laps in the 2015 Albany Classic Motor Event.

The Albany Classic was supported by $20,000 of State Government Royalties for Regions funding through the GSDC’s Community Chest Fund to help cover timekeeping, insurance and marketing costs.

A big crowd took advantage of bright autumn weather to watch the race and enjoy the associated activities and attractions in Alison Hartman Gardens, the Town Square and along York Street.

Motoring fans wandered the pits area in the library car park and lined the streets to watch the drivers try to hit their nominated Action in the Albany Classic Motor Event: circuit times. Drivers pass the chequered flag (above) in York Street, while the competitors in the next Drivers in the Albany Classic nominate a race (left) queue in Collie Street behind the time to complete their laps of the course, pits area. and lose points for times over or under the mark.

Contact: Michelle Dayman, ph. 9842 4888 6 Great Southern pitch for rally visitors

Invitation to campervan and motorhome owners

Attractions and advantages of the Great Albany for the rally, which will generate The seminars gave an overview of tourism Southern were on show for hundreds of spin-off benefits for other centres in the in the region, with a summary of activities campervan and motorhome owners in Great Southern. and experiences, and presented useful South Australia in April, in a partnership traveller information about caravan parks, promotion by the GSDC, the City of Albany, The South Australian rally, in Murray camping areas, CMCA staging points and and Hidden Treasures Bridge, was an opportunity for GSDC distances between destinations. of the Great Southern. Senior Development Officer Linsey McFarlane and representatives of the A daily prize was offered to the Murray The promotion was aimed at enticing partner organisations to maximise the Bridge rally participants, creating the visitors to the Great Southern for the number of visitors to the Great Southern opportunity to promote the Great Southern next Campervan and Motorhome Club of event. each day from the event’s main stage to a Australia (CMCA) rally, to be held in Albany 1,000-strong audience. from 26 October to 1 November 2015. For six days, Ms McFarlane and representatives of partner organisations Prize draw participants were entered Under the Community Chest Fund program, staffed a stand promoting activities and into a database which will assist with the City of Albany secured a Royalties for attractions of the Great Southern. communications in advance of the Great Regions grant of $10,000 to implement a Southern event, including distribution of a regional marketing plan for the CMCA rally. Two seminars were presented on the regional touring map produced as part of Hidden Treasures shires, which will host the City of Albany’s marketing plan. Hundreds of campervan and motorhome the annual Bloom Festival in the weeks owners are expected to converge on before the CMCA rally. Contact: Linsey McFarlane, ph. 9842 4888 Key conference for Great Southern

Major forum for regional issues

Australia’s premier national conference The 2016 conference is SEGRA’s 20th and was the GSDC’s strong partnership on regional issues is headed for the Great its first branded as a region-wide event, with, and funding support from, the City Southern in 2016. called ‘Albany and the Great Southern’. of Albany, RDA Great Southern, Shires of Broomehill-Tambellup, Cranbrook, A successful partnership bid led by the GSDC Chairman Peter Rundle said the Denmark, Gnowangerup, Katanning GSDC will bring the 2016 Sustainable conference, to be held late in 2016, will be and Plantagenet, UWA Albany, Denmark Economic Growth for Regional Australia based in Albany and extend into the region. Chamber of Commerce, Great Southern (SEGRA) conference to the region. Institute of Technology, Southern Ports “The SEGRA conference will be a highlight Authority - Albany Port, South Coast NRM SEGRA was set up in 1997 as a forum to event in the Great Southern in 2016,” and Department of Parks and Wildlife. explore issues affecting regional, rural and Mr Rundle said. “It will showcase the remote Australia, and to promote positive advantages and opportunities of the Great SEGRA will officially launch the Albany and sustainable outcomes to ensure future Southern, and enable keen national focus Great Southern conference at this year’s prosperity. Its annual conference attracts on regional issues.” event in Bathurst. representatives from industry, community organisations and all levels of government. Mr Rundle said a key pillar of the bid Contact: Linsey McFarlane, ph. 9842 4888

Downhill riders thrill crowds

Cyclists show courage

Albany turned on a perfect autumn day to had to negotiate a series of challenging host the 2015 Urban Downhill mountain obstacles including a shipping container bike event on Sunday 24 May. and a bone-shaking log track. 7

The thrilling event, supported by $10,000 Race winner Jimmy Pritchard completed of State Government Royalties for Regions the course in 3min 7.65sec, and received funding through the GSDC’s Community congratulations from City of Albany Mayor Chest Fund, sets courageous mountain Dennis Wellington at the prize ceremony. bike riders racing against the clock to hurtle downhill from the summit of Mount Estimates put the spectator crowd Clarence to a finish line in Stirling Terrace. at 5,000. Many local residents took advantage of the kind conditions to view At first the course ran across granite faces the race in comfort from their front yards. A downhill rider hits the boards to round the and along rough bush tracks, but then the Spencer Street corner into Stirling Terrace riders hit the streets of Albany where they Contact: Michelle Dayman, ph. 9842 4888 outside the UWA Albany Centre. Regional businesses continue to shine

Great Southern businesses have recently by the Great Southern Distilling Company, Australian Micro Business and Regional gathered national and international won a gold medal at the 2015 London Business categories of the Telstra awards, accolades. International Wine and Spirit Competition and The Lake House Denmark winery in July. The medal complements the was a finalist in the Western Australian West Cape Howe Wines was named Best company’s win in the Western Australian Regional Business category. Value Winery of the Year in the 2015 Regional Business category in the 2015 Qantas epiQure Halliday Wine Companion Telstra Business Awards. Albany’s Beach House at Bayside entered Awards. the Hall of Fame of online travel website Albany accommodation provider HideAway TripAdvisor after achieving a certificate of Limeburners Single Malt Whisky, produced Haven was a finalist in the Western excellence for five consecutive years. Happy times for pre-primary students

Fun with new playground features

Break times at Yakamia Primary School are alive with the happy sounds of pre-primary students enjoying their new playground equipment.

The Yakamia Parents and Citizens Association recently completed a project that provided a cycle path, shop fronts and watercourse feature with the help of $14,600 in State Government Royalties for Regions funding through the GSDC’s Community Chest Fund.

The project brought new possibilities for creative play into a formerly empty area of the playground.

Pre-primary teacher Jenny Carter said the children enjoyed using the new equipment.

“It’s not just a cycleway, it’s a bit more Yakamia pre-primary students (from left) Jeremy, Saxon, Ruby and Weylan enjoy the new shopfronts and cycle path. challenging than that,” Ms Carter said. together and solve problems, and their The new features are part of a larger “It’s got different surfaces and a small play is generally more cooperative.” concept for the pre-primary playground bridge so the children use their muscles that includes an increased emphasis on more as they ride around. Ms Carter said the children had learned nature play. to observe a one-way rule that promotes “When they play in the shops, they work safety on the cycle path. Contact: Steve Pontin, ph. 9842 4888 8

Albany: Pyrmont House, 110 Serpentine Road, Albany WA 6330 Phone: (08) 9842 4888 Fax: (08) 9842 4828 Email: [email protected] Katanning: 10 Dore Street, PO Box 729, Katanning WA 6317 Phone: (08) 9821 3211 Fax: (08) 9821 3334 Email: [email protected] Web: www.gsdc.wa.gov.au

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