ISSUE 14, February 2008 Great Southern continues to move forward
GSDC takes supportive role across many areas
The Great Southern Development Commission and Cultural Heritage, and also supported the food specialist, who brought both erudition (GSDC) is continuing to address its core Western Australian State Coastal Conference and entertainment to a discussion on world activity of supporting economic development in Denmark. Both of these conferences food trends. Another visitor, Martin Walsh, across a broad front. addressed NRM related issues. Austrade’s Senior Trade Commissioner in Seoul, provided valuable insight into trading One of the major projects being developed NRM and ecological sustainability also with North East Asia. in the region, Plantation Energy’s biomass informed the Forum Advocating Cultural pelletising plant, moves closer to completion and Ecotourism (FACET) conference held The Great Southern Region Marketing and is due for commissioning early this year. in Albany. The FACET conference received Association (GSRMA) attracted a lot of This plant will bring employment and export support from the GSDC and we took the attention in Perth with two major functions benefits to the region. opportunity to outline our role in supporting and did the same in the region when the heritage and Indigenous tourism in the Great organisation presented its annual Taste Great Natural Resource Management (NRM), a Southern. Southern series of events. foundation stone for the GSDC, has seen a range of activities. The inaugural Jack Family The GSDC’s support of philanthropy through Taste Great Southern is part of the Perth Trust/GSDC scholarship holders in Restoration the Western Australian Community Foundation International Arts Festival (PIAF) Great Ecology at the University of Western Australia (WACF) continues to reap benefits. Two Southern program. Strong support from the Albany Centre have completed their first year more proponents, Fellowship House and GSDC and the regional public brought even of study and reflections from some of these the Denmark Community Future Fund, have more of what’s on in Perth - and some specific students are in this Bulletin. established donation accounts with support Great Southern attractions - to the area for the from the State Government and WACF. pleasure of both locals and tourists. GSDC joined with a number of government agencies to present the Stirling Range The region was fortunate to receive a visit from Symposium: Natural Resource Management Professor David Hughes, a world renowned North East Asian trade possibilities outlined inside this issue: Senior Austrade representative brings his expertise to the region
South Korea is Australia’s - Great Southern moves forward...... 1 and Western Australia’s - third North East Asian trade possibilities largest export market. Mr Walsh outlined ...... 1 characterised South Korea’s market as ‘sophisticated’ and Restoration Ecology scholarships.....2 one which imported a variety of PIAF celebrates long term goods and services, including commitment...... 3 timber, health care equipment, meat, racehorses and beauty Sense of place in Stirling Range...... 4 products. Woodanilling heritage tourism...... 4 He said the key to marketing Great Southern produce goes into Asian markets was to Deborah Oberon outlines her export experiences to town...... 5 research the viability of your products in the Great Southern business leaders had the market. “There’s a lot you can do to define Value adding to timber industry...... 5 opportunity to meet Mr Martin Walsh, Austrade’s your place in the market without getting on the GSRMA & FACET share tourism Senior Trade Commissioner based in Seoul, plane,” he said. outlook...... 6 during his visit to the region in December. The forum was also addressed by Frankland Local philanthropic organisations Mr Walsh discussed potential markets for a range Estate general manager Hunter Smith, who has move to self reliance...... 7 established a wine export market in South Korea. of products in South Korea and other North East Maynard Rye looks to retirement.....7 Asian countries at a forum in Albany. He noted that a desire to find a single large volume market in the area may lead to Global food expert gives local insight...... 8 Continued on page 2 Restoration Ecology Scholarship provides opportunity in the region
Inaugural GSDC/Jack Family Trust scholarship holders reflect on ecology and tertiary education
Winners of the Jack Family Trust/Great Southern Development Commission Scholarships in Restoration Ecology have completed their first year of full time study and report demanding but exciting times, with the expectation of more to come during Scholarship holders (L-R) Fiona Gerard, Rosanna Margetts, Daniel Debunnetat, Kylie Sadgrove 2008. and Ashleigh McMillan
The scholarship holders are studying so she has some complementary skills to Daniel Debunnetat comes from a small towards a Bachelor of Science (Restoration support her study. farming community near Esperance. The only Ecology) degree which is only offered at male scholarship holder and a country boy the UWA Albany Centre and has been She’s taken time off from paid work at heart, his hobbies include roo shooting, designed with specific reference to the during the year and has put plenty of football and boxing. He also finds time to South Coast’s unique and fragile ecology. time into studying. “Maths and chemistry play soccer for Polonia and cricket for Many challenged me,“ she said, “but I needed Peaks. Restoration ecology involves the renewal to do them.” of degraded, damaged, or destroyed Daniel hopes to leave his mark on the ecosystems through active human Kylie is looking forward to joining the environment by using the skills and intervention. Employment prospects for workforce and is currently attracted to competencies that he will learn through graduates cover a wide range of areas minesite rehabilitation. She enjoys the completion of the Restoration Ecology including erosion control, reforestation, small classes and the supportive nature of degree. removal of non-native species and weeds, her class mates. the rehabilitation of waterways and mine Bruce Manning, CEO of the GSDC said, sites, the reintroduction of plants and Albany resident Ashleigh McMillan fits “We are particularly pleased to be involved animals and habitat improvement. study into a busy life which also involves with the development of this course in 2 part time work and representing Albany in Albany. The GSDC has a firm commitment The scholarships provide over $11,000 for volleyball. She loves the outdoor life and to developing sustainable practices in each student over the three year degree spends what little recreational time she NRM for the betterment of the region and course and can be used to cover upfront has these days on a long list of outdoor these scholarships signify that.” HECS fees or taken as a cash payment. pursuits including camping, snorkelling, Scholarship holders come from varying fishing, bushwalking, canoeing, cycling, Contact: Bruce Manning 9842 4888 backgrounds, but they share a love for the and 4X4 driving! outdoor life and a desire to be involved Continued from page 1 in the professional management of the A stint as a volunteer in a remote village in disappointment. His experience was environment. Nepal last year may inspire her to look for that amalgamation of a number of small a job in restoration ecology at an overseas contracts can lead to “quite big business”. Fiona Gerard is a mature age student location when she has completed her who has always been interested in the degree. Elemental Skin Care director Deborah environment. She grew up near Point Oberon is currently negotiating to export Peron so has seen first hand how heavy Rosanna Margetts comes from Denmark her range of organic skin care products industry doesn’t necessarily get on with and studied tourism at the Great Southern into the region. She urged business the environment. Fiona’s love of the College of TAFE before enrolling at owners to “do their homework” and outdoors was enhanced by spending 21 UWA. She’s always had an interest in praised the role of Austrade, “It’s a years of her life in New Zealand where Environmental Science. “A career advisor fantastic resource to have these people she enjoyed tramping and climbing in the at school once told me that I needed to on the ground to meet with the people mountainous terrain. study chemistry” she said, “ I wish I’d you are negotiating with,” she said. listened to him! I’m doing it now, and Fiona works as a registered nurse and is while it’s really quite interesting, I could Mr Walsh’s visit was managed by pleased that the scholarship allows her the use the background.” Austrade’s local TradeStart Export Advisor chance to reduce her paid work hours in Kate McKenzie. The Great Southern favour of study. Rosanna is enjoying the fieldwork Development Commission (GSDC) component of the course and finds the delivers the TradeStart program in the Kylie Sadgrove moved to Albany from students like-minded and interested. The Great Southern region in partnership with Perth especially to do the Restoration scholarship allows her to concentrate on Austrade. full time studies. Ecology degree. Kylie already holds a Contact: Kate McKenzie: 9842 4888. Certificate IV in horticulture from TAFE, PIAF celebrates its long term commitment with an expanded program
Local artists and artisans engage through an enhanced regional focus
Arts and cultural activity in the Great brought their funky brand of old-school Southern received a major boost with soul and rhythm and blues roots to the the news that the Perth International Vancouver Arts Centre, whilst jazz singer Arts Festival (PIAF) will maintain its Gretchen Parlato, winner of the 2004 programming in the area until at least Thelonius Monk International Jazz Vocals 2011. Competition, presented a moody and sophisticated set at the historic Albany This is the result of a collaborative Town Hall. partnership negotiated between the Great Southern Development Commission On a less conventional level,That 1Guy, (GSDC) and then PIAF Director Sean aka musician Mark Silverman, ‘played’ a Doran in 2003. collage of galvanised steel, duct tape and electronic gadgetry to create a mix of PIAF has been presenting international- blues, funk and psychedelic beats for an Mike Compton an international Playmaker. He standard film, music and drama to the appreciative audience in Denmark. lives in Nashville, USA and is one of America's region’s audiences since then. most respected mandolinists. He is also a self In drama, Trad examined the relationship confessed hillbilly as you can probably tell! General Manager of PIAF, Julian between a one hundred year old Donaldson, said, “This year’s Great Irishman and his son, and gave us a successful exhibition at PIAF 2006, Spirit Southern Program builds on an already comic and surreal look at the values of of Carrolup presented a contemporary well-established relationship. tradition, myth, family and heritage along Noongar art exhibition to enthusiastic the way. crowds in Albany and Katanning. “The Great Southern community is a special part of PIAF’s extended family The highly successful film season featured Each exhibition opening was supported by and we look forward to further sustaining ten films in a number of genres including full house screenings of Koorah Colingah, this relationship with programs of unique French farce, harrowing thriller and a documentary film telling the story of the quality and diversity,” he said. documentary, which touch on the themes Carrolup child artists, the discovery of the 3 of food and love, globalisation, national lost collection in New York, its return to Bruce Manning, GSDC Chief Executive identity, age, courage and perseverance. Katanning and the vital legacy the works Officer, described the GSDC’s relationship left behind. with PIAF as a ‘win-win situation’ for the Travel writer Colin Thubron guided us region. “Local artists and residents benefit along the Silk Road, food writers Clotilde Playmakers presented a series of from access to world-class cultural events Dusoulier, Stephen Downes and Pauline workshops and events that were ‘home and entertainment whilst the festival raises Nguyen talked about food, and comedian grown’ in the Great Southern. Featuring the profile of the region and acts as a Lawrence Leung took us into the hysterical the mandolin, the events highlighted catalyst for tourism and investment,” he world of hip as we followed him in his the works of instrument makers and the said. quest for coolness. process involved in turning form and function into music. The internationally acclaimed Brodsky Events specific to the Great Southern Quartet and traditional Irish music also raised the profile of the region. Sonic Visiting international playmakers Mike maestros Martin Hayes and Danny Cahill Seeding presented sampled and combined Compton (pictured above) and Mike headlined this year’s PIAF Great Southern vision and sound collected by local MIX Silverman (That 1Guy) joined Scott Wise, Program which ran from 2 February until artists working under the direction of Paul Duff and other Australian playmakers 4 March. Brisbane artist Tom Hall. in an enlightening, exhilarating and sometimes eccentric event. Renowned Australian-born guitarist Craig The popular Taste Great Southern event Ogden joined the Brodsky Quartet to highlighted the region’s superb ‘clean Contact: Rod Vervest, PIAF, 9841 5756 present a program of exquisite miniatures and green’ produce. Guest chefs, writers and great masterpieces, whilst Hayes and and artists provided a banquet of events Cahill’s slow building performance left the ranging from black tie breakfasts, through . audience spellbound. long table lunches and high teas to the Porongurup Wine Festival family day. The program offered them plenty of musical support. ‘Queen of Soul’ Sharon Inspired by the relatively recent rediscovery Jones and her band the Dap-Kings, of the Carrolup paintings and their Sense of place addressed at Stirling Range conference
A wide cross section of participants at the Stirling Range Symposium
Relationships between NRM, tourism, heritage and ecology discussed Australia (UWA) and Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) had reinforced the The Stirling Range National Park is and biodiversity. need to build partnerships to promote the recognised as a place of great heritage area’s heritage and conservation values. significance and a biodiversity hotspot. These The symposium also aimed to identify ways qualities made it an excellent venue for a of conserving the sense of place which recent symposium addressing heritage and makes the Stirling Range National Park one “We think of mountains in different ways natural resource management in the area. of the region’s major tourism attractions. but we need to highlight the common ground and the significance of the National The symposium comprised a series of talks Ways of connecting the area to a broader Park in bringing people together,” Dr about the restoration ecology work being landscape through articulating the Townley said. undertaken in the area, guided bush tucker Gondwana Link vision, which combines walks, and traditional Noongar stories about Indigenous, local and scientific knowledges The Symposium was presented by the places in and around the Stirling Range. to restore fundamental ecological processes, GSDC in association with South Coast were also explored. NRM, DIA, UWA and other agencies and The speakers, including representatives groups including the Shire of Gnowangerup, from government agencies, local landowners Dr Graham Townley, Aboriginal Economic Lotterywest and the Department of and Noongar custodians, addressed the Development Officer at the Great Southern Environment and Conservation. importance of restoring connections and Development Commission (GSDC), said 4 going beyond current boundaries to preserve that the cultural mapping research recently Contact: Graham Townley 9842 4888 the area’s unique heritage, cultural values conducted by the University of Western Heritage tourism comes to Woodanilling Great Southern town mines the past to assure future development
A walk around Woodanilling is shaping up on the panels is drawn from John Bird’s more viable,” said Ms Paulley. to become a very interesting activity as the comprehensive history Round Pool to town becomes the latest Great Southern Woodanilling, and photographs are GSDC Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer community to seize the opportunities reproduced from an excellent album of Russell Pritchard said that the initiative offered by heritage tourism. 1920’s photographs held in the Shire’s shown by WHAT was a demonstration of the archives. depth of local commitment and the capacity Woodanilling Heritage and Tourism (WHAT) to plan for the long term. has been successful in attracting funds from The renovation and conversion of the Lotterywest and the Regional Development disused railway station will involve a “This current project is a direct result Scheme, administered by the Great heritage architect visiting the town to of independent research carried out in Southern Development Commission (GSDC), inspect the building and consult with the 2006 and an earlier study which was to erect interpretive signage and to plan community before drawing plans for the commissioned by the GSDC. The Heritage the conversion of the local railway station Visitor Interpretation Centre. of Endeavour report was completed in building into a Visitor Interpretation Centre. 1998 and the analysis has been a point Annabel Paulley, chairwoman of WHAT, of reference for a range of heritage-related Fifteen etched and anodised aluminium said that Woodanilling was keen to join tourism initiatives,” he said. panels will provide visual and written other Western Australian towns which were information along a heritage walk trail benefiting from providing tourists with The walk trail will be officially opened which begins at the old Richardson’s something to do and something to look at. in March and will be a feature of the Store, then loops around the town and “We want to draw money into Woodanilling Woodanilling on Display festival in April. comes to an end outside – or inside - the so we are not so reliant on agriculture, can Woodanilling Tavern. keep our town’s businesses, such as the Contact: Russell Pritchard 9842 4888 Much of the written information presented Woodanilling Tavern, open and make them Great Southern produce goes to town
GSRMA highlights regional produce at two important metropolitan functions
Australian of the Year Awards at The Taste Great Southern 2008 program Government House Ballroom. was launched by the Minister for the Great Southern, Hon Kim Chance MLC, at the The Great Southern Region Parmelia Hilton. Marketing Association (GSRMA), supported by the Great Southern “Visitors are drawn to the region due to its Wine Producers’ Association, natural attractions, its pristine coastline provided the Governor of Western and its clean and green status. The Taste Australia, Dr Ken Michael and 2008 is a showcase of the very best of the over 250 distinguished guests Great Southern. with fine food and wine from the (L-R) John Swarbrick, Elise van Gorp, GSRMA Coordinator, His region. “Taste 2008 will allow people to enjoy Excellency, Dr Ken Michael AC, Governor of Western Australia, and learn about the taste sensations and Ms Marina Valmadre, Oakview Communiction Group, Mr Tim The second event launched the Shanahan, Chairman of the Australia Day Council of WA fresh produce of the region as well as its delights of Taste Great Southern diverse range of value-added products. The clean and green status – and 2008, which is an increasingly Blueberries, asparagus, new season lamb, magnificent flavours - of Great Southern significant element of the PIAF Great olives, oils and premium wines are just a produce was celebrated in auspicious Southern Program. sample of what will be tasted during the company at two major events held in event.” He said. Perth late last year. Taste Great Southern 2008, which is coordinated by the GSRMA, features The full Taste Great Southern 2008 The first saw the Great Southern’s wine cooking master classes, degustation program is available now. and food showcased at a prestigious dinners, slow food long table lunches, a function, which was hosted by the wine festival, a black tie breakfast aboard Contact: Elise van Gorp, GSRMA, Australia Day Council, to present the West the Brig Amity and other gastronomic ph: 0412 041 625 events spread throughout the region. Value adding to plantation timber industry in the region
Plantation Energy moves closer to operational status 5
Plantation Energy Ltd (PEL) is on schedule associated with the cost to commence operations at its timber- efficient disposal of the processing plant in Albany mid-year. residues from harvesting Heritage tourism comes to Woodanilling PEL will be establishing Australia’s first timber plantations in the industrial timber fuel pellet plant at the Great Southern region. Mirambeena industrial park. The project will also ameliorate the fire and The operation has been assured after the, occupational health PEL signed a major contract in November and safety hazards 2007. The Forest Products Commission associated with these (FPC) agreed to a $12 million contract residues. to supply low-grade plantation pine logs to PEL. The logs are a by-product from This renewable energy existing FPC operations. business will build Pelletised biofuel product on and complements PEL will produce a processed natural the established blue industries which diversify and strengthen biofuel through a densification process gum timber industry, which is focused on the regional economy. PEL’s project does which involves drying, size reduction and providing high-quality wood chips for the this and also supports the timber industry the formation of fuel pellets under high paper industry. by using harvest residues which previously pressure. had no financial value,” Mr Schouten said. Duane Schouten, Senior Development The process is carbon neutral as it Officer at the Great Southern Development Local contractors will construct the factory generates no greenhouse gases from Commission (GSDC), said that the GSDC from pre-fabricated modules which are combustion and extremely low levels of has a long term commitment to the project currently being shipped from Europe. The emissions from harvesting, processing and and is pleased to see it moving towards the plant will provide between 12 and 15 transportation. commissioning stage. permanent jobs in Albany. PEL’s operations will relieve problems “The GSDC supports enterprise and Contact: Duane Schouten 9842 4888 GSDC and FACET share commitment to innovation and cooperation
An appropriately dressed John Watson describes the delights and challenges of walking in the Stirling Range and Porongurups
Albany conference signposts the way to sustainability through innovative heritage and cultural tourism projects
As their sponsorship of the recent Forum involve support in the planning stages, applications has helped the owners bring Advocating Cultural and Ecotourism infrastructure development and putting local heritage back to life. The restoration (FACET) conference held in Albany together funding applications for projects,” has created a new tourism precinct which attests, the Great Southern Development he said. will include a licensed cafe, cellar sales Commission (GSDC) views tourism and a community meeting place to service development as one way to support an The Denmark Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail, Broomehill and the surrounding districts. economically sustainable and vibrant for example, is bringing life back to a 6 region. transport route which carried its last paying In nearby Gnowangerup, one of the town’s passengers fifty years ago. oldest houses, a pioneer cottage built in In fact the conference agenda, “addressing 1912, is being renovated for cultural and regional tourism: innovative partnerships, When it opened in 1929, the Denmark tourism use. a great adventure”, closely aligns with Nornalup Railway played a pivotal role in the GSDC’s own motto, “partnerships for the lives of 900 people living in fifteen Used by the Noongar community since the regional prosperity”. group settlements. Two trains a week seventies, it is envisaged that the cottage carried passengers, collected farm produce will operate as a Heritage Museum and The FACET conference, based at the and delivered supplies. Keeping Place for the community’s stock of historic Albany Town Hall, used a series cultural materials and artworks. of presentations, workshops and field trips The redeveloped fifty-nine kilometres of old to highlight the need for collaboration in railway reserve is now a scenic coastal trail A range of interpretive displays will present sustainable tourism development. with forest, farmland and coastal heathland information about the town’s former United views. Aborigines Mission, local indigenous family Tourism plays a key role in the regional histories and evidence of traditional links to economy of the Great Southern, generating The Heritage Rail Trail caters for walkers, the area. approximately $200 million, or 11 per cyclists and horse riders. The development cent, of the region’s economic activity adds another recreational opportunity to an The Mungart Boodja Art Centre in and provides important opportunities already diverse Denmark tourism economy Katanning also celebrates indigenous for diversification of income for rural which includes scenic flights, bike, eco- heritage in the Great Southern. In 2006 communities. adventure and winery tours, boat charters the Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF) and Inlet cruises. focused international attention on the Russell Pritchard, Acting Deputy Chief Centre and on Noongar art through the Executive Officer of the GSDC, said that Turning inland to the Hidden Treasures exhibition of rediscovered works by the the GSDC is an active partner in projects region of the Great Southern, the newly Carrolup child artists. which aim to celebrate our diverse heritage restored Jones Building in Broomehill is and to enhance the tourism potential of the the result of the hard work of dedicated Contact: Nicola Hemmings ph: 9842 4888 Great Southern as a whole. proponents who have had some strategic support from the GSDC.
“These partnerships with local communities Assistance in project planning and grant Local organisations move to self reliance
GSDC’s partnership with WACF is providing tangible benefits for philanthropic organisations in the region
establish a Donation Account the Denmark community had a generous in WACF’s Deductible Gift spirit that had enabled the Future Fund to Recipient Trust. quickly reach its target.
Mr Peter Watson MLA “This is a great example of a practical presented the cheque at partnership with a community,” he said. Fellowship House’s annual Christmas party in December. The Albany Lions Community Care was the first organisation in the Great Southern to Janelle Spinks, manager of establish a Donation Account. The group Fellowship House said that has been building on its grant of $10,500 the donation provided the to help improve respite facilities and community group with a great services for carers. base upon which to build a systematic approach to The Albany Lions members also got an supporting their clients. instant boost when they won the $5,000 Hon Jon Ford, Minister for Regional Development, with door prize at the September WACF summit Denmark Community Futures Fund chair Dr Gill Sellar Fellowship House provides in Perth. The prize was donated by the support for people with Royal Automobile Club (RAC). The partnership between the Great mental illness and for their families and Southern Development Commission this assists all participants to maintain a “The RAC’s donation is a much needed (GSDC) and the Western Australia good quality of life. boost to the start of our fundraising efforts Community Foundation (WACF) is already for the construction and maintenance of a paying handsome dividends in a move to Another recent recipient, the Denmark new state-of-the-art respite care facility for encourage philanthropy in the region. Community Future Fund, doubled its the Albany community,” said Ron Brown of bank account in early November when the Albany Lions Community Care Centre. The latest organisation to benefit from the Minister for Regional Development, the partnership was Fellowship House John Ford MLC, presented a cheque for “From a very small beginning 20 years ago, Albany and Districts Inc. Fellowship House $16,000 to the Shire President, Mr Kim we are now providing a service to over 600 received $10,000 as part of the Challenge Barrow. centre clients. We are very grateful to the Grant Program which is funded by the 7 RAC for making this contribution to our State Government and administered by the Denmark Community Future Fund chair, WACF donation account which will assist WACF and the GSDC. Dr Gill Sellar, said “the fund gives local us in reaching our goal of opening the new people a chance to contribute to the social, centre in 2008,” he said. The $10,000 matched donations raised by cultural, and economic well-being of our Fellowship House through its annual street community now and into the future.” Contact: Nicola Hemmings ph: 9842 4888 appeal, raffles and personal donations. The Challenge Grant Program will help them GSDC CEO Bruce Manning noted that boost the organisation’s capital and to GSDC stalwart retires. Maynard Rye goes to town after 18 years service
Former Great Southern Development He has been the right hand man to three Industry Road Evaluation Strategy (TIRES) Commission (GSDC) Deputy Chief CEOs; Stephen Yule, Peter Cook and the process. TIRES is still active in ensuring Executive Officer Maynard Rye ended a current incumbent, Bruce Manning. that the local roads are capable of meeting personal eighteen year partnership with the demands of timber transport. the GSDC last year when he announced “The GSDC has always been fortunate in his move to Perth and to part time having the right leadership for the time,” “I’m also very pleased to see the Foreshore employment as a bridge to retirement. Maynard said. and Entertainment Centre developments in Albany finally go ahead,” he said. Maynard commenced at the GSDC in 1989 Maynard identified the highlights of his and performed the roles of Human Services career at the GSDC as being involved Maynard is employed at the Disability Manager and Economic Development in coordinating government services Services Commission. His role at the GSDC Officer before being appointed Deputy for Indigenous people across the Great is currently filled by Russell Pritchard. Chief Executive Officer in 1996. Southern and South West during the 1990s, and being part of the Timber Global food expert gives local insight
He is a much sought-after speaker at international conferences and seminars on global food industry issues, particularly consumer trends. His presentations are very entertaining, engaging and animated which tend to make the content extremely easy to understand.
The Albany presentation covered trends in the food industry and identified the polarities of the marketplace. The discussions covered ideas about uniqueness and competitiveness in the industry through understanding the coexistence of polarities in the market. Such polarities tend to pit the regional, the organic and the handmade against the supermarket of cheap, global, mass- (L-R) Kate McKenzie, GSDC Tradestart Officer, Professor David Hughes, Andrea Berteit, Food Industry produced goods. Association of WA, and Steve Porritt, Department of Agriculture and Food Kate McKenzie, Tradestart Development Regional producers get a taste of world food markets Officer at the GSDC, described the visit as an outstanding learning opportunity for regional producers. “To interact with Professor David Hughes, a high profile and Food and the Great Southern a person with Dr Hughes’ breadth of food and beverage marketing expert with a Development Commission (GSDC). knowledge, experience and humour was an constantly evolving and informed view on enlightening and entertaining experience,” global food industry developments, visited Professor Hughes is Emeritus Professor of she said. Albany in early November. Food Marketing at Imperial College London, and Visiting Professor at the University of Contact: Kate McKenzie 9842 4888 His visit involved a presentation and Kent Business School and at the Royal group and individual sessions, which were Agricultural College UK. sponsored by the Department of Agriculture 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 3336 Email:[email protected] Web site: www.gsdc.wa.gov.au
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