Robotic Dairies – PIEFA Project
Over the last couple of years, I have been working on the production of a series of videos for the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) and Primezone in conjunction with creative agency Hello Friday. We have filmed at a cotton farm, a cotton mill, a piggery, a fish farm, a hydroponic herb grower, an organic apple farm, a woollen mill, a lobster factory, native bush foods growers, restaurants…the list is long!
It’s incredible (and exciting) to see how far technology has come; there was none of that getting up at the crack of dawn bizzo at the robotic dairy we visited in WA – unless, of course, you get a smart phone alert to say that one of the cows hasn’t come in to be milked.
Do-it-yourself milking
Technician Robbie Nichols and dairy farmer Malcom Hick explain how it works…
Generations in Jazz – Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier in SA’s Limestone Coast is Australia’s jazz hot spot largely thanks to Generations in Jazz, and it’s my job to help spread the word. This spectacular annual event on the outskirts of the city made famous for its Blue Lake not only attracts the jazz legends of today, but the bright stars of tomorrow, bringing together up to 4400 of Australia’s most talented musicians, along with a growing list of global artists.
High school students from more than 100 schools around the nation compete in the Stage Band Awards, while highly coveted Jazz and Vocal Scholarships help to secure the musical destiny of individuals with enormous promise. And then there are the daily concerts – the sound inside the James Morrison big top pavilion, seating up to 6100 people in the middle of a paddock, is simply incredible!
The James Morrison Pavilion is the largest tent ever to have been erected in Australia for a seated audience.
Australian music icon Kate Ceberano was a special guest at the 2016 event, and I interviewed her about her visit to Australia’s “jazz capital”. What a glowing endorsement!
Paddock to Plate – Potatoes SA
Potatoes SA says it’s time to see potatoes in their true light – as ultra-nutritious, versatile vegetables grown in clean, healthy environments.
I worked on the production of a new potatoes ‘Paddock to Plate’ video hosted by wellness and nutrition guru Joanna Fincham from The Nourish Nook.
My kitchen played a cameo role during the cooking segment!
Here’s the newly launched video:
Wrattonbully triumphs at Limestone Coast Wine Show
If you love red wine, South Australia’s Wrattonbully wine region collected six trophies at the 15th annual Limestone Coast Wine Show, with a further two trophies going to varietal wines featuring Wrattonbully fruit.
Photo by Marcus Jones
As part of my role managing publicity for the event, I worked with Rob Tremelling to produce a series of video clips during the trophy presentation feast. We interviewed judges and winners, and loaded the clips onto YouTube the following day.
The complete collection of videos appears on the Limestone Coast Wine Show Facebook Page.
What a Waste – Recycling Videos
I am an enthusiastic and committed recycler, but after working with Marcus Jones from Film It All to produce a series of five clips for the City of Mount Gambier, I discovered that I, too, have been getting it wrong. For starters, bottle tops are too small to be recycled, and should be disposed of in general waste. Who knew!
The videos are designed to give the community an insight into what happens to waste and recyclables once thrown away, and reflect the council’s strong commitment to improving environmental sustainability.
The clips also provide information and best practice tips for waste, recycling and organics disposal, with bin audits giving audiences a realistic look at the typical contents of a household bin. They can be viewed on the council’s website, The City of Mount Gambier YouTube channel, and on screens at the Civic Centre.
Trotters Joint Venture – Victorian Rail Upgrade
I didn’t know there was such thing as a bus nut until I met Des Trotter and the team behind the Trotters Joint Venture. They successfully co-ordinated arguably the most complex transport operation in Victorian history – replacing trains with buses during the $3.7 billion rail upgrade.
When you consider that up to 20,000 passengers travel in and out of Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station daily, you start to get some ideas of the planning and logistics needed in order to produce a rail alternative. This video I put together with Robert Tremelling profiles one of the most capable crews you will ever meet.
https://youtu.be/fJYxhjMbSrESouth Australian Food Producers
It has been a busy few months uncovering the stories of some of South Australia’s most passionate producers.
The work is part of a major national project designed to increase education about primary industries in our schools…teaching kids where our food and fibre comes from.
The passion, vision and lifestyles of the producers interviewed has been incredibly heartwarming and inspiring. They have built a strong foundation for the next generation of farmers and growers.
My week – A Freelance Journalist
People often ask me what sort of work I do. Here’s what happened one week in April:
1. Distributed a media release promoting a regional event.
2. Wrote about the weddings of three AFL footballers and nine other gorgeous couples for a high profile magazine.
Image by Kristen Cook
3. Told the story of a farmer with an amazing attraction on his property (besides sheep) for another national mag.
4. Proofed the final layouts of two previously written articles which are about to go to print for another national mag.
5. Wrote a 1000-word article for a Local Government publication on behalf of a local council.
6. Scripted a new documentary for the rock lobster industry using previously recorded interviews.
7. Lined up a series of homes and businesses to be photographed by an interstate magazine photographer and stylist visiting the region…
8. And was on standby to cover a court case for a newspaper. (Case fell through, but that’s ok.)
Always loving the variety.
Robe / Mount Benson Wine History Project
I have just finished producing the latest chapter of the Limestone Coast Wine History Project covering Robe and Mount Benson – two South Australian wine regions strongly influenced by the maritime climate.
The pioneering Kym, Derek and Anna Hooper from Cape Jaffa Wines were among the swag of local producers who shared insights on site selection, early plantings, successful varieties, climate and GI’s…
Here are the links to the completed clips, filmed and edited by Rob Tremelling from Fed Creative with interviews by Nick Ryan.
Drawing the Line: Marine Parks
This pelican wasn’t the only one rejoicing about this week’s unseasonal blue skies.
We had filming and interviews to complete at Port MacDonnell on behalf of the South East Professional Fisherman’s Association, and fortunately there was no need to resort to the wet weather option.
I am helping to direct and produce a documentary highlighting the management and sustainability of South Australia’s rock lobster industry. It’s the state’s most valuable fishery, and a key export industry. The Drawing the Line project has inspired local fishermen to add their voice to the growing chorus campaigning against marine parks. These blokes know their industry, and I was full of admiration for their respect for their ocean ‘office’.
And what a stunning office it is…
Next week, we’re headed to Robe, and hitting the ocean for more interviews and footage. Fingers crossed for more blue skies, and, more importantly, calm seas!
I’m Gretel Sneath, an established freelance writer & storyteller. I work for magazines, newspapers & corporate clients. When I'm not on the road, you'll find me on our farm on South Australia's Limestone Coast or in Hawthorn, Melbourne.