These bold and intuitive works explore and portray some of the relationships or not, (distances) between mainly elderly, traditional, farming couples - their reaction, or not, of each individual to the other as well as individually toward the environment in which they find themselves. Robert's paintings are rich in the application of the paint and vibrant colours and gestural marks of his linocuts echo the brushstrokes of his paintings.
East Gippsland has a major agricultural sector with a rich heritage and a bright future. Great diversity in climate and soil types and a stable water supply are the natural foundations of its success. With such sound basics and much value adding now taking place, primary production makes an enormous contribution to the local economy.
With the key sectors being beef and lamb, dairy, wool, cereal and fodder production, agriculture is a major source of regional employment. High quality agricultural products are synonymous with East Gippsland and the “clean and green” reputation of the region gives us a real competitive advantage. Beef production is the region’s premier agricultural pursuit with the sector supported by a world class undercover saleyard complex in Bairnsdale, a facility which attracts sales from within the region itself as well as from far afield.
Lamb and fine wool production belongs mainly to the dryer areas. East Gippsland has a long tradition of fine wool production, a sector that continues to be a major agricultural driver. Fat lamb production thrives in the higher rainfall parts of the region. Dairy production is centered around the fertile valleys of the Snowy River (Orbost), Mitchell River (Lindenow), Tambo River (Bruthen) and Cann River, and is strongly supported by the Murray Goulbourn and Bega dairy companies.
And with a region so diverse there is considerable potential for investment into alternative and new niche markets such as organic and non-traditional farming. Successful recent examples include free range chickens, turkey and organic goat production.
Further information is available from the East Gippsland Shire Economic Development Unit (see the link below) to assist you obtain the best results from your investment. Lets us help you grow your agricultural industry business in East Gippsland.
Australia’s Coastal Wilderness National Landscape was launched by the Federal Minister for Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP last Friday 1 August in Torquay in association with the launch of the Great Ocean Road National Landscape.
The Launch was attended by a number of East Gippslanders including Chair of the Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Steering Committee Phil Rickards who is also the Tourism Coordinator for the East Gippsland Shire.
In his address, Minister Ferguson acknowledged that whilst he would have liked very much to have launched each of the eight individual landscapes in each region, due to time constraints that had not been possible. However, he said he hoped to be able to visit the Australia’s Coastal Wilderness region at some stage in the future.
The Minister acknowledged the work of the Steering Committees in getting their respective landscapes accepted into the program.
“I would particularly like to welcome members of the landscapes steering committees who I know are passionately enthused about this project. Enthusiasm in a service-oriented industry such as tourism is critical. So is innovation and I believe the National Landscapes Program will provide the impetus for Australia as a nation to view the relationship between tourism and our natural landscapes in an innovative light.
“Much like the members of the Steering Committees, I am passionately enthused by the natural beauty of Australia. I do believe the landscapes which surround us are unparalleled in their beauty. In the fiercely competitive world of tourism they present us with enormous opportunity and point of difference.
Who would not want to visit those National Landscapes already launched, they being The Australian Alps, Australia’s Red Centre, The Flinders Ranges, Australia’s Green Cauldron and the Greater Blue Mountains? I am pleased today to add the Great Ocean Road and Australia’s Coastal Wilderness to the list of regions included in the National Landscapes Program
“To qualify as a National Landscape the location must be a world-class landscape of natural, cultural and spiritual assets, distinctive to Australia.
“Australia’s Coastal Wilderness has a significance which has long been internationally recognized. It is a site of more than national significance and includes Croajingolong National Park which was in 1977 proclaimed a World Biosphere Region by UNESCO.”
“The landscapes I am announcing today have been included in this unique program because they are more than just a group of appealing destinations. They are regions, which as a whole, are much greater than just the sum of their parts. They are distinctively Australian natural and cultural environments. And they will appeal to Tourism Australia’s target market, experience seekers; travelers of all ages who wish to experience new adventures and destinations which enable them to engage with a local culture.
“I congratulate the steering committees for the Great Ocean Road and Australia’s Coastal Wilderness on achieving National Landscape status for these wonderful regions”, concluded Minister Ferguson.
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