Latest news with #Tambo
ABC News
4 hours ago
- Business
- ABC News
Cattle producers move towards grain-fed beef as consumer demand and drought risks rise
As cost-of-living pressures force many shoppers to tighten their purse strings, premium meat options like grass-fed beef are getting harder to sell, and cattle producers are taking note. Across Australia they are opting to feed their stock grain rather than relying on pasture, both to meet consumer demand for cheaper meat and protect themselves from drought. While an abundance of grass on western Queensland grazier Josh Phelps's Tambo property might be reassuring right now, he said previous droughts had taught him not to rely on temporary feed. "We're really tending towards the grain-based model," he said. Initially his stock graze on pasture across 19,000 hectares before being finished in a feedlot — a purpose-built facility where cattle are kept in large outdoor pens and fed a consistent diet for up to 120 days. "We've had a run of [good] seasons which we're very grateful for," he said. "To be honest, it's been a bit of a healing period. Those terrible teens are still front of mind for some people, but I think we came through that and learned a lot of lessons. He said the approach not only ensured the animals had a reliable source of food in dry times, but also produced a more consistent animal before being sold to meatworks. "It creates a lot more control and a bit of a safety net," he said. But it was not just drought that pushed the producer in this direction. Mr Phelps said increasingly red meat consumers were being lead by price. "In the end it comes down to the consumer," he said. "They're just happy to buy that regular cut from the supermarket which is generally grain-fed. Mr Phelps is one example of a trend toward grain-fed beef that is playing out across the country with more cattle in feedlots at the start of 2025 than ever before. Erin Lukey, senior market analyst with Meat and Livestock Australia, said 1.5 million head of cattle were in feedlots in the first quarter of 2025, up 11 per cent on the previous year. "The grain sector has grown drastically and consistently, especially in the last five years," Ms Lukey said. "Nationally we have 90 per cent utilisation, which is how full pens are. "Feedlots as a drought mitigation tool has also increased in popularity." According to MLA, which researches and markets Australian beef globally, Queensland feedlots are at 93 per cent capacity and New South Wales are at 91 per cent. With feedlots so full, meat processors have limited capacity to take new animals, but Ms Lukey said that would not stop producers making the switch. "More grain-fed product is going to flow to the processor," she said. "Which means we're going to produce more grain-fed beef." Stefan Vogel, general manager of research at Rabobank, said most of the beef on Australian shelves was grain-fed or finished on grain, and consumer habits had a large impact on production. "When they [customers] go to supermarkets, they're trying to find ways to save money and increase the value of their basket," Mr Vogel said. "There's a demand for quality products at a reasonable price. "Feedlots play an integral role not only for the local consumer but also for Australia as a reliable supplier of meat in the global market."
The Advertiser
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Mitch Tambo brightens day for sick children at John Hunter Hospital school
CHILDREN at John Hunter Hospital were treated to a special performance in a visit from didgeridoo player, traditional Indigenous dancer and singer Mitch Tambo. The Australian artist and Gamilaraay man, known for his appearance on the TV show Australia's Got Talent, made a stop in Newcastle on Tuesday, July 1, with his I am Me tour. Kids in the School Room Ward watched Tambo use music, storytelling, his personal experiences and a yarning circle to highlight cultural connection with a focus on youth wellbeing and mental health. "I get to share and celebrate my story through the music and break down the stories behind the music while also just spreading a message of inclusivity and celebrating one another regardless of our differences," he said. "I'm really looking to come here to John Hunter Hospital and give back to some kids doing it tough." His performance featured songs in the Gamilaraay language. "The kids have an amazing time; they're so excited to dance and sing along, creating a truly joyful atmosphere," Tambo said. In his visit, he also touched on the important issue of bullying. "With tragic stories of students taking their own lives due to bullying, both in person and online, I believe it's vital to open up these conversations and provide a safe space for children to feel heard," he said. John Hunter Hospital School principal Amy Kurtz said Tambo's visit was about raising cultural awareness and celebrating NAIDOC week. "We like to think outside the box and offer educational experiences for our students that may sometimes miss out on things like this when not attending regular school," she said. "This helps keep them connected." CHILDREN at John Hunter Hospital were treated to a special performance in a visit from didgeridoo player, traditional Indigenous dancer and singer Mitch Tambo. The Australian artist and Gamilaraay man, known for his appearance on the TV show Australia's Got Talent, made a stop in Newcastle on Tuesday, July 1, with his I am Me tour. Kids in the School Room Ward watched Tambo use music, storytelling, his personal experiences and a yarning circle to highlight cultural connection with a focus on youth wellbeing and mental health. "I get to share and celebrate my story through the music and break down the stories behind the music while also just spreading a message of inclusivity and celebrating one another regardless of our differences," he said. "I'm really looking to come here to John Hunter Hospital and give back to some kids doing it tough." His performance featured songs in the Gamilaraay language. "The kids have an amazing time; they're so excited to dance and sing along, creating a truly joyful atmosphere," Tambo said. In his visit, he also touched on the important issue of bullying. "With tragic stories of students taking their own lives due to bullying, both in person and online, I believe it's vital to open up these conversations and provide a safe space for children to feel heard," he said. John Hunter Hospital School principal Amy Kurtz said Tambo's visit was about raising cultural awareness and celebrating NAIDOC week. "We like to think outside the box and offer educational experiences for our students that may sometimes miss out on things like this when not attending regular school," she said. "This helps keep them connected." CHILDREN at John Hunter Hospital were treated to a special performance in a visit from didgeridoo player, traditional Indigenous dancer and singer Mitch Tambo. The Australian artist and Gamilaraay man, known for his appearance on the TV show Australia's Got Talent, made a stop in Newcastle on Tuesday, July 1, with his I am Me tour. Kids in the School Room Ward watched Tambo use music, storytelling, his personal experiences and a yarning circle to highlight cultural connection with a focus on youth wellbeing and mental health. "I get to share and celebrate my story through the music and break down the stories behind the music while also just spreading a message of inclusivity and celebrating one another regardless of our differences," he said. "I'm really looking to come here to John Hunter Hospital and give back to some kids doing it tough." His performance featured songs in the Gamilaraay language. "The kids have an amazing time; they're so excited to dance and sing along, creating a truly joyful atmosphere," Tambo said. In his visit, he also touched on the important issue of bullying. "With tragic stories of students taking their own lives due to bullying, both in person and online, I believe it's vital to open up these conversations and provide a safe space for children to feel heard," he said. John Hunter Hospital School principal Amy Kurtz said Tambo's visit was about raising cultural awareness and celebrating NAIDOC week. "We like to think outside the box and offer educational experiences for our students that may sometimes miss out on things like this when not attending regular school," she said. "This helps keep them connected." CHILDREN at John Hunter Hospital were treated to a special performance in a visit from didgeridoo player, traditional Indigenous dancer and singer Mitch Tambo. The Australian artist and Gamilaraay man, known for his appearance on the TV show Australia's Got Talent, made a stop in Newcastle on Tuesday, July 1, with his I am Me tour. Kids in the School Room Ward watched Tambo use music, storytelling, his personal experiences and a yarning circle to highlight cultural connection with a focus on youth wellbeing and mental health. "I get to share and celebrate my story through the music and break down the stories behind the music while also just spreading a message of inclusivity and celebrating one another regardless of our differences," he said. "I'm really looking to come here to John Hunter Hospital and give back to some kids doing it tough." His performance featured songs in the Gamilaraay language. "The kids have an amazing time; they're so excited to dance and sing along, creating a truly joyful atmosphere," Tambo said. In his visit, he also touched on the important issue of bullying. "With tragic stories of students taking their own lives due to bullying, both in person and online, I believe it's vital to open up these conversations and provide a safe space for children to feel heard," he said. John Hunter Hospital School principal Amy Kurtz said Tambo's visit was about raising cultural awareness and celebrating NAIDOC week. "We like to think outside the box and offer educational experiences for our students that may sometimes miss out on things like this when not attending regular school," she said. "This helps keep them connected."
News.com.au
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
LOL: Aussie property listing fails revealed
From photoshop fails to questionable artwork and risque wallpaper, staging a home correctly can make or break a sale. With that in mind, we have trawled property listings nationwide, and gone back through our archives, to pull together a list of some of the strangest - and funniest - listing fails that have hit the market. And some of them are doozies. *** TOWNSVILLE, QLD While personally we would have hidden the garbage bins, it is not until you look at the listing photos that things really go awry. This three bedroom home has a room that could double as a sobriety test. Clearly a photoshop fail, this room would not look out of place in some kind of weird Alice in Wonderland dream. It is listed for offers over $475,000. TAMBO, QLD There is just something about the interior of this home that makes it feeel a bit like a dollhouse. The proportions, and furniture, just feel, well, tiny. Kind of like a Barbie dreamhouse, or maybe more like an actual Barbie toy house. On a 4046sq m block, the house has two bedrooms and is listed for $169,900. WOOTHA, QLD Never mind The Hills Have Eyes. In this acreage home, the walls have eyes. Deer eyes to be exact. On 36.23ha and listed for offers over $4.75 million, there are taxidermied deer heads in the bedrooms and main living area. TOWNSVILLE, QLD This one goes back a few years but if Jumanji was a house, this could be it. Listed for rent back in 2021, everything looked pretty standard until you get to the theatre room. And bam, there are bears, moose, mountain goats and other exotic animals staring back at you from the theatre room. But the listing made it crystal clear, the 'taxidermy animals are NOT included'. GOLD COAST, QLD A 'house' on the Gold Coast was listed for sale for just $19,500 in 2023 and was described as 'a realm of untapped potential and endless opportunities'. It was a caravan. In Carrara. But it was the listing description that got international attention. 'This one-bedroom retreat is waiting with bated breath for your arrival,' the listing said at the time, and yes, it sold. 'As you step inside, you'll be embraced by a spacious lounge, perfect for relaxation and creating cherished moments with your loved ones.' The adjoining dining area was 'seamlessly connected' to the kitchen which 'beckons you to embark on delightful culinary adventures'. 'This thoughtfully-designed home is tailor-made for those seeking a downsized lifestyle,' it said, adding that this ' captivating home is vacant and ready for you to put your stamp on it'. The agent clearly could see something we could not. EVERTON PARK, QLD A house with wallpaper reminiscent of a retro Playboy magazine was listed for auction in 2019. It had custom-made wallpaper of naked ladies in its bathroom. But the out-there quirks did not end there, with a giant carved eagle at the entrance of the home and an indoor squash court. It sold for $1,672,500. COWANGIE, VIC It is kind of hard to know where to start with this three-bedder on a 2421sq m block but let's cut to the chase. The barrels of hazardous materials in one of the sheds is a bit of a worry. But it is 'perfectly liveable in its current state' according to the listing, despite the rather frightening state of the kitchen which comes with a fire blanket. It is listed for $75,000. ZEEHAN, TAS Described as 'charming', this three bedroom cottage on a 1049sq m block was built in the 1930s. Clearly the owner is a bit of a gamer but maybe that creepy clown picture could be stashed away for the sale. It is conjuring up thoughts of Pennywise and is listed for offers over $169,000. MAGILL, SA A five bedroom residence on a 2618sq m block sold for $1.19 million in 2020. Everything about the property screams charm and character until you get to the living room with a fireplace — and a rather in-your-face portrait of Poison frontman Alice Cooper. CEDUNA, SA Not really sure what is going on here but there is one room that feels a bit like a dungeon, and it is not immediately obvious what room that is. The house itself looks in decent shape but that room brings a certain cult-like vibe. DARLINGHURST, NSW This one sold way back in 2016 but the kitchen toilet deserves an honourable mention. Described as 'amazingly compact', one can only hope that no one is, well, compacted. The pint-sized layout includes a fold-out bed, kitchenette, bathroom and living area, all quaintly tucked into 14sq m. BROKEN HILL, NSW Described as a 'true renovators delight', this three bedroom home is a 'true renovator's delight'. What is not clear is whether everything inside is included in the sale, including the bedroom potty. EVA VALLEY, NT Only in Australia does a property come to market complete with 11 pet crocodiles and a whole bunch of other free-ranging murder logs in the creek. Listed in 2023, it is still for sale by the owners for $650,000. KATHERINE SOUTH, NT The house itself has a lot to answer for but the true vom emoji crown goes to the backyard plunge pool, where we can't guarantee that a murder log (aka a crocodile for our southern readers) isn't hiding in wait. Described as a 'renovator's delight' it has three bedrooms, one bathroom and sits on a 807sq m block. It is listed for $260,000. NAREMBEEN, WA Aptly described as a 'roughie', this is one half of a duplex. And the one next door shows what it could look like. 'Check out the floorplan for this two-bedroom home and judge the photos for yourself,' the listing says, which is exactly what we did. And it is easy to see why it is listed for just $45,000.
Eyewitness News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
POLITRICKING: EFF marks 12 years with growing pains as door to GNU remains closed
The door which leads to participation in the national coalition seemingly remains shut for the EFF, despite continued friction among coalition partners. The red berets have also made numerous attempts to engage with the ANC and made public declarations of a willingness to join the DA has argued its persistent presence in the GNU and relationship with the ANC - though becoming increasingly acrimonious - is aimed at saving South Africa from a 'doomsday coalition' between the former liberation movement its splinter, the is a narrative EFF member of parliament and national spokesperson Sinawo Tambo tells EWN's Politricking with Tshidi Madia, has been effective and still plays a role in keeping the red berets outside.'There's a narrative that an inclusion of the EFF in governance equals to constitutional or democratic collapse, or there's a threat to democracy, or could result in a doomsday,' said Tambo as he reflected on his party's journey since the 2024 May general watershed polls saw the reds moving from the third largest political organisation to fourth place, with its support in KwaZulu Natal decimated. Tambo said, their fate, like several other organisations was sealed by the arrival of former president Jacob Zuma's Umkhonto weSizwe party but added that campaigns like the DA's weren't countered sufficiently and have had some impact on how the EFF is perceived.'I don't think it's based on any verifiable fact now, but it's a narrative that was built up over a course of time, I think since the inception of the EFF, because of the policies that we represent,' he while deemed not fit enough to co-govern at national level, the EFF currently enjoys a relationship with the ANC across several metros, even in irony being in 2016, it joined hands with the very same DA warning South Africans against them, in a bid to destroy the ANC.'We did that to weaken the ANC, and it is weakened now to a point where it can't recover… to work with them now is convenient for the EFF,' he said.'It's a shift of politics and I don't think to remain at the trough, but now we're included in those local government municipalities as well, and we're able to effectively leverage our work in local government to prove to voters that the EFF is capable to govern,' he added. This is also a relationship that comes with its own tensions, Tambo himself, has accused the ANC of thinking it can lean on the EFF to come to the rescue when it's met with challenges in its partnership with the DA. The red berets mouthpiece said the ANC shouldn't presume it will always be on hand to support it, claiming the ANC has shown itself to be both manipulative and inconsistent in this regard.
