GLOBAL dairy giant Saputo booked a loss in its third quarter on the back of a A$196.8m impairment charge related to the Canadian company’s Australian dairy division.

An impairment charge is an accounting term and process used by businesses to write off worthless goodwill or the drastic reduction or loss in the recoverable value of an asset.

Chairman, president, and CEO Lino Saputo Jr explained the non-cash impairment charge in Australia in the context of falling milk supply and a mismatch in cheese and ingredients prices during his Saputo global investor presentation and Q&A.

Mr Saputo released the company’s fiscal 2024 third quarter financial results on February 8.

“In performing our annual goodwill impairment testing, our dairy division Australia cash-generating unit (CGU) estimates of future discounted cash flow were reduced due to the increasing disconnect in the relationship between international cheese and dairy ingredient market prices and the farmgate milk price in the context of a declining milk pool in Australia,” he said.

“While there is still uncertainty in the near term market dynamics, we are dedicated to doing everything we can to maximise the results of the division.”

Saputo has been “optimising” its manufacturing and factory network in Australia, with the number of plants reduced from 11 to six and the CEO said the company’s “strategy remains unchanged”.

Last November the company launched a strategic review of the King Island Dairy business with an option of selling the business.

“We’ve continued to advance our network optimisation and we are benefiting from the positive impact from several streamlining activities completed over the last few quarters,” Mr Saputo said.

“The business remains focused on its domestic market with select key customers in the export market playing an important role,” he said regarding Australia.

The CEO reaffirmed the company’s strategic focus on value products.

“The  consumer  is  still shopping with value seeking behaviour, we are seeing clear progress in volume recovery across our business segments,” he said.

Mr Saputo framed his reporting within the continuing “dynamic macroeconomic environment”. In a Q&A with global analysts, he said that while Saputo’s volumes rose in the quarter to December 31, volatile global dairy commodity markets and a challenge to the consumer were persistent themes in the third quarter, much like in the fiscal year to date.

“As macroeconomic drivers impact the global economy and continue to drive commodity price volatility, we remain focused on managing the factors within our control and stabilising the business,” he said.

“Our priority areas include operational excellence, successfully executing the major capital projects under way, cost containment and cash flow generation.”

While third-quarter revenue dropped 7 per cent to C$4.3bn, Mr Saputo said that “with most of the heavy lifting behind us, I remain very confident in our long-term strategy”.

The company has an adjusted EBITDA target of C$2.125bn by 2025, although last year he raised doubts about achieving it on schedule.

“Markets are expected to stabilise over time,” Mr Saputo said, adding that “it is the speed of the recovery that remains unknown” and he expects market trends to stay “volatile” and “challenging”.

Mr Saputo also warned about the status and challenges faced by global dairy players.

“We are seeing a slowing milk production around the world, and we see this in just about every dairy producing country … the dairy farming community is resilient but the folks that are not as well invested or as efficient, are dropping off in terms of dairy farms and their contribution to milk production,” he said.

WELL-known King Island councillor Sarina Laidler says the North West, including King Island, deserves a strong voice in Parliament.

Ms Laidler has been endorsed as a Liberal candidate for Braddon in the March 23 State Election.

If elected it is thought she would be the first State MP from King Island.

Ms Laidler was controversially removed from her council seat after she missed three consecutive council meetings when attending to her dying husband’s medical emergency treatments.

Under local government regulations an apology was not accepted.

However, she was re-elected unopposed in the subsequent by election in early January.

Throughout the ordeal Ms Laidler said she wanted to work for changes in the regulations to include compassionate grounds.

“I do not want anyone else to go through this again,” she said. Ms Laidler has a strong community focus and understanding of the needs of individuals in the community particularly in health and allied services having worked as the King Island Council’s health promotion officer and later with Phoenix House and for many years volunteered, with her late husband Kevin, for the island’s ambulance service.

She has received a Commonwealth Certificate of Appreciation for Volunteering, Ambulance Tasmania Long Service and National Medal and is a founder and a life member of Phoenix Community House.

She has been active with the King Island Development Organisation and within their respective organistions that includes King Island Tourism, Chamber of Commerce and Shipping.

Drawing on business qualifications, family farming knowledge and extensive understanding of government processes not only on the island but within regional environments and across the North West region, Ms Laidler decided to give back to the community, and successfully stood for the King Island Council.

“I’m excited to be representing such a dynamic team who will continue to build a strong Tasmania,” she said.

I’m looking forward to getting out and about over the coming weeks to share the Liberals’ 2030 strong plan for Tasmania’s future.

“There is lots of work to do over the coming weeks,” she said.

King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie said it was his position not to endorse any candidates for the State Election. “I trust the discernment of King Island voters,” he said. “On a personal level I like Sarina very much and extend my sincere best wishes for her campaign.

However, he said: “We currently have a huge council workload and several large projects to deliver so we need to swim in our lane for a while”.

“I continue to work full-time delivering on my commitments, backed up by the venerable Deputy Mayor, remaining dedicated councillors and staff.

“I find considerable nobility and satisfaction in doing the job I was elected to do, working for our ratepayers.

“No political party could entice me away mid-term from my commitment as Mayor,” Mr Blackie said.

Ms Laidler will take leave from the council.

KING Island enjoys its own special public holiday on March 5 for the annual Show Day.

The first show day, kicked off in 1910, when the population of our little island was just 778. The Country Women’s Association of Tasmania had not even been born then.

It was the year Harry Houdini, after several failed attempts managed to fly the first controlled flight by powered aircraft. He reached a height of 30 metres. In 2024 we’ll have Commando Skydivers.

They will be doing an air flag display and offering discounted tandem jumps (guaranteed higher than 30 metres).

Jumpers will leave from the airport and land at the showgrounds. There will be limited spaces available so be quick and book.

This show day is an opportunity for all classic car lovers to dust off and polish up their girls, ready to show off. Jenny Marshall is organising the line up so if you want in, please make contact her on 0429 833 728

Side Show Alley will again include the Muscle Flex hi striker. Can anyone beat our local Dale Reed? Surrounded by laughing clowns it will no doubt be a tough competition.

While you wait your turn, the famous (not kidding, check out Blow Up) and so talented Brendan the balloon man will keep you busy with his creations.

Dan the Pestman will be on the hunt for the toughest islander with his ice bath competition. If you have been braving the Bass Strait Ocean over this summer, this could be your flex with $1000 up for grabs.

If you are unfamiliar with this community event, be prepared for more competition… dog jumping, whip cracking, fun run, boot throwing and of course the traditional strut your stuff show girl and show boy comp.

All events are sponsored and have great prize money available for the talented.

Patrons will not be going hungry or thirsty this year.

The Grasshopper food truck from the big island will be treating us, alongside Island Sisters, K&K van, Holey Donuts, soft serve ice cream, Trish’s famous scones and of course our favourite Lions van.

KI Brewhouse and KI Distillery will be quenching our thirst with all sorts of fun surprises, think alcoholic soft serve.

With the island’s population blown out to 1585, on Monday, March 4 the pavilion is always hectic with exhibits from talented locals.

The space is abuzz with a huge number of volunteers supporting our guest CWA judges and ensuring all vegetables, artwork, needlework and baking are per rules and regulations.

Do you have something to share, or maybe you are chasing some prize money with your competitive side shining through.? It is free to enter, and you can enter as many sections as you wish.

Make sure your entries are lodged by Monday 26th. Please note the committee has decided not to award $2 and $1 prizes, we are putting our energy and donations into bigger prize money.

Be sure to read the fine print regarding delivery times and other bits and pieces that will help you win! If you need more details on entering call Narelle 0431 227 787 or if you need an exhibit number, text Claire 0438 017 860

In 2021 the committee decided to reintroduce the hoof to hook competition for both beef and lamb. This has allowed producers and our community to view the beast from our paddocks right through to their plate, Tuesday on hoof and Thursday on hook.

The lamb auction is always a frenzy of excitement being the perfect opportunity to bid on a lamb from any section and take home for the freezer.

Chance to win $100 if you pick the champion carcass. The beef and lamb carcasses will be judged by an accredited MSA grader from Tasmania on Thursday morning. Carcass viewing and barbecue from 1 pm at KIMSA.

KIMSA and King Island Meat Providore play a major part in this ‘Beast to Feast’ experience by purchasing four beef carcasses. There are still four beef places available for exhibitors for private kill (processing fee at entrants’ expense).

Questions regarding beef call Greg 0448 056 673 and sheep call Beau 0468 576 712

Also in the livestock arena is the Junior Judging competition, with the opportunity to compete at the Junior Beef Expo in Deloraine. Make contact with Anita for more details 0499 686 942

If you cannot resist the temptation to be part of this day and help, even just for an hour or two give Shannon a buzz 0499 102020. We have a working bee at the grounds on Saturday 24th, where extra hands are always appreciated.

We are excited to see you on the day, rain (hopefully), hail (not so) or shine.

THE State Government has paused the working group tasked with reforming Tasmania’s fire levies.

“There is no unanimous agreement on the design of a new funding model, despite constructive and positive conversations and engagement,” Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis said. “We all agreed that fire, floods, and storms pose an increasing threat to Tasmania and that contemporary governance structures are required to deliver this.”

The Minister thanked representatives from business, industry, local government, unions and community leaders who have participated in the working group.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) expressed concern over the government’s decision to halt The Fire Service Levy (FSL) reform efforts. Tasmania is the only region in Australia continuing to fund fire and emergency services through taxes on insurance customers.

The ICA argues that the FSL which can increase the cost of various commercial insurance policies by up to 28 per cent disproportionately affects those seeking to insure their assets against fire damage. This levy was criticised for raising the operational costs for Tasmanian businesses and generating significant revenue for the government.

The ICA said in statement that Tasmania’s move contrasts with actions taken by other Australian states, which have either eliminated or are in the process of removing their respective fire and emergency services levies on insurance.

“Every other state has abolished or has committed to abolishing similar levies, leaving Tasmania as the last tax standing, further disadvantaging its businesses and their customers,” ICA CEO Andrew Halls said.

“Not only is the FSL unfair,

but it also discourages proper insurance coverage. Abolishing it would enhance affordability and encourage more businesses to adequately insure their assets, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

“We strongly urge the next Tasmanian government to continue to work to abolish this unfair tax on insurance customers in the state.”

The government planned to alter the levy collection method for funding fire and emergency services, aiming to reduce taxes for urban residents but modelling indicated increases for rural and regional residents.

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association president Ian Sauer noted one proposed model would raise farmers’ contributions by 1000 per cent, while another would increase them by at least 230 per cent. Following public out cry, the government established a working group to devise a mutually acceptable new fire levy model.

Well known King Island councillor Sarina Laidler has been endorsed as a Liberal candidate for Braddon in the March 23 State Election.

Ms Laidler was removed from her council seat after she missed three consecutive council meetings when attending to her dying husband’s medical emergency treatments.  under local government regulations an apology is not accepted.

However, she was re-elected unopposed in the subsequent byelection in early January.

Throughout the ordeal Ms Laidler said she wanted to work for changes in the regulations to include compassionate grounds.

“I do not want anyone else to go through this again,” she said.

Ms laidler has a strong community focus and understanding of the needs of individuals in the community particularly in health and allied services having worked as the island’s Health Promotion Officer, at Phoenix House and for many years volunteered, with her late husband Kevin, for the island’s ambulance service.

She has been active with the King Island Development Organisation and within their respective organistions that includes King Island Tourism, Chamber of Commerce and Shipping 

 Ms Laidler drawing on business qualifications, family farming knowledge and with extensive understanding of government processes not only on the island but within regional environments and across the North West  region, decided to give back to the community, and stood for and was elected to the King Island Council.

Ms Laidler says she is wanting to bring those skills of community understanding to the North West and the Braddon electorate.

“I’m excited to be representing such a dynamic team who will continue to build a strong 
Tasmania,” she sadi.

“There is lots of work to do over the coming weeks. “

THERE’S a first for everything! And adventurous King Islander Shelley Graham enjoys taking on the wild and remote firsts.

She has embraced the icy natural world, battled the wildfires in Canada and closer to home, climbed steps and mountains, and crossed the skies but had never sailed, despite living surrounded by sea.

Never doing things by halves, Shelley joined a crew, spent six days at sea, and travelled 1058 nautical miles from Hobart to Bluff, New Zealand. There were 45-knot winds, six metre seas and an electrical storm, but also beautiful conditions with magical sunrises and sunsets, accompanied by many albatross and “awesome people”.

“I joined the trip as a crew member to sail a yacht the Silver Fern back to New Zealand after it had participated in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race,” Shelley said.

“Two yachts were returning to New Zealand, so it was made a race between the two vessels, calling it the inaugural ‘Hobart to Bluff’ yacht race.

“We sailed into Bluff, New Zealand where the local yacht club welcomed us. It’s a small fishing community, that reminded me of a lot of King Island. It was such a nice welcome. They put on a barbecue, which included local cray, abalone, salmon and blue cod.

“The trip was wild. There was a six-metre swell and 45-knot winds in the first two days.

“The second half of the trip was much calmer, and I was able to enjoy beautiful sunrises, sunsets and many different species of albatross following us the whole way.

“As part of the crew I was responsible for watches which included getting up a couple of times overnight, as well as sharing responsibility for cooking and cleaning.

“The bunk and living space were very tight, with nine other crew members sharing the space.

“Our captain was Sharon Ferris, who has represented New Zealand in sailing for a couple of Olympic Games. She was an amazingly inspiring woman, who can stay calm and unfazed no matter what is thrown at her.

“It was a great adventure, and I certainly threw myself into the deep end for my first-time sailing.

“I’m looking forward to doing more of it.”

BACKPACKERS from Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam celebrated the end of the Year of the Rabbit and the start of the Year of the Dragon in a Lunar New Year get together at the Boathouse in Currie on Saturday.

Red lanterns, which are symbols of prosperity, added to the Boathouse’s explosion of colour. Whether it’s Chinese New Year, Vietnam’s Tết, Imlek in Indonesia, Filipino-Chinese Tsinoy, or Malaysian Kongsi Raya, all have traditions that vary around the Spring Festival celebrations that mark the start of the first month of the lunar calendar.

Coming together with family and community to share certain foods and colours is believed to bring good fortune, happiness and longevity. While traditions vary, these are the common thread throughout east and south-east Asian countries during this period.

“We had make-your-own Taiwanese dumplings, Vietnamese pho, coffee and rice paper pizza yes, rice paper pizza tea eggs, shallot pancake, hibachi grilled kebabs and, to finish off, Taiwanese pineapple cake. It was an event where everyone pitched in to make dumplings and learn how to make food from other countries too,” Programmed King Island employment coordinator Lee Jefferies said.

“There’s a mixture of backpackers from different countries working on the dairy farm and at the cheese factory. Most are finishing up in the next month.

Some are going back home to their countries as they have been in Australia for a couple of years, and others have been on the island for three to six months. Some are ready to return to their families and others would love to find more work and stay longer.”

BEING a sheep farmer on King Island for the past few years has been an expensive and difficult logistical exercise.

The Cooke family are third generation sheep farmers, and the time has come for them to transition to cattle.

The Cooke family came to King Island in 1956 and started the Illawong Corriedale sheep stud on Lancaster Rd.

The Cookes are sending 7500 Illawong Stud sheep off the island. In the last fort-night, eight trailers of adult sheep have been moved to the Grassy port, northward bound to Victorian abattoirs. Three trailers of lambs will go south to Tasmania in March and 500 will stay on the island and have the hectares to themselves for a while.

The move to cattle production has been on the cards for a few years. “If it weren’t for Eastern Line Shipping getting our sheep to market in Victoria, we would have had to get out years ago,” Mark Cooke said.

Illawong is the largest sheep property on the island and pro-duces both meat and fleece, focussing on Corriedale and Dorset.

“There’s no market for older sheep in Tasmania,” Mark said.

“There are many reasons for moving to cattle farming – TasPorts’ cessation of the King Island to the Melbourne port cut us off,” Noel Cooke reflected.

“Meat and fleece have experienced fluctuating prices, and increased transport costs across Bass Strait to Welshpool and then trailered to the abattoirs.

“It’s a long trip. The older sheep can handle the 16 hours and the extra road transport, but the lambs can’t, they need to go to Tasmania. We have no choice. Tasmanian farmers can choose to go directly to Webb Dock in Victoria or use a Tasmanian abattoir and they receive a good shipping rate, lower costs, and it’s a shorter trip.

“We pay the Australian Wool Corp for research and marketing of wool and pay the same as Merino producers. A preference is given to Merino fleece and crossbred isn’t as important and this impacts prices.

THE King Island Community Car is on the lookout for new drivers to help spread the volunteer load across their existing driver pool.

They need volunteers looking to contribute to the wellbeing of their fellow King Islanders.

They encourage Island residents looking to contribute to their community positively in 2024 to tick up their sense of purpose a touch in the new year and reach out to volunteer.

This meaningful role can be scheduled into existing activities and could be as simple as a day or two a month.

If you have a driver’s licence, enjoy the company of others and can manage confidentiality please get in touch with Shirley on 0484 108 882.

With over 1,000 trips a year, currently spread over eight drivers, the King Island Community Car is probably the island’s busiest multi-used vehicle.

No matter where you live, quality of life is closely tied to our ability to access health, transport, shopping and even social connections and wellbeing. Without a means to access these options our community can feel like it’s shrinking.

The King Island Community Car is operated by volunteer drivers and relies on donations and contributions from clients to help cover all the operational costs. These contributions also go towards the vehicle replacement costs.

On weekdays the car can be accessed for medical, shopping, social and airport transfers.

On the weekends and public holidays, the car just does medical and airport transfers.

In the event of multiple same day and time bookings, priority will be given to medical and airport trips.

Important considerations that assist with the smooth running of the car are;
Pre-booking trips with a minimum of three days’ notice is essential to enable the scheduling of the vehicle and volunteer drivers. Likewise, please inform of cancellations as soon as you are aware.

The Community Car is not a booze bus so please don’t treat it as such
Clients can share the car if going to same or connected destinations and split their donation.

Clients are currently requested to provide their donation in cash, though the car is hoping to be equipped with a device for electronic funds transfer in the near future.

King Island Council supports the services of the Community Car by contributing towards fuel and registration costs.

For more information, please contact us on 0484 108 882, for Bookings call 0457 347 965

THERE’S a certain irony that the King Island Porcelain Painters group is coming to an end when pottery painting – ceramics, porcelain and china – is a major 2024 trend on social media platforms, with clips having millions (if not billions) of views.

 Creating original homewares and functional artworks that are not factory mass-produced is on the rebound.

A group of dedicated women met at Mary Bell’s house in 1993, to discuss their shared passion for porcelain painting. Their resident tutor, Charlotte Denton, had left the island and they felt compelled to ensure the continuation of their beloved craft.

Mary Bell, Dorothy Perry,

Tess Cooper, Rosalyn Wright, Nance Larkey, Elizabeth Lindsay, Penny Watt, Sister Monica, Helen Freeman, Eileen Hughson and Margaret Richards attended the inaugural Porcelain Painters meeting in 1993.

“The young soldiers’ settler wives wanted a creative outlet and porcelain painting was popular and we wanted the art form to continue when our tutor Charlotte left the island. We organised visiting tutors and workshops and decided to continue as a group,” Mary said.

Little did they know, this moment marked the inception of a remarkable journey spanning three decades.

The early years focussed on finding a suitable space to foster their creativity. They found refuge in the old SES building on Meech Street, affectionately dubbed the “Porcelain Painters” studio. The studio quickly became a hive of activity. Members met and unleashed their creativity over many hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. They honed their skills, which included sessions led by various members and with visiting instructors. They meticulously recorded their meeting minutes, which today offer glimpses into the group’s (and the island’s) evolution.

There are now just ‘The Three Musketeers’ – Mary, Joy and Rosie – and the time has come for the group to finish.

“No one is prepared to continue the group. I’m 90, we need instructors and interest. It’s not as simple as you might think. There aren’t any people here who want to take up the craft,” Mary said.

They thanked Penny Watts for her invaluable tutoring contributions and acknowledged the council’s building refurbishment and extra lighting which ensured the group’s continued success. Mary remembers Margaret Richards’s detailed and thorough record-keeping.  

Porcelain painting, also known as china painting or overglaze painting, is an ancient art form with a rich and diverse history spanning centuries. Ceramic painting involves painting on ceramic objects or tiles and can be traced back to ancient civilisations.

Originating in China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), porcelain painting  involved the application of colourful glazes to ceramic vessels for decorative and functional purposes.

Spreading through Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries factories became renowned for their manufacture of hand-painted porcelain.

By the 19th century, with new firing techniques and the invention of durable overglaze pigments, porcelain painting evolved into an art form and was

a popular pastime among affluent Victorian women as a means of self-expression and creative fulfilment.

Painting studios emerged with classes and workshops for ‘home’ pursuits, while factories like Meissen, Minton, Spode, and Doulton employed Art School amateurs who became art workers or artists. Many hand-painted designs are still in production today. Porcelain art was popular in Australia from the earliest settlements.

In the 20th century, porcelain painting resurged, particularly with the advent of modernist art movements, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Throughout the 20th century, the porcelain and China painting audience continued to widen.

Studios and workshops, seminars, guilds, magazines and businesses met the demand for the creation of original works within the glass and ceramic industry by supplying clay moulds, manufactured greenware (unfired clay), bisque ware/blanks (fired items), glazes, decals/transfers, kilns and tools. Artists, crafters, hobbyists and small commercial operators alike had product accessibility.  

Today, porcelain painting continues to thrive as a vibrant and dynamic art form, with artists around the world exploring innovative techniques and pushing the boundaries of creativity.

From traditional hand-painted porcelain wares to contemporary mixed-media installations. The art of porcelain painting remains a timeless expression of beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.

The journey of the King Island Porcelain Painters is not merely a testament to artistic prowess but a testament to the power of community and resilience. Through shared passion and unwavering dedication, they have left an indelible mark on the cultural tapestry of King Island