On the road in Western Australia - with VJ Matt Jenkin
DAY 1 - Monday 5th November
I must admit, I was filled with some trepidation when our researcher, Liam, informed Linda and I that we were catching the 6:10am flight to Perth with a two and a half hour stopover before getting a connecting flight to Kalgoorlie. Nothing against our Western state of course, but it's a well known fact that early mornings and me don't mix.
Imagine my euphoria when the kind people at QANTAS rang me last night to tell me that our flight had been delayed an hour! Bliss!
At 4:45am my alarm sounded and I rolled over to see that I had missed two text messages. The first was from QANTAS, telling me at 1:07am that our flight had now been returned to it's usual 6:10am departure time! Panic, irregular hearts beats and curse words flurried. The kind people at QANTAS were now off my Christmas card list. After a minor Basil Fawlty moment and the vein in my forehead prominently visible, I tried to collect myself.
Imagine my relief when I read the second text message - our flight to Perth will be at 7:10am after all! I was so very near to sending QANTAS an invoice for the ambulance ride that I was certain I was about to incur.
After arriving at the airport, Linda and I were greeted with an announcement that all Perth-bound travellers were entitled to a free breakfast to the value of $15... great news after you've just paid and eaten yours!
Nevertheless, the flights went smoothly and the Western Australian landscape was truly an awe-inspiring view. Imagine Pro Hart smearing a canvas with sunburnt oranges, deep reds, rich browns and blacks and forming the colours into varying symmetrical patterns and fluid lines. If you want artistic inspiration, fly to Kalgoorlie!
After checking in to our motel, Linda and I attended an induction for the Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mine that we will be covering tomorrow. Much to our surprise there was a pop quiz that followed! Needless to say, we did SkillsOne proud and scored an impressive 10 out of 10! (And for the record, Linda copied me).
Until tomorrow when we shall be reporting from the gold mines!
MJ
DAY 2 - Tuesday 6th November
Today the nation stopped for a horse race. For Linda and I, we stopped for a five storey truck to pass.
The Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mine was a truly amazing experience. Several hundred metres deep, several hundred metres wide and scores of trucks loading up rock and shuttling it off to be sorted and processed in the hunt for the beloved yellow rocks.
Firstly we met plant maintenance tradespeople, humble gents who enjoy the work and love the fact that Kalgoorlie has so many pubs!
But it was the General Manager of KCGM, Russell Cole, who imparted the most interesting fact for the day. It isn't the mining industry that is the biggest employer for the town. It's actually the retail industry!
Standing at the bottom of the superpit, you are truly transported to a George Lucas-type world where monster trucks the size of space ships lumber up steep hills carrying tones of cargo. Here are a couple of photos of Linda and myself trying to tackle them!
Unfortunately, as security is so high there, we were unable to get a glimpse of the precious rock! Not even the General Manager is permitted in the Gold Room! Despite our best efforts, we were declined in every attempt. Our false moustaches didn't even work!
Tomorrow we're Coolgardie bound. Until then SkillsOne followers!
MJ
DAY 3 - Wednesday November 7, 2007
Noel McKay is the only sparky I've ever met who doesn't advertise or market his own business. Further to this, he's the only qualified electrician in town. It helps when you live in Coolgardie, a small mining town of around 1400 residents, located 40km west of Kalgoorlie. He says business coming purely from word of mouth is just the way he likes it as it affords him other luxuries - like having a camel farm!
When Linda and I arrived at his property we were a little unsure exactly what he did. We understood he was a sparky. We understood he had camels. But where underneath all the junk on his property did he keep them? The driveway snaked around the back of the house and lead us to a pile of around 100 bicycles - some still working, others just parts. A dozen air conditioners were stacked nearby. Fridges, washing machines, rolls of electrical wire - anything a sparky MAY need in the future, Noel has salvaged. This was evident when our microphone clip was missing a bolt. Never fear! After a quick search in his shed (where more electrical parts are stacked) he found the bolt we needed. Noel to the rescue!
Noel has around 14 camels on his farm and confirmed for us that a camel doesn't store water in it's hump at all - it's just where they store fat! The bigger the hump, the fatter the camel! My humps, my humps, my lovely camel humps, check it out.
Heading back to Perth was a little treacherous. We took off just after the storm hit but headed straight for the eye. Flying metres underneath a swelling black cloud that is howling rain isn't the most pleasant of experiences.
The ferocity of the storm punished our small plane yet out in the distance provided an amazing contradiction. It looked like the thick grey clouds were hanging out a silk curtain over the rich red outback. Western Australia knows how to turn it on when you're flying over it!
In other news, Linda is basking in glory after she proved me wrong in an argument - apparently the lead singer of Mr Big is a guy after all. I always thought it was a girl!!! Linda 1, Matt 0.
Peace.
MJ
PS. Don't act like you don't know who Mr Big is.
DAY 4 - Thursday November 8, 2007
Fremantle - home of the Dockers, the Little Creatures brewery, a vicious coastal breeze and Challenger TAFE, the heart of maritime training. Linda and I were given our very own personalised escort for the day too, Mark, the TAFE's Communications Coordinator and part time muso. The facilities here are sensational. A terrific blend of heritage listed buildings and modern architecture adds to the experience. First stop was joining a group of VET (Vocational Education Training) students as they prepared a boat for leaving the wharf and docking. Not as simple as it sounds, let me assure you!
Next we headed to the Simulation Suites - here, students can exercise their skills in a controlled environment whilst their lecturer varies the conditions to truly put them to the test. Think of it like being in Timezone except you're controlling a massive cargo ship, battling eight metre high waves and trying to dock in a harbour in Hong Kong!
Unbeknownst to the two students today, two meddling video journalists insisted Martine, the simulation lecturer, throw everything at them. The result? A small fishing vessel crashing into the side of the ship. The outcome? Extreme embarrassment.
Finally, Aquaculture lecturer Greg Jenkins gave us a tour of the facilties. Dozens and dozens of tanks with all different types of breeds of fish were packed in several massive warehouses. Definitely no shortage here for seafood! So for dinner, Linda had a steak and I had chicken parmigiana... We were a little over fish by the end of the day.
In other news, Linda is eating her humble pie as she believed Paddy Hannan (one of the first discovers of gold here in WA) was Welsh, when in actual fact he's Irish. Linda 1, Matt 1.... I'm making a comeback.
MJ
DAY 5 - Friday November 9, 2007
And on the fifth day, they rested. And there was no objection from the video journalists.
Today Linda and I took the opportunity to sort through all the hours and hours of footage that we've taken so far on this trip and we're very excited by the results!
Dumping the footage from our cameras onto hard disk and renaming them wasn't the most riveting part of the tour, so we broke it up by taking some stock footage of Perth's beautiful landscapes.
It seems to us that Perth has a similar feel and vibe to that of Sydney yet still manages to keep it's own uniqueness and style.
As you can see, Perth has taken a slice of life from Hollywood by erecting a massive sign... We have no idea what it's for. I wondered if it was for people who were unsure where they were...
Taking footage of the Swan Bells proved frustrating. Being one of the world's largest musical instruments and one of Perth's biggest attractions, it was essential to capture this. Leading up to the Bells is a row of fountains spurting water into the air, palm trees swaying in the breeze, bright blue skies - the perfect scenario. After setting up the tripod and camera, working out the right angle, I moved to press the record button when the fountains stopped. Not a problem, I thought. I'll wait.
And wait.
And wait some more.
Stuff it. We'll get it later.
Upon returning 20 minutes later we noticed that the fountain was back up and running. I hastily got organised, set up the shot, pressed record just as the fountains stopped again! After yet another Basil Fawlty moment and Linda laughing at me, I got the camera up and left.... almost without Linda as she was still laughing at me. The life of a VJ.....
Back to work tomorrow where we're meeting one of WA's latest sporting talents.
MJ
PS. Linda is up on the bets 2 - 1. She bet that Liam (our trusty researcher) would know what the front of the ship was called. I begged to differ. It seems Liam is quite nautical. Thanks MacKenzo!
DAY 6 - Saturday November 10, 2007
Today Linda and I had the opportunity to meet the possible future of AFL - Gavin Mallard. Gavin is an inspirational young man that has completed his Certificate III in Sports & Recreation while doing a traineeship with Nyoongar Sports Association via AFL Sports Ready (a GTO that places young people in sports related traineeships).
The truly amazing quality about Gavin is how level-headed he is. Having won the WA State-based Trainee of the Year Award and the potential to be drafted next year for the AFL, this 17-year-old isn't showing signs of letting it get to his head. He says his mentors have been his Pop and Dad, to whom he owes everything. They used to drive the seven hour trip from Geraldton to Fremantle so Gavin could play!
Steve Turner, Gavin's supervisor at NSA, has high hopes for the youngster and although the glamour of professional football is calling, Steve is adamant about Gavin's education and future. One of the major problems for any professional athlete is what to do once the body can't keep up with the demands anymore - this is where NSA is helping young indigenous athletes with sporting qualifications to ensure a better future.
After kicking the footy around with Gavin, Linda and I headed to one of Perth's most famous beaches - Cottesloe. With the sand stretching for miles and the Indian Ocean glistening, it was a sensational way to wind down the day... although we're now red as lobsters and in considerable pain despite slip, slop, slapping.... Curse you sun!
MJ
DAY 8 - Monday November 12, 2007
Swallowing flies is definitely a fun way to pass the time here in Cunderdin! My arms are tired from swatting and I've downed half of Louie the Fly's family, not to mention drenching myself in several cans of Aerogard.
Despite the flies and the 40 degree heat, Linda and I are in good spirits. Cunderdin is about150km from Perth and we're visiting the Western Australia College of Agriculture. Here, high school students get the opportunity to complete modules of apprenticeships that allows them a head start on their future. The College won the 2006 Australian Training Award and provides a commercial sized farm with full training facilities in automotive, engineering, farming, furnishing and building and construction.
I wish this was around when I was in school! The students get to spend half their week in the classroom learning theory and the other half out on the farm learning the practical elements of their chosen trade. Some students have loved it here so much that they've decided to come back and be a part of the staff the very next year after completing high school!
The talent of these kids is impressive - shearing sheep, rallying up pigs, constructing dining tables, fixing cars, cropping barley... the list goes on.
We've been invited to dinner with the students and staff this evening, although after my entrée of flies all day, I may not be so hungry.
MJ
DAY 9 - Tuesday November 13, 2007
After driving back to Perth for two and half hours from Cunderdin listening to Swedish heavy metal and strange Mexican music and being lead across the state on a mission to find a Black Kangaroo Paw plant,
I'm retiring for the day and passing over to guest blogger, Linda Mirabilio: 
There are many perks to being a VJ for SkillsOne, but today I think I experienced the most rewarding of perks at the piggery.
Being a long time fan of the pig species I was excited to hear that the WA College of Agriculture had its very own commercial piggery.
Yesterday we had the full tour of the piggery. There were small pigs, large pigs and very very big fat heavy pigs, all as gorgeous as each other. I was in heaven.
Just when I thought the day couldn't get better, we stumbled upon two sow's who were in the process of birthing their piglets! I'd never seen piglets as fresh as these ones.
Needless to say I think there are way too many shots of pigs on my camera. But I'm sure we'll do another pig story soon..I think.
Today we went to re-visit the baby piglets, just to check their status. They were doing fine and thankfully the piggery Manager, Amanda let me hold one of them!!!
They're so firm, so taught and oh so cute..until I realised I was touching the umbilical cord..still fresh from the birthing.
Ewww. I still love pigs. Not even the 40 degree heat could deter me. I think I want to be a farmer.
Three days left in W.A - not sure what could top this, but I'm open.
Linda
DAY 10 - Wednesday November 14, 2007
Arrrr... there be no pirates at Austal Ships in Fremantle.... Slight disappointment. Damn Hollywood... building my hopes up...
But there are some of the biggest, most impressive vessels built there! It is truly incredible to see the results when engineering and braun come together. These ships and ferries dwarf even the massive trucks we saw at the superpit - they're monsters!
And further more, we got to learn from the best in not only the country, but internationally! Austal produce vessels for all corners of the globe - here's a pic of me in front of a passenger ferry headed to Macau! (Ignore the man boobs if possible).
On the road back to Perth, Linda gave me a crash course in Spanish 101 (I'm heading there over the summer break). So far I can greet someone, ask for their name, and inform a policeman that a donkey has robbed a bank.... May need to work on that a bit more...
Adios!
MJ DAY 11 - Thursday November 15, 2007
There aren't many places in the world where you can be five minutes from the CBD and be greeted by dolphins swimming up the river past your restaurant - only in WA! If only I could get a shot in time.... pesky dolphins!
Today we met some of WA's finest chefs - Kate Lamont and Russell Blaikie, owners of Lamont's and Must Winebar respectively. They provided us with an insight into the new initiative that has recently been established to address the skills shortage in the hospitality industry.
Instead of an apprenticeship in the one restaurant or eatery, the new Hospitality Passport allows young apprentices to work in several key restaurants all over the state, ensuring a wide range of skills and the ability to experiment with seasonal produce.
We also had the pleasure of meeting one of the new apprentices, Chris, who at 29 years of age left a career in pharmaceuticals to pursue his dream of cooking professionally! 
And tonight we have the pleasure of eating at Must Winebar, despite the fact there is a two week waiting list! Ah the perks!
With each day that passes, it's getting increasingly more difficult to come to terms with the fact that we have to come home! Sigh.... One more story then we're Sydney bound!
MJ
PS. Now I can say most greetings in Spanish plus "The lift is out of service due to the rats." Wooooooooo! Spanish!!! Woooooo!!!
DAY 12 - Friday November 16, 2007
It's hard to imagine that our two weeks have already come to an end! sigh..... I was getting so used to these 30+ degree heat days.... For our final instalment of the WA tour, Linda and I visited to the Caterpillar Institute - an RTO that provides focused learning programs in the areas of pre-employment, apprenticeships, post trade and machine operations. Our guide was Adrian Hall, recent winner of the WA Trade Trainer of the Year! Glad to know we were shown by the best!
Again, we came face-to-face with the giants of the mining world. No matter how many we've seen on this tour, it still boggles the mind that man is capable of engineering and making these amazing vehicles.
Linda also got the opportunity of having a crack at the simulator.... better stick to journalism..... few too many accidents.
After a quick coffee at Leederville, it was time to hit the airport for our departure. It was difficult for Linda and I to say goodbye to a state that embraced us - Cottosloe Beach, the cafes in Fremantle, the coffee in Subiaco, the crystal clear waters of South Beach, the food at Must Winebar, the superpit, the interesting "culture" in Kalgoorlie, riding camels, the Little Creatures Brewery, the flies of Cunderdin and of course all the fantastic people we met along our travels.
From Linda and I, a massive thank you to all who made us feel instantly welcome and were extremely generous with your time. We truly appreciate it.
So..... back to reality, huh? Sigh.....
MJ
