Interviewee wanted - an Australian travel photographer who has been diagnosed with depression

By Darren Stones

I’m seeking an interviewee to take part in a special interview. The type of person I’d like to interview must be an Australian travel photographer who has been diagnosed with depression by a General Practitioner, Psychiatrist, or Psychologist.

Here is the criteria I’m seeking in the person I wish to interview:

• An active professional, semi-professional or enthusiast Australian travel photographer
• Willing to share their personal experiences about depression with the general public
• Willing to have their story published
• Willing to share and give permission to use selected travel photographs and a current photo of themself for publishing
• Willing to share their Australian travel photography experiences
• Willing to provide travel photography advice
• Must have good knowledge of the beyondblue website

The objectives of the interview are to promote the photographer, showcase their travel photography, allow him or her to tell their story about depression, raise awareness of mental health issues amongst the general public, and inform the public of the role that beyondblue plays in the Australian community.

Travel photography is a tremendous creative outlet for many Australians. I’d like to make the Australian public more aware of the positive aspects of participating in travel photography, dealing with depression, and promoting the good work of beyondblue.

If you fit the criteria, or would like more information, please contact me by email no later than Sunday August 1, 2010 9am. darrengstones@gmail.com

You can read about my involvement with beyondblue here.

How would you like coverage of your Australian festival, travel or tourism business?

By Darren Stones

As journalist for Discover Australia magazine, I write a regular column called Travel Bites. The purpose of the Travel Bites column is to provide one item of travel and tourism related news from each state and territory of Australia each quarterly issue.

If you have a festival you'd like promoted, or have a travel or tourism business which needs promotion to improve your brand recognition, contact me via email today with a brief outline. If you have photography to accompany your outline please attach 2-3 lo-res JPEG images for consideration.

See the Travel Bites article on page 27 in Issue 2 of Discover Australia magazine:
Discover Australia magazine Issue 2, June 2010

Darren Stones
Journalist, Discover Australia magazine
darrengstones@gmail.com

Glen the shearer at Shear Outback, Hay, NSW

Travel Bites - Winter 2010

By Darren Stones

Travel Bites Winter 2010 informs as to what’s coming up, what’s going on, and what’s to see around Australia. From golf in the outback, to listening to politicians waffling – there’s something for everyone.

New South Wales
Grenfell – For a taste of good old-fashioned Australiana, the 53rd Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts will held during the long weekend of June 11-14, 2010. Highlights include art and photography exhibitions, woodchop, street procession, car show, guinea pig races, poetry on the boards, buskers, kids’ rides, entertainment, and billy tea and damper. Phone: (02) 6343 2855.
www.grenfell.org.au/henrylawsonfestival

The Canobolas Highland Pipe Band
Photo: Darren Stones

Victoria
Torquay – Located at the start of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a popular weekend or day trip destination for Melburnians. A beaut seaside location for recreational pursuits such as: walking, fishing, surfing, kite surfing, and para gliding. Visit Surf World museum – the world’s largest surfing museum. Lunch and dinner is served at the Torquay Hotel Motel, which has 10 newly refurbished motel units. Phone: (03) 5261 2001. http://www.torquayhotel.com.au/

Scenic lookout above the main beach at Torquay
Photo: Darren Stones

Queensland
Hervey Bay – The Hervey Bay Whale Festival celebrates the return of the humpbacks as they migrate south from northern Queensland to the Antarctic. Each year they put on a tail-slapping show in the bay for tourists from around the world. The festival is sponsored by Queensland Events and highlights include: Blessing of the fleet, street parade, carnival, entertainment and fireworks. Phone: 1300 794 929. http://www.herveybaywhalefestival.com.au/

Humpback Whale, Hervey Bay, Queensland
Photo: Darren Stones

Western Australia
Monkey Mia – See hand-feeding of bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment on the Coral Coast at Monkey Mia. You may get the opportunity to feed the dolphins under the supervision of a national park ranger, and there’s up to three feeding times between 7:30am to 12:00pm. Entry fees apply, and bring your camera. Call the Department of Environment and Conservation Monkey Mia Office on (08) 9948 1366. http://www.sharkbay.org/

South Australia
Coober Pedy – Consider a trip along the Stuart Hwy to Coober Pedy. This outback town has unique homes, shops, accommodation and museums located underground. For those who like to play a round, The Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Course features crushed rock fairways. Amazingly, the club has reciprocal rights with St. Andrews in Scotland. During summer months, players use luminous balls for rounds played after dark. Phone: (08) 8672 5555.

Northern Territory
Uluru – When it comes to icons in Australia, Uluru would be the most recognisable. Rising 348 metres, the monolith is regarded by its traditional Aboriginal owners – the Anangu people – to have great significance. The Anangu people request that visitors don’t climb the rock and kindly suggest listening to everything, and enjoy the guided walks and interpretative attractions on offer. Entry fees apply. Call the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre on (08) 8956 1128 for details. http://en.travelnt.com/

Tasmania
Port Arthur – Nominated for World Heritage listing, the Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Tasmania’s most popular tourist attractions. Located 100km from Hobart, it’s recommended to allow a full day to experience the precinct. Activities include: 20 minute harbour cruise, a guided tour which is included in the entry price, and ghost tour. The Visitor Centre contains the Port Café, Felon’s Bistro, gift shop, and interactive experiences. Phone: (03) 6251 2300 or Freecall 1800 659 101. http://www.portarthur.org.au/

Australian Capital Territory
Canberra – Parliament House is not just for politicians, swinging voters are welcome to visit and listen to the verbal jousting during Question Time. Tickets can be booked for Question Time by telephoning (02) 6277 4889 before 12.45pm on the day required. The Queen’s Terrace Café is ideal for a snack, and the Parliament Shop stocks souvenirs. Free public tours are conducted at 10:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm each day. Visitor information desk is attended 9am-5pm every day. Phone: (02) 6277 5399. http://www.aph.gov.au/

Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
Photo: Darren Stones

New member of blueVoices - the consumer group for beyondblue

By Darren Stones

beyondblue have recently approved my application to become a member of blueVoices - the consumer and carer reference group for beyondblue. They have included me in the following e-Group based on personal experience: Depression.

I have also expressed interest in their Ambassador Program which they are currently piloting and evaluating for blueVoices members. The program encompasses future training opportunities which will take place as opportunities arise.

blueVoices opportunities include:

• providing input into the development of beyondblue resources and community awareness campaigns
• representing consumer/carer perspectives on committees and advisory groups
• assisting to distribute resources at events and forums
• participating in research studies
• speaking at public events or to the media about your experience
  

I'm looking forward to being an active participant with blueVoices as it will be a privilege to assist beyondblue in continuing their great work in the community.

http://www.beyondblue.org.au/