Latest news with #JohnWilliamson
NZ Herald
11-08-2025
- NZ Herald
Riding The Ghan: Starry nights and outback adventures from Darwin to Adelaide
Now it's a tourist destination, steeped in history well-displayed inside. But tonight we're outside, watching the light fade from a huge blue sky interrupted only by the bright sliver of the moon. One by one, the stars appear. Soft light glimmers from candles on our tables and from fires burning in half barrels surrounding the site. We're listening to Crowded House's Two Seasons in One Day, and we're about to experience that. The temperature drops from very warm, to very cold – make that very, very cold. Dining under the stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Dan Falzon, from eco-tourism business Earth Sanctuary, plays the didgeridoo and later uses a strong laser light to point out the stars. As we dine on black Angus sirloin followed by lemon myrtle panna cotta, raspberry puree and strawberries, a live band gently sings John Williamson's wonderful ballad Raining on the Rock (a reference to the beauty of the outback and Uluru/Ayers Rock) with the rumbling tones of a didgeridoo in the background. We even get a chance to toast marshmallows over the fires on our way back to The Ghan. The band, accompanied by a didgeridoo player Dan Falzon, at Alice Springs Telegraph Station in South Australia. By the time we return, our couch has been transformed into two bunks. We're in a Gold Twin cabin, one of the smallest, but there are larger options. This small but perfectly formed space is home for three days on the 2979 km trip from Darwin to Adelaide. We're looked after by cheerful staff who change from daywear - outback pants, boots, shirts topped with an Akubra hat- to an evening uniform to serve dinner. A twin gold cabin on The Ghan train in Australia. The train is huge, 735m long with 31 carriages and two locomotives. But it never seems crowded because the dining cars, the lounge/bars and cabins are spaced out, so you see the same small group of people at meal times. The bunks are comfy and the linen crisp, so sleep comes easily, that was until the drama of the boat on autopilot woke me up. My husband hurtled down the ladder from the top bunk, and although I lunged at him from the bottom bunk, he managed to unlock our cabin door and bolt out into the corridor. It was the lights in the corridor that snapped him awake, to him he was on a train, not a boat. The Ghan really is a splendid way to travel, and the three days seem to speed by. There's something very peaceful about allowing yourself time to just sit and gaze out the window at the impossibly huge blue sky, spotting the odd kangaroo or emu. The dining carriage on The Ghan. A self-service tea and coffee station at the end of each carriage means you can have a cuppa at any time of the day or night. Much of the spare time between the day outings is taken up in the dining car and the lounge bar. Be prepared for a cooked breakfast, and three-course lunches and dinners from a freshly printed daily menu with an emphasis on local produce. A breakfast option on The Ghan: mango and fresh berries with native blossom honey syrup and mascarpone on toasted crumpets. The dinner selection ranged from crocodile dumplings, roasted duck breast, and grilled barramundi to grilled kangaroo loin, roasted lamb rump and Adelaide Hills cheese souffle. Ghan guests are given several options for day trips at each of the stops - Katherine, Alice Springs and the rail siding of Manguri. We opted for the Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise at Katherine, a boat trip through the tranquil gorge and a walk to see rock art, with plenty of crocodile sightings along the way. Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge) on the Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park. At Alice Springs, we visited the towering beauty of Simpsons Gap on the Larapinta Trail after a picnic by the river. Be warned, the flies are persistent. Jane Phare is dwarfed by Simpsons Gap near Alice Springs. At Manguri, we took a coach to Coober Pedy, the opal town where most of the residents live in houses blasted underground because of the heat. We visited an example of one with bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge, bathroom and the all-important covered air vents. The houses remain at an even temperature all year, so residents don't need to spend money on heating or air conditioning. An underground house in the opal mining town of Coober Pedy in South Australia. One of the most startling finds in Coober Pedy is St Elijah's Orthodox Church, with its huge stained glass window and magnificently ornate interior built into the side of a hill. It was built to serve the local Serbian community in the 1990s, mostly with donations and volunteer labour. A New Zealand artist, Norm Aston, spent long hours, often at night, carving the image of Saint Elijah and other religious images and icons into the stone. The priest and the Serbian locals are long gone, leaving the church for curious tourists to visit. One of the carvings done by New Zealand artist Norm Aston in St Elijahs Orthodox Church in Coober Pedy in South Australia. We arrived back at The Ghan on our last evening to find canapes and drinks served outdoors by the train to watch the sun go down by a warm fire. Then it's dinner and bed as we rumble our way through the night towards Adelaide. And nobody sleepwalked. Just perfect. Tips about the Ghan Book early (at least a year ahead) and opt for a cabin larger than the gold twin cabin if you can afford it. The extra space will be well worth it. Take a full face net to go over your sunhat and down to your shoulders to combat the flies. Take everything you'll need for the three-day trip in your carry-on. You won't be able to access your suitcase until the end. Pack warm clothes – puffer jacket, hat, scarf, gloves – for the night banquet. Don't forget to include the height of the wheels when measuring your carry-on suitcase. Take a couple of books or a pack of cards. The Wi-Fi goes off for hours. Request a forward-facing cabin and, if possible, one in the middle away from the noise of the wheels below. Cabins 4, 5, 6, and 7 are ideal. You can lock your cabin from the inside but not from the outside. However, there is a small safe in the wardrobe. Checklist Darwin, Australia GETTING THERE Qantas flies from Auckland to Darwin with one stop, in either Sydney or Brisbane. DETAILS Prices for The Ghan Expedition start at $A4290 per person during the low season (April and Sept/Oct) for travel in 2026. New Zealand Herald flew to Darwin courtesy of Qantas and travelled on The Ghan courtesy of Journey Beyond.
ABC News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Music icon John Williamson performs near Birdsville in place of Big Red Bash
Atop a red sand dune on the edge of a desert, an Australian country music icon spilled the secrets of the bush. A crowd of 1,000 sang along to John Williamson's True Blue as the sun set over the Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert and reflected upon the lingering floodwater. The intimate concert this week was a stand-in for the popular Big Red Bash, which is on hiatus this year, and a nod to how the bash began in 2013. "To hear it in the flesh was amazing, very emotional," concertgoer Sharon Wilson from New South Wales said. Volunteer Thomas Kessell, from Perth, said Williamson swallowed a few flies during the performance. "But I'm sure he's writing lyrics about it right now," he said. The Simpson Desert is known for its challenging terrain, and for the past 11 years has hosted Australia's most remote music festival, the Big Red Bash. But last year, festival organiser Greg Donovan announced his team would be taking a break in 2025. "Once we decided to do that, there was a lot of talk about the impact on tourism. It brings so much tourism to the outback," he said. Mr Donovan put on an intimate two-night concert capped at 1,000 tickets each night. "We had John Williamson play on the Big Red dune behind us. The Big Red Bash really came from that little music event, and we built it up to a big three-day festival with 10,000 people over 10 years," he said. "It's really nice to just remember how it was in the beginning; it was basic but really nice up on the dune." It will likely be the last time John Williamson performs in Birdsville, after 55 years touring Australia. Williamson said singing on top of Big Red was an honour and a novelty. "I've got an audience that wants to hear my music who have gone to that much effort to be here, so I'm honoured by it." The township of Birdsville, nestled in the bottom corner of Queensland, was cut off for around six weeks earlier this year as record-breaking flooding made its way through the outback. It has been a tough and slow start to a tourism season that typically starts in April. But those who are now making the trek get to see the desert in bloom. Glenn David Taylor travelled from Beenleigh with his father and son. "It's our first time out this far west. It's a bit of a bucket list tick off," he said. For Cheryl Crossland, from Far North Queensland, it was her seventh time attending the Birdsville event. "It's unique because it's on top of Big Red and I love John Williamson," she said. The Big Red Bash has become a lifeline to businesses and tourism operators in Birdsville. They have a six-month window before the desert heat sets in and travellers drop off. Diamantina Shire Council Mayor Francis Murray said when news broke last year of the bash's hiatus, locals put their heads together to fill a gap in the calendar. They came up with the idea for a camel carnival, featuring market stalls, live acts, and camel rides. "Without the bash, we thought we still had to get that crowd here," Cr Murray said. "There's already camel racing in Jundah, Bedourie and Boulia, so we've marketed it as a camel trail and put this on in Birdsville." Mr Donovan assured fans that the Big Red Bash would be back next year. "We don't have any grand plans to change the format … as long as there is demand," he said.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sranan Gold Strengthens Team with Board and Management Changes
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 28, 2025) - Sranan Gold Corp. (CSE: SRAN) (FSE: P84) ("Sranan" or the "Company") today announced changes to its Advisory Board and team first announced in Peak Minerals Ltd.'s (now Sranan Gold) news release dated November 8, 2024. Board advisors John Williamson and Mario Stifano, and Chief Executive Officer Oscar Louzada have been appointed to Sranan's Board of Directors, effective immediately, with Mr. Williamson acting as Board Chair. Messrs. Williamson, Stifano and Louzada join John Alcock and Ron Shenton on the board, replacing Fred Tejada and Jonathan Yan who have retired from their positions. Mr. Alcock has also been appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Dr. Dennis LaPoint has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Exploration and Corporate Development. Oscar Louzada, CEO of Sranan Gold, commented: "We are pleased to put in place our board members and management team who bring complementary expertise to the Company that will be immediately applicable as we seek to unlock value at our Tapanahony Gold Project in Suriname. The newly appointed team has been involved in the Guiana Shield for many years and have been behind many of the currently listed companies operating in both Suriname and Guyana. "We are pleased to have John Williamson serving as Chairman of the board. His reputation for excellence and distinguished track record, including his involvement in the founding and growth of Founders Metals, overseeing its successful exploration efforts, strategic partnerships, and a focused approach to developing resource potential, make him a tremendous asset to Sranan Gold. "On behalf of Sranan, I thank outgoing board members Fred and Jonathan for their service and valuable contributions during their tenure." About John Williamson Mr. Williamson is a professional geologist and over his 35-year career he has collaborated with and led industry geoscientists and capital markets professionals on numerous successful ventures. He has led the raising of near $1 billion in capital, the discovery and/or growth of at least 10 million ounces of gold on 3 continents, as well as gold, copper and nickel mining projects. On more than one occasion his team's efforts have been recognized for excellence by being named to the TSX Venture 50TM. Mr. Williamson was involved with the founding and growth of Founders Metals Inc., an exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project in Suriname, where he was the co-founder and initial CEO. About Mario Stifano Mr. Stifano is a seasoned mining executive and Chartered Professional Accountant with 25 years of experience working with exploration, development and producing mining companies. He is currently the CEO of Galantas Gold and Executive Chairman of Doré Copper Mining Corp. He has held a number of senior executive positions including Chief Executive Officer of Cordoba Minerals Corp., Executive Chairman with Mega Precious Metals Inc., Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with Lake Shore Gold Corp Inc., and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ivernia Inc. Mr. Stifano has been instrumental in raising over $700 million to explore and fund mining projects, and notably led the team that acquired, financed and listed the historic Omai Mine in Guyana in 2020. About Oscar Louzada Mr. Louzada has over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, notably with Beeson Gregory (Investec) and Canaccord Genuity, and has been involved in Suriname gold exploration projects for 12 years. About John Alcock Mr. Alcock has over 30 years of experience as an accounting and financial professional, and as an investor in the junior mining space. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and currently serves on the board of Altiplano Metals. About Ron Shenton Mr. Shenton has worked in the capital markets for 40 years. He began his career as an investment advisor at a national brokerage firm, before moving to a regional one. He has been the founder of several public companies, acted as CEO, served as a director, and performed the roles of investor relations and public relations, along with raising capital. While the majority of the companies have been in mining exploration, he has worked in the biotech, cyber security, technology, and oil and gas sectors. About Dr. Dennis LaPoint Dr. LaPoint is a highly experienced geologist who led the team that discovered the Merian Mine in Suriname in 2002, and was instrumental in new discoveries and resources for the Rosebel Mine in Suriname. He was also involved in the acquisition, financing and listing of the Omai Mine in Guyana. He has worked in Suriname for over 24 years. About Sranan Gold Sranan Gold Corp. is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Suriname. The highly prospective Tapanahony Project is located in the heart of Suriname's modern-day gold rush. Tapanahony covers 29,000 hectares in one of the oldest and largest small-scale mining areas in Suriname. There is significant production from saprolite by local miners along a 4.5-kilometre trend, where several areas of mining have been opened. Sranan Gold is also exploring its Aida Property consisting of five mineral claims covering an area of 2,335.42 hectares on the Shuswap Highland within the Kamloops Mining Division. For more information, visit Information contactOscar Louzada, CEO+31 6 25438975 THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. Forward-looking statements Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, the timing, nature, scope and details regarding the Company's future exploration plans. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
28-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Sranan Gold Strengthens Team with Board and Management Changes
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 28, 2025) - Sranan Gold Corp. (CSE: SRAN) (FSE: P84) ('Sranan' or the 'Company') today announced changes to its Advisory Board and team first announced in Peak Minerals Ltd.'s (now Sranan Gold) news release dated November 8, 2024. Board advisors John Williamson and Mario Stifano, and Chief Executive Officer Oscar Louzada have been appointed to Sranan's Board of Directors, effective immediately, with Mr. Williamson acting as Board Chair. Messrs. Williamson, Stifano and Louzada join John Alcock and Ron Shenton on the board, replacing Fred Tejada and Jonathan Yan who have retired from their positions. Mr. Alcock has also been appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Dr. Dennis LaPoint has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Exploration and Corporate Development. Oscar Louzada, CEO of Sranan Gold, commented: 'We are pleased to put in place our board members and management team who bring complementary expertise to the Company that will be immediately applicable as we seek to unlock value at our Tapanahony Gold Project in Suriname. The newly appointed team has been involved in the Guiana Shield for many years and have been behind many of the currently listed companies operating in both Suriname and Guyana. 'We are pleased to have John Williamson serving as Chairman of the board. His reputation for excellence and distinguished track record, including his involvement in the founding and growth of Founders Metals, overseeing its successful exploration efforts, strategic partnerships, and a focused approach to developing resource potential, make him a tremendous asset to Sranan Gold. 'On behalf of Sranan, I thank outgoing board members Fred and Jonathan for their service and valuable contributions during their tenure.' About John Williamson Mr. Williamson is a professional geologist and over his 35-year career he has collaborated with and led industry geoscientists and capital markets professionals on numerous successful ventures. He has led the raising of near $1 billion in capital, the discovery and/or growth of at least 10 million ounces of gold on 3 continents, as well as gold, copper and nickel mining projects. On more than one occasion his team's efforts have been recognized for excellence by being named to the TSX Venture 50 TM. Mr. Williamson was involved with the founding and growth of Founders Metals Inc., an exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project in Suriname, where he was the co-founder and initial CEO. About Mario Stifano Mr. Stifano is a seasoned mining executive and Chartered Professional Accountant with 25 years of experience working with exploration, development and producing mining companies. He is currently the CEO of Galantas Gold and Executive Chairman of Doré Copper Mining Corp. He has held a number of senior executive positions including Chief Executive Officer of Cordoba Minerals Corp., Executive Chairman with Mega Precious Metals Inc., Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with Lake Shore Gold Corp Inc., and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ivernia Inc. Mr. Stifano has been instrumental in raising over $700 million to explore and fund mining projects, and notably led the team that acquired, financed and listed the historic Omai Mine in Guyana in 2020. About Oscar Louzada Mr. Louzada has over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, notably with Beeson Gregory (Investec) and Canaccord Genuity, and has been involved in Suriname gold exploration projects for 12 years. About John Alcock Mr. Alcock has over 30 years of experience as an accounting and financial professional, and as an investor in the junior mining space. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and currently serves on the board of Altiplano Metals. About Ron Shenton Mr. Shenton has worked in the capital markets for 40 years. He began his career as an investment advisor at a national brokerage firm, before moving to a regional one. He has been the founder of several public companies, acted as CEO, served as a director, and performed the roles of investor relations and public relations, along with raising capital. While the majority of the companies have been in mining exploration, he has worked in the biotech, cyber security, technology, and oil and gas sectors. About Dr. Dennis LaPoint Dr. LaPoint is a highly experienced geologist who led the team that discovered the Merian Mine in Suriname in 2002, and was instrumental in new discoveries and resources for the Rosebel Mine in Suriname. He was also involved in the acquisition, financing and listing of the Omai Mine in Guyana. He has worked in Suriname for over 24 years. About Sranan Gold Sranan Gold Corp. is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Suriname. The highly prospective Tapanahony Project is located in the heart of Suriname's modern-day gold rush. Tapanahony covers 29,000 hectares in one of the oldest and largest small-scale mining areas in Suriname. There is significant production from saprolite by local miners along a 4.5-kilometre trend, where several areas of mining have been opened. Sranan Gold is also exploring its Aida Property consisting of five mineral claims covering an area of 2,335.42 hectares on the Shuswap Highland within the Kamloops Mining Division. For more information, visit Information contact Oscar Louzada, CEO +31 6 25438975 THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. Forward-looking statements Certain statements in this release constitute 'forward-looking statements' or 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, the timing, nature, scope and details regarding the Company's future exploration plans. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'may', 'would', 'could', 'will', 'intend', 'expect', 'believe', 'plan', 'anticipate', 'estimate', 'scheduled', 'forecast', 'predict' and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Global News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Canada election 2025: Saint John—St. Croix
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Saint John—St. Croix is a federal riding located in New Brunswick. This new riding was created from a split on the city of Saint John, and includes parts of the riding that was formerly known as New Brunswick Southwest. Voters will decide who will represent Saint John—St. Croix in New Brunswick during the upcoming Canadian election on April 28, 2025. Visit this page on election night for a complete breakdown of up to the minute results. Candidates Conservative: John Williamson (Incumbent) Liberal: Karen Ludwig NDP: Andrew Hill Green: Gerald Irish Libertarian: Keith Tays
