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Irish Examiner
a day ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Darina Allen: Three 'real food' recipes for a taste of Tasmania
Tasmanian food activist Matthew Evans from The Fat Pig Farm has been on my radar for a very long time but until recently our paths had never crossed. Well, blow me away, if he didn't walk into the hall of the Ballymaloe Cookery School the other day. I couldn't believe my eyes. He was over this side of the world to attend Groundswell, the regenerative farming festival in Hertfordshire in the UK and decided to swing by Ireland where some of his ancestors hailed from. Matthew has had a fascinating life, originally the restaurant critic for the Sydney Morning Herald, he became a chef, restaurateur, food writer, TV broadcaster and now is also a farmer. His seventy-acre mixed farm is in the beautiful Huon Valley, south of Hobart, right down on the southern end of Tasmania. He grows vegetables and fruit, makes cider, fattens a few heritage pigs and milks a couple of house cows to have beautiful fresh milk, the subject of Milk, one of his 15 books. Another simply entitled Soil is a hymn to the underappreciated three or four inches of earth below our feet on which our very existence depends. He, just like me, is passionate about the importance of rich fertile soil. After all, the only reason we have life on earth is topsoil, crucial for the health of the planet and our ability to grow food. Matthew came to farming from the kitchen. As a chef, he became intrigued by flavour and super curious about why some vegetables and fruits and herbs were so much more delicious than others. What was it that made a simple ingredient like carrots for example, taste so much more intensely sweet than others? This inevitably led him to the soil. Richer, more fertile organic soil, usually produces better tasting and more nutrient dense food — surprise, surprise! And so he has become a feisty advocate for regenerative, ecological farming, growing food in a way that replenishes the soil and ecosystems and keeps us healthy. Groundswell on Lannock Farm, now in its tenth year, creates a forum for farmers, growers, anyone interested in food production and the environment to come together to share ideas and learn about the theory of practical applications of regenerative farming systems. A series of brilliant speakers entice thousands of people from all over the world. ( (There was quite a contingent from Ireland and NOTS – National Organic Training Skillnet too, There is a consensus that we urgently need a global metric to measure outcomes on our farms. Polluters need to pay for the damage to the environment and farmers who deliver positive climate, nature and social outcomes, should be rewarded financially. These actions would be a game-changer. One of the many inspirational sessions I attended was entitled, Farming: Our Health Service. There is a growing concern that our current food system is broken but farming has the potential to be our natural health service so what do we need from food production to regenerate public health? They explored how whole health agriculture is needed to realign farming with both human and environmental health and wellbeing. Regenerative Farming or 'Regen' is the great new buzzword, but it is already being commandeered by the multinational food companies in their marketing and labelling. Thus far, however there is no definition so there is considerable confusion amongst the general public and a definite possibility of greenwashing. Regen is an admirable way to embark on a journey towards less artificial inputs, pesticides, herbicides and ultimately organic farming, however many 'regen' farmers are still using glyphosate, albeit less, to kill weeds but it also damages life in the soil. Without a strict definition, this inspirational movement runs the risk of being discredited. Matthew Evans gave me a present of his latest book, 'The Real Food Companion', published by Murdoch Books, a lifetime's worth of food knowledge, from the soil (where it all begins) to the table. Difficult to pick just three recipes from the hundreds in this inspirational tome, but enjoy these to get started. All recipes are from 'The Real Food Companion' by Matthew Evans, published by Murdoch Books. Matthew Evans' Crab and Chilli Omelette Rich egg, sweet crab and the spice of chilli combine to make this one hell of an omelette. Servings 2 Preparation Time 10 mins Cooking Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins Course Main Ingredients 100g cooked crab meat 2 small red chillies, seeded and finely sliced 3 tbsp chopped coriander leaves 1 tsp fish sauce 4 eggs, lightly beaten 1 tbsp peanut oil 1 large garlic clove, crushed Method Mix the crabmeat in a bowl with the chilli, coriander, and fish sauce, then add the remaining sauce to the eggs. Heat the peanut oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat and quickly fry the garlic until starting to colour. Add the egg and stir until it is half cooked. Scatter the crab mixture over the top and press gently into the egg. When the egg is nearly cooked, fold the omelette over, and tip onto a plate. Halve the omelette and serve with steamed rice. Matthew Evans' Honeyed Anzac Biscuits I like my Anzac biscuits chewy, and it may take a couple of attempts to get them just right. Honey makes a nice change from the golden syrup that is used in most traditional recipes. Servings 25 Preparation Time 20 mins Cooking Time 20 mins Total Time 40 mins Course Baking Ingredients 100g rolled (porridge) oats 135g plain flour, sifted 200g caster sugar 70g shredded coconut 125g butter, cubed 2 tbsp honey 1 ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), sifted Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4. Line two baking trays with baking paper. Method Mix the oats, flour, sugar and coconut together in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre. Heat the butter and honey in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until melted and combined. Stir in the bicarbonate of soda to combine (it will foam up, this is normal). Pour the honey mixture into the dry ingredients and mix to combine. If it seems too stiff, add 1-2 teaspoons of water. Place dessertspoon-sized blobs about 5cm apart on the prepared trays, allowing room for them to spread. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden. They will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Matthew Evans' Rosewater A brilliant time of the year to make your own homemade rosewater. Makes 1 litre Course Side Ingredients 400g sugar petals from about 40 unsprayed roses, rinsed well Method Put the sugar and 1 litre water in a large saucepan over high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and push in as many petals as the water will hold. Bring back to a simmer, then turn off the heat and allow to steep until cool. Drain and discard the petals. You can intensify this syrup by repeatedly adding petals and steeping, though you do lose some liquid each time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Variation: To make orange blossom water, follow the method for rosewater above, but substitute two handfuls of orange blossoms for the rose petals. You can also use lemon, cumquat or lime blossoms. Seasonal Journal One Plate for Palestine Campaign Seek out various restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, food trucks, market stalls who are participating in One Plate for Palestine, spearheaded by Barbara Nelson of St. Francis Provisions in Kinsale and Beverly Matthews of L'Atitude 51 in Cork City. It's an Irish hospitality-led week-long campaign running from July 22-27 raising funds for the people of Palestine who are at risk of starvation. All participating restaurants will add a special Palestinian-themed dish to their menu with all funds raised from the sale of that dish going to the One Plate for Palestine fundraiser. Instagram: @oneplateforpalestine Read More
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
PNG NRL director stands down over corruption claims
The man who led PNG's successful NRL bid has stood down from the expansion team's board over corruption allegations. PNG Prime Minister James Marape on Friday said Wapu Sonk had agreed to step down effective immediately as a franchise board director but added it was "not a presumption of guilt". The allegations made by the Sydney Morning Herald relate to Mr Sonk's business dealings as managing director of Kumul Petroleum. The report claimed documents and corporate records linked Kumul Petroleum to suspect dealings with a huge Chinese government firm and a "plot to funnel contracts" to a company Mr Sonk owned in Australia. Mr Sonk was chair of the NRL PNG team bid, helping secure a $600 million backing from the Australian government. He was named on the new franchise's inaugural board in June. Mr Marape said while the matters were unrelated to the NRL franchise, they were claims that "cannot be ignored". "I have spoken to Mr Sonk and while he is currently overseas I have requested that he step down from his role ... he has agreed to do so," he said in a statement. "Mr Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name. "Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners." Mr Marape said his government was committed to "full transparency" and co-operation with relevant investigations. "The integrity of this national franchise is paramount. We will not allow it to be undermined by external controversy ... this moment demands clarity, accountability, and the upholding of public confidence," he said. "Our national sporting future - and our international reputation - depend on it." Comment has been sought from Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy. The PNG expansion team was officially announced in December 2024, with the team set to join the competition in 2028. At the time Mr Sonk said "the whole country will be involved" in picking a moniker and designing the jersey for the team in PNG where rugby league is the national sport. Former Canterbury Bulldogs boss Ray Dib was named PNG club chairman in June, with the Australian Rugby League Commission announcing a seven-member board. The Australian government will kick in $600 million over 10 years in an agreement that expires at the end of 2034. The man who led PNG's successful NRL bid has stood down from the expansion team's board over corruption allegations. PNG Prime Minister James Marape on Friday said Wapu Sonk had agreed to step down effective immediately as a franchise board director but added it was "not a presumption of guilt". The allegations made by the Sydney Morning Herald relate to Mr Sonk's business dealings as managing director of Kumul Petroleum. The report claimed documents and corporate records linked Kumul Petroleum to suspect dealings with a huge Chinese government firm and a "plot to funnel contracts" to a company Mr Sonk owned in Australia. Mr Sonk was chair of the NRL PNG team bid, helping secure a $600 million backing from the Australian government. He was named on the new franchise's inaugural board in June. Mr Marape said while the matters were unrelated to the NRL franchise, they were claims that "cannot be ignored". "I have spoken to Mr Sonk and while he is currently overseas I have requested that he step down from his role ... he has agreed to do so," he said in a statement. "Mr Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name. "Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners." Mr Marape said his government was committed to "full transparency" and co-operation with relevant investigations. "The integrity of this national franchise is paramount. We will not allow it to be undermined by external controversy ... this moment demands clarity, accountability, and the upholding of public confidence," he said. "Our national sporting future - and our international reputation - depend on it." Comment has been sought from Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy. The PNG expansion team was officially announced in December 2024, with the team set to join the competition in 2028. At the time Mr Sonk said "the whole country will be involved" in picking a moniker and designing the jersey for the team in PNG where rugby league is the national sport. Former Canterbury Bulldogs boss Ray Dib was named PNG club chairman in June, with the Australian Rugby League Commission announcing a seven-member board. The Australian government will kick in $600 million over 10 years in an agreement that expires at the end of 2034. The man who led PNG's successful NRL bid has stood down from the expansion team's board over corruption allegations. PNG Prime Minister James Marape on Friday said Wapu Sonk had agreed to step down effective immediately as a franchise board director but added it was "not a presumption of guilt". The allegations made by the Sydney Morning Herald relate to Mr Sonk's business dealings as managing director of Kumul Petroleum. The report claimed documents and corporate records linked Kumul Petroleum to suspect dealings with a huge Chinese government firm and a "plot to funnel contracts" to a company Mr Sonk owned in Australia. Mr Sonk was chair of the NRL PNG team bid, helping secure a $600 million backing from the Australian government. He was named on the new franchise's inaugural board in June. Mr Marape said while the matters were unrelated to the NRL franchise, they were claims that "cannot be ignored". "I have spoken to Mr Sonk and while he is currently overseas I have requested that he step down from his role ... he has agreed to do so," he said in a statement. "Mr Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name. "Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners." Mr Marape said his government was committed to "full transparency" and co-operation with relevant investigations. "The integrity of this national franchise is paramount. We will not allow it to be undermined by external controversy ... this moment demands clarity, accountability, and the upholding of public confidence," he said. "Our national sporting future - and our international reputation - depend on it." Comment has been sought from Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy. The PNG expansion team was officially announced in December 2024, with the team set to join the competition in 2028. At the time Mr Sonk said "the whole country will be involved" in picking a moniker and designing the jersey for the team in PNG where rugby league is the national sport. Former Canterbury Bulldogs boss Ray Dib was named PNG club chairman in June, with the Australian Rugby League Commission announcing a seven-member board. The Australian government will kick in $600 million over 10 years in an agreement that expires at the end of 2034.
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Sky News AU
Man accused of killing Perth surfer brothers in Mexico's drug-running ‘hot spot' linked to organised crime, court hears
The man believed to be responsible for the gruesome murders of Perth brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend reportedly had known links to organised crime, a Mexican court heard. Two court hearings into the trio's deaths were held back to back in Ensenada in Baja California on Thursday afternoon local time, as it was also revealed they were killed in a ''hot spot'' known for the movement of drugs over the US border. Callum, 33, and Jake, 30, and Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, were killed while on a surfing trip in the Mexican state of Baja California, an area known to be plagued by violent cartels. The trio were reported missing on April 27 and their bodies were found on May 3 at the bottom of an unused well. Initial inquiries determined the surfers were killed execution-style in an armed robbery when they tried to fight back against their truck being stolen. Four people are expected to be tried for the men's alleged murders last year. Miguel Ángel Gaxiola Rodríguez, the Mexican prosecutor leading the case against the suspected murderers, said there is still no evidence of cartel involvement, and instead maintains the primary motive for the killings was to steal the brothers' tyres. However, the court heard the area where the men had been camping before the murder, called La Bocana, is a known "hot spot" for local drug labs and marijuana plantations. The beach, which is almost two hours from a main road and only accessible by four-wheel-drive, is also reportedly used to transport drugs and migrants across the ocean to the US. The Sydney Morning Herald reported the court also heard the man suspected to be responsible for the trio's murders has a long history with law enforcement, including connections to organised crime and allegedly corrupt Mexican police officers. Jesús Gerardo, also known as 'El Kekas', Angel Jesús and Ari Gisselle were all arrested soon after the killings, while a fourth man Irineo Francisco was arrested some time later. The three men who have been charged are being tried on multiple offences including aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery, grand theft auto, and forced disappearance. Ari Gisel faces the same charges, with the exception of forced disappearance. Gerardo's attorney reportedly requested to join all the charges together on the same indictment to streamline further court processes. The outcome of the request will be determined at the pre-trial hearing on July 25.
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park under siege for using ministerial car to travel 456kms from Sydney to Jindabyne
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park is under fire after it was uncovered he used a ministerial car to galivant 456kms from Sydney to Jindabyne, despite his official diary recording no meetings in the surrounding area. Ministerial car documents that were provided to The Guardian revealed that Mr Park had journeyed 456kms from Sydney to Jindabyne last August. The lengthy trip between Parliament House to the Snowy Mountains on August 29, which included a ministerial driver, was made during peak ski season. It is also believed the journey fell in the last few weeks of the interschools ski competition, which Mr Park's son participated in. The Guardian reported that Mr Park's son attended school in the surrounding region at the time. However, personal trips made by Ministers using government vehicles were permitted until February this year. NSW Premier Chris Minns announced a tightening of the rules on private use of taxpayer funded drivers after former Transport Minister Jo Haylen had her ministerial driver take her on a 446-kilometre, 13 hour round-trip from her holiday home to a lunch at a Hunter Valley winery on the Australia Day weekend. A Sydney Morning Herald investigation into NSW Ministers who used taxpayer financed drivers for family holidays showed that Mr Park took two trips to Thredbo in November and December 2024, travelling 1000 kilometres on both occasions. Mr Park at the time said the use of the vehicle allowed him to 'reunite with family while undertaking work on a handful of other occasions.' The files only documented Mr Park's trip to Jindabyne and did not record a return journey. Ministerial diaries show that Mr Park had meetings with the Australian Workers Union on the 27th of August and another with Unions NSW on the 28th of August, in addition to two unnamed meetings on the 29th of August at either his ministerial office or Parliament. However, no ministerial diary entries, social media posts or press releases explained the reason for his presence in Jindabyne on the 29th and 30th of August 2024. The travel documents also revealed the Minister made a 250km trip with a ministerial vehicle from Albury to Jindabyne on 6 September 2023. Mr Park told The Guardian in relation to the September 2023 he attended 'ministerial business in Jindabyne' and that 'these trips were in accordance with the rules at the time.' 'I've always followed the relevant guidelines,' Mr Park said. Logs show that Ms Haylen also used a taxpayer funded chauffeur to take her to or from her Caves Beach holiday house at least 14 times. NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley also used a ministerial vehicle in late April to return home from a holiday with his family in South West Rocks after the Premier announced a review into the bail of Daniel Billings who allegedly murdered Molly Ticehurst.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Mark Latham addresses 'sex on the Parliament House desk' PORN video claim in blunt text to reporter
Mark Latham has labelled the media 'sick puppies' for asking if there was video footage of him having sex with his former partner on his parliamentary desk. The independent NSW upper house member has been using social media for the past two days to respond to accusations made by ex-girlfriend Nathalie Matthews. Ms Matthews has claimed Mr Latham inflicted 'a sustained pattern' of psychological, financial and emotional abuse against her for almost three years. The businesswoman is seeking an apprehended violence order against the politician, alleging Mr Latham engaged in vile acts 'including defecating on me before sex and refusing to let me wash'. She further alleges his behaviour involved 'pressuring me to engage in sexual acts with others, demanding I call him "master", telling me I was his property, and repeatedly telling me that my only value to him was for sex to demean and control me'. Mr Latham has now shared on X a text message from Sydney Morning Herald crime reporter Perry Duffin in which the journalist politely asked if he wished to comment about another rumour about his sex life. 'Apologies in advance for the sensitive message,' Duffin wrote. 'We are being told that there's a video of you/your partner involved in sexual activity in your parli office on your desk. Wondering if you dispute that?' Ms Matthews (right) alleges in a restraining order application that Mr Latham (left) engaged in vile acts 'including defecating on me before sex and refusing to let me wash' Mr Latham responded: 'You're asking me to dispute something I haven't seen put to you (and maybe you haven't seen it) by "we are being told". 'Is this really today's journalism? Grow up. You're obviously a clown.' In the same post, Mr Latham wrote: 'This is becoming a regular media request to me: From the rag Sydney Sexy Herald.' 'Nothing to do with the court case. No suggestion of any law or rule broken. Sick puppies. Today's media.' The former federal Labor leader has categorically denied he 'abuses women' and insisted all his dealings with Ms Matthews were entirely consensual. Leaked WhatsApp messages reported by The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday allegedly show sexually explicit exchanges between Mr Latham and Ms Matthews. Mr Latham told Daily Mail Australia the outlet's reproduction of the messages was 'not accurate'. It is also not suggested the claims of abusive behaviour are substantiated, only that the allegations have been made. The leaked WhatsApp messages include a series of sexually charged interactions during parliamentary sitting hours on February 20. 'Very hard thinking about you,' he wrote to Ms Matthews shortly after 11am, before following up with a series of suggestive emojis. 'Need badly to taste you,' he wrote that afternoon, alongside an emoji of a tongue. 'Made it back for first vote after dinner,' he said at 8.38pm. Mr Latham told the outlet the communications did not impact his work. The tranche of leaked messages includes more explicit exchanges - too graphic to publish - spanning back as far as October last year. On several occasions, Mr Latham is referred to as 'master'. Mr Latham said Ms Matthews sent him images during parliamentary sittings, 'seeking a response', and that he could not describe them due to 'an abundance of caution about the revenge porn laws'. 'I don't think responding to a consensual partner on a private, intimate matter in any way has reduced my workload, which I would match up against any other member in the place,' he told The Daily Telegraph. Mr Latham described Ms Matthews's allegations as 'comically false and ridiculous' in a post to X on Monday night. In an interview with Chris Smith on 2SM on Wednesday morning, Mr Latham did not deny sending lurid texts to Ms Matthews from the floor of state parliament. 'The big news is I had a private life,' he said. 'I had a sex life and I've got to say it was fantastic.' 'If I'm the only person in Australia who in a work environment engaged in a bit of playful sex talk with their partner, then I'll buy everyone a lottery ticket tomorrow.' Mr Latham noted the AVO case against him was being brought privately after NSW Police chose to not pursue the allegations. 'There is a court case pending because she's lodged a private AVO application,' he said. 'She tried to get an AVO with the police... I think that tells you a lot about the substance of the matter. 'But I can say in relation to that, just about all the things she's complaining about, she initiated in consensual arrangements.' Ms Matthews's ex-husband Ross Matthews has also commented upon his former wife's claims on social media. The pair married seven years ago but that union reportedly ended in 2022, before Ms Matthews began dating Mr Latham. Ms Matthews claims Mr Latham proposed to her during their affair - but he dismissed their time together as just a 'situationship'. Mr Matthews moved to distance himself from the row and begged not to get involved. 'Please stop messaging me,' he posted on X after the scandal erupted. 'I don't speak to Nathalie and do not care. Thank you.' It is understood Mr and Ms Matthews, who lived at Cronulla in Sydney's south, were both Liberal Party members. On Wednesday, Latham alleged the couple were still actually married while he was seeing Ms Matthews. 'Now The Australian is "reporting" that I proposed to Nathalie Matthews in May last year,' he posted to X. 'They missed the joke: she was still married to Ross Matthews, and maybe still is to this day.' Mr Latham has said he had 'scores of documents' to support his claims and that he would rely on those documents to defend himself. 'As the old saying goes, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,' he wrote. Ms Matthews, who runs an e-commerce global logistics firm based in Dubai, Perth and Sydney, has applied for an interim order barring Latham from coming within 100 metres of her. She cited 'ongoing, reasonable fear of harassment, intimidation, and potential harm' in documents filed in the local court, as reported by The Australian newspaper. She also alleged 'physical violence' incidents, including pushing her against walls, forcing her out a door, throwing a plate at her during a row. She also claimed he drove at her with his car, hit her with the side mirror and caused a bruise. Mr Latham is further accused of 'systematically undermining' Ms Matthews to 'control and isolate' her by comparing her 'unfavourably to other women and acting as if he would 'harm himself' to manipulate her. Ms Matthews accuses Latham of forcing her to cover the cost of holidays abroad 'under duress', making her purchase expensive goods, and coercing her regarding her father's will for his benefit. She claims she experienced 'constant fear and hyper-vigilance' since her arrival home from a June trip abroad, alleging all past break-ups with Latham featured a repeated 'pattern of harassment and intimidation'. She alleges: 'The defendant has held intimate photos and videos of me, and I have been afraid he would expose them to shame and control me if I attempted to leave or resist his demands.' Latham denied all accusations to The Australian. 'Nothing has been served on me nor has anyone contacted me,' he told the newspaper. 'I haven't had anything to do with her (Ms Matthews) since 27 May, so nearly seven weeks ago. I ended the 'situationship' that night for very good reason.' The matter will be mentioned in Downing Centre Local Court on July 30.
