Local Yinnar inventors flying high with ground-breaking robotics innovations

On the surface, Outlook Industries might seem like a bunch of country people tinkering on tools from the farm. Look a little closer, and you’ll find they’re creating some of Australia’s most innovative robots for the Australian army!

Luke Townsend sat down near a rustic brown couch in a warehouse on the main street of Yinnar. A country boy at heart, it’s hard to believe that this family man has travelled to off-beaten countries around the world as an Australian army veteran.

Proudly hailing from the countryside town of Yinnar, Luke Townsend and pals at Outlook Industries sure know how to invent. Source: Latrobe City Council

Since then, the last few years, Luke has built Outlook Industries from the ground up. Because Luke and his pals at Outlook Industries, are in fact a diverse bunch of brilliant inventors.

Why not drive past the main street of Yinnar and say hi? Luke’s wife Roxanne Townsend, a formidable woman in her own right, will most likely serve you coffee and have a yarn about this small-town team.

Think Back to the Future but Yinnar, we say. And not everything is all it seems. Over the past few years, the inventors created a brand new on-ground surveillance system for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) called GUS, which stands for Ground Unmanned System.

Look it up because the story hit regional news networks everywhere. What’s happened since then? Luke said, many exciting things.

“Towards the end of last year, there was a bit of a gap between GUS and getting another contract,” Luke said. “You got to pay the guys and girls at the end of the day.”

Good news though! “We had some American investors show interest — spent a week with us — had a look at what we are doing now, hung out in Yinnar and decided to invest,” Luke said.

“They went home [to America] spoke to their investor friends and bought a share in our company, ” Luke gushed. “This has been transformative because now we don’t need to wait for milestone payments to do anything.”

And these investors are big shots too. “My American pal helped me a lot with my anti-poaching work in Africa,” Luke said. Him and his friends — who have been investing and developing in space companies — wanted to be part of our on-ground robotics work here in Yinnar,” Luke said.

Luke commended Council and current Mayor Councillor Darren Howe for the support shown.

“Particularly the Business Development team and particularly the current Mayor has been amazing,” Luke said. “Darren Howe comes and visits anytime we need anything, he supports us.”

And so, another happy story for this group of terrific inventors in Yinnar. On a finishing note, Luke reaffirms country values and teamwork.

“My brothers and I all ended up as problem solvers in our own way. A lot of this has come from growing up isolated on a farm and only having a set number of tools available,” Luke said.

“We’ve had many work experience kids and country kids come through these doors. Particularly coming from a farming background, they will work hard to innovate and solve problems in general!”

Read the June 2024 Connections magazine here.

Digital engineering company creating sustainable yet practical jobs in Latrobe City

On the surface, Transcend might seem like a foreign entity from the big city smoke. Look a little deeper, and you’ll find they’re paving the way for sustainable yet practical jobs across Latrobe City and the greater Gippsland region.  

Stu Holmes is part of the Transcend Group. He explains what Transcend is and what it’s about. “The Transcend group consists of several different components, from partnership with large projects such as Snowy Hydro and South East Link,” Stu said.  

“We’re involved with a digital engineering side of things; for the creation of modelling and for the detailing of steel fabrication and prefab which needs to go into those builds. We then manufacture those products and organise for dispatch to various locations within the region, particularly down in Latrobe City and Gippsland.” 

When asked what Transcend means simply to any Latrobe City local down the street, Stu broke it down. “We endeavour to keep jobs local,” Stu said. “Regional jobs are becoming important for many reasons. It’s because your job might be within an hour drive to the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.” 

“There’s high unemployment within those regions because many infrastructure works are happening out in regional Victoria,” Stu explained. “We need to provide work and employment for people within those regions they reside in.” 

On a finishing note, Stu said: “Transcend endeavours to create pathway opportunities for people from other disenfranchised groups to come down to Latrobe City.” 

Transcend is just one of those innovative companies. 

“It’s really all about sustainability; creating a full wrap around service for local businesses and for the community. This includes businesses that need to potentially look at transitioning to a more diverse workplace culture – or people out of traditional energy – or for changing the climate of work.” 

Read latest edition of Connections here.

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Hollie makes her jewellery from the land, by the land. Here’s why.

Photography, handmade jewellery and special items made from the land, by the land, is what our cover girl, by Miss Hollie J (by MHJ), is all about. 

Hollie Johnson is well loved in the community and is a proud Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo woman. Her family are respected by their First Nations artwork, which has been showcased at many art galleries across Gippsland. 

Hollie Johnson, owner of by MHJ, at Moe Art Mural 2024. Source: Latrobe City Council

For Hollie – who has her own style in her own right – has worked to start up her own small business for several years now. And it’s everything that Hollie herself encompasses as a person, as well as her love for land and the songs of ancestors past and present. 

But how did her business ‘by MHJ’ begin? Hollie takes us back to the beginning.  

“I would say for the love of art,” Hollie said. “I wanted to learn and practice different art forms. Photography was my first passion; that’s where it started, at Year 7 camp in Wilson’s Prom. Being from a family of artists, I knew photography would kick start it all,” Hollie mused. 

Hollie sells her items – including her photography of GunaiKurnai land and special landmarks visited – at marketplaces across Gippsland and Melbourne. Many Melbourne markets run through the Koorie Heritage Trust, which is an Aboriginal owned and managed non-for-profit organisation based in Melbourne. 

Although if you ask Hollie, the Boolarra Folk Festival is one of her favourite market days. “I have sweet childhood memories of that festival, singing with the band and coming with family even now being a young woman,” Hollie said.  

“Boolarra Folk Festival 2024 was my first market since before COVID-19 in Latrobe City. It was a very community-orientated event with a lot of support from both local and city people. I set up my market stall and it was a lovely day with good weather.” 

What does Hollie do while setting up her market stalls? Well, she also makes her jewellery on the spot – which includes using ghost gum and native flora and fauna from her homeland! 

“I’m an innovative person and a creative,” Hollie said. “I incorporate native or natural ways of displaying my work. It’s very much connecting with my home on Gunaikurnai land. I end up barefoot most times because it connects me to home and my grandparent’s country.” 

To order her jewellery, message Hollie on Instagram here: @by_mhj 

Read latest edition of Connections here.

Jo couldn’t find any breakfasts that suited her dietary requirements. So she started her own business.

Calm Within Foods is a range of granolas that are a deliciously crunchy blend of real nuts, seeds, and quinoa that make a healthy snack for the whole family.

Calm Within Foods

Simple yet delicious!

Calm Within Foods is a range of granolas that are a deliciously crunchy blend of real nuts, seeds, and quinoa that make a healthy snack for the whole family.

Jo, owner of Calm Within Foods, preparing homemade granola. Source: Latrobe City Council

Every granola is packed with nutrients that make for a cracking brekky, dessert or straight-out-of-the-bag snack.

Jo, owner of Calm Within Foods, said the idea of the brand came after struggling to find a breakfast meal that suited her needs.

“It was really difficult to find a healthy breakfast meal that didn’t contain oats and is gluten free,” Jo said.

A scrumptious range of dairy free, gluten free and vegan granola recipes are available from Calm Within Foods. Jo uses coconut oil and maple or rice malt syrup as the primary liquids in her recipes, as well as nuts and seeds.

“Many of my customers love the cranberry and coconut flavours the most, which is available at The Daily Cafe in Morwell,” Jo said.

Organic granola flavours available also include fig & walnut, original, and grain-free – including low FODMAP varieties.

Experimenting with flavours at local chicken shop helped Chris follow his passion

With a treasure trove of mouth-watering marinades and sauces, The Marinade Man turns ordinary meals into extraordinary feasts.

The Marinade Man

With a treasure trove of mouth-watering marinades and sauces, The Marinade Man turns ordinary meals into extraordinary feasts.

A scrumptious lineup of 26 unique marinade flavours and three speciality rubs elevates customers grilling game to new heights.

Chris Papanikolaou, owner & founder of The Marinade Man. Source: Latrobe City Council

Owner Chris Papanikolaou started experimenting with flavours after two years of development and trail testing.

“What started off as a need to replace the marinade at our local chicken shop turned into a passion that I love doing,” Chris said.

The Marinade Man’s full range of flavours are locally made in Gippsland, something Chris finds important. All the flavours are gluten free, with vegan and vegetarian options available.

Growing up in Latrobe City and helping out with the family business in Manny’s Market, Chris discovered his passion for marinades while on the job.

“Experimenting with flavours and seeing people’s faces light up for the first time they’ve tried the marinades is something I find really rewarding.”

Chris sells to businesses wholesale as well to individual customers around the region.

“I hope to see many families siting across the table enjoying feats together. That’s my biggest aspiration for The Marinade Man.”

Creative blacksmith re purposes scrap metal into works of art

Paddy brings much of his experience to workshops and classes around Latrobe City, most notably the Arc in Yinnar.

Paddy McKenzie has vast experience in Blacksmith and various light and heavy metal work skills.

The experienced blacksmith runs his own business in Morwell.

Paddy McKenzie, owner of Paddy Blacksmith, Boolarra Folk Festival 2023. Source: Latrobe City Council

Paddy brings much of his experience to workshops and classes around Latrobe City, most notably the Arc in Yinnar.

Paddy loves attending local markets and brings his creations along made of local steel. Paddy cleverly re purposes items such as utensils, farm machinery and other bits and pieces into works of art.

“I create items made of local steel and scrap metal and take them around to markets,” Paddy said.

“I always try and get around to local markets as much as I can!”

This couple found their creative outlet during the pandemic and have never looked back

Husband and wife duo Reuben and Alysha made the country change to Boolarra a few years ago and started their own home-based business.

R&A Handcrafts are best known for their unique handcrafted chopping boards.

Sourcing local Australian wood, these chopping boards make a beautiful addition to any home.

Reuben & Alysha, owners of R&A Handcrafts, at Boolarra Folk Festival 2023. Source: Latrobe City Council

Husband and wife duo Reuben and Alysha made the country change to Boolarra a few years ago and started their own home-based business.

“During lock down, Reuben and I started making chopping boards to keep busy and that’s how it all started,” Alysha said.

“We use a huge range of wood but our favourite would probably be Jarrah and Huon Pine from Tasmania,” Alysha said.

R&A Handcrafts has now expanded to creating a wide range of handmade crafts such as jewellery, pens and ornaments.

“We’ve now evolved to working with resin and macrame – we even tumble our own crystals!”

The community spirit is the best part of market days for the duo.

“It feels nice to be part of the community during market days and chatting with people – this is the spirit of local markets.”

Fresh blooms straight from the farm kick started this florists business journey

Amber started Blooms on the Hill after being inspired by a Pinterest photo online full of buckets of dahlias.

Blooms on the Hill

Blooms on the Hill is a flower farm situated in the hills of Budgeree in Central Gippsland, 15 minutes east of Boolarra.

Specialising in dahlias with over 1800 plants, Blooms on the Hill also grow spring and summer annuals and perennials.

Amber, owner of Blooms on the Hill, at Boolarra Folk Festival 2023. Source: Latrobe City Council

Fresh blooms are available to pick up on farm, from farmers markets and local delivery.

Amber, owner of Blooms on the Hill, has a degree in writing and photography, a Certificate II & Diploma in Agriculture, and also studied floristry at a floral art school.

“This is my third season doing Blooms on the Hill, which started in 2020,” Amber said.

Amber started Blooms on the Hill after being inspired by a Pinterest photo online full of buckets of dahlias.

“I then started growing my own dahlias on our farm, there were so many blooming that I just started making bouquets,” Amber said.

Blooms on the Hill also run workshops around cut flower gardening, growing, harvesting and arranging dahlias – workshops creating bouquets.

“We also offer days of when people can come visit the farm, let loose in the paddock, and cut as many flowers are they like!”

Quirky fabrics and wheat bags helped this business owner deal with pain

Growing up in Gippsland, Kylie started making her own wheat bags after being diagnosed with endometriosis.

Colourful and unique wheat bags is Kylie’s passion.

Growing up in Gippsland, Kylie started making her own wheat bags after being diagnosed with endometriosis. Making wheat bags helped ease her pain and so her business started in 2018.

Made by Ky, Boolarra Folk Festival 2023. Source: Latrobe City Council

Sourcing unique fabrics designs, Kylie creates fun designs with her sewing machine that are often Australian-themed as well as fun and cheerful patterns.  

Kylie is also a big believer in helping other fellow small businesses. “Being able to help people is just really lovely,” Kylie said. “It’s not something that I first thought about, but as it’s come along, and hearing stories from customers that their special wheat bags have made their day or brought small pockets of joy to lives.” 

This includes sourcing local wheat suppliers. 

Kylie said that what started initially as an ‘accidental hobby’ after changing career paths, helping people deal with all kind of pain has been truly humbling.  

“Five years ago, I could have never imagined how popular the wheat bags had become. I stock all over Australia, and although it’s a lot of work, it’s fun. I love finding unique fabrics and giving people a reason to smile though colourful patterns.” 

When asked about how her business started, Kylie said it took her by surprise how quickly the popularity soared. “Hearing stories from people that wheat bags have helped growing pains for kids, or older pets that have arthritis – hearing all those stories is really lovely.”  

“My greatest inspiration is being able to help people who are in pain, give some comfort and joy to people.”  

While juggling her growing family, business and market days, Kylie said her market days are also “me time.” 

“Markets are my me time, where I get to have one on one interaction and have something that I enjoy while working. It’s been an incredible journey so far.” 

Jewellery designer creates joyful maximalism inspired by nature

Kate is a jewellery and textile designer who loves to create extravagantly colourful patterns on her versatile range of accessories – including tea towels, headscarves and earrings.

Kate Billingsley

Colourful jewellery for the joyful maximalist is Kate Billingsley’s signature style.

Kate is a jewellery and textile designer who loves to create extravagantly colourful patterns on her versatile range of accessories – including tea towels, headscarves and earrings.

Kate Billingsley, Boolarra Folk Festival 2023. Source: Latrobe City Council

After completing a Certificate IV in Design and Diploma in Surface Design, Kate wanted to venture into a creative business that would fuel her for art.

“When I came back from studying, I thought about whether I wanted to work for somebody or work for myself,” Kate said.

“Because I loved designing fabric, I thought about what else I could put patterns on.”

Kate was inspired to create big and bold earrings that were lightweight. Kate’s jewellery is created from lightweight polymer clay and acrylic, featuring hypoallergenic high grade 304 surgical steel posts.  

“This material is ideal for earrings because it’s really lightweight. I wanted to make earrings that are big but not heavy, which is how it all came about!”

“It was just when polymer clay was kicking off in Australia – you can use polymer clay in all kinds of different styles but a lot of people make slabs and make patterns on it,” Kate said. 

“Once you’ve finished creating the patterns, you put it in the oven and bakes. It then combines all together and becomes solid.” 

Kate said her biggest inspiration is her mother.

“My Mum is a big garden nut – she has the most beautiful garden and loves roses. She has over 500 types of roses in her garden.” 

Kate explained when the bushfires of 2009 came through, her mother rescued a whole bunch of roses bushes that were burnt to a stump and revived them. 

“There are always happy little critters in my mother’s garden, and I draw so much inspiration from those memories and nature all around me.”  

Kate also teaches workshops throughout the year – mostly at the arts space in Mirboo North, where she also volunteers.