Sweet Potato Soup

A timely dish for the season for all soup lovers.

Where possible buy locally grown, organic ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

• 20g butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 500g fennel, chopped
• 500g sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1½ cups milk
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup sour cream, for serving

METHOD

Heat butter in a large heavy-based saucepan, add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Add fennel, sweet potato and stock, simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until very tender.

Puree mixture until smooth, add milk and cheese. Season to taste. Heat gently without boiling. Adjust consistency with extra milk if required.

Ladle soup into bowls and dollop with sour cream. Serve with fresh crusty bread.

Hardwood timber cladding acts like a green envelope for your building

“No other cladding material can offer the design freedom, ease of handling, range of products and natural beauty of timber.

The possibilities are almost limitless.”

- National Association of Forest Industries

By opting for timber cladding you are effectively wrapping your structure in an eco friendly sustainable product.

Recognised as timber cladding specialists, Kennedy’s hardwood products are resilient in strength and character.

With a dependable quality that is unsurpassed in the industry, Kennedy’s cladding can be easily adapted to suit a variety of contemporary and classic designs.

The new Hilton South Wharf in Victoria demonstrates the ideal use of Kennedy’s Coastal Spotted Gum cladding. Lining the walls and ceilings, from lobby to penthouse, the timber’s distinct yet attractive grain significantly enhances Melbourne’s latest 5 star hotel. Guests can sleep soundly in the knowledge that this luxury Hilton has accommodated the environment in a spectacular display of Kennedy’s timber.

Kennedy’s offer a wide selection of fully seasoned hardwood cladding. Choose from the rich patina of aged Ironbark or Spotted Gum in warm brown and red tones, through to the pale and cool texture of durable Tallowwood and Blackbutt available. We precision mill a wide range of profiles including micro width boards (38mm wide) through to maxi width boards (240mm wide).

All products proudly boast the Kennedy’s stamp of sustainability.

Links:

• www.nafi.com.au
• www.hilton.com

Utilising the welcoming space seven days a week are the members, guests and associated groups of the Bellbowrie Community Church.

Formerly known as Kenmore Community Church, this new house of worship was designed in accordance with strict green principles ensuring minimal impact on the site and its surrounding community; visually, acoustically and environmentally.

In response to the detailed blueprint, Kennedy’s supplied a range of timbers that worked in harmony with the surrounding green zone. Recycled Ironbark and Spotted Gum laid ground to the main entry stair treads and risers and also provided the decking for the eastern veranda. Recycled hardwood boarding was applied to the centre stage floor and recycled hardwood battens to various gates, screens and external seats throughout the contemporary complex and grounds.

Embraced by the local community, Pastor Kevan Denny stated that “most people who visit the church for the first time comment about the richness of the recycled timber.”

Recognised for its outstanding design by Studio 39, the church structure was honoured at the recent Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) Brisbane Regional Awards, receiving commendations in the Public Architecture and Sustainable Building categories.

Links:

• www.bellbowriecc.org.au
• www.studio39.com.au
• www.architecture.com.au

our campaign to extend the life of redundant timbers

For decades the true ‘greenies’ among us have been shouting for change, yet it seems many aspects of the eco revolution still falls on deaf ears.

Carbon intensive industries continue to gorge themselves, depleting irreplaceable fossil fuel sources to create building products such as steel, aluminium and concrete, resulting in the long term detriment of OUR Earth.

As governments feast on the tainted royalties these industries deliver, the world’s most carbon friendly building product, timber, is unfairly politicised for electoral advantage. The real culprits of carbon pollution attach words such as ‘clean’ and ‘technology’ whilst the true product saviour for our environment, timber, is tossed around like a rag doll, seemingly to suit fluctuating political agendas.

Whilst there is a mountain of regulation protecting native state and private forest reserves, no such regulation applies to the modern timber forests of houses, warehouses, wharves and bridges. When these structures reach their end of life service, it remains too easy to simply bulldoze and scrap. The midnight ‘crunch and dump’ of timber rich buildings ranks as one of today’s most preventable occurrences of environmental vandalism.

We as companies, and consumers, must lobby the relevant government bodies to bring about a positive and permanent change. The rescue of timber and timber products from demolition sites remains an underdeveloped avenue, despite protocols in place designed by the National Timber Product Stewardship Group (NTPSG).

• A change must occur
• And positive change is like a flood
• It begins with a ripple, that becomes a wave which creates a flood...
• and that flood is coming.

These protocols detail safe and proven processes including visual inspections, species assessment, fixture removal and grading as per industry standards. To ensure greater numbers of post consumer timber is salvaged from such sites, the NTPSG protocols must be adopted by all levels of government.

As an ever increasing wave of enquiries roll in for sustainable timber products, it is evident that consumers are becoming more aware of their own eco footprint.

The reuse of redundant timber is a positive, environmentally friendly alternative.

Help Kennedy’s campaign for the increased recycling of modern timber forests.

Kennedy’s Rescue and Recovery Campaign benefits all; the consumer, the company, the developer and the environment.

Many environmentally responsible companies are already demonstrating their green commitment, having answered the call to arms for some time now.

To do your bit, complete our campaign postcard TODAY 

Jump aboard our timber ark and be a part of the solution!

www.timberstewardship.org.au

Chaplaincy Scores

Tim Mander, a former professional rugby league referee who has officiated more than 300 first grade games, was the guest speaker at the recent Pine Rivers Chaplaincy Support Breakfast.

Organised by the Moreton Bay Regional Council, over 250 guests were in attendance at the charity event including an enthusiastic table of Kennedy’s staff and guests.

Kennedy’s is proud to support Scripture Union Queensland’s school chaplaincy program; a vital service providing positive role models and essential activities to many of our local primary and secondary students.

ps We think Tim did a stellar job as video referee during the first match of the State of Origin series...GO QUEENSLAND!

Power poles tend to be known for their ability to light up our local streets and cities and for the occasional groom to be tied to on his bucks night!

However, retired power poles are proving to be a popular alternative from traditional timber products. Approved and certified by the Green Building Council of Australia, these recut poles offer a variety of second life applications across a range of commercial and residential projects. The environmental benefits of timber is well documented and now, more than ever, recycled timber is taking centre stage within the green building industry. 

Kennedy’s has developed world class protocols for the specialised handling of the redundant timber, providing asset managers with a clear chain of compliance in accordance with EPA requirements – something that ticks all the right boxes.

This novel reuse of a timber product is what Kennedy’s is renowned for; innovative, professional and green to our core.   

Recycled power poles offer consumers a quality timber choice that is dependable, durable and environmentally friendly.

Acknowledging the pioneering reuse of the poles, Kennedy’s were nominated at the recent annual Energex Supplier Quality Awards. Selected as a finalist in the new category, Innovation in Sustainability, this recognition affirms the positive initiatives being implemented by Energex, the EPA and Kennedy’s timber recycling team.

And there wasn’t a naked groom in sight!

www.gbca.org.au

www.fscaustralia.org

Recognised for its exceptional durability and unique grain, Kennedy’s recycled Red Ironbark timber is the feature product of the new Mango Hill Tavern bar. 

Salvaged from the Fernvale rail line, this Red Ironbark bar demonstrates the ideal use of recycled timber; rich in versatility, history and strength.

Behind the innovative design is Luis Nheu of Brand + Slater. Luis describes the inspiration for the layout as a “timber theme that is carried through from bistro to bar. The heavy Red Ironbark was chosen for its incredible colour, character and presence resulting in an extraordinary raw effect that resembles the look and feel of a timber yard.”

Functional in purpose, the front side of the bar welcomes patrons with a design that holds true to the timber’s origins, highlighting its incredible colour palette and ability to warm any space. 

Terry Wiseman, Director of Wise Designs, who has been instrumental in the construction of the tavern describes the timber bar as a “new twist on an age old structure; a striking centre piece offering an outstanding look and a different take on a modern day bar.”

The bar is further complemented by a 2.5m x 3m Red Ironbark feature wall, reinforcing the timber yard concept in a high-end design that perfectly demonstrates the adaptability of recycled timber.
A tough timber, Terry Wiseman of Wise Designs light heartedly commented that, “we went through a few chain saws” during construction and now “can’t wait to see the tavern open for all to experience”. 

As it settles into its new home, this distinguished recycled timber is set to hold true to its purpose, offering an exceptional richness to this new venue for friends, families and colleagues to enjoy.

Check out Brand + Slater’s latest ‘workshop’ on Brisbane’s north side and admire the stunning timber on display.

The Mango Hill Tavern opened its doors mid 2009.

www.brandandslater.com.au

www.wisedesigns.com.au

Adhering to its own sustainability charter, the Port of Brisbane recently demonstrated its steadfast commitment to green building during construction of its latest project.

Located at the Manly Boat Harbour, the impressive structure houses the Environmental Protection Agency’s South Moreton Bay Branch. Offering an inspiring visual display of the organisation’s core principles, the design presents yet another example of the durability and adaptability of recycled timber.

Specified by the architect, Studio 39, recycled timbers were sourced from Kennedy’s to line the internal staircase, floors, walls and benches in selected areas of the new building.  

Phil Horwood, lead architect for the project, commented that “together with the external textured ply cladding, the use of recycled hardwood assisted in achieving the 5 star rating and in creating a structure that is both a billboard for, and a compliment to, the activities of its new tenant.”

Drawn from a range of salvaged timbers including Spotted Gum, Ironbark and Tallowwood, the building boasts a vast collection of sustainable building products, culminating in an eco friendly work space that is testament to the state’s peak environmental body. 

www.epa.qld.gov.au

Apparently you can judge a book by its cover.

Wrapped in post consumer waste and printed with soy based inks, Peter McConchie’s timely tale Old Growth honours Australia’s remaining ancient forests.

This collection of exceptional photographs accompanied by a factual yet desperate message, leaves one wondering... what have we done to one of our most precious resources?

An honest portrayal, this book reveals the spirit of Tasmania’s southern wild lands, Victoria’s alpine region, the western and eastern seaboards and the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest.

With a clear message to all Australians, McConchie’s call to action is a masterpiece capturing truth, beauty and the very heart of our country’s remaining old growth.

Time is of the essence, and it seems, only time will tell.

Published by Hardie Grant and worthy of any coffee table Old Growth
is now available from leading book stores.

Following on from our recent article in the Autumn edition of AGAINST THE GRAIN, Kennedy’s are pleased to report that the Tree of Knowledge memorial is now open. 

Officially unveiled on Labor Day Weekend, hundreds of locals attended the ceremony alongside political dignitaries including Anna Bligh MP Premier of Queensland, Peter Garrett AM MP Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts as well as various federal, state and local representatives. 

Located in the heart of regional Queensland and recognised as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party, the Tree of Knowledge has played a major role in Australia’s political history. Now with a unique timber structure on display to commemorate its significance, it will continue to be a symbol of the party’s history for future generations to embrace.   

A remarkable work of art, the blackened timber exterior sourced by Kennedy’s from recut power poles, opens to a visual splendour of reborn timbers. The original Ghost Gum Eucalyptus papuana reinstated in its original location, and sealed with Boracol wood preservation for all time, is surrounded by 5000 pieces of hand selected premium aged timber.

Each piece has been carefully chosen by Kennedy’s staff to provide long term durability and performance against the harsh Queensland outback. The timber forms an integral part of the structure designed to last well into the next millennium.

Funded by all three levels of government, the celebrated landmark demonstrates the struggle and birth of a political movement.

In 2009, as we honour the 150th anniversary of our Sunshine State, the opening of the Tree of Knowledge memorial highlights Queensland’s extraordinary past and offers yet another destination for tourists and historians alike.

Special thanks to architect Brian Hooper who worked in conjunction with m3 Architecture

Reflective of a tree canopy, the memorial has been listed on the National Heritage Register

www.m3architecture.com.au

www.mcnab.net.au

e:bharch@bigpond.com