Capital region winemakers Tallagandra Hill have exported a number of their acclaimed wines to Northern Ireland, in a win for the local wine industry that continues to garner widespread recognition.

The importers, Milestone Group in County Down, said they were attracted to the distinctive cool-climate quality of the wines.

The team at Tallagandra Hill, David Faulks and Mary McAvoy, have exported 192 dozen bottles of their wine, a vast assortment that comprises Shiraz, Tempranillo, Viognier, Vermentino, Rosé and Shiraz Cabernet.

Mr Faulks told Canberra Daily that their first export is a great stamp of approval for the Canberra district wine industry and proof that wines from small boutique local wineries are sought after all around the world.

“Cellar door visitors from countries such as the UK, Ireland, USA, China, Japan, South Africa, Italy, Greece and Korea have all been impressed with the high quality and unique character of our wine and of other wines from the region,” he said.

Police target driver distraction

ACT Policing are targeting driver distraction throughout the month of September, as part of the 2018-19 Road Safety Calendar.

Driver distraction is “any action that takes the driver’s attention away from the road”. This can include: using a mobile phone, driving with headphones, tuning your radio, managing children or pets on board, or applying makeup.

“Taking your eyes off the road, even for a split second to check something like a text message, can cause irreparable harm,” said Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations, Acting Station Sergeant David Wills.

“Anything that takes a driver’s focus off the road in front of them is a serious hazard, and we have seen families who have lost loved ones because of a distracted driver. There is simply no excuse for using a mobile phone while driving – no text message or Instagram post is worth causing a serious collision and potentially killing yourself or someone else.

“When you are in control of a vehicle, your primary focus should be on the road in front of you. You should also be aware of other road users around you, particularly vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.”

The campaign is a part of the joint ACT Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020, prioritising a “Vision Zero approach to road safety”.

For more:

• Take 5: Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, Plastic Free July
• Women to benefit from ACT Government grants
• Unemployment drives household gender divide