I cannot make a suggestion about your environment:
Just a few thoughts about the "usual" recipe
1 tb gelatin [1/4 oz = 14 g] in 120 ml cold water
1 tb glycerine [15 ml = 18.75 g] *
½ c liquid glucose...
Shortening is available: crisco can be found at the various import stores or http://www.usafoods.com.au/ or look for solite shortening [or bakery shortening] is available at cake decorating stores, bakery suppliers or caterer's supply...
It is one of the original sugarpaste recipes [from which all Rolled fondant recipes descend ..].
It can be easily coloured, but use a very light coloured honey, not a darker one that will interfer with the colouring. Try a...