APRIL 2013
in this issue
14 elaine mergard
16
gerry and donna morris
22 amanda rootsey
12
people – labels of love Simone Pearce
14
view – crowning glory Elaine Mergard
16
success – the ride of their lives Gerry and Donna Morris
18
ladies at lunch – do children mean an end to life’s little luxuries?
22
cover – the luxury of life Amanda Rootsey
35
wealthy’n’wise business promotion How to achieve financial independence through property investment
50
the good life – beautiful soul Rachel Deguara
62 milestones Micki Holder 66
the last word Rob Brough
46 profile loves regulars 4 publisher’s note
46 profile loves
6 pinboard
48 vanity case
8 he says, she says
52 advice
34 briefcase
54 life
43 win
60 business
april 2013
65 my
business
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editor’s note
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uxury – funny how its meaning changes depending on your stage of life! Ten years ago, luxury to me was overseas travel, an impressive wardrobe, dining out regularly and tickets to all the hottest events in town! Fast forward a few years and three children later and things I would never have considered luxurious have made it to the top of my list – sleep, me time, free time, food shopping alone! Having said that, I am so thankful for the luxury of being a mother to three beautiful children, the luxury of good health, the luxury of a wonderful husband and the luxury of a supportive family and a great circle of friends. Life has taught me that luxury is not always tangible – it’s not something you can place a value on. Just ask our stunning cover girl Amanda Rootsey, who is just happy to have the luxury of life! An international high-end fashion model with the world at her feet, Amanda was dealt a horrible hand when at just 24 years of age she was diagnosed with cancer. A battle she fought courageously and won. Her journey towards healing changed her life and her perspective on what is important. It’s a good lesson to us all. We also introduce you to Simone Pearce, a local business woman and solicitor who has turned her dream of opening a high end fashion boutique in Nambour a reality. Master Milliner Elaine Mergard adds a touch of luxury and tells us all about her stunning hats that have donned the heads of many distinguished clients over the years. I caught up with the ladies over a fabulous lunch at The Tamarind, Maleny to discuss how life’s little luxuries have changed for us all since becoming mothers. Our Genine shares the luxurious ‘babymoon’ she and husband, Rowan, enjoyed at Secrets On The Lake soon before the arrival of baby Jack. And as always, we share all the latest in fashion, beauty products and luxurious cars. There are lots of fabulous prizes to be won too. So sit back, enjoy the luxury of some “you” time, pour some bubbles and flick through the pages of our luxury issue. You deserve it. Ingrid Nelson EDITOR / writer
Each month I have the pleasure of being part of our exciting cover shoot which leads us to various locations throughout the Sunshine Coast. It truly is a combination of many talented people coming together to bring you beautiful images. This month, our amazing photographer Tanya Chesterton Smith, Amanda and I battled the pouring rain on the day of our shoot at Gardners Falls, Maleny and the results are stunning! Thank you also to the talented team at Strut Hair, Maroochydore who styled Amanda’s chic cropped locks, KJ Artistry who always do such a beautiful job with make up, and last but not least, Eve Boutique, Maroochydore and La Vida, Mooloolaba who dressed Amanda for the cover. Thank you also to the team at Eve who dressed yours truly in the stunning gown and jewels I had the pleasure of wearing (above) for this issue. The experience of a personal fitting with Lisa at Eve was such a treat. Thank you also to Photographer Ben Lockens of Just Photography for his beautiful images this month. Last but not least, thank you to our loyal readers.
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managing director / publisher Genine Howard
publisher Hamish Rose
editor Ingrid Nelson
sub-editor Alli Grant
graphic designer Johanna Jensen
sales manager Maree McGrath
account manager Sue Base
the great cloth diaper change
feature writers
3 to 14 April Maroochy Arts and Ecology Centre Art Workshops
Tonia Zemek, Jessica Jane Sammut, Anna Rawlings (intern), Christie Lenz (intern)
Entertain the kids and get creative this Easter holidays with fun yet educational arts workshops. The Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens is offering arts workshops which combine science and art, while offering education about Native Wildlife. Adults can develop artistic techniques in the form of limestone sculpting, printmaking and drawing from nature. Registration fees apply for workshops, while free interactive presentations should be booked in advance. www.community.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
photography
12 april ross noble in concert
post
The one and only wacky English stand-up comedian and actor Ross Noble will make an appearance on the Sunshine Coast on his latest live tour, Mindblender. Showing at the Events Centre, Caloundra. Full price tickets are $44.90. Concession is $41.90. www.theeventscentre.com.au
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email or call / fax info@profilemag.com.au or 5451 0669 / 5475 4405
drop in Beach on Sixth, 104 / 65 Sixth Ave, Maroochydore PO Box 1065, Cotton Tree, QLD 4558
20 april the big pineapple music festival The iconic Big Pineapple will transform into a mecca for festival goers across Australia. The music festival features a red-hot lineup of Australian and New Zealand acts including headlining acts Birds of Tokyo, Grinspoon, Regurgitator and British India. Tickets cost $75.45 or a mate’s rates package for two is available for $142.45. Onsite camping is also available for $20. www.bigpineapplemusicfestival.com
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20 april the great cloth diaper change The ‘Sustainable Parenting Association’ is participating in the Great Cloth Diaper Change Guinness Book of Records attempt. Don’t miss your chance to have the most fun you will ever have changing a nappy at this fabulous Sunshine Coast event at Milwell Road Community Centre, Maroochydore, from 9.30am. Phone Carly at Eco Child on 5478 2466
4 to 5 may peregian beach conscious life festival The Conscious Life Festival invites those interested in conscious, healthy and sustainable living to celebrate the collective spirit. Boasting more than 100 exhibitors from South East Queensland, seminars and workshops will run throughout both days. The family-orientated event includes free 30-minute kids’ culture activities such as yoga, crystal awareness, making dream catchers, art, craft and music. www.consciouslifefestival.com.au
Profile Magazine is a free publication (subscriptions available) published 12 times a year by Profile Magazine Publishing Group Pty Ltd. All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reproduced without the written consent of The Publisher, Profile Magazine Publishing Group Pty Ltd (“The Publisher”), their related companies and officers hereby disclaim, to the full extent permitted by law, all liability, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever arising from or in connection with copy information or other material in this magazine, any negligence of The Publisher, or any persons actions in reliance thereon. Any dispute or complaint regarding placed advertisements must be made within seven days of publication. Inclusion of any copy must not be taken as any endorsement by The Publisher. Views expressed by contributors are personal views and they are not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher.
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right move
how much can we borrow?
find OUT
The lender you choose can have a huge impact on the amount you can borrow. Below is an example of what 15 of Australia’s leading banks and institutions would grant a couple with a combined income of $100,000 (without children). The difference is over $190,000! So let’s sit down and compare them to find out how much you could borrow. Talk to us today and move a step closer to your dream home. Lender
Amount
Lender
Amount
Lender
Amount
Lender 1
$635,451
Lender 6
$634,266
Lender 11
$547,000
Lender 2
$623,255
Lender 7
$608,696
Lender 12
$573,557
Lender 3
$600,922
Lender 8
$642,403
Lender 13
$623,960
Lender 4
$458,900
Lender 9
$619,972
Lender 14
$630,730
Lender 5
$565,000
Lender 10
$597,822
Lender 15
$452,344
Results calculated using Mortgage Choice lender panel loan serviceability criteria at 14/10/2011. Individual outcomes will vary depending on each borrower’s financial situation. Lending criteria subject to change.
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april 2013
profilemagazine
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he says, she says
For some, luxury comes in the form of a flash car, expensive holiday or A Louis Vuitton handbag, for others (mothers in particular), it’s as simple as a lie in on a Sunday morning with a cup of tea and a magazine or a luxuriously long bubble bath without the kiddies. Whatever form it comes in, there are some luxuries we just can’t live without. Todd and Sami from Hot 91.1 share their hilarious take on luxury and what it means to them. sami and todd
he says
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ife’s little luxuries come in all shapes and sizes. Big flash cars with full leather trim and fast glass. Exotic holidays on small, secluded islands. Penthouse apartments. Corporate boxes at the footy. Sprawling Mediterranean-style mansions. Expensive bottles of the finest whiskey and boxes of big fat, Cubans. Of course, I have never experienced any of these amazing treats and that’s for one reason and one reason only. Powerball. Yep, my numbers are yet to come up. Not that I’m depending on them to make me eternally wealthy and enable me to indulge in the aforementioned stuff. I’m not desperate to be filthy rich. Truly, I’m not. I’d just like to be wealthy enough not to have to worry about the colour of the plates at Sushi Train. I reckon one of life’s little luxuries would be a box of those posh truffle things. You know the mushrooms that cost $1000 per kilo!? Instead, I’ll settle for trifles. One of life’s greatest desserts, and hence when it come to luxuries, it’s a bloody beauty. There’s also creme brulee, sticky date and tiramisu. Until my numbers do come up, I’m very much at home with the little luxuries afforded to me by my family and my everyday life. The exotic Paddle Pop stick and macaroni artwork that adorns our fridge, created by my fouryear-old daughter. “Of course that blob of blue paint is a mummy chicken trying on shoes, I knew that, Sweet.” The delight I share with my five-year-old boy as he learns to click his fingers. “Cool man.” My oldest son beat boxing in front of the mirror or my middle lad learning to whistle. There’s also the great moment that comes with putting on an old pair of jeans and finding 10 bucks in the pocket or discovering a rogue beer or Tim Tam in the back of the fridge. Getting home before everyone else and having the telly all to myself for a solid 20 minutes where I can watch anything but Peppa Pig! Then of course there’s bacon. Life’s sweetest luxury of all. Enjoy the little luxuries in life, my friends, and the big ones will take care of themselves.
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She says
I
f being an ‘enabler’ were a sport, I would have a swag of Olympic gold medals. What is an ‘enabler’ you ask? Well, I am that girlfriend who convinces her friend that it is perfectly fine to spend her weekly grocery money on cushions because one day these pretty things will be family heirlooms. You purchase the pretty cushions and you feel completely guilt-free. I am a superb ‘enabler’ indeed! So just what do you define as a little touch of luxury in your life? In a past life I would have said a dress or a handbag. I still love those things, but these days, being time poor, my idea now of luxury is having a bubble bath with candles and quiet. Oh quiet. I remember some golden nights spent with you before we broke up because I had kids. It was me, not you, that lead to our demise. Another luxury item on my list? Clean sheets. Oh yes! To have linen that does not have any form of milk / water / stewed pear or apple juice spilt by the kids would indeed be a novel concept. And while I am being greedy, I would like to have a bottle of wine with my husband and sit and talk for a few hours. Now that would be a real luxury. Other things I consider a splash of luxury? Cold champagne. Hot peppermint tea. Good coffee. The later two in a really good fine bone china cup with a matching saucer. Bad chick flicks. Fresh flowers. Old friends. Soft lighting. Hard mattresses (really). Loud laughing. Faint music. Bright sunrises. Faded moonlight. Friday afternoon excitement. Contented Sunday nights. Sleep. Seeing your friends. New pyjamas. Having my hair done. Anything home-made. Family time. Oh the list goes on and on, doesn’t it? It is good to stop and smell the roses sometimes and be grateful for just how many little luxuries pop up everyday. And if you think you are not getting enough splashes of luxury in your life then just contact me – the ‘enabler’ will spring into action!
profilemag.com.au
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april 2013
Troy Deighton General Sales Manager P: (07) 5475 1911 M: 0488 001 753 E: troy.deighton@primeradio.com.au profilemagazine 9
photography ben lockens just photography ll styling ingrid nelson
Fashion designer Tayla Coleborn pictured right. Model Moria Overall from Asha Model Management wears Firework dress by Born featuring a printed digital bodice and chiffon skirt (RRP $290).
Fashion is synonymous with luxury, and Coastline BMW is proud to present the ‘Driving Style’ campaign in support of our very own thriving fashion industry. The Sunshine Coast plays host to a plethora of talent, with fashion designers leading the way and making their mark on the world stage. This month we meet talented young local designer, Tayla Coleborn. Her stunning label Born combines digital printing with chiffons in strong, bold colours and intricate beadwork to create her glamourous designs. 10
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MEET TAYLA profile: Have you always wanted to be a designer? tayla: Yes. Being a designer was something I have always dreamed about. I have been given some amazing opportunities that I am very grateful for, they have got me to where I am today. profile: Tell us a little about your background? tayla: I moved to the Sunshine Coast 11 years ago with my family. From there I completed year 12 and went on to complete my diploma in fashion. profile: What makes your designs different from others? tayla: I try to stay clear of the latest trends and create something exciting and different. I believe individuality is very important. profilemag.com.au
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profile: Describe your style?
profile: Who have been your biggest influences?
tayla: My designs are bold and strong. All my designs include digital printing teamed with bold colours of chiffons and beadwork.
tayla: There are a lot of people that have influenced me as a designer, but the two people I look up to are Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton from Sass and Bide. It amazes me how they can create something so powerful and obscure, yet it’s so beautiful.
profile: what training have you done? tayla: I have completed a Certificate II in Fashion Design and Technology and recently completed a Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology at the Sunshine Coast TAFE. profile: What or who is the inspiration behind your work? tayla: For this collection I was inspired by digital printing. I created my own print and mixed it with daring colours to create something original. april 2013
profile: What are your future plans? tayla: I am heading over to China this month to have all my designs manufactured as well as getting my spring summer 2013-14 collection ready to hit the runway at International Fashion Week in September. *Drive away price on a BMW 118i M Sport Hatch with manual transmission and no optional extras. Car featured has optional extras of automatic transmission, M Sport Metallic Paint and Navigation, profilemagazine 11 drive away price $60,641.
people
words jessica jane sammut ll photography chesterton smith photography
Fashion. Style. Class. Three very important words for us ladies, and the backbone of Simone Pearce’s new dream, as Jessica Jane Sammut discovers.
A
s a little girl, I loved to play shop. Taking on the persona of a mini store assistant, I would advise my customers (consisting of Little Ted and Barbie) about the worth of each item in my store / bedroom, encouraging them to purchase with wild abandon (mainly because I loved to hear the ding of the till as it whirred into action). I also loved to dress-up – I mean, what little girl doesn’t? The array of colours, the fabrics, the touch and smell of the layers of tulle and organza; I used to lay out the items of clothing, piecing them together with the dedicated attention many stylists reserve for the Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival. I loved it all. So when I discovered I was going to chat to Simone Pearce, founder of the Sunshine Coast’s new high-end luxury fashion boutique An Elegant Affair, I knew that this ambitious woman was a girl after my own heart. When I then heard she was also a lawyer like myself, I was even more intrigued. Simone Pearce is an alpha female. A partner in the very male-dominated arena that is law, a mother of two, a sports junkie and a business owner, Simone is one tough cookie. But a tough cookie who loves a little bit of style. Arriving on the Coast when she was six, Simone attended primary school at St Joseph’s in Nambour, moving onto Burnside State School afterwards. Confident from a young age, she loved public speaking, enjoyed helping people and reveled in experimental fashion, demonstrating a creative flair from the age of five. “When it came to choosing my career I had two paths ahead of me. One was fashion design, nurturing my love of style, and one was law, satisfying my ability to speak up and out for others. My strengths in fashion derived more from a visionary eye however, as opposed to a practical ability, so ultimately my head was better at design than were my hands. This made the decision easier for me, so off I went to complete my degree and articles in law, joining Butler McDermott over 19 years ago, where I have now been a partner for 13 years.” Fiercely career-minded, Simone devoted herself to her job, managing to travel alongside it, taking trips all over the world, enjoying a fast-paced lifestyle with her husband who she married at the tender age of 22. At 36, Simone had her first child, Grace, and at 39, her second bambino, Jude was born. Life was rosy. But in 2011, Simone suddenly felt she needed more. She realised the creative talent that she had so enjoyed as a young girl had been left on the shelf and found herself craving an expressive outlet – a passion that would have her buzzing with excitement, working until midnight with adrenaline, and planning and plotting purely out of love. “Law is unglamorous,” Simone explained. “It is dry and often quite mechanical. It does not leave a lot of room for creativity and I suddenly felt 12
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simone pearce and melissa boyce
like a whole side of myself was missing, buried under a busy career and the pressures of motherhood. I began to wonder what life was all about. “Although I did not pursue fashion design as a career path, my next dream had always been to own a fashion boutique stocking premium labels in a beautiful setting so that the very act of walking into the store was a luxury in itself. Up until this point, however, I had never considered doing anything about it. One morning, I awoke giddy with excitement and nerves and I knew that this was what I had to do to get my spark for life back. It was just the challenge I had been looking for.” Tapping into the fact that the Coast is a hive of glamorous women with taste and style, Simone decided to create the perfect outlet, providing a unique experience stocking timeless and classic pieces to rival any boutique on Rodeo Drive. Now she just needed to find the right premises. “I sit on the committee of the Nambour Alliance, a group of stakeholders in Nambour who are striving to turn the perception of the town around so that people can see what it really has to offer. So when we were discussing raising the retail bar with the right boutiques and shops one evening, I knew that that that was where my designer hub had to go. It felt responsible and it felt right. I also knew I would be able to get a space full of character which was very important to the feel of the shop.” And in this way, Simone conquered her dream – teaming up with a friend, Melissa Boyce, as a business partner, securing a base in Nambour, hiring a fashion stylist to help run the store, fitting out the premises (so that it wouldn’t look out of place in the Surry Hills of Sydney) and choosing stock from an array of labels such as Ollie & Max, Najo, Peter Lang, Spencer & Rutherford, Sacha Drake, Sandy A, Collette, Moss & Spy, George, Moda Immagine and Love from Venus, concentrating on high-end Australian, French or Italian pieces for quality and edge. An Elegant Affair was thus born in November 2012. “I am thrilled,” smiles Simone. “It is scary but wonderful! I look at Ita Buttrose and such women who have managed to juggle fulfilling their dreams whilst also achieving an income and embracing motherhood, and it inspires me every day. “You only have one chance in life and it is only you who can make your ambitions a reality. I have gone into this new venture because I had neglected a side of myself. Rediscovering it again has felt like a part of my soul has been set on fire: it’s dangerous, it’s terrifying, but damn, it feels good!” Simone Pearce is one sassy, determined go-getter. From the girl who felt like she had to choose between the two sides of herself when she was just a teenager charting her career, she has now managed to harness both her academic and creative talents to run concurrently, side-by-side, allowing her to feel a whole person once again. And what a feat that is. Like I say, there is nothing more fun than playing dress-ups. profilemag.com.au
april 2013
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view
I was called up to Government House and I was absolutely terrified. I’m a bit of a country girl and I was going to visit the Governor!”
words tonia zemek ll photography chesterton smith photography
elaine mergard
Princess Diana made them look exquisite, Princess Beatrice had a controversial one, and Princess Kate brought them back in vogue. Hats! Elaine Mergard has made almost 5,000 of them in a millinery career that’s sent her from catwalks to Government House. Tonia Zemek tips her lid to a woman who is head and shoulders above the rest.
O
ne Melbourne Cup I had the good fortune to be invited to the Emirates Marquee. After an aperitif of French champagne, I dined on trays of fresh lobster and oysters. Although the food and atmosphere were overwhelmingly exquisite, it was the fashions that left me truly awestruck. I’d never seen so many meticulously groomed women. I found myself wishing we could return to an era when it was de rigueur to wear gloves and a hat. Elaine Mergard was lucky enough to grow up in a period when hats were compulsory attire for church on Sundays and heading into town on weekdays. “It was the ’60s and everyone wore hats,” she says. Of course, the real history of hats dates back centuries. Elaine reminds me that in the days of the Renaissance, crowns were the most regal of all headwear. “Hats really came into vogue during the time of Marco Polo and the silk trade,” She explains. “This is where the word ‘milliner’ originated. One of the cities on the Silk Road was Milan, and because fabric was easily accessible there, people
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started making hats. They were called Milaners which of course later became milliners.” Elaine is more than just a history buff, she’s a professional milliner who made her first hat back in 1964 during her training as a home economics teacher in Brisbane. More than 20 years later, after a move to Beerwah in 1990, she started her own label, Hatrageous Headwear. By 2003 she had some highly distinguished clientele, including the then Governor of Queensland, Quentin Bryce. “I was called up to Government House and I was absolutely terrified. I’m a bit of a country girl and I was going to visit the Governor!” Beforehand, she was so nervous she made an appointment to chat with her local MP for the do’s and don’ts of how to behave in an environment fraught with protocol. Elaine need not have worried. “Her Excellency was very, very gracious,” Elaine reveals. “She was down to earth and showed a real interest in my family. I even received Christmas cards from her!” profilemag.com.au
Over her five years in office, the Governor commissioned Elaine to make around four to six hats annually. Consequently, Elaine had regular one-on-one appointments with both the Governor and her couture designer. “I’d take samples and swatches of straws or felts and we’d work through them together. On other occasions I’d visit her couture designer’s workroom and I’d get fabric from her to incorporate into the hat.” Speaking of famous hat wearing women, Elaine admits to being a fan of Princess Kate. “She has a beautiful heart-shaped face and she wears a lot of very small hats, in particular cocktail hats, which are like a little button that’s covered in fabric. She looks stunning in hats.” I ask Elaine what type of hat suits someone with larger features and a big head (like me)! After a long look at my head she flashes me a cheeky smile and delivers a self-deprecating remark to which I can relate. “With a wide face like mine, if I wear a small hat it looks like a pimple on a pumpkin,” she laughs. “A lot of people say they don’t wear hats because they don’t suit them but I tell them to just tilt the hat slightly. It gives you height and makes you look more elegant.” Teaching tips has been part of Elaine’s life since 1966 when she took up her first millinery mentoring role. In the early ’80s she taught at TAFE in Mundubbera. Later, in 1995, she secured a teaching position with the Cooloola Sunshine Institute of Tafe. In 2010 Elaine developed the Hat Academy, an online resource that teaches millinery via video tutorials. Her students span the globe, taking in Nepal, Dubai, Spain and Nigeria. She says prospective milliners need two main skills. “Firstly, you need patience because milliners do a lot of hand work. Secondly, it’s important to have an eye for detail because if you’re going to make something unique you have to have very specific details.” Elaine has made plenty of unique and detailed headpieces. Possibly her most challenging commission came five years ago when she was asked to create a haute couture piece for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. “It was a hat for the catwalk and from edge to edge it measured one metre. Needless to say, I had to hand deliver it!” When asked about her most cherished creations, Elaine is quick to respond. She has four favourites – her two daughters and two sons. Let’s hope she gets a hat for Mother’s Day.
• • • • •
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success
words tonia zemek
ll photography calli b photography
donna and gerry morris
The love affair between Gerry and Donna Morris reads like a screenplay. A Belfast boy falls in love with an Aussie girl. They marry, start a business and have two kids. Then our leading man has a near-fatal cycling accident but miraculously survives. Thanks to his leading lady, Gerry’s back on his bike and riding high, as Tonia Zemek discovers.
W
ho doesn’t love a love story? Girl meets boy, they have their ups and downs and end up at the altar. Give me a rainy day and Love Actually and I’m happy. On second thoughts, throw in popcorn too! When I meet Gerry and Donna Morris, I have no idea how long they’ve been together but they have that air of comfortable companionship that only comes with time. They’re respectful of each other’s space and thoughts. Leaning in but never interrupting. Smiling almost in unison. This love story is actually 27 years young. He was born in Belfast and she was raised in Australia – the daughter of an Irish mother and a Scottish father. Fate stepped in to bring Gerry and Donna together in an Adelaide pub. “Our eyes met and it was kismet,” Gerry says. Donna also describes the attraction as being instant. “It was his Irish charm, that smile and the fact that he made me laugh.” The pair married after only eight months. Although they started married life in Adelaide, they ended up on the Sunshine Coast, shortly after a five-day visit. “We fell in love with the Coast – it’s like an Australian postcard.” Early in 2001 they packed up their son and daughter and made the
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Sunshine Coast their permanent address. “We’ve been here for 12 years but we’re still in the honeymoon period,” Gerry laughs. “Our friends joke that we could get a job with the tourism board.” Their day job is in fact with ICMI, a speakers and entertainers bureau. Basically, they find emcees and keynote speakers for corporate events. When they first started out, it was a very steep learning curve. Gerry had a background in car sales and Donna was previously involved in the travel industry. Over the next decade, from humble beginnings, the business flourished. Along the way they booked a who’s who of celebrities, including sporting greats Leigh Matthews and Wally Lewis. Little did they know, Gerry himself would soon be making headlines. In June 2010 he was cycling along Alexandra Headland when the door of a parked car opened and sent him flying into oncoming traffic. “I was dragged under a car for about 20 metres,” Gerry says. When the car came to a halt, Gerry was pinned underneath. “Ten great guys appeared out of nowhere and lifted the car off me. All I could hear was someone saying ‘we got ya big fella’.”
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Ten great guys appeared out of nowhere and lifted the car off me. All I could hear was someone saying, ‘We got ya big fella’.” In addition to those 10 mighty men, Gerry also had Jessica Watson to thank for his survival. She was returning on that fateful day and paramedics had just driven past enroute to her homecoming celebrations. “It wasn’t my time to go,” Gerry says of his brush with death. “We joke that there was no reservation made for me.” He sustained cuts to his head and arm, fractures to his ribs, a busted sternum and shoulder as well as crushed vertebrae. Gerry’s list of injuries literally went from top to bottom. “Having been dragged along the road, I took a lot of skin off my left butt cheek. In hospital I felt like a cowboy and one great nurse called me rawhide,” he guffaws. That cheeky sense of humor was the hallmark of Gerry’s recovery. “I was particularly impressed with how he accepted everything that had happened to him,” Donna says. That admiration is mutual. “Donna turned into superwoman,” Gerry tells me. “She ended up having to run the business, run the family and run back and forth to me in hospital.” All up, Gerry’s rehabilitation lasted around six months at which point he decided to start a new business venture. “So many people had come out of the woodwork to offer me their support. It was very humbling and that’s how Hot Business Events started. We wanted to give something back.” Hot Business Events is designed to give small businesses access to inspiring speakers, some of whom are household names. To date they’ve hosted the likes of George Negus, Wayne Bennett and Max Walker. Gerry explains that while large national corporations regularly offer their staff corporate events with celebrity speakers, smaller businesses often don’t have the same opportunities. As well as motivating and inspiring local companies, Donna says Hot Business Events opens other doors too. “There’s a lot of home-based businesses here on the Coast, so these events give people the opportunity to really get out and network and meet new people.” The pair admit it’s one of life’s luxuries to be doing work they truly love. They show their gratitude by donating some of their ticket price to people in need. Rather than major charities, they focus on lesser-known, local battlers. So far they’ve raised funds for a cancer sufferer who wanted to take a cruise and a retired couple who had their caravan stolen. Donna’s also recently started a drive to get more volunteers into local aged car facilities. And yes, Gerry’s back cycling again. In fact, he covers about 250 kilometres each week. “I love cycling – it brings out the big kid in me,” he says with a smile. “You always have to get back on the bike.” With his leading lady by his side and the success of Hot Business Events, I’d say Gerry’s well and truly back in the saddle.
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d “If my kids fin , me in the bath trip they want to s off and water bomb me.� Carly Earl Ladies at lunch is proudly sponsored by
WEALTHWAYS, MAROOCHYDORE 2
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VENUE Spicers Tamarind, Maleny
1. Sue alcock 2. jodie thompson 3. donna morris 4. bavarois dessert 5. carly earl 6. di hoopert
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ladies at lunch
words ingrid nelson ll photography chesterton smith photography ll sponsored by boq maroochydore and wealthways ll venue spicers tamarind, maleny
An uninterrupted night’s sleep, drinking a hot cup of coffee, reading a novel in peace, taking in a movie or just going to the bathroom alone! Perhaps not things you might have considered a luxury BC (before children), but they certainly do become a thing of the past AC (after children) – at least for a little while. I had the “luxury” of catching up with a group of gorgeous women over a luxurious lunch at The Tamarind, Maleny, and together we shared how the meaning of “luxury” changed for us all after becoming mothers.
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s a mother of three young children, like most mums, enjoying time out to lunch with the ladies is quite a luxury these days, so I consider myself very lucky indeed to have the opportunity to do so as part of my job (it’s tough, I know, but someone has to do it, right?). Not only do I get to meet a bevy of talented, inspirational women from all walks of life each month, I also have the opportunity to sample some of the Coast’s most fabulous restaurants – another luxury. It’s funny how life changes when we have children. More often than not, we have to say goodbye to some of the little extras that were important to us before children, such as dining out, overseas travel or a last minute catch up with friends. Yet things we may have considered a luxury before children, such as a cleaner, become a necessity rather than a luxury! Together with my lovely co-host Sandra Wills, director of Wealthways and mother of two grown boys, we decided to delve a little deeper into just what our guests considered to be a luxury and how things have changed since the arrival of children. Joining us was Jodie Thompson, mother of two and director at PJT Accountants, Donna Morris, co-director of Hot Business Events and mother of two, Di Hoopert, theatre nurse at Nambour Hospital, Sue Alcock, a woman of many talents and varied careers who is now enjoying retirement and is mother to three grown children, and last but not least, Tanya Chesterton Smith of Chesterton Smith Photography, mum to two young children. profile: What is luxury to you? sandra: Good health and sunset drinks on the beach with my husband. donna: Definitely overseas travel. carly: To me, luxury is being able to enjoy some time to myself, relaxing with a fabulous massage and a dinner date with my husband. It’s rare these days, but we still treasure it. jodie: For me, a luxury would be travel, long lunches or dinner with family and friends, getting pampered, and an extravagant wardrobe! april 2013
tanya: Time with my family and our weekends spent at the beach, taking the kids surfing, going for a walk or bike ride together, or simply relaxing at home. profile: What luxuries (if any) have you had to give up since having a family? donna: Overseas travel and time to do dressmaking. I used to make all my own clothes but when I had children I just didn’t have the time. carly: A lot of little luxuries that I took for granted pre-children have gone by the wayside, and you don’t even realise that they were a luxury item until they’re gone! Movies! I’ve seen every animated film to hit the screens since 2003 but I think I may be the only adult in Australia that still hasn’t seen Skyfall. Thank goodness for DVD rentals! jodie: Definitely travel. The thought of trying to keep my two small, active children in an airplane seat for hours is frightening. sandra: The sports car was replaced with a station wagon; and the decadent weekend away roomwith-a-view and spa bath became a tent, shower queue and flash light trek to the ablution block. profile: What luxuries can you simply never give up, no matter what? sandra: Definitely regular massages. donna: I can’t give up my brand of skincare, regular haircuts and leg waxing. carly: I will never give up holidays. It doesn’t matter if you are camping, glamping or going on a cruise ... in today’s hectic life it is super important to take time away and recharge the batteries. jodie: Facials and time to exercise. I really enjoy my team sports and the personal satisfaction of getting fitter, stronger and faster. tanya: Two showers every day. I must admit I have a shower in the morning to ‘wake up’ and a shower after work in the early evening. profile: Has your view of what is luxury changed since becoming a mum? sandra: Sleep, reading a novel and going to the cinema became luxuries.
donna: Yes, because time actually became the luxury! carly: Absolutely. Me time. I took for granted the quiet, reflective time you can take pre-children whenever you feel the need. Nowadays, a simple bath with a book is like the ultimate luxury. If my kids find me in the bath, they want to strip off and water bomb me. jodie: A sleep-in has definitely become a luxury. profile: Luxury means different things to different people, of course. What would you rather – be a stay-at-home-mum and do without the little luxuries or work outside the home to still enjoy those luxuries? sandra: Having the option to be a stay-at-homemum is a luxury … a lot of people don’t have that option. Similarly, having the option to go to work can be a luxury – it’s having the choice that is the luxury. donna: I would rather work outside the home to still enjoy the luxuries – and I could share some of those luxuries with the family, such as holidays (usually domestic whilst they were young). carly: I need a balance. Working outside the home part-time brings more than income, it also balances my need for social interaction and intellectual stimulation beyond being at home with little ones. So no, I wouldn’t give it up unless I found that my children demanded a higher level of attention than they were getting, and at the moment we have that balance just right. jodie: I work full-time now and I wouldn’t change that to be a stay-at-home-mum. I would like to work a few less hours so that I have more time with my husband and kids. I will do this eventually, but the aim is to not sacrifice anything to do it. My husband actually stays at home with our kids and he is fantastic. tanya: I love my work as a photographer and to have a career you enjoy is very rewarding. I have a home- based studio and office so this offers flexible working hours around the children and the second income for my family helps us save for little luxuries like overseas holidays. profilemagazine
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ladies at lunch
ry “Time is a luxu e to that doesn’t hav ut is a cost anything, b huge luxury.” n Jodie Thompso
profile: How important is it for mothers and fathers to take time-out to enjoy the little luxuries? sandra: Incredibly important and they don’t need to involve expense. I think each parent needs to provide short, regular periods of time-out for both themselves and for each other. It’s a great recipe for revitalisation and harmony. donna: I agree, it’s hugely important. If we don’t get a break to reconnect as a couple there is more and more disconnect with us that filters down to the family. carly: I think it is super important for mothers and fathers to remember that they’re people as well as parents. I firmly believe that the most important thing to children is to live in a happy, harmonious home, knowing that they are loved, and that works all the better when Mum and Dad are in sync and happy. tanya: Between work and family our lives are very busy and everything seems so fast-paced sometimes. Luxury for us is just to slow down a little and appreciate the little things like good conversation, a great meal (usually made by my husband as he is the better cook) and a glass of wine on the weekend. profile: What are some luxuries you can recommend that don’t cost the earth but still feel luxurious? sandra: A late, long, slow-cooked Sunday
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brunch, after a walk or surf, enjoyed with loved ones, a freshly brewed coffee and the Sunday papers. carly: Apple and Bee organic bath salts – makes any bath just like a day spa. A good moisturiser before bed. Reading a novel for 10 minutes before you turn in for the night. jodie: Time is a luxury that doesn’t have to cost anything. Going for a nice walk along the beach, a bike ride or a climb up Mt Coolum doesn’t have to take long, but you feel great afterwards. tanya: Bike riding with the kids. I recently purchased a vintage style ladies bike (her name is Edith) and I love our family bike rides. Good fun, keeps us active and we don’t spend any money. profile: Any last words, ladies? donna: It has been pure luxury spending time with you lovely ladies! jodie: We live in an age where material possessions are highly valued. I believe having children changes the priority of luxuries. I have my own business and the flexibility it gives me does provide me the luxury of being there for my kids whenever they need me. I prefer this luxury over anything material. sandra: In the words of Thomas Paine, “That which we obtain too easily we esteem too lightly”. Good health, education, freedom and choice are the greatest luxuries of all – they are hard-earned privileges, only possible in a financially secure household or society. They should be greatly appreciated and never taken for granted. Well said Sandra. Couldn’t agree more. It was such a luxury to enjoy a fabulous meal and lively conversation with these articulate, funny women. The general consensus among the lunching ladies was that it was a luxury to be a mother and one that should never be taken for granted. Sure, there are little luxuries that we may have to forgo for a while but in the scheme of things they are small sacrifices for such huge rewards.
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THE TAMARIND, MALENY
It was quite fitting that we were meeting for our ladies at lunch this month on International Women’s Day. And with this issue being all about luxury, the venue could not have been more perfect. Award-winning restaurant The Tamarind, Maleny, is the epitome of elegance and class. Set in an indoor / outdoor pavilion, the stunning restaurant is designed to take full advantage of the serene location and rainforest surrounds. Bringing a taste of Asia to the tranquil hills of Maleny, head chef Daniel Jarret and his talented team have the ability to create dishes with the most exquisite flavours. From the moment we arrived, our charming waiter, Ben, was the perfect host. Attentive but never intrusive, Ben was always on hand to top up our bubbles - nothing was too much trouble and it was service with a smile from start to finish. I am officially always the last person at the table to order and today was no exception. With dishes like Cambodian-style fish salad, palm sugar, green mango bean sprouts, tomato, chilli, basil and coriander, or local spanner crab, miso glazed eggplant, dashi, wakame, pickled ginger and bonito vying for my attention for entree alone, I knew I was in trouble! The arrival of the mains was welcomed with gasps of surprise from the ladies around the table – especially at the whole crispy fish, which was very impressive indeed and tasted as good as it looked, according to Sue! My seared bug tails with chestnut noodles, choy sum, black beans, braised shitake, pork crackle, Asian broth and crispy ginger, chilli and garlic relish was one of the most memorable meals I have had. Washed down with chilled glass of Chandon, it was pure luxury! Dessert was simply too good to refuse. I sampled the coconut and white chocolate crème brulee with spiced lychee and coconut lime sorbet and it didn’t disappoint. The spiced valhrona chocolate torte was another popular choice and got a big thumbs up. Exquisite food, top service and a beautiful setting, The Tamarind, Maleny has all the right ingredients. 88 Obi Lane South, Maleny 5420 5420 www.spicersgroup.com.au/restaurant/tamarind
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cover story
... the more I learnt, the more drawn to the natural health methods of treating cancer I became. I had never been a natural health junkie before, in fact, quite the opposite.�
on cover: amanda wears whisper mesh gown by bariano, rrp $449.95, from eve boutique, maroochydore (www.eveboutique.com.au). this page: amanda wears one season 100 per cent cotton dress, rrp $159.95, from la vida, mooloolaba. 5444 8833. hair by strut hair and beauty (www. struthair.com.au). make up by kj artistry (www. kjartistry.com). photogrpahy by chesterton smith photography (www.chestertonsmith.com) 22 profilemagazine
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words jessica jane sammut ll photography chesterton smith photgraphy ll styling ingrid nelson ll hair strut hair and beauty ll makeup kj artistry
If you were looking for a real life heroine, Amanda Rootsey would be it. A bright and beautiful international model who once had the fashion world at her feet, Amanda was delivered some terrible news, learning a lesson that changed her perspective on life forever, as Jessica Jane Sammut reveals.
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n today’s developed world, we are spoilt. Food, shelter, education, transport, travel, the arts, our stunning natural environment … we really do have it all. We work hard, yes. We play hard, yes. We sometimes find life a little frantic. We complain about the rising cost of avocados, and spend many a moment hurriedly planning time so as to enable ourselves to juggle our busy family / work / social / relationship commitments. We look to the next appointment, the next task, the next challenge, the next hill to climb, and we rarely sit-back to savour the moment and consider how lucky we are. But we should. And no-one knows this quite so well as Amanda Rootsey, who now counts her blessings every morning when she opens her eyes, remembering back to a time when she thought her hopes and dreams had been shattered forever. A stunning, tall and lean woman of immense presence, exuding an energy you wish you could bottle and sip on when you feel the day has not gone quite as you planned (think: up to the wire on work deadlines, laundry piled high, house a tip, rugrats playing in the mud in their new designer clothes reserved for ‘best’, fridge empty), Amanda radiates happiness. Not because she possesses the biggest house / the most impressive collection of Blahniks / the coolest car / the largest wallet / the hottest man (although David Rafter, her beau, is not a bad catch it has to be said!), but because she is alive. Alive and kicking. And it is this precious gift which Amanda grasps tightly with both hands. For in Amanda’s eyes, she has it all. She has the luxury of life. Born in Melbourne in 1984, Amanda moved to Townsville when she was three where she remained until she was 12. Always tall for her age, not to mention beautiful, Amanda was often told she would make a great model, but it wasn’t until she moved to Brisbane as a teenager that she was discovered. “It was a very exciting time of my life. I was taken on to the books of Vivien’s Model Management, one of the biggest agencies in Australia, and I suddenly found myself working internationally, representing Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Skyy Vodka, Cartier, Alex Perry, Myer, Morrissey, Triumph and countless others. I lived hard and fast, not only modelling, but also putting myself through university at the same time, studying for a Bachelor of Business Degree at the University of Queensland.” Life was good. In fact, it was more than good. Life was fantastic. Amanda was living every girl’s dream, spending her days and nights rubbing shoulders with the fashionista set, while working towards a degree she loved in her spare time. april 2013
“It was enormous fun,” Amanda smirks. “I met some of my best friends during those years. I never stopped to consider how lucky I was. I just went with the flow and took it for granted, as everyone does.” And it was during these golden years that Amanda experienced the beginning of another lifelong passion when she met and fell in love with her life partner, David Rafter. Yes, Pat Rafter’s dashing younger brother. “I was managing a bar in between modelling jobs, and I came across David who was the marketing manager for the group at the time. We had an instant connection and I knew that I had met someone very special. Little could I predict what I was to put him through in the coming years.” After Amanda completed her degree, she jetted off to Europe for a few months to undertake some modelling bookings, spending time hanging out with the most respected European stylists and designers while gorging on gelato in the piazzas of Florence and sipping champagne in the uber cool bars of Paris. It was during this time that the clean, crisp picture of Amanda Rootsey’s unblemished life so far began to get a little hazy. “I was chatting to a booker and getting some photos done when she noticed a lump on my neck,” Amanda explains. “She asked me about it but I hadn’t even realised it was there. It didn’t concern me though; I thought it must have been a little cyst or suchlike. It wasn’t sore and I didn’t feel unwell at all. So I didn’t do anything about it until I returned to the Sunshine Coast, where David and I were then living. I mentioned it to my GP who suggested he do some blood tests and an ultrasound. Once again, I didn’t really dwell on the process and wasn’t too worried. I assumed everything would be okay.” But everything was not okay. Not okay at all. It turned out that Amanda had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph tissue which presents in the lymph nodes, spleen and liver. She was knocked sideways. “I felt winded,” Amanda recalls. “I couldn’t think straight. I had attended the GP appointment on my own to get the results as I was not expecting the diagnosis. My mind was racing, my thoughts jumbled. I didn’t understand how I could be sick as I had been completely healthy until this point and, except from feeling a little tired, had no symptoms whatsoever. I was told that I would be referred to an oncologist at Nambour Hospital, and would see her in a month or so. And that was it. My world was spinning. I returned to my car and cried and cried.” It was then that Amanda was thrown into the excruciating arena of cancer profilemagazine
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You don’t realise how precious life is until you have it nearly taken away from you.”
amanda rootsey
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no man’s land – where she knew she was terminally ill, but didn’t know what was going to happen until she could talk to the oncologist. Amanda had to play a waiting game; a state of mind which meant that whatever she did, she could not shake the feeling that her life was hanging over her head, but for how long? “All I could do was my own research,” Amanda remembers. “So I read and read and read. I bought books and immersed myself in them for hours at a time. I searched the internet and educated myself on therapies and treatments and theories, day and night, and the more I learnt, the more drawn to the natural health methods of treating cancer I became. I had never been a natural health junkie before, in fact, quite the opposite. I loved a wine and rich foods and partying late into the night. “But suddenly it was like a new world opened up before my eyes – one that I had been blind to before. And it wasn’t just about cancer. I discovered so much about the meat and dairy industry and the relationship between what we put into our bodies and our health. I was enlightened.” By the time Amanda’s oncology appointment came around, this brave 24-year-old girl had become a vegan, had eradicated stimulants from her diet including alcohol, had been to Thailand to complete a juice fast, had cut out sugar and had started meditating. She felt she was doing all that she could for her recovery. “The oncologist told me she needed to do a biopsy and then I would have to undergo chemotherapy and / or radiation. I was sceptical. I asked her what I could do to help myself and she told me ‘nothing’. After all that I had read, this shocked me slightly. She also told me the cancer at this stage was not aggressive and that I did have time to go away and freeze my eggs if I so wished, so I decided to use this time to instead try to fix my cancer naturally.” A strong woman, Amanda began an intense course of natural therapies to help cure her lymphoma. And incredibly, it appeared to be working. Her CT scans showed the tumours (she had several it turned out) were reducing in size and Amanda felt like she was being given a second chance. Unfortunately though, the reprieve was not to last. After a year of natural treatment, Amanda was told that although the tumours were shrinking, the cancer was becoming more aggressive and that a fatal lump had been detected on her spinal cord which could paralyse her at any moment. “My doctor called me in for an emergency meeting and told me I had an extremely hostile tumour on my spine and I would need to start chemotherapy that afternoon if I wanted to survive. She told me it was stage IV, the highest stage of cancer. “I didn’t believe her at first. I had become so focused on what I was doing naturally, I was sceptical. So I went back to where I had my scans to question the result. The head radiologist took me into his office and showed me on the computer the lump. I began shaking. I realised what I was being told was true. I was devastated. I felt sick. All I could think about was David. “That afternoon, David and I packed up and arrived in Brisbane for what was to be a hellish six-month stint of radiation and chemotherapy. I was fighting for my life.” Amanda suffered many of the side effects of extreme cancer treatment – hair loss, bloating, weight gain, utter fatigue and hopelessness. She was even admitted to isolation several times because her immune system was reduced to nothing. “Some days I wondered if it was ever going to end – if I would ever come out of this. I dreamed of being back on the Sunshine Coast and of being able to do normal things. Things that we profilemag.com.au
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all take for granted. You don’t realise how precious life is until you have it nearly taken away from you.” On finishing the treatment, Amanda, together with David who had mentally and physically supported her day and night throughout her treatment, were exhausted, collapsing for six months in an eco-caravan in the lush green Cooroy hinterland to recover, just as Amanda had dreamed of during those dark days of chemo. “It changed us,” Amanda nods. “My lymphoma changed David and I. But not for the worst. It changed us for the better. It made us appreciate every day. It reminded us to make the most of every moment and to revel in the simple things. It taught us how to look after ourselves and nourish our bodies. It gave us compassion for others, and a love and sensitivity to our environment.” Amazingly, the treatment worked and Amanda is currently free from cancer. Amanda has to attend six-monthly check-ups, but she and the medics are hopeful for the future and what it holds. “I feel born again,” beams Amanda. “When I first met with the oncologist after the treatment and was told the cancer was gone, I felt like I had been given a new life. I never want to forget this. I always want to be grateful.” And so she is. Amanda has decided to only devote herself to causes and businesses that give something back and therefore she now only models for eco-friendly and ethical brands, having been described as an “eco-activist” by Cleo magazine and an “all-round advocate for mother earth” by Peppermint magazine.
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In addition, Amanda has continued with her healthy lifestyle as a tee-total vegan, and with David she has created Vegan Era (an online portal for all things vegan providing free information, e-books, starter kits, recipes, videos etc) and Vegan Card, Australia’s first vegan loyalty card. But perhaps most prominently, Amanda has recently launched an incredible initiative for young women, SHINE From Within (www. shinefromwithin.com.au), offering personal development courses to give our young sisterhood the necessary tools to believe in themselves and enjoy life to the fullest. “We don’t stop to smell the roses enough. We don’t listen to our bodies. We don’t take care of ourselves. We don’t cherish what we have. I didn’t until I became ill and this was my warning. We need to teach our new generation about nutrition, wellness, confidence and self-love. Self-confidence and self-worth go hand-in-hand with feeling happy, being healthy and achieving success.” Amanda Rootsey is one gutsy girlfriend. A most beautiful person inside and out, Amanda is full of love. Love for others, for her environment, and herself, but it wasn’t until she was given a very real wake-up call that she was able to gain such an insight into serenity and peace. We all could learn something from this: that happiness comes from within and when we speak of having and wanting, what we must always remember is what we already have: the luxury of life. And that is all we need.
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the DrIVER’S SEAT
e u q o v e r e v range ro In the driver’s seat: Wendy Miller A professional businesswoman and mother of three, Wendy Miller is a true local. With more than 13 years in business on the Coast, Wendy prides herself on her exceptional customer service and ability to make a difference in her job. Most importantly, she also believes in having fun along the way! This month, Wendy shares her thoughts on the luxurious Range Rover Evoque. 26
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THE driver’s seat
wendy test drives the range rover evoque
There is a lot of hype around the Range Rover Evoque and much talk about it being styled by Victoria Beckham. But the design and features have to be seen and experienced to be believed. While waiting in the showroom at Pacific Prestige Pacific Motor Group, I overheard a couple in their mid to late 30’s asking to see the Evoque. I could see they were curious and excited. “We’ve heard so much about it, we’re really keen to take a look,” I heard them say. I personally have been waiting patiently and excitedly for the opportunity to review the Range Rover Evoque and it was worth waiting for. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Paul, the leading representative of Land Rover at Pacific Prestige. This man knows all there is to know about Land Rover vehicles. Paul is obviously passionate about these cars and when it came to the Evoque he wanted to ensure I got every bit of driving experience I possibly could. I highly recommend having a chat with Paul as he inspires excitement when it comes to these high quality British-built vehicles. He knows these cars confidently and is obliging to share his knowledge to help the buyer to be as informed as possible. The Evoque’s appealing design sells itself. The most noteworthy feature of the vehicle for me is its size. Once I was driving and handling the Evoque – parking with ease and performing tight turning circles – I was surprised at just how easy it was to drive. In terms of the ride, this car is a little machine. It has a very sturdy and solid build, leaving no question about safety as well as style. You have the choice of turbo petrol or turbo diesel engines.
The interior is styled luxuriously with materials and shapes that are unique and classy. Every little piece of this car is distinctive and exceptional. For me, a standout feature of the Evoque was the pop-up gear knob in the centre of the dash that elevates when the start button is pushed. The automatic handbrake function and release also took me by surprise. The material covering the dash was like nothing I had ever seen in a vehicle before. During one of my night time drives, I discovered by accident that I could control the colour of the subtle illumination lights that are featured within the car – more options to personalise my experience! And this is what I love most about the Evoque – it’s completely personalised by you, the buyer. You build the car with the features and functions you desire. Anything from contrasting coloured roof to wheel rims to electronic features such as automatic wipers and headlights, to preferences such as heated seating and technology packs. With each feature and function. the value of your vehicle increases as does your satisfaction that this car is going to give you everything you want. Just browsing the Range Rover Evoque’s booklet takes your breath away with the number of personal touches you can choose from.
THE DE TA IL S •• 110Kw turbo diesel 4 cylinder engine •• 6 Speed Automatic Gearbox •• Blue Tooth telephone System •• Dual Zone Air Conditioning •• Reverse Park Distance Control •• Dynamic Stability Control •• Off Road Terrain Response 4wd System •• 6.5 LTR / 100KM Combined Fuel consumption
You’ve got to experience this little gem for yourself to truly marvel in every detail that has been considered. If you’re considering an SUV with big abilities, you must test drive the Evoque!
VISIT PACIFIC LAND ROVER FOR A TEST DRIVE TODAY. 129 SUGAR ROAD MAROOCHYDORE. PHONE 1300 643 720. WWW.PACIFICMOTORGROUP.COM.AU
To learn more about the range of features visit Pacific Land Rover for a test drive today. 129 Sugar Road Maroochydore.
Meet the chefs at Palmer Coolum Resort Executive Sous Chef Gareth Collins brings a wealth of expertise and passion for fresh produce to Palmer Coolum Resort’s signature restaurant, Captain’s table. Gareth’s focus is on providing modern Australian cuisine with a menu that reflects the nature of the Sunshine Coast, using only the very best local produce. His established and intimate knowledge of local seasonal ingredients results in creative, well-crafted dishes packed with robust, yet distinct flavours. Q: Who do you draw your influences from? A: For me it is more of a case from where than from whom, I research a lot on the internet, I also get collared into watching all the cooking shows on tv which as you know show some great visuals but most of all I like to eat out when I have the opportunity as this is a great source of influence for me. If I go to a restaurant that excites me then I really involve myself with understanding how this chef works, his mixology and techniques and plate presentation. Q: Places you’ve worked? A: Gee too many to mention...locally Ricky Ricardo’s in Noosa, Earth Bistro Mooloolaba and Pier Nine in Brisbane and overseas I once worked at the River Café in London and did a stint on the cruise lines for a couple of years in the US. Q: How would you describe your menu style? A: Modern Australian focusing on local produce and sustainable farming methods .
GARETH COLLINS
Gareth Collins - CAPTAIN’S TABLE -
Q: You recently returned from doing the Titanic II Gala Dinners in Macau, New York and London, what was that like? A: It was a fantastic opportunity to explore new environs and see what produce Chef’s are using in other parts of the world and what techniques they are using differently to us. It was a real eye opener in some of our ports of call like Maccau in China and New York and London. Q: What is your favourite cooking style? A: Cooking is like fashion it is continually re-inventing itself and going around in a kind of big loop so I try to adopt what is current and try to see where it takes us, bounce off other chefs that have passion, and keep up to date with latest techniques. So cooking style is a very broad word to answer but I like to dabble with fusions, flavours and colours and mix it with a little bit of the old and a little bit of the new interpreted into what I call Modern Australian with focus on local produce.
Sous Chef Shaun Dejeet brings energy and zest to Palmer Grill. Shaun’s fresh approach and love of food shines through in his modern creative menu. Using the finest in regional and local produce is the essence of his cuisine. Shaun’s preference is to allow the natural flavours of food to express themselves. Q: Who do you draw your influences from? A: I draw influences from the seasons, being an avid gardener, I use what is growing best around me at the time to dictate what and how I cook. I am constantly reading new cookbooks and menus from chefs worldwide to keep current with food trends and new cooking methods. Q: Places you’ve worked? A: Canada (Vancouver, Victoria, Fernie, Calgary, Regina, Charlottetown, Halifax) USA (Nantucket Island, Boston, New York), Bermuda (Hamilton), London and now Macau. Q: How would you describe your menu style?
SHAUN DEJEET
Shaun Dejeet
A: Simple! Seasonally driven menu specialising in high quality Australian meats and seafood. Letting the natural flavour of the beautiful produce that Queensland has to offer. Q: You recently returned from doing the Titanic II Gala Dinners in Macau, New York and London, what was that like? A: An amazing experience, great to work with so many other chefs from different countries and cultures, understanding their renditions of cooking practices and techniques. Q: What is your favourite cooking style?
- PALMER GRILL -
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A: Simple, Fresh and grown locally, with Spanish, and Mediterranean influence.
Coolum Beach Qld Reservations: 07 5446 1234
www.palmercoolumresort.com.au profilemag.com.au
T WO E XC E P T I O N A L R E STAU R A N TS . . . ONE DIFFICULT C HOICE.
PALMER GRILL Located in the lobby of the resort, Palmer Grill restaurant is renowned for premium grilled meats and seafood, with an adjoining bar perfect for pre-dinner drinks. A popular dining venue for locals, Palmer Grill features a backdrop of delicious aromas and lively ambience from the open kitchen. The restaurant also offers beautiful daytime views of the golf course and lakes. Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner Reservations: 07 5446 1234
A UNIQUE AND INSPIRING DINING EXPERIENCE
THE CAPTAIN’S TABLE Set in a grove of Angophora trees close to the Village Square, The Captain’s Table offers modern Australian cuisine with a menu that reflects the very nature of the Sunshine Coast. The restaurant features classic high ceilings with exposed rafters and floor to ceiling French windows, overlooking the tranquil water feature and gardens. Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner Reservations: 07 5446 1234
Warran aprilRoad 2013 Coolum Beach Qld Reservations: 07 5446 1234
www.palmercoolumresort.com.au profilemagazine 29
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s someone who has relied on glasses and contact lenses for many years to see clearly, I am quite particular about who is fiddling around with my eyes. Nestled in the heart of Buderim is a brand new optometrist practice where I would be more than comfortable about taking a seat in the optical chair. Sitting down to chat with owner Graham Bohl and his lovely practice manager and wife, Kim, about their new practice, Eyes on Buderim, is very insightful (yes, I said it!). Described as “very careful and precise” by Kim, Graham has more than 20 years of optical experience and is a bit of a pro when it comes to taking a look at vision. Graham’s interest in optometry was sparked at a young age by an optometrist friend of his father’s. “As a 15-year-old boy, I was very intrigued by all the gadgets and machines,” he reflects. Fast forward and Graham graduated from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Optometry. It was shortly after this that he and Kim met at a friend’s wedding. Graham and Kim, both Brisbane born, married two years later, and these days they are as inseparable as when they first met, with the addition of two sons aged 10 and 12. Incidentally, it was Kim who initiated the idea that
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julie and luke
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emember the stories of discovery and treasure – Aladdin gazing in awe at a majestic expanse of a glittering treasure trove, or Alice stumbling onto the delights of Wonderland? The scene when you enter the Rosemount workshop of blacksmith Luke McCrae and his partner, Julie, brings back those delights of discovery, and the product of their work is reminiscent of era’s gone by, featuring sweeping wrought iron staircases, rustic gates and intricate furniture designs that have a majestic hint. Their business, The Blacksmiths, is a place where long-lasting pieces of beauty and quality are created and the couple behind it are driven by passion, creativity and love for what they do. Luke and Julie met more than five years ago when their jobs moved them from Victoria and Biloela respectively, before eventually working next door to each other on the Sunshine Coast. They became close, moving in together and eventually opening their workshop three years ago. Luke has always been handy with the tools, beginning his career as a welder before falling into the blacksmith trade 10 years ago after taking time off from his factory job to assist a blacksmith on a big project. “I feel I was destined to do this, I have always been creative, and
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Graham set his sights on a move into his own practice after many years of consultancy work. “This is my first foray into a full scope practice, and it was out of my comfort zone – Kim was my driving force,” Graham explains of this milestone. Along with working six days a week, Graham finds time to enjoy the Coast from a different perspective by participating in ocean swims, from the 11km Mudjimba to Mooloolaba Charity swim, to competitive events in Noosa and Mooloolaba. The Bohls make the most of Coast life when they step away from the lenses – the boys joining Graham with 5:00am swim starts at the pool is a common occurrence. “It’s good bonding, and as a family we also love to go to the beach or can be found on the bike paths,” Graham and Kim say of their local life. Of optometry, Graham explains, “It’s an enjoyable profession, I get to see a variety of ages, and with our specialty services such as children’s vision, provision of pensioner and veteran’s glasses and eye health screening including diabetic, macula and glaucoma eye checks, we attract a wide range of patients”. With such passion for his work, I have no doubt Graham and his team will enjoy much success in their new venture.
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then one day I found what I enjoyed doing,” Luke says. Luke started big! He was tasked with creating an iconic waiter figure for the front of a well-known Hastings Street café, which proudly stood for years overlooking the bustling Noosa Esplanade, and was only recently removed. “We do intend to track him down one of these days; we always wonder where he ended up!” Luke and Julie laugh. Both have a very grounded and humble approach to their work. “We want to be able to create pieces that everyone can look at and appreciate; it is our way of giving some beauty to the world.” Luke says earnestly. “And we don’t compromise beauty for quality,” Julie adds. Julie uses her talents of sign writing, prop making, designing and sculpting to do just that. On display in the workshop is the beautifully-crafted, recycled dress that won her first place at the Eumundi Markets Wearable Art competition last year. “I always carry a notepad in my handbag … my inspirational space is when I am driving, alone, in the car,” explains Julie of how she comes up with her incredible concepts, including her extensive prop collection featuring (you guessed it) Alice in Wonderland. profilemag.com.au
MAGAZINE FEATURE
Think Money is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a Debt Reduction Kit, consisting of DVDs, one-on-one sessions with a Think Money debt reduction specialist, access to online modules and more. To ENTER to win this amazing prize, please email your name, address and phone number, along with a little info on yourself, to chris@thinkmoney.com.au.
Call 07 5430 4777
chris@thinkmoney.com.au
MEET YASEEN HULL THINK MONEY DEBT REDUCTION SPECIALIST
chris CHILDS | 0419 744 193 | chris@thinkmoney.com.au
WELCOME to this Wealthy ‘n’ Wise magazine feature,
where property investment expert Chris Childs gives you her professional tips on debt reduction.
Feeling daunted as you look at your personal journey to creating wealth? Experience. There is no substitute for it in any successful business. Just ask Chris Childs, founder of Think Money Wealth Through Property. With more than 20 years’ experience under her belt in the financial planning, mortgage broking and wealth creation through property industries, Chris has helped countless people take charge of their finances and turn their lives around. More importantly, Chris has achieved success from her own personal experience, creating her winning system not from theories but from years of experience creating wealth through property herself. Having been a financial planner and mortgage broker for many years, Chris and her husband, Jack, bought their first investment property in 2000. The dynamic duo went on to buy, sell and renovate several properties over the next three years, but it wasn’t until they bought and kept an investment property that they started to see the real value of capital growth. In addition to accumulating a large property portfolio, Chris also opened three mortgage companies in three years and began to teach her clients her top tips and strategies on accumulating wealth through property – hence Think Money was born in 2007. “My mortgage broking clients, having been diligently learning my debt reduction strategies, wanted to learn more about how we were accumulating properties. So I began to teach some of my clients what to do and more importantly what not to do.”
‘Most mortgages can be paid out in five to seven years, just by doing your banking differently.’ Passionate about helping others achieve the same financial freedom she and her family has achieved, Chris now employs a team of professionals to assist clients to achieve their goals while avoiding the pitfalls most of us suffer when we begin the daunting property investment journey with little knowledge and experience. Chris says reducing your debt and accumulating property doesn’t have to impede your lifestyle.
The first step can be the hardest because you are often stepping into the unknown. One thing is true, if you keep doing what you are doing, you will get more of what you have got. My role here at Think Money is to help people over come their fear by educating them on the strategies and concepts of how to actually get started and continue to move forward. Looking at your current financial situation, including how you are doing your banking and how your loans are set up is where I start. From there I analyse your goals and dreams of what you want to achieve financially and only then do I walk you through the steps of planning your wealth creation journey. Having been in the business of debt reduction and wealth creation for several years, I have seen many companies offer wealth creation strategies. Think Money offers amazing support, mentoring and education. It is exceptional and I am proud to be a part of it. I encourage you to call and make a time for a complementary consultation to see what a difference we could make to your journey. To contact Yaseen phone 07 5430 4777
WEALTHY ‘N’ WISE
01
FOCUSING ON BANK ACCOUNT BALANCES FOR SPENDING DECISIONS
If you don’t have a detailed plan for your money, life can get extremely stressful when big bills come in. With a bit of planning, having a buffer fund for the expected (and not so expected) bills, you can more easily avoid financial stress.
02
NOT HAVING A CASH MANAGEMENT PLAN
Setting up a CMP, a detailed budget for planning your income and expenses, is a vital part of reducing debt. Not only can you deal with your finances with ease, but the more organised you get with your money the more you seem to have. A CMP is vital to success.
03
GETTING THE WRONG ADVICE – FROM FAMILY, FRIENDS AND BANKS
Often family and friends, in their effort to protect you from making mistakes, can give you the wrong advice that can hold you back for years. Before you take someone’s advice, look at who they are and what they have and if that’s where you want to be, then take their advice. Banks make profits by setting things up to suit their plan, not yours!
04
AVOIDING CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are a bit like guns. There is nothing wrong with a credit card if treated correctly. In the wrong hands, they can be a problem. Credit cards are actually a great tool in money management as long as you can pay them out each month and pay no interest. Just like with a gun – be careful not to shoot yourself in the foot.
05
FALLING FOR THE ‘INTEREST-FREE’ TRAP
Most people who have fallen for the interest-free credit marketing ploy, have done it for one of two reasons. Either they want the item now and can’t pay for it – not a great idea – or they think they should leave their money in their account and believe they will pay it off during the interest-free term – most don’t. The cost is added onto the item — pay less pay cash.
06
DEBT CONSOLIDATION – YOUR BEST FRIEND OR YOUR WORST ENEMY
Debt consolidation is a bit like credit cards, if treated correctly it can be an awesome way to manage your debts and save a bucket load of interest. But if you just constantly consolidate and then get back into consumer debt, all you will be doing is continually eating your equity.
07
CHOOSING THE WRONG LOAN
The biggest dilemma most people face is deciding what style of loan and whether to go fixed or variable. There is much to explain on this, but getting the right advice to suit your situation is vital. I normally choose variable, and I always choose interest-only – and pay extra, which seems to work effectively with debt reduction strategies.
08
NOT SEPARATING PERSONAL AND INVESTMENT INCOME OR EXPENSES
1.5 million people in Australia invest in property, only .5% get to five properties or more. Why? They don’t keep their personal and invesment money separate. The key to successful investing and stress-free living is to keep these sides quite separate from each other.
09
BELIEVING YOUR HOME LOAN IS A ‘LONG-TERM’ DEBT
Most people assume a home loan is a stone around your neck for 25 years. Best case, by paying weekly or fortnightly you might pay it out in 17. What most people don’t know is that handled correctly, a mortgage should be paid off in five to seven years just by doing your banking differently.
10
PROCRASTINATION
The biggest mistake of all is procrastination. If you look at where you are and what you have and don’t like it – do something about it. Think about your situation this time last year and this time the year before. Are you getting ahead, marking time or going backwards? The next step – you need a coach, a Wealth Coach. Can you name an Olympian who succeeded without a coach?
WEALTHY ‘N’ WISE Don’t believe what your parents told you. The biggest fallacy our parents taught us is to believe your home loan is a ‘long-term’ debt. Most of us saw our parents work hard all of their lives to pay off their mortgage, and then struggle to retire comfortably. It is nurture not nature that keeps most of us imprisoned on the debt mouse wheel. Our grandparents, god bless their little cotton socks, were taught by the banks how to do their banking. They passed this on to their children who passed it on to you. They had a lot to say about money …
RECOGNISE THESE SAYINGS? •• “Money doesn’t grow on trees”. •• “A penny saved is a penny earned”. •• “If you count your pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves”. •• “If you can’t pay for it – don’t buy it”. Most of us believe that we should work hard, save to buy our home, spend the rest of our lives working to pay it off, and hopefully, save a bit to retire on. It doesn’t have to be that hard. By treating your money right in the first place, learning the benefits of how loans should work, and setting up the correct finance platform for both fast debt reduction and smart wealth creation, most of us can pay our homes in five to seven years instead of 25 and get 10 properties in 10 years without struggling with the holding costs. It’s just a matter of setting your loans up properly. Look at your current situation. Have you been paying your loan off for years and seem to be getting nowhere fast? Add up the amount you have paid into your loan to date. Your monthly payment is say $2k x 12 months x 5 years = $120k. Most loans have only reduced by $5k or so in that time. Now we have an OMG moment! Time to do things a bit differently. Change the way you are doing your banking … if you follow the next six steps you will be well on your way to making a huge difference and will get out of debt fast.
STEP 1 GET THE RIGHT LOAN I believe the most powerful way to take control of your money (and life) is to set your financial platform up properly and have a clear plan of how to achieve your goals. I use a line of credit as my preferred option for fast debt reduction. I also prefer to split the debt into two sections, a line of credit and a term loan – both interest only. This enables you to have a smaller chunk of debt to concentrate on paying off at first, therefore you can see a bigger result more quickly which will keep you focused and motivated to do more! How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!
STEP 2 SET UP YOUR MONEY PLAN – (CASH MANAGEMENT) The next vital step is to work out what money comes in and goes out. I use the term ‘money plan’ instead of budget, as unfortunately, the word budget is often associated with pain and restrictions. A money plan is just getting organised with your money, keeping track and making sure that your proposed spending is less than your income. It is also very important to track what you spend against what you planned to spend, otherwise your efforts of debt reduction will always be thrown off track by the ability to afford to respend these savings on ‘stuff’ and shoot your debt reduction plans in the foot!
Using a credit card for all of your spending, and then paying it out on the due date, means you are using the banks money free of charge for up to 55 days. Yes FREE. Now look at it in simple terms. Most people deposit their money into a bank account, and the banks pay little or no interest, and in fact, charge a monthly fee for the privilege of holding your cash. They are also usually sitting on a mortgage with the same bank and paying 6 or 7% interest on the money the bank has lent them. To top it off, they then borrow a few more thousand on a credit card and pay through the nose for the ‘short-term loan’. And worse still, continue to pay that money again and again and again making the item they purchased with the card five times more expensive than if they had paid cash! Let’s break the cycle! (Sorry, getting off the soap box now!)
STEP 4 BANK YOUR PAY INTO YOUR LOAN Let’s cut out the middle man, your bank account that earns you nothing but costs you to have it is like the middle man in a transaction. Banking your money straight into your home loan is like going straight to the wholesaler – saving you a fortune! Your line of credit is just like a bank account. You can bank money in, set up direct debits (but first check if the direct debit can be on the credit card for no extra cost), and you can use an Eftpos card to withdraw cash. All the while your cash is sitting on your loan, reducing the principal and you are paying much less interest. All of your normal spending is being done on your credit card, and you are paying no interest at all on the card. The credit card can be paid out in full on the due date from the line of credit. This can also be set up automatically so you don’t forget!
‘Banking your money straight into your home loan is like going straight to the wholesaler – saving you a fortune!’
STEP 5 STAY ORGANISED This method works so well. But … you need to stay organised. It is much less effective if you don’t actually do Step 2. Because your money is mixed, you can’t look at the available balance of the line of credit to determine what you can or can’t afford. This will often lead to a financial catastrophe, as you get a false sense of wealth. By constantly respending the amount you have reduced your debt by, you will never pay off your loan. This loan is like a loaded gun. In the right hands, it can be a safe and easy method of beating the banks at their debt game. In the wrong hands, or misused, it can shoot you in the foot.
STEP 6 NOW START REALLY GETTING AHEAD ... INVESTING By reducing debt, you are creating more and more equity in your home. Combine this with the natural growth in property and you can start to use this equity to create wealth with the purchase of investment properties and the like. Then the fun really begins. Ahhhh … but that is another good story. Think Money Wealth Through Property specialises in helping people just like you get off the wheel of debt, and start to accumulate wealth, without having to reduce your lifestyle. In fact, our clients usually find the added and unexpected benefit of achieving their goals and reducing their debt improves their lifestyle as well. We teach you the benefits of beating the banks at their own game by using a cash management program and the right loan structure to own your home sooner. Get rid of your credit cards and consumer debt and start living the life you only dreamed about.
ARTICLE CONTINUED OVER PAGE
WEALTHY ‘N’ WISE
STEP 3 USE A CREDIT CARD
WEALTHY ‘N’ WISE
STEP 7 KEEP PERSONAL AND INVESTMENT BANKING TOTALLY SEPARATE The main reason people struggle with their finances is because they do not separate personal and investment income and expenses. By mixing your money you will feel every hiccup of the investment journey in your hip pocket. This is a huge part of my clients’ success. Most of them are on a ‘10 properties in 10 years’ path. This is made easy and stress-free by following this simple rule. We then concentrate on reducing the debt on their own home, allowing for an improved lifestyle, while being able to easily create wealth for retirement by having a self-funding investment portfolio.
TAKE CONTROL NOW!
Think Money offers group seminars on debt reduction and one-on-one consultations with a debt reduction specialist to look at your personal circumstances. First session is FREE! DEBT REDUCTION GROUP WORKSHOP The Think Money Debt Reduction Workshop – learn the secret to fast home ownership.
COMPLIMENTARY DEBT REDUCTION CONSULTATION
This one-hour workshop covers:
Think Money would like to offer you the chance to start to dramatically reduce your debt – without sacrificing your lifestyle.
• Separating your personal and investment finances.
At your free two-hour consultation you will learn:
• How to set up your personal banking platform.
• Proven debt strategies.
• Do your banking to suit you – not the bank.
• The correct loan structure.
• Use credit cards to help, not hinder your plan.
• Financial advice you can trust.
• Comparing loan types.
• Budgeting and cash management.
• Cash management system.
• Record keeping for taxation.
• How to pay your loan out in five to seven years.
• Advanced cash flow planning.
To attend our next debt reduction workshop call 07 5430 4777 or book online at www.thinkmoney.com.au.
• How tp set up your financial platform. To book your consultation with our debt reduction specialist call 07 5430 4777 or book online at www.thinkmoney.com.au.
WEALTHY ‘N’ WISE lynn levitt | 07 5430 4777 | lyn@thinkmoney.com.au
Mindset is something that is strongly maintained and encouraged here at Think Money for clients and staff. Part of Chris Childs philosophy is in order to maintain a great mindset you have to become comfortable with setting goals. If you don’t know where you are going how will you get there? Goals are a necessary requirement for attaining a healthy and most importantly a wealthy mindset. Couple that with a great financial strategy and you are well on your way. It is also a great place for people to start to put together a road map of where they want to get to in the future, or to take their dreams, goals and plans to the next level.
A goal mapping wizard, Lynn Levitt has been setting goals and (more importantly) achieving them for well over 20 years. Four years ago, she became one of just a handful of people in Australia to become a Certified Practitioner in Brian Mayne’s Goal Mapping Success System. Lynn’s passion for business, property and wealth creation has now seen her become part of the Think Money success team. A full-time qualified trainer and coach, with diplomas in business and management, Lynn’s ability to motivate you to create and follow this very easy and successful goal mapping system will leave you wondering how you ever got through life without it! Lynn assists people from all walks of life to achieve a more successful and rewarding lifestyle. Having trained people in business, leadership and personal development, she recently re-entered the investment property market herself, and through her own use of the goal mapping system is now on her way to successfully creating the life of her dreams through property.
Goal mapping has proven to be an amazing way of achieving what you want in life. Lynn gently guides her clients through the stages of goal settting, and if her results are anything to go by, her new clients will certainly be achieving far more than they ever believed possible.
The goal mapping system touches all areas of your life and takes a holistic view of your current lifestyle and what could possibly be holding you back from living the life you want! Lynn works with many successful and wealthy clients who understand the principles of success by goal setting who are now fast-tracking their goals through the goal mapping system.
By learning how to set your goals and focus on them effectively, and by getting both the right and left brains engaged, the sky is the limit to your success!
Book your spot today. We have a number of upcoming one-day courses to choose from.
Think Money is excited to be hosting goal mapping events to help people reach their full potential. You can learn how easy it can be to set and acheive goals using this proven and fun program.
Venue: Think Money House, 55 Sugar Road, Maroochydore. To book phone Think Money on 07 5430 4777 or go to our website to find out more and book your seat at www.thinkmoney.com.au/events
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words christie lenz
ll photography chesterton smith
rom the age of 14, Janelle Parson knew that hairdressing was her passion and she has been pursuing a successful career in the industry ever since. Having managed a string of prominent salons across the Sunshine Coast and run her own burgeoning salon from home, this go-getter decided the time was right to jump into the driver’s seat and launch her own luxury boutique, Meek HD, complete with ocean views at Coolum, in March. However, the road to success has not always been smooth sailing. Involved in a high-speed car crash in July 2011, doctors told Janelle her normal activities would be beyond reach. However, armed with the determination to not give up, Janelle managed to not only fully recover and get the scissors back in her hand, but realise a dream too. She is also quick to thank her clients and locals for their support during tough times and recalls how, with their help, Meek HD was booked out for the first month before the salon even had a phone line. Priding the salon on being unique and satisfying the client’s wants and needs down to the last detail, Janelle is determined to prove Meek HD is a cut above the rest.
janelle parsons
profile: What made you want to pursue a career in hairdressing? janelle: I absolutely love it, I love hair. It’s really like an artwork for me. I get a blank canvas every time somebody sits in my chair. It’s the opportunity to transform their look into something they didn’t think was possible. Being able to see the positive effect and boost their self-confidence makes it worthwhile every time. profile: What prompted you to take the next step and open your own business? janelle: I was just ready and I knew I had something to offer that nobody else was offering. From there I found this great location with ocean views, and the rest is history. profile: How would you describe your salon? janelle: I always like to say it’s a cross between boutique and luxurious. We have the views, we have the service and we really like to set the atmosphere from the moment the door opens. My great staff provide an experience everyone should try at least once. profile: What do you believe is your point of difference? janelle: I want to say everything. I have focussed on every detail of the salon, from its location to the comfort of the seats through to the quality of my staff. The experience and details that go into it, along with a great finished product make it more than just getting a haircut. profile: What are this season’s must-have styles and products? janelle: The latest styles have come from the 60s retro glamour of volume and texture through to heavy side-swept or full fringes, along with earthy tones and rich depth to colours. As for products, we stock De Lorenzo, Evo and Cloud 9. These are amazing products which complement our in salon service at Meek HD. profile: What do you think makes a memorable hairdressing experience? janelle: It’s all about the service, the pampering and the atmosphere – where you just walk in and feel the fun and leave your troubles at the door.
profile: Where do you see your business headed in the future? janelle: I really want this salon to set the scene – great staff, great clients and a great atmosphere. Ultimately, we want to be award-winning and nationally recognised. We are already on that path having been entered into the Hairdressing Salon of the Year at this year’s Australian Hair Expo. profile: Why did you choose the Coolum location? janelle: We’ve had overwhelming support from the locals. I’ve been here for about 10 years and just love the Coolum area – the lifestyle, the people and that real boutique feel when you walk along the Esplanade. I chose the location for Meek HD because of all of this but I also have great ocean views that set the tone from the moment you walk in the door. profile: You had a real set back with a serious car accident, how has that influenced you? janelle: Doctors told me that I wouldn’t get some of my movement back and that normal activities were outside of my reach. I didn’t want to accept that and I just wanted to get better. It made me really stop and assess where I was in my life and where I wanted to be. I have two beautiful children and I had a passion for hairdressing and I wanted it all back.
Meek HD – Phone 5446 2777 www.meekhd.com.au
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profile loves
clutch it Adorne metal cage facet jewel clasp clutch, RRP $59.95. Visit www.adorne.com.au
soul mate glamour knit
Fresh soul streamline dress, RRP $89.95. Available from www. threadsandstyle.com.au
Metal Angora Knit, RRP $84. Available from Therapy fashion boutique, Caloundra. Phone 5499 7936
in chains Moroccan Capped Chain Tassel earrings, RRP $22.95. Visit www.adorne.com.au
with Johanna Jensen fashion and beauty editor
The timeless combination of black and gold says it all when it comes to luxury fashion. Add embellishments or gold accessories to complete the look.
stylish specs Karavan glasses, RRP $330. Available from Eyes on buderim. Phone 5477 0293
ankle biter Dynasty Heel in black pony hair, RRP $410. Available from Denim Co Fashion. Phone 3844 0302.
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FASHION & ACCESSORIES
april 2013
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vanity case delectably decadent
Look and feel radiant with this chocomania light and fragrant beauty oil for body, hair and face, RRP $25.95. Available from The body shop, Maroochydore. visit www.thebodyshop.com.au
finishing touch Girls’ night out LCN lipgloss, RRP $24. Available from www.lcnaustralia.com.aU
sweet scent Stimulate your senses with the Cristina Re Fragranced Diffuser. Fill your bathroom with the scent of Lychee, Complete with 24CT Gold-Plated Glass Bottle, RRP $34.95. Available from www.cristinare.com
indulge your hair Treat your hair with a leave-in treatment. Kevin Murphy young again, RRP $49.95. Available from Kooshka Hair, Mooloolaba. Phone 5444 7715
with Johanna Jensen fashion and beauty editor
Take some time for yourself and indulge in a little luxury. We’ve found these luscious bathroom products to fit with any budget. hair care Pureology hydrate shampoo and conditioner, RRP $35 each. Available from Platinum scissors, Maroochydore. Phone 5479 1944
lush lotion Allegra Rhodes ocean mist body lotion, RRP $32.95. Available from www.allegrarhodes.com.au
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luxury fragrance Jean Patou Joy perfume, RRP $150 (50ml). Available from David Jones and Myer stores nationally
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the good life
ll photography calli b photography
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hey say nothing worth having comes easily, and spa owner Rachel Deguara is proof of that. Having had a passion for beauty therapy from the age of 17, life happened and Rachel got engaged, married, had two beautiful girls, and successfully opened two mechanical workshops with her husband before having the opportunity to re-visit her teenage dream. A chance job offer, 15 years and a diploma later, and the new owner of Soul & Skin Spa is revelling in the coastal lifestyle. Profile catches up with Rachel to talk all things organic, the importance of relaxation and how she finally found peace doing what she loves.
Rachel Deguara
profile: What’s your favourite ‘indulgence’ food? rachel: Enjoying a perfectly-brewed organic coffee is my time-out treat for the day, oh and Darrell Lea Orange Balls. If I eat one I end up eating the whole packet!
profile: Do you do organic? rachel: I try to do organic as much as possible. I love to visit the Forest Glen Organic Foodstore & Café. At the Spa we use the amazing organic skincare line Eminence, products are made from organic fruits, vegetables profile: What is your personal philosophy when it comes to health and and herbs and smell good enough to eat. A lot of people don’t realise that what you put onto your skin is just as important as to what you put into well-being? rachel: Enjoy a balanced life, everything in moderation, and never deprive yourself. your body. There are so many chemically-laden products out there it’s scary! Surround yourself with people and things that bring out the best in you and make profile: What health tips do you swear by? you smile. And breathe! rachel: I am a huge fan of Jessica Ainscough ‘The Wellness Warrior’ – she always has something new and interesting to share for anyone wanting to profile: Do you consider yourself a fit and healthy person? rachel: I do. But there is definitely room for improvement! This year I would like lead a healthier lifestyle. to create a little more space in my day. I find just getting up a little earlier than the profile: What motto do you live your life by? kids I am a lot more organised and motivated to exercise and eat better. rachel: Live for today, for you do not know what tomorrow may bring. profile: How do you keep fit and healthy? rachel: Walking my dog at the beach, and yoga. I am really interested in trying profile: What would your dream job be? rachel: I am reminded everyday by my clients how lucky I am to work in stand-up paddle boarding this year. such a beautiful environment. It is highly rewarding to watch someone float out of the spa after a treatment totally revived! I do feel at this stage in my profile: What’s your favourite ‘good’ food? rachel: Thanks to my chickens, nothing beats freshly-laid poached eggs with life I am exactly where I’m meant to be, doing what I love. smoked salmon and spinach for breakfast. profile: What’s your favourite spot here at home? rachel: Living on the Sunshine Coast with its beautiful beaches and great profile: Western medicine or natural medicine? What’s your preference? rachel: My preference is natural medicine, I have a great love of acupuncture, restaurants, there is always somewhere new to explore. It is hard to choose which I was introduced to by the amazing Andrea Bicket (acupuncturist) during just one spot but I love spending the day at Noosa – a walk in the National my pregnancy with my daughter 10 years ago. I try to have a treatment at least Park, a swim at the beach and lunch on Hastings Street is always a day well spent. once a month. I do believe that western medicine does have its place though.
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advice
the facts on breast surgery with Dr Jayne Bambit If you are considering changing your breast shape or size, here is some information on what to expect from the different procedures.
skin from the breasts and remodelling the shape of the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer.
Breast augmentation
The goal is to give you smaller breasts which are attractively shaped and are in proportion with the rest of your body. Although some patients choose breast reduction for cosmetic reasons, many who undergo breast reduction surgery are seeking relief from medical and / or psychological problems associated with the excessive weight of large breasts.
Breast augmentation is the enlargement of one or both breasts by the surgical insertion of specially designed implants. The procedure is generally carried out to enlarge and enhance small or underdeveloped breasts, to balance asymmetry (unequal size / shape), or to improve sagging or loss of breast volume following childbirth and breast feeding. Choosing breast augmentation is very personal and there are many different options when considering this procedure. Breast reduction Breast reduction is surgery to reduce the weight, mass and size of the breasts. The procedure involves the removal of fat, breast tissue and
Breast uplift (mastopexy)
As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts tend to elongate and lose their more youthful form. The nipples tend to descend downwards to a varying degree. There are several different techniques of this procedure and the technique chosen primarily depends on the degree of breast sagging (or ptosis), the resultant scars and the shape you wish to achieve. Lavish Cosmetic Surgery Clinic 5452 5222 www.lavishcosmetic.com.au
Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to lift the breasts. The procedure is generally carried out in those who, for a variety of reasons such as gravity, ageing, weight loss, pregnancy, and breast feeding, have experienced a sagging of the breasts.
Lacking Motivation? No Excitement for life? Can’t get into exercise, overweight, low libido and poor energy? Dopamine is a brain neurotransmitter that controls motivation, happiness, drive, libido and energy. Eating well and exercising is crucial to be healthy, but the body is reliant on a few other things to be able to be happy, motivated, build muscle, lose fat, and produce energy. Three of those things are the right balance of food groups in your diet, protein absorption, and good nutrients. Good nutrients, along with proteins, produce dopamine levels in the brain, further making adrenaline, so you have the energy you require to do the exercise you need to achieve the changes in your body you desire. Dopamine is made from tyrosine – an amino acid, B6, folate, zinc, magnesium, B complex, vitamin C and iron. Depression is very common in today’s society, making it hard to get out there and exercise. Both dopamine and serotonin deficiencies are the main causes of depression. Serotonin is also increased in production when you improve your protein absorption and nutrient intake. If depression has been a concern for you, it may be another sign that you have poor protein and nutrient absorption. Balancing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the diet makes a huge difference when
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it comes to getting results with exercise, once you have the energy to do it. Muscle growth, and weight loss occur easily when you balance your food groups properly, as too much of one, compared to another can influence your production of insulin. Insulin will send a message to your body to either gain or lose weight. You need to make sure your percentages of each food group is correct, while keeping your portion sizes adequate, but not more than you require. Your body will tell you when you are not eating enough, but will not often tell you when you are eating too much. With low dietary protein or poor absorption, your muscles cannot grow or repair. Your muscles are the engine of your body that burn calories, the more muscle you have, the more fat you will burn and the faster your metabolism will become. For anyone who is training, you require at least three to six protein meals daily, you also need to be absorbing it through the gut. Absorption of protein is often taken for granted. If you’ve been ill, or are a little older, there may be a lack of bacteria in the gut necessary to form a complete amino acid chain, which is where a lot of your proteins are manufactured. You should check this if you are weight training and notice no change
in the muscle, or cannot lose weight. You may also notice flat moods as protein is required to make your brain neurotransmitters, hormones, motivation and energy. By addressing each of the above factors, you will have much greater results with the same effort, while improving your mood in the process. If you would like to know more, book a free half hour consult to discuss your options on 5443 1987. Also, you may wish to view the free webinar “7 Steps to Freedom from Anxiety & Depression” at www.advancedwellness. com.au. A webinar is simply a seminar that you can see on the internet. “I thought the webinar was fantastic ... I now have a fuller understanding of my health” L.C. from Buderim www.advancedwellness.com.au Jodi Chapman B.H.Sc. Naturopath Suzi Le Fanue BSc(BMed) ND Naturopath & Nutritionist
Advanced Wellness & Behavioural Centre 5443 1987 44 Baden Powell St, Maroochydore
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business promotion
front row from left to right: Joanna East, Alison Dempsey, Ziena Al-Obaidi, melissa mcmahon. back row: Dean Larkin, Nigel Gray, greg reading, Paul Sheldon, Stuart marshall
Maroochy Waters Medical Practice
ll photography shannon harth
The Sunshine Coast is a wonderful community and home to many families, couples, elderly and individuals who all require health care from time to time. Whoever you are, you only want the best when it’s time for a trip to the Doctor.
To provide excellent service to every patient, every time. Maroochy Waters Medical Practice is a long established practice on the Sunshine Coast where the combination of a solid reputation and professional and caring staff provide excellent healthcare services to the local community. From the moment you enter Maroochy Waters Medical Practice and are greeted by the friendly and helpful receptionists, you can rest assured your experience will be comfortable and professional. The team at Maroochy Waters Medical Practice are managed by in-house practice co-owners Dr Dean Larkin and Dr Ziena Al-Obaidi, with experienced Practice Manager Kerron Bromfield overseeing operations and staff. The dedicated team of doctors, nurses and office staff are committed to caring for their patients and live by the Practice’s Mission Statement “to provide excellent service to every patient, every time”.
All your medical needs under one roof Patients can be assured they will have complete, comfortable and professional health care, with services for all ages, from check-ups to specific procedures, using only the latest medical equipment as well as a range of other healthcare services creating a complete, professional healthcare centre for patients. Services at the centre are extensive and include Family Medicine, Children’s Health and Vaccinations, Women’s and Men’s Health, Skin Checks using Molemax Technology, travel advice, counselling, minor surgery, Health Assessments, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical needs, Asthma management, Pre-employment medicals, Anti-wrinkle injections, Aged and Palliative Care and Diabetes Management. Allied Health Services are also available which include Dietician and Diagnostic Pathology facilities as well as Physiotherapy and Podiatrist being situated next door to the practice, and a pharmacy for easy pick up of prescriptions.
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Testament to the centre’s reputation are comments from patient experiences when visiting the practice, with some expressing their satisfaction of the caring doctors and staff and providing excellent service in a friendly environment. The centre’s GPs also take pride in patient referrals. “I enjoy seeing patients, their husbands or wives, their children, their parents and possibly grandparents – this puts the “family” into family medicine,” shares one of our doctors. You can take comfort in knowing you are in safe hands as the doctors and practice team at our centre have met extremely high standards and training to ensure patient safety by becoming a fully AGPAL accredited practice. They are also invested in the future of doctors, being recognised as a fully RACGP and CSQTC accredited training body. Situated opposite Maroochy River at 24 Denna Street, Maroochydore, the practice is accessible and central, situated conveniently near a shopping complex and bus stops with an adjoining pharmacy. Opening hours are from Monday to Friday (8:30 am to 5:30 pm) as well as Saturday mornings (9am to 12 noon), and for after hours medical attention there is an option to contact fully accredited service Family Care on 13 SICK or 137 425.
Our Current Doctors: Dr Dean Larkin
Dr Paul Sheldon
Dr Ziena Al-Obaidi
Dr Gill Warren
Dr Jodie Bryce
Dr Joanna East
Dr Alison Dempsey
Dr Greg Reading
Dr Nigel Grey
Dr Melissa McMahon
Dr Stuart Marshall
24 Denna St, Maroochydore
Ph: 5479 1177
Visit: www.mwmp.com.au profilemagazine
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how’s your well-being? with Julia Richardson As we all know none of us are perfect and we sometimes need reminding that we need to pay attention to the daily things that occur in our lives that could be having an effect on our health and well-being. Here are a few to think about. Incorrect breathing Breathing is something that most of us do without much thought. However, did you know that there is a ‘correct’ way to breathe, and – more importantly – that you are probably not doing it? The fact is, many of us go through life breathing incorrectly, yet experts believe that learning to breathe properly could help prevent many conditions including asthma, high blood pressure and anxiety. Most of us take shallow breaths and breathe from our chests; however, breathing from the abdomen is considered to be a healthier way to breathe as it provides us with more oxygen with each breath. To help boost your physical and mental health, spend some time each day concentrating on your breathing technique, trying to focus on abdominal breathing.
Not drinking enough water Did you know that thirst can be a sign that you are already dehydrated? Yet this is something that many of experience on a daily basis, as many people underestimate the importance of drinking enough fluids. However, while feeling thirsty every now and then is unlikely to be a cause for alarm, getting enough fluids is essential for keeping your organs healthy, increasing energy levels, helping to detoxify your body, and curbing hunger. Poor posture Shoulder, back and neck problems account for a large percentage of work-related absenteeism, yet much of this is related to poor posture. Many of the physical problems related to poor posture – including headaches and digestive problems as well as back and neck pain – are completely avoidable and can be alleviated by paying attention to your body’s position, particularly while you are at your desk. Slouching or hunching over your desk are common reasons why office workers in particular suffer so much with back pain. To avoid this, try to make sure that your
monitor is high (at eyeline level) so that you are forced to sit upright and with a straight back. Sitting down According to a number of research studies, sitting for long periods of time puts you at risk of dangerous illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, even if you are otherwise physically active. If you spend a lot of time sitting still at work, try to make an effort to move more often. Taking on too much With many of us juggling personal commitments alongside heavy workloads we continually try to multi-task and squeeze too much into our days. To look after your mental and physical health, make a list of your tasks and priorities and get rid of any tasks that aren’t completely necessary. Also, make sure you take all the breaks you are entitled to and find some time at the end of each day to relax and unwind. Fernwood Fitness Maroochydore 5479 0744 www.fernwoodfitness.com.au
toothbrush training with Dr Simone Ricketts Welcome to the world to all the beautiful babies born on the coast recently. Even during the first 12 months of life, it is so important to establish healthy lifetime habits like toothbrush training. Tooth brushing should begin as soon as the tiniest bit of the first baby tooth appears in the mouth! Did you know that by the time baby is born, a full set of baby teeth have already begun to form underneath the baby’s gums? Baby’s first tooth usually erupts through the gums between six and nine months of age. Rarely a baby will be born with a tooth already present in the mouth. More often, 20 baby or deciduous teeth will appear over the next two to three years. The first teeth to appear are usually the lower front incisors. Dentists describe and identify baby teeth using the letters A B C D E. Front incisor teeth are A and B. Canine teeth are C, while back molar teeth are D and E. Just like adult teeth, baby teeth can decay from the time they appear in the mouth. Decay happens when bacteria use sugars from food to make acids. The acids attack teeth causing mineral loss and cavities. 54
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Babies are not born with decay-causing bacteria in their mouths. The bacteria are passed to babies by direct contact, such as kissing baby on the lips, sharing drink bottles and cutlery, and parents cleaning baby’s dummy in their own mouth.
Use a “Show and tell” technique. For example, you can brush your teeth as your child imitates you, then tell your child how to brush while you observe. Another option is allowing the child to be responsible for morning tooth brushing while a parent does the evening brushing.
Remember tooth-brushing should begin as soon as the first baby tooth is visible in the mouth! Even if it is only a few millimetres of tooth showing, brush it using a small, soft toothbrush twice a day.
Children do not have effective manual dexterity to be able to brush on their own until at least eight to nine years of age, so toothbrush training is part of everyday life that you have to be involved in. Tooth paste is not necessary for baby during the first 12 months, after that, only a light smear of toothpaste on the brush is needed.
Toothbrush training is just as important as any other healthy hygiene habit you plan to encourage in your baby. The earlier you start, the easier the healthy habit becomes an accepted routine for baby. Make brushing a fun, quality time by singing songs, talking, or playing music. Try a colorful battery-powered toothbrush which adds a novelty factor to cleaning teeth. Lead by example. Children will tend to imitate the behaviour of the parents. If oral hygiene and healthy teeth are important to you, they will be important to your child.
Suffice to say, the best way to keep baby’s teeth healthy is to keep your own, your partner’s and baby’s sibling’s teeth, decay free and healthy . Visit your dentist regularly to preserve your own oral health, which will ultimately have great benefit for your child. Smile by Design 5443 2888 www.smilebydesign.net.au
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FERNWOOD FITNESS BUSINESS PROMOTION
lose that muffin top with cell-IQ It is a problem a lot of women struggle with – not being able to lose that stubborn weight from trouble areas such as the thighs and stomach despite regular exercise and visible results in other areas of the body. Weight loss alone often doesn’t deal with these problem areas, however the latest advance in weight loss technology is promising a solution to this. The introduction of new non-invasive and revolutionary fat reduction technology could put an end to spending weeks or even months exercising without achieving the results you want. Cell IQ is a smart alternative to surgery which uses low-level laser energy to target areas that don’t respond to regular exercise. It is safe, relaxing and pain free and the results of the technology are noticeable straight away. The key to the technology is using low levels of laser energy to disrupt and reduce fat cells, removing and mobilising the contents. The dislodged fat is then burnt off when you exercise immediately following treatment without affecting the skin, blood vessels and nerves surrounding it.
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Results will vary depending on size, lifestyle and diet but just eight 36-minute treatments with Cell IQ, followed by exercise, make it possible for women to lose body fat from those trouble spots. Sticking to a healthy diet and follow up exercise program will see people gain better results and exercise specifically designed to burn energy is the most effective way to make the most of treatment.
“I can’t believe the amazing results I had with cell-IQ, I had already lost 15kg but was unable to shift those stubborn fat areas around my middle. I am now in a bikini for the first time since I was a teenager and feel Fabulous!” – Mel, Fernwood Maroochdore.
before cell IQ
Cell IQ is exclusively available from Fernwood Fitness Maroochydore. So if you are worried about those troublesome love handles and muffin tops, this treatment has all the tricky spots covered, including; thighs, buttocks, stomach, calves, knees, arms and hips.
after cell IQ
To book in for your free Cell IQ consultation please contact Fernwood Fitness Maroochydore on 5479 0744.
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travelfile
ll words genine howard
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is renowned as a couple’s escape and is host to a plethora of unique and romantic accommodation options. Genine Howard discovers one such escape that certainly impressed; with its elevated walkways and individual tree houses set high in the treetops, Secrets On The Lake in Montville has made it into her top five Queensland romantic retreats. Discover why this place is so special and how this ‘love nest’ is not just for the birds.
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he satin bowerbird (ptilonorhynchus violaceus), found along the east coast of Australia, certainly knows a thing or two about wooing a female. This stunning-looking bird, almost a deep purple in colour, spends his time building extravagant ‘bowers’ to attract the opposite sex. The bowers are a specialised stick structure which they decorate with objects of blue – rainforest berries, flowers, and even ballpoint pens, drinking straws and clothes pegs! Female satin bowerbirds are clearly enamoured by these bowers, and choose a mate dependant on their elaborate construction and decorative items – the more magnificent the bower, the luckier the male will get. Nesting, however, is purely the female’s domain, and she heads off to build her own nest to lay and incubate the eggs, leaving the ‘love shack’ purely for romantic-purposes. Segue to Secrets On The Lake tree houses of Montville … just like a Satin Bowerbird’s highly-decorated bower, these romantic tree houses are adorned with the most magnificent decorative touches I have come across in my many
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travels. Yes, I think I have certainly found my preferred ‘bower’ right here in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. In fact, our elevated tree house was aptly named ‘The Bower’ and provided my husband and I a romantic love nest for a weekend away (pre baby of course). I get to experience some amazing places with both my business and my lifestyle (lucky me), and I have to say that Secrets On The Lake tree houses not only exceeded my expectations but made my top five places to stay in Queensland. Yes, I, like a female bowerbird, was besotted by the decorative charm of our bower – each of the 10 individual tree houses have been ‘made with love’; each one cleverly decorated with unique wood carvings, touches or wrought iron and craftsmanship throughout the expansive rooms. Even the elevated timber walkways and bridges are not immune to the skilful hands of craftsmen, with each join and woody knob wood-turned into whimsical sculptures of rainforest possums, tree frogs, geckos and birds. There is so much detail you simply can’t take it all in on one stay.
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On Secrets ke, The La lle Montvi
Our tree house spanned two levels – the lower level featuring a gloriously deep spa bath surrounded by wrought iron structures dotted with candles and encased in wooden carvings (perfect for my swollen 38-week pregnant belly at the time!). Outside, the large deck overlooked the tranquil waters of Lake Baroon and rainforest trees (complete with daily visits from brightly coloured rosellas, kookaburras and butcherbirds). Here we spent our late afternoons lazing on the massive couple’s swing and enjoying a barbeque hamper. And speaking of food, we certainly indulged over the weekend; on arrival all guests get to choose their breakfast delights from the breakfast hamper, including cereals, freshly-baked breads, fruits, yoghurt and home-baked croissants and muffins (delivered hot to your door each morning). Guests even are given a bottle of complimentary bubbles for a Champagne breakfast – delightful! We added on a barbeque pack for our dinner and were overwhelmed by the offerings – from steak to salmon, and all include fresh salad, coleslaw, april 2013
hot garlic bread and decadent desserts (including ice-cream!); heaven for anyone, especially someone as pregnant as me. The food delights didn’t stop there; afternoon scones with jam and cream, little surprise packages of chocolates for the spa, and a new café located at reception in case of the need for a caffeine fix or another bottle of bubbles arises. With all that food on offer, luckily the location of Secrets On The Lake offers up a variety of activities; adventurous guests can take out a canoe onto the lake, or grab a fishing rod and try their luck for bass or perch before taking a rainforest walk through local bushwalking trails. For the less adventurous (or heavily pregnant) you can play billiards on the antique billiard table in the main reception building, wander through the gorgeous gardens and walkways of Secrets, borrow a DVD from the library and kickback in your air-conditioned tree house during summer, or stoke the fireplace for a snuggly, romantic winter night-in. Speaking of romance, it is no wonder Secrets On The Lake has a high rate of marriage proposals … it is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend away to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary or a place to pop the question. In fact, the lower garden area by the lake is a magical setting for a wedding, complete with handcrafted platforms set among lily ponds and waterfalls and lush green grass, flower beds, and even an antique-style boathouse. My husband and I wandered through the gardens imagining a second wedding – to each other, of course! And that’s the thing about Secrets On The Lake; it is such a romantic, tranquil spot that you simply cannot help but be swept away by it all and reconnect with your beloved. I am not sure if it is the food, the ambience or the whimsical decorations of each of the tree houses, but I, much like a female satin bowerbird, was lured by our Secrets on the Lake ‘love shack’. And again, as is with the courting ritual of the satin bowerbird, it’s time for me to head and make my own nest for the impending arrival of ‘Baby G’. But I shall be back to experience Secrets On The Lake again for another romantic escape. Genine Howard was a guest at Secrets On The Lake
FACTS Secrets On The Lake 207 Narrows Road, Montville Phone: 5478 5888 www.secretsonthelake.com.au 10 individual tree houses plus ‘The Whistle Stop’ – a 100year-old renovated cabin suitable for families. All tree houses have sunken spas, fireplaces and lake views. Breakfast hampers complimentary. Barbeque hampers, picnic hampers, gourmet chocolates and in-house massages can all be arranged Check website for special offers and packages
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industry talk
Welcome to this month’s edition of Industry Talk; a place where we invite our business experts to answer your questions – for free! It can certainly be tough running a business on your own, so our experts will be on hand each month to offer advice in areas of accounting, law, marketing and human resources. Submissions are open for your business questions – simply email your question to editorial@profilemag.com.au (business name and contact details will only be published with consent).
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Sandra Wills
Director, Wealthways sandra.wills@wealthways.com.au www.wealthways.com.au
“Are shares really high-risk?” In financial terms, ‘risk’ can mean a lot of different things. To me, the only risk that matters is the risk of losing my money. Shares are clearly a very legitimate, tangible and important asset class. If your employer is making contributions into the default option of Australia’s largest not-for-profit superannuation fund on your behalf, approximately 60 per cent of your contribution will be invested into shares (1). Why? Because shares are liquid, they generate income and they will consistently match or outperform returns from other asset classes over the longer term. If you follow three basic rules it’s virtually impossible to lose your money by investing in shares:
Tasha Hungerford Director, Grow Accounting. B.Com CPA tasha@growaccounting.com.au
“Are there any opportunities or risks that I should be aware of for my business in this tax year?” As always, the ATO likes to tinker with their law and this year has been no exception. Luckily, many of the changes have been good for small (under $2m turnover) business owners. The things you should consider this year are:
Never own shares in just one company. Don’t buy shares unless you are in a position to hold them for at least five to seven years or longer. Don’t buy or own shares unless you fundamentally understand the business.
•• An individual can earn $18,200 before paying any tax. This is a huge increase from the previous threshold of $6,000. It means you should be looking at wages vs distributions for your family group. It also means you need to have been using updated PAYG withholding rates since July 2012, as employees need less tax taken from their pay.
Remember that there are only two ways to buy shares: Pick your own shares and manage your own share portfolio or have someone else pick your shares and manage them for you.
•• You can buy equipment (furniture, computers, tools etc) that cost up to $6,500 and get a full tax deduction for it this year. Last tax year’s limit was only $1,000.
If you want someone else to pick your shares for you, make sure it’s not your local financial planner, stockbroker, accountant, solicitor, next door neighbour, hairdresser or mate. The vast majority of long-term investors are not interested in speculating or experimenting with their hard earned wealth – pay a professional fund manager to manage your shares for you. (1) Source: Target strategic asset allocation for Australian Super’s Balanced Fund as per current Product Disclosure Statement dated July 2012
•• If you are looking to buy a new or secondhand vehicle you get to claim a deduction of $5,000 this tax year and also an additional 15 per cent on the balance of the vehicle cost. •• The largest negative change was the reduction in super contributions that a tax deduction can be claimed for (concessional contributions) if you are over 50 years old. In the 2011 / 12 year you could claim up to $50,000. However, this limit has now been reduced to $25,000 for everyone. Boring legal bit! As always this is general advice and not specific to your circumstances please discuss your individual circumstances with your qualified advisor.
“I want to ensure my team is delivering the best customer service possible, where do I start?” Most businesses spend a lot of time, effort and money on teaching potential customers about their business through marketing of some description. The problem is many businesses forget to teach their staff with the same level of enthusiasm and passion! I recently read a quote by Richard Branson that said, “The way you treat your employees is the way they will treat your customers”. So, with this in mind, here are some topics you could add to your internal staff training and development processes,
Terri Carr
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What is your workplace culture? What are your goals and values? Who are your clients / customers? What are their needs, concerns, expectations? What are your products? How do they work? How do your products and services meet your customer’s expectations? How do you customise your services and products to meet specific client needs? What are each person’s roles and responsibilities within your team? What makes each employee’s role important and valued within the team? Where does everyone fit inside the “big picture” of the business? How do you encourage and value feedback from your staff? How do you enable team members to contribute ideas and opinions? How do you reward your staff? Developing positive, happy, satisfied staff members will lead to positive, happy, satisfied customers … and that has to be good for business! profilemag.com.au
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considering commercial property with Linda Ireland Investing in a commercial property offers exciting opportunities, but as an investor you need to be aware that it can work quite differently from residential property investment. ‘Commercial property’ covers a range of options, from office and retail space through to car parks and industrial properties such as warehouses and factories. You may be surprised by this, but investing in commercial properties can be quite affordable, sometimes costing less than many residential properties. The basics of investing in commercial property are very similar to residential property investment. But there are some important differences that you should be aware of. To begin with, commercial property leases usually run for much longer periods than residential properties – typically several years rather than six to 12 months. This gives you greater certainty of rental income, plus rent tends to be reviewed
at least annually. However, when first finding a tenant or in between tenancies, investors can experience longer vacancy periods. Unlike residential property, the costs of maintenance, rates and repairs on a commercial property are paid by the lessee. However, be sure your commercial lease spells out who is responsible for the property’s ongoing expenses. There are a wide variety of commercial property loans available and most work in much the same way as a residential home loan. As an investor, you can choose from a variable rate, fixed rate, combination between variable and fixed rate, principal and interest or interest-only loan, often with useful features available like fee-free additional repayments or an offset facility. Alternatively, you may prefer a line of credit commercial mortgage. This gives you funding up to a predetermined limit and you only pay interest on the funds drawn down.
You usually need a larger deposit to secure approval for a commercial mortgage. Most lenders offer a maximum loan to valuation ratio of 70 per cent, which means you would need to save as a deposit a minimum of 30 per cent of the purchase price plus costs. If you are a homeowner, offering your home as collateral (security for the loan) can be a way of securing a lower rate loan. There are a range of options so it pays to have a broker show you all your commercial property loan options to find one that is suited to your needs and budget, giving you a clear idea of how much you can afford to borrow and the regular loan repayments. Mortgage Choice 5476 9333 linda.ireland@mortgagechoice.com.au
cross sales essential to banking? with Laurie Clarke This is the second of a series of articles based on the seven categories BOQ uses in its Branch of the Year Awards, which the Maroochydore branch was fortunate enough to win this year. Deposits were the subject of the first article; this edition is about cross sales. Cross sales is the process of value-adding to customer relationships by providing products such as credit cards, a range of insurances and merchant facilities, as well as the core products such as loans, bank accounts, etc. The products I am referring to enable some fantastic things – for example they allow users to save money, save time and / or protect their money. So why does it haves a questionable name in some quarters? The answer is in the delivery of the message. The banker / customer interaction can come across as product-pushing if not done professionally. Many bank customers in fact get
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annoyed and uncomfortable at the constant “asking” whenever they go into their bank. Staff can also feel pressure to meet high sales targets, and that can lead to behaviour that is not necessarily in the customer’s best interests. It doesn’t have to be like that. The proposition is pretty simple – people need these basic products to manage their financial position. And banks provide them. It is logical the relationship works hand-in-hand to efficiently meet these needs. The depth of this relationship is one factor that differentiates banks from other financial institutions and brokers – it is a direct and fullservice relationship. The key issue is that the offering and discussion is based on a genuine understanding of the customer, their needs and preferences. Banks are in a privileged position in being able to understand a customer’s needs from their account transaction activity – e.g. income, financial commitments, savings capacity, etc.
The analysis of that information provides ideas on the type of products that will help customers save time, money, and protect themselves against risks. The next step is to have a conversation to confirm the needs and agree on a plan. Cross sales are critical to banks as they increase the income per customer and help offset the relatively high cost of operating a bricks-andmortar network. But the customer and their needs always come first. If that is always the driving motivation for cross-sale discussions, then long-term business success will follow. BOQ Maroochydore 5451 9600 laurie.clarke@boq.com.au
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aving assisted clients with all their accounting and financial needs for the past 30 years, PWA Financial Group in Caloundra has accrued a wealth of experience – and unsurprisingly an impressive base of loyal clients. PWA lets its quality service speak for itself and their clients reap the benefits from the extra emphasis they place on building long-term relationships. To PWA, every person who walks through the door is not just a number but a valued client whose financial needs are just as unique as the individual. Partner, Peta Grenfell says, “We have been lucky to have a strong and stable business – and we believe it is because we are approachable and talk to our clients in real terms rather than jargon. We look at people’s financial needs holistically, and don’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach; we don’t cut corners and try and minimise costs by not doing a great job. We have a really great team that has been here for years and that shows in the work we provide”. Peta says the stability of their team is a huge asset. Each client has a dedicated team, including a Partner, Manager and Assistant, who looks after them year after year, meaning they have a thorough understanding of each client’s business and financial affairs. The team at PWA also has a diverse range of experience across many different businesses and sectors so doesn’t just specialise in one area. “From small business owners to professionals to property developers, it’s always good to have people with different expertise because everyone’s needs are different.” This long-standing commitment to client satisfaction, along with a business which prides itself on being holistic in its approach to solving and assessing a client’s financial needs, sets it apart from many other accountants. “Our new clients are generally referred from existing clients. People’s financial matters are very important to them and we find that when
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ulli bendle and peta grenfell
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they are looking for a new accountant or financial planner they usually seek recommendations from family and friends.” The accountants at PWA Financial Group also work closely with their in-house financial planning division. They offer services ranging from retirement planning to insurances, investments and spending plans. PWA also work with a network of other professionals to ensure that any opportunities identified can be resolved with the expertise of a specialist – this can range from Estate Planning needs to Human Resource advice and many things in between. In a nutshell their approach to business is simple – happy clients equals a
We don’t cut corners – we are ethical ... and believe in doing things right.” happy business. “We don’t cut corners – we are ethical and pride ourselves on technical competence and doing things right. Businesses who don’t meet their clients’ needs don’t usually survive. The fact that PWA has been in business for 30 years is testament to the fact we must be doing something right. Our number one focus is to provide excellent service to our clients, it is intrinsic in everything we do.” PWA Financial Group P 5436 0300 E info@pwafinancial.com.au 12 Baldwin Street, Caloundra
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icki Holder’s business, House and Land Solutions, was born from a desire to provide clients with the best possible service when building a new residential home or investment property on the Sunshine Coast, in regional areas of Queensland or interstate. As a licenced real estate agent and with extensive legal experience under her belt, Micki discovered a niche in the new construction market where she could utilise her experience to provide clients with a total hands-on service package when building a new home. House and Land Solutions was nominated as a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Business Awards 2012 category for Specialist Services which is testament to this small business’s ongoing success and dedication to client services.
Life changing milestone 1: Moving to Africa for a year, 2006 My husband and I lived in the eastern suburbs in Sydney and our young daughter was in long day care five days a week. Life for us was all about working and paying off a mortgage. My husband suggested we pack up our lives and travel for a year around southern Africa on a do-it-yourself safari and we did just that! Friends and family must have thought we were crazy travelling with a two-year-old through Africa, often sleeping under the stars in remote areas. But the journey opened my mind to nature and I met people from different cultures who have so much less than we have in the West, but in essence are so much happier in their lives. The experiences we had will stay with us forever and helped shape our future. Life changing milestone 2: Changing career path, 2007 We returned to Australia and decided to settle in Brisbane. After more than 10 years in Sydney working with large corporate law firms, I was looking for a career change. We decided to sell our Sydney unit, and my personal experience of dealing with real estate agents at the time opened my eyes to the frustration that came with the lack of service I found in the industry. I was driven to become a real estate agent with a view to starting my own business one day that would be built on integrity, ethics and a genuine desire to provide clients with 110 per cent service. 62
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Life changing milestone 3: Making the move from employee to entrepreneur, 2009 After becoming a fully licenced agent, I worked for a short period in a Brisbane real estate office. This gave me the opportunity to sell vacant land to clients in a local new development. I soon discovered vacant land buyers often had lots of questions and needed guidance as to what type of home could be built on the block to suit their needs and, most importantly, their budget. Traditionally, real estate agents focus on the land sale and do not get involved in the build. The buyer was really left to their own devices to source a builder themselves. I saw this as an exciting opportunity to really help people (especially first home buyers) and the vision for my own unique business came from this experience. I stepped into the world of starting my own small business and the highs and lows associated with starting a business from scratch. Life changing milestone 4: Building client relationships, 2010 to present My own personal journey has been enriched through the clients I have met and worked with through the business. I helped build homes for clients from various cultural backgrounds, young excited first home buyers, seasoned investors, mum and dad developers and even special needs clients build homes to suit their disabilities. The journey I go on with a client to build a new home is often one that takes a period of many months with regular communication. I have been fortunate to get to know clients on a personal level throughout the process and many have shared their life stories with me, which often has humbled me. The client relationship grows into a friendship, which I enjoy long after the house has been completed and the keys handed over. Life changing milestone 5: The importance of a strong family unit, 2012 Just when life was going so very well as a family and we were counting our blessings, my nine-year-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes last year. As diabetes doesn’t run in our family it was a huge learning curve for us all and as a family it brought us all closer together, more than I could have imagined. The importance of a strong family unit in times of unexpected situations like this is critical. It made us pull together and refocus on what is truly important, and for me it was being even more loving and patient as a parent and a more understanding and supportive partner for my husband. profilemag.com.au
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asset structure and strategy with Debbie Riddiford There are various types of structures available to consider once you have decided to purchase one or more assets, including operating a business. You should take the time to review all structure options because getting it right can have long-term benefits, and getting it wrong can be a disaster. Some of the ownership structures that may be more suitable than having it in your own name include companies, trusts, partnerships and superannuation – all of which offer different advantages and disadvantages i.e. tax ramifications. There are many areas to consider when it comes to protecting your assets. Australia has a lot of sophisticated legislation and regulations (red tape) which makes it more important to have the right structure in place which may save you considerable costs in the future. Many people incorrectly believe that you only get one chance at structuring your assets. Of course it’s best to get it right the first time, however, as circumstances, legislation, life, etc change – so may the requirements of your structure.
Most accountants or advisors don’t bother looking at this, leaving everything the same, often missing many opportunities to save you money. Areas to consider for both now and in the future: •• Who should receive the income and capital? •• Is there a need for investment assets to be protected against potential future creditors? •• Are there special family considerations related to who should own assets or receive income? •• What level of flexibility is needed as far as debt and leverage is concerned? •• What are the tax implications of each structure? •• What estate planning issues need to be addressed? One of our business advisors recently met with a business owner who was losing bucket loads of money unnecessarily. After reviewing and changing their entity structure the results provided them with: •• Savings on tax •• Reducing their debt
•• Improving their cash flow •• Improving their flexibility Business debt was converted from personal debt, so if the worst happened and the business went belly up, the business is liable for the debt first. Just doing these things saved that business a whopping $350,000 in two years. Consider: •• Limiting the people in your family who have exposure to the debts of your entity or business. Do you both ‘need’ to be directors? •• Reviewing your current entity structures. •• Taking security over loans that you make to your entities or to other people. •• Superannuation as an effective asset protection alternative. It is from the wealth that you create that you are able to live the life that you want. Ensure you have the right structure in place for your assets. PJT Accountants & Business Advisors 5413 9300 www.pjtaccountants.com.au
buying your first home sooner with Micki Holder Many refer to it as The Great Australian Dream – to own one’s own home, and thankfully, here in Queensland there are some great government incentives to assist singles or couples get out of the rental cycle and into their own homes sooner.
The $15,000 grant unfortunately cannot be relied upon as part of the deposit for the home. The grant is paid either upon settlement of the new house or during the course of construction of the new home.
So what is the First Home Owner Construction Grant?
Am I eligible for the grant? To be eligible, first home buyers:
The First Home Owner Construction Grant (FHOCG) was introduced on 12 September, 2012 replacing the previous $7,000 first home buyer’s grant. This $15,000 grant is to assist first-time buyers purchasing off-the-plan or newly-constructed properties.
•• Must be at least 18 years of age.
The new grant effectively added an extra $8,000 to the original scheme as well as stimulating the building industry in Queensland. With the introduction of the FHOCG, the last quarter report of building approvals in Queensland has had an impressive, positive turnaround which is in part reflective of the success of the grant.
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•• Must not be a company or a person acting as a trustee. •• Must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident (or a joint applicant with someone who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident).
•• Must not sell the property within a year of moving in. •• Must buy or build a property worth less than $750,000. The full details of the eligibility criteria are available on the Office of State Revenue website at www. osr.qld.gov.au. Building a new home can be such a rewarding experience. Ensure that you work with professionals who can bring your dream of a new home into a reality. House & Land Solutions 0412 955 006 info@houseandlandsolutions.com.au
•• Must not have previously received a First Home Owner Grant in any state or territory of Australia. •• Must make the property the principal place of residence within one year of taking ownership and live there for at least six months.
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xpand offices Business is dynamic and opportunities come and go; so what option is there for businesses who aren’t ready or willing for the big rental commitment? Here are just a few business / office dilemmas I have heard over the years: “This business is too big for my home office, I need room to grow.” “I need somewhere there is peace and quiet; distractions at home (good and bad) are really cutting into our productivity.” “We have bucket loads of potential but we’re still fledgling and preserving our cash.” Serviced offices can be a cost effective alternative to traditional office leasing. Essentially, under a managed system, a group of unconnected businesses can work as a collective who split costs. The right serviced office can give you most of the upside of more space without the upfront cost and ongoing commitment of signing a lease on new premises. Let’s look at the numbers for someone who just needs an office for a few people. For an office space that has up to four workstations in comfort, a meeting room, bathrooms, reception and boardroom / training room, let’s say that’s 100m2 at a squeeze. You are locked in for a lease period of generally three to five years. No space to grow and no chance to downsize either. After seeking an answer to his own office dilemma, Ed, who was formerly the local business support officer for Sunshine Coast Council, is launching a new ‘boutique’ serviced office complex at Twin Waters. He is currently taking expressions of interest. For more information email Edward@xpandoffices.com.au
hot business events Hot Business Events is a reasonably new company to the Coast but its owners Gerry and Donna Morris have been involved in the events industry for more than 12 years. In that time they have booked some of the best-known guest speakers in the country and have been involved with thousands of conferences, not only statewide but also nationally and internationally. They have taken their experiences and formed Hot Business Events to bring exceptionally high-quality presenters to the Coast. Their quarterly business breakfasts have become hot tickets and sell out quickly. Recently they had the wonderful George Negus present, and last November they brought Wayne Bennett to the region. “We know who the good and who the exceptional speakers are, we want to share these wonderful people with everyone and create a vehicle for local business people to come together and enjoy a great event and treat a few clients or staff to some motivational and inspirational messages,” said Gerry. And if they play their cards right they might just find a new customer or client to do business with. “Our aim is to create as many win / win situations for as many people as possible and have them walking out the door itching for the next event. None of this would have been possible without the support of the local business community. So it’s a huge thank you to the Sunshine Coast for their support to enable us to reach for the stars,” Gerry added. www.hotbusinessevents.com.au april 2013
mybusiness The Profile Magazine team is proud to launch our new My Business section, where we introduce you to new and long-standing local business people who share their expertise and secrets to their success with our readers each month. This month, we introduce you to four successful businesses who are leading the way in their respective fields.
the white plan Felicity White’s business, The White Plan, grew out of her professional experience of working in management positions across a diverse range of industries to implement change, launch new products, turn a business around after strategic mistakes or to grow an existing, successful business. Combined with her experience in building two businesses of her own in her 20’s, with time, Felicity began to see a pattern of what really does make or break a business. “The common denominators for limiting a business’s success are firstly, incorrect advice from professionals that the business owners had relied upon in making significant decisions. Normally the advice was incorrect as it was skewed by the source of the advice, either having a professional agenda or lacking the required depth of expertise in that business’s industry,” says Felicity. “Equally as important, the second common denominator is business owners not being true to why they started or bought their business in the first place – the business has become their life without the time or the tools to re-evaluate how it could be better. The White Plan applies a bit of uncommon, common sense to a business while making sure that what we are hoping to achieve is true to what will genuinely fulfil the business owners personal and professional aspirations. Sometimes it can involve a bit of tough talking but we all need that as part of the journey to get to where we want to go.” thewhiteplan@gmail.com
mortgage choice, buderim Reminiscing back to 2004 when they first started out, the team at Mortgage Choice in Buderim is pleased to have helped so many locals achieve their property and financial dreams and want to take this opportunity to thank the community for their support throughout their nine years in business. Enjoying the journey alongside customers, this local mortgage broking team knows that buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions most locals will make. “Whether it is your first, second or third property purchase, you will always have some questions, and at times, doubts. You also face a barrage of information that can make such an important decision seem overwhelming. This is why our team goes out of its way to make this process as smooth and simple as possible for our customers,” said local franchise owner Linda Ireland. On hand to help customers is an experienced team of seven mortgage broking professionals. “We take pride in our work, having successfully helped so many people in the local community to purchase their first home, next home or investment property. In all of this we have stuck to Mortgage Choice’s ‘paid the same’ policy, which ensures that we get paid the same commission rate, regardless of the home loan or lender a new customer chooses. The team at Mortgage Choice in Buderim is devoted to being active members of the local community, and will continue to help local residents reach for their property and personal finance goals for years to come. linda.ireland@mortgagechoice.com.au profilemagazine
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ll photography chesterton smith photography He’s the friendly face that greets us in our lounge rooms each night, but beyond presenting Seven’s Local News, Rob Brough has built an impressive media career, spanning both radio and television. Away from the cameras, Rob’s passion for sport has extended to giving back to the community, he is a charity supporter and also coaches top grade men’s and women’s rugby league teams. Impressively, he was recently announced Coach of the Year at the recent Sports Star of the Year Awards.
Most people don’t know that ... I had the lead role in most of the school musicals.
I grew up in … Slacks Creek in Brisbane. In a little old fibro house in the bush with a belief that where you came from had no bearing on where you were going. I start my day … with our three-year-old old grandson Madden yelling, “Wake up Robbie, let’s go and play”. I would love to be able to … play the guitar or piano. I am happiest when … I’m out on the paddock coaching footy. When I’m not working I’m … usually thinking, watching or coaching rugby league. I wish I could be … on the sideline for an NFL (gridiron) game in the US, preferably watching the Green Bay Packers playing.
Family man Rob Brough has been bringing us the local news for the last 15 years. 66
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Most people don’t know that … I had the lead role in most of the school musicals. When I was growing up I wanted to be … a Grenadier Guard and then later a physical education teacher. My all time favourite movie is … Sleepless in Seattle. My greatest achievement is … hopefully that my kids think I’ve been a good dad. My most annoying habit is … chewing gum. In five years I hope to be … still reading the news on Channel 7. The one person I would like to meet is Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy.
Best meal I ever had was … at Mum’s.
My hidden talent is that … I was pretty handy at marbles when I was in primary school.
My favourite holiday spot is … the Sunshine Coast.
If I didn’t live on the Sunshine Coast … it would be somewhere near the beach.
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