2508 DECEMBER 2014

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FREE

DECEMBER 2014

www.2508mag.com.au

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DISTRICT NEWS

best of the best AUSTRALIA’S LIFEGUARD OF THE YEAR AND HIS AWARDWINNING MENTOR

Helensburgh | Otford | Darkes Forest | Stanwell Tops | Stanwell Park | Coalcliff

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2508 CONTENTS LETTERS 03 Letter of the Month Win a Tradies voucher NEWS 06 Lolly Christmas!

Santa Firies will deliver 08 Keep NSW Beautiful Beach goers take the pledge 12 Greens candidate Otford’s Natasha Watson 23 Cake comp Winners and sinners at the Lions Fair BUSINESS 30 Stylin’ The boutique specialising in cruise clothing 31 Marketing on a shoestring Top tips LIFESTYLE 10 Cover feature Stanwell Park’s star lifeguards

14 Dr Rip Learn how to spot danger ahead 18 Gardening Native trees and mistletoe for Christmas 23 Dog psychology Beware the fireworks 28 Red Talks Empowering conference for women 29 Babes in the Wood SPAT’s 40th anniversary panto 34 Clubs Reports by VIEW and NINA SPORT 46 BMX Getting started 47 Ski Star Bryn Jarman heads to Italy training camp 48-49 Golf 50 Tides 51 Surf Boat H-SP women’s crew wins 52 Cricket for kids HCC’s charity fundraiser

Cover image by Anthony Warry Photography; www.anthonywarry.tumblr.com

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS Jenny Donohoe Dr Rob Brander

– aka ‘Dr Rip’ – is a coastal geomorphologist and Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. A resident of Stanwell Park, he’s been studying beaches for 25 years, starting in Canada where water temperatures convinced him come to Australia to do his PhD. He is an international expert on rip currents and runs a beach safety education program called The Science of the Surf (www.scienceofthesurf. com). He wrote Dr Rip’s Essential Beach Book. Read his column on page 14.

SARA NEWNHAM

is a passionate horticulturist with nearly 20 years’ experience. Starting as a landscaper, she soon discovered a love for plants and design.

She has managed nurseries around Sydney. While raising four children, she worked and studied subjects such as natural area restoration. Sara now runs Creativescapes, a garden design and maintenance business (0451 196 646, creativescapes@iprimus.com.au).

Read her column on page 18.

Creativescapes garden service

is a researcher from the Helensburgh Historical Society and the author of the Helensburgh WWI Servicemen article on page 33. “The Historical Society’s main project is the research for WWI servicemen of the 2508 district,” Jenny said. “Several of our members are participating in this project and we are asking for help from residents to complete the project.” Jenny is a passionate family historian and has written four family history books, the latest being the Powell Story – Balmain to Cootamundra.

Philip Comans

is a dog behaviour therapist and trainer with the Illawarra-born and now the world’s largest international dog training organisation Bark Busters.

His region covers Helensburgh to Gerroa and inland, including Goulburn.

Dogs are a passion and his mission is to save them from being surrendered and euthanised when all they need is a little training. He believes every dog deserves to be trained so it can enjoy a relaxed, fulfilled life in its human/dog pack. Turn to page 23 for pet advice.

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DISTRICT NEWS Editors

Genevieve Swart, Marcus Craft

Art director Brendon Wise

Ad design Wendy Gergos

Regular contributors

Rob Brander, Sara Newnham, Anthony Warry

Contact

PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508 editor@2508mag.com.au www.2508mag.com.au www.facebook.com/2508mag There is a contributor’s drop box at Helensburgh Newsagency on Parkes Street.

Advertising

See www.2508mag.com.au for rates, specifications and deadlines. Terms and conditions apply.

Editorial

Community participation is encouraged. Please contact editor@2508mag.com.au with story ideas. Letters should be a maximum of 200 words. The editors reserve the right to edit submissions. Contributors should include contact details.

Deadline

15th of the month prior to publication 2508 is published by The Word Bureau Pty Ltd. ABN 31 692 723 477 Disclaimer: All content and images remain the property of 2508: District News unless otherwise supplied. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

The views expressed in letters, editorial articles and advertisements do not reflect those of the editors.

Printed by

MPD Unit E1, 46-62 Maddox Street Alexandria NSW 2015

Distribution

Southern Link Letterbox Distribution

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2508 LETTERS

celebrating our community It’s been an exciting year at 2508. Since we started the new magazine in January, this local publication has grown to 52 pages and we’ve launched a sister title, 2515: Coast News.

We’d like to thank all our amazing advertisers and contributors, some of whom have continued to file monthly reports come rain, hail or shine, international travel, sick children or surgery. Special thanks to Rob ‘Dr Rip’ Brander, Sara Newnham, Michelle Aldred, Virginia Dowson, Barry Thompson, Vicki Little, Michael Adams, Jenny Donohoe, Jenelle McWilliam, Merle McPherson and Steve McCallum.

We’ve also learnt our small community has a huge heart. As it’s the season of giving, we’d like to remind you of some local fundraisers: ● In June, Helensburgh dad Darren Watt organised the annual Kids Walk 4 Life in aid of Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. ● In July Helensburgh’s Andrew Rust walked

900km from Sydney to Melbourne to raise funds for Melanoma Institute Australia. ● Ex-soldier Simon Reynolds and his Peace Warriors hiked the Kokoda Track in July for the anti-violence charity Enough is Enough; ● Beth’s Adventure (gofundme.com/beths adventure) will help an 11-year-old girl with brittle bone disease fulfil her dreams; ● Teeny Tiny Michael (gofundme.com/ teenytinymichael) is in aid of a Helensburgh family whose son was born at 24 weeks; ● On December 7, there is a Helensburgh breast cancer fundraiser; see page 19.

Finally, a big thank you to our readers. Merry Christmas all – have a safe and happy holiday.

Genevieve and Marcus The Editors 2508

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2508 LETTERS TEENY TINY MICHAEL

“Teeny Tiny Michael” entered the world by surprise on 11th November 2014, well before his due date at just 24 weeks.

Weighing a small 635 grams, this precious boy is now fighting for his life.

Parents Filipe and Olivera (pictured) now face the challenge of loving, supporting and hoping for a miracle for ‘Teeny Tiny Michael’.

Every minute, hour, day is critical. Every breath is a miracle.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.

For more information, see gofundme.com/ teenytinymichael or Teeny Tiny Michael.

– Sarah Levy Sarah, a close friend of Michael’s family, sent us this plea on November 17, World Prematurity Day. Her submission wins Letter of the Month – the prize is a $50 Tradies Gift Card to spend at the Helensburgh club (24 Boomerang Street, 4294 1122).

Thank you

I would like to send a big thank you to Father Bede, my family and friends.

The district nurses and Waves, Dr Beaufils, Brad, Kerry, and the staff at Coles and also

thank you to all of the Helensburgh community for the well wishes whilst I was sick this past month.

Love from Bede Parkes

COMMUNITY NOTICES IN LOVING MEMORY Of Noel Clarence Shaw

Noel passed away 8th December 2013.

Life is sad without you, Noel. We all miss you very much.

– Margaret, Ian, Carolyn, Stephen, Susan, grandchildren and family.

STEVEN BENNETT 25/12/83 - 12/11/2003

Eleven long years without you Loving and Missing you always Always in our hearts and thoughts.

All our love Mum, Norm, Lauren, Ryan and all your family

FEELING THE PINCH THIS CHRISTMAS?

Hope Community Food Pantry has been providing food to people in need in 2508 for nearly two years. Cost-of-living pressures affect so many. To register for support, phone weekdays during school terms on 4294 2299 or 0410 696 541 for a confidential interview.

Hope Community Food Pantry is an initiative of Hope Church 2508.

Ethics Teachers required

Have you seen the Illawarra’s legendary black panther?

Send photos to info@sublimepoint.com.au

WIN! Sublime Point Restaurant and Chilby Photography are giving away meals for four, guided bush walks and a portrait photo shoot. sublimepoint.com.au & chilby.com.au

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Send your letters, notices and photos to us at PO Box 248, Helensburgh 2508, or editor@2508mag.com.au

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Helensburgh and Stanwell Park public schools are in need of ethics teachers.

Primary Ethics provides the opportunity for NSW public primary school students who don’t attend scripture classes (SRE) to participate in philosophical ethics.

We currently have vacancies for volunteers to teach Years K-6 ethics classes. Volunteer Ethics Teachers are trained to deliver our ageappropriate curriculum every week and to use the accompanying learning and teaching materials. If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer teacher, please visit www.primaryethics.com.au 2508

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2508 LETTERS

married for an amazing 73 years!

The wedding was at Holy Cross Church in Helensburgh.

Jessie and Thomas (Bill) Smith.

By Julie Deacon On 20th December 73 years ago, Jessie Connor married Thomas (Bill) Smith at Holy Cross Church, Helensburgh.

Dad has lived in Helensburgh all his life and mum since she and dad were married.

They built their own home and raised four children: Theresa, Ronnie (deceased), Julie and Roger.

They have been very involved in the community during these years with Dad coaching both rugby and soccer teams and working in Helensburgh Colliery and later as the local bus driver. (“Smiley� was his nickname given to him by the many children he drove to school.)

Mum worked at the local Jeans Factory and later at Garrawarra Hospital as a seamstress.

She still has her sewing machine close at hand today, doing running repairs for family and friends. She still makes her own clothes and home furnishings.

We are so proud of our parents, who were wonderful role models, they taught us good values and to care about others.

Wishing you a very happy 73rd Wedding Anniversary, Mum and Dad. An amazing achievement and still so much in love.

Congratulations from your children, seven grandchildren and four and a half greatgrandchildren.

We all love you so much. 2508

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ho, ho! the lolly run is back

By Santa Jim The Helensburgh Fire and Rescue has been conducting the annual Santa Lolly Run since 1980. It started off because three members, Captain Dennis Foster, Deputy Captain Jim Powell and Fire Fighter Mark Chaplin, were also members of the local Lions Club at the time, and it was suggested that at Christmas time to gain publicity and as a community activity that the fire truck carrying the Lions Club emblem would drive around the streets of Helensburgh distributing Lions Club lollies as a community goodwill activity.

Later, the Fire Brigade continued the tradition by themselves. This year the Lions Club have come back on board to help cover the cost of the activity – under the current format, going by last year’s figures, about 48 kilos of lollies,

making up 2400 bags, came at a cost of $468.

The Santa Run starts from the Fire Station at 8.45am, Saturday, December 20, doing the top part of Helensburgh first, moving down to the central part of the town, with the completion at the northern end (Wilsons Creek) approximately between 12-12.30pm. It resumes about 1pm, doing the old Princes Highway south, Blue Gum, Symbio Wildlife Park, Stanwell Tops and finishes at Bald Hill about 3pm.

As a safety aspect we would like all small children to be in the presence of adults – please supervise them and do not allow them to run on the road.

Santa is more than willing to have photos taken upon request and on behalf of the 325 Helensburgh Fire Station and Helensburgh Lions Club we wish you all a very merry and safe festive season. 2508

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2508 NEWS

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2508 NEWS

take the pledge

Lifeguards do it.

By Jenelle McWilliam On Saturday, November 2, people were asked to Take the Pledge to Keep NSW Beautiful by not littering. Pledges were collected on Stanwell Park and Coalcliff Beaches.

Take the Pledge to Use Less Plastic Every Day. Plastic lasts forever… our oceans are turning into plastic soup. It doesn’t biodegrade and no naturally occurring organisms can break it down, just into smaller and smaller pieces, which are mistaken for food by fish and birds.

It is killing marine life through ingestion and entanglement. Some figures: 43 per cent of sea birds have plastic in their gut, 50 per cent of littered items are cigarette butts, more than 4000 chemicals in a cigarette butt leach into the water within one hour.

Here are five changes you can make that will have a huge impact on our oceans’ health: ● Use cloth shopping bags. Plastic bags are made from non-renewable fossil fuels. ● Recycle soft plastics (shopping, bread, frozen veg, biscuit bags etc) in Coles Green Bin. ● Use reusable water bottles, coffee mugs. ● Skip the straw, one of the top items found on beaches. ● REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE. 2508

Yoga classes do it.

Coalcliff Surf Life Savers do it.

Jenelle’s granddaughter took the pledge.

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2508 NEWS

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2508 REPORT E AT URE COVER F

water warriors

Saving lives and educating the public is all in a day’s work for this pair of award-winning local lifeguards. 2508 reports.

When you hit Stanwell Park Beach this summer, remember: you’re in safe hands. There’s a crack team of experienced lifeguards at work on that sandy strip.

Two of the blokes at Stanny – Senior Ocean Lifeguard John Boyle and Ocean Lifeguard Chanan Clark – are so respected in the Australian lifeguarding community that they have each received the Australian Lifeguard of the Year award: John in 2012, Chanan in 2014.

They took time out of their hectic schedules to have a chat with 2508.

Photos by Anthony Warry Photography; www.anthonywarry.tumblr.com

Chanan Clark

“When I received the award it was kind of awkward because, personally, I didn’t feel that I’d done enough for lifeguarding to really receive this award – particularly when you’re in the room with the kind of calibre of guys that you’ve always looked up to.

“The flip-side of that, I guess, is that now I’ve got the piece of paper behind my name, which is hopefully going to help me to do more things that will get me to earn it in the long run.

“It’s basically for innovations and contributing to national lifeguarding – it’s a peer-based award, there’s no real kind of selection category.

“Senior lifeguard John Boyle has been working at Stanwell Park since the dawn of time pretty much … and that’s pretty much who I equate the award to because John actually is a recipient of the award himself.

“I’ve been working at Stanwell Park for the last four years and under his leadership and using him as a mentor I’ve improved so much as a lifeguard, and as a person.

“Stanwell Park kind of shapes you as a lifeguard – it’s a real dangerous beach and we’re in charge of three other beaches and about 20km of coastline, which includes the national park.

We’ve got the added element of having the paragliders, and hang-gliders there and stuff.

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John Boyle (white shirt) and Chanan Clark.

And they come into misfortune.

“I always like to be constantly testing myself and that is definitely the appeal of Stanwell Park for me and any busy beach for that matter but Stanwell Park is so beautiful … it feels like home to me. “[The most important attributes for an effective lifeguard are] empathy. You get a lot of people from different races, from different cultural backgrounds, different socio-economic backgrounds, all coming down and everyone’s got the same thing in mind: they all want to enjoy the beach.

“Enthusiasm and commitment [are important], and being able to back yourself in that commitment … I’ve had a couple of experiences where you don’t think about it until later and you’ve just given your absolute all to make sure that somebody lives.

“Commitment, empathy and awareness. “[Being equal parts moderator and enforcer] has been a learning curve for me. That’s another thing I’ve noticed from working with Johnny Boyle is … I used to get angry when … it’d be the 900th time I’d said the same thing but it’s the first time somebody’s heard it …

“I used to get angry but with maturity and then having good mentors like Johnny and you see how they operate, you see how calm and composed they are and you go: ‘Wow, that’s professional’.”

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2508 REPORT John Boyle

“I’ve been a lifeguard for 26 years – 24 of those 26 have been here at Stanwell Park.

“I started out as a clubbie – I came from a ski-paddling background – and progressed to a lifeguard and went from there.

“Chanan and I have been working together since about 2010. His dad [Steve] used to swimming coach me when I was a kid and I’ve known his family for a long time … I got into lifeguarding because of Chanan’s father.

“Chanan’s old man is one of the best lifeguards that has ever worked for us and he [Chanan] had all those qualities instilled in him by his father … he’s got the skills and everything to be the whole lifeguard. “[A lifeguard should be] pro-active, not reactive: speaking to people before they get themselves into any danger. Prevention’s better than a cure.

“Everyone’s got strengths and weaknesses: Chanan’s got the physical skills, he probably carries me in that department. But, with years Hard at work: Chanan and John at Stanwell Park Beach.

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in the job, you’re probably a bit more experienced, which you can pass on to the younger blokes.

“Chanan might say that I’ve mentored him but, in a lot of ways, he’s mentored me.

“I don’t think [as Australian Lifeguards of the Year] we’re any better than most of the other guards … there are countless lifeguards up and down the coast who are just as pro-active and just as conscientious as we are.” 2508

FAST FIVE What Chanan does to stay fit for his job.

1. Swim: “It’s my main training – I do that at Corrimal heated pool with a bunch of lifeguards.”

2. Paddle: “On the weekends I train with the Thirroul board-paddlers ... and we just did a bit of a charity fundraiser up the coast for a bloke who had leukaemia.”

3. Surf: “A lot of lifeguards are surfers and if we can take time off in winter, we all go to Indonesia … I just got back from Hawaii.”

4. Maintain: “We’re always finding any way to be in the water. You do the majority of your training before you even become a lifeguard, to get you to that point.”

5. Stay wet: “It’s spending every second in the water that you can … and on anything – if it floats, we’ll try to ride it.”

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2508 NEWS

catch up

on what’s been happening in our district...

new GREENS CANDIDATE from otford

Otford’s Natasha Watson will contest the seat of Heathcote for the Greens in the 2015 state election. Natasha is one of three new faces in the Greens’ campaign push.

Natasha is known locally as the co-ordinator of the Otford Protection Society, which has campaigned against the controversial development of bushland between Helensburgh and Otford, formerly known as “7d” land.

She told 2508 that her goals include: “Protecting our region of the Northern Illawarra – for not only the environment and the beautiful green Royal National Park and the surrounding wildlife corridors but also the future generations of our existing residents and their families.

“And other issues: from the coal seam gas exploration in our drinking water catchment and the residential areas to trying to solve our wastage problem.

“Public transport, for the commuting public, we are commuting towns … the current train timetable isn’t working.”

Natasha said those problems had been “hanging around for a long time but we’ve yet to actually resolve them so we’re trying to work towards that”.

“To actually be able to take a part in finding a solution is exciting, it’ll be an achievement.”

Good Girl, in February 2015.

“It was an honour to be in the final running against the likes of the McClymonts, Troy Cassar-Daley and the list goes on.”

She said it was a “good day to have the opportunity to witness up close Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont perform their duet, also Amber Lawrence and Luke O’Shea”.

Jennifer will perform at the 2015 Tamworth Country Music Festival (January 16-25, 2015) and Nundle Rocks Day on the Bluegrass.

Jennifer Taylor’s single Yipidee will be available at songcastmusic.com and iTunes for $1.69 from December 8.

BEWARE OF THE 'WINDOWS SUPPORT’ SCAM

Warwick Erwin, of Stanwell Tops Technical Services, has warned that telephone scam artists claiming to be from Windows Support are back.

“It is over the Christmas period that there is an increase in these calls,” Warwick told 2508.

“These callers claim that your computer is spamming other computers and that they can help you fix it. Here’s where the scam can go in different directions, they may initially offer to

'’yipidee’ single out soon!

Helensburgh singing sensation Jennifer Taylor has narrowly missed out on being selected as a finalist in Australian country music’s premier awards, the Golden Guitars, announced in Sydney on November 17.

More than 20 artists were nominated in over six categories.

Jennifer was nominated in the Vocal Collaboration of the Year and APRA [Australasian Performing Right Association] Song of the Year categories for her song, Yipidee.

Though unsuccessful this time, she was grateful for the opportunity and said she was looking forward to the upcoming release of her single Yipidee on December 8 and her album,

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Greens candidate… Otford’s Natasha Watson will focus on protecting our region.

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2508 NEWS help you for free this time or many charge you via a credit card. The second time they want a credit card and if they have not charged the first time there will be a second time and they have your credit card details. Their goal.”

There is no such thing as “Windows Support”, he says. “Neither Microsoft or Telstra will ring you unless you have contacted them for support.

Telstra sales people may ring but they will not ask for credit card details.

“Do not let these scammers have access to your computer.”

RAIL TRAIL GAINS MOMENTUM

A small group formed with the aim of turning the old Otford tunnel into a walking and cycling pathway, referred to as a Rail Trail, hosted a visit

by Rail Trails for NSW co-ordinator John Moore in mid November.

John met core members of the local Rail Trail group – Christina Robinson, John Noonan, Werner Steyer and Warwick Erwin – and toured the Stanwell Park end of the tunnel and other tunnels around 2508 – Old Metrop Tunnel (Old Helensburgh Station) and the short tunnel near

We Come To You

Tunnel visions… (from left) Rail Trails for NSW co-ordinator John Moore, Warwick Erwin, John Noonan and Christina Robinson discuss the proposed Rail Trail route at a November 16 meeting.

Helensburgh Station.

The inaugural meeting of the Otford Stanwell Park Tunnel Rail Trail Association was held in late November and association positions were finalised. Warwick Erwin is president/public officer; John Noonan is vice-president; Christina Robinson is secretary; and Andrew Dove is treasurer. 2508

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2508 COLUMN

Dr Rip’s Science of the Surf always persistent rips against reefs and headlands. Third, learn how to spot them as this is the only thing that may keep you safe if you go swimming on an unpatrolled beach.

When it comes to rips think “white is nice, green is mean”.

Spend five minutes looking at the surf for Rip currents are the narrow, dark gaps, almost like paths, between biggest hazard on Australian beaches. the whitewater of the breaking waves. Also They cause more fatalities each year on look for large bowls, or embayments carved average than bushfires, cyclones, floods and into the sandy shoreline. sharks combined! Tens of thousands of people If you get caught in a rip, please don’t panic get rescued from them every year and all of our because rips don’t pull you under and won’t local surf beaches have them, so you need to take you to New Zealand or into shark-infested know what they are and how to avoid them. waters! In fact, there’s a good chance they’ll Unless you are an experienced surfer using a bring you back into shallow water in a few rip to get out the back, don’t get in one in the minutes. Relax, float and signal for help. first place.

If you are a good swimmer, swim towards The best way to do this is by swimming the whitewater of the breaking waves where it’s between the red and yellow flags, which are set shallower, you may be able to stand up and up away from rips. Second, it’s important to the breaking waves will help bring you back to understand how they work. Rips are rivers of the beach. the sea and carry water brought towards the Whatever you do, keep reassessing the beach by breaking waves back offshore, situation, conserve energy if you feel usually in deeper channels between tired and don’t swim directly back to Did you know? sand bars at speeds faster than most the beach against the rip. 2508 people can swim. Most rips are If caught in a rip, try Coastal geomorphologist Dr Rob Brander is to relax, go with the about 10-30 metres wide and on long the author of Dr Rip’s Essential Beach Book. flow and signal for beaches are spaced about 100-200 For more information on rips see help if you are in metres apart. There are almost www.scienceofthesurf.com. trouble.

All our local beaches have rips.

Knowing how to spot one could save your life, writes Rob Brander.

Spot the rips ... how many can you see at Stanwell Park?

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2508 NEWS

a cake fit for kato Kato’s 13th birthday cake was made of blood, mince and cat milk, frozen in layers. John Radnidge reports.

Kato was captive born on October 24, 2001 in Sydney. As a cub, he was hand-reared from four weeks of age at Queensland’s Dreamworld.

He became a superstar, featuring in the Tiger Island hand feeding and milking demonstrations up until his “retirement”.

Kato arrived at Symbio in December 2012.

During the early stages at Symbio Kato was probably one of our laziest animals, sleeping for most of the day. Today Kato is very responsive to enrichment activities, passers-by and workers alike, vocalising his approval and

Sublime Point Lookout Restaurant & Bar

Yum… Kato’s birthday cake. .

connection with our keepers who care for him.

He can be seen strutting around his spacious home, often flat on his back with paws pointing to the sky, completely at peace and crashed out.

He is one of our most affectionate animals and clearly loves his home and the special care (sometimes referred to as spoiling) we provide.

He is a big tiger, weighing 150kg. Kato is an ambassador for his endangered cousins, down to as few as 3000 in the wild. Symbio is working with the Zoo Aquarium Association and zoos around Australasia to ensure pure genetics and captive survival for the next 100 years. 2508

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2508 NEWS

guides set up a cafe The annual fundraiser went down a treat, writes Heather Fisher, District Manager, Helensburgh Guides.

On Sunday, November 2, visitors to Helensburgh Guide Hall were in for a treat at the “Bird on a Wire” cafe. This annual fundraising event is put on by the girls, under the supervision of their fearless leader Malynda Flarey and wonderful parent helpers.

There were an impressive selection of homemade cakes, pear and raspberry marsala crumble, coconut chiffon, citrus almond with lime syrup, lemon tarts, berry friands,

Dance Academy Dance and drama classes in our purpose built studio!

Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary & Hip Hop. Tiny Tots to Adults, all ages are catered for.

Our Showgroup performs on stage!

Contact Fleur on 0448 425 594 fleurdelisdance@hotmail.com Dance Studio located at, 26C Walker Street ~ Entry from Club Lane ~ Helensburgh, NSW 2508 Private lessons available. All ages and levels welcome.

2508

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The ‘Bird on a Wire’ cafe, aka Helensburgh Guide Hall.

beautifully decorated cupcakes, plus scones with homemade jam and cream, not to mention great coffee – equal to any gourmet cafe. The girls waitressed, while a parent helper acted as barista.

Helensburgh Girl Guides has been running for more than 30 years and has been a vibrant and active community group.

Recently our girls won the Endeavour Boree Regatta raft race, against Scouts and Guides from across the Shire. No mean feat – but with access to boating practice on the Woronora River, the girls have plenty of chance to hone their skills. On race day, Guides and Scouts have to construct their raft without input from adults. Helensburgh Guides are expert at square-lashing their raft to form a water-worthy craft. Well done, girls.

Helensburgh Guide units focus on a lot of outdoor activities – camps that include high and low ropes courses, commando-style obstacle courses, canoeing. We encourage activities that challenge the girls, promote problem-solving and leadership skills. As well as having a huge amount of fun! 2508 Helensburgh Guides meet on Fridays. ● Junior Guides (7-10 years) from 4.30-6pm ● Guides (11-15 years) from 6.30-8.30pm.

Enquiries: ma@girlguides-nswact.org.au

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2508 NEWS

BUSH FIRE ALERTS Know what the different bush fire alert levels mean and how to respond to them, courtesy of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Alert Levels are used to give you an indication of the level of threat from a fire.

Remember – don’t wait for a warning. Some fires start and spread so quickly there may not be any time for a warning. If you get a Bush Fire Alert, you must take it seriously. Failure to take action can result in death or injury to you or your family members.

Keep informed, stay safe There are three levels of Bush Fire Alerts: Advice means that a fire has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

Watch And Act is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

An Emergency Warning is the highest level of Bush Fire Alert. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.

Download the Bush Fire Alert Levels fact sheet from www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-andprepare/alert-levels and your Bush Fire Survival Plan at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. For more information call 1800 NSW RFS. For more information, contact Illawarra Fire Control Centre on 4230 8200. 2508 Thanks to Craig Robertson, group officer Illawarra Rural Fire Service, for his help with this feature.

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2508 OUTDOORS

Gardening with sara Buy a native conifer, paint gum nuts gold or build a wreath of native mistletoe.

Sara Newnham is full of ideas.

Christmas is fast approaching – it’s time to deck the halls!

Luckily, decorating is easy when using flowering shrubs; many are now putting on a Christmas show. Try native plants, such as the stunning NSW Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum).

The plant grows throughout our area. It is used for cut flowers, but can also make a beautiful small feature tree in a garden or pot, enjoying full sun or dappled shade.

I love grafted gums out now. Their spectacular, bird-attracting pompom flowers come in reds, oranges or pinks, and turn into giant gum nuts that are great to use as decorations. I’m getting the kids to paint them gold to wire up for our wreath and hang off the Christmas tree.

For a traditional-looking Christmas tree, try a native conifer, such as the Daintree pine (Gymnostoma australianum), which even has its own bobble-like cones at this time of year. Or go for a Port Jackson pine (Callitris rhomboidea).

These can be brought indoors for seven to 10 days and kept in a pot. Wollemi pine is a prehistoric conifer with a perfect conical shape and will last well as a indoor tree in a well-lit room. Adenanthos, the native woolly bush, has

incredible soft, silver-grey foliage. Use it in a feature pot by the front door or as a Christmas table centrepiece.

For a true pine-tree smell, there are many non-native varieties at your local nursery. The most common Christmas trees are Pinus radiata, Douglas fir or Norway spruce – these are not native and should be kept in pots as they can grow into large trees. Don’t over-water them or they will drop their needles.

For something different, use a nice old tree branch and cover it in living air plant decorations, either attached to the branch or hanging in glass globes, such as Tillandsia, Spanish moss or bromeliads. All you need is fishing line to tie them and a spray bottle to mist them every four to five days.

I love the idea of interesting twists on traditional Christmas ideas and I like to use what we have around us – did you know we have 60 types of native mistletoe? It is a parasitic plant that grows in the canopy of many native trees, such as eucalyptus. It also produces flowers and fruit that are irresistible to birds and animals. The plant is spread via seed dispersal, usually from droppings left on branches quickly germinating into its host bark, making this parasitic plant just the thing to pash under in true Aussie style this Christmas.

You may need a arborist to harvest it for you.

Merry Christmas, happy gardening, happy New Year! 2508

did you know we have 60 types of native mistletoe? it is a parasitic plant that grows in tree canopies

Sara runs Creativescapes Garden Design. Contact creativescapes@iprimus.com.au or call 0451 196 646.

Christmas has come to Sunrise Nursery in Helensburgh.

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2508 NEWS

cancer fundraiser A local mum has organised a Sunday high tea in Helensburgh.

On December 7, there will be a High Tea Fundraiser for Shellharbour mum Cherie Giorgianni at Mary McKillop Hall, Holy Cross Parish. It starts at 2pm. The dress code is pink.

“Cherie is 42, married, with two small children aged four and seven, who has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, which has already spread to her bones,” said organiser Tina Chenhall.

Tina doesn’t know Cherie, only her brother and sister-in-law, who live in Helensburgh. “I was compelled to do something for her, being

Cherie Giorgianni and family.

of the same age with two kids aged five and seven,” Tina said. “If people cannot make the event, they can also donate. We are trying to raise money for Cherie and her family so they can go and fulfil some of their lifelong dreams.”

Tickets are $30. This includes champagne and high tea, live music by T.C. Coombes, lucky door prizes, raffles and silent auctions. Pay via Commonwealth account, BSB 062 171, account no: 1032 5153, with your name and “HT” or “donation” in the description. 2508 Fundraiser High Tea for Cherie Giorgianni

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2508

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21/11/2014 7:53 am

2508 COLUMN

mindful v manic mama Tis the season to be hysterical, writes the multi-tasking and multi-talented Louise Charman-James.

“Yoohoo, where are you?!”

Silence. Mindful Mama takes a few steps down the hallway and peers into the kitchen.

She notes the half-drunk cuppa on the table, the pile of washing up in the sink, the cascade of Christmas catalogues spilling from the recycling bin.

She looks up suddenly as she hears a scraping noise from the roof. Surely not... it couldn’t be... not yet...?!

Then a disembodied voice floats down like

gentle snow: “Is it over yet?”

Mindful Mama pulls down the loft ladder and regards her friend cowering in the dark.

“Is what over?”

Manic Mama sticks her head out of the roof cavity, her hair garlanded with cobwebs, her eyes wide with fear.

“Christmas!” she whispers hoarsely.

Mindful Mama chuckles. “Still to come, I’m afraid.”

Manic Mama sighs. “Not cancelled due to bad weather?” she asks hopefully.

Mindful Mama laughs. “That hasn’t stopped it for the past few years. I’m afraid you’ll just have to give it a whirl, same as always. What’s the problem?”

“What isn’t the problem?” moans Manic Mama. “The shops are full of rubbish even before Halloween, it’s supposed to be about Jesus’s birthday but apparently he was really

WHAT IS NINA? It stands for, Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid Inc.

We are a not-for-profit community organisation situated in Helensburgh and � offering service to people living in the areas between Helensburgh and Coledale.

Our services are for people aged 65 years and older, younger persons with a disability, Carers and for people who are transport disadvantaged. Our services are provided by a dedicated team of community volunteers.

We provide the following services; � Community Bus Trips (3-5 /month). � Social Luncheons (2-4 /month). � Seniors Café Club (Each Week and Includes Outings). � Individual Transport to Medical and Other Appointments. � Food Service/Meals (Hot + Frozen) � Shopping Bus (Weekly). � Social Support/Friendly Home Visits, or by Telephone.

Our office is directly opposite Coles on Walker Street in Helensburgh.

www.nina.org.au Want to know more? Call 42941900 and speak with our friendly staff.

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21/11/2014 7:53 am

2508 COLUMN born in April and they moved it to December to coincide with a pagan festival; Santa Claus is actually a Dutch saint, his red suit was a marketing ploy by Coca-Cola in the 1930s and let’s not even get started on elves and toy factories at the North Pole.

“Every year I get sucked in to buying a bunch of plastic, battery-operated toys and then have a major guilt trip about sweatshops and landfill. How am I supposed to explain all this to my kids who think it’s just about writing a shopping list and eating vast amounts of chocolate?”

Mindful Mama ponders the problem for a moment.

“I think you need to focus on the core values of Christmas like generosity, charity, kindness, community and so on, and encourage your littlies to do lots of lovely sharing, particularly of toys they don’t play with any more or the really noisy ones that give you a migraine.

“Plus Christmas offers endless opportunities

for craft which can only be good for fostering their creative talents. Why not have them design their own wrapping paper, then wrap and deliver the presents to a local charity? Who wouldn’t love a present covered in squiggles, glitter glue and several metres of sticky tape?

Hours of fun at both ends of the equation.

“And you can get creative too, Mama – how about making some Christmas tree decorations out of your jewellery, now that you don’t go out to posh places any more? Or wrapping paper out of all those shiny catalogues? It’s really up to you what you make of it.”

Manic Mama brightens a little. “I suppose you’re right. Do you fancy a cuppa and a piece of Christmas cake? I’ve got a lovely Lions Club one left over from last year.

Fantastic how they don’t go off, isn’t it? Now that’s what I call sustainable!” 2508

'Santa Claus is actually a Dutch saint, his red suit was a marketing ploy by Coca-Cola in the 1930s’

Louise Charman-James blogs at manicmamamindfulmama.wordpress.com

]

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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2508 SCHOOLS

salute to soldiers A Helensburgh Public School report by Merle McPherson.

A group of students proudly represented Helensburgh Public School at last month’s Remembrance Day service held in Charles Harper Park. The students remembered those who sacrificed their lives in wars around the world.

2015 Enrolment

Remembrance Day … Helensburgh students paid their respects to the fallen in Charles Harper Park on November 11.

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NOW AT 9 Walker St Helensburgh (next to Civic Video)

Enrolment is now open for Kindergarten students for 2015. Please contact the school office if you have a child who is eligible.

Spooky Carnival

An exciting night was had by all who attended the Spooky Carnival at HPS. Yells of sheer delight could be heard as far as Rex Jackson Oval as the rides spun with excitement and terror.

Spooky treats were everywhere as well as delicious cakes. The yummy food at the canteen and barbecue was enjoyed by many families, who sat chatting with friends as their children enjoyed the rides over and over!

The instant photo booth was a real hit with the spooky students, who were often unrecognisable in their spooky costumes. This fundraiser was a great community success, with money raised going to buy playground equipment for the students. 2508

1st Consultation Free !

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2508 PETS

help dogs cope with big bangs thunder storms and fireworks can terrify pets, writes Philip Comans.

Many dogs have a fear of thunderstorms and fireworks. The problem is that they just don’t understand what makes those big scary noises and lights, and without effective leadership at home they take it upon themselves to worry about it.

When a pup is young, try to expose them to thunderstorm and fireworks noises in a non-threatening way. Don a raincoat and take your dog outside to play in the rain when there’s a storm. Or buy a sound-effects CD that has thunder on it and play it while distracting Fifi or Fido with their favourite toys indoors.

Try not to react yourself to the storm. To the dog, it’s a case of “If Pack Leader isn’t too

HELENSBURGH PET FOOD AND PRODUCE (Rear of Sunrise Nursery // 193 Old Princes Highway)

worried, then I don’t need to worry either!”

If your dog is grown up, then management is the key. Provide your dog with a safe crate, den or small room to wait out the storm. Make sure they have water, and leave a radio on loudly to help drown out the noises from outside.

If Fido scratches at the door, don’t open it. If you do, you’ll just reinforce the scratching by rewarding it with your presence.

Remember: a really frightened dog can have super-canine strength. We’ve seen them break through closed doors or, worse, crash through plate-glass windows to escape the noise.

Many dogs escape from their homes and end up in council shelters after New Year’s Eve or big storms. So make sure they have a collar tagged with their name and your number on it.

If Fido feels safe and protected in his home “pack”, he will not worry nearly as much. 2508 Philip Comans is a dog behaviour therapist and trainer with Bark Busters Illawarra & Southern Highlands, 1800 067 710.

Did you know?

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“everything for your pet right here in helensburgh!”

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call Carl today 4294 1477 or 0417 277 287 2508

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2508 NATURE

incredible journeys

The tricky question is: how did Old Slowcoach know it was there?

“Probably during the warm start of the spring and summer, a number of your readers would have seen freshwater turtles crossing the road,” Martyn says. “In some cases there’ll be a dam or a creek nearby and they’ve just come up to the edge of the road because it’s the only Australia’s best overland migrator is the red clear spot where they can lay their eggs. But in kangaroo, which moves in response to rain. other cases you’ll see them very “They can detect a fall of rain, reputedly, determinedly walking along – they are hundreds of kilometres away – did you travelling to a new area. With their possibly by the odour, possibly they know? little, short legs, you’d think they also pick up the reflection of lights Sea turtles can pick up polarised wouldn’t get very far, but they can and things like that,” Martyn says. light reflecting on the travel kilometres.”

One day an area may be dry and underside of clouds Scientists are not sure how turtle empty, then suddenly after rainfall it that indicates there is water below.

GPS works, but can hazard a guess will be packed with roos. “They’ve based on studies of sea turtles. “The sea all been travelling during the night to turtles can pick up polarised light reach this new site, because as soon as reflecting on the underside of clouds that the rain falls out west, you get a sudden flush indicates there is water below,” Martyn says. of new growth and it’s well known that the red “They get a fix on that particular point and kangaroos seek out the new growth,” Martyn when conditions in the spot where they are explains. “As a result they are highly nomadic.

They get most of their moisture needs as well as currently living change – like the pond might dry up or it might get overcrowded, or there their nutritional needs from this new growth might be a male and no females – they’ll leave because it contains a lot of water.” and they’ve already got a destination in mind Locally, we have some rather surprising and nothing will dissuade them from that path. land travellers.

“That’s why if you see these turtles out SLOW BUT STEADY crossing the road, don’t put them on the nearest Why did the turtle cross the road? side, work out which way they were heading To get to the water source on the other side. and put them on that side of the road. Because That’s an easy one. if you turn them around, they will immediately

Our three-part series tackles the big question: how did life get there? In the final chapter, 2508 asks Australian Museum naturalist Martyn Robinson how creatures travel via land.

Travels for kilometres… the eastern long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis).

Photo: Martin Schulz

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2508 NATURE spin back again and go back on course and get hit by the next car.”

Turtles migrate to spread their genes and ensure genetic diversity, but human barriers mean many die en route. Martyn says: “They’ll continue to try to find a way through mesh fences till they shrivel up and die. Perhaps the saddest ones are the ones that try to cross the railway tracks. They can usually make it over the first rail, but then there’s a lip on the inside of both the rails in between … so they can only walk up and down that space in between the tracks and so they just keep walking until they die. You find lots and lots of turtle shells in amongst the railway tracks in areas where there is a lot of water around.”

SLIPPERY CHARACTERS

Another surprising local example: eels. They can travel many kilometres overland to reach a new body of water.

“The little elvers wriggle up the creeks or rivers and if the creek or river has got an impenetrable barrier stopping their upstream progression, then they will leave the water and

wriggle out onto the bank, usually in a group, they will wriggle overland past the barrier and then back into the water again.”

Eels may pick up polarised light reflection, or have some other means of detecting water too, Martyn says. “It’s always a bit of a shock when you find an eel in a farm dam or some other body of water quite some distance away from the nearest creek. They wriggle there usually as one of these tiny elvers … they have to wait until either a very heavy dew fall or a period of rain or showers, to travel over the wet ground.”

HELLO, HITCHHIKERS

Thorns like to hitch a ride. Martyn says in parts of Sydney the spread of bindis may be linked to postal deliveries. “The postal workers on their motorbikes, they go from out the front of everybody’s lawns, from letterbox to letterbox, and if they run over a patch of ripe bindis, they get all the seeds in the tyres, which then break off as they go. And it spreads in a line, so you can virtually draw a map from letterbox to letterbox of the path taken by the postal workers.” 2508

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2508 EVENTS

What’s on

send your listings to editor@2508mag.com.au

CHURCHES H’burgh & Stanwell Park Anglican Church Regular Sunday services, 8.15am, 54 Stanwell Ave, Stanwell Park; 10am and 6pm, 75 Parkes St, Helensburgh. Call 4294 1024.

Helensburgh Baptist Church Sundays, 10am, Community Centre, Walker St. Call 4294 8459.

Helensburgh Catholic Church Weekend Mass at Helensburgh – Sunday, 8:30am. Reconciliation Sunday, 8am. Christmas Masses: Christmas Eve, December 24 – Holy Cross Helensburgh Vigil Mass 6.30pm. Christmas Day, December 25 – St Bernadette’s Stanwell Park 8am. Holy Cross Helensburgh 9.30am. Visitors always welcome.

Hope Church 2508 Sunday services, 9.30am, 6/17 Cemetery Rd, Helensburgh. 0404 803 055.

Hillcrest Christian Fellowship Sundays, 6pm, Hillcrest House, Railway Crescent, Stanwell Park. Call 4294 3153.

ENTERTAINMENT 04 7.30-9.30pm. Illawarra charity Need A Feed will hold its Christmas dinner at Samaras award-winning restaurant in Woonona.

Three-course meal, $75pp. You will be served by the Need a Feed team, plus there’ll be a raffle, lucky door prizes and belly dancing. Samaras is so donating 50 per cent of profits to Need a Feed. Call 4284 9422, needafeed.org 07 @ the Bombie Bar, Coalcliff, 2-5pm, “Sun

2508p026-27_WHATS ON_DEC.indd 26

See Chuparosa @ the Bombie Bar on December 13.

Rai” featuring Rai Thistlethwayte with Matt Smith and Lisa Purmodh supported by Phil Barlow and the Wolf (acoustic)”.

Rai Thistlethwayte is an Australian rock, pop and jazz musician and songwriter. Rai is an accomplished pianist, guitarist, and vocalist. He is the lead singer and primary songwriter in the Australian pop rock band Thirsty Merc.

13 @ the Bombie Bar, $25, 4-10pm. SOL Mega Gig Featuring Chris Shermer, Swing Booty, The Beatmiesters, Righteous Voodoo, Chuparosa, Kay Proudlove & Donny Trainwreck.

20 The Santa Run starts from the Fire Station at 8.45am. See page 6.

21 @ the Bombie Bar, 2-5pm, Caravana Sun Supported by Tanya Ransom & Steel City Muthafunkas. One of The Bombie Bar’s favourite bands Caravana Sun, you cannot help but love their raw energy and emotion injected into their live shows 6, 7, 12, 13 & 14 Babes in the Wood Christmas pantomime in Stanwell Park. See page 29.

21/11/2014 7:57 am

2508 EVENTS

happy solstice!

By Louise Charman-James

We’re celebrating the season – but which one?

As a European living in Australia, I have observed that seasonal festivals are “out of sync”.

Easter is celebrated as a time of new life, with its springtime fertility symbols of eggs and rabbits, yet in Australia it is our autumn, with its associations of harvest and falling leaves. Despite being in the heat of our summer, Christmas is dominated (for non-Christians at least) by images of fir trees, snow and a bearded Dutch saint rugged up in a fur-trimmed coat.

I also dislike the fact that these festivals have become so connected – in my children’s minds, at least – with chocolate in a variety of shapes.

So I decided to invite other families to join MARKETS 04 Christmas Twilight Market. Sunrise Nursery, from 4.30-8.30pm. There’ll be boutique stalls, food, entertainment and market profit to charity. Car pool as parking is limited.

14 Helensburgh Village Market, 10am to 3pm Sundays Foragers, Bulli Showground, 9 to 2pm

me in celebrating the summer and winter solstices and the spring and autumn equinoxes, to honour the cycles of the sun and the change of the seasons here in Australia, with craft, song, ceremony, a shared meal and a donation to a local charity.

We have had three celebrations this year at Govinda Valley in Otford and they have been joyous events for children and adults alike. On Sunday, December 21, we will celebrate the summer solstice with a picnic and seasonal activities. I hope that despite the craziness of Christmas, others will join me and my family.

More info: 0417 244978, louise@ soulsignature.com.au 2508

Judy Sinclair MClin.Psych. MAPS

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST - Anxiety - Stress - Depression - Parenting Strategies - Child Behaviour Problems

HELENSBURGH LIBRARY 57 Walker Street; 4294 2185 02 3.30-4.30pm, Christmas craft and games for school-aged children 10 10.30am, Preschool storytime 13 10-11.30am JPs available in the library 17 10.30am, special Christmas storytime, the last for 2014!

24 Library closes at noon, re-opens January 2.

NEW DOORS FOR LIBRARY

In early December new front doors will be installed at Helensburgh Library. During this time, the library will remain open and the returns chute will still be accessible. Entry will be through the doors at the end of the front verandah. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We would like to wish all of our patrons and the Helensburgh community a Happy Christmas and New Year! 2508

2508

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Caring & Confidential 25 years experience

Treatment for Adults, Teens and Children in a comfortable, child friendly environment Medicare Rebate when Referred

by Your Doctor 19 Chadwick Grove Helensburgh

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21/11/2014 7:57 am

2508 EVENTS

Q&A with...

Red Talks co-founder Adriana Forte Naili.

What are the Red Talks?

It is a conference designed to motivate women to see their fertility cycle in a whole different light. Red Talks is a platform to facilitate the sharing of wisdom between women.

What’s your role?

I’m the founder of Red Talks together with Jane Hardwicke Collings, a teacher, midwife and a pioneer in trying to raise awareness for natural birth in Australia.

Why do we need to listen up?

In our society women (and men) have become increasingly disconnected. We are all very busy doing our own thing, working, raising our kids in our nuclear family units and

SPECIAL!

Readers, please type 2508 code when purchasing your ticket at eventbrite.com.au for a 15% discount.

Adriana with her daughter, 11-month-old Asha Rose.

what I see around me is a longing for connection. As women we are particularly wired for connection. We love spending time together and learning from each other.

Having women that have gone through something before us as a “mentor” can have a tremendous positive impact.

Will taboos be broken?

Yes, I guess, it is a taboo-breaking platform in a way. Red Talks hopes to teach us all that the fertility cycle is actually a tool for empowerment and not something to be ashamed of, or just disregarded. Many of us are even embarrassed of saying “menstruation” out loud. It is crazy.

Who can come?

Our first conference is created to inspire women of all ages. We’ve got mums coming with their teenage daughters, mums with babies, women going through menopause and wanting to learn more about the positive side of it, or women that are tired of trying to suppress their PMS or battle with “infertility” issues. 2508 Red Talks is at Govinda Valley Retreat in Otford, Saturday, December 6, from 10am5pm. $120 includes lunch. Book via eventbrite. com.au or visit www.theredcentre.net.au

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2508 EVENTS

'babes in the wood’ is back Wayne Turner reports on SPAT’s 40th Anniversary Christmas Panto.

Stanwell Park Arts Theatre’s first show, performed back in 1974, was the Christmas pantomime Babes in the Woods, written and directed by Joy Wiedersatz, a local teacher and librarian at the Stanwell Park Public School. The pantomime contained the classic good versus evil story, as the baddies tried to kidnap the two Babes, Jack and Jill, so the evil Sheriff Rockafella could steal their inheritance.

This very first SPAT show was performed in the Stanwell Park CWA, using the kitchen as the backstage area, with the performances on the floor and audience facing the back wall. It had a large cast of locals of all ages. From talking to those who remember it well, everybody had a great time – both audience and cast!

So for our 40th year, SPAT asked Lauren Mistake, who played Robin Hood in the original Babes in the Wood, to direct our 2014 panto Babes in the Wood, to celebrate the very first SPAT show and Christmas Panto!

We were not able to locate the original script, so Lauren has changed, tuned, edited – you name it – to recall what happened back in ’74.

She has put together a great script, with the original characters, Robin Hood and his merry men, the sheriff, the dame, the good and bad fairies, and, of course, Jack and Jill, plus a great chorus to recreate the original pantomime. 2508 Babes in the Wood is on December 6 at 7.30pm, 7th at 4pm, 12th and 13th at 7.30pm, last show 5pm, 14th. Tickets are $15/$10 or $45 for a family, via the SPAT booking line on 4294 4060 (just leave a message). spat.org.au

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21/11/2014 8:00 am

2508 BUSINESS

summer style Australians love cruises. We are no. 1 in the world for cruises per capita. But big question is: what to wear? Wendy Roche advises.

“Kaftans reign supreme on a cruise,” Wendy says. “Cotton or silk – natural fibres are always best because it dries quickly, you can wear it over a cossie and it’s still dressy enough to wear to dinner at night. And you’re not going to sweat to death like you would in polyester. The good thing about silk is you can just rinse it out in the shower with your shampoo, hang it up in the shower and it’ll drip dry in no time.”

Wendy recommends Inoa Australia (inoafashions.com), an Australian brand that has won awards for its unique, India-inspired digital prints. “They have just taken off overseas. They are an Indian family ... they do beautiful opaque silks that don’t always require a slip. It’s just like wearing nothing, it’s so lovely.”

Inoa kaftans are also “reasonably priced”, Wendy says, at under $200 in her store.

Ocean-inspired colours are in, she’s noticed.

“I’m seeing a lot of lavenders and blues, soft greens.” Bamboo fabric has become enormously popular, Wendy says. “The benefits of it are it’s UV protectant, it’s anti bacterial, highly breathable, insulating, hypo allergenic and it’s eco friendly, because it’s produced in an eco-friendly way, without using a lot of chemicals the way they would do with cotton.”

Waterproof shoes are a must. “People going on cruises ask for shoes that are stylish but can get wet,” Wendy says.

She recommends Wendy & Holly Australia, makers of jelly shoes that look like little lacy sandals. “They are made from recycled fabric and they are recyclable. They are durable too and comfortable to wear. The soles are non-slip.

[They’re made of] a polymer gel – you leave them on your feet for about five minutes, they start to soften and mould to your feet.”

This is great news for anyone with “lumps, bumps or bunions”. 2508 Wendy Roche owns Boho Chic boutique, next to Palms Cafe in Stanwell Park (bohochic.com.au, 4294 3111).

Boho Chic customers enjoyed a day of champers, chocolate and discounts in November.

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2508 BUSINESS

marketing on a shoestring On a budget?

Annelies Voorthuis has some advice.

As a small business owner, it’s essential that people know your brand.

Quite simply, the more people you reach, the more sales you’ll make.

However, it’s important that you get your marketing strategy right and don’t blow your budget in one area. You need to make sure your marketing reaches a wide, targeted audience.

Here are some ways to market your business on a shoestring budget.

Convert your customers into promoters

Potential customers are a million times more likely to use your business if it’s been recommended by a friend. So turn customers into brand ambassadors. Give them a discount on products if someone they recommended buys something from you. That way they’ll be singing your praises. Think how you choose a supplier… The first thing you do is ask your friends for a suggestion!

of a button. Encourage customers to fill in a form with their email address on it whenever they buy from you and have a “Sign up for more information” field on your “Contact us” page on your website. This will help you build a list of email addresses to contact whenever you have a new product or offer.

Try and win an award

Entering for an industry award can be easy.

For some, all you need to do is write an application. If you’re successful, local press may be interested in speaking to you and it’s another accolade to put on your website or business card. It also gives customers confidence in your business.

Small Biz Connect can help you implement any or all these ideas! 2508 Annelies is a Small Biz Connect business advisor. Visit www.etcltd.com.au or phone 4223 0316.

Use Facebook

Set up a Facebook page for your business.

Upload photos of your products and update your status. Dapto’s Pretty Shiny Shoes operates mainly on Facebook and is selling lots of shoes! Have a look and see how she is doing it.

Run a competition

Give something away and get people talking about your business.

Start a blog

This could encourage people to spend longer on your website and will encourage repeat visitors. You should style yourself as an expert on your particular field or industry. It’s the perfect way to enforce brand messages and engage with customers. If people read and like your posts, they’ll respect your brand even more.

Email marketing

Email lets you communicate with thousands of customers or potential customers at the touch

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2508 NEWS

Fair report

By Gina Krohn Helensburgh Lions Club would like to thank the 2508 community for supporting October 25’s Annual Country Fair.

Hosting the Mama Tree stalls, Walker Street caught a dose of Spring Fever, thanks to time and materials donated by the Art Box. The community centre was busy with stalls, forums and workshops. Thanks to centre coordinator Rosemary and Karen of the Writer’s Boot Camp.

Thanks too to our wonderful raffle sponsors – Helensburgh Tyres, Raya Thai, Just Cruisin’, A Garden for Life, Crawchy’s Swim School, Nurture Reflexology, Otford Writer’s Boot Camp, Chasing Friday, Valley Fair Candles, Parrinos, Helensburgh Pharmacy and Paper Haven.

Andrew Dove donated his time to ensure power was available to those who needed it and Dave Oliphant, once again, ensured we were entertained all day with a wonderful line-up of talent in the rotunda.

Our best decorated cake competition awards were proudly received by Melonie McIntyre (non professional) and Nash Noonan (junior), and our lucky raffle winners were S. Morgan, B. Lucke, V. Marsden, E. Holmes, B. LeMesurier, S. Smith, F. McFayden, M. Ryan, P. McKinlay, J. Adams and E. Lucke.

Please continue to support our sponsors and all our local businesses that give generously to many community fundraisers.

Many of you will have noticed several empty spaces in the park – these were reserved for KD Amusements who had assured us that rides and sideshows would be there. Needless to say, we will not be using them again. The only other disappointment on the day was the behaviour of some spectators of the Grand Parade. The water-bombing, spraying of silly string and offensive language directed at some of the parade participants was so over the top this year that one group, which has marched for more than 15 years, has decided not to participate in future parades. We hope those responsible find something better to do (out of town) next year.

The 2015 Annual Country Fair falls on Halloween. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for spooky changes to our usual activities. 2508

Champion… Six-year-old Nash Noonan, with his winning cake, titled ‘Ghosts and Slime’.

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2508 HISTORY

lost at gallipoli Do you know of any local servicemen who died at Gallipoli?

The historical society is compiling a list, writes Jenny Donohoe.

The Helensburgh Historical Society is producing a list of all the servicemen that served in World War I, and to date we have a staggering number of 322, of whom 81 died (25 percent). This list is being compiled for a book that will be released in 2017 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. We know of 13 servicemen from 2508 who died at Gallipoli. They were Percy Draper, William Armstrong, Alfred Christie, Lawrence Edwards, Robert Frew, Geoffrey Hargrave, Albert Hillier (R Long), William Hunt, Robert MacNiven, Roderick Standen, William Stewart, Victor Williams and Thomas Wood.

The photo is of Geoffrey Hargrave, only son of Lawrence Hargrave of aviation fame, Stanwell Park. Geoffrey was a promising young engineer like his father and was killed at Gallipoli on the 4 May 1915; Lawrence never recovered emotionally from the shock of his son’s death and he died several weeks later from peritonitis the same year.

We are asking anyone who knows of WWI servicemen from the 2508 district to contact us so we can make sure all the names are recorded and correct. Please call Jenny Donohoe on 4294 2877 or Allan House on 0414 819 742 or email info@historichelensburgh.org.au 2508

Centenary Calendar 2015

This calendar is proudly produced by the Lawrence Hargrave Centre to commemorate the centenary of the death of Lawrence Hargrave.

At his death Hargrave was regarded by the fledgling aeronautical community as one of the main contributors to powered, manned flight.

info@lawrencehargravecentre.com www.lawrencehargravecentre.com

Tragic loss… Geoffrey Hargrave, only son of Lawrence.

GIFT FOR HISTORY LOVERS The Lawrence Hargrave Centenary Calendar is $15.

Order via info@lawrence hargravecentre.com, or call 4294 2598. Proceeds will fund events marking the centenary of Hargrave’s death in 2015.

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2508 CLUBS

fun for all aboard

By Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid manager Tracey Schroeder Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid Inc. runs monthly social bus outings to a variety of venues – there’s something for everyone!.

During our Social Outing on Sunday, November 9, our members enjoyed a great day at the Illawarra Light Rail Museum at Albion Park Rail. Members were able to step back in time and tour around the old stations, locomotives, souvenir shop and canteen.

Members said that “The weather was perfect and the company was delightful”, “There was so much to see and do it’s worth another visit”,

view club report By publicity officer Virginia Dowson Helensburgh VIEW Club had a successful year, during which we were able to support two students from The Smith Family “Learning for Life” program, which involves fundraising.

Thanks go to those ladies who knitted, sewed, crocheted and baked throughout the year to fill our Trading Table with goods for sale. Items were made and donated to deliver to disadvantaged children in the program. Special thanks to Elaine for making boxes of baby clothes that were delivered to Wollongong and Sutherland Hospitals for premature babies.

Our November Christmas party was a fitting finale to the VIEW year with its Hawaiian

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Great day out… Jack and Betty on NINA’s outing to the Illawarra Light Rail Museum.

“The steam trains were running and we were able to hop on board and with a toot of the whistle we were off”. Betty and Jack (pictured) said it was a great day out!

We then enjoyed a scrumptious lunch at the Albion Park Bowling Club and sang almost all the way home.

To find out more about NINA or the Social Outings, call Tracey on 4294 1900. 2508 theme of colourful shirts and leis. Thanks to Kerrie for her shortbread and for doing the Trivia Quiz, and Nerida for her special “little puddings”. There were many lucky door prizes and raffles, and no one left without a gift.

Thanks also go to the Centennial Hotel for a delicious lunch and beautiful Christmas table settings. We welcomed three ladies from Thirroul VIEW Club, and Yvonne White, our Zone Councillor, who thanked our club for all its hard work. The representative from “Learning for Life”, Regina, again joined us, and was happily loaded up with books, rugs and stationery to take back for the children.

Theatre tickets are available from Chris (4294 1103) for Les Miserables on Saturday, April 25, pay by February 20. Also book now for Matilda on October 24, pay by August 18, 2015.

Ladies, make a note to join VIEW in 2015, and have a happy get-together with speakers, entertainment and lunch, on the third Tuesday of the month. There will be no VIEW luncheon in December or January. Our next meeting will be the AGM on February 17. Phone Nerida for new bookings or cancellations on 0429 004 298

by February 11. Merry Christmas from VIEW – may your New Year be Safe and Happy. 2508

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business directory art & about

GO LOCAL! ADS FROM $39!

Book online at 2508mag.com.au

accommodation

Call STEVE on

AIR CONDITIONING 0418 660 835

100% LOCAL

wilcockairelectric@bigpond.com

Wilcock Air Conditioning & Electrical Services New Systems Supplied • All Brands Installed

SPLIT SYSTEM SPECIALIST | LIC# 210923C | L006256 | AU03162

AUTOMOTIVE

Helensburgh Car Services Tune & Service • E Safety Checks • All Makes & Models •Child Restraints Fitted John Hine (Proprietor)

4294 2930

187 Parkes St Helensburgh 2508

Solar and Traditional Systems Lic #227582c

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AUTOMOTIVE

Wilson’s Concreting & Resurfacing

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

Lic No: 221563C

All general concreting Stamp – Stencil – Pebble – Excavation Council approved

Shane Wilson 0416 162 401

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CARPENTER Specialising in Decks, Pergolas, Renovations, Gyprock & Plastering, Maintenance, Ins. Work.

child care

FUN 4 U

K- Year 6 On site at HPS!

HELENSBURGH PTY LTD

J & D CARPENTRY John McKinlay Lic No: 46961c

Before & After School Care 7 - 9am & 2:30 - 6:30pm Vacation Care 7.30am - 6pm

Ph: 0419 970 902

Part of the CCM System!

annette.potter@bigpond.com

0431 099 608 | 0431 199 150

Pickering Constructions P/L New homes, renovations, decks and pergolas

‘Committed to providing quality building and carpentry services’

Call Gavin 0407 105 969

COMPUTING & DATA SERVICES STANWELL TOPS TECHNICAL SERVICES

Home and Small Business Systems Local Support

Lic# 228720C

0419 413 935

MARK JONES BUILDER

Microsoft Small Business Specialist Microsoft Certified & Microsoft Partner

• New Homes • First Floor Additions • Decks & Pergolas

Trading as M&B Jones Building

0419 448 696 or 42942078 Est. 1985 Lic No. 143571c

BRAD MCNALLY

• Reconstruction • Decks • Renovations • Alterations

Ph: 4294 3347 Mob: 0418 430 901

L/N: 870C

Carpenter/Joiner

DOMESTIC SERVICES Kristy Klean Pty Ltd All commercial and domestic cleaning

0402 962 222

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DOMESTIC SERVICES PEST MANAGEMENT

0420 480 036

Lic# 7001

Termite & Pest Specialist! ● ‘Guaranteed Bug Free’

www.pestfix.com.au | michael@pestfix.com.au PESTFIX | Specialist in:

Lic# 7001

• Termites Inspections & Treatments • Real Estate & Strata PESTFIX | Other Services:

• Cockroach/Spiders • Rodents & Mice • Possums/Birds • Bed Bugs • Wasps/Ants • Bees/Fleas • All General Pests pestfix.com.au | michael@pestfix.com.au | 0420 480 036

CHEMICALS SAFE FOR THE FAMILY AND PETS

PEST CONTROL Specialist in the management of all pests, weeds and termites • Free quotes Pre-purchase & termite inspections 18 yrs industry exp • Authorised exterra installer • Lic No. 1277

DRIVING INSTRUCTION AROUND TOWN DRIVING SCHOOL pestproof.com.au

0404 361 744

Stephen Potter HIGH PRESSURE WATER CLEANING

Water blast, seal and colour seal Driveways, footpaths, patios, Roofs, pool and pavement & exterior House cleaning & minor roof repairs www.jetblastsolutions.com.au

Driving Instructor

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Fully Licensed

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spotter73@bigpond.com

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firewood

FIRE WOOD

MIXED HARDWOOD FREE local delivery - 7 days Bill & Stuart McWilliam 0429 942 864 4294 2864

GARDENING & PROPERTY

ELECTRICAL & SOLAR Installations Phone: 0407 767 654

R.P.M

ryan's property maintenance • L a wn Mowi n g• Ga rde n s • R u bbi s h R e m ov a l •

Lic No 264525C

“For a Professional Cut”

0421 730 271 www. r y a n s pm . c om

Your Local Solar Electrician. Design & Install Solar for Homes, Cars, Boats, Campers & Remote Properties.

ENGINEERING

B.S.S. ENGINEERING 0418 406 279

No Job Welding & Machining General Machinery Repairs Too Small

Unit 14/17 Cemetery Road Helensburgh Business Park 2508 OPEN 7 DAYS

Tradespeople required to hold a licence to practise must include this on all advertising. More info: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au 2508 local directories

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GARDENING & PROPERTY Property Solutions Retaining Walls • Pergolas • Decking Paving • Landscaping Lic: 151773C Complete Makeovers Call Daniel: 0422 503 193

For All Your lP GAs Needs, TrusT A locAl! HeleNsburGH HArdwAre Ask about our $80 Welcome Package!

Copyright © 2014 Elgas Ltd

GAS SUPPLIES

4294 1007

188 Parkes St, Helensburgh

hairdressing We guarantee 100% all our services or your money back.

heyHAIR beautiful SALON ph 4294 1985 14a Walker St Helensburgh

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Jasmine Sky WELLNESS CENTRE

Reiki Treatments and Reiki Teaching Ion Cleanse Foot Detox • Wellness Courses Candles • Crystals • Feng Shui Items • Jewellery Shop 4 123 Parkes St, Helensburgh

www.jasmineskywellnesscentre.com

Ph 4294 8882 Mob 0407 166 259

Thats Reflexology!

Works on your whole body to Relax muscles Balance Hormones

Ring Val Wallington

0418 603 009

Stanwell Park 0468 337 477

Cutting edge hair

N U RTU RE R EFLEXOLOGY

health & beauty

WITH

VISIT YOUR LOCAL OPTOMETRIST

CLARE BOWLEY

Reflexology Treatments & Ear Candling Balance your mind, body and spirit.

Call: 0405 810 168

ROBERT MCINTYRE

www.facebook.com/NurtureReflexology

7a Walker St Helensburgh

AT THE ROUNDABOUT

Call: 4294 4773 Helensburgh Physiotherapy

relax unwind rejuvenate indulge

& Sports Injury Clinic

Ph: 02 4294 4748 Web: otfordvalleysanctuarydayspa.com.au Chiropractic

Podiatry

Massage

4294 9990

Exercsie Physiology

jewellery Service provider

Appointments now available in local studio Quality Handmade Jewellery, Repairs or Sydney & Restorations Ph: 02 4294 9242 CBD Suite

Alt Ph/Fax 02 9233 6847

PO Box 57 Helensburgh

www.jpowelljewellery.com.au

2

15

COAST NEWS

ALL NEW MAGAZINE Business directory just $39 per month Book online at www.2515mag.com.au

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jewellery

Ruth Walker

50 DIFFERENT SPECIALS WEEKLY

P.O. BOX 343 HELENSBURGH 2508

QUALITY ONLINE BEAD SUPPLIER

ruth@beademporium.net.au| www.beademporium.net.au

PH: (02) 4294 3333 DISCOUNTS & WHOLESALE PRICES

MEDIA

0418 262 925

party equipment painting

JUMPIN FUN CASTLE HIRE!

The ultimate party entertainment!

Mick’s Painting Solutions Licensed Painter & Decorator

Fun and safe! Ages 2-13!

Hassle-free set-up and pick-up

> Interior > Exterior > Residential > Commercial

Call Brett Doran 0487 241 074 or 0423 934 586 Email: doranfamily@aapt.net.au

Mick O’Brien

0408 874 982

Lic# 24852BC

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pet care

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Feeding, Walking & Other Services Available

Call Karen 0419 432 482

kpetcare@tpg.com.au

Barkin Beauty Canine Clippery STANWELL PARK

Call Debbie

Accredited Grooming Specialist

0421 321 508

PLUMBING & ROOF PLUMBING Lic 226808c

GUTTERING

Ian’s Total Guttering Pty Ltd Quality Roof Gutters Supplied and Fitted

Plumber, Roof plumber, Drainer Gasfitter and Emergency repairs Free quotes and advice

0418 291 297

(Formally Ian’s Roof Plumbing Service) // Lic: 274060C

pools

Call James 0409 875 391

PLUMBING & GASFITTING

Pool and spa repairs, comprehensive water testing, Pool and Spa equipment, spares, chemicals and Automatic cleaner suppliers.

Mitch: 0402 919 301

mitchspoolandspaservices.com.au

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PROFESSIONAL & FINANCIAL FULLY EQUIPMENT GYM WEIGHTS, CARDIO, BOXING PERSONAL TRAINING OUTDOOR FITNESS GROUP CLASSES

All Ages, Genders & Fitness Levels Welcome

CALL 0417897473 // 120 Walker Street Helensburgh

Call or SMS

0421 566 312

Party Yourself Into The Best Shape Of Your Life!

Tues: 7pm-8pm Helensburgh Public School Thur: 7pm-8pm MacKillop Hall, Helensburgh Sat: 9am-10am Helensburgh Community Centre Cost: $10 per class with discount cards available

restaurant

Zumba - its fun, its fantastic, its fitness!

Enquiries: Nicole Hoffmann | 0433 777 943

security Sublime Point Lookout, Bulli Tops NSW 2516 www.sublimepoint.com.au | info@sublimepoint.com.au

Bookings: (02) 4267 1855 Restaurant Open: Wednesday - Friday: 9am � 3:30pm Saturday & Sun: 8am - 4:30pm | Closed Monday & Tuesday

SPORT & FITNESS

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storage

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telecommunications

0

tuition Helensburgh Tuition Centre After school tuition for primary & high school students. Literacy & Numeracy specialists.

Reading support Science Writing skills Mathematics HSC Subjects 4268 0020

3/114 Parkes St

Classifieds AGED CARE: Private respite – regular or carer vacation – visits to Aged Care Facilities; private homes by arrangement. Activities / outings. Reliable, honest & ethical local lady. Fit & non smoker.

Qualified Cert IV Leisure & Health, Certs III & IV Aged Care, current AFP check. Fully insured.

Wollongong to Sutherland Shire. Rates negotiable by requirements & location. Initial enquiries Kath Jordan 0242 941 440 / 0414 403 927 BAZZA’S HANDYMAN SERVICES: All handyman repairs. Decks, pergolas, tiling, fencing, plastering and all other timber work. Local, reliable, quick and fully insured. Free quotes. Ph. Barry [Bazz] 0414 492 509 or 4294 8164.

BRICKLAYING: All brickwork, block work, extensions, retaining walls, repairs. Ph 4294 3741 or 0413 323 629 Lic. No. 35124C. CARPENTER: Friendly, Honest, Reliable service where manners comes standard. From doors to decks and everything in between. Fully insured. Call Kelvin for a free quote on 0421 952 100. Lic No. 253680C CLOTHING ALTERATIONS: Zippers replaced, hems taken up, minor repairs fixed.

Reasonable rates. Ph Melinda 0419 977 658 or 4294 1619.

FIREWOOD: Do you have logs that you would like turned into useful firewood but don’t want split it by hand? Call Home Log-Splitting

Service 0429 009 400 or www.log-splitting.com for more details.

GARDEN SERVICE: Rejuvenate your garden: pruning, weeding, hedging, clean ups, rubbish removal. Regular mowing, edge trimming and gardening service also available.

Call Stewart 4294 9726 or 0429 035 192.

HANDYMAN: Local service offering a friendly service for all aspects of home improvements, maintenance, construction and repairs. Fully insured. Call Kelvin for a free quote on 0421 952 100. Lic No. 253680C RAELEEN’S FANCY FACES: Face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon twisting, special effects makeup, helium balloons and pregnancy belly art. Bring the ‘wow’ factor to your next party, fete, christening or corporate event. Local business (will travel), fully insured, exceptional hygiene standards, professional cosmetic-grade face paints used. Ph. Raeleen 0413 291 843.

SOUTHERN MATHEMATICS TUTORING: Real Tutoring, Real Results.

Combined 45+ years of teaching and lecturing experience. Qualified Maths Teachers/ Lecturers only. Max of 6 students per group session. Individual sessions by appointment.

Contact Gavin 0459 550 452; Shaun 0407 213 622. References & information, www. southernmathematicstutoring.com.au STRETCH - STRENGTHEN - RELAX: With Karen based on Yoga & Pilates. Fun friendly classes tailored to suit all levels of fitness & flexibility. All classes 1hr $16 casual or 5 for $70.

Beginner workshops 5 classes for $90. Two locations: Stanwell Park Children’s Centre, end Stanwell Ave, Tues 9.15am Thurs 7.15pm & Sun 4.30pm. Stanwell Park Physiotherapy, 93 Lawrence Hargrave Dr (next to 16ft Cafe). Tues 6pm / 7.15pm Thurs 9.15am & Sat 8am (max 6 people). Call Karen to book 0403 789 617, yogastanwellpark SUSAN’S JUST DANCE: Great fun, no pressure, fantastic environment to learn to dance. Jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, boys only hip hop crew. Ages from 3 to adult. Latest music, great teachers. Concert each year at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre. For registration Ph. Susan 4294 8366.

YOGA WITH AMBER: Yoga classes in Stanwell Park and Helensburgh. Amber has 20 years + of teaching yoga in Australia and Internationally. Classes are friendly, dynamic and tailored to suit your needs. $15 per 75 mins class. Beginners workshops, General & Advanced classes, Mums N Bubs, Pregnancy classes. Timetable: www. yogawithamber.com.au or call Amber on 0466 370 307. 2508

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2508 SPORT

starting bmx

Getting started in bmx is easy, champion helensburgh bmxer Kai Sakakibara reports

The closest track to the 2508 region is Southlake/Illawarra BMX Club, in Albion Park, within the Croome Sporting Complex. Saya [Kai’s world champion sister] and I are a part of this club. It is one of NSW’s biggest BMX clubs and it has more than 200 members.

Racing is held most Fridays. Visit www. bmxnsw.com.au/southlakeillawarra/en-us/ clubhome.aspx for more info.

We are quite lucky in 2508 to be near Liverpool BMX Track, Macarthur BMX Track (Camden), Penrith BMX Track and Monster BMX Track (Sydney Olympic Park) as they can all be driven to within or just over an hour.

BMX Australia is the sanctioning body for all Aussie BMX clubs. Types of membership include club, which allows you to compete at your local/home club only; open, which allows you to ride and compete at all clubs in Australia;

Kai Sakakibara in action.

Photo: Martin Ward

and a four-month membership, which allows you unlimited access to try BMX. At the end of the four months, you will be eligible to become a full member with a $20 discount off the cost of a full membership.

All you need is a BMX bike, full-face helmet, closed-in shoes, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt and pants.

Contact your preferred club or attend an event; everyone will be more than happy to help you get started! 2508

Soils, Sands, Metals, Woodchip, Bark, Cement, Gravel, Bulka Bags, Recycled Concrete - Aggregate & Roadbase DA Approved Resource Recovery Recycling Facility Accepting for recycling: green waste (trees & branches), soils or mixed fill, general solid waste

Skip Bins: 2m - 12m Discount for Bulk/Large Orders

Pick Up and Delivery Available Call us or we’ll both be losing money...

Yard at 159 Walker Street Helensburgh Ph: 02 4294 2157 | Fax: 02 4294 4572 | BlackwellBros.com.au

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2508 SPORT

ski champ off to Italy Proud local mum Barbara Jarman updates us on her son bryn’s sporting success Bryn started skiing at the age of two in Guthega NSW, part of the Perisher Blue ski resort. His love of racing developed after he entered his first inter-schools race at age 11, representing Helensburgh Public School. The same year he joined Perisher Winter Sports Club (WSC) where he earned a bursary for dedication and effort in his first year.

Since then Bryn has continued to train with Perisher WSC. In 2012 he began training with the European Development and Excellence Program (EDEP) in Italy during the Australian summer and also started competing in international races.

This year’s early season skiing was the best in years. School holiday training took place six days a week and Bryn’s race results improved throughout the season. In Northern Region Interschools at Thredbo he won skier cross, then placed third in GS during The Scots College Cup at Perisher. At the Guthega interclub race (open age) Bryn finished with the fastest overall time for the day, even pipping Australian Olympic skier cross representative Sami Kennedy-Sim.

Bryn Jarman racing hard.

Photo: Erm Morelli

Bryn won slalom silver at the Ski and Snowboard Australia (SSA) races at Falls Creek in atrocious conditions – wind, sleet, hail and rain – and had solid results in other races.

SSA nationals were held at Perisher in perfect conditions and Bryn took full advantage of hometown knowledge. He followed a silver medal in GS on day one with a silver and bronze in slalom on day two. The combined results for the two resort series meant Bryn finished third overall in under 16 boys. After strong results in the SSA skills assessment camp he was invited on to the Australian Junior team.

Bryn will again spend time training and racing in Italy this Aussie summer and will represent Australia in Slalom, GS and SuperG at Trofeu Borrufa, Andorra. 2508

Helensburgh Car Services

4294 2930

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John Hine (Proprietor) 187 Parkes St Helensburgh 2508 47

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Tradies social golf It’s business as usual for the re-named Tradies Helensburgh Sports and Social Golf Club, Barry Thompson reports Congratulations to Brian Taylor after his copybook hole in one on the seventh. It was a great way for our Presso to end the season even if it did put a hole in our trophy budget.

Despite winning an eagle’s nest and carding a net 61, Rod Luck came in second to Jack Hardacker who pocketed the first prize money and Parrino’s Pizza voucher. Rod Vaughn came in third and the much-needed Helensburgh Driving Range prize went to Sparrow King.

Our committee members were warmly applauded for their efforts in ensuring a very successful season and, in appreciation, they were re-elected unopposed with the only change being Steve Egbers as club captain.

Thanks to great work by John Towns our Facebook page is up and running under our new club name. Pay us a visit for all the gossip and tournament information.

So ends another season and all that remains is our December 13 fun day at Boomerang. We will tee off at 7.45 and golf will play second fiddle to our Loud Shirt competition. There are unconfirmed reports of members prowling Op Shops in search of the winning garment. Steve Egbers and Terry Maney, both of whom already have flamboyant outfits, have firmed in the betting and may have to be handicapped.

The format will be a two-person Ambrose and is an ideal event for new members. Just turn up early and introduce yourself to our starters.

Musing: Do golf pros tell us to keep our heads down so we can’t see them laughing?

Contact me on bazto78@yahoo.com. 2508

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HEATHCOTE

Unit 3, 13-15 Burns Rd Heathcote 2233 Tel: 02 9520 6550

HELENSBURGH

189 Parkes Street Helensburgh 2508 Tel: 02 4294 4716

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Sunday social golf club It doesn’t get any better than a hole in one, Vicki “The Hair” Little reports.

A hole in one is every golfer’s dream and that’s what Craig “Ku-Fung” Nicholl jagged in our last game on the strike-it-lucky hole. If you’re going to do it, that’s the hole for money and glory. Yep, he nailed it! He hit it sweet as, one little bounce and it went straight in the cup.

The crowd went berserk!

Might change his name to The Big Easy.

A few of the boys were trying to support Movember: JB thought he looked quite dapper sporting a moe (I thought he looked like a porn star) and Dave Morris was attempting to grow a beard. Apparently that’s the look.

Match play final was played out see-sawing between Rob “Big Brass” Miller, Pipping Dave

“I’m never late” Flewin on the last hole.

Grand final in December between Big Brass and Dave “Leprechaun” Morris.

It was a two-person event on the day, with Tony Prez and The Big Easy storming in with 75 points. Tim Lowe and Mark Buckley were in second place with 68.

Great to see Rosco Fagerstrom back well and healthy, I think he enjoyed the walk and seeing the guys. Like to thank the businesses of Helensburgh and our volunteers each month who make our club great!

December is our fun event with golf then presentation at the pub. Yay! Free food and drink, watch out Bernie and Rhonda, we’re coming! Merry Christmas!

The confused golfer: Golf is like a Clint Eastwood movie … the good, the bad and the ugly. 2508

Bill LaPalombara Brendon Ford

Specialists in Pain & Injury Management

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www.southernsportsphysio.com.au 2508

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                                                                                                                                                                                         

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

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

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   The Bureau of Meteorology gives no warranty of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, quality or reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for any particular purpose or will not

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infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights.

The Bureau’s liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded.

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h-sp Boat crew wins!

The helensburgh-stanwell park open women’s surfboat crew won round 1 of ocean thunder, Mark ‘Bluey’ Lea reports.

The open women’s crew dominated the opening round of the surfboat series, held in small waves but very windy conditions at Dee Why on November 16.

The crew topped the point-score, winning four of five rounds, with one second place.

They then won their quarter- and semi-final.

The final was a double-length race meaning the girls had to row out to the turning cans, row back to the beach then spin the boat around and go straight back out and do it all over again.

The wind had picked up and conditions were very rough but the girls rowed beautifully.

Round 2 is on December 13.

The open women’s crew blasts away from the beach in an Ocean Thunder race.

Photo: Jessica Arvela The crew is still seeking sponsorship so if you’re keen to support these dedicated local athletes call Mark on 0411 537 331. 2508

NEIL LYON Solicitor Landscaping work Site clearing & Driveways

TRACTOR HIRE

Slashing & clearing Large area mowing

Cheap rates for local work!

Ph 0429 043 295 2508

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• Conveyancing • Wills • Administration of Deceased Estates • Challenging and Defending Wills • Power of Attorney • Enduring Guardianship • Family Law • Litigation

5 Walker Street, Helensburgh PO Box 99 Helensburgh Upstairs above the liquor shop Tel (02) 4294 2076 Fax (02) 4294 2238 Email: nlyonhelensburgh@bigpond.com 51

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2508 SPORT

cricket for kids Helensburgh Cricket Club will host the third annual Sydney Children’s Hospital Charity Day on Saturday, December 20.

Helensburgh and Dapto will again turn their Illawarra Twenty20 matches into a day of fundraising; 1st and 2nd Grade will play on the main oval, and 3rd Grade on the top field.

The club will run its Milo In2Cricket program, followed by the 2nd Grade game, a kid’s coaching clinic, then the 1st Grade match.

There will be a barbecue, a jumping castle and raffles.

In playing news, 1st Grade sits atop the table after remaining undefeated after four rounds, having chased down 176 against Port Kembla in round 3, and dismissing last year’s premiers Keira for 92 and chasing the runs three wickets down.

2nd Grade are still in the hunt for their first premiership having beaten Port Kembla, and despite losing to Keira in round 4.

3rd Grade’s form has continued, earning points against Port Kembla and Keira. 2508

Future Tigers Curtly Lloyd and Digby Haran.

Tigers thank sponsors Helensburgh Tigers’ president David Bell acknowledges local support.

Helensburgh Tigers would like to thank all of their 2014 season sponsors: Peabody, Westside Petroleum, Canavan Building, Helensburgh Premium Liquor, Menai Civil, Gurnett Plumbing, Tradies, Blackwell Earthmoving, Tri Clark Earthmoving, Helensburgh United Mineworkers Union, Metal Exchange, Andy Offord Constructions, Onsite Safety, Pirtek, Darkes Forest Horseriding, Essential Appliance Rentals, Luke Jones Electrical, Transition Automotive, Southern Rigging, AF Clothing, IDH Bricklaying, Ron Kissell, Evans Family, K & S Industrial, Greens Buses,

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Helensburgh Tyres, Embroidery Plus, Manna Cafe, Fun 4 U, Trevor Kissell’s Lifestyle Health and Fitness, SRM Plumbing, Grima Brothers, Gilmour Family, Brakdale Carpet Cleaning, Kel’s Cleaning Service and Parrino’s Pizza.

We would also like to thank all of our supporters for the successful 2014 season. The Tigers are looking forward to continued community support for the 2015 season and will again face the tough task of taking on the financially strong clubs in the Illawarra with local talent and a lot of heart.

Training begins for all players on Tuesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 4, starting at 6.30pm. Anyone interested in playing rugby league in 2015 is encouraged to come down to training. 2508

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