Alive Magazine - Edition 05 - December 2020

WIDE BAY

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Gateway to the Capricorn Coast

Take a quick getaway to Yeppoon Full story on Page 41

The gift of

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JULIE’S MESSAGE OF HOPE IN A BOX Full story on Page 10

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Edition 05 | December 2020 Well, what a year 2020 has been!

time with my little man and husband.

From a global pandemic, protests and riots in parts of the US, national and local elections, online learning and remote work, describing 2020 in just a few words is almost impossible.

It seems to be a common theme this year, with many opting to just go simple.

There’s no question the word unprecedented has been used to death - it’s been used so much that I cringe to use it here, as well as quarantine, social distancing, and Zoom parties; all words that have smothered us as much as hand sanitizer.

It’s fair to say that this year has been life-altering in so many ways, but there’s one constant that can’t be taken away, and that’s the spirit of Christmas!

Before 2020, I stressed about the where, when, who and what of Christmas, but this year is vastly different.

Instead of stressing out about it, I am going to relish in it. I am going small on the gifts and big on the love of the season.

While family is of course a very important part of Christmas, I think a focus on the holiday season this year should also be about recovery.

Like our cover stars, the Herbert family, who are happy, healthy, and full of love for their family while living a purely minimalist lifestyle.

In this issue you can also read about the awesome time Steve Barnard and his family had together on Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world that we are so blessed to have right on our doorstep.

If fishing is your mantra, then head on over to Andrew Chorley’s page to find out where you can enjoy a day out on the Bay’s beautiful water and maybe even catch a fish or two while you’re at it.

For stories that will warm the heart, turn to the Community Connection page where the Independent Riders talk about raising funds for local charities through the annual Fraser Coast Toy Run. Let us also introduce you to one of Hervey Bay’s most hard-working volunteers, Julie Terry.

Recovery for a tumultuous year that has affected everyone in some way, shape or form.

The passionate missionary has been volunteering in a variety of different roles for over 25 years both in Hervey Bay and overseas.

I’m looking forward to enjoying the simple things like checking out the Christmas lights, mum’s home cooked cherry and pineapple glazed ham and down

From all the Alive team, we wish you a very safe and joyous Christmas, and together we look forward to travelling down whatever path 2021 takes us on.

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The MaSSage

Kerrie Alexander Email info@alivemag.com.au Website www.alivemag.com.au Editor KERRIE ALEXANDER editor@alivemag.com.au Deputy Editor LEANNE ESPOSITO Digital Editor LIZZIE MACAULAY Graphic Designer / Photographer JOY BUTLER Advertising Manager LOUISE HOLMES Ph: 0477 094 335 Advertising enquiry advertising@alivemag.com.au Published by Alive Magazine (ABN 20 904 521 774). All content © 2020 Alive Magazine, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission. All material sent to Alive Magazine whether solicited or not) will not be returned. Unless otherwise agreed beforehand, all rights including copyright in such material is assigned to Alive Magazine upon receipt and Alive Magazine may use or sell such material in perprtuity without further consent or payment. All prices and information are correct at time of printing. For full terms and conditions of competitions contact Alive Magazine on info@alivemag.com.au

04 Cover Story 07 The Profile 10 Home Grown 12 The Wise Words 14 Community Connection 16 Local Musician 17 Local Artist 19 Helping Hands 20 Recipes 23 Living Well 25 Fitness 28 My Garden Gate 30 Health Hunter 31 Smart Money 32 Parenting

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HouSe

34 Alcohol Reset Coach 35 Coffeeroma 36 Fashion Breakdown 39 Skin Care & Beauty 41 Destinations 42 Outdoor Adventure 43 The Big Catch 44 Home Projects 45 From the shed 47 Ride 48 Life Chat with Michelle 49 Inspirations 50 Kev’s Adventures 50 Pet owner tips 51 Readers’ Gallery

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Cover Sto r y

Leanne Esposito

The joy you give to others is the joy that comes back to you After thirty years, one local artisan’s passion for pottery and craft continues as an inspiring institution

Luckily, people are now really appreciating locally handmade once again.

What do you want for Christmas is the most asked

Such a selfless, yet unsurprising answer fits perfectly within the family dynamic which his mother Karen Herbert has created.

In reality, home is some five kilometres along the Torbanlea Pialba Road from the large traffic calming roundabout which shoots forth to Hervey Bay. There isn’t anything of note along the way until you catch sight of the local bush icon aptly named the Pink Cow. She is built out of some substantial logs and a 44-gallon drum painted a vivid shade of pink with the appropriate Friesian cow markings.

Her bovine beauty stands in stark contrast to the natural surrounds as she appears to silently shout at passers-by - Here We Are!

Her brood of four children ranging in age from 21 to 11 consist of Brenton the eldest, two girls Cassandra and Sarah, and with young Darby bringing up the rear, the boys are bookends to this crop of healthy looking long haired artisans and musicians.

Once you’ve caught sight of her it’s well and truly time to decelerate from the 100 kilometre an hour speed you’ve been travelling because you’ve arrived at Australiana Cottage Art and Crafts and Herb Farm.

They all live, work and play together, along with sheep Milly, Tilly and Boomer. There is a gaggle of geese, a balding of ducks, a flock of chickens, a herd of aged guinea pigs and a school of goldfish which lazily swim and sun themselves in the garden pond.

It all seems like an introduction to fairy tale yet this home and life is real.

The Pink Cow is certainly hard to miss and the reason for her boldness lies in the young Karen’s psyche which is soon to be revealed.

and answered question at this time of year and for 11-year-old Darby Herbert, the youngest of a unique family of gift makers and givers, his answer springs free like the sprigs of an unfurled fir tree dancing in the wind.

“I hope Cassandra gets what she wants,” he said

It’s an idyllic setting and as you walk through the arbour wrapped with twisted jasmin and gaze towards the bullnose roof and rustic wooden planked verandah, all at once you recognise that you’ve arrived somewhere magical. At this point I wouldn’t be surprised if a sprinkle of fairy dusty fell from the sky and Tinkerbell appeared to whisk me off to Neverland.

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Now is the time to mention Karen’s husband Ron who minds the shop while I interview the family.

He is a stalwart and has been right there beside her from the beginning when the gallery and farm was just a 10-acre block of scrubland with potential. The young 19-year-old Karen had a dream and in 1989 she purchased the land.

“I knew what I always wanted to do. This is why I bought this block on this road.

“I got a second hand axe, with sticky tape around the split handle.

“I couldn’t even buy women’s work boots, I had to buy men’s horse riding boots.

“It was my Mum and Dad and me. I would go to the markets in the mornings. Ron worked in council parks and gardens, so we all just used to come out on the weekends.”

And like Kevin Costner’s character in the film Field of Dreams who heard a voice while wandering through a corn field “If you build it, he (they) will come…”, Karen’s dream had been playing out since she was a young girl living in suburban Sydney.

Takura undoubtedly is a far cry from Greystanes where, as a young child she would join her mother, the late Maureen Darnborough, in the front garden.

This is where Karen’s pottery journey began. The little sprite loved to mash about in the dense clay soil. Her imagination would play out as she formed figures with her hands and posted them onto the front fence. Even then she envisaged a shop where passers-by would stop to buy her wares. It may have been all pretend, the games of a small child, but it’s where a beautiful seed was sown.

Despite the inability to entice those vehicles to stop, her passion never waned. Proudly Karen reflects on the past and I now appreciate the significance, and boldness, of the Pink Cow. “I was just a kid digging in the garden and the cars drove past but didn’t stop. Now they drive miles just to get here,” she said.

Her love of pottery blossomed when her mother’s

friend built a kiln and Karen fired her first piece. As an only child, and despite, or because of the lack of siblings to play with, she possessed a drive and determination which is remarkable. At 15 she was selling her pottery at various stores located around Sydney, from Berrimah to the Blue Mountains and into The Rocks. At 17 she hosted her own gallery exhibition and even sold her pottery nationally.

Karen is blessed with a beautiful smile and sparkling eyes which match her upbeat personality. Combined with her effortless authentic charm I can imagine doors springing open as she approached. It’s a whole of life thing as she admits to mixing business with pleasure.

“I would just go into a shop and say, would you sell these for me? Then they would buy them and sell them.

“I was selling to places in Sydney, the Gold Coast, Victoria, and across to Darwin. I was even selling to Sea World.

“It meant I got free admission into the facility.” a response to a need for quality goods. Karen tells me making. Sarah loves to draw and grow herbs and that in the beginning retail outlets sold artisan pieces Darby just loves to have a go at making everything,” but with overseas imports they were muscled out by she said. mass production.

Karen’s skills are as remarkable as they are diverse.

“Craftspeople got pushed out into the markets. Most She is self-taught without the benefit of a fine arts things stopped when the mass produced market school. arrived.

“There was no internet and I didn’t buy pottery books Once the gallery was built Karen stopped going to “Friends of mine who were production potters would because they were too expensive and ‘arty’. I make local markets to sell and put all of her efforts into make 100 mugs in the morning to warm up for the functional pottery. You can sit there and look at that creating the Gallery and Herb Farm. day but they can’t anymore. shape and make it,” she said.

Over the years the family grew and Karen adapted “They couldn’t compete with the 50 cent imported A child of British citizens who emigrated before her with the changing times. Even while she built up mug from China, so unfortunately a lot of local birth, Karen speaks with an Australian accent as the gallery business Karen continued to attend local artisans stopped creating. authentic as Paul Hogan. She maintains a staunch markets which have since grown, in demand, and as belief that she was born in the right country.

“Luckily, people are now really appreciating locally handmade once again.”

“If I was born in another country I would have been born in the wrong country,” she said.

Karen is proud to have always sold locally made, unique and quality items. The family makes about And perhaps it’s the reason why her life’s purpose 80% of the gifts sold in store and the other 20% are was to build a business called Australiana Cottage made by local artisans, some of whom have been Art and Crafts and Herb Farm. This certainty is deeply supplying the gallery with items for the past thirty embedded in her art as I note that the Australian years. Karen said they sell an amazing range of 100% dunny features in most of her creations. I suggest it is locally made gifts. perhaps her artist’s signature.

Pablo Picasso said that the meaning of life is to find your gift and the purpose of life is to give it away.

While Karen the entrepreneur hasn’t exactly been giving away her wares, she certainly found her own gift at a very young age, knew exactly what she wanted to do, and has never wavered in her love of gift making.

“We also have local honey from third generation “I’ve made pottery dunnies now for 35 years and apiarists and they do it the way it was done years when I paint my old hand and cross-cut saws I’ve ago. It is just spun out of the comb and into the jar, always got a dunny out the back,” she said. all natural and raw.

And like a typical Australian larrikin she has the “We sell for a local hat maker who is now 90 years perfect throwaway line which has me in stiches. old. You can see the years of skill that has gone into “Someone once asked me why I did it, and although the making. it might be a bit vulgar, I said it was because I’m a “We sell pineapples from across the grower road who shithouse artist,” she said. is a third generation farmer. He is so passionate about Karen tells me that her father Jack loves to tease her the pineapples and they are always sweet and juicy, about her outback toilet art.

“Some of our friends do amazing wood turning. We “When I first started making and selling them he said sell vases and lamps made from 100-year-old fence ‘they won’t keep selling this way forever’ and I love posts,” she said. saying – I just sold another dunny Dad.” Karen has homeschooled each of her children and Jack was there at the beginning of her craft journey believes that learning life from other people, rather and is still a constant support working every day than being regimented in the classroom, has allowed except Saturday – his one day off. A dab hand at any her children to develop in their own creative pursuits. tool job he’s made all the gallery woodwork fixtures.

Brenton and Cassandra have since graduated high If there is a call for a custom made job, then it’s Jack, school and are both renowned artisans in their own to the rescue. right. Brenton can be found most days at the pottery This visit to the gallery and farm has been a wheel. Currently he exports his creations worldwide revelation. I now understand what Henry Thoreau and Cassandra’s silversmith creations are sublime. meant when he said that what you get by achieving Karen is grateful for the contacts she has made over your goals is not as important as what you become by the years. Friends of Karen, whom she met when she achieving your goals. was a teenager, are passing on their knowledge to her For Karen to have spun a life around creating gifts children. which awe, inspire and delight is to have found her “Brenton has had the great opportunity to learn from peace on earth. Lucky for us she invites us all to join friends that are retired master potters. Cassandra’s her. passion is textile arts, silversmithing and jewellery

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The Profile

KATE MANLEY FROM LUXE HERVEY BAY Shopping at Luxe Hervey Bay is a peaceful, almost serene affair.

linen, and the many other natural fibres that can make fabric, as well as her love of the natural colours of these fibres.

That is exactly how Kate Manley, Luxe’s owner and founder, intended for it to be when she opened the shop.

Kate sources many pieces from Italy, and while she hasn’t been able to travel recently, a good friend of hers has been able to source products, providing Hervey Bay with the quality and luxury Luxe offers.

Kate started off in the industry in Adelaide as the proprietor of a bridal shop, designing all the bridal dresses and accessories.

After meeting her husband, Ashleigh Manley, she converted the end of the bridal shop into an art gallery but gave it all up when they initially moved to Queensland.

Upon coming to Hervey Bay seven years ago, however, it all came back.

Originally, they were not intending on staying here, and planned to go further north, but the beauty of the region drew them in.

“Being here in Hervey Bay, it’s enabled us to have a little space where we can both still work, and we sort of still enjoy working even at our age,” Kate said.

The inspiration for the clothing sold at Luxe comes from Kate’s love of cotton,

“It’s been a real blessing that we’ve been able to keep going.”

Luxe isn’t just a clothing store, however.

Ashleigh’s art gallery is attached to the building, something that gives the story a touch of serendipity and makes it unique among the Esplanade.

Luxe Hervey Bay stands for quality, and it is a place where you can feel relaxed and enjoy the artwork and the gorgeous clothing on offer.

Pop on down and say hello to Kate and Ashleigh and just enjoy the serene atmosphere of Hervey Bay. So, for exclusive clothing and luxury accessories, be sure to visit Luxe at 572 Esplanade, Urangan. Phone 0412 814 141.

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A LIFE LIVED

H o me Grown

Kerrie Alexander

FOR OTHERS I just feel that helping others and giving back to your community is really important.

O ver the past few months 1750 gift-filled shoeboxes have been donated by caring members of our Fraser Coast Community ready to be sent to needy children overseas this Christmas.

Since 1993, the Christian- based Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child project, has distributed more than 178 million shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in over 160 countries and territories worldwide, who were victims of poverty, natural disasters, famine, disease, war or persecution.

Julie Terry has been the Wide Bay Area Coordinator of this project for over 20 years.

She estimates that over the years around 35,000 boxes have been packed with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and gifts by members of our local community.

Her involvement with children’s and mission work through the Hervey Bay Baptist Church and other organisations over the years has provided her with some amazing opportunities and taken her to some extraordinary places within Australia and overseas.

“They were so excited to participate in the children’s programs and receive the Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts.”

The 2020 boxes were filled by caring individuals, local community groups, craft groups, local church congregations, St Stephen’s Hospital staff, local schools including Riverside Christian College, Sandy Straits and Yarrilee State Schools, and Bayside Christian College.

Yarrilee State School students had an extra special reason to get involved and packed over 290 boxes for the cause.

“The school chaplain discovered that Chrean, a year six student, had been a recipient of a shoebox when she was four years old when she was living in the Philippines,” Julie said.

“She still has the soft toy she received in that shoebox.”

Chrean shared her story at a special school assembly recently.

She has had the opportunity to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes into the hands of needy children in several countries in Asia and the South Pacific.

“She gave a talk about when she got the shoebox and the memories associated with it.

Talking with Alive, an emotional Julie recalls her life-changing visits to Vanuatu, Cambodia, and Fiji, where seeing the smiles on the children’s faces will be forever etched in her mind.

“I was sitting listening and felt myself getting very teary. I think having one of their own get up and talk about the difference it made in her life just made the project so real.”

“In 2016 I led a team of 12 children’s workers to Fiji to present programs to children in village churches and schools and to train children’s workers,” Julie said.

Julie’s work with children and families also extends to over 25 years as children’s and missions pastor at the Hervey Bay Baptist Church, 20 years as a volunteer Religious Instruction Coordinator and Instructor in Fraser Coast schools, involvement with local school P & C’s, a founding member of the local Safety House program, and involvement with state-wide and national Children’s Ministry activities.

“Cyclone Winston had recently hit the region and our team was invited to visit schools in the area and help to deliver operation Christmas child shoeboxes to children who had lost everything. These visits were so special and greatly impacted our team.

“These simple gifts packed with love by people in other countries brought the children and their teachers happiness, joy and hope, after experiencing such

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devastation in their communities.

She has also held the roles of Secretary and Events Coordinator for the Hervey Bay Christian Ministers’ Association for many years.

For the past seven years she has volunteered to organise the Hervey Bay Carols by

Candlelight, which was sadly cancelled this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The teacher, retired pastor, wife, mother-of-two, and grandmother of three, said her work through the church and personally was all about finding meaningful ways connect with children and families and put her Christian faith into action.

“I’ve been just happy to give back, and ministry to children and families has been my passion,” she said.

MA K E A DAY O F I T B Y T H E MA R I N A

“Both my husband and I trained as primary teachers and we have always had a heart for working with children and families. We have worked together over the years in leading children’s programs in local churches, schools in our community and beyond.

“We’ve tried to provide children with opportunities to experience child friendly activities and have fun in an environment where they feel safe and cared for.

ENT

RÉE

“It has also been a privilege to help children to understand about God’s love for them and love his plan and purpose for their lives.

“Over the years I have connected with many children and families facing difficulties, and as I have also faced difficulties in my own life, I have been able to relate to what they have been going through and provided encouragement and support when needed.

“I just feel that helping others and giving back to your community is really important and that’s why I love what I do.”

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VOLUNTEERS from the Combined Churches of Hervey Bay work hard each year to bring the Hervey Bay Carols by Candlelight to fruition.

Unfortunately, the small team of volunteers were unable to organise the carols in December due to current Covid-safe guidelines however, they have been busy planning an alternative way for residents to still enjoy the spirit of the season.

Families can go on a special Christmas Story Trail adventure the week before Christmas, with up to eight local churches taking part.

Organiser Julie Terry said the Biblical story of Christmas would unfold as families move from one scene to another, starting in Urangan and finishing in Nikenbah.

A map with directions will be available on the Fraser Coast Regional Council and local church websites.

“We came up with this option of a Christmas story trail so people can move from church to church, hop out and walk around or just look from their cars as they drive past, with Covid-safe procedures in place,” Julie said.

Each family will also be given a gift bag at the first display and little Christmas trinkets can added as they go move along the trail, which will run from December 20-23, from 7pm-9pm.

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“Look at life like it’s a game of snakes and ladders.

“Remember the challenge of rolling the dice and sliding down the slippery snake?

“You are only a roll of the dice away from landing on a ladder,” he said.

Author Ronald Russell, affectionately known as Ron, by his close network of peers, friends and the wider community, wrote three books in a short space of time. From September 2015 to January 2017, his life’s journey in memoir form and messages from a spiritual source seemed to fall onto the pages he was writing.

As if in a state of flow, the words that needed to written tumbled forth in eloquent prose of which, as a writer, I am somewhat jealous. Ron is not a scholar yet he is scholarly. Matriculating to an apprentice fitter and turner at the age of 14 his thirst for knowledge and self-education came later in life.

A Life So Good and A Life So Good Revisited were published within two months of each other, as if on reflection, Ron may have left some things out of his original story. However, for me it was the cover’s picture, on the second publication, which spoke volumes. He had replaced the pictorial serenity of a wooden hut with two clasping hands. One brown. One white. To a bookshop browser the image could be interpreted as a symbol of reconciliation, and as we read through we could interpret the memoir as his own personal reconciliation of self. To Ron’s family of beautiful mixed-race children, it means so much more. In his own words, here is in part, the synopsis of the story.

“This is my life story inspired by my grandchildren’s need to have the complete story for themselves and future generations. It is a story of growing up in a small coal-mining town into young adulthood where alcohol started to become a part of my life, then of my journeys around the world and throughout Australia,” he said.

As a teenager Ron was afflicted by the nerve condition Bell’s Palsy which has the effect of altering one’s facial features. Because it was not quickly resolved, Ron struggled to develop a healthy sense of self. Around the age of 18, the ‘Dutch courage’ of alcohol entered his life. He says that it gave him false confidence. It became his constant friend and critical foe as he struggled with alcohol and other addictions for the next 25 years.

“I saw very clearly that when I was 17 and I started to drink I was very uncomfortable with life. I couldn’t talk to women because of the palsy. As soon as I picked up a drink everything changed. I felt comfortable but I couldn’t see what I had done.

What I had done is I covered it up with alcohol,” he said.

As a functioning alcoholic he travelled the world as an engineer on ships, entered

Th e Wi se Wo rds

SEPTUAGENARIAN the brutal world of turtle hunting in Western Australia (which he quickly turned his back on without pay), and became an entrepreneur on Thursday Island while living an idyllic life under swaying palms. He and his beautiful island partner then moved to Townsville with their children. Alcohol permeated the very fabric of his and the lives of those he loved and was responsible for the breakdown of all relationships until there was nothing left but Ron and his nemeses – multiple addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling. Ron sums up this bleak time.

“I was escaping from the now. That is why I went on ships, diving and all the dangerous stuff. I was dreaming. I wanted to leave. I wasn’t present,” he said.

That was until, at the lowest point in his life, he heard death calling and Ron was re-awakened. It may sound trite (the near-death experience to rebirth), yet Ron believes that this was his saving and the universe was speaking to him. He has written extensively of this catalyst to a new beginning.

“The story leads into the darkest depths of hell and insanity, and out the other side to a wonderful life completely free from the past, to an enlightenment few get to experience. It is a journey which is not really a journey but a gradual awakening as to how the god of my understanding has been with me throughout.

When I use the word god, it is a simplification of what I call the Higher power, or Higher self, and is not necessarily meant to signify a religious god. God to me is not a being but a state of being, and that state of being is love. So love has become my religion,” he said.

Ron lived the next 36 years of sobriety actively listening to the universe, practising the art of being present and living in love. He trained as a natural therapist in both eastern and western traditions. He married Heather, commenced a new business, farmed land in Maryborough, parented his grandchildren and provided palliative care to Heather before her death. His third novel God Doesn’t Live in

Leanne Esposito

the Fridge explores a program of hope in bringing spiritual awakening to those willing to practice the principles of living in love.

Now the 78-year-old Ron presents with a mischievous smile, and even without teeth and a lower jaw (due to multiple lifesaving surgeries he’s undergone for oral cancer), you can see it. He smiles with his eyes. With an intensity of light emanating from their gentle blue hue.

He has for many years now devoted his life to learning and helping others who have found themselves with similar afflictions, and of sharing a practice of uncovering the true self. Ron has discovered that everything we need to know has been said and written before by prophets, in both eastern and western societies to whom the universe was speaking. From The Tao, prophet Kahlil Gibran and Shakespeare, to name a few. He has his own unique way of interpreting their messages.

Ron said on uncovering the authentic sense of self.

“To thine own self be true. But I say to thine own true self be true. He (Shakespeare) also said, nothing is either good or bad but thinking makes it so.”

And on what we have learned on the concept of right and wrong he has another point of view.

“It is only your perspective of what is good or bad. We are taught, at a very young age that God (or whatever you want to call it) is good. God just is. To me there is no polarity. There is no good or bad, black or white. God just is. There is one constant – me. God, or what I call love, is inside me and it is inside you,” he said.

Ron believes that if we listen to our hearts, the answers we need are right there inside us all.

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FRASER COAST TOY RUN TO HELP END YEAR ON A HIGH Mroaring otorbike engines will begin across the Fraser Coast in a matter of days with the annual Toy Run delivering joy and hope across the region.

Organisers of the Fraser Coast Toy Run 2020 are hoping for between 300 and 400 people to take part in the event on Sunday, December 6.

tickets ahead of the big day.

Director of Independent Riders Australia, Michael Tucker said the group has been running Toy Run stalls at various centres and locations across the region in the build up to the Christmas season to raise funds and sell raffle

Mr Tucker said some of the money raised since activations got underway in September has already been handed over to beneficiaries.

“Right now, we are still finalizing the Fraser Coast Toy Run 2020 route. It will feature bikes and cars and the Rural Fire Service will also be involved,” he said.

Some of the charities that will benefit from this year’s event include: Fraser Coast Family Networks, Motorcyclists Advocating Child Empowerment (Mace) Wide Bay and the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

Com m un i ty Co nne ct i o n

Shaun Ryan

“The best part about the Toy Run is that it is done by the Fraser Coast community and all proceeds stay right here on the Fraser Coast,” Mr Tucker explained.

He said the stalls help promote the event, act as drop-off points for toy donations and raise money through the sale of raffle tickets.

Covid-19 regulations have impacted how the group has had to get things done this year, but enthusiasm and excitement levels among the general public have spiked.

“Different car and bike groups, businesses, sponsors and ordinary residents have all shown a real interest in Toy Run 2020,” he said.

Mr Tucker said all those who get involved and make an effort to support the Fraser Coast Toy Run 2020 always experience a real sense of fulfilment.

“You get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside knowing that you have helped a child or an organization in need,” he said.

“More so with the pandemic this year, people know they are making a difference and it gives everyone hope that next year will be better.”

You can stay up to-date with the latest developments regarding stalls and Toy Run online at www.eatmyshorts.com.au.

Fraser Coast Toy Run 2020 is also listed as an event on Facebook if you are on social media.

Alternatively, you can call Michael Tucker on 0409 575 284 for more information.

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Loca l Mus i ci an

Shaun Ryan

City band looking to hit the high notes

AGAIN IN 2021

The Maryborough Excelsior City Band is gearing up for a massive 2021.

The band has felt the impact of Covid-19 this year and has not performed since Australia Day.

“We are really motivated to get out there and see people enjoying our performances again,” Mr Davis said.

Treasurer and tenor horn player, Brett Davis said the end-of-year period would normally be one of their busiest of the year.

Over the years the band has won numerous awards and accolades, meaning a great day out at the rotunda can be expected when the first public notes are played again.

“It has been really difficult for us not to have performed for such a long time,” Mr Davis said.

In the meantime, the Maryborough Excelsior City Band is calling on people to support their fundraising initiative to help them stay afloat during the down-time.

Many supporters and music enthusiasts have been asking band members when they will begin playing again.

“We haven’t been able to raise any funds since March,” Mr Davis said.

“We are planning a really big concert for around mid-year,” Mr Davis said.

He said rules around social distancing and other health regulations put the brakes on the band’s normal activities for 2020.

A regular feature at Queen’s Park in the Heritage City, the Maryborough Excelsior City Band is a group of talented musicians who would normally be putting smiles on the faces of locals in the build-up to Christmas.

Unfortunately, they have only been able to rehearse.

Despite all the negativity that has been dumped on communities across the world this year, band members have continued to come together and practice on a weekly basis.

A 107-year history and knowing people are waiting eagerly to watch them play

16

again is all the motivation they need.

Insurance is the biggest expense incurred by the band and is due again in December 2020.

Mr Davis said a GoFundMe page has been set-up.

The band is aiming to raise $7,500.

As of early November, $1,580 had already been donated.

People wanting to find out more about the band and how to support their fundraising initiatives can click through to https://maryboroughexcelsior.org.au.

Mr Davis said regular updates on the band’s activities are also posted to the group’s Facebook page: Maryborough Excelsior City Band.

“All important information and confirmation dates of concerts, when we’re allowed to play again, will be posted there,” he said.

Band members: (From left) Brett Davis, Stephen Moulds, Mel Neilsen, Claire Malouf, Jack Malouf, Denis Hamilton

Loca l Art i st

Gavin Patterson

Chelsea McPherson

CAPTURING THE BIRDS OF THE BAY

Imagic n the workshop on the bottom floor of Gavin Patterson’s house is where is created.

The Hervey Bay resident is well-known as a highly skilled architect, but Gavin has taken his drawing to another level after dabbling in watercolour sketching.

His passion for art started in 2018 while putting together his very own book entitled The Gables: Memories of a Grand Point Vernon House, and Other Stories.

However, a new art venture was started recently thanks to ideas from his granddaughter, who has a passion for birds.

Walking along the beaches of Hervey Bay every day, Gavin and his wife take photographs of everything they see, and many photos are birds.

“I was determined to do a series of sketches of birds for my granddaughter,” Gavin said.

These sketches are now not only for his granddaughter but are also the

focus of an exhibition at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough, coinciding with the release of his book A Bird Memoir.

The gallery holds a special place in Gavin’s heart after he designed the gallery when it was converted from an old bond store.

“It’s a thrill for me to hold an exhibition in this gallery.”

While Gavin has been drawing all his life, encouraged by his father at an early age, being an architect gave him little time to work on art projects.

When asked why he chose the watercolour medium for this project, he explained that he has done some work in acrylic paint but finds watercolours more sensitive for bird sketches and perfect for a project such as A Bird Memoir.

Gavin Patterson’s A Bird Memoir exhibition will be held at the Gatakers Artspace from early December and his book of the same name will be launched concurrently.

The exhibition will showcase Gavin’s beautiful watercolour sketches of local birdlife and is a free event.

17

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Kerrie Alexander

FOR SICK KIDS SEEING the pure joy on the faces of children at the Hervey Bay Hervey Bay Hospital Auxiliary Children’s Christmas party is what keeps Trish Hummerston coming back each year.

For the past four years, the passionate volunteer has been coordinating the festive get together for any child up to the age of 15, and their families, who had been admitted to hospital that year.

The market-like event is usually held in the hospital grounds behind the maternity ward, with face painters, popcorn, fairy floss, balloon making, and in the past have had special visits from police, ambulance, Paw Patrol characters, lots of food and, of course, a visit from Santa.

“I have so enjoyed doing it for the last four years,” Trish said.

“I’m just a passionate person, that’s just me and I just love what do. I love seeing the look on the kids’ faces when they see Santa and get a gift.

“We weren’t going to have a Christmas party at all this year because of Covid, so thank goodness we can now actually go ahead.”

Children up to eight years of age receive a gift and the older kids will receive a voucher for popcorn, drink and a movie screening at the BigScreen Cinemas, thanks to a $2000 grant from the Hervey Bay RSL Community Grants Program.

“The RSL has supported me for the past four years, and I’m very thankful,” Trish said.

“I appreciate so much what the club does for me and the kids … they pay for the movie tickets and all the toys and gifts.

“There’s a lot of children here that don’t have much so, to me, to be able to give them a movie ticket … I know they can at least go out for a little bit of recreation and that’s something some of them just don’t get ordinarily.

“They can just sit and let the world go by.

“I would be lost without the RSL’s support.”

Trish has also been known to stand on the number 2 tee at the Hervey Bay Golf Club to help raise funds for the days’ entertainment.

She can also be found selling raffle tickets at local markets.

Domino’s Pizza Hervey Bay has always been a big supporter of the annual event.

“I raise that money because it doesn’t matter what it costs, I just need it to be a happy couple of hours for the kids.”

I raise that money because it doesn’t matter what it costs, I just need it to be a happy couple of hours for the kids.”

19

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SALTS SEAFOOD

platter

FOR TWO

We start by grilling our local fish. We aim to use fresh, local seafood in all of our dishes and in the case of the platter, we’re using locally sourced barramundi at the moment, however as the season finishes up, we’ll be looking at other local fish available to us.

Once our seasoned fish is seared on both sides, it gets topped with a little butter and finished in the oven until perfectly cooked. While the fish cooks in the oven, the rest of our seafood is prepared.

Our Thai inspired fish cakes are next on in the progression. These blends of our local fish, red Thai curry, lime and coriander are grilled to perfection and will be finished around the same time as the fish is. You want to grill these on a medium heat to ensure you get a nice colouring on the outside but not some much as to burn the sugars in the fish cake.

Our seafood platter also comes with local prawns (6 of) and these are seared on the grill and finished in our delicate Thai butter. In the progression of our perfectly cooked seafood, the prawns will go on once the fish cakes are half to two-thirds cooked. After about 1-2 minutes, flip the prawns and add 4 Hervey Bay scallops to the grill.

This is the stage where we also start frying our Spanish style calamari. Turn the scallops over after 1-2 minutes and lift the meat away from the shell. This ensures that the scallop doesn’t go POP due to steam build up under the meat, it also makes for easier eating later.

Once the scallops juices have been bubbling for about 15 seconds or the meat is no longer opaque, they are done. Remove them from the heat and top with the melted Thai butter.

All of our seafood will be perfectly cooked now, ready for plating. We serve our beautiful, fresh seafood with our favourite crinkle cut fries, a refreshing garden salad dressed with our homemade balsamic dressing, house made tartare sauce and garnish the plate with a pretty grilled lemon.

And there you have it, our beautiful, fresh and local seafood platter for 2.

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Why festive ground rules are important for

L ivi ng We ll

you and your family N ot every family can get a long without any drama especially at Christmas time. But what if I told you a little tough love can help you to enjoy the festive season?

Setting the tone and making some rules for everyone can set you free to enjoy this special time. Not only that your children are going to remember this season of their life with fond special memories.

Here are my top 5!

1. Ask for help to ease the load on yourself so you can also enjoy the occasion give your guests a list with an item that they must bring or ask for help to cook with you for your get together. It’s a great way to bond and build memories.

2. Set a time limit for either when you are visiting others or when family are visiting you, especially if you have young children. Not only do children need to rest, so do the parents! The time rule is especially effective if you have a family that tend to have the “wheels fall” off the longer you spend together.

Keep it short and sweet so cousins can spend time with each other, and grandparents can witness the joy of their children and grandchildren.

3.

Don’t try to stretch yourself visiting all your family at Christmas.

Identify early on whether you want to have all Christmas’s at your home (especially if you have small children) or you want to alternate each

Bec Dudley

year amongst parents and siblings. If this is your preference, create a roster and make sure all those affected understand when it is their turn.

For our family when the kids had grown up and left home, we decided to celebrate Christmas in July so that they didn’t feel the pressure to try and fit us all in at Christmas. It also meant the whole family would meet up mid-year - especially nice as they all live in different towns.

4. Do you really need to purchase Christmas presents? If you are financially stretched, make a rule to only exchange ‘presence’ and not presents. Find a deeper meaning for you and your family at this time of year rather than buying into society’s status of the commercial exchange of gifts.

5. Realise you can say ‘no’ - it is allowed! Just maybe you want to say no to travelling and guests? I highly encourage this as I believe you should be creating new traditions with your children and your extended family can fit around you. Remember Christmas Day is one day! There are plenty of days either side of this to celebrate and catch up with extended family.

Whatever ground rules you put in place they can be tweaked and changed over time depending on the season of life you are in. If you find yourself getting into knots with the mere thought of Christmas and the approaching festive season you definitely need some tough love and ground rules put in place.

Till next month!

@MyHealthMattersWithBecDudley

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Josh Hoodless

FESTIVE FEAST, FAMINE AND FITNESS

Iandf youNewcanYearhonestly stick to your regular exercise routine over the Christmas period uninterrupted, then that’s great!

But for most of us, the holiday period involves work parties, family, friends, more parties, eating, shopping, decorating and much more.

Something has to give, and it’s usually your workouts.

Time to get festive and maybe try a new routine. The goal is to maintain!

Try a new full body three-day split program at the gym with different repetition ranges each day. You can fit those three gym workouts into each busy period of six-10 days. That way, you can train three days in a row or once every three days so your schedule won’t matter as much.

The goal is not to make any progress but to maintain your levels that you worked hard for all year.

When it comes to cardio, stretching, playing sport other training modes, make sure you fit them in when you can. It’s a possibility that you don’t know when your next workout is so make it a good one.

Only have 30 minutes for your gym workout? Do big compound movements, like deadlifts or squats, that use a lot of muscle and also burn calories rather than just pumping the guns.

Putting on extra kilos of fat doesn’t come from just one big Christmas buffet, it comes from the day’s to weeks to months total calorie intake.

A good tip here is to cut down on your calories during the day and prepare for the night time feast!

Let’s face it, the boss has paid for an open bar with whatever expensive food options that takes your fancy and you say no?

Mum and the family has just spent two days preparing the Christmas feast and you say no? No way! Enjoy yourself during the festive season.

Here’s a tip: Fill up on whole foods like vegetables, meats, potato dishes and salads. That way if you’re really full, you’ll have less chance to eat the high calorie dessert or fit another beer in.

Speaking of beer, try a lower calorie beer if you’re having more than a couple.

And avoid the high sugar/calorie mixers with your alcoholic beverages. Less refine carbs, less refine sugar. You got this!

Everything in moderation.

Have fun, but be smart. Think feast or famine rather than just constantly grazing. Whenever you get to exercise, make it worthwhile. Whenever you get to indulge, make sure you haven’t blown your total calories completely out of the water.

Do you want to spend the first six months of 2021 trying to get back in shape or maybe just January?

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25

Salt A DAY AT

IN 2018, long-time locals Jody and Julie Reid dived head-first into a venture that is now one of the most thriving business hubs in Hervey Bay. The two saw a huge potential in the Salt Precinct on Hervey Bay’s beautiful Esplanade, and after buying the business, created a beautiful space where locals and tourists can take in amazing scenery and simply enjoy good food.

Renovations and improvements were made to the precinct in 2018 but was stepped up a notch during the Covid-19 lockdown, with the owners and long-term staff working hard to create the magical atmosphere on offer to guests today.

The precinct, located in front of one of the biggest resorts in Hervey Bay, has incredible water views overlooking the iconic Urangan Pier and has so much to offer.

The spacious verandah area around the precinct has plenty of shade and is sheltered from the wind, so whether you are

26

PRECINCT URANGAN, HERVEY BAY

shopping or sitting down for a bite to eat you can do it in comfort.

The precinct ticks several boxes including being able to meet up with friends for relaxed casual dining, or browse the shops for gifts, homewares, or clothing.

Visitors and residents can enjoy some pampering with hair and makeup services on site, as well as indulgent beauty treatments.

You can enjoy breakfast or lunch at Salt Café, experience fabulous hair and makeup at Session XOX, shop at the Ibis Next Door for great Christmas ideas and unique gifts and clothing or book a relaxing massage at Skin Space – it’s all in the one place.

Salt Precinct will be open every day during the holidays except Christmas and Boxing day, offering the same wonderful service, atmosphere, view, and experiences you will find all year round. www.saltcafe.com.au or phone 4124 9722.

WITH long-term staff who know the business inside and out, Salt Café has an outstanding reputation when it comes to customer service.

Our skilled Chef Kirstyn Hogan designed the café’s latest menu during the Covid-19 lockdown which has a big emphasis on using fresh local ingredients with all meals made and cooked to order.

Salt Café is known by the locals as the place to go for an amazing breakfast, delicious Aromas coffee, fresh juices and smoothies.

But what is a surprise is Salt Café has one of the best seafood lunch menus in the Bay. Aside from amazing burgers and salads, starring in the new menu is local seafood including our fresh Hervey Bay prawns and scallops and fish which is caught locally. The Seafood platter for two being a firm favourite.

All of the seafood on the menu, except the calamari, is grilled so it is a lighter tastier option for diners as the seafood gets to shine. Complemented by the house made dressings, fresh salads and one of the most spectacular views in Hervey Bay.

Phone 4124 9722 www.saltcafe.com.au Owners Deanne and Julie of The Ibis Next Door, located on Hervey Bay’s beautiful Esplanade in Urangan.

We love working in such an amazing and vibrant precinct with other businesses , not to forget a sensational view of the ocean.

The ladies have some very unique offerings in their store, which sets them apart from your average gift shop.

“People often comment that we have things that they have never seen before, so that is something we try to maintain.”

We certainly have an eclectic range of products from relaxed clothing, bespoke jewellery and homewares, to regionally sourced jams and chutney and even edible bugs!

“We are not adverse to really different finds, such as the odd bit of taxidermy! We love to find small Australian producers and crafters for the shop.

Amongst their range of wares are ceramic whale tails, are a perfect souvenir for any visitors to the region. They are handcrafted for the store, making a perfect memento of a stay on the beautiful Fraser Coast. Plus, the ladies offer gift wrapping and personalized customer service.

You will find the shop next to Salt Café, with parking available under Oaks Resort.

Come in and check it out, you won’t be sorry. The shop is open all every day, except Tuesdays.

@theibisnextdoor Phone 0434 893 672 If you want a makeover like the stars, then take some time out for yourself and look amazing during the festive season with a personalised one-on-one hair or make up session with Hervey Bay’s Jo Smith.

Jo still travels regularly to share her creative flair for actors on movie sets and is currently working on two major international film/tv projects being filmed in Queensland.

The renowned hair & make-up artist has a long list of credits to her name including having worked on the set of the blockbuster Thor: Ragnarok, Home & Away and numerous other films, TV, international fashion weeks and the music industry.

For Jo, having Session XOX at Salt Precinct is a dream location with great bay views that encapsulates the relaxed coastal vibe.

“Our philosophy is simple, we believe you deserve to get what you pay for, and that’s a senior stylist from start to finish. No assistants or apprentices.” Jo said.

“Over the Christmas and New Year period we are offering a free treatment and head massage with every cut or colour service.”

Gift Vouchers are available online for that perfect Christmas present.

Phone 0492 834 287 www.sessionxox.com.au Skin Space is all about stepping away from your traditional salon environment, where owner Tammy Wakely has taken client comfort to the next level.

Clients can relax while looking over to an ocean view and hearing the waves roll in on the beautiful Esplanade in Urangan. When the opportunity arose to lease one of the shops in the Salt precinct, Tammy’s long-term dream of opening a day spa overlooking the ocean was reignited.

“To offer locals and holiday makers a chance to be pampered in a such a vibrant part of Hervey Bay is exciting for me as a business owner,” Tammy said.

The high-end interior design of Skin Space not just compliments the businesses around them, but client’s will be left feeling utterly indulged while taking time out for themselves “We wanted to offer amazing services from local Brisbane brands.

“We have a purpose build pedi station which is just divine, and we can look after spa parties for special occasions.

“The Salt precinct has become a gem in Urangan and I see it becoming a trendy space that I am proud to be a part of.”

Phone 4125 2969 www.skinspace.com.au

27

Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more…”

Dr. Seuss

www.facebook.com/relaxonriver

28

Homemade gifts from

your garden

H ello Gardeners, welcome to our December Festive Edition! This year has been challenging for both young and old, Christmas shopping may be harder

due to stock shortages, but we are going to face adversity with a smile and make our own basket of goodies to hand out to appreciative friends and relatives. These can be made with produce from your own garden or picked up at our numerous markets here on the Fraser Coast, where the men and women work hard at producing jams, cakes & condiments to fill your gift baskets. I am going to kick off with a few recipes ideas of my own to get you started.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

M y G arde n G ate

Krisy Goodwin

Measure cucumber bits (you should have about 5 cups). Place into a bowl and add chopped onions and salt. Mix well and let stand 1 hour. Drain off liquid.

Place the prepared vegetables into a large pot. Add vinegar, turmeric, sugar, mustard seeds, and mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook 1 hour, stirring often. Veggies should be crisply tender.

Ladle the relish into the canning jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the tops.

Seal jars with lids and rings. Place in a hot water bath so they are covered by 1 inch of water. Simmer but do not boil for 10 minutes to process.

Remove from the water to a tea towel or bakers rack and allow to cool to room temperature. Test jars for a good seal by pressing on the centre of the lid.

Ingredients:

Mint Jelly

3/4 cup rice vinegar 3/4 cup water 3/4 cup + 4 tbsp sugar 2 tbs rice wine 1 tbs sambal oelek or 2 tbs dried red chilli flakes 3 tsp minced garlic 2 tsp minced ginger 2 tsp soy sauce 4 tsp cornflour dissolved in 2 tbs water 2 drops of natural red food colouring (optional)

Ingredients: 2 cups fresh mint firmly packed 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tbsp powdered pectin 2 drops green food colouring (optional) Method:

Method: Place all ingredients except for the cornflour mixture in a small saucepan and bring it to a boil, stirring regularly.

Once the sugar is dissolved stir in the cornflour mixture, stirring continually until thickened, about a minute or two.

Let the sauce cool completely, pour into airtight sterilised jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months unopened or 2 weeks after opening.

Cucumber and Onion Relish

Blend mint and the water in a blender until mint is finely chopped.

Transfer to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Immediately remove from the heat and let steep for 45 mins. Strain mixture into a container, reserving 2 tablespoons of the blended mint, put to one side.

Return strained liquid to the pot along with 2 tablespoons of the powdered pectin, boil for 1 minute. Add lemon juice and sugar boil for 2 mins. Remove from heat. Stir in food colouring and reserved finely chopped mint. Transfer into sterilised hot jars.

SOME NOTES ON ‘CANNING’:

Ingredients: 6 cucumbers 6” shredded and drained 2 ½ cups onions shredded 1 tbsp salt 2 cups white vinegar ½ tablespoon turmeric 1 ½ cup white sugar 3 ½ teaspoon mustard seeds Method: Soak the cucumbers for at least half an hour before scrubbing them to ensure they are clean. Cut them into quarters lengthwise, then in eighths crosswise (remove the seeds if the cucumbers are big). Place them in the food processor.

Once chopped, drain for 5 minutes through colander.

All the recipes above are suitable for canning. Use the canning method in the cucumber and onion relish recipe. Canning jars and preserving kits can be found at most major retailers in and around the Fraser Coast. Canning is not recommended without using the proper canning jars. The recipes I have provided can also be put into sterilised well sealed re-purposed jars and stored in the fridge without canning.

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29

Hea lth Hu nter

Rhian Hunter

Yoga practice for optimum

Anjaneyasana ( Low Crescent lunge )

physical and mental strength

Parivrtta Viparita Virabhadrasana ( Twisted Reverse Warrior Pose )

T he word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’. It is the union of body, mind and soul.

This union has a direct cause and effect relationship, what you bring to the mat mentally will present itself physically, and what you hold within the body will affect the mind. The key is in influencing one element with the other, working towards finding true connection, inner strength and balance.

Malasana ( Garland Pose )

2020 has thrown us many a challenge, and continues to test the strength of our bodies and our minds. We need a strong mindset to keep us positive and grounded, and to help prevent feelings of stress and anxiety consume us.

A consistent yoga practice is one of the most valuable ways to combat your physical, mental and emotional challenges, making us stronger in both body & mind.

We all know that the physical practice of yoga (Asana) makes us physically strong, but more than anything yoga is a wonderful way to nurture your sense of inner strength.

Setu Bandhāsana (Bridge pose)

Take time to practice and enjoy these poses to eliminate feelings of self-doubt, and reveal your inner peace and strength!

Eka Pada Setu Bandhāsana ( Single Legged Bridge Pose )

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Sm a r t Mo ney

The home of your

dreams

Kodie Axelsen

is closer than you think…

A re you holding the yearly Christmas festivities at your home this year but it’s just not up to scratch? Would you love an outdoor area for

entertaining, some extra bedrooms for interstate guests or a pool to keep the kids cool after that deadly game of backyard cricket (let’s not lie, we all have that one family member that thinks they’re Don Bradman. Cool your jets, Don! It’s supposed to be fun!)?

With recent interest rate drops and local real estate values holding strong, now is a perfect time to draw equity on your home for those renos you’ve been wanting! I can hear your minds ticking over with excitement of all those Pinterest boards you have going! Don’t worry, I feel ya!

Now let’s get down to business.....

First off, how significant are your renos going to be? If you are doing the almighty knock-down and rebuild the whole back half of the house then chances are you’ll need build plans to be valued by a registered valuer.

This is called an “on completion valuation” where the bank bases their lending on the value of your home when its completed. The bank will want to control these funds and will release money per invoice payable to the builder. These are called “progress payments.” This reduces the lender’s risk of funding too much money at any stage of the build.

If you are not going all out and you just need tens of thousands to get your renos done then you may be able to use the equity you already have in your home. This is just a simple lend against the value of your home as it is now. In this case the bank does not need to control funds as they already hold the equity in your home. They will disburse funds straight to you to spend as you please. WINNING!!!

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Pa renti ng

Whether 2020 has been naughty or nice to you, I wish you and your family many happy returns and I hope you’ll continue to read along next year.”

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32

What’s not on the list this A s Christmas Day draws ever closer, I just want to be the first to extend my sympathies to those parents who will wake up to the sounds of the pooping flamingo on December 25.

I won’t be one of them. I’ve already vetoed the bright pink toy bird that sits on a plastic toilet, swaying, while singing “Uh oh, gotta go,” in a tune that’s unfortunately quite catchy. It even actually “poops” – educational toys, eat your heart out.

I must give props to the makers of said bird. My kids thought it was hilarious and instantly asked if they could have it. The answer, sorry kids, was a big fat NOPE. “Maybe Santa will bring it,” Mr 5 said, giggling.

“He’d better not,” I said.

“Anyway, we’ve already done our Santa lists so I think it will be too late.”

“Dang it,” said Mr 5, disappointed for about five seconds before he moved on to see what his sister and cousin were looking at, which just happened to be some sort of noisy space blaster gun that made the flamingo seem positively civilised. He looked up at me. “We’ve done the list, remember?” I cut in before he could say anything. “And Dad will divorce me if I bring that thing home.”

I quietly patted myself on the back for getting them to do their lists early so I could shoot down any unnecessarily annoying suggestions.

We’ve still got last year’s Boppi the Booty Shaking Llama (thanks Uncle Timmy) who is taken from the shelf periodically to swing his furry butt

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around to his catchy tune, but at least he’s cute, unlike the awful Bluetooth microphone with voice effects that can probably be heard on the other side of the planet.

That particular fail can be blamed on Santa, although I have it on good authority that had Santa known it would be so skull-penetratingly loud, he would have had the elves drop an anvil on it rather than let it leave the workshop.

Sadly, the charging cord for the microphone got lost in transit when we moved to a new house this year and I have made zero effort to find it.

I mustn’t forget the Uncle Timmy special circa Christmas 2011 or 12, which was a plush toy beaver singing Justin Bieber’s Baby. You shouldn’t have. No, really.

YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE. To be fair, it was probably revenge for the Indiana Jones whip I’d given my nephew a few years before, which sang the theme song to the famous films every time you cracked it. Childless at the time, it was one of a number of loud and/or annoying gifts I’d given my nephew over the years and I thought it was hilarious. Apparently, my brother didn’t.

I’m not sure what irritating bits and pieces will await us under the tree this year but, let’s face it, after the year that 2020’s been, anything that makes us and our kids laugh will probably be well received. maybe it won’t be. Maybe your kids will receive the most intolerable things yet and you’ll have them up on eBay by day’s end. It’s still 2020. Perhaps the pooping flamingo is fitting, after all.

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Five top Tips for surviving the silly season

Alcohol Reset Coach

Annabel Stewart

alcohol-free

M ore and more of us are deciding that life is better – simpler, calmer, easier – without alcohol.

For some of us it’s a case of putting our health first, for others it’s a case of nipping addiction in the bud or prioritising our families.

I did it for all those reasons and more, and my life is a million times better. I love living my life alcohol-free and having my health and well-being back – I was so sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.

But the first time I faced Christmas without wine, I was a tad nervous. How would I survive the office parties? What would I do about the long boozy lunch on Christmas Day? How would I deal with drunk Uncle Albert without getting tipsy myself?

Being fully present, spending time with people we care about

I had no idea how it would pan out and spent quite too much time worrying about it in the weeks before.

Of course, it was fine. It felt a bit unsure at times, but I not only survived, I loved it.

I loved going out for work dinners and driving myself home when I was ready to leave, with no worry or shame about saying anything inappropriate or lurching into tables.

I loved having the energy and balance to deal with a long and busy Christmas season.

I loved having a clear head and no hangover on Christmas morning, and helping the kids open their stockings. There was precisely zero downside. It was all good stuff, and I had more fun, not less.

I’ve had a few years of alcohol free living since then, and want to share some thoughts for those who are hoping to negotiate Christmas alcohol free for the first time.

1. Decide what it is you really love about Christmas: I love the Christmassy feeling of magic. I love the fact the kids get super excited about the whole time. I also love time off work and spending time with people I care about. Decide exactly what makes it special for you – it won’t be the hangovers.

2. Commit to not drinking and make it non-negotiable: Commit and stick to it to your guns. If you dither, it’s easy to fold. You need to make a plan and follow through, including having an escape plan so you’re not stuck. You can do it, you’re stronger than you think.

3. Decide what you’re going to say: You can decide in advance what to say to the people who try to persuade you that “just one won’t hurt”. You can say you’re driving, you’re doing a wellness challenge, you’re allergic to it; whatever works for you to close it down. Then smile and move on. The ones who work extra hard to convince you to drink are usually the ones who are fighting private battles, so find compassion.

4. Make sure you have a great alcohol-free drink: Decide what you’re going to drink instead, and take some with you if you can.

Make it fun and treaty, so you’re not stuck sipping tap water from a plastic cup. You deserve something delicious – I love the small bottles of kombucha with lemon and ginger.

5. Ask yourself, ‘how would alcohol change this situation?’

I very quickly came to realise that very few situations are improved by drinking. When I was out having fun, swapping stories with friends, and crying with laughter, the fun had nothing to do with the drinking. It was about the connection and the special people. When I was having a dreary night with people I had little in common with, drinking didn’t help. It was still a dreary night. Alcohol is sadly not a magical elixir.

When we reset our relationship with alcohol, we start to see what’s really important in our lives. We start to live with authenticity and integrity. I used to think that being sober was dullsville – I was a rebel, wild and free. But the irony was that alcohol had me trapped and my life was passing me by.

Being fully present, spending time with people we care about and living life to the full; that’s the true spirit of Christmas.

34

Alcohol Reset Coach www.annabelstewart.com.au

Cof fee ro m a

Jasen Barrie

THE WEEKEND ROAST Whether you are coffee snob, a once a week sipper or just drink tea or alternative beverages we all have a general idea of the coffee bean beginning. We roughly know about the goatherder Khalid who it is said that he was the one responsible for discovering the now infamous plant and introducing it to Abyssenian culture.

We also roughly know that the Italians were the first to come up with the idea of forcing pressurised water through a handful of finely ground coffee to produce a short, concentrated drink: the espresso. But what about coffee in Australia, especially Queensland in the early days. How much do we really know about that journey?

Coffee beans arrived with the First Fleet, the sprouted plants soon struggled in the Port Jackson climate. However, by the 1880’s there were plantations in Queensland and New South Wales. I2. In 1899, twentynine coffee growers met in Cairns to form the first association. Coffee growing persisted into the 1920s but declined owing to labour shortage, climate and shipping problems associated with WW1.

In 1861, surveyor James Warner received a silver medal at the London International Exhibition for coffee beans grown in his garden at

Kangaroo Point. In 1879 coffee was reported to be growing in Gympie and the following year coffee was included in a “collection of economic plants contributed by the Acclimatisation Society of Queensland” which won a gold medal at the International Agricultural show in Sydney.

Coffee plantations were established in Buderim, Mackay, Bingil Bay Atherton Tablelands and by 1893 there was an interest in growing coffee in the Northern Rivers NSW. All the coffee was of Arabica variety and by 1899 there were some 46 coffee growers in the Cairns region alone.

The fledgling industry soon encountered problems from droughts, frosts, and cyclones not to mention the introduction of the “White Australia” policy in 1901 which saw and end to the “sugar slave” system which revolved around using Kanaka (South Sea Islander) labour.

However, the Industry has had a resurgence since the 1980s with the Mareeba/ Atherton Tableland region now producing most of Australia’s harvest. So, whilst the romance and flamboyancy of Venice may claim the espresso crown. The little Aussie battler has it’s place and of that we should be proud.

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Fa shion Breakdown

Sotik Sahna

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Get ready for the

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Summer Fashion

Fun

E ach fashion column thus far, has presented a foundation – a very clear message… FASHION is supposed to be FUN!

It’s an expression of who you are as a person, where you’re at in life, it has power to communicate, power to express purpose, power to bring smiles, inspire and forge a path in your life that makes a difference!

This year alone has shocked us no doubt – as a nation; devastating bush fires, flooding, a world pandemic – division and barriers from loved ones, uncertainty in the midst of all adversity! The challenge… discovering peace from within, no matter what your circumstance speaks… choosing a perspective of JOY, FUN and having a gratitudeattitude will always get you further, making things brighter xx One of the best ways to have FUN this summer with your fashion decisions, is to purchase MATCHING outfits! That’s right, I said it, no turning back lol you may think it sounds ridiculous but this decision truly holds the magic this Christmas summer season.

This is the greatest year yet, I’ve witnessed locally – being able to purchase matching outfits as a family; mother and daughter, father and son, best friends, work colleagues – whatever your choice of combo this summer, I DARE YOU to take the plunge, live a little, cause yourself and others to smile and BUY UP on matching outfits, fashion pieces this summer!

One of the BEST families I know, truly lead by example with this #fashionbreakdown #matchingsummerfashionfun is Andy, Micky, Hugo and Tilly (in the photos) xx TAG us on social media @alivemagwidebay @sotiksahna in YOUR matching summer fashion fun pics this summer and together let’s spread the JOY!

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Beauty tips for the

festive season

O h, the festive season! At no other time of the year is it so important to us that we look and feel our best despite being the busiest ever!

S k i n Care and B eau ty

Tammy Wakely

To ensuring those middle-aged chin whiskers are no more to taking time out to look after our skin with a divine enzyme facial, we ladies have special requirements during the festive season, but looking our best throughout Christmas and New Year requires more care than many realise.

From late November right through until the New Year, we put our bodies under intense strain with less sleep, poor diet and of course more alcohol.

All in the name of being ‘festive’.

Ensuring we drink lots of water, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, take our supplements (in our case, Totally Derma) and getting a good eight hours sleep is the bare minimum to looking great during our hot and long festive season.

If you are feeling sluggish then making a few dietary changes may help.

Focus on whole foods. Avoid processed foods, takeaways, sugar, alcohol and caffeine that may aggravate your gut.

Another important thing to remember is to stay hydrated. Aim to drink two litres of water daily.

Christmas party tips: 1. Skin can become dehydrated in the summer months, so I always start by prepping the skin with a good vitamin C serum followed by a nice water based moisturiser to perfect the skin, I use DMKC foundation it creates a perfect glow.

3. For a party look a red lip will always be one of my go-tos, I love using DMKC Lipstick in Iconic Red which creates a perfect statement lip.

2. I like to do a little bit of contour using the the Garbo & Kelly iluIlimation pallet to enhance the cheekbones as well as sculpting the chin, nose and forehead. These are so easy to use as the formula is so blendable and that means you can be really precise with your placement of the product.

Merry Christmas

4. With lips as the focus you don’t want to much on the eyes, just a little definition.

Tam X

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40

Get set for a coastal Christmas adventure

D e s t i n at i o ns

Yeppoon

Just like that, another year has flown by and Christmas is almost upon us.

After a tumultuous year, it will be wonderful to take a break and spend some well-earned time with family.

This year will be the first Christmas for my baby niece, so I am excited to be able to spend it with her and the rest of my family in the beautiful Yeppoon.

Just five hours north of Hervey Bay, Yeppoon is a wonderful, quiet town, perfect for a quick getaway over a long weekend or an extended stay – there really is so much to do.

Dubbed the gateway to the Keppels, a visit to Yeppoon wouldn’t be complete without time spent at Great Keppel Island.

The largest island in its group, Great Keppel Island is a stunning jewel of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Approximately 30 minutes ferry ride from the mainland, the island is bursting with activities.

While the day away basking in the crystal-clear waters, enjoying some cold drinks on the silky white sand, or exploring the many walking trails through the centre of the island.

Brooke Wilson

Take your togs, inflatable floaties, and a sense of adventure, as tucked away within the forest is Stony Creek. This stunning hidden paradise cannot be done justice in pictures.

Take your inflatables upstream, and drift down the creek under lush green trees and through water so clear you will feel like you are drifting on air.

After exploring all that the Capricorn Coast has to offer, treat yourself with a visit to Whisk Café. Located in the heart of Yeppoon, it is walking distance to shops and the beach.

Arguably the best coffee in town, pair one with some of their incredible waffles – you won’t regret it! Dine in at their lovely outdoor dining area, or takeaway to enjoy on the beach, watching the waves rolling in.A destination not too far from home and bursting with life, Yeppoon has so much more to offer than meets the eye. Make sure to visit the next time you’re travelling north!

Merry Christmas!

A highlight walk is the Mount Wyndham Circuit, a moderately rated track that can get steep in places but will reward you at the summit with 360-degree views over the island.

If water-based activities are more your forte, the island offer rentals for snorkelling, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and you can also try your hand at fishing or scuba diving.

The island also now offers accommodation, so if one day isn’t enough, stay the night at the Great Keppel Island Hideaway. A relaxed and easy going vibe, the Hideaway has rooms to suit all kinds of visitors and budgets.

Back on the mainland, Yeppoon boasts an impressive manmade lagoon.

Opened in 2018, the lagoon is a stunning addition to the town’s foreshore.

The perfect place for families and especially those with small children, the 2500 square metre lagoon features an infinity edge overlooking the ocean, shallow play area for children, and a lap area. It has free entry and is surrounded by beautiful shaded parklands, perfect for a family picnic.

Approximately 30 minutes north of Yeppoon lies the Byfield State Forest.

www.frasercoasttravel.com.au

41

MAJESTIC GETAWAY

Outdo o r Adventure

Steven Barnard

AT OUR DOORSTEP

Tip number two is making sure you have a capable four-wheel drive if you want to explore the island.

Holy sand dunes! Off we hiked to Lake Wobby and from the beach it’s a lovely hike.

It’s about 4.6km return, but be prepared as we carried our little ones half the trip so plenty of water is an essential.

After half a day swimming and sliding down the dunes (and eating sand) we made our way back down to the eastern beach to enjoy some ice cold homemade mango ice cream as our treat!

It made the long hike back for the kids worth their while.

Tip number 3: Take a 12v fridge setup! Trust me, it makes life easier, especially after using an esky and ice for years. Having to top-up the ice every few days can be painful.

You will thank yourself later as you can pull up almost anywhere and have cold drink or fresh food handy without the children complaining of soggy food.

From beginning to end, we soaked up the beauty of what Fraser Island had to offer, stopping multiple times along the beaches to fish the gutters (holes) as my partner and I can’t drive past a good fishing spot and not put a line in and show the kids what this land has to offer!

My favourite day trips were to the stunningly blue Lake McKenzie where you can snorkel and play water sports (bring a Frisbee or ball).

Stopping at the iconic Maheno shipwreck for a quick snap with the family should also be on the bucket list.

Champagne pools is also a top spot for a snorkel and a splash.

The families favourite part of the holiday would have to be our two trips to Eli creek!

With the continuous flow of cool fresh water down to the ocean, you can take a floatie of your choice (I have seen some wild ones), and walk up the beautiful pathway surrounded by tropical bush to float back down the creek, weaving through trees back to the beach to your car.

G ’day, and wow! The festive season is here already and now is the best time to spend with your family, and what better time to do it outdoors.

in life my friends.

In last month’s column I wrote about that fact that what I love most in life is my family and the joy of outdoor adventures.

• Make sure you vehicle is capable of travelling to desired destinations.

With the festive season here, I’d like to share a trip that was a wonderful highlight for our family.

There is so many amazing destinations and adventures found close to the Fraser Coast but none more so than Fraser Island (K’gari)!

So here’s our story about visiting the largest sand island in the world.

We set off to Fraser Island by barge on sunrise and before noon we had our camp all setup and ready to explore what the island had to offer.

Here’s a tip: Set tasks and games for the kids. It really kept us occupied without the thought of looking at phones and tablets.

Tasks can be meal prep, making beds, table setting, doing dishes and so on.

Games came easy with two young children. Choosing where to explore each day was also a fun family decision.

42

Installing an awning onto one side of your vehicle will come in handy for day trips to these gorgeous hotspots on the beach. Take your time to enjoy the little things

Here’s a few things to consider when visiting Fraser Island: • Get your vehicle serviced before your adventure because there’s nothing worse than breaking down in remote destinations.

• Study the tide times so you know when you can drive on the beach safely.

• If you’re not keen on bugs or mozzies, then take lots of repellent.

• Bring enough food, especially if you have growing children continuously eating!

• Make sure you have the correct camping gear, for short or long periods of stay in comfort • Take a separate camera to remember the amazing adventures! (Try to put your phone away during family time) Stay safe and have an amazing festive season with your family and hopefully a festive outdoor adventure!

The Bi g Catch

Andrew Chorley

The weather is heating up and so is the fishing on the Fraser Coast!

CHRISTMAS

FROM THE DEEP Local Reefs

Our region has some great summer fishing and sees a variety of pelagic species Blackall, cod, sweetlip and trevally have been reported on the local reefs. firing up and getting into the abundance of bait on the surface.

Fishing the shallow reefs has been very productive with grunter, sweetlip Impoundment barramundi are also high on the agenda with Lake Lenthall and and cod coming from the reefs off Point Vernon and around Big Woody Island.

Monduran producing some good sessions.

Queenfish and GT’s have been taking surface lures around the rocky points with I would like to wish all my Alive readers a very safe and merry Christmas. early morning and late afternoon being the best time to target them on the Hopefully, all you keen anglers will get a little bit of time off to get out on the surface. water and experience the amazing fishing our region has to offer.

Platypus Bay Sheltered waters thanks to the protection of the world’s largest sand island, Mackerel have been the main target for most in Platypus Bay. K’gari (Fraser Island), are just one of the many reasons the Fraser Coast is one of Other species about are mac and longtail tuna, scarlets, blackall and golden the most renowned fishing destinations in the nation. trevally.

Let’s take a look at what’s on the bite this month.

A few black marlins have been reported and there may still be some about up Sandy Strait until Christmas.

The strait has been a great place to hide out of the persistent northerly winds.

Urangan Pier Whiting and flathead have been reported from the flats with some good If you’re after a decent catch close to home this Christmas, then pack up your specimens in the mix. gear and head to the Urangan Pier.

For lure anglers, threadfin salmon have been reported in the Mary River system Big GT’s have been a target species for those wanting a trophy fish. with fish mostly coming from the lower reaches.

School mackerel, queenfish and golden trevally have also been reported.

Soft vibes worked on the deep rock bars and holes has produced some good fish.

In the first channel whiting have responded to the dirty water from the Working the drains has turned up a few with prawn imitation soft plastics northerlies and have been a good target on the early tides. working well.

Impoundments Pikey bream, flathead and grunter have also been coming from the river with the Lake Lenthall has been producing bass and barra consistently of late. deep holes in the smaller creeks fishing well.

The barra are responding well to imitation frogs worked on the surface in the late afternoons with the bass found schooling on the points and taking small Out the Burrum working the mouth of the river for queenfish, trevally and grub style soft plastics. flathead has been productive.

In Lake Monduran, the evening sessions have produced the best results with full Mangrove Jacks will be active in the hot conditions with soft plastics worked moon nights getting some epic fish. in the snags producing. Whiting fisherman have seen a few good catches after dark, the flats out the front have been producing some good specimens on live Hard bodie lures such as the Jackall Squirrel have been consistently working well on the barra. yabbies.

Burrum

Blackall, school mackerel and golden trevally have been reported out the front of the 8-Mile.

Karen from Brisbane with a solid golden trevally caught off Arch Cliffs.

Hervey Bay Fly and Sportfishing www.herveybaysportfishing.com.au

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Ho me Pro j ect

Denis Trotman “Jack of all trades Master of most”

SHAPE UP THOSE

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

This month’s edition is all things festive. A great easy little project for all ages.

Christmas light decorations can be bought but then others in the neighbourhood can be the same. Make your house stand out from the rest by making your own.

Using fairy lights, make up easy silhouette Christmas shapes by using zip ties to hold them in place on wire mesh. The bigger the shape the more it will stand out.

I used solar lights. So no need to run power cords. They can then be placed anywhere in the yard. Attach them to a wall, fence, or add timber stakes to stand them up in the middle of the yard.

Get the kids involved in this one. Let their imagination run wild and stand out in the street.

Merry Christmas everyone!

@thejunctionontruro

DRESS ME WILD Fashion Forward

Pialba Place 44

(Big W Entrance),

Hervey Bay |

Phone 0409 266 966

From t he she d

David Everett

LET’S RAISE A PINT OF GUINNESS TO

SANTA AND HIS REINDEERS Iover’ll take evidence over belief, laws over self-interest and couldn’t give a damn superstition. In fact, I’m the one who, without hesitation, will remark on

how quiet it is at work during the period of a full moon. I can tell you now that as an Emergency Nurse this is sufficient to raise the wrath of my colleagues.

So, like my colleagues and the ‘Q’ word we all have our foibles in which reason and science are tossed aside like Christmas leftovers on New Year’s Day. My foibles are the mythologies of childhood.

Tooth Fairy: I’m high-fiving that little lady as she slips a $2 coin under the pillow. Too frequently a day late but that’s usually because, she (the little one), couldn’t find it in all the mess. Maybe if the room was cleaned – sigh!

Easter Bunny: I’ve got his paw print saved to the hard drive ready to sign off his letters with a note. He’s a busy rabbit so I gave him a hand with this bit.

Then comes Santa Clause: Oh Saint Nick, you are the last belief to be let go and not because the continued belief means I’m guaranteed a Guinness on Christmas Eve. You don’t get to take the credit for the biggest and best of the presents. But Santa, you do get to give great fun little things, as well as our family tradition of chocolates and undies in the stocking.

…

This is all simply ‘the joy of childhood’ and I don’t even try to further justify this exception to my solid acceptance of evidence based reality. I love it. The kids love it. It’s fun for everyone and creates many lasting happy memories, as well as traditions that can flow between the generations for years to come.

Yes, eventually they find out the truth and perhaps they crash when it happens. But sometimes it happens late enough, that they know well enough, to keep it to themselves -and parents get a bit more time to enjoy it. Still, if you are like us, even when we all found out who knows the truth, we all keep doing it anyway because it’s still an honest delight to experience.

The exception to this is the carrots. I will happily give up the carrot tradition. I don’t mind steamed carrots. I love roasted carrots and will melt for a quality carrot cake. Carrots for the reindeer though are a whole other matter. I really don’t enjoy raw carrots, by themselves or dipped in hummus - it makes no difference. Yet somehow it has become part of my role on Christmas Eve to chew chunks of raw carrots and spray them over the back deck as though Santa’s reindeer were messy eaters. I don’t enjoy the taste and when thought about, it’s quite feral. Yet I enjoy the joy it brings, so I wouldn’t actually be happy about giving it up. Also Guinness washes the taste away quite well.

Chris Postle Art Quality original art and sculpture G A L L E R Y AT H E R V E Y B AY W H A L E M A R IN A Open 7 days 10am - 3pm

WWW.CHRISPOSTLE.COM INQUIRIES: 0409 286 364

45

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the Bundaberg Rum Distillery is a genuine bucket list ticker that should be at the top of the list for true lovers of all things rum and fun.

Whether it’s a quick visit to Bundy R. Bear’s spiritual home, a journey deep into the beating heart of the Distillery, indulging in our famous selection of Royal Liqueurs or just taste testing some of the world’s best rum, a trip to Australia’s most awarded rum distillery is a total must when visiting Queensland.

So drop in and take your tastebuds for a rum inspired adventure at the spiritual home of a truly original Aussie icon.

BOOK ONLINE & SAVE

46

BUNDABERGRUM.COM.AU

(07) 4131 2999

@BUNDABERGRUM

BUNDABERG RUM

BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A BLUE BEAUTY W hen you imagine a classic car and a photographer on sunset, the mind automatically takes you to the joy of a wedding.

But for Jim Nickols, the love scene was set at the Sports Precinct last month where his bright blue 1978 Torana was at the heart of a professional photo shoot.

The voucher was a special Father’s Day gift from his son Ian, knowing just how passionate his dad is about classic cars.

Jim’s 23-year-old disabled son Daniel is also a big fan of the “Ran”, and is always by his side in the classic car while cruising the Esplanade, taking part in club events with the Wide Bay Rodders or travelling around the state to various car shows.

“He claims this one as his own,” Jim said with a laugh.

The die-hard motoring enthusiast has always had a love of classic vehicles, particularly Holden panel vans, but couldn’t go past the blue beauty after seeing her advertised on Facebook five years ago.

As well as being a practical everyday drive for the family, the metallic blue one-of-a-kind colour was the deal-clincher, being his wife’s favourite colour.

Luckily, because it was already bought by the time she finished work.

“I was just looking at Facebook one day and saw it for sale; it was local, it was reasonably priced, so I went and had a look, liked it and committed to it.

“When I picked the wife up from work I said ‘I’ve got something to show you’ … she knew it would be a car.

R i de

Kerrie Alexander

sedan, which is the last of its model, to the immaculate condition you see today.

The 78RAN number plate is a standout feature on the car, and no longer is there missing nuts and bolts, rust or zip ties holding up the exhaust.

“It was an unfinished project when I bought it, so it was just a matter of finishing it off and tidying it up.”

The wiring has been tidied up in the original 202 engine, which is one of the old-school features Jim loves most about the car.

“I’ve kept the car sympathetic to the 80s, so I haven’t gone for the 20-Inch chrome wheels or modern electronics … it’s got everything you would expect to see from the 80s.

“It’s got the drag way wheels from that era, the 202 with extractors and a Holley carb.

Another special feature is the tow bar; added so that Jim can tow his 1978 pop-up camper van that has been colour matched with Sandman stripes.

“It’s the Sandman I never had … we call it the Sandvan.”

The Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to car shows and cruises, but Jim is looking forward to getting the Ran back on the road now that restrictions have eased.

As the coordinator of many car club Facebook pages, you can follow what’s coming up around the Fraser Coast on the Wide Bay Rodders page and Jim’s Cars that Cruise the Nard page.

“Blue is her favourite colour, so I got away with it.”

The Wide Bay Rodders have also launched a Hang Out Night on the second Friday of every month from 5.30pm at Stockland Hervey Bay.

Five years on and Jim has put some hard yards into getting this four-door

Go along, check them out and be sure to say gidday to Jim.

47

Do your best to create some

Life Chat wi th M i chelle

Michelle Robinson Bach. Counselling.

Dip. Clinical Hypnotherapy www.academyofspiritualpractice.com

happy memories

“I’m really torn with what to do this Christmas as far as gift buying for my children goes. Money is tight and they don’t seem to appreciate what they already have. How do I keep the balance between spoiling Christmas and spoiling THEM?” - Torn Santa Dear ‘Torn Santa’, You raise a question that many parents face every time an occasion comes up that involves buying gifts for their kids. At Christmas, the necessity of buying gifts for each child can place parents under big financial and emotional stress. Naturally, you want the children to have a wonderful Christmas, but when they already have a lot of ‘stuff’ they don’t seem to appreciate, and finances are tight, there’s a real dilemma about what choices to make. You want to be sensible with money, while at the same time, delighting the children with something special.

It’s my belief that we remember and value special experiences more than gifts that satisfy a whim. Experiences, especially those shared with people we care about, are the fabric memories are made of. I suggest you consider including one or more experiences that the kids will enjoy as part of your gift strategy. An experience doesn’t have to be expensive.

For some families, a camping holiday somewhere new, with plenty of activities, would be a great idea. Consider who would make the experience memorable for your children. Could they bring their best friend, for example? There may be tickets to an event, or an annual family pass to a venue of interest that would capture your children’s passion. Again - could they share this with a friend or cousin?

When your children reflect on Christmas as adults, then the fun times they had with people they care about, will likely win out over gifts. Find experiences that you can all enjoy, and create memories for the future.

That’s the balance I would seek.

Blessings to you, Michelle

“This will be my first Christmas as a single parent - do you have any tips for coping with what will likely be a fairly awful holiday period for everyone?”

- Worried Single Parent Dear Worried Single Parent, I do have some tips, and I can reveal that in the past I have been in your shoes, so your question matters to me.

Please do not feel I am being tough with you, but if you let yourself believe that this Christmas will be ‘awful’, then it probably will be. It takes courage to step beyond your own hurt, but your children need you to be strong. The best Christmas present you can offer them this year, is your very best effort to create some happy experiences.

Your children’s Christmas will be impacted by how you feel and how other important adults behave.

I suggest you try to ensure any decisions about custody (who has the children where, and when), are agreed to well in advance. Lock those arrangements in and keep checking there is a solid plan.

If the children will be apart from you for some of the Christmas period, then make sure you are not home alone feeling distressed. Make a plan in advance to spend time with friends or family whose company you enjoy. This is a good general strategy. Even when the children are with you, make sure they have some fun experiences with friends, cousins or other family members. Plan some activiies such as a beach picnic, to encourage laughter and exercise. Avoid excessive alcohol, as alcohol heightens vulnerable emotions.

Planning and early preparation are the keys here. Tell yourself that even if your heart is breaking, you will do your best to create some happy memories. You could also invite an elderly or lonely friend to join you for a meal. You could even take some home-cooking or small gifts to a nursing home. Do something that takes you away from your pain and focuses your attention on helping some else. Sometimes, the smallest gestures of kindness, mean a great deal to someone in need.

Many blessings and good luck.

Michelle

Disclaimer: While every letter answered is given careful attention, in no way is any response in this column intended to offer professional advice. Please always seek advice from a relevant qualified professional.

Thank you for understanding that only a limited number of letters may be published in each edition.

Your local churches’

Christmas Services

You are welcome to join us for a special

Christmas Eve Service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Doors open at 5:15pm for a 5:30pm start

FRASER COAST BAPTIST CHURCH 175 Urraween Rd, Hervey Bay (next door to Bayside Christian College) Please direct all enquiries to Pastor Tim Eyschen on (07) 4128 4014 www.frasercoastbaptistchurch.com.au

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May you know the joy and peace of Christ this Christmas season.

Join us Christmas Day, 9am Dec 25

Streaming online or book to attend (limited seating) www.hbbc.com.au Email:office@hbbc.com.au Phone: 07 4124 7200

Let the

I n spi rat i o ns

good vibes roll T his time of year, and the festive season, brings such an energy of excitement and anticipation. Especially with end of year social events and

impending Christmas celebrations. In fact, my head is whirling around just thinking about it!

However, the hype of the festive season celebrations is known to activate family, and or workplace tensions, especially when alcohol is in the mix.

So, how does one survive Christmas and stay energetically balanced?

The first step is to look after yourself physically. Keep up with your regular exercise routine and make it a habit to connect in with the outdoors daily.

Being outdoors keeps you grounded, and this in turn helps to keep stress levels under control. Grounding can be as simple as standing in the backyard barefoot for a few minutes.

Secondly, be aware of other’s energies around you. Use your intuition here. If practical, steer clear of people with bad vibes.

If you can’t, there is a couple of techniques you can try. First one involves simply imagine flicking those bad vibes away. Another technique I use with my clients, is to create a barrier to those energies by imagining you have an armour around you, or a brick wall in front of you, to deflect unwanted energies.

Alison Dunlop

So, what do you do if you find yourself in a heated or stressful situation?

Step back for a few moments, take a few deep breaths, and place the palm of one hand on your forehead.

This cool little move activates stress release points and helps with clear thinking. It will allow you to think clearly before making your next move.

On the party front, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Be gentle on yourself, enjoy, but of course be careful of over-indulging.

The festive season is meant to be a fun time of year so make it enjoyable and share the good vibes.

Keep things in perspective and always keep your thoughts and actions positive.

Enjoy your family and friends but don’t forget to check in on those that are less fortunate, and alone.

Until next year Alison x

I have balance in my life and move forward in a positive direction.

Alison Dunlop Kinesiologist. Find out more at: www.alisondunlopkinesiology.com.au

Your local churches’

Christmas Services

St Paul’s Maryborough Service Times

Christmas Eve

(Thursday 24 Dec) 5:30pm & 11:30pm

Christmas Day ( Friday 24 Dec) 8:30am

Cnr Lennox & Ellena St, Maryborough (07) 41214757 49

Kev ’s Adventu res

@KevsAdventures

Kevin

It’s all about the family sparkle: Why Christmas is my jam…

If there is one thing that I can’t control my excitement over, it is shiny things: Twinkling lights The reflection of someone’s watch on a wall The interplay between an interesting shadow providing funny shapes of light The reflection of the shiny cutlery on the roof whenever the dishwasher is being packed or unpacked…

Even just thinking about it right now I can’t contain myself. I… just… have… to… let out a few high-pitched yaps.

Ahhh…

Excuse me while I compose myself. *Ahem* As you can imagine, Christmas brings with it a whole lot of extra shiny things putting me in an extra festive mood. There’s obviously all the sparkly lights that people put up in the lead up to Christmas which is absolutely dazzling to come across on an evening walk. As excited as I am about all the lights, I’m still sometimes a bit unsure what to make of it all and can get a bit overwhelmed so we don’t stay too long.

The best bit about all the Christmas festivities is all the visitors we have. It can get pretty crazy around our place at Christmas time as family and friends converge. We have the family matriarch, Latte, descend on us from Brisbane and we all have to remember to respect her personal boundaries – she’s a foxycross-Jack Russell and is quite the princess. We also have the crazy labradoodle Kobe visit from Brisbane too, he’s still young and can be a bit of a boof-head but he and Bodhi get along like a house on fire and don’t stop playing – that can get hectic! Molly, is our local matriarch, despite her age she is far more easy going than Latte and sometimes she sometimes tries to get in on the crazy puppyplay which can get confusing for everyone. Then there’s us more sensible working dogs, me and my two best mates, Ally (my doppelgänger) and Jett, the retired working dog – he’s the most steady and mature of all of us but he has a bit of a thing for destroying my toys so I have to keep a watchful eye on him too. It really is a lot to keep a handle on!

Luckily I have my own hobbies and interests which can give me some time out from the crowd and with all the humans doing all the Christmas eating and drinking there’s a lot of dishwasher activity to keep me entertained in the kitchen. It’s a bit like my own form of meditation really as I get so singlemindedly fixed on that reflection on the ceiling above the dishwasher. It gives me time-out from all the hectic busyness and everyone else’s issues so that I

Nissen Street Vet presents PET SUPER STAR OF THE MONTH

can go back out into the Christmas fray with my usual Zen-like demeanour and enjoy the festivities again.

I hope you find your happy balance between all the festive excitement and finding moments for yourself this Christmas.

Your furriend, Kevvie.

PS. We get in the Christmas spirit by going and getting Santa photos taken each year with the Fraser Coast Pet Warriors – they do a pretty good job don’t you think?

Pet owner tips from “Uncle” Jason Dangerous Christmas Foods Merry Christmas to all from the team at Nissen Street Veterinary Surgery.

Thank you all for your support of our fledgling business opening amongst the tumultuous time that has been 2020. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the pets and owners of the Fraser Coast community.

The silly season is upon us and while owners often overindulge when full of festive cheer, Christmas can be a dangerous time for our furry friends. At this time of year our homes are full of tempting but potentially poisonous hazards.

“This is my girl Bondi” - Nicole Roberts

137 Nissen St Urraween Ph 4184 9466 www.nissenstreetvet.com.au 50

One third of pet owners will experience an emergency this festive season. A list of common foods and treats that can be toxic are; • Nuts – especially macadamias • Chocolate

• M ince Pies or Christmas puddings • Grapes or raisins • Some cheese – especially Blue cheese • Garlic, chives, or onion • Alcohol • Cooked bones • Ham and fat off the ham • Dog and cat treats that are bleached and/or coloured It is also important to ensure all leftovers are cleared promptly and placed in a secure bin to prevent the accidental ingestion of foreign bodies and scraps that could cause gastroenteritis.

Don’t forget to keep a close watch on the Christmas tree too, as presents (especially those wrapped with ribbon), candy canes and tinsel can prove just too tantalising to resist!

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3 Exercisers (5) 45 Obliterate (5) 14 Those named after others (9) 33 Harsh in tone (5) British ne (5) 44 First name of British colonial 44 G First nameDof O N Ecolonial M U F 53 of boxer 54 tubers (6) 6: Audrey 4Austin, Edible 24 tubers (6) administrator in Africa (5) in Africa (5)  (3) 47(3)Ambrocates (4)4 Edible 18 Entailing no reciprocal action (3-3) Slot Hempstalk Cres, Kariong NSWadministrator 2250. me 34 Second name of boxer E N F O L D S A F 5 Rich vein of ore (7) 5 Rich vein ofOtherwise ore 46 (4) 46 Otherwise (4) 48 Fish eggs (3) 19 Friday Very light white (9) (7) 2000. ded from skin 36 of Grease exuded from skin Closing mail: 24 November of 6 Prayer leader (4) A E D I T I N G 6 Prayer(5) leader (4) 47 Norwegian city (4) 49 Unforeseen obstacle (3) 22 Paragon 47 Norwegian city (4) sheep (4) Copy B A N D L L T E L 50 Passing 23 At7full (5) (4) 37 Gap(4) (7) Fitspeed of pique page 11 51 Lofty, proud gait (6) 24 Sheltered part (3) U S A G E E D E N 39 So long (coll.) (2-2) 8 Straighter (5) 52 Rounded projection of properties larger 26 True heaths (6) 42 Study of physical of 11 Less polished (7) G N I D O L  structure Slots 1-5: Roy Wilson, 2 Dell St, Blacktown NSW 2148.

3I S  Slots 1-5: (4) 29Roy Passion (7) 2 Dell light (6) 13 Wilson, Favouring (3) St, Blacktown NSW 2148.

B U R G L A R R U Closing mail: Tuesday 14 November 2000.

53 Follower (6-2) (5) Closing 31 mail: 14 November 2000.

Lyric (3) named 45 Obliterate 14Tuesday Those others (9)  Slot 6: Audrey Austin, 24 Hempstalk Cres, Kariong NSW after 2250.

O R A L V I E S S P 54 Fiddling (6) 35 Illicit sexual 24 relationship (7) Cres,(3-3)  Slot 6: Audrey Austin, Hempstalk Kariong NSW 2250.

47 Ambrocates (4) Closing mail: Friday 24 November 2000. 18 Entailing no reciprocal action s to: Good Z E R O S A E O Unquestionable truth(9)(6) 2000.

Closing 38 mail: 24 November 48 Fish eggs (3) 19Friday Very light white Copy Down49 Unforeseen obstacle (3) T I E S W H O L E S A 40 West Indian island (5) 22 Paragon (5) Copy page 11 2 Semi-finished 41 Check (3) 23 At (US) full speed (5) 50 Passing (4)steel ingot rolled to page 11 reduce size (5) 43 Nerve pathwaypart (5) (3) 24 Sheltered 51 Lofty, proud gait (6) October 4-2000 3 Exercisers (5) 3 44 First name of British 26 True heaths (6) colonial 52 Rounded projection of larger 3 4 Edible tubers (6) administrator in Africa (5) structure (4) 29 Passion (7) M X Y V C 5 Rich vein of ore (7) Boxing New Releases 46 Otherwise (4) 53Day Follower (6-2) 31 Lyric (3) A M N E S I A F E M O 6 Prayer leader (4) 47 Norwegian city (4)relationship (7) 54 Fiddling (6) 35 Illicit sexual

by Daphne Rees

NOVEMBER 1-2000

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rs Solve

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by April Spadina

Z W O

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Last month’s solution

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Post o: ions t Solut

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Post o: ions t t u l o S

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38 Down 40 2 Semi-finished steel ingot rolled to 41 ots 1-5: Roy Wilson, 2 Dell St, Blacktown NSW 2148. reduce size (5) 43 osing mail: Tuesday 14 November 2000.

3 Exercisers (5) 44 4 Edible24 tubers (6) ot 6: Audrey Austin, Hempstalk Cres, Kariong NSW 5 Rich of ore (7) 2000. osing mail: Friday 24vein November 46 of 6 Prayer leader (4) 47

Unquestionable truth (6) West Indian island (5) Check (US) (3) Nerve pathway (5) First name of British colonial 2250. administrator in Africa (5) Otherwise (4) Norwegian city (4) Copy

ON THE BIG SCREEN

3 -9 Dec Good rd

th

Tickets on sale now $20 each page 11

Slots 1-5: Roy Wilson, 2 Dell St, Blacktown NSW 2148.

Closing mail: Tuesday 14 November 2000.

Slot 6: Audrey Austin, 24 Hempstalk Cres, Kariong NSW 2250.

Closing mail: Friday 24 November 2000.

3

Good

Copy

T N E S C A R R I M M O D A V L O S E O R Q U E B E N U T S A R U D K N E E C G N

A L E R O C O N A R S B T I E T E A L E R E I N G D U E L L A A L E R

J R A L B U I N R S U M

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E A L A R R

F R I G E

Y E

P P S R O P M E N T R U E N I U R E S T G Y P H A E T E N T H E S W I N G S E E O H A C D E B O N A I R L K R Y E T W O O D E N H E A D H E128 Boat N L O Drive,DPialba Harbour Awww.bigscreencinemas.com.au P Z A M O U S E R W F R 51

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