Alive Magazine - Edition 08 - March 2021

WIDE BAY

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Magazine

Health Edition

A devotion to wellness from two sides of the fence Full story on page 4-5

Conquering life with MS Meet Hervey Bay’s golden girl

LIVING LIFE WITH FUN AND PASSION A life coach’s journey to success Full story on page 18-19

Full story on page 8-9

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ISSUE 08 - MARCH 2021

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Health E

AT plenty of fruit and vegetables, have a balanced diet and drinks lot of water.

We all know the basics to keeping up a healthy diet, but there’s a difference between knowing and doing! The missing link? Our mind, body and soul need fuel and nurturing as well.

So how do we bring it all together?

This month’s Health Edition is full of hints and tips from our wonderful contributors and journalists on how to improve our health and wellness, and by extension, our lives.

Our resident fitness expert, Josh Hoodless, offers his unique take on how to enjoy a balanced life, while still making progress with our exercise pursuits.

Leanne examines the beautiful differences in approach to health and wellness between our cover stars, Lou Coles and Nick Yim. While they both strive to help improve the lives of their

patients and clients, their disciplines couldn’t be more different. Have a read of how they navigate their life together as two good souls bringing wellness to the people they help.

Turn to page 8 where you will find an inspirational story about Hervey Bay’s Bev Cornwell who has lived with multiple sclerosis for over 20 years and despite being confined to a wheelchair, continues to help others in need.

Go on a journey of achievement with Lizzie Macaulay as she overcomes her fear of trying something new and taking a leap out of her comfort zone to take part in a belly dance class.

Whatever you are trying to achieve in the short time we have on earth, remember these wise words by former drummer of Guns N’ Roses, Steven Adler.

“You can have all the riches and success in the world, but if you don’t have your health, you have nothing.”

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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 2020-2021 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.

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Cover Story The Profile Wise Words Community Connection Lizzie Learns to Local Musician Local Artist Home Grown Weight Loss Guide Lifestyle Story Fitness International Women’s Day 2021 Fashion Breakdown Eco Living All About Food Skincare & Beauty Smart Money Ride Destination Alcohol Reset Coach Mind-Body Health My Garden Gate Parenting From the shed A Journey to Australia The Big Catch Life Chat with Michelle Inspirations Pet owner tips Readers’ Gallery 03

Cover Sto r y

Leanne Esposito

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EAST MEETS WEST IN A HEALTHY UNION

FROM ACROSS THE FENCE THEY’VE JOINED FORCES TO CARE FOR OUR WELLBEING

n what appears to be cultural role reversal this couple have bucked a stereotypical trope. Nick as a GP practices western medicine, while Lou’s EFT practice, along with her philosophy and mindfulness practices stem from an eastern perspective and her Buddhist studies.

Meet two passionate and caring individuals who are devoting their lives to facilitating good health and wellbeing in our community. Dr Nick Yim, General Practitioner, President of the Fraser Coast Local Medical Association, AMA Queensland Board Director, GP Academic Lead for The University of Queensland Rural Clinical School (Hervey Bay) and his partner Lou Coles, Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner and Mindfulness Facilitator.

Nick is the Australian born son of immigrants. His mother was born in the Solomon Islands and arrived in Sydney as a young girl and his father was born in Hong Kong and moved to Toowoomba at the age of 16. Nick’s family lived in Brisbane and when it was time for tertiary studies he followed in his father’s footsteps and studied pharmacy. This is when he accepted a friend’s challenge to sit the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test or GAMSAT. He did well and his career path was redirected from that point. Nick may have started out as an accidental doctor but he is no less passionate about medicine and his responsibility to his patients.

“I was sitting my third year pharmacy exams. I have a theory in life and that is if you are going to do something, you do it well, especially if I took a place in medicine,” he said.

Lou’s formative years were spent in South Australia where she was raised as a Catholic, however a chance meditation session with a local GP installed an interest in books by the Dalai Lama.

“In the one-doctor town that we lived in when I was a kid in South Australia it was the hippy GP, that had just returned from India, who came over to our house for dinner one night to teach my dad breath meditation to manage stress.

“I participated and learned how to sit in the lotus pose. I still often recall his detailed description of breath meditation.

“It was some time after that, around 11, that my dad booked the whole family in to learn Transcendental Meditation from a teacher that moved to town for a short time,” she said.

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Despite what appears to be Lou’s alternate health practice, she hails from a scientific background and holds a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Marine Biology and Zoology in which she studied animal neurobiology, animal behaviour, and the ecophysiology of how animals adapt their physiology to their ecology.

Up until 2016 she was employed by the Queensland Government as a Park Ranger and held a substantive position on Fraser Island and was posted to Moreton Bay and other areas on notice.

In around 2011, Lou was diagnosed with Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome, an illness similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in its presentation but follows a virus. It’s a complicated disorder characterised by extreme fatigue that lasts for more than six months and affects many body systems and their function, particularly the nervous, digestive and immune systems. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity and doesn’t improve with rest. It was a matter of physical, emotional and career survival that she regained her health. In 2012 Lou signed up to an online course on how to manage Chronic Fatigue which unbeknownst to her included EFT Tapping and her passion for EFT began.

“I started my own practice of EFT in 2012 to get better from Chronic Fatigue and then did the practitioner training in 2014. I had a period of time off and in 2012. I was steadily going back to work and, at the start of 2013, I was the full time Moreton Bay Marine Parks Duty Ranger. So it was really important that I stayed well to be able to do that,” she said.

Recovering from an illness which had no known cure was the catalyst which redirected her career to become an EFT practitioner.

For Nick, childhood memories of camping and fishing family holidays on Fraser Island afforded him a sense of familiarity with Hervey Bay. That is why he chose to relocate to Hervey Bay to complete his GP training by joining Main Street Medical Centre in 2013. These days he is a practicing partner at Torquay Doctors.

Nick is the first to acknowledge that mainstream medicine does not hold all the answers.

“While doctors can perform heart transplants and we’ve pushed scientific boundaries of eating mould as antibiotics (penicillin),

I’ve learnt with experience over time that there are more things that we don’t know and that is why we refer to specialists for blood tests, imaging and treatment. If we don’t know we go looking for answers,” he said.

After a chance over-the-fence meeting between Nick and Lou in 2013 a natural attraction and mutual respect gradually began to develop. Lou describes their first contact the progression of their relationship.

“I’d come back to stay with my parents after my contract had finished and was waiting on the next one in the South East. Nick had just moved in over the back fence. He was trying to meet the neighbours. I had come home from a yoga class and there was this young guy in the kitchen having a beer with my dad. He invited mum and dad over for dinner and said that I could come too. The food was awesome.”

At the time Lou was still a Ranger so Nick was unaware of her EFT practice until much later. After 7 years together and two border collie fur-babies, called Kevin and Bodhi later, their mutual respect of each other’s careers is well cemented. Nick’s appreciation for EFT has grown and believes there is a plausible case for its use in the treatment of pain and post-operative and trauma management. Whilst he admits there is no hard scientific evidence, he has seen its benefits first hand.

“I feel that modern medicine does not have all the answers, however evidence based care is something we do need to strive for. I feel that holistic care is paramount and there are instances, for example, chronic pain where we (doctors) have learnt that we are not the best treaters of chronic pain and have inadvertently caused harm through the decades.

“Medication is definitely not the answer. Opioids are not the answer.

Cannabis is not the answer.

“We know that pain is an emotion and each person will experience pain differently. Women tolerate childbirth differently from each other.

“It’s part of the psychological aspect of how we were brought up. The modelling behaviour of our carers can shape our responses to pain.

“I had some outdated viewpoints but I think Lou’s probably given me more insight and more to the fact that management of pain is not just about a tablet, but taking into account a multifaceted approach.

“The doctor has a guiding role and we need a team approach which could include a psychologist, a psychiatrist, an EFT practitioner, a physiotherapist, an exercise physiologist or a friend at the coffee shop,” he said.

Lou explains how an EFT practitioner can assist in a patient’s health recovery and overall well-being.

The doctor has a guiding role and we need a team approach...

“Trauma is stored in the body or there can be emotions that are stuck and aren’t dealt with and that are internalized or could be associated with an initial injury. We need to unlink them. There are meta-analysis studies on the use of EFT for PTSD, anxiety and depression and also on the physiological benefits of EFT,” she said.

Nick also believes and is becoming receptive to the theory that previous childhood trauma can be a risk factor that triggers chronic ill health.

“Anecdotally, what I’ve been finding in my work and practice is that it could be something from their childhood, such as a traumatic hospital experience or psychological trauma, which impairs the ability to get better. It makes sense,” he said.

Lou believes that it is patterns that are set up early in life or beliefs from childhood which affects how you develop a pain threshold or a response to stress.

“It affects how you relate to the world around you and what you see because you look at the world through that filter. You look for evidence to support your world view in your beliefs to a significant event in your adult life which can reinforce that trauma,” she said.

Interest in the benefits of the EFT model is growing and in 2019 Lou was invited to present on the SBS TV show Medicine or Myth with Dr. Charlie Teo.

While Nick and Lou continue to care for the health and well-being at a local, state and national level they will always remain humbly connected to the Fraser Coast.

Each play an active role in the area with local sport and volunteer work. So if you see Nick on the touch football field, Lou at yoga, or together walking with their canine family, make sure to say hello. To them it’s the creative connections we all make together which aids in the health and wellbeing of us all.

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The Profile Shaun Ryan

RICHARD’S ON THE HUNT FOR HIDDEN GEMS

L

istening to how people came to be in possession of a unique piece of jewellery is all in a day’s work for Richard Macdonald.

that really make the work exciting.”

His pop-up stall travels to the Wide Bay this month, with stints in both Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.

“We want to help people make qualified decisions about what they do with their gold and silver,” he said.

Richard owns and runs Best Price Gold Buyers.

Richard said it’s always interesting to see what hidden gems might be uncovered in a cupboard or dressing table when he comes to town.

“A lot of the time people who come to the stall are in process of clearing up an inheritance and it’s not unusual to come across vintage pieces of jewellery,” he said.

Richard said he’s always on the lookout for gold and silver pieces.

“We do buy scrap or broken gold items but its those interesting pieces

Jewellery, watches and coin collections often have a sentimental value attached to them and Richard said this is all taken into account when evaluating items.

Best Price Gold Buyers are able to give accurate evaluations while you wait and payment is immediate.

“Sometimes we get a box of coins or jewellery brought in and it really is full of surprises,” Richard explained.

He’s often the one who breaks the news to owners that they might be in possession of something a little more valuable than they initially thought.

“We once had someone bring in a box of old coins and they never really knew what was inside. They probably thought

there wasn’t too much to it but we uncovered a half sovereign,” he said.

The discovery pushed up the value of the box and emphasised how people might not always be aware of the true value of items in their homes, often doing nothing but collecting dust.

“Ultimately, we want people to sell us their gold jewellery and then tell their friends or family to keep an eye out for our stalls,” he said.

Richard said they are always on the lookout for gold necklaces.

Best Price Gold Buyers will be at Stocklands in Hervey Bay from the 8th to the 14th of March – outside Ally Fashion and at Hinkler Central in Bundaberg from the 15th to the 20th of March – outside Michael Hill Jewellers.

For more information, visit @ Richthegoldbuyer on Facebook.

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Wi se Wo rds

Kerrie Alexander

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JUMP HURDLES WITH MS

IFE has thrown many lemons Bev Cornwell’s way, but this truly inspiring woman has done more than just churn some unimaginable hurdles into lemonade.

The 75-year-old long-time Hervey Bay resident has come out the other side of having a mastectomy and fighting breast cancer, caring for her husband Geoff after a quadruple heart bypass and the biggest whammy of all – being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

There is a belief in the Western psyche that bad things happen in threes and Bev and Geoff couldn’t agree more.

However, they say their love for one another, and their two sons Mark and Ivan gave them the motivation to keep going.

So did their love of helping others, which is why Bev founded the Hervey Bay branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Support Group 22 years ago.

I say “their love” because every bit of support Bev offers is backed up by Geoff, who is Bev’s carer and husband of 57 years.

After Bev’s nomination in 2013, he was awarded Queensland MS Carer of the Year.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system and its symptoms vary according to which part of the body is affected and to what degree.

It’s very hard to diagnose in many cases and there is also no cure.

After taking steroids to help the eye, Bev went another nine years without any symptoms until it started affecting the left eye and her right hand.

In December 1993, an MRI finally diagnosed what Bev had always suspected.

“I was 50 years old then and the doctor said at your age 90% of the population go through life just being clumsy … bit I didn’t unfortunately,” Bev said.

She was a much-loved diversional therapist at Kirami Home for Aged for many years but had to give up her work when fatigue and exhaustion set in from the debilitating disease.

“I started to suffer from drop foot and my legs were very weak.

“I stayed at Kirami until 1999 but had to give it up because I didn’t know whether I was holding the oldies up or they were holding me up.”

Medication did help but unfortunately the disease progressed to the point where Bev is now permanently confined to a wheelchair or mobility scooter with no feeling at all in her legs or down her right side.

“I’m suffering terrible weakness now. A while ago I could lift my body up but now it’s getting more and more difficult.”

For Bev, the first time MS made itself known was in 1978 when the sight in her right eye began to fail.

Having been through so much adversity, Bev said she was grateful for the time she was able to work hard, dance, travel, enjoy life, and appreciate all they had achieved.

“Well, I was back there the next day and he took more seriously,” Bev said.

It is of course heart breaking for Bev to be confined to a wheelchair, but she said the key to keeping her spirits high and

Her optometrist at the time put it down to wearing too much eye makeup, gave her some eye drops and sent her on her way.

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“I spent an hour-and-a-half at the eye specialist and I’m pretty sure they had a fair idea then that it was MS, but it wasn’t diagnosed.”

Having experienced both city and country living the couple were able to embrace the vast difference and hardships of life on the land out west.

combatting depression is to keep her mind extremely active.

Bev’s diary is now always almost certainly full.

“It’s all about jumping those hurdles, one at a time,” Bev said.

Bev was the founder of the Golden Originals gettogether held annually at the Hervey Bay RSL 15 years and was awarded Citizen of the Year by Fraser Coast Regional Council for her efforts in 2002.

It brought together hundreds of long-time residents of the region to reminisce on days gone by.

She has also been a long-time member of the Hervey Bay View (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) Club, which provides fun, friendship, and a sense of purpose for members through supporting the education of disadvantaged Australian children under the umbrella of the Smith Family.

The club currently sponsors four ‘Learning for Life’ students.

Then there is Bev’s baby, the MS Support Group.

The group meets at the Hervey Bay RSL on the first Friday of every month and offers every kind of support and advice imaginable.

They often have guest speakers, including an Occupational Therapist from NDIS who comes to most meetings to help the members understand what support and funding is available for those in need.

There is no committee, just like-minded people who come for a coffee, chat, and a shoulder to lean on.

progression of the disease - a choice Bev never had when she was officially diagnosed 26 years ago.

Back then, Geoff said people were selling their homes to be able to afford the medication needed, which wasn’t even administered until the disease was in its advance stages.

“I often worry when people first come to the meetings and see people like me in a wheelchair because it’s so confronting,” Bev said.

“As soon as the doctor realises now that the person has MS, they get them on the medication right away and it slows it right up.

“It’s very different to when I was first diagnosed.”

At home, Bev can be found in front of the computer, compiling newsletters and meeting notes to email out for all the organisations, using just her left hand.

Bev’s main access to the outside world is via her trusty computer, which plays a big part in her daily life.

“She can’t use her legs to venture outside but she can use the computer 12/7 to keep in touch with family and friends,” Geoff said.

“I just love to keep my mind busy,” Bev said.

Bev is only too happy to have a chat to anyone affected by MS. Give her a call on 4128 2692.

It’s all about jumping those hurdles, one at a time

“It’s very therapeutic,” Bev said.

“When people come to the group … there’s nothing off limits,” Geoff added.

“You can talk about, ask questions and discuss anything that is a problem for you no matter how personal it is, we are all in this together.”

Bev receives calls daily from MS sufferers who either just like to have a chat with a like-minded person or find out more about the meetings.

“A 64-year-old man phoned up recently and his wife has cognitive MS and she doesn’t even recognise him anymore.

“He said he just wanted to meet people that he could talk to.

“There’s no care for MS patients with those sorts of needs besides going to an aged care facility.

“It’s so hard.”

Bev said the meetings also highlight the advancement in modern day medicine that can now help slow the

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CENTRE FOR WELLNESS

IMPORTER | RETAILER

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The great South African cleric, theologian, and activist, Desmond Tutu once said.

“Hope is the feather that reminds us we have wings.

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

WE have all been hearing words such as…pivot, resilience, move forward, welcome to the new normal. Right?

Well aspects of that are true and a little confronting, yet look on the bright side.

It is a chance for change. New Year in 2021 = New ideas.

At World Bazaar Scarness, we are focussing on working locally with Artisans to showcase the amazing creativity that exists right here on the Fraser Coast.

We continue our collaboration with our family of suppliers overseas, yet cannot visit there…yet.

I am positive.

Aside from focussing on maintaining a super little independent business on our wonderful esplanade at Hervey Bay, I think it is important to approach life with a holistic view.

Get out and about. Talk to community.

Get involved in your local issues proactively.

Be active. Physically, Practically & Spiritually.

Welcome to 2021, from the team at World Bazaar Scarness.

Welcome for a chat and a look at our wonderful array of jewellery, boho chic clothing & collectables.

352 Charlton Esplanade, Scarness, Hervey Bay worldbazaarscarness@gmail.com World Bazaar Scarness

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Open 7 days!

Com m un i ty Co nne ct i o n

Kerrie Alexander

F

raser Coast community groups and residents in need of some wellness TLC are set to benefit from an exciting $1.5 million Urangan Community Centre expansion at the Botanic Gardens in Urangan.

work closely with other health and social services to support the local community through the delivery of support groups, domestic violence retreats and other wellness programs.

With tenders now closed, work on the Treehouse Wellness Centre will start soon and includes both private and group meeting spaces, an upgrade of the existing kitchen, a community garden, and an open-air counselling area.

There will also be a community events and BBQ area, an outdoor therapy and yarning circle, gentle exercise space and additional car parking spaces to be developed.

Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Chief Executive Officer Tanya Stevenson said seeing the project finally come to fruition after four years of lobbying for Federal Government funding, was a dream come true.

With significant socio-economic issues across multiple demographics on the Fraser Coast, she said the team can now

“The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre has managed the Urangan Community Centre for more than 10 years for the purpose of providing a hub for community programs, activities and facilities, and the expansion will allow existing services to expand their delivery and create new opportunities for our community,” Tanya said.

“We are talking with lots of organisations in the community from Alcoholics Anonymous to cancer support groups and general community groups with a focus on wellness, like choirs.

“It will create a community hub, much like what the community centre here (Charles St, Pialba) has become.”

Tanya said team are hoping for a JulyAugust grand opening, but there is still plenty of hard work to be done between time.

While the $1.5 million grant covered the cost of the building, there is still $200,000 needed for the building’s fit out.

To help raise funds the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre will host a spectacular tree house-themed ball at the Hervey Bay Boat Club on March 27.

Tickets are $85 and includes a twocourse meal, a welcome drink, live music, and an auction where guests can get their bids in for a signed and framed pair of David Beckham’s soccer boots.

Another special fundraiser is the ‘Buy a Brick’ project.

Businesses, individuals, and families can buy a brick for $50, which will then be personalised with an engraved name and installed in the footpath at the Tree House Urangan Community Wellness Centre.

Your donation will be celebrated for years to come.

Details and tickets for both fundraisers can be found online at hbnc.com.au.

Are you struggling to afford food?

Why not try our Extra Choices Low Cost Food Support Centre. Open to all Concession & Seniors card holders, self-funded retirees & anyone in need.

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225 Main St Urraween

Ph: 4124 0913

www.wc2.org.au

(Nearest bus stops: Kawungan Shops, Main Street & Tafe Campus, Urraween Rd) 11

BellyWITH Dance MARTA

Lizzi e Learns To. . .

Lizzie Macaulay

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hen it comes to performing, I’m a great member of the audience.

As a hopeless introvert, the idea of standing up in front of anyone and doing something – anything – that makes me vulnerable is pretty terrifying.

It’s not exactly my sweet spot.

I had known for a long time that this month’s column was on the horizon, and the closer it got, the more I wanted to run away and hide.

I was scared to let go and try something new.

So when we arrive at the scene of this month’s experience, a belly dancing class and this vibrant, confident, beautiful young woman stands before us, totally owning her space, oozing grace, glamour and feminine power… the nervous lump in my throat gets a little bigger…

“This is no place for a mumsy type like me who has no rhythm and lots of wobbles!” my nasty little inner critic assures me.

Marta begins the class with a demo of her talents.

It’s magical, mystical and captivating. A whirl of colour and sparkle and skin.

There is radiance in every movement, and it’s clear that local enchantress Marta had been born to pursue this artform.

(My eldest daughter, 4, saw a picture of Marta and was astonished that I’d gotten to “dance with a mermaid”)

My heart skips a beat as she brings me up to be a part of her demonstration. I’m embarrassed that I don’t embody any of Marta’s spectacular qualities described earlier, and there’s certainly nothing captivating about me.

But, we’re in a safe space full of beautifully connected women and hey, I could do with a giant prod (or two) out of my comfort zone.

I join in and what do you know, I don’t die of embarrassment! (who knew, right?!)

The next steps are for all of us to join as a group and learn the basics.

Marta expertly, gently, guides us through six core movements, some as simple as putting one foot in front of the other, others requiring a bit more coordination.

There are hips, arms and shoulders mastering the moves wherever you look, and a real sense of unity develops.

The longer the lesson goes, the further away from my fears and insecurities I get.

We finish by tying all the moves together and uttering the occasional zaghārīt (a traditional Middle Eastern call of honour).

I’m frankly astounded at what we’ve managed to achieve in such a short amount of time – not just the learning of new physical skills, but breaking through some fairly substantial comfort zone barriers.

As a group we have learned the power of letting go, and celebrating our femininity. Of working together without fear or judgement. Of fully committing to a moment and just having a bit of fun.

After class Marta explains that her interest in belly dancing is actually generational – with her mum and sisters also embracing the artform. What an amazing spectacle at family get-togethers that must be!

She is an excellent teacher in every way – patient, understanding, encouraging. She runs classes for all ages (from 18 and up) and abilities and performs at all sorts of venues and events. It actually sounds like a pretty cool way to connect with your fellow humans.

Belly dancing has to be the most unexpected encounter of my life in recent years. I really enjoyed my time with Marta and the group of brave Alivers who joined me on the day. Even if you’re as shy and introverted as me, I’d really encourage anyone who has even the slightest curiosity to give it a go. You’ll be well looked after and might just learn something new about yourself and the wonderful people around you.

With thanks to Marta of MARTA BELLYDANCE 399 Esplanade, Torquay QLD 4655 or martabellydance.com.au, and to all the wonderful women who came together to make the day such a fabulous experience!

“Let Our Family Build Your Family Home”

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Local Mus i ci an

CLEAR EFF

Have you always been musical?

Evie: I’ve been musically inclined for as long as I can remember! I began singing and playing piano at a very young age.

Singing/performing/entertaining is one of the most important aspects of my life - it helps me to express and release my emotions, gives me a source of inspiration unlike no other and rewards me with an unmatched, indescribable ecstasy. Being a musician has sculpted me into who I am today - I simply would not be the same person without it.

Reece:I have been musical from a very young age. It all started when my uncle offered to teach me a song on his guitar at the age of 7 although he was very unwell. Not long later, he unfortunately passed away and the desire to still learn a song for him was there. My next

14

birthday, I received my first guitar and now I have more musical equipment then I could ever dream of.

around 2 times a week, the day before a gig, the morning of a gig and right before we jump up on that stage!

Bailey: Since a young age and my mothers fondness of him, I have always looked up to the last true Rockstar, Michael Hutchence. From then on the likes of Indie bands, Spacey Jane, Ball Park Music, The Vanns, Holy Holy, Lime Cordiale and R&B/soul artist, Khalid have really had an impact on my musical taste and eagerness to pursue a musical career.

Darcy: In the band setting, the drums.

Although the first instrument that I started learning was the guitar, then the piano, then the drums.

What/who are your musical influences?

What/who are you listening to now? And the favourite line from a song?

George: Right now I’m listening to Mac Miller, Ocean Alley, Sticky Fingers and a lot of rap. Do you still practice regularly?

Bailey: All the time! Whenever we get together during the week which is usually

What instruments do you play?

George: I play the guitar, bass, drums and a little bit of keys. In the band I’m on the bass and I love it.

What gig would you like to have been/ gone to?

Evie: Put me in the front row at a Sticky Fingers, Russ, or Billie Eilish concert and I’m in heaven!

Reece: I would absolutely love to see my friends, and incredibly talented, ‘Jesse Morris Band’ play again.

FECT

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D C R UIS E S

Darcy: I think QUEENS performance at Live Aid would have been truly something out of this world and if I could only pick one to have been/gone too, that would definitely be it. Absolute legends and changed the music scene forever.

George: Rage Against The Machine live at Woodstock 1999, they’re the band that I would’ve loved to see back in the day. I’d love to go throw down in one of their mosh pits!

LIVE M TUE

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If you could play any gig or venue, where would you play?

George: I’d love to headline splendour or something like that.

Darcy: If we ever had the chance to perform for Triple J’s like a version, that would be the highlight for me. I’ve watched so many different artists put their own spin on classics and it just blows me away every single time. How they can change it enough to bring a whole new meaning to a song and how they can evoke different emotions.

Phone: (07) 4128 9643

Information for members & guests.

Bailey: July 13 1991, INXS at the Wembley Stadium.

15

Lo cal Arti s t

Chelsea McPherson

BECAUSE YOU NEED TO KEEP THAT MOMENT...

forever

www.joybutler.com.au | p. 040 959 2201 16

ASHLEIGH MANLEY A

t 20 years old, Ashleigh Manley knew his calling was to be an artist.

Originally from Adelaide, he and his wife Kate lived on the Gold Coast for 20 years before deciding to travel further north, and by chance, they stopped in Hervey Bay.

Ashleigh can be found down at the Ashleigh Manley Studio Gallery, attached to his wife’s beautiful clothing store Luxe.

You can find out more about him at ashleighmanley. com or you can pop down for a chat.

It took them only three days to settle here, after spotting a vacant shopfront that is now Luxe and Ashleigh’s art gallery.

Ashleigh has been creating magnificent works of art for a long time, and many of his work comes to life in watercolour.

“I think it’s very expressive, very flexible,” he said.

Ashleigh says that watercolours have luminosity and transparency, which he finds is excellent for getting an idea down quickly.

But he also finds other mediums pose an excellent challenge, such as acrylic, which he was working in when I came to chat with him.

“All mediums have their advantages,” Ashleigh said.

When I questioned what draws him to create the work he does, he told me that he believes one of the roles of an artist is to reflect where they are.

Their artwork must have something behind it, a focus.

“You don’t have to see it visually, but you have to have something in your heart to say.”

Ashleigh is inspired by the landscape of Hervey Bay and wherever he travels, and when he paints, he does so to get the essence of the scene, rather than to replicate it.

While Ashleigh has done shows and exhibitions before, nowadays he is content with the Hervey Bay gallery, where he can have a chat with the locals and take commissions.

But he didn’t rule out the potential for more.

“I always like to think I might have a show somewhere else.”

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A BIT OF HERVEY BAY INSPIRATION IN GLOBAL SUCCESS O

pen your eyes and see the possibilities around you.

That’s the motivation from Hervey Bay’s internationally renowned life, business and leadership coach Alicia Wade.

Alicia was recognised as the international life coach of the year by the International Coaching Guild towards the end of 2020.

The accomplishment is something Alicia said was a process of overcoming her own personal turmoil, taking purposeful steps to make her journey a successful one and experiencing the excitement of helping people create their own change for the better.

“It doesn’t matter what turmoil you have gone through; you can always turn things around and make a success of yourself,” she said.

Alicia, who has lived in Hervey Bay for the past six years, says she is in love with the town.

“It’s such an amazing place and you will realise that it doesn’t matter where you live if you want to be successful. As long as you live life, have fun and are passionate; you can achieve greatness,” she said.

Speaking to Alicia over the phone was motivating enough in itself.

She told me Hervey Bay was full of adventure and that if you open your eyes and really look around you, you will see opportunities everywhere.

And it’s that kind of enthusiasm and excitement that has won Alicia her life coaching accolades, but also the respect and admiration of others in her industry.

Being named international life coach of the year for 2020 was a rigorous process.

After being nominated by her peers, Alicia had to explain her approach to life coaching and share some of the success stories.

But for Alicia, knowing that she helped turn somebody’s life around is what’s really important.

Facilitating change and empowering people to better themselves was a strong message during our discussion.

For someone who has won

international awards, written a best-selling biography on Amazon and helped industry leaders take the next big step, you would think setting goals and ticking boxes would be her way of measuring success.

“I have moved away from setting goals for myself and rather focus on themes,” she said.

Alicia believes applying themes helps people fully embrace the process of changing and improving their lives.

Her focus this year is leadership and spirituality.

2020 was a difficult year. It was one which saw businesses shut down, people lose their jobs and become isolated from their friends and loved ones.

While all very difficult challenges to overcome, Alicia said people showed their resolve and thought outside of the box to innovate new ways to interact with each other and move forward.

“While being isolated for large parts of last year, people also became the most connected they have ever been.”

She said people found new ways to embrace technology and forge stronger relationships with those they weren’t able to see in person.

“Anything is possible when you apply your mind to something.”

You can reach out to Alicia on Facebook – Keeping it real AAW.

19

Dietitian Stephen Ardouin

Life Choice’s new Dietitian is Stephen Ardouin. He graduated from Monash University with a Masters of Dietetics, and Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition) with first class honours at the University of Queensland in 2016. After being involved in numerous hospitals in Melbourne, he then worked in the private practice sector in Mackay, QLD. Stephen and his partner have now relocated to Hervey Bay to be closer to family in Brisbane. As a clinician, Stephen ensures ongoing professional development completing trainings in picky eating, eating disorders and chronic disease management.

He is able to provide support in the following areas, among others:

Eating Disorders

Meal plans or recipes

Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and extreme picky eating

Nutrition support (including enteral or parenteral nutrition)

Chronic disease management

Unintentional loss of weight or malnutrition

Meal preparation, cooking and food shopping assistance

Gastrointestinal or bowel concerns

Stephen is a personable and dedicated clinician, with a strong passion for helping others to achieve their own health and personal goals. He takes time to establish the therapeutic alliance and places great value on the health and wellbeing of all community members across the lifespan. Stephen has also contributed to academic research and is an author on multiple publications.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys all things outdoors – camping, hiking and walking, as well as cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. Stephen is also a keen traveller and has visited more than 30 countries, along the way having lived in New Zealand, England, Switzerland and now Australia.

More about the rest of the Allied Health Team Our Allied Health unit has had some exciting changes this year already and are working hard to establish new processes to support our participants more efficiently. Firstly, we have a new experienced administration team onboard consisting of Administration Officer Kelli and Practice Manager Rebecca, both staff members are client focused and excited to be able to assist participants with appointments, funding allocation, and general enquiries. We also have a new participant management software program which is assisting us in streamlining our process and track participants allocated funding more effectively. Lastly and most importantly we have some new clinicians onboard adding to our extensive therapy team! This year we have employed Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist, Jess and highly experienced Speech Pathologist Lucy, making up a team of 4 Speech Pathologists. We have also added to our team Dietician Stephen who can assist private paying clients. In the coming weeks we are hoping to extend our Occupational Therapy team so watch this space! We continue to be able to provide Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Psychology, Social Work and Counselling Supports.

If you would like to enquire about assistance from any or our Allied Health services, please call 4123 6288 (option1) or email us at alliedhealth@lifechoicewbb.org. www.lifechoicewbb.org

20

ABOUT YOUR

Health

We i g h t Loss G u i de

WHAT DOES BEING HEALTHY MEAN?

H

ello Alive readers my name is Megan and I’m a Nutritional Therapist and Weight loss Coach.

In my work, I have seen some medically ‘unhealthy’ people with symptoms of ill health as long as your arm and come complete with medications to match.

But what does it mean to “be healthy”?

Being healthy doesn’t just mean the absence of illness, many people focus on obesity as a measure of whether a person is healthy or unhealthy whereas, some describe pain as being unhealthy.

“Healthy” looks different to everyone and isn’t measured as easily as getting on the scales.

It means feeling ‘well’ in yourself, having energy, ease of movement, feeling strong, fit and motivated, as well as a feeling of contentment and happiness.

These are some aspects to having good health, that will never differ no matter the age or stage of life you are in.

Good Nutrition: Eating foods that nourish the body instead of degrading you from the inside out will not only change the

Megan Farthing @Your Health Your Choice Nutritional Therapy

number on the scales if that’s what you need but eating well will also reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of pain and disease.

Regular exercise: Or any movement that you enjoy and can do consistently will only enhance your quality of life both physically and mentally.

Prioritising sleep: This can have a huge impact on how ‘healthy’ we feel and can affect our good intentions with food choices and regular activity.

Stress reduction: Be kind to yourself, talking to yourself as you would a friend with love and encouragement maybe the catalyst to finding ways to calm the mind and body.

that fit into your lifestyle. Small changes can and do create big rewards.

Why is being healthy important?

While it may not be possible to avoid diseases altogether and finding the fountain of youth is just a fairy tale, we should do as much as we can to develop resilience and prepare the body to deal with illnesses should they arise.

Being healthy isn’t a short-term goal or something to do for a few weeks — it’s a journey and it can be fun and easy!

When you find balance in your life, you are on the right track to feeling your best!

Mindset: This plays a big part in creating a lifestyle that moves toward feeling healthy rather than staying in the rut you may have found your health in today. Being mindful of where you can make some changes that will give you feelings of accomplishment will enhance the process.

So how do I achieve health?

You start with small, sustainable changes

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Edi to ri al

Shaun Ryan

I

t’s important for clients to get to know their support workers while still maintaining that professional relationship.

That’s the view of Leonie Dawson, owner of Leonie’s Caring.

The support and nursing services company is entering the Fraser Coast market and is appealing to people looking for support to give them a call.

“Our approach is that anything that is done in a normal household can be offered by our support workers,” said Leonie.

She said Leonie’s Caring offers a full range of services, including: in home support; domestic work; cleaning inside the home; managing some outdoor responsibilities like mowing the lawn and looking after garden beds; personal care; administering some medications; changing dressings and some nursing services.

Leonie said they will also assist

NURSING, SUPPORT SERVICES & MAINTENANCE WITH THAT PROFESSIONAL EDGE

with meal planning and cooking.

“We do not just view the individual as the client. Our client is the whole family – and that includes pets. We respect the whole household and want it to run like your normal Australian home,” she said.

Another key element of Leonie’s Caring is that two support workers are assigned to every client.

“It is important that the client gets to know their support workers and that they always know the person who will be looking after them at any time.

Our clients often suffer from anxiety but when the support workers gets to know them on a personal level it can make everything that much easier,” she explained.

Leonie said clients don’t want a different support workers every day.

“By getting to know the client,

ABOUT YOUR

Health

the support workers can read situations and understand when the client might be getting anxious. More importantly, they will know what to do to defuse the situation.”

Leonie said her support workers will also help in ways other companies in the industry won’t.

“For example, when cleaning the inside the house we will move the furniture around and take on those jobs ourselves,” she said.

Most importantly, it is creating a professional friendship with the client that drives Leonie and her team.

“We offer a professional friendship. Our support workers must be able to relate to the client, understand them and their needs, but at the end of the day they are there to do a job, and do it well.”

You can contact Leonie’s Caring by calling 1800-491-805 – when prompted select extension 1.

Support & Nursing Services tailored to YOUR needs!

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22

ABOUT YOUR

Health

WHY I DO WHAT I DO O

f the many activities I’ve attempted the one I love the most is kite surfing. To me it is the most natural. Soaring like a bird when I jump through the air gives me a thrill. But as they say what goes up must come down and when I don’t land a jump well, let’s say I’m not so graceful. I will admit to a few minor bumps, bruises and strains.

These day’s exercise is particularly important to me as I’ve almost reached that mid-century point in my life. Body movement hasn’t always been a part of my regime, despite some martial arts when I was younger and hitting the gym between some intense partying in my twenty something years. I was a bartender and had access to a host of party cocktails – even the illicit kind! You could say that while I was aware of my mind and my body I don’t think I respected either as I do now.

Over these last few years I’ve dedicated myself to a dietary and lifestyle change. It didn’t happen overnight and there have been a number of trials and errors along the way but here’s how I went vegan.

My father died at the age of 55 from health complications associated with diabetes and heart disease. I know he didn’t care for his health and continued to smoke until his death.

Observing his carless disregard for himself has shaped my views on life.

My mother lost her husband, me and my siblings lost our father and my nieces never met their grandfather. I was only 28. For a time, we all felt lost, and as a young man I probably cast blame on him and his poor choices.

Since then I’ve been running from my heredities. The males on my father’s side all have diabetes. The body clock was ticking away. It was only a matter of time but I was hoping to be the one who missed this gene. At the age of 45 the news

was delivered by my doctor. It was a devastating blow. All I could see was my lifespan shortening. I would go the way of my father. But I’m stubborn so I resisted. I vowed to do everything in my power not to be like him. I wanted to live but didn’t know how with this disease.

Li fe sty le

THE CHOICES I’VE MADE AND WHY I BECAME VEGAN

I did my research. I love technology.

Bought the latest monitoring apps and did daily bloods. I went to a dietician who told me what I could eat, and it was extremely difficult.

I am Italian. Whilst we eat, what is a healthy Mediterranean diet (promoted as life-extending), it is high in carbohydrates. Not great for a diabetic. There wasn’t much I could eat that I would enjoy. I have never eaten fast food and always enjoyed home cooked meals. I’m a restauranteur. I always know what’s in my food.

At the time I wasn’t really overweight at all. I started going to the gym three times a week and was dependant on medication. I became confused. I was doing everything I could to beat this diagnosis. I continued to research and found intermittent fasting. I dropped weight quickly. It stayed off but I was unhappy. Not eating healthy regular meals was depressing.

I tried the paleo and keto diets.

Eating no carbs was a killer and eating only protein was limiting. Next, I tried a vegetarian diet. My energy levels increased and blood sugar stabilised. I seemed to have found my body’s equilibrium.

Then one afternoon I stumbled across Joe Rogan’s podcast. He claimed that ‘it is possible to follow a 100 percent vegan diet – and be healthy’. I was directed to the movie, The Game Changers which is endorsed by some athletic greats like Arnold Schwarzenegger, and marathon runner, Scott Jurek. It

also claims that the world’s most dangerous myth is that meat is necessary for protein. It was a pivotal moment in my life. I’ve never looked back.

In fact, I have now embraced a vegan lifestyle which matches my animal rights ethos. I am a dog breeder and trainer. I have care for all sentient beings and embracing a lifestyle which respects their rights makes sense to me.

Today, I am happier and healthier than I have ever been in my life.

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23

ABOUT YOUR

Health

WEIGHING IN ON OBESITY CRISIS

Fi tne ss

Josh Hoodless

How healthy are residents on the Fraser Coast? Statistics show that we are not healthy at all.

In fact, the vast majority are fat and lazy!

If you’re reading this thinking, ‘Wow that’s harsh!’ ‘Did he just say that?’

Sorry folks, there’s no sugar-coating (pardon the pun) the following figures:

A

national health survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of statistics in 2013 found us to be a big pack of sloths.

56% of Australian adults are either inactive or have low levels of physical activity - that is more than

9.5 million adults and it’s getting worse.

Does inactivity lead to getting fat?

Only if you’re eating excessive calories regularly. Guess what? Most people are!

On the Fraser coast in 2018, the government found approximately 70.1% of us are overweight or obese. I know we are in the middle of a global pandemic but I don’t want us to ignore the unhealthy obesity epidemic right here on our doorstep. This problem was a massive $11.8 billion dollar financial burden on Australian tax payers in 2019.

John Dixon, GP and obesity researcher at Baker Heart and Diabetes Institution said the statistics tell part of the story, but the situation is far more shocking than the figures suggest.

He said being overweight and obesity is a driver for 22 diseases including diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, asthma, dementia and various cancers.

I’m not here to ‘fat shame’, quite the opposite.

I care about my fellow Fraser Coast peeps, I want to see our area fit and healthy, but, most people are afraid to talk about the elephant in the room. Will someone’s feelings get hurt if I mention they are overweight and need to eat less/exercise more and can I help them?

Or will that person get motivated or inspired to get healthy? It’s the risk I want to take. We have numerous teenagers

walking into our fitness centre at well over 110kg needing help.

I’m not going to even begin to draw conclusions or speculate on the increased availability of high calorie fast food and record hours spent in front of screens or consoles. I won’t even mention that we have access to more money and resources than ever before, while at the same time have record cases of anxiety and depression.

I’ll let you guys discuss why the Fraser Coast and our entire nation is so unhealthy.

How do we start to get healthy?

Let’s look at what exercise we should be doing. These are the Health Department’s guidelines on exercise : • Be active on most, preferably all, days every week.

• Accumulate 150 to 300 minutes (2 ½ to 5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes (1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours) of vigorous intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous activities, each week.

• Do muscle strengthening activities on at least 2 days each week.

• Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount.

There it is! Basically 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate to rigorous activity per week across just about every day PLUS at least 2 days of strength training!

No! Walking Fifi every day along the beach is not counted unless you find walking a moderate to rigorous activity people! AND lift weights! The

24 LIFT (LIFESTYLE INDIVIDUAL FITNESS TRAINING) WWW.TEAMLIFT.COM.AU

government said this. Way to go Government!

What about food? How many calories?

How much protein etc? That will depend per person and on each person’s goal. The government’s healthy eating guidelines (backed by science) is available in a 226 page PDF on the www. eatforhealth.gov.au website.

The main food groups we should be consuming are: 1.

Vegetables

3.

Whole grains

2.

4.

5.

6.

Fruit

Lean meat, poultry, eggs, nuts and seeds Milk, cheese, yoghurt and/or their alternatives.

Lots of water.

I think we all know what we should be eating but somehow we are too lazy or don’t care about ourselves enough to create nutritious low calorie meals. It’s all about balance and eating for your goals. Want to loose weight. Get into a calorie deficit!

It’s not that hard in theory - eat natural sources of food, move your body more, get strong. In practice it seems to be hard based on the above figures.

If anyone is struggling to get healthy, come down to see the team at LIFT now located at 2/172 Boat Harbour Drive (behind Repco).

Some people don’t know where to start or what is healthy? Some people eat healthy food but eat way too much.

Join up with an experienced personal trainer and dietitian to give you the facts and start the journey to a healthier you.

“Where there is a woman, there is magic”.

“Real Change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”

#CHOOSETO CHALLENGE

“I will raise strong, empowered women by being a strong, empowered woman.”

“Be not afraid to standing up against immorality. Hold the line for what you believe is right!”

25

8th March, 2021

#IWD2021

Tanya Murphy Hands On Therapy Wide Bay

To choose to challenge inequity

At Hands On Therapy Wide Bay, our focus is on utilising Remedial Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Oncology Massage and Scar Tissue Management to support your recovery pre and post surgery, strengthen your Immune System, reduce inflammation and improve overall movement. Call us on 0413750440.

Lauretta Wright Marriage Celebrant

Why choose Lauretta as your Celebrant? I’m friendly, fun-loving, organised and professional. A Fraser Coast resident for 28 years, married for 26. I teach at our local university.

I’m also JP, grandmother and own horses and dogs. My priority?

Make your ceremony memorable. lauretta@wrightcelebrations.com.au; 0438 199 984

Sis, We got this!

Jacinta-rai Maahs R N R Hair Designers

eath.

Just Br mber me And re u are. who yo

Jacinta-rai and her amazing team from RnR Hair Designers often receive compliments from clients that her salon is not only an incredible place to relax – they also walk out feeling fantastic. They offer stunning hair designs for bridal parties, colours, haircuts and everything in between.

Located at the Oaks Resort & Spa, Hibiscus St, Urangan.

Phone (07) 4194 9870.

Tammy Wakely Skin + Wax / Sk:N Space

Tammy has owned and operated Skin and Wax for 8 years and has recently opened Sk:N Space Day Spa next to Salt Cafe in Urangan.

Lets be extraordinary women together!

Tammy and her team are passionate about skin and giving clients opportunities to nurture themselves during their appointments.

Specialising in difficult skin conditions like acne and age management, Tammy’s dedication to her client’s is reflected in the wonderful outcomes they receive.

Rebecca Myatt Myatt Jewellers

Michelle Byrne Michelle’s Cutting Edge

Michelle Byrne from Michelle’s Cutting Edge prides herself on her one on one personalised service.

She specialises in ladies, mens and childrens hairdressing and is open Tuesday to Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm and Saturdays by appointment only.

Phone (07) 4121 3079 - 208 Walker Street, Maryborough.

26

I commit forge the p to o visibility o sitive f women

Changing Skin Changing lives

Leading a team of Jewellery Professionals has been such a rewarding experience over the last decade. Being a Gemmologist, Diamond Grader and soon to be a Jewellery Valuer myself has helped me to better educate and empower the women in our Team to be the best at their job that they can.

A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.

We can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequity. We can choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge with our local businesswomen.

Gwen Watt Richard Watt Optometrists

My beliefs in equality, respect, honesty, fairness and quality have helped our Hervey Bay optometry practice to thrive. We give the ladies in our business respect, appreciation, encouragement and training so they can grow and shine. It’s a joy and honour to be seen as a leader in our local community.

Julie Paitlin Bay Reserve Estate

Love, laugh, be kin d to one another an d never give up!

Property Development of Bay Reserve Estate certainly has been challenging.

Being a first timer with 47 residential blocks I felt like a goldfish in the ocean. My strength comes from knowing myself, being myself, and never getting to the point where I’ve lost who I am. Integrity, courage, tenaciousness, resilience.

Kirsty Chenery Mineral Earth Beauty & Skin Clinic

Whate ve be pas r you do, sio about itnate .

Kirsty has owned and operated Mineral Earth Beauty & Skin Clinic for 7 years. Kirsty has a passion for working with women to achieve confidence in their own skin. Kirsty is currently completing a Bachelor in Applied Health Science in Clinical Aesthetics and is also co-owner of the exciting new business Fliteschool Fraser Coast. www.mineralearth.com.au Shop 10/19 Taylor St Pialba

Jackie Campbell Ocean Therapies Massage & Wellness Centre

Shae Kennewell Miss Empire

At Miss Empire, I specialise in Digital Advertising across Facebook, Instagram & Google for online ecommerce stores. My goal is to double your sales in 4 weeks to boost your business, build your brand and ultimately change your life. When clients partner with me they’re treated like family & their experience is second to none aswell as a tonne of fun.

Integrity – D o is right, not what what is easy.

My passion is to help women connect to their own hearts and innate wisdom.

To break the chains of conditioning and discover their own integrity, truth and sovereignty.

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Jane Wild Dress Me Wild

ld e, be bo Be brav take no ’t and don nswer for an a

I believe ambitious and passionate visions begin with a dream. The practicalities will follow and flow as we steer our own powerful course through that vision. In my seventies and living the dream of my own creation at Dressmewild. Come to see me at Pialba Place, Hervey Bay or go to my Facebook page @ Dressmewild.

To Inspire,Empower and Encourage you to Optimum Health and Wellbeing

27

Edi to ri al

Murray O’Keeffe Founder and Designer of Jukurrpa Designs

JUKURRPA DESIGNS FRAMES INSPIRED

BY AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL ARTWORK

In December 2019 I launched Jukurrpa Designs, a collection of frames inspired

by Australian Aboriginal Artwork. The feedback I’ve received on the designs has been fantastic so far but getting to this point was a very long journey.

D

eveloping frames with Australian Aboriginal artwork has been an idea at the back of my mind for some time now. I’ve always loved the artwork, even when I was younger and back in Ireland. I used to watch a lot of Australian programs, like the Bush Tucker man and since arriving in Australia about 17 years ago you can see the artwork on many products.

The concept behind Jukurrpa Designs became a little more solid after another project. My wife comes from a remote village in the middle of Indonesia where they have these batik designs that, like Australian Aboriginal artwork, have a lot of colours and intricate details.

I designed some sunglasses named after my wife “Suli” with this art on the temples, and people love them.

Jukurrpa Designs as it is today started about three years ago. A lot of Aboriginal artwork is very protected, so it was very hard to start it due to all the companies (middlemen) and license agreements you need to deal with. A few companies that we contacted gave prices were just way too much, and that was for just the samples, it began to look impossible for us to do. At one stage myself and my business partner Anthony were going to give up.

Fortunately, we were eventually able to directly sign a licensing agreement with a community named Warlukurlangu Aboriginal Artists. It is in Yuendumu near Alice Springs. We work directly with them and use any of their artwork under a

Stockists of

When I designed the frames, I wanted to link the artwork with the patient and the Aboriginal artist. When the patient buys the frame they also receive a microfibre cloth that has the full original Aboriginal Artwork on it, as well as a card that shows a picture of the Aboriginal Artist who painted the artwork and a brief story about the artwork. The full story is on our website since some are quite long. The frame, cloth and card fit neatly into a customised Jukurrpa Designs hard spectacle case.

I went through between 60 and 80 designs before settling on the 8 we chose. If the artwork is too big, it’s hard to put it on a temple since it’s such a small area. You can’t just take a painting and put it on a temple if it doesn’t reflect the actual artwork as a whole, so it takes time. For the first 8 designs released, I have tried to have a good mix, not just put all the designs on the front, as for some people this is too much, so having the artwork on the temple, softens the frame somewhat. The next 4 designs, just released in December 2020 have the artwork on the front in 3 of them, quite colourful and in larger sizes, which now

Jukurrpa Designs

HONEST FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL

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long term license agreement, whilst also giving back a royalty of 10% of all sales.

That’s shared amongst both the artists and the community for various projects, like a dialysis machine and a swimming pool. It’s a pretty good community, and they license a lot of the artwork out for other things like scarves, ties, mugs and teapots.

67 Main St, Pialba Phone 4197 1475 Book online: www.richardwatt.com.au

adds a good mix to the current 8 frames.

I also wanted to keep the frames affordable; they’re between $240 and $260 retail. We’re using the best materials to produce them as well, in line with the valued artwork, including Mazzucchelli acetate from Italy, Japanese titanium, and joints and screws from a company in Germany called OBE, which is one of the best in the world.

Planning to grow the range further in 2021, with another 4 designs released around August. I would also like to design some sunglasses this year, as many people have been asking, but we will have a better idea in the coming months.

I really just love everything that surrounds the designs. The Aboriginal people behind it, giving back and helping, and also the colours, designs and stories behind them. I see a lot of similarities between Ireland and the Aboriginal history. In Ireland we also have a long history with mythical stories and great characters as well.

I have had great support from many optical stores throughout Australia and the public email me every day asking where they are stocked. So, I’m hoping more stores will get on board and stock this beautiful range, not only from a business point of view, but to share with their patients these amazing artworks, stories and designs about the Australian Aboriginal culture and history.

#MakeMeOver

Fa s h i on B reakdown

CAPSULE >> VERSATILITY The absolutely stunning local boutique, LUXE in Hervey Bay is filled with hand selected luxe linen pieces Made in Italy, accessories you’ve only dreamt of and the opportunity to make it all a reality by purchasing local.

@sotiksahna Sotik Sahna

Dress-tie sleeve $172.00 NOW $103.20 Mustard shorts $119.00 NOW $75.00 Necklace $29.00 Shoes $65.00 Hat $45.00

For this month we styled the wonderful Susan with a #capsulewardrobe approach.

What does that even mean?

History lesson: Capsule wardrobe is a term used in American publications as early as the 1940s to denote a small collection of garments designed to be worn together which harmonized in colour and line. The term capsule wardrobe was revived by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called “Wardrobe” in the 1970s.

According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that DO NOT go out of fashion, such as skirts (dresses), trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces.

White shirt $145.00 NOW $87.00

Before

Pants-grey $145.00 NOW $87.00

After

The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing. This is usually achieved by buying what are considered to be “key” or “staple” items in coordinating colours.

For Susan we mixed the approach and selected 1x pair of shoes, 1x hat, 1x necklace and 1x white shirt as key versatile capsule accessories to complement each outfit then augmented each look with seasonal pieces such as the dress-tie sleeve and mustard shorts.

Make time this month to LUXE yourself and your wardrobe #youdeserveit x

Mustard shorts $119.00 NOW $75.00

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Eco L i vi ng

Ingrid Gorissen

CREATING HEALTHY HOME LIVING

How lucky are we, living on the beautiful Fraser Coast, our own paradise. It’s the care for where we live, its beauty but also seeing its vulnerability, the need to protect and nurture, the passion to pass on nature the way we are able to see and experience it, onto our kids and grandkids.

A

ppreciating what nature has to offer, we should really be taking in consideration what can be done to create comfortable homes with low impact on the environment, economically to run, healthier to live in and adaptable to changing family needs.

When we are able to do so, working with nature will bring comfort and enjoyable living.

One of the aspects of an Eco considerate home design is based on sun and wind, the orientation on the block of land.

Designing a house to respond to the sun requires looking at the whole project from start to finish. Once the big orientation has been figured out, we can look into the shape and room figuration affect how much light and heat can penetrate the house as well as which rooms will receive the most sunlight and heat gain. We need to look into insulation and ventilation. It’s the orientation of the design on the site, the sun and shading aspect and the materials used that can make or break the comfort of living.

Living in a home with light filled living spaces, open to a

morning sunny backyard is really enjoyable. If a block is not orientated right, there are heaps of tricks to create exactly what we are looking for.

These are some approaches for working out smart orientation:

• You can add a private outdoor space to the front or to the side • Creating indoor-outdoor living spaces filtering the sunlight.

Entire glass walls can be used to create the connection • Glass walkways in-between rooms

• High clerestory windows meeting the roof line to allow north, north-eastern light and airflow into the room.

• Change of roofline to create higher windows or retractable roof option.

• Sun can be kept out in summer but will beautifully heat and light the room in winter time.

• When capturing northeasterly sun is simply not possible, consider increasing the amount of glazing on your south-facing windows and walls.

make the house look lighter and brighter

• North-facing indoor and outdoor spaces can sometimes require eaves and external shading devices such as trees to provide reprieve from the hot summer sun.

However, if your home faces the other way, these shading devices will only prevent much-wanted sun from entering your garden and interior. A little pruning and strategic placement of trees can open up the spaces, so they receive as much sun as possible.

Together with this passive design approach, it is also clever to consider the functionality and timeless elegance creating the WOW of a beautiful home!! A custom designed home has a value not only based on square meters and location but also with the high value of longing to live in.

The good news is that it is possible to build a healthy home and it doesn’t have to be more expensive either. The biggest key for change is looking beyond the trodden paths.

• The right colour scheme will

BUILDING, RENOVATING AND DESIGNING QUALITY HOMES TO CO-EXIST WITH THE ENVIRONMENT.

PHONE: 0417 067 592 EMAIL: INGRID@VIVEREHOMES.COM.AU VIVEREHOMES.COM.AU

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All a b ou t fo o d

Scott Thompson and Jason England

W

ith two hospitality businesses in operation, one of which includes off-site catering, a question asked of us is “how do you manage your time?”

During the business planning stage of Odyssey, having worked long hours and frequent split shifts in previous roles, we identified the need to examine the pros and cons of previous experience, and operate our business model based on what we deemed important values and expectations for our team.

WELLBEING VALUED

One of the key questions was - how do we maintain a healthy work life balance?

For Jason and me the answer was obvious! Open manageable hours in order not to over work our staff or ourselves.

With the frequency of menu changes – it can change from day to day depending on fresh produce availability, we identified that creativity was one of our most valued assets.

To achieve both work-life balance and ensure creativity, we decided not to open typical hospitality hours; instead, we would operate over four nights with three lunch sittings per week.

This decision has resulted in a well-rested team who are enthusiastic and creative at the beginning of every week.

This philosophy has been essential to creating a dining experience that delivers exceptional quality and ensures a consistent dining experience each time our guests return.

We also recognised the importance of physical well-being and encouraged our staff to live active lifestyles or attend personal training and gym classes.

Members of our team attend personal training or classes at LIFT with Josh Hoodless and his trainers and reap the benefits of regular exercise.

Organised social and individual sporting activities are also popular. The resulting benefits are a healthy and fit work team who maintain good immune systems and who rarely take sick days.

Most importantly there is one more strongly held belief; you need to have fun at work!

Hospitality is often an intensely busy and sometimes stressful environment.

However, there is always room for a laugh and a joke. This lightens the load and makes us all feel good about being at work.

Odysseybistro

SAY NO TO

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Here at Bakehouse13 we set ourselves apart. We love to get involved in community events, reach out and support where we can. We hold a strong interest in supporting charity work. Next month being International Women’s Day, a day of honouring and supporting the determination of women.

Our team at Bakehouse13 are putting together a raffle basket in conjunction with Easter and International Women’s Day. We are happy to be getting support and donations for this basket from other local business, jumping on board with pleasure.

All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to The Hearts of Purple, a charity helping victims of domestic violence.

Show your support Hervey Bay and drop into our bakery, at the beach end of Bideford St, Torquay to grab a ticket.

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HEALTHY YOUTHFUL SKIN S

kin is the largest organ in your body. It protects all your other organs from the external environment. Healthy, youthful skin is at the top of many wish lists. If you feel like you have lost your ‘glow’ or wish to maintain healthy skin had read on.

Is good skin in our genes?

The majority of us are born with healthy, supple skin. As we age, our skin becomes less able to cope with everyday wear and tear. Environmental factors and oxidised stress is now a huge factor in our lives. Looking after your skin is a full time job ! That’s why I love it so much. Love changing lives with healthy glowing skin!

If you can have regular treatments, the DMK Enzyme treatment is a must . Its great for the whole body even! DMK enzyme therapy facial has a multitude of benefits in treating ALL skin conditions. When your skin is throwing something up – acne, rosacea, dehydrated dry skin, pigmentation, enlarged pores – it is a sign of imbalance in the skin.

DMK doesn’t work on the surface of the skin to treat these symptoms. It works at a much deeper cellular level to treat the imbalance!

Good skin is partly due to our genes. But the great news is that there is lots we can do to keep our skin looking its best and help our skin function at its healthiest as we age.

Feeding your skin from the inside

Prevention is the most effective way to work against skin ageing. So, eating a balanced nutritional diet, rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is key.

Vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, C, D, E, zinc and selenium are important for optimal skin health and function. Totally Derma Collagen drink and DMK essential Fatty Acids also play a huge part in staying healthy inside and out . If you don’t get enough of these, it could cause medically recognised skin problems. The good news is that a varied diet provides all these nutrients. There are also proven steps you can take to help reduce skin damage.

S k i n Care and B eau ty

Tammy Wakely

good hydration. That means around six to eight glasses a day in our Queensland climate, maybe more during the summer months or if you are very active.

EAT YOUR WATER!

You literally can! Choosing water rich foods will help keep your skin hydrated and have added antioxidant benefits!

Some good examples are: cucumber, tomato, spinach, broccoli, watermelon, apples, citrus fruits and berries.

Causes of wrinkles, dryness and dehydrated skin.

The sun is not our friend

Not all sunscreens are the same. You could choose one for DMK as its super light and non greasy .

Protect yourself from the sun. It is very important to protect your skin from sun damage. Ultraviolet light is invisible but powerful rays radiate from the sun. It can damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, which keep skin smooth and supple. Too much sun can cause wrinkles, dry, rough skin, as well as non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) skin tumours and more risk from burning.

Skin Care is it ok to get it for the supermarket?

This is some thing I feel very strongly about is Skin Care.

I’m pretty good at picking out who is looking after their skin and who is not. It’s not about the cream or where you buy it . Its the ingredients! Look at what the active ingredients are not the price. Not everyone can afford luxury skin care but if you can find something that suits you with yummy stuff in it its a great investment as it last much longer and works. Vitamins A, C, E when applied topically (onto the skin) can be beneficial. Theses are your game changers.

It is very important to stay hydrated. Healthy skin needs

Skin & Wax

Lauretta Wright Authorised Marriage Celebrant Wright Celebrations is Wright Where Love is for all of life’s rituals and rites.

Mention my hashtag #WrightWhereLoveIs for an upgrade to your marriage package worth $100.

0438 199 984 lauretta@wrightcelebrations.com.au www.wrightcelebrations.com.au 33

N O I T C 2.0 JUN

INTRODUCING

THE

ON TRURO Y NT OPPORTUNIT

INVESTME

F

or the last year, plans for the next stage of growth, ‘The Junction 2.0’, have been cooking away, but one key ingredient is missing – YOU.

We are seeking expressions of interest for funding and investment opportunities in The Junction.

Time to GROW and create new EXPERIENCES! Our vision for The Junction 2.0 is the expansion into a much bigger space, bringing in additional food, beverage and retail businesses – all in one space/venue. The Junction 2.0 will be a vibrant hub for the community and business owners alike.

Modern and innovative in design, with pops of our signature shipping container features, the look and feel of this new hub will be unlike any other in the region. The open outdoor areas have been designed with flexibility in mind; in addition to regular dining, these spaces will allow for a variety private functions and the hosting of private, business and community events.

The Junction 2.0 expansion also creates opportunities for local small businesses to become part of The Junction team. For those that join us, our goal is to offer modern yet affordable commercial spaces, ongoing business support, and high foot traffic.

We Value Your Feedback If you think you or your business might be interested in funding/ investing in The Junction 2.0, please complete our ‘Expressions of Interest’ form on the Investment Opportunities tab on our website www.Thejunctionontruro.com Important Note: This is not a formal commitment at this stage!

We are simply keen to find out if you are interested and what perks and benefits would interest you as a sponsor/funder.

Thank you for your time! Exciting times ahead.

Cheers, The Junction on Truro Team.

WWW.THEJUNCTIONONTRURO.COM

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SHOP 8, 16 BIDEFORD STREET (ENTRANCE ON TRURO ST), TORQUAY, HERVEY BAY

YOU’VE HEARD OF WELLBEING. HAVE YOU HEARD OF FINANCIAL WELLBEING?

F

inancial Wellbeing may sound a little mysterious, but it can be quite simple.

It is how you manage your money, now and in the future. To have a strong sense of Financial Wellbeing you don’t need to have more money either, feeling like you have control over your finances can give you a greater sense of happiness than having more money.

Our health is affected positively and negatively by many different factors. Our finances are much the same and play a role in our overall Wellbeing, especially impacting stress and our social life.

In a recent survey of Australian’s receiving Financial Advice, the top intangible benefits from having a strong sense of Financial Wellbeing included improved mental health, better family life, improved social life and even improved physical health.

These results are particularly striking given this research was

Sm a r t Mo ney

Kathy Paget

RetireInvestWideBay

conducted in July 2020, when the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was widely reported as heightening stress and anxiety for Australians, particularly around issues of financial wellbeing, mental health and family relationships.

Emotional aspects experienced by individuals receiving professional ongoing financial advice compared to unadvised individuals included: • increase in peace of mind;

• increased level of confidence that their core goals will be achieved; and • greater levels of happiness.

If you don’t feel financially well maybe it’s time for you to meet with a professional financial adviser. They will understand who you are, what is important to you and what you would like your ideal life to look like.

Most importantly, empower you to take control of your financial wellbeing.

This article does not consider your personal circumstances and is general advice only. The contents of this e-mail are strictly confidential. Unless you are an intended recipient, you must not read (other than to determine the intended recipient), or in any way use, deal with or retain this e-mail or the information it contains. The intended recipient/s must only use, and may only deal with, the information contained in this e-mail, to the minimum extent necessary to fulfil the purpose for which the information is provided.

Your Financial Specialists in life Call us today 4124 6222 RetireInvest Wide Bay have been providing quality, personalised advice to clients across our region forover 24 years. We know what it takes to build solid relationships with our clients for:

Kathy Paget CFP®, Dip.FP

Genevieve de Szoeke Adv DipFS (FP)

• Retirement Planning • Wealth Accumulation • SMSFs & Superannuation • Centrelink • Aged Care • Estate Planning • Life, Trauma & Income Protection Insurance

Level 1 / 73 Main Street, Hervey Bay | Phone: 4124 6222 | Email: info@riwidebay.com.au | www.riwidebay.com.au | Facebook: RetireInvest Wide Bay 35

The Mercedes‑Benz GLA. Designed for the wilderness. Enjoyed in the city.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is going places. With added character, added space and added safety, this revolutionised compact SUV combines form and function at every turn. With 5 seats and room to spare, it complements the modern urbanite’s busy lifestyle – making it your perfect companion, wherever the road takes you.

Start your adventure at Mercedes-Benz Hervey Bay today.

Mercedes-Benz Hervey Bay, 96 Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay 07 4194 4444 LMCT3585388 www.mbherveybay.com.au

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Applicable to new and demonstrator GLA first registered on or after 1 March 2020 for 5 years from the date of first registration of the vehicle. Warranty start time may differ for demonstrator vehicles. Commercial application of vehicle is subject to 5 years from first registration date or 200,000km (whichever occurs first). Battery warranty periods vary. Excludes customers with specific warranty arrangements with Mercedes-Benz. For full terms, conditions and exclusions please refer to the warranty statement here https://www.mbherveybay.com.au/en/desktop/passenger-cars/services/warranty-and-repairs/new-vehicle-warranty.html.

EAT MY DUST

J

ENNY Gurney is proof that car club’s aren’t just for men.

With International Women’s Day just around the corner, it was fitting that I had the pleasure of chatting with the lady car enthusiast who absolutely loves her hot rods and the fun of getting behind the wheel of a car with a powerhouse V8 engine.

I reckon she could give the blokes a run for their money when it comes to the question “so what are you running”?.

The Kilkivan resident is a member of Conrodders Hot Rod & Customs Hervey Bay Club and often travels over 120km in her Canary Yellow 1939 Chevrolet Australian Sloper to attend events on the Fraser Coast.

“I know what I’m talking about with my cars so the men don’t just push you aside,” Jenny said.

“Because I have an interest and I’ve owned cars myself I can talk about what’s under the hood, and it’s great.

“We are all like one big family, especially the Conrodders and we all help each other out when we can.”

The Chevy is by no means a show car, in fact Jenny calls it a bit of a bitzer with Ford Falcon limited slip diff with disc brakes, a HR Holden front suspension with HQ disc brakes and Ford Fairmont electric seats.

But that’s okay, because it’s perfect for racing in grass kahna’s – a passion of Jenny’s for the past 16 years.

“It’s not a show car, it’s a driveable car and we enter grass khana’s and things like

that.

“It’s a street rod, it looks good from 20 feet away, the paint job’s not 100% but I love my car.”

The fun first started at a Millmerran Easter Campout run by Rods Inc. in Jenny’s 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible with a 454 Big Block under the bonnet, which she towed a caravan with even though it was left hand drive.

Now all dirt flying fun is had in the ’39 Chevy which runs a Ford Cleveland engine with an FMX transmission.

In a grass khana, witches’ cones are set up and organisers have a starting point and time clock.

The cars start, go around the dusty grass (or sometimes muddy) track, reverse into a pretend garage, then go around the track the other way doing a figure of eight or similar, get back to the finish line and the quickest time wins.

Unfortunately grass khana’s are not run very often these days due to insurance and regulation complications.

“It’s all about owning something like this so you can do something like that,” Jenny said.

“If you owned a $100,000 car you wouldn’t get it dirty, and this isn’t so we have a lot of fun.

“The Chevy goes quite well but your always eating a lot of dust, which doesn’t go well with the white interior,” she said with a laugh.

Originally the chevy was retrieved from a

R i de

Kerrie Alexander

farm paddock west of Brisbane and rebuilt from scratch as a street rod about 20 years ago by a Hot Rodder that lived near Ipswich.

“It had no running gear, just a damaged body and the chassis apparently,” Jenny said.

It has been her pride and joy for about 14 years now.

When this model of car was originally built, the mechanical components and the front body parts were imported from Canada and fitted with the Australian built All-enclosed coupe body.

In 1939, there was only 734 of the allenclosed coupes built.

The low number built and the fact that nobody wanted them after they were worn out means they are a very rare car today.

When new, they were extremely popular with travelling salesmen working in Outback Australia.

The sloping back and fold down seats allowed them to and have a kip in between customer appointments.

Sadly, production of Chev All-enclosed Coupes ceased in 1940 because of the war.

The Conrodders meet next to the AllAbilities Park on Seafront Oval at 10am for a coffee and cruise on the last Saturday of every month.

The public is welcome to go along and check out all the awesome cars and chat with members.

To find out more and to follow events, find them on Facebook.

37

D es ti nati o ns

Brooke Wilson

www.frasercoasttravel.com.au

El Questro

TIP ONE - CHARGE YOUR CAMERA

TIP TWO - BRING YOUR HIKING SHOES TIP THREE - TURN OFF YOUR PHONE

W

ide open spaces, crisp fresh air, uninterrupted starry nights, what more could you ask for?

This month we are heading to El Questro, located in the heart of the Kimberleys.

El Questro offers the ultimate exclusive getaway, tucked away in the rugged wilderness. From humble beginnings as a cattle station, the 700,000 acre property was eventually developed into a tourist destination, and remains to this day a destination like no other to explore what is considered one of Australia’s “Last True Frontiers”.

Access to the property is by the famous Gibb River Road, and located over an hours drive west of Kununnura - you will truly feel that you are disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with nature. The station offers several accommodation types to suit all budgets, ranging from bungalows and camping at the Station, safari tents at Emma Gorge, to the ultimate luxury at The Homestead’s suites.

Really spoil yourself by staying in one of their cliffside retreats, the suites overlooking Chamberlain Gorge with uninterrupted views. You might also enjoy unwinding at the end of the day by relaxing in the suites stone bathtubs (cantilevered outdoors over the gorge, no less) with a glass of bubbly in hand.

It would be remiss not to mention the sheer number

38

of activities available – remote wilderness certainly doesn’t mean a shortage of experiences, especially in the Kimberleys. Daily tours collect guests from the station, but those a little more independent can choose to collect a map from reception and take themselves on a self-guided adventure. Perhaps take a cruise along Chamberlain Gorge, sipping wine and watching the towering cliffsides on either side. You might also enjoy an afternoon cruise down Explosion Gorge, before being driven up to Branco’s Lookout for sunset drinks and nibbles. Other guided tours through the park include barramundi fishing, horse riding, visiting the Zebedee Springs thermal pools, or hiking through the wilderness to magnificent waterfalls, swimming holes or breathtaking lookouts.

The best way to experience the Kimberley region and El Questro is by taking to the air. Both plane and helicopter flights are available, offering a range of different tours, from flying over the Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle, King George Falls and Mitchell Falls, the Cockburn Ranges and much more. This will truly be a highlight of your journey, there is nothing quite like seeing the remote wilderness from the air, and gives you access to places otherwise inaccessible.

There really is no other place like El Questro, and we Australians are lucky enough call it our own backyard!

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Alcohol Reset Coach

Annabel Stewart

Alcohol Reset Coach www.annabelstewart.com.au

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE

I

thought I was going to vomit!

I was training for a half marathon, and was halfway through a sprint session with my training buddy. The sun was just starting to rise on another glorious day in the Whitsundays.

We’d been training for two months and had a month left before the fundraising 21km run for Heartkids Australia.

We were working our way through a great 12-week training schedule, including hill starts, steady pace runs and long slow runs.

We even had a weekly circuit session in the gym with a coach who had kindly donated his time once a week to work on our core strength.

We were getting better every week and out fitness was really improving.

Fitness wasn’t the problem.

The problem was my drinking.

I’d drunk two bottles of Chablis the night before, and after the last arm-pumping 100m dash, it was threatening to come back up.

I didn’t know what to do. I had promised myself I wouldn’t drink the night before. Definitely not.

No. No wine because I had training at 5am the next day, before we’d whizz home to shower, tag our husbands and get the kids ready for school and us for work. And I really wanted to nail this challenge, to push myself, to see if I could run this far.

But even though my resolve to not drink had been super strong at the start of the day, and through the morning and into lunch, by midafternoon I could feel myself start to crumble.

Could picture that cold glass, beaded with condensation. Smell the sharp fruitiness. Taste

40

the tang of the first sip. Feel that light headedness as all my cares lifted away. And I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist, I knew when I got home, I would get to the fridge and pour myself a glass.

I loved it, but I hated it.

I felt so trapped and unhappy. I knew the alcohol was affecting me and my health, but I couldn’t seem to cut back. Drinking used to be fun, an adventure. Now it seemed like it was closing my life down. It was stopping me having this new adventure that I so badly wanted.

Alcohol is so sneaky. It seems like such harmless fun, and everyone does it. It can’t be that bad, surely? But when we look closer, there are a lot of parallels with how smoking was integrated into society a few years ago. There’s that growing awareness that there is a darker underside.

The suspicion that maybe we don’t have to “hit bottom” to be addicted. That maybe our health is compromised every time we take a drink. That despite the “red wine is good for you” rhetoric, there is no safe limit.

I didn’t vomit that day. I got my act together enough to finish the training, then ran 21km in just over two hours with my buddy and raise thousands of dollars for Heartkids Australia.

I went on to ditch the drink too, and I’m as proud of that as I am of our run. Another adventure – and much more liberating and amazing than I ever dreamed.

There are many ways to feel our best and live our best lives, and you don’t have to run 21km or stop drinking forever.

But making some changes that feel right for you can transform your life.

What’s your next adventure?

HOW DO OUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS AFFECT OUR HEALTH?

I

invite you to come with me, for a moment, on visual journey …

Imagine you are in a kitchen. In front of you is a basket of lemons. You reach out and select a ripe yellow lemon. You can feel the weight of the lemon in your hand and feel the smooth waxy skin in your fingers and that familiar dimpled lemon texture.

You lift the lemon to your face and breathe in that sharp citrusy smell. Then you take out a knife and slice the lemon open. As the bright yellow flesh is exposed you see the juice run out. A fresh lemony aroma fills the room. You cut a wedge and pop it in your mouth. You bite down on it and as you do you can feel the juice in your mouth as it’s released from the lemon wedge. Your mouth fills with the taste of fresh lemon juice.

Now take a moment to check-in with yourself and notice what is going on in your mouth, face and body right now. What sensations did you experience throughout that visualisation?

You, in the last minute, used your mind to create a cascade of physical reactions in your body. How powerful is your mind?!

I wonder what other ways your mind and emotions have been affecting your physical body?

Are you using the power of your mind-body connection to the detriment or benefit of your wellbeing?

M i n d - B od y H ealt h

Lou Coles B.Sc.

@loucoles.mindbodysolutions

practice into the simple, yet profound, Loving Kindness meditation.

This simple and short practice, also called Metta meditation is an exercise of extending unconditional kindness out from ourselves to all beings. It changes your physiology in the moment, and with regular practice over time, it has amazing benefits as it changes our brain and changes how we relate with ourselves and everyone else we encounter through-out our day. One study of this meditation observed shifts in people’s daily experiences of a wide range of positive emotions, including love, joy, contentment, gratitude, pride, hope, interest, amusement, and awe. It associated these shifts with increases in a variety of personal resources, including mindful attention, self-acceptance, positive relations with others, and good physical health. They concluded that the gains in personal resources led participants to become more satisfied with their lives and to experience fewer depressive symptoms.

I would like to share this beautifully simple practice with you. You will find a free recording I made of the Loving Kindness meditation at www.loucoles.com/loving-kindness-meditation. The more loving kindness we can have in the world and in our community the better for all of us – and the better our health will be too!

When you think about it, the cells, organs and physical systems of our body are bathed in our thoughts, beliefs and emotions 24/7, 365 days of the year, even when we are sleeping.

For most of us we don’t relate to our thoughts and feelings as a choice like we do with food and exercise – “Ooooh, that slice of frustration looks yummy! Or shall I have the compassion sticks instead?”. It’s not like we purposely choose 40 reps of worryburpees over 50 gratitude-squats– but we repeat those habitual thoughts over and over anyway without even realising that they are learned and conditioned patterns that we can change if we want to. Building up resilience in our nervous system or strengthening new neural pathways in our brain is not much different to choosing what kind of fitness to aim for or which muscle we want to strengthen.

Why would we want to choose to change our conditioning anyway?

Let’s compare the biology of stress to, the opposite of stress – kindness.

Body system

What STRESS does

What KINDNESS does

Blood pressure

Up

Down

Immune system

Supresses

Boosts

Cardiovascular system Nervous system

Damages Tenses

Inflammation Increases Depression Trigger

Protects Relaxes

Reduces Antidote

Happiness Reduces Increases

Produces Cortisol Oxytocin

“The stress hormone” “The love hormone” So it seems that kindness is good for our health. Personal interactions such as a smile, a wave or even a hug release a whole cascade of hormones, that foster trust, reduce stress, kill pain and induce pleasure.

As the modern way of living moves away from living in connected communities with extended families and more towards socially isolated living and working, I believe it is important for us to learn ways to maintain those protective qualities that regular social interactions and opportunities for kindness would have historically provided us.

Luckily for us we can cultivate kindness within. The Buddhist tradition has already perfected and packaged the perfect

41

42

Plants Keeping plants healthy whether they’re vegetables or ornamentals is a very important part of gardening.

There are so many factors to consider, just like us plants need the nutrients, water, sunlight and some form of protection from bugs.

Try some of these tips...

Soil

Start with good garden soil from a reputable nursery, enrich your soil with lots of organic matter, organic fertiliser, fully decomposed compost and manure, top with at least 10cm of mulch. Most vegetables prefer a pH of 6.5, grab yourself an inexpensive soil pH tester. Don’t let your soil ever completely dry out, even when you have nothing planted. Your soil can become hydrophobic and repel water, the soil basically dies having lost all organic matter, worms and healthy microbes.

Plants

Put your plants where the instructions say they will be most happy, don’t try and put a plant that likes shade or semi shade in full sunlight or visaversa. There are also plants that like having wet feet like mint, and others like rosemary that prefer soil on the dry side, and there are those in between like tomatoes…see plants are very much like us!

Inspection

Be hands on! Get out in the garden whenever you can, look over the leaves especially underneath! Check for signs of being chewed or browning, wilting or fungus. Take note of all you see, go online or to a book to learn about what diseases they may have or kind of insects they harbour. Some insects are beneficial so don’t go on a mad killing spree right off the bat. Plant plenty of insect repelling herbs and flowers and some that attract the beneficial bugs.

ARE JUST LIKE US! What lies beneath?

Some plants become sick, leaves wilt and fall off for no obvious reasons even if you seemingly had done all the right things, that is when you need to go beneath the soil to take a closer look at what is going on.

Take a look at your plant roots: are they soft? Are the stem and roots discoloured or have lumps and bumps?

It is most likely you have soil pathogens; most are fungal, get rid of the plant, preferably burning it, clean up the bed of all leaves and debris at the end of every season and plant disease resistant varieties, don’t replant in that spot.

M y G arde n G ate

Krisy Goodwin

www.facebook.com/relaxonriver

March Planting

March is the time to prepare your beds 2 weeks before planting for the cooler growing season. I will normally do most of my planting towards the end of march.

What to plant:

Lettuce, carrots, capsicums, tomatoes, radish, beetroot, beans, peas, zucchini, cabbage, broccoli, turnips, onions, garlic, potatoes, Asian greens, cauliflower.

Don’t forget your favourite herbs, and stay healthy!

Either use a fungicide or try planting mustard and digging it in to help combat the fungus. Try to avoid soil disease by always rotating your plants annually to avoid putting plants in the same soil year after year, a good rule of thumb is to plant above ground vegetables where root vegetables were the year before.

You may discover a big white curl grub…the bane of every gardener! They will quickly chew through the roots of your young plants. Use Eco Neem or 3 cups of molasses to a 9-litre bucket of water with a few drops of neem oil and apply with a watering can. Only use these methods if you have a large number of grubs – a couple won’t do too much harm.

I like gardening. It’s a place where I find myself when I need to lose myself.”

- Alice Sebold 43

Parenti ng

Amanda Coop

“W

ELL,” Miss 9 said. “I think we’ve got a case of the Mondays.”

They certainly had a case of something, and it was making me feel like opening a case of something else, one containing alcohol. And I don’t even drink anymore. At least not at 8am on a weekday.

It had started as our standard Monday morning. Kids got up early to try to have sneaky device time, I had snoozed my alarm three times before waking up and freaking out, realising I had lunches to make and kids to chastise about sneaky device time. Mr 5 was in his PJs and as I told him to get dressed, his little face crumbled.

“But I don’t want to go,” he said through tears. “I only got two days at home!”

I’m sure it’s a relatable problem on a Monday morning for many of us, but that doesn’t make school any less compulsory and I tried to sympathise while making it clear he still had to go.

“I don’t get to choose how many days are in the school week,” I told him, glad to pass the buck.

“Well, you could homeschool me,” he suggested helpfully through his sniffles.

I looked at his sad little face. Did he really want to be homeschooled, or stay at home in his PJs playing video games? I had a feeling it was the latter, considering he’d started school only three weeks before and seemed to be enjoying it.

“I’m not going to homeschool you, buddy,” I said gently. Cue tears.

Miss 9, who had also been encouraging him to get ready, tried an incentive. “What if Mum takes us to get hot cinnamon donuts after school?” she said.

Now, I’m sure her suggestion had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that she loves hot cinnamon donuts (insert

MONDAY BLUES eyeroll here), but I waited for his response before I vetoed it given our rapidly tightening timeframe.

tension and after a shirt-swap we headed for the car. Moments later the bickering resumed.

“Why don’t you go get your stuff so I can do your hair?” I suggested to Miss 9. She walked away and moments later came the cry, “Mum! I need you!”

“I don’t know,” she replied. “Mum put it in my closet. Why did you put his shirt in my closet, Mum?”

“No!” he said, which cleared that up.

I was about to reply when around the corner thundered our excitable young pug, full of energy and ready to start the day (unlike some). He proceeded to launch himself at, you guessed it, Mr 5, who had finally stopped crying and started getting dressed. Naturally, a whole new wave of tears began as he was hit by a flying lump of dog.

“Why were you wearing my shirt?” Mr 5 asked Miss 9 accusingly.

“I don’t know,” I told her.

“I think I’ve got a case of the Mondays.”

The dog had been crated overnight but, unlike the kids, he enjoys a good sleep-in and he’d been perfectly content in there while I dealt with Mr 5.

“Sorry,” Miss 9 said. “I was trying to help.”

After a wild chase through the house, we got him outside. Mr 5 was a different story.

Miss 9 found him inside his walk-in closet.

“Come on buddy,” I said, “we have to leave now or we’re going to be late.”

“No,” he said. “I need my size 2 shirt.”

I’d bought only one of the smaller school shirts, thinking he’d outgrow it before long.

That one, of course, became the favourite.

“I don’t know where it is,” I told him in exasperation. “Did you put it in the wash?”

“Yes!” he said, crying again.

“Well, I don’t have time to –“ I stopped short, looking at Miss 9. “What size shirt are you wearing?”

Miss 9 is also on the small side, and therefore fit comfortably into her brother’s size 2. I’d had to look a bit harder before the penny dropped that her shirt was looking a little snug that day. Thankfully, this hilarious turn of events broke the

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A RAMBLING ROAD TO THE GOOD HEALTH MESSAGE

H

ealth in a time of a pandemic. Somehow despite the word pandemic being so frequently used over the past 12 months I still managed to spell it wrong three times.

Maybe there is something in brain health I should be worried about.

It’s an interesting subject really and most of it for the past year has concentrated on COVID, which shouldn’t come as surprise to anyone, but it kind of overshadowed all the other bits and pieces that go towards health.

Perhaps I should clarify that as; going towards ‘Good Health’.

The first column I ever wrote, which I am sure I have squirrelled away somewhere, was a tale of weekend sports, orange quarters at half time and decrying the alleged value of organic produce. While I don’t have that column to hand I do remember it clearly stating that organic does not mean healthier; in fact organic farming allows for the use of some really toxic chemicals. Sure those chemicals are ‘natural’ but, by damn, they are a lot worse for a person than glyphosate AND require a lot more of it.

That’s a whole other discussion though, so back to where I was going, which I must admit that I’m not really sure where that was.

I’ll push on and come up with a new direction, as I honestly can’t recall where I was going with the first couple of sentences. Also I’m eating a handful of chocolate bullets after having a lamington, so I know it definitely wasn’t going to be about the body being a temple.

Everything in moderation though, and dark chocolate bullets are so good so there’s no guilt there. I’m really thirsty now and there is no way I have had enough water today, but that’s not what I was going to write about. If I did, I would be advocating for tap water over bottled and would include a request for fluoride in mine.

Men’s health is a topic of great importance to me but despite

From t he she d

David Everett

the reticence of my fellow menfolk to have a regular prostrate exam, or to even talk about their wellbeing, it wasn’t going to be about that either. Perhaps though it should be given the willful ignorance of men to talk about their health or even see a doctor until it’s too late. Anecdotally, I think though the situation is improving, and I do at least recall there wasn’t going to be any preaching in this month’s column - so I’ll skip over this subject too.

Maybe this month’s column was going to be about brain health, or the importance of keeping notes, because right now I cannot for the life of me think what the heck I planned on writing before I got distracted by the organics bit.

I’ve also gone and retrieved the rest of the chocolate bullets so even my comment regarding moderation is being shot to pieces right here. But oh, they went down so well. Still it’s not the worse indulgence I could be having, and while it was a bit of a binge I hadn’t had much chocolate of late so that’s not too bad.

I remember now, it was going to be about my years as a Paramedic, and then as a nurse, and some of the lessons I had learnt from this. I’ve kind of taken up most of my allocated inches but I am going to end where I had planned on ending in my original mental draft and that was ‘Good Health is not always a choice’.

Yes there are many actions that we take that have a negative effect on our wellbeing but good health is a very complicated state of being and can’t be boiled down to trite statements like ‘eat less, move more’ and definitely shouldn’t include anything that uses the terms ‘detox’, ‘chemical free’ or ‘enemas’.

Start with small positive changes and see your GP, dietician, psychologist, physiotherapist or any of the other evidenced based practitioners out there if you are looking for good health.

And don’t buy large packets of bullets.

P.S. FYI, multivitamins generally just result in expensive urine.

45

You are welcome to join us for our special

Easter Church Services Good Friday, April 2nd Services will start at 9:30am Resurrection Sunday, April 4th Services will start at 9:30am Easter Egg hunt for the kids on Sunday, April 4th 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

Good Friday Service Apr 2, 9.30am Easter Sunday Service Apr 4, 9.30am Please see Website for further details and current Covid requirements for attending. www.hbbc.com.au Email:office@hbbc.com.au Phone: 07 4124 7200

St Paul’s Maryborough

Easter Service Times:

Maundy Thursday (1st April) 5:30pm

Good Friday

(2nd April) 8:30am. Stations of the Cross 3:30pm

Easter Eve

(3rd April) 5:30pm

Easter Day

(4th April) 8:30am

Cnr Lennox & Ellena St, Maryborough (07) 4121 4745

A J our n ey to Aus t ra li a

Rose B.

CHAPTER TWO: SETTLED AND THRIVING

I

remember driving into Armidale for the first time. It reminded me of a cowboy film. If I had seen a horse tied up outside a pub and someone come flying out the saloon doors head-first I would not have been surprised.

Mum and dad had moved to a nice little two-bedroom house not far from where they had bought a block of land. Dad was in the process of building a new house. Two bedrooms and there were six of us. We had one room, my mum and dad had another with my sister sleeping on the floor and my brother had his swag behind the settee in the lounge room.

My dad was working for a painter with my brother as his apprentice and my sister had a job in a solicitor’s office. My mum, who had never worked other than on her parent’s dairy farm, was working as a cleaner at the university. They were all loving it in Australia even my sister who had itchy feet and was saving to go home for a visit.

My mum made friends easily and had spread the word that we were coming and that my lad could kick a ball. It didn’t take long for someone to come round and rope him into one of the local soccer teams. They were a great bunch of lads and we all stayed friends for many years. A lot of them were migrants, a Dutchman, a German, an Austrian and at least two other poms.

Mum had got me an interview at the university, but I didn’t get the job. I had been working at PERA in Melton on a fancy machine called a varityper in the translation department. The old girl who interviewed me said I couldn’t possibly know how to operate the machine and anyway I was as likely as not to go and have a baby any time.

My, how things have changed in the workplace.

I got a job at the local hospital as secretary to the deputy matron. They obviously weren’t used to pommie workers as I also ended up transcribing the nurse’s lectures because I had time on my hands.

My lad had worked at Holwell Works in England but there was no real industry in Armidale – it’s an education city and farming district. When he left school, he was an apprentice signwriter but that didn’t last long as most of his mates were working at Holwell for much more money than he was getting; so he left and joined them. In Armidale, he went to work in a garage, doing not much more than sweeping the floors.

He got on well with the other workers especially the spraypainter and after a few months he was helping in the spray shop more than anything else. He wasn’t an apprentice but over the years he learnt the trade. In Armidale in those days if you could do the job, no one worried about papers.

I’ve no idea when all the regulations were brought in that you had to have a gold card to say you were qualified to do the job but his boss said don’t worry I’ll fix it.

SERVICE TIMES:

Good Friday 8:30am Easter Sunday 8:30 am and 10:30 am With Kids Church Easter Egg Hunt (8:30 am Service Only)

The house my dad was building was nearly finished by the time we arrived. He worked on it at night and weekends, did everything himself except the plumbing and electrical work.

My mum told me he dug the foundations by hand with her and my brother as labourers.

One cloudy day he was outside with no shirt on from morning till night and ended up in hospital with blisters on his back as big as saucers. It was finished a month after we arrived and we all moved in.

Three bedrooms and a sleep out, plenty of room for all of us.

Two women cannot share a kitchen and my mum was a great cook so she was the boss in that department.

BAYSIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 18 NEILS ST, PIALBA Phone 1300 422 373 E-Mail: info@baysidechristianchurch.com.au

46

There we were all working and a roof over our heads, wouldn’t you think we would stay put? (to be continued…)

CAST A LINE AND CALM YOUR SOUL T his time of year, as the weather cools and the seasons change, can be exciting times on the water. Getting out on the water can certainly calm your soul and is the perfect place to escape.

Fishing is certainly one of the few pastimes that all walks of life can enjoy.

Burrum

The upper reaches of the Burrum have been one place where you can escape most of the wind that we get through early Autumn.

Fishing for jacks and barra with live baits has produced some good fish. A few prawns have been reported in the Gregory, but it is early days yet. In the mid-reaches, whiting has been reported around the mangrove islands.

On the beaches a few whiting were reported from the land-based fisherman.

for species like coral trout. For lure anglers working the deeper inshore reefs with vibes, prawn imitations and soft plastics should turn up a mix of species.

Platypus Bay

This time of year, we see the run of our longtail tuna start kicking into gear with the first low that comes our way generally marking the start of the season.

We should see longtail tuna numbers increase from here on in. Already there has been some great fishing for them from the top the Sandy Strait right through to Rooneys Point.

Looking from Arch cliffs right through Platypus Bay you should come across a few schools. Deeper in the water column golden trevally, spanish and school mackerel, blackall and grunter should be present on the reefs through Platypus Bay.

Local Reefs

Urangan Pier

This technique can be great on sweetlip, coral trout and the odd cod.

It’s been a great season for barramundi on the Pier with some great fish being reported. Working the deeper reaches of the pier under the lights alongside the pylons has seen best results. Whiting, bream and flathead will be worth a look in

We have limited reports from the local reefs due to the weather. When it settles try fishing the edges of the shallow reefs with some fresh prawns, cut baits and pilchards drifted back with little weight.

On the deeper reefs live baits will be the go

It’s been a windy time out on the Pier when things settle it will definitely be worth a look.

Th e B i g Catch

Andrew Chorley the shallows with live yabbies.

Sandy Strait

The Mary river has produced some big salmon of late with fish over 1m becoming quite common this season. Barramundi have also been active and should fish well in the coming weeks before things start to cool down a bit.

Fishing deep with vibes has seen some anglers get some great success.

Smaller barramundi around the 60 cm mark have been coming off some of the smaller snags in the Susan River on hardbodie lures worked slow through the snags.

Grunter, flathead and whiting have also been reported throughout the Mary system with some big whiting coming in on last week’s big moon tides before the wind.

In the Strait, if conditions allow working the ledges for grunter, sweetlip and cod will be a good option.

On the flats along the western side of Fraser I would expect the water may be a little dirty and stirred up from recent winds.

This can make for some great conditions to target sand whiting. Working the flats with live yabbies on the run-in tide will see the best results.

Charlie with a golden trevally caught while enjoying a relaxing trip in Hervey Bay

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

47

Life Chat wi th M i chelle

Michelle Robinson Bach. Counselling.

Dip. Clinical Hypnotherapy

‘TO YOUR HEALTH’

W

elcome to Life-Chat. This month our focus is on the health of your most important relationship – your relationship with YOU.

Don’t worry. I’m not offering advice you’ve heard before about needing to love yourself more or accepting that everything you think and feel is okay.

I’m offering you the chance to participate in a quick Relationship Checkup, and that relationship just happens to be with yourself.

Let’s get started.

Here’s the key question.

Do your thoughts encourage you towards positive goals, or do they pull you down?

You see, each of us has an essential relationship with our thoughts. If our thoughts take the role of a coach, then they motivate us, help us to achieve our goals and steer us in the direction of our happiness. If our thoughts take the role of a saboteur, they will criticize us, tell us to quit and steer us away from potential happiness.

A healthy relationship with yourself means that your ‘inner voice’ assumes the role of an encouraging coach, rather than a destructive saboteur.

Which inner-voice do you hear?

Here are some Red Flag Thoughts that signal you have an inner saboteur. Notice whether any of these thoughts or similar thoughts apply to you.

• I hate looking in the mirror.

• I can’t forgive myself for mistakes I’ve made in the past.

• I’ll never trust love again.

• I have a critical voice in my head. It’s always pulling me down.

• I’ll never succeed. I may as well not try.

• It’s hard. Why not just give up now?

• I don’t like myself. I’m pretty sure other people just feel sorry for me.

www.academyofspiritualpractice.com

48

These few statements represent some of the common thoughts that stop us from steering our lives in a positive direction. If I held those thoughts, would I back myself for a promotion at work?

Would I take a new opportunity that was offered to me?

Most likely, I would not. I would destroy my chance of happiness before even testing my own worth.

What can we do to improve our relationship with ourselves?

Some options are not difficult - they just take commitment.

Here are a few ideas for you to consider. If you like them, why not implement them immediately?

Stay aware of your thoughts. Catch the thoughts that insidiously suggest you ‘can’t do’ something that you would like to do. Throw them out of your mind like you would throw out rubbish. Remind yourself, that you can choose to be happy. Every day is a new opportunity to add positive things to your life. That is within your control.

Watch your self-talk. Encourage and motivate yourself. Be kind.

Remember, you can choose to be a coach to yourself. That is also under your control.

Check your life’s direction. Are you satisfied with your lifechoices? Are you steering yourself towards or away from your happiness? Listen to your intuition and your heart. How are your stress levels when you think about this question? If necessary, adjust your course.

A final word, for now. Do your best to let go of guilt, anger, resentment, and emotional pain. A healthy relationship with yourself requires an open and forgiving heart. If that feels like too big a step, just assure yourself, you can learn to let pain go, one day at a time. You can learn to be more gentle with yourself. Life is a journey of many steps.

Blessings, Michelle

MARCH

inspiration

Alison’s Guidance this Month:

M

y Advice to keep spiritually healthy is to surround yourself with positivity. Flick those negative vibes away!

Be grateful every single day and make the most out of Life!

Cherish the Earth, and share those loving vibes!

Capricorn

Dec 22 -Jan 19

Ooh Capricorn you have been overdoing it lately! This month find some time to recharge your batteries and nurture yourself. Grab some quiet time in nature, or take a walk along the beach. Plan that weekend getaway and just take time out.

Aquarius

Jan 20 - Feb 18

Time to flick that procrastination! March is a great month to complete all those unfinished jobs. Things also will go well this month, as long you as you let down your barriers and trust. All will work out as it should!

Pisces

Feb 19 - Mar 20

Have you been challenged, or feeling as if you have hit a brick wall of late. Ask yourself, is this situation right for you?

Step back and look at the big picture.

Chances are there is a better direction for you. What ever you do, don’t give up.

Aries

Mar 21 - April 19

Cancer

June 21- July 22

March is looking really awesome for you. You are shining Cancer! Everything you touch will turn to gold. So don’t procrastinate - go forward with any plans, because you will achieve great results with little effort. Go for it!

Leo

July 23 - Aug 22

Time to get energised and focussed Leo. If you have had a few ideas or plans on your mind, now is the time to take action. Believe me, you can do it! Trust in your own abilities, you’ve got this.

Virgo

Aug 23 - Sept 22

Have you been letting your doubts stop you from moving in a forward direction?

March is the month for you to lay down those fears, and trust! Channel that inner warrior and just do it. Trust that you are heading in the right direction.

The universe won’t let you down.

Libra

Sept - 23 - Oct 23

You may have felt out of sorts recently, listen to your body and nurture yourself.

Your body is craving attention from you!

So spend time doing what gives you joy and contentment. Have a lazy weekend, read a book, hang out in the back yard or snuggle up in front of netflix. Enjoy!

Oct 24 - Nov 21

OK scorpio, enough of hiding in the shadows! It is your turn to step up. You don’t realise it, but you are stronger than you think. Other’s actually look up to you. This month, set your sights high, because you can easily achieve anything you desire.

April 20 - May 20

What a great month for reconnecting with people. This could mean that there are new partnerships, and friendships being formed, or maybe old ones are being renewed and rekindled.

Whatever happens, be grateful for your connections!

Gemini

Alison Dunlop

Scorpio

Not all endings are negative Aries. When one door shuts another opens, so look out for new exciting opportunities this month. Also, March is looking good for completing those unfinished jobs, you have been putting off.

Taurus

I n spi rat i o ns

May 21 - June 20

Time to leave your troubles behind Gemini. March is a great month to take off and find your freedom. So pack up and take off for the weekend. Also, don’t get bogged down in the negative, look for the positive in your day, and keep smiling.

Sagittarius

Nov 22 - Dec 21

Perseverance is needed this month.

Pick your battles Sagittarius, and keep moving forward. If the path you are travelling doesn’t feel quite right, reroute yourself and find a new path, or look at things from a different perspective. The main thing is to keep going, and not give up, you can do this.

Alison Dunlop Kinesiologist. Find out more at: www.alisondunlopkinesiology.com.au (Cards drawn from The Modern Oracle of Essential Oils by Katy-K)

49

Self-Love

Telaine Feeney

H

ealth is Life.

The sentiment behind the oftentreacherous, but well-meaning word, ‘health’ always portrayed a huge salad, daily exercise and limiting of indulgences for me as a child. A picture of a woman politely declining the salad dressing as she was ‘watching her weight’.

Now I envision laughter, good food and community gatherings.

Health embodies happiness, companionship, and energy. It’s curiosity to what’s in the salad dressing.

It is talking, sharing and connection.

My journey to a healthy lifestyle came from a long list of failures (lessons, shall we say). Losing over 100 kilos, gaining it back, losing it again, gain, loss…it has taught me a lot. The journey to ‘good health’ is just that.

Not a destination but a lifestyle.

Health is not weight loss.

I always pictured myself slimmer as the ‘image of health’. I have learnt time and again that is not the truth. Healthy is self-awareness and acceptance. I have gotten slimmer to find I was unhealthily

SO MUCH MORE THAN A NUMBER focused on the numbers. I missed out on good times with friends and family to ‘stay focused’. That impacted my health.

It left me feeling exhausted, lonely, and disheartened.

Weight loss does not have to be punishment. It can be an organic process of little changes. Reduced sugar intake, creative meals, soda instead of tonic.

It’s dancing classes with friends instead of a cinema date.

Health can – and should – be fun!

I grew up with health being taught as a ‘responsibility’. Do NOT eat too much, you MUST exercise. My next life lesson: unhealthy is not just excessive eating or lack of exercise. It’s about your mindset.

If we approach our lives seeing our limitations and feeling ordered, the instinct is inherently negative.

Imagine picturing health as community dinners full of cultured share plates, lavished in home grown vegetables and local farm products?

Picture a day at the beach with your family. Envision yourself swimming, strolling down the sand, possibly a fun game of cricket.

Nissen Street Vet presents PET SUPER STAR OF THE MONTH

“Bowie, but I call him Bojo.”

Mads Tevis

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

Eating and exercise isn’t restriction and commands, it’s life!

Health is knowledge. I worry sometimes at the culture we live in currently. We now have access to all the information we need in the form of technology.

Yet, we seem more complacent, even less curious now we know it’s there.

It’s overwhelming to have to question things. So more and more the marketing of ‘products’ gives us biased ‘opinions’.

Constant conflicting advice. Social media opinions.

The impact on our health is vast.

Changing diets, anxiety, depression a lack of self confidence in knowing what’s best for YOU and learning your mind and body.

Awareness and curiosity within yourself gives you the filter to not be hindered in focused knowledge. I found by learning to be curious about physical and mental changes within myself, I wasn’t blindly following any ‘current’ trends or biased information shared.

Knowing myself meant I knew what to seek out.

Be curious with how you envision health.

It’s a fun way to live.

Pet owner tips by Dr Sam DIABETES

I’m sure most of us know of friends or family members who live with diabetes, but did you know our furry family can as well? Diabetes is a common condition of dogs and cats, and often goes undiagnosed as some of the signs can be subtle, including the following: Signs of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats • Increased drinking • Increased appetite • Increased urination • Weight loss • Lethargy • Distended abdomen • Cataracts of the eyes • Poor hair coat

Diabetes is a medical condition where the body does not have enough insulin to control the glucose levels, allowing the glucose levels to sky-rocket, affecting several other organ systems. This can lead to other concurrent disease

processes such as pancreatitis, urinary tract infections, hyperthyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism, which need to be treated accordingly.

There are 3 different types of diabetes: Type I is the most common form of diabetes mellitus in dogs, and may occur from autoimmune destruction of cells that secrete insulin. Type II diabetes is the most common type in cats, and is usually due to impaired insulin secretion – this type can sometimes be reversible with treatment! Type III diabetes occurs during pregnancy or changes in hormone levels.

Just like humans, diabetics require insulin injections to regulate their blood glucose levels, alongside an appropriate diet. If you are concerned your pet may be displaying any of these signs, a simple blood test is the first step in diagnosing an underlying condition.

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