Alive Magazine - Edition 19 - February 2022

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FEBRUARY 2022 EDITION #19

THREE WOMEN, ONE COLLECTIVE

Freedom is key to Gen Z Full story on pages 04-07

Next-Gen

Edition I am woman, hear me roar

Meet the region’s Young Citizen of the Year

Full story on pages 14-15

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EDITOR’S WELCOME

B

ack in my day, there were no laptops, iPads, or mobile phones in my teenage years.

There was no social media, I didn’t know what my mate had for dinner or where they were holidaying, and the only gossip was by word of mouth at school or from the friends that you hung out with on the weekend. You could actually get away with a little bit of mischief.

There was no Find My Phone. Your parents just had to trust that you were actually at your friend’s place, not down at the beach trying your first cigarette (I totally never did that).

Kids are glued to their screens (much like many of us now) and it’s so hard to find a healthy balance between getting outside and still being a kid, but not missing out on techno time with their mates.

They are wiser at a younger age. They are more empathetic and aware of issues surrounding gender, sexuality, race, pay, or the environment.

I loved having that freedom in comparison to today’s world. It was so much simpler.

There was also a personal connection with communication. You would pick up the phone to have a chat or make a date, rather than sending a text or using Facebook Messenger.

One of those fiercely independent and knowledgeable youngsters is featured in this edition. Meet Sara Diana Faraj who, at 20 years of age, is the youngest woman in the world to take on the role of president of Hervey Bay’s Zonta Club - an organisation of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

On the other side of the coin, I feel like technological innovations have given this generation so much more drive to succeed.

Was growing up as part of Gen X easier in comparison to the millennials and today’s Gen Z? I’m really on the fence with that answer, with lots of pros and cons to consider.

Their lives are influenced by social media platforms. Anyone can say anything about anyone so the desire to meet everyone’s expectations is so much higher. Almost nothing is left to the imagination.

Their lives are under the world’s microscope and that’s a lot of pressure. But, I guess, they don’t know any different.

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THE ALIVE TEAM

However, technological innovation has also given this generation a form of independence older generations never knew.

They are more financially savvy, with more plans of using an income to save for a house or car rather than spending frivolously on big nights out.

For example, you could invite a friend over for dinner without fear that other friends would find out and be hurt that they weren’t invited. There were no Facebook posts or Insta selfies at the dinner table.

ONLINE MAGAZINE ON THE GO

Editor KERRIE ALEXANDER editor@alivemag.com.au

Founder / Creative Director JOY BUTLER info@alivemag.com.au

Deputy Editor LEANNE ESPOSITO

Digital Editor LIZZIE MACAULAY

Advertising Manager LOUISE HOLMES advertising@alivemag.com.au Phone 0477 094 335

Advertising Executive DARREN STIMPSON darren@alivemag.com.au Phone 0408 122 050

Advertising Representative KAREN WHITE karen@alivemag.com.au Phone 0418 197 386

Head of Distribution JAMIE BUTLER Phone 0428 137 968

If only I knew what they know now!

In this edition, we also take a step back in time with the adorable Maud Hatchett, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. We cover everything from olden days to modern ways and her thoughts on today’s world.

We also meet our Gen Z cover stars who are best friends, but each have very different goals in life.

Find out what’s in store for their undoubtably bright futures.

Enjoy!

Kerrie

UPCOMING EVENTS

All editorial and advertising in Alive Magazine publications are published in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors and advertisers. No responsibbility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All material in Alive Magazine is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Feedback or suggestion?

Send to: info@alivemag.com.au

12 Feb

MASQUERADE BALL

When: February 12, 6pm-11.30pm.

Where: Maryborough City Hall, Maryborough.

What: Fundraising Masquerade Ball is being held by Hypodrive’s Not for Profit 5 to Drive, to raise funds to support Learner Drivers in the Fraser Coast Region who have medical conditions. 5 to Drive teach people how to stay safe on our roads while living with a medical condition.

Cost: $130.

Tickets at www.Hypodrive.com.au

16 Feb

HB BUSINESS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

When: Wednesday, February 16, 6.30am.

Where: Beach House Hotel, Esplanade, Scarness.

21 Feb

EURYDICE - METROPOLITAN OPERA When: February 21, 1pm-3pm.

Where: Brolga Theatre, Maryborough.

What: The world’s newest major opera - a captivating new take on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus, re-imagining the familiar tale from Eurydice’s point of view.

Cost: Adult $28, Under 18 $15.

What: Join like-minded business owners for a networking breakfast.

Cost: Tickets at Eventbrite.com.au

25 Feb HB JAZZ CLUB PRESENTS CIGANY WEAVER When: February 25, 6pm.

Where: Hervey Bay RSL, Torquay Rd, Pialba.

What: Fusing the passion of folk music, the precision of classical, and the spontaneity of jazz, ‘Cigány Weaver’ create a rich and vibrant atmosphere for both the heart and mind.

Cost: $20 Jazz Club members, $25 non-members.

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COVER S TORY

by Leanne Esposito

DEFINING A GENERATION:

AN EXPLORATION INTO GENERATION Z The generation reaching adulthood in the second decade of the 21st century, perceived as being familiar with the internet from a very young age.

A

literal definition of Generation Z is somewhat clinical, as are most sourced from a dictionary. Knowing a generation to be the first born to the internet may conjure up postulations that this population is totally dependent upon electronic devices.

My interviews delved into this cohort and explored what it is to grow up surrounded by new age technology and the internet. An unfair assumption is they have been unutterably and negatively altered by the age to which they are born.

Surprisingly, what I have discovered is the opposite.

Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z are far from what I could ever have imagined. I discovered they are a generation imbued with warm and loving tolerance, more focused on 04

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their fellow human than looking down the rabbit hole of the internet and into an uncertain abyss which doesn’t serve them.

They are savvy, resourceful and above all aware of the life’s pitfalls – past and present. Their eyes have been well and truly opened at a young age. Whether their parents, educators and mentors have done a good job is up for debate. Perhaps they have learnt along the way how to navigate the internet. To be discerning information accumulators, unbinding themselves from the clutter of chaos which is ever present in the network’s netherworld.

Digressing a little here come with me on some intellectual navel gazing so that we have some context.

What do you know about your generation? The generation to

which you were born? Are you a Boomer, Gen X, Y or Millennial?

Look it up on the internet. You’ll be surprised where you fit.

Statisticians and researchers know an awful lot about you and your generation. It’s their business to do so. The data they gather helps governments and big business source information, which in turn, delivers goods targeted directly to the consumer in question and provides essential resources.

Demography develops tools to analyse changes in populations and to understand their needs. Utilising common predictors of differences in attitudes and behaviours on issues ranging from foreign affairs to social policy. Age differences in attitudes can be some of the widest and most illuminating and it’s hard to accept that we may be shaped by the era into which we were born. The fact is we are.

Let’s look at the difference between the latest generations.

At the risk of offending an entire generation here, it has been written that Millennials were the most entitled and were classified as the Me generation. Taking a sharp turn, and Gen Z have been nominated the title of the We generation.

How did this happen you ask, especially in such a short space in time?

You might be surprised, as was I, to learn that despite living in a time of crisis amongst a global pandemic and born into a world where acts of terrorism were commonplace and the fear of climate change ever present, that the young women of Generation Z (which I interviewed) are in fact We Women who are surprisingly optimistic, resilient and tolerant. It seems that to them the needs of the collective far outweigh the individualist drive of the ego.

During my interviews with the three amigas, An Butler, Brydie Murphy and Morgan Heise I discovered what makes them and their generation tick. These young beautiful strong and independent women are on the cusp of their own greatness.

I can sense it. Each possess distinct personalities and hold independent aspirations for life, and still they are concerned for their fellow humans. There is an intelligent awareness way beyond their years.

These firm friends met in middle school at St James Lutheran College. While they originate from diverse backgrounds and family structures, they meld effortlessly into the compassionate collective consciousness which their generation defines.

Each are successfully launching into new lives and careers while holding each other close and walking life’s path together.

An is the self-confessed weird one who is wildly artistic and started her own videography business, An Butler Films, at the age of 14. While working in retail she has reshaped her business model.

“I have rebranded to SIK Colour. I am now broader on creativity, focusing on videography, photography and art and have embraced my culture. SIK means colour in Chinese, so the name is a play on words,” An said.

While her father Jamie is a happy and calm individual, she credits her mother Joy as having the greatest influence, and not for the gift of artistic genes, but for her modelling of love and positivity.

“She isn’t afraid to be herself and speak her mind while still expressing so much love for the people around her,” she said.

Even An, who appears to be extremely chilled has learnt some difficult lessons about life and social anxiety to a point where she completely disconnected from the internet for a time.

Whilst she is most passionate about spending quality time with the people she loves she is equally passionate on matters of diversity.

“What I love about my generation is that we can express ourselves with all our differences without having the pressure to fit in to a box. I love being my true self,” An said.

Brydie originated in the Northern Territory and spent her formative years living in middle and northern Australia until her family moved to the Fraser Coast to be closer to extended family on the Sunshine Coast.

“Dad is a fireman and was sent out to the rock to work for four years. I have since spent half of my life living in Queensland,” she said.

She loves spending time with her family, cooking dinner, watching movies and her friends mean the world to her.

Brydie’s, like An’s, work life also started quite early.

At 14 she worked at M’Donalds. Right now, she is employed by the RSL as a café supervisor and works fulltime but it’s been a bumpy road with Covid intervening.

“I started as a school-based trainee in 2019. After the Covid shutdown I was re-employed as a casual and not long after

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05

working fulltime I was bumped up to supervisor,” she said.

Brydie believes we should be kind to each other and try to understand that everyone has a different perspective and says this behaviour has been modelled by her parents, who she describes as kind and gentle.

She considers her time with the RSL as a working gap year.

This year she has been offered a place in a Bachelor of Paramedicine course. Watching her parents Tanya and Shaun work in caring professions like the QFRS, oncology and disability care has shown her how your work ethic can make a difference in other’s lives.

“Be true to yourself and trust your gut. Stick up for what you think is right. I am absolutely optimistic about the future, what’s the point not being so,” she said.

Morgan, the brainiac of the trio, has always followed academic pursuits. This country kid who started life in Blackwater continues to excel despite life’s struggles.

Straight out of high school she commenced a physiotherapy degree however moved home to be with her parents after the tragic death of her 12-year-old brother Finn.

“In March 2020 my brother passed away. With physiotherapy I wanted to work in a hospital setting. Studying nursing meant I could stay closer to home,” Morgan said.

Both her parents have medical careers. Mum Sarah works in administration at the hospital and her dad Troy is a paramedic.

So, it’s not surprising that she should choose a career in medicine, especially as the family’s dinner conversations often revolve around work and politics.

She holds her dad in high esteem. Equally for the lives he saves and the positive influence he has on her life. Morgan learns as much as she can about his life as a paramedic and has enjoyed hearing his work stories over the years.

“Hopefully the plan is for me to sit UCAT and go to medical school. I want to work in emergency. I want to help people and I’ve seen the forefront of what emergency medicine can look

06

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like with my brother. I know the power of what a good doctor can do. I want to give that to more people,” Morgan said.

In Morgan’s spare time she works at Spec Savers, reads novels and takes dance classes. As a teenager she competed to a high standard. Issues on which she is interested are climate change, women’s rights and First Nations people.

Apart from her father there was another man who made a huge impression on her life and helped to propel her in her current direction.

“Mr Salagaris was a really good teacher. I recall walking into his class at St James for the first time. He said, ‘if you are coming in to the class and getting B’s at the moment then you will be getting A’s.’ He fostered in me a love of science and kept me going,” she said.

There are so many common threads woven between An, Brydie and Morgan despite their diverse interests and distinct personalities. Morgan recalls their first meeting.

“One of my closest friends moved away from St James and I stumbled across the group sitting behind this building at school. I just inserted myself. All of us had no one else. We all got along really well and now have this awesome friendship,” she said.

Their love of family, for each other and unpretentious natures sees them sharing a rare friendship which has bonded through years of trials, tribulations, and triumphs.

These We Women are wonders of nature worthy of study into the future. I can’t wait to see what shapes their lives will take.

And we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that this is our first real high-tech generation.

So, when you think that computers, the internet and social media have impacted their worlds, it’s surprising to learn that high tech hasn’t consumed them.

Sure, each has personally and tragically felt the negative impacts of technology but now take proactive steps to counter its influence. They reach out, open up and seek help.

Communication is key.

Further, they have spurned social and media negativity and shunned big brand names.

So unimpressed by artificial intelligence which delivers flash targeted advertisements - discernment is their dogma.

Each have described an unprivileged upbringing where family time and outside play, study and artistic pursuits far outweigh the pull of the plug and play.

They are dispassionate on politics admitting their life’s experiences do not qualify them to comment. Living sustainably with environmental awareness is important.

Their music choices are eclectic and in their search for melodic freedom they seek expression through Australian indie and banded ballads from their parents’ generation which speak to truth and love.

It seems there are other worlds to conquer – the collective is paramount. They want personal freedom for all, applauding the use of the gender fluid personal pronouns in the quest for acceptance of LGBTQ and others who seek unbinding from previously boxed scenarios. To be who you want to be is their mantra.

Their generation may well have been defined by the animated film Shrek released in 2001. It was the first animated film since Disney’s 1953 Peter Pan to successfully compete at the Cannes Film Festival.

This wildly popular film has been described as culturally, historically and aesthetically significant. It’s theme song ‘All Star’ resonates strongly with their generation as An, Brydie and Morgan agree that the movie’s impact on their lives is indelible.

‘All that glitters is not gold, only shooting stars can break the mould.’

The message of self-love and acceptance is clear. The story is about learning to tolerate others and accept them. Whether you’re born an Ogre, a donkey or a dragon, you are loved and can achieve anything if you set your mind to it.

How can you predict the future? You can’t!

All I now know is that with this generation we are in safe and loving hands.

All that glitters is not gold, Only shooting stars can break the mold.

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07

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L I Z Z I E L E A R NS T O

by Lizzie Macaulay

LIZZIE LEARNS TO…

RUN A SKINCARE BRAND W

hen I was 14, I couldn’t wait to get a job. I was eager, but I didn’t exactly have a lot of skills beyond that.

How completely refreshing it was to watch local 14 year old, Erin Watson, spring into action as she stepped into the shoes of entrepreneur in the family business.

If you’re a regular at the Pier Park Markets, you’ll likely recognise Erin’s face behind the display at the Wander & Find stall.

The skincare range, founded by her mum, Karina Wilson, is growing on a national scale, and something Erin is destined to take on as her own in the not-too distant future.

We began by setting up the iconic Wander & Find display – crisp monochrome tones, precisely arranged products – everything in its place.

Erin was every bit the meticulous expert I’d heard she was. As we placed the bottles and jars of products, she’d tell me not only where each product went and why, but what they were for and how they could help.

It seemed that Wander & Find had essentially become part of her DNA, with the hundreds of markets she’s set up, sold at and packed up over the years.

I’ve heard a whole lot about Erin over the last few years – her incredible depth of knowledge of the nature of skin and the natural ingredients used, her artful product photography, her ambitions for the future of the brand.

With the stall looking magnificent, it was time to delve even further behind the scenes – Erin took me to the mixing room at W&F HQ.

Understandably, she was a touch hesitant as I blustered into her universe and started peppering her with questions. (You see, the balance was way off – I knew a lot about Erin thanks to proud mum Karina, but conversely, I was a perfect stranger to her…)

Erin showed me how to package up the brand’s most popular product – the cleanse oil.

So I was excited to meet her and watch her in action.

While the ingredients are the toppest of top secret, the bottling process was something I could definitely help with. I hoped.

It looked simple enough to do, but that old self doubt crept back in as I stepped up to the dispensing equipment.

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09

What if I missed? Or dropped the bottle? Or overfilled the bottle somehow and the liquid gold we were packaging spilled everywhere?!

Gahh! Pressure!

Under Erin’s patient, calm hand, we managed to avoid any of the potential calamities I’d conjured up in my mind, and the bottling was a success – not a drop spilled.

Next came the labelling.

I don’t think I’ve ever taken sticking a sticker so seriously before, but when it’s someone else’s business on the line, you pay attention, right?

To my great shame, my first label went on a little wonky, despite my best efforts.

Would it have been wrong to hide the bottle somewhere?

My second attempt was millimetre perfect, and I caught myself contemplating a future in the bottle labelling industry. Although realistically, for the speed I went, I wouldn’t have a job for long…

Fantasies of my next career move aside, we moved on to what I imagined must be one of the most exciting parts of owning your own skincare line – packaging up the orders to be sent to grateful customers.

Once again, Erin was effortlessly precise at this.

We started with the most fabulous paper I’d ever come across – an eco-alternative to bubble wrap (in line with the brand’s planetconscious ethos).

Stretchy, robust and a whole lot of fun to play with, this paper went around each bottle and jar like they were little burritos being tucked in for a comfy adventure.

I pictured the excitement of the customer at the other end, opening their Wander & Find box for the first time, and it filled me with a happy little glow.

As our time together came to an end, I reflected on the maturity, patience and quiet ambition of this teen entrepreneur.

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Not only has Erin achieved an enormous amount for herself already, balancing school and sport and friends and business with ease, but the future is oh-so bright as well.

Erin has big plans for what Wander & Find may look like when she takes the reins.

First order of business?

Who knows – maybe it’s abolishing the early morning market starts, or expanding the range to cater for teen skin specifically, or even growing the Wander & Find team and operation to new heights.

What’s clear, is no matter what path Erin chooses, great things are on the horizon.

With huge thanks to Erin and Karina for welcoming us behind the scenes at Wander & Find.

To get your hands on your own W&F products, head to the Pier Park Markets every Saturday, or go to wanderandfind.com.au.

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Organic & Natural Ingredients Shop online www.wanderandfind.com.au

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Real Service - Real Results - RealWay RealWay has long been a market leader in property management in Hervey Bay. During this time, we have specialised in offering a large range of services to our many respected landlords. There are many reasons why RealWay should manage your investment property.

We have a dedicated team of Property Management Staff with extensive experience, and we take the time to ensure the best possible management of your most valuable asset.

We can advise on the current rental market for your property and suggest a rental rate to give you the greatest return on your investment.

RealWay takes the hassle out of managing your property. We utilise our expertise and skills in a professional, ethical and

MEET OUR

client-focused manner to safeguard your property.

We believe in keeping open communication with our Landlords and Tenants to ensure that the management of the tenancy runs smoothly and any rental matters are dealt with efficiently and effectively.

We are looking for new clients to become part of our VIP client family. We would love the opportunity to assist you in any property management needs that you may have. We know your investment property is in a desirable location and there is currently a very high demand from quality tenants looking to move into the area.

For Real Service, Real Results talk to our experienced dedicated RealWay team.

Property Managers

Our Principal Leanne guarantees personal client care and involvement, all backed with extensive professional experience. Combined with her determination and drive to succeed and her friendly, down-to-earth approach to everything she undertakes makes any client feel comfortable. She believes RealWay would be an ideal choice for those who appreciate hard work and loyalty. With her continued active role in Property Management, her personal experiences and 20 years in the industry she will bring clarity, understanding, compassion and above all positive results.

Megan joined RealWay Property Consultants in 2017, she boasts over 14 years’ experience in Property Management in both Hervey Bay and the Darling Downs.

Megan is an experienced professional with excellent communication and negotiation skills, a strong knowledge base and a strong work ethic and offers quality service to clients and customers. Megan has a “no fuss” approach to helping her customers and clients achieve the best possible return from their investment property.

Ruth recently joined the Realway Team coming from WA with a strong customer focused administration management background in Local Government receiving numerous awards for excellence in customer service.

Having previously owned investment properties Ruth is considerate of all aspects of your property management and is committed to making your experience with RealWay smooth and professional, encouraging input and working towards honest and respectful communication.

www.herveybay.realway.com.au 363 Esplanade, Scarness | 07 4128 4255 12

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INSPIRING CREATIVITY THROUGH DANCE AND DESIGN

W

hat started off as dance classes with her mum, sisters and best friend has evolved over the years to become a central part of Marta Hackett’s life.

Marta started bellydancing in Maryborough at the age of 7 and is now one of Australia’s premier performers.

She continued her training in Europe, has managed some of the Australia’s best dancers, worked across the country and now even runs her own academy on the Fraser Coast.

Hard work, dedication and a real appreciation for the artform are the secrets of her success.

“Anyone can do bellydancing and appreciate the artform and enjoy it,” Marta said.

“It allows you to learn some of the elements of the Middle East and apply them to your own life. It’s great for women and, in my opinion, is a sacred feminine space.”

Marta believes the benefits of bellydancing extend beyond fitness and encourages women to learn more about themselves.

“It’s a creative space where we are able to learn about our bodies, it’s a great way to begin dancing and is low impact.

She also described the artform as having “rehabilitative” properties following pregnancy.

“Women who join bellydancing classes are often likeminded and friendships blossom easily.”

The creativity of the artform blends effortlessly into Marta’s

TH E P ROF ILE

by Shaun Ryan

other passion – graphic design.

In addition to her dancing, Marta owns and operates Solutionist Branding.

“Being a graphic designer and brand specialist allows me build up other businesses and help them reach their full potential and identified target market,” Marta explained.

“I love supporting all businesses, but I really enjoy empowering women through my graphic design skills.”

Marta said starting a new business is always scary, but seeing clients succeed is her ultimate reward.

“Being a creative – whether it’s through bellydancing or graphic design – allows me to collaborate with other people.

“My bellydancing has influenced my own life philosophy and graphic design is a big part of who I am, so the two are definitely intertwined.”

Marta recently created her own podcast ‘Sol Struck’ where she wants to create a space influenced by both of her passions to inspire, support and connect listeners.

You can find out more about Marta’s belly dance classes and events by checking out www.martabellydance.com.au.

You can also follow her on Facebook (@martabellydance) and Instagram (@marta_bellydance).

Marta’s graphic design and marketing portfolio can be found at www.solutionistbranding.com.

Her socials are @solutionistbranding on Facebook and @ the_solutionist on Instagram.

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13

H OME GROWN

by Kerrie Alexander

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES FOR CHANGE

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S

ara Diana Faraj is like a whirlwind of positive vibes, determined to bring about change for the community and Fraser Coast youth.

The 20-year-old is on the run, seven days a week, studying a Bachelor of Political Science online at UQ, she is a full time Electorate Officer for Adrian Tantari MP, a Hervey Bay Youth Parliamentarian for 2021, Youth Mayor of the Fraser Coast Youth Advisory Council, Founder and Facilitator of The Fraser Coast Youth Forum, and member of the Queensland Community Leaders Health Forum.

Above all this she was the youngest person world-wide to be appointed as President of Zonta Hervey Bay in 2021.

She was also awarded Young Citizen of the Year in the recent Fraser Coast Regional Council Australia Day Awards.

There’s not a second of the day that Sara’s not working but says she wouldn’t change a thing, and for good reason.

Her inspiration to be a high achiever lies with her parents and the decision they made to stand up and fight against the threat of war, violence, and human rights abuse.

Sara’s parents were refugees, with her mother having fled from war-torn Lebanon and her father from Kurdistan, before meeting and marrying in Germany.

The two then moved to Australia in 2000 to create a better life for their family.

Sara has a younger brother, 11 and two sisters, 14 and 25.

“It all goes back to my parents and them making a choice to move to Australia … they were refugees, and I was actually a detention centre baby,” Sara said.

“They made that choice to provide the best opportunities that they could for their growing family and that’s really heavily contributed to my identity.

“They’ve given me education and a home, and I see that there’s so much opportunity here in Queensland and Australia and I think that everyone should have equal access to that opportunity.

“I see that sometimes there’s gaps and maybe people haven’t been as fortunate as I have been, so I want to help them the same way my parents helped me.”

Through an initiative of the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Sara was also the co-author of a booked called Making Hervey Bay Home, which tells the story of how her parents came to be proud Australian citizens.

Sara is also a passionate advocate for local youth and thrives in her role on the Fraser Coast Youth Advisory Council, which was formed in July 2021.

Sara is also very proud to lead the work of the local Zonta Club, which is open to both men and women who want to make change happen in a supportive community of likeminded professionals from diverse countries and cultures.

Zonta stands for women’s rights. They advocate for equality, education and an end to child marriage and gender-based violence – a cause that is forever close to Sara’s heart.

After being awarded the 2020 Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs Award, Sara became “infatuated” with the ideas and values of the club.

“Becoming the youngest President in the world is probably my biggest achievement so far,” she said.

“I’m just so grateful to the club for backing me in the presidency role. They are just an amazing group of women to work with.

“Women’s empowerment and advocacy is something that is extremely important to me, especially with consideration of where I come from, with people in my family getting married as young as 12 and 13.

“That should not be happening! I’m super proud to be part of an organisation that is committed to helping women out of situations like that.”

Some of the highlights of the past year have been putting together 200 birthing kits to send to third-world countries and the recent 16 days of activism with the ‘Zonta says no to domestic violence against women’ campaign.

“I think with the whole women’s equality movement is becoming so prevalent in society now that that’s a big statement, that we don’t want domestic violence to be a part of our community anymore!

“Especially during these covid times. It’s really important to take into consideration how much more visible it has been in our society.”

The next big event on the Zonta calendar of events is International Women’s Day.

“We shouldn’t need to have a day to celebrate women, but it is a day to celebrate all the great things that we can achieve,” Sara said.

“It’s honestly my favourite day.”

The club’s International Women’s Day annual breakfast will be held on Tuesday, March 8, with all members of the community invited to attend.

Sara encourages anyone interested to follow the Zonta Club of Hervey Bay Facebook page for more details.

The Youth Advisory Council has two important functions: help train the leaders of tomorrow and give Council an insight into the views and aspirations of Fraser Coast Youths.

“Thus far we have done a youth allied project where we go out to community groups across the Fraser Coast and talk about what it means to be a good man, talking about consent and appropriate behaviour of youth.

“I was also Youth Parliamentarian for Hervey Bay in 2021, which means that I was able to take the work that we had done as a group to parliament in Brisbane to help form Youth Bill on criminalising coercive control.

“Going between to two roles was an amazing opportunity.”

Gaining a grant from the Neighbourhood Centre also allowed Sara to run an independent youth forum to help put more services and infrastructure in place for local youth.

“This means that we could tour with local representatives and have our voices heard about what it is we need or want and focus on the area that we are struggling or lacking in,” Sara said.

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15

WI S E WORDS

by Kerrie Alexander

10 decades young M aud Hatchett has seen some unbelievable events in her 100 years on earth.

Born in Dalby on December 28, 1921, the Centenarian has endured two pandemics, a Great Depression and a Great Recession.

Her generation has witnessed some unfathomable technological advances with the invention of the telephone and aeroplanes ranking high on Maud’s list.

She was 40 when Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon.

It’s incredible to think that this spritely and youthful looking Hervey Bay resident has witnessed all this and so much more.

Maud is simply amazing! She still lives in her own home and has only recently just started getting aged care services to lend a hand.

“I don’t drive but I still poke around the place and do a bit here and there,” Maud said.

“My neighbours tell me they shake their head when they see me doing things outside … I just potter around.

“If I want to do something, I like to do it! I did all my own work up until about 12 months ago.”

Maud grew up on a sheep station in Bilbowa, a country district on the Downs, and later became a dairy farmer.

It was a three-day trip in a horse and cart for her father to do the shopping in Bell and travel back home.

She said life in the country was hard work, but living was simple.

Her three brothers and five sisters all had their part to play.

Their hands were the machinery, milking the cows and working from daylight to dark to keep the family farm running.

“We didn’t have milking machines in those days. You had 60-70 cows to be milked and 4-5 people, so all the family had to get in a

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do their little bit too.”

A vast comparison to today’s generation, Maud said.

“Kids have got no idea these days … when you’re on the dairy farm you work from daylight to dark, and you come in at night and we used to have to find the lamp for light and have wood for the stove.

“Now they just walk in and press a button and they’ve got everything.

“In those days it was hard work. But it was a good life.

“They have everything they want today at their fingertips, but I don’t think they’re as happy.

“We used to go out in the bush, cut down some trees and make some cubbies and make your own fun … kids don’t understand how to do that today.”

Maud was five when she first started school and travelled about six miles in a horse and spring cart, with her nine-year-old brother at the helm.

“How he ever managed that I’ll never know,” she said with a laugh.

“When we left the sheep station and went to the dairy farm (in South Burnett) we used to go in the horse and sulky, walk or ride ponies. That’s the way life was.”

Entertainment for a teenage Maud was going to the dance with her friends which is where she met the love of her life, Stan.

“Those were the good old days when you would go to the dance and have a good old time and socialise.

“All the young ones would meet. They don’t have that now. They have to go to a pub to meet.”

Maud was 19 when the two married and were together for 56 years before Stan’s passing.

“We were only married a few months and my husband was called up to the Army for a bit over two years. When he came out of that we did go back out on the land.”

Having a big family was important to the couple. They had seven boys but tragically lost one son at the age of four.

The boys grew up on several of the family’s farms around the South Burnett including Murgon, where Maud first became a member of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) in 1964.

Stan also bought a milk run in Murgon, and later in life was the janitor at the town’s high school for 18 years. It was his last job before retirement.

After all the boys grew up and moved out, the couple sold up and moved to Hervey Bay in 1981 and by 1982 Maud was a foundation member of the Urangan CWA.

Her award-winning knitted bed socks will always be a claim to fame, after winning the over 70 section at the Urangan QCWA Knitting, Crocheting, Cookery, Floral Art International Competition in 2007.

Maud is also a treasured long-time member of the Hervey Bay Senior Citizens Club where she has always enjoyed playing cards and table tennis.

“I love the companionship and the pleasure you out of being a member and the handcraft part of it; that was my main interest.

You could go away to the other branches and learn different things, it was good fun.”

Maud said she has loved her life as a mother and wife and while she would have loved to follow her dream of becoming a teacher or dress maker, she certainly has no regrets.

“I have had lots of happy times and good times.

“I always hoped and prayed that I would see my family grow up, get married and have a family of their own, and they’ve all done that.

“Reaching 100 is exciting really,” she laughed.

Maud is the matriarch of a huge family with 23 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren.

“We often laugh about it because they (sons) say look at the mess you made, and I say it’s my family that made the mess.

“I only had the few and they multiplied and multiplied since then.

“I love my family and they’re so good to me! I’m well set up and I don’t worry about anything, I’m happy.”

Despite being 100, Maud also has two older sisters! Ethel is 105 and Edna is 101.

Maud credits hard work on the farm, a healthy lifestyle, and a little bit of luck, for the family’s longevity.

“We never abused our bodies; we always lived a respectable life.

“We’ve never been big drinkers or overindulged in it, or never smoked.

“We’ve just lived a clean life, had good food and exercised outside working on the farm in the fresh air.

“Everything was fresh … today it’s all been stored and its weeks or months old. We used to have all fresh food off the farm and eat it straight away.”

Maud’s milestone birthday was celebrated with a party at the Hervey Bay RSL with over 140 guests, including her much-loved sister Edna.

Mayor George Seymour also celebrated the special occasion with a tree planting in the Botanic Gardens, Urangan, in Maud’s honour.

Congratulations Maud! You are one special lady.

We never abused our bodies; we always lived a respectable life.

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C O M M U N I TY CO NNECT IO N

GROUNDS FOR COMMUNITY AND CREATIVITY W

e all know that the caffeine in coffee can really help kick start the day by increasing energy levels and put us in a good mood.

by Kerrie Alexander

“Who knows, it may spread from Operation Underground that little bit further.”

Now, one kind-hearted Hervey Bay barista has found a way to serve his brews with all this, plus a side of kindness, generosity, and care for the Hervey Bay community.

Matt also has a flair for creativity, which is evident in the surroundings of the café with a street-art style logo behind the counter, hard and soft furnishings, and a punk-grunge vibe with a “polished aesthetic”.

The former owner of The Front room moved away from the restaurant scene to focus more on his passion for coffee, which came to fruition with the opening of OU five months ago.

“Open mic night has proven to be a very successful event and I’m blown away by the amount of talent hidden away here in Hervey Bay.

Meet Matt Suckling, the brainchild behind Operation Underground; a funky, chic, warehouse-style café on Bideford St, Torquay.

The smiley OU logo is intended to do just that, make people smile which is the character behind Matt’s business branding.

“I do believe that our job is not to just to make good coffee … it’s also to make people’s day a little bit better and that’s encompassed through conversation and the special moments of each day,” Matt said.

The concept isn’t just lip service. One of the unique ideas that Matt has implemented is the pay-it-forward initiative where customers can buy a coffee voucher and place it on the board for someone to else to receive a free coffee.

It’s the perfect setting for Matt’s open mic night once a month where he opens his doors to any creative cats who want to perform.

“It’s been awesome to be able to create a space for that to be showcased.

“It’s open to anyone that likes to sing, read poetry or even if they just want to get up and scream for two minutes, you can do that,” he said with laugh.

“Just come along and express yourself.”

Follow the Operation Underground team on Facebook or Instagram.

Each voucher comes with a personalised message for the recipient, who could simply be having a bad day, forgot their wallet, can’t afford to buy one themselves, or just needs some kindness to brighten their day.

Matt said the response to the idea, originally thought of by a loyal customer, had been meet with overwhelming feedback.

“As soon as she (customer) told me about it I rushed down to Officeworks and got some pay-it-forward vouchers printed out and bought a board, which he had set up an hour after being told about it,” Matt said.

“The main reaction has been generosity from most of our customers and it goes to show the true nature of our customers, which is being community minded and quite generous in spirit.

“It is open to anyone that comes in that’s having a rough day, or maybe even forgot their wallet or whatever; if they want to grab a free coffee from the board then they are welcome to do that.

“A lot of visitors to Hervey Bay over Christmas really just thought it was great, and said they were going to take the idea back to their local café and implement it there as well.

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19

LO CA L MUSI CI A N

POPPY BLOCK

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Have you always been musical?

I’d like to say so! But I wasn’t any good when I was young. I really annoyed my siblings with it when I was young. But I trained my voice and now my sister Milly is my biggest supporter.

What/who are your musical influences?

My big sister Daisy is definitely one of them! She’s so incredibly talented and I have always admired her. I actually didn’t start doing music properly until I saw her doing it. I wanted to be just like her growing up and I still do. Another big influence for me would probably be my friend Riley. He is seriously a rock star.

I guarantee you will see him in the top charts someday. I only met him last year but we immediately connected and he’s just awesome.

What/who are you listening to right now?

I’m currently listening to ‘These Days’ by Nico. I’m kind of obsessed with it and I’m trying to learn it but it’s so difficult. And I’m also listening to my usuals, Vista Kicks, The Paper Kites and the Backseat Lovers.

Favourite line from a song?

“I haven’t found my way, I’m only chasing waves” (chasing waves, vista kicks) Vista kicks are in my top three favourite artists.

Their music is incredible and I never get sick of it. This particular lyric will always stick with me.

Do you practise regularly?

I wish I could say yes but I’m always doing so many things I can only practice sometimes. Some days I’ll crochet, some I’ll paint, etc.

If you could collaborate with any musician who would it be?

Probably Bon Iver or Vera Blue. Their music is such an inspiration and it’s my dream so see them live.

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

That’s a tough one but I think I’d like to say Splendour in the Grass or some sort of festival. Because playing amongst other big artists would be insane and the experience would be awesome for me.

Where do you see yourself in five years in the music industry?

I wish I could say performing on a big stage with a crowd of thousands of people but because I plan on travelling, I’ll most likely be busking on the side of the street in Europe or something!

But that’s okay, I don’t do music to be successful, I do it because I love it and it makes me happy whether I’m playing in front of hundreds of people or five people.

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L OCA L A RTI S T

by April Spadina

REFLECTION THROUGH ART

AUDREY REECE A

t 93-years-old, Audrey Reece has experienced more adventures than most could only imagine, and she still enriches her life daily with her creativity and the connections with fellow creatives in the community.

Throughout her home is an array of artworks that bring her happiness and evoke beautiful memories.

But it’s the paintings on the wall across from her favourite chair that bring the most cherished memories. These are the echoes of her friendships and travels, her tranquil view

from her island home in New Zealand, the time she rode an elephant, and the incredible morning scene of her view across Mount Everest. Many times, during our conversations Audrey’s memories shift back to that row of paintings and her face lights up as she recalls her adventures.

She tells me of her “Big OE” in the 1970s - her Overseas Experience spanning 10 months and travelling to numerous countries around the world. This was how she chose to celebrate her 50th year on earth and there was no doubt that it was a life changing experience.

Audrey returned to New Zealand a different person, packed up and moved to Australia, eventually calling Maryborough her home.

A caring soul, for her 80th birthday Audrey wanted to do something big (not like jumping out of a plane) but something she could share with others.

Hearing about the Nepalese orphanages run by the Forget Me Not Foundation, Audrey contacted founder Lars Olsen and decided she would crochet a blanket for each of the girls in the orphanage. One year and 25 blankets later, Audrey travelled to Nepal to hand deliver them to each of the children, a wonderful experience for everyone involved and a testament to her kind heart.

This month, Audrey will celebrate her 94th birthday, and while life is different now, it hasn’t slowed her down. A recent road trip with her niece to Cooktown to celebrate her son’s 70th birthday proves the gypsy soul is still strong in her heart. She cherishes her regular gatherings of her “Mudlarks” - the local pottery group she started 12 years ago at Bottlebrush Crafts in Maryborough, and it’s here that she builds her clay characters from “a lump of dirt”; the colourful birds and masks in her garden, the little villages, the quirky creations that have their own personalities.

She is an inspiring human, eager to share her vast skills, encouraging others to have creative outlets and leave their stresses at the door and just be artists. Because it’s in those moments that you can reflect back on your life, and re-live those memories through art.

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25

EDI TORI A L

by Lizzie Macaulay

VOTED WIDE BAY’S BEST COCKTAIL

THE FRENCH ORCHARD

I

f you’re wondering what to do with that someone special this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Banksia Seafood and Grill.

With their signature 4-course dinner experience, there’s never been a better opportunity to unwind and reconnect over your shared love of good food.

Nothing shows the one you love how much you care more than the time spent enjoying a top-quality meal together in a quiet corner of one of the Wide Bay’s most popular dining experiences.

Not only will you savour the delectable flavours of the Wide Bay’s best cocktails in a deeply romantic setting, you’ll also be sampling and supporting the region’s exquisite fresh produce.

From the beef to the beetroot, the scallops to the sweet

potato, the emphasis is always on fresh, local food that is bursting with flavour.

While you’re there, you should take the time to sample the cocktail our readers recently voted ‘best in the Bay’ – The French Orchard.

The perfect combination of fruity and creamy, The French Orchard is sure to set the tone for an exciting, delicious meal that is as much a feast for the eyes as the tastebuds.

You’ll feel totally at home with Banksia’s friendly staff, comfortable seating and music that invites you to completely let go, relax and enjoy.

“We’ve made a point of designing a venue that appeals to Fraser Coast locals, mixing the perfect relaxed fine dining experience with our beach side location,” co-owner Aleeca Waterman said. “We want you to feel at home and part of the family when you come through our doors.”

“We are so looking forward to welcoming our loved-up guests through the doors this month and watch them enjoy everything we’ve worked so hard to bring together.”

Bookings are highly recommended over the month of February, but especially for the unique 4-course romantic dining experience available on Valentine’s Day (Monday 14th February). To find out more, or reserve your table, go to banksiaseafoodgrill.com.au or call 07 4325 4095.

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SK I N C ARE

FOR YOUR VALENTINE

by Kirsty Chenery

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alentines Day! So you’ve checked off the dinner reservation, chosen some flowers and chocolates but you really want to spoil that girl or guy in your life (or you!) with that something special. Welcome to Mineral Earth Wellness Spa. We have the ultimate pampering packages for that girl or guy who has it all. We offer treatments from Head to Toe, catering from relaxing individual treatments to couples treatments and deluxe packages.

Valentines Day is a day of love, romance and Day Spa-ring! If you’re one of the lucky ones who has a special someone to share this day with, you’re probably planning the perfect date - or at least you should be! But hey, who said you even have to have a special someone. Day spas are a great place to share with that special someone or just to indulge yourself.

Here at Mineral Earth Wellness Spa we pride ourselves on offering the most luxurious treatments in the only true Day Spa on the Fraser Coast. As our guest, your wellbeing and the enjoyment of your spa journey is our number one priority. Our professional Spa Therapists uphold a culture of care, consideration and privacy. Our treatments are designed to allow a complete switch off from the outside world, align yourself and completely relax.

What more could you possibly want for your loved one or for yourself? This Valentines Day we have created two luxe packages. One for the couples or one just for you.

Mineral Earth Wellness Spa, currently still known as Spa Botanica is going through a transformation. We have just moved into our new space at Oaks Resort and are making lots of changes to make it our own.

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27

RI SI NG S TA R

by Leanne Esposito

I

EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE RAVEN

f sharing is caring then Raven Wolf has a heart big enough for all of Hervey Bay. This not yet thirty something enigma could well be the most misunderstood woman on the planet.

Almost, but not quite completely covered in the most amazing body art, she wears her inner expression outwardly.

Raven is a complete paradox. The luminosity of her massive green eyes are striking. Her generous smile captivating.

Somehow the combination asks the observer ‘can you see me – the real me?’ Once you focus, and she has you, you’re gone.

The world of Raven is kaleidoscopic. She’s refracted every colour of the rainbow and light prism imaginable. Despite chameleon abilities she knows exactly who is Raven today.

She’s a reinvented human whose identity is just the way she likes it.

Raven is also an open book. She wants you to read her pages and the cover’s already a great story. Honest and frank to the point of being cutting, a razor sharp tongue and quick wit, this girl’s got the lot. If you hear her out you’ll be endlessly entertained. From young skater girl to tearaway teenager her life’s experiences speak volumes. She is a musician, writer, and gifted artist - some of her tattoos are self drawn.

From bartender to business owner and everything in between. She’s done it all. She has a masters degree from the school of life. Now that she’s settled to managing a business

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for a major corporation she has the luxury of time to devote herself to the next generation of skaters.

Perhaps it’s a case of Raven living vicariously through youth.

Who knows? Does it really matter. She’s opened up her Skate School and the kids are responding.

While skateboarding is now accepted as a mainstream sport, debuting at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, this wasn’t always the case. Not in her day. It was a sub-culture pursuit. Skate parks were thought of as the seedy underworld of children’s sport.

Mainstream sports are where mum and dad volunteer, coach and bring oranges to games. Skate bowls with their flatland, pyramids and double box jumps are worlds away from the wholesome imagine of a soccer field.

Since Raven and this next generation are enjoying an unprecedented freedom of expression, let’s see what they’re all about.

The mixed-age group revere Raven and her skills. There is childlike recognition. To the skating kids she’s their idol. Kids are totally accepting. They don’t see differences. Everybody wants to be Raven. It’s not only because of her unique fashion style or the amazing tattoos which cover her pelt. She’s just awesome with a skateboarding experience and knowledge almost as old as herself. I dug a little deeper to see what my questions could reveal.

When did you get your first skateboard? When I was about 6 years old, my sister gave my her skateboard, once I stood on it I knew I wanted to learn how to shred the concrete waves.

Who taught you to ride? Mostly self taught, but my friends from the skatepark taught me a lot. They were very patient and helpful with me. The skate community back then was huge and supportive.

When you were younger what was it about skateboarding that you loved? I loved the freedom I felt on the board, the excitement of learning new tricks and being able to stay active and focused. Skateboarding makes me feel alive and confident.

Tell me some terms, some of the names for the tricks?

What is the normal progression? My favourite tricks in skateboarding are the Ollie, kickflip, rock and rolls, air outs and the melon grab. When you’re first starting out the Ollie is usually the first trick you will learn and dropping in the quarter pipes . And boy is it a good feeling when you finally nail it.

Taking it step by step is the key to mastering the board.

Have you taught skateboarding before? I have taught skateboarding once before when I lived in the Gold Coast.

The skateboard community down there is thriving, so many people want to learn and give it a go.

This is voluntary so why do you teach? I teach skateboarding because it’s my passion. I wanted to get kids of all ages and even adults on the board to experience the same thrill I have. It is so rewarding to pass on knowledge to the next generation of skateboarding. I wanted to rebuild the skateboard community here in the Fraser Coast.

Is this for enjoyment or are their any competitions the kids can enter when they reach a certain level? It is for both! I am hoping to be able to host skate competitions where they will be able to show off their skill and win some prizes! Any student who completes my beginners level will receive an award. Something to look forward to.

How many are turning up for lessons? We are looking at about from 15-20 students at the moment! It’s been a great turnout.

How are they going? They’re doing amazing! One of my prodigy’s has learnt how to skate the big Ramps, Ollie and grinding the rails.

Some people have negative thoughts about skaters and skate parks – what would you say to them? I’d say to them not to judge a book by its cover. I know a lot of skateboarders who have respectful jobs and are amazing people with a heart of gold. Skateboarders are great people.

Your skateboard goal? My dream was to be able to go to the Xgames for skating. But unfortunately I gave up on that dream a long time ago. But it think it’s about time I get back into it and practice everyday!

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29

The Mercedes Benz G400 Iconic design.

The unique DNA of the G-Class came into being more than 40 years ago. Iconic features that continue to define its unique appearance to this day.

Its functional, robust front has retained its character over decades. Clean lines and large, flat surfaces shape the side view of the G-Class. Characteristic features are the exterior door hinges, the exterior protective strip and the exposed spare wheel on the tailgate. The striking wheel arch liners and the wide track make for a dominant appearance.

Discover it today at Mercedes Benz Hervey Bay

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SM A RT MO NEY

by Kodie Axelsen

WHERE TO NEXT? W ell if there isn’t a more important topic than our next generation. They’re our upcoming leaders and thought provokers. They’re the generation that was raised with tech and with a world of information at their fingertips. Being a mother of two boys and a girl it excites me to be raising strong, independent and individual people in this era.

I believe they are going to be the next generation to instil mass change in our world. They’ve grown up with their great grandparents living through an era of world wars, their grandparents off the back of that being raised in a hard, working class environment and now their parents in the upcoming information age beginning to break glass ceilings. It is an exciting time to be alive!

In the world of money we have new tech like blockchain and a multitude of platforms to invest money. What will our next generation do with all of this information and these options they have available. I was chatting with another mum a week ago and we stated how we are now those parents that weren’t up with the latest tech. Our kids are starting to overtake us. Who ever saw that coming?

It is an age where you can make millions from a laptop and learn how to do it from your loungeroom. You just need to apply yourself to learn the tools. There are so many guides and courses available on how to budget your

money, invest your money and spend your money wisely.

Then there are the chat groups with thousands of people to discuss your pain points with. It is actually quite remarkable how connected and supported we are. But still the human race wants personal interaction therefore we will still seek that personal face to face connection especially when it comes to our hard earned money.

We want to sit with someone and know we are being heard and have the opportunity to ask questions and draw pictures to gather our understanding. I do wonder with our next generation, how long this personal interaction will be a need. We already take meetings via Zoom and talk on the phone rather than in person. Only time will tell.

This generation will be our next line of business owners.

The world of business is already changing. From 9 to 5 to working from home to working all hours to fit in with your lifestyle. Employees being viewed as more of the heart of the business rather than the slaves of the business owners.

Human rights and matters of the environment and the globe are becoming top of mind when making business and financial decisions. It’s ever changing and I am excited to see what ideas, goals and topics become the heart of conversation with our next generation. Bring on the questions! Bring on the ideas! Bring on the positive change!

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FA SHI ON

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On the pulse

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DE STI N A TIO N

by Brooke Wilson

A HUMBLE ACHIEVER

STANTHORPE I

t seems that although 2022 is still new, it has already brought many adventures. Something my friend and I had discussed for a long time but never managed to find the time for was a trip to Stanthorpe. Recently, we finally found the time.

We had planned for three nights in Stanthorpe, and with the amount of things we wanted to do in that small space of time, we really needed to plan well.

The first stop was to the famous Girraween National Park to tackle the Pyramid, an enormous granite rock cutting over a thousand metres high. Certainly not for the faint hearted (being terrified of heights, I myself chickened out before I reached the top), but if you can make it up, you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the Granit Belt.

A sizeable enough bushwalk makes it all that much easier to justify the chocolate you will eat afterwards, as just on the edge of the national park lies Heavenly Chocolate, a shop handmaking exclusive chocolates as good as the name suggests.

Of course, Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt are famous for the local wineries and locally grown produce, so it would be a great injustice to make the trip down there without sampling some of it. There is an absolute plethora of vineyards to visit

with most offering wine tasting, but the one we visited was Castle Glen, an intriguing purpose-built castle just north of town.

They boast a selection of wine and liqueurs in an overwhelming choice of flavours. Just about any flavour you can think of, they have it. I walked away the proud owner of a bottle of musk liqueur – worth every cent!

Just down the road is Sutton’s Cidery and Café, producing delicious food and drinks from their apple orchard. It is a great place for lunch as they have a lovely outdoor seating area overlooking the orchards, and their apple pie is to die for!

After you’ve eaten as much as you can fit, closer to town is the Granite Belt Maze, a great way to entertain the family. Upon entry, staff will give you a brain teaser, and you must make your way through the maze to piece together the answer. On site, they also have a mini golf course, giant chess board, and all manner of quirky things to keep everyone entertained.

All these things barely scratch the surface of what there is to do in Stanthorpe and surrounds.

My friend and I could have spent a week there and still kept finding things to do. Wineries, mazes, hikes, delicious food – Stanthorpe is the surprising humble achiever, and well worth the drive to get there.

www.frasercoasttravel.com.au

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35

HEA L TH HUNTER

DIETING UNDER THE MICROSCOPE N

by Rhian Hunter

ew Year, new you, is that how you kicked off 2022?

It’s prime dieting season time, so I’m placing it under the microscope.

Knowledge is power, and I’m hoping this information empowers you to make healthy decisions for your unique self.

Having a healthy relationship with your health isn’t just physical, it’s mental too, and in the early stages of changing up your diet, any kind of extra encouragement can make the difference between you staying disciplined with your plan or giving it up entirely.

If you’ve ever dipped your toe in dieting and experienced fast weight loss in the early stages; there’s a good chance that what you’ve lost is water weight.

Now, if you’re less bloated, or weigh less on the scales; be it water weight or not, this is going to make you feel good and might just be the encouragement you need in order to stay focused.

So don’t be discouraged when someone tells you this. Keep in mind though, that this is also not necessarily because of some wonderous new diet, so my advice is this: Don’t be misled, but also don’t be discouraged.

So, what exactly is water weight? and what causes us to retain it and/or how can we get rid of it? Water weight is when fluid that would normally go to your kidneys collects and retains in your tissues causing them to swell.

There are a number of factors that can cause water retention: diet, hormones, genetics, medications, travel, etc but for now let’s just look at diet, hormones and lifestyle.

SALT + CARBOHYDRATES:

One of the biggest culprits is too much salt in your diet. Sodium binds with water and keeps it trapped in the body. The higher the sodium in the diet, the more fluid retention a person will have.

Carbohydrates can also have an impact on fluid retention.

The carbohydrates we don’t use right away for energy we store as glycogen. Each gram of stored glycogen is bound to approximately 3-4 grams of water, and water is heavy. So, the more glycogen we are storing, the more water we are taking in.

Moreover, any kind of diet that restricts carbohydrate intake, will result in a rapid loss of glycogen, and for all lost glycogen, we also lose accompanying water and hence, weight.

A SIDE NOTE ON GLYCOGEN:

If you use up your body’s glycogen stores (as when dieting and/ or with prolonged exercising), a lot of water is released over a short amount of time.

It only takes a few days of dieting for glycogen to be expended, so the initial weight loss is dramatic. Loss of water can lead to loss of inches. However, as soon as you eat enough carbohydrates (sugars or starches), your body readily replaces its glycogen stores.

Low carb, keto, paleo, low sodium, fasting, juice fasting, calorie restricting … I’m drawing the lines, and hope you are connecting the dots.

DEHYDRATION:

After learning that water is heavy, you might be thinking that putting extra water into your body would add more water weight.

Well, actually quite the opposite. When our bodies feel starved for water, it will hold onto whatever water it has. Not only should you pay attention to the amount of water you consume, but 36

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also the foods/drinks that promote dehydration. Tea, coffee, alcohol, sugary drinks and packaged/processed foods are all dehydrating.

Conventional keto aside, I’m yet to find any diet that doesn’t encourage drinking lots of filtered water or limiting/removing sugar, packaged/processed foods.

Most diets (The SIRT diet excluded) will also encourage you to avoid coffee and alcohol or limit you to black coffee.

Eating foods that have a high-water content will also help to increase overall hydration, which will ultimately help your body excrete water. Some of these foods include: Celery, cucumber, spinach, kale, parsley,lettuce, zucchini, tomatoes, strawberries, melons. Furthermore, eating potassium-rich foods like tomatoes and sweet potatoes (and most fruits and vegetables) can also help you get rid of excess salt.

If you’re on a diet at the moment or been on any in the past, did these foods feature in it?

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

It’s a no brainer that physical activity is key to losing weight; especially if you are putting in less than you put out. But if you’re expending more energy than you are putting into your body, the first weight you’ll lose is water weight. Similar to what was discussed before with carbohydrates, the energy source your body turns to once it runs out of its relatively small store of sugars is glycogen. Ergo, loss of glycogen, results is loss of accompanying water - and hence weight.

Whether you are trying to lose weight or simply improve your health, you should be incorporating at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your day. Most diets or programs will also encourage this.

HORMONES:

Many women retain water weight the week before their period. Estrogen and progesterone: the two main female sex hormones, have a lot of influence on fluid regulation in the body. So as these hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, they can cause gains and losses in water weight.

Long term stress can increase the hormone cortisol, which directly influences fluid retention and water weight. This could be because both stress and cortisol increase antidiuretic hormone (ADH), a hormone that controls water balance in the body. Water retention as a result of elevated cortisol levels isn’t common, but it can happen. If you control your stress levels, you will maintain a normal level of ADH and cortisol, which is important for fluid balance and long-term health and disease risk.

Ladies, as a general rule I would never weigh myself around the time of my cycle.

Most diets, programs etc are all modelled on the same foundations. Eat plenty of colourful vegetables and fruit, get adequate clean protein, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and get a good 6-8 hours’ sleep.

It’s important to note that all of these things will help you reduce stress, help you maintain normal cortisol levels and reduce inflammation within the body.

So, the next time you need to shed a kilo or two, please don’t sign yourself up to the first fancy new program that pops up in your newsfeed. Be smart, be honest with yourself, look at what you’re eating, what you’re not eating, how much you’re moving and how well you’re hydrating.

Start making changes there.

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GEN Z, FITNESS CULTURE D

oes my butt look big in these pants? Has now become … How do I MAKE my butt look big in these pants?

It would seem the giant monster of social media is the driving motivation behind the current generation’s obsession with diet and fitness.

When lifestyle and health influencers (the modern-day celebrity) are constantly posting filtered, photoshopped, unattainable or hormone enhanced photos of their physique, it’s hard for Gen Z not to buy into it.

This is placing extreme amounts of pressure on teenagers today and it’s no wonder they are hanging out at the gym sipping on sports supplement drinks.

It seems that teenagers are relating themselves to these influencers because like them, they are just ‘normal people’ not real celebrities.

These lifestyles are simply out of reach but are seen as something to model their life by.

FI TN E S S

by Josh Hoodless www.teamlift.com.au

compete against themselves. We are inspired by the next generation that come through our doors that endeavour to be better athletes and learn correct technique to be fitter and stronger.

We have a ‘No Phone’ rule at our facility. In our opinion, the intrinsic motivation to improve your health doesn’t need to be recorded for everyone to see.

At present we have dozens of Gen Z clients working towards their goals.

With a multitude of fake, misleading and untrue content on the web this generation is struggling to know which way to turn.

A major role of the fitness professional is to pass on the correct information and focus on what’s important.

Empowering the next generation so they can think critically when scrolling on the socials.

This generation will do whatever workout or diet they are promoting (selling) no matter how ridiculous.

We are also seeing millions of videos of epic gym fails or newbies misusing gym equipment.

It’s become entertainment. No surprise people feel anxious and intimidated when going to a gym - they could find themselves embarrassed on YouTube the next day thanks to someone simply just having their mobile phone handy.

With increasing numbers of younger people attending the gym we are seeing many parents reach out to fitness professionals in order to teach their teenagers correct lifting technique.

Learning the skill of lifting weights with great form not only reduces risk of injury but also decreases the chance of bullying when training alone in a commercial gym.

The previous generation were going to the gym later in life sometimes after finishing up in sports. Nowadays it seems going to the gym to exercise has become a sport.

Two major conflicting issues are continuing to increase: Emphasis on extreme aesthetics and obesity. That’s why it’s even more important that parents encourage their children to focus on the health and well-being aspects of fitness.

Approximately 65% of admissions to Fraser Coast hospitals are due to chronic disease (99% preventable).

Health is more important than ever, not distorted body image.

Exercise because it’s good for you not because you’ll look good should be the motto. Value normal wholesome food and discourage an online restrictive diet from a shredded Insta star.

Diet culture is a whole other story, and we will run out of pages for that topic.

For years now we have been training teenagers to become better athletes for their sport.

We focus on increasing performance and clients only

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39

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P A RENT ING

by Amanda Coop

KEEPING UP WITH GEN Z I

s there anything that says “middle aged” more than being excited about bin day? The first recycling-bin day after Christmas is greeted with nearly as much anticipation as Christmas Day itself, amirite? (I don’t know if middle-aged people are supposed to use expressions such as amirite or if that just makes us look like try-hards. Do people still say try-hard?)

What about enjoying a really good piece of fruit cake, or knowing every word to every song played at the supermarket and singing along while your kids just look at you like you’re the most embarrassing creature to have ever lived?

I have recently realised I’m reaching that awkward point where my kids know more than me about certain things; technology, the latest music, popular culture and what’s “in”.

Now, frankly, the music side of things I’m happy to stay away from. I’m sure there are some current artists out there releasing great stuff, but my kids certainly aren’t listening to it. I’ve always been somewhat amazed at a lot of what finds its way into popular culture, so there’s not too many changes on that front, but technology … knowing how to use that could actually prove, dare I say, useful?

My tech skills have always been somewhat basic, evidenced by the fact that I had to get Mr 6 to conjure up Siri for me on my iPad a few nights ago. I can never remember if you hold the button in while you say “Hey, Siri,” or release it. Anyway, he thought my level of ineptitude was hilariously funny until I reminded him that I was the one who taught him to use other fairly basic technology, such as the toilet and spoons. It was then Miss 10’s turn to have a laugh,

which naturally resulted in an argument between them.

The kids often make jokes about what a luddite I am (although I’m the one who told them what luddite means – who’s the smarty-pants now?) but I wonder if they’ll still be laughing in 30 years’ time when they have to stop at my place on their way to work to show me how to start my own dishwasher.

I realise getting older doesn’t automatically mean you’re left behind as new technology comes out – but you have to make the effort to keep up, something which I admittedly stopped doing circa the early 2000s. Sometimes I see the kids casually watching YouTube on our large flat-screen TV and feel compelled to tell them about how, when dad and I were kids, we just had to wait and be lucky and get up ridiculously early to watch hours of Rage in the hope one of our favourite songs would come on.

I saw the puzzled look on Miss 10’s face recently when she tried to skip an ad while I was watching freeto-air TV and the remote wasn’t responding. Such was my desire to show them how hard things were “back in my day” that I made them watch an episode of Catweazle (ironically, on YouTube) to gain an understanding of the hardships I had endured. I must admit, they seemed genuinely horrified.

I wonder what sorts of stories they might tell their own children one day: “You know, when I was your age, we had to pause YouTube and get up to get our own popcorn out of the microwave; the robot didn’t just bring it over.

“And if Grandma asks if you want to watch Catweazle, just say no …”

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H O M E P RO J ECT

DOCUMENT THE NOW

by Kim Harris

TIME CAPSULE

@diykimi

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Tag #AliveHomeProject with a pic of your Time Capsule for the chance to WIN a Earles Paint Prize Pack!

Entries close on March 15, 2022, at 5pm.

T

he last two years have been … different!

There has been so much fast change; accompanied by a frustratingly slow pace to see the rewards and finish. The question ‘are we there yet?’ comes to mind.

Every decade of our life is so different from the last, but it happens slowly. This time it feels different and hard to predict our own future like we once thought we could.

Next Gen, yours is being built now. Let’s try and capture it!

That time creating your capsule is a great opportunity to reflect on life, the world we live now, your environment, work, the people, and practices that don’t feel right moving forward.

Set a date to close your capsule. Think about who you are, and how you roll. If you think you can keep it open until New Year’s Eve 2022, making contributions during the year, then go for it!

Make it You:

Get yourself a two-litre new empty Paint Can from Earles Paint in Maryborough for $4.50.

Get your energy flowing by picking a colour palette, choose a few colours that you like and feel drawn to. I went with pink pastel, plus glittery galaxy black for impact and a splash of orange.

New paint cans are super shiny which can cause issues with application and longevity of paint adhesion. Give the time capsule a rough sand, rinse off, dry, then apply a base coat primer, following the instructions on spray can– taking the time to prime ensures a better result.

Stencils are a good way to add dimension to design. I had varied success - bleeding happens when previous coat is not completely dry or applying too much paint. I did both!

Photos: Go through your phone, select ten or more photos that say ‘this is my world right now’. Make the effort to print, even if it’s just on regular printer paper. Write a note on the back of the photos to remind Next-Gen You why the pic is significant. Don’t forget a photo of your home, pets and you.

Life purpose: Include items from your workplace. Maybe a business card, brochure, payslip, fav type of pen, record how many hours you usually work. Write an intention you would like to manifest for your life purpose in the next 10 years.

Relationships: You know your people. Be real, don’t fluff it!

This is for you only, write down what you really feel and what you really want! Add in any love notes or pivotal emails or letters you receive. The good, bad, and ugly.

Ask your partner, friend, or family member to write you a letter.

Don’t read, put straight in the time capsule.

Drawings by the children in your life will be cherished or get the fur babies paw prints if that’s more your thing.

Put fun stuff in like money, stamps, face mask, recipes, menu from your favourite restaurant, this article from ALIVE Magazine, bottle top from your go-to drink, print a screenshot of your current music or gaming playlist. Interests that sum you up right now like a page from a book you love, or your workout routine.

Your Vices: Own them and record them. Are they serving you?

Event tickets, feathers, important invoices, invitations, cards, dried flowers, seeds, shells; whatever sparks you.

Fancy up your chamber of secrets by hot gluing a handle on the lid. I used a rock from my garden and a piece of rose quartz. The handle was an afterthought, but I adore it. It brings the capsule to life.

Close your capsule and seal with hot glue.

I intend to open my time capsule in 10 years, but you decide what feels right for you. This is your future, made by you!

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43

T HE BI G CA TCH

by Andrew Chorley

FISHING FOR A FEAST

After recent flooding, the Bay should fire up over the coming months particularly the inshore reef fishing around Big Woody north.

It will take a little longer for the fishing to come online down the strait and Mary River system, with many creeks still running fresh. Let’s take a look at what’s biting around the Fraser Coast.

Local Reefs

The Reefs from Little Woody Island north have been fishing well for coral bream taking the bait.

Other catches have been scarlets, cod, coral trout and the odd GT. Fishing with a range of cut baits and whole herring has seen the best results. Good areas to start looking are the channel hole, Roy Rufus Artificial Reef, the outer banks and moon ledge.

Wild Grounds

The southern gutters have been producing a great range of reef fish of late. Coral trout, cod, sweetlip, red emperor and more have been in good numbers but sharks can move in.

When the sharks come in, move away from the area and find new ground. Pre-flood we had a few sailfish and black marlin out wide I would suspect that they have moved out of the bay by now with the recent flood waters.

Tuna can be found through the central bay with mostly mac tuna around at the moment. As we move closer to March, we should see more longtail tuna move in.

Platypus Bay

It’s been tough fishing of late in Platypus Bay but Autumn is when it comes alive so it will not be long until we see it fill up with pelagic activity. School mackerel are the most common catch at the moment for lure fisherman with grunter also coming in on jigs along the reef.

For bait fisherman, a few scarlets have been caught soaking cut baits on the reefs from Arch Cliffs north.

Sandy Strait

The northern end of the Sandy Strait is the best place to look for some fish at the moment as we move through the month and if we don’t have any more rain events it should start to fish better right through the system.

Concentrate your efforts along the island side and target species like grunter, sweetlip, whiting and mangrove jacks. The Barramundi season opens on February 1, so barra will be in the minds of many. Working areas along Fraser’s western side will be a good option along with the mouth of the Mary River.

Burrum

Barramundi will be a target for many out at the Burrum with black bank, the ramps and deep snags in the lower reaches of the system good starting locations.

Working vibes, soft plastics and hard body lures will be a great option. Grunter will also be about with yabbies, mullet strips and live herring great baits. Out the front the Burrum 8-Mile should produce a few sweetlip, school mackerel and grunter. and miss but some good crabbing is still on offer if you put in the time.

Hervey Bay Fly and Sportfishing

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Gilbert caught this solid cod while out on the water with Hervey Bay Fly and Sportfishing guides.

44

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L I FE C H A T W I TH MICHELLE

OPEN MINDS BEYOND EXPECTATION W

elcome to February’s edition of Life-Chat. This month I’m exploring a topic close to my heart – the lessons I’ve learned by seeing through younger eyes.

Have you ever felt like there’s a gulf, rather than a gap, between your point of view and that of your family members or colleagues who are older or younger than you?

I know I have.

I confess there have been occasions when I have struggled to understand why or how a person might think a particular way or make a certain decision. Why, for example, a son might give up a well-paying, rapidly advancing career in medical research to have a crack at working for a ‘start up’ firm in the U.S.A, just for the experience, lower pay and fewer benefits? During a global pandemic?

That confused me.

If you can relate to this, then like me, you may have felt genuinely perplexed by the way another person’s mind works and their inability to see what seems so obvious (to us).

That was how I felt just over two years ago. I see things completely differently now.

What I have observed as I’ve loved my son throughout his ‘American Adventure’ is that he is having the best times of his life. I delete his two battles with Covid from the list of ‘best times’ – one of them, in the pre-vaccine era, was scary. However, on balance, he has undertaken many character-building challenges, explored amazing places, worked hard to turn his dream into a career, and grown into a man I am proud of in far too many ways to count.

That’s when the ‘penny’ dropped for me. (There I go – showing my age again.)

He is happy because he is living his dream. He rejected my unconscious expectations that my children would be best served by having a ‘safe job’ and settling down. He has allowed the adventurous spirit inside him to have sway. He is the creator of his own experiences - experiences I now

by Michelle Robinson Bach. Counselling.

Dip. Clinical Hypnotherapy

completely understand were never mine to own.

Thank goodness I woke up to that.

As a former English teacher, I have always loved the following words by Kahil Gibran. How true they feel to me today: “Your children are not your children.

They are sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you.

And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts, For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday….”

It’s a funny thing, intergenerational relationships.

A man very dear to me once told me that he got into tremendous trouble in his youth, on account of the music he was listening to. His parents considered it ‘trashy’ and ‘worthless’. Even though he was an accomplished musician, they didn’t like him playing it in the house. He persisted, however, and earned his father’s disapproval. It’s a familiar story of one generation not relating to a new generation’s most loved musical styles, I expect.

The year was about 1940 and that man was my Dad. The ‘trashy music’ he insisted on playing was a controversial new genre called Jazz.

It seems that today, just as in generations past, the cycles of youth, creation and renewal continue, exactly as they should.

Until next time, Friends

trustyourintuition.com

Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

www.alivemag.com.au

45

INSPI RA TI ONS

FEBRUARY inspiration

by Alison Dunlop

Alison’s Guidance this Month: Thank goodness times have changed!

Currently, it is on point to talk mind, body and soul!

With this in mind, I am hoping for zen next gen! Young intuitives who are completely at peace with who they are! Parents, teach your kids balance,(to work, rest and play), to listen to what their heart says, and to act on that. See you next month!

Capricorn Dec 22 -Jan 19

Cancer June 21- July 22

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Leo

Alarm bells are ringing for you this month! Have you had lots of projects half finished? Now is the time to get them under control so you can start afresh with the new. Do not procrastinate any longer. Just do it now!

Decision, decisions, Aquarius! You have a choice to make this month, and you are in two minds. My advice, keep emotions out of decision making. Ask yourself, what does my heart really want to do, and follow that. Good luck!

Good times ahead for you Leo! It is onwards and upwards for you this month.

Yes, you have done it tough recently, but know you are moving on from this.

Aug 23 - Sept 22

It could be a challenging or overwhelming time this month for you.

You will be ok, you will get through this.

It is merely a little speedbump. Hang in there, you’ve got this!

A commitment is highlighted this month.

This could be a formal kind , as in a contract of some sort, house or marriage, or could be a commitment to self, as in self care. Whatever this is, know it is for your benefit.

Aries Mar 21 - April 19

Libra

Sept - 23 - Oct 23

Things may seem as if they are going in slow motion this month. You may even feel a bit stuck. Honestly, you have to ride this one out. Take some deep breaths and enjoy the ride. You have no control over this one.

Taurus

April 20 - May 20

Time to appreciate the beauty around you this month. Surround yourself with colour, and change your perspective on life. It is time for some positivity! There is also a reminder to keep eating fresh fruit and vegetables.

Gemini May 21 - June 20

It is a super positive month for you Gemini! You are being encouraged to keep looking on the bright side, and things will pleasantly surprise you. Enjoy your month!

Alison Dunlop Kinesiologist. Find out more at: www.alisondunlopkinesiology.com.au Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

July 23 - Aug 22

Virgo

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

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February is not the month to be wishy washy. People or situations may test your patience. Don’t let them bring you down, you have got this! Stay strong and be true to you! People will respect you for this.

www.alivemag.com.au

February is not the time to make sudden changes. Know you are safe exactly where you are. You are supported. the universe has your back.

Scorpio

Oct 24 - Nov 21

This is the time scorpio to take charge of your life. Flick those fears, and throw caution to the wind! You can do whatever you set your mind to! You are worthy and you are good enough. Start believing it!

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Be prepared for some conflict this month. You may butt heads with someone, or it may be inner turmoil. A reminder, not to sweat the small stuff.

This conflict will only be superficial. Don’t let impulsiveness rule!

Crossword of the month

RE A DE RS ’ G ALLERY

ARTWORK OF THE MONTH

Last month’s solution

School Of Art - by Charlee (10 year old)

RECLINE YOU DESERVE IT Ask box office for more details Starts 10th Feb

128 Boat Harbour Drive, Pialba

Starts 10th Feb

Starts 17th Feb

www.mybigscreen.com.au Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

www.alivemag.com.au

47

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