Alive Magazine - Edition 21 - April 2022

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APRIL 2022 EDITION #21

Fighters Edition ONLINE MAGAZINE - WWW.ALIVEMAG.COM.AU

LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS Amputee’s ambition to thrive

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EDITOR’S WELCOME

T

his month’s theme is close to my heart!

While our ‘Fighter’ edition isn’t focused solely on Anzac Day it does cover veterans who have fought for their country and life after the military.

Both my grandfathers and great grandfathers fought in their respective wars and (my grandfathers) very rarely spoke of their time in the military.

I was only young when they died so sadly, I never had the chance to sit down and record their history.

However, as a journalist I have interviewed many other veterans over the years who have shared their harrowing war stories with me.

When you first meet them, you see them as ordinary civilians. They are aged, but happy. It’s only when they start sharing their war stories that you can then picture them on the frontline, on the battlefield, in the firing line of bullets and bombs.

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She told me a story of how five children were thrown through the bus windows by their parents on the way to airport, just so their kids had a chance to flee.

THE ALIVE TEAM

What these veterans endured is terrifying.

To all our service men and women, thank you for your sacrifices, for your valour, for protecting us, and for defending our rights.

Thank you for your courage, strength, and dedication to keeping us safe.

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

On April 25, we will remember them.

Lest We Forget!

Kerrie

They witnessed their mates injured or killed. You see the sadness in their eyes as they talk about the fallen. You see the pride beam back when it’s to pin their medals on for a photo. They are a symbol of their heroism.

One RAAF nurse I sat down with recently saved over 80 orphaned children during the fall of Saigon in Vietnam. One baby was only two days old.

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

8 Apr

MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL When: Friday, April 8th from 10am

Where: Hervey Bay Community Centre

What: Join the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre for their annual open day/family fun day, combined with a celebration of the many cultures that call Hervey Bay home.

This free event is a chance to come together as a community, learn more about what HBNC does and celebrate multiculturalism in our community.

Enjoy games and activities, as well as some delicious multicultural food.

April 25

15 Apr

When: Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16

ANZAC DAY SERVICES

Where: Burrum Heads

What: The Easter Classic has grown enormously with big crowds and thousands of dollars in prizes and giveaways and many generous sponsors over the years.

When: Monday, April 25 Hervey Bay

Dawn service: Dawn service commences 5.30am Freedom Park, Main Street, Pialba.

Main service: Main service commences at 10am, Freedom Park, Main Street, Pialba.

Due to ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions, it is not yet known if marches will go ahead. Please visit the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch website or the Hervey Bay RSL website at herveybayrsl.com. au/functions/anzac-day for up-to-date details.

Maryborough Service times and details of Maryborough services were not available at the time of going to print. Visit the Maryborough RSL Sub-Branch website for details.

BURRUM HEADS EASTER FISHING CLASSIC

Visit the Burrum Heads Fishing Facebook page for more details.

16 Apr

CONRODDERS EASTER CAMPOUT When: Saturday, April 16.

Where: Maryborough Showgrounds

What: Hervey Bay’s Conrodders are holding their annual Campout at the Maryborough Showground. Come dance with the Rock n Roll Boys from 6pm.

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03

COVER S TORY

by Kerrie Alexander

LIFE BEYOND AMPUTATION 04

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S

unny Spadina has always had a serious love of the outdoors - skate boarding, BMX and dirt bike riding, camping and hanging with his mates.

Any mate would tell you that the vibrant young man’s smile and laugh are contagious and his zest for life is inspiring, qualities that are adored by his friends and family.

But it’s not just his charming and cheerful nature that has Sunny beaming on our front cover this month.

It’s the fact that even though this 20-year-old endured the trauma and heartbreak of becoming an amputee four years ago at the age of sixteen, he’s never given up.

His story should give those with full use of their body the inspiration to do more, be more and live life without limitations.

In 2017, Sunny left Year 11 to continue the family legacy by working in his father’s marine construction business in Maryborough.

Sunny and his older brother Jamie grew up in the family business, so operating heavy machinery was second nature to them.

When he wasn’t working as a Trade Assistant at the familyrun business, he could be found hanging with his mates and being a happy, outgoing sixteen-year-old.

It was in December that year that Sunny’s life was flipped, turned, and thrown into utter chaos.

Sunny was driving a forklift - like many times before – when suddenly the forklift tipped on its side, landing on top of him.

His foot was crushed by the sheer weight of the machine!

His brother Jamie, sprang into heroic action. With no time to waste, he jumped on another forklift and lifted the machine off his brother within seconds.

“My foot got stuck underneath and that’s where history began,” Sunny said.

“Luckily, we had multiple forklifts and my brother was straight

on it. I was on the ground for about 40 seconds at most, Jamie used the other forklift to get mine off me and raced me to the hospital.”

Sunny underwent the first of many surgeries at the Hervey Bay hospital that afternoon.

“My foot was like a zip lock bag of bones that had been shaken up and mixed around. Everything was dislocated but no bones were broken, which was wild!

“The surgeon relocated all the bones, and put them all in the right spot, but I had major swelling, half my flesh was gone, and the blood vessels were crushed and not doing their job.

“I got airlifted from Hervey Bay to Brisbane with mum that night, and that’s where I spent the next 20 days.”

In an instant, Sunny had gone from being an active, outdoorsy social butterfly to be being bed-ridden with no sunshine, just a window to the bleak courtyard walls.

He said the one constant that got him through was the support, laughs, hugs, love and raw honesty from his family and best mates who gave him strength on the days when he had none.

They travelled from all over Australia to be there with him.

After enduring chronic pain and several more unsuccessful surgeries, his foot was worsening and a decision had to be made.

Let’s put into perspective that at just 16, Sunny was faced with a profound choice. He could stay in hospital for another six to 12 months, have many more surgeries that may never be successful, suffer further pain and trauma – or the surgeon could amputate below the knee within the next couple of days.

With his parents and family by his side, Sunny chose the latter.

“As soon as I was told that, my head went straight to the second option. I had to get out of there! My parents were by my side the entire time and they didn’t push their opinion on me but helped make sure I was making the right decision. Being 16, that was a big decision, but I would never go back and change it. I know I made the right choice.”

Before making the final decision, Sunny had a chance meeting with a fellow amputee, Harry, a 21-year-old who had undergone the same surgery three months prior.

The two got to talking and are friends to this day. Harry was Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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05

an amazing inspiration for Sunny and to prove that life with a prosthetic would be okay, Harry used the stairs to race Sunny’s dad, who used the elevator, to the ground floor – Harry won.

“After that, I knew this wasn’t going to slow me down,” Sunny said.

Then the road to recovery began.

He said the first few months of being fitted with prosthetics and learning to walk again was “indescribably hard.”

The journey was made bearable with the love and support of those around him, including Kim, his prosthetist from Artificial Limbs and Appliances, who continues to play an integral part in Sunny’s recovery.

The people Sunny surrounded himself with were his lifeline.

“The first part of recovery either makes or breaks you,” Sunny said.

“It was really hard for mum. I remember her face the first time she watched me learn to walk again, she was trying to stay strong but I could see she was devastated.

“It was a bit emotional for all of us. Learning to walk was like holy crap! I’m back to square one, learning to walk again. It was only four or five attempts later that I could walk without any support.

“For me I definitely feel like the support was a massive part of me being happy and in good spirits. If I didn’t have the people around that I did, it wouldn’t have been possible. It really gave me the upper hand.”

When Sunny’s parents, April and Yulio, had to return to work, his Nanna Kate, made sure that home was as comfortable for him as possible.

Her endless love, support and great cooking made this period of time less stressful for everyone.

Sunny said one of the things he got most “hung up on” during recovery was the affect the amputation had on those closest to him.

“Mum took it pretty hard for the first 18 months and I can’t

imagine what it must have been like for her. She has always shown me to look to the positive side of life, and I know for sure that has played a massive part in my outlook and recovery.

Dad is a big strong man that I look up to and having that happen to him as a father played on me. Even in hospital … I never see dad upset about anything but in hospital he showed a lot of emotion and that’s when it hit that it hasn’t only affected me but everyone else around me too.

“My brother Jamie is great. He’s so stoic and strong and would just lift me up and throw me over his shoulder if I was struggling to get somewhere!”

The family’s fears were short lived. It was only a few months after his accident that Sunny took on a job as a concreter, one of the most physically demanding jobs around! “The hardest part”, Sunny said with a laugh, “was getting the gumboot off at the end of the day”.

His mates played a huge part in normalising Sunny’s injury.

“When I first got out of hospital, I had mates coming over and saying, ‘grab your camera we’re going to the skate park’. They didn’t leave me out, even with one leg and on crutches, I still felt included with my boys. “I couldn’t skate standing up but I could scoot around on a board on my bum, and film footage for video clips.

“Then I got my prosthetic, I could walk around the skate park to film which was awesome, and slowly I got enough confidence to skate again.”

Then came a job offer as an attendant at Rock Off Skate Park in Hervey Bay. It was there, with tonnes of encouragement from mates, that he first got back on his BMX bike, and before long he was landing tricks again.

Now four years on, Sunny is riding skateboards, BMX and dirt bikes, swims in the ocean and drives a manual car.

He now owns his own house painting business and climbs ladders and trestles on a daily basis, not letting his amputation limit his lifestyle.

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His partner Isabella is one of his biggest fans.

“With Sunny, one of the things I love is that he is so motivated,” she said.

“The whole time we’ve been together there’s only been half a day he’s stayed in bed … even if he’s in pain he gets up and does something - working or tinkering on his cars or doing something because he loves keeping busy and staying positive. I admire that so much!

“People with two legs don’t have that much motivation. He’s got a reason to lay in bed all day and he doesn’t, I really love that about him. He motivates me to be a better person.”

Sunny said there are days when ailments like an ingrown hair on his leg (which can be brutally painful for an amputee) can get him down.

But there’s always something to keep him occupied when he’s having a down day. He loves tinkering on his project cars in the shed, a fun pastime that runs in the family.

“I already appreciated life. I loved life beforehand, and I still love life. There have been days that my leg was swollen, and I was physically unable to walk, and those are the days that take a toll.

But it’s only for a day and there’s another one to look forward to tomorrow.

“I’ve met quite a few other amputees varying from late 20s to 70s and there’s people that you just want to give a little backhand to and say ‘snap out of it man, life’s not over, keep going.’

“It’s such a cliche and cheesy thing to say but life really is what you make it!

“If you want life to be shit, you’re going to have a shit life. You need to look at the bright side instead of the always looking for the negative stuff … if you do, you’re going to have a better life.

You can’t dwell on something you have no control over and let it get the better of you.

“If you take stand, it’s a bad day not a bad week.”

What’s next for Sunny?

“I just want to make my family proud! My parents are very successful and inspiring for me. Jamie and I look up to them a lot.

“I have ambition and I want to thrive to be the best version of myself” he says with a cheeky grin, “regardless of how many toes I have.”

Are you considering orthopaedic surgery?

Dr Anthony Murray is a highly experienced and innovative orthopaedic surgeon who is now consulting from Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.

Dr Murray specialises in minimally invasive total hip replacement, knee replacement, orthopaedic trauma and sports injuries.

Dr Anthony Murray Orthopaedic Surgeon

Contact us today to discuss your treatment options. No wait times.

Phone: 07 5493 8038 | www.scorthogroup.com.au Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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HERVEY BAY OFFERS PERFECT WORK-LIFE BALANCE FOR NEW DOCTOR IN TOWN

by Shaun Ryan

S

earching for the perfect work-life balance helped lead one of Hervey Bay’s newest doctors in town to the whale watching capital of the world.

Dr Clara Marin Zapata and her family relocated to Hervey Bay from Newcastle in New South Wales for some of those small coastal town feels.

Since making the move, Dr Clara says she’s fallen in love with the friendly Fraser Coast community, swimming in the warm ocean and spending quality time outdoors with the kids.

“For us, this is the perfect sized town. There is so much to do with the kids and most importantly we are settling in and making new friends,” Dr Clara said.

“We love the friendliness of the locals.”

As a medical professional, Dr Clara knows the importance of striking that all important balance between work and home life.

“My kids definitely keep me busy. When I’m not working, we are out and about exploring the town on our bikes or roller-skates.

“I love crafts and making things with my hands but being able to go for long walks along the beach and cooling off in the sea make our new home so special,” she said.

Dr Clara specialises in women’s and sexual health, while also practicing in all areas of general medicine.

“I gained my medical degree in 1999 in Colombia and undertook specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology before moving to Australia in 2006,” she said.

Dr Clara joined the team at Fraser Shores Medical Centre at the beginning of the year.

“I really enjoy working here. I get to practice medicine with a very friendly, professional and supportive team,” she said.

Dr Clara is currently taking on new patients.

“I will do everything possible to look after your health. I believe I standout because my goal is to always offer patient focused care.”

Following in her cousins’ footsteps is what helped guide Dr Clara towards a career in medicine.

However, she’s the first to admit to having to overcome a little fear along the way.

“Even though I wanted to be a doctor growing up, I was also

afraid of needles. But I was able to overcome that fear and here I am today!”

To book your appointment with Dr Clara, call Fraser Shores Medical Centre on (07) 4124 6333 or visit their website at www. frasershoresmedical.com.au.

The practice is located at Suite 9 / 1-17 Hershel Court, Urraween, 4655.

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09

LIZZI E L EA RNS TO

LIZZIE LEARNS TO…

Lizzie Macaulay

FLY HIGH

I

’m afraid of heights.

very own Piper Arrow aircraft.

Irrationally so.

I don’t even like to stand on chairs.

I don’t know exactly what I think is going to go wrong, but my brain inevitably tells me *something* is going to happen.

(It hasn’t so far, in 36 trips around the sun, for those keeping score)

So when I discovered my assignment for this month was meeting and helping the region’s newest charity owner, Mark McMurtrie, with his Community Flights project, I have to admit I had a tiny wobble.

Mark is a highly experienced pilot who also happens to be River Heads’ friendly pharmacist.

Community Flights is a passion project that Mark’s been bringing together for a while now, with his intention to ‘close the gap’ to healthcare access.

It’s admirable, to say the least.

Mark will be flying deserving eligible patients across SouthEast Queensland to and from specialist appointments in his

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As a former travel agent, I can clearly remember the financial burden that chronic and acute illnesses tended to create.

With less access to specialists in regional areas, patients were (and still are) often required to make the journey to major centres for their appointments… or face a lengthy wait.

A wait that had the potential to impact their health outcomes.

I’d booked many a flight to Brisbane for medical appointments over that period, and I always wished there was more I could do to minimise the cost.

Enter: Mark.

Community Flights is blossoming at a frankly enjoyable rate, and now it was my turn to get a front-row seat into what it will be like to travel as a patient.

I’ll admit, I was nervous.

Generally speaking, I’m completely OK with take-offs. It’s the plummeting back to Earth landing that gets me every time.

We jumped in and I even got to pop on those cool comms

headsets with the mic like you see on the telly.

Mark is so at ease in this space, it helped as a prod to my nervous system to ‘chill out’.

The craft sprang to life, Mark muttered some unintelligible pilot code into the ether, and we were on our way.

As the logical part of my brain predicted, the take-off was smooth and uneventful. Soaring over the Bay is always such a privilege.

We could see beautiful K’gari sprawling out before us as the sun shone down on it.

I started to settle in and let gratitude take the place of uncertainty.

We may or may not have zoomed by my house for a snoop and kept an eye out for whatever fabulous creatures happened to be in the ocean that day.

As we flew, I thought about how brilliant this service is going to be for so many. A door-to-door experience that means better health outcomes for the people who need it most.

I pictured each one chatting with Mark, relaxed, happy, able to enjoy the journey, despite any possible looming health challenges.

The plane is surprisingly roomy on the inside, and insanely comfortable.

Patients are going to get more than they bargained for.

Mark filled me in on the different ways he used his plane before it was in-service for the charity.

Imagine being able to get wherever you liked in the state, or even the country whenever you fancied it.

I’ve often wanted a teleportation device for exactly this purpose – being able to fly yourself anywhere must be the next best thing!

Before I knew it, it was time for our descent.

Ordinarily this is the part of any flight that has me checking out hard – I tend to just grip onto things fairly tight and hope for the best.

This flight was different, though.

With his affable chat and completely relaxed demeanour, Mark helped me override a bunch of irrational guff that would usually be going on in my brain.

And before I knew it, the plane’s tyres had reacquainted themselves with the tarmac.

Happily back on solid ground, I played back everything we’d seen and talked about, and I couldn’t wait to spread the word about what this fantastic charity would be capable of.

Literally life-changing for some and life-saving for others.

Brilliant.

With enormous gratitude to Community Flights’ founders Mark and Melissa for their generosity in sharing this experience with us. If you’d like to know more about the service, head to the website: www.communityflights.org.au If you’d like to support the charity as a one-off or a regular sponsor, head to the Give Now page: www.givenow.com.au/communityflights Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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11

H OME GROWN

by Kerrie Alexander

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W

hen Mark Grimsley’s daughter handed him a Nikon camera for Christmas three years ago, little did she know that it would save her dad’s life.

The 55-year-old Dundowran resident served in the Air force for 17 years as an Aircraft Life Support Fitter where he ensured parachutes, life rafts, helmets, oxygen masks, and other imperative safety equipment was in good working order.

It was during active service in Kirgizstan, Afghanistan, that Mark endured an incident that led to Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) and prior to that, he suffered the onset of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) - a rare disease of the nervous system.

His illness coupled with the PTSD became all too much, and Mark was medically discharged from service in 2005.

With a rapid decline in his health, it was a distressing time for the veteran who had once led a highly active military life, rode his pushbike to and from work, and loved playing soccer.

Mark now suffers from short-term memory loss, sensory issues and tremors, spasms, jerky movements, and problems walking.

He can no longer enjoy his woodworking hobby because he can’t be around sharp or dangerous power tools, with many items having been flung around the family home in the past few years.

“Basically, the brain and the body don’t communicate like they used to, and the information just gets messed up somehow,” Mark said of his FND. “With my disability, I have lost a lot. If there were a miracle pill that could fix me, I would go back (to the Air Force) today.”

without the camera, I would have given up.

“I felt trapped by my disability until my daughter gave me a camera for Christmas, and I taught myself photography,” Mark said.

“Kelly, the dog, my daughter and the camera is what is keeping me going at the moment.

However, the moment Mark picked up that camera three years ago, his life started to turn around.

“This experience helped me reshape my mind and find some independence and connection with the community again.

“I tell Jessica (daughter) every day that I’ve had the camera in my hand today and look at what it has done to my face today … the smile on my face is just amazing. I just absolutely love it!”

Mark started with taking shots of wildlife in the backyard of his Dundowran home and quickly grew in confidence enough to go to the nearby beach and surrounding lagoon in his beach trike or 4x4 camouflaged wheelchair.

His service dog, a border collie, by his side always.

“I go out without any expectation; ‘I’m not looking for anything in particular, and nature seems to provide everything I need for getting shots.”

Mark said safety is no longer an issue with the wheelchair acting as his safety net.

“I can’t walk easily because I thrash myself about, I fall. Now that I have the wheelchair, I take that down to the beach and take my camera on a chest harness and go around the lagoons as well.

“I used to do a lot in the military and was really active, so having to rely on other people is hard.

“I can also be dangerous, so being able to do something on my own is wonderful.

“When I go down the beach, many people know me, and we start up conversations and I feel confident doing that in the wheelchair.

“It’s a safe hobby for me.”

Today, the camera is in Mark’s hand before his morning coffee! It has become his life.

The exquisite images of birds, snakes, wild horses, turtles and more adorn the walls of the family home, and hundreds of images take pride of place on the aptly named “Mark’s photos to help reshape my mind” Facebook page.

It has not only changed his life but saved it!

“I’d almost sleep with the camera if I thought there was something I could get a shot out the window of,” he said with a laugh.

“I have been in and out of hospital with the FND, PTSD and depression, and it’s nearly finished me off a couple of times and

“I’m getting back to a little bit of normal again; without the camera, I don’t know how I would have got through the last three years.

“It’s not just surviving now; it is clawing back to actually achieving something.”

What Mark has achieved is truly inspiring!

His biggest achievement in the last few months has been the launch of his online photography micro-business, with the help of his NDIS support person Kathy and unwavering support from his loving wife, Kelly.

The website, markgrimsleyphotos.com.au, is home to an extensive collection of Mark’s beautiful images that can be downloaded by becoming a subscriber.

The first 100 images can be downloaded for free, and two other levels of memberships are available.

Guests can also create their own calendar using the images of local birds and wildlife.

Mark’s story was even highlighted on the My Nikon Life Facebook page.

“They published five of my images and had a story about my disability, what photography does for me and advice for other people with FND; that gave me a boost!”

Mark and Kelly also started a local FND Group Meet-Up, with four to five other sufferers and their carers coming together once a month at the Hervey Bay RSL. Mark said it’s important to let others in the same situation know that help is at hand.

“FND is very misunderstood, so when you need some help, the help is not there. It takes a while for help to get to you, so getting together to share those experiences is good.

“The disease is very isolating. Each person has different movements and ticks and no two are ever the same.

“The photography is linked to that too, so I can show people that there is something you can do.

“If you were to try and teach me photography, you couldn’t because I struggle to comprehend what’s going on, so trying to learn new things is very difficult.

“But the camera does a lot of the heavy thinking for me.

“By sharing that with other people, they might realise that you can find something that clicks for you. Just don’t give up!”

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C OMMUNI TY CON N E CT I O N

by Kerrie Alexander

RISING ABOVE THE FLOODS

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E

xcitement brewed for Brittany Robinson as she opened the doors to her very first business in Maryborough on December 1, 2021.

The 24-year-old had plenty of experience working in cafes previously but decided it was the right time to take a risk and put her entrepreneurial skills into her own business.

That’s when Concord Street Coffee was born, named after a street in England where unforgettable memories were made while living with her adored sister for five years.

“It was my home away from home and I have a lot of great memories from that time, so it was fitting,” Brittany said.

The space on Adelaide Street was just as she had envisioned; cosy, friendly, and inviting with a really “chill” vibe where customers could just relax in a quiet space with their favourite brew and home-made sweet treats, which the Maryborough community had really embraced.

But just as Brittany was getting to know her regulars, the unthinkable happened!

Only six weeks later in January 2022, the first of the catastrophic floods hit Maryborough.

Emergency services issued warnings for Maryborough, with residents forced to seek higher ground or evacuate as the Mary River reached 10 metres, breaking the flood levy.

In the town’s CBD, 30 buildings were affected, with one of those being Brittany’s newly opened café.

“That first flood was just a whirlwind on emotion,” Brittany said.

“I felt so panicked! We are lucky that we only live a few minutes’ drive away so my husband (Benjamin) and all our friends and family came with a trailer and packed up what we could.

“There was still quite a lot of damage to the furniture and stock, signs and things like that.”

A multitude of helpers came to the young business owners aid and, along with State Government Disaster Relief, Brittany was able to get back on her feet, clean up and reopen.

Still in good spirits, Brittany wiped the slate clean and started from scratch.

Tragically, in what must have felt like ground hog day for Brittany and so many Maryborough businesses, it was only six weeks later that the CBD was once again flooded.

This time, The Mary River reached its highest level since 1898 and peaked at 10.3 metres in the Maryborough CBD.

Photo by Roxanne Spies

Brittany said while the council did a tremendous job of utilising the flood levee to save many surrounding businesses, unfortunately the café’s location on the other side meant it was always going to be inundated.

Yet, Brittany said she felt a sense of calm, going through the same motions they had done only weeks before.

The trailer was packed, stock and equipment were moved and then they waited.

As the water receded in early March and the clean-up began yet again, it was clear that this flood would go down in Maryborough’s history books.

“This flood was quite significantly higher than the last and unfortunately we had to gut the whole shop.”

Despite this and with the unwavering support of her husband, Brittany is still in good spirits and has fought hard to keep her dream business alive.

“Natural disaster is all I’ve ever known since opening so it’s just a case of cleaning up and starting from scratch.

“People have asked me if I’m going to move but I love this space; it’s everything I wanted and I’m here to stay.

“We’ve done it once (cleaned up) and we’ll do it again and hopefully we won’t see another flood for many years to come.”

The doors are now open once again, with Brittany crediting the surrounding business community, financial assistance from a local church and friends and family for bringing her dream business back to life.

“Everyone has just been so supportive, especially in our little alley where I am.

“A very big thank you to all my family; there were my main support, and I couldn’t have done it without them.

“It would have been a very lengthy process.”

Brittany said the one thing she looks forward to most in the future in “consistency”.

“With opening and closing so many times in the first three months of the business, I would just get used to seeing the regulars and then we’d close again.

“I’m excited to build consistency and look forward to welcoming everyone back.”

So, if you’re feeling like a coffee and want to support local businesses who are working hard to fight back after the floods, be sure to head to Concord Street Coffee at Shop 4/258 Adelaide St, Maryborough.

Photo by Roxanne Spies

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15

WI S E WORDS

by Kerrie Alexander

Navy for life

D

ayman Park was a hive of activity on one bright Sunday morning last month with members of the Naval Association of Australia – Fraser Coast Sub Section all coming together for their monthly catch up.

There was lots of laughter and a mass of smiles; you could feel the warm and welcoming atmosphere that all the ex-Navy veterans embrace.

Not to mention the smell of a good old Aussie sausage sizzle to feed the crew.

Their aim is to be a dynamic and contemporary organisation supporting the ex-Navy fraternity in a variety of different ways.

There’s of course a monthly meeting with minutes and agendas but that all gets done and out of way ASAP so they can get on with the fun stuff like sausage sizzles, bus trips and lunch outings.

After having a chat to a few of the members it was very clear that the association has one common thread and that is camaraderie.

It’s about being able to meet and socialise with like-minded ex-Navy men, women, and their partners who “speak the same language”.

Many of the members spent 20, 30 or 40 years in the military; it’s not a job you can just finish, walk away from, and never speak of again said President Danny Meredith

As it was in service, mateship is at the core of the group’s ethos.

Danny joined the Navy at 15 and stayed in the service for 41 years in various roles including being an underwater weapons specialist, seagoing disciplinarian (Coxswain)and later advanced to Lieutenant Commander, taking on a welfare management role to look after sailors with compassionate and other specific concerns.

For Danny, the fellowship of the association and being able to talk about those days with those who understand it best, is what

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keeps him at the helm of the group.

The Association will also provide support for the members’ children in the future, with many following in their parents’ footsteps and joining the military.

“A lot of our members are veterans and suffer from some sort of PTSD and for me, this gives me something to be involved in and not sitting around doing nothing,” Danny said.

“While you are in the service you have the comradery by being in the defence force but when you get out, you’re on your own.

“Every one of our era still talks the same language you do. It’s always been a really good group and all these guys have a lot of fun.”

Deb Taylor couldn’t agree more.

The 63-year-old was in the Navy for 20 years in intelligence and communications and was proficient at morse code.

Her husband also served.

“It’s about keeping in touch. I was in for 20 years, from 17 I left home and joined the Navy, and everybody knows someone, who used to know someone,” Deb said.

“Even if you don’t know the person you are still part of a big family.

“You don’t have to explain yourself to people and you use terminology that only Navy people use, and everyone knows what you’re going on about.

“You can be with a group of civvies (civilians), and they have no idea what you’re talking about.

“You did things that civvies never got to do like parachuting out of an army plane. … normal people don’t understand.”

I was also lucky enough to sit down with Peter McDermott, who was the founder of the group six years ago.

He served in the Navy for 20 years as an Electronics Technician.

However, Peter stepped away from the president’s role to follow

his heart and help veterans in need as a Wellbeing Advocate.

He was prepared on the day, handing me an A4 sheet of paper with dot points of just some of the things his volunteer role covers, and the sheet was full.

Peter can invest anywhere from 90 to over 100 hours a month filling out paperwork, visiting veterans in hospital, nursing homes, or in their own homes.

Not just Ex-Navy veterans, any veteran who reaches out.

He liaises with vets to get pension reviews, transport them to medical appointments, look after their dogs, provide minor maintenance to homes, attend funerals, and look after their overall health and wellbeing, just to name a few.

“The important thing is to maintain contact with them, mostly at home and sometimes that’s very time consuming,” Peter said.

“Some of the people I visit might not see anyone else at all if they don’t have any family, and that’s not unusual.

servicemen and their families all their life and are often the ones that pay the price.”

Peter currently has a trainee under his wing but would love nothing more than for a few young veterans to learn the ropes.

“I have about 30 clients, including widows, so we’re trying to build the advocate network in Hervey Bay, and I think we’re doing a good job of it.

“But I’ve only got about five to 10 years left in me so if we can attract some younger veterans … beauty!”

To find out more about the association you can visit the Naval Association of Australia – Fraser Coast Sub Section Facebook page, email president@fcnaa.com, or phone Danny on 0412 523 737.

For welfare, email any questions to wellbeing@naafc. onmicrosoft.com, or phone Peter on 0409 260 255.

“They really look forward to your visits. Some are just living at home, looking at four walls.

“The reason I became an advocate was to provide company to these people.

“I feel like a chaplain almost and I love to look after my flock.

“It’s a very rewarding role.”

Peter also ensures that widows of veterans get the help they need.

“I had a call from care provider (recently) to ask for help for a widow whose husband passed away three months ago and has had no help at all. It’s important that they know their entitlements.

“People slip through the cracks if their husband has never been one to ask for help.

Every one of our era still talks the same language you do. It’s always been a really good group and all these guys have a lot of fun.

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17

LO CA L MUSI CI A N

18

SHANE ALL Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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Have you always been musical?

Yes definitely. I started gigging at a very young age and mum and her brothers all play and sing so I guess I picked it up from them.

What/who are your musical influences?

Drums being my first instrument I have a huge list of influences especially loving all styles of music but hearing Buddy Rich play drums for the first time really pushed me to become a drummer and my favourite band of all time is Incubus.

What/who are you listening to right now?

There are so many awesome artists these days, but when I get a chance to listen to music, I usually put on some old crusy favourites such as John Mayer, John Butler, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, my list is pages long.

Favourite line from a song?

“The worlds a roller coaster and I’m not strapped in …… maybe I should hold with care but my hands are busy in the air” - by Incubus.

Which instruments do you play?

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What gig past, future or present would you like to have been to/go to?

I really couldn’t choose. I’ve been lucky enough to see so many famous bands I love over the years, but I guess Nirvana and Pantera would be high on the list. Also all the old greats including Elvis would be on the list too.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years in the music industry?

I guess any Arena or stadium would make me pretty happy.

I’ve been lucky enough to play some pretty big shows over the years.

Where can people find your music?

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At this moment in time I still haven’t written any of my own songs, hopefully In the future I will. As for now just check out most local gig guides too see where I’m playing.

19

L OCA L A RTI S T

by April Spadina

@AprilSpadinaArt

F

PUTTING PEN TO PAPER

SHANAY SCARLET MANITZKY

or most of us, the extent of our artistic talents with a ball point pen goes as far as doodling moustaches on faces in magazines. But not for local artist Shanay Scarlet Manitzky, who creates the most exquisite hyper-realistic portraits with a humble blue biro.

Spread out on the table before her, an array of pages carefully cut from her sketchbooks shows a body of work spanning three years. The carefully selected pieces reveal delicate portraits drawn with pencil and pen, rendered with a steady hand and a meticulous eye for detail. Page after page have been selected for Shanay’s first solo exhibition at Gatakers Art Space in Maryborough.

The exhibition, titled “Mid-Sentence” is reference to Shanay’s current stage in her life, she feels she is standing at the end of one journey, and taking a deep breath before diving in to a new one.

As a young woman, Shanay has already had her fair share of complications in her life. A traumatic battle with appendix cancer resulted in a year in hospital and the removal of many of Shanay’s organs. Shanay turned to art to help with her recovery which helped her to stay focused on the positive future she dreamed of.

Shanay moved to Maryborough from New Zealand, married Byron, settled down to help raise her two stepsons Liam and James, and teach high school art classes. Shanay yearned of one day having her own child but after many failed attempts

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she had to come to the heart-breaking realisation she would be unable to conceive children naturally. That was until her sister Shanell gave her the ultimate gift – the donation of her own eggs, and tiny Bella was born, thus completing the beautiful fairy tale story that Shanay had always dreamed of.

Now, with a tiny bundle of joy to inspire her, Shanay can focus on her own art practices again. Her drawings have a way of making the viewer ask a question and try to figure out what the answer might be. The negative space around the faces means you must fill in the blanks and almost create the story ending yourself. This is another extension to the title Mid-Sentence, in which some of the characters Shanay has drawn, are in fact caught in a moment of reflection, frustration, tenderness…

Every now and then, colour makes an appearance and almost startles the observer with its unexpected presence.

What Shanay puts into her art, and what she leaves out, speaks volumes in almost a game of cat and mouse. The viewer’s mind is left wondering what the question was to begin with and a certain amount of self-reflection can be felt while gazing upon the carefully constructed artworks. And it is at this moment that you might find yourself catching a breath, midsentence. *The opening night for Shanay’s exhibition “Mid-Sentence” will be held on April 29 at Gatakers Artspace, Maryborough. @shanaymanitzky

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a community funding program for arts, culture and heritage on the Fraser Coast.

Visit our website to find out more information about funding for your creative idea.

www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/RADF

The part and

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council.

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21

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A LITTLE FAITH CAN MAKE A BIG CHANGE

FI TN E S S

by Josh Hoodless

@liftherveybay

R

unning amuck on the streets of Sydney, skipping school from a young age, weighing 136kg at 16 years of age and feeling “like scum” with no future.

That WAS Emmanuel, until he was moved to Hervey Bay to be with his father. Fast forward 15 months and Emmanuel has finished high school, is fit and healthy weighs 93kg, and is on the verge of achieving his dream career - entering the defence force. This is Emmanuel NOW! This is an inspirational transformation of a teenage boy filled with determination, faith, and purpose.

In December 2020, LIFT Hervey Bay received an email:

“Hi, my son is 16, 6ft 1 and weighs 136kg. He is a big-framed lad carrying extra weight and emotional baggage. Can you help him? We live at Toogoom but I can drive him in.”

Emmanuel’s Dad was determined to help him turn his life around and not be another statistic, starting with his weight.

The rate of teenage obesity is on the rise (in Australia). At the risk of offending people, some of the blame must go to the parent/s or guardian/s for raising a morbidly obese child. When I first met Emmanuel, his self-worth was extremely low, and he said he was going nowhere in life.

With nearly two decades in the fitness industry, I have seen some amazing mental and physical transformations. Witnessed thousands of people start out on their health and fitness journeys. But what percentage actual make it to their long-term big goal? How many people go all the way? In my experience less than 10% fight right to the end. Don’t get me wrong, everyone that starts training gets stronger and fitter, it’s losing the kilos of extra body fat that seems to be the toughest fight. Getting into a calorie deficit seems to be lot harder than the actual exercise because it requires behavioural change. Exercising for one hour a day is the easy part compared to making the right food (as well as drink) and lifestyle choices the remaining 23 hours.

This very reserved, shell of a kid struggled with the food

changes, it wasn’t that he was eating unhealthy food, he was just eating too much. Having a nice sandwich is fine but eating half a loaf of bread and jam for morning tea was just too many calories over the day.

There was struggle, pain, frustration, improvement, injuries, achievements, disappointment, relief - it was a 15-month battle.

At best we thought this kid would lose SOME weight, increase SOME fitness and gain SOME strength and become healthier. The statistics were not in his favour. However, Emmanuel proved he was a fighter and wasn’t going to give up, and we didn’t give up on him either!

Whatever was asked of him in the gym, he did. Whatever was asked of him outside the gym, he did (and then some!). When he was knocked down or felt overwhelmed, his renewed faith helped him to stay focused.

With the amazing support from his main coach, Clint, he pushed on. He started losing the weight and seeing his performance improve. He lost a staggering 43kg and can do things he’s never been able to do. Emmanuel was even a joint winner of the LIFT Coach’s Award last year.

After seeing how much his father sacrificed and committed to his journey, Emmanuel’s new driving force was to make his dad proud, and he went from feeling worthless to wanting to serve others. This has led to him striving for a career in the Australian Defence Forces. As you are reading this, Emmanuel will have passed his last entrance test - Physical Fitness Test - and well on his way to living his dream.

From an unhealthy, overweight, troubled teenager on the streets of Sydney to achieving what he thought was impossible, including finishing high school, getting his driver’s license, entering the Army, and becoming a man. His father and coaches are extremely proud of Emmanuel. As he heads off into the world as a fit, healthy, and respectful adult, Emmanuel hopes that his story of tremendous change, faith and fight can motivate other teenagers to achieve their goals.

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L O C A L E VENT

DOORS OPEN FOR FAMILYFRIENDLY CULTURAL CELEBRATION

T

he Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre team invites you to a celebration of our community and the many cultures that call it home.

HBNC’s Open Day and Multicultural Festival will be held Friday 8th April from 10am at the Hervey Bay Community Centre, 22 Charles St, Pialba.

The day is an opportunity to participate in fun activities, meet the staff and find out about the range of programs coordinated by the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre.

Activities will include an inflatable slide, obstacle course and lots of arts and crafts.

Other community organisations will also be represented and have stalls and activities at the event.

“This year, we’re combining our annual Open Day with a multicultural festival to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of people living in our community,” HBNC CEO Tanya Stevenson said.

“We are grateful to the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs for supporting this community event.”

“Jon Vea Vea will be the key entertainer at the Open Day, and there will also be some performances from different cultural groups. A multicultural fashion parade will be held at around 11:30am.”

“We encourage everyone to come along in national costumes and participate.”

Everyone is welcome at this free event. Food and drinks will be available for purchase including a variety of multicultural dishes from our Community Centre Kitchen, a BBQ, and some food vans.

Grab a passport from our information desk, have it stamped at each stall and put in the barrel to be in the running for a local voucher.

Register to attend online, to help with catering numbers.

Open Day and Multicultural Festival Friday 8th April from 10am A variety of multicultural dishes on site, Inflatable Slide, Obstacle Course, Arts and Crafts, Jon Vea Vea Live Entertainment.

Come along and join in the celebration and fun!

Register to attend online www.hbnc.com.au Hervey Bay community Centre - 22 Charles Street, Pialba, Hervey Bay

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25

HOME PROJECT

by Kim Harris

THE KIND FIGHTER @messyzen @diykimi

@messyzenart

M

ayor George Seymour very graciously joined me to make an ANZAC wreath and discuss community spirit ahead of Anzac Day on April 25.

This edition of Home Projects is huge! We embrace community spirit and honour Anzac Day, plus the remarkable leadership shown by Mayor Seymour during the recent floods.

The Mary River flowed into Maryborough homes and businesses, tragically leaving many with nothing.

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We won’t forget the gallant effort and fighting spirit shown by the volunteers who worked tirelessly to save these homes and businesses.

A wreath is a creative and enjoyable way to show your spirit, and as a bonus it will make your home smell delightful.

I hope George and I inspire you to make your own!

It’s an ideal DIY project to try in the school holidays.

There’s lots to get through, so let’s dive in!

Having a chat over a craft project is a great way to connect with people, something flows – busy hands and a common goal. When creative neurons are firing, conversations can come with ease. It’s an effective tool for chatting with children about tricky subjects or your local mayor!

Mayor Seymour has an energetic spirit that reveals enthusiasm for everything. I suppose this energy is what got George elected.

He has won over Fraser Coast residents with trust and a hands-on, can-do, genuine approach.

I was inspired by his Facebook live feeds during the recent floods. Videos from the flooding bridges, building the Maryborough levy, roadside and riverside, showed us a politician committed to the community with a sincerity to help in any way he could.

George believes that a community spirit is all about empathy, understanding and looking after each other. Pitching in when needed. He believes that the biggest message we can take from the floods is that everyone has a role to play.

George emphasised the importance and dedication of the volunteers. The Red Cross, SES and many more.

He admired the noble efforts of those fighting the floods while their own homes were at risk or flooded. He acknowledged the volunteer who broke her leg in service to others and the vital support that volunteers bring in times like these. “It wouldn’t all be possible without the volunteers help”.

I invited George to suggest what we can do to be more community minded.

“Look for ways to help” “Sign up, get involved”, was his answer.

He explained that by putting your hand up to work at the local sporting canteen, your children’s school, or anything like that, you can be part of that connection that forms the community spirit.

George worked at the youth shelter in Hervey Bay, where he learned to never make assumptions on people’s circumstances. Many are disadvantaged through situations hard for most of us to understand. I observed an empathic Mayor who admitted he had a good life and upbringing but understands the struggles many residents face every day.

The mayor is appreciative of the ANZAC spirit. The day is about understanding the public service those who serve offer us all, as well as the sacrifices endured. He finds joy in seeing local children marching in the ANZAC day parade and taking part in ceremony with older residents.

What makes our mayor feel ALIVE?

He said it was public service, understanding and seizing the rare opportunity of supporting people, making positive changes and helping wherever he can. George understands that he won’t be Mayor forever and must take advantage of every chance to serve, help and offer something to the community.

I believe we are fortunate to have him fighting for the Fraser Coast. Head over to the mayors’ socials to see what he is up to and how you can get involved.

INSTAGRAM: @geo_seymour Facebook: George Seymour – Fraser Coast Thank you to Mayor Seymour, our armed services, nurses, ANZACS, volunteers, Lara at Bay Flowers and Gifts, and all those who share kindness on their way through life.

Materials A wreath ring: Available at spotlight $8.00 Floristry or craft wire: $5.00

Wire Cutters: Lara from Bay Flowers and Gifts warned: “Don’t use your kitchen scissors, they will never be the same again!”

Foliage: Camelia, Gum leaves and Lemon Myrtle leaves used, they are representative of glory and victory.

Rosemary Springs for Remembrance: We used long stems from my garden

Purple Ribbon: Symbolic as the colour of mourning, spirituality and ceremony. You can purchase printed ‘Lest we forget’ ribbon and all the fresh flowers and foliage you require from The Bay Flowers and Gifts, located at Fraser Shores shopping complex. Unprinted purple ribbon from craft store is an easy and affordable option.

Red Poppies: For the sacrifice of shed blood. One poppy for each armed service; Navy, Army, Air force. Mayor Seymour suggested we use a 4th poppy to represent the nursing/medical units.

Flowers: Our Project has 3 Banksia feature flowers. Using an odd number is a commonly used design trick. You could opt for bottlebrush, wattle, grevillea, gum nuts, kangaroo paw or whatever you have available in your garden.

The personal commemoration is made by simply wiring your foliage and flowers in place, starting with your largest flowers first and finishing with the poppies. Clumping foliage into small bunches before applying can create body and dimension to your wreath. Remember it’s supposed to fun!

Lara and the team at Bay Flowers and Gifts located are on standby to help you with flowers, foliage and advice.

Once flowers and foliage wither, strip back your wreath, leaving you with a clean wreath ring ready to use for another occasion like Christmas, Halloween or even a birthday celebration.

For further information, history and instructions on Anzac wreaths, please head to the Department of Veteran Affairs website.

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27

DUNGA DERBY

by Kerrie Alexander

FIGHTING FOR LIAM W

hether you call them clangers, clunkers, rust buckets or simply just dungas … hundreds of Fraser Coast residents get behind the wheel of their beloved rattly rally cars every year for one exceptionally good reason!

The Dunga Derby is run every year to support local families and individuals with life-limiting medical conditions or those who need help from a situation beyond their control.

Under the umbrella of the Rally for a Cause charity, those Dunga Derby teams have raised a massive $1.8 million since its inception in 2015.

That money has since provided support to over 100 local Fraser Coast families in their times of crisis.

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Each month, the recipient families share their incredible stories with our Alive family.

Those who have thrown a dollar in a dunga tin, attended events or even sponsored a car, will read about the incredible difference those life-changing donations have made to the recipients.

The parent’s lives were turned upside down when their son Liam started having seizures at school. It was later discovered that he had brain cancer.

Rally for a Cause has been supporting the family with financial assistance so his mum, Dorin, can now be Liam’s fulltime carer.

Here’s Liam’s story:

O

n the September 16, 2021, Liam was in the school library studying for a physics exam when he had a seizure.

The school called 000 for an ambulance because Liam was unconscious for about three minutes.

I remember driving on the highway to work in Maryborough when the school rang me. To say panic mode set in would be an understatement.

I drove back to Hervey Bay Hospital and got there before the ambulance arrived. Liam was admitted to ED and discharged six hours later with a clean bill of health; what had caused the seizure was a complete mystery at this stage.

Two days later, Liam had another seizure at home in front of myself and his dad Philip.

It was the most terrifying experience I have ever endured! As parents we both panicked initially, but the people we spoke to when organising an ambulance were truly amazing.

Liam was back in the Emergency Department and admitted at Hervey Bay hospital for three days.

By this stage, he had lost sensation and strength to his left side causing a left foot-drop that requires mobility support.

The doctor that looked after Liam organised 2 CT scans and an MRI. I remember so vividly when this young doctor came into Liam’s bedside and asked Philip and I if he could speak to us in private. I knew something was serious but unsure how serious it was going to be.

The doctor was explaining what they saw in the images which was a ‘lesion’, a 2.5cm tumour that could be benign or malignant. The doctor continued saying that he had organised Liam to be transported to Queensland Children Hospital (QCH) as soon as possible for further evaluation.

I was shocked and completely shut off thinking the worst.

The following day, Liam and I were flown to Brisbane by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Philip and Chloe (Liam’s older sister) were to drive down to Brisbane later as Chloe was in her final year of high School and needed a few things organised, including our family dog.

While in admission at Queensland Children Hospital, a team from Neurology and Oncology assessed and evaluated Liam, and a date was set for a Biopsy surgery to ascertain whether the tumour is benign or malignant. After the Biopsy and sometime in hospital, Liam was discharged with a concoction of medication. Three days later, Liam had another seizure and was rushed back to ED at QCH. While in admission, Liam had a few more seizures, the neurology team tried different antiseizure medication to control the seizure.

Unfortunately, Liam started experiencing severe headaches and vomiting and had to rush back to Hervey Bay ED, a CT scan was conducted and revealed massive swelling around the tumour – on that same day, Liam and I were flown back to QCH Brisbane.

Liam underwent two weeks of intensive treatment to reduce the swelling.

Liam is back home in Hervey Bay and enjoying being in his own space at the moment.

He will continue with a regular Chemo cycle for the next six months and a regular evaluation every two months at QCH Brisbane.

Liam is looking forward to starting school and catching up with his friends.

He is exercising regularly and looking forward to intensive physio sessions to help rebuild his strength.

Mentally, Liam is doing ok, he has his ups and downs as I’m sure you can imagine, but overall, it’s nice to be back home with his family.

The road to recovery is going to be a long one. It is a challenge no child should go through, but to be pragmatic, giving up is not an option!

Words cannot convey how the financial support from Rally for a Cause and Dunga Derby helped in our time of need.

It reduced the stress of working out how we were going to pay the bills, such as rent, power, phone and food. I honestly don’t know how we could have coped or managed in such a stressful situation.

I have had to stop work to look after Liam fulltime, unfortunately, his father too has had a major medical issue over the past two years that has stopped him from working.

My family and I would like to thank Rally for a Cause, Dunga Derby and administration, supporters and sponsors for allowing us the opportunity to be the recipient of financial support. We are forever grateful to all of you, and those who initially advocated for us to receive this financial assistance, thank you. We hope that one day we will participate in the Dunga Derby.

Thank you all so very much

Two weeks after the biopsy surgery, we received the news no parents want to hear - the “C” word. I felt as though someone had stabbed me in the heart. It was and is the most heartbreaking news for me and my family. Liam was diagnosed with High Grade Glioma, a brain cancer on the right side of his brain.

The neurologist who carried out the biopsy surgery advised us they could not remove the tumour entirely because there are too many vital nerve cells in the tumour area and if damaged, it would impact the entire left side of his body, meaning he would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life or worse.

Liam underwent six weeks of intensive radiation and chemotherapy which really knocked him around. There were good days during this period and many, many bad days, however Liam never stopped believing that he would get better one day – the power of positive thinking.

Liam was released from hospital just before Christmas and was allowed to travel back to Hervey Bay where he spent a quiet Christmas with family.

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29

The Mercedes Benz luxurious GLS SUV. Nothing is more valuable than good style.

And there is hardly anything more challenging than creating such an elegant and succinct design for a large luxury SUV such as the GLS.With 7 seats as standard, the powerful GLS is a full-size SUV that represents the pinnacle of space, comfort, performance and capability.

www.mbherveybay.com.au Cameron Bates

Sales Manager Mercedes-Benz Hervey Bay

Mercedes-Benz Hervey Bay 96 Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay 07 4194 4444 LMCT 3585388 www.mbherveybay.com.au 30

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SM A RT MO NEY

by Kodie Axelsen

EVERY H LITTLE BIT COUNTS

ave you ever made yourself a goal and not quite made it? Did you let that feeling of disappointment get you down or did you sit with it, learn from it and keep kicking on?

Most Australians have a dream to buy a home but that dream can feel massive and sometimes unachievable. So do you start small and dream big or do you just forget about it and throw it in the too hard basket?

I’m here to tell you, you start small! Once you’ve started, the goal starts feeling a little more achievable.

I’ve found this goes for most things in life. Once you get going you’ve committed. You’ve made a conscience decision to start and move towards your goal, whatever it may be.

Now there will be hiccups along the way, unforeseen circumstances that are out of your control and damn they are going to try their best to knock you off course. Your dog gets sick, your car breaks down or your toilet blocks. And here you are thinking this is all too hard. Get annoyed with it, feel your feels and then get busy!

You have a goal to achieve and it isn’t going to happen on its own. When you get knocked down you have to get back up. That’s life. Accept the inevitable because s*#t is going to happen, and then remember why you got started.

Now these goals don’t have to be huge or they don’t even have to be financial but they are there and they give you purpose. They give you a reason to get up in the morning, get about your day and know that it is all for something.

I love financial goals because they can really prime you for some great personal skills. It’s easy to spend. The world is constantly pulling at you for your attention to buy the latest ‘thing’ but if you can learn the skill of delayed gratification and consistency, you can achieve great things!

Get excited and happy goal setting! Remember start small and be dream big! We all have to start somewhere!

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31

FA SHI ON

by Kate Manley

FIGHT YOUR BATTLES

2.

1.

N

obody goes through life without facing trouble and challenges. It takes courage to face and contend with issues, to take the high road, to pursue truth and justice and to stand up for your beliefs.

This quote titled ‘The Man in the Arena’ by Theodore Roosevelt seems to put it in perspective:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high acheivement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Our fashion this month is for all of you choosing to confidently face the future. It features a fabulous selection of dresses and jackets … perfect for Power Dressing!

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2. Beige linen zip jacket with hood over white v-neck linen dress.

3. Beige marle linen two button classic jacket over cotton broderie dress.

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4.

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33

HEA L TH HUNTE R

by Rhian Hunter

SPICED MANGO + BLACKBEANS SERVES 3

Ingredients:

400g Cooked Black Beans 1/2 Red Onion

Coriander, chopped Olive Oil

For the salsa:

1 tbls Cumin Seeds, dry roasted 1 Mango, diced

1/4 Green Chilli, seeds removed, diced fine 1 Garlic Clove, grated 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Juice of half Lime

Parsley, Coriander, chopped For the Guac:

2 Ripe Avocados 1 Tomato, diced

1 Small Capsicum, diced Coriander

Juice of half a Lime

Salt + Cracked Pepper

@healthhunternaturaltherapies

34

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Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a non stick frying pan over a medium heat, throw in the onion and saute until softened, add in the balck beans and heat for a few minutes, stir in the coriander and set aside.

While the beans are heating up, mix together your salsa ingredients and set aside.

3. Mash your avocado, then mix other ingredients until combined.

4. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

Mix together with Basmati Rice for a burrito bowl or serve in soft or hard tacos Cassava + Bone Broth Wraps (my personal fav!) + GevityRx Sriracha Sauce Shredded Cabbage, Carrot Sprouts anything vibrant sitting in your crisper.

SK I N C ARE

FIGHTING PIGMENTATION

by Kirsty Chenery

Melanocytes are the cells that are responsible for creating pigment and act as a protective measure for you skin.

Melasma is also known as hormonal pigmentation as it is formed when Melanocytes are stimulated by hormonal changes in the body. Also known as the pregnancy mask because of its prevalence in pregnant women. It can affect 10 to 15% of women during pregnancy and up to 25% of women who are taking the contraceptive pill. On the skin Melasma looks like dark patches of discolouration. These usually appear symmetrically with matching marks on both sides of the face. The cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin are common areas where Melasma forms. Melasma can fade after pregnancy or when contraceptives are discontinued but for others it becomes constant and reoccurring.

Treating pigmentation and Melasma can be done with pigment inhibiting serums, the correct laser treatments, Cosmelan peels and the prevention of pigment forming in the future.

O

ne the most commonly asked questions I receive in clinic is: “How can I treat my pigmentation or dark spots?”.

There are many different creams and treatments on the market today but the biggest difference that comes with treating pigmentation is understanding the type of pigment you are working with and treating it accordingly.

IPL and Laser can both have positive outcomes on treating certain types of pigmentation, but incorrect diagnoses can in some cases make the pigmentation worse. So, what are the different types and how are they formed in the skin?

Hyperpigmentation is the broader term that refers to all pigmentation or those patches of darkened skin. It is caused by too much sun exposure (sun baking) which is basically a trauma to the skin. Burns, inflammation and picking of pimples can also cause hyperpigmentation of the skin. Hyperpigmentation can have many different causes, but the effects are all the same. Overactive Melanocytes.

A pigment inhibiting serum should contain tyrosinase inhibitors. Tyrosinase is the enzyme responsible for pigment synthesis in the skin.

Vitamin C is also a very effective way to even out your skin tone and works well at controlling free radical damage in the skin.

The Cosmelan peel, I have found, to be very effective in treating Melasma and with continued home care use can keep Melasma well under control.

If you are interested in treating your pigmentation and talking to a qualified Dermal therapist about options of treatment, please visit us in the spa for a free consultation.

You don’t have to live with pigmentation but always remember prevention is the best cure! Wearing a quality sunscreen, using pigment inhibiting serums and safe sun habits can prevent pigmentation from occurring in the first place. If you are concerned about dark spots always have them checked first with a skin cancer check.

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The Oaks Resort Urangan (Enter through Hibiscus street) 07 4194 9860 info@mineralearth.com.au www.mineralearth.com.au Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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35

SCHOOL OF CHOI CE

by Shaun Ryan

E

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS BEYOND SCHOOL

AT ST MARY’S COLLEGE MARYBOROUGH

quipping students with the necessary skills and resources so that they’re ready for life after Year 12 and combining them with real life experience is a central focus of St Mary’s College Maryborough.

The College’s successful pathways program is designed to ensure students have access to a variety of experiences and exposure to different industries and academic fields alike.

The school’s Pathways leader, Mark Sealey said St Mary’s College Maryborough has a number of strong links with TAFE Qld, USC, CQU and UQ and other accredited organisations.

Mr Sealey said this places St Mary’s students on the front foot when it comes to making important decisions on their careers, training and study opportunities.

“Some 15 students gained early entry to the university of their choice last year. Multiple other students took part in university headstart programs,” he said.

But getting into a position where a school student can make an informed decision about the career they might want to follow after school isn’t always a straightforward one.

Teenagers who are still learning about life, their own interests and passions and might not know what is the best fit for them while still at school.

For this reason, St Mary’s conducts a work experience program in Year 10 that is supported through the senior years during school holidays.

Mr Sealey said students who require learning support can also access weekly work preparation sessions through Mylestones.

TAFE taster programs in trades and health as well as networking sessions and university showcases and presentations with Jobs Fraser Coast are also regulars on the school calendar.

“School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are also offered,” Mr Sealey continued.

A dedicated Pathways Centre with a School Officer and Head of Learning and Teaching positions are in place to assist and support students as they plan for life outside the

school gates.

Modified timetables allow cert students to catch up classwork and cert work. This means students involved in the pathways programs don’t fall behind in any other aspect of their regular school requirements.

“The pathways program provides students with a chance to pursue their interests and helps set achievable goals for their future endeavours,” Mr Sealey concluded.

For more information on St Mary’s College Maryborough and their pathways programs, click through to www.smcm. qld.edu.au.

St Mary’s is located at 51 Lennox Street, Maryborough, 4650.

You can also contact the college by calling 07 4190 2200 or Emailing smaryborough@bne.catholic.edu.au.

Call to book a personal tour or

LEADING Education Programs ESTABLISHED Individual Laptop Program LIMITED Places Available In All Year Levels

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www.smcm.qld.edu.au (07) 4190 2200 36

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P A RE N TING

A HOPPY ENDING

“O

oh, that’s cute,” I say, seeing a crate of Easter eggs with characters printed on the foil. “I think the Easter Bunny might have to bring one of those.”

Miss 10 rolls her eyes playfully. “Sure, the Easter Bunny,” she says with a smirk.

My sister, who’s out shopping with us, sends me a sad look.

It had to happen sooner or later.

My little girl’s growing up. Every day she seems taller and more mature. The top of her head now reaches my shoulder and she’s becoming a beautiful, fun, funny young lady. But as much as I love seeing her grow and become her own person, she’s still my baby and I’d be lying if I said I’m not sad to see the hallmarks of childhood slipping away.

Acting as a helper to my friends Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny has been one of my very favourite parts of being a mum. Miss 10’s now a helper as well and she takes her role of keeping the magic alive for Mr 6 very seriously.

He asked me recently how big the Easter Bunny is.

“Umm, I don’t actually know,” I tell him. I’ve never thought about it.” That’s the truth.

“I guess just like a regular-sized bunny.”

“But how does he carry all that stuff?” Mr 6 questions quite reasonably.

Welcome to Immersion Healing

by Amanda Coop

“I don’t know,” I say, shrugging. “I just eat the chocolate and don’t ask questions.”

Mr 6 thinks for a moment.

“I think he poops out the chocolate,” he says, giggling.

“Well, that is sure some delicious-tasting poop,” I reply, knowing I’ll get a good laugh because when it comes to sixyear-olds, it’s hard to go wrong with a poop joke.

Miss 10 also cackles with laughter.

“Now you know why I don’t eat chocolate!” she tells him, giving me a sly smile.

“Can’t you just tell him you do eat chocolate and then give it all to me?” asks my little chocolate addict (his mother’s son, indeed).

“Maybe,” she says, ruffling his hair before giving him a cuddle. “Depends if you’re a good boy and listen to Mum and Dad.”

“OK,” he says, an agreement which I’m sure will be broken within the next five to 10 minutes but is nonetheless touching to witness.

“Good work,” she says, and looks up to meet my eyes, visibly proud of herself for her quick thinking in striking such an arrangement.

I’m proud of her too. The Easter Bunny sure is a lucky bundle of fur to have such an awesome helper on hand.

Helen of Immersion Healing offers you calming energy through Energy Healing/Reiki and Intuitive Readings.

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Balance your energy and chakras Return to energy alignment Release trapped emotions and heart walls Intuitive insights and guidance

Introducing

Baby & Children Reiki Bookings on Website: www.immersionhealing.com.au Follow Immersion Healing on Instagram

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37

The Great

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Photo credit: Jessica Palmer & Queensland Tourism

DE STI N A TIO N

IT ALL STARTED WITH A FLUFF BALL NAMED BRANDY

I

t all started with a fluff ball alpaca named Brandy and it was love at first. We had embarked on a family weekend getaway to the Gold Coast hinterlands and met Brandy at Mountview Alpaca Farm, located within the grounds of O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards.

Brandy was led out first, followed by her doting mum, Macca.

I knew that baby alpaca (crias) were cute, but Brandy took it to a whole new level. We all fell in love with her huge eyes and luxuriously soft fur.

Not only can you feed and walk the alpacas around the vineyard grounds, but you can also level up the experience by ordering a picnic basket from the homestead. The picnic can be enjoyed anywhere on the grounds but spread out on a BYO blanket right next to Canungra Creek is a great spot!

I made an executive decision to spend time with the alpacas before enjoying our picnic. We were booked in for the “Alpaca Experience” which meant we had just 30 minutes with Brandy and Macca and I definitely did not want to waste any of that time eating.

With a little help from the bags of alpaca food in hand, we instantly bonded with Macca and Brandy. The kids had a great conversation with the quiet alpacas (they’re great listeners) as we strolled towards Canungra Creek together, stopping along the way to munch on grass and melt our hearts with their large brown eyes and friendly nature.

Sadly, the 30-minutes was over in a flash and we reluctantly said goodbye to our new friends and headed over to the homestead to pick up our pre-ordered picnic lunch. Of course, I forgot to pack a picnic rug so we enacted plan B and found an empty table under a tree by the Creek. It was such a carefree experience.

Time ticked on and it was time to leave. We followed the Lamington National Park Road up the mountain to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat where we were to spend the next two nights.

The retreat is set amongst the beauty of World Heritage-listed

Jessica Palmer

www.familyholidaydestinations.com

Lamington National Park so the good things just come naturally here.

The O’Reilly family have been welcoming visitors since 1917 and it’s a haven for those seeking to escape crowds in a stunning, natural location. Strolling along the well known Tree Top Walk had been on my bucket list for years and I felt very blessed to be able to share this with the kids, who thankfully, were just as excited as I was.

Staying in a mountain view room, we spent time in the evening before dinner relaxing in our comfortable room.

Sometimes playing a game on the bed, sometimes watching a movie on the kids’ tablet, but mostly sitting on the balcony and taking in the spectacular views of the mountains as a procession of birds flittered on and off the balcony railings, including the stunning King Parrots.

There is an amazing array of activities for families at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. The Birds of Prey and Wildlife Encounters shows are great for all ages. Expect to get finger-licked by a squirrel glider, cuddle a snake, and get up close and personal with majestic birds of prey such as Stella the Wedge-Tailed Eagle, Conan the Kestral and Twinkle the Owl. Visitors can feed the birds, embark on a Segway Safari Tour (over 12 years of age), soar on a flying fox, head out on a glow worm tour or order a picnic hamper and adventure off to one of 500 world-class waterfalls accessible via 160km of nature trails.

Whatever you decide to do while you are there, this is one weekender to add to your bucket list.

Important Links:

• www.mountviewfarm.com.au • www.oreillys.com.au

The author visited Mountview Alpaca Farm and Oreilly’s in partnership with Destination Gold Coast

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39

LOC AL BUS I NES S

A

FLOAT THERAPY HERVEY BAY HAS MOVED!

live Magazine was with us at the very beginning and now Float Therapy is more Alive than ever in Hervey Bay.

What started as a way to improve the health and wellbeing of our family and friends has outgrown the family home and blossomed into an opportunity to bring Float Therapy even closer to the people of Hervey Bay, to make it even easier for people to float.

So far we have been able to provide relief to countless people suffering from insomnia, chronic pain, mental health issues and injury to name a few things, but we know that it can be difficult finding the time to head out to our space in Craignish. Because of this, as of Monday March 7th 2022 we are located at 399 Esplanade, Torquay, in the Holistic Healing Haven premises!

start from as little as $76.50 per float, and sauna sessions start at $39.00. The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) also fully covers your sessions with Float Therapy Hervey Bay, provided the service aligns with your goals listed in your NDIS plan.

We would like to thank all of our clients who have supported Float Therapy Hervey Bay since it’s inception over four years ago. It’s because of you that we are able to take the next step in growing our small, family run business to help even more people to feel their best.

- Rod, Brandon and Kim at Float Therapy Hervey Bay

Float therapy offers many benefits including, but not limited to:

• Pain relief and help managing chronic pain symptoms • Enhanced healing and aid in recovery from injury

• Increased resistance to, and alleviation from stress and anxiety • Relief from insomnia symptoms, improved sleep patterns

• Enhanced meditation and expanded awareness

At Float Therapy Hervey Bay we have two Apollo Float Tanks, and a two-person FAR Infrared Sauna. Float sessions

EXCITING NEW LOCATION

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TH E B I G CAT CH

TUNA IN FOR SOME SERIOUS FISHING Tuna season is here and with recent rains over the past few months we should see some great fishing.

Mac and longtail tuna are a favourite for sportfisherman and see anglers travel from southern regions to get into the action on the Fraser Coast.

Along with tuna the next month can be one of the best for many of our reef species with coral trout, scarlets, sweetlip, cod and more very active now.

Burrum

Bread and butter species will be the main targets with big whiting over the full and new moon worth a look this month. A few barra have been taken around the ramps and black bank with grunter also about near the channel markers.

Out the front the Burrum 8-Mile has produced golden trevally, longtail tuna, mackerel, cod and blackall.

Urangan Pier

The Pier will be a popular option on the windy days through the Easter school holiday period. Flathead, mackerel, queenfish and bream were the most common captures.

Whiting have been taken in the shallows around the pier and surrounding beaches with worms, yabbies and small poppers working well.

by Andrew Chorley

Platypus Bay

Platypus Bay has produced longtail tuna, mac tuna, spotted and school mackerel of late. Fishing deep around the tuna schools has also produced some trevally and grunter on soft plastics and small metal jigs. Bottom fishing with fresh baits has been good for scarlets when you can get out a little wider with the night tides producing best catches.

Local Reefs

Grass sweetlip have been on the chew of late with the artificial reef, boags hole and the channel hole all producing good fish. Sharks are a problem so moving about or drifting seems to work best to avoid the sharks. Tuna have also been in the channels taking soft plastics and metal slugs. Other species about on the local reefs have been coral trout, cod, parrot and blackall.

Sandy Strait

In the Strait, whiting has been about on the Booral Flats and around the Susan River. Crews have been limited with the recent weather to explore the island side of the straits, but we have had reports of golden trevally, grunter, whiting and flathead coming off the flats. It will be worth a look for a feed of Prawns also with a big wet this year we should see a good run of prawns.

Hervey Bay Fly and Sportfishing

www.herveybaysportfishing.com.au

Guests on board Hervey Bay Fly and Sportfishing enjoying the great reef fishing on offer recently.

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41

B RA NDI NG DES K

by Marta Hackett

Choose fronts that fight for your business. Not against it.

Often overlooked, fonts are an influential communication tool in your business. I encourage clients to choose fonts to represent their brand personality and convey the right message to attract their ideal clients. So how can you do that?

Here are my top four tips for choosing fonts to fight for your small business: Select quality

• Quality fonts will have more than one style, so find a typeface that has a font family. A good font selection will have a standard, bold, and italic variation. A great font will have all that plus a condensed, bold condensed, bold italic, and more.

• Go all out! When it comes to your business fonts, it’s not the time to hold back. No wishy-washy font choices anymore. It’s time to double down on your message and choose a font that visually communicates your brand personality. Are you a specialised personal trainer who helps men to bulk up?

Choose a font that is bold, big, and stable. Play with square edges that come to sharp points in capitals. A Sans Serif font would be a great option! Are you a super professional Lawyer? Choose classic fonts which are minimal. Tried and true fonts like Bodoni, Garamond and Ogg are great examples of premium fonts.

@The_Solutionist

42

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Select widely available fonts.

• My go-to place to source quality web fonts as a designer is Google fonts. They are free and work great for print and digital. Most of their fonts are highly adjustable, and it’s easy to use these fonts on websites. This makes it so easy to protect your brand through visual consistency. If you outsource most of your graphic design needs to various businesses, you’ll want to make sure you choose fonts that everyone has access to. A great font that everyone knows and uses is Helvetica.

Pairing Selecting

• Fonts that complement each other is one of my favourite things about choosing fonts for brands. Creating contrast with a serif and a sans serif font as part of your visual identity helps with the visual hierarchy and will help the reader to understand the information quicker. With a bit of knowledge, choosing fonts can be fun.

I hope that helps! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me @The_Solutionist

SK I L L U P

by De’Anne Stegert

THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRST AID

I

needed to do a first aid course and I needed to do it as soon as possible. I didn’t want to have to travel to too far to do it and I knew that this was something that in today’s climate I wouldn’t be the only person looking for this.

First aid courses and the carrying of said certificates can be beneficial when looking for employment. It is that extra feather in your cap, that one thing than a prospective employer may be looking for to enhance his safety rating for his/her insurance and to help that poor guy or girl who has been the safety officer forever and would love a break from it just for a little while.

It is such a simple thing and not only can it help with your employment prospects it may just help you to save someone’s life someday.

ALL STATES

TRAINING

It only takes a day and that is with the theory paperwork and the practical all done together. You then follow up with a 4-hour CPR course and then you are qualified.

Imagine the thrill of knowing you have done something to help yourself and in turn can offer to help others – would make you feel great and then if you want to make yourself look even better and increase your prospects further, especially if you want to work in Aged Care, your can do an advanced course which applies to educators and support staff working in an education and/or care setting to respond to emergency situations.

If you need any further information about these courses, please contact All States Training whose contact information is below and I look forward to bringing you more about what can help you going forward next month.

TRAVEL ALL OVER AUSTRALIA

RTO Number #32577

Courses conducted weekly • CPPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry

• RIIWHS302D Implement traffic management plans*

• RIIWHS204D Work safely at heights

• RIIWHS205D Control traffic with a stop/slow bat*

• RIISS00034 Surface Coal Mine Skill Set

*Conditions apply please contact our office for more details

(Standard 11 Mining Induction Course)

Open Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm 07 4123 0415 or email: reception@entralsafetytraining.com www.allstatestraining.qld.edu.au Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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43

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TODAY 4120 1100

L I FE C H A T W I TH M I CHELLE

LET’S TALK T

his month I’m sharing my thoughts on a topic that is close to home – the value of communication.

My grandfather, Christopher Ashcroft, served in World War One. With his brother David, he enlisted in the Second Light Horse Regiment in 1915. My grandfather was sent to Egypt to participate in the Gallipoli campaign, but soon afterwards his regiment was reassigned to various theatres of war in Europe. Being from a farming family, Christopher was assigned the role of munitions bearer, driving the wagons loaded with guns and reinforcements to the front lines. He was gassed in the trenches, lost an eye, and spent time in hospitals in England and France.

In addition to various injuries, he also endured dysentery, mumps, and measles.

My grandfather suffered chronic lung problems from the mustard gas on his return from the war. However, he continued farming, got married, and had four children.

One of my childhood memories from ‘Grandpa’ is that he would disappear, sometimes for months at a time. This was not considered unusual. As I grew older, I realized that he withdrew from his family and society regularly, taking himself to isolated places in order to spend time on his own.

He had a tiny, rough hut he would camp in, and with the aid of his rifle, lived off the land. Often, he panned for gold, fossicked for sapphires, or just camped in the Australian bush.

Grandpa never talked much to his family about his experiences during World War One. Certainly, his own children knew little of what he suffered, and Australian War Memorial records form the basis of my understanding. I am convinced that Grandpa experienced life-long trauma as a result of his years in World War One. However, rather than seek help for this distress or share his burdens, he remained stoically silent. He removed himself from the people who cared about him and sought solace alone. Perhaps, he felt

by Michelle Robinson Bach. Counselling.

Dip. Clinical Hypnotherapy

his absence was better for everyone. Afterall, how could they possibly understand what he had been through? His choices took a toll on his family, who found it difficult to run their small, subsistence farm during his absences.

I have also wondered what help there might have been, in 1918, for a shell-shocked, half blind country man who returned to rural Queensland and tried to resume a normal life.

I suspect, the answer is very little help was available at all. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for Grandpa to feel so disconnected from a life that once seemed comfortable and safe.

That’s one reason I am a passionate advocate for talking about our experiences and feelings. No matter the reason for distress, stress or depression, connection with others in friendship and support offers a lifeline that can be more healing than is imagined.

I love seeing men talking together, just doing ‘boy-stuff’ and hanging out. I love hearing their relaxed laughter. I love watching women catching up for a coffee and a chat as they animatedly share the stories of their lives. This communication opens hearts, heals minds and keeps us connected to our humanity. Being a listener who doesn’t judge or try to fix a problem, might be the very best gift you can offer someone in need.

I hope that the Easter holiday period finds you well in every way – if not, please reach out to someone who cares, or contact a professional who can assist you.

If you would like to stay connected with me to receive positive tips for life each morning, feel welcome to join my free Facebook group “Your Intuitive Gifts At Work.” Here is a direct link where you can join my group https://www. facebook.com/groups/yourintuitivegiftsatwork Until next time.

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APRIL INSPIRATION

INSPI RA TI ONS

by Alison Dunlop

Thinking of this month’s theme ‘ Fighter”, I am reminded of Life, and the song Fighter by Christina Aguilera: “Cause it makes me that much stronger. Makes me work a little bit harder. Makes me that much wiser. So thanks for making me a fighter. Made me learn a little bit faster.

Made my skin a little bit thicker. Makes me that much smarter. So thanks for making me a fighter.”

Thank you life for making me a fighter!

Capricorn Dec 22 -Jan 19

Cancer June 21- July 22

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Leo

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Virgo

Aug 23 - Sept 22

Aries Mar 21 - April 19

Libra

Sept - 23 - Oct 23

Things are going really well for you this month. I know you lack confidence at times, but the important message this month is to keep going!

Aquarius, things are evolving for you this month. This is a super awesome transition for you. Go with the flow, and perhaps take up something new or build on something already in place!

Fill your month with colour Pisces! April will be a fun filled month for you! Make time to be social and enjoy. Also let your creative side loose and let your imagination run wild!

It is time to be authentic to yourself and listen to that intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, chances are they are not. Please be wary of this.

Taurus

April 20 - May 20

Love is with you this month. Know your worth and own it Taurus! You have achieved so much, so move forward with any plans and keep an eye out for success. You are invincible!

Gemini May 21 - June 20 April is not a month for self-doubt Gemini. You could be needed to lead by example and be a source of loving support to those around you. Do not worry, you have got this!

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

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Time to recharge your batteries, Cancer. I get the feeling you have been burning the candle at both ends, so to speak. Please take time out this month by pampering yourself, eating well, and spending time in nature.

July 23 - Aug 22

Be careful Leo, that you have your life balance sorted. It is possible this month that one part of your life may cause your scales to tip, and this could result in overwhelm. Please keep a check in on this and make time for exercise.

You have come to a time in your life where you need to let go of the past and turn to a new chapter and create a new beginning.

This may feel a little scary but allow this transformation, because it will lead to beautiful things.

You are being prompted to get moving Libra.

Set some future intentions and get that physical body moving. Exercise helps to rid your body of stagnant energy and helps with motivation. Let those endorphins flow!

Scorpio

Oct 24 - Nov 21

Have the kids or a loved one been getting on your nerves? It is time to show a little nurturing to them or to yourself. Bring out the hugs and pampering. Try a relaxing bubble bath or foot spa for yourself. Enjoy!

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 This month, please go inward and check in if you are doing things for the right reasons. Be sure to honour yourself and surround yourself with positive thoughts and people. This month can be amazing for you!

Crossword of the month

RE A DE RS ’ G ALLERY

ARTWORK OF THE MONTH

Last month’s solution

Submitted by Ros Grylls

RECLINE YOU DESERVE IT Ask box office for more details Starts Apr 7

128 Boat Harbour Drive, Pialba

Starts Apr 14

Starts Apr 25

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47

FRASER ISLAND

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FRASER ISL AND DAY

tour

A FULL DAY ADVENTURE IN PARADISE! K’gari (Fraser Island) is a UNESCO wonder with ancient shifting sand dunes, over one hundred freshwater lakes, and subtropical rainforests. Join the local experts for an all-inclusive, 4WD offroad experience, ticking off the destination’s bucket list sights.

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