Alive Magazine - Edition 25 - August 2022

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AUGUST 2022 EDITION #25

Wildlife Edition

WILD ABOUT UNDERWATER WILDERNESS Capturing passion through free diving

Full story on pages 04-07

Dingo Whisperer

Meet the woman who has dedicated her life to the spirit of K’gari Full story on pages 12-13

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EDITOR’S WELCOME

THE ALIVE TEAM

W

ildlife can move with grace and ease through the water and through the sky and witnessing these patterns and movements can be soothing and relaxing.

favourite spots around Hervey Bay. Read his story to learn his hot spots.

Then we have K’gari (Fraser Island) where some of the most unique species of wildlife can be found.

Animal, plant, and marine biodiversity keeps ecosystems functional.

The island’s sand dunes, mangrove forests, perched lakes, and rainforests make it a unique location capable of supporting a diverse range of wildlife.

Healthy ecosystems allow us to survive, get enough food to eat and make a living.

In fact, there are many industries on the Fraser Coast that rely on everyone to look after the environment, so tourists keep coming back to the region each year.

K’gari is home to over 350 different bird species, including up to 20 different kinds of visiting migratory birds that fly in from places as far as Siberia. It’s a dream mecca for avid birdwatchers.

One of those is of course whale watching! The region was crowned as one of the world’s first Whale Heritage Sites by the World Cetacean Alliance at the World Whale Conference in 2019.

It is also home to the iconic dingoes. These medium-sized canines are legendary and a huge part of the island’s ecology.

Humpback whales use the calm, protected waters around K’gari (Fraser Island) as a calf kindergarten to teach their young how to adult.

We had chat with Save Dingoes Fraser Island vice president Jennifer Parkhurst who spent over eight years studying these incredible animals.

From flip slaps and blowhole spurts to full, 40-tonne out-of-water aerial displays, Hervey Bay is where you come to witness some spectacular whale behaviours.

Fraser Coast is home to one of the most diverse fisheries in Australia due to an overlap of both northern and southern species, the options are never-ending, from beach fishing on the eastern side of Fraser Island and outstanding pelagic fishing in Platypus Bay, to one of the best blue marlin fisheries in Australia.

The Rainbow Beach resident is known widely as the Dingo Whisperer of K’gari (Fraser Island) and Naibar Wongari Yeeran (Our sister dingo woman) to the Butchulla Woppaburra clan of K’gari.

Read about her time spent with the dingoes and the incredible behaviours she uncovered.

We hope you enjoy this wild edition of Alive!

From the wreck to the reef, the Fraser Coast also offers abundant options for divers to throw on a wetsuit and dive into an underwater wonderland.

Just ask our cover star, young Matthew Hammond. The passionate free diver has lots of

Kerrie

KERRIE ALEXANDER - EDITOR

Founder / Creative Director JOY BUTLER info@alivemag.com.au Editor KERRIE ALEXANDER editor@alivemag.com.au Deputy Editor LEANNE ESPOSITO Digital Editor LIZZIE MACAULAY Advertising Manager LOUISE HOLMES Advertising Executive DARREN STIMPSON darren@alivemag.com.au Phone 0408 122 050 Advertising Representative KAREN WHITE karen@alivemag.com.au Phone 0418 197 386 Advertising Representative KIM HARRIS kim@alivemag.com.au Head of Distribution JAMIE BUTLER Phone 0428 137 968 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

UPCOMING EVENTS

August 13

August 18

August 20

HEREY BAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

AMY SHARK: AUSTRALIA TOUR

THROW IT BACK TO WOODSTOCK

Where: Seafront Oval, Pialba

Where: Brolga Theatre, Maryborough.

Where: Susan River Homestead

When: Saturday, August 13.

What: The highly anticipated Hervey Bay Seafood Festival returns to Seafront Oval with a plethora of local seafood to tempt your tastebuds. Stall holders are yet to be confirmed. Visit visitfrasercoast.com to keep up to date with the latest Seafood Festival news.

Cost: herveybayseafoodfestival.com.au

When: August 18, 7.30pm

When: August 20, 6.30pm.

What: Amy Shark is embarking on her biggest tour ever, hitting the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough this month! The “I Said Hi” and “Adore” singer scored nine nominations at the 2018 ARIA Awards and four wins, including Album Of The Year, Best Female Artist and Best Pop Release.

Cost: Door Sales: $95.00

What: Come and boogie the night away like it’s the 60’s and 70’s at our first fundraising event for the Fraser Coast Hospice. Throwing it back to Woodstock – make sure you drag out your groovy bellbottoms, hippiest tie dye and rad hairdo’s. Visit the Susan River Facebook page to find out more.

Cost: Single ticket $150; table of 10 $1,150

MURAL OF THE MONTH - MARYBOROUGH MURAL TRAIL UNDER SEA

The theme of this piece is the region’s natural diversity – local and migration – and our “connection”, as humans, to it. Jelly Fish, Manta rays, Tiger and Whale Sharks are species of plenty – they are beautiful and important to Fraser Coast’s rich ecology. Whale Sharks have been sighted off the Fraser Coast, but are more known for their West Australian habitation. Tiger Sharks are being tagged and researched so we can follow their migratory patterns along our coast. Irukandji Jelly Fish have been moving down our coast from Northern QLD for a number of years. It’s an understanding that we are all connected that allows us to understand that we are part of a very larger picture.

SCAN TO SEE THE TRAIL MAP

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COVER S TORY

by Kerrie Alexander

Down to 04

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dive

I

magine being underwater with a vibrant array of sea creatures like fish and turtles when suddenly, a massive, hammerhead shark swim right towards you.

Though few attacks have been recorded, the bigger of these shark species are fierce in looks and speed and many people would swim the other way.

However, on a trip to Heron Island in 2020 Hervey Bay’s Matthew Hammond - although feeling intimidated - wasn’t about to give up the chance to snap a quick photo.

You see, the 17-year-old is a passionate underwater wildlife photographer who relishes in swimming with the oceans diverse range of wildlife to get that perfect shot.

He’s madly in love with his hobby!

“We were snorkelling the channel when out of the blue a great hammerhead shark turns up,” Matt said.

“Quite large, we estimated it to be about 4m in length, it swims right up to me and in a complete panic I managed to get a shot of its face just in time before it swims off back into its oceanic habitat.”

This is one of the many memorable moments he has experienced underwater since finding his passion as a 14-year-old on a trip to the Fiji Islands.

Mum, Alison, is a marine biologist and her work has seen Matthew, his dad Jon and sister Li-Wen travel to and dive at iconic locations like Heron Island, Lady Elliot Island, Cairns, and most recently Alaska.

His favourite photo to date is of a green sea turtle coming up for air in a lagoon at Lady Elliot taken with his Sony a6400 camera.

“I’ve always loved snorkelling and free-diving, so to introduce photography into this was a challenge and new experience I found quite emotionally rewarding,” Matthew said.

Photo by Matthew Hammond

“Capturing these moments from all these different trips helps me remember my personal highlights.

“My mum, dad and sister all have experimented with the hobby before, owning their own cameras, but my mum in particular is the one I share this hobby with most.

“She’s a marine biologist so she picked this hobby up through that and introduced me to underwater photography.”

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ond

Photo by Matthew Hamm

ond

Photo by Matthew Hamm

Photo by Matthew Ha

mmond

Matthew’s favourite dive spots around Hervey Bay include Woody Island, Wathumba at K’gari (Fraser Island), offshore at Point Vernon and Toogoom, where he often practices his free diving and breath hold training.

This is a technique utilised in sport and exercise science to increase athletes’ tolerance for oxygen deprivation, which is important when you’re diving with only a mask and flippers.

Every time you slip into the water and hold your breath you are a free diver, exploring the world of water from the shallows to the depths of the ocean.

Once he got the hang of it, Matthew said he just loved the freedom freediving offered.

“I really enjoy nature photography on land as well, but nothing beats the freedom that comes with being in that water; it’s a lot better for angles.

“I love the adrenaline rush I get whenever I find a new species I haven’t photographed before.”

With such a great love of the ocean and all creatures great and small that call the habitat their home, Matthew is also very environmentally conscious.

“I very much enjoy free diving as this how I take all my photos.

“My experiences travelling have often been ocean oriented, this has given me a great appreciation for the beautiful yet fragile nature of the ocean’s marine ecosystems.

“It was really a practice makes perfect kind of thing too … I would just always picture what kind of shot I was going for before I dive down, and the longer I could hold my breath for, the more chance I had of getting a shot that could work.

“This passion of mine has culminated over the years due to several factors: my experiences snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, my mum sharing what she does in her studies and what I have learnt at school in marine science.

“I love the freedom and mobility it offers me in the water.

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“I didn’t really know what to expect (at first), all I knew was that mum had gotten some really cool photos underwater and I was hoping I could do the same.

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“I very much care for the health of marine environments.

“What I do to help is a try my best to live a sustainable lifestyle and help my mum in her animal rescues at Turtles In Trouble from time to time.”

Matthew will graduate Year 12 at St James Lutheran College this year and plans to put university on hold to pursue his passion, travel, and work.

“After I graduate, I plan on taking a gap year and trying to find some work on an island and hopefully gaining some practical experience driving boats or assisting in snorkel tours.

“And after that I’d like to go into high school teaching where, ideally, I would teach marine science and aquatic practices.

“If I was ever provided with an opportunity to do so, I’d love to turn (my hobby) into a job.”

You can view all of Matthew’s exquisite underwater photography on Instagram under matthammond_ uwphotography.

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L I Z Z I E L E A RNS T O

by Lizzie Macaulay

LIZZIE LEARNS TO…

WHALE WATCH A

s a resident of the Fraser Coast for nine years (and counting), there are few times of year more special than whale season.

There is a special buzz in the region as visitors and residents alike hope for a sighting of our annual migratory pals.

Will we see them?

What will they do?

Are they really as big as Wikipedia says they are?!

(To answer: Yes. It depends. and Oh yes … in case you were wondering)

I’ve certainly been on my fair share of ‘whale boats’ since moving to the Bay from Glasgow, Scotland in 2013. But with the addition of tiny tots into my life, there had been a lengthy gap since my last oceanic adventure.

So when the offer of getting a sneak peek behind the scenes of one of the region’s most iconic operations came across my desk, my little fingers couldn’t type fast enough: “Y…E…S.” This month’s learning experience was with the wonderful crew and owners of Whalesong Cruises.

With family in-tow, it was time to get back out on the water and reconnect with everything this incredible time of year offers. The majestic creatures themselves. The

warm sun beating off the water, despite mid-winter temps.

The genuine tingle of anticipation in a life that’s been otherwise-curated to be fairly predictable.

Arriving at the Hervey Bay marina we had the sense we were in for something special.

Making our way amongst the spectacular vessels – picturing that one day, we might embark on a literal sea change and inhabit one ourselves – we found our home for the morning, and boarded.

I was struck by the elegant interior of the Whalesong vessel, and immediately began picturing hosting a soirée in amongst the dark black and burgundy detailing.

As the crew busily made their preparations, my little family and I settled in for a morning voyage.

Leaving the calm waters of the marina, we took the time to get to know the crew who we busily preparing warm drinks for the guests. The combination of hot drinks and choppy water didn’t seem to bother them in the slightest as they moved effortlessly up and downstairs around the vessel until everyone had been seen to.

The service crew had varying levels of experience, but you would never have known. No matter what, each one was friendly, accommodating and so happy to be part of the experience that lay ahead.

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While there was plenty of hustle and bustle downstairs, upstairs captain, Doug Greenshields was confidently navigating out to open waters, alternating between the tools of the trade – the steering wheel, binoculars and the ever-chattering radio.

Something that’s always impressed me about the sightseeing cruise operators in the area is their ability to collaborate rather than simply see each other as competition. Doug and the gang are no exception, with the priority being happy guests, rather than having the bragging rights of an exclusive experience.

It wasn’t long before our first encounter – something that Doug had been at great pains to manage expectations about, being so early in the season.

There, ahead of us, was the tell-tale splash of something incredible hovering just beneath the surface.

A slight puff of air sent a huge cloud of water skyward, and we all knew we would be in for a very special day.

We stayed to watch for a little while and then continued north to see what else we could spot.

Meanwhile, an incredible feast of fruits and cakes was being prepared by the fabulous crew to be enjoyed as we traversed.

As we tucked in to the generous morning tea, we kept our eyes on the horizon, just in case it was our turn to be lucky enough to make the next sighting.

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Given that the binoculars I’d brought for my girls were made out of cardboard rolls, the chances were on the slim side. But hey, you never know.

After morning tea, and for the next few hours we spent time darting here and there strategically to have the best chance of an up-close encounter.

We’d rest for a bit and Captain Doug would share his insights and impressive depth of knowledge about what we were seeing play out in front of our eyes, the history of the whale watching industry here on the Fraser Coast and what we might still anticipate in the season ahead.

Despite it being ‘early’ in the season, we saw plenty of whale action thanks to Doug and his experienced eye.

I was struck by how caring and thorough Doug and the crew were.

More than one of the guests had ‘wobbly tummy’ moments as rough seas knocked Whalesong about a fraction while we were watching the whales enjoying some play time. Of course, the crew were well prepared with peppermint oil and ginger tablets to head off the worst of the motion sickness. With calm heads, and compassionate hearts, the staff tended to each of the challenged guests, and before long they’d recovered to enjoy the remainder of their time on the water.

Just in time, too, because a glorious lunch was on its way. The impressive spread that had been brought

together for the guests was most definitely a highlight.

A selection of salads, cold meats and other bits and bobs were exactly what was needed after a morning of fresh air and high excitement.

As my first experience of whale watching with my own children, this adventure was spot on – safe, and hitting the sweet spot between missing out on something and having the kiddos begin to get restless.

As we sailed back in to the harbour, I felt the usual conflicting emotions that always come over me after an on-water experience. The gratitude for the truly exceptional privilege of getting time out at sea in glorious conditions is always tempered with a tinge of sadness that it’s all over.

The good news of course is that, thanks to the determined efforts of conservationists and ethical tourism operators alike, we can just climb aboard another day, and do it all again…

With thanks to Doug, Bec and the entire Whalesong Cruises crew for welcoming us and looking after us all so thoroughly. If you’re keen to have your own unique whale watching experience, go to whalesong.com.au or call 07 4125 6222 for bookings and further info.

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WI SE WOR D S

by Kerrie Alexander

“I wanted to just spread the word to people about what was going on and work out how we could preserve this unique and wonderful species”

SPIRIT OF A DINGO WHISPERER R

ight from the beginning of Jennifer Parkhurst’s life there was an undeniable passion and spiritual connection with animals.

Her parents witnessed her very first steps at a wildlife park while trying to chase an emu, she tells me with a laugh.

Now, 54, the Rainbow Beach resident is known widely as the Dingo Whisperer of K’gari (Fraser Island) and Naibar Wongari Yeeran (Our sister dingo woman) to the Butchulla Woppaburra clan of K’gari.

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Jennifer is the Vice President of the Save Dingoes Fraser Island advocacy group and is the president of the National Dingo Preservation and Recovery Program.

She is the author of two very successful books including ‘Vanishing Icon: The Fraser Island Dingo’ and ‘The Butchulla First Nations People of Fraser Island (K’Gari) and their dingoes’, with two more works in the pipeline.

The Australian Wildlife Protection Council Conservation Award went to Jennifer in 2012 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the preservation and

protection of Australian native wildlife.

Her journey to this point is incredible!

Jennifer has a long history with fine arts including both painting and photography, starting at the age of 13 by winning her first major portraiture award.

She took her first trip into the outback at 18, and subsequently formed a deep love for dingoes and began a life of traveling Australia.

“Mum and dad used to take me to wildlife parks all the time and see the dingoes in the enclosures and I soon developed a passion for them,” Jennifer said.

“When I got older, I extensively travelled around Australia and went in search of the elusive dingo.

“I was at the Mundi Mundi Plains in South Australia sitting by the fire when this girl (dingo) came up and just sat behind me.

“It’s been a very spiritual journey, right from the start.

“When she came up behind me the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I felt her presence.”

Originally from Melbourne, Jennifer’s adventures led her to working on whale-watching and dolphin watching vessels, photographing marine mammals and the maritime industry in New South Wales.

She made the move to Rainbow Beach in 2001 to fulfill her passion for photographing and studying Australia’s native dog and it was there that she discovered K’gari.

That was the end of that story and the start to her journey as an “accidental activist”.

She spent the better part of eight years, every day, on the beaches and in the bush of K’gari learning everything she could about the most unique strain of dingo on the eastern seaboard.

She took over 600 photos a day. There are thousands of photos in her extensive collection, many of which will be seen for the first time in her upcoming books.

“It was first just about photographing them but once I became part of the pack and realised how important the pack social structure was, I realised we can’t be killing the dingoes just because they have stolen someone’s backpack.

“I couldn’t stand by and watch this happen.

“As time went on, I didn’t mean to, but I became a voice for the dingo.

“The passion just drove me and drove me. I went there in all sorts of conditions cyclones and pouring rain.

“I was just in love with them and still am.”

Jennifer was obsessed with learning about “the secret life of dingoes”, which is well documented in her books.

“It started around 2003 and I spent seven to eight years with the packs every day, learning what did they do, how did they do it, the pack structure, social structure … I wanted to get to know all these dingoes and see if they would let me integrate into their pack and that’s what happened.

“I went to Fraser Island and started searching around, learning territories, and meeting the dingoes.

“They were often surprised when they saw me in their secret places,” she laughed.

“There was never any aggression. I sat there quietly with my camera and the only noise would be the click of the shutter while taking the photos and they became used to me.

“Eventually it did get to the stage where they did integrate me into the pack and gave me a role into the pack social structure, which was just amazing.

“It was almost like I was another dingo.”

Available data estimates that K’gari is home to around 19 stable dingo packs occupying a defined territory,

each pack containing approximately three individuals.

Jennifer’s findings surrounding the pack’s social structure was fascinating!

She said the pack would howl together on sunrise then go about their day guarding the boundary and hunting, as well as being cheeky stealing what they could from campers.

They also have a special greeting ceremony.

“It’s the most awesome thing to see,” she said.

“If they’ve been away for five hours or five minutes, when they see each other, they greet each other with muzzle rubbing and face licking.

“If I was to get down on my hands and knees, they would greet me the same way.”

Another admired characteristic, Jennifer said, was their selflessness.

“They adopted other dingo pups if needed and raised them and would self-sacrifice to keep their pack alive … I saw that so often and that’s the most amazing characteristic of the dingo that I know of.”

Jennifer no longer spends time on the island but believes her findings did make a difference in the conservation of the iconic animal.

“The dingo has been persecuted in Australia ever since white man came along and I also saw persecution of the dingo on the island.

“When I was in the bush, I could see the results of some of the interference that was happening to them, like the ear tagging.

“So, I wanted to just spread the word to people about what was going on and work out how we could preserve this unique and wonderful species.

“Some friends and I formed a group called Save Fraser Island Dingoes and through that group we did a heck of a lot of lobbying, got scientists involved and academics.

“Ear tagging is still being done but it’s being done a different way and no longer on three-month old puppies.

“The puppies were being hazed and as far as I know that has now stopped.

“We have funded academics to do research on K’gari including population studies, and genetic diversity.

“We’re still working hard to keep an eye on things and making sure that the dingoes are a healthy and happy population.”

Jennifer said the bond she formed with the dingoes is something she will always treasure.

“Those seven years were just so special.

“I believe the dingoes are the spirit and soul of K’gari.”

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COMMUNI TY CONN E CT I O N

by Kerrie Alexander

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and start howling to hurry you along quicker,” she said with a laugh.

“Everybody that does meet our dingoes love it!

“We like to offer experiences to people over the age of 16, the chance to do it, so they get a better understanding of these gorgeous animals.

“To meet them up close and to teach them as much as possible about them because they do have a bad repour with some people, but I like to show them that they are truly amazing creatures.”

The sanctuary is a beautiful space for these animals to call home and there’s no doubt that they are spoiled from the volunteers and visitors alike.

N

estled in the quiet bush area of Maryborough West is a sanctuary that is home to about 300 animals, great and small.

A dedicated band of passionate wildlife advocates formed The Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary Inc. about nine years ago to ensure the future of the sanctuary and its inhabitants including dingoes, kangaroo’s, wallabies, Rufous Bettongs, Emus, Wedge Tail Eagle, a wide range of parrots and reptiles.

The sanctuary is set on 15 acres of bushland on Mungar Road with sparse flora and fauna, and a very warm and welcoming atmosphere.

It’s certainly not quiet however, with the talking cockatoos quick to show off by saying hello and giving a little dance as you start the tour around the property.

The not-for-profit organisation is run solely by its selfless volunteers including curator and secretary Jessikah Hockey.

The Maryborough resident has walked through the gates of the wildlife haven five days a week for the past seven years simply for the love of the animals.

You can see her passion for giving these animals - many who have been rescued - the best life possible.

You can take a stroll through the building where a diverse range of snakes live and learn about their eating habits and habitat. Snake experiences are also available where you can wrap a black headed python around your neck, if you dare!

Guests are encouraged to buy a bag of food at reception and feed the kangaroos and wallabies as you make your way around the park.

This is a great experience for the little wildlife warriors of the family.

Feel the smooth skin on the blue tongue lizard, visit the turtles and see how many parrots will have a chat to you.

Guests are also welcome to host a small gathering at the park with use of the barbecue for $5. Group discounts apply if you have a group of 10 people or more.

Jessika said by taking the family for a fun day out at the sanctuary for a small entry fee, you are helping to keep these beloved animals safe and sound.

It costs around $10,000 a month to pay for the food, bills, enclosure maintenance and equipment maintenance and purchase.

“As we are a not-for-profit charity the only income we get is from the customers that come through our doors and donations.

“All proceeds go back into the animals, feed, medical, enrichment and upkeep.”

“I grew up around native wildlife and animals, I just couldn’t imagine my life without having them in it,” Jessikah said.

“Working with animals is my ultimate dream and when I walk through the door, and I know that these animals are being cared for by an amazing team of volunteers who try their absolute best to gives the animals the love and care that they truly deserve.

“Knowing at the end of the day that they are happy and healthy, you know you have done right.

“And they appreciate everything you do for them.”

Jessikah has formed a special relationship with many of the animals over the years including the kangaroos and wallabies, and especially the cheeky dingoes.

As an iconic Australian species, the chance to observe a dingo up close at the sanctuary is an exciting opportunity.

“All proceeds go back into the animals, feed, medical, enrichment and upkeep.”

“A lot (of the animals) do have their own quirks, but the dingoes in particular put more of a show on for you.

“Spirit, our white dingo, loves her food and if you are not quick enough for her liking she will come and jump on you

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15

BEYOND THE PORTRA I T

by Russ Benning

LOVE STORY WITH A SLITHERY TWIST 16

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A

s an Australian man I’d say my baseline comfortability with creepy crawlies and deadly creatures is quite high. If I were to give you my least favourite - it’s going to the serpentine family.

As a musician and extreme sports fan, Drew Godfrey’s baseline comfortability with being on film is quite high.

When I called to arrange a time to meet, I discovered his least favourite, is having his picture taken with a big cheesy smile.

Interesting place to begin an interview/portrait session with a snake catcher, no?

Meeting Drew and his lovely wife Katie for the first time, we quickly found common ground.

Being from a similar vintage we broke bread on discussions of roller-blades vs skateboards as we eased into how the Hervey Bay Snake Catchers came to be.

As I gained my bearing, I started noticing my fauna laden environment.

The first and most eager introduction was Otis; an adorable and warm ‘person’ trapped in a bulldog’s body.

Katie told me he was one of us, and I understood fully when we returned from our photo session to Otis’ look of disbelief and rejection. Sorry buddy! Next time you’ll be in the photos!

Next spot, also to come up in conversation, was Malcolm who is a rescue possum soon to be released.

Watching TV with the kids from his perch on the back of the sofa was also Tiny the spotted dove.

As we continued to converse it became clear that animals and conservation have always been a passion of Drew’s.

Obtaining his handlers licence and taking a chance on making this his part time job he quickly realised it was “way better than what I was doing before”, referring to a cleaning job he had when he first moved to Stanthorpe, Queensland.

His passion was clear to me when I asked how many species of snake they had in their home and he announced “23”, pulling from his pocket a crumpled piece of paper with scrawled blue pen. Was it there as a prompt for the wildlife show they had done that morning, or does he carry it in every active pair of pants? I choose to believe the latter …

Conversely, Katie was “petrified” of snakes after she stepped on an eastern brown snake in her home, also in Stanthorpe, alerting her neighbours via a primal scream.

She decided to friend request Drew when he moved to town, her reasoning: “He could be my hero if I ever step on another snake!” Drew sees the opportunity and slides into her DM’s, opening with a “goofy” message (her words!), to initiate the conversation. Boldly accompanying her new beau on several call outs, Katie started to trust Drew’s passion and understanding of these creatures.

Fast forward four years and they’re engaged to wed, with their matching work shirts talking to a man about their move to Hervey Bay. I thought it was so bizarre that two people who came from the Central Coast, NSW would end up living and then

meeting in Stanthorpe, having never met before! There was a pause in the conversation and an awkward look between our two heroes. “Tell me!” I probed.

Drew went on to tell me the story about how they had actually met at an underage concert, back on the Central Coast, when he was just 16!

“She gave me her number and everything, but I was too much of a wuss to call,” Drew said.

“I couldn’t do this without her”, he said, referencing the successful snake and wildlife handling business. Later in the photo session we discussed the yin/yang dynamic that makes this so.

We decide not to take Tom, Darrell, or Marvin (Lowlands Copperhead, Tiger and Western Brown Snakes respectively) with us to the park for the photo shoot.

Instead opting for Lesley and Beau (Spotted Python and Water Python).

I felt taking two sweetheart constrictors, instead of three out of 10 most deadly snakes in Australia was more aligned. I was correct in assuming the ‘person up the street’ names were to put people at ease!

Deciding to be a little show stealer, Beau decided to channel belt energy, weaving himself through Katie’s belt loop! The unexpected (and not before seen party trick) sending Drew on a highspeed sprint back to the house to return, definitely not running with scissors, across a road to come to the rescue. In the meantime, Lesley decided to take a look around the park, almost escaping into the wilderness.

So far so good for the shoot!

Completely unaffected neighbours strolled by, updating the status of their previously sick Bearded Dragons and continuing about their business. Welcome to Queensland, Australia people.

Maybe due to snake shenanigans, maybe due to Katie’s presence or maybe due to earlier rapport building, the photo shoot seemed to slip under Drew’s awkward radar, and he was a great model.

After seeing a very different side to these slithering beauties I summoned some apparently effortless courage to ask to hold the big guy. Yeah, I’m as surprised as you are! As the air temperature dropped and the excitement of our excursion tapered, the stunning Water Python wrapped himself around my arms and found level. Drew showed me how to make my arms into a supportive structure and understand how this replicated branches of a tree. Offering to take a picture we all laughed about the plot twist that had me, the snake handler and Drew, the photographer!

Enriched by the experience, I realised I had overcome a fear and helped someone become more comfortable in an unpreferred environment and made some new friends (skinned, feathered, furred, and scaled).

Maybe I’m attracted to love stories with a twist. Maybe it’s men that won’t be photographed without their comfort hat. Maybe it’s much more than that. Whatever it is I’m so grateful for your support so far and grateful for you joining me on this journey of art and growth.

If you’d like to learn more about Russ or see more of his work head to: www.russbenningphotography.com or @russbenningphotography on Instagram.

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17

LOCA L A RTI ST

by April Spadina

@AprilSpadinaArt

WILD INSPIRATION SUE SHEPPARD

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T

he Australian spirit has always been symbolised by its laid-back, easy-going nature and it’s not hard to imagine the native animals joining in with the relaxed and happy lifestyle.

It is this spirit that wildlife artist Sue Sheppard captures when she creates art in her Graham’s Creek country home.

Cheeky kookaburras, flabbergasted emus and muscular kangaroos are ever present in Sue’s drawings, and they arrive on the paper with a very healthy dose of humour.

Sue’s talents are multi-facetted, and she is a sharer of her skills. Her studio is often a hub of creativity with workshops and gatherings, artists coming together to create clay sculptures, mosaics, and paintings. Her home is her studio workshop, and she shares it with a menagerie of Australian animals in many shapes and forms, from her kooky clay emus and delicate sugar gliders to her intricate pencil drawings, and brightly coloured paintings there is wildlife whimsy in every corner. Her artworks are reproduced on merchandise that she sells in local markets and outlets.

Until recently it wasn’t unusual for Sue to take up to 70 hours to complete a hyper-realistic bird drawing, but then she discovered the joy of “whimsy” and hasn’t looked back!

Her drawings are still highly detailed and take many, many hours to complete, whilst wearing strong magnifying glasses and using needle sharp pencils, but the laid-back

vibe and sense of humour in her art is evident.

Her kind nature and adoration of wildlife is expressed in her philanthropic ways, a percentage of every sale going to the local wildlife rescue and animal refuge, and over the last couple of years she has helped raise over $9,000 through fundraising events!

Earlier this year Sue received some surprising news after taking a DNA test to determine her ancestry. The results showed Sue’s linage included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and suddenly she has connected with a history that is new, but strangely comfortable to her.

It explains her wild mass of soft curls and her love for Australian wildlife, and strangely a painting she did just prior to her discovery, which has a very distinctive indigenous feel. It just fits with Sue and has led her to unite with family she didn’t know existed until now.

As Sue reflects on this new and exciting element of her life, she sits at her drawing table and sips at her tea, the light spills through the old windows and filters into the room, dappling on the vintage dishes and jugs on the kitchen ledges. She picks up a pencil and starts to draw and the gumtrees and possums are once again brought to life, and just for one brief moment … she is sure she hears a kookaburra laughing at a flabbergasted emu.

Facebook: Sue’s Zoo –Mobile: 0428 181 577

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19

LO CA L MUSI CI A N

DOGWOOD CROSSING

What/who are your musical influences?

Do you write your own songs?

As a kid I grew up listening to so many different artists and genres, but when I hit high school, I fell in love with Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Crash Test Dummies and Nirvana.

Yes we write our own songs, we released our first album ‘Fear of Change’ in 2011 and our second Album “ Hear, Lies, Freedom” in 2014 achieving a number 1,2 and 4 on Triple J charts giving us the opportunity to tour around Queensland until covid hit.

Favourite line from a song?

Too many to choose from but my favourite song lyrics are Bob Seger - Hollywood Nights.

What instruments do you play?

Didgeridoo, tambourine and recorder.

We are currently working on releasing a new single in the next few months and will hopefully be touring again by January 2023.

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

Main stage at any of Australia’s Music Festivals and the Tivoli in fortitude Valley. @dogwoodcrossing For bookings: dogwood12@bigpond.com

20

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21

HOME PROJECT

by Kim Harris

NATIVE GARDEN MAKEOVER A

ustralian wildlife love Australian flora so why not make your garden into a beautiful oasis that will undoubtedly bring joy to you and the local wildlife. Attract bees, birds, frogs, and wildlife into your garden using native plants and techniques.

In the 1970s natives were all the rage, they declined in popularity 90’s/00’s but thankfully the Aussie garden is again on trend. Natives have been grafted by expert horticulturist to formulate smaller dwarf varieties of natives which were often too big for the suburban yard.

Make your functional garden a piece of living art pick a variety of foliage colours and ground covers.

Compliment with a statement piece like a large piece of stone, bird bath or sculpture.

In this edition of Alive Magazine, I transformed a suburban front garden from lack lustre hedges, weeds, and bushes into a Biome Australian Native Garden

and Frog Pond. Drawing inspiration from the riverbank, desert, outback, and Australian bush. I incorporated a pond to attract local frogs, insects and lizards.

Bees pollinate flowers & food, making wax & honey.

Super important insects for humanities survival. One out of every three mouthfuls of food depend on the pollination efforts of our bee they pollinate 90% of wild crops and about 70% of all global crops.

Native Birds enjoy feasting on nectar and seeds from native plants. Much like farmers, they spread seeds & continue the germination cycle, vital players in the global ecosystem. Birds do their bit by turning the soil, seedling deposits and keeping pests and rodents under control.

Enough about the birds and the bees … let’s talk about the flowers and the trees!

After 22

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Before

Preparation is key

Pull out any big roots systems, weeds, and debris.

Cultivated the soil: Turning over with pitchfork, aerating, promoting drainage.

Dig, mix, turn in suitable fertilizer and soil conditioner.

Topcoat/Ground Cover: For this project we wanted to create a sectional muti dimensional biome.

-Applied: Thick layer of outback bark, river stone pebbles, sandstone crusher dust, sugarcane mulch.

-Gypsum and/or sand will assist in drainage and break clay -Apply Water Crystals if soil is dry and lacking water retention -Native Garden Bush Feed/Fertilizer

• Dig a hole 3 times the size of your potted plant.

• Fill with water, add any nutrients and hose in additional water to mix

The Plan

Make clever plant choices that allow your garden to have flushes of colour and flowers in every season, all year round.

Australian flora is typically vibrant, textured, drought tolerant, and generally hardy (once established).

• Native plants

• Edibles for YOU + BIRDS & BEES

• Kangaroo Paw (My Must Have)

• Allow hole to drain

• Open out root system, no need to be gentle • Plant your native in a suitable spot • Backfill with soil

• Cover with topper of your choice

• Water well. Keep up daily watering for a week or two

Worms: Look out for garden worms as they indicate a healthy patch. Friend not foe.

• Sandstone crusher dust

• Steppingstones (seal coat x2 applied before laying) • Rusty, bendable sectional dividers (Oxy Shield) • Frog pond with wetland plants

• Community Herb Garden - providing free herbs to those passing by • Biome design – incorporating various qualities of the Australian landscape

Sketch it out: Feature multiple height levels, various textures of materials, complimentary colour scheme to home.

Think about sizing: Shrubs, ground cover plants, trees. Don’t get plants that don’t won’t suit your garden space when they grow larger.

Research plants that suit your geographic location, soil type, sun exposure, water usage.

Chat with the Nursery: good nurseries love helping customers find the right plants.

Absolutely read the planting guide tag for adequate sizing, sun, water requirements are so important for success.

Drainage: Many Native plants struggle or die of root rot (soggy feet) if they don’t have adequate drainage. Keep this in mind when selecting plants.

@messyzen @diykimi

Project Plants:

• Kangaroo Paw x 3 • Mulla Mulla

• Banksia Tree

• Leptospermum Dwarf Red Tea Tree x 3 • Grevillea Lilliane

• Grevillea New Blood • Native Rice Flower • Mini Mondo Grass

• Velvet Leaf Wattle

• Salt Marsh Rush Grass • Sweet Basil • Sage

• Native Bush Thyme

Spring is the perfect time to create your own wildlife haven or community herb garden, head on down to Hervey Bay Garden Centre 132 Scrub Hill Road, Dundowran for all your native plant, fertilizer, potting mix and landscaping supplies.

@messyzenart

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23

FRASER COAST’S

Whale Season 2022 WHALE WATCHING GUIDE

If you are spending your holiday in Hervey Bay during the Winter months of July and

November, take the opportunity for a once in a lifetime chance to see majestic Humpback whales up close and personal.

Along with the Humpback whales, which can often be spotted from the beach, you can

enjoy delicious fresh fish with ocean views, stroll along Urangan’s Pier or take a trip over to the beautiful K’gari (Fraser Island). Make sure you book your whale watching from these fantastic cruises.

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Affectionately know locally as “The Rainbow Boat” the Amaroo is The Boat Club’s dedicated cruise vessel, offering a range of year-round cruises, including a world-class half-day whale watch.

Recently refitted for 2022, the Amaroo is a fast and stable (low-motion) vessel, perfectly suited for navigating the waters of Platypus Bay in comfort. Their ‘Whale Watch Cruise’ guarantees sightings*, includes a discount on dining at The Boat Club, and courtesy transfers.

You can also enjoy a tranquil ‘Twilight Cruise’ aboard the Amaroo this whale season, watching the sunset over Hervey Bay with a complimentary beverage and light bites, the perfect appetiser for your evening ahead.

www.boatclubadventurecruises.com.au Phone 07 4197 8766

Freedom Whale Watch offers an Eco-Accredited full day tour from 9:30am to 4pm daily from mid July to late October in the calm waters between Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.

Delicious morning tea of Profiteroles and hot scones, jam and cream is served on the way to the whale watching area. Tasty plated lunch, hot chicken wings, two cold meats, three salads and warm rolls is served with whales playing nearby in Platypus Bay. Educational whale commentary from highly experienced skipper during the day.

Afternoon tea of fresh fruit and cheese platters is available on the return trip to the marina.

www.freedomwhalewatch.com.au Phone 1300 879 960

Best half-day Humpback Whale Watching in Hervey Bay. This experience in Hervey Bay’s calm waters is like no other in Australia. On board Whalesong, you can relax and enjoy the entire experience as the crew look after you and your family’s and friends’ needs. As the only 1/2 day tour operator to include meals (Lunch on Extended Morning cruise and Dinner on Afternoon + Sunset cruise), all you need to do is come onboard and let us take care of the rest.

Whalesong is a wheelchair accessible boat and is dedicated to sustainable and enjoyable experiences. With flexible cancellation policies, it makes sense to book your spot now. Guaranteed whale watching commences July 16th. Book directly with us, using promo code: Alive22, and you’ll receive spending credit on the boat.

www.whalesong.com.au Phone (07) 4125 6222

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25

Saturday 13 August 10am–5pm Seafront Oval, Hervey Bay

herveybayseafoodfestival.com.au 26

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L O C A L E VENT

HERVEY BAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL I

f a day full of soulful blues and bubbly jazz performances, crisp craft beers, unique regional wines and the finest arrangement of fresh Australian seafood sounds like a Saturday well-spent to you, then does the Fraser Coast have a treat for you!

The highly anticipated Hervey Bay Seafood Festival returns to Seafront Oval in Hervey Bay on Saturday, 13th August for a full day of enjoyment with gates opening from 10am–5pm.

Packed with an array of mouth-watering fresh seafood from Australian providers, a selection of the best regional breweries, distilleries and wineries and a star-studded line-up of live entertainment that will have you dancing and singing all day, the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival 2022 is a must on this year’s event calendar.

Whilst you graze your way across the various seafood options, visit the Boat Harbour Fisheries marquee to get your hands on succulent shell-on prawns and other tasty morsels. Taste the difference with freshly shucked oysters available from the team at Odyssey Bistro.

Your entertainment options include the likes of punchy Brisbane group ‘August River Band.’ A five-piece instrumental, the band brings together a juxtaposed

fusion of genre bending sounds, so unique you must see it to believe it!

Along with Rosa Mack, the perfect mix of Etta James meets Amy Winehouse meets Alabama Shakes; the Slips & The F.W’s are returning to Seafront Oval with their New Orleans style jazz, blues, swing and ragtime band; and the Pacific Belles with their 1940’s inspired singing trio will be roaming the festival, ready to entertain you from your seat.

READY TO PURCHASE TICKETS?

Head to herveybayseafoodfestival.com.au Pre-sale adult tickets start from $10.

We look forward to seeing you down by Hervey Bay’s foreshore for a fun filled day in the winter sun!

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27

Fraser Coast

INDUSTRY & CAREERS SHOWCASE

October 12, 2022 10am – 6pm, Maryborough Showgrounds

DISCOVER YOUR NEW CAREER AND FIND THE PATHWAY TO GET THERE. • Connecting employers and trainers with today’s jobseekers and tomorrow’s workforce • Live demonstrations, hands-on experiences and opportunities to chat to industry experts

Interested in exhibiting your business or organisation at the showcase?

Register for FREE here:

• Featuring sectors including manufacturing, defence, health and emergency services, agriculture and education

www.jobsfrasercoast.com.au/industry-showcase 28

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C A REER

Local careers in focus at innovative jobs showcase

W

hen you hear the phrase “careers showcase”, you could probably be forgiven for picturing rows of booths and banners, fistfuls of pamphlets, and plenty of overwhelmed young faces as the confusing prospect of choosing a future career looms large.

representatives, ask questions, maybe dispel some myths and find out the pathway to get there.”

Taking place on October 12 at the Maryborough Showgrounds, this exciting new expo aims to bring employers and trainers together with jobseekers of all ages, with a view not just to filling vacancies now but also to building future careers and workforces.

“Finding a job or career that’s the right fit for you is so important to building your self-worth and good mental health,” Emma said.

The Fraser Coast Industry and Careers Showcase is not that event.

Among the enthusiastic participants in the showcase will be Urangan State High School Link and Launch coordinator Emma Amor, whose mission is to connect young people with training, study and work options after finishing school, particularly if doors aren’t immediately opening for them.

The indoor-outdoor event will feature live and interactive demonstrations, hands-on experiences and give attendees the chance to chat to local industry experts for a real-world take on roles across a wide range of sectors.

“I see this showcase as a great opportunity for both students and parents to see what’s out there locally, find out what you have to do to get there – whether it’s a forklift ticket, a course, or some other skills or learning – and meet some influential people you might not ordinarily get the chance to talk to.

The one-stop employment shop is the brainchild of the Fraser Coast Regional Jobs Committee, which is funded by the Queensland Government and has the weighty task of supporting the growth and development of a strong, capable and skilled workforce in the region.

Committee chair Michelle Hay, who is also head of University of Sunshine Coast’s Fraser Coast campus, said the team behind the showcase hoped it would become a pivotal part of the annual calendar and continue to build a sustainable local economy.

“We see aspiration-building as one of our key roles, so it was important for us to think big with this event too,” Michelle said.

“We still have higher than average unemployment in this region, but at the same time there are a lot of jobs available that employers are struggling to fill.

“There are exciting opportunities that some people might not know about or have considered before, and jobseekers will have the chance to chat to industry

“We’ll be telling our kids to go along with their resumes in hand and show these employers what they’ve got.”

Michelle said while students and school leavers would be a strong focus of the showcase, the event was open to jobseekers of all ages – and she encouraged people to come along, whether they were returning to the workforce after a break, looking for a career change or just looking for inspiration.

“Employers have never been so flexible,” she said.

“There are options such as job sharing, flexible hours and working remotely. Employers are trying to appeal to segments of the community they’ve never previously appealed to.

“So not only do we want this showcase to help grow our own workforce, we also want to change perceptions both of employers and jobseekers of what’s possible when you think outside the box.”

For more information about the event, head to jobsfrasercoast.com.au/industry-showcase.

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29

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BEHIND THE SCENES OF DUNGA

DU N GA DERB Y

by Kerrie Alexander

A

bout 55 Dunga Derby teams have returned victorious from four days of climbing hills and navigating water crossings, driving through sand, mud and the dustiest of dirt roads in mostly sedans that were most definitely not made for the rally.

way to keep him strong,” Jess said.

Since the inaugural event in 2015, the Dunga Derby has raised over $1.8 million which to date has gone to support over 146 Fraser Coast individuals or families through Rally for a Cause.

Mum Robyn couldn’t be more grateful to Rally for a Cause and the teams who make a donation like this possible.

The incredibly hard-working teams have raised over $300,000 this year with more support still trickling in.

This is the reason that entrants not so much take part in the rally, but spend countless hours volunteering to host gala balls, comedy nights, bowls days, bus trips, high teas, raffles, and so much more throughout the year.

They give up their time to ensure that Fraser Coast locals doing it tough through sickness, disability, or death, have support in their greatest time of need.

The dunga itself, which was held from July 28 to 31, is a reward for the team’s hard work and an opportunity to let their hair down.

This is the reason these teams do what they do!

Meet seven-year-old Bryce who is one of RFAC’s 2022 recipients.

Bryce was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the highest care level possible.

RFAC Operations Manager Jess Lane said Bryce has several other disabilities and barriers, but one was able to be managed with a specially designed bicycle which was recently funded by Rally for a Cause.

“Having the bike means that he no longer needs to have a hip surgery because he is able to exercise safely, in a fun

“When children have multiple disabilities, every surgery brings extra risks and worries so being able to avoid a surgery is a major major win!

“Bryce’s family tried a number of avenues to get the bicycle funded and faced barriers every time, but this is where Rally for a Cause was able to contribute and help.”

“A thank you is not enough for you good people making this happen for him,” Robyn said.

“It’s going to be the most used item he has. The benefits that this exercise will give him is literally life changing for him.

“This has saved him from having to have intense physio to work his muscles and correct his hip size difference and the need for a full hip replacement in the future.

“And it’s enjoyable for him instead of the tears I have to watch when he doesn’t want to do physio as it’s not fun being pushed and pulled even though it’s for his benefit.

“Bryce finally has something he can do as independently as possible and feel like he’s a normal child out enjoying his trike ride.

“If you are anywhere out along the Esplanade and you’re a part of Dunga Derby, please come and say hi to us as we will be out and about enjoying the sunshine and the exercise on the trike!

“Again, a huge thank you from Bryce and myself.”

The 2022 Dunga Derby was held from July 28 to 31.

To find out more about Rally for a Cause or to donate, visit rallyforacause.org.au.

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31

FA SHI ON

by Kate Manley

Wonderful whale season

H

ervey Bay is rightly proud of becoming the world’s first certified Whale Heritage site.

From July until the end of October, the whale watching season is in full swing creating enormous interest with locals and visitors all enjoying the privilege of ‘up close and personal’ encounters with these magnificent creatures. Having an art gallery in Hervey Bay for almost a decade now, Ashleigh Manley has been drawn (no pun intended) to produce many artworks of these gentle giants, from large originals, through limited edition prints and reproductions prints.

He has many more artworks depicting local wildlife, including Fraser Island dingoes, turtles, pelicans and the very bright and noisy rainbow lorikeets. Make time this season to enjoy all that this wondrous part of Queensland has to offer.

1.

‘Whale Splash’ - limited edition, hand signed print. Image size: 30cms x 46cms.

2.

‘Pelicans’ - limited edition, hand signed print.

Image size: 69cms x 50cm

3.

‘Big tail out” - limited edition, hand signed print.

Image size: 38cms x 25cms.

4.

‘Lorikeet party’ - limited edition, hand signed silk screen print. Image size: 39cms x 30cms.

5.

‘Dingo step’ - reproduction print. Image size: 16cms x 13cms.

6.

Lorikeet 100% cotton tee shirt - Size: Large

7.

100% cotton singlets. Sizes: Medium& Large.

2 designs: -‘Whale tail breach’ and ‘3 pelicans’.

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SK I N C ARE

SWITCH TO CHEMICAL FREE

H

ere at Mineral Earth, we pride ourselves not only on the quality of treatment we provide, but also the high standard of products we recommend.

We invest in our partners with two things in mind: The high level efficacy of the product, and importantly the ethos behind the product. Inika, Medik8, Payot and Waterlilly all have a strong stance against animal testing and not only will they never test products on animals – neither do their suppliers nor any third parties.

Inika don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law. They are a truly cruelty-free brand, and we love that!

When I was first looking for a makeup brand to stock in clinic, Inika stood out to me for a few different reasons.

They were Australian, organic, vegan, and had a great ethos behind their brand.

As a dermal clinician, looking after and treating skin is my top priority. One thing I struggled with regarding recommending make up was how many chemicals most makeup brands contain.

How could I recommend any make-up that took away from everything I was trying to fix and prevent in a clients skin to only be covered up by the same problem causing

by Kirsty Chenery

@mineralearthhb

the conditions? Think blocked pores, skin ageing, breakouts and those annoying lumps and bumps (I struggled with these exact skin conditions for years before I found chemical free makeup).

Inika believe it is important to know what you are putting on your skin, which is why they pride themselves on creating a 100% natural product that is effective and completely free of synthetics. Inika is the highest certified beauty brand worldwide!

My favourite product from Inika, that I just can’t live without is their Liquid Foundation. It contains Hyaluronic acid (a humectant that actually binds moisture to your skin!) Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Kakadu Plum extract and Avocado Oil. This bomb of a combination all works together to reduce breakouts, soften and plump dehydrated skin and heal inflammation. You couldn’t ask for more from your make up!

If you would like to know more about this stunning makeup or even better, try it for yourself we offer free colour matches and consultations at Mineral Earth.

You can also pick up a trial pack for only $19 that includes a primer, liquid foundation, loose mineral powder and BB cream. Do your skin and our wildlife a favour and switch to chemical free, cruelty free makeup today!

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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

S TYL E ME ROXY

by Roxanne Spies

@hey_posy

LET YOUR CREATIVITY OUT TO PLAY

Photos by Roxanne Spies

I

f you’re keen to live out your creative dreams (I mean, who isn’t?) and learn something new, you can’t go past DIY WORKSHOPS! They’re the perfect way to carve out some creative me-time, reconnect with your hands, get social and just have a little fun. It’s easy to see why these group workshops are such a growing trend right now. But the best part? Getting to style your home with something beautiful YOU made *chefs kiss*!

Fraser Coast, it’s time to get your workshop on!

More and more opportunities to get your workshop on are popping up around the Fraser Coast. My own passion for flowers, whilst always there, was really ignited at a flower-crown making workshop about seven years ago. So, it’s safe to say I’m a big fan.

Ready to get creating?

Here’s just a few of the local small businesses who can scratch that DIY itch for you. No matter your skill level, all these workshops will have you feeling empowered and leave you with your hands cradling a stunning, stylish piece of art to take home.

Do something for yourself and go it solo, grab a friend, or get a private or corporate group together. You won’t regret it.

Photo by Jessica Gunn Pottery Love

Get your hands dirty with the beautiful Billi, local pottery-queen from VDW Pottery, at her home-based workshop in Maryborough. This amazing business offers wheel-throwing and hand building classes, either as one offs or four-week courses. I love!

Learn more about VDW Pottery here: https://vdwpottery.square.site/ @vdwpottery

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Bubbles & Ink

Need a piece of art for your living room wall? I promise Amber, from Amber Fisher Art, will blow you away with what you can create at her Bubbles & Ink events, where participants enjoy sipping on cocktail while creating an A3 sized alcohol ink painting. This style of art is stunning!

Learn more about Amber Fisher Art here: https://amberfisher.com.au/ @amberfisherart

Photos by Roxanne Spies

Flower Power

If fresh or dried blooms are your thing, Hey Posy has got you covered. From wreaths, vase arranging, bouquet-making and more, Hey Posy hosts small-group workshops monthly and books private and corporate workshops at their studio in Torquay. We’ll have your house brimming with statement floral pieces in no time!

Learn more about Hey Posy here:

Photo by Amber Fisher

https://heyposy.com/ @hey_posy

Dried & Fresh Flowers.

Gifts.

Workshops.

Weddings & Events.

Shop 3, 470 The Esplanade TORQUAY

(Entrance on Witt St.)

www.heyposy.com

Wed-Fri 9am-4:30pm Sat 9am-1pm Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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37

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DID SOMEONE SAY UPGRADE? U pgrading your car is super exciting! And let’s face it, it generally isn’t a cheap thing to do. There are so many decisions to make along the way. When deciding to buy a new vehicle or a used vehicle there are a few things to consider. When buying a new vehicle, a lender will view this as more of a low-risk transaction and you will receive a more competitive interest rate on your car loan.

When buying used the interest rate will generally be higher and even higher again if you are buying from a private seller.

There are many things to consider when buying a vehicle. New vehicles come with warranty, some up to 10 years which is a bonus if maintenance and repairs will be a big outlay for you in the future. If buying used, keep in mind you can transfer warranty and maintenance into your name, so it still applies to you if you buy a car privately.

There is an age old saying that when you purchase a new car it drops in value the second you drive it out of the showroom, but we have seen changes in the recent car market where second hand Land Cruisers are selling for more than they were purchased for new.

SM A RT M O N E Y

by Kodie Axelsen

@cofinancecompany

The wait for new cars has driven up the price of used cars and created a supply and demand issue. This is definitely something to consider when purchasing your next car. You may be willing to wait for new one or you may require a vehicle quickly and cannot sustain the six-month wait time therefore have to buy used.

It is helpful to let them know you are financing the vehicle and the payment process may take slightly longer than if you were paying cash. If dealing with a broker likes us, we will deal directly with the seller.

Buying new can also satisfy your need for upgraded technology in your vehicle and better safety ratings. You gain warranty, maintenance packages and all of these costs including your stamp duty can be financed into your loan to make for streamline process from start to finish. There are a lot of pros to purchasing new buy you will “generally”(I say that loosely given the recent car market) pay a higher price for a new vehicle than buying the older model.

So do not fear as we are here! There are background checks that need to be done on the vehicle and the sellers and we will take care of all that process for to make sure your purchase is 100% legitimate and a safe transaction.

Financing a new vehicle is a much easier and cheaper process from a lending perspective. You avoid higher fees, higher interest rates and the larger paper workload.

When choosing to finance a vehicle you are buying privately it is helpful to understand that there are some hoops to jump through with the lenders. There are policy guidelines and private sale conditions that have to be adhered to.

The age of the vehicle will depend on whether it can be financed under a car loan and therefore gain a cheaper interest rate. If the car is too old, you then have the option of a personal loan which is generally a higher interest rate. Due to money laundering laws, there is a list of documents that are required from the seller.

VEHICLE FINANCE

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It is our job to keep them informed through the process to keep the sale running smoothly. No one wants to miss out on their dream car due to a seller misunderstanding of the sometimes-lengthy process, especially if there are cash buyers lined up ready to go behind you.

It is also handy to know that when transferring registration, you will have to pay stamp duty on the vehicle. This cannot be financed in a car loan and will have to be paid for out of pocket.

When using a personal loan to purchase your car you can account for the stamp duty and include this amount in your total loan to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Whether going new or used there are a lot of options out there and there are a lot of things to consider. If you are wanting some guidance on what way would work best for you, please get in touch with our office and we will be more than happy to walk you through the options and the costs associated with them. After all an informed decision will always make the best one!

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39

HALDI DOODH (GOLDEN MILK) Ingredients: 1 Cup Almond Milk

1/8 tsp. Dried Dinger, ground 1/8 tsp. Cinnamon, ground

2 Green Cardamom Pods, slightly crushed 1 tsp. Honey

3/4 tsp. Turmeric, ground

1/4 tsp. Long Pepper, ground Method: • Bring the almond milk to a gentle boil. Add the first grouped ingredients and boil for 2 minutes.

• Turn off and remove from heat to allow the milk to cool down to drinkable temperature.

• Add the long pepper and turmeric and mix well. Only add the honey once it has reached a warm temperature.

GET A GRIP ON

Science!

All students in Year 4 and Year 5 are invited to register for the upcoming activities afternoons inspired by Science week, the St Mary's College Science Ambassadors are designing exciting experiments for all to enjoy.

Be sure to register and visit for 'GET a Grip on Science' held each Wednesday after school between 3.30 - 4.30pm on the 3rd, 10th and 17th August.

Register via the QR code:

Call to book a personal tour or

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H E A L TH H U NT ER

POWERFUL HARIDRA H

aridra (turmeric), is known for its strong yellow colour that denotes its use as a liver herb that is good at drying damp conditions, warming and moving stagnation in the blood. It is a pungent, bitter, and astringent herb with ushna virya (hot potency).

It reduces excess Pitta and works specifically on the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and female reproductive systems.

Haridra helps to promote healthy intestines by reducing pathogenic bacteria and destroying ama (toxins). It has recently been proven to have an affinity for the large intestine and plays a preventative role in bowel cancer. Other clinical trials have proven its efficiency in treating stomach acidity and ulcers.

Its bitter and pungent flavours act on the digestive fire (agni) to nourish the blood and stimulate the formation of new tissue.

It has a stimulant effect on the liver and increases blood flow through the hepatic system. It also increases bile output. This helps dissolve and prevent gallstones. It is traditionally considered a blood purifier and is often used for beautifying the skin and clearing systemic toxaemia: eczema, urticaria, psoriasis, and acne.

It treats inflammation of the joints, alleviates pain, and strengthens the joints and tendons.

From a Western perspective our science is only just starting to confirm what Ayurveda has known and written about for thousands of years.

by Rhian Hunter

@healthhunternaturaltherapies

Chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease.

This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and various degenerative conditions.

Curcumin ( turmerics active compound) targets multiple steps in the inflammatory pathway at the molecular level. Curcumin blocks NF- kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. NF-kB is believed to play a major role in many chronic diseases. In several studies, its potency has been compared favourably to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), but without the side effects.

Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain, such as Alzheimer’s and depression.

It protects the cardiovascular system by lowering serum cholesterol and inhibiting platelet aggregation (prevents the internal blood clots that trigger heart attack and some strokes).

Externally, it helps in drying wounds and lesions, mitigates pain and swellings of wounds, acts as scrub on face & relieves acne vulgaris.

Also helpful in anaemia, atherosclerosis, bursitis, Crohn’s Disease, diabetes, oedema, haemorrhoids, hepatitis, indigestion, inflammation, IBD, jaundice, psoriasis, Rheumatoid arthritis, urinary diseases, wound and bruise healing.

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41

T H E BI G CA TCH

by Andrew Chorley

SNAP UP A FEAST

W

intertime on the Fraser Coast sees some of our best fishing of the year.

Some exciting news also is that from August 15, snapper is back on the agenda after a month-long closed season. Targeting snapper can be very rewarding and we have had a great season on the inshore grounds this year.

Burrum

The Burrum River has been producing some quality bream, along with some big yellow fin whiting. Night has been the best with live yabbies and worms doing the trick.

The run on the bigger tides can be tricky with yabbies so take some worms with you for when the run is at its peak.

Out the front, grunter and snapper have been reported on the Burrum 8-Mile, with live baits working the best. Keep an eye out for mac tuna while traveling out of Burrum they make great baits and are also a ton of fun on light tackle.

We don’t seem to see the run of small chopper tailor like we use to but a quick troll out the front may produce a few along with school mackerel.

Wild Grounds

From the southern gutters beyond, Cobia, red emperor, scarlets, snapper, sweetlip, and cod are the main catches offshore at the moment. Coral trout also have been about along with trevally for some sport. Live and fresh baits are key particularly in August with some of the more tropical reef fish just that little harder to tempt.

Platypus Bay

The whales are now in the bay and care must be taken when travelling. Snapper, school mackerel, longtail tuna and mac tuna can be found throughout Platypus Bay. Snapper have been taking a range of baits, soft plastics and jigs. The moons are always the best time to target snapper so concentrating your efforts around that period will see best results.

Local Grounds

Snapper have been reported on grounds such as the outer banks, Fairway Marker, the artificial reef and the channel hole. A range of techniques has been working successfully with soft plastics a stand out. Sweetlip, blackall, cod and coral trout have also been reported.

Sandy Strait

In the Sandy Strait, bream is a go too for many anglers this time of year. Working the rock bars around River Heads, Big Woody Island, Round Island and the Picnic Islands can turn up some big spawning bream. Jew are also a great target in August with River Heads, the ledges along Fraser Island and deep holes in the Mary River producing. For whiting anglers, night tides have been best and for those putting the pots in muddies are still being reported in reasonable numbers.

Max with a quality queenfish caught in the Great Sandy Straits

Hervey Bay Fly and Sportfishing

www.herveybaysportfishing.com.au 42

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JOEL WEAVER FILMS. Hi, I’m Joel. I’m a passionate storyteller and believe in building stronger communities.

To strengthen our community, I’m offering my professional filmmaking skills as a service exchange to help advertise your business. This can make our community’s economy more dynamic, strengthen relationships and more.

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Instead of paying me in the form of money for my services, you offer me your services/product in return for my video advertising.

I’m a passionate filmmaker new to Hervey Bay.

Each exchange will be different, so if you’re interested, get in touch to find out what our exchange could look like.

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www.JoelWeaverFilms.com.au Email: joelweaver96@gmail.com | Mobile: 0488 488 412 Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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43

LIVING A WILD LIFE W

elcome to August’s Life-Chat.

and it had been 12 years since my beloved dog, Sally, had passed.

It’s a special time for our region as we celebrate the presence of the humpback whales who grace our waters each year. I’ve had several opportunities to view the whales and am always awed by their beauty, intelligence, and playfulness.

There’s an indefinable gift that seems to remain after the experience is over. I’m not sure what this gift is, but it makes me feel as though I have been part of something special. A communication beyond words.

I also have an abundance of native birds and kangaroos close to my home, so I am blessed by the wildlife that enriches my life.

This leads me to the focus of this month’s column living a wild life.

There’s wise advice that says a person should never have a baby to stabilize a relationship or satisfy a personal need. This advice should be extended to include the same warning about puppies.

In the midst of a later-life crisis I recently implored my husband to let me have a puppy. I adore dogs

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I was longing for the love only a dog can provide, and during my life I have rescued a wide variety of dogs from shelters. I was experienced. I could handle it. This time, I wanted a baby. A small dog who could live inside the home with our seven-year-old Burmese cat.

In a moment of weakness, my husband agreed, and 30 minutes later I had bought a cavoodle.

My daughter had suggested this breed because apparently, they were small, friendly, playful, and easy to train. Apparently.

From the moment I bought eight-week-old Bonnie home, my wild life started.

My sense of overwhelm made me wonder if I’d ever successfully been a parent. Had I imagined raising two beautiful children to adulthood and fostering half a dozen dogs before I was 40?

I was completely unprepared for the ankle biting, hand chewing, chair shredding, cat chasing bundle of exuberance that exploded into my life. I

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sought advice from friends with poodles, went to puppy-preschool (who knew that was a thing?) and invested in professional dog training, mostly I suspect, for me.

Time passed, I fell in love, and Bonnie is now six months old. The joy of being a ‘Mum’ to this gorgeous girl lights up my life.

She’s brought me delights I could not have predicted. I anticipated the cuddles, kisses, and doggie-love, but did not imagine how much more active I would be every day. It’s not hard for me to reach 10,000 steps or get my required exercise, because I rarely sit down. My time is spent playing, walking, training, and just as frequently, chasing Bonnie as she chases the Burmese she so desperately wants to play with. If I had a dollar for

every time I said, “Leave her!” I could retire in luxury.

I am much less sedentary, more alert, the lucky recipient of adoring cuddles and overall am much happier since Bonnie entered my world. It has been, however, a wild life! Such is the path of adopting a dog with ‘oodle’ as part of their breed-name. So I am now told.

Let the journey in doggie-love continue.

Remember, 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, have a wonderful month.

www.facebook.com/groups/yourintuitivegiftsatwork

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45

INSPI RA TI ONS

AUGUST INSPIRATION

by Alison Dunlop

How awesome is the Fraser Coast! There is nothing more satisfying than spending a mindful moment in our beautiful region, checking out the beautiful creatures on our beaches and in the Bay. Let’s take a moment to be thankful for all that mother nature provides!

Capricorn Dec 22 -Jan 19

Cancer June 21- July 22

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Leo

Wow Capricorn, it looks like there will be a golden opportunity come your way this month. Remember the outcome is totally in your hands, so go with your gut and trust. Good luck!

Babies could be in the air this month! If not, this month is a great time to make a fresh start. Declutter and release the old to the universe because something good is coming.

Leo, things are not as bad as they seem.

You don’t need to walk around as if your head is in a thundercloud. Worry and stress are not beneficial emotions.

Instead, write your worries down. This will help you decide what. is important and needs to be released.

Virgo

Aug 23 - Sept 22

Aries Mar 21 - April 19

Libra

Sept - 23 - Oct 23

Taurus

Scorpio

This month’s card suggests distrust.

Be wary of other people taking advantage of your kindness. This distrust may even be in regard to yourself. Be gentle, as the card indicates that things are not as bad as they seem.

April 20 - May 20

Hot headed taurus, things may frustrate you this month. Instead of being bull headed, stop and breathe.

Hold the palm of your hand on your forehead for stress relief. Instead of reacting, take things one step at a time, and be open to new thinking.

Gemini May 21 - June 20

Don’t be surprised if you feel a bit disconnected, or like you are at a loose end. It’s not too late to get things together. If you are feeling stressed, stop, and enjoy a mindful walk. It is important you are connected yourself, then you can make a plan to move forward.

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

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July 23 - Aug 22

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Watch out for possible work changes, Pisces! This could be a promotion or a total new job, in a different field. Make sure your resume is up to date.

46

Are you having a standoff with someone Cancer? Could you be too bull-headed, or is it you need to stand your ground with something? Don’t get caught up in the fight. It is so not worth it! Calm yourself down and listen to your intuition.

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Good positive things coming for you this month. It’s a good time to clean up your clutter and eating habits. The colour red stands out for me. Find your passion for life, and there is a focus on eating red fruits and veg.

This month you are being reminded that where you are at, is exactly where you are meant to be. Tread water this month, you are safe and secure. If you are wanting to make any change, just follow your instincts, and be gentle on yourself.

Oct 24 - Nov 21

Scorpio you are being recognised for your efforts this month. Go for gold, keep motivated, and moving forward.

You’ve got this, there is no looking back.

Keep your eye on the prize.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Things around you this month are moving quickly. Be aware that your energy may be drained. If so, spend time for yourself each day to be mindful and breathe. Write down all the tasks you need to do, so you can make a plan. This is no time to procrastinate.

RE A DE RS ’ G ALLERY

Crossword of the month

MARYBOROUGH URBAN SKETCHERS

Howard (Watercolour) - by Carmel Davey Maryborough Urban Sketchers turns one year old on Sunday 7th August and we are celebrating with an exciting exhibition at Gatakers Creative Space. Let’s get together at 9:30am for a fun morning of Urban Sketching in Maryborough’s CBD and have a beautiful time sketching the historical urban landscape. All abilities, all ages, and all skill levels are welcome to join for FREE. More info please go to our Facebook group: Urban Sketchers Maryborough Qld

Last month’s solution

RECLINE YOU DESERVE IT Ask box office for more details Starts Aug 4

128 Boat Harbour Drive, Pialba

Starts Aug 18

Starts Aug 25

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47

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