Alive Magazine - Edition 26 - September 2022

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Magazine WIDE BAY

SEPTEMBER 2022 EDITION #26

JILL’S GOT GAME Meet the Bay coach fighting for women in sport

Sport Edition

Extreme horsemanship Elani reins in championship buckle

Full story on pages 04-07

Full story on pages 12-13

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STATE OF ART MODERN PROCEDURES FOR SKIN AND BODY LASER TREATMENT, BODY CONTOURING & DERMAL FILLING RIGHT HERE IN HERVEY BAY

From Micro Laser Peel to Deep Resurfacing • Wrinkles and fine lines • Skin resurfacing Face/Neck/Decolletage/hands • Signs of Aging • Neck and Body Contouring

Dr Benjamin Omowaire MB. CHB:FRACGP:DIP AESTHETIC MED.(AAAM)& SKIN CANCER MANAGEMENT

Dr Benjamin Omowaire is a specialist General Practitioner, and a Fellow of the Royal Australian college of General Practitioners. He holds Bachelor degrees in both Medicine and Surgery, and has a post graduate degree in Paediatrics.

Dr Benjamin has undertaken Skin Cancer training at the University of Queensland and Skin laser and cosmetic training at the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.

• Anti- wrinkle injections • PRP therapy -Platelet rich plasma • Sun Damage/Dyschromia • Pigmented Skin Lesions • Medical Dermatology/Actinic Keratoses • Acne and Rosacea

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Call for a no obligation consultation with Dr Ben to discuss how to get the best face or body treatment and ongoing maintenance.

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THE ALIVE TEAM

EDITOR’S WELCOME

I

t’s no secret that exercise increases blood flow to the brain and the rest of the body and helps to release some super positive endorphins.

I know that if I have been unwell or haven’t had time to go to my group fitness classes or even for a walk, I start to feel sluggish and so much less motivated compared to when I’ve been exercising.

Even a stroll around the block, on the beach or doing some yard work in the sunshine always improves my mood.

For children in particular, sport makes you think on your feet, keep your mind sharp and alert all while learning to be committed to training, being part of a team, socialising, improved sleep, and a lower chance of obesity.

I’ve seen this first-hand with my Mr 9 who does swimming and tennis as his chosen sports.

Our cover star Elani North is an extraordinary teenager who is dedicated to horse riding and in particular Extreme Cowboy Racing, which she has recently become a champion of.

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

She knows all too well that women and girls who play sport have higher levels of confidence, selfesteem, and lower levels of depression, which is why she puts so much time and effort into being a volunteer coach.

It’s so wonderful to have such a thriving sporting community on the Fraser Coast with thousands of people taking away these associated benefits every week, some even making a career out of it.

To find out what sports are available on the Fraser Coast, match scores or who is playing where, be sure to check out Fraser Coast Sports Media at fcsportsmedia.com.au.

Kerrie

Jill’s passion lies particularly with seeing junior females and women bloom on the netball or basketball courts.

KERRIE ALEXANDER - EDITOR

What: Adapted by Kate Hamill, Directed by Theresa Saunders.

Pride and Prejudice is a romantic and comedic satire about love, manners and imperfections. This theatrical version of the period romance is bold, surprising, boisterous, and fast-paced, uproarious fun: the perfect mixture of the familiar and the unexpected!

Advertising Executive DARREN STIMPSON darren@alivemag.com.au Phone 0408 122 050 Advertising Representative KAREN WHITE karen@alivemag.com.au Phone 0418 197 386

Feedback or suggestion?

Send to: info@alivemag.com.au

UPCOMING EVENTS

Where: Z-Pac Theatre, Zephyr St, Scarness.

Advertising Manager LOUISE HOLMES

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.

Local netball and basketball coach Jill Stephenson couldn’t agree more that sport is important for youth as well as adults.

When: Runs until September 11.

Digital Editor LIZZIE MACAULAY

Head of Distribution JAMIE BUTLER Phone 0428 137 968

What’s more is that she just loves it!

LIVE THEATRE: PRIDE & PREJUDICE

Deputy Editor LEANNE ESPOSITO

Advertising Representative KIM HARRIS kim@alivemag.com.au

At 13, she trains at least three times a week, fits in her schoolwork, extracurricular activities and lends a hand around their 40 acres at Bauple.

September 11

Editor KERRIE ALEXANDER editor@alivemag.com.au

September 15-17

October 2

ORCHID SHOW

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When: September 15-17, 8.30am-1pm

Where: St Pauls Memorial Hall, Maryborough Cnr Adelaide & Ellena Streets, Maryborough

What: Spectacular display of orchids, foliage display, orchid plants for sale. Society members will be available to offer advice on orchid growing.

Cost: Entry is $2.

When: Sunday, October 2

Where: Seafront Oval, Pialba.

What: All Vanning enthusiasts welcome.

Doesn’t matter if you are in a club or not. All clubs and individuals welcome.

For those who are interested in being part of the whole weekend (Friday 30/09 to Monday 03/10) the Majestic Vanners are staying at Ingenia Caravan Park in Torquay, Hervey Bay.

MURAL OF THE MONTH - MARYBOROUGH MURAL TRAIL WHIP CRACKER

This mural portrays one of Maryborough’s timeless, interesting, brave and well known characters – Barbara Dalton, the matriarch of the “Dalton Family Whip Cracking Show” who performed at our local markets. The Whip Cracking Show was announced each Market Day by the blowing of a bullock horn by one of her daughters. The Show was a crowd favourite and Barbara would put a rolled-leaf in her mouth and let her husband or one of her sons crack it in half with a whip! Adding to this remarkable lady’s abilities was her skill with pistols and rifles – she was recognised in the Sporting Shooters Association.

She was born in Gympie in 1937 and moved to Maryborough soon after. She married in 1956 and had six children. She passed away in 2015.

SCAN TO SEE THE TRAIL MAP

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COVER S TORY

by Kerrie Alexander

TRUE HORSEMANSHIP CLAIMS

Champion Buckles

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T

he Fraser Coast has a new champion with young equestrian star Elani North recently named Extreme Cowboy Racing Australian National Youth Champion plus Australian National Youth Reserve Champion.

This is her story …

Sitting on the verandah of the family’s acreage property, a young Elani North sat quietly for minutes patting a gecko that had wandered on to her lap.

Mum Janeen said she remembers the moment well, watching on in awe while taking a photo, but she wasn’t surprised that such a skittish animal found trust in her daughter who was a toddler at the time.

Elani, now 13, has had an affinity with animals from a young age and spoke passionately to Alive about one day becoming a vet and opening a pet shelter for all animals, great and small.

The family farm has about 15 head of cattle, six dogs; two of them working dogs and the others a part of Janeen’s pet therapy business. An adoration of animals is in the genes.

“Animals would just come to her,” Janeen said.

“That gecko was happy to just there and be patted. All these animals would just turn up and just want to be with her … it was quite interesting,” she said with a laugh.

Then there’s Elani’s much-loved horses.

She first followed in mum’s footsteps and jumped in the saddle at seven years old, rode at Pony Club, tried Western Dressage and is a part of the Aldridge High School Equestrian Team, which Janeen manages.

But starting to compete on the Extreme Cowboy Racing competition circuit three years ago is where Elani truly found her niche.

It is one of the fastest growing equine sports in the world and has become an international phenomenon thanks to founder and cowboy Craig Cameron who is known as one of the finest horsemen in the United States.

However, the sport is not quite as the name suggests and you don’t have to be a cowboy or cowgirl to compete.

It’s fast-paced, yes, but what’s most important said Janeen, is the relationship and bond you have with your horse.

Photo by Cherish My Pix Photography.

Designed to put the rider’s horsemanship skills to the test, Extreme Cowboy Racing involves an intense obstacle course that riders have to navigate with style.

To do so, a trusting relationship with their horse is essential.

“It’s called cowboy racing, but we have an issue with that term,” Janeen said.

“You do have to go quickly but more importantly it is your horsemanship skill and your horse’s willingness to work with you that matters.

“You have to have a good relationship with your horse, so they trust you and go through it.

“It’s a lot of work but it’s a wonderful sport, it’s fun and Elani really enjoys it.”

The obstacles on course generally represent the tasks

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and challenges faced on a working ranch (farm) – crossing water or a narrow bridge, dragging a log, carrying a bucket of water or a tarp, jumping over an obstacle, or grabbing the outer edge of a carouselstyle obstacle and making it turn.

Janeen and Elani say they have to get creative at home while training because you don’t find out what’s on the course until you’re in the arena.

Janeen said she often jokes that the two are a match made in heaven with Elani having red hair and chestnut’s being known for their fiery temperament.

“We used our clothes line at one point as an obstacle,” Janeen said.

“Elani and her horse have the same hair colour and chestnut mares have a reputation for being cheeky and little bit hard to handle, so I’ve made comment that Elani being a teenager and her horse are quite a good combination,” she laughed.

“They surprise you! You don’t get to know the course until you turn up on the day, so you have to be ready for anything really.”

Elani and her mare have been making waves on the competition circuit this year after recently being named the Queensland Youth Champion, which qualified them for the national competition in Ballarat.

You are scored on not only riding through each obstacle successfully, but on the way it is done.

“The next state came along, and I got one … then we got to nationals in Ballarat, and it was a bit far away, but mum drove me anyway.”

“You have to grab the outside spoke and walk and trot around like a carousel … I did that bare back,” Elani said with a cheeky laugh.

Scores are given for each obstacle on the course and consist of three components – the approach to the obstacle; the obstacle itself; the departure from the obstacle.

So, the looser the contact on the reins and the calmer the horse, the better!

This is where Elani’s relationship with her chestnut quarter horse mare named Jilly comes in.

“I’m really lucky to have the horse that I do.

Sometimes she might not want to do it but if I ask again, she’ll be like, okay, here we go,” Elani said.

“I enjoy (EXCR) the most because you have the challenge of the obstacles and the chance to be able to go fast, plus have that connection with your horse.

“We train about three times a week; I’ll catch her, we do some groundwork, we do some transitions for speed and basic skills like side passing and backing up.

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“We also do training days with Southern Cross Xtreme Cowboy Racing in Maryborough.”

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All humour aside, the two ride like one awesome unit and the proof is in the prizes.

“The first time I went to state, I came second and the person who beat me got the buckle and I said to mum, I’m going to get one of those.

The three-week turnaround of travelling with the float from Bauple to Victoria for the competition was well worth the effort after Elani was named National Youth Champion, Australian National Youth Champion, plus Australian National Youth Reserve Champion after riding a friend’s horse in a “wild card” round.

The Champion Youth Buckles now have pride of place at home.

“It was mainly for the experience, and we didn’t really expect anything so to come away as the Australian National Youth Champion was pretty mind-blowing,” Janeen said.

“I feel like I should thank mum for the amount of

time, effort and money she spent on me just to get the buckles and some ribbons,” Elani added.

But mum - knowing there’s far more to the sport than just winning - was quick to chime in.

“It’s not about that though … it’s about the experience and about the life lessons that you learn.

“There’s so much more to it than just walking away with a ribbon.

“Horses teach resilience, hard work, about failing; being able to get up and have another go if you’ve fallen off a few times and try again. You practice you get better.

“These are all the things you need in the world to get by.

“You have to be resilient; you have to be strong; you have to be focused and goal orientated if you want to get to where you want to be.”

Natasha Webber, President of Maryborough’s Southern Cross Xtreme Cowboy Racing Club, said Elani had worked incredibly hard to reach her goals since joining the club in 2019.

“To be able to witness this young lady attend clinics, club days and competitions, and to see her apply all she has learnt, has been a joy,” Natasha said.

“Elani is a keen rider, wanting to improve herself and her horsemanship every time she rides.

“As club President, I am so proud to be a part of Elani’s journey in Extreme Cowboy Racing.

“She is always willing to lend a hand and super keen to learn, and she has assisted with scribing while I judge; this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about this awesome sport of ours.

“Reach for the stars, Elani!”

To find out more about your local club visit the Southern Cross Xtreme Cowboy Racing Facebook page.

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

by Lizzie Macaulay

LIZZIE LEARNS…

Martial Arts L ooking at me, you wouldn’t think I’d make much of a martial artist.

And you’d be right.

the spiritual teachings of ancient wisdom was eye opening to say the least. I wanted to know more immediately.

It was time to get down to brass tacks.

But this month, I think my fortunes might be changing in that regard thanks to this incredible column that keeps pushing me to try new things even when they’re incredibly intimidating.

My immediate response, of course, was sheer panic; “WAIT!” my brain screamed, “can’t we just go back to talking?!”

As I looked around the expansive gym, owner Michael Green’s journey to now - and that of his clients – is documented in photos and memorabilia plastered on every wall.

We started as I imagine every lesson with Michael would start – with deep, respectful bows and centring breaths that start to ground and focus you for the session ahead.

Arriving at Integrated Martial Arts Wellbeing Centre, I was extremely curious to discover what lay ahead for our session.

Pictures of past inspirational clients and ‘trainees’, philosophical banners, and records of Michael’s own achievements paint an impressive picture of the life he’s lived and the community he’s built around him.

For someone who has been ‘fighting’ the majority of his life, I promise you, you will never meet a more centred, calming influence than this.

As you speak to Michael his imposing figure stands in fascinating contrast to the gentle, considered thoughts he’s sharing.

My experience of martial arts only extends to the Bruce Lee movies my brothers watched when we were kids.

So to meet someone who had internalised – and lives –

As a reflex, I started to babble about how ‘I’m not going to be any good at this’. Thankfully my brain eventually caught up with my mouth and shut the babble down. I listened instead.

So far, so good – I definitely know how to breathe… I think…

We sat for a further breathing exercise, but this time, the aim of the game was to cross your legs in such a way that you receive a satisfying stretch, and your spine (and spirit) are in complete alignment.

As I sat there wobbling away, I’m painfully aware of the signals I’m throwing out – uncentred, ungrounded and definitely not as flexible as I might’ve hoped for.

Michael is gracious enough to simply offer corrections and encouragement.

I really hoped he wasn’t noticing that my mind is racing, heavy with shame that every life choice I’ve made to now has not led me to ‘being better’ in this moment.

I was already out of my depth, but so open to learning.

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Breathing exercises complete, we stand.

Michael spends the next little while sharing some moves that may come in handy one day if someone ever tried to send a kick my way.

It’s really a beautiful, flowing kind of dance – specific steps at specific moments that use ‘the aggressor’s’ momentum against them.

It didn’t matter that Michael was considerably bigger than me, the forces of gravity and nature are what they are.

(In saying that, I know fine well outside of the context of this lesson he would have a clear and effective response to the movement on offer) We repeated the steps and built on them, occasionally switching roles to get the perspective of the other.

The most complex battle happening internally is between my ego, my mama bear instincts to protect those around me… and reality.

I cringed deeply every time Michael instructed me to send any type of kick in his direction – both from the perspective of my generally being a fairly passive chick, and as someone who has literally no experience of kicking anything or anyone.

The reality was that I was never going to inflict any kind of pain on this robust individual. However each time I was the one doing the kicking, I would hesitate, concerned that I would somehow accidentally cause harm.

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Naturally we both made it through unscathed and ready for the grand crescendo of our lesson.

Now if kicking isn’t a skillset I had remotely entertained before, the idea of grappling is so incredibly far off, I can’t even tell you.

Michael started to get animated as he shares something he clearly has an affinity for.

We rehearsed the movements we’d been working on once again with one key difference – this time I found myself completely incapacitated on the ground under Michael’s imposing frame – unable to move, unlikely to struggle.

I’m not even totally sure what happened, but I was about to learn how to do it for myself.

It’s an unusual thing to feel so helpless in the moment, and know that you can inflict that feeling on someone else if need be.

It was my turn to deliver that same experience to Michael.

To my complete amazement, I managed to pull Michael to the ground and recreate what I’d been instructed to do.

I’m under no illusions about what this would be like in an actual tense situation, but in this moment, with my willing participant, I was bewildered by what I’ve managed to achieve.

(The accompanying photos may attest to this!)

For all intents and purposes, Michael was stuck.

While this kind of knowledge comes with huge responsibility, Michael teaches a peace-first approach.

He’s so clearly sharing his knowledge and skill to positively influence the people in his orbit.

Strength, courage and respect are more than just catchy words for his logo – they are abiding principles that we could all benefit from adhering to.

As our time came to an end, I was aware that I’d barely scraped the surface of what’s possible – physically, spiritually and intuitively. I got that familiar feeling of never wanting to leave and the hunger to try again, building on my first lesson.

Michael’s teachings of integrated martial arts are so much more than ‘learning how to fight’. I’d even argue that’s quite far down on the list of things you learn.

Confidence, inner peace, focus, determination and serving a purpose greater than your own all spring to mind – qualities you can’t ever buy, but earn over time with consistent practice.

No matter your age or current ability, there’s something you can learn here.

I have no doubt that time spent at Integrated Martial Arts Wellbeing Centre would never be wasted.

Michael and the team will absolutely change your mind, body and life for the better.

With gratitude to Michael Green for sharing his time and insights with us. If you’d like to know more, you can find Integrated Martial Arts Wellbeing Centre on Facebook, at integratedacademy.com/wellbeingcentre or at 8/87 Islander Road, Pialba.

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11

HOME GRO WN

by Kerrie Alexander

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H

ervey Bay’s Jill Stephenson volunteers her time six days a week coaching both women’s and junior girls’ basketball and netball.

The mum-of two, florist, and wife of a local schoolteacher, carries a suitcase full of the clothes in her car for quick and easy changes of uniform.

Jill has to be prepared for the “juggling act”, coaching junior netball and women’s basketball on Mondays, Women’s Hurricanes basketball on Tuesdays, Under 14 Division 1 basketball team on Wednesdays, Under 12 Basketball on Friday and junior girls’ basketball training on Sundays.

She actually gets to play basketball on Thursdays, watches her two children play on Fridays, and she coaches the women’s Hurricanes basketball on Saturday night.

Thankfully her wonderful bosses at Hervey Bay Florist allow her some flexi time to do what she loves most.

“I’m really grateful that I have a flexible employer that knows that I put a lot into the community.

“It would be wonderful to see a lot more employers allow their staff to leave a little bit earlier to help go and guide the next generation of kids.

“They need these kids working and sports helps with that development and confidence in the workplace.

“You also want our kids to have that opportunity and it make you happier and appreciative.”

Jill is, and always has been from a young age, passionate about sports and the positive benefits it offers, which is why she gives up her time so freely.

“I just had a love of sports from the moment I stepped on the Basketball court at a young age,” Jill said.

“Sport is such an important aspect for overall health, and mental and physical well-being.

“I see a lot of young girls in the eight to nine age group that when they first start are nervous, they lack confidence and judge themselves and just don’t have that same confidence as young boys who just get out and have a go.

“As a coach it is wonderful to see young female athletes grow and gain confidence in the first few weeks of starting a new sport. It is also amazing to see new friendships among the girls!

“That has to be so positive for them to socialise and be happier and healthier.”

However, in recent times Jill has seen a frightening decline in the number of females playing sport and is campaigning for more to be done when it comes to opening up pathways for female participation in Hervey Bay. On an international level, from September 22 to October 1, Australia will host the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney, where our Australian Opals will represent their country in front of their family, friends, and communities on home soil.

In 2023, Australia will host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a tournament of global significance that will give our Matildas the same opportunity.

Of course, next year, our Australian women’s Rugby Sevens team are also set to defend their gold medal title at the postponed Tokyo Olympics, which will see our women’s teams competing across a range of sport including the Hockeyroos in hockey, the Stingers in water polo and the return of our women’s softball team among them.

The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022 will be another chance to see teams such as our Diamonds take on netball’s best.

However, these athletes weren’t born as stars of their sport.

Each one started at a grass roots level on the courts and fields of their local clubs where they were guided by volunteer coaches like Jill, who gave up their time solely to see young up and coming players succeed.

Jill’s concern is that a lack of facilities and coaching development courses on the Fraser Coast could hold back the female sporting stars of tomorrow.

Her female basketball teams are currently bouncing between the courts at the Hervey Bay PCYC, Urangan High, Hervey Bay High, with some trainings as late as 7pm due to the courts being booked up.

There has been a solid campaign by the Hervey Bay Basketball Association to get the facilities built but a lack of Government Funding continues to stand in their way.

No facilities, means less people playing and less people taking away the associated benefits. For instance, with Basketball the junior girls have no dedicated competition for them to play, at present they are competing with boys their own age or in the women’s senior competition.

Basketball is a physical sport and this does present challenges for up-and-coming junior female players.

“It would be good if the local Council or State Government started looking at ways to increase female participation in our regional towns.

“Providing better facilities for participant growth or funding local sports clubs to help expand existing facilities is really needed in Hervey Bay. Even funding for coach and officials’ courses so that parents can increase their knowledge and gain the confidence to be involved in their local sports clubs.

“New South Wales and Victoria (governments) are putting a lot of money into promoting women and sport.

“In Hervey Bay, we identify as a low socio-economic community, and it is great to see the government putting a lot of money into mental health facilities in our community, but there is a definite lack of funding for preventative measures like local sporting programs, especially basketball.

“We need to be proactive not reactive.

“Just at a local level I don’t think there’s enough pathways for them to keep going.”

Having an indoor multi-purpose facility could also bring some big-name events to the region, Jill said.

“Ideally it would be great to have a purpose-built stadium at the Nikenbah precinct where we could host some really great events or invitational carnivals which would also be great for tourism and have an ongoing positive effect on our community.

“We’ve got teams like the Brisbane Bullets for basketball that could come and play or even the Sunshine Coast Lightning for Netball.

“Bundaberg recently hosted the Bulldogs and Cowboys football … if we had the right indoor facilities here in Hervey Bay we could host some great indoor sporting events throughout the year, really making our town come to life”

While the solid push to get the right facilities will continue, Jill will also carry on encouraging and supporting any females who want to give basketball or netball a go.

“Even if they just want to play for fun and enjoy the social benefits or if they want to look at sports as a career, we’d love to hear from them.”

To join one of Jill’s teams, visit Rangers Basketball Club or Bay Bullets Netball Association on Facebook.

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by Kerrie Alexander

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health, all that goes away instantly when you meet the animals,” Jock said.

“I know the importance of it, and I know the enjoyment others get out of being with the horses and the donkeys.

“We started a year ago in June to test the water to see if there was a need in this region and it’s really been successful, especially with family groups, disability groups and individuals.

“We bring them animals to them, we go for a walk around the house, we groom them.

“I get a lot of children visit who are autistic or have down syndrome and I get so much joy from having them on my property.

“If they are happy, they show it, and their smiles are just so infectious.

W

hen you have a flick through the Stable Mind Equine Assisted Therapy photos posted on Facebook you instantly understand the concept of Jock Lindsay’s not-for-profit charity.

There is pure joy on the faces of the veterans, frontline responders, and clients of all the disability services that have visited his Burrum Heads property in the past 12 months to meet the stars of the show.

You can’t help but beam when you meet Diego and Quavo the loveable donkeys, Mack, and Ringer the very handsome Clydesdales and Tiger, the 22-year-old “bomb proof” thoroughbred who are all Jock’s faithful and trusted therapy animals.

You see, horses – and animals in general - help put people at ease and support them to feel accepted, because they’re unbiased and non-judgmental, responding only to people’s behaviour and emotions.

Ringer is a gentle giant; Mac is the new guy that just loves to be in the limelight and Tiger is a retired racehorse who Jock describes as an “absolute gentleman”.

Simply leading, grooming, patting, cuddling, and talking to the horses has been successfully used in the treatment of depression, anxiety and in Jock’s case, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, for many years and is strongly supported by psychiatrists and psychologist alike.

It’s the reason Jock started this incredibly unique charity, where people from all walks of life visit the acreage property and the animals to better their mental health.

The Scottish-born horse enthusiast is an ex-veteran of the special forces having served as a Clearance Diver for six years with the British Navy and six years with the Royal Australian Navy.

Consequently, he was diagnosed with PTSD three years ago but now realises he has struggled with the disorder for many years.

The place he feels most at ease is beside his horses, which is why his psychologist pushed him to get the charity off the ground.

Having a firsthand experience on just how much these beautiful animals can turn a person’s life around gave Jock and his wife Melissa all the encouragement they needed to turn that dream into a reality.

With the help of local horse trainer Margot Jensen, the horses that were once pets are now four-legged therapists and the therapy donkeys were welcomed into the family just recently.

“If you have PTSD, anxiety or problems with your mental

“There’s no criticism and a lot of the time they will applaud as they are driving away … they are a tremendous group of kids.”

Jock said the veterans a little bit harder to convince because they don’t realize they could benefit from the service until they get there.

One successful case that stuck with Jock was meeting a young veteran who had been discharged from Afghanistan after being injured and suffered from chronic PTSD. “He came out with full scepticism and didn’t believe that equine therapy was going to assist him.

“I went and got Ringer for him and found a quite spot in the shade and he gave him a brush, went for a walk, and had a chat.

“He (veteran) went into a bad head space and that horse turned around – he was at his shoulder at the time – but he turned around and put his head on his shoulder until he was out of that headspace.

“After that, he said to book him in every Friday.

“That’s a huge reward for me when you get a reaction like that from veterans.”

As the concept is growing so is the charity. Jock now has a float which has enabled him and the team to take the charity mobile.

This means that the team can be booked to attend individuals’ homes, schools, aged care facilities and disability services.

“If you have a driveway and a gate that the horses can fit through, then we can come to you.”

The Hervey Bay RSL Community Grants Program and the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch are proud to support this fantastic initiative by sponsorship of $500 each, per month, to the charity.

The $1000 each month goes towards Hendra vaccinations and vet bills, feed, worming, farrier, and other associated costs.

“This support is just phenomenal,” Jock said.

“I would be lost without it.”

For prices or to find out more visit the Stable Mind Equine Assisted Therapy Facebook page, email ianlindsey@gmail. com or phone 0400 939 709.

“I get a lot of children visit who are autistic or have down syndrome and I get so much joy from having them on my property.”

Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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15

FI TNESS

by Josh Hoodless

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING IN A FIELD OF ITS OWN

S

trength and Conditioning (S&C) is a term being (mis) used by many in the fitness industry. Does it belong in the Sport or the Fitness realm? Can anyone with a certificate in fitness, like a personal trainer, offer S&C?

Strength and Conditioning is a vital component of the Sport Industry. Usually exercise science graduates go on to become S&C coaches, however qualified personal trainers with experience training regional athletes and/or teams can apply to enter into the qualification.

We are talking about training athletes involved in a sport and not just training the general public to get stronger and fitter.

Local talent:

Sport is extremely popular in our region and we have many athletes that have been working hard for years to compete at higher levels.

Our facility has been involved in the continual development of junior, youth and age group athletes ranging from 11 to 65 years old. Young athletes showing potential no longer need to drive to the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane to do their gym work.

Toby Powers (pictured) recently took silver at the World Sprint Triathlon championships in Montreal, Canada.

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@liftherveybay

Another client, Dan Symonds, represented Australia at the Asia/Oceania 24 hour Running Championships in India this July. Both athletes worked hard at the gym to focus on their weak areas in order to improve performance and prevent injuries. It takes a team of professionals to create an elite athlete.

Rhett Sweetnam has trained with us since he was 15!

We have seen him develop, graduate and play for the Sunshine Coast Basketball Team. Rhett is currently in Arkansas displaying his talent with the goal to play in the USA full time.

Recently, Tim Evans represented Queensland in Hockey In the 45-49 age category and was diligent around ongoing knee issues.

The James Family (pictured) consists of Tom (11), Asta (14) and Rob (16) who are constantly participating in running, swimming and triathlon events in Queensland.

Their commitment and attitude to training has seen them achieve some great results and are turning into amazing athletes.

Seth Logan (pictured) and Cohen Guard (both 16) have been involved in the Lions Academy for AFL and now have opportunities to further their career. They are both lifting well over 100kgs and have increased their power and strength on the field.

Kastor Andreasen is an aspiring 14-year-old that plays basketball locally in U/16 and U/18s. When his team won the competition last season he was the youngest on the court and took out the MVP for the final. His core stability and strength has improved tremendously and has transferred across to the court.

One of our newest athletes, Harry Schoff (pictured) is showing great promise as a top Queensland cyclist. We are looking forward to seeing him improve and go even further in the sport.

Husband and wife Greg and Renea Burchell have been training with us for several years. They are both competing in this year’s Pan-Pacific Games masters games at the Gold Coast. Greg is competing in multiple events in outrigging and indoor rowing. Renee was selected for netball with others from around Australia.

The Role of a Strength and Conditioning Coach

The S&C Coach differs to a personal trainer because they practically apply theoretical sports science towards an athlete who they will work with throughout an ongoing period (multiple seasons). Using progression in the training and planning around events the coach strives to increase elite performance and skill attributes towards their sport.

S & C coaches have two main areas: The first area:

• Improve athletic performance, which usually means improving athletes’ speed, strength, and power.

• Develop year-long training programmes often working in close association with the sports coach.

• Technical, effective and safe teaching of lifting techniques

• Supervising and motivating athletes as they train

• Assessing their performance before and after the programme.

The second area:

• Reduce injury by incorporating: mobility, functional and mechanical screening into their programming. This is paramount for repetitive endurance sports.

• Monitor the athletes’ general health and wellbeing. An example may include providing nutritional advice or referring them to a dietician or sports psychologist if needed.

• Qualified to give supplement advice in line with ASADA guidelines.

S&C coaches are governed by the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA).

The ASCA is recognised internationally as an industry leader via global affiliates such as NSCA (USA) and UKSCA (UK) and currently has thousands of accredited coaches involved in coaching athletes/teams at all levels of participation from the club through to Olympic and professional sporting levels.

There are six classes of athlete and mostly our coaches train juniors to nail the basics. It doesn’t get too technical and only sometimes does it get specific. In the gym, we don’t try to copy the actions of the sport but simply make each individual a better athlete, which will then transfer across into their performance in their chosen sport.

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17

LOCA L A RTI ST

by April Spadina

@AprilSpadinaArt

BRINGING A LITTLE BIT OF JOY TO THE WORLD Photo by April Spadina 18

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O

n the footpath of a busy street corner, a small figure sits with her back against a wall, oblivious to the traffic that rushes by.

She is in a world of her own as she quietly examines the heritage building on the opposite side of the street. Warmed by the sun on her skin, she looks down at the painting in her lap propped up by her little wooden art box, and with her soft paintbrush she adds the final touches for the morning.

In just two hours Joy Butler has produced a vibrant watercolour sketch of an old building in the heart of Maryborough, capturing it’s old-worldly charm perfectly.

Since joining the local Urban Sketchers group last year, Joy has discovered her love for watercolour painting. Her style is bright and expressive with a looseness that allows the paint to create its own effects on the thick, textured paper.

She has a knack for matching the colour of the brickwork or patina and an ability to show the character of the scene before her, which is a quality that’s important to an Urban Sketcher.

It’s not unusual for Joy to whip up a sketch when she has some time up her sleeve, be it at the beach, a café or waiting for a meeting in the CBD, before you know it, colour bleeds on to the paper to create a beautiful artwork in the playful style she has developed.

Her eye for detail comes from years spent looking at the world through a lens. Joy’s brand “Growtograph” was a play on words that came from her dreamy photographic portrayal of families across generations and significant milestones.

Her continuation of a storyline of life might start with a romantic engagement photo shoot, followed by a wedding, expectant parents to be and then celebrating a new birth - Joy captures something in her images that connects her to her client’s soul in a way that keeps bringing them back for years.

It’s this quality in Joy that is her namesake. She really is joy and wears her name like a badge of honour. She has a way of sharing her joy of life with those who know her and enhances the world with her radiance that shines like a summer’s day.

Community connectivity is one of Joy’s greatest loves and is what drove her to create the Alive Magazine. When the local newspaper ceased printed production, Joy knew there was a great need for people to be able to connect through the written word and glossy image, so she banded together a team of creatives and Alive was born.

Two years later they print a whopping 5,000 copies each month and supply to over 260 outlets from Gympie to Bundaberg!

If Joy is harvesting home grown vegetables from her family’s bushland retreat, playing the piano, and singing or creating beautiful visual art, she is in her happy place.

As long as she is with her favourite people, she is blissfully joyful and in her own words, she is enthusiastic for life unless she is “very, very hungry, or very, very sick”. Let’s make sure she is always not far from a snack and some Vitamin C because this is the kind of Joy the world needs more of.

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19

LO CA L MUSI CI A N

DEREK F. SMITH What/who are your musical influences?

My top musical influences are Counting Crows, Matchbox 20, Mumford and Sons, Damien Rice and Green Day Favourite line from a song?

My favourite song line comes from the 1993 Counting Crows song Round Here which says “We talk just like lions, but we sacrifice like lambs”.

What instruments do you play?

Acoustic guitar is my main instrument other than my voice.

Do you write your own songs?

I have written and recorded many original songs. In the same way that Adam Duritz of Counting Crows tends to write my songs are very story driven in the lyrics.

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

If I could play to a full house anywhere in the world it would have to be at Red Rocks which is an open-air amphitheatre built into the natural rock structure 16 km west of Denver in the United States.

@derekfsmithLIVE For bookings: derekfsmith@me.com

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Derek’s gig guide this month: Sept 8th - Waves Sports Club, Bundaberg 5.30pm Sept 9th - Hervey Bay Boat Club 5.30pm Sept 10th - Post Office Hotel, Maryborough 6.30pm Sept 11th - Beach House Hotel, Hervey Bay 2.00pm Sept 13th - Beach House Hotel, Hervey Bay 5.30pm Sept 16th - Sugarland Tavern, Bundaberg 7.00pm Sept 17th - Howard Food Markets 4.00pm Sept 18th - Sublime Farm and Brewery 1.00pm Sept 29th - Maryborough Markets 9.00am Sept 29th - Waves Sports Club, Bundaberg 5.30pm Sept 30th - Lamington Hotel, Maryborough 7.00pm

Photos by Elizabeth Pohlmann Photography

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L O C A L E VENT

CLOUDLAND THE MUSICAL After a decade of research and development and this year; marking 40 years since it’s controversial demise, an original Australian production about ‘The Greatest Ballroom in the Southern Hemisphere’ will for the first time, tour all the Eastern states of Australia.

With a cast of 30 Singers, Dancers, Musicians and Actors, Cloudland the Musical features some of Queensland’s newest and brightest artistic talent alongside home grown, world class seasoned performers.

“The performing Arts has been doing it tough for the last couple of years, it’s incredibly satisfying to have a unique, original Australian project that’s assisting a cast of entirely Brisbane based Artists to stay working.

Not to mention the 15 or so behind the scenes crew who have also been struggling for work.” Paul Hayman, Writer, Director and Producer of Cloudland the Musical explains.

Cloudland Ballroom was no ordinary music venue and this is no ordinary Musical. Cloudland the Musical features the music of Iconic Australian & international artists such as: The Bee Gees, Buddy Holly, The Angels, Jerry Lee Lewis, Cold Chisel, Johnny O’Keefe, Australian Crawl, The Go Betweens, Dragon, Mental as Anything, Split Enz, Madness, Bill Haley and more. All of these artists performed at Cloudland during her 43 year reign as the premier live music venue.

“This music score has then been woven into a storyline based on real events. The story follows the lives of 3 generations of a typical Australian family and the way in which Cloudland influences and impacts each of their lives.

“To write a Musical about an inanimate object such as a building required some thinking outside the box.” Hayman explains, “As when it stood, Cloudland continues to live in the hearts and minds of those who went there. It’s these memories I have drawn upon to help bring our ‘Hero’, Cloudland, to life. She was more than just another venue. Cloudland was the cultural and social hub of Brisbane for over 40 years.”

Community, is the central topic to this Musical and is evidenced by the unique way in which the production has involved the general public: ‘Memoirs of Cloudland’, an initiative designed by Mr Hayman, is an opportunity for the public to tell their stories about Cloudland Ballroom on camera. A montage of the stories collected from the public are then screened pre-show.

“There’s a lot to be learnt from the story about Cloudland. It’s an important part of Queensland’s history and its memory needs to be preserved for both current and future generations.”

Cloudland the Musical will begin touring in October 2022 through to March 2023. Regions for the first instalment of the tour include: 15 October: Brolga Theatre Maryborough, 28 October: Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg, 30 October: The Star, Gold Coast, 11 November: Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton and 13 November: Mackay Entertainment Centre.

For further information or to book tickets visit www. cloudlandthemusical.com.

Cloudland the Musical is supported by the Australian Government through the RISE Arts program.

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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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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. Family friendly too! 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: Alive2022, and you’ll receive spending credit on the boat.

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

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

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25

Fraser Coast

INDUSTRY & CAREERS SHOWCASE

October 12, 2022 1pm – 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 26

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C A REER

Job expo helping women to challenge tradition, spark change

P

lenty has changed for women in work and study over the years.

It’s sometimes hard to believe that, as recently as the 1950s and 1960s, many of our grandmothers were expected to permanently give up their jobs when they got engaged, married or fell pregnant.

Those same young women grew up in a time when females comprised about a fifth of Australian university students. According to the latest Census data, they now make up almost 60%.

Despite all that positive change in a relatively short period, the pace of change at home has been rather slower – and it continues to be a barrier for some women getting a solid employment foothold.

But an innovative new jobs expo is trying to address that, through showcasing local opportunities and skill shortages, challenging traditional employment perceptions and giving people real-world, hands-on insights into what working in a range of sectors is really like.

The Fraser Coast Industry & Careers Showcase, being staged at the Maryborough Showgrounds on October 12, also aims to connect jobseekers with training and education organisations who can help them get on the path to a job that fits – even if it’s something they may not have considered before.

One of those flying the flag for the employment and training sector will be TAFE Queensland jobseeker training officer Gillian Rimmer, whose role involves connecting people to skill shortages and accessing available funding to help them get a qualification.

“For me the showcase is about the collaboration – working for that one goal of getting people employed and helping our region to grow,” said Gill, who’s worked in the job sector for 22 years.

“For women, there are still some particular challenges.

Many have to balance work around family more than men do, and may need to do work or access training that can fit around school or childcare hours.

“But there are also some really good opportunities.

There’s been a growing emphasis on non-traditional

trades for women, and there are also a lot more roles available that tend to suit women, such as aged and disability care support work, due to increases in NDIS funding.”

Gill is keen to encourage women of all ages and stages to consider non-traditional roles.

“With the huge growth in manufacturing across Maryborough, we’re going to need more women in those sectors,” she said.

“And there are some great local companies and organisations like Downer, DTM, Hyne Timber and the forest and timber industry in general, who are being proactive about that and who are really conscious of the positive workplace culture changes women can bring.”

One group hoping to take advantage of the appetite for change is the Zonta Club of Hervey Bay Inc, which is trialing a project called Women and Careers, in partnership with a range of other community and jobready organisations.

Secretary Robin Rayner said the project not only aimed to address skill shortages, but also to identify barriers and enablers for women to access the many opportunities available.

“At the showcase, we want to take along the women on our program and get them engaged and open to the possibilities,” Robin said.

“We also want to see women considering a career change. Maybe they’re the checkout person at Woolies and they didn’t realise they could have a good career at a local timber firm instead, for example.

“There’s a view that if you can change a woman, you can change a society. Women are carers, mothers, role models – their children see what they do and it sets an example, so it can have a broad and inter-generational impact.”

The Fraser Coast Industry & Careers Showcase will run from 1pm-6pm at Maryborough Showgrounds on October 12. For more information, visit www. jobsfrasercoast.com.au/industry-showcase, or follow @JobsFraserCoast on Facebook for regular event and job updates.

Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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27

DUNGA DERBY

by Kerrie Alexander

DUNGA TEAMS BEAM T

he 2022 Dunga Derby teams had about three weeks to shake off all the dust and recover from a massive four days of adventure on this year’s rally before attending the highly anticipated Awards Night on August 20.

Funds raised by the Dunga Derby go to local charity Rally for a Cause, which supports Fraser Coast families and individuals affected by life-limiting medical conditions or have had their lives disrupted by circumstances beyond their control.

Rally for a Cause was started on the Fraser Coast in 2015 and since then the Dunga Derby event has raised over $2.3 million and has supported 181 local Fraser Coast families.

Hundreds of dunga participants, sponsors and officials came together for lots of laughs and cheers at the Beach House Hotel to honour this fantastic achievement and congratulate this year’s teams on raising an extraordinary $455, 945 this year alone!

There were also a few tears shed after one of the recipients shared their story of how financial support from Rally for a Cause had changed her family’s life with her young daughter going through heart surgery and a breast cancer diagnosis of her own.

Many teams were awarded for smashing previous fundraising efforts, individuals acknowledged for taking part in all eight Dunga events, five-year year Dungarians and acknowledgment to those incredible supporters and organisers who make the event happen!

Some of the biggest and most emotional presentations of the night were to the winners of the Cooper Christensen shield, the Jesse Moore Teams Team award and the Michael and Amanda Christensen Award.

These awards were created as a legacy to young Jesse who lost her fight to bone cancer and brave little Cooper who lost his battle against brain cancer.

Cooper and Jesse became the faces of Rally for a Cause and the first recipients of funds raised through the inaugural Dunga Derby in 2015.

Congratulations to all the teams, sponsors and organisers involved in making the wheels of this awesome charity keep on turning!

Alive Magazine is proud to be a media partner and we look forward to highlighting all the dunga action and recipient stories again in 2023.

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Above: Car #26 Stratton Finance were presented with the Jesse Moore Teams Team award, as voted by the 2022 Dunga Derby Participants.

Left: Car #32 the Dunny Mo-Beale was the committee’s choice for the team that showed the best team spirit on the Dunga. The team were honoured to be presented with the Superheroes Team Award.

On the honour board …

Top 10 fundraisers:

Jesse Moore Teams Team Award

Car No: 21

Car #26 Stratton Finance, with Darren Senter, Heather Senter and Leanne Griffiths, was voted as the favourite team by the 2022 participants. This team has contributed to and participated in all aspects of the Dunga Derby and has made a valuable contribution to the fun and comradery during the event.

Dunga Derby Superheroes Team Award

Car #32 Dunny Mo-Beale: The committee choice for the team that has put in the most team effort and shown the very best Dunga Spirit over the entire Dunga season.

This team has displayed a dedication to fundraising, positive acknowledgement of sponsors, participation in Dunga events and engaged the wider community in promoting the Dunga Derby and Rally for a Cause charity.

The Michael and Amanda Christensen award

This award comes from the parents of Cooper Christensen and isn’t given out lightly. The two decided that the very special person to receive this award in 2022 was Trevor Pronk. Trev has worked tirelessly behind the scenes of the charity, in the thick of the dunga action as a Greased Monkey’s mechanic and has put his tools to use on many a dunga at his T & S Automotive workshop. What he has contributed to the charity over the years can only be described as phenomenal. Congratulations Trevor!

Team: The Chiller by HBW

Amount: $53,750.00

Team: Bottle O Shelias

Amount: $53,400.49

Team: Katastrophy Wives

Amount: $40,350.00

Team: Keep on Trucking

Amount: $23,098.77

Team: Stratton Finance

Amount: $16,380.25

Team: The Beaver Bandits

Amount: $14,200.00

Team: Coopers Journey

Amount: $12,851.00

Team: Great Northern Territory

Amount: $12,435.00

Team: Larnsy’s Ratbags

Amount: $12,218.85

Team: Aura the Explorer

Amount: $ 10,760.00

Car No: 28 Car No: 10

Car No: 35 Car No: 26 Car No: 15

Car No: 06 Car No: 17

Car No: 55

Car No: 50

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29

S TYL E ME ROXY

by Roxanne Spies

@hey_posy

WEDDING SEASON IN FULL BLOOM

The Styled Photoshoot CREATIVE TEAM: Floral Design // Hey Posy (Hervey Bay)

Photographer // Jessica Gunn Photographer (Maryborough) Make Up Artist & Hair // Leah Harvey Styling (Hervey Bay) Models // Ashleigh Steer, Josh Ihle and Roxanne Spies

Groom’s Suit // Connor Clothing – Stockland Hervey Bay Ceremony Location // St Stephen’s Hall (Maryborough) 30

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S

pring means Wedding Season is in full swing for florists and those in the industry.

With beautiful temperatures and seasonal flowers that are so pretty they don’t seem real; it’s not surprising couples choose this time of year to marry and florists’ hearts skip a beat unboxing every delivery.

Flowers are a multi-sensory experience; they have scent, texture, movement, and colour, and looking at them literally releases dopamine. Which is why here at Hey Posy, we love working with our couples to create floral designs that are not only beautiful to look at, but designs that have visual impact, evoke an emotional response and are an entire memorable experience.

We recently collaborated with a small team of local businesses to show off the beauty of keeping your colour palettes and flower varieties to an absolute minimum.

Instead, we focused on texture, design, and foam-free mechanics (no environmentally harmful floral foam was used) to create visual and emotional impact.

There are so many talented wedding vendors here in the Fraser Coast. You really are spoiled for choice if you’re planning a wedding! Our advice – work WITH the season and soak up all the advice and experience your vendors offer. Focus on the areas/elements of your big day that you as a couple value the most. Do that, and we’re positive your wedding will BLOOM.

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31

FA SHI ON 1.

by Kate Manley

A multitaskers dream

H

ere in Hervey Bay we are blessed not only with great weather all year round, but a nine kilometre esplanade with bike and walking tracks and many dedicated areas with exercise equipment in place.

Here is your opportunity to reconnect with the world around you by getting into your favourite exercise gear and runners, grabbing your headphones to listen to your playlist or a podcast and water bottle to take in the fresh air along the coast.

There is no better way to soak up some Vitamin D and make the most of a low-impact workout or a brisk walk to improve your overall health and outlook, and all this is right on your doorstep!

And while you are down on the esplanade, grab a coffee or call into some of the fabulous stores along the way. Check out the latest leisure wear, exercise gear, singlet tops, cotton jackets, tees, sunglasses, water bottles and sunscreens.

Combining your daily fitness routine with some retail therapy has to be a multitaskers dream!

32

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Ashleigh Manley ‘Esplanade’ prints.

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Cotton singlet top and track pants

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Bike pants, striped, with cotton tee

4.

Cotton jacket with hood

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Retro sunglasses

6.

Track suit with pants and matching longsleeved top with hood

7.

Gross body bag for wallet, phone etc.

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SK I N C ARE

GET FIT SKIN FOR SPRING

T

he skin, being the largest organ of our body, needs attention! Like all organs in our bodies, it needs to be nurtured and nourished.

The more hydrated, bright, smooth and firm your skin is, the more “fit” it is. A healthy diet and regular exercise act as the building blocks that nourish your skin from the inside out and these steps help to balance the tone and texture of your skin.

When it comes to the outside that’s where we here at Mineral Earth step in! Spring is the perfect time to shed that dry and flaky skin that may have built up over the winter months. Exfoliating removes the top layer of our dermis and is the perfect way reveal a smoother, more even skin tone. This is a step not to be missed in getting fit skin for Spring!

Whilst you should always wear a sunscreen all year round, realistically you will be applying it more liberally in the warmer months. This is another important step not to be missed! We offer a range of excellent 50+ sunscreens in the Spa which are non-greasy, have active skin care built in and don’t clog the skin.

by Kirsty Chenery

@mineralearthhb

A few points to remember when getting your skin fit for Spring are:

Retiring your heavier winter creams for a lighter weight moisturiser and adding in a hyaluronic acid serum to keep that skin plump and hydrated.

Adding a Vitamin C serum to help protect against sun damage, treat hyperpigmentation and boost collagen.

This is my absolute must have for Spring/Summer!

Book yourself an appointment to have a professional exfoliation; this can include microdermabrasion, enzyme peel treatment or just getting yourself under the steam to open up those pores and give them a mighty good detox!

Spring is always a good time to have a clean out and that includes your make up and skincare. If you have had it in your drawer for over 12 months … ditch it! It has lost its potency and will be doing no favours for you skin.

If you would like to know more about achieving a healthy, glowing skin come and visit us in the Spa and have a professional free consultation to lead you in the right direction to getting healthy, glowing fit skin for Spring.

Gift vo onlin uchers e an avail a d in -sto ble re

Get Fit Skin for Spring

$299

Packa g

e value d at $40 Includes a 1 hour full facial with Microdermabrasion, 0 Healite and high performance mask.

Plus to maintain that healthy skin, 3 full sized products including: Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse Gel, Daily Radiance Vitamin C Moisturiser with Sunscreen and Night Ritual Vitamin A age-defying Retinol cream.

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SM A RT M O N E Y

WHAT’S IN YOUR BEST INTEREST? I wanted to invite you into the world of finance broking and how this industry operates at the present time.

It is evident in the recent few years that the media and fear mongering are quite effective in swaying people’s perceptions and ideas of the world and where it is heading.

They are also quite persuasive when it comes to peoples decision making. Earlier this year we saw banks hiking their interest rates and the media generating a lot of fear around inflation.

The rate rises on fixed rate home loans began prior to the RBA increasing the cash rate which showed the banks where meaning business. Out of fear of the unknown many people were rushing to fix their home loans in the 5’s when we were still achieving variable interest rates in the 2’s. To the average household home loan this made a difference on average of $80/week extra that they were signing up to pay.

Although variable rates are subject to interest rate

VEHICLE FINANCE

.

BUSINESS EQUIPMENT FINANCE

by Kodie Axelsen

@cofinancecompany

increases they are still significantly cheaper than the advertised fixed rates at this time. Each individual circumstance and risk rating is very different so you cannot use a blanket rule for all so I do urge each home owner to seek unbiased advice.

By unbiased I mean contact a broker like myself to review your financial situation, your goals and your risk rating and present options to you that align with the future you’re working towards. A lack of knowledge and understanding can lead you to be locked into a fixed rate for years that can be close to double what you could be paying.

Moral to the story is ask the right people the right questions and make sure you are putting yourself and your family in the best financial position. Don’t act out of fear when there is no need to rush into making decisions you’re unsure of making. You do have time so please never hesitate to ask a question. It could save you a lot of your hard earned money and a lot of stress.

.

PROPERTY FINANCE

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SMALL ASSET FINANCE

INTEREST RATES ARE RISING

refinance your home loan now CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY TO GET STARTED

125 BAZAAR STREET, MARYBOROUGH PHONE 4123 0566 WWW.COFINANCE.COM.AU

Authorised Credit Representative Number 478413

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BASIL THE MOST SACRED PLANT OF INDIA N

ext to the Lotus, Basil is perhaps the most sacred plant of India. Its quality is pure Sattva. Basil opens the heart and mind, bestowing the energy of love and devotion (bhakti) - Hello Heart Chakra 💚

improving a wide spectrum of ailments, conditions, and symptoms, tulsi is also known as the “Queen of Herbs”.

From a Western Perspective, It is commonly used as a natural antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and adaptogen.

A plant of basil should be kept in every house for its purifying influence. Basil absorbs positive ions, energises negative ions, and liberates ozone from the sun’s rays. Basil is an effective diaphoretic and febrifuge in most colds, flus and lung problems. It removes excess Kapha from the lungs and nasal passages, increasing Prana and promoting sensory acuity. It also removes high Vata from the colon, improves absorption and strengthens the nerve tissue, increasing memory. Basil may be taken as a beverage with honey for promoting clarity of mind.

The fresh leaf juice is used externally for fungal infections on the skin.

Adaptogens such as ashwagandha and tulsi help reduce the biochemical developments of stress by balancing cortisol levels. Specifically, too much cortisol affects the thyroid gland, ovaries, and pancreas, so tulsi is able to impact the functioning of these glands. For example, too much cortisol can cause an imbalance of insulin secretion from the pancreas, which can lead to hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. However, tulsi can help balance blood glucose levels indirectly by regulating cortisol secretion. Furthermore, tulsi may impact the secretion of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate mood and mental well-being.

Tulsi, or holy basil, has been used medicinally for at least a few thousand years. Due to its reputation of

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MECHANICAL & REPAIRS

88 WILLIAM STREET HOWARD CALL: 07 4129 4813

H E A L TH H U NT ER

by Rhian Hunter

BODY SPRING CLEAN

S

pring is in the air, and I don’t know about you, but I’m welcoming it with open arms!

Although Ayurveda regards both Late Winter and Spring as the seasons of Kapha, the warming weather begins to melt the Kapha from its solid form and this is when nature is about to break free from earth’s bondage. This is when most of Kapha’s difficulties arise.

This is where our Kapha may feel thunderously heavy, congested and lethargic. During Spring, the body naturally seeks to eliminate toxins that have accumulated over Winter. Even healthy people who have been eating seasonally appropriate foods in Winter will still accumulate some toxicity because no one has perfect digestion, and the accumulation of undigested food substances is part of the digestive processes. Common discomforts around this time include colds, coughs, or hay-fever as the body is releasing the cold that has built up during Winter and eliminating toxins as our body naturally attempts to cleanse and adapt.

Regular cleansing is a cornerstone of maintaining digestive health in the Ayurvedic system. Spring and Autumn (times of transition) are important times of the year to detoxify.

As this is where the Kapha qualities like heaviness, water retention, bloating and toxins accumulate, we want to ensure we don’t enable them to circulate and potentially clog the various channels of the body.

@healthhunternaturaltherapies

* Cold, clammy skin * Weight gain

* Dullness of the mind * Slow digestion * Depression * Swelling * Oily skin

* Difficulty letting go * Lack of motivation

This is a time where all of the doshas can benefit from a detox, and we’ve been waiting for months to be able to offer this detoxifying and rejuvenating weekend! In this rejuvenating detox weekend, you will enjoy a combination of juice fasting (Greene St Juice), snehana (oleation), plus swedana (sweat) therapies, pranic healing (reiki + sound bath immersion), float tank, yoga, and herbal remedies (optional extra) to assist the body in releasing and eliminating toxicity from the whole body.

When: Commences Saturday 1st October 2022 Where: Holistic Healing Haven

Times: The 2 Hour Yoga Mala will kick off on the Saturday at 8:00am. Afterwards you will receive your 3 Day Juice Cleanse

6:00pm on the SUNDAY for a 1 hour Yin Yoga + Sound Healing Immersion with myself and Tracie.

Improper diet and lifestyle habits during this time can leave us feeling heavy, congested, and feeling stuck; physically and mentally. Common signs of Kapha imbalance include:

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39

T H E BI G CA TCH

by Andrew Chorley

THE LURE OF SPRING

T

he seasons are changing and the water temps are on the rise!

Spring is one of the best times of the year as a fisho with some of our summer species becoming more active.

Barramundi and mangrove jack fishos certainly get excited this time of year and hit the estuaries in search of their prized catch. Flathead will be another favourite with September seeing good numbers of fish around the creek mouths, rocky outcrops, weed beds and local Jetty’s gather as the feed up to spawn. Let’s look around the bay to see what’s biting …

Burrum

Sand whiting have been in good numbers and will continue through September. Hitting the beaches on the big tides has been the most productive with live yabbies. Grunter can be found up the river in the deeper holes, along with some solid bream.

Barra will start to be more active with the rising water temps. Working the rock bars and snags with lures will see the best results. Out the front the Burrum 8-Mile has produced a few snappers with grunter and school mackerel also reported.

Southern Gutters

The southern gutters will see a rise in shark numbers in Spring as we lose our 2-degree window of shark-free fishing. As the water temps creep over 20c Sharks will move in and be waiting for anglers to feed them with their catch. Moving about frequently helps avoid the sharks. Coral trout ,snapper, sweetlip, hussar, parrot, red emperor and sweetlip will be the main catches. When out the middle keep an eye out for little black marlin often seen milling around on the surface on calm days in September as they make their way into the bay.

Hervey Bay Fly and Sportfishing

www.herveybaysportfishing.com.au

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Platypus Bay

Snapper are still about in Platypus Bay with some great fish to 80cm being present up there.

Working the yakka schools can turn up some big snapper along with longtail tuna and golden trevally for the sport fishos. Grunter can be fount wide of Wathumba along with a few sweetlip.

School mackerel should move in any day now and offer a bit of fun for those that are after a feed of schoolies. Dropping small slugs from 20g to 40g with a fast retrieve will get results.

Local Reefs

Coral trout will begin to become active again as the temps rise inshore. Working the ledges and reefs with live baits and soft plastics will see results.

Sweetlip and black spot tuskfish will also be about and will become more active through spring.

Snapper have had a good run this season inshore and there still should be a few about through September. Soft plastics are dynamite fished light and for bait fishos, live herring have been working best.

Sandy Strait

Flathead are one of the go to species in September as we see them gather to spawn. Working the western side of Fraser Island concentrating around the creek mouths, gutters and weed beds will see some great results. The mouth of the Mary River is also a great location fished with soft plastics. The flathead love the rocky cover as it creates perfect camouflage for their ambush style feeding. On the ledges, Jew, grunter and barra can be found.

Whiting have been on the chew on the flats with yabbies a gun bait. Working the bigger tides has seen the best results with night being the most productive particularly over the full moon.

Hervey Bay locals Shane Cob and Terry Flux didn’t go home empty handed after a top day out on the water with Hervey Bay Fly and Sportfishing.

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LI FE WRI TI NG

by Leanne Esposito

coffee_writers

LIFE IS A GREAT BOOK

We are writing the history of our time.

T

his column is all about words. With a master’s degree in creative writing, editing, and publishing, I’ve made words my world. It wasn’t always this way. As a child of the sixties, I was a free-ranging, sporty kid who never touched a book. It may have had something to do with the lack of novels in our home - a small stack of golden books was a nightly read, and a set of Encyclopaedia Britannica, the family’s academic reference tools. They gathered dust. I barely touched them.

Biggles, the Secret Seven and Little Women did nothing for me. Pious plots and adventurers were a yawn. I wanted more. Magic and mysticism may have stirred me.

It was an adult choice to return to studies. My lecturers and writing mentors opened me up to a wizardry world of literature where an otherness prevailed. I’ve studied everything from Shakespeare to Harry Potter, and unconventional genres in between. My favourites are gothic novels or empowerment, especially of the human mind and spirit. The list is long. Reading works like Midnight’s Children by award-winning novelist Salman Rushdie to the ancient philosopher Laozi Tzu’s the Dao De Jing has activated my creative mind.

Today I still enjoy sport, either watching or participating, as my formative years were shaped by the doing of it.

However, my mind has now had a chance to explore what my body no longer does.

We writers ask many questions. Creatively we ask of our characters deep, soul searching ones. We explore their natures and offer up characters as multidimensional individuals. There is nothing worse than a flat, onedimensional character. They are boring. Not worth the read.

Real people are really complex. I’ve found it both an honour and a privilege to interview many individuals and write their life stories. Sometimes just an excerpt of it. To share what makes a person unique is treasurable. In my opinion, it often takes a writer, or a journalist, to create that comfortable space in which to chip away at the outer shell, and to reach their subject’s core.

Many people from an older generation are far too modest. They have been taught to be humble. Not to brag. Not to boast. However, once they feel safe in the interviewer’s presence, they enjoy the gentle probing question, which ignites the spark of a memory. The idea that their story is worth telling unlocks the vault. There is no doubt that everyone is worthy. The idiom that we all have a story inside is true.

On the flip side, younger generations liberally share their selves daily on social media and have learnt to show-off.

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This is not a criticism. There are multiple platforms on which they can star. Their narratives are on display for the world to explore. Some are manipulated and fictionalised.

Some are real. They may be pretending to be someone they’re not, which is in itself creative.

Either way, there are risks involved in the way a writer tells a story. Keeping it real and positive are not always mutually exclusive. Stories need to be treated carefully and weighed up for their worthiness. Often a subject will overshare, and that’s okay. Other stories are personal. Not for publication. What is important is that the individual feels safe. When and if they are ready to share is up to them. Which brings me to an essential component of life, even before the storytelling.

Counsellor and Journalist Chris Smith wrote an article for the Courier Mail: An hour with Oscar could save his life, in examining the tragic death of athlete and coach Paul Green.

He said, “We need to learn to converse, truly.”

Let’s focus on the word truly and check in with the authentic self.

In examining the toll of life on mental health in men, especially athletes, he urged that it was vitally important to go beyond the simple R U OK standard, which requires a closed yes, or no, answer.

He says that every one of us should learn a simple phrase of communication.

“Tell me about yourself.

“And be ready to respond because I really want to know when they reply with, ‘Why?’”

It’s what we writers do daily. It’s what we should all learn to do if we want open and honest communication with our fellow humans.

Asking an individual about themselves may help to open that vault which is closed to protect the self. It can be an opportunity for an individual to explore and expose some problematic issues in a safe space.

Remember, we all have a story inside of us. It doesn’t need to be written. Feeling heard could be a step towards healing. Self-writing on difficult subjects is often said to be cathartic. Telling that challenging story can be as curative.

Oral traditions are as old as time itself. So, let’s all offer a space for others to open up.

Storytelling is essential and it may well be the key to sharing the burden in a crisis.

If you wish to explore yourself through life writing, follow me on Instagram @coffee_writers

OTHERS MAKE WE CREATE

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LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

JOY BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi, I am Joy. Love is a powerful thing, it gives me goosebumps.

My heart is over-joyed to be able to create breath-taking keepsakes for you. It is a passion that lies deep within my soul that allows me to give you something special to adore. A moment in time, that is created through the beauty I see in you. It gives me such pleasure to sit with my clients and show them what my eyes saw through the lens and watch their faces light up when they too see, what I saw.

F A M I LY . P O R T R A I T . F O R M A L . C O M M E R C I A L WWW.JOYBUTLER.COM.AU 44

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

by Michelle Robinson Bach. Counselling.

Dip. Clinical Hypnotherapy

BE ENERGY WISE W

elcome to September’s Life-Chat.

I hope that wherever you are, your inner climate is sunny and warm.

This month’s column discusses how mindfulness can prevent us from feeling emotionally drained and exhausted. Many of us, at some stage of our lives, will have had our energy levels impacted because we have been drawn into dramas or issues that were not our responsibility. When we are compassionate, empathic, or sensitive by nature, this happens easily.

To sum up the theme of my message: “Where our attention goes, our energy flows”.

The following scenario shows how we can be impacted by where we focus our attention.

While travelling on the highway we approach a car accident. People have gathered and an ambulance is onsite.. Even though the accident is not our own experience, we feel involved in the lives of those who were injured. Our attention is drawn to and lingers at the scene. When we refocus on our own journey, we feel emotionally scattered, anxious, and upset. Some of the trauma that belongs the accident remains with us. Does this sound familiar to you?

Hopefully, witnessing an accident is a rare experience. However, in daily life, our energy is frequently affected by what occurs around us, unless we are clear about what is and what is not our responsibility.

As I said a little earlier, where our attention goes, our energy flows. This means it is easy to feel exhausted when we focus on someone else’s challenges, dramas, or emotions. If we are an intuitive or sensitive person, we will likely absorb the emotional upset, making us feel tired, unsettled and out of balance. This is not helpful, as

the issue is not ours to own. In effect, we give our energy away and take on unhelpful energy that does not belong to us.

To avoid feeling drained by the events and emotions around us, we need to be mindful of where we place our attention and energy.

A helpful technique I have found is to take the role of the observer. In situations that are not my responsibility, I try to observe without allowing myself to feel involved or responsible for the outcome. I maintain empathy, but don’t become a rescuer unless my help is sought or required. For decades, I was terrible at this, and at the same time, was chronically fatigued and anxious.

Learning how my attention and energy interact with my wellbeing was the cornerstone in my recovery. Understanding the importance of establishing appropriate boundaries in relationships was also key to restoring my health.

Sometimes, each of us needs to look after our own needs first, so that we are in the best position to assist others where necessary. A dry desert cannot provide relief to a weary traveller, but an oasis, with its own resources, sustains many.

If you find yourself tired, anxious, emotionally scattered, or drained, it may be worth asking yourself where your attention and energy take you. It’s never too late to become an empathic observer, rather than getting drawn into energy and emotions you don’t need.

I hope you have found this topic interesting, and perhaps, even helpful.

Finally, 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

www.facebook.com/groups/yourintuitivegiftsatwork

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INSPI RA TI ONS

SEPTEMBER INSPIRATION

by Alison Dunlop

Did you know sport also flexes the spiritual muscle?

Sport boosts positive endorphins, which strengthens your connectedness with sources of hope, meaning and purpose, ultimately bringing a feeling of inner peace.

Play sport and connect with your zen!

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

Taurus

Scorpio

This month is a great time to break away from negativity. Declutter your friends, social media ,and other things that don’t quite align with you. It is your time to have respectful boundaries. Be prepared also for a project to take off.

Aquarius are you feeling exhausted?

Chances are you are in need of recharging your battery. Take some time for a gentle walk and some nature time. Even spending 5 minutes per day to stop and take in some deep breaths will help. Take it easy.

You seem to be in a hurry to make things happen quickly this month Pisces. This is a friendly reminder to slow down and be patient. Yes, I know it is really hard to be patient, but know you really are where you are meant to be.

Chill out and enjoy the ride!

This month is a great month to literally pack up your troubles, and take some time out. If you can, get away for the weekend, or even take a day trip away.

Having a break is a great mind clearer, and allows for optimal productivity when you return. Enjoy!

April 20 - May 20

Ok Taurus, it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and just grab the bull by the horns, so to speak. While you are procrastinating, you could be missing out on a great opportunity. Just go for it!

Gemini May 21 - June 20

Time to get authentic Gemini!

There is a transformation indicated this month. A chance for you to really shine and truly be you. Start believing in yourself, because this change can be amazing.

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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Perseverance may be needed this month. Give negativity the flick and keep your thoughts positive, because you can do this! Remember, break things into smaller achievable pieces and proceed one step at a time. You have got this!

July 23 - Aug 22

Leo, your food choices are highlighted this month. Watch your eating habits and look for foods that enhance your health. If you have a blow out one day, pick yourself up and start again. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Another tip, be grateful for the food on your plate.

This month Virgo, you are being reminded to be careful not to lose your cool. It may feel as if people are pushing your buttons but you are advised to take a step back, and take a few deep breaths. Being clearer of mind helps you to make the right decisions.

This can be a very positive month for you Libra. Honestly, there may be a chapter ending, but just know there is a positive new beginning coming. Tie up any loose ends and look forward to exciting times ahead!

Oct 24 - Nov 21

What an amazing month for you Scorpio! You have the power to manifest your heart’s desire. Hang tight and enjoy great results and success with any projects you have on the go.

There is also a reminder to stay positive!

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Sagittarius, are you a student or are you contemplating a new skill? September is just the month to take up some new learning. It could even be interest in a new hobby, or reading a book. Either way, put your feet up and enjoy!

RE A DE RS ’ G ALLERY

Crossword of the month

MARYBOROUGH URBAN SKETCHERS

Wharf Street - by Jo Williams We are the Maryborough Qld chapter of Urban Sketchers!

The Urban Sketchers mission is to raise the artistic, storytelling and educational value of on-location drawing, promoting its practice and connecting people around the world who draw on location where they live and travel.

“See the world, one building at a time”.

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 Sep 15

128 Boat Harbour Drive, Pialba

Starts Sep 15

Starts Sep 22

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LAKE MCKENZIE (BOORANGOORA)

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