Alive Magazine - Edition 35 - June 2023

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FR

AL

IVE

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Magazine WIDE BAY

JUNE 2023 EDITION #35

Fuelling economy

A massive fund raised

by Wide Bay Rodders

FLY TOGETHER

Full story on pages 10-13

A Father-Daughter Commercial Drone Pilot team

Drivers Full story on pages 05-09

Edition

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REGULAR HEALTH CHECKS COULD SAFE YOUR LIFE We are trusted quality healthcare, serving the community for 20 years.

Dr Benjamin Omowaire

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

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!

GENERAL HEALTH AFTER HOURS

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Dr Joseph Elengikal Dominin MBBS MD DNB FANZCA DCH SACRRM FACRRM

• • • • • • • • •

General Health and Wellbeing Children’s health Men and Women’s health Implanon Insertion Chronic Disease management – (Asthma, Emphysema, Dibetes, Arthritis) Mental Health Travel Medicine and Vaccination Pre-employment medicals Work cover and Insurance medicals

SKIN CLINIC

Dr Clara Marin Zapata

Dr Henry Sabondo

MBBS

MBBS

Skin Cancer Clinic Automated Full Body Skin Scan Advanced Skin Cancer Surgery Cosmetic Injectables – Botox and Fillers Skin Laser Treatment and Rejuvenation Skin Products – Authentic Obagi Hervey Bay Hospital

Nissen St

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St Stephen’s Hospital

Madsens Rd

Urraween Rd

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Dr Flor Rodriguez

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MB.BS. ; FRACGP.Fellow of the Australian College of General Practitioners

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UPCOMING EVENTS

THE ALIVE TEAM Founder / Creative Director JOY BUTLER info@alivemag.com.au Editorial Team: LEANNE ESPOSITO KERRIE ALEXANDER LIZZIE MACAULAY RUSS BENNING KIM HARRIS Advertising Team: DARREN STIMPSON darren@alivemag.com.au KAREN WHITE karen@alivemag.com.au HELEN REKDALE helen@alivemag.com.au KIM HARRIS kim@alivemag.com.au BARB HARD barb@alivemag.com.au Head of Distribution JAMIE BUTLER

June 25

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.

LIFT YOUR ENERGY WORKSHOP

When: Sunday, 25 June 2023 9.00-11:30 am (Doors open 8.30 am for 9.00 am start) Where: Booral (address given upon booking)

What: Would you like to get a deeper understanding of how emotions and energy impact your life?

Introducing 2 key Speakers specialising in Sound Therapy & Kinesiology who will teach you techniques to help release blockages in the body and help you set boundaries against negative energies.

For further information and bookings call Lynn on 0417 002 690 or Shannyn on 0413 339 163.

Cost: $65.00 per person

Feedback or suggestion?

Send to: info@alivemag.com.au

SUSTAINABLE, EDIBLE, NATIVE EXPO

THE FLOURISH GARDEN 2023

A TASTE OF BRIDGE

Where: The Neighbourhood Hive, 184 Boat Harbour Drive , Pialba

Where: Hervey Bay Golf Club

Where: 17 Cypress St. Torquay (cnr Pine St)

When: Saturday, Jun 17 2023 12pm-4pm

What: Join us at the FREE public expo with stallholders selling organic vegetables, seedlings, edible plants, seeds and more.

Come and find out more about some of the local community groups and recycling and sustainability activities in our community at our Expo at the Neighbourhood Hive.

Cost: FREE

When: Friday, Jun 23 2023 11:30 AM

When: Sunday, Jun 25 2pm-4pm

What: This year will incorporate an engaging guest speaker, entertainment, welcome drink on arrival, roaming canapes, and a light lunch will be served. Dressing in pink, white or a combination to match the colour theme for the day, all in the name of raising awareness and funds for mental awareness across the Fraser Coast community.

Cost: $92.52 per ticket

What: Hervey Bay City Bridge Club invites you to come along to its Open Day and experience A Taste of Bridge. Join us for a fun afternoon of bridge, with refreshments provided. Keep your brain active and make new friends. No partner is required and everyone is welcome. Please call Lynne on 0431 979 214 by 19th June to reserve your place(s).

Cost: FREE

MURAL OF THE MONTH - MARYBOROUGH MURAL TRAIL OUT OF WORK

In 1935, during the Great Depression, Robert Brown, a sixty-eight year old miner who was unable to find a job in Maryborough, packed his swag and headed south looking for work. He trekked south through Queensland and into New South Wales, stopping a few days here and there to replenish his provisions by working on stations – mostly doing fencing. He worked his way to Canberra, where he was denied the age pension. Robert reached Melbourne in March 1936 and then made his way to South Australia. From Eucla, Robert struggled across the Nullarbor Plains with only a half dozen oranges as food. His water gave out. Famished and thirsty he struggled to a fettler’s camp. Four weeks later he reached Perth where he wheeled his barrow to the Perth Old Men’s Home. His marathon took just under three years, and nearly 10 000 miles over the sun-scorched, inhospitable land.

SCAN TO SEE THE TRAIL MAP

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03

COV E R STORY

by Russ Benning

W

FAMILIES WHO FLY TOGETHER

hen I got the brief for this month’s cover story I was looking forward to getting started; ‘Local commercial drone pilot.’

I’ve been into drones since the first Mavic Pro came out over six years ago. I love them.

I love flying them, I love exploring with them and most of all, I love that I can literally elevate my photography and give me another perspective.

I’m also a bit of a tech nerd, so I’m very interested in this corner of the future. Coming from the photography side of this emerging technology, I had only a minimal grasp on what was possible with drones from a commercial perspective.

Introducing this month’s guest, Damian Pressnall, owner and operator of ‘Extended Vision Drone Services’. A man of many hats, hearing about his work history it becomes clear that this man has truly dabbled. With more careers than seems fitting for one person’s lifetime, he shares with me all his previous gigs and talks a little into each. I’m struck by the variety as much as the volume.

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Focusing mainly on the farming sector, the company primarily offers mapping and spraying services, with the intention of expanding more into the thermal and infrared space.

During our conversation Damian shares, “it’s almost like you could bring up any conversation and say, well drones could do this.” He goes on to share how not only can drones do a certain job, but for the most part, they can do it more safely and more efficiently than current methods.

He gives a plethora of examples, and my inner child was grinning at the win-win outcomes this exciting industry provides. Some of the most exciting applications I will share below.

Access: Drones can get to places traditional machinery cannot. This could be due to inclement weather, damage to property, sloping landscapes etc. With a maximum payload of 80 kilograms, cargo such as tree saplings can be directly delivered to conservation plantations in sheer parts of a landscape creating opportunities that would otherwise be impossible.

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Efficiency: Due to the precise nature of using drones, much less crop spray is required. Damian explained that in some instances, they will use less than 50% less of the chemicals used with the same kill rate.

The downforce of the drone’s propellers also creates some movement in the crops allowing for more comprehensive coverage of sprays.

Safety: The aircraft being remote piloted removes the need for a physical pilot in a helicopter. It also minimises risks in dangerous to reach areas, or areas with known predators such as crocodiles or poisonous snakes, and even disease carrying insects.

A recurrent theme I heard when listening to Damian speak, was one of ethics. I resonated with this part of his message, respecting his willingness to spend extra money on higher quality or more sustainable chemicals or to turn away work that’s not aligned with the company’s moral compass.

Although Damian is a serial businessman at his core, he admits that the ‘fun factor’ is definitely an enjoyable part of the work. “Every time [the drone] takes off I just look at it and think, wow.”

Timing was on our side the day of the interview, giving me the opportunity to meet Damian’s daughter and co-pilot, Summer. Damian admits that without Summer’s interest, the company would not be where it is today.

Without a second set of hands, Damian would have been unable to look into the top end of the industry and purchase more toys (sorry, ‘tools’) with a much bigger footprint, capable of doing much bigger jobs.

Spraying and delivery were made possible.

Around two years ago, our duo read some articles about the emergence of this industry, including an article on another Father/Daughter team who were doing the work.

“Is this something you’d want to do?” He asked.

“Hell yes!” She replied.

I wanted to know more and narrowed down on her motivations to get involved. “There were a lot of reasons I wanted to get into it. First of all; drones!

Who doesn’t want to get into drones?” Hard for me to argue with that!

Going through the process of acquiring all the certifications, our team realised that our government had a soft spot for not only this emerging industry but for younger individuals wanting to get into it.

They were incredibly helpful and encouraging in the process, giving subsidies and following up with extra materials and resources. “They were excited to see a girl, a young girl, wanting to get into a hightech industry in the farming/agriculture sector”, said Damian.

There was no looking back once the journey had begun. Summer shared with me that she never really had much passion for anything at school, other than technology and plants—two boxes that get an automatic tick from this line of work.

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07

“Once I learned about how drones could potentially help farmers stop using as much chemicals and massively reduce their carbon footprint; being in an industry where I KNOW I can make a change, that kinda made me say, yeah, I want to do this.” Followed by a comical afterthought, “and also I get paid, so…” we all laughed!

Although ethics has always been the backbone of any of Damian’s businesses, it seemed to me that Summer represented another level in sustainability.

She spoke of wanting to focus on the mapping/ surveying side of things. She mentioned a desire to work on mining rehabilitation, specifically in fertilising and seeding mining devastated areas.

Summer leaves towards the end of our meeting

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and I get to hone in on the Father/Daughter working relationship from Damian’s perspective.

“I adore Summer. Yeah, she’s an amazing kid.

She’s a teenager; so she won’t clean her room!

But when she walks out that door in uniform, she’s an unbelievable worker.” Damian continues and explains that she never asks when they are knocking off, and that she understands that they work until the job is done. What makes her such good worker?

“Paying attention, wanting to learn, willing to learn, having a work ethic.”

Damian changed tact for a moment, reflecting on the younger generation and the speed of the advancements in exciting new technologies, such as drones. “No wonder they (young adults)

want everything now, it’s the world they grew up in.” This statement showed a deep and respectful understanding of the younger generation and the tendency towards instant gratification in our technology-led era

He shared a proud Dad moment when he realized, watching Summer chat to a farmer on site, that she could handle the conversation and explain all technical questions; and not just handle it, but shine and enjoy doing so too.

Young and full of potential Summer has recently been offered another job that is clearly a great option for her.

When I asked Damian what he thought about that, he compassionately replied, “I’ll support her in anything she wants to do and I’m all for her having

different experiences. Do I want her to leave? No, I love working with Summer and would miss her deeply.”

’Twould appear I’ve accidentally uncovered another, unofficial, ‘Family in business’ story from the Fraser Coast!

I’ve been really enjoying writing these articles and I think a massive part of that has been having the opportunity to meet some fantastic locals I may not usually have crossed paths with otherwise.

I want to leave you with the final quote of the heart-warming section of the interview, “She’s a beautiful human being. I’m the luckiest father, honestly, in the whole world. That’s the truth.”

Awwww!

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09

C OMMU NITY CON N ECTI ON

by Kerrie Alexander

FUELLING ECONOMY WITH

CAR SHOW FUN

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I

t was 16 years ago that about 10 car enthusiasts came together to host what is now one of the most highly anticipated events on motoring enthusiasts’ calendar and not just in Hervey Bay, but around Australia.

The Wide Bay Rodders Car Club members have worked hard to make the annual May in the Wide Bay Cruise and Show and Shine one of the most iconic motoring events in Queensland.

With 550 magnificent cars and about 30 motor bikes turning out for the three-day weekend in early May, I believe they have done just that!

President Allen White said one of the highlights of the event is seeing the public turn out in droves to embrace the car community with thousands of people “elbow to elbow”, lining the Esplanade from Urangan to Pialba for the cruise on Saturday.

Everything from V8 muscle cars to Lamborghinis are proudly driven by their owners while the crowds show

their appreciation with cheers and waves from the street and the Bay’s Esplanades packed pubs and cafes.

A further 4000 people turned out this year for the Show and Shine on the Sunday where all the cars lined the grounds at the Fraser Coast Sports Precinct.

“It’s just so great to see,” Allen said.

“There are millions upon millions of dollars’ worth of cars that show up for this event.

“The Wide Bay region has the most toys per head of population than anywhere in Australia and that is backed up by statistics from Shannon’s Insurance.

“There’s was one guy who brought out his Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin… and that’s just one bloke!

“It’s just so great to see people come out and show their support.”

However, it’s not just the car enthusiasts who reap all the benefits of the show.

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What most don’t realise is that the entry fee at the gate of the show and shine goes back to five local charities who will this year receive a share of a massive $30,000 raised by the club.

While the charities names remain a surprise until the presentation later in June, I can say that the club has chosen some extremely worthy causes that will benefit the whole Fraser Coast community.

“We only focus on local charities so the CEOs that are on $150,000 don’t get it… we don’t give to those ones.

“We give to the true hardcore locals that we know will distribute these funds to the right place, so it’s felt by other locals.

“When you hand the money over to these people that aren’t expecting it and tears run down their face, you can’t beat that.

“It changes what they are doing straight away, and you know the money is going to where it needs to be.

“The whole thing is just huge.”

While the May in the Wide Bay event will always be on the Fraser Coast’s event calendar, Allen would love to see the Fraser Coast Regional Council embrace more opportunities for local car enthusiasts, young and old, by backing plans for a Wide Bay Motor Complex in Maryborough.

WBMC Inc has a 30-year lease over a site on the Maryborough-Cooloola Coast Road and are focusing our efforts towards developing a facility which will hopefully include a Drag strip and Circuit incorporating driver training facilities as well as some smaller components such as Jet Sprint Boats, and a 4x4 course.

They just need the funding to bring the project to fruition.

“Because a lot of people living in the region have got the toys and have the passion, something like this would just give them somewhere to vent and get amongst people with the same interest.

“We have a hang night on the second Friday of the month, and we get about 100 people just to that.

“It makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

There’s also the economic factor of the event with a huge amount of money injected back into the community through hotels stays, eating out, buying car parts and visiting the local shops.

The Ingenia Caravan Park in Urangan is home to over 400 members from Car Clubs from all over Queensland during the event with Wide Bay Rodders providing breakfast lunch and dinner from Friday to Monday, except for Saturday night.

Allen said that’s when the club sends the crowd out to local venues for a meal.

“Most of the guys who come here have been to Rockynats first at Easter then come here and stay for two to three weeks, not just two to three days.

“We don’t feed them on Saturday night so everyone goes out to local venues to eat and that’s our way of giving back to the community.

“We’re doing our part in giving somewhere for the people that do have an interest to show their cars, but we need to go that one step further.”

Allen said having the complex would also inject money back into local businesses.

“It’s a sport that needs to be embraced and that would trickle back to local businesses like tyre places, mechanics, pop up race car builders.

“There’s a guy in our club in his late 70s with a mustang with a 800 horsepower but there’s nowhere for him to use it.

“People want to get in and give them a good run. You need to open their legs every now and again and blow out the cobwebs.”

To find out more about the Wide Bay Rodders find them on Facebook under Wide Bay Rodders Inc Custom Car Club.

To find out more about the Wide Bay Motor Complex visit widebaymotorcomplex.com.

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13

W ISE W ORD S

by Kerrie Alexander

DRIVING THE EXTRA MILE 14

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A

fter 20 years behind the wheel, Hervey Bay’s John Shackell has been recognised as one of the very best bus drivers in Regional Queensland.

Sitting at the Queensland Bus Industry Council’s Gala Dinner at the Pullman Hotel in Cairns last month, John never imagined he would need to get up on stage to be presented with the Regional Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Award.

You see, his name was amongst a massive 900 nominations and the winner was chosen by a public vote.

The TransLink media team came and interviewed and videoed John on the job before the awards and posted the clip to the Translink Website for the public to view.

The people of Hervey Bay spoke loud and clear and the driver of the 716 Route was crowned the winner!

“It was a real shock to have my name called out,” John said.

“It’s the cream on top of my 20-year career and very

rewarding. After 20 years on the frontline this award is the icing on the cake.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for me. It was a very humbling and proud moment to receive the award.”

John was nominated originally by well-known Hervey Bay Boccia star Lachlan Kavanagh who travels on the 716 at least three times a week to Stockland Shopping Centre and back.

“I can’t thank Lachie enough for the nomination,” John said.

“We have become quite good friends over the years.”

Lachlan has a disability and says John has always gone above and beyond to assist him since becoming a passenger in 2017.

“I have a disability and use an electric wheelchair to get around as I can’t walk long distances anymore and have a speech impairment,” Lachlan said.

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“

My father brought me up to respect people...”

“For the first couple of months when I wanted to go to Stockland’s I was always getting on when it was John’s morning runs.

“I noticed that he tried to understand clearly when he asked me where I wanted to go with my speech impairment. Also, I noticed he was very good with his regular customers while I was on board his runs.

“I saw on TransLink’s Facebook that you are able to nominate a regional bus driver, so I nominated John with small words about his customer services in my own words.”

John’s father was a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and the family travelled all over the globe.

John also travelled the world extensively as a backpacker travelling many miles on buses all over the world and had some hair-raising experiences on vehicles, especially in Southeast Asia.

A fascination with becoming a Bus Operator started there and became John’s career when he started driving for a company in Western Australia, Swan transit in North Fremantle.

He has since worked as a FIFO Bus operator in NT, Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Moranbah and two separate stints with Wide Bay Transit, totally 16 years of service. Johno, as he’s known to his passengers, love to have a yarn, meet new people and get them safely to their destinations.

Of course, it’s not always rainbows and lollipops with difficult passengers from time to time but luckily John has a great deal of patience and respect.

“My father brought me up to respect people and I like to give good customer service and make sure my passengers feel safe and at home.

“I do like being a part of the community. Most of the time we all get on very well and it can be a very enjoyable job.

“We do have good days and bad days but now I can look at that award and wipe out all those people that try and make my day difficult.”

John says he enjoys being behind the wheel of a big vehicle but says other road users can make his job trying at times, especially drivers who don’t stop to let buses out when merging into traffic after a stop.

“It is a challenging little office we have, especially at roundabouts.

“The rule is we have to wait five seconds (before merging) but sometimes you just have to have patience and keep trying and usually someone lets you out.

“It is law now for cars to stop and let you out.”

On the positive side, John said he gets to meet some really lovely people and even finds out some local gossip here and there.

“You do get to know what is going on around the place,” John said with a laugh.

“I have all sorts of people telling me their life story.

You put many hats on while you’re going around town.”

John’s 716 Route starts at Stockland each day and travels to Pialba, up Boat Harbour Drive, down to the Boat Club at Urangan and back up the Esplanade to Stockland.

If you happen to travel with John, be sure to give him a bit hearty congratulations!

It’s not every day your bus operator is named Regional Queensland Bus Driver of the Year.

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17

LOCAL MU SICI A N

William Ramage

18

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What first got you into music? And who inspired you to make music?

From a very young age my parents were very instrumental in sparking my interest in music. I always admired my dad, Mark, who would play a few songs on his guitar in our family home. I remembered being absolutely mesmerised with how the different chords sounded, and how they were made.

When I was 8-years-old, I was gifted my very first guitar, a Cole Clark, which is still my most treasured instrument.

After a year of guitar lessons, my teacher invited me to play a song at a school event. Having no idea that I had a voice (being focused on guitar) the school vocal teacher, Twila, noticed the potential I had and took me under her wing. Twila helped me improve my voice drastically, leading me to win multiple eisteddfods and talent shows. Without Twila noticing the potential in my voice I would have never discovered the musical gift I have.

As the years went on, music became my passion and I knew it was something I wanted to do as I got older. Now, here I am at 20 years old turning my passion into a career.

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

Music has always been powerful and can make a huge impact in everyone’s life, which is the reason why I am so passionate about it. It can make you laugh, it can make you cry, it can motivate you, and most importantly, it can make you dance! There are many ways you can do good in this world and for me, I would love to use my music to make changes, even if it is only in one person’s life. For me, that would be the greatest achievement.

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

The best piece of advice I have ever received when it comes to music is simply to practise! Realising that the only obstacle standing in the way of progress and pursuing your musical passions is yourself is truly eye-opening. You need to dedicate significant time to mastering songs and infusing them with your own individuality, to ensure you don’t fade into obscurity among the masses. Remember, a dream is only a dream if you don’t put anything into action.

Who’s your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?

I would love the opportunity to work with Guy Sebastian. Guy has always been a special role model for me as my primary school music teacher, Twila, is his Aunty so in each music lesson I would hear about his music journey as at this stage he was only just starting his career. I remember learning all the songs in his first album and still to this day I love playing his music so to live that childhood dream would be the highlight of my music career.

Do you write your own music? Where we can find your music?

Yes, I love writing and piecing together music. I haven’t released any of my own music as of yet but I plan to do so very soon. A lot of my music is filled with the emotions I struggle to express with words, so I can’t wait to take people on a journey through my mind as I have grown through the years.

Instagram and Facebook: @WilliamRMusic TikTok and YouTube: @WilliamRMusic_ Website: williamrmusic.square.site

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FURNITURE SPECIALIST

CELEBRATES 16 YEARS OF STORYTELLING

T

he Mary Poppins Festival celebrates 15 years of storytelling through time in 2023!

Returning to Queens Park and Portside precinct in Maryborough on Sunday 2nd July 2023 for its 16-year anniversary, this year the much-loved event showcases the depth of Maryborough’s history and ‘Storytelling through time.

Celebrate creativity and imagination on the day with fun and interactive activities that transcend into the joy of storytelling including Mary Poppins bag scavenger hunt, a colouring competition, exhibitions and painting your own kite or umbrella! Dress up as your favourite character or sign up on the day to compete in the Great Nanny Race or Chimney Sweep Challenge.

L O C A L E VENT

connected to Maryborough’s past and the imaginative stories written by author PL Travers who was born in the heritage listed building in Maryborough now known as the Story Bank. The bank of stories has become a huge tourist attraction where the magic of Poppins continues to delight children and story enthusiasts.

For more information on the Mary Poppins Festival follow @frasercoastevents on Facebook and Instagram and visit the website www.marypoppinsfestival.com.au

Festival goers can join the Grand Parade at 2pm, unite with an array of colourful floats and entertainers filling the streets with their musical vibes, before the highly anticipated Grand finale, an inspiring exhibition filled with music and song.

This year’s Mary Poppins festival celebrates 150 years since the original Mary Ann locomotive was built in the heritage city and the first built in Queensland! Built by John Walker & Co. Ltd. in 1873, now recognised internationally as the Downer Group, the loco was built for timber pioneers William Pettigrew and William Sim who used the Mary Ann to haul logs in the Tin Can Bay area.

The Mary Poppins Festival celebrates all the historic stories

Presented by Fraser Coast Tourism & Events

Sunday 2 JULY 9am – 3pm Portside Precinct & Queens Park, Maryborough EVENT HIGHLIGHTS The Great Nanny Race Chimney Sweep Challenge | Grand Parade Mary-Ann Train Rides | Heritage Train Display Costume Competitions | Community Performances Grand Finale – Mary Poppins Sing-along Uptown Brown – One Man Band Local Exhibitions Arts, Crafts & Workshops Glen the Magician Deano Yipadee Mary Poppins Movies

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21

DU NGA DER BY

KYNAN’S STORY K

ynan is such a sweet beautiful soul we had the privilege to meet a few years ago. He was a seemingly normal young boy full of life and always wanting to have fun. In the recent years Kynan has started to regress, slowly to start with and recently much more rapidly.

Sadly last year Kynan was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy. A devastating disease that effects mainly boys and men. Adrenoleukodystrophy (uh-dree-noh-loo-koh-DIS-truh-fee) is a type of hereditary (genetic) condition that damages the membrane (myelin sheath) that insulates nerve cells in your brain.

In adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), your body can’t break down very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), causing saturated VLCFAs to build up in your brain, nervous system and adrenal gland.

Childhood Cerebral ALD is the most devastating form of adrenoleukodystrophy. This form generally occurs between the ages of four and ten years old. Onset can be seen when seemingly normal, healthy boys suddenly begin to regress. At first, they may simply show minor behavioral problems, such as withdrawal or difficulty concentrating, vision problems, or start

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to have coordination issues. Gradually, because the disease spreads throughout the brain, their symptoms grow worse. Some symptoms could include blindness, deafness, seizures, loss of muscle control, and progressive dementia. This relentless downward spiral leads to a vegetative state or death, usually within 2-5 years of diagnosis.

Kynan is still at the start of his journey and has many hospital visits ahead of him.

Sadly there is no cure so the best hope is medication to slow the progress of the disease. His beautiful family are just devastated by the news as to be expected and his mum Kel has had to leave work to be with Kynan.

His family’s goal is to raise awareness of this horrible disease as early diagnosis is the best thing and to help raise money to support his family during this time. Dunga Derby by Rally for a Cause has had the absolute pleasure to support this family through such a devastating diagnosis, and on behalf of the family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to all teams and community members supporting the cause- and families like theirs.

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23

HELPING HANDS

MEET TARA DUERKOP

by Nathan Koroi

A SERVANT’S HEART

M

eet one of the Community Navigators, Tara Duerkop - a kind, selfless and motivated individual, with a positive attitude and a servant heart who is fiercely passionate about serving her local community as part of the Hervey Bay Neighborhood Centre (HBNC) team.

To date, Tara has successfully supported over 600 clients in the duration of her role, which sees about 30 clients a month. The work that Tara does is needed like ever before.

You can find Tara serving the community and at the Comfort Kitchen every Wednesday evening, or working in the community to link people in with much needed services such as financials, educating on budgeting and basic domestic skills, linking mental health services, assistance with short term accommodation and housing, facing poverty and domestic and family violence and personal crisis.

I was fortunate enough to meet and spend time with Tara recently to talk about her role and how she is positively impacting locals to help bring hope, connection, inclusivity, and joy into the community’s hearts.

Tara and I spoke of the issues our local community is facing. Today, we are seeing the cost of living rising, unemployment soaring, family instability, and increasing mental health issues. It is people like Tara and the services of HBNC that provide support, networking, and opportunities to the less fortunate, Isolated and the vulnerable.

Tara says “I see people on all levels, they may be struggling with their rent increases or they may come and see me if their car has broken down and registration is due or facing homelessness and in need of accommodation. It could be 10 different things at once, and they need some to help reorganising and unpacking how to manage it all, but mostly I see a lot of people in crisis, and it is my job to offer them support and link them into supporting services.”

Her clients are mainly referred from other service, or sometimes they come to the community centre looking for help.

Tara has so much love for her job, “I am so happy in the present. I could not imagine doing anything else now because this work is just so rewarding. It also helps me have a very grateful heart at the end of each day.”

Helping people achieve their goals and making a positive difference in their lives is her focus.

Finding yourself in crisis? Connect with Tara at HBNC. She will meet you with a smile and will do everything in her power to help.

Thanks to Tara and the whole HBNC team. Keep doing amazing work in the community.

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S M A RT M O NEY

WHAT WILLS YOU TO SUCCEED? M otivation is a feeling. A feeling we get when we have something we want to achieve. As it is a feeling it would be accurate to say, it is not something that we feel consistently.

Motivation is attached to a feeling of positivity, but what if you are feeling down? Are you going to want to get up and do what you need to do that day to achieve that goal that motivated you yesterday when you felt good?

Countless mentors and business people have stated that discipline trumps motivation. That motivation is just a feeling. It is not consistent therefore your results without discipline will not remain consistent.

Is there a difference between motivation and drive?

I believe so. While motivation is a feeling at a certain time, I believe drive is an overarching goal to achieve something over time, something bigger.

If you have the drive to achieve a larger goal you will plan how, what and when you will achieve that goal.

Your motivation comes into play on the days you need to get up and put that plan into action. People with drive have a willingness to succeed at their goal and will put time and effort into actions that lead them to where they want to go. It is a power source.

I believe above all motivation and drive are fed by a purpose. A purpose is a belief that you are here on this earth for a reason. It is a knowing that what drives and motivates you has a higher purpose in this world for good. Successful people will generally have a higher purpose. Something they themselves believe they are here for. It keeps them going when things get tough or when they are down. It is what they tap into when they can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

by Kodie Axelson

There is no doubt money is a motivator for some people. Whether that be to spread your wealth, to have the ability to donate more money to the causes you hold dear, to make a difference. Money can be perceived as negative, but I believe it is defined by the purpose one has to make more of it.

In a lot of cases people, I know with money want to share their wealth for good. It is not always easy to attain, and it is fair to say those with it used their drive to get it. People see the tip of the iceberg and the success and the ‘things’ but they don’t see the sacrifice, the discipline, the daily motivation and focus it took to get there.

Through the last few years, a lot of business owners would have called on their drive to get them through some of the toughest and unprecedented times they have experienced. Their willingness to lead and keep their businesses afloat would have got them through.

I commend all business owners and people that got through the last few years that would have broken many.

I hope anyone reading this column has found their purpose or believes they are here for a reason. I hope this knowing keeps you driven to move through life and achieve wonderful things because we are all here to make a difference no matter how big or small.

This is a money column but without motivation and drive to get up and go to work every day or to build that business, make that big decision we would stop. Our end goal gives us the drive to keep going.

When you are a business owner and you are relied upon to lead it is your drive and motivation that keep you going. It is your higher purpose that pushes you to make tough decisions and work through challenging times. There is no one that makes you get up in the morning when you are your own boss. Your mind is your master and your motivation and drive are what gets you up because it is all on you.

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25

FASHION

by Kate Manley

OUR FIRST DECADE 1.

A

s our 10 year birthday has just passed and we are into a new decade at Luxe, it gives us pause for reflection on our growth here in Hervey Bay. First and foremost, it has totally been the support of our local, intrastate and interstate customers, who have also been such an encouragement to us.

2.

From a single shopfront in 2013, we expanded to open up a large back area, previously storage. From there we moved into the space next door as the tenants relocated to Pialba.

During all this time, we were constantly refining the shopfitting and adding to stock levels so we could carry a bigger choice for our customers.

Lastly, the combination of fine art and Italian clothing has given us a focus. We are committed to make the store an experience that is special and welcoming... for return customers the promise of highest quality fabrics and designs from Italy. With that in mind, we hope to be serving you well into the next decade.

Now that winter is with us in Hervey Bay, we are featuring some of our favourite linen, knits and scarves of this season. The linen pieces are totally trans-seasonal, linen the most breathable fabric in summer, but maintaining a cosy feel in winter, especially when combined with a jacket, jumper or cardigan and a luxurious scarf.

e b a b f l e s r Treat you Phone: (07) 4128 2452

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A visit to Brow Republic and Lash Bar is more than just a treatment, it’s an experience and will leave you feeling like a Queen!

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browrepublicandlashbar.com.au Stockland Shopping Centre, 6 Central Ave, Urraween

4.

3.

5.

1.

Marle linen dress, Italian knit long jacket & cotton handwoven scarf.

3.

Striped black/white dress, cotton blend fine check jacket & triangular cotton neck scarf.

2.

4.

5.

Striped Boho linen pants, Italian cropped knit with pockets & fine linen handwoven scarf.

Chartreuse linen pants, cashmere/wool long-line jumper & micromodal scarf.

Olive linen dress, bulky mohair blend cardigan & cotton/lurex scarf.

40% TO 70% OFF SELECTED STOCK IN OUR BACK ROOM QUALITY ITALIAN CLOTHING

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WWW.LUXEHERVEYBAY.COM MON TO SAT 10AM - 3PM Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

ARTIST

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27

Winter

Warmer

PACKAGE $149 - 90 mins Indulge your skin this winter and treat yourself to our Winter Warmer Package

30 mins Sauna Back Exfoliation Hot Stone Massage Foot Exfoliation Hydrating Facial with eye treatment Includes 'take home' Winter Hydration Mask CALL 4194 9860 OR BOOK ONLINE WWW.MINERALEARTH.COM.AU 28

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S K I N C A RE

by Kirsty Chenery

GETTING WINTER SKIN READY! T

he temperature has dropped, and just like that, your skin starts to feel and look dry, flaky, dehydrated, or all of the above.

Here are some of Mineral Earth’s top tips for keeping on top of those irritating skin conditions in these cooler months.

Hot showers are the best (I love them), but don’t be surprised when your skin starts to feel tight and itchy. If it does, it’s a massive indicator that your skin is screaming for hydration. Try sticking to warm showers instead of scalding hot, and keep up the body moisturiser.

Supporting the skins barrier in the cooler months is extremely important. Look out for products which contain ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids and vitamin E. These ingredients support your skin’s barrier to make sure it stays hydrated.

Changing your cleanser to an oil. I know some people (particularly those with oil type skin) don’t like the idea of using anything with the name ‘oil’ in it, but if you think about dryness and dehydration: dehydration is a lack of water; dryness is a lack of oil, it makes sense. We recommend Medik8’s lipid balance cleansing oil (it also smells divine!)

Overnight hydrating masks are our go to product at Mineral Earth. They act as a barrier to prevent water loss and make your skin feel super soft and hydrated by morning. Apply a thick layer and leave it on overnight. We particularly love Medik8’s H20 leave on mask.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on winter skin care, just make a few changes and additions, and you will keep your skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated.

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29

OTHERS MAKE, WE CREATE

NOT JUST PIZZA

ENJOYING A FEW GLASSOUTS

J

une should see some more stability in the weather with our usual winter pattern, and hopefully being the norm. We are lucky to have those nice warm sunny days and afternoon glass outs.

Offshore

Good numbers of reefies have been reported over break sea spit. Winter is a great time to fish out there as generally we have calmer seas and there is less current. Brown maori cod, red throats, sweetlip, coronation trout, amberjacks, snapper, pearl perch, rosy job fish and more have all been reported. The closer wide grounds like the northern and southern gutters will also be worth a look for coral trout, snapper, hussar, parrot and sweet lip.

Burrum

Out the front towards Toogoom, winter whiting can be found in patches with yabbies working well along with gulp worms. Off Burrum, the 8 mile has produced a few squire with the odd larger specimen, blackall, golden trevally and school mackerel have been captured on the 8 mile with live baits. Around the river mouth, the usual bream, whiting and flathead can be found with some nice flathead moving in around the ramps.

Platypus Bay

The winter fishing can see a big range of species on offer around the Bay and up the Island.

Platypus Bay has produced a few snapper and various trevally species. Snapper have yet to show up, but shouldn’t be far away. School, spanish and broad bar mackerel can be found on the reefs and drop-offs up there, they have been taken on metal slugs and live baits. Mac tuna and longtail tuna can still be found in small pockets with soft plastics casted to the working schools are doing the best.

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Hervey Bay Fly and Sportfishing

www.herveybaysportfishing.com.au

T H E B I G C ATCH

by Andrew Chorley

Ainsleigh with a longtail tuna caught with Hervey Bay Fly and Sportfishing

Local Reefs

Local reefs have been producing some late season coral trout, mackerel, sweetlip, blackall and occasional snapper. Snapper catches will increase as water temps drop and more fish move into the bay. Working soft plastics has been very effective, and fishing with light braid and leaders has increased the hook up rates. Fresh cut and live baits have also been working well fished light as possible on the tide change. Good numbers of winter whiting have been coming in from their usual haunts, with the grounds off Dundowran being a favorite for many looking to get some protection from the south westerly winds. Squid are a favorite for many over winter and can usually be found on the rocky outcrops and local rockwalls and jettys as they hang around the bait schools. Clear water is the key to good results along as finding an area holding bait fish. Reports so far have been good with a some nice squid about.

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Sandy Strait

The straits have been fishing well with some good flathead being reported, winter whiting can also be found down there along with grunter, bream, salmon and chopper tailor.

Urangan Pier

Off the pier some good bream have started to move in. Small live herring fished beside the pylon have produced the better quality bream with some big flathead also taking live baits meant for bream.

Pilchards, hardy heads and small soft plastics have also been working well. Out towards the end of the Pier mac tuna, school mackerel and golden trevally have been taken on metal spoons, live baits and soft plastics.

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31

I NSPIRATIONS

JUNE INSPIRATION

by Alison Dunlop

Just like a mechanical car, our spiritual car that we drive everyday, requires maintaining.

Just how do we do that?? First of all we need to fuel ourselves physically with healthy food and exercise. Secondly, we need to nurture ourselves. Find time for pause. Pause to give thanks and gratitude. Pause to connect with our higher selves through nature, meditation, prayer and/or heart connection, in order to truly get to know ourselves. Lastly, being kind to ourselves and spend balanced time for work, rest, and play.

Capricorn Dec 22 -Jan 19

Cancer June 21- July 22

Change is on the cards for this month. A normal human response, is to fear this change. Instead of fear, see this shift as a positive one and embrace it! Looking at the big picture, this change has probably needed to happen. You’ve got this!

Cancer, you are just glowing right now!

Spread that beautiful energy everywhere because your happiness is infectious. I also feel it is a good month to be open to meet new people, and allow new opportunities to come your way, possibly career. Look forward to that!

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

Aries Mar 21 - April 19

Libra Sept - 23 - Oct 23

Taurus April 20 - May 20

Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 21

Gemini May 21 - June 20

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

You are so in tune Aquarius! Time to be truthful with yourself and dive inwards.

Ask yourself inwardly, what is it that you need to find your happy. If you are not sure, connect with what makes you feel happy and do more of that. Connections in general are highlighted for you this month.

You are enough Pisces! It is time to believe it. This means, be your quirky, unapologetic self around others. Remember, we all have our own different strengths and qualities.

This month reconnect with friends, and have some fun. Enjoy!

Have you been gripping on to life’s steering wheel to hard Aries? Honestly, this month is the perfect time to let cruise control, and automatic pilot take over. Give stress the flick, and hand control over to the universe.

Kick back and go with the flow. So many incredible things are available to you if you relinquish this control.

Gemini, this month you are urged to put the brakes on and slow down. I Feel your body battery may be tired and in need of a recharge. How much time are you spending running after others? Find your boundaries and say no if you need to.

Trust the universe has put you exactly where you need to be.

Healing is somehow highlighted for you this month. It could be you , or somebody around you that needs healing. Perhaps you are the healer, listen to your intuition on this. Whatever this healing involves, trust that time holds the answer here. Go easy, and remember one foot in front of the other, step by step.

Alison Dunlop Kinesiologist. Find out more at: www.alisondunlopkinesiology.com.au (Cards are drawn from Pass around the Smile by Cleo Massey)

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Do you need to step up and take control of something?? If you are not sure how to, seek advice, and listen also to your intuition. The Universe is working with you, so step out of any emotion you are feeling, and look at the situation as an outsider. The answer will then appear clearer to you.

The word for you this month Virgo is trust, even though it may seem hard to you at the moment. The universe is encouraging you to align with what you are feeling inside. If you are not happy with something, stand tall, find your strength and speak what you are feeling. Trust it is the right thing to do.

It’s a good month for romance Libra!

Remember, before you can receive love, you have to know your own worthiness. First step in worthiness is to not be so hard on yourself, and forgive yourself for not being who you think you should be. We are all beautifully unique and have so much to offer. Go for it!

Scorpio, I feel June will be a time to be surrounded by family. Perhaps a family member may need support, or it could be a good time to reconnect with those close to you. I feel it will be a calm and effortless encounter, and maybe even fun! Just go with the flow on this, and let it organically happen.

Everything will go along just swimmingly this month, as long as you keep your mindset in check. Like attracts like, so acknowledge any negative thoughts you are having, and change them about to have a positive spin. This in turn will raise your vibration and attract positivity. Smile Sagittarius, and spend some time enjoying the winter sunshine.

T H E WA V E RIDER

TRAVELLING THE HARDER ROAD U

p until just a few years ago, the call to act and be driven in one direction or another came and went without much fuss, there was a simplicity to our life choices that passed by unnoticed by others much of the time.

Most were not aware of the tidal wave of decisions that were bearing down upon us, and it was not until the tidal wave was breaking above us, that many were forced to look up and make some choices that they never thought they’d have to make.

A fork in the road had appeared and there was no turning back.

The deep call within to take the hard road, no matter the consequences, was a calling that many in our communities were faced with, for giving-in was an option that for some, was not an option at all.

And so we were forced to say goodbye to amazing paramedics, nurses, teachers and countless others who were the backbone of our community, driven in a direction they could not go.

For many it was the hardest decision they had ever been faced with in their lives, but even with large families to feed and bills to pay, the call to stand strong was louder than they had ever heard, and so they did.

Some stood down temporarily whilst the wave eventually passed, whilst others sought a different

by Celine Louie

path altogether, sensing that whilst waves come and go, preparation to deal with future tidal waves is key.

The call to act has been so strong of late; that many have connected with a deep inner warrior strength they never knew was there. A strength that no future wave, no matter how big, will ever be able to break.

One thing is certain; despite the adversities, there has been no regret.

Whilst the previous tidal wave is slowly passing, our world as we know it has changed in ways we had never imagined possible. We may not be faced with the same decisions we were faced with a few years ago, but we must remember that we continue to have the power to dictate our future by the choices we make today.

It is up to us to hold on to and continue to focus on all that defines our humanity; treating one another with compassion no matter our individual choices, supporting one another in times of need, and growing our connected communities in order to safeguard ourselves for any future waves should we have to choose the harder road in order to stay true to ourselves.

Regardless of what lies ahead in the days to come, be reminded that you have all the strength and support you need to stay true to yourself, no matter how hard the path ahead may.

THE POWER OF YOUR BREATH EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND WELL-BEING

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33

LIFE CHAT W ITH M I CH EL LE

by Michelle Robinson Bach. Counselling.

Dip. Clinical Hypnotherapy

H

HANDS ON THE WHEEL

ave you ever felt discouraged because a series of misfortunes followed one after the other?

Sometimes, when our efforts feel pointless, it can be tempting to give up on our dreams. We lose the will to stay in the driver’s seat of our life. Can you relate to this? At times, in the past, I have felt this way.

Reflecting on my own challenges, I noticed that nature teaches us a different lesson.

One very windy day, I watched a flock of swallows as they energetically tended to their babies in the mud-nests they had built under the eaves of my neighbour’s house.

I was engrossed in watching these birds, because although the force of the wind kept blowing them backwards, the swallows never quit. Their tiny little wings were flapping so fast I could barely see them, yet, no bird appeared to think, “It’s too hard today. I’m not going to bother bringing food for my babies.” Those birds just kept trying. It was in their nature to endure nature’s challenges.

I realized how tempting it was for me, with a human brain, to decide that some experiences are good or bad. It was also tempting to decide that challenges are wrong because they can be painful and hard.

The conclusion I reached was that life on Earth is not set up for everyone and everything to have an easy time. The most important thing is that we strive to create the best possible version of ourselves through our choices.

Deeper inspiration came from more examples of nature around me. I saw small plants breaking through

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concrete pavements. They were throwing all their energy into their leaves and flowers, just to experience life above the ground. Even if they bloomed for one day, these small plants invested everything in their life-force, despite the harsh conditions working against them. They made their contribution to life on our planet without complaint.

I believe that the spirit in each of us inspires us to keep trying, to keep enduring. We are presented with opportunities to show courage, compassion, forgiveness, kindness and love. We have the free will to choose how we respond to life’s conditions. There’s no rule book we can refer to and no certainty that we will make the best choices from the available options. What we do have is the opportunity to keep our hands on the steering wheel of our life – to stay forward focused and keep going. As we grow through difficult circumstances, another facet of our metaphorical diamond is revealed.

Remember that no toddler, when learning to walk, plops down on their bottom and decides, “Well, that’s it. I’m done with walking. I gave it a go. I’m over it now. I’m never going to try that again.”

Never give up on life. Endurance is part of your nature.

See you next month.

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

RE A DE RS ’ G ALLERY

Crossword of the month

MARYBOROUGH URBAN SKETCHERS

Mortuary Chapel - by Gina Davey 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 Jun 15

128 Boat Harbour Drive, Pialba

Starts Jun 22

Starts Jun 29

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35

75 MILE BEACH

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1-day & multi-day 4WD tours Daily departures ex-Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach Award-winning local guides TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of Queensland Experience

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