Alive Magazine - Edition 38 - September 2023

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Magazine WIDE BAY

SEPTEMBER 2023 EDITION #38

THE BLISS OF LIBERTY A story of living life and travelling NOW Full story on pages 04-07

Soft serve since 1965 Rich history in sweet Mr Whippy Full story on pages 10-13

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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 CELINE LOUIE Advertising Team: LOUISE HOLMES advertising@alivemag.com.au 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

SAVE THE SLAB HUT When: Sunday, October 1 9:30am

Where: Grand Hotel, William Street, Howard

What: Save this historic 150 year old Slab Hut from demolish which was originally located at the Torbanlea Mining Museum. Once this rare piece of history is destroyed it will be lost forever for future generations. This is a great opportunity to sketch this beauty and help the Howard communities to raise money for restoration.

‘Throw Down’ on 11.30am at the Grand Hotel, followed by lunch and informative talk about the slab hut

by Trevor Goodall.

Cost: FREE. For more information: Urban Sketchers Maryborough Facebook page.

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

Feedback or suggestion?

Send to: info@alivemag.com.au

MONSTER JUMP

WINGS AND WHEELS FRASER COAST

WALK TO REMEMBER

Where: Fraser Coast Park, Hervey Bay

Where: Maryborough Airport

Where: Hervey Bay Community Centre

When: Sat-Sun, September 9-10

What: It’s time for one massive Bounce Bonanza! Australia’s hottest new attraction, Monster

Jump, is a mobile inflatable obstacle course boasting a monstrous 280 meters of endless excitement!

Ticket: www.monsterjump.com.au/book

When: Sunday, September 10 8am - 5pm

What: Fraser Coast Wings and Wheels has become a much anticipated charity fundraiser here on the Fraser Coast annual event calendar. The day will feature a variety of Warbirds RAAF aircraft, custom and vintage cars and bikes, historical displays, stationary engines, stalls and much, much more.

Ticket: frasercoastwingsandwheels.com.au

When: Sunday, October 1

What: The Fraser Coast Walk to Remember will be happening for the second year in a row. The walk will coincide with the start of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in partnership with SANDS and Red Nose Australia. A safe space where we will honour the little souls who are in hearts but not in our arms.

Cost: FREE

Advertise with us We can help you to bring customers to your door!

Contact our advertising team today to get your advertising campaign started with the most-loved local lifestyle magazine in the Wide Bay.

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COV E R STORY

by Russ Benning

I

THE BLISS OF LIBERTY

find myself sitting at a table and chairs in one of my favourite places on earth—Noosa National Park.

A cool seabreeze passes over me and brings with it the smells of both ocean and rainforest.

The setting sun, paints the tops of the waves like a golden fan reaching toward me as if wanting to connect from it’s cozy position just above the multi-tiered mountains that make up the horizon line.

The sounds of the crashing waves, various birds, and the excited chatter of gathering spectators fill my ears.

It occurs to me that this really is the perfect place to write this months feature article.

The setting is not completely dissimilar to the one where I had an interesting and inspiring conversation recently. It was along the esplanade in Hervey Bay, also overlooking the water and also just before sunset.

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It took place inside and out of a converted extradie van.

That van belongs to my intrepid friend Liberty Bliss Hartog. And yes, we laughed about the fact that even her name is perfect for this months issue—travellers with a hint of freedom and happiness.

We sat and chatted beachside after the grand tour of the heavily converted van. She shared that herself and an elderly friend of hers did all the ‘renovations’ themselves.

“We just kind of winged it and made it up as we went along,” she shared as we moved around the van part by part, almost like ‘room by room’. The attention to detail was impressive, even down to the toilet and kitchen sink (the camper van equivalent at least)!

“You really are set up to go without anything in this right?” I asked.

“Yep! It will be fully self contained. I’m putting the solar panels on the roof next.”

What were her reasons for choosing this for her next chapter in life?

“It’s a lot cheaper than buying a house; there’s no mortgage to go with it. And so much more freedom.”

I loved that she’s essentially choosing ‘anywhere in Australia’ to be home, but what she said next actually caught me by surprise.

“Being able to park it up at the airport and be anywhere in the world and not have to pay a mortgage. You have that flexibility. It’s not just in Australia.”

Although I get it, I’d never considered it in such basic terms. This is a woman who takes her freedom seriously! I wanted to know if this is how she planned to spend the rest of her life and again, her answer was refreshing.

“I don’t think like that.”

That is to say, it’s one step at a time and only the next step needs to be clear enough to action.

We discussed the state of the world and technology as it is right now versus when I was her age and what was possible at the time. I asked if she thought that it was easier to do what she’s doing now that previously in history and she answered simply; “100 percent.”

She went on to explain that she gets a lot of her own inspiration from other independent travellers, especially from the social media space. It occurs to me that this is a person who’s grown up with

technology and in particular, the internet as a constant. It’s normal to her.

She spoke into how much easier it is these days to leverage technology to create the life of your dreams. She shared how she doesn’t really use social media for entertainment adding, “I create more than I consume. I always have my camera with me and I prefer to create and share than scroll.”

She shared how much she loves writing, photography and travel and how much she wants to create meaningful impact in the world.

Indirectly speaking to part of my journey and what I’ve gravitated towards in the last couple of decades. I can’t help but wonder what my twenties would have been like if I had access to the technology available now. We spoke into this and debated back and forth the pros and cons and then onto the ‘purity’ of travel now versus then.

As we chatted I learned a lot about someone I’ve actually known for many years now, but in a completely different way. I noticed myself also being quite inspired at times despite the fact Liberty is almost 20 years my junior.

Her carefree attitude and palpable enthusiasm reminded me of myself at her age. However, I could sense there was something deeper than it just being a phase. The more we conversed the more I could tell that she’s not just excited about doing a few trips here and there—she really embodies the traveller spirit at her core.

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“I think I learned a lot from my mum. She’s got her head screwed on and she’s very down to earth. She went travelling at 16. She became a flight attendant and travelled the world. I got her travel bug.

“She wants me to go. She pushes me to take every opportunity as they come up.”

As we continued to discuss inspirations she said;

“Role models are everything. The people you associate with are very important.”

I think what I found most fascinating was her assuredness. There was no doubt she is on the right path. I wanted to know more about this and was intrigued by what came next.

“I think I lived an awesome previous life. Like you said about being an old soul—I know what I’m supposed to be doing.”

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Currently working as a deckhand and hostess for local whale watching company, Hervey Bay Whale Watch, Liberty has plans to continue her life of adventure, travel, ocean and people but the exact steps are almost like an equal and opposite force of the certainty in her lifestyle.

“I’m gonna finish this whale season then hit the road and just go.”

I ask her where exactly she’s going next and I love her reply; “Good question… I haven’t gotten that far yet!

“No plan, that’s the plan.”

I smile at the stark contrast of the two sentiments.

She has no idea what actual actions come next but she’s completely sure she’s on the right path. It takes an enormous amount of faith to have that degree of confidence in the process.

“

No plan, that’s the plan.”

It’s worth mentioning that this faith is practiced and cultivated, not some sort of accident. Like most people on this type of journey, her practice includes, journalling, meditation, breath-work, creating, being in nature just to name a few.

At this point, some might think that Liberty lives a dream life, completely void of fear in any capacity.

Not the case.

Actually she experiences fear like anyone would; it’s just the way she handles it that is different.

“My biggest fears is what I go and do.”

She goes on to expand upon this and suggests the importance of moving towards discomfort and challenge.

“Constantly challenge yourself. Find what you’re afraid of and what you really want.”

I joked that she’s like a little, blonde, David Goggins (if you don’t know who that is and are interested in personal development I’d suggest he’s worth a google)!

“It’s ok to be scared, but it’s not ok to NOT follow your dreams.”

“Fear is the number one thing holding anyone back.

Don’t overthink it. Typically when people overthink things they just stop. Be open to opportunities.”

Another moment of inspiration. A healthy and timely reminder, to be honest. A reminder to return to living a life of passion and purpose.

Liberty Bliss, by name and by nature, stands for all that is good, free and pure in the world and I’m proud to call her my friend.

I’m friends with a true traveller.

I’m friends with freedom.

“

In Australia, it’s like you guys are all on holiday mode, like permanently. Everyone is very relaxed.”

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C O MMU NITY CON N ECTI O N

by Kerrie Alexander

S

SAFE SLEEPS FOR THE HOMELESS

leeping in a nice warm bed with a roof over your head and a locked door is just a given for most Fraser Coast residents.

Until one day when circumstances beyond some people’s control - like being unable to pay your electricity bill, rent or mortgage or ill health - leaves them out on the street with nothing more than the clothes on their back, the shoes on their feet and a handful of their most prized possessions that they must guard with their life.

Thankfully there’s people like Simon Rowe in the world who has made positive change in communities around Australia with his incredible not-for-profit sleepbus charity.

What Simon created can give up to 18 people with nowhere else to go (and their pets) a safe and good night’s sleep in Hervey Bay’s Apex Park in Pialba every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

Simon travelled a path of enlightenment when the successful entrepreneur and corporate consultant was walking down Carlisle Street in Melbourne’s St Kilda East in 2015 and saw a bright white quilt in a disused doorway of a bank.

People were walking past and stepping over it, and as he got closer, he noticed it was a man, curled up on the hard concrete floor trying to sleep in the middle of the day.

What the man said changed Simon’s life!

“He kind of wrecked me a little bit,” Simon said.

“I remember him saying to me it’s safer for me to sleep during the day and let people like you walk over me then sleep at night.

“You don’t sleep. You have to have one eye open, and one ear switched on.

“I always describe it that he was the tiredest man I had ever seen in my life. He was tired to his core!

“I went home and I told my kids about this guy I had encountered and I started getting a little bit teary, which is not usually my thing.

“My twin boys at the time said you need to do something about that dad, and that was the catalyst for sleepbus.”

As a consultant who fixes broken businesses, Simon used that same skill set to figure out what he could do to help people sleeping rough.

After 12 months of research, looking at different charities all over the world, speaking with key stakeholders and the homeless themselves, he even

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went undercover as a homeless person and stayed in some shelters.

“I stayed in a shelter with 50 mattresses on a floor and 49 guys I didn’t know and they go… have a good sleep!

“I absolutely pooed my pants the whole night. There was no way I was sleeping.

“I got out of there the next morning tired and just thinking there has to be a way to give people a safe place to sleep with a door.”

Simon played around with some concepts and put the idea of sleepbus to a GoFundMe campaign to gauge some interest.

The campaign raised over $100,000 in four days.

He picked up a new bus and with the help of his kids, Simon began building the first sleepbus at his home.

It was finished and ready to begin trial operations six months later.

The rest is history!

The mobile sleeping space includes climate controlled individual sleep pods with sheets, linen and a pillow included, along with a lockable door and toilet.

It also includes overnight security and CCTV surveillance, storage for belongings, a place for pets, and a twin cabin for overnight volunteer care takers.

The Queensland Council of Social Services revealed that in August last year 1567 people presented to Specialist Homeless Services on the Fraser Coast, with 674 of them being children or teenagers.

The need for sleepbus on the Fraser Coast was clear to Tim and the Community Grants team at the Bendigo Bank who approached Simon last year to bring one of the innovative buses to the region.

“I was approached by Tim at the Bendigo Bank in Hervey Bay; he reached out and said we’ve got some funds and we want to get a sleepbus to Hervey Bay.

“So, Bendigo funded the whole build themselves, so that’s $100,000 I needed to build a sleepbus and get it there.

“Then we look for sponsors, local donors and supporters to keep it on the road after that.”

Sleepbus Hervey Bay was launched on Friday, April 21 and has since been utilised by 75 males and 28 females of varying ages.

“People have this perception that a homeless person is a dirty old drunk guy that sleeps on a park bench,” Simon said.

“I don’t know where that person is because I don’t see them.

“I see teens, 60-year-old women, 30-year-old men, and mums with kids.

“When they get to sleep bus, they just can’t believe it’s free.

“When you see a guest get on at nighttime and see that same person after about 10 hours sleep and they feel safe because no one could get to them because they are here in a pod with a door that can lock…they look like completely different people.

“They are just so grateful and so polite. These are just people like you and me that have fallen on hard times.”

Simon said the main goal of sleepbus is getting people off the street by offering an immediate, first stop, cost effective solution for our society’s most vulnerable, catching them early until they can get back

on their feet.

The beds are comfortable, but not too comfortable, Simon said.

“I built sleepbus comfortable enough to enjoy a quiet night’s sleep but, in the morning, you want to get out.

“This is a temporary solution. This is why we don’t provide any other services. There’s plenty of other wonderful charities around to help.

“They do need to figure out what they’re going to do so sleepbus allows them the time to take a breath and figure it out.”

There is no judgement, no paperwork to fill out and no ID needed. The only ask is that everyone adheres to the ‘Quiet Enjoyment Rule’.

“That basically means as long as you can hold it together for the night and allow everyone to have a quiet night’s sleep then you get a bed.

“We don’t care what your situation is whether you have a pet or whatever, jump on, have a good sleep and stay safe.

“If we have a bed, you get a bed.”

There is however an army of volunteers behind the scenes that make Hervey Bay’s sleepbus possible which Simon is immensely grateful for.

There’s a caretaker that stays overnight, two-three volunteers at boarding time from 8.30pm-10pm, volunteer drivers to take the bus back to the Wide Bay Transit depot each morning where about three cleaners strip the bus down, clean up and make it all fresh and comfortable for the next night.

“I can deliver the bus but it’s the community and the volunteer support that keep it going.

“Wide Bay Transit donate our parking space during the day and allow us to park in their bus depot, they donate fuel and mechanical support, break down service and charge the buses batteries every day.

“Without that kind of support, we just can’t do this.

Everyone has just been amazing!”

The sleepbus organisation is a registered notfor-profit charity that currently provides services in Canberra, Maroochydore and Queanbeyan, with further services planned for Bundaberg, Sydney, Redcliffe, Ballarat, Coffs Harbour, Mackay and Taree.

More information is available at www.sleepbus.org

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H O M E GRO WN

HERE’S THE SCOOP

by Kerrie Alexander

A

vehicle can take you many places but for Robby Staff, his vintage Mr Whippy vans have driven the course of his life.

The 55-year-old Hervey Bay resident is a second-generation owner of the iconic business that sees numerous pink, cream and blue vintage vans cruising the streets of Hervey Bay mostly in the evenings, seven days a week.

There are very few songs more symbolic of Mr Whippy than the sweet symphony of Greensleeves signalling the van is close by.

As eagerly anticipated as Santa arriving on his sleigh, the musical melody turns suburban streets into sprinting tracks as children and adults alike dash to secure their spot in the line at the window for fresh vanilla soft serve ice cream sprinkled with a myriad of different flavoured toppings.

“So many people have the memory of hearing that tune coming down the street and that’s how they knew there was ice cream,” Robby said.

“The stories I get from people on a day-to-day basis are all about the memories; they want their children and grandchildren to have that magical experience.

“To have Mr Whippy come down the street back in the 60s with freshly made ice cream was a phenomenon.

“There was no McDonalds or KFC because it was one of the first big things to come to Australia. The guys driving the vans were like rock stars. It was very cool.”

This tradition is everything to Robby and especially his 81-year-old father Bob Staff, who started the family tradition back in the 1965 as an employee of Mr Whippy.

As the world celebrated 60 years of the Englishborn icon last year, Bob celebrated his own special achievement of being behind the wheel of a van for 58 years.

He brought the franchise to Hervey Bay in 1980 which is the same time that Robby started his own Mr Whippy journey as a teenager, learning the ropes of the business.

The family tradition started when Bob was working as a wharfie on the docks in Melbourne and was tasked with unloading the first Mr Whippy vans that had come to Australia.

“He always tells me he looked at the van and thought it was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen,” Robby said.

“Dad’s best mate started work with the company and encouraged dad to come along and give it a go and he took to it very naturally.”

Robby said so many childhood memories were made with many adventures had in those vans.

“My earliest memories were accompanying my parents as a young child for work. There wasn’t daycare back then.

“I went through high school and studied journalism and music but came back to work for the family business.

“The van itself has its own nostalgia. When my mum was pregnant, she was in those vans. Maybe that explains my connection to it.”

Over 200 Commer Karrier vans were imported to Australia in the 1960s and precious few of these muchloved original vehicles have survived today.

That is why it is so incredibly special that Robby was able to track down and purchase one of the very vans that his dad unloaded on those docks all those years ago and drove for the company.

It is one of three timber framed vintage vans that he is currently restoring back to its original glory days.

“It was one of a batch of 10 that dad unloaded of the ships. It’s super special to me.

“I’m a bit nuts because I actually have 10 of these vans now because there’s only a handful operating around the world.

“How sad would it be if they all disappeared!”

There is now a small but dedicated team who prepare for the night’s work at the Mr Whippy Headquarters in Hervey Bay. Each day the vans and the Italian-made Carpigiani vintage ice cream machines are sanitised inside and out, and the iconic vanilla soft serve and the famous caramilk and chocolate topping is made fresh by the team every single day.

Robby said this is where the difference lies between store bought ice cream and the unmistakable taste of Mr Whippy.

“You can’t get this anywhere else in Australia. We always say if you’re going to do it, do it right.

“We are all about fresh ice cream. When we first make it we always test it and oh my God, it’s always so good.

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“I make it from scratch daily, and that’s the freshness.

You can’t beat it.

“The customers are really cool. I have served generations of families over the years.

The vans have taken Robby on his own adventures over the years including being featured on billboards around Australia, taking centre stage in New Idea magazine and being the star of the show at the French fashion house Hermes’ annual beach-themed party, where the van stole the show.

“There is one family from Oakey whose grandfather always carried this little toddler out to get his ice cream. Then that toddler grew over the years, and it would always be him and his grandfather.

“I am very determined to represent the industry in a positive light and keep the tradition going. That is a big part of it for me.”

The vans have also been used locally for weddings and formals and can be found at just about every city event.

“I drove the vintage van all the way from Hervey Bay to Sydney for the party where they had recreated Bondi Beach inside a function centre.

“The van was a prop, but I also served ice cream to the celebrities.

“It was a very cool and interesting project that ended up in Vogue Magazine. It was just a great experience.

“The people were very grateful but was a big job driving the vintage van down,” he said with a laugh.

The popularity of the business has only continued to grow in Hervey Bay too, and Robby has no plans of slowing down.

He said the tradition will be in safe hands with his daughter Jasmin now coming on board as the third generation of Mr Whippy in Hervey Bay.

The family just love the customers and the longstanding relationships that come to life simply by a lick of an ice cream. One family is close to Robby’s heart.

“It’s a mixture of both tourists and locals who are all regulars and for many of them it’s all about tradition too.

“The grandfather passed away a few years ago but that little kid now has his own kids, and when they come here for holidays, it’s a big deal that we catch up.

“It’s very special. It really does become more than just someone buying ice cream and that’s what we’re about.”

Robby is currently developing a live app so that all Mr Whippy lovers can easily track down the van’s locations via the Mr Whippy Facebook page.

Start your own tradition by making the locally owned and operated Mr Whippy your number one ice cream favourite!

Robby’s top five picks:

• Vanilla ice cream dipped in melted chocolate • Vanilla ice cream dipped in caramilk

• A traditional sundae with vanilla ice cream top with melted chocolate and fresh crushed nuts • Vanilla ice cream rolled in Sherbert (an adult favourite) • The new Pina Colada

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Y K N A F R LETCHER L OCAL MU SICIA N

F A T S BU

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

Music has always been such a big part of my life. Even when I was a baby I would listen to my dad and his mates playing guitar and singing songs together. I really loved movies as well and hearing certain songs in films would eventually influence my taste in music.

By the age of 3 I was always making up songs and lyrics on my little ukelele or toy electric guitar, and enjoyed singing along to all the classic songs my parents loved.

The majority of my music taste was influenced from my parents when I was a toddler, but what specifically made me decide to ask my dad to teach me guitar was actually a movie scene! I was 9 years old and loved the movie ‘Back to the Future’, especially the scene at the end where Marty (Michael J Fox) plays ‘Johnny B. Goode’ on guitar. I would watch it over and over again, and dreamed of being able to play the guitar like that.

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

I’ve always just imagined myself performing on stage.

As I got older and began learning basic guitar from my Dad, I eventually got more confident in my singing ability when singing my favourite songs as I learnt them on guitar. I eventually made up my mind that music was all I wanted to do, and started practicing guitar, singing, and writing everyday and I still do now.

Towards the end of primary school, and heading into highschool, I had heard about the amazing music program at Urangan State High School. I had a goal to get accepted into their ACE Music Excellence class for Grade 7.

I started having singing lessons with local voice coach Gunilla Myren to prepare for the audition, which really helped with my confidence in performing, and fortunately I was accepted. I continued in that program throughout my Junior highschool years, and now as a Senior I am currently studying for my Certificate IV in Music under our Music teacher Josh Hardy. Urangan High is the only school in Queensland to offer the Cert IV in Music, and I am so fortunate to attend a school with such a fantastic music program and so many performance opportunities. Every day I am around other very talented musicians and singers and that always spurs me on to learn more, and continue to get better and better.

I love that my younger siblings are really into music too. They take lessons in multiple instruments and love performing, my little brother Darcy even fronts his own band already at 12 years old! Music is always blaring out from every room of our house (sorry neighbours!)

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

Recently I entered the Hervey Bay Unplugged competition, and made it all the way through to the Grand Final stage. I didn’t win, and although I was proud of myself for making it that far as all of the contestants were so good, I also felt a little disappointed, and started to doubt myself a bit. Our good friend, very talented and well known local musician Darren Marlow, made a small comment that actually helped a lot. He said to “keep doin whatcha doin mate’ and also reminded me that time is on my side. I know I am on the right path, it doesn’t just happen overnight and I have plenty of time to reach my goals and achieve my dreams. Darren is often giving me useful advice and also providing me with guitar strings haha! (I go through a LOT of guitar strings!)

Another awesome local muso Ricky Manych has also been really helpful and supportive to me. I’ve known Rick my whole life and used to watch him sing and play music at our house when I was little. I actually have a photo of Ricky playing guitar and me next to him playing the harmonica, back when I was still in nappies! There are so many talented musicians in our region and so far everyone I’ve met has been really encouraging.

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

Most of my favourite artists that I’ve idolised who were prominent in the 90’s grunge and alternative era, have unfortunately passed. But if I had to pick an artist to collaborate with, it would probably have be Jack Johnson because he seems like a pretty chill guy. Also Eddie Vedder would be pretty cool, considering Pearl Jam is my favourite band.

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

Yeah I’ve recently started to get serious about writing my own music, probably since the later half of 2022.

Although my songs are still yet to be produced and published, I have been spending everyday writing new material in hopes that I will soon be able to professionally record them. Most of my songwriting, both lyrically and musically, has been influenced from a mix of more alternative, poetic artists such as Eddie Vedder, Billy Corgan, and Chino Moreno, and also more modern hiphop oriented artists such as Mac Miller.

I have a YouTube channel ‘BustaMaster’ (@FrankyBusta_ Fletcher) where you will find some of my originals, alongside several covers.

You can also catch me busking on Saturday or Sunday mornings at Pialba Place Shopping Centre!

Instagram and Facebook: @franky.busta_music

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15

K IMI E XPE RIEN CE

by Kim Harris

“M

COFFEE, PURPOSE & BELONGING

y son tells me the key to happiness is simple – purpose and belonging.”

I thought about this when I saw Dave Drake from OBC in his element and heard his story - a bloke doing what he does - making great coffee and building a micro community that serves more than coffee but a place where customers feel like they belong.

There is something heartwarming when you walk into OBC - Dave knows what you want before you have to say – it really is that human connection we all crave, it can make a person’s day, just to be remembered, important and seen.

Dave has a “no fancy stuff” approach to coffee making – he doesn’t do frappes, elaborate coffee art, or try being something he isn’t. It really isn’t complicated and that’s kind of cool.

It’s about the coffee and the people. Purpose and belonging.

Dave and I caught up to make some coffee together he showed me the tricks of the trade to make a decent coffee. Good quality freshly ground

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beans, piping hot milk and practise required to master technique – I managed to get distracted and create a big milky spill.

To be honest I’m not sure how much I learnt about making coffee, but I enjoyed Dave’s enthusiasm and clear passion for coffee, his customers and of course the quirky little/big shop with countless interesting objects to explore.

I believe that Dave offers community connection, invaluable to all our wellbeing.

The coffee Dave made me was great (My attempt was good at best – still learning). I am very fond of the toasties and can confirm I’ve enjoyed a fast tasty sanga from OBC on several occasions with no complaints.

Unexpectantly I found my special thing in Dave’s shop: a much-loved childhood golden book “The Poky Little Puppy” I hadn’t thought or seen the book in decades. The cheeky puppies face on a familiar old book inducing a little flutter of delight.

Go find yours at the OBC.

How OBC started? Here is Dave’s story:

“I

just want to make coffee and do it really well”

After a 25-year career as an Electrician doing housing, high rise construction, commercial and the mining sector, I always dreamt of having a small café.

I have always loved coffee and motorbikes. I have been riding motorbikes from a young age and combined the love of both and The OBC was born in 2019.

In June 2016 I had surgery on my left shoulder, then in the October of that same year, I underwent surgery on my right shoulder.

After a long recovery and physiotherapy, I returned to electrical contracting until 2018 when I went back ‘under the knife’ for a second surgery on my left shoulder.

After 3-4 months of recovery, I was offered a job as a shift relief electrician in Central West, QLD at a Coal Mine Wash Plant. I stopped my local electrical contracting business, Drake Industry Services and did ‘DIDO’ work on a week on week off even time roster.

In January 2019, I found a coffee cart for sale and purchased it with the idea my coffee dream was going to start.

I continued the mining job while I was buying a trailer and a marquee and getting all the gear, I needed to start trading ‘THE OBC’.

With ongoing support from family and my best mate, we had a logo, business cards, the marquee tent printed, some t-shirts and a basic menu. My best mate also helped me with a Facebook page.

We started serving coffee from The OBC in July 2020 at a campground making coffee in the morning for 5 hours, then enjoying family time and a beer in the afternoon.

Our next venture with The OBC was supporting Hervey Bay’s Biggest Sleep Out supporting the Neighbourhood Centre in September 2020 and the local campground later that month.

June 2021 was Relish in Maryborough - where we set up in conjunction with local business – Café Connections for coffee tasting and education.

During COVID the mobile coffee business was very quiet - I was part-time Barista and part-time Electrician, I left the mines and came home in June 2021 for good.

I really enjoyed the coffee cart idea and soon realised I couldn’t afford a van to go mobile properly - so I started looking for a space where I could wheel the coffee cart into and try it as a ‘pop-up’ shop. I found a small 20 square metre shop and decided to sign a lease and give it a go... that was October 2021.

Official open day was 1st November 2021 (Melbourne Cup Day) - our new little shop in Pialba, surrounded by small businesses & and coffee loving office workers.

Full of excitement and anticipation to meet the locals and offer great service and ‘SERIOUSLY. GOOD. COFFEE.’ One month into the opening The OBC, we were offered a new space in the same building but on the main road, street frontage - we jumped at it and scrambled into the new space over a 2 day weekend.

So, we did the move into the bigger space, the shop had more of a presence - people could see us.

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Straight away we got busy and the growth started reaching 50, 60 up to 70 coffees a day along with our grab-n-go selection of food.

We now have regular customers every day sometimes visiting 2 and 3 times a day and I think its super important to remember their names and favourite coffee - providing great service is key.

I have a fostered a personal relationship with all these people – coffee has a way of doing that.

We stayed in the second shop for 15 months. The OBC continued to grow every day.

It looked like we would soon need more room - sometimes we had 18 to 20 orders in queue with no standing room. The big shop now seemed like the little shop - only 3 metres wide and about 8 metres long. My prized collection of old vintage collectable “stuff” on display was feeling cramped… time to level up!

Not far down the road we found our current space – The shop is more accommodating in every way, has an awesome feel - inviting atmosphere that seats up to 14 people.

The acoustics and energy buzz each morning with the grind of coffee beans and chatter of the regulars.

The new shop has been welcomed by our new neighbours and all of our regular customers are still with us… meeting new people every day is definitely a great part of the job.

SERIOUSLY. GOOD. COFFEE.

Shop 7/19 Taylor street, Pialba, Hervey Bay Open Mon - Fri 7am - 3pm the-obc.square.site

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6 months in the new OBC space – it evolves constantly, we love it here.

The OBC “Original Bike Café” combines my passion for coffee and motorbikes.

I have been accused of collecting too many things over the past 40 years but I reckon I have found some cool stuff - but you need to come and have a look for yourself. It’s more than just great coffee, OBC is an experience.

I often get asked “Where do you find this stuff?”

I think it started at the age of 10 - it was probably a bottle cap I found that looked cool, I guess it didn’t stop, I feel drawn to interesting collectables. I enjoy the conversations with people, as they take a little

trip down memory lane with me.

Some things in the shop people have given me they are on display for them to see when they come in … they have that memory of a loved one or a life experience attached with the stuff and it brings joy to pass it on.

I run the Café on my own but honestly it doesn’t feel like work being able to make people happy in a simple, human, and important way - every day. This was a dream, that I’m now living.

I couldn’t have it done without the ongoing support of my family and friends.

The OBC - 7\19 Taylor Street Pialba, Hervey Bay. Facebook & Instagram – The OBC

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19

STYLE IT

by Amanda Shaw

@styleit.byvictoria

GIVE YOUR HOME A TRAVELLERS EXPERIENCE

COASTAL HOLIDAY HOME LIVING

Like to know more?

Contact us for design details.

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5 Styling tips to make your home feel like a holiday home everyday.

1.

2.

3.

The finer little things Incorporate local artwork, nostalgic pieces, the homeowners hobbies, travel pieces, and other visual elements that create interest.

Living space Consider creating a variety of different comfortable seating options adding different cushions, throws or soft blankets.

A functional layout ensures easy flow between all areas of the home and each space serves its purpose effectively.

Create the mood with lighting Adequate lighting is crucial in creating a warm relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Consider task lighting over a desk, soft lamps around

4.

5.

lounge areas, adjustable lighting in bedrooms and direct lighting in bathrooms and kitchens. If designing a new area, consider a large window to allow natural light and cross ventilation.

Outdoor space Design your outdoor space to be accessible from different parts of the home - e.g.: Outdoor furniture fabric, a well appointed BBQ area, a cosy chair to curl up or read a book, a level path to walk on and a low maintenance garden.

Colour palette Choose a colour palette that promotes relaxation and comfort. Neutral tones like beige, cream, and soft colours can create a calm environment.

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DU N G A DE RB Y

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

by Justin Moore - Car 18

Dunga 2023 - There was a little bit of bitumen and a lot of dirt and dust, I mean a lot. Once the dust settled we found ourselves going through towns that I had never even heard of, staying in places who were willing to accommodate our large Dunga crew.

I loved the community spirit throughout this journey and it even made me teary occasionally- I assure you it was not from the dust!

I enjoyed every part of the journey including the games, roadblocks, and banter over the UHF, but the one thing that makes it even more special is you are not just a part of the

Dunga Derby, you are a part of the Dunga Family. They were not just raising money for great causes, but also helped fellow Dunga participants at the drop of a hat.

Thank you everyone, especially to Hervey Bay RSL for the loaned Dunga, we could not have done the Rally without you.

(Photography by Scott Mason - Southern Sky Images)

Relay For A Cause is a charity for the Fraser Coast community and the money that raise is returned to people in Fraser Coast region.

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

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23

FASHION

by Kate Manley

A

TRAVELLING ‘CAPSULE WARDROBE’ STYLE

fter quite a setback when restrictions on travel were enforced during covid, it seems now that the ‘travel bug’ is taking Australia by storm.

Especially here in Hervey Bay this season, we are seeing a great influx of tourists coming for the whale watching and also travelling from the south to escape the cold weather.

1.

As well, many are catching up on overseas trips to visit loved ones or just making return visits to favourite destinations in Europe, Asia and the USA.

To that end, we are seeing customers buying for those trips away, or enjoying browsing for a ‘souvenir’ purchase of clothing or art as part of their special holiday experience.

Whatever the reason for travelling, Mark Twain suggests in this quote:

‘Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.’

So make those travel plans, expand your horizons, disentangle from your daily routines, make some new memories and reduce that stress level.

To help with your travel wardrobe, this month we’ve created a ‘Capsule Wardrobe’; one that should cover a multitude of occasions, at the same time keeping your excess luggage to an absolute minimum. Bon Voyage!

1.

Chartreuse maxi linen dress with cotton webbing belt.

3.

Chartreuse linen and cotton top with fine wrex trim.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

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Cotton blend grey star jeans.

Light grey 100% cotton knee length skirt with webbing belt.

Grey long-line cardigan / jacket with pockets.

Chartreuse and beige sun hat.

Beige Italian leather bag with pocket inside.

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S M A RT M O NEY

GET OUT & ABOUT! W

hen we think of travel, we generally think of going across Australia or flying overseas. We live in such a beautiful place here on the Fraser Coast and we are lucky to have so many amazing travel destinations at our doorstep. The options are aplenty and of varying price ranges. We have camping, hotels, motels and even boats. The locations are endless. If you want to stick to a small budget camping is a great option. Stay at many of the nearby national parks located on the beach front such as Rainbow Beach and K’Gari, or the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands in places such as Connondale.

Camping is a great way to stick to a tighter budget.

Although you might have to buy a tent or a swag, you will be set up for future trips to come and not pay any hefty hotel charges. It’s a great way to get out in nature and reset. Some local campgrounds such as Hangar O provide glamping tents, powered and unpowered campsites. There’s a full range of price points to fit most budgets for a couple’s getaway or a family trip.

If your budget allows there are places like Kingfisher Bay or the Oaks. The rooms are lovely, and the food buffets can be quite accommodating for those who don’t want to cook and are there to purely kick back and relax. Just because you live in the area does not

VEHICLE FINANCE

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mean you can’t take a few days out and book a local hotel for a break and some time out to recharge. It’s a great way to get the holiday locked in with minimal planning if time is not on your side. Last minute bookings can also benefit from the potential of locals discounts. That last minute booking might not be as pricey as you think.

One of my favourite holidays in our area is booking a barefoot boat with Sweet Escapes to travel up the coast of K’Gari. The scenery is amazing and depending on your plans you can make it even more cost effective by booking a trip with friends to split the cost. There’s no better way to take advantage of our landscape than slowly boating up the inside of K’Gari and anchoring down in the crystal blue waters for the night. You might also consider the option of travelling on one of their catamarans with a guided tour over to Lady Elliott Island. The marine life is breathtakingly beautiful.

Whatever your budget, it is worth considering getting out and about in our local area and taking advantage of all it has to offer. There is something for all budgets big and small. I hope this little reminder sparks some holiday plans and gives you something to look forward to.

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H E A L T H H UNTER

6 SIMPLE WAYS TO SUPPORT HORMONE BALANCE

by Rhian Hunter

@ healthhunteryoga

www.healthhunter.com.au

A

healthy liver is essential as it helps package up and process oestrogen and its by-products. The liver needs plenty of nutrients to perform oestrogen detoxification (like glutathione, iron, zinc, magnesium and DIM). Still, it is also influenced by hydration status and can be slowed by a high toxic load or exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Healthy bowel movements (at least once daily) are also crucial as they help clear excess oestrogen in the digestive system, as does a diverse, healthy gut microbiome. An efficient hormone metabolism helps keep oestrogen levels within a healthy range, but it’s still heavily dependent upon oestrogen detoxification in the liver. If either of these systems aren’t working optimally, it could impact oestrogen levels, and you’ll likely notice symptoms of oestrogen dominance.

Include probiotics in your diet, such as yoghurt, miso and/or ferments.

Probiotics found in food such as kefir, yoghurt, crème fraîche, kraut, veggies, kombucha, and sourdough support the gut bacteria that make up the estrobolome, which helps process and metabolise excess oestrogen and other hormones. It’s essential to take care of your beneficial gut bacteria throughout your life, particularly for oestrogen detoxification. Recent research suggests there may even be a connection between probiotics and hormone balance.

Avoid processed foods that are high in endocrine disruptors

Processed foods and many restaurant dishes contain hormone-disrupting compounds like xenoestrogens and low-quality, oxidised fats. Xenoestrogens are synthetic compounds that mimic oestrogen but don’t perform the same in the body, making it harder to lose weight and contributing to symptoms of oestrogen dominance.

The liver has to work harder when these are present, and some data suggests they might even contribute to impaired detox function. Environmental toxins clog up the ability to process excess oestrogen and other hormones efficiently, which can lead to more problems down the line.

Eat more cruciferous vegetables and fibre-rich foods to move excess oestrogen through your digestive tract Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels spouts, cauliflower and kale contain fibre, diindolylmethane (DIM), and sulforaphane. Fibre can bind to oestrogen and help remove excess hormones. DIM and sulforaphane and have both been researched for their potential roles in supporting oestrogen balance. These hormonebalancing foods also promote gut health with prebiotic fibre.

Get quality sleep each night

Quality sleep is crucial for balancing hormone levels, particularly cortisol and melatonin. Inadequate sleep can lead to hormonal imbalances, causing symptoms such as anxiety and weight gain. It’s not just about sleeping for at least 7 hours; It’s also essential to do so at the correct times. The hours before midnight are the most restorative, especially for the adrenal glands that need this time to heal.

Cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenals, regulates other hormones in the body, and excess levels can negatively impact progesterone production, which is especially important during menstrual cycles. Quality sleep allows for a restful morning, which allows cortisol to peak about 30 minutes after waking up and affects other hormones like thyroid hormones and oestrogen.

Adequate hydration

Staying hydrated is a vital piece of the hormone balance puzzle. If you are drinking diet drinks or loads of coffee, both of which can dehydrate you and make oestrogen excess issues so much worse. Staying hydrated supports digestion and promotes liver detoxification. This keeps oestrogen levels in check. And use activated carbon filter remove harmful chemicals from the water.

If it is that time of the month, drink an extra glass of water.

Oestrogen and progesterone influence your body’s hydration levels.

Take a hot shower, sauna or a bath with epsom salts

Once you step out of the steamy bathroom, your skin will be loaded with sweat and toxins drawn out through the pores. The heat can help improve overall detoxification pathways.

Epsom salt contains magnesium sulphate, a combination of magnesium, sulphur and oxygen. These compounds help reduce stress and anxiety, and may also aid in sleep by producing melationin.

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MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN BOWL 30

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C O U N T RY K I TCHENS

Recipe courtesy of Lindsey Nash, Country Kitchens team

Serves: 4

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes 2 ½ serves per portion Ingredients

1 zucchini, diced, 1cm

Method 1.

PREHEAT oven to 180°C.

2.

ADD zucchini, capsicum and eggplant to large roasting pan and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil. Roast in oven for 20 minutes.

3.

HEAT another tablespoon of oil over medium heat in a large frypan. Add chicken slices, half the garlic, cumin and oregano, stirring until chicken is cooked through. Remove from pan.

4.

ADD remaining oil over medium heat in pan. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add in couscous and ½ cup of water. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes until water is absorbed. Use fork to fluff up couscous.

5.

SQUEEZE juice from cucumber with hands.

6.

ADD yoghurt, splash of oil, lemon juice and remaining garlic in small bowl and mix through cucumber.

7.

LAYER couscous, vegetables and chicken in bowl.

Drizzle tzatziki dressing and garnish with feta.

1 red capsicum, diced, 1cm 1 eggplant, diced, 1cm

3 tablespoons olive oil

300g chicken breast, diced, 1cm 2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 medium onion, diced 1 cup pearl couscous

½ cup feta, reduced fat Tzatziki

½ cucumber, finely chopped

1 cup natural yoghurt, reduced fat 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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T H E WA V E RIDER

by Celine Louie

SCRATCHING THE ITCH T

here are those that are born with a need to travel coursing through their blood, staying in one spot ignites an itch in the soles of their feet that can’t be ignored, propelling them to book tickets and plan journeys to explore far off places. For others contentment comes from staying in familiar surroundings, the comforts of home all that one needs to be happy, an itch easily scratched close to home.

Whilst circumstance can push us in one direction or another, for most the lure of travelling- or not, is in-built, and if you have that itch to go, you can’t just scratch that feeling away.

And so only a few short years ago, the freedom to travel was taken from us.

As the momentum of the plandemic picked up pace, people rushed back to their homelands for fear of what might happen next. Most of the world went back to base, in anticipation of the so-called on coming waves.

The travellers put their itch aside, returning to shore whilst waiting for the waves to subside.

Trapped safely in our homes, there came a time a time when many re-evaluated their surroundings, re-thinking what was most important to live a contented life. There came a rush to seek out greater home comforts, which meant different things to different people. For some the call to head out of the cities in search of greater selfsufficiency became a priority, whilst others figured that travelling this beautiful country would help scratch that itch in the meantime, and then there were many of our

brave southern friends, who packed up their belongings, and headed north in search of freer lands. Overseas travel was put on the back-burner as other things took priority.

A switch had been flipped and people were pulled in directions they had never planned to go, a reevaluation of what it meant to live a contented life within the parameters of the newly set boundaries.

Now that our freedoms have kindly been given back to us, we can’t help but look at travel from a different perspective. There is a deeper awareness of what goes on around us, to move freely from one place to another is something that we cherish a little more, and so we should. For freedom is certainly fleeting in this new world of ours.

Whether you have an itch in your feet, or look to home for your souls comfort, there is now a deep call for us all to hold onto the freedom to travel to far off lands.

Whilst the birds and animals continue on their merry way, our humanness dictates to us that we live confined within the rules of society. But when the over-reaching law-makers abuse their power, we have been shown that it is up to all of us to protect our God-given rights.

No matter how persuasive the pressure might be, we must hold on tightly to our freedoms, retaining our right to explore all ends of this diverse world that we belong to, should we, or those that follow in our footsteps ever have an itch that needs to be scratched.

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33

I NSPIRATIONS

by Alison Dunlop

SEPTEMBER INSPIRATION

Let’s talk intuition. Intuition is that little voice of reason we hear, when we quieten our minds and allow ourselves to connect inwards.

When facing decisions,or situations, pay attention to your initial “gut” feelings about the matter, eg. are you stressed or feeling at ease? Trust these initial insights or responses, as they are your body’s intuitive clues giving you guidance.

Capricorn Dec 22 -Jan 19

Cancer June 21- July 22

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

Are you sitting on the fence about something, or perhaps procrastinating Capricorn? We all fear change, however you are being encouraged this month to just do it! Muster up that confidence, and don’t let anything stand in your way! This could be an unstoppable month for you to reach your goals.

I have a feeling you may be stuck in an unhealthy groove. Perhaps past experiences or disappointments have been in the forefront in your mind. Time to declutter this hurt, so you can move forward with focus.

Of course be gentle on yourself and allow for healing. When one door shuts, another one opens.

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

September for you Pisces, looks like a good month for commitments or contracts.

This could mean a new contract for work or that new home, or perhaps you need to commit to something, even self. Also remember your friend commitments.

Send that friend you haven’t connected with for a while a phone call or text message

Aries Mar 21 - April 19

September is reach your full potential month, Aries. You may not realise this, but you are capable of so much, yet you have so many high demands of yourself. Stop procrastinating, set your sights, and get out of your comfort zone. It is full steam ahead for you!

Nurture yourself this month, Leo. Perhaps you have had a tough time of late, and it may be time to slow things down. Spend time doing things you enjoy. Allow yourself to eat yummy nurturing food, grab a massage, and watch netflix. Grab your favorite track pants and chill out!

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

Spring is a great time of year, and this month you are encouraged to lift your spirit and enjoy it.. Don.t be so down on yourself Virgo! Get out there and have some fun. You have so much to offer.

Grab that confidence and dance in the kitchen like no one is looking!

Libra Sept - 23 - Oct 23

Ok Libra, too much work and no play is seriously no fun. I encourage you to take your shoes off and allow yourself to play.

This may sound silly to you, but we often suppress our true selves. Is it time to forgive yourself for past childhood experiences? Life is too short to have regrets!

Taurus April 20 - May 20

Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 21

Gemini May 21 - June 20

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

Change is on the horizon this month.

Look at this change positively, because this change can be just what you have needed to transform. Check your mindset though, and flick any negative thinking, so you can bring on this amazing change.

Good luck!

Before you go stressing and rushing off like a bull at a gate this month Gemini, just stop. Allow yourself time to recentre and get organised again, for takeoff. You can be so much more creative and in the flow of life when you are patient, so allow as much time as you need to make the right decisions. Take a break Gemini!

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

34

Opportunities are highlighted this month.

Cancer. I think you will be rewarded for all the hard work you have been putting into a certain situation. This will be a positive change for you, so enjoy it! September is also a great time to put your best efforts in to yourself.

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I’m feeling you need to surround yourself with more of the colour red this month. Red is fun, it’s passionate and is also a power colour. If you are wanting to feel more confident, wear red shoes or a scarf. I also get the feeling you are way too self critical. Go easy on the high demands, and accept yourself unapologetically.

This month Sagittarius is gearing up to be a fun one for you! This will be so awesome, so find time to catch some feel good sunshine, and get outdoors. The colour orange is also highlighted for you so surround yourself with this feelgood colour and get creative. Allow your imagination to run wild!

RE A DE RS ’ G ALLERY

Crossword of the month

MARYBOROUGH URBAN SKETCHERS

Sue Gates - Maryborough City Hall 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 Aug 31st

128 Boat Harbour Drive, Pialba

Starts Sep 7

Starts Sep 14

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

www.alivemag.com.au

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75 MILE BEACH

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Village store, bakery, fishing supplies & BBQ facilities Renovated resort rooms & two bedroom apartments Located on 75 Mile Beach (self-drive 4WD access only)

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

kingfisherbay.com

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