Alive Magazine - Edition 53 - December 2024

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DECEMBER 2024 EDITION #53

A FAMILY FOR THOSE WITHOUT A man who chooses to send himself in to bat for those less fortunate Full story on pages 04-07

Mama Debbie and her eight orphaned children How a local woman found her life purpose in Africa Full story on pages 08-11

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UPCOMING EVENTS

THE ALIVE TEAM Founder / Photographer / Graphic Designer: JOY BUTLER Editorial Team: KERRIE ALEXANDER CELINE LOUIE RUSS BENNING LIZZIE MACAULAY Advertising Team: JOY BUTLER info@alivemag.com.au LOUISE HOLMES advertising@alivemag.com.au Phone: 0477 094 335 DARREN STIMPSON darren@alivemag.com.au Phone: 0408 122 050 BARB HARD barb@alivemag.com.au

HERVEY BAY CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT When: Saturday 14 December 2024, 4:00pm - 8:00pm Where: Seafront Oval, Pialba Hervey Bay

What: Enjoy traditional carols, fun festive songs, and a few surprises along the way! Plus, a very special guest will be making an appearance. And don’t miss the grand finale — Active Agents Fireworks lighting up the night sky!

Support local! Enjoy delicious food and drinks from local vans or bring your own picnic. Candle Glow Sticks will also be available for purchase.

Entry: FREE

FOOD N GROOVE FRIDAYS HERVEY BAY

When: Friday 6 Dec 2024, 4:00pm - 9:00pm Where: Seafront Oval, Pialba Hervey Bay What: This event features live music performances, an array of street food and market vendors, kid’s activities, and a licensed bar.. Gather your friends and family, spread out your picnic blanket, and enjoy a magical night under the stars.

Entry: FREE

WETSIDE’S 15TH BIRTHDAY BASH

When: Saturday 7 Dec 2024, 10:00am - 2:00pm Where: 267 Esplanade, Pialba, Hervey Bay

What: Join us for an exciting family-friendly birthday bash at WetSide Water Park, filled with free activities, delicious treats, and endless entertainment.

From thrilling waterslides and the Aqua Ninja course to TotSide for our littlest guests, there’s something for everyone!

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Head of Distribution JAMIE BUTLER info@alivemag.com.au 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 responsibility 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.

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A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL BY MACABRE THEATRE

When: Friday 20 & 21 Dec 2024, 7:30 - 8:40pm Where: Brolga Theatre

What: The classic story of Ebeneezer Scrooge and the ghosts. Macabre Theatre Company presents a fresh take including classic Christmas Carols and modern music to set a new tone. Along with our spectacular puppetry and live musicians.

Tickets: https://www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/ what-s-on

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COV E R STOR Y

Written and photographed

by Russ Benning

@russbenningphotography

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AN ALLY IN THE ALLEY I

t’s that time of year again folks!

Allow me to be the first one to wish you a happy festive season full of food, family and festivities!

Decorations are going up, businesses are in a mad rush trying to finish those last jobs before they break, and of course the Christmas theme shopping has been available at supermarkets since the Halloween hype was over.

As we near the end of year I find it’s a great time to ponder and reflect on the year that’s been and turn my attention to what I’d like to achieve and indeed become in the year to come.

Since the interview that took place for this article, I’ve also been pondering something else entirely.

Above I make reference to family being a core part of this time of year as a general rule. And like all rules, there are exceptions.

For some, this time of year, can actually be the opposite of each of those things. For some the celebration of family can be triggering and extremely painful.

What if you have no family? What if your family environment is so dangerous or toxic you were forced to part with it? What if your family unit stayed in tact but you find yourselves collectively without food or shelter?

For some it can be less ‘Yee-haa’ and more ‘Hell nah’.

I explore this exception with this months guest/ angel.

He goes on, “The reason I say that is because I know there are people who after my interaction with them. Had more time on the earth, because of what I did, you know” Again, applying perfectly to what he is currently involved in.

An unfortunate chapter in his book of life occurs in 2013 when he is medically retired due to severe post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He shares how hard it has been for him and details on his recovery (including the fateful addition to his little family, Barney the wonder dog!).

“I’ve actually gotten more understanding and insight from veterans. They gave me permission and acceptance for what it is.

Their acceptance and insight is invaluable for me coming to terms with it.”

He tells me how confused he was about having a disorder typically only associated with military persons. Along his journey he discovers it’s more common than he first thought and there is a quote in his industry to reflect this; “Same injury, different battlefield.”

On some of the darker days during his rehabilitation he shares feeling times of hopelessness and worthlessness.

He explains that being in a role that is so focused on helping people in often their own darkest days, lead to feelings of comparative inadequacy.

A man who chooses to send himself in to bat for this unfortunate demographic.

Marty Erlandson is a man who I had a very deep and emotional conversation with about these such people and circumstances.

My intention is not to make this piece negative in nature, in fact the opposite. I want it to either give hope or show some perspective.

I’m instantly put at ease as I meet Marty and his adorable service dog Barney. I already got the impression this was a kind and friendly man on the phone as we arranged our meeting.

As I look into his eyes I see there is so much coexisting love and pain.

“I actually really believe I was born to do it. I feel it’s my calling in life.” He shares with me in reference to his twenty years as a paramedic.

I realise later in our exchange that actually, his calling is not constrained to just that part of his career.

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“The fact that I worked in that line of work for so long, it became a part of who I am.”

His statement, once again is perfectly applicable to his current situation.

In July last year (2023), an organisation called DrugARM, expanded into the Maryborough region.

An organisation, in it’s many iterations, dating back 175 years, older than the Red Cross for those playing at home.

The ARM stands for; Awareness, Rehabilitation and Management. Yes, it’s for people dealing with drug issues but also, and I would argue more prominently, it deals with homelessness.

Marty was invited to join the organisation and he was a perfect match. It was exactly what he needed to fill his need and desire of giving back and helping his community, and he was exactly what they needed as so much of what he learned as a paramedic, and indeed his core nature were transferable.

Escaping domestic violence situations is another, one which is especially sad due to the extreme circumstances that would lead to this.

“We’re pack animals, we’re supposed to want to have other people around. So to get the point where you don’t want that, or you need to self medicate, whatever your poison, it’s a tragic place to be.”

I admire the degree of compassion he shows for them. The absence of judgement is a large part of his character.

A majority of his role as a volunteer support worker for DrugARM is to firstly find, then develop relationships with the members of our community that find themselves in such hard times. Trust being very difficult for a majority of them due to their incredibly traumatic pasts.

He shares a couple of stories that are not fit for print, and we both share a tear.

“You get to be there for people in what’s mostly their worst time, and you get to bring stability and calm to a chaotic situation.”

I learned a lot about the homelessness issue and the people that end up in that situation.

We share a laugh as we consider the absurd hypothetical situation of young children planning to be in this situation the way they would choose to pursue being an astronaut or a palaeontologist.

Sadly we’re at a point in history where the homeless situation is at a high point, partly due to the housing rising and inflated cost of living. He informs me that it’s both individuals and families also.

Mental health and behavioural issues are some other causes.

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He acknowledges that the average person in society looks down on the homeless, not understanding how deep and complex the issue itself is as well as the degree of trauma that leads there.

His advice to the general public who encounters such people is, “Be kind and be patient. Don’t judge them. Try to understand the circumstances that lead them to this situation. If it’s within their means, buy them a hamburger or a drink or something.”

He explains that the problem as a whole is not so easy to fix. It’s very complicated and there’s not enough resources dedicated to solving it.

That’s where men and women like Marty truly take the role of real life angels, giving their time and resources with no expectation of reward.

The sense of purpose and the rewarding nature of changing destitute persons lives and again, giving them a reason to live and have

more time on this planet is enough.

I enjoyed my time with Marty and Barney. I felt both saddened and then ultimately uplifted in the same short meeting.

I feel family can come in many forms and I guess in a way it depends on how far you zoom out.

It appears the community is a part of Marty’s family and they’re lucky to have him.

I told you at the start that this was never meant to be a negative piece.

For some readers, the unfortunate few without a stable home this festive season, I hope this gives them hope. That they are seen, that Marty and his team (and so many others who share his compassion) are doing all that they can to bring food and bedding and moral support and so much more. That it’s going to get better.

And for the rest of the readers I hope this gives a little perspective.

If you have all your basic needs met and you’re in a stable environment, maybe you can take a moment recognise how lucky you really are.

If you have family around, maybe you should hug them a little tighter and tell them you love them this Christmas.

At the end of the day we’re all part of one big, global family called humanity, so how about we celebrate that and have a little more compassion for each other?

How about we choose to make this festive season the best one yet for all of our loved ones and even those less fortunate than ourselves?

Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year to you all from all of the Alive team!

If you would like to help please contact Drugarm.com.au

We’re pack animals, we’re supposed to want to have other people around.”

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COMMU NI TY CONNE CTION

by Celine Louie

MAMA DEBBIE

A

s we journey through life, our paths can take us in any number of directions. At each fork in the road, we make new choices. On rare occasions, the less-beaten track may call to us, and we feel the lure to venture down the road less travelled—despite the obstacles we know we’ll ultimately face. Debbie Crouch is one such woman who decided that, despite the challenges, travelling that path was to be her lifelong mission.

To this day, Debbie literally travels this path daily—not only metaphorically, but also physically.

Meeting the needs of her eight orphaned children, she trudges the muddy roads of Tanzania on foot, buying food and basic necessities from the small local shops and village markets, ensuring that her family of orphans is cared for in the best possible way.

You may wonder how Debbie found herself in such a remote location, and for that, we must travel back to 2012. A person of devout Christian faith, Debbie had asked God for a life purpose. At the time, she was living in Hervey Bay, single, with her two children now grown and living on their own—a fork in the road had presented itself. She felt the call to help others and make a difference in the world.

The answer came later that year, while enjoying a Safari holiday in Tanzania.

“I visited a really poor orphanage. It was in a very old house, concrete was falling off the walls and there were holes in the floor. They had 40 children and three bedrooms.”

She continues, “They had a piece of foam about three inches high in the middle of each room. It was about two meters by two and a half meters. At night the kids just squashed on the foam mattress to sleep.”

Surviving on a diet of ugali -a bland porridge made from over-processed corn flour and water—these orphans lived in horrendous poverty. With torn clothes, sores on their faces, and scabs in their hair, what touched Debbie the most was their desperate need for love.

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They really, really appreciate their life, and they appreciate being loved. “

“They live just like a pack of goats. They’ve got a roof.

They’ve got ugali in their stomachs. They go to an overcrowded government school where the ratio is 99 kids to one teacher, but they don’t have love, and they don’t have family. So, I was praying that night, and I felt God say, ‘Okay, you want to do something for the world? Come and care for orphans.’”

With the answers she needed, Debbie bravely set foot down the beaten track, her faith in God serving as a much-needed guiding light.

While still on her safari holiday, Debbie befriended Moses, a traditional Maasai man who had adopted a more Westernized way of life and spoke fluent English. Intrigued by his culture they developed a friendship, and continued to stay in contact after Debbie returned home to Australia.

Over time, her friendship with Moses had deepened, and they decided to marry. A visit to his parents’ tribal village and the gift of a small goat sealed their engagement, and a year later, they enjoyed a lovely little wedding in Dar Es Salaam.

Moses then tried his luck with two more businesses, but tragedy continued to hinder his success. On his final trip away he became so sick with food poisoning that he ended up in hospital.

Debbie’s pastor’s wife worked at the same hospital, but Moses was nowhere to be found—the sickening truth about her marriage was suddenly revealed.

After a lot of investigation, she discovered that her marriage had been a lie. Over the years, Moses had used her money to build a brick house for his other wife and four children.

Six months later, Debbie had finalised her affairs in Hervey Bay and returned to Tanzania to start her orphanage. With no way to earn an income in Tanzania, she had given up her job as a dental nurse in Australia and cashed in her superannuation.

She bought land in Dar Es Salaam, laying the foundation for her orphanage. It was decided that Moses should use some of the leftover money to generate income to help.

Looking back, Debbie recalls how things took a turn for the worse. “He said there’s good money in selling Maasai sandals in Mozambique, so I gave him a whole lot of money, and he went over there for about two months. Once he’d sold them all, he came back. But on his return trip, the bus was robbed at the border at night. Men stopped the bus with guns and robbed everyone of everything. When he came home, I said it doesn’t matter—you’re safe.”

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“I used to be so materialistic, but when I found out, I said, ‘Okay, God, now it’s just me and You. I’ve got nothing.’ Moses and I had adopted a little boy, Elijah, and I’ve had him since he was two. I thought, well, I came here for the kids. So I asked around and found a little girl whose parents had died and whose grandparents were so old and so poor. I took her in, and then later found another one, and then another one. It’s like God’s helping me because this is what I decided to do.”

“I walk miles and miles. I am saving up for a little car. Here you can put 20 kids in a little five-seater car, there’s no problem, and so that’s one upside to it all.” Debbie tells me with a laugh.

Eight kids is the magic number, she has come to realise, as a three bedroom house comfortably fits two sets of bunks in each room for the girls and boys, and the third room is for herself and her ‘house girl’, and with ten mouths to feed, the workload and food bill each week is large but manageable.

“They really, really appreciate their life, and they appreciate being loved. At night, if I go sit on the sofa with them, one will sit on one knee, one will sit on the other knee, one will sit right beside me, and another will try and push one off my knee so they can get on. Kids need love, and they just love it—they’re all over me. There are times I’m thinking, ‘Oh, it’s so hard,’ and then you hear them laugh and think, ‘Oh, it’s all worth it,’” Debbie says, her voice full of love.

These days Debbie has become Mama to four boys and four girls, ranging in age from 3 to 12 years old.

Her home is incredibly basic by Western standards, yet it functions well for her family. Always grateful to have power and running hot water, her other priorities include a safe yard with high walls for the kids to play—under the watchful protection of their three dogs. No longer having the funds to build her own home on her land, she has struggled to find homes to rent where even the basic amenities work, such as power and hot water. Nothing is taken for granted here.

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The future is looking much brighter for these eight orphans and their new-found family. They go to a good school and with Mama Debbie at the helm, they feel a sense of security they’ve never known.

They may not have toy boxes filled with all the things our Aussie kids have, but they are filled with appreciation for being loved and cared for. Their smiles and joyful demeanour say it all.

Despite being in her late 60s, Debbie is determined to continue making a difference. Her mission doesn’t stop with just these eight orphans, and regardless of her age, she swears the love she gets from her kids helps keep her young.

“My dream is to sell the block of land I bought when I first arrived and get two acres here in Arusha. I

want to build a house for me and my kids, and then build another house to fill with two widows, four boys, and four girls, which will make their family.

Then, I want to build another house, get two widows to be the mamas, and get another four boys and four girls—that’ll be another family. Then, I’ll grow vegetables and fruit trees, have chickens, and a little play area with swings for the kids,” she tells me.

Unable to access her Australian pension, and with no way to generate an income, Debbie survives on the generosity of a few people back home—and her faith in God. Fortunately, a little goes a long way here, but Debbie struggles with the lack of financial security. She receives no funding and often lives week to week.

Setting up a registered orphanage has proved much harder than she’d hoped, but is something she aims to achieve down the track. For now, as a still-married Maasai woman, she is permitted to care for a few children.

Not one to ask for money, Debbie does have a vision, though: “I have a couple of friends who have set up automatic transfers each week. If I could get 20 more people to buy me ‘a cup of coffee’ each week, that would make such a difference to our lives here.

It doesn’t have to be much—even $5 a week.”

If Debbie’s heartfelt story has touched you, and you would like to help, contact us for Debbie’s bank details.

Photo supplied by Debbie Crouch and Jade Scrim.

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HOME GRO W N

Written and photographed

by Selina Ferrais

@dopamine_dealers @ scribblyinc

T

HEALING THROUGH PLAY

he lady with the blue hair the kids say.

Rochelle, she’s got this place now, this little sanctuary tucked away in Hervey Bay called Play and Beyond, where kids come in with the weight of the world on their tiny shoulders, and she meets them right there, in the mess of it all. She’s been there herself - knows what it’s like to claw your way out of something dark, holding on, moving in forward motion with two kids looking up at you like you’re their whole world. She’s a survivor of things people don’t like to talk about, things that bruise you on the inside and sometimes on the outside.

She used that pain. Didn’t let it swallow her, and she built something real from it. Play and Beyond and her Playing It Forward: Rebuilding Family Program - and it’s raw, it’s messy, and it’s full of love. It’s her way of saying, “We’ve been through the fire, and we’re still here.”

When I first meet Rochelle, her blue eyes are tired, a soft blue, like the sea in winter. There’s a depth to them, a weariness that seems to hold years of unspoken stories. When she talks about Play and Beyond, the lines of her face change - her eyes ignite, the blue becomes brighter, the fatigue slips away. Something like hope escapes from the creases in the corner of her eyes and the contours of her mouth. Rochelle is a hum of raw energy, no gloss, no frills. When she relays moments of her past, her trauma, her voice slows, a narrator of a movie scene that is happening to someone else, but it is her story. It led her to now – her exact moment in time.

Rochelle’s story starts far from Hervey Bay, across the Tasman in New Zealand. She was a hairdresser back then, cutting and colouring through the routines of small-town life. Chasing a fresh start,

after experiencing a life-altering tragedy, she moved to Australia, full of opportunity, and new experiences. Instead, Rochelle was to find herself on what was a very lonely road that would test her resilience, strength and very existence.

Rochelle is a domestic violence survivor. Between 1998 - 2013 she experienced two particularly traumatic relationships with no family support and only accusatory tones, even from those sworn to honour and protect. One defining moment came at almost 29 years of age, heavily pregnant and terrified, as he threatened the life of her unborn child. An argument over Home and Away on the television in her small living room. While fictional characters played out drama on the screen, real chaos was erupting in real life. She’d make a run for it. If not for herself, but her unborn child with the fierce protectiveness only a mother knows. She was done with second chances, done with fear.

She’d do it alone if she had to. And she did. For eight long years, Rochelle was a single parent, pushing through the exhaustion, the loneliness, the endless grind.

At 38, love found her again not long after the chaos of the Queensland floods. It felt like fate, a second chance. But history has a way of repeating itself.

The mental torment. The coercive control. It crept in, an unwelcome guest, a slow fog. It was never physical this time, words, and mind games, sharp and cutting. Around the time of the Alison BadenClay case, her partner would make cruel, snide comments, as if the tragedy was some sort of joke.

The poison of his words settled deep, but Rochelle had learned to read the signs. When she found out she was pregnant once more, she made another escape - 40 years old, pregnant, shocked, and alone once more.

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In 2017, Rochelle packed up her life and moved to Hervey Bay with her two kids. A fresh start, again.

She was close to finishing her degree in teaching, clutching onto it like a lifeline. But once more heartbreak would test her resolve. Her mother came to visit, a rare comfort in her chaotic world.

And then, suddenly, a brain aneurysm, followed by a catastrophic stroke. Just like that, Rochelle’s mother was gone. Rochelle was “broken beyond broken,” like a glass smashed to dust, nothing left to piece back together.

She continued moving forward – her kids – she finished her degree and began her teaching career. Again, life had other plans. It hadn’t dealt her enough. Rochelle fell deathly ill. Three months in and out of hospitals, her face paralysed, the doctors baffled. She thought she was dying. “I might not live to see Christmas,” she told herself. And in those quiet moments, staring at the all-encompassing void of colourless ceilings from various hospital beds, she started making plans, preparing for a future she might not see – but not the plans you might think.

and cognitive challenges, as well as those affected by trauma, particularly family violence. Rochelle meets the child where they are, seeing them, hearing them, and allowing them to express themselves and process their emotions through play. “I love it,” she says, lighting up. She had found her calling. It’s simple but profound. For Rochelle, it’s not just about helping others - it’s a way of healing herself. Each child’s smile, each moment of breakthrough, it’s a stitch sewn back together in the fabric of her own soul.

Since children often struggle to verbalise their feelings, they express themselves through play reflecting the words of Gary Landreth, “Toys are children’s words, and play is their language.”

Rochelle was fed up with the broken school system, a vast machine built with rusty parts and broken nails, enormously unable to support the needs of children who needed extra support. Children like her own, autistic son — her “absolute beautiful challenge.” Neurodivergent children, the ones with big hearts and big struggles, were slipping through the cracks. There was no support for teachers, no resources for kids who didn’t fit into neat little boxes.

She wasn’t going to wait around for the system to catch up. She was going to build something better, something real.

Rochelle found herself drawn into the world of play therapy and in 2022 Play and Beyond a neuroaffirming practice opened its doors. Dedicated to supporting children with emotional, behavioural,

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Rochelle, now a clinically trained play therapist creates a space where children feel truly seen, valued, and accepted. This connection is key - when children feel understood on this level, healing and growth naturally follow. Through Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT), an evidencebased approach, children are given the space to process emotions, express themselves without judgment, and develop problem-solving skills all in a safe, nurturing environment where words aren’t necessary.

Rochelle soon discovered however that financial barriers had become insurmountable hurdles for some families seeking therapy, recovering from family violence situations. A luxury it seems not everyone can afford. It’s unfair. It makes her blood boil. Rochelle decided to do it her way and with the support and encouragement of Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HNBC) CEO, Tanya, and Rowey from Collective Impact, Rochelle submitted a proposal for Social Shift Funding (through the Department of Social Services in partnership with HBNC). Overjoyed on hearing that funding had been approved, Rochelle built “Playing it Forward: Rebuilding Families Program.” The program has no interest in bank balances and reduces wait times for families seeking therapy elsewhere, bridging the critical gap by providing urgent support to children exposed to family violence - before it’s too late. 20 one-on-one play therapy sessions. Six sessions for parents giving them tools to continue the healing at home. Rochelle’s program is a significant step toward making a meaningful

difference in the lives of those affected by family and domestic violence.

“I may be just a small fish in a vast ocean, but I’m hopeful that if this program proves successful, it will pave the way for further funding opportunities. I’m passionate about seeing more developmentally appropriate therapies, like CCPT, implemented for children impacted by family and domestic violence.” says Rochelle.

As she listens to the stories of the children she works with, she hears echoes of her own past. So many of these kids come from homes scarred by violence. She sees it in their eyes, in the way they flinch at sudden movements. The system doesn’t protect them. Violent fathers offered visitation rights; and anguished voices of mother’s not heard, repeated pleas to seek shelter from their storms.

Play and Beyond is a lifeline for kids and families who’ve been pushed to the margins. It’s a place where kids can be seen, really seen, maybe for the first time. Rochelle’s eyes soften when she talks about the families she helps. Despite everything, she chooses to believe in the possibility of change.

And that’s the thing about Rochelle. She doesn’t just survive. She rebuilds. She nurtures. She takes the shattered pieces of her life and moulds them into something beautiful, something that might just help someone else. One child, one session, one tiny moment at a time.

For more details: www.playandbeyond.com.au

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LOCAL MU SICIAN

r - Samuel a it u G d a Le / r arcy Fletche l Lead Vocals - D Guitar - Neo Ho s s a B / tt la P r Drums - Olive What is the story behind the name “Unbleached”?

Year 7 music students Darcy & Oliver were wanting to enter our school’s battle of the bands competition ‘Sonic Blast’... but were left without a bass player.

Grade 9 student Sam stepped in at the last minute, and the band was formed only 3 days prior to us performing at Sonic. With some very talented musicians from grades 7 through to 12 battling it out, the junior bands very rarely win against the seniors, but Darcy, Sam & Oliver took everyone by surprise when we rocked the stage with our covers of Fight for Your Right by the Beastie Boys, and Aneurysm by Nirvana. We ended up taking out 2nd place!

Our prize was getting to play a 30 minute set at the Beach House Hotel. That was 16 months ago, and recently we have welcomed Neo as the 4th member of the band, a decision that has strengthened us even more.

We came up with the name ‘Unbleached’ as a play on Nirvana’s debut album Bleach as Nirvana is a big influence of ours.

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

DARCY - I grew up in a household with music loving parents! Dad played guitar and we were always exposed to music from such a wide range of genres.

I guess that’s why I connect with so many different styles of music, I can’t just pick one favourite.

UNBLEACHED are primarily a Rock/Nu-Metal/Grunge band and these genres are great because they are a mash up of different styles, there’s no hard and fast rules!

SAM - Listening to music such as Bon Jovi & Metallica when I was young, really inspired me to want to play the drums. That led to me exploring more instruments and musical styles, and now a day doesn’t go by that I’m not playing music in some form or another.

OLIVER - My Dad is a drummer and was always jamming at our house with his mates. I followed in his footsteps and have been playing the drums for as long as I can remember. I also play a bit of piano and guitar, but sitting behind the drum kit is where I feel most at home.

NEO - When I was growing up, music was always playing in our house. Listening to my parents favourite bands such as Pink Floyd & Queen is what sparked my interest in music. My Mum could play a little bit of guitar, and really encouraged me to learn an instrument, my love for music grew from there.

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Staib

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

DARCY - There’s a few! Top of the list to collab with is definitely Limp Bizkit. I just love their energy! I believe they are one of the best bands in the world to see live.

Sam & I got to see them in concert last year and they made a lasting impression on us, Fred Durst is one of my favourite people haha! Also Pearl Jam, shredding with Mike McCready would be a dream come true.

And then Silverchair, I am a huge Daniel John’s fan.

SAM - Easy choice for me, that would be Alice in Chains, specifically Jerry Cantrell. I really admire and am inspired by his style of guitar playing, and his voice is incredible!

OLIVER - Definitely Slipknot! Without a doubt! They were the first band I really got into, and their songs are still my favourite music to play on the drums.

NEO - There are a few legendary bass players I’d love to have a one on one chat with to gain some insight into their playing styles and writing processes, such as Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers... but who I’d like to collaborate with right now, I’d have to say Pierce the Veil. I’m really into their stuff at the moment and it would be so cool to jam with those guys.

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

We are currently in the process of writing our first album. We are all perfectionists when it comes to our own music, and the quality we strive for doesn’t happen overnight. We want to be confident that everything we put out to the world will be something that we are all proud of, now and into the future.

The boys are so excited to get in the studio though and start laying down some of our music, and the ball has started rolling! 2025 is going to be a great year for our Band, so watch this space!

You can keep up to date with our Band, check out reels of some of our performances, and even book us to play at your event via our social media accounts.

Follow us on Facebook - UNBLEACHED Band, and on Instagram and Tiktok @unbleached_band

Photo by Zac Shaw Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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17

R EG IONAL U PDATE

PROUD TO HAVE ONE:

A FRASER COAST STORY OF LOCAL COMMITMENT

A

cross the Fraser Coast, you may have noticed a new sticker popping up on store fronts – a small sign with a big message.

The Proud to Have One initiative, led by Jobs Fraser Coast, celebrates businesses committed to hiring and training local apprentices and trainees.

More than just a logo, it’s a symbol of the commitment to invest in the region’s future, creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and build a career locally.

For the community, this sticker serves as a reminder of where our support can make a lasting impact. You might spot it on the back of a work ute, a toolbox, an esky or a website. By choosing to shop at these businesses, you are contributing to the future of our local economy, encouraging young talent to stay and grow their skills close to family and community. It’s a sign reinforcing the commitment towards building a skilled workforce right here in the Fraser Coast.

“We are always looking to train and employ local talent, as we see the importance of teaching our skills to the younger generation through apprenticeships.

I am proud to have two apprentices currently and seeking a third in the new year”, comments Dale Newberry, owner of Kawungan Quality Meats and a long-time employer of apprentices on the Fraser Coast.

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Apprenticeship completion rates in the Fraser Coast, as part of broader Queensland trends, face challenges. National data shows a 55% completion rate for apprenticeships after four years*.

“I’m here to guide and support businesses through the process,” she says, noting that it’s a team effort among those committed to growing local opportunities for apprentices and trainees.

Kirsty Hill, Workforce Development Manager at Jobs Fraser Coast, encourages any business interested in taking on an apprentice or trainee to reach out. With more than 30 years’ experience, Kirsty has strong working relationships with the local Australian Apprenticeships Support Network providers, collaborating closely with them to help businesses navigate the process.

It’s a practical step forward, building a network that strengthens the local economy and creates a stronger, more resilient Fraser Coast. For more information, to join the initiative, or to connect with other local businesses shaping the Fraser Coast’s future, visit https://www.jobsfrasercoast.com.au/ proud-to-have-one

Regional factors such as job stability, employer support, and access to training programs contribute to these outcomes.

However, local initiatives like this one aim to boost retention and completion rates through providing more specialised support, promotion, and incentive.

Her role involves sharing local employment opportunities and apprenticeship pathways, as well as supporting people—especially students—in making informed career decisions.

“We want to create a collaborative team of businesses who connect around a shared purpose – to showcase the great outcomes of hiring apprentices and trainees.” Kirsty elaborates. The initiative creates a sense of unity among businesses, with each participant playing a part in a broader mission to foster growth and resilience in the region.

*Department of Employment, Small Business and Training - Apprentice and trainee participation activity data and statistics. www. desbt.qld.gov.au

The Jobs Fraser Coast Regional Jobs Committee is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

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19

LIFE STYLE Written and photographed

by Selina Ferrais

@dopamine_dealers @ scribblyinc

I

MAKING THE SEASON FOR ANOTHER REASON

t was the best of times; it was the worst of times — with the former somehow always making up for the latter. Christmas. A time of year that, over the generations, seems to have developed the ability to incite mild panic in even the most organized among us. Save one month each year, even the most rational of folk transform into walking sticky notes, bearing endless “to-do” lists, wielding imaginary money trees, and deploying resolution responses akin to bringing in the UN for a neighbourhood dispute.

Why? Perhaps it’s the learned behaviours passed down from our well-meaning parents, but that’s another story for another edition, and better saved for my therapist. Christmas holds different meanings for different people, but I think we can agree that family is the common thread that runs through like Nona’s black polyester tights. Kinship. That sense of belonging often extending beyond the normal biological ties that bind. It could be a friend who shows up without asking, or neighbours who always lend a helping hand. Maybe it’s the laughter around the dinner table of shared experience or the shoulder of unconditional support. Family is a place where a sense of belonging is created and where the heart finds a home.

As this year’s Christmas season descends, amid the glittering lights, party shoes, children’s

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gift lists to Santa, and the penchant to flex those credit cards a smidge too far, it’s easy to forget the essence of Christmas — gratitude, compassion, sharing, and family.

This spirit is alive at Andy’s Place in Bundaberg, a haven where volunteers come together to provide meals for the homeless. It’s more than just food they offer; it’s a sense of family, of belonging, for those who would otherwise face Christmas alone. Andy’s Place provides meals to those in need four times a week and has been serving the community since 1999. As of September, this year, the group had served 121,920 meals, with 802 meals currently served each month. Reflective of our current economic climate, numbers are growing. Alarmingly.

As is the case with many community organisations and not-for-profits in Australia, the light is still able to escape through doors wedged open because of the generosity of volunteers who freely offer their time and physical effort to get the job done. The welcomed generosity of the people, businesses, and organisations who give funds to keep these essential services alive is fundamentally crucial to ensure there are people there for people — standing beside those who brush against life’s raw edges daily, helping them find a glimpse of stability and hope.

“We always try to do something a little special around Christmas time. Though the clients have been given extra treats throughout the year, every meal is special,” says Robyn, a volunteer and organizer at Andy’s Place.

“Christmas is about being able to be together as a family and to also love and cherish that time you have with them. So many these days don’t have family, or their loved ones are scattered all over the globe. Family is more important than any presents.”

So maybe this year it would be nice to take a slower step, to offer a kinder word, to give a little more to those who might welcome a little extra hitch in their giddy-up. Consider spending the day as a family volunteering at a local charity, meal service like Andy’s Place, or community centre, where helping hands are often needed most, while bringing you and yours a deeper meaning to the season.

Robyn - Andy’s Place 34 Barolin Street, Bundaberg Central.

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21

RALLY FOR A CAU SE

by Scott Rowe

O

season.

LITTLE BATTLER MAKES IT HOME FOR FIRST CHRISTMAS

ne Hervey Bay family is guaranteed that Christmas 2024 will be one of the most special on record after welcoming their newborn baby home for his first festive

Baby Josh is most certainly a little fighter after battling a congenital diaphragmatic hernia that has a 40 per cent mortality rate. Fortunately, little Josh defied the odds and was born on August 13 and has now returned home relatively complication free .

Parents Blair and Shaun discovered when they were pregnant that their unborn son had the condition where there was an opening in the diaphragm which allowed the bowel and stomach to push through into the chest cavity placing pressure on the developing child’s lungs and restricting growth.

Local charity Rally for a Cause assisted the family with financial support as they had extensive travel and accommodation costs in Brisbane for medical appointments. Both were forced to give up work to care for their family and give Josh the best chance of survival.

Blair, a teacher, had to finish work earlier than expected and was on bed rest for weeks until Josh was born.

Josh then required surgery and recovery in infant intensive care before getting the all clear to return home and join his family in the Bay.

“I wanted to let everybody that assisted us know our happy news, we are back in Hervey Bay and doing well,” mother Blair said.

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“We are so grateful for all the support and kindness that Rally for a Cause and the team have shown our family.

“To the strangers that don’t even know us - yet are helping us out - we can’t thank you enough.

“Our little Josh is such a fighter and has been so strong through all of this. We are so blessed and so grateful to have him home and doing well.”

Blair said Josh’s team of doctors have been pleasantly surprised by how well he has progressed since his release from hospital.

“He is certainly a fighter and we are so pleased with his progress and to have him home,” father Shaun said.

During the lengthy hospital stays the Ryan family were paying for accommodation in the middle of Brisbane weekly plus travel costs and food whilst not working.

“Rally for a Cause helped ease that stress and allowed us to focus on what we needed to do for Josh.

“We are fortunate to have the support of the community and charities in our region like Rally for a Cause.”

Rally for a Cause raises funds to assist Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast locals facing life-limiting medical conditions are other tragic factors beyond their control. Its major fundraiser is the annual Dunga Derby, a four-day fun car rally from coast to country. Over the past 10 years the charity has raised more than $4m to assist those during their greatest time of need. Rally for a Cause also supports Angel Families, a peer support community of mothers, father, brothers and sisters brought together by the tragic loss of a child or sibling under the age of 21. For more information visit www.rallyforacause.org.au Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

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23

C OUNTRY K ITCHE NS

Recipe courtesy of Judy Fysh, Nelia Branch

SWEET POTATO, ZUCCHINI AND FETA MUFFINS Serves: 12 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes ½ serve per portion Ingredients 1 medium sweet potato, grated 1 medium zucchini, grated 1 medium red onion, grated ½ red capsicum, diced ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated 100g feta, crumbled 1/3 cup wholemeal plain flour ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 4 eggs 1 teaspoon nutmeg Black pepper Method 1.

PREHEAT oven to 180ºC and line a 12-hole muffin tray with muffin cases.

2. PLACE all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.

3. SPOON mixture into muffin cases.

4. BAKE in oven for 15 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

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25

FASHION

by Kate Manley

W

THE TIMELESS FAMILY

e are all part of the huge human family in the world.

Some groups are quite distinctive, for instance, the Jewish race.

Through the centuries, they have been singled out as a special family in the eyes of God, they have enjoyed favour and have preserved for our benefit, the Holy Bible.

And yet this chosen people have not always appreciated their heritage as throughout history, they have periodically been rebellious and self-seeking. That there is still a remnant left, around 16 million in the world, is testament to God’s patience.

On a scaled down version, the family unit has been described as ‘ the glue which holds the fabric of society together’. Extended families provide stability, support and unconditional love.

1.

Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

The fact is, none of us are perfect, everyone makes mistakes, some worse than others. In an ideal scenario, we would strive to be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and good decisions.

But achieving this, on a day to day basis, is the impossible dream. You can only try to do your best.

As we come into the festive season, celebrating family is one of the things we love to do. So this month, we have collated a range of Christmas gifts along with our wish for you and yours of love, peace and joy throughout 2025.

2.

3.

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However, being a parent can be difficult with the stresses of modern day living. In any family, each member has free choice, and those choices can cause estrangement. Children can go their own way due to peer pressure, circumstances of life or the family dynamics.

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27

YOU ’V E GOT M A LE

by Jon van Wyk

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING

G

rowing up in Australia, I often heard the tired old cliché, “Family is everything!” It was a phrase that often felt like a warm hug—which sometimes turned into a headlock! Funnily enough, our parents usually used this phrase to guilt us into attending family events.

Then there’s dad, a master of burnt BBQs and bad jokes, armed with puns that can make the most hardened guests roll their eyes and groan in misery at the cringe accompanying the weak humour.

Having eaten, these guests inevitably leave faster than a seagull swooping on your chips at the beach.

To start with, there’s always mum, a queen of organisation, with a weekly planner that could rival any corporate executive’s schedule. Events range from “kids footy,” to “weekend party”

Don’t get me wrong; family has its golden moments too. Like when we decided to go hiking one weekend - a quaint idea that ended up with a broken down car in the pouring rain, four hours from home. Yet, amidst the chaos, we shared laughter

The point here is that there’s nothing quite like an Aussie family gathering, where the usual cast of miscreants comes together for a grand performance of love, chaos, and slightly questionable decisions.

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ALBUM OF THE MONTH

that echoed like a cricket match on a warm summer night.

As with most families, the flip side can get a bit messy. Take, for example, those heartfelt conversations. You know the ones where you sit down, ready for some genuine chat about life.

Instead, it morphs into an unplanned roast session where you are mercilessly reminded of the first time you tried to surf and ended up face-first in the sand.

Thankfully there are usually more highs than lows - spontaneous road trips? Heck yeah! We embarked on a trip from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast once. Let’s just say we ended up in a small town wondering if they had any other direction than “head towards the big gum tree.” Still, the car karaoke - ripping through classic Aussie songs accompanied by thrumming wheels - made all the wrong turns worth it.

I’ve learned this. Navigating family life is a wild ride filled with laughter, unexpected detours, and the occasional foot-in-mouth moment, especially at this time of the year. Through the highs and lows, I’ve learned that while family might be a bit of a circus, it’s my kind of chaotic. After all, what better way to embrace life’s beautiful mess than with the people who will always keep you grounded and remind you of home...

Have a wonderful Christmas, from my family to yours.

The Lonesome Jubilee

by John Mellencamp John Mellencamp’s “Lonesome Jubilee” is a superb tone poem of earthy values wrapped in a blend of rock, folk, and country influences.

Released in 1987, the album captures the essence of ’the heartland’, characterised

by Mellencamp’s personalised storytelling and relatable lyrics. The stand out tracks like “Cherry Bomb” and “Paper in Fire” resonate with themes of nostalgia, youthful angst, and the struggles of everyday life.

Mellencamp’s ability to evoke powerful imagery through his songs is remarkable, painting a vivid picture of small-town existence and the emotional highs and lows that come with it. Instruments such as the violin and mandolin add authenticity, garnishing what would otherwise be a traditional rock sound. “Lonesome Jubilee” feels timeless throughout, gently inviting listeners to reflect on the rhythms of their own lives while immersing them in the rich tapestry of American culture. It’s a culture that resonates deeply with many of the values that we can all identify with. Overall, it’s an album that stirs the soul, solidifying Mellencamp’s status as a true musical storyteller.

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29

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D

ecember is spotted mackerel season and are the perfect species to enjoy around the BBQ this Christmas. The spotted mackerel are a great sportfish and with them we will see the pelagic action heat up!

T H E B I G C A TCH

SPOTTED MACKEREL SEASON Platypus Bay

Platypus Bay has seen huge tuna schools move in along with schools of spotted mackerel . Under the tuna golden trevally, school mackerel and tea leaf trevally can be found. Bait fisherman have reported scarlets, snapper, blackall and sweetlip on the reefs.

Wide Grounds

The wide grounds didn’t fish well over the big tides but should improve this week. Scarets, snapper, hussar, cod and coral trout will be on offer. Over Break Sea Spit reports of some good small black marlin sessions have been reported. With low inside looking wide will be a good option.

Local Reefs

The local reefs fished well this week with sweetlip, blackall, coral trout, grunter and cod being reported. In the shipping channels school mackerel and mac tuna have been reported. The odd longtail is in the mix with a few schools about on dawn.

by Andrew Chorley

@herveybaysportfishing

Sandy Straits

In the Straits the fishing has been good over the past week. Whiting were good over the full moon with the night tides fishing the best. Grunter and flathead have been around the creek entrances, salmon can also be found working bait schools. In the Mary river system salmon can be found in the lower reaches. Putting the pots in will be a good option with some good numbers of mud crabs reported this week.

Burrum

The Burrum has begun to clean up with some good fishing now in the lower reaches. Whiting have been active with specimens to 42 cm being caught.

Queenfish have been found herding up bait around the flats out the front along with school mackerel. On the Burrum 8 mile tuna schools can be found working.

Live baits have produced golden trevally, cod and the odd late season snapper on the 8 mile.

Urangan Pier

The Urangan Pier has been a little quiet but will improve in the coming weeks. Spanish mackerel, queenfish and golden trevally have been reported from the second channel. In the first channel whiting, gar and bream have been reported on the high tide.

CATCH OF THE MONTH

David from the UK with a longtail tuna caught along the western side of K’gari.

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31

THE 6TH SE NSE

by Michelle Robinson Bach. Counselling.

Dip. Clinical Hypnotherapy

I

A MEDIUM’S TALE

gathered the inspiration for our column this month from the person I found sitting next to me on the Tilt Train. Early in my journey from Brisbane to Hervey Bay, a lady in her elder years edged her way unsteadily towards the spare seat next to me and sat down gratefully.

Introducing herself as Kathy, she told me that she was going to visit a friend for a few days so she could have a break from her husband, who has been in a nursing home for ten years.

I responded empathetically, as you would expect, by saying, “I’m sorry to hear that. It must be tough for you.”

“No,” Kathy responded firmly. “He was always a bully. He’s better there than at home with me.

Anyway, I get lots of visitors from the other side. My Mum and Dad often pop in to have a chat.”

That was the moment I realised there was a lot more to this lady than meets the eye.

“You’re a medium!” I exclaimed. “So am I. Tell me all about it.”

Four hours later, we were still talking about our spiritual experiences, beliefs and anecdotes.

Kathy revealed that she had been seeing spirit people all her life. While they frightened her as a little girl, and she hid under the sheets wanting them to disappear, her mother reassured her they wouldn’t hurt her. She also saw Spirits, as do Kathy’s children today. Mediumship runs in the family.

Gradually, Kathy began to recognise the Spirits who came to her. She also knew through a ‘feeling’ when someone was going to die. This was the case with an uncle who she saw in her mind,

laid out in a coffin. Very shortly afterwards this apparently healthy man died unexpectedly. The same intuition occurred with her grandmother, who afterwards visited her regularly in her spirit form.

“Death’s nothing to be worried about,” asserted Kathy. “Every Spirit I communicate with is happier in the afterlife than before they left. I told my sick Mum it was time for her to go and that she’d immediately be free of pain. That’s when she took her last breath. I was so pleased for her I sang my way out of the hospital. Not everyone approved of that though.”

I nodded sadly when I heard that. I could well imagine the judgement Kathy would have received as a daughter who was not mourning her mother’s death.

Despite being quite frail, Kathy has a determination that glows from the inside out. She sees the Light within every person and regularly visits the other residents in her husband’s nursing home, offering them hugs and healing. She says when she hugs someone, with their permission, she can feel a warmth wrapping around them. It seems to give them more energy and vitality.

“I didn’t know I could do that for a lot of years”, she said modestly, “But now I know the power of a loving touch or hug. It just comes through me and into the person who needs it.”

I loved chatting with this remarkable lady, and we certainly shared a hug when it was time for her to leave the train. She showed me that we can make a positive difference, at any age, and the gift is in the giving.

I hope you enjoyed this column.

If you’d like to receive an uplifting Oracle Card message each day, feel welcome to join my free Facebook group, Your Intuitive Gifts At Work. www.facebook.com/groups/yourintuitivegiftsatwork

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B RE A T H O F C HANG E

by Brendan Holland

FAMILY IS WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

F

amily is our foundation, shaping who we are and how we navigate the world. For me, my family is the driving force behind everything I do, and what gets me out of bed of a morning.

As a husband and father, I’ve come to understand that being the best version of myself isn’t just for me, it is also for them.

We often inherit patterns from those who came before us, the beliefs, behaviours, and ways of being that are passed down, sometimes without question.

These generational cycles can include family traditions, but they can also include pain, trauma, and limiting beliefs. The moment we become aware of these cycles, we have a choice. To continue them or to be the change maker in our family line. What will you choose?

I believe in choosing change. I believe in doing the work to heal, grow, and transform so that my kids inherit a healthier, more empowered legacy. This certainly doesn’t mean being perfect, by no means am I perfect… though it means being intentional.

It means looking at the parts of myself I’d rather avoid and choosing to grow for the sake of the ones I love most. It means showing my sons and daughters what it looks like to face life with courage, vulnerability, and authenticity.

facebook.com/thehealingb @ the_healing_breath

However, ending generational cycles is no small task. It requires reflection, forgiveness, and a commitment to breaking patterns that no longer serve. For me, breathwork has been a powerful tool in this journey. It has helped me process emotions I had no idea I was carrying and has allowed me to show up for my family with more presence and love.

When I take care of myself, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, I’m better equipped to guide my kids and hold space for my wife.

Being the best you can be for your family should not mean sacrificing yourself. It means prioritising growth so you can pour from a full cup. It means creating a home environment where love, respect, and authenticity thrive, It means an environment where our kids feel safe to be themselves and where they see first-hand what it means to live aligned with your values.

Family is the ultimate legacy. By choosing to grow, heal, and end the cycles that don’t serve, we give our loved ones the greatest gift of all. A new foundation to build on, one rooted in love, strength, and freedom.

And that is how we change the world.

One family at a time.

Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

www.alivemag.blog

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I NSPIRATIONS

by Alison Dunlop

DECEMBER INSPIRATION

December is a great time of year, to reflect on the year that was. In this sacred month, embrace the relationships and bonds of family and friends, and find joy in the simple moments spent together. Have a safe and happy Christmas. See you all next year.

Capricorn

Dec 22 -Jan 19

Aquarius

Jan 20 - Feb 18

The energies of expansion are with you Capricorn, readying for you to move forward to the next phase! How perfect for December! Tie up those loose ends, so you can move forward easily. It is also important for you to connect in with your passion, and follow up with your ideas.

Good luck!

2024 has kept you busy Aquarius. The Hermit card suggests that December is a good opportunity to rest and recharge. I have a feeling 2025 will be busy and bountiful so take a pause and enjoy the holiday break.

You never know what inspiration you will receive with down time.

Pisces

Feb 19 - Mar 20

It is imperative this month that you check in with your connection spiritually and intuitively. Reassess where you are at in your life, and focus on your goals for the new year. An opportunity awaits but you have to be able to heart connect and allow for inner guidance. A reminder also to be more forgiving of yourself.

Aries

Mar 21 - April 19

Health is highlighted this month, Aries.

December is always a busy time with frantic energies. Be sure to keep your cup full, so you remain energised and healthy during the festive season. Remember to keep a balanced diet, and keep active. Also give yourself permission to focus on “you” activities. Enjoy!

Taurus

April 20 - May 20

Gemini

May 21 - June 20

You are being reminded Taurus that your direction is not set in stone. You may be wondering where you should be headed in the future. My advice, be open to being intuitively guided. Our paths have a habit of evolving into something else. Relax Taurus, let go of the steering wheel and enjoy the ride!

You are being welcomed into a new phase Gemini, which coincides with a new year.

Be open to this change! Yes, change can feel uncomfortable, but this one is actually a blessing in disguise. Life will start to feel so much easier. Enjoy this change!

Cancer

June 21- July 22

Animals are highlighted this month. You may have an affinity with animals or a pet could be requiring extra care this month. Also keep an eye out for animal messages or signs. They can bring awareness to situations. You are also being reminded to not second guess your decisions. Your first thought is usually intuitively the right one.

Leo

July 23 - Aug 22

The card drawn this month is quite a spiritual one highlighting teaching. For school teachers, enjoy your well earned break!! For the rest of us, perhaps you have experienced a life lesson, and this card is validation you are on the right path.

My advice to you, always be open to learning.

Virgo

Aug 23 - Sept 22

Libra

Sept - 23 - Oct 23

Scorpio

Oct 24 - Nov 21

There is a song lyric which goes, “in a world full of darkness be a Light”. You are being reminded that you are a bright energy! Do not let that light be dimmed by being pulled into bickering, dramas, or gossip. If possible stay away from the energy and happiness thieves! If you can’t, take a step back, breathe and bubble yourself up from these harsh personalities!

Libra, you are more powerful than you think! This month you are being guided to face your fears and insecurities, because when you put these on the shelf so to speak, you are so very capable of achieving your dreams! Stop comparing and start doing you!!! It’s time!

What a perfect card for you this month Scorpio.

It is now time to release the heaviness and the stresses you have been feeling of late. Honestly, most situations are out of your control! Use this month as a reset month, to be purpose driven for 2025. Enjoy some downtime!

Sagittarius

Nov 22 - Dec 21

Sagittarius you are a naturally sensitive and intuitive soul. Take note this month especially of those emotions or feelings that surface. Be aware that something that looks great on the surface, may not be right for you. Also it is time to deal with something you have been avoiding.

Be true to you!

Alison Dunlop Kinesiologist. Find out more www.alisondunlopkinesiology.com.au (Cards: Angels and Ancestors Oracle Cards by Kyle Gray)

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Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

www.alivemag.blog

RE A DE RS ’ G ALLERY

Crossword of the month

MARYBOROUGH URBAN SKETCHERS

Kent Street by An Butler 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 on our Facebook group (Meet 1st Sunday monthly): Urban Sketchers Maryborough Qld

Last month’s solution

Come in and enjoy a freshly prepared meal, snack or barista coffee before the show in the BIGSCREEN Cafe.

NOW SHOWING IN DECEMBER 128 Boat Harbour Drive, Pialba www.mybigscreen.com.au Alive Magazine Wide Bay |

www.alivemag.blog

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