Style magazine Toowoomba - January 2024

TOOWOOMBA JANUARY 2024

MAGAZINE

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Check out your year ahead in the stars p8

Sink your teeth in:

Ultimate guide to the perfect BBQ

Meatstock back&bigger than ever FA SH I O N

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C OMMU N I TY

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HE A LT H

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BE A UT Y

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p26

Local photographer wins national award p41 HO ME

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T R AV EL

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FOOD

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EVEN TS

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ARTS

Every has a story If you’re reading this you’re one of the 19,000+ people that read Toowoomba Style every edition.

See how your style can be part of the story | e: style@news.com.au | p: 0480 097 561

Hello and welcome to the first issue of Style for 2024! We hope you had a fabulous festive season and were able to take some time out to rest and recharge in between all the craziness of celebrations and kids home on school holidays.

We’ve got a jam-packed edition for you to kick off the new year, from the story behind Meatstock (p6) and perfect recipes to try out mouth-watering meat while you wait for the event in March (p26-31), to Kat Lynn’s incredible national win for her photography and the journey that led to this moment (p41) and much more.

While you’re (hopefully) lazing beside the pool this summer, you’ll likely need a good book to sink your teeth into – so the Style team have put together a guide with some of our favourites, as well as selections to keep the kids occupied during the much foughtagainst screen-free time, and some anticipated reads for the year to come. Check it out on pages 44-45.

We’ve also got some excellent boredom busters for you and the kids (p40), mostly using things you can find around the house, and tips for making roadtrips less about enduring and more about enjoying this summer (p36).

Finally, discover the best sunscreen for your skin (p18) and slip, slop, slap like a pro before dressing to impress with 2024’s most wearable fashion trends on page 14-15.

Enjoy your issue of Style magazine!

The Style team xx

Meatstock Toowoomba promises an excellent array of delicious meat and great entertainment come March 2024.

@stylemagazinestoowoomba

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This delightfully easy yet delicious recipe for slow cooker smoky southern-style ribs is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering

THE TEAM Lifestyle Editor: Melanie Collins; Entertainment Editor: Jessica Kramer; Food Editor: Mariam Digges; Home & Living Editor: Jenna Martin; Sport & Technology Editor: Kate Salemme; Journalists: Savaira Ratukula, Alyssa Welke, Katrina Sichlau SUB EDITORS Sandra Killen, Lisa Toia DESIGN Paul Hunter, Justine Costello ADVERTISING MANAGER Erika Brayshaw STYLE MAGAZINE TOOWOOMBA CONTACT DETAILS style@news.com.au PO BOX 40, Toowoomba QLD 4350

STYLE 4

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The Emerald Isle puts on a show with castles, basalt columns and lush green views

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Amelia and Brendan celebrated their future together with a perfect day

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FEATURE Hungry for fun

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FASHION New year, new you

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FOOD More than meats the eye

40

EDUCATION School holiday boredom busters

08

FEATURE A look at the year ahead

18

BEAUTY The right sunscreen for your skin

32

HOME & LIVING 5 easy ways to declutter

41

BUSINESS A change of focus

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WEDDING Amelia and Brendan get hitched

20

WELLNESS Cool running

34

HOME & LIVING Guide to raising purr-fect pets

42

SPORT Building a body of hope

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FASHION The over-45s capsule wardrobe

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RELATIONSHIPS So, do you have kids?

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TRAVEL Are we there yet?

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ENTERTAINMENT Hot books this summer and beyond

5 STYLE

advertising feature

Meatstock is back for another cracker year, with even more entertainment and tasty meat on the cards, writes Megan Masters

J HUNGRY FOR FUN STYLE 6

ay Beaumont was mind-blown when he got his first taste of American low and slow barbecue and he knew it was something he wanted to share with his fellow Aussies after returning from a trip to the USA. Long before meat smokers and barbecue pits became a common backyard addition across the nation, he was not only working hard to perfect the art of slow cooked ribs, brisket and more, he was also cooking up an idea for a festival.

He teamed up with Simon Luke and began brainstorming a meaty wonderland where Aussies could converge and celebrate this unique method of cooking.

The resulting product was Meatstock and fans of delicious meaty delicacies descended on the inaugural Sydney event, keen to taste test some of the best low and slow food in Australia and refine their own skills at creating them.

Rather than simply stick to low and slow barbecue cooking, Jay says it is a celebration of all forms of meat cooking. He says there will be demonstrations of different techniques such as grilling, Asian-style barbecue and Brazilian-style barbecue in addition to the various methods of low and slow barbecue.

The inaugural event was popular enough to start looking for more places to share the love, but finding the perfect location to host a Queensland event proved to be a bigger challenge than expected.

After discovering the Toowoomba Showgrounds, however, they knew Meatstock had found its Queensland home.

feature

In 2022 they staged the inaugural Toowoomba event and it was such a success they sold out before the next festival kicked off in early 2023.

Across the three events staged in 2023, some 60,000 people came for a taste of the action, and more are expected this year.

For the 2024 event, coming up March 8-10, they decided to add an extra day on Sunday to satiate the city’s barbecue fans.

Jay says it will likely be the only chance for last minute ticket buyers to get a look in, because sales for Friday and Saturday tickets were already well advanced.

Country music fans will be as thrilled as barbecue fans, with a bumper line-up of Australian and international acts set to take the stage.

“Everyone loved it last year and we got nothing but great feedback,” Jay says.

“We’ve got more food vendors coming this year and Chayce Beckham will be headlining the Saturday. He’s a country music artist who not only won American Idol, but was the first artist to win the show singing his own song.

“We’ve always had the best beard and moustache competitions, but last time people had so much fun with other categories like the best chest hair and the best mullet, we’re focusing on those too.

“We’ll also have Australia’s strongest man and woman competitions, so there will be plenty to see and do.

“It’s very family-friendly too, so bring the kids along for a great day out.”

Whether you’re just finding your way into the world of low and slow cooking or looking to refine some already-great skills, Meatstock is the perfect place to find out more.

Not only can you enjoy demonstrations and tastings, you can browse the vendor stalls on-site to buy everything from tools to rubs, smokers, grills, woodchips, sauces, pickles and meat, all while tapping your feet to brilliant live music and inhaling the mouth-watering smells of roasting meat.

Jay says you don’t need to be an expert to make some of the most delicious morsels you have ever tasted, but there are plenty of ways to up your game.

“If you spend the time and enjoy it, you can go from okay barbecue to amazing barbecue by learning about different woods to get the right smoke flavour, airflow so the smoke doesn’t create an acrid flavour, different rubs, the right quality meat, and then there’s the process of whether you wrap or not, and whether you wrap in paper or foil.

“That’s all if you take the time to learn, but you can just do the basics and get something really good. The main thing to start with is buying quality meat.”

The rise of groups on social media like Facebook and TikTok also mean people can get a good headstart on their smoking game from those dedicated to the art of cooking the perfect carnivorous treats, meaning they can really make the most of advice from experts at Meatstock.

Among those experts at Meatstock will be the crew on Heat Beads Meat Wagon and the Traeger demo stage, ready and waiting to show fans how to make the most of their weekend cook-ups and give them a taste of the action as they cook.

There will also be plenty of special events including the Heat Beads Barbecue Wars, the Heat Beads Steak Wars, the Australian Food Super Butcher Wars and the Meatstock Rod and Custom Rumble car show.

Jay says the best way to ensure the right amount of meat hits the barbecues and grill plates across the showgrounds is to buy tickets in advance so vendors have the best idea of possible numbers ahead of the event.

And with the event continually growing in popularity, the only way to ensure you aren’t disappointed is to get in early, particularly for the Friday and Saturday tickets.

To find out more or book your tickets, visit meatstock.com.au/toowoomba

We’ll also have Australia’s strongest man and woman competitions 7 STYLE

feature

A look at the year ahead Our resident clairvoyant Luna peers into the stars to discover what’s in store for 2024 or else, like many, frustration and anger will set in and no one likes an angry Aquarian.

Money: 2024 could be the year of living dangerously where money is concerned.

Do not go overboard with your spending otherwise you may find bills starting to come in with no funds to pay them. Try to save a little this year, every bit helps.

CAPRICORN Love: There have been many upheavals over the past 10 years, but the good news is you are about to become your true self – whether it will be finding that someone special or simply finding some self love which is also important. When you feel great then you attract positive energy.

Health: When you get over the potential New Year celebrating then it is time to knuckle down to some serious considerations on what you are focusing on health wise. You know where your strengths lie. If you are feeling overwhelmed, 2024 is the year to focus on your mental health.

Money: Money will come and go during this year. Don’t despair though, it is meant to be this way to show how far you have travelled to achieve your monetary goals. In the long run you should be sitting comfortably by the end of the year.

PISCES Love: Pisces, remember the way you used to feel about romance – that it was not for you – well things are about to change for the better. 2024 brings the ideal person into your life who knows how you think and fits right into your crazy ways brilliantly. That is amore.

Health: You are in such a positive mood during the first half of 2024, take time to listen to your body’s natural ability to sense when there could be a problem. If the daily grind is getting you down towards the end of the year it could be time to rid yourself of baggage and take stock of what matters.

Money: You never seem to have enough money, however, if you put your money in just one area of saving it will grow in ways you could never realise. That perfect little house is just around the corner, so keep an eye on your savings and dream big.

AQUARIUS Love: Loved up Aquarians, you have the best stars for finding that perfect someone if you have not already done so. If attached, then your love will grow deeper than ever as you spend more quality time together.

Health: Take time out for yourself this year and learn about how much your body can take before tackling climbing mountains.

You have to work towards your fitness goals STYLE 8

ARIES Love: Looking for the perfect partner has never been easy as they have so many

hurdles to jump over just to stay in the race.

It is not that you are difficult to get on with, it simply means you do not suffer fools or false people. There is someone in your future but it may be you who have to compromise.

Health: The odd flu and colds may make your life a tad dreary this year but try to keep up with a health game plan so that fighting off those nasties won’t look so daunting.

Remember to breath deep and take up the challenge of relaxation – this is the time to be at one with nature.

Money: You are the money minder knowing where each dollar goes and what it was spent on. There is no one more savvy with money than an Aries. You like to have the best at the lowest prices so champagne lifestyle on lemonade budget fits your purpose, but boy do you get some bargains.

TAURUS Love: Do you remember who you are – it seems that you spend a heck of a lot of time indulging yourself and forgetting about your partner. Needless to say stubborn is as stubborn does, so don’t be surprised if things look a little rocky this year. It can all be rectified if you take a look at yourself; imagining life without them does not look rosy at all.

Health: Your health is of concern this year – as you get older there is the odd war wound, so to speak, that could pop up. In your youth, sport was the be all and end all of your world. However, now as you get older you don’t recover as well as you used to. So, slow and steady wins the race to get you back to premium fitness.

Money: When money talks you listen with ears wide open – there is nothing a Taurus won’t do to save money. Keeping your finances to yourself is wise, but not at the risk of being a miser. Money is there to be shared and enjoy life, otherwise it may be lonely counting coins in your castle alone.

GEMINI Love: Love is in the air so take time out to make sure your partner feels special this year or, if not in a relationship, then give yourself some old fashioned me time. Has your one shot at happiness missed the mark? No, don’t ever think like that – Geminis are able to turn love into a symphony with just one look. Dance like no one is watching this year.

Health: Health matters may need some attention this year, have you been burning the midnight oil? If so, then perhaps spend less time working and more time relishing the good life you have. Fitness comes in many forms so while some Geminis may enjoy a strenuous work out at the gym, others are content with floating around on a pool toy sipping a margarita.

Money: Money is the biggest driver for you in 2024 – you have grand plans, so if looking at minor or major renovations of your current home, now is the time to get started. If selling or investing in real estate make sure you have checked the fine print before signing any major deals. You will have money stars all year in the right direction so enjoy – you have earnt the perks.

CANCER Love: Making a welcome appearance in your life, someone special will sweep you off your feet this year sending you in to a

romantic frenzy. I mean it is about time if you have been single for a long time or if attached already – maybe a proposal of another kind could be on the cards this year.

Health: Slow down – you are working at an unsustainable pace which can lead to burnout. Trying to balance too many options could see you with balls in the air and no one to catch them. You have earnt the right to slow down this year, taking a well earned holiday to a health spa would do you the world of good. If this is out of the question then perhaps a short break away might suffice.

Money: Career and money go together this year as you finally get the dream job that will give you the money to plan ahead. Money does make your world go round and while you do love the feeling of being able to shop until you drop and dine out nightly, it is time to think about putting a little away for the unexpected.

LEO Love: Love has been a hard road of late – you doubt your ability to look at love in a positive way, especially if you have been the centre of your partner’s world but now feel that light starting to dim. Needless to say, it takes two to make a partnership really work so you will need to voice your concerns and take it from there.

Health: Say goodbye to health issues – this year is starting out well as it seems you have gotten to grips with all of the problems you had in 2023 and will take a new course of action in 2024. It may mean having to set time aside to exercise and watch your diet but the results will be worth it.

Money: Leo we all know how much spending your money is pleasurable but

you are generous to a fault, you would rather spoil others than yourself. In 2024 these ideas need to change as money will burn a hole in your pocket. It is time that you put yourself first adopting a new attitude when it comes to saving and spending and investing wisely.

VIRGO Love: A fantastic year for romance with everything pointing to a new area in your life.

So if you are single it will not be for long, attached couples are loved up to the utmost degree. With so much love it will come as no surprise if a big announcement could be revealed to your world. Pink or blue or perhaps two.

Health: Your health stars this year are amazing – you already have a glow about you. Take the time to learn to relax more – you will need it to keep up with your career taking off. It may be time to bring in some new ideas; thinking outside of the box. Join a fitness group or simply enjoy life to the max this year.

Money: Look towards the future in regard to money this year. It may take a while to get your stars aligned but, when they do, look out for a wealth of money to come your way.

It could be sheer luck or perhaps via an inheritance but ever sensible Virgo will know exactly where to direct a windfall of this magnitude.

LIBRA Love: Harmony is your mantra for 2024.

Sometimes relationships need a little tender loving care. Giving back part of yourself will invigorate your life and family immensely.

Ensure that you also look towards what you need to bring out the very best in you so that

Hairy does the Job A Chartered Accountant with a sense of humour

solid foundations can lead to a happy home and love life.

Health: Over the past 12 years there has been a peeling away of your true self – issues that concern both your mental state and physical being. If you treat your body right, big dreams are about to be unleashed. With a positive attitude, it is time to step up and go for gold.

Money: It may be a tiny bit of a struggle financially this year but you know how to balance the books and work out a strategic way to get through. In the latter part of the year work is so busy, money will come in but go out just as quick. Put your money into a nest egg and try not to touch it until after October.

SCORPIO Love: Oh please Scorpio we all know how much you are in love at present, it shows in everything you say and do. Your partner and family are the most important people that matter, the good news is they feel exactly the same about you. I see beautiful stars for you over the next 12 months.

Health: How does it feel to look and feel like a supermodel? It is the way that you represent yourself – that is, if you look good, you will feel good. Every year for the past

decade it has been important for you to keep your health in check. When it comes to fitness and keeping on top of stress this year you can relax a little more – less gym junkie, more walking.

Money: During 2024 there could be additional expenses but nothing that a true Scorpio cannot handle. Working hard during this year will let you slacken the reins a little in 2025 as each piece of your puzzle falls into place. Remember to put the credit cards away after your big blowout at the end of last year.

SAGITTARIUS Love: Love makes your world go round, that is for sure. Those little arrows of Cupid aimed directly at that certain someone will give you satisfaction as they hit their mark. If single, you won’t probably meet Mr Right but you could meet Mr Right Now, which could lead to bigger and better understanding of what you want in a relationship. If already with a partner, then you have found what you have been looking for all of your life.

Health: Colds and flu could weave their nasty way into your life this year – nothing too serious but just enough to really annoy you, making it a miserable time for all. Keep stocked up on all the health food, chicken soup and, if need be, time out would suit you well this year. Summer will see you back at your best, firing on all cylinders.

Money: There is nothing in the world more than a full bank account to please a Sagittarian – they have been known to hunt down a bargain, but will not go overboard with spending. Career goals will help to increase your bank balance, with some major purchases being on the cards. Live and let live; save up for that major holiday you have always wanted to take. 2024 sees you take to the skies.

Jeff Hannaford is a Community Chartered Accountant and Trouble Shooter who has been in business since 1978 when he opened up his first office in Inglewood. His business has now grown with another 2 offices in Texas and Millmerran.

Don’t delay, contact and enjoy the experience of good old fashioned service.

For a free insight into what changes you could make to your business, call Jeff on 0429 894 937

Jeff Hannaford Pty Ltd Office Contacts: Millmerran 07 4695 1477 | Inglewood 07 4652 1106 Texas 07 4653 1155 9 STYLE

The details Bride: Amelia Quinn Groom: Brendan Quinn Venue: Preston Peak Functions Dress: Evie Young Bridal Hair: Greta Vanderham Make-up: Claire Hamilton MUA Flowers: Premier Cane Toowoomba Photographer: TRB Photography Videographer: Meg Fowler Productions Celebrant: Ceremonies by Georgina Caterer: Preston Peak Functions Cake: Kim Hannaford

Pictures: TRB Photography STYLE 10

weddings

Amelia& Brendan They struck gold when they met. Now Amelia and Brendan Quinn have sealed their love with kisses What was the date of your wedding? Any particular reason why you chose that date?

Friday, January 6, 2023. It was our five-year anniversary.

Where was the ceremony and reception?

Why did you choose that space?

Both the ceremony and reception were at Preston Peak Functions. We’ve always loved the venue (plus the view) and the simplicity with everything in the one place.

How many guests did you have?

We had a lovely, intimate wedding with 40 of our closest family and friends.

How did you meet your husband?

We met when I was 17, when we both worked at Kingfishers Cafe (Toowoomba). He was a chef, and I was a waitress. After a year of working together, we started dating and have been inseparable ever since.

How did he propose?

He proposed on the balcony of the apartment we were staying in at the Gold Coast, the day before Valentine’s Day in 2021.

When organising your wedding, what were some of the most personal and important aspects to get right on the day?

I really wanted to make sure our wedding was personalised. I used pictures of my husband and I from when we were kids as the table numbers. Table two for example, had a picture of each of us when we were two years old. I also incorporated a beautiful picture of my Nannie who passed away a few years ago into my wedding bouquet, so she could be with me throughout the day.

These special touches were so important to us both.

What were some of your favourite parts of the day?

One of my favourite parts of the day was saying my vows to the love of my life in front of our favourite people and knowing that the day was just about the two of us and our future together. I also loved being able to change into my slippers towards the end of the night and dance until the venue closed.

Where did you get your dress from?

Your bridesmaid dresses?

I got my dress from Luv Bridal in Brisbane and the bridesmaid dresses were from JJ’s House (online). I felt so beautiful in my dress and the girls looked so stunning!

Who supplied your flowers, table settings etc?

Premier Cane Toowoomba supplied our flowers. I set up the table settings, created and set out my own signage etc with my bridesmaids the day before. I work in events and marketing so was very comfortable and happy to organise and set up the decor for the ceremony and reception myself. There was a binder involved.

Did you have a distinct wedding theme?

How does this relate to both of your personalities and family history?

We had a gold colour theme, which I incorporated into all decor and fonts for the signage. I really loved how everything I had planned over the two years came together so perfectly. We had the best day.

One of my favourite parts of the day was saying my vows to the love of my life in front of our favourite people and knowing that the day was just about the two of us and our future together 11 STYLE

what every woman over 45 needs in her wardrobe STYLE 12

fashion

classic black blazer

A pair of black slacks

I’d suggest finding a pair that doesn’t feature really heavy pockets at the front as they may give you the look of a few extra centimetres you don’t want

While most of us probably have our personal style down pat at this point – and that can be for better or worse – it’s important to choose which items you should invest in, writes Mel Hoyer

T

here comes a time in everyone’s life where following fashion trends becomes a little unseemly – and for women that time is usually around the magic age of 45. By now you know what suits you, what you like, and it’s now that you have to be truly ruthless when it comes to your wardrobe.

Sure, we’re always tempted by that crazy little sequin jacket that we may only wear once or that mullet skirt that will be lucky to see the light of day twice. But those sartorial splashes have to be the exception, not the rule, if you want a wardrobe that actually closes.

So with those wardrobe injections in mind, I thought I would let you in on the five wardrobe pieces you absolutely need in your wardrobe. Having been a fashion editor, writing about it, talking about it and styling it for quite some time, there are five quintessential pieces that I would throw into my Samsonite straight away if I was to zip away somewhere.

OK, so let’s go.

THE CLASSIC BLACK BLAZER This is the ultimate when it comes to wardrobe essentials. A relatively slim fit, slightly longerline, single-breasted black jacket that can be worn to the office, to dress something up at night, with jeans on the weekend and, of course, nonchalantly thrown over your shoulders when you are wearing any old thing.

When choosing your fabric don’t make it too light or too heavy – it needs to stand the test of all seasons, but also drape well.

A LITTLE BLACK DRESS How many times have you heard the praises of the LBD sung? Lots, yes? That’s because a wellchosen little black dress will get you through thick and thin no matter what events you might be going to. I would suggest opting for one with

classic white shirt a short sleeve so it is perfect for summer, then you can team it with your black jacket during those cooler seasons.

The shape needs to be fairly timeless – just below the knee and a slim fit – then you can accessorise it with jewellery, scarves and whatever you prefer, to give it your signature.

A GOOD MULE One of the most practical things about this type of shoe is that you literally slide your foot in and don’t need to think about anything afterwards.

They’re also flattering to all ankle shapes and sizes.

But be really careful when you choose your mule as the straps need to come up high enough so your foot is firmly placed in the shoe and you don’t go all wobbly and stack it.

Mules, of course, can be found with either a heel or not, so I’d suggest a kitten or mid-heel

mule that would get you through a day in the office and then could zip you off that night to party land.

A PAIR OF BLACK SLACKS A pair of black pants really speak for themselves but are, at times, harder to find than you may think. Sure, there are thousands and thousands of options but it is a matter of finding the right style for your shape.

I’d suggest finding a pair that doesn’t feature really heavy pockets at the front as they may give you the look of a few extra centimetres you don’t want. Also, look for fabric that doesn’t need constant ironing or dry-cleaning. The reality is you will probably wear these pants a number of times during the week and the last thing you want to do is iron them each time.

Even look for fabric with a tiny bit of stretch so they do fit nice and snugly around the bottom but not too tight. As for the shape of the leg, either go for a skinny cigarette leg style or a bootleg cut – slightly wider at the bottom.

They are the two styles that will get you through any season.

little black dress

A CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT I bet if you looked in your wardrobe, you already have a number of white shirts but the time has come to go through the ones you have and choose THE one – or the few – that aren’t a little bit grubby around the collar and sleeves and are basically unsalvageable.

Or maybe it’s time to ditch them all and indulge in a new one. A white shirt can be worn in so many ways. Classically, it can be your quintessential work shirt or you could turn it into a really cool night-time look by unbuttoning it a bit further down and wearing some brilliant black lace lingerie underneath and, yes, here comes that black jacket again – so you can wear it over the top. The one thing about this shirt is that it really needs to be crisp and white, so don’t forget the NapiSan! I could suggest another 20 pieces but just to get your wardrobe show on the road the above classic five will start you off in a really good place. And from there, you can go anywhere.

So, happy shopping!

13 STYLE

NEW YEAR

NEW

YOU For a new look in 2024, try these runway trends you can easily personalise, writes Savaira Ratukula

T

he Spring 2024 Fashion runways put on quite a show with many collections paying homage to resurging trends. Gorgeous ready-to-wear designs and perhaps not so wearer-friendly pieces were featured. Feathers, metallics, slashes and shreds might not be the first details you think of wearing to the store, restaurant or family barbecue, and ready-to-wear options are likely a tad over budget.

However, there are a couple of looks from the runways that can be brought to your everyday wardrobe and are more cost-effective and personalised, but still in line with the trends.

Here are a few themes you can start with to achieve your new look in the new year.

Film noir A cinematic term used to describe a film marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism and menace, film noir’s fashion week influence sewed an eerie mood into the fabric of a few collections.

Embodying the femme fatale with dark, dramatic pieces that are cinched at the waist were black clothing, rhinestone encrusted dresses, sheer evening gowns and hourglass silhouettes. Film noir is a classy style of dress with a mix of black, brown, dark red, white, cream and emerald green colours.

Occasions for this look could be your next night out, a candlelit dinner for two or a formal event. Think curve-hugging, maxi dress or floorlength gown with a leg split, a high-waisted skirt in a pencil or ruffle satin style, a tucked-in, long-sleeved silk shirt with cuff detailing, bodysuit or cropped top with a square-neck detail. Throw on a pair of heels, complementary red lip and a hand purse to complete the look.

STYLE 14

Aprons Usually a fashion statement reserved for the kitchen, the apron – and its cargo pocket feature – made it to the runways. It is mainly available as a dress item and has a rich history dating back centuries. Characteristics of apron-inspired pieces include sleeveless options that are either cinched at the waist or a loose fit, the quintessential square neck cut, an optional crossover detail and wellknown cargo pocket feature.

Apron-inspired pieces today offer a range of designs from lightweight midi/maxi apron dresses; pocket romper jumpsuits that are a relaxed fit with either a loose short or long-legged option; and pinafore dresses of any length. Most pieces can be paired with a plain white shirt underneath or whatever colour suits your chosen design, footwear such as boots, plain sneakers or a simple small heel, and a handbag or shoulder bag of your choice.

fashion

Butter Belle

Travelling wardrobe

Roses

Think Beauty and the Beast’s Belle donning her beautifully layered yellow (or gold) ball gown while dancing with her prince in the ballroom scene. A more modern and mellow dose of Belle’s puffy ball gown are butter-hued dresses and matching sets which made their mark on the runway. Inject a little sunshine into your life with pale, pastel-toned linen maxi dresses, loose co-ord or two-piece sets, blouses and pencil or maxi skirts. Style with a sandal, white sneakers or small-heel with your choice of accessories and jewellery to complete the look.

Think light, transferable, glamorous and chic. The travelling wardrobe style delivered mixed silk shirting, bathrobes, cloth towels, pyjama-inspired pants, and runway swimwear. A capsule wardrobe offers an alternative that is versatile and easy to style with a few staple pieces. Choose classic silhouettes and neutrals like beige, grey, white and black. Use the 5-4-3-2-1 method: five tops, four bottoms, three accessories, two shoes and one swimsuit. Ideally, these pieces should pair well with each other along with one or two extra statement pieces.

The vibrancy of a beautiful carnation expressing love and passion was captured on shapeless dresses, twopiece combos, figure-hugging silhouettes, and as an accessory. The rose trend means muted reds to rose pink and muted blues. A long-sleeved, maxi dress with a V-neck and belt allows for a cinched waist or a loose fit; a midi/ maxi, spaghetti strap, slip dress or mini/midi smock dress will keep you cool; or choose a high-waisted or pleated midi skirt with a simple blouse. Complement with lace-up heels, a heeled sandal or block heel with jewellery.

2/166 James St | Toowoomba Qld 4350 Ph 07 4613 0999 | www.loveheart.com.au Check out our 2 other stores in Mackay & Rockhampton!

15 STYLE

fashion unique clothing. Each custom garment is designed and hand-cut in Toowoomba, contributing to the brand’s commitment to local craftsmanship.

Sustainability is at the forefront of Hetho and Co’s practices. The mainly online store uses a mix of exclusive, digitally-printed 100 per cent cotton fabrics and premium designer fabrics from female-owned businesses.

Packaging is eco-friendly, using reused, recycled, or recyclable materials, while fabric scraps are repurposed or composted. Hetho and Co is not just about clothing; it’s a celebration of comfort, colour, and joy, encouraging wearers to embrace their unique style with confidence.

A commitment to wardrobes that last

Slow fashion is

FLOURISHING Our Garden City is making a splash on the sustainable clothing scene, writes Penny Hamilton

A

cluster of small, passionate Toowoomba businesses are embracing sustainability as a core value. Beautifully made clothes, with rigorous attention to everything from fabric to the supply chain, packaging and beyond.

As these small enterprises continue to weave sustainability into the fabric of their operations, our region has the chance to establish a hub for clothing that not only looks good, but also does good for the planet.

materials that are compostable and recyclable.

Antihaste not only offers fashion; it invites its community to embrace a lifestyle that incorporates a bit of “Antihaste” into their daily lives.

Where art meets slow fashion Hetho and Co, another gem in Toowoomba’s sustainable fashion scene, thrives on creating fun, colourful, and ethical slow fashion.

Founder Emily merges art and fashion by collaborating with female artists to craft

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Where creativity meets sustainability The Gingham Studio, an online boutique conceived by two sisters in Toowoomba, offers a gathering of sustainable natural textiles, independent designer patterns, and quality haberdashery. Rooted in a love for nature, and creativity, The Gingham Studio is a haven for discerning creatives seeking unique and sustainable materials.

Embracing the slow and sustainable fashion movement, The Gingham Studio aims to inspire and encourage creativity.

Their extensive range of inclusive patterns caters to all skill levels, fostering a love for making. The studio’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their curated selection of textiles, patterns, and notions, providing customers with an eco-friendly alternative for their creative pursuits.

Life at a slower pace Toowoomba-based online brand Antihaste believes in the power of slowing down in a world that constantly pushes us to rush.

Rooted in the founder’s personal journey through mental health challenges, Antihaste serves as a reminder to live a full life while taking the time to rest and recharge.

The brand’s philosophy extends beyond its unique designs, emphasising the importance of patience and mindfulness.

Despite being a small brand, Antihaste is committed to sustainability.

While acknowledging that they are not fully sustainable yet, they take steps in the right direction.

Their products are of high quality, made ethically, and packaged with low-impact

With a bricks-and-mortar store in the Grand Central Shopping Centre, Florence & Marabel is committed to reducing its environmental impact, from eliminating single-use plastics to introducing compostable packaging for shipped orders. F&M acknowledges the detrimental effects of fast fashion and actively advocates for building a wardrobe of timeless pieces rather than succumbing to the one-wear trend.

F&M is careful to collaborate with brands that share their sustainability focus. Labels like JAGGAD commit to reducing their carbon footprint and using eco-friendly materials. Hansen & Gretel, another popular brand at F&M, creates pieces intended to be cherished forever, eliminating excess stock and warehouses. The store’s curation reflects a dedication to quality, ensuring that each piece is a sustainable investment.

The introduction of cotton-branded bags, a second-hand clothing rack, and an emphasis on building a wardrobe that stands the test of time further showcase F&M’s commitment to sustainability. While acknowledging they are a work in progress, F&M is conscious of its footprint and actively seeks ways to contribute positively to a more sustainable fashion industry.

THE GINGHAM STUDIO

HETHO AND CO

Do you know another local brand making waves in the sustainable fashion sphere?

Drop us a line at style@news.com.au or tag our socials @stylemagazinestoowoomba

The right sunscreen for your skin Head-to-toe sun-protection heroes to keep you covered this summer and beyond Melanie Collins Lifestyle Editor

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P

ass the SPF! The sun is out and hot weather is here, and with so much time spent outdoors during summer, no daily beauty ritual is complete without a stellar sunscreen.

There are plenty of SPFs on the market – from supermarket brands to super-spendy options. The important thing to remember when choosing a

sunscreen is that it isn’t a summer exclusive – you need year-round protection from those harsh Queensland rays.

The Cancer Council recommends using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above.

It should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure, and the recommended application amount is 5ml (about one teaspoon) for each arm,

leg, the front of your body, back of your body, and your face, including neck and ears.

Lotion should be reapplied at least every two hours, irrespective of water resistance, and after swimming, sport, sweating and towel drying.

To help you practise safe sun this summer (and autumn, winter and spring), we’ve rounded up our favourite brands for you to choose from.

beauty The ones with a cult following Melbourne brand Ultra Violette launched in 2019 and quickly gained a cult following thanks to its multipurpose, no-nonsense approach to sun protection. Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+, $47, is a lightweight serum that goes on like, well, a serum.

Non-greasy, lightweight and flawless under makeup, Mecca To Save Face SPF50+, $44, is a luxe facial sunscreen without the price tag. Use it as a primer to create a smooth surface to apply your foundation, and reap all the rewards of a long-lasting SPF.

Best for the budget Australian made and reef friendly (meaning it doesn’t contain ingredients that have been found to be damaging to reefs in other parts of the world), Bondi Sands Body Sunscreen SPF 50+, $14.95, is a great brand at a great price. Fragrance, paraben and sulfate free, this one is not only kind to your wallet but appropriate for any and all skin types.

From a brand you know you can trust, Cancer Council SPF50 Ultra Sunscreen, $14, is a must-have for any family. Fragrance free and made in Australia, it’s a staple item that can be added to your grocery list (and it’s often on sale in supermarkets).

Best for face Hydrating and designed for daily use, Go-To Nifty FIfty, $45, has a non-greasy formula that’s loaded with antioxidants.

Works beautifully under makeup, too.

This 4-in-1 multi-tasking formula is a mineral SPF that looks tinted but spreads on to a translucent finish. Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow, $39.95, also contains vegan collagen to boost moisture and watermelon extract – full of vitamin C.

Best for body A physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide as the only active ingredient, Invisible Zinc Sport SPF50+, $29, provides a barrier on the skin that reflects harmful UVA and UVB radiation. And this quick-absorbing, broad spectrum sunscreen lasts.

La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF50+, $42.95, is not only suitable for the entire family (usable on even the most sensitive of skin), but the clever formula is designed to be applied directly on to wet skin. The clear lotion texture is non-greasy, not sticky and doesn’t leave white residue – even on just-out-of-the-pool skin.

Might as well be makeup This clever all-rounder could just as easily sit in the cult faves section.

Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+, $52, is moisturiser, primer and sunscreen all wrapped up in a light, tinted formula. This is a spendy option but it feels super luxe going on and cuts out the need for a primer pre-foundation.

Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear, $31.99, is a sheer foundation with a built-in mineral SPF30 shield. A sunscreen, moisturiser and lightweight makeup all in one, this reliable brand is a great option if you’re after something with a bit of cover.

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wellness

Cool

running Katrina Sichlau looks at how to work out safely in summer

I

t’s H-O-T out there, but that doesn’t give you permission to ditch your exercise regimen. When it comes to working out in the warmer weather, there are some simple steps you can take to keep moving, while staying safe and healthy.

We spoke to personal trainer Conan Clarke from The Bar Toowoomba to get his tips on how to stay fit (and cool) when the temperature rises.

Stay hydrated Keeping up your fluids is key whenever you work out, but it’s even more important when it’s sweltering outside. According to Conan, H2O is all you usually need to get through a training session.

“Just water would be the best,” he says. “If it’s really intense exercise, I would say (something with) electrolytes like Gatorade, but I would go for a sugar-free Gatorade, not

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one full of sugar, unless you’re doing marathon running where you need the carbohydrates.”

Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate and chloride, play important roles in the function of our body, specifically in fluid balance and muscle function. When we sweat, we lose electrolytes, which can cause an imbalance.

This can lead to symptoms ranging from dizziness and headaches to muscle cramps, confusion, and even vomiting.

“You are losing so many minerals through your sweat,” Conan says.

As we tend to sweat more in warmer temperatures, we are likely to lose more electrolytes, which is why replenishing your electrolyte store is important.

“Listen to your body. Your body knows whether it’s thirsty or not, and it knows when you don’t need to drink any more water.”

Dress appropriately Just like you wouldn’t wear a bikini in Antarctica, you don’t want to wear a fleece tracksuit in 40-degree heat. Instead it’s best to opt for something made from a lightweight, breathable, sweat-wicking fabric (think cotton, nylon or bamboo). If you’re training outside, you’ll also want to make sure you’re protected from the sun. That’s right, it’s time to slip, slop, slap.

“Most commercial gyms have aircon anyway, but if you find yourself outdoors, make sure you cover up,” says Conan. That includes sunscreen, a hat, long clothing, and staying in the shade.

Time and place While a lot of people tend to work out before or after work, if that’s not you, it might be time to rethink your schedule. Conan says the best time to work up a sweat in summer is

early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the temperature tends to be cooler. He says to aim for a shorter, more relaxed workout – and if possible, stay indoors.

“Don’t go all out so quickly in a short time frame,” he says. “Do like 10, 15 minutes of something, then have a little break. Make sure to listen to your body.”

It’s also a good idea to opt for strength training or activities like swimming over high intensity workouts such as CrossFit. “I probably wouldn’t do too much high intensity because obviously you’re exerting yourself so much, you’re losing so much water intake.”

Eat smart Your diet also plays a role when it comes to working out in the heat, so be smart about what you eat.

“Keep on top of your macros,” says Conan.

These are the nutrients your body needs a high quantity of – namely carbohydrates, fat and protein.

On top of the list are fruits and vegetables as they are high in water content, which Conan explains can help you stay hydrated without having to skol three or four litres of water.

Watermelon is a particular favourite because it not only contains over 90 per cent water but it’s lower in sugar than many other fruits. And let’s not forget, it’s delicious too.

Don’t overdo it Last, but not least, the best thing you can do when it comes to working out safely is listen to your body.

“Your body knows what it wants, and if you’re having dizziness and fatigue, make sure to see your doctor. Don’t push yourself too much,” says Conan.

To make sure his clients are coping with their summer workouts, Conan finds communication is key.

“I just ask a lot of questions. How are you feeling? Are you going well? Do you want to sit down for a little bit? Have you got your water with you? Got your towel? Asking questions and getting the feedback is a really big help.

“And then from there I can adjust what we need at the current time, depending on the situation of course.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP US BECOME A FUNDRAISER SUPPORT OUR EVENTS VOLUNTEER WITH US

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www.toowoombahospitalfoundation.org.au Proudly supported by 21 STYLE

relationships

People begin to think the most important focus is parenting.

Wrong

So, do you have kids?

A local psychologist with more than 30 years experience chats about being a couple with children Dr Clive Williams Relationships Expert

N

o one told you this but after the arrival of your first child, marital satisfaction starts to decline.

After the second, it dips further and if you have a third or more …

Such findings have been known to researchers for a long time but this information hasn’t trickled down to parents.

I see many couples who appear at my office door after the arrival of little ones, wondering where their fulfilling relationship went.

Things can become so stressful that this is where couples begin to consider separation.

It seems that across cultures, the arrival of children places increased burden on women as the expectation and the reality is that more childcare falls to women. It also seems that men kick into overdrive about being a provider. So now we have two people who are totally in love with their child but have more to do, more pressure and, as you may know well, are learning how-to-parent on the go.

Couples usually present to therapy on average six years after the first problem appears. They were thinking that “this is temporary”, “we can sort it out ourselves” or

maybe they felt shame about asking for help, or disbelief in “what good will talking about it with a stranger do?”

So the couples coming through my door are already tired and worn out. It’s become normal. They’re used to feel tired. They no longer notice that having a short fuse has become an everyday thing.

First things first. What gets lost once children arrive is the focus and attention on being a couple. People begin to think the most important focus is parenting. Wrong.

The most important focus needs to remain on being a couple.

Now because little people require a lot of time and energy, they may still get the bulk of a parent’s time and effort but what we know from happy couples is that despite all the parenting and work demands, they check in as a couple every day.

Let me say that again: EVERY DAY. It appears that these check-ins, which may be as quick as two minutes or more leisurely if children are well and asleep in their bed, act as a reminder that: ● We are a team. We work together to parent, not me versus you. We can even sit in exhausted silence together when we have no idea about how to solve our problems. ● We will be together long after the kids have grown and (eventually) left home and started their own adult relationships and lives. ● Maybe most importantly, children develop better when mum and dad are a team not at war with each other. Little developing nervous systems need home to be a safe place, not a battle zone and remember what fires together wires together so children’s brains are developing to their environment.

Make checking in with your partner a priority for a week and see what happens.

Experienced and dedicated educators.

Home away from home environments.

Quality and comfort for your children.

Everyday is a happy day for your child at Learning Pathways.

A warm and loving environment for your child.

Learning Pathways Early Education, Care and Kindergarten STYLE 22

49A Wallace Street, Newtown | 4638 1000 | hello@learningpathwayschildcare.com.au

wellness

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Giving thanks to all

Well done to ...

Foundation Day Service Awards 2023

Long-term volunteers and staff are recognised for their dedication

I

n late November 2023, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba held our annual Foundation Day service awards for hospital staff and volunteers.

The service awards recognise those who have worked or volunteered at St Vincent’s Toowoomba for at least 10 years. Nearly 50 staff and volunteers were acknowledged for their years of dedication to our hospital.

We were lucky to have the wonderful Sister Clare Nolan from the Sisters of Charity travel from Brisbane to present the awards.

A special acknowledgment must go to St Luke’s Nurse Unit Manager, Liz Hayes, who received her award for 35 years of service, and Cancer Care Committee volunteer Jeanette Potts, who has been volunteering at St Vincent’s for 30 years.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all service award recipients. It is incredible to see how many staff and volunteers have been a part of our hospital for consecutive years.

Sister Clare Nolan with Liz Hayes, who has 35 years service at St Luke’s; and, below from left, Stephen Jackson, David Moran, Kathy Parsons, Bronwyn White, Bronwyn King, and Jeanette Potts.

● Elizabeth Hayes 35 years St Luke’s ● Alison Stalley 30 years Clinical Administration ● Bronwyn King 30 years St Damian’s ● Lynda Glass 25 years Administration Services ● Mary-Rose Harms 20 years Dorothea Devine ● Stephen Jackson 20 years Day Surgery ● Christine Schimke 20 years Rehabilitation Unit ● Amanda Durney-Lane 20 years Staff Learning and Development ● Angela Purcell 20 years Allied Health ● Kerry Birss 20 years Day Surgery ● Louise Fraser 20 years Health Information Services ● Bronwyn White 20 years Day Surgery ● Debbie Landers 20 years Perioperative Services ● Michelle Sunderland 20 years Intensive Care Unit ● Coralie Wall 20 years St Damian’s ● Emma Kluck 15 years Day Surgery ● Lucinda Wilkinson 15 years Patient Safety & Quality ● Belinda Griffiths 15 years Perioperative Services ● Rachel Clark 15 years Emergency Department ● Claire Van Hougenhouck-Tulleken 15 years Supply ● Sean Ujiie 15 years St Raphael’s ● David Moran 15 years St Damian’s ● Renee McCarter 15 years After Hours Nurse Unit Manager ● Sarah Gleeson 15 years Perioperative Services ● Rebecca Hooker 15 years Day Surgery ● Stephan Nugent 15 years Intensive Care Unit ● Kristy Holmes 15 years St Anne’s ● Vanessa Kavney 15 years Support Services ● Michelle Campbell 10 years Perioperative Services ● Kirsten Douglas-Robinson 10 years Perioperative Services ● Christine Cruz 10 years Intensive Care Unit ● Genevieve Leonard 10 years St Gabriel’s ● Benjamin Schauble 10 years Support Services ● Sue-Ellen McMahon 10 years Support Services ● Shannon Witt 10 years Intensive Care Unit ● Scott Timmins 10 years Emergency Department ● Carmel Facer 10 years St Damian’s ● Christine Wills 10 years Support Services ● Debra McNaught 10 years St Damian’s ● Leonie Ballantyne 10 years Perioperative Services ● Danielle Morgan 10 years St Gabriel’s ● Michelle Petersen 10 years Support Services ● Kathy Parsons 10 years Supply ● Peter Herbert 10 years Support Services ● Caroline Diete 10 years Intensive Care Unit ● Ruby Aurisch 10 years St Raphael’s ● Angela O’Loughlin 10 years St Luke’s Volunteers ● Jan Wilson 10 years ● Cancer Care Committee: Jeanette Potts 30 years, Maureen McMahon 25 years

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wellness

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Australian surgery milestone Toowoomba residents have access to first-class care close to home at St Andrew’s Advanced spinal surgery is now available in Toowoomba thanks to an investment in cutting-edge robotic technology by St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital.

The first procedures to be performed in regional Australia using Globus Medical’s spinal navigation system, ExcelsiusGPS, were undertaken by St Andrew’s based orthopaedic surgeon Dr Leo Zeller in November, meaning patients could access this advanced technology without having to travel far from home.

St Andrew’s was the first hospital in regional Australia to acquire the system, and only the second hospital in Queensland, reaffirming the acute facility’s commitment to providing excellence in care and service to Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.

It is designed to improve safety and

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From left: Ashleigh Shannon, Dr Leo Zeller, Kwadwo Kyei, Steve Wright, Jocie Coutts, Dr Rachel Gray, Moses Kizito and Johann Aya-ay after the first procedure using the new robot system at St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital. accuracy for spinal orthopaedic procedures, meaning less-invasive surgery for patients and a shorter stay in hospital along with quicker recovery time.

The system also reduces radiation exposure to surgeons and staff, providing world-first technology combining a rigid robotic arm and full navigation capabilities into one adaptable platform.

“This is a great step going forward for spinal surgery for the region,” says Dr Leo Zeller, who is offering access to Globus treatments at St Andrew’s Toowoomba along with colleague Dr Joshua Piercey.

“It will deliver better outcomes for our patients and improve access to cutting-edge technology for the residents of the Darling Downs and beyond,” he adds.

SPECIALIST SERVICES Do you require a specialist referral for medical treatment, care or a procedure?

Visit the Specialist List on our website to learn more about the services and specialists available on our easy to access campus and avoid travelling away from home for care. Visit sath.org.au/ patients-visitors/specialist-list and ask your GP for a referral to a St Andrew’s onsite specialist today.

In 2014, St Andrew’s Toowoomba became the first hospital in regional Australia to provide robotic surgery, with the da Vinci robotic system which is used in urology, gynaecology and general surgery procedures at the hospital.

“We are extremely excited to be continuing the lead, introducing innovative healthcare solutions to regional communities,” interim CEO Tracie Beveridge said in November.

“The Globus system allows us to treat our patients locally which is great for our community and great for our hospital.”

wellness

HOW TO INCORPORATE WELLNESS INTO YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE Turning your workout into a holistic approach to your fitness and wellbeing is easy, and can even be done at home post-run or walk. Here are some wellness practices to try, so you’re feeling fit and healthy both physically and mentally. ● Meditation (even just for 2-3 minutes pre or post-workout) ● Breathwork ● Recovery (including foam rolling and ice baths) ● Yoga ● Sound healing

Holistic gyms muscle up Fitness centres are much more than a place to sweat it out. Members now want a feel-good experience as well, writes Kate Salemme

G

oing to the gym is about more than just ticking off your strength or cardio training for the week – paying attention to our overall health and wellness continues to grow.

Now, and into 2024 that growth translates to the way we view our gym and fitness experience, and what we expect from our memberships.

With meditation and breathwork rising in popularity in the wellness space, in addition to recovery tools such massage and saunas, gyms are now being asked to provide a more holistic experience for clients.

“Any facility that’s just relying on people coming in to build up their muscles is probably living on borrowed time, I think they’ve missed the trend,” says AUSActive CEO Barrie Elvish.

“A lot of people go to gyms now to feel good rather than look good, and that feel good can come from a whole range of things. It can come from strength and resistance training, it can come from meditation, from yoga,

pilates, some gyms are now even putting in aromatherapy rooms.

“That’s why so many gyms these days, including leisure centres and multi-modality centres, are listening to their customers and clients and responding to what they want.

“There are over 8 million Australians who go to a gym at least once a year, so while it’s going very well, if they’re going to keep that demand then they have to keep offering services, programs and modalities that people want.”

Wellness practices such as meditation have become integral to our daily lives, in particular post-Covid lockdowns, and allow us to “switch off” from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.

They provide an important mental break.

“We spend so much time looking at screens, be it at work, on our smartphones, watching TV and so on, so being able to break that is another reason why people are looking for these types of activities as well,” Barrie says. “Covid really demonstrated to us

how much we’re community and social animals and humans; you can’t just sit there interacting with a piece of technology all day, it’s not good for you mentally or physically.”

People are also looking for a community, rather than just a place to tick off their weekly exercise.

“I think as a result of Covid, people are also looking for social connection. (They want) more than a fitness club, it’s actually a social club as well,” Barrie says. “It really has become much more than a place to sweat.”

WHERE CAN I GO FOR HOLISTIC WELLNESS IN TOOWOOMBA? ● Complete Body ● Bloom Holistic Collective ● The Fit Lab ● Freedom Lifestyle and Fitness ● The Cave Gym

With more bespoke fitness or wellness centres offering a holistic fitness and wellness experience, some of which include access to massage, physios and osteos, gyms around Australia are paying attention and answering the call.

“Working out is incredible for your physical and mental health, however, it can also be taxing on your body. Therefore it’s important to incorporate wellness practises into your routine to ensure you are giving back to your body and helping it recover,” Body Fit Training Studio Owner and marketing manager Georgia Dunlop says.

“We have been working on a recovery concept with things like saunas and compression boots, which has started rolling out into the studios that have space. We will be adding more recovery tools for members.

There will be a variety of options and studio owners can choose what they wish to provide depending on space and what their members are after. For me, it’s all about having fun, improving your health and quality of life.”

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MORE THAN MEATS THE EYE We’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to cooking with meat, just in time to finesse your skills over the holidays in preparation for Australia Day - or any day

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food

TOP COAT Herbs and spices that add flavours to our meat dishes? Hell yeah, we’re here for that. But do you know the difference between a rub and a marinade? Basically, a rub is dry, so it won’t seep into the meat too much, but will add a nice crust on the outside. A marinade, on the other hand, is a liquid, which enables the flavours to really soak into the meat. Rubs often include sugar, which caramelises during the cooking process, while marinades are acid based (think citrus juice, vinegar, or wine), so are ideal for tenderising tougher cuts of meat.

THE RIGHT CUT It goes without saying that because different cuts of meat come from different parts of an animal, they need to be cooked in different ways. But which cut should you be choosing and how should it be cooked? When it comes to beef, for example, there are eight primal cuts that we generally purchase from the shops. These include shank, brisket, rib, short plate, flank, round, chuck, and loin. As chuck tends to be a tougher piece of meat, it is better suited to slow roasting or braising, while prime rib, on the other hand, is extremely tender and full of flavour and is ideal for grilling and roasting. Knowing your cuts and how to cook them will help you produce a well-balanced dish every single time.

BARBECUE FAVOURITES It’s that time of year when everyone’s whipping out their barbies, inviting their mates over, and indulging in a few steaks and snags. While these barbecue classics will always be in favour, there are plenty of other proteins you can throw on to fire things up a little. Some of our favourite alternatives include pork chops and ribs, chicken thighs and breasts, and fish (swordfish, mackerel and tuna all work well).

LOVE ME TENDER There’s nothing worse than biting into a piece of meat to discover it’s tough and chewy rather than melt-in-your-mouth tender. Fortunately, there are a number of methods you can use to soften up even the toughest pieces of meat. Breaking down the muscle fibre by pounding tough cuts with a mallet is one technique, but adding a marinade or salting the meat prior to cooking are also effective. Low, slow cooking methods do the trick for cheaper pieces of meat – just make sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of time when cooking meals this way. Lastly, remember to rest the meat before serving (the length of time depends on the thickness of the meat) to let the juices settle and produce optimal results.

GET COOKED Along with your meat of choice, the cooking appliance you’re working with will impact the meals you can make. If you’re craving pulled pork, then a slow cooker is the way to go. Want a roast (lamb, chicken, or beef)? Your oven is your friend. Partial to the char of a barbecue? Steak will go down a treat. Impress your friends and family with a perfectly smoked cut at your next gathering.

And let’s not forget the good old pressure cooker – the perfect partner for those cheaper, tougher cuts of meat like pork ribs, chuck steak or brisket.

27 STYLE

Rosemary, honey & mustard crusted leg of lamb SERVES 8. PREP 25 MINS. COOK 2 HOURS 25 MINS. INGREDIENTS ● 1 tbsp Dijon mustard ● 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard ● 1 tbsp honey ● 120g (2 cups) fresh white breadcrumbs ● ⅓ cup fresh rosemary leaves, chopped ● 60g unsalted butter, chopped,

at room temperature ● 1 lemon, rind finely grated ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● 3.15kg lamb leg roast ● 600g small red delight potatoes, halved ● 2 red onions, cut into wedges ● 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ● 2 tbsp plain flour ● 125ml (½ cup) red wine ● 330ml (1⅓ cups) water ● Steamed greens, to serve

METHOD 1 Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced. Combine the mustards and honey in a bowl. Place the breadcrumbs, rosemary, butter, rind and garlic in a separate bowl. Use fingertips to rub butter into mixture until combined.

2 Use a sharp knife to lightly score lamb at 2cm intervals.

Season. Rub mustard mixture over lamb. Press breadcrumb mixture over top of lamb, pressing firmly. Place lamb in a heavy-based roasting pan.

3 Combine the potato, onion and oil in a bowl. Season.

Place vegetables around lamb. Roast for 2 hours 15 minutes for medium or until cooked to your liking.

Transfer to a platter. Set aside to rest for 20 minutes.

4 Return pan with any fat to medium-high heat. Add flour.

Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes or until bubbling. Remove from heat. Gradually whisk in wine and water. Stir over mediumhigh heat until gravy boils. Boil, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until gravy thickens slightly.

5 Carve the lamb and serve with vegetables, greens and gravy. Reserve 650g meat and leftover lemon, red wine, rosemary and gravy for other dinners.

Slow cooker sticky honey soy chicken drumsticks SERVES 4. PREP 15 MINS. COOK 3 HOURS 5 MINS. INGREDIENTS ● ½ cup salt-reduced soy sauce ● ⅓ cup honey ● ⅓ cup salt-reduced chicken liquid stock ● 2cm piece fresh ginger, finely grated ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● 2 tsp sesame oil ● 8 chicken drumsticks ● 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted ● Steamed long-grain white rice, to serve ● Asian greens, to serve ● Thinly sliced green onion, to serve ● Sliced red chilli, to serve STYLE 28

METHOD 1 Combine soy sauce, honey, stock, ginger, garlic and oil in the bowl of a 5.5-litre slow cooker. Season with pepper.

2 Place chicken in slow cooker. Toss to coat in sauce mixture. Cover. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours (or LOW for 6 hours), turning drumsticks halfway through cooking, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.

3 Preheat grill on high. Line a large baking tray with foil.

Carefully transfer chicken to prepared tray. Drizzle with a little of the sauce. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes or until just starting to char, basting with extra sauce.

4 Sprinkle chicken with sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice, Asian greens, green onion, chilli and extra cooking sauce.

food

Caramelised rum-glazed pork ribs SERVES 8. PREP 15 MINS. COOK 2 HOURS. INGREDIENTS ● ½ cup golden syrup ● ⅓ cup dark rum ● ¼ cup sweet chilli sauce ● 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ● 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard ● 2 tbsp lemon juice ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● 2kg pork rib racks ● 2 green onions, thinly sliced ● Toasted crusty bread, to serve Pickled Onion Salad ● 2 red onions, thinly sliced ● ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ● 2 Lebanese cucumbers, cut into rounds ● 150g mixed salad leaves ● 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil METHOD 1 Combine golden syrup, rum, chilli sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, lemon juice and garlic in a large baking dish. Add ribs.

Turn ribs to thoroughly coat in marinade.

Cover. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

2 Preheat oven to 160C/140C fan-forced.

Line a large baking tray with baking paper.

Drain marinade from ribs into a small saucepan. Place ribs on prepared tray.

Cover with foil. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes or until tender.

3 Meanwhile, bring marinade to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.

4 Remove foil from ribs. Baste with half the marinade. Increase oven to 220C/200C fan-forced. Bake the basted ribs for a further 20 minutes or until golden and sticky.

5 Meanwhile, make pickled onion salad.

Combine onion and vinegar in a large glass or ceramic serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Stand for 15 minutes. Add cucumber, salad leaves and oil to onion mixture. Toss to combine.

6 Reheat remaining marinade mixture over medium-high heat until hot. Cut ribs into portions. Place on a serving board. Drizzle with warm marinade mixture. Sprinkle with green onion. Serve ribs with salad and bread.

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Slow cooker smoky southern-style ribs SERVES 8. PREP 5 MINS. COOK 4 HOURS 20 MINS. INGREDIENTS ● ½ cup smoky barbecue sauce ●⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce ● ⅓ cup maple syrup ● 2 tbsp smoked paprika ● 1 tsp garlic powder ● 2kg American-style pork ribs (see note) ● Thinly sliced green onion, to serve

Seared skirt steak with spiced lentils SERVES 4. PREP 25 MINS. COOK 25 MINS. INGREDIENTS ● 1 cup dried French-style lentils, rinsed (see notes) ● 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ● 1 brown onion, finely chopped ● 2 tsp ground cumin ● 1 long red chilli, thinly sliced ● 1 garlic clove, crushed ● 1 tbsp tomato paste ● 1½ cups salt-reduced chicken style liquid stock ● 2 tbsp lemon juice ● 250g cherry tomatoes, halved ● 600g piece beef skirt steak ● 1 tsp smoked paprika ● ½ bunch kale, roughly chopped ● Crusty bread, to serve METHOD 1 Cook lentils in a medium saucepan of boiling water, following packet directions, until just tender.

Drain well.

2 Heat half the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until softened.

3 Add cumin, chilli and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add tomato paste, stock, half the lemon juice and lentils. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until mixture thickens.

Stir in tomato. Cook for 2 minutes.

4 Meanwhile, trim excess fat from beef and discard.

Using a meat mallet, pound beef to 5mm thick. Cut into 2 pieces. Rub with remaining oil. Sprinkle with paprika and remaining lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

5 Heat a large frying pan over high heat. Cook beef for 2 to 3 minutes each side for medium or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil. Set aside for 10 minutes to rest.

Thinly slice beef (see notes). Add kale to lentil mixture. Stir until just wilted. Top spiced lentils with beef and serve with crusty bread.

RECIPE NOTES ● French-style (Puy) lentils have a nutty flavour and hold their shape. ● Slice beef against the grain, on a slight angle, to ensure it’s tender.

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METHOD 1 Place sauces, syrup, paprika and garlic powder in slow cooker. Mix until combined.

Add ribs and turn to coat in sauce. Cover.

Cook on HIGH for 4 hours (or LOW for 8 hours).

2 Preheat grill on medium-high. Line a large baking tray with foil. Using tongs, transfer ribs to prepared tray. Carefully pour sauce into a small saucepan. Bring to the boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Pour half the sauce over ribs on tray. Grill for 5 to 10 minutes or until sticky. Serve with remaining sauce.

RECIPE NOTES ● You’ll need a 5.5-litre slow cooker for this recipe. ● If you cut the ribs into 3 to 4 bone portions, they will be easier to manage and fit into the slow cooker.

Beef satay SERVES 8. PREP 15 MINS. COOK 10 MINS. INGREDIENTS ● 3 French shallots, peeled, thinly sliced ● 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced ● 1cm-piece fresh ginger, peeled, thinly sliced ● ½ tsp ground turmeric ● 2 tsp sambal oelek (spicy chilli sauce) ● 2 (about 800g) beef rump steaks, cut into 5mm-thick strips ● Ground white pepper ● 80ml (⅓ cup) kecap manis ● 250ml can satay sauce, warmed, to serve

METHOD 1 Blend the shallot, garlic, ginger, turmeric and sambal oelek in a blender until a smooth paste forms. Transfer to a bowl. Add beef and toss to coat. Season with salt and white pepper. Stir in the kecap manis. Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to marinate.

2 Thread beef onto 24 soaked bamboo skewers. Preheat a chargrill on mediumhigh. Cook half the skewers for 2 minutes each side for medium or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a serving platter. Cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining skewers. Serve with the satay sauce.

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Citrus and herb chicken SERVES 4. PREP 50 MINS. COOK 10 MINS. INGREDIENTS ● 2 tsp lemon rind, finely grated ● 3 tbsp lemon juice ● 1 tbsp Dijon mustard ● 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped ● 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped ● 3 tsp extra virgin olive oil ● 8 large (about 500g) chicken tenderloins ● 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed ● 400g can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained ● 350g cherry tomato medley, halved ● 2 celery sticks, finely chopped ● 2 tbsp sunflower-seed kernels, lightly toasted ● 75g baby spinach leaves ● 1 tsp Dijon mustard, extra ● Lemon wedges, to serve METHOD 1 Combine the lemon rind and juice, mustard, tarragon, 1 tbs chives and 1 tsp olive oil in a shallow glass or ceramic dish. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Cover. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to marinate.

2 Preheat barbecue grill or chargrill on mediumhigh and grill the chicken for 2-3 minutes each side or until lightly charred and cooked through. Spray the asparagus lightly with oil and grill for 1-2 minutes each side or until lightly charred.

3 Meanwhile, place cannellini beans, tomato, celery, seeds, spinach and remaining chives in a bowl. Combine the extra lemon juice, extra mustard and remaining olive oil in a jug.

4 Add the asparagus and lemon dressing to the cannellini bean mixture and gently toss to combine.

Season. Divide salad and chicken among serving plates. Serve with lemon wedges.

Marmalade-glazed lamb SERVES 6. PREP 10 MINS. COOK 2 HOURS 25 MINS. INGREDIENTS ● 2.6kg leg of lamb ● 330g (1 cup) St Dalfour orange marmalade ● 60ml (¼ cup) brandy ● 1½ tbsp chopped fresh rosemary ● 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ● 250ml (1 cup) water METHOD 1 Line a roasting pan with baking paper. Use a sharp knife to score the lamb crossways,

curving the scores slightly. Place in the lined pan.

2 Combine the marmalade, brandy, rosemary and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Drizzle over the lamb. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight to marinate.

3 Preheat oven to 160C. Pour the water around the lamb. Roast, basting occasionally with pan juices, for 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes for medium or until the lamb is cooked to your liking.

4 Set aside for 20 minutes to rest before carving.

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5

easy ways to declutter your house for the year I ahead

Jenna Martin Home & Living Editor

f you’re tired of navigating your home like an obstacle course, it’s time to channel your inner neat freak and get decluttering. But sometimes it can all feel very overwhelming, and it’s hard to know where to start. The secret is to not try to do it all – or at least all at once. Just a few simple tasks will help you make sense of the mess and start the year off right.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to farewell the clutter of the past STYLE 32

Clear the Christmas decorations

By January, the festive season has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of tinsel, ornaments and tangled lights. Let’s be honest: “dismantle the halls” has nowhere

near the same to ring to it, but that doesn’t mean it’s a task you need to dread.

Set aside a day in early January to take down the tree and put away ornaments. If you put it in your diary in advance, it won’t feel like a burden, lingering sadly in the corner until Australia Day. If you haven’t already, invest in sturdy storage containers to keep all your decorations safe and organised.

If anything is broken or looking tired, turf it now rather than waiting another year.

Consider labelling boxes to make the unpacking process a breeze.

The great closet clean-out It doesn’t matter whether you have an IKEA flatpack or a whole spare room for your clothes, Carrie Bradshaw-style: our closets are often the Bermuda Triangle of clutter.

Things you haven’t worn since the dawn of

home & living

If you can tackle the pantry, take everything out – just like the wardrobe – and toss expired food, empty condiment bottles and those mystery items you bought with good intention and now don’t know what to do with. If the pantry feels too big a task, choose one cupboard or drawer and commit to clearing and cleaning it.

Then go for that container full of random stuff. Sort through it, tossing the rubbish and putting everything else back where it’s meant to be.

Sentimental showdown We all have that drawer, the one filled with sentimental trinkets, old letters, and nostalgia. And while sentimentality is a beautiful thing, it can quickly turn into clutter chaos because that sentimental drawer often becomes the “random” drawer, where everything you can’t find a place for goes to die.

Start by tossing everything that is truly junk and then create a dedicated space for sentimental items. Whether that’s a memory box, a scrapbook or a beautifully curated time have a way of mysteriously reappearing, yet you can’t seem to locate that favourite T-shirt you wear every other day.

Our closets are a treasure trove of forgotten fashion and January is a great time to sort it out.

Start by taking everything out. Yes, everything. Hold each item up and ask yourself honestly: have I worn it in the last year? Does it still fit? Do I still love it? If it’s not seasonal and it’s not sentimental, it’s time to bid farewell. Make three piles: keep, donate, sell. Anything you’re keeping, put it straight back in your closet and take the donate pile to the charity shop on the same

day – don’t just put the bag in your boot and drive it around for a month. Make a plan to upload anything you’re selling online and try to do it within a week.

Kitchen chaos The kitchen is the hub of modern family life, which means it’s also a hub for clutter. It’s astonishing how quickly countertops become a dumping ground for everything from mail to mismatched cutlery and the odd rubber band. Take a deep breath, put on your favourite playlist, and tackle the kitchen chaos.

Start by clearing off the countertops. Store away appliances and grab a spare container to corral loose items to sort through later.

shelf, give these items the attention they deserve. Be selective – keep the meaningful things and bid farewell to those who have lost their sentimental sparkle.

Digital detox In our modern world, physical clutter isn’t the only culprit. Our digital spaces can quickly become a labyrinth of forgotten files, unread emails, and app overload.

Start by decluttering your email inbox. Unsubscribe from newsletters you never read and create folders to organise important emails.

Next, tackle your phone apps. Do you really need that zombie-killing game you downloaded three years ago and haven’t played since?

Delete, delete, delete.

Back up anything important to the cloud. A streamlined digital life equals less stress and more storage space.

Once you’ve done all that? Give yourself a proper digital detox: log off your laptop, turn off your phone and hit the beach: it is January, after all.

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Find us online or contact us www.utopiahomewares.com.au

utopiahomewaresau 33 STYLE

home & living

Toys to entertain them 1

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Guide to raising purr-fect pets Style discovers how to make the after-holidays transition peaceful for you and the newest – and furriest – member of the family

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rom gorgeous puppies to cute kittens, there are thousands of furry new additions to homes around Australia over the Christmas and New Year period.

Whether they’re a gift or you finally decided to get the pet of which you’ve always dreamed, these animals bring joy and delight to the household as they settle in to what hopefully is their forever home.

But before you know it, it’s time to go back to work and school, and little Max is left at home during the day. It’s hard not to feel a tug on the heartstrings those first few days – especially when you’ve had the luxury of time aplenty with the new family member over the holidays and now they’re going to be all alone.

Style asked the experts at the RSPCA how to make the transition easy – or easier – for all. To begin with, RSPCA Queensland recommends that even while on summer break, make sure you give your new pet lots of alone time and don’t bring them with you for every single adventure. “This will allow STYLE 34

them to learn how to settle when you’re not at home,” the RSPCA says.

“It’s always helpful to leave pets with enrichment and long-lasting yummy (treats) to help this experience be a positive one.

“It’s also important to not make leaving or coming home a ‘big deal’ with too much excitement or touching/petting; that way they remain calm when entering and exiting the home.”

Ensuring your pet is safe and looked after while you’re away from the house is essential as well – both for their wellbeing, of course, and for your peace of mind.

“For dogs, it can be really helpful to crate train them,” the RSPCA says.

“This gives them a safe space to retreat to

when you are not home where they can find safety and comfort. For cats, this sometimes looks like a room or cat hide.”

Finally, making sure to plan ongoing costs and tweaks to your schedule for exercise, training and general time with your pet will make the transition easier for all. Expenses such as training, food, pet insurance and vet care can crop up at any time, so it’s smart to break the cost over each pay cycle and put the money away until it’s needed.

“Shop around for bargains and don’t always shop/stay with the one supplier, as often there will be sales at different places, or if you have a favourite, make sure you price match where you can,” the RSPCA says.

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1 Buddy & Belle Dog Treat Puzzle – easy (also available in medium, hard and expert), $23.99 2 Lexi & Me Treat & Chew Toppler – medium (also available in small and large), $14.99 3 Nerf Tire Feeder, $8 4 All Day Pull Back Ladybug roller cat toy, $13 5 Buddy and Belle Cat Treat Puzzle, $34.99 6 All Day Corn on the Cob (also comes as Peas in a Pod) Tennis Ball dog toy, $16 Note: Prices may vary between stores

home & living

advertising feature

Why you should use a real estate agent

By Ros Burton Principal – The Real Estate People With hundreds of apps and websites available to help you find homes, you may think that using an agent to help you in your search is obsolete. Think again.

Using an experienced real estate agent with local knowledge can help you uncover gold mines you could never find online.

Here are a few reasons why using a real estate agent is worth every dollar.

We know the local sales market Are we in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?

You may not know, but we do.

Understanding how the local market is changing can have a big impact on how much you spend on your property or how much you can sell it for.

A real estate agent knows these market trends and can advise you on when to buy and when to sell for the best deals.

In Toowoomba, The Real Estate People have a reputation for securing the best sales prices for our clients. If you’re selling a home, we work hard to get you an offer that matches list price.

If you’re buying a home, we help you secure a price that reflects the market value.

We understand how to market your property When you’re selling your property, using an agent can help you reach a closing

faster. That’s because agents know who your target buyer is and how to reach them.

In Toowoomba, for example, we have over 15 years of experience selling homes and finding buyers fast.

We can put our time and energy into marketing your property to the right audience to secure a faster closing.

We know the properties that meet your needs Just because you want a two-bedroom home doesn’t mean that every twobedroom home is perfect for you.

As real estate agents, we have unique access to every single home in your target area, even the homes that you can’t find online, on apps, or on selling websites.

We’re also well-versed in your local community, so we take into consideration not only the home you are buying but the surrounding area and how that supports your lifestyle as well.

Find an agent today Whether you’re buying or selling, relying on an experienced real estate agent with lots of local knowledge will save you money and secure you the best property.

For a free appraisal on your property, give us a call on (07) 4633 8899

Landlords… does your property manager offer: 9 Detailed routine inspection reports every 3 months 9 Tenants paying water consumption 9 One on one communication 9 Market appraisal at every lease renewal 9 Flexibility with chosen trades

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Looking after your investment shouldn’t be ‘set and forget’.

What is important to you is important to us, so call us today and see how easy it is to make the change.

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www.therealestatepeople.com.au 35 STYLE

Are we there yet?

Rosie Double shares four tips to take you from enduring to enjoying your next family road trip

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“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt” So said Peanuts creator cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. And sure, he may have been dispensing broader life advice, but never a truer word was spoken than on a road trip with a car full of kids, plus bags, plus pets all squeezed in

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Snacks work a treat Snacks, it turns out, are a key ingredient in any successful road trip. But not just any snacks. You need to find that elusive balance of foods that say “this is a special occasion” while walking the line of appropriate amounts of sugar for an enclosed space.

Think muesli bars with a smattering of chocolate on top, or confectionary with no artificial colours or flavours. Also, consider having each child pick something special if they’re old enough, and appointing someone responsible as Head of Snacks to dole them out just when that extra boost to the back seat spirits is required.

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Make more pit stops There’s always someone who proclaims they don’t need to use the bathroom at the servo. And we all know this to be a lie 20 minutes down the road. That being said, having a mix of sporadic stops and scheduled breaks can help the trip feel more exciting. Doing some research on destinations just off the highway can help break the journey into smaller joys. A stop for the town’s Best Pie Voted Three Years Running? Yes, please. Fish and chips for an early dinner? Done.

Try building a buffer into your travel times where possible so you can afford to stop on a whim for that farm-fresh roadside strawberry stand.

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Start small

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Play the game

So you’ve heard of “I spy” but have you heard of “Spot the tissue box on the back seat”? (Surprisingly, there are a lot). Get creative with your games and get the kids involved in making their own special rules or things to look out for. While we won’t pretend this is a total substitute for screen time, having some activities the whole family can enjoy could save your sanity (and also battery life). On that note, always pack more chargers than you think is strictly necessary. And remember, the eyeroll-inducing game that Dad suggests might just live on to be a cherished road trip tradition passed on to your kids’ kids in years to come.

As with anything, practice makes, well, not perfect but more streamlined.

Maybe don’t try for a cross-country drive with an untested ratio of snacks vsstops, but dip your toe in the water with a few day trips and work up to longer stretches on the road. If you’re after two or three-hour journeys from Toowoomba, head inland to Goondiwindi or head north and check out the Kingaroy and South Burnett food and wine trail. (Blackbutt Bakery alone is well worth the drive).

And remember, if all else fails, there’s chocolate.

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Darren Burton Travel Columnist

We had an amazing time exploring this green nirvana, kissing the Blarney Stone and visiting a giants’ battlefield

Having a fierce time in the Emerald Isle STYLE 38

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here’s an old Irish saying that declares: “May you escape the gallows, avoid distress and be as healthy as a trout.” I only managed to achieve one of the three on our recent trip to Ireland, but my wife Ros and I still had an amazing time exploring this green nirvana.

We waved bon voyage to England and jumped aboard the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship which took in the highlights of Ireland as it weaved its way to Denmark.

One of the ship’s ports was Cork, which is a hop, step and a jump to the world-famous Blarney Castle – something we definitely wanted to see. The only difficulty (and it’s a major difficulty) was the English-speaking tours were all full, so that meant we were going to miss out – except, I came up with a cunning plan.

“Let’s go on the Spanish tour,” I suggested.

“You can’t speak Spanish,” Ros sighed.

“We just want to see stuff – we don’t have to understand what’s going on,” I countersighed.

“We still have to know where lunch is, when to get back to the bus, how long we get at each stop,” she argued.

And while this was true, I had spent years

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Another incredible ‘must-see’ is the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland with its amazing hexagonal basalt stones

watching Luis and Maria on Sesame Street, so I had my Spanish numbers pretty well covered: uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco … cinco … yeah, I kinda get hazy after cinco, but I knew we could pull it off.

Ros wasn’t so convinced and as we sat there in the ship’s theatre waiting to hear our bus allocation, I quickly realised I didn’t understand a word that was being said. We got 20 minutes of instructions, and I didn’t have a clue what we were to do.

My semitranslucent “tan” (akin to what happens if a jellyfish and Casper the ghost had a baby) also reinforced that I wasn’t from Acapulco, and we were going to struggle linguistically.

Thankfully, a couple sitting nearby said they’d keep an eye on us.

And that allowed us to have a fantastic day walking the Blarney gardens, taking in the sights and becoming much poorer thanks to the Blarney Woollen Mills.

The castle itself was mega busy, so leave yourself plenty of time if you want to get inside and kiss the Blarney Stone – germaphobes may want to give that a miss altogether.

Another incredible “must-see” is the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland with

its amazing hexagonal basalt stones.

Geologists say it was formed around 60 million years ago (when Ireland was still attached to North America), but legend has it an Irish giant named Finn McCool created the causeway so he could cross the Irish Sea to battle his Scottish rival, Benandonner.

Whether you believe science or prefer to picture drunken ogres, make sure you get to this World Heritage-listed site.

In all, we visited Cork and Dublin (and Belfast in Northern Ireland, UK) on our journey – and that only scratched the surface of this wonderful country. The incredible friendliness of the locals ensures we’ll be back.

Totally off topic, Ros and I also met a lovely older lady on the cruise who lived in Hillsborough, California, and just so happened to be next door neighbours with Bing Crosby back in the day.

BING CROSBY! That’s pretty cool to have on your life resume. The best I could come back with was I was once bitten by a possum, but she seemed suitably impressed.

And speaking of impressive, Denmark is a country that you definitely need to check out – I’ll let you know what we got up to there in the next edition.

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education

School BOREDOM BUSTERS holiday Jenna Martin shares eight awesome activities to unleash the fun these school holidays

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h, summer school holidays – the time kids love and parents dread, where you ask yourself, “how many days in a row can we go to the same beach/park/cinema?” and “how much screen time is really too much?”

If you’re running out of ideas to keep them busy and need some inspo, we’ve compiled some awesome activities to turn those long summer days into memorable moments of creativity and exploration.

DIY Tie-Dye Extravaganza Grab some plain white tees and a rainbow of fabric dyes, and let the tie-dye magic begin.

Lay out old newspapers, twist and bind sections of the shirts, and watch your kids’ faces light up as they create vibrant, wearable masterpieces. It’s messy, it’s colourful, and it’s a whole lot of fun.

Kitchen Chemistry Turn your kitchen into a science lab with simple experiments using household items.

Create a volcano eruption with baking soda and vinegar; make a rainbow with water, a flashlight, and a glass of water; or make your own cardboard car and race it using balloon power. Just a simple Google of “experiments using household objects” will bring up endless ideas for educational, hands-on experiments you can do at home.

Nature Scavenger Hunt Take the adventure outdoors with a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items to find – a pinecone, a feather, a smooth rock – and let the kids loose in the back yard or a nearby park. It’s a great way to connect with nature, it can take as long or as little as you like, and the little ones will love the thrill of the hunt.

Cardboard Box Creations If you’re wondering what to do with all the leftover cardboard from Christmas presents,

wonder no more. Turn them into a world of imaginative possibilities. Build a spaceship, create a castle or fashion a cosy reading nook.

Kids love being given the freedom to create, make believe and turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Bubble Bonanza I don’t know about you, but I personally have not met a kid (or a dog, for that matter) who doesn’t go mad over bubbles. Bubble mix is cheap enough to buy but it’s easy to DIY, you just need water, dish soap and a dash of glycerine (or sugar, or diluted honey).

Fashion some DIY bubble wands from pipe cleaners or straws and go to town. See who can create the biggest bubble or the most intricate bubble shapes.

Backyard Camping Adventure If a full camping trip isn’t on the cards, bring STYLE 40

the camping experience to your back yard.

Set up a tent, tell stories by torchlight, and indulge in classic campfire treats like roasting marshmallows. It’s a mini adventure that combines the thrill of the outdoors with the comfort of home.

Painted Rock Garden Gather as many smooth rocks as you can (perhaps on your scavenger hunt) then break out the acrylic paints, and release your kid’s inner artist. Paint animals, personal messages or vibrant patterns on the rocks,

then place them in the garden or around the house. It’s a creative way to add a touch of whimsy, keep them busy and, best of all, it can be done outside to minimise the mess.

DIY Bird Feeders Combine creativity and nature appreciation by creating your own DIY bird feeder. Use pinecones or hollowed out citrus fruit and stuff with peanut butter and birdseed to create edible masterpieces. Hang them in the garden, and watch as local feathered friends flock to enjoy the homemade treats.

business

Foodie Shots’ Kat Lynn has won awards for her beautiful food photography.

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hey say a picture is worth a thousand words, but for local food photographer Kat Lynn, those thousand words also need to tell a story. And that’s exactly what she’s doing through her business, Foodie Shots.

“People want to know who they’re buying from; they want to know their story. Why should I buy from you?

“So what I do is I come in and I tell that holistic story for [my clients], so that people can promote their whole range, as well as genuinely connect,” Kat says.

Foodie Shots, which was launched in June 2019, grew from another photography business that Kat runs with her husband, Sonny.

They initially shot weddings where Kat says she found herself naturally gravitating towards the kitchen to focus on the food and details.

To shoot weddings, she says, you have to be multiple types of photographer rolled into one.

“You have to be a portrait photographer, you have to be a family photographer, you have to be a product photographer, you have to be a sports photographer, basically, because you’re jumping around and going everywhere,” Kat explains.

“It’s just so dynamic and I feel my passion is to tell people’s stories.

“Sometimes you miss it because you are concentrating so much on just capturing every single moment.”

A change of

FOCUS Food photographer Kat Lynn tells Katrina Sichlau how she turned her passion for storytelling into an award-winning business Career change Kat’s career in photography began while working as a graphic designer, where she started picking up the camera.

“I found that quite often when I was doing work for my clients early on – and I hear it now – designers are not getting the photos they need to be able to showcase the designs that they’re creating.

“So quite often, I would end up taking the photos for my clients instead. And it just seemed to evolve,” she recalls.

Over time Kat built up her business as a side hustle, and just as she was preparing to move into photography full time, she was offered a redundancy from her corporate job.

“It was getting to the point where I needed

to sort of step back from my corporate life, [and] I got offered a redundancy – and the exact amount was how much my studio was going to cost. So it was like, ‘OK, universe, I’m listening’.

“So I left my safety net of corporate, and my good salary, for the fiery depths of entrepreneurship.”

Expanding horizons Taking a leap of faith has paid off. Kat has received industry recognition for her work, and was recently named the Best Regional Business at the Roar Success Awards. She also took home the 2023 BX Business xCellence Award in the Photographer/ Videographer category.

Kat hopes these accolades will not only broaden the reach of her business, but will help bring more people to seek services in Toowoomba.

“People think shop local, support local, but you’ve also got to invite people from outside [the area] to come here or to be part of the businesses in Toowoomba,” she says.

This ambition has led to Kat travelling the country, attending trade expos, connecting with new clients and helping them tell their stories.

“Photography is only one small part of what I do with my clients. That’s the end result. But the journey of them getting to that is so much more.

“I help them through understanding their client relationships and their customer journeys and what it looks like. And then we craft that visual story for them to get there.

“So it’s about taking them on that whole journey of their business and then giving them beautiful photos that tell their story.”

The real deal One part of this is authentically showcasing her clients’ products – and blowing them away with the results.

“It’s about creating authentic photos that actually connect and make people salivate or want to go and buy.

“One of the best compliments I’ve ever had was from another photographer. She said, ‘Your photos make me want to lick the screen.’

“I’ve had clients cry so many times in my studio when they see their product on the screen and they go, ‘That’s my product, that’s my food.’ And I go, ‘Yes, it’s your beautiful food that I’m just shining a light on,’ because we do put our heart and soul into our businesses.”

If that’s not enough, Kat is also passionate about sharing her knowledge with others by running workshops to help small businesses capture better social media images and strengthen their brands.

“It’s about sharing that knowledge and growing together rather than trying to just do it all on your own, because that’s no fun.”

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sport Bodybuilder Ari Kucuku in competition.

Pictures: Gary Phillips

Building a body of hope Ari Kucuku’s passion for competing and helping others has benefited children with cancer Kate Salemme Sport & Technology Editor

B

odybuilding is one of the world’s toughest sports and Ari Kucuku has taken up the challenge while raising money in the process.

A former boxer, the Toowoomba local recently competed in the IFBB Pro League Australia Qld State Bodybuilding competition, and at the same time raised money for the Toowoomba Hospital Children’s Cancer Care Services.

While the competition, where he finished second in his category, wasn’t a fundraiser, Ari took it upon himself to raise money for a worthy cause, eventually presenting a cheque to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation for $5403.

“It was the best feeling to hand the money over, knowing that it’s going to help the kids,” Ari says.

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“They’re going to use the money to help the kids, and to buy them toys and other activities they can do while they’re in hospital.”

Family, friends, the Toowoomba community and even local businesses all chipped in to help kids with cancer.

“It was awesome to have lots of people support the cause, even businesses here, which was really good,” he says.

While Ari doesn’t have a personal connection to the hospital’s children’s cancer care, he does have three kids of his own – Chloe, Lily and Neki – and knows the hospital would be there for them if they needed it.

“I thought there are kids in there that need help, and if my kids needed help that’s where they’d be,” he says.

“I’m always keen to help and support, especially those who really need it. It’s a good cause.

“Because of the life I’ve had, it makes you humble and it makes you appreciate everything and realise that, if we can help as many (people) as we can, then that’s good.”

Ari, 43, knows what it’s like to do it tough.

That’s why he enjoys fundraising and helping those who need it the most.

Born in Albania, he left home when he was “about 11” to move to Greece to work on a farm before moving to Europe and eventually settling in England. All along the way he worked and sent money home to his parents.

He moved to Australia, and more specifically to Toowoomba in 2009 with his then-wife, and now owns his own business.

He still sends money to his family back home when they need it.

“My life experience and what I’ve been through, it has inspired me to help people and to appreciate what you’ve got and where you are,” he says.

You make your body into art, essentially

“In this country people sometimes take it for granted.”

Originally a boxer who competed in countless fights in the ring, Ari discovered body building and fell in love with it almost immediately. “(Bodybuilding) is one of the hardest sports mentally because you don’t just do the workouts, you have to be so precise with your diet, and that is the strongest challenge mentally,” he says.

“You make your body into art, essentially.

“I didn’t want my kids to see me fight, and I’ve always been a freak of a trainer.

Training is one of the things that helps to keep me happy.

“It gave me good purpose for all the training I was doing.”

The fact he can combine his passion for competing in competitions with his other passions – helping those who need it – is a bonus.

“I have fun and I enjoy competing, so if at the same time I can help people then that’s good,” he says.

entertainment

What’s new in entertainment READ…

READ…

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman Reviewed by Debbie Phillips

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid Reviewed by Jessica Kramer

If you have not caught on to the Thursday Murder Club craze, then where have you been?

Coopers Chase is the retirement home the Thursday Murder Club investigators call home.

Elizabeth is a retired spy master, Ron an ex-union man, Ibrahim a former psychiatrist and Joyce a retired nurse, a timid women who is in awe of the others. They love to try to solve grisly murders that seem to happen in and around their home before the police can.

Enter Elizabeth’s husband Stephen, who is in the late stages of dementia and plays a pivotal role in this storyline.

In this fourth book in the series, Kuldesh – who has been a family friend for years –seems to be a victim of an extortionist. When his body is found it is up to the super sleuths to work out who killed their friend.

This is a fantastic puzzle that will put you to the test, and with great characterisation the author, comedian Richard Osman, brings you right into the storyline.

The Last Devil to Die is published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin, and is available now

This atmospheric novel is not an easy read, but it’s worth the effort in the end.

Effy has been haunted by the Fairy King since she was a small child, and her only solace in this – and life – is her worn copy of Angharad by Emrys Myrddin. So when the opportunity arises for her to go to the late author’s estate and work on plans to redesign the house, Effy leaps at the chance to escape the prejudice and misery of college. But Hiraeth Manor is a damp and derelict place on the brink of crumbling into the sea, and Effy finds she’s not the only academic there either; literature student Preston Heloury is exploring Myrddin’s papers in an attempt to prove the author a fraud.

And as both Effy and Preston dig further, they discover dark forces – mortal and magical – at work. While promoted as dark academia and a rivals-to-lovers romance, at its heart this novel is neither.

Instead, it is a thought-provoking exploration of life after trauma, neglect and prejudice – all wrapped up in a gloomy atmosphere and dark fairytales.

It’s not a novel you read for entertainment, but rather an example of excellent writing craft and how stories can show us shared experiences or open our eyes to what other humans have been through.

A Study in Drowning is published by Del Rey, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and is available now

WATCH …

Wonka Reviewed by Jessica Kramer Whimsical, charming, magical, and hopeful – these words best summarise the latest take on Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka.

Essentially a prequel, though not quite a direct one from either 1971 or 2005 Chocolate Factory films, Wonka sees a young Willy set out to make his name as a chocolatier.

However, it’s not as easy as just setting up a shop, as Willy comes up against snobby rivals, corrupt police, fraudulent B&B hosts, and even a small orange man (Hugh Grant is a simply superb Oompa Loompa, as an aside, with perfectly delivered dry humour).

Timothee Chalamet plays a just-unbalancedenough but not yet jaded Wonka opposite Calah Lane’s sweet and emotive Noodle, while Rowan Atkinson’s priest adds that

caricature humour he is so well known for.

The film caters well to both adult and child audiences – with some of the subject matter a little dark in true Dahl style, yet still optimistic – and there is overt and subtle humour enough for both viewing groups. Possibly the most surprising element of Wonka is the songs. While not a musical in its truest sense, it still seems that much of the film’s promotion omitted the fact that there would be songs and thus it is a little unsettling when Chalamet’s clear voice first rings out in the opening scene. That being said, the songs throughout the main body of the film feel natural, are performed well and add an extra layer of charm to the movie.

Wonka doesn’t win any metaphorical awards for being mind-blowing or unexpected, but there is undoubtably something delightful about the film even in its predictability that everything will turn out OK. 9/10 See Wonka for yourself now at Event Cinemas Grand Central

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Time poor? Try these ‘snackable’ books

HOLIDAY READING LIST

● The Narrow Road Between Desires, Patrick Rothfuss (standalone/ companion volume; fantasy) ● The Murderbot Diaries, Martha Wells (series; science fiction) ● The Summer We Crossed Europe in the Rain, Kazuo Ishiguro (poetry; out March 5) ● Shy, Max Porter (standalone; general fiction) ● Minor Detail, Adania Shibli (standalone; historical fiction) ● Five Tuesdays in Winter, Lily King (short stories anthology; general fiction) ● Mislaid in Parts Half-Known, Seanan McGuire (series/standalone; fantasy)

complicated. Can Gwen save the villagers and reunite her family too?

Fluff: Bullies Beware!

Matt Stanton Gilbert’s underpants are hanging on the school gate. He must get revenge on the bully who put them there, and who better to help than a bunny with attitude. A hilarious story full of heart and packed with drones, wedgies, rockets and Parmesan cheese, from the creator of Funny Kid and The Odds.

Hot books this summer and beyond Jessica Kramer

one on a joyous journey of love, hope and dreams for the future.

Entertainment Editor

I

s there anything better about summer holidays than being able to curl up beside the pool with a good book (as long as we accept there might be an occasional splash from the kids smattering the pages)?

There are plenty of great reads for everyone this summer, from thoughtprovoking and entertaining novels for the adults, to books to keep all the kids occupied, even into the year beyond. Here’s a selection of what we’re loving here at Style.

For the little ones These Little Feet Hayley Rawsthorne In the classic tradition of Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes and Kissed by the Moon, These Little Feet will take you and your little STYLE 44

Norman Blue – I’m a cocky, too Laura Albulario Norman Blue badly wants to fit in, but he doesn’t have a crest like the other cockatoos.

He tries to do all the things cockatoos do, but when he loses his fake crest one day, he meets a unique possum and realises he can have the courage to be who he is, too.

Walk with Us: Welcome to our Country Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing Inspired by the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Walk With Us is an invitation to go on a journey of learning and appreciation.

Harvey and Mum are heading to their favourite park for a walk on Cammeraygal land. “Time to awaken the ancestors,” says Uncle Boris. “Every time we sing or acknowledge Country, the ancestors are listening.” What do you know about the Country where you live?

Complete Cleo Stories Libby Gleeson Meet Cleo, a little girl with a big imagination, who solves problems in creative and delightful ways and always finds ways to have fun. Set in a comforting domestic world, these warm and irresistible stories all together in one volume for the first time are perfect for kids learning to read and moving from picture books to chapter books.

For the big kids Wolf Girl 10: The Race is On Anh Do Gwen’s goal is simple: win the Championship Games and free the people of Hookville. But that’s before she discovers that the enemy commander running the games is none other than her long-lost sister Kate. What is Kate doing working with the Braxans? And does she know where their parents are? Suddenly, things are a lot more

Silver Linings Katrina Nannestad Nettie Sweeney has a dad, three big sisters, a farm full of cows and a cat called Mittens.

But it’s not enough. She longs for a mother.

When Dad marries Alice, all Nettie’s dreams come true. The Sweeney home overflows with laughter, love and, in time, a baby brother. Billy. The light of Nettie’s life.

Then tragedy strikes. The Sweeney family crumbles. Nettie tries to make things right, but has she made everything much worse?

Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet Jaclyn Moriarty Lillian Velvet lives a very lonely life with her cold and remote grandmother. That is, until her 10th birthday, when she is given a pickle jar of gold coins. What happens next seems impossible. The coins whisk Lillian away to a different time and place. There she meets a small boy in a circus about to be crushed to death; a lively family, each member in a distinctive form of mortal danger; a boy with a skateboard; and a girl who can Whisper.

And a web of dangerous magic closing tight around it all.

For the teens A Fragile Enchantment Allison Saft An unforgettable YA regency-inspired romantic fantasy about a seamstress who is sent to dress the prince for his royal wedding – and the scandal she weaves in her wake.

entertainment

little kids

Anticipated reads For the little ones ● Beach Song, Ros Moriarty (Jan 30) ● I Love Books, Mariajo Ilustrajo (Feb 13) ● Footprint, Phil Cummings (Feb 27)

For the big kids

big kids

teens

adults

Murtagh Christopher Paolini Starring one of the most popular characters from Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle, a Dragon Rider must discover what he stands for in a world that has abandoned him. Murtagh is the perfect book to enter the World of Eragon for the first time, or to joyfully return.

Vengeance of the Pirate Queen Tricia Levenseller Eighteen-year-old Sorinda is a deadly assassin with a reputation to match. But her latest assignment is like no other. The pirate queen, Alosa, has tasked her with captaining a hand-picked crew on a dangerous rescue mission, and her sailing master is none other than the infuriating Kearan. But as they navigate through treacherous waters, they accidentally awaken the King of the Undersea, who summons an army of undead soldiers from the depths, and Sorinda must fight tooth and nail to survive.

I Loved You in Another Life David Arnold The New York Times best-selling author returns with a poignant love story about two teens whose souls come together time and again through the ages, and explores the history of love and how some souls are meant for each other: yesterday, today, forever.

For the adults The Professor Lauren Nossett Ethan Haddock is discovered dead, apparently by his own hand and rumours swirl that his death is the result of a studentteacher bad romance. His professor is suspended, and social media crusaders and trolls alike are out for blood. Marlitt Kaplan, a former detective turned research assistant, is asked by her mother, a colleague of the accused professor, for help, Marlitt finds herself in the impossible position of proving something didn’t happen. But will she get too close to see the truth?

Bright Shining Julia Baird The best-selling author of Phosphorescence is back, with a look into the elusive yet vital grace that thrives in meaningful, dignified human connection. If karma echoes deservedness, grace contrasts; pardoning the unforgivable, favouring the unworthy, loving the unlovable.

● The Bother with the Bonkillyknock Beast, Karen Foxlee (Jan 3) ● Smoke & Mirrors, Barry Jonsberg (Jan 30) ● The Grimmelings, Rachael King (Feb 20)

For the teens ● To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods, Molly X. Chang (Apr 16) ● The City of Stardust, Georgina Summers (Jan 30) ● A Tempest of Tea, Hafsah Faizal (Feb 20) ● The Prisoner’s Throne, Holly Black (Mar 5) ● Shadows of Truth, Astrid Scholte (Feb 27)

For the adults ● Come and Get It, Kiley Reid (Jan 30) ● Hard by a Great Forest, Leo Vardiashvili (Jan 30) ● Lost to Dune Road, Kara Thomas (Apr 9) ● The Consultant, IM Seong-Sun (Jan 30) ● The Briar Book of the Dead, AG Slatter (Feb 13) ● The Fury, Alex Michaelides (Jan 16) ● Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, Heather Fawcett (Jan 16)

I’m Liz Hayes Liz Hayes From camping in grizzly bear territory to sipping tea with an Afghani warlord in an active war zone, Liz Hayes has almost seen it all. She has shared the stories of celebrities and movie stars, leaders and politicians, heroes and villains across the globe, but – after a lifetime of reporting on others – when tragedy struck her own family, Liz discovered that sometimes the hardest story to tell is your own.

When We Were Birds Ayanna Lloyd Banwo Darwin is a down-on-his-luck gravedigger, newly arrived in the city to seek his fortune, young and beautiful and lost. Estranged from his mother, he is convinced that the father he never met may be waiting for him amid these bustling streets. Meanwhile in an old house on a hill, Yejide’s mother is dying.

And she is leaving behind a legacy that now passes to Yejide: the keeper of the dead.

Darwin and Yejide will find one another in the ancient cemetery at the heart of the city, where trouble is brewing and destiny awaits.

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january TUESDAY TRIVIA

EVERY TUESDAY FROM 6.30PM TO 8.30PM WHERE: The Spotted Cow, 140 Campbell St, Toowoomba City WHAT: Each Tuesday The Spotted Cow comes alive with fun and excitement as teams compete head-to-head with InnQUIZitive Big Screen Trivia. It’s the perfect way to have fun with some mates and the ideal reason to indulge in a Tuesday Parmy special for dinner.

COST: Free for trivia

STREET FEAST

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, FROM 5PM TO 11PM WHERE: Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale Rd, Glenvale WHAT: Street Feast is excited to come to Toowoomba in 2024, with a big night of food trucks, boutique retail stalls and live music out at the showgrounds. While the full line-up is still to be confirmed, stall holders such as Afghan Traditional Sweets, Sopranos mobile pizza, Juicy Perfection, Hinterland Honey have been revealed already!

COST: TBA

RED HOT SUMMER SHOOTOUT

JANUARY 5-7 FROM 3PM

WHERE: Hi-Tec Oils Speedway, 100 Wirth Rd, Charlton WHAT: Australia’s best sprintcar drivers will take on US drivers in Toowoomba’s biggest event of the season over the course of one huge weekend. Friday will include the Night before Showdown sprintcars event, night one of King of the Ring wingless event, and AMCA Nationals; Saturday hosts Red Hot Summer Shootout night one and King of the Ring night two as well as Compact Speedcars; while Sunday features the final night of Red Hot Summer Shootout, GSA Ultimate Speedcar Championship, lightning sprints and fireworks.

There’s even a fan appreciation session on Saturday with driver autograph session, interviews, live music and merchandise stalls.

COST: from $25-$50

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PROGRAM: RAINBOW SLIME

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2PM TO 3PM WHERE: Yarraman Library, cnr Toomey and Douglas streets, Yarraman WHAT: Learn how to make your own rainbow slime, then take it with you when you leave for more fun at home. A free event open to all ages, attendees under eight years old will need a guardian present at all times, and bookings are essential via 0402 110 672.

There are plenty of other fun activities on throughout the region’s libraries during the summer school holidays; check out your local library for more information!

COST: Free STYLE 46

ANIME CLUB: STUDIO GHIBLI

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, FROM 4PM TO 5.30PM

WHERE: Toowoomba City Library, 155 Herries St, Toowoomba City WHAT: Get the teens out of the house and hanging out with some like-minded 12-18 year olds this summer holidays with the regional libraries activities program, including Studio Ghibli Themed Anime Club. Come along to eat Japanese snacks, watch a Ghibli movie, and chill out with craft themed around some favourite cosy Studio Ghibli movies.

Bookings are not required, but for more information contact Toowoomba City Library

via youngpeople@tr.qld.gov.au or call 07 4688 6670.

COST: Free

Join Karl at UniSQ for an evening of music and enjoyment.

COST: $20 students; $25 general admission

MCGREGOR PRESENTS KARL S WILLIAMS

THE SCREAMING JETS – PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT TOUR

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 7.30PM TO 8.30PM WHERE: A Block Arts Theatre, UniSQ, West St, Darling Heights WHAT: Drawing from folk, blues and gospel, Karl S. Williams’ songs are steeped in the swamp water of the northern NSW cane country where he was raised, lending the distinct flavour of this land to all his work.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, FROM 7PM

WHERE: The Spotted Cow, 296 Ruthven St, Toowoomba City WHAT: The Screaming Jets are ready to unleash their anticipated new studio album, Professional Misconduct. Produced by Steve James, the album was also mixed by Nick DiDia who is known for his work with Bon Jovi,

events

AUSTRALIA DAY – TOOWOOMBA CITY Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, and Powderfinger. The new album pays homage to the band’s roots while showcasing their musical evolution. It’s a seamless blend of raw energy and refined craftsmanship that will captivate fans old and new.

COST: $42.60 including booking fee

and cocktail specialists. Preston Peak is also offering a Grand Prize Wedding Package to one lucky guest at the event.

COST: $6.61 general admission via eventbrite.com.au

PRESTON PEAK WEDDING FESTIVAL 2024

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 10AM TO 2PM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 10AM TO 2PM WHERE: Preston Peak Functions, Preston Boundary Rd, Preston WHAT: This wedding festival is back again for 2024, and if you’re getting married this year you won’t want to miss it. There will be a roaming fashion parade to help kick the event off in style followed by a relaxing afternoon with nibbles and drinks from world class chefs

TOOWOOMBA’S WEDDING EXPO

WHERE: Highfields Cultural Centre, Sean McCarthy Way, Highfields WHAT: The annual Toowoomba Wedding Expo promises to be a delightful showcase of bridal vendors and local providers. If you’re planning a wedding, you’ll find everything here that you need to create your perfect day.

Come along and meet industry professionals while enjoying coffee, live music, and a fashion show.

COST: Free entry

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 8.30AM TO 11AM WHERE: Picnic Point, 162 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba WHAT: Reflect, respect and celebrate this Australia Day in Toowoomba at Picnic Point with a fun morning. At 8.30am there will be the Call to Order, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony; with flag raising, National Anthem by High Altitude Harmony, free sausage sizzle, damper, flag tattoos and Dreamtime Games to follow from 9am. Then at 9.30am there will be the Australia Day Prayer, Mayoral Message, Australia Day affirmation and flag presentation before the William Groom Scholarship Winner and Australia Day Awards at 9.45am. The official proceedings will wrap up with entertainment and free ice creams from 10.30am.

COST: Free 47 STYLE

arts

Check out the art exhibitions and events being held in our region this January

ANATOLIAN ART WORKSHOP January 19 & 20, daily, 9am, 1pm & 5pm

FAIRYTALE COLLAGE WORKSHOP

Daily until Friday, January 19

Main Hall, 119 West St, Newtown Spend some time creating your own Anatolian art with these ceramic painting and mosaic lamp making workshops.

Whether you’re a novice eager to explore the world of art or a seasoned artist refining your craft, the dedicated instructors are there to nurture your talents. They offer a blend of traditional mosaic lamp making and ceramic painting, infused with the spirit of Anatolia.

With the lamp making workshop, you’ll assemble mosaic pieces to craft your own unique lamp in one of four styles, while with the ceramic painting you’ll freely apply your dream colours on to ceramics of various shapes and sizes available, creating your personal masterpiece. No prior experience is necessary, and all instruction and materials are provided. Costs range from $79 to $189 and can be booked via eventbrite.com.au

Pittsworth Library, 104 Yandilla St, Pittsworth Drop into the library during opening hours and recreate your favourite fairytale using newspaper collage. This is a free event open to all ages, no bookings are necessary. For more information contact Pittsworth Library on 4693 1223. During the school holidays, there’s a range of other arts and crafts activities on throughout the region’s libraries – check out your local one for more information.

DRAWING HUMANS IN YOUR SKETCHBOOK 2-DAY WORKSHOP

FUNDAMENTAL DRAWING 8-WEEK COURSE

January 20 & 21, 9am-4pm

Weekly on Mondays, 9am to 12pm, from January 29

Murray’s Art & Framing, 485 Ruthven St, Toowoomba City In this workshop you will focus on the figure within your sketchbook drawing with tutor Deb

Murray’s Art & Framing, 485 Ruthven St, Toowoomba City Start the year off with an eight-week course that takes you back to the beginning to help

Take courses such as, clockwise from top, Fairytale Collage Workshop, Anatolian Art Workshop, Beginner pottery wheel throwing, Drawing Humans in Your Sketchbook and Fundamental Drawing.

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Mostert, who has 30 years’ experience.

You will learn to do many fast, gestural notations of humans that inhabit our spaces as well as slower, longer poses for more considered portraits, and will be using both images for timed poses to practise and then draw the figure “in the wild” as you come across them in life.

Using pen and watercolour for portable and swift response to opportunities to draw anyone, anywhere, you will draw in larger format A4 sketchbooks. The weekend workshop costs $345 and can be booked at eventbrite.com.au

you develop the skills needed to underpin your practice. Many students struggle when painting or creating because their confidence in planning and sketching lets them down.

Sue McMaster will teach you how and when to use each of your drawing tools.

Topics covered include drawing materials and techniques, light and shadow, perspective, composition, and colour and shade. This course will lead you to more advanced drawing techniques or transition you to other mediums, and is $340 for the entire term.

BEGINNER POTTERY WHEEL THROWING

Weekly on Mondays, 7pm-9pm, from January 29 Darling Downs Potters’ Club, 145 West St, Newtown Have you always wanted to try your hand at pottery? Now is your chance with Darling Downs Potters’ Club’s six-class beginner’s wheel throwing course. You’ll be tutored by experienced ceramic artist Wesley Denic, and get a 10kg block of clay, a basic pottery tool kit, glazes and two kiln firings. The classes run in small groups of up to six participants. The class schedule runs over a seven-week period with no class in the fifth week to allow for bisque firing of your creations before glazing your works in the final class. The tutor then glaze fires the pieces over roughly two weeks and students will be notified when they can collect them from the gallery.

Our region is host to many fantastic art galleries and creative spaces as well, but many of them operate at reduced hours or close over January for a well-deserved summer break. Check with the individual gallery or space for updated trading times closer to the date.

socials

Alison Kennedy, Jacqui Armstrong and Clive Berghofer AM.

Vanessa Baldwin, Shane Ford and Kerry Williams.

Leah Costello and Anita Armanasco.

scene Melissa and Michael Wells.

Toowoomba Hospital Foundation Appreciation Evening The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation hosted its valued sponsors, donors, board members, team members, volunteers and supporters on Tuesday, December 5 at St Joseph’s College, Toowoomba to show appreciation for all their support over 2023. Guests enjoyed live music, beverages and appetisers, and celebrated the foundation’s significant achievements.

Pictures: Annielyn Images

Kiron and Jasmine Barui.

Rocco Romeo and Amy Creighton.

Grant Hawea and Holli Gehrig.

Sandrene and Nick Payne.

Brady, Brendan, Paige and Rett Cullinan.

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socials

Robyn Haig, Ann-Marie Johnston, Kerry Betros AM, and Cr Edwina Farquhar.

Ally Martell and Darcy Wilson.

scene Sean White and Caitlin McManus.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Business@Dusk December

Suzie Holt and Petria Cumner.

The final Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Business at Dusk for 2023 was hosted by Heritage and People’s Choice Credit Union at the Empire Theatre. The region’s businesspeople celebrated the end of the year and heard from bank CEO Peter Lock about the merger and the brand’s new name: People First Bank.

Pictures: Sonny & Kat Photography

Carmen Traise and Clayton Menyweather.

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Megan Kanchiki and Regina Baker.

Philippa Garmany and Merrianne Black.

Julia Patsalou and Peter Marks.

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TWO USE WET 4 LETTERS AGOG AXLE BODE CEDE CORN DAME DAYS DUEL EDAM EDDY EDIT EMIR EYED FLEE FUEL GRIN HASP HULA KNOB

KNOW LENS MEET NONE OKRA PEEL PELT PERU POGO PONY PREY REDO ROWS RUSH SAWS SCAR SIGH SLOP SUMP TEAL TYPE WASP WEAK WIMP

WOKS 5 LETTERS ACIDS ADIOS ALIBI ALIGN AMINE APHID AURAS DELAY EASEL ELATE EMIRS ENURE ESSAY FERRY FILED GORSE LEARN LEMON LILAC NOISE OCHRE

POSSE SARAH SCRAG SCUFF UPPED USUAL WILCO X-RAYS YODEL

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6 LETTERS AVENGE SEESAW WEEVIL YEARLY 7 LETTERS CURTAIN DIPLOMA NEUTRON TUESDAY

WordFit solution

Jumbo solution

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7 4 9 8 5 6 7 9 1 5 6 7

9

1 5 6 3 8 7 9 2 4 9 7 4 1 2 6 3 5 8 3 8 2 9 5 4 6 1 7 7 4 3 5 6 2 1 8 9 6 2 9 8 3 1 7 4 5 5 1 8 4 7 9 2 3 6 4 3 1 7 9 5 8 6 2 2 9 5 6 1 8 4 7 3 8 6 7 2 4 3 5 9 1

9

8

6 3

6 3

5

7

3 1 8 5 4 3

3 1 8 5 4 3

4 9

3 LETTERS AGE AIR ALP ARE BAA BUM CAN COO EMU ERA EWE GAS HIM INK IRE LAG MOB MOW NIP PAR POP RIM TAN

6

E L A T E D A M E H A S P D E L A Y F I L E D W I L C O A M I N E U P P E D E M I R S M O B D U E L T Y P E G A S N I P S L O P A V E N G E E W E M OW R I M A X L E A G O G L I L A C C U R T A I N O K R A R E D O E R A K N O B S I G H A I R D A Y S K N OW N E U T R O N E S S A Y E D I T L E N S W E T E M U B A A S E E S A W P E R U L A G C A N R OW S S U M P P O P U S U A L A C I D S O C H R E F E R R Y S A R A H N O I S E F L E E P R E Y Y O D E L

1 6 2 8 5 1

14

5

9 1 5 6 4 2 7 3 8 7 2 8 5 1 3 6 4 9 3 4 6 9 8 7 5 2 1 1 8 2 3 5 4 9 6 7 5 9 7 2 6 8 3 1 4 4 6 3 7 9 1 2 8 5 2 7 1 4 3 5 8 9 6 6 3 4 8 7 9 1 5 2 8 5 9 1 2 6 4 7 3

WordFit

4

Across: 1. Ashen, 4. Self-sufficient, 11. Wrath, 14. Trait, 15. Manufacture, 16.

Cauldron, 19. Referee, 20. Buddy, 21. Limelight, 24. Dauntless, 26. Prompt, 27.

Bemoan, 31. Hairy, 32. Red alert, 34. Undefeated, 37. Tug, 39. Parapet, 40. Pirate, 41. Animal, 42. Pill, 43. Big shot, 46. Sustenance, 51. Precede, 55. Slur, 56. Overdo, 57. Cellar, 58. Magical, 60. Nil, 62. Dishearten, 63. Overhead, 64. Speed, 67. Inmate, 68. Stance, 69. Dedicated, 74. Paternity, 75. Given, 76. Caustic, 81. Imprison, 82.

Unmitigated, 83. Dazed, 84. Eyrie, 85. Might-have-beens, 86. Regal.

Down: 2. Survey, 3. Elite, 5. Exam, 6. Foul-ups, 7. Uganda, 8. Fate, 9. Corridor, 10.

Tragic, 11. Well-heeled, 12. Awry, 13. Handgun, 17. Feint, 18. Responsive, 22. Fleet, 23. Contrive, 25. Arrears, 26. Pattern, 28. Wasabi, 29. Depart, 30. Decamp, 33. Adieu, 35. Delve, 36. Memo, 38. Gain, 43. Based, 44. Gruesome, 45. Tavern, 46. Serpentine, 47. Soon, 48. Enclose, 49. Allied, 50. Clash, 52. Reap, 53. Cripple, 54. Deaden, 59.

Centralise, 61. Panic, 65. Instinct, 66. Nasal, 67. Idolise, 70. Elevate, 71. Deform, 72.

Divide, 73. Cinema, 77. Shade, 78. Spar, 79. Visa, 80. Keen.

Sudoku

3

Sudoku solutions

Down 2. Opinion poll (6) 3. Chosen few (5) 5. Test (4) 6. Mistakes (4-3) 7. African country (6) 8. Destiny (4) 9. Passageway (8) 10. Heartbreaking (6) 11. Wealthy (colloq) (4-6) 12. Amiss (4) 13. Pistol (7) 17. Ruse or distraction (5) 18. Alert (10) 22. Group of warships (5) 23. Arrange (8) 25. Debts (7) 26. Repeated decorative design (7) 28. Sauce eaten with raw fish (6) 29. Leave (6)

30. Leave suddenly or secretly (6) 33. Farewell (5) 35. Dig (5) 36. Note (4) 38. Profit (4) 43. Situated (5) 44. Horrific (8) 45. Inn (6) 46. Snake-like (10) 47. Presently (4) 48. Shut in (7) 49. United (6) 50. Disagree, quarrel (5) 52. Harvest (4) 53. Incapacitate (7) 54. Muffle (6) 59. Bring together (10) 61. Uncontrollable fear (5) 65. Intuition (8) 66. Relating to the nose (5) 67. Worship (7) 70. Raise (7) 71. Bend out of shape (6) 72. Split (6) 73. Film theatre (6) 77. Ghost (5) 78. Part of a mast (4) 79. Travel stamp (4) 80. Enthusiastic (4)

2

3 9 4 4 97 2 6 3 2 5 4 5 9 7 1 8 64 2 4 5 9 8 51 8 6 7 9 8 2 7 9 1 5 6 1 7 6 78 7 3

67. Prisoner (6) 68. Position (6) 69. Devoted (9) 74. Fatherhood (9) 75. Donated (5) 76. Bitter (7) 81. Jail (8) 82. Absolute, unalleviated (11) 83. Stunned (5) 84. Nest of a bird of prey (5) 85. Missed opportunities (5-4-5) 86. Royal (5)

1

1 6 2 8 5 1

Across 1. Pale with shock or fear (5) 4. Needing no help (4-10) 11. Fury (5) 14. Characteristic (5) 15. Make (11) 16. Large cooking pot (8) 19. Independent arbitrator (7) 20. Friend (5) 21. Focus of attention (9) 24. Fearless (9) 26. Punctual (6) 27. Complain (6) 31. Hirsute (5) 32. High state of readiness (3,5) 34. Unbeaten (10) 37. Boat which tows larger ships (3) 39. Low rooftop wall (7) 40. Buccaneer (6) 41. Beast (6) 42. Tablet (4) 43. Important person (colloq) (3,4) 46. Food, nutrients (10) 51. Go before (7) 55. Insult (4) 56. Go too far (6) 57. Basement (6) 58. Supernatural (7) 60. None (3) 62. Demoralise (10) 63. Above (8) 64. Velocity (5)

6

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