Style magazine Toowoomba July 2021

TOOWOOMBA JULY 2021

MAGAZINE

20 years at Fitzys

brew kid on the block FASHION

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SH OPPING

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HEALTH

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BEAUTY

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MOTORING

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TRAVEL

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FOO D

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EVENTS

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ARTS

SANKEY FRASER

. YOUR ONE STOP SHOP

Ruthven Street, Toowoomba | www.sankeyfraser.com.au

Contents

WELCOME The revitalisation of Maragaret Street into a vibrant entertainment precinct full of cafes, bars and other local businesses is certainly exciting.

It just proves how hardworking and resilient our local businesses are after a 2020 many would like to forget.

This moth we take a look at some new kids on the Margaret Street block, as well as an iconic one that has mastered the art of catering for their ever-evolving clientele.

I hope you enjoy reading this month’s Style magazine .

On the cover

TOOWOOMBA JULY 2021

MAGAZINE

Adrian Cubit of 4 Brothers Brewing is opening The Brewhouse in Margaret Street in early July.

20 years at Fitzys

brew kid on the block FAS H I O N

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SH O P P I N G

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HE A LT H

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B EA U T Y

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MOTORING

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TR AV EL

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FOO D

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EV E N T S

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@stylemagazinestoowoomba

ARTS

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Founded in 1900, TS Burstow Funerals is run by the great-grandsons of its founder, with a fifth generation also following in their footsteps

EDITOR Josie Adams, josie.adams@news.com.au 4690 9354 JOURNALISTS Alyssa Welke, Jessica Kramer, Darren Burton SUB EDITOR Jessica Kramer DESIGN Paul Hunter, Justine Costello ADVERTISING MANAGER Brooke Gardner, brooke.gardener@news.com.au 4690 9309 STYLE MAGAZINE TOOWOOMBA CONTACT DETAILS toowoombaads@news.com.au 109 Neil Street, Toowoomba City PO BOX 40, Toowoomba QLD 4350

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Contents

10

The Fitzgibbons family knows their pubs. They’ve tended bar now for four generations. Read about their latest milestone

22

Check out Tristan and Georgia’s stunning hinterland wedding

06

FEATURE Saying goodbye

16

FASHION How to wear Winter fashion trends

33

FOOD Paint and sip at Stella Rossa

54 ENTERTAINMENT Book reviews

08

COVER STORY Brew kid on the Block

20

FASHION Dress like the French

38

HOME AND LIVING The Builders Diaries: finale

55 HOROSCOPES Your stars for July

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FEATURE Twenty years of Cheers

22

WEDDING Georgina and Tristen’s happy day

41

HOME AND LIVING Bedroom hacks for winter

56 EVENTS What’s on in the region this month

14

BEAUTY Hair colours for winter

29

WELLBEING How to reduce stress

46 TRAVEL Relaxing things to do in New Zealand

58 SOCIALS Who was at The Chronicle Club

Style magazine is published by News Corp Australia. Those who make advertising placement and/ or supply copy material or editorial submissions to Style magazine undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulation or statutes. Further to the abovementioned these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgments.

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Business

Saying goodbye The Burstows have been in the funeral industry for many generations, writes Darren Burton

“T

he dead can’t tell the living how to feel.”

These poignant words from American/ Irish poet Thomas Lynch have stayed with TS Burstow Funerals’ co-director Don Burstow since his first days in the industry; and they hold as much significance today as when he first read them.

“We’re all different, and we all react to loss in our own personal ways,” Don explains.

“Feelings have only one ambition - to be felt and that’s why a funeral service will evoke all types of emotion, from laughter to tears.”

Even though we live with it daily through our news feeds or experience it first-hand when saying goodbye to our own loved ones, death will always be a most difficult topic to discuss.

That’s why the support of a funeral director in times of grief is so vitally important.

Founded in 1900 by Thomas Stephen Burstow, TS Burstow Funerals is now jointly run by his great-grandsons, Trevor and Don - with a fifth generation also following in their footsteps.

The industry has been a part of their lives right from the earliest of days and, as a youngster, Don remembers vividly the arrival of bereaved families at their family home to sit with his father John and plan their final goodbyes for a loved one.

Watching that compassion and empathy from his father made its mark and he knew that becoming part of the family business and helping

STYLE 6

others on their journey would bring incredible personal rewards.

That’s why Don puts so much importance on the ‘ceremony’ connected to a funeral.

He sees it as a vitally important part of the grieving (and healing) process and one that we should openly embrace with our families.

“As Thomas Lynch wrote: ‘A funeral has an obligation to get the dead where they need to go and the living to where they need to be,’” Don offers.

“It confirms the reality of the loss and begins a transition - the physical presence to a memory.

And that’s very important for families to process.”

And while funeral services will always remain a staple in modern society, Don sees a new trend emerging where some families are opting for an ‘unattended cremation’ - a simple no-frills approach that steps back from holding a chapel or graveside service.

“Faster, easier, cheaper sounds like an attractive option, but we’ve found that it leaves a void for some families, as they haven’t fully processed the reality of the loss.

“In Western society we’re a little more hedonistic - seek pleasure, avoid pain - and often that means we can feel it’s simpler and smarter to do nothing and shield our hearts from the loss, but we do ourselves a disservice.

“There’s a spiritual value in holding a ceremony and the ritual associated with it.

“Some people deny loss - the trouble is, they then live in the shadow of ghosts,” Don warns.

The team at TS Burstow Funerals, which was founded in 1900 by Thomas Stephen Burstow.

“And that’s counter intuitive.

“By embracing the pain, by surrendering to it, it gets you back into life because you’ve had the chance to reflect and remember.

“A family that does nothing will often regret it later in life.”

Don fully appreciates that many people are hesitant when it comes to arranging the funeral of a loved one and have a genuine apprehension of visiting a funeral home.

“Some are very reluctant to walk in the door,” he admits.

But he knows that a warm smile, a comforting tone and a friendly, professional approach can soon put them at ease.

“Some people think they’ll be meeting Lurch (from the Addams family) towering above them with his deep voice and long black suit. It’s not like that at all,” Don smiles.

And it’s the same with modern funerals.

The sombre, melancholy services of yesteryear have long been replaced by recalling the wonderful memories of the loved one through regaled stories, heartwarming audio visuals and song.

Business

Feelings have only one ambition - to be felt and that’s why a funeral service will evoke all types of emotion, from laughter to tears.” you take a journey with people, often at the worst moment of their lives.

“So, by holding events like we did in June - to show behind the scenes - we get to take away the stigma attached to funerals (and funeral providers).

“I love to hear what the community thinks and how that reflects on us as a local business.

“We conduct regular tours of our facility in Ruthven Street and I’m always talking to groups, either here or at outside locations - it gives us a chance to get feedback and helps us explain the process of planning your funeral.

“Often families need someone to take the journey with them - a navigator to guide them along - and here at TS Burstows we take great pride in being a part of that process.”

“You make it a celebration of life,” he explains.

“But still give mourners a safe place to feel what they’re feeling.”

When looking for a funeral provider, Don says to “do your research”.

“Check the company’s longevity, their reputation around town. Seek out

recommendations so you can be sure it’s someone you can trust.”

Last month, TS Burstow Funerals opened their doors to a vocational event aimed at demystifying the funeral industry and showing the many career paths on offer.

“Working in the industry is a very fulfilling role STYLE 7

Cover story

BREW KID on the block Toowoomba’s first craft brewery makes inner-city move, writes Alyssa Welke

E

xcitement is brewing as local beer enthusiast and award-winning brewer, Adrian Cubit, brings his 4 Brothers brand to Margaret Street.

Creating local beers, including the popular Toowoomba Lager since 2017, 4 Brothers Brewing is opening The Brewhouse this weekend, offering up another unique venue in the vibrant entertainment precinct.

The Brewhouse has double the capacity of the original taproom with outdoor dining allowing them to cater for around 120 people.

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“We have a 1000 litre brew kit on the way too, which will double our brewing capacity,” Adrian said.

“That will allow us to produce around 40 kegs of beer a week, so no one is going to go thirsty.

Trading under a new liquor license, The Brewhouse can offer guest beers, craft spirits, and local wines.

“It’s always been our desire to support local producers as much as we can through 4 Brothers, and we’re excited to be able to offer this.

The relaxed, family-friendly venue with an industrial-style aesthetic also offers a restaurant.

“I think this will be a game-changer for us. It’s a full kitchen offering a range of plates specifically curated to complement our beers. It’s a unique menu and I think it will enhance the overall customer experience,” Adrian said.

Making homebrew since he was 18, Adrian moved into brewing professionally with the opening of 4 Brothers Brewing in a small taproom in Brook Street. The business has been building steadily over the years, with a lot of hard work and some top drops as a result.

Taking out numerous awards in national beer festivals, Adrian is keen to keep producing good beer with the best local ingredients. Toowoomba Lager “A good brewer needs to have the skills of a chef mixed with a bit of science knowledge.

“It’s a culinary venture in a sense – to have to work out what flavours will work well together, but there is an element also of how the ingredients will interact with each other.

“I really enjoy the experimental element of brewing; finding taste combinations that work well together, using unique ingredients and trying

Award-winning brewer Adrian Cubit is bringing his 4 Brothers brand to Margaret Street with the opening of The Brewhouse.

different brewing techniques to come up with something special.”

Adrian’s passion for brewing is evident and a key ingredient to his craft beer success.

“Within the first year of opening the taproom, we realised that we needed somewhere bigger, but just couldn’t find the right space,” Adrian said.

“It took a long time searching and finally agent Justin Eastwell said, ‘I think I’ve finally found one mate’. And he had – it’s perfect, the location suits where we want to go with the businesses moving forward.”

Which is establishing a thriving, locally- owned and operated, family business.

“We just really want to build a business where

Cover story

4 BROTHERS BREWING

Go ahead and try these local brews ...

TOOWOOMBA LAGER

FAT HEFE

the beer, food and service is great; where people can relax and enjoy themselves and maybe try something new, be it a style of beer or cider or even a local wine.

“There is a great community of locally owned and operated businesses in the area and we’re looking forward to working with everyone to make it a really vibrant part of the city. We’ve already had some great feedback from our neighbours and we can’t wait to be a part of getting the city centre. pumping.”

The Brewhouse is at 183 Margaret Street and is open Wednesday 3pm-10pm, Thursday and Friday 12pm-10pm, Saturday 11am -10pm and Sunday 11am-6pm.

That will allow us to produce around 40 kegs of beer a week, so no one is going to go thirsty.

EXTRA SPECIAL BITTER

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People

Twenty years of Cheers They are synonymous with the hotel industry, and this month, the Fitzgibbons family celebrate 20 years at the iconic and ever-evolving Fitzy’s

B

rad Fitzgibbons has always looked back fondly on the 80’s TV show Cheers with the tagline ‘Where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.’ His family has been pouring beers and sharing a good laugh with patrons for 80 years, and he says that service with a smile is one of the key ingredients to running a pub that has stood the test of time.

“There isn’t just one thing that makes any business a success; it comes down to a fantastic product and fantastic people and the latter is something that we have in spades,” he says.

“We like to be able to offer products and services of a quality or nature that you can’t get at home and offer it in inviting surroundings where groups and gatherings can come together and celebrate milestones and escape the day to day.”

The Fitzgibbons certainly know their pubs.

They’ve tended bar now for four generations, starting all the way back in 1936 when Lily Kathleen and Michael Alphonsus Fitzgibbons took the historic step of securing their first hotel licence.

It was to become a true family affair when son Brian Senior was born into the trade. He was later followed by sons and grandchildren - all becoming proudly entrenched in the family business.

From Coolangatta to Toowoomba, Eight Mile Plains to the Hotel Daniell in the Brisbane CBD, the family history began to build.

Lily and Michael firmly embedded the family in the hospitality trade and it’s from these early beginnings that the present-day Fitzy’s Toowoomba came to be.

The original hotel was established in the late 1800s as the Caledonian before becoming the Post Office in the ‘30s. A full rebuild was undertaken in 1999 and Dowling’s Fibber Magee soon became ‘the place to be’ in Toowoomba.

Today, thanks to the hard work of John and Maralyn Fitzgibbons, the family tradition continues through their children Brad and Anita, and grandchildren Ellie and Jessica, at the now iconic Fitzy’s Toowoomba.

“We have been so fortunate to have been part of the amazing Toowoomba and greater Darling Downs community for 20 years as Fitzy’s. The customers and staff have been a constant source of pleasure and are a lot like an extended family.

“Along the way we’ve been able to be a part of some pretty cool events such as Brewoomba, Spring Polo and Diner en Blanc. We’ve raised a hell STYLE 10

I’m personally proud of my family for not killing each other over the years.” of a lot of money for some awesome causes and put smiles on a countless number of faces.

“I’m personally proud of my family for not killing each other over the years and seeing my children work in the business.”

Like any business, Brad says Fitzy’s has experienced ebbs and flows over the past 20 years, from new competitors in the marketplace to pandemics. However, when times are tough the key is to re-evaluate and evolve.

“Today’s customer is certainly more discerning and have much higher expectations than they once did. They have access to the finest produce, the best wines, the biggest TV’s and entertainment sources and likely have little need to leave the house, not to mention that everyone is

Brad Fitzgibbons, Anita Armanasco, Maralyn Fitzgibbons, and John Fitzgibbons.

Images: Salt Studios and Peter Denyer Photography

a foodie and shows like MasterChef have definitely had an impact.

“The industry has simply had to respond by lifting their game in terms of products, entertainment and facilities and I think you’ll agree that even at a quick glance that today’s hotel and pub industry is far superior to the days of old.”

And the Fitzgibbons family are committed to keeping their customer base interested.

“We have a large footprint within the CBD, a large part of which remains untouched,” Brad says.

“Currently we are working our way through the venue, refreshing and refacing our facilities with a new bar on Margaret St set to open soon. We believe that there is growth in outdoor and more casual spaces that embrace the Queensland way of life, it’s exciting times… so watch this space.”

Business

Build it and they will come Boutique wine bar Cork & Lever brings a touch of indulgence to the heart of the city

‘I

t didn’t exist, so I created it!’

As the perimeters of Toowoomba’s nightlife continue to expand, local wine bar Cork & Lever has quickly cemented its place as the must-go space for delicious beverages, mouth watering bites and a general good time.

Often referred to as “that Melbourne-esque bar” from passers-by, Cork & Lever brings residents a cosy bar with quality wines, Instagram-worthy cocktails and indulgent cheese boards and small bites.

Founder Micha Whitley opened Cork & Lever after recognising the potential that a local boutique bar would have in the Toowoomba market.

“I would find myself looking for somewhere to have a glass of wine I had never tried before or a smart cocktail, and would end up at home.

“As I spoke to more and more people around my age, I found that if such a place existed, they would be interested, so I created somewhere where I would want to go,” she said.

Thus, Cork & Lever was born, and sure enough the feedback, reviews and compliments have been positive.

With Micha’s extensive hospitality background spanning over 23 years, she places a big focus on supporting local artisans, and encourages the area to support Australian-made products. As she says, ‘It’s about the appreciation, the craftsmanship and enjoying a homegrown quality product.’

The extensive wine list, curated by Micha herself, changes weekly and is in constant STYLE 12

evolution and growth, meaning each visit you will fall in love with a different drop.

“At Cork & Lever, we focus on selecting every wine with a conscious effort to support leading independent and artisan winemakers,” she said.

“I don’t sell anything that I don’t personally enjoy. Wine is my passion and something I enjoy sharing with others.”

“We encourage the experimentation of taste and trying new flavours and styles and our wine tasting experience (where you can try five styles) allows our customers to do just that,” Micha says.

More than just a wine bar, the same effort that has gone into the wine list is echoed through all beverages at Cork, and they offer locally made cider, Australian made and award winning whisky, rums, gins and liqueurs.

A wine flight and some of the delicious share plates and charcuterie available from new local wine bar Cork & Lever.

With the help of the vast experience and passion of Micha’s employees, Cork & Lever has also been able to bring to the bar an amazing selection of truly spectacular cocktails - not only visually, but in their taste as well - and have quickly become a huge favourite in the town.

To compliment all these amazing drinks, the kitchen produces some beautiful share plates and charcuterie, all designed to compliment your chosen beverage.

The space is indulgent, warm, inviting, and comfortable. The atmosphere is filled with unique furnishings and surroundings, unobtrusive yet funky background music and is topped by simply outstanding and personalised service.

Cork & Lever is quickly shaping the way the city hospitality industry operates and despite being made for locals, it has become a total destination bar for those from neighbouring towns.

When you’re at Cork & Lever, time seems to stand still. Long may it endure.

Positioned in walking distance of the CBD’s most popular restaurants, pubs and accommodation houses, the Empire Theatre and cinema nearby, Cork & Lever is both a stop along the way, a place to settle in or the perfect night cap destination.

Business

Boom times for city street Toowoomba CBD’s Margaret Street is enjoying a big turnaround as businesses move into maligned strip, writes Tom Gillespie

I

t was maligned for its vacant shopfronts and low business activity, but Margaret Street in the Toowoomba CBD is experiencing a resurgence, and business owners love it.

Margaret Street business owners Lisa and Mark Bentley’s daytime trading is busier than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, and they believe it’s because the CBD is at its most “vibrant” in years.

The co-owners of city centre stalwart Jillys Cafe have joined a chorus of experts noting how the much-maligned street was finally hitting its stride.

Previously the focal point for locals’ woes about the city centre due to a large number of vacant shopfronts, Margaret Street is running out of tenancies to fill.

In the past two years, the strip between Neil and Ruthven Streets has witnessed the opening of the Cork and Lever, Pinot and Picasso, Spacies video game bar, disability service APM, the Longs Quarter multitenancy space and the Toowoomba Regional Council’s new $1.6m Carnival Lane to connect the street to more parking.

That doesn’t include the recent redevelopment of the Tatt’s Hotel and the impending opening of the Brewhouse.

Mrs Bentley, who has owned Jillys for four years, said she had plenty of confidence in Margaret Street going forward. “I think daytime trade is a lot more than before Covid,” she said.

“Once Covid hit, we pulled back to just breakfast and lunch and that’s been a solid move. For me, I don’t know if they’re getting out more, but there appear to be more business people (coming to the cafe).”

Co-owner Mark Bentley and employee Zanthie Verrall of Jillys Cafe on Margaret Street, and below, the rejuvenated street in the CBD. Pictures: Kevin Farmer Colliers International agent Justin Eastwell, who just this month filled the old Biriyani Hut site with a new operator, said there weren’t many ground floor sites still vacant.

“We have had a lot of inquiry from retail leasing, and when you take them through the CBD, they say there’s not a lot to choose from,” he said.

“We had a couple of franchisors looking at the CBD and we gave them a tour, and they were surprised how vibrant Margaret Street was.

“People are just wanting to get out and do something in the market, so Toowoomba has fared very well (post-Covid).”

Mr Eastwell said Margaret Street’s current position was in “stark contrast” to the narrative that has persisted for several years of the CBD’s decline.

This sentiment was shared by Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl, who said businesses were reporting strong traffic.

“Those new enterprises, Cork and Lever, the upgrade to Tatts and the Brewhouse, I think it’s great for that street, and it shows the business community is willing to drive change,” he said.

Accessing your spiritual gifts C

atherine Sheridan has had her spiritual gifts since childhood but didn’t start using them until later in life. When she left school, she studied nursing and from there, became a fitness instructor; she travelled to many amazing countries and lived overseas in England, Ireland and New Zealand.

She was taught to read tarot cards by an English woman; the same woman also taught her Reiki 1 &2.

“One day, she asked me if I would like to partake in a Mind, Body, Soul festival when I was living in England,” she said.

“I felt I needed to do this so I said ‘yes’; that day, I ended up doing 15 readings as people were amazed at how accurate I was.”

Catherine also has a passion for healing people’s spirits.

“It has been a long and an amazing journey, learning and experiencing many different ways of healing by spirit,” she said.

“The healing work is my main focus now in helping others.

“Everything I do comes through as guidance, inspirational ideas and by

trusting and using my intuition. I flow with the energies and work with spirit as they guide me with every step I take.

“It takes strength and courage to let go and flow with what life has to offer” Catherine is also teaching others how to access their gifts through a series of classes.

These include:

Tarot/Cards & Medium Course Every Saturday from July 17 for eight weeks; cost $275 per person

Guided Meditational Journeys Every second and fourth Thursday nights starting from July 22 at 7pm; cost $15 per person

Psychic Development Group Starting in August; cost $25 per person To book, email Catherine at catherinesheridan88@yahoo.com.au or call 0418 958 793 For more information check out her website catherinesheridan.com STYLE 13

Beauty

Winter hair trends Change it up this winter with a few richer highlights or a dramatic all-over colour WINTERISE YOUR COLOUR

with your hairdresser, as that will determine how thick and light to go.

Achieve a warmer, richer, and more ‘lived in’ hair colour with some deeper shades to create more dimension. For blondes that may mean adding ribbons of deeper shades or glossing hair with a deeper, buttery toner. For brunettes adding more amber and gold tones are great options.

CHUNKY HIGHLIGHTS The trend of painting or foiling thick, chunky highlights around your face is not going anywhere so get experimenting. But be sure to discuss how dramatic you want the look to be

HAZELNUT BRUNETTE For an update on brown, think hazelnuts. This is tone-on-tone brunette features glimpses of golden light brown with a deeper ashy brown underneath.

BLACK DIAMOND Super glamourous and oozing power and authority, black hair also looks shiny and healthy. It can also suit a range of skin tones from pale to darker skin tones. Ask your hairdresser for an inky black to make your hair super shiny.

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Beauty

Fresh & flawless I

t’s winter!

In the colder weather, our skin may tend to be a little dry and applying makeup may seem a little daunting.

We must make sure that we prep our skin before we add any makeup to ensure that we have an even longlasting coverage throughout the day.

First start by cleansing your skin with a hydrating cleanser.

Be sure to use a gentle cleanser so it doesn’t disturb the outer layer of skin.

Next, you will need to tone your skin with an alcohol-free toner to restore the skin’s pH. After applying a toner, use a serum followed by a nourishing moisturiser to lock in hydration.

Now it’s time to apply your makeup.

Written by make-up artist @brittanyleemonteith—mua

In the colder weather we miss out on getting that summer glow. By adding some bronzer and/or blush in your winter make-up routine, it will help liven up the skin and achieve a sun-kissed look.

Adding a winged eyeliner to a bold lip look brings the whole look together. Simple, yet effective.

REVLON EYELINER $25.95

LOREAL BRONZER $29.99 MAYBELLINE BLUSH $14.95 Some perfect winter lipstick shades are bold colours such as reds, dark browns, terracotta, violets, etc.

REVLON LIPSTICK $24.95

Be sure to finish off your makeup look with a hydrating setting spray to keep your skin from becoming flaky or dry throughout the day.

MAKEUP REVOLUTION HYDRATING SETTING SPRAY $15

STYLE 15

Fashion

Six cool picks to suit the season Winter fashion this year is all about choosing your outfit and making it your own with flamboyant accents that highlight your inner female power, writes Amanda Herron

A

s a personal stylist, I always tell my clients that your taste comes first before you fill the gaps with seasonal pieces that make you happy.

The excitement that comes with a new on-trend piece makes you look for opportunities to wear your favourite outfits, and with your latest find as the star it makes you feel good from the inside out.

Others will notice as you walk taller, smile more and ultimately exude confidence with every step.

1

Full sleeves are still a hit this season, with some labels going puffier than ever, even adding should pads back into the mix.

If you’re a fan of keeping your arms covered, have narrow shoulders or just love a good statement up top, these are definitely for you.

To maximise this look, let the arms be the area with the most volume, keeping the rest of the outfit uncomplicated and drawing the focal point back to your sensational sleeves.

Witchery and Smoke & Mirrors both have great full sleeve options.

Full sleeves Witchery print paisley blouse $129.95

Elly-Rae Fashions

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Specialist Mother of the Bride & Mother of the Groom Elly-Rae Fashions is known across the region for their impressive range of stunning Mother of the Bride and Groom Wear, sizes 8-24.

Fantastic Range of Casual Wear - Tops & Dresses in Natural Organic Cottons Sizes 8 to 22 No matter what your size or age Elly-Rae Fashions will make you feel beautiful, modern & confident

The Mother of the Bride needs Spoiling too!

Shop 32A John St, Rosewood | Open Monday 10am to 2pm | Tuesday to Friday 9am to 4pm | Saturday 9am to 1pm Experience their personalised, attentive service today.

(07) 5464 1537 | Like us on Facebook Shop Online - www.ellyrae.com.au STYLE 16

Open 1st Sunday of each month (excluding Dec & Jan) 10am-1pm for your convenience.

The next Sunday we will be open will be 1st August 2021

Fashion

2

A knit dress can be so comfortable and a welcome change from all the pants we seem to get stuck wearing during the cooler months.

The trick with this trending dress is to layer and accessorise it in a way that is ‘you’.

Most of these dresses come in single block colours, so you can play with colour and texture endlessly.

The easiest ways to turn up the heat on your style game is to add scarves, vests, and coats that change the whole look of your outfit. Simple sneakers work, but you can’t really go past a pair of ankle or knee-high boots to really ‘winterise’ the whole look.

Forever New and Seed both have extensive options – try on both your regular size and a size up to Knit dress see how different they can make Forever New Camila your figure appear. Belt the mini knit dress dress to create a figure flattering $129.99 waistline too.

3

Statement boots are chunkier than ever this year and have a more down-to-earth feel about them. They’re flatter than usual (I can hear you breathing a sigh of relief), plus they’re a mixture of leather, suede, shiny patent and everything in between.

As a result, they can be worn for most casual to smart casual occasions and the colour should complement and harmonise with the rest of your wardrobe.

The more masculine versions look spectacular with contrasting feminine floaty hemlines. Thick stockings and tights will serve most who are looking for warmth as well as style.

Check out Jo Mercer, Midas, or the range of white options from Wittner too.

4

Oversized jackets and coats are in abundance this season, and if you’ve just got to have one, consider it an investment piece and buy one you really love.

It should be a good neutral colour for you and look like it already ‘fits’ in your wardrobe.

Steer clear of bulky layers under your coat, such as bomber and puffer jackets, opting instead for simple, more streamlined items that sit invisibly underneath.

Let the jacket/coat do the talking by pairing with slimming pants or stockings and boots on the lower half. Look at Atmos&Here and Veronika Maine for great stylish options in a variety of colours.

Statement boots Jo Mercer Blakely flat ankle boots in bone leather $297.95

Checkered prints Princess Highway Georgie check pants from Myer $88 Seed heritage check scarf from Myer $49.95

5

Checkered prints are everywhere right now and look best teamed with a simple neutral colour think black, white, browns, navy and greys.

The eye is naturally drawn to the detail of the print, so make sure you choose a piece that flatters the areas of your body that you are most comfortable with.

Tip: If you find that you love a jacket but the contrast seems too much near your face, break it up with a block coloured scarf to neutralise some of that contrast.

Portmans and Myer have a wide array of choice of tops, jackets and bottoms in varying check designs.

6

Vests are back and this is one of the easiest solutions for winter layering.

Almost every store has their own version of this right now. Some are cropped and others are long line, so it just depends on your preference.

The way to wear your vests successfully over Vests shirts is to match the Black Pepper microfibre neckline. The vest from Myer exception to this lies $99.99 in blouses that have peaky collars or are high necked, where you are best finding a vest neckline that creates the look you want – low and long, or high and round.

Whatever you choose, make sure the vest looks good from the back as well; you want something that comes in at the waist to avoid that bulky look.

Address: 100 Russell St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350 Phone Number: (07) 4659 5692 Email: toowoomba@citycave.com.au STYLE 17

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Fashion

Dress like the French Less is more and denim is du jour when it comes to classic Parisian style

S

ure, there are impossibly chic women scattered across the globe, but there just seems to be more of them in Paris.

So, here are our top tips for looking so effortlessly put together.

DOES THIS COME IN BLACK? Think monochromatic styling with subtle hues like black, navy, white and beige. If you do need a pop pf colour, pair with a red lipstick or leopard print flats.

ELEVATE YOUR DENIM Jeans, jeans, jeans! Skinny paired with ballet flats or wide legged paired with ankle boots. Jeans are no longer just a weekend staple, but matched with a silk blouse or navy blazer they’re the ultimate in laid-back Parisian chic.

IT’S A CLASSIC FOR A REASON It goes without saying that a white button-down is a vital building block in anyone’s closet, least of all a Parisians’. For something a little unexpected, shop in the mens’ department; opt for a linen or brushed cotton shirt in the smallest size you can find, leave the tails halfout and simply roll up the sleeves. Instant cool.

GET A GOOD TRENCH COAT The trench coat has no doubt formed an integral part of the Parisian uniform.

Perfect in light camel or navy, the longer, looser, and more languid the coat, the better.

STYLE 20

Fashion

Bag a vintage bargain at new Lifeline store

H

ave you been to visit Lifeline Darling Down’s newest and brightest store at Highfields yet? It’s located just off the service road at Shop 4, Highfields Central, 10517 New England Highway, Highfields, diagonal to the new KFC restaurant.

Since opening in October 2020, this store brings Lifeline Darling Downs’ number of op shops to 16 throughout Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and far southwest.

This new store stocks clothing, linen, and bric-a-brac, as well as a variety of new and recycled items.

You can support Lifeline Darling Downs by donating unwanted goods and clothing or by purchasing goods from its wide variety of stores. By doing this you increase Lifeline’s ability to provide suicide prevention programs and various community-focused services, as the profits from stores generate much-needed operational funds.

All profits raised by its retail stores are reinvested into the organisation to support the ongoing delivery of free services and support.

Lifeline provides a range of broad-based services which include individual and family counselling, emergency relief, suicide prevention, and responses to natural disasters such as the 2011 floods, drought and recent 2019 fire emergencies.

Each year Lifeline delivers support to more than 15 000 individuals and families across an area of more than 550 000sq km.

Supporting the stores not only helps raise funds for vital services, they along with the Distribution Centre, provide job and volunteering opportunities.

Lifeline Darling Downs currently employs 70 people from throughout the region in its social enterprise activities.

Lifeline also has more than 350 volunteers who assist in the distribution and sale of donations and other goods.

The social enterprise activities provide a great training ground for people who are unemployed or who need to upskill in order to gain their preferred role.

This is in addition to the 200 volunteers that are supporting the current Toowoomba Winter Shelter Project to help provide safe, secure overnight accommodation, meals and showers for homeless people in Toowoomba for 92 nights from June – August in partnership with local churches and community organisations.

So next time you pop into a Lifeline shop or donate goods to Lifeline Darling Downs, you will know that you are helping those in need and that the donations and funds raised stay in the local community.

You also may just pick up that item you have been searching for, as you never know what treasures are to be found.

The Lifeline Highfields store is open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and Saturday 9am – 2pm. For details on all retail store locations and opening hours visit lifelinedarlingdowns.org.au

STYLE 21

Weddings

It wasn’t Africa, but the palm trees and rainforest was the closest thing to Africa that we could achieve.

STYLE 22

Weddings

Tristan&Georgia The couple’s hinterland wedding was the perfect alternative to their plan to marry overseas

H

eld in May at the Sunshine Coast in front of the picturesque Glasshouse Mountains, Tristan and Georgia’s earthy aesthetic suited the relaxed and fun day full of love.

“We had planned our wedding for early April in Africa because Tristan grew up in Zimbabwe. But with Covid-19 our plans had to change. No one knew how long the pandemic was going to last and what was in store for us. So, we made the decision to postpone the wedding into May and instead of having a large wedding with 150 guests in Africa, we downsized the guest list drastically. If we could get married, we would be happy, and a wedding in Queensland was our best bet,” Georgia says.

“We decided on the wedding location because the venue really suited us as we love rainforests and we are a very private couple.

It wasn’t Africa, but the palm trees and rainforest was the closest thing to Africa that we could achieve.

“Using reference to the groom’s family, our flowers were Proteas, as this is a South African flower, and this is what we were

going to have at the original wedding. The florist arranged the most beautiful bouquets.”

“My dress was the easiest part of planning a wedding, I knew exactly what I wanted so it was the first dress that I tried on: an Australian handmade silk dress from Grace

Loves Lace on the Gold Coast.

“Our favourite part of the day was the love and magic in the air. Our celebrant emailed us after the wedding, stating that the ceremony was certainly magical.

“Relaxed Covid restrictions allowed the plans to go accordingly and we felt so

blessed for the love shown to us by all.

“We were also pleased that Tristan’s grandparents in Scotland and the extended family in Africa were able to watch our wedding on a livestream link that was arranged by our videographer Memento Films. Tristan’s grandparents woke up at 3am just to watch it.

Georgia says the couple met through mutual friends at a housewarming party and have been inseparable ever since.

“We locked eyes at that party and can remember thinking ‘this good looking and well-dressed man is obviously taken’ ...

Thankfully he wasn’t.”

Tristan proposed to Georgia in Zimbabwe.

“It was the most magical experience I have ever encountered.

“We were in Africa visiting Tristan’s family. We went out on a small boat on the Zambezi River, then stopped and turned the engine off as a large heard of elephants started making their way into the river.

There was nothing else in sight apart from this heard of elephants, and I was amazed by them. Then Tristan got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was absolutely blown away, but after ecstatically laughing I said yes. It was almost like the elephants were watching the whole thing as they stayed there splashing in the water.”

STYLE 23

Health

How to identify if you need a mental detox Give your head the same care you give your body, writes Frances Frey

W

e read a lot about how to physically detox as the guilt sets in over excessive food and alcohol consumption, especially during the festive season or living in lockdown. However, what many overlook and may produce longerlasting health and wellbeing benefits is a ‘mental detox.’

It’s estimated that our minds run tens of thousands of thoughts per day and neuroscience has revealed that we spend an average of 95% of this time in the subconscious mind. This means we are unconsciously operating on ‘auto-pilot mode’ most of the day and not even fully aware of the quality of our thoughts and how they may be impacting us physically, emotionally, and energetically.

By detoxing our overactive minds, we can start to clear the unhealthy thoughts and beliefs which influence our behaviour. With 2021 already in full flight, now has never been a better time.

WHAT A MENTAL DETOX IS AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Mental detoxing is the process of clearing and cleansing the negative, unuseful and unconscious thinking that impacts our mental, physical, emotional and energetic wellbeing.

When we mentally detox, we have the ability to clear decades of ‘toxic’ thinking that can develop as far back as childhood, so we’re not carrying the outdated beliefs, values, preferences, memories, etc. of our seven-year-old selves.

You may have heard the common phrase, ‘energy flows where attention goes’. If our attention is focused on our unhealthy thoughts, we can feel not only drained mentally but also physically.

However, as we start to clear and release our toxic thinking, we create headspace to access more of the good stuff like clarity, self-love and compassion, confidence, and a deeper connection to ourselves and those around us.

HOW TO IDENTIFY IF YOU NEED A MENTAL DETOX Our minds are wired to judge and evaluate what’s right, wrong, good or bad, holding onto painful memories of the past, or fears of the future. This means anyone could benefit from a mental detox if they are ready for it.

When we’re feeling ‘mind-full’ we may experience a limited and negative perspective about ourselves and others, distract ourselves with unhealthy beliefs and behaviours or STYLE 24

experience increased levels of stress or anxiety.

If you answer yes to any of the below, then you could benefit from a mental detox.

Are negative thoughts running out of control?

Do you have a pattern of judging and criticising yourself that often leads to stress, overwhelm, or anxiety?

Are you emotionally constipated? Are you holding certain emotions such as sadness or guilt or suppressing others such as joy or love, which leaves you feeling stuck, distracted and unable to move forward in life?

Are you feeling creatively blocked? Is low selfesteem or self-doubt getting in the way of you doing or creating things you love impacting your passion and performance in life?

Are you experiencing explosive, reactive behaviour? Are you struggling to communicate and connect with yourself or others because of unuseful states such as anger, frustration, or fear?

So, what’s next? These five simple steps can help kickstart your mental detox.

1. REVEAL YOUR TRUTH Developing self-awareness by addressing the thoughts and beliefs running us allows us to wake up from “autopilot mode”. As you start to witness your thoughts (without judgment) ask yourself the following questions; Is this really true? Where did I learn this? How is thinking this serving me?

2. ACCEPT RESISTANCE As Carl Jung famously said, “What we resist, persists,” meaning, as we carry the weight of our worries around with us, unresolved thoughts and feelings build up in our system and keep us stuck

By detoxing our overactive minds, we can start to clear the unhealthy thoughts and beliefs which influence our behaviour.”

in our old ways. Accept that resistance may arise and it’s part of the process. Setting a clear intention for why this is important to you, will help keep you committed to your detox.

3. RELEASE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS Acknowledge and allow - without resistance - any physical sensations and feelings to arise as you become aware of your thoughts and emotions. It helps to know that emotions are energy-inmotion and will pass.

4. REFUEL BY BEING PRESENT We waste a lot of time and energy by losing ourselves in our over-active mind. Practising presence helps us redirect our focus and energy back to the moment. Try focusing on slow deep breaths and your five senses; what can I see, hear, smell, touch, taste?

5. RESET AND COUNT THE POSITIVES When we aren’t ‘mind-full’, life feels lighter and more effortless. From this space, start to practice re-wiring your brain to explore the positives in you, the learnings in your situations, best case scenarios, opportunities and the possibilities of being You. And remember, while mental detoxing can produce instant results, clearing and cleansing years if not decades of outdated beliefs and behaviour is a gradual process, so count the small wins and enjoy the process along the way.

Frances Frey offers an integrated approach to self-development, working with individuals and groups globally as a developmental leadership coach, Master NLP practitioner and Reiki healer, to help people uncover their potential in life, love and leadership

Health

How to ask your boss for a mental health day Forget just chucking a sickie, writes Sophie Goulopoulos

F

eeling overwhelmed at work?

It might be daunting to talk to your boss about it, but it’s important we start destigmatising taking mental health days.

While everyone feels anxious and worn out by work from time to time, there are some days where it’s just too much and the mere thought of facing your boss or colleagues is overwhelming.

In the past, we’d ‘cry wolf’ and say we’d been struck down by a 24-hour stomach bug, or we’d been up all night vomiting.

Yes, the Australian tradition of ‘chucking a sickie’ has long been a thinly veiled excuse for getting out of work when you just need a day or two

to mentally reset, but experts say it’s time to destigmatise the mental health day.

“The hardest part about talking about mental health is that it can be a complicated condition that usually can’t be seen or heard and can’t be quickly treated by a trip to the chemist,” says Lysn psychologist Nancy Sokarno.

As it’s not a physical ailment – though mental health can manifest in physical ways – it can be difficult to communicate to an employer who holds the ‘if I can’t see it, it isn’t real’ mentality.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A MENTAL HEALTH DAY But taking a day off to allocate to destress, relax, or just distance yourself from your place of work can offer a myriad of benefits, like improved focus, productivity, and overall happiness. And doesn’t every employer want that?

“Talking to your boss about mental health concerns can feel like an

incredibly daunting task. It can be hard enough talking to friends and loved ones about mental health, so you’re not alone if you’re feeling hesitation about broaching the subject,” says Sokarno.

“The important thing to know is you don’t need to provide any details or justify your request, simply letting your boss know that you need to take a day or two off for mental health reasons is enough.”

She adds: “If it helps, you can let your boss know that you have planned around this day and having some time off isn’t going to impede on your productivity or workload.”

EASIER SAID THAN DONE? If you’re not comfortable with citing your mental health as the reason for your day off, then don’t. Simply say that you can’t come in due to personal reasons, or that you’re unwell. You don’t need to provide anyone, not even your boss, with more than the bare-bone details.

...The Australian tradition of ‘chucking a sickie’ has long been a thinly veiled excuse for getting out of work when you just need a day or two to mentally reset.

Sokarno says: “Depending on your relationship with your boss, you may feel more comfortable being open and honest about what you’re going through – but either way, you shouldn’t feel any pressure to give more information or further details.”

Nancy Sokarno is a psychologist at Lysn. Lysn is a digital mental health company with world-class wellbeing technology which helps people find their best-fit professional psychologist while being able to access online tools to improve their mental health.

STYLE 24

Careers

Join the front line of health Have you considered a nursing career at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba like the following women?

ANGELA PICKERING

PHILIPPA OAKEY

PYU PYU SAN MIN

Angela Pickering has swapped a career in childcare for nursing – with the opportunity to care still front and centre of what she does.

Angela is now a registered nurse on our St Damian’s Surgical Ward after completing a 12-month graduate nursing program with us earlier this year.

“I love that every day is different on St Damian’s and you never know what to expect. It keeps me motivated and gives me the opportunity to keep learning new skills,” Angela said.

“It’s rewarding helping people when they are most vulnerable and an honour to be a part of their journey and to witness the progress they make to be able to discharge home to their loved ones.”

Angela said she enjoyed working with the team on St Damian’s. With four sons, Angela is grateful that nursing is flexible and family friendly.

“Juggling the work/life balance is never easy but nursing gives me the opportunity to work around my family’s needs,” she said.

Philippa Oakey loves combining the art and science of medicine through nursing.

For the past 14 months, Philippa has worked in our perioperative – also known as theatre – department in a range of roles including anaesthetic nurse, post-anaesthetic care, endoscopy and scrub/scout.

Philippa says she loves working in an acute healthcare setting.

“I like problem solving and critically thinking under pressure. I really appreciate being able to care for people while they are experiencing a really scary and unknown thing, to be able to provide comfort, excellent care and reassurance,” she said.

Philippa became a nurse to learn how to physically and emotionally care for people and improve outcomes.

“I hope to further my nursing skills and take them overseas to places less privileged than Australia and deliver Australian-standard health care to communities.”

She credits St Vincent’s as having a kind and welcoming atmosphere.

For graduate midwife Pyu Pyu San Min, her favourite part about this job is to be there for women during the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

“I believe every pregnancy, every birth and every postnatal experience is unique,” Pyu said.

Pyu joined our 12-month midwifery graduate program in March and already loves the wonderful opportunity to work in the maternity unit team.

“The reason I like St Vincent’s is the people,” she said.

“Since I am still new to this midwifery profession, I have to give all my gratitude to all the midwives that I work with.

“They are incredible people, very supportive, caring and always willing to have our back in all circumstances.

“It is a great place to learn and enhance my midwifery knowledge and skills.”

Generations of Care

STYLE 26

Health

The new My Midwives Toowoomba clinic at 29 Hill St.

New home for My Midwives T his month has seen My Midwives Toowoomba clinic move from its home of 10 years in Margaret St to a new practice at 29 Hill St, between Laurel Bank Park and Grand Central.

Managing director Liz Wilkes felt a mix of sadness and excitement.

“Many families have heard their baby for the first time in our Toowoomba clinic, so we have felt a little bit nostalgic about the move, but we are very excited to have a new forever home in Hill St.”

My Midwives will spread out across two buildings at 29 Hill Street, which makes it a hugely convenient space for women to access.

“We felt having a separate space for women to use for aspects such as extended postnatal time and early labour care, along with staff amenities made this a unique opportunity.

“There is plenty of parking, and being so close to the facilities at Grand Central and Laurel Bank for walking groups and catch-ups made it perfect

for us,” Ms. Wilkes added.

“We loved the fact we had another old building space to use as we focus on the community-feel in our services. We knew our families would feel this straight away in this space.”

My Midwives offers a range of services during pregnancy, birth, and the post-birth period for women and families across the Darling Downs.

“One exciting aspect of the new space is our opportunity to recommence Mothers Group, which was something we stopped during

COVID in 2020, so we will be starting extended groups for the mums of 2020 in early July to bring them back together and make up for what they have lost.

“We are also running face-to-face classes and Moving into Motherhood which is a specific group for pregnant women to meet others and build a tribe with this move.”

My Midwives clinic can be contacted by phone on 07 4642 2977 for enquiries and bookings.

We’ve moved out to a bigger place !

Come see us at our new address!

Meeting the needs of women and their families across the Darling Downs!

29 Hill St, Toowoomba (near Laurel Bank Park) | 07 4642 2977 | admin@mymidwives.com.au | www.mymidwives.com.au STYLE 27

Health

Our second biggest killer June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and the opportunity to raise awareness and funds to fight Australia’s second deadliest cancer

B

owel cancer claims the lives of 103 Australians every week (5,336 people a year) – but is one of the most treatable types of cancer if detected early.

St Andrews Toowoomba Hospital (SATH) has proudly decorated central ward (surgical unit) to show support and raise awareness for bowel cancer during June. SATH cares for a significant number of bowel cancer patients with multiple bowel resections being performed weekly by colorectal specialist Dr Scott

Mansfield. Our nursing staff deliver comprehensive, holistic nursing care to these patients as they undergo their healthcare journey. Offering services from consultation right through to surgery and beyond, our

multidisciplinary team strive for positive patient outcomes with some incredible relationships built along the way.

Red Apple Day, which is the pinnacle day during Bowel Cancer

Awareness Month festivities, was recognised on June 16. The apple is symbolic of a human bowel – bowel cancer if detected early is treatable and beatable.

The central ward staff held a bake sale and wore red to raise funds with all proceeds going to Bowel Cancer Australia.

The hospital’s stomal therapist, Emily Day, provides a comprehensive preoperative consultation, postop education, counselling, and outpatient clinic for all patients with stomas and bowel cancer. She also runs a successful stoma support group once a month at SATH in the conference rooms, where she provides support and education to stoma and bowel cancer patients in a warm, friendly group atmosphere.

During June, Emily ran a stoma and bowel cancer education morning, acknowledging bowel cancer awareness week. Nurses at SATH learnt new stoma skills and two patients spoke to the group about their personal bowel cancer journey.

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280 North Street, Toowoomba (PO Box 263) Ph (07) 4646 3000 Rapid Access Heart Centre Ph (07) 4646 3070 • www.sath.org.au STYLE 28

Health

How to reduce stress Peta Bee shares a few simple ways to help you relax 1. HAVE A MUG OF COCOA Sipping a mug of cocoa when you feel frazzled at work could prevent stressinduced cardiovascular changes and protect your heart, according to researchers at the University of Birmingham. Reporting in the journal Nutrients, Dr Catarina Rendeiro, a nutritional scientist at Birmingham’s School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, found that “drinking flavanol-rich cocoa can be an effective dietary strategy to reduce temporary impairments in blood vessel function following mental stress and also improve blood flow during stressful episodes.”

She suggests adding other foods rich in flavonoids to your diet - apples, black grapes, blackberries, cherries,

raspberries, pears and green tea can all combat the effects of stress.

2. EAT SIX PORTIONS OF FRUIT AND VEG A DAY People who eat at least 470g of fruit and vegetables – or six portions – daily have 10 per cent lower stress levels than those who consume half that amount, according to a recent study of the link between diet and stress levels of more than 8600 Australians aged 25-91. The lead researcher, Simone RadavelliBagatini from Edith Cowan University’s Institute for Nutrition Research, says others have documented the positive effect of fruit and veg on mood and it is probably down to their effects on oxidative stress in the body.

“Vegetables and fruits contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and carotenoids that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and therefore improve mental wellbeing,” Radavelli-Bagatini says.

3. PRACTISE THE LION’S BREATH Mental stress can affect breathing. It follows that learning to control your breath will prevent anxiety levels from spiralling, says Richard Evans, an educational adviser who runs courses on how to alleviate stress when studying. He suggests daily repetitions of the lion’s breath, a

technique that stretches the muscles in your face, to relieve stress.

Sit comfortably and press your palms against your knees, fingers spread wide. Inhale deeply through your nose and open your eyes wide. As you do this, open your mouth wide and bring the tip of your tongue towards your chin. Exhale out making a long “ha” sound. Repeat two or three times.

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P: (07) 4688 5533 www.evolvewomenshealth.com.au St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Toowoomba STYLE 29

Food

Sticky lemon chicken salad Serves 4, Prep time 15 min, Cooking time 10 min ● 160ml (2/3 cup) chicken stock ● 80ml (1/3 cup) fresh lemon juice ● 80ml (1/3 cup) honey ● Vegetable oil, to deep-fry ● 75g (½ cup) self-raising flour ● 70g (½ cup) cornflour ● 500g chicken tenderloins ● 2 x 230g Coles Asian Style Salad Bowl ● 2 baby gem lettuces, leaves separated METHOD 1. Place stock, lemon juice and honey in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes or until reduced and thickened slightly. Remove from heat. Cover.

2. Sift flour and cornflour into a large bowl. Cut each tenderloin in half crossways and lengthways.

Working in two batches, toss chicken in our mixture, shaking off excess. Place on a plate. Gradually whisk 185ml (¾ cup) water into flour until smooth. Fill a large saucepan one-third full of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to our mixture. Turn to coat. Add one chicken piece to pan to test oil (it should sizzle immediately). Cook chicken, in three batches, for two-and-a-half minutes, until golden and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate with paper towel.

3. Add the chicken to lemon sauce. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring, for two minutes to coat. Toss both salads and the lettuce in a large mixing bowl with one dressing sachet and the crispy noodles. Divide the salad among plates. Top with the chicken. Serve with the remaining dressing sachet on the side.

RECIPE NOTES Honey balances the sour lemon and gives a lovely sheen to this salad.

GRAYS

DERN MEATS MO

STYLE 30

GRAY’S MODERN MEATS - THE SAUSAGE KING ADDRESS: 107 TAYLOR ST, NEWTOWN WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THESAUSAGEKINGTOOWOOMBA 07 4528 2271

Food

Chicken Noodle Soup Serves 6, Cooking time 1 hour INGREDIENTS ● 1 roast chicken, shredded ● 2 litres chicken stock ● 200g egg noodles ● 200g green beans ● 1 ear of corn (kernels only) ● 100g spinach ● 1 large celery stick, sliced ● 2 carrots, sliced ● 1 brown onion, finely sliced ● 1 tbsp olive oil

● 4 garlic cloves, minced ● Salt & pepper, to taste ● ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves METHOD 1. In a deep pot, heat the olive oil and garlic along with the brown onion. Add in the sliced celery and carrot, and stir repeatedly to soften the vegetables. Next, add in the green beans and corn kernels.

2. Once these are well combined and the beans

begin to soften, add in your chicken stock. Mix well again and allow mixture to simmer.

3. Add in the egg noodles, along with spinach to wilt.

Allow the egg noodles to soften and cook, before adding shredded chicken. Ensure this is well combined, and season with salt and pepper as desired.

4. Cook for a further 10 minutes to allow flavours to combine before serving.

S T ER OR M PP AR SUAL F C

LO

At Donnelly’s, you’ll never run short of a tasty variety of fresh fruit and veg. Whether you need something healthy for your little one’s snack box or you’re placing a bulk order for a dinner party, we have you covered.

Order before midday for same-day delivery www.donnellysfreshfruitnveg.com.au

P: (07) 4564 9421 Wyalla Plaza, 4/238 Taylor St, Newtown QLD 4350 STYLE 31

Food

Tuscan salmon and risoni tray bake Serves 4, Prep time 30 min INGREDIENTS ● 2 tablespoon olive oil ● 4 (about 150g each) skinless boneless salmon fillets ● 305g (1 1/2 cups) dried risoni pasta ● 3 garlic cloves, crushed ● 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves ● 2 Massel Chicken Style Stock Cubes ● 300ml pouring cream ● 75g (1/2 cup) semi-dried tomato strips (not in oil) ● 60g baby spinach ● 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed ● 1 tablespoon drained capers, fried (see tip) ● 1 lemon, rind finely grated

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan forced. Heat half the oil in a large flameproof baking dish over mediumhigh heat. Cook the salmon, top-side down, for two minutes or until golden. Transfer to a plate.

2. Heat the remaining tablespoon oil in the dish over high heat. Add the risoni, garlic and rosemary. Cook, stirring, for one minute or until aromatic. Add stock cubes, cream and 625ml (2 1⁄2 cups) water. Stir to combine. Bring to the boil. Remove from heat and cover dish tightly with foil. Bake for 12 minutes.

3. Carefully remove foil from the dish (be careful of

escaping steam). Stir the tomato strips and spinach through the risoni mixture. Add the broccolini.

Press to submerge slightly. Arrange the salmon, top-side up, on top, pressing gently into the mixture.

Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until broccolini is tender. Sprinkle with fried capers and lemon rind to serve.

RECIPE NOTES To fry the capers, heat one to two tablespoons of oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the capers for three to five minutes or until crispy and golden. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to drain.

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www.parkhousecafe.com.au | Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ~ 7 Days ~ 92 Margaret St, Toowoomba • Phone: 4638 2211 • info@parkhousecafe.com.au

STYLE 32

Food

Sip ‘n’ Dip at Stella Rossa S tella Rossa’s first Sip ‘n’ Dip class was launched in June and sold out in two days.

So, the team decided to offer fun art classes accompanied by a glass of wine and tasty treats every Friday night through winter.

Each class focuses on making a different piece of art using resin or paint. From tabletops to ink lamps and cheese boards.

Stella Rossa Toowoomba’s Helaina Bench said Sip ‘n’ Dip was driven by a passion to be creative and to make art accessible.

“The founder Jaana Brown loved the concept of knitting groups and craft classes, as people can catch up with their friends while creating something for themselves.

“I always enjoyed doing craft at my son’s kindy with the other mums. It’s a special way of connecting with people.”

Details of each class can be found on the Stella Rossa Facebook page under the events section. Bookings can also be made through the Sip ‘n’ Dip Australia page.

Enjoy tasty treats and a glass of something special while getting crafty at Stella Rossa.

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MAIN ENTRANCE

STYLE 33

Food

Burrata, zucchini and garlic chips salad Serves 6, Prep time 15 min, Cooking time 5 min INGREDIENTS ● 4 mini flour tortillas (see note) ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● ½ teaspoon sweet paprika ● 160ml (2/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil ● 80ml (1/3 cup) fresh lemon juice ● 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes ● 6 zucchinis, shaved or thinly sliced into ribbons ● ½ cup fresh basil leaves ● 100g tub burrata cheese METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan forced. Cut each tortilla into six wedges. Combine the garlic, paprika and two tablespoons oil in a small bowl. Place tortilla wedges on a large baking tray. Brush with the oil mixture. Bake for five minutes or until just crisp.

2. Meanwhile, combine the lemon juice, salt and half the zucchini in a bowl. Set aside, stirring occasionally, for five minutes or until lightly pickled.

3. Place the remaining oil in a tall jug. Use a stick blender to blitz until it starts to foam. Add the basil and blitz until well combined and the oil is bright green.

Season. Strain the oil, discarding any solids.

4. Drain the pickled zucchini and toss with the remaining zucchini in a large bowl. Season. Place the burrata in the centre of the serving plate. Arrange the zucchini mixture and garlic crisps around the burrata.

Drizzle the basil oil over the zucchini mixture to serve.

RECIPE NOTES Find burrata with the soft cheeses at the supermarket deli counter, or try light ricotta or cottage cheese instead. To make this gluten free, swap the mini flour tortillas with mini white corn tortillas (just make sure they’re gluten free).

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Food

Corn fritters Makes 8-10, Prep time 5 min INGREDIENTS ● 1/3 cup self-raising flour, sifted ● 2 tbsp cornflour ● 2 eggs, separated ● ¼ cup reduced-fat milk ● 420g can corn kernels - no added salt ● 2 spring onions, finely sliced ● 1 tbsp canola oil ● Sweet chilli sauce, to serve METHOD 1. Place the self-raising flour and cornflour into a bowl.

Stir in the two egg yolks and milk and mix to combine.

2. Whip the egg whites until stiff and gently fold into the flour mixture. Drain and rinse the corn kernels and add to the flour mixture. Stir in the spring onions.

3. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan. Add heaped tablespoons of the mixture to the pan and cook until golden on both sides. Serve with a little sweet chilli sauce, if desired.

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Food

Baked paella-style rice with eggs Serves 4, Prep time 15 mins, Cooking time 35 mins INGREDIENTS ● 2 tbsp olive oil ● 400g skinless chicken thigh fillets, cut into 3cm pieces ● 1 chorizo sausage, thinly sliced ● 1 brown onion, finely chopped ● 1 red capsicum, finely chopped ● 1 ¼ cups (250g) arborio rice ● 3 garlic cloves, crushed ● 2 tsp mild paprika ● 1 tsp dried oregano ● 1 ½ cups (375ml) tomato passata ● 3 cups (750ml) chicken stock ● 4 eggs ● 1⁄3 cup (40g) frozen peas ● ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley ● Lemon wedges and crusty bread, to serve METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 220°C/200°C (fan-forced). Heat half the oil in a large deep ovenproof frying pan over high heat. Cook chicken and chorizo, turning, for 3-4 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan.

2. Heat remaining oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and capsicum. Cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until onion is softened. Add rice, garlic, paprika and oregano and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant.

3. Add tomato passata and stock. Bring to the boil.

Remove from heat. Stir chicken and chorizo into rice.

Cover with lid. Transfer to oven. Bake for 15 minutes.

4. Remove dish from oven. Crack eggs over rice mixture. Cover with lid. Return to oven for 8-10 minutes or until rice is tender and eggs whites are set.

5. Meanwhile, place peas in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water. Stand for 2 minutes or until tender.

Drain. Scatter peas and parsley over rice. Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

Kedgeree Serves 4, Prep time 10 mins, Cooking time 20 mins INGREDIENTS ● 4 eggs ● 2 tbsp olive oil ● 1 large onion, finely chopped ● 2 cloves garlic, crushed ● 3 tsp mild curry powder ● 1 ½ cups (250g) basmati rice ● 650ml chicken stock ● Salt and pepper ● 1 cup (120g) frozen peas ● 150g hot smoked salmon, skin removed, flaked STYLE 36

● Chopped fresh parsley, to garnish ● Greek yoghurt and lemon wedges, to serve METHOD 1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water.

Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 5 minutes (medium boiled eggs), or until cooked to your liking. Drain and immerse in cold water. Peel and slice eggs in half.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring for 3 minutes, or until soft. Add curry powder.

Cook, stirring for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in rice.

3. Add stock to pan and stir to combine. Simmer gently covered, for 10 minutes. Remove lid. Stir in peas. Cover and cook for a further 3 to 5 minutes, or

until rice is tender and peas are cooked. Remove from the heat. Scatter over flaked salmon.

4. Top with eggs. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve with yoghurt and lemon wedges.

TIPS ● Replace salmon with flaked tuna or canned salmon. ● Garnish with chopped green chilli or drizzle with green sriracha just before serving. ● Replace chopped parsley with chopped coriander. ● Kedgeree can be served warm or cold. Great for lunchboxes or picnics. ● To increase the eggs in recipe, stir 3 chopped boiled eggs through rice with salmon and serve another 3 eggs halved on top.

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Every house has a story to tell, and it tells itthrough through the the way wayit itlooks looksand andfeels feels

From the the colours colours that that you you use use to to which in turn is a reflection on the owners. From paint your walls to the floor coverings and homewares homewaresthat thatadd addthat thatlittle littletouch touch through the way way itlooks looks andwalls, feels decorate those empty walls, very house tofurniture, tell, and it the tellsway it through the it and feels of luxury; fromhas thea story kind of you decorate those empty the colours that you use to all these details ofon your that makes makesthe it a home. which in add turntoisthe a reflection thehouse owners.

From colours that you use to it a home. homewaresthat thatadd addthat thatlittle littletouch touch paint your walls to the floor coverings and homewares decorate those empty Your homefrom is onethe place where we tend tothe lookway for peace and comfort.

These two things of luxury; kind of furniture, you decorate those empty walls, and comfort. These twowalls, things it aahome. home. personality of the the person. person.Hence Hence all to the interpretation details of yourdepending house that it canthese haveadd a different onmakes the personality of incorporating different elements in your home will certainly certainlyland landup upbeing beingaareflection reflection andcomfort. comfort.

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The concepton ofthe a “happy “happy lifestyle” is something still can have a different interpretation depending personality of the person.

Hence lifestyle” is something still certainlywe land up beingaaour reflection pandemic we areup treating our homes incorporating different in your home will certainly land being reflection evolving and since the elements arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic are treating homes decorators take take aa keen keen interest interest in in our little places of ‘safe haven’s’.that interior decorators ofmore youraspersonality.

It is for this reason Pre-Market is not just about saving you money but will “happy lifestyle” lifestyle” isis something something still still your choices and preferences. The concept of a “happy avoid any Google property search history.

Keeping any priceour pandemic we are are treating our homes homes evolving and since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic we treating changes, salesplaces prices or time on market whisper quiet. more as our little of ‘safe haven’s’.

E Off-Market or I prefer to refer to it as a Pre-Market campaign, is no longer familiar industry lingo but an evolving method of Sale.

Three Top Advantages One:

Our Team’s Approach The focus focus of of the the room: room: The

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Lets look at 3 ways your home talks LISTED We offer excellent customer service, about youprivacy and confidentiality at a maximum, JUST Two: Keeping Villa 274 274 Palm Lake Lake Toowoomba Toowoomba Villa Palm professional marketing, an incredible network Lets look 3shortlist wayspotential your home you can have yourat agent clients and sell attalks ‘Shoal Haven’ ‘Shoal Haven’ Furniture: Oh yes, you need to stop treating treating them them as as just just aa set set of of your pace and not a hyped up, hustling scenario. Allowing time of communication and precision, plus the about you realitycheck, check,they theytell tellaalot lotabout about underappreciated occupants of your house. Because, reality for your agent to be the ‘Intelligent Advisor’ and not pressure Next month month more more about about trends trends & &styles styles Next

This Villa Villa is is located located in in aa very very quiet quiet location, location, with with This

helping hand and personal touch you need to be completely satisfied when selling your home.

easy care living living in in mind mind and and the the added added bonus bonus of of aa your approach to life. Why else do you think they are available availablein inso somany manyshapes, shapes,easy sizescare sizes fully enclosed outdoor area. fully enclosed outdoor area. selling. treating them as asand just set of of Furniture: Oh yes, you to comfy, stop treating them just set cosy,or orpractical practical and theaaselection selection and colour? I like to categorise themneed as more cosy, the this Villa Villa is is anything anything like like the the last last three three II have have sold sold IfIf this realitycheck, check,they theytell tellaalot lotabout about underappreciated ofand yourthe house. process will be likeoccupants Goldilocks threeBecause, bears. reality in this this location, location, itit will will be be going, going, going going gone! gone! in Pre-Market buyers often overlook the untidy available inso so manypoint shapes, sizes your approach to life. Why else do you think Yes, theyevery are available in many shapes, sizes room has has focal point and that tells tells at this price offers over $420,000.

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betweenof colour, shades,shapes shapes Home Décor :about The trends trick and is&&balance, a balanceprocess between colour, shades, trends styles Next month styles scenario of amore Pre-Market On-Market selling,

place. and texture blended perfectly so nothing looks out of place.

especially when we are not subject to seasonal selling but driven more importantly by demand. Our Pre-Market sales have ranged from $3.4 million to $520,000. Sssh you didn’t even know.

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Home

Perfect family hideaway The interior is done, so onto the landscaping and exterior, writes Meghan Bryant.

W

hen it comes to gardening, landscaping and styling the exterior of a home, I’ll admit I am no expert.

Luckily, my husband Matt made it his mission to perfect the outside of our home and had a vision before we even moved in.

We both shared the idea of having a colonial American-home feel on the outside with highpitched rooves and right-angled driveway but on the inside having a more Scandinavian feel with a neutral colour-scheme.

The interior came together quickly, however the exterior took us a while longer with us just finalising the landscaping recently.

Matt always envisioned the home to be familyfriendly, with a large driveway for children to learn to ride bikes, or play basketball and he made sure our front verandah had a dedicated spot for an outdoor setting so parents could sit back and look on.

Being on a one-acre block, there is plenty of room in the backyard for kids to run around and enjoy themselves.

We made a dedicated section for our 18-month old son to play with a 4m x 5m sandpit which we both built and painted together and added an outdoor playset and trampoline.

The kids’ area is located to the left of the back patio, so it doesn’t block the view of the backyard but is still close enough so we can keep an eye on the little one as he plays.

With all the areas for our son set up, it was time to sort out the rest of the exterior.

When our home was first built, we decided to separate the patio area in two by adding a brickedin barbecue nook, tiling and finalising the dining

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Home

side. However, the other half was just left concreted as we planned to build a firepit down the track.

Fast forward a few months and it’s complete.

Living in Toowoomba, and with our home in a valley of sorts, we know it’s going to get cold in winter so a built-in firepit area is perfect for those cooler nights.

We tiled it in the same tiles as the patio so they could connect seamlessly and built the firepit from the same bricks which surround our house and the barbecue nook.

My husband, being the handy builder he is, turned a spare plank of wood into a bench seat that runs across one section of the patio in front of the firepit and we used an outdoor setting to fill in the other side, so there are plenty of spaces for people to gather.

That area has turned into a favourite of not only ours, but guests as well. It just adds something extra to our outdoor area.

When it comes to gardening, we enlisted the help of Landscape Trade Specialist Tash from Bunnings Warehouse.

She visited our home on two occasions and came up with a plan for our garden beds, ensuring we had a mixture of plants, bushes, baby trees, established trees and pot plants.

As she is aware we aren’t the biggest green

thumbs and we’re coming into winter she chose a range of low-maintenance plants that would survive the cooler months ahead but also match the style of our home.

Matt likes the look of purple flowers and thought they would complement our home, so asked if Tash could incorporate that into her selection, which she did beautifully.

Our garden selection includes Rhaphiolepis Snow Maidens, Agapanthus, Liriope, Convolvulus as well as a Japanese Maple, Cercis Canadensis and Magnolia trees.

We spent a full weekend planting our flowers, bushes and trees as well as mulching the garden beds and adding in a feature walkway of pebbles.

It was a big weekend but standing back and looking at our house after all our hard work made it worth it.

The gardens were the final job we had to tick off our list and with that done, I feel like I can relax and enjoy everything our home has to offer.

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Property

Let’s be civil Today, I want to share with you one of my pet peeves, writes Ros Burton, principal of The Real Estate People

S

ocial media – or more importantly, the dangerous, dangerous weapon it can become at the hands of a keyboard warrior.

I had an unfortunate situation recently where a client felt aggrieved by something my office had done.

Without discussing the situation with me (or my staff), the person took to social media to attack us – directly calling our professionalism into question.

The person (who I would never name out of respect to their privacy) didn’t hold back and blasted us with both barrels.

There was one small problem though – they were wrong. They were 100% wrong. Every point in their poisonous argument was incorrect.

And I wasn’t happy.

Our office deals with the very latest industry software, meticulously maintained financial records and overarching government legislation.

They were dealing in emotion.

I’m a big girl, if someone wants to lock horns then that’s their right (and we all need to vent sometimes), but to have this play out in a public forum really irked me.

Some may argue that I should just “brush it off, ignore it”, “let the person have their say, forget about it.”

I can’t forget about it – this is my business, this is my livelihood and most importantly, this is my professional reputation at stake.

If you go to a restaurant 10 times and eight of the meals are inedible slop then that restaurant probably deserves having a spotlight shone on it.

But if you’re running a business like mine where tenants’ rights, landlords’ rights and legislation all have a say, then there WILL be outcomes that disappoint those affected.

We would never betray a client’s confidentiality and tell the world “this one doesn’t pay her rent; this guy’s been evicted four times”, yet they’re more than happy to go on an unfiltered attack on me. It’s not really fair.

So, on behalf of my office and every other business in the region (even that dodgy restaurant), if you’re a customer and you take issue with anything that that business does, then sit down with them and discuss the matter at hand – privately and calmly.

You’d be surprised what can happen when two parties work on a problem together instead of drawing pistols at 10 paces.

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

If not, then it’s time for you to get a new property manager.

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 STYLE 40

Home

Bedroom hacks to get you through winter W ant to liven up your bedroom this winter?

As the cold season can make your home feel uninviting, interiors expert Stuart Clark offers his bedroom hacks to liven up your bedroom this season.

CHANGE YOUR BEDSHEETS A simple hack for feeling warmer in your bedroom is swapping your current bedsheets for linen, fleece, silk or cotton throughout winter.

Also, add extra blankets to create that winter-ready bed and keep down the heating bill.

ADD SOME LIFE If you have a green thumb, adding flowers, succulents and houseplants is a fantastic way to help filter the air in your bedroom and also add some

style and color.

If you kill every houseplant you’ve ever owned, try a low maintenance plant like a cactus, which is resistant to the cold.

LIGHTEN IT UP If your home struggles to get much natural light during the winter, opting for more artificial lighting options such as lamps can brighten your bedroom up.

Opting for softer lighting will also make your bedroom feel much more relaxing and comforting.

RUGS If you are losing a lot of heat through your floorboards, a simple rug will be the answer to your problems and will keep your feet toasty warm.

In addition, your room will now stay comfortable all year round!

LAYER UP Layering different blinds and curtains is a great way to combine fabrics at a window to create a sense of depth by

playing on textures and patterns. If you want to insulate your bedroom try layering a blind with curtains as this will act as heat insulation.

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Connecting people... Changing lives Selling a home is more than price and time.

“The sale of this house has just opened up so many doors for us into the future that we didn’t think was going to be possible.” - Seller, Bridge Street Helen Austin | 0439 962 801 | haustin@webstercavanagh.com.au

Home

Deadly hidden dangers There’s a lot more to mould than unsightly walls and ceilings at home

A

symptom of poor ventilation and dampness in your house, mould is made up of spores, which can become airborne, leading to serious health repercussions for your family. The most dangerous is black mould, which can cause everything from a runny nose through to lifethreatening respiratory problems.

Removing mould is not difficult, but if you don’t deal with the underlying causes, it will most likely return. Preventing mould from growing may be as simple as turning on exhaust fans in moist areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms.

But it may also be caused by rising damp or leaking pipes, which may prove more costly to fix.

Most people become aware of mould because they see it, but it can also thrive between wall cavities, in basements or behind wallpaper. It may be worth calling in the professionals if you suspect you have mould, but you can’t locate it.

If you need to remove it, there are simple, but effective ways of dealing with it. If it’s a mild case, add one-part

water to four-parts white vinegar and use a sponge to clean it off. For more extensive mould, you can use 250ml of bleach added to 4L of water to clean.

Given you are working with bleach and spores can be airborne, it’s a good idea to wear a mask, as well as rubber gloves. Wipe down afterwards, making sure the surface is fully dry.

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The growing good The mental and physical benefits of a good home garden are quickly becoming well known, writes television presenter and gardening author Sophie Thomson

communities, cities, our country and even the world. I may be biased, but I reckon I am right.

USEFUL TOOLS FOR BEGINNERS

G

rowing plants is on trend and whether it’s indoor plants, vegies, herbs and fruits, cut flowers, perennials or native plants, all the hip kids are doing it.

Us seasoned gardeners have long known the benefits, and it’s wonderful to see how the planets have converged to ignite interest in green, greenery and greening among a new crop of gardeners.

If you are yet to dip your toe into the water, or rather, stick your thumb in the dirt, here are some excellent reasons for you to have a grow – from purely aesthetic and practical reasons to significant environmental, financial and personal benefits.

AESTHETIC APPEAL Gardens and plants look good. They provide colour, seasonal interest and natural beauty which improves our quality of life by improving our visual environment.

PRACTICAL PLANT LIFE REWARDS You can grow produce that feeds you.

Covid has made all of us aware of food security, and when you grow at least some of your own fruits, vegies and herbs, you know you will always have something to eat from the garden.

Productive backyards also mean that food miles can become food metres, which is far more sustainable.

Gardens and plants can deliver practical benefits around your garden, from diminishing traffic noise to screening unwanted views, providing privacy and reducing glare.

Gardens can reduce the speed, strength and severity of winds, creating sheltered microclimates, which ultimately make for more liveable outdoor spaces.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Plants and greenery mitigate the urban heat island effect, which is concerning governments around the STYLE 44

world. In Australia’s challenging and changing climate, many of our cities are very vulnerable to heat with heatwaves being our deadliest major weather events.

Scaling it down to individual properties, a thoughtfully planted garden can help to cool the front- and back- yards and make them more liveable and usable. A well treed neighbourhood can negate the heat island effect caused by hard surfaces, known to increase temperatures by three to seven degrees. This will also reduce energy bills for households by from 15 to 35 per cent.

Habitat creation for urban wildlife is vital. Gardens aren’t just for us, they can be a haven for birds, bees, butterflies and other creatures. And at a time when urban habitat is under threat, every backyard can become a biodiversity hot spot when planted with a diverse mix of plants including local indigenous varieties.

Plants improve our air quality both inside and outside the home, and reduce air pollution. The huge interest in indoor plants is due in part to their looks, but also the way they can clean the air in our homes and make it a healthier place for us to spend time.

Plants and gardens also improve our water quality by slowing down the storm water run-off and filtering out many toxins that would otherwise be present in this run off.

FINANCIAL GAINS Suburbs with lots of healthy trees and parks are more attractive and, in

many cases, more desirable, with this being reflected in increased housing prices. Trees enhance property values as they establish and mature.

Overseas studies have shown that mature trees add between 10 to 20 per cent to the value of your property. A national survey of real estate agents in 2019 found well-kept gardens, from neat lawns to well-maintained beds and courtyards, could add up to 30 per cent to the re-sale value of a home.

PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT Gardening is good for us – on every level. It keeps us physically and mentally active, helps us live longer, helps us manage stress, and leads to mental health and wellbeing too.

An Australian study by Beyond Blue titled ‘Beyond Blue to Green’ showed clear associations between proximity to green space and reduced depression, anxiety and other health problems. Dr Mardie Townsend from Deakin University, who contributed to the report, said: “People who perceived their neighbourhoods as ‘very green’ were shown to have up to 1.6 times greater odds of physical and mental health when compared to those who perceive their neighbourhoods as ‘less green’.”

This is one of countless studies that show gardening is good for our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Gardening is so good for us on every level, and it not only saves us physically, mentally and emotionally, it greens, beautifies and enlivens our backyards, and it helps to save our

Having the right quality tools in good condition ensures that you can manage and maintain your garden easily and enjoyably.

For those who are just starting out, or those who are looking to make gardening more pleasurable, investing in good tools can make a world of difference. Many tools depend on the size of your garden and what it includes. What is needed for a balcony or courtyard garden will be different to requirements for a large garden of lawn and hedges.

The options are endless – from loppers and hedge trimmers to shovels, garden forks, rakes and wheelbarrows. And then there are other garden essentials such as compost systems or worm farms, not to mention tools developed to make gardening easier including gardening hands and kneeling pads.

However, as far as I am concerned it is three of the most basic tools that have proven their worth over and over and they are secateurs, a hand hoe and a spade.

1. SECATEURS I think this is the most important tool for a gardener and one that it is worthwhile investing in. A good set can make the difference between gardening being enjoyable and being a chore. They can be used for everything from pruning roses to picking delicate blooms. Remember, cheap tools are for fools. Invest in a good pair.

2. HAND HOE I find these tools to be indispensable, no matter the job. There are different types including the Korean hand hoe (Ho-Mi) or a Cobra head weeder.

3. SPADE There are lots of options when it comes to these essential digging tools and you may end up with several of these for entirely different purposes. I like my small ladies spade for smaller jobs, and my long-handled spade for large jobs when I want and / or need more leverage. Then there are all the electric and petrol driven tools from hedge trimmers and leaf blowers to the big guys – chain saws. If you are a gadget fan, you will have lots of fun choosing and playing with a gardening toy.

Tools sorted, it’s time to join the cool kids and get into the garden.

Gardening is so good for us on every level, and it not only saves us physically, mentally and emotionally, it greens, beautifies and enlivens our backyards.

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Travel

6

Try these unique ways to experience nature in NZ without breaking a sweat GLAMPING VALLEY VIEWS, WAITAKI VALLEY Getting back to nature has never looked better than at Valley Views. Set alongside a 7ha forest overlooking the Waitaki Valley, six secluded geodesic dome tents let campers gaze at the scenery and stars, before waking to the sun rising over the valley. The spacious domes are furnished with super-king size beds. While the tents don’t come with ensuites, the rustic outdoor baths in the forest more than make up for it.

HOT-AIR BALLOONING BALLOONING CANTERBURY Taking to the sky for a bird’s eye view

relaxing things to do in New Zealand

is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to experience nature at its finest, and it’s worth braving the chilly early morning start for a sunrise float over the Canterbury region. Although flights run year round, it’s at its best during winter, with clear skies showcasing the snow-covered Southern Alps.

REDWOODS NIGHTLIGHTS REDWOODS TREEWALK, ROTORUA By day, the Redwoods Treewalk is an exhilarating experience – a chance to admire some of the world’s tallest trees from walkways suspended 20m above the forest floor. But by night, it’s magical. A series of 30 giant lanterns light up the forest, transforming the 700m-long walkways, towering trees and forest ferns into a work of art.

Planted in 1901, the 6ha patch of California Redwoods adapted to New Zealand only too well, and now measure more than 70m high.

GLACIAL FACIAL SOUTHERN DISCOVERIES, MILFORD SOUND No, a glacial facial isn’t an expensive treatment in a day spa. We’re talking cruising so close to Milford Sound’s most dramatically cascading waterfall that you cop a refreshing spray. It’s one of the highlights of a Southern Discoveries cruise on Milford Sound. With dramatic fjord scenery, and unique and rare wildlife to spot, including seals, dolphins and the world’s smallest species of penguin, it’s no wonder Rudyard Kipling declared Milford Sound to be the eighth wonder of the world.

WHALE WATCHING IN STYLE WHALE WATCH KAIKOURA Spotting breaching whales and leaping dolphins is always exciting, but when you add the backdrop of the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges, it’s utterly captivating. The waters off

Kaikoura are one of the only places in the world where giant sperm whales can be seen close to shore year round.

Whale Watch Kaikoura tours boast a 95 per cent success rate, with dolphins, seals and albatross also commonly spotted. To do it in style, sail in the Captain’s Cabin where you score extra comfy seats, exclusive access to the skipper and a guide.

FOREST BATHING WARBLERS RETREAT, AUCKLAND In Japan, the custom of forest bathing means a gentle stroll through a forest, engaging all your senses to connect with nature. But at Warblers Retreat on the outskirts of Auckland, the concept is taken literally. The 90-minute session starts with a meander on the 2ha property’s nature trails. Then, after immersing themselves in the native forest, guests soak in a private outdoor spa bath set alongside a waterfall. It mightn’t be the traditional interpretation, but who’s complaining?

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Travel

Weird, wacky and fun After a year of major events being cancelled or scaled back, big festivals are back and travellers are seizing the opportunity

Climb gives visitors a unique vantage point, while on the water below, Captain Cook Cruises’ ships not only run nightly harbour cruises, but also light up with their own installations.

THE BIRDSVILLE RACES, BIRDSVILLE, QLD SEPTEMBER 3-4

PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL, PARKES, NSW

Parkes Elvis Festival.

JANUARY 5-9, 2022 It’s one for the money, two for the show – for Elvis fans, the party starts well before arriving in Parkes for its annual five-day tribute to the King.

Costumed Elvis impersonators and rock ’n’ rollers in their finery board the Elvis Express and Blue Suede Express trains – complete with restored 1960s carriages – to make the journey from Sydney’s Central Station. Next year, the reigning International Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, Taylor Rodriguez, is set to join the Elvises (or should that be Elvi?) at Parkes.

PARRTJIMA, ALICE SPRINGS, NT APRIL 8-17, 2022 A spectacular light festival that proves laser shows don’t just belong in cities, Parrtjima brings cuttingedge technology to a 300-millionyear-old natural canvas – the MacDonnell Ranges. The 10-day festival in Alice Springs is billed as the world’s only Indigenous festival of light. But you don’t even have to wait until you reach the outback city to start marvelling at the art – this year The Ghan had an on-board light

installation in one of its carriages to give arriving passengers a taste of things to come.

ORD RIVER MUSTER, KUNUNURRA, WA MAY, 2022 The Gibb River Road through WA’s rugged Kimberley region is one of Australia’s classic four-wheel-driving routes. But if there’s one thing that could top it, it’d be arriving in Kununurra at the end of the road just in time for an epic nine-day shindig.

The Ord Valley Muster features everything from rodeo to fine dining, comedy to yoga. Its flagship event, the Kimberley Moon Experience, is held at Celebrity Tree Park – Kununurra’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where visitors including Princess Anne and John Farnham have planted trees.

SHINJU MATSURI, BROOME, WA AUG 22 TO SEPT 5 As if beautiful beaches and

government-subsidised half-price flights weren’t reason enough to book a trip to Broome this year, Shinju Matsuri is an added incentive to make the trek. A celebration of Broome’s multicultural pearling heritage, it includes a colourful, dragon-led parade and glowing lanterns floating into the sunset. Best of all, it’s timed to coincide with the August Staircase to the Moon – the breathtaking natural phenomenon that occurs when a full moon rises over Broome’s Roebuck Bay – which can be spotted from August 23 to 25.

VIVID SYDNEY, SYDNEY, NSW AUGUST 6-28 Always dazzling, Sydney Harbour ramps up its sparkle during Vivid, when its landmarks light up with projections. This year, the welcome for those crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge becomes all the more luminous. It’ll be decked out with a record number of lights and, for the first time, the approach to the bridge will be lit. BridgeClimb’s special Vivid

A trip to the Birdsville Races is no casual Sunday drive – it’s 1590km from Brisbane, with not a sealed road or regular scheduled flight in sight.

For most, it involves four-wheeldriving, camping gear and at least a week to travel, all for the privilege of witnessing the 139-year-old tradition.

But if you have limited time and don’t want to rough it, Captain’s Choice has a private charter flight from Brisbane that can whisk you to the VIP trackside marquee for the day’s festivities before returning you to the comfort of a Brisbane hotel for the night.

BROKEN HEEL FESTIVAL, BROKEN HILL, NSW SEPTEMBER 9-13 It’s the ultimate Australian roadtrip movie, so it’s only natural that The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert inspires thousands to pack their feathers and sequins and make their own epic outback journey each year. Centring around Broken Hill’s Palace Hotel, which starred in the cult movie, the Broken Heel Festival is a five-day bash that celebrates all things desert, disco and diva.

Highlights include the Main Drag in Drag street parade and performances on the Priscilla bus that appeared in the stage show.

Parrtjima Alice Springs.

Floating lantern Shinju.

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Art

8

hidden secrets in famous artworks THE OLD GUITARIST BY PABLO PICASSO LOCATED: ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO This iconic portrait painted during Picasso’s Blue period hides an entirely different painting underneath. If you look at the top of the head of the man you can see a dim female silhouette.

Researchers from the Art Institute of Chicago discovered a few other shapes hidden underneath. Most likely, the artist didn’t have enough money to buy new canvases and had to paint over old ones.

When it comes to these classic artworks, there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye MONA LISA BY LEONARDO DA VINCI LOCATED: THE LOUVRE, PARIS The list of theories surrounding the Mona Lisa deserves its own website.

But one of the main perplexing questions around the elusive subject is the letters ‘LV’ in her right eye and the numbers ‘72’ written above the arch. What does it mean? The LV is likely the artist’s initials, but as for the numbers, we will never know.

THE CREATION OF ADAM

BY MICHELANGELO LOCATED: SISTINE CHAPEL CEILING No one was more fascinated by the human anatomy than Michaelangelo and his pals. Two researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that Michelangelo made the group of people on the right form the shape of a human brain. They also found another in God’s neck in The Separation of Light from Darkness.

MADONNA WITH SAINT GIOVANNINO BY DOMENICO GHIRLANDAIO LOCATED: THE PALAZZO VECCHIO, FLORENCE Word on the street has it Domenico somehow managed to insert a flying saucer/UFO-type sketch into the right of this holy painting. Many UFO conspiracy theorists are convinced that it’s a depiction of an alien aircraft.

When you zoom in, you’re convinced even more.

CAFÉ TERRACE AT NIGHT BY VINCENT VAN GOGH LOCATED: KRÖLLER-MÜLLER MUSEUM IN OTTERLO, NETHERLANDS At first glance, Vincent van Gogh’s 1888 oil painting looks like it’s simply a chic french cafe. But in 2015, art expert Jared Baxter revealed the theory that the painting is actually the

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artist’s own version of “The Last Supper.” The main reason? There are twelve patrons dining at the cafe, and the middle figure is in white.

DAVID BY MICHELANGELO

GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING BY JOHANNES VERMEER

Depending on the angle at which you view “David,” you get two completely different expressions. From the standard side angle, David looks confident and ready to take on the world. But when you take a look at his face, it hides an expression of fear and anger.

LOCATED: MAURITSHUIS IN THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS Turns out we’ve all been living a lie.

According to experts, the Girl with a Pearl earring isn’t actually wearing a pearl earring. A professor at the University of Leiden, states that the pearl could not have been a real pearl, due to its size and the way it’s reflected by the light.

Instead, it may be a handcrafted pearl. In the seventeenth century cheaper glass pearls, usually from Venice, were quite common.

Unfortunately, Girl with a Cheap Glass Earring just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

THE FRESCO BY GIOTTO LOCATED: THE BASILICA OF ST FRANCIS IN ASSISI Upon first glance, this painting looks quite serene and heavenly. But if you look at the outline of the clouds on the bottom right corner you can make out a side profile with a pronounced chin and horns. Yep, it’s supposedly a cheeky cameo by the Devil.

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LOCATED: GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA IN FLORENCE

The detailed facial expression of Michelangelo’s David in Florence.

Art

TOOWOOMBA Here in the Toowoomba region, the arts scene is flourishing. From galleries to theatres, to schools and various community groups, Style’s guide gives you the information you need to enjoy the region’s creative endeavours.

Weaving hands during the “Deadly Weavers” Toowoomba Arts Footprint residency, Toowoomba 2021.

WEAVING CONNECTIONS

BY FELICITY CHAPMAN (DEADLY WEAVERS) TUESDAY, JULY 6 TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 WHERE: Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery WHAT: Felicity Chapman, aka “Deadly Weavers” is a proud Wiradjuri woman and is Toowoomba’s second feature artist in the Toowoomba Arts Footprint, Artists in Residence Program.

Felicity’s aim with Deadly Weavers is to revitalise and preserve ancient cultural knowledge, shining a light on the treasured tradition of cultural weaving.

Weaving Connections displays works by Felicity and workshop participants and showcases the weaving and friendships that have been made throughout the residency.

The Toowoomba Arts Footprint Artists in Residence project is funded by Arts Queensland and South West Qld Regional Arts.

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery at 531 Ruthven St, Toowoomba is open Tuesday to

Saturday 10.30am to 3.30pm and Sundays 1-4pm.

NAIDOC 2021 theme: Heal Country, heal our nation. Heal Country! – calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.

ELEMENTS 2 BY CHARLIE BOYLE WEDNESDAY, JULY 7 TO SATURDAY, AUGUST 14 WHERE: Rosalie Gallery, Goombungee WHAT: Elements 2 comprises colourful abstracts and locally inspired landscapes in both acrylic and oil by established professional artist and educator Charlie Boyle.

Charlie will host a ‘Meet the Artist’ day on Saturday, 10 July at Rosalie Gallery. He will be in attendance from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Fragmented composition 2021 / acrylic on canvas / 43 x 38cm © Charlie Boyle Come along to meet Charlie and for a chance to learn more about his works. No bookings required, but physical distancing provisions will be in place.

Rosalie Gallery at 89 Mocatta St, Goombungee is open Wednesday to Saturday 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Artist Q&A CHELSEA BAKER (HELLO CHELSART) AGE: 32 MEDIUM: Seedpods + Acrylic Paint UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES OF YOUR ART: “I have a passion for collecting seedpods from all over Australia and transforming them into original designs.

Every seedpod I paint is an original design due to the unique shape of each one.”

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION? “Over nine years, I studied a Bachelor of Multimedia (Design), a Bachelor of Environmental Design and finally, my Masters of Architecture on the Gold Coast. During my studies, I was fortunate enough to learn about Biomimicry and experiment with the concept in my assignments. (Biomimicry being the principles of nature-inspired principles incorporated into a design). It was here that I was inspired by naturally occurring forms, specifically seedpods.”

WHAT’S THE MESSAGE BEHIND YOUR ART? “To celebrate our connection with nature by showcasing nature’s own designs in conjunction with my artworks. The focus is to uncover the unseen and disregarded treasures in the environment that are often overlooked in daily life. My work advocates the hidden beauty in nature that can come from unusual and forgotten places.“ SOCIAL MEDIA: Website: hellochels.art Instagram: @hello.chelsart Facebook: facebook.com/hello.chelsart Pictures: studiobitsy STYLE 49

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Art

Celebrating First Nations People

“P

undi, the great wise man, asked Biliyana – wedgetail eagle – for the secret of fire.

Biliyana gave it to him; it was fire sticks.

Pundi grabbed these sticks and then told Biliyana if he flew up high, he would know instantly how to dance.

Off Biliyana went, but to his dismay he began to fly in circles and no longer flew straight.

Pundi got away with the magic fire sticks. Biliyana was tricked and never trusted man again.

Pundi took the secret of fire back to man and the world no longer lived in

the dark.

To this day, whenever there is a big fire, you will always see Biliyana circling high above.

He is still angry about being tricked into giving up the four large feathers in his wings and letting man steal the secret of fire; Biliyana never received the secret of dance from men.”

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Sport

A fitting legacy Picture: David Lobwein

He’s been in the fight game for more than three decades, now one of Toowoomba’s most likeable boxing personaities has received the ultimate honour, writes Sean Teuma

F

or more than three decades, Brendon Smith has given his all to the sport of boxing.

Now he is set to receive one of the ultimate honours next month, after he was chosen to be entered into the Queensland Boxing Hall of Fame.

Queensland Past Boxers and Supporters Association president Scott Tweedie said Smith was a deserving recipient.

“I’ve been a long time friend of Brendon and his father Bradley since he started out in boxing,” Tweedie said.

“Brendon was a good young boxer. I went to New Zealand for a couple of years, and when I came back he was training a few boxers at the Broncos Motel in Charlton.

“Bradley pursued other avenues, but Brendon carried on training, and it got to the stage now where he has a long history.

“He’s been training and taking fighters to high levels, but he should be looked upon as one of the assistant saviours for a lot of boys who otherwise would’ve gone off the rails.

“The time is right (to induct Smith).

He’s reaching his peak in regards to

his activities, and with the numbers he’s really on top of the wave.”

The journey has been a phenomenal one for Smith, who started with humble beginnings through to being one of the most wellrespected trainers in the country.

“It started with a bag under a tree, then onto a tin shed in a back paddock on a Charlton property,” Smith said.

“It started with a young man called Bruce Woodbridge, and I’m training his daughter now.

“You just keep going with the boxers in front of you. I try to give as much time and effort if they’re having their first fight or fighting for a world title.

“You still have that same drive and nervous energy hoping that everything goes well for them.

“I’m very honoured and there’s a lot of mixed emotions.”

As for one of the more memorable moments, Smith recalled the time they were able to help a young man’s dream come true.

“It was about 29 years ago where we had a promotion at the Oakey Army Base,” he said.

“There was a young man who was badly burnt to his hands and face, but he just loved his boxing.

“He trained at the gym and his dream was to have one boxing match.

We tried to get it going but kept getting knocked back, until he was finally allowed.

“I’ll never forget that. There was an audience of about 800 and he won.

That was like his world title fight.

“They’re the moments you’re most proud of.”

Smith will be inducted into the Queensland Boxing Hall of Fame at an event at the Yatala Showmen’s Club on July 25.

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Sport

In the zone Harriet Nicholson opens up on faith, her mindset as a key defender and a personal goal to push the Panthers to the finals

Team Door Stop

Team Door Stop

N

etball: As unique as it sounds, Harriet Nicholson didn’t mind as a junior when her team turned over possession.

It simply meant she had the opportunity to defend her goal and win the ball back for her side.

It’s this defensive hunger that has helped to anchor the Darling Downs Panthers in the top four of the Ruby Series.

Nicholson is a new face to the side after moving to Dalby for work after a previous stint with the Wildcats.

It continues her strong connection to the region, having grown up in Warwick, where her netball journey started.

“I started in about grade one or two because I just loved playing sport,” she said.

“All my siblings played sport, so when my sister played netball, I wanted to give it a go.

“My mum said that I was doing too many things, so I focused on netball.”

While causing havoc for opposing teams as goal keeper for the Panthers, she originally started out at the other end of the court.

“I played shooter all the way until I was 12,” she said.

“This is when I moved to Brisbane, and they told me they were going to move me to the other end, and from that point I never left the defensive end.

“It was a weird feeling, because I got excited when we had a turnover and I got the chance to defend.”

As her talent continued to shine, representative honours were put on the backburner due to Nicholson’s faith, before she found a healthy balance between the two.

“Mum realised that I needed to play in rep teams if I wanted to go further,” she said.

“Because of my religion, I tried not to do anything on Sunday other than

Team Door Stop Team Playing Cards

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Harriet church. Tryouts and carnivals were often on these days and I didn’t want Nicholson aims to to stray from what I believed in.

“I realised I’d been gifted with these push the Darling talents and it would be a shame not to Downs develop them because I can’t play on Panthers Sunday. into the “In a way it’s still a wholesome finals in the Ruby activity in its own kind of way, being part of the team and the commitment Series. (that comes with that). They’ve been Picture: really supportive and understanding Kevin Farmer of that.”

From opposing the Panthers to being a key member of the team, Nicholson said the recent form of the side hasn’t come as a shock.

“I noticed last year that they had some really promising up and coming players, especially at the shooting end,” she said.

“They were definitely on the way up, and I’m super excited to now be a part of that.

“My personal goal for the team was to be in the top four, and I think we’ve got a huge chance of getting into the finals if we keep our effort up.

“We look at little goals during a game, like winning a five-minute period or winning moments in a game.”

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Arts

Style book reviews

STYLE 54

A PSALM FOR THE WILD-BUILT

BY BECKY CHAMBERS

THE OTHER SIDE OF PERFECT

BY MARIKO TURK

Reviewed by Jessica Kramer

Reviewed by Jessica Kramer

A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a beautiful and immersive novella by a well-renowned science-fiction author who, I am ashamed to say, I had not read before.

The tale follows Sibling Dex, a monk who leaves their life in the city to pursue something else – a kind of restlessness they can’t put their finger on, but that initially seems at bay by becoming a tea monk.

Centuries ago, the robots of Panga became self-aware and left human civilization to live in the wilderness without disturbance, promising to check in with humanity from time-to-time – however, they were never seen again and have since faded into legend.

Then, one day, Sibling Dex’s peaceful existence is upended by the arrival of one such robot, who is on a mission to answer the question “what do people need?” for the rest of its clan.

The world-building in A Psalm for the Wild-Built is impressively thorough for a short story and does not rely on an ‘info dump’, but rather weaves details throughout the lush narrative.

The main character is likeable, complex and relatable, and the novella does not shy away from some deep and human topics through the experiences and thoughts of Dex. What struck me most, however, was how I kept coming back to A Psalm for the Wild-Built, not as an addictive ‘must find out what happens next’ behaviour, but as a peaceful sanctuary and escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

I certainly recommend Chambers’ work.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built is published by Tordotcom and will be released on Tuesday, July 13.

As someone who does not often read or like contemporary young adult fiction, it surprised me to really enjoy The Other Side of Perfect.

Did I get annoyed at the protagonist at times? Yes. But did I still understand her and have empathy for her in those times?

Absolutely.

Overall, this says to me that Mariko Turk can write a fantastically relatable and ‘real’ character.

Alina Keeler has been dancing since she was very small and has her entire ballet career mapped out, until a tragic fall shatters her leg and future in dance.

At normal high school – instead of at preprofessional dance school – after a summer spent healing and isolating herself, Alina begrudgingly joins the school musical with her new friend.

However, while she compares these rehearsals to her past life, Alina discovers more than she expected – such as her annoyingly attractive classmate Jude.

But if she relaxes into this new normal, doesn’t that mean making peace with the fact she’ll never dance ballet again? And how can she reconcile the love she still has for ballet with the acknowledgment of the racism she and her friend faced in the industry?

In addition to being a great read and realistic interpretation of trauma and going through a big change at a critical time in life, this book is an eye-opener to the amount of subtle racism and/or microaggression experienced by people.

It’s difficult to say any more without including spoilers, so I shall conclude thus: Read this book!

The Other Side of Perfect is published by Allen & Unwin and was released on Tuesday, May 11.

Horoscopes

LEO

to your life. Sure, sometimes it is like living with ticking time bombs but all in all the more the merrier and I do believe there will be a big announcement very soon. Blue or pink?

JUL 24 – AUG There is nothing better than snuggling up near a warm fire with someone you love.

Boy, has life changed for you over the past few months. It is all down to living life to the fullest. Think warm fire, chilled champagne, chocolate and a few romantic tunes to bring back your mojo. If that doesn’t work, then spend up big so you at least wow your friends coming into winter.

SAGITTARIUS

VIRGO

AUG 24 – SEPT Work will be important to you over the next few months as it will be time to make that decision. Do you invest more time into making your career aspirations achievable?

Family can assist you during this time; make sure that there are many moments that bring loving memories to hold onto as your career could take you away from the family unit.

LIBRA

SEPT 24 – OCT 23 Libra, you have finally reached a happy medium of life, love and balance. Your family is growing and with it more challenges that are met with ease. What seemed important to you six months ago is now just a distant memory. Career goals are looking brilliant for the remainder of the year. Do I see a promotion? Yes, it could be on the cards.

SCORPIO

OCT 24 – NOV 22 Could there be an addition to the family on the horizon? I can hear the baby footsteps from here, Scorpio. You love being surrounded by your children; they bring joy

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 23

It could be a tough month as June saw you battling problems that will have you seeing red for a long time. It could be something simple as losing a piece of beloved jewelry or more severe as your job in jeopardy.

Don’t worry too much though, lost treasures are often where you least expect to find them, and new careers can lead you to a better future.

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

NOV 23 – DEC 22 June is just the beginning of an amazing period in your life. Career goals can be made now with the benefits to your family tenfold. Being your own boss is a goal for every Sagittarian: you relish being in control. One of your chief achievements is being able to recognise a target and aim true. Promotions are calling; are you up for the challenge?

CAPRICORN

DEC 23 – JAN 20 Perched like the proverbial mountain goat, you enjoy the thrill of standing close to the edge, giving everyone around you heart flutters, but you are perfectly in control. Expect the unexpected this month, Capricorn. As you work your way up the corporate ladder, be careful that you don’t slip on one of the rung;s those things are dangerous. Lady luck could also be with you with an unexpected windfall scheduled, which is always welcome.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 – FEB 19 You are back on track this month! Getting back into fitness and training makes not only your body stronger but also your mind. It may have been a little topsy turvy over the past six months, however you have got this downpat now. There could be a couple of hiccups along the way but all in all you are destined for success.

PISCES

FEB 20 – MAR 20 Boy that fishbowl can get quite icy during winter so it pays to keep yourself occupied by hobbies that don’t require having to face the cold world outside.

Take up a new hobby, perhaps crochet or knitting to keep you warm, and what better way to keep icicles off your home than with a loving hug from a project you have created to fill in those cold nights.

ARIES

MAR 21 – APR 20 Aries, you need a break, and while you cannot tackle the international air travel, there are certainly jaunts that can be taken closer to home. Go horse riding in New Zealand or white water rafting in Tasmania. Don’t worry about the rest of the world, just get out there and enjoy life it is for living.

TAURUS

APR 21 – MAY 21 Remember the best is yet to come. This period in life is one of growth, development and study. If dreaming of going back to study, now is the time; choose your career path and let nothing stand in your way. Charge on and you will succeed brilliantly.

GEMINI

MAY 22 – JUN 21 Gemini, it is time you took yourself away for a long overdue holiday with someone special. It has been tough since you last celebrated a birthday with pomp and splendor, so drag out your suitcase packing for whatever occasion or event attracts your attention. Don’t forget to be daring could it be skydiving or perhaps skinny dipping in the ocean. Your call.

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 STYLE 55

Events

JULY

TOOWOOMBA ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR SATURDAY, JULY 10, AND SUNDAY, JULY 11 WHERE: Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale Rd, Toowoomba WHAT: Held from 9am to 4pm on the Saturday and 9am to 2pm on the Sunday, the Toowoomba Antique and Collectors Fair promises to be a quality day for both avid collectors and the simply curious alike.

Expect a variety of vintage and antique items, like estate jewelry, clothing, furniture, comics, TV and movie memorabilia, and other collectables.

COST: $8 adult, children under 14 free

BLACKSMITHING BASICS WORKSHOP SATURDAY, JULY 17, AND SUNDAY, JULY 18, FROM 8AM TO 4PM DAILY

WHERE: Cobb+Co Museum, 27 Lindsay St, East Toowoomba WHAT: Learn the basics of the art of blacksmithing and create your very own set of tools at this ever-popular workshop weekend.

Instructor Terry Drennan has been teaching blacksmithing courses at Cobb and Co for more than 15 years, as well as having an award-winning background since starting his training as a blacksmith and farrier in Melbourne at 21 years old. This weekend will have Terry teach you how to make a set of basic blacksmith tools including a cold chisel, hot cutter, round punch, oval punch, centre punch and tongs. You’ll also learn basic skills like operating a forge and using tools and the anvil. Group numbers are capped to provide the best assistance, so booking as soon as possible is recommended.

COST: $410 – includes all materials and meals

THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRESENTS

A diverse selection of styles and meaning, beautifully executed...

SATURDAY 14 AUG 7:30PM Empire Theatre empiretheatre.com.au

Queensland Ballet is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland

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Queensland Ballet Company Artist Tonia Looker Creative Direction Designfront Photography Jez Smith

Events

Get out and see the region this month NATIONAL PYJAMA DAY FRIDAY, JULY 23

TOOWOOMBA ORCHID SHOW SATURDAY, JULY 17, AND SUNDAY, JULY 18, 8.30AM TO 4PM DAILY WHERE: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, corner of James and Phillips streets, Toowoomba City WHAT: Come and see the magnificent flowering Cymbidiums and Cattleyas along with many other flowering orchids. The Toowoomba Orchid Society members will also be available to answer any questions you may have.

COST: $4 adults, under 15 years old free

RENAL RACE DAY: CHRISTMAS IN JULY SATURDAY, JULY 17, FROM 4PM WHERE: Clifford Park Racecourse, Hursley Rd, Newtown WHAT: The Renal Race Day will feature live racing, yabby races and plenty of raffles and auctions to be won.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION

The race day will be held in the Clive Berghofer Grande Atrium with funds raised benefiting the Toowoomba Hospital Renal Unit and Emerge Cafe.

COST: $80

QMUSIC CONNECT PROGRAM: THE BUSINESS OF PLAYING LIVE TUESDAY, JULY 13, 6.30PM TO 8PM WHERE: Empire Theatre, 54-56 Neil St, Toowoomba City WHAT: The second workshop in a program in Queensland for music, the Toowoomba event will cover ‘the business of playing live: how to deliver a gig to the best of your ability’. Learn the techniques to light up the stage and enhance any gig, with industry experts taking participants through gear, tips and tricks, and instructions on how to use lighting to make a performance memorable and professional.

COST: Free

WHERE: Toowoomba WHAT: Gather your friends, family, students or co-workers - it’s time to throw on your PJs & raise money to support kids in foster care.

National Pyjama Day is all about wearing your favourite pair of PJ’s to help The Pyjama Foundation raise much-needed awareness and funds for children in foster care.

With the money raised from National Pyjama Day, you’ll be helping The Pyjama Foundation offer learning skills to more than 1000 children, fund educational resources and help provide stable, positive relationships. The process is easy: simply register your interest at nationalpyjamaday.com to receive your free Pyjama Day host kit. Your host kit will be filled with everything you need to plan, promote and organise your event. Then set up your fundraising page, drum up some donations, and get to planning your event.

COST: Donations

QUEENSLAND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AND MOTORING EXPO FRIDAY, JULY 30, TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 8.30AM TO 4PM DAILY WHERE: Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale Rd, Toowoomba WHAT: The Queensland Outdoor Adventure & Motoring Expo is the region’s largest outdoor adventure expos.

Featuring dozens of exhibiting companies, you will find a massive display of caravans and camper trailers, hybrids, vehicles and accessories, holiday and tourism providers, tools,

gadgets and so much more. There’s plenty to see and do at the event, with great entertainment for the whole family and prizes to win.

COST: Adults $15 single day or $18 for a threeday pass; Seniors $13 single day or $15 for a three-day pass; children 16 and under free with paying ticket

USQ TOOWOOMBA VINNIES SLEEPOUT FROM 5.30PM FRIDAY, JULY 30, TO 7AM SATURDAY, JULY 31 WHERE: University of Southern Queensland, West St, Darling Heights WHAT: Close to 500 people are homeless in Toowoomba - in the wider Darling Downs and Southern Downs region that figure climbs towards 700. This event aims to give the community an opportunity to make a difference to the lives of those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, with USQ and Vinnies Youth Toowoomba working together to organize the sleepout. There will be activities, light supper/breakfast, guest speakers and of course, the opportunity to sleepout for the night. A series of education activities will be hosted between 5.30pm and 9pm as well.

COST: Donations at vinniesqld.grassrootz.com/2021-vinniescommunity-sleepout-usq-toowoomba

Expert care for your skin concerns General Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine appointments available

ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS PRP THERAPY / VAMPIRE FACIAL HIFU NON-SURGICAL NECK & FACE LIFT

ACNE / ROSACEA MANAGEMENT SKIN NEEDLING & SCAR REVISION MELASMA / DEPIGMENTATION THERAPY

Call 4566 0580 | 68 Neil Street, Toowoomba | skinrepaircentres.com.au STYLE 57

Social

Lee Kernaghan was the special guest at The Chronicle Club dinner at City Golf Club onJune 11.

A great night out THE CHRONICLE CLUB DINNER Loyal Chronicle customers arrived at City Golf Club dressed to the nines on Friday, June 11, to meet country singer Lee Kernaghan and enjoy a wonderful meal.

Pictures: Bev Lacey

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Keely Everstyn (left) and Kelly Cassidy.

Emma and Wayne Quade.

Social

Skye Prasser, Sharon Culpan and Cassie Culpan.

Jim and Bev Aulbury with Shennae Gulbransen and Tracey McMah.

Jason and Leita Fien.

Anthony Grima with Graham Beer and Wayne Shelley.

Meaghan Norris and Jason Milligan.

Matt Brooking and Caroline Gillies.

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Uniquely you.

Plan ahead for your 80s and 90s, and stay true to you.

For safer independent living with aged care available onsite, visit yukana.org.au or talk with our team.

Retirement Living and Aged Care

07 4631 5678 | 258 Spring Street, Toowoomba