Style magazine Toowoomba - May 2023

TOOWOOMBA MAY 2023

MAGAZINE

THE WEDDING EDITION

Brianna&Ben tie the knot at Preston Peak Local women kicking goals in STEM

FA SH I O N

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S H OP P I N G

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H E A LT H

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BE A UT Y

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HO ME

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T R AV E L

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FOOD

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EVEN TS

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ARTS

LONG CHAMP SANKEY FRASER | Your One Stop Shop for the last 100 Years

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

SANKEY FRASER | Your One Stop Shop for the last 100 Years

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

Welcome to the May edition of Style magazine! We’re excited to bring this issue to you, and we have lots of great stories for you to sink your teeth into.

Journalist Megan Masters had a chat to a few incredible women in STEM based around the Darling Downs, who have been nominated for Queensland Museum’s 2023 Queensland Women in STEM Prize (p8).

We also caught up with para-equestrian Rhiannon Anderson, a truly inspirational young woman living with muscular dystrophy (p54).

This issue is also our special wedding edition and you can find your guide to the Big Day from page 32, as well as a look at what to wear as a guest (p12), how to cater your own wedding (p26) and plenty of recipes to do so from page 28.

Finally, don’t forget to check out Dr Clive’s advice on relationships on pages 18-19, and send your own questions in for inclusion to style@news.com.au Enjoy the final month of autumn, and we’ll see you next month!

The Style team xx

Brianna and Ben Brooks-Veivers were married at Preston Peak Winery Function Centre. Image by Black & Co Photo.

@stylemagazinestoowoomba

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Meet some of our region’s incredible women in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics industry

WRITERS Jessica Kramer, Melanie Collins, Megan Masters, Jenna Martin, Savaira Ratukula, Alyssa Welke, Mariam Digges, Hayley Hinze SUB EDITORS Cam Ward, Alyssa Welke DESIGN Paul Hunter, Justine Costello GENERAL MANAGER Erika Brayshaw STYLE MAGAZINE TOOWOOMBA CONTACT DETAILS style@news.com.au Level 1/5 Keefe Street, Toowoomba City PO BOX 40, Toowoomba QLD 4350

STYLE 4

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Get the low-down on transeasonal fashion trends

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Cater your own wedding with a range of recipes for all tastes

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COVER STORY Your perfect wedding

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WELLNESS Going it alone

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ADVERTISING FEATURE Your ultimate wedding guide

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TRAVEL Gorge-ous destinations

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FEATURE One step ahead

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RELATIONSHIPS Ask the relationship expert

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WEDDING Dasiy and Gian’s special day

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SPORT Freedom of body and mind

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FASHION Wedding wear decoded

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WELLNESS Couple travels for charity

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ANNIVERSARIES June and Ron celebrate 65 years

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BUSINESS Strong foundation is vital

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COMMUNITY Bespoke designs, worthy cause

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FOOD How to cater your own wedding

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HOME & LIVING Going for gardening gold

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STARS Your May horoscopes

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advertising feature

We even have one wedding coming up that will include dishes from family recipes STYLE 6

feature

Your perfect wedding Planning a wedding can easily turn into one of the most stressful times of a couple’s life, but the team at Preston Peak Winery Function Centre has everything on hand to make planning that special day a dream

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or venue owner and executive chef Rick Osborne, the joy of helping couples plan an individual experience full of personality has never worn off.

“We try to steer away from selling weddings, as we prefer to sell the wedding experience,” he said.

“That’s what my team does really well.

“It’s your day, not what we think your day should be.”

Mr Osborne said Preston Peak offered so much more than the average wedding location.

“We are more than just a venue,” he said.

“With over 15 years combined experience in wedding planning, hospitality and functions, you can be assured our team has the knowledge, thoughtfulness and style to ensure every detail has been considered, ensuring your day runs like a dream.”

Mr Osborne and the team work together to host more than 170 weddings each year at the stunning function centre, which boasts a chapel, function centre, stunning grounds, and two luxury homes nearby to cover every couple’s wedding day needs, all just a 10 minute drive from Toowoomba.

The highly experienced, friendly team can help their brides and grooms plan just about every element of their special day, from picking the perfect menu to giving advice about photographers and musicians.

Even the smallest details are included, such as refreshments at the Bridal Cottage, an optional wedding morning rehearsal, use of the venue’s golf buggy to get around effortlessly, high tea and sparkling wine served in the cottage, lawn games to entertain guests while the couple is having photos taken, fairy lights throughout the grounds for stunning photos, and two magnificent houses to sleep up to 18 guests on the wedding night.

Venue wedding planner Bri BrooksVievers knows first-hand how easy and fun Preston Peak can make wedding planning after tying the knot with husband Ben there last June.

Mrs Brooks-Vievers said even rain on their big day didn’t dampen the incredible experience, which turned out to be a heartfelt day filled with joy, leaving an album bursting

Ben and Preston Peak wedding planner/ manager Brianna Brooks-Veivers married in mid-2022. Pictures: Black & Co Photo

with beautiful memories thanks to the venue’s stunning surrounds.

She recommended couples book a tour of the venue and have a chat with the team even if they had visited for other occasions in the past.

“We’ve had quite a few upgrades even in the four-and-a-half years I’ve worked here,” she said.

“There are a lot of little bits and pieces that have changed, like adding in more photo spots.

“We now have a big outdoor swing, a water feature and other special spots.”

She said another thing that had changed was the tastes and budgets of couples, with brides and grooms more confident in making unusual and individual choices with their planning and food.

“We’re a one-location venue,” she said.

“We can host both the ceremony and reception and we try to make the packages all-inclusive so it’s easy.

“Couples can then add on little extras or make changes if they choose, which can include anything like fireworks, on-table family-style banquets or even a pizza supper.

“We even have one wedding coming up that will include dishes from family recipes.”

Couples looking to perfect their wedding feast are treated to trial runs for tasting, ensuring the perfect palate pleasers on the big day.

Other optional extras include amazing details such as chocolate fountains, live cooking, food bar and supper, tapas boxes, and a barber package.

The team can also offer advice on a range of services from industry associates that includes photography and videography, celebrants, cakes, wedding attire, personalised gifts, wedding transport and limousines, photo booths, travel agents and party hire.

Mrs Brooks-Vievers said while the focus was quite rightly on the happy couple, every care was taken to ensure guests had the time of their lives as well.

Gone were the days of guests shuffling around in their wedding day finery, waiting for hours between ceremony and reception.

After the ceremony, guests can enjoy canapes, magnificent views, and try their hand at a game of lawn chess or croquet while the happy couple get the perfect shots with their photographer throughout the grounds.

Far from being a weekend-only venue, Mrs Brooks-Vievers said mid-week weddings were becoming more popular than ever, with nuptials taking place at the gorgeous venue on any day of the week.

To find out more about Preston Perak Winery and Function Centre’s ability to bring your perfect wedding day to life, visit prestonpeakfunctions.com.au or phone 0418 865 336.

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ALICE CLARK

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ONE STEP AHEAD Where once most professionals in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields were men, women are on the rise, writes Megan Masters

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espite making outstanding contributions to the industry, women across Queensland remain under-represented in leadership roles and are often under recognised for their efforts to innovate and enhance the wellbeing of the communities they serve.

In an effort to provide recognition and highlight these profound contributions, Queensland Museum has launched the 2023 Queensland Women in STEM Prize and the Darling Downs has plenty to offer.

Here are three of the region’s nominees for this year’s awards.

NYAKUOY YAK Harristown State High School graduate Nyakuoy Yak’s mum had one wish for all her children: to finish high school.

She got more than she bargained for with this daughter, who is currently a PhD candidate at University of Queensland (UQ) working on bridging the gap between physics and biology to change the face of the industry.

Miss Yak said her family were refugees who came to Toowoomba when she was a child and her unique perspective has left her with an endless passion to share her love of science with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

One of the hardest parts of her love of STEM was deciding which area to pursue.

STYLE 8

or site engineer Alice Clark, there is no feeling better than the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life from the ground up.

Miss Clark is working on the MacIntyre Wind Farm, just outside of Warwick, and said the sight of a bare patch of earth coming to life to create renewable energy solutions couldn’t be beaten.

The 1026MW wind farm precinct is due for completion next year and will provide green energy equivalent to the power needs of 700,000 households.

“We started here with just holes in the ground and I get to see the entire thing from start to finish,” she said.

“I get to be out in the field working with amazing people and these are the things that I really loved while studying engineering.”

The decision to go into civil engineering wasn’t completely straightforward, however.

All she had to go on in the beginning was a love of science and maths, but the career path slowly materialised as she progressed through her studies and followed her passions.

She said it was a message she was keen to pass on to young people looking to work in STEM. “Doing my degree, I didn’t know if this was my diehard passion, but now I wouldn’t do anything else,” she said.

“I can’t pinpoint before age 15 or 16 knowing anything about engineering.

“We have a lot of maths and science in my family, but no engineers.”

She said a seed of inspiration came during high school work experience, where she had the opportunity to shadow some engineers at Ford, but it was ultimately through following her interests during university studies that helped her finally nail down civil engineering as her passion.

“My advice to the younger generations is to take every opportunity and try as much as you can,” she said.

“You can’t imagine every career out there and I think there is a perception, especially in school, that you should know exactly what you want to do.”

Miss Clark said she had lofty goals for the future in helping the country to achieve sustainability and better communities, so working on the wind farm project was the perfect step on the ladder to her future.

“I have high senior leadership aspirations and can see myself leading projects or getting up there in the company I’m in,” she said of her goals for the future.

“That’s what my sights are set on. I want to drive cultural and organisational change and champion the values of diversity and sustainability.”

“I got a scholarship to come to UQ to do science and I was going to do biomed, then I did physics for a bit, so I needed to figure out what I wanted to do,” she said.

“My biggest love turned out to be cell biology, and I don’t really mind what type of cell, I just want to understand how they work.”

To cut a long story short, her work with UQ’s state-of-the-art microscopes led her to notice a crucial communication gap between the physicists that produce the equipment and the cell biologists who use them.

While studying phagocytosis, which boils down to the process by which cells consume particles, she had access to a high-end microscope that cemented her love of microscopy.

At this point she came to the realisation that one of the reasons the imaging equipment used to study cells was imperfect for the things that cell biologists would like to use them for, was that physicists aren’t experts in cell biology.

She has now made it her goal to work in a niche called optical biology that exists at the crossover between the two fields, with the ultimate objective being to learn the language that will allow equipment to become more highly specialised and cell biologists to make important breakthroughs in fields such as immunology.

The importance of this goal and Miss Yak’s significant abilities were recognised

by Westpac Bank, which provided her with a scholarship opportunity that not only

feature

TARNYA McBURNEY

Alice Clark

allows her to work on her PhD, but also travel the world to visit the labs where cutting edge imaging equipment is produced.

Miss Yak said despite the issues facing STEM research in Australia, which include a lack of funding for niche areas of science that are less appealing to potential sponsors who don’t understand them, she would love to advance the microscopy field so the Australian industry was less reliant on expensive overseas expertise.

She said it was difficult for young STEM professionals to settle in Australia with the lack of funding opportunities, leading to an exodus of talent to countries that have better opportunities.

“It will be a challenge, but I would really love to stay in Australia and work here.”

If there is one message Tarnya McBurney wants to get across to young women, it’s that you don’t necessarily have to be a maths whiz or aspire to work in a lab to get into the STEM industry.

Mrs McBurney works for Russell Mineral Engineering (RME) in Toowoomba as a product manager, but comes from a background of marketing.

Just a few years ago, the job she is currently in didn’t exist, but the unique intersection of her talents and interests, coupled with the growing needs of the global engineering supplier, led to the creation of a new department that functions as a go-between for engineers and mining companies.

She said mill relining was one of the most specialised and important tasks in maintaining a mineral processing plant, so listening to the needs of mining specialists and using her expertise to effectively communicate those needs to the engineers at RME was crucial to identifying the right products and the best technologies to solve their problems.

“I actually come from a different angle than most people in the STEM industry in that I came through marketing and customer service,” she said.

“It has been a big learning curve but I’ve enjoyed working with the engineers and being able to translate technical jargon into common language.

“We saw that there was a big need in the customer side to have that technical information explained, so a whole department was created for it.”

Mrs McBurney said she loved the challenge of learning a highly technical role at the same time as pursuing her passion of helping people and facilitating communication.

She believes women can offer the industry a unique perspective and skillset, both of which she has the opportunity to flex in her role.

Her experience in graphic design, customer experience and marketing communication all combine to give her the ability to construct and create new technologies to help solve customers’ real-life problems.

It was a career path she could never have foreseen as a youngster who was never considered an “academic” as she suffered from dyslexia and often struggled at school.

“I’m very proud to be able to achieve the same as others,” she said.

“I just had to work a little harder and longer to achieve what I have achieved. I hope these qualities, and this path, makes me a good role model for women and girls aspiring to work in STEM.” At the time of publication, Mrs McBurney was gearing up to head to a conference in South Africa to develop her professional skills and looked forward to more global opportunities in the future.

Tarnya McBurney on the job.

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fashion

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utumn is – for many people – their favourite time of year. Not too hot, not too cold, it’s the Baby Bear’s porridge of seasons. It’s also a time loved by fashionable folk because autumn offers endless scope for fun and fabulous dressing. Summer clothes can be made cosy – just add a sweater over that sundress – while winter clothes can be layered and lightened up with the right accessories. And while traditional autumn favourites like jumpers, slacks and scarfs are always in vogue, here are some of the key 2023 trends to help shape your trans-seasonal wardrobe.

The ultimate transeasonal style guide

Oversized everything Summer brought with it oversized tees and long, drapey dresses, and that larger-than-life trend will continue through the cooler months.

From blazers to boyfriend shirts and long denim skirts, the bigger and more oversized the better. The key is finding pieces that have a relaxed fit – and a relaxed vibe – giving a nod to menswear but one that is distinctly feminine.

Another oversized trend is long shorts. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: shorts are for summertime.

But not when you give them a coolclimate makeover and wear them long, lean and tailored. Look for Bermuda-style shorts that skim the knee. A tailored style works great for the office, or go for denim for a weekend of running errands.

The best thing about oversized pieces is that they are versatile. Pair your oversized blazer with a pair of shorts for a chic and unexpected look, or go boho in a denim skirt and oversized sweater. Don’t be afraid to play with proportion and experiment with different textures and prints.

As the days get shorter and cooler, fall in love with these hot fashion trends from Jenna Martin Sheer perfection The weather may be cooling, but that doesn’t mean you have to completely rug up. Embrace one of this year’s hottest trends: sheer dressing.

Offering an understated, classy way to show some skin, sheer fabrics can be layered for impact and elegance.

Layer a sheer shirt over a lacy dress, or wear it under a leather bomber for a look that is cool, classy and autumnappropriate.

Matchy-matchy You may have noticed matching sets everywhere in summer: playsets and camis, skirts and tops and we’re here to report that as the seasons change, they’re still going strong. A versatile option for any occasion, matching button down sets, pant suits and silky lounge-wear all help you look polished, streamlined and put together when worn as one and best of all, can be mixed and matched across your wardrobe, making them perfect for any occasion.

Bomber jackets and utility dressing A great jacket is a must-have for transseasonal fashion and autumn 2023’s jacket of choice is undoubtedly the bomber. Whether you opt for leather, corduroy or something else entirely is up to you, but the cut is key: you want it short and boxy, perfect for throwing STYLE 10

Knee-high boots

over jeans or tailored slouchy suit pants or styled over an oversized shirt or a slip dress for an edgy evening look.

Carrying on from the ‘bomber’ look, 2023 is seeing a trend when it comes to utility dressing. We’re talking trench coats, pocket detailing and cargo pants. Go for a tailored look in a neutral colour palette and dress your cargos up with a heel and matching jacket or a shirt and soft knit.

Boots are a cool-weather staple, but let’s face it: there are boots and then there are boots. This autumn, make a statement in knee high boots. Go for a classic camel or dark brown or opt for timeless elegance in black. Pair with a long denim skirt and a cosy sweater or a midi dress and a biker jacket for those colder days.

’90s dressing But wait there’s more: It’s not just the cargo pants, the slip dresses and the sheer tops. Yes, the

90s are back in a big way, with the decade having a huge impact on autumn dressing. Think bright colours, pastel pinks, low-rise jeans and a crop-top paired with an oversized fluffy cardigan, jumpsuits or a slip skirt paired with a lacy top, vintage tee or even a corset. In other words, if what you want – what you really, really want – is to be on trend this autumn, slip into your Doc Martens, throw on a choker or just go all out and embrace your inner Spice Girl.

giveaway

Lucky day Hyundai giveaway the driving force behind ultimate Sunday Sesh at The Rock

T The Rock Hyundai Sundai winner Nick Tory with Kenneth Wagner.

he ultimate Sunday sesh held at The Rock pub saw Toowoomba’s Nick Tory walk away with the keys to a brand new Hyundai i30.

The hit event, which was held on Sunday, March 26, was the culmination of the Hyundai “Sundai” giveaway promotion.

To enter, any person aged over 18 who bought the Steak & Schooner deal at The Rock Top Bar on a Sunday from midday December 4 last year and 4pm on March 26 was eligible to enter. The winner was drawn at the Ultimate Sunday sesh party, which included live music by the ever popular and talented country singer Luke Geiger.

The Rock venue manager Libby Coghlan said the Ultimate Sunday Sesh party was a great time for everyone who attended.

“Everyone had a great time – there were great drinks, food, steaks and lots of people enjoying the brilliant weather up in the Top Bar,” she said.

“There was a really great party vibe with

Luke Geiger performing adding to that. We had 150 entries made on the final day, and the kitchen did a great job delivering great steaks.”

The Rock was delighted to partner with West Star Hyundai Toowoomba in giving away the latest Hyundai i30.

The giveaway was also sponsored by Balter Brewers, Stanbroke Foods and Wagner IT Consulting, which saw more than 800 entries over the 17 weeks of the competition.

Libby said Luke Tory was present when it was drawn.

“The winner was stoked on the day,” she said.

“When we drew it, there was 10-15 seconds of silence and he was right at the back of the bar.

“And then he stood up and yelled out ‘That’s me’ and came running up.

“He was very generous and put a bar shout on for everyone at the bar, he got his key and then drove the car out the following day.”

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fashion

Wedding wear decoded The date has been set, the invitation has arrived. Now the hard part: choosing an outfit for the big day. Toowoomba stylist Amanda Herron helps us navigate wedding-day dress codes

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eddings are such joyous events. And being invited to join in on a day filled with love, happiness and excitement is something to be celebrated. But for many guests, choosing the right outfit can be a challenge. With so many dress codes to choose from, figuring out what to wear can be difficult.

To help us navigate the world of wedding wear, we called on Toowoomba personal stylist Amanda Herron from Art of Style (to book a styling session or check out more fashion tips, visit Amanda’s website artofstyle.com.au).

Amanda has helped many clients in their search for the perfect wedding outfit, and she’s discovered there’s a method to selecting just the right style. Here are her tips on choosing what to wear to a wedding.

Wedding guest “As a guest, you want to blend in so as not to distract from the wedding party,” says Amanda.

“You definitely don’t want to draw attention away from the special couple.”

Amanda recommends using the wedding time and location as a starting point.

“Is it an afternoon garden wedding? Or something more formal at a premium location?

You want to dress up or down accordingly, and pay special attention to footwear – grass is not kind to a stiletto heel,” she says.

bag or handheld clutch.

Amanda’s picks for wedding guest outfits: Portmans, City Chic, Review, Forever New, Wayne Cooper, Alice McCall.

Mother of the bride or groom

Avoid eye-catching colours, like bright red, orange or yellow, Amanda suggests, and instead choose a shade that will harmonise with the bridal party.

“If you can’t tell what colour theme the wedding will be from the invitation, ask the bride what colour the bridesmaids are wearing,” she says. “By advising her that you don’t want to clash – or worse, look like one of the bridesmaids – you are indicating that you’re being thoughtful in your own attire and attention to detail, which brides appreciate.”

Amanda says opting for a dress over a pantsuit is ideal, as well as a matching over-the-shoulder

ABOVE: The trend of letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses is growing in popularity.

RIGHT: As the mother of the bride or groom, choose a style that’s a little glamorous and makes you feel good, but be careful not to go overboard with sequins.

This can be a particularly challenging outfit to choose – it’s a big day for the mother of the bride or groom. Amanda suggests talking with your son or daughter about the colours the bridal party will be wearing and choosing something complementary that will look nice in the photos.

“For example, if they have chosen a deep burgundy, steer clear of this colour for yourself and choose something softer like a pastel pink, soft gold or navy that looks harmonious next to burgundy,” says Amanda. “If your son is in a navy blue suit, steer clear of blue (unless it’s a very, very soft pastel) and opt for another colour, like green, silver or beige.”

Choose a style that’s a little glamorous and makes you feel good, says Amanda, but be careful not to go overboard with sequins – a textured fabric is a better option.

“Also, to make things easier on yourself, book in to have your hair and makeup done – there’s nothing worse than having a great outfit, without the finishing touches,” she says, adding that comfortable shoes are essential.

Amanda’s picks for mothers of the bridal party outfits: Sacha Drake, Review, City Chic, Anthea Crawford, Leo Lin, Moss & Spy.

Revamped show to also include Unique and collectables toys ; Exquisite ” lost art “handcrafts ; Warm woolly winter wearables; Craft materials destash area [great bargains.]

Coffee and bakery items.

A special Mothers day outing for a morning tea. Bring your mum and receive a free ticket in the special mothers day cake baked by Three Jacks Baking .

Profits to aid Hope Horizons.

Open 9am to 3 pm Further information 0488 404 637 or 0409 895 584 STYLE 12

Choose-your-own bridesmaid look The trend of letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses is growing in popularity, which can feel like a lot of pressure.

“Most brides have a few guidelines they would like you to follow, but that’s really where their desired amount of control ends and you have to step up and make a decision,” says Amanda, adding that the bride will likely have a style or colour palette in mind, which is the best place to start.

“Communicating with the other bridesmaids is extremely important,” advises Amanda. “And when you do find something you like, get together with your bride and try the dress on for her to make sure she likes it, then share some photos with the other bridesmaids.”

When it comes to style, Amanda says infinity dresses (a gown that can be styled in many different ways) are a popular option.

“Keep accessories simple and check in with the bride if she’d prefer you to wear silver, gold or some other colour,” says Amanda. “Heels should be as comfortable as possible, and practical for the long hours you’ll be spending on your feet, bending down to fluff the bride’s dress.”

Amanda’s picks for bridesmaids: Forever New, Review, plus your local wedding boutiques.

Choose a style that’s a little glamorous and makes you feel good ... but be careful not to go overboard

Dress codes explained Ever been baffled by the suggested dress code on a wedding invitation? With wardrobe directions ranging from white tie to cocktail to semi-formal – it can be hard to decode the dress code. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide what to wear next time a wedding invitation arrives with your name on it.

WHITE TIE This is the most formal of all dress codes – go for floor-length gowns, tailcoats, white bow ties. Dress as though you’re attending the Oscars.

BLACK TIE OR FORMAL Floor-length gowns are expected, also tuxedos, black suits and ties.

COCKTAIL OR SEMI-FORMAL Slightly less formal than black tie, this calls for cocktail-length dresses (below the knee or midi-length), a pantsuit is also acceptable, while men are in a suit and tie.

CASUAL For a laid-back or informal wedding – such as ceremonies being held outside or on the beach – go for a light summer dress or skirt; or dress pants and wedges. Men in a buttondown shirt and dress pants, no tie needed.

NO DRESS CODE If there’s nothing specified on the invitation in regards to wardrobe, think about where and what time of day the event is being held.

Generally, the rule is that it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed – so cocktail-wear is a safe bet – but look for cues in the invitation to help you gauge how formal or informal the event is.

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beauty

Brighter skin Megan Masters tries out Toowoomba’s newest cosmetic skin care business

Artisan Aesthetic Clinic clinician Lizzy.

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s a 40-year-old with a four-yearold, the last few years have definitely taken that youthful glow that I used to take for granted and replaced it with duller, patchier skin and some brand-new frown lines.

So when Artisan Aesthetic Clinic, Toowoomba’s newest cosmetic skin care business, offered to demonstrate the quality of their work, I wasn’t in much of a position to say no.

The friendly team lined me up an appointment for a Hydrafacial with their clinician, Lizzy, and given how long it had been since I had taken any particular care of my skin, I entered with some sense of trepidation that I would feel the silent (or loud) judgment about my skin care “regimen”.

I added the quote marks for emphasis as I’m not entirely certain a quick scrub and smearing around some moisturiser actually counts as a regimen. Probably closer to an afterthought.

All my worry was for nought, however, because while there are many clinicians out there who are very good at their jobs, it turns STYLE 14

out Lizzy has a bedside manner to match her skills.

From the moment I stepped through the door I was greeted by a beautiful, calm atmosphere and a cheerful team, and this welcoming continued right through to the treatment room, which was a confidenceboosting blend of serenity and sterility.

By this, I mean it was sparse enough to feel very clean and business-like, but enough thought had been put in with the aesthetics to take it from hospital-like sterility to calming and comforting.

Lizzy talked me through what my treatment would entail, asked me about my biggest skincare concerns and soon had me relaxed and feeling confident about my Hydrafacial, though I was a little concerned when she told me I could look at what the machine had removed from my pores at the end (spoiler: it really wasn’t bad, but it was certainly interesting to see).

After getting set up on the bed, Lizzy returned to take a look over my face, manually unclog any blocked pores and soon moved on to the signature part of the treatment: the Hydrafacial.

Essentially the specialised machine applies a cleanser and then gently suctions the cleanser off, taking with it dead skin cells and any impurities built up in the pores, leaving you with a significantly fresher complexion.

The whole time I enjoyed a chat with Lizzy, but she was perceptive enough that when I fell silent, she did too, so I’m confident that those who prefer quiet would be equally as accommodated as those of us who love a bit of chatter.

It certainly wasn’t the full facelift and Botox injections that it would probably take to restore that 30s glow to my skin, but I walked away with a marked difference.

Immediately following the treatment my face was still quite shiny and settling, and within 10 or 15 minutes it was close to my normal look, though noticeably fresher, smoother and brighter.

Had I received my treatment on a work lunch break, I likely would have taken advantage of the offer to have one of the experienced staff members apply a fresh coat of foundation, but given I was headed home I decided to give my skin some time to enjoy

the fresh air. It is now three weeks on and my skin is definitely still clearer than it was before my treatment, and I think if I were to maintain a monthly treatment schedule it would make a difference to a smoother and brighter complexion that makes a much better base for my foundation.

At around $200 a treatment, it is one of the most affordable things on the Artisan Aesthetic Clinic treatment menu and certainly worth the money for someone looking to smooth things over with their skin.

For me personally, I loved that there wasn’t any cheesy massage parlour music and that the aesthetic was overall both stylish and minimalistic.

In addition to Hydrafacials, the clinic also offers a wide range of treatments including Botox, fillers and laser work, and each treatment comes with an individualised plan to help you maximise your skincare investment.

Location-wise, the clinic is located on the eastern end of Margaret St in the CBD and offers underground parking off Church St and a rear entrance to the clinic.

“WHILE OTHERS BRING YOUR PROPERTY TO THE MARKET, HELEN AND HANNAH BRING THE MARKET TO YOUR PROPERTY.”

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beauty

Bespoke designs, worthy cause Award-winning jewellery designers Ryley Jewellery Creations are again sponsoring the Balloon Pop prize at LifeFlight Toowoomba Gala 2023 – and they’re more proud than ever to support this community event

S

ince Ryley Jewellery Creations opened its doors in 2013, it’s come a long way.

For almost a decade, the custom, bespoke jewellers have been bringing a light to Toowoomba’s CBD, and have become a renowned destination for award-winning creations.

Under the direction of founder and creative director Ewen Ryley, the team of awardwinning jewellers create unique, handmade jewellery and one-off designs. Whether it’s a bespoke engagement ring, one-off necklace or the remodelling of an existing piece of jewellery, Ryley Jewellery Creations work with you to meet your budget and bring your dreams to life.

This year, once again, Ryley Jewellery Creations is proudly sponsoring an event at the much-anticipated LifeFlight Toowoomba Gala 2023, which will be held on Saturday, May 6, at The Goods Shed in Toowoomba.

The event, which brings together the Darling Downs community, celebrates the incredible work done by the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue service. The gala event consists of dinner,

Last year’s LifeFlight Toowoomba Gala, where Ryley Jewellery also donated a beautiful creation for the Balloon Pop.

dancing and entertainment, as well as a raffle and auction to raise funds to help cover the operating costs of the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue service.

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue is Queensland’s leading community helicopter rescue service, providing emergency response, critical medical care and hospital airlifts to seriously ill and injured people. With an advanced fleet of helicopters and air ambulance jets, the vital rescue service provides the people of Queensland with the assurance that emergency medical care is available 24/7, 365 days a year, no matter where you live.

The LifeFlight Toowoomba Gala 2023 is a critical fundraising event for the organisation.

Ryley Jewellery Creations is sponsoring the Balloon Pop at the gala, proudly donating a stunning Ryley creation.

To find out more about the unique, bespoke designs Ryley Jewellery Creations are known for, visit ryleyjc.com.au, and for more information about the LifeFlight Toowoomba Gala, visit lifeflight.org.au/events

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STYLE 16

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wellness alone can be an intimidating thought for many. But according to Sokarno, it can actually be an effective way to build selfconfidence.

“It’s all about showing yourself some selfcare which has an array of emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical benefits,” she says.

“Self-care promotes positive wellbeing of the body and mind, allowing you to effectively prepare to handle future stressors while promoting confidence and self-esteem.”

It can also be the perfect opportunity to reconnect with yourself. “There are many mental health benefits of spending time alone. However, the biggest one is time to connect with yourself,” Skoarno says.

Are there any downsides?

attending the cinema or going to the zoo.

If you find yourself intimated by a solo date, you’re not alone. Anxiety is a common sensation associated with taking yourself out to dinner, but according to Sokarno, these feelings often stem from “unfounded fears”.

“We often build things up in our brains to a big issue, such as concerns over people looking at us or showing pity towards us, when in reality, others may not even notice that we are alone!” she explains.

Her advice is to practice and take it slow.

“The first time may feel scary, but the more you do it, the more natural you will feel about it all,” she says. “If you find taking yourself on a solo date at a restaurant or a cafe consistently makes you feel uncomfortable, try other activities that might not be as nerve-racking such as going for walks with a coffee or watching a movie.”

It’s also important to remember that socialising is just as crucial, Sokarno said.

“Human interaction and social connection are just as important for our mental health, so it’s imperative that there is a balance between the two,” she explains.

Who is a solo date for?

Solo date ideas

A solo date is for everyone. Even though it has ‘date’ in its name, you don’t have to be single to enjoy it. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married for 20 years or you’re going through a break-up; a solo date is about spending quality time by yourself.

Stuck on an idea for a solo date? Consider doing something that you enjoy.

This can be going for an ocean swim, visiting a museum or connecting with nature.

If that’s not your thing, why not attend a concert alone, be a tourist in your own city, or buy yourself a large bouquet of flowers and chocolates?”

Going it alone Alexandra Feiam explores why solo dates are great for your mental health

H

ave you ever organised a night out with someone special, only to have them cancel on you last minute? Forget bailing on the plans – it’s time to take yourself on a solo date. The latest way to practice self-care is about spending quality time with yourself, just as you would want to be treated on a date.

What is a solo date?

As the name suggests, a solo date is doing

something you would normally do on a date with another person, but alone.

Likely a flow-on effect from the pandemic, there has been an increase in women taking themselves on solo dates. “Many people got used to – even comfortable – spending time alone, and perhaps now they have the confidence to take themselves out,” Lysn psychologist Nancy Sokarno says.

This can, of course, mean going to a fancy restaurant for an expensive dinner, but it can also be something smaller in scale, such as

A new form of self-care Let’s face it – going for dinner or to a movie

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17 STYLE

relationships

Commit to growth, change Writes relationship expert Dr Clive Williams

I

love a public declaration of love and commitment and it’s great to have a party to celebrate a new chapter in our lives. But more importantly, a commitment ceremony is the moment of committing to psychological change.

From here on in, you are required to be different.

This process of psychological change begins with dating. When you met your partner, every interaction is a process of testing the water. Is this someone I can trust? Is this someone who I can be myself with?

This process often happens below our conscious awareness in the outings, in the laughs and the first attempts at conflict and repair (remember giving the cold shoulder is NOT a repair) or when we first face a difficulty together.

As you begin the process of loving

someone, again whether you realise this or not, what is required is to now change the way you think which changes the way you live. As a single person, our main responsibility was to ourselves, to our own needs and self care.

But becoming a couple requires this new way of thinking; not just about me, but what about us? Is what I want, what I am doing, a responsible thing for us?

The wedding or commitment celebration is a one-off (even if you do have another later in life).

This ritual is an event designed to signal your new psychological difference.

The ceremony is where you sign on the doted line your commitment to thinking differently, from not only about me but to now about me and us. ‘I used to spend the wee hours of the morning online playing games but how will that effect us?’ ‘I used to spend money the way I wanted but now how will that effect us?’

One last thing: the planning may seem unending but the event will fly by. Make sure you are in the moment. Enjoy.

Dr Clive Williams, Toowoomba.

Feeling like your relationship has lost its spark?

Sick of your partner always stealing the covers or snoring all night?

Always going on dates with the wrong person?

You can email your questions in to style@news.com.au – or if you prefer traditional mail, send them to PO Box 40, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350.

STYLE 18

Well, you’re in luck: style magazine is bringing back the love advice page!

Send us your love life questions and our resident relationship expert will answer them in a future edition of the magazine.

ask magazine

relationships

Ask the relationship expert Dr Clive Williams is a local psychologist with more than 30 years’ experience, and specialises in professional counsellingfor couple’s relationships, family issues, mental health, grief and more.

Here he answers your relationship questions

Q

A

Where are all the good men?

I’m a 26-year-old female who has a great job, am financially independent, live on my own, have interesting hobbies, and have a good relationship with my friends and family. That being said, I’m tired of men who don’t work, still live with their parents, aren’t educated, get high/drunk, and are ‘mama’s boys’. Are my expectations too high? Or am I just asking for the bare minimum? All I’m looking for is someone who is a normal, decent human being who can commit to being in a relationship, grow together, and spend time together now and in the future.

‘Good men’ – that’s an interesting turn of phrase. So ‘good men’ work, are financially independent, have left home, have interests and friendships? Sounds more like a ‘good’ adult. I’m not sure how the dating scene is these days, but I’m pretty sure most people are looking for love with another adult. The problem is, some of us – both men and women – look grown-up but are internally still childlike. Plus, if this is the case, we probably won’t have the insight to see it within ourselves – it’s a blind spot.

So why are people like this? It’s a multipronged issue: for some, well-intentioned parents have encouraged them to remain childlike through over-parenting; for others, technology has allowed for a life rarely spent outside the parental home and social

A

Q

My friend is really getting on my nerves at the moment – how do I deal with this? We’ve been friends for a few years now, but lately I’m finding it exhausting to spend time with them. My friend wants to chat all day and have lunch every week, and I just do not have the energy for that much interaction. Every time I’ve tried subtly telling them that I need more space, they listen for about half a day and then just keep messaging. I feel like I cannot escape because they see if I’m online and message me. I want to keep being friends, but I need it to go down a couple of levels.

Friends are like oxygen: essential for life. You say that you have ‘subtly’ tried to tell them that you need more space; good.

But it appears subtle isn’t working and so the boundary you are trying to create isn’t holding.

First things first: Tell your friend you value their friendship but give being subtle a miss and be gently direct. Try saying ‘I need more space’.

Secondly, no boundary ever got established with one telling.

They need to be restated whenever a

interactions take place online; for yet others, certain experiences have led to a lack of trust in other people and so they keep to themselves for protection.

What’s more – particularly in regional areas – finding employment and having financial security to launch ourselves into the world may not have happened. A lot more young people are financially dependent on their parents long past their school days.

It may seem like I’m making excuses, but understanding issues is complex. It’s understandable to be frustrated with the people you’ve met not having the qualities you are looking for, but this too is an inevitable part of finding a partner. The ones we reject guide us to the ones that offer more scope.

Keep breathing. Stick to your relationship requirements and be patient. Swear and punch your pillow if you need to, but stay on the quest.

boundary violation happens, in the moment and gently. For example, ‘As I’ve said before, I need space.’

Some friends may declare war on you if in the past you have been at their beck and call.

The change in your behaviour is not to their liking.

Maybe prepare for being blocked on social media. If they do declare war on you for your new boundaries – while it will be sad – remember we need friends, but they need to allow us space to be ourselves.

Do you have a question for Dr Clive? Send it into Style magazine via style@news.com.au

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19 STYLE

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Celebrating excellent doctors E arlier this year, St Vincent’s Hospital recognised the significant contribution of six retiring Toowoomba doctors.

Speaking at a small celebration held in their honour, St Vincent’s Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr Rob Gray farewelled the doctors, most of whom had mentored him at some point in his career.

Dr Gray acknowledged the “peerless contributions” of doctors Clare Farmer, John Hempenstall, Peter Longden, Sonja Nagel, Peter Storey and Mark Wyche to the medical community of Toowoomba and surrounds.

He said the community had benefited greatly from the decades of collective wisdom and experience of the six doctors.

“We are poorer for their loss but entirely grateful for their contribution.

“All are very well known and all have been anchors to our profession for as long as most of us can remember,” Dr Gray said.

He particularly noted the doctors’ capacity for, and ability to manage, change.

“Each of their disciplines has altered beyond recognition since they came to this town to start their careers and each of them have not only coped, but thrived with that change,” Dr Gray said.

Dr Gray described Dr Clare Farmer as his mentor and a voice of reason. He recalled Dr Farmer’s days in the “A & E Department” of the Base Hospital.

“Clare has seen the rise of specialist Emergency Medicine practice, she has witnessed the expansion and commercialisation of emergency medicine and an explosion of volume of presentation as our health system groans under seemingly endless pressure. And through all of that, Clare has remained a committed and skilled generalist who is, first and foremost, a doctor to her patients.”

According to Dr Gray, Dr John Hempenstall was the backbone of urology in Toowoomba for many years.

“He worked a one-in-two roster for the bulk of his career and spent much of this time

Doctors Peter Storey, Mark Wyche, Peter Longden, Sonja Nagel, Clare Farmer and John Hempenstall at their farewell function. in private and public operating theatres at night and on weekends, treating acute urology when there was simply no-one else.

“He too has seen unparalleled change in his discipline: the arrival of young, highly trained and motivated colleagues and the advent of new technologies for which Toowoomba has been at the forefront.”

Dr Gray particularly noted Dr Hempenstall’s dedication to his patients and their health outcome along with a work ethic no longer expected of specialist doctors.

Dr Peter Longden was described as a mentor to many young doctors training in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine.

“Countless of us are quite simply better doctors for having worked with Peter who has a unique talent for guidance and gentle correction,” Dr Gray said.

“As beneficiaries of his teaching, we walked away feeling better and stronger as a person and as a doctor.”

Dr Gray described Dr Longden as an early architect of intensive care medicine in Toowoomba. “He should be very proud to have witnessed the exponential growth we have seen in that discipline.”

Dr Gray said the discipline of rheumatology and Dr Sonja Nagel have been inseparable for as long as anyone can remember.

“Her loyal patients are grateful for her dedication, professionalism and intellect.

“We are grateful for Sonja’s responsiveness and guidance and for introducing us to reams of medicines and therapies,” he said.

Dr Gray described Dr Peter Storey as “the Swiss Army knife of radiology”.

“Having spent decades responding to diagnostic and intervention requests at all hours, and with thoughtfulness and skill, Peter can seemingly do anything with a needle or a catheter in an x-ray suite.

“Peter has been a respected manager, has

overseen the growth of a large and important business and has embraced new technologies which make the grainy CT scans of our early years seem positively primitive.”

Dr Gray said Dr Storey has been a longtime advisor to hospitals and has weathered the difficulties of a restricted and changing workforce, all with grace and integrity.

His final compliments went to Dr Mark Wyche.

“I have huge respect for Mark’s broad and deep wisdom and his skillset.

“He has also overseen a complex and important business which, although always in the background, must be unrecognisable from the pathology lab where he started.

“Mark is a polymath to whom I have turned for opinion and guidance (and entertainment) many times,” Dr Gray said.

“These people should be very proud of where they have taken us.”

We are here for you.

We have been providing safe and expert care to the Darling Downs and South-West Queensland for 100 years.

If you or your family have any medical concerns, see your GP and ask for a referral to a St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba specialist.

21 STYLE

wellness

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be considered in relation to what is required to make a family work. Doing a budget both pre-wedding and post will help to cement what you are able to achieve. Throwing everything at a wedding, to find yourself having a new arrival will add to stress of every day living so plan – and go back to tip 1 if you are not ready for a baby financially!

The other clear point is to consider your leave. If you are planning a wedding and a baby within a shortish period of time, make sure you have not used every single bit of leave for a honeymoon. It is really wise to go into a pregnancy with some leave up your sleeve for unexpected times where you need a break.

4

It’s all about timing My Midwives offer insight into what to consider before trying to conceive

A

utumn and spring in Toowoomba are special times for many new families. This period is where we see lots of beautiful weddings and with that comes the next step of thinking about and planning for a baby.

Recently we presented a series of “what to think about in preconception” on the amazing info site Kiddipedia.

The idea of getting married and then what needs to be considered after this time is important for both partners when it comes to planning or not planning a pregnancy.

The five top tips for preconception are:

STYLE 22

1

If you don’t actively want to be pregnant, then ensure the consistent use of contraception It is a little crazy to say but we see so many babies conceived over the wedding period, not because families choose to try for a baby but because contraception goes out the window! It can be tempting to throw caution to the wind, but it is pretty clear – if you don’t want to have a baby then make sure you are consistent in preventing a pregnancy.

2

It is a good time to consider overall health

Getting ready for a wedding is a stressful

time. It is also though a very good time to consider your overall health. You want to look and feel your best for your big day so make sure you are balancing out all parts of life. Rest, stress, exercise and diet are all excellent things to consider at this point.

Activities as simple as walking every day build consistent routines that translate well across the life span when planning a pregnancy, pregnancy and with a new baby.

3

Consider work, money and leave

When you are getting married, it is a great time to look at your budget. What you are doing with work and career options can

If you ARE pregnant try not to add any massive stresses

One of the regular things we come across are pregnant women who are also planning their own or a family members wedding, building a house or moving, or all of the above.

Pregnancy and especially labour and birth thrive on low levels of stress. Adrenaline is a tricky hormone for labour and birth and so having low stress and low levels of adrenaline in the weeks before having a baby is a super power for having a good labour. Of course, some things cannot be avoided, but DO WHAT YOU CAN to avoid ploughing into everything and doing it all at once.

5

See your GP

If you have a regular GP seeing them for a full check, getting scripts in advance, talking through the prospect of having a baby or when you might have a baby is a great strategy when planning a wedding and/or planning a baby. Sometimes you may not have considered vaccinations for your honeymoon, sometimes you may not have thought about your exposure to sun and medication you are on, sometimes it is a simple as getting a blood test to make sure your overall health is where you thought it was and sometimes it is a check in around contraception. All these things are very useful to those tying the knot or planning a baby.

For more information about options available in Toowoomba for pregnancy care phone our clinic on 1300 982 951 or email toowoomba@mymidwives.com.au

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Bright future for new grads

International Nurses Day 2023 #IND2023

A

new generation of nursing professionals recently joined the team at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital, when 13 graduates joined the private hospital’s esteemed Graduate Nurse Program.

Commencing in February, the cohort hit the ground running immediately and have established themselves early on as valued members of the SATH team.

All graduates will benefit from fortnightly education sessions, supported by the clinical education team and beyond, to help support the growth, knowledge and skill

2023 Graduate Nurse Cohort development as they transition into clinical practice as newly graduated nurses. St Andrew’s has such a rich history in the local community, and the graduate cohort have such valued experience to draw on during their 12-month program.

The SATH programs are highly

competitive and attract incredible interest and talent from across Australia, and we are very fortunate to welcome our 13 graduates from the hundreds of applications, each bringing diversity in skill, experience, personality and culture to St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital.

St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital would like to take this opportunity ahead of International Nurses Day on May 12 to thank our incredible team of nurses who are dedicated to providing exceptional care and service every day.

This year’s theme for this very important day is Our Nurses, Our Future, and St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital is very pleased to be able to support the future of our nurses and this incredible profession.

To all nurses, Happy International Nurses Day! Considering a career in nursing?

Discuss study options with local Tafe and University providers and be sure to visit our website for career opportunities.

23 STYLE

wellness

Couple travels for charity Savaira Ratukula discovers how two educators are using their skills to help a community in Timor-Leste

L

ongstanding Toowoomba music teachers and partners Madeleine Minns and Malcolm Gaydon have dedicated the last ten months to offering their services to a community overseas.

The couple have called the town of Atabae in Timor-Leste home, where they’ve been active volunteers teaching English and helping with animals.

June 2022 saw them pack up their home and embark on the year-long journey.

“Volunteering overseas is something I have always wanted to do and the opportunity to contribute to a community less fortunate than my own has had a huge pull since I was a child,” Madeleine said.

Through Palms Australia, an organisation giving volunteers the chance to be immersed within a community, live in solidarity with the locals and work towards the transfer of skills and knowledge to communities to “become self-reliant”, Madeleine has been able to fulfil her childhood aspiration. “(In Australia) we have all had access to formal education, but we have (also) had so many opportunities to learn (with) music, sport, libraries, computers and travel,” she said.

“The residents of Atabae have not had this.

“Many have not even been to the capital of Dili, been to a movie theatre, eaten at a restaurant or experienced running water.”

With more than 20 years of teaching music at St Joseph’s College under her belt, Madeleine teaches English within the community.

Two educators are using their skills to help a community in Timor-Leste.

Malcolm has worked as a brass teacher for around 40 years, but it was his knowledge as a hobby farmer that he applies to his work in animal husbandry.

“I’ve been advising local people on how to better protect their pigs and chickens from disease, natural remedies to assist with minor medical conditions in animals and better housing options for animals,” he said.

Easy access to water was a challenge for

Malcolm in his work, and Madeleine in their day-to-day living. “With no running water, we have a pump at the well that we fetch the water from and store in buckets for every washing experience,” she said.

Despite the challenges, the couple have had rewarding experiences. “(We’ve been able to) work through difficulties and support each other,” Malcolm said.

“It’s been rewarding to share the experience together.”

Madeleine added “living simply, letting go and making friendships and connections within the community” was another positive.

The couple have also been working to raise awareness for the town’s maternity ward and school classrooms with the hope that access to funding will become available to improve conditions.

“The ward needs repairs to walls and a leaking roof, and the re-establishment of water within the building as it currently has no running water,” Malcolm said.

“Rotary DIK, Brisbane is sending medical equipment such as baby incubators, oxygen masks and hospital beds. “(There is also a) GoFundMe page (aiming) to raise funds for this repair project, and Rotary in Bright, Victoria has generously donated $5000 towards the refurbishment.”

Here, Madeleine has been assisting directors and principals in writing grant proposals to address the inadequate resources.

Classrooms and the lack of textbooks and technology are the main issues for the local Catholic and government schools.

“The classroom situation is dire with broken walls, windows and leaking ceilings,” Madeleine said.

“The toilets are simply horrible (unusable) and each month girls stay at home rather than go to school.

“The lack of technology is (also) preventing students from achieving the goals of their curriculum (because) there are simply no computers for students to use.

“As the senior high school director said ‘without computers we cannot empower our students to learn and engage with technology that is required and expected across all private and public organisations’.”

Returning home to Toowoomba in June this year, Madeleine and Malcolm are aiming to raise money for the “amazing community”.

To donate, head to their GoFundMe page: gofund.me/128e655e

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Caring for women through all stages of their life’s journey.

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At Evolve Women’s Health your needs come first Find us on Facebook or call our office for an appointment.

P: (07) 4688 5533 www.evolvewomenshealth.com.au | St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Toowoomba STYLE 24

2302054

How to cater your own wedding From pizza vans to pop-up burger bars and vegan grazing boards, wedding catering has come a long way since the days of sit-down spreads. There are a world of tasty options out there today for brides and grooms looking to self-cater, writes Mariam Digges

Finger food

This popular format is ideal for big or large groups and offers a laid-back approach to dining that encourages more mingling and time on the dancefloor. Think hand-shucked oysters, house-made bread and house-preserved, dry-aged meats and fermented goodies, designed to be devoured on the go.

Drink stations

Mobile bars are all the rage, and you can do most of the leg work yourself. From dedicated margarita bars to a gin and tonic station – let your imagination (and favourite drink!) guide you.

STYLE 26

Grazing stations For a low-key yet interactive catering option, grazing stations can hit the mark. From the more traditional spreads featuring dips, cheeses, fruits and crackers, to dessert grazing stations and more substantial seafood stations, you can design one for your budget and taste.

food

Food trucks

Similar to food bars, food trucks are – literally – meals on wheels, offering fun, festival-themed good times to your wedding guests. Pizza, barbecue and even ice-cream trucks are just some of the options available.

Paella en masse

Spain’s national rice dish has become a costeffective wedding catering favourite, with plenty of companies cooking paella on mass these days. Some even offer tapas to start and sangria alongside.

Food bars

Sit-down spreads

Pop-up bars have taken off in recent years as a fun, no-fuss wedding catering option. From burger bars to pizza trucks, Texan barbecue and taco bars, available companies will help you set up tables filled with delicious themed spreads for up to 300 guests.

Some of the most popular options include wood-fired pizza bars (including gluten-free and dessert pizza options), burger bars, taco bars, roasts, and Texan barbecue stations, with all the accompaniments and trimmings included.

For some weddings, only a sit-down meal will do.

Some companies will help you elevate the occasion by providing bespoke catering and hiring out all the essentials, such as glassware, crockery, ice buckets, recycled timber tables, and marquees, to make your sit-down soiree as delicious and memorable as possible.

27 STYLE

Mini citrus tarts Serves 8. Prep 1hr 30mins. Cook 50 mins

Best-ever Aussie sausage rolls Makes 18. Prep 20mins. Cook 35mins INGREDIENTS ● 400g sausage mince ● 300g beef mince ● 1 brown onion, coarsely grated ● 1 carrot, peeled, coarsely grated ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● 35g (1/2 cup) fresh breadcrumbs ● 1/4 cup chopped fresh continental parsley ● 2 eggs ● 3 sheets frozen puff pastry, If you want to taste-test a just thawed sausage roll filling before ● 1 tsp sea salt flakes assembling, cook a little ● Kewpie mayonnaise, to serve in a frying pan, then ● Barbecue sauce, to serve taste and adjust ● Fresh coriander sprigs, to serve seasonings.

Try this

METHOD 1 Combine the sausage and beef mince, onion, carrot, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley and one egg in a bowl. Season. Mix until well combined (the mixture will be sticky).

2 Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan forced. Line two baking trays with baking paper. Lightly whisk the remaining egg in a bowl.

3 Cut the pastry sheets in half. Place one-sixth of the mince mixture along centre of each piece of pastry. Brush one long edge with egg. Fold pastry over to enclose the filling, pressing to seal. Cut each roll into thirds. Place the sausage rolls, seam side down, on the prepared trays. Brush the pastry with egg. Use a small sharp knife to pierce the tops a few times to allow steam to escape.

Sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 35 minutes or until cooked and golden.

4 Drizzle sausage rolls with mayonnaise and barbecue sauce. Scatter with coriander sprigs.

INGREDIENTS Filling ● 5 eggs, lightly whisked ● 1 cup (250ml) pouring (pure) cream ● ¾ cup (165g) caster sugar ● 2 tbsp finely grated lemon rind ● ½ cup (125ml) lemon juice Sweet shortcrust pastry ● 1 ½ cups (225g) plain flour ● 1/3 cup (55g) icing sugar mixture ● 125g chilled butter, chopped ● 1 egg yolk ● 3 tsp iced water Candied lemon ● ½ cup (110g) caster sugar ● 1 lemon, thinly sliced Meringue ● 2 egg whites ● ½ cup (110g) caster sugar METHOD 1 To make the sweet shortcrust pastry, place the flour, icing sugar and butter in a food processor and process until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and water and process until the dough just comes together. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until just smooth.

Shape into a disc and cover with plastic wrap.

Place in the fridge for 30 mins to rest.

2 Meanwhile, place the egg, cream, sugar, lemon rind and lemon juice in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 1 hour to chill.

3 Divide pastry into 8 portions. Roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface to a 3mmthick disc. Line eight round 3cm-deep, 8cm (base measurement) fluted tart tins with removable bases with the pastry. Trim excess pastry. Place in the fridge for 30 mins to rest.

4 Preheat oven to 200°C. Line the pastry cases with baking paper and fill with baking weights or rice. Place on a baking tray. Bake for 10 mins. Remove the paper and weights or rice. Bake for 8 mins or until light golden.

Remove from oven. Reduce oven to 150°C 5 Strain the egg mixture through a fine sieve into a jug. Pour evenly among the pastry

cases. Bake for 25-30 mins or until just set. Set aside to cool slightly. Place in the fridge to chill.

6 Meanwhile, to make the candied lemon, line a baking tray with baking paper. Combine the sugar and 1 cup (250ml) water in a small frying pan over medium-low heat. Cook for 3 mins or until sugar dissolves. Add the lemon slices.

Cook, turning occasionally, for 30 mins or until the lemon rind is translucent. Transfer to the lined tray.

7 To make the meringue, preheat grill on low.

Use an electric mixer to whisk egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until firm peaks form.

Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking well after each addition. Continue whisking until sugar dissolves. Spread a little meringue mixture over each tart. Place on a baking tray. Cook under grill for 1 min or until lightly toasted. (Alternatively, use a kitchen blowtorch to toast.)

8 Divide tarts among serving plates. Top with candied lemon.

Tip Make it your way with other citrus fillings – just candy the same fruit for the top.

Li’l lime tarts Use lime rind and lime juice instead of lemon.

Tint with 2-3 drops of green food colouring.

Sunny orange tarts Use orange rind and orange juice instead of lemon. Tint with 2-3 drops each of yellow and red food colouring, if desired.

Zesty grapefruit tarts Use Ruby Red grapefruit rind and Ruby Red grapefruit juice instead of lemon. Tint with 2-3 drops each of pink and yellow food colouring, if desired.

Juicy mandarin tarts Use mandarin rind and mandarin juice instead of lemon. Tint with 2-3 drops of yellow food colouring and 1-2 drops of red food colouring, if desired.

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food

Cheesy garlic bubble bread pull-apart Serves 30. Prep 30 mins. Cook 30 mins INGREDIENTS ● 100g butter, softened ● 5 garlic cloves, crushed ● ½ cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves ● 3 cups bread flour ● 3 tsp instant yeast ● 1 ½ tsp salt ● 1 cup warm water ● 70g cheddar METHOD 1 Combine butter, garlic and parsley in a bowl.

2 Using an electric mixer with the hook attachment, mix flour, yeast and salt until combined. Make a well in centre. Add warm water and 2/3 of the butter mixture. Mix for 10 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic.

Place in a large greased bowl. Cover. Stand in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3 Cut cheese into 30 x 1cm cubes. Grease a

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20cm x 30cm lamington pan with some of the butter mixture (see note).

4 Punch down dough. Cut into 3 portions. Roll each portion into a 20cm long log. Cut each log into 10 equal portions. Working with 1 portion at a time, flatten into a disc. Place a cube of cheese in centre. Fold over dough to enclose and pinch to form a ball. Repeat with remaining dough and cheese. Arrange balls in prepared pan. Brush generously with butter mixture. Cover. Stand in a warm place for 30 minutes.

5 Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan-forced.

Bake for 30 minutes or until golden. Brush with remaining butter mixture. Stand for 10 minutes.

Serve.

Mon-Sun 7.00am - 2.00pm (excluding public holidays)

114 Bellevue St, Toowoomba | (07) 4638 5775 | www.anotherlifecoffee.com.au 29 STYLE

Four-citrus melting moments Serves 20. Prep 40mins.

Cook time 20mins

Vegan buffalo wings Serves 6. Prep 1hr. Cook time 15mins INGREDIENTS ● 1 cup self-raising flour ● 1/4 cup cornflour ● 2 tsp garlic powder ● 1 1/2 tsp sweet paprika ● 1 tsp sea salt ● 1 1/4 cups chilled soda water ● Vegetable oil, for deep-frying ● 1.4kg cauliflower, cut into small florets ● 3/4 cup maple syrup ● 2 tbsp Sriracha chilli sauce Egg-free aioli ● 125g can chickpeas ● 1/2 tsp garlic powder ● 1 tsp Dijon mustard ● 2 tsp white wine vinegar ● 1/2 cup vegetable oil ● 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives

METHOD 1 Make egg-free aioli: Drain chickpeas, reserving liquid. Place garlic powder, mustard, vinegar, 8 chickpeas and reserved chickpea liquid in a small food processor (see note). Process until smooth. With motor operating, gradually add oil in a slow, steady stream until light and creamy. Transfer to a small serving bowl. Stir in chives and season with salt and pepper.

2 Place flour, cornflour, garlic powder, paprika and salt in a large bowl. Whisk to combine. Make a well in centre. Slowly pour in soda water, whisking to form a smooth batter.

3 Pour enough oil in a large saucepan until 1/3 full. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Working in batches, dip cauliflower in batter, allowing excess to drain off. Add to

oil. Cook cauliflower for 3 minutes or until golden. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cauliflower to a large wire rack set over a large baking tray to drain. Repeat with remaining cauliflower and batter.

4 Combine maple syrup and chilli sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until simmering. Simmer for 30 seconds.

Remove from heat.

5 Working quickly, place cauliflower in a large heatproof bowl. Pour over sauce mixture. Toss to coat. Transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately with aioli.

Cheesy Mexican pork muffins Serves 8. Prep 10mins. Cook time 40mins INGREDIENTS ● Dried breadcrumbs, for coating tins ● 1 tbsp olive oil ● 1 onion, grated ● 2 cloves garlic, crushed ● 500g pork mince 1● tbsp Mexican spice mix or taco seasoning ● 1 small red capsicum, finely chopped ● 3 tbsp chopped STYLE 30

coriander, plus extra, to serve ● 1 corn cob, kernels removed ● 250g packet microwave rice ● 6 eggs ● 300g jar chunky tomato salsa, plus extra, to serve ● 150g (1 1/2 cups) grated cheddar cheese

METHOD 1 Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan-forced. Grease an 8-hole Texas muffin pan with oil spray. Coat base and sides of tin with dried breadcrumbs. Shake off excess.

2 Heat oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook onion and garlic, stirring for 2-3 minutes. Add pork. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up lumps, for 3-4 minutes or until browned. Stir through spice mix.

3 Add capsicum and corn. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes.

Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Stir in coriander and rice.

4 Whisk eggs in a large bowl. Add pork mixture and stir to combine. Spoon mixture into prepared muffin pans. Divide salsa between each muffin. Scatter with cheese. Bake for 2530 minutes or until golden and eggs have set. Lift out of muffin pans to serve. Serve with extra salsa and coriander.

INGREDIENTS Biscuits ● 250g butter, softened ● ⅔ cup icing sugar mixture ● 1 tsp vanilla extract ● 1¾ cups plain flour ● ¼ cup custard powder Filling

● 160g butter, softened ● 2 cups icing sugar mixture ● ½ tsp grated lime rind ● ½ tsp grated lemon rind ● ½ tsp grated pink grapefruit rind ● ½ tsp grated clementine rind ● Green, yellow, red and pink food colouring

METHOD 1 Preheat oven to 160C/140C fan-forced. Line two baking tray with baking paper.

2 Using an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Sift flour and custard powder over butter mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until soft dough forms.

3 Roll dough into 2cm balls. Place on prepared trays, 4cm apart, to allow room for spreading. Using a fork dipped in flour, lightly flatten each ball until 1cm thick.

Bake for 20 minutes or until light golden. Cool on tray for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4 Meanwhile, make filling. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy.

Divide among four bowls. Tint one portion green with green colouring and stir in lime rind. Tint another portion yellow with yellow colouring and stir in lemon rind. Tint one portion pink with pink colouring and stir in grapefruit rind. Tint remaining portion orange with yellow and red colouring, and stir in clementine rind.

5 Spread one teaspoon of the various fillings among half the biscuits. Sandwich with remaining biscuits.

food

Mojito beef tacos Serves 6. Prep 20mins. Cook time 20mins INGREDIENTS ● 1 tsp dried mint ● 1 tsp Mexican chilli powder ● 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced ● 2 tbsp white rum ● ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ● 1kg piece beef rump steak ● 3 tomatoes, seeded, finely chopped ● ½ small red onion, finely chopped ● 1 long green chilli, seeded, finely chopped ● 1 tsp finely grated lime rind ● 1 tbsp lime juice ● 4 zucchini, peeled into ribbons ● 3 corn cobs, husks and silk removed ● 2 tbsp roughly chopped fresh mint leaves ● Small tortillas, chargrilled, to serve ● Lime wedges, to serve ● Fresh mint sprigs, to serve

LIVE

METHOD 1 Combine dried mint, chilli powder, garlic, rum and 1 tablespoon oil in a glass or ceramic dish. Add steak.

Turn to coat. Cover. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight, if time permits.

2 Remove steak from fridge 30 minutes before cooking and allow to come to room temperature.

3 Place tomato, onion and green chilli in a serving bowl. Season. Toss to combine.

4 Heat a barbecue grill on high heat. Combine lime rind, juice and remaining oil in a serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Grill zucchini, in batches, for 1 minute each side or until lightly charred. Transfer to lime mixture. Toss to coat. Cover to keep warm.

5 Grill corn, turning, for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly charred and tender. Transfer to a board. Stand for 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Cut corn kernels from cobs. Transfer to a serving bowl. Cover to keep warm.

6 Grill steak for 3 minutes each side for medium-rare or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a large plate. Cover loosely with foil. Stand for 5 minutes to rest.

7 Add mint to zucchini mixture. Gently toss to combine. Thinly slice steak. Fill tortillas with steak, zucchini mixture, tomato mixture and corn. Serve with lime wedges and extra mint leaves.

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31 STYLE

Ultimate wedding guide

INSIDE Daisy & Gian’s gorgeous day Ryley Jewellery Creations Ron & June celebrate 65 years Kings Chauffeur Service Elly Rae Fashions Hogans Family Jewellers Your guide to wedding gift giving

STYLE 32

33 STYLE

it felt really intimate and special to see the faces of all your loved ones and everyone having a great time

STYLE 34

ultimate wedding guide

Daisy and Gian

Couple honour groom’s Italian heritage throughout ceremony and intimate reception

What was the date of your wedding? Any particular reason why you chose that date?

January 7, 2023. We chose this date as we wanted warm weather to enjoy the outdoor spaces at Gabbinbar. It also meant our family from abroad could come for Christmas and stay for the wedding.

Where was the ceremony and reception?

Why did you choose that space?

We choose to have the ceremony in a small intimate space created by two rows of ornamental pear trees in the gardens at Gabbinbar. The space was perfected by the styling and florals by the team from Poppies For Willow. We wanted to enjoy the gardens as it was reminiscent of some of our core memories made on summer days in the backyard with friends and family.

The reception was also held onsite at Gabbinbar in the conservatory. We choose this space as Gian loved the glass roof. It worked really well for us as guests could easily flow into the front rooms of the homestead if they wanted to escape the noise, or alternatively dance in the ballroom next door.

How many guests did you have?

40 guests How did you meet your husband?

We met at a bar in Oxford Street in Sydney, where we had both gone out on a Friday night after work with our colleagues. We had a really fun night dancing and talking, and five and a bit years later we are still having just as much fun together.

How did he propose?

Gian organised the most over-the-top date, so early on in the day I was suspicious that he would propose. We took a seaplane to the Cottage Point Inn, had a delicious meal and bottle of wine, after which he asked me to marry him. We flew back into Rose Bay at sunset and were lucky enough to catch the golden glow of last light over Sydney city.

sunshine was exactly what we both described as our ideal wedding day, and the cocktail party was exactly that.

Sitting down at one long table to share a meal – it felt really intimate and special to see the faces of all your loved ones and everyone having a great time.

The mini burgers served on the dance floor – delicious and necessary after dancing!

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

It was really important to incorporate Gian’s Italian heritage, our shared passion for food and family. The team from Poppies For Willow created a San Pellegrino water station for our guests on arrival, used touches of lemons in our florals and created beautiful menus and linen signage in Italian.

We chose to have a family style sit-down meal on one long table, and Bernhard, the chef at Gabbinbar, created a bespoke seafood pasta to be served alongside our mains.

Our guests were gifted limoncello made by Gian’s stepbrother, and traditional Italian confetti bought over from Italy by Gian’s mother.

Where did you get your dress from? Your bridesmaid dresses?

I purchased my dress from Leah Da Gloria in Sydney. I wanted something timeless and elegant, but also with a little touch of drama.

When I tried on my dress at her boutique it made me feel beautiful and confident, so I knew it was the right dress for me.

I had my sister as my bridesmaid and purchased her dress from Rachel GIilbert.

What were some of your favourite parts of the day?

The first time seeing each other down the aisle – it is such a big lead up on the day to this moment that it felt like we hadn’t seen each other in weeks.

The cocktail party on the picturesque Governor’s Lawn. Sharing a cocktail with friends and family out in the garden in the

Did you have a distinct wedding theme?

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

We both love to entertain and be with our friends and family. We wanted our wedding to feel like an elevated version of a dinner party or drinks we would have at home.

We both also felt it was really important to incorporate Gian’s Italian heritage.

Who supplied your flowers, table settings etc?

Bec and Cheryse from Poppies For Willow did all the florals and styling for the wedding.

They absolutely exceeded our expectations and delivered a wedding beyond our dreams with the most beautiful florals and styling.

The details Bride and groom: Daisy Frankcombe and Gianmattia Giordano Venue: Gabbinbar Homestead, Toowoomba Dress: Leah Da Gloria Hair: Sarah Neill Hair Make-up: Shannon Jennings via The Future Mrs Flowers: Poppies for Willow Entertainment: Radio Club Band Photographer: Matt from The Loved Ones Videographer: Nil Celebrant: Hannah-Lea Caterer: in house from Gabbinbar Cake: Nil

35 STYLE

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Sparking joy

W

hen it comes to planning a wedding, every detail counts.

From the dress to the flowers, every choice made plays a part in making the day special.

One aspect of wedding planning that can become stressful or left to the last minute between everything else is the jewellery.

However, at Ryley Jewellery Creations, they understand the importance of choosing the perfect pieces for your special day.

Ryley Jewellery Creations is a boutique jewellery studio based in Toowoomba’s Kwong Sang Walk, where they moved in 2021 to expand the workshop and showroom from the original small studio in The Chronicle Arcade.

The team specialises in creating custommade jewellery pieces, including engagement rings, wedding bands, and wedding day jewellery. Their pieces are expertly crafted, using only the finest materials, and designed to be cherished for a lifetime.

One of the most significant pieces of jewellery that a bride will wear on her wedding day is her wedding band.

At Ryley Jewellery Creations, they offer a range of options to suit every style and taste.

From classic and elegant designs to more modern and unique creations, they work closely with their clients to create the perfect piece.

They use a variety of precious metals, including yellow gold, white gold, and STYLE 36

platinum, to ensure that each piece is of the highest quality.

The jewellers also specialise in mokumegane, the Japanese method of folding metal to look like woodgrain, which is a popular choice for the groom’s ring.

In addition to wedding bands, Ryley Jewellery Creations also offers a stunning selection of wedding day jewellery.

From delicate earrings to sparkling

bracelets, their pieces are designed to complement any bridal style. They also offer bespoke designs, allowing their clients to create unique pieces that perfectly match their wedding day vision.

Choosing the perfect wedding jewellery can be a daunting task, but with Ryley Jewellery Creations, it’s an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Their team of expert designers will guide

you through every step of the process, from initial design to final production. They understand the importance of creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and sentimental.

Overall, Ryley Jewellery Creations’ commitment to quality, sustainability, and personalised service sets them apart from the rest. For any bride-to-be, their pieces are the perfect way to add that extra special touch to the big day.

Visit the showroom at Shop 4, Kwong Sang Walk, 530 Ruthven St from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Wednesday to Friday, and from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday. You can also call on 4639 3930 or visit ryleyjc.com.au for more information

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Happy 65th wedding anniversary Ron and June Hafey From Kimmaree Hafey

R

onald Hafey and then June Eiser (her maiden name) were married on the 26th of April, 1958, at the Church of England in the rural town of Tambo.

Ron, the son of Jack and Dorothy Hafey, and June, the daughter of William (Bill) and Margaret Eiser. Bill was the local Tambo Police Sergeant at the time.

The wedding party consisted of two groomsmen, Ron’s brother Kevin Hafey and Val Gleeson. And the bridesmaids were June’s sister Pyhillis Dingley and Yvonne Tindall.

The church was next door to the police residence, where the family lived. On the day of the wedding, Pyhillis wanted to be sure the groom would show up – she wouldn’t let her sister finish getting dressed until she saw Ron walking into the church.

After the wedding, the happy couple settled in areas around Tambo, and then into the small township itself.

After a number of years they moved out to Gartmore Station, where Ron was the manager, while June was the TAB agent in Tambo.

Eventually Ron and June moved to Stanthorpe, and then to Toowoomba where they are both now retired.

The couple have two grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Along with daughter Kimmaree Hafey, we wish Ron and June a very happy 65th wedding anniversary.

from Style Wedding anniversaries are special occasions, marking another year of love, commitment and togetherness between two people.

An annual celebration of the time spent together, the memories created and the promises made. For many, it’s time to reflect on the years that have passed and celebrate the ones to come – a reminder of enduring love that withstands the test of time. To help you mark these happy moments in life, Style is celebrating by shining a light on your stories.

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Share the love If you or someone you love has a wedding anniversary coming up, let us know! We might just feature them on our special anniversary page. One year, five, 10, 50, 60 or anything in between, no matter the anniversary we’d love to hear about it and the story behind it.

Send us a note to style@news.com.au and tell us about the anniversary you’re celebrating.

Kings Chauffeur Service Servicing Toowoomba & The Surrounding Areas Book Now For Your: • Wedding • Formal • Event • Air Port Transfers

www.kingschauffeurservice.com.au STYLE 38

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Dress to impress

A

re you looking for the perfect outfit to wear to your daughter or son’s wedding? Elly-Rae Fashions is here to help.

Established in 2005 by Elly Ross, the store aims to provide the latest in fashion to southeast Queensland and is inspired by a blend of luxe fashion and wedding trends.

With a name across the region for an impressive range of stunning Mother of the Bride and Groom wear, and stocking sizes 824, you are sure to find the right style for you.

“We truly enjoy collaborating with and assisting the lovely women who come through our doors,” Elly says.

“It lights us up when our customers find their perfect outfit for their child’s special day.”

The dresses change seasonally and are available to browse both in-store and via online appointment – simply call or email the store to book a Zoom or Facetime session (appointments are conducted depending on

It lights us up when our customers find their perfect outfit for their child’s special day

Elly - Rae Fashions of Rosewood….

Know anyone who is Getting Married in 2023/24?

Specialist Mother of the Bride & Mother of the Groom

availability and will take place outside standard business hours).

You can also see some examples of the gorgeous results for Mothers of the Bride and Groom via the store’s Facebook page.

“When you come into Elly-Rae Fashions, we ask all the questions first and then choose something appropriate for the occasion,” Elly says.

Elly and her staff work with each lady’s shape so that shopping for your special outfit is a positive experience.

“We work on the motto ‘when you’re comfortable, you’re confident’,” she explains.

The shop even offers Afterpay, and can take phone or email orders and mail them out, if you’re looking for something specific.

“Our customers come from near and far, and always leave happy,” Elly says.

Elly-Rae Fashions is open at 32a John St, Rosewood, from 10am to 2pm on Monday, 9am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturday. The store is also open on the first Sunday of each month from 10am to 1pm (excluding in December and January).

For more information, call 0472 702 463, email ellyraefashions@bigpond.com or visit the website ellyrae.com.au

The Mother of the Bride needs Spoiling too!

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

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.

0472 702 463 | Like us on Facebook Shop Online - www.ellyrae.com.au

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

39 STYLE

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Wedding gems with Hogans A t Hogans Family Jewellers, you will find passionate and experienced craftspeople who will assist you in creating your dream wedding

pieces.

Having opened in Leeton and Griffith in New South Wales in 1945, the Hogan family moved to Toowoomba in 1953, bringing the business with them.

Hogans is now operated by third generation jeweller and grandson of the original founders, Lachlan Hogan.

In November 2022, Hogans expanded their operations from 243 Margaret Street to 241 Margaret Street – creating a larger state-of-the-art workshop and showroom.

The purpose-built premises features Turkish travertine, linen textiles and customised timber cabinetry, as well as a stunning jewellery workshop with viewing windows.

The curved entryway pays homage to the original

STYLE 40

Trent Brindley at work in Hogans Family Jewellers new Margaret St glassed in workshop and showroom, and left, master jeweller and designer Lachlan Hogan with Argyle pink diamonds.

Toowoomba storefront from 1953, while the facade of the building has been embellished with antique red bricks sourced

from Melbourne with an aim to revitalise the Toowoomba city’s skyline of heritage buildings.

Hogans is now proudly home to one of

Australia’s longest standing and most trusted jewellery workshops with a team of nine highly qualified jewellers, three jewellery apprentices, three gem-setters and eight sales consultants.

The team offer one-on-one design consultations for bespoke pieces and also stock a range of jewellery for your special day, including cufflinks for the groom and groomsmen, pearl jewellery for the mother of the bride and groom, bespoke necklaces for the bridesmaids and more.

Book your own bespoke design consultation by calling 4632 2361 or visit the showroom at 241 Margaret Street from 9am to 5pm on Monday, Diamond set wedding bands from Hogans Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; until 6pm on Thursday; and until 2.30pm on Saturday.

Find out more at hogansfamilyjewellers.com.au

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Toowoomba’s weddings Take a trip down memory lane with this showcase of some of Style’s previous wedding stories

Nicole and James

Harry and Jane

Emma-Lee and Bradley

Emilie and Sam

Damien and Gemma

41 STYLE

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Wedding gift guide Make the big day for the happy couple even more special with one of these thoughtful wedding presents. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splurge – or going for a practical present or one that’s all about fun – we’ve got you covered with a selection of unique gift ideas, writes Melanie Collins

STYLE 42

Around $50 It’s all in the stars Gift your friends or loved ones a present that will last a lifetime from the Stellar Star Register. Register to name a star that’s visible in the night sky, and receive a gift pack to share with the bride and groom. Every time they look up to the night sky, they’ll think of you.

Star Registry, from $39.95

Sleep easy Organising a wedding is hard work, no matter the scale. Encourage the happy couple to rest, relax and enjoy some well-earned downtime on these adorable Mr & Mrs pillowcases.

Spoilt Gift and Homewares, $49.95

Blooming beautiful A bouquet of flowers is a sure way to brighten someone’s day, but an everlasting bunch will brighten any home indefinitely. Organise delivery for a few days after the wedding or

honeymoon as a post-wedding present.

Ruby Lane, $75

Picture this Head to a store that sells frames (Spotlight, Freedom, Big W) and choose a simple timber frame around A3 or larger in size. Then, visit Officeworks to enlarge and print an image of you and the bride and groom. They’ll love the personalised touch and reminder of the happy memories you shared.

Spotlight, $48

ultimate wedding guide

Around $150 Personalised perfection This set of sophisticated martini glasses comes monogrammed with the bride and groom’s initials. A gift that will feel special every time it’s used, these glasses will sit in the home of the newlyweds for years to come.

Myer, $145

Portable speaker For the tech-loving couple, these new portable speakers mean you can listen to your favourite tunes no matter where you are.

Bose, $152.96

Serve with love This subtly engraved, handcrafted cheese board is made for a couple who like to entertain.

Hard to find, $149.99

Over $500 Luxury voucher Plant the idea of a tropical escape (or an alpine one) with a gift voucher to travel. A gift card from Luxury Escapes is not only the start of a memory-filled holiday in the making but also a special offer you won’t find anywhere else. luxuryescapes.com/au/gift-cards

His and hers Adult luggage is such a luxury – and one a newly married couple are sure to appreciate if they’re heading off on a honeymoon. If you’re in the market to splurge, a his-and-hers matching set is a gift the couple won’t soon forget.

Strand, $482 each

A year of wine

Around $250 Fun and unique Help the couple capture their memories – and hold them in their hands – with a vintagestyle polaroid camera.

Harvey Norman, $179, plus film, $47.95

Bathroom bliss There’s something special about a set of luxurious new bath sheets. Made from premium combed cotton and featuring an arch design that’s got retro vibes, these are sure to be an appreciated present.

Adairs, $259.96 for a set of four ($64.99 each)

If the newlyweds are wine lovers, gift them a present that keeps giving throughout the year with a wine subscription delivered to their door.

Preston Peak Wine subscription, $120 every three months

Simply perfection If you’re confident you know the couple’s tastes, there’s no finer gift than an original piece of art. Head into The Store Room for a range of artists in a variety of styles.

The Store Room, A Simple Life by Jane Downing, $550

Make it marble Nothing says style like a heavy marble bowl with a delicate white vein running through it.

This piece of art will be of use in the kitchen filled with a simple green salad; the dining room filled with bright lemons, or simply sitting on the coffee table in the living area as a sophisticated focal point.

Harolds Finishing Touches, $210 43 STYLE

HOW TO GET YOUR SHARE OF THE SUN “Winter is coming!”

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his is very well-known line from Game of Thrones and as we have had our first glimpse of winter recently, Winter Solstice is also coming. This is the time of year when the earth’s axis reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun — resulting in the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year. On June 22 it’s the perfect time to see how well our homes have been positioned to maximise the ingress of the winter sun’s warmth.

Look at the house or unit where you are living now, to see how well that building has been positioned.

Chances are that orientation — it’s optimal alignment to the winter sun — has not been considered at all in the design process. As a test, over the next few months on a cold day move through your home to find the warmest room. It will be on the north side or northeast corner of your building, and more than likely sitting very comfortably in that room will be your car! So often you will see the garage positioned in that northeast corner. Not always of course, but too often this is the outcome.

Good orientation can be achieved on almost any block, even small blocks, with careful home design. But to make the process easier for yourself, you should choose a site with good orientation in the first place and build to maximise the site’s potential for passive heating and passive cooling.

Ideally, you should also research the site to find out more about the local conditions, especially prevailing breezes.

Locally in Climate Zone 5 (Warm temperate) the aim is to balance winter sun and summer shade.

North orientation of living spaces is desirable because the position of the sun in the sky allows full sun access in winter.

Summer Winter midday shadow

You can easily shade northern façades in summer with simple horizontal eaves.

Build closer to the southern boundary of the site to protect solar access and increase sunny north-facing outdoor living areas. The efficiencies of the home can be further improved by positioning laundries, bathrooms, and garages on the west or the south where possible.

Additionally, avoid west-facing bedrooms to maintain sleeping comfort. Use smaller, well-shaded windows to increase cross-ventilation to the west, south and east.

When deciding the best orientation for your home, bear in mind that the climate is warming. Hotter summers with more extreme heat waves are becoming more frequent. Passive heating is still very desirable in most climate zones, but passive cooling is becoming more important.

Making it even easier... before you buy I encourage all my clients to talk to me before they even commit to the purchase of a block of land, or even finalise their home designs. It won’t cost you anything and may well save a whole lot of future heartache. I can visit the

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Summer midday shadow

facebook.com/geoffgibsonhomes

geoffgibsonhomes

DESIGN CENTRE: 20 Stradbroke St, Toowoomba (Off North St) | Office phone: 07 4634 4550 QBCC 100 5734 | www.geoffgibsonhomes.com.au | geoff@geoffgibsonhomes.com.au

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proposed building allotment to assess the site to make sure the allotment is able to deliver the outcome you envision, or it may simply require a slight tweak of your plans to accommodate everything you really need.

If you would like to know more, simply arrange a time to visit me at my Design Centre at 20 Stradbroke Street Toowoomba.

— Geoff Gibson

Smart Design... Smarter Living.

Geoff Gibson 0407 965 261

Winter

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home & living

advertising feature

Are you paying for inspections?

By Ros Burton, Principal – The Real Estate People

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magine if you bought a cinema ticket, sat down to munch on your popcorn and, just as the curtains pull back, the usher taps you on the shoulder and asks you to pay for the movie to start?

Yes, you’ve paid for your SEAT … but the movie is extra.

How would you feel? Ripped off?

I ask this odd question because one of my previous columns touched on the importance of doing regular routine inspections and what you should expect from your property manager.

Soon after hitting the send button, I was contacted by a couple of landlords who asked me if our office charges extra for a rental inspection – by that, I mean physically going to a property to monitor its upkeep and condition.

The answer is we don’t – never have, never will … but I was shocked to hear some agencies around the state do.

Isn’t that what your management fees are for?

As a busy, time-poor landlord, the reason you put your rental property under

management is for total peace of mind.

For a small tax-deductible fee, we monitor maintenance of the property, read water meters and charge tenants for usage, pay

water bills and council rates, we ensure all regulations are adhered to, we screen tenants to ensure they are the right fit for the property, and we guarantee that allimportant rent arrives on time, every time.

I am a firm believer that if you are paying me to manage your property then I should also be inspecting it regularly as part of that agreement.

And we do, producing a detailed routine inspection report every three months – not annually, not every six months – every quarter without fail.

Most importantly, you should NOT be reaching into your pocket again to make that happen.

Having a property manager work in your best interests, should be a standard part of the management agreement you have with an agency.

So remember, whether it’s the movies, real estate (or anything in life, really) – if you’re paying for a service be sure to keep an eye on any additional costs and ask yourself: “What’s this cost for and is it worth it?”

Then ask the follow-up question: “Can I do better?”

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.

289 Herries St, Toowoomba 07 4633 8899 (just up from Glennie School)

www.therealestatepeople.com.au 45 STYLE

home & living

Going for gardening gold?

Get ready for this year’s The Chronicle Garden Competition with proper planning and preparation

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s the year progresses and keen gardeners geariup for the annual The Chronicle Garden Competition, the list of jobs to complete to ensure a stunning display come spring is growing.

The key to a quality competition display really comes down to planning and preparation. May gardening is a vital step in process.

But just because you are in the thick of planning doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of your garden as it currently is.

Deciduous trees are spectacularly shedding their leaves, gorgeous hues ranging from burnished yellows through to deep burgundies adding eye-catching elements.

But don’t let those leaves go to waste.

Removing fallen leaves from your lawn regularly ensures you maintain its health, as thick swathes of leaves will deprive the lawn of light, causing it to die off and create brown

patches. Use the gathered leaves in your compost to help improve your soil’s health in the future.

And to keep your lawn looking its best and its healthiest coming into the cold, hard months of winter, fertilise it in early May with a good quality lawn food to reduce lawn stress.

A strong healthy lawn can cope with the cold weather and keep its colour through winter, rather than becoming a stressed, struggling one.

It isn’t just the lawn that will benefit from fertilisers but perennials, shrubs and trees. A well-balanced fertiliser, one that contains an equal balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and contains calcium, is an ideal choice.

This will encourage plant cells to thicken, making plants more resilient to fungus and disease.

Soil health is a vital, and often overlooked

Kev Morris Builder Adaptable Living Homes

part of gardening, and May (and autumn more broadly) is the ideal time to improve the soil.

No matter what you are planning to plant for spring colour, all of the plants will benefit from a rich soil full of plenty of food that ensures the plants receive all the benefits of your watering; apply a soil wetter where needed.

Improving soil condition involves mixing in organic matter like compost, worm castings or soil conditioners, but can also include adding inorganic soil conditioners, like gypsum in clay soils.

Check your pH A check of your soil pH levels may also be handy — ideally soil PH should be between pH6-7. Depending on where your soil falls on the scale you’ll need to add different elements to adjust it.

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As a member of the Independent Builders Network, we offer you a range of home designs with stylish facade options – all at a competitive price.

Building an Independent Builder home design on your existing block gives you the benefits of contemporary design, quality finishes and the luxury of a floor-plan that perfectly fits your lifestyle.

We know that no two families share the same needs, which is why our homes offer a range of incredible options to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, and we can work with you to further customise and personalise your home to suit you and your family’s wishes.

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A pH value over 7.0 indicates you have alkaline soil that is low in nutrients like phosphorus, iron and manganese.

Adding compost and manure, leaf matter and garden clippings as well as mulch can help with this. Just make sure to avoid mushroom compost and poultry manure as these increase alkalinity. If the pH reading is excessively high, a powdered sulphur may need to be added.

A pH value below 7.0, indicates acidic soil, which is very common for most Australian soils. This can be problematic as many soil nutrients become more soluble in acidic conditions. Nutrients you may lose include calcium, potassium, magnesium and copper.

Bacteria can rot organic matter in very acidic soil, resulting in plant damage. Acidic soil can be easily balanced by adding lime,

DO IT ONCE, www.kevmorrisbuilder.com.au DO IT RIGHT

Benefits Of Building An Adaptable Living Home Homes will be designed with comfort, safety and ease of access as core design features. These features make it easier for parents to manoeuvre prams, easier to carry the shopping into the house, easier for people with a disability or temporary injury to move around and create a more spacious environment for the ageing.

These features will allow key living spaces to be more easily and cost effectively adapted to meet the changing needs and abilities of home occupants such as ageing baby boomers and people who have or acquire disability.

A few design aspects that best explain this: Easy to enter Easy to navigate in and around Capable of easy and cost-effective adaptation Responsive to the changing needs of home occupants

Kickstart your soil’s health dolomite or poultry manure.

Soil improvements will help make nutrients more available to plants, improve aeration and water retention.

A good layer of mulch will also help with water retention and soil health.

When the soil is warm and moist, new plantings will establish good root growth before slowing down in winter.

You’ll see benefits again in early spring, when the plants you planted in autumn have had time to establish and show wonderful new growth ahead of the next summer’s heat.

Now is a great time to trim hedges before the onset of winter to keep them compact and bushy at ground-level.

Flower power A key part of any Garden Competition garden is annual flowering plants.

Unfortunately it’s getting too late to start most annual flowers for a winter-spring display from seed, but it’s time to get your seedlings in the ground.

Seedlings are also more convenient, especially if you are new to the wonder world of gardening, as you can escape the work and uncertainty of raising seedlings at home.

If you have perennials such as agapanthus, day lilies, daisies like gazania and shasta daisy, ornamental grasses, dietes, and liriope, it is time to divide them, to get more bang for your buck in floral displays.

And it is time to ease off on watering rhizomatous and tuberous ornamentals like ornamental gingers and caladiums as the foliage dies off.

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New Address: 1 Newington Street, North Toowoomba (Behind the Royal Hotel)

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Renovations & New Homes | Commercial & Residential Joinery | Innovative 3D Design Artwork 47 STYLE

COMPETITION 2023

CALL FOR ENTRIES Welcome gardeners!

Applications Close: 2pm on 11 August 2023.

I am delighted to announce that the applications are open for The Chronicle Garden Competition this year, as a feature event during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Judging Days: Between 1st september - 7 September 2023.

We are excited to announce some changes this year including the addition of the Floral garden option, Accommodation product prize and Budding gardener product prize. We want to encourage more first time and younger entrants to get into the garden and continue the tradition of the competition. We have decided to remove the sustainability category and instead add it as a key criteria of the judging as we found sustainability principles were present in so many gardens last year.

There are some important dates to mark on your calendar.

Gardens opening times and dates: Friday 15 Sept – Sunday 17 Sept 9am-5pm Friday 22 Sept – Sunday 24 Sept 9am-5pm Option to remain open mid-week (Friday 15 – Sunday 24 Sept 9am-5pm)

Presentation 10.30am, Thursday 14 September 2023 Venue to be confirmed Entrant Liaison: For specific gardening questions please contact the Entrant Liaison: Mike Wells direct on 0427 821 478 or wellsley@internode.on.net More Information: Email any questions to chroniclegardencomp@news.com.au or call the Administration Team at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers on 4688 6661.

Yours sincerely,

Erika Brayshaw, General Manager

CATEGORIES FOR ENTRY Grand Champion (Prize $1,500) and Reserve Grand Champion (Prize $1,000) for both City and Regional gardens will be determined after all judging has been completed.

Class – all entries must enter only one class.

1st, 2nd and 3rd places awarded for all major City and Regional classes.

(Prize money per class – Winner $1000, Second place $500, Third place $250).

City Small Residential (under 500m2) City Medium Residential (500m2 to 1,000m2) City Large Residential (over 1,000m2) Regional small/medium residential (up to 1000m2) Regional Large Residential (over 1,000m2) Rural Residential (any size garden - property outside city or regional town areas) Options Residential only – can enter a maximum of 2 options (1st, 2nd and 3rd places) (Prize money per option Winner $500, Second place $250, Third place $100).

Productive area Footpath garden (as per Council Guidelines) First Time Entry - Garden only Under 45 years Gardener Over 70 years Gardener NEW OPTION Floral Garden Regional Options Front garden only OR Back garden only Small Space (Under 80m2) Unit / Courtyard / Balcony / Pergola / Shadehouse / Potted Plant Collection Acreage garden (over 4,046m2) Productive area Footpath garden (as per Council Guidelines) First Time Entry - Garden only Under 45 years Gardener Over 70 years Gardener NEW OPTION Floral Garden

City Options Front garden only OR Back garden only Small Space (Under 80m2) Unit / Courtyard / Balcony / Pergola / Shadehouse / Potted Plant Collection

Additional information to be used to assist with developing itineraries for Groups, Coaches and Visitors.

Family friendly (areas for children to explore or ignite the imagination) Wheelchair friendly (wide, smooth paths and no steps)

Drive by viewing (for those with mobility issues — see lots of garden from the street) Flowering natives on display Coach/Bus access — can a coach/bus park and access your address easily (wide streets and turning ability, no low trees near or across road ways from main roads etc) Dogs on leash allowed Toilet available to visitors Plants for Sale Other items for sale, please list Trophy or product prize Commercial Premises (no City/Regional – all judged together) Not for Profit Premises (no City/Regional – all judged together) School Premises (Staff/Gardener) (no City/Regional – all judged together) Student Garden (looked after by students only) (no City/Regional – all judged together) Accommodation Premises (no City/Regional – all judged together) Budding Gardener (Entrants must be under 18) (no City/Regional – all judged together)**

Completed Entries to: ENTRY FORM Post The Chronicle Garden Competition, C/- Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, PO Box 3021, Toowoomba Q 4350 Email Completed Entries to: chroniclegardencomp@news.com.au

Full Name: .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Address: .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................................................................ Post Code: ......................................

Phone: ......................................................................................................... Mobile: ..................................................................................................................

Email: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

I confirm I will abide by the official opening times of Friday 15 Sept – Sunday 17 Sept and Friday 22 Sept – Sunday 24 Sept, 9am-5pm *additional opening days available – I commit to opening 10 days from Friday 15 Sept – Sunday 24 Sept, 9am – 5pm I have notified my insurer that I have entered the competition I have selected my Class and Options category on the Categories for Entry page I consent for my personal details to be collected and used for the purpose of determining the outcome of

the competition only and I agree to the Competition Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent for my personal details to be shared with Toowoomba Regional Council for The Chronicle Garden Competition purposes only. Unsigned entry forms will not accepted.

Signed: .......................................................................................................................

Terms and conditions apply.

All entrants should read the full Competition Terms and Conditions which can be found at www.thechronicle. com.au/competitionterms or at The Chronicle reception, 5 Keefe Street, Toowoomba. **Please note all entries must be filled out by a parent or guardian over 18.

Promoter is Qld Newspapers Pty Ltd, Cnr Mayne Road & Campbell Streets, Bowen Hills, Qld, 4006.

Gardens must be available for judging any day during the judging period and must also be available for public viewing on the 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 & 24 of September.

Winners will be published in The Chronicle Garden Competition 2023 Visitor Guide on the 15th of September. The judge has the right not to award a prize should a garden not be of sufficient standard.

Our Privacy Policy www.thechronicle.com.au/privacy includes important information about our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information (including to provide

you with targeted advertising based on your online activities). It explains that if you do not provide us with information we have requested from you, we may not be able to provide you with the goods and services you require. It also explains how you can access or seek correction of your personal information, how you can complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles and how we will deal with a complaint of that nature.

Total value of the prize pool is $3,500 (inc GST).

Enquiries: 07 4688 6661 Entries close: 2pm on 11 August 2023.

PORCUPINE GORGE, FLINDERS SHIRE

Gorge-ous I destinations Don khaki, grab yourself an Akubra and set your GPS north west: you’re heading on an outback adventure to unearth some of Queensland’s best hidden gems

f you thought North West Queensland was simply red dirt and dust, think again.

With lush country, waterways, towering sandstone and deep gorges, you can find more than 20 national parks dotted throughout the 900,000sq m-plus of Outback Queensland landscape – when you know where to look.

Whether you want a getaway packed full of adventure or relaxation, you’ll find what you’re looking for in these gorge-ous destinations.

Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, Burkeshire Australia’s best hidden secret is well worth

the drive! It’s no wonder thousands travel every year to this world-class natural spectacle. Grab your closest pals and go on a four-wheel drive to Lawn Hill National Park – an adventure land full of water activities, rich history, on-land camping and of course, mind blowing landscapes.

There’s more than just spectacular valleys and flowing streams. Deep within the natural parks lies the Riversleigh World Heritage Site – a World Heritage listed site known for outstanding mammal and reptile remains dating back to 25 million years. We’re not kidding around – David Attenborough called it one of the top four most important deposits in the world. Get up close and personal with

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travel

COBBOLD GORGE, FORSAYTH

the park on one of seven walking trails ranging from beginners to professionals. The vi1ews on top of Upper Gorge are well worth the sore backside. Didn’t pack your hiking boots? Never fear, take to the water and canoe to Middle Gorge for postcard-worthy views.

Copperfield Gorge, Etheridge Shire Add a stop at Copperfield Gorge: it’s worth the surprise. The natural landmark is built upon remnants of ancient lava that spewed from a now-extinct volcano thousands of years ago.

Only a short walk from Einsaleigh Hotel,

BOODJAMULLA (LAWN HILL) NATIONAL PARK, BURKESHIRE

work off that classic pub feed with a stunning scenic walk around the gorge while taking an intimate look at the metallic basalt rocks walls created from the McBride Volcanic Province.

Copperfield Gorge is your oyster – the ohso clear and refreshing water is the perfect place to go swimming, catch a few fish or go stand up paddleboarding along the stream – not to mention, the natural gorge is dog friendly. Adventure down to Einsaleigh and check out the town’s not so little secret.

Cobbold Gorge, Forsayth Along the Savannah Way lies the astonishing

geological treasure of Cobbold Gorge.

Magnificent 30-metre walls and crystal clearwater – what more could you want. Embrace true outback living and set up camp or stay at one of the many motel-style rooms at Cobbold Village.

Wake up to the chatter of wild birds and get ready for a day of Aqua Golf and kayaking in the gorge. Take a scenic helicopter tour and get a birds-eye view of the natural wonder, topped off with a few nibblies and drinks at a picnic on top of the gorge.

Finish the day by witnessing a breathtaking outback sunset fit for a sunset at Quartz Blow lookout.

Porcupine Gorge, Flinders Shire An adventure awaits at Porcupine Gorge like no other. Walk along Porcupine Creek and check out the incredible canyon surrounded by open woodland and luscious greenery.

Layers of sedimentary rocks spanning hundreds of millions of years is just another reason to visit this wonder.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Australia’s very own pyramid. Walk along the park’s numerous hiking tracks to view the multi-coloured sandstone that contrasts against the wild forest. Take your swimmers and swim among one of the many water holes that rests on this ancient land.

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travel

Soaking up the beauty South west coast provides a welcome change of pace and scenery

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he south west of Western Australia offers very different scenery compared to northern Western Australia. This area is well known for its wine, everywhere you look there is another winery to visit. The climate is also very different to what we were used to, we packed away our togs and brought out the jumpers and flannelette pyjamas.

We travelled for a week with some of Glen’s family which was a welcomed change of pace.

With a few weeks before flying home for Christmas and the bank account starting to run low, we secured work at a caravan park in Denmark for three weeks. Glen and I found our groove pretty quickly as we had previous experience working in the NT. Denmark is a very quaint little town, with a small number of residents. The population almost triples during the Christmas holidays as people travel down to enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Destinations ● Busselton ● Margaret River ● Walpole ● Denmark ● Albany

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sport

Freedom of body and mind Horses helped Rhi embrace her Muscular Dystrophy, writes Hayley Hinze

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23 year-old Rhiannon Anderson is involved in both para-equestrian and equine-assisted therapy, after being diagnosed with Ullrich Muscular Dystrophy as a child.

wenty-three-year-old Rhiannon Anderson is a self-proclaimed horse girl. So between her eager involvement in Para-equestrian and equine-assisted therapy, it’s only fitting that horses have helped her accept and embrace her disability.

“I often describe my equine therapy as freedom of mind, and riding a horse as freedom of movement,” she says.

As a child, Rhi was diagnosed with Ullrich Muscular Dystrophy (MD), which causes muscle deterioration in a process she likens to filing nails.

“The easiest way I can describe MD is where you’re born with a protein in your muscles missing, or that’s not making enough compared to everybody else.” she says.

“When muscles are used, it’s kind of like a nail file – the muscle files down, then repairs itself.”

While some types of MD involve no muscle repair, Ullrich has Rhi’s muscles repairing at a slow rate.

“With Ullrich, I’m lucky that (my muscles) repair somewhat. For me, it’s overall muscle weakness, making it tricky to walk long distances and impaired respiratory and lung function,” she says.

Regular sessions spent riding, or simply working face-to-face with horses has opened up a world of benefits.

“Riding a horse, my disability is out the window,” Rhi says.

“They become your legs, and you can go wherever you may not be able to on your own two legs.

The first ride I got off and cried because it was a feeling I’d never had before, a feeling of freedom that does wonders for you mentally and physically.”

A passion for Para-equestrian Although Rhi is still learning the ropes, she’s set on a Para-equestrian debut at the 2032 Paralympics.

“2032 is in my head,“ she says. “I’m still very green in the saddle but I’d love to be competing in dressage at the 2032 Paralympics.”

Dressage is one of the more technical Paraequestrian events, where an athlete guides the horse through timed routines.

“With Para-equestrian dressage, the severity of your disability determines what you’ll be graded on,” Rhi says.

“So some with a high functioning disability might only be walking the horse, but with less of a disability you’d be doing pretty much

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Riding a horse, my disability is out the window.

They become your legs, and you can go wherever matter of scoping out the accessible options.

Managing MD “I’m not that much of a party animal, but if I you may not Muscular Dystrophy has no cure, and the were getting into bars and clubs it’s incredibly disease presents differently in each tricky!” she says. be able to individual and across each type of MD. “I take extra time to plan nights out, and “My respiratory capacity was at about forty Google Earth is my friend in making sure on your per cent at my last check – so it’s a steady venues are accessible and without stairs.” decline as you get older,” Rhi says. own two “Treatment is tricky in that there’s no cure, Spreading the word so it is a terminal illness. The prognosis for a Also during the pandemic, Rhi began Living legs lot of us is about 19.”

Abled. Not only an outlet for her creative everything – trot, canter, the works.”

Also on the cards is barrel racing, which satisfies Rhi’s inner daredevil.

“Barrel racing is wild – you go from a chute at full gallop and around barrels that are set up in a triangle,” she says.

With plenty of time to hone her skills, she’s keen to bank up ride time and perfect the basics.

“At the moment it’s still learning the basics of riding, steering and communicating with a horse,” she says.

“I would love to get more ride time and begin training these skills.”

Equine-assisted therapy Among the anxiety, vulnerability and struggle of the pandemic, Rhi was introduced to the wonders of equine-assisted therapy.

Here, regular groundwork sessions helped her connect with an animal she already loved, and put her on the path to loving herself.

“There’s something about being eye-to-eye with a horse, them mirroring you and showing you parts of yourself that you didn’t want to work on,” she says.

“I started two years ago, still insecure and frustrated with my disability. Now it’s given me the confidence to be unapologetic about who I am.”

In addition to regular therapy, Rhi visits the Animal Instincts centre for what is essentially counselling with the help of animals.

“It’s working with animals, learning animal behaviour and how to work with them, while simultaneously working on yourself and working with your disability,” she says.

“Somehow, horses know what button to press to get you to work on yourself and for that I’m a more confident and strong individual. I don’t think I will ever have a moment where horses aren’t somehow a part of my life.”

This early prognosis is prevalent in a more common type of MD called Duchenne.

“I’m lucky that my condition (Ullrich MD) is progressing very slowly, and I can maintain some form of strength if I keep up with exercise,” she says.

“For me, treatment is a lot of physio and exercise physiologist work as disease management, so making sure I don’t deteriorate for as long as possible,” she says.

While mostly independent, Rhi recruits the help of a wheelchair or mobility scooter when she needs, and requires help with unsuspecting tasks like lifting heavy pots and putting up her hair.

“Living as a young person with a disability is certainly a rollercoaster ride. There’s a lot of highs, lows, great memories and a lot of frustrations,” she says.

“If I’m going shopping, I’ll use my mobility scooter for longer distance walks. At home, I’m lucky that I’m 99 per cent independent.”

When getting around town, Rhi says it’s a

energy, her weekly blog starts conversations about Muscular Dystrophy and the disability space.

“The goal is to educate people about Ullrich and MD in general because it’s such an unheard of condition, especially in Australia,” she says.

“Disability isn’t doom and gloom, it’s not something to take pity on. So I hope it will inspire able-bodied people to challenge their ideas, and inspire those like me to jump outside the box and realise there’s so much more to life.”

Her posts are sprinkled with witty insights about opening jars with knives and training dogs to take off socks.

“I hope that by sharing the highs and lows of living with a disability, it gives people like me something to relate to,” Rhi says.

“It is a lonely journey in that people can say they understand, but unless you live through it as a disabled person it’s difficult – but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

55 STYLE

business

Strong foundation is vital

by Alison Kennedy CEO Toowoomba Hospital Foundation

F

undraising, coffee-making, hotel concierge, museum curation, patient comfort – if you can think it, we’re most likely doing it. When Style approached me to write a column about Toowoomba Hospital Foundation and the work we do within our community, I was like ‘Where do you want me to start?’.

When the foundation was established in 1991, our founding members and board had some incredible foresight in developing our charter, which has allowed us to diversify our organisation while remaining true to our purpose.

At our very core, Toowoomba Hospital Foundation raises funds to support and enhance the live-saving and life-changing work of Darling Downs Health across the entire region – not just within Toowoomba.

The foundation’s support expands to 29 hospitals and health service facilities across the Darling Downs, as far west as Taroom and as far south as Goondiwindi. There are many activities, enterprises, and projects that help us achieve this.

We are well-known for our events, but did you know we also run several social enterprises? The foundation manages on-site and visitor parking at Toowoomba Hospital, and in recent years we took over operation of the hospital cafeteria, reopening as Wellbean Co. It has since expanded to

I’m incredibly proud of the work we do and so grateful to our community for your support

Baillie Henderson and Kingaroy hospitals, as well as catering. Our volunteers also manage six patient accommodation units on-campus for rural patients and their families needing to stay close to Toowoomba Hospital – whether it’s for treatment, care, or the arrival of a baby.

It’s these social enterprises that are some of our biggest fundraising initiatives, with profits going back into purchasing medical equipment, resources, patient care, and staff training. These revenue streams also help cover the operational costs of the foundation.

This means that if you make a donation to Toowoomba Hospital Foundation or host a fundraising activity in support of Darling Downs Health, 100 per cent of your funds will go to the cause.

An upcoming project that we are incredibly excited about is stage 1 of our Darling Downs Health Museum.

In 2021 we were successful in securing a $1.16m grant from the Australian Government Building Better Regions Fund to refurbish the heritage-listed medical superintendent’s house at Baillie Henderson Hospital into a health museum for our current collections.

This collection from both Toowoomba and Baillie Henderson hospitals includes medical and historical instruments, equipment, photographs, documents, personal effects, artworks, and artefacts that illustrate the history of general and mental STYLE 56

health care and treatment in the Darling Downs.

This project has been in the making since we first became custodians of these collections, and we’re looking forward to bringing our community a unique experience in a wonderful old building that holds so much historical significance in our region.

With support from our community and Darling Downs Health we’ve been fortunate to be able to branch out into alternative paths of fundraising, which has led to some remarkable equipment purchases and facility updates for patients who receive care at our hospitals.

Our current initiative is our annual end of financial year appeal, which we launched this month. This year our goal is to raise $250,000 in aid of upgrading the patient waiting areas and examination rooms of the Toowoomba Hospital oncology unit.

With our community’s help we hope to bring warmth and comfort into these areas to help relieve anxiety and stress on patients undergoing cancer treatment and care.

I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface and that I could go on and on about how we fundraise and support Darling Downs Health. I hope you’ve learnt something new about us and the many ways a not-for-profit can operate in support of achieving its purpose. I’m incredibly proud of the work we do and so grateful to our community for your support.

arts

TOOWOOMBA Rosalie Gallery

Views from my Studio Rob Raymond Until May 28 All the works in this exhibition are taken from drawings based on the escarpment around Silver Ridge and Middle Ridge as seen from the artist’s studio.

These works are intimate representations of Rob Raymond’s immersion in the landscape and its understorey.

“I sit in my studio, on the escarpment, and observe my surroundings. I try to capture the light and the structure as sensitively as I can,” he explains.

Join Rob for an artist talk on Saturday, May 6, at 11am. This is a free event, with no bookings required.

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

Rob RAYMOND / Potato vine and privet 2022 / oil on canvas / 76.3cm x 61.0 cm © Rob Raymond

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery

More than Half the Sky Until May 21 Inspired by the unnamed maid who is portrayed in Emanuel Phillips Fox’s Déjeuner [Mother and child no. 1] (c.191011), but is not acknowledged in the painting’s title, this exhibition recognises that women hold up more than half the sky. All works are selected from the gallery’s permanent collections. Most of the works are by women artists and makers.

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery at 531 Ruthven St is open Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am-3.30pm.

Emanuel Phillips FOX / Déjeuner [Mother and child no. 1] n.d. c.1910-11 / oil on canvas / 171 x 131cm frame / Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library Collection 006

Crows Nest Gallery

Post Nature Natasha Wills Until May 28 Discover Natasha Wills’ sensory exploration of local flora and micro landscapes in her exhibition Post Nature.

Natasha takes her inspiration from found objects, collected and observed, during walking explorations of the Crows Nest landscape and urban environment.

The works challenge us to define our own relationships with the overlooked scenes in our grass verges and fallen leaves in the suburban environment.

Join Natasha for an artist talk on Sunday, May 14, at 11am. This is a free event, with no bookings required.

Crows Nest Gallery, located at the corner of the New England Highway and William St, is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Entry is free at the three galleries.

IMAGE: Natasha WILLS / Untitled 2023 / acrylic on archival paper / 111 x 222cm / © Natasha Wills 57 STYLE

what’s on

What’s new in entertainment READ...

READ...

Hokey Pokey by Kate Mascarenhas

Prometheus High: How to Make a Monster by Stuart Wilson

Reviewed by Jessica Kramer

Reviewed by Jessica Kramer

Kate Mascarenhas does it again.

Previously a psychologist, her debut novel The Psychology of Time Travel was one of my favourite reads of 2018 and a story that has stayed with me ever since. When you consume as much fiction as I do in a year, a novel staying with you for more than five years is quite rare. And yet, it looks like we have a repeat event with this year’s book Hokey Pokey. It’s a little different to Mascarenhas’ previous two novels – a thriller with a touch of horror, for one; and set back in the late 1920s.

Set primarily in Birmingham, in and around the Regent Hotel, the author sets the scene well – you almost feel as though you’re in art deco era Great Britain. It’s this well-developed setting that keeps the reader engaged for the first few chapters of the book where the characters aren’t yet developed and the story is not clear-cut. After a little while, however, the story becomes clear and thereafter the novel is consuming and very difficult to put down. While the characters never become completely likeable, they are intriguing enough that the reader can connect with them regardless. Overall, Hokey Pokey is a thrilling and engaging read, and yet another testament to the writing prowess of this author.

Hokey Pokey is published by Head of Zeus and will be released on June 8.

It’s not every day you come across a book written for eight to 12 year olds that is equally as engaging for an adult, but Stuart Wilson has worked magic with this novel. The story manages to balance some spooky science and the classic boarding school story with a valuable lesson in teamwork and friendship – all while being highly entertaining.

How to Make a Monster is published

by Penguin Random House and is available now.

WATCH...

The Super Mario Bros Movie Reviewed by Jessica Kramer After a spate of video games being made into film and television with less than fantastic results, The Super Mario Bros Movie is a breath of fresh air.

Admittedly, it’s no The Last of Us – but that being said, it’s a film aimed toward the younger set of movie-goers. Depth of plot and character would not only be strange here, but possibly remiss for the children in the audience.

It also reflects back upon the game franchise – Mario games are known more for their lighthearted fun and colourful visuals than their serious contemplations of life and humanity.

Reflecting faithfully on the games is a theme that flows through the movie, with many references to members of the franchise

scattered throughout. There are enough that I’m sure it will take a couple of subsequent viewings to pick up on all of them.

The voice actors chosen are also a pleasant surprise – with all the controversy surrounding the selection of Chris Pratt to play the titular character, in actuality Pratt performs well and often throughout the film it is easy to forget it’s actually Pratt behind the animated moustache. However, it’s Jack Black as Bowser that steals the show – both with the general portrayal of the character and with his performance of the now-viral song ‘Peaches’.

Voice actors and characters aside, The Super Mario Bros Movie ticks all the boxes when it comes to the visuals. From quick glimpses of desert biomes to time spent in the brightly colour pipe maze of the Toad Kingdom, it’s a feast for the eyes.

Overall, the film is truly a good time, and perfect for taking the kids to the movies.

See The Super Mario Bros Movie for yourself at Event Cinemas

Nightbirds by Kate J Armstrong Reviewed by Jessica Kramer Can you encapsulate the importance of feminism in a young adult novel? After reading Nightbirds, you may be arguing that indeed you can.

If you enjoy stories with lush magic, political intrigue, excellent world building, complex characters and strong female leads – without overdoing the romance – this debut is for you.

Nightbirds is published by Allen & Unwin and is available now.

GET READY FOR ONE LAST RIDE! Grab your band of misfits and head to Event Cinemas Toowoomba Grand to see Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on the biggest screen with the biggest sound – V-Max. Book now at eventcinemas.com.au

STYLE 58

stars Libra Sep 23 – Oct 22

Taurus Apr 19 – May 20

Libra, the month of May will be enjoyed as your career hits new heights. So many good vibes coming at you from all directions, which is great news.

Just don’t wear yourself with newfound fame. Money is also on your mind this year. Is it time that you decided to go professional in your career, giving you more time at home with your family? Keeping up your fastpaced life must take its toll but no one would notice because you hide it so well. Don’t forget to take a step back to look at where your future lies.

Well, just like the bull in the china shop you rush headlong into adventures that would leave many shocked and stunned. It is that raw courage that makes you the success that radiates from your every pore. If planning a trip, make sure everything is packed – do not want to end up at the airport without your passport or ticket. I see a great month for Taurus catching up with family and friends, drinking fine wine and great dining opportunities.

The grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

Gemini May 21 – Jun 20 On the catwalk I see you strut your little tush on the catwalk. Supermodels wish they had what you have in abundance.

Your ability to change the demographic of any room when you enter is legendary. May will see you shine like never before, giving even more power in the future endeavours. It may also see you looking overseas for a well needed holiday somewhere you can relax by the pool sipping exotic cocktails and considering your next global takeover.

Don’t forget your sunscreen.

Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 21 Little by little you are growing smarter in regards to your career ambitions. What is it that you really want to do in life? The month of May has great movements in line for you, whether it be on the corporate ladder or moving up a step in your current role. Either way you will get the recognition you deserve; receive the praise gratefully even though you know it is long overdue. Enrol in a study course to improve your outlook or social life.

Think of line dancing, salsa or simply join your local bushwalking group. The world is your oyster this month.

Leo Jul 22 – Aug 22 I see great fortunes coming so get ready to hit the town to celebrate your good fortune. Regardless of what other people

Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 21

TAURUS think of you, tell them to go take a hike.

You are a pussycat who likes nothing more than being among people who will treat you like royalty. it may take some time to get back to your usual routine once the fanfare is over, however you are ruled by the sun and there is nothing a cat likes to do then find a warm sunny spot to dream of big things to come.

Romance is back in vogue with Scorpio this month. It must be something that as the weather cools you want to cuddle up to your partner watching romantic movies, eating popcorn and the rest we’ll leave to your imagination. Being a busy mum can be hard work, so schedule in some date nights. Drop the children off at a sitter and go wining and dining. It is not to bring a spark back, though: it has never really gone away. I just means that you have time to appreciate the good relationship that you have.

Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 21 Virgo Aug 23 – Sep 23 Wait a minute! Did you suddenly gain perspective on a new direction in life? It is about time; good things come to those who wait, so breathe deep and surround yourself with positive affirmations bringing dreams to reality. If you have been struggling with a life issue this is the month where clarity will step in, taking a firm grip and driving you in the right direction. Spend this month getting all of your career and life goals sorted as there will be a big issue to deal with over the next few months.

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

OK it is time to break out the champagne as your romance takes a turn for the better — could there be a proposal in sight? Eek! How wonderful, no one will know how to plan a wedding better than a Sagitarrian. It will be glitz and glamour on a dynamic scale. I see a grand venue with family and friends rocking the night away. It is amazing how wonderful life is when you are such a great character that everyone loves you. Just say yes.

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20 Dealing with work issues may hamper

the joy of being surrounded by a talented group of people who just sweep it under the carpet like the penguins in Madagascar: ”Just smile and wave boys”. Take no notice of anyone who is negative, you don’t need those people in your life. It is all about quality of life, so get out and enjoy yourself. It is a great time to try your luck with a lotto ticket you just never know. Cross your fingers, dreams may come true.

Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 18th It is never boring in an Aquarian household: so much to do so little time.

You are the energiser bunny who cannot sit still. Whether it is surfing the waves at Bondi, paragliding over the coastal beacons or horse trekking through a remote location, you are up for it. I think the Survivor series must be made just for Aquarians so they can run off that excess energy, falling into a deep sleep worn out at the end of another action-packed month. Girl, you are a superhero your motto is “Go Hard or Go Home”.

Pisces Feb 19 – Mar 19 Time to take some time out Pisces, has all of your calm, controlled structure been thrown out of sync? It is always hard when there is change afoot that may not resonate well. Just breathe deep and chant Ohm, leave it to the powers of the universe to come up with a solution. May is a month of contemplation, doors opening, doors closing and big “What if I had?” Too late now, you just need to make the best of a bad situation.

Aries Mar 20 – Apr 18 Please take things carefully this month as there are signs all around you for small accidents, nothing major, perhaps a broken appendage. You do enjoy a challenge and if you throw caution to the wind expect the wind to throw it straight back. Slow down, stop running from place to place. It is all about the arrival, not the journey. It might be time to put yourself front of mind and for once move at your pace not everyone else’s.

Lunar

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 59 STYLE

events

MAY

markets Clifton Street Markets Saturday, May 6, 8am to noon Clifton

Crows Nest Markets

Toowoomba: The Dark Side walking tour

Sunday, May 7, 7.30am to noon Centenary Park, Crows Nest

Saturday, May 6, 3pm to 5pm

Toowoomba Farmers Market

WHERE: Queens Park, cnr Lindsay and Margaret streets WHAT: Toowoomba has her secrets: a city of brothels, prisons and unsavoury characters, the eccentric and the funny. The city’s dark side will be opened up on this fantastic tour.

Join local guide Paul as he explores the many stories of Toowoomba that can’t be found in the postcards or letters home to mother. The tour concludes with a complimentary drink in a Russell St hotel.

COST: $45 per adult, $38 concession and children, $145 family.

Every Saturday, 7am to noon Cobb+Co Museum, Toowoomba

Toowoomba Sunday Markets Every Sunday, 6.30am to 11.30am PCYC James St, Towoomba

Queens Park Market Sunday, May 21, 8am to 1pm Frogs Hollow, Queens Park, Toowoomba

Cabarlah Market Sunday, May 28, 7.30am to 12.30pm Cabarlah Sports Ground, Cabarlah

Toowoomba Doll, Bear and Collectable Toy Show

Saturday, May 13, 9am to 3pm WHERE: St Paul’s Church Hall, cnr James and Phillips streets WHAT: Hosted by Country Heart Events, the Doll, Bear and Collectable Toy Show is back for another big year – this time with a date change. Come along and enjoy a day surrounded by creatives and creations.

COST: $2 per person

across the country. A hands-on experience with classes running all three days, there will be beginners’ classes available as well as more technical classes.

COST: $17 adults, $15 concession, children under 14 free

Copperfoiling workshop

Saturday, May 13, to Sunday, May 14, from 9am to 4pm WHERE: Cobb+Co Museum, 27 Lindsay St, Toowoomba WHAT: In this two-day workshop you will create a beautiful glass kaleidoscope using the copperfoil technique. Copperfoiling is a technique, similar to that of leadlighting, but using a slightly different method to hold the glass together. This technique allows you to create three-dimensional items such as lamps, boxes and suncatchers. During this class you will learn to cut the glass, apply the foil and solder your piece together.

COST: $410 (includes tuition, materials and meals).

CraftAlive Toowoomba

Thursday, May 18, to Sunday, May 21, from 9.30am WHERE: The Good’s Shed Toowoomba, 3 Victoria St, Toowoomba WHAT: CraftAlive Toowoomba is a significant event in the craft calendar. This year there will be lots of regular retailers as well as some new faces. It’s packed full of highprofile craft designers and retailers from

David Hack Classic

Sunday, May 21, from 8.30am to 2.30pm WHERE: Aerotec Queensland, Spitfire St, Toowoomba WHAT: The David Hack Classic meet is in its 24th year with a mix of classic cars, warbirds, military vehicles, bikes and a variety of other vehicles and aircraft for the enthusiasts. The David Hack Classic Meet is a charity fundraiser, which benefits the Leukaemia

Foundation, Blue Care, Rotary, and local charities organised by the Rotary Club of Toowoomba North in conjunction with Lynette Zuccoli’s Aerotec.

COST: $15 adults, $40 family, children under 12 free

Paws and Claws

Saturday, May 27, 8am to 1pm WHERE: The Railway Goods Shed, Victoria St, Toowoomba WHAT: Get excited animal lovers! The Makers Market Toowoomba is bringing their Paws and Claws event to the Goods Shed. You’ll be able to find everything you need to spoil your furry and feathery babies, including treats, bedding, toys, bird cages, personalised treat containers and feeding bowls, and pet photography. There will also be adoption information from local animal shelters. Bring the whole family, including your furry friend, for a fun-filled day out.

COST: Visit themakersmarket.com.au

Buy direct from the Farmers Markets Fabulous experience Great savings!

EVERY SATURDAY, 7am to 12noon Under the Windmills at Cobb & Co Cnr Lindsay & Campbell Sts, Toowoomba www.toowoombafarmersmarket.com.au STYLE 60

events

Nicola Hulme-Peake and Emma-Kate Hanson

Christopher Turnock, guest speaker Dr Tony Rotondo and Emily Close

Sarah Read and Catherine Turnock

event Continuing Education with Toowoomba Orthodontists Toowoomba Orthodontists recently hosted a successful event at Gips Restaurant for 105 members of the dental community. Dentists and therapists from across the Darling Downs region travelled on Thursday, March 23, to listen to guest speaker Dr Tony Rotondo, internationally renowned prosthodontist and dental educator. The dental industry is ever changing, and as advancements in technology continue to push the industry forward, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest in preventive care, diagnostics and treatment. A great night was had by all who attended in the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Phillip Loughlin and Bianca Loughlin

Josh Kreiger, Victoria Fischer, Laura Curran and Sarah Read

Caitlin Fogarty, Catherine Turnock and Emma Morris

Sid Jacob and Michael Baker

61 STYLE

events

scene Meatstock The Toowoomba Showgrounds saw thousands of guests over two jam-packed days on Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15, for Meatstock. In addition to excellent beer and fantastic meats, visitors were treated to country music performances and competitions.

Photos: Nev Madsen and Bev Lacey

Asha, Claire, Brianna and Kayleidh Farquhar

Krystal Sutton and Tom Rizzato Back from left) Chloe Hyde, Brei Harris, Aron Hyde, Paxton Harris. (Front from left) Alexis Hyde, Kalilah Harris and Kirra-Lee Hyde

Anna Marks and Leeandra Mahaffey

Larissa Davis and Brayden Powis

Abigail McMahon

Joshua Meehan from Hoy Pinoy

TRC Mayor Paul Antonio, Stuart Armitage and councillor Geoff McDonald

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