Brilliant-Online | Brilliant Businesses | April 2021 Issue

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Australian made eyewear by Optex

BRILLIANT BUSINESSES April 2021 Issue

BRILLIANT BUSINESSES

NSW FLOOD STORIES

COME FLY WITH HDFC BLOOMING IN TG’S GARDENS OPTEX SPRING 2021 EYEWEAR LYNDALL WARD, CATS4TAX SAMSO - THE GREATEST SHOW IN ASX LINN - CLOSER TO THE MUSIC OXIRA - THE BUSINESS OF KILLING GERMS MRS. YORK’S GARDEN - VIEWING PLATFORM PM LINK CELEBRATES 20 YEARS ILEADIT - WHAT WILL YOU BE THE BEST AT?

RESILIENT SOCIETY TO MAKE PAPPINBARRA BEAUTIFUL AGAIN MISS NELLIE’S CAFE FAMILY HOME LOST TO THE FLOODS LIKE A WHEEL IN THE COMMUNITY SUPPORTING PEOPLE THROUGH TOUGH TIMES REBUILDING PAPPINBARRA WINGHAM NSW AND THE 2021 FLOODS YAMBA ART SPACE GALLERY KVC CREATIONS ORIGINAL SOUND LOUNGE

Playing is Learning for Life

TG’s Child Care

Early Learning Centres across Australia For children 6 weeks to 6 years Uralla

Urangan

Armidale

+61 (02) 6778 3369

+61 (07) 4184 2282

+61 (02) 6772 7810

uralla@tgschildcare.com.au

urangan@tgschildcare.com.au

armidale@tgschildcare.com.au

tgschildcare.com.au/uralla

tgschildcare.com.au/urangan

tgschildcare.com.au/armidale

23B John St, Uralla NSW 2358

61 Miller St, Urangan, QLD 4655

11 Samuelson Crescent, Armidale NSW 2350

Licensed for 32 places

Licensed for 73 places

Licensed for 75 places

Wauchope Hastings St

Wauchope High St

Wauchope Riverbreeze

+61 (02) 6585 1033

+61 (02) 6585 3331

+61 (02) 6585 2981

HastingsStreet@tgschildcare.com.au

HighStreet@tgschildcare.com.au

riverbreeze@tgschildcare.com.au

tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-hastings-st

tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-high-st

tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-riverbreeze

33B Hastings St, Wauchope NSW 2446

223A High St, Wauchope NSW 2446

3 Riverbreeze Drive, Wauchope NSW 2446

Licensed for 48 places

Licensed for 48 places

Licensed for 48 places

ENROLL AT TG’S CHILD CARE

BRILLIANT BUSINESSES

INVESTING IN A BRILLIANT FUTURE - VERONICA LIND, CEO BRILLIANT-ONLINE

Our on-going liaison with various business communities means that every day we speak with business leaders and entrepreneurs about their business ideas, their motivations and – crucially - what makes those business ideas succeed or fail.

What I’ve learned from all this is that these brilliant businesses have a bigger purpose apart from achieving success in terms of profit on their bottom lines.

They’re all investing in something much more fulfilling than money in the bank – a better and meaningful future To take just one example, TG’s Child Care actively personifies its mission statement of Playing It Forward.

Throughout their activities they care for and educate future generations, helping them develop responsibilities and form meaningful connections within their community and with the world beyond.

Another example is The Hastings District Flying Club, where aspiring high-flyers reach for the sky to fulfil their dreams.

In turning these dreams of the future into reality, this renowned flying school produces great and respected pilots.

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And for those interested in a future enhanced by returns on investment, we’ve introduced a new Investment column, where industry guru Noel Ong, CEO of Samso, interviews business executives of ASX companies and private businesses, to uncover their views on market trends and developments.

Apply for a free pass worth $1375 to RIU Sydney Resources Round Up Conference 4, 5, 6 May. At Brilliant, we’re dedicated to playing our own part in creating a better world leveraging technology that will empower progressive readers to push for an improved future in the digital era.

and generosity shown by local communities, who stepped up to help each other in their hours of need – a truly heartwarming display of care, generosity and support in the community.

To play our part in this community effort, Brilliant donated A$7,000 of free advertorials to local businesses, enabling them to tell their stories and promote their business during this stressful time.

Over time, our interactive magazine will improve further with more embedded videos, interactive call to actions, and built-in forms.

HELPING HANDS In the meantime, the reality of our present world became up-close and personal recently when Port MacquarieHastings, New South Wales, Australia was hit by severe floods that destroyed many homes and businesses.

The upside of all this was the resilience

Let us know if you have a story to tell send your story to editor@brilliant-online.com

CONTENTS AUSTRALIAN MADE EYEWEAR BY OPTEX - COVER EDITOR’S NOTE

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DIGGERBIT FOR DIGGING HOLES

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ONLINE

Brilliant-Online

BRILLIANT BUSINESSES

editor@brilliant-online.com

COME FLY WITH HDFC

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BLOOMING IN TG’S GARDENS

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OPTEX SPRING 2021 EYEWEAR

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LYNDALL WARD, CATS4TAX

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SAMSO - THE GREATEST SHOW IN ASX

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Advertising Enquiry

LINN - CLOSER TO THE MUSIC

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HQ Australia

OXIRA - THE BUSINESS OF KILLING GERMS

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+61 412 137 621

MRS. YORK’S GARDEN - VIEWING PLATFORM

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PM LINK CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

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ILEADIT - WHAT WILL YOU BE THE BEST AT?

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Singapore

A MILE IN MY SHOES

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+65 96 817 045

RAMADAN DURING A PANDEMIC

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North America

KIM STAPLES ART OF LIFE

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+1 (647) 239 3231

MUSIC & DOWN SYNDROME

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NSW FLOOD STORIES

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RESILIENT SOCIETY TO MAKE PAPPINBARRA BEAUTIFUL AGAIN

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MISS NELLIE’S CAFE

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FAMILY HOME LOST TO THE FLOODS

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LIKE A WHEEL IN THE COMMUNITY

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IPN VALUERS

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SUPPORTING PEOPLE THROUGH TOUGH TIMES

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REBUILDING PAPPINBARRA

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WINGHAM NSW AND THE 2021 FLOODS

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YAMBA ART SPACE GALLERY

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KVC CREATIONS

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ORIGINAL SOUND LOUNGE

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brilliant-online.com P.O. Box 9339, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444

29 Jindalee Rd,Port Macquarie, NSW 2444

Follow us on our socials @brilliantonlineinternational @BrilliantOnlineInternational @AdBrilliant Brilliant Online Magazine

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COME FLY WITH HDFC HASTINGS DISTRICT FLYING CLUB’S NEWLY FURBISHED HANGAR

The Hastings District Flying Club reveals newly furbished hangar as part of Port Macquarie’s bicentenary 2021 celebrations.

The Hastings District Flying Club (HDFC) is opening its clubhouse and hangar doors to the public on Sunday 18th April from 9 am to 3 pm at Oliver Drive, Port Macquarie Airport. The HDFC Open Day is a Port Macquarie-Hastings Council bicentenary satellite event.

HDFC’s newly furbished hangar will be revealed and members will show off their aircraft and people are welcome to talk with the owners and for selected aircraft, with the person who built it. The public can also sign up for flights on HDFC’s Sling2 aircraft. 30-minutes discovery flights will be available on this day. Flight vouchers can be purchased now or on the day itself.

Many thanks to the New South Wales Government who contributed $27,000 as part of a Community Building Partnership grant to rebuild the hangar. That helps with subsidising part of the cost for HDFC’s hangar refurbishment.

HDFC boosts a 63-year aviation history and visitors can view historical presentations, radio control models, plastic aircraft models and flying training information in the clubhouse and hangar house.

There will be prizes to be won on Open Day and raffle tickets can be purchased now from the HDFC clubhouse or during Open Day. • • •

First prize is a $500 Flight Certificate, 2nd prize a $250 Flight Certificate, 3rd prize is a $150 Discovery Flight.

COME FLY WITH HDFC

HDFC OPEN DAY PROGRAM SUNDAY 18TH APRIL 2021 Special talks and entertainment will commence at 10 am.

All-day Discovery Flights. You may purchase discovery flight vouchers in advance.

9.00-15.00

Aircraft, Hangar and Club House Displays

10.30

Official Opening of Hangar Reconstruction - Leslie Williams MP

11.00

Musical Entertainment - Z-Chords

11.30

Hangar Talk - Learning to Fly – Ray Lind CFI

12.00

Hangar Talk - Drones- All you need to know - Tim Hitchins

12.00-14.00 Musical Entertainment by singer-songwriter,

Pam Hata with her new music release WILD. 12.30

Hangar Talk - Build your own plane - Doug Toppazzini

13.00

Roulettes - Pilot signings and merchandise

16.00

Guessing Competition Draw

17.00

Gather on the Town Green to view the Roulettes Aerial Display FOOD AND DRINK AVAILABLE ALL DAY OPEN DAY INFORMATION

PURCHASE DISCOVERY FLIGHT

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LEARN TO FLY WITH HDFC The Hastings District Flying Club (HDFC) is a leader in Recreational Flying Training specialising in professional pilot development.

Their enthusiastic team of instructors draws on experience from many facets of aviation and will ensure that your flying training is conducted thoroughly, professionally, and to the highest standards. Flying training is conducted at Port Macquarie Airport (YPMQ) in a friendly atmosphere.

Whether you’re starting out in flying as a new student pilot or you are an experienced pilot wanting to add an endorsement or need a BFR, HDFC can help. All training is conducted in their SLING 2 aircraft.

ASK RAY LIND ABOUT LEARNING TO FLY, 18TH APRIL 2021 11.30 AM AT THE HANGAR. Ray Lind, Chief Flying Instructor, HDFC lindflight@gmail.com +61 428 820 698

FLYING TRAINING hdfc.com.au enquiries@hdfc.com.au +61 (02) 6583 1695 Oliver Drive Port Macquarie Airport, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444

BLOOMING IN TG’S GARDENS THERE ARE LITTLE OASES OF JOY AND LOVE THAT ARE SPROUTING UP ACROSS OUR COMMUNITIES.

At TG’s, everyone really works at sustainability and it is a value that is very much embedded in their culture and flows through all that they do. It is a part of how they live, work and play.

This is the TG’s Way. It is how children learn respect for each other and cultivate a love of learning that will take them through the school years and beyond as valuable and reliable members of their communities.

The word “gardens” takes on a whole new meaning and feeling at TG’s. The outdoor learning environment is like a “Universe in Miniature” and it’s where educators foster values, attitudes, skills and behaviours that support sustainable development. Children are encouraged to explore nature as part of TG’s sustainability practices. TG’s gardens and outdoor learning spaces become a safe and secure place for independent and creative young minds to be developed, and where they are encouraged to participate in collective thinking with their peers.

ARMIDALE . URALLA . WAUCHOPE. URANGAN

ENROLL AT TG’S CHILD CARE

Step into any of the six TG’s Child Care and you will wish you were a child again and could stay there. Well-known for its award-winning gardens and philosophy of Playing is Learning for Life, what TG’s is doing every day is nurturing growth in the children, the communities and the environment.

For the past 22 years, TG’s has been well-loved and recognised by their communities for their high quality of care, education and community engagements. There is clearly magic in the air when you step into TG’s and everything you see is a consequence of a conscious dedication to sustainability and growth.

COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY TG’s business model of sustainability looks at how they impact the environmental, social and economical aspects of each of their six locations.

From the moment a child steps into TG’s, they experience the values, attitudes, skills and behaviours that can support them to become environmentally responsible from Day One to beyond.

By building the consciousness that every little thing each person does can impact the environment, children learn

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that they too can make a difference.

TG’s builds eco-intelligence in children when they learn how to care for their environment thus ensuring its sustainability and long term future.

The environment also includes the communities. Children expand their consciousness of their world and learn to appreciate their communities as a valuable source of sustainable business and economic support.

So what does sustainability look like at TG’s?

GARDENS OF JOY It looks like…FUN! Children use herbs, fruits and vegetables straight from their gardens to cook lunch. This is a miniature farm-to-fork process at TG’s, with children helming the caretaking of the gardens! And after meals, food scraps are given to the chooks and worm farms to make compost. No food is wasted from start to end. Educators also discuss with children the use and impact of plastic and how they can initiate litter-less lunches.

Children are certainly capable of doing a lot for the environment, starting with right where they are.

TG’s gardens are not a random collection of plants, trees and rocks. They’ve been specially designed by Trevor Kee, cofounder of TG’s Child Care who put in his extensive landscaping and design experience to create these beautiful dynamic environments where children can learn and thrive with joy.

TG’s gardens also go through the Panda Test which is TG’s way to ensure that their landscape design of the outdoor environment, gardens, creative play spaces, pathways and transition areas use natural materials and resources, making them beautiful and suitable for young children’s learning and discovery and also support children’s development of eco-intelligence and sustainability.

This puts it in line with NQS (National Quality Standard) standards. TG’s actively participates in sustainability by having environmental sustainability practices in the centres (NQS standard 3.3). Educators and children also work together to learn about the environment and this knowledge is practiced through sustainable use of resources as well as developing and implementing sustainable practices (Element 3.3.1NQS).

Children and educators embody ecointelligent actions such as the wise use of resources. Everyone has the responsibility to reduce waste, water, energy and toxins. At TG’s, taking care of the environment is done through fun, adventure and laughter as they become eco-intelligent through mud play, growing fruit and vegetables, gardening, recycling, worm farm and chook projects. Read more here about TG’s award-winning gardens.

MEALTIME IS FUN TIME At TG’s, a meal goes beyond something healthy you put into a body. Children see

There’s a reason why children and educators see going to TG’s as going to their second home. This is their TG’s Family. There’s a culture of openness and respect where everyone has a voice and is listened to. This is an environment based on Collective Thinking to achieve excellence. Part of this Collective Thinking is also engaging with partners in their communities to provide purposeful learning experiences for the children. Children learn life skills through TG’s strong community engagements and socially responsible corporate actions with partners in their communities.

To learn more about TG’s partnership with families and communities, read here.

PLAYING IT FORWARD, SUSTAINABLY Making a difference for a better world starts today. And TG’s is also focused on savings and long term community economic support for sustainable business where they are located. When TG’s sixth centre was set up in Urangan, they had the help and support of local businesses to get their centre ready for the children to engage in Playing is Learning for Life.

food in a different way at TG’s. They learn where food comes from and how it ends up on their plate.

and joy. Building awareness of eating well and healthily takes place at TG’s and at home.

They actually experience growing their own food in TG’s gardens. They are entrusted with the responsibility to look after the plants and learn about what they need and how to care for them. They learn that when well taken care of, these plants in return give back to them in the form of delicious fruits and vegetables that are good for their bodies. This helps children to cultivate a sense of appreciation and responsibility for what they eat. This combination of practical knowledge and humble appreciation become food for the soul.

And all with sprinkles of fun, curiosity and laughter thrown in!

Meal time then becomes a fun time at TG’s. Children get to be involved handson right from the moment they plant a seed to enjoying the vegetables on their plates. Curiosity is nurtured every day in the gardens and this continues through to their food preferences.

Educators listen to the children talking about their experiences and adventures in the gardens and what they learnt about the food sitting on their plates.

This encourages children to make daily achievements with their food preferences. The children are always excited to go home and share these delicious milestones with their family.

The TG’s Way does not just stop within the vicinity of TG’s. It flows into the lives of the educators and the families. TG’s shares healthy delicious recipes in their newsletters along with suggestions for food challenges children can do at home. They can help to wash, sort, and chop vegetables as well. TG’s children are very nifty helpers in the kitchen and they are proud of what they have been taught and are trusted to do. This makes mealtimes and cooking moments of fun

SUSTAINABILITY BUILT ON A FIRM FOUNDATION TG’s sustainability values rest on their Three Foundation Stones - Building Relationships, Understanding Our Gifts and Encouraging Collective Thinking.

TG’s understands that sustainability and building a better world for the future of our children does not rest on one single person’s shoulders. By having a natural collaborative base of interactions among TG’s educators, children, families and communities, TG’s is building You, Me and Us Together conversations. Children experience meaningful relationships with the people around them in interactions that involve care, kindness and respect.

TG’s doors are open and welcoming to families of different backgrounds and cultures. It is an extended home for many where their gifts are welcomed, nurtured and recognised. A rich mix of backgrounds and cultures enables TG’s to foster strong ties with each local community and allows children to expand their vision of culture and society.

The children are encouraged to understand Australian society and culture including cultural diversity, gender equality and democracy for social harmony. From aboriginal festivals to each town’s unique festival such as the Lasiandra Festival, TG’s is ever ready to be curious, open and take part in the joy and fun of these different cultures.

Sustainability practices at TG’s are done through play, enquiry, curiosity and always with fun. Every day, children learn about something they can do to protect their environment and they become intellectually and socially ecointelligent. Children are empowered at TG’s to participate and engage with sustainability and the wider world around them through a carefully designed curriculum that acknowledges and values children as citizens of the world and leaders of our future.

A better future starts now and nobody does this better than the children who have the support of their families, communities and educators so they are seen as capable and competent.

They can be problem-solvers, conflict resolvers, inventors, artists, designers, construction workers, welfare workers and future architects, politicians and leaders of the world.

Every single child at TG’s is encouraged and supported to form meaningful connections with their world through belonging, being and becoming.

This is how they reach their fullest potential - when they build meaningful engagements and partnerships with their families and community.

At TG’s, the children are making a positive and significant difference every single day and Playing it Forward into their Future.

TG’s sustainability starts today. With every single child. By showering each child with love, care and respect and letting them bloom with their own gifts to share with the world.

BLOOMING IN TG’S GARDENS

tgschildcare.com.au

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OPTEX SPRING 2021 EYEWEAR LIMITED EDITION EYEWEAR FASHION STATEMENT

Our trends point towards designs that are bolder, edgy or confidently oversized. Retro aviators and cat-eye frames will still stay and are given the contemporary make-over with either translucent metallics or multi-coloured frames.

BEACHES AND OCEANS OF AUSTRALIA

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Optex wants its 2021 acetate colours to reflect the sandy beaches and vast blue oceans of Australia. Wear the feel of Sandy Rise and Pacific Earth.

•

WE ASKED OPTEX ABOUT THEIR SPRING 2021 EYEWEAR COLOURS.

Sandy Rise will remind you of the warm, beautiful beaches of Port Macquarie where our factory is. The different tones of the sand are rich and give the design quite a body.

Optex eyewear is lovingly handcrafted in Australia, and always with a quality professional touch. Their Spring colours radiate excitement and adventure under our homeland Australia’s exhilarating blue skies, oceans, open spaces and generous sunshine.

This year Optex Australia works with renowned manufacturers to bring private labels a stunning range of uniquely handcrafted bio-acetates.

“We have developed an exciting range of pearl colours in partnership with our international artisans. These colours are being released as a limited edition range that includes Marble Rain, Nordic Champagne, Sandy Rise, Pacific Earth and Vera Rose.”, says Greg French at Optex Australia.

STRIKING SILVERS Optex’s 2021 bio-acetate colours have a striking silvers range with a space-age feel.

Marble Rain has exciting specks of gold with a creamy earth tone. Finished with a hypnotic marble effect, it makes one’s gaze linger...

Nordic Champagne stands out with its ability to exude different qualities modern, elegant, quirky or even retro.

Pacific Earth is a mix of the mysterious opal and the mesmerising colours of the ocean.

• •

If you’re a private label planning to launch your own branded sunglasses or eyewear, reach out to Optex early in the game because: •

RED, RED ROSE Another special highlight to round off the range is their intoxicating Vera Rose.

Vera Rose like the others is made of high-quality, handcrafted bio- acetates.

If you need that extra punch, add Vera Rose to your bold collection.

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WHAT ARE BIO-ACETATES? Optex has sustainability practices that are valuable to our physical environment. Their eyewear frames are made with bio-acetates also know as cellulose acetates, which are plantbased materials.

Acetate is made up of a (bio) polymer derived from wood (tree) pulp and/or natural cotton fibers. For fashionable spectacles, Optex prefers bio-acetates because the material: • • • • •

Does not harm the environment.

Is made from renewable materials.

Is hypoallergenic.

Come in all colours of the rainbow.

Can be made beautifully transparent.

Are high-grade, highly unique versions that are fit adjustable by opticians.

Are known for their lightweight thin constructions and strength.

Remain flexible with glass-like clarity.

Boast the widest range of finishesfrom high luster polish, matte, or brushed.

•

Producing a frame is actually a long, intricate assembly process of over 60 steps that require precision, professionalism and patience at every point; Optex’s custom made bio-acetate range is a premium material that has been carefully chosen for its hardness and quality. Formed and layered from traditional block processes, the material is of exceptional quality.

Worked through our finishing processes, the material offers, stunning finishes, enhanced effects and brilliant colour finishes.

Production deadline for interested labels is 31st May 2021

Private Labels and Optical Houses can contact Optex Australia

SPRING 2021 EYEWEAR

ORDER NOW

optexaust.com.au info@optexaust.com.au +61 (02) 6584 8907 29 Jindalee Rd, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

LYNDALL WARD, CATS4TAX TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF TAXES

Tax. The three-letter word that strikes dread in the hearts of modern businesses.

Let’s face it. Tax procedures are not a walk in the park. For the layman and the plebeians, the mere thought of having to do one’s taxes is enough to bring on a migraine.

And even more so for small businesses who can feel overwhelmed, intimidated and confused by the enormity of their tax procedures.

Tax accountant Lyndall Ward is a specialist who is helping small businesses wade through the intricacies of tax compliance. She has been devoting her professional career to her firm CATS4Tax, dedicated to allaying the fears of small businesses when processing their taxes.

What people appreciate is Lyndall´s genuine enthusiasm about this much dreaded subject, and this combined with her experience and expertise is putting small business owners at ease when it comes to that time of the year. Lyndall is skilled at getting into a company’s financials and she has wellhoned relationships with the Tax Office, making CATS4Tax the place to go to for help getting through the tax labyrinth.

Interestingly, CATS4Tax is named after Lake Cathie, where Lyndall lives and works. Even the name is a welcoming

cats4tax.com.au

and inviting one. It is just a 15-minute drive south of Port Macquarie. This gives Lyndall easy access to carry out personal client visits which she thrives on.

scary as it may seem, meeting it head on with proper professional guidance is the best thing a business can do to ensure it has a clean, solid foundation to grow.

With her status as a Registered Tax Agent, Lyndall enjoys direct phone access to the Tax Office. This means she gets faster answers to questions instead of waiting for hours on end on a call waiting system.

Lyndall prides herself on her ability to keep an eye on details when doing a deep dive into a company’s financial records and guiding clients with efficient bookkeeping. As Lyndall has a background as a software consultant, she has also been training clients in the application of accounting software such as XERO. This helps them to be more hands-on and streamlined with their financials.

While Lyndall is clearly the expert in numbers, what makes her stand out is her capacity to see the picture through her clients’ eyes. That’s why she is committed to putting in the effort to build trust with her clients and provide them with the much-needed reassurance that her tax compliance procedures are thorough and accurately done.

“When clients are overawed or dismayed by the looming tax liabilities it’s vitally important to reassure them by giving them the trust that their affairs are in professional, experienced hands,” says Lyndall.

Lyndall understands the concerns her clients have, and helping them meet their tax compliance can have its difficulties but it is nothing to be scared of. She is providing the encouragement to small businesses to bravely meet their responsibilities in the corporate world.

Many involved in start-ups have no idea about how to deal with taxes and as

lyndall@cats4tax.com.au

+61 404 483 685

Not everything is grey and gloomy in the world of taxes. One of Lyndall’s happy moments in her job is giving clients the occasional delightful news that they are getting a refund instead of facing a tax bill.

A country’s financial regulatory system can be subjected to constant changes and that can feel very unnerving for small businesses. That’s why it’s an asset having Lyndall on board as a constant guide to keep one’s numbers in order.

Simply said, taxes are inevitable but CATS4Tax helps small businesses have a much happier relationship with their numbers.

TAKING ON THE TAX BURDEN

Lake Cathie, NSW 2445

INVESTMENTS INVESTING IN THE FUTURE How Digging into Geological Models Can Add Value to your Share Portfolio

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SAMSO

THE GREATEST SHOW IN ASX

In spite of the pandemic, we are seeing the best equity investment period since the 1980s. That is happy news for investors or traders within the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).

nickel, copper, zinc and tin. Each of these metals have their own unique characteristics in the market and there is much we can learn about how they are behaving and what is to come.

Strange as it may seem because we are in the midst of a pandemic, it is a fertile time for investments.

Basically, for Noel, the market is not slowing down and there will be many rewarding opportunities. A much needed reprieve after a year of tough challenges brought on by COVID-19.

Noel Ong from Samso is passionate about metals and how markets behave.

It is a whole new world once you start listening to him. These are not just raw material and pieces of static rock. They have a life of their own, a history and a future everyone is speculating on.

Noel is always on the lookout for companies that have a great story and exciting discoveries waiting to be revealed.

It was also interesting to learn about the Green Evolution from Noel. This is the next version of an industrial revolution.

All manufacturing and mining will be expected to go green. Even the mining sector is catching on the trend of taking care of the planet.

This EV Revolution is going to need lithium, graphite, nickel, copper, tin, tungsten, and even uranium. The main players would be the ones with processes that make anything the EV Revolution requires.

Another thing to take note of is the introduction of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors.

This is something that is going to drive the market.

Noel shares his thoughts about gold,

SAMSO AUSTRALIA

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NOEL ONG 30 FREE investor passes worth $1,375 each to be given away to attend the RIU Sydney Resources Round-Up Conference

As in anything, it pays to be cautious.

Even the pros make sure they understand the market well before they invest. They look for steady management, good business models and they follow the sector and the company’s story. Beware of the phenomenon of FOMO, where the Fear of Missing Out can drive people to bad investment decisions.

In the coming months, we are looking at more money in the sector as a result of the EV Revolution. These are going to be exciting times for industries. Perhaps even a new economy where all metals come back in fashion.

Ultimately, we need to create a new world that is more efficient and slimmer in costings. The pandemic has shown that economies could become less dependent on human interaction. Robotics and AI are going to be the focus which will mean more innovative thinking on raw materials used.

You will not look at a piece of rock in the same way again after listening to Noel share his passion about metals and markets.

THE GREATEST SHOW IN ASX

4th, 5th & 6th May 2021 Hyatt Regency, Sydney, NSW

APPLY FOR A FREE PASS

FOLLOW COFFEE WITH SAMSO AS NOEL SPEAKS TO ASX COMPANIES samso.com.au noel.ong@samso.com.au +61 490 092 814 www.facebook.com/samso.com.au/ www.youtube.com/channel/ UCxB1x083WuI96Yp5pPFlGBQ

CONVERSATIONS WITH RICK RULE, PRESIDENT & CEO, SPROTT US HOLDINGS, ON MARKETS AND COMMODITIES

LINN, CLOSER TO THE MUSIC NEW BENCHMARK IN STREAMING FOR ULTIMATE MUSICAL EXPERIENCE

Hi-Fi innovator Linn has applied almost five decades of digital technology learning and expertise to manufacture what’s claimed to be the ultimate streaming product and the closest you can get to streaming audio perfection.

The next-generation Klimax DSM is a complete re-imagining of the legendary Scottish firm’s flagship streamer, designed from first principle and fully optimised for the very best musical performance.

Recently launched via a global livecast from Linn’s Glasgow headquarters, it’s a stunning product that combines ground-breaking technical innovation and drop-dead good looks, that sets a new benchmark in audio excellence.

ADVANCED DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY An exquisite enclosure provides acoustic isolation with tactile luxury, while cradling the beating heart of Klimax DSM and its most critical component – Organik DAC, the cutting-edge, first-ever all-Linn digital to analogue converter.

Here’s the technical lowdown - Organik combines FPGA (Field Programmable Gateway Array) processing with a discrete conversion stage, enabling Linn to precisely control and optimise every stage of the digital to analogue conversion process for the first time.

This powerful FPGA processing stage uses custom-designed algorithms to provide increased upsampling, more precise volume control and distortionfree modulation.

Its partnering discrete conversion stage renders the analogue signal with extremely low levels of distortion, thanks to a new ultra-low jitter oscillator and carefully-designed clock distribution network.

They’re all cleverly combined within a unique double-sided design that reduces signal paths to an absolute minimum.

All this means that Organik offers significantly lower noise and distortion, measuring better than Linn has ever achieved before.

It expertly performs the digital to analogue conversion to achieve the most accurate re-creation of the original music signal – revealing more of the tiny details that provide closer emotional connection with the music.

EXTREME ENGINEERING All this technological wizardry is entwined with engineering excellence - Klimax DSM’s casework has been precision-engineered to exceptionally unforgiving tolerances by Linn’s advanced new in-house manufacturing technology.

Every aspect of the gorgeous custom-

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designed enclosure plays a crucial role in preserving original musical detail – and exudes a luxurious look and feel at the same time.

Machined from solid, special-grade aluminium, the striking design takes on a fresh new Linn DSM family look, while retaining the distinguished and muchloved signature Klimax character.

The sheer mass of the product, coupled with internal damping, isolates it from room vibration, while precisioncut pockets and partitions separate analogue, digital and power stages, fully protecting the electronics from any interior interference.

Diamond-cut circles on the upper surface echo the grooves of a record, paying homage to Linn’s iconic Sondek LP12 turntable.

The dial is rendered in the highest quality materials, from the turned brass bearing celebrating its provenance while creating the smooth handling of the precision-cut glass, to the photo-etched stainless steel surround that encases each of the 100 status lights.

CONNECTED FOR BEST POSSIBLE SOUND The exceptional audio performance of Klimax DSM with new Organik DAC, including support for up to 24-bit 384khz and DSD256 audio resolution,

will give all streaming and connected digital, analogue and wireless sound sources a new lease of life.

Connected analogue sources will also enjoy an extra benefit thanks to a brand new higher performance, lower distortion ADC design which has its own circuit board with dedicated power supply, while Exakt Link ports enable direct connection of an LP12 turntable with Urika II. A USB input enables direct connection to a computer for the ultimate performance stand-alone DAC. And built-in wireless connectivity enables convenient connection of sources via WiFi or Bluetooth.

Additionally, the AV variant offers HDMI inputs and again uses Organik DAC to enhance the performance of all connected AV sources. It also provides eARC for Smart TV support.

MUSICAL EXPERIENCE

linn.co.uk helpline@linn.co.uk www.facebook.com/linnproducts www.instagram.com/linnproducts/

OXIRA - THE BUSINESS OF KILLING GERMS BREATHE EASY, BREATHE SAFE With all the air around us, perhaps it is something we have been taking for granted. After all, there is plenty of it on Earth and we do not have to do anything to really generate air.

COVID-19 has brought a different way of thinking about the air we breathe. From being in lockdown in our homes and only being allowed to be outside for a certain period of time, to having to wear masks, breathing fresh clean air freely has taken on a whole new feeling.

NEW RULES IN PLACE Recently, the Hong Kong government announced that catering business premises are required to comply with specified requirements on air change or air purifier and obtain their certification by 30 April 2021. The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) had a working group compile a list of air purifiers that comply with the requirements under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Requirements & Directions) (Business & Premises) Regulation. This was carried out to protect the health of staff, customers and the public. By providing safe premises, it is hoped that the public would once again feel confident in patronising these places.

Catering premises are required to have an air exchange rate of indoor ventilation systems that can achieve at least 6 times per hour, or install air purifiers such as C-type ultraviolet (UVC) air neutralizer on their premises.

Bearing in mind the recent mandate and requirements, many restaurants and F&B groups have had to evaluate all the different UVC air purifier brands on the market and the final choice of many have been OXIRA.

MAKING SAFETY ACCESSIBLE What makes OXIRA their final choice is how they comply with FEHD’s specifications and criteria. Catering establishments can trust OXIRA’s systems to protect their customers and staff while meeting regulatory requirements. This ensures sustainability of their business.

Catering establishments have been hard hit across many countries due to the pandemic. Business owners have had nonstop challenges trying to keep their businesses going and it is a rough road ahead to recovering from the economic setback. Now that businesses are allowed to operate again, business owners are trying their best to keep their doors open while also making sure their premises are compliant with the new regulations and also keeping their customers and employees safe.

OXIRA is making this easier for business owners by providing a one-stop service.

Businesses can arrange for a registered

specialist contractor to sign off the ¨Certificate on Air Change / Installation of Air Purification Device in Catering Premises¨. This is then submitted to the FEHD on behalf of the catering premises. OXIRA is also taking the extra step to arrange for a registered specialist contractor to assess if the air exchange rate of a premises indoor ventilation system can meet the requirements (6 times per hour) and provide recommendations for any changes or installations and give a contract work quotation.

Every single person’s safety counts, and as businesses, different sectors are stepping up to help each other stay afloat by providing the best possible services they can offer.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? Having an air purification system to ensure the safety of people in a premise may not be so common to many, and some may wonder how it works and what it even looks like.

Breathing easy can help customers enjoy again being on the premises and encourage businesses to grow. OXIRA makes sure they are compliant with relevant international safety standards.

The UV-C lamp is housed in a sealed enclosure that ensures the human body is not subject to exposure. The system has been tested to check that no harmful UV-C light can be emitted from the machine. This makes it safe to use.

It is a difficult road ahead for businesses as they pick themselves up after repeated lockdowns and having to adapt to new situations and regulations.

A respite is what everyone needs, and bringing in safe, clean air is a big step in encouraging signs of life again on the economic front.

MAKING SAFETY ACCESSIBLE

Is it some giant, noisy fan with huge propellers that we need to knock down some walls to fit in?

OXIRA’s system is surprisingly compact.

It is the size of a 500ml mineral water bottle. Imagine that. This means it can be easily installed on a table or mounted on a wall or ceiling. This saves business owners from having to provide precious floor space just to incorporate this machine. This modest little machine is going to be hard at work to clean out the air while customers are on the premises.

Besides its small size, another huge benefit for business owners is its durability and it is a low maintenance machine. It is designed to operate 24 hours a day all year round. For such a little machine, it is actually very powerful! It can maintain up to 90% germicidal power for over 150,000 hours.

Pull out your calculators or challenge your mental prowess - that works out to 24/7 continuous operation for more than 20 months, or double that if the machine is used just 12 hours a day.

OXIRA’s system has no filters and the only consumable is the UV tube.

BREATHE EASY NOW OXIRA’s system uses the world’s best quartz German UV-C lamps as well as a special reflector coating around the lamp that amplifies the UV intensity.

Not all air purifiers on the market are lab tested. OXIRA is one of the rare few.

Their system has been independently tested by a leading laboratory in Hong Kong to prove that they reduce 99.99% of airborne coronavirus. If that is not enough to set your mind at ease, know that the system has been recently tested by a renowned university in Hong Kong to verify its germicidal effectiveness.

oxira.com.hk info@oxira.com.hk +852 2887 5889

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MRS. YORK’S GARDEN STANDING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER VIEW

There is a new sight to behold, or rather, there is a new place from which to admire the beautiful sights of Port Macquarie.

Mrs. York’s Garden is a well-loved place in Port Macquarie. Locals and visitors know it affectionately as a little garden where you can stroll into, sit on a bench and just soak in the greenery amidst the gurgling sounds of a little man-made waterfall. A gem of a natural haven so near the centre of town.

A NEW VIEW A new viewing platform has been built recently that overlooks the picturesque grounds of Mrs. York’s Garden. Where before you could experience the garden from the inside, now, visitors can have a completely different view of the garden, right from the very top. This viewing platform on the headland at the top of Clarence Street overlooks the garden.

For one of the best views of the town, head up to this new area.

The official opening of the new viewing platform was led by NSW Governor Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, together with Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams.

The new viewing platform was commissioned by the Friends of Mrs. York’s Garden. A Stronger Country Communities grant of $90,000 was awarded to them in March 2020 and it helped make this new vision turn into a reality for the community. Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams led the groundbreaking ceremony in November 2020.

THE LADY BEHIND THE GARDEN So who exactly is Mrs. York? Amy Bertha York was born in Hay in 1894 and her birthday falls right on 26th January, i.e.

Australia Day. Coincidence? Or a sign of greater things to come? She certainly lived up to that special twist of fate being born on that day as she has done much for her country.

She received the Queen’s Commendation Medal for her work in childcare and representing Australia as a delegate at the first United Nations First Meeting on the Rights of Women.

During her retirement years, she did not stop and chose to spend her time creating her beautiful headland garden across the road from her house on Stewart Street. Now, her granddaughter Glenys is site supervisor for the Friends of Mrs. York’s Garden (FMYG) volunteers.

A PLATFORM BY AND FOR THE COMMUNITY A community grows well when there is communal effort and communal thought to include everyone to share in the delights of the area.

What many may not be aware of is the bevy of volunteers who have been

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working tirelessly behind the scenes for six years to restore and maintain the original gardens of Amy Bertha York.

Dianne Davison is the President of Friends of Mrs. York’s Garden. The Friends have done a lot of work to restore and maintain this iconic headland, making it a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy. Check out the stages they went through building this viewing platform.

The new viewing platform overlooking Mrs. York’s Garden includes a disability access and it is set to be a space to host functions and school visits.

The viewing platform has been designed and created to feel like a continuation of the garden. It replicates the boat themed timber structures found throughout the Garden. The 8 m curved timber rail was crafted by Ron Window, Glenys and the volunteers at the Hibbard slipways.

For many who are conscious of respecting the environment, they will be pleased to know that reclaimed timber was used in the construction, courtesy of Forestry NSW and Boral industries, in the construction of the deck.

Jim Tredinnick also contributed a stunning hand-crafted timber seat.

When he first decided to put in his work, he called in to see the setting and area where he could place his work. There is something about every single person putting in their heart and dedication to creating something together that makes the final viewing platform such a delight to enjoy and be proud of.

Pacific Coast Carpentry were the local contractors, on behalf of Wagners CFT, whose composite fibre substructure was chosen for its long life in coastal conditions and low maintenance. They all brought the components together, with support from Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) in planning and delivery of the project.

Ultimately, this viewing platform was the result of a beautiful communal effort from everyone. It is for everyone to get on, take a breather and enjoy the peaceful views.

Fun Info: The new viewing platform is located across from where the Soldiers Garrison was; with the original Tombstone Cemetery at Allman Hill and the Gaol at the far end of the Garden at Gaol Point.

HERITAGE FOR THE FUTURE “What the Aboriginal people of our nation have taught us are many things about our land ... they have brought back this sense of land…If you give yourself time to stand, you feel the land and in many ways that’s what this (project) is about.” - NSW Governor Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC. In a lovely surprise Her Excellency calls all children under 14 to come forward to receive a medallion to remind them that they are the future generations to carry on our work.

President Di Davison said “We always knew that we had to do something very special here and we certainly have. I am sure the NSW Government will be very proud that they have funded this viewing platform with its combination of stunning local timbers, amazing craftsmanship and with that view of the river, ocean and the Garden” Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the viewing platform at Mrs York’s Garden would allow visitors to better take in the view of the garden, and the magnificent surrounding landscape. “The NSW Government is investing record amounts to deliver the big picture infrastructure needed to stimulate economies and boost drought resilience, but we’re also backing community projects that make a big positive difference to everyday life,”, Mr Barilaro said.

“The viewing platform at Mrs York’s Garden is exactly the kind of project the Stronger Country Communities Fund was designed to deliver and the great news is the NSW Government will be delivering more community infrastructure with a fourth round this year.”

We are creating the future right in this very present, just as our ancestors in the past built and established a heritage then that we can appreciate now. The new viewing platform where Mrs. York’s Garden is is a key location where the aboriginals used to live. Now from where we stand, we see the beautiful town beach.

The heritage of a place is not just the buildings and concrete things around us.

It is also in the people and their choices how to lead their lives that we inherit and continue into the future.

Mrs. York stood out with what she did in her time. When it was more accepted and safer for women then to conform to certain roles and responsibilities, Mrs. York was very much a doer and go-getter. She did not let society’s definitions about her gender stand in her way. And she was a trailblazing true

professional who made many amazing achievements.

Mrs. York started a childcare centre, a real estate agency, a small bank and she was even part of the first United Nations delegation for women. Even for a woman of today in 2021 with many more opportunities than she had, to be able to have done all of that would still be a feat and highly admirable.

As the Governor noted, for Mrs. York to have brought this to fruition for her community is something that will last for generations. That is a proud heritage the community of Port Macquarie has and it will still be here for our grandchildren and beyond.

MRS. YORK’S GARDEN

PM LINK PTE LTD

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SERVICE IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION

Established in 2001, PM Link’s mission is to provide quality project management services through innovative and customised solutions for our clients. We share our clients’ vision of tomorrow’s cities and are proud to deliver success for their building and construction projects over these 20 years.

Working in close collaboration with clients, PM Link has grown from strength to strength with a strong track record and solid reputation as one of Singapore’s premier project management companies. Among our recently completed projects are Eunoia Junior College, Fusionopolis Phase 2A, Gardens By The Bay, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), Woodlands Division HQ, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and State Courts. www.pmlink.com.sg

“We have a strong bond with our clients as they trust that we have their best interests at heart. We offer a better way forward by being collaborative and pro-active, and always offering insights and foresights to ensure visible results for every building and construction project. We deeply appreciate the opportunities with every client. We hope to continue our strong relationship with you for many decades to come.”

– Tan Cheng Chuah, Managing Director, PM Link Pte Ltd

ILEADIT

WHAT WILL YOU BE THE BEST AT? - PAUL MATHEWS

If you can’t beat them…. change the rules, register a company, convince friends to join, ask them to work for free, spend an outrageous amount of time building an app, just so for once, I might be able to win something!!!

Have you ever tried to win an activitybased competition against Mr. and Ms. Joe public, using one of the many mobile apps available for download?

Perhaps it was a competition to do the most steps or maybe cycling from point A to point B in the fastest time. How did you get on? Did you win? Did you even come close to winning? Let me tell you; I’ve tried, I’ve tried many times. Everyday cycling to work, I tried to beat Sarah, John, Rajeev, Seref, Barbara, Rina, or any other seemingly super-human person deciding to get on their bike that day.

Needless to say, I never won. I never came close to winning.

On my cycle to work, there was a stretch of road that included a steep hill climb. The app I used had this as a timed segment. So, anyone else using the same app, who cycled the same ‘segment,’ would appear on a leader board.

I planned my strategy and set the date.

The following Monday morning would be my time to shine. I would start my ride to work very slowly to conserve as much energy as possible for the hill climb. I would give it everything I had. I would get to the top of the hill and then leisurely cycle the rest of my route to work.

I decided to rest the Sunday before the big day. I did nothing other than clean my bike (that makes it go faster, right?).

I pumped up the tyres and left out a banana ready to eat for the morning of my, sure to be, epic victory.

6 am Monday, and I’m wheeling my shiny clean bike out of the garage. I’m pumped; I’ve already eaten my banana, convinced it would have the same effect as spinach for Popeye. “Go easy,” I tell myself as I jump on my bike, “you have 6 km to reach the hill.”

I’m now 6 km into my morning ride, and when I turn right at the end of this road, the timed segment begins. I can see that the traffic lights are green at the end of the road and will likely turn red before reaching them. I need all the help I can get, and beginning the segment from a standing start is less than ideal. I wait, I wait for the lights to stay red just for a little longer.

I’m starting to peddle, I’m picking up speed, but the lights are still red.

“Change, change to green!” I scream to myself as I get closer to the end of the road. I’m going fast now and starting to panic as the lights are still red. I must be only 10 metres away from the traffic lights that I now think are broken and stuck on red. I’m now going at what could only be considered by witnesses as an absurd speed. Shall I break? I don’t know, shall I break?!

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They’re green. They’ve changed to green with only a couple of metres to spare. I turn the corner at great speed. Now it’s on, what a great start. I’m at the bottom of the hill and starting to climb. I stand on the pedals, giving it everything. The bike is flailing left to right and creaking under the strain. I refuse to look to the top of the hill; I’m just concentrating on applying as much pressure to each rotation of the pedals. I’m going so fast I can hardly believe it.

I must be close to the top now, I’m starting to tire, but I’m still making up good ground. It can’t be far to go now.

Don’t look up, “keep pedalling,” I tell myself. A few more seconds pass, and my curiosity is starting to get the better of me. I lift my head to take a sneak peek. I’m nowhere near the top of the hill; I’m not even halfway there. Worst still, I’m starting to feel pretty bad. Both legs are beginning to hurt, I’m slowing down, but I’m still going faster than I would on any other given day.

I finally make it to the top. I’ve done it. What an achievement. I gave it everything I had, but I’m now a broken man. I can barely catch my breath. I look down at my legs expecting to see actual flames to explain the violent burning sensation. I feel like I’m close to needing medical attention. I throw my bike onto the pavement and wait for my heart to explode in my chest.

I had been telling myself that getting in the top 10 would be my target, but based on that last performance, I think I’ve won. I could not imagine anyone else putting in that amount of effort today. I have no choice but to crawl the rest of the 10 km to work as I have no energy to muster any respectable speed.

I looked like a child who’s just had their stabilisers removed, weaving from left to right, barely going fast enough to keep the bike upright. All I can think about is opening the app and seeing myself at the top of the leader board.

After taking a shower, I finally sit down at my desk. I’m like a kid in a sweet shop as I open the app on my phone. I navigate to the leader board as my confidence begins to soar at the thought of seeing my name right at the top in bright lights.

11th, only 11th!!! Are you serious?! You must be kidding me! I nearly killed myself, and all I get is 11th. Look at Jane at the top of the leader board. Does she

have a bike or a motorbike? David 2nd, Rajeev 3rd, Kathryn 4th, all those names on the leader board are laughing at me.

So the problem with these activitybased competition apps is simple, It’s just not fair competing with people who are better than you. And the solution, that’s pretty simple too. Just change the rules, so it’s not about the person who does the greatest number of steps or achieves the fastest time from point A to Point B. But instead, give points to users for beating their average.

Let’s take a simple steps competition as an example. Two players enter into a 7-day competition. Player 1 typically does around 3000 steps a day. With Player 2 doing about 10,000 a day. If the competition was only looking at who does the most steps over the 7-day competition, it’s very likely to be Player 2 that wins. But if each player is awarded 100 points for beating their average (Player 1 does 3001 steps, and Player 2 does 10,001), we are now starting to level the playing field.

We now have a simple solution to a simple problem, but I haven’t yet mentioned the most significant issue.

Three years ago, when I started looking, this app did not exist. So the obvious next step was to register a company, convince seven friends to join (who, unlike me, have the skills to make this app a reality), collectively spend thousands of hours working on the app. All of this, just so that I can join a competition and have a real chance of winning.

So come and join me for a 7-day steps competition, because I’m feeling pretty confident now. It doesn’t matter if you’re an athlete or someone who barely moves. Because all I need to do is beat my average to beat you. Download the first version of ileadit on both the Apple and Play Stores and try your luck beating me.

DOWNLOAD ILEADIT APP WHAT WILL YOU BE THE BEST AT www.facebook.com/Ileadit www.instagram.com/ileadit.app www.linkedin.com/company/ileadit twitter.com/ileadit_app

A MILE IN MY SHOES

FORMER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FEATURED IN MUSEUM PROJECT

An award-winning former international student has been featured in the Australian National Maritime Museum’s inaugural migration stories project - A Mile in My Shoes, a partnership initiative with the Empathy Museum UK to celebrate the voices of migrants and refugees who have made this country their home – people who have changed the face of the nation and have been changed by it.

Originally from Penang, Malaysia, Thomson Ch’ng arrived in Australia in 2009 when he first embarked on his international education journey at Curtin College in Sydney, a Navitas partnership with Curtin University. He was President of Curtin Sydney Student Guild before becoming a founding delegate and the 4th National President of the Council of International Students Australia (CISA) the national peak student organisation for all international students in Australia.

Thomson was awarded the 2013 NSW International Student of the Year (Higher Education) for his active contribution to the international student and wider multicultural community. After graduation, he continued to pursue his passion in youth advocacy and empowerment at the global level through the United Nations Youth platform.

In October 2020, he was awarded the prestigious International Alumni of the Year - PIEoneer Award, the global awards program that celebrates innovation and achievement across the whole of the international education sector.

“We welcome the inclusion of Thomson’s story in the Australian National Maritime Museum’s A Mile in their Shoes exhibition. It embodies the potential of international education to transform individual lives and enhance Australian communities, and as such it deserves to be told and celebrated,” said Scott Jones, CEO Navitas.

“Thomson is just one of thousands of international students who have been able to reach their potential in Australia and have gone on to make positive contributions to their local community and wider society. We are very proud that he began his journey at one of our colleges.”

Kevin Sumption, Director and CEO of the Australian National Maritime Museum said, “There has never been a better time for us, as Australians, to focus on what connects us rather than divides us – our common humanity. We want to shine the light on the experiences of a wide range of Australians from diverse backgrounds, to build understanding and contribute to an inclusive and harmonious society.

“Australians are very curious about the world. When we ask someone where they are from, it is to understand them, rather than separate ourselves from them. By listening to another’s stories, we can better understand where they

have come from and what has shaped them. We can share their journey, and empathise with them”.

A Mile in My Shoes is one-of-a-kind pop-up store, housed in a giant shoebox at the Australian National Maritime Museum which allows the public to understand another person by literally walking a mile in their shoes. Visitors are invited to enter the store and try on a pair of shoes that belong to someone else and to listen to their story. It might be a tale of loss and sadness, hope and love, of odds overcome.

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM - A MILE IN MY SHOES The Australian National Maritime Museum, through the Migration Heritage Fund, partnered with Empathy Museum (UK) to bring the awardwinning exhibition A Mile in My Shoes to Sydney.

Originally created by artist Clare Patey and produced by Artsadmin, A Mile in My Shoes has been experienced in London, Sao Paulo, New York, Riga, Denver, Perth and Melbourne., among others. This new iteration, created with the Australian National Maritime Museum, celebrates the voices of migrants and refugees who have made this country their home – people who have changed the face of the nation and have been changed by it.

A MILE IN MY SHOES

www.sea.museum info@sea.museum 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour

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RAMADAN DURING A PANDEMIC MEHREEN HASAN

Muslims to be able to help others, and while this may not have been the usual way of doing things, it is helping people stay connected, in a time when they need to stay apart.

Muslims are heading into another COVID-19 Ramadan, but rather than lament what used to be, they have their creativity and resilience to fulfill all aspects of the holy month.

In fact, many of them have been so successful that it looks as if that many these will stay even after we are able to put our arms around our loved ones to wish them “Ramadan Kareem!”

LET’S GET COOKING! “I can’t believe we’re heading into another COVID-19 Ramadan!” was exclaimed more than once as Muslims started getting ready for the Islamic month of Ramadan, which began in many parts of the world on 13 April this year.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and the observance of which is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. For 29-30 days (until the next new moon crescent is sighted), all eligible adult Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from all food and drink – yes, even water!

The sacred month is a focused effort to step away from the day-to-day minutiae and double-down on the more spiritual side of Islam – many consider it as a spiritual reset for the rest of the year. A large part of Ramadan is also connecting with the community, be it by taking the time to eat together at suhoor and iftar – the dawn and dusk meals – to sharing meals with family, neighbours, and the less fortunate as well.

It goes without saying that the latter part of the celebrations has been turned on its head due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

GOING DIGITAL As Ramadan happened in relatively early into the COVID-19 pandemic last year, many people were left scrambling on how to observe the month in a way without the usual resources of mosques and family gatherings.

This year, many Muslims anticipated another lockdown or restricted Ramadan, so they have had more time to think about how they want to celebrate. Already, social media feeds are filled with pictures of Ramadan-themed activities to do at home with the kids (because, where else these days?), many of them offered for free to take a load off parents, and of living rooms twinkling with lights and geometric prints. Zoom sessions have been set up by Islamic institutions as well as by families, to share relevant stories, or just to say “Ramadan Mubarak!” across the physical boundaries of your houses.

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Enterprising individuals have taken the forced time at home to launch small businesses catering to the unique needs for this year, offering festive home décor, Ramadan themed cookie kits in the shapes of camels and mosques, gift boxes featuring different varieties of dates (a staple for fast-breaking meal), or food platters with beautiful assortments of snacks for people share with their friends, in lieu of meeting up in person.

CuterieCo is one such company, where three sisters were anticipating another Ramadan without the usual hubbub that comes with meetings friends and family, and decided to create an offering that could create that festive atmosphere. Thus, their iftar box was born, a fresh, fun, and healthy take on the meal, while incorporating traditional flavours into foods such as date rolls, pistachio rose biscotti, kebab and falafel.

Mosques have usually been the spiritual epicentre for the month, hosting for adults and children, and arranging communal iftars for any who wish to join. Many religious programmes throughout the year are usually done for free, with the support of volunteers and donations, and Ramadan is one of their busiest times of the year. But with many local guidelines playing restrictions on the number of people at a gathering, they too, have needed to rethink their usual programmes.

COVID-19 has led to mosques using social media to get their word out, dipping into the world of Google and Facebook ads to raise awareness of their causes and using digital platforms such as LaunchGood to help securely contribute their funding. Institutions such as Meadowvale Islamic Centre, who are currently in the midst of constructing their own permanent structure, have been hosting all their events via Facebook Live, and raising awareness of their programmes and services offered via digital ads, WhatsApp groups and emails, giving them an avenue they otherwise wouldn’t have.

A MODERN RAMADAN Such initiatives have made it easy for

Looking to get in the spirit of Ramadan? Why not try Meethi Khajoor (literally, “sweet dates”) that many households in Pakistan bake and place on their iftar table besides real dates!

Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, with a nuttiness and earthiness contributed by the semolina, this cookie is a welcome addition to any table.

Meethi Khajoor Ingredients: • 2 cups plain flour • 1 cup semolina • 2 cups sugar • ½ cup butter, cold • ¾ cup milk Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F 2. Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl, rub in butter.

3. Add milk and mix, add more flour if required, so you can handle dough 4. Roll out into balls 5. Brush with milk and bake for 10-12 minutes until light golden brown 6. Exceptionally good when served with a cup of spiced chai!

Makes 30 cookies

KIM STAPLES ART OF LIFE PAINTING A LIFE OF COLOUR, PASSION AND JOY

Art of Life is a place to heal one’s heart through the arts, and Kim Staples is the Australian artist, art tutor and art therapist bringing this place to life with her passion.

Imagination, intuition, creativity and self discovery are the magic ingredients at play here. For Kim, artistic expression is the key to looking into one’s soul. Her signature colourful art work bridges the inner and outer world and it is like journeying through the artist’s eyes with every one of her art works.

Kim is often in her studio with her paintsplattered blue apron, sitting amongst her tubes of paints and a spread of canvases portraying diverse subjects all around her. This is her happy place where she gets to explore her love of culture, nature, colour, texture and the unknown.

ART FOR EVERYONE A key part of her artist life is sharing it with youth groups, Alzheimer’s sufferers, people with special needs, disabilities and other challenging conditions. She loves teaching them as it gives them self worth. Art is a limitless world which they can all access and be free to express and feel.

CIRCLE OF JOY Kim breaks the stereotype of artists being tormented, angsty and brooding.

It is no secret where Kim’s warm smile and bubbly laughter come from. She loves capturing subjects that are colourful which give joy and happiness to people in their lives. And what goes round, comes round. Kim also receives this joy and happiness in return.

Not everyone is fortunate to be able to say about their profession - ¨I love doing it. I wouldn’t give it up for the world.¨

WHAT DO YOU SEE? What attracts people to Kim’s work is the emotion that is captured and felt behind the painting when they look at it. As an artist, that is what drives Kim to return to the studio and keep creating.

As Kim says, ¨It’s me on that canvas.¨ And people identify with that.

PAINTING THE TOWN RED AND MORE Kim has been busy taking part in the Port Macquarie Bicentenary celebrations and her studio also opened recently where she sold a number of her beautiful works.

If you have walked along the Koala Trail, you would have seen a series of colourfully exuberant and unique onemetre high koala sculptures all across the Port Macquarie district.

Kim Staples is one of these talented artists who has breathed life and personality into these koalas with her paints and she is also repairing them when they have a bit of a bruise or scratch. One of her spunky koalas is Cowala the Koala.

The 100-year-old Miss Nellie’s cafe at Kendall got damaged by the recent floods. When the floodwaters smashed the windows and side wall out of the cafe, Cowala the Koala very cowrageously threw herself upside down against the kitchen bench to hold up the fallen wall! Kim´s paints have certainly injected this little koala sculpture with a gutsy life of its own! It will not be long before Kim has patched up Cowala well and proper.

We will be on the look out all around Port Macquarie to see where else Kim has been with her magic paintbrush, sharing her signature colours and joy!

www.facebook.com/Art-of-Life-Kim-Staples

MUSIC & DOWN SYNDROME REYNOLS

Reynols is one of the longest running inclusive rock bands which is led by a Down Syndrome drummer/singer called Miguel Tomasín.

Outspoken singer, drummer and spiritual architect Miguel Tomasin has Down’s syndrome and shapes the band’s unique and playful sense for conceptual sound art.

Reynols are living legends of the international underground. Many history lessons have been written about them, still they remain one of the world’s most mysterious and challenging groups.

The band has extensively collaborated with other like-minded innovators, most notably Pauline Oliveros, The Nihilist Spasm Band, and Acid Mothers Temple.

For his work within Reynols, Miguel Tomasín has been considered one of the most relevant personalities with Down Syndrome worldwide and his name is mentioned in several books on Neuroscience and Neurodiversity.

REYNOLS will release its new album “Gona Rubian Ranesa” on Canadian label Outlier Communications. The record will be available in LP and digital formats and is the band first studio record in 17 years.

This record was cut by the classic Argentinian quartet of Miguel Tomasin, Anla Courtis, Roberto Conlazo and Pacu Conlazo and stands as living proof that Reynols are highly reinvigorated and rocking heavier than ever. “Gona Rubian Ranesa” updates the band’s classic sound to new realms of hypnotic psychrock immersion.

Outlier Communications is very proud to present this true masterpiece of psychedelic rock. Not only is this a career milestone for Reynols, but it’s without a doubt their most accessible album to date, sure to please casual psychedelic rock aficionados and fascinate the deepest acid/kraut addicts alike. The album is pressed on translucent “alien green” vinyl.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BAND Formed in 1993 in Buenos Aires, REYNOLS was made up of Roberto Conlazo, Alan Courtis and drummer Miguel Tomasín, who has Down Syndrome. The band counts with over 150 releases by labels from Japan, Europe, USA, Oceania and Latin America.

Reynols has collaborated live and in studio with acclaimed artists such as Pauline Oliveros, Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth), The Nihilist Spasm Band, Damo Suzuki (Can), Paul Dutton, John Oswald, Michael Snow, Alan Licht, Birchville Cat Motel, Jaime Davidovich, Duilio Pierri, Pajarito Zaguri, and Acid Mothers Temple.

Reynols has been tagged as a “cult group” by the respected British magazine The Wire, while the French festival Sonic Protest proclaimed it as

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groupe phare (lighthouse group) of inclusive music for people with dis/ abilities. Throughout 2003, Reynols occupied the 1st place on the “Top 10 Downloads” section of former website Space-Rock (UK). A year later, their song “Manisero Mufuso” was #1 on Larry “Fuzz-O” Dolman’s Blastitude Top10 (USA). Japanese magazine Studio Voice included Reynols’ album Barbatrulos in their “Best 100 Western Alternative Music Records” ranking, and Reynols/ No Reynols among the “300 Legendary Discs” of all times. UK magazine Fact, for its part, considered 10.000 Chickens Symphony as one of the “20 Best Argentine Psychedelic Records” ever made.

Reynols was the first band led by a person with Down Syndrome to appear on the cover of a weekly music supplement (Sí) on Argentine’s largest newspaper, Clarín. In 2011, the national newspaper Página/12 featured the band as one of the “1000 bands you should listen before you get old” (Las 1000 Bandas que hay que escuchar antes de envejecer), and in 2018, the Médiathèque Musicale in Paris organized an exhibition centered around Reynols. The late box set “Minecxio Emanations 1993-2018” was picked by The Wire for its “2019 Archive Releases of the Year” Top50, and it was named “Record of the Week” on the Why…Do You Like It? Blog (USA). The band’s work with Tomasín is mentioned

in several books. Recently, a Spanish publisher added the band to a Sticker Album.

Reynols is among the longest-running inclusive bands ever. With the group, Miguel Tomasín has been the first musician with Down Syndrome ever to play daily on the Argentine National TV (ATC, currently Channel 7, 1998).

Tomasín’s work has been largely inspiring, and it has contributed to develop positive visibility and to promote inclusion perspectives for people with “learning disabilities” at a global scale.

NEW ALBUM PARTICULARS • • •

“Gona Rubian Ranesa” Label: Outlier Communications (Canada) Format: colored vinyl LP/digital BUY RECORD/VINYL

If you have any questions, would like to interview the group, obtain photos or mp3’s, kindly drop Kevin a line: CONTACT KEVIN www.facebook.com/minecxio/ www.instagram.com/reynolsof icial/

LISTEN TO REYNOLS - GONA RUBIAN RANESA

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FLOOD STORIES NSW FLOODS MARCH 2021

There are many stories from the March, 2021 Flood, some say the biggest flood event in 100 years. On the preceding pages we talk to a few of those affected and some of the helpers.

More flood origins: 60kms upstream from Port at Upper Rollands Plains the Wilson River is already carrying 2-3 metres of debris. By the time it reaches the bridge 10km upstream from Telegraph Point, and still 35km to Port, whole trees are being transported with the surging water.

Thanks for the photo, Alex McNaught

RESILIENT SOCIETY TO MAKE PAPPINBARRA BEAUTIFUL AGAIN STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST THE TIDE, CHRISSY JONES, JP

March is one special month I look forward to every single year.

This is the time when the gorgeous lasiandra trees burst out in exuberant purple flowers, signalling the start of the annual Wauchope Lasiandra Festival that is full of fun activities across town.

There is that unmistakable warm fuzzy feeling of everyone getting together to organise and participate in the festivities.

Wauchope is my hometown and I grew up with this festival that takes place without fail every year.

This year has been very different.

We are still not free of COVID-19 and restrictions have altered the festival greatly. Midway through the festival, the floods rained in on us and that changed everything.

For many of my close friends, neighbours and fellow residents of the Greater Port Macquarie-Hastings region, we were all left horrified and helpless at the devastation.

Our beautiful hinterland communities and beachside towns were heavily hit. Numerous businesses suffered unimaginable loss and many individuals had their homes destroyed and others face many months of clean-up and repair.

On a personal note, my husband David and myself purchased our farm west of Wauchope in the beautiful Pappinbarra Valley almost six years ago. It has been a challenge from the start to say the least.

We had three years of drought and then 2020 saw bushfires blazing through the region.

2021 has not been much kinder, and the devastation caused by the recent floods has been heartbreaking on many levels.

It is difficult not to be affected when you look out and all around are scenes of damaged or washed away infrastructure. Rainwater tanks, out buildings, sheds and kilometres of farm fencing can be replaced and rebuilt over time but the experience of fear and helplessness at the relentless rain and rising flood water is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.

Many have had to survive without power for 10 days and endure being stranded for two weeks totally cut off from the rest of the valley.

Even as I am penning my thoughts right now, we still have neighbours who are cut off and have no access in or out of their property. Their only means of provisions is via flying foxes set up by the local RFS (NSW Rural Fire Services) or helicopter airdrops by the SES (NSW State Emergency Services).

It is at such dire times that I feel so

much gratitude and respect for the people in our midst who step up with so much humanity and solidarity. I must say special thanks to Chris Roelandts, the local Hollisdale Fire Captain who took it upon himself along with his small crew to set up the ropes across the flooded river to provide food and fuel.

Our close friends in the valley, Bianca and Rob Costigan have lost their beautiful home and everything in it. Both were working in town and their kids were at school when the flood waters rose and locked them out. That night, as the waters kept rising, there was little else they could do except wait with increasing anxiety which finally ended in despair when they saw the total devastation of all that they had.

They are a hardworking young couple who had worked hard to build a dream life with their two children. That night, they lost everything except for the clothes on their backs. It is heartbreaking to know this is one of many families who have endured the same devastation.

Bianca and Rob have vowed to rebuild what they had. They love the Pappinbarra Valley and this is where they have called home for four years, and where they will continue to rebuild a new life.

I could go on and tell you so many more experiences of others who have been affected by the floods. But I would like to end this by lauding the community spirit we have around us. People are banding together to pull up those in need. Our resilience, tenacity and hope is what makes us stand together against the tides.

The storm is passing. And we are getting up and moving forward. Together.

MISS NELLIE’S CAFE

THE MARCH 2021 FLOODS ACROSS EASTERN NSW HAVE BEEN BEYOND EXTREME - MISS NELLIE’S CAFE AT KENDALL HAS BEEN GREATLY AFFECTED AND FACES AN UNSURE FUTURE.

Chrissy Jones spoke with owner Jenelle Nosworthy about the devastation caused to her business.

CAN YOU GIVE ME A DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HAPPENED? We were cut off at home from the cafe due to flood waters morning of Friday 19/3 and friends sandbagged for us at 8am as the river was rising quickly, thinking we could prevent an inch or two from coming under the doors. We weren’t too concerned at first.

Within a few hours the river had broken its banks and we were sent photos of the water approximately 1m deep - up to the window sills, by 8pm it was over 2m and above the front door. We knew then we would lose a lot of equipment but could not imagine the devastation that ensued. We had no time to prepare and get things out so we have pretty much lost everything!

We received photos the next morning, Sat 20/3 at 8am (24 hours after sandbagging) and the cafe had been decimated - side verandah and garage ripped off, sidewall ripped out and front windows and doors smashed in with the deluge creating devastating havoc inside. When we finally got in to see for ourselves that afternoon, the water had subsided to ankle depth and we could not have imagined the devastation.

Locals quickly came to our aid with scaffolding, roof supports and anything else they could do to secure the building.

We have lost all our contents, equipment, food, utensils, furniture, keepsakes and grandma’s handwritten recipes, most of which travelled downstream or were strewn around the backyard in trees and stuck in fences, under mud and debris.

After trading all through COVID and thriving since lockdowns eased, we bought the cafe property off our landlord after saving hard and renting it for eight years... Now almost everything is gone.

My heart breaks the most when I see the devastation in the faces of my youngest staff, my friends and then when I read the messages of support from so many of our customers, from near and far as well as complete strangers.

We want to rebuild. The community needs us to rebuild. They will help us rebuild.

Emotions are circling. I am able to process it now that I have seen it for myself but keep flashing back to how beautifully maintained and welcoming our 100 year old building was only a few short weeks ago.

I also feel defiant though and want to do this for the Community, our staff and

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customers as much as for ourselves. It won’t be easy and quick but we have lots of options for “temporary Miss Nellie’s” and so many offers from local trades to help us rebuild and repair.

The Community have come to know us as friends and many are like family.

Miss Nellie’s has been a comforting and familiar sight when you drive into town and many of the local children have grown up with us, in the past nine years with many of them eventually working for us!

At the other end of the scale, we are very popular amongst the older generation who regularly visit for scones, homemade cakes and light meals because our food evokes memories of their past, growing up as children in their Grandparent’s kitchens - it is a timeless tradition.

We also host many of the local Tennis members, Social Clubs, Senior’s buses and over the years repeat visitors from interstate and overseas return year after year.

The building has now been secured and assessors have been but now just waiting to see if/what insurance will cover. There is a chance the building can’t be saved but still hoping we can restore it rather than a complete rebuild.

We are going through the process of

cleaning up what we can so we can set up a mobile garden cafe approximately mid May, more exciting details shortly.

The local tennis club has also set me up in their commercial kitchen so I can start baking ASAP. The response to our GoFundMe page is truly humbling and regularly brings me to tears. I am so thankful for the support we have received and continue to receive.

My fondest childhood memories are of sitting on my grandparents kitchen bench baking lemon cheese tarts and Afghan Biscuits with my Grandma, Jean.

She used to let me help but I think I was really just eating the raw cookie mix from the bowl - hence our Tagline “life is short, lick the bowl” GOFUNDME

missnellies.com.au info@missnellies.com.au +61 (02) 6559 0085 33 River Street, Kendall, NSW 2439 www.facebook.com/MissNelliesCafe/ www.instagram.com/missnelliescafe/

FAMILY HOME LOST TO THE FLOODS BIANCA AND ROB COSTIGAN, PAPPINBARRA Very good friends of our Sales & Operations Manager Chrissy Jones, Bianca and Rob had their home of 3 years destroyed totally. They have lost most of their possessions, but thankfully having a good insurer they are looking ahead and will rebuild on their land at Pappinbarra, just a bit higher up the hill away from the river they told us smiling.

Bianca, Rob and their two children, Dray and Ava are strong and have a close bond with their family and friends that will help them through this challenge.

Family and friends rallied when the call went out for a working bee to clear the debris, Rob jumped on his dozer and went to work. Where their lovely home once stood now is a pile of metal and wood. They have salvaged what they could, solar panels amazingly still intact on the roof, windows and sliding doors will be reused in their new home.

An architect has kindly offered their services free of charge when the young family are ready to start planning their new home, also a Basix expert has done the same, both very generous offers of assistance.

They have just purchased a caravan

and as soon as power is restored to the property will move back and start the process to rebuild their lives.

Neighbour Yvette Buthmann was flooded in on the side where the home once stood. A long-term resident of the Pappinbarra Valley since 2002 she has experienced a number of floods, the largest prior to this was back i 2013 which was very high, but not as destructive as this one she told us.

“The banks of Pappinbarra River looks like a bomb has gone off and flattened everything in it’s wake.”

Yvette and husband Christian were trapped for 11 days from Thursday 18th March through to Sunday 28th with no power. They were able to salvage a generator from their neighbours property and had enough fuel to run it, after draining it of water and cleaning it up.

Neighbours, Bianca and Rob, lost their home. Yvette was first to see the devastation of their family home. She says that she will never forget it. The night before Bianca, who was locked

out due to the rising flood waters, was getting worried. As we had lived here and experienced many floods, I assured on the phone her that it would be fine. I remember on the Friday afternoon when seeing how high it was on our property that the water had come up as high as their side steps when we went for a look.

Unable to walk to Bianca and Rob’s home until the Sunday as the water was too high over the road down to their place, she remembers seeing the roof of their home and thinking it was all good. But as she got closer she soon realised that the whole house had come off it’s piers and been pushed against 2 large pecan trees. The cottage, which was Bianca’s Dads house, had been also swept off it’s piers and spun 180 degrees and slammed into the power pole between the 2 houses. All she could do was say no. no .no and got very upset.

Stunned to say the least Yvette started walking back to her home. She met her husband Christian coming down in the car and told him what had happened, he couldn’t believe it either. We were both in utter shock. Telling Bianca and Rob was one of the most heartbreaking things she has ever had to do.

LIKE A WHEEL IN THE COMMUNITY FROM TIM WALKER, BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR THE HASTINGS COOPERATIVE LTD. Port Macquarie and the surrounding hinterland districts were drastically affected from the March 2021 flood.

The Hastings Co-operative in situations like this are the go-to or the gel between businesses and community, and we try to help in many ways. We are like a web, connected to many organisations, both in the community and business sector. keeping everyone linked and working together however remaining a central point of contact.

Initially we have provided many pallets of free bottled water to the first responders, SES and the RFS and to the outlying areas and the community halls in our large LGA region. It was helicoptered into remote and cut off communities, Francis Retreat at Bonny Hills, Telegraph Point, Pappinbarra, Beechwood, and into the Camden Haven.

The Hastings Co-operative has also provided support to the Stabilcorp run relief campaign that they were doing in the Camden Haven, a massive clean-up of the area utilising their trucks and equipment.

We have also provided supplies to the residents of King Creek that were cut-off, along with Al’s Bakehouse who provided loads of fresh bread. The supplies, fresh bread, milk and more were taken to one side of the flooded bridge and then taken across by boat from the King Creek RFS to the waiting and appreciative community.

Al from Al’s Bakehouse was a great asset to collaborate with, he and his team spent hours baking fresh bread.

At Easter St. Joseph’s school called me up wanting to help.

Also, that night a resident of Telegraph Point contacted me asking if the Hastings Co-op could donate some Easter eggs for their children. So, I talked with St. Joseph’s the next day and suggested we co-ordinate together in a cooperative and combined way. We ended up helping several schools and communities, Telegraph Point, Upper Rollands Plains, Rollands Plains, Beechwood, Long Flat, Wauchope and Comboyne to have an Easter Egg Hunt, we also gave them hot cross buns.

It was a combined effort between the Co-operative and St Joseph’s school, where we both provided the money to buy the goods.

In coming days, weeks we will be reaching out to our rural suppliers for their best offers on fencing gear, seed, ag equipment and supplies. We also want to help our farmers who have lost so much in the flood with the best deals we can get for barbed wire, fence posts and the like.

I think this flood event has actually affected more people in the community than ever before. Our whole community has rallied, cooked meals, helped clean homes and debris, supplied new fridges, freezers, homewares and clothing to those in need. To see this has been an amazing thing. We are an incredibly strong community and together we will get through this.

IPN VALUERS

JEFF ROGERS

Wauchope CBD was hit hard by the March 2021 Floods, especially the businesses located at the bottom end near the railway line. IPN Valuers had 100mm of stormwater through their office early on the Saturday morning.

Whilst high rainfall was forecast, we didn’t expect the sheer volume in such a short period of time, we received a SMS from emergency services, but we were away on holidays so there was nothing we could do. Our neighbouring shop was similarly impacted as was the funeral directors opposite us.

The clean-up has been a big job.

We had great help from family and friends for a number of days after. Sandbagging, carpet and rubbish removal, damaged office furniture, four loads to the tip - on the bright side, it was a good way to clean-out 18 years of clutter!

Thanks must go to Mum and Dad (Chris and Sandra), Terry O’Hagan, John Smallie, Erica and Luke Parkes. They helped move furniture, files, office equipment, did sand bagging, trips to the dump, cleaning and stormwater removal. On a personal level our driveway got washed into the dam and the chooks were very damp, but other than that we were fine.

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SUPPORTING PEOPLE THROUGH TOUGH TIMES LIFELINE’S VERONICA GODFREY WAS IN THE FIELD Veronica has been working for Lifeline as a member of the Crisis Support Team for the past four years and volunteering on the Lifeline Crisis Support Telephone line for the past eight years. She grew up in the Hastings area and now is lucky enough to be raising two beautiful children, Zander and Zoe here with her wonderful husband Godfrey.

She has been visiting evacuation centres around the Mid North Coast since the flooding event, as well as different recovery hubs and evacuation centers in our local government area from Port Macquarie through to Telegraph Point and everything in between.

The stories she heard are a mixture of inspiring and heroic tales and tales of devastation and heartbreak.

The community support that wraps around people who are heartbroken is something that she has been totally inspired by.

Kate McFarlane from Resilience NSW, has been incredible in organising and meeting the needs of our community through the disaster hubs.

Some of the local heroes that Veronica

personally encountered include the Port Macquarie Mud Army and Olivia Tape, Helping Hand, Fran Pearse, John Faithfull at Telepoint, Kingsley at North Shore, Dee Crisp in Dunbogan, Teresa Glen Holmes, Jerome from 40 Winks, Alistair Flower, Jess and Andy from Round and Round, Tunny, and the manager from the Golf Club. She says there are too many to mention and so many more out there, just doing amazing things for people flood affected by the community.

In terms of support, Lifeline would encourage anyone who needs it to call 13 1 14. And we also have the hubs in every community. There are support services visiting daily, donations still being received and GIVEIT which is an amazing service.

“It has been humbling and my absolute pleasure to offer support when needed. I am in absolute awe of everyone helping and those who have been affected by this extreme event.” - Veronica

REBUILDING PAPPINBARRA

LISA MCLEOD, PAPPINBARRA RESIDENT AND RURAL FIRE SERVICE MEMBER, PAPPINBARRA AND HOLLISDALE Rain events in Pappinbarra are a regular event. Living on the river and having to drive across it to get to your home is natural for me and many in the valley.

This rain event was like no other though.

Living on the land you listen to the forecast and then make your own mind up as to what may happen as it’s never quite what you expect. You pack to stay out if it’s going to rise too much or you shop to stay in.

We packed to stay out as it could be a week or two and I needed to be able to get to work. No way did I think it was going to be this kind of disaster. It was unbelievable what happened and just how much the river changed and the damage it caused.

For me personally our access road was destroyed. It’s 2 klm long and will take months to repair. Our fences and paddocks are destroyed on our river flats and the trees along our creek and river have been ripped out. The whole community is reeling.

I would estimate that 95% of residents have been affected.

We had many houses wash away down the river and many homes inundated with water. Sheds, outbuildings, machinery, animals, farm equipment, pumps and irrigation have been damaged beyond repair or buried in the river.

Personally I helped during the flood by opening the Hollisdale hall to the community as it is set up for a disaster of this kind and we have used it as a place of refuge for as long as I can remember.

The 2017 and 2019 fires and now the 2021 floods. It has a 12.5kva generator which allows the community to shower, wash clothes, eat meals that we prepared and come together to talk and support each other.

I manned this facility along with others for two weeks and also went out with my Hollisdale Fire Brigade crew and

other locals to install zip-lines to several properties in the valley that were isolated across the river. We sent food and fuel across the river until they could walk across. I also delivered food to other properties as well. I went out with the Fire and Rescue team to show them all the properties to ensure they captured the damage. The Australian Defence Force also asked me to drive with them to view the worst affected roads.

My colleague Heather Smith and I reinstated our Facebook page Rebuild Pappinbarra which we started to help people in the 2017 fires. This allowed us to connect with affected families and to provide information to them on the recovery process and for us to help them individually with their needs and concerns, “Just being able to talk to someone when you’re in distress is important and we wanted to help people this way if we could.”

A real generosity of spirit comes out in natural disasters. It brings out the best and worst in people. I have seen both traits. Luckily the generosity shines the brightest. It is a tough time for everyone and everyone that wanted to help really made a difference. People pitched in to make meals, man the hall, clean the hall, pick up supplies.

The main bridge had a tree over it limiting access. This tree was felled and removed so all vehicles could pass. Many businesses both in Wauchope and Port Macquarie were very generous with supplies and food.

Essential Energy supplied us with fuel to put across the zip lines so families could keep their generators going to have power. Many other acts of kindness come to mind also.

As a member of the RFS I was involved in delivering food and fuel to households and doing welfare checks on families up and down the valley. My Captain and another member cleared the trees

off the road from the first wild night of weather so the road was accessible to the valley residents.

Never have I seen a flood like this. The river is mainly a beautiful part of our valley. This time though it unleashed a torrent of water never seen before. Also serene creeks were swollen and running so high that it destroyed everything in its path. Some residents of the valley are still without access in or out of their properties, funding should be allocated for access to properties.

We have been declared a natural disaster area by State and Federal Governments. The river ways are an environmental issue that must be addressed, and soon. The rubbish in the rivers will keep coming down to the ocean and they need to be cleaned up.

The contamination is enormous. The majority of properties in the valley draw their drinking water from this river. They can’t survive without this river being cleaned up.

“WHAT’S NEXT? HOW DO WE REBUILD PAPPINBARRA?” Sheer hard work and determination.

Support from the Local, State and Federal Government. The damage to properties is overwhelming and requires more manpower than any family can provide. The army came to some areas in the LGA and did great work.

Unfortunately, they did not provide any assistance to Pappinbarra or many other rural communities, we were waiting for them and they did not arrive. We really need assistance and I will champion this cause for as long as it takes to get some assistance for my community.

If you can volunteer your time in this community, Lisa can put you in contact with a family that would really love some help.

CONTACT LISA

WINGHAM NSW AND THE 2021 FLOODS LIZ JARVIS, PRESIDENT WINGHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

It’s Saturday morning at 6 AM, I am looking forward to sleeping with all this rain we’ve had for weeks and then the phone rings. It’s my son, “Mum you better get down to the office and check, get your computers and files up high!”

Surely the water wouldn’t be coming to my office if it is that means many people around me are already flooded. Sure enough the water was higher than I’ve ever seen it.

People heading into the Main Street we’re having to be flagged down so that they didn’t drive into the water, you couldn’t see it in the dark. It’s quite surreal when you slowly start to realise how many people would be impacted.

And it’s hard to know what the right thing to do is when you’re a giver. I recall having the feeling of just wait, look after yourself first and where you are needed after that would reveal itself.

As the morning progressed it became apparent that today I would be wearing

my Vinnies volunteering that hat. The reason, despite having stepped back from conference volunteering, I still held a key to the office which meant I could access the shop.

Across the road there was a bit of commotion as one of the shop owners realized no one had seen the fellow who lived at the back of the shop next door. He was still inside and needed assistance to get out the water had risen while he slept. Soon our local offduty policeman, our fire brigade and SES we’re on hand to help this fellow to escape his flooded home.

Once that was done I spoke with the SES and advised that I had a key to Vinnies and asked how I could best help. It was then I discovered that the Evacuation Centre had been set up at the Golf Club and the best thing to do was head up there to see what they needed.

As I drove up to the Golf Club in front of me was a table top Ute traveling very slowly with a lot of dogs on the tray and

a person reassuring those dogs as they slowly made their way to the evacuation centre.

Although they were a lot of people at the evacuation center it seemed calm and well organized.

Our town Wingham was completely cut off from all in all directions. Fortunately we have locals that volunteer for Red Cross and employees of the Department of Justice and here they were doing what they trained for. Just over a year before they had been doing the same for Bush fire evacuees in a different evacuation centre.

The manager of our Vinnies Shop and the head of our Vinnies conference were cut off and unable to come to town to coordinate support for flood victims. We looked on helplessly as a number of businesses became inundated with water but there was nothing we could do until that water subsided.

Modern technology comes into its

own in these emergencies. Facebook becomes a great tool to seek help and notify people. We have a Wingham noticeboard site to be used by any local only a year ago and it was a hive of activity during the flood.

However, the methods of the days of old were missed. We have no active police in our town and it seems that there was an expectation that people would know to evacuate, when in years of old locals would’ve door knocked. I spoke with someone who kept waiting for someone to tell them to leave but it was very telling that the water had to be in the house before it’s occupant was willing to leave.

I grow weary of the nay sayers and those armchair critics who can always find fault in these situations. Instead, let’s celebrate how quickly our townsfolk, emergency services, Mid Coast Council and Outreach groups rallied to help those less fortunate and to get roads open in record time.

homes were emptied by the Army of damaged stuff as they weren’t home, and so the grieving process didn’t take it’s course leaving them feeling even more vulnerable than ever.

As President of the Chamber of Commerce I was proud to see business helping business and their customer communities pitching in as well. We used Facebook communities to spread the word as various things unfolded.

Through Mid Coast Community Outreach businesses outside the area donated office furniture and equipment.

Wingham has a population of around 5,000 people, I am guessing about 100 homes were affected with maybe 50 seriously damaged. No one expected it to get so high - in our town it’s the creeks and storm water backing up that are the problem. It’s particularly bad if the excess water combines with a high tide which is what happened that day.

It will be a long time before anything is perfect in Wingham, but we are more fortunate than most.

There was fear that it would peak again even higher at the next high tide but fortunately the heavy rain fell away from the particular catchment that feeds Cedar Party Creek.

Often the battle is that living in low lying areas the land is cheaper to buy in the first instance but these people are then badly affected at times like this, times of flood. For some I understand their

Winghams shopping precinct lost power, meaning cafes and Granty’s fruit and Vege had to ditch all perishables.

Granty’s were quick thinking and donated all their milk, lovely yoghurts

etc. to the Evacuation Centre, so nothing went to waste and it was very much appreciated.

The most seriously affected by water were all locally owned businesses.

Celebrations Liquor store, The Hay Shed, a produce store, Body Strength Health and Fitness, a personal training studio.

Of course our farmers are businesses too. Their disruption and damage is immense. ABC TV shared a story about a dairy farm across the Bight bridge that lost 20 or so of their carefully reared replacement heifers.

Many members of our community are back on their feet quickly, but it will be months before some of the homes can be properly repaired.

This story about the Hay Shed is very poignant Liz took the reporter for a tour of the devastation:

LISTEN NOW

YAMBA ART SPACE GALLERY THE CANVAS IS WAITING

Kerrie Speirs is the owner of Yamba Art Space Gallery.

Yamba Art Space Gallery is a place for creative education, exhibitions and events. It is on the beautiful beachside town of Yamba NSW. Artist educator Kerrie started it in 2017 as a creative small business that has grown steadily over the years.

Currently, because of the flooding of the Clarence River, her art gallery has been affected and has had to close.

Yamba Art Space Gallery is a contemporary gallery dedicated to original art works by Northern Rivers artists. Kerrie has more than 15 permanent artists on exhibition as well as casual and group exhibitions throughout the year. Her gallery features original paintings, quality artist prints, digital photography, sculpture and ceramics, bespoke furniture design, recycled or upcycled creations as well as antiques.

For the art lover, this is Disneyland as Kerrie’s gallery also stocks a selection of art materials such as artist papers, charcoal, graphite and drawing sets.

For Kerrie, educating is as important as showcasing art. That’s why a big part of her art space is kept for educational facilitation. She has a workshop or studio space that is fully equipped for that purpose. This is where local artists can facilitate regular educational sessions

that are open to all ages and abilities.

ART ON HOLD Art has been thriving in the community with Yamba Art Space and Original Sound Lounge collaborating in a new event bringing art, music and culture together every fourth Sunday of the month.

The first ‘Sunday Art Session’ was planned for Sunday 28th March.

Kerrie has been at home in Woombah instead of her art gallery because of the floods. Yamba Road was closed and she could not get to work. Her family has also had school and work commitments affected.

She runs private art lessons as well as art classes for primary children and these unfortunately have also been affected by the floods and road closures.

There were also other works in the pipeline that are now on hold. She was in the process of receiving new artworks by ten Clarence Valley artists to put up in her current exhibitions in the gallery. All the preparations for Sunday workshops, exhibitions and all events have come to a standstill.

It is not just the loss of income that is disconcerting. It is also the feeling of having a lot of work waiting to be done and not being able to do them or get to them.

PUTTING THE COLOURS INTO LIFE AGAIN “Creativity feeds the soul and is fundamental to healthy development and growth in life” - Kerrie Speirs When the waters subside, Kerrie is eager to get back to work in Yamba to begin working extra hours to catch up on everything.

Her Sunday Art Session with Original Sound Lounge may have been postponed, but Kerrie’s passion for her art and education does not cease. An artist does not suddenly stop being artistic or creative. If anything, she is keen to bring life back into her gallery again, and get local artists´ works up for the community to enjoy.

Meanwhile, her canvases and brushes sit quietly waiting in the gallery for her return.

THE CANVAS IS WAITING

yambaartspace.com info@yambaartspace.com +61 433 070 069 44a Wooli Street, Yamba, NSW 2464 www.facebook.com/yambaartspacegallery www.instagram.com/yambaartspace/

KVC CREATIONS ORDER IN CHAOS

CARVING ART OUT OF LIFE There is a gem hidden in the Clarence Valley.

Kane VanChaos has been a local of the area for 31 years. He has a reclusive side to him but he is no stranger to the arts.

He started at a young age as a musician with a band triple j unearthed and he was also signed on to Warner Brothers.

Kane has been honing his craft in traditional stick and poke tattooing for more than twenty years.

What makes Kane’s art stand out is his life experiences. They imbue his art with his signature “VanChaos” charm.

that is created by chance (or simply, the beautiful mystical laws of nature). Kane gently and skillfully coaxes them out and makes each landscape visible to the outside world.

These pieces are far from static. If you look closely, each one is alive with the raw materials from which they are formed. You will never tire of looking deeply at them because you discover new things each time you look. Each ring takes days to complete.

All of Kane’s works that are listed on this page are available to purchase. They are one of a kind handcrafted.

Materials are provided by The Greenhouse Collective Maclean and supporting local businesses is in itself a beautiful art.

WORKING WITH NATURE - AN EXTREME SPORT The studio is now an island, basically.

The workshop is flooded but thankfully it is still functional in waivers at low tide. All roads are closed which means deliveries have become what Kane calls “a bit of an extreme sport”. In true blue Kane philosophy, he sees this as a challenge. After all, he has been working with Nature all these years. The floods have become part of how he continues to work with his art. There is order even in chaos.

Post pandemic and unable to take to the stage, Kane is now working from his home studio on the banks of the mighty Clarence River in the cane fields, miles away from anyone or anything. This is actually where Kane draws inspiration from - absence, solidarity, and the simple natural life around him.

Kane held an online auction to raise funds for flood-affected locally owned businesses that have supported his craft since opening. It is not about being in the same boat - everyone is in the same flood and it is about helping each other to paddle their way through it.

Kane’s works are earthy, mysterious, authentic. And wonderfully chaotic. Just a man with his dogs and a boat.

The brew crew at the Brew Box in Port Macquarie have been highly supportive and Kane is grateful for these moments of humanity.

Currently Kane’s business KVC Creations services the east coast of Australia and his works are now in demand in America, Scotland and Canada.

A WORLD IN A RING Kane has a series of canvases on forbidden symbology and the occult. It is a theme that he extends through his sculptured works.

His most recent obsession is “world rings’’ - these are individually carved from a selection of possibly 100-year-old hardwood from the fields abandoned long ago. These pieces of blue gum wood are treasures of nature and rich with history.

First, Kane sets them in a giant resin block. He then wet and dry sands and polishes to finish.

Each piece cannot be replicated. That is how incredibly precious and unique they are. Each one shows a landscape

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MAKING THE SUN SHINE AGAIN KVC Creations has an online auction and a lucky dip where all proceeds less costs of materials are being donated to locally affected stockists and venues who have supported the arts.

Kane may have his solitary side when he is creating his art but he is very much connected to his community and all of human life. He is dedicating his online auction to relief for outdoor venues that have been affected by the floods and which have suffered damage.

This is especially for industries such as hospitality, and musicians and artists on the Mid North Coast. A percentage of proceeds will go to the local venues who have supported KVC Creations.

Nature is cyclical and it is in giving back that we grow again. Kane is putting in his bit to keep everyone doing. He hopes people will join the online auction and give generously. Kane knows ¨the sun will shine again.¨

As part of the online auction, Kane is offering a ring that is a magical brew of a single delicate dragonfly wing, soft green moss from the Clarence River, pieces of autumn leaves, and air bubble set in crystalline resin on ya old hardwood, blue gum.

TAKING THE NEXT STEP Kane has had retail interest in most major townships from Port Macquarie to Yamba.

Kane would like to stock in locally owned community heart businesses exclusively in each major township.

He is focused on building up towards the official launch in conjunction with exhibition work. Kane will be busy creating and meeting exclusive stockist demands while continuing to cater to his online customers and custom orders.

Custom work has been picking up and now makes up just over half of the KVC Creations business.

UNIQUE CREATIONS FOR LIFE Kane caters to custom orders from $80 with free local delivery (conditions apply). So if you have a personal inspiration, Kane is your man to make this a reality.

Keepsake jewellery has a very special place in people’s hearts. Kane creates death rings specifically for human remains. It is a way to celebrate life on its next stage. As is the cyclical way Nature works, he also makes birth rings containing the birth flowers of children as they come into season.

ORDER IN CHAOS

+61 423 639 570 www.facebook.com/KVC-creations-103568931788871

ORIGINAL SOUND LOUNGE A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Original Sound Lounge (OSL) is the home for live original and independent artists.

OSL is all about creating and supporting the local original and independent artist community.

And this is not restricted to supporting in terms of music. OSL goes beyond and has been with artists through fire, through a pandemic and now through water. They together with the Mid North Coast Blues and Musicians Club raised A$27,000 at the start of the fire season.

This was at Tele Point Sports Club which ironically is now underwater. COVID-19 saw OSL keeping hundreds in their jobs and coming up with innovative solutions for venues. What they give back ultimately returns to them and these same artists OSL had been supporting have stepped in post pandemic to support OSL. Having each other’s backs is what is keeping the music industry afloat.

For OSL, they know everyone is in the same industry for years and it is by standing shoulder to shoulder that they can help each other rebuild.

COME HELL OR HIGH WATER, THE MUSIC GOES ON Does it ever end? Fires, a world pandemic and now floods.

How can a working musician make it to a gig without having to battle the forces of Nature?

It has been a long, taxing year for everyone and musicians have been on a roller coaster with no end in sight.

Just when musicians managed to pick up the pace and started bringing their music to the public again, torrential rain flooded the Mid North Coast. Raining on one’s parade is really not what we need right now.

With the floods, in the midst of rescues and evacuations, working musicians lost gigs while their supporting venues lost business as well.

Last year, the pandemic saw pubs, venues and hospitality places close and together with it, live music lost its voice.

With this neverending cascade of challenges, all one needs is one single light as a reminder to keep going. And that light came from the Original Sound Lounge. It was founded by local indie singer-songwriter Pam Hata, and it was Pam who stepped up to help musicians out with paid gigs through the creation of The Virtual Pub with a virtual tip jar.

She got another light bulb moment to raise money through an auction together with her partner Kane VanChaos to raise money to help out venues that have previously supported Original Sound Lounge.

“To send light into the darkness of men’s

hearts - such is the duty of the artist.” Robert Schumann The artists that make up the community that is the Original Sound Lounge are always ready to step up when the community needs help.

Whatever Nature throws our way, be it droughts, fires, viruses, floods, the music will go on.

LET THE MUSIC PLAY

When that disappears, one is left with a gaping emptiness. It takes mammoth strength to still get up and play, and bring joy and hope to others who also need it. And this is not the first time musicians have been hard hit.

Through drought, through fire, they have rolled up their sleeves, tuned their instruments, and got on stage to belt it out and lift people up. The music industry has had a rough number of years, and this year they still get no relief.

The public is as much a part of the music as the musician is and in challenging and trying times, music is what brings people together to remind each other of their interconnectedness and shared humanity. As they say, music soothes the savage beast - music is what we use to soothe our babies, celebrate life’s special moments and grief for what we have lost.

For OSL, the next best thing they can do is to be as brave as they can be, be kind, do their duty. Making music, supporting artists and bringing music to people is what they do and why they do it.

This is a time for the community to come together - there is something each person can do, whether it is going to gigs, buying music or merchandise, spreading the word to friends and family, sharing the music or simply, letting the music play and grooving to the beat.

One song at a time is what helps us wade through deep waters. Let the show go on.

Jasmine OBrien Music is one of the artists who were supposed to be playing live at The Brew Box but unfortunately had to cancel her gig. Watch her performing.

PLAYING WHAT WORDS CAN’T EXPRESS It is difficult to express the extent of the grief the neverending round of crises has caused. Some artists have been so mentally and emotionally affected by everything that has happened that they cannot take to the stage to play. They have lost everything and are still reeling from what has happened.

To see one’s home get swallowed up, picking through soggy memories that are going to turn into mould and grasping at precious belongings that are simply drifting away...and the empty terror of wondering what is left of one’s home or what used to be home. The very place we think we are safe in where we build our lives with our families has been taken away. Very often, this is the place where creations grow, where experiences bring about inspiration.

Home is what gives musicians the reason to keep playing music.

Two hands, six strings and the ability to articulate what words cannot. By simply being there for people, even if it is for just one song.

LIFTING EACH OTHER UP OSL has not wasted a single moment through the crises. They have been supporting KVC Creations with their online auctions and lucky dips for Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers venues.

Musicians have also been donating merch packages to auction for these causes.

OSL is supporting the Brew Boxes muffin drive for Mid North Coast venues affected by floods.

In April OSL will also be supporting the Northern Rivers women in business charity auction for their Northern Rivers venues that are currently in strife.

A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

originalsoundlounge@gmail.com +61 (02) 6559 0085 originalsoundlounge@gmail.com www.facebook.com/OriginalSoundLounge

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