Brilliant-Online Magazine | The Year Ahead Issue | December 2021

DEC 2 02 1

➸

Nikki Rudge, part of the Live and Local Music Development Project Photo Credit: Mick Sheppo

The

➸

YEAR AHEAD Issue

INSIDE: Brilliant-Online is consciously looking forward with hope towards 2022. We share our thoughts on what the key topics may be next year shaping our lives.

3

ED ITO R ' S N OTE

NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR ✦ Out with the old, in with the new!

W

elcome to BrilliantOnline Magazine December issue.

It’s safe to say 2021 has been a crazy ride and there won't be many of us who cannot wait to see the back of it with unpredictable weather patterns resulting in catastrophic flooding locally and, of course, COVID-19 wrecking havoc in all of our daily lives.

So in this edition we are consciously looking forward with hope towards 2022 instead of back with lament and regret at 2021. What’s gone is gone.

We also would like to thank all our customers and contributors who have been so important in helping us at Brilliant-Online navigate the uncharted waters of such a turbulent year.

support of our beloved customers and contributors. As a thank you, we would like to invite you all to our 1st birthday celebration on 21 Jan 2022.

As we wave goodbye to 2021 and usher in 2022, we all at BrilliantOnline would like to wish you and your families nothing but the very best of health, wealth and happiness for the year ahead!

Ben Tirebuck

Planning for

2022?

Let’s help you with a Brilliant start. ✦ Contact Chrissy ✦ for an advertorial:

+61 412 137 621

chrissyjones@brilliant-online.com Brilliant-online.com

ABOUT BRILLIANT Brilliant-Online makes people and businesses famous. It is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses pushing for a better world in the digital era. Born witty, Brilliant unveils an online magazine featuring a variety of digital interactive content that makes it similar to the magical Daily Prophet newspaper from Harry Potter.

FOLLOW US @brilliantonlineinternational @BrilliantOnlineInternational

CONTACT US

Subscribe to Brilliant

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

Request Ad Package

➹ ➹

We have all realised how important community is through these times of adversity and Brilliant-Online has strived to centre itself at the heart of things to help develop and connect a valued network, something that would not have been possible without the

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES HQ Australia +61 412 137 621 P.O. Box 9339, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444, Australia Singapore +65 96 817 045

@AdBrilliant

North America

Brilliant Online Magazine

+1 (647) 239 3231

✦ Brilliant Subscriber Winner of My Blue Tea Pack: Mellisa Revol

4

1

6

26

➸

IN THIS ISSUE 1

Featuring Nikki Rudge on the cover who is part of the Live and Local Music Development Project, page 66

2

Brilliant-Online Turns One!

3

Note from Our Editor

3

About Brilliant

Brilliant BUSINESSES 8

The Year Ahead: 2022

10

Jamie Donovan Designs Staff Uniform for TG’s Child Care Wauchope Centres

14

Sancrox Real Estate Seeking Properties at Sovereign Hills

16

6 New Year’s Resolutions to Increase Your Success

18

COVID, Border Closures and Travel… Two Years On!

22

Brilliant Cruising

24

Lyndall Ward, Tax and Small Business Accountant, Cats4tax

25

Mactac Launches New Digital Print Films in Southeast Asia

Brilliant INVESTMENTS 28

Venture Minerals' Green Tin Story Is Still Going Strong

30

Making Green Nickel Real with Blackstone Minerals Limited

32

Chasing for Copper and Gold with Cooper Metals in Mt. Isa, Queensland

34

Thor Mining Plc (ASX: THR) on a Green Copper Journey

5

I N TH IS ISSU E

Brilliant HEALTH

36 46 64 72

38

A New Year, a New You!

39

My Body My Pilates - 30 Days Pilates Challenge

40

National University Health System (NUHS) Delivers Better Patient Care and Treatment with AI

43

Vermilion Pinstripes - Modern Marketing

44

Becoming Pregnant with Cerebral Palsy

Brilliant COMMUNITY 48

What’s Coming up in the Sports World in 2022

50

Hastings District Flying Club Awards Pilots' Achievements

52

Shopping in Your Independent Garden Centre

56

Local People, Local Action, Better Future!

58

2022 Watercolour Workshops Announced at Wauchope Creative Hub

60

38th Annual Wauchope Lasiandra Festival

62

Shopping Ethically This Christmas

Brilliant ENTERTAINMENT 66

Live and Local Music Development Project

68

David Lazarus Brings Rhythmboat from Sydney to Port Macquarie

70

Minecraft School for Cool Kids in Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Newcastle

Brilliant CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 74

Brilliant-online Wishes Everyone Happy Holidays

76

Christmas and New Year Customs Around the World

78

How Did the Christmas Tree Come About?

80

How to Cook a Turkey, Perfect Every Time!

81

Christmas Specials

82

Samso - Helps Companies Pique Investor Interest

6

7

B RILLIA NT B USI N E SSE S

✴

Brilliant BUSINESSES ✦

8

THE YEAR AHEAD: 2022 ✦ The dominant three "C's" that affect the world: COVID-19, China and Climate Change. A perspective from Brilliant-Online.

➸

3 C's that affect the world: COVID-19, China & Climate Change

I

t is fair to say that many of us will be glad to see the back of 2021. It was a strange, turbulent year where our understanding of how society is structured and how we fit into it individually and collectively was turned upside down. We now operate in a redefined landscape, with many facets of our daily lives still clouded with uncertainty and indecision.

As 2021 enters the rear mirror, what will 2022 have in store? Here we take a look at some of the major issues that we believe will shape headlines in the year ahead.

We may as well start with the one major elephant in the room that we cannot see changing in 2022: COVID-19.

As the virus enters its third year since emerging in China in 2019, it will unfortunately continue to be the central theme dominating the news and our daily lives in the 12 months ahead.

The recent Omicron strain has rattled many countries to their core and seen a series of border lockdowns and flight restrictions enforced as a result.

We still do not know for sure how serious Omicron could be but early suggestions that prior vaccinations will be rendered useless as a defence against it certainly don’t bode well.

However, expect enhanced vaccination doses and additional treatments such as antiviral pills and improved antibody treatments to become more widely available in the ongoing fight.

Meantime, travel and tourism will continue to be affected by the pandemic although hopefully not to the same extreme levels that have estimated losses of US$4 trillion in global export revenues in the last two years. Experts do not expect a return to pre-COVID-19 tourism levels until 2023 or later, however.

The workplace dynamic has changed immeasurably and we expect remote and working from home options continuing to be the norm. This works for some but doesn’t for others and suggestions that companies will adopt a hybrid of both could gain popularity as the year advances.

9

B RILLIA NT B USI N E SSE S The space race will switch on the afterburners and go into hyperdrive as next year will be the first time when more people travel to space as paying passengers than government employees, carried aloft by rival space-tourism firms.

Likewise expect cryptocurrency to become increasingly visible in 2022 as the alternative investment class continues its journey into the mainstream.

China has been front and centre in the news so frequently of late, more often than not for the wrong reasons. Amongst the chaos of the pandemic, Xi Jinping’s government have continued to agitate and alienate many and expect 2022 to be no different as geo-political tensions continue to build. COVID, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the South China Sea territorial disputes, human rights, trade wars, the list goes on. Could 2022 see individuals, companies and countries finally starting to decouple from the most populous country on earth?

Last but not least, climate change and the environment will once again dominate headlines next year.

Mother Earth is hurting and we all know we need to act, and fast. Will positive, tangible outcomes emerge from the recent COP26 conference or will it all amount to nothing more than hot air and lip service?

Whereas we do not know for sure what lies ahead, no doubt about it, 2022 will be as incident packed and eventful as previous years...

Conclusion Quite what we make of all this and how it impacts us and our businesses is, of course, negligible at this stage as it is pure conjecture. If the past two years have taught us anything it is to expect the unexpected! Had you told someone at the back end of 2019 that a global pandemic would be unveiled only months later that would change the way we live so dramatically, you would have probably have been laughed out of the room or dismissed as someone who has watched too many far-fetched disaster movies!

However, what we do know is that we continue to take small steps forward, to safeguard ourselves and our businesses as best as possible by integrating into and leveraging the benefits of a solid community network.

COVID-19 has taught us to look after one another and ourselves and this trend will continue in 2022.

Much of the other stuff we are unable to do much about, unfortunately - all we can really do is maintain genuine hope that responsible politicians and people in power do the right thing at a time when it is so glaringly obvious that is the only option, to ensure that the future can be brighter than the past couple of torrid years.

Our modern marketing agency, Vermilion Pinstripes invited several business owners to discuss ideas for businesses in the never normal world.

Download the eBook that summarises the discussion.

Read The Full Story

Download Never Normal World eBook

➹

On the international stage the Winter Olympics in Beijing and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be shrouded in controversy, mainly down to human rights concerns. There have been continual calls for boycotts although ultimately we all hope the action on the field is the main focus and can emerge the winner.

➹

In the sporting world, we are hopeful the domestic and global calendar can resume in full next year after a spate of cancellations and postponements.

However, concerns are already arising regarding the Ashes, Aussie Open Tennis and Aussie F1, the latter of which has been absent for the last two years.

10

JAMIE DONOVAN DESIGNS STAFF UNIFORM FOR TG’S CHILD CARE WAUCHOPE CENTRES ✦ TG's Educators are proud to wear Australia's national heritage

➸

B

TG's educators with local indigenous artist Jamie Donovan

rilliant-Online had the pleasure of catching up with local indigenous artist Jamie Donovan to have a chat about his design for TG’s Child Care’s Staff uniform.

Jamie’s day job is a Consultant to the Department of Education, where he visits about 43 Public Schools, doing correlations and data collections, working on attendance and getting kids back to school.

Outside of work, his art provides him with an opportunity to connect with his culture and share it with his local community and the organisations that he works with. His art is his passion.

Officially conducting the handover of the shirts to staff at the TG's Child Care Hastings Street Early Learning Centre, Jamie told us he was delighted to have been involved. He has a long relationship with the TG’s family and his children have passed through multiple centres in Wauchope over the years.

Originally approached by a group of TG’s Educators to design a new uniform for the centres representing culture in the local community, he wanted to keep his association with TG’s going and thought this was a great thing to do.

It's not the first time Jamie has shared his creativity with TG's. He also painted the beautiful aboriginal murals at TG's

11

B RILLIA NT B USI N E SSE S Hastings St, Wauchope. He included the traditional Gathang language (from the Birpai, Warrimay and Guringay people), totems from the region as well as images drawn from everyone's connection to the country on the murals.

A Custom Design With A Connection To Culture And Community "The design process started by talking with the TG’s Educators to create the custom design of the shirt, to find out what they wanted their shirts to represent. I then take that information and try and weave that into my design story. For TG’s the design is about their connection with culture and their connection with their local community," says Jamie.

The cultural elements of the local Birpai Nation are represented by their seven totems, which are encapsulated in a vision through country. There is also the river system that runs through the design and water animals that are in the system.

❊ The shirts are also an education piece. Children have the opportunity to pick out which animals are displayed, a conversation can start around culture and the journey that they are on and enable the sharing of stories. Pathways are opened to start conversations with children via the shirt design.

Colours are used to make a representation of what portion of the country is being depicted in the design. For example, the blues and purples represent the water and the reds, oranges and greens represent the land. The design represents the three centres that TG’s have in the Wauchope community, their different journeys that the families that work or go to each of the centres travel and share with each other.

Overall, the design is a depiction of the whole country, it’s not just one part because all the totems connect people all across multiple regions within our area. Everyday that the TG’s Educators wear these shirts, they wear them with pride. They are proud to be part of this community, proud to be part of the TG’s family and their wider family. The educators understand why they are wearing it and what it means to be part of this community connection. The shirt represents building relationships in the community.

Jamie’s understanding of these relationships and knowledge of the

12 local area is on show in the design.

The shirts are a conversation starter, enabling an open dialogue with the whole community.

The shirts are also an education piece.

Children have the opportunity to pick out which animals are displayed, a conversation can start around culture and the journey that they are on and enable the sharing of stories. Pathways are opened to start conversations with children via the shirt design.

centres, encouraging growth in the Reconciliation Journey.

All three TG’s Child Care Centres in Wauchope have made great progress.

The process will continue with the collaboration with Jamie and his design, wearing the shirts are a step in the right direction, supporting local culture and community.

Thank You From Jamie

Moving forward, Reconciliation Action Plans can be actioned, by engaging in those conversations and putting people's conversation into the minds of people just by wearing the shirt.

A very warm thank you was extended from Jamie to the TG’s family. He is humbled by the continuing support to both him and his indigenous community, and by the continued willingness to engage and share his culture with TG’s students.

TG’s Child Care has been focusing on reconciliation at their centres, a Reconciliation Action Plan has been, even with COVID restrictions and the like over the past two years, in the background and in their activities. The plan is something that will be continued at all three

He said, “Because, you know, they're only going to be exposed to it even more and more as they continue through their educational journeys.

The more that they're aware, I think the better it will be for all of our community in terms of moving forward together to create that

➹

understanding and awareness at an early age and it will just create a much better place.”

Although Jamie’s children have completed their TG’s journey (they are now aged from 7 to 16 years and are in Primary and High School) if he were to talk to a parent with a young child he would highly recommend TG’S Child Care for their child’s early childhood education.

“My kids had a ball coming through these centres, the play environment, the learning inside, the connection," he said. "Just the Centre’s welcoming feel hits the nail on the head. If you can make people feel welcome, then you are going to continue the association. Your first impression is the most important impression that you make. And in small communities like ours, word of mouth and public relations go a long way. If you do that job well you continue to be successful in your business."

Jamie Donovan officially presents the custom design shirts to TG's staff at Wauchope

Playing is Learning for Life

13

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

TG'S IS HIRING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS

14

SANCROX REAL ESTATE SEEKING PROPERTIES AT SOVEREIGN HILLS ✦ Thinking of selling? December and January are great months to list your property with Sancrox Real Estate. They have qualified buyers waiting.

✤ “At Sancrox Real Estate, we love seeing the smiles on the faces of our happy sellers and excited buyers all moving on in the next chapter of their lives!”

- Tanya Gill

➸

Tanya Gill, Sancrox Real Estate

H

usband and wife team Tanya and Chris Gill of Sancrox Real Estate are going from strength to strength. Recent sales and enquiries from their qualified buyers suggest a bright year ahead in 2022.

Seeking property listings at Sovereign Hills Over 50% of their buyer enquiries are centred around the Sovereign Hills Estate that has an estimated completion date of December 2029. If you have been contemplating selling your home in Sovereign Hills to take advantage of the property boom, contact them today for a quick sale.

Tanya and Chris will give you an honest appraisal of your property along with advice to get top dollar when the property is presented for sale.

B RILLIA NT B USI N E SSE S

Recent sale by Sancrox Real Estate Recently Sancrox Real Estate listed and sold a commercial property known to many Wauchope locals the building that housed the family owned and operated Thomas Butchery. The business saw three generations learn their trade and fed many local families.

With an accepted offer within days of listing, 133 High Street Wauchope was sold at full price. This property was a rare find being a commercial property on residential land, lending itself to many different development opportunities - watch this space...

Sancrox Real Estate also have qualified buyers for Commercial property, contact them if you have been thinking about selling your retail or industrial premises.

It has been ten years since we’ve seen Australia’s residential property market accelerating at such a rate.

Incredible opportunity for sellers with pent up demand and greater access to capital thanks to the federal government’s loosened hold on banking policies.

How long will this hold?

Will the US soaring inflation affect Australia’s property market? We have seen evidence of price increase e.g. fuel jumping 36% since April last year and such increases are not matching wage increases.

Property market growth will slow down in 2022 and take a dip in 2023, according to analysts.

If you’re thinking of selling, December and January are great months.

Property owners looking to sell their property can profit from Port Macquarie’s rising property value. Investors are not shying away from increasing prices either, eager to take advantage of the amazing growth across Port Macquarie Hastings. New developments have started and newly opened agricultural land rezoned by the government is coming on the market.

Sancrox Real Estate can help you sell your property in a realistic time frame and at a realistic price. They will devise a plan to maximise the marketing of your property. This, along with their comprehensive list of qualified buyers, will see an efficient and profitable sale of your property.

BUT, you need to contact Sancrox Real Estate to get the wheels in motion to take advantage of their buyers on offer NOW. ”Selling 154 Fishers Ridge Mortons Creek last week, was the icing on the cake for our very excited buyers, who are busy planning for their retreat home, and to be settling and moving in just before Christmas.

"At Sancrox Real Estate, we love seeing the smiles on the faces of our happy sellers and excited buyers all moving on in the next chapter of their lives! “ said Tanya Gill.

15

16

6 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO INCREASE YOUR SUCCESS ✦ Advice from John Clarke, Success Tax Professionals.

I

t’s often a standing joke how ineffective many New Year’s Resolutions are. In the past mine have included losing weight, exercising, and giving up smoking. The problem with these kinds of resolutions is they are general. Any resolution needs to be more specific eg I will only eat take out twice a week, I will walk for half an hour 4 times a week. These goals are measurable.

3. My business structure

After the COVID disruption to our lives over the past two years there is a risk that our personal and business tax might need to be looked at. It’s too late on July 1 2022 to start tax planning for the 2022 financial year.

4. Look at your business expenses

Here are my suggestions for goals we can set as business owners.

Have you got subscriptions you are not using?

1. Keep good records If there’s one thing tax agents love it is going through shoe boxes full of receipts. But worse yet is the person who has spent money on items they could have claimed deductions on if they had kept the receipts or if the receipts had not faded to blankness in the hot glovebox.

A simple solution could be to take photos on your phone of petrol receipts etc.

2. Motor Vehicle Logbook If you use your vehicle for work or business purposes you may be able to claim a deduction. There are 2 options: 1. Keep a logbook and claim the work/business percentage 2. Claim on a kilometre basis. Maximum claim is for 5000 km.

If you haven’t kept a logbook the only method you can use is the kilometre method and you can only claim up to 5000 km.

Keep a logbook or use an app on your phone. The logbook needs to be kept for 12 consecutive weeks and should reflect your typical use.

At the end of June if you’ve kept a logbook you can then make a decision to claim based on which method gives you the highest deduction.

The logbook needs to be done a minimum of every 4 years, so if it’s a few years since you’ve kept a logbook start keeping one now.

If you’re a sole trader this is the simplest way to carry on a business but it might not be the best way if your business has grown or for protecting your assets. Your accountant can give you advice about the tax consequences of different structures eg partnerships, companies, trusts.

Each $ you save is a $ towards your bottom line.

Talk to your insurance broker and check you are insured for the right risks.

Is your advertising effective (talk to Chrissy at Brilliant-Online)?

5. Business Income Have you checked your prices in the last 6 months? Often in business we lack confidence to increase prices.

Are we giving discounts as a matter of course? Discounts can cost you money.

6. Take Action Within The Next 72 Hours Research shows people need to commit to doing something within 72 hours of making the decision. The commitment could be as simple as downloading an app on your phone or ringing your accountant to make an appointment for the New Year.

As always, this article provides general taxation advice only, and you should consult a tax agent or accountant for advice that is specific to your circumstances.

17

18

COVID, BORDER CLOSURES AND TRAVEL… TWO YEARS ON! ✦ Mark Ennor, BookItDoit

S

o here we are, two years since the announcement of a potential pandemic, a fast-spreading virus that will ravage, stop and change our world and it did forever!

As a society, we contend and deal with many ups and downs in our lives, the downs especially being the likes of floods, drought, fires, storms, and in a country like Australia we get the lot! We always bounce back but the timeframe to do so of course depends on the severity of the disaster.

These natural disasters normally take anywhere from weeks to months to recover from (longer of course for the worst hit!).

The COVID 19 Corona Virus has been a disaster on another scale for the whole world to deal with. This is not the time or place to be getting into its origins, the conspiracies or the vax debates. The bottom line is, we’ve had a disaster thrown at us like never before and something of this scale will have long lasting effects, from the physical, emotional, mental, financial and social.

The Tourism and Travel industries are ones that bear the brunt of all of these factors.

There are many conversations always happening about how and when it will all bounce back. My take on it is that no one can really say exactly when and how it will.

➸

Camel Rides at Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia

19

B RILLIA NT B USI N E SSE S

➸

This pandemic has affected everyone individually in different ways. On one side in the business sector we have seen some business and industries fall and fail in a big way while others have prospered. There has been (and still is) a mass exodus from the cities to regional areas. Real estate prices are skyrocketing like never before.

Overseas travel just isn’t a thing, yes it’s slowly creeping back, but any conversations about it are over as quickly as they start. Even interstate travel isn’t on people’s radars apart from visiting family.

So where does that leave Tourism and Travel for Australians? Regional Areas!

3hr-4hr radius trips from home, self-drive road trips, holidaying at home.

We’ve all seen the commentary by some travel writers that people are tired of the whole holiday at home thing and people are busting to get back overseas to get their cultural fixes. Maybe so, but in reality if ScoMo appeared on our TV’s tonight and said “ Ok Australians, from tomorrow the airports will be open, airlines will be fully operational, go for it, go where you like!”. With the uncertainty we’ve all experienced over the past two years, the sudden and strict changes we’re getting used to, how many Aussies do you think would actually pack their suitcases and head to the airports?!

Whale Watching, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia

To add to all this, how many travel insurance companies do you think will cover anyone (especially 50+) for COVID related claims? Our foreseeable realities for the Travel and Tourism industries are intrastate travel, regional holidays and seeking out the authentic experiences that are right on your own doorstep.

Some people may think ‘ho hummm’ about that but until you are fully aware of what there is to see and do around you, you really can’t be giving an educated comment about the subject! I have been entrenched in regional tourism for over 22 years, 20 years of that on the frontline hosting thousands of visitors to my adventure tourism business so I have a deep insight into the thinking of travelers, and locals enjoying their own region.

The number one stand out point of locals holidaying like a tourist in their own region is being able to consciously think like a tourist. If you want to find everything there is to do around you, you need to proactively look. You can head to some of the big hotels/motels in your area, they will all have large brochure racks of all the tours and attractions.

20

➸ ➸

Lock Ard Gorge, Port Campbell National Park, Australia

Lucky Bay, Western Australia

21

B RILLIA NT B USI N E SSE S

➸ Most regions have their own tourist magazines/booklets and then of course you can jump online to see what there is via a Google search or a tourism website like BookitDoit.

A directory style website where you can search on what and where you want to find things to do. You will find many things to see, do, eat, play and stay. And find things to book right then and there or simply find free things to do like walks, lookouts, events and markets. Things for all ages and demographics.

Information for Locals to Stay Local I have made it a mission of mine to deliver marketing initiatives as an awareness exercise to inform locals that there is more than you think to do around you. In my 14th year doing so in the Greater Port Macquarie region, now I have broadened my scope to deliver the same kind of awareness initiatives all around regional Australia.

Checkout BookitDoit

➹

Check out our website and you will see the tagline “The hidden Australia is waiting for you”.

Thanks to BookitDoit it’s no longer hidden. Everything in between the capital cities is displayed and promoted and you can book it on the website.

Boomerang Art – Aboriginal Fine Art Gallery Photo Credit: BookitDoit

Join the Queue of the Caravan Manufacturer Get yours and hit the road. No longer just the ‘Grey Nomads’ it’s just ‘the Nomads’. Anyone who has the opportunity to do it is hitting the road and why not?

Australia is one of the most visited countries in the world and you already live here! Our highways are packed with Nomads. National Parks and campgrounds are busier than ever, small sleepy coastal and inland towns are buzzing.

Their economies are alive again.

Even if you don’t do the caravan thing, pack up the car and do a road trip.

There are so many wonderful accommodation offerings in quiet, nature based spots away from the hustle and bustle!

Don’t know where to go or where to start? Do something bold! Write down 6 locations you see on a map, grab a dice and roll it. Whatever number it lands on, that’s where you start. When you get there, do it again! Why not!?

Our travel habits have forcibly been changed forever so it might just take a few different ideas to excite us again and who knows, your next great experience may just be down the road!

In 2022, let's take the time to explore our own backyard.

22

BRILLIANT CRUISING ✦ Robyn, Wauchope Travel

C

ruising in 2022 will present a whole new range of products and experiences, with a renewed focus on health and wellbeing. So much has changed in recent times but one thing is for sure; those who enjoy experiencing new destinations with a level of comfort and safety will be catered to like never before.

Even those who think that ‘cruising is not for them’ will be excited at the Expedition Cruises; small ships reaching close to shore in destinations that surprise and delight. Explore some of the world’s most remote and unspoiled destinations, abundant with wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Arctic, Antarctica, Galapagos, Kimberley, and South Pacific destinations are available for these small ship cruise experiences that put you right into the land, wildlife, and people of the place. Availability is limited due to the size of the vessels and the popularity of this type of cruising, so be flexible with your travel dates.

Luxury cruising never goes out of style, and this pause in operation has given everyone time to fine tune their offerings.

With an emphasis on the health and safety of passengers and crew, the range of options is breathtaking. Elegant décor, fine dining and exceptional service are the hallmarks of luxury cruising and if you enjoy the finer things in life you can't go past Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises and many more who are ready to spoil you with inclusive packages and top class entertainment.

23

B RILLIA NT B USI N E SSE S

➸ Have you considered a do-it-yourself option?

Barging has long been a truly satisfying way to travel the waterways of the UK and Europe. Chose your travel partners and pick from a self-drive or captained voyage, meandering through Europe’s most beautiful waters. Nicer than a hotel, imagine rocking to sleep on a quiet mooring near a local pub! A truly unique holiday experience, ideal for families and groups of friends.

One of my personal favorites is small ship cruising in Fiji. Two beautiful cruise companies offer genuine Fijiian hospitality, local food prepared freshly onboard, incredible scenery and the chance to snorkel daily sometimes twice daily – in warm tropical waters.

Being less than 100 passengers on board, you soon make new friends

Snorkel with the turtles on Ocean Cruises

and share experiences that would not be available to others, such as visiting a local school and dropping off school supplies to kids who are happy to show you their classroom and share their schoolyard. A very humbling experience that makes you realise how well appointed our schools really are. There are opportunities to go to a local church and sing along with the congregation, laze on a deserted island (with some staff from the boat – and an esky!) or just take in the scenery. Truly divine.

Ocean cruises will continue to be great fun and a very relaxing way to unwind. Many of the itineraries have been adjusted to include many more Australian destinations; keeping much needed dollars in Australia.

Princess, P & O, Carnival and Royal Caribbean to name a few, are keen to re-establish themselves as safe and desirable holiday options.

Photo Credit: Wauchope Travel

On current government advice, most cruise lines should be operational by May of 2022 – it’s safe to say that this type of travel will continue to be very popular, and there are truly many bargains out there!

The pent up demand for cruising will also mean that availability will be an issue; the deals are good, and the deposits flexible, so don’t leave it until the last thing to jump on board.

As Australia opens up to domestic and international travel we are so looking forward to rebooking your dream holiday!

Office hours are currently 9am – 1pm Monday to Friday. We will close for Christmas on the 23rd December and re-open 4th January, 2022.

Have a Merry Christmas – we look forward to seeing you soon!

Robyn, Wauchope Travel

24

LYNDALL WARD, TAX AND SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTANT, CATS4TAX ✦ Lyndall has introduced a new eBook to help small business owners get their finances right.

Lyndall's work over the years as a Registered Tax Agent (TAX 25591120) and her professional experience in

understanding and managing the financial needs of her clients as well as building a trusted relationship with the Tax Office have allowed her to become an important part of her community.

Her eBook "Financial Accounting for Small Business" can help ease the concerns small business owners may have regarding the intimidating world of numbers and finances in the digital era.

Download CATS4TAX eBook

Contact Lyndall ward, Personal, Small Business & Rental Tax Return Specialist

➹

T

he world of numbers and finances has gone digital, especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small business owners would have a hard time keeping track of all the financial aspects of a business if they were to still maintain the traditional pen-and-paper format.

0404 483 685 lyndall@cats4tax.com.au www.cats4tax.com.au

25

B RILLIA NT B USI N E SSE S

MACTAC LAUNCHES NEW DIGITAL PRINT FILMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA ✦ Mactac is a brand by Avery Dennison

M

actac, a brand by Avery Dennison, launched its new JT 8200 Series on 30 November, 2021 to empower businesses in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to bring their creative designs to life.

Heading towards the new year, Vimalan Balakrishnan, Product Lead for Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions in ASEAN, said that brand owners, transport providers, and mall managers in the ASEAN countries can promote their products and services through creative and high impact graphics using the Mactac JT 8200 series.

The JT 8200 series is purpose-built for short term communication such as discounts and promotional activities, advertising during festive seasons, product launches, exhibitions, or trade shows.

“We are proud to respond to customers’ fast-changing promotional needs with the new JT 8200 series as it will empower them to deliver magical prints that leave a lasting impression,” said Vimalan.

The JT 8200 series is a monomeric calendered self-adhesive printing media specially designed for solvent-based,

eco-solvent, mild solvent, Latex, and UV inkjet printing.

With installation by experienced professional branding, signage, and graphic installers, brand owners can use the JT 8200 as their short-term promotional mobile billboards, wall-to-ceiling graphics, or fleet graphics, among many applications.

“Throughout our tests, the JT 8200 series delivers a remarkable print performance on major print platforms and a range of adhesives making it a reliable and efficient option for indoor and outdoor promotional campaigns,” explained Siew Bee Soo, Technical Marketing Lead for Avery Dennison in ASEAN. For over fifty years, Mactac in Europe has been creating innovative graphic materials that provide a canvas for visually stunning designs across many different decorations and graphic applications, including architecture and transportation. Since August 2016, the European business of Mactac has been a part of Avery Dennison.

Learn more about the Mactac JT 8200 series at www. mactacgraphics.eu/apac.

26

Disclaimer ASX companies engage Brilliant-Online to share their commentary on the progress of their companies and projects. The author, owners of Brilliant-Online and associated entities may or may not hold shares of these companies. The content above is the writer’s personal opinion and is provided to you for information only and is not intended to be general or personal advice nor will it create/induce the creation of any binding legal relations.

27

B RI LLIA NT I N V E S TM ENT S

✴

Brilliant

INVESTMENTS ✦

28

VENTURE MINERALS' GREEN TIN STORY IS STILL GOING STRONG ✦ Andrew Radonjic, Managing Director of Venture Minerals Limited (ASX:VMS) has more to tell in the company's Green Tin Story.

The Tin Story is important for Investors, thanks to the Green Metal and No Emission movement. Venture Minerals may well be an accidental recipient of the Green Metal movement.

Readers who have been following Samso and our Brilliant Investments space may know the Green Tin story really well by now. Venture Minerals' story is one that has been told many times over. If this is starting to feel repetitive, there is a good reason for it.

Good stuff is well worth repeating. The price of tin is moving even higher since the last time the Green Tin story has been told. This is something to make one sit up and take notice.

➹

Andrew Radonjic, Managing Director of Venture Minerals Limited (ASX:VMS) has more to tell in the company's Green Tin Story.

29

B RI LLIA NT I N V E S TM ENT S

✲ Good stuff is well worth repeating. The price of tin is moving even higher since the last time the Green Tin story has been told. This is something to make one sit up and take notice.

Mount Lindsay is the flagship project for Venture Minerals and has been so for a long time. Looking at it right at this very moment, it is becoming an even more important project for the company.

As the world takes great strides into the next industrial revolution, it is worth paying attention to two main players tin and tungsten. They may become the dominant players in the metal sector.

About Andrew Radonjic Qualifications: BAppSc (Mining Geology), MSc (Mineral Economics), MAus/MM Mr. Radonjic is a geologist and mineral economist with over 30 years of experience in mining and exploration, with an initial focus on gold and nickel in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Andrew has fulfilled a variety of senior roles which gave rise to three gold discoveries, totalling in excess of 3 million ounces in resources and

resulting in 1.5 million ounces being produced. Since 2006 Andrew has been an executive director with Venture Minerals, which he has been co-leading during the discovery of the Mount Lindsay Tin-Tungsten deposit. Andrew is a founder and recently was a director of Blackstone Minerals Limited (ASX: BSX).

About Venture Minerals Limited Venture Minerals Ltd (ASX: VMS) is entering an exciting phase as the Company moved from a highly successful explorer to producer with completion of the first shipment from the Riley Iron Ore Mine in northwest Tasmania.

At the neighbouring Mount Lindsay Tin-Tungsten Project, higher Tin prices and the recognition of Tin as a fundamental metal to the battery revolution has refocused Venture’s approach to developing Mount Lindsay.

Already one of the world's largest undeveloped Tin-Tungsten deposits, the Company has commenced an Underground Feasibility Study on Mount Lindsay that will leverage off the previously completed work.

In Western Australia, Chalice Mining (ASX: CHN) recently committed to spend up to $3.7m in Venture’s South West Project, to advance previous exploration completed by Venture to test a Julimar lookalike Nickel-Copper-PGE target.

At the Company’s Golden Grove North Project, it has already intersected up to 7% Zinc, 1.3% Copper and 2.1g/t Gold at Orcus and has identified several, strong EM conductors to be drill tested along the 5km long VMS (Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide) Target Zone, along strike to the world class Golden Grove Zinc-Copper-Gold Mine. Venture recently doubled the Nickel-Copper-PGE landholding at Kulin by securing two highly prospective 20-kilometre long Ni-Cu-PGE targets.

Contact Venture Minerals Limited

+61 (08) 6279 9428 admin@ventureminerals.com.au www.ventureminerals.com.au Suite 3, Level 3, 24 Outram Street, West Perth Western Australia 6005

30

MAKING GREEN NICKEL REAL WITH BLACKSTONE MINERALS LIMITED ✦ Scott Williamson, Managing Director of Blackstone Minerals Ltd (ASX:BSX) returns with bold vision to produce Green Nickel

There is much to be gleaned from Blackstone Mineral's Sustainability Report, and Scott Williamson is back to chat with Noel Ong, CEO of Samso about what this means for their Green Nickel story.

Blackstone makes bold statements and the release of their Sustainability Report is taking them a bolder step forward. They have already been telling the market that they are going to produce Green Nickel, and they are going to produce nickel products that adhere to world class ESG standards.

Our vision of sustainability is to produce high-value green nickel sulphate that provides opportunities for the community we operate in.

One cannot help but prick up one's ears to hear this statement and it is clearly intriguing how they are going to do this. There is no room for second place - one would clearly have to go the whole mile with this.

➹

Scott Williamson, Managing Director of Blackstone Minerals Ltd (ASX:BSX) returns with bold vision to produce Green Nickel.

31

B RI LLIA NT I N V E S TM ENT S

The bold statement from Mr. Williamson and the Blackstone team is this - Blackstone is looking at Tier 1 standards, world leading practices and total transparency.

What makes Blackstone really stand out here is how they are making sure that the process of completing the Blackstone business in Vietnam is all about the people and the environment. The business will be complete only if there is participation and rewards from and for all stakeholders in the business model.

❃ Blackstone Minerals will be at a level that will have a significant barrier to entry for competitors. Their first mover advantage will create a near impossible competitor edge which will be hard to overcome.

This is the undeniable, classic Blackstone passion that makes this company well worth looking into and following.

Blackstone's Green Nickel story is going to be about the creation of a totally responsible and sustainable business that is going to reap rewards beyond your typical mining nickel through to production model.

Blackstone Minerals will be at a level that will have a significant barrier to entry for competitors. Their first mover advantage will create a near impossible competitor edge which will be hard to overcome.

Download eBook

Contact Blackstone Minerals Limited

➹

A metal use revolution storm is coming. Are you ready for this tsunami that is just brewing outside the shores of the EV Revolution?

+ 61 8 9425 5217 admin@blackstoneminerals.com.au www.blackstoneminerals.com.au Suite 3, Level 3, 24 Outram Street, West Perth, WA, 6005

32

CHASING FOR COPPER AND GOLD WITH COOPER METALS IN MT. ISA, QUEENSLAND ✦ Ian Warland, Managing Director of Cooper Metals Limited (ASX: CPM) is an exploration geologist with more than three decades of experience. He shares the concepts of the Cooper Metals story today.

➹

Cooper Metals shares a mineral exploration story in a prime location that is a melt of mineralisation. As Ian Warland says, "Copper is where you see it on the surface".

If you look at the location of Cooper Metals' tenure in Mt. Isa, you may well be surprised.

It is right in the heart of the Mt. Isa Inlier. This is similar to the Miramar Resources story with the Gidji JV in Kalgoorlie.

What is noteworthy is the Mt. Isa East project is literally within a stone's throw from major deposits. We are talking about deposits with world class numbers within the same region.

Ian Warland, Managing Director of Cooper Metals Limited (ASX: CPM) shares the concepts of the Cooper Metals story.

33

B RI LLIA NT I N V E S TM ENT S Resemblance in the geology aside, what the information is saying is, this region is nothing less than a nearology story that has been proven successful and with well-endowed fruits to boot.

For Noel Ong, CEO of Samso, looking at the company's recent announcement of finding some great rock chips from existing trenches (Mt Isa East rock chip assays up to 35.3% Cu and 7.96g/t Au), he is expecting Cooper Metals to find smoke in their exploration. He is keen to watch for the Queensland project, and as Ian shared, the company's next step is to fly a new geophysical survey. This will give them a more detailed understanding of where the potential mineralisation can be found.

Looking ahead, the next targets for the company are the Yarmana Gold project and the Gooroo Gold project in Western Australia. They may be early stage projects still but they have an interesting potential. Noel is interested in the Yarmana Gold project because of the tenements that are adjacent to the world class Gruyere Gold mine which is owned by Gold Road Resources Limited (ASX: GOR).

For now, he ranks the Gooroo Gold project as his third choice. However, the recent change in understanding of the greenstone presence within the Gullewa Greenstone belt may well change the ranking.

The Project area is located within the Archaean Gullewa Greenstone belt in the Murchison Province of the Archaean Yilgarn Craton. The area is prospective for Archean gold and Volcanic Massive Sulphide deposits.

Silver Lakes (ASX: SLR) Deflector Cu-Au deposit is located ~ 26km north of the Gooroo Project.

Marmota. After leading Twenty Seven Co Ltd as their CEO for the last three years, Ian is now Managing Director of Cooper Metals.

About Cooper Metals Limited Cooper Metal’s flagship Mt Isa East Cu-Au Project covers over 1300 sq km of tenure with numerous historical Cu-Au workings and prospects already identified for immediate follow up exploration. The Mt Isa Inlier is highly prospective for iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) and shear hosted Cu +/- Au deposits.

Mt Isa East is complemented by two early stage Projects in WA within proven well mineralised districts. The Yamarna Gold Project located along strike from Gold Roads 6.16 Moz world class Gruyere Gold Deposit (ASX: GOR) has an extensive length of untested Dorothy Hills Shear Zone that was important in the formation of Gruyere < 10 km to the southeast.

Lastly the Gooroo Cu and Au Project cover newly identified greenstone belt ~20 km from Silver Lakes Deflector mine. The 26 km expanse of covered greenstone belt has had almost no exploration and was only added to government geology maps in 2020 after reinterpretation of geophysical data.

About Ian Warland, Managing Director A highly experienced and successful geologist with 25 years’ experience in Australia and internationally over a wide range of commodities. Notably, a career highlight was being joint recipient for “Explorer of the Year” in 2006 for the discovery of the Jacinth and Ambrosia zircon-rich mineral sand deposits.

Ian holds a Bachelor of Applied Science Geology with First Class Honours and university medal from the University of Technology Sydney. He also has a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment and an Associate Diploma in Environmental Control.

In the last ten years Ian has worked primarily in the junior exploration sector as a geological consultant and in senior management positions for Musgrave Minerals and

Contact Cooper Metals Limited

0410 504 272 enquiries@coopermetals.com.au www.coopermetals.com.au

34

THOR MINING PLC (ASX: THR) ON A GREEN COPPER JOURNEY ✦ Nicole Galloway Warland, Managing Director - Thor Mining Plc (ASX: THR) shares how this special diversified mineral exploration company is going green.

➹

Thor Mining has three highly prospective projects one of them could put them on the path to becoming a serious copper producer.

Noel Ong, CEO of Samso always keeps an eye out for a compelling story from the companies he talks to. His first encounter with Thor Mining was in February 2021 where he spoke to Nicole Galloway Warland about the company's take on being an ESG compliant copper-gold producer. She was the Exploration Manager then, and today she speaks to Noel as the company's Managing Director about the company's updates.

Noel felt the company's story had potential and now looking at what they have achieved, much work has been done on their projects and they are seeing some happy results as well.

Nicole Galloway Warland, Managing Director of Thor Mining Plc (ASX: THR) shares how this special diversified mineral exploration company is going green.

35

✲ The recent discovery of a skarn source for the Tungsten and Molybdenum mineralisation may change the whole economics of the project. Coupled with a rising Molybdenum price in 2021, Thor Mining is set to see the odds in their favour.

For Noel, it is also a relief when looking at the results of the Copper projects in South Australia. The projects are making great progress.

In fact, the ISR potential of the Alford projects is going to make Thor Mining take the spotlight.

The ISR potential is important, and if it were made the company's main focus, their creation of a Green Copper story is highly achievable. For Noel, any company that wants to write a Green Metal story or a Green Mining story needs three naturally occurring infrastructure: 1. Green Power 2. Green Minable Economical Resource 3. Governance / Jurisdiction The happy news is, Thor Mining has all these three in place. The next step is to make it work.

To add on to the happy news, we mustn't forget the Molyhil project.

Ms. Warland was talking then about how Ragged Range was going to surprise people. The potential of the area is limited only by the funding capacity of the company. And the results have indeed been surprising.

Discoveries can only be made if solid work is put into it, and the Pilbara is just showing its potential. Those working in the region will continue to unearth the hidden metal endowment that lies beneath this craton.

The recent discovery of a skarn source for the Tungsten and Molybdenum mineralisation may change the whole economics of the project. Coupled with a rising Molybdenum price in 2021, Thor Mining is set to see the odds in their favour.

Ultimately, as investors or just someone interested in the mining resources industry, we want companies to succeed. Noel has been with Thor Mining on its journey and has spoken to different thought leaders who have led the company up to its current position - with Ms. Warland and also the company´' previous Chairman, Mick Billing. It is a good feeling when Noel likes the potential of a company and can follow

Contact Thor Mining PLC

their story to see their work bear fruit.

About Nicole Galloway Warland, Managing Director Thor Mining Plc (ASX:THR) Geologist Nicole Galloway Warland has worked in the mining and exploration industry for more than a quarter of a century in Australia, Eastern Europe and South America since graduating from Sydney’s University of Technology.

Nicole's experience spans grassroots exploration through to project evaluation, encompassing both open cut and underground mining, with a focus predominantly on gold, coppergold, base metals, nickel, uranium, and lithium.

About Thor Mining Plc (LON:THR and ASX:THR) Thor Mining PLC is an exploration and development company with an advanced tungsten/molybdenum project poised for development, and exciting copper and gold projects, both advanced and early stages, with the potential to generate significant investor value. Thor also holds an advanced tungsten/molybdenum project ready for development.

Thor has projects in Australia in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and South Australia. Thor also owns the Pilot Mountain tungsten project in Nevada USA, and uranium and vanadium exploration claims in Colorado and Utah.

+61 8 7324 1935 corporate@thormining.com www.thormining.com 58 Galway Avenue, Marleston SA 5033, Australia

36

37

B RI LLIA NT H E A LTH

✴

Brilliant

HEALTH ✦

38

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU! ✦ How many times have you made what you believed to be steadfast New Year resolutions that often tend to peter out before the end of the month?

weight in a certain time, for example, is a tough ask, particularly if one is not habitually an exercise or health food enthusiast. Maybe set piecemeal goals where a certain amount is targeted each week or each month.

Sure, have the six-month or 12-month target but don’t focus on that figure too much as it can often seem unattainable, particularly at the outset. Small, measured steps can equate to definite progress and, once you witness this succeeding, confidence builds as does your motivation to stick at it and see it through.

Also, truly consider the goal you are striving to attain.

Why exactly are you doing it? Is it a goal based on the perceptions or ideals of someone else advising you to change, societal pressure perhaps? If you are doing it to please or displease others, this can often lead to resentment, anger and subsequently failure. Like anything in life, make it genuine, mean it, want it and you have a far greater chance of succeeding.

But fear not as there are ways to make your resolution stick past a couple of days or weeks to become a permanent lifestyle change. Whether it is a pledge to get fitter, lose weight, drink less, work less, work smarter, spend less time glued to our phone or adopt ways to get luckier in love, there are systematic approaches that can help us achieve our goals.

First and foremost it is advised that you pick the right resolution and for the right reasons. Be honest with yourself. It has to be realistic and doable otherwise you are setting yourself up for an almighty fail. Set goals but make them attainable without having to suffer a life of misery as this typically leads to resentment and ultimately a decision to scrap the campaign.

Make goals measurable and precise as vague goals are rarely achieved. Aiming to lose a significant amount of

Likewise, plan for the odd wobble as this will come. Plan and prepare for it and you will stand a far better chance of bypassing whatever hurdle is thrown your way.

Talk to others and make them aware of your task at hand and how determined you are to achieve it. This can help foster a support network that will not only tolerate potential moodswings and agitated moments but hopefully ensure you have the motivational backing when struggles kick in.

Ultimately, it comes down to the individual and how serious they are about effecting whatever the change is.

But, as the old adage goes, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again and New Year resolutions are no different so don’t pressure yourself too much.

However, try your best, maybe adopt some of the approaches outlined here and you may well surprise yourself as you embark on a path to a New You in the New Year!

Read The Full Story

➹

I

f you have then you are certainly not alone. Each year there are millions of people across the world who commit to something only to let themselves down shortly afterwards. According to Forbes, virtually every study tells us that around 80% of New Year’s resolutions don’t make it past the end of January.

Planning is, of course, key. Understanding what the goal is, why you want to achieve it and how you will achieve it while ensuring it doesn’t become an obsession.

Understand how much time you can and should allocate to building the new you and give yourself enough time to properly focus on the task.

39

JOIN THE CHALLENGE

40

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM (NUHS) DELIVERS BETTER PATIENT CARE AND TREATMENT WITH AI ✦ One of Singapore’s public healthcare groups (known locally as “clusters”) has chosen to use an artificial intelligence (AI) system with real-time streaming capabilities to deliver better patient care and treatment across its network of hospitals, polyclinics, specialist centres, medical centre and academic health science institutions.

➸

N

Part of the NUHS cluster is the JurongHealth Campus, an integrated healthcare development comprising the Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and the Jurong Community Hospital.

ational University Health System (NUHS) is one of three public healthcare clusters in Singapore equipped with an integrated academic health system and regional health system that delivers value-driven, innovative and sustainable healthcare. Its network covers an extensive 19 hospitals, polyclinics, specialist centres, medical centre and academic health science institutions.

NUHS has built an AI production platform known as Endeavour AI based on an NVIDIA DGX A100 system, a system for AI infrastructure, to become the first healthcare group in Singapore with real-time streaming capabilities to deliver better patient care and treatment, collaborate on biomedical research and transform how illnesses are managed and treated.

41

B RI LLIA NT H E A LTH With this newly-launched Endeavour AI platform, NUHS can make real-time predictions on diagnosis, progression of diseases, readmissions, risk of falls, and others. This new system will be integrated with NUHS’ Discovery AI training platform to form a complete training and inference system as part of the group’s digital transformation.

Endeavour AI is a software and hardware stack that features streaming data as well as AI tools running micro services. With the capacity to be able to manage up to 150 projects, Endeavour AI will start off with dozens of projects initially before increasing them.

Among the first projects are those that impact the whole cluster, ranging from predictions on how a patient with a certain condition will fare when admitted to a hospital to analysing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. The projects will involve everything from structured medical data to text-based medical data that form the basis for generating chatbots that are conversational in nature.

➸

Inside view of the NVIDIA DGX A100 system

✤ “We are building a platform that enables multiple projects to run at a time.

We have multiple uses for GPUs, largely in training at this point, but certainly we are well underway in operationalising the production use cases.

Without the GPU, we cannot do a lot of these things,” - Dr Kee Yuan Ngiam

➸

Dr Kee Yuan Ngiam, group CTO of NUHS and deputy chief medical informatics officer of National University Hospital (NUH).

42

Dr Kee Yuan Ngiam, group chief technology officer of NUHS and deputy chief medical informatics officer of National University Hospital (NUH), explains that the organisation is undertaking a digital transformation throughout the cluster, with AI as the centre of its digital transformation.

Dr Ngiam’s team has strategised, planned and built in NVIDIA DGX A100 from day one upon the deployment of Endeavour AI. The organisation will be using it for high speed and large volume inference processed by their AI tools.

For example, for every patient who turns up at its hospitals and polyclinics, every time a doctor clicks, saves or free texts, or when a new lab test results are out, an AI tool runs in the background. All the data gets processed by the AI tools and each tool runs about 100-200 inferences per second. This is done hundreds of times per second throughout the whole cluster at a large volume.

NUHS produces between 20 and 30GB of structured data and text daily, or between 1,800 and 2,500 messages per second for each of its hospitals, which translates to about 10,000 to 15,000 messages per second at peak for all of its cluster. The AI tools need to run quickly in the background to absorb all the data on a day-to-day basis.

“We are building a platform that enables multiple projects to run at a time. We have multiple uses for GPUs, largely in training at this point, but certainly we are well underway in operationalising the production use cases. Without the GPU, we cannot do a lot of these things,” said Dr Ngiam.

With Endeavour AI, NUHS has become the first healthcare group in Singapore to achieve stream capability by operationalising AI tools in real time for the entire cluster.

Patients interacting with AI-powered chatbots will experience improvement in appointment booking services, reduction in waiting time, and optimised care due to some of the work on patient trajectories. Radiologists and clinicians benefit from improved accuracy and speed of processing of images, X rays and scans. In day-today hospital operations, a number of predictions are computed automatically without needing to click a button.

Data that streams out of the electronic medical record system are processed and the doctor is alerted if a patient meets a certain set of weights for high risk.

“These are tangible realities and outcomes that we expected when Endeavour AI went live,” said Dr Ngiam.

NUHS is already looking forward to the next generation of the system to tackle the expected growth in datasets and speed needed to process those data in the next few years.

“We have invested in programmes that look at genomics.

When this genomic data hits us, we are not talking about gigabytes but one terabyte of data per day. The amount of compute required to run genomic type processing going forward is going to be exponentially larger. Until then, our next step is to look at how to optimally use our GPUs for the next few years,” said Dr Ngiam.

Singapore’s public healthcare system In Singapore, the government manages the public healthcare system through the Ministry of Health (MOH). The MOH ensures that good and affordable basic medical services are available to all Singaporeans. It achieves this by providing subsidised medical services while promoting individual responsibility for the costs of healthcare services.

The public healthcare delivery system is geographically structured into three vertically integrated delivery networks based on geographical regions: • Central region - National Healthcare Group (NHG) • Eastern region - Singapore Health Services (SHS) • Western region - National University Health System (NUHS) These networks are also known as “integrated clusters''. Each integrated cluster has a full range of facilities, capabilities, services and networks across different care settings including primary care, acute and long term care, among others to deliver comprehensive and person-centred health promotion, disease prevention, curative and rehabilitative care for the population in their respective regions.

Information about Singapore's integrated clusters have been taken from the MOH press statement issued in 2017 here.

Learn More about NUHS

+65 6779 5555 www.nuhs.edu.sg/Pages/Home.aspx NUHS Tower Block 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228

43

44

BECOMING PREGNANT WITH CEREBRAL PALSY ✦ I’ve always disliked being treated differently because of my cerebral palsy (CP), but now I'm pregnant ... Can I go through this pregnancy?

Here's my story, Deaire Pecora, Brand Ambassador for disAbility Maternity Care

T

hat first pregnancy test is nerve-wracking for everyone, so many thoughts pass through your head as you wait for a result.

For me, that very first time, I was skeptical. I’d taken three tests in the weeks prior, and they had been negative. But now though, I was three weeks late and bam, it was positive.Then the horrific fear set in. This was an unplanned pregnancy and I’d spent years being warned by everyone, from doctors to friends and family, that I might not be physically capable of carrying a healthy baby to term. So, I was terrified. It didn’t help that when I went to the doctors, there was no reassurance or advice.

I was told they’d treat me like any other pregnant woman and go from there.

On one hand, that was good. I’ve always disliked being treated differently because of my cerebral palsy (CP).

However, this made me more anxious, because I had so many questions, all related to my disability. I wanted someone to let me know what to expect and what I should do.

For example, falling is a big factor of my disability. Through exercise, massage and physiotherapy, I had significantly decreased my number of falls, but they were still common.

So, what would happen to the baby if I fell?

I think most first-time mums encounter early fears and doubts. But when you add in a physical disability, my anxiety was at a whole other level. I didn’t know what questions to ask or who to reach out to. So, I researched and kept pushing my doctors and midwives to find me some answers. In terms of medical help, I was only able to confirm one thing that a physio had suggested to me years earlier – that due to the impacts of my CP on my hips and legs, it was too dangerous for me to have a natural birth.

I kept pushing and asking. You see, I wanted to do it all myself.

I was asking questions about how I could perform the physical tasks required of a parent. I actually had one

Midwife say to me, when I asked her about how I could transport my baby from room to room, “We’ll, won’t your mother or husband just do that?”

I was offended. Not only does my husband work full time and regardless of the fact that I have no relationship with my mother, I wanted to be able to do as much of the parenting tasks myself as possible.

That surprised many medical professionals, because they just presumed that as someone with a disability like mine, I would just have someone else do the physical tasks for me.

With no advice in this area, I just had to assure myself that I would take each obstacle as it came and find a way to get things done.

45

B RI LLIA NT H E A LTH

Early pregnancy exercises In both my pregnancies, the first trimester was the hardest and of course most dangerous. I was lucky enough not to suffer from morning sickness either time, however I did get severe nausea and that coupled with my balance issues, gave me a constant feeling of seasickness. This in turn, made my balance issues worse.

Suddenly, I’d gone from having maybe one or two falls a week to one every day. This was terrifying, but there wasn’t really much I could do.

Increased falls in my first trimester, became an early pregnancy symptom for me, both times.

Luckily, I did have one good doctor, who assured me that my body is made to protect a baby when I’m pregnant. It becomes a fort.

I didn’t have any issues with blood flow or deep-vein thrombosis during my pregnancies. I believe this was because I got ahead of the curve in my first trimester. I knew because of my cerebral palsy, there could be issues with blood clots in my legs, so I did what I could. Even though I was so scared of hurting the baby, and I ceased all other exercise, I did maintain my daily walk.

I made sure that I walked on my treadmill for 30 minutes at a speed that got my heart racing, but still felt safe. I did this every day right up until the day my baby was born.

I did the same with my son and not

only did this prevent any significant leg-based pregnancy symptoms, but it helped to ease my back pain, cramping and let me maintain a certain level of physicality in the later stages of the pregnancy.

"I don't have the strongest bladder" Another symptom that I greatly suffered with during my first trimester, was the constant need to go to the bathroom. The difficulty for me was that I don’t have the strongest bladder.

You see, my disability weakens one side my body, which includes my bladder. I’ve always struggled with good bladder control.

So add in pregnancy and I had to definitely work on this. I started doing pelvic floor exercises in my first trimester as a way of easing some of my discomfort and fear of accidents.

It’s never too early to start pelvic floor exercises, especially when you already have muscle weakness.

In the first trimester, your hormones are going crazy and even if you’re not already an anxious person, you will become one.

Add in a disability, and it can be really hard to keep yourself steady. Write down every question you have, no matter how insignificant you think it is. First, discuss it with your partner and support network, then if you feel you still need answers, pester your medical professionals. You’re going to have to keep asking and get them to do a little bit of work too.

I know for fact that I was my doctor’s first patient with a disability, and she was a little bit hesitant throughout the process. I kept asking questions and she had to go and find the answers.

She told me at the end, that she actually learnt a lot about listening to and respecting a pregnant person with a disability through working with me. Thankfully there are now resources and help available so don’t be afraid to reach out.

My family now, looking forward to Christmas If you would like to know more about pregnancy and maternity care for women with a disability, please visit:

disAbility Maternity Care

➹

In fact, I learnt that everyday stumbles are less of a danger in the early months, because the embryo is so tiny, meaning there’s a lot of protection from the uterus. I did however, listen to advice about how to fall. There was no way I could stop myself falling, because it was just a factor of my disability, however I could make sure that I fell in a specific way that was safer for my baby. I was advised that if I HAD to fall, (which I have no control over and so that use of language wasn’t great) was to try and fall on my hands and knees as it meant minimal impact on my uterus. This actually worked very well for me. With both babies, I only had two or three falls that were truly worrisome, but they were much later in the pregnancy.

46

➸

Beijing Winter Olympics, starts in February 2022

47

B RILLIA NT COMM U N IT Y

✴

Brilliant

COMMUNITY ✦

48

WHAT’S COMING UP IN THE SPORTS WORLD IN 2022 ✦ The Winter Olympics, The Ashes, Australian Open Tennis and the FIFA Football World Cup plus much more!

➸

S

port has always had a unique and undeniable ability to help people, communities and countries unite and overcome all manner of challenges, to rise above politics and public debate by providing an unrivalled thrill and sense of celebration.

It became an invaluable crutch that many turned to when seeking respite from the daily toil the global COVID-19 pandemic imparted over the last few years and 2022 has an action-packed schedule for enthusiasts to enjoy!

All eyes traditionally turn Down Under at the start of the year as a series of acclaimed sporting events kick off the

The Ashes, the Aussie and England cricket teams will be battling it out in 2022

year and 2022 is no different with the Ashes carrying on from 2021 seeing the Aussie and England cricket teams battling it out for the cherished urn.

The Australian Open opens the tennis calendar in January although it is doubtful we will see defending champion Novak Djokovic on court as the nine-time winner has declined to publicly state his vaccine status, deemed a prerequisite by authorities. Djokovic has previously railed against vaccine requirements, leading to assumptions that he will not be there.

49

B RILLIA NT COMM U N IT Y The Australian Formula One Grand Prix hasn’t been so lucky in the past two years, cancelled on both occasions due to the COVID pandemic. However, it is scheduled for April 7-10 next year with high levels of anticipation at Albert Park in Melbourne. In fact, early reports state that demand is so high that additional grandstands will need to be erected.

Elsewhere domestically, the AFL Grand Final will take place at the MCG on September 24, the NRL Grand Final on October 2 and the Melbourne Cup on November 1 at Flemington Race Course.

Globally, there are two huge events taking place in 2022, both of which, sadly, are clouded in major controversy and which have seen the divides between sport and politics blurred considerably.

➸

The Australian Open starts in January 2022

Firstly the Beijing Winter Olympics, running from Feb 4-20 and the Paralympics in March. China has consistently been courting controversy over a range of issues including COVID-19, human rights and territorial disputes, which has soured international relations and, unfortunately, affected sentiment towards the Games with talks of diplomatic boycotts from the likes of Australia and the USA.

The FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar between Novermber 21 to December 18, is equally as controversial with critics aghast at the host country’s human rights record and stance on equality and homosexuality. Expect major fallout as the tournament nears and takes place.

In the rugby world we have the Six Nations Rugby tournament between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland & Wales in February and the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, postponed due to COVID-19, in England from October 15 to November 19.

➸

The FIFA World Cup starts in November 2022

New Zealand hosts the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in March and April 3 and the Women’s Rugby Union World Cup, postponed from this year, in October and November.

In golf we have the Masters at Augusta in April 7-10, the PGA Championship in May, the US Open in June and the Open at St Andrews in Scotland in July.

Tennis fans will be keeping an eye on the French Open at Roland Garros in May and June, Wimbledon in June and July and the US Open in August and September.

For running enthusiasts, there is the Tokyo Marathon in March and the Boston and London marathons in April.

Hopping on the bike we have the Giro dItalia in May, the Vuelta a España in August and September and the Tour de France in July.

Finally, the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games takes place in Birmingham, UK between July 28-August 8.

These are just a few of the highlights in the sporting world that should keep fans enthralled throughout 2022 – whatever your preference, we hope you enjoy!

Read The Full Story

➹

Added to this, fans will be barred from attending due to COVID-19 concerns and, bizarrely for a winterthemed tournament, it has been suggested that snow may need to be transported to the venues at great cost and with uncertain environmental consequences.

50

HASTINGS DISTRICT FLYING CLUB AWARDS PILOTS' ACHIEVEMENTS ✦ HDFC produces great and respected pilots.

M

embers of the Hastings District Flying Club (HDFC) attended the Annual Awards and Presentation Dinner in the hangar on Saturday, November 27.

"We are second to none among all Recreational Aviation Australia flying schools."

The feat was the highest recorded number of solo flights since the club began teaching professional flying in Port Macquarie in 1958.

Awards

"Hastings District Flying Club is celebrating a record breaking number of first solo flights, with more than 22 students being presented their first solo certificate this year.", says Ray Lind, chief flying instructor and club captain since 1990.

• 22 first solo achievements

"Our students always emerge more mature, disciplined, confident and responsible after they have gained their pilot's certificate," Mr Lind said.

"Our goal as a flying school is to produce great and respected pilots. We do this by ensuring total aviation safety and disciplined airmanship through accurate and professional flying training and pilot proficiency days.

Steve Schwartz pilot of the year 2021

• 9 Passenger Endorsements • 3 Cross Country Certificate

"These characteristics stay with them for life and it sets them apart from others, even if they do not fly professionally. This is a wonderful privilege for every young individual.

➸

• 12 pilot certificates

➸

• 5 Pilot Conversion • 2 Flying Scholarship Winners • Student Pilot of the Year - Steve Schwartz • Pilot of the Year - Bruce Dunlop

Bruce Dunlop pilot of the year Harry Bellot shield

51

B RILLIA NT COMM U N IT Y

Rod Davison presenting flying scholarships to Cooper Dimon and Oliver Taylor

Read The Full Story

➹

➸

Buy a Discovery Flight for Christmas A Discovery Flight is a fantastic way to experience what flying is all about. With one of our professional flight instructors at your side, you will actually get to fly our Sling aircraft across the coast and town of Port Macquarie!

DISCOVERY FLIGHT

GET IN TOUCH WITH US: t/ 02 6583 1695 e/ enquiries@hdfc.com.au w/ www.hdfc.com.au a/ Oliver Dr, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

➸

Rod Davison Flying Competition winner 2021

52

SHOPPING IN YOUR INDEPENDENT GARDEN CENTRE ✦ 2021 thoughts from Daniel “Chook” Fowler, Greenbourne Nursery

I

’ll be honest with you all, this would be about the 10th or 11th edit to this article. At the beginning I didn’t really know what to write, however I knew what I had to write about. I could have gone down the easy road and written about what’s good to buy for Christmas or something sheepish like that.

However, while I have calmed down by the 11th edit, I still felt compelled to share some advice when visiting these enchanted little centres of horticultural joy. The motive for the article arose over obviously a very stressful and unusual time in human history.

Just as the world changed so did our clientele at Greenbourne Nursery.

We went from servicing dominantly dedicated garden loving human beings to all of a sudden being inundated with panic stricken individuals who had all of a sudden discovered their gardens and hence the garden centres. Then, like birds following a flock, they seemly were lining up at our doors with random and sometimes demanding questions. We were to a degree caught a little off guard.

Not off guard to the extra work, but off guard to the new type of client.

Which again brings me to the paradox of this article, you see most people that read gardening articles are the people that were there before all this craziness and will always be our core clientele. Yet you have to hear me rant about all this. Well up to edit 9 it was all rant, however in my ultimate wisdom I have concluded two things, potentially all of our core clientele will read this, have a laugh and might pass it onto the odd person who is in the early stages of becoming gardening obsessed like the rest of us.

The other conclusion is that the odd, random garden rookie (yes it might be you), will see the word ‘shopping’ in the title and engage in the article looking for some sort of half price special.

They then will be totally enthralled by my enigmatic writing and get caught up in my dream to re-educate the world for the better. If you’ve read up to here thank you, read on and enjoy a bit of fun, it is dedicated to the hardworking nursery person.

Come with a plan If you can, it is great. It seems at the moment we are getting a lot of people through the nursery who are a little ‘green’ when it comes to gardening.

Which is great. Gardening is good for you.

So, when I talk about “come with a plan”, I’m not referring to the plants

themselves, we can advise you on this, this is what we know. What we don’t know are the conditions of the areas you wish to plant out. This is the plan, the information we require.

Let us know which way the garden bed faces, the soil type (bring in a sample), how much sun the spot gets, rainfall estimates etc. When you’re formulating your plan, give us the answers that we cannot possibly know. We can assess the conditions you have and then come up with some fantastic planting ideas for your areas.

Beware of the google search Haven’t internet search engines changed everything forever? We now have access to all the information in the world at the touch of a button. We can all diagnose our own worst case

53

B RILLIA NT COMM U N IT Y medical scenario when we get a rash, we can convert inches to centimetres in an instant when we go around to Nan’s place and she wants to know your height and of course we can search for the most unique plants that may grace the wonderful earth that we live on.

Be it a rare South American carnivorous orchid that lives 300 feet up in the canopy or maybe a rainforest species that has only ever been found in the droppings of nomadic pygmy monkeys, it would be great to grow and own plants so unique, let alone have them for sale in the nursery.

Now don’t get me wrong, we are certainly able to sell you many, many unique horticultural treasures. We are constantly working with existing suppliers and sourcing new growers that produce plant lines that are something different and interesting for the person who has everything.

However, we can’t sell and source every plant that exists, believe me we would love to, as most of us desperately love plants of all forms.

We are however restricted by what the growers are producing, what quarantine restricts us to, what our climate zone can contain and by what actually exists! So please be patient with the nursery staff when they explain that there are certain plant species that we just can’t obtain in order to sell to you.

In the car parks An increase in customer arrivals means that we have new and extra logistical challenges to deal with.

Please when you are in our carparks, with a little bit of extra traffic at the moment, do use your care. Take your time and please look for in particular the elderly and young children who are most vulnerable in these situations.

Now, more sales obviously equates to more deliveries. Our domestic transport industry has been pushed to the absolute limit recently. They are an absolute credit to this great nation we live in and they have carried a lot of businesses on their backs to get them through such a period. Now, most independent garden centres

are a little short for room when it comes to delivery docks. Most of our precious space is taken up with our amazing horticultural product.

So, a lot of these large trucks are forced to squeeze in and out of the small carparks that are attached to the nurseries. While the transport operators do their best to arrive outside of peak trading hours, there will always be occasions where they will turn up at busy periods. There will be occasions where a truck may have to block traffic in order to complete the delivery. Please find it in your hearts to show a little patience to both the driver and the nursery staff vigorously unloading the delivery.

I promise you will not be held up long.

And if you see a truck slowly reversing in an attempt to finalise the delivery and resume their logistical voyage, please give way to them.

I can only imagine how difficult a job it would be to operate a large semitrailer, let alone going backwards in a small car park. I am certain that if you give way to them you will be greatly appreciated by both delivery driver and nursery folk and I can also promise you this, if you think you are in a rush, it is certainly nothing compared to the driver’s situation.

I’d actually like to take the opportunity here to thank all the freight operators for their patient and tireless work over the last period, it is greatly appreciated.

Introduce yourself or say hello.

The nursery staff are of course there to help you. It’s the main reason we work here. Our plant obsession is obvious, but the joy of helping friendly customers is truly rewarding.

54

More often than not, we are trained staff that have answers to questions that few would know. Problem solving is a major credential that a lot of nursery employees possess. So please come into the nursery and access this free advice from us.

Please come in and bask around the yard, if you have confusion about anything, politely get the attention of a staff member who will be more than keen to help out a friendly customer.

A phenomenon I have witnessed over many years of nursery is the friendly approach. A customer who introduces themselves to the staff member prior to asking the question will always spark the enthusiasm from within the staff member.

I have watched and experienced long days of intense horticultural questioning. Relentless questions one after the other isn’t a bad thing, however it can be the manner in which they are delivered can be morally deflated, reaching a point where the staff member loses the desire to fully answer and commit to the question.

Most of the time the questions are politely delivered and come from quite seemingly nice people, however without that small bit of consideration it can unfortunately become almost machine like.

So, if you want to get the best answer to a problem you have, approach the

staff member and introduce yourself.

Make friendly human contact be the dominant reason for the interaction, then proceed with the questions you require the answers for. I will guarantee you now that these small little efforts will not only get you full attention but will inspire the nursery staffer to go that next level for you.

Remember the nursery worker is there to help you, there for you. It’s that subtle little word help that makes it important, never be too demanding on someone who is willing to help you. I think it is a good philosophy for most things in life.

55

B RILLIA NT COMM U N IT Y

Physical assistance is a luxury The customer service that you get in your independent garden centre is truly second to none. The staff will always be able to offer you help to your car. It is as simple as that. All that I would like to mention in regards to this is, please be appreciative of this.

There are not many places left that supply you such service.

The nursery worker may have loaded 80-90 bags of soil into car boots on that single day. However if you simply show your appreciation with a gracious ‘thank you’ you will make the nursery worker feel like the bag you purchased was filled with helium.

Nobody knows everything When I occasionally (very occasionally) get verbally abused by someone for not knowing the answer to their horticultural question, I sometimes reply, ‘Well good sir, if I did happen to know everything, then, with all respect to my current employer, I probably wouldn’t be working here as I would be required to give lectures at the University of Cambridge”.

Even with all our passion towards all things horticulture we won't know everything. We learn every day and our knowledge grows. When new problems arise via customers' plants, we certainly do our best to assess and remedy and potentially research the problem for a later response.

Another analogy to consider is that of your local GP. Again, another profession working incredibly hard at the moment. Now you will visit your GP and you will have your list of ailments. The GP will assess these and provide you with either a verdict on the spot or they may not be completely sure and will enlist the services of various specialists.

Now consider the nursery worker.

You will provide your plant’s list of ailments and they will then assess and provide an explanation, however the nursery worker doesn’t have a list of experts to direct you around town.

We can’t send you to soil specialists or a fungal botanist.

There certainly isn’t regular access to an entomologist round the next corner or a botanical tissue specialist should you have a phytophthora outbreak. So, what do we do, we stack the nursery with different degrees of knowledge. All our staff have different botanical work histories, different interests and different specialities.

Nobody knows everything, but with a good nursery team and a bit of patience, we get pretty damn close.

So, if you made it this far through the article, I thank you.

As previously mentioned, it was mainly contrived out of respect to my fellow colleagues. I’ve seen tolerance levels pushed to the limit over the last little while and I just wanted to politely let everyone know what a fantastic, hardworking bunch they are.

We truly do love helping and assisting you when you come into the nursery and I want this to continue for as long as it can. I don’t want the young up and coming nursery workers disillusioned by a small percentage of the clientele (many of whom are just potentially frustrated with the world rather than the moment).

Nurseries are here to provide respite from the big wide world. We are small pleasant worlds within worlds where you can come in and get lost and dream for a little while. And if you please, take home some potted dreams with you.

Thank you.

Finally, can I please thank the team at Brilliant Online. Chrissy and the team have done amazing things this year, and here at Greenbourne Nursery we always appreciate their support.

Thank you to everyone through the year for reading and I look forward to more entertaining stories over next year as I begin to broaden my writing skills to encompass all things horticulture. So have a good break, see you round the yard for some good advice or just a friendly chat.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. From Daniel and the Greenbourne Nursery Team.

For All Your Gardening Needs Greenbourne Nursery, Wauchope Plants and Landscape Supplies a/ 239 High St, Wauchope NSW 2446 p/ +612 6585 2117 w/ greenbournenurserywauchope.com.au f/ www.facebook.com/midcoast.com.au

56

LOCAL PEOPLE, LOCAL ACTION, BETTER FUTURE! ✦ Hastings Landcare is Building Community - Enhancing the Environment Supporting Sustainable Agriculture

H

astings Landcare Incorporated works to harness a thriving, resilient Landcare and wider community dedicated to enhancing our local environment through work on public and private land to improve biodiversity, water and air quality, sustainable farming practices, environmental awareness and a reduction in waste.

Hastings Landcare has provided project management, community capacity building events, volunteer

opportunities and a local NRM hub in the Hastings region since 1995. Hastings Landcare is well respected in our local community with a continually growing membership and mailing list, in addition to many great partnerships with local organisations.

Landcare is for everyone and is open to everyone! Landcare is a network of local people who care for a better future!

57

B RILLIA NT COMM U N IT Y

community resilience. Through this project they hope to strengthen the Landcare Network and welcome more landholders and supporters to their group.

Hastings Landcare President Peter Fitzroy says, ‘connecting rural landholders together equals strong community connections, resilience and an effective ability to overcome problems’.

Hastings Landcare is inclusive and open to all.

Landholders from the Port Macquarie Hastings Region are invited to express their interest in the project via an application. Landholders will be chosen based on pre-set criteria relating to biodiversity and water improvement, capacity to deliver and value for money.

If you would like further information or an application form you can contact office@hastingslandcare.org. au or 0467 864 465.

Farmers and Landholders in the greater Port Macquarie Hastings Local Government Area are urged to not miss out on this opportunity from Hastings Landcare to help conserve biodiversity hotspots in the region. The Grant opportunity encompasses many projects that may be undertaken including fencing, bush regeneration, off stream watering of livestock, weed control and planting of native species.

Hastings Landcare aims to enhance precious resources; wetlands, dams, rivers and rainforest. Funding up to $10,000 is available to successful applicants, with applications closing on the 10th of January, 2022.

About the project This project will economically support rural areas by supporting farmers,

purchasing materials locally and through the use of local contractors.

Environmentally these projects will enhance biodiversity hotspots, particularly those associated with water to build long term resilience to our landscapes and waterways.

This project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the New South Wales governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Fund.

This community led project supports best practice sustainable agriculture by increasing on farm biodiversity and improving water quality.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council Biosecurity Officer Matt Bell says, “the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors are reliant on biodiversity conservation and good water quality".

Eligible activities will include native species planting, fencing, weed control, alternative stock watering points, etc. Landholder contributions and in-kind works will be required.

Hastings Landcare has a large network of rural landholders and believe community connections build

Who should join?

General supporters who like what we do (subscribe to our mailing list) Landcare volunteers who work as a team to protect and restore local bushland (eg. Wauchope Landcare).

Rural landholders who are interested in creating, protecting or restoring bushland on their properties for the benefit of wildlife and stock.

Rural landholders who are interested in sustainable land management practice (rural landholders make up 76% of our membership).

Download Membership Form

➹

Grant Opportunity Conserve Biodiversity Hotspots in the Hastings Region

Get connected! Get involved! Get your hands dirty!

Return your membership form to office@hastingslandcare.org.au.

58

2022 WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED AT WAUCHOPE CREATIVE HUB ✦ The start of a new year is the perfect time to pick up a paint brush and learn a new skill, or revisit an old skill.

The Hub's studio space is quiet over Christmas but will bounce back to life on 17th January with a new season of creative workshops.

Check out the details on their Eventbrite page:

WCH Events

➹

W

auchope Creative Hub Director and teacher Stu Doherty told us how the workshops have benefited so many people in 2021. “Connection through creativity has been a great boost for a lot of locals coming out of a tough year, we have small classes and have a fun time while learning," said Stu.

B RILLIA NT COMM U N IT Y

Christmas shopping the local way Wauchope Creative Hub loves hand made and the best handmade is by our locals.

With over 25 local artisans under one roof, shopping at the Wauchope Creative Hub supports locals and promotes made in Australia.

59

60

38TH ANNUAL WAUCHOPE LASIANDRA FESTIVAL ✦ MARK YOUR CALENDAR - The 38th Annual Wauchope Lasiandra Festival will be back in March, 2022

Expressions of interest are being received from Community Groups and schools all keen to be involved in the festival program. Some events will be a Family Fun Day at the Yippen Creek Mini Railway, a Bike Night hosted

by Motorcycle Friendly Wauchope, a Purple Inspired Art Exhibition at Wauchope Creative Hub and of course back by popular demand - Purple People Shopping and Market Day on Thursday March 10 will see the Wauchope CBD a hive of activity. Art and Craft market stalls will be dotted about the town centre and there will be Purple People Day specials from participating shops.

The Lasiandra Festival Committee encourages all business owners to get into the purple theme by decorating their shop windows and premises AND dressing up your staff! Prizes will be on offer for the Purple Best.

History of The Wauchope Lasiandra Festival The Wauchope Lasiandra Festival was the brainchild of three Wauchope men - Gordon Rogers, Jack Dwyer and Noel Dunn. They envisioned a floral festival to promote the Wauchope area and set about placing plantings about the town.

The Lasiandra was adopted by the town in 1982 as the town's floral emblem.

The first Lasiandra Festival was held in 1984 and it has continued annually since then, always taking place from the second Saturday in March to coincide with the floral spectacular of the lasiandra in bloom.

The festival is run entirely by volunteers and proceeds from the festival are used for the promotion and beautification of Wauchope.

Improvements to Lasiandra Park are a fine example of the benefits that the Festival brings to the town. With help from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Department of Sport and Recreation, Festival profits have been used to build a barbecue area, shelters, amenities block, a children's playground and a gazebo.

Aims and Objectives of the Wauchope Lasiandra Festival: • To promote Wauchope and the Lasiandra as Wauchope’s Floral Emblem • To encourage the plantings and maintenance of Lasiandras in our community • By our actions, support the various groups and organisations in our community • To remain a non-profit organisation • To promote and organise an annual Festival

If you would like to be involved contact the committee via their Facebook page.

Get Involved

➹

P

reparations are underway for a variety of events to coincide with the 38th Wauchope Lasiandra Festival. Last held in March, 2020 when all came to a sudden halt mid-festival due to the onset of COVID-19, the stage is set for festivities to resume in March 2022.

61

62

SHOPPING ETHICALLY THIS CHRISTMAS ✦ Have you ever thought about shopping second hand at Christmas? We talked to Kurt Russell from Lifeline about shopping ethically this Christmas.

✳ “It's a feel-good shopping situation. It also satisfies the treasure hunt aspect to your shopping as well. You never know what you come across at an op-shop, especially at Lifeline Op-Shops. There is a certain amount of adventure about it.”

- Kurt Russel, Lifeline Mid Coast

➸

Lifeline Shops' Business Manager Kurt Russell with Retail Manager Jemma McDonald

T

here is a movement to normalise secondhand gifts, handmade gifts, consumable gifts, experience gifts and small business gifts. Giving pre-loved gifts is long past being tacky. It’s seen as socially responsible gift giving and is slowly becoming normalised.

We spoke to Kurt Russell the Business Manager for Lifeline Mid Coast about choosing Lifeline to purchase Christmas presents this year

Many people have grown up feeling like only new items carry the weight of a generous spirit. But if done right, second-hand gifting is not only a great way to save money, but helpful in cutting down on stuff that ends up as clutter.

“There are many reasons to shop at Lifeline this Christmas.

A few of them include that Lifeline is prevalent in the community providing suicide prevention programs and the secondhand industry is a much greener way to go than purchasing new, low cost, fast fashion. So, it’s twice as beneficial.”

When you think that the average kid plays with only 12 toys, but owns 238, pressure exists to provide family members with the best, new, shiny presents they can find.

Not too many decades ago, dolls were taken to the “doll hospital” and given a new lease of life and regifted for Christmas. There was pleasure in receiving an upgraded version of a much loved and cherished toy.

Buying second-hand gifts for Christmas or other occasions sounds nice in theory, and maybe second-hand gifts would be fine for the immediate family, but what about extended family and friends? What about that fussy relative with high gift expectations?

“It's a feel-good shopping situation. It also satisfies the treasure hunt aspect to your shopping as well. You never know what you come across at an op-shop, especially at Lifeline Op-Shops. There is a certain amount of adventure about it.”

The shopping itself is fun and the end result is getting a unique gift to give someone.

63

B RILLIA NT COMM U N IT Y

Traditionally people have given new gifts at Christmas. What does Lifeline have in the store that would make a good present?

“That’s the beauty of op-shopping, there are treasures buried within and it’s up to the customer to work out what would suit the recipient.

Because it’s unique, and not in every other store.”

Lifeline are now offering gift vouchers “Everybody likes getting gift vouchers.

You don’t have to worry about the personalised part of the shopping.

It’s easier on the purchaser and it’s good for the person who receives it because they can go in and buy in their own time frame, and buy what they want, when they need it, as opposed to getting too many gifts at once that maybe they don't need.”

How to Give Second-hand Gifts the Right Way There’s a trick to pulling off secondhand gift-giving: like any gift-giving, you must match the item to the recipient. You can’t just give any gift, it should be something your recipient will love.

Second-hand Gift Ideas that work for anyone.

Pre-loved Games Whether it’s a game for the Xbox or Playstation, a board game in good condition, or a jigsaw puzzle, a good way to save on games is to buy them second-hand.

A lot of Xbox/ PlayStation games are only ever played once. When the player has reached the end, the novelty of the game is over – their boredom is your gain. Before buying, check the disc for scratches and if you’re buying pre-loved board games, check that all the pieces are in the box. You may need to download instructions for play.

Classic Books Classic books or first-edition books to second-hand books. Imagine giving (or receiving) a whole series instead of just the first in the series and buying it for the cost of a single book!

Vintage Accessories Handbags, vintage suitcases, hair accessories, fountain pens, stationery or desk sets, jewellery boxes, perfume bottles, silk scarves can all make great gifts for the right person.

Antiques Finding genuine antiques at frugal prices requires a bit of ingenuity and

scouting, which is why it’s a good idea to keep gifts in mind when your opshopping. Bargains are there for the savvy buyer. The key is to look for quality at your price point, matching the gift to the tastes of the recipient.

Collectables Know someone who collects? People collect all sorts of random things and if they are a true collector, they will love gifts that can be added to their collection.

Classic and Quality Toys Classic or quality toys, like wooden toys that are in good condition, more great gift ideas.

“New” Second-hand Items Here we come to the re-gifted item.

The unwanted present from last year that hasn’t even been opened. You could really say these items are not even second-hand at all.

Sports-equipment Second-hand sports equipment can be a great way for a loved one to get into that sport or hobby they’ve always wanted.

The key is to always, always match the gift to the recipient (this holds true for brand new gifts too). If it’s still in good shape and it’s something your recipient loves, then it won’t matter how many people have pre-loved it.

It won’t be long until you find the perfect item and while it’s ok to be generous towards others, digging yourself into debt to give gifts is crazy. Even if each person bought one second-hand gift, that would be tonnes less ‘stuff’ produced and ending up in landfill.

If you have attempted suicide and would like to join the Eclipse group, please give Kelly a call on 6581 2800 or email suicideprevention@lifelinemidcoast.org.au

(02) 6581 2800 admin@lifelinemidcoast.org.au lifelinemidcoast.org.au PO Box: 5030 Port Macquarie NSW 2444

64

➸

Jayden Heaney Photo Credit: Brad Collins

65

B RI LLIA NT ENTER TAI N M ENT

✴

Brilliant

ENTERTAINMENT ✦

66

LIVE AND LOCAL MUSIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ✦ Port Macquarie Hastings Council are excited to be part of the Live and Local program, being delivered across our area in partnership with the Live Music Office.

➸

Amara Crutcher

➸ What to expect in Port Macquarie's music scene in 2022

L

ive and Local is a comprehensive capacity-building program which responds directly to the need to increase participation in Australia’s local live music scene, and provides a platform for delivering live music activity that is innovative, flexible and sustainable.

A Live and Local program consists of: • A series of micro-festival music events

Lauren Edwards

like to be part of our region's live music scene. Even if you have not previously hosted live music or played locally yet, you are encouraged to express your interest, and find out how the Live and Local program can play ‘match-maker’ between local musicians and business/venues.

Live and Local Working Group This group has been appointed and made up of various sectors of the local community. Facilitated by Council, the group work together on a regular basis to support the growth of the live music scene.

• A dedicated professional development campaign

Live and Local Curator

• An industry forum event to support development for a live music action plan informed by the experience, engagement and information gained through the program.

Lisa Willows has now joined the Working Group to design and plan the remainder of the program with guidance from the Live Music Office and support by Cultural and Economic Development staff.

The program stimulates employment opportunities for musicians, particularly young and emerging, in local communities to sustain their music practice and perform locally, while supporting economic and cultural activity and developing cultural destinations for music lovers.

Lisa has vast knowledge and experience in working with musicians, including organising large events such as the Howling Moon Festival, the newly created Vibez in the Vines, and has commenced work on producing uniquely local micro-festivals as well as assisting the coordination of professional development and industry forum.

How to get involved A Live Music Census has closed but we would love to hear from all musicians and businesses/venues who would

Get in touch with the Live and Local Curator by emailing liveandlocalpmq@gmail.com

67

68

DAVID LAZARUS BRINGS RHYTHMBOAT FROM SYDNEY TO PORT MACQUARIE ✦ Throughout the years, the iconic Rhythmboat has built a reputation on Sydney Harbour as the fun place to be. Port Macquarie is now the lucky host of the floating entertainment venue.

P

roprietor David Lazarus is a veteran entertainer who has "done it all", from DJing to cruise ship performer to being a promoter for many famous nightclub venues from Port Macquarie to Wollongong. He has brought the Rhythmboat to Port Macquarie in search of good times to be had by all.

It is undoubtedly Port Macquarie’s most unique destination bar and event space. Floating proudly on the Hastings River with the spectacular Port Macquarie skyline as the backdrop and easy access from the Clarence Street Wharf, this space is a sought-after destination to host special events, while soaking up the scenery over food and drinks.

The iconic RHYTHMBOAT is now cruising in Port Macquarie and they are so happy to be here. We chatted with the proud owners to find out more.

Elsa and David, the Rhythmboat has been on Sydney Harbour for many years?

Our boat was built in a shipyard in Woodburn NSW in 1980 and did its first charters from Lismore. Originally known as the Richmond Showboat it then sold to a Sydney Harbour operator and sailed to Sydney where it was used as a cruising theatre restaurant presenting a regular themed show.

Her new owner gave her a new name “The Rocks Rhythmboat” and started to provide live music on board featuring many of the great pub bands of the 80s and 90s who literally rocked the harbour.

69

B RI LLIA NT ENTER TAI N M ENT

Fun fact: The Rythmboat became a resident venue for Australia’s number 1 Abba tribute show MA MA MIA who for over 12 years performed an average of 80 shows per year!

I purchased the boat and am the 4th person to own her since the early 80s.

With a background in entertainment, I put a business plan in place to take the entertainment cruises to the next level.

I continued the ABBA tribute dinner shows with great success, and have upgraded the sound, lights and staging backdrop and we added new featured performers on board including a fantastic act from Las Vegas, Damian Brantley (Michael Jackson) and Jackie Wiatrowski (Lady Gaga) who perform in the legendary Legends show.

Since owning the boat and supporting the regular Abba tribute cruises there were some spectacular performances with the Beatles meets Elvis cruises, regular comedy, Island and Salsa cruises.

What has been the highlight so far for you?

An absolute highlight was presenting regular cruises featuring the unbelievable talents of Bob Downe, whose one man comedy, song and

dance show was simply world class entertainment.

In between these regular shows the boat has provided a great venue for many live bands to book regular gigs cruising the harbour, for their fans, playing some great live music. So many big-name bands from all music tastes have graced the stage on board the Rhythmboat.

This is where the story of Sydney ends.

Can you tell us how the Rhythmboat ended up in Port Macquarie?

March 2020 was the first COVID-19 lockdown and due to these unforeseen circumstances the Rhythmboat was forced into lockdown.

Restrictions that included no singing, dancing, or mingling made it impossible to run the business and the many costs associated with keep the boat afloat in Sydney is an acute drain on the bank balance.

Having a second boat in Port Macquarie, we made the decision to sail the Rhythmboat to Port Macquarie and sell our other boat to relaunch the Rhythmboat. At the time it was a hard decision to sail away

from Sydney, however we now know we made the right decision in coming to Port Macquarie. We love it here.

Our boat has so many wonderful options. We will continue to present our regular daily dolphin and scenic cruises, private functions and are now rolling out a program of exciting live entertainment show and events that the Rhythmboat has been famous for since 1983.

Our vessel is versatile, and the restrooms don’t have a steep staircase. We have completely fitted out the kitchen to prepare a great catering option. We have big open spaces on the sun deck that we have converted into an “island theme “.

We have an upstairs area for our guests to watch the live music from the balcony. Comfortable lounge seating around the boat and lots of space that is now important during COVID conditions.

Since arriving in Port Macquarie, the boat has undertaken a complete makeover, refit with safety and mechanical equipment to start its new life in Port Macquarie.

It’s a new beginning for myself and Elsa and we are looking forward to providing quality cruises on this iconic Rhythmboat.

70

MINECRAFT SCHOOL FOR COOL KIDS IN PORT MACQUARIE, COFFS HARBOUR AND NEWCASTLE ✦ The most awesome vacation care program in town!

T

he hit game Minecraft has been used to teach everything from history to microbiology to the principles of quantum computing, utilising virtual building blocks and creative problem-solving. Every primary aged Port Macquarie Minecraft fan will be excited to hear that the Computer Capers Minecraft School is being offered these school holidays.

We spoke to Rob Walker and Joel Walker about their unique vacation care program “Computer Capers”.

For the child that is constantly plugged in The unique vacation care program caters to kids that are not into sports based or child care minding services. It’s providing a space for kids that are stimulated by gaming or coding.

The technology focused, support environment offers youth with a shared interest in technology, a place to come together in the hope of forming lasting and meaningful friendships that have been nurtured through computer based social activities. A place where young people can come together and embrace their love of games.

Rob Walker from the successful Computer Capers brand, joined forces with “out of the box” thinker Joel Walker and, with their unique powers and cutting edge technology, they were able to offer

71

B RI LLIA NT ENTER TAI N M ENT regularly scheduled social activities at the Port Macquarie Stadium during the school holidays.

Rob’s background in education and foster care, ensures he is the perfect candidate to support participants, while Joel is focused on creating fun events in a unique social space.

Participants learn to navigate games individually and in groups, with plenty of support on hand. More focused gamers can express themselves in a non-judgemental space. Skills are celebrated and built upon with each member made to feel valued and heard. This program is designed to be cool, creative and an accepting place to visit, hang out and learn while having fun.

You have a background as an IT teacher Rob, tell us more about Minecraft School?

“For many parents, school holidays can be a really stressful time, trying to juggle the demands of work with making sure your children are looked after and having fun in holiday care. We designed the Minecraft meet up program after identifying a need to cater to kids that are motivated and orientated by technology and design."

If you haven't heard about Minecraft, it's a computer game that uses virtual building blocks and teams with opportunities for creative problem-solving.

Like it or loathe it, nothing will change the fact that kids love building online worlds where they are only limited by their imagination.

It’s a family affair where your son Joel is learning the ropes from you and is now your partner in the program. Tell us who can attend the workshops?

Computer Capers is aimed at Primary aged children, the holiday program is available to any level of technical ability. Each child is given an opportunity to participate in competitions, quests, and mini lessons, all while having fun and interacting with their friends in this positive digital way.

This year, we have designed a huge program with loads of new and exciting classes that include Minecraft Mania, which is the most popular session by far, and we have added more mini games to try. We want this holiday program to be the best.

Most kids love Minecraft, but some need step-by-step guidance and support. We like to think that we can help build social connections while demystifying the exciting world of Minecraft, enabling all children to explore through Minecraft-based activities. We engage with kids by motivating them with open-ended activities.

What outcomes can parents expect from their kids after participating in the program?

Minecraft School is responsible for creating new friendships and bonds, as participants work together to plan landscapes, fight night-time zombies, and continue daily survival.

Collaboration, team-building and individual play are all encompassed.

Furthermore, the sessions examine science, technology, engineering, and maths, and beyond that strengthen communication skills, expand and push problem solving skills, while engaging higher order thinking as students plan, develop and build their projects.

This School Holidays, the program will run from Thursday 16th of December, through to Friday January 28th and will feature Pixelmon, Fantastic Beasts, SpeedRun, SkyBlock, Superheroes, Castaway, Minecraft Dungeons, CC Mod Pack, Jurassic, Lost in Space, Build off Tournaments, Minecraft Star Wars.

Let Computer Capers indulge your children in Minecraft conversation. Sessions fill up quick, so you need to get in quickly. We are more than happy to accept NDIS participants.

Read The Full Story

➹

Through our Computer Capers Holiday Program, we provide support during the building challenges, collaborative activities, social games and group problem solving, all on a safe, private and secured computer server.

72

73

B RILLIA NT CH RIS TM A S & N E W Y E A R

✴

Brilliant CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR ✦

74

BRILLIANT-ONLINE WISHES EVERYONE HAPPY HOLIDAYS ✦ Thank you to our customers and contributors

I

t’s safe to say that 2021 won’t go down in the annals of history as a fondly remembered one. In fact, let’s be honest, its been a real stinker of a year!

However, as we have witnessed locally and all around the world, in times of adversity comes triumph and progress and that is something we at Brilliant-Online have seen this past 12 months or so.

Brilliant-Online was established as a platform to serve and connect the local community. We purposefully strived to be positioned at the centre of local communities where we are based to act as the fulcrum to empower local businesses and shine a light on local individuals and activities.

We very much like to think that this has helped during the turbulent times we have all experienced of late when it has been clear to one and all that the value and importance of community cannot be underestimated. At a time of so much disconnect it has been somewhat reassuring to be able to maintain that semblence of connectivity.

So, as we enter the festive period and as Brilliant-online prepares to celebrate its first year anniversary, we would like to extend a genuine and heartfelt notion of thanks and gratitude to all our beloved customers and contributors and to say we very much look forward to what is yet to come in the years ahead as we continue to grow together.

However, none of this would have been achievable without the tremendous support shown by our valued range of customers and contributors who have not only helped us grow on our journey but who have provided so much to our ever-growing number of readers in the wider community.

From all at Brilliant-Online, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and all the very best of health, wealth and happiness in the year ahead!

B RILLIA NT CH RIS TM A S & N E W Y E A R

75

76

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CUSTOMS AROUND THE WORLD ✦ Andy Williams had it right when he proclaimed Christmas as the most wonderful time of the year and, as soon as his song hits the airwaves each year, we know that the festive season is well and truly underway.

I

t’s that magical time of year once again as we count down the days to Christmas and New Year!

This year may be slightly different in how or even where we celebrate but, ultimately, it is the season of good will when families can reconvene to share gifts, love and indulge in a feast of fine food and drink.

But have you ever wondered how both occasions are celebrated around the world? Here we take a look at some of the lesser known traditions - some rather comical, some very whacky but all filled with joy and cheer!

From a Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines where dazzling parols (lanterns) consisting of thousands of spinning lights symbolising the Star of Bethlehem can be seen lighting up the night sky to roller skating to church in Venezuela, there are some curious traditions out there!

Turkey dinners are certainly not the norm the world over.

In Finland porridge is traditionally eaten as a festive treat and in Ukraine a local dish is thrown at the ceiling in the hopes it sticks in order to guarantee a healthy crop harvest for the coming year! Although Christmas is not traditionally celebrated in Japan, Kentucky Fried Chicken has become synonymous with the occasion as huge crowds pre-order and queue for their finger lickin’ good treats!

Iceland counts down 13 days of Christmas, brooms are hidden in Norway and families dance around the Christmas tree placed in the centre of the room while singing carols in Denmark.

Austria seems to somewhat blur Christmas and Halloween as a beast-like demon creature known as Krampus comes out to play during the first week of December, roaming city streets frightening kids and punishing the bad ones.

77

B RILLIA NT CH RIS TM A S & N E W Y E A R

Once the Christmas festivities have subsided, New Year takes centre stage, a time to celebrate the old and embrace the new.

Fireworks are synonymous with New Year’s Eve and nowhere does it better than Sydney, the first major city to greet the New Year, setting the bar high for the rest of the world to follow. Local resident Karen Williamson has been taking photos of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations for the last 13 years. You can see her wonderful range of photos:

➹

Karen Williamson Photos

In Japan, Buddhist temples across ring their bells a total of 108 times to represent the purging of the 108 human sins, while in Germany lead is melted into shapes to indicate one’s fortunes for the coming year.

A common superstition in places like Italy and South Africa is to discard old items out of windows to make way for new and fortuitous luck. This typically entails ejecting light objects although sofas, tables and similarly heavy structured items have been known to be tossed from balconies in years gone by!

Don’t forget though that it was Italy who popularised the New Year’s Eve smooch, a ritual warmly embraced the world over!

Wearing your lucky pants is serious business in places like Brazil, Mexico and Italy and in Spain and several Latin American countries, eating a grape on each of the 12 midnight chimes is considered to usher in good fortune and luck for the year ahead. Fitting 12 grapes in your mouth at once is regarded as not only an impressive feat in itself but pretty much guaranteed to bring luck!

There is crockery smashing against neighbour’s doors in Denmark, bread banging against walls in Ireland, scarecrow burning in several Latin American nations and the desire to be surrounded by circular objects in the Philippines!

Pets and livestock are embraced in Belgium, sleeping next to graves in Chile is the done thing and eating 12 meals on New Year’s day in Estonia is a tradition. No doubt gym memberships there increase greatly on January 2nd!

There are a wide range of traditions and customs that you can read more about on our blog.

Wherever and however you celebrate New Year this year we at Brilliant-online wish you all the very best of health, wealth and happiness for a fantastic evening and an even better year ahead!

Read The Full Story

➹

Photo Credit: Karen Williamson

78

HOW DID THE CHRISTMAS TREE COME ABOUT? ✦ Ever wondered how Christmas trees started? Who first thought of the idea of lugging a massive tree into one's house?

W

hile the image of families at the beach celebrating Christmas in Australia with their Santa hats may seem strange to people on the other side of the globe, one thing we all share in common is the eternal Christmas tree smack in the middle of the living room.

Symbol of Eternal Life It was the ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Hebrews who believed evergreens were symbols of eternal life and who brought trees and branches into their homes. Nothing like a bit of green to remind one that spring will return once again and warm the earth, after a cold winter.

Fast forward to the 16th century in Germany.

Trees started sprouting in people's homes and this was the start of what we know today as the Christmas tree.

The 17th century saw the Puritan Americans going on a rant against the Christmas tree because they saw it as a pagan symbol. In fact, their feathers got so ruffled they even went so far as to fine people who insisted on celebrating this pagan holiday! Thankfully their antiChristmas spree did not last long as the German and Irish settlers were so numerous they made sure nobody stifled the merry making that we associate with Christmas today.

In the 19th century, the Christmas tree shot to fame when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were seen in a family portrait with a Christmas tree. This was when Christmas trees became a must-have item in every household as December approached.

79

B RILLIA NT CH RIS TM A S & N E W Y E A R

Making Christmas Last With Christmas round the corner, families who have natural trees in their homes will want to make the tree last, especially in the hot Australian summer.

Christmas trees get thirsty easily and with the summer heat you would have to make sure they are kept well hydrated. Some people spray the leaves with an antitranspirant to reduce water loss so the tree stays fresh longer. While Christmas trees like water, make sure the drainage is good also.

Make sure your potted Christmas tree has enough space for its roots. If not, you may have to repot the plant so it can continue to last through the summer.

Be careful where you place your Christmas tree. Choose a spot where it can get some warm rays in the morning but some protection from the sun in the sweltering afternoon.

One tip is to remember to turn the plant regularly so it gets an even amount of sunlight.

➹

If your Christmas tree stays indoors during the festive season, you can try moving it outdoors once the celebrations are over. Help your tree to adjust to a new environment by putting it in a shady spot before gradually moving it to a sunnier place.

At Accomplished Tree Management, we are truly blessed to work with nature every single day. We give thanks to what nature has given us and we continue to care for and respect its beauty and treasures.

Watch over your trees this Christmas, don your hat, put on your sun cream and stay safe as you explore the Australian bush, camp in the wild outdoors or have a barbecue feast!

Happy Holidays!

From your favourite Port Macquarie Arborist Accomplished Tree Management

Accomplished Tree Management has a reputation for providing high quality personal service. That includes taking great care in cleaning up after completing every job.

Combining our passion for tree care and maintenance we can improve the amenity value of your trees by tailoring our skills to suit your needs.

80

HOW TO COOK A TURKEY, PERFECT EVERY TIME! ✦ The biggest myth in all of cookery is that a juicy, perfectly cooked turkey is hard to achieve.

Brilliant-Online's Commercial Executive, Chrissy Jones shares her secret recipe. So now you can have the perfect Christmas roast turkey :) Even if this is your first time, don't be scared, this will work! There is nothing to fear but the fear of dry turkey.

Prep 30 mins Cook 3 hours

INGREDIENTS: • 1 onion, coarsely chopped • 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 165 degrees C. 2. Place onion, celery, and carrot in a large, shallow roasting pan.

3. Place the turkey, breast side up, on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan.

Pat the outside and inside of the turkey dry with paper towels.

4. Combine salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Season the inside of the turkey with about 1/3 of the salt mixture. Fold wing tips under the bird.

5. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until the edges begin to turn golden, about 2 minutes. Cook and stir the rosemary and sage for 1 minute.

• 1 carrot, coarsely chopped

6. Place rosemary and sage inside the cavity of the turkey; reserve melted butter. Tie the legs together with twine.

• 1 (10 kg ) whole turkey, neck and giblets reserved

7. Brush the outside of the turkey completely with the melted butter. Season with remaining 2/3 of the salt mixture.

• 2 tablespoons salt

8. Bake the turkey, uncovered, in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 3 hours.

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

Hint: A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 82 degrees C for a perfectly cooked turkey. Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest in a warm area for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

• 1/2 bunch chopped fresh sage

Enjoy!

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 3 tablespoons butter

81

B RILLIA NT CH RIS TM A S & N E W Y E A R

CHRISTMAS SALE 20% of everything storewide.

Minimum spend $100.

Apply code XMAS at checkout.

SHOP NOW

Shopping for your little ones is always a delight at Haru Hana with our carefully sourced products and our caring services.

THAT'S WHAT I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS! My Blue Tea Christmas Gift Packs! www.mybluetea.com.au

www.haruhana.com.au

Christmas Special

Buy one 1/4 page ad and get one ad free Order a Pura Vida Fashion eGift Card for Christmas & use it to buy a product from our online shop or to make a personalised garment.

Buy an eGift Card

www.puravidafashion.com.au

✦ Contact Chrissy ✦

+61 412 137 621

chrissyjones@brilliant-online.com Brilliant-online.com

DOWNLOAD INVESTOR EBOOK