FREE
May/June 2018
MACKAY | WHITSUNDAYS | BOWEN BASIN | CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
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Studio On The Marina Under $200,000 you can own a sea view apartment on the door step of Abell Point marina. Solid returns are offered by the well run on site management. For your weekend or week visits to the Whitsundays it would make a super affordable escape. The boardwalk is only 50metres away so restaurants and Airlie Beach are just a short stroll. This is fantastic buying at $189,000
Rental Income But Also Room For You Too Are you a drive in drive out worker wanting the best of both worlds? Great rental income plus somewhere to crash when you are in Airlie? Look no further than this sensational 4 bedroom home that boasts a floorplan perfect for you. Brand new this property presents as a 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home however ¾ of the home can be closed off to a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home and the balance, a separate granny flat.
FOR SALE
24/115 Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach PRICE: $189,000 CONTACT: Rob Taylor 0428 466 124 rob@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au 1
1
1
BED BATH POOL
FOR SALE
9 Parker Road, Cannonvale PRICE: $579,000 CONTACT: Rob Taylor 0428 466 124 rob@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au 4
3
3
BED BATH CAR
FOR SALE
Nathan Court, Jubilee Pocket PRICE: From $169,000 CONTACT: Melinda Butcher
Sapphire Bay – Jubilee’s Premiere Estate
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21/228 Shute Harbour Rd, Cannonvale
0400 773 478
Hidden away from the rest of the world and surrounded by the majestic ranges of the Conway National Park, the shear quality of homes that have been built will certainly make this your first choice for land when making the selection. With only 6 blocks remaining and literally minutes drive to restaurants, shopping and boating, you will need to be prompt to secure your piece of paradise in the Whitsundays. Build options available.
melinda@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au
Build Your Dream Home
FOR SALE
Located in the sought after honeyeater crescent this property is just waiting for your new home. While you build you can store everything in your new 12x6m shed with 3 roller doors. In addition to this there is further 6x6 slab. This great property also boasts a, a bore, 5000gal rain water tank and is fully fenced. The land is flat and useable. At $259,000 this is a red hot price and we don’t expect it to last long.
PRICE: $259,000 CONTACT:
CONTACT: Brad Sobott
0411 236 507
brad@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au
Lot 10 Honeyeater Cres, Cannon Valley 3965sqm
Rob Taylor 0428 466 124 rob@taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au
www.taylorspropertyspecialists.com.au
4858 1000
HAMILTON ISLAND BOOK NOW FROM $145
PP*
Kids Stay and Eat Free^ | Includes return ferry transfers*
To book, call 1300 780 797 or visit hamiltonisland.com.au/locals *Price is per person, per night, twin share, inclusive of GST. Prices are based on Standby rates which are only bookable within 72 hours of travel. Advanced booking rates are also available. Two return ferry transfers included per twin share room. Rates are subject to availability at the time of booking and valid for travel until 31 March 2019. Standby rates available to regional market only (between Port Douglas and Gladstone). Further conditions and blackout dates apply. See www.hamiltonisland.com.au/locals for more information. ^Kids Stay and Eat Free when sharing with adults and using existing bedding, and eat free from the kids menu when dining in selected restaurants.
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Luxury Apartments • Waterfront Villas • Penthouses
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Spring Rolls / Curry Puffs / Coconut Prawns
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Massaman Beef Curry Larb Gai Chicken Salad Sizzling Garlic King Prawns Fried Duck with Plumb Sauce Salt & Pepper Calamari Phoenix Fried Rice Pad Thai
24 River Street, Mackay. Call (07) 4957 8218 | 049 777 2426 for reservations, takeaway and delivery
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
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Offering a diverse range of holiday rentals across Airlie Beach and its nearby rural and coastal townships, as well as on Hamilton Island, Accom Whitsunday prides itself on providing incomparable personalised service and exceptional accommodation that features all the comforts you’d find in your own home. Whether it’s a coastal home or apartment, a private rural retreat, a pet-friendly oasis, or a large luxury beach house, we’re sure to have exactly what you’re after.
SAVE!! Book direct with us for the best rate PLUS you’ll receive a 10% discount on your next stay! To book, call 1800 466 600 or visit our website - accomwhitsunday.com.au
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07 4842 8000 mackay@atlassteels.com.au | atlassteels.com.au 42A Commercial Avenue, Paget www.corelife.com.au 88 www.corelife.com.au
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From the
Editor
Hi Everyone,
FASHION FOR EVERY
WOMEN
We have been blown away by the array of amazing men that participated in the annual Men in Industry issue of Core Life Magazine. Not only have they embraced the photo shoots, many have also shared their story in a real, raw and honest way. From the funny to the sad, the heart-warming to the inspirational, it has been our privilege to include them. I would like to make special mention to the men who spoke-up in the ‘Big Issues’ feature. With their help we managed to tackle the important subjects that affect everyone in our community. The story of addiction, suicide prevention and the Shed Happens night really spoke to me and showed me that men in our community are addressing big issues every day. They are our everyday heroes. For the past five weeks I have had my own childhood hero staying with me, my dad, who is visiting from England. He has his own challenges to deal with having suffered a stroke eight years ago. Although it didn’t affect him physically, it did affect him mentally and he has to deal with his brain false starting many times a day. He can’t think of words as easily as he used to which means he can’t express himself as well as he wants. It must be very frustrating. Despite this, he barrels through life, often starts conversations with strangers and shares a special bond with my baby son, which has been beautiful to watch.
CLOTHING - SHOES - BAGS - JEWELLERY - COSMETICS Bowen's Luxury Fashion Boutique FASHION SIZES 6-20
Another beautiful thing to watch lately has been the transformation of my boss. As some of you will know, Bec has just embarked on a total mind, body and soul transformation ahead of her 40th birthday in September (see page 66). She has already completed three weeks of gruelling training, healthy eating and even zero alcohol. Although I could see it was tough for her at first, she now has an amazing glow, a renewed confidence and a fresh enthusiasm for life. Good on you Bec! I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have enjoyed creating it for you.
32 Williams Street Bowen Qld 4805
0401 322 336 | luxefashions.com www.corelife.com.au 10 10 www.corelife.com.au
Rach xx
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A FUNCTION, WEDDING OR FAMILY GETAWAY? If so, register your interest and be in the draw to win a luxury weekend escape at Mantra Club Croc in Airlie Beach. Two nights in a coastal view room with cocktail on arrival and breakfast for two each day. Discover the magical Whitsundays at Mantra Club Croc, conveniently located on Shute Harbour Road within a few walk of the Whitsunday Shopping Centre and five minutes drive to the vibrant main street of Airlie Beach. Balancing old with new, Mantra Club Croc is housed in a traditional Queenslander style building offering a glimpse into the region’s past, contrasted by its contemporary accommodation and tropical laid back vibe. Hotel rooms have freshly designed interiors with coastal inspired décor, along with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Leisure, Business, Weddings and Events
YOU GOTTA BE IN IT TO WIN IT!
enter online now at corelife.com.au Winner Drawn on June 30th 2018 terms and conditions apply LIKE CORE ON FACEBOOK TO SEE IF YOU’RE A WINNER
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CONTENTS
MAY/JUN 18-23 BUSINESS LIFE
57-63 THE BIG ISSUES
27-29 THE NORTHERN BEACHES
66-67 FINDING FORTY
30-55 MEN IN INDUSTRY
64-77 MIND, BODY & SOUL
Find out how the Royal Commission is affecting banking, what to do with underperforming employees and the secrets to becoming number one on Trip Advisor. Discover the iconic Eimeo Pacific Hotel and learn more about living in the Northern Beaches with Raine & Horne Meet the dedicated men in our community working hard to achieve their goals. From Vets to Tradies, Service Men to Tattoo Artists.
Core Life tackles the big issues with articles about suicide prevention, depression, and drug addiction. We also uncover the power of talking about your challenges at Shed Happens. Owner and Publisher of three magazines, Rebecca Douthwaite, starts her journey to a total mind, body and soul transformation From Let’s Talk about Poo to Macular Degeneration, Muay Thai, oral health and inner strength. We have your health goals covered!
On the Cover Sizzling with mystery and as smooth as Martini, shaken not stirred, is this issue’s cover model and Director of Taylors Property Specialists, Rob Taylor. The cover concept and design by the amazing creative team at redhotblue in collaboration with the team at Core Life Magazine and photography by the iconic Norina Jane.
CORE PUBLISHING AND EVENTS PTY LTD p. 07 4945 4429 e. sales@corelife.com.au Editor In Chief: Rebecca Douthwaite / bec@corelife.com.au / Managing Editor: Rachael Thackray /rachael@corelife.com.au / Area Sales Manager: Chantal Browne / chantal@corelife.com.au Production: Rebecca Douthwaite / Chantal Browne / Marc Evans Tarnate Accounts Manager: Christine Forrest Writers: Amanda Wright / Rachael Thackray / Rebecca Douthwaite / Photography: Norina Jane 49480330 COVER: Model: Rob Taylor / Photography: Norina Jane 49480330 / Concept & Design: redhotblue 4953 2833 Men In Industry Photography: Norina Jane 49480330 Publishers Indemnity. Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to CORE Life Magazine, undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to the above mentioned these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements. All material is correct at time of printing and is copyright of CORE Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
www.corelife.com.au 13
At Queensland Plastic Surgery and Chrysalis Medispa we want you to look and feel your best. We are committed to providing the highest standard of care to meet the needs of our patients. It is our priority to ensure your safety and satisfaction.
Making sure you look and feel your best is the primary aim of our team at Queensland Plastic Surgery. Dr Vucak specialises in breast and facial surgery, but he also performs many body sculpting procedures such as abdominoplasty, liposuction and body lifts. Dr Vucak will guide you through your journey as he has the experience and knowledge to produce safe, reliable and attractive results for both male and female clients.
TO FIND OUT MORE: Phone 07 4725 8400 | Fax 07 4725 8311 www.qldplasticsurgery.com.au 1 Wellington Street, Mackay QLD
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Revitalisation Revitalisation
• • • •
• • • • • • ‘ ‘ • • • • • + • + • • • •
•• •• •• •• // / // /
www.corelife.com.au 15
get to know
Gabriel Rodriguez CO-OWNER OF BRACES 4U
Martin Scriha
DIRECTOR/OWNER OF THE GALLERY LOUNGE AND BAR
Fast 6 Facts
Fast 6 Facts
Starsign: Aries
Starsign: Cancer
Fav band/musician: I love Latin American music like, salsa, merengue
Fav band/musician: One Republic
Favourite Colour: Silver Favourite Movie: Fast and furious and action movies Favourite Holiday Destination: I love travelling around the world where I can find new adventures, my wife and I have travelled extensively around Australia, especially off road trips Fav quote: Quality is my obsession Originally from Mexico City, Gabriel has one daughter who lives with her mother back in Mexico. When Gabriel came to Australia 23 years ago he planned to stay for one or two years and almost three decades later he has established a life and a business here. “I love living in Australia and I am so glad I made the decision to move to this beautiful country. I never look back!” Said Gabriel. In his spare time Gabriel is a Volunteer with Marine Rescue VMR448 in Mackay. “I go out to help people in distress while on the ocean on their boats, I enjoy helping the Aussies whenever and wherever I can!” Said Gabriel. As Co-owner of Braces 4U, Gabriel is also dedicated to providing the Mackay region with exceptional orthodontic care. He operates the surgery with his wife, Rosario. He looks after the administration while his wife looks after the patients. “We love helping our patients and it is amazing how much you can change people’s lives by giving them a new smile. We have seen our patient’s confidence change completely, they smile more and they are happy. This makes us feel like we are doing something important to help people in our local community,” said Gabriel.
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Fav colour: Blue Fav Movie: XMen Fav holiday destination: Fiji for the fishing and relaxation Fav quote: It’s nice to be important however it’s important to be nice and smile. It takes so little and gives so much. A Mackay local, Marty came from a farming background. He left Mackay to pursue leadership opportunities within the hospitality industry and has recently opened the doors to his own business, The Gallery Lounge and Bar, with his business partner Cassandra. “I have a lot of experience in bringing failing venues back to life, so when the opportunity came up to open a business of my own, I knew we had the right skills to be very successful,” said Marty. The Gallery Lounge and Bar is inspired by Marty’s mother who was an artist. There is an eclectic mix of funky furniture and the walls are adorned with artwork, many of which are from local artists and available to purchase. The venue is spread across multiple rooms including a selection of outdoor terraces where you can watch the world go by in the street below from the balcony above. “If you are looking for a great night out with some of the best cocktails in town, the best beats and friendliest staff, bring your mates along to The Gallery Lounge and Bar,” said Marty. A dedicated businessman, Marty says his biggest achievement in life is starting a business. In the little spare time he has, he enjoys fishing out on the boat with friends.
THERE IS A HUGE VARIETY OF MEAT AND SEAFOOD AT MASTER BUTCHERS!
NOT JUST YOUR ORDINARY BUTCHER!
Craig Yeomans
PASTOR AT WHITSUNDAY BAPTIST CHURCH Fast 6 Facts Starsign: I don’t know, I tend not to follow star signs Fav band/musician: U2 Fav colour: Purple Fav Movie: Probably the Bourne Trilogy, though Star Wars & Lord of the Rings need a mention Fav holiday destination: My parents place in rural northern NSW or camping Fav quote: “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.” The Apostle Paul When Craig lost everything in 2011 he never knew these darkest of days would actually mark the beginning of a new era. He went from sharing a beautiful four-bedroom house in a prestige suburb with his wife and four young children to a two bedroom derelict house on the highway into town when his three businesses collapsed due to the widespread Queensland floods. “I went from everything to nothing but I have no regrets. The learning and personal growth far exceeds the losses,” said Craig. Admirably, Craig has used this significant loss to reassess what is truly important in life and follow a new direction, which led to him becoming a much-loved minister at Whitsunday Baptist Church. “My role is about connecting the activity of God with the lives of people; it’s very cool. We have about 175 people who are part of our church with a very multigenerational and multi-ethnic make-up,” said Craig. In addition to that Craig is the local Police Chaplain and involved with a variety of community programs. He is also proud father to his four amazing teenage children who, together with his wife Janelle, he enjoys watching grow into adults. “It’s an overwhelming thing when your children overtake your own meager beginnings. I am enjoying this stage of family life very much. The robust, increasingly adult, debate around the dinner table is enriching,” said Craig. As his kids increasingly make their own way in life, Craig has a secret dream. A dream to establish a community of people who are keen to explore a common purpose, shared resources and the ability to provide a step up for those who struggle. “Imagine, a community where happiness is found in relationships and purpose rather than wealth and prestige. Imagine, being content with a simple life and doing it in a way that helps others; a way to help people to become independent no matter their past,” said Craig.
Multi AwarGd
WINNIN R BUTCHE
Shp 14/ 42 Stewart Drv, Cannonvale QLD 4802
4946 6753
Whitsunday Shopping Centre near Coles
4946 7461
www.corelife.com.au 17
IT FRUSTRATIONS WANT TO PROGRESS AND GROW? SLOW NETWORK CONNECTIVITY, OR REDUCED PRODUCTIVITY? WANT BETTER RESPONSE TIMES? BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR IT PROVIDER? WORRIED ABOUT NBN? COST EFFECTIVE WITH LITTLE HEADACHES
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ARE YOU EXHAUSTED AND TIRED OF CALORIE RESTRICTING, YO-YO DIETS, AND PROMISES OF FLAT ABS IN FIVE WEEKS? Special Core Life Offer!
1st month for FREE on our Nutrition and Training Package valued at $199* Enquire on 0412 833 878 www.hithigherhighs.com.au
Managing Underperforming Employees I often receive requests from frustrated clients on how to manage their underperforming employee. This is often a real challenge for any business owner or manager and often one of the toughest parts of their jobs. Nevertheless, it is a key managerial responsibility and failure to address poor performance can have a greater impact than you may appreciate.
For more information contact PAULINE at Simply Sorted
What is underperformance? Underperformance, or poor performance, is when an employee isn’t doing their job properly, or is behaving in an unacceptable way at work. It includes: • Not carrying out their work to the required standard, or not doing their job at all • Not following workplace policies, rules or procedures • Unacceptable behaviour at work, eg telling inappropriate jokes • Disruptive or negative behaviour at work eg constantly speaking negatively about the company.
• Unhappy customers or clients • High turnover
• Decreased productivity
• Unmotivated and underperforming employees
WHAT TO DO WHEN UNDERPERFORMANCE HAPPENS: • Arrange a private meeting with the employee • Advise the employee what the meeting is about (don’t spring the matter on them) • At the meeting, be clear about what the issues or concerns are and listen to the other person
There is a difference between underperformance and serious misconduct.
• Make sure both parties have discussed and agreed on a solution together, including clear and reasonable steps for improvement
WHY MANAGE UNDERPERFORMANCE
• Document the meeting and outcomes
The best businesses are always improving their operations to stay competitive in their industry. To be able to do this, employees and managers need to be performing to a high standard. HIGH PERFORMANCE IN BUSINESS INCLUDES: • Increased productivity
Often when underperformance is addressed properly, a positive outcome can be achieved with your employee. This is a much better approach than to go through the expense of recruitment and retraining a new employee. Please feel free to contact Simply Sorted Business Solutions if you require any further information on Performance Management.
• Engaged and committed employees • Retaining good employees. Poor performing employees can have a negative effect on a business, for example: • Engaged and committed employees
The next step is to monitor their performance and a follow up meeting should take place even if the issues have been resolved.
• Retaining good employees
NB An employer does not have to give an employee 3 warnings, or even 1 warning, but an employer should give the employee a chance to fix any performance issues. If an employer fires an employee who then makes an unfair dismissal claim, the Fair Work Commission will usually take this into consideration. www.corelife.com.au 19
Putting clients first Exceptional market knowledge
Unwavering service Achieve great sales result property with
Mandy Atherton 224 Victoria Street, Mackay, QLD, 4740 m: 0400 540 781 p: 07 4898 1909 e: matherton@exploreproperty.com.au w: explorepropertymackay.com.au
At Whitsunday Realty, we understand that a rental property should be an asset, never a burden. Our Whitsunday property management specialists will ensure that your tenants are desirable, your property is professionally maintained, and your rental returns are maximised. As well as specialising in managing a portfolio of rental properties, our sales team is also highly experienced in residential and commercial sales and can help you find the right buyer at a price you will be happy with.
All the members of our team are adept at optimising your property’s market exposure, as well as targeting and attracting potential buyers. If you’re interested in buying a property, let our experienced realtors guide you through the process. Whether you are buying your first home, looking to downsize or building a property portfolio, we will be behind you all the way.
Call us today and let us take care of all your property requirements.
35 Main St, Proserpine | 07 4945 1344 | whitsundayrealty.com.au
THE BANKING ROYAL COMMISSION The last few weeks of the Royal Commission have provided examples of some pretty unimpressive behaviour by those we expect more of. As financial planners and mortgage brokers, we take these revelations very personally, as every misdemeanour revealed saddens us that these stories exist. At Eclipse most of us have worked for the big banks before. Not agreeing with the sales mentality of everyone working for ‘big brother’ and leveraging the trust in ‘big brother’ to sell ‘big brothers’ products to clients was a huge factor in resigning.
At Eclipse we are not owned or influenced by any bank or insurance company. We’re founded and run by the people who speak to you when you phone up for help. There is no pressure to support specific products and we pick and choose the best solutions for clients from a wide range of product providers. We believe that where a fee is paid for ongoing support and services, those services are provided. This includes making sure we are both proactive in our communication, steadfast in sticking to the principles that underpin smart financial decision making, as well as being available when it’s needed.
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Finally, and maybe most importantly, we only provide advice to those we believe it will benefit and, where we believe that there is no future value to be created from a course of action, we tell it straight, even when it’s not what someone wants to hear. We welcome the Royal Commission, as we believe that trust begins with the truth. The stories arising though are at times hard to hear, often unpalatable and all-too-often exposing behaviour that are indefensible. However, this only hardens our resolve that the path we’ve chosen as a business in the way we choose to advise, is the right one.
75% BLACK
financial services
helping grow, maintain + protect your wealth
For a free consultation with local people who understand the complexities of these or any other financial matter, contact Eclipse Financial Services on 49467359 today or visit www.eclipsefs.com
Best in the Business, the People’s Choice Becoming the number one operator in the Whitsundays on Trip Advisor is a huge achievement for the team at Ocean Dynamics in Airlie Beach. In April 2017 they were number 26 out of 87, and today they have catapulted to the number one spot! Ocean Dynamics offer a range of tours from their sales office at luxury marina, Port of Airlie. They pride themselves on offering a personalised service with flexible tour options and carrying small numbers, catering tours to suit individual tastes and requirements. From private charters offering affordable options for locals looking to escape the crowds to Jet Ski tours that are a fun way to spend a few hours, Ocean Dynamics excel at every aspect of the tour. “It is our consistency across the board that has seen us achieve our number one spot. From the moment you are greeted, to the service you receive throughout your tour; your happiness is our top priority,” said John, skipper with Ocean Dynamics. Core Life Magazine sat down with the team to discover what makes Ocean Dynamics leaders in the industry.
CAROLYN LEWIS
“I am so proud of the team for achieving our number one position on Trip Advisor. It was a huge team effort and a result of our consistent hard work.”
Director and Business Manager Carolyn grew up on the Gold Coast and moved to Brisbane when she was 20. She used to holiday to the Whitsundays regularly with her family and fell in love with the region, deciding to open a tour company here in 2004. “Since commencing water sports and charter operations, the Ocean Dynamics motto has been “It’s all about you”. We have carried this through to the present day, and we strive to ensure guest satisfaction on each and every tour and activity.
Fav tour: The Kevla Cat Tour (Ocean Escape). The boat is amazing, it can go anywhere, it is fast, and lots of fun. It is the boat that I would choose if I went out with my family. Fav location: Whitehaven Beach, with a glass of bubbles. Fav experience: Seeing people experience one of our jet ski tours for the first time and watching their nerves transform into confidence. Also, taking the guests to feed the Maori Wrasse in Manta Ray Bay.
Private Boat Charter We had the most magnificent 2 days on this gorgeous boat. The Captain was amazing and a fantastic guide. The chef and host provided incredible service and delicious food. We had the time of our lives snorkelling and discovering the natural wonders of this magical land! Thank you to Carolyn and crew for an unforgettable adventure. It was a trip of a lifetime! Amazing!!! Certainly a highlight of our Whitsunday holiday! I hadn’t been on a jet ski in over 10 years but our guide Cara made it so easy! I thoroughly recommend Ocean Dynamics and their staff, as it’s clear that they love what they do, and who wouldn’t? Thanks Cara for making our adventure so memorable! You certainly go above and beyond and it’s much appreciated.
CARA CAVANAGH
Dive Instructor, Chef, Jet Ski Guide and Guest Services Cara grew up in Byron Bay and has been living in Airlie Beach for just over a year. She loves sharing her passion for scuba diving and enjoys opening minds to a whole new underwater world. “Our main focus as a small business is our ability to provide a boutique experience. We pride ourselves on delivering a tailored experience for each guest. Being consistent and understanding our guests needs has given us the platform to achieve number 1 in Trip Advisor.”
Fav tour: Padi open water dive course because I get to see people develop their skills and gain the confidence to explore the ocean. Fav location: The outer reef and the fringing reefs, some spots are a secret that I only share with my students. Fav experience: Our overnight dive charters allow us to explore reefs that are out of range for our day trips. We get to explore reefs that have possibly never been dived before.
JOHN MEHMET
Skipper, Jet Ski Guide, Marine Biologist and Guest Services John is originally from Hervey Bay and travelled the world before settling in the beautiful Whitsundays. “We pride ourselves on customer service and it is our interaction with guests that got us our number one spot. By the end of the tour we are like best friends and have many return guests asking for us by name.
“It is also the private tour factor and smaller groups that makes us so popular. We have permits for just about any area in the Whitsundays so we can cater a trip to include almost anything you can imagine.” Fav tour: Whale season which starts in July, we offer specialist guided tours. Fav location: The Outer Reef. Fav experience: I live for awesome encounters with Whales; we often get them spy-hopping the side of the boat.
“You can live in an area all your life but sometimes you don’t get the opportunity to see and experience the beauty of where you live. At Ocean Dynamics, we give locals that opportunity.”
BRAD WILLIAMSON Jet Ski Guide and Deckhand
A qualified commercial pilot, Brad recently moved from Harvey Bay to the Whitsundays with his wife.
Fav tour: The Airlie Adrenaline Jet Ski Tour Fav location: Hill Inlet and snorkelling Butterfly Bay
“At Ocean Dynamics we offer a more personalised experience with smaller groups that can cater for Fav experience: Our sunset tours with the individual tastes.” opportunity to see turtles
BEC MARTINERO
Guest Services and Administration Officer Bec is originally from the Gold Coast and has been living in the Whitsunday area on and off for twenty years. “I am your first point of contact at Ocean Dymnamics. I am the friendly voice that answers your phone-call and the happy face that greets you as you walk through the door.
“We accommodate everyone and are dedicated to ensuring every guest experience is a happy one. We even offer a cold beer when you arrive to book or check-in! Fav tour: Ocean Free Luxury Charter. Fav location: Langford Island bushwalk. Fav experience: I’ve just got my Open Dive, jet ski licence and am also now a qualified jet ski guide.
LOCAL WINTER SPECIALS
Exclusive to Core Life Readers
• 1 hour Jet Ski rides from $70 pp (based on twin share) • Private Charters starting from $1300 (for up to 8 people)
www.oceand.com.au
• Dive Certification Courses starting from $450 07 3226 9150 | 0400 744 850 | info@oceand.com.au
Opening our eyes to possibility
Brenden Borellini and Matthew Tandy
The lens is an incredible tool. It allows us to see what other’s see and can often offer a change of perspective. A focus entirely different to that of our own.
B
renden Borellini’s art challenges us to see the unseen. To focus on what we have been blind to. You see, Brenden was born congenitally blind and profoundly deaf, meaning he has never had the opportunity to see or hear as most of us have. However, rather than thinking of his condition as a disability, Brenden’s art challenges what the human imagination is capable of and inspires us to ponder what wonderful ability he has. People born blind or deaf have for centuries been the intellectual curios of philosophers studying consciousness. Brenden is the only man living in Mackay who is both blind and deaf, but his ability to challenge what we thought not possible, is what makes his art profoundly brilliant. It opens our own eyes to how we view people living with a disability, exposing our poor ideas of what we believe to be a disabled person’s limitations. Life certainly hasn’t been easy for Brenden, but he has challenged and developed his abilities every step of the way. As a 10-year-old, he learnt deafblind alphabet and fingerspelling, his first strong form of communication. As technology
www.corelife.com.au 24 24 www.corelife.com.au
improved, Brenden adapted, changing his life via the use of braille. This allows him to communicate with others through phone, computer and remarkably, in person. Brenden became a member of local organisation, Crossroad Arts, as a medium to express his
creativity. He has been exposed to many forms of art, through acting, dancing, music and photography. The discovery of 3D tactile art, which makes images touchable, has inspired him to share his love of photography, allowing visionimpaired people the opportunity to interact with his images using their other senses.
COMMUNITY LIFE
Matthew Tandy is an arts worker at Crossroad Arts who works across many mediums. His background is in music and he has been an active musician since 2012. It was in 2012 when Matt first met Brenden, but it wasn’t until he came onboard with Crossroad Arts in 2017 that he became involved with Brenden’s projects. “To communicate with Brenden I was taught handsigning by both Brenden and Crossroad Arts’ Executive Officer, Autumn Skuthorpe. My role is to provide a platform for Crossroad Arts’ artists to express themselves through our projects, workshop programs and productions, it’s extremely fulfilling,” Matt said. Brenden and Matt were recently part of a large project involving both film and photography which took them on an unforgettable journey throughout North America. “Brenden made a film called ‘When Brenden Met Hiroe’ with Steve Mayer-Miller (former artistic director and founder, now retired) and Autumn Skuthorpe. The film made the finales in a San Francisco film festival at Berkely called Superfest. “Brenden, Steve and I went over for that and spent three weeks actively shooting film and photographs. I learned a lot and enjoyed working alongside Brenden as an arts worker. We worked in San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, the Utah desert, Monument Valley and Antelope canyon. My job was to navigate, although it had
its moments, we always got to where we needed to go,” Matt said. Brenden explained how much of the journey was inspired by an American photographer. “Ansel Adams is my favourite landscape photographer who is famous for his blackand-white photographs of the American West, especially Yosemite National Park. I was lucky enough to try and retrace his footsteps through this part of America with Matthew to navigate and describe the surroundings. As well as the photographic exhibition that came from this trip, which was named Dancing with Ansel, Crossroad Arts also made a film by the same name which documents the trip. The film is available on Vimeo. “In San Francisco I filmed with a go pro on my forehead and worked closely with Matt as we photographed many beautiful landscapes. It doesn't take me long to map the landscape in my head once I grasp it, and I have the sun to let me know where the light is,” Brenden said. The highlight of Brenden’s trip was Antelope Canyon. “Like a lot of times you hear, it's the place you go to unplanned that normally ends up your favourite. After a hot tip from another photographer, we booked a tour to Antelope Canyon and were all blown away by these spectacular caves,” he said. For Matt, his highlight was a sunrise photo shoot
in Monument Valley. He commented, “Brenden, Steve and I relished the opportunity, working as the sun rose over truly spectacular scenery in Monument Valley. It was a once in a lifetime experience.” The photography exhibition, Dancing with Ansel, can be viewed until Thursday 17th of May, 2018 at The Grazing Goat Cafe. Crossroad Arts is a groundbreaking facility that has been made possible through a strong network of volunteers and community support. Matt said that its reach; locally, nationally and internationally, is an organisation for Mackay to be proud of. “For a not-for-profit organisation, Crossroad Arts covers an immense amount of ground. With the introduction of our new artistic director, Alison Richardson, we look to build on the company’s strong history in the arts and really push the envelope and grow. “I want to thank the community on behalf of Crossroad Arts. The support has been much appreciated. Our Program is funded by Arts Queensland, Australia Council for the Arts and the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation. Crossroad Arts has many future goals that will greatly benefit Mackay,” he said. If you haven’t heard of Crossroad Arts previously, visit crossroadarts.com.au for its 2018 artistic programme. If you’re deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment, you can contact them through the National Relay Service.
BUY DIRECT FROM THE WAREHOUSE open 8am – 4pm to the general public
OPEN MON-FRI FOR PICK UP & DELIVERY DAIRY | SPECIALTY CHEESES | CAKE & DESSERTS SMALL GOODS | FRESH MEAT & POULTRY | FROZEN SEAFOOD | ICE & BAIT BEVERAGES | BULK GROCERY | CLEANING PRODUCTS | PACKAGING COFFEE MACHINE-SALES & SERVICE
ONLINE ORDERING SMART PHONE APP AVAILABLE
4940 2500
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Whitsunday ANGLICAN SCHOOL, MACKAY
Whitsunday Anglican School, Mackay Day and Boarding School
BOOK A TOUR OR ENROL NOW! Whitsunday Anglican School has a new look website. To check it out visit www.was.qld.edu.au
For more information contact our Registrar on
(07) 4969 2000
LEARNING through LOVE
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LIVING by FAITH
LEADING with SERVICE
Northern Beaches paradise our private
Take a walk on the sand where the water gently laps at your feet. Open your eyes and see a stretch of coastline, rustic in natural elements, quiet from the hustle and bustle of city life. Curl up under a palm tree and read a book while the ocean breeze gently ruffles your hair. Shake off the thongs and curl your toes into the soft sand. Look back at your footsteps, often they are the only ones you can see. For this is the beauty of Mackay’s Northern Beaches. Private and pristine yet breathtakingly beautiful, this slice of paradise
is still a place you can visit when you want to be alone.
The Northern Beaches inspire adventure, from body-surfing the tide that strokes the shore, to launching a boat to drop a line in the deep blue. From the sandy edge, many watersport opportunities abound with Brampton and Keswick Islands only half an hour by boat. Or simply fish straight from the beach. It’s an envious lifestyle, the best of Australia, and it’s in our own backyard.
Th e be st of th e No rt he rn Be ac he s
1. Take a stroll
The Northern Beaches longest continuous beach, Blacks Beach, stretches 6km, with golden sand and lush tropical parkland. Walking tracks can be found under the shade of the vegetation or stroll the shoreline.
2. Take a dip
Make a splash in the pristine Coral Sea with the comfort of knowing that the Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club are patrolling the water. Eimeo Beach is one of the best places to swim in the Mackay Region. Overlooking the picturesque beach, the Eimeo Pacific Hotel is a local landmark, perched on the hill. Have lunch with a million-dollar view and enjoy a cold beverage.
3. Watch a sunset
Shoal Point Beach offers magnificent views north to Cape Hillsborough and the Hibiscus Coast, where the sunsets often turn the sky and sand magnificent shades of tangerine and magenta. With a beachside park and barbeque facilities, this is a great place to enjoy a family picnic.
4. Drop a line
Bucasia Beach provides a great vantage point for fishermen without the need of a boat. Keen anglers can fish off the beach at high tide for Flathead. A popular fishing location is toward the southern end of the beach, near the sandy spits and mangroves of Eimeo Creek. A boat ramp is also located at this part of the beach for those looking to explore nearby islands.
Exclusive Core Special LITTLE RETREAT PACKAGE Relish in the escape with our back, neck & shoulder massage and Waterlily petit spa facial fusion. One of our most popular treatment getaways topped off with a luxurious orange cream hair treatment and head massage.
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Shop 9, 15 Blacks Beach Rd, Blacks Beach QLD 4740
S h o p & Bo o k Online 0 7 4 9 6 9 6 0 7 3 | w w w. u l t ra e s swww.corelife.com.au e n c e .c o m .a u 27
NORTHERN BEACHES
Raine&Horne Mackay Beaches
Raine&Horne Mackay Beaches is the only established real estate office in the Northern Beaches area. Along with Janet & Calley, Director/Principal Des Besanko and the Sales Admin Support staff, the team combine professional experience, local knowledge and passion to anyone looking to Buy, Sell or Invest in our Northern Beaches.
Meet Your Agents JANET WILLIAMSON Sales Partner
After hairdressing for 28 years, Janet Williamson is proof that it’s never too late to make a rewarding change in career. She moved to Mackay in 2003 and set up as a mobile hairdresser. After meeting a client in the real estate industry, she saw an opportunity to make her first ever career-change. While it was daunting initially, she has never looked back. For the past 12 years, she has been a loyal sales agent to the same company, the only real estate office in the Northern Beaches area of Mackay. Working and living in the area, she knows every street without looking on the map and is a specialist in local property values. “Your property. Your future. Our experience. Prior to becoming Raine & Horne Mackay & Mackay Beaches 18 months ago, the business traded under LJ Hooker Mackay & Mackay Beaches with the same business owners and team. The Raine & Horne '&' (our ampersand in the logo) is all about giving more, certainly something I can identify with - you only get out what you put in. We certainly are the area specialists with being the only real estate office in the beaches,” Janet said. WHAT IS SOMETHING UNUSUAL YOU ALWAYS HAVE IN YOUR HANDBAG OR ON YOUR OFFICE DESK? “I always carry green teabags in my handbag & on my desk. I’m a tea-toataller.” WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW? “Before having children, my husband and I travelled around Australia for seven years in the late 80's, early 90’s starting in Ballina NSW with an XB falcon and a 16 ft caravan. We travelled far and wide across the country to dusty remote places like Meekatharra and Jabiru just to mention a couple, picking up work as we went along. “My husband got his first mining job in 1987 at the Northern Star Gold mine and he lived at Three Ways Pub while I worked hairdressing in Alice Springs 500 km South.”
CALLEY MORRISON Sales Partner
Born in the land of the long white cloud, Calley moved from New Zealand to Australia 18 years ago and has been in Mackay for the past five years. With a passion for property and people, she took a chance at an open home to approach Janet to see if there were any sales positions available. Timing was on her side and now she is living and working in Mackay’s sunny
Janet Williamson 0419 173 378
Calley Morrison 0416 350 489
Sales Partner www.corelife.com.au www.corelife.com.au
Sales Partner
28 28
Calley
Janet
Northern Beaches. With a strong background in customer services, Calley’s progression into real estate has been a successful one, with her strength being the level of service and attention she provides to her clients. “We are a boutique agency, which is the only real estate in the Northern Beaches. I’m full of enthusiasm and motivated to service our local residents in all their real estate needs.” Calley was the organiser behind the first two Mackay Waitangi Day celebrations in 2011 and 2012. The event was a fantastic one for Mackay and the local Kiwi community and raised funds for victims of the devastating Christchurch earthquakes. WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW? “I have a special needs son, who is well established in the Mackay community. I understand disability in all aspects, be it physical or emotional, our family has lived with it for 21 years. I love to help people who may need a little more understanding to their particular situation.” IF YOU COULD OWN REAL ESTATE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE? “Wow…. Ian Wood Drive overlooking the ocean! If not there, a beautiful home overlooking the lake in Queenstown, New Zealand.”
Mackay Beaches 07 4954 7447
admin@mackayb.rh.com.au rh.com.au/mackaybeaches
NORTHERN BEACHES
History on the Hilltop
Photo By Ivan Matin
Dust off your sandy feet and head to Eimeo’s hilltop to enjoy an ice-cold refreshment with the Coral Sea as your backdrop. Visit the Eimeo Pacific Hotel any day of the week and you’ll hear the banter of locals, out-of-towners and tourists from further afield who come for the view and stay for the ambience. It’s one of Mackay’s most popular dining establishments, and although the Eimeo Pacific Hotel is on the market, it’s very much open for business. Dishing up what has become known as the ‘million-dollar view,’ now is the perfect time to make the most of this historic hotel before ownership changes hands. The Bistro Café is open daily from 10 a.m. serving a delicious selection of cakes and coffee. From Monday to Thursday, the restaurant is open for lunch from 12 p.m. and dinner from 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday is all-day dining from 12 p.m. while Sunday and Monday hosts brunch from 10 a.m. and then all-day dining.
MENU RECOMMENDATION The pizza’s are always a hit for casual eats with friends, but if you’re after something heartier, a perfectly-grilled steak hits the mark. EIMEO’S HISTORIC HILLTOP The name Eimeo is said to originate from a Tahitian island, Aymeo, named by timber merchant, Jeremiah Armitage. He used the area for fruit growing, the mango trees still prominent on Mango Avenue and listed as a heritage site used to line what was once the driveway leading up to his hilltop haven. He opened a boarding house which later traded as a Hotel.
Did you know? During the 1930s, as an added attraction for visitors and holiday makers, adjacent to the Eimeo Hotel there was a skating rink! 1890 Mr. Armitage was declared insolvent and the property was given to the Queensland National Bank. In 1932 the land was bought by Lavinia Walters, the current owner’s grandmother. The hotel has been rebuilt and renovated many times to become the establishment it is known as today. Did you know? During the WWII, the Eimeo Hotel was used as a place of rest and refuge by American servicemen, many of whom had fought in the Pacific campaign. Since Lavinia’s purchase, the hotel has remained with her family for more than 85 years. It is currently owned and run by Donald and Darlene Stayte. With an abundance of history and storytelling coming from this historic site, we hope its future owners add to the character and reputation that Mackay locals have come to love.
FAMILY OWNED FOR 70
YEARS
BISTRO OPENS DAILY AT 10AM All Day Dining Friday, Saturday & Sunday
RSV at 49546106 eimeohotel.com.au www.corelife.com.au 29
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SUNGLASSES
MEN IN INDUSTRY
Men in Fame using their Power for Purpose
To inspire social and economic change, the world needs philanthropy. It has the capacity to inspire new ideas, initiatives and experiments that have the potential to improve the world we live in by changing the way we face our toughest social challenges. We are thankful for those in the world who use their star power for a variety of important causes, whether it is providing happiness for those with limited time left to live, making the world a better place for those less fortunate or opening our eyes to injustices calling for political change. With our Men in Industry special, we pay homage to some of the guys across the globe who use their influential status to inspire the good in others.
PRINCE HARRY Our fifth in line to the throne follows in his Princess mother’s footsteps when it comes to generosity and philanthropy. Having served in the British Army for ten years, Prince Harry is passionate about promoting the welfare of those who are serving or who have served their country in the Armed Forces and founded the Invictus Games. In 2006, Prince Harry jointly founded Sentebale, a charity to help orphans in Lesotho, southern Africa. Even as he prepares to tie the knot this month, the couple have requested people donate to charities instead of giving them wedding gifts.
BONO Perhaps one of the most famous philanthropists on the planet, Bono, the lead singer from the band, U2, is the celebrity who keeps on giving. In 2012, he made Forbes’ “Most Generous Celebrity” list and used even his earliest music as a platform for social change in Ireland. He leads a widely acclaimed, data-driven, global organisation that influences governments and raises hundreds of millions of dollars for people living in poverty. His philanthropy earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
JOHN CENA Sometimes it’s not about giving anything material at all. A shining example of this is John Cena, the wrestler with a heart of gold. He knows that his time is the most valuable attribute he can give, and give tremendously he does. The star has granted more than 500 wishes with the Make a Wish Foundation, becoming the first ever celebrity to reach such a significant milestone. Since 2004, he has been spending time with sick children, saying “I’ll drop everything. If I can offer a fantastic experience, I’ll be the first in line to do my part.” In Australia, we need more visionary champions who are prepared to fight for better social equality by using their worldly wealth for public good. One step in this direction would be to ensure that our tax regulatory environment is improved to support and create an incentive for more philanthropy, to build a greater culture of giving. Often, it is those in the shadows, who do so much for humanity with little public recognition. One such Australian organisation is a private philanthropic foundation called the Caledonia Foundation. Its focus is to enhance the lives of children, youth and socially excluded Australians. It seeks to make a significant, sustainable difference to the lives and wellbeing of our less fortunate, although you could be forgiven for not knowing they even exist. Real people, making a real difference. We could all achieve a little more, not for ourselves, but for humanity. We strive for financial success and status, but, imagine what the world would be like if we all strived for equality. It’s not too late to make a difference, your time is more valuable than you realise. www.corelife.com.au 31
Rob Taylor TAYLORS PROPERTY SPECIALISTS In a time that seems a world away from his current life, Rob Taylor was once a dive instructor in Egypt. A wetsuit is a far cry from the shirt and tie most people in the community would associate Rob with now, given his prominence in the Whitsunday real estate industry for so many years. He was in Indonesia when another traveller told tales of magnificent diving in Egypt. A bit different from the sandy dessert most would dream of on the African continent. With no set travel plans, he booked his flight and ended up living in Egypt for two years, managing a dive centre and then managing a resort. “I still remember my office looked across the Gulf of Aqaba to Saudi Arabia and it was a regular thing seeing camels walk past the window,” he said. This was also the start of life for Rob as he knows it today, as it’s where he met his wife, Lauriely. When the couple first moved to the Whitsundays, they drove past the Whitsunday Acres Estate, looking for a new place to call home. Rob joked about entering the real estate market, and industry he had no prior experience in. Only a week later, an advert in the paper seeking a sales person caught his eye. He took a chance on the career, the company took a chance on him and the rest is history. 17 years later, Rob is taking a new chance, seeking a new adventure and navigating his life into unchartered waters. Introducing TAYLORS Property Specialists, the newest boutique real estate agency servicing the Whitsundays. With one of the
most experienced local personalities in real estate at the helm, the market as we know it is about to change. Rob explains his reasons for establishing a new player in the property game. “I initially explored other real estate franchises, however in the end, I just couldn’t do it. After 17 years in the industry it was time for new challenges. My wife and I even considered leaving the area and doing something totally different, however we love the Whitsundays too much, so, in the end leaving wasn’t an option. “I’m always looking for motivation each year when setting my goals. When I asked myself the question, at the end of my real estate career would I have any regrets? I have been very fortunate to achieve the success that I have, but I haven’t fully owned my own real estate company. So, I decided that this was chance to put my own style and influence on something that I can start from the very beginning. All or nothing, no regrets. “I toyed with options on what to call my new business, but a good friend convinced me that using my name was the best solution. He has been invaluable with his advice, he knows who he is and I thank him so much for his support,” Rob said. Rob also wanted to set an example for his three sons, to show them that life is for taking chances, believing in yourself, backing yourself and working hard to achieve your dreams. “My three boys, Ryan, Sean and Kace, have seen me as an agent for their whole lives. I
want them to be proud of what I have done and set an example for them. I want to show them you should always challenge the norm and never rest on your laurels no matter what age. To be successful you need to do the hard yards,” he said. With a reputation for pioneering changes in the local real estate industry, Rob will be taking fresh ideas into his new business. But initially, his focus is on building a strong team and providing superior service. “We aim to be the Boutique agency with a difference. One of the greatest things for us as a new business is we have the opportunity to choose our own path and not fall under the restrictions and guidelines of a major franchise. This is the exciting bit as we really look to challenge the real estate norm. But our priority will be our customers and the service we will provide them. “I am absolutely blessed to have my PA, Melissa Hutson, join me along with Brad Sobott and Melinda Butcher. Brad and Mel are two of the best agents I have had the privilege to work with. “All three have identical values to myself. This is so important to me, to have like-minded, quality individuals in the team. My beautiful wife will also form part of the team, assisting with administration and social media marketing.” TAYLORS Property Specialists is located in the Whitsunday Business Centre. For expert advice from an experienced team, delivered with trust and integrity, give them a call to experience buying or selling the boutique way.
Q&A with Rob DO YOU HAVE ANY TATTOOS WITH AN INTERESTING STORY BEHIND IT? “I have a Whale tattooed on my ankle. I got this done with my wife on our honeymoon. We were lucky enough to swim very closely with a whale and her calf when we were in travelling in Tonga. It was a truly memorable experience. My wife also got one, but you will have to ask her where hers is.” WHAT IS THE MOST EXTREME THING YOU’VE EVER DONE? “Some of the dives I did in Egypt were probably a bit outside the rule book. To give you a hint, 80 metres is a long way www.corelife.com.au 32 32 www.corelife.com.au
underwater by yourself on one tank. Doing a drift dive near Tiran Island with 12 other instructors in uncontrollable currents, with everyone being separated for about 25 minutes and later all converging in roughly the same area, in the middle of a shipping channel. That was a bit of a buzz. The water depth was about 800 metres so you feel a bit lonely out there in the blue all by yourself.” WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING? “Motorbikes, Motorbikes, Motorbikes and more motorbikes. I just love them. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take enough time outside of work. The older I get, the more I
love them and the more I enjoy the extreme enduro side of the sport.” WHAT DREAM SPORTING EVENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO WITNESS LIVE? “I would love to see the Erzberg Extreme Enduro in Austria. It’s just a mad dirt-bike race and the atmosphere is meant to be amazing. Followed closely by The Dakar Rally in South America.”
COVER STORY
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A doer, a driver and someone who works hard to get things done. Owen Land’s dedication toward fitness, family, his career and the community, has shaped his life to become one of Bowen’s most prominent men in industry. As owner of Byte-Wise IT, he says he’s a selfconfessed geek, but the technical term is an Electronic Engineer Tradesperson. “I’ve always had an interest in fixing things, a gift I learnt from my Father who could fix pretty much anything. I enjoy a challenge and although IT can be frustrating, it’s very rewarding to fix technology issues for clients to ensure their business and life runs seamlessly,” he said. Owen started his business in 1992 and believes that staying at the forefront of evolving technology has kept his specialty services in demand. “Both the industry and Bowen itself has changed
dramatically since we started 26 years ago. We specialise in so many areas, I believe that it is because we are diverse and unique in what we offer that has kept our business in high-demand from Mackay to Townsville. We cover servers, cloud or on-premise, computers, data cabling infrastructure, wireless, video surveillance, phone systems, computer repairs either remote or on premise; to name a few.” When he’s not tinkering in technology, Owen is pounding the pavement, pushing the pedals or putting on the green to stay in shape. He enjoyed the challenge that triathlon presented and competed in the world cup on the Gold Coast, placing 10th in his age group. He even met his wife, Naomi, while competing in a triathlon. The couple have been involved with the organisation of the Bowen Triathlon since its inception and the organisation of the Bowen RollerCoaster Ride.
“The RollerCoaster ride has been running for 26 years, it started as a memorial ride in remembrance of a good cyclist here named Ian Krause that lost his life to Cancer. This year saw 74 riders travel to the event.” Owen is also the youngest life member at the Bowen golf club, being rewarded for years of work and dedication to help the club run successfully, after being Captain for many years. “I love taking the kids, Tyrone and Isabella, out on a Saturday morning to be part of the sport and spend quality time together,” he said. He enjoys casual bike rides with his wife and a group of awesome chicks, despite being knocked off his bike last year by a kangaroo. “I went straight over the handle bars and the bike was totaled, but I was lucky to walk away,” he said.
Owen Land BYTE-WISE IT Q&A with Owen WHAT’S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW? “I can sing, it’s not something many people know. My wife says that I come across as a grump but that I have a soft side not many people see.” WHAT’S THE MOST ADVENTUROUS THING YOU’VE DONE IN YOUR LIFE? I recently went skiing with the family in New South Wales. Unfortunately, it didn’t come naturally, my wife could tell that it annoyed me since I’m a bit of a perfectionist. The hardest thing would probably be a oneday cycle ride in Australia that was 240km long with 4,500 metres elevation in less than 12 hours.”
Photography By Norina Jane www.corelife.com.au www.corelife.com.au 34 34
Andrew Slavin MANTRA CLUB CROC
With nothing more than a backpack and a desire to put stamps on his passport, Andrew Slavin left the United Kingdom as an adventurous 21-year-old. After trekking across Asia, he arrived in Queensland’s far north to visit family in Cooktown. Fishing, diving, snorkelling and enjoying the allure of the tropics, Andrew decided to settle in Australia and arrived in Cairns at the height of its tourism boom in the late 80’s. He was there for over 20 years working senior roles in hospitality. He played rugby union until he was 40 and had the privilege of being president and captain his club before later moving to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. When in Noosa, Andrew and his partner, Laila, owned the well-known restaurant, Sirocco. The multiple award-winning restaurant, famed for its stunning waterfront views and sensational food. It was named in Virgin’s Voyeur magazine as one of the top 100 must-do Aussie experiences, featured in Delicious magazine, has SKAL, Queensland Training Awards finalist and many Restaurant and Caterers Awards to it credits. His 30 years of hospitality experience blended with the dedication and drive of owning a successful business made him the idea choice to lead the team at Mantra Club Croc in Airlie Beach. As General Manager, Andrew explains his role in overseeing the operation of this popular resort. “Mantra Club Croc has 160 rooms and is complemented by an on-site restaurant plus conference and board rooms. The ability to host large numbers of delegates means we have a corporate responsibility to the Whitsundays in bringing in large groups of industry for meetings and events which contributes greatly to the local economy. With more than 50 staff, from housekeeping, food and beverage to front office and maintenance, one of my greatest focuses is in supporting their aspirations and offering opportunities for them to excel in hospitality, whether internally within Mantra or externally wherever the world takes them,” he said. Andrew has already implemented change in the restaurant, using his experience to work with the new head chef, Sheldon Smith, in creating an appealing menu focusing on taste and quality. “It’s a fantastic location, we now have the service and quality of food to match the stellar ambience we have here,” he said. Andrew invites locals to try the new level of food and service for themselves at special Mother’s Day events this May. There will be a buffet breakfast and then a seafood lunch utilising fresh local produce for the ultimate ways to celebrate with Mum.
Q&A with Andy WHERE IS THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE YOU HAVE VISITED? “Mount Bromo in East Java. It’s an active volcano that you can hike from the crater rim and across a sea of volcanic sand. Inside the tengger caldera there is a second volcano forming and you can climb the new crater to see bubbling lava below. The mountain top often sits above the cloud line and watching the clouds rise up the mountain side and then disappear into the crater like they are pouring into the volcano is something truly magical to see.” WHO IS SOMEONE INSPIRATIONAL IN BUSINESS YOU HAVE MET? “Noel Whittaker, known as Australia’s Financial Wizard of Oz. I had the pleasure of crossing paths with him once in Cairns and again in Noosa years later. I read his book, the Golden Rules of Wealth, which stood me well both while I was travelling the world on a shoestring budget and then later in business. I’d recommend the read to anyone.”
35 Photography Bywww.corelife.com.au Norina Jane
Hemingway’s
A SIXTH SENSE FOR FOOD What comes to mind when you think of great gastronomy? Paris, London, New York? How about the Whitsundays? After coming away with a coveted Chef Hat award for food excellence, Hemingway’s at Abell Point Marina is becoming recognised as one of the finest establishments for dining in our region. Only two other restaurants in the Whitsundays have been presented with this award from the Australian Good Food Guide, highlighting the exclusivity of this recognition for excellence. Head Chef, Matt Dixon, said that the award was an exciting achievement for the team in the kitchen. “Winning this award is a good sign that all the hard work we have put in since the restaurant opened is paying off. We are using it as inspiration to keep pushing ourselves with the dishes we produce and maintain the same quality consistently throughout the year. We genuinely don’t do what we do for awards and accolades, we do it because we love food and we love cooking.” From Europe and New Zealand to Asia and Australia, the culinary team at Hemingway’s brings a world of flavour into the kitchen. Let’s meet the team. www.corelife.com.au 36 36 www.corelife.com.au
FRANCISO AGBADA (Frankie) Chef De Partie Originally from the Philippines, Francisco has made his home in the Whitsundays to enjoy the islands, beaches, fishing and friendly community. He has 25 years of hospitality experience and his passion is in the flair for food presentation. He worked for many years on cruise ships where he specialised in carving fruit, vegetables and ice. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM FROM THE HEMINGWAY'S MENU? “I love the slow cooked beef cheek as it makes the meat so tender.” WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CHEF INSPIRATION? “Curtis Stone – I worked with him at Hamilton Island when Oprah Winfrey was visiting the island and he is a very inspirational chef for me. A pleasure to work with.”
JOHNO BURGESS - Chef De Partie Johno traded New Zealand’s snowy winters for the sunny Whitsundays where he enjoys diving the Great Barrier Reef and soaking up the relaxed lifestyle. He’s been cooking for 10 years and enjoys the challenge in learning something new every day. As a junior he represented New Zealand in tennis and spent eight years as a tennis coach. WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CHEF INSPIRATION? “Ben Sherry from New Zealand for his love of seafood and diving.” BEER OR BOURBON AND HOW DO YOU HAVE IT? “Beer in a shoey!”
MEN IN INDUSTRY
SEBASTIEN VENOIST - Sous Chef From the beauty of Geneva’s lake and alps in Switzerland to the sand and sun of the Whitsundays, Sebastien stayed in Australia for the different lifestyle. Growing up so close to the snowy slopes, he could ski before he could walk! He has been involved in hospitality for 14 years and loves the variation that comes with every day being different. IF YOU COULD CHOOSE 1 RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD TO DINE AT, WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER? “Sky Tower, Singapore and I would order almost anything off that menu.” Photography By Norina Jane
MATT DIXON - Head Chef Arriving in the Whitsundays on a working holiday, Matt fell in love with the area so much that he didn’t return home to Adelaide. He has 13 years of industry experience, chalking his success up to the willingness to constantly learn in the kitchen, no matter what your position. His pride and joy is his four-year-old son who is growing up bi-lingual. At home they speak Spanish, due to Matt’s wife being Peruvian. IF YOU COULD CHOOSE 1 RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD TO DINE AT, WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER? “Central Restaurante, Lima, Peru – I would order everything on the menu.” WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CHEF INSPIRATION? “Virgilio Martinez Veliz, as he uses traditional cooking methods from his home country and travels his country inspiring others. Also, my Nanna for her homecooked meals!”
NICHOLAS POWER Apprentice, 1st Year From sunny Darwin in the Northern Territory, Nicholas moved to the Whitsundays with his family. This is his first year in the hospitality industry and he is enjoying learning how to create new dishes and techniques for preparing food. When he’s not working, he’s a gym buff and enjoys a great workout. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM FROM THE HEMINGWAY'S MENU? “We did a pork and prosciutto special recently with a pumpkin and chilli puree, I loved the balance of the flavours in that dish.” IF YOU COULD CHOOSE 1 RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD TO DINE AT, WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER? “I would go to Doot Doot Doot in Melbourne and take Chef’s recommendation as to what to try off the menu.”
BEER OR BOURBON AND HOW DO YOU HAVE IT? “The European in me prefers wine!” TOBIAS KERN Apprentice, 1st Year Born and bred in Queensland, Tobias moved to the Whitsundays with his family from Brisbane. His stepdad owns a local fishing trawler which supplies fresh seafood to Hemingway’s. He started as a dishy three years ago and idolized the chefs he worked with, so made a move to food where he enjoys exploring produce to plate. IF YOU COULD CHOOSE 1 RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD TO DINE AT, WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER? “Massimo Bottura, Osteria Francescana and I’d love to try his lemon tart.” WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CHEF INSPIRATION? “Gordon Ramsay, because the cockiness is backed up with talent.” www.corelife.com.au 37
Ian Bean
VISUAL CONSTRUCTIONS If you can visualise your dream, Visual Constructions can build it. Starting his career as a cabinetmaker and carpenter joiner apprentice in 1981, Ian Bean has carried the traditional values of quality craftsmanship and customer service into his own building business. He was named as the Apprentice of the Year in 1983 and 1984 before continuing his experience and education with a degree in quantity surveying and constructions management. Ian was the junior project manager and contracts administrator on the Mater Hospital while it was under construction in Mackay. His business, Visual Constructions and Lanai Homes, offer bespoke building services, allowing clients to choose from a range of plans or completely design every aspect from scratch. Ian believes that transparency and communication are key during the building process for a successful outcome. “Clients can communicate directly with us throughout the entire build and I do just that. I am there every step of the way and make customers feel like we are working together, from start to finish. Our work is thorough and of a high standard, producing a beautiful forever home that the new owners can appreciate daily. We take pride in offering a skilled service, competitively priced with quality finishes,” Ian said. Visual Constructions help clients avoid potential pitfalls by minimising risk. “Clients want to know what could go wrong and what has gone wrong in similar situations, and what steps you're taking to make sure these problems won't recur. Communication is crucial in keeping their mind at ease,” Ian said.
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A 6th generation Mackay local, Ian’s lineage can be traced back to the second lighthouse keeper on Flat Top Island. He played roller hockey as a junior at the Mackay Squash Bowl and Skateway, playing for Queensland and for one of Australia’s leading roller hockey clubs, Skateabout. He has continued his sporting prowess into his master’s years, paddling for Honolulu Outrigger Club in outrigger canoeing in Hawaii. He will be returning to Hawaii this year for another shot at the title.
Q&A with Ian WHERE IS THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE YOU HAVE EVER VISITED? “Hawaii, Molokai - The Volcano on the "Big Island" whilst it was erupting.” WHAT IS THE MOST EXTREME THING YOU'VE EVER DONE? “Bungy Jumped in Queenstown.” WHAT IS YOUR DREAM CAR IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT? “Mustang '67, absolutely love the look, sound and the attention these cars achieve.” IS THERE ANYONE IN BUSINESS YOU ADMIRE? “Elon Musk for his visionary for future space travel.”
Sergeant Nigel Dalton Sergeant Dalton is a District Crime Prevention Coordinator, working with the community to make it a safer place to be in. Born in the United Kingdom, he was a police officer in the UK before transferring to the Queensland Police Service when he was 38 years old. He moved to Mackay in 2003 and started his current role in 2006, preventing crime and increasing safety awareness. “The QPS motto on our badge says ‘With Honour We Serve.’ I think as my service to the community continues, I always return to the motto. There are so many wonderful people in our community doing what they can to make it a better place and I want to come alongside them and try and assist where possible to make their lives safer and ultimately more meaningful.”
Nigel Dalton and Stephen Smith
QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE - MACKAY
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMPLEX ISSUES YOU HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER? “I have been to fatal crashes, the worst was where three teenagers had died. I have been to suicides and other deaths in industrial settings. I have had to deliver death messages to families; that is a tough job. I have seen families reunited with love ones who had been lost, I have dealt with drug users in all states from delirious and violent to crying and weeping. I had met with families of the children addicted to drugs or gaming and tried to offer support. I have spoken to ex-criminals who have done a 180 degree turn and are now working and getting their life back on track. “Every single one of these are interesting because they involve ‘people,’ if I can help people get back on track, even if it is a in a tiny way, that is what makes me tick.” WHAT IS THE FUNNIEST THING YOU’VE SEEN ON THE JOB? “We were called early one morning to an old person’s residential home where there may have been a prowler. We searched the grounds but found nothing. When we were leaving we saw the culprit, it was a hedgehog that had got its greedy little head stuck in a yoghurt pot! The hedgehog was rolling around the pathway outside the home trying to dislodge the pot from its head. We had a massive laugh and then laughed at each other trying to dislodge the pot from the prickly hedgehog!”
Senior Constable Stephen Smith Senior Constable Smith was sworn into the police in the last group of cadets ever in January 1991. He has been a police officer in Mackay since 1999 and works in the area of crime prevention. He was born in Mt Isa and prior to working in Mackay he was also stationed in Rockhampton, Bowen and Cooktown. “I went through the Oxley Police Academy in Brisbane during the entire year of 1990. The most memorable part of our training was easily the wrestling. We had an ex Commonwealth Games wrestler instructing us, who also had been a rugby union prop representing their country.” WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING INCIDENT YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN AS PART OF YOUR CAREER?
Photography By Norina Jane
“When I worked in the far north we once had to work with one of the few genuine indigenous trackers around to find a reported missing person in the bush, the real bush I mean. The tracker was an elderly man, yet still very fit and capable. He had a lifetime of bush tracking skills and in my opinion was the most complete bush expert I had ever seen. Watching him work was something I will never forget.” WHAT IS THE MOST ADRENALIN-PUMPING THING YOU'VE EVER DONE? “There is a walking trail near the Cooktown RSL which leads down to the Endeavour River which is called by locals the ‘croc walk.’ We were once called there for an intoxicated person who had collapsed and was asleep at the end of the walk (right next to the water) on an incoming tide. We had been warned by locals about the presence of several crocodiles in this area – our guns were drawn and we were walking back to back facing the water. Then we carried the man back as the water was still moving in. I don’t think my adrenalin has ever been pumping more than that day.”
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Photography By Norina Jane
Geoff Price www.corelife.com.au 40 40 www.corelife.com.au
Clint Battese
MEN IN INDUSTRY
AIRLIE BEACH FIREFIGHTERS Our local firefighters are heroes. They provide essential services in the preservation of life, property and the environment in an emergency. Holding regular jobs within the community, auxiliary firefighters are also oncall 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, putting their lives on hold when we in the community need help. These three men are members of the Airlie Beach Fire Station. We meet them to find out what it’s like to juggle work, firefighting and family. BRODYN FRIEND Lieutenant – Auxiliary Firefighter. Brodyn works full-time as an underground coal miner in the Bowen Basin, but is also employed as an auxiliary firefighter with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. He has been with the Airlie Beach Fire Station for two-and-a-half years. “When I'm not on shift at the coal mine or on a call with the Fire Service, I like to spend my time with my beautiful wife and two children. Weekends at home consist of travelling to watch my son play rugby league and playing games with my little girl,” he said. Brodyn also puts his emergency skills to work on the mine by training for underground mines rescue competitions with fellow firefighter, Clinton Battese, who works at the same mine. HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRAIN AS A FIREFIGHTER? “We train every Monday night at the station on a range of skills, drills and exercises. Training exercises range from road crash rescue, structural fires and car fires down to attending property alarm activations.” WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM SPORTING EVENT TO ATTEND? “I am a through-and-through, one-eyed Broncos supporter and also a Wallabies fan. My dream sporting event would be to attend a Rugby World Cup grand final that the Wallabies were playing in.” CLINT BATTESE - Auxiliary firefighter
Brodyn Friend
Clint is an underground coal miner who has been an auxiliary firefighter at the Airlie Beach Station for 18 months. He enjoys fishing and mud crabbing during his downtime and also has a family who keep him busy during his days off. He recently returned from a family cruise around the Pacific Islands where he and his son tried snails.
The largest fire he has attended was a bush fire, but Cyclone Debbie created the most havoc. “It was a busy couple of weeks with a range of different jobs,” he said. WHAT IS THE MOST ADDRENALIN-PUMPING THING YOU HAVE DONE? “When I flew a helicopter.” LAST MEAL ON EARTH, WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER? “Oysters and beer.” WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAMS? “I follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL and the New York Rangers in Ice Hockey. I’d love to see a game live one day.” GEOFF PRICE Captain – Auxiliary firefighter If there’s an emergency in town, it’s likely Geoff Price will be in attendance. It just depends on the shift to determine what uniform he’s wearing. Geoff is a full-time Police Officer as well as a part-time auxiliary firefighter and Captain of the Airlie Beach station. He’s been a member of the QFES at Airlie Beach for seven years. With a wife and two children, his spare time is taken up enjoying the local lifestyle with trips to the lagoon, parks and bike rides. WHAT IS THE LARGEST FIREFIGHTING INCIDENT IN YOUR CAREER? “Largest fire would have been the Whitsunday Shopping Centre fire a few years back.” DO YOU HAVE ANY TATTOOS OR SCARS WITH AN INTERESTING STORY BEHIND IT? “Just the one scar...it's not much but was caused from mountain biking well above my actual riding ability.” WHAT IS THE MOST EXTREME OR ADRENALIN-PUMPING THING YOU'VE EVER DONE? “I once told my wife that she was wrong about something, hahaha. I have gone sky diving before so that would be the most adrenaline pumping thing.” FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAM AND DREAM SPORTING EVENT TO ATTEND? “Brisbane Broncos. Would love to experience a college football game in America.”
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Bradley Short
Photography By Norina Jane
MILTON PICTURE FRAMERS
Henri Matisse was quoted as saying “Creativity takes courage.” In an industry notoriously hard to make a living from, it takes double courage to open an art business. But with passion, family support and a caring community, Bradley Short has proven it’s possible. Growing up in Townsville and Mackay, Bradley was a typical kid who loved to cover his school books in drawings. He started oil painting when he was 12 and would visit the local art supplies store for his framing and supplies. One day, he looked around and thought, ‘I could do this, this is me.’ He completed a four-year apprenticeship as a cabinet maker before going to Art College. This was one of the best years of his life. He was able to spend all day drawing and painting, but it was also the year he met his wife, Verena. The couple moved back to Mackay from Townsville and he spent a year working as a cabinet maker while planning the opening of his art gallery. “We were young and keen with a lot of passion and enthusiasm. 25 years later, we’re still here,” Bradley said. Over the 25 years it has been in business, www.corelife.com.au 42 42 www.corelife.com.au
Milton Picture Framers has constantly evolved as Bradley and Verena constantly reinvested back into the business. In the early days, it was just the two of them. When Verena was pregnant with their first daughter, Jess, the couple still hadn’t given any thought to what they would do when she went into labour. “When it was time to take Verena to the hospital, I just grabbed an old easel and stuck a bit of white foam on it and wrote ‘Closed – Wife having baby!’ Well, this was the best marketing I ever did! I was going to suggest to Verena that we should have a child every year for the next five years, but I didn’t think she’d go for it,” Bradley laughed. Milton Picture Framers has the largest range of art supplies in Mackay and is also competitive Australia-wide for its manufacturing of framing. Working as a cabinet maker has given Bradley an eye for quality framing while his passion for art means his advice and experience is perfect for our local budding artists. Milton Picture Framers includes one of the most diverse gallery’s in the region, Milton House Gallery, hanging a quality range of art from both local and nationally acclaimed artists.
Bradley said, “Whether I’m helping a client build on their collection or am selling to a first-time art buyer, there is a great deal of satisfaction and excitement in knowing that both the buyer and artist is happy.” Milton House Gallery has two upcoming exhibitions, Lyne Laver-Ahmat from the 25th of May until the 9th of June and Roland Nancarrow from the 22nd of September until the 22nd of October.
Q&A with Bradley IF YOU COULD OWN ONE PIECE OF ART IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE? “Lucian Freud, In the Flesh.” WHERE IS THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE IN THE WORLD YOU HAVE VISITED? “Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Trying to fathom how they created such beautiful structures.” WHO IS AN ARTIST YOU ADMIRE? Euan Macleod. I met him about 10 years ago. He is an exceptional figurative landscape painter. Milton House Gallery is the only gallery north of Brisbane to have his original paintings for sale, it’s a privilege to represent him.”
MEN IN INDUSTRY
Photography By Norina Jane
Mark Wyatt aka Dr. Rum FISH D’VINE & THE RUM BAR Yo, ho, ho and a bottle of rum. Those who know Mark Wyatt wouldn’t go as far as calling him a pirate, but when it comes to his love of this liquor, he’s definitely one-eyed. If you asked him, rum will cure what ails you, that’s one reason why this local character is known as Dr. Rum. Mark is a co-owner of the famous Rum Bar at Fish D’vine in Airlie Beach. A true experience for visitors as well as a Caribbean-inspired rum oasis for locals, there is a palette of more than 500 rums for enthusiasts to paint their taste buds with. From humble beginnings, this watering hole has garnished a significant worldwide reputation as a must-visit attraction, housing some of the most exclusive drops on Earth. But as Mark explains, price isn’t always the best indication of quality. “Some of the best rums are not necessarily the most expensive and we have a great blend of unique and interesting labels. Some of my current favourites are from the Foursquare distillery in Barbados whose rums sell out very fast because they are that good. We have some rare Caroni rums from the long-closed distillery in Trinidad. We are very excited by the "coming soon" exclusive bottlings by Velier,” he said. Being an influential character in the world of rum has its perks, including worldwide travel, exclusive
events and tasting new rums before they hit the market. “It’s amazing to be a part of the global rum family. I'm lucky to be flown around judging global cocktail completions, attending events such as the Spirit Show in London, meeting famous distillers, master blenders and global distribution companies. There are now also exciting domestic festivals such as sugar cane Sunday in Sydney last month. I'm off to London for Rumfest in October. This all provides the means to taste and introduce new and exciting product to Australia and the Whitsundays,” Mark said. Whether you like it poured neat or mixed into a cocktail, there is a journey for everyone to discover at the Rum Bar. With decades of experience, Mark felt it was a shame to keep some of the best secrets to himself, so Dr. Rum now hosts intimate Rum Journeys which are sitdown tastings covering the history and production of some of the best rums in the world, mixed in with a yarn or two about pirates and dispensing a few urban myths. Gather a group of mates or book a corporate team-building event for the best rum experience this side of the Caribbean. For events that bring a taste of the Whitsundays
to you, D’vine Catering and Events is a division of Fish D’vine and the Rum Bar that can deliver perfection on a platter. With a mobile liquor license, it’s possible to have the crazy concoctions from the Rum Bar anywhere you desire, from the deck of a ship to the famous iridescent sand of Whitehaven Beach. Visit dvinecateringandevents.com.au and rumbar.com.au for more information on off-site catering and experiences at the Rum Bar. It’s the Whitsundays on a plate paired with the best Mojito’s outside of Cuba.
Q&A with Mark WHERE IS THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE YOU HAVE EVER VISITED AND WHY? “Somewhere absolutely amazing but I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to say! I might let it slip on a rum journey though.” IS THERE ANYONE IN BUSINESS YOU ADMIRE? “Richard Seale of the Foursquare distillery in Barbados. His passion and honesty has entirely shaken up the rum world for the better.” www.corelife.com.au 43
Tim Perkins team and his WHITPRO
Paul Russell
Simon Wilmot Aka Simmo, is a plant operator and landscaper. He absolutely loves fishing, if he could he would fish every day, which is a good thing since his last meal on Earth would be seafood and his dream vehicle is a Ford Ranger.
Aka Bagus or Paulie, this lad is a member of the garden and landscaping team. His dream car is a new Holden SS Wagon. His last meal on Earth would be steak, seafood and a cold Belgian beer.
Photography By Norina Jane
Justin Eyles While some may think he is coconuts, his ability to scale the lanky trees is a sight to see. He is also in the garden maintenance division and looks after the landscape yard. His dream car is a Bugatto Veyron and he loves a good steak.
MEET THE BOSS TIM PERKINS Big boys love big toys, and Whitpro owner, Tim Perkins, is no exception!
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TIM, TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW EWP (ELEVATED WORK PLATFORM)
WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST REQUEST YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED ON THE JOB?
“Nicknamed the ‘Spider,’ our new EWP has an impressive reach, elevating further than most at 21 metres with a 12 metre reach! It has a real wow-factor and always draws a bit of crowd when it’s in operation. It’s a safe and efficient means of reaching difficult-to-get-to places and heights, ideal for tree removal, roofers, replacing gutters, air-conditioners, windows, painters and the list goes on. It’s also ideal for tracking into places with difficult access. And, of course, it’s red so it goes faster.”
“Well, after the naked chainsaw photo shoot we did with Core a couple of years ago went up on a billboard, we had one lady request that our guys would only get the job if they worked shirtless on her property. After having a bit of a laugh, I realised she was dead-set serious!”
Steven Hodgett
Tim Dan Collins Dan is an experienced plant operator who loves old-school rap. Never passing up the opportunity for a great steak, this would be his last meal. His perfect vehicle is his Hilux, when it’s running well.
Steve is Whitpro’s all-rounder who does a bit of everything; His HS Statesman done up would be his dream car. He’s also a chef, which explains why his last meal on Earth would be chicken roulade with parsnip puree, scorched tomato and blanched baby carrots.
James Whitehead
Wayne Clark
One can be forgiven for thinking James came with the furniture. He is Whitpro’s longest-standing employee and a grounds maintenance guru. Steak and veg would be his last meal and he already owns his dream car, an SS Commodore.
Wayne is diverse! Often seen on the loader looking after the yard on weekends, Wayne is a a garden maintenance gun. He would pass up a dream car for a boat and loves a grilled steak.
SO, WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THE HAT, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, DO YOU WEAR IT TO BED? “Haha, the hat is glued on! I probably would wear it to bed if I could, but my partner, Norina, says it stinks. I bought it on a trip to Sydney with Norina and it’s been a constant companion ever since. Really it just protects the bald head. I’ve been shaving my head since I was 18 but because the hat rarely comes off, many people are surprised by the shaved look.”
Chris Fry Plant operator and fixer of everything! Chris loves doughnuts, kisses his dog and yes, he was born with that beard! His last meal would be Thai basil chicken and his dream car is a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T.
SPEAKING OF NORINA, WHAT’S IT LIKE TO WORK WITH HER FULL TIME AT WHITPRO NOW THAT SHE HAS SEMIRETIRED THE CAMERA?
bunch who give 100% to our customers, we have fun, but we give it our all. It certainly takes a team effort and I’m grateful for this fantastic team of men and women.”
“Honestly, it has saved my sanity. If she hadn’t been here in the past 12 months, there’s a strong chance I may have given it away. She’s wonderfully supportive, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge having owned an orchard and having worked in the construction industry in Victoria for ten years. She has an unfaultable work ethic and is an essential part of Whitpro’s operations. I couldn’t run the business without her.
MOVING FROM WET SEASON TO DRY, WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO TO KEEP THEIR LAWN AND GARDENS LOOKING GOOD?
“In fact, our entire team is the strongest Whitpro has ever had. We’re a hard-working
“Lawn growth will start to slow as there is less rain. It’s a great time to fertilize your lawn and keep up regular mowing to decrease weed activity. It’s still a good time for planting with moisture in the soil remaining for a number of weeks yet.” www.corelife.com.au 45
Jono Moir
GJ GARDNER HOMES WHITSUNDAYS The dream of living and working in one of Australia’s most beautiful tropical locations is what brought Jono Moir and his wife, Lisa, to the Whitsundays more than a decade ago. The couple are the local owner-operators of GJ Gardner Homes Whitsundays, experienced in construction to withstand the unique set of challenges that building among the islands presents. “Lisa and I are just two down-to-earth, normal people, trying to make a business work in a small town. We have spent the past couple of years working seven-days-per-week to make it work, and we’re proud of where we have managed to take the business in that length of time. We are grateful to clients who have built with us, and look forward to many more GJ Homes,” Jono said. With more than 20 years of building experience, Jono believes that old-fashioned values, his experience and the support of long-term trades is what makes the difference. “I believe in just being me. Our price is bang-on, our trades are mainly the same trades I used before purchasing the GJ franchise with the inclusion of a few more as we became busier. We do our best to meet every need imaginable, but what makes the difference is the fact that I’m there to offer advice and help when things don’t quite go to plan. It’s gotta be a GJ,” he said.
With two children, Jono admits that it can be a struggle to balance family and work when starting up a business, but after two years of hard slog, he and Lisa have a plan to introduce more family time into their schedule. “Our business has taken priority over family life for the past two years, but we are about to have Sunday’s off for a family day. The display home will be closed so we can spend time with our kids, Lily and Jack. “Lily is nine-years-old and is just like me, loves fishing and hanging out with dad as well as reading, swimming, netball and tennis. Jack is seven and is like his mum but likes to hang with dad for the day too. He just started swimming with his sister. So, Sunday will become fun-day; fishing, day-trips to the islands, movies in Bowen, bush-walking and bike riding. We’re really looking forward to this change of lifestyle, so we can fall in love with living here all over again,” he said.
Q&A with Jono WHAT IS YOUR PASSION OUTSIDE OF WORK AND FAMILY LIFE? “I own an Escort rally car and can’t wait for the rally here in the Whitsundays. I have entered the Cairns Targa rally later this year, so I’m super excited to get back behind the wheel. I built this car from the ground up, so it’s my toy I love! I devoted a year and a half working slowly on my weekends to complete the build, sourcing parts from here in Australia and from Ireland when the exchange rate was really good, so I timed it well to build.” WHAT IS YOUR DREAM CAR IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT? “Lincoln Continental with Suicide Doors.” IS THERE ANYONE IN BUSINESS YOU ADMIRE? “I admire my wife for putting up with me since we work together every day. She is such an amazing woman and I respect her; with working, running the house and looking after the kids. I can’t believe she has not done the runner on me...or belted me a few more times! Haha.” www.corelife.com.au 46 46 www.corelife.com.au
Photography By Norina Jane
Warren Driscoll
LEAF WOOD ROCK LANDSCAPES LOOK, LISTEN AND LEARN. These simple concepts were the catalyst which launched Warren Driscoll’s career in landscaping. Starting in the building industry as a handyman, Warren was approached by a potential customer for a landscaping job. Given it was a slow day, he arranged a time for a quote and met her onsite. After looking at the backyard, he asked the client what she wanted from the space. “You have the job,” she said. Warren thought he had misunderstood, until she explained that two other landscapers had told her what she could have in the space. No one had asked her what she wanted or taken the time to listen. It was this moment that peaked Warren’s interest in landscaping, so he pursued this newfound passion with further industry training. Several years and many gardens later, Warren was managing the landscaping division for his former employer, when they made him an offer too good to refuse. He took over the ownership and later formed a partnership with Co-Director, Rosie Mohorko. The business partners have merged the best of landscape construction with garden design to form Leaf Wood Rock Landscapes, a design, construction and maintenance business servicing Mackay, the Whitsundays and the Bowen Basin. With Leaf Wood Rock, if you can dream it, they can build it. From that very first landscaping job, Warren has always believed that the most important part of his business is to listen to what his customers hope to achieve from their space. “No matter how big or small the project, the outcome for the client is most important. How it looks, how it feels, how it enhances their lifestyle. We achieve this with personalised service from a dedicated team of locals who aren’t afraid of hard work. We work with the customer to provide a unique design, then the collaboration between myself and Rosie ensures a quality blend of construction and plantings for a special outcome. We’re constantly pushing boundaries to achieve the look our clients desire, watching their dream evolve and then seeing their joy once the project is finished is priceless,” Warren said. Landscaping is a far cry from an interesting position Warren once had as a relief trainer. “I once taught rural skills to overseas backpackers in regional Australia. Our farmers needed help getting jobs done and the backpackers received a unique experience on their working holidays. I met such a diverse range of travellers with a wide range of ideas and opinions about our country, it made me realise even more just how great this place is.”
Q&A with Warren WHERE IS THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE YOU HAVE EVER VISITED?
Photography By Norina Jane
“Estonia for the rich historical architecture and old-world charm.” DO YOU HAVE ANY SCARS WITH AN INTERESTING STORY BEHIND IT? “When I was around 11-12, I was a passenger in a car that lost traction on a gravel road and I was thrown from the car. I ended up going backwards through a double-strand barbed wire fence. The barbs shredded over half my neck and I still have the scars to this day. I don’t recall much but my Dad tells me he found me wandering up the road away from the accident drenched in blood.” WHAT IS THE MOST ADRENALIN-PUMPING THING YOU'VE EVER DONE? “Becoming a parent to two girls. There is nothing more extreme or adrenalin-pumping I could ever imagine.” www.corelife.com.au 47
Jack Wall and Jason Mansfield PROSERPINE VET SURGERY
Our pets become a big part of our families, but their tiny (and not so tiny) bodies are as complex as our own. When they are unwell, we rely on people like Jack Wall and Jason Mansfield from Proserpine Vet Surgery to make them feel better again.
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MEET JACK WALL Jack grew up in Cairns with a younger brother and sister and resonated with animals from a young age. He moved to Townsville to study Veterinary Sciences at JCU before moving to Proserpine to undertake a role as an Associate Veterinarian. He’s been a member of the Proserpine Vet Surgery team for two-and-a-half years. “I’m thankful to be part of a surgery with a wide range of animals and services to learn from. I have a keen interest in surgery and one of the most challenging moments for me has been performing open-heart surgery on a cat,” Jack said. One of Jack’s passions is snowboarding, so he travels overseas when he can to spend time in the mountains. During one trip to Canada, he spent time along the way in South Korea. Not one to shy away from new experiences, he ventured into a strange restaurant where he was unsure of most items on the menu. It wasn’t until he left that it dawned on him that there was a strong
possibility that he was served dog. With a beloved Golden Retriever called Bundy as a pet, Jack found this concept a hard one to swallow. Q&A with Jack DO YOU HAVE ANY SCARS OR TATTOOS WITH AN INTERESTING STORY? I have an iron burn scar on an ass cheek, the result of a drunken night at College. WHAT’S THE MOST ADRENALIN-PUMPING THING YOU’VE EVER DONE? Spending time in the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. There I bungy jumped and sky dived. MEET JASON MANSFIELD A mixed-practice Veterinarian, Jason enjoys
the variation of species he is able to treat in his position. He’s been a member of the Proserpine Vet Surgery team for more than three years after studying at JCU in Townsville. Growing up on a farm in Sarina, his fascination of animals was a given. “I wanted to be a vet since I was a six-year-old, after watching a local veterinarian in Sarina do a post mortem on a few cows and goats. I thought it was fascinating! “Now, I enjoy visiting farms and working with cattle, getting to know the ins and outs of herds to help producers in areas such as disease prevention, reproductive scanning, bull testing and biosecurity planning,” he said. Jason is also passionate about travel and has ticked an extensive list of destinations off his list. One of his most memorable adventures was in
Peru where he ventured to Machu Picchu and tasted guinea pig, which he says tasted like chicken. Q&A with Jason WHAT’S THE MOST ADRENALIN-PUMPING THING YOU’VE EVER DONE? “Boogie boarding down white-water rapids in Queenstown and having the instructor give you a massive pep talk about kicking like your life depended on it around this bend because you will get sucked under the rocks.” WHAT’S YOUR DREAM SPORTING EVENT TO ATTEND? “Myself and a few close university mates go to the State of Origin Game Two every year to catch up. That is and will probably be the best sporting event I will ever go to.”
Photography By Norina Jane www.corelife.com.au 49
Whitsunday Marble & Granite Stone is one of the oldest building products known to man, revered over time for both its strength and beauty. Marble and granite are still among the most sought-after and elite building materials in the world. Luckily, with engineered options, this look is now achievable across a spectrum of buildings, including entry-level houses.
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Sourced from around the world, Whitsunday Marble and Granite can provide a wide range of stone choices to transform your kitchen or bathroom into one of timeless beauty. From unique cuts of natural marble to a plethora of engineered designs, there are options to suit every dĂŠcor and budget.
MEN IN INDUSTRY
day starting on the 5 a.m. barge and finishing later that evening. Ironically, their workplace in Cannonvale is still awaiting cyclone repairs due to hold-ups with the insurance, creating extreme conditions for the team to work in. Co-owner, Narelle Stewart, said that she applauded her team for working in difficult circumstances.
The craft of stonemasonry is an ancient one and one which is developed over time and experience. Owner, James Stewart, brings more than 35 years of experience to the Whitsundays. His business is in its 15th year locally and has garnished a reputation as a leader in stone masonry throughout Queensland. This past year has been their busiest one yet, due to the extensive water damage caused by Cyclone Debbie throughout the local area. The business has recently grown to take on two new apprentices, taking the Whitsunday Marble and Granite tradie team up to 11 men. Two of the stone masons have been with the
company for more than 10 years, adding to the experience which Whitsunday Marble and Granite is known for. Whitsunday Marble and Granite supply stone in the form of kitchen bench tops, vanities and exterior stone cladding, to local builders, cabinetmakers and also direct to the public. The team take on the project from start to finish, discussing type of stone to best-suit the space, providing an on-site measure and quote to installing the final handcrafted product. Currently the team are completing multiple repairs to damaged kitchens and bathrooms on Hamilton Island, with a long
“We are grateful to have such a hardworking team with our client’s best interests at heart. It’s not an easy job, one that regularly requires long days and travel to and from site, but we are thankful to have such a dedicated and skilled team supporting us,” she said. Members of the team live across the region, from Airlie Beach to Bowen and Mackay, making on-site measures for quoting a faster process across the wider region. The business covers inland throughout the Bowen Basin too, servicing the mining towns of Moranbah and Dysart as well as Emerald and Nebo. Let the team from Whitsunday Marble and Granite create a show-stopping masterpiece for your home or business, for the best in stone to last a lifetime. www.corelife.com.au 51
Photography By Norina Jane www.corelife.com.au 52 52 www.corelife.com.au
Anton Zafir and Dan Zealand WHITSUNDAY MARTIAL ARTS
Self-defence, increased confidence or strength and stamina; martial arts are an ancient method of training your body and mind to harmonise as one. Whitsunday Martial Arts co-owners, Anton Zafir and Dan Zealand, come from different schools of performance but are united in their desire to help their students succeed. The men went to school together 17 years ago on the Sunshine Coast and both ended up moving to the Whitsundays for work six months apart from each other. When Anton realised Dan had also moved to the area, he called him up to see if he was interested in becoming a training partner. “I had been doing some mixed martial arts and I knew Dan had been doing some boxing, so he would make a great training partner. We started out in his garage and then the PCYC and a couple of local gym
WHAT DOES WHITSUNDAY MARTIAL ARTS OFFER? Whitsunday Martial Arts incorporates Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Brazillian Jui-Jitsu, Submission Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts in an open and friendly environment, suitable for beginners and elite fighters. Anton specialises in training wrestling, jiujitsu and kickboxing while Dan is the boxing specialist. HOW DID YOU GET INTO MARTIAL ARTS? ANTON – “I did Karate as a young boy and enjoyed it, I gave it up as I got a bit older and played a lot of team sports, but every so often I would jump back to some martial arts. When I went to University I did an exchange to the United States and while I was there did a week’s training in a MMA gym. I came home and trained for six months on the Sunshine Coast before moving to Airlie Beach. I never started with the intention of fighting but after helping Dan get ready for a fight in Airlie Beach and being a part of the fight night, I wanted to have a go. I was hooked. More than 20 fights later and I’m still addicted to the sport.” DAN – “I got into boxing around 18 to drop some weight (I was about 30kgs heavier all through high school) and when the weight started to come off, I took a fight in a local
halls. After five years and nearly two-dozen fights between us, we realised we needed a place of our own. “We started with very limited equipment and kept on reinvesting what we had back into the gym, but with a lot of late nights and early mornings from Dan and myself, we’ve built up a great training facility which has produced a fantastic group of enthusiastic trainees and some talented athletes and fighters,” Anton said. Not only do these men dedicate a large part of their lives to training and coaching, Anton and Dan have full-time careers outside of fighting. Anton is a full time High School Teacher at Proserpine State High School. He currently teachers HPE but has taught science and math’s in the past, and Dan works for local food wholesaler, Whitsunday Food Service.
competition. To be honest, I got the crap beaten out of me, but I was hooked. After several more boxing fights and crossing paths with Anton who came from an MMA background, curiosity got the better of me and I had a crack at MMA. But the roots have always been boxing.” WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS AS A FIGHTER? ANTON – “My two greatest achievements for myself was winning my first Australian Title against an opponent I was told I would never have a chance against. The second was fighting and competing in the UFC especially fighting at the MGM grand over in Las Vegas.” DAN – “I had some success at a national Golden Gloves competition a few years back, to experience that with a couple of other guys from the gym was pretty cool. But my definition of achievement isn’t really about what fights I’ve won, but more about the fights I’ve lost and how I’ve personally developed and learnt from those losses.” MOST ADRENALIN-PUMPING THING YOU’VE EVER DONE? Both men agree that fighting is the most adrenalin-pumping thing they have ever done, even more so than jumping out of an aeroplane or swimming with Great White sharks. www.corelife.com.au 53
Meet the Tattooist
Airlie Ink The artistic nature of the profession, the variety of people that entrust you with adorning their body with artwork and the constant challenge of creation make being a tattoo artist a rewarding career. However, unlike painting a canvas, mistakes aren’t as forgiving on a person’s skin, making each sitting intense and demanding on concentration. Despite the long hours at the end of the needles, tattooist, AJ Tyrrell, wouldn’t have it any other way. “When I wake up in the morning, I never have to go to work. Because what I do isn’t work to me. I’m doing what I love to do and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” he said. AJ started his artistic career as a graffiti artist. After numerous requests from friends to design tattoos for them, he made the move to start an apprenticeship with Skin Fantasy in Bathurst. 17 years later, it’s still a career that excites him. “Knowing that people entrust you to create everlasting art on their body and seeing them proudly displaying your art in public is a great feeling. When people walk out smiling, we know we’ve been successful,” he said. Airlie Ink has recently undergone extensive renovations to their studio on Shute Harbour Road, knocking down walls and taking over an adjacent space to include more booths and extend their services. AJ joined the team 14 months ago after moving to the Whitsundays with his fiancée and their five children. www.corelife.com.au 54 54 www.corelife.com.au
“We have an incredibly talented team and have a new tattooist starting with us this month. We sell an awesome range of apparel, offer piercing services and when it comes to tattooing there’s nothing we can’t achieve. I specialise in black and grey horror and realism art, from skulls to realistic-looking roses and portraits. Between the team we specialise in colour, black and grey, tribal, cover-ups and a whole range of other art. It’s a friendly environment, a down-to-earth team and it’s great to work among super talented people,” AJ said.
WHAT’S THE STRANGEST TATTOO REQUEST YOU’VE RECEIVED? “Over the years there have been so many. One that comes to mind was a hamburger above a guy’s pubic line with the words ‘no fat chicks.’ I’ve also been asked to tattoo a swastika on someone’s forehead.” WHAT’S THE BIGGEST TATTOO YOU’VE COMPLETED? “The longest continual sitting was 13 hours, but physically the biggest tattoo’s I’ve created have been full body suits which include arms, legs and torso. Those take multiple sittings. Full back tattoos can take anywhere between 20 and 50 hours depending on the complexity of the design.” WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU’RE NOT TATTOOING? “There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do much else. Between tattooing, drawing and painting I like skateboarding and watching ice hockey.”
www.corelife.com.au 55
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49483111
THE BIG ISSUES
SHED HAPPENS, What’s Your Battle?
W
hen a woman has a problem you can be sure her friends, her family, her neighbours and probably the local checkout chick know about it. When a man has a problem, however, it often stays locked inside, like secret, held back and pushed down, never resolved or brought to the surface. Traditionally there is a lot of shame involved with men admitting they have issues. This outdated stigma often means men feel that admitting they are experiencing challenges is showing a sign of weakness or that they are unable to cope. Fortunately this stigma is changing and there are some inspiring men out there who are giving other blokes a safe place to talk about lifes challenges. One of these inspiring men is Frank Cowell who runs a regular men’s night called Shed Happens in Mackay. The concept originated in Brisbane 25 years ago and was started by a truck driver called Ian Watson who ran a truck driving school. He noticed that the men he taught would regularly open up to him during their time together. Listening to their stories without comment or judgment, Ian, immediately saw the power it had in releasing these men from their inner problems. Like a weight had lifted. This inspired Ian to hold regular blokes bbq’s during which he would conduct casual interviews, encouraging his guests to open up. The remainder of the guests would watch and listen as they told their stories. Frank heard about this and, ten years ago, decided to start his own Shed Happens bbq night
in the Gold Coast. Then seven years ago he brought the concept up to Mackay with him and has been hosting regular events ever since. “We talk about everything,” he said. “The good, the bad, the happy and the sad. We never focus on what they do for a living or anything like that, instead we talk about their relationships with their loved ones, experiences as a child, greatest achievements, greatest challenges, that sort of thing.”
Shed Happens bbq nights are held at the Mackay Christian College Trade Centre on the third Wednesday of every month and everyone is welcome. Between 20 and 30 men attend and about two thirds are regulars. This means a third of the men are there for the first time. Frank finds the night attracts a huge range of men. “We get professionals and tradesmen, young and old. We encourage fathers and sons to come together. One fella brings his 13 year old son and he gets a lot out of the experience.”
The interviews work two fold. Firstly, it gives the person being interviewed the opportunity to talk about their issues in a safe and supportive environment. Secondly, it shows members of the audience that they are not alone, that others share similar setbacks.
Men might never feel comfortable telling everyone about their problems like women do but with active groups like Shed Happens, at least they have a safe place to go and be with other men who talk openly.
Now in retirement, Frank was a soldier all his life and is naturally tuned to want to help others.
If you would like to attend the next Shed Happens bbq night please call Frank on 0434 908 968 for more information.
“I’ve always worked in a service orientated profession and upon my retirement I asked God what he wanted me to do. He told me to keep working to help other men. It’s what I am good at and it’s where my heart is. Plus, I couldn’t sit around and do nothing!” He said. Bonding and camaraderie between men of all ages is a vital platform for growth. So much socialising these days is associated with the pub or the footy field, both of which can involve a certain amount of ‘front’ or bravado to feel like you belong. This is where the Shed Happens events are different. They are alcohol free, open, honest, respectful and encouraging which is why they are so powerful.
WHAT’S YOUR BATTLE?
Grab a real burger & HEAR CHAMPION BLOKES CHAT about “GOOD & BAD, HAPPY or SAD” Mackay Shed Happens
Frank Cowell – Ph 0434 908 968 Darryl McKendrick – Ph 0487 393 250
(this is an alcohol free event)
Look on www.shednight.com for your local shed
www.corelife.com.au 57
How I’m using
my Drug Addiction
to Help Others “If what I talk about today can help anyone else then I am more than happy to share my story,” said Wayne who lost 22 years of his life to drugs. “Nobody starts out thinking they are going to get addicted and neither did I. I thought I was in control but now I look back, I can see it was in control of me.”
W
ayne was only 12 when he found his neighbours marijuana plant, stealing it with a friend and drying it out before trying the drug for the first time. He remembers going from being a normal kid, living at home with his mum and dad to leaving home at 15, rebellious and running the streets. Quickly, life became one big party and he no longer cared about anyone or anything. Just chasing his next high. “This is what drugs do to you,” said Wayne. “They change you into someone you’re not. They twist your mind and make you think nothing else matters. That you are invincible and don’t need anyone. Before you know it you have lost connection with your family, friends, the lot. “I remember when my dad died, I was so into the drugs I hardly remember him passing. All I could think about was where I was going to get the next hit.”
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Wayne got deeper and deeper into the drug culture; experimenting with everything, growing, selling and transporting. Despite having a wife and three boys, Wayne found himself barely at home. “They went through hell with me,” he said. “My wife Robyn was both mum and a dad to our boys for a long time. I left them behind and went and did my own thing. She had every reason to walk. But she didn’t. She stuck it out.” The couple has now been together for 39 years and Wayne feels blessed and incredibly grateful. It has also been 26 years since Wayne quit drugs, alcohol and smoking. He went from all to nothing within six months. “I’d had enough,” he said. “I remember wanting to change but I didn’t know how. I knew I had to get away from the influences,
the people and the culture. That’s when I found Pastor Joe Simon. He had been in the Mount Isa Mafia before becoming a preacher so we had a fair bit to relate to. “I split from the group I’d been hanging out with and went to church instead. When you stop doing drugs you really learn who your friends are. None of them wanted to know me. “As soon as I made the commitment, I could feel God’s presence in everything I did. My withdrawal disappeared and I believe that was due to everyone praying for me at church.” With the ongoing support of Pastor Joe and the broader church community, Wayne was able to completely eradicate drugs, alcohol and cigarettes from his life. “When I first quit I was very angry. That’s one area I’ve really had to work on. I also had to learn how to think again. It was like going back to kindergarten!”
THE BIG ISSUES
PAYING IT FORWARD Now a sixty-year-old man, Wayne is totally transformed from the drug addict he once knew. He is now living his life to the full, swimming 2km and cycling 15km a day, apart from on weekends when he enjoys spending time with his family. He has a great relationship with his wife, their three grown-up sons and nine grandchildren. His past is gone but not forgotten, however, and he holds it like a medal of honour using his experience every day to help others in the community who are suffering from addiction. Wayne holds talks at local schools, attends youth camps and visits patients in the mental health ward at the hospital. For many in the local community Wayne is their hero, the person that didn’t give up on their loved one suffering from addiction when they needed help the most. “I get calls from desperate parents all the time and I never give up on anyone,” he said. “But there is nothing I can do unless the person wants to change. They need to be desperate and totally committed to get off drugs. Most of the time they need to be at rock bottom.” Wayne recommends a drug rehabilitation program.
“If they can go into a care program for twelve months, that is the best. I’ve seen people go in for three or six months and leave because they think they are feeling great but it is never long before they get back into it.” Wayne recommends a twelve-month residential stay at a drug rehabilitation program. In his experience, this option has an 80-90% success rate. There are programs that Wayne can recommend which qualify for a sickness benefit from the government whereby 85% funds your place in the program and the 15% remaining is used to buy toiletries etc. This makes the solution a lot more accessible to everyone. “All they’ve got to do is call out for help and be willing to help themselves and they will break their addiction,” said Wayne. “Don’t right yourself off. Don’t think you are beyond help. Look for the help you are going to need and take hold. Get the best help you can because this lifestyle of being on drugs is one big counterfeit. It is a false way of living. “If you know you’ve got a problem don’t stay in denial. Get yourself to church or give me a ring.” Wayne has been there, seen it and probably done it. From this raw state he can understand,
better than most, how it feels to be living with an addiction. This makes opening up to him is a lot easier. His genuine personality makes you feel safe. His belief in you makes you feel stronger and even if you fail, he will still be there for you. “I should be dead from all the drugs I’ve done, but I am not. If I can beat this, you can beat this too and I will never give up until the day I die.” He is on your side.
To speak with Wayne directly you can call him on 0484 603 088.
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THE BIG ISSUES
Ken Deakes, Darren Lloyd and Kev Fancke
Fighting Suicide, One Step at a Time
A
lmost everyone in our community knows somebody who has been directly affected by suicide. It is an issue that touches everyone’s lives in some way and leaves anyone connected asking why? And, how could it have been prevented? Suicide is a secret killer, it can happen to the seemingly happiest members of our community and often comes as a total shock to their loved ones. It is also an issue that has slipped into the social taboo. Quite often, people avoid talking about it and the media rarely reports on it. Meanwhile it is killing eight Australians every day and two thirds of them are men. Fortunately, for our local community there are local groups that actively work to educate and raise awareness for suicide prevention. One of these local groups started alongside the Whitsunday Bald Eagles in 2014. Jack Lumby and Kevin Fancke founded the movement. “Too many of our friends were dying from mental illness and we were lucky enough to be in a position to help,” said Kev. The group has since hosted several events to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention. From Bullaramas and Rodeaos to their regular a “Mile in Their Shoes” community walks, the group
is dedicated to commemorating lost mates and showing solidarity to those suffering with issues related to mental health. Funds are given directly to the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) and are used for training, intervention and most importantly postvention. This is where support is given to family members after someone has passed. “The biggest thing you can do for your mates is to ask them if they are ok,” said Kev.
It is inspiring to see how a conversation that started on the Whitsunday Sea Eagles footy field three years ago has culminated in a national conference on a large scale and also the established network of local support on a community level. The men that lost their lives to suicide and inspired Kev and Jack to start this group would be very proud to see the good work they are doing. If just one person stays alive because of their work, it will be worth it.
Recently, Kev went to the Wesley Lifeforce National Conference for Suicide Prevention in Darwin with local councillor, Ron Petterson. Wesley Lifeforce is the founder of Lifeline and, since 2002 the organisation has offered suicide prevention training to 33,000 people from community groups across Australia. Following the most recent conference Kev, Ron Petterson and the team of dedicated groups in our local community applied to host the next event. They are now proud to announce that in October this year 150 representatives from around Australia will come to the Whitsundays to learn from each other, swapping skills and knowledge. “It was a huge achievement for us to host the conference and it shows how our hard work and established networks made it happen,” said Kev.
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THE BIG ISSUES
DEALING WITH
N O I S S E R P DE Y T E I X N A and
W
If you feel assailed by anxiety or depression, you need to know that you’re not alone.
e feel it in different ways, deal with it in different ways and the effect it has from person to person changes markedly. For myself, it was the feeling of impending doom that would sweep over like a dark blanket. An overwhelming sense that something bad was going to happen. Even if everything in my life was going well. I guess you could sum it up as the fear of ‘what if.’ We all have this fear to some extent. The fear of not knowing what tomorrow brings. But for some, that fear can become paralysing. I don’t know if it came from some macho self-impression I had of myself, to be the bread-winner. To provide for my family. To be successful. To provide everything my children wanted and to give them the life I thought they needed. When this fear of losing everything became intense, I found myself not being able to breathe. I had a tightness in my chest and I had no idea what was happening. I thought I was having a heart attack, but I later discovered it was a panic attack. www.corelife.com.au 62 62 www.corelife.com.au
But I hadn’t lost my job, my children were fine, my wife hadn’t left me. I had no reason that I was aware of to feel that way, but nevertheless, the black cloud of the apocalypse of my life swallowed me whole and spit me out. Thankfully, attacks like this were few and far between, but my worries never seemed to subside. I felt sad regularly, but I didn’t understand why. I thought it was part of being an adult. I thought I had to suck it up and get on with life. I went years feeling like this, before I had my personal breakthrough. I had a mate who opened up to me and described feelings much like my own. He had been receiving treatment for anxiety and depression and had seen similarities in my behaviour that he had identified in himself before he sought help. I was lucky. If he hadn’t been such a good friend, I might still be undiagnosed, waiting for the next storm to swallow me up. Although mental health is talked about more often than it was a decade or two ago, it still
comes with a societal stigma often associated with invisible illness. But the saying is true, it ain’t weak to speak. Once you choose to openly talk about your mental illness, be it anxiety or depression, one thing that becomes apparent is that it doesn’t discriminate. Friends, family and colleagues. Rich or poor. Successful or struggling. Often without rhyme nor reason. In fact, it is often high-achieving members of society who suffer from anxiety, and or depression, frequently. Whether it’s brought on by societal expectation or the pressure we place on ourselves to be the best at what we do, despite being intelligent and driven members of society, there’s no simple solution to ‘switch off’ those feelings of self-loathing, sadness or worry. If someone you care about opens up and talks to you about their anxiety or depression, please don’t tell them that they just need to relax or cheer up. Because if it were that easy, we would have done it a long time ago.
THE BIG ISSUES
FACTS According to Beyond Blue, anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. On average, one in four people – one in three women and one in five men – will experience anxiety at some stage in their life. In a 12-month period, over two million Australians experience anxiety.
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SEEKING HELP We all have good days and bad days. Then there are those days when something isn't quite right, you've got something on your mind, or things just seem too much. Whatever it may be, sharing the load with someone else can really help. No matter who you are, or how you're feeling, you can talk it through with Beyond Blue. Last year more than 150,000 people in Australia contacted Beyond Blue about their concerns – both big and small – and you can too. All calls and chats are one-on-one with a trained mental health professional, and completely confidential. Phone 1300 22 4636 or find out more at beyondblue.org.au
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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS – from Beyond Blue While each anxiety condition has its own unique features, there are some common symptoms including:
PHYSICAL:
Panic attacks, hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, quick breathing, restlessness, or feeling tense, wound up and edgy.
PSYCHOLOGICAL:
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BEHAVIOURAL:
Avoidance of situations that make you feel anxious which can impact on study, work or social life.
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Excessive fear, worry, catastrophizing, or obsessive thinking.
LiveLife to feel
GREAT
Our trusted experts in medicine, Pharmacists are often who we turn to for expert advice in health and wellness. Here to support us through every stage of life, looking after our health is their utmost priority. When the opportunity arose to relocate to larger premises, LiveLife Pharmacy Bowen Plaza owner, Lee McLennan, jumped at the opportunity. Not only does the larger space within Centrepoint Plaza provide a more spacious experience for customers, the move also allowed Lee to invest in the latest robotic dispensing technology, Rowa the Robot. This advancement means that Lee and the team get to spend more time helping customers with their health needs and less time hidden in a back room counting medication. Lee explains, “We have always been passionate in ensuring our pharmacists are available to assist customers with their pharmacy health needs. By having Rowa Robot do the hard work in the background with stock management, storage and selection, our dispensary team can spend more time directly helping customers,� he said. The robot works by reading barcodes on each box, picking them up with a suction cup and sending them through shoots to the allocated desks out the front. It can work 24 hours a day, cleaning between shelves and organising boxes, so that it can select them for the dispensary team in the fastest time possible. The life of a pharmacist is incredibly diverse. They can offer much more than expertise in medication dispensing, health education, counselling and treating minor ailments, but also assist with vaccinations, diabetes management, weight loss solutions and medical reviews. With the
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addition of Rowa to the team, Wally, Michelle and Lee are looking forward to ensuring their customers have prompt access to a full range of medical and health services. As well as a health and wellness destination, LiveLife Pharmacy is now offering a larger range of beauty and cosmetic products, making it a onestop feel-good shop. Designer Brands, Revlon, Natio and Napoleon Perdis are among some of the brands you can find within. The vitamin range has expanded and as an on-going special, you receive a third vitamin supplement for free with the purchase of two vitamin products. Locally family-owned and operated, LiveLife Pharmacy is passionate about giving back to the local Bowen community. They are proud supporters of 24 local Bowen charities each year including Bowen Seagulls Tallis Cup Team, the Bowen Tennis Club, Queen’s Beach State School, Bowen Netball Association and the Kidpreneur Program, just to name a few. “If you are a member of any sporting clubs or community support organisations who need a helping hand with a donation, please feel free to approach us in store to complete a community support application form,” Lee said. Talk to your local LiveLife pharmacist to see how they can support you with trusted health advice and discover the difference of personalised service.
Centre Point Plaza Bowen
07 4786 1143
www.livelifepharmacy.com www.corelife.com.au 65
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Follow Bec's transformation on Facebook Finding Forty with Rebecca Douthwaite
“My life had become something I was merely existing in, not something I was actually living.” Gerontologists say that your 40’s is the new 30’s and that as you approach your fourth decade, it’s the most crucial opportunity you will receive to reinvent yourself. But with so many of us run ragged working, looking after children, building a business and finding time for friends, how do we make time to be happy? How many of us constantly push to be a better mother, a better businesswoman, a better wife; only to realise that the one person we constantly forget about is ourselves? After years of self-neglect, Rebecca Douthwaite is facing her greatest challenge head-on and is inviting you to join her on her journey. Whether you know her as a wife, a mum, or as the publisher of three magazines, what you don’t know about Rebecca is the battle she faces privately, with low self-esteem and anxiety. As many of us can relate to, Rebecca has spent her entire life striving to be better. To prove she could be everything to everyone. To run a successful business while being a mother. Her preoccupation with success took a toll on her physical health, which over time, created periods of anxiety and panic attacks. She realised she had spent so much time living up to societal expectation that she had no time left for her own health and wellbeing. “Being a wife, mum, boss and business owner has many challenges, finding time for me wasn’t a priority, there was always something more important to do and only so many hours in the day to do it. I own and manage three magazines which means my life is dominated by constant deadlines. Stress and long hours followed by all-nighters leading up to print has become a constant in my life, while also being mum to an amazing teenager. My son, Kaylem, plays footy and golf, which requires a lot of trips up and down the coast for competitions and training. My life had become about being a better businessowner and better mother, with little time to become a better me. www.corelife.com.au 66 66 www.corelife.com.au
“Before long, nine years had passed, and this mindset had seen me become more and more disconnected from everyone around me, including myself. Most people wouldn’t think that someone like me, who is so optimistic and driven, would ever suffer from anxiety, but the truth is I have suffered with this most of my life. I had learnt to live with it and would go through periods of time when it didn’t have any impact on me, however the more I ignored how I was feeling, the worse it got. “My life eventually became something I existed in but not something I was really living in. Not looking after my health and wellness has taken a toll. It’s time to take my own life back,” she said. Leading up to her fortieth birthday later this year, Rebecca has embarked on a complete midlife body and mind overhaul, in pursuit of true happiness. “I decided to take on this transformation and share my journey, not only to make me accountable, but to also hopefully inspire anyone who is also struggling to find themselves. To inspire anyone who has forgotten what it feels like to actually ‘feel good’ or ‘happy, really happy.’ I want to prove that no matter how old you are, you can find ‘you’ again and live a life where you are the leading star. “I’m 20kg heavier now than when I got married. This was a wakeup call for me. I have five months to challenge myself to a complete mind, body and soul transformation and I hope to inspire other busy women in the process. This edition we focus on the fitness, but keep an eye out on Facebook and in future editions of Core Life Magazine for updates on psychology sessions, a skincare regime and other journeys of self-improvement,” Rebecca said. Rebecca’s physical transformation Whitsunday Martial Arts. Not one to roll with the punches, Rebecca is throwing them back as she kicks and fights her way to a fitter self. She has commenced an eightweek challenge with Whitsunday Martial Arts with a group of like-minded people looking to
increase their strength and stamina. “I was terrified to walk in the door, but quickly realised that I wasn’t the only one. Everyone who is doing this challenge is on a similar journey and are all so supportive of each other. Meeting new people and making new friends has been a highlight and I look forward to being a part of their journey,” Rebecca said. Rebecca trains a minimum of eight times per week and is loving the new challenge that Whitsunday Martial Arts has given her. “As someone who struggled to find time to get to the gym once per week, the concept of making time for myself is very new. But if I can do it, others can too. I’m in my third week of training and I’ve managed to fit in at least eight workouts per week for the past two weeks. Yes I’m a mum and a business-woman, but it’s time that I was also me. “The structure of the challenge is very different to anything I have done before, but I am loving it a lot more than I thought I would. Especially the fight training. The whole culture of the club is addictive, you are not singled out as a newbie, even to the members who have been going for years. They are all so welcoming and excited to help and encourage you. You are part of a team and everything you do you do together.” Her ultimate goal is to learn how to be happy in her own skin to become a better mother, wife and friend. A part of her journey will be to see a psychologist over the next five months to address her anxiety, to change the way she copes with life and the challenges it brings. Rebecca will be sharing regular updates on a new Facebook page, Finding Forty with Rebecca Douthwaite. This will be a raw, real-life account of her progress and pitfalls she will face along the way. Regular updates will be posted as she shares her journey in a very real and exposed way, to help others who may be facing similar struggles. The team at Core Life Magazine are so proud of this transformation she has taken on, we wish her every success and will be her biggest cheerleaders as she finds her own path to forty.
Meet Rebecca’s Coaches Anton Zafir and Dan Zealand from
Whitsunday Martial Arts WHAT IS THE 8 WEEK CHALLENGE? “Bec is a part of our eight-week fitness and martial arts challenge. This challenge is designed to push each participant out of their comfort zone while introducing them to martial arts that they may never have considered before. They must meet a required eight classes per week, whether it is fitness or martial arts. They are also a part of a mentoring session once a week and are required to monitor and record all the food and drinks that they consume. As coaches we then go through the plans and tweak accordingly each week to improve what they are currently eating, to turn it into something that they are
able to sustain for the long term. We have 20 participants and it is a great group who encourage and motivate each other.” WHAT IMPROVEMENTS HAVE YOU SEEN IN BEC DURING HER FIRST TWO WEEKS OF THE CHALLENGE? “Bec’s stamina and muscular endurance has already improved. We can see the positive mental shift where Bec is pushing harder in training sessions. She is improving her nutrition as well. “Bec is remarkably enthusiastic to attend a variety of martial art classes that she would never have thought about previously, seeing her get stuck in to the fight training is great as a coach.”
CAN MARTIAL ARTS BE FOR EVERYONE? “One of the greatest stereotypes we fight to break is the ‘fightclub’ association with martial arts and MMA in particular. We want to make it clear that martial arts is for everyone, no matter your background or walk of life. Martial arts can make you a better person; mentally, physically and emotionally. The hardest part is walking through the door, but just like Bec mentioned, once you’re inside, you’ll see how supportive and friendly the environment is. We’re here to motivate you, push you, challenge you and help you overcome your fears.”
Meet The Challengers
MMA Boxing Brazilian Jiu-Jutsu Submission wrestling Group Fitness Classes Kids & Youths Martial Arts
JOIN OUR NEXT
8 WEEK CHALLENGE!
Back Row – Chris Smith, Amy Rock, Ashlee O’Keefe, Kaz Hanks, Jasmine Kratz, Rebecca Douthwaite, Yvonnne Gascoyne, Meiling Elson, Deena Jane Hansen, Debbie Phillips, Greg Chapman, Kelli McDonald, Mitch Hendy
1 on 1 Personal coaching
Front Row – Cassidhe Molloy, Jeni Fraser, Anton Zafir, Dan Zealand, Brenda O’Donoghue, Leah Borghero, Tiff Deakes Starting Monday 18th June • Limited to 20 people • Includes Nutrition Coaching and access to all of the martial arts & fitness classes If you’re serious about a lifestyle change, this program will push you physically and mentally in a motivating environment... HURRY! BOOK YOUR SPOT NOW! Contact WMA whitsundaymartialarts.com
0409 943 333 @WhitsundayMartialArts www.corelife.com.au 67
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Make me Over! Day, she flew to Sydney and climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This was a promise she had made herself, and after losing 60kg, it was a promise she kept. We know she feels she still has a way to go on her journey, but we wanted to treat her to this special makeover, to let her know how proud we are of her progress. We went full glam with this makeover and we think she looks gorgeous!
AFTER
Our journalist, Amanda Wright, has been one of our star writers for five years. Not only do we think she is an absolute wizard with words, but we have been incredibly impressed and inspired by her decision to start her own health, wellness and weight loss journey.
function we’ve had, she never shied away from riding the banana boat on Daydream Island, climbing over hills on Long Island or swimming on Hamilton Island. She’s always been determined, but since she took the steps to improve her health and fitness, we’ve seen her do even more. She completed the Whitehaven Beach Run. She started competing in athletics again and won a silver medal at the World Games in Auckland. Earlier this year, on Australia
BEFORE
E
very edition, we like to treat a deserving person to a magnificent makeover. One which makes a person feel as beautiful on the outside as we know they are on the inside. This edition is no exception, except that this time, we have treated one of our talented team members to a transformation.
BEFORE
Since September, 2016, Amanda has lost 64kgs. We always knew this lovely lady was beautiful, but seeing her confidence grow as her body shrunk, has been wonderful to witness. She was never one to let her size stop her from accomplishing great things though. At every Core Magazine
Hair by
Hair Styling In my consultation with Amanda we discussed brightening up her whole look. The goal was to soften the faded root stretch/ regrowth look. To achieve this I did soft, fine weaved foils all throughout.
AFTER
Once we reached our desired level of blonde, we decided to amplify the edginess that Amanda possesses in her personality by applying a technically created fairy floss pink toner. And we love it!! For this shoot, we were wanting a more glamourous approach. So, some soft but glam curls for Amanda was the decider! And it all came together harmoniously! Being a part of Amanda’s journey was an absolute privilege. Today, we helped each other reach some goals, and for me, this was my first ever make over & largest colour overhaul as I progressed into the 2nd year of my apprenticeship on the very day. It felt so amazing to see Amanda smile from ear to ear with the look I helped achieve with an awesome team collaboration.
Congratulations, Amanda, we can’t wait to see what you achieve next.
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Make Up by
Make Up
Do you want to learn about make-up from a professional make-up artist?
Having had the pleasure Amanda’s make up before, which was BOOK ofA doing MAKE-UP WORKSHOP NOW! a very natural look. It was nice to spice things up by being a bit more glamorous.
HEN’S NIGHT, ONE ON ONE, MOTHER/DAUGHTER,
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I wanted to play up her beautiful eyes and really make the hint of green EYES ONLY, YOUNG TEENS, MAKE-UP ARTIST TRAINING stand out, to do this I added a waterproof Napolean green eyeliner in her waterline. In order to compliment her gorgeous new hair colour I used the 0415 987 843tones | WWW.LOLLDOLLMAKEUP.COM.AU pink and purple from the Urban Decay Palette #2 To achieve the drama and a more glamorous look we used the Bobbi Brown Ink gel liner to create her winged eyeliner. I used the Youngblood Iluminate Palette on her cheeks to give a pink highlighted glow, followed by a loose powdered blush. I also used this blush to accent just under her brow bones softening her eyes. I used Ardell individual lashes in long, medium and short to finish the look.
Her flawless complexion is due to Airbrushing the foundation on. Amanda is a combination of Element 2 Canvas Blend 3&4. Airbrush was also used to contour her face. I used Youngblood Lipstick Rosewater and Rose lipliner for her lips. To set her make up I used Youngblood Hi-Definition powder and setting spray by Skindinavia.
Congratulations on reaching your 2nd year Emily! I am so proud of you & how well you're progressing in your career. You are a valuable team member of Adam & Eve! COME IN & GRAB A CELEBRATORY SPECIAL WITH EMILY OUR EMERGING STYLIST WHILE THEY LAST! Full head of AAA grade tape extensions, style of your choice & full after care consultation from $590. Full head of foils, deep conditioning masque scalp massage & blowdry from $190! *TC's apply*
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Macular Degeneration Awareness “Macula Month” is occurring this May around Australia. It is an annual campaign designed to raise awareness of macular disease, which includes age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, along with other less common diseases of the macula.
SO WHAT CAN WE REALLY DO TO BE MORE AWARE? The two most important things to know are that this is now the main cause of blindness in Australia, effecting 1 in 7 Australians over the age of 50; and that any vision loss is likely to be permanent, once the damage has occurred. At Hanks Optometrists By George & Matilda Eyecare, we know that prevention and early detection of Macular Degeneration can save your sight. The impact of this disease is devastating as it affects the central vision, so affected patients lose the ability to read, drive, watch TV and recognise faces. Among the first symptoms of macular degeneration is difficulty reading small print. Another symptom is shadows or distortions when looking at a special test called an Amsler Grid. This is a screening test that people can use at home to watch for any changes – they are available for free from your George & Matilda Eyecare practice. There are some key steps that you can take to help prevent Macular Degeneration:
Make the best possible diet and lifestyle choices. A diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach or kale) as well as yellow vegetables, omega 3s through fish or flaxseed oil, and other heart-healthy foods are important. Avoid smoking, ensure you wear sunglasses with good UV protection and look after your cardiovascular health. At George & Matilda Eyecare, we have a comprehensive flyer on Macular Degeneration, which includes a detailed list of the best dietary and lifestyle choices to aid prevention of the disease. Very early Macular Degeneration may not produce any symptoms at all, so it’s important to get checked for this condition regularly. As part of every eye examination at George & Matilda Eyecare, we do comprehensive checks of the macula, including
OCT macular scans and retinal digital imaging on every patient. To ensure you’re well looked after come in and see the team at Hanks Optometrists By George & Matilda Eyecare for a full vision and eye health check - your sight is too important to risk losing it.
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When hearing aids are not enough! What are your options when hearing aids can no longer assist your hearing loss?
“But hang on,” you might say. “Implants are expensive. I can’t afford that!”
Some severe to profound hearing losses can be successfully treated with hearing aids. However, there are people who have such damage to their hearing that speech nerves are unable to fire even when a hearing aid provides them with adequate amplification. And if your nerves aren’t firing then you won’t understand speech.
How much do hearing implants costs?
Generally speaking, if you understand less than half of spoken word you listen to under test conditions, even with quality, correctly chosen and fitted hearing aids, then a cochlear implant is possibly your next step.
Even if you do not have private health insurance then you may also be eligible to fitted through the public health system, however selection criteria is more stringent.
There are other types of hearing loss where implantation is recommended. Where hearing loss involves the middle ear, traditional hearing aids are not recommended for medical reasons. For example chronically discharging ears or if you are born without an outer ear.
It is true that an implant and processor can cost up to $30,000. Any way you look at it it’s a lot of money. What you may not be aware of is that many basic private health insurance hospital policies will cover the implant and the processor as well as much, if not all of the surgery required.
Best thing to do is to seek out an audiologist who will bulk-bill appointments and “mappings” and who also work with ENT specialists who are willing to bulk-bill much of their cost. We find that in most cases our patients end up paying a few hundred dollars out of pocket rather than thousands.
So what kind of implants are available? You may already be familiar with the cochlear implant, which was invented here in Australia. A cochlear works by implanting a tiny electrode in the inner ear. A sound processor (like a hearing aid) sits externally and signals for tiny electrical impulses to be sent along the implanted electrode to stimulate your hearing nerves. The second type of implant is a bone conduction implant and is suitable for people with outer or middle ear issues. A processor signals the bone anchored implant to vibrate, which sends sounds directly to your inner ear through the bones in your skull. The final implant is a middle ear implant. This is similar to a bone conduction implant except instead of vibrating the skull, a small transducer is attached to the little bones within the middle ear (ossicles) and the implant stimulates those to create sounds.
HEARING HEALTH WITH GRANT COLLINS Principal Audiologist/Owner Clarity Hearing + Balance
Ongoing support Whichever implant is suitable for you, you need to be able to rely on ongoing support wherever you are. Treating profound hearing loss with implants is an ongoing process working with your audiologist to retrain your brain to hear and decipher sounds again. It can also be stressful if you need to travel to another town to have implant surgery, so knowing your hearing loss team is nearby can be a great comfort. A first step If you are finding that hearing aids no longer work for you, make an appointment with your audiologist to determine what options are available for you. Then you can carefully consider those options in your own time.
Keep hearing loss your secret! The Virtually Invisible Insera™ Hearing Aid from Unitron is Here Your Insera™ hearing aids are designed specifically for you, and if your hearing needs change in the future, you can easily upgrade the technology features to a level that works with your lifestyle. R Custom-moulded Invisible In Canal (IIC) style digital hearing aid to fit your ears comfortably R Fine-tuned for your specific hearing loss needs R New, improved IIC design for reliability and longevity R Expert, comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and fitting from Clarity Hearing’s Masters level Independent Audiologists 1
R FREE for eligible pensioners and veterans1 including comprehensive assessment and fitting from Clarity Hearing R From $2,090 a pair for IIC for privately funded patients plus $300 comprehensive assessment and fitting from Clarity Hearing You get a personal, accurate assessment and independent recommendation from Clarity’s audiologists, plus our 3 year warranty and 60-day device money back guarantee. Address your hearing loss discretely today. Call now to book.
FREE
Actual Size
to eligible pensioners and veterans1 from Clarity
See http://www.hearingservices.gov.au/ or call us for eligibility requirements. T&Cs apply.
Call now to book or for more information
Call 4957 2000 or 1300 CLARITY www.clarityhearingandbalance.com.au www.corelife.com.au www.corelife.com.au 72 72
Independent Advanced Hearing Aid and Audiology Specialists
Bowen | Clermont | Collinsville | Emerald | Gladstone | Mackay | Proserpine | Rockhampton | Sarina
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Let’s talk Poo The 5 Secrets of Parasites THE WORLD WITHIN YOU by: Selena Daly It is something we don’t like to think about let alone talk about. It is a world that if we allow our mind to go there we become repulsed at the thought that living creatures co-habit our human body
1
Parasites love to live in a home that is acidic and oxygenated, whereas the good guys that are of benefit to us thrive in an environment that is more alkalizing.
Parasites share the love with you and your pets
4
• The reason animals can lick their bottoms is because they have a highly acidic tongue which protects them from becoming reinfected. • Worming should take place daily, pumpkin seeds are seen as a great killer of these critters. Dry roast some and add to your meals – delicious! • Papaya is another great food that worms don’t like - dry the seeds and use as pepper.
• Do you feel lethargic, do you have bad breath, do you have bad body odour? These are all signs that your worms are having a party and taking over the local area.The sickness you’re feeling is their poop • Have meat free days, eat pumpkin seeds and cultured foods daily. Sit back and start to notice the change in your inner ecosystem.
• Parasites love meat, seafood, sugar and white foods. All of these create an environment that is acidic and sticky. • How do I change my body’s environment? Eat fermented foods with your meals to help break down food with the added benefit of the natural occurring enzymes.
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3
Parasites don’t have such great hygiene habits and poop where they sleep
When die-off occurs, you will know about it as they release toxic gases that make you feel even sicker • Ensure that if you are taking supplements to kill parasites; herbal or otherwise, that you book in for Rojas Closed Colonics to support the elimination • If closed colonics are not available, have daily enemas during your parasite cleanse
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Parasites have personalities that you will sometimes hear when you are being grumpy, angry or sad. • The old medicine people will tell you that parasites become very active on the full moon, and strangely enough this is when it is also known that people’s behaviours become more erratic!! • If you are noticing your moods or your children’s moods are out of sorts think about parasites as a possible issue.
GETTING A FLUSH CAN DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND MOOD
bottomsupcolonics.com.au Deicke Arcade 40 Main Street, Proserpine
Get Flushed LEARN ABOUT GETTING FLUSHED. CALL SELENA AT BOTTOMS UP COLONICS WHITSUNDAY ON 07 4945 3235
www.corelife.com.au 73
CO2RE Intima Whitsunday Cosmedic Skin Clinic now offers Intimate Area Laser Rejuvenation Assists with treating loss of sensation during intercourse, restores elasticity and rejuvenates vaginal walls following childbirth, menopause and or following breast cancer treatments. Can improve pelvic tissue and muscle strength, and assist with light bladder leakage. Rejuvenation of the internal and external intimate area with just three treatments.
Virtually pain free procedure.
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Whitsunday Cosmedics Skin Clinic
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Call us to book your consultation today! 4948 3323 whitsundaycosmedicskinclinic.com.au
MEN ALSO LIKE STRAIGHT TEETH Let’s face it, in today’s world men and women will likely work for more employers over the course of their career than ever before. Long gone are the days where people work for the same employer, climbing the ladder towards retirement. The modern worker knows that he must constantly adapt his skills and possibly even his personal appearance to stay in the game. Often, that work starts with a visit to the Orthodontist. More and more men these days are choosing Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment to get their smile in tiptop shape. After all, first impressions in the business world are, indeed everything. WHAT MEN LIKE ABOUT INVISALIGN Discreet: By far the most appealing aspect of Invisalign is the fact that it provides orthodontic treatment that goes nearly undetectable while in progress. You are not alone: Even if someone does notice, you can rest assured that you are in good company. With so many adults, including men, choosing clear braces to fix decades-old smile issues, you will still “fit-in” Convenience: Invisalign can be removed for eating and brushing. Compatible with your personal life: Because it is removable, Invisalign encourages you to continue on with your personal life as planned and without restrictions Confidence: A great smile projects your worth, both in the professional and social fields. You may just land that promotion or dream job when you flash a bright, handsome smile that exudes confidence.
Ask about a healthy, radiant smile today • Preventative Family Dental Care Children’s Dentistry • Wisdom Teeth Removal • Crown and Bridge Work • Root Canal Treatment • Fillings • Zoom in-chair Teeth Whitening • Take Home Bleaching Kits • Dental Implants • Dentures • Visiting Orthodontist for Braces • Health Fund Rebates • Medicare CDBS • DVA Gold Card Holders Welcome
If you’d like to find out about Invisalign and whether you are a good candidate, please contact Braces 4U at 4840 2832 and schedule an appointment with Dr Rodriguez
After hours and emergency appointments
Call: 0409 677 488
If you don’t want people to see your braces, Invisalign is the orthodontic treatment of choice. Invisalign is comfortable, clear, and removable. There’s nothing to hold you back. It’s time for Invisalign
For a consultation call
4840 2832
(07) 4946 5007 nopain@ smilemakerswhitsundays.com.au www.smilemakerswhitsundays.com.au 2/121 Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale QLD 4802
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Mackay’s Masters of
F
rom schoolyard bullying to ringside bravado, every muay thai fighter has their reason why they stepped into the ring. It is the ‘why’ that motivates local trainer, Johnny Borchardt. “Everyone that steps through the door and slips on a pair of gloves has a reason why. Whether it’s bullying at school, cross-training for other sport, a desire to lose weight or a dream to become a champion fighter,” he said. Johnny is the head trainer at Neung Muay Thai. He and his wife, Sarah, are also co-owners alongside local couple, John and Erin Falvo. Johnny met the Falvo’s when he started training their son, Connor, around five years ago. What started as cross-training for footy soon turned into a passion for Connor, who is now the assistant trainer and has 20 fights under his belt. When the Falvo’s and Borchardt’s purchased the gym, they started with little in the way of finances or equipment. Their small group of fighters supplied their own gloves and the club had two sets of thai pads for training. They moved premises to Hume Street and as the public became more aware of who they were, their group more than doubled in size to 40 members. Outgrowing Hume Street, they moved again to Industrial Street where the club now has more than 80 members training. The three men of Neung can be summed up as the brawn, the builder and the youth. Johnny is a highly accomplished fighter with numerous
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Muay
championship titles to his name. He also works full-time as a miner on a 7-on, 7-off roster. Connor, the youth, brings his exuberance to the team and steps in as trainer when Johnny is working. Connor also works full-time at Freddy’s Fishing and Outdoors after graduating from Holy Spirit last year. Connor’s father, John, is the builder. A fitter by trade, John builds most of the training equipment by hand, including the fighting ring, which was built over the Christmas holidays in his shed at home. Every cent that comes from membership fees, is put back into the club for equipment purchases and travel costs to help members fight across the state. “We’re here for the fighters first and foremost. It’s a family and this is their home. It’s not a fight club, it’s a sport, where mother’s can come and watch their children take part, where grandparents can come and watch their grandchildren,” John said. Helping people from all walks of life is what gives Johnny his greatest joy as a trainer. Born and bred in Mackay, he has been training in muay thai from the age of nine. He has fought big card events in Brisbane, has faced fighters from all over the world and has spent months living in Thailand training, fighting and defeating Thai champions. Despite winning an impressive number of belts and trophies, with 35 fights and only seven losses to his name, it’s the story behind each fight he is proud of, win or lose.
MINDBODYSOUL
y Thai “I love winning, but I equally appreciate what I learned during the times I lost. It sounds cliché, but you don’t lose when you learn from defeat. When I won bronze at the world amateurs in Thailand, I had an infection in my foot that had travelled up my leg. I had boys from Mackay piggy-backing me through Bangkok, but I still fought to get that trophy. The bling is nice, but what you take away from the experience and what you learn, both in victory and defeat, is more important,” Johnny said. Giving his knowledge and experience to the next generation of fighters is now his greatest motivation. “I love this gym, I’m surrounded by great people and when I’m here, I don’t have a worry in the world. It’s genuinely my happy place, I want the people that come here to feel the same.
7
T da ava est ys ila s a ble w ee k
“It’s important for me to have a positive impact on those around me, to leave the gym in a better place than when I started, to make a genuine difference in people’s lives. To keep their dream alive.”
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10 Things
Strong People
Don’t Care About Mental strength isn't often reflected in what you do. It's usually seen in what you don't do. So here are a few things mentally and emotionally strong people don’t care about:
1. What other people think of them
5. measuring up to others
We can all fall victim to wanting to be liked over saying what we think. The strong person is pleasant and courteous but forthright and honest even if it means they risk being disliked. They live by the familiar mantra: People who mind don’t matter and people that matter don’t mind.
A strong person does not compare themselves to others. They see the world as abundant, with plenty enough opportunity and success for everyone to enjoy. This means they are pleased to hear about other people’s success, not jealous. They are selfassured and focused on their own direction in life.
2. Change
6. Failure
Strong people know that making changes can be confronting but also understand shying away from them prevents growth. They embrace change and are confident in making the decisions and the preparations needed to get there.
Strong people see failure as an opportunity to learn and a necessary setback to getting them to where they are meant to be. They understand success isn’t immediate and failure is almost always an obstacle they will have to overcome.
3. Trying to control everything
7. Feeling sorry for themselves
You can’t control the speed of the slower driver in front of you. You can’t control the mood of the cranky person serving you at the counter. So why try to? Strong people know it is a waste of time to try. Instead, they choose to focus on the things they can control, such as the way they respond or react to the situation.
Self-pity, moping around and general self-defeatism is not on the agenda for strong people. They quite simply do not have the time. Instead, strong people consider setbacks as opportunities to learn from their mistakes or as fuel to motivate them to persevere or do better.
4. Dwelling on the past
8. Looking stupid
Strong people know that there is no way to change what happened in the past and understand dwelling on past mistakes can hinder their ability to do things differently in the future. For them, the past is an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned, considering the facts rather than emotions.
Strong people are prepared to make mistakes, say the wrong thing or try and fail the first-time round in order to get ahead. Being prepared to give anything a go and potentially looking stupid does not worry the strong person.
9. Taking calculated risks Strong people do not fear calculated risks because they have considered the potential outcomes first. They have a clear goal in-mind and have researched, planned, questioned and analysed the necessary steps to get there.
10. Being alone Strong people are able to enjoy their own company and sit at peace with themselves. Alone time can increase productivity, spark creativity, benefit mental health, empathy for others and result in all round well-being.
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Whats On
MAY/JUNE 2018
WHERE ARE YOU TAKING YOUR MUM FOR MOTHER’S DAY? How about a delicious meal at Mantra Club Croc, Airlie Beach? Mother’s Day Buffet Breakfast 6.30am to 10.30am - $25 pp Mother’s Day Seafood Buffet Lunch from 12 to 3pm - $49 pp BOOK NOW!
WHITSUNDAY LATIN FESTIVAL AT SHINGLEY BEACH RESORT Friday 18th – Monday 21st May Join some of Australia's best Latin Dancers at the Shingley Beach Resort for the annual Whitsunday Latin Festival. With over 20 workshops spread out over three days plus breathtaking performances from professional champion dancers as well as from local performers and three lively parties, this will be a weekend never to forget! A full festival pass includes two or three nights accommodation and 4 meals including a group themed two course dinner as well as all the workshops and parties. Three night passes also includes an afternoon/sunset cruise! For tickets call 0405 118 127
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ACTIVE WOMEN’S WEEKEND AT HAMILTON ISLAND Friday 22nd – Monday 25th June The Active Women’s Weekend on Hamilton Island is set to be a fun and inspirational weekend for all generations. This year’s event will be centred around the theme of ‘Bravery’ and feature a variety of motivated speakers who will share their own experiences during major life events. Guests can take part in the breakfast panel or special dinners, plus enjoy yoga, flower arranging classes, stargazing and adrenaline based activities. Call 137333 or email vacation@hamiltonisland.com.au
THE 2018 RUNWAY DINNER AT WHITSUNDAY AIRPORT, SHUTE HARBOUR Saturday 23rd June This is a truly unique eating experience for everyone, in the heart of the Whitsundays. Eat and drink along the runway with an outdoor cinema, live music, static aircraft and children's entertainment. You can either choose the VIP table with a six course dinner or wander around the variety of food stalls to pick your favourite dinner to enjoy on the runway. After dinner wander back to the dry bars to finish the night listening to the live music. Call 0430 172 325 for full details
HAMILTON ISLAND ENDURANCE SERIES GREAT WHITEHAVEN BEACH RUN Sunday 24th June Every June, keen runners take to the pristine sands of the famous Whitehaven Beach for the fun and challenging Great Whitehaven Beach Run. This is a unique and memorable experience, and with a five distance events to choose from including a challenging 21 kilometre half marathon and a 1.5 kilometre or 500 metre Fun Run, it is suitable for the whole family. Call 137333 or email events@hamiltonisland.com.au
THE GREAT WALL OF RUM OVER 560 RUMS SOURCED GLOBALLY
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Whats On
MAY/JUNE 2018
THE ZACH MACH MACKAY ADVENTURE CHALLENGE IN THE PIONEER VALLEY Saturday 12th May The Zach Mach is an adventure race that celebrates the life of an outstanding young man, Zach Roberts. Zach was an adventure racer and a much-loved student at Mackay Christian College who tragically passed away in an accident at the age of 18. The Zach Mach challenge is a fun, action packed adventure for the whole family based in the beautiful Pioneer Valley. Participants can mountain bike the great divide, kayak with Barra on Teemburra Dam, run with butterflies in the rainforest near Cattle Creek and road-ride past historic cane farms. Explore the majestic Pioneer Valley in Mackay's only multisport adventure challenge. Ages: eight and above. Categories: Solo, pairs, relay teams. Stages: Mountain bike, kayak/canoe, trail run, road cycle. For more details call 4963 1100 or email info@zachmach.com
MACKAY MARINA RUN Sunday 3rd June The BMA Mackay Marina Run is the signature running event for the city of Mackay. The event showcases the spectacular features of the tropical coastal city and celebrates the role that fun and fitness has in the community. While attracting running enthusiasts from around the country it also has a key focus of attracting first time competitors through the provision of a half marathon, an eight kilometre run, a five kilometre fun run, five kilometre corporate challenge and three kilometre junior dash. Significant funds are raised for the Leukaemia Foundation. Entertainment is provided at certain locations on the course including traditional jazz, rock n roll and folk to enhance the great feel to the event. To find out how you can enter call 0417 203 530 or email event@mackaymarinarun.com
MILTON PICTURE FRAMERS Specialising in custom framing of
Original Art Work • Photographs • Posters • Prints • Canvas (stretcher frames) Memorabillia Mirrors • Signature Frames • Box Frames Needlework
Large Format Laminating • Printing of Photos on Paper and Canvas Milton House Art Gallery Milton House Art Gallery Invites you and your friends to the opening of Invites you and your friends to the opening of Artworks by local artist
Lyn Laver-Ahmat
Milton House Gallery
Artworks by 88 local artist Milton Street Mackay
Lyn Laver-Ahmat
Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Saturday 9am – 1pm Phone
You and your friends are invited to the opening
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creates the spirit of time, place and mood.
Opening - Friday May 25th 30 May untilat 6.30pm
Balance of
June 2014 Street, Mackay Opening - Friday May 25th at 6.30pm Milton House Gallery, 8813Milton Milton House Gallery, 88 Milton Street, Mackay Exhibition May 26th – June 9th
Exhibition May 26th – June 9th
office.admin@miltonhouse.biz an exhibition of paintings and collage by Ngaio Lenz www.miltonhouse.biz
an exhibition of paintings and collage by Ngaio Lenz
OPENING HOURS
88 Milton Street, Mackay, Ph 8.30pm 07 4951 1623 Mon4740 – Fri – 5pm office.admin@miltonhouse.biz www.miltonhouse.biz Sat 9am – 1pm Opening Hours Mon – Fri 8.30pm – 5pm Sat 9am – 1pm Opening 6:30 pm Friday 30 May 2014
88 Milton Street, Mackay p: 07 4951 1623 e: office.admin@miltonhouse.biz www.corelife.com.au 82 82 www.corelife.com.au
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JIMMY BARNES, WORKING CLASS MAN TOUR AT THE MECC Oz rock icon, Jimmy Barnes, brings his second bestselling memoir to life in “Working Class Man: An Evening of Stories and Songs”. This spellbinding and honest theatrical production sees Jimmy using his yarns and his music to reveal the truth behind Australia’s greatest rock ’n’ roll story. It is the sequel to his hugely acclaimed and award winning 2016 stage show, “Working Class Boy: An Evening of Stories and Songs” which retraced Jimmy's troubled childhood. The show begins where the last story ended - as he leaves Adelaide in the back of a truck with Cold Chisel in 1974. Jimmy then takes the audience on a 40 year roller coaster ride of fame, addiction and rock ’n' roll to eventually show how it’s never too late to try to put things right. For tickets call 4961 9777 or email MECC@mackay.qld.gov.au
NOW OPEN Fresh, Authentic & Delicious 6 Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach 4948 1212
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Whats On
MAY/JUNE 2018
YAMAHA VARIETY JET TREK Sunday 3rd – Saturday 9th June The Yamaha Variety Jet Trek is an adrenaline packed adventure on personal watercraft, travelling via some of the most amazing coastline and scenery Australia has to offer. The Yamaha Variety Jet Trek is held each year to raise funds to empower children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs, giving them the opportunity to enjoy life, laugh and learn. This is an action packed and fun fuelled week, as you motor through the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach to Mission Beach on your personal watercraft. Along the way you’ll take in sensational scenery. In true Variety style, you can expect to experience an event jam-packed with fun, colourful moments and of course the highlights are always visits to local schools and families en-route. If you’re an adrenaline junkie and you want to be a hero for Aussie kids in need, then the Variety Jet Trek is for you! For more information call 3907 9300 or email info@varietyqld.org.au
RUN AS 1 FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS Caneland Park, Mackay on Saturday 5th May St Catherine’s Catholic College, Proserpine on Sunday 26th August Run as 1 for Cystic Fibrosis is a Fun Run and Dog Walk created to raise money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. All profits raised will be donated to Cystic Fibrosis Research to help fast track a cure. Cystic Fibrosis is the most common genetic life-shortening disease and 1 in 25 Australians carry the gene for Cystic Fibrosis. There will be entertainment for the kids including jumping castles and plenty of food and markets including a coffee van, sausage sizzle and more. Every entrant will receive a free entry into the draw to win two nights accommodation in Airlie Beach along with other great prizes. There are two events, the 5km run/walk which starts at 7.30am and the 1.5km dog walk which starts at 8am. Go to enventbrite.com.au for full details
Breakfast lunch - dinner functions - Catering 1 Horseshoe Bay Rd, Bowen
47862565
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Hello from everyone at
Well the Commonwealth Games sure was an exciting time for Queensland. In Mackay it gave us the opportunity to welcome back one of our very own Mackay Airport Sports Star Hall of Fame greats, Sandy Brondello, who brought the Opals national women’s basketball team which she coaches to town for a pre-Games training camp. Check out Sandy and the other Mackay grown sporting legends who feature in the Mackay Airport terminal next time you’re there. Mackay Airport was buzzing in March, especially as the Easter holidays kicked off. Our March figures showed passenger numbers are continuing to rise which is great news for the airport and the region. We recently asked our passengers about the food and beverage options you would like to enjoy at the airport. As a result we have some exciting new outlets coming online soon including Boost Juice, Red Rooster, The Botanist Café & Bar and Carlyle & River Coffee Co. Thanks for your patience as the staged rebuild kicks off in mid-May and enjoy trying each new venue as they’re launched.
WEDDINGS FORMALS • TOURS PRIVATE AND CORPORATE HIRE
July will also be a busy time in Mackay as the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) comes back to town, bigger and better. This leading industry event brings thousands of visitors here to attend or exhibit. Look out for the Mackay Airport stand when you’re there. August brings another major event to the region, Mechanos Wings and Wheels Mackay, which will once again feature an amazing line up of aerobatic displays, custom truck, car and bike displays, the latest in mechanical technologies and heaps of fun kids’ rides and food stalls. It’s a great show for all the family.
Happy and safe travels Rob Porter, General Manager
e: info@whitsundayhotrodtours.com.au
www.whitsundayhotrodtours.com.au
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Enjoy sipping on Cocktails and Service with a smile at Mackay’s newest Hot Spot
The Gallery Lounge and Bar the house of fun where good times happen
Open 4pm – 3am Mon & Tue Open 1pm – 3am Wed – Sun
Remember to enjoy yourself
Upstairs on the Corner of Victoria St & Wood St
0432 895 534
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OUR REEFSLEEP IS WHAT
DREAMS ARE MADE OF BUY ONE REEFSLEEP, GET ONE FREE. EXCLUSIVE TO TURTLE CLUB MEMBERS
Welcome to the ultimate unplugged experience - just you, a breathtaking sky full of stars and the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the night on a permanently moored pontoon 40 nautical miles offshore at spectacular Hardy Reef where you will hear the tranquil sounds of the Coral Sea as the waves lap the edge of the pontoon. Your uniquely Australian accommodation comes in the form of a waterproof swag. As you recline on the deck you’ll be captivated by a mind-blowing stellar display like you’ve never seen before. This two day, one night adventure is a bucket list night out that will stay with you forever. TO BOOK PLEASE CONTACT CRUISE WHITSUNDAYS RESERVATIONS Ask us about becoming a Turtle Club member to receive exclusive discounts and offers 4846 7000
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Must be a Turtle Club member to redeem this offer, please quote promo code 241RSTURTLE when booking. Offer valid for bookings between 1 May 2018 – 20 June 2018. Valid for travel between 1 May 2018 – 30 June 2018. Buy one get one free offer applies to twin share double swag price only. Not valid in conjunction with any other Turtle Club discounts. Offer valid for Turtle Club members with current details. Must present local ID on check in. Does not include coach pick up. Departures from Port of Airlie only. Direct bookings only. Subject to availability. www.corelife.com.au www.corelife.com.au 22 Cruise Normal Whitsundays booking conditions apply.