Crush Magazine. Issue 4 Winter 2021. Tipple Town

WINTER 2021

Discover our ever-growing list of world-class beverages

PROG

RA

Tipple Town

CHILDERS | BUNDABERG | AGNES WATER

M

IN SI DE

Positioned on the highest street in the resort, this villa has all the features you would nd in a larger home plus all the benets of low maintenance living. The open plan layout has a double garage, two spacious bedrooms, a study, and gourmet style open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. The large rear alfresco area overlooking the lush landscaped courtyard is perfect for indoor/outdoor living all year round. This villa is made for entertaining.

KEY BENEFITS No Stamp Duty

Caravan, RV + boat storage

No Exit Fees or Rates except water rates

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Retain 100% of capital gains

29 acres of riverfront space

Pet friendly

No Body Corporate or Deferred Management Fees

Private 9 hole, Terry Price designed, golf course

Future Residential Care Facility

*Prices and availability are correct at the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Plans, elevations and images are not to scale. Dimensions, areas and layouts are approximate.

All images including those of the exterior and interior, colours, nishes, roof prole, landscaping and fencing are for illustrative purposes only. Prospective buyers must satisfy themselves about all these matters and can only rely on specic information, representations and warranties contained in a formal contract.

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ON THE COVER: It’s cocktail time at Kalki Moon. We’re pouring the fig jam martini, using the award-winning Kalki Moon Premium Gin and Alloway Farm Market home-made fig jam. Find the recipe at www.crushmagazine.com.au. Photography by Paul Beutel.

DISCOVER KALKI MOON ON PAGE 62.

11

20 29 41 46 60 72

76 82

MIX IT UP Meet the Bundaberg Region’s best barista and mixologist

HIT THE TOWN Everything the gents need to look the part for a night out

TASTE BUNDABERG The official program of our 10-day festival celebration of local food and drink

AMEN We visit some of the Region’s most iconic country pubs

AT HOME WITH Mitch Wormington and his historical collection of bottles

TIPPLE TOWN Celebrating our best beverages and watering holes

UNTOXICATED Enjoyed a few too many ‘quarantinis’? We look at the growing trend of drying out

LIPS & LOCKS Rehydrate your beauty regime

DIARY Your guide to the Bundaberg Region’s Winter events

PUBLIC RELATIONS | MARKETING | STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT

PROUD PUBLISHER OF CRUSH MAGAZINE Are you so busy working IN your business that there just aren’t enough hours in the day to work ON your business? Perhaps you are an expert in your field, but lack confidence when it comes to marketing and don’t know where to start!? You’re not alone. For many business owners, marketing is an afterthought or something they plan to do when they ‘have more time’. But it shouldn’t be. The most successful enterprises prioritise marketing and have a carefully targeted, strategic plan in place.

The simple truth is that running a business without promoting it is like winking at someone in the dark. You might know what you’re doing, but no-one else does. We can help shine a light on your business.

Our team has more than 45-years combined experience in news media, public relations, marketing and community consultation. We work with businesses and organisations of all sizes to help them communicate effectively with their customers, clients, shareholders, patients, stakeholders and staff.

Whether you want to increase your sales, build brand recognition, enhance your reputation, manage an issue or persuade your audience, we’ll have you crushing it in no time!

CONTACT US

SOCIAL

Email: hello@crushcomms.com.au

@CrushMagazineAU

Studio: Palace Arcade, 10/133 Bourbong St, Bundaberg

@crushmag_au

Postal Address: PO Box 2426, Bundaberg Qld 4670 Telephone: 0447 669 431

@crushcommunications #crushmagau #bundycrush #crushcomms

DIGITAL & PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS www.crushmagazine.com.au/subscribe ADVERTISE www.crushmagazine.com.au/advertise MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS www.crushcommunications.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS

PAUL BEUTEL PHOTOGRAPHER

“I swing between two drinks in Winter. A nice small batch Bundy rum mixed with Bundy ginger beer or a very fine single malt scotch beside the fire.”

tipple. verb.

ROWENA PREDDY GRAPHIC DESIGNER

"I love making and experimenting with cocktails for my friends. My secret ingredient? Herbs and spices for sure."

To drink (liquor) continuously in small amounts.

Bundaberg. The word has become so much more than a place name on a map. It may not be in the same league as Paris or New York, but Bundaberg is its own iconic brand. Paired with the colour yellow, the word Bundaberg has been made famous by global sugar, rum and ginger beer companies that started from humble beginnings in our great Region.

At Crush Magazine, we love words. When we started developing our masthead, we wanted a single word that succinctly celebrated the Bundaberg Region. It was a big ask for one word, but we found it: Crush! Not only does it give a nod to the annual sugarcane season that Bundaberg was built on, but it’s an expression of love or fancy. It denotes the Magazine’s purpose: to squeeze something

ALICE THOMPSON WRITER

and extract its potential. That’s exactly what our Region’s drink companies, food producers, venues and tourism operators are

“I love to grab a take-away coffee from The Beach Mill and head down the beach to watch the kids play at one of the parks dotted

doing – they’re using our natural assets to collectively build

along our beautiful coastline.”

worn with pride, but it’s safe to say Bundaberg is now Australia’s

Bundaberg’s reputation as a culinary mecca.

Visitors come for our rum and then discover our ever-growing and diverse list of world-class beverages. The ‘Rum City’ badge is still premiere ‘Tipple Town’. Fewer people are collecting their rum and

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS

David Wise, Tara Jacobsen, Selina Ferrais, Tourism & Events Queensland, Bundaberg Tourism, Tomas O’Malley, Michael Dart, Angela Twyford, Ross Peddlesden.

passing through. Instead, they’re staying longer to taste Bundaberg.

As the official program partner of the Bundaberg Region’s annual festival of food and drink (page 29), we invite you to experience a reimagined Bundaberg. Innovative, fresh and vibrant.

LARINE STATHAM-BLAIR & NIKKI SORBELLO CRUSH MAGAZINE

Crush Magazine is published by Crush Communications Pty Ltd (ABN 94 640 941 475) PO Box 2426 Bundaberg Qld 4670. The information contained within Crush Magazine (and other associated platforms) is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Crush Magazine and its Directors, NJ Sorbello and LC Statham, will not be held liable for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use or reliance on any information, advertisement, opinion, advice, errors or omissions contained herein. Use of such material shall be at your own risk. All material sent to Crush Magazine (including photos, emails and social media comments) will be assumed to be publishable, unless marked ‘not for publication’. We do not necessarily label content to distinguish between editorial and advertorial. Crush Magazine is printed by Print Craft Qld Pty Ltd; Hamilton Qld 4007. All material published in Crush Magazine is subject to copyright. Accordingly, all rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Retail products advertised and promoted in Crush Magazine are subject to availability, while stocks last.

Colours shown may differ from products available due to the printing process. Please see our website for full Terms and Conditions, including those relating to competitions and giveaways.

Debauchery IN THE CBD

Memory Lane

BY ROSS PEDDLESDEN

Did you know that Bundaberg once

town, balancing it on both ends of a

There were a number of reasons for

had a Chinatown? If you did, do you

“Chinaman’s Pole”.

the decline of Chinatown, including

know where it was?

The next time you travel down Bourbong Street, past Tantitha Street, heading towards Toonburra Street, have a look around. Then try to imagine shops selling Chinese specialities, a selection of Chinese greengrocer shops, an

One name has endured. YS Que Hee operated a mixed business in Chinatown, selling speciality goods, as well as vegetables grown in his market garden in Branyan. He’s remembered by a wellknown street in East Bundaberg, though he would have pronounced it ‘Kwee Hee’,

demographic change and the development of more sophisticated markets. But there was another factor at play: the avowedly racist Anti-Chinese League, which had an active branch in Bundaberg. Some of its activities were quite sinister in modern terms, but others were farcical.

overcrowded boarding house, a pub,

not ‘Cue Hee’ as we do today.

illegal sly grog shops, gambling and opium

Now to the saucy stuff. There was at

that European vegetables were of

least one brothel in Chinatown, with

superior quality to Chinese vegetables.

the Chinese working women taking

When put to the test, apparently the

the decidedly un-Chinese names of

sophisticated tastebuds of so-called

Lily Langtree and Tittle Bruhne. It’s

‘Bundabergians’ voted Chinese!

dens, and perhaps a brothel or two.

It’s very different from today, but in the second half of the 19th century that’s what you would have seen.

It began with vegetables. There’s evidence of a Chinese market garden in North Bundaberg in 1869, when the town was only two-years-old.

said the building was of corrugated iron, with small holes in the walls which were a temptation to the young men of the town.

Later on, Chinese immigrants such

Behind several of the businesses were

as Willy Yick, Yip Gee and Billy Lee

opium dens. The local Chinese called

King sold vegetables that they grew in

it “twang”. Gambling rooms took place

immaculately-tended gardens behind

over traditional Chinese games such

their shops in Bourbong Street. Another

as mah jong. The sly grog shops were

well-known market gardener was Ah

prepared to serve anyone who could

Why. He grew vegetables and sold

pay, including other foreigners who

some of them from his shop. He also

were banned from drinking in white

hawked some of his produce around

establishments.

At one point they attempted to prove

Ross is a member of the Bundaberg & District Historical Museum, as well as an author, Rotarian and passionate community volunteer.

Acknowledgement to Bundaberg, From Pioneers to Prosperity by Neville Rackerman. Special thanks to Chris Spence, co-ordinator of the Bundaberg & District Historical Museum.

Find it

The Bundaberg & District Historical Museum is located in the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens on Mt Perry Road. Open 7 Days.

Perfect THE

POUR

They stand behind a bar, hands busy twirling knobs, grabbing glassware or working taps. All while calmly asking you about your day. Interactions with them are often quick, but meaningful. For many of us, seeing our barista or bartender can often be the most worthwhile meeting of the day.

Drinks wouldn’t be what they are without the people who create and serve them. So, as part of the Tipple Town issue, we put the call out on Facebook to find the Region’s best barista and bar tender. As voted by our followers, congratulations to long term locals Britt Milton and Shae Felix.

BEST BARISTA | BRITT MILTON

There is no room for error when you are standing between a customer and their morning cup of coffee – it has to be right, and it has to be good. It is clearly something Britt Milton at Indulge Cafe has got down to a fine art.

“I love the challenge of being a barista. When it is so busy in here it really pushes you to be better,” Britt said.

“To make a really good cup of coffee, you have to pay attention to everything that is going on, because every little part of it matters. It is more than just putting together good coffee and hot milk.”

While she definitely prefers a milkshake more often than not, when it comes to coffee, Britt likes simplicity.

“I love a good, old-fashioned latte. Just plain coffee, but make it strong,” she said.

BEST BARTENDER | SHAE FELIX

Hospitality was not the career Shae Felix expected to have.

“I’ve always had a passion for drinks and loved creating things at home. I walked past Bert’s every day on my way to work as a travel agent, and one day I just decided to walk in and ask for a job,” Shae said.

Shae, who now works at the Spotted Dog Tavern, said she loves the variety that comes with being a bartender.

“You can change the menu and introduce a whole new range of cocktails, and that is really exciting,” she said.

“I really love when people ask me what they should drink. I love sitting down with customers and determining what to create for them. I love coming up with really awkward flavours that you don’t think would work together, but they just do.”

When it comes to mixing her own drink, Shae likes the classics.

“I love a dirty gin martini. It is such a complex drink, but so simple to make,” she said.

11

POURS OUT OF LOCAL PUBS

TOMAS O’MALLEY

Bundaberg is a city synonymous with beverages, but what about the places where we enjoy our chosen tipples, local or otherwise? For most of our history, the pub has reigned supreme when it comes to quenching the thirst of locals and visitors alike.

In the central business district, pubs occupy many of the prime locations.

The Metropolitan, the former Royal Hotel, The Grand, The Central, The Queenslander. Many of these still exhibit the classic architectural features of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as the iron lace balustrades on the Club Hotel, or the decorative floor tiling on the verandahs of the Melbourne Hotel.

recently both the Bargara Beach Hotel and Federal Hotel have succumbed.

The Federal Hotel was a particular loss architecturally. Its three level 1889 construction was unique in Bundaberg and, despite alterations, was a landmark at the entrance to the CBD. The Federal was also an important reference to the early development of Bundaberg, built to serve travellers on the newlyconstructed rail line from Maryborough.

There are also many pubs in Bundaberg that hark back to more recent history.

The Globe Hotel in North Bundaberg is a classic example of the corner bar found all around Australia in the era of the six o’clock swill. The central coldroom and taps, with its stainlesssteel doors and XXXX signage, is crowned by blackboards announcing the upcoming meat trays and karaoke nights.

The Club Hotel still features lace balustrading. INSET: The Club Hotel in 1968.

Architectural history

The exterior facade is austere, but has a strong character common to country pubs. The Tattersalls Hotel is similar in its configuration, however in this case the exterior is subtly mid-century modern.

A curved wall addresses the corner and angled hoods over the doors and windows are a counterpoint to the more traditional continuous awning.

This could all be flippantly dismissed as being “retro” or “kitsch”. Here though it holds a sense of community.

Major refurbishments to these venues may obscure some of their historical significance. However, the buildings still form a continuum that endures as publicans and patrons come and go.

Architect Tomas O’Malley designs buildings that reflect Central Queensland’s climate and lifestyle.

The Old Bundy Tavern, designed in 1915 by local architect FH Faircloth, is a historic building in its own right.

However, its Federation era details replaced the earlier Customs House Hotel, one of the first establishments in Bundaberg; unfortunately destroyed by fire.

The old Customs House Hotel is not alone in meeting its demise through flames. The original Tattersalls Hotel burnt down in 1955, while more

Read more

about our rich pub culture in our Photo Essay, from page 41

13

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Meech Constructions, The Property Styling Co, SignMax, Charltons Lawyers, Saskia – home gifts you, Funky Finds, Nathan’s Boutique, Silver by Diamond, Haven Facial Specialist, The Place Hairdressing, our husbands Gerard and Charles.

shine!

Studio is an extension of us. Our career memories, awards and titbits. Family heirlooms and inspirational quotes.

Books we’ve read, contributed to or been mentioned in. With the help of Meech Constructions and The Property Styling Co, we now have a purposedesigned loft on Bourbong Street to accommodate our growing team. Many of our clients and advertisers have become regular visitors. Our readers

Like most small businesses, Crush

the magazines, it would have been

Communications started as a side hustle

easy to give up. We are not some big

enjoy seeing the Crush team at work.

from maternity leave and full time work.

corporation; just two local gals who

The first issue of Crush Magazine was

We give every issue of Crush Magazine

want to help the Bundaberg Region

our all. It’s our hearts laid bare in 80

shine and be seen. It was thanks to all

pages, and we are unbelievably grateful it

of you, our readers and advertisers, that

has been so well received. Thank you to

created from our home offices, dining room tables, kitchen benches and

coffee shops. Just a couple of weeks after it was distributed, COVID19 hit.

we carried on. You believed in us.

We thought our magazine dream was

A year since releasing The Picnic Issue,

dead before it had even begun. With

we’ve reached an exciting milestone.

just two of us booking the advertising,

We pinch ourselves every day that we

creating the content and delivering

now have our very own space. Crush

everyone who continues to support us!

CRUSH STUDIO

9am – 2.30pm, Monday to Friday Upstairs, Palace Arcade Shop 10/133 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg

Styling Your Office Space

Successfully

are so many fabulous faux plants and trees available now. When purchasing faux plants, it’s worth spending that little extra and buying ones that look exactly like the real deal. Adding a jute basket or textured pot around the base JADE MCKENZIE

Whether you’re based out of a co-working space or working from home, here are a few styling tips to create an office that not only encourages productivity, but looks flawless and stylish.

LIGHT IT RIGHT

Along with the numerous health and productivity benefits natural light brings to an office space, we can also appreciate how aesthetically pleasing it is to work in a naturally bright area.

If this is out of the question, adding a combination of desk lamps and

Let’s celebrate!

Subscribe to Crush Magazine to go in the draw to win a gift basket of local food and drink valued at $250, including an exclusive bottle of ‘Crush Blend’ Bundaberg Rum. www.crushmagazine.com.au/subscribe Already subscribed? Tell us what you’d like to see in future issues of Crush Magazine and we’ll put you in the draw.

Email hello@crushcomms.com.au

floor lamps, to work in with your overhead lighting, will go a long way to creating atmosphere and ambience in your space.

GO GREEN

Plants instantly bring a sense of

will also make a visual impact.

DECLUTTER AND DECORATE

Remove those half empty coffee cups and piles of paper from your desk, and once you’ve got it down to the bare minimum, add a couple of decor items. Personalise your workspace with pieces that keep you happy and motivated, whether it be a scented candle, stylish desk accessories or a bold statement vase. You can always swap and change your look.

WALL ART IS A MUST

Artwork makes a statement and inspires creativity, so choose pieces for your office with minimal colours that help keep you focused, or better yet, frame selected prints or photographs that influence you and your team.

tranquillity and warmth, plus they

Jade is the owner of The Property

are visually interesting for both

Styling Co. She is an interior

employees and visitors. Luckily

designer, property stylist and

for those who happen to be a

member of the International

plant serial killer like me, there

Institute of Home Staging.

CRYPTOCURRENCY OFFER

COMPLETE Why Agnes Water no longer needs to offer bitcoin payment options Agnes Water became the first

no longer be a draw card to tourists,

‘cryptocurrency’ town in Australia

but Gordon said it served the Discovery

in 2018, with dozens of businesses

Coast community well at the time.

signing up to accept bitcoin payments.

The move made headlines across the country and raised the profile of the small seaside community on the international stage.

Agnes Water businessman Gordon Christian initially led the campaign. Three years on things are a little different. ‘Bitcoin

“We got international tourism out of it.

We had someone come and do a PHD study for the project and she stayed for three months. We had publications all over the world write about it, so we had the spotlight on us. And it has given us the momentum to take things forward as well,” Gordon said.

accepted here’ stickers are still displayed

Bitcoin continues to surge in popularity,

in shop windows, but acceptance is now

given its ability to hold value across

largely irrelevant. Bitcoin has become so

international borders. It also increased in

mainstream, that special apps and point

value significantly during COVID19, when

of sale software are no longer needed to

more people were favouring cashless

accept digital currency.

payment options. While using bitcoin as

“Nowadays, the evolution of the technology is such that you wouldn’t know if someone is paying with bitcoin,” Gordon said.

“If you have a PayPal account, very soon in America you’ll be able to pay with bitcoin.

Mastercard are onboarding bitcoin. Every bank is onboarding bitcoin.”

The acceptance of digital currency may

WHAT IS BITCOIN?

Even the answer to this question is complicated! It is an alternative internet currency, and a way to do business outside mainstream financial infrastructure.

BUYING BITCOIN

If you are comfortable, you can buy bitcoin peer to peer, which is what it was developed for. Otherwise, opt for an Australian exchange.

STORING BITCOIN

You need a ‘wallet’ to store your bitcoin, which allows you to secure bitcoins on your computer. You will need encryption and backups, to run regular virus checks and have a good understanding of internet security.

MINING BITCOIN

scams that are out there. People need

This is the term used for ‘earning’ bitcoin. It is a complex process that encompasses how bitcoins are created and how bitcoin transactions are processed. It involves solving mathematical equations and a some luck.

to realise they should only buy bitcoin

Source: www.dummies.com

payment for everyday items is becoming easier and people are becoming more comfortable with the idea of investing in new electronic currency, it is still somewhat of a complicated process.

“The biggest thing now is all of the

from a regulated Australian exchange,” Gordon said.

with

Weekdays from 6am!

Meet the models

CRUSH MODELS AREN’T PAID PROFESSIONALS, JUST PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE BUNDABERG REGION.

GRABBING LIFE

by the horns Nadia Gillies is just as comfortable in

became very ill, so I went back home to

asking for help,” Nadia said. “That’s the

evening wear at the Gin Gin Show Ball

the farm after finishing my degree.” She

thing in a small town; when you find

as she is modelling clothing for Silver

was interested in cross breeding cattle

a circle of people who support you,

by Diamond or mustering cattle in

so she convinced her dad to let her

that’s your drive, and I’m so thankful

boots, jeans and a well-worn hat.

“give it a go”.

for that circle.”

Nadia and her husband, Allan, met

Nadia wanted to give back to all the

at Gympie Saleyards where he was

people and organisations that had

Growing up on Pineapple Hill on the Bruce Highway, just south of Maryborough, Nadia learnt how to drive a tractor when she was just five-

working at the time. The pair bought Granite Springs, a 2000 acre cattle

supported her. Over the past eight years, she’s helped raise tens-of-

years-old.

property near Gin Gin.

thousands of dollars for Mater Little

“We were taught how to work hard,”

Just 20 months later, Nadia went

Royal Flying Doctors Service, mental

she said. “Many people thought ‘she’s a girl, she can’t do that’, but it’s nothing

into pre-term labour at 24 weeks with twins, Harrison and Charlotte. “I

Miracles, drought relief appeals, the health organisations and the Gin Gin Show Society. As well as running the

for me to sit in a tractor for ten hours

went to the hospital in Brisbane each

ploughing a paddock. Through our

day and sat there looking at these

cattle stud, Gillmara Grazing, I sell

two lifeless babies. Being a mum of

Droughtmaster and Red Brahman bulls.

premature twins and being away from

the little things that helped me through,”

When our buyers see me in my element,

the farm for about 150 days in total; I

Nadia said. “It’s a nice feeling when you

they realise I know what I’m doing. I’m

would say it broke me.”

can help someone else.”

anything but the little lady who hides in someone else’s shadow.”

Returning to the farm was isolating.

“People from a farming background are

After finishing school, Nadia moved to

brought up that you just keep going in

Brisbane to study business. “My dad

the hard times, and we’re not good at

Gin Gin Ball, Nadia has organised charity auctions of bull semen at the annual bull sales in Rockhampton. “These are

Support it!

www.ginginshowsociety.com.au

Today, she sells women’s clothing, timber and sterling silver jewellery, leather bags and belts at rural events, online and from her boutique studio loft in Palace Arcade.

Diamond IN THE ROUGH

Every piece is designed personally by Cheynee. Her clothing is classically feminine, easy to wear and timeless.

“My customers are predominantly rural woman who live on the land in hot climates. They need fabrics that breathe, so everything is made from natural fibres like cotton and linen,” she said.

“They deserve quality clothing that lasts and is affordably priced – it’s important to me that fashion is accessible. I don’t release seasonal collections; I just

Cheynee Wedrat is not your

a clothing label named after her two

stereotypical social media influencer.

horses, Arlo and Ollie. “I’d made my

She hates the camera and would

own clothes from a young age. I liked

prefer to remain behind the scenes.

that I was different. I didn’t want

Her clothing boutique, Silver by

anyone else to have it, but people kept

Diamond, has almost 97,000 followers

asking so eventually I bit the bullet.”

on Instagram, but she never set out to be insta-famous. For her, it’s always been about the clothing and jewellery.

The former hairdresser was making her own timber beaded jewellery and her clients kept asking where she got it from. “In 2007, I started Silver by Diamond and was doing parties in peoples’ homes,” Cheynee said.

About four years later Cheynee started

Silver by Diamond took off in 2014 after a pop-up stall at Paradise Lagoons Campdraft. Every year, the four-day event attracts thousands of people from across Australia to Rockhampton.

But that success was nothing compared to the loyal online following Cheynee’s designs attracted after attending events like the Polocrosse World Cup. “It all just kind of happened organically and

continually create,” she said.

Cheynee, whose signature selfie pose involves hiding her face with her phone, said she drew design inspiration from her travels. “It could be something as simple as seeing a woman in Indonesia, carrying a basket of fruit on her head, and her dress is stained but the colour is amazing and I’ll try to emulate that in my fabric.”

Shop it!

Upstairs Palace Arcade Shop 12/133 Bourbong Street 0418 771 150 www.silverbydiamond.bigcartel.com

snowballed,” she said.

19

Town

HIT the

Clean shave. Crisp shirt and trousers. A luxury watch. And a wee dram to whet the appetite. There’s nothing quite like a sharp dressed man. If your wardrobe is badly outdated or you’ve had the same haircut since high school, it might be time to seek advice from the experts. Here are four local businesses that are helping Bundy men lift their style game with fashion and finery.

The Cartels Barber Shop is a

come to expect from your regular

Heading to the polo, horse races or an

sophisticated den, where gentlemen

mens’ hairdresser; right down to the

evening with The Bundaberg Whisky

can unwind and experience traditional

complimentary beer or spirit. They also

grooming at its finest. A red, white and

Club? Ian stocks a wide range of sports

stock a fine range of balms, colognes,

blue barber pole at the entry harks

jackets, polo shirts, chinos, dress shorts

oils and waxes and can provide expert

back to the time when barbers used to

and boat shoes from labels like Scotch &

advice on how to style you hair at

Soda, Daniel Hechter, Greg Norman, Ben

perform medical procedures. The interior décor emulates a high-end cocktail bar and gives a gentle nod to Columbian drug cartel leader, Pablo Escobar.

home and care for your beard.

Geoffrey Beene, Uberstone and Industrie.

www.thecartelsbarbershop.com.au

They can also dress you for your wedding,

07 4100 2516

prom or next black tie event.

Award-winning barber and owner

Whether you’re a chef, tradie, doctor

Jess Smoothy (pictured) and the highly experienced team at Cartels offer the full range of grooming services; everything from hot steam luxury face shaves and beard trimming to classic styles and modern precision cutting.

Their work is intricate.

Sherman, Coast Clothing, Thomas Cook,

Shop 2/197 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg

Inn Style Mensland has all the gear to make you look grand. Started by Ian McCloskey and his father 35-years-ago, the store caters for men of every age and taste. Dress yourself from head-to-

or corporate type, Inn Style has an expansive range of durable work wear from brands like Ritemate, Bisley, Cherokee, FXD and UNIT. And they can custom embroider too.

toe, for any occasion, from this one-stop

23 Electra Street, Bundaberg

The standard of service they offer is

shop. From socks, jocks and swimwear

www.innstylemensland.com.au

far higher than what you might have

to boots, belts, bags and hats.

07 4151 6788

The glass can be half empty or half full, as long as it has whisky in it!

seated). The pair opened their club up to other whisky lovers earlier this year and hosted their ‘First Pour’ at Bert’s cocktail bar. The club now hosts ticketed whisky tasting events for men and women every three months. The events are designed for all whisky enthusiasts; from connoisseurs with discerning palates to those who are only just discovering the pleasure of fine spirits.

Wearing their best garb, guests are invited to taste five different whiskies, Nestled at the Bourbong Street entry

Trained by his watchmaker father,

paired with food. It’s an opportunity

to Palace Arcade is Bundaberg’s

Richard, Trent stocks an impressive

for club members to learn about

longest serving and most trusted

range of mens’ watches. Whether

new drops they may not have known

jewellery store. Ritchies Jewellers first

you’re looking for luxury, dress or

about previously. Here, there’s no

opened its doors in 1889 and, like a

sport – they’ll have just the watch for

such thing as a right or wrong taste.

fine diamond, has been passed down

you. Ritchies has an eclectic selection

Every preference is celebrated and

through generations of local families.

of mens’ fashion and fine jewellery

club members are encouraged to share

Today, Ritchies remains family owned

to complete any look, including cuff

their own nose, palate and finish notes.

links, bracelets, chains and rings. Their

Neat, water or on ice. One cube or

second from left) and his wife, Shaye.

sparkling crystal and glass decanters,

several. The glass can be half empty or

tumblers and stemware make excellent

half full, as long as it has whisky in it!

At 38-years-of-age, Trent is one

gifts for the man who has everything.

Whisky drinking is considered a

of Bundaberg’s few remaining

Shop 9/133 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg

gentlemanly pursuit or ritual, and

and operated by Trent Cullum (pictured

manufacturing jewellers. You can watch this award-winning jeweller and his talented team in their workshop, as they

www.ritchiesjewellers.com.au 07 4152 6838

the club is keen to keep it that way by encouraging responsible alcohol consumption. Committed to fostering healthy relationships with alcohol, many

craft custom one-of-a-kind precious

of its members partake in a dry week

keepsakes for men, women and children.

The Bundaberg Whisky Club started

They also service, repair and remodel

as a bit of a social lark between mates

each month.

much loved treasures on site.

Tai Burgess and Shane Chung (pictured

bundabergwhiskyclub@gmail.com

21

Nuts

ABOUT

INNOVATION

When their first macadamia seedlings were planted in rich Bundaberg soil almost 20 years ago, the Steinhardt family put into play their clear vision for what Macadamias Australia would become.

Two decades on, macadamias are

begun to utilise macadamia shells to

fast becoming as synonymous

create products such as bowls and

with Bundaberg as our famous

lights. Shells are also being used to

rum. Our Region now contributes

heat wood-fired pizza ovens and

40 per cent of the national crop,

create delicate flavours for smoking

with Macadamias Australia at the

food. Macadamia timber is popping

forefront of innovation, sustainability,

up in artisan woodworking.

environment and scale.

While Macadamias Australia have

Their value-added macadamias are

firmly cemented themselves as

craved for. They draw tourists and

industry leaders, they are not

locals alike to their farm gate for the

done yet. Their new agri-tourism

classic crunch of the roasted salted

experience at their Goodwood

nuts, or the ones with a decadent

Road farm will be an experience

dark or milk chocolate coating. They

for all the senses – to taste, learn,

haven’t been afraid to experiment

listen and watch as all elements of

with Australian flavours, crusting their

the Macadamias Australia business

already beautiful nuts with honey

come together under one roof. It

or uniquely zesty lemon myrtle.

is also the space where they will

Macadamias Australia innovated

continue testing and innovating for

further with their vanilla and dry

generations to come.

roasted happy nuts. They’re sold with a small opening in the shell and a special key ready for tasters to experience the perfect ‘crack’.

Local, interstate and international restaurants and retailers include these creamy Bundaberg gems in products such as health-food snacks, chocolate and nougat, baked goods, gelato and other wholefoods such as oil, milk and cosmetics. Artists have

Read about Macadamias Australia’s Farm Flavours Picnic in the Taste Bundaberg Festival program on page 38.

Try it

4625 Goodwood Road, Bundaberg 07 4159 7265 www.macadamiasaustralia.net

WORTH A

shot

An edible flower floating gracefully on the surface of a freshly-made cocktail. Salt on the rim of sparkling glassware. A wedge of lime lodged in the neck of a beer bottle. Garnishes not only elevate the visual appeal of a drink, they can also enhance its flavours.

In some cases they make the drink. What would a gin and tonic be without lime? A mojito without mint? Or a martini without olives? Top shelf beverages deserve the very best trimmings. The Bundaberg Region is spoilt for choice when it comes to quality cocktail garnishes. So we thought we’d share a few of our favourite local products, makers and stockists.

ONE LITTLE FARM is a boutique florist, green grocer, fine food purveyour and café located on Bargara Road in East Bundaberg. Owned by farmers Kate and Anthony Rehbein, OLF is the home of BundaGinga and is a proud supporter of other local farmers and food businesses.

Telephone 07 4152 3322 | GILES HERB FARM grow 12 different types of herbs, including mint, thyme, rosemary and winter tarragon (pictured). They make herb bouquets, butters and smudge sticks. From their Meadowvale cart, they also sell

scented candles and beauty products.

Telephone 0408 610 594 | GIN GIN & DRY make delicious, healthy dried fruit products from locally grown produce. Preservative free with nothing artificial, their products make fantastic garnishes and snacks. Add them to your cheese platter or on top of your morning muesli. Shop online: www.ginginanddry.net.au | ALLOWAY FARM MARKET is the home of the delectable Forbidden

Figs. Grown year-round by RedRidge Produce, these premium, ethereal figs are ready to eat and unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Shop for fig jams and syrups. Buy fresh produce and plants, or grab a coffee.

Visit 1 Siding Road, Alloway | The home of sensational strawberries and perfect passionfruit, TINABERRIES is an idyllic picnic garden stop at 15 Zinks Road, on the way to Elliott Heads.

Depending on the time of the season, pick your own strawberries or enjoy fresh fruit icecream. www.tinaberries.com.au |

23

CHEERS WORDS BY LARINE STATHAM-BLAIR

Food is the conduit for togetherness

blurred to cater for every taste, with

and merriment. Every culture in history

makers adding sweet touches like nougat,

has its own version of breaking bread,

coffee beans, honeycomb or chocolate.

feasting or grazing. Bountiful table spreads and beverages bring people together to socialise and celebrate.

Australians have always loved a good cheese platter as a starter at the weekend barbecue. For the past decade, decadent dessert stations have been popular at weddings and

Part of the enjoyment of curating your own grazing platter is shopping for it.

A visit to Olsen’s Corner FoodWorks is an experience in and of itself. It’s a feast for the senses. This regional grocery store could rival even some of the best fine food purveyors in Australia’s capital cities.

birthday parties. But in recent years,

Their delicatessen and fine food

grazing tables have become the main

section feature the very best local,

event. Unlike a static meal at a dinner

Australian and international fromages,

table, grazing boards create a flow that

pates, deli meats, dips and terrines.

enables guests to move around, mingle

From boutique groceries and

with a drink in hand and sample what’s

condiments to health foods, premium

on offer.

staples and tempting treats.

Grazing tables are no longer confined

Olsen’s Corner prides itself on

to savoury or sweet. The lines are being

prioritising fresh produce that’s grown

WHAT’S ON OUR

GRAZING BOARD? Kaamp Olive Tomato Gouda La Casa Del Formaggio Cherry Bocconcini Maffra Red Leicester Cheese Shale Point Australian Brie Wattle Valley Traditional Chicken Pate The Olive Branch Heavenly Crunchy Trio Dip Wattle Valley Quince Paste Australian Pork Mild Pancetta Citterio Italian Proscuitto Hans Salami Antipasto, garlic filled olives, romana artichokes and fetta peppers Maison Therese Pickled Cornichons Assorted fresh local produce Quaranta Italia Nougat Gin Gin & Dry Dried Fruit locally and in season. From peppery

manageable snack-size pieces, while

salad leaves and fragrant herbs to

leaving a few items whole for impact.

colourful fruit and vegetables – if it

Clustered together to create blocks of

grows well in a temperate, sub-tropical

colour, medium-sized items like dried

climate you can almost guarantee they

fruit are best placed to fill the large

stock it.

gaps between cheeses.

At Olsen’s Corner you’ll find absolutely

Roll or fold individual pieces of cured

everything you need to create a

meat and layer in any remaining

delicious cheese and antipasto plate,

gaps. Small items like olives, pickled

charcuterie board or ploughman’s

cornichons and nuts can now be

platter. And that’s worth a toast!

popped into any little holes.

ASSEMBLING YOUR GRAZING BOARD

Start by positioning your cheese portions and larger items, like pates and dips, across the board or table. The most beautiful grazing boards include cheeses of various sizes, shapes, textures and colours.

Fresh fruit and veg can be cut into

Group and stack crackers around the

The Ministry of Chocolate Dark Chilli Naked Chocolate Co Belgian White Chocolate Freeze Dried Raspberries Roccas Deli Fine Wafer Crackers La Mole Sfornatini Al Sesamo Olina’s Bakehouse Mediteranian Savoury Crisps Best Buy Roasted Salted Cashews Macadamias Australia assortment

outside, gently resting atop other dry items. This enables guests to follow the grazing trail from the outside in, and prevents breads and crackers from absorbing moisture and losing their crunch. Add finishing touches like herbs and edible flowers (read more about garnishes on page 23).

Make it!

Olsen’s Corner FoodWorks Cnr of Walker and Barolin Streets, South Bundaberg 07 4151 3268

25

legacy A GROWING

PHOTOS BY KYLE SCHNEIDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Three generations of the Greensill family on their Quanaba farm. INSET: The Greensill family have been farming in the region for 76 years.

state-of-the-art packaging and product development, they are committed to ensuring the family’s farming legacy lives on in future generations.

“As a third-generation farmer, I see significant strength in having a close

The rich red volcanic soil of the Bundaberg Region has been the catalyst for every industry that has sprouted here, with generations of farmers tending their crops in the name of prosperity and legacy.

For 76 years, the Greensill family has grown some of our nation’s finest

broader Asia-Pacific and beyond.

family unit working together and utilising the variety of skills we have,”

And while growing fresh produce of

Peter said.

the highest quality will always be at

“Each generation has worked extremely

the heart of Greensill Farming, it’s the development of innovative sustainable farming practices that really excites co-owner and Executive Director Peter Greensill.

hard to build the business and hand it on to the next generation in a way that is more and more sustainable, by using the most up-to-date farming techniques to ensure the future of the

produce. First in 1945 when Roy

“It is critical for us to continue evolving

farm and our business.”

Greensill planted, raised and cut 66

and innovating our farming practices,”

acres of sugar cane by hand on the

Peter said.

Peter’s passion for farming keeps

slopes of the Hummock. By 1966, operations had expanded to more than 200 acres. Today the third-generation agribusiness covers more than 8000 acres in Qunaba and Wallaville.

Specialising in sweet potato, peanuts, sugarcane and a range of broadacre crops, Greensill Farming is extremely passionate and focused on showcasing the best of the Bundaberg Region to Australia, the

“Through innovation we are able to remain competitive in global markets while continuing to produce more consistent and higher-value products.

“Our customers are always looking to strive for better quality, longer shelf life, and more uniform appearance in their products. Innovative farming practices helps us achieve this.”

him close to everyday operations. Up before dawn, he is often found on the farm driving a tractor and operating equipment. He is hands-on and proud to be leading one of the Region’s finest agribusinesses.

For More

www.greensillfarming.com.au

From organic fertilisers through to

27

Church THE PEOPLE’S

41

Photo essay

WORDS BY LARINE STATHAM-BLAIR | PHOTO ESSAY BY PAUL BEUTEL

We all know the bloke who sits in the same bar stool religiously. He drinks slowly; like it’s holy. Beside his pot of beer, on the bar, is his tithe - a $10 note and a few gold coins. With a gentle nod and a wry smile, the bartender replaces his empty glass with a coldie.

He comes here to unwind and forget about life for a while. On a Friday night his mates join him for footy tipping and snooker. They share a few jokes. If they buy enough raffle tickets from their local cricket club, one of them is bound to take home the meat tray.

With their high ceilings and stained-glass windows, country pubs are often the most impressive buildings in town. But for the people who congregate there, their local pub is much more than bricks and mortar. It’s their community. A place of belonging. A broad church where they always feel welcome. ...continued on page 44

43

Photo essay

In towns like Howard, Childers, Cordalba, South Kolan, Bucca and Wallaville, the pubs are owned by local families; not big multinational companies. It takes a special person to be a publican. They counsel those who frequent their watering holes. They put food in their bellies. They keep their secrets and aren’t afraid to administer tough love. Some publicans fall into it by accident. Others hold romantic dreams of restoring these grandiose dames to their former glory.

And some, who are seeking adventure, take a leap of faith and quit their big city careers after seeing tiny classified listings in newspapers like the Sydney Morning Herald.

Adorned with newspaper clippings, old photographs, music memorabilia, sporting paraphernalia and dirty ditties, their walls tell stories of biblical proportions about love, war, ghosts (read more on page 64), fires, fights, floods and droughts. Regardless of their age or condition, these institutions remain the beating heart of their community. They are a poignant symbol of Aussie mateship triumphing over hardship. There’s only one scenario worse than a pub with no beer and that’s a country town without a pub. It’s unimaginable.

07 4152 2999 | 102a Bourbong Street, Bundaberg Central

45

at home with..

WORDS BY NIKKI SORBELLO AND ALICE THOMPSON

sweet, bubbly or intoxicating beverages

“These companies were pretty small

begin to tell the tales of yesteryear.

and some only operated for a couple of

Food and drink has the ability to take

They are most often emblazoned with

us back in time. Memories of our

family names, as drink companies came

grandmother’s cooking. The treats from

and went, or were sold and renamed.

a school fete. A sausage sizzle by the

They date back to before the turn of

beach. Some will remember when milk was delivered, with foil lids that were peeled back and later used in children’s art projects. Or when soft drinks were

the century and are exclusively made of glass or ceramics. Aluminium cans were not created until the late 1950s.

years, so they didn’t make many bottles to start with,” Mitch said.

“Usually a minimum order on these Stones Ginger Beer bottles was 144, which is a dozen-dozen. When the company closed, they usually smashed them all up or just threw them out. To find something like that from around

only for very special occasions.

For collectors like Mitch Wormington,

1910, 1920, is really rare,” he said.

he is as much a curator of history as he

While two Bundaberg drink companies

As these memories become more distant,

is of bottles. Little treasures of the past

have stood the test of time – Bundaberg

the bottles that once held a variety of

are not easy to find.

Rum and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks –

CALL

ME OLD fashioned

Many locals have cherished memories of celebrating with a Bundaberg drink at a special occasion. Chris Spence, Coordinator of the Bundaberg History Museum, fondly remembers Christmas with family in the 1960s.

“My grandfather who had owned a grocery store, would store the Salters soft drink under his Queenslander home. On Christmas Day he would set up trestle tables in his backyard under the four large mango trees and like so many families, there was one table for the adults and one for the children. I remember my grandfather pouring from the glass soft drink bottles into our anodised metal cups. We were absolutely delighted! Soft drink was a treat we had only on special occasions.”

they are just part of the Region’s drink

receiving recognition for its world-class

Gustav Steindl, expanded his operations

manufacturing history that spans back

beverages. Bertheau began making

to Bundaberg, after running a brewery

nearly 150 years.

liqueurs and in 1879 received three

with his brother in Maryborough. In

first class awards, two certificates

1883 Steindl established City Brewery

and one medal from an international

Bundaberg near Baldwin Swamp, which

exhibition in Sydney.

had easy access to the spring water

In the late 1800s it was easier to make products locally than transport them from somewhere else. Our thriving sugarcane

once available there.

industry and fertile soil meant everything

Soon after, another award-winning

needed for a top-shelf beverage was at

spirit was being crafted just up the

After selling the rights to City Brewery,

the manufacturers’ fingertips.

road. Making the most of Bundaberg’s

Steindl established Bundaberg Brewery.

abundant supply of sugar cane and

The brewery was flooded in 1893

molasses, the Bundaberg Distilling

and moved to higher ground on the

Company began operations in 1888

corner of Princess and Tomlinson Street

and birthed Australia’s most iconic rum.

(formerly known as Brewery Street) to

It was around this time Austrian native,

...continued on page 48

Charles Zacharie Bertheau was the first to manufacture cordials and aerated waters in 1874 on what was then named Bourbon Street. And it wasn’t long before Bundaberg began

47

at home with..

HERE’S TO

horehound If you read any blog, forum or social media page discussing Bundaberg beverages, dozens of people will fondly recall drinking horehound softdrink (sometimes called horehound beer). Carnival, Jordans or Electra Breweries all had a version of this oncepopular flavour.

The name comes from the herb it is made from. Horehound is a perennial aromatic herb of the mint family. It was used in home remedies for colds and was found in cough lozenges and other cold medicine, before being used to flavour food and drink.

It was said to have its own unique flavour, and like sarsaparilla has a flavour that can’t be described other than horehound. It was also a flavour that you either loved or hated – no inbetween.

new, larger premises. An arched gateway

Mitch said Jordan’s had many iterations

of families in the 1940s fell in love

with ‘Bundaberg Brewery’ displayed

over the years. “You can see the

with cordial label Salters. John Salter

in wrought iron overhead welcomed

different names on the bottles as they

took over the Bundaberg cordial

guests, and the front fence had a top rail

changed. I have Blake and Neilsen, and

manufacturer ‘Castles’ in 1940 and

Blake and Smith. They were the last

operated under that name for many

partnership with Jordon’s soft drinks.

years. In 1956, he built a new purpose-

There are probably thousands of those

built ‘Salters Cordial Works’ on the

bottles, whereas Blake and Nielson only

corner of Walla and Woondooma

operated for a short period,” he said.

Streets. Upstairs was an 1800 square

“There is a theory that a lot of the bottles

foot syrup room. The factory capped

for farmers to hitch their horses.

Steindl sold pasteurised lager, bitter ale, light ale and stout in bulk. Bottled brandy and other spirits were sold under the Seppelt label and cordial under the O.T label. His effort and talent were rewarded with four medals at an 1894 Commonwealth brewing competition.

got dug from the dump back in the 1970s,” Mitch said. “Out where the touch

its last bottle in 1982 but the iconic building remains part of the central

fields are; that was an old dump and

Bundaberg streetscape.

In the early to mid 1900s drink

over near the university as well. There is

companies continued to come and go.

also an old dump that hasn’t been dug

The 1960s also gave rise to

Memories and business information

through, that will probably never be dug,

are limited, or non-existent. The only

and that is Kendall’s Flats. It is likely that

records lie in backyard sheds and bottle collections like Mitch’s. Here you will find names like Carnival Wootton’s Drinks, Burnett Soft Drinks, McCloskey’s

a lot of the bottles from the 1930s to the 1950s are in there, and likely to never be uncovered, so that makes bottles from these years incredibly rare.”

Bundaberg’s longest-operating soft drink company. Electra Breweries was established in 1960 by Keith Neilsen and produced ginger beer, hop beer and horehound. Sold to the Fleming family in 1968, Electra Brewery went on to acquire a number of franchises.

Soft Drinks Gin Gin, Xtra Drinks, LL

After the mid 1900s, drink companies

In the early 1990s they collaborated

Castles and Jordon’s Soft Drinks.

flourished in Bundaberg. A generation

with Bundaberg Rum Distillery to

Otto Steindl and Moray McGregor at the Bundaberg Brewery in 1906. Credit: Bundaberg Historical Museum

Burnett Soft Drinks in 1974. Credit: Shane Bailey

Bundaberg Brewery on Brewery Street. Credit: Bundaberg Historical Museum

create the iconic mix ‘dark and stormy’.

someone has used it in their shed, like

“I was going around garage sales looking

Electra Brewery changed their name

an old bloke using it to store car parts

for records and I found one of these

to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks in 1995,

or something,” Mitch said.

Salter’s bottles. I thought it looked cool

has continued to expand their product range, and take homegrown ingredients and the Bundaberg name to the world.

Mitch also has a collection of bottle tops, most of which are in near new condition. He assumes they were

Their operations now are a far cry from

souvenirs from when people visited

the days when drinks were delivered

the factories. Some pieces of branded

on the back of a flatbed truck, stacked

crockery from early cafes like Lewis

in crates.

Bros, and tea and coffee pots from the

“The crates are really hard to find as

Lathouras Bros round out his display.

and the colours drew me to it. So then I started looking online and found an antique bottle forum in Australia which had a lot of information about the different Bundaberg bottles and by then I was hooked,” Mitch said.

Garage sales, op shops and trading with other collectors is how Mitch finds his treasured pieces. About 75 per cent

well, because a lot of people used them

It’s not a bad collection for a bloke who

of his impressive collection has been

as firewood. You only get lucky when

started off collecting records.

found in Bundaberg.

49

WIN

Subscribe to Crush Magazine to go in the draw to win a gift basket of local food and drink valued at $250, including an exclusive bottle of ‘Crush Blend’ Bundaberg Rum.

www.crushmagazine.com.au/subscribe Already subscribed? Tell us what you’d like to see in future issues of Crush Magazine and we’ll put you in the draw.

Email hello@crushcomms.com.au

WORDS BY LARINE STATHAM-BLAIR Bundaberg Distilling Company has a long, proud history of trying to help out a mate in need. But if you ask Duncan Littler (pictured) from Bundaberg Rum, it’s the people of Bundaberg who made this iconic rum what it is today.

“If the Bundaberg Region hadn’t been the sugarcane producing powerhouse that it was back in 1888, this great brand that we’ve got now may never have existed,” he said. “You need three local ingredients to make rum: pristine town water, molasses and a special strain of yeast that we cultivate here on site.

The furthest we travel

THAT’S THE

to get our ingredients is 50 metres. Every drop of Bundaberg Rum is fermented, distilled and matured right here on site. Being a single estate distillery is actually incredibly unique,” Duncan said.

Bundaberg Rum’s portfolio of drinks

UP leaves our site, it’s of consistent

in a local hotel, fill up at a local petrol

has evolved significantly in the past

quality and tastes exactly the same as

station, eat at a local restaurant, spend

decade to include white rums, premium

the product our passionate fans have

money in this community and get

products and special limited edition

come to know and love.”

things going again.”

Aside from those who make the annual

With the creation of two special

releases. It’s consumers who have guided that shift. “People are getting more experimental,” Duncan said. “How they explore drinks has changed.”

pilgrimage to Bundaberg to collect rum products that are exclusive to the Distillery, Duncan said the vast majority

releases, Watermark and Road to Recovery, Bundaberg Rum raised a combined total of about $1.5 million

Travellers seeking immersive holiday

of people did not travel to a destination

experiences is, in part, what led to the

for just one thing. “It’s great to see all the

redevelopment of the Bundaberg Rum

first-class experiences and attractions

Visitor Experience in 2016. In 2020 it

that have been created here in Bundy

was crowned World’s Best Distillery

in recent years. We’re really proud of

Visitor Centre. “If you’re a Bundy fan,

the role we play within that collective

donated 100,000 litres of ethanol

we want your visit to our distillery to

group of businesses and people who are

to the Queensland Government for

be one of the best things you’ve ever

showing everyone why a trip to Bundy

hand sanitizer during the COVID19

done, but at the same time we want

should be on their bucket list.”

pandemic. “There is a long proud history

it to appeal to people who just enjoy great food and drink experiences. I love reading Trip Advisor and seeing how many of the reviews start with the line: ‘I wasn’t a rum fan until…’. We’re showing them that Bundaberg Rum isn’t just one style anymore.”

Bundaberg Distilling Company has long shown a commitment to helping build the Rum City’s profile and boost

for local charities. Regeneration Rum raised funds nationally, following Australia’s worst bushfire season on record in 2020. Last year the company

of Bundaberg Rum trying to help out a mate in need. Helping our community; it’s genuine,” Duncan said.

its economy. After the devastating 2011 and 2013 floods, Bundaberg Rum hosted a series of free concerts in country pubs across the state

Duncan said Bundaberg Rum’s loyal

and a Road to Recovery Festival in

following of die-hard fans came from all

Bundaberg. “When the timing was

walks of life, from right across Australia.

right, we wanted to bring some joy

“The product that made us famous is

back to flood-affected communities,”

Bundaberg Original, or Bundaberg UP,”

Duncan said. “We also understood that

he said. “Even when we are innovating,

it’s easy for regional towns to fall out

it’s the product that grounds us and

of the media cycle, so we wanted to

reminds us where we’ve come from.

let everyone know that Bundaberg was

We make sure that every time Bundy

back open for business. Come and stay

51

I’ll drink TO THAT!

Crush Magazine spoke to five of Bundaberg Distilling Company’s longest serving employees to ask them what they love about their jobs and how they enjoy their rum.

Steve Jackson

Fermentation & Distillation Manager | 20 years “Working for a company with such a rich history, Bundaberg Rum just gets into your blood. I enjoy the Royal Liqueur Salted Caramel over ice in a short glass. It’s exclusive to the distillery.”

Katie Knott

Visitor Experience Performance and Reporting Analyst | 18 years “My colleagues have become like family. I genuinely love coming to work each day.

I like the Royal Liqueur Coffee & Chocolate (distillery exclusive) served over ice with a splash of milk.”

Paula ‘Macka’ Mckenzie

Customer Experience Manager | 14 years “I love sharing our local pride and showcasing the amazing work the team does every day. I am incredibly proud to be a custodian of the Bundaberg Rum brand. I enjoy a Bundaberg Rum UP and coke. It reminds me of my Pop, enjoying a drink on the veranda.”

Ty McKeown

Governance and Compliance Manager | 10 years “Working with such an iconic brand is exciting. My go-to is Small Batch Reserve in a dark and stormy: rum, Bundy ginger beer, a wedge of lime, topped with ice.”

Sarah Watson

Liquid Development and Innovation Manager | 10 years “I love working with the team to continually push the boundaries of rum making and show the world that the best rum is hand crafted right here in Bundaberg. I like the Small Batch Silver Reserve in a mojito with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, mint and ice.”

Did you know?

• Bundaberg Rum is no stranger to disaster. The Company has

Ruminate Rum, whether it’s white or dark,

tasting panel of both men and women

is a universal drink. On every

in 1968 (pictured).

continent, in one way or another, it’s influenced the course of history. It’s aided weary soldiers, fuelled military coups, and been used to sway electoral voters.

It helped prevent mutiny on pirate ships and promised to cure deadly tropical diseases. Doctors used it as a crude pain killer and anaesthetic.

The Crush Magazine team was recently invited to ruminate over this important past by blending our own special batch of Bundaberg Rum. The sweet scent of molasses filled our nostrils, as we were guided into the dimly lit ‘Blendatorium’ in East Bundaberg. Flanked by beautiful oak barrels, it’s got an atmosphere that makes us feel like we’re being let in on some kind of secret and once we’ve made our Crush Blend, we’ll be part of an exclusive club.

Laid out in front of us is a conical flask, measuring cylinder, five glasses of different dark rums, varying in colour and age. Each glass is covered with a watch glass to lock in the aromas.

The equipment hasn’t changed since Bundaberg Rum appointed its first

The rums we sample have been aged in sherry barrels from Spain, port barrels from Portugal, bourbon barrels from the USA, scotch barrels from Scotland and American oak barrels from, you guessed it; the US of A. You can’t get these liquids anywhere. They

endured many fires throughout its history. But the worst happened in 1936, when a lightning strike sparked an explosion that destroyed the Distillery. It took three years to rebuild.

• It wasn’t until the 1940s that they started bottling Bundy and Cola to quench the thirst of visiting US soldiers during WWII. It was one of the world’s first mixed drinks.

• Up until the 1960s, Bundy Rum was sold in barrels and agents put their own label and branding on it.

• Sam McMahon, the man responsible for many of Bundaberg Rum’s iconic branding features, like the square bottle

call it ‘arumatherapy’. After deciding

and polar bear, was the brother of former Australian Prime Minister

what tickles our taste buds, we use the

William McMahon.

pipette to bring our favourite flavour profiles together. We measure, pour and blend the rums into bottles. Our secret Crush Blend is given its own

• To celebrate Bundaberg Rum’s centenary, in 1988 the Distillery held its first ‘Famous Aussie Spirit’ cocktail competition.

label and batch number. The recipe is kept on file at the distillery. Each bottle is numbered, and we can order more at any time.

The Blend Your Own Rum Experience at the distillery is truly special and something every Bundaberg local should try at least once in their life. Who knows, you could be Bundaberg’s next master blender!

Visit

Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience Hills Street, East Bundaberg 07 4131 2999 www.bundabergrum.com.au

53

due it its close proximity to medical facilities, hospitals, shopping and dining.

“Unlike other retirement resorts, we offer a range of block sizes, as well as a choice of one of 12 home designs,” Grant said.

Retire in style AT SPRING LAKES RESORT

He said some of their buy-off-the-plan house designs include storage for caravans, RVs and boats. A number of new homes have already been built and are ready for residents to move straight in.

“We have thoughtfully designed

When you are no longer a slave to the

is also the Region’s first riverfront

working week, how do you dream of

resort. This gated community has been

spending your time? Will it be with a hit

carefully planned, with its own golf

on the golf course, lining up the jack on the green, catching up with neighbours or perhaps just watching the sun set over the beautiful Burnett River?

course, bowling green, clubhouse, pools, cinema, gym and more.

Residents won’t be left wanting for something to do.

This is the vision of Spring Lakes

Spring Lakes Project Manager Grant

Resort, Bundaberg’s newest over 50s

Botica said the resort had a unique

retirement community. Nestled in the

outlook, with 29 acres of river frontage

quiet suburb of Avoca, Spring Lakes

and was attracting a lot of interest

Spring Lakes as a community that has it all for retirees who are active and independent, but want the security of a community around them and want to know that a lot of the maintenance is taken care of.”

Take a Look

River Springs Drive, Avoca 1800 837 933 www.springlakesresort.com.au

SHOULD YOU SELL NOW TO

capitalise on the sellers’ market?

Word on the street is that it’s a socalled sellers’ market. Many of us are wondering whether we should be putting our home or investment property on the market to make the most of it. There’s no denying continued growth over the past 12 months has set 2021 up as a good year for the property market. Some areas are performing better than others and some individual house types are showing better results.

There’s been an obvious trend nationally of buyers choosing lifestyle regions such as ours and transitioning to working from home. While no-one has a crystal ball, economists believe if the government continues to provide economic stimulus and the vaccine is rolled-out as planned, prices will continue to rise, creating the current ‘fear of missing out’. With interest rates at historical lows, and further flexibility

in lending, there is plenty of incentive for buyers to continue buying even at higher prices. Listings are limited, so prices are staying strong.

So, should you strike while the iron is hot? Demand is huge, and there is an opportunity for sellers to make money on their house sale, which we haven’t seen in a number of years. We don’t know how long this will last before there is a correction in the market. The rental market is also very tight so it’s important to have a plan of where you will move to if your home sells quickly.

Even if the market can feel a little uncertain, it is important to remember that it is all relative and the market doesn’t stop. There will always be properties being listed and buyers out there wanting to buy. The best time to sell is when you’re ready to sell – consider whether you need to downsize, upsize,

EMMA BAUER

relocate, renovate. If it’s an investment property, consider what equity you have, whether there are tax advantages or disadvantages for you. Is it a high maintenance property that will continue costing you money or is it achieving a great return that you can support yourself on? There are a number of personal factors that need to be considered, not just achieving a good price.

If you are seriously considering selling your home, it’s important to speak to a local agent that you can trust.

Research your local market to look at the facts, rather than generic eyecatching headlines.

Emma Bauer is the owner of Coastline Realty. She also has experience in conveyancing and interior design.

Experience the

KSC difference!

Spot checks • Head-to-toe skin checks Mole mapping • Photodynamic therapy Surgical and topical treatments Dr Charles Blair believes strongly in educating people of all ages about the dangers of too much sun exposure, and how to protect your skin while still enjoying an active Australian lifestyle. Our highly trained and experienced local team is dedicated to the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer.

We combine cutting edge technology and good old fashioned know-how to provide the comprehensive and caring health care service you deserve.

53 Barolin Street, Bundaberg South www.ksc.com.au | admin@ksc.com.au

07 4150 3023

NO REFERRAL NECESSARY

The right diet FOR YOUR EYESIGHT

Before considering any supplements, its best to consult with a dietary expert who can advise on what may or may not be beneficial for you.

Smoking or drinking alcohol to excess can also harm your eyesight over time

Are my dietary habits damaging my

by causing toxic depositions around

eyesight? Patients are asking this sort

your macular or central vision.

of question more and more.

Even if you have an excellent diet, there

There is a plethora of information on

are a lot of eye conditions that can still

the internet about eye health and how

occur, so it is best to have your eyes

to maximise it through your diet.

Like most readily accessible ‘free’

checked regularly as advised. If you’re ANDREW CHRISTIANSEN

unsure about your diet, see your doctor

As always, a good, healthy and

or a dietitian. If you’re unsure about

balanced diet it optimal. Eating fresh

your eyesight see your optometrist.

degeneration, are well-documented

fruit, green leafy vegetables and fish

Andrew Christiansen is the owner

as having possible associations with

on a regular basis could help to offset

and optometrist at Optical Superstore

dietary intake.

these eye conditions in your later years.

Bundaberg.

information, not all of it is accurate.

Some conditions, including macular

death benefit

WHEN YOUR SUPER BECOMES A

It is so important to consider who will

terms of your Will. If you are wanting your super to go to someone else, such as your parents, you should arrange your Will to cater for this.

It is also worth noting that while your Super trustee must pay the benefit to your BDBN, the trustee is not bound

inherit your superannuation (super) if

to do so for a preferred beneficiary

you die before you retire. Your super won’t automatically go to your next of

nomination. In most cases they will

kin – you actually have to nominate

give the benefit to your preferred

who you want to receive the benefit.

beneficiaries, but your nomination may

In the event of your death, the Trustee of your super fund is required to pay your super to your beneficiary or,

CHRIS PARKER

is a spouse (including a defacto)

be reviewed to find a more appropriate eligible beneficiary.

any child (including adopted and

A few other things to consider: there is

step-children) and any person in an

no maximum number of beneficiaries

‘interdependent’ relationship with you.

allowed, and you are able to amend or

Most super funds enable members to

An interdependent relationship is if you

cancel your nomination at any time. It

complete either a preferred beneficiary

share a close personal relationship, live together, provide the financial support,

is important to keep your death benefit

nomination (a guide for the trustee on how to pay your super) or a binding

or domestic care and support.

where there is no eligible beneficiary, to any person who has a fair claim.

death benefit nomination (a BDBN, which binds the trustee to pay your super to your nominated beneficiaries).

nomination up to date, because in the event of your death, the trustee will

When making your nomination, consider

have to follow the nomination, even if

how the benefit will be paid. For a

your circumstances have changed.

dependant, the benefit is paid directly

Partners Kelly Dwyer, Chris Parker

Your beneficiary must be a dependant

to the person and does not form part

or your legal personal representative

of your estate, while for a legal personal

and Edwina Rowan lead the team

(your estate). A dependant under

representative it is paid directly to your

at Charltons Lawyers, Bundaberg’s

Australian Superannuation Law,

estate and dealt with according to the

longest-serving law firm.

57

Now, the News

Lailah Bowie with two of her children at Serendipity on Fairymead.

Serendipity on Fairymead operates from 31 Fairymead Road.

Elizabeth Hunter has a love for gardening.

Free produce stall

READY FOR SHARE AND SWAP

A new roadside produce stall that

“If you’re a gardener you would know

operates on a share and swap model,

all too well how easy it is to have an

has opened in Bundaberg North.

abundance of produce, plants, seeds

The honesty stand provides a space for like-minded people to share and swap excess produce, plants and gardening

and more,” Lailah said.

“Imagine being able to bring in a couple of excess pumpkins, zucchinis

The produce stall is free to use.

“We’re extremely appreciative for anything you drop to the stall or feel free to swap what you have for something else,” Lailah said.

“If you don’t have anything to share, we have a donation box available, and profits will be used for stall upgrades along the way.”

or cucumbers and come home with

Serendipity on Fairymead is at 31

supplies, created by Bundaberg locals

something you don’t have growing in

Fairymead Road, Bundaberg North and

Elizabeth Hunter and Lailah Bowie.

your garden!”

is always open to the public.

In Brief E-SCOOTERS LAUNCH IN BUNDABERG

Hundreds of e-scooters are available to rent for short trips in Bundaberg and Bargara after Neuron Mobility launched its international operation in the Region.

Bundaberg Regional Council’s Nursery Manager Diane Southwell with the Gin Gin roses.

One of the roses in full bloom.

Gin Gin Streetscape roses will blossom again Roses which once lined the

spent six months caring for the

main street of Gin Gin will be

flowers and maintaining them

transplanted back to their original

through Summer pruning, feeding

positions after being cared for by

and more.

Bundaberg Regional Council staff.

“The roses are so significant to

Due to the current upgrade of the Gin Gin streetscape, the roses were temporarily removed from the area but will soon be blooming again thanks to Council’s gardening guru, Diane Southwell.

the Gin Gin streetscape because

The e-scooters are available within the Bundaberg CBD and sit within a set geographical area and can be ‘unlocked’ using a mobile device.

The 250 scooters can be used for a fee within the ‘geofenced’ area, which ensures they can only be used and parked in certain locations. For safety, the scooters are also speed-restricted in some areas with higher foot traffic.

they have been there for many

BUNDABERG POLICE FACEBOOK PAGE

years, so it is important that we put

A MyPolice Bundaberg Facebook page has recently been launched, providing information on current events, investigations and positive news stories to the community.

them back,” Diane said.

“Over time they have been donated by many people and businesses in the community and were lovingly

Working at the Botanic Gardens as

cared for by local man John

the Nursery Manager, Diane has

McLean, before his passing.”

Paving the way for beach accessibility to include a beach path to support wheelchairs and walking frames

Senior Constable Brittany Duncan said the page covered news from the entire patrol group, ranging from Bundaberg, Bargara, South Kolan, Gin Gin, Childers, Eidsvold, Mount Perry and Monto.

Snr Const Duncan said the purpose of the page was not only to communicate with the wider community on a range of events and news, it was also a tool used to seek assistance for police investigations.

as well as sand and ocean friendly wheelchairs.

It is being driven by CQUniversity physiotherapy and occupational therapy academics who are exploring ways to make beaches more accessible as part of their CQUni lecturer Sasha Job and student Rebecca Harnett.

Older residents and those living with a disability will soon have easier access to a popular Bundaberg beach.

study The U-Beach: Tides of Change.

Bundaberg-based research leader, Sasha Job said the pilot study would help inform the standard of what is required to make a beach accessible, with an anonymous online survey open

The project at Nielson Park Beach

to all Australians over 65 or those

will build on existing Surf Life

living with a disability or mobility

Saving Queensland infrastructure

limitation and their carers.

For the latest news:

www.bundabergnow.com.au

CHILDERS FESTIVAL RETURNS

The Childers Festival will return again in 2021, culminating in the main festival day on Sunday July 25, when the Bruce Highway closes and more than 300 food and market stalls line the historic Childers streets.

Bundaberg Regional Council’s arts, culture and events portfolio spokesperson Councillor John Learmonth said the festival had been operating for more than two decades and had become one of the Region’s premier attractions.

“It was originally held over one day but has grown to feature an exciting four-day schedule that embraces an appealing range of local activities, events and tours,” Cr Learmonth said.

@bundabergnow

59

alcoholic DISTILLERS

Bundaberg Rum Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing Co Waterview Distillery 1770 Distillery BREWERS

Ballistic Beer Company Ohana Winery & Cider House Bargara Brewing Company 384 North Brewing Baffle Beer Brewery WINERIES

Vintner’s Secret Vineyard Hill of Promise Brierley Wines

non-alcoholic FIZZ

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks HOTI Kombucha FRUIT

Bundy Juice LEAF

Tipple Town NOT JUST RUM OF THE MILL

Lonnie’s Chai Tielka Tea Bare by Bauer Hao’s Teahouse BEAN

Alowishus Delicious Chilled Bundaberg Cold Drip Reef Coffee Barking Dog Coffee Edenbrook Coffee Co Kadilly Coffee FARM

Baffle Creek Milk Central Queensland Dairy Fresh

Most drink destinations are only known for one thing. Wine tasting tours or distillery visits, and the like. There aren’t too many regions in Australia (or overseas for that matter) where you can taste a variety of locally made rum, gin, liqueurs, beer, cider, wine, softdrink, juice, kombucha, tea and coffee, all in one place. There are almost 30 drink companies in the Bundaberg and Discovery Coast regions – and that’s just the ones we’re aware of!

The product offering in Bundaberg is

It’s hard not to feel nostalgic about how

diverse. And we aren’t talking run of the

far this ‘Tipple Town’ has come. Our

mill, substandard, backyard products.

Region has been built on the backs of

No, Sirree! The Bundaberg Region is

indentured South Sea Island labourers

renowned for producing internationally

who toiled the sugarcane fields and

recognised, award-winning beverages.

cleared them of volcanic rock. Brewers

With a population of just 90,000 people,

poured their hearts into every one of

we punch well above our weight, and

those early drops. Tradesmen built sugar

always have done. Our products are

mills and ran bottling production lines.

exported all around the world.

Bundaberg would not be what it is today

French Lychee Martini 60ml Kalki Moon Classic Gin 30ml Paraiso Lychee Liqueur 30ml lychee syrup Top with Vintner’s Secret Sparkling Verdelho Garnish with lychees

Stout Espresso Martini 45ml Ballistic Mexican Chocolate Stout This Issue is particularly sentimental for Nikki and Larine, who both lost their fathers to cancer in recent years. Nikki’s Dad, Allan, was a cane farmer and owned a sugarcane harvesting business in Childers and Larine’s Dad, Adrian, was Production Manager at Carlton United Breweries in Sydney for many years before making the move to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.

Double shot of espresso or 60ml of Bundaberg Distilling Co’s Coffee & Chocolate Royal Liqueur 30ml Kaluha 15ml Aperol 15ml sugar syrup Whole coffee beans to garnish

without hard work (and a little bit

Café holes in CBD walls. Old

of luck).

Queensland weatherboard corner

And then there are the special people who serve our drinks. To quote Billy Joel’s song Piano Man, “they’re quick with a joke or will light up your smoke”. They serve you the morning coffee that gives you a pat on the bum to go get

stores in the suburbs. Cellar doors. Distilleries. Brewhouses.

These venues are all open to tourists who want to learn about the origins of their food and drink, as well as locals who want to truly appreciate all that we have in our

‘em, until it’s time to unwind with

own backyard!

an afternoon wine.

To help you along the trail, we’ve

But it isn’t just about the people.

curated this guide to some of the

It’s about the venues. Bundaberg is fortunate to have a blossoming pub, restaurant and café scene.

Region’s best drinks and venues.

next round’s on you!

Pina Colada Twang 60ml Ballistic Pina Colada Twang 90ml pineapple juice 30ml Malibu 30ml coconut cream A wedge of pineapple to garnish

61

Tipple town

moon

SHOOTING

FOR THE

Bundaberg’s beloved Kalki Moon

worked on maturing their rum. It was

time to work on our rum.” Last year they

Distilling and Brewing Company

a last minute decision to invest in gin

installed a bigger gin still which allowed

never intended to be a brand built on

and give it a big push. “I enjoyed the

them to focus more on rum. They

gin products. Given the outstanding

botanicals and blending involved in

recently released two rum products: Rum

success of their gins it’s hard to

making gin. Gin was just starting to

Liqueur and Plant Cane. Kalki Moon is on

imagine. But this award-winning

simmer in Australia,” he said. “There

track to release their Spiced Rum before

company was actually started as a

were 12 gin brands across the country

Christmas, and is building up to unveil

small-batch rum distillery.

at the time and now there are more than

their first dark rum next year.

Owner Rick Prosser said they started producing gin out of necessity due to Australian maturation laws for rum.

“Refining rum recipes takes patience

650. We knew that for locals to switch over to Kalki Moon from the traditional English gins, our first gin needed to be good quality and a similar price.”

The former Bundaberg Rum Master Blender said he was excited to be producing some small-batch rums.

“We are in rum heartland afterall and

and time; it’s a rolling trial that can

In 2018, Kalki Moon Classic Gin was

I’ll always have a soft spot for the

take years,” he said. “We didn’t have a

named world’s best gin under $50

Bundaberg Rum brand, but we will

lot of capital to throw at the distillery

at the International Wine and Spirits

never abandon our loyal gin followers,”

set up. I was fortunate to have the

Awards. Their Solstace Barrel Aged Gin

Rick said. “The local support we’ve

blessing of my wife, Kylie, and support

won gold at the 2019 International

received has been really humbling.”

from my mum and brother-in-law.

Wine and Spirits Awards, and their

My mates backed me, and the dream,

Premium and Navy Strength gins have

as shareholders, but it still meant we

picked up a swag of Australian medals.

needed to have money coming in from the first day we opened.”

“I didn’t expect to be making gin seven days a week and supplying 130-plus Dan

Rick said they were unsure whether

Murphy’s stores,” Rick said. “The success

gin or vodka would be the hit, as they

of our gin meant we didn’t have a lot of

Sip it!

22 Commercial Street, Bundaberg 07 4151 0396 www.kalkimoon.com

aloha

When the first sip of crisp, bubbly

cider passes your lips, it’s clear there is something immediately different

about Ohana Cider House & Winery.

Their award-winning Cheeky Tiki ciders are refreshing, fruity and not too sweet. They’re the so-called ‘goldilocks’ of ciders.

But it is no secret why Ohana owners Josh Phillips and Zoe Young are making a name for themselves. It’s actually very simple. “We use real ingredients, real Australian apples and everything is done naturally, in small batches,” Zoe said.

Unlike some commercial producers, there are no foreign concentrates, artificial flavours or aromas added to their product. In fact, their fresh apples are pressed on site. And while the batches may be small, the business continues to grow.

“We’re producing about 50,000 litres of cider each year, carefully crafted in 3000 litre batches,” Zoe said.

Their cider-producing journey is a unique one, with the couple leaving their desk jobs in Perth and purchasing a run-down tropical fruit orchard in Childers, indulging their passion for cider, winemaking and Hawaii.

When they began retailing their dry and sweet apple ciders into all Queensland Dan Murphy’s stores, they needed more space and equipment, prompting them to move into East Bundaberg and open a cellar door.

“You should definitely come and visit us, it is just a really fun time. You can come and hang out with your mates, hang out with us, have a drink, have a taste and even see what’s new,” Zoe said.

If you are a cider fan, the cellar door should be a regular stop. There are up to eight different ciders on tap, most of which aren’t available anywhere else. You can also buy through their online store.

Flavours like rose (a mix of apple and

grape), pineapple, apple and pear, passionfruit and boozy lemon have all featured on the drinks menu.

“They will change depending on the season. Customers can try them, and we will bottle them to be taken home, fresh out of the keg. When the keg is empty a new flavour will come along,” Zoe said.

While cider is their most popular product, Ohana Winery still produce a range of fruit wines, such as their best-selling strawberry moscato, mango moscato, cold drip coffee liqueur and a tawny port, aptly named The Night Cap.

Visit

Drop by the Cellar Door Tuesday – Sunday 5 Alexandra Street, Bundaberg 0404 331 280 www.ohanawinery.com.au

63

Tipple town the helm, making sure the Tavern is the best dining option offered in this seaside settlement.

There is something to satisfy all hungers. From pub classics like burgers, steaks and ‘parmies’, that sit alongside sumptuous options such as Citrus Salmon, Chicken Royal and Italian pastas and risottos.

If you want to feel a world away, select your favourite drink and settle in. Grab a spot on the expansive deck under the twinkling fairy lights, surrounded

Time for another round With sandy feet and sun-kissed

As you enter the expansive Agnes

cheeks, after a day visiting the picture-

Water Tavern, you can tell there is

perfect townships of Agnes Water and

heart and soul that goes into feeding

Town of 1770, it is time to answer the

patrons seven days week. It is a family-

rumbling in your belly.

run business, with two generations at

by lush greenery and palm trees. When you really want to let your hair down, book a table for Saturday night and enjoy the live entertainment on offer.

Drop by

1 Tavern Road, Agnes Water 07 4974 9469 www.agnestavern.com.au

across their shoulders.

But the man, who reportedly appears in black turn-of-the-century clothing, is a friendly fellow; the kind you would expect to meet in a small country town.

All who encounter him describe a feeling of peace, not panic.

He is unlikely to bother you when you call in for a meal and a cold beer in the carriageway, where ladies once did needle work and waited for their husbands while they drank.

THE HAUNTING OF A

HISTORICAL HOTEL

Spend a night or two in one of their air-conditioned upstairs guest rooms, where quaint country charm meets classic pub. With its corner position and

When you enter a historic pub, it is

all other buildings in Childers in 1902.

second storey balcony, the Grand Hotel

hard not to think about times gone by.

And there is definitely someone who is

is also the perfect vantage point to

The tall stories that were once told. The

not done telling the story of this old girl.

watch all the festivities of the Childers

brawls that were once had. The fun and

‘Luke the Spook’ has haunted the

laughter shared among friends.

Grand’s halls for decades. He is said to

But have you ever wondered of hidden secrets or a dark past trying to escape?

open locked doors, wander the halls, and has appeared in apparitions to dozens of patrons. Publicans and guests

The Grand Hotel was built in 1899 and

have reported hearing him running

survived the historic fire that destroyed

down the stairs, or draping his arm

Festival, on from July 22 to July 25.

Stop by

110 Churchill Street, Childers 07 4126 1763 www.grandchilders.com.au

There’s always a reason to celebrate at Bert’s! Since opening its doors in 2018, Bert’s Restaurant and Bar has developed a name as Bundaberg’s premiere location for quality beverages and tasty eats.

TOP Shelf ELDERFLOWER ROSE GIMLET

NOOSA HEADS JAPANESE LAGER

Their fine selection of local,

Kalki Moon Premium Gin

Queensland, interstate and

Lime juice

This award-winning beer pays homage to the refined nature of the Japanese lager style. A proprietary blend of malts gives it a delicate appearance and flavour profile. Filtered, for a clean and crisp mouthfeel, making it exceptionally palatable and truly enjoyable. ​

overseas drinks is something to

Elderflower liquour

be admired. It’s a classic menu

Rosewater

that could hold its own anywhere around the globe, and boasts

Rose petals to garnish

more than 10 different gins and about 20 whiskies.

Available for private functions and gatherings with friends, Bert’s plush décor and quiet nooks makes it the perfect place for a romantic night out.

Tired after a long week at work?

Staying in doesn’t have to mean

PENFOLDS GRANDFATHER RARE TAWNY

Classical Penfolds fruitcake, liquorice, roasted walnuts all integrated together seamlessly with a freshness contradicting age.

Vanillin oak flavours with a sweet full and round mid-palate, and a finish that persists on and on.

ST HUGO GRENACHE SHIRAZ MATARO, BAROSSA SA 2018

Raspberry and spice with a subtle floral life and background hints of cedar.

Chalky tannins and a line of acidity which provides great length.

missing out – the Bert’s menu is also available to take away!

Discover Bert’s

163 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg 07 4326 4000 www.discoverberts.com.au/club Join Bert’s Discovery Club to receive a complimentary $10 voucher *note: beverage list and menu may be subject to change without notice.

FLAMING MARSHMALLOW MARTINI

Crème de Cacao Baileys Absolut Vanilla Vodka Franjelico Cream Marshmallows to garnish

65

Tipple town

it s’ a swell Time AT THE WAVES

The Waves CEO Brendan Royall in the newly renovated gaming lounge.

It is Saturday night. After a busy day

They’ve been awarded Club of the Year

“We invest about $1.2 million each

running around, a casual dinner with

and Chef of the Year. It is not hard to

year, having invested about $6 million

family is in order. Somewhere the

see why. Redevelopments of personal

kids are entertained by an enclosed

amenities, expanded bistro seating,

in the past five years, back into the

outdoor playground, you can grab a

outdoor kids area and the Horizon’s Bar

drink at the bar, have a flutter on the pokies and enjoy some live music.

It is a relaxed ambiance here. One where all ages are welcome, and you can simply enjoy the company you keep.

have all served to cement The Waves’ reputation as a modern venue, serving All-day dining at the Sticky Fingers

The popularity of The Waves is a

Coffee Shop, lunch and dinner at Rock

reflection of their commitment to keep

Salt Bistro, coupled with excellent

moving forward.

is relatively young – serving the

and you have everything you need for a

Bundaberg community for about 50

great entertainment experience.

years. Opened in 1968, the club was

It all comes together to support The

aptly named to record how they arrived in Australia – across the waves of the Indian Ocean.

organisations and non-affiliated community groups,” Brendan said.

customer service and live entertainment,

and soccer by Italian farmers and was

sporting clubs, non-affiliated sporting

some of Bundaberg’s best meals.

In terms of watering holes, The Waves

used for social gatherings around bocce

community through our affiliated

Waves core purpose – sporting, family and bringing the community together,

“We have a ten-year master plan, which incorporates numerous stages for our sporting facilities, our Caloundra venue and adding to The Waves food and beverage offering,” he said.

directed by the business’s not-forprofit philosophy.

The Waves CEO Brendan Royall said as

In recent years, The Waves has

there were no owners or shareholders of

dominated the industry awards circuit.

The Waves. all profits were reinvested to

They’ve been recognised for their

benefit members and the community, by

redevelopments, services and facilities.

improving facilities and services.

Visit

1 Miller Street, Norville 07 4152 1231 www.thewavesbundaberg.com

Hop to it!

David Kitchen instinctively plants the palm of his hand flat against his chest to tap his heart and the brand on his t-shirt, as he talks about Ballistic Beer Company. It’s easy to see why he’s been so successful. He’s philosophical and genuinely positive; particularly about people and culture.

The former accountant worked in Asia for the Department of Foreign Affairs for 14 years. “We came back to Queensland, bought a house, got a cat and put our daughter into ballet

Brewer Andrew Clarke and Commander-in-Chief David Kitchen

lessons; settling down was the end of my career,” David said.

“I saw an ad for a home brew company for sale and thought it could be a bit of fun with my brother. We thought we could get some free beer and make a bit of money but neither of

the regions – the heartland of Queensland,” David said.

those things were happening,” David laughed. The home brew

Ballistic purchased The Brewhouse and Bargara Brewing

business eventually grew to seven retail stores.

Co earlier this year and kept founder Jack Millbank on as

David said he’d never set out to own a brewery. “We used to get some amazing Australian wines tax free when we lived overseas. I wasn’t really a beer drinker. I had an epiphany after a couple of years owning the homebrew business, where I actually tasted a beer from one of my store managers. I thought ‘well, this is just as sophisticated and nuanced as tasting a really good glass of wine’. And that was the moment I really started drinking craft beer.”

He had an idea to create a microbrewery where home brewing customers and staff could commercialise their brews. This quickly snowballed and before David knew it he’d started Ballistic Beer Co in Salisbury, named in honour of the local women who secretly built munitions in WWII. Just three years on, their craft beers are now sold across Australia. The company owns five venues around Queensland, including the recently-

an interested shareholder. Andrew Clarke will continue as their local brewer. The Brewhouse will serve both Bargara and Ballistic beers. And Bargara Brewing Co’s Ginger Beer will be available across Ballistic’s other Queensland venues.

The Brewhouse is currently being renovated, with plans for a childrens’ playground. “We want our venues to be somewhere you’d be happy to take your grandma,” David said. “It’s a place where parents can be adults for an hour or two and see their children having a good time. Hospitality is not just transacting a beer or salad; it’s about bringing people into our home and making them feel welcome.”

Tap in!

The Brewhouse | 10 Tantitha Street, Bundaberg www.ballisticbeer.com

purchased Brewhouse on Tantitha Street. “We knew that if we wanted to be Queensland’s leading beer, we needed to get into

67

Tipple town

Rick’s A SPECIAL SPOT There is something decadent about enjoying a delicious meal made of the freshest local ingredients while sipping a glass of wine as ocean waves crash just meters away.

It is a special kind of ambiance, and Rick’s at Bargara has it in spades.

“The days are beautiful and the sun glistens off the ocean.

At different times of the year you can sit and be having a coffee and a whale jumps out of the water. We are pretty lucky here, it is a special place,” owner Rick Johnston said.

It is not just the prime spot that draws in locals and tourists again and again. At Rick’s you can enjoy the magnificent location for breakfast, brunch and lunch seven days a week. On Friday and Saturday nights the seaside café is transformed, with full restaurant service and live music.

The venue is fully licenced, so you can enjoy a beer or wine with lunch, and settle in for gin, rum or cocktail with dinner. You are sure to find the perfect pairing for the modern Australian cuisine, quality local seafood, fresh fish and amazing array of local produce being plated up.

Dine in

1 Bauer Street, Bargara | 07 4159 0022

Coffee & baked treats ~ Gourmet products ~ Gift hampers ~ Local produce ~ Flowers ~ Home of Bunda Ginga ~ OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK. 3/133 Bargara Rd (07) 4152 3322 | www.onelittlefarm.com.au

BRETT’S

PICKS MOFFATDALE RIDGE SPARKLING CUVEE NV

Smooth and creamy with a delicate fine bead and lush tropical flavours, the perfect bubbles for Queensland. It’s a credit to wine maker Jason Kinsella and the South Burnett Region.

SHIRVINGTON ROW X ROW FIANO 2019

Light citrus notes

Noble ROT

intertwine with fresh spice and stone fruit. A deliciously light style of wine that is fast gaining the notoriety it deserves in the Aussie wine scene.

Brett Doss doesn’t mince his words.

He’s cheeky and tells it like it is.

“There’s a lot of jargon, snobbery, and pompous rot in the wine industry,” he said. And by “rot” he doesn’t mean the noble botrytis kind.

SHIRVINGTON ROW X ROW MATARO 2018

An old world variety I hope we see much more of in years to come.

Dark red fruit flavours, a medium bodied wine with luxurious mouth feel. Drink at around 20 degrees Celsius.

RAIDIS ESTATE BILLY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016

A beautifully light example of Coonawarra Cabernet, rich black fruits, a hint of mint on the palate and a smooth long finish. A wine that will continue to improve with further aging.

“The misleading and sometimes confusing language can deter people from experiencing good wine or trying new things, because they’re worried they’ll say something wrong and embarrass themselves, but my job is to break down those perceived barriers and make wine accessible to all. There is no wrong taste or preference; only what’s right for your palate. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a $20 bottle or a $200 bottle – it’s all about personal enjoyment.”

Brett is a qualified sommelier and owner of Wynestory Group. He sells and distributes beverages between Rockhampton and Brisbane on behalf of boutique companies from all over Australia. He has designed wine lists for some of the Bundaberg Region’s best venues. Brett regularly hosts wine pairing dinners at HSG at the Gardens, and enjoys collaborating with local barbeque companies like Yagoona Designs and Burnt Magpies.

Wynestory started as a personal blog.

“I was stuck in a sales job doing big kilometres, but one of the benefits was that I was travelling through wine regions,” Brett said. “As I started buying wine, drinking wine and understanding wine, the blog was a way for me to record that and share it with like-minded people. The stories behind the wines became my passion.

My wife and friends encouraged me to turn it into a legitimate business; sharing stories of the little mum and dad operations, running events, expanding peoples’ knowledge and understanding of wine.”

Working with Chef Dion Taylor at HSG, Brett enjoys “turning things on their head” and finding new food and wine combinations that are unconventional or unusual.

Designed for both experienced wine enthusiasts and novices, their dinners and masterclasses showcase local ingredients to create what Brett and Dion like to call “daring pairings”.

The perfect pair

Wynestory Group www.wynestory.com HSG at the Gardens Cnr Penny’s Lane and Gorlicks Road, Bundaberg Heartandsoulgourmetmeals.com.au 07 4303 7711

Chill With three cafes across Bundaberg and Maryborough, and a fourth planned opposite Bundaberg Base Hospital, Alowishus Delicious has become a familiar place to enjoy an organic coffee, scrumptious brekky or relaxed lunch.

Established as a sandwich bar in 2011, Alowishus has expanded their menu over the past decade to include fresh juices, home-made gelato and a full café offering.

And their range of house-made cold drinks might just be the perfect grab-and-go option you need for your busy morning, or afternoon pick-me-up.

OUT

Made on site and available to take-away or enjoy seated, you’ll adore their house lemonade, iced tea and cold brew. Coffee lovers will delight in an iced latte, long black and classic iced coffee. Iced chai and iced mocha have quickly become firm favourites. Make sure you follow the cheeky instructions on the bottle to ‘Shake Me Like a Polaroid Picture’.

It’s not just their iced coffee that will make you smile. Alowishus has a reputation for incredibly friendly service. Their positive and passionate team members take pride in everything they do and it’s clear they believe in the purpose of Alowishus—to create community.

Get it!

Alowishus Bundaberg Earls Court 176 Bourbong Street 07 4154 2233 Alowishus Maryborough 232-244 Adelaide Street Maryborough 07 4302 8631 Alowishus @ the UniRefectory Building 6 University Drive, Branyan 07 4150 7053 Alowishus on Bourbong – COMING SOON! 290 Bourbong Street Bundaberg

BARGARA’S

WORST KEPT

secret

A passionate and highly experienced photographer, Sabrina is known locally and internationally for her high standards and dedication to her clients.

She takes care of details and she is respectful in intimate moments. Fun and easy going, she is always ready to make people smile by making them forget they are in front of a camera.

Sitting in the warm sun. Hands wrapped around

a steaming cup of coffee. Listening to the rustling of the

leaves in the trees overhead. There is not a more tranquil café setting to be found than The Windmill at Bargara.

It’s not just the beautiful location that’s won this awardwinning café so much praise. It is how chef and owner Joey Caruana combines his food philosophy and business vision

with the freshest produce he can find, putting it all on a plate.

“It’s cliché to say local food and local produce, but the difference is we don’t have deliveries to Bargara every day of the week. We have the farmer who’s finished picking and brings in their fruit and vegetables. The tomato farmer comes, the dragonfruit farmer comes, the banana farmer comes directly to us,” Joey said.

“I think the success of The Windmill is the real hospitality.

We really try to provide an experience, to be more than just a café. That kind of thinking is increasing in our local area and everyone is upping their game.”

The rest of Queensland now knows what Bargara locals have known for years: The Windmill is officially the State’s Best Tourism Café or Catering Service. They received the prestigious accolade at the 2020 Queensland Tourism Awards and went on the be placed fourth at the Australian awards.

“Winning the gold medal was amazing, as we were up against some big players, multinational corporations, multinational hotels, cafes and restaurants. It is important to us to show you can have that level of service offering in a regional town,” Joey said.

Visit it!

The Windmill 12 See Street, Bargara The Beach Mill Coffee Bar 2 Fred Courtice Avenue, Bargara www.windmillbargara.com.au

0438 425 792 sabrinalauristonphotography.com.au

Untoxicated If you want to change your relationship with alcohol, the new and improved sober movement might be just what you need.

WORDS BY LARINE STATHAM-BLAIR Let’s be honest. Most of us consume

COVID19 lockdown of online team

more alcohol than we should. Data from

meetings and home-schooling, we

the World Health Organisation proves

gave our regular afternoon wind-down

it. Aussies are some of the heaviest

cocktails the nickname ‘quarantini’.

drinkers in the world, consuming 10 litres of pure alcohol on average each, per year. Some of us drink small amounts too frequently. Others binge on the weekends, but justify it by steering clear on ‘school nights’.

We are masters at pretending it’s not a problem by applying some good

Podcasts, social pages, websites and books have popped up in recent years both here and overseas, promoting the sober lifestyle. There are even sober social clubs and events. It’s resulted in a global support network of like-minded people who relish the fact they no longer wake up suffering from ‘hangxiety’.

old-fashioned self-deprecating humour.

A decision to stop drinking doesn’t

We talk about drinking like it’s an

always stem from having a problem. In

impressive skill. Men joke about their

the course of putting together the Tipple

so-called ‘dad bods’: “bugger the six

Town Issue of Crush Magazine, we spoke

pack; I’m working on my carton or

to countless locals who said a drop had

keg”. Social media is rife with funny

never passed their lips. Others said they’d

memes about mums who need a wine

recently quit drinking, cut back or were

to destress or escape; normalising their

participating in alcohol-free fundraising

evening glass (or bottle). During the

events and challenges. Their reasons

varied from physical health and fitness, weight loss and mental health to their household budget. Some over indulged when they were young or felt alcohol dependence had gradually snuck up on them.

Others just didn’t like the taste or hated how it made them feel.

Many outlined all the things they’d gained by rethinking their habits.

While the global sobriety trend is growing rapidly, in Australia acceptance of those who socialise sober doesn’t seem to be keeping pace. Many of our well-meaning friends will say things in jest that make us feel like a pariah for quitting or cutting back: “we can’t be friends now. You used to be fun. One won’t hurt. You’re under the thumb. Harden up”. They can become self-conscious and automatically think they’re being judged by those who are sober.

One perceived issue with many sober movements of the past is that they have been based on models of complete abstinence and, in some cases, religion. Abstinence may be necessary for those who have been directly or indirectly impacted by alcoholism, and there is an important place for these types of organisations and services.

However, many people who want to cut back will not engage with so-called ‘tea totalling’ organisations where they expect to be chastised or labelled a ‘drunkard’ for enjoying an occasional tipple.

Locally, at least, our drink companies actively promote responsible

Lonnie’s Chai You’ll need: 1 heaped teaspoon Lonnie’s chai mix (or teabag) 2/3 mug cold water 1/3 mug of your favourite milk Grating of fresh ginger Pure honey (or rice malt syrup) to taste For slow pleasure: Bring chai, water and ginger to a gentle simmer in a saucepan, stirring. Add milk. Strain into a mug, add a dollop of honey to taste.

Quicker pleasure: Boil the water and warm the milk first. Place all the ingredients (except honey) in a teapot, plunger or brewing mug. Strain into a mug and add honey to taste.

consumption. More recently, drink manufactures have begun innovating to capture the emerging segment of the market that want to ‘dry out’ occasionally without the social stigma. For example, Bundaberg Rum’s parent company, Diageo, created one of the world’s first non-aloholic distilled spirits, Seedlip. They also make non-aloholic gin for their international markets. And then there are those who have based their entire business model on socialising sober. Sobah Beverages is an entirely non-alcoholic boutique beer company, based on the Gold Coast, that make their beer using Australian Aboriginal bush tucker ingredients.

If you are questioning your reliance on alcohol, pour yourself a ‘soft’ drink or mocktail (like those pictured right), settle in, open Instagram and search for the hashtags #soberlife #sobercurious

Mango Passionfruit Pina Colada In a blender, combine: 250ml HOTI Mango Passionfruit Kombucha

#soberliving. And the next time someone tells you they’ve cut

¼ cup Nana’s Pantry Coconut Gelato

back or quit drinking, congratulate them on making the choice

50ml coconut cream

that’s right for them.

Crushed ice ½ cup fresh pineapple

SOBER MOVEMENTS, EVENTS AND INFLUENCERS • Hello Sunday Morning

• Drunk Mummy Sober Mummy

• This Naked Mind

• Sober Sis

• Sober in the Country

• Sober Girls Society

• Untoxicated

• Alcohol Free Project

• February Fast

• No Booze Babes

• Dry July

• Love Sober

• Ocsober

• Straight Edge

IN NEED OF LOCAL SUPPORT? Alcohol and Other Drug Service Bundaberg 312 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg | 07 4150 2740 Bridges Health and Community Care 130 Bourbong Street | 1300 707 655

Serve in a poco grande or tall glass and garnish with a wedge of fresh pineapple

Bloody Berry Spritz Muddle frozen berries in a tumbler Fill glass with ice Top with Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Blood Orange Garnish with fresh mint

73

OVERCOMING

alcohol intolerance Enjoying a drink or two is engrained

“Once we returned to Australia, she

uncomfortable digestive symptoms,

in Australian culture. Catching up for

travelled from interstate to see us.

support gentle liver detoxification, repair

a wine with girlfriends or meeting the

Through taking a detailed health and

and regenerate healthy gut function,

boys at the pub for a beer.

lifestyle history, the prominent event

while nourishing and supporting the

preceding her issues was the accidental

nervous system,” Colin said.

Alcohol can affect people in different ways, even leading to intolerances (and no, we don’t mean hangovers!).

While some may be happy to forgo the occasional drink, there may be ways to overcome these negative reactions so you can again enjoy a healthy relationship with alcohol. Naturopaths Colin and Olive Harris from Nurtura

death of her partner,” Colin said.

Olive explained that alcohol can irritate the gut, lead to leaky gut and in turn cause allergic reactions and liver inflammation.

“Under stress, immune tolerance is interrupted which can result in further inflammation of the liver,” Olive said.

Health have helped many clients do

“Alcohol depletes B vitamins and

just this.

other vital nutrients, which can also

Colin said he and Olive met a woman in New York, on an education trip to the United States, who wished to enjoy the pleasure of an alcoholic drink without the side effects of intolerance. She had been suffering indigestion, sugar cravings, constipation, bloating and extreme anxiety.

exacerbate the stress response.”

Using a range of tools, including

“Our client also undertook a series of colonic irrigation treatments combined with Bowen technique and lymphatic drainage massage.

“She was delighted over a few months to again have the pleasure of enjoying a social drink without being sick.”

Olive said the Nurtura Health team also had extensive experience supporting clients who are recovering from alcohol addiction and are on their road back to health and wellness.

iridology, MetaScan Body Composition Analysis, and computerized analysis, the team at Nurtura Health created a specific individual dietary and nutritional program for the client.

“The plan was to relieve the

Book in

5/21 Electra Street 07 4153 4112 www.nurturahealth.com.au

fizz

You may not think kombucha is your cup of tea, but then again you may not have tried a HOTI brew. Bubbly and without the strong vinegar taste of most kombucha, a HOTI (Healthy On The Inside) Kombucha is the refreshingly refined fizz you need at the end of a long day.

The growing popularity of this fermented tea goes to show that it is not only alcoholic drink producers making a name for themselves in the Bundaberg Region.

Owner Helen Tricarico never imaged she would create a micro-brewery after 30 years in the corporate sector, quickly learning commercial drinks production involves much more than just making a delicious brew. Over the past five years she has developed a skill as a commercial brewer. With a love for all things local, Helen has created a product using as much fresh, local Bundaberg produce as possible.

“I love creating kombucha, as it is such a delicate scientific process. Because HOTI is small batch, artisan and handcrafted, I can use a range of beautiful organic teas to create unique flavour profiles that are not normally created by bigger breweries. That’s what gives HOTI Kombucha its point of difference,” Helen said.

HOTI Kombucha’s humble beginnings started out as a way to quench Helen’s thirst for something both healthy and delicious, soon finding it was a great replacement to drinks often high in sugar, sugar alternatives and alcohol.

HOTI’s growth has been supported by many local businesses, cafes and restaurants. Darryl and Leisa Storey from Nana’s Pantry were the first to see the potential and are now HOTI’s main supplier, with six flavours on tap in the Bundaberg store and three in Hervey Bay. “HOTI’s business model is founded on a re-fill re-use model. You purchase your bottle and then take it back to be re-filled, doing your bit for our environment by creating less waste and saving money at the same time,” Helen said.

In a growing trend, many are turning to kombucha as a substitute for alcohol, and in an effort to reduce sugar intake, others are mixing it with a range of spirits to provide a dash of health to their favourite tipple.

Try and buy

Nana’s Pantry 38 Electra Street, Bundaberg | 53 Torquay Road, Hervey Bay 07 4154 1000 View other stockists at Hoti.com.au

Salted Lime Splash Mocktail Fill a tall glass with ice. Fill half way with HOTI Elderflower Kombucha. Add a scoop of Nana’s Pantry Salted Lime Sorbet. When the fizz has settled, top with remaining kombucha. Garnish with a slice of lime.

&Locks

Lips

start off as a balm or straight oil. They contain coconut oil, jojoba or almond oil. I love these as a pre-cleanse to remove any makeup. Oil sticks to oil, so these styles of cleansers make your makeup just slide right off.

MICELLAR

Another fairly new introduction into the cleansing world, this is great for helping to remove makeup, dirt and grime from the day, before using your cleanser in the shower. Make sure your micellar does not contain an ingredient called polyaminopropyl biguanide. Also known

By Abby Blanke SERENITY SKIN SPA

The most common thing we see as skin therapists is clients using the wrong cleanser for them. This can create havoc on the skin, making it congested, red, inflamed, super dry and oily all at the same time!

Choosing the right cleanser sets your skin up to allow for absorption of serums and moisturisers.

GEL

These are a gel-like consistency and may bubble, but won’t foam up when you add water. They are more gentle than foaming cleansers and will help to lift and remove dirt and grime from the day. Use with a soft wash cloth or sonic brush to help unclog blackheads

feeling after use. Great for congested

as polyhexamethylene biguanide, or

clients, teenagers, and some sensitive

PHMB. This is found in a lot of the

clients can tolerate this.

supermarket brands. This ingredient can

FOAM

leave a film on your skin that causes the skin not to breathe, creating blocked

I’m not a huge fan of foaming cleansers

pores, congestion and inflammation

as they normally consist of an ingredient

– which we see a lot coming into the

called sodium laurel sulphate (which

salon. Micellar is great for the sports

makes it foam) which is incredibly harsh

person on the go and to do a quick

on the skin. This is what starts most, if

wash off if you’re on the run.

not all, of the problems we see come into the spa. Please check your cleanser

MAKE UP WIPES

and its ingredients list.

While there are a few brands out there

MILK/CREAM

that don’t contain alcohol, these are certainly not our go to for removing

These are great for dehydrated, dry skin

make up. They can be incredibly harsh

types. They normally consist of really

on the skin and cause inflammation

nourishing and hydrating ingredients like

almost immediately, making it really

shea butter, rose hip oil and hyaluronic

hard to apply serums or creams without

acid. These cleansers feel very soft on

your skin stinging or burning as a result.

the skin and are incredibly gentle. I find

Replace your wipes with an oil and

that you need a cleansing cloth to help

cleansing cloth.

remove milk/cream cleanser. Great for winter and really mature skin types, as well as those who have sensitivity like eczema and dermatitis.

and remove make up residue. This type

OIL

of cleanser won’t strip your natural

A fairly new addition to the cleansing

water/oil levels, so you still have a soft

family is oil-based cleansers. These can

BUNDABERG: Shop 43, 16 Maryborough Street HERVEY BAY: Shop 105, 6 Central Avenue www.serenityskinspa.com.au

With the weather starting to cool

hair. Plex technologies claim to aid the

down, are you thinking it’s time for a

process of building bonds and work

change? Whether it’s a new Winter

on improving the hair condition from

copper colour, a new bang or even

within. There are two we use in the

some caramel foils - change is coming.

salon - K18 and Olaplex.

CUT

The mid-long: The mid-length is the most versatile haircut of all, which can

By Kiralee Honor THE PLACE HAIRDRESSING

be highlighted with some colour, to give shine and volume.

Short hair: Cropped cut and vintagelooking mullets are essentials this season. But we still have to dare! My favourite is still the classic blunt French

The K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask is perfect to give your hair some relief. It is a no-rinse treatment; a patented bioactive peptide that promises to reverse damage caused by colouring, heat and styling. It works by repairing the keratin within each strand, and it works in just four minutes!

Olaplex strengthens hair right at the

bob - it’s timeless and still so on trend

molecular level, helping rebuild strands

COLOUR

works from the inside out, to get hair

Hazelnut Brunette: For an update

back to its strong-bond best. Olaplex

on brown, this time we have found

is a step-by-step system that starts the

inspiration in hazelnuts. It is defined

moment you have your hair coloured at

as a tone-on-tone brown with

the salon.

glimpses of golden, light browns to depths of a deeper ashy brown. It is low maintenance with high impact. I recommend bringing plenty of photos to your hair stylist, so they can understand what tones you’re looking for.

TREAT

if they’ve been in distress. This system

For an everyday at home moisture product, try the Miracle Cream by Eleven. It’s great for all hair types and textures, is lightweight and will add strength, moisture and shine. This treatment offers 11 major benefits to keep your hair strong, silky and smooth.

In Winter the weather can strip all the goodness out of your hair, so give your locks a good injection of moisture with a plex. This is simply

76 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg 07 4152 1800 www.theplacehairdressing.com

a leave-in hair treatment to reverse chemical and physical damage to the

77

Enjoy a work wine, JUST NOT ON THE COMPANY DIME

entertainment, then it doesn’t count as a business expense, you can’t claim a tax deduction, or the GST and you may have an FBT problem. A lavish degustation outside of business hours with a client

it as entertainment is not. These can be

and plenty of alcohol weakens your case

two different things. Unless of course

of business expense considerably. In the

it is a Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT), then it

eyes of the Australian Tax Office, alcohol

may be deductable. Confusing right!

and business don’t mix. The more

There are four important questions to KAREN PEALL

You wine and dine some clients. Order

be considered when determining if food

elaborate the meal, the more it will likely be entertainment.

and drink constitute entertainment –

This also applies to work functions.

why, what, when and where.

As an employer, that Christmas party you want to provide to your

up some coffee and sandwiches for a

Small businesses may be able to

work meeting. Grab a cheese platter

provide food or drink without providing

and drinks for Friday afternoon in

‘entertainment’. The important part is

the office to celebrate a win at work.

considering if it fits within the ‘business

While these may happen in the line of

expense’ box. When food or drink is

business, they may not all be claimable

provided during business hours at the

as a business expense.

business premises then it will be a

If you are not sure if your expenses

business expense. Think sandwiches,

are deductable, it is best to speak with

These fall under the category of

cake and coffee and light refreshments

a tax professional, as this advice is

entertainment. And what is considered

provided for sustenance. You will be

general in nature.

entertainment for deductibility

able to claim a tax deduction for it,

purposes can be a minefield!

claim the GST credits and there’s no

Providing food and drink as a business expense is deductable, while providing

FBT consequences.

If the food and drink is classified as

EXPERIENCE A NEW KIND OF Calling all adventure-seekers and quest-hunters! Join people all over the world exploring their way around cities in a unique and interesting way. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to follow the clues to discover

staff as a thank you for such a great year is unfortunately non-deductible entertainment. Stick to the coffee and cake and light refreshments in house and you’ll be fine!

Karen Peall is the Executive Manager of Lyons Judge Bundaberg and has more than 20 years’ experience in accounts and taxation.

adventure!

to sign to confirm your find.

We had a go at locating caches all around the Bundaberg CBD and ended up finding four out of five - not a bad effort for our first try!

ANGELA TWYFORD

objects that have been hidden right

We had three Wide Bay Kids with us

under our noses. You’ve heard of

aged 10, 11 and 12, who were all really

are near and to start looking. When you

scavenger and treasure hunts, but

excited about what treasure they may

find the geocache you click on the log

have you heard of Geocaching?

find. The first cache we opened was

geocache tab at the bottom and record

middle sized and had plenty of booty to

your find!

swap. The other caches we found were

Geocaching is so much fun and a

Geocaching involves finding hidden objects via an online app. Members of the Geocache community disguise ‘caches’ and hide them in areas all around the world - including within the

all extra small and only had room for a log book.

WHAT TO DO?

great way to get outdoors and visit places you may not have previously adventured too. We give Geocaching five stars for fun!

Bundaberg Region.

Download and open the free version of

You can log on to the Geocache

the Geocaching App onto your mobile

Angela Twyford is the co-founder of

community to try and find a cache near

device. Tap start and head towards the

Wide Bay Kids. For more family events

you. Some caches have prizes inside

destination. When you are within 10

and activities visit:

that can be exchanged, as well as logs

metres you get a notification that you

www.widebaykids.com.au

eyes

A FEAST FOR THE

MICHAEL DART

As we break out and explore our surrounds again there’s been more and more art popping up across the Region. New gallery exhibitions, cafes and restaurants promoting local artists, history tours, sculptures and our Milbi mosaics on the coast – it’s a visual banquet.

I love the freedom and diversity of street art. Expression, creativity, asking and raising questions, protesting, analysing and beautifying. Public art is a way for artists to contribute to the environment we live in.

I caught up with 23-year-old Taylor Klaasen (pictured), famous for her striking mural on the previous Oodies Café site at the North end of the Tallon Bridge, to talk about her artistic journey including her latest installation at Oodies 2.0.

Taylor said art is therapy for the mind and the body. “Making people happy by transforming a public space into art makes my heart full,” she said. Inspired by Brisbane mural artist ‘Kasper’, Australian painter Gustav Klimt and Australian street artist Fintan Magee, Taylor has been painting her whole life and has developed a colourful and eclectic style, transforming everyday items into works of art, as well as painting amazing murals.

If you are grabbing coffee or simply exploring the Bundaberg CBD, there’s almost a dozen murals to discover beside Indulge, in Post Office lane, next to Bundaberg Health Foods on Wongarra Street, outside Nana’s Pantry and several on Targo Street, across from the Central and Grand hotels.

Of course, the most famous mural in Bundaberg is the ‘Whaling Wall’ painted in 1990 by international marine artist, Robert Wyland. It was his first in the Southern Hemisphere and number 23 of 100 global whale murals he painted. For the record it took about 1000 litres of paint to do the job.

For an artistic display of history about our farming families and local food contributors check out the Mark ART Creative Enterprises’s #Taste mural next to The Brewhouse, while taking in an ale or two. Or make a few hours of it and join a local history tour. Creative Regions run Bundy StoryTalks, celebrating the rich and movie-worthy legends and moments that put our Region on the map.

Michael Dart is an actor, Director of Creative Regions and member of the Playhouse Theatre.

I’ll drink to that!

MATTY WITH A SCOTCH

featuring the delightful Emeli Sande,

A tasty drink and a good song is one

can really get you in the feels.

of life’s great combos – one I am quite

John Mayer’s Who Says is a relatively

familiar with!

When it comes to this classic combo, I have two modes and they are polar opposites! I either like to be upbeat or indulge in moody feels.

If the vibe is upbeat, give me some

unknown song of his, but it’s one of his best and great for a moody drink and listen. The group Fun may just be the gold medallist of setting a moody vibe for a drink. We are Young goes well,

I let my inner rock goddess out and hit play on the ‘80s hair band rock playlist.

You will often hear me belting out Bon Jovi and Poison on a Saturday night in North Bundy.

Some Night’s absolutely yes! Carry On is

A great example of when drinks and music

also another great song.

come together perfectly is at a wedding. I hadn’t been to one in years until recently,

Beastie Boys. Triple Trouble is a banger!

The Fatboy Slim remix of Body Movin’ is

TRACE WITH A VODKA, LIME & SODA

and I’d forgotten just how fun they are.

an absolute jam too. I also don’t mind

A nice drink and good music go hand

There is nothing better than hitting the

some sweary gangster rap either, or if

in hand. And after a busy working

dance floor after a couple of drinks to

it’s a Friday night you would be mad

week there is nothing better than

Nutbush, Macarena and Time Warp and still

not to give Rhianna’s Cheers a spin.

But if I am going to indulge in some

catching up with friends over a drink and some good music.

remembering all the moves.

Matty Ambrose and Tracey Sergiacomi

sappy moodier tipple tunes, now that

If you have a group of people over,

are radio hosts for the Breakfast

I’m all loved up and in a relationship,

you really need some nice mellow

Program on 93.9 Hitz FM, weekdays

Labrinth’s Beneath Your Beautiful,

background music, but once they leave

from 6am.

THE GLOBAL TECH SHORTAGE smart phones. The truth, however,

decreased and demand increased.

is that almost any object that has a

Further to that, factors such as Donald

power cord or battery in it these days

Trump’s trade war with China and

contains tech components. Specifically,

global supply chain disruption simply

what we are referring to in terms of

made matters worse.

the current shortage is more accurately GEOFF AUGUTIS

Regardless of what role, industry or business you operate within, chances are you have had someone use the ‘Covid’ excuse on you by now: “sorry

a ‘semi-conductor’ shortage. The stretch of semi-conductors expands far further into our day-to-day lives. These shortages will affect everything from cars to medical products.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Ultimately, we as consumers have grown to be very comfortable. When we want something, we buy it and it is delivered shortly after. The easiest answer here is to be patient and plan

we can’t xyz because of Covid”.

WHY IS THERE A SHORTAGE?

ahead. Most goods operate on a 12 to

Unfortunately, more than a year on

There is no single thing to blame

20 week turnaround time, so if you are

from the first time you heard that

without just saying ‘Covid’. The Covid

excuse, many of the effects are only

element relates to the fact that at

now starting to really impact our lives.

the beginning of the pandemic many

One of these impacts is the current

factories stopped production both for

and impending global tech shortage.

lockdown reasons, but also because

okay with this it is unlikely that you will be disappointed. Meanwhile, no matter how good your planning is, expect price hikes as a competitive market does its thing.

demand was forecast to halt. Then WHAT IS A TECH SHORTAGE?

Geoff Augutis is a strategic IT

we pushed into the pandemic to find

consultant and Company Director of

When we use terms like ‘tech’ our

that our demand for goods spiked

Queensland Computers in Bundaberg

minds go straight to computers and

significantly. Put simply; production

and Hervey Bay.

81

what’s on JUNE

10 JULY

Eidsvold Bush Spirit Festival @Burnett Highway, Eidsvold

17 JUNE

Learn about the bush spirit with Cobb & Co coach rides, whip cracking, leatherwork displays, bush poetry recitals, camp oven cookouts and more.

Are You Lonesome Tonight @Moncrieff Entertainment Centre A celebration of opera and country music, featuring arias and songs by Puccini, Verdi, Slim Dusty, Troy Cassar-Daley and Dolly Parton, to name just a few.

22 – 25 JULY

Childers Festival @Bruce Highway, Childers

22 JUNE

Over four days, this small country town is transformed into a gigantic food market stall and entertainment hub, all staged between its beautiful heritage-listed buildings and leopard tree-lined streets.

The Tap Pack @Moncrieff Entertainment Centre The Tap Pack mixes slick humour, high energy, entertainment and world class tap dance, conjuring up a modern twist to the crooners and artists from the 1950s through to the noughties.

AUGUST 13 AUGUST

25-26 JUNE

Fred Brophy’s Boxing Troupe @Lighthouse Hotel, Burnett Heads Fred Brophy is the last boxing tent showman in the world and he’s become a legend at events around the outback.

26 JUNE

Prada Clutch’s All-Drag Revue @Moncrieff Entertainment Centre

THE

DIARY

25 - 27 JUNE

A three-day festival including a gala ball, crowning of the festival queen, street parade, family day and famous orange throwing competition.

24 JUNE

Karise Eden @Old Bundy Tavern Winner of the first season of The Voice Australia, Karise Eden is powerful, engrossing and bold. She showcases her passion for blues, rock ‘n’ roll and even a great power ballad.

A little bit bawdy and a little bit naughty, this cabaret is not to be missed. Featuring a German MC, his diva of a wife, an Italian waiter and a French maid who can’t speak French.

20 - 21 AUGUST

Moore Park Beach Arts Festival @Moore Park Beach Oval

Packed with dazzling feathers, wigs, headpieces, costumes and performance, Prada Clutch pays tribute to the history of Aussie drag in this glittering spectacular.

Gayndah Orange Festival @Meson Street, Gayndah

Redfoot Cabaret @Moncrieff Entertainment Centre

JULY 3 JULY

Heritage Bank Brite Ball @Brothers Sports Club An inclusive LGBTIQA+ and allies event featuring a gala dinner and a fabulous showcase of entertainment.

5 JULY

The Ten Tenors: Celebrating 25 Years @Moncrieff Entertainment Centre Australia’s premier vocal group return to the stage for their special 25th Anniversary Tour, revisiting the group’s catalogue of 15 albums.

Attend the gala event and art award ceremony on Friday night, before enjoying the festival on Saturday. Walk the labyrinth on the beach, join in arts workshops and browse the markets.

28 AUGUST

Oceanfest @Marina Drive, Burnett Heads Celebrating local seafood, Oceanfest features food, drinks, themed entertainment, attractions, displays, demonstrations and workshops.

All events are accurate at the time of publication and may be weather permitting and subject to change or cancellation without notice, especially due to the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 restrictions. Please confirm details online with event organisers as close to the event as possible.

DID YOU KNOW? Women make the final household buying decisions for:

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92

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In fact, women drive 80% of all consumer purchasing through both buying power and influence over those they care for. Win her, and you win them all. ess Review

p, Harvard Busin Source: Boston Consulting Grou

So it makes sense to advertise in a magazine

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