Fraser Coast Beacon - Issue 9

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IN THIS ISSUE

Danny Hindmarsh Dancer

Following your dreams

Banjo Patterson We look at

Australia’s Great Ballad Poets thebeacon.com.au

ISSUE 9

PLUS

STORIES

RECIPES

GAMES

MARKETS

ARTS & CRAFT

VOUCHERS

& MORE!

Harvey Norman Bedding A place where dreams are made Hervey Bay is happy to welcome a new member to the community and to the region’s Harvey Norman family, Skye Donaldson.

Arriving in December last year, Skye has taken over the local Harvey Norman Bedding franchise in Eli Waters and is looking forward to creating quite the stir with the renovation and opening of their new store. The new look Store will be a much more elegant expansion of its current bedding and bed linen department and promises to include all current bedding styles for all different comfort needs as well as great décor ideas to inspire everyone looking for a good night sleep in a bedroom f illed with furniture and accessories of the latest designer trends.

‘It will be a premium f it-out and will be something new and exciting and unlike anything on the Fraser Coast,’ Skye explained.

Although still in her twenties, Skye has a wealth of knowledge and experience with Harvey Norman. Taking over her f irst franchise in Sydney when she was just 22, Skye has worked hard to build not only her reputation as a competent and successful business person, but also in being able to provide only the best in customer service as well quality products and design ideas. She is also passionate about women in business and is very community-focused. Originally from the Hunter region in NSW, Skye loves to support local people and groups such as the Dunga Derby.

Her energy and enthusiasm has resulted in her being extremely busy in the few months since her arrival in the Bay, with her spending most of her time getting to know the region and its people as well as working on the renovation.

With Skye now at the reins, the Harvey Norman’s Eli Waters Bedding Store will be much larger and far more impressive. Expanding into the adjacent building next to the current Harvey Norman, the Bedding Store will still be conveniently close. The move however does provide for the much larger f loor space necessary to showcase the premium Bedding range available at Harvey Norman. The store will have 19 bedroom bays and more than 100 beds on display. The large display of beds and mattresses will ensure that customers have access to try and f ind the one that best suits their comfort, size and health needs. Skye believes in the products she sells and will only stock the best.

‘Sleep is the best investment for your life, so it’s vital to have a goodnight’s sleep. A mattress, a pillow or an adjustable base can make all the difference to a good night and a great day.’ Skye said.

‘The body balance range is the most popular in Hervey Bay. It incorporates a memory-foam mattress which is great for pressure relief and helps draw heat away from the body. When combined with an adjustable base, it’s a dream!’

The grand opening of the new bedding department will be held on the 27th of March, with the celebration extending over four days. Skye wants to include as many local community groups as possible and will have activities such as a jumping castle for kids out the front. She hopes the grand and elegant bedroom displays will inspire customers, by showcasing the current designer trends, including use of bold colours, the latest style bedroom furniture, only the best in quality bed linen and wonderful on-trend décor accessories such as paintings and lamps.

Business is expected to grow with the expansion, so there is likely to be an opportunity to employ more staff locally. When a department gets bigger the warehouse gets bigger and the run-on effect means more work for locals.

Skye and the team at Harvey Norman invite everyone to come along to see what’s new.

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Editorial

BY K E L S E Y C O RC O R A N

H E RV E Y B AY N E I G H B O U R H O O D C E N T R E , K I N D N E S S C R E W

2020 has been declared the year of world kindness. The not for profit organization, Planned Acts of Kindness was founded by Lyle Benjamin and has created a series of innovative programs called ‘One Planet- One people’ with the goal of people around the world doing one billion acts of kindness. Lyle Benjamin suggests actions that individuals can do to participate including forming ‘one planet clubs’ in schools and committees or pledging to do a specific amount of planned acts of kindness.

“We are all in this together,” Benjamin states. “And, if we don’t start acting like we are ‘One Planet - One People’ 1015 years from now the world will be tremendously different for billions of people, and not in a good way.”

PROUDLY SUPPORTING

Editor:

Marianne Kresse

Journalists:

Kelsey Corcoran

Design:

Peter Miller

Sales:

Kerry Anne Kennedy

Photographer:

Stephen Bendall

Phone our office:

07 4306 0930

editor@thebeacon.com.au Journalist@thebeacon.com.au artroom@thebeacon.com.au sales@thebeacon.com.au photos@thebeacon.com.au

We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of Australia and pay our respects to elders past and present. Our office is located on the country of the Butchulla (Badtjala) people, in the Great Sandy Strait region on the South East Coast of Queensland.

The Fraser Coast Beacon magazine is published 6 weekly and distributed across the Fraser Coast region. Published by The Beacon (Qld) (ABN 92 665 042 287), The information in this magazine is intended as a guide only and does not represent the opinion or view of the publisher. Advertising placed in this publication is assumed to not breach any copyright, trademark, breach of confidence, and/ or does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statutes.

While reasonable care is undertaken in producing content for this publication, the Publisher and staff do not accept liability for any errors or omissions.

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There is online support to help individuals and groups to achieve not only their own goals but to keep record and join the rest of the worlds participants in reaching the one billion acts of kindness together. Planned Acts of Kindness hopes that people will wake up and check their device to find there is a new daily planned act of kindness that they can do with their family, friends or co-workers. The goal is to have as many people as possible around the world all doing the same act of kindness on the same day, unleashing that much powerful, positive energy in the world.

There are so many ways to take part and make the world a kinder place. It doesn’t have to be a part of the planned acts of kindness to do something good for someone else.

You could: • • • • • • • • •

Buy something for the poor.

Compliment the work of a colleague at the workplace.

Encourage someone who is facing a hard time.

Buy bus fare for a passenger who is in need.

Donate clothes and food to a homeless centre.

Buy someone lunch behind you in the line.

Compliment a stranger.

Donate food and bedding to an animal refuge.

Donate blood.

CONT E N TS

FREE Magazine

ISSUE 9

On the cover:

I SSUE 9

PLUS

IN THIS ISSUE

Danny Patterson

STORIES

RECIPES

Dancer

GAMES

Following your dreams

MARKETS

Mega Bats

ARTS & CRAFT

VOUCHERS

We look at the

& MORE!

Pollinators of the night thebeacon.com.au

Danny Hindmarsh - Pg 8

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Featured Content

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From the Mayor’s Desk

A regular column from Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour

8-11

Danny Hindmarsh

Following your dreams

K I N D N E S S M U R A L D E S I G N E D BY A RT I S T L E I G H W E S T

E.P.M.

Meet the local team at Express Print & Mail

12-15

Banjo Patterson

The Banjo Patterson Cultural Center

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Autism

So what are the signs?

32

Mega Bats

What you didn’t know

46

Photograpy

How to take better photos with a Smartphone

66

Game Central

Ark Survival Evolved

Coffee Spots ...................................40

The Witch & Waverly ................52 Sustainable Living ...................... 54

Here’s My Business Card ....... 68 Recipes................................................. 61 And much more inside!

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this publication may contain images of deceased persons.

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From the

Mayor’s Desk

G E O RG E A N D S O N H U G O ( P I C )

Our son Hugo got his Fraser Coast Libraries card and was registered for First 5 Forever yesterday. This is a really important program we run in collaboration with the State Library of Queensland.

You get a free book when you register, we chose “Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes” by Mem Fox. We have a lot of programs and activities at our libraries for children.

Sharing stories, rhymes, singing, talking and playing with your children is not just fun - it is good for brain development too. Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain development happens in the first 5 years.

Meeting with Harry Ghitgos from the Fraser Coast Suicide Prevention Network to discuss the new card and other preventative measures.

Harry is an exemplary example of someone in our community stepping up to make a difference.

Meeting with students studying hospitality at Urangan State High School this morning. Really good coffee!

You don’t have to go far on the Fraser Coast to be inspired.

I visited Comfort Kitchen. The amazing team of volunteers is led by Wayne Martin, a real community hero.

Through them, this program of the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre has served thousands of healthy and delicious meals in a social, relaxed and friendly restaurantstyle service.

I dropped by the cafe at the Hervey Bay special School today to enjoy a coffee and a chat with friends.

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One of my favourite ways to spend a Saturday afternoon: watching football. Bay Power are taking on the Gympie Cats.

Go Power!

Sport plays a very important role in our community.

I really enjoyed meeting with scouts this afternoon to help clean up the beach at Craignish. Scouting is a great experience for young people to explore the outdoors, make friends, build character, learn new skills and live a full life.

Mary River Turtles that are part of an endangered species conservation program or the Mary River Turtle Project – Tiaro Landcare.

Karlie, Katherine and Rebecca are doing a really inspiring and amazing job as Tealsters FC and raising awareness for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Today is #tealribbonday in Australia. The latest statistics estimate that around 1,500 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in our country each year. Sadly, many of these will be a late stage diagnosis due to the vague symptoms experienced by most women.

Please support these Fraser Coast women by liking their page Tealsters FC to help raise awareness and hear about their fun fundraising activities.

It was very inspiring to meet with the Sunbury State School student leaders at the induction ceremony this afternoon.

Congratulations to the School Captains (Tre Hurst, Hayleigh Moss, Clarence O’Brien and Shaylah Pastega), Sports Captains (Akin Farrell, Charles Baker and Sean Woznick) and School Leaders (Ethan Bower, Bibben Chaemensi, Llogan Chappell, Ashton Confoy, Calvin Coote, Wil Halson, Kaisha Horton, Tyrel James, Brayden Lewis and Anthony Martin).

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P H O T O S BY: S E A N H I G G I N S W W W. S H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M . AU

Danny Hindmarsh – following your dreams

ervey Bay local, Danny Hindmarsh, upon graduating Year 12 from Urangan State High School in 2011 moved to Brisbane at the age of 18 to start a degree in dance- the first step that would help him fulfil his dream of becoming a professional dancer. Danny had never really thought of dancing until he was fourteen and a friend of his from school wanted to enter a talent competition and asked him to dance with her. His initial reaction he says with a grin was ‘forget it…’ but eventually she convinced him enough to agree and to his surprise he absolutely loved it! From there he started doing lessons with her after school initially at Pamela Marshalls, then he moved to Hervey Bay Dance School.

Although dancing for a career has a glamorous appeal, choosing it for a profession is a very big step, as it is very physical and requires hours of dedicated practice and rehearsal. When in full-time at Dance Force, Danny trained 9-4, five days a week, with sessions broken down into two hour slots covering all styles of dance, singing, acting and fitness. Each session was with a different teacher so

that he was constantly learning different techniques and styles. The most difficult thing he needed to work on which is just as important now as it was then, is flexibility. He constantly stretches not only to maintain flexibility but improve it. It’s all about creating a fluidity and building muscle memory. This of course gets more difficult as he gets older. Dancing involves almost acrobatic moves, and takes a lot of focus, balance and flow. It requires a dedication, perseverance and endurance to not only keep picking yourself up when you fall, but also to learn routines that can require hours and hours of repetitive practice. It is also requires creativity, passion and hard work.

Danny has been developing his art over the years by performing on various cruise ships with Celebrity and Princess Cruises. His big break was when he was contracted by the Walt Disney Company for a 12 month contract at Hong Kong Disneyland, and later returned to the Walt Disney Company for a contract onboard one of their 4 cruise ships, the Disney Wonder. Through Disney Danny has played numerous roles in a number of their productions including the father of Elsa and Anna in Frozen The Musical and a close friend of Tarzan, swinging through the air on an aerial apparatus. Skills like Aerial and Acrobatics similar to what you

see on the Cirque du Soleil stage were something that Danny has been lucky to learn on the job. Although he enjoyed his time with Disney, Danny’s heart and soul has been calling him to Paris for a job like the Moulin Rouge or the Lido de Paris.

His recent time at home in Australia has been dedicated to training in preparation for an audition trip to Paris. Danny would love to experience the lifestyle and glamour of Paris while he is still young enough to dance at the high professional and physical standards required by the highly acclaimed cabarets.

While back in the Bay, Danny has not only been training but also spending time teaching classes at Sparks Dance Centre and even made a special visit to his old school Urangan State High School, meeting up again with his old dance teacher Rhani Ashford and doing an industry talk with the Year 11 dance students currently studying for their Certificate III. The visit was well received by the students and their enthusiastic questions along with Danny’s answers are on the next pages.

If you’d like to see a compilation of Danny’s performances to date simply search ‘Danny Hindmarsh 2020 Showreel’ on YouTube or you can follow him on instagram @danhindmarsh.

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visits Urangan State High School

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Danny’s return visit to Urangan State High School Answers By Danny Hindmarsh Questions from Year 11 students Urangan State High School While back in Hervey Bay Danny made sure to visit his old school, Urangan State High and catch with his old teacher Rhani Ashford and the Year 11 class currently studying Certificate III. The visit had him being asked many questions by the students, some highlight questions and answers from the well received industry talk are listed below: Q. What is one of your favourite memories in this career as a performer?

A. Receiving the email with my very first professional Contract in January 2013 and the feeling of transitioning from amateur to professional.

Performing LIVE on National Television Dancing with Sonia Kruger for the opening of Big Brother 2012 and 2014.

Q. After high school, what steps did you take to begin your performing career?

A. First I did my research and found a course that would help me develop my dancing and prepare me for auditions. Then I relocated to Brisbane where I studied for one year at the Australian Dance Performance Institute, followed by a second year at Dance Force on the Gold Coast. It was then that I had the confidence and felt ready to begin attending open call auditions.

Q. What have you found most difficult in this career pathway?

Q. What other jobs outside of performing exist within the Industry?

A. The initial transition from student to professional and securing that very first contract is a difficult and stressful time where I found myself questioning my ability and likelihood to succeed. Once a professional and away overseas for up to 12 months at a time, I found it difficult missing significant family events and milestones. The career can feel isolating at times however that comes with sacrifice as it truly is one of the best and most enriching lifestyles within a career.

Another difficult part of this career is the instability in constant work, once one contract is ending you need to hustle to set a new one up for yourself.

A. There are many. From Choreographer to Dance Teacher, Director to Stage Manager, Photographer to Videographer, Agency Director to Production assistant, Pilates teacher to personal trainer.

Q. Where has your performance career taken you?

A. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited 55 countries so far as well as every capital city in Australia and New Zealand. I called Hong Kong home for 12 months and immersed myself in the Chinese culture as much as I could.

Q. What tips do you have for preparing for an audition?

A. I think it’s very important to be prepared. Make sure you suit the audition brief, you know what you’re auditioning for and you know its something your interested in doing.

Be organised with hard copies of your CV Resume and Headshots ready to submit. Pay attention to detail while learning the Choreography and relax as much as possible while performing it back with plenty of personality.

Q. Have further opportunities opened up along the way as your career has progressed?

A. Absolutely. The industry is all about connections, in 2013 I accepted a 2 week replacement contract in a show at the Star Casino on the Gold Coast and working for that choreographer opened up many many opportunities for me during the years that followed.

I also learned Aerial skills on the job at Hong Kong Disneyland that I was able to take with me to Celebrity Cruises where I was later promoted to be Aerial Captain of my cast. t hebea c o n . c om .au

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Banjo Patterson Cultural Centre Upon meeting Gary Harding and Karen Christensen, I was taken by the pair’s dedication in wanting to bring to the public the story of Australia’s great Ballad Poets. This all began with Gary’s lifelong love of Banjo Paterson. Sitting amongst what is only a small part of Gary’s remarkable collection, I am surrounded by amazing displays that include signed books, hand-written letters as well as news clippings, records and war medals — the list simply goes on and on. This dynamic duo has been working closely together for the last three years with Karen’s presentation skills having found unique and colourful ways to enhance the collection.

When asked what is it about Banjo Paterson that is so appealing, Gary answers with enthusiasm, “I just love the rhythm, rhymes and happy upbeat words that he uses and the images he creates”.

The pair are working towards seeing a $25 million Cultural Centre developed and named in honour of Banjo Paterson.

It will display this entire Collection and more. They are hoping to find someone who appreciates the importance

of this project to Australia and would be willing to financially partner with them. Their preference is to see it located on a large property close to the Bruce Highway, possibly at the Sunshine Coast. They would like it to be accessible for families and tourists so it is important that its location is central not only to Brisbane and South-east Queensland but also to visitors from Hervey Bay and beyond.

Plans are complete for this proposed new facility which reflect the massive scope of the project. Not only does it cater for the large number and diversity of the exhibits, but will offer a modern foyer, a cafe that includes alfresco dining, a conference room, souvenir shop and other essentials. Eventually they would like to have an outside stage set up on the property for live performances.

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Gary says, “This is a first for Australia and in addition to Banjo Paterson we will profile around thirty-eight other great bush poets including Henry Lawson and C J Dennis. The exhibition will include wonderful visual displays, videos and audio including music and recitations.

We want it all to be entertaining and lively, a fun adventure where you don’t know what is coming next. Using the term Cultural Centre means that we can embrace a whole range of things that people will find interesting, not just our theme of the great balladists”.

When asked about her favourite poem, Karen says with a smile, “My favourite is ‘The Water Lily’ by Henry Lawson. It is very sensitive and to read the poem you would not imagine that a man has written it”.

Gary’s lists his favourite as Banjo Paterson’s ‘The Man from Snowy River’.

“When recited well and with passion, it just picks you up from the ground!”

As Gary and Karen take me around the displays, I find it fascinating to hear about the many doors that have opened to other important parts of little-known Australian history. They have uniquely presented Banjo Paterson’s war medals along with his civilian CBE for Literature.

His WWI medals are the standard set of three that many participants received,

but also included is his Queen’s South Africa medal. It is not widely known that Banjo received this for his role as a war correspondent in the Boer War. One display relates to when Banjo was stationed at Moascar Camp in Egypt during WWI and he was visited by Kermit Roosevelt, the son of the American President. The entire Roosevelt family were huge admirers of Banjo’s writing.

In response, Banjo penned a distinctive inscription in his book ‘Rio Grande and Other Verses’ which he gifted to Kermit.

With some difficulty and at significant cost, Gary has managed to repatriate this book from America. An incredibly valuable heritage item, it will be available for viewing at the Centre.

This remarkable Collection is a credit to Gary and shows his lifelong love and commitment to our wonderful bush bards of the past. Australia’s literary and cultural heritage is finally being presented to the people, but not in a boorish sense. Karen’s creative brilliance supported by splendid visual and audio displays will see it brought to life as never before. This fascinating project is sure to become the ‘tourist attraction with a difference’, providing a unique and satisfying experience for visitors and school students for generations to come.

The Water-lily by Henry Lawson 1890 A lonely young wife, in her dreaming discerns A lily-decked pool with a border of ferns, And a beautiful child, with butterfly wings, Trips down to the edge of the water and sings: ‘Come, mamma! Come! Quick! Follow me ---‘Step out on the leaves of the water-lily!’

And the lonely young wife, her heart beating wild, Cries, ‘wait till I come, till I reach you, my child!’

But the beautiful child with butterfly wings, Steps out on the leaves of the lily and sings: ‘Come, mamma! Come!, Quick! Follow me!

And step on the leaves of the water-lily!’

And the wife in her dreaming, steps out on the stream, But the lily-leaves sink and she wakes from her dream.

Ah, the waking is sad, for the tears that it brings, And she knows ‘tis her dead baby’s spirit that sings: ‘Come, mamma! Come!, Quick! Follow me!

Step on the leaves of the water-lily!’

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PAT E R S O N , A . B ., ‘ B A N J O ’

T

here was movement at the station, for the word had passed around That the colt from old Regret had got away, And had joined the wild bush horses — he was worth a thousand pound, So all the cracks had gathered to the fray.

All the tried and noted riders from the stations near and far Had mustered at the homestead overnight, For the bushmen love hard riding where the wild bush horses are, And the stock-horse snuffs the battle with delight.

There was Harrison, who made his pile when Pardon won the cup, The old man with his hair as white as snow; But few could ride beside him when his blood was fairly up — He would go wherever horse and man could go.

And Clancy of the Overflow came down to lend a hand, No better horseman ever held the reins; For never horse could throw him while the saddle-girths would stand, He learnt to ride while droving on the plains.

And one was there, a stripling on a small and weedy beast, He was something like a racehorse undersized, With a touch of Timor pony — three parts thoroughbred at least —And such as are by mountain horsemen prized.

He was hard and tough and wiry — just the sort that won’t say die —There was courage in his quick impatient tread; And he bore the badge of gameness in his bright and fiery eye, And the proud and lofty carriage of his head.

But still so slight and weedy, one would doubt his power to stay, And the old man said, ‘That horse will never do ‘For a long and tiring gallop — lad, you’d better stop away, ‘Those hills are far too rough for such as you.’

So he waited sad and wistful — only Clancy stood his friend — ‘I think we ought to let him come,’ he said; ‘I warrant he’ll be with us when he’s wanted at the end, ‘For both his horse and he are mountain bred.’

‘He hails from Snowy River, up by Kosciusko’s side, ‘Where the hills are twice as steep and twice as rough, ‘Where a horse’s hoofs strike firelight from the flint stones every stride, ‘The man that holds his own is good enough.

‘And the Snowy River riders on the mountains make their home, ‘Where the river runs those giant hills between; ‘I have seen full many horsemen since I first commenced to roam, ‘But nowhere yet such horsemen have I seen.’

So he went — they found the horses by the big mimosa clump —They raced away towards the mountain’s brow, And the old man gave his orders, ‘Boys, go at them from the jump, ‘No use to try for fancy riding now.

‘And, Clancy, you must wheel them, try and wheel them to the right.

‘Ride boldly, lad, and never fear the spills, ‘For never yet was rider that could keep the mob in sight, ‘If once they gain the shelter of those hills.’

So Clancy rode to wheel them — he was racing on the wing Where the best and boldest riders take their place, And he raced his stock-horse past them, and he made the ranges ring With the stockwhip, as he met them face to face.

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Then they halted for a moment, while he swung the dreaded lash, But they saw their well-loved mountain full in view, And they charged beneath the stockwhip with a sharp and sudden dash, And off into the mountain scrub they flew.

Then fast the horsemen followed, where the gorges deep and black Resounded to the thunder of their tread, And the stockwhips woke the echoes, and they fiercely answered back From cliffs and crags that beetled overhead.

And upward, ever upward, the wild horses held their way, Where mountain ash and kurrajong grew wide; And the old man muttered fiercely, ‘We may bid the mob good day, ‘No man can hold them down the other side.’

When they reached the mountain’s summit, even Clancy took a pull, It well might make the boldest hold their breath, The wild hop scrub grew thickly, and the hidden ground was full Of wombat holes, and any slip was death.

But the man from Snowy River let the pony have his head, And he swung his stockwhip round and gave a cheer, And he raced him down the mountain like a torrent down its bed, While the others stood and watched in very fear.

He sent the flint stones flying, but the pony kept his feet, He cleared the fallen timber in his stride, And the man from Snowy River never shifted in his seat — It was grand to see that mountain horseman ride.

Through the stringy barks and saplings, on the rough and broken ground, Down the hillside at a racing pace he went; And he never drew the bridle till he landed safe and sound, At the bottom of that terrible descent.

He was right among the horses as they climbed the further hill, And the watchers on the mountain standing mute, Saw him ply the stockwhip fiercely, he was right among them still, As he raced across the clearing in pursuit.

Then they lost him for a moment, where two mountain gullies met In the ranges, but a final glimpse reveals On a dim and distant hillside the wild horses racing yet, With the man from Snowy River at their heels.

And he ran them single-handed till their sides were white with foam. He followed like a bloodhound on their track, Till they halted cowed and beaten, then he turned their heads for home, And alone and unassisted brought them back.

But his hardy mountain pony he could scarcely raise a trot, He was blood from hip to shoulder from the spur; But his pluck was still undaunted, and his courage fiery hot, For never yet was mountain horse a cur.

And down by Kosciusko, where the pine-clad ridges raise Their torn and rugged battlements on high, Where the air is clear as crystal, and the white stars fairly blaze At midnight in the cold and frosty sky, And where around the Overflow the reedbeds sweep and sway To the breezes, and the rolling plains are wide, The man from Snowy River is a household word to-day, And the stockmen tell the story of his ride.

Photos - Sunset above Craigs Hut, built as the the set for Man from Snowy River movie in the Victorian Alps, Australia

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Hines

Robin

Hines

Award winning watercolourist

Having started his working career as a sign writer, Robin became a full time artist in 1988. Although he is renowned for his paintings in water colour, Robin also likes painting in oils. He enjoys sharing his talent and knowledge and regularly teaches water colour and oil painting in Gallery workshops and group lessons.

Robin has gained a much deserved reputation as a fine watercolourist and has won many competitions with his work. His most recent wins are the Bundaberg Art Prize 1st Prize Easel Painting and another 1st Prize in the Gladstone 44th Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards again in the category of Easel Painting. Robin exhibits within both groups and solo, his last solo Exhibition being at Gatakers Artspace, Maryborough last year.

Robin Hines has been painting for over 40 years and takes much of his inspiration from the Australian landscape.

Having lived, travelled and exhibited around Australia - mainly Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, Robin’s works can be found in many prestige galleries and private collections in this country as well as around the world particularly in the United Kingdom. His paintings are also in the collections of The Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Gympie and Maroochy Councils.

We caught up with Robin with his easel set up on the foreshore of the esplanade, his subject being the Torquay pier and beach at sunset. Being painted in water colour, the work was a calm, serene painting with hues of oranges, greys and blues. His paintings are usually vibrant and can range between detailed representations or abstract. They will however always capture your attention as his works possess a soul that speaks to your heart.

His landscapes are dynamic and energetic many showing movement in his broad brushstrokes, while also projecting a wholeness and grounding through his superbly blended and colourful backgrounds.

We will be covering more of Robin’s amazing art in the next edition as we follow the work of the Fraser Coast Art Network, a group of artists who work together through a collaboration of ideas, as well as providing support to each other when required.

Robin is now a Hervey Bay resident and is much sought after for demonstrating and teaching water colour and oil painting, so if you are interested in learning to paint or broaden your skills, keep a lookout for his popular workshops throughout the region. t he bea c o n . c om .au

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Tory ‘s

Story S T O RY BY T O RY- L E A F OX

Some people are afraid of change while others thrive on its existence. Some take a look at the constant flow of life and cannot fathom its complexity. Change is inevitable. There’s no denying that. The move from highschool to university has been one of the biggest changes I have ever experienced and yet, leading up to it, I didn’t feel one way or the other. There was no fear, there was no thriving. I understood its complexity yet no emotion stemmed from it.

Travelling from Hervey Bay to Brisbane from a coastal town to a major city - was something I always knew I was going to do but the reality of the situation didn’t hit me until the day I moved. Loneliness is an inescapable feeling. One so deep down and hollow that many don’t realise they’re feeling it until it’s too late. It’s a feeling that hit me like a brick on the first night after moving. In a city full of people, it’s ironic that one could feel so alone. Surrounded by bustling crowds, looming skyscrapers, and prospering businesses, it’s easy to lose your way within the first day.

At the start I turned to calling my friends from home and talking to them online, but screens are no substitute for real human connection. I’m lucky enough to have one friend in Brisbane as of yet. This friend graduated a year before me and has quickly become one of my only crutches to lean on.

Knowing him from Hervey Bay, there is a sense of comforting familiarity that comes from spending time with him. Suddenly the bustling crowds are an opportunity for people watching, the looming skyscrapers are a marvel to behold, and the prospering businesses are a chance to discover what the city has to offer. The company of even a single person has been enough to turn my lonely hours into ones filled with laughter and content.

Change

I tried my best to spend as much time as possible with others and out of my room, often asking for my friend to head out with me, as well as sitting in common areas in an attempt to fight the emptiness that encroached further with each passing moment. What came out of it is that I have been greatly improving my skill at pool, one accidental chip-shot at a time.

My first day at orientation week didn’t go anywhere near as well as I had hoped.

I arrived late and spoke to almost no one for the first half of the day. Towards the end I was feeling upset and helpless, but a girl and some older students came to talk to me and made me feel at home. I’m still grateful for the kindness they showed on that day. They gave me the willpower to try again.

On the second day, I met a girl that I quickly got along with. Surprisingly, after meeting someone new that I felt comfortable talking to, I didn’t feel the need to be around people all the time. I found comfort in being alone just like I used to. My mind was finally at ease.

The first problem I had with exploring the city was learning how to use public transport. The transition from driving everywhere to walking, taking buses, and catching trains came with a huge learning curve. Even after catching the train multiple times, I still have no clue what I’m doing.

Luckily, the apartment I’m staying in is close to much of the city’s offerings, meaning that I don’t always need to catch a train to get where I need to go. With a Woolies down the street, parklands, the university, and plenty of cafes within a few minutes walking distance, it’s easy to get around on a strict budget. Within the first 3 days I walked to Queen Street, the Brisbane Sign, The Brisbane Wheel, and the artificial beach. I also caught the train to the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre with the help of a friend.

Along with public transport comes the cost. My Centrelink payments would not reach the full amount until university started, so I was left out of pocket for the first few weeks. I was too stubborn to be a true uni student and rely on cup noodles so finding a way to eat healthy for cheap was - and still is - a struggle as well as an adventure. As I was never taught how to budget at school, figuring out how much I would have at the end of each week was more difficult than it could have been.

There are plenty of times when I wish that I had taken a different maths class because of this trouble. In fact I’m still holding out for the day when my knowledge of graphing a cosine function comes into use. I’ve been told it’s very important.

Brisbane is a ginormous place compared to Hervey Bay, with its entertainment venues, restaurants, and public attractions.

However, there is little use in these venues if a person has no money to spare. As mentioned earlier, there were a couple of weeks in Brisbane when I was left out of pocket each week, even when I was only buying groceries and paying for rent.

There was little to no room for movement during that time. I ran a tight ship, but it was necessary. I got through it eventually, although I wish that I could have spent my first few days exploring the city more than I did.

In the first few weeks I went from feeling alone and trapped to emerging into a world of freedom and possibility. At first it was honestly tough. I only knew a single person in the entire city, but meeting new people through orientation week has been truly rewarding. Money is still an issue and will continue to be a challenge for a while longer. However, slowly, things are starting to look up. Settling in will take some time, but I have plenty. I’m ready for the chaos that life throws at me next.

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Stephen

Elliott An eccentric who puts his wackiness into words.

Steve Elliott, is a Hervey Bay novelist who has self published more than ninety six e-books on Amazon Kindle.

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aving always been a lover of books and reading Steve strongly believes that if you can read, you can write. There is nothing more powerful than the written word, he admits enthusiastically, ‘It has the ability to transport its readers to other worlds, to change moods, build imaginations.’

Steve calls himself an eccentric who loves to bring his imagination to life through his books. Writing his thoughts down and expressing his eccentricity through the creation of interesting and funny characters is something that gives Steve a great feeling of joy and relaxation. His books allow a freedom of expression, a way to create the impossible and push the boundaries of reality and it is this that appeals to Steve’s sense of humour. Bringing the day to day and turning it into something bizarre is something Steve as a writer strives for. For Steve it’s all about attempting to bring the two worlds of actual and fantastical together so that his readers believe the worlds and characters he creates through his books can really exist. So although Steve does write fantasy novels that include fictional characters such as vampires and fairies, he still likes to keep his worlds real and relatable. Imagination has no limits

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with fairies sometimes turning into mice, but his worlds will always have a gravity to help ground the reader in humour and a wacky sense of plausibility.

‘Magic,’ Steve says ‘is simply something physicists haven’t worked out yet.’

Even his portals to other worlds are speckled with reality, as he brings the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle and the aircraft from World War II lost in flight to Fort Lauderdale into play when the planes are found in one of his other worlds, but pilots are not, which starts its own kind of new adventure.

These worlds can be linked to reality but have been warped slightly to contain his own humour and sense of adventure.

Not a lover of large books, Steve’s average book is around 30,000 words which equates approximately to around 96 pages. Each novel might be small and take him around 3 months to write, but they are all part of a greater series containing at least eight or more of these smaller novellas. This gives him the space to develop depth in his characters and plots.

He likes to create the reality of ageing his characters, of bringing them to life by telling their adventures through their lifetime. This he believes gives the

readers a real connection with his characters. He loves action and humour within his books as well as romance and likes to ensure that his books have a happy ending.

Steve makes sure he writes something everyday, as he is quite the believer that keeping the mind active is vital. Writing is also a great way to lose yourself for a few hours in the wilds of your imagination.

Steve writes both in first person as well as narrative and likes to limit characters to no more than five to reduce confusion and give space to expand the intricacy in the plots as they evolve through each novel of the series.

Not a lover of swearing Steve’s books are for all ages. Though he still has a few more novellas to write to complete his current series, Steve is looking at doing a children’s series next.

Steve loves being able to self publish as it is easy and you can do it yourself. It takes him about five minutes to load a new novel up onto Amazon Kindle, though it could still take another 24 to 48 hours for it to appear in the Kindle site. The hard part about self publishing is trying to promote yourself among the 2.5 million ebooks on the site. But as Steve says with a mischievous grin, ‘It would be nice to have lots of people reading my books, but it is difficult to get your work read simply because of the number of ebooks being uploaded. Even knowing this however, there is still a joy and satisfaction in creating them.’

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Boomers Unite for River Heads Rocks

River Heads Rocks is the brainchild of Suzanne and Paul Taylor owners of Fraser Coast RV Park at River Heads and promises to be the event of the year. The event is one of the first of its kind in the Fraser Coast region and will be more like a weekend festival that celebrates music in its purest rock form. The inaugural weekend of music and camping is all about providing an event of relaxed atmosphere where you can sit under the stars listening to rock classics as the talents of live bands whisks you back to your wild youth and you sing and dance your way through the two nights of excellent planned entertainment. Saturday night is particularly bound to get you rocking on to the sounds of The Miz Bully Band from the NT and The Rolling Stones Experience which is the headline Act. The River Heads Rocks event is set to coincide with the yearly flood of the grey nomads as they head for the Big Red Bash, an annual event that is sold out every year. It is hoped that the Fraser Coast event will attract all rock lovers with not only a great weekend of entertainment, but also provide an enjoyable and memorable stop off point to break their trip and see some of our wonderful Region.

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Tickets for this weekend event are available now for $150 for 2 nights of camping and music under the stars. Tickets are limited - so if you want to come along, get in early for this inaugural event on 26 - 28 June 2020. Day tickets available for Saturday 27th June - a 10 hour pass is $120.

The tickets include two nights of entertainment and camping with a Bush Poetry competition, and Singalong around the campfire. Catering and merchandise will also be available.

With tickets limited you will need to book early so that you don’t miss out. Full details are available on website at www.frasercoastrvpark.com.au/ river-heads-rocks and Facebook pages. Join the River Heads Rocks group to keep in touch with latest updates, competitions and prize draws. Stay tuned to Rebel FM who are our official rock station and they will be broadcasting various competitions too.

We will be fundraising for the Rural Fire Service and there will be some fabulous food vendors on site (no alcohol available). Official River Heads Rocks T-shirts will be available on the day and also pre-sale via Milton Mango Clothing.

You can also purchase tickets via www.eventbrite.com.au/e/river-heads-rockstickets-92140142647

www.rollingstonesexperience.com

Itinerary

MIZBULLY

THE VENUE

DAY ONE – FRIDAY 26th JUNE 2020 (entry for weekend tickets $150) 12.00 noon – Check in any time after lunch – set up camp 5pm – Music jam around communal fire pit at Bush Kitchen Bush Poetry competition – judging for finals Stargazing on the big screen - 9pm – finish DAY TWO – SATURDAY 27th JUNE 2020 (entry for day tickets $120) Gates open 12noon. Bring your change to support River Heads Kingfisher Rural Fire Brigade – they will be assisting with parking.

2pm – 5pm – Miz Bully Band from NT – featuring the soulful sounds of Miz Bully.

You are in for a real treat when you hear this lady, she certainly knows how to belt out a tune with rock and rhythm and blues. www.mizbully.com 5pm – 6pm – Hervey Bay RSL Pipe Band – “we will rock you” ….

Announcements …. Prize draws 6pm – 9pm – ROLLING STONES EXPERIENCE hit the stage www.rollingstonesexperience.com.au 9pm – 10pm – Finalists of bush poetry competition take the stage – winner announced (2 nights stay in Mango Lodge) 8 Ball Aitken has been booked to play in 2021 so save the date - all ticket holders for this event will automatically receive a pre-sale code for next years event.

By supporting this event, you are not only helping the Rural Fire Service, you are supporting local business and keeping live Australian music LIVE! A big thank you to our wonderful sponsors for supporting this event and to all the other amazing members of our thriving community

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Autism is a serious developmental disorder that impairs a person’s ability to communicate effectively and interact comfortably with others.

O

ften when we think of autism we think of the movie Rain Man, in which a young man has minimal ability to communicate and needs strict routine and discipline to keep him content. His world is isolated and lonely. This perception of autism however is one at the extreme level on the spectrum. Autism ranges from mild to severe. It is also more prevalent than you think. On average one in seventy people have some level of autism. To reflect the range of potential symptoms and their severity autism is now called ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder ‘ (ASD). Within this spectrum there are three levels, each reflecting a different level of support a person may need. Asperger’s syndrome for example has now been included into ASD and is categorised as a mild form of autism or Level one on the spectrum. People diagnosed with Level one autism in many cases are not even detectable and as such may not require much if any support. Levels two and three have moderate to severe symptoms and will require more substantial support.

It must be noted that although these levels allow guidelines for diagnosis, they are not perfect. Not everyone will fit perfectly within a level. Also autism symptoms can change over time becoming more or less severe. They may also have some traits that can mix in severity between the levels.

Level 1 autism With level 1 autism there will be issues with communication skills and socialising with others. It is not that level one people cannot have conversations, but they might find it difficult to maintain two sided conversations that involve constant back and forth banter. They may also have difficulty in reaching out to make new friends.

Symptoms: • Decreased interest in social activities • Difficulty in initiating social interaction such as starting a conversation • They can engage with people but may struggle to maintain the give and take of a typical conversation • Have trouble adapting to changes of routine, plans or behaviour • Difficulty planning and organising

Level 2 autism Generally people diagnosed with this level have a more severe lack of both verbal and nonverbal communication skills which make day to day activities quite difficult.

Symptoms: • Difficulty in coping with changes in routine or surroundings.

• Significant lack of verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

• Behaviour issues severe enough to be detected by a casual observer.

• Unusual or reduced ability to respond to social cues and interactions.

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• Have difficulty adjusting to change.

• Narrow and very specific interests.

• Can be sensitive to off-putting smells, loud or annoying noises, distracting visual changes such as flashing lights.

There are different therapies such as sensory integration, and occupational therapy that have been found useful in relieving some of the level 2 symptoms.

Level 3 autism This is the most severe level of autism and requires substantial support. People diagnosed as level 3 have severe lack of communication skills in addition to extreme displays of repetitive or restrictive behaviours. This involves behaviours that include doing the same thing over and over again, or repeating the same phrase. This behaviour is naturally highly antisocial and results in the person often being isolated and distanced from not only the people around them but also the world in general.

Symptoms: • Highly visible lack of verbal and non verbal communication skills • Very little want to engage socially • Trouble changing behaviours • Extreme difficulty in coping with unexpected changes to routine or environment.

• Great distress in changing focus or attention Level 3 autism people will in most cases require care givers.

Like everything, autism is best treated if diagnosed early.

Most signs within children will be apparent by the time they reach four.

So what are these signs when looking at someone so young?

Social skills:

Other signs of autism in 4 year olds

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Doesn’t respond to their name Avoids eye contact Prefers playing alone than with others Doesn’t share or take turns well Doesn’t participate in pretend play Doesn’t tell stories Doesn’t like or actively avoids physical contact Isn’t interested or doesn’t know how to make friends Doesn’t make facial contact or makes inappropriate expressions • Cannot be easily soothed or comforted • Has difficulty understanding other people’s feelings

Language and Communication skills: • • • • • •

Can’t form sentences Repeats words or phrases over and over again Doesn’t answer appropriately or follow direction Doesn’t understand counting or time Reverses pronouns (for example, says ‘you’ instead of ‘I’) Rarely or never uses gestures or body language such as pointing or waving • Talks in a flat or sing-song voice • Doesn’t understand jokes, sarcasm or teasing

Aggression Impulsivity Self injury, mainly scratching or punching themselves Temper tantrums Irregular reaction to sounds, smells, sights or textures Irregular eating and sleeping habits Shows lack of fear or more fear than expected

If your 4 year old has signs of autism you should see your doctor who will then refer them to a specialist for a more thorough examination. The examination is generally observation based with the specialist watching your child as they play, learn and communicate. You will also be asked to describe child’s behaviour that you’ve noticed at home.

Health line.com

Irregular Behaviours: • • • • • • •

Performs repetitive motions such as rocking back and forth.

Lines up toys or other objects in an organised fashion Gets upset or frustrated by small routine changes Plays with toys the same way every time Likes certain parts of objects often wheels or spinning parts Had obsessive interests Has to follow certain routines

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Express Print and Mail (EPM) has been a well established commercial printing business for 14 years, operating from their home base of Maroochydore. Their size, (now employing close to sixty people), as well as their large range of printing equipment has allowed them to provide a wide range of printing products to customers throughout Queensland including many from the Fraser Coast region. EPM pride themselves as being a one stop shop able to provide anything from a business card to a magazine or a vehicle wrap. They are particularly proud of how they have strived to work within the community, in mutual partnerships more so than in competition with other businesses. They understand the difficulties that businesses face and their ethics have earned them the trust of many local businesses, making them the go-to point even for other printers who do not have the machinery to run some of the bigger and more complex print jobs. Their customer service and quality of work have earned them a much respected and deserved place among not only their customers, but also local business and community.

It is their need to be part of, help build and support community, that had EPM making the move last year to extend their business into the Fraser Coast.

Seeing the opportunity, Mother and Son duo Wendy & Matt Chadwick took the huge step and purchased the assets only of a large well known Hervey Bay print company, the move saving the jobs of 19 Fraser Coast and Bundaberg staff. The purchase included printing machinery and the customer list, which means that now EPM holds the customers information as well as their very important and costly to recreate artwork. This is excellent news for ex Chameleon Group customers because it means ‘business as usual’ in terms of the ease their printing needs can be met and also that they are still able to work with an experienced team that understands them and their business’s requirements.

It is important to note that EPM have no affiliation with the old company or its owners. Their commitment is to their newly acquired staff and customers.

Experience the difference local businesses who have in the past sent their jobs outside the region, the opportunity to not only offer their clients better services and faster turnaround times, but will also be supporting and strengthening the Fraser Coast. They see themselves as being a convenient one stop shop for businesses for their print, signage and marketing needs.

Express Mail and Print have recently moved to a new larger premises at 3 Booral Rd Urangan, which gives them room to expand as well as adds convenience for customers as they are now on a main road and have plenty of parking. They are keen to get the message out that they are here to work with businesses in the local region and assist with their marketing needs to facilitate further growth and employment within the region.

EPM have three regional offices, Maroochydore, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg with each location specialising in different kinds of print jobs. Maroochydore handles the larger jobs such as magazines, large run flyers, invoice books and specialty print such as embossing and foiling. There is also an extensive digital print setup for those jobs that require them to live up to their name and produce in a hurry.

The Fraser Coast office can do much of same but their main point of difference is their label printing ability, producing a variety of

Express Mail and Print are also specialists in distribution and mail outs. They can not only print your flyers but can also arrange to have them delivered through Australia Post. If you have your own client base, EPM can barcode their details as well as frank your postage, saving you money as well time and inconvenience. labels and stickers for local farms, retailers and manufacturers. They can also do wide format jobs such as pull-up banners, corflutes and posters as well as being experts in promotional materials.

The Fraser Coast site has also seen new equipment installed recently to enable the production of Braille signage onsite. This will be a great asset to the region’s sign writers and printers.

By having the facilities to produce locally, EPM are now giving many

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Maryborough State

Rowing in Heritage town of Maryboroughit just seems to fit.

Two and a half years ago Maryborough State High School Principal, Simon Done, decided it was time to reinstate rowing as one of the schools sports elective. The school has had a long traditional history of rowing but it seemed to lose its appeal in the late 80’s. The sport however is the perfect complement to the heritage town of Maryborough and thanks to the High School and its enthusiastic principal, students and teachers it is now making a popular return.

With kids showing a keen interest in 2018, training began and after 6 months, the school was invited in 2019 to compete in their first ever event- the Bundaberg School Regatta. Considering their limited experience the school did surprisingly well.

Naturally this result encouraged the students to train harder and they were ecstatic when they won the schools first medal in 30 years at the head of the Bundaberg River competition a few months later. Their result was particularly well earned because the competition had rowing clubs as well as schools competing.

2019 was a terrific year for the schools rowing teams with medals also won in the local Bridge to Bridge competition in which they completed the 13.4km race in only 74 minutes.

Only 6 weeks later they also won a medal in Brisbane for 28

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completing a 10km course in only 46min, their time showing vast improvement in their speed. They were also the only state school at the event which certainly helped them gain the attention of the rowing community. With hopes to raise the level again the school will compete in the CQ championships in 2021 with the aim of going onto the State Championships.

Maryborough State High School and rowing have certainly turned out to be a winning combination. But to make all this initially happen, Principal Simon Done needed both a plan and to find support. With plan in hand he went to the Wide Bay Rowing Club to discuss his ideas. The Rowing Club were more than happy to help by providing the school the use of their Shed which is ideally situated on the banks of the Mary River. They also generously provided the use of their equipment with the school paying a small annual fee to cover possible damages. Needless

Highschool Rowers

to say, the knowledge and experience of the Rowing Club’s president, Cameron Waterson and club secretary Jim Stafford have been a great support and a key component to the schools success.

Training is on Wednesdays after school with the students, teachers- Anthony Hogan, Denise Pommeranz, Tracey Riley and Ashley Richards who are always on hand to help, rowing club members, plus Simon Done and Donna MacFie (the school’s official coaching team), all meeting at the rowing club for an hour and a half training session. The students love taking the boats out, with Simon and Donna keeping pace beside them in Simon’s own tinny as they watch the students form, and coach by correcting their technique as they go.

The students row as singles, doubles, girls and boys quads and sometimes

as mixed quads, although teams are generally gender specific. The group has grown from having 10 students last year to 25 this year. Rowing is open to all students from year 7 to year 12 with both senior and junior teams. The quad teams are made up of 5 students- 4 rowers plus a cox. They currently have 5 quad teams made up of a year 11 boys and year 11 girls team, plus a year nine boys and a year nine girls team. They also have a mixed team which Simon says with a smile is our ‘you’re new so we’ll stick you in a boat’ team.

to make even the least experienced rower feel good. As Simon states, ‘This sport is all about good friendly competition, timing, balance, precision and teamwork.’

With any sports, cost is always an important factor, but this has been made easy with the combination of a Fair play – get started voucher and the school paying half of the $150.00 annual fee

The sportsmanship in this sport is one of the things that most appeals, with winning teams waiting for the last to cross the finish line so that they can congratulate the efforts of all participants. This is a great way

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Chloe Howard

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hloe Howard is an enthusiastic young lady, only 15 years of age who has been awarded the, ‘Young Citizen of the Year Award’ for the Fraser Coast region 2020.

The award was generally for her active roles in the student council and her commitment in helping others as student leader, particularly through her efforts in mentoring and encouraging younger kids to find things they love to do and join groups where they were able to find like minded people and feel accepted. She was also Junior Vice Captain in 2019.

Being in the honours classes, Chloe loves sciences and has a special interest in medical research with a focus on diseases without cures such as moto neurone syndrome. Having seen her a Grandfather struggle through this disease she has felt first hand the pain and frustration the lack of information and viable treatments available can cause. This experience has only increased Chloe’s interest in medical research because she really wants to help others by finding the answers and hopefully the cures. She has high expectations of herself and strives to always do the best she can.

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Chloe is an active person who also loves sports, music and art. She actively participates in many groups using her life-experience to develop and empower youths. While Chloe started small and locally, her ability to empower others has galvanised support regionally and state-wide. She focuses primarily on groups where she can participate actively and help others where possible, and has been involved in positive youth mental health and wellbeing through a number of campaigns such as ‘finding your tribe’, ‘having

Chloe epitomises positivity.

From a challenging background and some personal issues in her younger years, she has blossomed into a young lady who leaps headlong into every opportunity with a pace and passion which is hard to match. It is sometimes hard to hold her back as she takes on more and more projects and activities. Her enthusiasm is infectious as she often inspires others to be a part of the opportunities she seizes, or creates.

Chloe has been selected as the 2020 Youth Member of Parliament for Maryborough Electorate. She has also been placed on the legislative Committee for Innovation, Science and Development.

She will attend and participate in the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament Launch Weekend from the 3 - April in Brisbane as well as YMCA QYP Sitting Week from 27 September to 3 October 2020.

Chloe will also be attending committee meetings in between, dedicated to writing and/or refuting/amending the Youth Bill.

Chloe has been awarded the inaugural Daniel Cheverton Bursary, a scholarship covering the costs associated with participating and travel.

She is also supported by local member Bruce Saunders MP.

a go’ and ‘anti-cyberbullying.’

She is a fierce advocate for youth and student issues, particularly around mental wellness and wellbeing, and strongly believes that everyone needs to find their happy place and not be afraid to love themselves enough to feel confident enough to follow their heart.

Chloe is constantly liaising with the local, regional, state and sometimes national media to spread awareness of youth mental wellness and wellbeing. It is something she feels very passionate about and does all she can to ensure young voices are heard.

In line with this and in response to her efforts,

Chloe is a remarkable young lady with a bright future ahead of her. Her energy and passion are great assets that have helped her become a voice to not only encourage others to find their own strengths but also to highlight important issues such as bullying and youth mental health and wellbeing.

h t t p s : // w w w. f a c e b o o k . com/FraserCoastCouncil/ photos/a.166627833462745 /2537403009718537/?type=3

Gwen and Richard Watt of Richard Watt Optometrist celebrate 31 years in Hervey Bay this year.

Both Gwen and Richard love working in the industry, and are ‘passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, through better vision.’ As Gwen states, “I love that we provide honest professional eye care. Not just glasses but everything we do is with eye health. Being in a smaller community means we get to know a lot of our patients more personally at school, shops, church and sports just to name a few.”

“Having a successful business gives us the opportunity to give back to our community, whether it be through Rotary, Church, Transformations, Primary Schools, and many other clubs and groups. This year, Richard and I set up “Hervey Bay Adopting Fire Affected Families”, (HBAFAF) focussing on the Conjola area of NSW. We’re encouraging Hervey Bay to support Conjola residents by donating regularly over the next 18 months. Spin-offs from this program have included an appeal for tools

and kitchen utensils and appliances. And we’ve had a caravan donated in Hervey Bay and that’s now in Conjola, providing emergency accommodation for a family that’s lost its home.”

“You can check the updates on our Facebook page or our Website.” www.richardwatt.com.au The couples commitment to community is strong, the quality and care of their practice seen in the long list of loyal customers that have been coming to them for years.

Richard Watt Optometrists offer not only friendly and professional service, the best lens technology available, but also the most fashionable and latest trends in eyewear to ensure you look and feel great.

Drop in and have a chat when you next need an eye check, you are sure to feel very welcome and impressed by the care and service you will receive.

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S TO RY BY MA RI A NNE KRE S S E

less effective as well production of smaller new leaves. The larger the leaves on trees naturally means the more carbon each tree can take in and the more, good quality oxygen they can produce and release back into the atmosphere. Pollination is done by the bats sticking their noses into the flowers of the trees, the pollen adhering to their faces and dispersing as they flit from tree to tree. The drought unfortunately has lessened the number of bats that have migrated this year as the trees, due to lack of water have not flowered in their normal abundance hence reducing the available food source. Drought has the effect of stilling all of nature’s normal processes.

We often see bats clustered in trees around our neighbourhood and although we may not all like them we need to appreciate how important they are to our environment.

Our region generally has three types of mega bats, the Grey Headed, the Little Red and the Black, all from the Pteropus family of flying foxes. Phytophagous means that these mega bats feed on plants and fruits. They also navigate by sight not by sonar. If you look closely at our local colonies you will see that although the three types of bats may roost in the same trees, they still clus-

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M E GA BATS

Bats, be they micro or mega, are the great pollinators of nature.

Having them in your neighbourhood is a sign that where you live has a good, strong and sustainable environment. Often however, communities do not see this as a good thing and over the years have tried many strategies to try and move bat colonies from inside townships. Most of these attempts however have only been temporary solutions. The main reason for this is that bats are difficult to move because they have an internal GPS system that always remembers the place they are born, so they will always return to where they believe is home. The situation naturally is not helped with changes in environmental conditions such as drought and bushfire. Also, with our continuing cutting down of valuable eucalyptus trees, bats are finding fewer places to roost. The only proven solution to moving colonies successfully has been to grow more trees outside town boundaries, preferably near a water source such as a river, then encourage the colony to move. This however still does not work in all circumstances.

Pollinators of the night

ter within their own groups. Reds for example, look like bunches of grapes as they hang on a branch together in tight groups of up to thirty to fifty individuals, who then make up a part of a much larger group sometimes as many as a thousand. In colonies the older, larger bats lead the younger and often organise the sending out of scouts to find the next day’s food source. Colonies can be made of several families and as night falls each family will rise and circle the trees until the scouts take the front and leads them to where they can feed, sometimes travelling out as much as forty kilometres a night.

They will return to the trees they call home around four o’clock each morning just before the sun rises with each bat finding roost in the exact same spot each day.

Males rest at top of the trees to protect the females and young at the bottom.

The reds are the most migratory of our regions bats and come down from the north each year.

It is their job to pollinate the hardwood forests. If the trees do not get pollination each year then they do not grow as strongly as they should, often resulting in the seed dispersal being

If you look closely at bats resting through the day you can see their wings fluttering which is their natural airconditioning system. They will rotate through the day, moving down to the lower branches of trees to draw the colder air from the rivers and waterways up through their wings to cool themselves down, then move back higher in the tree to allow another group to do the same.

Because of this our hot summer weather does not effect bats if they are lucky enough to be roosting near a river or waterway.

But further west where the combination of limited water and extreme heat exists, bat migration and populations suffer, and with their suffering so does the environment. The bushfires that have raged across Australia over the last months have also had a great impact as they have reduced the bats food source dramatically. Because of this larger bat colonies are forming in areas that have not been as severely effected.

The problem with this is that you have bats congregating in areas that are not their normal home, often leaving too many bats in a region for the food source available. Without sufficient food source the bats do not get enough energy and without energy they will eventually die. Bat colonies in the region are definitely down this year from last year due to less pollen on the trees caused by the drought.

MICRO BATS

Biological Controllers of the world

Learning the importance of bats to our environment opens many doors for both us as well as the bats. Farmers such as John Ferguson a local Maryborough macadamia nut producer, knows the importance micro bats are to the pollination of his trees each year.

In coordination with John Parsons from Fraser Coast Micro Bats, John Ferguson has installed a manmade forest of bat homes simply situated on the top of timber poles. The homes are a variety of timber boxes for normal

to help pollinate his trees and use less chemical spray for years to come as the micro bat will eat their own weight in insects per night (1000) mosquitoes.

habitation and plastic tubes made to accommodate the female bats through times of breeding. The plastic tubes get much hotter than the timber which the breeding females love. The artificial forest has been created next to a large dam and a cluster of trees that is perfect for feeding and protection during the cooler months.

Micro bats eat mosquitoes and other small insects that breed in great numbers around water which makes them invaluable particularly with the numbers of mosquitoes recent rains have brought. The forest will be monitored regularly as the bat population increases. John is looking to grow more macadamia trees and is hoping this project will bring in enough micro bats

The stigma bats have been given over the years has unfortunately in the past led to mass cullings that have severely reduced bat populations within Australia.

All bats now are protected. They are a species that should be appreciated for the work they do as they are vital to our wellbeing.

They are also amazing creatures, which everyone would benefit from learning a little more about.

Looking at bat colonies is also fascinating. As we stared up at the colony of mega bats roosting in the trees on the banks of the Mary River Maryborough, next to the Granville Bridge, we could see at the top of a tree a single female bat giving birth to baby bat that will now call that spot home.

It is important to note that the only difference between micro bats and mega bats is their size.

They both are great pollinators

and crucial to sustaining the wellbeing of our native forests and flora. Should you wish to learn more about these amazing creatures please contact John Parsons from Fraser Coasts bats on Phone: 0418 290 998 or visit their Facebook page. John also gives free power point talks to schools garden clubs retirement homes and any interested groups free of charge.

The more we know and understand about bats, the healthier our environment and lives will be!

Talks at the Discovery on Micro Bats and Mega Bats: May 9 2020 start time 10.30am close at 12.00pm for all dates below June 13 2020 July 11 2020 Aug 8 2020 Sept 12 2020 Oct 10 2020 Nov14 2020 Dec 12 2020

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Did you know that a microbat can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes each night and are far more effective pollinators than bees?

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Trail rides run twice a day every day and go for 2 and a half hours and include refreshments.

Morning ride starts at 9.30am and afternoon ride starts at 2.00pm Adults $85.00 Child under 14 years $75.00 Children must be over 4 years of age Booking essential

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Welcome to the new era in green Battery powered mobility Tricycle transportation.

You’re definitely one step closer to realizing a whole new way of commuting that is fast fun and friendly to the environment. Not to mention the fact that it is a very low cost transportation. Riding a Battery powered mobility tricycle is fantastic for your health. Our quality guarantee means that our components are high value and reliable.

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Motor Brushless hub motor 800w Battery 48v 20AH sealed lead acid Controller Brushless controller Driving range 70km depending on conditions Max load 150kgs Frount forks Hydraulic pressure Net weight 90kgs Gross weight 110kgs Max speed 10km Climbing angle 25A Throttle Twist intelligent speed control Road clearance 125MM Colors Red Orange Blue white Warranty 12mths on the motor and 6mths warranty on the Batteries

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Op Shop

Disability Hire

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he Hervey Bay Disability Assistance Inc and Treasure Trove Op Shop has been providing locals with disability equipment hire for the past 32 years. In 1988 the organisation requested funds to erect the shed now on Elizabeth Street which was built completely by the generosity of volunteers. In 1991 a few of the ladies got together and upgraded the clothing in the shed and named it Treasure Cove which has been since changed to Treasure Trove. The funds made by the op shop were used to purchase disability equipment which was loaned out to the residents of the Bay, free of charge.

It can be very expensive for clients when they are told by an occupational therapist that they will need certain equipment to maintain their lifestyle and independence.

With the help of the organisation’s short and medium term loans, clients are able to obtain the equipment they need without having to buy expensive items that they may only need for a short time. It’s also possible to hire for equipment for the long term, which requires an application and assessment by the board.

The Hervey Bay Disability Assistance Inc has a range of basic items people may need such as toilet chairs, wheelchairs and kneeling scooters for after ankle surgery. They also have motorised scooters but they require an application process. Prospective customers need to apply with a letter advising of their personal situation for the board, a letter from their doctor and a filled-out application form which is taken to the next board meeting. It all depends on the circumstances, and is for people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford a motorised scooter. Hervey Bay Disability Assistance currently has 45 scooters but in the last year donated 70 scooters to clients to keep.

The organisation aims to conduct regular checks on the equipment, but relies on volunteers. Previously there were more men in the organisation, and they used to conduct the checks on the scooters regularly, but it’s only possible to carry out maintenance when there are enough volunteers. They currently have 45 volunteers operating the stores.

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The management is extremely appreciative of the volunteers and donations and they try to pay it forward to everyone else. They try to focus on purchasing and maintaining equipment to help as many clients as possible.

The Treasure Trove Op shop is not only integral in helping support the financing of the organisation, but also provides a significant service to the community. They have a large range of excellent quality second hand goods including a huge range of clothing and everyday essential items. They also try to keep their prices low with nothing over $3.00.

During the first week of each month, the Treasure Trove Op Shop drops its prices down to $1.00 per item.

They support a number of organisations regularly such as the Hervey Bay Special School P&C, the Neighbourhood Centre and Riding for the Disabled. They have supported many groups in the past such as the Animal Refuge but they now focus on supporting the disabled.

Make sure you drop in to f ind a bargain and help support your local community.

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Leap year lovebirds turn rivalry to romance When David Kearton, 70 met Linda Walmsley, 69 at Bolton Clarke’s Fairways retirement village in Bundaberg, the last thing either of them expected was to fall in love.

But fall they did, and on Valentine’s Day Linda made their love official with a leap year proposal.

“It felt like the right time, on a day for love,” said Linda, “and as it’s a leap year, I thought ‘well here goes nothing!”

“He was a bit surprised, so it took him a moment to answer me, but then he said ‘yes, that he’d be thrilled’ to marry me.”

Linda proposed while they were exchanging Valentine’s gifts.

“I got a bit teary,” said David.

“She didn’t get down on bended knee though which was a bit disappointing,” he adds cheekily. “She wouldn’t let me go to Bunnings for a curtain ring either!”

“Life could be a bit cloudy, but Linda is my silver lining,” David said. “I am truly blessed.”

They first met during ‘happy hour’ at one of the Fairways social events.

“Our eyes met across the room,” said David. “We got to talking and she asked me if I’d like to go for coffee.”

David embodies the epitome of excited English schoolboy around his new fiancé.

“He’s cheeky!” said Linda, “and he makes me laugh, there’s never a dull moment!”

After the whirlwind and excitement of their engagement, the couple are looking forward to planning their future together.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with well wishes, gifts and cards,” said Linda. “Everyone has been so warm and friendly – we’ve made quite a few friends here, and we popped some champagne at one of the Village events the other day to celebrate.”

Their engagement rings had been purchased together during a shopping trip at Christmas, originally worn as promise rings - his in platinum, and hers in silver and rose gold.

“Our families are both so happy for us,” adds David.

“They’re pleased to officially welcome each of us into either side of the family.”

“After Linda proposed, we swapped the rings from our right hands to our left,” David said.

The couple plan is planning many adventures together including a honeymoon, celebrating Linda’s 70th birthday, and a wedding that honours each other’s history and their newly blended family.

Both English, Linda from Lancaster and David from Yorkshire, the pair have a friendly rivalry that stretches back to the ‘Wars of the Roses.’

“In England, we were separated by moors but just a stone’s throw away from each other, yet we had to come halfway around the world to meet!” Linda said.

They both agree it was meant to be, as neither had expected to find love a second time after their first partners passed away.

“At my age, I had thought ‘that’s it!’” Linda said. “It could be lonely sometimes. It has changed both our lives tremendously.”

“When I moved into the Village, falling in love was the last thing I expected. Village life and the community here has brought us together. We’re eternally grateful.”

Bolton Clarke Fairways Retirement Village Manager Rob Kerby said the Fairways community couldn’t be happier for Linda and David.

“We’re all looking forward to helping them celebrate in style and sharing the next chapter of their journey with them.”

“Rob has been very supportive. He’s a great Village Manager,” said Linda. “We love living here.”

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he Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) works tirelessly throughout the community to improve the lives and social well being of many Fraser Coast residents. The Centre’s commitment in supporting and developing programs such as The Fraser Coast Social Plan aimed at making lives better, are often due to the hard work of CEO Tanya Stevenson and her highly dedicated team of staff. Naturally with this year being the ‘Year of Kindness’ it is not surprising to see that Tanya and her team are already on the job, initiating awareness as well as supporting a very special project that will be run by a newly formed ‘Kindness Crew’.

actively participate in the year of Kindness. On the 17th of February 2020 Tanya unveiled the not only the new Kindness Mural designed by artist Leigh West, but also introduced the ‘Kindness Crew’ which she calls ‘our village of volunteers.’

Kindness has always been an important part of the HBNC, with the installation of the ‘Kindness Garden’ to provide a safe place for the homeless, The Comfort Kitchen to provide nutritious meals for those doing it tough, plus the ‘Bless Box’ to provide goods to those in need, being just a few of the many services run by the centre.

The work is unique as once the design was approved, Leigh then converted the artwork into a digital file that went to Craig from Wolfpack Print Alliance to print. The end result is a bright and beautiful mural that now hangs proudly at the entrance of the Hervey Bay Community Centre.

‘Regardless of our successes in life, no one is free from ups and downs’ says Tanya. ‘Hardship comes in many forms from loneliness, financial strain, illness, trauma, loss, feeling of inadequacy, and the list goes on and on…’

It is an unfortunate fact that many of the community do not believe Kindness still exists.

‘The Kindness Index suggests that only 16% of people believed that their fellow residents were kind.’ Tanya noted. ‘Even more unfortunate was that 80% of people believed that Kindness has disappeared from society.’

With 2020 being a year dedicated to Kindness the team at the HBNC got together to decide what they could do to make this message resound more effectively throughout the community. They needed something both visual to inspire, and a plan of action and volunteers to ensure that they could actively go out into the community to share not only acts of kindness but also an awareness. Tanya with her team of both staff and volunteers through numerous meetings and much collaboration and discussion, collectively decided how they would best celebrate and

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The mural is a colourful and inspiring work, with butterflies the symbol of hope and future wonderfully displayed around a scroll of pledges.

The work was firstly drawn and painted by Leigh West after much collaboration with the HBNC team.

‘They told me what they wanted to say, and I turned that message into the mural.’ Says Leigh.

The second part of the HBNC’s plan was the creation of the ‘Kindness Crew’. The crew is made up entirely of volunteers who have come together to develop a plan and projects to do throughout 2020 that will inspire Kindness. It is the crews aim to do at least one notable act of kindness a day for the entire year. If you are interested in joining the Kindness Crew, please contact Lesa Stagg at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre. As Tanya so eloquently states, ‘With Kindness in our community we can inspire hope, and with hope we can overcome every obstacle.’

LEIGH WEST, TANYA STEVENSON, CR AIG TAYLOR

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How to Take Better Photos with a Smartphone A RT I C L E BY: T ROY OAT E S P H O T O G R A P H Y

Taking incredible photos with a smartphone is very easy, as long as you follow some important steps. Here are some of my best tips to master your smartphone: Clean the Lens You should clean the lens each time you take a photo. Use a soft lens cloth as anything else may scratch the glass, resulting in poor image quality. A clean lens will ensure you get sharp, clear images.

Set the Focus When taking a photo make sure that your subject is in sharp focus. To set the focus tap the screen where your subject is. A small yellow square will appear to confirm the focus point.

Ask yourself “What am I taking a photo of?” or “What is my main subject?” If there is nothing of interest, it’s probably not worth taking. Instead seek out an interesting subject such as a person, building, tree, etc.

Composition

2. Leading Lines

Good composition will get your photos noticed and hold the viewer’s attention for longer. Composition, put simply, is the way we arrange elements or subjects within the photo.

Lines and textures will strengthen the composition.

Much like contrasting colours, our eyes are naturally drawn to textures and lines; using those elements to draw more attention to the subject only makes sense.

Leading lines should lead towards the main subject.

Roads, paths, railway tracks, bridges and rivers are commonly used. Leading lines are one of the most powerful ways to create a strong visual impact.

1. Include a Focal Point

Don’t Use the Zoom Unfortunately, this is a digital zoom and not an optical zoom, resulting in a noticeable loss in image quality the more you zoom in.

Keep Your Smartphone Steady Keeping your camera still is important in low light or at night.

Any movement will result in a blurred image. To avoid this, hold the phone with both hands or rest it on a solid surface.

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A photo should include a main subject or point of interest. This will give your photo meaning and offer the viewer a place for their eye to rest. Without a focal point your image is unlikely to hold the viewer’s attention for long.

The rule suggests that the most powerful areas of the image are the four points where the lines intersect, and that our eyes are naturally drawn to these areas first. It’s an important concept to learn to produce images which are more engaging and better balanced.

6. Watch Out For Distracting Backgrounds important in landscape photography where the scene can appear quite flat.

A cluttered background can draw attention away from your intended subject. The best solution is to convert the photo to black and white.

3. Point of View We’re all different heights, so we see the world differently. If a scene looks interesting to you, but you feel like the angle is not right, try standing on something, sit down or even lay on the ground. You never know how changing your perspective might just pay off!

This technique can help simplify the composition and also gives a unique viewpoint that most people don’t usually see.

Or avoid cluttered backgrounds altogether. One way to do this is to get down low and use the sky as a backdrop.

7. Shoot in landscape

By including foreground objects you’re helping to lead the viewer’s eye from the front to the back of the image.

When shooting landscapes look out for rocks, flowers, people, etc. that you can include in the foreground. Shooting from a low angle will allow them to be more prominent in the frame.

To improve the composition of your photo, shoot in landscape. Turn your phone horizontally and hold with both hands.

5. The Rule of Thirds The rule of thirds states that an image will look more balanced and visually pleasing if the important elements are positioned off-center. If you turn the gridlines on in your camera settings you will see two horizontal and two vertical lines on the screen.

4. Include Foreground Interest Including objects in the foreground is a great way to add interest to your images.

It’s also a good way of creating a sense of depth or distance. It’s especially

Turn on your HDR settings; which is available on most mobile devices. The grid helps to better align your photo, HDR mode—which stands for high dynamic range—optimizes your lighting and shadows.

These tips should help you on your way to taking much better photos with your smartphone. Some of the tips, such as using leading lines and the rule of thirds, will be useful no matter what type of camera you use. The most important thing to remember is to keep taking photos and have fun! t hebea c o n . c om .au

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arbour gift gallery Harbour Gift Gallery and Seven7+ group of Fraser Coast artists have just hung their latest exhibition in the Gallery. The Exhibition includes the work of Evelyn Willebrands and Pam Price who are both new to the Gallery. Evelyn’s wonderful abstract work is both bold and colourful, while Pam loves to paint animals and birds, her work a delight in subject and realism. Of course the Gallery’s other artists, Lyn Montgomery, Colin Hutchinson, Jillian Lamprey and Paul Barnes are also well represented in this latest collection of works. Sculptor Pieter Van Engelhoven also has some very dynamic work on display.

The Exhibition is on for the next 4 weeks so make sure you give them a visit at Shop 2A &3, Terminal Building, Great Sandy Straits Marina, Buccaneer Dr, Urangan Qld 4655.

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SEVEN 7+

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BY K E L S E Y C O RC O R A N

ou don’t need to be a talented artist to try art therapy. It’s all about using art to help resolve stress and improve self-esteem.

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that involves using the creative process of helping improve mental, physical and emotional well-being. It is focused on the process of expressing rather than the finished product. The creative process can help people resolve issues, manage feelings, reduce stress and improve selfesteem.

Art therapy can achieve different things for different people. Some participants find it hard to find the words to express their feelings, and art therapy can delve into the deeper subconscious to discover the true feelings and help the healing process.

A small women’s art therapy group is held on Thursday mornings, run by Wendy House in the Lewis Gallery, Hervey Bay. Wendy aims to provide the small group of women with the means of expressing themselves and providing an alternative to verbal communication.

She also runs a studio from Maryborough’s Kent Street, Inspired Creative Living Art Therapy Counselling which offers private Art Therapy and Counselling sessions and facilitates transformative group work that explores curiosity, ritual, authenticity and self-empowerment.

Wendy discovered art therapy when a family member was helped by art therapy.

She attained an advanced diploma in art therapy and recently finished a degree in counselling.

The women’s art therapy group was started last year and has a dedicated group of regular members. She said some women came along and found that it wasn’t for them because they weren’t quite ready to express their feelings through art.

Wendy finds that she is able to help these women as she has life experiences and is able to connect with the women in her group. She limits the group to 10 members so that she is able to spend time with each woman and ensure that they are really finding their way through the process of creating art in a gentle and individual way.

“It has totally transformed my life,” a member said. “I have been through lots of trauma and was totally shut down. Through Wendy’s classes, she has helped me find myself again and I have learnt the beauty of using art as a safe way to express myself.”

Wendy said the group wrote a lot during the process of making art. They paint what they feel to be able to release the feelings and emotions. They are able to write what they feel on a blank canvas and then paint over it, covering the words and leaving them behind. Wendy focuses on strengths and tries to encourage everyone to be able to see their value and their strength. The group will talk about values and explore their own values and what it means to them, and them alone.

“A lot of people can’t see their strengths when they begin and can’t see the forest for the trees,” Wendy said.

She encourages the use of mediums that are out of their comfort zone. For example she might suggest the use of watercolour for someone who feels that they need to be in control all the time. The water colour will run along the paper and they will have to be okay with it being out of their control.

If someone needs to express a lot of angst then Wendy will guide them to paint with their fingers. They are able to use a lot of mobility and get involved on a deeper more tactile level.

“We ask, ‘where do I find happiness?’

Nobody else can give it to you; you have to find it in yourself. This group draws out those negatives onto paper and we can expand from there. We will purge the negativity and no one looks at it and then we will paint over it and get rid of it. It flows onto whoever we’re around like our friends and family.”

The group not only helps women express themselves but provides a safe and supportive environment for women where they can be themselves with other women.

“I think it’s a bit of a sister circle and safe environment and Wendy’s empowering us to be the best we can be, overcoming whatever hurdles and obstacles we face,” another member said. “Letting our innerbeauty shine through and honouring, finding and acknowledging our values and then strengthening them. We love Wendy.”

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T h e W i tc h

& Wav e r ly

CONTINU ED FROM IS SU E 8 - A SE RIA L N OV E L BY M A RIA N N E K RE SSE

Amelia sat and watched as the men saddled up the horses in the final preparations for their return trip to London. With Dominic’s health having delayed them for another week, the tension amongst the group had become intolerable. The Marquis was certainly ready to throttle the constantly babbling and arguing Henry and Will and she had to admit even her patience was fraying. If the pairs ultimate aim was to drive both Dominic and her crazy, then they were well on the way to succeeding. She understood why they needed to start their journey now, but that did not calm the feeling of angst that had been growing steadily over the last week. Now that the moment was finally upon them she was a total mess, with her head pounding and her stomach so tied in knots it was churning nauseously. Something bad was going to happen…she could just feel it.

Sighing she made one final search of the cave before heading out into the cold.

‘Are we right to go?’ Dominic asked lifting his head from checking Mercury’s harness to watch her closely. Nodding she looked at him, then at the knee deep snow, ‘I cannot help but think this is a bad time to travel…’ she muttered.

‘You know staying here for any longer will in all probability lead to bloodshed – theirs’ he said nodding at Henry and Will, ‘and those two idiots will not leave without us.’

She nodded, though still looking unsure.

‘There will be no better time….’ he began again, ‘even without the tension, we cannot stay in that cave for another few months…’

‘No…’ she agreed quietly, her gaze finally landing on Will and Henry. ‘But can we trust them?’

‘That I don’t know….’ He answered with a frown. ‘I do not know if their behaviour over the last week was….ahhh….normal…or more so something meant to either drive us insane or force us to leave the cave….’

‘I keep thinking the same.’ She said, still looking at the pair and noting their heads bent closely together as they whispered suspiciously to each other in hushed under tones.

Dominic seeing the two muttering understood Amelia’s concern. Those two were definitely up to something.

‘I do not like how they have bellowed at each other for the entirety of the last week and now when they are finally out in the open and can shout as loud as they want, they are instead huddled together and whispering like a couple of gossiping school girls…’ Amelia muttered. ‘It just seems somehow…. wrong…’

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Nodding in agreement, Dominic slowly reached out and grabbed her hand, not liking the look of fear he saw in her eyes.

‘No matter what happens I promise I will do all in my power to protect you…’ he whispered finally…

‘I know…but I feel like we are walking right into a trap…’

The abrupt stamping of feet stopped their conversation as Henry and Will ambled over, their horses trailing closely behind.

‘Are ya ready to leave Amy girl?’ Henry ask quietly.

Shrugging to hide her fear, Amelia looked Henry steadily in the eyes, ‘I am not sure about traveling in this weather…’ she said, her voice not quite masking her uncertainty.

‘Ah lass, we cannot stay….longer.…and stayin’ in that cave during deep winter….’ Henry shivered in horror at the mere thought.

‘I know….’ She said abruptly, ‘lets get going then, while we still can.’

With one last final look, she mounted up in front of Dominic, while Will and Henry slowly rode out ahead. With Dominic’s arms wrapped tightly around her as he held the reins, she relaxed back enjoying his warmth as she settled herself contentedly…. perhaps this wasn’t going to be such a bad trip after all..

Her contentment however lasted a little less than an hour as Dominic’s voice broke suddenly through her calm.

‘I know I may have lost some of my wits over the last week, but I’ll be damned if we are not heading in the wrong direction…’ Dominic muttered as he brought Mercury to a halt.

Amelia hearing his words sat up to look around, taking real note of her surroundings for the first time.

‘I think you are right My Lord…’ she murmured softly, ‘this is not the way back to the cottage, and we need to pass by it to head back to town…’

‘Yes we do….so why are those imbeciles leading us in the opposite direction?’

Amelia shivered suddenly but not from the cold…

‘Perhaps they are lost?’ She whispered hopefully.

It took but a moment for Will and Henry to notice and come galloping back, their looks of distress and perhaps even fear sending a feeling of dread down Amelia’s spine.

‘What’s wrong…’ Henry virtually shouted, ‘why ya turnin’ back?’

‘We are merely heading in the right direction.’

Dominic answered confidently. ‘You two appear to be lost…’

Henry and Will looked at each other distraughtly, ‘Ya cannot go that way…’ Will blurted out nervously.

‘Why ever not? That is the way to London….’

‘We need to tell em, Henry… we need to keep them moving …away…’ Will said, sounding scared and panicked.

Shuffling, Henry looked decidedly uncomfortable before he spoke, ‘Sorry Amy love, but we think we may have brought ya trouble…’

Dominic tensed as he looked around the area alertly, ‘How?’ He spat the word out harshly, making both Will and Henry jump.

‘We was followed…. Me an Will snuck out a couple of days ago to do some scoutin’ and found some men camped by ya old cottage…’ Henry announced slowly.

‘And?’ Dominic prompted, his patience wearing thin.

‘Well ya see…them men…. We think they work for yer uncle….’

Amelia looked at Henry confused, ‘Don’t you both work for my uncle?’

‘Ahhh…yes…but we work in the stables…’ Will muttered.

‘I know that!’ Amelia snapped, now getting a little frustrated herself.

‘But we came lookin’ for ya on our own…’ Henry admitted quietly, ‘those men…they were sent by ya uncle.’

‘What do you mean?’ Amelia asked anxiously.

‘Somehow I don’t think so….they seem quite sure of where they are heading….’

‘Those men…camped a couple of miles away are being paid by ya uncle to kill ya love…’ Henry whispered… ‘And we led em straight to ya…’ Will added quietly.

‘We cannot simply follow them blindly…’ Amelia murmured uncertainly.

‘God damn bloody hell!’ Dominic swore, ‘How many are there?’

‘No …. Let’s see what happens when we turn and head in the right direction.’ Dominic said as he turned Mercury around and headed towards the cabin.

‘At least ten… but they ‘ave been gathering all week….and all are well-armed, trained an being paid to find and kill ya….’

‘Bloody hell!’ Dominic swore again.

To be continued…

Family fun day

Free Easter Activities

celebrating Youth Week - 'yeah the youth'

9th April, 2020 10am to 2pm Easter Activities: Times: 11.00am Easter Egg Hunt 1.00 pm Special Appearance from the Easter Bunny 1.15 pm Easter Bonnet Parade (Times may vary)

Easter Bonnet Parade: Easter bonnet decorations in the Phoenix Room All decorations will be provided (until exhausted) BYO hat, hairchips or headbands to decorate. **Parents must supervise children at all times.

Rides & Activities: Times: 10.00am - 2.00pm All day Amusement Rides Jumping Castle Entertainment by Woodlem Photo Booth Face Painting Lucky Door Prize Giveaways &Raffles Information Stalls FREE BBQ lunch

- must present to the welcome stand (in the Hall) for your free burger wristband. Vegan options available. Soft drinks $2.00.

Creative Arts Competition Performances between 12.30-1.30pm Great prizes up for grabs!!

for Youth 12 - 18 years.

Yeah the Youth Express Yourself!

1 . Writing - song, poem, rap, short story 2. Performing - sing a song, dance, perform a short skit or comedy set 3. Visual - painting, drawing, sculpture

Registerations: www.hbnc.com.au/events/registration-yeah-the-youth

22 Charles Street, Pialba I Phone: 41943000 I www.hbnc.com.au

Cassava STORY AND IMAGE BY EWA BEKIESCH, CERTIFIED PERMACULTURE DESIGNER AND EDUCATOR. EWA HAS ALSO THE FOOD AS MEDICINE CERTIFICATE FROM THE MONASH UNIVERSITY.

Manihot esculenta - Cassava

Cassava, Manioc, Yuca, Versatile, delicious, drought-tolerant and quick and easy to grow vegetable.

Cassava is a perennial woody shrub that grows up to 3-4m, is native to South America, and grows best in tropical and subtropical regions around the globe. It is a very hardy plant that thrives in nearly any type of soil. We have grown it in our food forest for quite a few years now. I have planted it in many dif ferent spots and it has never disappointed me, however, like with any other plants, the better the soil, the better the plant.

There are many different kinds of cassava, some are sweet and some bitter and according to the “Food Standards Australia And New Zealand (link: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/ consumer/chemicals/cassava/Pages/default.aspx - published in March 2017) «Only sweet cassava, containing low levels of cyanogenic glycosides (50mg/kg), is permitted to be used for food in Australia and New Zealand» so if you plan to grow Cassava in your vegetable garden, get it from a reliable source.

Cassava has many health benefits but it should NEVER be eaten raw! Since the harmful chemicals are found in raw cassava, it’s essential to cook it thoroughly — by boiling, roasting or baking, for example. The roots are calorie-rich and contain plenty of carbohydrate and key vitamins and minerals. Cassava is a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. The cooked leaves are also edible and contain protein, iron and B vitamins. They have to be boiled for at least 15 minutes.

The Cassava root is mostly used to make Tapioca and is available in all grocery shops around Australia. We use our Cassava in many different ways. We boil it in water and eat instead of potatoes. We also deep fry the cooked cassava to make the most delicious chips. Roasted Cassava is delicious as well. I also recently made my own Cassava starch and Cassava flour.

And yes! These are two different products and they are both 54

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gluten free. We use the Cassava flour to make pasta, pancakes, cakes and bread! The leaves are also great in curries, stews and all sorts of slow cooked dishes. Yum! Cassava is a very forgiving, productive and rewarding permaculture plant and one of the most important plants in our food forest. You are welcome to visit our website for more details at www.permaculturehaven.com Take the chance and subscribe to our Newsletter to keep yourself updated about the plants we grow, dishes we cook and workshops and courses at our Permaculture homestead in Pacific Haven. You can also find us on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

Ewa from Permaculture Haven Disclaimer: Any information given here is for educational purpose only. Make your own research before you try to eat or use any new plant.

Website: www.permaculturehaven.com email: permaculturehaven@gmail.com

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BROTHER brother EGGS

BY K E R RYA N N E K E N N E DY

Brother Brother Organics - Premium Pasture Raised Local eggs

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I’ve always thought of myself as an egg connoisseur and love nothing more than a delicious eggs benedict on a Sunday morning. That coupled with my love for chickens and anything paddock to plate... not to mention locally produced, my immediate reaction was ‘count me in’ when my editor said we were looking to cover local producers.

Naturally, my mind went immediately to Brother Brother Organics. Having purchased their eggs locally, I was very excited to share their story.

Brother Brother Organics are located in Oakhurst on the outskirts of Maryborough. The family are 3rd generation farmers, with the business being owned and run by husband and wife team, Nick and Amanda Kuhn.

Returning from a short stint in Alice Springs Nick and his wife Amanda, decided to head back to the family farm when their own family started to grow. Now with two children, baby daughter Taylor and son Jackson.

To market eggs as Free Range in Australia you must have a stocking density of 10,000 (or less) hens per hectare of land or one square metre per hen.

‘On our farm’, Nick says, ‘We have a stocking density of 40 hens per hectare which is 250 times less than the recommended standard. Our hens are never locked inside and are free to roam in the pasture each and every day which fulfils their natural tendency to scratch and forage for food.’

The values on which they live and breathe are :  To implement sustainable farming practices to ensure the long term health of their soil.  To ensure ethical treatment of the animals on their property to ensure they have a long, happy, healthy life.  No use of herbicides or pesticides on their business.  And to support our Local community and give back where possible.”

Nick says the success to raising happy, healthy chickens is due to his Maremma Sheep dogs. They are on guard 24/7 and adore their flocks. As I was driving out I noticed 3 or 4 plucky hens kicking back on one of the dogs belly. The dogs recently caught a fox who won’t be back.

Personally I have bought their eggs from Maryborough markets on a Thursday and also at the Urangan Pier markets on a Saturday and will do anything to chase them down.

Nick says “We are thrilled to share that we have started the New Year off with some new suppliers of our pasture raised eggs so if you miss us at the markets here’s where you can buy our eggs in the Wide Bay region”.

Kawungan Quality Meats- HB Frog Organic Boxes- HB Farmers Friend – HB Farmgate Express - HB Granville Butcher - MB The Butcher Shop Tinana - MB Fraser Coast Rural Supplies - MB Buxton Barley Beef – Bundaberg Tin Can Bay Fruit and Vege Mart – Tin Can Bay ‘We also supply our eggs to Enzo’s in Hervey Bay (who at one stage were ordering 5,000 eggs per week!) as well as EAT by Dan & Steph and Café Balaena. In Maryborough Alowishus, Portside, Kathffeine and Little Monkies as well as Alowishus in Bundaberg. So if you don’t feel like cooking, please support these amazing businesses’.

I can personally guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with the quality of their eggs !

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Create your own space of tropical heaven!

S

o you love the look of bamboo but do not have the space or the patience to wait for it to grow to the size you want to get the privacy you need.

Bambooland sells all kinds of beautiful and unique landscaping ideas and one of the most practical are their bamboo fencing panels. They are not only affordable but also a great way to get that natural tropical look with a minimal of fuss and maintenance. Bambooland sell both black and yellow one sided bamboo which is good for lining garden walls or covering ugly existing fences. They also have thin solid bamboo panels should you need a two sided look.

be inspired...

 Clumping bamboo for privacy screens and features  Gingers  Heliconias  Tropicals  Indoor plants  Bamboo fencing panels  Stone statues and ornaments

P a l radise a c i p o r T A

Located just off the Highway between Torbanlea & Howard. Follow signs from the highway.

87 Old Coach Road, Torbanlea

OPEN 7 DAYS 8.00am to 5.00pm  Free Admission

P h . 0 7 4 1 2 9 4 4 7 0

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Bamboo panels make the perfect screening for small terraces or verandah walls. They look good as well as provide privacy. They also are the perfect background for lush potted ginger plants, heliconias, ferns, bromeliads and orchids, all of which you’ll find in large varieties in Bamboolands well stocked nursery. While there, you should also visit the gift shop and check out their wonderful selection of fountains, garden furniture and other unique decorator ideas to make your tropical garden a place of beauty and peace. Their selection of wonderful plant pots and garden ornaments will also amaze you.

Janne and the staff of Bambooland are experts in what they do and are only too happy to advise of the best selection of plants and landscaping ideas to suit your space and needs.

Wide Bay Pro Wrestling (WBPW) started back in 2016 with the f irst event held at the Gympie Cats Football club, that f irst event was called, ‘When Worlds Collide’.

WBPR held their next event in 2018 after a 2 year break at Southside State School, the night titled ‘Revenge’.

This event saw Rhys Rayzelle become the f irst ever champion setting the tone for what would be a bigger and better 2019.

In 2019 WBPW introduced Gympie to ‘State War’, where wrestlers from each state would wrestle to be crowned the Harrison Pearce State Cup Champion, the first winner came from Queensland. It also saw Nikki Nitro and Nathan Jones being part of this great event. From there WBPW would go on and have many more shows in 2019 including Revenge, Fight Back and Collision.

In 2019 WBPW, was introduced to the FraserPop Culture Festival which led to WBPW making Maryborough its home permanently in 2020, as events have grown bigger and we added Rampage to our lineup.

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The roster now also includes the ‘Australian Sensation’, Craven, who when not wrestling with WBPW is wrestling in America and Mexico. Along with Craven there is also Jackson Spade who runs his own promotion in NSW called Suplex, he also has wrestles throughout Australia.

WE feature many interstate wrestlers including, from the ACT Reverend Death and Benny Whiplash we also have some local rookies from the Wide Bay area, The Viking Eric Steele and Matthias Wright who this year are starting to make headway within WBPW with their passion and crowd pleasing style.

The aim in 2020 is to continue to build Wide Bay Pro Wrestling in the region along with also adding the first ever Fraserpop Title while also adding more local wrestlers to the roster.

The Next event is ‘Fight Back’ on March 14th 2020 at Maryborough State High School (This event will be completed by the time we have gone to press but we will review the event and interview some of the wrestlers in our next issue.

French Curl Doughnuts Pastle Rainbow Jelly Cups These sweet French doughnuts will be a crowd pleasure this Easter and are best served with delicious Easter chocolates or fresh berries and cream.

These jelly cups are simple, child-friendly, and lots of fun to make! Serve them plain, or top them with whipped cream and sprinkles!

You will need: • 4 packets of jelly • 4 cups boiling water(divided) • 4 mixing bowls

• • • • •

Serving glasses 1 ¼ cups creamer or milk 2 ½ cups vanilla yoghurt Whipped cream to serve Sprinkles to serve

Steps:

You will need: • • • • •

1 cup of water 6 Tbsp unsalted butter 2 Tsp superfine sugar 1/4 Tsb salt 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted

• 3 large eggs, divided • 1 to 2 egg whites, slightly beaten • icing sugar • Speckled egg chocolates

Steps: 1. Empty 4 different packets of jelly crystals into 4 different bowls.

2. Whisk hot water into each bowl and continue until crystals are dissolved.

3. Let the bowls cool to room temperature.

4. Slowly whisk in yoghurt and Creamer or milk.

5. Add the first colour to each serving glass and refrigerate the glasses for 15 minutes.

6. Repeat with the remaining colours, chilling between each colour.

7. After the final colour, refrigerate for 4 hours to make sure the jelly is completely set.

8. Top with cream and sprinkles or simply by itself.

FOOD & RECIPES S T O RY S BY K E L S E Y C O RC O R A N A L L R E C I P I E S A R E T R I E D A N D T E S T E D BY T H E B E A C O N

1.

Place the water, butter, sugar, and salt in a heavy-bottomed pot and bring to a brisk boil over medium to high heat.

2. Add in the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until the flour is mixed in completely.

3. Continue to cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes to steam away as much water as possible. The mixture is ready when a thin film coats the bottom of the pan.

4. Move the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

5. Stir the mixture for about 1 minute to allow it to cool. Then mix on medium speed and add the first egg. Let it mix in completely and then scrape down the sides of the bowl.

6. Add the remaining eggs, one at a time, and mix completely.

7. Add the egg whites, a little at a time, until the paste becomes smooth and glossy and will hold a slight peak.

8. Transfer the batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch star piping tip.

9. Preheat the oven to 230°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pipe the crullers onto it, at least 2 inches apart.

10. Bake for 5 minutes, and then reduce heat to 180°C and bake for another 15 minutes.

11. Turn off the heat, open the oven door slightly and let them sit in the cooling oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

12. Sprinkle with icing sugar and decorate with speckled chocolate eggs or fresh berries and cream. t he bea c o n . c om .au

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The Hervey Bay

Markets The Hervey Bay PCYC is excited to announce it will be holding a market on the f irst Saturday of every month. For the inaugural market day, prof its will go to charity with subsequent months going directly to groups and programs run by the PCYC. While not trying to compete with other local markets held around the Fraser Coast, the club is aiming to provide another outlet for locals to buy, sell and raise money for a good cause.

Originally, the idea was for the markets to be “handmade and homegrown� however the club decided to open the markets up to everyone. With space for over 250 stalls, there will be plenty of room for all to display and sell their items. While hoping to provide more opportunity to smaller businesses, hobbyists and local farmers, the PCYC will have entertainment running and food available through the canteen raising money to support the club.

The PCYC supports many groups such as RUBY (Rise Up, Be Yourself), a free physical fitness program for women who are, have been, or likely to be experiencing Domestic and Family Violence.

Braking the Cycle is another program the markets will support, helping young learner drivers gain the skills and experience they need to get their licence.

Another shining example is Girls United. Designed as a program for female Youth Development Officers and Branch Managers as a way of engaging with young women. The program aims to enhance participants’ positive sense of self, boost selfesteem and resilience, provide a variety of positive life experiences, encourage goal setting behaviours, equip them with coping strategies for many life situations and expose participants to healthy female role models.

The PCYC is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to improve the community through helping the youth.

The PCYC encourages a caring environment with a wide range of activities for all ages as well as having affordable membership, activity and gym fees. They are able to offer a wide range of activities and facilities including gym, gymnastics, boxing, netball, futsal, dance, FreeG, group fitness, tiny tots, kindergym, martial arts, senior fitness and cheerleading.

The markets will go ahead in rain, hail or shine and has plenty of parking available. The stall holders will be required to book beforehand to secure a spot and will be able to set up late the night before a market day after the sports have finished or early in the morning on market day from 5am. Table and chair hire is available. Regulars will be able to have the same spot in the markets so customers will know where to find them each week. The volunteers of the PCYC run the event and provide skills to young members of the youth management team will be learning how to coordinate an event.

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The Hervey Bay

BY K E R RYA N N E K E N N E DY

Handmade

I enjoyed Sunday morning checking out the amazing homemade stalls at the PCYC Homemade markets.

While I am the most un-crafty person in the universe I can barely colour in within the lines- I do appreciate

those whose hearts and souls go into their special craft and the effort they go through to showcase their varied and inspiring talents.

There was everything there from aromatherapy jewellery making, with Aroma Create n Take and knowing she runs wonderful kids parties is definitely a bonus, to the latest trends in kids clothing. I was astounded at the array of gifts for every occasion including artworks, ceramics, quilting, woodworking toys and gifts, ceramics, and of course all your candles, cards and organic homemade products. It certainly was a great morning!

Meet some of the wonderful stall holders below.

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Naturally Virgo I have been a therapist and healer for 20 years and find sharing what I do to help others a valuable part of my life.

In my work I use many different natural therapies to help alleviate the stress and tension that too often strains our hectic and non stop lives. Natural therapy is all about helping you maintain health and wellbeing‌.naturally.

Aromatherapy is a popular holistic therapy I use in which I incorporate precious doTERRA essential oils to help improve body, mind and spirit. Special blends of essential oils can used for calming, energising, clearing confused minds and empowering and giving confidence. Essential oils can be inhaled through diffusers, or used topically.

Another therapy I use, is Polarity Therapy which is a gentle yet highly effective therapy that involves gentle holds and stimulation, rocking and energy which releases tension and blockages in the energy patterns or Chi of your body. The therapy often leaves the receiver with a flowing or floating feeling as it corrects the paths in their energy system.

If your feet need some relief from pain caused by stress or illness , you will love Foot Reflexology. This will not only heal your feet but also trigger healing for the rest of the body. Pressing different points in the feet directly reflects to different parts of your body.

The connection felt between your feet and your body will amaze you.

I also use Lymphatic Massage to assist the natural flow of lymph within your body. Its benefits include improved circulation, better energy levels and can assist with weight loss. It is an important therapy as it rids the body of harmful toxins.

Using natural therapies can help you in your day to day routine. Simple treatments can help relieve

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discomfort and stress while also increasing energy levels. For example:Are you feeling the heat this Summer?

If you are lacking energy and finding it hard to handle the humidity, here are some cooling tips to help you :Start the day with a refreshing walk on the beach, first thing in the morning.

Then once home, apply a moisturiser with a few drops of doTERRA peppermint essential oil in it, to the soles of your feet.

However, if you can’t make it to the beach, then a foot bath is the thing for you. Add half cup of Epsom Salts and a few drops of doTERRA peppermint essential oil to a tepid foot bath and soak for 20 minutes. Then pat your feet dry , and feel the fresh energy circulate through your body.

If time is of the essence, apply a drop of peppermint oil to the inside of each wrist.

These tips will help you start the day with a burst of energy.

If your dog is shaking and scratching their head there is a possibility that ear mites have taken up residence in their ear canal. These tiny bugs come from the same family as spiders and ticks and their Latin name Otodectes cynotis translates to ‘ear beggar of the dog’ which describes what they do perfectly. They feed on wax and oils inside the dog’s ears and their presence causes itching and scratching. Ear mites usually infect young puppies and kittens or animals in shelters. Older pets are a little bit more resistant to ear mites but owners should still be cautious. Ear mites don’t bite the skin directly but the damage that can be caused by the dog scratching with its claws can do serious damage, so it is important to act quickly if you suspect they might have them.

The first sign to alert you would be itching of the ears.

You would then find that the ear has dark crumbly reddish brown discharge which would lead to wounds, inflammation and infections. Often the scratching will lead to cuts inside the ear. The most common sign of a mite infestation is a scab at the base of the ear which is the result of the dog scratching with their claws. Bacteria can infiltrate the wounds leading to infections. In severe mite infestations the ear mites may spread to other parts of the dog’s body.

They can easily spread to cats, ferrets and other dogs so it is important to act quickly to eradicate ear mites. If one animal in a household is diagnosed with ear mites then they should all be treated the same. There are many home remedies available on the internet but it is wiser to visit a vet for a definite diagnosis as there are several other ear conditions that could mimic ear mites.

The vet will examine the ear canal and the discharge for the presence of mites. The next step would be to clean the ear thoroughly and use a treatment for ear mites. To prevent ear mites and a trip to the vet in the first place you should use a monthly topical antiparasite application and regularly inspect your dog’s ears and clean them.

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Game Central A tour of my very own dino home.

An ark survival evolved showcase history. Firstly, you have to knockout the desired dino, with either blunt objects such as cannon balls, fists, clubs and a Pachycephalosaur’s head or tranquiliser ammo such as arrows or darts. Then feed the dino some of its preferred food, and no you can’t just give a triceratops a bit of meat and expect it to like you, you have to find the food that gives it the highest chance of a successful tame. With carnivores it’s a bit easier they can take meat regardless of what it is.

Ark Survival Evolved is a game of survival in a world ravaged with dinosaurs and other prehistoric monsters. It’s got your everyday survival game standards, a relatively easy to understand inventory system, a crafting menu, meters that include the likes of health, hydration and hunger. Although not a new game Ark Survival Evolved has remained one of, if not the most talked about game featuring dinosaurs. Though not historically accurate (you can fight an allosaur which was alive in the Jurassic period with a woolly mammoth which died out after the ice age) this game has everything for someone with even the slightest interest in dinosaurs.

You start off spawning from your chosen spawn area with nothing but a specimen implant in your left arm (this allows you access to the crafting and inventory screen) and you can choose from there, either grind to fight the bosses of each map or just live a peaceful life farming berries and other food herbivores love, or perhaps you’d like to tame and ride the top predators in the game. In this article I will showcase some of the more exciting parts of the game as the game does get boring in places after a few hours clocked in one play session.

Though first things first you must tame a dinosaur.

Taming is something that must be done in order to ride/ control the top apex predators (and other dinos) throughout

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So, have you ever wanted to ride and do battle with a Tyrannosaurs Rex (T-Rex)? If the answer is yes, then this is the game for you. If the answer is no then perhaps, I might be able to change your mind. Riding a massive carnivore not only gives you the feeling of power over every other dino but depending on the server it also helps with warding off unwanted raiders.

Having a range of dinos and other prehistoric creatures its hard to name my favourite. But the definite coolest are the Rex, Raptor, Tapejara, Deinonychus and the Yutyrannus, just to name a few. Although some are not the easiest to come by/tame, these are some of the most useful, with the scaling ability of the Deinonychus, the boost the Yutyrannus gives to the rest of the carnivores and the pure raw strength of the Rex, you get to experience the pure excitement of this game to its fullest.

Are you a fan of dragons? Because this game has them and yes, they do breathe fire. There are also tameable wyverns which are almost exactly like dragons but have two less legs. Wyverns are particularly fun because there are more than just wyverns that breathe fire. There are also ice wyverns, even undead wyverns should you want to live out your fantasies as a certain TV show Character that has an undead wyvern. The wyverns are a lot more difficult to tame, in fact you technically can’t tame it. You must imprint on a fresh baby wyvern that you have incubated back at base. Though not the fastest f lying creatures, wyverns certainly hit the hardest having well over 100,000 damage with a single bite (with the right modifiers), which is perfect for roaming bosses or very tough dinosaurs.

R E V I E W BY: B R A M E G G L E T O N

This is an enormous amount of damage as when you first load up the game you only do about 6 damage in total. Did I mention they can breathe fire or ice or lightning? Depending on the wyvern of course. I know you must be curious as to why dragons and wyverns exist in a game about dinosaurs and survival. Well to tell you the truth I have no clue, but I ask you this in return. Is it fun? Is it exciting? Is it just straight up cool?

Lastly, have you ever wondered what it would be like to strap cannons onto the top of a sauropod? No? Just imagine a humungous brontosaurus with cannons atop its back loaded and firing to a second brontosaurus with its own cannons, a bit reminiscent of two pirate ships broadsiding each other.

Perhaps cannons are a little outdated maybe a turret operated by the player that has six rotating barrels firing a wall of bullets at the desired target.

Basically, what I’m saying is there are guns in this and plenty of ways to beef up your army of dinos.

I have fun with this game, honestly a bit too much fun. The game is so hard to put down I expected it to be boring after the second day playing but 5 days later (though only in 1 to 4 hour increments per play session) and I am still playing, building, riding dinos, killing dinos with tamed dinos. The game will admittedly get tedious after 4 hours into the play session like every other game, but just like with every other multiplayer game, it is so much more fun with friends. I have had a blast with this game. The game has more dlc coming out thus bringing either more dinos and more maps or just massive improvements to the game, (like hopefully the removal of the movement speed cap on f lying creatures).

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If you’d like to showcase your Business or service and be where you can easily be seen, we invite you to Brand your Business in our New “Here’s My Card “ Special Feature . The Fraser Coast Beacon will also highlight your Business over 8 Editions with a beautiful Story with photos in an edition to suit you. We love to support our community and look forward to hearing from you. This is a limited offer!

We can also redesign your Business Card/Ad for a small minimal charge.

Call KerryAnne Kennedy now to secure your Category on Ph 0404 878011

DRESSMAKER

GIFTS & NOVELTIES

CAKES

ART & CRAFT

BEADING SUPPLIES

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CARPENTRY

ADVERTORIAL Do you….

Need help with your business’s books?

Have no motivation or understanding to do your books and find any excuse to avoid them.

Need help understanding legislation such as single touch payroll?

Never pay your tax on time.

Have no system in place?

Did you know in most cases it takes a professional book keeper one to two hours a month to keep your books up to date?

We can provide all Bookkeeping Services including:• • • • • •

Setting you up on either QuickBooks, Myob, Xero Creating chart of accounts appropriate for your type of business Payroll Company Super Accounts payable, receivable BAS

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We only charge for what we do and our rates are affordable.

Come in and see us for a chat and let us help you!

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ENGINEERING

RV PARK

RURAL

MEDIA

NURSERY

PRINTING

Fraser Coast Nursery

Call: 0415-511-599

www.frasercoastnursery.com.au

60 Ferry St Maryborough Qld 4650

MECHANICAL

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MECHANICAL

RV PARK

REAL ESTATE

BARBER

www.getbuzzedbarber.com.au Shop 2A Station Square Shopping Centre 142 Lennox street Maryborough Queensland 4650 Ph: 07 4121 2121

SALON www.serenestyles.com.au Shop 36 Station Square Shopping Centre 142 Lennox street Maryborough Queensland 4650 Ph: 07 4121 0888

INTERNET

PET CARE

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CAREN’S CORNER

CROSSWORDS

SUDOKU

WORDSEARCH

HOW TO PLAY SUDOKU Fill the 9×9 grid with numbers so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 subgrids that compose the grid contains all of the digits from 1 to 9

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April Basket Bunny Carrot

Chick Chocolate Easter Family

Fullmoon Holiday Hunt Sunday

Lunchbox Jokes

Lunchbox jokes! Cut them out or write them on the lunch bag and your child will be giggling all lunch.

Q. What’s yellow, has

long ears, and grows on trees?

A. The Easter Bunana!

Q. What do you call a

rabbit with fleas?

A. Bugs Bunny.

Q. Why couldn’t the Easter egg family watch T.V.?

Q. Why did the Easter Bunny cross the road?

A. Because their cable was scrambled.

A.To prove he wasn’t chicken!

Q. Where does the

Easter bunny get his eggs?

Q. What is Easter Bunny’s favorite kind of music?

A. Hip-hop, of course!

A. From an eggplant

Q. What did one Easter egg say to the other?

A. Heard any good yolks today?

Q. Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter egg a joke?

A. It might crack up!

BY K E L S E Y C O RC O R A N

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I? Footsteps.

David’s father has three sons: Snap, Crackle and _____ ?

David Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

What belongs to you, but other people use it more than you?

Your name.

What has many keys, but can’t even open a single door?

A piano.

Two fathers and two sons went fishing one day. They were there the whole day and only caught 3 fish. One father said, that is enough for all of us, we will have one each. How can this be possible?

There was the father, his son, and his son’s son. This equals 2 fathers and 2 sons for a total of 3!

This is as light as a feather, yet no man can hold it for long. What am I? Your Breath.

What runs around the whole yard without moving?

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MARKETS ON THE FRASER COAST WED

URANGAN

URANGAN PIER MARKET Pier Park, Urangan | 7am to 1pm – every Wednesday

WED

URANGAN

HERVEY BAY BOAT CLUB Buccaneer Dr, Urangan | 9am to 2pm – every 3rd Wednesday

THU

MARYBOROUGH

SAT

URANGAN

URANGAN PIER MARKET Pier Park, Urangan | 7am to 1pm – every Saturday

SAT

TORQUAY

TORQUAY BEACHSIDE Opposite Torquay Hotel, Torquay | 7am to 1pm – every Saturday

SAT

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HOWARD

MARYBOROUGH HERITAGE CITY MARKET Adelaide & Ellena St | 8am to 1pm - every Thursday

HOWARD COUNTRY MARKETS Community Centre, Steley St | 7am to noon – every 1st Saturday PCYC INDOOR MARKETS 9 O’Rourke Street, Pialba | 7am to 12am – 1st Saturday of the month

SAT

PIALBA

SAT

BURRUM HEADS

SAT

TIARO

SAT

BAUPLE

SUN

NIKENBAH

NIKENBAH MARKETS Animal Refuge, Maryborough Rd | 6am to noon – every 1,3,5th Sun

SUN

URANGAN

KOALA MARKETS Kruger Court | 6am to noon – every 2,4th Sunday

SUN

OAKHURST

WILDLIFE SANCTARY MARKETS 31 Mungar Road | 7am to noon - every 3rd Sunday

SUN

BROOWEENA

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thebeaco n. co m. au

BURRUM HEADS MARKET Community Hall, Main Rd | 7am to 11am – every 2nd Saturday TIARO MARKETS Memorial Community Hall, Main St | 7am to noon – every 2nd Saturday BAUPLE MARKETS Band Hall, Band Hall Rd | 7am to noon – every 4th Saturday

BROOWEENA MARKETS Historical Village, Smith Crescent | 8am to noon - 4th Sun every 3rd month

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS EMERGENCY SERVICES Emergency calls (Life threatening)...................................000 threatening) ...................................000 non-urgent calls...................................................................131 233 SES - Flood, Storm..........................................................132 Storm..........................................................132 500 Disaster Coordination Centre .................................4190 4999 HB Marine Rescue.......................................................

Rescue ....................................................... 4128 9666 HOSPITALS Hervey Bay ....................................................................4120 6666 Maryborough ................................................................. 4122 8222 St. Stephen’s .................................................................. 4120 6157 RSPCA ...................................................................... 1300 264 625 POLICE STATIONS Maryborough ....................................................................4123 8111 Pialba, Hervey Bay .......................................................4128 5333 Tiaro...................................................................................

Tiaro ................................................................................... 4129 2555 C.I.B. Hervey Bay ..........................................................4128 5366 Crime Stoppers...................................................1800 Stoppers ...................................................1800 333 000 Police Link .............................................................................131 444 HEALTH Community Health Centre ...................................... 4122 8733 Wide Bay Sexual Assault ...........................................4121 5999 Alcohol/Drugs Help (AODS) ....................................4128 5424 CRISIS RELIEF Lifeline Crisis .......................................................................... 131 114 Salvation Army (HB) ................................................... 4125 1848 Salvation Army (MB)....................................................4121 (MB) ....................................................4121 3643 St Vincent de Paul (HB) ............................................. 4128 1389 (MB)............................................

St Vincent de Paul (MB) ............................................ 4123 5460 Door of Hope..................................................................4121 Hope ..................................................................4121 6822 YOUTH HELP Youth Homelessness Services ................................4128 1647 Reconnect Youth Centre (HB) .................................4325 4431 Youth Mentoring Program .........................................4124 1262 Youth Housing Service ...............................................4123 4697 Headspace Hervey Bay............................................4303 Bay ............................................4303 2100 RHL Youth care (Youth Shelter) ..............................4125 5798 Youth & Students Centre Link ..................................... 132 490 Kids Helpline ......................................................... 1800 551 800 Youth Centre ................................................................. 4194 2270

SENIOR HELP Seniors in Focus..........................................................4325 Focus ..........................................................4325 4046 Seniors Legal & Support Service ........................... 4124 6863 Seniors Centre link...........................................................132 link ...........................................................132 300 WOMEN HELP Women’s Infolink....................................................1800 Infolink ....................................................1800 177 577 Women’s Domestic Violence Service ................... 4122 2218 Women’s Health Centre ............................................4125 5788 MEN HELP Cooloola Men’s Crisis Centre ................................... 4123 1845 HOUSING & TENACY Homeless Hotline ................................................ 1800 474 753 Centacare Emergency Housing ............................. 4194 0172 Tenancy Advice Service .....................................4194 3090 / 1 Regional Housing (HB) ........................................ 1300 642 123 Community Housing Limited (MB).....................4120 0900 CENTRELINK Employment Services .................................................... 132 850 Families & Parents..............................................................136 Parents ..............................................................136 150 Disability, Sickness & Carers............................................132 Carers ............................................132 717 WELFARE SERVICES Neighbourhood Centre (HB) ................................. 4194 3000 Families............................................

Bay Connect / Families ............................................ 4194 3000 Migrant Settlement Program Program................................ ................................ 4194 3000 Anglican Parish of Maryborough (meals) (meals)............. ............. 4121 4745 TRAVEL HB Bus Service Service................................................................ ................................................................ 4121 3719 HB Airport ......................................................................4194 8100 TransComCare .............................................................4194 3080 Road Information ............................................................. 13 19 40 LEGAL Courthouse ............................................................ 4125 9300 HB Courthouse............................................................ support ............................ 4121 2141 HBNC Free legal advice & support............................

Taylor St Community Legal Service .....................4194 2663 Office.......................................................1300 651 188 Legal Aid Office.......................................................1300 t he bea c o n . c om .au

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