LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
INTERIOR
Practical Lifestyle Articles
Winter 2017 Trends
ORGANICS
WHAT’S ON IN CBR
Worm Farming at Home
PETS
Is Yours Starting to Age?
The Scary Reality of Fraud
RECIPE
Doubleshot’s Chia Pudding
+ Market Update properties for sale and rent at luton.com.au
FINANCE Kids Colouring In Competition
> SECTION
MARKET UPDATE
4
6
The Autumn quarter saw the continuation of strong buyer demand and low days on market for sellers, after the flurry of activity in February. As we head into Winter, we expect to see the usual decline in the number of houses coming onto the market, and combined with the already low volume of homes currently offered for sale we expect the Winter quarter to be tight once again as a lot of sellers hold out for the warmer weather and greener gardens of Spring. As always, this makes Winter a great time to sell! Whilst we have seen a slight decrease in the number of average bidders per Auction, there have still been some very competitive Auctions taking place with strong sale prices achieved, and interestingly 22% of our scheduled Auctions for the Autumn quarter actually sold prior to the day. This is a direct result of good market conditions and buyers who are prepared to make attractive offers prior to the Auction in order to secure their dream home. Open house numbers remain relatively consistent and even as the days get colder and shorter, quality homes are still attracting large numbers of buyers, often with in excess of 20 groups coming through the first open home. If you are considering a move and would like to discuss your options to beat the Spring rush, we would love to hear from you. - Tim Burke & Justine Burke
8
LIVING
What’s Inside Textures, Colours and Prints .... pg. 4
Winter 2017 trends - Keeping warm this Winter never looked so good with new season styles
Worm Farming at Home ........... pg. 6 Worm farms are a great way for you to help save the environment at home. Here is eveything you need to know to start your own worm farm
Scary Reality of Fraud .............. pg. 8
With recent organisational fraud cases making the news, this practical advice will help guard your organisation against fraud and give you peace of mind
10
Is Your Pet Starting to Age? ..... pg. 10
Did you know that cats and dogs are considered senior citizens after the age of 8 years? As they reach their golden years there are a few things you need to watch out for
Doubleshot’s Chia Pudding ..... pg. 12 Tasty, filling and nutritous. At Doubleshot, they top with fresh mango puree and crushed pecans! Seriously, what more could you want?
Colouring In Competition ....... pg. 15 Flip Out Trampoline Arena is Australia’s first and largest trampoline playground. Enter the kids colouring in competition to win a $50 Flip Out voucher!
14
12 13
> INTERIOR
Textures, COLOURS AND PRINTS / Winter 2017 Trends
K
eeping warm this winter never looked so good with new season styles featuring ‘reach out and touch’ fabrics, rich, moody tones and soft dreamy watercolour prints. Collectively the new range of cushions, throws and fabrics deliver impact through the subtleties of tone and movement. Cushions, throws, accessories and even rugs can be coordinated and layered to create a warm and cosy space, inviting the owner to snuggle up and stay indoors. The best trend is always to own your own individual style and the winter 2017 design trends celebrate this, so whether your style is bold, natural
4
or eclectic - there is something for everyone.
Mix and match colours and materials to create a more organic look.
Textures
The new ‘come and touch’ fabric for this season is velvet. No longer associated with Nana’s slippers, the new season velvet is ready to be draped all through the home. Velvet is an opulent, rich and decadent material and is now available in bedheads, quilts, throws and cushions. For a rich contrast, team dark navy velvet fabrics with metallic - or soften the look by adding pinks and greys.
Since the beginning of the year we have seen texture feature heavily in design trends. Knotted wool rugs, macramé cushions and chunky knitted throws are already a strong element in interior design. All these wonderful textured materials call out to the owners to come and touch creating a physical connection to our interior. Get the most from your textured soft furnishing by layering and loading.
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
Bold Tribal It has been a while since we have seen tribal patterns and prints in the interior design world, but it is well and truly here and it will be staying for a while. Tribal is about connecting with nature evoking a love for everything rustic and hand made. The key to making tribal work is sticking to natural tones and textures that have been inspired by timbers, jutes and animals. Prints include striking black and white graphics or faux animal patterns, including hides and furs.
Colours Think rich, deep, luxe tones off set with soft elegant pastels‌‌welcome to winter 2017. As with the textured materials the new season colours are about creating a warm, inviting interior that wards off the cold and invites the owner to stay indoors. These rich tones used in velvet and padded materials create an elegant, yet moody atmosphere and can be added to or softened, depending on personal taste. Midnight blue, Jade Green and deep purple are some of the classic tones that are featuring heavily. Enrich the colour by adding marble or metallic. Tone down the opulence by adding pastel pinks, greys or watercolour tones.
decision. We use these final feature pieces to create personality and character, and it can be these items that turn your house a home. This season there is something for everyone.
Images - left to right 1. Home Republic Cotton Velvet Coverlet Navy. Available at Adairs. 2. Matt Blatt: Harlen Velvet Armchair 3. Available from OZ Design 2017 winter range. 4. Available at zohiinteriors.com.au
Understated Nature There is a softness to the current range of prints, picking up on the new season’s colours of midnight blues and jade greens but with a feminine edge that evokes a feeling of serenity and peace. If you love colour then look out for the watercolour art that features florals, seaside or bush scenes, turning a simple cushion into a work of art. For something more striking -consider an animal print in a monochromatic tone.
by Nicole Heins, Director
0405 420 857 nicoleh@nidah.com.au impressionspropertystyling.com.au
These rich tones and colours work best when layered with textures and different materials. You will find these colours available as accents (cushions, throws, blankets) or standalone pieces of furntiure, allowing the owner to build a look that is a reflection of their own personal style. Prints Printed fabrics, art works and soft furnishings are a very personal
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
5
> ORGANICS
worm farming at home
W
orm farms are a great way for you to help save the environment at home. A worm farm is a fantastic way to minimise food waste by turning your organic kitchen waste into a natural nutrient-rich fertiliser for your plants and the soil in your garden. Worm farms are in fact worm composting systems and earthworms are one of the fastest composters there are. Worms eat organic waste and turn it into liquid fertiliser (compost tea) and worm castings (the organic material that has been digested by the worms). Both of these products can be used on
6
your vegetable garden or on your pot plants to keep them thriving. A worm farm can be purchased or home-made and is ideal for those with small gardens, courtyards or balconies, or for a school or office environment. Most worm farms consist of a set of stacked trays with legs, and don’t take up much room at all. It’s important to choose a worm farm that will fit in your available space and that it can cope with the volume of food waste you produce. Essentially worm farms are made up
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
of stacked perforated levels of trays for the worms to move through. When each worm farm tray is full of kitchen waste, you place a new tray on top. Once all trays are full you can rotate the bottom tray to the top, after emptying its rich worm castings on your garden. The base of worm farms accumulates liquid fertiliser that drains from above. A tap at the base, allows you to collect the liquid fertiliser into a bottle, which once diluted with water, is fantastic for watering your pot plants.
The earthworms used in worm farms are compost worms, which are different to the regular earthworms found in garden soil. Compost worms are surface feeders and don’t burrow deep into the soil like garden earthworms do. There are various breeds of compost worms, such as Tigers, Reds and Blues. They can eat their own body weight in food each day, so a kilogram of worms will consume that much food daily! In comparison garden earthworms only eat around half their body weight each day, so they are not as efficient at composting lots of material quickly as it takes them twice as long. If you have 1,000 worms then you should feed them 1 cup of food per day. Only feed your worms when they have almost finished their last meal or it will start to rot. Do not over feed your worms! Worms don’t have teeth so they suck their food in. The smaller the food particle the more they can eat so it’s a good idea to blend or chop food into smaller pieces. Do not leave the food on top, bury the food in the bedding/castings. If food consists mainly of food scraps which are high in moisture, add a handful of garden lime every fortnight to reduce acidity and add shredded newspaper. What to feed your worms Worms LOVE: • • • •
• • •
Coffee grounds Teabags - as long as the teabags are paper and not plastic mesh Egg shells - great source of calcium, a mineral which worms require in their diet to stay healthy newspaper & unprinted cardboard (soaked) – no glossy printed or bleached paper as it contains toxic chemicals fruit & veggie scraps leftovers (raw and cooked) cooked vegetables, grains, pasta & rice, basically all vegetarian foods but no meat-based sauces!
Worms dislike: • • • • •
Citrus peel Onion Garlic Meat Dairy
Things you can’t put in your worm farm •
• •
•
Fish & meat – not only will this produce an unpleasant odor but it will also attract vermin such as rats, use a Bokashi bin instead to compost meat Garden waste as it is too slow to break down in a worm farm, use your compost bin instead Fresh manures as many animals are treated for worms with vermicides, which pass into the fresh manure and will kill your worms, compost them first! Pet waste – only place pet waste in a dedicated worm farm that is for pet waste only
Worm farms bring much enjoyment and using worms to decompose food waste offers many advantages such as: • • • • • • •
It reduces household garbage going into land fill saving councils money It produces less odour and attracts fewer pests than putting food wastes into a bin It saves the water and electricity that kitchen sink garbage disposal units consume; It produces a free, high-quality soil conditioner It requires little space, and engages children in recycling all waste, Free worms for fishing. Helps you reduce your carbon footprint, by helping compost worms to process your kitchen scraps.
Proudly brought to you by Tamzara Organics. Michelle Tulley, owner of Tamzara Organics, is an independent Miessence representative who has a passion for all things organic. Miessence products are free of toxic chemicals, cruelty free & made in Australia. They are Pure, Potent and Fresh Certified Organics, which are designed for your health, home and body. Michelle Tulley ~ Tamzara Organics Senior Associate - Independent Miessence Representative Miessence Cert.OrganicAust Unrivalled purity, potency and freshness Mobile: +61 447 722 200 Phone/Fax: +61 2 61563116 Email: tamzaraorganics@optusnet. com.au Website: www.tamzaraorganics. miessence.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ tamzaraorganics Twitter: https://twitter.com/ TamzaraOrganics
Happy Worm Farming!
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
7
SECTION > FINANCE
The scary reality of fraud within an organisation 8
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
U
nless you’ve been relaxing on a sunny desert island with no links to the outside world (perhaps that’s just wishful thinking, with Canberra’s freezing winter upon us!), you will have heard about the ongoing investigation into a tax fraud syndicate that has allegedly skimmed $165 million from taxes paid by legitimate businesses. The Deputy Commissioner of Taxation, Michael Cranston, may be charged with allegedly improperly accessing Australian Taxation Office records at the request of his son. This could potentially destroy his 30-year career at the ATO, and has already greatly impacted him personally. Just how was this alleged fraud detected? Through comprehensive policies, procedures and compliance activities within the ATO. How can you protect your business from fraud?
comment, but those individuals completing the reconciliations should not be the same as those that process the banking. 5. Question anything out of the ordinary Should there be anything that looks odd, such as unusual supplier payments, overpayments of bills, overstated employee timesheets, or abnormal reimbursements, address the discrepancy immediately. How Vivid Chartered Accountants can help you We can help with all your bookkeeping and accounting requirements… and should you wish to take that wellearned holiday to a deserted island, we can assist with budgeting for that too!
Fraudulent activity netting $165 million is an extreme case, but all businesses can learn from this example to address the need for procedures and risk-reducing measures. Some internal strategies to consider for a business of any size are listed below. 1. Authorisation and supervisory measures Implement clear authorisations outlining various aspects, such as who processes payments, who signs off on bank transfers, and who reconciles accounts. In a small business, it may be difficult to allocate these tasks to various individuals, making it even more important to have clear, detailed and ongoing supervisory measures across all areas of the business. 2. Separation of accounting and monetary duties As with authorisations, it may not be feasible in a small business to have accounting and monetary transactions processed by two individuals, although it is ideal. Supervisory measures can help to combat the risk of fraud. 3. Implement a Code of Conduct Part of a Code of Conduct should clearly state to all employees what constitutes fraud and fraudulent activity. This will ensure everyone is aware of the organisation’s expectations and repercussions, should they breach the Code of Conduct. It will also reduce the risk of unintentional misconduct or errors. 4. Regularly reconcile accounts Performing regular reconciliations on all bank accounts, credit cards, petty cash, and payroll ensures questionable transactions are detected early. It might be an obvious
P 02 6171 6000 W www.vividca.com.au
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
9
> PETS
IS YOUR PET STARTING TO AGE? D
id you know that cats and dogs are considered senior citizens after the age around 8 years? As they reach their golden years there are a few things you need to watch out for. Obvious changes might include: • • • •
Forgetting toilet training Hearing loss Stiff legs Weight loss or gain
It’s crucial to arrange more regular check ups with your vet during these senior years.
(commonly caused by a herpes virus). Canine cough is a highly contagious disease that’s passed from dog to dog. Your dog might be infected at the local park or at a boarding kennel. Vaccination is given annually and is very effective at protecting your pet against the worst strains of this disease. Cat flu is also highly contagious and can cause severe illness, especially in elderly cats or kittens. Vaccination is highly effective and while it won’t always prevent cats from developing flu, it helps reduce the severity of the condition.
Your vet will monitor your pet closely for: • • • • •
Sore joints New lumps Dental disease Vision changes Heart changes
They may also suggest blood tests, urine tests and blood pressure measurements to make sure your pet’s organs are all healthy. Diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis can be successfully managed if detected early. Ask your vet for more information about keeping your senior pet happy and healthy. Can my pet get the flu?
Inner South Veterinary Centre
With flu season in full swing, now’s a good time for us to answer the common question, can my pet get the flu? The answer is yes - but unlike in humans, there isn’t really a flu season for dogs and cats and infection can occur at any time of the year. Dogs might contract canine cough (often referred to incorrectly as kennel cough) and cats can suffer from cat flu
10
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
47 Jerrabomberra Ave Narrabundah ACT 2604 www.innersouthvets.com.au reception@innersouthvets.com.au Find us on Facebook
Ask your vet for more information about keeping your senior pet happy and healthy
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
11
> FOOD
Doubleshot’s Chia Pudding
Serves 8 Ingredients • 1 cup chia seeds • 330ml coconut water • 2 x 400ml tins coconut milk • 2 tbsp agave syrup • 3 tbsp goji berries
At Doubleshot, we top with fresh mango puree and crushed pecans but feel free to top with any fresh fruit, nuts or berries you like. Enjoy!
Method Start this recipe one day in advance 1. Add 1 cup (250ml) coconut water to medium size mixing bowl. Reserve left over coconut water in fridge 2. Slowly add chia seeds, stirring continuously 3. Add 1 tin coconut milk, agave and goji berries, and mix well 4. Wrap bowl and place in fridge overnight 5. To serve, mix remaining coconut water and tin of coconut milk, and mix well.
12
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
By Ben Harrison, Head Chef at Doubleshot. Situated in the social hub of the local Deakin shops, Doubleshot is your place to unwind and indulge in one of Canberra’s most welcoming, carefree and fun cafes. Shop 7, Deakin Court, Deakin or visit www.doubleshotdeakin.com.au
> INVEST
DOWNSIZE YOUR BLOCK WITHOUT HAVING TO DOWNSIZE YOUR LIFE!
4/4 Clamp Place, Greenway EER: 3 $695,000+
A
house alternative, this immaculately-presented town residence offers a rare lifestyle opportunity for those seeking a spacious home without the hassle of maintaining a large block of land, with the added advantage of a supremely convenient position with water glimpses of Lake Tuggeranong. Spread across 208m2, the separate living areas of this home are light-filled and generous in size and both formal and informal areas have a peaceful outlook to the park and out to the water. The front deck and upstairs balcony offer outdoor space to enjoy the sensational outlook in the warmer months and are perfect for entertaining guests. In original but perfect condition, the kitchen ties in with the informal living areas and features a small island bench, double oven, Bosch dishwasher and a walk-in pantry, and similarly the powder room, main bathroom and ensuite are in immaculate condition and service the needs of the home perfectly. Providing ample accommodation, the four bedrooms are located upstairs and all have built-in wardrobes, plus there is an open study area that could be used as a sitting room, the choice is yours!
Completing this wonderful home, there is heating and cooling, quality carpet throughout, a sunny back courtyard, internal utility courtyard, awnings on the windows and a double automatic garage with internal access. Within a boutique development of only 9 homes, and with the Tuggeranong Lake, bike paths, major arterials roads and the Tuggeranong Town Centre in very close proximity, this unique property is not to be missed.
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
13
> WIN
COMPETITION
Kids Colouring In WIN A $50 FLIP OUT VOUCHER!
F
lip Out Trampoline Arena is Australia’s first and largest trampoline playground. The team at Flip Out aim to give you healthy & awesome fun through their massive trampolines, ball games, events, and more surprises to everyone’s enjoyment. The idea first came about while the owner and CEO Brent Grundy was sitting in a play centre waiting for a kid’s party to finish and get over with. He looked around and noticed that 50% of the play centre was full of kids
14
that were either too big or the event was half full of people with nothing to do but wait; and that the parents and guardians were extremely bored and drained from the noise. He then decided to create a facility that would not only entertain the kids but also mum and dad, and even the grandparents… So Flip Out was born. To win a $50 Flip Out voucher, at either Hume or Mitchell, simply colour in the picture on the opposite page and submit it to us. Oh, and why not get
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
creative and add some fun things in the background or a cool border? Entry and Conditions • • •
• •
Entries open up to and including 12 years of ages. Entries close 14 July 2017 at 5pm Entries can be submitted by mail to, or in-person at, the Luton Weston Office, 27-31 Brierly St, Weston Creek. Winners will be notified by email by Friday July 21, 2017 Judges decision is final
NAME __________________________________________ AGE ________________ ADULT’S NAME ___________________________________ ADULT’S EMAIL ________________________
SECTIONON > WHAT’S
Some highlights of what’s on in Canberra during Winter
JUNE
AUGUST
Saturday 17 – A Pooch Affair at EPIC
Saturday 5 – Giants v Melbourne at UNSW Canberra Oval
Saturday 17 – Winter Glass Market at Canberra Glassworks
Sunday 6 – Homeward with the Australian String Quartet at Gandel Hall at the National Gallery of Australia
Thursday 22 – Rockwiz Live! TWENTYSEVENTEEN at the Canberra Theatre Saturday 24 – Gala Truffle Dinner at the National Press Club Tuesday 20 – Collection Talk: Indigenous Lives at the National Library of Australia
JULY Saturday 1 – Intimate Mozart at Llewellyn Hall at ANU Saturday 1 – Raiders v Cowboys at GIO Stadium Friday 7 to Sunday 9 – Lifeline Southside Bookfair at Tuggeranong Southern Cross Stadium Saturday 8 – Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s Opera Gala at Llewellyn Hall at ANU Saturday 8 – The Umbilical Brothers at the Canberra Theatre Centre
16
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
Tuesday 15 – Australian Satellites and Where to Find Them at the Shine Dome Saturday 19 – Pete Murray at the Canberra Theatre Centre Friday 25 to Sunday 27 – Canberra Writer’s Festival, various locations
> PERSONAL
We walked 14kms on a cold Canberra night‌ Luton Properties were the proud sponsors of the Canberra Ignite Walk which was in support of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. We braved a cold Canberra night, in late April, to walk 14kms around the Lake (a couple of times!). Over 1,000 people got involved, choosing between the 7km, 14km and 21km walks, and we were entertained by performers along the course.
We are collecting clothes to donate to those in need Our office in Weston (27-31 Brierly Street) is once again a drop off and collection point for the Allhomes and Communities@Work Winter Warm Up Appeal. So, if you have any warm blankets or Winter clothes that you would like to donate to those in need, feel free to drop them into our office by Thursday 22 June.
Aloha Hawaii! We are about to head off on our mid-year mini break to Hawaii (best place on Earth, according to Tim!) to enjoy some Summer weather. This mid-year break always refreshes us and leaves us feeling energised and super excited about a huge second half of the year. We will try not to have too much fun!
LIVING ISSUE 11, 2017
17
“
27-31 Brierly Street WESTON ACT 2611 P 02 6287 1600 / F 02 6287 1611 www.luton.com.au / weston@luton.com.au
Top agents & professional delivery of results – five stars! Justine and Tim Burke working together make magic happen! The experience of selling my first home with them was flawless from beginning to end. Their sound knowledge of the local market and consultative approach - coupled with Justine’s patience, thoughtful details & warmth was reassuring. Tim was truly outstanding on auction day. With the support of their sales team - including the lovely Ashleigh - all communication and scheduled appointments were always timely & hassle free. I recommend them without hesitation. Thank you team Burke - you rock! Marta – Rivett
TIM BURKE Director, Licensed Agent and Auctioneer 0411 878 587 tim.burke@luton.com.au
JUSTINE BURKE Director and Licensed Agent 0411 481 096 justine.burke@luton.com.au