Oasis Magazine - Dec|Jan|Feb 2020

ISSUE 33 DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

Take me WITH YOU

Celebrating life in Tropical North Queensland

From the editor WITH JULES STEER

OH MY FRIZZY HAIR!

But family is what make it all worthwhile, AmIRite?

So I urge you, as you’re making your purchasing decisions this year, to please support locally owned businesses. Trust me, Cairns is gonna love you right back for doing this.

I also want to give a massive shout out to the unsung heroes of the season. Those champs who keep showing up despite the date showing on the calendar. I’m talking about the retail and hospitality industry staff, who continue to smile as they are pulled from all directions from consumers who have left things to the last minute.

I hope you know how much respect we have for you. You guys deserve to be on a calendar. Oh wait …

Stay happy, stay hydrated (especially you, Great Aunt Judy) stay safe, and try your best to stay sane!

Cheers, Jules

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HOME

I’d like to send out masses of love to all of you for your support over the past year and the past six years of bringing Oasis Mag to you. It’s been a complete pleasure! Please, have the most sensational time over the holidays.

BUSINESS

And of course, we can’t forget the Police, the Ambo’s and the Firies - Oh yeah, the Firies! The challenges you’ve been exposed to over the past few months would be enough to curl anyone’s hair, and yet you keep going back, determined to do your part for our society.

WELLBEING

So here’s to all the families out there, no matter which way you are doing life. To the single parents, I salute you! To the nuclear families, the blended families, the extended families, the childless families, the grand-families and the fur-families.

This town is filled with so many extraordinary locally owned businesses - many of which are scattered through the pages of this issue.

STYLE

And there’s a chance things are going to get even looser than usual this December, given that the month has already has seen a full moon, a Friday the 13th in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day. So you may want to be prepared for when Great Aunt Judy decides to hydrate using the Christmas cake brandy.

And this year, I’m telling everyone that my vibe is sharing in the spirit of the season by sprinkling oodles of love on all things local.

PEOPLE

Yep - it’s that time of the year again, although, I’m flummoxed how that has happened. I swear it was 2018 just like five weeks ago.

This really is my fave time of year. No, I’m not an overtly religious person, but I just love the festivities! The way that we we make the extra effort to see people we haven’t for so long. They way everyone seems just that little bit more joyous.

What can I say - it’s the vibe of the thing!

EVENTS

Never a more Christmassy phrase has been uttered. In fact, that one sentence is as synonymous with Christmastime in the Far North as watching “Love Actually” or pulling out your favourite Michael Buble CD while drinking white wine in the sun.

And especially to those heroes who are raising kids that don’t share your DNA. This time is for you!

contents

Contents

ISSUE 33 DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

We Wish You a Greener Christmas..................................6 A Few of Our Favourite Things.........................................8 Warner’s Corner | David Warner................................... 10 Art and Culture | Hailey Gillespie.................................. 11 Cairns Tropical Writers.................................................. 12 Live and Local | Terry Doyle........................................... 13 Mainie................................................................................ 16 Aladdin | A Pantomime................................................... 18 Christmas Lights Around Cairns................................... 19 Challenging the Stigma | Thelma Schwartz................ 20 Wheels of Wellness | Dr Amanda Roberts................... 22 Donna Corrie | Nailing it in Business............................ 24 On Top of the World | Lisa Conyers............................... 26 Lift Like a Girl | Tracey Defferrard................................. 27 Sugar Queen | Kylie Farinelli......................................... 28 Top 5 Tips for School Success | Julie Dore.................. 30 It’s Never too Early to Learn About Money | Simeon Azcune................................................................ 31 Headstart on Sports Career........................................... 32 Send Hope Not Flowers.................................................. 34

style

Wild Sugar........................................................................ 37

wellbeing

Psychology | Karen Dow................................................. 44 Hair | Emma Gelling........................................................ 45

business

Legal | Tamlyn Leahy...................................................... 51 Trading Stories | Jodi Allen............................................ 52 Business Liaison Association......................................... 54 Branding | Scott Brown.................................................. 57

home

Koru Gift Guide................................................................. 58 2019 HIA-CSR NQ Awards ............................................. 60 Meet | Hannah Dunlea..................................................... 62

COVER IMAGE ~ YIFENG NI, CREATE THAT PHOTO DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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We wish you a

GREENER CHRISTMAS The fairy lights are twinkling, Mariah Carey is on loop, and the hot evenings are spent watching reruns of the two greatest Christmas movies ever - Die Hard and Love Actually. Yep, it’s officially Christmas! But have you taken a moment to think about the over-consumption that goes hand in hand with this time of year?

PEOPLE

On average, humans create 25% more waste between Christmas and New Year than at any other time of the year.

In Australia alone, over five million tonnes of food ends up as landfill each year – enough to fill 9,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Yikes!

And did you know that Nasa’s satellite monitoring shows that many of the world’s largest cities shine up to 50% brighter at this time of year, due to fairy lights.

We get it! It’s soooo tempting to get swept away by all the sparkly things and the consumer hype, but with the massive plastic pollution issue that’s clogging our oceans and killing our marine wildlife, we think this is as good a time as ever to make few sustainable changes this silly season.

So how can we have all the pretty stuff and be more environmentally friendly at the same time? Here’s just a couple of ways you can deck the halls - sustainably.

The Tree: Did you know that it takes twenty years to cancel out the damaged caused by making a plastic Christmas tree. Neither did I! So, again this year, I’m going to pull out the same ol’ tree I bought as a backpacker in Ireland, circa 2002. The question of why a backpacker would feel the need to invest in a Christmas tree is a conversation for another glass of eggnog, but for now, I’ll just make the assertion that I will continue to use that same tree until it disintegrates, after which time I promise to use a more sustainable option for the rest of my life.

For your Tree, why not try decorating an indoor plant or making a tree from recycled products or pallets? The team at THE POWER OF PALLETS (www.thepowerofpallets.org.au) would be more than happy to help you. Or even use a real tree, instead of a plastic one? There’s some beauties on offer at ATHERTON CHRISTMAS TREE FARM (athertonchristmastreefarm.com. au) And why not create a wreath using palm fronds or edible herbs?

Convert to solar powered lights or LED lighting to power your twinkling lights, and consider locally created candles from one of the amazing hand made businesses on offer in Cairns.

And why not unleash your inner Artist by having a go at creating your own Christmas decorations. You’re only limited by your imagination.

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The Gifts: In a world where we are continually tempted, have you considered giving the gift of an experience, rather than a thing? We live every day in paradise, but when was the last time you were a tourist in your own town? Why not get out to the Reef on SUNLOVER (sunlover.com.au), take some time our with the family at the scenic LAKE TINAROO HOLIDAY PARK (laketinatrooholidaypark.com) or enjoy one of the many experiences on offer from the CAPTA Group (capta.com.au) Being a tourist in your own town reminds you of the reasons we love it here.

Also trending in gift-giving is donating to a relevant charity on behalf of the recipient. Put a thoughtful message inside a gorgeous handmade card, explaining that you’ve made a donation to a charity they align with. A dog lover would be thrilled to know they’ve helped YAPS (yaps.org.au), just as someone touched by cancer would be honoured to have you donate to COUCH (couch.org.au) on their behalf, and donating to RUTH’S WOMENS SHELTER (ruthswomensshelter.com.au) would certainly brighten the day of the women and children who are experiencing a very different Christmas than what most of us are. And if you are deadset on giving a product as a gift, make it an ethical, recycled and sustainable product. And of course - Support Local, and Support Small Business! How many more times can we say it? You’re not only helping the environment, but a local family will be just that little bit more merry this Christmas because you chose to invest in their business, rather than funding a mega-conglomerate and their million dollar CEO’s sixteenth holiday home.

The Wrapping: Did you know that Australians use more than 150,000km of wrapping paper during the Christmas period, which enough to wrap around Earth’s equator nearly four times. And that most wrapping paper is not recyclable due to the materials it contains such as glitter or velvet? Say whaaatttt?!?! Not to mention the non-recyclable sticky tape that goes hand-in-hand with that wrapping paper.

So this year, let’s try something new, and wrap gifts using alternatives to that pesky pollutant.

If you’ve gathered your fair share of Oasis Mags over the past six years, consider wrapping your gifts using the colourful pages inside? Or grab the crossword or Sudoku pages from the newspaper before it gets wrapped around your fish ’n’ chips, and make your gift wrapping a real talking point.

Why not give your gift in an eco friendly BOOMERANG BAG (www.boomerangbags.com.au), which can be returned to collection points at supermarket and reused over and over again. Or for a delightful touch of elegance, wrap gifts in a gorgeous scarf, which doubles as a second gift. This Japanese technique is called Furoshiki, which involves using fabrics to wrap gifts

On average,

humans create 25% more waste

Choose from one of the delightfully colourful, ethicallycreated scarves available from MAINIE (mainie.com), knowing that your choice will support Aboriginal women and their communities.

The Feast:

For delicious fruit and vegetables, we are spoilt for choice at JONSSON’S FARM MARKET (jonssonsfarmmarket.com. au), and don’t forget PICCONES IGA (piccones.com.au) for an alternative to the big supermarkets. The Piccone family invest heavily into the local community, supporting schools, sports clubs and local charities, so let’s help them to continue helping locals.

The Christmas table is where all the best memories are made, and while it’s easy to be tempted by all the Christmasthemed stuff, but this year, consider decorating your table with edible centrepieces this year, made from the abundance of local offerings our gorgeous region produces. Imagine the colour offered by a bowl of SHAYLEE STRAWBERRIES (shayleestrawberries.com.au) or bright yellow PACIFIC COAST ECO BANANAS (eco-banana.com.au). And it goes without saying, avoid single-use plastic cutlery and glassware. While we all love a good and hearty feast, what do we do with all the left over food? If you plan on relentlessly snacking on leftovers until the new year, why not invest in some reusable BeesWax wraps to wrap the leftovers. Check out “THE WORKING BEES” on Facebook for some gorgeous designs. But if there’s just too much, why not offer your leftovers to your local food bank, such as OZHARVEST (ozharvest.org), so they can help someone less fortunate enjoy a special Christmas feast. Your trash could quite literally be someone else’s treasure.

In Australia over five

million tonnes of food ends up as landfill each year – enough to fill 9,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Many of the world’s largest cities shine

up to 50% brighter at this time of year, due to fairy lights.

So there’s just a couple of ideas to reduce your footprint this Christmas. Making even one of these small changes to your usual traditions can make a big difference in the long run for the future of our planet. What are some traditions you have that also help our planet? Op over to our Facebook page to share them with us!

Of course, if the thought of cooking for the whole family is too overwhelming, why not enjoy Christmas Lunch at one of the many superb local restaurants. I can certainly think of worse places to be than enjoying a 7-course lunch with family and friends at DUNDEE’S AT THE AQUARIUM (dundees.com.au), or one of the many other awesome local restaurants who are opening on Christmas Day. And when you’re heading off on your shopping trip, don’t forget to BYO your reusable shopping bags. Because everyone must know by now that the thick plastic bags that are available for sale are just as bad as the thin plastic bags that were banned last year.

DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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PEOPLE

There’s not much we can’t grow here in FNQ, and at this time of year, its the perfect time to keep local money local. For your Christmas Day prawns, choose sustainably farmed seafood from one of the many local vendors, such as OCEAN WORLD SEAFOOD (oceanworldseafood.com.au) in North Cairns. At Christmas and every time of the year, we urge you to support our local farmers by choosing delicious Tablelands grown meat and dairy.

between Christmas and New Year than at any other time of the year.

A few of our favourite things

Christmastime is a great time to think of greener gift alternatives. We called on Kirsty & Emma, our mates from Eggplant & Poppy, who found these cute options to make yours a more sustainable Christmas. Get yours from their gorgeous store in Oceana Walk, or online at eggplantandpoppy.com.au

Reusable chopsticks | $22

Wrappa reusable food wraps | from $22

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His & Hers Bamboo Toothbrush Set | $12

Reusable expandable straw | $16

Ceramic Coffee Cups | $18

Avocado reusable shopping bag | $12 Reusable Bamboo Coffee cups | from $18

Onya reusable produce bags | from $18

Fresko Insulated Flask | $50

DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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Warner’s Corner

CHAMOY THIP-YASELF WITH DAVID WARNER | STAR FM

Chamoy Thipyaso everyone! I know what you’re thinking; that sounds a lot like a Christmas greeting in the almost extinct Chamicuro language, spoken by no more than 3 people in the world today. Could be, dunno, there’s only a few people that do.

Sixth was padlocks – if you need to borrow bolt cutters, I’m your guy - and seventh was a pinch bar, ironically, he’s never actually wrecked anything with his wrecking bar.

What I do know is that in 1989 Chamoy Thipyaso was sentenced to 140,078 years in prison for fraud after she fleeced hard working Thai’s out of $200 million in a pyramid scheme. And, she’s the inspiration for the consecutive sentencing approach, as opposed to concurrent, that I’ve gavelled out to my 10-yearold son. He’s up to 9 lifetime bans from entering the shed, with every breach we tack on another one, so if he stays on the straight and narrow, he’ll be allowed back in when he’s 720 years old. Should give me enough time to replace and repair my stuff in my shed. I reckon.

8th was a lock picking set (two years too late) and last year was a 72hr Alaskan survival kit, for when he gets lost in a blizzard camping in Cape York.

He’s always had an obsession with tools and equipment and the mechanics of things, how stuff works. Or at least how it used to work, before he came into contact with it. He likes to deconstruct, I think the polite term is reverse engineering, but the correct term is ‘wrecking sh*t’. I do love his curiosity and his passion for projects though, each year there’s a new obsession and Santa is the enabler.

This year he’s asked Santa for tree climbing spikes, carabiners and a harness - they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – so look out below!

Christmas is a time for giving and giving my 10-year-old son another lifetime ban from my shed, to be served consecutively, is the best present I could give myself.

For his third Christmas he wanted rope, getting from couch to fridge during the Boxing Day test was like crawling through a spider’s web.

The fourth was a tool kit and fifth was a cordless drill, he removed our wardrobe doors and the walls in his room resembled a crumpet.

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Chamoy Thipyaso everyone, and a happy new year.

Art and Culture THE HOLIDAY WRAP WITH HAYLEY GILLESPIE

Christmas and New Year arrive again! With the craziness of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New year ahead, there’s always plenty of art and culture happening in Cairns.

Cairns Art Gallery Summer is all about kids at the Cairns Art Gallery, with a range of art workshops running over the school holidays. Each class is designed to inspire kids to get imaginative and covers a range of creative mediums, such as ceramics, painting, printmaking and assemblage. January also sees the launch of iPad drawing workshops inspired by the work of one of the world’s most revered printmakers, David Hockney.

During the summer break, take the time to immerse yourself in the exhibition Drawn to Water, an exhibition of illustrations by Anna Eglitis, Percy Trezise and Arone Raymond Meeks, all well known local artists who’s works have been used to illustrate well known story books with engaging and imaginative images of native animals. Drawn to water will include interactive spaces and hands-on activities for the family to enjoy.

QAGOMA Kids on Tour returns in December with the ‘Island Fashion 2020’ Program. Drop in to the Gallery any time from 14 December until 2 February to explore fashion and adornment through fun hands-on and multimedia activities created by four artists from Australia and the Pacific – Grace Lillian Lee, Letila Mitchell, Maryann Talia Pau and Ranu James.

No bookings are required for this free activity.

Local art abounds in December and January with the Cairns Art Society’s 72nd Annual Art Award exhibition and ARTNOW FNQ 2019. The Art Society exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy work by local artists and perhaps purchase art for the home. Opening on 13 December is the Cairns Art Gallery’s biennial exhibition, ARTNOW FNQ 2019, an exhibition that showcases the best and most exciting contemporary art by artists who live in or have cultural connection to Cairns and the region of Far North Queensland.

Chinese New Year 24 Jan 2020 to 9 Feb 2020 The Great Barrier Reef Chinese New Year celebrations continue the age-old custom of welcoming the Lunar New Year in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. A unique experience and way to celebrate the lunar New Year and learn of the cultural history of the region.

Art, food experiences and activities designed to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to come together and celebrate. Check out their website for many collaborating art events all over town! www.gbrchinesenewyear.com

Happy New Year to you all x

DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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Great Books

FOR GIFTING BY LOCAL AUTHORS CAIRNS TROPICAL WRITERS

These recently published books our own tropical authors would make great gifts that celebrate our history and sense of place in the world.

Local Prof. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Caroline de Costa, continues her side hustle as an author of crime novels. For something gripping and visceral (pun intended), her latest, Blood Sisters, is her third in the series with female detective Cass Diamond at the centre.

“A young Asian woman lies in a pool of blood in a Cairns motel.

Transferred to hospital, she dies before she can tell her story.

Detective Cass Diamond and her team are soon on the case.

Searching through her possessions, the police begin to ask questions: Was the woman part of a sex-trafficking ring?... the story moves to the tropical rainforest surrounding Cairns, beautiful but capable of hiding many things. What secrets does it hold?”

True crime has become Tablelands author Robert Reid’s fascination. As a former journalist himself, most of his stories are local cases recognisable from the news headlines at the time. He has painstakingly investigated these in the years since. His latest book is Murder on the River of Gold, set inland on the Palmer River half-way between Cairns and Cooktown.

“Bruce Schuler enjoyed the lifestyle of gold fossicking. It gave the retired builder a sense of purpose, of comradeship with like-minded mates, and the thrill of the chase for gold. He was doing just that, prospecting with his metal detector in a dry gully on the Palmer River, on that day in July 2012 when two shots rang out and he was never seen again.”

Kuranda author Stephen Chong is Bodies of Consequence is a book for inspiration, one that changes lives. “ A journey by a beloved grandson in the footsteps of his military grandfather, WWII ex-sniper Matthew J. Cooper, reveals the consequences of the veteran’s life’s actions. This is a lifeafter-death experience that explores ‘everyday’ people and the consequences of life in the hereafter through the beautifully interwoven paths of three generations of family.”

Ex-Kuranda author Gawain Barker has wandered the world through his cooking. His 200 Kitchens: confessions of a nomad cook is an hilarious cross-cultural romp to exotic places. Each chapter of this ripper read is a short and sharply observed behind-the-scenes insight into diverse people under pressure, infused with his abiding love in the magic of food.

“An insider’s thought-provoking and very funny odyssey through three decades of cooking professionally around the world - from outdoor tropical beaches to skyscrapers with super-star chefs to the homes of the super-rich - all in a day’s work for a gypsy-knife-for-hire. Beyond the food, sex, drugs and laughter, 200 Kitchens is a true-life celebration of the world’s oldest pleasure.”

Books available from a range of stockists, or contact us for advice: www.cairnstropicalwritersfestival.com The next Cairns Tropical Writers Festival is 7-9 August 2020

Live and Local

FESTIVE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS WITH TERRY DOYLE

I would like take this opportunity to wish all Oasis readers a healthy, happy and safe festive season full of music and laughter ~ Terry Doyle As we approach the Festive season the live entertainment scene slows down somewhat here the in tropics, especially during our wet season, because people tend to be more occupied with work parties, family gatherings etc.

In early December the Tanks Arts Centre will host the six-piece Robbie-V & the Cosmonauts from Kuranda belting out some phat funk grooves with a little hip-hop with special guests Cairns award winning act Stone Alley on Friday the sixth. On the same night at CPAC Studio the very funny Kransky Sisters present their ‘A Very Funny Christmas’ show.

At the Tanks Art Centre, on Saturday 25th January, Australia’s metal kings Northlane will bring their fast-paced show to town with special guests Melbourne mentalists Gravemind.

The best little live music bar in the North, Elixir Music Bar in Abbot St. the city has ‘live’ entertainment five nights a week and on Saturday 21st of December the grand daddy of hip hop Vix will hold court for one of the bars biggest anticipated shows of the year. And then on Saturday 18th of January the world-renowned loop genius Kenta Hayashi from Japan returns to Elixir for another anticipated full house show.

One of our city’s little entertainment secrets is the Laughing Heart Comedy night held every Monday night from 7pm for

the past two years and located downstairs at the Reef Casino in the Paramour Cabaret Theatre comedy room. Hosted by the very talented young comedienne, come actor, Peter James who introduces up to ten comediennes over the two-hour show, which incidentally is a ‘No Cover-Charge event.

Of course, then it will be Christmas Day before we know it and throughout the region luncheons will be on the program for all the major city hotels putting on their usual lavish Christmas spreads.

Next thing we know it is New Year’s Eve and all the clubs, hotels etc. will be pulling out all stops to entice the celebrating crowds. And the Cairns Esplanade will again be a focal point for families with the Cairns Regional Council putting on Live Performances, food trucks and activities galore climaxing with two giant fireworks displays an early one at 9pm and the later one at midnight.

Then when we just get ourselves to-gether we will be celebrating Australia Day on Sunday the 26th of January.

The Cairns Regional Council will once again provide plenty of free family activities either at Yorkeys Knob or on the Cairns Esplanade.

TABOO Enter the all new Paramour Cabaret Theatre and dive two stories underground to witness a new era in the Cairns nightlife scene. TABOO is not just a show, it’s a party and you’re invited!

Don’t think the fun stops when the cast takes their final bow though... that’s when the fun has just begun! We invite you to join us after the show in our all new late night hidden bar “The TABOO is awesome fun for mature audiences that Library” for the after party, here’s a hint…enter are not easily offended in the only underground through the bookshelf! venue in Cairns, located two stories below The Don’t miss this sexy, sensory-altering experience Reef Hotel Casino. every Friday and Saturday at The Paramour Guests can expect to be up-close and personal Cabaret Theatre where your imagination comes with gorgeous dancing girls, high flying to play! aerialists, well-endowed drag Queens and one D Grade, lady killer of a host “Wolfgang Valentine”.

Get the gang together for a night of debauchery and silly behaviour as The Paramour is bringing a touch of Vegas to Cairns and what happens here... stay’s here!

!

W O N K O O B

TABOO EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY Tickets from $50

4051 4410 WWW.PARAMOURTHEATRE.COM

Cairns brand

TO REPRESENT FNQ AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

STYLE

On Friday, November 22nd, four years after establishing Mainie as a distinctively Australian brand, Charmaine Saunders & Denis Keeffe celebrated the newest phase of Mainie’s soaring star, as they gathered with friends and supporters at the opening of the Mainie Art Gallery and retail showroom on Scott Street. The gathering included the brand’s most loyal supporters and friends spanning all levels of government, business and tourism, Indigenous affairs, social entrepreneurship and sport.

Since 2015, the duo behind this distinctive fashion brand have been bringing their vision to life with a stunning collection of silk garments, scarves and accessories featuring eye catching, authentic artworks from Australia’s best Aboriginal women artists. Mainie has captured the hearts and minds of discerning travellers and fashionable people the world over.

Looking towards 2020, Mainie is now ready to take on the world as an official provider of VIP gifts, exclusive supplier of Indigenous fashion products and staff uniforms at the Australian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, ‘The World’s Greatest Show’.

The art gallery specialises in Aboriginal fine arts which have been ethically sourced from two of the most famous arts communities in Central Australia, Utopia and Warlukurlangu artists. The Mainie gallery also exhibits artworks by local Aboriginal artists including Barbara Mundraby and Natasha Davui.

As an approved Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code, the company embraces Fair Trade ethics and is committed to supporting Aboriginal women artists to earn an independent income from their work and preserve their traditional cultural heritage for future generations.

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Aladdin A PANTOMIME

EVENTS

What could be better than a night in with the family, enjoying each other’s company? A night out for the family at The Rondo’s Aladdin – a pantomime of course!

The Rondo’s Aladdin is a traditional British pantomime, suitable for all ages from 2 to 102, with all the panto elements you’ve come to love: Baddies, Goodies, ‘It’s Behind You’, crossdressing, jokes that make you groan, audience participation and this year... a panda!

Our hero, Aladdin, is whisked away to a remote cave by Abanazar, (the Baddie) to retrieve a magic lamp, but is locked in. Fortunately, the Genie of the Lamp comes to his rescue and he manages to escape. Meanwhile, Aladdin has met our heroine, Princess Jasmine, and they have fallen for each other.

But Abanazar tricks the Princess into giving him the lamp back, and once again Aladdin is whisked away. But Abanazar hasn’t reckoned on Princess Jasmine being a feisty kung fu fighting Princess and she is rounding up family and friends to help. Aladdin’s mum (Widow Twankey), the Emperor, Wishee Washee (Widow Twankey’s laundry boy) and the local constabulary (Sergeant Ping and Constable Pong) all get involved, often with side-splitting results.

2020 SEASON OF PLAYS WIFE AFTER DEATH ~ BY ERIC CHAPPELL DIRECTED BY FRANK JOEL FEB 21 – 29 BRASSED OFF ~ BY PAUL ALLEN &

MARK HERMAN, DIRECTED BY WAYNE REES

APR 24 TO MAY 9

EXTINCTION

BY HANNIE RAYSON, DIRECTED BY CATH WILLACY JULY 3 – 11 MYTH, PROPAGANDA AND DISASTER IN NAZI GERMANY ~ BY STEPHEN SEWELL, DIRECTED BY KEVIN WEST SEPT 4 - 12 THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE

BY ANDREW BOVELL, DIRECTED BY PAUL HYNES NOV 6 - 14 .au

Bookings : 1300 855 835 | ticketlink.com

om.au

Enquiries : 4053 5350 | www.therondo.c

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This production is a fresh twist on an age-old story. Switching between China and the Middle East, hilarious scenes ranging from Widow Twankey’s laundry to a belly dance to the kung fu fighting, this panto will have you in tears – of laughter!

And knowing Cath Willacy there will also be a few surprises along the way…

Aladdin a pantomime ~ Rondo Theatre 29 November to 14 December Performances at 1pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Suitable for ages 2 - 102, perfect for families Family Pass discounted ticket Also great for a group of adults for a Christmas night out discounts for 10 or more Historically sell out quickly – BOOK NOW! Book at ticketlink.com.au or 1300 855 835

“a fresh twist on an age-old story”

Christmas Lights 2019 George Street Templeton Street Bryce Close Trevor Close Wiltshire Drive Wegert Close Oliver Close Wienert Close

Edmonton

Donovan Close Brutus Close Badilla Street Trojan Street Wilmot Close Wiseman Road West Woodlock Drive Savage Street

Bentley Park Laidley Close Lockyer Crescent Robert Road Herald Street Arno Terrace Julia Percy Close Duyfken Street Bathurst Drive

Mt Sheridan Colbeck Close Limewood Street Boxwood Close Cottonwood Close Verbena Drive Mayflower Street

White Rock Frangipanni Street Yangora Street Illuka Street

Woree

Sunbird Drive Theresa Close Alberta Drive

Bayview Heights Agate Street Amethyst Street Karwin Street Crest Close

Earlville

Vandeleur Street Mansfield Street

Mooroobool Serissa Street Ward Street

Kanimbla

McFarlane Drive Nell Close Morwong Close Trout Street

Whitfield McKinlay Street Nolan Street York Street Fry Close

Brinsmead

Yorkeys Knob

Redlynch Valley

Trinity Park/ Trinity Beach

Di Silva Court Dungarvan Drive Shamrock Avenue Hobson Drive Hook Close

Red Ochre Street Royce Street McBride Street

Redlynch

Arthur Lyons Drive Lillpilli Street Damson Drive Kamala Street Robb Road Languna Avenue Botany Avenue

Smithfield

EVENTS

Gordonvale

Cunningham Street

Foxville Circuit Madang Street

Kewarra Beach Cardamine Street Moore Road Squeaky Close Coronado Street Gannet Street Coolum Close Mia Street

Babinda

41 Howard Kennedy Drive

Cumberland Avenue Survey Street Krakatoa Close Brockman Way Thornborough Circuit

Walk thro gh / Interactive Displays Wirrah Street ~ Bayview Heights Timberlea Drive ~ Bentley Park Mt Peter Road ~ Edmonton Fairley Street ~ Redlynch Valley (Tune into 92.5FM) Keirle Avenue ~ Whitfield Slipper Street ~ Edmonton

DEC 2019 | JAN 2020

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Challenging the Stigma..

THELMA SCHWARTZ

“The provision of the legal services provided by QIFVLS is vital to providing a positive, holistic response to both health and justice concerns of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, “ she says. “One of the main barriers we face, however, is that the conditions for protection – primarily the DVOs – can be difficult to comply with, and often set victims up to fail. The conditions of some orders, for example, might include stopping a woman from having any contact with her partner – and as many communities are very isolated, contact with an abuser is sometimes unavoidable.

In this current climate, there are many people and organisations fighting to have their voices heard hoping to not only raise awareness surrounding aboriginal family “There is also a lack of shelters for women escaping violence and domestic violence issues, but to effect change through in rural locations. So if women are forced out of their home as informing policies and funding structures, and help ensure part of a domestic dispute, where are they going to go?” that when people do talk about contentions issue QIFVLS was formed after the recognition of they do so respectfully rather than simply a gap in access to legal and well-being inciting racism or engaging in what-aboutsupport services for Aboriginal and Torres “There are multiple ism. Thelma Schwartz is one of those Strait Islander victims and survivors complex and diverse people. of domestic violence, family violence factors contributing to the Thelma Schwartz has had an and sexual assault. Funded through extraordinary career trajectory. prevalence of family violence the Department of Prime Minister Starting her legal profession as and Cabinet as a way to reduce the in Indigenous communities, a solicitor within commercial number of interactions victims have and it must be clearly litigation in the Northern Territory to have in the judicial system, QIFVLS and Queensland, followed then by understood that the causes has a focus on working directly with over twelve years of criminal law the victims of domestic violence and do not derive from representing clients in rural, remote and sexual assault, to help them through Aboriginal culture...” urban courts in Queensland including the their family law matters.

Magistrates Court, District Court, Children’s Family violence is complex and the issues Court and the Supreme Court, it’s this experience victims face are complex. More often than not, that has led her to where she believes her help is most people exposed to family violence live with intergenerational needed. Now as the Principal Legal Officer of the Queensland trauma, removal of children, discrimination, poverty, mental Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS), Thelma health issues, family violence-driven housing instability is dedicated to improving health and justice outcomes in the and homelessness, disability, lower levels of literacy and area of domestic and family violence. It is this drive to defend numeracy, as well as a range of other cultural, legal and nonthe defenceless that led to Thelma being awarded the 2018 legal issues.

Regional Woman Lawyer at the Women Lawyers Association Awards - the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to “There are multiple complex and diverse factors contributing to the prevalence of family violence in Indigenous communities, receive the award in the total 40-year history of the awards. and it must be clearly understood that the causes do not derive “It is very clear that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander from Aboriginal culture,” stresses Thelma. “Family violence women are significantly more likely to be victims of domestic is not part of Aboriginal culture. However, the disadvantage, and family violence. Research shows they are 35 times more dispossession and attempted destruction of Aboriginal likely to be hospitalised for assaults and 10 times more likely cultures since colonisation has meant that family violence has to die from assaults than non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait proliferated in Aboriginal communities.”

Islander women,” she says.

Despite this, Thelma believes Queensland is leading the “But in these areas, it is also important to understand that the charge to raise awareness and prevent domestic and family impacts of domestic and family violence are varied and the violence. consequences are often intergenerational and lifelong. This intergenerational trauma is very complex and very difficult to “People feel shame talking about domestic and family unpack,” Thelma explains. “Many of the women we work with violence, especially in indigenous communities, because it’s have experienced sexual or other physical abuse as children, so normalised,” she said. “My role here [at QIFVLS] is to and when you start peeling back those layers it’s almost as break that down, help people who truly need the assistance if there’s an acceptance of this violence as normal. For some and lobby the changes required to mitigate the issues on a broader legal and social level.” women, violence and chaos is all they’ve ever known.

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* Source: ABS Prisoners in Australia, 2018

Indigenous Australians are amongst the most incarcerated people on earth. Although only making up two percent of the general population, in detention it’s a staggering 28 percent of the male prison population and 34 percent of the female prison population.* An even more pertinent statistic is that according to the Australian Law Reform Commission, the majority of indigenous female prisoners are survivors of domestic violence, family violence and sexual abuse.

“My role here [at QIFVLS] is to break that down, help people who truly need the assistance and lobby the changes required to mitigate the issues on a broader legal and social level.�

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Wheels of Wellness DR AMANDA ROBERTS

They say angels walk amongst us, and one may not be too surprised when, upon meeting Dr Amanda Roberts from Stratford Medical Centre, that you are immediately immersed in her calm and caring demeanour.

Working collaboratively with community services, government organisations other agencies including Anglicare, Mission Australia and YETI, allows the program to ensure a coordinated approach to patient care.

When Amanda arrived in Cairns in 2014, the South African born doctor quickly identified that Cairns has a high proportion of people living on the streets who need medical and social assistance. She was aware of the enormous pressure being placed on the Emergency Department at the Cairns Hospital by some of the most disadvantaged members of the community, including the homeless, vulnerable, and those affected by social disadvantaged.

“We also work with private health providers, such as physios, podiatry, whatever is needed, and bring to provide the series that the patients need.”

This didn’t sit well with the mother-of-two, and she began formulating a plan to assist the hospital waiting lines, while restoring dignity to those who need it most.

“It’s the forgotten members of our society - those people disadvantaged by domestic abuse, homelessness, poverty, mental health problems - who really needed help.

“I had seem similar models in different locations across the world. Programs that aimed to engage and support these people, where mobile GP and nurse clinics delivered an outreach program to provide onsite care to vulnerable people, and I thought it could work well in Cairns,” Amanda explained.

After countless hours of research followed, and hundreds of conversations pitching this idea in the hopes of sourcing funding, the Wheels Of Wellness Program was formed in September 2018, in partnership with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network.

The health and service needs of each individual are seen to by an experienced team of nurses, social workers and General Practitioners.

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“Our aim has always been to help our clients achieve better health outcomes, as they attempt to get their lives back on track engaging with them in a respectful and positive manner.

Initially, the mobile clinic was delivered from the boot of a small SUV, under an awning to protect patients and medical staff from the elements. As anyone living in the Far North will know, these conditions were not ideal, particularly during periods of excessive heat and rain.

“A lack of running water and electricity sources also added another dimension of challenges in allowing the WOW team to treat patients,” Amanda explained. “Not to mention the lack of space only allows us to see one patient at at time, without any privacy. At night, we rely on lanterns and torches, and let’s not even start on the mosquitos!”

Over the past few months, however, following a number of successful fundraising events, including a trivia night at The Red Beret Hotel, and a Long Lunch at Picolo Cucina, the WOW team are now just $3000 away from their goal of funding a fully fit out, functioning mobile health unit. If you would like to get involved, donations of any size are welcomed via the Wheels Of Wellness Facebook page.

Having this custom designed van will add a new lease of life on the program.

“We can provide care in a gutter, in a drain, whether that be on the street or in their camps - wherever they are most comfortable.” explained Amanda.

“Whatever it takes to reduce pressure on the Emergency Department at the Cairns Hospital, we’ll do! And via this program, we can capture those patients and provide them with care when it’s simple, first line care, before they need to use expensive services from the hospitals.”

“It’s a win-win for the Cairns community!”

“We plan to keep working with local organisations NGO, not for profits and government services to keep expanding the service. It’s a great view for the future and for funding partnerships, and we can hopefully work with ongoing services into the future.”

It was always Amanda’s intention that these mobile clinics would deliver free health care through weekly clinics that run from various locations including the street, shelters and homeless camps. That service has recently been expanded with the opening of the Women’s Yarning Centre in Manunda, providing an outreach medical clinic at the centre each Monday afternoon.

“We know that there are multiple challenges for many people, including health and financial challenges, and we know that it can be really hard for them to reach out for help sometimes. We are trying our best to offer simple ways to alleviate that challenge.”

We’ve said it before, and no doubt will say it again - Cairns has a big heart. We look forward to offering support to Wheels of Wellness as it continues to serve the city’s most vulnerable residents.

DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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Donna Corrie

NAILING IT IN BUSINESS

Donna Corrie has dedicated her career to helping women feel more beautiful.

As the founder and Director of Dee’s Deportment, Grooming and Self-Care, she helped individuals identify and take ownership of their own unique style and focussed on instilling a Loe and belief in themselves.

She delivered programs to remote regions in Queensland and the Northern Territory, focusing on health and fitness, personal presentation, and customer service training. Add to this, cultural awareness training and team building exercises, and it’s not hard to see why Donna was named Cairns Regional Council’s Woman of the Year in 2018, and Cairns Business Women’s Club’s Indigenous Business Owner of the Year in 2019.

“My mission has always been to equip my clients with meaningful life long attributes that open doors and provide opportunities they never thought possible.”

“I believe that ‘Presentation Is Everything’, and I carry this motto with me as it is the one thing that helps you to truly shine your brightest light.”

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The entrepreneur’s latest venture, Dee’s Indigenous Designer Nails, is a collaboration with many indigenous artists and is supported by TAFE North.

Launched in August 2019, the wearable art currently showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artwork and local artists. As the business develops, Dee intends on expanding this to include Artists from other Indigenous backgrounds including Africa, American Indians, Fiji and New Zealand.

Donna is rightfully proud of the striking designs on these must-have fashion accessories. “Our designs are unique, genuine, authentic, hand painted acrylic nails by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists who have a wealth of experience and knowledge in the art sector.

This style of customised wearable art has never been seen before.”

Donna explains “Each design is detailed to capture the artist’s cultural heritage, customs, totems and inspirations which surround their everyday life. These artists are inspired by their ancestry, water, land, foods and wildlife of the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula and Northern Peninsula Area.”

Donna has been overwhelmed with the positive feedback she’s received from customers and stockists since launching the line of adornments.

“I’m also really proud of the gift boxes we’ve designed, which are free of plastic.” Donna explains, “As an indigenous Australian, protection of our land is a priority for me. I believe that we should do everything we can to respect the planet we live on. Which is why it was so important to me to create this elegant concept of presenting our Indigenous Designer Nails. It’s respecting our earth, as well as paying respect to our Indigenous Artists and their artwork by displaying them in packaging which promotes their work.”

The designer nails are presented in gift boxes which are reusable, and when customers choose to return the boxes for a refill, they are provided with cost saving opportunities on their next set of Indigenous Designer Nails.

Dee’s Indigenous Designer Nails are currently available in Ancient Journeys Aboriginal Art Gallery, TAFE Hairdressing Salon, Machans Beach Store and Post, and Gab Titu Cultural Centre on Thursday Island.

In the new year, they will also be stocked by Great Adventures Retail Shop, As You Like It Hair Gallery as well as being available for purchase from www.deesconsultancy.com.

2020 is sure to be a very busy year for Dee’s Indigenous Designer Nails, with a wide collection of the beautifully gift boxed Indigenous Designer Nails range being showcased across the nation with Wedding Expos Australia.

Dee’s Deportment, Grooming and Self Care proudly supports local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists of all ages to provide new platforms for their artwork and move them into new areas to showcase their talent like never before.

We look forward to following Donna’s through what is sure to be her next success story.

www.deesconsultancy.com/shop | PH : +61 457 328 280 EMAIL : donnacorrie@deesconsultancy.com DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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Journey to the Worlds Highest OBSTACLE RACE ON MT KILIMANJARO Heralded as the “adventure of a lifetime”, the Worlds Highest OCR (Obstacle Course Race) aims to break a Guinness World Record in September 2020 for the World’s highest Obstacle Race. The adventure race takes place on the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania at 5896m, which is the world’s highest free standing mountain. The team of 60 competitors will summit the mountain first and then descend into the volcanic crater to compete in 10 obstacles over 100m.

The adventure aims to attract athletes from around the world on a quest as a team to set a World Record and leave a lasting impact to various charities in Tanzania. Each competitor will be raising over $2000 each for the charity of their choice which will be a massive boost to the various charities.

The 12 day experience will be a test of endurance, strength, and courage as the team trek with over 400 porters and guides as support crew, to set up the course, supported by a high altitude field hospital and a medical helicopter on the summit, on standby. Safety is crucial as the demands will be high.

As though the summit is not enough of a test of grit, determination and fitness, adding the obstacle course to mix, extending the time at altitude and additional physical demands is not for the faint hearted. The summit is done after 5 days of trekking, to acclimatise, 2-3 hours of sleep before the midnight start of summit. It’s a steep 7 hour ascent through freezing conditions, and in September it may well be snowing.

The summit is reached at dawn where there are fist pumps and celebrations in between trying to breath. Some find the summit “the hardest thing they’ve ever done”, but that is what makes the success so much sweeter.

Local mum of two daughters, fitness fanatic and heart of service, Lisa Conyers, who will be 51 at the time of the race, is determined to make this event one her daughters will be proud of. Lisa is committed to helping her porter’s and guide’s children have a good education and also help a charity, SHARE Tanzania supporting Albino and disabled children in Tanzania.

Albino children are often not accepted into society and suffer because of it.

Lisa has attempted world records four times in the last 3 years, and maybe this 5th attempt will be one that is successful. Over the last 3 years Lisa has summited Mt Kilimanjaro 4 times and each time on the summit, at 5896m, she and her team perform push-ups. Most people are struggling to breath let alone add push-ups and now an obstacle course. The recommended time at summit is 20 minutes so the extra time, which maybe 2 hours to complete the obstacle course is going to be a gruelling physical and a mental test to the competitors. There is no one winner of the event as its you vs the elements of the mountain. The winners will be the charities we are able to support and the satisfaction of completing a gruelling test of mental and physical wellness.

The event is organised by OCR experts, Rob Edmond and mountaineer, Dave Pickles from UK, who are determined to make this an incredible and unique event. A test of mental resilience, physical fitness and leave a legacy of good to the communities helped. Employing over 400 porters is going to be one of the biggest groups to trek the mountain and will create a wave change for the porter’s families as well.

Lisa needs your support to get her there. Starting over at 50, with her daughters, she needs your help and has set up a gofundme page and will be running various fund-raising events over the next 6 months to make this unique and perhaps crazy dream come true.

If you feel compelled to support Lisa, her charities and help put Cairns and Australia on the map of Guinness World Records then she welcomes you and thanks you from the bottom of her heart.

Contact Lisa directly as well.

www.gofundme.com/f/worlds-highest-ocr-and-childrens-charity?utm_ source=customer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

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Lift like a girl TRACEY DEFFERRARD It’s a new decade, people! No doubt, you are living your most hydrated and jazzercised self, and you actually have some functioning pens at your desk because you’re THAT serious about getting your life together for 2020. New year, new you, right? Most people think being healthy means making drastic diet changes and hitting the gym hard, but the reality is this kind of restriction only ever does more harm than good. Tracey Defferrard is a woman on a mission to empower other women through health and wellbeing, and what better time to start your new decade resolutions (oh, the pressure!) than right now? “Many women forget to focus on themselves and their needs. I know what it is to let life ‘get busy’ and understand that for many women, fitness and health can get lower on the priority list. Sometimes simply getting to the end of the week is a win. “I’m here to help change that, to not only help make regular exercise and healthy nutrition a focus, but also to help women realise that they are a priority and that wellness is more than just physical, but mental as well.

Healthy body, healthy mind, happy life.” So with that in mind, here’s Tracey’s tips that’ll help your New Year’s resolution last past February 1st.

Start moving

“This is quite literally the first step,” says Tracey. “Once you’ve made that commitment to yourself, it all falls into line from there. If you’ve never exercised before or you’ve come back from injury or illness, taking a regular walk each day gets you into a pattern. Patterns create habits, and from there increasing and improving the level of activity is easy.”

Lift weights

Terrified of bulging biceps or thundering thighs? Let that lie go!

Learning how to lift weights properly increases bone density, heart health, reduces stress levels and the risk of diabetes.

Yes, it naturally increases muscle mass, which in turn uses more calories, so it’s a win.

“ A registered nurse, personal trainer and owner of online training program The Best Body Project, Tracey has the smarts and personal results to truly practice what she preaches in the fitness space – earlier this year, Tracey took out first place in the WBFF Diva Fitness bodybuilding competition in the 35+ division, earning her a pro card in the process.”

Make dietary changes

No need to go full sugar-free vegan on January 1, especially if you like the odd steak and treat night. But really practicing mindful eating is important. “Start by simply increasing vegetable intake – zucchini noodles instead of pasta, for example,” says Tracey. “Also watching when you’re eating as well as what – eat more during your most active time, and keeping things to a minimum a few hours before bed.”

Drink more water

“The average office worker should be aiming for three litres of water per day,” she says. “Water keeps your skin looking fresh, your blood pumping strong and concentration in tip-top condition.”

Set short term goals

Short term goals get long term results. Motivation is the key.

While a full Iron Man might not be on your scope immediately, a Couch-to-5KM is easily managed with the right training and encouragement. And who knows where that challenge will lead in a few years time!

DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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Sugar Queen KYLIE FARINELLI

Prime Time TV viewers may not have known what hit them recently when Kylie Farinelli from Mourilyan in Far North Queensland was accepted as a contestant on Zumbo’s Just Desserts aired on the Seven network recently.

A self-proclaimed walking soundbite, the trailer for the reality cooking show went into overdrive as they caught Kylie proudly announcing “I’m large and in charge.”

Raised by a Maltese mother and grandmother, Kylie readily admits that food plays a huge part of her life. “They say Italians are passionate their food. Well, I married an Italian, and his family had no idea about how passionate us Maltese were. They didn’t know what hit them when I arrived,” Kylie laughs.

talking about your greatest love!”

Kylie didn’t win the competition, but that was certainly not enough to keep the entrepreneur from her next big idea.

Drawing on her passion of creating delicious food, and her love of Far North Queensland, where fresh tropical fruits have always been deeply ingrained in her diet, it seems inevitable that her next mission as a food producer would one day emerge.

Using these two ingredients, Kylie has developed a range of fruit infused sugars, perfect for creating naturally sweet frostings for cakes and dessert.

“Taking inspiration from the Fruit bowl we live The 45 year old sugarcane farmer turned in, I have created a range of fruit-infused cake designer has certainly had her share “Taking inspiration sugars to bring you an unforgettable of careers. Having worked the land for sweet experience right from my FNQ 25 years alongside with her husband from the Fruit bowl we live kitchen to yours. The smooth and sugarcane farming husband, Paul, in, I have created a range of sweet flavour that romances your Kylie has also run her own fashion fruit-infused sugars to bring you tastebuds leaving you wanting label and been an elected local just that little bit more as it government representative for an unforgettable sweet experience never quite feels like you can get four years at Cassowary Coast right from my FNQ kitchen to yours. enough of it.”

Regional Councillor.

But through her life, her one constant has always been food, specifically dessert making, which is what drew her to the television competition in the first place.

The smooth and sweet flavour that With flavours including zesty romances your tastebuds leaving you lemon, bold banana, alluring wanting just that little bit more as it strawberry and seductive passionfruit, the sugars can be never quite feels like you can get used in your favourite biscuit enough of it.” recipe, or as the sweetest frosting on

As a third-generation sugar cane farmer, Kylie is no stranger to cooking with sugar.

Whipping up fantastical treats in the kitchen is a way of winding down for the mother-of-two sons, Travis, 21, and Brett, 17.

“I just love feeding people. Even when my boys were growing up, their friends always knew they’d be treated to cupcakes and desserts when they came to our house. I was known as the Cupcake Lady, and I loved that title, because when I bake, I have a chance to express myself, and really tap into my creative flair.”

Whilst filming for Zumbo, Kylie wowed the judges with her signature dish called a Taste of the Tropics Cake.

“It includes some of the tropical flavours of the Far North like pineapple, mango, passionfruit, lemon and lime. In the episode, I paid homage to farmers Australia wide, and the adversities that farmers face each day. We really do need to be supporting our Australian farmers at every opportunity, which is why I’m so passionate about using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.”

Kylie explains “My mum always used to say to me, ‘When you talk about food, you talk with such passion, as though you’re 28

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cupcakes and desserts.

Kylie is rightfully proud of her creation.

“There is a noticeable difference from these compared to the other products on the markets. These sugars are all natural, made with 100% Australian freezedried fruits and are void of nasty chemicals that are all too common in food products these days.

The new “must-have” addition to your pantry can be used for buttercream, frosting, or icing cakes, dusting for pancakes or biscuits.

“It’s really only limited by your imagination.”

Kylie also dreams of one day, opening a farmer’s market and cafe on their property - a sweet pit stop of sorts where she could sell her scrumptious sweets to hungry passing motorists. But for now, she’s focussed on showcasing the flavours of the Far North with her Sugar Queen range of sugars.

The delicious, locally created flavoured sugars are available from www.kyliefarinelli.com.au

PEOPLE

Top 5 Tips for School Success JULIE DORE

EDUCATOR, SPEAKER & AUTHOR OF ‘PREPPING FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS’

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Read to your child every day. This simple act greatly improves a child’s literacy, vocabulary, concentration and imagination. Children who are regularly read aloud to become better readers themselves. And children who are good readers achieve better results at school. It is also fun and a great way to spend time together.

Follow a good morning and night routine. Children thrive in environments that are consistent. Having routines that are easy and predictable means less stress for everyone in the family. Keep mornings positive, as this can affect the rest of the day, and end the day in a calm, technology-free atmosphere.

Encourage your child to be independent. Children can do a lot more things than we give them credit for. Give them age-appropriate jobs, including doing things for themselves (e.g. tidy room, get dressed), and things for the family (e.g. refill toilet rolls, set table). Even if they can only do some parts of a job initially, it’s better than none!

Talk and listen to each other. Listen when your child is telling you things, no matter how trivial you think they are. Then when they need someone to talk to, they know they can come to you. Encourage your child to listen, children cannot be taught anything until they can listen.

Be a good role model. Children really are, ‘Monkey see, monkey do,’ as well as, ‘Monkey hear, monkey say.’

So be careful what you do and say in front of your child unless you mean it and/or want it repeated. You are their first and most important teacher, so teach them well.

And remember… success and happiness are both choices we make.

phone 4046 5677 email admin@ccelc.catholic.org.au website: http://www.ccelc.catholic.org.au

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It’s never too early TO LEARN ABOUT MONEY WITH SIMEON AZCUNE

The team at BOQ Earlville is well known for their passion for delivering outstanding customer service, backing local businesses and helping create positive change in our community.

The branch is proud to be part of the Earlville community and has been delivering financial education and learning into our local schools.

We’re also excited to be working with The Smith Family to deliver their ‘Let’s Count’ training – a program is for parents and carers of three to five year olds, and early years’ educators to have the skills and confidence to develop the maths skills of the children in their care.” Says Simeon.

The program emphasises maths in the everyday by noticing, exploring, and talking about numbers, counting, measurement and patterns in their daily lives.

PEOPLE

Designed for students from grades 7 -12, the session helps students to set a budget and create a savings plan “We believe it’s never too to reach a goal such as early to learn about money. purchasing their first car, going on holiday Helping young people learn or moving out of home. about basic banking and Activities encourage students to think about budgeting is so important.” what they currently OWNER MANAGER spend their money on and SIMEON AZCUNE then put a plan in place to avoid spending unnecessarily, and start a savings plan early.

Simeon is looking forward to the new school year, “The team is committed to improving the financial wellbeing of our community and it’s our way to ensure the next generation make better decisions regarding their money.”

To find out more about these initiatives, visit the team today at Shop 4, 520 Mulgrave Road, Earlville or call (07) 42 555 333.

DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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Headstart

ON SPORTS CAREER

Transforming sports prowess into study success isn’t always easy, but a raft of innovative CQUniversity programs are helping FNQ high school students stay motivated.

Year 11 and 12 students across the region are taking on university pathway courses through CQUni Cairns, and gaining qualifications and skills that fast-track them in further study and jobs.

And CQUni Fitness, Sport and Recreation teacher Sonya Barber says more young people are staying in school, and kick-starting careers, with the programs.

Kiante Tutu finished year 12 in 2019, completing both a CQUni Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science unit through the Start Uni Now (SUN) program, and a Certificate III in Fitness, as part of his studies.

The SUN course meant the Gordonvale teen gained direct uni entry to continue the Bachelor of Sports Science in 2020, at the CQUni Cairns campus.

“I’d never really considered sports and fitness as a career, but I did the SUN unit and loved it – and really got to know the industry too,” he said.

“Before that, I hadn’t had any career ambitions in particular, if I hadn’t gone through with this I would have probably dropped out of school and started a trade.”

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As a swimming instructor at Central Cairns Swimming, Kiante is already putting his new skills to use, and has big plans for growing his sports experience while working and studying locally.

A sport and recreation teacher for more than 20 years, Ms Barber said the growing sport and fitness industry provided plenty of opportunity to young people.

“There’s so many jobs available, even while they’re still studying – and knowing they can get qualifications while they’re finishing year 11 and 12 really helps kids stick with it through those tough two years,” Ms Barber said.

“Being able to stay in Cairns to do further study also takes the pressure off financially, because they can keep living at home, and get jobs locally, so that helps build confidence.”

CQUniversity Cairns offers a wide range of courses, including accounting and business, aviation, childcare, teaching and community care, creative arts, professional communications and digital media, engineering and information technology, exercise and sports sciences, nursing, paramedic science, psychology and public health, tourism management and many more.

Students commencing year 11 or 12 in 2020 can still apply for Start Uni Now and VET in Schools at CQUniversity Cairns, visit cqu.edu.au/sun or cqu.edu.au/vetis for more information.

CQUni Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science student Kiante Tutu with one of his swimming students.

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Send hope not flowers MILLER HARRIS GIVES BACK

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The Pullman Cairns International Hotel welcomed Dame Quentin Bryce in October when Miller Harris Lawyers supported the charity Send Hope Not Flowers for the sixth consecutive year. Partner Melissa Neilsen was honoured to have the support of her colleagues as they support this very worthy cause.

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Wellbeing

Why we all need a

LITTLE MORE SELF CARE...

WITH KAREN DOW | SHINE STRONG PSYCHOLOGY

Recently I put my eldest son on a plane for a two-year working holiday in Canada. On one hand I was so excited for his adventure but on the other was holding back a flood of tears at the thought my first baby had grown up. Following my sons departure I spent a lot of time reflecting on the whirlwind of the last 19 years of my parenting ride. What a privilege it has been being a Mum to two beautiful sons, but if there is one thing I wished I had done a little more of over the years that would be to have taken more time for my own self-care.

Research suggests that if we invest in just 10 minutes a day of self-care in the form of mindfulness or meditation it will assist with our ability to remain calm in the face of life’s storms. Taking time to include some exercise into your day or week also promotes self-care as it produces those great happy endorphins that everyone talks about. But if you are anything like me I struggle to find the time for self-care as often there are no daylight hours left after work, fulfilling all of life’s demands and taking care of my family’s needs.

So as this year draws to an end I would encourage you all to set yourself goals for 2020 to improve your self-care.

Self-care can also be in the form of rewards. Give yourself small but regular rewards as by doing this we activate the natural chemical called dopamine which gives us a quick hit of motivation, and we all know we could do with a bit more of that! Rewards can be as simple as booking a massage, going to the movies or getting your nails done… whatever works for you.

Another type of self-care that is also rewarding is catching up with your lady tribe (can you believe it) and guess what there is actually some real science behind it. In 2016 a study found evidence that spending time with friends increases the

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production of oxytocin which is the hormone that produces feelings of love, bonding and wellbeing. Cheers to that science!

Sometimes it is difficult to fit in the time to give ourselves selfcare but if we don’t regularly recharge our batteries then we are at risk of burn out or depression. For the past four years my girlfriends and I take off on a girls only weekend every May and this has become something I look forward to at the beginning of every year. It’s my way of doing something that is just for me.

This proved to be the most important medicine that I could of asked for when my second born son had a skateboard accident in February 2018 in which he fractured his skull and was put on life support. The following three months of my life went by in a blur as my husband and I shared the shifts to be by his side during his recovery whilst juggling to keep both of our individual businesses running. After three months my son had recovered enough to return to school full time which was just in time for my annual girlfriend getaway. What my lady tribe gave me was the space to recharge and to just be me which I hadn’t felt in such a long time. We laughed, cried, drank wine, had adventures and shared our past years pains and joys. What a healing balm to my soul. By the time I returned home I was ready to go back into battle with my modern life again.

To all the lady tribes out there please remember to invest in your own self-care in 2020…

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.

Hair

HEALTHY HABITS HEALTHY HAIR WITH EMMA GELLING

2020, I can’t even say it let alone begin to imagine what it will be like writing it!

Talking about planning for your hair and makeup may seem silly to some. However your appearance is your forefront, your business card. It’s what people see and what people remember.

We thought by now we would have flying cars, a cure for cancer, robots as butlers and kids riding hover boards to school. And while we may not be completely futuristic, we are forward thinkers and a lot of us are already planning for the year to come.

Have you ever forgot to pop on your mascara before leaving the house only to be greeted with concerned comments of “Are you feeling okay?” Or perhaps you misjudged that fact you should have washed your yesterday, but completely ran out of time today. This is where we can help!

Prepping for the New Year can look very different for all of us.

Some of us will set personal and professional goals, join gyms, buy diaries and promise to use them. Others will start volunteering, meditating, make promises and feel very fulfilled... in January.

The key to any New Year success is creating habits now that we will be able to maintain for the year - not just be a craze for 4 weeks.

When it comes to self care, it means planning now for what you are wanting to achieve for the next year.

Budget your finances, booking future appointments and visualising the types of changes you want to achieve in 2020.

Did you know Blended offer hair and makeup tutorials in both group and individual bookings? We teach you the skills to turn your morning struggles into quick and simple finishes, which will have you leaving the house feeling more confident and looking professional.

We take pride in making sure all our clients have styles they can recreate at home, that are wearable in our client and that they have the knowledge to keep their hair and skin in the best condition possible.

This season, hair trends will see length making a comeback.

Longer hair is becoming increasingly popular again after so many years of short bobs. And of course, Clips, scrunchies, pins and curls are always the favourite when styling up your festive dress.

Knowing the ethos of Oasis readers, I’ll take a guess that most of your goals for 2020 are about improving the lives of other people. However, I want to challenge you to make 2020 a year to take on yourself. You deserve it!

If you’re interested in any of our events or private training sessions, please get in contact today. xx Em

DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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WELLBEING

IMAGINE www.shinestrongjourneys.com.au

“Bali Bliss 2019 was the highlight of my year so far. An adventure from the very beginning. Meeting 11 ladies who all became a cherished part of the retreat. If was amazing how we all bonded in a short time through our life experiences. Do yourself a favour... change your life... be there to experience the next Bali Bliss…”

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BALI BLISS 5 NIGHT BALI ECO STAY TOUR

Imagine... a week without kids and time just for you, have nothing more to do than sit by a waterfall,

have a massage, eat great food, laughter and drinking wine with a lady tribe, whilst learning great mindfulness meditation skills and attend some great wellbeing workshops….

Imagine...

Perfect timing after stressful school holidays, kids back into school, routines all established, now it’s time just for your selfcare to: • Recharge away from the noise of life • Rediscover old dreams and learn to challenge the blocks • Reconnect to a lady tribe and be inspired...

Each morning recharge with a mindfulness session in beautiful jungle surrounds.

Learn the skills on how to take a ‘pause’ in our ever increasing multitasking stressful daily lives. Enjoy incredible wellbeing workshops to rediscover and challenge blocks in your personal or professional life so you can return home re-energized, inspired and with a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, your passions and fears, your desires and dreams. Celebrate your arrival with top quality wines and champagne, indulge in a complimentary 1 hr Balinese massage, experience an unforgettable traditional Balinese women’s circle and a 2 hour peaceful trek through local villages and rice paddies.

Where is this amazing place?

Shine Strong Journeys are blessed to find Bali Eco Stay, accommodation in the heart of Bali near Mt Batukaru with its mesmerising beauty and away from the hustle and bustle. Experience firsthand the incredible surrounding landscapes from eight openair overwater bungalows surrounded by waterfalls, rice paddies, mountain streams and jungle forests, each bungalow is your own mini sanctuary. This is eco-tourism at its finest, organically grown food right outside your doorway and filtered pure spring water to drink. We have exclusive use of the resort so yes…it is all just for us…

Your host…

Karen Dow is a Psychologist in Cairns who is passionate about women’s wellbeing and believes when women come together amazing things can happen. Shine Strong Journeys concept grew out of an evening with a friend who was going through a hard time and over a glass of wine a thought was sparked that wouldn’t it be great if there was a place where women could come together and take some time out for themselves from the chaos of life. Even better if we had a psychologist come to support and teach valuable life tools and assist a likeminded tribe of women to come back feeling stronger as individuals. It was also important that the journey had a challenging component, a give back component and also a pampering component and the experience had to be fun!

• 5 nights accommodation at Bali Eco Stay www.baliecostay.com • Natural spring water swimming and waterfall • Breakfast and dinner each day • Welcome drinks and nibbles • One massage • 3 x workshops with Psychologist Karen Dow • Mindfulness meditation daily • 2 hour village and countryside trek • Local women’s circle (spend the morning with local women making offerings).

• Bonfire on the last night * Optional additional activities: Cooking classes, extra massages and trek guides for extra the treks (9 different ones available) * Flights not included transfers to Bali Eco Stay not included however if travelling with host $20pp each way. * Cost of retreat dependent of sole use of bungalow $1690 or shared bungalow $1290.

For more information: Call Shine Strong Journeys 0406 932 918 Or to Book: Call Cara Marks 0416 177 780 or 4242 5601 Mercedes Gonzalez Travel - Helloworld

DEC 2019 | JAN 2020

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WELLBEING

What’s in it for you?

Your ticket includes...

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• Connect • Paint • Sip • Relax • Adults • Children • Corporate • Repeat!

Mum’s & Bubs, Birthday Parties and all Celebrations!

Getting through CHRISTMAS GRACEFULLY TAMLYN LEAHY | FAMILY LAWYER

unt A y n o g A r a De

wife s. Sadly my a tm s ri h C y rl It’s nea ntly and we e c re ly ir fa d and I separate through what y a w r u o g n are stumbli Do young family. r u o r fo s n this mea n get out how we ca b a s p ti y n a e you hav od gracefully ri e p s a tm s ri h through the C e isruption to th d h c u m o to t and withou mily hildren and fa c r u o t a th s festivitie in? usually share Dad. So So Ho Ho

Dear So So Ho Ho Dad Christmas seems to be imploding on us all! The year is winding down, there are Christmas parties galore, special family gatherings to confirm, presents to buy, and a hopeful expectation that at some point we will get a moment to relax, enjoy the company of others and take in the spirit of Christmas.

Christmas for separated parents can be an especially difficult occasion to navigate, particularly as you may have a lot of people you are trying to keep happy - chief amongst them, is of course, your kids!

If you and your wife are able to communicate effectively, there is no reason why the two of you shouldn’t be able to come to an agreement on how you will share the children over the festive season. Likewise, it’s not unusual to see Family Law Consent Orders where the parents alternate Christmas holidays from one year to the next. Alternatively, the children may spend Christmas Eve until 1pm Christmas Day with one parent, and then the rest of Christmas Day and Boxing day with the other parent. This arrangement can be alternated yearly. In this way, children can spend time with both their parents and their families on Christmas Day. By having your agreement in writing or in the form of Orders, both parents should be able to plan their respective family Christmas and the focus can be on enjoying time with your family, rather than worrying about how the other parent may impact on your time with the children.

When your relationship ends, Christmas traditions may be different from what they were in the past, and that may be hard to reconcile. But you can also view this as a unique opportunity to create new family traditions.

At all times, the best interests of your children should be your primary concern.

May the spirit of Christmas be with you and your family and into the New Year. Stay safe and be kind to yourself.

Kind regards,

Agony Aunt

DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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Trading Stories

LESS = MORE + MORE + MORE JODI ALLEN

In our last issue, we met Jodi Allen, the enterprising innovator who had a simple plan to connect local businesses. Eight years on, Trading Mate holds its place as one of the city’s most popular business networking groups, and incorporates an online advertising opportunity with regular meetups.

Following on from that article, we continue to hear the story of how Jodi has continued to grow the Trading Mate concept.

“By 2015, I’d been planning for several years, so now was the time to launch this online business directory as an entire national database for every new and small business to take advantage of. I knew the system I had developed would capture their phone number, info, pics and links and uploaded them so anyone searching online could find them!

“And, gosh if it’s only $49.50 to add your business for a whole year, that’s less than $1 per week right? I mean, it’s SO MUCH CHEAPER than the other online business directories.

They should be lining up to jump on-board and promote their businesses… RIGHT? Well, things didn’t go exactly to that plan, and as a very wise local businesswoman said to me back in 2013, “Just because you build it, doesn’t mean they will come.”

And she was right!

So it’s now June 2015, my website and membership directory is finally finished - although that turned out to be the understatement of the century, because anyone who has ever built a website will know that they are never ‘finished’?

The TV advertising crew were encouraging when they said “Wow! This directory offers many opportunities for small businesses to utilise, connect and get found.”

They followed this compliment by saying “We can’t promote all of this in a 15 second advert.”

I recall thinking – that can’t be a bad problem right? But it actually was and it meant that television advertising of Trading Mate was going to be quite expensive.

My worst nightmares were coming true. To properly promote this business, I was going to have to… Network! Ugghhhhh - scary stuff for a newbie in business with a tendency to be introverted! All those doubts were running through my head.

“What if my product is a dud?” “What if noone wants to be part of it?” “What if I’ve invested all this money into this business, and no one wants to buy it?”

Meanwhile, the other side of my brain was saying “But this has EVERYTHING a new or small business owner needs to

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get started. You’re doing this for all the right reasons. Your passion is easily recognisable & you’ve worked hard and have a rock solid business plan. There is so much value for so little cost! You’ll meet fabulous like-minded people. This will be fun!”

And - low and behold - people DID start engaging with Trading Mate by joining as members! Hooray! And with the myriad of coffee meetups and networking events I attended, came opportunities to learn more and build rapport with other business people, while fostering industry relationships and gaining a positive reputation for helping business people connect with one another. This provided me with some confidence, simply because it wasn’t actually about me anymore. Whether I liked it or not, this was the way my business held value for those who had invested in the platform – and THAT was my goal!

The Trading Mate motto is Less = More + More + More.

The less it costs, the more people can afford to join, the more the online platform will be used, the more online traffic will be generated organically thus giving more exposure and SEO links for the businesses participating! It’s a textbook Win-Win situation!

Pushing past all the knee-knocking nerves, the gut-wrenching anxiety and the the stress I felt walking into a new room filled with established and successful long term business operators, I learnt A LOT about what kind of returns I should expect from the cost, information gained and time involved in attending functions to promote the Trading Mate business.

And so the next phase of the Trading Mate community came to be… more on that in the final part of this story in the next edition of Oasis Magazine.

Sabine Harth Professional Coaching & Mentoring Services TRE® Provider (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises)

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+61 415959195 coach@sabineharth.com DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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Business Liason ASSOCIATION

BUSINESS

FNQ Students Strive for Excellence at the BLA Awards!

This would have to be our favourite time of the year, with Christmas approaching, the school year closing, awards nights all over the region, Christmas parties, family time and don’t forget our year 12 students finishing school and choosing their new adventures. We to, at the Business Liaison Association have launched into celebrating the achievements of our local students in curriculum areas they are passionate about. Last year we had over 12,000 students engage in our events, awards and activities.

This year, when organising our events, we have focussed on these words “When educating the minds of our youth, we must also not forget to educate their hearts.” Dalai Lama. It is important for our youth to find their passion, what they are good at and we love rewarding them for it with our awards.

The BLA Team along with teachers, coordinators, volunteers and sponsors have been working hard assessing projects and portfolios for the DATTA Awards and the Aspire Awards. All judging is now completed, and the winning entries have been selected.

I am grateful to be a part of such a wonderful organisation that is aligning education and industry in such a rewarding way to acknowledge and empower our local students. The quality of projects and portfolios submitted this year was outstanding, with again reaching a record number of entries across all awards and competitions. We are hoping that 2020 will bring 54 |

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us another 3 new award categories in IT, Medical Sciences and a surprise category, so watch this space!

DATTA Awards The DATTA Awards Presentation Night was held at the Event Cinemas Cairns Central on Thursday 31st October. Over 100 students were recognised for their excellence in data, design, construction and technology. There was an overwhelming response in attendance from students and their families who came along to support them.

Aspire Awards The Aspire Awards Presentation Night is approaching on Thursday 28 November at the Pullman Cairns International Hotel.

The Business Liaison Association will present approximately 100 awards to students across 20 industry categories. We are expecting in excess of 500 people at the awards night and I am excited to be involved with such a passionate team that assist me to orchestrate an event of this magnitude.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our incredible award sponsors and our corporate sponsors for their generous ongoing support and financial contributions

BUSINESS

to make these awards possible. It’s not every day that you get to play a positive role in changing the life of a student. If you would like to know more about working with us please send me an email eo@bla.org.au, I would love to have a chat with you.

To all students who entered our awards and competitions you should be very proud of your accomplishments and embrace the future ahead of you. Remember students – “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Aristotle We would like to express our sincerest appreciation to our sponsors, principals, teachers, volunteers, supporters and

our executive committee for the trust you have placed in us. May the magic of the holiday season be all wrapped up with cheer and filled with celebration for the New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Angela, Wendy & Kerrie

BUSINESS

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BrandTASTIC SCOTT BROWN | SIGN MAN SCOTT

Small business branding design can be the key to your success, it really is that important. Get your logo and branding right from the very beginning, it is your identity after all.

A few principles to help accomplish a successful brand are consistency, imagery, colour, typography, strategy and a clear message across all collateral. When done correctly, all together they not only build, they maintain a successful brand.

What are some things to keep in mind when it comes to branding?

1. Consistency To create and maintain relationships, you need to be consistent. Inconsistent branding can lead to your audience either forgetting you or mistaking you for another business.

Colour, typography, imagery and repeated design elements should always be at the forefront when you are managing your brand collateral.

2. K.I.S Keep it simple applies to the design of your logo and all your branding collateral. Simplicity is beautiful, it makes it easy and enjoyable for your audience to obtain the required information and values they need to associate themselves with your brand.

3. Colour Matters Colour Psychology, theory and Pantone references should be implemented in the logo and branding process. Colour can evoke specific feelings that you and your audience respond to. To ensure your colour is correct and consistent across all printers we recommend you have pantone references.

4. You are just my Type Some of the most recognised logo designs use typography in a wise and effective way to communicate messages, personality and even create relationships with their audience. Typography decisions are considered for the entirety of the brand, which includes all streams from digital to print to signage.

5. Graphic Design As Paul Rand said “design is the silent ambassador for your brand” Our Graphic designers are qualified and understand the principles of design that are needed for successful branding, we work with you and guide you through the process. You wouldn’t let an unqualified electrician rewire your house would you?

6. Is it appropriate?

Does it reflect who you are while also engage with your intended audience?

7. Promote with Signage & Print Now your brand is ready to take on the world it is important to ensure all the above principles are followed and considered when applying your brands designs to your vehicle and building signage, print and digital collateral and even your workwear choices.

At allsigns print & design we are passionate about achieving your design and branding outcomes, we work closely with you, sharing our passion and knowledge; whether you are starting from scratch or wanting to rebrand with a fresh new look.

Ask, what else is possible?

DEC 2019 | FEB 2020

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Ethnicraft Bok Dining Table | Solid Oak Black 2200 x 950 x 760mm | $2,630.00

Armadillo & Co Atlas Limestone Rug | 2 x 3m | $1,850.00 Middle of Nowhere Palm Window | Square Framed Canvas 120 x 120cm | $495.00

Koru GIFT GUIDE

Eadie Lifestyle Luca Boho Cushion | Linen 60 x 60cm | $145.00 each

Eadie Lifestyle Bedouin Cushion | Natural 50 x 50cm | $125.00 each Rogue Spikey Grass Artificial Plant 35 x 35 x 38cm | $85.00

Olivia Dining Chair | Black Rattan Wicker | $375.00 each

Home

Cairns Builders Clean Up

AT 2019 HIA-CSR NQ HOUSING, KITCHEN & BATHROOM AWARDS The 2019 HIA - CSR Housing, Kitchen & Bathroom awards held in Townsville in November, and Cairns builders were highlighted amongst the most current examples of modern trends in new homes, kitchens and bathroom design.

High quality in workmanship, design and innovation is synonymous with the HIA Awards, and we’d like to congratulate the following businesses for their wins.

2019 NQ Home of the Year | MyStyle Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd CSR Custom Built Home | MyStyle Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd NQ Tile Styles Display Home | Ashlee Jones Homes SuperGreen Solutions SPEC Home | Allaro Homes Cairns Pty Ltd SuperGreen Solutions GreenSmart Sustainable Home | MyStyle Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd TrueCore Steel Steel Frame Project | Superior Steel Homes NQ Qleave Outdoor Kitchen | MyStyle Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd NQ Tile Styles Outdoor Project | MyStyle Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd Townsville Bulletin Townhouse/Villa of the Year | Eastbuild Designer Homes Townsville Bulletin Townhouse/Villa Development | Boscon Constructions Pty Ltd Toyota Residential Building Designer | Allaro Homes Cairns Pty Ltd (Troy Cavallaro) CSQ Residential Interior Designer | Ashlee Jones Homes Laminex Kitchen of the Year | MyStyle Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd, Pacific Kitchens & Kim Duffin Design Polytec Kitchen Design | Kim Duffin Design, and MyStyle Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd Samios Plumbing Supplies Bathroom of the Year | MyStyle Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd, Pacific Kitchens and Kim Duffin Design New Homes Guide Bathroom Design | Kim Duffin Design, and MyStyle Homes (QLD) Pty Ltd Stratco Apprentice of the Year | Nicholas Waters from Cairns Specialized Cabinets The quality of the finalists and winners’ entries showcased a range of new products, technology, architecture and the highest standard of workmanship from the building industry in North QLD making the decision of the judges a very tough exercise.

The North Queensland winners will now go on to represent North Qld at the National Awards to be held on the Gold Coast in May 2020.

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Meet..

HANNAH DUNLEA In August 2019, keen anglers from across the country descended on Cairns for the Australian International Light Tackle Billfish Tournament. Participants in the three-day competition endured ocean swells of over two metres, 24+ knot winds and FNQ rain, in all her glory.

One of the stars to emerge from the tournament was 15 year old Cairns High student, Hannah Dunlea, who claimed the title of Champion Junior Angler of the event.

We caught up with Hannah for a chat about her love of fishing, and the amazing opportunity on offer to her attend the Invitation Only Hawaiian International Billfish tournament in 2020.

When did you first become interested in fishing?

“My dad is a keen fisherman, and for as long as I can remember, I have been fishing with him. I enjoy all types of fishing whether it’s crabbing and throwing the cast net in the creek down the street from my home, to bottom bashing and Pelagic fishing out on the continental shelf. I love the thrill and excitement of pulling up a new type of fish I’ve never seen before.”

“In 2016, I begged dad to let me come Pelagic fishing with him in the Wahi Wahi Tournament at Yorkeys Knob. The weather forecast was predicting 30+ knot winds and 4-5 metres of swell. As scary as that seemed in our tiny boat it was so much fun, and I ended up catching my first Mahi Mahi and won the Junior category.

“Since then I have competed in a number of bill fishing competitions including 2017 Yorkeys Knob Heavy Tackle Competition and the 2018 Innisfail Billfish Competition.”

“What I especially love is the ocean and it’s unpredictability.

One moment, the ocean is as smooth as glass and you can see for miles, and the next minute, it’s creating giant walls of water. I am very passionate about the ocean and I aspire to work in the marine industry when I graduate from school.”

Game fishing isn’t your typical sport for a high school student. Can you ever see that changing?

“That’s true. So many times, when I’m entering a competition, I’m the only female, and the only junior. Game fishing is mostly a male-dominated sport, but that’s certainly something I would like to see changed in the future. It’s so much fun!”

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“Billfishing is often thought of as being cruel to marine animals, however in recent years, Cairns has adopted a method of tagging and releasing the billfish and other game fish, to ensure we act ethically, and keep plenty of fish in the water.

The sport of Billfishing has also been able to help in scientific research on billfish, which is something that interests me.”

You’ve been invited to compete in Hawaii in 2020. That’s fantastic! Tell us about how that happened.

“We were in our little 6.5metre boat named Dun Deal. I was the only person in the entire competition to tag two Black marlins, including the adults. But as I am only 15, the rules stated that I’m only eligible for the junior prizes.”

“Overall, our team came second, and part of our prize was an invitation to represent Australia at the 2020 Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. And as exciting as that sounds, we know it’s going to cost a lot of money.

We will need to pay for flights, accomodation and chartering a boat in Hawaii. But despite this challenge, It would mean the world to me to represent my country in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Here at Oasis Mag, there’s little we love more than seeing locals kicking enormous goals. And when that local happens to be a young girl, and the goal she’s kicking is in an area that has previously been a traditional male-engaged field, well … we love it even more! So, we’re proud to be getting behind Hannah in her quest to get her to Hawaii in 2020.

Along with recently completing her Junior Certificate, Hannah is currently working three part-time jobs to fund her trip to Hawaii.

We’d love you to join us in supporting #HannahToHawaii and contribute to her GoFundMe campaign at this link: https://bit.ly/348D4Uw

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