Feature Magazine February 2018 by The Local Times

GRIFFINCREST

CONTENTS

Contact

Advertising: Darren More 0416 430 792 ads@featuremagazine.com.au General: 07 3886 9040 editor@featuremagazine.com.au

Writing Team

Publisher: More Publishing Group Editor: Darren More Copy Editor: Rebecca Fawcett-Smith Writers: Kristine Lane, Alex Habilay Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

Creative Team

Graphic Design: Graphic Design by Jo-Jo

Photo of the Month! Photographer Peter Crawley

Image Title

Ron Liekefett in his role as Don in the KSP Theatre production of ‘Cosi fan tutte’

Camera

Nikon D810 with Nikkor 24-70 F2.8 Exp 1/500 at f2.8

FEBRUARY 2018 FEATURE STORIES

Love Out Loud With Nicole Gibson P14 Sam Cawthorn: How to Transfer Crisis into Success P22 Mitch Heit: Scale Aerobatics Champion P24

www.burpengarycameraclub.org.au Meetings 2nd and 4th Thursday monthly 7:15 to 9:30pm

In Brief 06 Health 28 Education 34 Dining Guide 38 Puzzles 40 Real Estate 42 Trades & Services 44

EDITORIALS Send all story ideas and articles to editor@morepublishing.com.au ADVERTISING For advertising rates, conditions and bookings please contact our team at ads@featuremagazine.com.au or contact Darren More on mobile 0416 430 792. BUSINESS HOURS Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm DISTRIBUTION Caboolture, Morayfield, Burpengary, Narangba, Dakabin, Kurwongbah, Kallangur, Petrie, Murrumba Downs, Griffin and online via www.featuremagazine.com.au COPYRIGHT & DISCLAIMER No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. The information in this magazine is for information purposes only. Feature Magazine and its editors, publishers and agents assume no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Feature Magazine or it’s publishers. Therefore, Feature Magazine carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. INDEMNITY By advertising or submitting with Feature Magazine you agree to indemnify all participating contributors and supporting businesses such as graphic designers and printers against any claims. ABN 47 438 219 632

February 2018

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HIGHLIGHTS

InBrief NICOLE GIBSON

This 25-year-old, multi-award winning social entrepreneur will soon launch her first book!

PARENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIPS

Learn easy ways to keep them positive!

more on page 43

Burpengary Youth Nominated for Qld Young Achiever Award Simone Trentino from Burpengary has been nominated for the LGIAsuper Community Volunteer Award, one of eight categories in the Queensland Young Achiever Awards. The Awards aim to encourage, reward and most importantly promote the positive achievements of young Queenslanders up to and including 29 years of age. The LGIAsuper Community Volunteer Award aims to acknowledge those who have made an outstanding voluntary contribution and have positively impacted the lives of others and their community. This Award covers all aspects of volunteering including (but not restricted to) youth at risk, the homeless and

disadvantaged, emergency services, health, aged care and not-forprofit organisations. Nominees are community volunteers who, through exceptional leadership and support to others, demonstrate innovative ways to achieve excellence beyond what is expected of them.

The young generation of migrants towards Australia have been the poll of people who have had the most benefits from the variety of activities that Simone has been involved with from kids with disability, to International students and future professionals in the industry.

“For me, being a citizen of the world has never meant to travel around the globe. Instead, I have always believed that actively contributing into the positive growth of the international and multicultural community is the real essence of that spirit,” said Simone.

Category winners will each receive $2,000 courtesy of Auswide Bank and a magnificent trophy. One of the eight category winners will be chosen as the Queensland Young Achiever of the Year and will receive an additional $2,000 from Auswide Bank and a State trophy.

“From being founder of an association, to becoming mentor and ultimately encapsulating that genuine passion for the social cohesion and community integration in my ambassadorship roles, I have always hoped to have set in the eyes and hearts of the ones that I have met during my experiences a seed of mutual respect and understanding that maybe one day will blossom in the name of embracing cultural diversity as a mesmerising variable of our existence.”

Hop to CREEC and Help Find Frogs

Moreton Bay Regional Council is encouraging residents to leap into action and learn more about the app dubbed ‘Shazam for frogs’ this February for the first ever national frog count. Council will host a special session at the Caboolture Region Environment and Education Centre (CREEC) on Sunday, February 4 with the developers of FrogID, an app that records and maps frog calls, to help residents count the number of frogs in Moreton Bay. Lifestyle and Amenity Spokesperson Councillor Matt Constance said kicking off at 5pm, the developers of FrogID will talk about the project and the app, which captures sounds to help locate populations of the country’s 240-plus frog species. “You’ll get a practical demonstration of how to use FrogID and also walk down to Burpengary Creek where you can use the app yourself and see if you can capture the sound of local frog species, including the rare Giant Barred Frog,” Cr Constance said.

give scientists a better understanding of how different frog species are responding to a changing environment. Data obtained through FrogID will also help experts track pest cane toad populations. “The Wildlife Preservation Society Queensland will also be on hand to chat about local frogs and wildlife,” Cr Raedel said. Bookings are essential and can be made online. “Places are limited, so hop to it!” The event is suitable for residents aged 10-years and older. CREEC is located at 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary. To book your place, or for more information on the Find a Frog in February at CREEC head to http:// news.frogid.net.au/find_a_frog_in_ feb_moreton_bay.

Division 12 Councillor Adrian Raedel said information collected by residents will help match calls to weather patterns and habitat, and

InBrief

February 2018

We congratulate Simone for being nominated and wish her the best of luck with judging on Tuesday, March 6.

Upgrade Approved for Sideling Creek Dam In 2012-13, Seqwater commissioned an independent review of SEQ’s 26 referable dams. Sideling Creek Dam (Lake Kurwongbah) located on a tributary of the Pine River in the Moreton Bay region, is one of a number of dams identified for dam improvements. The approved upgrade option involves strengthening the main dam and spillway to help the structures withstand earthquakes, extreme weather events and to comply with current engineering standards and guidelines. The upgrade will involve a number of works including: • installing a new filter buttress • raising the height of the spillway guide walls • constructing a pre-excavated pool downstream, and • reinstating the slot in the spillway to allow the dam to be restored to its original full supply level. Construction is scheduled to start in mid-2018 and will take 12 months to complete, subject to approvals, weather and onsite conditions. Lake Kurwongbah will remain open to on-water recreation during construction; however temporary exclusion zones will be established to keep everyone safe. Any temporary exclusion zones will be lifted once construction is complete. Kurwongbah Park on Dayboro Road will be closed during the construction period. Once the upgrade is finished, Sideling Creek Dam will be used for drinking water during times of drought, and the lake will remain open to the public for shared recreation, seven days a week.

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FEATURE

Love Out Loud With Nicole Gibson WORDS: Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

Twenty-five-year-old multi-award winning social entrepreneur, Nicole Gibson, will add author to her many titles when she launches her first book ‘Love Out Loud’ this month. The recipient of many notable awards, including Queensland Mental Health Week Youth Award Winner 2017, and the youngest person to have held the position of Commonwealth Commissioner for Mental Health, Nicole’s remarkable journey was sparked by a life-threatening teenage battle with anorexia nervosa. During her long recovery, Nicole came to the realisation that love is the only true healer, and for the past decade she has travelled the world spreading her message of love and connectedness; reaching over 300 international communities and 250,000 people. “Life’s about finding what you love and what lights you up, and for me, the moments that keep me doing what I do are when someone comes up to me at the end of a presentation or in a workshop, and gives me a hug and lets me know that I have said something or held a space for them to really have a genuine breakthrough that is going to change the trajectory of their thinking and their life.” Community-connectedness and self-connection is at the heart of Nicole’s message, and with the launch of ‘Love Out Loud’ Nicole is set to turn up the love even further. ‘Love Out Loud’ isn’t just a book but a body of work, with a seminar series and a retreat series also in development. “One of my biggest beliefs is every opportunity for connection is a really amazing and often quite a profound opportunity and experience for people where you can actually come together with a common goal to learn and grow and expand your horizons. “What I know from my own experience is that connectedness is one of the primary solutions for some of the biggest challenges that people face today around themselves, disengagement and addiction. Connection plays the role of really healing and expanding people’s perspective, because when you’re isolated and disconnected, I think it’s a lot easier to believe that things will never change because you’re not having new experiences. When you have that feeling and those experiences of being connected, it just opens up whole new worlds.” CEO/Founder of The Rogue and Rouge Foundation, an Australian charitable organisation that helps decrease mental health challenges using a communitybased approach, and CEO of Startup Apprentice, a social enterprise committed to inspiring young minds, Nicole is a fierce ambassador for mental health, innovation and connection. While undoubtedly proud of the many achievements that have earnt her the title of social entrepreneur, Nicole prefers to see herself as an unstoppable messenger of love and human potential. “I go to bed thinking about what I do and how to make what I do better, and I think when you live like that, and actually immerse yourself in something that’s helping you grow, that’s when you have found something that’s worthy of being proud of because it’s helping you express yourself.” Prior to forming The Rogue and Rouge Foundation and becoming a speaker, Nicole attended an excellence school for the arts where she majored in theatre. Whilst her 10 years of theatre training already forms the basis of her facilitation style, one of Nicole’s future goals is to bring her two loves – performance and speaking/facilitating – closer together. “Part of my long-term vision is to look at how I can bridge the gap between performance and creating an experience, and what I do as a facilitator and a speaker. I’d love to run massive events that bring elements of performance and music together to create really transformational experiences for people. That’s my ultimate vision.” For more information visit www.nicolegibson.com.au.

COMMUNITY

Diabetic Alert Dog Raises Awareness WORDS: Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

When it comes to Assistance Dogs (also known as Service Dogs) most people think of Golden Retrievers, Labradors and German Shepherds. However thanks to local Mini Groodle, Charlie Star, awareness is growing that assistance dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age four, Emily Turnbull’s carefree childhood has been punctured quite literally by countless, life-saving finger prick tests. Every night since her diagnosis, her parents Louise and Stephen have set their alarms for 11pm and 2am to rise and test her blood glucose levels. Desperate for added peace of mind, Louise and Stephen contacted Paws for Diabetics Inc., a charitable, nonprofit organisation involved in the training and placement of diabetic alert dogs. Following a lengthy and costly application process, the Turnbull family welcomed Charlie Star into their home and hearts last July. “It took us two years to save up [for an assistance dog], but it’s definitely worth it because we’ve seen a big change in Emily’s anxiety levels since we got Charlie,” explains Louise. “Much sooner than we expected as well, because we thought it would be at least a year before Charlie would alert us during the night, but within a few months she was getting off Emily’s bed and coming into our bedroom to alert us.”

those who approach Charlie may be well-meaning, their actions are putting Emily at risk. “Because Emily is Charlie’s handler, I leave it up to her to say, ‘No sorry, she’s working,’ and usually that works, and sometimes we get a lot of questions and that’s fine because it’s creating awareness. But then on the other scale of things we get adults who come over and start patting Charlie and when we say she’s working we get a mouthful back. One day we even got reported in Coles because someone thought Charlie was too cute to be an assistance dog. “What people need to understand is that if a dog is in a shop or somewhere where it shouldn’t be and it’s wearing an assistance dog jacket, whatever breed of dog it is, it is working. If Charlie or any assistance dog gets distracted, then the dog isn’t giving its full attention to its owner, and it could miss picking up on a serious medical issue which could have been avoided.”

Falling under the Assistance Dog category of medical alert/ medical response, diabetic alert dogs are trained to alert their handlers to low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become life-threatening. Trained to detect subtle changes in Emily’s scent indicating dangerous changes in her blood glucose levels, Charlie will alert Emily (or Louise and Stephen) to take the necessary steps to return Emily’s blood sugar to normal.

Like all learner drivers, Charlie must display a yellow ‘L’ plate for the first twelve months of her training. Once certified, she will undergo an annual Public Access Test (PAT) to make sure she stays safe and effective in public places. For Louise, Charlie has already proven invaluable not only for the Turnbull family, but also to Bribie Island Diabetes Support Group Inc. of which Louise is a member. “When Emily’s at school, Charlie goes everywhere with me including the support group meetings, and I often have to ask some of the members to check their blood sugar levels because Charlie’s going crazy alerting. She’s like a little mascot for them.”

“Charlie’s got a big job. Like any normal puppy, she has to be toilet trained and learn commands, but she has to be trained on the medical side of things as well.” The biggest challenge is teaching Charlie to turn a blind eye to members of the public when she’s on duty. While

Assistance Dog Etiquette 1. Never pat an assistance dog. 2. Never feed an assistance dog. 3. Speak to the person, not the dog. 4. Do not distract an assistance dog by whistling or making attention seeking gestures/noises.

February 2018

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COMMUNITY

Free Dementia Education Sessions WORDS: Dementia Australia

Are you worried about your memory? Do you know someone living with dementia? Dementia Australia is now holding free education sessions for Moreton Bay residents affected by dementia. 250 Australians are diagnosed with dementia each day. With figures expected to grow to more than 1 million diagnosed by 2056 – it is a disease that touches many and impacts all. In Queensland alone, there are currently 77,633 people living with dementia. An estimated 7,211 of these reside in the Moreton Bay region. Senior Dementia Advisor Amanda Warman said, “The aim of Dementia Australia’s education sessions is to provide support for Queensland residents living with dementia, as well as their family, carers and friends who are also impacted. “When someone you know or love is diagnosed with dementia it can be a daunting and difficult time. “Facilitated by dementia experts, our workshops cover effective strategies to help manage daily life and to keep healthy while also reminding people that support is available,” Amanda said. “Importantly, they are delivered in a safe, supportive and understanding environment.” Registrations are essential for the below courses and light refreshments will be provided. Specific location details will be provided upon registration. Family Carers Course (Bribie Island): Wednesday, February 21 Family Carers Course (Caboolture): Thursday, March 15 To register or find out more information, including course times and specific locations, please call 1800 588 699, email qld.services@ dementia.org.au or visit dementia.org.au. Dementia Australia is the new voice of Alzheimer’s Australia. The national peak body for people of all ages living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers, it provides advocacy, support services, education and information. National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500 An interpreter service is available (The National Dementia Helpline is an Australian Government Initiative) Dementia is a National Health Priority Area www.dementia.org.au

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COMMUNITY

Support Chicks in Pink at the 2018 Moreton All Body Care Charity Race Day

WORDS: Kristine Lane

For anyone affected by breast cancer, support is vital for recovery, and one local business is doing what it can to help women experiencing this life-threatening condition. Narangba and Burpengary’s Moreton All Body Care is once again hosting a Charity Race Day at Sunshine Coast Turf Club’s Corbould Park Racecourse on Sunday, March 11 in order to raise funds for the Mater Hospital Brisbane’s Chicks in Pink who help to provide essential support for female cancer sufferers. Team ‘Jiggly Bits’, consisting of Physiotherapist Georgie Vinton, Receptionists Claire Lyons and Victoria Allington, and friend Anne Colston, are calling all locals interested in donning their best frock or suit to support a worthy cause. With over 15,934 women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 according to Cancer Australia, significant emotional and financial burdens are often experienced by many of these women whilst dealing with the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of breast cancer. Monies raised by the Charity Race Day will go towards providing crucial support services such as counselling, future research, and practical items like mastectomy bras – all of which will greatly impact these women’s lives. Owner of Moreton All Body Care and main organiser of the event, Georgie, encourages people from the community to come and enjoy a great day out whilst also showing their support for a cause that in all likelihood has already touched many of their lives in some way – be it from a close family member or just someone they know of.

“We have decided to host this Charity Race Day because it is something uniquely special that people of all ages can become involved in. And, it’s a great way for people to get together and have an enjoyable time, all the while helping to raise funds for a fantastic organisation that assist women in a time of significant need. We’re offering the opportunity for residents and groups of friends or work colleagues to dress up in their best outfits and get together whilst also being entertained by all the exciting things that horse racing has to offer.” Promising to be an event-filled day, guests will enjoy a buffet lunch and five hours of drinks, plus entry into the Champagne Garden in the Member’s Area which provides trackside undercover seating. Raffles will also be available before and on the day, as well as the opportunity to sponsor a race – the naming of it, presenting the trophy to the winning owners and trainers, watching a recap of the race in the air-conditioned bar with the owners, and receiving a personalised photographic bottle of wine to commemorate. “Tickets are just $100 per adult and $50 per child, and numbers are restricted - including sponsorship of the races,” says Georgie, “so we recommend people booking as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out. With our sights set on raising $5,000 again this year, we encourage the community to get behind us to support this worthy cause, and to come and enjoy a beautiful autumnal day at the races with the aim of helping women who have breast cancer.” When: Sunday, March 11 Where: Sunshine Coast Turf Club, Caloundra Ticketing and Info: 0468 890 204

February 2018

Feature

FEATURE

We can “ choose either bitterness or gratefulness, and I chose the latter.

”

Sam Cawthorn: How to Transform Crisis into Success Words: Kristine Lane Photos: Contributed

“Your decision, not your condition, is what determines who you are.” So says leading Australian entrepreneur and professional motivational speaker, Sam Cawthorn. And he should know – losing his right arm and permanently damaging his right leg in a 210km head-on collision with a semi-trailer 11 years ago, to becoming a successful author, corporate speaker, and company CEO. Lucky to keep his life, this one-time pizza delivery driver and government youth advisor accepted rather than resented his disability, and began speaking in schools about overcoming adversity to achieve success. Motivating students across Australia and overseas with his story by demonstrating how it was possible to overcome barriers, Sam was eventually awarded the Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year in 2009. With the key to his success based on being grateful for what he did have, rather than what he didn’t have, and ignoring all the ‘what-ifs’, Sam believes that it was his inherent defiance in not accepting the doctors’ prognosis of never walking again that helped his initial 18 month recovery to become upwardly mobile again, thus helping to create his concept of ‘Bouncing Forward: transforming crisis into success’. “Changing a person’s mindset is the key to moving on to be the best that they can be. After my accident, I didn’t suffer any depression or anxiety - because it just didn’t serve me. I have always believed that everyone has the capacity to overcome adversity – that we have been

February 2018

Feature

given the freedom of choice – and so we get to choose whether or not we want to overcome something or not. We can choose either bitterness or gratefulness, and I chose the latter.” Inspiring others to re-evaluate their state of being and to unlearn negative thoughts and influences, Sam is adamant that people’s natural state is one of positivity and authenticity, not despair or pessimism. By not worrying about what others think and aiming to charge through life at full capacity, Sam says that re-educating oneself about how to live a happy and more fulfilled life is the key. “It’s important in life to have a purpose and to develop goals, because if we don’t know where we are going or why we are doing it, then we can’t truly understand our core - which is the very essence of why we get up each morning.” Also a philanthropist who runs the Cawthorn Foundation raising awareness for people with disabilities in developing countries, he has shared the stage with notable figures such as Richard Branson and the Dalai Lama, illustrating his motivational philosophy. Sam is also Founder and CEO of his own company, Speakers Institute, training others in speaking and presenting with influence and persuasion to an audience. Working with the likes of TEDx presenters, up-and-coming youth thought leaders, and influential businesses and organisations here in Australia and overseas, Sam and his team coach other professionals in mastering communication – skills born from growing up in a large family in rural Tasmania. Endowed with the gift of the gab and an intrinsic will to explore and learn, Sam says that being the ninth of eleven children created good communication and resilience capabilities. “When you have seven brothers and you are all competing to be heard, you needed to learn to speak loudly, clearly, and precisely. Even fighting over the fish and chips that mum and dad bought home meant that we had to eat fast – first in, first served. But it was an amazing environment to grow up in, and we were always spurring each other on and encouraging each other – something I try to impart in others.” As the author of seven books delving into concepts such as converting crisis into achievement, taking positive action to turnaround a person’s life, and how to excel as a professional speaker through visual storytelling, Sam believes that none of us should conform and settle for mediocre - instead to challenge the mindset to learn and grow, even if that is through inspirational stories like his. “Movie theatres will always be filled with customers and books will always be consumed, because we are human beings that love the story; the thrill, the adventure. We love the journey, to be inspired, and we look for people we learn and grow from. Loneliness, doubt, depression, anxiety, relationship or financial issues, the boring, or mundane – that is the condition. For me, the condition is physical – a lost limb. We just have to remember that it’s our decision, not our condition, which determines who we are.”

Sam’s Four Principles of Bouncing Forward: 1. Crisis Creates Opportunity: realising that crisis can ignite some of the greatest growth periods in life. 2. Proximity is Power: the company that we keep determines who we are, and that we are the average of our five closest friends. 3. Leveraging Happiness that Fuels Success: understanding that happiness creates success, not the other way around, and that we have a choice in which to be happy every day. 4. Don’t Bounce Back, but Forward: overcoming adversity and jumping forward in life, not back to where you were. For more information about Sam Cawthorn’s philosophies, books, and contact details visit http://www.samcawthorn.com/

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FEATURE

Meet Mitch:

Scale Aerobatics Champion Words: Rebecca Fawcett-Smith Photo: Pixels and Spice Photography

The chance discovery of a second hand radio controlled model plane at Caboolture Treasure Market at ten years of age set Burpengary’s Mitch Heit on course to become a three-time state and two-time national scale aerobatics champion. Now eighteen years old, Mitch recalls the ensuing events that saw his aerobatics hobby take off. “A few months after my dad and I found the plane, we went to an air show at SAAMBR [Sports Aeromodellers Association Moreton Bay Region] and the club provided a trainer plane for me to learn on. Not even a year later, I got my licence to fly by myself, and I got my own plane up and going.” Initially flying just for fun, Mitch made the decision to start competing four years ago. “I got to the point where I wanted to do something with it - give it meaning,” explains Mitch. “I’ve jumped up from Basic to Advanced class in those few years. It’s been a good journey.”

freestyle aerobatic manoeuvres on his first sponsored plane – a 91 inch SLICK540. “Freestyle class is a whole new ball game. Everything’s fast and low to the ground, and it lets you get creative with choreography and skill to produce a routine like no other. It’s pretty challenging.” In addition to the unwavering support of his parents, Mitch credits his success to the many SAAMBR members who have supported him on his journey. “Without a lot of the members, there’s no chance I’d be where I am today. They’d take me to different competitions especially when I didn’t have my driver licence, and I learnt a lot just from being at those competitions. So I’d like to say a huge thanks to Darryl Thomas, Eric Pond, George Falcon, Dan Imhoff, Dimitri and Peter Martin, Brad Jory, John Lee and Michael Hains for supporting me throughout the years.” On top of defending his titles, Mitch will spend 2018 building a Pitts plane with his dad, completing the third

Mitch’s skill at flying radio controlled scale models of fullsized aerobatic competition planes through a ‘sequence’ of pre-established manoeuvres in front of judges has resulted in a staggering 19 competition places. “Depending on what you’re flying it can be really relaxing or it can really get you going, and performing at shows in front of an audience is pretty cool. It combines adrenalin with something that I love to do.” Honing his skills both on the airfield and on a simulator, Mitch takes his Extra 260 plane through five to six practice flights each week when competing. “You’ve got to be dedicated to the sport to get as far as I have. If you don’t put time into it you’ve got nothing. As soon as I started learning I got a simulator, and on the competition side of things I’ve had to learn a lot myself, but that’s pretty much how everyone learns.” Following his first place win at the ASAA QLD State Championships last August, Mitch opted not to compete at the ASAA National Championships the following month in order to concentrate on his auto electrical apprenticeship and commercial pilot licence (CPL) training. Discussing his planned comeback at this year’s national championships, Mitch is quietly confident that he will take home the national title. “There’s two guys that I really want to beat this year, so I’ve got to come back strong,” he says. “I’m excited to see how far I can push it and go further.” Thanks to SAAMBR member and PR Manager Dan Imhoff, owner of radio controlled aircraft and accessories business HoffRC, Mitch will soon be wowing crowds with

year of his apprenticeship, and finishing the first stage of his CPL training before hopefully taking to the skies in the Whitsundays. “We went up to Airlie Beach a couple of years ago and went out to the aerodrome and got talking to a pilot, and Mitch would eventually like to go up there and fly the islands,” explains his dad, John. “Hopefully I’ll have the first stage of my CPL completed by the end of this year, which will allow me to land a job up there and then progress,” adds Mitch. Until then, for this young pilot the sky is truly the limit.

Fast Facts!

First plane you flew? A Frontier Senior supplied by SAAMBR. Favourite manoeuvre? Toss between a blender and/or torque roll to prop hang. Number of crashes? Four over the 10 years I’ve been flying. Worst crash? Mid-air collision with another aircraft. Both planes were written off. Dream plane? My Extra 260. I’ve always loved it.

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COMMUNITY

KAIDAN’S STORY:

Local Youth Thanks Community WORDS: Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

Thanks to the generosity of the Narangba community, 15-year-old Kaidan Evans has learnt the value of hard work, the power of social media and the meaning of community spirit. In October last year, Kaidan took the initiative to post in the Narangba Watch Facebook page offering odd jobs so he could save for his dream freestyle BMX bike. After a week of jobs including mowing, weeding and running rubbish to the local tip, Kaidan had saved enough to buy his bike, however his joy was short-lived when only a week after purchasing it, it was stolen from Burpengary Plaza. “He was shattered, because it was something that he wanted so badly and that he had literally worked so hard for,” says Kaidan’s mum, Em. Devastated for her son, Em posted in Narangba Watch alerting the community that the bike they had helped Kaidan buy had been stolen, and asking that they keep an eye out for it. Brock Jaeger of B&D Realty (who Kaidan had distributed leaflets for) went one better, posting on the Connect Narangba Facebook page asking members to help raise $1,000 for a replacement bike, and pledging the first $100.00. Chris O’Brien of Leolec Electrical & Air was first to respond, promising $150.00, followed by Narangba Valley News owner, Bruce Giddings, who donated $100.00 and offered to

be a collection point for donations. Within 24 hours of Bruce’s call to action on the Narangba Watch page, over twenty donations had been received and the target reached, with Bruce having to turn other wouldbe supporters away. “It [the fundraising] was completely out of the blue for us,” explains Em. “We had no idea it was happening until I got an inbox from Bruce. It was just amazing how fast the community came together to help a young boy who had worked so hard to get what he wanted.” With the money raised, Kaidan was able to buy a new bike, helmet, pegs, chain lock and pump. “As soon as we bought the bike I rang Brock, Bruce and Chris and asked them if we could meet outside Narangba Valley News so we could take a photo (pictured) and give them thank you cards,” says Em. Later, Kaidan gave Brock, Bruce and Chris a framed copy of the photo as a keepsake. Now one step closer to realising his dream of one day being a BMX pro, Kaidan continues to perform odd jobs for the community, with a BMX racing bike his next goal. “Just because he’s got his dream bike he’s not stopping,” says Em proudly. “There’s always bigger and better things he wants to do. There’s no stopping him.”

February 2018

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HEALTH

What is Podiatry? WORDS: Moreton All Body Care

A podiatrist is an allied health professional who has a Bachelor of Podiatry. A Podiatrist is trained to assess, diagnose and treat foot and lower limb problems. These may include skin and nail problems, foot and ankle injuries, foot complications related to diabetes and other medical conditions, and problems with gait or walking. Podiatrists play an important role in monitoring disease and managing lower limb issues to maintain an active and mobile population across the lifespan. Therefore, patient demographics can be diverse, ranging from monitoring children’s growth and development, managing sports injuries, working with people with chronic disease, disability and the ageing population. Is a referral needed to see a podiatrist? Most people do not need a referral to see a podiatrist, however some patients will require a referral from their doctor. These include Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Workers Compensation, or those people who have health conditions being managed under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (EPC). Many private health insurance funds have a plan that will provide rebates for podiatry services and will allow you to claim for general foot checks as well as more involved procedures including nail treatments, wart removal and orthotics.

Common Problems treated by Podiatrists include: • Injuries and pain such as sprains and stress fractures • Biomechanical issues such as orthotics and clubfoot • Children’s development such as growing pains • Chronic conditions such as poor circulation (pooling of fluid around the foot and ankle) or Arthritis and Gout • Infections and poor wound healing • Toenail problems such as ingrown or infected toenails • Skin issues such as blisters, calluses, cracked heels and tinea At Moreton All Body Care, we also have a particular interest in the treatment and management of sports related injuries. Any sport which involves walking, running, standing or jumping places greater physical demands on our body than normal day-to-day activities. Injuries to the foot and lower limb make up a large proportion of sporting injuries. Podiatrists can examine the foot and lower limb, diagnose foot conditions and can recommend appropriate footwear, training regimens, and, if needed, orthotic devices to fit into the sports shoe. Common sporting injuries include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains and shin or knee pain. Moreton All Body Care provides Podiatry services at all three practice locations, and appointments can be made by calling us on 3888 6699 or 3886 9470. If you are suffering from foot or lower limb pain our Podiatrists, Matt and Zoe, are available six days a week to assess, diagnose and treat you, and help keep you on your feet.

February 2018

Feature

So at the end of last year, I finally signed up to my nutrition course! I have been researching and debating which course for years. It has been great learning more, understanding how different we all are, and getting more education under my belt. Without learning we are not growing. Our world is constantly changing, and we as professionals need to change with it to keep up. Sometimes change is easier than others, but learning is also fuel for the soul. We are never too old to learn new things, and with the new year comes a time for reflection and (sometimes) a change of direction. There are so many ways we can learn and many options to chose from. I love my course for it’s content, but also for the method of learning. Chapter by chapter it combines a hard cover textbook (that weighs a tonne!), an online video condensing the chapter, FAQ’s, a workbook of handwritten questions to answer, and then an online test. A great learning method that helps teach through different channels to cement each chapter’s concept.

WORDS: Mel Toraya, Fit2Live

What Will You Learn This Year? Food is something I’m extremely passionate about! I love to eat it, I love to cook it, and I even love to buy it. For the last 20 years, I have devoured books about food and health, even before I was doing my Personal Training, because I wanted to know more, understand more and try and work out what was best to eat. I played a lot of sport growing up, and was always interested in what would help me play better or run faster. These days food is in our faces everywhere. Supermarkets have a never ending supply of good, bad, and indifferent foods. Bargains, new products and half price offers tempt us the entire way through the store. The TV, our social media and outdoor advertising are all enticing us to eat. After all, it is an essential human need.

I know time is a precious commodity that we would all like more of, and of some of you might be thinking, ‘Are you crazy? I barely have time to get through a day as it is!’ But if we really want to do something we have to make the time. A little less TV, phone and internet, Netflix or whatever it is that is consuming your time. Knowledge is power, and the more we know the more informed decisions we can make about all areas of our lives. So I ask you. What are you going to learn this year? A language, a musical instrument, how to cook or even start a degree? Do something and do it to improve yourself. It doesn’t always have to be about joining a gym or losing weight. Yes, food and exercise are very important, but so is feeding your soul. Good luck! Mel Toraya is a mother of two, Lifestyle Advocator, Doctor of Change and a Food Educator, amongst others. Her company, Fit2live, focuses health, fitness, personal training, small group training and optimal nutrition. If you need help on your path to health, contact Mel on 0429 612 323.

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HEALTH

A Beginner’s Guide to the

Nutritional Information Panel WORDS: Nicholas Hastie

Food packaging can be the most deceiving element in the process of adopting a healthy lifestyle. A label on the front of a food packet can suggest that it contains healthy contents by including pictures of fruits and vegetables, or using words or phrases such as ‘natural’, ‘hearty’ or ‘made with real ingredients’. These tactics are employed by food manufacturers to influence consumer perception that certain food products are a healthy choice, when in reality, they are jammed with sugar, sodium or saturated fat. The nutrition information panel is an underrated yet critical tool that can help consumers determine the nutritional composition of various edibles. However, in most cases, this asset is overlooked or ignored, partly due to its complicating and confusing nature. Therefore, individuals resort to trusting the misleading phrases planted on the front of products. The nutrition panel allows an individual to compare the nutritional contents between products, determine the serving sizes within products, and most importantly, conclude whether a particular product is in fact ‘healthy’, or riddled with sugar and salt. However, in order to reap the rewards that the nutritional information panel offers, being able to understand and evaluate the information on the panel itself is essential. When approaching a nutrition information panel, two separate columns can be identified. These two columns are titled ‘Per Serve’ and ‘Per 100g’. The per serve column will include the amount of the nutrient in accordance with the recommended serving by the food manufacturer. This column is useful for determining how much of each nutrient is being consumed, assuming the portion size is equivalent to the serving size. The per 100g column includes how much of each nutrient is within 100g of the product. This column is useful when comparing two similar products e.g. if an individual were to compare two different brands of yoghurt, the per 100g column would be ideally used. Understanding the difference between these two columns is paramount when determining which product will be the healthier choice, although it is not the only factor to take into account. Foods are primarily comprised of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. These three macronutrients can be found in the nutrition information panel. The amount of carbohydrates, fat and protein between different products will vary, therefore it’s important to understand how much of these macronutrients is considered to be healthy. The type of carbohydrate that should not be consumed in large amounts is sugar. When selecting a product, aim for 15g per 100g or less. Fibre is also a key carbohydrate to look for on the panel. Foods with 3g of fibre or more per serve are recommended. Saturated and trans fat intake should be limited and avoided in larger quantities. When selecting edibles, total fat should generally be around less than 10g per 100g. As for saturated fat, less than 3g per 100g is an appropriate target. Finally, it is important to ensure the protein being consumed within foods are being delivered through a variety of sources such as low fat dairy, lean meats and lentils. It can be quite confusing at first, although by simply emphasising the importance of selecting foods high in good carbohydrates and protein, whilst avoiding high amounts of sodium, saturated fats and sugars, the entire method may become easier. Reading the information panel of everyday foods will not only put into perspective how unhealthy a lot of alleged ‘healthy’ products on the market truly are, but it will also allow a healthier and nutritionally mindful lifestyle to establish.

February 2018

Feature

How Acupuncture Can Help You!

WORDS: Debb Webber, Zen Chi Natural Therapies

Those unlucky enough to suffer from migraines know that they are more than just a headache. A migraine is a type of headache thought to be caused by excitation of brain cells due to poorly understood triggers, which results in the release of pain-producing substances in the brain. Typical symptoms of a migraine attack may include severe one-sided throbbing pain in the temple area, nausea and vomiting, and inability to tolerate light or noise. The attack is usually debilitating and lasts from several hours to two or three days. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, migraine headaches are thought to be caused by the stagnation of Qi (pronounced â&#x20AC;&#x153;cheeâ&#x20AC;?), or life force, leading to an upsurge of energy to the head via the meridians that travel along the side of the body. Treatment is directed towards driving the excess energy downwards, away from the head. These headaches are believed to be triggered by the emotion anger, and, interestingly, stress is recognised as a common trigger for migraines. Acupuncture can reduce the level of pain-producing substances in the body and increase the production of natural painkillers. Acupuncture may be beneficial in preventing migraine attacks, but its effect is most probably a combination of multiple factors including interaction with an empathetic therapist, belief in the efficacy of acupuncture, and to a small degree, the needling of correct acupuncture points. As it has an excellent safety profile, it may be a suitable choice for those who cannot tolerate the usual prophylactic medications.

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OPINION

VALENTINE’S DAY WORDS: Alex Habilay IN MORETON BAY

From verdant mountains to crashing ocean, Moreton Bay is spoiled for choice when it comes to natural beauty. This Valentine’s Day, use that beauty to spoil your beauty and forge some timeless memories along the way. You don’t have to spend Valentine’s Day inside a cliché, as Moreton Bay can cover every spectrum of romance within a 40 minute drive. Rather than getting tangled up in gifts and formalities, explore the region with your valentine. The lesser known Zillman’s Crossing, located near Upper Caboolture, is a beautiful place to take your date and your dogs. Enjoy the country drive and take a dip in the freshwater, while surrounded by smooth sculpted stones and the cool forest canopy. Don’t forget to pack a picnic to woo your betrothed with an array of sandwiches and cheeses, but most importantly don’t forget to take your rubbish with you. For those who prefer nature behind a glass, head to White Brick Brewing at North Lakes. At this micro-brewery you can enjoy Moreton Bay’s own local brew, buy ‘the paddle’ and sip down on the delicious range of local beer (each named after local landmarks), while the White Brick brewers concoct more before your eyes. Perhaps afterwards you could hold onto the paddle, and head on over to the North Lakes Library for some Kama Sutra-esque inspiration. A little way down the road at Murrumba Downs lays Acacia Park. This lovely outlook of the North Pine River is a perfect place for lunch, a fish and lounge on the beach. This hidden gem is also scattered with walking tracks that lead along the river bank and through a dry eucalypt forest. If you’re a thrill seeker, these tracks have proven to be exciting on the back of a mountain bike. You’ll need speed and agility to master the trails of Acacia Park.

If it’s sunshine you seek, head to Redcliffe, hire stand up paddle boards and float around the point. Marvel at the views of Moreton Island in the distance and your valentine in their swimsuit. Make sure you equip yourself with a hat, sun cream, drinking water and some charm. For nourishment you cannot go past the classic chip sandwich. Redcliffe has more to offer than just scenic coastline. Post-paddling, you should head to the Redcliffe Botanic Garden. Laze under the shade of the native trees and admire the soap opera of wildlife. You can revel in the fact that though the local wildlife may dance a similar mating ritual to us, they don’t nearly get as much chocolate and adoration as you do on Valentine’s Day. But of course, the absolute best place for Valentine’s Day will always be the bedroom. FEATURE MAGAZINE IS GIVING AWAY A DINNER FOR TWO ON VALENTINE’S DAY AT STONE’S ON LAKES - NORTH LAKES - TO THE VALUE OF $120 FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER, GO TO PAGE 37

EDUCATION

Children’s literacy is always a headlining topic, and reading ability is a bar that many people measure intelligence and creativity against. Whilst reading capability does give an idea of a person’s academic or imaginative competency and thought processes, there are also some other benefits to reading: • Improves vocabulary • Imparts awareness about sentence structure and the power of punctuation • Helps explain people - their dispositions, motivations, and complexities of character • Gives a ‘voice’ to thoughts, feelings, reasonings, opinions, and ideas • Provides escapism, confirms reality, or ground arguments Reading does not teach spelling, but does provide the mechanics of logic and sequencing, and the rules of storytelling. A well-written book can be viewed as a piece of artwork – tones, shades, and depths of suggestions that all help to create a rhythmic beat of words in which ideas are planted, and meanings formed. Fact or fiction, on paper or a screen, reading imparts knowledge; power that children can utilise at any given time, be it through role play or following a recipe.

The Benefits of Reading

WORDS: Kristine Lane

Kristine Lane is a local teacher and writer. You can follow her on Twitter (@kwersty) or email her your question via editor@featuremagazine.com.au.

In our Snapchat, Instagram world, it’s important to retain, and re-train, our brains for longevity in concentration for which study and acquiring new skills are important. Flicking between screens on a computer at work is fine, but the boss will still need your focus on that all-important project from beginning to end. Admittedly, there is a distinction, or separation rather, between fluency and comprehension. Many students today can read well - meaning fluently with a nice, even pace, but once they’re asked a question about what’s just been read, the mind becomes hazy and they struggle to recount points. Comprehension is not an easy skill to pick up - preserving information takes practise – but it’s a proficiency that’s worth pursuing. Whilst touch screens, apps, and voice commands have infiltrated our lives, reading is still vitally important in the everyday function of our daily activities. Do we still not have to read a rental agreement (even if online), a warning label on the back of a box of medication, or instructions in assembling a table? So encourage your children to read. It doesn’t have to be a book - a magazine or comic, even a brochure or pamphlet is a good start. Get them familiar with sounds, words, narrative, innuendo, and bias. From there, knowledge and imagination follows.

February 2018

Feature

Parent-Teacher Relationships WORDS: Karen Carter, Kip McGrath

The first week of the new school year is over and the year is beginning to settle into familiar routines. Most children will have a new teacher for 2018, and it is important to establish a positive relationship between home and school from the beginning of the year before any potential problems arise. Your child’s teacher spends a lot of time with them, but no one knows your child better than you do. So set up a time early in the school year to meet with the teacher and share helpful information about your child. Things you might like to discuss include: Learning Style: Everyone has a preferred learning style; whether it be visual, auditory or kinaesthetic. You have been your child’s first teacher and you know how they learn best. Let the teacher know how they cope with homework and assignments, and share what you have found to work with your child. Special Interests: Share your child’s interests, talents and hobbies with the teacher, so they can more easily establish a meaningful connection with your child in the classroom. Health Conditions: Does your child have a diagnosed health issue that the teacher should be aware of? Does

the school need to organise a health plan so they can manage any issues effectively at a school level? Discuss how possible impacts of these issues may affect your child’s learning capabilities. Strengths and Weaknesses: Is your child a fantastic mathematician but struggles with writing? Making the teacher aware of your child’s strengths and weaknesses allows them to target their teaching to best suit your child. Personality and Behaviour Issues: Maybe your child is extremely shy or overly aggressive in certain situations. Giving the teacher the ‘heads up’ can assist them when planning effective program delivery for your child. Family Issues: Have there been any serious family issues that could affect your child’s ability to concentrate in class? A serious illness, death in the family or a divorce/ separation can have a lasting affect on a child and needs to be discussed with your child’s teacher. Sharing all of these things with the teacher will enable them to get to know and understand your child more quickly and will lay the groundwork for a cooperative and positive relationship throughout the academic year. Try to have short, regular talks with your child’s teacher. That way, you always know how your child is coping with school, allowing you and the teacher to address any issues before they become bigger problems.

Karen Carter is Co-Director at Kip McGrath Education Centre Burpengary, providing professional tuition by qualified teachers in Maths and English for Primary and Secondary students. Contact us at www.kipmcgrath.com.au/burpengary or on 3888 2332 or 0488 445 776 for a free assessment.

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HOME

Declutter Your Way Towards Abundance! WORDS: Oxmar Properties

Tupperware with missing lids? Greeting cards from

birthdays and Christmases from a decade ago? Socks without matches? Old, half-used makeup? Cab/ parking receipts? Clothes that don’t fit? Unused spices in the cabinet? How about pens/ notepads/ toiletries from hotels you stayed in? Sound familiar? An unkempt closet, a chaotic basement, littered drawers, sloppy work desk, a disheveled car? You are not alone! Everyone has clutter. It’s natural. The essential thing is to detect and declutter. Those piles of junk at your home, workspace and even your car are not only annoying to look at, but it can also bring on a lot of stress. Space-crunch, dust accumulation, lost items, missed appointments, forgotten errands, and inhibition to invite friends, are not only causes for anxiety and ill health, but also blocks the flow of positive energy and abundance and hinder your success. Disorganisation and untidiness limits our ability to focus and process information, inevitably preventing us from recognising and grasping the opportunities right under our nose. Clutter, undoubtedly, comes with a lot of baggage, literally and figuratively. In fact,

great transformation is possible if you choose to declutter, not only your physical environments, but also your mental and emotional environments. Holding onto resentments and denying forgiveness, can wreak more havoc on your emotional, physical and financial wellbeing than you can imagine! Medical professionals believe that clutter does not only lead to anxiety, but other serious health issues like insomnia, weight gain, and depression. Cleanse the physical space you spend most of your time in. Get rid of the things you don’t use anymore, eliminate the items that elicit negative emotions. Go through every room in the house, every drawer and cabinet and purge the unneeded possessions. This new year, let go of the painful baggage you’ve been hanging onto and clear that space to embrace abundance!

February 2018

Feature

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DINING

Our Bar & Grill has a delicious a la carte menu available, along with new lunch specials (Monday to Friday) and nightly meal deals. The Bar & Grill hosts 250 seats with a large indoor/outdoor kids play area. Address: 37-47 Golden Wattle Drive, Narangba Contact: 3491 1000 Online: www.narangbatavern.com.au

A relaxed family atmosphere to enjoy Merlo coffee, a selection of teas, cakes and freshly prepared light meals. Address: Narangba Valley Shopping Centre Contact: 3385 5161 Hours: Weekdays 7am to 3pm Weekends 7.30am to 12noon Online: Follow us on Facebook at Valley Coffee Narangba

The combination of Cleanskin Coffee Company’s delicately roasted beans and Aaron and his staff’s brew mastery. Address: 33 Progress Road, Burpengary Hours: Monday to Thursday 6.30am to 2.30pm Friday 6.30am to 1pm Saturday 8am to 12noon Online: Follow us on Facebook at Tommy & E Specialty Coffee Burpengary

Serving both dark and medium roasted coffee to suit all tastes. Come and share our passion and enthusiasm for coffee.

CAPPY HOUR MON TO FRI 6AM TO 7AM

Address: Burpengary Plaza, inside next to Woolworths. Cuisine: Hot and Cold Beverages, Cakes and Savoury Hours: Weekdays 6am to 5.30pm Sat 7am to 4.30pm and Sun 8.30am to 4pm

10% OFF food + drink combos

Nestled next to LJ Hooker on Main Street, Narangba. Rustic environment, a great place to relax with a coffee made from quality local coffee beans. Address: Narangba Station Plaza (Opp Narangba Train Station) Contact: 3886 7573 Hours: Monday - Friday 5.30am to 4.30pm Saturday 7.30am to 2pm Online: Follow us on Facebook at The Hideout Coffee House Narangba

With three dining outlets, there’s something for all taste buds and budgets at one of Queensland’s most awarded clubs. Choose from The Bistro, Café Oz or Terraza Pizza Café. Address: 19-27 Station Rd, Morayfield Contact: (07) 5497 9711 Hours: Open daily from 9am Online: www.cabsports.com.au

February 2018

Feature

DINING

Queensland’s newest club featuring a modern Australian a-la-carte Restaurant with full table service and a great range of freshly prepared Cafe meals, treats and drinks. Address: 36-42 Flinders Parade, North Lakes Contact: 1300 006 572 Online: www.northlakessports.com.au Hours: Crave Café – 10am till late Daily Banyan Restaurant – Lunch from 11.30am Dinner from 5.30pm Daily Enjoy our $10.00 Bacon and Egg all day breakfast whilst you relax in our family-friendly cafe. Dine in and Takeaway. Award-winning coffee available. Address: 8/1380 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur Contact: 07 3482 2200 Hours: Monday - Friday 6.30am to 2pm Saturday 6.30am to 11.30am

$10 BACON, EGGS & TOAST ALL DAY BREAKFAST

Your choice of fresh beef, lamb, chicken or seafood placed on top of a lava stone and cooked to your desired level of perfection. Address: 3/12 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes Contact: 3385 0347 Online: www.stonesnorthlakes.com.au Hours: Café Breakfast & Lunch Tues - Friday 7:30am to 2pm and Hot Stone Dinners Tues - Sunday 5:30pm to 10pm

Full breakfast & lunch menu. Home-baked cakes & slices. Non-profit cafe. Supporting the needs of our community locally and globally. Family-friendly including children’s playground. Address: 793 Oakey Flat Road, Morayfield (Carmichael College) Contact: 07 5431 1253 Hours: Tuesday to Friday 8am to 4pm Saturday 7am to 2pm

Direct Our Readers To Your Cafe or Restaurant! Advertising from $70 + gst per month (based on a twelve month booking) Call Darren on 0416 430 792 for more information! www.featuremagazine.com.au

The

LIFESTYLE

FLIP SIDE WORDS Alex Habilay and Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

She Says: As a teenager, one of my favourite movies

was ‘Parenthood’ starring Steve Martin. Now a parent of 13+ years, its foreboding catchphrase, ‘It could happen to you,’ has taken on a whole new meaning.

He Says: I don’t fear much, but I am petrified of my mother. It’s not a one-dimensional kind of fear; she’s not my demon, she’s my mum. I fear for her safety as much as I do for my own.

My mother is the type to flip the bird at any obstacle and then climb over it with ease. Be it her working career or chainsaw-pruning our backyard mango tree, I have seen her conquer things she rightfully shouldn’t be doing, especially in thongs.

Since becoming a parent, I have become all too familiar with the sensation of having my heart in my throat. Whether witnessing my youngest bounce (fall) down a flight of stairs as a toddler, or watching my eldest sprint towards the try-line with the opposition hot on his heels, on countless occasions I have stood stock-still, immobilised by apprehension, anticipation and/or downright fear; simultaneously hoping for the best and fearing the worst.

For the past year she’s been battling lupus and shingles and refuses to slow down. Despite her constant pain, I still catch her dangling out of attics and hauling aluminium sheets. Though I chase her around like a pedantic nanny for the sake of her health, I still can’t help but smile that she’s still the woman I know to be my mum.

I thought I suffered from self-doubt preparenthood. How naïve I was. From the moment I welcomed our firstborn into the world, Decidophobia (the fear of making the wrong decision) has been a constant companion. The unanswerable question, ‘Am I a good parent?’ clouds every choice and every decision, and I can only hope against hope that I’m getting it right.

Even though I’m scared that one day her ambitious ventures might get the better of her, that’s nothing compared to the fear I have of walking in and finding her beaten by her illness and bored in bed.

Exhilarating and hair-raising in equal parts, parenthood is far scarier than I ever could have anticipated, however I am so, so glad that it did happen to me.

WANT OUR OPINION? Send us an email via editor@featuremagazine.com.au

Puzzles

#23. Solution on Page 53

Puzzle 23 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.53)

MEDIUM

4 8

3 4

5 8

7 1

Puzzle 23 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.68)

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Tue Jan 5 06:27:02 2016 GMT. Enjoy!

1 6

February 2018

7 4

1 9

7 5

2 4

HARD

9 7

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Tue Jan 5 06:28:27 2016 GMT. Enjoy!

Feature

Your Local

fame! Words: Richard Lancaster

For over a decade, Richard Lancaster, as Managing Director of Frontline Celebrities, managed the careers of over 80 of Queensland’s high profile Sports, Television, Radio and Entertainment stars, as well as some of Queensland’s prominent political figures. Here he gives some tips to those who would aspire to be famous.

•

Ensure that when you are successful in competitions or are given an accolade from your group, that you place this information on your website/ Facebook/ Twitter pages, and also inform the local/state print and electronic media of your successes.

•

Develop a habit of organising your daily/weekly activities. Time management is an important aspect of a celebrity’s life. Rank your activities according to their importance and be willing to make sacrifices.

•

Think creatively - being a celebrity demands originality.

Decide on what you are going to be famous for. If you have a skill or a talent like playing a musical instrument, or you sing, act, paint or engage in some other activity that we humans perform in, you have a head start. If not, find something that appeals to you and go for it.

•

Source a good agent. One who has a good reputation, is interested in your talent and has good commercial contacts in your field of endeavour.

•

Have someone you trust as a mentor. One you can turn to.

•

Practice at least an hour a day in your chosen field. You must be consistent. Remember your future status will be driven by disciplined, regular practice.

•

Study the lives and techniques of successful celebrities in your chosen field. Gain tips from them and put them into practice.

Learn how to take criticism. Not everyone will be supportive of you, no matter how hard you try. Nowadays, the so called social media trolls can be very destructive (if you allow them to be).

•

Start to develop your profile on your website and Facebook page. Keep adding to it as you progress. Use all forms of social media to promote your talent and image to others. Once you have fans, treasure them.

Associate with local groups such as charities, clubs etc. Offer to help. Their support can be helpful in building your image.

•

Enter quests and competitions relevant to your interest.

And finally, this is the most difficult hurdle to overcome and causes most “I wanna be a celebrity” to become “a non celebrity”. When you have not immediately succeeded or achieved what you wanted and everything seems to be going wrong, DON’T GIVE UP! Think positive. You don’t know what the future holds! Keep believing in yourself!

•

Join groups who share your interest and show a commitment to them.

Are you tired of life’s humdrum monotony? Do you dream of becoming famous, living a life of luxury, or becoming a celebrity? Many do, but few succeed. If you are not put off by that last sentence, then read on. There are a number of essentials for becoming a celebrity and here they are. •

•

Firstly, think carefully why you want to be famous. Is the reason purely ego-driven or do you want to help others through your fame? Whatever the reason, make a commitment to yourself, set your goals and go for it!

Remember its 80% perspiration and 20% inspiration!

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REAL ESTATE

RENO AND FLIP: Strategy For Success, Or Buyer Beware? Words: Raine & Horne Burpengary

Buy an older home, give it a refresh, and sell it for a whopping profit. Sounds simple, right? In theory, this is how the reno and flip strategy works – and it can be very profitable for those who know what they’re doing. Renovating for profit is simple, but it’s not easy. The basic principle is to buy something that’s under market value, cosmetically change it to make it more appealing, and then sell it for a higher price. To be successful, you need to buy at the right price in the right location, making sure all your figures stack up. Then you need to complete in a very quick timeframe to ensure your holding costs don’t eat into your profits. How to ensure a profitable reno and flip: 1. Research the end sale price You need to discuss this with agents well before you sign on the dotted line. Don’t just rely on the figure that you think it would sell for; look at comparable sales for already renovated properties, and talk to a good local real-estate agent. 2. Target the low end of the market You can make more money and there’s less risk involved in lower-priced property. If you buy a $1m house, you’ve got to spend a lot on the renovation, and achieving your target profit is a lot riskier. At the low end of the market, your target buyer is less fussy, so you don’t need to put in Smeg ovens and fancy granite benchtops to satisfy the market. 3. Budget your renovation strategically You need to make sure your renovation costs no more than 10% of the purchase price. If the property costs $300,000, don’t spend a dollar more than $30k. 4. Allow 5% of the purchase price for stamp duty and legals You’ll also need to account for a range of other costs that may include lenders mortgage insurance, building and pest inspections, mortgage interest, agent commission and other costs of buying and selling. 5. Factor in the holding costs Mortgage interest, electricity, council rates and water rates will be payable during your renovation, and none of these expenses will be offset by any rental income. Interest rates are low at the moment, which is helpful. 6. Aim for a 10-20% profit after all costs Most successful reno and flip investors usually aim for a minimum of 12%, but consider over 10% a win.

Gina Wells is a local, licensed and experienced Real Estate Agent. Send your real estate question for Gina via editor@featuremagazine.com.au

February 2018

Feature

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