Feature Magazine October 2022

Ray

Here are some of the stories you will find inside:

Michaella Mcleod: Building Her Confidence One Knot at a Time. The 19-year-old, who lives with a chromosomal condition called 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, used to hide behind her mum Sally and had minimal interaction with others. But since the Mcleod family relocated from Tasmania and settled in the Moreton Bay Region, Michaella, with the help of NDIS partner Carers Queensland, is achieving goals no one saw coming. Page 10 Emma Martensson: Punching and Kicking Her Way to a Silver Medal Winning a silver medal at such a young age is quite the achievement for Emma. The energetic youngster from Petrie is already proving to be quite a star, after taking home the accolade at the Australian Karate Foundation National Championships in Rockhampton in early August. Emma won her medal in Kumite (fighting), taking out second place in Australia for her weight category in the 10-11 year old age group. Page 14

James Powell: Putting the Wheels in Motion James' life was turned upside down after a motorbike accident in 2009 resulted in him winding up in a wheelchair. Rather than dwell on it, James, who is based in Upper Caboolture, took the path of positivity and worked out what he could do rather than what he couldn’t. Page 28

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Seniors Month Message Board and Morning Tea

Mango Hill Marketplace are also hosting a free morning tea for our seniors, together with a game of trivia, to again help combat isolation. This will be held on Tuesday October 4 at our Centre.

Queensland Seniors Month encourages all Queenslanders to connect with and celebrate the senior community, and the multitude of roles they play throughout.

This Seniors Month in particular will be especially important, off the back of some extremely challenging times with the COVID-19 pandemic, where our senior communities were most vulnerable. This year’s theme of ‘social connections’ will encourage the community to engage and connect with their local seniors.

Mango Hill Marketplace are engaging the community through their Seniors Say initiative, which will include the seniors of our local community writing a message of advice they could give their younger selves. These messages will be displayed throughout the Centre via posters with a QR code linking to a video of our seniors. There messages will also be circulated across our Facebook page @mangohillmp throughout the month of October.

Research has identified that 1 in 3 older adults have reported feeling lonely. And that 1 in 3 live alone and are at risk of being socially disconnected. There are over 880,000 seniors in Queensland: that's a lot of people who may be feeling lonely and/or socially disconnected, and together with COTA and QLD government, Mango Hill Marketplace wanted to help change that.

Community Market Day

New Research Highlights Importance of Screening for Breast Cancer Patients

CANCER COUNCIL QUEENSLAND is shining light on their new research that has provided greater clarity on the survival benefits that screening has for breast cancer patients.

In a new report titled, ‘A prognostic survival model for women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in Queensland, Australia,’ contributing researchers confirmed the prognostic importance of stage, grade, and clinical subtype of breast cancers, in addition to highlighting the independent survival benefit of breast cancers being diagnosed through screening.

Prognostic models can help inform cancer patients about their future health outcome and assist the decision making of clinicians and patients regarding management and treatment of the cancer.

In contrast to previous studies considering survival following treatment, this study aimed to develop a prognostic model to better understand why there is a large variation in survival from breast cancer from the time of diagnosis.

Cancer Council Queensland researchers collaborated with Professor Jeff Dunn, Professor Suzanne Chambers and Dr Chris Pyke, and developed a prognostic model to quantify breast cancer-specific survival at the time of diagnosis using a range of information from the Breast Cancer Outcomes Study (BCOS), a large prospective cohort of over 3,300 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in Queensland.

Speaking to the study results, lead author and Cancer Council Queensland researcher Professor Peter Baade noted that the cohort study provided novel insights that could not

have been obtained through more typical cancer registry-based analyses.

“The prognostic model highlighted that the key factors in predicting poorer survival are the cancer being diagnosed at a more advanced stage, higher tumour grade, 'triple negative' breast cancers, and those tumours detected because of symptoms rather than through routine screening,” Mr Baade said.

“Further research needs to be conducted to understand what additional factors contribute to the substantial unexplained variation in survival outcomes.”

“These results emphasise that screening is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of breast cancer,” he said.

Rockhampton local and breast cancer survivor, Kate MacGregor, knows all too well the heartbreak of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage.

Kate was just 26 years old, and 28 weeks pregnant with her first child when she was diagnosed with stage 3, triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma.

18 weeks into her pregnancy, Kate noticed two lumps on her breast but was initially reassured by her doctor that what she was experiencing was normal.

“I shared my concerns with a midwife who urged me to get an ultrasound and not long after, I received my diagnosis. I was completely shocked and wished it could have been diagnosed earlier,” Kate said.

“My oncologist told me if I was to continue my

pregnancy without chemotherapy, there was a strong chance I would have less than five years to live and urged me to consider having my baby at 32 weeks”.

Flooded with emotions and finding out that ‘triple negative’ breast cancers predict a lower chance of survival, Kate was determined to survive for her family.

“Quinn was born via c-section and a week later I began the brutal journey of chemotherapy, followed by a double mastectomy and radiation therapy,” she said.

Now in remission, Kate has welcomed a second baby, and is grateful for every day she has with her family.

“It’s because of research projects like this one that I am alive today, and if I have learned anything it’s that it’s always good to get a second opinion, listen to your body and get screened early.

“Through research like this, we hope to ensure less Queenslanders are faced with the same journey as Kate’s.” Professor Baade concluded.

Every year 4651 Queensland women are diagnosed with a breast or gynaecological cancer. Mothers, daughters, sisters, women like Kate.

The research ‘A prognostic survival model for women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in Queensland, Australia’ has been published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment and can be accessed here: https://link.springer.com/ article/10.1007/s10549-022-06682-5

Burpengary Butcher Wins Silver at International 'Meat Olympics'

BUTCHER GARY THOMPSON (pictured third from right) from The Squealing Pig at Burpengary Plaza is now one of the world’s top butchers being part of the seven-person The Makani Australian Butcher team who, after going knife-to-knife with a record 12 other countries at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, were awarded silver at this year's World Butchers’ Challenge, also known as the ‘Olympics of Meat’.

Team Captain of Australia, Luke Leyson said, “To be a part of the most prestigious butchery event in the world is an amazing experience in itself; but to walk away from the event with the success we had is an absolute testament to the standard of butchery in Australia.”

The Aussies’ triumph continued with Gareth Hunt (QLD), taking out second place at the World Champion Young Butcher category and Matt Tyquin (VIC), announced as the 2022 World Champion Butcher Apprentice; ensuring Australia was the only country to place in all three competitions.

The best six butchers, selected from all nations competing, were named as the All-Star Teamsetting themselves apart as the ‘elite’ amongst close to 100 other butchers. Tom Bouchier (VIC), of The Makani Australian Butcher Team was awarded the honour for his outstanding contribution to his teams display and garnishing.

Tom Bouchier said, “I’m still pinching myself. Being selected as one of the six best butchers on the day is an honour. I’ve been honing my skills in display and garnishing for years now, so it’s a real feather in my cap to make the team based on what I delivered in the competition.”

THE PASSING OF THE POWERFUL

Words: Richard Lancaster

THE RECENT MASSIVE public display of grief and respect for the passing of Britain’s longestserving monarch, Queen Elizabeth ll, surprised many. Daily media coverage, coupled with vast crowds of British people queuing for hours to view her coffin lying-in-state, continued unabated. A week after her passing, her funeral continued attracting world media attention. 6,000 British armed services personnel were directly involved with the funeral. However, this public display of sadness is by no means unique to the British crown.

In February 1969, the Madras [now Chennai] Chief Minister C. N. Annadurai’s funeral was attended by 15 million fellow Indians. This funeral still holds the Guinness Book of Records for the highest number of attendees. Similarly, when the popular Russian singer/songwriter and poet Vladimir Vysotsky died in 1980, Russians queued for over ten kilometres in Moscow to view his passing.

Founding father of Communist China, Mao Zedong’s State funeral in 1976 attracted over one million Chinese, many crying openly. Like other communist leaders, Lenin and Ho Chi Minh now lie embalmed for continued public veneration.

Wikipedia has an endless list of the powerful people’s public funeral attendee numbers which makes for interesting reading. Some include Pope John Paul ll with over four million, Argentinian Eva Peron in 1952 with over three million and Brazil’s race car ace Ayrton Senna in 1994 with three million plus.

Britain’s Queen Mother attracted one million, as did Mother Theresa. However, although only two thousand dignitaries attended Princess Diana’s funeral in Westminster Abbey, an estimated worldwide audience of over two and a half billion watched the service on television. Another record.

Queen Elizabeth l had a funeral audience of 3,000 in 1603 at Westminster Abbey. Still, her leadlined coffin was viewed by around 200,000 citizens as it proceeded along the River Thames.

Unfortunately, her first cousin and bete noire Mary, Queen of Scots, had a much more low-key, subdued funeral. The infamous Henry the Vlll, father of Queen Elizabeth I, had a funeral procession stretching over six kilometres long, comprising over 1,000 horsemen and hundreds of followers on foot.

Princess Diana’s funeral costs were around AUD 7 million, and the Queen Mother’s, twenty years ago, was AUD 8 million. The funeral costs for Queen Elizabeth ll are expected to top both, perhaps nearing AUD 16 million. And who bears the cost of all of these expensive grief events? Why the public, of course!

Jade Jewellers:: An International Success

CONSISTENCY IN BUSINESS and commitment to their loyal customers are some of the sparkling reasons which saw Jade Jewellers being named Nationwide Jewellers Member of the Year 2022 out of a group of 500 independent jewellers.

Celebrations are continuing for business owners Gary and Laurene Coates, their daughter Erin and the team after they were presented with the award at a ceremony in Sydney, an award which Laurene said has taken them a journey and a half to reach.

“Being recognised by our peers, mentors and suppliers means so much to us,” Laurene said.

“The award is also a reflection of our hard work and perseverance, our dedication to using the tools and systems to grow our business and our vast experience after opening our first jewellery store in Nundah more than 21 years ago.”

Gary and Laurene have faced many hurdles including a CBD turned ghost town, two major robberies and a pandemic, during which time they have invested in a major refit of their store.

“I was taught to never give up,” Gary said.

“We love our business, our customers and we are lucky to get to do what we love every day. One of the key things we have learnt over the years is that you need to stay relevant in today’s market, but above all else it’s our customers that come first.”

Jade Jewellers is ever evolving and Laurene said they had invested in new technology for the store to streamline the custom design process.

“We are excited to share that we now have the option to use a specialty CAD software design program that allows us to build a digital design of a piece of jewellery as we are talking to our clients,” Laurene said.

“Our website has also undergone a transformation and our customers can now shop direct from our online store.”

After 22 years in business, Gary said it was always important to see the potential, recognise when to ask for help and implement systems and processes.

“At the end of the day we know we have done the best we can,” Gary said.

“We are so proud that we have done it together as a family.”

Michaella Mcleod

Building Her Confidence One Knot at a Time

Michaella Mcleod (pictured above) has come a long way since moving to the sunshine state. The 19-year-old, who lives with a chromosomal condition called 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, used to hide behind her mum Sally and had minimal interaction with others. But since the Mcleod family relocated from Tasmania and settled in the Moreton Bay Region, Michaella, with the help of NDIS partner Carers Queensland, is achieving goals no one saw coming.

MICHAELLA IS NOW a much more confident young lady, she has her own little business –The Knotting Girl (pictured top right)- and in a big win for both herself and her family, she now has her L plates and is learning to drive (pictured bottom right).

While these achievements may not seem like much to the everyday person, for Michaella, they are a big deal. Michaella also has a mild intellectual impairment, mobility issues and other medical conditions. Thanks to amazing support workers who encouraged her to get involved in the local Dayboro community and help from NDIS supports to access health services including occupational therapy, Michaella spends more time socialising with others than she ever has before.

“I’m so proud of her and everything she has achieved,” mum Sally says. “Moving up here was the best decision we could have made.

“I feel so much better about going to work and knowing Michaella is okay. She has come so far and blossomed so much. She really is a different person to what she once was. I have no doubt that if we hadn’t moved up here and accessed all the services on offer, Michaella would be still facing the same obstacles.”

Carers Queensland Area Manager for the Caboolture and Strathpine service area, Michelle O'Sullivan, says making sure families are supported and heard is at the heart of everything Carers Queensland does.

“When families on the NDIS move to Queensland from other states or territories, it's important they feel comfortable when joining their new partner in the community," she

says. "We worked closely with Michaella and her mother Sally to ensure their transition to our program was seamless and we kept them informed every step of the way.

"Carers Queensland also worked closely with Michaella to set her goals and made sure she was able to access the appropriate supports needed to achieve these. We are delighted she now has her learner's licence and is an active member of the Moreton Bay community."

Through her business, The Knotting Girl, Michaella sells handmade friendship bracelets, keychains and wall hangings. She talks proudly about her creations and even shows off some of the pieces she’s made including a wall hanging featuring Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson from One Direction.

“It’s made from 15,000 knots,” Michaella says. “I really like One Direction because that was the first concert I went to. I really like Harry Styles and I have all of his records on vinyl. I’m thinking maybe my next project might be doing a big wall hanging of Harry.”

“The knotting gives her something to fixate on,” Sally adds. “Holt Bolt (an NDIS provider) have been so good and helped her with setting up her business.

“Her mentor encouraged her to do The Knotting Girl and she’s been able to start making her own money, which as her mum, is just such an amazing achievement to see. People from overseas follow her online, which is an amazing boost for her confidence.

“She’s going to be limited in what she can do to work, through no fault of her own. So this is

all progress in the right direction and we are so grateful for every opportunity.”

Michaella was three-years-old when she was diagnosed with the 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, although Sally knew something was amiss long before doctors confirmed it.

“I knew something wasn’t right,” Sally says. “She wasn’t meeting milestones and she didn’t walk until she was over the age of two. We spent so much time going to the doctors and then she had a febrile convulsion which was quite scary and then the doctors took it more seriously. From that day on it was rollercoaster after rollercoaster. They told us she wouldn’t walk and she’d be in a wheelchair, but I made sure that didn’t happen. In 2016 she had a major stroke along with four minor strokes and that started from meningitis.

“Michaella has spent a lot of her life in hospital and I think that’s why she set her mind to working on small projects. She’s used to doing things in confined spaces, everything had to be done in a small space from a hospital bed, so she’s adapted to it.”

Although every case of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome is different, it isn’t usually a genetic condition but Sally admits she didn’t want to undergo the testing anyway.

“It wasn’t going to change anything and Michaella is who she is and we love her no matter what,” Sally says. “Out of our three kids (there’s also two boys, Michaella is the middle child), Michaella is the most patient and quiet, she’s a great kid and to have watched her improve so much in recent months is amazing.”

Words: Sheree Hoddinett Photos: Contributed

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ON KALLANGUR SATELLITE HOSPITAL

CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY on the new Kallangur Satellite Hospital, bringing more health services closer to home for Pine Rivers residents.

The Kallangur Satellite Hospital will include a Minor Injury and Illness Clinic to take pressure off busy emergency departments whilst strengthening the local health care network for residents in the area, delivering quality healthcare closer to home. Additional services that will be provided could include medical imaging, outpatient services and mental health support.

“The Satellite Hospitals Program aims to ensure residents in some of the highest growth population centres have easy access to health services where and when they need them,” said Minister D’Arth.

Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba Steven Miles shared that the Kallangur Satellite Hospital has been specifically designed to deliver health care to local residents where they live, reducing travel times for residents who currently need to visit major hospitals further away.

“The Satellite Hospitals Program will support up to 773 construction jobs, and we’ll continue to work with the managing contractor Hutchinson Builders to ensure all seven projects are built by locals, for locals and for the good of the local economy,” said the Deputy Premier.

As the Pine Rivers community grows, the new satellite hospital will help meet the increasing demand for health services.

Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd and Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting agree that the new satellite hospital is excellent news for local residents and for the local economy, supporting around 100 construction jobs.

The satellite hospital is well located with public transport links and free onsite parking for hospital visitors.

“Residents want to be able to access the health services they need in their own community,” said Member for Kurwongbah Shane King. “That’s what this new satellite hospital will deliver.”

You don't expect to find anything this special, given the unassuming exterior of the cafe. Tucked away in an industrial heartland of Caboolture just off the Bribie turnoff, it's one of the few dog-friendly cafes trading on Monday with a full menu.

Choose from various wraps, full breakfasts, burgers, pizzas or decadent homemade cakes made fresh on the premises from locally sourced produce. It was difficult for me to choose between the Haloumi beetroot salad and the Lamb wrap. Still, I settled for the generous and filling vegetarian breakfast.

Folks with food sensitivities will be comforted to know all menu options can be prepared gluten-free, wheat-free or sugar-free. One customer told me they travelled far to source the cafe's delicious wheat-free slices.

And suppose you are thinking of entertaining family, friends, colleagues or clients. In that case, the cafe offers gourmet catering options prepared by chefs.

Set back off the road, there is more than enough shaded parking, and your pets can spread out in the two commodious, covered outdoor areas.

Open Weekdays til 2 pm.

Words: Marnie Birch

Cafe on Skyreach 20 Skyreach Street, Caboolture @CafeOnSkyreach

Imagine living in your happy place

Discover a

grows

Emma Martensson

and Kicking Her Way to a Silver Medal

Winning a silver medal at such a young age is quite the achievement for Emma Martensson. The energetic youngster from Petrie is already proving to be quite a star, after taking home the accolade at the Australian Karate Foundation National Championships in Rockhampton in early August. Emma won her medal in Kumite (fighting), taking out second place in Australia for her weight category in the 10-11 year old age group.

It was no walk in the park for Emma to be selected to compete in the national championships, with a mixture of hard work, grit, determination and selection at the state championships sending her on her way.

“To be in the Queensland state team and compete in the National Championships you must first compete and do well in the Queensland State Championships,” Emma says. “I actually won gold at the State Championships for Kumite for my age and weight category.

“As I was state champion I was invited to join and train with the Queensland squad and then I was selected to join the Queensland team and compete at the nationals. At the nationals I fought in the 10-11-yearold, under 35kg category and there were quite a few rounds where I fought against different opponents. I was so excited and happy to win silver.”

Emma’s family and friends are also extremely proud and pleased for her silver medal result and can’t wait to see what she can do next. Going into battle with medals on the line can’t be an easy pressure to contend with, but Emma showed great maturity for her age along with great skill and sportsmanship. So what was going through her mind as she took to the mat?

“To be as fast as I could be with my punches and kicks,” Emma says. “And that I wanted to win.”

Emma first stepped out of her comfort zone and into the discipline of karate in 2016, at the cute and tender age of four years old. She is a current member of the Seiko-Kai Karate Centre in Kallangur.

“I am a brown belt,” she says. “There are a few stages of the brown belt and I'm now on the fourth stage - I have four black stripes on the end of my brown belt, one for each stage.

“I often get asked why do I love karate so much? For me, I find it fun, it’s something different and I especially like Kumite.”

Karate is not a discipline you can expect to just win medals for at tournaments without any effort, it requires dedication to training and putting time into fitness, something Emma knows all too well.

“I do karate training at my club one to two times a week and I also keep up my fitness level by playing soccer each day at school and for a team three to four times a week as well,” Emma says. “I also really like going out on my scooter and my bike as much as I can too.

“In preparation for the nationals, I went to an additional four long and hard training sessions with the Queensland team and coaches, plus I made sure I practiced and trained at home.”

Given what she’s already achieved, it seems there’s no holding this young gun back. Emma is already thinking ahead with plans to further her karate skills as much as possible into the future.

“I plan to get my black belt and keep placing in the top positions in the state championships each year so I can be selected for the Queensland team and compete at the nationals again,” she says.

Proving that she is still definitely a kid at heart and there’s more to life than just one sport or discipline, this bubbly and extremely active young lady has other interests in her life as well.

“I am really interested in and enjoy playing soccer for a local team, which is great for fun and fitness. And just for something else a bit different, I also like playing the cello.”

But even while she’s having a bit of fun and working towards competing in tournaments, Emma’s also chipping away at learning as much as she can to achieve her next belt grading through her club.

“There is always something to work on and I will be doing my next belt grading at the end of this year or early next year,” she says. “So, I will continue to learn new and improve on existing skills in all elements of karate – both Kata and Kumite.”

It's dawn on July 23rd, 2022, near the Polish border of Ukraine. A convoy of five private vehicles from a small humanitarian aid initiative, Team Krakow, leave a warehouse in Krakow, Poland. On board is first aid and medical equipment along with essential supplies destined for various Ukrainian hospitals, including Vinnytsia, Braclav and Dniepropietrovs.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, this small team have driven directly, and without intermediaries, to hospitals, orphanages and refugee shelters on the front line nearly every week. They assist displaced Ukrainian refugees in Krakow, the surrounding Malopolska region and Ukrainian villages by distributing donated food, clothing, generators, medicines, bedding and household equipment, depending on the greatest need.

RAY EATON

HELPING UKRAINIANS IN NEED

Words: Marnie Birch Photo: Contributed

When local resident Ray Eaton heard over 3.5 million Ukrainians had been displaced by the war, he wondered what he could do to help. He was so moved by the plight of the refugees that he immediately booked a flight to Krakow, Poland.

In the three weeks he had to prepare before leaving Brisbane, Ray printed a flyer requesting donations for Ukrainian refugees and collected more than 600 pairs of reading glasses and sunglasses from friends, associates, the Kippa-ring Lions Club and the local community. In addition, he secured $600 in donations to purchase toothpaste, toothbrushes and other personal hygiene items for distribution to refugees once he arrived in Poland.

Contacts in the Warsaw Lions Club connected Ray with Peter Naglicki and Barbara Marchewka from Team Krakow dla Ukrainy (Team Krakow) soon after Ray arrived in Krakow.

Barbara started this aid initiative in February and, together with Peter, manage the donations and pack the transports with six other volunteers who distribute supplies to those unable to leave their villages and who urgently need help.

Peter reported that "as of March 2022, Team Krakow dla Ukrainy had already provided over 40 tons of humanitarian aid to refugees staying in Malopolska [region] and to people in need in Ukraine."

"Most volunteers prefer to stay anonymous for security reasons, but Peter and Barbara have been there from the start. They also have a network that helps and supports refugees placing them with Polish families," Ray explains.

In April, the volunteers from Team Krakow transported food to 200 families in a community centre near Donbas who were sheltering there without anything to eat. Bedding and essentials were delivered to an abandoned fuel depot in the Polish town of Prezemysl that housed 2,000 refugees who were surviving with just two port-a-loos and little in the way of bedding. Most hadn't bathed in over a month.

Team Krakow's website and Facebook pages are filled with stories of tragedy and hope. 3,800 children, primarily orphans displaced from the eastern territories of Ukraine, took refuge in the town of Domanivka, deep in Ukraine, on the front lines. One of the volunteers, Tomasz Blasiak, risked his life driving through exploding shells and bombs with a van loaded with donated baby food supplies, nappies, shoes, clothing, toothbrushes and books for the children.

Ray reveals that Barbara and Peter work up to 12 hours a day in the warehouse collecting goods and preparing the weekly transports of humanitarian supplies. "The donations come from all over the world, but mostly from European countries like Switzerland, UK, Spain and Italy."

Distributing the donations comes at a cost. Ray explains that the convoys must carry their own fuel. Some roads are impassable, restricted or too dangerous to travel, and fuel is expensive. A round trip from the Krakow collection depot to the front lines in Ukraine might be 3,000 km. "Each

trip costs around $700 in fuel alone, and they transport aid weekly. These people need help," Ray says. "This is huge."

In June, Ray delivered the donations he'd collected to a grateful Team Krakow. During a short stopover with his UK family, Ray garnered further donations for the refugees from stores and supermarkets in his home village. Ray then returned to Krakow, hand-delivering the contributions to Team Krakow, for expediency, before returning home again to Australia.

Ray shared that his benevolent desire to help those in need stems from his previous involvement in various aid programs. Starting with his early years in the UK, running marathons in London and Paris to fundraise for a charity called, Get Kids Going, which assists underprivileged children.

When Ray and his wife immigrated to Australia in 1997, he struggled to feel at ease for some time. Once, while visiting his daughter at her pre-school, a small child asked him, "What are you doing here?" which made Ray reflect upon what he was doing with his life. The child's words triggered a crisis of direction for him. Seeking answers, he returned to the UK for a period.

"That's when I became involved with the Lions Club and discovered I really enjoyed helping others less fortunate than myself, Ray says. "It helped me focus on other people rather than my own problems."

He then settled back in Australia and continued his volunteer work with the Kippa-Ring Lions Club. "Helping others under the radar," says Ray referring to the Kippa-Ring Lions Recycle for Sight Program. This is a program where used reading glasses are donated by the community, checked, cleaned and graded by the Club before being sent to various third-world countries.

In April this year, Ray delivered a suitcase of recycled glasses to needy communities in Thailand before travelling to Poland. According to Ray, the recipients were so appreciative. "Seeing the smiles on their faces is really the best reward."

That was when Ray had the idea to collect recycled glasses for the Ukrainian refugees, "I thought, well, I've done it once. Why don't I take some [glasses] to Ukraine?"

Ray insists that the gratitude of the people he helps is more than enough reward for him to continue this work. So much so that Ray plans another humanitarian trip in 2023. "The people are so grateful. It really gets me here," he says, holding his hand against his heart.

To get involved with Team Krakow's Ukrainian aid effort, contact them on their Facebook page @TeamKrakowDlaUkrainy. You can also donate directly to their cause at https://zrzutka.pl/en/vpvrv616. Tickets available at wynnumfringe.com/event/velvet-rewired/

15 Years of Banking With An Award Winning Team

Jeff Walls, owner-manager of Bank of Queensland (BOQ) in North Lakes, is a builder. He’s not a hammer and nail man but a builder of teams. Over the last 15 years, he has built a formidable team of talented bankers at the Bank of Queensland, Discovery Drive, North Lakes.

HIS PEOPLE ARE loyal stayers, appreciating the supportive and professional work culture at the BOQ workplace. It’s a space that they have created together over the years, and with the backing of the BOQ head office, they are kicking goals.

When Jeff began his journey as a BOQ owner-manager in 2007, he had four team members. Now, on the occasion of the bank’s 15th birthday, there are 19 banking staff. Some can be found in customer-facing roles within the branch, whilst others work in specialist teams such as mobile home loans or commercial lending.

Starting his banking career with BOQ in 2002, Jeff took the plunge and became an owner-manager at BOQ North Lakes after working in several corporate roles at the Brisbane head office for five years.

“I’ve been banking for my whole life, ” he says with a smile. “BOQ’s unique Owner-Manager model means I don’t just manage the branch; I own it too. This means I am invested in the local community, and our customer’s success is my success.”

There have been many changes in the banking industry over the years, especially with technology. Smartphones were a novelty when Jeff first began as owner-manager, yet now everybody has one. As a result, customers can contact a BOQ team member on a company smartphone from anywhere. “We want to be contactable. Customers can always get hold of somebody,” Jeff says.

When it comes to customer service, the BOQ North Lakes team have always aimed high resulting in many of their customers being loyal ‘long-termers’. And why wouldn’t they be? The BOQ in Discovery Drive is a warm and friendly place, a million smiles away from the cold marble spaces of the big city banks.

The team know many of their customers by name. “To us, it’s all about relationships,” Jeff says. “We really take the time to get to know our customers personally and understand their goals. Our customers are at the heart of what we are all about.”

That philosophy also extends to the broader community, with BOQ North Lakes supporting many local sporting clubs and community events. There is quite a list, including Pine Rivers Netball, North Lakes Leopards Rugby Union, Caboolture Snakes Rugby Union, Dynamos Netball, the Pine Rivers Show, and many others. Several school P &C’s also receive support from their local BOQ branch.

Jeff is pleased to be involved. “There’s nothing we love more than helping out our community and the locals within it. We love our connection with the local community and are proud that we get to play a role in the growth of the greater North Lakes area.”

As a result of this community-building effort, together with the everyday exceptional customer service, the team at BOQ North Lakes have been awarded the prestigious Branch of the Year Award three times. This recognition from the BOQ group’s internal award system is important to Jeff and the team as it is a valuable indicator of their professional prowess compared with other bank branches from all over the state.

Jeff (pictured above) knows that success in the banking business comes about through offering the customer a complete experience. “All sorts of things need to come together to keep those customers coming in the front door at Discovery Drive,” he says. “Our opening hours are a part of that.”

“We’ve been open every Saturday morning for the last 15 years. And customers love our accessible location. We have easy parking. We often see our customers pull up right at the front door! It certainly makes a difference for them.”

These friendly professionals are committed to helping their customers with their banking needs, from everyday accounts to business accounts and finance.

Home loan lending has been a growth area for BOQ North Lakes, with mobile lending a much sought-after service. There are several mobile lenders on the BOQ North Lakes team who offer customers convenience and ultra-competitive loan products. In recent times, since interest rates have begun their upward climb, the mobile lending bankers have kept busy helping customers with home loan refinancing and supercompetitive new home loans.

The team at BOQ North Lakes welcome all established and new customers to the North Lakes BOQ at Shop 6, 5 Discovery Drive, North Lakes, or call them on 3498 2300. They are waiting to help more locals experience the BOQ difference.

Words: Bruce Giddings Photos: Contributed

Caboolture U3A Showcase Day DATE CLAIMERS

IF THE EVENTS of the last two and a half years have taught us anything, it is that social interaction with each other is a significant contributor to our overall health and well-being. Getting out and about is undoubtedly very important as we grow older, and that is where the organisation U3A, The University of the Third Age, comes into play.

U3A began in France in 1973, run by volunteers and its members. It has spread to countries around the world, bringing learning for personal enjoyment and satisfaction to millions. If you are wondering what the “Third Age” is, it is the age of active retirement, coming after the period of youth and the age of working life.

Caboolture has its own branch of U3A, which has existed since 2012. Over that time, there have been well over two thousand members. Currently, the active membership stands not far below six hundred and fifty. The model is that we learn from each other. If someone has expertise or even a passion in a specific area, they are encouraged to pass on their knowledge to others. There are no exams or rankings; you just stretch your mind and make friends. We currently have over forty different activities a week.

On Saturday, October 22, Caboolture U3A will hold a Showcase Day, where you can familiarise yourself with the activities and learning groups on offer. Our courses cover art, craft, games, physical activities, languages, music, and much more, with some interesting new offerings for 2023. There will be the chance to try your hand at activities and demonstrations from some groups.

The Showcase Day will open at 9am and run until 1.30pm. It will be held at Memorial Hall, King Street, Caboolture, on Saturday, October 22. Do come along. It may just be what you are looking for to brighten your days.

Back Local Business with the Moreton Money Gift Card

THE MORETON BAY Eco Fest on Saturday, 08 October is a fun, family event promoting sustainability and eco-friendly lifestyle ideas for the whole community to come and enjoy.

Join celebrity gardener Costa Georgiadis, from Gardening Australia and other leading sustainability experts, community organisations, foodies, green-thumbs, conservationists and more, who will share practical tips on how to live more sustainably. Festival goers will be treated to heaps of fun activities and entertainment throughout the day with a jampacked line up on the main stage and plenty of hands-on workshops.

Moreton Bay Eco Fest will be held at Caboolture Town Square from 10am to 2pm, a wheelchair friendly location where there are accessible toilets and footpaths available.

To find out more visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Events/GIL-Festival.

Fast Fiction: Afternoon Delight

Words: Charmaine Desilva

Robert strolled down the road to Saroja’s house. She had invited him to afternoon tea, and he had accepted nervously. She was charming and attractive. They lived on the same street and infrequently met at the local seniors’ club trivia nights. He had heard she was widowed.

Saroja warmly welcomed him – a plate of samosas and a pot of hot tea on the table. “I thought we could play Scrabble - I’m a champion, you know”.

Robert got into the game, and the afternoon turned out to be one of his best in a long time. Leaving her home, he whistled down the street. “What a delightful man,” Saroja thought. “Perhaps next week we could play Monopoly”.

BUSINESSES CAN NOW sign up to be part of the new Moreton Money gift card promotion to help support local businesses get back on their feet after a difficult year of disruptions due to the weather.

Mayor Peter Flannery said Council is throwing its support behind the new initiative which has been coordinated by six local chambers of commerce and urged local businesses to sign up.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the Moreton Bay economy and they’ve been doing a lot of heavy lifting over the past few years with COVID-19 and the disastrous recent flood events,” he said.

“This is just one small way we can all show our support and help them to not only get back on their feet but start thriving again.

The way it works is local businesses sign up to be part of the Moreton Money gift card promotion through their local chamber of commerce. Once there are enough businesses onboard, residents will be able to purchase gift cards for their friends and family to use in local Moreton Bay businesses. Just like a regular gift card.

The objective is to keep money and jobs in local hands, and with Christmas shopping looming, it is a perfect way to spoil that special someone while saying thank you to hardworking local businesses.

Gift cards are valid for three years and can be used more than once, allowing plenty of time to support businesses affected by the pandemic, flood events, staff shortages, and supply chain issues.

Small businesses who want to cash in on the program and accept Moreton Money gift cards should register their interest on MoretonMoney.com so they can be contacted by the nearest participating Chamber of Commerce: North Lakes, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe, Samford and The Hills & Districts.

THE SUNSHINE COAST’S LARGEST MUSIC VENUE AND HOTEL ANNOUNCED

FRESH OFF THE announcement of their world-class festival site, The Comiskey Group has shared the first details of their latest industrychanging venture. The team behind Sandstone Point Hotel and Eatons Hill Hotel announced the development of yet another iconic Queensland venue - this time in the Sunshine Coast’s Aura community.

Set to be the Sunshine Coast’s largest music venue and hotel, the development will be nestled in Australia’s largest master planned community, Stockland Aura, located just a ten-minute drive from Caloundra and adjacent to the Bruce highway.

The Comiskey Group’s $35M investment will be the crowning jewel of Aura’s premium entertainment hub in the City Centre and will back onto an 11-hectare Southbank-style parkland. Patrons will experience the elite hospitality of The Comiskey Group in the internal and alfresco dining areas, six bars, gaming room or function spaces. Intent on further cementing the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a live music hub, the new venue presents the unique opportunity for local, interstate and international artists to bring their tours to the bustling community.

The Comiskey Group has hosted international icons at their awardwinning venues including Prince, Post Malone, Khalid, Joan Jett, Ice Cube, Good Charlotte and Bryan Adams – and plan to bring similar music heavyweights to the suburbs. Equipped with first-rate entertainment facilities currently unseen in the region, the venue will boast a world-class PA and lighting system, band room, mezzanine level and the capacity to host over 2,500 patrons.

For Comiskey Group Director, Rob Comiskey, the Aura community was a natural fit for their next major venture.

“South East Queensland is where we were born and raised, we are passionate about bringing premium experiences to locations rich with opportunity in this thriving state. We have the largest entertainment offering in the Moreton Bay region and felt it only natural to expand into the neighbouring Sunshine Coast,” said Rob Comiskey.

“Aura sits just 10 minutes from our Coochin Fields site, so we’re excited to create a thriving epicentre of entertainment for the Sunshine Coast and bring something really special to this already innovative and unique community! ”

Aura is a 6-star Green Star rated community and is already home to more than 10,000 residents, with the potential for 20,000 new homes and 20,000 on-site jobs upon completion. The future City Centre is proposed to include a regional shopping centre, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, medical facilities, an urban university campus, private schools, transit centre, and vibrant public spaces.

Josh Sondergeld, Project Director at Stockland Aura, said: “We are thrilled that The Comiskey Group has chosen Aura as the location for its next venue, which will give our growing community access to a world-class entertainment destination.

“We look forward to welcoming this venue which will become a recreational hub for our residents and visitors to enjoy a family meal, celebrate a milestone or attend a major live international act,” said Mr Sondergeld.

Comiskey Group’s Entertainment Director, Jonathan (Jono) Jackson believes their new facilities are a much- needed and welcome addition to the region. “The Sunshine Coast offers an incredible lifestyle, it is an exceptional place to visit, but we saw a gap in the market in terms of live music venues. The region’s ongoing population growth creates demand for premium production opportunities locally. Sunshine Coast and Aura residents can expect world-class talent on their doorstep!”

This news comes just weeks after the Comiskey Group announced Coochin Fields, a brand new 150-hectare outdoor festival site, located only 10 minutes from Aura and 35 minutes from Maroochydore. The development of The Comiskey Group’s latest music venue and hotel is set to open its doors in late 2024.

The Comiskey Group’s live music venue and hotel joins the many world-class projects to be announced from the group in 2022.

• It is impossible for most people to lick their own elbow. (try it!)

• A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.

• A shrimp's heart is in its head.

• It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.

• The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is believed to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.

• Some lipsticks contain fish scales.

• Cat urine glows under a black-light.

RACING A CURE FOR CANCER

The words “How’s Kenny going?” may sound like a typical question a mate would ask another mate after work one day, but that ordinary conversation led to 14 cyclists setting out on the most extraordinary feat of their lives on September 3.

Twelve years after the first Round for Life was organised by Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Ken Leggett while he was recovering from his first bout of cancer, the idea of a second Round for Life was born.

“Kenny is one of my best mates and we’re both into cycling,” WO2 Andrew Gillies said. “One day after work Chris [Warrant Officer Class One Chris Pleszkun] asked me if I knew how Kenny was going with his cancer treatment.

to raise funds in honour and support of Kenny.”

After months of planning Round for Life 2022, 14 cyclists from 7th Signal Regiment and the Defence Force School of Signals - Electronic Warfare Wing at Borneo Barracks rode 2,300km to raise funds for brain cancer research.

With an ambitious goal of raising $100,000 for the Cure for Brain Cancer Foundation, the ride took them from Toowoomba to Melbourne, where WO2 Ken Leggett is battling his second bout of cancer.

“Cancer is deep in my brain and I can’t get it out but I’m beating it and, at some point, researchers will find a cure,” WO2 Leggett said.

regional communities, stopping for a day of rest and recovery in Canberra before arriving in Melbourne on September 22.

Meanwhile, despite undergoing treatment for brain cancer, WO2 Leggett was at home on his training bike in Melbourne, preparing to join the peloton for the last few kilometres to Simpson Barracks.

“We told Kenny that the best thing he could do to support us was to get on his trainer and train so he can meet up with us and help us ride through the entrance to the barracks,” WO2 Gillies said.

“It’s amazing stuff, what they’re doing,” WO2 Leggett said. “If I can’t ride on the day, I’ll get in the car and shout words of encouragement.

“Initially, after my second brain surgery, I couldn’t talk at all and it was hard for me because a lot of my mates are posted to Borneo Barracks in Queensland.

“Being able to talk to my mates is so important for my recovery.

“I’ve been very lucky to have the support of a great family in my wife and three sons, but I also have a second family, and that’s my Army mates.

destination at Simpson Barracks in Melbourne.

Whilst the ride may be over, the quest for funds isn’t. All donations are paid direct to the foundation and online donations can be made via www. curebraincancer.grassrootz. com/round-for-life-2022

“Kenny and I organised Round for Life 2010 to raise funds for cancer research and treatment, and Chris, who is also a cyclist, asked me if I wanted to help organise another Round for Life

“That cure might be years or decades away yet but raising funds for research will benefit the kids of the future.”

Over 18 days, the cyclists pedalled through dozens of

“They’ve always looked after me and helped me out, and I’m getting better and better all the time,” WO2 Gillies said.

On September 22nd, the peloton met up with WO2 Leggett and rode the final leg to their

A final wave goodbye to family and friends as the Round for Life 2022 cyclists depart a picturesque but damp Toowoomba to commence their 2300 km fundraising journey from Picnic Point in Toowoomba Queensland, to Simpson Barracks in Melbourne, Victoria.

PHOTO BY WO2 Kim Allen

Words: Captain Evita Ryan

C

Coordinators of the Round for Life 2022, Australian Army Warrant Officer Class One Chris Pleszkun and Warrant Officer Class Two Andrew Gillies (right) from 7th Signal Regiment with the inspiration for the fundraising bike ride, Warrant Officer Class Two Ken Leggett (centre), in Melbourne in July 2022. - PHOTO BY WO2 Andrew Gillies

The Round for Life 2022 cyclists and support crew outside the 7th Signal Regiment Headquarters at Borneo Barracks, Cabarlah, on 26 August 2022.. - PHOTO BY WO2 Kim Allen

A new way of life.

Introducing EWE+3

Australia's First Sheep, Camel, Goat and Jersey Milk Cheese

EWE+3 IS PROOF that when the going gets tough, the tough get collaborating. Australia’s first ever Sheep, Camel, Goat and Jersey milk cheese has officially been launched, the result of a flood-inspired collaboration between Towri Sheep Cheeses, Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, Summer Land Camels and Naughty Little Kids, all famed producers from the Scenic Rim.

Widespread floods earlier this year devastated many farms. Among these was Towri Sheep Cheeses, at Allenview in the Scenic Rim just out of Beaudesert, and a leading agri-tourism operator and producer of awardwinning cheeses made from milk from their beloved Awassi herd.

“The floods caused absolute devastation to our business, livestock and family farm, including the collapse of our main water supply,” said Towri’s Dallas Davidson who with her mother Carolyn run the sheep dairy and cheesery. “Milk production went down 100% as our dairy was completely flooded, and we were unable to deliver to our wonderful restaurant clients due to flood waters and road closures. It was pretty horrid …. but, we emptied our gum boots, dried out our work gear and thought about how we could keep moving forward.”

“Then, it hit us, we simply ask our friends – two and four-legged!”

During the drought Towri Sheep Cheeses collaborated with the acclaimed Tommerup’s Dairy in the Kerry Valley on other side of Beaudesert to create

DATE CLAIMER

Moo & Ewe, a Jersey and Sheep Milk range, which continues to this day.

“We thought – let’s take this further. We live in the glorious Scenic Rim, a region of dairies, of inspiring producers, and of truly creative partnerships born of Eat Local Week, so let’s create a Collaboration Cheese.”

With this idea, Towri and Tommerup’s Dairy, together with Summer Land Camels and Naughty Little Kids near Boonah literally pooled their milk resources and Carolyn Davidson, Towri Company Director and Head Cheesemaker with over 17 years’ experience, went to work. After much trial and error, EWE+3 was born. “To our knowledge this is an Australian first, and could very well be a world first,” said Dallas.

Given the complexity of the different milks, EWE+3 is rich in taste. It is a cooked natural rind cheese, with earthy, buttery and pear undertones and a touch of sharpness from the sheep’s milk.

Already some of the top restaurants in Queensland use produce from the four suppliers involved, with The Paddock at Hazelwood Estate, ESSA and Elska in Brisbane, Blume Restaurant in Boonah and Mason Wines being the first to carry EWE+3, with inquiries already being received from interstate restaurants.

Try it at Towri’s monthly Open Farm Days or visit www.towrisheepcheeses. com.au to find out more.

SENIORS EXPO

We all agree that seniors are an integral part of our community, and with plenty of existing “shows” already catering for young families and kids, it seems it only fair that seniors have an “expo” of their own.

The Terry Young Seniors Expo just happens to fill that void. Whether it’s ideas for retirement, connecting with local community groups or checking out the latest products and services, you won’t want to miss the 2022 Longman Seniors Expo!

We’ll have a whole range of stalls where guests can get information on local groups to join, government services, health checks and more.

With Key Speakers from all facets of the Community providing you with timely and relevant information that relates directly to senior living. Hear and learn about local history and the background into suburb names and places from experts in the field. Thinking of downsizing your home? What are the implications in our current client? Or perhaps you want to travel the globe, you can find out more at the Terry Young 2022 Seniors Expo.

Admission is FREE and there will be Sample Bags, Lucky Door Prizes, Sausage Sizzle, Demonstrations and much more. All stallholder proceeds will be donated to Caboolture Community Action. CCA offer support to our local community who are experiencing extreme hardship and homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

Tuesday October 11th 2022

Thursday October 13th 2022 Morayfield Sports & Events Centre Bribie Community Hall, 298 Morayfield Rd, Morayfield 96–108 Arcadia Ave, Woorim 9.30am-12.30pm W9.30am-12.30pm

GET SET FOR PREP 2023

Children commencing Prep at Jinibara in 2023 are invited to:

Friday 18th March

9:30-10:15am

RSVP: 14th March

Friday 6th May

9:30-10:15am

RSVP: 29th April

11th July – 16th September

4th October –4th November

Session 1

12th August Session 2

8th September Session 3

12th October Session 4

25th October Session 5

11th November

Open Morning

Looking to enrol your child in Prep 2023? Come along for a tour and hear about Jinibara and our Prep program.

Wednesday 9th November

5:30-6:15pm

Enrolment Interviews - Happening now contact us ASAP

All students and parents must attend an enrolment interview. Enrolment packs are available at the office or here

We will be in contact to arrange a time once your child’s completed enrolment form has been received.

Prep Orientation – Transition Program

All students should attend all 5 sessions to assist a successful transition to Prep. Time: 9:30 - 10:15am

Future Preps have the opportunity to spend time in a Prep classroom and the Prep play area. They also become familiar with routines and rules which helps them transition successfully.

Prep Parent Information Evening

Staffwill provide information about starting Prep in 2023 at Jinibara State School. Our team can answer any questions in preparation for commencing Prep.

gives me what I used to have being on the bike and so much more...

James Powell’s life was turned upside down after a motorbike accident in 2009 resulted in him winding up in a wheelchair. Rather than dwell on it, James, who is based in Upper Caboolture, took the path of positivity and worked out what he could do rather than what he couldn’t. Not letting his disability get in the way of his passion for making the most out of life has seen James take part in bodybuilding competitions, bungee-jumping in his wheelchair, get married, start a family and even get back behind the wheel of a car. But there was still one he wanted more than anything, to be able to ride motorbikes again.

From a young age, James was a keen motorbike enthusiast. His dad also rides and his mum used to, so it was very much in the family. It was inevitable that he would follow suit.

“I was very much bikes, bikes, bikes,” James says of his younger years. “That was what I grew up knowing.”

Following his accident, James focussed on gaining as much strength in his upper body as he could, in a bid for his arms to compensate for what he could no longer use, his legs. Not completely giving up on the idea of riding again, James started out on a quad bike, but there were many rules and restrictions impacting his efforts, including having to provide exact dates and times of each ride.

“I had my quad bike and I wanted to be able to ride it through the forestry, so we went through the whole rigmarole of jumping through all the hoops and I got it legally registered,” James says. “But every time I wanted to go for a ride, I had to give the police a designated route, talk to landowners, etc and it eventually took the fun out of the experience.”

But it was his determination to ride a two-wheel motorbike again that spurred James on to get creative. Using his background as an aircraft engineer, James was able to modify his motorcycle and get back in the saddle.

“My bike has a dual clutch transmission, so it’s an automatic bike and I don’t have to worry about stalling it,” James says of his thinking in the initial planning stages. “Then I had to look at the best way to stabilise the bike when I stop because I don’t have my legs to do that.

“I’d seen a few different techniques of where people had tried to hold the bike up, so using that and a combination of some of the things I’d seen working as an aircraft engineer, I thought I can actually make this happen and work.”

Using an actuator that talks to purpose built computer controls, James is able to lower a set of smaller wheels that helps stabilise his bike when not riding. In turn, he can also raise the wheels when he gets going. It all works like the landing gear on an aeroplane. He also modified foot plates to hold his legs in place while he is riding and the bike also has a spot to hold his wheelchair. He’s done it all in a way so that he can be as independent as possible but still appreciates help when it’s on offer. He describes the first few rides on his modified bike as quite a “surreal” experience.

“It was all a bit bizarre in the beginning,” he says. “But it’s given me a mental outlet and that’s something we all need. So it gives me what I used to have being on the bike and so much more now.”

Not only has James given himself a new found freedom, but he’s paved the way for others facing similar circumstances. He’s relishing the opportunity to make a difference in the disability sector and help as many people as possible return to an aspect of their lives which they may never have thought possible.

“I've helped multiple people get back on the bike in various ways,” he says. “So amputees and people who are paraplegics, but incomplete, so they still can have leg movement. They can get on a bike and they can hold it up but they can’t change gears or brake or anything like that. So I was able to show them ways of being able to do it.

“Giving others advice on how to do things and just knowing you’ve made a difference, I’m really enjoying being able to do that and create opportunities that they never had before.”

It seems, this likely won’t be the last time we see something created by James. He’s currently working on another interesting project, so watch out for that one!

How to Increase Your Borrowing Power

Words: Vanessa Bragdon VB Home Loans

Rising interest rates affect more than just monthly repayments and the total cost of a home loan. They also reduce the borrowing power of anyone looking for a home loan. The effect is more pronounced than you might think due to serviceability buffers.

A serviceability buffer is a number lenders add to the interest rate on offer when you apply for a home loan, to see if you would continue to be able to make repayments if interest rates went up. Last October, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, which gives the banks guidelines for the buffer rate, said it expected lenders to increase the minimum serviceability buffer from 2.5% to 3%.

This means that if you apply for a home loan with a 4% interest rate, the bank will calculate your repayments as if the interest rate were 7% – previously, it would have been just 6.5% – when deciding whether to approve you for the loan. This, in addition to rising rates can have a significant impact on your borrowing power.

What This Means For You

• The increase in the interest rate buffer applies to all new borrowers.

• Investors are likely to be more affected by a higher serviceability buffer than owner-occupiers. This is because investors typically borrow with higher degrees of leverage and may already have debt (to which the buffer would also be applied).

• Most first-home buyers can’t afford a large deposit, this means increases in serviceability buffers will affect

them more because they will need to borrow at or near their capacity to afford a home.

• Understanding your borrowing capacity can help you determine your monthly payments and the kinds of properties you can afford, preventing you from wasting time looking for a house that is out of your price range.

How to increase home loan borrowing power

Here are 8 helpful suggestions to boost your ability to borrow for a mortgage:

1. Lower your credit-card limits.

2. Close unsecured debts, including personal loans, car loans and HECS debt.

"3. Reduce your living costs for three to six months before applying for a mortgage.

4. Request a longer loan term for your mortgage.

5. Apply to a lender whose loan criteria favour your income and employment situation.

"6. Split your expenses with your partner.

Get in touch with your local mortgage broker

A mortgage broker can help you get your home loan approved by calculating your borrowing capacity. If you already have a home loan, a broker can also assist you with refinancing to a lender that offers lower interest rates by comparing lenders and finding the best deal for you.

7. Consolidate unsecured debts into your existing mortgage to increase your home loan borrowing power.

8. Stay updated on your credit report and keep it as clean as possible.

Understanding your borrowingcapacity can help you determineyour monthly payments and thekinds of properties you can afford.

Just Cut It Out and Stick 'Em Up!

Words: Gabrielle Turnbull, Art So Lively

This term 'collage' stems from the French word 'coller', meaning to paste and describes a work of art created using paper and/or everyday items glued to a surface. Around 1912 the term was coined by the early Modernists George Braque and Pablo Picasso. Paper fragments of popular songs, photographs, newspapers, wallpaper, old tram tickets and other ephemera started appearing in their work. The Cubists using such experimental materials thoroughly broke with established artistic conventions.

However, it seems that collage is not as "modern" as I once thought. Gluing has been going on for centuries! The earliest form is evidenced in the Iron Age tombs of Siberia's nomadic people. Remnants of felt have been found, suggesting it was used as decoration. Then in 200BC China, with the invention of paper, artists saw creative potential in how it could be torn, cut and pasted to silk. It became very popular in 10th century Japan with calligraphers and poets gluing images, metal decorations and poetry together.

Medieval European artists embellished the images in cathedrals by applying gold leaf, gemstones and precious metals. Then, as the Renaissance blossomed, science used collage to construct anatomical 'flap-books' to instruct medical students.

Eastern lacquer ware brought to Europe during the 1600s and 1700s gave rise to another form of collage - decoupage. This became the "gentlewoman's" creative pursuit continuing into Victorian times

with the creation of family scrapbooks, handmade cards and other memorabilia. Though a pastime for women, Charles Dickens did cover a screen with over 400 engravings!

And then, the Cubists dramatically re-invented collage, thrusting it into mainstream art, setting a precedent for artists in the following decades.

Hannah Hoch and others made controversial and bizarre collages, called photomontages, expressing the unconventional ideas of the Dada and Surrealist movements of the 1920s and 1930s.

Late in his career, unable to paint large works due to ill health, Henri Matisse explored collage in the 1940s. With the help of assistants, Matisse hand-painted papers, which he used to make his famous Cut-Outs. Beautifully coloured cut-out shapes were masterfully arranged and pinned into graceful large-scale compositions still celebrated today.

Each decade has produced outstanding artists using collage, assemblages and installations to express their perspectives on society. To discover intriguing images created using collage, google some of the following names: Martha Rosler, Richard Hamilton, Joseph Cornell, Kurt Schwitters, Wangechi Mutu, Deborah Roberts and Australia's own Sally Smart (to mention but a few). There is a lot to explore.

At Art So Lively, we are currently deep in the process of "cutting it out" and sticking it on!! as we collage to create interesting, unique and sometimes humorous images around the theme of the human figure.

...it seems that collage is not as "modern" as I once thought. " "

Above: 'Unidentified, Untitled (Victorian Collage); 1880-1890. Courtesy of American Art

Above: 'Flight', 1931. Hannah Hoch.

Above: Matisse at the Hotel Regina, Nice, with The Parakeet and the Mermaid, c. 1952

Above: 'Example of 12th-century Japanese calligraphy on collage paper' Courtesy of The Phillips Collection

Health

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a mode of exercise that is completed in a heated pool. It involves gentle, controlled movements and exercises in warm water (31 - 35 degrees). Often these exercises can also be completed out of the water, but by completing them in the water environment it allows for a greater range of movement and lower load through the body. This can be particularly beneficial for people who are limited by pain or who have injuries or conditions that have reduced their ability to load through a joint or area. Hydrotherapy is good for strengthening muscles, whilst in an environment with less stress on your joints, bones and muscles and it can reduce pain with the warm temperature and by increasing circulation.

Let’s get a bit sciency! Due to concepts like buoyancy and density, our weight in the pool is significantly reduced, which can give us the feeling of weightlessness. For example, if we are in waist deep water, we are only weight bearing about 50% of our normal weight. Therefore, the

lower load environment can allow for much more movement to be completed. Due to the viscosity, or thickness, of the water, completing a movement in the water will require you to expend greater energy compared to completing the activity on land (like walking for example) and can therefore help to increase physical fitness. Exercising in the warm water can also help with reducing involuntary movements which, for some individuals, can make exercising very hard.

Hydrotherapy can be done at any age or fitness level. It can benefit individuals who:

• are post surgery to assist with gradually increasing load;

• have joint pain and stiffness to get more movement and pain relief;

• have mobility limitations who may be unable to walk unsupported;

• experience musculoskeletal issues including back pain; sports injuries; knee pain;

• have arthritis.

As well as people who may find that exercise normally is too challenging at this point for them for any other reason including neurological or chronic pain conditions.

There are very few cases where hydrotherapy may not be the right type of exercise for an individual and if you are unsure if it is appropriate for you, or someone you know, then contact your nearest Exercise Physiologist who will be able to help with this. Exercise Physiologists are specialists in the area of exercise and they will be able to find the form of exercise that is right for you - regardless of your circumstances. They can assist with creating an individualised program to help you reach your goals, whether on land or water, as well as supporting you through your exercise journey.

Moreton All Body Care offer Hydrotherapy classes as well as individual Hydrotherapy sessions.

Call on 38886699 or 38869470 for more information.

Landscaping

A Time for Everything

Words: Lawrie Smith AM, Landscape Architect

When you are recovering from a life-threatening event your mind focusses acutely on the things that really matter. For each of us that is something different and possibly unique. Obviously, the value of family comes up tops, but there are other things that also matter. For me, it is also the forever rotating seasons of the plant kingdom that regularly paint the surrounding landscape and gardens, sometimes for only a short time, with vivid colours, interesting shapes and fragrances. In some cases, the flowers are small and ephemeral, and make a huge difference for just a short period of time. That is the magic of planting a garden of diverse plants, whether they be native or exotic the effect is the same. For me particularly, it is the uniqueness of the Australian flora that lifts my spirits almost every day, as I look around the garden and nearby parks. Because, apart from their visual interest these plants are providing wildlife habitat that provides a never-ending source of colour, interest and movement through the antics of birds as they feed, the lizards as they forage and the bees as they collect the nectar. A well planted diverse native garden is never dull or boring, and you reap the benefits of being surrounded by a constantly changing seasonal landscape throughout the year. This month if you take the time to search closely, you may be lucky to discover three very distinctive native plants – a small flowering tree, a dense low shrub and a rare terrestrial orchid, that flower once at the same time each year for a short period, but in different situations.

PLANTS OF THE MONTH:

‘Little Kurrajong’ - Brachychiton bidwillii

This is a variable species which may sometimes develop as a small tree to 4 metres or an open shrub about 2 metres tall. Deciduous just before flowering, these attractive species are among the most beautiful of native shrubs and are prized for their bell flowers in tones of pink to orange. They flower best in full sun, despite being ‘dry rainforest’ plants.

‘Rocky Rambler’ - Melaleuca pearsonii

‘Rocky Rambler’ is a dwarf shrub, growing to around half a metre high and wide with fine soft and dense foliage. It flowers prolifically with bright red brushes, attractively gold tipped, and attracts birds and butterflies. Tip prune once or twice a year to encourage a dense habit and to tidy up old flowers. Likes sun to part shade and adapts to most soils. The ground covering dense habit gives shelter to small wildlife such as lizards.

‘Swamp Orchid’ - Phaius australis

The Swamp Orchid of the south-eastern coastal moist lands is an easily grown robust plant, with broad elongated strap leaves up to a metre long, and flowering stems which may reach 2 metres. The flowers are the largest of any Australian orchid and occur dramatically along the stems in clusters of between four and twelve. The attractive individual flowers are about 100mm diameter and are reddish brown and white in colour. It does best in semi-shade, planted in a large container with high humus content potting mix.

ABOVE: Swamp Orchid’ - Phaius australis

Did you know that your feet can reflect your overall general health? Are you aware that your feet take 1.5 times your body weight when you walk? And did you know having regular feet massages can improve your overall mood?

Words: Sandra, Reflexologist at Zen Chi, North Lakes

Your feet are probably the most misunderstand, overused and underappreciated body part. To a qualified reflexologist your feet are a gateway for health and wellness in your whole body.

Sandra and Supi are our own personal cloud walkers. They are the ones who relax, calm, and stimulate all the heavenly points in your feet to ensure not only your feet feel good but that your whole body receives an opportunity to reset and heal. You truly will walk on cloud after booking in with one of our Reflexologists and experiencing what their magic hands can do for your feet.

How does Reflexology Work?

Reflexology is like reading a map of your feet. An exceptional reflexologist identifies pressure points in your feet that correspond with organs, muscles and understands the energetic connection to your whole body. Reflexology is a technique where your feet receive a comprehensive massage which will relax and reset your nervous system.

Many people report that reflexology has helped:

• Boost immunity

Help during Cancer treatment

• Recover from Back Problems

• Boost Fertility

• Improve Digestion

• Increase circulation

• Improve Sleep patterns

If you would like to learn more about having a reflexology treatment, give Zen Chi a call on (07) 3482 2549 today. One of our helpful staff will be able to determine if reflexology is for you.

Antiques

Glass

Words: Meade Murphy Murphy's Antiques & Restoration

For decades, Murphy’s Antiques has sold large volumes of glass objects. I have watched different glass such as ruby, murano, carnival and depression glass come in and out of fashion. If you have watched Albion Antique’s live auctions online over the past weeks, you would have seen carnival glass make a comeback.

These pressed iridescent glass objects were mass-produced between 1905 and 1930 by seven different countries. The iridescence was achieved by a spray process on the surface of the glass before firing, which produced a beautiful product at a significantly reduced cost. This gave the housewife of the time a quality product within her budget.

Then from 1929 to 1939 came a cheaper machine-made glassware called depression glass because it was made during the great depression. This glass was simply transparent, green, blue or coloured translucent. Also, during the great depression, glass manufacturers added more iron oxide to the mixture to match popular preferences for a much greener glass. Then followed fluorescent uranium depression glass from the USA. Production was restricted during World War Two due to the government confiscation of uranium for the Manhattan project from 1942 to 1958. It wasn’t until the Cold War ended that all restrictions on uranium glass were lifted entirely.

In March last year, I bought a large selection of green glass jointly collected over decades by a mother and daughter in Clontarf. The daughter had inherited her mother’s collection, which she added to from the early 1990s to 2002. When she passed away in 2003, her husband packed it up and put it in the garage.

At the time, I thought, “do I really have the time to unwrap so many glass items?” It was covered in so much dirty paper and dust that I had to do multiple loads in my dishwasher. There were 600 pieces of green glass, of which just over 240 items were uranium glass. It took me weeks to clean it up, filling up my round table four times (pictured). Every time I wrapped it up and took it to my antique shop, the collectors would fight over the pieces, so it didn’t take long to sell. They would come into my shop with their black U.V lights in a big rush just to check it was uranium glass.

Now all the collectors in Brisbane must be wondering if I kept any of the 600 pieces of glass. I didn’t, as I only collect antiques and fishing rods. But then, in an estate in Ashgrove four months ago, I scored a pair of very rare Victorian Uranium Lustre vases, so I kept them (pictured). You see, uranium was first added to glass to give its fluorescent effect, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that pieces were made with up to 25% uranium.

Happy Collecting!

The iridescence was achieved bya spray process on the surfaceof the glass before firing, which produced a beautiful product at a significantly reduced cost.This gave the housewife of the time a quality product withinher budget."

"

The Cryptic Crittic

Aaah! That's Painful!

Ever since we humans walked on this planet, we have experienced pain in one way or another.

The ancient Greeks believed that their Goddess of Revenge, Poine, was sent to punish them when they experienced physical pain. However, all she did was give her name to the word `pain`.

Many ancient cultures believed that physical pain was the punishment given to humans by the Gods. To appease them, sacrificial rituals were performed by magical men and women. Another common practice was to drill holes in the sufferer's head to release the pain. But long before that cave men and women were already using plant-based medicine to treat pain and illness.

They had discovered that chewing the bark of trees, such as the Poplar and Willow, relieved pain. The bark of these trees contain salicylic acid, the active ingredient of our common Aspirin. Scientists discovered this when examining the jawbones of Neanderthals.

The Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the father of Western medicine, did acknowledge the pain-relieving benefits of both the Willow and Poplar tree bark. Ancient Egyptians also used dried Myrtle leaves to relieve muscle pain.

In medieval times, pain relief came mainly from the use of herbs, but minerals were also used as well. In the 1600s, patients were given opium to relieve pain. As recently as the early 20th century, some physicians injected gold salts to treat arthritis.

Both electricity and magnets have been used as painkillers, and Coca Cola which originally contained cocaine was sold as the best painkiller in the United States.

However it all changed in 1846, when anaesthesia, in the form of ether and chloroform for surgery, was introduced. Queen Victoria is considered the first to have received anaesthesia for childbirth. Before that, Italian doctors used a technique that involved hammering a wooden bowl placed on the patient's head until the patient passed out. Gassing over a stove and choking patients were also fairly common practices.

In 1897, Bayer Pharmaceutical staff member Felix Hoffman developed a formula to help his arthritic father's pain, and Aspirin was born. He made no money from his brilliant invention. In 1960, Aspirin became the world's best-selling medicine. Nowadays, its consumption is put at over 100 billion tablets annually.

The 1900s also saw the introduction of morphine, cocaine and heroin as painkillers and the human race was introduced to what was to become the ongoing period of drug addiction. In the United States, it is estimated that over 100,000 people have died of a drug overdose before April 2021. Whereas Australia estimates a loss of under 2,000. These figures exclude deaths from alcohol and tobacco addiction.

Words: Richard Lancaster

Baysport 640 Deluxe Fisherman

When you consider value for money, the Baysport 640 Deluxe really sits in a class of its own. This large boat has everything and more you’d need for watersports, fishing or cruising. With the additional targa top, it really finishes off what is already a brilliant boat.

The Boat

The 640 Deluxe is a large cuddy cabin style platform geared towards family and fishing. As such, it has a large live bait tank plumbed into the rear starboard corner of the transom. It’s large enough for larger bait that could easily see you chasing marlin offshore. On the opposite side is a handy walkway with transom door for easy access.

Keen anglers will like the fibreglass bait board and rigging station, an option fitted by Brisbane Yamaha, that smartly sits at the

Specifications

• Price: Low-mid $80,000’s

• Construction: Fibreglass

• Length Overall: 7.08m

• Beam: 2.48m

• Max hp: 175hp

• Construction: Fibreglass

• Capacity: 7 people

• Weight on trailer: approx 1750kgs

• Engine as tested: Yamaha F175hp Four Stroke (150hp is recommended)

• Fuel Capacity: 170L

perfect height for easy use. The Baysport 640 Deluxe also includes a very clever and well-designed removable 2/3rds rear lounge that can be folded away when using the bait board. It is long enough to accommodate 2-3 passengers while underway and folds in a way that allows anglers to get their feet underneath it and stand close to the transom for support.

In fact, the fish-ability of the Baysport 640 Deluxe fisherman platform is better than most we’ve seen. The moulded fibreglass side pockets, that don’t extend all the way to the floor, allow anglers fishing from both sides of the boat to get close to the gunwale to brace themselves.

The floor in the cockpit is flat with the 170 litre underfloor fuel tank running through the centre. The fibreglass floor had been covered in machined SeaDek closed-cell

polymer foam which offers excellent traction. It is also fuel and oil resistant and able to be hosed out after a day on the water.

Both helm seats are adjustable and come standard with a bolster. The passenger sits on a stainless-steel framework allowing an esky or similar, to be stowed underneath. The driver’s seat sits on a moulded fibreglass box with built in storage.

The dashboard does look busy and it’s no wonder why. Brisbane Yamaha have added so many necessary instruments to the Baysport 640 Deluxe as standard items. It comes with a marine stereo, electric anchor winch control, marine radio, 7-inch multi-function display unit, switch panel, compass, engine gauges, sounder and two drink holders, twin USB charging station in the cabin, plus a sports steering wheel. It’s a charged design that accommodates everything you need.

The passenger seat gets a handy grab bar, cup holder and side pocket. Down below in the cuddy cabin twin bunks run well forward. The bunk infill is standard in the Baysport 640 Deluxe. It can hide an optional porta toilet if overnight stays are on your radar. Along either side of the cabin, pockets will accommodate your bits and pieces. Between the helm seats, is more storage hidden by a lift up hatch or you can option up with a water tank and add a shower.

Over the top of the helm area is a magnificent stainless steel targa top. It has six rod holders across the back and is covered in black sunsafe material. An additional pull-out awning slides from the rear of the roof to extend over the cockpit. The entire canopy was made in house by the dealer, Brisbane Yamaha, and their trim department.

There’s not much missing in the Baysport 640 Deluxe.

Power

The surprising thing about the 6.40 metre Baysport 640 Deluxe is the engine required to power it. The dealer has elected to fit a maximum of 175hp but they felt that the Yamaha F150 Four Stroke is the perfect unit to do the job.

It sits in their big in-line four cylinder range

and comes with a high output alternator. This is crucial when you are looking at a craft with dual batteries and a host of modern electronics. It also uses Yamaha’s strong corrosion-resistant aluminium construction and has their impeccable finish. It’s incredibly quiet and when running has a great note. It sounds as if it could go forever.

The Baysport 640 Deluxe will reach speeds of around 75 kilometres per hour. At that speed it will sit at 5,500 rpm and burn 60 litres of fuel per hour. At a more sedate 4,000 rpm we were cruising at 42 kilometres per hour and burning 27 lph.

Performance

The driving position in the Baysport 640 Deluxe is exceptional. With the bolster on the helm chair, you can sit comfortably or fold it up and stand with plenty of room around the wheel.

The 640 Deluxe is a family and fishing platform with all the comfort and quality of some considerably more expensive boats. It doesn’t leap onto the plane but gradually accelerates and gets there mightily quicker than almost all other hulls.

It turns on rails, doesn’t skip or bed in and powers through a corner without bogging down at all. The standard hydraulic steering

is excellent making any manoeuvres a painless affair.

The hull has good chine that runs from near the bow to the transom. It’s not quite a reverse, but it does well to throw the spray well clear of the boat.

Overall, this is a pleasure to drive and feels like a much smaller boat than the 6.40 metres to control. Families will appreciate this aspect of the Baysport 640 Deluxe.

Tow Vehicle

The Baysport 640 Deluxe is a reasonably heavy boat, with the total boat, motor and trailer weight in the vicinity of 1,750 kilograms. At that weight, it can be towed by a vehicle in the medium 4WD category like a Toyota Kluger. Any dual cab ute will be more than enough with most sitting around the 3,500 kilogram braked towing capacity.

Questions?

For more information contact Australia’s largest marine dealer, Brisbane Yamaha on 3888 1727 or visit us on the Bruce Highway, Burpengary. www.brisbaneyamaha.com.au

Custom Seadek Flooring

Transom Door

Quality Electronics and Hydraulic Steering

CLUB

Tips for Handling Negative Reviews

WHEN RESEARCHING A new business or product, as customers we often look to see what the one-star, or lowest-rated review says. It’s human nature to want to know what the worst experience was, and how the company responded to the problem. It allows us to form a much better overview of how the business truly operates and how satisfied customers have been with the service.

Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got 60 ‘five stars’ and only 3 ‘one stars’; we guarantee (unfortunately) almost every customer that comes across you online will read those three one-star reviews!

As business owners, we must be mindful of this psychology (even though it can hurt to see)! So, here are Angela’s top tips for dealing with these notso-great reviews in a manner that will help your business not be knocked down by it!!

Respond (quickly) to the complaint: Address the problem with sensitivity and empathy. Your response should either ask the disgruntled customer to contact you directly (and provide contact information) or potentially outline the situation and how your business tried to rectify it. That will show people that you’re actively trying to amend the situation and have taken tangible action.

Don’t delete bad reviews: It’s tempting to delete the bad reviews, turn off or remove negative comments – especially on your social media pages. Doing so is actually a poor business practice, and customers may catch on and think twice about using your services. You should always respond and always allow comments and feedback to be seen.

Don’t get angry or defensive: Not everyone can be reasoned with. If you stoop to their level, it will reflect poorly on your business, and potential customers likely won’t see both sides of the story. They’ll just see you, the business owner, attacking a previous customer (very uncool!). So, like in most situations when you are feeling rattled… stay calm, cool and collected!

Report any FAKE reviews: Yes, sometimes competitors will leave fake bad reviews. It’s deplorable business practices, but not everybody operates ethically. If you can, call out that you don’t have a record of them interacting with your business (this shows potential clients that this review is fake), then report the fake review quickly, and where possible, block them from being able to re-comment or rate again.

Customer reviews will not be going away, as the world becomes a digital one more and more, having a formulated plan for dealing with reviews will become a necessary facet of your business!

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