Qld Guides | Spring Daisy - February 2022

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Born to

There is so much to be excited about this month. From Valentine’s Day to the Chinese New Year, not to mention the launch of our Logan app!

For this February issue, it’s all about love. Make sure you stop and smell the roses, because love is in the air (for some of us, that is). Whether you’re in a lifelong committed relationship or single trying to decipher what your crush texted you, we at the Logan City Guides are here to make your Valentine’s Day all you’ve ever dreamed of and more. With these articles, you can also take Valentine’s Day beyond Feb. 14 and past a date night with your significant other.

While you’re at it, why not stop by at your local café for brunch or to catch up for a coffee with friends. We’ve put together a list of some of the best breakfast spots in Logan for you to try!

This month, among other topics in this issue, you’ll read about kindness. In the midst of a lonely pandemic, there is evidence that kindness is contagious – only it can’t be neatly plotted on graphs or reduced to its reproduction number.

Despite the many obstacles and challenges this month, we’ve managed to push through! We’re also mindful not to take anything for granted; especially our advertisers and contributing writers across our four publications. Thanks to all.

We hope you have an amazing month and a lovely start to the year. Enjoy our February issue.

-Logan City Guides Team

The Logan City Guides is a free magazine published monthly intended for informational purposes. The publisher and other affiliated parties do not endorse & are not responsible for any their-party contributor information, nor do we endorse the content of any advertisement. We take great care to ensure what we publish is accurate, but cannot assume any responsibility for any misprints or mistakes.

HAZEL

LOGAN HOMELESS

SHELTER EXPANDS OPERATIONS

amid 'urgent' need for emergency accommodation

When Sarah walked into a Logan homeless shelter five months ago, she had no home, had lost custody of her children, and was addicted to meth.

Months later Sarah is, in her own words, "flourishing", with the support she needs to recover and rebuild herself and her future.

"I'd been on methamphetamine, ice or crack or whatever you want to call it, for a year and a half," Sarah told ABC Radio Brisbane.

"I'd been couch surfing, and one morning I just woke up after having acid trip and just decided to leave … where I was living and rung up Sheltered By Grace myself.

A DIFFERENT MODEL

Sheltered by Grace is a homeless shelter based in the Logan suburb of Waterford, with space for 24 people without homes.

Founded by Jason and Lisa Loakes, the notfor-profit charity offers people a safe, private bedroom of their own, with a communal kitchen

Sarah

"It's all referral-based and we don't advertise," Mr Loakes said.

"A lot of it is through government agencies — the local hospital systems will do referrals to us, but we are getting more and more self-referrals. "People that are homeless, a lot of them or most of them do have mobile phones and can google and find us that way."

About 50 people annually leave the shelter ready to be independent, Mr Loakes said, and it was, to his knowledge, one of only three shelters operating in south-east Queensland without regular government funding.

The shelter is almost entirely reliant on private donations and fundraising, while clients do pay some rent.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates about 21,000 people are homeless in Queensland, and during the pandemic, the state government offered rough sleepers emergency accommodation.

Many were then put into social housing or assisted into private accommodation, but others were not.

More broadly, 26,400 families remain on Queensland's social housing waitlist, and anecdotal reports show more people are being pushed into homelessness in the wake of rising rents across south-east Queensland.

There are so many ways you can support the work of Sheltered by Grace and be a part of the solution to end homelessness.

From simply making a cash donation, volunteering time, shopping in their store or recycling - no matter what works for you, they’re so incredibly grateful for your support!

You can learn more and find some inspiration below. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or have a great idea for Sheltered by Grace, please get in contact on 07 32007145 or admin@sbg.org.au

Jason Loakes

Lisa Loakes

WHY ROCHEDALE?

BY HAZEL HILLIER

Many people know of the Dennis and Shailer families, who were early settlers in Logan, but how did Rochedale get its name?

William Roche was an Irishman, who migrated to Australia about 1861. Single when he arrived, he married Kate McDermott, who also hailed from Ireland, in 1867. At first, the Roches leased land, but later bought 50 acres (around 20 hectares,) built a homestead and later took up three more land selections, from Ford Road, down through where Rochedale SS is now, to where Redeemer College now stands. The name of his homestead was “Rochedale.”

He planted grape vines and pineapples and had a citrus orchard, but to make ends meet, went shearing for six months each year, leaving his wife to care for their young son. Her mother had lived with them, but died soon after young Thomas’s birth. William died in 1902, Kate died in 1916, and on her death certificate, Thomas gave his address as “Rochedale” Eight Mile Plains.

After WW1, local residents decided they needed a Post Office. However, the area needed a name first, and as the Rochedale homestead was the most prominent building in the area, it was decided to nominate the name

Rochedale for the district and for the new Post Office, which was built on the corner of Miles Platting and Rochedale Roads.

Because Thomas died intestate, some of the land was sold, but his son, another Thomas, kept the homestead block. William, another son, bought more land further down Rochedale Road, past Priestdale Road. They used bore water for irrigation. No longer growing grapes, Thomas first of all grew pineapples and tomatoes, but later had dairy cattle, while William grew peas, beans and chokos. They took their produce to the Rocklea Markets in a T model Ford. But after WW2, they sold their land.

On the verandah of “Rochedale”, Kathleen, Thomas Joseph, Mary, Mary Roche.

Mary Roche in front of the Roche home.

THE BENEFITS OF MEDIATION

When couples commence a relationship, they usually do so hopeful of a happy and long future together. Unfortunately, sometimes things do not work out and relationships do break down despite the sacrifice and commitment to making it work. If you were ever to separate, you might expect you and your ex could work things out amicably. Experience suggests that is a lot harder to achieve than it sounds or may appear.

When separating, one way to resolve issues such as how the children will spend their time with each parent or how property should be divided, is to attend mediation with a qualified practitioner There are many benefits of attending mediation including being the emotional toll that lengthy court proceedings can cause; re timely manner so that parties can move on with their lives and retain control of the decisions being made regarding their future.

By choosing to mediate rather than litigate, parties can avoid said’ conflict and the entrenched, sometimes lifelong, animosity litigation creates. Further, mediation, or at least an attempt at it, is a requirement prior to commencing litigation under the pre-action procedures in the Federal Circu Australia.

If you have separated or are considering your options, please our office for a confidential discussion with one of our experien family lawyers.

If you have a parenting dispute, a Family Law Mediator (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner FDRP) can mediate with both parents resulting in a cost & time effective resolution.

WHEN LOVE IS ALL

Love, that’s what this month is famous for. Valentine’s Day is typically a day we show romantic love to our special someone, but how about showing love to our children, our friends, to those people we see daily, or rarely, who in some way make our life special?

When the whole world is celebrating love, Finland has it’s unique interpretation of the 14th of February. Valentine’s Day in Finland is celebrated as ‘Ystavanpaiva’; which is translated as Friend’s Day. Finns decided to include everybody in this day.

In Mexico, it is called the ‘Dia del amor y la amistad’, the day of love and friendship. The first handmade Valentine’s Day cards in the 1800s weren’t intended only for lovers. They also celebrated affection between friends and relatives.

Valentine’s Day Flowers on the other hand started in the 17th Century. Originating from the old-fashioned custom of sending gifts, especially flowers, to pass on non-verbal messages. Thanks to Charles II of Sweden in the 18th Century; every single flower had a meaning to it. It’s amazing how in this way people could have an entire conversation just through flowers.

Red Roses, in particular, have traditionally been used to represent love. For years they have been associated for ages with beauty and perfection; red roses are a timeless way to say “I love you.”

Roses were the Goddess of Love, Venus’ favourite flower, as she believed that they stood for strong feelings. From this, the tradition of giving loved one’s flowers began and continues to live on today.

The impact that a simple bouquet of flowers can have on someone is something that 4th generation local florists, Milly and Nicki from the Southside Flower Market and Flowerhub know all about. They have a love of flowers deeply ingrained within them and for over 10 years, the husband and wife duo along with their dedicated team has helped locals with all their flower needs.

“I feel it’s my job to make flowers accessible to everybody”, stated Nicki.

Their successful partnership is due to their ability to work well together; complementing each other’s strengths.

“Milly is the hard-working doer of the partnership while I am the strategist and entrepreneur”, stated Nicki.

“I’ve learnt that if you slow down a bit, you can do it all, giving back to your community and running a business that delivers value, customer experience and helping the community,” says Nicki.

That experience is created by the dedicated team of Flower Professionals at the Southside Flower Market that ensure customers enjoy

themselves, are happy with products and continuously keep coming back.

If you are looking for a place to escape the everyday and just take a moment or two to browse the flowers, come and visit Milly, Nikki and the team at the Southside Flower Market. Immerse yourself in the beautiful colours and scents of the fresh flowers on display - you won’t be disappointed.

In whatever way you choose to express your love and appreciation, make sure you include the important people in our lives - which, of course, includes our friends and relatives.

For more information about the Southside Flower Market, visit http://www. southsideflowermarket.com.au/.

We have a new range of freedoms that we haven’t known for the last two years. But what exactly are these freedoms and what should you know regarding travel in 2022? To be honest, I don’t really know as it’s constantly changing and no one can predict how this year will end but for those of you that really need to ‘get out’ here’s a checklist to ensure you travel goes as smoothly as possible:

1: DO RESEARCH

Most countries require you to undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR, or RT-PCR) test anytime between 72 hours

and 24hours prior to your departure. Other requirements include incoming passenger declarations and a variety of other ‘hoops’ before you are permitted to enter. You will also need to take into consideration the cities that you are transiting enroute to your destination. Remember that this information is very fluid and does change regularly. If you cannot provide all the requirements of your destination you will not be able to check in and board the aircraft.

2: BE FLEXIBLE

Travelling in 2022 requires you to be flexible and understanding. Travel is still quite hard and you will need a lot of patience. There are a variety of reasons this is required but here are the top 3.

COVID: There is a strong possibility that throughout the course of your travel you may contract COVID and need to extend your stay. It is an Australian government requirement that all inbound passengers must provide a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR, or RT-PCR) test. If this information is not provided, you will not be able to check in and board the aircraft. You are then required to either wait 14 days, provide a negative PCR test or provide a medical certificate from a medical practitioner before being permitted to return.

Airline Flights Cancellations: An airline can (and will) cancel your flight for any number of reasons. This may mean a longer stay in your destination or having to find an alternative flight home (at an additional expense). Please ensure you have a list of the contact details of your airline to contact should you need to rebook or rearrange your travel due to schedule changes or cancellations.

Border Closures: Most countries and cities are changing their incoming requirements and your travel could be cancelled due to ongoing border closures.

2: TRAVEL INSURANCE

As with travel before COVID, Travel Insurance is a very important component of your travel. Each policy has different inclusions and it’s recommended you educate yourself on the inclusions and benefits of the policy by reading the Product Disclosure Statement prior to purchasing a policy. To assist you in the scenarios above, please ensure you have a comprehensive policy with the best cover you can find.

2: USE A TRAVEL AGENT

It might be obvious me writing this but… USE A TRAVEL AGENT! If reading the above doesn’t make using a Travel Agent obvious you’re a braver (and far more patient!) person than I. Your travel agent is your first point of call and wouldn’t you rather send a quick email/phone call/WhatsApp message with HELP than spend hours on the phone in a foreign country with a foreign call centre? Please remember that travel agents are here to assist YOU, our clients, so even when the situation is upsetting please go easy and treat us with respect. We don’t make the rules, we don’t hold your money (this is immediately forwarded to the suppliers) and we don’t have control of airlines or governments (although we wish we did!)

”Travel is full of many ups and downs, but I think the greatest reward was that I found myself again, after feeling lost for a very long time” – Ashleigh Page.

Pizzoni,

Tina

Helloworld Travel

Helloworld Travel Rochedale, Locally owned and operated

NOT

TYPICAL ENERGY DRINK

We all have those days when our bodies are a bit low on fuel, leaving us tired, lethargic, and unable to focus. Sound familiar? Formulated to give your mind and body the boost it needs to face the day, your workout, or that massive to-do list, 5 Active Energy Drink is here to fuel and hydrate your body without compromising on taste or nutrition.

5AE combines nostalgic and delicious Australian flavours with a health-inspired ingredient profile to deliver strong, smooth energy while promoting physical and mental elevation.

We first came across 5 Active Energy at the Powerhouse Gym Grand Reopening and were amazed how different they were from traditional energy drinks. Formulated for any occasion

which requires a sustained energy boost without any crash. 5 Active Energy is sugar free and is the perfect beverage to have before a workout, before the workday, or as a refreshing alternative to coffee.

Containing a patented blend of seven fruit and vegetable extracts, active ingredients like Nitrosigine®, Organic Green Coffee Extract, and GlycerPure™, the 5 Active Energy Drink is more than your average corner store energy drink... and now it’s available in Logan!

Try one of the 5 flavours on offer, including Cola, Creaming Soda, Lemonade, Strawberry Lime and Cotton Candy. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

Taste one for yourself today!

Valentine Gift Ideas

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Are you stuck for ideas on what to get that special someone in your life?

Before you know it, Valentine's Day will be here, and the last thing you want to do is scramble to find a gift that says "I love you."

Here are a few suggestions to help you find that perfect gift for that special someone.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special unique gift they’ll treasure for years to come. Your love is one-of-a-kind and deserves something excep tional. Luckily, L.C. Jewellers is here to help – specialising in handmade custom jewellery design. Let one of their specialised and award winning jewellers help you today.

Ph: 0402 055 536

Looking to give a gift that will last longer than a traditional bouquet? Try these flowers that bloom year-round. With over 30 years’ experience in Floristry, Beautiful Budget Bouquets offers you a stunning selection of Artificial Bouquets. Specialis ing in the most realistic quality, real touch artificial flowers and greenery. Ph: 0419 668 210

LC Jewellers Beautiful Budget Bouquets

Simply Beans

Is your partner a coffee lover? Simply Beans is a one stop coffee house that stocks all your coffee needs including everything from expertly blended and roasted coffee to machines and accessories. With their products, you can make anything from a classic cup of joe to ice lattes and espresso martinis. Ph: (07) 3208 2900

Southside Flower Market

For a classic Valentine’s Day gift, why not give them flowers! If you are looking for a little floral inspiration, the Southside Flower Market has got your covered, with lots of variety they are sure to have a bouquet to make your loved one’s smile. Ph: 1300 886 171

The White House of Waterford

Why not try an amazing dining experience at The White House of Waterford. With a focus on locally sourced produce and products that the community is proud of while bringing the best of Australian hospitality and cuisine to Logan. Join them for a special 4 course Valentine’s Day Dinner. Ph: (07) 3200 7339

Beauty By Ola-Rae

Who doesn’t want soft, glowing skin on Valentine’s Day and every day of the week? Give the gift of healthy and glowing skin with Skin treatments at Beauty By Ola- Rae. Treatment includes Collagen Infusion Facials to Microdermabrasion & Peels. Ph: 0415 968 387

Jimboomba Massage & Wellness Clinic

Prioritise health first at Jimboomba Massage & Wellness Clinic. It has a variety of spa treatments and packages available to relieve stress and treat yourself. This gift is perfect for couples to enjoy and relax after a long stressful day. Ph: (07) 5547 8609

Crunchy’s Dessert Café

Crunchy’s Dessert Café lets you indulge in freshly baked waffles, Dutch mini pancakes & crêpes with decadent toppings. Breakfast? Or prefer a freshly baked croissant or panini? Dessert? We’ll let you decide. Ph: (07) 5516 7862

MARKETING MATTERS

Marketing has always been extremely important for the success of any business. However, since the many changes our world has encountered during the pandemic, marketing matters now more than ever.

1. Do you have a short term sales increase strategy and long term brand building strategy? Both are important, one is about immediate sales, products and keeping the cashflow going and the other is about longevity and reputation. Find the right budget balance for both strategies.

2. Do you have a relationship, an online and an in print plan for the year? So many channels of marketing and so many choices. Don’t forget to cover all mediums, yes find your best avenues but don’t forget to have a presence in other ways not just one. Don’t just think online or Facebook is the only way to go.

3. Be credible, consistent, and genuine. The average person needs to see the information at least 7 to 8 times before it really sinks in. For example, don’t just do one letterbox drop or one ad and think it didn’t work! Customers need to get the message and the first one will often just go in the bin the 4th might be on the fridge! The 7th they might make the call.

It all takes time and creates that trust. Customers want to know you are there all the time, not just when you want to advertise something. They want to know you are genuinely interested in them so be consistent in your branding messages too.

4. Understand your continual changing customer mindset of values, attitudes and social influences. Your customer is getting over 5000 messages of information every day. Newsfeeds, social media, TV and the list goes on. Just think about the changes Covid has made to our society, every month, in how we think and live our lives. Our world is changing our attitudes to social norms everyday.

5. When times get rough so many pull the marketing budget first. Don’t! Think through how you can make your marketing better and gain more for your Budgeted $. Lack of time and money can spark that innovation and creativity in marketing. Be creative – think fast and be first with innovative marketing. Have confidence in your ideas and go for it. But don’t just stop your marketing.

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door”

Need some help? Contact us and talk things over BUT start today.

Services for Business Growth & Improvement 0418 769 531

Helping you build your knowledge, confidence, performance and profitability with your Small Business Specialist.

Logan City

The Logan City app is a one-stop destination for finding local businesses, to see, do and explore Logan.

FROM SIMPLE STORY TO MINI MASTERPIECE

By Brigitte Hawkins, Tutoring Toward Excellence.

You can always count on a straight answer from a child. When asked, “Why don’t you want to write?”, the usual answer is “I don’t know what to write about!”

Folk tales, fables, and movies are just the start of an idea-rich line up of stories ready for the harvest. After helping the child decide “What to write”, the next problem is “How to write it”.

A clear story structure is a valuable tool. Another important guideline is keeping to a reasonable sentence count - “less is best”.

Introduction

Who is in the story? Where are they? 3 to 5 sentences

Taunted but tough

By B. A. Writer

The shadows lengthened as the sun dipped secretively behind the menacing forest—home to the ever-hungry wolf. After a long day tending their corn crop, the fearful yet determined three little pigs raced, as they did every day, to somewhere safe for the night. Evening shadows, like creeping tigers, devoured them as they enthusiastically planned their strategies.

What do they need? What do they want? 5 to 8 sentences

How do they get what they want or need? How do they How does life get back to

The wolf was a powerful and cunning foe so their building materials would have to be strong, their designs would have to be clever and their timing would have to be perfect. It was victory or victim. Disastrously, the straw house burned as they used fire against the wolf; the stick house was snapped and scattered as they used their martial-art skills against the wolf. However, the third little pig’s plan was not based on force but clever persuasion. The brick house was built. The trap was set. They must succeed.

Waiting patiently on the roof of the brick house, the three little pigs hoped their plan would work. Barging boldly through the door and into the house, the wolf expected to see his prey—the three little pigs – but instead, the door slammed shut. He was trapped. The bricks held fast. For the next 3 months the wolf’s only food was corn: corn cakes, corn stew, and corn roast.

On being released, the wolf decided that corn was the food he liked most of all; and the three little pigs and their corn fields flourished.

Moral: A peaceful plan benefits all.

BEENLEIGH & DISTRICT RAILWAYS

By Dr. Graeme Nicholson.

The Beenleigh District had four different railways up to 1960. The first was the line to Beenleigh which opened in 1885 and extended to Southport in 1889 and eventually to Tweed Heads (Coolangatta) in 1903. Second, was the branch line from Bethania to Beaudesert; the first section opening in 1885 with the line being completed in 1888/1889; fur ther extensions to this line went to Rathdowney and Lamington. Third, was the Logan Village to Canungra branch line opened in 1915 with an extension from Canungra built to service Lahey's timber enterprise. The fourth was the narrow-gauge railway built at the Rocky Point Sugar plantation in 1923.

THE CANUNGRA RAILWAY

A railway from Logan Village to Canungra was first proposed in 1900 with a survey com missioned in 1908. In 1911 the Queensland Government decided to construct the Canungra branch line from Logan Village railway station to Canungra. Construction began in 1913 and the line opened to Canungra on 2 July 1915.

Timber traffic started to decline from 1923 and most of the timber in the area had been cut by the 1940s. There was substantial traffic on the line during the Pacific War after the Jungle Warfare Training Centre opened at Canungra in November 1942. Traffic declined after World War II, and the line closed on 1 June 1955.

The Heck locomotive, now on display at The Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum, will be shown in a future issue.

June

Lahey's Locomotive Hauling Timber on the Canungra to Logan Village Line

1922, The Governor arriving by rail motor at Tambourine station on the Canungra line.

Queensland Railways Map:

A 1923 Map Showing Railways in the Beenleigh District

HISTORY ON WHY WE BRUNCH

It’s the weekend. You’re feeling lethargic and tired from waking up so early for the whole week. But how about waking up late and heading straight for a good brunch? That sounds like the best plan ever. Because it is!

Millennials believe that brunch is the hottest new trend created by them. But history begs to differ. The first known written mention of the word brunch was penned by Guy Beringer in a 1895. In a London publication called Hunter’s Weekly, Beringer made it clear in his article, “Brunch: A Plea,” that a late social breakfast on Sunday, “Would make life brighter for Saturday night carousers”.

Here in Australia, the late 1940s and early 1950s began to see mentions of brunch, usually as a means of entertaining casually at home.

By 1953, it seems some cafés and restaurants were responding to the trend, with mid-morning dishes such as Welsh rarebit, herrings on toast and “quickie” omelettes.

The modern day Australian café breakfast menu often extends beyond mid-morning into lunch time, or even all day. Whether it’s catching up for coffee, relaxing over brunch or indulging in a long lunch, it is about coming together to enjoy this communal, relaxing and lovely bonding experience. With all the great aspects of brunch to love it’s no wonder the popularity of brunch has seen a steady climb this past century and become the star of weekend meals in recent years.

Want to experience something new? Why not grab a few friends and try some of these local cafes and restaurants producing some of the best breakfasts in Logan.

SCAM AWARENESS SESSION (FREE)

Date & Time: Wed, 2nd of Feb at 10am Place: 9-11 Jacaranda Ave, Logan Central

GREASE SING A LONG

You’re the one that we want to come reminisce about, oh, those summer nights – Grease is the word, you might have heard? Sing along to such ballads as ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ and ‘Sandy’ at Yatala Drive in Theatre.

5 TH SAT 7:00PM

WAITANGI AT TWILIGHT

Celebrate 21 years of Waitangi Day in Logan with cultural songs and dance and a full program of events: Official Welcome, KAPA HAKA cultural songs and dance, Live entertainment, Food stalls including HAANGI and merchandise stalls and Fitness activities.

4 TH FRI 3:00PM

Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct

KIDS PIZZA WORKSHOP

Date & Time: 5th & 6th of Feb at 10am Place: Hyperdome Shopping Centre

HARRY POTTER

ACTIVITY PACK (FREE)

5 TH SAT 9:00AM

Celebrate Harry Potter with take home fun! Take home a Harry Potter activity or some books on magic and fantasy. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K.Rowling. Visit your local library and collect an activity from the friendly staff.

Local Libraries in the Logan Area

5 TH SAT 10:00AM

CHUNG TIAN CULTURAL DAY

Chinese New Year at the magnificent Chung Tian Temple. Calligraphy, Tea Ch’an, Food fair, a Light Offering Blessing Service with a Chinese Lion Dance and cultural performances. A truly amazing experience in this culturally diverse city.

Dates: 5th & 6th of Feb 10am - 3:30pm Chung Tian Temple

CELTIC ILLUSION – REIMAGINED

Date & Time: Wed, 9th of Feb at 7:30pm

Place: Logan Entertainment Centre

INTO THE WOODS

11TH FRI

7:30PM

The first production of the year for the Beenleigh Theatre Group, “Into the Woods”. This classic, by the late great Stephen Sondheim, is an intrepid adventure into the depths of your favourite fairy tales. Season: February 11th - 26th. Crete Street Theatre

MILKY WAY MARKETS

BEENLEIGH TOWN SQUARE MOVIE NIGHT

Bring your own chair or picnic blanket and enjoy a free cup of popcorn if you are one of the first 100 to arrive. Support our local businesses and pick up dinner in the city centre before you visit!

Beenleigh Town Square

11 TH FRI

5:30PM

DISTILLERY NIGHTS

Happy Hour, Live Music, Food...

Date & Time: Fri, 11th of Feb at 5:00pm

Place: Beenleigh Artisan Distillery

18THFRI

5:00PM

Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct’s new Milky Way Markets are a twilight market like no other! Held on the 3rd Friday evening of every month, these markets are action-packed with food stalls, live entertainment and fun for the whole family.

Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct

THE BLACK SORROWS

Date & Time: Fri, 18th of Feb at 8pm Place: Beenleigh Tavern

EATS & BEATS @ KBF

25 TH FRI

5:00PM

It’s Eats & Beats and a music festival rolled into one –register now to celebrate the Kingston Butter Factory’s rebirth as a vibrant new cultural precinct. It’s a perfect date night with your special someone or a great night out with the family. Experience Eats & Beats like never before with over 25 food trucks and a world-class free music lineup featuring Dami Im and Zeek Power.

Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct

HANG ON FOR 5

The problem of the new world of social media lies in the fact that people post all manner of things. People comment on all manner of things. People like, or not like, as may be their preference, on many different social platforms and this is often open to public scrutiny.

And why could this be a problem? As recruiters we have access to many different tools of assessment. Your resume, the interview, reference checks and yes, you guessed it, social media accounts. And dare we say it, it surprises us how many people have few privacy settings around their social media accounts.

Your future employers will search your name and view your public web offerings. They will look at your language, how you interact and

what pictures you post and what you comment on and how. It gives a great insight into their possible future employees.

So it’s not just at Christmas that you need to be conscious of what your social media profiles are telling the world, it’s every day.

I personally have a little 5 second rule – Take 5 seconds to stop, reflect and think of the children! If my children were to see it, or read it, or my future grandchildren stumble across it, would I make them proud? Or would I be embarrassed or ashamed? And not just because I got snapped with parsley in my teeth!

So do a ‘comfort test’ that works for you. You can always request to have a post taken down, or edit a comment but sometimes better not to have it posted in the first place.

Connecting local businesses with ‘Local Talents’.

TALENTIFY

SELF-CARE IS NO LONGER SELFISH

If the past two years has taught us anything, it is that our mental health and wellbeing is just as important as our physical health. After the stress and uncertainty that the COVID pandemic has brought, nurturing ourselves and taking the time to take care of ourselves is more important than ever when negotiating what has now become our new normal. It has become a realisation for many of us that it is no longer selfish to indulge in self-care, it has become a necessity to maintain our mental equilibrium.

It has been medically proven that activities such as Pilates and Yoga help to reduce stress levels in those who practice this form of exercise. Pilates is a gentle form of exercise that helps to not only increase muscle strength and tone, as well as improve flexibility, but also helps to create a calmer and more relaxed mind. Conversely, Yoga is an ancient mind and body practice that involves movement, meditation and breathing techniques to promote physical and mental well-being. Both Pilates and Yoga can help to improve your mental health in many ways.

Focusing on your breath for a calmer mind

Mindful breathing is one of the most powerful tools for calming the mind. When attending a Pilates or Yoga class, focusing on your breath and concentrating on repeating gentle, effective movements is the perfect way to create a sense of calm. By doing this, you are only focusing on the present, allowing you to concentrate on your mind body connection, thus creating a calmer and more relaxed mind.

Relaxation and Stress Management

It is scientifically proven that exercising regularly alters your body chemistry. Exercise decreases stress hormones such as cortisol while increasing happy chemicals in the brain such as

endorphins. As a form of exercise, Pilates and Yoga may also improve your ability to respond to and cope with stress, enhancing your stress resilience.

Brain Health and Training

During a Pilates or Yoga class, when focusing on a new movement, modification or style, our brain is challenged to learn a new skill, keeping your mind engaged at

all times. By clearing your thoughts, focusing and calming your senses, these actions help to assist in boosting your concentration and memory capacity. This, combined with the rush of oxygenated blood that your brain receives when you exercise, enables you to think more clearly and helps to keep the brain young and protected against injury and disease.

Assisting in treating Depression and Anxiety

The practice of Yoga helps to regulate your stress response system and calms your nervous system. Yoga also assists in reducing your heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn relaxes you and helps to reduce levels of anxiety. From a sensory perspective, attending a Pilates or Yoga class provides a change of scenery in a calm atmosphere, further enhanced with the support of trained instructors and the opportunity to socialise with other like-minded attendees.

Attending a class also provides a distraction from negative thoughts, helps to relieve stress, enhances mindfulness and helps to create a self-care routine.

So how can we serve you? Inna Essence is a small business born out of a love of Pilates, Yoga, genuine community and support of one another. Our vision was to create a space where clients felt greatly cared for and would receive an experience that helped them to reconnect with their inner calm, create a sense of peace and empower members to feel connected and healthier in their mind and body.

In 2022, our studio theme is ‘Self-care is no longer selfish’. At Inna Essence, you are important, respected, encouraged and loved and we want our members to feel that they are not only taken care of at our studio, but that this time taken for themselves is not selfish, it is an investment in their physical and mental health. You cannot pour from a cup that is empty…

Our beautiful studio has been custom-designed, with every detail carefully considered; spacious and light-filled studios, a calming reception area, well-maintained and cleaned equipment, treatment rooms offering counselling, massage, reiki and osteopathy, and a Private Pilates Room for one-on-one sessions.

We operate 7 days and offer more than 50 Reformer, Mat Pilates, Barre, Yoga and Meditation classes each week with Child Friendly and Livestreamed options available. At Inna Essence, our teachers are exceptionally trained, and we encourage you to attend a blend of sessions to achieve the perfect balance of strength, cardio, flexibility, and relaxation.

Let us help you take care of yourself. We can’t wait to see you in the studio soon!

Bhutanese Dumplings

7/18 Fitzgerald Ave, Springwood 3892 2788

Dining Guide

COFFEE & DUMPLINGS

Coffee & Dumplings is a locally-owned community gathering place located in Springwood. Providing the community with an exciting fusion of East meets West flavoursome food at an affordable price for all to enjoy. People can expect generous portions, heavenly coffee, healthy smoothies and thoughtful service. Come along and let us provide you with an experience beyond your expectations.

Big Buns

American Shop 5A/111-121 Grand Plaza

Dr, Browns Plains

Fb: @bigbunsqld

Big Buns in Browns Plains is a game-changing burger joint slinging gourmet burgers and fingerlickin’ ribs. A collaboration between four mates, the American-style eatery was conceived in the midst of COVID-19. The mouth-watering menu has something for everyone, boasting 7 beef burgers, 5 chicken burgers, 5 plant-based burgers and 1 fish burger. So come along and try them for yourself!

MONTE ALE HOUSE

Bistro/Bar

Mexican

What a little gem this place is! This is secret craft beer bar and eatery tucked away in the industrial backstreets of Slacks Creek. With an indoor and outside seating area, this place is perfect all year round for social gatherings, functions, Friday afternoons and simply catching up with friends. If it’s the classics you’re after, they have got that sorted.

SERRANOS MEXICAN CANTINA

Old fashioned home cooking using premium cuts of meat prepared and cooked in the traditional way with the freshest ingredients. Serranos Mexican Cantina knows it’s not all about the chilli, it’s about those beautiful Mexican flavours and smells. So if you love your Mexican, give Serranos a call or message and book a table.

Tastes as good as it looks

Thinking about breakfast and lunch? So are we! We’ve got some pretty rad meal deals to get you through the mid week slump and through to Friday! Head to Monte Ale House today and try out our new menu!

Best Grilled Chicken with Herb Corn Salsa

This juicy chicken dinner packs a ton of flavor with fresh herbs, sweet corn, spicy garlic and lots of lemon juice

Ingredients

1kg Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs

Salt & Pepper

2 large ears corn, shucked

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1 clove garlic

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

Season chicken thighs with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Leave to marinate for 15 minutes plus.

Grill chicken on medium, covered, 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked, turning over once.

Grill corn on medium 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

In food processor, pulse basil, mint, Parmesan, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until finely chopped. Add lemon juice and olive oil; pulse until just combined. Cut kernels off cobs; stir into herb sauce. Serve chicken with corn mixture.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR FLOWERS

LAST LONGER

Where there is great love, there are always wishes ... and flowers”.

The tradition of sending flowers on Valentine’s Day flowers comes from the 18th century custom of sending floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages. Each flower had a specific meaning attached to it, with the rose signifying romantic love.

According to IBISWorld, today, Australian’s spend over $90 million on flowers for Valentine’s Day, accounting for 10% of a florist’s annual sale.

So, with Valentine’s Day approaching – we’ve taken a look at how to keep flowers fresh in a vase for longer.

Tips For Keeping Cut Flowers Fresh

• Make sure your vase and cutting utensils are clean, to stop fungus and bacteria-killing your flowers.

• Keep your pruners sharp so you don’t squash the stems when you cut them.

• Use clean water and change regularly.

• Remove all the foliage that sits below the waterline.

• Cut the stems on a 45-degree angle, and re-cut each time you change the water.

• Give the flowers a light mist of water each day to keep the petals hydrated.

• Keep ‘em cool. Place arrangements in cool spots, away from heating ducts and vents.

• Don’t place ethylene producing fruit, such as bananas, apples and kiwi fruit, with or next to your flowers. Ethylene accelerates aging.

Eats & Beats is back again for another year! This time organisers are bringing a special edition of Eats and Beats to the city's hottest venue, the Kingston Butter Factory!

It’s Eats & Beats and a music festival rolled into in one – register now to celebrate the Kingston Butter Factory’s rebirth as a vibrant new cultural precinct.

Experience an Eats & Beats like never before with over 25 food trucks and a world-class free music line-up featuring Dami Im and Zeek Power.

Come along and chow down on some fan favourites – sliders, pizza and hot wings! Let your tastebuds delve into some culture with some international foods. Finish off with something sweet – Nutella crepes, caramel popcorn or even waffles! Why not cool down with a refreshing iced tea or freshly squeezed juice or kick on with a coffee hit.

The event will run from 5 pm until 9 pm. Tickets are FREE.

Register for your free tickets now from The Logan Arts website, https://www.loganarts. com.au/event/eats-and-beats/.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

2022 may be well underway according to solar calendars, but Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is calculated according to the lunar calendar.

Traditionally celebrated over two weeks, Chinese New Year is an important time for many Logan families. This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 1st.

Celebrations at Priestdale’s Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple will be held on February 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th.

Built in 1992, Chung Tian Temple, which means “middle heaven”, was designed to resemble a Chinese palace.

Visitors are welcome at the temple to celebrate this cultural festival. Calligraphy, a vegetarian food fair and a light offering blessing service with a Chinese lion dancing and cultural performances will be held. This is also a great opportunity for people to ring the blessing bell and make a wish for their year ahead.

The final day of the celebrations is usually marked by the Lantern Festival. Many people celebrate this festival by letting paper lanterns off into the sky.

Each year, the Chinese calendar is also linked to one of 12 zodiac animals, each with their own specific characteristics.

The twelve animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

The animals are assigned in cycles of twelve years, so 2020 was the Year of the Rat, and so was 2008, 1996, and so on.

2022 is the year of the Tiger! People born in this year are expected to be courageous and active people who love a good challenge and adventure in life.

Make sure you give the Chung Tian Temple a visit and experience what our culturally diverse city has to offer.

KINDNESS CAN BE CONTAGIOUS TOO

In the midst of a lonely pandemic, there is evidence that kindness is contagious –only it can’t be neatly plotted on graphs or reduced to its reproduction number.

By Melanie Cheng

Bert was a single man in his 80s who wore a lot of tweed. He had watery eyes, a white moustache and, if it weren’t for the stark walls and fluorescent lights of the health centre waiting room, one might imagine he had stepped straight from the pages of a beloved children’s book.

Every move Bert made was thoughtful and precise. With time, this deliberateness extended to our consultations. Before long we had developed our own unique and unofficial etiquette. He would place the current novel he was reading – somewhat ceremoniously – on the edge of my desk and I would ask if it was any good. The conversation would then progress to arthouse films and the best innercity cafes in which to read and nurse a cup of coffee. Eventually, reluctantly, we would get down to business.

On one particular day, Bert had presented to discuss the results of recent blood tests. My eyes scanned the numbers, hovering over the ones highlighted in bold.

“It may be nothing,” I reassured him, “but it’s probably best to make sure.”

I can’t help but think that if there is an antidote to loneliness, then surely it is kindness. The pandemic has forced us to confront how connected we are to one another. How reliant.

I recommended further investigations. First, endoscopies. He nodded and smiled, ever obliging. He didn’t even flinch at my rather candid description of the bowel prep.

It came as some surprise then to see his face harden when I mentioned he would need someone – a family member, a friend – to pick him up following the procedure.

“Can’t I take a taxi?” he asked, his gentle voice suddenly tight.

“I’d have to check with the endoscopy centre but they usually like patients to have someone stay with them overnight.”

Bert’s body grew stiff in the plastic chair.

“Is there someone you could ask?” I said, ashamed of the desperation in my voice. “A neighbour? Anyone?”

“No.” He reached for his hat, scooped up his book. “I’m afraid there’s nobody.”

The words sat between us, stubborn and irrefutable. I ran through alternatives but I could tell Bert was only half listening. The delicate rapport we had built over the years had crumbled to reveal a disappointing but unavoidable truth: we were not friends, we never were. And what Bert needed now, more than anything, was a friend.

In her collection of essays, Intimations, penned during the early months of the coronavirus lockdowns, the British author Zadie Smith writes,

“The single human, in the city apartment, thinks: I have never known such loneliness.”

And while this may be true, many people, like Bert, were experiencing loneliness long before the pandemic.

In my case, peak loneliness occurred during my medical elective in Charlottesville, Virginia. I knew nobody. I had answered an advertisement for a granny flat within walking distance of the university. The elderly couple who owned the place made it clear they liked to keep to themselves. They recommended I do the same.

Like fearful grandparents from a Brothers Grimm fairytale, they told me to be home before dark. It was January in the middle of winter –the sun set at 5pm.

It wasn’t the aloneness that bothered me – I’m an introvert, I’m energised by solitude – it was the vulnerability I felt, knowing there was nobody I could call should I suddenly need something. It was the same vulnerability Bert must have felt during our difficult conversation about the endoscopies.

As it was, I came to rely on the kindness of strangers. The taxi driver who stopped the meter and kept me company the night I arrived home to a locked and empty house. The medical student – the only one – who talked to me during ward rounds and later invited me to parties, dinners, the medical revue. The professor of paediatrics who turned up at impossibly short notice – his unrinsed hair still slick with shampoo – to drive me to the airport when my pre booked taxi failed to show.

Reflecting on these events now, I can’t help but think that if there is an antidote to loneliness, then surely it is kindness. Even Sylvia Plath – the American poet well known for her own profound loneliness – once wrote:

“So many people are shut up tight inside themselves like boxes, yet they would open up, unfolding quite wonderfully, if only you were interested in them.”

Sylvia Plath – the American poet

The pandemic has forced us to confront how connected we are to one another. How reliant. We now accept that one person coughing in an elevator can result in the death of another person’s grandmother. And we’ve observed how the severing of ties during lockdown can prompt a collective human wilting – as if, rather than separate entities, we are all leaves fed by the same tree.

This revelation – that everything we do has unforeseen and unintended consequences – is an enormous cognitive burden. But what if such connections were not only conduits for bad things like viruses to wreak havoc, but channels for good things, too?

In the book, A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities that Arise in Disaster, Rebecca Solnit shows us that historically disasters – including infectious disease pandemics – have prompted unprecedented acts of kindness. Amid all the trolling on social media and brawls over toilet paper, it has been easy to lose sight of this during our current health crisis.

A recent article published in Nature Medicine, titled “How kindness can be contagious in healthcare”, documents several pay-it-forward programs that have been implemented – both before and during the Covid-19 pandemic –with excellent results.

Whether it be testing for sexually transmitted infections or uptake of influenza vaccines, pay-it-forward campaigns that harness the generosity of participants have resulted in increased engagement when compared with standard fee-based care. And the benefits are not just for the recipients. Multiple systematic reviews have demonstrated that the act of being kind is itself associated with improvements in subjective wellbeing and psychological function in the givers.

The other day, during a telehealth consultation, a patient who was emerging from her depression stopped in the middle of recounting all the good things that had happened to

her since our last appointment to look at the webcam with a disbelieving face and say, “Ripples, you know?” It was enough to jolt me out of my bad mood.

Ripples. The word got my attention because it was the same term the authors of the Nature Medicine article had used. But how do we measure these “ripples” outside the manufactured conditions of a scientific study?

Unlike the coronavirus, there is no easy way to test for the contagiousness of kindness. We can’t represent it in fancy graphs or calculate its reproduction number. We can only listen to the stories.

For me, that story involves a lonely student in a foreign country who was saved by the

generosity of strangers, and who, as a result, was more inclined to impart kindness when faced with a similar situation in the future.

In a society so often powered by outrage and hate, not much surprises people anymore. But kindness does. I keep reminding myself to practise it – if only to behold, for an instant, the look of happy astonishment on a stranger’s face in this world where kindness is still a radical and unexpected deed.

Don’t fritter away your time with a person who isn’t going to change his or her mind about something. You may end up wasting your time and everyone else’s by continuing to insist that things be done a certain way.

Use this day in the most productive way possible. You have the potential to be extremely successful with whatever you pursue. Take advantage of the certainty you have today because it may not be there tomorrow.

Make sure you show your support to people in all situations. Don’t be just a fairweather friend. Your loyalty to others may be tested today when conflict arises and tempers get high.

Tension connected with work continues to build and there seems to be no end in sight. Take time out for yourself in order to preserve your sanity. Getting too caught up in the drama of your job is dangerous right now.

You will run into some tough opposition today. Don’t let uneducated perspectives tarnish your idea of the truth. Listen to what other people have to say but remember that the final judge is your little voice from within.

Unfortunately, you aren’t able to make the connections you want to today. People you call are unavailable or your unable to attend the virtual meeting you scheduled. Accept this and trust that these things have happened for the best.

Beware of unexpected circumstances today. The good news is that your flexible attitude is perfectly suited to deal with the twists and turns that this day is likely to offer. You’ll find that you can surf the waves easily and turn any situation into a positive one.

Come out of your shell today. You will never find the exact path you want to be on until you explore the different options. You should be feeling quite strong emotionally, giving you the confidence to approach people with authority.

Skirting around the issues today will not get you where you want to go. You are better off facing the music. When you do so, you will actually find that they are playing your tune. Opportunities in the business world are picking up for you. Keep it up!

You may try violently to stand your ground today, but why bother? It is worth it to actually take the opposing argument into account. You have an incredible opportunity in front of you in which you can grow and learn a great deal. Embrace it.

Don’t let another person’s small, thoughtless comment ruin your entire day. The more you tell someone else that they’re wrong, the more that person is going to reject your advice. In general, this is a good time to simply stay out of other people’s way.

Don’t make mountains out of molehills today. Someone’s off-the-cuff comment made this morning could cripple you for the rest of the day if you are not careful. Your sensitive nature is easily hurt. Protect it with a suit of armor.

THE YEAR

above and beyond in service to the City of Logan.

Since 2007, she has been central in providing crisis-care and emergency food relief to families in need, as well as working as a cultural liaison for the Samoan community.

Ms Stanley has worked as a hospital and health-care interpreter, helped facilitate local mental health programs and advocated for City of Logan families as a radio presenter on 4EB.

She is also the founder of Qld Samoa Netball and has served as the secretary of the Woodridge State High School P&C since 2018.

In 2019, Ms Stanley launched the Hope Centre’s Community Connect Lunch, which aims to link marginalised people with community agencies.

The lunch is prepared by Woodridge State High School students and is a regular meeting of more than 100 people providing important connections to community groups and services.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said Ms Stanley’s service to the local community was second to none.

“It is an honour to recognise Ms Stanley’s incredible community service efforts by naming her our 2022 Citizen of the Year,” Cr Power said.

“Ms Stanley is just one individual, but she has had an overwhelming impact on the community she serves.”

Crestmead woman Robyn Wilson was also recognised for her outstanding service to the City of Logan today.

Ms Wilson received a Spirit of Logan award for her continuous efforts to shelter those in need at her home, as well as for regularly delivering food in the local area.

She was also recognised for organising several successful fundraisers for local charities over many years.

Mayor Power said Robyn was a deserving recipient of the award.

“The Spirit of Logan award is reserved for those who exemplify the very best qualities of our community,” Mayor Power said.

“Robyn’s determination and selflessness in caring for other people is inspirational and reflects the proud community service tradition of the City of Logan.”

Mayor Power announced the City of Logan’s 2022 Australia Day Award winners online this morning. The video can be viewed at 2022 Australia Day Award Winners - YouTube.

Other nominees for the 2022 City of Logan Australia Day Awards included:

Woodridge State High School community education counsellor Bronwyn Ahsee

MS Society Queensland volunteer Charlie Bennett

Community volunteer John Bryant Diversity with Dance founder Julie Lyons.

HOUSE OF GUCCI

Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci disappoints, but the cast’s committed performances still make it worth watching.

Lady Gaga would like you to know the lengths to which she went to embody socialite-turnedmurderer Patrizia Reggiani in Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci. She spoke in an Italian accent for nine months. She carbo-loaded on pasta and bread. She wrote an 80-page biography of Patrizia. She pushed herself so hard that she vomited repeatedly during production. By the end of filming, she required a psychiatric nurse by her side.

Since pop’s principal maximalist first pranced around in crab-claw-shaped heels, she has laid bare the demands of stardom. Her work is never relaxed or effortless. She presents a femininity of extremes: theatrical and exhausting, really hard work. “Everybody wants

to be famous but nobody wants to play the game,” she told a journalist in 2008. “I’m from New York. I will kill to get what I need.”

This is all to say that she’s uniquely suited to Scott’s latest true-crime tale, playing a Milanese bourgeois who wrestles her way into one of Italy’s most prestigious fashion families – and refuses to relent when she’s booted out.

So wrapped up is he in the film’s plot points that Scott fails to make an interesting comment on anything, except the most basic truisms, so parroted that they have lost all meaning: wealth corrupts, money is power, status is everything. House of Gucci is a recount of two overlapping scandals. First, the murder of Maurizio Gucci, organised by his ex-wife, Patrizia Reggiani, in 1995. The second is how the Gucci empire –through mismanagement and fraud – fell out of family hands forever.

The film’s earliest scenes are dedicated to the couple: their initial meeting at a masquerade party and Patrizia’s eagerness to lock down Maurizio (a gawky, bespectacled Adam Driver). They’re a misaligned couple from the start. She’s uneducated and rich, but not the right kind – the daughter of a man who runs a truck business. Maurizio is a law student looking to extricate himself from the expectations of his family. When Maurizio wants to propose, his father immediately disapproves, cutting him off and castigating Patrizia as an opportunist out for his money.

This is not exactly true: Patrizia is more interested in the power that comes with her new last name. While the pair spend their early marriage living modestly, with Patrizia’s nudging Maurizio re-enters Gucci. Years of family spats, deception, clashing ambitions and tax avoidance ensue. As the business’s dodgy dealings reach a head, the marriage

sours. Hiding out from Italian authorities in the Swiss Alps, Maurizio asks for a divorce. This request is not received well. “You are a painful appendage that needs to be removed,” Patrizia seethes in a threatening voicemail. After a period of fruitless spell-casting with her friend and confidante, the mystic Pina (Salma Hayek), Patrizia decides on a more resolute, violent plan of action.

From the first moment Gaga appears onscreen she’s magnetic, tugging at her too-tight dress as she hops out of a car. Much has already been made of her brilliant line delivery – the sacrilegious holy trinity “Father, Son, and House of Gucci” that appeared in the film’s trailer became queer canon before the film’s release. Her performance is revelatory not only through diction but also through distinctive gestures. The way she licks a spoon, clasps her hands together while smoking a cigarette, or cups a whisky glass as if it holds some sacred elixir –these movements convey Patrizia’s audacity but also her grave uncertainty, the ambient anxiety of power held together only by the flimsy strands of marriage.

Gaga is in good company. Jeremy Irons plays the svelte, sickly Rodolfo, Maurizio’s father. His brother and shifty business partner is Aldo, an emphatic Al Pacino slathered in spray tan.

But the most absurd transformation is saved for Jared Leto, disguised under mounds of prosthetics and padding as Aldo’s incompetent son, Paolo. He spends most of the film holding onto delusional dreams of his own fashion line, tending to caged pigeons and delivering goofy one-liners. So much of the satisfaction derived from House of Gucci comes from witnessing these stars fumble their Italian accents: from Gaga’s thick diction that slides into Soviet territory, to Leto’s hammy cadence, all elongated As and Os, which seems more low-budget takeaway pizza ad than member of Italy’s upper echelons.

If the cast’s committed, playful performances weren’t so much fun to watch, the film’s flaws might have been more grating. It has a sluggish pace, a tendency to overexplain and an abundance of screen time dedicated to conspiratorial meetings.

Like Scott’s previous true-crime chronicle of the super-rich – 2017’s All the Money in the World, about the kidnapping of oil tycoon John Paul Getty’s grandson – House of Gucci’s purpose seems muddled. The film cannot work out if it wants to be prestige, a lesson in greed or a soapy spectacle. So wrapped up is he in the film’s plot points that Scott fails to make an interesting comment on anything, except the most basic truisms, so parroted that they have lost all meaning: wealth corrupts, money is power, status is everything.

There are moments of extravagance, but Scott doesn’t luxuriate in these scenes long enough to create any solid critique of vanity and capital. The fashion is surprisingly restrained, dull in its allegiance to historical accuracy. This lack of imagination extends to the music. House

of Gucci makes some of the most obvious song choices in history: David Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes”, Blondie’s “Heart of Glass”, New Order’s “Blue Monday” – chart-toppers that add nothing to the emotional tenor of the film, and act instead as rudimentary time stamps.

Disappointing, too, are the real-life omissions that are rife with cinematic possibility and which could have pushed the film into more comedic territory. The film concludes abruptly at Patrizia’s trial, but her antics didn’t end there: in prison she kept a pet ferret named Bambi. A 2016 profile in The Guardian described her walking around Milan with a macaw perched on her shoulder, begrudgingly wearing a Zara dress. I can think of no image better suited to the screen than Gucci storefronts adorned with handcuffs, which is alleged to have been the case in Italy the day of Patrizia’s conviction.

Fashion and violence will always remain a point of fascination, as well as a profitable enterprise. There’s Antonioni’s counterculture thriller Blow-Up, or, more recently, the tacky Ryan Murphy series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. Paul Thomas Anderson’s chilly Phantom Thread had a whiff of the macabre. Are we drawn to the contrasts that this collusion conjures: beauty and violation, glamour and dread, style and domination? Or is it no more than the obvious: that audiences will always be gleeful at the revelation that the powerful and glamorous, cordoned off from the rest of us, are a little depraved, rotten under all that fine chiffon?

House of Gucci doesn’t bother to ask the question. It certainly doesn’t answer it.

THE ABORIGINAL FLAG ‘FREED’ FOR PUBLIC USE

Over the past 50 years, the flag has become an important symbol of protest and celebration for Australia's Aboriginal people - an iconic symbol of Aboriginal Australia. Created in 1970, by Luritja Artist Harold Thomas, the flag represents Aboriginal people and their connection to the land.

However, only recently did the Aboriginal Flag become freely available for public use?

While it has been an official national flag since the end of the last century, its copyright remained with Mr Thomas. Meaning that anyone who wanted to use the flag legally had to ask permission or pay a fee. However, after lengthy negations with the Australian government, they have struck a $20 million deal with designer Harold Thomas to transfer the copyright of the Aboriginal flag to the Commonwealth. Ending a long-running debate about its public use stemming from nonIndigenous company WAM Clothing buying the exclusive rights to the flag in November 2018.

The licence had meant anyone wishing to use the flag on clothing or in physical and digital media had to ask permission and pay a fee. Several organisations were sent cease-anddesist notices.

However, now that the Commonwealth holds the copyright, it belongs to everyone, and no one can take it away.

Mr Thomas said he hoped Australians would use the flag with respect and pride.

"I hope that this arrangement provides comfort to all Aboriginal people and Australians to use the Flag, unaltered, proudly and without restriction," he said. "I am grateful that my art is appreciated by so many, and that it has come to represent something so powerful to so many."

Mr Thomas will retain moral rights over the flag but has agreed to give up copyright in return for all future royalties the Commonwealth receives from commercial flag sales to be put towards the ongoing work of NAIDOC.

The government has also agreed to establish an annual scholarship in Mr Thomas's honour worth $100,000 for Indigenous students to develop skills in leadership and to create an online history and education portal for the flag.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the flag would be managed similarly to the Australian national flag - where its use is free but must be presented in a "respectful and dignified way".

"All Australians can now put the Aboriginal Flag on apparel such as sports jerseys and shirts, it can be painted on sports grounds, included on websites, in paintings and other artworks, used digitally and in any other medium without having to ask for permission or pay a fee," Mr Morrison said.

"We’ve freed the Aboriginal Flag for Australians."

BORN TO TALK

orn to Run was released as the lead single from Bruce Springsteen’s third studio album of the same name on August 25th 1975, his final swing of desperation to find commercial success as an artist. I am sure to be one of many to have this song on the playlist, played

According to Bruce Springsteen, “I was writing about a guy and a girl that wanted to run and keep on running, never come back.”

“That was a nice, romantic idea, but I realised after I put all those people in all those cars, I was going to have to figure out someplace for them to go, and I realised in the end that individual freedom when it’s not connected to some sort of community, can be pretty meaningless.”

“This is a song about two people trying to find their way home.“

The simple things to ensure your year is what you want it to

The song starts off with a narration of Springteen’s grind to make it out. He tells how he sweated it out during the day. During the night-time, he rides around his car glaring at the mansions of his dreams. Springsteen paints a picture of worn-out and overworked youth of Freehold, New Jersey, looking for a way out of the town in search of big dreams.

Bruce Springsteen dreams to get out of this town while he is young. A few more years in this town, he believes that he will be stuck here forever along with his dreams.

A girl by the name of Wendy is the side-kick heroine of the story to Bruce Springsteen. Lyrics that follow are of sexual nature thinly veiled with car references.

But one thing Springsteen is certain of is the fact that only together they can break free from this small town. Fortunately, both of them share similar dreams. Springsteen assures her that he will help achieve hers as well.

Bruce Springsteen is well aware that he is making a risky move, trying his chances in a big city. He calls it ‘walking the wire,’ rightly so. But he is a little scared of the unknown ahead with Wendy by his side. Springsteen professes his love for Wendy and lets her know that whichever way their life turns out, he wants to die with her by his side.

Born to Talk was the words coach Nicki, of Business 101 show, used to describe himself when I first met him some time ago sitting in a local café discussing how to go about creating that ‘Connection’ with locals!

Since then, he had a short break from the Business 101 Show to look back and evaluate the true meaning of the show and indeed himself. Reflect on what the show is about and his reasons for doing the show each Monday night.

With optimism of Omicron having been peaked in Brisbane; by the time this February issue is out, it is the intent of Nicki to connect with the greater Logan business community sharing

similar dreams as a local business owner to help and achieve their full business potential!

“I'm a naturally curious person” says Nicki. “I love helping to highlight peoples stories, successes and also their struggles. Being a trusted advisor is a privileged position to execute”.

“When business owners mention to me that they have had a win or a breakthrough based around either a topic we discussed or the skills we promoted or advocated, that is why I do it” said Nicki.

“I have questioned myself about what it is that drives me. Is it ego? Is it altruism? I believe part of it is all those things, but the lion’s share of reasoning is the pure kick you can only get from helping others”.

“Appreciation and Gratitude are the ways to win and keep you from being in your own head too much. What nobler cause is there than to share with others that which you are really good at and seeing them succeed quicker and further because of that sharing of knowledge. That's priceless”.

“Born to Run” had a universal appeal among like-minded teens who were struggling to get out of their situations. Everybody wants to ‘move’ as opposed to staying stagnant and rotting in one place. Bruce encouraged all of us to ‘run.’

Can I encourage you to tune into Logan’s Business 101 Show on Monday nights at 6pm to join the like-minded business owners and ensure your year 2022 is what you want it to be in Business!

Join Business Coach Nicki, deliver a short sharp business show designed to support the businesses of Logan City. Each week there will be special guests, business tips and conversations about the hot topics effecting business right now.

By Simon Kim

SUMMER BEAUTY TIPS YOU SHOULD TRY

Summer, like winter, requires its own special beauty tricks. As we are experiencing the summer heat, it is important to have a proper skincare and beauty regime that not only takes care of your skin but also helps you look good in the harsh weather.

Below are some tips to keep you looking your best this summer.

Keep your face protected from the sun. This means SPF of at least 40, preferably higher. And wear a hat when at the pool or the beach. Reapply often.

Don’t Forget to Protect Your Other Parts. Studies show while most women know to put

sunscreen on their faces, they skip their chests, hands and necks. Make sure when you apply sunscreen, take a couple of minutes to slather it on your cheek and neck.

Less is More. Don’t try to cake on too much makeup; especially true in the warm summer months when you naturally want to wear less makeup.

Lighten up your skin-care routine. The heat and humidity of summer mean you can swap out a heavier cleanser (think cream or oil cleanser) in favour of a gentle, foaming option.

Don’t over-exfoliate as you might in winter. Exfoliating removes the top layers of the skin, making it extra susceptible to sunburn.

Try not to shampoo daily. Instead, use a dry shampoo to soak up any extra oils. Your hair will be healthier.

Replace your heavy with a lighter one. During the depths of winter, your skin may need a more decadent cream, but when it’s hot and humid, a lighter gel moisturizer that hydrates without feeling heavy. Thicker moisturizers can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne; especially if you have acne-prone or oily skin.

SOBER SO GOOD!

For anyone even vaguely interested in drinks – let alone someone like me, fascinated by all things beverage – the rise and rise of the no and low alcohol category is remarkable.

For those who don’t or can’t drink alcohol, choices are no longer restricted to soft drinks, fizzy beer-flavoured water or dusty bottles of carbonated grape juice masquerading as wine on the bottom shelf of the local supermarket.

On the rise through 2019, the sober-curious movement has coasted the wave of lockdown day drinking and emerged in 2021 even stronger.

For some producers, the aim is to craft alcoholfree alternatives to traditional boozy drinks such as de-alcoholised wine, zero alcohol by volume (ABV) distillates and ultra-low alcohol beer. Others aim to replace traditionally alcoholic drinks, particularly at the table, such as flavoured drinking vinegars and shrubs, or the diverse flavours and textures of NON, developed by two Australian alumni of Noma.

Taking inspiration from the techniques used for the production of gin, botanicals are macerated, distilled and blended to create unique zero proof spirits. Alcohol aside, these distillates are not gin, whose defining flavour must be juniper, but they are fragrant with everything from rose petals to rosemary, with Australian examples highly influenced by local botanicals. Without alcohol and sugar to carry flavours, some can be remarkably dilute when compared with the intensity and body found in the alcoholic original – but not all.

Cocktails are often a more successful way to utilise alcohol-free spirits, adding complexity and savouriness to drinks. For those who worked on perfecting an at-home cocktail repertoire during lock-down, Lyre’s have rather convincing liqueurs to replace the amaretto in your sour or the espresso in your martini. The selection of bitter aperitifs and vermouth are particularly true to type, and this is on show

in the Amalfi Spritz. Drinking directly from a neat, slimline can that is perfect for beach trips and park drinks means you might miss the vibrant orange hue reminiscent of those nowdistant summers in an Italian piazza. Over ice, garnished with citrus and green olive, there are lifted aromas of blood orange, ripe yellow peach and herb, and a palate that sings with a grapy sweetness reminiscent of Prosecco.

myrtle, filtered water and a little sugar. That’s it. It’s the best alcohol-free Tom Collins around.

Perhaps it’s the beer world that has taken up the alcohol-free challenge most enthusiastically. German brewers have a longer history with alcohol-free beer than most.

The Australian craft scene is enthusiastically embracing a new generation of non-drinkers, with refreshing Nort, aromatic Heaps Normal Quiet XPA, and innovative, community-focused Sobah at the front of the pack. Holgate Brewhouse’s Love All Pale Ale is brewed in the Macedon Ranges and has a richness that’s perfect for the cooler months. Fragrant with fruity hops and biscuity malt, there’s body and balanced bitterness that’s well suited to pairing with autumnal dishes of pine mushrooms and braised rare-breed pork.

Until recently, soft drinks were often the only choice for the abstainer, and for those who choose not to drink alcohol for health reasons, perhaps they’re still off the table. However, there are a number of small producers making excellent low-sugar sodas with natural flavours, such as StrangeLove and Sydney’s PS Soda. And to trump them all, enter Ben Frazer’s Yumbo Soda Co. Hand peeled and juiced single orchard Yarra Valley lemons, makrut, lemon

For those choosing not to drink alcohol, wine can be one of the most challenging drinks to replace. One of the charms of wine is the way that it can express place. In the finest wines, the impact of rainy spring and golden summer, the afternoon wind from the sea, of cold stone beneath sparse topsoil, can all be tasted in the glass.While it’s likely that demand for alcoholfree wine will bring better examples in the future, in the meantime, those I’ve tasted are no more than acceptable at best: cloyingly sweet as grape juice replaces the body of alcohol, and lacking nuance due to high yields and the industrial de-alcoholisation process.

So, what next for alcohol-free drinkers? Coffee has been thoroughly embraced for years, but the intricacies of ancient tea gardens, diverse terroir and brewing techniques are ripe for exploration. Whatever the motivation, be it mindful drinking, cutting back or a sober lifestyle, there are more options for the nondrinker than ever before. No regrets.

Perhaps it’s the beer world that has taken up the alcohol-free challenge most enthusiastically.

5 FUN ACTIVITIES NEW GARDENERS CAN TRY

If you're one many Australians who started gardening during the pandemic, you might be looking for your next garden challenge.

Angelina Ling started planting her veggie patch about six years ago, after buying a home with her partner in Logan. She's tackled her own gardening projects and emerged a wiser and more confident grower.

"Every year I choose something I want to focus on," she says.

"This year it's been becoming self-sufficient in growing ginger. Next, I want it to be garlic."

David Sparks takes hundreds of new students through their horticultural paces each year as the lead teacher in horticulture at Polytechnic.

"You can be a beginner at horticulture but that doesn't mean you're a novice at learning and trying new things," he says.

Here are five projects to try: 1. Preserve a harvest

If you started a veggie patch last year, you may have experienced the classic gardener’s glut: you go from having nothing, to having too much as the season peaks.

David says the answer is preservation.

“It means you don’t waste it, and you can share it with your friends,” he says. Plus, it can be easy.

There’s a raft of recipes online for preserving your garden harvest, from drying herbs to make tea, brining olives, making jam and sun-drying tomatoes.

Angelina uses her herbs to make savoury herb salts.

“Herbs are so easy to grow. We semi-dry them and mix them with salt,” she says.

“You can use them with anything, as [meat] rubs or in soup or as a table salt, or you can give them away as gifts.”

2. Draw a scale plan of your garden

If your recent success in the garden has you dreaming up bigger plans, think about making a scale plan first. David says this is a great exercise for new gardeners because it encourages “some sort of order”.

Typically, scale plans replicate a space at a given reduced scale (usually 1:100 or 1:50).

“It’s a way of bringing it down to an A4 page. When you do it, you start to think spatially and it allows you to plan,” he says.

Angelina says planning has become a necessity in her garden.

“It’s so small [we] have to really plan it out,” she says.

“It’s a way to think about what follows each planting, so it’s not the same thing growing in the same space every year, so pests and diseases don’t build up.”

“In autumn I can go ‘what am I planting now?’ and refer back to the plan”.

3. Germinate a seed with a special requirement

If you’re used to buying seedlings, try growing a plant from seed.

Some seeds germinate as soon as they’re watered. Others take a little know-how and will only germinate if exposed to particular conditions.

David says many Australian native plants have evolved seed dormancy to make sure their offspring survive in a varied climate.

“The seed thinks it’s getting cold, that means winter is coming so it’s going to be wet so now is the time I can grow as fast as I can to get my roots established and ready for spring before the drier weather,” he explains.

He recommends ordering seeds from a specialist native plant supplier online, which can also provide information on the germination requirements.

“Bursaria spinosa (Sweet Bursaria) is a good one if you’re in eastern Australia. You need to put the seed in the fridge for four to five weeks and then sow on seed-raising mix to germinate.”

4. Join a club – IRL or online

Angelina is part of gardening groups on Facebook, which helps her connect with gardeners around the country for advice and perspective.

“We had a bad crop of tomatoes and I saw that everyone was having trouble, there was too much moisture from the weather that season,” she says.

If you’re starting to develop an interest in a particular group of plants or type of gardening, David says there will be a group or society dedicated to it.

“It’s a really affordable way to learn, and you get to connect with your community,” he says.

Such clubs will often have meetings, newsletters, field days or plant sales that give you access to rare plants not available to the public.

5. Find a rare plant in the wild

Make neighbourhood walks more interesting by looking for rare and wild plants. Plenty of inspiration can be found beyond your garden and nursery.

“[Think about] what plants used to be around your area? Some of those plants are locally endangered due to human impacts,” says David.

He recommends checking out local field guides or conservation and revegetation groups to find out if there are any rare or threatened plants growing in your neighbourhood.

Then, see if you can track it down in its natural environment for a photo or two.

“I used to go looking for rare native ground orchids, it’s like a treasure hunt,” he says.

It isn’t just about spotting the plants. David says by finding a plant in nature, you’ll learn more about what certain plants need in their environment, and how you could replicate it in your garden.

“If you find something you like, you can head to your local indigenous nursery to see if they propagate it, and if you can buy one to grow in your own garden.”

Angelina says she was clued on to the miniature beauty of native ground orchids by her partner, who grows them at home.

“We went to WA and the year before a bushfire had gone through so all the orchids were responding. It was incredible, stunning,” she says.

“It became a game because they were so small. I took thousands of photos.”

WORLD CANCER DAY

“CLOSE THE CARE GAP”

Each year, individuals around the globe come together for a day of dedication in the fight against cancer. This day is February 4th—World Cancer Day.

World Cancer Day is a global initiative dedicated to fighting cancer on all fronts. Over the past 20+ years, this international day has demonstrated one very important message: everyone has a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer and TOGETHER we can do it!

This message of unity has never been more evident as it is now, as we watch the world come together to fight COVID-19. And because of the risk the virus poses to cancer patients and the impact it’s had on cancer research funding, it’s never been more important to come together and unite to defeat cancer now.

What is the theme for World Cancer Day 2022?

This year’s World Cancer Day theme, “Close the Care Gap”, is all about raising awareness of the equity gap that affects so many individuals and communities and costs the lives of those impacted by cancer. Income, education, geographical location, and discrimination based on ethnicity, age or lifestyle are just some of the many factors that can negatively affect ones’ cancer care.

What can you do for World Cancer Day?

There are hundreds of activities and events taking place across the world which you can engage in, both virtually and in-person, to support World Cancer Day. Here are some of the ways you can help:

Post on social media, sharing your commitment

Light up a significant building or monument on World Cancer Day in the official colours –orange and blue

Find a World Cancer Day event near you, or host your own Donate to a cancer charity

Of course, there are many, many other ways to add your support. If you’re still not quite sure, how you, your workplace, school, city, or your community can get involved, take a look at the World Cancer Day website,worldcancerday.org.

There, you will find, freely available resources to get you started, as well as examples of what other individuals and organisations are doing in and around the Day.

MY COVID EXPERIENCE

BY EMILY STACK

In the beginning, Covid was this monster of a threat hanging over all of our heads. With millions of people getting sick and dying overseas paired with the continuous lockdowns and ever-changing restrictions, it seemed never-ending. Australia seemed far removed from the horrors we saw on TVs and online; especially as we had battled and succeeded (for the most part) to keep Covid out of Australia.

Images of emergency pop up hospitals, patients on ventilators, the deserted streets and doctors and nurses decked out in their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – it looked like something from a sci-fi movie. It was surreal to witness and experience.

For me, Covid has always had this element of fear attached to it. I was so scared that I would get the virus and potentially pass it onto

someone I loved. After dodging multiple close calls, that fear of the ‘what if’ had continued to grow, and with the steadily rising cases of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus in Queensland – it seemed almost inevitable that I or someone close to me would get it.

And in mid-January, that fear became a reality when I discovered I had Covid.

After starting to feel unwell on Monday, I thought I was coming down with a sore throat and a possible slight cold; annoying but nothing to be worried about. Although by Tuesday morning, my symptoms had developed considerably, causing me to get tested for Covid.

Luckily, I was able to get a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) pack. When the first test came back positive for Covid, I was in a state of disbelief.

I was so shocked that I face-timed my sister to get her to double-check the results as well.

I felt for sure there had to be a mistake; I couldn’t possibly have Covid! I couldn’t recall where I could have picked up the virus from. In addition, as someone who lives with two front line essential workers, my mother, a nurse and my sister who works for Woolworths, I was shocked (and amazed) that I was the one to get the virus.

I took another test just to confirm the results while I was on the phone with her. It was the longest 15 minutes of my life. However, even before the time was up, I knew I had a positive test result. All I could do was laugh (and swear). Thus began my (two-week) lockdown experience. Thankfully, my mum and sister both tested negative.

Since we all lived in the same household, we established an in-depth system at the start to prevent the spread. It involved constantly wiping down and disinfecting surfaces, wearing a mask every time I opened my door in addition to having food, drinks and other items delivered on a stool placed outside my room while being notified via text.

Confined to the four walls of my bedroom, one of the biggest challenges I faced was boredom. I did everything from reading a book to watching Netflix - I even had time to do a puzzle! Trying to keep myself entertained was challenging at times – I was often too drained to do anything but listen to my thoughts.

Living with Covid was an experience. It has been a roller-coaster of emotions (and symptoms); with multiple people calling and messaging to check-in to see how I was doing –I began to crave social interaction. I discovered I was regularly talking to myself – often holding one-sided conversations about the show I was watching, the news articles I had read or complaining about how sick I was and my many symptoms. It was a weird feeling of disconnectedness – while I was not completely cut off from the outside world (I had the internet and a phone), I lacked that social interaction that I think most of us unknowingly previously took for granted. I know I certainly did.

Now released from my Covid isolation, I have realised I had to adapt back to life outside the confines of my room. Simple things like having dinner with my family at the table or even being in close(ish) proximity to someone suddenly felt strange to me.

If having Covid has taught me anything, it is that people are more resilient than they realise. The way they can adapt to any situation thrown at them is amazing!

I hope that everyone stays safe this year and hopefully, the end of Covid is near.

IT’S TIME FOR TEA

he KBF Cultural Precinct will be a place where people will come together and connect” stated Devon Pixies owner, Arwen. Located previously in Logan Village, Arwen has now ventured her business across to Kingston, the heart of Logan City. The historic caretaker's cottage at the recently redeveloped cultural precinct is where Devon Pixies now reside.

This is why we’ve chosen Devon Pixies as the starting location for our new community networking initiative,

Here is how it works. Each week a business fills the plate with their gift then takes the plate to another destination. They then introduce themselves to another business that they’ve always wanted to know. Photos of the swap will be taken and posted to the Logan City Guides social media page with the hashtag

#whereistheplatelcg to track the plate’s journey. The process is then repeated so on and so forth.

The goal is to bring people together, and drive action aimed at strengthening the Logan community. Moreover, we encourage you to bring your own contribution. It doesn’t have to be something huge - just a quick like or follow to the participating businesses or give them a visit if you haven’t yet. We invite you to get involved!

“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals”, Jean Vanier.

With the historic cottage now transformed into a charming tea room and the museums close to completion, Devon Pixie is a must do destination.

“With so many great attractions in such close proximity, it’s the perfect place for people to stop by to relax and unwind after a busy day or catching up with friends and family” says Arwen.

“We celebrate many things - birthdays, new babies, weddings, engagements, new jobs, and even the end of a lifetime. At Devon Pixies, I want to give you and your family and friends the experience of a traditional high tea in this beautiful cottage”.

The historic caretaker's cottage is not the only thing that has had a facelift in the recently redeveloped cultural precinct. Scheduled to

open in early 2022, the Kingston Butter Factory is a vibrant cultural heritage and performing arts hub.

Originally, the Kingston Butter Factory began life in 1907, at the height of Kingston's dairy farming days and as a timber structure. Now, it has been transformed into a place where the City of Logan’s rich cultural heritage and diversity is celebrated. The precinct features the Living Museum of Logan, the Logan City Historical Museum and the brand new Butterbox Theatre in the re-imagined Kingston Butter Factory building, as well as the city’s largest outdoor events space, which will host indoor and outdoor performances and events.

The pièce de resistance is, of course, the City of Logan’s largest purpose-built outdoor events space, which will have a capacity for up to 5,000 people and will attract national and international acts and host major festivals, weekend, farmer and night markets as well as community events including the upcoming Milky Way Markets on the 18th February and Eats and Beats on the 25th February.

For more information about the Kingston Butter Factory and any upcoming events, visit their website https://www.loganarts.com.au/ venue/kingston-butter-factory-precinct/.

For more information about Devon Pixies or to book your high tea or special event (all high teas and events must be booked in advance), head to https://devonpixies.com.au/ or call Arwen on 0449 285 277.

HISTORY: KINGSTON BUTTER FACTORY

Dairying was one of the major industries in Logan in the early 1900s. During this time, the prospects of building a butter factory was first discussed by the Logan Farming and Industrial Association.

In April 1905, the matter was again raised and in 1906, it was agreed that the dairymen needed a location that was close to water and a railway line. Kingston was chosen as the best option.

In 1907, the original butter factory made of timber was finally completed. The initial staff included a butter maker, two engineers, a cream tester, two carters and two labourers. The business grew steadily and by 1927 there had been ten additions to the building.

By the 1930s, the factory was producing 40–50 tons of butter each week. It was then declared

by the dairy board that the old wooden factory needed upgrading.

In 1932, a new brick structure was built around the old timber factory, which continued to operate while the building proceeded. The project was not completed until March 1933 and costed £15,000.

The dairy company Peters took over the factory in 1958 and by June 1979, the factory had stopped getting milk from farmers, and only produced cottage and baker's cheese. The factory officially stopped making anything on April 15, 1983 ending a long history of dairy production in the Logan Area.

Orginal timber Kingston Butter Factory in 1920s

Kingston Butter Factory in 1952

KINGSTON GLUE

AND PIGGERY

FACTORY

A secondary industry was established nearby in 1918, when John McGuinness Williams purchased twelve acres of land including the old Kingston family home Oakwood, to establish a glue factory. Williams was a plywood manufacturer. Caesin glue, which could be produced from buttermilk, was used in plywood manufacture.

By 1922 he also established a piggery located between the house and the railway line. The following year Williams began expanding the piggery and initially imported a pair of Gloucester Old Spot pigs.

Despite the unfortunate incident of a wild pig mating with the pure bred sow, the piggery was generally successful and had a regular contract for the buttermilk, which was piped from the butter factory.

The property was then sold to stock agent Richard Grimes Watson in 1926. He employed managers on the property, the longest serving being Bert Whittaker, who married Jack Juers daughter Jean in 1933.

Kingston Glue Factory and Piggery 1920 -

photo courtesy of Julie Dodds

Kingston Butter Factory & Dairy Machinery (top right), 1952.

Day

Go for an outing with your friends

Appreciate those who care for you

It is a good day to appreciate the love and care of all those for whom you matter a lot. Be thankful to all those who are always with you and care for you a lot.

Send some special gift to your parents

It is a nice thing to do on that day. Send a nice card to your parents telling them how much you love them and how important they are in your life? Make them realize that you love them a lot.

Make yourself happy and pamper yourself

Don’t feel sad or lonely on that day. Do something nice for yourself. Do all such things which make you happy. Pamper yourself, treat yourself, buy a gift for yourself, order your favorite food. Hey, it’s your day, love yourself and enjoy the day!

Every friend is really important and this is the perfect day to show your love to them. Plan an outing or get-together on that day. Ask all your friends to join you and have fun with them. Friends are the best gift of God. Value them, tell them how happy you are in their company.

Do something nice for someone

If you believe a small gesture can bring a smile to someone's face. Follow it and do something nice for someone. It could be as small as offering a seat to someone in need.

Talk to someone with whom you have not talked

Make a call to your friend or relative with whom you have not talked to for a longtime. Call him/her and enjoy a nice chitchat session and recall some of the good memories.

Here are some useful tips to make first Valentine’s

special and memorable:

Founder and Managing Director, Ms Chiou See Anderson, on behalf of the broader Elements community, cordially invites you to enjoy the lifestyle of Elements as an Honorary Resident of our village.

Experience the fun, the joy, the socialising, the experience of Elements retirement living with exclusive event invitations, access to facilities and participation in community life.

As an honorary resident, you’ll have many opportunities to taste the fabulous lifestyle that our residents enjoy everyday. You can still upsize your life whilst you contemplate the downsizing of your house.