Shire Talk Magazine - Issue 6 - Autumn 2020

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Shire Talkers Anyone else felt like the summer was intense? So much going on and so many people needing help. The bushfires were (and still are) some of the worst the country have seen and not a week goes by without hearing about more tragedy.

But amongst the chaos, there were people who wanted to help. We’ve seen the community come together as toy drives and resources were pooled and taken to towns affected by fire and drought. Talotta’s Pizzeria in Kurnell were one such business and we featured them on our radio show back in December.

We’ve heard from Ruth and Leesa from Wildlife Emergency Response Sutherland Shire and Beyond about organising craft circles to make wraps and items for injured wildlife; and Neil Walshe also came to the studio to tell us about his endeavour, Animal Playground, where all profits go to the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.

Neil designed our incredible front cover after visiting the NSW south coast and seeing the devastation.

He took the photo at the time when he and his family delivered water and food for the animals who live there.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have been involved in supporting those devastated by bushfire and drought, as well as those fighting fires daily.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have been involved in supporting those devastated by bushfire and drought, as well as those fighting fires daily.

Looking forward to enjoying some cooler weather!

Julia Baker

THE SHIRE TALK TEAM Julia Baker, Managing Editor juliab@shiretalk.com.au

Corey Blake, Presenter corey@shiretalk.com.au

Lauren Holly, Writer & Presenter @happylaurenholly

Laurent Tartarin, Videography & Photography @LT_photographer

Joel Beatton, Sports Writer @joelbeatton

CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE

Jessica Osborne @theshirefoodie_

@ITimagery Hannah Geraghty, Writer @Forty_feisty_fatigued

Brett Whipp, Editor-in-Chief brett@shiretalk.com.au

Letter from the Editor.................................................Page 3 Shire Rewards welcomes Miranda Hotel....................Page 4 WIN a holiday!.........................................................Page 4 Shire Rewards welcomes Kirra Elizabeth Hair.............Page 5 Lilli Pilli Sea Scouts Honour Anzac Day.......................Page 6 Shire Rewards welcomes Site Design Botanica............Page 7 Totum Health Exercise Physiologists...........................Pages 8 & 9 Events Calendar........................................................Pages 10 & 11 Shire Foodies............................................................Pages 12 & 13 Your Talk with Shire Talk & 2SSR 99.7FM...................Page 14 Shire Supports Bush Fire Communities........................Page 15 Sharks Pre-Season Review.........................................Page 16 Shire Rewards welcomes Arete Organics...................Page 17 Why you should drop the ball right now....................Page 18

FOLLOW SHIRE TALK Facebook Shire Talk: www.facebook.com/ShireTalk Shire Rewards: www.facebook.com/shirerewards The Sutherland Shire - our community chat page: www.facebook.com/groups/thesutherlandshire Sutherland Shire Business Network - collaborate and network with local business owners and managers: www.facebook.com/groups/ SutherlandShireBusinessNetwork/ Instagram www.instagram.com/shiretalk/ Twitter https://twitter.com/the ShireTalk Snap Chat Search “Shire Talk” Shire Talk TV https://shiretalk.com.au/shire-talk-tv/ or check out our Shire Talk YouTube Channel Radio 2SSR 99.7FM Live on Wednesdays 6pm – 8pm www.2ssr.com.au Website: www.shiretalk.com.au

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Classic pub combines with city experience right on your doorstep!

Welcome to Miranda Hotel. Situated conveniently on Kingsway, next door to Westfield, is where inside you will find the most delicious fresh food and warm, friendly service.

Their menu is multi-sensory, taking on the sights and smells to create a well-rounded experience they describe as “creating food memories.” Chef Kelly and the team are proud to choose only highquality Australian produce that they prepare in-house, from scratch.

It allows people to stay closer to home whilst enjoying the experience they might normally save for a city drive.

So, what can we expect to see on the menu?

Only the best of the best pub classics, dispersed amongst some interesting dishes not usually seen on your usual bistro menu. They have some great $15 lunch specials, plus $1 Fresh Sydney Rock Oysters on Saturdays and Sundays. Other favourites include, Chicken Schnitzel, Tajima Rump Steak, Market Fish and Margarita Pizzas. And for those looking for just that little bit more, perhaps a restaurant quality food experience; the specials board is where you’ll find Chef Kelly plating up dishes such as Lobster Po-Boy. To the Miranda Hotel team, being a business on the Shire Rewards network is exciting for the community. “It is bringing like-minded people and businesses together that want to make sure the Shire community continues to thrive and become a desirable area for people to live and visit,” they said. “The concept of giving back to people that want to support local business is one that ties a community together and help all become successful.”

Miranda Hotel offers 10% cashback when you upload your receipt to the Shire Rewards App. Instagram: @mirandahotel www.mirandahotel.com.au

WIN A HOLIDAY! Just enter our survey and we’ll send you a $200USD Hotel Saver Card Shire Talk are constantly looking for new ways to support the Sutherland Shire community and our survey is just one way we can do this.

Plus, everyone who completes it will receive a free travel voucher to use at thousands of outlets.

Simply open your phone camera and scan the QR code.

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Positive Vibes are on Trend

Their energy is electric. As they walk into the 2SSR 99.7FM studios for their Shire Talk interview, with their laughs in unison and sunshine smiles, it is clear this quartet of ladies bring the party wherever they go!

Kirra Blackie, Claire Thompson, Clare Willis and Elizabeth Blackie are the awesome foursome from Kirra Elizabeth Hair, bringing trends in hair to the streets of Jannali.

Initially the salon was a partnership between Kirra and Elizabeth, but their team soon doubled in size when demand increased dramatically.

In a twist of fate and the stars aligning, Claire and Clare were recruited – one being Kirra’s own hairdresser and the other a keen apprentice.

One thing the girls understand is a woman’s commitment to her hairdresser. “I feel like when people are trying something new, you’re not going to go and get a haircut, you’re not going to go and get a colour. For women, it’s a big thing. You kind of feel like you’re cheating on your hairdresser!” Kirra explains.

And by offering a blow dry at the amazing price of $30, you can have a taste of Kirra Elizabeth’s experience – great products, positive energetic vibe and good service. Plus, every purchase or service attracts a 5% cashback with Shire Rewards.

“We were always going to have a reward program; but I think the fact that it’s not just the salon and you can spend it somewhere else,” says Kirra. “You can get a coffee for free or you can get money off or get a dinner for free. That’s a big deal.” @kirraelizabethhair

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There’s something about the Lilli Pilli Sea Scouts that keeps people coming back. Over years and generations; siblings, parents and grandparents; from Cubs through to Joeys, Venturers and Leaders; whole families have been raised on the Scouts philosophy – to be respectful, to do what is right and to believe in themselves.

And it is upon these values they commemorate Anzac Day.

“It’s an example of one day a year where you get out of bed early to attend what would be a ‘stand-to’ in the military sense before sunrise; to feel what it’s like every morning in the defence force. You ‘stand-to’ before sunrise on a tactical operation and that’s then turned into a commemoration of their sacrifice and service.” John Soars

Group Leader Linda Soars explains that every youth member can earn the “Their Service Our Heritage” badge through discussion and visits and so invite returned servicemen to share their experiences. It is humbling as it is not just a great honour to speak with those who have served our country, but also to preserve the stories they tell for generations.

Similarly, for Scout Leader John Soars, Anzac Day is a particularly prominent time of year. The military spirit runs deep in his family.

He follows a long line of servicemen, graduating as a Lieutenant from the Royal Military College in 1999. And now his daughter is continuing this tradition serving as a Navy helicopter pilot.

Over the past twenty years, Octavia Barrington, has been involved in many Anzac Day services. She was a parent helper and Scout Leader when her children attended and is now even more involved with seven-year-old granddaughter, Lennox.

John’s relatives, Ernest and Herbert Henry both from Gloucester, NSW, served in WWI. Unfortunately, they did not return and so he is keeping their memory alive through passing their history on to his children.

“We used to start at the Caringbah Dawn Service and then walk back to the hall. There would be paddling and a breakfast of pancakes. For a few years we then went to Canberra to the Dawn Service. The boys actually carried the flags for the groups that march and then we would spend the next few days in Canberra with the Canberra Scouts.”

“In 2017 the local RSL had the most amazing commemoration for the 31 boys who didn’t come back from a little country town. We had 26 direct cousins of Herbert march 100 years on, to celebrate his life and his sacrifice. It was the most moving thing. And the town did such a good job of celebrating the boys.”

More recently, they have a combined commemoration with 1st Caringbah Scouts, joining the Dawn Services in Cronulla or Caringbah. It means they can also walk along the coastline and remember and reflect on the sacrifices the servicemen and women have made into keeping Australia going.

“I just truly remember and try and think about what they had to give up (sic) to do what they had to do for our country,” says 17-year-old, Myles Benyon, a Venturer in the Scouting Unit.

For other members Anzac Day has a more personal meaning.

Brooke Benyon, 15, and her mother and Scout Leader, Fiona recounted how Brooke’s great-great grandfather held up a German outpost with a revolver in World War I. He was recognised for having great courage since the revolver turned out to be empty.

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These personal stories shape the education and mindset of the young, adventurous scouts such as Quentin Lassauniere and his family Roman and Peggy , instilling their sense of heritage and service.

Many have gone on to be army, navy or air cadets, continuing the Anzac Day pride and legacy.

1st Lilli Pilli Scout Group is an Active Kids Rebate Provider and is located at Swan Street, Lilli Pilli. Contact Linda Soars on 0400 518 777 or find them online at www.1stlillipilli.com

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Have you ever seen a magnificent plant arrangement at a friend’s home or office? Maybe you think how awesome it would be to have that in your home, too. And then perhaps contemplate how they made it, or even chose a winning plant combination?

Well it could all be down to Johnny Derwent and his team at Site Design Botanica. Whilst they sell both indoor and outdoor plants and pots, they also have a consultation service to ascertain your needs and work with you to create the aesthetic you desire. They pride themselves on being a small company with a personal approach, which allows them to work with an extensive range of growers who can supply pretty much anything you’re looking for.

“If you don’t know anything about what you might want in the way of plants in your home, don’t be afraid to come down and have a chat,” says Johnny.

“Our bestsellers include a plant called Rhipsalis, which spills down over the edge of pots that is quite striking. We also sell Kokedama, which are a form of plant bonsai in coconut moss. It’s a great gift idea.”

The company itself began as a Shire-based design studio more than 15 years ago; it was only at the end of 2019 that Site Design Botanica was born - where design meets nature. Johnny has a wealth of experience within the landscape industry, having worked over the past 16 years across land management and consideration, landscape construction, horticulture and landscape design.

For Johnny, being a business in the Sutherland Shire is like being a part of a small community. “We try to treat our customers like friends and family as we are appreciative of their support to buy local.”

Which is exactly the values that are aligned with Shire Rewards, making the two a perfect fit.

Site Design Botanica offer 10% cashback on all purchases when you upload your receipt to the Shire Rewards App

@sitedesignbotanica @sitedesign_botanica

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WHAT EXACTLY IS AN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST?

The outcome of this treatment phase, lasting up to four weeks, is that the client can actively and functionally move the injured area as well as bear weight.

The next stage of treatment is strength and conditioning and a specific “Return to Work” program is needed. Generally, Physiotherapists are not trained in designing and implementing these programs and so something else was needed to fill the gap.

And what do they do?

I can’t tell you the number of times I get asked about this; I’d be lying if I said it was less than a dozen times a week! What’s interesting is that whilst my industry is growing, it isn’t just members of the public that ask me; it’s other Allied Health Professionals as well.

Part of my job is building relationships with other clinicians, such as GPs, physios, chiropractors, occupational therapists, dieticians or podiatrists. When I call a practice to speak to them, this is the question I get asked.

Some Exercise Physiologists (EPs) find this a little insulting. I can understand that. We are nationally recognised Allied Health Professionals with full Medicare benefits and registration with all Private Health Providers. We’ve been to university for a minimum of four years with at the very least 500 hours of practical experience. So, to have such little understanding of what EPs do, can be frustrating.

But back to the original question – what is Exercise Physiology?

The answer isn’t very straight forward, but I will try to be as succinct as possible.

Exercise Physiology was created as a profession to bridge a small gap between injury and rehabilitation. This was especially relevant in the Work Cover and Return to Work Sectors.

A typical Work Cover scenario went like this. An individual is injured at work and they are immediately placed on leave or reduced duties. Their wage will be covered for a period by an insurance company. They are then analysed by a Work Cover Case Manager/Rehabilitation Consultant who liaises with the individual’s GP, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and any other required Allied Health Professionals.

Before Exercise Physiology existed, the entire rehabilitation process was handled by the individual’s Physiotherapist. For a time, the system worked well, however the phase of treatment that works to get the client back to employment saw many Physiotherapists having to work outside their scope of practice. They are trained to manage the acute phase of an injury – as soon as it happens – through manual therapy, massage and other manipulative techniques to produce a response to the injured area. Recovery is promoted in a passive manner, where the client is not actively moving the injured area themselves, rather being moved by the Physio.

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It was essential for the injured person to have a structured and supervised exercise plan to enable them to return to work at close enough to full capacity and maintain it.

And so, Exercise Physiology was born!

Since those early days, our role has expanded significantly. It’s exciting and makes me believe we have the best job of all Allied Health Professionals!

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Because we get the same level of coverage through Medicare and bulk billing that other Allied Health Professionals receive, most people are entitled to 5 Exercise Physiologist sessions covered by Medicare.

But depending on your circumstances, there are other ways to access funding, initially, for a very low cost.

- National Disability Support Scheme (NDIS) - Department of Veterans Affairs - Private Health Insurance

We are also the only profession that Life Insurers will refer to and are involved in countless community programs. You’ll often find us in commercial gyms because we are trained in strength and conditioning, weight loss, fitness and general health and wellness. Whilst we still support injury rehabilitation, we can actually help you with almost any part of your health.

Think of us more as a formal university qualified Personal Trainer.

Now you will see us in hospitals, workplaces, commercial gyms and fitness facilities. Insurance companies hire us, wellness organisations as well as disability workplaces and many more. No longer do we solely look after Work Cover injuries but are a part of integrated health management.

Chris Dounis is the co-founder and Director of Totum Health. He is an Exercise Physiologist with 10 years’ experience, specialising in helping clients understand their behaviours through the biopsychosocial model and applying Motivational Interviewing tecnhiques to ensure that real change can be achieved.

Empowerment is the key to success!

If you would like to see how an EP can support your health and fitness, visit www.totumhealth.com.au Totum Health are proudly partnered with Plus Fitness who have many convenient locations around The Shire.

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Your Talk Hands up if you’ve been listening to our radio show? We are gathering our band of loyal listeners and we hope you will come along for the ride, too! Join Corey Blake with Julia Baker producing, along with Gloria Gervasoni, the General Manager of 2SSR 99.7FM every Wednesday night from 6pm until 8pm.

We bring you all the news, views and comments from in and around the Shire live to air! Come and join our conversation!

Check out some of our guests and your online comments!

n m destructio - Melinda

2cm away fro

Tonkin Street Boat Ram

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If it’s BBQ Day - William

- Shannon

Some described it as a “mini-tornado” that swept its way through the Shire.

It was quick and intense and caused significant damage.

Kal Glanznig arrived in the studio fresh from the Sutherland Shire’s 2020 Australia Day Award Ceremony as the winner of the 2020 Young Citizen of the Year following on from his work with Plastic Free Cronulla!

Georgia Selmon and Alana White talked about how following a tragic loss, they organised a trivia night to raise funds for Beyond Blue. The event went on to raise more than $10,000.

Bringing in the new year with DJ Gloria and Julia.

Along with the boys from Rose Bay Hotel, Bec from Cambridge Markets came to chat to us about the very successful Cronulla Markets held at Don Lucas Reserve in December.

Leena Terry from Bliss Organisation gave us hints and tips on how to declutter and be organised for 2020!

Chris Dounis from Totum Health talked us through how to make health goals for 2020!

Some of our Shire Rewards partners popped in to say hello!

Neil Walshe from Animal Playground showed us his initiative to raise funds for the Koala Hospital. Neil also designed the front cover on this issue of Shire Talk Magazine.

Get involved every Wednesday from 6pm ‘til 8pm on 2SSR 99.7FM! Listen around the world on digital radio, via our Facebook LIVE feed or the good old traditional wireless! Comment on our posts or call into the studio on 9545 1800.

Plus, if you have something to say, a story or event you want to share, email juliab@shiretalk.com.au to tell us more!

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BUSHFIRE COVERAGE As the sun rose on the first day of 2020, there were 112 fires burning across NSW, including some devastating fires on the south coast. 2.7 million hectares of land burnt, the equivalent of twice the size of Sydney. More than 916 families lost their homes. Businesses and outbuildings were destroyed or damaged and several perished.

So far, the Shire has escaped any major fires, but have been affected by exceptionally poor air quality and many of our volunteer firefighters have been defending properties and supporting communities in greater Sydney and beyond.

Mayor Carmello Pesce gave advise on our 2SSR talk back radio show.

“I think everyone should have a plan. Make sure your gutters are clean and debris around your property is cleared. Then have a plan for your exit,” noting the important to keep up to date with the “Fires Near Me” app and Council’s social media pages.

“Our RFS and our emergency services are absolutely fantastic; they work tirelessly, a lot of them are volunteers. You need to take action when someone tells you from the authorities to do something. If they ask you to evacuate, you should evacuate.

The main thing is, don’t panic.”

In true community spirit, the Shire extended a hand to the bushfire affected communities.

Tony Talotta of Talotta’s Pizzeria in Kurnell organised his annual toy drive for the Taree and Wagga Wagga communities and on Monday 16th December Tony and Bruce Lawson from Hino Australia set off on the 1600km journey.

Bernard Benson from Live Better, a charity who supports drought affected families and those with additional needs, thanked the team for their support.

“It’s a wonderful thing and we hope more people can follow their direction. It’s a credit to these two young men.”

Whilst Tony seems to have taken care of many families, Neil Walshe from Animal Playground is looking after the animals. Having been inspired by drawing animal pictures on his daughter’s wall, he created a line of removable wall stickers. The stickers are individually cut and are designed to be arranged on an average 3m long bedroom wall.

This project is completely not-for-profit, with all monies going to The Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie. “Right now, the bushfires are really bad,” Neil states. “A lot of people will have seen the koalas who are injured; it could almost be said that they will be endangered soon. I thought it’s a great cause to support just so our kids can see koalas when they’re older.”

Shire Talk would like to take this opportunity to thank the NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW, volunteers and emergency services for all their hard work and dedication.

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Cronulla Sharks Look Ahead to Season

2020

2019 saw the Sharks bow out in the first week of the postseason at the hands of an undermanned Sea Eagles outfit. Fast-forward to 2020 and the boys from the Shire are in the midst of a gruelling preseason, which they hope will help right the wrongs of 2019. A few familiar faces may be missing but coach John Morris returns, as well as many of the club’s stars.

John Morris will be a little more settled having completed his first season as an NRL head coach. Priority number one will be navigating the club through their first preseason without Paul Gallen since the year 2000. The club’s inspirational leader called it quits at the end of season 2019, leaving Morris to offset the loss of 348 games worth of experience. Replacing someone like Gallen is far from easy, but the club is confident that rising stars Jack Williams and Billy Magoulias have what it takes. Williams appeared in 24 games for the club last season, whilst Magoulias was instrumental in the Newtown Jets’ State Championship victory.

A number of familiar faces have found new homes for season 2020, with Gallen joining the likes of Jayden Brailey, Matt Prior, Sosaia Feki, Kurt Capewell and Kyle Flanagan on the departures list. Each of those guys have been a significant part of the club over a long period of time and replacing them could prove challenging. Centre Jesse Ramien will re-join the squad after a one-year stint in Newcastle, bolstering an already-dangerous backline. Stars Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham, Shaun Johnson and Josh Dugan will ensure the Sharks remain competitive, whilst exciting youngsters Bronson Xerri and Briton Nikora will look to build off outstanding rookie years.

Fans won’t be able to watch their team at PointsBet Stadium for the next two seasons, due to plans to redevelop their leagues club. Instead, the Sharks will call Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah home.

The Sharks’ season will kick off with a Saturday night blockbuster against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium, with their first home game coming a week later when they take on the Melbourne Storm at Kogarah.

They will get their first look at the defending premier Sydney Roosters in Round 5 at Kogarah and will face local rivals St George Illawarra in Rounds 14 and 24, both at Kogarah, before finishing their season against the New Zealand Warriors.

Expectations will be high in the Shire, with fans frustrated at the team’s disappointing finals campaign last season.

With so much experience missing from last year’s squad, coach John Morris will again call on young guys to rise to the challenge and make their marks.

Predicted 17: 1. Matt Moylan, 2. Josh Dugan, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Jesse Ramien, 5. Josh Morris, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10.

Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham (c), 13. Jack Williams, 14. Toby Rudolf, 15. Jayson Bukuya, 16. Billy Magoulias, 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 16 ShireTalkAutumn 2020

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Arete Organics is a little different from other organic shops. Every item is painstakingly researched to ensure it is GMO-free and does exactly what the label says it should do for your health. Everything is there, from supplements to fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Arete even stocks natural makeup to ensure you aren’t putting anything toxic on your skin.

Omar, the owner of Arete Organics is passionate about health and loves sharing his knowledge with customers; just one of the reasons they have joined Shire Rewards. Don’t be surprised if he takes items out of your basket, he feels you don’t need! He wants you to walk out with the right supplements for you.

After taking considerable efforts to heal his own health issues, he knows how important good health is. Omar lives and breathes health and wellbeing, following the lifestyle of natural living. His wife and kids all follow the same holistic, healthy way of life. And it is paying off; his children haven’t seen a doctor in 13 years.

Prior to opening Arete Organics, Omar had been working in the financial industry, deciding to follow his passion, and he hasn’t looked back.

The store is inviting. The lighting is natural, with no harsh fluorescent lights to distract your shopping experience into a sensory overload. You want to be in there and browse at the unique products you can’t find anywhere else. The best part about Arete Organics is that Omar offers FREE seminars about health and well-being that are about educating people. There’s no selling, just sharing his passion and helping others achieve their health goals.

Keep an eye out at Arete Organics for an exciting new brand launch of superfood elixirs, oils, and even honey. This brand will embody Omar’s ethos of keeping GMO products off his shelves and ensuring Sutherland Shire residents have access to healthy foods and supplements.

Download the app today to take advantage of Arete Organic’s 10% cashback on every purchase.

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WHY YOU SHOULD DROP THE BALL RIGHT NOW I stood tense, ready to scream, jump and aggressively celebrate our Kubb win (we’re a competitive family). We had six shots left and all my partner had to do was toss his block and knock over the king, a mere four metres away. Piece of cake! Or it should have been. High on the promise of victory, he tossed all six blocks at the same time and promptly missed altogether.

While I rolled my eyes in exasperation, muttering about how his stunt cost us the game, I had to acknowledge I’ve been guilty of the same: how many times did I have multiple balls in the air and expect to catch them all?

We are a society of more. Of never-ending to-do lists, of turning the hobby into a side hustle, of being top of our field and still there for the family. We have a lot to accomplish, so we must never drop the ball.

Except we have to.

Well, all but one.

A laser is most deadly when the light is FOCUSED. When all the energy is directed to one place, there’s no telling how many eyeballs could be fried. Sure, there are those of us content to be busy jugglers but I’m not one of them anymore. To accomplish a goal, drop everything and devote yourself to it. I’m not saying you should never pick up a vacuum, but I am saying that the multitasking myth keeps you in the loop of the never-ending to-do.

So, identify what’s most important and build a plan. Be honest about your distractions: if you check your phone every time it beeps, switch it to silent (or better yet, leave it in another room) and build the mental discipline needed to stay on track. Focusing is easier said than done, but now more than ever is the time to zero in on your goals. After all, 2020 means perfect vision.

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Welcome to As you can see, this edition of Shire Talk Magazine, along with our social media feeds have been full of Shire Rewards.

We are truly excited to be launching this amazing platform that allows businesses to network and the people of the Shire to benefit.

We have a number of businesses who have jumped on board with our launch offer and as you can see from the logos below, there is a whole range, from cafes, beauty to fitness and car maintenance. You will also see their profiles throughout the magazine. In fact, there were so many that wanted to join that we didn’t have space to include them all in this issue, so we will introduce you to them next quarter.

We are LIVE!

So how does it work?

Where can I use my points?

Shire Rewards is a loyalty program that gives you money back on your purchases. That money is stored as points on your app which you can then spend at any retailer within the Shire Rewards Network.

At any retailer within the Shire Rewards Network. They will display our sign at their point of sale. We already have several businesses involved, but this is growing on a daily basis.

Does it cost me anything?

How do I redeem my points?

No, it costs nothing to set up and the app is free

This is all done via the app. You select the number of points you wish to redeem and the retailer you wish to spend them with.

You then show them that you have used some points with them in order to reduce your bill.

What do I have to do?

It’s simple. All you have to do is download the app from the App Store or Google Play, set up your account and away you go!

How do I earn points?

When you make a purchase, just take a photo of your receipt and upload it to the app. The points are then calculated based on the percentage the retailer is offering, and then added to your Shire Rewards account.

How much are my points worth?

Each 100 point is worth $1.

Can I use my points for anything else?

Yes, each month, we will choose a local primary school or charity.

Instead of spending your points, you can choose to donate your Reward Dollars to them.

Are there times when I can earn bonus points or get a special offer?

Yes. Using the latest technology, you may receive notifications via text message of special offers that are only available to Shire Rewards customers. This means that you can also win prizes or additional points just by being in the “right place at the right time!”