Gold Coast Panache Magazine Autumn 2024

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Welcome

Welcome to the first edition of Gold Coast Panache magazine for 2024!

While we may be leaving the summer months behind us and beginning the autumn season, it certainly hasn’t felt it of late. The weather has still been stifling hot, but not as hot as this latest edition of Gold Coast Panache!

We have a fantastic issue for you this season. Our amazing cover girl is none other than Gold Coast golden girl Margot Robbie, who was back here on the coast recently attending the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards at HOTA where she received the Best Lead Actress Award and the Trailblazer Awardboth amazing praise for her work this year in the juggernaut Barbie movie. You can read all about this homegrown hero in our cover story on page 16.

As always we have all the regular features you know and love, including our icon feature where we pay homage to Gold Coast legend Roma Blair.

We have all the latest fashion for you and him, along with activewear, beauty and home features that will have you looking good and feeling good all season.

For those of you with building projects on the horizon you can’t miss our Wycon Homes renovation feature where we explore custom and project builders and the pros and cons each can bring to your home project.

There are also some great recipes to get you into the kitchen as the weather turns cooler; and the giveaways in this edition will have both you and your best four legged friend looking and feeling good.

It has been a busy season on the social scene, so flip to the back to see if you were snapped at some of the best events on the Gold Coast and Brisbane! Our wedding feature is also back, giving you a sneak peak inside all the glamour of our gorgeous Gold Coast weddings.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Gold Coast Panache magazine as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you!

COVER: Beverly Hills, United States. Margot Robbie wears hot pink sequined Giorgio Armani Privé gown along with a pink tulle boa, inspired by the 1977 SuperStar Barbie’s 50th anniversary and $3 million in pink and white diamonds by Lorraine Schwartz. Taken at the 81st Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, California. Credit: PMC/ Alamy Live News

PUBLISHER Kate Bennett

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alana Lacey

GRAPHIC DESIGN Chelsea Sergi

CONTRIBUTORS

•Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi • Karen Phillips • Alana

Lacey • Leanne St-George • Melinda Burton • Nellie

McKinley • Simon Bennett • Tania Zaetta • Deb FarnworthWood • Nicole and Darren Daley • Azra Zecic- Kujovic • Liz

Clift • Sonia Stradiotto • Nicole and Murray Carter • Cindy

Butler • Brooke Lee • Monique Luchterhand • Emily Jade

O’Keeffe • Ocean Sercombe • Meghan Horn • Vanessa

Anderson • Deanne Clark • Alana Lacey • Felicity Cohen • Bronwen Hemmings • Teegan Deck • Gwen Wyper • Viera

Macikova • Tatiana Hoffman • Karen Pirie • Mel Keegan

• Nina Hoffman • Rebecca Degenaar • Mez Robson •

Gillian Lawrence • Bronte Langbroek • Chelsea Steber

• Matty Roberts • Eric Goodman • Kristiina Marshall • Teigan Hutchison • Alisa Katan • Bianca Elouise • Rachel

Syers • Karin Cox • Dale and Jim Olsson

PHOTOGRAPHY

• Leah Desborough • Carey Cam – Gold Coast Media •

Flaunter • Shutterstock • Vethaak Media • Getty • Claudia

Baxter • Anne Armstrong • Kate Bennett • Nadia Masot •

Paul Broben • Shutterstock

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ROMA BLAIR

“We are not here on Earth for a very long time, so for every day that we are blessed with, it’s up to us to seek individual peace, generosity, and happiness. That’s exactly what I’ve done, and will keep striving to do.” - Roma Blair (Swami Niramalananda)

Guru, the Mother of Yoga, TV star, supporter of philanthropic endeavours, and author, Roma Blair (aka Swami Nirmalananda) lived an extraordinary life, and is celebrated as one of the pioneers of the yoga movement in Australia.

Roma grew up in Sydney and with her stunning looks she naturally found a name for herself as a popular model, but this was never going to be enough of a challenge for this extraordinary woman. Roma moved to Java (Indonesia) and soon found herself captive in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. She was pregnant and had been separated from her husband, but instead of being worn down during this experience, Roma found inspiration to make every day count.

In 1945, the war ended and Roma arrived safely back in Australia with her son, reuniting with her husband. Not long after, they moved to South Africa and Roma began modelling, but she had been exposed to a bacteria in the camp that had plagued her with stomach issues. She went from doctor to doctor and no one could help her. Eventually Roma sought counsel from a Chinese Medicine doctor. He could not prescribe any medicines or herbs to help Roma, but what he did prescribe changed the course of Roma’s life, and the foundations of yoga in Australia. The doctor recommended Roma start attending yoga classes with Yogeshwarananda.

Roma went to her first class not sure what to expect, she followed the teacher’s instructions, focused on her breath, and left that first class with a sense of well-being never felt before.

Through Yogeswarananda’s encouragement and guidance Roma undertook to truly understand Laya yoga, the Bhagavad-Gita, and the Mahabharata. In 1957, after her divorce, Roma returned to Australia. Although still modelling, Roma felt the urge to do something more, to give back to “yoga”, and share the profound benefits with others. However, yoga schools were few and far between. Roma began teaching her friends about yoga. She was determined to change society’s perceptions - yoga was more than head-stands. Roma wanted Australians to understand that yoga was, in fact, a way of life, and so, a small studio on busy Pitt Street in Sydney was born.

With her modelling connections, Roma managed to convince various magazines and daily papers to run articles about the benefits of yoga. By 1962, the Roma Blair School of Yoga was growing rapidly. Roma demonstrated yoga in supermarkets, shopping malls and on TV and had also established the Roma Blair Yoga Club – a flourishing community for yoga teachers.

At the age of 43, Roma travelled to India and received the honour of being Australia’s first female Swami. As the air filled with the perfumes of sandalwood and lotus blossom, Swami Satyanananda initiated Roma, bestowing upon her the name Swami Niramalananda – ‘pure bliss’.

In 1967, Roma founded the International Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) in Australia. She was the backbone of IYTA, providing a nurturing community for teachers. Roma dedicated her life to spreading the benefits of yoga throughout Australia. In 2003, at the age of 80, Roma received the Leadership Award, on International Women’s Day, for her contribution to the community, and for being an inspirational role model. On the 5th November, 2013, aged 90, Roma left this world, she attributed her long life to yoga, prayer and meditation.

All words from Roma: From Prison to Paradise, as told to Rachel Syers and Karin Cox, 2004.

Roma Blair portrait painted by Jim Olsson in 2013 for Roma’s 90th Birthday.

GoldCoast events and more

Check out some of the latest events currently on and coming soon to the Gold Coast.

Jessica Mauboy, Yours Forever Tour

12 April

Immerse yourself in the heart of Australia with Jessica Mauboy’s Yours Forever Tour. This homecoming tour from the Australian Idol star turned The Voice mentor is a celebration of her roots. Mauboy’s new album Yours Forever showcases her authentic powerhouse vocals and personal storytelling. The tour promises a journey through her classics and new hits, all performed with unmatched passion. Jessica Mauboy, who grew up on her Larrakia Country in Darwin, still finds inspiration and draws strength from her hometown. From her iconic role in The Sapphires to her historic Eurovision performance, Jessica Mauboy’s star continues to rise. Yet, with Yours Forever, she takes a moment to reflect, offering a nostalgic exploration of her past, present and future.

hota.com.au

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

23 - 26 May sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Step into the world of luxury yachting at the highly anticipated Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) 2024. As Australia’s largest yacht show the event is regarded as the Southern Hemisphere’s premium marine event and is set to attract over 45,000 attendees from across the globe. There will be more than 600 boats and 1,000 marine products on display throughout the show. Hosted by Mulpha Events, the 2024 SCIBS is an immersive four-day event that is not to be missed. Held in the picturesque Sanctuary Cove, the location provides the perfect opportunity to discover the latest advancements in the luxury boating industry, with exhibitors from all over the world showcasing their products and services.

Tina Arena, Love Saves Tour

11 May hota.com.au

Experience one of Australia’s greatest singers, as Tina Arena brings her Love Saves Tour to HOTA’s Outdoor Stage. An artist whose voice has resonated with millions around the world, join Tina Arena for a special and powerful performance live under the stars. This will be her only performance in Queensland, at HOTA. Tina Arena, AM, is an iconic Australian singer-songwriter, actress, and performing artist. Voted Australia’s greatest female singer of all time, her powerful voice remains unparalleled after 40 years in the industry.

Blues on Broadbeach

16

- 19 May

As the Gold Coast’s very own home of blues, Blues on Broadbeach will be celebrating its 23rd annual festival from 16 – 19 May, 2024. Featuring a wide array of international and homegrown artists including Melissa Etheridge, performing across multiple indoor and outdoor stages, Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia’s largest non-ticketed music festivals.

Situated within the heart of the Gold Coast in Broadbeach, come enjoy four days and nights of live rhythm and blues music! Surrounded by plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and a wide range of accommodation options, this is a blues festival experience like no other.

With even more exciting announcements on the way this year, come find your rhythm this May at Blues on Broadbeach!

destinationgoldcoast.com

GoldCoast

events and more

Engelbert Humperdinck

16 May

Engelbert Humperdinck returns to Australia. See the king of romance down under this May performing his greatest hits live in concert including: Release Me, The Last Waltz, A Man Without Love, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You, and Quando, Quando, Quando. Don’t miss Engelbert Humperdinck – one golden voice, 50 iconic years.

star.com.au/goldcoast

Missy Higgins

Romeo and Juliet

17 - 18 May

Are you ready for an enchanting evening filled with passion, tragedy and world class ballet under the starlit sky on HOTA’s Outdoor Stage. Following its sold out 2023 season, BIG Live is making a triumphant return to Australia, bringing to life Shakespeare’s most magnificent love story, Romeo and Juliet. Immerse yourself in the moonlit streets of Verona as artists from some of the world’s leading ballet companies guide you through Shakespeare’s captivating realm of love, rivalry and destiny. With its iconic score, captivating sets, and exquisite costumes, BIG Live invites you to experience ballet like never before.

hota.com.au

Missy Higgins is unveiling ‘an anniversary tour with a difference’ to celebrate 20 years since her trailblazing debut, The Sound Of White. The Second Act Tour will see Missy touring theatres nationally next autumn in a special two act show. The first set each evening will include some brand new songs, plus a few fan favourites from early in her career, all played in stripped back, acoustic mode. After an intermission Missy will then return with her full band to perform The Sound Of White in its entirety plus some of her other hits.

25 May hota.com.au

Boney M

14 June

Disco superstars BONEY M featuring Maizie Williams return for The Farewell Tour performing all their greatest hits including Rasputin, Daddy Cool, Ma Baker, Gotta Go Home, Rivers Of Babylon, Brown Girl In The Ring, Sunny plus more with a full live band! BONEY M’s insanely catchy songs mixed with the glitz and glamour of the disco era gave them an incredible run of chart toppers. They have sold over 150 million records worldwide making them one of the best selling artists of all time. Always fun and perfect for the dance floor, hit-makers BONEY M are one of the most beloved bands to emerge from the Disco era. Their farewell Australian tour is guaranteed to bring joy to their fans as they perform all their greatest hits. Put on your dancing shoes, this will be a disco inferno of epic proportions!

destinationgoldcoast.com

From Gold Coast Girl to Golden Globes and Beyond

Margot Robbie, the girl from the Gold Coast has certainly had a golden rise on the silver screen since landing in Hollywood, attracting every acting accolade from Academy Awards to AACTA Awards and everything in between - but what sets this golden girl with the midas touch apart?

Image: Shutterstock

The world of Hollywood movie making is a far, far cry from the sunny shores of Queensland’s Gold Coast and the stage of your high school musical, but it is a divide Margot Robbie has been able to bridge without breaking her stride or losing touch with the things that are most important to her.

Margot was born in Dalby but moved to the Gold Coast when her parents separated. Margot was raised by her single mother in the beautiful Currumbin Valley along with her three siblings - older sister Anya, older brother Lachlan and younger brother Cameron. They spent much of their time growing up surrounded by family at their grandparents farm.

While she always enjoyed performing and raiding the ‘dress-up’ box as a child, Margot didn’t consider acting as a possible profession until she had worked on her first movie and was leaving school in Year 12.

As part of an interview with Australian Vogue, Margot’s mother, Sarie recounts the day Margot told her she wanted to pursue acting.

“Margot came home and said mum, you’re not going to like this, but I’ve decided I’m going to be an actor and [sic] - my jaw hit the floor because she was really good at school and came from a family with a medical background and a family with a business background, and she told me she was going to be an actor. I was stunned.”

It wasn’t long after completing her school studies Margot decided to head to Melbourne and pursue acting full-time. After cold calling Fremantle Media and accidentally being connected to the casting agent, Margot secured a role on the classic Australian television show Neighbours

Margot was cast as Donna Freedman, a character who initially was planned to only have a small part on the show, but after the positive response to Robbie’s performance, was made more permanent. Margot reprised the role for three years, gaining two Logie nominations over that time for most Popular Female Talent and most Popular Actress.

After Neighbours Margot moved to America where she was quickly cast in short lived television series Pan Am alongside Christina Ricci. It was this role that opened doors to bigger ones - in particular the one that set Margot Robbie’s star ablaze in Hollywood - Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.

The role netted Robbie the Empire Award for Best Newcomer in the same year. Margot’s taste for show business moves beyond just being in front of the camera. The idea of having creative control over projects that mattered appealed greatly to Margot and some of the roommates she was living in London with at the time.

In an interview with Australian Vogue in 2019, Margot recounts how the idea for their production company began to blossom.

“The conversation really started from Josey and I saying that the best roles in a script were always the male characters. From there we said we should make scripts where the female characters are the most awesome – and this was all before it became a popular thing to say about female-focussed projects. The movement hadn’t really started at that point, but after it did it bolstered our confidence in what we were doing and also [changed] people’s appetite for those sorts of projects, so it really timed out perfectly.”

Robbie founded LuckyChap Productions with childhood friend Sophia Kerr, Josey McNamara and her soon to be husband Tom Ackerley in 2014 and the company has gone on to produce some outstanding projects, the first of which was I, Tonya.

Margot played the title character in the film which told the life story of infamous figure skater Tonya Harding and her connection to the attack on rival, Nancy Kerrigan. The film was a huge success grossing $53 million world wide and was made on an $11 million budget.

The film also gained critical success, with the performances of Robbie and Allison Janney (who played LaVona Golden, Tonya’s mother in the film) attracting Academy Award nominations for Best Actress for Robbie and Best Supporting Actress for Janney.

All Images: Shutterstock

In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Margot recounted the moment when her first Oscar nomination was announced.

“It was wild. It was one of the best moments of my life. [It was during the Australian premiere of I, Tonya] Someone plugged their phone into the DJ booth so it was really loud just when they announced my name. The whole room just went rahhhhhhh and we all started screaming and my mum was crying. It was amazing,” said Robbie.

Despite not winning the Oscar, Robbie was catapulted into a whole new light, now an Academy Award nominated actress. It opened up doors for LuckyChap too, giving the production company immediate chops in the film business and a stronger platform from which they could drive their overarching agenda, which was to tell more female driven stories, told by female writers, actors, directors and crew.

After I, Tonya Margot continued her meteoric rise in Hollywood, undertaking numerous projects, including voicing Flopsy Rabbit in the animated Peter Rabbit films, but it was her role in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, where she played ill-fated starlet Sharon Tate alongside A-listers Brad Pitt and former castmate Leonardo DiCaprio that once again had her shine.

Also in 2019 Robbie played alongside Hollywood heavy-weights Charlize Theron and countryman Nicole Kidman in Bombshell which tells the story of the numerous female employees of Fox News who were sexually assaulted by the network chairman Roger Ailes. This role bought her second Academy Award nomination, this time as Best Supporting Actress.

Female empowerment and giving women a voice has become a theme synonymous with Margot Robbie, both in the roles she chooses to play and the productions she chooses to be part of, evidenced by her championing of 2020’s Birds of Prey where she reprised the role of serial menace, Harley Quinn alongside an all female action cast.

While obviously gorgeous, it would be easy for Robbie to fall into the ‘pretty girl’ category, but Margot has consistently rejected the stereotypical role, choosing to play the grittier characters with difficult backgrounds, but interesting stories, unafraid to get her hands dirty, which is why it was almost a shock when it was first revealed she would play the title role in 2023’s Barbie. This was no ordinary ‘toy comes to life’ film however.

Robbie purchased the rights for Barbie from Mattel in 2018 and set about collaborating with Greta Gerwig to write and direct the film. What resulted was a film far from what was originally expected. Instead audiences got a lovingly crafted and thoughtfully created film that explored the complexity of the female experience.

The success of Barbie was incredible, becoming the highest grossing film of 2023, bringing in an eye watering $1.4 billion dollars and cementing Margot Robbie as one of the most exciting actresses and filmmakers in the world today - a sentiment echoed by her recently being awarded the Trailblazer Award at the recent Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA) held back here, in Margot’s hometown of the Gold Coast.

But there is no slowing this powerhouse of the film industry down anytime soon, Robbie is already back on the award season trail and has announced her next project, this time starring alongside Colin Farrel in Kogonada’s film A Big Bold Beautiful Journey which sounds like something Margot Robbie would certainly know a thing or two about.

Image: Shutterstock

skool DAZE

Alana Lacey

Attending school and getting an education is an all-important part of shaping us for life’s journey. We asked some prominent women for their memories during those formative years.

Content Coordinator - Life Ed Qld | Editor SLIM and Gold Coast Panache Magazine

Where did you go to school for primary and senior? I attended St. Kevin’s Primary School in Benowa for primary and St. Michael’s College in Merrimac for senior.

Favourite subject and why? English, because I have always loved words and the English language. I love its rich history and how there is a structure to it, but at the same time its rules make no sense. I love how words tell stories, share experiences and take you to other worlds. I am a sucker for a well constructed sentence and correct grammar.

Favourite teacher and why? Hmmm that is a tough one. I think it was Mr Cashman, my Year 5 teacher. He just made learning so easy and fun. He was never angry or stern and he treated every student like they were his favourite.

Monique Luchterhand

Best memory at school? All the school musicals we did at primary school. They were always so much fun and seemed to me to be so elaborate - the costumes, the singing, the sets, the dancing, the stories - what’s not to love!

Academic or sporting achievement? I was never very sporty or very academic. I do remember getting highest achievement in my year level for Geography one year - not sure how that happened...?

What did you want to be when you grew up? My mum actually kept a list from when I was about ten years old of all the things I wanted to be when I grew up. My number one was an actress, then a zoologist! Could you get two things any further apart? I ended up doing neither! Is your life now what you expected it to be?  If so how? I think if you asked 10 year old Alana, she would say nothing like, and that I should be on Broadway or in the wilds of Africa - hahaha! In all seriousness though, I’m exactly where I am supposed to be and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Interior Designer / Stylist and Co-Owner of The Cheshire Cat Motel in Palm Beach

Where did you go to school for primary and senior? We moved a lot when I was young so I went to 4 different primary schools in Brisbane & Toowoomba (The school in the picture was the first school I went to; St Saviours Primary, Toowoomba). For secondary school, I went to St Ursula’s College in Toowoomba.

Favourite subject and why? My favourite subject was art. In hindsight, I think I have always been a seeker of beauty and I think I enjoyed the expression of it.

Favourite teacher and why? My favourite teacher was Miss Darwin (Year 4). I really struggled with Maths - she was kind and patient with me. One day when I got an answer right during a lesson she did a heel click in front of the whole class to congratulate me. Talk about a confidence boost!

Best memory at school? It would have to be memories of school performances. In high school I was in every school musical and performance - I loved the whole process; the rehearsals, the performing, the costumes, and especially the adrenaline after a show. I think I also loved the social element of it and the camaraderie between classmates.

Academic or sporting achievement? My biggest sporting achievement had nothing to do with actually playing sports. I was voted house captain by my peers at St Ursula’s because I was the girl that brought the vibes and the ‘spirit’ to whatever I did at school. (I’m still all about bringing the spirit!)

What did you want to be when you grew up? From around the age of 10-12 years old I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. I grew up in a very creative household, my mum was and still is a dressmaker and a creative force. I had sketch books full of designs and drawings - so that’s naturally what I ended up studying after I left high school (Fine arts, Fashion Design at QUT Brisbane).

Is your life now what you expected it to be?  If so how? No. When you are young and you imagine yourself as a ‘grown up’ it’s a very naive perspective since you only know what you know. From a career perspective, I set out to do what I always wanted to do (be a fashion designer) but I realised after 15 years in the industry that the work didn’t align with my ethics anymore (and not to mention, it was way less glamorous than I ever imagined when I was younger). Generally speaking, I think life is so much harder than I ever imagined it would be, especially the juggle of raising children, maintaining relationships and working for yourself. But, I realise now the hard stuff can be the good stuff. It’s what makes you evolve and pivot. I am proud of my evolution (personal and professional), and how I’ve been able to tune into my intuition and let that guide where life takes me. You can’t go wrong with that.

Brooke Lee

Model | Actor | Artist | Business Owner

Where did you go to school for primary and senior? 13 years at St Hilda’s School (Pre-school to year 12)

Favourite subject and why? Drama and art. I spent my lunchtimes in the art room. I loved that I could just create so much with all of the tools they gave me. There was no limit to my creativity in there.

Favourite teacher and why? Mrs Rogers (Year 1). She was so creative in her teaching, and memorable. She once organised with the groundskeeper so that she could look like she was fishing out of our classroom window and she would bring a little fish up on the line. We all thought it was magic. She was our Mary Poppins. Also worth noting that Ms. O’Neill (Yr 10, 11,12) was a huge part of me becoming an adult. She didn’t treat us a kids, she treated us as equals and I always respected her for that.

Best memory at school? There is no way I could narrow it to one. As I said the fish with Mrs Rogers was a pretty special one, and our school musicals every year was always a highlight for me. Academic or sporting achievement? I have always been proud that I was the creative arts prefect and drama captain.

What did you want to be when you grew up? An Actor.

Is your life now what you expected it to be?  If so how? I had high expectations. I always thought I would be the next Cameron Diaz. What I have achieved, I am proud of. In some ways, I have achieved so much more than I thought I would. I’m so much more than ‘just’ an actor.

Azra Zečić-Kujović

General Manager | Public Relations | Marketing and Leasing

Where did you go to school for primary and senior? I attended primary school in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia Herzegovina, and later went to Merrimac State High School in Mermaid Waters.

Favourite subject and why? Modern and Ancient History. History’s always been my favourite subject because it allowed me to explore the richness of global human civilisation, both ancient and modern. Studying the rise and fall of ancient empires, cultural exchanges along the Silk Road, and revolutions that shaped the modern world provided me with a deeper understanding of humanities collective heritage and helped me to appreciate diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences across continents and time periods. It’s fascinating to uncover connections between historical events and their lasting impacts on societies today.

Favourite teacher and why? Arlene Wood from Merrimac High, year coordinator of class of 1997, is my true hero who holds a special place in my heart she was not just a teacher but also a mentor. Mrs. Wood has been a constant source of inspiration, guidance, and support throughout my life’s journey since I was 14 years old. Her mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping both my academic achievements and personal growth. With her belief in my potential

and her invaluable guidance, she has helped me navigate challenges and pursue my dreams with confidence. Best memory at school? One of my best memories at school was the opportunity to represent our school at Model United Nations and Brisbane Parliament House. It was a truly unforgettable experience where I had the privilege of meeting the then Premier Hon. Bob Borbidge and delivering a speech in front of the full Parliament House. I shared my vision for the future of Australia, lessons of hope and war, emphasising the importance of being agents of positive change, learning from the past and serving the community, and actively contributing to our society. My speech was acknowledged as the most inspirational speech, and that was one proud moment for me to achieve for my school and community. Later, I received an excellence award, and it was featured on the local news.

Academic or sporting achievement? Citizenship and Community Award, Pride in Excellence Award, History Award and Poetry Award.

What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was younger, I aspired to become a businesswoman and a lawyer. In 1998, I was a recipient of a half scholarship to study law at Bond University. However, after long reflection, I had a change of heart and decided to pursue my true passion by studying business, marketing, and public relations. Is your life now what you expected it to be?  If so how? My life is not only what

I expected, but also more. I am grateful for everything that has come my way, including the unexpected opportunities and blessings that have enriched my journey and facilitated my personal and professional growth. Practicing gratitude, appreciating the journey, and cherishing the people and moments along the way are essential ways of embracing life fully. Gratitude continues to remind me to appreciate what I do have now.

Chelsea Steber

JLL Associate Director and Portfolio Centre ManagerMarina Mirage, Oracle Retail and Oracle Commercial

Bronte Langbroek

Where did you go to school for primary and senior? Originally a small-town girl, I went to Tinonee Primary School and Taree High School, both on the mid-north coast of NSW. Favourite subject and why? My favourite subject was Home Economics, because although I always learnt a lot in this class, it never really felt like “learning”.

Favourite teacher and why? The unforgettable Mr Mark Fitzgerald. My year 4-5 primary school teacher made us stand up every single morning and recite our times tables from 1x0 right through to 12x12. Whilst I didn’t really appreciate it all that much at the time, I’ll admit it has come in handy on the odd occasion over the years. Thank you, Mr Fitzgerald. I am sure there would be many students of Tinonee Primary School, who would remember this exact same morning regime.

Best memory at school? From a young age, right through to my teens I did Physical Culture, which is a fusion of dance sport and calisthenics. My physie memories are some of my best memories as a child. I have always been quite competitive and physie gave me the opportunity to perform at the Sydney Olympic Stadium and audition for the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Academic or sporting achievement? During my last year in primary school, I won the double crown in both the 100m and 200m sprints at the junior Regional Athletics Carnival. I worked really hard that year and

90.9 Sea FM Gold Coast Breakfast Host of Bronte and Lakey for Breakfast

trained during lunch times, after school and on weekends, so I was really proud of this achievement.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up, I always wanted to work with animals and was actually lucky enough to complete work experience as a teenager at both Taronga and Western Plains Zoo, which was amazing. However, I also had a passion for media and writing, so ultimately, I wanted to try and find a way I could merge two. In the end, after work experience at Channel 10’s Totally Wild and also The Manning River Times local newspaper, I got swept up with the idea of wanting to be a TV newsreader, weather person or working on a show like Getaway or The Great Outdoors. I then studied Communications and Journalism before landing a dream job as the PR Manager for Sea World Nara Resort at the age of only 19. Before that time, I didn’t really know a job like that existed. I still thank GM at the time, Ernst Pfister, for giving me my first foot in the door and letting my skills shine.

Is your life now what you expected it to be?  If so how? I am very fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive family and friends, a loving partner, great career, good health, and am living a very happy life. If I reflect, I am not 100 percent sure how I expected my life to be, but I am 100 percent grateful for the life I have, and all the challenges I have overcome along the way, that have made me so much stronger today.

Where did you go to school for primary and senior? Primary School: St Vincents Primary School in Clear Island Waters. High School: Somerset College in Mudgeeraba.

Favourite subject and why? It may come as no surprise, but I loved drama! Not only for the performance side of the subject but the interesting theory behind some of the most well-known drama styles of theatre. It challenged me to be in touch with different sides of myself and aspects of my emotions, while learning the art of powerful storytelling.

Favourite teacher and why? Miss Green, my Grade 11/12 drama teacher, was not only monumental in my progress as a drama student but had a lasting impact on my personal development as a young adult. Miss Green pushed our class to expand our thinking and feeling but also brought us together and made us feel connected at a time in life when you can often feel like you’re completely alone, going through a lot of changes. She was the perfect balance of friend and teacher, and I will always be grateful for the educational and life lessons she taught us.

Best memory at school? Breaking a record at the athletics carnival in 2007 for the 200m sprint. I had no idea it had occurred and had already taken myself to the canteen to reward my efforts when the announcement came over the school!

Academic or sporting achievement? After many hours of blood, sweat, lots of tears and even more study, I managed to PASS Maths B in Grade 12. This was not a subject that came easily to me and I put in a lot of work to turn a previous D mark in Grade 11 into a B at the end of Grade 12. I still have recurring maths B exam related dreams.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I actually wanted to be a teacher! This was the plan for most of senior school until my parents pointed out my lack of patience and organisational skills which I deemed to be quite important for the role!

Is your life now what you expected it to be?  If so how? I was always happy with the idea of just working in the entertainment industry; the fact I now get to do it in my hometown, on the radio station I grew up listening to, while genuinely having fun and laughing every day is the greatest gift I could have asked for. Now I’ve entered my thirties, I feel I have a healthy balance of work and life which allows me to be truly happy in all aspects.

SNAPhappy

Neighbours star Joe Davidson who played Cassius Grady, graced us with his presence for his latest movie ‘Anyone But You’ at Event Cinemas Pacific Fair. It was a fabulous movie, and loved the character he played in the movie.

Mel Keegan with Nicole and Billy Slater

Together at The Magic Millions Race Day. They are ambassadors for Magic Millions and were happy to mingle with me and have a selfie. A lovely couple who were so humble and easy to have a chat with.

You’re out and about. Suddenly you are in the presence of a superstar and you ask politely to get a selfie. These are the stories behind some of them.

Nina Hoffman with Elsa Pataky

I met Elsa at The Pacific Fair Magic Millions polo. Elsa is an ambassador. She was so lovely to chat too. She is simply stunning and I like the fact we had matching outfits and she thought that was fun as well.

Rebecca Degenaar with Robbie Williams

I met Robbie backstage at his concert last year at Sirromet Winery where he was celebrating 25 years of music. He was the most wonderful guy who asked me if I was wearing Camilla.

Rebecca Degenaar

Mel Keegan

Karen Pirie

Karen Pirie with Joe Davidson

Nina Hoffman

Emily Jade O’Keeffe with Princess Zara

We were at the same function in the VIP area at The Magic Millions Race Day. I’ve met Zara many times over the years. She is just fabulous, so easy to talk to and loves racing and being a Magic Millions ambassador.

I took this photo at The Magic Millions Race Day. Emma is racing royalty and I just love her. She is so kind and easy to talk to and she even gave me some fabulous tips for the day, but I won’t say if they won or not!

Gillian Lawrence with John Nettles (inspector Barnaby)

I was at the Wallace Collection in the West End of London eight years ago with my cousin Robert when I saw John in a local cafe. I asked if I could take a photo of him and he said only if I joined him in the photo. What a lovely man… and he loves Australia.

Teegan Deck

Teegan Deck with Julie Bishop

This photo was taken at my wedding with a few of my friends. I met Julie when I was working in Dubai. I was planning Karl Stefanovic and Jasmin’s wedding and Julie was a guest. We became fast friends and I was honoured to have her at my wedding. She truly is an incredible woman!

Emily Jade O’Keeffe

Mez Robson

Mez Robson with Emma Freedman

Gillian Lawrence

BestDressed

OUTFIT: OSCAR DE LA RENTA

PANTS AND MINI DRESS

CONVERTED TO A TOP

BAG: ZARA

SHOES: THE ICONIC

JEWELLERY: LOVISA

FASCINATOR: KATHRYN LEE MILLINERY

Can you tell us about your outfit inspiration for Magic Millions?

Magic Millions is all about colour and having fun with a bit of flair. I have worn this outfit before but with a different hat and bag and the floral art print by Australian artist Melanie Vugich seemed very appropriate for the sunny Gold Coast. I chose a Kathryn Lee Millinery Plate hat I had in my wardrobe and I hand painted it the day before to have the right shade of green. It worked well as the rear sitting brim balances off the width of the pants. I do like wearing green as it’s a colour of hope and new beginnings.

Who did your hair, makeup and spray tan?

I did my own hair and make up in the morning at the airport after flying into the Gold Coast from Sydney. No spray tan for me, I spend a lot of time outdoors and even with SPF 50 I tan easily.

Who are your favourite style icons and why?

There are too many to name. In Australia I can’t go past Kate Waterhouse whose style is always so effortless. Blair Eadie is the queen of colour blocking and layering and I also adore the late Iris Apfel.

Viera Macikova

Photography by: Anne Armstrong

Who are your two favourite designers and why?

Again, there are too many that I love, but in recent years I have been drawn to Oscar De La Renta and Christopher John Rogers, although Australian designers and small businesses have a special place in my heart.

Tell us about your own style and what you like to wear?

Most of my time is spent either in corporate work clothes or active wear. That’s one of the reasons I love dressing up for the races. It feels very special. In terms of race wear and my own style, I like things that are a little bit different and while some of my outfits can be out there, the styling tends to be simple. Over the years I have invested in great staple hats, shoes and bags that go with different dresses and outfits and then I can easily mix and match to create a new outfit. This is also a great way to be more sustainable.

Has your style changed over the years?

Of course. We grow as we age, we learn as we experience and we change as a result. Also comfort is becoming more important for me as is sustainability.

Best tips you have received in dressing up?

Think about proportions and cohesiveness of the outfit, and dress for your body shape not because something is on trend. A lesson I learned later than I should, a good alteration goes a long way and it can change the outfit from good to great because when something fits your properly you feel better and stand taller.

DRESS: MADE BY ME @FREYZZYDESIGN

BAG: CHARLES & KEITH

SHOES: NINE WEST

JEWELLERY: RINGS FROM ZODA, BRACELET FROM LOVISA

FASCINATOR: CUSTOM MADE MILLINERY FROM LOUISE MACDONALD

Can you tell us about your outfit inspiration for Magic Millions?

I’m thrilled to have won best dressed. I made this dress for Melbourne Cup 2023 and I got top 10. I felt like this outfit needed a second chance, so I decided to wear it again to Magic Millions where bright colours would be more desirable. My dress inspiration came from the large peony flowers on the fabric. Peony flowers were my grandmother’s favourite and growing up we had them everywhere around the house. This fabric brought some good memories and I wanted to show some respect and appreciation to my grandmother. It’s always fun to express my personal style, and I’m glad it was well received.

Who did your hair and makeup?

I actually did my own hair and makeup for this occasion. I arrived at Brisbane airport from Darwin at 5am that day and had limited time to get ready so I used techniques I’ve learned over the years doing Fashions on the Field. I love experimenting with different looks and styles, and it’s always a creative process for me. The time was precious and I needed to find the storage for my 7kg carry-on bag as I was flying the same day back home, luckily there was a spot at the reception. Everything was scheduled and calculated hour by hour to make sure I’m there on time, I like written notes that I do the day prior and follow them in the morning when getting ready.

Tatiana Hoffmann

Photography by: Anne Armstrong

Who are your favourite style icons

and why?

Brigitte Bardot - signature hairstyle, well fitted playful and feminine dresses, effortless elegance, she was the muse for Dior, Balmain and Pierre Cardin.

Marilyn Monroe - for her timeless elegance, iconic silhouette, confidence, and versatility.

Lady Gaga - for her bold and avant-garde approach to fashion, constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting with different styles.

Who are your two favourite designers and why?

Oh, that’s a great question and it’s hard to pick only two! I really admire the work of Iris Van Herpen, Elie Saab, Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin. Their timeless elegance, innovative designs, garment quality and fabric choices are all things we can talk about for days. Some of them push the boundaries and create pieces that are seen as wearable art and that really resonates with me.

Tell us about your own style and what you like to wear?

I love the freedom that fashion gives me to express myself. My style is a mix of classic, elegant, feminine and casual look, all depending on how I feel on the day. I love experimenting with different looks.

I’m drawn to bright colors, mix patterns and textures and enjoy incorporating them into my outfits. My favourite colour is red, the colour of passion, love, strength and power. Comfort is key for me also, so I often go for pieces that not only look good but also feel great to wear. Attention to detail is important for me and I appreciate statement pieces like big earrings and unique hat design.

Has your style changed over the years?

Not really. I always know what I’m looking for when styling myself or helping my friends. I always love wearing high heels wherever I go. My two favourite quotes would be “I was born in heels” and “Fashion is in my blood”. My wardrobe has transformed slightly alongside my personal growth, work commitments and trends in fashion. I think style is a dynamic expression of who we are at different points in our lives. Let’s also remember that “ fashion always comes back” so keep that favorite pair of jeans as you might wear them again when the denim trend is back.

Best tips you have received in dressing up?

Usually I give tips to everyone else but one of the best tips I’ve received in dressing up is to keep that little black dress as it’s always perfect for any occasion. Personally I think it’s great to invest in quality basics that can be mixed and matched for various looks. This allows for versatility in your wardrobe without having to constantly buy new pieces. Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of expressing my own personality through my style. Whether it’s through unique accessories, a pop of colour, or a signature piece, adding a personal touch makes every outfit feel authentic and true to myself.

FASHION

SONIA STRADIOTTO COUTURE AT MARINA MIRAGE | STYLIST SONIA STRADIOTTO MODELS SILKA KURZAK, TARA GODDARD, NICOLE PETERSON NADIA MASOT PHOTOGRAPHY

SeeingRed

You’ll be turning heads in all the best ways in these red hot designer pieces.

1 Justin Tong Winter Bloom Tamera Dress, $325 justintong.com.au 2 LEO LIN Candied Pants – Watermelon, $399 leolinofficial.com.au 3 LEO LIN Papillon Rosa Ruffled Maxi Dress - Red, $999 leolinofficial.com.au 4 M-Kara Venus II

Top - Crimson Rose, $350 m-kara.com 5 M-Kara Venus II Mini Skirt - Crimson Rose, $420 m-kara.com 6 LSpace Goldie Cover-Up Dress, $250 lspace.com 7 M-Kara Venus II Jacket - Crimson Rose, $895 m-kara.com 8 M-Kara Venus II Flare Pants - Crimson Rose, $450 m-kara.com 9 LEO LIN Gabby Wrap Top - Watermelon, $499 leolinofficial.com.au 10 Country Road Pussybow Blouse, $229 countryroad.com.au 11 JACQUEMUS Saudade Asymmetric Draped Mini DressPink $965, marais.com.au 12 JACQUEMUS Neve Fluffy Long Sleeve Polo - Pink, $800 marais.com.au

Earth Down to

These earthy toned fashions are perfect for all occasions.

9 Country Road Crop

$299 countryroad. com.au 10 Havaianas Street Shanghai Sandals - White, $140 havaianas.com.au 11 Australian Shepherd Linty Fluffy Slides - Ugg Express, $155 uggexpress.com.au 12 KACHEL - Erika Dress In Lantana, $329 kachel.com.au 13 Shop Charlies Interiors Blue Oak Cotton Midi Dress, $195 shopcharlies.com.au 14 IZIPIZI Collection C Velvet Club Tailor - Green, $69.95 shop.until.au 15 Shop Charlies Interiors ZA Jewellery Aria Pink And Gold Tone Enamel Stud Earrings, $45 shopcharlies. com.au 16 By Charlotte 18k Gold Vermeil Live In Light, $119 bycharlotte.com.au 17 Globe Hope Hilla Pearl Bag, $440 globehope.fi 18 Bohemian Traders Classics Metallic Knit Midi Dress - Gold, $256 bohemiantraders.com 19 Bohemian Traders Candy Spliced Slip Dress, $320 bohemiantraders.com 20 LSpace Margot Dress, $220 lspace.com

1 KACHEL Adele Dress – multi, $389 kachel.com.au 2 KARMME Vintage Gold Tear Drop Kisses Evening Bag, $220 karmme. com.au 3 Oroton Flower Sequin Overshirt - Antique White, $499 oroton.com 4 Brigid Mclaughlin Lee Dress - Ivory, $489 brigidmclaughlin.com 5 Oroton Shaped Double Breasted Blazer - Milk, $699 oroton.com 6 Loewe Small Gate Bag, $3,950 marais.com.au 7 Bohemian Traders Classics Sequin Tank Top - Gold, $250 bohemiantraders.com 8 Bohemian Traders Classics Sequin Mini Skirt - Gold, $290 bohemiantraders.com

Jacket,

The Beauty Embassy

A coveted beauty secret the French have known for decades - Biologique Recherche is now on the Gold Coast. Biologique Recherche perfectly combines science and physiology to create beauty products and experiences that reveal both your outward beauty and inner confidence.

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Each facial is tailored to your skin type and condition and uses massage and bio-electrotherapy techniques refined over years of experience to remodel the facial muscles, enhancing your natural facial features through an expert understanding of physiology and beauty science.

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Liz Clift is the Founder and CEO of Liz Clift International Pty Ltd. She was recently selected as Top Fashion Stylist of the Year for 2023 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for her outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment to the industry.

With a number of decades of experience in the industry, Liz is an accomplished Fashion Designer who has received multiple awards, which she started winning from the age of 17. Inundated with orders from boutiques, by the age of 20 Liz was designing stage clothes for rock bands, wardrobes for movies, theatrical costumes and the list goes on.

Liz then decided to study fashion at the prestigious Paris American Academy Fashion school in France.

During her time there, she had the privilege of being taught by renowned fashion icons such as Karl Lagerfeld, Sonia Rykiel and Chantal Thomass. After returning to Australia, Liz fully immersed herself in designing, dedicating all her time to this pursuit.

Liz ventured into wholesaling on a broader basis and was not only stocking boutiques around Australia she was also in demand in Hawaii with her resort wear collections. Her specialty is reversible travel wear.

Throughout her illustrious career, Liz Clift has received many awards and accolades and has been recognised

worldwide for her accomplishments. Throughout the years, there have been many notable achievements, such as hosting sold-out fashion shows in the USA and showcasing her designs on a television series.

Inclusion with the International Association of Top Professional is an honour in itself, only a few members in each discipline are chosen for this distinction. These special honourees are distinguished based on the professional accomplishments, academic achievements, leadership, longevity in their field, other affiliations, and contributions in their industries.

A personal highlight of her career was an invitation to meet with Anna Wintour at the Conde Nast head office in New York to discuss Anna’s work on the CDFA. Looking back, Liz attributes her success to her perseverance, work ethic, and the mentors she has had along the way. Liz enjoys speaking on stages around the world to young people wanting to start a career in fashion.

In addition to her successful career, Liz currently holds a position as a lecturer at a fashion school in Paris, where she previously pursued her studies. She also accepted the position of Global Ambassador for the school, travelling worldwide to promote its offerings and reputation. Women love wearing Liz Clift designs due to her ability to infuse a sense of fun and vibrant colors into her collections.

Recently Liz has closed her Pop Up shop at Harbour Town Gold Coast after a very successful 14 months trading and meeting many new design devotees. Now expanding her large Bundall Showroom to show further collections of her fun and glamourous garments. She is now taking wholesale orders and will shortly be stocked in stores, from Darwin to Victoria and New Zealand.

See the current Wholesale offering on Instagram: @lizclift_wholesale

Unlocking the Power of IV Nutritional Therapy

A groundbreaking solution is gaining momentum for those in the pursuit of optimal health and wellbeing, with a promise to rejuvenate your energy, enhance your sleep, and fortify your immune system. Intravenous (IV) Nutrient Therapy is a revolutionary approach that could be the key to unlocking your body’s full potential.

IV Nutritional Therapy can help in the management of ailments such as fatigue, stress, and sluggishness by delivering a personalised and carefully selected infusion of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients delivered directly into your bloodstream. This cutting-edge treatment is gaining widespread attention for its potential to improve lives, and we’re here to guide you through the journey of revitalisation.

Experience the Power of NAD+

At the forefront of IV Nutritional Therapy is NAD+, a coenzyme that plays a vital role in cellular energy production. As we age, our NAD+ levels decline, contributing to fatigue and a myriad of health issues. IV therapy with NAD+ has emerged as a powerful tool to help restore your energy levels, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall vitality. NAD+ could be just what you are looking for to reconnect to help you ignite your energy levels.

Myers Cocktails - Customised Elixir for You

Step into our clinic and discover the rejuvenating effects of Myers Cocktails – a custom blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking an energy boost, immune system support, or recovery after a late night, Myers Cocktails can be the customised elixir you’ve been searching for. Picture leaving the clinic feeling refreshed, revitalised, and ready to conquer the world.

Restore and Recharge after a Late Night

We understand the demands of modern life, and sometimes, late nights are inevitable - but our IV Nutritional Therapy is here to rescue you. After a night of festivities or a demanding work schedule, replenish your body with the nutrients it craves. Our tailored infusions will kickstart your recovery, lift fatigue, and have you feeling your best in no time.

The time to embark on your journey to enhanced vitality and well-being is now. Don’t let fatigue and stress hold you back any longer. Our expert team is ready to guide you through the transformative experience of IV Nutritional Therapy. Your personalised path to optimal health is just a clinic visit away.

Lounge IV and Wellness Clinic

Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 12pm

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Slide into satisfaction with these beautiful soft furnishings and home accessories in calming tones.

SoftSpots

1 Luxo Living Janelle 3-seater Sofa, $799 luxoliving.com.au

Luxo Living Archen Sideboard and Buffet Console, $309 luxoliving.com.au 3 GlobeWest Lucia Curve Dining Table, $328 globewest.com 4 Country Road Home Demi Queen Quilt Cover, $299 and Standard Pillowcases, $99.95 countryroad.com.au 5 Luxo Living Feng Shui Campaign – Darren Velvet Office Chair, $399 luxoliving.com.au 6 Gigi and Tom Gold Resin Leopard Side Table, $229.95 gigiandtom.com 7 Gigi and Tom White Pumpkin Accent Chair, $599.95 gigiandtom.com 8 Gigi and Tom Bubble Ceramic Tissue Box, $34.95 gigiandtom.com 9 Luxo Living Evie Oatmeal Velvet Bar Stool, $199 luxoliving. com.au 10 Luxo Living Casey and Beli 4-seater Dining Set, $1,169 luxoliving.com.au11 Country Road Home Marley Organically Grown Cotton Cushions, From $99.95 countryroad.com.au 12 Luxo Living Laila Mother of Pearl Inlay Vase, $89 luxoliving.com.au 13 Gigi and Tom Hand Pained Coffee and Cake Set - Green, $44.95 gigiandtom.com

Burn Beautiful

You can still look beautiful while feeling the burn in these

1 Cleo Harper Arc Leggings - Black, $109 and Pursuit Jacket - Black, $229 cleoharper.com.au

Secondleft Sport Cap - Black, $54.95 secondleft.com

Crop Shop Boutique IM Long Sleeve Turtle Neck Top, $69.99 au.shopcsb. com 4 Pinky and Kamal Long Sleeve Mock Wrap Top - Black, $84 pinkyandkamal.com

Secondleft Sport Original Leggings, $99.95 secondleft.com

Cleo Harper Clarendon Bralet - Milk $79, Victory Shorts - Milk $79 cleoharper.com.au

Sport Hoodie, $149.95 secondleft.com

Secondleft Sport Pulse Tee - Cream, $74.95 secondleft.com

Sport Mini Biker Shorts - $69.95 secondleft.com

Sport Fuse Crop - Cream $64.95 secondleft.com

BEST IN

BEAUTY

This collection of beauty buys will keep you fresh and at your best this season.

GINGER&ME THE B3 GLOW SHEET MASK

Indulge in a treat for your skin and soul with our carefully curated sheet mask. This carefully curated sheet mask was formulated to bring the skin’s barrier back to a place of equilibrium using a generous blend of deeply therapeutic ingredients to restore and stimulate the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF), for instant and long-term visible levels of increased hydration, brightening and glow! A skin moment to reset your skin and mind at the same time.

RRP $49 gingerandme.com

MODELROCK HAUTE CRÈME

COUTURE LIPSTICKS

Complete your runway chick makeup looks with MODELROCK’s Haute Crème Couture Lipsticks, available in 12 head-turning, highly pigmented shades. The luscious velvety formula of these deluxe lipsticks contains Castor Seed Oil, Shea Butter and Rosehip Oil, ensuring you can effortlessly apply for a one-of-a-kind, blurred matte finish that is buildable and long-wearing. 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free modelrocklashes.com

ROCCOCO BOTANICALS FRANGIPANI AND LYCHEE BODY CRÈME

(AKA the ‘tummy tuck in a jar’) Naturally shrinks the size of fat cells and strengthens the skin to reduce the dimpled orangepeel effect of cellulite.

RRP $154 roccoco.com

BESPOKE SKIN THE DREAM CREAM

Bespoke’s The Dream Cream incorporates the key active ingredients to deliver on a myriad of skin issues. It combines 12 proven cosmeceutical ingredients into just one formula and is delivered in a luxurious cream base. This product eliminates the need for a nine step skincare regime consisting of various serums, creams and lotions. It directly targets fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, sun damage, dull skin, congestion and blemish marks from acne.

NOBODY’S NOBODY GLO FACE SERUM

Introducing a face oil serum to your winter routine is a must for a hydrated glow. Add it to your face before makeup or add to your foundation for that extra dewy glow, especially for those of you with dry skin. Glo face oil includes a myriad of oils your skin will love including rosehip, sunflower, versatile jojoba, almond, camellia and coconut. best used at night to allow your skin to soak up the goodness of these super nourishing skin favourites while you rest.

RRP $20 nobodysnobody.com.au and woolworths.com.au

SODASHI

TRI-ACTION CLEANSER

The Tri-Action Cleanser is a softening, brightening cleanser that delicately removes impurities without compromising the skin’s integrity. Enriched with nourishing oils, this breakthrough formula dissolves dirt and debris, leaving the skin fresh, clear, and beautifully balanced. When splashed with water, this luxurious formula transforms from oil to a milky cleanser, addressing diverse skin needs. Dermatologisttested and approved, the Tri-Action Cleanser is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone, dehydrated, and dry, ensuring a gentle yet effective cleanse that preserves the skin’s natural balance.

RRP $179 bespokeskintechnology.com

RRP $58 sodashi.com.au

NU SKIN AGELOC LUMISPA IO

iO. ageLOC® LumiSpa® iO inputs smart skin care and outputs the skin of your dreams. How? Input innovative skin renewal and deep cleansing with intelligent coaching, personalised regimens, IoT technology—and more—through the Nu Skin VeraTM app. Output gorgeous, glowing, selfie ready skin all day, every day. In just two minutes, twice a day, you’ll experience your best skin ever. You’ll love your glow-boosting, instantly smoothed look after just one use. The seven clinically proven skin benefits that amplify over time, and smart technology helps you personalise your routine. It’ s super intuitive, super effective and super-powered.

RRP $410 nuskin.com

O COSMEDICS’ FIRMING AND LIFTING NECK SERUM

O COSMEDICS’ Firming and Lifting Neck Serum is a gamechanger in neck and jowl care, boasting a potent blend of 10 clinical actives exclusive V8 Peptide Complex®. This revolutionary formula delivers immediate and long-term skin tightening, firming, and lifting. The serum goes beyond traditional solutions by softening wrinkles, evening skin tone, and supporting skin destress and epidermal emotional rebalance.

RRP $159 ocosmedics.com

GARBO AND KELLY CLEAR BROW GEL

The vegan growing serum will stimulate and promote fuller brows and castor oil for hydration. Brush brow hair up to neaten and widen the brow and to set Brow Powder and Brow Pomade. Tinted gels add more density, blends sun bleached and grey hairs. Apply Garbo and Kelly Brow Powder and Brow Pomade for long lasting wear. Gives lift, widens and neatens the brow, sets powder and pomade, helps blend. This is a brow perfecting, waterproof gel with a vegan growing serum and castor oil brow gel in both tinted and clear formulas. Four tinted gels are available: blonde, bronde, warm brown and brunette.

RRP $38 garboandkelly.com

CURRENTBODY LED MASK

One of many a celebrity’s skincare secrets, LED is known as the ABC of great skin - and Kim Kardashian has recently shown her love of the mask that’s been proven to be the most powerful in the market.

Proven via independent testing to be the most powerful and effective LED mask on the market, the CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Mask ranked 31 percent more powerful than other brands.

The CurrentBody LED mask has a long list of celebrity fans in addition to Kim Kardashian, including Suki Waterhouse, Kate Hudson, Carey Mulligan, Halle Berry, Kirsten Davis, Lily Allen, and Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan, plus the brand was featured in the opening sequence of Season 2 of Emily in Paris last year.

RRP $585 currentbody.com.au

O COSMEDICS’ SMART SERUM

A professional-strength formula that features 12 clinical actives and is smart in design and sophisticated in formulation. The Smart Serum is an intelligent, multifaceted antiageing and rejuvenating solution that addresses various skin concerns associated with ageing. It evens out skin tone, stimulates optimum cell activity, reduces expression lines, increases skin firming and lifting, and rebalances compromised skin. Suitable for all skin types concerned with aging.

RRP $199 ocosmedics.com

CURRENTBODY GREEN TEA SERUM

Combat moisture loss and enhance the effects of the LED mask (by no less than 10 times!) by adding CurrentBody’s Green Tea Serum. Designed to supercharge LED treatments, the glow-inducing serum acts to intensely hydrate and soothe irritated winter skin. Containing organic green tea, Vitamin C, quinoa peptides and triple hyaluronic acid, these calming and antiinflammatory ingredients restore skin with the ultimate hydration boost needed in the middle of winter when the skin dries out easily.

RRP $71 currentbody.com.au

NOBODY’S NOBODY BRONZING AND FIRMING BODY OIL

Now we cant be bronzing up our face without our body. Made with coconut oil, caffeine and acai. This perfect bronzing and firming body oil leaves a divine glow on the skin, and our coconut scent is reminiscent of a distant tropical getaway. A must have product for this winter for an instant moisturising tan that won’t stain your clothes.

RRP $15 nobodysnobody.com.au and woolworths.com.au

BIOMIQ ACNE SERUM

Designed to keep your skin looking healthy, fresh and rejuvenated, biomiq’s new acne-fighting serum comes in a convenient 30ml pump bottle to help prevent breakouts while maintaining skin clarity and vitality. Suitable for sensitive and/or dry skin and formulated using the very best microbiome-friendly ingredients, this serum uses biomiq’s nutrientrich postbiotic blend of Lactobacillus ferment filtrate and three powerful ceramides to leave skin feeling soft and smooth.

RRP $59.99 biomiq.com.au

NU SKIN NUTRICENTIALS VITAMIN C AND COLLAGEN PUMPS

Pump up your results with Nutricentials Bioadaptive Skin Care Pumps. Formulated with clean, worry-free ingredients, Vitamin C and collagen features our bioadaptive botanical complex to help protect against, and increase resilience to, everyday stressors. Headline ingredients Vitamin C and collagen work together to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles and help brighten skin. Glyceryl glucoside, derived from the bioadaptive botanical resurrection plant, helps moisturise your skin while also helping reduce the early visible signs of skin ageing. Add this powerful pump of extra benefits to your regimen and enjoy the ultimate dewy glow.

RRP $54 nuskin.com

CURRENTBODY LED HAIR REGROWTH DEVICE

Cold weather can wreak havoc on hair health, and for those already struggling with thinning hair, the damage caused by drying out can be even more stressful. To promote healthy hair growth, CurrentBody’s LED Hair Regrowth Device uses red wavelengths to increase scalp circulation and strengthen hair follicles, and with 10 minutes of daily use, visible results can be seen in 16 weeks. Designed to thicken hair, reduce a widening parting, and regrow receding hairlines, the device increases hair count by 33 percent in 16 weeks.

RRP $1159 currentbody.com.au

JERGENS DEEP CONDITIONING SHEA AND COCOA BUTTER BLEND MOISTURISER

Formulated with people of colour in mind but suited to all skin types, Jergens incorporates cutting- edge technology and includes vital ingredients like Vitamin E, niacinamide, and shea butter, that protects the skin against dryness, and promises to leave your skin nourished, free from the appearance of dark marks and leaves the skin looking ashy for weeks, we call this the hydration halo effect.

Dermatologist tested, vegan, crueltyfree, and paraben-free, this product is essential for those seeking deep hydration and a more balanced complexion. Available at Priceline and Chemist Warehouse.

RRP $11.95 chemistwarehouse.com.au

i n t o something new and unique.

Jewels For All Occasions

What kind of jewellery should you wear today? It is a question we often ask ourselves in the morning when leaving the house, or in the evening when we have somewhere special to be, but do all pieces of jewellery work for all occasions or are some types of jewellery better suited for certain times? Whatever your day holds you will find the perfect piece for every occasion at 5th Avenue Jewellers.

Nicole Daley knows a thing or two about the perfect pieces of jewellery for all occasions. With over 30 years in the jewellery and gem trade Nicole knows what works and what doesn’t when it comes to everyday wear and tear on jewellery and what types of jewels and settings work for special occasions.

“There will always be special pieces that are just made for special occasions rather than everyday wear, and these will probably tend to be more formal in design. They may feature larger stones or more diamonds or may even be drop earrings, but we all have some special pieces tucked away that we keep for formal nights rather than daytime wear.

“During the day we might be more inclined to wear something like a gold bangle, or a diamond tennis bracelet (which got its name from a 1987 incident involving tennis great Chris Evert who lost her diamond bracelet on the tennis court after a particularly forceful serve to her opponent. Chris famously stopped the game so that she could locate the missing bracelet before play resumed) or a gold chain with a diamond or coloured stone pendant. It tends to be a bit more understated during the day as these are the items that wear better for everyday use,” said Nicole.

When it comes to stones there are definitely choices Nicole would recommend over others for daily wear.

“Stones come in a degree of hardness, so not every stone is suitable for every purpose. We would recommend against wearing a stone such as an opal or an emerald (which is considered to be more brittle) everyday or in pieces such as an engagement ring that will have constant wear and meet many different conditions. Instead we would encourage a ring, such as an engagement ring to contain a diamond, a ruby or a sapphire which has a much higher hardness and would be much more durable,” said Nicole.

It is not just the stone that needs to be considered when contemplating a piece for all occasions. The design, the type of piece - be it a ring or earrings or a necklace - and the type of setting also need to be considered.

“It is not just the stone that needs to be considered but also the ring and the type of setting. If you have a large solitaire diamond, you wouldn’t put it on a flimsy thin band, the setting needs to be solid and strong. The same applies with bands set with a lot of diamonds, they need to be securely set and not sharing fine claws that will barely be holding the stones in place. I am not saying that you can not wear your jewellery, what I am trying to say is that it needs to be good quality, a nice solid piece that will take the everyday wear and tear,” said Nicole.

Quality is an important factor in all pieces of jewellery that you select, whether they be a special piece that will only be worn on certain occasions or a piece that you will wear everyday, but even high quality pieces need to be treated and worn with a certain level of care.

“I personally put my jewellery on last thing before I head out the door in the morning and take it off as soon as I get in the door when I arrive home. I never wear my jewellery while I do any sort of housework or exercising. Your jewellery needs to be treated with the same love and respect as you would apply to a fine Zimmermann dress or a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes,” said Nicole.

Part of that care routine includes making sure your jewellery is cleaned regularly by a professional and also inspected under magnification to ensure that there is no damage to the piece and that all the design elements are maintaining their integrity, reducing the chance of losing your stones or breaking your piece.

“I have always recommended clients take their jewellery to a qualified jeweller every six months to have all of the claws checked and to make sure that all stones are secure. Claws can wear down over time, and over many years may need to be replaced. They can also catch on clothing and pull, so may need to be repositioned or even repaired. That is why it is best to let an expert have a look under magnification.

“White gold generally needs a little bit more maintenance than yellow gold. Around every eight to twelve months a white gold ring (depending on the wearer) will need the original rhodium finish to be reapplied. This is probably

one of the best things to have done to white gold as it takes the yellow that is coming through out of the gold and restores the ring back to its original brilliant white state. At about $100 per ring, it truly is the best money you will ever spend to keep your white gold jewellery looking its best,” said Nicole.

As a special service, clients can always bring their jewellery pieces into 5th Avenue Jewellers for a free inspection, where the condition can be ascertained and any repairs can be organised. Complimentary cleaning is also included in the inspection so that your special or everyday pieces are always looking their best.

“I always love to see the delight on my clients’ faces when we return their jewellery after professional cleaning. They are so surprised by the difference it makes and they feel just that little bit more special when they leave with their pieces glittering,” said Nicole.

No matter what pieces of jewellery you choose to wear and when, what really matters is that it is of a high quality, properly cared for and regularly maintained so that no matter the occasion you will always be confidently sparkling.

Shop 2g3, Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri

Tel: (07) 55 386 611

nicole@5thavenuejewellery.com.au

5th Avenue Jewellers

Margaux Parker, Triple M Breakfast Radio Announcer.

Photo: Carey Cam, Gold Coast Media.

TERRIFIC TIPPLES

Pouring won’t be a problem with these tipples made to tantalise your taste buds.

NETT BREAKAWAY PINOT BLANC

From one of the most modern wineries southwest of Germany, this wine offers a nice bouquet with a delicate hint of peach. This wine is non-alcoholic.

Available at swiftys.com.au RRP $28.99 for 750ml

ROSEBANK 30 YR SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKEY

This Rosebank 1990 Vintage aged 30 years is the second in a series of annual limited releases with only 4,000 bottles made available for worldwide purchase. It has been bottled at 48.6 percent ABV and is non chill-filtered. This spirit was distilled just a few years before the distillery closed in 1993.

Available at rosebank.com RRP $3100 for 700ml

TAMDHU 2024 CHINESE NEW YEAR - YEAR OF THE DRAGON LIMITED EDITION

Tamdhu Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, is renowned for its dedication to maturing 100 percent of their whiskey in only the finest Oloroso Sherry Oak casks. Tamdhu presents an extremely limited-edition batch strengh whiskey, to celebrate 2024 - Year of the Dragon.

Available at swiftys.com.au RRP $240 for 700ml

LEITZ EINS-ZWEI-ZERO

SPARKLING ROSÉ

This sparkling rosé is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir grapes from Limoux in the south of France. It is non-alcoholic with a note of cranberry, lime and fuji apple.

Available at swiftys.com.au RRP $27.99 for 750ml

IRISH WHISKEY BONDING CO GRAFTER SMALL BATCH IRISH WHISKEY

Small Batch Irish Whiskey, is a premium blend of five Irish Whiskeys including, Shortcross Single Malt Irish Whiskey, triple and double distilled malt alongside pot still and grain, aged in ex-bourbon sherry casks and virgin American Oak.

Available at swiftys.com.au RRP $100 for 700ml

ACT OF TREASON

Introducing Act of Treason. This Australian agave spirit is pioneering the new era of agave and is distilled at Australia’s newest and most progressive distillery in the Whitsundays. The farm and distillery is home to more than 600,000 agave tequilana, the same plant that has been used in the distillation of tequila for centuries. Several years in the making, Act of Treason is the spirit made for all Australian Margaritas for sipping quickly. Just don’t call it tequila.

Available at actoftreason.com.au RRP $120

GLENGOYNE 21 YEAR OLD HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKEY

Glengoyne’s natural colour comes from time and wood alone. Matured in handselected sherry casks, stacked just three high in the cool darkness of its stone-built warehouses.

Christmas cake, honey, and rich fruit, along with a cinnamon finish. Matured exclusively in hand-selected sherry casks for 21 years, perfect after dinner or, frankly, anytime.

Available at glengoyne.com

RRP $445

WESTWOOD WHISKEY WILLAMETTE SOUR

This simple but sophisticated cocktail is a take on a New York Sour, featuring Westward Whiskey Pinot Noir Cask incorporating the fruity flavours of apricot, fig and raisin, mixed with Pinot Noir for added depth, leaving a rich malt, dark chocolate finish. Topped with lemon juice, this fresh and luxurious cocktail is perfect to enjoy by the pool, or with a cheese board in the warm weather.

Ingredients:

• 45ml Westward Whiskey Pinot Noir Cask

• 10ml Vanilla syrup

• 15ml Amaretto

• 20ml Fresh lemon juice

• 5ml Pinot Noir wine

Method:

Combine ingredients minus the wine, into a shaking tin and shake until mixed together. Strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube and add a soft float of Pinot Noir wine.

COINTREAU

Cointreau is an orange liqueur, produced since 1849 in Angers, France. Distilled with a combination of sweet and bitter orange peel to produce a crystalclear spirit, it possesses a unique complexity. Cointreau is perfect for enhancing the vibrancy of cocktails, including refreshing favourites like the Original, Passionfruit or Coconut Margarita.

Available at cointreau.com/au/en RRP $59.95

SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB SINGLE MALT

Smokehead Sherry Bomb is a peaty Islay single malt that has well and truly earned its name. Blasted by rich, sweet and spicy Spanish sherry casks, it has emerged as a fiery, explosive, heavy hitting dram that has even turned our skull red. It might well be the exact, highly unusual taste you’ve been waiting for. Or a cannonball careening towards you that you’re keen to avoid. Either way, we’ve taken our ‘not for everyone’ mantra to a whole new level.

Available from swiftys.com.au, your local Dan Murphy and selected BWS stores. RRP $129.99 for 700ml

EDINBURGH CANNONBALL GIN

Edinburgh Cannonball Gin is a gin that lives up to its evocative name. Bottled at 57.2 percent ABV, 100 percent proof. This higher alcohol content allows our distillers to add more botanicals, strong in both alcohol and flavour. Cannonball is a favourite with bartenders, the balance of juniper, yuzu and Szechuan pepper married with its punchy strength and full character make it a superb liquid to use in everything from a G&T to classic cocktails, like a Martini or a Negroni.

Available from swiftys.com.au, your local Dan Murphy or selected BWS stores. RRP $89.99 for 700ml

G’VINE FLORAISON GIN

Floraison means ‘flowering’ and is the key moment in the life cycle of the rare vine flower. This unique, ultrapremium gin evokes the very essence of spring time in the vineyards, when the air is filled with the fragrance of blossoming vine flowers.

Available at swiftys.com.au RRP $74.99 for 700ml

SHORTCROSS RYE AND MALT IRISH WHISKEY

This spirit has a soft spice, orange peel and creamy caramel fudge flavour combined with sweet stem ginger, fresh apricot and green apple, followed by dark honey. Sweet Marmalade and rich fudge, bringing with it light spice is also apparent with a velvety and rich finish.

Available at swiftys.com.au RRP $160 for 700ml

TWO STACKS DRAM IN A CAN

Dram in a Can is an award winning Irish Whiskey in a 100ml can, containing a complex blend of grain, malt and pot still whiskey. The Two Stacks — Dram in a Can is the world’s first 43 percent whiskey in a can, serving the same great flavour profile and focus on quality spirit as the rest of our blended range. Perfect for on the move, out with friends or even just a solo dram in the great outdoors.

Available at Dan Murphy’s RRP $45.99

SPRING VALE WINES

Established in 1875, Spring Vale Wines on Tasmania’s Freycinet Coast is a fifth generation family owned vineyard. Originally a Pinot Noir vineyard, Spring Vale has evolved over time to produce both red and white varieties, and even a premium gin.

SPRING VALE 2021

Deep ruby red in colour, this Pinot Noir has powerful aromas of dark cherry, blackberry and intriguing spices. The palate has the trademark Spring Vale intensity, plush mouthfeel and forest floor undertones. Finishes with persistent velvety tannins. Will reward careful cellaring of 5-10 years.

SPRING VALE 2022 ROSE

The persistent La Niña system prevailed throughout the growing season toward vintage. The resulting crops produced a fine and complex array of flavour profiles with the balanced natural acidity that cool vintages bring. Light salmon pink in colour. Lifted wild berry and rose petal aromatics. Dry, savoury and refined on the palate. Upfront subtle red fruits with a velvety mid palate from barrel ferment and maturation. Nuances of wet river stone on the lingering finish.

SPRING VALE 2019 “SALUTE” SPARKLING

The 2019 “Salute” Sparkling comprises 52 percent Pinot Noir, 7 percent Pinot Meunier and 41 percent Chardonnay. The aromas show floral notes and crushed red berries with an underlying bouquet of vanilla pod and fresh dough. Pristine berry fruit and sorbet give some sweetness to the palate which is nicely balanced with Granny Smith apple, leading to a dry, savoury finish. A classic aperitif sparkling that would be delicious with Tassie oysters in a crispy tempura batter.

ESTATE PINOT NOIR

APPS FOR A BETTER LIFE

From finding the best table at your favourite restaurant to looking after your health in the autumn months, we’ve got an app for that!

HEATWATCH

Developed by researchers at the University of Sydney the app is designed to help Australians beat the heat and stay safe over the warmer months. Users can plug in their specific information such as location, age, medications and the activity they are participating in on that day and the app will provide a personalised risk report complete with a heat health risk and suggestions for managing the heat and staying safe. Find it here heatwatch.sydney.edu.au

FIRST TABLE

If eating out at fabulous restaurants for half price sounds good to you then First Table is the app for you! The only catch is - you have to be the first table of the night/lunch/ morning! Use the app to book the first table at a wide range of restaurants across 50 cities and get 50 percent off your breakfast, lunch or dinner bill (food only) for up to four peopleit’s that easy! Available now on iOS or Android.

AIRRATER

Developed by a group of Australian experts in air pollutants, pollens, smoke and heat, the AirRater app is fantastic for those of us who suffer with allergies and asthma, as well as other heart and lung conditions. AirRater provides location specific information about current air quality and this can be used to help people better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The app is free and available on Google Play and through the App Store now.

GRAMMARLY

Want to make your writing better and more impactful? Grammarly could be the perfect app for you, using the power of AI to help you communicate better. Compatible with iOS and Android, the Grammarly keyboard integrates with your mobile apps and goes beyond autocorrect to help you improve tone and eliminate mistakes in every email, text, and post you write. Grammarly offers a free version of the app or you can supercharge your writing with a paid version. Available on both iOS and Android devices.

YUKA

Want to know exactly what is in the foods you buy or the products you put on your body? Then Yuka might be the app for you! Simply scan the barcode of the product you are interested in using the Yuka app and it will return a rating based on the dietary and additive information of that product. It can even suggest similar alternatives. Yuka offers a free version or you can get more with the premium version for a fee. Available on both iOS and Android.

FORKS OVER KNIVES

If you want to give a plant based diet a try but are not sure where to start, this could be the app for you. Created by the minds behind the Fork Over Knives film and book, the app provides over 1000 vegan recipes, meal planning assistance, shopping lists and access to expert advice and coaching. You can try it free for seven days and then purchase it for a one-off fee. Available on both iOS and Android.

GOOGLE TRANSLATE

Headed to a foreign country over the holidays and a little worried about the language barrier? Google Translate can help. The app supports over 130 languages and can help translate text, documents, images and speech. You can even save translated words for future reference. The app is free and available now from the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

1PASSWORD

1Password remembers all your passwords for you. It keeps them safe and secure behind the one password that only you know and it’s not just for passwords you can also keep other information safe behind its gates such as - financial information, personal documentation, credit card information, drivers licences etc. You can try 1password free for 14 days with an annual fee charged thereafter. Available on both iOS and Android.

THE TRADING GAME

By Gary Stevenson

The high-wire true story of the millionaire trader, who won the finance game and then blew it wide open. Ever since he was a kid, kicking broken footballs on the streets of East London in the shadow of Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers, Gary wanted something better. Something a whole lot bigger. Then he won a competition run by a bank - The Trading Game. The prize: a golden ticket to a new life, as the youngest trader in the whole city; but what happens when winning starts to feel like losing? Would you stick, or quit? Even if it meant risking everything?

*Penguin Random House, RRP $36.99

THE BEAUTIES

By Lauren Chater

From the bestselling author of The Lace Weaver comes this seductive tale of beauty, rivalry and artistic passion set in the seventeenth century English court. On one side - King Charles II. On the other the exquisite but scheming Emilia Lennox, who will only succumb to the king’s advances when her portrait hangs among the other Windsor beauties on the palace walls.

*Simon and Schuster, RRP $32.99

PHEASANTS NEST

By Louise Milligan

Kate Delaney has made the biggest mistake of her life. On a girls’ night out, she picked the wrong sleazy guy to publicly humiliate in a bar and now she is living every woman’s worst nightmare. She finds herself brutalised, bound and gagged in the back of a car being driven only god knows where by a man whose name she doesn’t know, petrified about what is in store for her. As a journalist who is haunted by the crimes she’s had to report over her career, Kate is terrifyingly familiar with the statistics of women who go missing.

*Allen and Unwin, RRP $32.99

DEVIL’S KITCHEN

By Candice Fox

Candice Fox’s latest thriller is the definition of nailbiter, as a female agent goes undercover in a New York firefighting crew that is far more dangerous than the fires they fight. For years the firefighters of New York’s Engine 99 have rushed fearlessly into hot zones, saving countless lives and stopping devastating blazes in their tracks. They’ve also stolen millions from banks, jewellery stores and art galleries. With their inside knowledge and specialist equipment, they’ve become the most successful heist crew on the East Coast.

*Penguin Random House, RRP $34.99

RETURN TO BLOOD

By Michael Bennett

Hana Westerman may have left Auckland and her detective career behind her, but trouble is never too far away in this follow-up from the award-winning author of Better the Blood. When a skeleton turns up in the sand in the same place Hana’s friend was murdered years before, a crime for which the killer died in jail, it’s up to her to find out: did the police actually get the wrong man?

*Simon and Schuster, RRP $34.99

GOOD WITH MONEY

By Emma Edwards

In the age of smartphones and social media, we’re surrounded by an endless stream of stuff we could buy, not to mention social conditioning around what makes us happy, as well as fast fashion, algorithmic advertising and ‘where did you get that’ culture. Financial behaviour expert Emma Edwards will help you unpack the reasons you’re so emotionally tangled with your money and look at what might be keeping you stuck. She’ll teach you to reclaim your decision making, deep dive into your beliefs, identity any habits and come out the other side feeling Good With Money.

*Allen and Unwin, RRP $34.99

EVERYTHING IS PERFECT

By Maxine Fawcett

Cassie Prince lives in a beautiful beach suburb with her successful husband Jon and their two children. Life is perfect, right? Having reached her mid-forties, she can’t help but wonder what happened to the funloving, sexy and accomplished woman she used to be? She’s panicking about ageing, bored in her marriage, exhausted by her demanding kids, and increasingly torn by news of her sick mother back in England. Then at school drop-off she meets Chris Lancaster a charismatic widowed father-of-five and now Cassie is convinced the widower is the answer to everything.

*Penguin Random House, RRP $34.99

WHENEVER YOU’RE READY

By Trish Bolton

A love letter to the lives of older women, Whenever You’re Ready is a moving and perceptive novel about three women searching for a way forward in the wake of a sudden loss. A sweetly wise and gently wistful novel about the secrets and seasons of three intertwined lives. An unexpected death finds Lizzie, Alice and Margot at various crossroads in their lives, torn between looking back and moving on. Lizzie is reeling from a new discovery, Alice’s safety net is unravelling and Margot’s troubled past isn’t as far behind her as she thought.

*Allen and Unwin, RRP $32.99

KIND OF SORT OF MAYBE... BUT PROBABLY NOT

By Imbi Neeme

A charming, nostalgic, quirky, uplifting novel of people young and old finding their tribe, gaining courage to be themselves and perhaps falling in love too.

Librarian Phoebe Cotton lives with misophonia. The sound of other people crunching an apple, slurping their tea or snapping chewing gum fills her with a rage that she buries deep within.

Mortified by her ‘not quite right’ brain, she hides away inside 6 Salmon Street, the family home that her formidable grandmother Dorothy has abandoned for a more convivial life at the Western Retreat Retirement Village; but when Phoebe begins receiving mysterious postcards in the mail, she slowly, but surely, finds herself being pulled back out into the world and towards Monty, the sweet postal clerk.

Across town, Suze, a university student with a high distinction in study avoidance, is clinging to the hope that the neglectful J might actually be her boyfriend. When J’s attention turns to Ky, it sets Suze on a path that leads her to 6 Salmon Street and Phoebe Cotton. Together with Suze and Monty, Phoebe goes on a mission to solve the mystery of the postcards but ends up finding much, much more, including acceptance, strength and love.

*Penguin Random House, RRP $34.99

BACK TO BLACK

In cinemas April 11

MO EVIS

A celebration of the most iconic and much missed star of the 21st century, Back to Black tells the extraordinary tale of Amy Winehouse. Painting a vivid, vibrant picture of the Camden streets she called home and capturing the struggles of global fame, Back to Black honours Amy’s artistry, wit, and honesty, as well as trying to understand her demons. An unflinching look at the modern celebrity machine and a powerful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent.

CHALLENGERS

In cinemas April 18

From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, Challengers stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist – West Side Story), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face-off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor – The Crown) –his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win?

THE FALL GUY

In cinemas April 24

He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. Fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this workingclass hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?

Oscar® nominee Ryan Gosling (Barbie, La La Land, Drive) stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who, having left the business a year earlier to focus on both his physical and mental health, is drafted back into service when the star of a mega-budget studio movie—being directed by his ex, Jody Moreno, played by Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer, A Quiet Place films, Sicario)—goes missing.

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA

In cinemas May 23

As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great biker horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home. Anna Taylor-Joy stars in the title role, along with Chris Hemsworth. The film also stars Alyla Browne and Tom Burke.

*Release dates are subject to change. Book tickets at eventcinemas.com.au

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

In cinemas May 23

An all-new action-adventure spectacle, 20th Century Studios’ Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes opens exclusively in Australian cinemas on May 23, 2024. Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.

INSIDE OUT 2

In cinemas June 13

Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected - new emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up, and it looks like she’s not alone. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety, alongside Amy Poehler as the voice of Joy.

The voice cast also includes Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Tony Hale and Liza Lapira. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen.

DESPICABLE ME 4

In cinemas June 20

In the first Despicable Me movie in seven years, Gru, the world’s favourite supervillain-turned-Anti-Villain Leagueagent, returns for an exciting, bold new era of minions mayhem in Illumination’s Despicable Me 4. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal (Emmy winner Will Ferrell) and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (Emmy nominee Sofia Vergara), and the family is forced to go on the run.

TWISTERS

In cinemas July 18

From the producers of the Jurassic, Bourne and Indiana Jones series comes Twisters, a current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster, Twister. Twisters stars Golden Globe nominee Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell as opposing forces who come together to try to predict, and possibly tame, the immense power of tornadoes.

Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Powell), the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew - the more dangerous the better.

As storm season intensifies, terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed, and Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives.

FOR THE KIDS…

KUNG FU PANDA 4

In cinemas March 28

For the first time in almost a decade, comedy icon Jack Black returns to his role as Po, the world’s most unlikely kung fu master, with a hilarious, butt-kicking new chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s beloved action-comedy franchise: Kung Fu Panda 4.

After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to … give it a rest already. More specifically, he’s tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

THE GARFIELD MOVIE

In cinemas May 30

Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.

WIN!

WE ARE IN THE GIVING SPIRIT AND THE WINNER IS YOU!

Total value $300

Modelrock Haute Crème Couture Velvet Matte Lipsticks

Omorfi Winter Prep Skincare Pack

Autumn is the perfect time to start transitioning your skincare regime from summer to winter, and Omorfi Active Skincare is here for it!

Omorfi – which means ‘beautiful’ in Greek – is made and developed in Australia with natural ingredients and no nasties. The products are jam-packed with active ingredients that target specific skin concerns - without the fillers, buffers, inactive ingredients and fluff! Products with ingredients like lactic acid, AHA, BHA, sandalwood and tea tree powders, and Vitamin B, C and E, combine to ensure skin is prepped, cleansed, exfoliated and nurtured after time in the summer sun – delivering hydrated, soothed, nourished and softer skin.

Omorfi is giving away 2 x winter prep skincare packs each containing a Gentle and Hydrating Lactic Acid Cleanser, Botanical Exfoliating Face Polish and Brightening and Repairing Vitamin C Serum.

More at omorfi.com.au

Total value $300

Unleash your inner beauty goddess and redefine your beauty boundaries with MODELROCK’s Haute Crème Couture Velvet Matte Lipsticks. Fuse audacity and runway chic with a symphony of 12 headturning, highly pigmented shades that will have your lips stealing the limelight. The 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free luscious velvety formula of these deluxe lipsticks contains castor seed oil, shea butter and rosehip oil, ensuring you can effortlessly apply for a one-of-a-kind, blurred matte finish that is buildable and long-wearing.

We have one pack to give away which includes each of the 12 head-turning velvety shades.

More at modelrocklashes.com

Total value $370

ENJOY LIVING FLAMELESS CANDLE

Safe. Economical. Stunning. Be mesmerised by the warmth and understated simplicity of Uyuni handmade flameless candles. Handmade real wax flameless candles are economical to use, saving you up to nine percent on your annual candle spend. Safe around children and pets, remote enabled with built in timer options, function truly meets form as no-one will know these aren’t real candles burning.

We have one Uyuni Lighting Flameless Candles Signature Collection, in Nordic White, including batteries to give away.

More at www.enjoyliving.com.au

TO ENTER: Email competition@goldcoastpanache.com.au with the giveaway name in the subject line. Include your contact details. T’s & C’s apply. Competitions end 31st May 2024.

Total

WIN AN INCREDIBLE BEAUTY PACK FROM DR TANYA!

Dr Tanya offers a doctor-formulated skincare solution that combines sciencebased evidence with the age-old benefits of nature to deliver clinical results. This is where the Dr Tanya brand offers a credible and unique solution. A doctor derived brand from the formulas they design to the treatments they offer, Dr Tanya products and services incorporate evidence-based science to ensure customers skin is in the hands of a qualified doctor with over 20 years of experience. Dr Tanya is 100 percent Australian made and manufactured to stringent standards and ingredients are sourced from some of the world’s most pristine landscapes. You can try Dr Tanya’s for yourself with this incredible prize pack which includes:

• 3 x Transformational Serums: Hyaluronic Serum, Super C Serum and Advanced Retinol Serum$195.91

• Hair Wellness Trio - $69.95: Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Serum

• Complexion Rescue - $150: NuSonic and Radiant Day Cream

• Rewind and Rejuvenate - $229.95: Miracle Cream Cleanser, Eye Lift Tightening Serum, Night Repair Serum and Holy Basil Day and Night Cream

More at drtanya.com.au

Total value $1000

MELIS Perfumery

- SPIRITUS

Eau De Parfum

MELIS Perfumery is Australia’s premium destination for 100 percent natural perfumes that are handcrafted, pure, concentrated and formulated intentionally to awaken your senses. Created with the purpose to inspire a more conscious, natural and connected way of living, the eau de parfum range by MELIS Perfumery is derived purely from 100 percent botanical ingredients gifted directly from nature including pure essential oils, resins and absolutes. The range is made for women and men to be inspired by nature’s inherent truth. The SPIRITUS eau de parfum is uplifting, breezy and includes unique native Australian botanicals that will ignite the senses. Crafted intentionally for those yearning for truth and knowledge during transitory times, the SPIRITUS eau de parfum will inspire a deeper connection to the self. The spicy green top notes open to reveal a white peach citrus heart, while a grounding base of patchouli and sandalwood seamlessly merging with the warmth of amber to swathe the dusty notes of native wattle-seed.

WIN 1 of 2 SPIRITUS 100 percent natual eau de parfums by MELIS Perfumery.

More at melisperfumery.com.au

CELL SQUARED COLLAGEN CAPSULES

Cell Squared is a Melbourne born brand on a mission to reconnect the community with traditional ways of eating and being. Advocates of the healing power of nutrition and natural remedies Cell Squared believes that every human benefits from connecting with their environment which has nourished people for millennia.

Cell Squared has provided an incredible array of products for you to win!

• 2 x Cell Squared Bovine Beef Collagen Peptides Powder 500g RRP $160

• 3 x Cell Squared Organic Grass Fed Beef Liver Capsules RRP $150

• 1 x Cell Squared ACO Organic Grass-Fed Beef Organs Powder RRP $65

• 1 x Cell Squared Premium Magnesium Oil Spray RRP $29

These products provide amazing health benefits. The Beef Liver Capsules can be taken daily as a multivitamin, they are highly nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals such as B12, Folate, Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Iron and many more. Collagen is a rich source of protein to be taken daily to support skin, gut, hair, bones and muscle health. Organs Powder is a unique combination of several freeze-dried organ meats to support nutritional needs and overall wellbeing and magnesium oil assists with stress relief, sleep quality, muscle soreness and immune system function. More at cellsquared.com.au

Give Your Best Mate The Best Taste

Animals Like Us is a delicious new dog food made with raw meat and organs that are freeze-dried to lock in 98 percent of the ingredient’s nutritional value. It’s packed with protein and the yummy taste of raw that dogs crave. It’s also safe and easy for humans to handle.

High in protein and low in carbs, Animals Like Us RawBlend33™, comes in a choice of three recipes, Grass-Fed Beef, King Salmon and Ocean Fish and Grass-Fed Lamb and Venison Tripe, each packed with more taste and more protein for better digestion. Each bag contains 33 percent raw meat and organs and 67 percent high protein oven baked meat and vegie bites, coated with probiotics to support digestive health.

We have 10 packs of 1 bag of each of the 3 RawBlend33™ dog food flavour varieties and 1 bag of Animals Like Us 100 percent raw freeze-dried dog treats to give away. More at animalslikeus.com

CitriqueLocal seas, a world of flavour

In the vast expanse of Australia’s local aquaculture and nearby oceans lies a treasure trove of undiscovered ocean produce, waiting to be brought into the limelight. JW Marriott Gold Coast’s signature restaurant, Citrique is doing just this with their new Producer Spotlight menu launching this month.

Executive Chef Paul Smart has partnered with Umar Nguyen, ‘The Fishgirl’ and Serena Zipf from Rocky Point Aquaculture to showcase the most unique sustainable seafood from our local shores in a new six-course degustation menu that brings undiscovered species and underutilised seafoods to the forefront in an exquisite culinary odyssey.

From the buttery richness of Rocky Point Aquaculture’s Cobia - an often underutilised fish; to the Grouper - a protected species in the wild but sourced from Rocky Point just 30 minutes from Citrique leading the pace in sustainable farming; to the Raptis Wild Banana Prawnsspotlighting the often under-utilised yet succulently sweet medium size variant of the prawn; each dish tells the story of sustainability, rarity and culinary specialty displayed by Executive Chef Paul Smart and his team of culinary experts.

A highlight is the Fraser Isle spanner crab - a circular dish using every part of the crab, it comes served in the crab shell itself and represents the marriage of experimental flavours and is a subtle nod to Asian cuisine that Citrique is so famous for.

Umar’s passion project, a distinctly natural blue coloured wild scampi caviar, weaves through the entire menu, enhancing the dishes with its exquisite taste and unique texture. A story originating eight years ago, the wild scampi caviar was born when Umar identified the by-product

from Shark Bay scampi (also featured on the menu alongside a Citrique-style ‘surf and turf’ with Wagyu and potato rosti) was being discarded. An intricate process which involves hand-picking through each batch of caviar to ensure the utmost quality, the wild scampi caviar is now a highly sought after product across the country to enhance seafood dishes and other delicacies.

The elegant ambiance of Citrique has always made it a favourite destination for locals, and the new Producer Spotlight Menu is the perfect reason to experience a taste of the modern Australian cuisine Citrique is known for with a special homage to the bounties of our nearby seas.

The Producer Spotlight menu will be available at Citrique from 11th March on Mondays to Thursdays until the end of May 2024 for $129 per guest, in addition sixcourse wine pairing for $59 per guest. Bookings can be made via citriquerestaurant.com or via 075592 9800

On Fridays to Sundays, Citrique offers a seafood buffet for $129 pp, weaving through the celebrated produce and ocean treasures from the weekday a la carte menus along with a decadent spread of succulent roasts, wood-fired pizzas, and desserts to delight all palettes. Follow us on Instagram via instagram.com/ citrique.restaurant.

Citrique Loves Locals Loyalty Program

Gold Coast locals enjoy exclusive rewards with Citrique’s Loves Locals Loyalty Program. Dine in Citrique and join the program to receive:

1,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points on your first visit

Upon your return, enjoy ongoing benefits including:

10% off food and beverage in Citrique Hotel Birthday gift to the value of $50

Exclusive discounts and first release tickets to special events Complimentary self-parking, valued at $24

Terms and conditions apply via www.citriquerestaurant.com

A New Path to Lasting Weight-Loss

In a world saturated with fad diets and quick fixes, the journey towards lasting weight-loss can often feel like an elusive quest. If you have battled with excess weight, endured the rollercoaster of yoyo dieting, and faced the physical and emotional toll of associated medical conditions, it can at times feel hopeless.

However, there is a path to achieve transformation with our unique medical weight-loss treatment, compounded especially for you, which can also be combined with our proven and successful support program for those wanting extra guidance and assistance.

As many people have experienced, the unfortunate shortage and limited access to medical weight-loss drugs has prevented motivated candidates from losing weight; but we now have an answer where availability is no longer a problem.

Our guided program includes support by a dedicated multidisciplinary team committed to your well-being. This is the essence of our approach – a fusion of medical expertise, compassion, and medical weightloss to pave the way for sustainable results.

If you are tired of the endless cycle of disappointment, burdened by the weight of not only excess kilos but

Monday

also compromised health, we can assist you on your weight-loss journey.

In our medical weight-loss program, our commitment goes beyond just shedding kilos. It is about reclaiming your health, revitalising your spirit, and rebuilding your self-esteem.

We offer a comprehensive and personalised approach that recognises your unique challenges, addresses underlying medical conditions, and supports you every step of the way. This is the essence of our model – for those seeking not just a temporary fix, but a profound and lasting change.

As you consider the path to medical weight-loss, envision a future where you are not defined by the number on the scale, but by the vitality and confidence that radiates from within. This is the promise we make to you – a promise backed by the potency of medical weight-loss and the passion of a team devoted to your success.

Are you ready to embark on a journey that transcends quick fixes and ushers in a new era of well-being? The path to lasting weight-loss begins here, with us, your companions in transformation. Together, let’s make 2024 become your year of empowerment, resilience, and the triumph of self-love and better health.

Jacqemus Pau Asymmetric

1 Brooke Brothers Golden Fleece Slim Fit Stretch Supima Polo Shirt, $130, Slim Fit Cotton Striped Pants, $190 and Blazer, $795 brooksbrothers.com.au 2 Brixton Messer Fedora - Black, $99.95 au.brixton.com 3 Balmain Nylon Teddy Jacket, $2,550 marais.com.au 4 Brixton Standard Tee - Black/Whitecap/Persimmon Orange, $49.95 au.brixton.com 5 Brixton Choice Chino Regular Pant - Black, $99.95 au.brixton.com 6 Country Road Cotton Silk Textured Knit Polo, $149 andslim fit stretch chino $129 countryroad.com.au 7 BALMAIN All Over Stud Embroidered Teddy Jacket, $5,500 marais. com.au 8 Seiko 100th Anniversary Presage Automatic Watch, $1,550 seikowatches.com 9 Brixton Adventure Water Short - Black, $99.95 au.brixton.com 10 Maison Margiela Tabi Low Heel Loafer, $1,610 marais.com.au 11 Camilla Make Your Masterpiece Short Sleeve Collared Shirt, $279 and Mid Length Boardshort, $249 au.camilla.com 12 The North Face Hydrenalite™ Down Hoodie - Almond Butter, $450 thenorthface.com.au 13

SERVES 6

VEGETARIAN | NUT FREE

Easy gluten-free tiramisu – layers of coffee and liqueur-soaked sponge fingers (ladyfingers) and vanilla mascarpone cream. A true crowdpleaser dessert!

INGREDIENTS

• 250ml espresso (strong black coffee)

• 30ml Kahlua, Marsala wine, dark spiced rum, chocolate liqueur (or replace with extra coffee if you want an alcohol-free dessert)

• 2 large egg yolks

• 50g caster (superfine) sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

• 500g mascarpone

• 60ml full-fat (whole) milk

• 12–16 gluten-free Ladyfingers/Savoiardi sponge fingers

• 10–15g cocoa (unsweetened chocolate) powder, for dusting

NOTE

You can make this tiramisu and enjoy immediately, or pop it into the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. It’s fine left overnight too in the refrigerator, if you need to make it a day in advance.

I generally make mine in a large serving dish to share, but you can also make individual portions (as pictured) if you prefer.

Eat & Enjoy Gluten

Free by Laura Strange

Published by Hardie Grant Books. Available in stores nationally. Photography by Lizzie Mayson, $45.

1 Set a small serving dish large enough to fit the sponge fingers (mine was a rectangular 27 x 18 cm/103/4 x 9 in, but any shape is fine, and similar volume is ideal, or you can also make individual portions, breaking up the fingers) on your work surface.

2 Pour the coffee and liquor (if using) into a small shallow dish, then set on your work surface next to the serving dish and sponge fingers.

3 For the mascarpone cream, mix the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla together in a large bowl until smooth. Add the mascarpone and whisk with a balloon whisk until smooth. Add the milk and whisk again until it is smooth.

4 Now let’s assemble the tiramisu! Dip a sponge finger completely into the coffee mixture, turning it over to fully soak it (but only leaving it in the coffee for about 10 seconds), then arrange it in the base of the serving dish. Repeat with roughly half the ladyfingers until you have a full layer of sponge in the base of the dish.

5 Spoon half the mascarpone cream onto the sponge fingers and spread with a spatula to create a fairly even layer.

6 Repeat the process to create another coffeesoaked sponge-finger layer and second mascarpone layer with the remaining mixture.

7 Finally, dust the top liberally with cocoa powder. Ta daaaa! One delicious tiramisu ready to eat.

GREEN CURRY DRUMSTICKS

What Can I Bring?

RECIPES

SERVES 6-8

INGREDIENTS

• 8 chicken drumsticks

• Olive oil, for browning

• 400ml tin coconut milk

MARINADE

• 2 tsp ground turmeric

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 4cm piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped or grated

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

GREEN CURRY PASTE

• 3 green chillies, halved and seeded

• 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

• 2 handfuls baby spinach leaves

• 4cm piece ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 bunch coriander, roughly chopped

• 1 bunch mint, roughly chopped

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp salt, or to taste

SPICED CASHEWS

• 1 tsp ground turmeric

• 2 tsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup cashews

What Can I Bring?

By Sophie Hansen

Murdoch Books.

Photography

by Sophie Hansen, $49.99.

Place the drumsticks in a non-reactive container with the marinade ingredients. Season with a little sea salt and toss with your hands to coat. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for a few hours, or overnight. For the curry paste, combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender, season with freshly ground black pepper and blitz till you have a rough paste.

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Heat a little oil in a large ovenproof frying pan over high heat (cast iron is perfect for these kinds of dishes) and brown the marinated chicken for a few minutes on each side. Set aside.

Reduce the heat, add a little more oil if needed and add 225g curry paste. Cook, stirring as you go, for a minute or so to release the delicious fragrances. Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Check the flavour and add a little more salt or lemon juice if necessary.

Return the drumsticks to the pan, cover with a lid and place the pan in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. The sauce will have thickened up into the most delicious green curry.

Meanwhile, for the cashews, combine all the ingredients, except the cashews, with 2 tablespoons water in a small jug. Spread the cashews on a baking tray lined with baking paper and pour on the turmeric mixture. Toss everything around to coat well, then place in the oven for the last 20 minutes of cooking. Serve the cashews on the side to be added to the chicken.

TRAVEL ADVICE

How you serve depends on where you serve. If you’re on a picnic or at a potluck event, take it straight from the oven and cover tightly with foil, then a couple of tea towels. If your cooler is big enough, put some heat packs (or even a hot water bottle) on the bottom, line with newspaper, then pop your wrapped pan on top. I’d take some flatbreads, warm in a foil pocket, and use these to dip into the sauce and wrap up the chicken to easily eat one-handed. If you’re at a sitdown dinner, some cooked rice as a bed would be nice. Either way, you want to enjoy the chicken as a super tasty drumstick and mop up the sauce with roti or rice or similar.

PANZANELLA

Baker Bleu

SERVES 4

Panzanella could almost be called a baker’s salad – it takes your hard work baking a beautiful rustic loaf and showcases it, even when the bread might be past its prime. This recipe is made extra summery with the addition of ripe nectarines. To showcase the jumble of colours and textures in this salad, it’s best to use a big serving plate, rather than a deep bowl.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 slices day-old country loaf or dark rye for a little more excitement, 2cm thick

• Olive oil, for drizzling

• 3 ripe heirloom tomatoes

• 3 ripe nectarines (optional; they need to be in peak season)

• Pinch of pink salt

• 100ml extra virgin

• Olive oil (the highest quality you can afford)

• 80ml white balsamic vinegar (alternatively, white wine vinegar)

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 bunch of basil, leaves picked

• 1 tin Ortiz anchovies

1 Heat a chargrill pan or an oven grill to high. Drizzle the bread liberally with olive oil and then grill it, turning once, for up to 1 minute a side until the bread is crisp but not burnt, with visible grill marks. Once it’s cool enough to handle, break up each slice into bite-sized chunks over your serving plate.

2 Cut each tomato in half and place cut-side down on the chopping board, then cut the tomatoes into uneven segments (all the rough edges are going to accelerate the almalgamation of flavours). Scrape them, along with all their juices, onto the plate.

3 Halve the nectarines, remove the stones, then cut the fruit lengthways into wedges. Scrape them and their juices onto the serving plate, too, then sprinkle everything with the pink salt.

4 Combine the extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar and honey in the bowl of a food processor, add most of the basil leaves (reserve some for garnish), and blitz to make a dressing. Avoid making this more than an hour before serving, or the dressing can discolour.

5 Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss it all with care and love so you don’t squash your tomatoes and fruit. Finally, arrange the anchovies evenly over the salad, scatter with the remaining basil leaves and serve.

Baker Bleu by Mike Russell

Photography by Parker Blain. Murdoch Books, $49.99

MUSSELS IN SPICY TOMATO SAUCE

The Tinned Tomatoes Cookbook

SERVES 2

GLUTEN FREE | DAIRY FREE

Mussels are a reasonably inexpensive protein, which are super-quick to cook and yet feel incredibly indulgent. You can swap out the ’nduja for a chopped red chilli, if you like, but I really do recommend the ’nduja as the flavour is amazing – smoky and spicy.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ tablespoon olive oil

• 2 banana shallots, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 2 tablespoons ’nduja paste or 1 red chilli, chopped

• 1 × 400g tin chopped tomatoes

• 125ml white wine

• 1kg live mussels, scrubbed and debearded

TO SERVE

• Small handful of finely chopped parsley

• French fries or thick slices of crusty bread

(optional)

The Tinned Tomatoes

Cookbook by Samuel Goldsmith

Photography by Mowie Kay. Murdoch Books,$39.99

1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan with a lid over a medium heat. Add the shallots and fry for 4–5 minutes to soften before adding the garlic and frying for a further minute. Stir in the ’nduja and cook for a minute to release the flavours.

2 Pour in the tinned tomatoes and wine and then simmer for 5 minutes.

3 Discard any broken or open mussels (give them a flick first to see if they make any movement, if so it’s fine). Add the mussels to the pan, give them a stir, pop on the lid and cook for 4–5 minutes or until the mussels are cooked. Discard any unopened ones.

4 Scatter over the chopped parsley and then stir. Serve with French fries or slices of crusty bread, if you prefer.

Y O U R S A N C T U A R Y T O C O M E E A T , D R I N K

A N D F O R G E T W H E R E Y O U A R E . . .

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Bazaar Is Beautiful

There’s nothing weird about this beautiful buffet! Whether you are a guest of QT Gold Coast, visiting from afar or a local who loves good food and lots of it, QT’s interactive market place is sure to leave you satisfied.

What do you feel like? Needn’t be a question when dining at the QT Hotel Gold Coast’s buffet restaurant, Bazaar because there you can get just about anything your stomach desires.

Offering a wide selection of cuisines from around the world in their interactive marketplace - Bazaar can take you from Italy, to the Middle East, across Asia, through South America and back to Australia all in one day (or sitting).

The concept of QT’s Bazaar Marketplace is to emulate the great Bazaar’s of the Middle East and Asia by creating many small themed stalls throughout the restaurant where you can select cuisines from every continent.

What sets Bazaar apart from other buffet style restaurants is how the stalls become an interactive experience, where self-serve turns into ‘at your service’, and you can select and order your own steak cooked just to your liking, a pizza with your favourite toppings (even anchovies - if you must) or an omelette made just the way your mum used to make it.

Interactive at Bazaar also means you can DIY - putting yourself at the kitchen helm creating your own culinary masterpieces. You can build a bao at the bao bun station, pile on at the poke bowl stand or whip up a storm at the acai spot where you can fill your bowl

with all the soft serve acai and cacao nibs your coconut shell can handle (if you’re lucky enough to be there at breakfast)!

On a Friday and Saturday night the Bazaar offerings expand and include a Japanese robata grill where you can select your meats and have a robata chef cook you a set of succulent skewers right before your eyes.

If after all this you still have room (and let’s face it there is ALWAYS room for dessert) you can soothe your sweet tooth with the spectacular dessert bar, and don’t worry gluten free peeps you are covered here too!

All the mini desserts are made in-house and all your favourites are there in mini form - cherry ripe slice, creme caramel, chocolate mousse, lemon meringue and more. Even the dessert bar is interactive - allowing you to create your own ice cream fantasy! No-one is going to tell you to go easy on the m&m’s here!

If cheese and wine are more your idea of an after meal treat, Bazaar can accommodate this too, with a great selection of wines and an incredible charcuterie stall where you can select your favourite fine cheeses or maybe try something new.

While Bazaar’s world view is wide, its produce and ingredient selection is distinctly local.

Bazaar’s seafood selection is largely sourced within around a 10 kilometre radius from the restaurant and brought in each day by a dedicated trawler straight off the docks at Main Beach - it doesn’t get much fresher than that!

The menu changes with the seasons to make the best use of the highest quality and freshest fruits, vegetables and ingredients of the season for optimum flavour. The kitchen sources all its meats exclusively from Australia.

Rainier hopes to do more themed market stalls like this in the future as a way to bring more flavours from around the world to diners at Bazaar and enable staff to showcase the cuisines of their countries of origin and heritages.

Dining in Bazaar at QT will take you on a flavour adventure around the world, without even having to leave the Gold Coast. Whether you are an adventurous diner or someone who simply likes what they like, how they like it, you will find a place for your palette at Bazaar at QT Gold Coast.

Bazaar is ably led by Head Chef Rainier Concepcion who has led the kitchen team for more than seven years. Rainier comes from a diverse background with Spain, Hawaii and The Philippines all part of his heritage. Rainier loves to incorporate influences from his background into his menus to create foods he himself loves to eat.

The Bazaar kitchen staff also have gloriously diverse backgrounds from as far as Serbia, Vietnam and the Philippines, and Rainier loves to incorporate these influences and inspirations into the menu and the interactive marketplace of Bazaar whenever he can.

This diversity cultivates great collaboration and recently Bazaar included flavours from The Philippines in a market stall inspired by the heritage of the staff. The Filipino stall ran over a two week period and celebrated the flavours and culture of the Philippines, bringing an authenticity to the cuisine of Bazaar.

Love Locks to

Gretchen Wiener’s (Mean Girls) inspired hair by CLOUD NINE - playful half-up do. cloudninehair.com.au

Show your hair some TLC with these perfect products.

PAUL MITCHELL MARULA OIL RARE OIL INTENSIVE MASQUE

A softening and intensely-hydrating mask for coarse hair, this treatment also adds fullness to limp hair and is packed with antioxidants, protein and vitamins to seal split ends, prevent damage and give UV protection.

ssshair.com.au RRP $54

SODASHI - DEEP CONDITIONING HAIR AND SCALP MUD

This luxurious deep conditioning mask provides an intense boost of essential nutrients to revitalise the scalp and improve hair lustre and manageability. White clay, lemon and cypress decongest and purify the scalp, removing chemical build-up, leaving it soothed and balanced.

sodashi.com.au RRP $124

CAUDALIE - SMOOTH AND GLOW OIL ELIXIR

Enriched with precious oils and prickly pear, this oil nourishes and beautifies all skin types, makes hair shiny and smoothes the décolleté. Its 100 percent natural fig scent envelops the skin in a sensual and addictive fragrance.

sephora.com.au RRP $70

LTN - 25 MOMME MULBERRY SILK ENVELOPE PILLOWCASE

The pillowcases are made of 25 momme mulberry silk, which is a higher than average density silk. This makes them beautifully soft, strong and durable. Silk Pillowcases are kind on your hair, the smooth surface reduces static allowing your hair to glide over the pillow whilst you sleep. This ensures your hair doesn’t snag or tangle, and keeps styling look great for longer. Pure mulberry silk naturally repels mould, fungus, dust mites and allergens, making this pillowcase great for asthma or allergy sufferers.

ssshair.com.au RRP $99

REF SHINE ELIXIR

A luxurious hair oil that provides hydration and shine, while strengthening the hair. Your hair will feel extremely soft and healthy, with an intense gloss. A cocktail of repairing oils, including moisturising camellia oil and rosemary oil, and proteins, ensure the hair feels soft, smooth and shiny, with the added benefit of UV-protection, derived from sunflower seed oil (nature’s strongest UV-filter). 100 percent vegan and cruelty free.

refstockholm.com RRP $56.50

MEAN GIRLS INSPIRED HAIR

Regina George’s hair by CLOUD NINE – new big bouncy curls.

cloudninehair.com.au

LTN HAIR STRAIGHTENER ORIGINAL STYLER 1” PLATES

25mm (1”) plates for fine to medium hair types or shorter lengths. Customise the temperature from 100-230°C to suit all hair types. Floating plates to adjust the pressure depending on the thickness of your hair.

ssshair.com.au RRP $220

SHEA MOISTURE COCONUT AND HIBISCUS AND FLAXSEED DEFINING STYLING GEL

Achieve your desired curly, coily styles with our Coconut and Hibiscus + Flaxseed Defining Styling Gel. This nonalcohol-based formula, blended with silk protein, neem oil and flaxseed oil, provides long lasting hold and shine without drying out your hair. This styling gel also defines and smooths hair while taming frizz and flyways for a healthy look and feel you’ll be sure to love.

sheamoisture.com.au RRP $29.99

TIGI CATWALK OATMEAL HONEY INTENSE NOURISHING MASK

Intensely nourishing mask formulated with acacia honey and wheat for repairing benefits. Blended with active fibre-repairing ingredients to reconstruct hair internally and infused with a delicate oatmeal and honey fragrance.

ssshair.com.au RRP $25

ORIBE TRES SET STRUCTURE SPRAY

Retro setting spray meets high-tech innovation. This light spray foam adds structure, density, shine and all-day memory to iron sets and editorial looks. Allows the hair to be protected up to 230°C.

ssshair.com.au RRP $69

CLOUD NINE AIRSHOT PRO

CLOUD NINE is proud to announce its latest innovation the new Airshot Pro a quieter, lighter and mightier new hairdryer to help Aussies achieve the salon look at home. Built with features that make the tool healthier on hair, easier to use, and even more effective, prepare to be blown away by the revolutionary technology that will make blow-drying a breeze. Key features include: power, cleanflow technologyquiet, temperature and interchangeable heads

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Thinking of Separating from your spouse or partner? Here is what to do:

Separation can be emotionally taxing and frightening. During this time, it is normal to feel conflicted and eager to walk out of the door and leave; however, this may put you in a worse-off position when divorcing your partner or spouse later. Do not act hastily, for there are items in your house that will be valuable in making your life easier when it comes to that next step, and you are going to want to bring them with you.

1. Marriage Certificate

As part of the divorce process, you will need a copy of your marriage certificate. This process often gets delayed because a party forgets to obtain a copy before they separate and must apply to the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages to obtain another copy of it. Take a copy so that when filing for divorce after one year of separation, it can be done efficiently.

2. Children’s Passports and Birth Certificates

If you have children make sure to bring a copy of the children’s passports and birth certificates. It is not uncommon for partners to try to take the children by travelling, which can easily be prevented by having a copy. Having a copy means that you can prevent your former partner from travelling with the children without your consent.

3. Financial Documents

When divorcing, the more financial documents that outline the assets, liabilities, and final resources in your name and your former partner’s name, the better. Your lawyer will want to look at these documents to determine the property pool and financial position. This will make sure the advice that you are given is more reliable, and your lawyer can provide proper details regarding an estimation of your property settlement entitlements.

Examples of financial documents are:

• Bank account statements (including personal accounts and mortgage statements);

• Pay slips;

• Tax returns;

• Superannuation statements;

• Share statements; and

• Credit card statements.

Without these documents arguing your property settlement entitlements can become complicated, for your former partner may refuse to negotiate, and any documentation in the name of your former partner may become impossible to access concerning the assets and liabilities in

their name after you have separated. Court action can force your former partner to supply the documents legally; however, Court action is costly, and it is only recommended as a last option.

4. Furniture and belongings

If you have deep pockets, try and put as much furniture and belongings into them as you can. Your partner may very well not let you have access back to the property to retrieve items. If you want to bring your photo albums, dining table or other items, including those with a personal value you wish to keep, then it is recommended to do it quickly. Maybe consider hiring a truck if it won’t fit in your car in one go.

Anything that is left after the separation that you wanted to keep can lead to a dispute, incurring further legal costs and your former partner may argue to keep those items as well which is why it is important not to leave anything that you may want.

Furthermore, these items can be used in a property settlement. Furniture and household contents are considered by the court in terms similar to a garage sale value, even if the items are insured for a higher value. Therefore, it is financially and emotionally beneficial to bring as many items as possible instead of having to barter with your former partner in the future.

5. Remain in Family Home

If you are suffering from family violence or your former partner refuses to leave, then you may have to leave the family home; however, it is suggested that you remain in the family home if you are able.

It reduces financial pressure, and if you leave the family home, you will not be able to access the property without consent from your former partner, although you will not lose the right to the property as part of the property settlement.

6. Develop an Action Plan

You have decided to separate, and now you need to devise a strategy around what you need to do and how. The following are a few prompts to get you started:

• Where are you going to live?

• How are you going to pay the bond and rent?

• Change your passwords.

• Bank accounts.

• Apply for Centrelink and child support.

• Change your will.

• Change ownership of real estate.

• Change your power of attorney.

Are you separating from your former partner?

Do not do this!

During separation and divorce, emotions are running high, yet do not let this cloud your judgement. You will be surprised by how many former partners have considered doing this, and it does not aid you in divorce proceedings.

1. Taking Children to Country/Interstate without consent

If the former partner has not consented, it is strongly recommended not to take the children out of the state. Your former partner needs to be able to trust you with the children during these proceedings, as you discuss the children’s arrangements. It is highly likely that if you take the children out of state without your former partner’s knowledge, when they find out, they will likely use it against you in court proceedings or attempt to further their claim for their rights with the children. Your former partner may also file a court application against you, forcing the return of the children to the state.

To have a healthy co-parenting relationship, your partner and you need to be able to trust one another with the care of the children.

2. Intention to Separate

You have the intention of separating from your former partner, do not discuss this with others, including friends, before talking to your partner; doing so may damage the trust your former partner has with you.

3. Issues on Social Media

If there are issues regarding the relationship, do not advertise it on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. These acts can put a feeling of obligation on those around you to side with a particular party in the dispute and impact relationships. If you are unable to discuss these issues with your former partner, confide in a counsellor or psychologist and avoid sharing these issues with all your contacts.

4. Suffering from Domestic Violence

Do not stay silent if you are suffering from domestic violence. Seek help from an experienced counsellor or psychologist. However, if you feel that you are in immediate danger, call the police or report the domestic violence to an independent authority.

These reports provide evidence of the harm you have suffered and keep an independent and contemporaneous record of the incident. This makes it harder for the incident to be denied by the other party at a later time.

5. Communication with other Party

If you’re experiencing domestic violence, this section does not apply to you. Please reach out immediately to a counsellor or alternatively contact the domestic violence helpline on 1800 737 732.

For those not suffering from domestic violence, if you are able to agree on matters prior to the separation, it can decrease the amount that you would need to spend on legal costs for the negotiation. Once separated, however, depending on your former partner, your lawyer will advise you if communication adjustments need to be made.

2 Currumburra Rd, Ashmore Queensland, 4214

Ph: 1300 244 342 | admin@kingsfordlawyers.com.au

The Importance of Body Corporate Levies: Legal Obligations and Consequences

Residents within strata titled properties, are known as a collective entity as the Body Corporate. The Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (BCCM Act) provides for the establishment, administration and termination of community title schemes. The BCCM Act sets out the legislative framework for community titles schemes, addressing a wide range of matters including governance and decision-making, meeting requirements, financial and property management, insurance and by-laws.

The BCCM Act ensures the smooth functioning of the maintenance and management of the Body Corporate scheme.

A crucial aspect of the Body Corporate schemes’ functionality and the life blood of the Body Corporate is the payment of Body Corporate levies (lot owner contributions) which is a financial obligation that every lot owner must fulfill.

Understanding Body Corporate Levies

1. What are Body Corporate Levies?

Body corporate levies are regular contributions made by individual lot owners to cover various expenses related to the common property and shared facilities. These expenses include maintenance, repairs,

insurance, administrative costs, and the establishment of a sinking fund for future capital works.

2. How Are Levies Determined?

Each year, during the annual general meeting (AGM), the Body Corporate agrees on administrative and sinking fund budgets.

Based on these budgets, the amount that each lot owner must pay is calculated.

The number of instalments and due dates are also decided during the AGM.

3. Special Contributions and Interim

Contributions

Special contributions may be levied to cover unexpected costs not included in the budget.

For instance, if a major repair project exceeds the allocated sinking fund amount, a special contribution can be collected from owners.

Interim contributions help bridge financial shortfalls until new levies are set for the next financial year.

4. Consequences of Non-Payment

A failure to pay your Body Corporate levies is a breach of your legal and statutory obligations as an owner within the Body Corporate.

The payment of Body Corporate levies is the ‘lifeblood’ of the Body Corporate and it functionary as a community title scheme. The body corporate relies on these funds to maintain common property and provide essential services to the Body Corporate.

Levy Recovery

If a contribution remains unpaid after the due date, the Body Corporate can initiate debt recovery action.

At OMB Solicitors, we have a designated Body Corporate levy recovery team to ensure that Bodies Corporate can defer to expert assistance in recovery outstanding levies and to ensure the Body Corporate can comply with it obligations.

The process is as follows:

1. A Final Letter of Demand is addressed to the lot owner. If the owner simply pays the amount in full, then there will be no further action.

2. If no payment is made by the lot owner, then a Claim and Statement of Claim is filed within the Magistrates Court seeking recovery of the unpaid levies, interest and all reasonably incurred recovery costs.

The Body Corporate is empowered under the

BCCM Act to recover all ‘reasonably incurred recovery costs in recovering the unpaid levies’. Thus, the costs the Body Corporate incurs as a result of the recovery action (inclusive of legal costs) are paid by the lot owner.

3. Once the Claim is filed, this is personally served on the owner or in the case of a company this is served on the registered office.

4. The defaulting lot owner has a period of 28 days to pay the debt or the Body Corporate is at liberty to apply for default judgment. Against, the costs are charged are recoverable from the Lot Owner.

Takeaways

Non-payment can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Legal Proceedings: The Body Corporate can take legal action against defaulting lot owners;

• Interest and Penalties: Unpaid levies accrue interest, and additional penalties may apply

• Restrictions on Property Transactions: Outstanding levies can hinder property sales or transfers.

• Damage to Community Harmony and the Body Corporates functionality: Financial strain affects the overall well-being of the community.

In summary, timely payment of body corporate levies is essential for the well-being of our Bodies Corporate. As responsible lot owners, let us fulfill our obligations and contribute to the collective success of our shared spaces.

For more information about the Levy Recovery process, please contact OMB Solicitors.

OMB Solicitors is a multifaceted firm with expertise in Body Corporate and Property Law; Wills and Estates, Insurance/Litigation; Conveyancing; Family and more.

Ocean Sercombe

Ocean by name and ocean by nature! This little Gold Coast local could seemingly swim before he could walk, and definitely counts his namesake as his second home.

The sea and all that goes with it was in Ocean’s blood from the start. His own dad loved the sea and began snorkelling and spearfishing with his own father (Ocean’s grandfather) when he was around 8 years old, so it was never going to be long before Ocean was exposed to the sea as a way of life.

From day one Ocean was exposed to boating and sheltered waterways, and by just 2½ his dad started taking him along on offshore spearfishing trips with friends. It was during these trips that Ocean was slowly acclimated to the way of the ocean, experiencing different conditions, over time becoming more competent in more challenging conditions and rougher weather. He can now confidently hold his own in all kinds of conditions, even those that are pretty undesirable.

Ocean’s father remembers spending countless hours in the pool at home with Ocean, getting him used to a snorkel and a mask, teaching him to duck dive and hold his breath when under water.

“Ocean was introduced to the sea at around three years old. When conditions allowed, he would follow us around while spearfishing, watching us and diving and progressing as he felt comfortable. He is now free diving

to about three or four metres himself, wearing a freediving wetsuit, a mask and snorkel, and a weight belt while holding a spear gun,” his dad said.

Ocean’s experience has far surpassed most kids of his age and he can count diving with Fish Attracting Devices (FADs) deployed offshore in certain areas where fishers and divers can chase pelagics such as dolphinfish, as part of his repertoire.

“He has speared his own dolphinfish while out with me. He has even dived and spearfished with me at off-shore islands around Brisbane, North Stradbroke and Moreton Island,” his father said.

Recently Ocean speared a 6kg surgeon fish at an offshore shoal on the coast of K’Gari (formerly Fraser Island) which is around an 80 km boat trip off the coast of Hervey Bay.

Ocean can also count diving off the Ribbon Reefs (70 km off the coast of Cooktown in Far North Queensland and Sudbury Cay off Cairns, where he speared his first dart fish, amongst his accomplishments.

Having achieved all this at such a tender age, we can’t wait to see what this mini Aquaman accomplishes in the years to come!

STARS

Tania Zaetta

A familiar face from our 90’s TV screens, to a new voice over our radio waves - one thing is true about Tania Zaetta - she is unstoppable. Now having made her home on the Gold Coast with her twins Alby and Kenzie, we can truly call Tania a Gold Coast star.

Once a native Victorian, Tania first graced our screens during the 90’s when she made up one half of the hosting duties on the hugely popular adventure game show - Who Dares Wins alongside former cricketer Mike Whitney.

For those of a different vintage - Who Dares Wins was compulsory viewing on the Seven Network between 1996 and 1998. The show consisted of Tania and Mike ambushing an unsuspecting contestant and daring them to successfully undertake a large scale dare - something like bungee jumping to win a grand prize. If the contestant wasn’t able to complete the dare Tania would be asked to complete it instead. If she did the prize was lost, but if she didn’t the contestant would win the prize.

The show was hugely popular in Australia and subsequently syndicated in the UK, US and India.

After Who Dares Wins Tania starred in a number of other television projects in both acting and hosting roles including the short-lived Australian release of Baywatch Down Under with David Hasselhoff.

Tania has also been a competitor in a number of television series herself, starring in season three of Dancing with the Stars and season two of Celebrity Apprentice Australia with Mark Bouris.

Recently, Tania has swapped her role in front of the camera to a role behind the microphone - hosting two segments on 94.1FM Gold Coast radio.

Tania hosts two segments - ‘Talking with Tania’ a celebrity chat and music show where Tania talks with well-known Australian and international guests from the entertainment and sports industries about their achievements, what they are up to now and upcoming projects. Guests also select their four favourite weekend songs. Guests explain what they love about the four selected songs which are played throughout the segment. Guests have included Dannii Minogue, Kate Cebrano, Shayna Blaze and Mike Whitney to name a few.

‘Living and Loving Life’ is Tania’s second segment on 94.1 FM and is a quick fire lifestyle, health, wellness and general information segment focused on providing tips and hints for living your best Gold Coast life.

Undoubtedly Tania’s greatest role to date has been her role as mum. At 48 years of age, Tania gave birth in 2018 to the lights of her life - twins Alby and Kenzie, after a battle with infertility. Alby and Kenzie both feature regularly on Tania’s Instagram page.

GOLD COAST BORN & BRED

Matty Roberts

Tell us how you came to purchase and redevelop the Cheshire Cat Motel?

This was one of those things where the universe stepped in. My wife Monique and I always had a joint inkling we wanted to embark on something like this - to create a space, build a brand around it and give people an experience that was unique to what we had created. I guess that feeling was laying dormant for some time while we wrangled through life raising toddlers - and then one day I rode my bike past the Motel, and the ‘for sale’ sign was up! I just remember having this pang of excitement at the prospect of owning it, and what we could do with it. I didn’t think an opportunity to scratch our itch would present itself in the neighbourhood we lived, so while it was super exciting, we tried to stay objective; we went through a bunch of due diligence, redesigned the brand, did a whole heap of research and planning, then worked with an amazing bunch of builders and trades to complete the renovation in the second six months of last year.

How do you want guests to feel when they stay at the Cheshire Cat?

We’d love guests to feel calm, yet wayward. To arrive at The Cat and see it as a non-pretentious place to converse with fellow guests along the deck, chill privately in-room or bask in the sun by the pool. Then we want guests to go out, take a walk and experience the burgeoning Palmy scene - sample the cafes, restaurants and bars as well as the waterways. We want guests to wake up and take the short 200 metre stroll to the 3rd Ave beach and lap up the sun. Rinse and repeat. Quite simple, really.

Was the hotel history important to preserve for you?

Yes, so important. The thought that possibly four decades of visitors and transient individuals came through the place is not something to ignore. We love that Palm Beach is a hotspot these days, but we also love that it had a shabby reputation and a bit of a dark side to it, and that the Motel probably featured in many shady stories back in the day - so it’s all about paying homage to this entire past, respecting what the place has been, and then taking it into this new chapter.

Is this the first motel project you have taken on?

If not, tell us what else you have worked on?

This is the first accommodation project we have embarked on. My wife Monique is an interior designer. I have a food/travel/lifestyle TV production business, and I also manage an Aussie chef named Andy Allen (Masterchef Australia Judge and co-owner of Three Blue Ducks restaurants).

Who is the team behind the Cheshire Cat?

While the motel is contactless and there’s no physical reception on-site, the team behind the scenes is and has been both extensive, and tremendous. There’s too many to name, but they know who they are, and each of them is playing a part in this new story of the Motel’s revival. We have so much gratitude for their involvement.

Do you have a strong connection with the Gold Coast?

If so, why?

My mother was born and bred in Nerang, her whole family are part of a rich history here on the Gold Coast. I’ve been around the Gold Coast (and particularly Palmy) ever since I came out of the womb, my parents have lived between here and Brisbane for over 30 years. I’ve always been drawn back to the place, whenever I’ve been living somewhere else in the country as a young adult and then as a parent. Monique, myself and the kids now live about 300 metres up the road from the Cheshire Cat Motel, and it’s just so cool to have something that anchors us all here, and allows us to play a part in the community by keeping this iconic coastal Motel alive.

How has the first week of opening been? What did you do to celebrate?

The opening week has been all about getting the word out. We’ve received so much support from key media and it’s also been truly humbling to see so many different perspectives on the place from in-house guests or potential guests online. We’re enjoying the feedback, exploring out how to make people’s experience more of a vibe. Every day is a school day!

Do you have any other projects on the horizon?

If so, what are they?

Just trying to get this cat on the straight and narrow right now. If anything else comes up we’ll be sure to let you know. It’s kind of addictive...

PASSIONATE PEOPLE

DEB FARNWORTH-WOOD A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

An entrepreneur of the highest degree, Deb Farnworth-Wood has built her success by never fearing a challenge and being able to spot an opportunity when she sees one. It is what has made her one of the Gold Coast’s most successful women in business.

Deb moved from the UK to the Gold Coast in 2007 and has never looked back. Taking her passion and drive for the health and well-being industry to new heights with each year.

It has been the aesthetics business that has been her main passion and some of her greatest success, founding the Australian Skin Clinics franchise in 2014 and growing it from one clinic to 60 over a five year period before selling up in 2019. Deb still runs her Ashmore business, Ultimate Skin and Body Clinic.

Her success over this time drew the attention of many within and outside the industry, with Deb taking out two BRW Fast Starters list positions, one Fast List Position, the winner of the Gold Coast Women in Business Awards and achieving a finalist position in the EY-sponsored Entrepreneur of the Year.

Deb had created a massive impact in the world of aesthetic beauty, taking what were select services only available to the rich and famous and making them accessible to all. To do this she had to challenge the norm, in every aspect of the process from where and how services were delivered though to how therapists were trained.

In 2020 Deb seized another opportunity, purchasing Issada Cosmetics - a well-known Australian mineral makeup brand, and the same year launched Issada Clinical formula skincare which had already been in development for two years prior to her taking the reins. Deb quickly set about moving the business into its own manufacturing facility and reshaped the business for growth and further success into the future.

Issada Cosmeceuticals is a thriving manufacturing, wholesale and retail business with two retail studios - one in Queens Arcade, Brisbane CBD and one in Bulimba, a successful online sales arm, stockists throughout Australia and a growing international presence.

What sets Deb apart is that she thrives where others floundershe loves change and has a ‘the bigger the challenge the better attitude’! She analyses business models for fun and is a decisive leader, who is able to set clear goals and articulate her vision. She has a talent for mentoring teams, growing businesses, and managing successful enterprises, and she is showing no signs of slowing down just yet.

ARIES

(MAR 21 - APR 19)

The huge influence of the solar eclipse in April affecting Aries will allow you to re-think what truly makes you happy. Utilise your discerning powers and eliminate what you feel is no longer adding value to your life. Your quest for the next few months is to feel more empowered so that you can forge ahead with projects, be it your business quest or personal relationships, but the key to becoming more fulfilled is to acknowledge some of your weaker points.

TAURUS

(APR 20 – MAY 20)

“Be careful what you wish for”, as the old adage goes. It may seem to be attractive, however, really allow some space to be more discerning and to decide what direction you wish to take. If you can allow some patience into your daily life, all will be revealed in time. The month ahead will give you more clarity and although you feel your career path is not forging ahead as quickly as you wish, just be patient.

GEMINI

(MAY 21 - JUNE 20)

What an exciting time lies ahead Geminis. Jupiter is about to enter your own sign so this creates a fantastic 12 year cycle of growth, opportunity and learning. Utilise the next couple of months to really think hard as to what you want to achieve and then sit back and enjoy the benefits that come with this cycle.

CANCER

(JUNE 21 – JULY 22)

Friendships are the focus and so who deserves your time will be a priority. You have a natural ability to be empathetic, so encourage new relationships. Your home and family will be a source of comfort and support. Utilise your wonderful intuition to make some sound decisions around your career path and who can support you along the way.

LEO

(JULY 23 – AUG 22)

Your natural leadership qualities and skills can open many doors now. The only downside is if you become too opinionated and single-minded. It’s important to listen to others. A good time to invest, as this can pay off handsomely and make the most of your creative and artistic abilities which could lead to a new enterprise.

VIRGO

(AUG 23 - SEP 22)

Stick to a budget. Devise some positive health regimes which will siphon off some excessive energy. Your natural ability to be dedicated and of service to others in your career is a positive trait but you need to pull back and come to the realisation that you need outlets, hobbies and fun. Allow time to nurture yourself Virgos.

LIBRA

(SEP 23 – OCT 22)

Librans will rethink their belief system and values. What once seemed really important, will no longer seem so valuable. The shift is one of introspection when Librans will feel a desire to be less social, but rather be still and regroup. Your artistic talent will flourish, as you become more focused.

SCORPIO

(OCT 23 – NOV 21)

Scorpios are always associated with transformation, so now you are being tested on how you manage your self-control. This cycle will promote a strong desire for ambition and power which can turn into a huge success. However, it’s important for Scorpios to remain calm, balanced and wise. Your determination can now overcome most of your challenges, but incorporate some tenderness and empathy into your persona.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Focus is on health Saggis. Try to stay motivated so you can become fit and healthy. New partnerships that allow Saggis to still maintain their independence, but feel a sense of connectedness. The energetic and positive spirit will get a boost from your ruling planet Jupiter, so an excellent time for financial matters. Health is good and your creative potential is at an all time high.

CAPRICORN

(DEC 22 - JAN 19)

Setting your intentions is not difficult for Capricorns, as this period can be one of the most positive cycles to manifest what you wish to achieve. The past few years, Caps have set about creating a solid foundation and now it’s time to reap the benefits of this. Lots of offers in developing new skills or exploring new interests. Remember Caps, your persistence and discipline are your greatest assets.

AQUARIUS

(JAN 20- FEB 18)

Your natural humanitarian quality will be in full force. It can also impact how you earn an income. Many Aquarians may have the impetus to create something that can be enjoyed by many. Your success is so powerful, so many Aquarians will gain recognition through writing, publication and publishing. Expect personal growth and breakthroughs, especially in areas you are passionate about.

PISCES

(FEB 19 - MARCH 20)

The benefit of Saturn in your own sign will allow Pisceans to feel more ambitious, grounded and centered. You may feel at times cut off from others, but the opportunity to focus on your job, career and responsibilities will bring about solid rewards. While it doesn’t feel like you’re having much fun at times, it’s a very valuable cycle where much can be achieved through commitment and perseverance.

MARGOT ROBBIE RADIATES UNDER CANCERIAN SUN

Australian born actress Margot Robbie is as intriguing offscreen as she is on.

Her astrological chart reveals a rich tapestry of traits, fed by her Cancer Sun and Scorpio Moon. This combination shapes her persona and influences her artistic choices.

Born under the Cancer Sun, Robbie’s personality indicates that she seeks intense experiences, and is very sensitive and intuitive. Although she herself has denied this when interviewed.

Robbie’s Scorpio Moon adds an intense and passionate layer to her personality. Scorpio Moons are known for emotional intensity, however they are often very private people who don’t share much about their personal lives.

Robbie has a magnetic allure. She has a natural inclination to seek roles that explore the complexities of human emotions, enabling her to portray them with authenticity. Her Venus in Gemini suggests a versatile and adaptable approach in her career, enabling her to effortlessly switch between characters with charm and wit. This placement likely enhances her ability to connect with a wide range of characters, resonating with audiences through her dynamic and engaging performances. She is a great communicator and thrives in group enterprises.

The position of Mars in Aries in Robbie’s chart is pivotal as this fiery position embodies boldness, assertiveness, and a pioneering spirit. This also indicates that she can be very headstrong and knows what she wants.

This aspect of her astrological profile resonates with her off-screen persona - fiercely independent and determined. In her career, it likely fuels her choice of roles that are dynamic, challenging, and often trailblazing.

Jupiter in her 11th house suggests fortune and expansion in social spheres and collaborations. This placement often brings benefits through networks and group involvements. For Robbie, it could mean a natural affinity for forming beneficial alliances in her career, and she would attract a wide circle of friendships which are akin to her own values.

The strong Neptune theme in Margot Robbie’s chart speaks to her immense creativity and possibly a spiritual or mystical inclination, especially as she has a strong predominance of planets located in her 12th house. Robbie is interested in spiritual growth, however she may need to get away from the public persona to rejuvenate and contemplate.

Neptune’s influence in Robbie’s chart suggests that she has a rich imagination and an ability to delve into different personas, essential for versatility as an actor. This aspect may have played a role in her portrayal in Barbie, reflecting her ability to bring depth and nuance to a culturally iconic character.

Nellie McKinley

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLOR

Ph: 0414 630 777

nellie@mckinleygroup.com.au

Specialising in Hamptons and Coastal Style Builds

Building your forever home is one of the biggest undertakings anyone can embark upon. It is a statement about who you are and the things you value. When building your castle you want to make sure you are getting it right; and choosing the best builder for your project is your first step to success; so do you choose a custom or project builder for your home?

First thing’s first - what is the difference between a custom builder and a project builder overall?

A custom builder is generally a smaller, tradesperson centred company who builds projects to client specifications, generally completing a smaller number of projects per year. A project (or volume) builder generally has a collection of set designs clients choose from and complete many more projects over a 12 month period.

But which one is right for your project?

Well, that depends on a number of factors, but considerations like budget, time, what you want to achieve and how close you want to be to the project are all significant factors.

Custom builders like Wycon Homes offer clients a number of distinct advantages when building their forever homes.

1. Personalisation and customisation

Custom builders prioritise individuality, allowing clients to actively participate in the design process. Clients are involved in all facets of the design, from selecting unique architectural elements to deciding on interior layouts. Clients have the freedom to shape their home according to their individual preferences and lifestyle.

2. Design flexibility

Custom builders facilitate collaboration with architects and designers to create a home that stands out. The design process becomes a collaborative effort, ensuring that the client’s vision is not only realised but enhanced by professional expertise, resulting in a truly distinctive home.

3. Craftsmanship

Custom builders focus on superior craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Employing skilled artisans and utilisation of high-quality materials contribute to a home that not only looks impressive but also stands the test of time, minimising the need for future repairs or renovations.

Gwen and Neal

4. Better budget control

Clients have transparency and control over the budget, choosing where to allocate resources based on their priorities. This collaborative approach ensures that the budget is optimised to meet the client’s expectations, avoiding unnecessary expenses and allowing for informed decisions throughout the project.

5. Individual service

Custom builders provide a more personalised and attentive service. Clients experience clear communication and ongoing involvement, fostering a strong builder-client relationship. This personalised approach enhances the overall building experience, making it more enjoyable and stress-free.

6. Collaboration with the builder

With a custom builder, clients have direct communication and interaction with the builder throughout the entire build process. This direct line of communication ensures that any concerns or questions are addressed promptly.

Clients benefit from the builder’s expertise and have the assurance that the person overseeing the project is intimately familiar with their unique vision and requirements.

When considering a project builder, there are some important questions you should ask yourself before engaging, and a number of factors you should consider regarding your involvement with your build.

Project builders often offer pre-designed plans with limited room for customisation. This limitation can result in homes that lack the personal touch and unique features that reflect the individuality of the homeowners.

Clients will also have less influence over the design process with project builders. This reduced control may lead to compromises in achieving a home that perfectly aligns with the homeowner’s vision and lifestyle.

When engaging a project builder there are often fewer options for customisation, standard features, fixtures and fittings are generally a requirement of the engagement. This means clients may miss the opportunity to incorporate special features or high-end finishes into their property, limiting the overall customisation of their home.

Fixed budgets and less individualised attention are some other factors to consider when working with a project builder over a custom builder.

This reduced control may lead to compromises in achieving a home that perfectly aligns with the homeowner’s vision and lifestyle. Project builders may also have fixed budget allocations for various aspects of the construction and this lack of flexibility can limit the client’s ability to prioritise certain aspects of the home that are most important to them.

A great way to help make a decision about who to engage in your building project is to create a list detailing what aspects of your build are most important to you. What are your non-negotiables and how much control do you want to have? Knowing the answers to these questions in advance will put you on the path to your dream home.

KRISTIINA & LACHLAN

THE WEDDING

Celebrant: Love-Lei Weddings

Photographer: Karla Rowsell

Videographer: Moon & Back

Cake: Peace of Cake

Transport: We used our own transport as we stayed at the house (Stonehill Estate) for the weekend

Chef: Matt from Social Eating House

Wine: Somm Wine Store

Invitations and Menus: Gypsy Social

Entertainment: We had our own entertainment, karaoke and all!

THE BRIDE

Name: Kristiina Voyce

Profession:

Owner of iBrow Boutique Mermaid Beach

Parents: Russell and Helen Voyce

Dress: Kyah Studios

Hair: Will Allen Hair

Make-up: Rachelle Edwards

Flowers: Two Hearts Club

Shoes: Gucci

Engagement ring and wedding rings: Le Gassick

Jewellery: Tiffany & Co

Bridesmaids: No bridesmaids but the two girls in blue were Kookai and Seed. Emma and Emily were meant to be my bridesmaids

Flower Girl: Lidelle

THE GROOM

Name: Lachlan Marshall

Profession: Director Harcourts

Coastal Commercial

Parents: Naomi and Peter Marshall

Suit: MJ Bale

Shoes: Acquila

Groomsmen: No groomsmen

How did you meet?

Through Kristiina’s parents , Lachy sold their commercial factories.

How did he propose?

On the beach in Mermaid, then came home to all of our family surprising us with a big party.

Where did you get married and what was the most memorable moment of the day?

At Stonehill Estate in Pottsville. It’s a gorgeous Queenslander that has been renovated. It was just beautiful to have all of our family in the one house for the entire weekend. The most memorable moment was walking down the aisle to my husband to be and our daughter Giselle.

Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?

We had the big Queenstown wedding planned in the middle of COVID so it was very surprising for us to end up in Pottsville.

Where did you go for your Honeymoon?

Vietnam.

Would you do anything differently?

Absolutely nothing, our day suited us perfectly being with our families.

What was the standout moment of the day?

We had chef Matt from Social Eating House in Broadbeach cook for us at the house.

Best advice for other couples?

You get so caught up in having the most organised day and checking the weather. Just let it all unfold, relax, enjoy the morning getting ready and make sure you have a moment with your husband on the day. It absolutely flew by!

TEIGAN & CHRIS

THE WEDDING

Celebrant: Clarah Luxford

Photographer:

Lauren Joy Photography

Videographer: White Wedding Film Co

Entertainment:

Lauren Bradman Violinist, Mrs Sax Australia

THE GROOM

Name: Chris Hutchison

Profession: Musician

Parents: Joanne Hutchison and Mark Hutchison

Suit: Made with Class

Shoes: Julian Marlow

Groomsmen: James Gibellini, Josh Hupfeld, Tim Hart, Michael Eotvos

THE BRIDE

Name: Teigan Fortnum

Profession:

Business Owner and Executive

Assistant to Tony Rigas at The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub

Parent: Katrina Fortnum

Dress: Made with Love

Hair and make-up: Blush’d

Brides

Flowers: Ivy & Bleu

Shoes: Tony Bianco

Engagement ring and wedding rings: CTJ jewellery

Jewellery: Family Peal Heirloom

Bridesmaids: Madi Weston, Paige Hudson, Kristy Calson, Katie Fortnum

How did you meet?

I saw Chris at an LJ Hooker event where he was singing and messaged him because for me it was love at first sight five years ago. He never noticed me and then he responded and we started hanging out. It wasn’t the right timing for us and we believed the universe wasn’t ready for our love so we decided best friends it is. Fast track five years later, we were back, hanging out and it was like the universe was forcing us together and even though we had doubts because we didn’t want to risk losing the friendship, our friendship turned into love and now we can honestly say we married our best friend. There isn’t much we don’t know about each other and learning everyday.

How did he propose?

He created a fake photo shoot to get me to the beach and had a videographer and everything planned. I was none the wiser and truly believed we were doing a dating shoot so getting mic’d up and posing was no suprise and the hair and make up was in full swing.

It was very romantic. There was champagne and a full set-up with fruit flowers and decor all designed and created by Ivy & Bleu. He also had my family hiding behind a sand dune so they could come celebrate after he popped the question. It was everything I dreamed it could be.

Where did you get married and what was the most memorable moment of the day?

We got married at The Darling at the Star Gold Coast on the 18th floor. It was stunning. It was the first wedding they had ever had in that room so we were so honoured to be the first and make something of the space given it had just been renovated only months earlier. As we planned our wedding with a six week turn around, all the planning was in full swing and there was not one day where we were not planning or deciding on some element of the wedding. Being peak wedding season a lot of venues were already booked and owning a wedding business ourselves, we really didn’t want to go somewhere where it felt like a work day, we wanted all the surprises on the day.

Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?

At the ceremony, we announced we are 12 weeks pregnant to our 100 guests and during our first dance we announced we are due to have a baby boy on the 5th of May this year.

Where did you go for your Honeymoon?

We are planning a babymoon/honeymoon early this year, something really relaxing I would think and tropical, we still have not decided.

Would you do anything differently?

Honestly nothing, it was a magical day. I would do it all over again the same, I just wish I could go back and relive it over and over again. The day before was so chaotic with last-minute bits and pieces we needed to do, last minute dress alterations but we were so happy all the stresses were gone just in time for the wedding day.

Hens and bucks days/nights?

We both don’t believe in them, so we just had our friends get together before the wedding and we all celebrated together.

What was the standout moment of the day?

I think our first dance, when we also did a gender reveal that was the stand-out. I also loved our dance floor afterwards, we loved all our guests and it felt like it ended too soon. We could have danced all night.

Best advice for other couples?

Spend the day side by side, it goes so fast and with so many friends and family around its easy to loose each other. We stuck together most of the day and it was so nice to experience every moment together side by side.

ALISA & ADAM

THE WEDDING

Celebrant: AM Celebrant

Photographer and videographer: And Ever Collective

Wedding cake: Gareth Keenan Catering

Entertainment:

Danielle Guest Music & James Mack Music

THE GROOM

Name: Adam Mazzocchetti

Profession: CEO, Founder Qorra

Parent: Lucia Sofia

Suit: Daniel Hechter

Shoes: Ferragamo

Pageboy: Zane Sawyer

Pageboy suit: Van Heusen

THE BRIDE

Name: Alisa Katan

Profession:

Brand and Marketing Director

Parents: Albert and Larisa Katan

Dress: Tina Valerdi

Hair and make-up:

Ashley Maree Make-up

Flowers: The French Petal

Shoes: Christian Dior

Engagement ring and wedding rings: Custom

Jewellery: Logan Hollowell

Flower Girl: Arielle McCormack

Flower Girl Dress: A Little Lacey

How did you meet?

We met on Bumble, Adam was back in Australia for one day after living in Italy for several months. We connected online and sparked up a great conversation. The following day I asked him out and he suggested Nineteen at The Star. I walked in and he was waiting for me with a margarita. He looked dashing and dressed well and I was instantly impressed. He was mesmerised by my charm and his huge smile made it obvious that we had that certain something and 15 months later we met under the Fig Tree to start our life together.

How did he propose?

Adam had planned a romantic picnic on the beach at sunset. He got down on one knee and proposed with a beautiful oval shape diamond ring. We ate dinner on the beach and drank a 2008 Crystal Champagne to celebrate our new engagement. He had been saving the bottle for many years for a special occasion such as this.

Where did you get married and what was the most memorable moment of the day?

The iconic Fig Tree Restaurant in the Byron Bay Hinterland. Under the fig tree overlooking the olive groves with views all the way to the lighthouse, where we shared our first kiss. The Fig Tree Restaurant is renowned for its ideal location and exquisite food. Our most special moment was walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time. Our emotions and the happiness of our family and friends in that moment is a memory that will last a lifetime.

Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?

Our first dance, which we rehearsed for many weeks was to an Italian song Felicita which means happiness. We managed to wow our guests with all the lifts and spins.

Where did you go for your Honeymoon?

The breathtaking Maldives, which has been a dream our ours to visit. Unforgettable and romantic.

Would you do anything differently?

My only wish would be to have more time to spend with our guests. The day goes by so fast and savouring every moment is a must.

Hens and bucks days/nights?

Hens: My hens day was planned by my best friends on the Gold Coast. Somehow they managed to keep it a secret and the surprise was fantastic. We started at The Pink Flamingo for a male burlesque show and then went on to the La Luna Beach Club for a long lunch.

Bucks: Adam stayed in with the boys and drank fine wine.

What was the standout moment of the day?

The weather. Despite the weather being rainy and windy the days prior and the days following. Our wedding day was the only day that week that was clear, perfect and still. It’s like the heavens shone down on us.

Best advice for other couples?

Don’t cut corners, get everything your heart desires and budget allows. You only get one shot to make your day special, magical and memorable.

GLOBAL LAUNCH - MARITIMO S75 SEDAN MOTOR YACHT

WHERE GRANDEUR, STYLE AND PURPOSE INTERSECT.

Leading Australian luxury long range motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo presents the much-anticipated and truly grand brand flagship, Maritimo S75 Sedan Motor Yacht.

The S75 is the embodiment of everything that is Maritimo, in a form that balances authority and grace. The confident and deliberate lines, further accentuated by the extended hardtop that delivers coverage and protection from the elements, define this new model’s commanding presence.

Along with the sleek Portofino hips that frame a delicate reverse sheer, the S75’s aesthetic belies its distinct proportions. Purposeful black accents on the targa bar - housing radar and satellite domes, give a sports-like feel and serve to highlight the S75’s sleek profile and form.

Equipped with the hallmarks of the brand, including Maritimo’s long range blue water cruising credentials, deep sided walk around decks are complemented by a versatile outdoor lounge area at the bow, with free-standing sunpad and forward-facing lounge.

The S75’s hull design was expertly crafted for comfortable long-distance voyages. Her profile features massive panoramic glazing for views from every angle. The curvature of the front screen is an engineering masterpiece and integrates in harmony gloriously with the moulded form of the saloon.

Stepping on board the S75, the vast, open nature of the rear Adventure Deck is apparent, and very much delivers on the all-important grandeur a superyacht deserves.

Sitting just above the waterline, the Adventure Deck creates a visual and functional connectivity with the ocean, where all adventures outside the vessel await, and upon return provides a welcoming space for lounging, barbequing and total relaxation. This is the ultimate stage for absolute action and adventure or lounging, with cocktails and tunes.

At 18-square-metres, it is big enough to house a basketball key with room to spare, or sun loungers, watertoys, or an intimate table setting for dinner à deux at the water’s edge. Proof

aplenty that there’s generous space for everyone on board, whatever their interest or inclination.

Stepping up to the upper-cockpit deck space and lounging area, guests will enjoy abundant opportunities for entertaining and alfresco dining, with the option of full weather protection should the need arise.

Maritimo’s renowned style and practicality again are evident with the aft galley boasting a refined palette of materials and finishes, and top of the range appliances. The S75’s spacious galley serves both in and outdoor dining areas and socially connects chef and guests alike. Storage and functionality design stem from a deep understanding of the requirements for extended stays aboard.

In the saloon, large windows create a light and airy space, with uninterrupted views. This plush and relaxing zone offers dedicated lounging and dining options and incorporates a 65” flatscreen TV that rises from cabinetry at the push of a button. Additionally, the screen can be swivelled and subsequently viewed from the kitchen and even upper cockpit. It’s your home away from home cinema that adds to the superyacht feel and is unmatched in this class.

An elevated cruising lounge allows for great interaction with those at the helm, who enjoy ergonomically designed and electrically adjustable, heated helm seats and easy access to controls and instrumentation.

The atrium stairwell at the front of the saloon appears to float in space and captures light for a safe and pleasant descent to the accommodation level below.

The full-beam Master Stateroom is an indulgent sanctuary within an abundance of space and light, delivered by large panel windows on each side of the room. Sumptuous materials exude grand luxury and privacy creating a calming space. The adjacent three-quarter beam master ensuite provides an abundance of space and storage.

Light, open and luxurious staterooms and amenities are located further forward, including the VIP stateroom and ensuite and starboard stateroom and bathroom, accommodating up to four guests in grand comfort.

Across the entire S75 the Maritimo excellence of craftsmanship is evident. The S75 reveals a depth of design and build consideration on a higher level.

“You’ll notice that there are smooth moulded finishes everywhere on the vessel – even in the engine room when you look up,” said Operations Director, Phil Candler.

“This is the result of continued development in our production processes and how we have designed and constructed the S75.

“It really is a new era for Maritimo,” continued the veteran of more than 30 years’ industry experience.

“The main mouldings are backed up with moulded liners, which not only allow us to create sub-assemblies for synchronised production flow, it enhances the vessel with extra strength. We’ve added to our patented liner system which affords even greater ocean-going capabilities and further minimises any noise and vibration,” Candler added.

Power to weight and cruising capabilities have been perfectly paired with the S75 with the Scania twin 1150MHP DI16 V8 marine engines.

Maritimo is also the first Australian manufacturer to offer an upgrade to Rolls Royce Power Systems mtu – the commercial power systems of the legendary brand - which are available in the 2000 Series V10 1625MHP per side. Performance, reliability, serviceability and range are always at the forefront of engines chosen by Maritimo.

“We are incredibly proud to be launching this majestic vessel and indeed what it represents for Maritimo,” said Tom BarryCotter, Managing Director of Maritimo and son of Maritimo founder, Bill Barry-Cotter.

“The S75 is the culmination of over three years of development by the dedicated Maritimo team. The company has invested many hundreds of thousands of hours in the planning, development and pre-production of the S75, collaborating with Maritimo owners intensively throughout the process.”

“When you consider the evolution of Maritimo over the past 20 years you understand that the foundations for the development of the S75 really started back then,” Barry-Cotter continued.

“When Bill Barry-Cotter founded Maritimo in 2003, his vision was the evolution to the scale of vessels that we are producing today, and he set about creating an environment where that would be possible.

“The global launch of the S75 heralds the start of Maritimo’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, and what could be more fitting in our 20th year than releasing this grand vessel, the epitome of everything that is Maritimo.”

Back in the driver’s seat

Our favourite cover girl, Bianca Elouise, the multi-talented swimwear entrepreneur, is back and sharing her journey with the Mercedes-Benz brand, her experience driving the Mercedes-Benz EQE and the exciting future of her swimwear empire.

Bianca is right at home, beachside behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz. For the successful swimwear mogul, the connection with this iconic brand runs deep, spanning generations and sparking a lifelong passion.

We’re nearing the end of the shoot and Bianca has been an enthusiastic collaborator, whether it’s wading into the shallow surf, wandering in the pandanus trees, striking a pose alongside the EQE SUV or taking the luxury vehicle for a lap around the carpark, she’s invested in bringing our creative vision to life.

“Jumping from my G63 to an electric car is definitely something to get used to,” she says.

“The interior and the technology are unmatched in the EQE; it’s certainly what I would call an experience.”

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV offers a host of features that enhance both its convenience and safety. The EQE’s Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC takes charge by automatically adjusting to the vehicle in front of you and even has the ability to fine-tune your preferred following distance.

Exploring the EQE’s interior is akin to stepping into a world of modern luxury and personalisation. Inside, the MBUX Hyperscreen and its array of digital colour themes invite you to tailor the space to suit your driving tastes and preferences.

As you settle into the driver’s seat, you can’t help but notice the high-quality interior trim elements that adorn the cabin.

“It’s such a smooth and silent drive, which is very different from what I’m used to,” says Bianca.

“My father is the biggest reason why I have a connection with Mercedes-Benz.

“All through school, I was driven to and picked up in a navy blue 1971 250CE with lambswool seat covers and a cream off-white interior, which was gifted to my dad by my grandfather.

“Those were my childhood memories, and I can still feel the drive of that car, it was like sitting in a lounge room.”

This vivid reminiscence encapsulates the enduring allure of the brand and as Bianca grew older, the dream of owning her own Mercedes-Benz became a driving force in her life.

“Growing up, owning a Mercedes-Benz myself was a goal,” she says.

“I remember when I purchased my first A-Class, I thought I had made it in life. Little did I know it was only the beginning of my journey with the brand.”

Through the years, her automotive journey has taken her from the sporty A-Class to the sleek C Coupe, the elegant E Coupe, and now, the rugged and powerful G-Class. It’s a testament to the brand’s diverse line-up, each vehicle offering its unique blend of performance, luxury, and style.

“I not only appreciate the vehicles but also resonate deeply with the core values of the company. These values align seamlessly with both my personal ethos and my brand’s identity,” she says.

Beyond her love for Mercedes-Benz, Bianca is the creative force behind the thriving swimwear brand, Myra Swim.

Last time we caught up with her, she’d just made the Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ list and was celebrating a slew of high-profile celebrity clients such as Margot

Robbie, Chrissy Teigen, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and more.

“Myra Swim is currently in the midst of a rebranding journey. After a decade of growth, I felt it was time for a refresh,” she says.

“Reaching the decade milestone has been a highlight of both Myra Swims’ and my personal journey within the business. I recognise the levels of strength and resilience it takes to get a business here, so I’m really proud of this achievement.

“I’m working on new collections and my team has grown, which is great. Everything is feeling really fresh, and I love that after a long period of time.”

The world of fashion, similar to the world of automotives, never stops moving and evolving, and Myra Swim is adept at keeping up.

“I draw constantly, so my ideas flow non-stop. Then, at seasonal points of the year, I’ll gather those ideas and construct a bunch of sketches of the desired product,” Bianca says.

“These are relayed to my design team and processed into a sample, which is a process that can take months or even a year.”

During the sample process, Bianca goes back and forth with her team following fittings and corrections until the garment is perfect to put into production.

“The summer season will see a whole new resort range launch. From there, we are excited to share a new cotton range to blend with my swim staples and no doubt, new swimwear, so there’s lots of new on the horizon,” she says.

“Most of all, I really just want to keep having fun with my business and enjoying what I have built.”

Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast is located at 11 Scottsdale Drive Robina. Step into the dealership from 8.00 AM to 5.30 PM, Monday to Friday (Saturday 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM) and explore a world of luxury automotive excellence.

Words: Melinda Burton

Images: Paul Broben

Socials

SOCIALS BROUGHT TO YOU

LADIES MEDIA LUNCH

Emporium Hotel South Bank celebrated the start to the working year with their annual Ladies Media Lunch at Signature restaurant, in January.

Hosted by General Manager, Julie Manega and Chef Luca Spagnolo, guests were treated to caviar bumps together with fresh seasonal dishes by fresh Queensland producers.

Photography by Claudia Baxter

Emily Jade O’Keeffe

Katrina Blowers

Danielle Hughes Brown and Julie Manega

Ebony Cavallaro

Aislin Kriukelis and Victoria Carthew

Laura Allen-Ducat and Claudine Blondeau

Kate Fallis and Kendall Gilding

Abby Coleman

GOLD COAST SWIM WEEK

The Gold Coast swim week grand finale was held at the Cali Beach Club in Surfers Paradise recently. The Gold Coast sizzled in some of the most stunning swimwear and resort wear available that was curated by leading designers from both national and international arena. All brought to the Gold Coast by the Australian Fashion Federation and sponsored by Gold Coast Panache magazine.

Kathie Pearls

Surjit Singh and Abbey Knapp

Photography by Carey Cam Gold Coast Media

Anthony Frith and Amber Pou

Amber Desimone, Rhye Costello and Sarah Cetinich

Jasmine Stringer

Rebecca Forsythe and Ashleigh Mehler

LOVE MONTH LONG LUNCH

The ladies of the Gold Coast were painting the town red at February’s Love Month Long Lunch held at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. The event was masterfully MC’d by Triple M Brisbane breakfast radio announcer Margaux Parker, with all funds raised on the day benefiting The Gold Coast Community Fund. Dressed in every shade of red, guests enjoyed a delicious three course lunch and were treated to the musical stylings of Soulcutz and a sneak peek fashion show of all the latest designs by the always amazing Liz Clift International. One lucky lady walked away with a divine diamond and ruby Ti Amo ring valued at $10,000 from 5th Avenue Jewellers, Capri on Via Roma.

Photography by Carey Cam, Gold Coast Media

Lisa Carrick and Pat Worboys

Ann Rivereau, Liz Clift and Carol Flipp

Carolyn Morton and Susanne Reither

Felicity Cohen and Catherine Fitzsimmons

Katy Smith-Page and Elizabeth Jones

Deanne Avery and Bron Williams

Michelle Dessaix and Maggie Palmer

Mayoress Ruth Tate, Gigi Korbel and Melissa Gilbert

Dianne Baker, Barb Schaal, Jenni Kennedy and Pam Sturgess

Dale Olsson and Dianne Cant (OAM)

Lily Kekos, Kate Bennett, Meg Barnes, Kylie Foy and Anne Armstrong

Vickie Swinfield, Anna Larson and Marlene Cleveland

Yvon Xantos, Vicki Saville, Charmayne Partridge and Lani Furlong

Liz Murrihy and Azra Kujovic

Natalie Hallert, Natalie Bilborough Melissa Shields and Rose Jones

Tracey Wickham and Tracy Lumsden

Kirsten Debray and Nicole Carter

Natalie Mayne, Nicole Daley and Jo-Anne Wilkie

GOLD COAST CHARITY LUNCH

Socials

SOCIALS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Every third Thursday of the month a group of community minded women meet to raise money for some of the Gold Coast’s most deserving charities. The most recent lunch was held at QT Gold Coast’s Bazaar Restaurant. Hosted by Pam Sturgess and her amazing team including Barbara Schaal, Dianne Baker, Charmayne Partridge and Jenni Kennedy. The lunch raised over $8000 on the day with all funds going to Journey 2 Learn Neuro-Inclusion - a local charity who work to help integrate children with autism into mainstream education.

Photography by Anne Armstrong

Kathy Alerti, Lainey Loneragan and Rosa Sirianni

Kate Bennett and Rebecca Baird

Karen Ryan and Margaret Bishop

Jean Appleyard, Liz Pforr and Suzanne McCarthy

Ann Glenister and Charmayne Partridge

Socials

SOCIALS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Sue Hastie and Zaraha Alisah

Jo Knapp and Vicki Forsyth

Joedy Lee and Daphne Grech

Iava Parapa-Falvey, Margaret Sponberg and Cristiane Carlos

Liz Scherlowski and Judy Purchase

Nina Simson and Marie-luise Belz

AACTA AWARDS

The Gold Coast’s very own HOTA hosted the 2024 AACTA Awards recently. It was a star studded event attended by Australia’s (and the world’s) biggest names in entertainment including Gold Coast’s own Margot Robbie, along with Cate Blanchett, Rebel Wilson, Ron Howard and Simon Baker.

Sophie Wild won Best Lead Actress in Film for Talk to Me and Aswan Reid won Best Lead Actor in Film for The New Boy. The coveted AACTA Trailblazer Award was won by Hollywood heavy-weight Margot Robbie.

The AACTA Awards ceremony formed part of a glorious AACTA Festival running over four days which showcased and celebrated the incredible homegrown talent we have in the entertainment industry.

Photography by Getty

Abbie Chatfield

Elsa Pataky

Celeste Barber and husband Api Robin

Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall

Simon Baker

Cate Blanchett

Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley

Joel Edgerton

Deborah Mailman

HIGH TEA WITH THE LORD MAYORESS

Vanessa Anderson invited 20 ladies to high tea at the Hamilton Room at Brisbane City Hall to meet Mayoress Nina Schrinner recently. Vanessa bought the experience for a large donation at a previous event held last year in Brisbane hosted by Sonia Stradiotto. The funds raised went to The Carers Foundation. It was an event enjoyed by all, with the ladies sipping Moet Chandon and indulging in a beautiful high tea prepared by two French chefs.

Photography by Kate Bennett DAAR photo: Leah Desborough

Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi THE SOCIAL KING OF QUEENSLAND

Deborah Luck and Tina Bayley

Sonia Stradiotto and Nat Nixon

Vanessa Anderson and Mayoress Nina Schrinner

Rose King

Joanne Sydenham and Loretta Sheerin

The whole crew at the high tea at Brisbane City Hall

Ronnie Benbow

Fleur and Tracy Madden

Dianne Cant (OAM)

Lauren Hyland

CHANNEL 7 KICK-OFF PARTY

All the stars in the Channel 7 constellation were shining bright at the annual kickoff party held in Brisbane recently! The event was hosted by Channel 7’s Chief Marketing and Audience Officer, Melissa Hopkins alongside Managing Director of Seven Qld, Todd Dickinson. Guests enjoyed a gorgeous lunch at the beautiful Bougainvillea House at Howard Smith Wharves and were entertained by a glittering guest panel that included Dr Chris Brown, Sonia Kruger, Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington.

Photography by Vethaak Media.

Alissa Smith

Melissa Hopkins and Todd Dickinson

Jillian Whiting

Sonia Kruger

Riana Crehan

Erin Holland

Matt Shirvington

Sandra Delon and Vikki Winter

Aleen Bates and Deb Isaak

Sally Pearson and Mark Wilson

Natalie Barr and Sharyn Ghidella

Paul Burt, Liz Cantor, Amanda Abate and Steve Titmus

Kip Wightman and Robin Bailey

Dr Chris Brown

Samantha Heathwood

Luttsy and Max Futcher

Georgia Clelland and Laura Chalmers

Abby Coleman and Margaux Parker

Sonia Stradiotto

CEO/Designer-

Sonia Stradiotto Couture

How long have you been designing?

I started as a child watching my mother as a tailoress and being inspired by Hollywood movies and the glamour of the silver screen. My brand and company celebrates 35 years this year. What inspired you to get into the industry?

Through a Diploma in Retail Management with Myer, I was exposed to the high end parades and designer fashions of the mid 80s. I loved being able to help women look in the mirror and see how they could look and inspiring them and listening to them actually inspired me and my purpose.

Where do you get inspiration for your designs from?

Fabric and travel, take me to Italy and I am inspired by my surroundings and the love of Italian architecture, music, food and environment.

What sets Gold Coast fashion apart from other places around Australia and the world?

The Gold Coast is a rare diamond in the world that offers the beach and the mountain framing an exotic lifestyle. Our

fashion is a mix of colour and texture, merging with luxe living and glamourous nightlife, with this city leading in events that attract international visitors. What do you think have been the keys to your success and longevity in the industry?

Reach for the stars, and touch the moon. Constant evolution, integrity of the cloth, and a love of my clients and relationships.

What are your favourite women’s pieces to design?

I love the Sonia Stradiotto Couture signature sequin tux and my trademark is “the jacket”, every way you can imagine in the genres of eclectic, resort, business, cocktail and formal.

What are some of your most memorable creations and fashion moments?

So many! Every woman is memorable, but seeing my daughter Bianca steal the limelight at her school formal at 18, and transform from her sensible, understated school girl image to show stopping, jaw dropping woman... I am a proud designer and mum.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to enter the fashion and design industry?

Hurry slowly, learn the basics, work in the industry and do the basic start out ground work. You need to understand the process and spend time with the clients that will be the potential consumer to your brand. Update your knowledge and learn. If you fail at something, consider it a win and a lesson, and look for the opportunity in every situation.

What is your number one piece of advice to women when they are deciding what to wear every day and for special occasions?

Stop thinking about what you cannot wear and focus on what you can wear. Dress for who you are now.

Is there anything that you have not done and want to realise?

Yes, I have been making men’s couture jackets for 15 years and kept it a secret. It is a private service for all the favourite husbands that encourage their wives to shop with us. My handsome son James wears them so well, he has inspired me to release them into the collection.