you are in the world we will come to you with a little bit of ‘out of the ordinary’ Townsville, North Queensland.
As well as the printed version of the magazine found in all our local great cafes, retail stores, hotels and venues, we link to our video stories. This is where you get to really meet the locals. Get ready to use your QR Code scanner folks because we have created some great vignettes of most interviews we
As we go to print, we sit with bated breath waiting to see if our beloved ‘Cowboys’ make it through the finals. Fingers crossed Townsville.
And lastly, thank you to our contributors – check them out. This great team have committed to sharing this journey too and I cannot thank
Checkout the ‘Otherside Bar’ mic night for local musical talent.
Lookout for “Big Blue Table” events locally and support Mental Health Month.
Cuban Salsa classes with Global Dance which start again in October
Constantly looking for excuses to play at the beach.
Townsville’s best photographer and videographer. Ably assisted with videography and editing by Kate. Her sweet nature and relaxed approach to taking photos belies her eagle eye for taking ‘feeling’ photos full of energy.
Brae picks up all the pieces Josie leaves behind and makes sure our digital playground works properly. Most days though he works as a fabulous Sales & Marketing Agent for Belle Property.
Jake was a local for 15 years before recently moving out west to Mount Isa. As our resident creative genious, he meets unrealistic deadlines and last minute design changes. He also runs his own design agency, Glass Onion Creative, and enjoys working with small businesses locally and nationally.
Tradie DJ (Derrick Lunney) – Birdie Music Reviewer & Owner at TLC Maintenance Group
Richard Norris – Birdie Wine Reviewer & Owner at Osk Bar
Natalie Dearnley – Birdie Social Butterfly & Property Specialist at Smith and Elliott Real Estate Anna Williams – Birdie Design Column & Owner at Ethos Interiors
Claudia Aubort – Birdie Therapist & Psychotherapist/Self-Awareness Specialist at Claudia Aubort
Rike Wolf – Guest Birdie Food Reviewer & Owner at Rike Rolf Music (Specialist Cellist) Natalie Dukes – Red Copy (www.redcopy.com.au)
08 THE SOUL OF THE GLOBE 16 FOOD REVIEW
FOOD FROM THE HEART
WINE REVIEW
MUSIC REVIEW
PEOPLE
OUT AND ABOUT 15 THE POLITICAL COCKTAIL 24 PINK CHAIR CHATS
AGENT PROFILE
PADDLE (NOT) BORED 36 OCTOBER EVENTS
THE KEY TO A HAPPY RELATIONSHIP
AT HOME WITH ANNA
SUBURB REVIEW
PROPERTIES FOR SALE
OCTOBER PROMOS
Keep an eye out for our next edition where we will feature what’s happening on Magnetic Island, local fishing tips and a gardening in Townsville column. Contact us if you have an idea, event or issue you would like to see in the magazine.
of The Little
is to be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information in this publication. Expressed or implied authors' and advertisers' opinions are not necessarily those of the editor and or publisher.
There’s nothing like a last-minute decision to have a chat to someone for a new magazine you are launching, and then realise you have just met one of the most incredibly talented beings you have ever met.
Now saying that, I had met Estelle previously. Our paths crossed at some recent women’s networking events. She stood out at those events. Stunning, beautiful, but fairly quiet. We politely chatted and went our separate ways.
While frantically pulling our magazine together for the first issue and wondering who or what would be front cover material for us, I received a message from a good friend suggesting I chat with Estelle. Nothing to lose, sure. She had an event coming up that could be interesting.
Well into our little studio walked Estelle, known as ‘I am Estelle’. She has a quiet, but a powerful presence. Someone who has come to terms with herself and has chosen a creative and powerful outlet for who she is, today.
Prior to our meeting, she sent me a song she recently wrote as a part of her healing path and a painting of Grace Tame. I was gob-smacked. Both sent shivers down my spine.
A singer, songwriter, artist and performance artist, mother of three and married for almost twenty three years. She is passionate about creating music and art that sparks a movement of healing and transformation for women.
Currently she is working on ‘Project Speak Up!’ which is the natural progression from her initiative ‘The Warrior Project’ where she released an original song, video clip and painting each month at events drawing attention to issues effecting women.
The issues of domestic and family violence, sexual assault and abuse really impacted Estelle and she connected with likeminded women to form Project Speak Up! Their mission is ‘Empower. Educate. Elevate.’ They want to make Townsville a safer and more liveable city for women and children through preventing domestic and sexual violence and use the power of the arts, education, media and community to effect change in a preventative way.
The first event for Project Speak Up! is being held on the 7th of October featuring Grace Tame as the keynote speaker. The funds raised from the event and the sale of Estelle’s portrait of Grace Tame will contribute to local educational programs aimed at systemic change around these issues.
The projects supported by the event are the MENtor program with NQDVRS for male domestic violence offenders, Sexually Healthy Cities and Curtis Rayment’s ‘It’s A Man’s Issue’ educational program for high school aged children. Estelle is also releasing her upcoming single ‘We Are The Ones (Tongues Of Fire)’, a song written especially for the event and inspired by Grace Tame and her counterparts.
Watch our interview with ‘I am Estelle’.
Click here for ‘I am Estelle’ socials, events & music.
Cost: $370
Designer: Miss June Paris
Designed & Made: France
Cost: $355
Designer: Fillyboo
Designed: Australia
Made: Bali
It’s a brave person that puts their hand up to help us out by attending a number of local events for the magazine. Natalia Dearnley, sales agent from Smith and Elliott Real Estate, has been out and about through the ‘event season’.
The Support Local Townsville Mid Year Celebration with Lana la Fauci
The Support Local Townsville Mid-Year Party Celebration with Kellie Stephenson
The Support Local Townsville MidYear Celebration with Estelle Poots
Cate’s Chemist Charity Ball with Rachelle Foley and Danielle Misiraca
The Fabulous Women's Charitable Lunch with Mayor Jenny
The Fabulous Women’s Charitable Lunch with Eleni Millios
The Rollingstone Pineapple Festival with Natalia & Matthew Dearnley
The Support Local Townsville Mid-Year Celebration with Laura Carcary and Dimitry Bullen-Nicholas
S hould we enter the space of the “P” word in this fun lifestyle and property magazine?
Well, the answer is simply “yes”, but we will do it over cocktails.
Politics is a scary word for some, but we like the idea of sharing the people stories behind politics. This month we have a chat with a little-known independent who ran at the last federal election.
Meet Angela Egan, long time local, GP and Surgical Assistant to Dr Yadav, who recently performed an Australianfirst, complex heart operation, right here in Townsville.
Speaking with Angela was an interesting insight into a political mind, hell bent on doing better for the people, Mother Earth and our First People. Nudged into the idea of politics when she would read her husband’s legal studies and believed she could
make a difference, even though she wasn’t a lawyer or a career bureaucrat, the usual paths into politics .
After a career in the army, she simply wanted more and studied medicine. Not as straight forward as some, when she had to take alternative pathways to get there, never having finished Year 12. She has come a long way from being a young woman full of self-doubt.
This remarkable woman is full of passion and purpose. To run a campaign at any level of politics, away from the support, and business machine, of the major and minor parties requires a level of determination few are capable of.
Happy to continue her work with Dr Yadav for now, I believe we may see Angela at the next polling booths, and to be honest, my chat with her was refreshing, honest and very, very human.
Check out our interview with Angela here.
To find out more about Angela in politics go here.
Find out more about Osk Bar
WITH ANGELA EGAN AT OSK BAR
Food: Wine List:
Service: Context: Overall:
Our review was part of a girl’s night out and without a question the ambience, warm welcoming staff and tasty dishes made dining at Jam Corner feel like a celebration.
The dinner menu offered a great variety of unique dishes inspired by many cultures.
Out of seven main dishes, only one was vegetarian and there were no vegan options. Staff were amazing though and did their best to cater to my shellfish allergy, by being flexible with the menu, which doesn’t happen that often.
Personally, I wish Jam Corner would bring their vegan/ vegetarian menu back and offer some free-range meat options on the menu. Could be tricky but there is a growing environmental and ethical trend in quality food and it would be great to see some of our best restaurants catering to this locally. Overall, every course was delicious.
The Gnocchi with wild mushrooms, cream, tarragon and kale was my personal favourite, filled with abundant warming flavours that took me back to my hometown in Germany, reminding me of a favourite dish I grew up with.
Jam Corner’s wine list is extensiveand not too expensive for the quality. A true treasure chest for wine lovers, where each bottle keeps its promise.
My latest favourite is the Gemtree Small Batch: This wine stems from a small organic biodynamic winery in South Australia who have an environmental ethos focused on building healthy ecosystems and assures excellent soil quality to grow the grapes from which these exquisite fine wines are crafted.
Gemtree wines are vegan friendly and preservative free, a real gem for any allergy sufferers and vegans out there.
To sum it up, dining at the Jam Corner feels like an absolute treat, staff attentive and accommodating, and your glass won’t run empty.
For someone who loves unique food creations and a quality dining experience, yet with a shellfish allergy, I can not praise Jam Corner enough for their allergy safe food preparation practices and their attention to detail.
Treat yourself to this fantastic dining experience! Good to note that they have received AGFG Chef Hat Awards for the last 10 years – well deserved.
Click to see more about Jam Corner
Click to learn more about Rike Wolf (musician)
For people who choose to excel in the food industry, it takes more than just skill and training and to get to the top. Passion, genuine and raw is at the heart of an amazing food experience.
In our first edition we have a chat and cooking class with the beautiful, shining Samantha Martin. Sam is the Bakery Manager at Townsville's iconic Julliettes.
Sam had many years running her own cafe in Victoria with a focus on local and fresh. Today she shares her grandma's recipe with us with a slight tropical fruit twist.
Check out the recipes and scan the QR code to join the cooking class and head to Julliettes on The Strand to sample some of the yummy food from Sam's kitchen, local and fresh, of course.
+ 250 ml pulp scrapped from fresh local passionfruit, approximately 6-8 whole passionfruit.
+ 500ml water
+ Juice of one lemon or lime
+ 700g sugar
+ 1 tsp citric acid
METHOD
1. Add all ingredients into a saucepan and stir over low heat until sugar has dissolved
2. Increase temperature and allow to boil for five minutes.
3. Pour into hot sterilised bottles or jars and seal
4. Keeps in the fridge for one month
Mix with gin and tonic, ice and mint.
Mix with water or mineral water and ice.
Add to deserts or use as a sauce to serve with cake or pancakes.
+ Fresh local ripe pineapple. Remove skin and core. You will need 1 kg of flesh roughly processed in the food processor or hand chopped .
+ 625 ml water
+ 80 ml fresh squeezed lemon juice
+ 700 g sugar
1. Simmer pineapple, lemon juice and water in a saucepan with lid on for one hour
2. Remove lid, add sugar and stir till dissolved. Do not allow to boil until sugar has dissolved
3. Increase temperature and allow to bubble and reduce until a jam like consistency is achieved.
4. Pour into hot sterilised jars and seal.
Delicious with coconut loaf, hot buttered toast, scones, pancakes or with thick yoghurt.
INGREDIENTS
+ 2 cups SR flour
+ 1 cup sugar
+ 1 cup coconut, dedicated + 1 cup milk
METHOD
1. Mix all ingredients together
2. Pour into lined loaf tin
3. Bake on 180 (165 fan forced ) for approximately 45 min, until golden and firm to touch on top.
4. Remove from tin and allow to cool on wire rack
5. Enjoy with lashings of butter and pineapple jam
6. Wrap in alfoil
7. Can be frozen
We acknowledge the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, Bindal, Gugu Badhun and Nywaigi as the Traditional Owners of the land of Townsville. We pay our respects to their cultures, their ancestors and their Elders, past and present – and all future generations.
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DIGITAL
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DESIGN
The Storm King Mataro Graciano is the Granite Belt’s answer to Spain’s famous easy drinking reds. This 2021 vintage is still young with plenty of acidity and freshness that seems to sit really well with those who enjoy lighter wines. If the thought of bright grapefruit or sour fruit beers gets your mouth watering then this will be up your ally. If you have patience there is a full fruitiness and fullness that a makes me think this will be an absolute banger to drink in a year or two as it evolves. I’d take a bottle to my favourite swimming hole with a cold tapas-style picnic in spring.
This Shiraz Malbec is a celebration of everything great about Southern Hemisphere red wine. It’s strong and punchy, full of the plummy, spicy flavours associated with our hot summer growing regions. The granite belt is a renowned Shiraz region, and the vintners have very carefully crafted the local version with Malbec, the hero of Argentina’s famed red wine scene to create what is a very good interpretation of your classic full newworld red. You’ll definitely get more from letting this one age for a couple of years (at least). I’m thinking a bottle or two with friends around a wood fired pizza oven on a cooler evening.
A part of what we are trying to showcase in Townsville, are some of the fun things you can do. One thing we both loved when first coming to Townsville was just how much there was to do in this great city. Outdoor music events, art, ocean, Maggie Island, waterfalls, food and The Strand.
It was post-floods and pre-Covid. Well, when Covid hit, things slowed a little.
It was pretty amazing how Townsville withstood the last three years, continuing to host numerous worldclass events and at the time of going to print, about to host an NRL finals match (fingers crossed Cowboys!).
One of the most beautiful things here though is the water. I always liken it to the Mediterranean.
This month we are on the water with an easy activity. Easier for Derrick than me, I fell in.
An early 6am start, but the sun was already well and truly up, and we met Marvin from In The Loop down on The Strand.
Derrick is braver than me, fitter than me and looks relaxed and poised in our video. I on the other hand am
petrified of crocodiles, stingers and other strange North Queensland sea creatures I haven’t met yet. Reassured by Marvin, I gave it a go (there was no stopping Derrick and young Emil). He promised he had never seen a crocodile in 15 years in this spot.
Now for all you people who aren’t into strenuous, super adrenalin fuelled activities, this one is for you. It’s for all fitness levels, all ages and boy is it worth it.
As well as the sunrise serenity, I came face-to-face with a sea turtle within the first few minutes, and their were many more and some manta rays as well. Marvin shared that the Sea Turtle is a spirit animal and we were very lucky. Apparently, the ‘Turtle Spirit’ teaches us to gracefully adapt to new surroundings and environments.
Heading towards living here for four years, I believe the turtle was right. So many of us are fairly new to this city, but what a fabulous place to call home.
To check out exactly what you need to do for paddle boarding check out Derrick in the video, ignore me I fell in and look awkward, but I had a blast.
Click to learn how to paddle board like a pro.
Find out costs and other activities offered by In The Loop.
Few can gracefully pull off the subject of ‘poo’, but I guess when it’s your business and you are passionate about people and their gut health, this lady simply shines.
A portrait of glowing health, testament that she lives what she preaches, Jodi Hunter who runs the Colonic Coach Clinic based in Gulliver, is happy to continually share her knowledge with an ever-growing engaged audience.
Jodi started her business in Townsville during the Covid pandemic. No easy feat and testament to her strength of character. Having completed a number of courses in Australia to ensure accreditation, her accreditation with the Global Professional Association for Colon Therapy, allows her to also practice in the USA and UK.
Click to watch the interview with Jodie
Her practice has been set up using fully approved Colon Therapy Device (TGA Class 2 medical device), purchased through approved TGA distributors. A calming environment where Jodi offers:
Colon Hydrotherapy
• Infrared Sauna
Wellness consultations
She treats symptons such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, chronic fatigue, weight loss, bloating, headaches, skin disorders & parasites
Jodie will be offering a promotion through October for a wellness consultation and a free infrared sauna treatment. Bookings are by appointment.
#pooainttabooClick to make a booking with the Colonic Coach
Relationships are one of the hardest things in your life to navigate right? Life itself with all its responsibilities is hard enough and then you have to invest into a relationship. Yet it is often the one thing that couples don’t invest in, until it’s too late.
First of all, it requires two happy individuals. If each of you are not happy as people, you already have a huge barrier to a happy relationship.
So how do you achieve the personal happiness required to make a relationship work? Self-awareness is key because it leads to you understanding yourself and how you influence or impact the relationship. You will have blind spots and unknown aspects of yourself and if you’re open to building self-awareness, you will in fact be on the path to massive personal change and a happier relationship.
1. A willingness to visit your emotional pain and the things that you have probably become good at avoiding. It’s the acceptance of the struggle between the past you and the present you that opportunity exists for change.
2. A willingness to reflect and take responsibility for your own behaviour, as opposed to looking to the others as the source of your problems.
3. A willingness to step away from old ways of doing things and embrace new ways of doing things.
4. Finally, in building self-awareness in order to improve your relationship, there are a few other things to consider such as empathy, boundaries, effective listening and learning to resolve conflict in a productive way.
However, self-awareness is number one, because when you know yourself, you are empowered and equipped to manage your own happiness and understand how you are showing up in your relationship. You can finally see through the fog.
CLAUDIA AUBORT Psychotherapist/Self-Awareness Specialist BA Counselling/Human Change
Click to visit Claudias social
Name: Varun Pinto
Agency: Ray White Julie Mahoney
Career: Not that long
Often real estate agents get a bad wrap. Not that they are a bad person but the career choice over the years has been met with a lot of resistance and snide comments.
I find that funny as they are usually the best people to befriend and trust to help you find your home and safe place. They help you find the lifestyle you want and crave.
Let’s meet Varun. Varun and his wife Livia moved from Melbourne about 18 months ago. Lured by the booming economy and lifestyle they made a choice to simplify their life. Having to stay offshore for eight months during Covid also helped incentify a career change onshore.
Not your traditional real estate agent, Varun’s former career was on the ocean as a Chief Officer for Anglo Eastern Ship Management. This role led to many strengths and skills to be valued in a real estate ally. Trust, thoroughness, detail-focussed and working with lots of people.
Varun comes from a building and real estate family so perhaps his change of career isn’t so unusual.
He and his wife have embraced the local social and food scene, including buying their first home locally. Choosing to renovate their first Queenslander in Hermit Park to modernise create a home they love.
Eating out at some of their favourite local restaurants and cafes, Varun believes the food scene locally is a bonus, and although not as many options as Melbourne, there are definitely quality restaurants here, with Shorehouse on The Strand a favourite.
Click to watch the interview with Varun
Click to get in touch with Varun
Owners: Ricky & Melissa Townsend
Builders: Townsend Constructions
Features: 5 bed, 3 bath, Mudroom,Butler’s Pantry, 5m High Ceilings, Pool, Outdoor Kitchen & Living, Fenced Yard,
Suburb: South Townsville
Completed: September 2022
What do you do when you own a building company and you really like the suburb you live in? Well, if you were to ask Ricky and Melissa Townsend, the answer is simple. You simply renovate the house over the road and build your dream family home.
With three growing children, including one teenager (all active and very high energy), there were a few things on Melissa’s list of must-haves
when she briefed her husband on what she wanted to achieve with this massive renovation.
The key thing, apart from the energy flow of the home, was that it had to be low maintenance. Every aspect of the design has taken careful consideration to cleaning, building maintenance, appropriate storage and room to move. Understandably, as this couple are kept busy, very busy.
Click to watch the interview with Townsend Constructions
Click to find out more about Townsend Constructions
Every room of this beautifully designed and constructed home has had consideration for all of these things. Experts at renovating Queenslander homes, there experience working with clients helped them navigate exactly what they were after.
As well as running a successful building business, Ricky and Melissa also sponsor and actively support the local Estates Soccer Club. A meeting place for ‘world football’, food and a drink or two, every Thursday at the clubhouse, ensconces this family into the local community. Consequently a soccer net is strategically placed in the backyard.
Meeting in London, quite a while ago, Ricky’s skills were honed on old buildings which he now translates every day to the local and traditional, Queenslanders. They have built their team up to seven full time carpenters and a myriad of loyal sub-contractors.
WE HAVE LITERALLY UTILISED FROM FRONT TO BACK, EVERYWHERE WE CAN.
BIGGER SCALE, BETTER FIXTURES AND MORE SPACE!
BY ANNA WILLIAMS FROM ETHOS INTERIORS
Project: Pegnall St (Anna’s own bathroom)
Completed: 2022
Interior designers will often tell you that they are their own worst client – but not so in the case of my own recent renovation.
When I first walked into this 1940s run-down cottage I was immediately captured by the original details, despite its poor condition. The morning light flooded through the living room casements, touching upon an original semi-circle hall table in the VJ lined entryway.
High skirting boards, hardwood floors and the incredible geometric details routed into the ceilings immediately inspired a vision of a modern Art Deco home, a refined subtle glamour combined with a family-friendly lifestyle.
The bathroom was the first step on what I expect will be a stage-by-stage renovation over several years. The space was probably the worst room in the house, a dark and run-down bathroom with a tiny window and cramped floor space. The goal was to open the floor plan, and flood it with light. To create a more open plan space, the bath and shower were combined into an open wet area concept.
It's the hand chosen details that make this bathroom really sing, from the richness of the dark timber laminate vanity to the elegant gooseneck shapes of the lighting and tapware. Practicality was always front of mind though, and I selected large format tiles and a back to wall bath for easy cleaning.
Now this space is completed I am already looking forward to extending this style through the rest of the home to create a space that is the embodiment of my personal aesthetic, our family’s lifestyle, and the best of the home’s original architecture.
The historic suburb of Railway Estate, located on the fringe of Townsville’s city centre, is one of the city’s oldest suburbs. Fun fact: dating back to 1880, the land was once owned by Queensland Railways Department and used as a housing estate for workers at the nearby railway yards.
Nowadays, Railway Estate is a spacious residential suburb housing professionals and families in a mix of historic heritage-listed worker’s cottages with a sprinkling of newer built homes. Residents love living so close to the city centre, almost as much as they do the boat ramps and parks, making walking the dog or heading out on the boat a breeze.
Railway Estate has recently been made even more appealing with the opening of the North Queensland Cowboys’ home ground, Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Railway Estate State School and Townsville State High School sit within the suburb for families looking for local schools that add to Railway Estate’s sense of community.
When residents are looking for something delish, they look no further than, well, Delish Takeaway and for those wanting to dine out in a family friendly atmosphere, the Commonwealth Hotel in neighbouring South Townsville is a major drawcard. South Townsville also takes care of sporting pursuits for the whole family as the current home of Estates Football Club, Souths Rugby League Club, South Townsville Bowls Club and more.
The record house price in Railway Estate is $830,000 for a 2-level, 3-bedroom refurbished Queenslander sold in Feb 2022. Current listings range from $175,000 for a 2-bedroom townhouse in First Ave to offers over $700,000 for a 4-bedroom Queenslander in Tenth Ave. Sought-after residential land is available to buy for those who seek the inner-city lifestyle with an eye to build.
RAILWAY ESTATE IS A CARING COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE LOOKS OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER AND UNDERSTANDS WHAT A PRIVILEGE IT IS TO OWN A HOME THAT’S CLOCKED UP TO 100 YEARS. YOU NEVER WANT TO LEAVE.
– CLAUDIA
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The Dalrymple Hotel
The Townsville Brewery
TOGETHER TOWNSVILLE NETWORKS GROW FOOD FOR FREE ANZAC Memorial Park
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DON’T WORRY DARLING SCREENING. HARRY STYLES APPRECIATION EVENT Otto’s Market Warrina
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PROJECT SPEAK UP! - GRACE TAME EVENT
The Ville Casino
THE STRAND NIGHT MARKETS Strand Park
SKULLDUGGERY - AN EXHIBITION INSPIRED BY SKULLS, BRAIN-BOXES AND ALL THINGS BONY Murky Waters Studio
PLANET-CONSCIOUS TOWNSVILLE: THINKING IN CIRCLES Flinders Lane
OCTOBER EXHIBITION LAUNCH Walter Nesbit Park, The Esplanade, Pallarenda
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QLD Country Bank Statium
NECK OF THE WOODS MUSIC FESTIVAL Cluden Park
MARDI-PAWS COCKTAIL PARTY + AUCTION Sovereign House Townsville
OKTOBERFEST ON MAGGIE Sandi’s on Magnetic Island
COTTERS MARKETS
Flinders Street Townsville City
MAGNETIC ISLAND MARKETS
Foreshore In Horseshoe Bay
WILLOWS ROTARY MARKETS
Willows Shopping Centre
WULGURU MARKETS
Wulguru Soccer Grounds
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GREAT NORTHERN CLEANUP
Walter Nesbit Park , The Esplanade, Pallarenda
LIFT THE LID WALK Strand Park
UMBRELLA FLOORTALK & IN CONVERSATION - EXHIBITION Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
KINKY BOOTS Townsville Civic Theatre
RUN FOR REEF Strand Park
RIVERWAY MOVIES Riverway Oval, 20 Village Boulevard
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MULTI-CULTURAL COMEDY GALA Townsville Civic Theatre
WALK FOR EPILEPSY Jezzine Way East, North Ward Townsville
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SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL - TOWNSVILLE Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre
NAIDOC ART EXPO Dancenorth Australia
PORTRAIT OIL PAINTING MASTERCLASS Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
TOWNSVILLE FOSTER AND REHOMING BALL
The Ville Casino
THE UMBILICAL BROTHERS “THE DISTRACTION” Townsville Civic Theatre
NQHC ARPAN AN OFFERING - AN EVENING OF INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE, MUSIC AND DINNER... Edmund Rice Hall , Ignatius Park College
BIG BLUE TABLE
GET IN TOUCH FOR DATES Beyond Blue
BEGINNER CUBAN SALSA WITH GLOBAL DANCE COLLECTIVE 5 OCTOBER - 10 DECEMBER BFitt Gym Townsville
Album: Unlimited Love
Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rating:
The freaky-style boys are back to deliver their 12th studio album, after a six-year absence.
With a career spanning over four decades, putting the band into legendary status, their music makes no concessions to any prevailing trends of popular music. The Chilli’s sound like no one but themselves.
Unlimited Love reunites their core line-up with John Frusciante back behind the axe after a more than a decade break. Frusciante first joined the band in the late 80’s and it was his talent that helped shape the group's horned-up funk rock into something more melodic. Unmistaken it is this iconic line-up that has delivered the Chilli's best work. While this old dog hasn’t learned any new tricks the
band's unmistakable chemistry shines and each note is a glimpse into the youthful energy that hasn't been seen in some time.
This album is nothing new, but I guess that’s the point. The album is destined to be a fan favourite. Delivering the intricate popping bass from Flea, the climactic snare thwack from Chad Smith and the rhymes from Kiedis. But it is Frusciante's innovative rock guitar, trademark harmonies, evocative guitar tones and blistering solos that give this group the edge. More than anything this album is a return to home. The magic that these four musicians produce is back. They sound sure of themselves again and have rediscovered their groove.
It has been stated that the global pandemic gave the band time to work on new material and they entered the studio to deliver the master controller Rick Rubin over 100 samples and rumours that over 50 tracks were recorded. With that in mind, Unlimited Love is lengthy with 17 tracks and a 70-minute runtime, definitely shorter than the 2006 122-minute Stadium Arcadium. But this leaves the question. Are these 17 tracks the best of the pack? I'd say not, as the band has announced another release, Return of the Dream Canteen due October 14th. Let's hope Dream Canteen can deliver something a little more exciting than Unlimited Love as the majority of the tracks are on the slower side.
The first single from Dream Canteen ‘Tippa My Tongue’ seems to suggest better things are to come. Many of the tracks on Unlimited Love work
Click to view Derricks socials
better as singles rather than a part of a cohesive whole and probably could have benefited from cutting the more forgettable tracks to create a smoother more enjoyable listening experience. The album has all the usual hallmarks we have come to expect from the Chilli’s. Goofy funk rap, grunge ballads, harmony-drenched fretboard heroics both on guitar and bass.
It becomes hard to separate a track in this great unspooling of this slow record. It is a mellow record, and it feels like cohesive jams and big improvisational solos. The band are best when they let loose with Chad Smith pounding toms, Fleas dirty bass thrumming and Frusciante ominous tones displayed on the tracks ‘Here Ever After’ and ‘These are the Ways’.
Apart from some moments of genius, most of their 21st-century output has been soul-crushingly dull and Unlimited Love fails to buck this trend. Although the band's albums with outgoing guitarist Josh Klinhoffer weren’t bad, Unlimited Love, with Frusciante, there is a strong sense of everything falling back into place and order being restored. The boys feel comfortable and prove that they are not done yet and have plenty left in the tank. RHCP have positioned themselves to achieve their 5th decade of rock prominence.
If you are a new coming to the Chilli Peppers and want to discover something red hot you probably should look elsewhere. Nevertheless, an impressive consolidation of their strengths. Look out for the band touring in 2023.
In October one Professional retouched digital photo only $89. Bring a couple of outfits to the studio and choose your own photos- the session is quick (10-15mins) and so much fun.
Bookings: 0455 295 416
50% off all men’s clothing for the month of October.
Shop: 7/261 Flinders Street, Townsville City WIN
Book a 12-month contract for a new office in October and go in the draw to WIN a double Diamond Membership to the 2023 NRL season.
Bookings: Ph. (07) 4426 8400
Local mobile beauty and massage service using high quality Pure Fiji products. Mention The Little Birdie Magazine for a 15% discount in October.
Bookings: Ph. 0490 014 691
Enjoy a complimentary Infrared Sauna session with every wellbeing consultation when you make a new booking in October and mention The Little Birdie Magazine. Valued at $120.
Bookings: Ph. 0422 666 782
Get your pool safety inspection and safety certificate for just $200 in October when you mention The Little Birdie Magazine. Save $42
Inspections: Ph. 0431 265 511
Every Wednesday to Friday between 9am – 2pm in October.
Phone ahead: (07) 4778 0199 0447 674 155
10% off the full price of all Australian Made flags in stock every Thursday & Friday in October (includes nautical code flags, country flags and novelty flags) when you mention The Little Birdie Magazine.
