29 minute read
Local writers discovered in our 100-word competition
100 words
We have been inundated with responses to our new 100-word story competition, reflective of the number of writers we have within the community. Each month we will publish a selection of these stories. We hope that our readers get as much enjoyment from reading them, as our contributors have had in writing them.
After a frantic day and crowded bus the relaxing drink with his mates gave him the needed lift to face an onslaught of kids and pets at home. Enjoying the pleasant evening air as he strolled through the park, he just had the nagging feeling of having forgotten something – but it quickly faded from his mind as he bumped into a friendly neighbour. A short chat ensued about steamy weather and Trump tweets, and he turned the corner to home. Opening the gate he saw an empty carport – and then it hit him. He had driven to work that morning!
Jon Johannsen, Lane Cove
Robert hung up. He was engulfed in pain - the physical pain of his tortured body and the mental pain of leaving his family and friends behind.
His mind was still sharp, though, so there was still time - time to plan, time to prepare, time to - what? Suffer more?
For a moment or two he reflected on his life - no regrets and much to be thankful for. He had achieved most of his dreams, now it was time.
Roy Lever, Lane Cove
The old dog pads slowly after his owners. As he passes a neighbour’s garden, perhaps he remembers the joy of the chase when his tabby friend moved nimbly elsewhere as he passed the gate. Perhaps he relives the hours spent with his neck trapped in wrought iron as his friend slipped agilely ahead of him. It was difficult for his owners to extract him, and the little friend has long gone but still the dog looks hopefully down the drive before struggling on. His joints are aching but his eyes are bright and he pushes determinedly on, weariness momentarily forgotten.
Frances Booth Bannon, Hunters Hill
Big chubby fingers with uneven torn nails. Those were Mum's hands. Ugly to the rest of the world, beautiful to me. They had a handkerchief for my nose when I was sick and for my eyes when I was crying. They had a brush for my hair when I wanted to be beautiful and a needle with cotton when I needed a new dress.
But when they were empty, they were the most beautiful.
I specially love those hands when they were empty, because they could envelope my face with love, keeping all my body warm and my soul happy.
Conchita GarSantiago
Ahmed sank the bottle into the muddy puddle. Quickly! Others would take advantage of the lull. Brown water splashed as he closed the cap. He straightened and scrambled to the top of the crater. A pit of broken dreams. The heavy bottle and loose rubble made climbing difficult. A shell exploded nearby showering him with dust. He did not delay to thank his god, but ran doubled, to the jagged row of masonry that offered scant protection. A shattered plank, once his school door, concealed entry to a dark sanctuary. The water would satisfy thirst but not wash away despair.
Chris Curtis, Wollstonecraft
8.37am Monday. Hordes of zombies emerge from trains and buses, shuffling along the concrete streets. Lowered heads focus on illuminated squares sucking remaining life force, bobbing along to digital beats feeding into dead brains via skinny white worms slithering from their ears.
Herds move along a city block, green, another block, green. Gradually slowing as their bodies actively reject the destination.
In hundreds of city buildings the glass sliding doors briefly reflect dragging feet, hanging heads and desperate eyes. Into the foyer and a metal box moving up floors. The zombies arrive and the corporate working week has begun.
Emma Charter
TO ENTER: Email your story with your name, address and phone number to
editor@thevillageobserver.com.au.
CONDITIONS: Stories must be exactly 100 words and can be about any subject and in any writing style. They must be original and unpublished. There is no limit to the number of stories that you contribute during the year. Each month, selected entries will be published in TVO. At the end of the year, all entries will be judged based on their originality and creativity.
THREE WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED TO RECEIVE A $50 BURNS BAY BOOKERY VOUCHER.
May stood outside the empty, lonely, neglected house. It was not as she remembered it. A development sign had been erected on the fence. Many occupants had lived in the house during the fifty years since her family moved.
Fearful of disappointment May walked through the overgrown garden to the back door and found it unlocked. Waves of emotion swept through her as she walked to her old bedroom. Inside the closet was her secret. Her parents nor her sister ever knew about it. Nobody else had ever found out either. Inside the compartment were all her treasures still intact.
The big day finally arrived. Transition begins. Mixed emotions flooding my soul are not sitting too well at the moment. A teaspoon of joy and a tablespoon of grief will take a while to dissolve completely I decide as I lock the door for the final time. I marvel at how quiet the playground is late in the afternoon as remnants of discarded lunches whip mindlessly in the gentle breeze. How I will be remembered in these corridors of learning, I'll never really know. For now my heart beats a little faster and my steps quicken as I head for...
Karen Aubrey, Lane Cove
Ask your local health professional
Medical
Dr Tim David
BURNS BAY
MEDICAL CENTRE
Tel: 9427 4855 www.burnsbaymedical centre.com.au
If you have a health or wellbeing question you would like to have answered by Dr David, please send it through to editor@ thevillageobserver. com.au. You may be doing a great service to others too shy to ask!
To prevent spoiling your next long trip, beware of the symptoms of blood clots or deep venous thromboses that can come from nowhere.
What is a DVT?
Blood clots in the legs are called DVT’s or deep venous thromboses. They occur in the deep set of veins of the leg, as opposed to the surface ones which can become varicose veins. Clots can also develop in arms and other veins within the body.
Why are DVT’s dangerous?
In the first instance, a clot in a deep leg vein poses a threat of local damage to the vein causing ongoing inflammation and damage to its structure. This is called phlebitis. Phlebitis can lead to permanent blockage, or at least reduced blood flow.
Much more worrisome is the ability for a ‘chunk’ or clot to break off, reach the right side of the heart and move on to the lungs. This is a very serious and lifethreatening condition called pulmonary embolism, or PE. DVT’s in folks with openings between the right and left side of their hearts can have the clot travel via the artery system to the brain as a stroke. Very nasty.
What will I notice when a DVT develops?
DVT’s can be silent and without symptoms. More likely there is pain in the calf and sometimes up into the inner thigh. Swelling of the leg is common and the area is usually warm, reddened and tender. Classically the pain is worse on stretching the foot upwards - Homans sign.
What are the symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism?
There may be lung-related chest and pleuritic pain, which is caused when the inflamed lung lining and chest wall lining rub against each other when breathing. A sudden shortness of breath, sometimes quite subtle, is usually present. A persistent and deep cough, sometimes accompanied by bloodstained sputum, may also occur but it’s all a matter of the size and site of the clot. A small clot to the lungs may have no symptoms at all.
Who is most at risk of a DVT?
Quite a list as it turns out! Smoking and obesity are on the list, as is being older than 60 years of age. Those with a history of DVT are more likely to have them recur. Genetic defects of the clotting cascade, particularly of Factor V, will predispose a person to DVT - this is called Factor V Leiden.
Inflammatory changes after vein injury or surgery, especially of the knee and hip, are definite factors. Pregnancy, with its slowing of vein blood return, together with the six weeks following birth are significant precursors. Cancer increases overall risk and occasionally a cancer is heralded by a DVT.
The Pill, especially the combined Pill with oestrogen, increases blood platelet stickiness whereas progesterone causes sluggishness of blood flow and pooling of vein blood. Some sources quote an increased risk of 2 to 6 times for combined Pill takers.
How do I prevent a DVT?
Travel, especially long hours of cramped plane or car travel, is a risk.
Those who have had a DVT use a daily injection called Clexane prior to, during and after travel. Blood pooling in the lower legs can be relieved by getting up or out regularly to stretch and walk about. Use the furthest away toilet on the plane!
Firm, below the knee stockings such as TED’s or Scholl Flightsox will help combat blood buildup. Foot exercises while sitting are also good a good idea.
Keeping up your water intake while lowering your grog intake helps against dehydration, as alcohol pulls water out of your system. The role of aspirin is uncertain.
I think I might have a DVT – what should I do?
See your doctor or hospital ASAP. Apart from clinical suspicion, an ultrasound of the leg veins will show up a clot. A blood test called D-dimer measures for chemicals from the clot. The definitive test for pulmonary embolism is a scan called a VQ scan.
YOUR LOCAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS
SERVING THE LANE COVE COMMUNITY FOR 36 YEARS l Dr Tim David l Dr Alison Browne l Dr Margie Coleman l Dr Audrey Saurajen l Dr Felix Choi l Dr Peter Arnaudon l Dr Dominic Barnes
GOING OVERSEAS?
Accredited Travel Vaccine Centre
(inc. Yellow Fever)
BURNS BAY
MEDICAL CENTRE
Download iphone & android apps search “Qualitas Health” 175 BURNS BAY ROAD, LANE COVE. PHONE 9427 4855 ONLINE APPTS AVAILABLE: www.burnsbaymedicalcentre.com.au
Pharmacy & Nutrition
Diana Boot
Phone : 9436 1675 www.greenwichpharmacy .com.au
What is the difference between neuropathy and neuralgia?
Neuropathy is the medical term for damage to the nerves, while neuralgia refers to the resulting nerve pain. The pain is usually described as burning, painful, cold, extreme sensitivity, or as electric shocks. It may be associated with muscle spasm, pins and needles, numbness or itching.
It is caused by inflammation of the nerve, due to: • Damage to the protective sheath around the nerve caused by normal ageing, uncontrolled diabetes and less commonly by Multiple Sclerosis. • Shingles, which may be followed by a long-lasting nerve pain, often on the face. • Tooth abscess, which can irritate a nearby nerve. • Pressure on the nerve caused by a blood vessel, broken bones, slipped vertebral discs or certain tumours.
Is there an effective treatment?
Pain-relieving medications:
Neuralgia does not generally respond well to common pain medications. Specific medications are available on prescription from your doctor and are very effective at treating neuralgia. They include antidepressants, which reduce the pain messages to the brain, and anti-epileptics, which prevent nerve cells from firing too quickly.
Vitamins B12, B6, B1 and
folate: These B vitamins play a central role in the maintenance of the protective sheath around the nerve cells, allowing the nerves to transmit messages. Thus they improve nerve conduction and promote regeneration of injured nerves. They have been shown to help in the treatment of neuralgia, both in combination with medicines and by themselves. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) has promise as an antioxidant in the treatment of neuropathy. A 12-month study found a 40% improvement in patients taking ALC compared to only 24% of those on placebo. Tumeric: Oxidative stress and inflammation play a role in neuropathy, so the curcuminoids found in turmeric may be helpful due to their anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Capsaicin cream: Works by increasing the release of a chemical that transmits pain messages, thus sensitivity is increased initially and then decreased significantly once this chemical has been depleted.
Please talk to us in the pharmacy for individual advice.
Dental
Dr Mark Casiglia
Tel: 9420 5050 www.appledental.com.au
One theory goes that orthodontic problems originated with the advent of farming over 10,000 years ago. Before this time, humans did not enjoy soft, processed diets, instead giving their jaw heavy exercise through chewing tough and fibrous food. This constant and heavy muscle action was enough to cause the bones of the jaw and face to expand and accommodate all of the teeth comfortably and without crowding.
What type of problems can occur?
There can be any combination of upper jaw or lower jaw issues including that they are either too large or too small, teeth are too big for the space they need to fit in, or that there are angulation problems with the teeth. The collective term for a jaw that shows these kinds of issues is malocclusion, which quite literally means a ‘bad bite’.
Mouth breathing at a young age can cause the development of a high arched and narrow palate, leading to malocclusion.
Why do we need orthodontic treatment?
completely to do with how the teeth look, but also how they meet and function in harmony. Proper orthodontic treatment can align the teeth within the jaws and against each other to improve their function.
In the case of nasal breathing problems, after treating the underlying cause such as allergies or large tonsils and adenoids, orthodontic treatment that expands the palate back to a normal width will usually improve nasal breathing.
Teeth that line up properly within jaws that are expanded back to their proper size allow everything else to function more normally. Orthodontic treatment also improves the cosmetic appearance of facial structure and smiles, which is what most people think about when having treatment.
Adult orthodontics
Adults can have orthodontic treatment at any age and they generally opt for orthodontic treatment for two reasons. Either they have suffered the ravages of a poor bite and the functional problems that have resulted such as heavily worn, uneven teeth, or they simply desire a cosmetic improvement. New treatment options such as clear aligners have made cosmetic teeth straightening more accessible than ever before.
Who does the treatment?
At Apple Dental we are able to do simple cosmetic cases that don’t require changes to the bite and are treatable with clear aligners or removable plates. However, all children, adolescents and adults who require changes to their bite and functional improvement are referred to the excellent orthodontists at Lane Cove Orthodontics.
New residents encouraged to connect
In time for the Autumn Harmony festival, Council has launched a new guide for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Titled ‘Connect with your Community’, the booklet is designed to assist new residents make connections and find services that they might require, including information about local services, celebrations, activities and culture.
The guide is also available in Hindi, Farsi and Simplified Chinese. To download a translated version or for more information, visit www. lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ diversity.
Copies of the guide can also be collected at Lane Cove Library, from Council’s Customer Service Desk and at Autumn Harmony events.
Experience Harmony
A wide range of events is scheduled throughout March as part of Lane Cove’s Autumn Harmony festival.
● International Women’s Day features six local women talking about success in their chosen field, 6-8.30pm, Thursday 16th March. ● Living in Harmony - An indigenous Perspective: an enlightening talk about how today’s society can benefit from Indigenous ideas and philosophies, 6-7pm, Thursday 23rd March. ● Refugee Camp in My Neighbourhood: a moving and thought-provoking evening as three Western Sydney-siders share their journeys of coming to Australia as refugees or seeking asylum, 6-8pm, Thursday 30th March. ● Translating Displacement Exhibition: showcases a
Connect
WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
A guide to Lane Cove for people collection of photo-media and from Culturally and Linguistically diverse backgrounds video works made by former
Your guide to Lane Cove is available in other languages on Council’s website: refugees, current asylum 《Lane Cove指南》简体中文版现已上传至市议会网站 Lane Cove के लिए आपकी मार्गनिर्देशिका काउंसिल की वेबसाइट पर हिंदी में उपलब्ध है seekers and first generation راهنمای Lane Cove برای شما به زبان فارسی در وب سایت شورای شهر موجود می باشد
www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/diversity
Australians, Wednesday 8th - Saturday 25th March, Gallery Lane Cove. ● Stitching Your Stories Workshop: learn basic stitching techniques and create a mixed media artwork to be added to the Translating Displacement exhibition, 12.30-2.30pm, Saturday 11th March. ● Everyone Belongs event: featuring live music, craft and a film screening of Zootopia, 4.00-8.00pm, Friday 24th March, Lane Cove Plaza. ● Harmony Day Movie: Where do we go now? (M): Comedy-drama about a small isolated village in Lebanon that is inhabited by Muslims and Christians, 6.30-8.30pm, Tuesday 21st March, Lane Cove Library. ● Lane Cove Community
Nursery Open Day:
information stalls available to learn about which local plants are great for gardens, 9.00am – 12.00pm, Saturday 4th March. See www.lanecove. nsw.gov.au/bushcareevents ● Explore Bushland Park: explore this delightful shady walk along Gore Creek and finish with a group morning tea, 9.30-11.30am, Friday 24th March. See www.lanecove. nsw.gov.au/bushcareevents ● Culinary Tales: Refugeeled cooking classes: prepare and cook an authentic Lebanese meal, led by a refugee chef, 11.00am – 2.00pm, Saturday 11th March.
For more information and booking details on any of the events listed above, go to www.lanecove. nsw.gov.au/Community/ LoveWhereYouLive/Pages/ FestivalsinLaneCove
Public exhibition for draft District Plan closes at end of March
The draft District Plan for Greater Sydney’s North District, which includes the local government areas of Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Northern Beaches, Mosman, North Sydney, Ryde and Willoughby, is on public exhibition until the end of March.
Developed by the Greater Sydney Commission, the draft Plan sets a vision for growth and development in the North District over the next 20 years and forms the overarching strategy for future planning in the area.
The Plan projects that Lane Cove will increase in population by another 14,900 in the 20-year period from 2016 – 2036. In this time, the entire North District is predicted to grow by 196,350 people to around 1.083 million. The largest proportional growth will be in the over 85s, which is expected to almost double. The number of people over 65 will account for almost 40% of all the North District’s growth. There will also be a 20% growth in school-aged children, increasing demand for school enrolments.
Based on the Department of Planning and Environment’s projections of population and household growth in the North District for the next five years, there is a need for an additional 25,900 dwellings in the area. The housing supply targets for Lane Cove is another 1900 dwellings in the five-year period between 2016 to 2021.
To increase housing capacity, Lane Cove Council is expected to monitor and support the delivery of this housing target recognising significant growth in the precinct adjacent to St Leonards; progress the priority precinct investigations at St Leonards/Crows Nest with Department of Planning and Environment; work with the Commission and Transport for NSW to identify urban renewal opportunities that connect to Sydney Metro; and investigate local opportunities to address demand and diversity in and around local centres and infill areas.
The Plan also discusses delivering a city-wide ‘Green Grid’, which recognises the way people use open space. Lane Cove National Park and Lane Cove River were identified as a priority project, by enhancing open spaces along the Lane Cove River foreshore to create unique recreational experiences linking the Lane Cove National Park to Macquarie Park, Macquarie University, Chatswood and Epping.
The draft Plan also identifies St Leonards as a health and education super precinct, with opportunities to define the centre’s commercial identity through the integration of health and education assets and the provision of complementary health and medical research activities; private hospitals; allied health; ancillary retail; visitor, carer and aged accommodation.
Direct feedback on the priorities and actions in the draft Plan can be made until the end of March in writing, by email or phone. To read the entire draft Plan or make comment, go to www.greater.sydney/north-district
A lesson in networking
At a recent marketing seminar, I was feeling the usual vague awareness that I should go and start a conversation with someone I didn’t know. Network, in other words. By Liz Foster
My client agreed but said she was no good at such things, and how did you go about doing it anyway?
“Easy!” I replied. “Start with something we all have in common, like the weather or holidays. Make it non-threatening and inclusive and people instantly let their guard down. Or go up to someone we just saw speak and flatter them a bit. The trick is to talk about them and not yourself.”
We both stared at each other. She at me, as though I had become the guru in all things schmooze. Me at her, in amazement of what had come out of my mouth. You see, if there’s one thing I can’t abide, it’s the concept of business networking. So how was I able to confidently trot out a plan without a moment’s thought?
The thing is, there are often people standing around who don’t know anyone else. They often appreciate you making the first move. Which makes it much more like a friendly chat really.
Words like ‘networking’ and ‘PR’ have always conjured up images of greasy corporate types (a la Gordon Gecko), or sexy overly made up women teetering about in killer heels. Neither of which I am, of course.
I often find myself at events that talk to marketers, from marketers and about marketing, but full of people too reticent to
Illustration by Wendy BIshop
strike up a conversation. For such an egocentric industry, we can be a shy lot.
Brands are just the same as people of course, each with their own distinct personalities. A few spring to mind: • Samsung – Malcolm Turnbull. Initial soaring popularity, cut down at peak by a product recall. • Apple – Madonna. An early daggy brand with a steady core of support, it’s the master in reinvention. • Bridgestone – Bert Newton. Dependable. Reliable. Been around forever. • Telstra – Donald Trump. Exclusive, all-powerful, petulant, over promises without working out the finer detail. • Nescafe – Nicole Kidman. Mass mainstream global appeal, but quite polarising. Can be dressed several different ways.
If I was a brand I think I’d be a Kit Kat; originally English but lived here half my life, always good for a quick pick-me-up and fun to have with coffee. Which I guess is what makes me good at networking.
Enjoy a carefree lifestyle at Lane Cove Gardens Units from just $400,000*
• Overlooking Chatswood Golf Course and Lane Cove National Park. • Modern reception which includes hair salon and sunny lounge areas. • Dining room and indoor swimming pool. • A peaceful oasis just 10km from the city. Visit us Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-12 noon • 24/7 On Call Assistance should you need it. or for an appointment call Melinda on 1800 911 989.
VISIT US - MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 9am-5pm, SATURDAY 9am-12 noon OR FOR AN APPOINTMENT - CALL :1800 911 989
School children and backpacks
With the beginning of the school year, parents often get concerned about the weight of children’s school backpacks and whether they are damaging their child’s backs. Over time backpacks have changed and many have compartments allowing heavy items to be close to the spine. Putting the heavy books close to the spine reduces the drag of the backpack.
It is generally recommended children carry a maximum of 10% of their body weight in their bags. This can be challenging and often requires a degree of organisation, rather than carrying unnecessary books.
Despite these guidelines, there is never a guarantee that exceeding this load will cause problems or that keeping loads down will prevent pain. One of the best ways to prevent pain is to have strong muscles. A recent study showed only 6% of Australian children aged 15-17 meet the national guidelines of 60 minutes of exercise every day. With reduced exercise comes increased sitting time and reduced muscle strength. This behavior is a risk for developing musculoskeletal pain either now or in the future.
As physiotherapists, we are experts in assessing and treating pain in muscles and joints in both adults and children.
BURNS BAY PHYSIOTHERAPY. Ann Ross, Jill Ross, Kirsty Tradell. P: 9427 83331 www.burnsbayphysiotherapy.com.au
Sign up for LCFC’s 2017 season
Lane Cove FC returns to the national knockout FFA Cup in March, hoping to progress beyond the first round where sadly the run came to an end in 2016.
With the draw happening at the end of February, the Club is hopeful that it will be played at home to bring a large crowd to Blackman Park.
Games should be played the weekend of 12th March, but check out the website at lcfc.com.au for updates.
In the meantime, registrations are flowing in for the 2017 season, with over 500 players currently registered. The season commences on April 1st, so if you are still interested in playing but have not signed up, now is the time to do so. The Club usually has spots available right until kick-off.
A Message from LCNSCS General Manager Gillian Batt
We've moved!
Well we finally moved into our new office on Friday 24th February. We had a few hiccups but we still managed to get the meals and the nursing services delivered efficiently, thanks to our wonderful volunteers and nurses respectively. Our BOOMers (Bus Outings for Older Men) even got to go to Church Point for a lovely look around and morning tea.
We’re busy unpacking boxes and finding places to put everything. When we’ve got ourselves more settled, we’d love to invite you to pop in and have a look at the beautiful new office built specially for us by Lane Cove Council. Trent Zimmerman MP secured us $20, 000 for new furniture so we look very smart. In March we have a huge range of new events for Seniors Festival. Come in and try something different, whether it be African drumming, mindfulness meditation, Bollywood dancing – see page 33 for a full list of what’s on offer.
On 14th February Anthony Roberts MP stood up to pay tribute to us in NSW Parliament. We are all very proud to be recognised in such a way. Read his speech.
Today I pay tribute to an incredible organisation that deserves recognition within my electorate and beyond. When I refer to Lane Cove & North Side Community Services, I think of a community group that is both compassionate and well respected. This voluntary organisation is devoted to the welfare needs of its local community. This work was pioneered by the residents of Lane Cove in 1961 and I am proud that many other communities now replicate it.
The work of LCNSCS is broad ranging. Services include home nursing, meals on wheels, home maintenance and modification, welfare information and advocacy, community transport, social activities, social support, a linen service, a shopping service, easy care gardening and in-home podiatry.
I repeat that this work is carried out by volunteers from our community. There are more than 300 dedicated and compassionate volunteers. These community angels provide services including providing support and information to young and old disabled members of the Lane Cove community. This incredible band of volunteers visits isolated people and at times can be the only point of contact for lonely people in Valued at $195 their day-to-day lives.
Of course such a large volunteer ship needs a rudder. The team is captained, championed and at times counselled by John Devine, who is ably assisted by Gillian Batt. John Devine is President of Lane Cove & North Side Community Services whilst Gillian Batt competently carries out the duties of General Manager. The Mayor of Lane Cove, Deborah Hutchens, also proudly serves on the Board. To be honest, there are times when deserving people fall through the cracks of Federal, State or local governance.
It is on those occasions that volunteers from the LCNSCS step in. They step in with no fanfare and no press releases; they just do what is needed and they open the necessary doors. These people are the glue that makes a community, like mine, complete. Who knows, one day any one of us in this Chamber might be the beneficiaries of the compassion, help or guidance that this group - and other similar groups - provide so selflessly.
Fifty-six years is a long time to be showing compassion for one's community and these volunteers show no sign of slowing down or reducing their service. The slogan, ‘We care for you’, so aptly describes these dedicated humanitarians. We care that they do care. A grateful community praises these volunteers who are only too willing to give of their time and expertise - caring, devoted volunteers who are prepared to help those who, for various reasons, cannot always help themselves. I am not saying that we should give them three cheers only because this is not the appropriate forum in which to do so. But three cheers would seem inadequate for this group. On behalf of the Lane Cove community - in fact, on behalf of the broader community - I say thank you to them. Anthony Roberts, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing/Special Minister of State
P: 9427 6425
www.lanecovenorthside.com
STUART LEAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Stuart Leal Photography is a boutique family portrait studio in Lane Cove. We pride ourselves on our beautiful natural photography and exemplary client service. We love to capture newborns, young children and families.
MARCH SPECIAL
No Location Shoot Fee - Limited Places VALUED AT $195
Phone 0414 551 956 to secure your Family Shoot
Please call us on 0414 551 956 or email stuart@stuartleal.com.au
STUART LEAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Shop 11/115-119 Longueville Road Lane Cove
Go 'round
There’s something very satisfying about a round trip. Finish back at the same place you started but travel AROUND and then you can use that wonderfully esoteric word ‘circumnavigate’.
Circumnavigation voyages have become quite the thing – perhaps there is a greater sense of satisfaction, of accomplishment, derived from travelling right around.
The first commercial cruise around Australia happened several years ago and while noteworthy for the distance it travelled, the shore stops were very limited since it was a big ship and unable to poke its nose into more than 10 ports.
Contrast this with the exciting 40-day cruise in late January 2018 that Trendsetter has for sale. On the ultrachic 264 passenger L’Austral, a Ponant cruise line vessel, it’s a glorious itinerary for anyone with 40 luxurious nights – yes 40 – to spare.
What’s not to love about a cruise that includes all meals (room service too), plentiful alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to slake your thirst, and a specialist team with experts in the field of botany, marine biology, history and photography. Plus you’ll enjoy zodiac tours in beautiful Wineglass Bay, Talbot Bay, Yirrkala, Frangipani Beach and Lizard Island.
This is a stunning trip without the need to travel overseas to start your journey! If you’re interested in investing your time and money into what will be an amazing journey, please contact us now to enjoy early bird rates. (NB: This cruise is exclusive to Trendsetter Travel in this area.)
We’re also noticing an increase in demand for cruises around Iceland. Again, it is small ship cruising that is to the fore. National Geographic is a leader in this category and entices many with the following brief invite: “Experience an enchanting land of geological extremes on a circumnavigation of Iceland. Encounter vast volcanic landscapes and the world’s youngest island, walk on lava fields and ice sheets, and feel the spray of gushing hot springs and cascading waterfalls. Go birding on the Arctic Circle, kayak into fjords and serene bays, and hike along magnificent and remote stretches of the coast. Cap off the adventure with a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon.” Yes please.
I’m still waiting for a complete circumnavigation cruise of Japan, the hit destination of 2017 so far. For now we have to be content with ships that explore the bottom two thirds, including the lovely Inland Sea, and bookend those voyages with pre- and post-cruising stays in the cultural icon that is Kyoto, or mesmerizing Tokyo. However, I’m hopeful that an exploration vessel will one day offer a more complete journey incorporating the rugged north, the southern volcanoes and everything in between.
For utter relaxation, you can’t beat two catch-all island cruises for comfort and comprehensiveness. In Tahiti, the Paul Gauguin has been joined by Windstar and both now ply their vessels on a regular route around the Tuamotus, and occasionally taking in the more distant Marquesas.
Further north, Hawaii is a firm favourite with Trendsetter clients and many are now enjoying a cruise on the Pride of America that allows them to pack one and explore the four main islands. With only short distances between them all, there’s plenty of time to see the highlights, returning at the end of a wonderful day to a nicely chilled bubbly.
It’s all so exciting, I think I’ll go around again!
TRAVEL Adrienne Witteman, Managing Director, Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre.
