Sensational Sarina

mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

Sensational Sarina FLOWER POWER

Artist Tai Gabriellah with her series Flowers 1 2 3 on display at the Sarina Art Gallery. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

Coral Palaces by Kerry Williams Water Lily by Brizi

Owl by Gail McKeown Storm Passing by Robyn Gray

Bougainvillea by Roni Boyle Award-winning artist Tia Gabriellah is among seven whose works are on show at the Sarina Art Gallery this

Tia’s bright series of paintings Flowers 1 2 3 is among a display which also includes works by Roni Boyle, Jenny Tibbett, Kerry Williams, Robyn Gray, Brizi, and Gail McKeown.

Tia, who won a number of awards at major New South Wales art shows, has been painting for 20 years and moved to Sarina about 18 months ago. “I’m enjoying painting in Sarina,” Tia said. “I love painting seascapes.” Tia said awareness of Sarina’s art scene was growing with 400 people visiting the gallery for the last Sarina 7 exhibition, and the Sarina Arts Council was aiming to increase its membership. The gallery at the Sarina Field of Dreams is open from 10:00am to 3:30pm daily until October 28.

3 Roses by Jenny Tibbett

Contributed with thanks by Charlie Payne

Saving for your first home

Buying your own home is a major (and exciting!) financial goal. However, knowing where to start and saving for a deposit can be a little overwhelming. Here are a few of our best tips to help you take those first steps, and save for your first home.

Starting point

These three steps will kick you off in the right direction! 1. Contact your bank to get an overview of the financial requirements needed - how much you can borrow and what deposit you need, based on your wage and current living expenses. This starting point will allow you to build your savings, by having a clear end goal to work towards. 2. Check out properties similar to the one you want, in the area you want, to have an understanding of what prices you might be looking at, and how that compares to your savings goal. 3. Research current government grants and schemes available to find out if you are eligible for any, and what the terms and conditions are.

Don’t be tempted

When saving for your deposit, it can be tempting to use that money for other things. These pointers will help you to stay on track, and speed up the process. • Open a separate bank account that is dedicated to saving for the deposit • Make a budget and stick to it • Cancel unnecessary subscriptions • Delete instalment payment options like

Afterpay

Know the process

Once you have your deposit saved, it’s time to find your first home! Now is the time to get your application under way. You’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to assist with all the legal requirements. They will help guide you through the sales process, costs, and any fine details in the contract of sale.

Settlement time

Once your finance is approved, it’s time to sign your loan documents to prepare for settlement. A date will be set, and you can start planning your move. On this day you will receive the keys to your first home! To help buy your first home, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is here to help! Call Charmaine and the team on 07 4943 2624.

FIBRE ARTS CLUB HELPING LOCAL KIDS RUG UP

Members of the Sarina Fibre Arts Group donated 18 children’s rugs to Mackay Women’s Group last week. Photo supplied

Members of the Sarina Fibre Arts Group were involved in making children’s rugs to be donated to the Mackay Women’s Group last week.

Sarina Fibre Arts Group members Mary Whitaker, Val Pearce, Marg Schwarzrock and Jenny Price presented Mackay Women’s Group member Julie with 18 rugs for use by any children in need. The presentation was the latest in a number of donations the group has made including 100 Where’s Wally beanies the group knitted for Mackay’s entrant in the Variety Bash rally earlier this year.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6pm Sat 8:30am-2pm | Sunday 9am to 1pm

TO BOOK, GO TO

www.terrywhitechemmart.com.au