MARCH 2014 by The Illawarra Flame

MARCH 2014

www.2508mag.com.au

DISTRICT NEWS

tigers psyched for massive season

2508 CONTENTS LETTERS 04 well done to our Letter of the Month winner NEWS 07 Komplete Kaos Inc Let’s send these kids to Spain 08 jet ski saves day Quick thinking at Coalcliff 12 Making Headlines Rate rises and the land use debate BUSINESS 20 Introducing Rodrigo Gomez, of Mad Dog Deli 21 Behind the Blue Door Stanny’s new shared office LIFESTYLE 10 Cover story Meet the Tigers’ star Jason Raper 13 Gardening March tasks

14 Health How to survive your desk job 15 Food for little souls Healthy muesli bars 17 Dr Rip’s Science of the Surf Who turned the water heater off? 18 Cockatoos Our birds behaving badly 22 Driven We test the eight-speed auto Amarok 23 Travel Escape and enjoy Lake Tabourie 24 What’s on Drags to Bitches at the Workers Club 26 Clubs Probus and VIEW SPORT 38 Thistles Season starts 39 Bowls End of an era 40 Golf With Vicki 44 Surf Boat Champs!

Cover image by Anthony Warry Photography; www.anthonywarry.tumblr.com

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS Dr Rob Brander TANIA MUNN

– aka ‘Dr Rip’ – is a coastal geomorphologist and Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. A resident of Stanwell Park, he’s been studying beaches for 25 years, starting in Canada where water temperatures convinced him come to Australia to do his PhD. He is an international expert on rip currents and runs a beach safety education program called The Science of the Surf (www.scienceofthesurf. com). He wrote Dr Rip’s Essential Beach Guide. Read his column on page 17.

Natalie Cattley

is a local mum, Registered Nurse and food blogger who loves to cook for her family. In her career, Natalie has seen first-hand what can happen to the body and mind when they are mistreated and abused. “Life is to be enjoyed, treasured and nurtured and I believe this starts with what you put into your body – nutritious, wholesome, home-cooked food,” she says. In her blog, she shares recipes, stories and challenges (foodforlittlesouls.com). Read an edited extract on page 15.

is a Helensburgh mum of two young boys who blogs about her search for zen in the chaos of life. Tania had a career in stockbroking but switched to a more personally fulfilling vocation. She then gained a degree in zoology and has spent the past eight years working for the NSW government’s environment department. In her blog, Munnkey Business, Tania shares the meanderings from the inside of her head, with a touch of whimsy (munnkeybusiness. blogspot.com.au). Tania wrote this month’s travel story – see page 23.

AARON BABB

owns Helensburgh Physiotherapy and has completed a bachelor degree in Exercise Physiology and a master’s degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney. He has worked in musculoskeletal private practice for almost 10 years with particular interests in shoulder injury and rehabilitation and complex lower back injuries. Since opening, his practice has grown into a multidisciplinary clinic. Aaron wrote the article titled “Survive your desk job” on page 14.

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DISTRICT NEWS Editors

Genevieve Swart, Marcus Craft

Art director Brendon Wise

Consulting editor Angela Fagerstrom

Ad design Wendy Gergos

Regular contributors

Rob Brander, Sara Newnham, Natalie Cattley, Anthony Warry

Printing

Snap! Wollongong

Contact

PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508 editor@2508mag.com.au www.2508mag.com.au www.facebook.com/2508mag There is a contributor’s drop box at Helensburgh Newsagency on Parkes Street.

Advertising

See www.2508mag.com.au for rates, specifications and deadlines. Terms and conditions apply. Email editor@2508mag.com.au 2508: District News is published by The Word Bureau Pty Ltd. ABN 31 692 723 477 Community participation in this monthly magazine is encouraged. Please contact editor@2508mag.com.au with story ideas. The editors reserve the right to edit submissions. Contributors should include contact details for clarification. Email correspondence is preferred. Disclaimer: The views expressed in the letters in this issue do not reflect those of the editors. All content and images remain the property of 2508: District News unless otherwise supplied. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

2508 LETTERS

have a say

WELL DONE

Letter from the editors

Welcome to the second issue of 2508: District News. We’d like to thank all our readers who wrote in to say congratulations and give us some constructive criticism. It’s been a busy month for us. Our eldest daughter started Big School (we’ll be taking up Natalie’s great lunchbox tips on page 15) and cockatoos raided our bin (the inspiration for an interview with Coalcliff ornithologist Richard Major on page 18). And we launched our new 2508: District News website. Here you’ll find links to the magazine online and a full list of advertising rates, deadlines, terms and conditions. Thanks to the talented Wendy Gergos, of Helensburgh’s Flamefish Designs, for putting it all together. Check it out: www.2508mag.com.au Thanks for reading, Genevieve Swart and Marcus Craft

Congratulations on our new look local magazine. It is good to see some new topics. I found the small type was very hard to read and I suspect older people especially with eye problems would have trouble reading it. Please don’t be upset by my comments. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. Robyn Potter

Congratulations on the format, content and appearance of the 2508 mag. Obviously a lot of hard work and effort went into the making of it. Narelle King

Congratulations on the re-launch from me and Lawrence Hargrave Centre. Michael Adams, Secretary LHC

Just read through the new online magazine. Very impressed with the style and layout and the user ease in navigating the edition. Some of the new content such as the exposes on Billy Melinz etc are very contemporary and interesting. If that is the bar set, well, let’s see how you go the next edition. Steve Pearce

1/2 ad Cambrai Stables, Helensburgh 2508

2508 LETTERS LETTER OF THE MONTH

Dear Editors, I was delighted to receive the first issue of the 2508: District News. May the gardening page continue. Page 22 & 23 [Driven and Travel] were interesting, along with 24 & 25 [Local Heroes, the Helensburgh Rural Fire Brigade]. Am I allowed to suggest articles by Terri Ayliffe from Zeality. I don’t know her – her page in December HDH was excellent and I am sure many people would have been enlightened. Please don’t think I am trying to tell you how to do your jobs – I think changes are good and keep readers interested. I was always amazed when clearing our PO Box how many HDH were tossed in the rubbish bins at the PO. My friend and I would salvage them and post them to friends who have moved away. Congratulations on your first issue. Mrs M. Smith, Helensburgh Congratulations, Mrs Smith! To celebrate its first birthday, Nurture Reflexology is giving you a treatment worth $80.

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MAGS IN A MESS

I just want to express my disappointment at the method of delivery of your new magazine in Foster Street – thrown all over the side of the street and not placed in the letter box. This method of delivery does not equate with the quality of your production. John Bucknell Ed’s note: If you live in 2508 and don’t receive our mag in your mailbox, please let us know and we’ll follow it up.

Write to us at editor@2508mag.com.au

COMMUNITY NOTICES BIRTHS

Brad and Jenny Bell are proud to announce the birth of their son, Fletcher David Edward Bell. Born 31.12.13. Brother to Hamish and Lyla.

IN MEMORIAM

Margaret Harris and family would like to thank our many friends for their kind thoughts, phone calls and cards received after the passing of our beautiful granddaughter, sister, niece and cousin who passed away on the 16th of November 2013, aged 15 years. Rest in peace, Kayla May Harris.

IN MEMORIAM

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2508 NEWS

ride fete’s roller-coaster Come and celebrate the 40th annual Holy Cross Primary School fete on Saturday, March 15, from 9am. This year, for the 40th Birthday Carnival Fete, Holy Cross Primary is excited to announce that for the first time a roller-coaster will be coming to the fete. We will also have all the traditional rides for all ages, young and old. The chocolate wheel is always a favourite. To be pampered from head to toe, step into our Hair and Nail Salon. Love the idea of getting your family and friends together for a photo? Capture the moment with our first Photo Booth, be a little silly, and remember to smile for the camera. Try your hand at putt for dough or, for those with a sweet tooth, the chocolate toss. There is plenty to satisfy the shoppers. Fete favourites will include the cake stall, craft stall, white elephant stall, book stall and plant stall.

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A first! Holy Cross Primary’s fete promises thrills aplenty

As always, the children are working very hard on their class acts. It wouldn’t be a birthday party without music, that’s why we are also excited to welcome our live local singers and musicians. The Carnival Cafe will serve tea and scones. There’ll also be a BBQ and coffee van. For more, visit the Holy Cross School Fete Facebook page. 2508

2508 NEWS

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2508 NEWS

kaos to hit spain Komplete Kaos Inc – a local team of seven Lego Robotics whiz kids – has been invited to represent Australia at the Open European Championships in Pamplona, Spain. They will be competing against 90 other teams from 68 different countries from May 28-31. But to get there, they need our help. After factoring in everything from flights to specialty luggage for transporting delicate robotic components, parents estimate the trip will cost $55,000. They hope to raise at least $10,000 via crowd funding website Pozible. “This is an outstanding achievement for these children, currently ranking second out of 220 teams Australia wide. FIRST Lego League is a big deal in the world of science, technology and engineering, encouraging young talents to engage in the field,” says Angelica Barger, mother of a member of Komplete Kaos Inc. The Kaos kids – two girls and five boys, aged 10 to 12 – all live locally. Five go to Helensburgh Public School, one to Sutherland Public School and one to Smiths Hill. Lego Robotics – a self-funded afternoon activity – involves designing, building and programming robots. 2013’s competition theme was “Nature’s Fury”. “The team Komplete Kaos Inc has been and still is working closely with the SES in Wollongong developing a FLOOD SMART APP that addresses emergency issues in the case of floods,” Angelica says. “As SES was so impressed with the team and their work they invited the team to also assist with the promotion of SES’s Tsunami campaign and will appear on a DVD produced by the SES.” In December, they went to the Australian National Championships, where they won the research award and came second overall. To sponsor Kaos, go to http://pozible.com/ kompletekaosinc or contact Lilli Pang on 0417 671 442 or lillipang@fastmail.com. au. 2508

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Komplete Kaos, standing from left: Marnie Parkinson, Jiah Pang, Andrew Christy. Sitting from the left: Max Hayes, Harri Lahtinen, Matthew Wheatley, Nicola Pang.

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2508 NEWS Rescuer Grant Smith on Coalcliff’s jet ski. Photo: Jenelle McWilliam

to the rescue! a speedy jet ski was vital in a recent rescue at coalcliff. grant smith, president of coalcliff surf lifesaving club, tells the story. It was about 1pm on Sunday, February 9: A young boy ran over to the club in a panic, saying his uncle, who could not swim, was in the water over near rocks at Coalcliff Bridge. The rescue took place as a team, with

Open 7 Days

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patrolling members running over to be spotters, while two other patrolling members helped to launch Illawarra support ski 1 (the jet ski, pictured) with me as rider. I arrived at rocks on the north side of Sea Cliff Bridge where I recognised members in patrol uniform pointing to two people in water. I spotted one person with a life buoy holding another person. These marine safety boys are scattered along our coastline for this purpose, so that anyone can throw one into the ocean to assist a distressed swimmer. I placed the exhausted person on the sled, and before leaving spoke to the second person, who wanted to swim ashore at the rocks. At this stage he had no strength, I told him to leave the lifesaving buoy on and that I would return. I arrived back to Coalcliff SLSC with the first patient, then went back to pick up the second patient. This whole rescue was a team effort. When I returned to the beach the Oxy-viva was being used to give oxygen therapy to the first patient. An ambulance had been called. There were people on the corner of Lawrence Hargrave Drive to direct the ambulance, and a patrol member was in touch with Surfcom by radio. As Club President, Trainer and Assessor and RWC operator (Illawarra Support Team), I was very proud of all members. Illawarra Surf Lifesaving funds five jet skis, which patrol Wollongong Beaches. Support Ski 1 is based at Coalcliff SLSC. Congratulations to all involved: Patrol captain – Peter Jordan; First Aid – David Winner, Robert Deacon, Barry Allen; Spotters – Mark Creagan, Luke Bollin, Ellie Stone, Peter Stone; Launching jet ski – Peter Jordan and Dominic Keagan; Grant Smith – Rescue Water Craft Driver. 2508

2508 NEWS

enter THE dragons Symbio’s baby beardies take the cuteness prize this month.

“We have recently welcomed eight baby Central bearded dragons, successfully bred here onsite,” says Symbio Wildlife Park’s Michelle Aldred. “We have included a photo to show you how tiny they are, and we will be exhibiting these critters in our brand new indoor Reptile House. “The bearded dragon has interestingly become one of the most popular pets in America, but is only naturally found in Australia’s desert regions,” says Michelle. “Generally they are found in the south-eastern Northern Territory and the eastern half of South Australia.” 2508

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Tiny tot – a baby Central bearded dragon

2508 REPORT Photos by Anthony Warry Photography; www.anthonywarry.tumblr.com

TIGERS’ game-changer A prodigious talent with league in his blood, Jason Raper is set for a huge year with an in-form side. So close last year. Helensburgh Senior Rugby League Club’s first graders were so close to winning the Illawarra Coal Cup Grand Final and taking home their first premiership in 20 years. But their hopes were dashed when the opposition’s five-eighth slotted a 40-metre field goal in the dying seconds of the match. Final score: 29-28. Game over. But that’s all in the past now. History. And the Tigers are bigger and better because of the challenges they’ve faced in recent seasons, the hardships they’ve endured. They’re well and truly big-match-mature now. You just have to see game-changing fullback Jason Raper, 24, in action on the paddock to get a real sense of what’s coming for this gold and black band of brothers. Raper was born in Caringbah and raised in Engadine. He played the lion’s share of his

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formative years with the Engadine Tigers in the halves. In his teens he took a couple of years off, away from league, but when the desire returned he started with the Tigers. He has since moved from the wing to fullback. Raper’s versatile, a playmaker, a tryscorer; he’s a natural fit for the fullback role and, over recent seasons, he’s made the position his own with top-notch performances. “The versatility is a hard thing sometimes,” he has said. “Coaches can use it as an excuse to just put you on the bench, but when you find your position you’re either playing or you’re not, so it’s good to have finally found [a permanent place at] fullback.” Raper is the nephew of Dragons legend John “Chook” Raper – though you’d never know it; Chook was a monstering lock, Raper is a big-game machine of the modern era. Coming off the back of a successful Country Firsts’ tour of South Africa, during which Raper, of course, impressed all and sundry, the bloke is flying high. In fact, he reckons that

2508 REPORT representing Country on that tour and receiving the Players’ Player award has been his greatest sporting achievement so far. Fair call. And Raper’s top form is further bolstered by a Tigers’ side ready for action. Coach Ryan Powell has the team coming together well, and, with a few spots still up for grabs, all players are putting in their best effort. The club is looking strong, having retained key players such as Grant Smith, front rower Derek Short and halfback Eamon Hillen. New key signing, hooker Daniel Fepuleai and NSW Cup players, five-eighth Jarrod Boyle, Raper, winger Wayne Bremner, back rower Blake Phillips and prop Jordan Hay keep the power and sting in an already formidable line-up. At time of writing, Hayden McCrae was playing for the Dragons U20s and Helensburgh’s Raper, Wayne Bremner, Jarrod Boyle, Blake Phillips and Jordan Hay were part of the Illawarra Cutters side taking on the Dragons in a trial clash. Things are looking good for the Tigers. Jason Raper, tell us about your favourite... Bit of 2508? Stanny Beach. Memory of growing up? Hanging out with my mates, going to the beach. Pub? Centennial. Footy player? Billy Slater. Time of year? Summer. Thing to do in your spare time? Golf. Part of footy training? Seeing the boys and having a laugh. 2508 Thanks to first grade captain Steven McCallum for his help with this yarn.

The Tigers are bigger and better because of the challenges they’ve faced in recent seasons 2508

2508 NEWS

making headlines two stories that affect our community made the news last month: the land-use controversy around helensburgh and rate rises.

RATE RISES

On February 18, Wollongong Council issued a media release, titled "Council approves Securing our Future approach". It announced council would lodge an application with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a rate increase for the next three financial years. The proposed rates rises would be spread over three years: 6.13% in 2014-15, 6.23% in 2015-16 and 6.24% in 2016-2017. ABC News did the maths and ran online

with the headline “Wollongong Council votes for 21 percent rate rise”, while the Illawarra Mercury went with: “Wollongong council backs rate rise, service cuts” . In the council’s media release, the lord mayor Gordon Bradbery, said: “Council needs to find around $21 million extra each year to complete works on ageing infrastructure such as roads, pools, pathways and community centres. If we don’t plan for this renewal, we will start losing assets as they reach the end of their useful life.”

LAND USE DEBATE

In another twist in a 30-year debate, development on the fringes of Helensburgh is again a touchy topic. Two competing planning proposals for the northern Illawarra have been referred to the Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) for independent review. ABC News online described the JRPP as “the planning department's independent umpire” while the Illawarra Mercury dubbed the decision “a procedural snag”. A Department of Planning and Infrastructure media release summed up the two proposals as: * Wollongong City Council’s plans to rezone the majority of land at Helensburgh for environmental conservation. In addition, a variety of other zones – including environmental living, tourist, enterprise corridor and light industry – would be implemented in small pockets of land within the Helensburgh area. * Ensile Pty Ltd and the Helensburgh Land Pooling Group’s request for a pre-Gateway review for plans to rezone land for up to 400 residential lots at Helensburgh’s Lady Carrington Estate South and the Land Pooling site. Under the plans, just over 280 hectares would be dedicated to council and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. 2508: District News contacted the JRPP to find out if there was a time frame for the review and if the public might be involved. We had this response from the Department of Planning and Infrastructure’s communications department: “At this stage we have nothing to report. If and when the panel are appointed then we will have more definite answers.” What do you think of these hot topics? Email us at editor@2508mag.com.au. 2508

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2508 OUTDOORS

Gardening with sara do some march maintenance and you will reap rewards for six months or more, says Sara Newnham. March is a wonderful time to garden. The weather is cooling down, you can take on bigger tasks you may have been putting off – I know I have a long list! – such as remulching or building a new veggie patch or tackling that jungle of weeds. It is still warm enough to get a lot of growth out of many plants. Cut back any daggy shrubs that have finished flowering to prevent them from becoming woody and to encourage a last flush of growth and flowers before the cold sets in. Shrubs such as lavender, salvias and daisies love to be pruned, so don’t be scared – use sharp, clean shears to take off all the dead flowers (deadhead) by about a third of the bush. Feed the entire garden. This will ensure a healthy garden – like us, if you feed it the right food it will look great and be less likely to get sick. I recommend an organic all-purpose fertiliser. Water in and watch your plants thrive!

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day and plant a sweet pea.

Put down the Guinness and get the little leprechauns to help plant these fragrant beauties

Give lawns TLC

It’s as easy as: 1) weeding by hand or use a selective weed killer that will kill weeds and not the grass; 2) dethatching (removing dead spongy layer of lawn with rake or hire machinery; 3) aerating, loosening compact areas with garden fork (or high heels; great to do after the rain with a wine in hand). This will help drainage issues and help your lawn to grow back in bald areas; 4) top dress by lightly covering entire lawn in a thin layer of top soil, allowing just the tips of to show. Or just fill over uneven areas. 5) Lastly, give it a good feed! Feed with a lawn food that is right for your lawn type and water in well.

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Sweet for St Paddy

March 17th is St Patrick’s Day – traditionally the perfect day to plant sweet pea. Put down the Guinness and get the little leprechauns to help plant these fragrant beauties. There are many varieties, from dwarf species (great as ground cover) to your traditional trellis-loving climbers.

Think of spring

Most spring-flowering bulbs need to be planted this month. They need rich soil, so nourish the area you intend to plant out with composted cow manure and fertiliser. Plant a pot full of your favourite bulbs – when they are flowering you can bring the pot inside as a living bunch of flowers. Watch out for snails and use baits safe for kids and animals. Coffee casting is great for the garden and keeping the snails away, so is sawdust from all that log cutting in 2508, or a shallow saucer of beer left out will lure the snails and slugs to, some would say, peaceful death. Snails love annuals so keep them off your cooler season flowers such as cineraria, polyanthus, primula, pansy and violas. Happy gardening! Sara owns Creativescapes, a garden design and maintenance consultancy (0451 196 646 or creativescapes@iprimus.com.au). 2508

2508 HEALTH

SURVIVE a DESK JOB by Aaron Babb, of Helensburgh Physiotherapy The average desk worker who works a standard 38-hour week over the course of a year will be sitting, staring at a computer screen for – wait for it – 118,560 minutes or 7,113,600 seconds weekly. Shivers! It is therefore completely understandable that this may cause an issue or two at some point, and particularly in the neck. What I want to try and do with this article is talk through some common techniques that physios use to counteract the issues related to the spine that arise from prolonged desk-related activities. One of the biggest issues here is posture. Now before you switch off, because one time you sprained your ankle running and the 82-year-old physio born and raised in Nimbin told you it was because you have bad sitting posture, let me explain. Sitting requires muscle control and endurance. However, if you lack the ability to easily produce the required control and endurance, then you will slouch, putting huge strain on tissue never meant to handle it. Here is a short, simple routine that can help. 1. The first and easiest. Simply lie down with a foam roller running down your spine, starting with your head supported. This exercise makes gravity do all the work as your shoulders are pulled back, opening up your chest and reversing the position you’ve been in for the past 118,560 minutes. Lie there for 10 minutes each night. 2. Kneeling on all fours, hold your core muscles on and slowly extend out your opposite

3 arm and opposite leg. Maintain stability without wobbling around too much and hold the position for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side, do 10 times each side. This will help to start developing endurance in the muscles used in standing and sitting. 3. This exercise is called “the Superman”. Unsure why. Lying prone, hold your legs and arms out with your chest and knees slightly off the ground. Hold the position for 20 seconds and repeat 20. 2508

Housekeeping for the Mind

By Louise Charman-James, owner of Soul Signature meditation classes and empowerment sessions; www.facebook.com/soulsignaturemeditation We shower and change our clothes every day, wash the dishes and sweep the floor, but we rarely think to do the same for our minds. Meditation, even for a few minutes each day, allows us to clear the clutter from our minds and bring ourselves back to the present moment. Try this simple exercise: when you clean your teeth, bring all your awareness to the act of brushing, instead of thinking about what you didn’t do today or need to do tomorrow. If your mind wanders, simply bring it back to the act of brushing. Clean teeth – and a clean mind.

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2508 KITCHEN

Food for Little Souls Natalie Cattley tackles the dramas of ‘big school’ and packs a healthy lunch box. I am sure this is not news to any seasoned school mum or dad, but school is hard work. This year has seen my eldest head off to “big” school. While he has seemingly waltzed into the role with ease, I feel like the production manager of a grand show ensuring uniforms are clean, matching socks are found, hats are on heads, lunches are packed, photos for “news day” are downloaded onto thumb drives (these smart boards have a lot to answer for), library books are returned, notes are read, notes are returned and that we are all out of the house by 9am without crumpled hair, Weet-Bix on our clothes and toothpaste down our chins. And we have to do this five days a week? I worry throughout the day if he has found a good friend, remembered to hand in notes, not lost his canteen money and not eaten all his food by morning tea. No wonder that by 3pm I feel there should be a standing ovation when the show is done and we can go home, regroup, take a breath and start it all again tomorrow. The other challenge I have had is finding a healthy muesli bar that will give him lots of energy, but not lots of sugar. All my recipes fall into two categories – deliciously bad for you or wholesome and FULL of nuts! So, a little time in the kitchen and I managed to adapt one of my “deliciously bad” treats into a wholesome nut-free treat. As an added bonus for those allergic to eggs (or those like me who didn’t have any eggs in the fridge), it is egg-free. Bananas are a great binding agent and add a nice sweetness to the muesli bar. I used wholemeal spelt flour, which I buy in bulk from the Nut & Deli Hut in Wollongong, but you could use wholemeal plain flour as a substitute. Hopefully, before too long, school will become old news to us and like seasoned actors we will glide through the production with ease. Well, here’s hoping! Follow Natalie’s blog at foodforlittlesouls.com 2508

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the recipe

NUT- AND EGG-FREE MUESLI BARS Ingredients

1 cup of wholemeal spelt flour 1 cup of dessicated coconut 1/4 cup rolled oats 2 tbs of honey 125g melted butter 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp baking powder 1 large banana, mashed 1 cup of dried fruits or any nut-free extra you wish to add (e.g. craisin and choc chips/dates and dried apricots) OPTIONAL 100g melted dark chocolate to drizzle over bars

Method

1. Grease and line with baking paper a 30cm x 15

20cm slice tin. Preheat the oven to 200°C. 2. In a large bowl, combine flour, coconut, baking powder and cinnamon. Stir together and set aside. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the mashed banana, vanilla and honey. Add to flour mix, then add the melted butter. Combine well with a wooden spoon. 4. Add the rolled oats and dried fruits/ chocolate and fold into the mix. 5. Press mix into the tin and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden. 6. Cool in tin before slicing into fingers and drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.

2508 EVENTS

party people Want an unusual celebration? Here are three extraordinary options.

WARDROBE MAKEOVER

Invite friends over to witness a transformation thanks to personal stylist Sammy Mahler. She’ll give the party host a two-hour wardrobe makeover. “This is great experience to share with your girlfriends and a wonderful journey to re-invent yourself,” says Sammy, who shows how to mix and match existing pieces. “The emphasis will be on what you can do with what you have, therefore saving you money. I am honest but gentle about pieces that don’t suit your body shape, and about styles that have seen better days.” $120, 0418 344 714, sammy@littlemissboo.com

ANIMAL MAGIC

At Symbio parties, children get free entry, an animal food bag and a close-up encounter with

a scaly or furry animal. “We bring out one large animal such a large snake, alligator, wombat or possum, and the option for one to two smaller animals, which may include a small snake, lizard (bluey or beardie), turtle, guinea pig and we can also bring out our spiny leaf insects,” says Symbio Wildlife Park’s Michelle Aldred. Parties are for kids of all ages. “Whilst we have not yet had an adult party request, it is something we could likely accommodate.”

Party packs from $350 for up to 10 children, 4294 1244, www.symbiozoo.com.au

SIXTH SENSE

Medium and clairvoyant Pateena Donnelly offers “Speaking with spirit group readings”. Essentially, getting together with friends for a spiritual experience. Pateena and fellow medium Lisa say they’ll use “individual and powerful gifts to bring insightful messages from the other side as well as connecting you with loved ones who have crossed over”. “These parties are always very entertaining and a lot of fun as well as at times incredibly moving,” says Pateena. $60pp (minimum eight), 0412 317 363, www.aioa.com.au 2508

meditation for everyone with Louise Charman-James CLASSES & EVENTS

NEW! Casual meditation class - first Sunday of the month 6 - 7pm, HB Community Centre Next 6 week Beginner’s Meditation Course starts Tuesday March 18, 7.30pm, Otford MotherLove Retreat, Sun May 18, Otford Yoga, meditation, laughter & yummy food... Women’s Full Moon Meditation & Gong Closest Monday to full moon, Burgh/Otford

Enquiries: 0417 244 978 louise@soulsignature.com.au facebook: soulsignaturemeditation

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2508 COLUMN

Dr Rip’s Science of the Surf north-easters start pushing all that warm surface water towards the shore, it gets deflected to the left, which on the east coast means out to sea. This triggers upwelling of deeper, colder water that is drawn to shore to replace it. This process is called an Ekman spiral because the resulting water movement spirals up from the bottom so that at the surface it is moving 90 degrees (i.e. perpendicular) to Did you go to the beach in late January and the direction of the wind. Upwelling of cold early February expecting to have a lovely swim, water can also occur when strong offshore only to be shocked when you dove into icy winds (westerlies) last for a few days and push water? What was going on? the warm surface water offshore. Blame it on the wind and cosmic forces. The good news is that when the prevailing Generally on hot summer days, we get a southerly wind and waves kick back in, the north-east sea breeze kick in about mid-day, warm surface water sitting offshore starts which cools us down (but messes up the surf). moving north and is also deflected to the left, This summer, for whatever reasons, we’ve had which in this case brings it back to the beach. incredibly strong north-east winds that have You may be surprised to know that in NSW, the lasted most of the day, every day. You’d think ocean water temperature peaks in March. It can that these winds would bring warmer waters be pretty warm in April and May as well. Just from the north onto our beaches, but the as it takes a while for the kettle to boil, the opposite is true. ocean takes a bit of time to warm up… so Because the earth spins, all moving don’t pack those cossies away yet! objects are deflected to the left in the Stanwell Park’s Rob Brander is southern hemisphere due to a sort of a coastal geomorphologist and did you know? centrifugal force called “the Coriolis Associate Professor at the In NSW, the sea water temperature force”. Small moving things aren’t University of NSW. peaks in March. really affected, but when those www.scienceofthesurf.com. 2508

Who turned off the water heater? Rob Brander explains why the sea’s been a bit chilly over the past two months.

Brrr! Surfing at Stanwell Park last month. Photo: Anthony Warry

2508

2508 REPORT

Ornithologist Richard Major with a wingtagged cockatoo. Photo: John Martin

cocky bin raiders You’ve seen Oceans 11. This is the avian version. Australian Museum ornithologist Richard Major has the lowdown on cunning cockatoos. The sulphur-crested cockatoos of 2508 are ingenious – come garbage day, they use teamwork, strong beaks and claws to lift bin lids and scatter rubbish. It is the ultimate avian heist. Some residents resort to loading bricks or rocks atop red bins. But Stanwell Park’s Renata Shanahan says, “Bricks didn’t work for us! At one point we had four and still they got in. So Gavin (long-time Stanny resident) came with drill and coat hanger and has created a little hook (pictured above). So when cockys try to lift the lid, the hook stops them, but when garbage truck tips, hook swings out to release lid. No troubles since.” The cockatoos’ behaviour is not normal, says Australian Museum ornithologist Richard Major, who lives in Coalcliff. “When I tell my colleagues about cockatoos getting into bins, we

2508

just don’t know of it elsewhere. Probably a couple of cockatoos have worked it out and they have transferred that knowledge onto others in the local area. They are smart birds and they are also very co-operative birds, they are gregarious birds.” Not every bin is raided, and large flocks of cockatoos aren’t seen in Coalcliff, he says. “Although I have once seen a cockatoo perched on the telegraph wire chewing on a chicken bone. Which I thought was interesting.”

What should they be eating?

Seeds, says Richard. “They like to feed down on the ground. Naturally, they should be feeding on seeds of native grasses and native herbs. They also eat fruits off trees, they’ll chew on eucalypt flowers and things like that.” The birds famously roost together at night, sometimes in flocks of several hundred. “At Helensburgh Station, there’s a big roost just to the north of the station there. They like to roost in big trees, which is also what they nest in too. Because they roost together, then forage

2508 REPORT together, there is lots of room for co-operative behaviour, so I guess it’s a lot of opportunity for information transfer, for teaching each other how to do things … like get into bins.”

cereal for breakfast

Cockatoos are thriving around the continent. “They are really one of those birds that has benefited from Australia becoming agricultural – all those seed crops are just fantastic food, Research project on Facebook provided there are old trees left they can nest Richard is involved in a project to wing-tag and roost in,” Richard says. cockatoos in Sydney. It’s a joint research project “Tree hollows can be a resource in short between the Royal Botanic Garden and the supply, because we have deforested a lot of University of Sydney that has tagged almost land. It’s quite likely that we’ll see cockatoos 100 birds and is run by two of Richard’s former excluding some of the other parrots, like eastern PhD students, John Martin and Adrian Davis. rosellas and crimson rosellas and maybe king The goal is to find out more about parrots. So there is a potential problem of did cockatoos – where they forage, if they cockatoos being a dominant bird, you are nomadic, how long they live (the monopolising tree hollows.” know? Cockatoos are oldest tagged bird recorded in the lefties. “A study said wild has been eight years old, says Stop thief! 87% of cockatoos are Richard, although he is sure they As any unwary picnicker knows, left-footed – I suggest people look out live longer than that). cockatoos are opportunistic for that,” says Most of the tagged birds are snatchers. They weigh about 900g Richard. hanging out in Sydney’s Botanic (about half as much as your average Gardens, but Richard expects they will chook) and can get a bit bolshy. fly south. “If you see one, please let us know. It’s a contrast to the colonial era, when Take a picture or just record the number on it.” naturalist George Caley described them in his “There’s a free iPhone app [Wingtags, by diary as “shy and not easily approachable” (he Stefanie Veith], so you can just take a photo, also wrote that the young ones were good send it and it sends us the GPS location, the eating). Richard says: “They’re wary naturally time, the date, then it sends you back the name. … I guess a lot of their bad behaviour is So if it’s no. 92, it will tell you it’s Sir Lancelot, through people feeding them.” But he wouldn’t or whatever.” Other names of tagged birds ban it. “So many people get so much pleasure include Columbus (“the first one to set sail”), out of it. Mixed seed is the thing to feed them Party Boy, Crackers, Mad Max and Snow White. – not bread, it’s not as nutritious.” Also, don’t Check out www.facebook.com/ feed them daily in the same place, he advises. CockatooWingtags “It is just inviting troublesome birds.” 2508

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2508 BUSINESS

deli beloved Rodrigo Gomez is the new owner of Stanwell Park’s Mad Dog Deli, aka “the gelato shop” to the children who pop in after school. Rodrigo’s background is in graphic and industrial design and he has – with minimal budget, a lick of paint and a few rolls of brown paper – transformed the deli’s interior. The shop still stocks Gelatomassi from Newtown, high-quality hams and cheeses, but now it has an air of rustic chic. With a bookcase and a few hooks, a corner has been transformed into a mini gallery, with paintings by local surfer Bret Walker, beautiful, old surfboards restored by Helensburgh’s Rod Gorvin, bodyboarding grips of recycled walnut by Rodrigo, as well as leather bags, photography and jewellery by local crafts people. “You can have all the gadgets and all that, but sometimes as a good designer you have to be able to create something with pretty much what you’ve got,” Rodrigo says of his challenge when taking over two months ago. “At that moment, all I had was a roll of brown paper, and a few dried herbs and a bit of paint. The budget was pretty tight, I spent maybe $200.” Rodrigo – originally from Venezuela –

confesses to having the Latin American “let’s just have fun” attitude to shopkeeping. This means you may find him strumming a guitar on the balcony, letting teenagers dish up their own ice-cream, shooting the breeze with passers-by – working to create a relaxed atmosphere. This changes on the weekend, when day-trippers keep Mad Dog “flat-out”. “I love working with people,” Rodrigo says. “My grandfather was a PR, he was really well known for that. I’ve always had that passion for people, engaging with people.” Innovations thus far include a pop-up market and a pop-up pizza night, popular with local parents. “I’ve got a family, so it’s always important to me – if there’s a party, there’s a place for the kids as well,” he says. In the future, he plans to introduce salads to the deli and hold more pop-up nights, such as a tapas evening on the balcony. Rodrigo also aims to give local artists an outlet (he charges no commission for works on display). “It’s all local stuff with interesting stories. I want to create a space where you can find unique elements, really well designed, and pretty too.” Mad Dog Deli is on the corner of Lawrence Hargrave Drive and Stanwell Avenue, Stanwell Park (4294 9713). 2508

farewell, bi-lo! hello, coles

Helensburgh’s Walker Street supermarket is bigger and brighter thanks to a fresh coat of paint and new branding. But the changes are more than cosmetic. They’ve reduced the amount of confectionery, chips and soft drink on shelves, while doubling the amount of health food sold. About 900 new products have been added to the groceries section and there is a new bakery with artisan bread. This found favour on the Helensburgh Cheers and Jeers Facebook page, with one post reading: “Cheers to jam donuts & jam & fresh cream filled lamington cake at the new Coles bakery yummmmo! Thanks for the extra kilos”.

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2508 BUSINESS

TRADE SECRETS … of A YOGA teacher Amber Muller (pictured) is a local yoga teacher who has just returned with her family from a year living in the Caribbean on a yacht. Sounds fantastic – and it was – but the one thing she missed was teaching yoga and being able to do arm balances and the tree pose, because the sea is constantly rocking the boat. So, what’s the secret to successful arm balances?

“Many people in class get rattled by arm balances, there’s the fear of face planting and the feeling that one’s arms are not strong enough. This leads to anxiety and tension so many people grip the floor, knuckles turning

white, holding their breath and digging in deep to become airborne. Actually, this is what prevents one from accomplishing the pose. Arm balances require your joints and muscles to be relaxed – once you get this you don’t have to work so hard to stay in the pose.”

Amber is running a six-week workshop for beginners starting mid-March, as well as other classes. Go to www. yogawithamber.com.au or call her on 0466 370 307. 2508

the blue door opens in stanny

A new creative, cultural hub is bubbling up behind the Blue Door. Four Stanwell Park parents have transformed the old surf shop on Station Street into a crisp, new co-working space, with white walls, trestle desks, timber shelves and beautiful old hardwood floor. “We did a big renovation,” says designer Peach Petre (pictured), who started the

2508

not-for-profit enterprise with her partner, designer Beau Vandenberg; Ben Rennie, director of digital marketing firm 6.2; and Nicola Rennie of online craft beer and cider store, Hops & Craft. “The idea of it is it’s supposed to be a creative hub, almost a creative cultural hub,” says Peach. “It’s for people who need to get away out of the house, away from the kids, have a little quiet space, maybe a little chat with some like-minded people in order to kind of stay sane and get some work done.” The founders are now looking for people to share their space. There will be six to 10 desks, free broadband, office equipment, stationery (no landline, so bring your mobile). They will also run training sessions, workshops and pop-up events. It will be a relaxed office (“if kids want to pop in and say hello that’s fine”). Workers can rent by the day ($25, 9am-6pm, hotdesking) or week ($85, your own desk and door key, unlimited hours) or custom-make their hours. sharethebluedoor.com 2508

2508 DRIVEN

VEHICLE TEST: VW AMAROK Marcus craft reviews VW’s eight-speed auto ute.

We drove an Amarok across the Simpson Desert last year on one tank (80 litres) of diesel

SPECIFICATIONS VW AMAROK TRENDLINE TDI420

Image courtesy of VW / Chris Benny Imaging There is nothing better in the ENGINE Inline 4-cyl dual-cab mob than auto Amarok. bi-turbo-diesel That will get fans of HiLux, Ranger CAPACITY 1968cc POWER 132kW @ 4000rpm and BT-50 red-faced with outrage. TORQUE 420Nm @ 1750rpm But there’s no denying it. The ZF TRANSMISSION Eight-speed auto, introduced in 2012 and auto / single-range full-time 4X4 matched to the 4Motion all-wheel WEIGHT 2026kg drive system, made a great FUEL TANK 80 litres work-and-play ute even better. FUEL CONSUMPTION The line-up starts with the 8.3L/100km (claimed) PRICE* FROM $48,990 single-cab TDI400 4x4 cab-chassis sand and mud and it never missed *Excludes on-road costs ($35,490) and tops out at the a beat. dual-cab Ultimate TDI420 4x4 auto For the first ute in its class in ($61,490). Australia to be awarded a five-star It looks great, has a roomy, classy interior and ANCAP rating, safety remains paramount. it handles supremely well, on- and off-road. Standard gear includes ABS and ESP (with We took the TDI420 on long highway Brake Assist), Off Road ABS/ASR and EDL, stretches, dirt roads, wet firm-packed sand, soft and airbags pretty much everywhere. With a load-area depth of 1555mm, 1620mm maximum load width and total load area of 2.52 square metres, dual-cab Amarok’s tray bests some rivals by almost 25 percent. It is the only ute in its class whose load area can cop a Euro pallet (1200 x 800mm) sideways. There are four solid tie-down points in the tray and a 12-Volt outlet (standard from Trendline). 2508

St John Bosco College

ENGADINE

A great place to learn – a great place to grow!

enrolling now for 2015 Open Morning 25 March 9am-11am or contact us for a College tour For more information call 02 9548 4000 Email: info@sjbcengadine.catholic.edu.au or visit www.bosco.nsw.edu.au E D U C AT I O N A L E XC E L L E N C E I N A C A R I N G E N V I R O N M E N T

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2508 TRAVEL

lake of plenty Tania Munn needed some ‘sand between the toes’ time, so she went south to recharge at Lake Tabourie. How far would you go for a weekend getaway? If your family is like ours then about two to three hours’ drive is enough car time. The NSW South Coast has an abundance of holiday havens within that ‘Goldilocks zone’. Think Sussex Inlet, Lake Conjola, Jervis Bay or – our new-found favourite – Lake Tabourie. Around 10 minutes south of Ulladulla, the Lake Tabourie Tourist Park sits between a long sandy beach and the lake’s entrance. This is a completely unsponsored rave: whether you’re in a tent, a van or a cabin, you can hear the surf from your bed and spend days chilling out, getting busy or a bit of both. Our kids have spent hours splashing in the shallows and building sandcastles; we’ve fished, explored rockpools and collected shells, paddled up the river in a canoe and drifted about in a blow-up rowboat. And, if you fancy venturing out for the day, there’s plenty to do in the area: the Lake Tabourie museum houses a bizarre and strangely compelling collection (I’ll say no more). Meroo National Park surrounds you and the tranquil Clyde River is calling out to be paddled. You could venture to historic Milton, full of groovy galleries, antique shops and cafes. The cherry turnovers from Milton’s Heritage Bakery are divine and I wholeheartedly recommend Ulladulla’s Treehouse Café (next to the cinema) for best coffee in the area, with great scones.

Amenities: Powered and unpowered tent and caravan sites, cabins, two children’s playgrounds and two jumping pillows, water park, BMX track, canoe hire, tennis court, putt putt, beach volleyball court, basketball practice ring, pet friendly on designated caravan sites, outside of school and public holidays. Gotta love: It has something for everyone. Watch out for: It’s very crowded over the Christmas and New Year break. More info: www.laketabourietouristpark. com.au; (02) 4406 3101. 2508

TUMBLING WATERS Restaurant - Stanwell Tops

LUxURy AccoMModATIoN, WEddINGS, pRIvATE fUNcTIoNS Restaurant open Saturday evenings. Bookings online

www.twr.com.au 4294 1888

Need to know

Location: Lake Tabourie Tourist Park is 190kms south of Helensburgh. 2508

2508 EVENTS

What’s on! send your listings to editor@2508mag.com.au

18: VIEW Club luncheon, Centennial Hotel 11am, Speaker Sandy from Sunrise Nursery.

CHURCHES

ENTERTAINMENT

H’burgh & Stanwell Park Anglican Church Regular Sunday services, 8.15am, 54 Stanwell Ave, Stanwell Park; 10am and 6pm, 75 Parkes St, Helensburgh. Call 4294 1024. Helensburgh Baptist Church Sunday meeting, 10am, Community Centre, Walker St, Helensburgh. Call 4294 8459. Holy Cross Catholic Parish Weekend Mass: Sunday 8:30am. Reconciliation: Sunday 8am. Catholic Women’s League meets monthly. St Vincent de Paul Society meets monthly. Call 4294 1009. See www.helensburgh catholic.org.au for daytime Masses and Communion Services. Hope Church 2508 Sunday services, 9.30am, 6/17 Cemetery Rd, Helensburgh. Call 0404 803 055. Hillcrest Christian Fellowship Sundays, 6pm, Hillcrest House, Railway Crescent, Stanwell Park. Call 4294 3153.

CLUBS

4: Fellowship of First Fleeters, South Coast Chapter, 10am, Laurel Room, Ribbonwood Centre, Dapto. Refreshments. Entry: $2. Betty Warne will introduce her guest and tell us an interesting story about the bombing of Darwin in World War II. Call 4271 3762, 4261 6893.

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8: The Underscore Orkestra (from Portland Oregon) supported by The Beatmeisters, @ the Bombie Bar, Coalcliff SLSC, 2-5pm 9: Drags to Bitches (pictured below): A tribute to all that is drag and the bitches who inspire them. Stars singing sensations Prada Clutch and “the yodelling drag queen” LayDee KinMee. Helensburgh Workers Club, $25/$13 presale, 4294 1122, www.helensburghworkers.com.au.

MARKETS

2: 10am-3pm, Stanwell Park Village Market, CWA Hall, The Drive. 9: 10am-3pm, Helensburgh Village Market. 30 stalls in front of Centennial Hotel on Parkes St.

PLAYGROUPS

Mondays: 9.30am-noon, Stanwell Park Children’s Centre, Stanwell Ave. Call Penelope, 0431 593 118. Tuesdays: 10am-noon, Helensburgh Community Centre, Walker St. Call Rosemary, 4294 1290. Tuesdays: 9.30-11.30am, Helensburgh Anglican Church, 75 Parkes St. Call 4294 1024. Wednesdays: 9.30am-noon, Stanwell Park Children’s Centre, Stanwell Ave. Thursdays: 10am-noon, H’burgh Community Centre, Walker St. Call Rosemary, 4294 1290. Fridays: 9.30am-noon, Stanwell Park Children’s

Centre, Stanwell Ave. Call Gerri, 0402 477 898.

coming soon...

Black in Time is a new documentary on the history of Helensburgh and its mine. The premiere screenings will be held at the Helensburgh Workers Club on Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12. All tickets are $10. Advance bookings and queries: 0425 257 984.

STANNY OCEAN CHALLENGE

Enjoy the great swim (approx 2.3km) from Coalcliff to Stanwell Park Beach as part of this popular fundraiser on Sunday, March 16. All competitors must report to Stanwell Park Surf Club by 9.15am. Entrants must be 14 years or over. Online entries ($35) @ www. oceanswims.com. Entries accepted on the day from 8am to 9.15am ($45; at Stanwell Park Surf Club only). Visit www.stanwellparksurfclub.com

helensburgh LIBRARY

4: 4-5pm, What’s on Tuesday, a monthly program for primary aged children. Free. 12: Storytime for preschoolers. 10.30am. Free. 18: Drop-in chess. A Seniors Week activity, 10am-1pm. 19: Grandparents Storytime for preschoolers. 10.30am. Free. 21: Drop-in chess. A Seniors Week activity, 10am-1pm. 26: Storytime for preschoolers. 10.30am. Free.

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Bill LaPalombara

Specialists in Pain & Injury Management

Ashley Hay’s new novel is set in 1948, Thirroul. Publishers Allen & Unwin say: “Written in clear, shining prose and with an eloquent understanding of the human heart, The Railwayman’s Wife explores the power of beginnings and endings.” Copies are available for loan at Wollongong City Libraries, including the Helensburgh branch at 57 Walker Street (4294 2185). 2508

2508

Brendon Ford

tion.

Loca New

t. p eerSurS k l f Sho a Wbetween thDentist and

2508 CLUBS

CUTTING THE CAKE: Helensburgh Probus celebrated its 10th birthday last month at the Harbour Front restaurant in Wollongong on February 12. Pictured are (from left to right) President Joan Gardner, Foundation President and Life member Mark Henderson and Vice President Chris Butcher.

Property Solutions Retaining Walls Pergolas Decking Paving Landscaping Complete Makeovers Call Daniel:

0422 503 193 Lic: 151773C

2508

2508 CLUBS

the view report At our February AGM luncheon, Illawarra Zone Councillor Yvonne White thanked the outgoing Committee and President Jenny Donohoe. She also welcomed the new Committee for 2014, and new President, Margaret Rae. Congratulations to all. We were thrilled to welcome back from Canada, Barbara Willis who came to us last year, as a result of reading this newspaper sent to her by her daughter. She gave us an interesting talk on her home town, Beaumont, Alberta. We also welcomed two new members. Illawarra VIEW Club members will be acknowledging International Women’s Day in March, by attending lunches in the Chifley Hotel in Wollongong, and the Strangers’ Dining Room in NSW Parliament House. Helensburgh VIEW Club is inviting interesting speakers to our luncheons and

The Helensburgh VIEW Club’s new committee for 2014.

support for our two “Learning for Life” students will continue. Chris is taking new bookings for Beauty and the Beast at the Riverside Theatre, Parramatta, 2pm, July 19, payment by May 9. Don’t forget The King and I at the Opera House on Nov 1. Our next luncheon is on March 18 at 11am for 11.15 start, at Centennial Hotel, where speaker will be Sandy from Sunrise Nursery. Please phone Nerida on 0429 004 298 by March 12 for new bookings or cancellations. New members welcome. 2508

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Carpentry, tiling, plastering, Brickwork, stonework & landscaping 10 years building experience Fully insured maintanance service

Call Bernie 0422 176 203

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Home and Small Business Systems Local Support

Carpenter/Joiner Ph: 4294 3347 Mob: 0418 430 901

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Water blast, seal and colour seal Driveways, footpaths, patios, Roofs, pool and pavement & exterior House cleaning & minor roof repairs www.jetblastsolutions.com.au

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ENGINEERING

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GARDENING & PROPERTY

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PLUMBING & ROOF PLUMBING Lic 226808c

0418 262 925

Plumber, Roof plumber, Drainer Gasfitter and Emergency repairs Free quotes and advice

Call James 0409 875 391

2508 local directories

PLUMBING & ROOF PLUMBING

PROFESSIONAL & FINANCIAL Quality Roof Gutters Supplied & Fitted

PLUMBING & GASFITTING

RESTAURANTS & CAFES Plumbing Draining Gasfitting

Brett Hammonds 0408 231 708 Lic 241602C

4294 3812

2508 local directories

SPORT & FITNESS

Call or SMS

0421 566 312

FULLY EQUIPMENT GYM WEIGHTS, CARDIO, BOXING PERSONAL TRAINING OUTDOOR FITNESS GROUP CLASSES

All Ages, Genders & Fitness Levels Welcome

CALL 0417897473 // 120 Walker Street Helensburgh Party Yourself Into The Best Shape Of Your Life! Tues: 7pm-8pm Helensburgh Public School Thur: 7pm-8pm MacKillop Hall, Helensburgh Sat: 9am-10am Helensburgh Community Centre Cost: $10 per class with discount cards available

Zumba - its fun, its fantastic, its fitness! Enquiries: Nicole Hoffmann | 0433 777 943

Classifieds

BAZZA’S HANDYMAN SERVICES: All handyman repairs. Decks, pergolas, tiling, fencing, plastering and all other timber work. Local, reliable, quick and fully insured. Free quotes. Ph. Barry [Bazz ] 0414 492 509 or 4294 8164. BRICKLAYING: All brickwork, block work, extensions, retaining walls, repairs. Ph 4294 3741 or 0413 323 629 Lic. No. 35124C. MIXED HARDWOOD CARPENTER: Friendly, Honest, Reliable FREE local delivery - 7 days service where manners comes standard. From doors to decks and everything in between. Bill & Stuart McWilliam Fully insured. Call Kelvin for a free quote on 0429 942 864 4294 2864 0421 952 100. Lic No. 253680C HANDYMAN: Local service offering a friendly service for all aspects of home improvements, maintenance, construction and repairs. Fully insured. Call Kelvin for a free quote on 0421 952 100. Lic No. 253680C KIMMY’S CLEANING SERVICES: Reliable, professional, friendly & personal. Domestic & commercial cleaning, fully insured with attention to detail. Weekly, fortnightly or a one off. Mention this ad to receive a 10% discount 2508 local directories 37

OTHER SERVICES

FIRE WOOD

2508 SPORT on your first clean. Ph. Kim 0405 950 464. RAELEEN’S FANCY FACES: Face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon twisting & special effects makeup. Bring the ‘wow’ factor to your next party, fete, christening or corporate event. Local business (will travel), fully insured, exceptional hygiene standards, professional cosmetic-grade face paints used. Ph. Raeleen 0413 291 843. SOUTHERN MATHEMATICS TUTORING: Real Tutoring, Real Results. Combined 45+ years of teaching and lecturing experience. Qualified Maths Teachers/ Lecturers only. Max of 6 students per group session. Individual sessions by appointment. Contact Gavin 0459 550 452; Shaun 0407 213 622. References & information, www. southernmathematicstutoring.com.au SUSAN’S JUST DANCE: Great fun, no pressure, fantastic environment to learn to dance. Jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, boys only hip hop crew. Ages from 3 to adult. Latest music, great teachers. Concert each year at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre. For registration Ph. Susan 4294 8366. TUTORING: Maths, Physics, Chemistry. Primary, High School, HSC. Final year engineering student Sydney Uni. $25 hr. Ph. Jack 0490 134 480. 2508 NEW CLASSIFIEDS RATES

$120 for six months; $230 a year. $25 for a one-off. Maximum 30 words. editor@2508mag.com.au

thistles kick off

The Helensburgh Thistles are back in business for 2014. All our teams are back and our junior registrations are up with 380 juniors registered from u6 to u18s. We have a record 72 kids in our U6s! We are also again getting external help for the first half of the season to ensure our U6 to U9 kids get a great start learning the skills of the game. Apart from the professional coaching, we have a group of our own club and ex-club players helping out too. This includes Luke van Zyl and Damien Warwick, both from first grade, as well as Aaron Calver, Helensburgh’s young Sydney FC player who played with the club until he was picked up in the rep system as an u10. We welcome all new players and families and we trust your children will benefit from our approach to help every child to learn life lessons through sport ... being your best, dealing with bad luck or even unfairness, losing gracefully, winning graciously, giving everything you have, supporting those around you ... the list goes on. Over coming weeks parents will be contacted with information from their team managers and coaches to organise training. 2508

ROD STEVENS MEMORIAL BEACH TO BRIDGE PADDLE

This year’s annual paddle to celebrate the contribution Rod Stevens made to Coalcliff SLSC was held with a strong north-easterly wind and choppy seas. Rod and Rosemary’s children, Toni and Leo, remain members of the Club; Leo is Patrol 2 Captain. This year’s winner was Richard Leghissa of Scarborough Wombarra Board Riders, followed by Coalcliff SLSC members: 2nd, Ryan Archer; 3rd, Rob Deacon; 4th, Leo Stevens. Photo: Damian Lloyd 2508

2508 local directories

2508 SPORT

bowls report

on the eve of the green being sold, Beatrice Gallagher reports on the Helensburgh Women’s Bowling Club. President June McCotter welcomed our lady bowlers back to start 2014 after our break. Our club has a new member: Joan Taylor is a former resident who has spent 20 years holidaying in Mollymook and has returned “home”. This being our first report for the year, I would like to thank our social organiser, Robyn Single, for the work she put in to make our Christmas party such a success. And to the club for the food and wonderful service we received. Presentations for our 2013 winners were also made:

NEIL LYON Solicitor

Club Champion & Major Singles: Winner: Rhonda Christie. R/up Robyn Smith. Minor Singles: Winner: Robyn Smith. R/up Robyn Single. Consistency: Winner: Rhonda Christie. R/up Carol Dixon. During the break, our ladies enjoyed trips to other clubs, including to Woonona Bowling Club for their Charity Day. Once again Woonona donated monies to the head injuries charity Headways. Representatives from Headways were most appreciative of the $5000 cheque. Also had a good day at Scarborough Wombarra last week … even in the rain! Results from social bowls held on 11 February: Winners Joan Taylor + Helen Haynes – r/up Joan Gardner + June McCotter; Winners Janet Smith + Beatrice Gallagher – r/up Ann Jackson + Britten; Winners Jenny Mason + Lenore Bartlem (swinger) + Carol Dixon – r/up Kay Woolley + Lenore Bartlem (swinger) + Elaine Smith. • Our women bowlers will be looking for a new “home” after the closure of the Workers Club’s bowling green late last month. Look out for our April report on the end of an era. 2508

Judy Sinclair MClin.Psych. MAPS

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST - Anxiety - Stress - Depression - Parenting Strategies - Child Behaviour Problems

• Conveyancing • Wills • Administration of Deceased Estates • Challenging and Defending Wills • Power of Attorney • Enduring Guardianship • Family Law • Litigation

5 Walker Street, Helensburgh PO Box 99 Helensburgh Upstairs above the liquor shop Tel (02) 4294 2076 Fax (02) 4294 2238 Email: nlyonhelensburgh@bigpond.com 2508

Caring & Confidential 25 years experience

Treatment for Adults, Teens and Children in a comfortable, child friendly environment Medicare Rebate when Referred by Your Doctor 19 Chadwick Grove Helensburgh

4294 8819 mob 0434 274 248 39

2508 SPORT

vicki’s golf report Back into the swing of it! Talk about getting older and feeling it. Hilarious – we arrive at golf about 7.30am, you know how things are a bit tight that time of the morning? Well, you should check out all the old farts, including myself, stretching, twisting and bending to loosen up before the most important hit of the day of the first tee. With the gallery watching, plus having to contend with the laughing and cheering. Nothing like a bit of s--- stirring. The game of the day was Irish Four Ball, which is a team event adding the two lowest scores by the team on each hole. Can you believe it? The team that won was Dave (Irish) Morris, Deb (Sis) Ross and Christopher (Smells Beautiful) Emmit. To be sure! To be sure! For our match play, contenders John (Newton) Brunton and Tony (Beautiful) English fought it out to the very end with Tony taking

the glory. Great work, guys. Also winners of the day – with a hip, hip hooray – were Dave (Rose) Thorne in first with 41 points, Dave (Irish) Morris second with 40 and, blowing her own trumpet, Vicki ‘The Hair’ coming in with a 35 points! There’ve got to be some benefits of writing this column! – Vicki ‘The Hair’ Little 2508

A homage to norm bell

It is with heavy heart that I write this tribute at the passing of an old friend – a distinguished man, an honorable man, a man who was well loved and highly respected, a man with great character and a big heart – known by many in our community and Golf Club as “Normie”. I have many joyful memories of our time on the golf course and at the 19th hole afterwards. Normie was a good friend a great golf partner. God speed to you, old friend. – Tony Gersback, President of the Helensburgh Sunday Social Golf Club Read the full obituary at sundaygolfclub.com

Dance Academy PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT REGISTERED TAX AGENT REGISTERED ASIC AGENT ATMA MEMBER REGISTERED SMSF AUDITOR

NOW AT 9 Walker St Helensburgh (next to Civic Video)

Dance and drama classes in our purpose built studio! Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary & Hip Hop. Tiny Tots to Adults, all ages are catered for. Our Showgroup performs on stage! Contact Fleur on 0448 425 594 fleurdelisdance@hotmail.com Dance Studio located at, 26C Walker Street ~ Entry from Club Lane ~ Helensburgh, NSW 2508

1st Consultation Free !

Private lessons available. All ages and levels welcome.

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2508 SPORT

TIGERS up for strong start They’re primed and ready for their season opener, reports first grade captain Steven McCallum. A huge home crowd is tipped to see the new-look Tigers in action at the club’s first trial on March 9 for first grade, reserves and under 18/19 vs Camden here at home. All Tigers’ sides are shaping up well, with the majority of the first grade squad returning. Our reserve grade side is shaping up well under Gavin Lennon’s guidance, and is chasing a third straight premiership. We are still hopeful of fielding an Illawarra Coal Shield team. Anyone interested in playing, get to training or contact club president Steve Gilmour on 0433 725 992.

Our three-time premiership-winning women’s team, the Tiger Lillies, are looking to make it four in a row and, with new coach Daniel Robberds, are seeking new players. The Tigers are entering an U19s colts team in the new Illawarra comp and are seeking players. Call coach Dave Bell on 0409 019 812. Or come to training Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6.30pm. The Tigers would like to thank all sponsors for their support: Peabody, Menai Civil Contractors, Gurnett Plumbing, Westside Petroleum, On-Site Safety and Canavan Building, to name a few. 2508

Landscaping work Site clearing & Driveways

TRACTOR HIRE

Slashing & clearing Large area mowing

Cheap rates for local work!

Ph 0429 043 295 2508

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                                                                                                                                                                                         

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2508 SPORT

A very social golf club a Helensburgh Workers Sports and Social Club report, by barry Thompson With so many of our members away in exotic holiday destinations, things have been a bit quiet on the home front so this shall be a sparse report. Twelve brave souls teed off into what looked like a gathering storm to contest our February tournament. They managed to complete a full round before the rain set in and Jack Hardacre took first prize, followed by Tung Nguen and Jammu Fagerström, depending on a count back to claim third position. Our handicapper, Mick Carroll, is being driven mad by Terry Maney, who played like a man possessed to win the January event only to crash to the Bradman position this round. Come on Terry, make up your mind!

It was great to see Mal Myts wield a club after so many months of illness … well done, mate! Our next outing will be at Boomerang on Saturday, March 15. Tee off 7.30. If you enjoy playing your golf in a friendly but competitive manner, you are invited to join us. We have players of all standards and we meet back at the Workers to await the results, enjoy the facilities and tell a few lies about our game. As a sub club of the Workers, there are no joining fees and the $30 tournament fee covers green fees and prize money. Register your name on the list on the T.A.B. notice board or turn up early and introduce yourself to our starters. You will be given a warm welcome. Having trouble meeting people? Try picking up somebody else’s ball! For any further information, please contact me on helgolf@outlook.com. 2508

The 100 beaches challenge

Helensburgh’s Ron Balderston surfed 100 NSW beaches over 10 days to help raise $1 million to fight poverty. He was part of a 10-strong group, including Anglican Aid CEO David Mansfield. Money raised will go to Anglican Aid projects, such as one in Ethiopia. www.anglicanaid.org.au (From left) David Mansfield, Ron Balderston, Pat Kennedy and Gordon Hunter

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2508 SPORT

'Bobo’ is a winner! H-SP surf rowing champs hit superb form in new boat. The Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club open women’s surf boat crew has notched a stunning victory at the Australian Surf Rowers League open championships. The ASRL event was the first time they had rowed competitively in the club’s new boat, the Robert ‘Bobo’ White (named after a welldeserving life member of the surf club). The crew – Georgia Leach, Stephanie Barlow, Courtney Overell, Brooke Dent and sweep Mark ‘Bluey’ Lea – overcame a terrible start in the final; one of the crew’s oars popped free from the rowlock and they lost precious seconds fixing the problem. “Everyone on the beach, including the

commentators, wrote them off after that disastrous start,” Mark said. “But the girls got on with the job.” They sure did. It was the crew’s second ASRL title in three years. The ASRL championships, held at Stockton Beach from February 7 to 9, drew about 400 crews and was regarded as a good gauge of who will do well at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 2014, from March 31 to April 6 at WA’s Scarborough Beach. The crew’s blistering form continues with news that they won their division at the Illawarra Branch Championships. “Our two main sponsors are Peabody and Westside Petroleum and we could not achieve results like this without them,” Mark said. 2508

Like Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club on Facebook; visit www.stanwellparksurfclub.com

H-SP surf club members take the Robert ‘Bobo’ White for its first dip a week or so before the open women’s surf boat crew used it to win their ASRL title.

Helensburgh Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic

4294 9990 2508