Meet Our Contributors

Ben Abeleven is the owner of Burgh Healthy Hub. He’s married to Treetop Arts director Charlie Truscott and the couple have two young daughters. Ben describes himself as, “Just a local bloke who works a bit too hard, wishes he could play as hard, dreams big, loves the bush and the beach. Just want to see the best of people, and enjoy the beauty of nature.”

Dr Amy Harkness graduated from the University of Sydney in 2003 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She completed her medical degree in 2007. After working in Sydney and Wollongong hospitals, she settled in the Illawarra with her family. Amy’s interests include paediatrics, women’s health and antenatal shared care.

Danielle Beaufils lives in Stanwell Park, loves the beach, walking, swimming, family and friends. She is currently studying psychology and loving the opportunity to do something new. Danielle would love to contribute to influencing a culture of mental health and well-being by using a positive/preventative view.

Edith McNally was born in the Netherlands in 1949 and arrived in Australia in 1952. She was married in 1971, has three adult children and enjoyed a 40-year career in public education, culminating in 18 years as the principal of Menai High School. Four years of caravanning around Australia inspired a passion for watercolour sketching. She lives in beautiful Stanwell Park.

Caitlin Sloan was born and raised in Helensburgh and was the fifth generation of her family to attend the local public school, graduating in 2010 – almost a century after her great-great-grandmother. Caitlin studied at UOW and has a passion for writing, travel and good wine.

Josh Fahy graduated with honours in politics, philosophy, and economics in 2021 and has done little with it since. Between teaching part-time at UOW, touring the east coast with his band Good Lekker and other odd jobs, he finds the time to photograph local life. His main interests are street and music photography.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The publishers acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their cultural and spiritual connection to this land. Their stories are written in the land and hold great significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, from the mountains to the sea.

Healthcare Seacliff

Dr Jennifer Bowler

Dr Sinead Cassidy

AND INTRODUCING

Dr Milena Ruiz

T. (02) 4202 6900 F. (02) 42299298 reception@seacliffhealthcare.com.au seacliffhealthcare.com.au

Shop 12, 345 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul (enter off Railway Pde)

NEXT DEADLINE

15 Feb for the March edition

EDITORS Genevieve Swart, Marcus Craft CONTACT editor@2508mag.com.au; 0432 612 168; PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508. TheIllawarraFlame

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DEADLINE 15 Feb. Contributions welcome.

COVER Burgh owner Ben Abeleven, Treetop Arts director Charlie Truscott and their children, Aphyre and Dottie. Photo: Anthony Warry

THE ILLAWARRA FLAME is published by a family business, The Word Bureau, ABN 31 692 723 477

DISCLAIMER: All content and images remain the property of The Illawarra Flame unless otherwise supplied. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission. Views expressed do not reflect those of the publishers.