11 minute read
HOMES OF HOPE
FEEL GOOD: FORAGE SUPPLY CO.
WORDS Em Worthington
Kindness is always cool and the guys behind Forage Supply Co. are as cool as cucumbers.
Photo: George Graetz.
With so much needing to be ‘fixed’ in the world, it can be hard to know where to start. Forage Supply Co. jumped in five years ago to start restoring balance to Mother Nature and their community. Headed up by local lads Scott Rogasch and Justin Westhoff, Forage Supply Co. gives you everyday ways to be more sustainable, and they walk the walk themselves. Their Forage Food Van serves up natural, unprocessed wholefoods; they have a wine brand; a small clothing range; and the boys establish community gardens with local schools and buy the produce from the students to use for catering.
But the good vibes don’t stop there! Scott and Justin have changed the lives of many South Australians facing homelessness through food deliveries, donations and a sustainable housing project under their sister company, Forage Built.
“Housing won’t solve homelessness — community will,” Scott explains. “Forage Built brings together a network — builders, support programs and services, meaningful employment opportunities, volunteers and more — to help break the devastating cycle of homelessness.
“We’ve partnered with Studio Nine Architects and Frame Creative to build a small community of pods where people doing it tough can store their belongings and sleep safely while we get them the support they need. It’s a stepping stone to gain employment, get into the rental market and regain a sense of dignity and self-worth.”
The transportable pods will be housed on unutilised land and can be easily moved to another vacant block as needed. Scott and Justin are working with not-for-profits, such as Hutt St Centre, to ensure that each person inhabiting a pod has the support and resources they need, including an on-site support person.
Through Hutt St Centre, Forage Supply Co. has donated over 3,500 meals and new clothing, employed those in need to label their wines and connected others with opportunities in hospitality, retail and agriculture.
“Wherever someone is in their healing process, it’s about helping them find things they’re passionate about, connecting them with those industries and ensuring they have ongoing support to continue building on those foundations,” Scott says.
Having launched a prototype pod, the Forage Built team is continuing to fund the program through partnered activities. “Most of our work with Forage Supply Co. gets reinvested into this program, but we’ve also been generously supported through our networks. The Yalumba team is donating proceeds of a specially-created Grenache, called Homefullness; we have a two-year partnership with Tasting Australia and Hutt St Centre; and Merrick Watts recently held an online Grapes of Mirth event, which included a tasting of our wines.”
The next step is getting the first community of pods up and running, and you can jump onto their website to show your support. There’s no doubt that this crew of good eggs is having a huge impact on our community and planet. And we love that kind of cool!
Photo: Elliot Grafton.
@foragesupplyco foragesupply.co
FEEL GOOD: CENTURY 21
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF LIGHTING.
WORDS Millie Looker
They say to strike while the iron’s hot — well, the SA property market is on fire!
Right now, eager buyers are looking to secure themselves a home in Australia’s most liveable city — Adelaide! If you’ve been umming and ahhing over selling your home or investment property, it may be time to take the leap. Our friends at Century 21 know how to snag the best possible price for your humble abode.
Here are their top tips…
WHAT TO DO ✓ First impressions count, so add a pot plant or a new welcome mat and make sure the garden is spick-and-span — it’s often the first thing a potential buyer sees. A property stylist can add to the sale price of a home, too. ✓ Look at your home through the buyer's eyes and make sure personal possessions don’t distract from the features of the property.
✓ Listen to the experts! Your best interests will be their top priority — not only in dollars but also the terms and conditions of the sale.
✓ Create a virtual tour with 360-degree views so potential buyers can get a real feel for your home and you know that the people at open inspections are really interested.
✓ Choose an agent who tells you what you need to hear, not just what you want. Meet with a few agents, get a feel
FEEL GOOD: CENTURY 21
for their proposed marketing strategies and ensure they understand who is likely to be interested in your property — families are not one size fits all! Also check that they have the necessary local and state government searches before marketing the property, as most buyers will request it when enquiring.
✓ Be different! If most homes in your suburb are sold via Private Treaty, perhaps consider a Best Offers
Campaign to make your property stand out. Choose the best method, whether that’s auction, expressions of interest or a price range.
✓ Pick your timing! Some properties are best introduced in a rising market or during strong market conditions, like it is now.
WHERE ARE THE EXPERTS? Right across the state! Find your nearest Century 21 and get in touch for more hot tips.
• City – Adelaide • SouthCoast – Aldinga Beach • Bayside Brighton – Brighton • McLeods Broken Hill – Broken Hill • The Bay – Glenelg • Barossa – Kapunda & Nuriootpa • On Kangaroo Island – Kingscote • Western/Coastal – Lockleys • Golden Estates – Mawson Lakes • Central – Millswood • Southern – Morphett Vale • North East – Northfield • Top of the Gulf – Port Augusta • Pirie Properties – Port Pirie • City Inner North – Prospect • Paterson Properties – Reynella • Property People – Salisbury South • Beachside & Lakes – Semaphore • First Choice In Real Estate – Tea Tree Gully WHAT NOT TO DO x Don’t fall for an agent who offers a discounted commission or promises the highest price or lowest fees. If they can't negotiate the best outcome for themselves, what hope will they have negotiating for you? Agents also have different strengths, so do your research and review their results in the current market — the numbers don't lie!
x Don’t skimp on marketing — it could cost you tens of thousands on your final sale price. If you’re unfamiliar with new marketing techniques, don’t reject them right away. Instead, ask a few questions.
x Don’t restrict a buyer’s ability to inspect your property. Most buyers have busy schedules and may need to visit outside of scheduled open inspections. x Don’t leave any stone unturned! Ask yourself, “Could I make any improvements to my home?” — and then do it!
x Don’t accept a contract on price only.
Ensure the terms and conditions of the sale suit, and you understand what you’re agreeing to.
x Don’t be overzealous with pricing. Most buyers are up with current values and will determine for themselves what a property’s value is. Overpriced property can discourage buyers from inspecting.
x Don’t underestimate the power of lighting.
Open up the blinds, clean the windows and check that all light globes work.
x Don’t look to sell straight after signing a new lease, as it excludes a large chunk of potential buyers who might be looking to live in the property immediately.
century21.com.au/request-an-appraisal
FEEL GOOD: SPIRITUAL HEALER
WORDS Hayley Pearson PHOTOS Wayne Pearson
Any time may be a good time to visit an energy healer.
Yvette Doudle beams with love, warmth and a strong sense of calm. Just as you don't need to fully understand the law of gravity to stand up and fall over, you don't need to completely grasp the concept of energy healing before you meet this wonderful lady.
For 25 years, Energy Healer Yvette has used her natural healing techniques, spiritual practices and teachings to help thousands of people around the globe. “Even if you’re feeling great, you can always feel better, right?” she says.
“Think of all the gunk you gather from work, shopping centres, relationships, family stresses and grief. If you’re feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, you’re anxious, flat or physically drained, I can give you an energy cleanse or chakra balance to sweep all the bad energy out and help you to relax and feel more balanced.
“It's like getting a massage without the physical touch. By breaking through your energy blocks, my aim is to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself so you can feel more free,” smiles Yvette.
It’s not a one size fits all approach though. In her beautiful room at Jab Acupuncture in Clarence Park, Yvette caters each session to your individual needs because everyone is unique. “Sometimes one session is all you need, but it all depends on how many layers you are carrying and how many I need to clear.”
And her practice extends beyond energy clearing, as Yvette explains to us.
“As a child growing up in Port Lincoln, I was seeing things that most people didn't and I'd try to block them out because I didn't want to get teased. Then, at nineteen I realised I was psychically gifted and I had an active third eye — and thought maybe I should explore this more and use what I’ve been born with to help others.
“Through a combination of energy healing techniques, I want to help clear away the past and bring a deeper self awareness and harmonious flow into your life.”
If you don't fully understand energy healing or past life clearings, that’s okay. Every person will have a different experience, but if you’re open to the idea, you may like to speak to Yvette and see whether she can help you. “Many of my clients say that they have profound experiences and have had huge shifts in the way they feel and the vibes they exude, and that makes me happy.”
*As with all services, every person’s experience and results may vary. You should make your own assessment as to whether this is right for you.
@yvettedoudle yvettedoudle.com.au
Posing pets
WORDS Millie Looker PHOTOS Erika Owens
Memories last a lifetime, so why not snap some professional pictures of your favourite furry friend!
Erika Owens, the brains and talent behind Adelaide pet photography business Bobo & Jess, is living her dream — turning her passion for pets into a full-time gig.
After years of working in the ‘normal’ photography industry, taking beautiful family portraits and snapping memories at weddings across the state, Erika made the move from her home in Port Augusta to Adelaide. She settled into the big city, decided to hone in on her love for animals and Bobo & Jess came to life. Named after her two dogs, Bo and Jessi, Erika’s pure love for animals seeps through into everything she does.
“I am an absolute dog lover, so it comes naturally for me to spoil the pets I photograph. I love taking the time to bond with each animal that comes through my doors and making sure they feel totally comfortable in the studio before we start the shoot,” says Erika.
Her portfolio is filled with colourful and cute pictures of both dogs and cats, and you can choose the style of photo that best suits you and your pooch.
“I know that every animal has a unique personality and we want the final images to reflect that. That’s why we have a range of packages — from in-studio shoots with bright backdrops through to on-location packages where the whole family can join in. It’s always a little chaotic, but I love it!” Erika laughs.
Before the mighty C hit the world, Erika regularly travelled over to Thailand
FEEL GOOD: BOBO & JESS
to volunteer helping stray dogs. Her selflessness has spilled over into Bobo & Jess, and she now donates a portion of each gig to the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand as well as South Australian animal charity, Paws For Change.
If your walls are looking a little bare, Erika from Bobo & Jess will capture some memories of your furry best friend to really brighten them up.
@bobo.and.jess boboandjess.com.au
