Alive Magazine - Edition 47 - June 2024

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UPCOMING EVENTS

MARY POPPINS FESTIVAL

When: Sunday, 30th June 2024

Where: Richmond St & Wharf St, Maryborough

What: This free event is guaranteed to delight both young and the young at heart, with festival favourites, Chimney Sweeping, Nanny Races and the Grand Parade along with characters from the novel such as Mary Poppins, and Admiral Boom firing his cannon, plus street food vendors, market stalls, rides, pavement art and live entertainment.

Tickets: FREE ENTRY

FRASER COAST INDUSTRY AND CAREERS SHOWCASE

When: Wed 5th June, 10am - 4pm

Where: Maryborough Showgrounds

What: If you’re looking for a job or a new career you can talk with the region’s employers about the many job opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, defence, education, hospitality, manufacturing, construction and more.

Tickets: FREE ENTRY

FUNDRAISING FRASER COAST 4X4 EXPO

When: Sat 15th June, 9am - 2pm

Where: Seafront Oval Hervey Bay

What: Endless Weekends Presents. All 4x4 vehicles welcome. All funds to health supports and medical transport in the Fraser Coast, We’ve Got You Foundation. Trade stands, coffee and food vans, music, various trophies, raffles and prizes.

Tickets: Gold coin donation for public entry 4x4 entry $10

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All editorial and advertising in Alive Magazine publications are published in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors and advertisers. No responsibbility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All material in Alive Magazine is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Feedback or suggestion?

Send to: info@alivemag.com.au

FRASER COAST AGRICULTURE SHOW 2024

When: Fri 21st Jun, 11:30am - 3:00pm

Where: Hervey Bay Golf Club

What: Exciting entertainment, an engaging guest speaker, roaming canapes and a light lunch. Raising awareness and funds for mental awareness across the Fraser Coast community.

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/ the-flourish-garden-2024-with-fraser-coastmates/tickets

We can help you to bring customers to your door! Contact our advertising team today to get your advertising campaign started with the most-loved local lifestyle magazine in the Wide Bay.

Email: info@alivemag.com.au / www.alivemag.com.au

by April Spadina

MARYBOROUGH STORYTELLERIAN BROWN

In the dappled light, high on the banks of the Mary River, a solitary figure sits, watching the birds as they fly high above the ebb and flow of the tranquil river below. This moment in time belongs to writer and historian Ian Brown and it is here that he feels most at home in country he has a deep connection to. Maryborough is Ian’s birthplace and it’s where his heart is at it’s fullest.

With it’s grand old buildings and olde-worlde charm, Maryborough in the Fraser Coast is a town steeped in history and heritage. Monolithic pillars tower above the street, flanking grand government buildings and state bank entrances. Old city warehouses and customs buildings, remnants of shipping wharves and industry still line the river’s edge, a reminder of the town’s rich manufacturing and shipping history. The Portside Precinct, Maryborough’s centrepiece of heritage offers museums and art galleries, picturesque and unique to the region as one of Australia’s busiest immigration ports, rich in commerce and wealth. Wandering through the streets of the residential areas of Maryborough you will find one of the largest displays of beautiful Queenslander homes in the state with their grand wrap-around verandas and elevated loftiness. Ian Brown knows these old streets and buildings intimately. As the Maryborough Storyteller, the town’s history has been his days and nights as he has spent the years absorbing the stories of days gone by. It is in the basements and back-room archives he has spent his time uncovering a wealth of chronicles as he pores through pages of historical records and wipes dust from stored artefacts. He has enjoyed time spent listening to locals as they recount their stories, recalling how their lives created part of the history of the town. Ian’s rummaging pastimes has been to fully understand what lies behind the bricks and mortar of the old buildings. As a true historian, Ian leaves no stone unturned and his knowledge of the town and it’s people, past and present is extensive and colourful. With this treasured information at hand, Ian has entertained and

enraptured audiences with his spoken delivery of historical tales in a gentle and soothing style he has cultivated from years spent as a performance artist.

To Ian, heritage isn’t about the old buildings and bridges or the streets and carriageways - it’s the stories of people that form the heritage of a place and these stories awaken Ian’s soul, captivating him and beckoning him to delve deeper into the past and share with others.

Maryborough is where it all began for Ian as a young child coming in to the world. He remembers fondly walking hand-in-hand with his beloved mother through Queens Park, through the winding pathways under the giant figs to the town centre. He remembers days frolicking in the long grass by Ululah Lagoon and exploring the muddy banks of the Mary riverside, and it was in these natural spaces that he began his lifelong connection to old rivers and waterways that course through the land, and through his veins.

When Ian’s family moved from Maryborough and swept him away from his beloved countryside, his heart yearned his home and for many years he longed to reconnect to his place of nativity. Eventually he returned, taking up a role in the local arts and cultural scene by conducting historical tales as the Maryborough Storyteller, conducting Walking Tours, basement stories under the old Bond Store and many character performances for the Story Bank and Story Trail.

But it was when he walked through the parklands and reacquainted himself with the old trees and the river below, he knew he was home. It’s this overwhelming connection to the natural environment that Ian feels a kindred linkage to the Indigenous Butchella people and he has strong empathy for their injustices. This love of country he has in his bones is deeper than admiring a picturesque view, Ian feels the country within himself, it’s part of him to the very core and he feels the ancient landscape like it’s part of his anatomy.

With his love of Maryborough and his passion for history and storytelling, Ian took pen to paper and documented his own life as a child, writing his memoir “Golden Child”, part one of a three-part journey through the timeline of his life. He reflects on the beginnings of his acting career with his first performance as an eight-year-old boy on the stage of Maryborough’s City Hall, a place he still visits to pay his respects to his great uncle William James Melksham, whose name appears on the Honor Board. This site being a site of civic gathering and commerce, welcoming freedom of speech and community - everything that Ian respects and admires as part of his life as a gatherer of stories. He has a duty of fidelity of the truth and he is proud of his role as a voice to celebrate history which may at times include grief and mourning, answering questions and unearthing meanings.

His heart still calls him back to the river and the land that nestles it’s banks. This year, after months of rain and a particularly savage storm, an old Bunya tree that grew in a valley of the undulating land of Queens Park could no longer hold steady and in a devastating moment of natures fury, she came crashing to the ground, ending her long and quiet life. Ian’s heart was shattered and he wept for the loss of this old giant, he felt sadness akin to losing an old friend, a companion since childhood. Comforted in knowing the giant Kauri Nunmulu tree survived the storm, he has a special place in his heart for this tree too, like Ian, a native to the area.

So, it is high on the banks of Moonaboola, Mary River that Ian Brown sits in the dappled light, watching the water as it flows on past. Ian reflects on the comings and goings of years gone by, from the hustle and bustle of the early settlers, the industry and immigrants, the plight of the First Nations people and the community he loves so dearly. For Ian, the river, the land and the old trees are the beginning of all stories that make history and heritage to this very day, and his connection to country is where his heart first sparked a passion to become Maryborough’s very own storyteller. Like the giant old Kauri tree, Ian watches over his beloved homeland, from “the point of the bend in the river where I can see from whence it comes, and where it goes”, a gatherer of stories and an observer of life.

by Celine Louie

AS THE SHIPS CAME IN

As you venture up the stairs of the Maryborough Historical Centre perched safely above the Mary River, an old building brimming with its own stories of the past, it seems a most fitting venue to house one of the largest collections of genealogy records in Queensland- and the volunteer organisation, Maryborough District Family History Society (MDFHS), who have taken on the laborious task of connecting the dots of our past.

Entering quietly, I find a small group of dedicated volunteers, absorbed deep in their never-ending search through the archives. I try hard not to disturb them as they navigate their way through an array of information from books, photos and online records, in a search to uncover the untold stories of the early settlers who arrived by ship, those who first set foot upon the banks of the Mary River.

Thanks to the volunteer group and the tireless individuals who volunteer there, valuable information that may otherwise have been

forgotten continues to be collected and collated.

Much like a jigsaw puzzle, as snippets of information come to light, the society ensures that it continues to be added to its data-base, in order to form a clearer picture of the past.

I’m met by the society’s president, John Ruhle, who has been volunteering for 15 years, and while he feels his time here may be nearing an end, his unending desire to see this much-needed organisation stay open and running keeps him coming back each week.

“It’s really important. There’s such a lot of information here, which if we were to close, would be a terrible shame,” he says.

It’s estimated that between 25,000 to 30,000 people arrived in Australia via the Port of Maryborough between 1861 and 1892 in the hopes of making a new life in Australia. Record-keeping on entry wasn’t quite what it is today, so the hefty task of unearthing the information available doesn’t come easy.

“A couple of years ago I looked at the shipping lists of the boats that came here, and I reckon I’ve got 10,000 people that aren’t listed. There are still missing shipping lists that we have no information on,” he says. Set up 40 years ago, well before the online services we use today were even available, and with the help of countless hours of the volunteers’ time, the information uncovered by the society ensures that the records they hold are as accurate as possible, unlike the information often found via online resources.

John explains that while online services are a good place to start if you want to trace back your family tree, more often than not the information hasn’t been verified and is inaccurate, so once you’ve got your family tree it’s up to you to check records on Births, Deaths & Marriages, and delve deeper into the archives to substantiate that information. This is where the society can be of tremendous help in supporting you in your detective work.

If you have ever wondered who you really are, you’re not alone. Most of us have questions about our family history and how we came to be where we are today.

The heartfelt journey we venture on when delving into our past is one of introspection and the answers found may allow us to know ourselves that little bit more. While it can be time-consuming, it is worth every moment not only for ourselves but for the generations that come after us. However tread carefully as it may uncover hidden surprises as John explains.

“We’ve had cases of people finding out that the husband had two families, returning from war and starting a new family rather than going back to his original family. The local bus drivers who’ve got in while the husbands have been away, all sorts of things come up that weren’t otherwise known.”

“Some of the things they do find are extremely interesting, some things can be a bit controversial and families won’t accept what they’ve found, but it’s amazing what you find when you start digging”

The unrelenting work done by the society plays a crucial role in keeping our history alive, yet they run on very little financial help, and struggle to find volunteers willing to help in the arduous task.

“We get people who work for the dole, but we find it hard to get people to fill the positions. We need somebody to come in and actually run the show. I’m 77 so it’s time I wasn’t here, and we were just very lucky to acquire Barbara’s services, she came to help with data entry but when we couldn’t get a treasurer that fell back on Barb.”

Barbara pops her head out from behind her computer with a smile. As it turns out almost everything falls back on Barb these days. After working at Downer for 41 years she was made redundant, but with her experienced typing skills she was quickly put to work by the society.

“I was approached and asked if I would come in and do some typing. So I came in and started working here, and before I knew it I took over the vacant secretary and treasurer positions too. It’s all sort of grown from there.”

“I really enjoy being here and everyone will tell you it’s a lovely place to work. I’m in awe of the girls that do the actual research, they are like a dog with a bone, and they just keep at it. Some of the things they come out with are fascinating!” Barb explains.

John describes how much easier it is to start your family tree these days.

“Back in the days before the internet, tracing those in your family tree was a pretty hard business. You’d write

•

a letter to someone and they’d finally get back to you in three months time. The letter would get misplaced, or they wouldn’t have time to reply.”

John was first led to the history society by his own questions. Having lived a busy life as a ‘Jack of all Trades’ from working in the railway to owning a post office, John retired and with the extra time on his hands, took on the task of finishing his own family tree, unaware of just how involved he would become.

“My father started gathering the information the old fashioned way, but then it got lost in a drawer. When I found it, it got me asking questions. I decided to finish it off, I paid for a month’s subscription with Ancestry and in that time got as much information as I could. Then I came in here, and they helped me out quite a bit, so that’s when I started volunteering as a way to thank them for all they had done. Fifteen years later I’m still here,” he laughs.

The society is much quieter these days, most enquiries they receive are by phone or online, but they welcome anyone who wants to drop in. They are well skilled in navigating the different search engines availablesome are easier to use than others, and there are numerous free resources available too such as the National Library of Australia’s ‘Trove’ website, which has digitized all newspapers, “so if Fred Jones ran a cow over in the main street of Chinchilla in 1923 and it was

in the paper, you’ll find it on Trove.”

Financially the society is mainly funded by clever ingenuity. They run Cemetery Tours on the third Friday night of each month, guiding people through the Maryborough Cemetery narrating stories of those buried there. With a filing cabinet filled with 500 stories of people who have previously lived here, there are plenty of captivating tales to enthrall those who take the tour. They are also in the process of digitizing black and white photos which they are selling on their Facebook page.

The society’s valuable work will never be complete, as more information is always coming to light. Venturing down the path of discovering our own family tree will unearth information that helps the society, so take the leap if you feel stirred to have a go.

Likewise, if you would like to do something purposeful by contributing to the work they do- either financially or by joining the team as a volunteer (no prior experience required), they would be delighted to hear from you.

You can visit them at 164 Richmond Street on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or connect with them via their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ maryboroughfamilyhistory- and for something different why not head to their next cemetery tour which will be held on Friday 21 June.

by Kerrie Alexander

SAVOUR THE PAST, EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE

You can feel the history of the Bond Store as soon as you walk through the doors of the Federation-style building.

It’s a place that exudes the character and charm of the “heritage city” theme while playing a vital part in preserving the region’s history.

Maryborough predates Queensland’s other historic towns by a number of decades, having once been one of only two ports in Australia that processed tens of thousands of immigrants, alongside Sydney Harbour.

The Bond Store dates back to 1863 and is on the Queensland State Heritage Register.

Museums Officer Taylor Dunn said the building was built for a very specific purpose, serving for many years as a store for goods being processed by the adjacent Customs House on Wharf Street.

It was built in three parts starting in 1864 and extended in both 1870 and 1883.

Each era is highlighted with the dates lit up on the floor as you walk, listen, and learn about Maryborough’s fascinating past.

“This is back in the time when Maryborough was quite a busy port and any goods that came off the ships like rum, tobacco, opium, wine and tea, were held in bond because you had to pay tax on all the goods,” Taylor said.

“Hence the name of the building.”

Being one of Maryborough’s oldest buildings, when you walk through the Bond Store, you’re stepping into history.

The earthen floor and handmade bricks in the original 1864 section downstairs still exist, as do many

of the liquor barrels and barrel rails left over from that time.

Unfortunately, the building has been the victim of catastrophic floods over the years including in 2022 which saw flood waters from the Mary River inundating the building and the lower lying parts of the city.

The water rose to about half a metre below the floorboards of the first floor.

A massive team effort ensured all the display pieces on the ground floor were moved safely to higher ground, but it was a lesson learned for the future.

It took two years to bring the store back to life with plenty of operating changes now in place to ensure the longevity of the building and the contents inside.

“We did a big overhaul,” Taylor said.

“We used to have massive displays, but we couldn’t get them out in a hurry if we needed to.

“Usually, we would have about three to four days’ notice for floods but in 2022 we only had about six hours. The water rose that quickly.

“So, we had to figure out a way to protect what we have and how we could best use this space going forward.

“If we don’t protect it, we will lose it and it’s irreplaceable.”

The museums team do a magnificent job at preserving the building’s history by passing on tales of its rich history to locals, visitors, and visiting school students from all around Queensland.

The space was also recently graced with a performance by the Macabre Theatre Company.

“It was spectacular, and a fantastic way to christen this new space,” Taylor said.

The Bond Store is part of the much-loved Heritage Trail which also includes The Story Bank, Gatakers Artspace, heritage-listed Queens Park, the Mural Trail, the Military Museum and endless stories dotted around the city about P.L. Travers’ world of Mary Poppins.

You can join the team for a free floor talk where they share the trials and transformations the Bond Store has undergone since the 2022 floods.

Take a peek behind the scenes and learn all about the whys and wherefores of the closure, their ongoing work with specialists to care for the building, and their vision for the future.

“We talk about the history of the building and how it was a warehouse to store the taxable goods, how the building has changed over the years and why it has changed.

“There are always questions about why there’s bars on the windows inside the building, and that’s because that used to be the outside.

“We talk about the floods and the challenges having a heritage building so close to the river presents.

“I love that we get to be the next chapter in this building’s history.

“It’s been here since 1864 and it will be here hopefully long after we’re all gone.

“Hopefully we can continue to share that and inspire people to look after the buildings and appreciate history.”

Be sure to explore the Bond Store on your next visit to Maryborough and let this beautiful, heritage-listed building share its stories with you.

You can sample a range of delicious regional ports and liqueurs courtesy of a cellar door in partnership with Moffatdale Ridge Winery.

There is also a small provedore on-site which provides a range of regional produce and products for sale, including CC’s chutney and jams.

The perfect opportunity will be at the highly anticipated Relish Food & Wine Festival which will be held on Saturday, June 1.

The Bond Store Secrets and Scandals program is sold out, but there will still be plenty of opportunities to visit the store over the course of the day.

The Bond Store is open from Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 9.30am to 2pm.

by Jon van Wyk

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

PERFECT FIFTH’

When local dance school doyen, Cleone McRoberts, asked long time musical legend and renowned soprano Tracy Wright to put together a group of singers to perform at her ’50 years of Dance’ celebrations last year, neither could have guessed that it would be the beginning of a highly successful collaboration of talented local singers. At the time Cleone gave Tracy the brief to; ‘find some singers and compile a list of songs representative of the decades since she had begun teaching dance in Maryborough’.

For Tracy this was the perfect opportunity to combine her enduring love of Jazz and live performance in a formal setting such as the Brolga Theatre. Conscious of a tight deadline, she reached out to a group of singers fresh from their performances in ‘We Will Rock You,’ and Tracy’s own self-penned sellout cabaret show, ‘An Evening at La Pierre.’

Not long afterwards, a line up comprising of Tracy Wright (Soprano), Kim Dryden (Mezzo Soprano), Sigrid Moar (Mezzo), Lachie Youngberry (Baritone/Tenor) and Jon van Wyk (Baritone/Bass), met around a kitchen table and began the process of choosing and

rehearsing songs. From this relatively incongruous start, ‘The Perfect Fifth’ was born.

From the outset it was obvious that these vocalists possessed a pleasing and complementary blend of vocal ranges and styles. After several rehearsals, a smooth and unified ‘jazz-styled sound’ began to emerge-albeit timidly at first, eventually becoming synonymous with the group’s ability to seamlessly blend individual voices with close harmonies woven together over the melodies of well-known classics. Lightning in a bottle, some might say.

By the time Cleone’s gala event was held a few short weeks later, the group had assembled an impressive repertoire of songs incorporating standards from musicals including Chicago, Annie Get Your Gun, Grease and Westside Story.

By all accounts the night was a runaway success, ending in rapturous applause from the packed house who danced and sang along for the entire performance, highlights of which included, the ladies pitch perfect rendition of the jazz styled classics ‘Cell Block Tango’ and Kim’s buttery smooth version of ‘Roxy.’

Fast on the heels of this success were stellar performances by ‘Perfect Fifth Member’s at the sold out ‘Great Gatsby’ themed charity event in support of The St Mary’s College World Choir Games Team, heading to New Zealand. This soiree also featured several guest appearances from musical glitterati such as Alex Kunst, Linda Davis, Chloe Wright, ChloeLee Mahony and Rachel Damms accompanied by superb local pianist Rosi Livingstone.

Not long afterwards, a surprise invitation for a command performance at the Maryborough Art’s Society end of year dinner was extended to the group and lauded by an appreciative audience.

Finally, Perfect Fifth members lent their talents to the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony outside the Town Hall to round off an exciting debut year of live musical performances.

Further performances by The Perfect Fifth will be scheduled later this year. Please contact Tracy Wright on 0428 235 271 for bookings.

• Lychee Sparkling Wines

• Lychee Cider & Lychee Liqueur

• Lychee Condiments

• Lychee Skincare range

• Cheese Platter & Devonshire Tea

• Lychee Iced Drinks & Lychee Icecreams

YOUR LOCAL GATEWAY TO A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY

In today’s modern world, many of us are flipping the script on our working lives and are embracing the belief that choosing a job or following a career path that aligns with what we, as individuals, brings us joy, is essential in contributing to a more whole and fulfilling life.

The rise of flexible work arrangements, the sidehustle economy, and a focus on personal fulfillment over traditional success metrics is testament to this shift, more so now, post-Covid. By encouraging people to follow their passions, society is beginning to recognise that a happy, engaged workforce is more productive and innovative, ultimately benefiting both individuals, the workplace and thereby our communities.

Finding a career you love can significantly contribute to a ‘happier’ life by fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When we’re passionate about our work, it enhances not only our motivation and productivity in the workplace but also our relationships, and general wellbeing.

So is it time to follow your passion…. Your bold new path?

The Fraser Coast Industry & Careers Showcase, may just provide the answers you seek! This unique event brings a world of opportunity to our local shores. With over 70 exhibitors from healthcare to agriculture,

defence and education, to hospitality, construction and beyond, the diverse group of business, training providers, universities and ideas gathered under one roof, are committed to the same purpose - helping individuals find “the shoe that fits” - your career soulmate.

But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill jobs expo! You’ll get hands-on with interactive workshops, immerse in learning and gain valuable insight from industry experts.

Networking opportunities are abundant, as you meet and mingle with professionals across various industries. A perfect environment in which to make meaningful connections that could lead to traineeships, apprenticeships, and other career opportunities.

The live demonstrations will provide insight into the latest technologies and techniques in fields such as engineering, healthcare, digital media, and more.

Whether you’re trying to map out your future, find your first job, change careers, or downshift towards retirement, regardless of your age or stage, the showcase is the one event you can’t miss!

Wednesday June 5, 10am – 4pm at the Maryborough Showgrounds, your career starts here.

Head to www.jobsfrasercoast.com.au for more details on the event!

READY TO ROCK!

River Heads Rocks is an annual music & camping weekend in a boutique setting at Fraser Coast RV Park. The music & camping weekend will showcase 26 performers.

Locals have the opportunity to attend on Saturday 20th July by purchasing a day pass for $60.

Entry to the Park will be available from 10 am -12 noon. The music program starts at 11 am and concludes at 9 pm.

The event is capped at 300 to avoid overcrowding and it is BYO so there are no overpriced drinks to buy.

On-site catering will be available with a coffee van and food from Flavour Bites.

ENTRY IS BY PRE-PAID TICKET ONLY

Local Talent -THE BIG NOTES – Open Mic Friday night

Saturday line up from 11am to 9pm

LATE FOR WOODSTOCK is appearing again after a great set last year – keeping the sounds and soul of the Woodstock era alive.

MIZ BULLY BAND from the NT -back again after appearing in 2021 and 2022. Miz Bully Band has music LIVE, and the BEAT is real. Traditional rhythm section-styled band.

DAVID FLOWER BAND – playing progressive roots, folk funk, and blues. Known for spirited and engaging performances, with trademark acoustic guitar feels and dynamic rich vocals. David plays acoustic guitar, harmonica, ukulele, bass, and sitar.

OLIVIA RUTH BAND – Epic live music performances, with her band’s distinctive rock-infused sound are a product of Olivia’s dynamic and unique vocals, impressively crafted original songs, and a tight and solid group of artists, passionate about their music. Showcasing a range of musical styles from gentle acoustic-driven ballads and funky, blues-inspired songs through to powerful rock-solid anthems.

FLYING AU 79’S – Local talent appearing again after a sensational set last year.

EMMA NEWMAN – Hear Emma’s new songs, a talented local.

Proudly supporting Community Flights, a safe and free service to transport patients from the nearest regional airport to their medical treatment or services. Last year River Heads Rocks raised $4,000 to support this worthwhile cause.

Music Festival

by Amanda Shaw

@styleit.byvictoria

3 TIPS FOR PICKING THE RIGHT FRONT FENCE

Whether you’re looking at adding a fence to a newly built home, or updating a worn out fence, there are a multitude of options out there for you to choose from. So where do you start? After all, picking the right fence will increase street appeal and the value of your house- but not all fence choices are created equal. Here’s our advice:

Pick The Right Height

Tall fence, or short fence? The answer lies in relation to the proportion of your house. Be sure to design your fence to suit the scale of your house. Step back, right back, and pick a height that not only functions for your needs, but one that will complement the height of your house.

Pick The Right Materials

Use different materials for variation and to keep your fence interesting to look at. If the heritage look is what you’re after, consider using granite pillars, board and batten profiles, cast iron gates and timber federation style fencing. Have fun and add character to your home. There are no hard and fast rules here, but if we can give you one word of advice- pick the best quality materials you canthere’s nothing worse than a faded wonky fence to greet the neighborhood!

Pick The Right Look

If you’d like to keep your house open and welcoming, use see-through style fencing. You can always plant some bushy shrubs on the inside to keep that feeling of openness whilst still retaining some privacy. Open style fencing not only softens the look of the façade, but it takes you into the house, rather than closing you off from the street.

Picking the right fence for your house can be overwhelming, but when done right, can transform the overall look of your house. Explore your options and enjoy the process, for the end result will be well worth the investment.

If you need help styling your next project from the inside out, our Style It team would love to help, so contact us today.

FRASER COAST DUNGA DERBY AND RALLY FOR A CAUSE IS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS!

WThe charity Rally for a Cause was founded 10 Years ago too and is directly linked to the Dunga Derby. The funds raised by teams of the Dunga Derby go directly to Rally for Cause to be used to support recipients on the Fraser Coast.

hat began as an idea to help a mate is now a charity car rally called the Dunga Derby fundraising for Rally for a Cause.

Rally for a Cause is a community charity proudly raising funds to support families and individuals affected by life-limiting medical conditions or have had their lives disrupted by circumstances beyond their control.

Starting on the Fraser Coast in 2015, Rally for a Cause has raised over $3 million for families and individuals in the Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast Regions and has assisted over 300 recipients with much needed equipment and/or financial support.

How did the Fraser Coast Dunga Derby begin?

In 2015 a group of mates rallied around a family experiencing the unthinkable. One of these mates Mick Irwin says, “Our friends, the Christensen’s had just received a devastating medical diagnosis for their 5-year-old boy and we wanted to plan to do something that would help them financially while they took the time to be with their son”.

The work of the charity is made possible by funds raised through the DUNGA DERBY, a major fundraiser - a car rally that sees up to 55 team vehicles from the Fraser Coast, travelling from the Coast to the Country on a 5 day adventure.

In the lead up to the derby the teams will fundraise with loads of events throughout that time - everything from raffles, gala dinners, sportsman luncheons, barefoot bowls to BBQ’s! The local communities will be buzzing with activity and businesses are encouraged to get behind the event, sponsoring teams and their vehicles (the Dungas!)

A local recipient of Rally for a Cause is now a fundraising team. “Rally for a cause helped my family greatly, both me and my daughter Connie have been recipients. Rally for a Cause helped keep us together as a family when going through long stays in the hospital and helped us pay our mortgage and take some financial stress away. I always said when I recovered from my cancer I would get a car and give back to the community and help other families just like mine when they need it the most. I know without Rally for a Cause we would have struggled to make ends meet.” -Gemma #43 Breast Intentions.

The founding members of this charity continue to be actively involved behind the scenes.

What a legacy to be proud of!

by Andrew Chorley

WINTER SEASON AHEAD

It’s June already and that means a change of season with local anglers excited for the winter season ahead and hopefully some more stable weather patterns.

BURRUM

Out at Burrum the usual mix of bream whiting and flathead has been taken from around the river mouth, barra have been also taken in the deeper holes on live baits. Out the front school mackerel can be found around Burrum 8 mile along with some nice cod and golden trevally. Whiting will be a good option off the beaches out that way over the bigger tides with yabbies and worms being good baits.

WIDE GROUNDS

Out wide the reefs will begin to fire for crews looking to head wide for a feed, the southern gutters have been fishing well for the usual mix of reefies out there along with a variety of tuna species. Out over break sea spit crews with larger boats have been having a ball on big red emperor, snapper, red throats and coronation trout.

URANGAN PIER

The whiting should fire over the bigger tides, fishing in the first channel particularly at night is the best time to get a feed of quality whiting. Setting a few live baits out the end has been effective on golden trevally and queenfish.

Sunny Martins with a painted sweetlip caught fly fishing in the sandy straits

PLATYPUS BAY

Up the island longtail tuna and mac tuna have continued their usual habits and have been providing sport fisho’s with some great entertainment. A range of methods has been getting a few fish, sharks up there continue to be a problem with plenty of fish being lost at times to sharks. Scarlets, snapper, blackall and various trevally species have also been reported.

LOCAL REEFS

The local reefs will fish well this weekend, fishing the tide changes with fresh and live baits will be the most effective. Blackall, golden trevally, cod, sweetlip and school mackerel will be likely captures. A few mac and longtail tuna can also be found in the shipping channels and around the deeper reefs providing a bit of sport for anglers along with some fresh bait. Snapper will be on the minds of many and lightly fished soft plastics and baits will be the best way to target them.

SANDY STRAITS

Down the straits reports of both barra and threadfin have been reported .Grunter, flathead, trevally and queenfish can also be found around the creek mouths in the Straits. In the Mary river prawns have started to move around with a few good catches starting to come through.

by Kate Manley

VINTAGE FASHION TRENDS

The forecast for winter 2024 is expected to reflect the global prediction of ‘oversized comfort’. Many leading brands are favouring a vintage look that incorporates knitwear, tweed, plaids, checks and corduroy in relaxed, layered silhouettes. For Queenslanders, the need for heavy quilted jackets, bulky wool/mohair jackets or thick suede boots are not a priority. This layered look can be pulled together firstly with a silk or cotton shirt, fine knit angora blend cardigan, cotton jersey knit skirt or pants, all teamed with a black or tan thick leather belt and large wrap/scarf.

Colours this season are characterised by the autumn Australian landscape: rich earthy tones, vibrant reds, burnt oranges, deep yellows, and subtle greens. Plus the perennial beige and black.

So step into this new season with confidence by adding just a few essential, oversized pieces that will give you a leading fashion edge. And enjoy the ‘best weather’ that we all love.

40% TO 70% OFF

SELECTED STOCK IN OUR BACK ROOM QUALITY ITALIAN CLOTHING

1. Our silk shirt with camisole included, cotton drill pants, Angora/wool blend cardigan and beaded star necklace.

2. Cotton voile gathered midi skirt team with Italian fabric zip front jacket with bow at the neck.

3. Chartreuse angora/wool blend, cotton drill pants, cotton blend scarf with lurex trim and cross body leather bag.

4. Chartreuse relaxed linen pants, cotton shirt with jersey knit long sleeves, black linen oversize jacket and silver necklace.

5. White linen layered front dress, angora/wool relaxed cardigan and necklace of tortoiseshell layered rings.

by Brendan Holland

THE TRANSFORMATION STARTS NOW

Last month, I briefly introduced the world of breathwork. There’s so much more to it! This month, I want to share a bit about myself, and like breathwork, there is more to me than can fit on this page.

Originally from Newcastle, NSW, I’m married with four kids. Since April 2021, my family and I have been living on the road in a caravan. Having stumbled across Hervey Bay, we’ve based ourselves here for the past couple of years, and as I write this column, we’re in Sanur, Bali, embracing freedom! A BIG part of our life.

Raised by a single mum who did her best with her own experiences and conditionings, I lacked positive male role models growing up. Like many, I carry baggage… some I’m aware of and working through, and some I have yet to discover. We only know what

we know, and what we don’t know… we don’t know.

As a child, I felt like a black sheep. I sensed that life was more than what we were led to believe. I hated school, the structure, the “prison-like” feel, being told when to play, eat, and ask permission for the toilet. Freedom was non-existent. This sentiment carried into my work life, the grind of a job, limited family time, and brief holidays. This “life” wasn’t for me, and I know it’s not for many others.

Now, I’m doing what I love… BREATHWORK!!! specifically TRANSFORMATIONAL breathwork. This practice has changed my life, deepening my selfconnection, helping me process my past, and acting as a catalyst for my dreams and future. Breathwork has also expanded my awareness into other dimensions, though that’s a story for another month…

BROTHERS, IT’S TIME TO

TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE WITH AN 8-WEEK JOURNEY (JUNE 10 TO AUGUST 4) OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND GROWTH

3-NIGHT RETREAT ON THE SUNSHINE COAST (JULY 11-14)

EMBRACE CHANGE, EMERGE STRONGER. AWAKEN YOUR INNER LION AND GET READY TO ROAR!

DISCOVER MORE AT

With the introductions over, we can dive into the purpose of this column, and that is sharing my insights, wisdom, parts of my story, and practical advice you can incorporate into your life.

Here’s a simple box breathing exercise to get started.

1. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds.

2. Hold your breath for 4 seconds.

3. Exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.

4. Hold your breath for 4 seconds.

Put on some relaxing music and repeat this cycle for 5-10 minutes to promote relaxation and focus.

See you next month fams!

Brendan

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” —

Albert Camus

Recipe courtesy of Country Kitchens

COTTAGE PIE

Serves: 6

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 55 minutes

3 serves per portion

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 brown onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 carrot, grated

500g lean beef mince

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Italian herbs

400g can diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 vegetable stock cube

1 cup water

1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas and corn)

4 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 2cm cubes

½ cup reduced fat milk

½ cup reduced fat cheese, grated

Method

1. PREHEAT oven to 180°C.

2. HEAT a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add oil and onion once hot. Cook onion, stirring for about 5 minutes or until softened.

3. ADD garlic and carrot and cook for a further 2 minutes.

4. ADD beef mince, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and Italian herbs and fry until mince has browned, about 5 minutes.

5. ADD the canned tomato, tomato paste, stock cube, water and mixed frozen vegetables and stir well. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer until sauce has thickened, around 20 minutes.

6. FILL a saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add potatoes and cook until soft. Drain water and mash potatoes. Add milk and stir until creamy.

7. POUR the bolognaise mince into a casserole dish and top with mashed potato. Sprinkle with cheese and bake in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes or until golden on top.

DISCOVER YOUR STRONGEST INTUITIVE GIFT

Welcome to May’s edition of The 6th Sense. In this column I explore some of the questions mystically minded readers may have about the spiritual realms. Have you ever wondered if you could be a psychic or a medium?

Let’s have some fun this month. I’ve developed the quiz below to help to reveal your potential gifts. Fill in your rating beside each statement using this scale:

4. Very Often/ Often

3. Sometimes

2. Occasionally

1. Never/ Almost Never Your Psychic Potential Your Rating

1. I am sensitive to the energies in different places, such as the mood in a room.

2. I choose what I wear each day based on what colors or textures feel right.

3. I get accurate hunches about how situations will turn out.

4. I see images in my mind that help me understand people or situations.

5. I just seem to know what other people are feeling and why.

6. I don’t know how I know what I know. Information just comes to me.

7. I can sense when someone is not speaking the truth.

8. I am very sensitive to strong smells, sound, taste, light and touch.

9. I have visions (or dreams) about events which happen in the future.

10. I experience moments of synchronicity, through meaningful coincidences.

11. Words from songs enter my mind and provide me with guidance when I need it.

Your Total Score

by Michelle Robinson

Your Mediumistic Potential Your Rating

12. I sometimes notice a scent that belonged to someone who is in the spirit world.

13. I still feel the presence of my loved ones who are now in the spirit world.

14. I receive helpful, accurate messages from Spiritual Guides.

15. I receive information, which I did not previously know, from persons in the spirit world.

16. I receive a taste in my mouth that lets me know a spirit person is around me.

17. I have vivid dreams in which I communicate with my friends/or family in the spirit world.

18. I have seen a spirit person with my eyes open

19. I have heard a voice talk to me, but no-one has been there.

Your Total Score

Your Scores Interpreted: Your Psychic Score

A psychic score of 25 and above indicates you have significant Psychic Potential.

You sense and receive information through your highly developed channels of Clairsentience (clear feeling), Clairaudience (clear hearing), Claircognizance (clear knowing), Clairgustience (clear tasting) and Clairfactience (clear smelling). Your sensitivities are a gift that provide you with valuable insights.

Your Mediumistic Score

A score of 15 and above indicates you have Mediumistic Potential.

The essence of mediumship is that you communicate with persons in the spirit world and receive information that can be verified or is helpful to you. In addition to persons, you may also communicate with your Spiritual Guides who come to you in energy form. Communicating with the spirit world is a rarer gift than psychic skills, but they often work together.

I hope you enjoyed our fun quiz this month.

by Alison Dunlop

JUNE INSPIRATION

How does our “Heritage” affect us? Did you know that our ancestor’s thoughts, feelings, emotions, spiritual beliefs and unresolved issues are passed down energetically and can affect how we respond in our daily lives. As an Intuitive Kinesiologist, it is my speciality to pinpoint these patterns in my client’s family line, and provide healing for the future generations. If you would like a consultation please check out my website.

Capricorn

Dec 22 -Jan 19

This month, Capricorn, you may be required to be someone’s tower of strength. Do not stress about it, all you need to do is lead by example and provide your usual loving support.

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18

There is so much more to you than meets the eye Aquarius. I don’t think you actually realise your talents. This month, give yourself acknowledgement for all you have achieved. This month you are encouraged to stand tall and not hide away.

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20

Are you impulsive with your actions Pisces? Mmm, something tells me perhaps, you have the potential to react emotionally. This is a gentle reminder to find balance in your decision making. Step back, breathe and let your intuition guide you.

Aries Mar 21 - April 19

Wow, it’s a blessing to be you this month Aries. Everything is looking peachy! Also, a gentle reminder to do things that fill your cup, Some examples include getting plenty of rest, good food and lots of pampering. Enjoy this time!

Taurus April 20 - May 20

Taurus, are you struggling with control issues, or do you need to take some control of a situation? You are encouraged to find some balance here. Surrender your fears, and just trust my friend. Play some music, dance, and feel inspired!

Gemini May 21 - June 20

Oooh Gemini, it appears that the stars are in alignment for you this month. It is important you keep in a positive mindset because your wish is your command.. Spend some time conjuring up your dreams and goals, and start manifesting!

Cancer June 21- July 22

This month, you are being encouraged to surround yourself with positive people, who have pure intentions. When you align with positivity, you thrive. Look forward to an exciting month with a hint of passion!

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

This month is looking very productive for you Leo, perhaps in your career, or even household. It looks like nothing is going to stop you, but you need to flick procrastination, because you and your creativity are totally on point

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22

Be wary of overwhelm this month. I feel perhaps your physical body could struggle with the change of weather. It’s important to boost your immune system - try a multivitamin, and cosy up with a tumeric latte. Please give your body permission to rest. You deserve it!

Libra Sept - 23 - Oct 23

This month Libra, I have to remind you that you are imperfectly perfect! We often criticise and have such high demands of ourselves. Find some quiet time, breathe, and just be. It is time to accept all of you, despite your perceived flaws.

Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 21

June is your abundance month Scorpio. Whatever you wish for, you can truly manifest. However, to do this you must align with positivity, and truly feel the outcome of your wish. Do not worry how it will happen, just believe it will!

Sagittarius, you have the most gorgeous heart. This month I encourage you to align with your warrior side. There is a possibility your generous side may be taken advantage of, so stay strong to your beliefs and intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Sagittarius

Nov 22 - Dec 21

Crossword of the month

MARYBOROUGH URBAN SKETCHERS

Street

We are the Maryborough Qld chapter of Urban Sketchers!

The Urban Sketchers mission is to raise the artistic, storytelling and educational value of on-location drawing, promoting its practice and connecting people around the world who draw on location where they live and travel.

“See the world, one building at a time”.

More info on our Facebook group (Meet 1st Sunday monthly): Urban Sketchers Maryborough Qld

Last month’s solution

snack or barista coffee before the show in the BIGSCREEN Cafe.

Woodstock

by Kirsty Newbery