General practice in Iran for the past 13 years, and now settled in Hervey Bay, happy, and going well in the Bay.
Dr Feizi’s interests are internal medicine (stomach), and heart disease/Surgery.
Dr Sonia Joseph
Dr Engy Hanna MBchb MRCGP (Int) Dr Hanna has spent 10 years in Emirates, and practiced in Abu Dhabi for 8 of those years. Dr Hanna has been with Fraser Shores Medical Centre for the past 12 months, and her family have made their home here in Hervey Bay. Special interest in Women’s Health, and ongoing education to qualify as a specialist GP. OPENING HOURS: (TIME
Monday to Friday 8am - 9pm
Saturday 8am - 2pm Sunday
Dr Clara Marin Zapata MBBS
UPCOMING EVENTS
THE BEATLES ROOF TOP CONCERT
When: Sunday 11th August 2024
Where: Brolga Theatre
What: Brisbane band, The Honey Sliders, now bring this treasured, and well-documented performance back to life. Each of the songs The Beatles’ played on that historic day, plus a selection of Fab Four tunes.
What: Join us for a magical morning tea celebrating PL Travers’ 125th birthday with delightful treats, enchanting events, and whimsical fun at The Story Bank.
Tickets are limited, but this is a celebration not to be missed - where every spoonful of sugar brings a touch of the extraordinary!
Tickets: Cost: $20
(includes admission to The Story Bank)
FRASER COAST RDE WITH BONUS SENIORS EXPO
When: Fri 16 Aug 2024, 9am - 3pm
Where: Maryborough Showground
What: Join us at the RDE-Regional Disability with bonus Seniors Expo for a day filled with inspiration, information, and empowerment. This in-person event brings together a diverse community of individuals, families, and organizations dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and the aged care sector.
Entry: Free
THE ALIVE TEAM
Founder / Creative Director: JOY BUTLER
Editorial Team: KERRIE ALEXANDER
CELINE LOUIE
RUSS BENNING
LIZZIE MACAULAY
Advertising Team: JOY BUTLER info@alivemag.com.au
Phone: 040 959 2201
LOUISE HOLMES advertising@alivemag.com.au
Phone: 0477 094 335
DARREN STIMPSON darren@alivemag.com.au
Phone: 0408 122 050
BARB HARD barb@alivemag.com.au
Head of Distribution
JAMIE BUTLER
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 FLAVOURS
When: Sat 31 Aug 2024
Where: Seafront Oval, Hervey Bay
What: Fraser Coast Flavours will include two live music stages featuring a line-up of both local and Queensland artists, two festival bars with Queensland breweries and distilleries, street food and market vendors, all-day activities and a selection of curated ticketed events to keep attendees pleased while soaking up the fabulous the sunshine.
Tickets: frasercoastflavours.com.au
can write all the good things about your business, services and products, and we are pretty good at it! Drop us an email
by Russ Benning
SURVIVING THE UNKNOWN
Written and Photographed
The concept of survival is quite literally as old as life itself.
Survival and replication lead to evolution that leads to (in theory) a better future for the species in question. Passing on genetic material (nature) as well as the guidance (nurture) of the previous generation are the fundamentals
In the modern era of human beings, there are a few survival stories that typically become front and centre. During our brainstorm we found compelling stories from incredible people that have survived war, disease, violent crime, accidents and so on.
As the most adaptive species on the planet currently, humans are very impressive creatures indeed. Certainly from a survival and evolutionary standpoint.
This issue, we address a situation that is quite recent and quite unusual in its origin.
You may be aware of a recent pandemic (Covid-19) that took the world by storm and the consequential answer (vaccine) that for a select few was much, much worse than the virus itself.
The responses to the treatment were varied with symptoms ranging from none at all through to mortality.
Today I introduce you to a person that was affected towards the latter end of that spectrum.
Hervey Bay local of sixteen years, Emma Hansen followed the advice of the Australian government and took the vaccine both to keep herself and community safe, as well as to keep her job (primary school teacher) which was mandated.
Not even five minutes after the injection she knew
something wasn’t right.
“I was in the waiting room afterwards and five minutes later I was down. I just felt weird then I was out.”
She explains the experience was also terrifying for her husband Mark, fearing the worst as he found Emma completely passed out with her eyes wide open.
As she came to, she recalls being unable to sit up at all. Her heart rate was erratic—sometimes beating uncontrollably fast, and others stopping completely for moments on end.
This continued for days afterwards and it became clear that this was the introduction to a terrifying road ahead.
My eyes widen and goosebumps appear on my body as I take in the horrible account.
“Every day in the first year, I thought I was going to die.”
Physical symptoms such as chest pain, muscle weakness, lightheadedness, brain fog, heart palpitations all understandably led to hopelessness and anxiety about her condition.
She recounts being unable to leave her bed at all for almost all of 2022, adding to the trauma of the experience.
“I was so weak I could hardly even lift an arm. It was like being heavily sedated, that level of fatigue.”
Her body was at war with itself, stuck in a Sisyphuslike loop fighting an un-winnable battle against a foreign body that was causing havoc and spreading to each cell in her body. She was in a constant state of extreme inflammation.
Every day in the first year, I thought I was going to die.”
Unable to keep down any food she recalls looking like a skeleton as her symptoms progressed.
The inflammation was everywhere including her brain. She remembers not being able to speak properly, her vision doubled and blurry. She shares how terrified she was constantly. Somehow all of that paled in comparison to the fear and hopelessness caused by her heart rate.
Like the snapshot of the first few minutes, hours and days, the constant fluctuation of her life-force motor if you will was the hardest part for her.
“It was a terrifying ordeal.”
She was not the only one stuck in this nightmare either. Her four children feared for her life, going through each day wondering when their beautiful mother would finally be overcome. She had to endure this knowledge with no way to reassure them which added to her internal hell.
Her loving husband Mark, also interwoven in the cruel tapestry of this frightful journey. His mettle tested as he faced the impossible decision between being at the side of his love as she desperately needed, or return to work (Assistant Principal at a primary school) to provide for his family.
Fortunately, with the help and support of close friends and family, he was somehow able to juggle both as well as spending considerable time researching both for clarity and understanding as well as for insurance purposes.
An absolute superhero performance he admits it was his whole life through that period.
Countless doctors visits, hospital visits, specialist appointments and so on endured throughout with limited success.
Emma recalls one of the worst parts was a feeling akin to being gaslit by the same system that inflicted this torture in the first place.
It was such early days and the medical system was already overrun by the virus repercussions there was almost no understanding, let alone support.
This lead to a reduction in the precious little hope she had left, throwing fuel on the fire of desperation.
As time went on and new developments were published and more research undertaken, team Hansen were sent an angel…
A functional medicine doctor in Brisbane was to be the light at the end of the tunnel they desperately needed.
For those who aren’t familiar, functional medicine is interested in the root cause of disease and the holistic treatment of the being. Similar to an Ayurvedic doctor they are qualified MD’s (usually longer practicing individuals) who choose to expand their healing focus beyond symptoms alone.
The doctor sent Emma for a range of tests, including an expensive blood test which was sent to a Long-Covid clinic in America, which confirmed the vaccine reaction.
Emma has since had multiple doctors verify her condition and symptoms as linked to the vaccine, including a Cardiologist who stated that her blood oxygen level was akin to someone in an Intensive Care Unit.
Finally finding someone who understood them and believed them, the dim, narrow light began to expand.
Successfully diagnosing the body’s response and prescribing the appropriate medication, Emma’s symptoms finally began to ease, even if, ever-soslightly.
This imbued her with enough life-force to begin practicing some natural therapies and allowing her to once again retain nutrients.
The catalytic diagnoses that made the majority of the improvement were MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), both of which have been linked by research to the Covid vaccination.
The road was long and arduous but before too long she was able to stand up again. She was able to talk again. She got to feel the sensation of sun on her skin. Things we arguably take for granted were gifts she was experiencing as if for the first time.
Part of the cruel joke of it all was that she was such an active, positive, healthy person to begin with. She was a mum, a wife, a teacher and very active in the community.
She shares how the whole experience is put in perspective with some of her new practices such as mindfulness and gratitude, and how she has a new lease on life. She reflects on how in hindsight she was always doing and never being.
I’m an empathetic guy and I can see how much truth there is when she tells me she can be completely content to just sit and do nothin. She enjoys everything she does now, no matter how monumental or insignificant.
I see the way she and Mark look at each other. I see the pain, the power, the suffering and the triumph in their connection. I would never wish their nightmare on anyone but I would wish that love for everyone.
I see that survival is not just about getting through the horrible thing.
It’s not even just about the strength of character that’s forged in that hell-fire of suffering.
It’s about what gets left behind. It’s what gets shared and spread as a result. It’s the light and the hope that’s born into the world.
Survival is about making the world a better place than it was when you were brought into; no matter what must be endured during this crazy thing we call life.
Emma and Mark are involved in a class-action lawsuit to bring awareness and justice to those vaccine injured in Australia. Emma also has a website where she shares her journey in an attempt to shed light on the underexposed condition as well as giving as much hope to others going through a similar situation. Please head to: https:// emmahansen81.wixsite.com/the-long-covid
by Celine Louie
CARING FOR THOSE THAT CARE
Let me tell you straight up, Ronnie won’t greet you with an idle handshake, or simple hello. Rather, prepare to be enveloped in a long-lasting, endorphin releasing, melt your worries away, kind of hug. This woman exudes warmth, it emanates out to all of those fortunate enough to cross her path; this woman is a healer with a heart that has touched many.
It’s no secret that Ronnie Benbow OAM, founding director of The Carers Foundation, is on a mission to help any carer in need. But while the need is certainly greater than what is humanly possible- no matter how determined the human is leading the charge- this has not deterred Ronnie from pursuing her life’s calling.
Ronnie was stirred into action 45 years ago at the tender age of 17, while training to become a registered nurse. Working in the community she noticed that many carers were in worse health than the people they were caring for, which led her to wonder, who was caring for these carers?
She tells the story of a life-changing event that set the trajectory for the rest of her life. A story so tragically heartbreaking it is hard to hold back the tears.
“When I was working in the community nursing sector, one of our clients was a beautiful lady who had had a devastating stroke. We would go in there each day to bathe her. Her 15 year old son Tom, was there 24 hours a day because there was no dad. He had no friends, no interests and had to give up school,” Ronnie recounts.
“It used to bother me because I was only 17 at the time. Tom was doing it all alone- turning his mum every few hours, doing personal hygiene, feeding her, cooking for her, doing things he should never have had to do. It was such a huge responsibility for a 15 year old.”
“I would always check in on him, but then two years later, shortly after his mum had been put into care, he committed suicide because he could no longer cope with the extreme stress of caring, ” she explains sadly.
“That had a profound impact on me. I realised this had all happened because he was isolated and had no support. So at the age of 19, I declared that one day, I was going to establish a healing centre specifically for carers. A place where they could be cared for, educated and empowered, allowing them to recover from the impacts of caring.”
Ronnie continued her nursing career, married Michael and went on to have four sons, until she ironically became a carer herself- in more ways than one. First, when her husband suffered a near-fatal accident during a family holiday in Noosa. He was out in the waves teaching his four boys to body surf, when he was dumped by a wave and landed on his chin, paralyzing him.
Then one of her sons had a chronic medical condition that almost claimed his life numerous times, all whilst caring for both her aging parents. Living in Cairns at the time, Ronnie gave up her nursing to care for her husband- it was a slow recovery but thankfully he healed and is walking again.
Once the kids were older the family made the move to Brisbane. Ronnie felt her time had come to realise her dream of supporting carers in need. On a mission to gain financial support, she was shocked to discover that there was no funding available for carers. Undeterred she set up privately funded workshops and proceeded to run these for 15 years, until her dad suffered a fatal stroke in 2014.
“Dad was my savior, he was such a beautiful soul. I probably still haven’t grieved to this day, because that’s when I decided to set up the foundation to care for carers full time. I thought that’s it, I’m going to do it before I’m the one that needs care.”
The Carers Foundation charity was set up in 2015. Ronnie recalls how hard it was to raise money despite her best efforts, and it wasn’t until a pre-election
commitment by Peter Dutton came to fruition, that her programs got the kick-start they needed.
“The only condition was that Turnbull got in, which he did. People told me we wouldn’t get the money. I rang them every week until they got sick of me. In the end I think it was like ‘For God’s sake, give her the money, shut her up!’ We got $400,000 and that gave us the start we needed.” She recalls with a smile.
Following that, she also received a large grant from Coca-Cola Australia that has enabled her to add some extra focus onto the young carers in need. Alarmingly, statistics show that one in nine children are carers to some capacity- that’s three kids in every classroom.
“They’re all my passion because of Tom. All these kids are unidentified in the community, they don’t talk about it, and they’re usually bullied and missing school. They may be helping mum with their autistic brother, or their dads had a stroke, or mums got cancer- you just don’t know and they won’t talk about it.” She explains.
Fund-raising plays a key part in the charities ability to continue offering the support to those in need, the irony being that Ronnie finds herself spending more time raising funds, than in her core purpose of caring for carers. Grant applications, and organising events take up most of her time. Undeterred, Ronnie has recently come up with a solution to help in her fundraising efforts.
“I’ve come up with an idea of the Unsung Heroes, which is an annual event where I’m inviting eight to ten socially conscious leaders in our community to fundraise with the aim of getting $20,000 each. Last year’s gala raised $350,000 which was huge. One lady raised $180,000 on her own.”
“We want to build an emergency care centre, so carers can get away, get a decent meal and the sleep they need. We’ll also run programs from there. Since the big gala last year we’ve had interest. We have an architect and a builder on board, so we just need to find the land, or find the property. I don’t care where it is. I won’t
give up until we get that centre,” Ronnie states, with a determination that she clearly demonstrates in everything she does.
Her programs are designed to give carers the tools they need to safe-guard their mental and physical well-being. It allows them to cope on days when they are not coping, because at the moment there is little support and resources are limited. The Carers Foundation is the only charity in Australia that provides these programs at no cost to carers, and she runs them across QLD.
She’s seen firsthand how her programs have made a positive impact on those that reach out to her- the extensive list of heartfelt testimonials are tribute to all the hard work she puts in, and this is what keeps her powering on despite the adversities.
“For a carer to call, they’re at breaking point. They never reach out and ask for help before that. When you answer the phone their voice starts quivering and they generally break down and cry, I can be on the phone for an hour every time.”
Ronnie explains that despite the heavily funded government organisation, ‘Carers Queensland’, being the first point of call, people struggle to get through the overwhelmed phone lines. There is then a six week waiting time and resources in regional areas are limited- often people in need are referred back to Ronnies foundation for help.
In a health system plagued with inequality and fraud, where financial support is often given to those that know how to work the system, rather than based on needs, The Carers Foundation have continued to be a beacon of hope for those that feel there is no hope left.
Ronnie feels no shortage of frustration at our broken system and the dire needs of the forgotten carers out in the community.
The single mothers left to single-handedly care for their disabled children- for these are the majority.
The children, left to care for a parent, lost in a system they are too young to navigate.
Those that have pledged to care for those they love, despite the life sentence it imposes.
The Tom’s of our community - carers who feel that suicide is the only way out. And for the carers who continue to suffer, long after their loved-ones have passed.
We all know someone impacted by this issue, and there are no guarantees that we too won’t one day become carers for someone we love.
We can only hope that Ronnie and all those involved at The Carers Foundation will continue to gain the financial support required, providing hope to all of those that need them. Because as Ronnie firmly states, ‘No carer should ever be alone or unsupported’.
Reach out here www.thecarersfoundation.org
I’m going to do it before I’m the one that needs care.”
WISDOM BEYOND WORDS
by Lizzie Macaulay
Iwant to tell you about my friend Leanne.
Some of you will know her as one of the founding members of the Alive team.
Others as the indefatigable front of house face of Paolo’s Pizza Bar in Torquay.
Others as a friend, teammate or colleague.
Others simply as ‘mum’. Or ‘Glammy’.
Leanne has always been one of the most effervescent, hardest working women I know. Quick with a story, a comforting word or a pearl of wisdom to share, Leanne’s gift has always been her ability to find the silver lining, even in the darkest rain clouds.
Her love affair with words opened the gateway for her to tell her soul’s story, and has always offered all of us a richer experience of the world for the privilege of receiving them.
When I first met Leanne, she was working on a Masters of Professional Practice in Creative Writing, and tinkering with her masterpiece.
And for most people, you would think this would be enough to take on in a day, but no, Leanne isn’t most people.
By day she was either studying or working at a solicitor’s office, and by night she was on her feet, welcoming us all to the restaurant she and second husband, Paolo, established together - a landmark in our tight knit community.
She’s always been the type of person whose frankly astounding work ethic has only been exceeded by her warmth, kindness and vivacity.
Over the ten years I’ve known Leanne, I’ve watched her tackle every new challenge as an adventure, never seeing a potential barrier as a reason to stop, but as a reason to try even harder.
How can this be fair?
How can someone with so much still to give and to achieve, to nurture and to teach be the one to endure this?
Someone who has survived so much - from escaping domestic violence, to nearly losing her child to addiction, to simply remaining dutiful to others and allowing her own passions to wait?
The fact is, fair has nothing to do with it.
Cancer is indiscriminate, whether you have grand life plans, or haven’t even had the chance to make them yet.
Some of you reading this might be feeling that same sense of injustice that I felt when I heard the news. Others might be feeling concerned for her, or even quite helpless.
Some of you might even be compelled to consider your own mortality.
And all of those reactions are perfectly normal and reasonable.
She has been the rock and guiding light for so many around her, especially her daughter, Rebecca and grandson, Xander who live here in the Bay alongside her.
And so…
We come to the point of all this effusive detail.
As much as complimenting Leanne comes easily, I’m actually here to share some more difficult news with you all.
The woman we all know and love so dearly is facing her biggest challenge yet.
You see, early last year, Leanne began to notice some strange happenings with her cognitive function.
Blips in her memory, and even more painfully, her words.
After extensive investigations, she was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma - a wildly aggressive malignant brain tumour that has impacted, and will continue to affect, her language centres, memory and general ability to function day-to-day.
Worst news of all, there is no cure.
To say this is a devastating diagnosis would be the mother of all understatements, yet this is the reality Leanne is facing.
The natural instinct when discovering this news lends itself to the notion of ‘fairness’.
There’s no ‘correct’ way to process grief, or fear of the unknown.
All we can hope to do is take the lessons life’s challenges are there to teach us and actually learn from them.
Or, as Leanne has always done, find the silver lining, however faint.
For Leanne, this accelerated timeline has meant she’s finally published her masterpiece - a novel titled ‘Chekhov’s Mum’, under her nom de plume, Darra Dawn.
She’s soaking in the sunshine and sea air as she makes the most of her time with the people she cherishes most.
Most importantly, she’s still here with us, and beating the odds every day.
While it’s not Leanne’s responsibility to conjure up any particular philosophical point of view about this most difficult of life experiences, I think we can safely say any or all of the following:
Today, and only today, is your chance to take the risk, try the new thing, say the words you’ve been too afraid to share.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us (even if you’ve made rock-solid plans!).
We don’t know what lies ahead, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t act with great courage and honour what’s truly in our heart of hearts, lest we miss the opportunity.
To Leanne herself, I say thank you.
Thank you for being my friend.
Thank you for the big heart to hearts, for sharing your sparkle with me, and for showing me that passion and adventure are essential components of a life well lived.
We love you, Leanne.
The final word on the matter?
Be vivacious and shine bright in life, just like our Leanne.
We are all so privileged to have you in our lives. https://www.amazon.com.au/Chekhovs-MumDarra-Dawn/dp/B0CZJFVGS9
2024 Whale Watching Guide
Make a day of it!
We spend more time with the whales. Join us from 9.30am - 3.30pm, July to October Relax onboard and let our wonderful, friendly crew spoil you while you watch the humpback mums and babes play around the boat. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!
The spacious, comfortable 56ft catamaran has 3 viewing platforms, as well as water level. Unrestricted views of the spectacular whales and pristine K’Gari (Fraser Island) as the picture-perfect back drop. With three bathrooms and plenty of seating indoor and out, you will never feel crowded.
Delicious morning and afternoon tea is served as we motor quickly to and from the whales in Platypus Bay. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the calm waters, while the majestic whales come to check you out! All meals are included in the price – lower prices than 2023 - We also have a courtesy bus and a licensed bar – a good combination!
Book direct: www.freedom3.com.au
(Lunch on Extended Morning cruise and Dinner on Afternoon + Sunset cruise), all you need to do is come onboard and let us take care of the rest.
Whalesong is a wheelchair accessible boat and is dedicated to sustainable and enjoyable experiences. With flexible cancellation policies, it makes sense to book your spot now. 100% guaranteed whale sightings from July 13th. Book directly with us, using promo code: Alive24 and you’ll receive spending credit on the boat.
WORKING 9 TO 5 WITH BELINDA HUMBERSTONE
Art imitates Life with Upcoming Production of 9 to 5 on August 30th and September 1st.
Belinda Humberstone is looking forward to setting the Brolga Theatre on fire during the upcoming Macabre Theatre stage production musical ‘9 to 5’!
After a long history of singing Country Rock in cabarets, bands and at Tamworth, Belinda says she was naturally drawn to the musical 9 to 5 which was written by country music legend Dolly Parton.
“It’s so fun to be playing the character Violet, who is a mum, widow, and full-time worker trying to make it in a male dominated world.”
Set in the 80’s Belinda says there are lots of naughty, sexist themes based around three lead women who fight to overcome career adversity and succeed despite their own trialing personal lives.
Belinda, (currently separated herself), says that at times the themes were almost a confronting reflection of her own recent life. Almost a case of life imitating art and art imitating life. When asked to indulge us further Belinda says,
“You’ll just have to come to the musical and see for yourself!”
There are only 2 scheduled performances, one on Friday night August 30th and a matinee on Sunday September 1st.
Bookings can be made at the Brolga Theatre website.
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a community funding program for arts, culture and heritage on the Fraser Coast. Visit our website to find out more information about funding for your creative idea.
www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/RADF
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council. The partner and
SURVIVING THE CURRENT ECONOMY
ith interest rates rising and cost of living increasing many Australians are feeling the pinch of the current state of the economy. My best advice currently is to try and manage your cash flow as best as possible. Sit down and write out your income and your expenses. This is the only way you are going to get a clear idea of exactly where your cash flow is at and what you have left over to spend on incidentals. There are many cash flow spreadsheets available to download on the internet with prefilled expenses to kick you off in the right direction. The best thing to do would be to start here. It might be scary, but this is what I love about money and figures, they don’t lie. It is best to know where you stand before you end up in a stressful situation.
A few tips to get your money management under wraps:
1. Do a cash flow spreadsheet. Start with your take home pay and note down all your fixed expenses in the prefilled cells, adding any additional that are specific to you. The spreadsheet will calculate the funds you have left over after all expenses. These are your surplus funds you have left to spend on the fun stuff. Now you will know if you are overspending and can adjust your expenses accordingly.
2. Manage your expenses. It is a great little tool to set up transfers for your bills such as power and rates
etc. Organise a transfer on the day you get paid to go straight towards your specific bills so when they come due you know they are covered.
3. Open a backup account. If you have the money to do so, organise a bank account that you transfer extra money to for a “if the shit hits the fan” account. I always say it is best for it to be with another bank. One that you don’t use daily, so it sits there out of view and accumulates over time. Something is better than nothing. If you can spend $20/week on coffee, you can transfer $20/week to your back-up account. There are also accounts such as RAIZ that will do an automatic round-up. If you spend $4.50 on a coffee it will transfer $.50 into an investment account. This is a great way to build up a portfolio in small increments. You can add to the account by setting up an automatic transfer as well. As I said, something is better than nothing and this is a great start.
Managing money is a skill. It can seem overwhelming at the start if it is not your strong suit, but it is a very beneficial skill to have. Even gaining a basic understanding is a great place to start.
I hope these small little tips help you manage your cash flow a little better. If you are doing it tough at the moment and you would like a little help either managing your money or reviewing your loans, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.
by Amanda Shaw
@styleit.byvictoria
Looking to downsize and move into a smaller home?
What can I take to the new home?
Here are some of the questions we get asked when booking in a consultation with us.
ASK THE DESIGNER
• We are looking at our furniture and not sure if it will fit or suit the new home.
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• I like my lounge and bedroom suite. Would you be able to design other pieces to work with what I have?
• I have purchased items either online or in the furniture shop- it’s been delivered and doesn’t fit or it looks wrong in my new space, can you help me?
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Meet your downsizing experts, Victoria and Amanda.
by Kate Manley
GROWING THROUGH ADVERSITY
There is no question that the result of facing challenges in life can often be the catalyst for change. Having survived breast cancer myself a few decades ago now, it definitely made me aware of the fragility of life. It also deepened my respect for all those working in hospitals, especially the surgeons who spend years studying and keeping up with the latest developments. I am so grateful that I had such early intervention followed by radiotherapy.
Others I know who have faced trials in their lives, testify that it has left a lasting impression that has propelled change, as small as a different perspective on life or a change of diet/lifestyle to something quite dramatic such as a change of career or relocation to be closer to family.
We are all survivors actually. It says in John16:33 that ‘In the world you will have tribulation and distress and suffering.’ Then it goes on to say that as you renew your faith to ‘Be courageous, have confidence, be of good cheer’, because you have a Saviour who has overcome the world.
So while we have empathy and compassion, each of us must face ‘our trouble’ individually, and hopefully, our growth through adversity, brings us to a place of greater understanding, perspective and change that is in the end beneficial.
Here in Hervey Bay, we have the excitement of the humpback whale season underway. These magnificent giants of the sea are indeed survivors as humans once hunted the species to the brink of extinction. Since then, they are protected and numbers are increasing globally. To celebrate, we have put together some nautical inspired clothing, toys and artworks.
40% TO 70% OFF SELECTED STOCK IN OUR BACK ROOM QUALITY ITALIAN CLOTHING
1. Striped sleeveless top over jersey knit relaxed pants and teamed with angora blend long-line cardigan, wooden bead necklace.
5. Ashleigh Manley small print titled ‘Whale tail flip’.
6. Assorted whale inspired baby and kids toys: textured pram ball, Tamborine, two wind up bath toys and a yoyo. 4.
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by Jon van Wyk
SSURVIVAL
urvival is a curious thing. As humans, we’ve been at it for a few aeons now, and while we’ve upgraded from caves to beachfront apartments, the basics of survival remain the same i.e., a series of unpredictable events that demand resilience, resourcefulness, and sometimes, pure good luck.
Let’s start with the everyday events, like the dreaded task of finding a car park during a big local event that you forgot was on. It’s like a scene straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. Vehicles cruise the street like vultures, eyeing every potential spot. You find yourself clutching the steering wheel, engaging in silent, passive-aggressive warfare with other drivers. Eventually you listen to the better angels in your nature as you narrowly avoid a collision with someone who is waiting for a park against all the odds. When you finally spot a park of your own, it’s like a mirage, too good to be true. You swoop in with the precision of an eagle and the relief of a marathon runner crossing the finish line.
Then, there are the more significant life events, like moving house, second only to dying, I’m told. The weeks of packing, the realisation that you own an unreasonable amount of things that ‘might come in handy one day,’ and the monumental task of carrying a couch up three flights of stairs. It’s a rite of passage that either makes or breaks the strongest of us. And let’s not forget assembling flat-pack furniture. It’s the ultimate relationship test. If you can survive that, you can survive anything.
Of course, there are also those unique, less frequent events like funerals or attending a wedding
where you know only the bride. The struggle is real. You find yourself uncomfortably making polite conversation, trying to remember names, and master the art of balancing hors d’oeuvres and a cocktail without looking amateurish in front of the bridesmaid whose eye you are hoping to catch . Survival here is often measured by how quickly you can leave without offending anyone.
On a grander scale, survival involves navigating the unpredictable twists and turns of life itself; ‘The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’, to quote Hamlet. At anytime we can beset by career changes, financial headaches, health scares, and personal losses. These are the moments that test our mettle and remind us of our human frailty. Yet, they also reveal our incredible capacity for resilience.
But here’s the kicker—survival isn’t a solo act. It’s a team sport. Despite our best efforts to ‘soldier on’ alone, the truth is, we need each other. Imagine grocery shopping without the cashier who tolerates your endless fumbling with change, moving house without friends who’ll carry that wretched couch, or surviving a wedding without the bridesmaid who becomes your unexpected dance partner.
In the grand symphony of life, it’s the connections we make and the support we offer that create the music. Without each other, our struggles become insurmountable, our joys less sweet, and our victories hollow. So, let’s hold on to one another, because, in the end, it’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving together. And if we can’t do that, well, nothing else really matters, does it?
ALBUM OF THE MONTH
Stop Making Sense by Talking Heads
“Stop Making Sense” is a live album that captures the raw, electrifying energy of slick, highly polished live performances of music by Talking Heads and David Byrne in 1983. It was notable in that the album was accompanied by the release of a concert film in 1984, prefacing the concept of concerts filmed in high quality video and audio. From the iconic opening track “Psycho Killer” to the exuberant “Burning Down the House,” every song pulsates with life. David Byrne’s quirky, magnetic stage presence is perfectly complemented by the band’s tight, funky rhythms. The live versions breathe new dimensions into the existing studio classics, making each song feel fresh and urgent. It’s an exhilarating auditory journey that showcases Talking Heads at their peak, blending art-rock eccentricity with infectious grooves. A must-listen for any music enthusiast.
by Andrew Chorley
READY STEADY CATCH!
BURRUM
In the Burrum the big tides will be a great opportunity to look for big yellow fin whiting. Night tides produce the better fish as they are less wary under the cover of darkness. For anglers looking to fish during the day try walking the flats with some yabbies or poppers. In the mid reaches the odd school jew has been reported along with bream and trevally. Out the front squire can be found around the 8 mile along with the odd sweetlip, blackall and mac tuna.
LOCAL REEFS
The deeper reefs have produced some coral trout over the past few weeks with soft plastic’s working well. Snapper have been quite inshore but are always a chance around the Artificial Reef. Working the tides will be crucial this week as the bigger tides will see smaller bite times. Other species reported on the local reefs have been sweetlip, jew, trevally and cod.
URANGAN PIER
August generally see’s a few big longtail tuna getting around the pier. Live baiting works best under a balloon or free lining back with the tide. Bream should be in good numbers with fresh baits and live herring working well. Flathead will also be on offer taking live pike fished next to the pylons.
WIDE GROUNDS
Outside Break Sea Spit reports have been a little limited due to some inconsistent weather of late. Crews that have ventured out are reporting
School holiday fun for guests visiting
from Brisbane.
some great fishing. Closer to home the northern and southern gutters have produced coral trout, sweetlip, scarlets, parrot and cod. Snapper will be worth a look around the 25 fathom hole particularly at night.
PLATYPUS BAY
Working the yakka schools on the wider grounds has produced a few nice snapper along with big longtail tuna and golden trevally. Grunter have been about and have taken live baits and soft plastics around the reefs with a few big blackall and cod also about.
SANDY STRAITS
Flathead will start to gather in bigger numbers over the coming weeks and are a great target species for anyone fishing the straits and Mary systems. Working the rock bars, trains, mangrove edges and anywhere there is some bait are likely spots to start. Soft plastics are always a safe technique to target flathead as many styles are irresistible to flathead. In the Mary system a few threadfin salmon and blue salmon have been reported coming in on soft vibes and plastics. Bream are another species that are in good numbers at present with fish to 1 kg being reported from around River Heads. Working the Heads and further down the straits in the creek systems can see anglers rack up a nice little catch. Whiting should be about also over the full moon- try working the flats along the western side of Fraser Island on the start of the flood tide.
STRENGTH IN THE STRUGGLE
As I stood one night watching my kids sleeping after a big day, I reflect on the resilience required to navigate life’s challenges. For most, survival is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. It is certainly in the relentless pursuit of balance between my roles as a husband, father, and man. In a world that wants to see us be nothing more than slaves to a system designed to apply that survival pressure, the biggest hurdle to a large amount of societies survival is money. We need it to eat, to travel, to have a roof over our heads and pretty much every other aspect of a life inside the matrix.
Survival, to me, is also about transformation and empowerment. I see it in the men and women who come to my breathwork sessions, each carrying their own weight… be it societal pressures, health struggles, or financial woes. They show up with courage, ready to breathe through their pain and emerge stronger. Breathwork is not just a practice, it’s a lifeline. It’s a tool that helps people tap into their inner strength, confront their deepest fears, and find the clarity needed to keep moving forward. It is something we carry with us each moment, yet most fail to tap into its power.
by Brendan Holland
Living in a caravan, traveling around Australia with my family, we’ve faced our share of challenges. There are days when the struggle feels overwhelming, when parenting tests every ounce of patience and love I have. Yet, it’s in these moments of vulnerability that I find my greatest strength. Each trial is an opportunity to grow, to teach my children the importance of resilience and adaptability.
One of the lessons I’ve learned is that survival is not about isolation. It’s about community. It’s about reaching out for support, sharing our stories, and lifting each other up. Through my breathwork it is my vision to create a community of like-minded individuals who are striving to create better lives for themselves and their families. Together, we share resources, encouragement, and a vision of holistic wellness that extends beyond mere survival to thriving.
Survival is a testament to the human spirit. It’s the fire that keeps us going despite the odds. Whether you’re battling societal norms, inner demons, or whether you can put food on the table this week… remember that you are not alone. We are all survivors, each breath we take a step toward a brighter, more empowered future.
DUNGA CELEBRATES A DECADE OF RALLYING
Many would agree the true worth of a community is how it rallies around its most vulnerable in their greatest time of need.
From the feelings of hopelessness by a small group of businesspeople who wanted to do more to help friends facing a tragic outcome for one of their children, to a community that has donated more than $3.5 million to 300 families in need, the Fraser Coast is a more compassionate community thanks to Rally For a Cause.
The charity, which raises funds for families and individuals affected by lifelimiting medical conditions or whose lives have been impacted by detrimental circumstances beyond their control, is celebrating a decade of service.
“What started as a concerned group wanting to be a better support for one of their friends, to a decade down the track and we have become an award-winning local charity, it truly is humbling”, says Rally For A Cause board chair Kerry Spencer.
“When an unexpected illness or personal tragedy occurs, we work with the families and individuals to ease the burden and financial strain. We engage and determine what it is that would best help get that family through.”
Over the years support has included; funds to travel and be accommodated in Brisbane for specialist treatment, putting food on the table or contributing to overdue school fees, pharmacy bills, servicing the family car, helping secure access to medical procedures and even rehabilitation equipment.
“We have been able to come to the aid of families who have suddenly lost a parent, the main provider. We have helped modify a bathroom and create a sensory garden for children with special needs and we have provided funds to assist with the costs of funerals.”
The largest annual fundraiser for the charity is the Dunga Derby - this year marking its 10th anniversary.
More than 50 “dungas” headed off from Hervey Bay on July 31 for their annual “mystery tour” from the beach to the bush celebrating their fundraising activities and spreading the Rally For A Cause ethos.
“The Dunga is a time for locals to unite and celebrate. We have had one local that has completed every Dunga Derby since 2015 and that’s Bryan Semler. Bryan epitomizes what the spirit of Dunga is all about and it is a great achievement to know he has done 10 years in a row.”
Rally For A Cause also assists Angel Families - a community of mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters who have been brought together by tragic loss and lived experience.
It is a peer group of people who have experienced the death of children under the age of 21.
Angel Families is an informal community where people can support each other through the difficult times ahead; place to chat, a place to cry, laugh, remember, be angry or sad and every emotion in between.
For more information or to make a donation to Rally For a Cause or Angel Families please visit www.rallyforacause.org.au
SILVER LOCKS SET TO GO IN SHAVE FOR A CURE
In raising awareness and funds for cancer research, Gail Lee Kelly and Lynne Caldwell, 72 years old, have come together to form an unbreakable bond despite their different backgrounds.
Gail’s beautiful mother passed away 22 years ago from several diagnosed cancers, and with so many of Lynne’s closest family members and friends having been affected by this terrible disease, these two incredible women have been inspired to band together and respond through multiple fundraising events such as soup days, pop-up op shops, and numerous raffles, while individually raising support through their activities.
All this wonderful work has been done outside and within the gates of Palm Lakes Lifestyle Village where Gail and Lynne reside, being met with a heartwarming amount of support from the residents with making and donating gifts, funds and simply assisting these two ladies with their journey.
After a short amount of brainstorming, Gail and Lynne started this project in March. Despite having only done it for six months, they have raised a substantial amount of over $10,000. They are overwhelmingly grateful for the deep sense of care in the community and for how quickly everyone has come together to be abundantly generous.
However, it doesn’t end there, on October 12th, morning tea will be held in the dining room of Palm Lake Resort, where Gail and Lynne will both have their heads shaved in honour of all those suffering
Written & Photographed by Lahni Claridge @thebarefoot.photographer
or experiencing cancer, with Gail’s hair also being donated as a wig for a cancer patient. They will also have a man donate his beard that he has been growing out for 50 years!
This has always been something that these mature ladies have been eager to do and while sitting next to each other, just last year, watching another lady shave her head, enthused them to stand up for the cause and turn their thoughts into actions.
The insidious nature of cancer is that it pervades all aspects of life in some form, and while Gail and Lynne have not been personally touched by cancer, they have both witnessed their loved ones suffer from it. There are so many families affected that research is critical in combating this condition and bringing about positive changes in treatment, which Gail and Lynne aim to achieve with their donations.
There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into this project, and on October 12th, Gail and Lynne would be immensely grateful for the support of volunteers from the larger community such as singers/entertainers, and a makeup artist to give these two ladies a makeover after having their hair shaved, and the hope that people will donate food for lunch.
There is so much awe for the incredible things these ladies are doing, and not only does it bring a touch of humanity into everyone’s lives, but nothing gives more hope than witnessing the incredible support of so many individuals surrounding these two remarkable women, which only continues to grow.
Recipe courtesy of Meredith
Heard - Country Kitchens
Hermitage-Yangan Branch
Serves: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
2 serves per portion
Ingredients
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 brown onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 3cm piece ginger, finely grated
LAMB MASALA
• 600g lamb leg steaks, trimmed of fat, cut into 2.5cm pieces
• 4 cardamom pods, crushed with back of knife
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 long green chilli, halved lengthways
• 1 vegetable stock cube
• 250ml boiling water
• 2 bunches broccolini
• Brown rice to serve
Method
1. PREHEAT oven to 150o C.
2. HEAT oil in a large oven proof dish on the stove top Add onion then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10-12 minutes until onion is very soft.
3. ADD garlic, ginger and lamb. Increase to high heat and cook, stirring, until lamb changes colour.
4. ADD cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, paprika, cumin and chilli.
5. COOK for 1 minute stirring constantly. Add stock cube and water to the pan and bring to a simmer. Cover then transfer to the oven.
6. BAKE for 2 hours, stirring once, until lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. STEAM broccolini over a pot of boiling water until tender.
8. SERVE the curry with steamed broccolini and brown rice.
COMING BACK FROM THE OTHER SIDE
It was long ago that a friend first challenged my assumption that we didn’t exist without our bodies.
One day she revealed that she had no fear of death because she was certain she would ‘continue’ even after her body died. Intrigued, I asked her for more information.
My friend told me that during labour with her daughter she had a massive haemorrhage while still at home. In hospital, medical staff struggled to save her; however, her vital signs continued to deteriorate. Suddenly, she found herself looking down at a chaotic scene as doctors worked frantically to save a young woman’s life. She felt no shock, fear or pain, but was surprised to discover that the woman on the table undergoing an emergency caesarean was her. From ceiling level and off to one side, she was observing everything being done to try to save her life and the life of her daughter. She could see not only what was happening in that room, but also had a sense of her husband’s anxiety, could hear her parents’ thoughts and could be anywhere she wanted just by thinking about it.
Forty years later, and with a lot more understanding of the spiritual world, I have spoken to many men and women who have undergone what is now called an NDE, or Near-Death Experience. These are people who have been so ill that their spirit (or consciousness) has left their bodies and begun the journey home to their next life. However, in all cases of an NDE, often through resuscitation and other life preserving interventions, they return to their bodies and live. In every sense of the word, these people are survivors.
by Michelle Robinson Bach. Counselling. Dip. Clinical Hypnotherapy
While there are common threads in each of their stories – and you can read or watch thousands of their first-hand accounts online – each near-death experience is unique. Some of the more common threads involve a person suddenly realising that they are no longer in their body. They may find themselves in another space, sometimes a velvety void, with heightened awareness, though they have no physical form. The predominant feeling here tends to be of peacefulness and love. Many NDErs (Near Death Experiencers) report that they travel through a tunnel of light and then meet a spiritual being (or beings) of nurturing support and compassion. Frequently, there is a non-judgemental review of the person’s life, and they are supported through this process by a spiritual guide or a loved one they knew while on Earth. The person undergoing the life review is able to see and feel the consequences of the decisions they made not just for themselves, but for everyone involved in their actions. In other words, they feel the joy or pain they have caused to others as if reliving these actions from everyone’s perspective.
At some point, the person having the NDE either chooses to return to their life or is sent back because they have been told it is not yet their time to stay in this new place. I find this topic incredibly uplifting to research.
Next month, I’ll explore some of the impacts of having a Near Death Experience and how the wisdom brought back by these survivors may help us live more positively.
Remember, if you’d like to receive an uplifting Oracle Card message each day, feel welcome to join my free Facebook group, Your Intuitive Gifts At Work. Here is a direct link where you can join. www.facebook.com/groups/yourintuitivegiftsatwork
by Alison Dunlop
AUGUST INSPIRATION
Life’s gonna throw you some gnarly curveballs, but here’s the secret: to being a Survivor. Don’t resist, be like water, my friends. Adapt, flow, and shape yourself around obstacles. FLEXIBILITY and the ability to go with the flow is your SUPERPOWER!. When life gets challenging, learn to surf those waves instead of getting wiped out!
Capricorn
Dec 22 -Jan 19
You have some amazing fresh ideas Capricorn.. It is now time to articulate them and get them out there! Muster up your courage, come on you have got this! Pull your back up straight, and let your confidence shine through, because you are on a winner.
Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18
This month sees you energised and ready to go, Aquarius. So strap in, and get focused because there is no room for procrastination. Did you know lemons and lemon essential oil has been shown to be memory boosting?
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20
The card Wintergreen has come up for you this month, Pisces. Okay, it is time to surrender and release all the pent up worry, and insecurities about yourself and your abilities. Don’t allow others to take your power. Trust your intuition, and walk away if you need to.
Aries
Mar 21 - April 19
What do you wish for Aries? August is a great time to manifest your desires. How exciting!! Do you have a vision or a goal you wish to achieve. Get into the feeling as if this vision has already happened. See yourself driving the new car, or getting that promotion because you can make it happen.
Taurus April 20 - May 20
Connections are highlighted for August , This month is a great time to reconnect, and spend quality time with family, or friends. You may be called upon to show support, or be supported in some way. You may even be called upon to give advice.
Gemini May 21 - June 20
You have so much potential Gemini, and this month is the time to shine. Something tells me you have a tendency to hold back your true talents. You are being guided to get out of your comfort zone and take a chance. Goodness me, you may even be successful!
Cancer
June 21- July 22
Passion is highlighted this month, Cancer. So follow your heart’s desires, and truly enjoy every day! Also I advise you to keep vibing high, because you have a tendency to be on the sensitive side. Be sure to surround yourself with positive thoughts, people and energy.
Leo July 23 - Aug 22
Have plans you have made previously reached a stalemate? I’m feeling things are about to change in that regard. This month, feels to me like everything is going to go your way. Connect with your heart and feel empowered, because you will find, you will get results with very little effort.
Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22
Things should be quite peachy this month for you. I encourage you to slow down, and take the time to smell the roses. In other words, cruise along and take things one day at a time. Do this so you can recharge your energy, and ready yourself for your next phase.
Libra Sept - 23 - Oct 23
Changes are on the cards for you Libra. Perhaps, you are transitioning in some way. or do you need to make some changes to be the person you really want to be? Always be on the look out for different ways you can improve yourself. Also, be at peace with your uniqueness. There is no one quite like you!
Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 21
Home is relevant for some reason this month. Is it your physical home or is it you?? There is a need for some renovation, and this could even be concentrating on some self care.; Listen to your intuition, to discover what it is you really need, to provide contentment and peace.
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21
You are such an emotional soul, Sagittarius. This month I want you to surrender distrust and have faith that the universe is guiding you to where you need to be for your highest good. I’m feeling you are really blessed, so you had better believe it! Also, be aware of taking on other peoples stuff, because it’s not yours to take on.
Crossword of the month
MARYBOROUGH URBAN SKETCHERS
CSG Law building by Sharon Sargent
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
or barista coffee before the show in the BIGSCREEN Cafe.
