Editor’s Note

Spending time in nature has always been important, but it became an essential part of coping with the past few years. For the period when we were all forced indoors, I certainly spent rather a lot of time outdoors. The recommended daily leg stretch around the block while WFH soon escalated into walks in parks and strolls alongside waterways. Weekends became about foresty excursions, nature reserves and yoga in green and remote spaces. Saturday nights - which were once spent propping up a bar - transitioned into hinterland adventures on a newly acquired bike. I may have even hugged a tree.

Luckily for us in Singapore, getting a healthy dose of flora and fauna is easy to achieve. Currently offering 400 parks, four nature reserves, and with plans in the pipeline for a million additional trees and 185km of nature ways by 2030, the wild is going nowhere!

Therefore, in this issue we’re celebrating life in what is one of the most biophilic cities in the world. There’s a round-up of the island’s therapeutic gardens, which have been scientifically designed for recuperation and relaxation on p22. Read our report on p32 about the local homes where plants are pride of place, and find easy tips for creating showstopping flower arrangements on p46.

Of course, to continue our enjoyment of nature we all need to play a part in protecting the planet. Stephanie Dickson, founder of Green Is The New Black shares her #littlegreensteps for making a difference on p40. Meanwhile, Australian chefs in SG reveal how they’re creating new menus with sustainability in mind.

As ANZA is as famous for its open-air activities as much as its supportive and inclusive community spirit, we’re thrilled to see the likes of our soccer, netball, tennis, cycling and Nippers groups heading outside regularly again. Discover how we’re moving sports forward from p60 and do consider joining us. As always, everyone is welcome. Just bring an umbrella - SG’s heat and tropical rain is one part of the great outdoors we’ll always be getting to grips with!

Until next time,

Jo Upcraft, Editor editor@anza.org.sg

THE ANZA TEAM

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION 261A Beach Road, Singapore 199541 Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm +65 6291 6301

www.anza.org.sg facebook.com/anzasingapore @anzasg @anzasingapore linkedin.com/groups/ANZA-Singapore GENERAL MANAGER & SPONSORSHIP Kerry Low gm@anza.org.sg

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ADVERTISING Karen Henaghan marketing@anza.org.sg

DESIGN Christina Lim design@anza.org.sg ACCOUNTS Ellie Mills accounts@anza.org.sg

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP Brinta Nandy comms@anza.org.sg

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Nikki Hutchins info@anza.org.sg

BACK TO NATURE

MAY/JUNE 2022

46 38

FEATURES

22 THERAPY GARDENS IN SINGAPORE

Get zen at these soothing outdoor spaces, specifically designed to boost wellbeing.

54

24 MEET THE ANZA EXECUTIVE COMMITEE

We introduce you to regular and new members who guide ANZA’s way.

32 THE GREAT INDOORS

Step inside the local homes where plants are practically part of the family.

32

38 “UH-OH! WAIT UNTIL SHE’S A TEEN!”

To mark Mother’s Day, Dr Fiona Ghiglione speaks about raising daughters.

40 WAYS TO HEAL THE PLANET

Little things you can do now to make a positive contribution to the effects of climate change.

46 THANKS A BUNCH!

Brighten up your home (or a friend’s face!) with these DIY tips for flower arrangements.

54 EAT YOUR GREENS

Aussie chefs in Singapore reveal how they’re pushing Singapore’s sustainable food scene forward.

40

REGULARS

01 Editor’s Note 04 President’s Message 06 Post It 07 Partner’s Page 08 New Zealand High Commission 10 Australian High Commission 12 Tours 14 What’s On 16 Out & About 20 ANZA Action 50 Ask the Expert 51 Techsplained 52 Tuckerbox 58 Hotspots EAT 60 ANZA Sports 70 Groups 71 Spotlight On: Men’s Group New 72 New members 76 10 Minutes With…

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