issue 1 - MARCH 2015
c o m m u n i t y
a r t s
c u l t u r e
Scenic Rim & Beyond...
How to boost
community
spirit in
30 days
Flavour: The Hidden Treasure
picture this:
kooralbyn
Art & Soul:
Through the Lens
issue 1 - MARCH 2015
Soundboard:
Listening local
Fancy Pants:
Get The Look & Fashion Finds page 1
issue 1 - MARCH 2015
CONTENTS Community - How to Boost Community Spirit in 30 days - Page 3 Picture This - Kooralbyn - Page 10 Flavour - The Hidden Treasure - Page 15 Soundboard - Listening Local - Page 18 Art & Soul - Through the Lens - Page 21 Fancy Pants - Get The Look - Page 24 Fashion Finds - Page 26
With thanks to Jo McInerney, Vicki Clay, Angel Shrout, Chantel McInerney, Kooralbyn Kollective, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Valley Kitchen, Dave Holleran, Rebel FM, The Eagle Junction, Stephen Grell, Lylliths’ Emporium, Shoe Envy, Adorne, Animal Welfare League and all our readers and supporters.
CONTACT Editor: Reneé Barlow
RimshotMagazine@yahoo.com
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facebook.com/RimshotMagazine @RimshotMagazine
How to Boost Community Spirit in 30 Days The Kooralbyn Kollective 2015 Calendar By Reneé Barlow
Portrait photography is not a small town kind of business. Like many arts, it is largely a matter of who you know and the word of mouth possibilities and open-mindedness that come largely from big city living. Despite this, I choose to live in the small, quite rural community of Kooralbyn, nestled comfortably in a valley of the Scenic Rim in Queensland, Australia. Never, in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that my skill, knowledge and, some may say, talent with photography would serve to bring this community to life, amidst the shadow of its giant, vacant resort.
Pictured: Mark - Snakes Are Us Photo by Scarlet Harlotte Photography
Pictured: Sandy - Foodworks, Kooralbyn Photo by Scarlet Harlotte Photography
It was my introduction to a fellow business woman and, in my opinion, true artist, which started this tale of triumphant community spirit. Having been given a headsup by the local cafe owner of a local women in business group, I decided to attend a meeting in its early form. It was great to meet some new faces in ‘The Valley’ as I was generally one to keep to myself. One of those faces was that of Vicki Clay and after issue 1 - MARCH 2015
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my second meeting of this group, the idea of a community calendar was born. We got together soon after to discuss our ideas and the list of candidates quickly grew. Each was a local business woman, and the photos would reflect their business in a creative way, with a cheeky twist. The cafe owner as a 50s housewife, mixing up one of her amazing baked creations. The spray-tanner as a firefighter with tanning gun in place of hose. The house cleaner as the classic french maid. The ideas were there, we just had to get the businesses on board. I had my doubts. For a while, the Kooralbyn Women In Business lingered in obsurity. In the week my own business suffered a big blow, with the loss of the only regular work I had, it was the thought of having a drink and
Pictured: Cheryl - Australian Mortgage Brokers Photo by Scarlet Harlotte Photography
a chat with people who uniquely know what the ups and downs of small business could be like which pulled me out of the duldrums and over to the new pub for my first visit there. To my surprise, I was greeted by a new face. I had met Jo before, having done some work on her business branding, and was delighted to see she was getting involved. It was this night that a new direction evolved, and the Kooralbyn Kollective was branded. With the news of my diminished workload, Vicki suggested we bring our calendar idea to life, and we decided to go for it.
Pictured: Leigh - Moana Marketing Photo by Scarlet Harlotte Photography
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With only a month until the finished artwork had to be to the printers, it was a mammoth task ahead. I was still dubious as to whether the other business owners would be interested, but to my surprise when we took our concept
to a packed meeting a week later, the enthusiasm and positivity were infectious. Leigh Moana, of Moana Marketing, stepped up to project manage so that Vicki and I could concentrate on making great images and packing in the photoshoots. Much to my surprise, the calendar spaces became a sought-after commodity and we were soon having to give our apologies with more willing participants than space would allow.
Pictured: Toni - Valley Kitchen Photo by Scarlet Harlotte Photography
Thirteen amazing makeovers (the Snakes Are Us lads stopped shy of hair and makeup), fourteen photoshoots, thousands of images to pick through, and hundreds to edit, adverts to design and layouts to finalise. The project was incredibly daunting within a thirty day deadline but not only did we do it, we had fun along the way. Everything went to print on time, and we awaited the final product with baited breath and a launch party ready for the big reveal. The reactions of our calendar girls (and guys) was something which will stay with me always. I choose to pursure this career in the arts, with all its inherant ups and downs simply to bring joy to people. The looks on people’s faces when they saw issue 1 - MARCH 2015
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themselves for the first time through my lens brought joy to my heart and a confirmation that what I do is a worthwhile pursuit. One participant, with tears in her eyes, said that it was the best picture she’d ever had of herself. Another, words escaping her, simply hugged me. We launched the sale of the calendar with a party at Valley Kitchen. Despite a scorching day, the place was packed and the positive spirit in the air was enlivening. Our whole town shone that day. We stood together and showed ourselves and those around us that, working together, we can create something great and our small community can do big things. Since then sold out.
the calendars have Nominations have just
Pictured: ReneĂŠ - Scarlet Harlotte Photography Photo by Scarlet Harlotte Photography
Pictured: Vicki - Vicki Clay for Hair & Makeup Photo by Scarlet Harlotte Photography
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Pictured: Maggie - My Spray On Tan Photo by Scarlet Harlotte Photography
opened for next year’s calendar and with more time to plan, co-ordinate and market to a wider audience, the sky really is the limit! Vicki, Leigh and I have partnered together under The Calendar Girls banner to bring our idea to other communities and businesses and Kooralbyn has been enlivened. There is a positivity here now, and things are really happening. I see community members and they smile and chat, and that is the biggest reward an artist can ask for.
Pictured: Tarnia - TLC (Remedial Massage Therapist) Photo by Scarlet Harlotte Photography
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Pictured: Trudy - Kooralbyn Family Gym & Dance Photo by Scarlet Harlotte Photography
Do you have a community story you’d like to share with the world? Rimshot would love to hear it! Click here to contact us. Page 8
doors open 7 p
m
picture this Kooralbyn, Queensland, Australia All Photos courtesy of Reneé Barlow
Nestled in the Scenic Rim, Kooralbyn’s name comes from the Yugambeh language and means “the place of the copperhead snake”. It’s most certainly home to many varied snake species as well as a plethora of other wildlife. According to Wikipedia, Kooralbyn has more Kangaroos than people.
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22km south-west of Beaudesert, it was first settled by Europeans in the 1830s, and became a pastoral estate in the 1840s for cattle grazing. Driving through its rolling hills, you’d be forgiven for thinking not much has changed.
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Services within the town are many and varied. A surprising number of businesses and services are available for such a hidden away place. Fuel, groceries, doctors, chemist, realestate and a cafe/ restaurant reside in its small shopping complex. Two parks provide seating, barbecues, public toilets and a playground next to their billabongs. There is a pub, with mini golf, volleyball, boules, and tennis facilities all nearby. The Kooralbyn International School sits across from the community hall. The industrial complex is home to the baker, gym, dance school and RSL. Other businesses in the area include gardener, cleaner, pet sitter, pet groomer, errand service, marketing, hairdresser, makeup, beauty services, manacurist, spray tan, dressmaker, jewellery designer, mechanic, finance, aromatherapy, massage, reiki, yoga, acupuncture, IT support, web design, snake removal and education, day care, vocal coaching, building services, design, photography, toy library and a rose farm. This, plus of course many properties with services and breeding related mostly to horses and cows, with the occasional alpaca or goat. It is a place of hidden treasures, waiting to be discovered. issue 1 - MARCH 2015Want your town featured in Picture This? Click here to contact us.
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Flavour
All Photos courtesy of Reneé Barlow
The Hidden Treasure - Valley Kitchen Nestled in the Kooralbyn Valley, amongst the gumtrees, rolling hills and wildlife, lies a country cafe that’s full of surprises. Valley Kitchen is humble in its presence. With simple decor, it allows the picturesque views off the back verandah to speak for themselves. Run by Kooralbyn locals, Andy and Toni Cooper, since its opening in the latter half of 2013, the café / restaurant has become a hub for the community. It has been host to several fundraising events, community functions and often holds public celebrations for holidays and special events. They also host many private functions. Their regular menu includes a range of options for all day breakfast as well as lunch, and they always have seasonal specials. The dinner menu for Friday and Saturday nights is constantly varied. They also host monthly theme nights, as well as regular karaoke and other entertainment. Valley Kitchen is ideal for quietly enjoying a coffee in the beautiful surroundings. It is the food, however, which shines. Generous and delicious meals are an unexpected surprise from such a small town.
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Eggs Benedict
Healthy Start Breakfast
Valley Kitchen 290 Wellington-Bundock Dr, Kooralbyn QLD, Australia 0435 113 171 valleykitchen@gmail.com facebook.com/Valleykitchen
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Have a restaurant for Flavour? Click here to contact us.
riffedmusic Brisbane indie and alternative music scene blog. News, reviews and more http://riffedmusic.wordpress.com
Soundboard Listening Local - Rebel FM Whether it’s in the car, doing housework, getting some R&R or background music at work, most people, despite the technological advances of the past few decades, listen to radio on a regular basis. Radio stations have long been an integral part of the music community. They are uniquely suited to bringing new artists to the listening audience, and introducing us to something we may not have heard before. Rebel FM broadcasts not only to the Gold Coast area in Queensland, but also many regional areas throughout the state. In some areas they may be the only commercial station available, and in others they are the only radio station on the dial. If you couldn’t tell by the name and logo, their speciality is rock n roll. They cover a broad spectrum within the genre, including programs like Nights With Alice Cooper, Classic Rock Magazine Show, and Metal Hammer Magazine show. Community support is a big deal to a station like “The Rebel”. Their announcers have given their free time lending a hand to community and fundraising events, and they have been major support to regional events such as the Chinchilla Melon Festival, Apple & Grape Harvest, and Callide Valley Show. They have a host of national charities and fundraising events they give their backing to, including Movember, Cancer Council, Leukemia Foundation, Relay for Life and Light the Night. With many radio stations shying away from rock music, Rebel FM stays firm in its committment to the genre. Feedback from listeners shows there is a community of people who appreciate that difference. With a decrease in appropriate venues in the past decade, the station is keen to boost
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the strength of a live music scene which is still holding strong, and even growing. They support new music in a genre that has seen diminishing airplay on many stations, yet still holds great popularity amongst the Australian (and worldwide) populace, as well as being at the roots of Australian identity. Like most stations, Rebel FM receives new music via the network of record labels and PR for major acts. Unlike many stations, however, they play many independent and unsigned bands. Breakfast host, Dave Holleran said, “If a band has a great sound and fits the station, we play them!”. This is great news for new bands trying to make themselves heard. Music is an effective way to bring communities together, and boost people’s spirit. The powerful influence of radio still plays an important role, both within the music industry and the regions to which they broadcast. Rebel FM is a station that knows what it wants, what it is, who it supports and seeks to do so in a manner which both entertains and gives opportunity. Want your music on Rebel FM? Visit facebook www.facebook.com/rebelgigpig or send them an email.
Rebel FM Frequencies: Outback (North Queensland) Aurukun 104.5 Century Mine 104.9 Collinsville 94.9 Cooktown 99.3 Hopevale 104.5 Julia Creek 99.5 Karumba 98.1 Kowanyama 102.9 Mornington Is 104.5 Normanton 101.7 Pormpuraaw 101.7 Richmond 99.7 Weipa 96.1 Western Downs Chinchilla 97.1 Miles 94.5 Taroom 92.5 Border Ranges & Southern Downs Dirranbandi 98.1 Stanthorpe 97.1 Goondiwindi 96.3 NSW Tenterfield Bourke Brewarrina Wilcannia
93.7 104.9 104.9 104.7
Wide Bay & Biloela Alpha 95.9 Biloela 88.9 Moura 88.9 Bundaberg 106.7 Gin Gin 106.7 Childers 106.7 Monto 105.1 Theodore 94.7 South Brisbane & Gold Coast South Brisbane 90.5 Gold Coast 99.4 Beaudesert 90.5 Canungra 93.7 Kooralbyn 102.5 Tamborine 99.4 issue 1 - MARCH 2015 Would you like you band featured here? Click here to contact us. page 19
Next month in
Soundboard The Eagle Junction Saturday March 14th Greaser Fortitude Valley, QLD 11pm
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Saturday March 21st The Boundary Hotel West End, QLD 10pm
Art & Soul
Follow Stephen Grell on twitter @njbigsteveg
Through the Lens - The photography of Stephen Grell Stephen Patrick Grell got an early start in photography. Born and raised in Manhattan, New York, his father introduced him to the art at a young age. In their small, two bedroom apartment they would turn the kitchen into a dark room. The chemicals and trays were lined up under the glimmer of the red light, with cardboard covering the windows. They would spend hours, much to his mother’s dismay, bringing images to life and experiencing the magic that film photography gives. Today, things are much more instant. If you don’t like the image, you can delete it and try again. Everyone’s a photographer, or so they think, with cameras built into our phones. Stephen has always found a niche in landscape and nature photography, but in 2010 he got into capturing live music, through local bars and seeing friends playing at clubs. He felt that this was his calling and worked on breaking into the scene. Of course, as many art industries it’s very much a matter of who you know. Stephen struggled to gain a footing, but this changed in 2013 when he joined the Zac Brown Band fan club. He went to concerts, met new people, had tailgate parties and enjoyed the fun. As luck would have it, he had front-row seats for a few shows and with his pointand-shoot camera he started to work his magic.
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In a technologically focused world, much emphasis is given to the equipment an artist uses. For many people, it defines their status and the more expensive and feature-rich the hardware, the better. The camera is a photographer’s tool, just as the instrument for a musician. You might have the most expensive piece of equipment there is, but if you don’t know how to “play”, you’re just not going to hit the right notes. With his little camera, and the ability to use manual settings, Stephen still captured some amazing images. He posted some of them on a fan group and people wondered what equipment he might be using to get such great photographs. Even the band’s management wanted to know. Of course, the equipment was his knowledge, experience, talent and passion. Over time, Stephen gained the trust and respect of the band as both a fan and artist. His work was opening doors that he formerly couldn’t get close to until he was introduced to bands such as Blackberry Smoke, Sonia Leigh, Levi Lowery and Zach Paxson. He has travelled to shows around the USA, from New York, to Boston, Fenway Park, to Las Vegas. Because he believes in his passion, and lets his heart show through the lens, Stephen still has many doors to open as a concert photograper. As he works his magic, they are coming into view.
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Would you like you art featured here? Click here to contact us.
Fancy Pants Get The Look
Rockabilly
Celebrate your feminine wiles with a look that’s ultimately girly. A great look for every shape. Best celebrated with flashes of bold colour, curve hugging cut and hair that hollers “look at me!”. Check out these special little pieces we’ve found to give you the Rockabilly edge.
Hair
Victory curls and curled sideponytail. By Vicki Clay for Hair & Makeup (Kooralbyn - 0412853908) Ad a flash of temporary colour with Hair Chalk.
Nails
Cate Ruby 9ml nail polish. $12.95 from Adorne. www.adorne.com.au
Dress
Classic cherries with a feminine form. Straight skirt and overlapping neckline. Rockabilly awesomeness! Find it at Lylliths’ Emporium in Beaudesert. facebook.com/LyllithsEmporium Page 24
Accessories
Contrast ladylike pearls with ultra retro red clutch and add a spash of rock n roll with a pair of basic black sunglasses. All from Adorne (www.adorne.com.au)
Lips
Shanghai Suzy Lipstick. $14.95 from Adorne. www.adorne.com.au
Shoes
Glossy, red and ultra-feminine in a very sensible mid heel! Hot Tamale $129 from Shoe Envy. www.shoeenvy.com.au issue 1 - MARCH 2015
Want to model next month’s look? Click here to contact us.
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It’s amazing what you can find when you take a peek in a second-hand store. Get creative and dare to be different, with this month’s pre-loved look, courtesy of the Animal Welfare League store in Beaudesert, Queensland.
Fashion Finds Team up a sophisticated skirt with a leather jacket for the ultimate day/ night look. Get cheeky with just a blue bra underneath. This one even had a leopardprint trim!
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c le
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All items will be donated back to the Animal Welfare League store in Beaudesert, Queensland. Snatch them up while you can!
e lu
B
Accessorise with multi-toned metals, keeping a dark gunmetal base for great contrast.
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