Style Magazine Toowoomba April 2022 by News Corp Custom Publishing

TOOWOOMBA APRIL 2022

MAGAZINE

the

Home Edit

local luxury & style

INSIDE: Local Celebrant’s stunning farm engagement FASHION

SHOP PI NG

HEA LTH

BEAUTY

HOME

TRAVEL

FOOD

EVEN TS

ART S

SANKEY FRASER YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR THE LAST 100 YEARS Ruthven Street, Toowoomba | www.sankeyfraser.com.au

Welcome to the April edition of Style Magazine. This month we take a look at all things home and living. Whether you’re building, renovating, buying or selling - do we have the inspiration for you. Take a look at the Master Builders Downs & Western House of the Year for 2021 on page 6 and be super impressed with the quality of work of our local builders. Check out our luxury living, real estate section as we delve into the state -of-play in the local market and meet some local agents (page 33). And who doesnt lurve a good love story! Marriage celebrant Carmen Dillon certainly didnt think a cheeky right swipe would lead to her very own happily-ever-after . Read theis newly-engaged couple’s story on page 12. Also check out all of the parade and service times for ANZAC day on out events pages on page 56 . Take care Stylers,

Josie TOOWOOMBA APRIL 2022

MAGAZINE

Helen Austin, Owner of Helen Austin Property.

the

Home Edit

local luxury & style

MEATSTOCK BBQ and boots hit the showgrounds FA SH IO N

S H OPP IN G

H E A LT H

BE A U TY

H O ME

T RAVEL

FOOD

E V E NT S

A RTS

Marriage celebrant Carmen Dillon and her fiance Justin celebrate their engagement at Aberfeldy Farm and Barn. Read their love story on page 12

EDITOR Josie Adams, josie.adams@news.com.au 4690 9354 JOURNALISTS Carmen Miller, Jessica Kramer, Darren Burton SUB EDITOR Jessica Kramer DESIGN Paul Hunter, Justine Costello ADVERTISING MANAGER Erika Brayshaw STYLE MAGAZINE TOOWOOMBA CONTACT DETAILS mytoow.ads@news.com.au Level 1/5 Keefe Street, Toowoomba City PO BOX 40, Toowoomba QLD 4350

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Pho real! Make this delicious Vietnamese beef broth your go-to this autumn

Check out what’s happening around the region in April

06 Feature Local buiders shine

Fashion Ryley Jewellery Creations

Food Viet-set with these recipes

Business The great resignation

10 Feature Meatstock hits Toowoomba

Beauty Start autumn with a clean slate

Home & Living Meet the agents selling our homes

Education Realising boys potential

12 Wedding Carmen & Justin’s engagement

Wellness Quality care when needed

Home & Living Tips to get the best sale price

Socials International Women’s Day

14 Fashion Trail blazers

Wellness Expanded options for parents

Home & Living The right time to be a landlord

Events What’s on

17 Fahion Return of the 501’s

Wellness The 30c wonder weed

Home & Living Holistic approach to property

Advice Ira Israel

5 STYLE

cover story

Stunning homes reveal builders skill Innovative and skilled builders create incredible local homes

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his incredible four-level home is a testament to the craftsmanship and skill Toowoomba builders exhibit. Designed by Jesse Bennet Studios and built by Mark Ross Timber Homes, the Queensland Master Builders Downs & Western House of the Year for 2021 features a wine cellar, a rooftop bar, multiple indoor and outdoor areas, and accommodation for eight vehicles. Constructed predominantly of brick and form concrete, the owners incorporated the use of recycled roof tiles as cladding and bluestone from the demolished existing dwelling. The interior of the house is a mix of plasterboard, timber, lime rendering and brass skirtings. Porcelain veneer features in the ensuites, the kitchen bench tops, with tiles to bathroom and 2Pac cabinetry to vanities, laundry units and the kitchen.

Flooring throughout is an imported engineered timber from Italy and incorporates the use of brass divider strips to change the direction and border of certain areas. The house has been designed with the latest technology and energy in mind, with window glazing and the underfloor heating a green energy hydronic system (warmed water). QMBA Downs & Western regional manager Linda Rosengreen, who is currently working on the 2022 awards, says local builders continue to create outstanding work despite Covid-related issues in the industry. “It is always amazing to view the entries that come through our Housing and Construction Awards during the judging process. “Our local builders are certainly not afraid to take on a new challenge or try something that is new and innovative. And the quality of the product being delivered by our local builders is exceptional.”

7 STYLE

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feature

Come on barbie, let’s go party Meatstock takes Toowoomba by the horns

fter a two-year hiatus, the Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland’s infamous barbecue festival, Meatstock, is stampeding their way into Toowoomba Showgrounds. Setting up April 8 and 9 in one of Australia’s meat capitals, the festival is gearing up to give you the best instalment yet, providing an oasis of camping, food, activities and music for barbecue and country music aficionados. Marking territory in the town of Toowoomba seems only fitting for this year’s Meatstock, being located in the heart of Australia’s best resources in the industry. In true Meatstock style, Toowoomba Showgrounds will be jam packed with some of the worlds most prestigious barbecue pitmasters, mouth-watering food

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trucks, expo stores and a wonderland of beer gardens. Roam around the new battlefield and get among the notorious butcher, barbecue, beard and moe wars for some highly entertaining spectacles. If this isn’t enough, Meatstock will be debuting the professional bullriding teams at the event, so you can cheer on the rails and get around some seriously extreme sport. With a wide range of talent from both world-class riders and legendary contractors, these bull riding showdowns will be serious entertainment and one you won’t want to miss. It won’t just be your tastebuds singing. For the first time, Meatstock will be stacked with an 100% Australian country music lineup to set the mood. An eclectic mix of

musical talent will take the stage, from award-winning country icons,Lee Kernaghan and Brad Cox, to the up-and-coming local Queensland performer, Camille Trail. This year’s musical lineup at Meatstock is sure to get everyone on their feet, so enjoy the sun going down with a plate of Aussie barbecue and have a do-si-do to the best country music acts in Oz. This year, Meatstock will be offering on site camping and RV sites for those wishing to really lock in. Ticketing options will range from full weekend passes with camping, to single day passes with plenty of parking available. If you feel like seeing the professional bull riders go buck wild, you can grab an upgraded ticket to watch the rodeo kick off each afternoon. Tickets are still available from www.meatstock.com.au.

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weddings

Carmen & Justin The happy couple celebrated their engagement at Aberfeldy Farm and Barn at Westbrook and now can’t wait to get married

fter a tumultuous marriage breakdown in 2018, marriage celebrant Carmen made the move with her dashund Duchess from Clear Mountain in Brisbane to Preston to be close to her

family. “I found a lovely home overlooking Preston Peak Winery, where I have performed many ceremonies,” Carmen said. Finding herself heartbroken at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, she resorted to Tinder to see if Ishe could find her dream man. “I was somewhat sceptical from past experience, yet as a celebrant, I’m a lover of love and hopeless romantic ... to my surprise, I swiped right on local Withcott lad. Justin was studying at the Police Academy at Oxley when the couple first met. “Our first meeting involved him offering to fix my kitchen sink tap – my dad happened to be over helping with some home renovations. “ Justin and Dad hit it off – chatting for ages – resulting in me burning the lunch I had promised – let’s just say I didn’t impress him with my culinary skills at first!”

Fast-forward nearly two years, and the couple were still going strong. “Justin proposed to me at Christmas, wrapping a gorgeous ring from the same jewellery store in Adelaide where my father bought my mother’s engagement ring from 40 years ago.” The couple celebrated their engagement in February at the beautiful Aberfeldy Farm and Barn at Westbrook. “ I have performed ceremonies. there and we love the relaxed country vibe and wonderful hospitality of Cass Daniels, the owner. “We were able to bring my beloved Duchess to celebrate with us too.” Carmen admits the wedding industry has been challenging over the past two years with so many cancellations and rescheduling couples, however, confidence seems to be returning with the diary filling up again for the future. “I love my role as celebrant, being able to celebrate one of the happiest days in a couples life with them – a true privilege to officiate a marriage,” she said. “I also have met outstanding professionals in the industry who share my passion.” Photographer friend Dan Vonhoff captured

moments from the couple engagement. “Jill Facer from Jill-i-cious Cake is a local Toowoomba lady who makes beautiful celebration cakes – we chose her to feed our guests dessert.” Lindsay from Sparky’s Fireworks, based in the Darling Downs, set the venue up with confetti cannons, a fog machine and indoor fireworks. “I wanted to make this event completely unforgettable for Justin and our guests – my vision was turned into reality by these wonderful professionals.” Carmen was also inspired to start her own champagne tower service for the region in the future. “We feel so lucky that between lock-downs and the recent floods, we were able to celebrate the special times, in this beautiful part of the world, the importance of ceremony and ritual in life and how they mark important milestones. “Justin and I are excited for making our plans to get married – first stop – creating my dream wedding outfit by the beautiful handiwork of Jacqueline May, Toowoomba-based bridal wear designer and stylist.”

Justin and Carmen celebrating their engagement at Aberfeldy Farm and Barn. Pictures: Dan Vonhoff

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fashion

Trail blazers No longer just a private school staple, the blazer has become the ultimate trans-seasonal statement piece

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fashion

Still the only jeans you need How the iconic Levi 501s(and its ’90s-era update) continues to live out its heyday

can tailor for a baggier fit by sizing up. Get them in two medium washes: Drew Me In and Mad Love. “It’s cool to look upon the era that you were born into and just draw inspiration,” says Hailey Bieber, spokesmodel for the 501 90s style. “Just the aesthetic of the photos of the n the fashion world, where there is ‘90s, the movies of the ‘90s, the fashion of consensus on a few things, denim is the ‘90s. It’s just fascinating to me.” an uncontroversial modern Style with a white baby tee for the wardrobe staple: timeless and ultimate throwback to the easy-going reliable, no matter the season. effortlessness of the era. But not all jeans are created equal. Only But while Levi’s is steeped in history, its some styles stay relevant, enduring ethos is angled towards the future. through fast-moving trend cycles. One Launching a version of Levi’s most iconic such pair? Levi’s 501s. product, the 501 Original Designed For Patented all the way back in 1873, the 501 Circularity brings a classic into today. As is straight-cut, relaxed yet put together. It’s part of an ongoing partnership, Levi’s and inspired self-expression and generations Swedish sustainability powerhouse of style icons. It transcends style codes, Renewcell carefully craft each pair using a working its way into the wardrobes of combination of organic cotton and rappers of the ’90s and recycled denim, and designed itself to be supermodels of the 2020s recyclable. alike. From Marilyn Monroe It’s all a part of Levi’s push towards on a beach in the ’60s to Bella circularity in its creation process and Hadid in the Instagram era, practices — maintaining, of course, the it’s the ultimate classic cut longevity and craftsmanship with that has lasted through the which Levi’s have always been years. created. Whichever style you While the classic 501s will choose, Original or 90s, Levi’s are always have cache, Levi’s has here for the long haul. launched an updated “You experience the difference version which throws back when you have jeans that have been to the soft-grunge, slouchier through it all with you, or when you styles of the ‘90s. The looser go thrifting for second-hand jeans. A fit of the 501 90s is pair of Levi’s holds up better and holds reminiscent of a sunits value longer. It’s both a physical and kissed Drew Barrymore an emotional durability that we in her Cali girl era, or strive to offer Cindy Crawford consumers by strolling the streets of investing in quality New York City in the and designing for ultimate model offlasting value.” Paul duty uniform. It’s Dillinger, VP of Brand these loose fit, lowDesign ambassador rise and 90s denim Innovation said of Hayley styling cues we’re Levi’s Bieber. seeing make a return. commitment to Looser-fitting sustainability. through the leg and Can a pair of sitting just below the waist, they’re jeans come back reminiscent of simpler times and hazy into style if they days. And, like with other 501s, you never really left?

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fashion

Lace up with Lululemon The global activewear brand is stepping into the footwear category, for the first time

ululemon may be known for their high-tech, invisible-feel leggings, but the global activewear brand is stepping into the world of footwear, announcing recently that it will be releasing four shoe styles designed exclusively for women - to the market in 2022. The first style to be released will be a running shoe, called the Blissfeel, which will be available to purchase in select markets as of March 22. Unfortunately, those markets do not include Australia just yet - so fans of the cult-status brand will have to wait to slip their feet into a pair.

However the brand promises that a global roll-out is on the cards. The cool thing is that each style was conceived and designed with the needs of women first - rather than altering an existing men’s style for women, which is so often how female activewear is designed. Sun Choe, Lululemon’s chief product officer, said of the reason they developed shoes with female

customers first: “We intentionally started with women first because we saw an opportunity to solve for the fact that, more often than not, performance shoes are designed for men and then adapted for women... That didn’t sit well with us. ” “It feels like a long time coming that women get a shoe that’s built for us,” said Colleen Quigley, track and field athlete and Lululemon ambassador. “

As a brand that has long been driving innovation, inclusivity and accessibility, it’s especially fitting, and personally very exciting for me that Lululemon is entering footwear with a women’s running shoe.” A recommended retail price hasn’t yet been announced, nor a date when Australians will be able to buy the range in stores locally, but we’ll keep you updated.

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A sparkling success

Ryley Jewellery Creations longawaited move into a new showroom is the start of an exciting new chapter

t feels like an eternity since Ryley Jewellery Creations announced it would be moving from its tiny 40sq m space in The Chronicle Arcade, in Margaret St, Toowoomba. However, on December 4 last year they opened the doors to their long-

awaited and much-anticipated stateof-the-art manufacturing studio and showroom in the luxurious Kwong Sang Walk in the centre of the Toowoomba CBD. “We have always been very proud to call Toowoomba our home and it was important for us to find a location that represented us as not only individuals but as artists as well. “We looked at multiple street frontage sites in the Toowoomba CBD, however the bespoke architecture and serene nature of Kwong Sang Walk drew us in to where Ryley Jewellery Creations now calls home.” The lower floor features the highend showroom which displays some of the most stunning jewellery

designs including Ryley Jewellery’s custom designed diamond engagement rings, aquamarine, sapphire, citrine and amethyst statement dress rings, and a beautiful display of coloured Argyle Diamonds from the Kimberley and other loose precious gemstones. “Our manufacturing studio can, at capacity, comfortably fit up to seven operational workbenches and is fitted out with the latest state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and tools. “Our open plan design allows our clients to witness jewellery creations be manufactured before their eyes.” All-in-all, the space is almost four times the size of the previous location. So how was the move to Kwong

Sang Walk deemed a success? “It is extremely fulfilling and gratifying knowing where we have come from since 2013 with little more than a few loose gemstones and some second hand tools, to what is now one of the most well-known quality and bespoke Toowoomba jewellers. “Our artistic flair and bespoke craftsmanship now attracts clients from not just Toowoomba, but from all over Australia and across the globe. “With commitment, focus and determination, success is what you make of it, and this incredible milestone for Ryley Jewellery Creations is simply the start of a new chapter in our success.” 19 STYLE

beauty

Clean slate I

Cassandra Green and Alison Izzo reveal where to start on your autumn beauty cleanse

t’s an annual tradition to embark on a detox in the early months of the year to make up for all those treat days/ weeks/months of the festive season. But while a dietary detox may be as simple as giving up those one-too-many glasses of prosecco, a detox of your skincare routine is a lot more “cleansing”. Make-up artist and educator Charlotte Ravet says the harsh Australian climate can play havoc on our body at this time of year. “During summer, our skin is more susceptible to product build-up as we spend more time outside exposed to pollution and the elements, combined with sweating and repeated application of SPF product,” she says. “Layers and layers of debris build up to clog or congest the skin and hair.” With summer coming to a close, now is the time to address the streaky fake tan, salty hair and clogged skin in order to get ready for the cool change ahead. “Detoxing the skin is essential for a glowing

complexion and to prepare the skin for the colder temperatures when more intensive products are required.” Strip back the fake tan, double cleanse, and body-brush all over to exfoliate and rejuvenate because there’s nothing like smooth, hydrated skin to make you feel like new, Ravet says. “For the skin, I recommend a double cleanse and a witch-hazel-based toner like Embryolisse Eau de Beauté Rosamélis each evening, even if you didn’t apply make-up.” As with everything, it’s essential to get the balance right, so once you reach your squeakyclean goal, make sure you replenish any natural moisture that may have been lost in the process. “It’s important to understand what restoration is required for your individual skin post-detox,” Ravet explains. “Keep a gentle routine for the first week using a moisturiser adapted to the skin needs, and progressively reintegrate active ingredients and serums to feed the skin.”

And don’t forget to give your locks some welldeserved seasonal TLC, too. “After summer is a good time to refresh your hair colour without taking the risk of having it altered by sun exposure or frequent swims,” Ravet points out. “If you plan to have colour or highlights, avoid products that contain silicones as they can strongly damage the hair during the colour process.”

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beauty

For the body

Strip back the fake tan, double cleanse, and body-brush all over to exfoliate and rejuvenate because there’s nothing like smooth, hydrated skin to make you feel like new. ● Sodashi Body Balance Salt Therapy Exfoliant, $85, mecca.com.au ● Tan Removing Bath Bomb, $18.99, glowdryaustralia.com.au Mio Skincare Dry Body Brush, $29.20, net-a-porter.com

For the hair

We often focus on what we put onto our hair, but we also need to consider how that builds up over time. A coating of silicones and heavy oils can stop vital nutrients reaching the hair shaft and cause greasiness and breakage. A hair detox involves stripping away this coating, then replenishing the

strands with ingredients such as jojoba oil, which has a very similar structure to the hair’s natural sebum. ● Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt, $69, adorebeauty.com.au ● Ouai Detox Shampoo, $47, revolveclothing.com.au Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba, $32.99, priceline.com.au

For the face

Your face receives the most attention of any area, but sometimes you need to pare things back. While it’s always essential to apply sunscreen and ensure you’re hydrated, you can disperse these basic steps by using quality cleansers and exfoliants. However, keep your active serums in the cabinet while you detox. ● Herbario Detox Cleansing Powder, $72, and Detox Cleansing Oil, $51, mecca.com.au ● Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Mask, $46, sephora.com.au Emma Lewisham Illuminating Exfoliant, $80, net-a-porter.com

For your insides

Carla Oates, founder of wellness brand The Beauty Chef, knows that it’s just as important to cleanse from the inside out as the outside in Detoxing is by no means a silver bullet that will fix all ailments, but gently cleaning up your diet is often a good place to begin improving your health. To give your skin a boost from within, you should minimise alcohol and caffeine; avoid common allergens and gut irritants like wheat and dairy; ditch inflammatory foods like refined vegetable oils and sugar; and opt for produce that’s organic or pesticide-free. ● The Beauty Chef Cleanse Inner Beauty Support Powder, $65, adorebeauty.com.au Sunraysia ● Prune Extract, $49.95, globalshop.com.au Melrose Organic Essential Greens, $24.95, melrose health.com.au

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wellbeing

Quality care when needed S t Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital’s dedicated palliative care service is available to support patients and families of all ages when they need it most. Promoting living and quality of life is central, whether it be in the hospital’s fully equipped rooms for inpatient care, or at home. And when the time comes, a devoted team of nurses, doctors, allied health and pastoral care are available to enhance comfort and support through the final stages of life. The team is led by medical practitioners with the support of nurse practitioner Olivia O’Dempsey, registered nurses, allied health, physician groups and haematology oncology to provide this service. Onsite, the dedicated rooms at St Andrew’s offer larger spaces than standard hospital rooms to accommodate families and animal therapy. Family involvement is encouraged, and support is available to them as well.

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Downs. This is made possible through the use of telehealth services. The St Andrew’s palliative care service supports the hospital’s values to provide patients and their loved ones respect, dignity, empathy, courtesy, fairness and honesty and our services are at all times provided with caring support through ethical and legal professional practices.

ST ANDREW’S PALLIATIVE CARE: Additionally, the St Andrew’s palliative care support program works in conjunction with the inpatient service to provide patients and families 24-hour access to nursing staff within the home environment. This is inclusive of weekends and public holidays.

Through the generosity of community groups and families, loan equipment is available in order to make management at home more comfortable. Importantly, outreach is not just limited to Toowoomba, with many patients supported across the Darling

● Personalised ● Focus on living and quality of life ● Hospital and home ● 24/7 support for patients and families ● Continuity of care prioritised, strong working relationships with GPs and Toowoomba Hospice ● Nurse practitioner, unique support ● Annual memorial service ● Chaplaincy support

wellbeing

The pain of RED Did you know redheads have extra pain-processing superpowers? The science has spoken, writes Cassandra Green

doctor on TikTok has brought attention to a special quirk in the redhead genome, and what that means for fiery haired people. Can you imagine someone needing to give you more anaesthetic due to the colour of your hair? It sounds absolutely absurd, but a doctor on TikTok recently shared this information with his community and it actually looks legit. Known as @doctorsood on TikTok, Dr Kunal Sood said that patients that have red hair need 20 per cent more anaesthesia on average, and that it was “backed up by research”. In keeping with this, he

recommends people who have dyed their hair red inform their anaesthesiologists that it’s dye and not genes keeping their hair flaming. Men’s Health reports that two per cent of the worldwide population have red hair, and a study undertaken in 2006 found that women with dark hair needed less anaesthesia on average than women with red hair due to their “genetic phenotype”. Dental studies have also found that redheads need more anaesthetic in the chair (queue the Novocaine). Sydney-based anaesthetist Natalie Purcell, backs up the theory to a point, but says “Redheads don’t necessarily need more medication to manage the

same amount of pain as anybody else - but they do require more anaesthetic to keep them asleep during an operation.” Interestingly, another study found that redheads were able to receive more opioid signals from pain medication, allowing for a higher pain threshold. So why does hair colour change the way the body deals with pain? Well, it has something to do with a variant in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene, which is in charge of melanin production (pigment in skin, hair and eyes). It produces two types of melanin (eumelanin and pheomelanin) and

people with red hair have mostly the latter (linked with other common features such as freckles and fair skin). Scientists aren’t exactly sure why this specific gene messes with the body’s response to anaesthesia and painkillers, it has been correlated in a recent study in mice. This research found that red-haired mice carrying the same receptor variant as redheads tolerated pain more than those who didn’t. While much of the science is still up in the air – it’s intriguing to see how our colouring might have more of an effect through the body than first thought.

Can you imagine someone needing to give you more anaesthetic due to the colour of your hair?

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wellbeing

Expanded options in care M

y Midwives is welcoming 2022 with an exciting range of expanded alternatives for families seeking services on the Darling Downs and beyond. Managing director Liz Wilkes said the families are wanting the ability to have care without spending long periods of time in hospital or in medical facilities. “Covid has meant a range of changes during pregnancy. Many of our families are wanting to avoid spending time in hospital where possible.” Ms Wilkes stated. “There are multiple layers of concern, not just catching COVID-19 but also some of the aspects around restrictions in visitors and changes to provision of care. Of course, all

changes are made with the public health situation in mind, but families are preferring care where they can stay away from hospital for longer periods of time.” The Toowoomba My Midwives clinic facilitates labouring out of hospital for the early part of labour. “We have a space that women can choose to labour in to allow for later admission to hospital. Some of our out-of-town families find this really useful,” Ms Wilkes added. “The care of a known midwife is also beneficial so families can make the decision about all aspects of care at any point in pregnancy.” The Toowoomba clinic has been busy during the COVID-19 outbreak as families have sought additional telehealth services that have been

made possible through Medicare during the pandemic. “Telehealth absolutely complements the use of face-to-face visits. Particularly during lockdowns and, of course, for families coming from rural areas the use of telehealth has been a game changer.” The Federal government recently confirmed that telehealth services would remain available permanently after seeing the benefit of this modality during COVID-19. “Women who want a breastfeeding consultation after they return out west have been the most significant beneficiaries. We believe it is improving breastfeeding rates along with providing an opportunity for mental health check ins.” Finally, the opportunity to expand

services with trusted partners and complementary therapies is under way. “We have significant partnerships with key colleagues in the areas of physiotherapy, mental health and child health services. This space is being expanded for clients seeking our services as we coordinate a full suite of services to prepare and recover from pregnancy. “We know that families are wanting more, and we are well placed to ensure they have all options available to them coordinated by their own midwife.” My Midwives welcomes anyone wanting to find out more and to discuss their options by emailing admin@mymidwives.com.au or calling 1300 982 951

NEW ONLINE COURSES

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Meeting the needs of women and their families across the Darling Downs!

29 Hill St, Toowoomba (near Laurel Bank Park) | 07 4642 2977 | admin@mymidwives.com.au | www.mymidwives.com.au STYLE 24

advertising

Groundbreaking service S

t Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba is proud to offer groundbreaking TGA approved shockwave intravascular lithotripsy to compliment our existing services. Cardiologist Dr Ryan Schrale recently performed the minimally invasive surgery on 71-year-old patient, Allan Maher. Allan, who lives in Goondiwindi, hadn’t been feeling 100 per cent for the past 18 months. “I felt rushed when walking, and just didn’t feel that great,” Allan said. He was driving a forklift one day when he started feeling shooting pains in both arms. Upon returning to the house, he realised his blood pressure was also extremely high. Allan received a referral to Dr Schrale at St Vincent’s Toowoomba and was sent for an echocardiogram and coronary angiogram. They revealed Allan’s arteries were 90% blocked, and a stent was not an initial option. Rather than drill the calcified blockage, Dr Schrale opted for the newly TGA approved shockwave intravascular lithotripsy. The technique involves inserting a catheter that uses ultrasonic pressure waves to crack the heavily calcified blockages. Trauma to the vessel wall is minimised and a stent is then able to be inserted. The procedure took around two hours, and Allan didn’t require a general anaesthetic. Less than 24 hours after surgery, Allan says he can already feel the difference. “This is the best I’ve felt in the last five years.” Allan says he is looking forward to enjoying his recent retirement and hopes to travel. Dr Schrale has extensive experience with shockwave intravascular lithotripsy and rotational atherectomy.

“It is very exciting to have this technology available for my patients,” he said. Dr Schrale graduated from the University of Adelaide Medical School, and subsequently stayed in Adelaide to complete his specialist cardiology training. He then went on to pursue a number of interventional cardiology fellowships internationally at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford in 2005, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston in 2006. He was a clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School. He also holds a Master’s degree in evidence-based health care from Oxford University. Dr Schrale

works closely with a team of local expert cardiologists and scientists at the Toowoomba Cardiac Centre, located within the St Vincent’s Medical Centre. Our 16-bed cardiac ward, St Luke’s, is a specialised cardiac medical unit run by a dedicated team of experienced nursing staff. Private rooms are equipped with state-of-theart monitoring to ensure patients recover in their comfortable, modern and peaceful environment in safety. Medical staff and on- call cardiologists are available 24 hours, seven days per week to assist in the event of an emergency.

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25 STYLE

wellbeing

lthough it is rising as a new superfood, eating seaweed is nothing new. Seaweeds are some of the most ancient plants on earth, and among the most nutrient-rich and sustainable foods on the planet. Seaweed is rich in vitamins, minerals, essential trace elements, polyunsaturated fatty acids, bioactive metabolites, proteins, polysaccharides, and dietary fibres. So, does this superfood support metabolism? Nutritionist Olivia Bragg* explains how seaweed can impact your metabolic health and four easy ways to incorporate it into your daily diet.

What is your metabolism?

Most of the time, when we think about metabolism, we think of weight loss and the idea that a ‘fast’ metabolism means we burn food as quickly as we consume it. What your metabolism is, is all the chemical processes in your body that keep you alive: converting food into energy, repairing cells, breathing, and

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Learn more and find an exercise professional near you exerciseright.com.au STYLE 26

keeping your organs functioning. Supporting your metabolism, ensuring it is running optimally, is an essential pillar to overall health. We know that it is not a one-stopshop to maintain a healthy metabolism. Exercising, managing our stress levels, getting fantastic sleep and nutritious food all tie in together. Every single metabolic pathway in our body depends on micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, which come from our food sources. It is well known that our soils are depleted of essential nutrients. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to reach our dietary needs from land plants, and animals who eat land plants, alone. The ocean however has an abundance of minerals, vitamins, and trace minerals including (but not limited to) iodine, selenium, magnesium, and iron. As one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet, seaweed is a food source we should be incorporating into our daily diets to reach our nutritional needs. Regular consumption of this superfood, alongside a healthy diet,

has shown many health benefits including supporting a healthy metabolism.

Iodine, the thyroid & metabolism – why does seaweed matter?

It is well understood plants from the ocean offer a great source of iodine due to the high iodine concentration in seawater. While some land plants offer iodine it is not at the level which is available in seaweed such as kelp, wakame, nori, and Atlantic dulse. The trace mineral Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones which maintains your body’s metabolic rate.

wellbeing

Iodine is also critical to metabolic functions in many areas of the body, including impacting glandular health, immune function, brain health and ovarian health. Brown seaweeds have a particularly high concentration of iodine.

metabolism by slowing down glucose absorption into the bloodstream.

How to eat a little bit of seaweed every day

There are thousands of species of seaweeds that fall into three groups: green algae, brown algae, and red algae. Much like vegetables, we want to be eating a variety of seaweeds from each colour group to receive all the incredible benefits seaweed has to offer. ■ Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Seaweed’s gut-loving benefits

Our gut microbiome is made up of trillions of diverse microbes that we can loosely categorise into the beneficial and the non-beneficial. A healthy balance of good gut bacteria has been shown to support immunity, mental wellness, energy, digestion, weight, and overall wellbeing. Having an imbalance of gut bacteria has the opposite effect on our health. A strong diversity of beneficial bacteria supports a healthy metabolism, whereas research has shown a lack of beneficial bacteria increases inflammation in the body which is associated with a slower metabolic rate and weight gain. Fibre makes up 30 to 60 per cent of seaweed’s dry weight, which is on the high end for vegetables. Many

1. Replace salt with seaweed salt Replacing your regular salt with salt-containing seaweed (such as seaweed salt or kelp salt) is the easiest place to start eating a little bit of seaweed every day. kinds of fibre have strong prebiotic abilities, which means they serve as food for your good gut bacteria, helping the microbiome multiply and diversify. Seaweed is rich in bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols – a category of compounds naturally found in plant foods known to act as

antioxidants and reduce inflammation. Seaweed polyphenols regulate metabolic function by activating adipose tissue to enhance energy consumption. Additionally, brown seaweed contains complex polysaccharides called fucoidans which have been found to modulate carbohydrate

2. Add a dash of seaweed flakes to every meal

Seaweed provides amazing umami flavours which can be added to any dish.

3. Added nutrients in a smoothie If you are a smoothie lover then adding seaweed into the mix is an easy way to boost your nutrient intake, without altering the taste of your smoothie.

* Olivia Bragg is a clinical nutritionist and part of the team at Pacific Harvest, trusted seaweed specialists. Follow them on Instagram: @pacific_harvest

When it comes to engineer-designed, locally manufactured timber frames and trusses, Westside Timbers are the Team to see! • Prefab wall frames • Wesbeam Subfloor systems • Roof trusses • On-site delivery

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27 STYLE

drinks

Mulled sangria When the weather turns cold, the mulled cocktails come out and this warm sangria is a new spin on a Spanish classic INGREDIENTS ● 100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar ● 125ml (1/2 cup) strained fresh orange juice ● 1 cinnamon stick ● 1 star anise ● 3 whole cloves ● 750ml bottle red wine ● 60ml (1/4 cup) port or brandy ● 1 orange, quartered, sliced ● 2 small pears, sliced ● Fresh rosemary sprigs, to serve (optional) METHOD 1 Combine sugar and orange juice with 180ml (3/4 cup) water in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Add the cinnamon, star anise and cloves. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for five minutes. Remove from heat and stir in red wine and port. Set aside for 20 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse. 2 Gently reheat mixture over a low heat to serve warm or serve at room temperature. Transfer the mixture to a heatproof jug and add the sliced orange and pear. Serve in heatproof glasses with rosemary sprigs, if you like.

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food

Viet set, everybody Embrace the gorgeous, fresh flavours of Southeast Asia with these dishes

Vietnamese spring rolls with nuoc cham INGREDIENTS

● 50g dried vermicelli noodles ● 350g pork mince ● 170g can crabmeat, well-drained ● 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped ● ¼ cup coriander leaves, finely chopped ● 3 green onions, thinly sliced ● 1 tbsp fish sauce ● 1 tbsp caster sugar ● 12 round (22cm) rice paper wrappers ● 1 eggwhite ● Vegetable oil or peanut oil, for deep-frying ● Nuoc cham sauce*, to serve ● iceberg lettuce leaves, to serve

METHOD

1 Place noodles in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water. Stand for five minutes or until tender. Drain. Roughly chop. 2 Combine noodles, pork, crab, garlic, coriander, onions and fish sauce in a large bowl. Mix well. 3 Line a baking tray with a damp tea towel. Combine two cups warm water and sugar in a large, round, shallow dish. Dip one rice paper wrapper in water mixture for five seconds or until it starts to soften. Place on tea towel. Place two tablespoons pork mixture in a sausage shape along one end. Roll end over filling, then roll up wrapper tightly from one end to the other, folding sides in to enclose filling. Brush edge with eggwhite and press to STYLE 30

seal. Repeat with remaining rice paper wrappers and pork mixture. 4 Preheat oven to 150°C. Half-fill a deep-fryer or wok with oil. Heat until hot. Place a wire rack over a baking tray lined with paper towel.

Cook spring rolls, in batches, for five minutes or until crisp and light golden. Remove to wire rack. Keep warm in oven. 5 Serve with lettuce leaves, mint, coriander and nuoc cham sauce.

Note

Nuoc cham is a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, vinegar, chilli and sugar.

food

Vietnamese pho The secret to Vietnamese pho is a rich broth, so make it the night before.

INGREDIENTS

aromatic.

● 4 whole star anise ● 1 cinnamon stick ● 1 tsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed ● 1 tsp black peppercorns ● 5 cardamom pods, lightly crushed ● 10 cloves ● 3 litres (12 cups) water ● 400g gravy beef ● 7cm-piece fresh ginger, halved ● ½ brown onion, unpeeled ● 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled, lightly crushed ● 1 tbsp fish sauce ● 2 tsp caster sugar ● 1 tsp salt ● 400g pkt fresh thin rice noodles ● 240g beef eye fillet, very thinly sliced ● 130g (2 cups) bean sprouts, trimmed

METHOD

2 Place water and gravy beef in a large saucepan and bring to the boil over high heat. Use a metal spoon to skim scum that rises to the surface. Add the star anise mixture, ginger, onion and garlic. Reduce heat to low and simmer, skimming surface occasionally, for 3 hours or until reduced by half. Remove gravy beef. Shred and set aside. 3 Add fish sauce, sugar and salt to the beef stock and simmer for 20 minutes to develop the flavours. Strain the beef stock through a fine sieve into a clean saucepan. Discard the solids. 4 Place noodles in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water. Set aside for five minutes to soften. Stir with a fork to separate. Drain and divide among bowls. Top with the shredded beef.

1 Place star anise, cinnamon, fennel, peppercorns, cardamom and cloves in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook, shaking pan often, for 1-2 minutes or until

Qi’Lin Oriental Cuisine

5 Place stock over high heat and bring to boil. Cook for five minutes. Divide stock among bowls. Top with slices of beef eye fillet and bean sprouts.

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Luxury living Making your home and your property journey memorable

33 STYLE

Selling points Great advice on how vendors can maximise their selling price, with Tom Panos

STYLE 34

home & living

s we move from a ‘nuts to normal’ market in 2022, vendors are shifting approaches to maximise the sale of the property. This is what I’m seeing on the ground and how you make sure you get top dollar when selling in this market. Over the last few years with a market that was booming, and fear of missing out driving buyers to pay overs, we are now seeing more FOOP (fear of over paying). All of sudden a vendor needs to stand out. If you don’t stand out, you won’t win out. In this market you cannot sell a secret. The world needs to know you’re selling. An intelligent marketing campaign that targets the buyer using offline and online that equates to around half a per cent to one per cent of the value of the property is what is needed in advertising dollars. Video and print are critical But make sure the video is focused on your property and not promoting the agent looking like a Netflix star. If print still exists in your market, take a few adverts out. Print is often good at attracting the passive aspirational buyer. As for the portals, be on the two big ones but pay the premium and be towards the top of the search results. Social media and re-targeting digital marketing is no longer optional. It’s mandatory. High-quality brochures can target local buyers, and are a great leave behind document as buyers inspect the property. You should never see marketing as an expense. You should always view marketing as an investment in the profits. Think about it, if it’s the family home, it’s the last remaining tax haven in Australia. For every dollar extra you get for the sale of your home, you would have to earn twice that at work to get the same financial benefit. Don’t list with a commission cutter. List with a house price maximiser The buyers are getting the upper hand in this market with talk about interest rates rises, and the forthcoming election. You need an agent that knows how to negotiate in this market. The difference between a good agent negotiator and a bad agent negotiator can be 10 per cent on the final sale price. Think about it, we could be talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars. In a booming market like we’ve had, the difference between a good agent and a bad agent is not much. The market is equalising both agents. But in a market like we have now, there is nothing more expensive than having a good buyer in front of a bad agent. That can get really expensive. Fees vary from 1 per cent to 3 per cent. The higher the value of the property, the lower the percentage of the agent generally. Aim to get something in between and be open to paying an incentive-based fee, where the agent gets paid a bonus for getting an extraordinary result. Get your price right Nothing can create a bad campaign as much as using the wrong

Tom Panos in his role as auctioneer presides over an auction at 4 Curtin Avenue, Abbotsford. Picture: John Appleyard

The difference between a good agent negotiator and a bad agent negotiator can be 10 per cent on the final sale price price guide when launching a new property onto the market. There’s always a lot of talk about underquoting in real estate and this is a practice I absolutely despise. However, the opposite can destroy your chances of getting top dollar. There is a saying “quote them high, watch them die”. When you quote prices on properties that are higher than what they are worth, you essentially are helping other vendors sell their properties. You never get a second chance at making a good first impression. In the early stages of a campaign you want as many buyers as possible to look at your home and for them to give you feedback on what they see as fair market value.

You can then adjust the guide accordingly. You need to remember people filter with their brain, but buy with their heart. Make it easy for the buyer to buy Take away the friction by making it seamless and less painful for a buyer to make a decision. An example of this is to have a pre-pest and building inspection. Companies like Before You Bid, allow buyers to have access to reports on a property without having to outlay thousands of dollars upfront. Also, look at digital solutions that allow buyers to bid online, instead of attending an auction. Who knows, maybe your buyer runs a business on auction day or is interstate and can’t attend? Just make it easy for the buyer to buy your home. Timing matters. We are coming into a period where school holidays, Anzac Day, Easter, and the election will collide. Try and run your campaign with as little disruption as possible. At the moment, there are still plenty of buyers around. They are keen to buy, and they are keen to lock in lower rates. What we don’t know is whether all these buyers will be there after Easter. Aim to sell before then if you can. Tom Panos has been a highly respected figure in the local real estate industry for three decades. He is Australia’s leading real estate coach, a sought-after auctioneer, founder of Real Estate Gym and a Sky News commentator. 35 STYLE

Hi Toowoomba, May the Tabletop in your home be covered with joy & chocolate this Easter! Positioned on a value-adding corner allotment right in Toowoomba City, this charming home at 9 Goggs Street went Under Contract quickly for a premium market price! Quick facts: 776 sq mtr inner-city allotment ... 2-street access, corner Kenric & Goggs Streets ... 360 metres to Grand Central Shopping Centre. Now Sold in Mount Lofty making $1,000,000 – 3 Grasmere Court, where every detail had been thoughtfully considered for the most sensational living experience. I loved representing this sensational example of majestic east-side living. The Sellers worked hard for their property, so as always, I put them first, with their profit in mind and I sold their home as though it were my own. Quick facts: million-dollar escarpment views … set on 1,250 sq mtrs ... 2-level living. Check 333+ Verified Reviews to RateMyAgent about me at www.jacquiwalker.reviews What’s this hot market done to the value of your property? The Jacqui Walker Sells Team 0419 648 026

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business

Right time to be a landlord writes Ros Burton, Principal – The Real Estate People

very day, we hear how difficult renting has become due to a lack of accommodation options. It must be so disheartening for people trying to find a place to live and I can only hope the government and local councils can work together to free up land and create more housing opportunities not just here on the Downs, but right across the country. Just a few years ago, the rental market was considered to be a little flat with plenty of housing to go around; and a number of agencies found themselves struggling to find tenants for the many properties available. On occasion, landlords would even drop their rent expectations to secure a tenant. The logic was simple: “I’d

much rather have somebody living in my property at a reduced rate than stick to an unreasonable rental figure and have nobody in it for an extended period of time.” Not so today. Landlords are being inundated with applications and can pick and choose who they want to rent to, so owning an investment property has plenty of appeal in the current climate. Interest rates are at historical lows and even if the RBA raises them in the future, owning a home or investment property has never been more affordable. If you don’t think so, then ask anyone who was paying 18% or 19% back in the ‘80s. Buying your first investment property (or adding another to your portfolio) makes total sense at the moment as rents are rising, rental markets are incredibly tight and, unfortunately for renters, there doesn’t look to be any relief (with more housing availability) in the foreseeable future.

Add to this the multitude of infrastructure projects and major business developments that are slated for the area and our population is going to rise considerably. These workers (and families) have to live somewhere, so houses and units will be in even greater demand. Ironically, buying an investment property actually alleviates some of the pressure on the renting front

because you’re adding another property to the rental pool. In doing so, you help an individual or family maintain their independence and also set yourself up for a host of tax advantages and a very healthy retirement nest egg. If you’re unsure where to start, feel free to give our expert staff at The Real Estate People a call – we’d love to help you secure your financial future.

Landlords… does your property manager offer:  Detailed routine inspection reports every 3 months Tenants paying water consumption  One on one communication  Market appraisal at every lease renewal  Flexibility with chosen trades

If not, then it’s time for you to get a new property manager. Looking after your investment shouldn’t be ‘set and forget’. What is important to you is important to us, so call us today and see how easy it is to make the change. 289 Herries St, Toowoomba 07 4633 8899 (just up from Glennie School)

www.therealestatepeople.com.au 41 STYLE

Having recently joined the team at Webster Cavanagh Marsden, clients asked me why I chose them. The answer was simple. The great team culture, excellent client satisfaction and outstanding results.

Meet The Team!

Thinking of selling? Give me a call!

Grant Nissen | 0418 725 126 | grant@wcproperty.com.au

home

Make a splash Backyard pools have returned as a popular addition to homes in recent months, even seen as adding value to a property, writes Darren Burton

pool is an extension of your entertainment zones in a house and is the perfect spot to enjoy time with family and friends or indulge in a soothing dip in the summer sun. When building a pool on your property, there are many factors to consider to save your budget and a stack of headaches during installation. Here are just a few:

Shape and design

The sky’s the limit when it comes to

conditioning? If so, you’ll want a longer rectangular design that allows you to clock up the laps. If the pool is more for just kicking back and having splash, then you might prefer a more creative aesthetic design with varying depth levels and even underwater seating – did somebody say swim-up bar?

Do your planning

the type of pool you should be looking at. But always take into consideration how many people will be using it (large/small family? Entertaining guests? A simple plunge pool?). Therefore, make your first priority determining the appropriate size of the pool, as well as its orientation on the block to ensure it captures as much sun as possible, while also

being shielded from strong winds. Also, consider “sight-lines” from the house if you are needing to keep an eye on the young ones and whether surrounding trees will create mayhem with sticks and leaf debris.

What it will be used for

Yes, swimming – that’s a given. But what type? Is it for health and

KILL FIRE BEFORE IT KILLS YOU

You’ll be incredibly lucky to find a pool installer available during the hectic summer months. If you’re keen to add a pool addition, then get your ducks in a row and speak to a pool company during the cooler winter period. Plan your journey and have the work undertaken in the quiet months.

Get your approvals

Before a sod is turned, be sure you have all the building compliances and approvals from your local council in place. Like any renovation, you need to have the official paperwork ticked off.

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WHAT IS CLIMATE ZONE 5?

AND HOW YOU CAN MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU

ast month in our Style Magazine article I suggested we select one of the local climate zones and go into greater detail as to the design alternatives available to make your home more comfortable all year. Climate Zone 5 (Warm Temperate) is scattered across Australia, and in Queensland it includes the Toowoomba Regional Council area, the Southern Downs Regional Council area, and the South Burnet Regional Council area. These council boundaries don’t exactly reflect the climate zone, but it does give us a basic framework to work with. Think of a region that basically follows the eastern edge of the Great Dividing Range. Working within Climate Zone 5 for most of my building career, I have been able to try many varied methods and materials to improve the comfort of the homes we build. We have already discussed the basics of Orientate, Insulate and Seal but certain characteristics of climate zone 5 give us greater opportunities to passively condition our homes. The moderate to high diurnal temperature range can be used to take the warmth of the day in

winter to warm those cold nights and the cool night temperatures in summer can be used to reduce the heat of the following day. Fortunately for those who live in Climate Zone 5, this is very simple and cost effective. In the initial design, the home needs to be positioned to open up to the northern winter sun — and have sufficient shading to exclude the summer sun, especially in the afternoons. Careful attention should also be placed on the location of rooms within the home for the best outcome. This winter sun will warm the central thermal mass of your home and that thermal mass will continue to warm your home throughout the night. The reverse also works in the summer as the sun moves higher in the sky during spring. The same glass that lets warming light into the home in winter is now shaded by roof overhang positioned above this glass, and these windows or doors help ventilate your home. Readers of this column would remember me talking previously about the wonders of PCMs —‘Phase Change

Materials’. Our Climage Zone 5 diurnal temperature range also works well with Phase Change Materials. These PCMs use the power embodied in the phase change of materials to actively absorb and release heat. These ‘phase changes’ help to maintain constant and comfortable internal building temperatures. PCM shifts the warmth of the day into the night and the cool of the night into the day, all the while passively striving for constant room temperature. Next month we will select another of the local climate zones and examine the individual climate characteristics. If you would like to know more about Phase Change Materials and how they work to moderate your home’s temperature, call us to arrange a time to visit me at my Design Centre at 20 Stradbroke Street, Toowoomba.

— Geoff Gibson

Smart Design... Smarter Living.

Geoff Gibson 0407 965 261

facebook.com/geoffgibsonhomes

geoffgibsonhomes

DESIGN CENTRE: 20 Stradbroke St, Toowoomba (Off North St) | Office phone: 07 4634 4550 QBCC 100 5734 | www.geoffgibsonhomes.com.au | geoff@geoffgibsonhomes.com.au

home

Flood resilient design

The recent flood devastation has brought into stark focus the need for adequate mitigation strategies when it comes to protecting buildings and homes, writes Carmen Miller

hile such events are impossible to avoid, understanding which upgrades or inclusions to suggest to new homebuilders and those looking to renovate is a good place to start to ensure you are delivering the best service possible. Flood resilient design is one of the many ways homebuilders can build their resilience to floods. This involves adapting the design, construction and materials incorporated into buildings to minimise damage caused by floodwaters. The Flood Resilient Building Guidance for Queensland Homes provides information about improving the flood resilience of new and existing Queensland homes and from this, we have

extracted some key, yet practical building upgrades that go a long way in helping mitigate the impact of floods: ● Wet-proofing the lower level of a home by installing polished concrete or tiled floors can significantly reduce clean up and recovery efforts following floods. ● Installing louvres in the walls of the lower level of your home to enable water to easily flow through the home during a flood and reduce damage. ● Widening the stairs from the lower level of your home to allow you to easily move furniture upstairs ahead of a flood to protect your possessions. For further information on flood resilient design, head to qra.qld.gov.au/sites

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WHY PEOPLE LOVE SELLI NG WITH B ENITA PROFESSIONAL. FRIENDLY. EXPERIENCED. First and foremost I felt Benita was working for me and not just trying to make a sale. She listened to what I wanted and acted upon it with integrity and honesty. The advertising costs were very reasonable. I thoroughly recommend her as an agent. I will be calling on her expertise in the future. - SELLER, HIGHFIELDS

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YOU DESERVE THE ‘EXTRA MILE’ WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

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Choosing the right agent to sell your home is an important decision, and at WIRE Property Agents, going the extra mile is part of who we are. As a small boutique real estate agency, when you work with Benita McMahon, you’re dealing directly with one of the agency owners, who has a reputation for offering a friendly, stress-free approach to selling your property.

REAL ESTATE AGENT

(07) 4698 7111 admin@wireproperty.com.au 2 Highfields Rd, Highfields QLD 4352 wireproperty.com.au

Clients enjoy the support that Benita offers from the initial phone call, right through to settlement. Together with the WIRE Property Agents team, Benita will go the extra mile for you when getting your property ready for sale. This includes organising trades, cleaners, property styling and anything that is required to ensure that your property is looking in the best possible condition when it hits the market. And the best part? WIRE Property Agents provide their ‘Extra Mile Service’ all-inclusive as part of their commission. There are no hidden fees. With competitive pricing, 110% customer service and an honest, friendly, professional and caring approach, contact Benita McMahon on 0427 306 970 today to arrange a free appraisal of your property.

home & living

Holistic approach to property

Stress-free selling at WIRE Property

hoosing the right agent to sell your home is an important decision, and at WIRE Property Agents, going the extra mile is part of who we are. As a small boutique real estate agency, when you work with Benita McMahon, you’re dealing directly with one of the agency owners, who has a reputation for offering a friendly, stress-free approach to selling your property. Clients enjoy the support that Benita offers from the initial phone call, right through to settlement. Together with the WIRE Property Agents team, Benita will go the extra mile for you when getting your property ready for sale. This includes organising property styling, additional trades, cleaners and anything that is required to ensure your property is looking in the best possible condition when it hits the market. And the best part? WIRE Property Agents provide their ‘Extra Mile Service’ as all-inclusive as part of their commission. There are no hidden fees.

When you choose to sell your property with Benita and WIRE Property Agents, you receive a stressfree approach to selling, including: • Free property appraisal: To help you get an understanding of what your property is worth in the current market and provide recent comparable sales. • No upfront costs: You won’t be required to pay for any listing fees or marketing costs upfront. We’ll do what we do best and get your property successfully sold before any costs are incurred. • Simple selling process: You will feel confident in knowing what to expect at each stage of your selling journey. We understand that communication is key and will ensure we update you throughout the process. Work with a trusted, local real estate agent who isn’t tied to a large national franchise and can give you the personalised, tailored service you deserve. With competitive pricing, 110% customer service and an honest, friendly, professional and caring approach, contact Benita McMahon on 0427 306 970 today to arrange a free appraisal of your property

Benita. 47 STYLE

Who we are

At House Estate Agents we know it takes more than bricks and mortar to make a home. Our dedicated team offer local expertise across the property market in selling, buying, and renting and offer a level of service and support that will exceed expectations from the first call to the final call. I feel privileged to be able to inspire an outstanding and innovative team who will be Toowoomba’s leading independent agency of choice, your advocates and advisors in everything real estate.

Leanne Gillam | Director

07 4595 1688

444 Ruthven St Toowoomba

Property Management When was your last routine inspection? Are you happy with level of communication? Did you get a rent increase at the last lease renewal?

Taylor Hannant 0400 596 656

Widely recognised as highly competent property management professionals, Samantha and Taylor pride themselves on taking the hard work out of managing your investment property. They oversee the physical, financial and legislative aspects of residential property ownership and ensure that all communication between stakeholders is clear and informative. If you would like to explore an alternative to your current property manager and enjoy a new level of service and professionalism, please contact Samantha and Taylor today.

houseestateagents.com.au

Samantha Schefe 0400 101 150

Thinking auction? Talk to Toowoomba’s #1 auction agent! Auctions break records, and the key to a successful auction is registered bidders. By creating a competitive atmosphere for your home, our proven auction strategies connect you with more buyers and helps to achieve you a premium price. • 18 properties sold under the hammer • 94.7% clearance rate • 157 registered bidders • $10,248,500 worth of property sold *Rolling 12 month data as at March 2022

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Sarah Angus Springate Mathieson your agent loveslocal Rangeville Angus is up a lifelong Rangeville resident andhas hasa great madeknowledge strong relationships inand theits area. He knows the from a Building & Growing in Toowoomba, Sarah Springate of the region community. Coming Construction Sarahthan offers a unique understanding the housing from the ground up. Customer service is at value of yourbackground, property better anyone and understandsofwhat it takesindustry to achieve a great result. the forefront of Sarah’s focus. With a positive, approachable attitude, she is always willing to go above and beyond for her clients!

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STAGE 4

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business

Keeping homes safe MNP Neighbourhood Patrols – keeping your home, family and possessions safe

our home is most likely your biggest investment, and keeping it safe, along with your family and possessions, is important. With the increasing crime rate in the Toowoomba Region, a local security company saw the opportunity to assist residents and launched a new initiative in March – MNP Neighbourhood Patrols. The model they have developed is a first of its kind for the Garden City and has been welcomed by locals. Breaking Toowoomba up into 63 different zones allows their highly trained security guards to patrol each zone, passing each registered home at least once every 10 minutes, and responding to a call for assistance in four minutes. Car theft has risen by 41 per cent in the last 12 months, and MNP’s managing director Andrew Murphy knows that having the presence of marked patrol cars on the roads

each night, between 6pm and 6am, and in neighbourhoods constantly, will act as a deterrent to criminals. Andrew has based this development on the AMO theory. For a crime to occur, you need to have three key component - Ability, Motivation and Opportunity. Take one component away, and the plan won’t work. MNP Patrols aim is to remove the opportunity, with the result being less crime for our region. Highly trained security guards will be allocated to a certain zone, where they will get to know the residents, keep an eye out for any unusual or suspicious behaviour, and be available on a direct line, if there are any incidents. It’s also affordable, at less than $8 a week, and for peace of mind, whether you are home, on holiday or working long hours, the investment is worth it. mnpsecurity.com.au 4580 0837

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home

Tailor your perfect look with Freedom

reedom Furniture Toowoomba’s design service can pull a perfect look together with the Autograph sofa range As the place where friends and family gather the most in a home, the all- important living room needs to not only be a functional space, but a warm and inviting place to relax and entertain. While every detail can make a difference, the focal point will always be the lounge. Georgia McNally, store manager and interior decorator, says Freedom Furniture Toowoomba’s Autograph sofa range is the perfect place to start when looking for a piece that can either enhance your existing theme or dramatically change the overall aesthetic of a living room. “From an interior designer’s view,

the Autograph sofa range is able to be completely customised to suit your client’s personal style and to match their existing interiors,” Georgia said. “From a wide range of fabrics and leather, arm and leg style, the Autograph is designed by you and

made by Freedom.” Freedom Furniture Toowoomba offers interior decorators ready to help design and create a space that’s tailored to your lifestyle while keeping individual style, space and personal tastes in mind. “Our interior decorators can assist in store, in an online session or visit your home and help to bring your vision to life and to make the most of your space,” Georgia said.

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STYLE 56

home

Long live the outdoor room We’ve almost forgotten what life was like before the outdoor room, writes Carmen Miller

an extension of your indoor living space. To make the most of it, experts suggest furnishing your outdoor space so that it complements rather than replicates what is going on indoors. In other words, if your alfresco area runs off the dining room, don’t put another dining setting directly outside. You could mix it up with an outdoor lounge suite or a casual bar area and be set. When designing an outdoor room, consider these great options:

uch has been its success, most people building a new home would consider it a natural part of the design. It’s certainly clear they have come a long way since the early days of rough cement slabs, tacked on to the back of the house. These days you are more likely to see tiled or timber-look flooring below with downlights and ceiling fans. With the right orientation on the block, the outdoor room could easily become the best location in the house, providing a comfortably warm reading spot in winter and a relaxing dining area in summer.

Ceiling fan

In the Queensland heat, ceiling fans really are a must for year-round comfort.

A servery

For those who enjoy entertaining, there are some obvious options from the traditional barbecue or outdoor kitchen through to bi-fold windows and servery area on to your outdoors

to maximise access to the kitchen facilities inside. With a greater range of beautiful and affordable outdoor furniture and furnishings available, the outdoor room can truly become

Make the most of your space with bifold stacker doors from the kitchen for easy entertaining.

Varying heights

Give your outdoor room variety thanks to lower couches, higher bar stools and some single lounging chairs for a truly liveable space.

With the right orientation on the block, the outdoor room could easily become the best location in the house

CREATE THE UNIQUE LIVING SPACE THAT YOU DESERVE

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business

Resign of the times New data has revealed major changes could be coming for Australian workers with millions expected to quit their jobs this year, writes Holly Hales

illions of Australians could soon walk out on their jobs as part of the pandemicinduced Great Resignation. The mass exodus is said to have been triggered by burnout following lengthy lockdowns and changing expectations around workplace culture. A survey by ELMO Software, whose poll data is weighted to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics, found 31 per cent of workers plan to quit their current job this year. Almost a fifth say this will do so without having another job lined up. ELMO chief executive and

founder Danny Lessem said the pandemic has shifted priorities for workers who now expect flexibility as the norm. “In days gone by people who are asking for more wages, more flexibility, more annual leave, affirmation and the ability to work remotely would have been laughed at - but now they can ask. “With record unemployment rates, they are in a good position to negotiate with their employers. “Employees really need to understand that the workplace of tomorrow is very different to the workplace of the pre-pandemic ages and they need to adapt if they are going to win.”

The survey also found 69 per cent of workers were concerned about being back face-to-face with colleagues due to new Covid variants. Some 76 per cent of workers support employers mandating employees be vaccinated against Covid after Omicron’s arrival, up from 70 per cent in mid-2021. More workers reported they are uncomfortable working alongside unvaccinated colleagues with 67 per cent voicing their concerns, up from 58 per cent last year. Mr Lessem said employers should focus on managing employee concerns around Covid transmission in a bid to keep them on board. “Managing the spread of the Omicron variant in the workplace will need to be high on employers’ agenda as 69 per cent of workers are concerned about being at work while new variants are spreading,” he said.

CHINA BEFORE COMMUNISM

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SHENYUN.COM Phone | 1300 655 299 59 STYLE

STUDENT RECONCILIATION COMMITTEE

GENDER RESPECT PROJECT GROUP

PUSH FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

The power of connection and belonging BGS aspires to be the best school for boys in Australia, providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all Brisbane Grammar School students enabling them to develop a sense of belonging and maximise their potential. The exceptional 2021 ATAR results (median 95.30) were possible as a result of a strong academic culture, a focus on student wellbeing and high cocurricular participation. Student wellbeing at BGS focuses on promoting eﬀective learning, positive mental health, good physical health, and high levels of social and emotional wellbeing for students. As part of the Student Wellbeing

curriculum, boys engage in programs that nurture their social, ethical, physical, intellectual and emotional development. These programs provide relevant, age-speciﬁc experiences. Popular Student Wellbeing cocurricular opportunities include public purpose, student committees, and cultural and leadership tours. The Public Purpose program gives boys opportunities to contribute to their community. The program is designed to foster student leadership and is projectbased. The Gender Respect Project Group provides an opportunity for boys to safely discuss a range of topical issues and

educate the BGS community about gender differences and inequalities, the importance of developing respectful relationships, and finding solutions for a more equal and just world. The Student Reconciliation Committee aims to educate the BGS community about the significant issues Indigenous Australians face. This is an action-based group involved in planning and running projects to advance and facilitate reconciliation at BGS. Learn more in the Student Wellbeing feature of the latest Grammar News at brisbanegrammar.com/news/publications.

Tuesday 2 August

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BGS OPEN DAY

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education

Realising their potential

Boy’s wellbeing is crucial to their growth and development at Brisbane Grammar School

s Queensland’s leading school for boys, Brisbane Grammar School (BGS) consistently produces leading academic results. Behind these results are exceptional student wellbeing and cocurricular programs, which are key to the school’s pursuit of excellence. By supporting every child’s academic, social, and emotional growth, BGS equips them to realise their potential, become the best version of themselves, and contribute positively to society. BGS director of student wellbeing programs Philippa Douglas crafts the wellbeing curriculum and is always thinking of new exercises and experiences to extend students’ growth and development.

How do you identify concerns and support boys’ mental

wellbeing?

I’m always learning to ensure our programs reflect the latest research and best practice. At BGS, I work closely with diverse and incredibly knowledgeable staff to identify social trends and concerns. This enables me to ascertain boys’ social and emotional needs at different developmental stages and create programs in response. Data from student surveys is also instrumental in developing and reviewing programs.

What are your favourite student wellbeing initiatives at BGS?

One of my favourites is our Public Purpose program. The number of boys participating continues to grow, and their leadership in this area reflects they have a greater purpose than themselves.

Our future depends on a generation of thoughtful and confident young men of character ready to forge more inclusive, just, and peaceful societies for all. Through service, boys develop the capacity to appreciate and understand diverse perspectives and experiences, nurturing their ability to show empathy and compassion. One of the greatest enjoyments in my role has been witnessing the increasing engagement of boys in the various student wellbeing programs and their growth as thoughtful, caring, and reflective young men.

What is the best advice you have for students?

Be kind. The ripple effect of kindness can be far reaching and long lasting and can impact others in ways we can’t imagine. Kindness is contagious; pass it on. Try not to compare yourself to others. Be the best version of you. You are unique. Your life is different. And it’s always better that way. You belong; you matter.

BGS director of student wellbeing programs Philippa Douglas. 61 STYLE

education

Breaking down barriers There’s a new education strategy to topple Indigenous barriers, writes Tim Dodd

niversities Australia has launched a new strategy to help break down barriers faced by Indigenous Australians in higher education. The plan, launched last month by Universities Australia chair John Dewar, aims to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders complete degrees, improve career advancement and Indigenous representation in universities, and better measure both the successful outcomes and areas where more work is needed. The scheme also aims to increase cultural safety for Indigenous people and take action on racism, as well as

recognise the value that Indigenous people and their knowledge brings to a university. Professor Dewar said that implementing the strategy was a high priority for the 39 member universities. Western Sydney University Indigenous PhD student Matilda Harry, who was the first in her family to go to university and holds bachelor and masters degrees in teaching, said that she proposed, in her research, to “hear the voices and promote the voices of first nation scholars and their understanding of mentorship”. In her thesis, Maarang Gulbanha – Mentoring Indigenous high school graduates towards excellence, leadership and community nationhood, she also plans to challenge the commonly heard “deficit discourse”, which focuses on performance gaps and disadvantage in the Indigenous community. “There are so many Indigenous young people out there achieving,” she said.

Western Sydney University Indigenous PhD student Matilda Harry, the first in her family to go to university, holds bachelor and masters degrees in teaching.

It’s time to JUMP INTO PREP! ENROL NOW

FOR 2023

Visit us online at mmcc.catholic.edu.au STYLE 62

Celebrate God in all things

events

scene The Zonta Club International Women’s Day luncheon The Zonta Club’s International Women’s Day luncheon was held at Picnic Point on Friday, March 4.

Zonta Club of Toowoomba area members Helen Yeo, Kate Charlton and Amanda Lehane.

Pictures: Kevin Farmer

Zonta Club of Toowoomba Garden City members Claire Campbell, Lyn Nicholson and Sonia Wood.

Mary O’Brien from Are You Bogged Mate?

Order online www.crackerjackchicken.com.au Corporate Lunches Birthday Parties

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Dinner Parties Engagement Parties

Melbourne Cup Christmas Parties

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Wyalla

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events

scene the Protea Place International Women’s Day luncheon

Michelle Brodie, Melissa Hopkins, Helen Wagner and Rachael Welsh.

Janelle Prior and April Long.

The Protea Place International Women’s Day luncheon was held at Fitzy’s on March 8.

Pictures: Kevin Farmer

Kim Stokes, Amanda Dalton and Megan O’Shannessy.

Robon and Harriet Ryan.

Andrew and Sarah Wielandt.

Jayne Tyson, Annie Sendall and Teresa Smith.

Melissa Keogh-Lancaster, Lauren Humby and Alison Kennedy.

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arts

toowoomba DECADENCE

Rosalie Gallery

9 March – 1 May 2022 Decadence is the touring exhibition of the 2020 Queensland Regional Art Awards (QRAA), an annual visual arts prize and exhibition for established and emerging artists living in regional and remote Queensland that is presented by Flying Arts Alliance. In 2020, QRAA celebrated 10 years of rewarding and celebrating Queensland regional arts and the wealth of creativity and imagination thriving in the regions. This year’s theme, Decadence, encourages artists to explore the complex notion of ‘decadence’ within their own communities and households across Queensland – both in times of shortage, and in times of plenty. Self-guided activities based on the exhibition are available for children. Activities are free, no bookings are required. Flying Arts is a not-for-profit arts and cultural development organisation which has been delivering visual arts projects and services to regional and remote Queensland since 1971.

Flourish 2020, a cyanotype photograms on cotton with thread, by LeAnne Vincent

The Association aims to inspire artists and communities, as well as helping to overcome the impacts of regional isolation and remote living. Rosalie Gallery at 89 Mocatta St, Goombungee, is open Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am to 3.30pm.

APT10 – KIDS ON TOUR Crows Nest Gallery 6 April – 1 May

APT10 Kids on Tour connects young visitors and their families with ideas and cultures from across Australia, Asia and the Pacific through a diverse range of activities celebrating community, diversity and mindful contemplation. Exciting hands-on, art-making activities will be available to enjoy. Activities have been developed in collaboration with artists Shannon Novak (Aotearoa New Zealand), Phuong Ngo (Australia), Syagini Ratna Wulan (Indonesia), Jamilah Haji (Thailand), Gidree Bawlee Foundation of Arts (Bangladesh) and Vipoo Srivilasa (Thailand / Australia). Activities are free. No bookings are required. APT10 Kids on Tour is a free QAGOMA touring program available to regional Queensland communities, with thanks to generous support from The Tim Fairfax Family Foundation. Crows Nest Gallery, at the corner of the New England Highway and William Street is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays.

Doolamai Designs Art Gallery In the beginning there was nothing, so Baiami created Munda (Earth). Baiami’s stillness was broken, Munda was not dead, it lived, but it had not yet breathed. Baiami called the Goddess Walla-Gudjial-Wan to help him to get Munda to breathe. She was the bearer of light; her presence saturated the lands with light, dispelling darkness. Baiami then awoke Yurlunggur, the Great Rainbow Serpent, and sent him forth with the strength of 100,000 Kaingani (Young Men). With his large body moving through Munda, he created all the shapes of the land, Munda took its next breath. Then Baiami called to the Wandjina Spirits to carry forth vegetation. They swept across Munda, all vegetation appeared. With Munda bathed in warm light, rivers, the sea, mountains and vegetation, Munda was beautiful. Baiami felt that there was still something missing. He walked endlessly through Munda creating snakes, kangaroos, crocodiles, dingoes, echidnas, platypus, lizards, birds, fish, and all animals that live. With that Munda took another breath.

STYLE 66

0487 988 247 | 2b Taylor Street, Toowoomba City 4350

New Zealander Shannon Novak is one of the artists involved in the APT10 Kids on Tour program.

art

Animals to amaze

Enjoy school holiday fun at Cobb+Co Museum

chool holiday program, Wildlife Rangers runs from April 4 to 14 (weekdays only) with live shows at 10am, 11am, and midday. See mammals, marsupials, reptiles and more as they arrive at the Museum! Get up close and personal to some of Australia’s favourite animals as we learn all about their day-to-day lives. Learn about the animals with a variety visiting the museum each day of the program including a crocodile, turtle, blue-tongued lizard and frillnecked lizard, snake, possum, bandicoot, fruit bat, frog, and more! Entry to the program is $12 per child.

For more information, visit the website cobb.qm.qld.gov.au/

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events

april

ADVANCED SKATEBOARDING WORKSHOP

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 9 & 16, 4-6PM

WHERE: Chalk Drive Skatepark, 141 Hume Street, Toowoomba. WHAT: Get ready. The Toowoomba Mayoral Skateboarding Competition is coming to Chalk Drive this April. Hone your skills and get advice from accredited coaches with these free, advanced workshops. The program is for ages up to 25 years and registration is essential. Stay Covid safe – vaccination is not required, but please stay home if you’re feeling unwell. COST: Free.

Attract more potential buyers. Include print with digital to achieve your best sales price. Don’t settle for less. Talk to your agent about marketing your home with The Chronicle.

thechronicle.com.au/realestate STYLE 68

PARKLAND ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAY WEEKENDS

WHAT: There are a host of parkland entertainment options available during April offering free, live music at popular parks in the Toowoomba region – a great way to relax with friends and family. Concerts feature local musicians from a variety of genres and can be enjoyed during the weekends in the April school holidays. Grab your picnic blanket and a hamper and get ready for chilled weekends with great tunes and good times. For details in your area, visit tr.qld.gov.au or phone 131 872. COST: Free.

events

Get out and about and see what’s happening in the region this month ANZAC DAY SERVICES

PAY YOUR RESPECTS TO OUR BRAVE SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN ON MONDAY, APRIL 25 BY ATTENDING ANY OF THE CEREMONIES PLANNED FOR THE REGION HIGHFIELDS DAWN SERVICE

WHEN: 5am to 7am at Sean McCarthy Way, Highfields.

CLIFTON DAWN SERVICE

WHEN: 5.30am to 6am at the Clifton Library and Community Centre, Meara Place, Clifton.

WESTBROOK DAWN SERVICE

WHEN: 5.30am to 6am at the Westbrook Community Hall, 114 Main Street, Westbrook.

WHEN: 9am to 11am at the Mother’s Memorial East Creek Park, Margaret Street, Toowoomba.

TOOWOOMBA CITY DAWN SERVICE

GREENMOUNT MORNING SERVICE

DRAYTON MORNING SERVICE

HIGHFIELDS MID-MORNING SERVICE

TOOWOOMBA CITY MORNING SERVICE

CLIFTON CELEBRATIONS AND MORNING SERVICE

WHEN: 5.30am to 6.15am at the Mother’s Memorial East Creek Park, Margaret Street, Toowoomba.

WHEN: 7.20am to 8am at the Drayton Soldiers Memorial Park, Brisbane Street, Drayton.

WHEN: 9.45am to 11am at Bicentennial Park, Ramsay Street, Greenmount.

WHEN: 10am to noon at Sean McCarthy Way, Highfields.

WHEN: 10.30am to noon at the Cenotaph, Edward Street, Clifton.

ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL “DIGGER” CENTENARY WHEN: 2.30pm to 3pm at Westbrook Community Hall, 114 Main Street, Westbrook.

TOOWOOMBA’S SECRET PLACES OF WWII MONDAY, APRIL 25 – 4.30PM WHERE: Laurel Bank Park, Hill Street, Toowoomba WHAT: During World War 2 Toowoomba

played a small, but significant role as a centre for training, rest and recreation, logistics, medical services and much more. What is the association between Toowoomba and submarines? Why was the defence of the east coast of Australia planned from Toowoomba and not Brisbane? Where were the 18 air raid shelters built? Join local guide Paul Herbert on an exploration of Toowoomba’s fascinating war history – much of it still clearly visible if you know where to look. COST: Adult – $40, Child – $35, Concession$35. For more information, go to trybooking.com/BXAIP

Buy direct from the farmers, makers or bakers.

EVERY SATURDAY, 7AM TO 12NOON Under the Windmills at Cobb & Co, Cnr Lindsay & Campbell St, Toowoomba Autumn Twilight Market on the 8th April from 4pm to 8pm 69 STYLE

travel

Flying and the virus What happens if I get Covid-19 while travelling? Andrea Black reports

What happens if the Covid test result I have to produce to get on the plane home to Australia comes back positive?

our passport has been dusted off, and bags are packed. You have your vaccination certificate at the ready, you’ve followed all the rules and regulations for arriving at your destination and checking into venues once there. You’re finally heading overseas. Yet, you can’t shake the ‘what if’ feeling. No travel is risk-free, it is possible that on those travels one could get Covid, then what do you do? All roads lead to getting the very best travel insurance available, and the government website Smartraveller recommends you check out the Choice travel insurance buying guide: Covid-19 edition. But there’s also logistics to consider should you get COVID-19. We address the questions would-be international travellers are asking.

When I land overseas, what happens if the Covid test I may have to get comes back positive?

According to Smartraveller, arming yourself with the latest travel advice and information for your destination is essential so you’re aware of the risk of COVID-19 in that location and standards of medical care, in case you get sick. They advise that if you or someone in your immediate travelling party tests positive for COVID-19, you should isolate immediately and contact the local health authority for advice on what to do. Of course, rules and regulations depend on the country you are visiting. If you’re travelling to Singapore, for example, there are different protocols depending on whether you are feeling unwell or not. If you have no symptoms, you will be required to self-isolate for 72 hours before taking another rapid test, if it is still positive you are required to isolate until you get a negative test or at Day 7 when

fully-vaccinated individuals and children below 12 can exit self-isolation.

I plan on bringing RAT tests that I bought from the chemist with me, can I just show my results from one of those to get back into Australia?

No, just showing a RAT test result will not suffice. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, Your COVID-19 test result can be paper-based or electronic. A RAT test must be undertaken by or under the supervision of an authorised person who is not the traveller (e.g. pharmacist, general practitioner, nurse,

pathologist, pathology collector or trained personnel at airport-based testing stations) and your results must include traveller name and date of birth (age at time of test or passport number accepted, if date of birth not listed), the test result (such as ‘negative’ or ‘not detected’), the method of test conducted (e.g. NAA test or RAT), the brand and make of the test (for RAT tests), the date (for RAT also include time) of specimen collection for the accepted COVID-19 test and that the specimen for the test was collected, and the test was carried out by or under the supervision of and, signed by an authorised person.

It’s important to be prepared for the possibility you may be in your destination longer than planned. Before heading overseas you will need to understand the requirements for returning to Australia. According to the Department of Home Affairs, if you or a primary close contact of your travelling group tests positive, you won’t be allowed to travel to Australia until you have recovered. If you have isolated and recovered but your test results continue to be positive, The Australian Government Department of Health states that you may be eligible for an exemption if you have a certificate from a medical practitioner. It’s important to note, the certificate must meet certain requirements outlined on the Department of Health website. On top of this, local authorities, airlines and transit locations may have more rules in place for departures. Restrictions on arrival may vary depending on which state or territory you arrive in. The Australian government recommends you check these before arriving at the airport. If you’re transiting during your trip, check the local requirements at each transit destination. Confirm any specific rules for onward travel with your airline.

If I get COVID-19 overseas, is there anyone I can call for clear information?

If you have booked through a travel agent, you can contact them for advice on rebooking, which is particularly handy given some of the wait times it can take to rebook flights. You can also contact the National Coronavirus Helpline from overseas on +61 2 4058 2975, +61 3 6145 0026 and +61 2 4018 3442. Australians should contact the local Australian consulate or embassy if they have concerns for their safety.

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advice

Life-changing lessons

hat I share are spiritual ways to see life changes by looking for the positive lessons at hand. What you also need to know are life lessons might not always come to you in the present moment – but always remain positive, knowing these lessons will present themselves in the near future. You lose the job because it wasn’t your destination, but merely a stop along the way. The chance for a new chapter to begin. You lose the love because to cling to it would hold you back from everything else you’re still to experience in this life.

Your arms are now free to grab onto life and its opportunities that present themselves in your present moment. Understand the only way to get you off your stubborn path, that is usually ruled by ego and comparison, is to run smack into a detour. You get discouraged because you’re human, and sometimes you need those down moments to rest, regroup and prepare for the up moments. You get blindsided and beat up by life because this is a life and bad things happen, but the beautiful flip side of your present struggle is that it prepares you for your future success.

Hairy does the Job A Chartered Accountant with a sense of humour

Some of us will wander the planet alone for a longer time than you would have liked because you have a destiny that is special, and important and far beyond anything you could have imagined for yourself. And somewhere along the way, through all the tears, triumph, tragedy, joy, pain, laughter, transformation, restoration, lessons, love and life, you need to realise you should to be who you are and not who the world wants you to be. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. You are amazing, remember that. Facebook: ira.eyetwoeye. Instagram: iraisrael. Web: eyetwoeye.com.au

Jeff Hannaford is a Community Chartered Accountant and Trouble Shooter who has been in business since 1978 when he opened up his first office in Inglewood. His business has now grown with another 2 offices in Texas and Millmerran. Don’t delay, contact and enjoy the experience of good old fashioned service. For a free insight into what changes you could make to your business, call Jeff on 0429 894 937

Jeff Hannaford Pty Ltd Ofﬁce Contacts: Millmerran 07 4695 1477 | Inglewood 07 4652 1106 Texas 07 4653 1155 71 STYLE

Write this chapter the way you want. Live independently with security and support. For retirement living designed for your 80s and 90s, visit yukana.org.au or talk with our team.

Retirement Living and Aged Care

07 4631 5678 | 258 Spring Street, Toowoomba