Style Magazine Toowoomba August 2021 by News Corp Custom Publishing

TOOWOOMBA AUGUST 2021

MAGAZINE

GARDEN

Wedding

THE MUSIC IS BACK FAS HION

SHOPPING

HEA LTH

BE A UTY

MO TO R ING

TRAVEL

F OOD

EVENTS

ARTS

SANKEY FRASER

. YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR THE LAST 100 YEARS

Ruthven Street, Toowoomba | www.sankeyfraser.com.au

Contents

WELCOME Welcome to the August edition of Style and oh boy, am I excited for the next few months. With relaxed restrictions in Queensland (and I am touching wood right now) there are so many opportunities to make up for lost festival time. Take a tour through the high country this August and chat directly to local artists, while taking in the breathtaking scenery and sampling some of the fine food and wine the area has to offer. Get all the details of the Instudio Art Trails on page 10. And speaking of food and wine... my absolute favourite springtime festival weekend the Festival of Food and Wine is making a comeback this year as part of the month -long Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The music is back (page 6)! And I cant wait. But hurry up and get your tickets, Stylers, because this year they will be limited and they’re sure to sell out. Have a great month! Josie xx

On the cover

TOOWOOMBA AUGUST 2021

MAGAZINE

Jaques Van Lill will take to the stage at this year’s Festival of Food and Wine.

GARDEN

Wedding

THE MUSIC IS BACK FASHIO N

SHOPPING

HEALTH

BEAUTY

M OT ORING

TRAV EL

F O OD

EV ENTS

ART S

The music and festivities are back this year for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and the Flower, Food and Wine Festival

EDITOR Josie Adams, josie.adams@news.com.au 4690 9354 JOURNALISTS Alyssa Welke, Jessica Kramer, Darren Burton SUB EDITOR Jessica Kramer DESIGN Paul Hunter, Justine Costello ADVERTISING MANAGER Brooke Gardner, brooke.gardener@news.com.au 4690 9309 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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Contents

The Schultheiss’s bring their love of good food to the people with Darling Fresh Smoke Haus

Brisbane couple Marketa and Joel wed in the stunning gardens of Gabbinbar Homestead

The music is back

Tips to improve men’s fertility

Beef stroganoff soup

46 Education : Choosing a school

Treat Yourself

Experts here to help

Is social impact the new vogue?

54 7 Secret laws when visiting Darwin

Instudio art trail

A true lifesaver

Evolving with the times

56 Arts scene

Suit yourself

Is loneliness good for you ?

Full of flavour

Luminosa launches insider sessions

Marketa and Joel’s garden wedding

40 Gear up for an animal lifestyle

Book reviews

58 What’s on

Style magazine is published by News Corp Australia. Those who make advertising placement and/ or supply copy material or editorial submissions to Style magazine undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulation or statutes. Further to the abovementioned these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgments. STYLE 5

Cover story

The music is back Josie Adams previews the Flower, Food and Wine Festival and the awesome musical line-up

pening on Friday, September 10 is 22-year-old Toowoomba singersongwriter, James Ryle who is well known and followed locally. After, Brisbane indie pop rock band The Jensens take to the stage. A festival-favourite, they have just launched their second album, Hammer & Blush after dropping singles including the explosive new dancefloor filler, Paper Walls. Then it’s Sydney-based duo Lily and Grace Richardson, aka CLEWS, famed for their candied grunge, lush harmonies and cool songwriting as featured on their successful 2018 debut Museum, and powerful singles , Crushed and this year’s Overluck. Brisbane’s Holy Holy closes Friday night, with duo Oscar Dawson and Tim Carroll performing new works plus highlights from their album, My Own Pool of Light, which was ARIA-nominated for Best Rock Album and received a J Award nomination for Album of The Year. Saturday opens with talented young Toowoomba indie-pop music maker Meg Beth. The multi-instrumentalist was awarded a coveted spot in the Big Sky Girls Songwriting program in 2018 and won the USQ Get Songwriting prize in 2018 and 2019. Local contemporary vocalist and songwriter Kent Tonscheck then takes to the stage. STYLE 6

From 2pm on Saturday ex-Toowoomba, now Brisbane’s alt-pop Beamish Brothers take over. The two brothers, who used to join their operasinging mum on stage as kids, have gained international acclaim for harmonising with fresh songwriting ideas that celebrate their signature acoustic style. They hand the stage to Brisbane musicians Fat Picnic, a soul-reggae festival favourite who promise to get the Saturday night party started! Legendary Australian rock band GANGgajang then take over. For 30 years this acousticloving band have made iconic Australian music and in 2021 welcome a new generation of fans after every performance. Then, it’s time for music royalty – Grace Knight and Wendy Matthews in their first show together celebrating the songs of Paul Simon, and then Richard Clapton to round out the night! Grace Knight and Wendy Matthews are two of the most iconic and beloved singers in Australian music. They’re both multi-award winning artists with a swag of Countdown, MTV and ARIA awards between them and a bundle of platinum albums under their belt. In their first show together, they present the songs of one of the world’s greatest living songwriters - Paul Simon… Sounds of Silence, Homeward Bound and Bridge Over Trouble Water, You Can Call Me Al, Diamonds on The Soles of Her Shoes and Graceland.

Father and daughter Jasmine Aleisha and Chris Richter of the Jasmine Aleisha Duo will perform at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, along with musician Jacques Van Lill (left). Pictures: Nigel Hallett Then ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Richard Clapton, one of the country’s foremost singer/ songwriters and the one who paved the way for generations of songwriters to write about the experience of being Australian, takes over. It’ll be a day and night of incredible sounds in Queens Park. On Sunday the stage opens with local singingsongwriting talent, the Jasmine Aleisha Duo, then the brilliantly named three-piece groove-rock

Cover story

THE LINE UP

Four of the most iconic names in Australian music in Grace Knight, Wendy Matthews, Richard Clapton and GANGgajang lead the music line-up for this year’s Festival of Food and Wine at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. They will be joined over the three days by Sarah Blasko, Ash Grunwald along with The Beautiful Girls and in a highlight for 2021, nine local music-makers will take to the stage in a 50/50 split between feature and local acts. FRIDAY, SEPT 10, FROM 3.15PM ● James Ryle ● The Jensens ● Clews ● Holy Holy SATURDAY, SEPT 11 FROM 10.15AM ● Meg Beth ● Kent Tonscheck ● Beamish Brothers ● Fat Picnic ● GANGgajang ● Wendy Matthews & Grace Knight ● Richard Clapton SUNDAY, SEPT 12, FROM 10.15AM ● Jasmine Aleisha Duo ● Fenny and the Mets ● Van Lil Band ● Open Seasons Band ● Ash Grunwald ● The Beautiful Girls ● Sarah Blasko Tickets to the Flower Food and Wine Festival are on sale now at tcof.com.au Grace Knight and Wendy Matthews

band Fenny and the Mets, before local three-piece band Van Lil Band. From 3pm on Sunday the Brisbane-based six-piece Open Season will share their exciting new wave of country folk, a marriage of traditional folk and modern country! Then one of Australia’s most captivating music storytellers takes to the stage in blues musician and five-time ARIA nominated, Ash Grunwald. Next up – it’s Sydney’s The Beautiful Girls, a folk, soul, jazz, hip hop and roots group founded by Mat McHugh, Clay MacDonald and Mitchell Connelly who’s last four albums all peaked in the top 20 on the ARIA charts. Closing Sunday night – and the Festival of Food and Wine– is Sarah Blasko who holds the rare position in Australia of having an unparalleled six-album run of genre-defining indie-rock and art-pop, as well as countless award nominations, three ARIA awards and Triple J’s Album Of The Year for As Day Follows Night.

THE FLAVOURS OF FOOD AND WINE

Wendy and Alistair Green gear up for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

In addition to more than 40 food and wine stalls, new to the Festival in 2021 are a range of Carnival Hampers, showcasing local produce and the perfect way to enjoy the park and the tunes! These are available to order online and can be collected in the Festival ready to enjoy. ● CARNIVAL HAMPER (suitable for 2-4 people): $90 a box This hamper includes a selection of local meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit and chocolate + disposable cutlery plus a choice of one bottle of sparkling, white or red wine available at the pickup location, one reusable Carnival cup per guest, with GF and vegetarian options available.

● CARNIVAL HAMPER (suitable for 4-6 people): $160 a box This includes a selection of local meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit and chocolate + disposable cutlery, plus a choice of two bottles of sparkling, white or red wine available at the pickup location, one reusable carnival cup per guest with GF and vegetarian options available. Also new to the Festival this year is THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY, a styled private bar serving custom-created cocktails, private toilets and boasting premium viewing of the main stage for the over 18s only. Tickets are strictly limited and on sale now. STYLE 7

Events

Treat yourself The foodie scene for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has gotten bigger and better as the years go on and this year promises to be a cracker too, writes Jessica Kramer #trEATS

High cheese

Foodie tours

Talking Pubs

This ever-popular option is back with a bang in 2021. Local cafes, restaurants and pubs across our region will feature special exclusive Carnival dishes for September. Try the floral fancy of Fairy Floss French Toast at Jilly’s Cafe, open 8am to 3pm daily at 181 Margaret St, Toowoomba City. Tantalise your tastebuds with Hotel Norville’s incredible Moreton Bay Bug at 70 Russell St, Toowoomba City, open from 11am to 10pm, or splurge on the decadent Wagon Wheel at Cobb’s Coffee Shop, open from 9.30am to 4pm daily at Cobb+Co Museum, 27 Lindsay St. Find out more at tcof.com.au/treats-2021

The ultimate treat for foodies, this year there are two options for foodie dinner tours - Friday, September 3, from 5.15pm to 8.45pm; and Saturday, September 18, from 4.45pm to 9pm. The Friday event begins with entree and a tour at Cobb+Co Museum, followed by mains at muchcelebrated Inbound Restaurant. Finish the evening with dessert at The Finch, and enjoy a drink at each venue as well. On the Saturday evening, begin the journey with garden views as you enjoy entree, followed by popular Urban Grounds for mains and dessert at Gip’s Restaurant, one of the city’s most historical buildings. The cost for both tours is $139 and tickets can be purchased online at tcof.com.au STYLE 8

It’s high tea but with cheese instead of scones and finger sandwiches! Held at the gorgeous Spring Bluff Railway Station (McCormack Drive, Spring Bluff), celebrity chef Alastair McLeod will be hosting the gourmet grazing event. Enjoy spectacular produce from the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley regions as well as Queensland-based beverages while you take in the beautiful surrounds. Each ticket includes cheese-focused grazing platters, a cocktail on arrival and a two-hour drink package, all for $124. Book either a 9.30am session or 2pm, both on Saturday, September 4.

Four hours, four pubs - this is the creme de la creme for food and beer lovers alike. Start with appetisers at Toowoomba’s new brewery The Brewhouse, followed by entrees at the quirky dog-friendly Bar Wunder. Enjoy your main course served at the Norville Hotel and finish the evening with a delicious dessert at the rooftop bar and bistro George Banks. The tour includes a drink at each pub as well. There are several dates to choose from: lunchtime sessions from 11am to 3.15pm on each Sunday in September, and dinner from 5pm to 9.45pm on Friday, September 17; Saturday, September 18; and Friday, September 24. Tickets are $99 each and can be purchased from tcof.com.au

Events

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Events

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Events

Instudio art trail COLOURS high country Creativity is on show in 10th anniversary of the artistic event

month-long celebration of local artists and crafts people will herald the 10th anniversary of the InStudio Art Trail, held in the picturesque high-country region north of Toowoomba, in August 2021. With more than 35 artists participating across 28 locations, it is sure to be a bumper trail featuring creative individuals from across the region. This free event will see artisans throw open the doors of their home studios and exhibition spaces and welcome the public into their intimate creative spaces to learn their stories, talk about their artistic processes and view some exceptional artwork. This is a self-drive trail spread from Crows Nest in the north to Highfields in the south and offers the opportunity to visit painters, sculptors, mosaicists, photographers, leathercrafters, textile artists, woodworkers, ceramicists, screen printers, glass artisans and more. The drive along the Great Dividing Range, through the hamlets of Ravensbourne, Hampton, Cabarlah and Meringandan will afford not only the

opportunity to visit artists’ studios but will also offer scenic vistas along rural roads as well as quaint and quirky cafes, country pubs or pretty parks to stop at for a bite to eat. Studios and exhibition spaces will be open on all four weekends in August and a digital or hard copy brochure will available to indicate which spaces are open on each weekend. The third weekend, August 21 and 22, will see all 40 artists throw open their doors, including five exciting new feature artists – Jobella Bennett (wire sculpture), Barbara Somervaille (floral watercolours), Tracie Davies (leathercraft), Robyn Croad (watercolours) and Yvonne Ragonesi (mosaics). For more information on the artisans, a studio map and opening dates, take a look at www.crowsnestartsandcrafts.com.au A great place to start the trail is at the Crows Nest Community Arts and Crafts Shop or the Hampton Visitor Information Centre, where you will be able to pick up a map and talk to a friendly local to set you on your way. The InStudio Art Trail is supported with funding from the Crows Nest and Highfields Community Branches of Heritage Bank and the Toowoomba Regional Council’ Events Support Program. Over four big weekends in August: 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29

Feature artists Jobella Bennett Wire Sculpture

Jobella is a local emerging artist living and working out of ‘Wedgetail Winds Studio’ at Groomsville, surrounded by Kurrajong trees, koalas, hens, horses, and the majestic Wedgetail Eagle soaring in the skies above. She gains inspiration from her rural life and the magic of the natural world around her. Jobella creates a relationship with nature through a collection of distinctive wire sculptures, which are scattered throughout Australia in front yards, gardens and shop-front displays. Using chicken wire as her medium, she weaves unique sculptures representing the story of Australian rural life and connection to the land.

Barbara Somervaille Watercolours

Barb is a watercolour artist inspired by her country garden and small flower farm in Ravensbourne. Her work is vibrant, fresh and colourful, reflecting the blooms growing in season. While her paintings tend to be botanical, they capture a loose and impressionistic style, emphasising the joy flowers bring. Barb is surprised by different concepts she follows with some paintings and says it is very special when someone connects with her ideas when purchasing her work. A selection of prints, original watercolours and fresh flowers will be available in her garden during the weekend.

Tracie Davies

Leatherwork Tracey took up leathercraft as a hobby only few years ago, teaching herself the techniques of the craft as she went along. She started with simple objects like key rings and bracelets but soon turned to larger more detailed items creating unique works of art. Her line now includes personalised wallets, handbags and travel bags with intricate detailing, plaiting and images decorating the beautiful leathers. Her online business sees her leather goods sent all over Australia. Tracey will be joined by her niece Makaela who enjoys working in digital art, along with pencil, paint and alcohol inks.

Robyn Croad Watercolour and Mixed Media

A self-taught artist, Robyn has painted in watercolour for 20 years. Her work is sometimes realistic, sometimes expressionistic and she loves the luminosity of the transparent medium. Her latest challenge has been ‘Watercolour Batik’, in which watercolour washes are applied over hot wax on Oriental Paper, which is then removed when the painting is completed. This results in beautiful abstract textures. Robyn’s love of nature is apparent in many of her subjects and her eco-dyed mixed media paintings combine leaves, flowers and fruit with surprising texture unlike anything else. These are often enhanced with ink, coloured pencil and watercolour.

Yvonne Ragonesi Mosaics Mosaic artist Yvonne has been creating unique, bespoke mosaics for 15 years. Five years ago her passion moved from hobby to serious work with a life-changing opportunity to study under master mosaicist Luciana Notturni of Ravenna Italy. Discovering traditional methods, materials and tools and learning the modalities, disciplines and finishing techniques of the ancient art has helped to refine her skill base. Her purpose built studio ‘Shooting Star Mosaics’ provides the freedom to express her original and individual designs in a comfortable working space. Yvonne creates bright, fun and quirky works of art.

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Toowoomba Foundry How many times have you spent frolicking around the Toowoomba CBD, strolling down Ruthven Street for a new find, taking in the views of the historic architecture or catching up for coffee amongst the leafy tree lined streets? It never gets old but venture a little further north, and you’ll find a building etched in our rich history. Standing tall on Ruthven Street, the iconic Toowoomba Foundry building is known not only as one of our most sought-after commercial properties, but also an integral part of our city’s history. The faded red bricks of this pre-war industrial building make it clear the Toowoomba Foundry has long been a part of our story. What started as a bustling manufacturing precinct has now transformed into a cherished mecca for the next commercial space of your dreams. The newly refurbished flagship premises oozes an effortless and unique style that will nourish the soul and encourage you to stop by and discover something different. But first, let’s get the lowdown on where it all started…

Located on 251-267 Ruthven Street is the Heritage listed former Toowoomba Foundry. The company, which was known at the time as Griffith Bros. & Co, originated by the Griffiths Brothers in the 1870’s after Mr. George Washington Griffiths set up an ironmongery and mechanical repairs shop on Ruthven Street. He would then go on to purchase more land on the street along with his brother John Alfred Griffiths for occupancy of the Foundry building. Wool presses, hay and chaff presses, sheep and cattle troughs, steam engines, pumps and windmills were the early production items and were exported to over 60 countries throughout Asia and the wider Pacific in the 1980s. The Toowoomba Foundry famously developed and manufactured the southern cross windmills and is recognised as the first company in Australia to build pumps.

The former railway rolling stock manufacturing company building has recently been reimagined and restored as a contemporary commercial space. Being heritage listed, the new space holds its previous characteristics and architectural design whilst incorporating a subtle yet modern and elegant development with multiple tenancies now available. Local construction companies, Newlands Group and FKG, came on board last year to begin the refurbishment works to return the Toowoomba Foundry to its former glory. Incorporating collections from across the globe, and pieces closer to home, the developers were driven to source exceptional fit-out results to enrich the spaces and set the Toowoomba Foundry up to become a serious style icon of its era. The Toowoomba regional economy is showing consistent growth averaging over 4.8% per annum over the past ten years, far exceeding the Queensland average of 2.4%. The region’s GRP is up, and the economy is as robust and resilient as ever, providing businesses with a platform for sustainable growth. In prepping for accelerated growth in the region, this ‘A’ Grade office accommodation will meet the needs of our expanding and growing businesses, and public-sector organisations making it the perfect all-rounder for your next business headquarters. This stunning piece of heritage architecture is positioned perfectly close to the CBD in an area pinned for future parkland development on the adjacent land to the west, so there is no questioning why the Toowoomba Foundry is one of the CBD’s most adored spots. Located in the Toowoomba Railway Parklands Priority Development Area, it sits proud, ready to embrace itself with the big picture vision of integrating industrial, heritage, residential choices, and valuable urban parklands together into one.

The approximate net lettable areas of the building include the ground floor space of 1,881m², the first floor being 265m² and 49 ongrade car parks. The building provides tenancy sizes that you cannot find in the city from as small as 200m² up to 690m² with the option to be combined. Suitable uses for this space may include but are not limited to office spaces, allied health, a gym, a function venue, and big box retailers. The building is ready for tenancy fit-out with NBN at the ready, three-phase power, 5KPA flooring load rating, and mechanical ventilation to provide the perfect temperature in Toowoomba’s Melbourne style weather. Acoustic comfort is also assured with special glazing finishes, double block walls, and one carpark per 50m². And if you’re worried about outdoor noise echoing through mid-meeting, rest assured every detail has been thought of to have little to no noise penetrate the building for a quiet and undisturbed workplace. This way, you can make sure you don’t leave anything on the table! All future businesses on the lookout for their new premise, will also have external signage opportunities on one of the busiest Streets in Toowoomba and brings the added benefit of being located next door to Bunnings Warehouse, reaching thousands of visitors a day. A building is unique and special only when its style reflects those that work in it, calling for a modern and convenient vibe that channels through every nook of the premise. That’s exactly what the Toowoomba Foundry delivers, and it gives a subtle nod to the excellence of the developers and architect for bringing these spaces to the Toowoomba market. So, in a city that’s as progressive as the design of this precinct, it’s time to get your fit-out plans in place and finally relocate or start the business you’ve always dreamed of into the premier Toowoomba Foundry precinct.

For development enquiries, contact:

For leasing enquiries, contact:

Chris Smith - General Manager, FORM

Chris Stewart - LJ Hooker

Ph. 0467 718 665

Ph. 0451 948 001

Fashion 1. Victoria & Woods Armstrong Jacket $550. 2. Marcs Ready Set Go Jacket $179. 3. Saba Celeste Wool Longline Blazer $449. 4. Cue Checked Cross Back Blazer $465. 5. Sheike Cupid Tweed Blazer $219.

Suit yourself From relaxed pastels to fitted fuchsia, suits saturated with colour are right on trend

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Fashion 6. Sheike Piper Jacket Watermelon $219. 7. David Lawrence Stevie Jacket $129. 8. Bella Frued Twill Wool Jacket $1,499. 9. Germainier Upcycled beaded skirt $707. 10. Tokito Relaxed Longline Blazer $69.95. 11. Tokito Checked Blazer $69.95.

Pair with white leather shoes for a relaxed look

9 8

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Fashion 1

Suit styles this season

Paul Smith Men’s Slim-Fit Burgundy Wool Flannel Check Blazer $1195 Peter Jackson Marzotto Blue and Pink Check $359 Tarocash Blue Sanford Slim Stretch Suit Jacket $129 Taylor & Store Two-piece double breasted suit in dark emerald green $314

● Go full colour: Baby blue or leaf green, the suit doesn’t have to be the epitome of formality in charcoal or navy. Even brown suits have seen a comeback. Pair with a light blue shirt and you’re good to go. ● Team with trainers: Forget brouges, jump on the athleisure bandwagon and team with white leather trainers for a more casual look.

● Enjoy a roomier pant: Trade in the skinny for a more relaxed fit with straight, flat-fronted or with full pleats. ● Just add texture: Mix it up with pinstripes and plaid. A more relaxed fit will offset the traditionally conservative pattern.

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Fashion

On-trend tailoring

2021 sees men’s suits relax – teamed with trainers and not a skinny pant in sight - it’s all about colour and comfort.

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Beauty

Learn tricks of the trade Local beauty entrepeneur launches training academy due to high demand

mid the Covid-19 pandemic, a local entrepreneur has been able to fill a gap in the market and evolve her small business to provide a much sought-after service in Toowoomba. Ellie Burgoyne, owner of beauty salon Luminosa, has opened an education hub for those looking for skincare advice and makeup training in a fun and light-hearted environment. Ellie, who has more than 11 years national experience in the beauty and wellness industry, found with the emergence of events after Covid-19 and the rise of social media, there was an increased demand for people educating themselves in the beauty space. “I have found with increased usage of social media that people are wanting to be camera ready all the time, but don’t necessarily have the budget or time to be booking in for a professional service frequently,” she said. Thus, Luminosa Insider Sessions

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was born, providing the people of the Darling Downs a contemporary learning space to study the tricks of the trade. The space was designed for people of all levels and interests, to cater for those who are looking to evolve their knowledge of beauty. “We help teenagers learn about skincare, beauty enthusiasts who want to learn more in-depth techniques, to our more mature clients who are wanting to update their look after years of the same routine, and transgender male to female clients who want to learn how to apply makeup. We are a safe space for all and understand how important it is to feel empowered by feeling your best,” she said. The business has already sparked interest with many business owners, creating a shift in the usual corporate team building days with many businesses booking in their teams for relevant education. ‘We have already had so much enquiry from businesses in areas such as educating their staff in basic grooming techniques, to even just

providing a fun evening as a reward for their team. Businesses are realising that to attract talent they need to advance and offer social activities that people are actually interested in and can put into practice in their day-to-day,” she said. “From essential skincare routines to colour matching foundation, product choices, application techniques and much more – we want people to walk away feeling confident and understanding which products and colours are right for them. “Learning the tricks of the trade with a glass of wine in hand certainly helps with a good time – it’s certainly not your traditional learning environment!”, she added. Luminosa Insider Sessions are now available to book for both large and small groups and individuals. They cater to corporate groups, schools, social groups, individuals and private parties. For all inquiries contact ellie@luminosalove.com.au or 0400 422 125

Beauty

Top tips for mastering this tricky little look ● Freehand isn’t the answer when it comes to winged eyeliner according to Maybeline – what’s needed here is adhesive tape. Create a stencil by angling the tape from your outer eye corner towards your temples. ● Use a fine-tipped liquid eyeliner. Drag the tip as close to the lashline as possible from the top inner corner of your eye to the outer corner. If you need to, steady your elbow on a flat surface. ● Connect your wing to your lashline in short, steady strokes. The firmer your press, the thicker the line will be. Keep in mind that the thickest point should be the corners of your eyes. ● Once you are done, avoid blinking for 10 to 15 seconds to allow the liner to dry. If you have made a mess, use a pointed and wet cotton bud to remove the liner. ● Slowly remove your tape once the eyeliner has dried.

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455 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba Ph (07) 4632 3166 STYLE 19

Health

Naturopath Nikki Warren has released a new vegan-friendly pre-conception multivitamin to help support sperm health and testosterone levels while promoting a healthy conception. She has these tips to help increase fertility in men

How to boost men’s fertility

Pre-conception plan

It is essential that both partners follow a pre-conception care plan for four months prior to conception. The first month is spent detoxing; the next three months are when the sperm and egg are developing. They are vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies, toxicity and radiation during this time, so it is vital to boost nutrient stores during these three months.

Eat organic food

Toxins are stored in fat in humans and in animals therefore it is prudent to switch to organic meat, eggs and dairy products. It is also important to avoid pesticides as they are known to affect hormone balance and sperm quality. You could grow your own vegetables to avoid these sprays or purchase organic fruit and veg.

Get a water filter

An under-bench water filter is STYLE 20

available from Bunnings. Avoid buying water in plastic bottles and opt for glass bottled water instead. Tap water can contain metals such as copper and plastic contains xenoestrogens which can affect your sperm quality.

Avoid plastic

Choose food contained in glass bottles and jars rather than plastic (e.g. sauces, mayonnaise, beetroot). Plastic can leach xenoestrogens (foreign oestrogens) into the food and can affect hormone balance and sperm quality.

Avoid alcohol

Excessive alcohol intake lowers sperm count and quality and impairs your fertility. Your partner is going to have to give up during pregnancy so giving up with her is the biggest support you can provide to ensure a healthy conception and pregnancy. If

you are currently a heavy drinker, you might find it helpful to reduce the amount you drink to no more than two drinks, no more than twice a week. Then keep reducing the amount every couple of weeks until you’re only having an occasional drink.

Avoid caffeine

Too much caffeine can affect your fertility and sperm quality. Try switching from coffee to tea and drink up to two cups only per day.

Don’t wear tight underwear and avoid hot spas and showers Heat kills sperm so wear boxer shorts instead of snug fitting briefs and avoid hot baths, spas and saunas.

Exercise

Exercise is linked to sperm quality

and it also helps you to reduce stress. Plus the fitter you are, the more stamina you will have when it comes to making babies!

Pre-conception multivitamin

Taking a multivitamin tailored for pre-conception can help boost nutrient stores and may also improve your chance of a successful conception. Certain nutrients assist sperm count, motility and quality including lycopene, CoQ10, vitamins A, C, E and B12, zinc and selenium.

Hormone imbalances If you have low testosterone, a low libido or any other health issues, it may be worth visiting a qualified medical herbalist. Herbal medicine is fantastic at getting to the root cause of your issue and may boost fertility.

Dr Rouzbeh Jahangiri is busy in the Toowoomba community. The general surgeon and endoscopist specializing in minimally invasive surgeries from Surgical & Endoscopy Care Consulting (SECC) has been promoting and raising health awareness for bowel cancer and a variety of other pathologies, while also advocating for women who may be experiencing cultural barriers in accessing typical health services. Dr Jahangiri’s rooms were a hub of creativity and glue guns as the doctor and his team set foot delivering red wooden apples to general practitioners in Toowoomba and surrounding districts as part of the SECC bowel cancer awareness program. As always, the amazing GPs embraced the campaign and got behind bowel cancer awareness week, displaying the red apples to encourage the conversation with patients who may be sitting on warning signs and needing a little prompting to raise their concerns. Early detection is vital, so there has never been a better time to raise concerns than now. Dr Jahangiri is passionate about early detection and treatment of bowel cancer and offers no-gap endoscopic procedures to qualifying insured patients and competitive rates to self-funded patients. Your general practitioner is the primary health advisor and, if required, will refer patients to their preferred colonoscopy provider. Dr Jahangiri is accepting new patients and has a colonoscopy recall list that supports his existing patients with reminders. Prospective patients who have had previous colonoscopies can contact the friendly SECC staff if they would like to receive a recall notification. In other news, Dr Jahangiri has voluntarily initiated a chaperoned service for female patients requiring a physical examination. When Dr Rouzbeh was approached by the practice manager to initiate such a service he was extremely supportive, asking how they could make it happen. “Imagine the number of women’s lives this could potentially improve if we remove this barrier," he said. Dr Jahangiri will hold a stall at the Women's Health Exhibition (WHE) in September, which is the Darling Downs' flagship event for women's health.

The WHE is a showcase of services available for women's health across the region, of which Surgical & Endoscopy Care Consulting is proud to be a part of in 2021. Further improvements to our services, specifically to support inclusion, is aimed at neurodiversity with the introduction of a calm hour. Fortnightly, by request, background music will be switched off and day-to-day noise - such as phone volumes - will be reduced to make a more comfortable space for patients who experience noise sensitivity. Other exciting health awareness activities in the future are planned on the SECC Facebook page, such as productions of brief yet informative videos covering general surgical and endoscopic topics to educate patients about their upcoming surgery and recovery. Like and follow Dr Jahangiri on Facebook to receive these future updates titled “On the couch with Dr Rouzbeh Jahangiri”. Dr Jahangiri is known for his caring approach and his rooms reflect this from the moment the patient enters the room. Tea and coffee is served in a relaxed, home-like environment. Experience the difference at Surgical & Endoscopy Care Consulting. One of the friendly staff look forward to welcoming you soon.

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• Type 1 Diabetes • Type 2 Diabetes • Pre-Diabetes • Insulin Pump Therapy • Gestational Diabetes • Continuous Glucose Monitoring Our Team Consists of Credentialled Diabetes Educators, Dietitians and Podiatrists This includes services of a dietitian offering services for those living with health conditions that would benefit from nutrition therapy and a Podiatry service which focuses on diagnoses, treatment and rehabilitation, lower limb and other feet issues.

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Health

Grey today, gone tomorrow Stress can make your hair turn grey and it’s reversible, writes Sophie Hanson

he adage of stress turning your hair grey may ring true scientifically, but new research suggests it can be

reversed. 2020 might be the year of the Grey Hair. We’ve collectively experienced more stress as a modern species than, perhaps, ever in the past year and a half, and if you’ve noticed a few extra pale strands atop your crown, you’re not alone. Stress has indeed been shown to increase premature ageing by affecting the stem cells responsible for regenerating hair pigment, but until now it was thought the damage caused was permanent.

A newer study by researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons has produced the first qualitative evidence stress does cause your hair to turn prematurely grey, but it can go back to its original colour. “Understanding the mechanisms that allow ‘old’ gray hairs to return to their ‘young’ pigmented states could yield new clues about the malleability of human aging in general and how it is influenced by stress,” Dr Martin Picard, associate professor of Behavioural Medicine at Columbia University, said. Scientists examined a small group of 14 participants who were asked to rate their stress each week in a ‘stress diary’ and compared this with the colour data from their hair. Strong correlations were drawn between greying and stressful periods, though the shifts in hair colour were often subtle. “If you use your eyes to look at a hair, it will seem like it’s the same colour throughout unless there is a

major transition,” Picard said. “Under a high-resolution scanner, you see small, subtle variations in colour, and that’s what we’re measuring.” What struck researchers most was when one participant went on holiday, five hairs on their head “reverted back to dark during that vacation, synchronised in time”. A previous study from 2020 showed stress-related greying in mice was irreversible as it was caused by the loss of stem cells in hair follicles. “Contrary to mice where this process appears to be irreversible at the single hair follicle level, our data demonstrates that human hair greying is, at least under some circumstances, reversible,” the study said. It doesn’t mean all human greying is reversible, though. “Based on our mathematical modeling, we think hair needs to reach a threshold before it turns grey,” Picard said. “In middle age, when the hair is

near that threshold because of biological age and other factors, stress will push it over the threshold, and it transitions to grey.” He adds: “But we don’t think that reducing stress in a 70-year-old who’s been grey for years will darken their hair or increasing stress in a 10-yearold will be enough to tip their hair over the grey threshold.”

What Do We Treat?

● Varicose Veins and Venous Ulcers ● Vein Recurrence Post Surgery ● Spider Veins

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● Modern non-surgical techniques. ● Minimal discomfort during procedures. ● No post-operative downtime. ● Personalised treatment plans with no hidden costs. ● Treatments available in Toowoomba and Brisbane. ● Experienced in offering full aftercare to rural and remote patients. ● Ultrasound examination included at initial consultation. ● Dr Kemp is a Phlebologist - we only treats leg veins.

Lady aged 46 years with varicose veins in the left leg. Cause is great saphenous vein reﬂux. Treatment: Endovenous laser ablation and Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy - Appearance at six months.

Phone: 3720 9912

Email: info@thelegveindoctor.com Website: www.thelegveindoctor.com STYLE 23

Health

The experts here to help Gidget Foundation Australia program supports expectant and new parents in Toowoomba

xpectant and new parents experiencing, or at risk of, perinatal depression, anxiety or stress-related disorders can access GP-referred, free psychological counselling sessions at Gidget House at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Toowoomba. This is the only Gidget House service within Queensland. Both mums and dads are able access the Gidget House service, and the feedback has been nothing but positive. Between 50-80 parents access the service at St Vincent’s Toowoomba each month. Perinatal depression and anxiety is more common than you would think, with one in five mothers and 1 in 10 fathers affected; 100,000 Australians experience PNDA each year, making it clear that mental health is an important issue. Gidget Foundation Australia CEO, Arabella Gibson said, “we all know the saying it takes a village to raise a child and we want to ensure we are a community that is able to support parents. Mental health can be a complex and delicate issue among new parents, and this can make it hard to speak out. It is critical that we are able to reach as many vulnerable families in need as possible. Year to date, we’ve increased our service provision by 122% to meet the needs of the Australian community”. Gidget Foundation Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that provides programs to support the

emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents. Gidget was the nickname of a vibrant young mother who tragically took her own life while experiencing unrecognised postnatal depression. In her honour, her family and friends created Gidget Foundation Australia, which evokes Gidget’s warmth and lively spirit. In addition to its Gidget House service, Gidget Foundation has a number of programs to support parents. These programs are offered face-to-face or via telehealth and include Emotional Wellbeing Screening program, return to work program for parents transitioning back into the workforce and Facebook

‘virtual village’ peer-support groups. The service has assisted countless parents since its inception at St Vincent’s Toowoomba in late 2019, and is available from conception to 12 months post birth. With a referral from a GP and a mental health care plan, a minimum of ten individual consultations with a specialist clinician are offered each calendar year. The service is fully funded by Gidget Foundation Australia in partnership with Medicare’s Better Access Initiative. St Vincent’s Hospital also offers a multi-disciplinary, specialist inpatient service for families who require support and guidance with

parenting. The Baby and Parent Support Service (BAPSS) is delivered by trained St Vincent’s paediatric nurses, and offers education on sleep, breastfeeding and nutrition. Fees apply for this service. Gidget House is located within St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba, Scott St, Entrance 1. Online and telehealth programs are also accessible to anyone in Queensland. For more information you can visit gidgetfoundation.org.au or speak to your GP. For more information about the BAPSS program visit svpht.org.au

Having a baby is one of life’s most precious moments. Choose your Obstetrician Doctor led care pre-natal to post-natal Partners are welcome to stay overnight Have your own private, ensuited room Choose from the gourmet room service menu

07 4690 4000 www.svpht.org.au STYLE 24

health

Supporting mothers

ith the ongoing saga around Covid-19 and lockdowns having an impact (albeit a small one in the Darling Downs), many women are still finding it tough during the post-birth period. My Midwives’ expansion into their new practice space at 29 Hill St offers a chance for women to have extended postnatal visits and to once again gather in mothers’ groups and educational sessions. “Women have found the last year very difficult” My Midwives managing director Liz Wilkes said. “After birth is one of the periods of

highest mental health challenge for families. The statistics are staggering – with one woman in five experiencing some form of postnatal mental health challenge. “Many women struggle to get postnatal care once they leave the hospital, and this needs to change.” My Midwives offers women the ability to access care from a known midwife as often as needed for up to six weeks after birth. “We recognise there is a gap between when women leave the hospital and when they possibly have a six-week check with their obstetrician or child health.

“GPs in Toowoomba are simply amazing, but many women need more – they need home visits and the ability to have a more extended period than a GP can schedule. “At My Midwives, women can stay in the clinic during the day to have a midwife observe several feeds or to spend time and check in on physical and mental health issues.” Postnatally women find peersupport invaluable – but it has to be the right sort of peer support. “We find that different groups suit different people.” Liz said. “Some women prefer a chat, some prefer a more formal education

session, and some women like the life-changing elements of mothering. “In Toowoomba we have the luxury of having different options so that nearly any woman can find a village. It is critical that you feel supported and not judged in these spaces, and that is why our midwives are involved at every step of the way, guiding, and supporting the space.” With Covid-19, the growth of online education and forums has both helped and hindered. “You cannot replace face-to-face contact, but online education is a great place to get some of the basics,” Liz said.

NEW ONLINE COURSES

Prepare now for the birth and care of your new baby These online classes will help you, your partner and your family prepare practical, trustworthy and valuable strategies for birth and beyond. They will also help you choose the birthing options that best fit your personal beliefs and desires.

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 25

Health

A true life saver T

he St Andrew’s Rapid Access Heart Centre provides the Darling Downs, Granite Belt, Lockyer Valley, and parts of eastern and northern NSW and surrounds with urgent and emergency cardiac care 24/7, along with access to both a state-of-the-art cardiac catheter as well as a Hybrid Special Theatre. Patients who are experiencing chest pain, chest tightness, palpitations, pressure, or shortness of breath can present to the Rapid Access Heart Centre via Queensland Ambulance Service or as a walk-in with or without a referral. The Rapid Access Heart Centre provides life-saving emergency cardiac services including fast diagnostic procedures, stents for blocked arteries and insertion of cardiac devices and is supported by St Andrew’s intensive care unit, cardiac medical unit and dedicated cardiac catheter laboratory. The service is delivered in partnership with a team of onsite

medical officers and interventional cardiologists, with general medical and surgical resources also available. If you are experiencing chest pain

or discomfort, ring 000 immediately and request the Ambulance to bring you to St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital.

“Our people do amazing things”

Dr Pradeep Narayanan performs a diagnostic angiogram in the cardiac catheter in the The St Andrew’s Rapid Access Heart Centre.

One less pain. Now more than 680 FREE car parking spaces. Services Supported By…

Specialist Medical & Surgical Services…

• MEDICAL Cardiology, Rheumatology, Medical Oncology, Respiratory Medicine, Clinical Haematology, Internal Medicine, General Practice, Psychiatry, Renal, Palliative Care, Neurology • SURGICAL Orthopaedic, Plastic & Reconstruction, Vascular, Gynaecology, Endoscopy/ Gastroenterology, Urology, General Surgery, Dental Oral & Maxillofacial, Ophthalmology, Neurosurgery, ENT Surgery, Paediatric Surgery

• 7 Operating Theatres • Robotic Surgery • Rapid Access Heart Centre • Cardiac Catheter Vascular Laboratory • Intensive Care Unit • Palliative Care • Renal Dialysis Unit • Diabetes Clinic • Radiotherapy Services • Cardiac Rehabilitation • Cardiac Medicine Unit

Diagnostic Services Available Onsite

• Radiology • PET/CT, MRI & Nuclear Medicine • Diagnostic Breast Clinic • Pathology Services • Sleep Studies Unit

280 North Street, Toowoomba (PO Box 263) Phone (07) 4646 3000 To find out more about the services available, visit: www.sath.org.au STYLE 26

Health

Is loneliness good for you?

We are living in an epidemic of loneliness, according to modern research and statistics. But is there a positive to this? Katherine Brabon, author of the new novel The Shut Ins, makes the case for embracing loneliness

I’

m used to spending a lot of time alone. As a writer, hours alone working or thinking are something I enjoy. Yet the specific state of loneliness is something I’ve felt a few times in my life, and it’s very different to the quiet calm of solitude. When I was diagnosed with a chronic illness at 21, I looked out on my small world and felt separated from everybody else. I wasn’t physically isolated, but I felt lonely. Over ten years later, as I started writing my second book, I looked back on this time and saw it in new ways. This experience felt like knowledge; almost a tool to use in my writing. I have used the experience as a source of empathy and creativity. Loneliness is a growing problem. One in two Australians experience an episode of loneliness at least once a week, according to a 2018 study by the

Men’s HealthProgramChangingSaving Lives Fund Raising Appeal 2021 CEDAR Centre is extremely excited to announce the commencement of our Men’s Health & Advocacy Program – Changing Lives, Saving Lives. This is a brand-new service to the Toowoomba region and beyond, from Stanthorpe to Goondiwindi to the Lockyer Valley.

This Community Group is open to all males from all nationalities & backgrounds

Australian Psychological Society. Loneliness is both an emotion and a physiological state. Clinical psychologist Michelle H. Lim describes loneliness as “a negative emotional state experienced when there is a difference between the relationships one wishes to have and those one perceives one has”. We do not have to be alone to be lonely. Research by John Cacioppo, who worked at the University of Chicago before he died in 2018, expanded our understanding of the physiology of loneliness. Our bodies do all kinds of things when we think we are alone: our sleep quality is worse, our nervous system produces feelings of anxiety, the wound-healing and infection-fighting parts of our immune system activate, increasing our inflammatory response, our blood pressure elevates. The way many of us live

exacerbates the potential for loneliness; the gig economy, urban living, less walkable suburban environments, not to mention working from home. Social media can be a culprit or cure: it can forge new connections or, used as a passive substitute for real-life interactions. At 21, newly-diagnosed with a chronic illness, I felt unknown to myself and others, and out of step with the world. One day, my sister sent me a blog article written by a young woman in New York. She was writing about her experience of having the same illness. We were the same age; the symptoms, the thoughts, the sense of disconnection she described, were so familiar to me. I wrote to her, she wrote back and gradually, through our emails, we disclosed the loneliness we often felt. Eleven years later, she’s one of my closest friends.

Loneliness is real, for both our bodies and minds, yet it’s also tied to our perception—and perhaps this means we can ease and address the spread of loneliness, just by voicing its existence.

How You can Help CEDAR Centre is seeking donations to support us to deliver this service to Toowoomba and surrounds. • All donations are 100% tax deductible. • Your donation could Change a Live or Save a Life. For more Information, please contact us: Phone: 07 4512 6770 Email: info@cedarcentre.com.au Website: www.cedarcentretoowoomba.com Or donate online: donorbox.org/ cedar-centre-men-s-healthprogramchanging-saving-lives

Holistic continuative care in all areas of Women’s Health including Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Physiotherapy.

Caring for women through all stages of their life’s journey.

Dr David Chettle & Dr Matthew Stinson

Dr David Chettle and Dr Matthew Stinson Find us on Facebook or call our office for an appointment. P: (07) 4688 5533 www.evolvewomenshealth.com.au St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Toowoomba STYLE 27

Weddings

Marketa & Joel This Brisbane couple wed in a fairytale garden setting in Toowoomba

arketa and Joel had decided on a wedding venue, but with Covid-19 forcing them to postpone the ceremony twice and Marketa’s father unwell, the couple decided to marry in a private ceremony in August, before settling on a destination wedding at Gabbinbar Homestead in January. “We wanted a destination wedding,” Marketa said. “We traveled far and wide to do our research and we were more inclined to have a forest setting rather than the beach. “Most of our guests were from interstate and we wanted to show them there is more to Queensland than beaches. We looked at multiple sites across the Gold Coast and Brisbane, and we were swaying towards the Sunshine Coast hinterland, but when we arrived in Toowoomba and saw Gabbinbar we just knew it was the place. It was perfect! “The venue itself is stunning, the food options are vast and everything we wanted was approached with flexibility and tailored to our needs. We found a lot of other venues with different restrictions and no flexibility. It genuinely was a fairytale location.

The couple created an itinerary for their 80 guests of things to do in Toowoomba and the region. “We really wanted everyone to enjoy not only the wedding but also their holiday.” The couple met at university and Joel proposed to Marketa on top of Mt Butur in Bali.

“It was a late-night marketing class; the last place you’d think you’d meet your future husband. He seemed nice but was more of a joker than an academic,” Marketa said. “We were put together in group project where I had to pick up his slack! I still bring it up today just to mess with him. Over the next few years our paths kept crossing and our friendship grew. It did help he was very cute and most importantly funny. “Bearing in mind we are not the most conventional couple, with a larger than most age gap, so we initially didn’t think it would ever work. However, love has a funny way of working things out.” The ceremony on January 15 was stunning. Marketa wore an Anna Campbell dress with the groom and groomsmen in Institchu Brisbane and Melbourne. Most importantly, the couple were able to involve Marketa’s father in the day, who lost his battle with cancer in March. “My dad’s health up to this point was okay. He made it through the day, and I even got to dance with him. He was an important element of the day and I am very thankful to have those memories and we were able to have that wedding.”

This Brisbane couple wed in a fairytale garden setting at Gabbinbar Homestead in Toowoomba. Photos by Willidea STYLE 29

Food

GRAYS

Beef stroganoff soup A classic makeover you can now enjoy beef stroganoff as a soup Serves 6, Prep time 15mins, Cooking time 2hours

INGREDIENTS ● 3 cups chicken stock ● ½ x 20g packet dried porcini mushrooms ● 700g piece beef topside roast ● 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil ● 2 brown onions, thinly sliced ● 3 sprigs fresh thyme ● 1 dried bay leaf ● 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped ● 250g button mushrooms, thickly sliced ● 250g fusilli avellinesi pasta, or any other short pasta ● ½ cup thickened cream ● Roughly chopped fresh chives, to serve METHOD 1 Bring stock and 3 cups water to the boil in a

STYLE 30

DERN MEATS

GRAY’S MODERN MEATS - THE SAUSAGE KING ADDRESS: 107 TAYLOR ST, NEWTOWN WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THESAUSAGEKINGTOOWOOMBA 07 4528 2271

medium saucepan over high heat. Add porcini. Set aside. 2 Meanwhile, season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add beef. Cook, turning, for 8 minutes or until well browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate. Carefully wipe pan clean with paper towel. 3 Heat 2 tablespoons remaining oil in pan over high heat. Add onion, thyme and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 minutes or until softened. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic. Cook for 4 minutes or until well browned. Strain stock mixture into pan with beef. To ensure beef cooks evenly, make sure it is

immersed in stock mixture. If the roast is too big, simply cut it in half. Roughly chop porcini. Add to pan. Bring to the boil. Cover. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 1 hour 30 minutes or until beef is tender. 4 Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add button mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until golden. 5 Using tongs, transfer beef to a board. Using 2 forks, shred meat. Remove and discard herbs. Return beef to pan. Bring to the boil. Add button mushrooms and pasta. Boil, partially covered, for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Add cream. Stir to combine. Serve soup sprinkled with chives.

TOOWOOMBA’S VERY OWN COOKIE MONSTER What initially started as a hobby has turned into a full time business for Lisa Seydel creating unique and personalised cookie sets which are sent all around Australia and even to the UK. “I literally fell into cookie decorating around 2 years ago. Attending a couple of decorating classes, I thought this would be fun! I always enjoyed baking when my children were growing up and cookie decorating was a natural progression. I had started decorating for friends and family only, and soon realised there was an untapped market out there for unique, custom and personalised iced cookie sets. I registered my home kitchen with the city council and by the end of 2019 I had hit the road running. Business boomed during 2020 and it has not slowed since, booking out months ahead. I can’t believe I get to wake up every day and do work I absolutely love. Creating different sets every single day and seeing the customers reactions when they see their own unique set that I have lovingly spent hours on. My passion lies in iced cookie sets from birthdays, hen’s parties, engagements, weddings, and baby showers. Virtually anything can be put onto a cookie! Every set is unique and personalised. Edible image logo cookies have been a big hit this year with close to 1200 created so far”. Lisa’s cookies are baked from scratch with quality ingredients. Vegan and Gluten Free options are also available. Cookie decorating workshops in Toowoomba have been a great hit over the past 12 months. Everything is supplied and you just turn up, decorate cookies, have lots of fun and eat the cookies at the end! Training other cookie decorators is on the cards for Cookie D’licious in 2022! The next large, planned event is Father’s Day. I have created unique “Family Portrait”, “Scotch Lover Dad” as well as a set for the one’s who love a sense of humour. You can connect with Lisa on her socials @cookiedlicious or scan the barcode to be the first to pre-order your Father’s Day set before they sell out.

Food

Keralan fish curry This dish offers mild South Indian spice with a sour kick of tamarind Serves 4, Prep time 20mins, Cooking time 25mins INGREDIENTS ● 2 tbsp sunflower oil ● 2 tsp panch phoran (Indian spice mix) (see note) ● 20 fresh curry leaves (see note) ● 2 onions, thinly sliced ● 2 tsp ground turmeric ● 1 cinnamon quill ● 2 long red chillies, seeds removed, finely chopped ● 4cm piece ginger, finely grated ● 2 tsp ground cumin ● 1kg firm white fish fillets (such as ling) cut into 4cm cubes ● 400ml coconut milk ● 400g can chopped tomatoes ● 2 tsp tamarind puree (see note) ● 1 tsp caster sugar ● Steamed Basmati rice, to serve ● Coriander leaves, to serve ● Lime wedges, to serve METHOD 1 Heat the sunflower oil in a large frypan over medium heat. Add the panch phoran and curry leaves, then cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 5-6 minutes until soft, then add the turmeric, cinnamon, chilli, ginger and cumin, then cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant. 2 Add the fish, stirring gently to coat in the mixture, then add coconut milk, chopped tomato and 1/2 cup (125ml) water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the fish is just cooked. Stir through the tamarind puree and caster sugar, then season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. 3 Divide the fish curry among bowls of steamed rice. Top with coriander leaves and serve with lime wedges. RECIPE NOTES Panch phoran is a spice mix available from Indian food shops and Herbie’s Spices. Fresh curry leaves and tamarind puree are from Asian food shops and selected greengrocers.

Relax & Unwind at the

Picturesque Park House Cafe CHECK OUT OUR MENU

Park House Café offers a variety of delicious meals for breakfast and lunch to suit all tastes, and at night, you can enjoy a more intimate atmosphere for a memorable dining experience.

www.parkhousecafe.com.au | Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ~ 7 Days ~ 92 Margaret St, Toowoomba • Phone: 4638 2211 • info@parkhousecafe.com.au

STYLE 32

Food

French apple cake This cake is wonderfully moist and a great way to use some seasonal apples. Traditionally this style of apple cake contains rum, but we’ve used milk instead – feel free to swap Serves 8, Prep time 15mins, Cooking time 40mins INGREDIENTS ● 150g (1 cup) plain flour ● 1 tsp baking powder ● 125g butter, at room temperature, chopped ● 100g (½ cup) caster sugar ● 2 eggs ● 1 tsp vanilla extract ● 60ml (¼ cup) milk ● 3 large pink lady apples, peeled, cut into 2-3cm pieces ● Icing sugar, to dust METHOD 1 Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced. Grease a 21cm springform pan and line the base with baking paper.

2 Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl. Use electric beaters to beat the butter and sugar in a separate bowl until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.

mixture, then fold through the apple. Transfer to prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Set aside in the pan for 10 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

3 Fold the flour mixture and milk into the butter

4 Serve the cake dusted with icing sugar.

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*Autumn Winter Sofa Event promotional offers valid from 6/04/21 to 17/05/21. See full terms and conditions in-store or at freedom.com.au/terms-and-conditions. 50 Months Interest Free for approved customers only. Conditions, fees and charges apply. See in-store for details. Credit provided by Latitude Finance Australia (ABN 42 008 583 588), Australian Credit License number 392145.

Our decorator service team can assist in store, or visit your home and help you find fresh inspiring ways to make the most of your space - as well as your budget. At just $150 for an in-home consultation, redeemable on purchases over $3000, it’s affordable expert advice that’s all about you. - Stuart & Nadine

677-681 677-681 Ruthven St St BUY IN STORE OR ONLINE 677-681 677-681 Ruthven RuthvenRuthven St St www.freedom.com.au @StellarossaBernothCentre @StellarossaBernothCentre @StellarossaBernothCentre (Cnr (Cnr Ruthven Ruthven & & Perth Perth St) St) @StellarossaBernothCentre (Cnr (Cnr Ruthven Ruthven && Perth Perth St) St) PERTH ST. ENTRY

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STYLE 33

Business

Is social impact the new vogue? Catering People CEO Carmel Tulloch says there’s a secret to survival in one of the toughest industries hit by the pandemic - a heartfelt commitment to a cause

legant, quick to respond to problems and tough, under it all Carmel Tulloch’s giving and philanthropy is what drives her success. The CEO has maintained Catering People (recently rebranded from CCP | Your Catering People), in its position as one of Toowoomba’s Top 3 Caterers for years now, and last year added the accolade of Preferred Wedding Caterer to the company’s list of achievements. When you look at the Queenslander’s track record, Carmel’s worked for some of Queensland’s biggest hitters, travelled internationally representing Queensland business, and went out on her own when she’d already turned 50. By the time she opened her first business she’d been working in the industry for more than 30 years. “I’d wanted to start up my own company for years but fear held me back. I love business, but it was a huge step all those years ago for a woman to say I want to do this myself,” she says. While things are changing, the idea of a woman founding a corporate catering operation was not common when she started up, and some of her fears were true. The challenges came in thick. Opening OLAH Coffee Cafe in 2007 on Hume Street, a cafe which aimed to help recent migrants and those less fortunate to gain employment in an industry that suffers from a critical skills shortage, she saw that her corporate experience was better suited to larger settings. Carmel went on to establish Catering People - for more than seven years managing the refectory, food court and uni bar at the University of Southern Qld, while growing a corporate catering service that wowed up to 600 seated diners on-campus or at their own location. Social impact employment was an ongoing mission of Carmel’s. Not only recent migrants, but people with disabilities, refugees, older workers, indigenous workers, and long-term unemployed people all found opportunities from Carmel’s STYLE 34

hard work in finding them safe, sustainable work. “I’d seen from my many years in the industry that marginalised communities were not being integrated effectively, despite how important they are to hospitality success,” Carmel said. “We need inclusive employment or we won’t see the industry thrive.” This mission was underappreciated and often openly mocked, with racist slurs coming in for her service staff in the form of reviews and negative feedback that Carmel said were lacking compassion for the uniquely-abled staff who worked with her. When Covid-19 hit, Catering People had already endured many crises that a lot of companies just could not survive - the bushfires cancelling months-worth of catering, a dishonest management misstep which caused a superannuation and PR crisis costing Catering People thousands of dollars, followed by timeintensive tax and health and safety audits that made it difficult to focus on winning back business. But facing these once-in-a-lifetime crises makes a leader.

Carmel and Adam from Catering People, and below, some of the award-winning team.

“Sometimes you do feel you’re being targeted because people don’t like that a woman is the CEO, or that we do things differently, but some of these things are just horrible incidents that could happen to any company,” she said. But now social impact is in vogue and it’s time to learn from this resilient business leader. Toowoomba is seeing an exciting upward trend in business for good and Carmel wants to give back now by helping future social entrepreneurial business leaders. When Covid-19 hit, Catering People was in the process of recovering and bouncing back strongly. Carmel had steered the ship from the brink of disaster so many times that the next one came the biggest one yet – and the reason to keep going was as clear as day. “I’d staked my entire reputation, suffered ongoing criticism and losses because of it, but my values are mine – nothing could take that away,” she said. When the option to close the doors or keep going came around she wasn’t just thinking about Catering People or Carmel Tulloch, she was thinking about all the people she’s helped and continues to help, and what would happen to them if she gave up. This special combination of business acumen and genuine heart-led social impact is becoming increasingly important in the business world. It resonates with consumers, and she’s seeing that since holding on and through multiple pivots, the people of Toowoomba are responding. She’s just been licensed as a Social Traders company, a badge that Catering People wears with honour. “We established a little drive thru and delivery cafe called Hop Thru Cafe on James Street to keep us ticking over throughout the lockdowns when corporate catering couldn’t continue, and we’re seeing a steady flow of appreciative customers coming through.” she said. Carmel’s team is now growing again, people are re-booking their Catering People events. On a personal level, as if not enough, Carmel went through treatment for breast cancer in July last year. And she continued to give to a social venture she supports in Cambodia, Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel, where the situation from Covid-19 is shocking malnutrition is at 20% and poverty level (people living on less than $1.90 a day) is even higher. Carmel is doing what she can to keep people working at the hotel until tourism returns. But here in Australia, she’s focused on building back stronger. “Without strong values, family, friends, and a community who supports us, we would have gone under. Thank you to you all!”

Food

Evolving with the times Popular Chinese restaurant Qi’lin has delighted visitors and residents of Toowoomba for more than 12 years with their award-winning cuisine

nnette Chueng and chef Stanley Poon from Qi’lin continue to offer locals and visitors new ordering options and an extensive menu that caters to everyone’s tastes. Winning Best Chinese Restaurant in Queensland six years in a row, and a People’s Choice Award for Best Chinese Restaurant in South East Queensland in 2020, Annette said it’s not just the exceptional quality of the food that sets Qi’lin apart. “We have a range of dishes. In fact, we have 139 dishes on our takeaway menu alone, and the largest range of flavours of fried rice in the city,” Annette said. “So we are very popular with families because everyone is happy. The adults can enjoy a spicy laksa while the younger ones have the honey chicken or sweet and sour pork.” Annette said Covid-19 changed the way the restaurant operated with clientele relying on takeaway to get their Qi’lin fix. It continues to be the most popular option. Food and beverages can be ordered online or through the Qi’lin app, offering both takeaway and home delivery options. “Our business relies very much on takeaway since lockdowns and other restrictions have been in place. I think this is a good change – if it makes people feel happy and safe enjoying our food at home. “During this past year we have had

... we are very popular with families because everyone is happy

our loyal customers and friends support us through these difficult times and we are very grateful and want to say thank you. It’s been a difficult time but.”

Crispy walnut chicken with strawberry liqueur sauce (top) and Qi’lin BBQ pork ribs. STYLE 35

Food Jeff and Karen Schultheiss and their children.

They’re smoking hot The Schultheiss’ love of feeding people has turned into a new family business

eff and Karen love food and are keen to offer good food done well to the many people who share their passion for wholesome, real, delicious foods with their range of smoked goods. Their new business Darling Fresh Smoke Haus offers families and businesses a range of delicious smoked meats, as well as plant-based options, vacuum-packed and ready to serve in under ten minutes. Jeff Schultheiss grew up with a love of food, helping his dad in the family food company on weekends and in school holidays. Born in Switzerland and raised in his family’s food processing plant in Sydney, he completed a food tech degree in 2000, did some cool stuff for Darrell Lea Chocolates and Arnotts Biscuits in Brisbane. In 2005, Jeff returned to the family food business in Sydney, helping build the team and its growth trajectory. He then moved to Toowoomba, making ice-creams and ready to eat STYLE 36

Both being food techs, we’re big on delivering products that are wholesome and natural Port belly bits Asian salad from Smoke Haus. salads, until 2019 when he started Darling Fresh Consulting to help deliver capability improvements to the Australian food and ag industry. Darling Fresh Smoke Haus was conceived when a friend of Jeff’s brought in a plate of his smoked products, in that moment their lives were forever changed. He ordered a smoker, and from that time on has been working towards bringing that delicious smoked goodness to as many people as possible.

“Both being food techs, we’re big on delivering products that are wholesome and natural. We don’t need colours, flavours or preservatives to make things work or taste good,” Jeff said. Darling Fresh Smoke Haus goods are available at Deli Delicious, Toowoomba Fresh, Central Heath Foods and SPAR Mackenzie Row in East Toowoomba. Delivery is also available.

Pictures: Foodie Shots

Food

Full of flavour

Iconic restaurant El Attar Middle Eastern Grill has been sharing the taste of Egypt for over eight years

wners Ramadan and Linda El Attar have developed a loyal following of regular customers and they have fine-tuned the menu, service, and ambience to suit. Offering authentic traditional Middle Eastern home-style cooking which includes Turkish, Iranian, Lebanese and Egyptian cuisine, Ramadan creates all his own spice mixes and marinades from scratch. Most grilled meats are marinated for 24 hours prior to cooking and everything is cooked fresh to order. And this month the El Attar team are bringing some new dishes to their already extensive menu. “We have made changes to the

layout of the kitchen and restaurant which allows us to make a wider variety of dishes,” Ramadan said. “We have a new charcoal grill that gives our grilled meats a more intense smoky flavour, an Egyptian oven that makes wood fired pizzas, our own flatbread and hawawshi (Egyptian style stuffed pita), and on our last trip to Egypt we had authentic clay tagines made for our restaurant which allows us to cook Egyptian style tagines in the traditional way.” The inclusion of a number of prawn dishes, either charcoal grilled, in tagines or on pizzas (with a traditional za’atar spice base) promises to be full of flavour. The El Attar burger and Macoroni

Bechamel- which is a popular Egyptian street food - with tender chunks of meat or a gooey cheese sauce are also welcome additions. For the sweet tooth there are a number of new desserts including a vegan baklava, basboussa and coconut basboussa and ghorayeba (Egyptian shortbread). “We also have regular baklava, chocolate baklava, and Om Amina our take on the famous middle eastern dessert Om Ali - buttery folds of pastry with a sweet creamy sauce and crunchy nuts, Egyptian rice pudding and mahallabia (milk pudding).” El Attar is BYO. Many Middle Eastern dishes are flavourful (not necessarily hot) so choose a refreshing wine such as a Rosé-style or Sauvignon Blanc. Ramadan’s own blend of Egyptian tea and fragrant Hibiscus tea are a perfect finish to a very healthy meal. “We use quality and fresh ingredients and all of our food is made from the heart. We are doing what we love – sharing a little taste of Egypt with our customers,”

We are doing what we love – sharing a little taste of Egypt with our customers STYLE 37

TOOWOOMBA SHADE AND CANVAS FOR YOUR OUTDOOR BLINDS AND AWNING SOLUTIONS PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & OPERATED At Toowoomba Shade and Canvas, we have the expertise, knowledge and professionalism to help you with External Blinds and Awnings. We can also help you with Tonneaus, Canopies, Boat covers, Caravan Annexes, Swags, Bags, Repairs, Alterations and more, all custom made to your requirements right here in our fully equipped workshop. We can achieve these and much more with a range of materials with varying durability, transparency and texture, for example, Mesh is great for providing privacy and shade, where PVC is fantastic for visibility and rain protection. Canvas is ideal for a total block out. Our team can help with solutions to prevent those pesky birds leaving a mess on your patio. We can also help with keeping family and friends comfortable while entertaining in the middle of winter or summer and even blocking that wind all year round, so you can enjoy watching the footy with a beer on your deck. We can offer more than just the one system as we like to give you a choice. We welcome you, to visit us today at our showroom for a demonstration. Come and talk with us or call for a quote – 4633 1338

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business

Get your ducks in a row writes Ros Burton Principal - The Real Estate People

ave you applied for a rental property and been turned down? Pretty frustrating, isn’t it? The current rental crisis in Queensland is very concerning. So many good people are missing out on properties to rent (houses and units) because there’s simply not enough to go around. Here in Toowoomba, we can have 20, 30, 50 applicants for the one property and, as you can appreciate, there can only be one “winner”. Many who miss out then shift their attention to the NEXT available property and the cycle repeats. It must be so disheartening and I really feel for them, because I know what it’s like. I grew up in a country town, and

secured my initial rental property first attempt (no references, no background check) because I knew the local real estate agent … and I knew the lady whose house it was. Easy as. Fast forward five years and I moved to Brisbane for work. I attended a unit inspection with the same country naivety that I would

simply say hi, sign a form and have the keys handed to me. It doesn’t work that way - especially when properties are so highly sought after (as they are in this current market). Understandably, I got turned away and missed out on a great unit, but I learnt my lesson very quickly. Come the next open house, I had

everything the property manager could want all sitting in a manila folder ready to hand over on the spot. That simple preparation - born from my disappointment - was the edge I needed. And I encourage everyone to do it. Be sure to “get your ducks in a row”... it’s imperative when you apply for a property that you have the following available: ● Your licence/passport ● Proof of employment/income ● Rental history ● References Look at it from this very clinical approach: If a property manager has 30 applications for a property and a good number of them are perfect why would they chase you to remind you to send them missing details. They’ll simply approve one of the applicants they have ready to go. Landlord happy. Applicant happy. Property manager happy. You’re the one who won’t be happy, so please take the time to make that application your very best.

Landlords… does your property manager offer: 9 Detailed routine inspection reports every 3 months 9 Tenants paying water consumption 9 One on one communication 9 Market appraisal at every lease renewal 9 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 STYLE 39

Home

Gear up for an animal lifestyle If you think your lifestyle isn’t suited to a pet, or vice-versa, it’s time to think again, according to experts in both fields

t began with a miniature schnauzer called Angus. He was a well-behaved pooch, to be expected at his advanced age of 13. He lived with his owner Jo Cooper in Sydney’s prestigious Horizon building in Darlinghurst, a fact that didn’t sit well with the property’s owners’ corporation which had banned pets in the building. Efforts to turf Angus out of his home ended up in a lengthy legal battle that eventually ended in late 2020 with the NSW Court of Appeal finding that blanket bans on pet ownership in apartment blocks in were “harsh, unconscionable or

oppressive” and that Angus should be allowed to stay. With that ruling, a precedent was set that now allows pets to live in NSW apartments, unless there’s a good reason for them not to. Victoria, Queensland and the ACT have similar laws to NSW, with tenants and owners expected to seek formal permission and register their pet’s details.

POSITIVE LIFESTYLE IMPACT OF PET OWNERSHIP Nearly two-thirds of Australians own a pet, with nine in 10 owners reporting that their pets have a positive impact on their lives, according to the Pets in Australia report from Animal Medicines Australia. The benefits to humans are many: companionship, improved mental health and even boosted immunity. Developers all over Australia are taking notice.

“People moving from a house to an apartment would not even consider moving if it meant losing a muchloved member of the family,” says Mirvac general manager of Design, Marketing and Sales, Diana Sarcasmo. “Owning a pet in an apartment has always been a bit contentious. But fortunately, strata by-laws have caught up with the way people want to live.”

CONTENTMENT IS THE KEY AIM FOR YOUR PET An energetic working dog like a kelpie is not the first breed you’d imagine would settle happily in an apartment. Five-year-old Gemma, who lives with her owners, lawyer El Leverington and insurance broker Freddie Evans, both 28, in an apartment, is a surprising exception. “I got her straight off a farm and I think she grew up in a kennel, so she’s used to being contained,” says El.

Gemma starts her day with a 4km walk. “Gemma is the calmest dog in the world and doesn’t bark so she works pretty well for an apartment,” Freddie says.

TEMPERAMENT IS CRUCIAL IN CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU Although it’s commonly believed that smaller dogs are the best picks for small-space living, veterinarian Cherlene Lee said temperament was the most important factor to consider when expecting a dog to live in an apartment or townhouse. Then, it’s a matter of commitment and planning. If you’re not home much a cat may be better than a dog. Or consider a socalled ‘pocket pet’ like a guinea pig. With dogs, training is key; good training can teach your dog to only relieve themselves when outside.

YOUR WINDOW FURNISHING SPECIALISTS

Creative Blinds Toowoomba is a family owned and operated business that specialises in indoor and outdoor blinds, awnings, screens and shutters for your home or business We also clean and repair all roller, vertical and venetian blinds.

PERSONAL SERVICE COVERING THE TOOWOOMBA AND DARLING DOWNS REGIONS

P: 07 4632 1255 A: 183A Perth Street, Toowoomba W: www.creativeblindstoowoomba.com.au STYLE 40

To book an appraisal, get in touch with my team today

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We oﬀer excellent customer service, professional marketing, an incredible network of communication and precision, plus the helping hand and personal touch you need to be completely satisﬁed when selling your home.

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We offer excellent customer service, professionalrebecca@houseestateagents.com.au marketing, an incredible leanne@houseestateagents.com.au network of communication and precision, plus the helping hand and personal touch you need to be completely satisfied when selling your home.

Leanne Gillam

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Home

Turning noisy houses quiet W

hen homes are under-furnished they can become noisy. Noise is best absorbed by soft surfaces, so consider laying down several large

thick rugs. A bookcase is another effective noise buffer. Sealing gaps around windows and doors, and closing off vents will help too. Lined curtains or heavy blinds are a must and

Happily retire to independent living in a friendly community

if you can afford it, wall and ceiling insulation is also beneficial. For weatherboard or brick veneer houses, Gyprock has Soundchek – a sound insulation plasterboard product.

Celebrating our 25th Anniversary

Villas available now! Call today to find out more.

21st - 22 nd August 2021

Celebrating the 1949 Australian Grand Prix on the Southern Darling Downs

17 Short Street, Pittsworth Call Diane or Doug on 4693 3734

STYLE 42

Enjoy everything this vibrant and historic town has to offer with traditional bush hospitality. Keep up to date, visit www.historicleyburnsprints.com.au and Like us on Facebook! 7185174aa

Take a closer look right now: www.grangecountryvillas.com.au

Watch historic and classic cars race the clock through the streets of Leyburn.

EXCELLENCE WHO WILL BE THE

2021

PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER?

www.thechronicle.com.au

Sport

Team Door Stop

Team Door Stop Team Playing Cards

Team Air Fresheners

Greg Hobl will be the Australian weightlifting team manager at the Tokyo Olympics. Picture: Nev Madsen

Heavy duty for Olympic manager

Toowoomba’s Greg Hobl is set to play a key role in the dreams of five Australian athletes at the Tokyo Olympics, writes Jason Gibbs

OU probably won’t see Greg Hobl in the athletic spotlight, but the Toowoomba man is set to play a key role in Australia’s Tokyo Olympics campaign. Hobl has been named as the Australian weightlifting team manager and will fly out for Tokyo next week. While Hobl is no stranger to the big stage, having coached the Australian team at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, earning an Olympic call-up will be a major highlight in his career. “It all came about due to a number of circumstances,” he said. “In the past we’ve only been able to qualify one male and one female athlete,

but due to changes we have five (athletes) going to Tokyo. “It’s the biggest team since the 2000 Olympics and because of that they needed a manager.” After receiving an initial inquiry to gauge his interest in the role, Hobl’s shock soon turned to elation. “When I got the first phone call to see if I was interested in the manager position I was shocked,” he said. “Then when they called to say the position was mine I was excited and thrilled, it’s a real honour. “I coached at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and that was amazing, but this, going to the Olympics, is the pinnacle.”

Team Freezer Mugs Team Jumbo Cups

Team Boxed Coaster Sets

Team Stein Glasses Team Pens

Team Garden Gnomes Team Plush Toys

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Come grab your FOOTY MERCH! • Official NRL and AFL memorabilia/merchandise • Glassware and Branded Liquor merchandise • Gifts, Jewellery and Motor merchandise Mon - Fri 6:30am - 5:15pm | Sat 7am - 3pm Closed Sun & Public Holidays Shop 11, 187 Hume St - The Hooper Centre Toowoomba | Ph: (07) 4638 1888 STYLE 45

Education

Things to consider when you’re choosing a school

or many parents, the decision on where their child goes to school is dependent on public school zoning. However, for parents who are able to choose, decisions about where your child goes to school can be tough. Here are some other things you could think about:

PERSONAL VALUES AND PREFERENCES

● Do you prefer public or private education? Are the facilities or subject choices a consideration? ● Do you want your child to have a religious education? ● Do you need to send your child to boarding school, or are you interested in distance education or educating your child at home? ● Are you interested in a particular teaching philosophy? ● How does the culture of the school match your family’s values – for example, uniform policy, attendance, emphasis on academic achievement, compulsory weekend sport and so on?

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

● How do things like the location of the school, cost or difficulty of travelling to and from the school, and public transport options affect you? ● If you have other children, is it important that all your children go to the same school? ● Where are your child’s friends going to school? ● Where do most of the children from your child’s preschool/primary school go to school? ● Do you need before-school and after-school care for your child?

SPECIFIC FACTORS

● Is the school small or large? What size is likely to suit your child best? ● What facilities does the school have to support your child’s learning – playgrounds, library, music programs, clubs and sporting teams? ● What study paths are available at different schools – Higher School Certificate, Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, International Baccalaureate (IB), Vocational and Educational Training (VET) and so on? ● Does the school offer extension or accelerated learning programs? If so, what are the selection criteria? ● Does the school offer extra support STYLE 46

if it’s needed – for example, English as a second language (ESL) classes, literacy and numeracy support programs, and support for children with health conditions, special needs and so on? ● Has the school improved its academic results over the past few years? What about its performance in other areas like the arts, sport or community engagement? ● How well does the school support children with additional needs, if your child has a disability, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder or other need?

Now taking enrolments for 2022 www.fairholme.qld.edu.au

Education

Children need to be set boundaries Setting boundaries is essential for kids to learn how to function socially, writes Michael Grose

hildren need limits and boundaries to make them feel secure and to allow for healthy development. Limits and boundaries are the simple ground rules that exist within families to teach children how to behave and how to be safe and social. Parents can be unsure about setting limits and boundaries, but they are an essential part of discipline, laying the foundation for positive, cooperative behaviour. Boys, in particular, learn through the use of limits and boundaries. Put them in a group situation and they

like to know what the rules are and who’s in charge. They then feel safe and secure. Both genders also love to push against them. In fact, pushing against parental boundaries is a kid’s job! It’s been estimated that children push against parental boundaries with tantrums, whining and arguing about one-third of the time. So you need a backbone and thick skin when you use boundaries, particularly with some toddlers, teens and argumentative types. When they are used well, they are super-effective. Recently, I saw a neighbour use limits to teach his fouryear-old son about safe bike riding. The four-year-old was allowed to ride his bike on the footpath two houses in either direction from his house. The limits he set worked well because they were clear, specific and realistic. Let’s take a look at each of these criteria:

● Clear: As the four-year-old has had the two-house limit explained to him in language he understands. ● Specific: As two houses is two houses. ● Realistic: As it is within the fouryear-old’s skill and experience range. It makes sense. The limits weren’t fuzzy (not taking the time to explain and make sure the child understands), general (”don’t go too far!”) or unrealistic (”you can’t ride outside at all”). I’ve seen him ride a little further, but he knows he is pushing it, and he only goes a little bit over. The point is, he knows what the limits are, and that’s why he only goes a little bit over. It may be time for his dad to push the limits further, maybe to the end of the street. This type of limit-setting can be applied to any situation and any age group, including teenagers going out at night. “You can go out, but I expect

you home by 11 o’clock” is the attitude here. The limits depend on kids’ ages and the situation involved. Teens, like toddlers, have a tendency to push the boundaries. A smart management technique with teenagers is to involve them in the limit-setting process. I’m not suggesting everything should be negotiated, but from my experience, kids are more are likely to stick to boundaries when they have had a say. One smart way to extend the limits is by rewarding responsible behaviour with greater freedom. The four-year-old may have his riding range extended when he shows he can ride safely in the restricted area. Teens too can have their boundaries extended as a reward for responsible, co-operative behaviour. Setting limits may be old-fashioned, but rules and boundaries are essential for consistency, which is the bedrock upon which modern discipline is built.

... you need a backbone and thick skin when you use boundaries, particularly with some toddlers, teens and argumentative types STYLE 49

GRAMMAR

Art Show

Something for Everyone Wide range of art 250 artists 800 paintings

Sophiue Gralton

$40 - $10,000

Thank you to our wonderful Supporters

Save the Dates for 2022 Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 March with Opening Night on Friday 25 March 2022

Preview Art

GrammarARTshow.com

A diverse and beautiful range of art ...brought together for you

Style Artist chats to

Diana Battle

Tell us a little about yourself: I was born in Brisbane and after many moves settled in Toowoomba with my husband and children in 1984. I painted at every opportunity while my children were growing up and when most had finished, I took advantage of the McGregor Summer School at USQ. Describe your style? Expressionistic/impressionistic/abstract. Even though I do include some recognisable elements, I am intrigued by the negative space created by light. Light translates into colour, so with layering and tone, I aim for a joyful work. What inspires you? Inspiration is everywhere when you know how to see and recognise how you feel. The beautiful trees in Toowoomba are very inspirational. At Mooloolaba, after the finish of a yacht race from Sydney, the flags flying from the halyards inspired my first palette knife painting. When did you start painting? In the family photographic studio before I was 10. I was given sepia photos, oil paints and medium, an orange stick and cotton wool. I coloured every Saturday morning. Watercolour followed and then much later, oils every weekend when my husband was in Vietnam. Evolution and influences of your art? My process has evolved where I let each mark on the canvas determine the next. I am also influenced by living contemporary artists, including Michael Muir and Nicholas Harding. Why do you enjoy painting? The challenges - the frame of mind and the problem solving. I lose track of time and would be lost without it. Some of the highlights of your artistic life? Best Local Artist in Gympie with my Mooloolaba knife painting. All awards and publications and my first Solo after 35 years. What is your dream project? To hold an exhibition of 8 - 10 very large paintings that will envelop and inspire. What do you like about Toowoomba? It’s always felt like a breath of fresh air, full of fun-loving groups of enthusiastic people.

For your calendar..

GRAMMAR

We are pleased to have Diana Battle exhibiting again in 2022

Art Show

Sarah Waghorn

Lisa Christensen

26-27 March 2022 GrammarARTshow.com A diverse & beautiful range of art ... brought together for you For more interviews .. grammarartshow.com/style-interviews-with-artist

Diana Battle

Education

Quality counts for time on screens

Omega-3 fats in kids’ diets might make them better behaved. That’s what a bunch of research says, anyway

What kids eat may affect their behaviour B arely a week passes when the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids aren’t spruiked by scientists and nutritionists alike. Now bundled in this increasing body of research is how these healthy fats are good for our kids.

Omega-3 basics

When it comes to fat, this is the one you don’t want to cut back on. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats that are essential nutrients for health. The body needs these fats for many normal body functions including good eye health, controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain. Here’s another important fact: Since the body can’t make omega-3 fats, we must get them through food or supplementation. The dietary sources of these supernutrients fall into two food camps – animalbased (such as oily fish) and plant-based (such as chia and hemp seeds). Scientific evidence seems to favour the marine-life sources as they’re rich in two of the wonderkids of omega-3s, EPA and DHA.

Well-behaved kids and parents

Professor Adrian Raine, a psychologist in the department of criminology at the University of Pennsylvania, reckons fish oil can make kids less anti-social. Last year Raine led a study in which children were given a daily drink rich in omega-3 fatty acids for six months. Another six months after the study 52 STYLE

ended, he found the children’s behaviour significantly improved. Interestingly, the behaviour of parents also improved even though they weren’t downing the drink, but this will be no surprise to parents, who know well that happy kids equal happy parents. Still on the subject of behaviour, new research from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden has found that omega-3 and -6 supplements can also help some children and adolescents with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Does it make them smarter?

A 2013 UK study found school-aged kids with low levels of omega-3 – particularly DHA found in fish, seafood, and some algae – didn’t do well on reading scores and working memory tests. However, many diet experts have this advice for parents hoping to raise a gifted toddler: Improved IQ doesn’t come in a bottle of pills or a plate of salmon. Good nutrition is essential for brain development and functioning, but making sure your kids chow down on a tin of tuna in the afternoon won’t bestow genius powers upon them. Last year, Australian scientists also poopooed the idea that loading up a pregnant woman with omega-3s will help her grow a super-brainy bub. The study, carried out by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and the University of

Adelaide, followed the cognitive development of 600 children from the fetal stage to age four. Researchers found the mums-to-be who pre-loaded on fatty acids didn’t give birth to smarter kids. But there are many health reasons to have an omega-3 rich diet as mentioned earlier.

Fish on the menu

The National Heart Foundation recommends Australian adults and teens consume at least 500mg per day of omega-3 fatty acids, although how much kids should have is a bit vague. The Victorian Government’s health website, the Better Health Channel, says this recommended intake can be achieved by eating a combination of two to three serves of oily fish every week and supplementing with marine supplements (oil or capsule) and omega-3 enriched food or drinks, such as eggs, bread and milk. There are also plant sources of omega-3s, called ALA, found in foods such as flaxseed and some leafy greens. But ALA hasn’t been found to be as effective for the body. Fortified foods are another non-animal source of important omega-3s. More and more products, particularly milk and yoghurt, are enriched with EPA and DHA. So, if your littlies refuse to eat anything fishy, make sure they get plenty of fortified foods. There are also many omega-3 supplements for kids, but take note that they’re not all created equal.

Hint: Epic Fail videos have very few benefits, writes Josie Adams

y seven-year-old son loves his iPad and sometimes this really bothers me. However, while there are many negative impacts that can be connected to technology use, there are certainly positive impacts as well. Quality screen time for school-age children can have its benefits including improving multi-tasking ability as well as building confidence in a constantly technologically advancing world. Unfortunately, watching Epic Fail videos on YouTube doesn’t really count as ‘quality’ screen time. Goodquality apps, games and videos for children show positive behaviours and encourage new skill sets (for example football drills) creativity, problem-solving and good social skills. Parents can watch for quality apps that promote vocabulary, math, literacy, and help make sure kids learn about computer science and IT as part of technology use to give them opportunities for a bright tech future. Stick with games, apps and videos that promote positive family relationships and have good stories that feature characters who treat each other with kindness and respect. It may also be a good idea to avoid programs that are just about selling promotional toys, apps and gear. Not only do they offer nothing of real value, but they can also end in an unexpected credit card bill (yes this has happened in our household). Cybersecurity software and systems can help ensure that kids stay safe while using technology.

PATHWAYS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR EXCELLENCE St Saviour’s College works in partnership with their Mercy Girls to achieve excellence across varied senior pathways. The College currently offers 27 general and applied senior syllabus, 13 certiﬁcate courses, a state-of-the-art Health Hub program and has strong connections with local TAFE and industry sectors. Principal Ms Sharon Collins said St Saviour’s College fosters a lived faith experience and provides an inclusive quality education, individually tailored to each student. “Not only do we have current Year 11 and 12 ratios of six students to one teacher, but our Mercy Girls are also privy to a targeted career development program and now have the option to participate in our new, state-of-the-art Health Hub initiative,” she said. College Captain Georgia Bartlett will complete her Year 12 studies this year through an ATAR pathway, as she wishes to attend university. Georgia balances gold standard grades with an active leadership position and ambition on the sporting ﬁeld. She was recently awarded the Prestigious Kerry Norman Medal for her continued dedication and commitment to Queensland State touch football.

“This is a one-time opportunity for me - to be captain and gain my ATAR - and I just want to use it wisely,” she said. “That is why St Saviour’s College has been great for me, as we have small class sizes, and we just have so many networking opportunities.” Year 11 student Tia Trezise is completing a Certiﬁcate 3 in Business Administration, working with Affordable Quality Kitchens and Bathrooms, while also undertaking ATAR studies. Tia believes her certiﬁcate pathway will enable her to step out of school and be ready to take on the workforce. “I gain practical skills and an insight into the workforce by being able to spend a day each week at my traineeship,” she said. Tia completes online traineeship assignments while also having in-person support to complete her work to the highest of standards. “There are so many different pathways of study and so much tailored support shown to you at St Saviour’s College,” she said. Parents and families with female students in Year 9 or 10 are invited to attend the College’s Principal’s

St Saviour’s College senior students Georgia Bartlett and Tia Trezise are achieving gold standard results within their selected senior pathways.

Breakfast on Thursday 19 August to discuss future pathways. Registration is essential and can be completed online at: www.ssctwb.catholic.edu.au

IS YOUR DAUGHTER ON A PATHWAY TO SUCCESS? St Saviour’s College Our #MercyGirls: • Belong • Are happy

• Are empowered • Have pathways to success

• Are engaged • Seek excellence

31%

of our 2020 Year 12 students obtained an ATAR higher than 91.5 (QLD Results only 20%)

92%

of our 2020 Year 12 students obtained and ATAR higher than 65.5 (QLD Results only 75%)

3rd in QLD

highest gains made between 2017 Year 7 NAPLAN results and 2019 Year 9 NAPLAN results

1:6

average Year 11/12 ATAR Subject Teacher - Student ratio

CRICOS Code: 00517D

Join Us For Principal’s Breakfast When: 7am - Thursday 19 August Who: Families with Year 9 and 10 Students Where: St Saviour’s College Callaghan College Corner Perth and Neil Streets Register: ssctwb.catholic.edu.au

Travel

secret laws to live by if you’re visiting Darwin

The Top End may be a land with no rules, but as Angus Fontaine discovered, there are a couple of rules everyone should know before heading up north 1. Don’t run

You’ll look like a tourist. (And you might spill your beer). Instead, hurry up and slow down, leave the urban angst at home and walk like a local. Hereabouts they like to lope or stroll, they love to amble and, sexiest of all, is to saunter. Each is best performed in thongs so pack two pairs – casual and formal – or buy your double-pluggers on site. Competition is so fierce most shops offer a six-month warranty. Note: The exception to the Don’t Run rule is if you’re being chased by a saltwater crocodile. If so, run in zig-zag (and fast!)

2. Stay hydrated

Darwin’s seasons oscillate between a Big Wet and a Big Dry. The locals do likewise, hydrating accordingly (and frequently) to beat the heat and keep on smiling. But H2O isn’t the go-to. In Darwin, “still or sparkling?” is not a choice of water to drink but which waterholes to swim in. It starts early when coffee is served iced in a schooner glass to diffuse the monsoon heat of morning. Thereafter it’s beer, beer, beer – with lunch, after work, at dinner (and after). Darwin’s STYLE 54

best local beer is One Mile. They have seven varieties including a Ginger, a Cider and a 4:21 named for the time the brewers knock off work and taste the fruits of their labours. Drinking water? But crocodiles do their wee-wees in it…

3. Shut up and listen

In The Territory trees and rivers talk much louder than people. So forget the Wi-Fi and internet and connect to your country. Dive under a waterfall to hear overnight rain break on ancient rock. Close your eyes in Litchfield National Park and listen to the magpie geese burble across a billabong. Sit on a woven grass mat with Darwin’s traditional landowners, the Larrakia, to discover which leaves make the best bush medicine. Or pull up a barstool at Stokes Hill Wharf and hear “Wild Man” tell you of the day he watched a giant manta ray leap over his jet-ski. Darwin is brimming with amazing stories and epic storytellers. Simply lean in and lend an ear (and, for Wild Man, buy a beer).

4. Enjoy every free sandwich

When your city has been bombed to hell and regularly flattened by cyclones, you enjoy every sandwich. Darwin’s laidback vibe hinges on the knowledge that nothing is permanent and that the elements may one day take it all away. The

Japanese dropped bombs in 1941 but they also dropped Darwin the gift of resilience in combatting natural disasters. In Japan this manifests in common phrases like shoganai (it can’t be helped), ganbatte (do your best) and gaman (perseverance). In Darwin, it’s “she’ll be right”, “no worries” and “shit happens”. But like the Larrakia, and the ancient rock beneath their feet, Darwin endures and its citizens live each day as if it’s their last: eating well, drinking deep, laughing loud and loving life.

5. What a croc!

If you read that larrikin local newspaper the NT News you’d be forgiven for thinking Darwin has more crocodiles than people. Actually it’s true. After decades of being hunted, crocs were declared a protected species in 1971 and their numbers have flourished from just 7000 in ’71 to exceed Darwin’s 132,000 human citizens today. Still, it doesn’t mean crocs are strolling down Smith Street shopping for thongs and slurping barramundi laksa. Being “Crocwise” is part of Territory life but so is cooling off in netted coastal pools, freshwater lagoons and waterholes. The trick is to follow the signs. And never smile at a crocodile.

Travel

Darwin may seem like a country town dressed up as a capital city but underestimate it at your peril

6. From little things… Darwin may seem like a country town dressed up as a capital city but underestimate it at your peril. It’s a frontier city and the pioneer spirit is strong here. Most Darwin locals are incredible multi-taskers, with three qualifications and five jobs. The character who pulls your beer probably owns the pub … and the café or gallery next door. Darwin is the most multicultural city in Australia – home to over 50 nationalities and our largest indigenous population. Not only has this created one of the most vibrant cultural melting pots (and

delicious food scenes) on the planet, it has bred a tolerance and awareness other states should envy.

7. Respect your elders

“You have come by way of the Larrakia Land. You will hear the voice of Larrakia ancestors. When you leave, the Larrakia message will stay with you,” said Reverend Walter Fejo. The Larrakia are the custodians of Darwin and the key-holders to unlocking Darwin’s mysteries. Seek them out and listen well. STYLE 55

Arts

TOOWOOMBA Here in the Toowoomba region, the arts scene is flourishing. From galleries to theatres, to schools and various community groups, Style’s guide gives you the information you need to enjoy the region’s creative endeavours

WEAVING CONNECTIONS BY FELICITY CHAPMAN (DEADLY WEAVERS) TUESDAY, JULY 6 TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 WHERE: Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. Felicity Chapman, aka ‘Deadly Weavers’ is a proud Wiradjuri woman and is Toowoomba’s second feature artist in the Toowoomba Arts Footprint, Artists in Residence Program. Felicity’s aim with Deadly Weavers is to revitalise and preserve ancient cultural knowledge, shining a light on the treasured tradition of cultural weaving. Weaving Connections displays works by Felicity and workshop participants and showcases the weaving and friendships that have been made throughout the residency. The Toowoomba Arts Footprint Artists in

Residence project is funded by Arts Queensland and South West Qld Regional Arts. Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery at 531 Ruthven St, Toowoomba is open Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am-3.30pm and Sundays 14pm.

FITZ & PIECEZ BY PETER FITZPATRICK

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18 TO SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 WHERE: Rosalie Gallery, Goombungee Artist Peter Fitzpatrick thrives on naïve ideas or ‘bitz’ progressing into the execution of bold canvas or paper art ‘pieceZ’. Peter will host a ‘Meet the Artist’ day on Saturday, August 21, at Rosalie Gallery. He will be in attendance from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Come along to meet Peter and learn more about his works. No bookings required, but physical distancing provisions will be in place. Rosalie Gallery at 89 Mocatta St, Goombungee is open Wednesday to Saturday 10.30am-3.30pm.

CHIPS AHOY!!

Offer expires 31st August 2021 Not available with any other offer

STYLE 56

Above: Weaving hands during the ‘Deadly Weavers’ Toowoomba Arts Footprint residency. Top Left: Ian THOMPSON / Behind the work 2021 / photograph / 76 x 96 cm / © Ian Thompson

$59

gets you 1 Game of Bowling EXTRA LARGE CHIPS small postmix EACH FOR 4 PEOPLE! ($15pp for extra people) CONTENTS OF PACKAGE CANNOT BE SUBSTITUTED

Arts

Style book reviews IYANU CHILD OF WONDER: VOLUME ONE BY ROYE OKUPE Reviewed by Jessica Kramer It’s not every day you find a graphic novel equally as perfect for adults as for children, but Iyanu Child of Wonder certainly hits that spot. Inspired by African history, culture and mythology, the story is part of an up-andcoming superhero universe franchise called YouNeek YouNiverse. Iyanu Child of Wonder follows the titular teenage character as, with no recollection of her past, she comes to the realisation that she has incredible powers only known in myth - powers that could save the world from cursed wildlife and beasts called the Corrupt. The characters have depth, the plot engaging, but it’s the artwork that steals the show. Detailed panels bring to life the kingdom of Yorubaland, with full pages interspersed throughout. The world building can be difficult to understand due to the way the story provides no background or explanation, instead jumping straight into the action, but chapter title pages provide information segments on the world and history. This method can be jarring to the reader, as the majority of it tells of the realworld inspiration behind the tale and brings the reader out of the plot, however it is easily forgiven with the rest of the strengths this book holds. Iyanu Child of Wonder is a fantastic and strong beginning to what promises to be an excellent and unique entry in the world of superhero graphic novels. Iyanu Child of Wonder is published by Dark Horse Books (an imprint of Penguin) and will be released on Tuesday, September 21.

THE GIRL WHO LEFT BY DEBRA GAVRANICH Reviewed by Jessica Kramer Can you imagine traveling 12,000km to a foreign country to marry a man you’ve never met? This is precisely what 17-year-old Marija did in 1950, escaping the hunger and despair of post-war Croatian island Korcula. It’s an incredible story of a courageous young woman, made even more amazing when you realise it’s written by Marija’s daughter in her easy-to-read and heartfelt style – you can feel the joy and love the family had for each other nestled within the pages. The Girl Who Left is published by Wild Dingo Press and will be released in August.

THE OTHER SIDE OF BEAUTIFUL BY KIM LOCK Reviewed by Jessica Kramer This year must be the one for excellent debuts and break-out novels, because The Other Side of Beautiful is another to add to the list. The novel follows Mercy Blain, whose house has just burnt down - this is made even worse by the fact that she hadn’t left said house for the past two years, and shortly after discovers she can’t stay with her not-quiteex-husband Eugene, either. And so Mercy begrudgingly starts a journey, buying a campervan and taking to the road with her dog Wasabi - leading to badly-timed breakdowns, meeting troops of grey nomads, and clashing with a rogue adversary - but they say you can’t run forever. The author captures anxiety well in this novel, and it’s truly a great ode to embracing life. The Other Side of Beautiful is published by HQ Fiction AU (an imprint of HarperCollins) and is available now.

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

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 STYLE 57

Events

AUGUST

INSTUDIO ART TRAIL AUGUST 7/8, 14/15, 21/22 AND 28/29

WHERE: Highfields and Crows Nest region. WHAT: This is a fabulous opportunity to visit more than 30 artists in their studio or exhibition spaces, to participate in a workshop or just to meet these creative people, view their work, learn their stories and understand their techniques. This self-drive trail will occur on August 7/8, 14/15, 21/22 and 28/29 and visitors are invited to enjoy a leisurely drive through the beautiful high country hamlets region between Highfields and Crows Nest and visit exhibiting artists along the way. COST: For more information please visit https://www.crowsnestartsandcrafts.com.au/ instudio-art-trail/

Joe's Caravan Sales is a family owned and operated business BUYING and SELLING a quality range of used caravans, motohomes and pop tops. With over 25 years experience in the caravan industry, our friendly staff are more than capable of answering any questions you may have about caravans.

WE COME TO YOU

CARAVANS & MOTORHOMES WANTED Phone: (07) 3812 3553 CALL OR DROP IN TODAY! STYLE 58

94 Berry Street, Yamanto, QLD, 4305 bluexe@gmail.com • joescaravansales.com.au

COOKING WORKSHOP: CURRY & SPICE WITH FOODIE SHOTS SUNDAY, AUGUST 8 - 10AM TO 2PM

WHERE: Malwai Kitchen Highfields, 23B Highfields Village Shopping Centre. WHAT: The exotic smells of curries and spices are loved around the world. Come and enjoy a four-hour hands-on workshop with one of Toowoomba’s longest-serving chefs Stephen Simon as he takes you through many of the techniques and shares insider tips and tricks to ensure you can wow your family and friends. COST: Contact Malwai Kitchen on 4615 5591.

Toowoomba City’s Leading Computer Literacy Specialist For Seniors and Retirees In-your-home personalised service for over 60s Over 750 happy clients since 2014

Phone 07 4633 2313 or visit us online at davidf.com.au

Events

Get out and about and see the region this month

BLACKSMITHING BASICS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 - 8AM - 4PM (BOTH DAYS) WHERE: Cobb+Co Museum, 27 Lindsay Street, Toowoomba WHAT: Terry Drennan began training as a blacksmith and farrier in Melbourne when he was 21 years old and has been named Australian champion in blacksmithing and farriery on many occasions. He has been teaching blacksmithing courses at Cobb+Co Museum for more than 15 years and now it’s your opportunity to learn the basics from a true master. You will make a set of blacksmithing tools including a cold chisel, hot cutter, round punch, oval punch, centre punch and tongs. As well as your tools, you will take away the basic skills of blacksmithing including operating a forge and using the tools and anvil. COST: $410 (inc GST) includes expert instruction, all materials and meals. For bookings, contact Cobb+Co Museum on 4659 4900.

MEET THE ARTIST | PETER FITZPATRICK SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 - 10.30AM TO 3.30PM.

WHERE: Rosalie Art Gallery, 89 Mocatta Street, Goombungee. WHAT: Join local artist, Peter Fitzpatrick, as he hosts a ‘Meet the Artist’ event at Rosalie Gallery. Peter’s exhibition Fitz & PieceZ will be on display from August 18 to September 12. Come along for an opportunity to learn more about his artistic practice and work. No bookings required. COST: Free.

Ruthven Street, Toowoomba. WHAT: JB’s Cabaret is back due to popular demand. An event not to be missed with performances by Chapter III and Shadows Tribute Band Wind Back The Clock Tour. Special guest artists include: Maribel Gempel, Erin Hilton, Frank Klaasen, Des Patch and Nev Hedge. COST: Tickets are $45.

TOOWOOMBA ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND E-BIKE EXPO SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 - 9.30AM TO 4PM

WHERE: Cobb+Co Museum, 17 Lindsay Street, Toowoomba.

WHAT: Talk to owners and dealers about the features and advantages of owning an electric vehicle or electric bike. Hear from experts talking about topics such as: What to look for in buying an EVor E-bike? The joys and exercise benefits of riding an e-bike. Autonomous vehicles, where are they up to? COST: -

CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS

SEPTEMBER 1 TO 30 DON’T FORGET: If you’re going to visit this year’s Carnival of Flowers, be sure to book in early for your favourite events and exhibitions because they can fill up very quickly. For a full list of Carnival entertainment, simply visit https://www.tcof.com.au/

CHAPTER III AND SOUNDS OF THE SHADOWS TRIBUTE BAND

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 - WITH DOORS OPENING AT 6.45PM WHERE: Rumours Convention Centre - 323

Buy direct from the farmers, makers or bakers.

EVERY SATURDAY, 8AM TO 12NOON Under the Windmills at Cobb & Co, Cnr Lindsay & Campbell St, Toowoomba STYLE 59