Style magazine Toowoomba - January 2023

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

If you’re ready to look at retirement living for your 80s and 90s, you couldn’t have picked a better time.

Welcome to 2023, Stylers! We hope you’ve been able to take some time off over the festive period and are ready to hit the ground running for the new year.

While we’ve all likely made New Year resolutions, it's as important as ever to keep your health and wellbeing in perspective. We’ve included some useful tips from the professionals on how to simplify your health goals for 2023, which you can find on page 12, and an article on managing post-workout and chronic pain (p25). You can also find out all about mirror gazing meditation, which had the Style team very curious, on page 31.

While we’re on the topic of wellbeing –have you tried plant-based meat yet? Rather than getting meat-loving Aussie to give up their regular steak, the industry has created passable plant-based imitations – and based on the Style team’s reactions, they’re starting to succeed. Discover our foray into this world on page 10, including some reviews of local options. Who knows? 2023 might be the year you embrace Meat-free Monday.

In other news, Style magazine is bringing back our relationship advice page from the February edition (just in time for Valentine’s Day). Send all your questions for the love guru to style@news.com.au

Have a great month, Stylers!

JOURNALISTS Jessica Kramer, Alyssa Welke, Megan Masters, Alexandra Feiam, Melanie Collins, Savaira Ratukula SUB EDITOR Cam Ward DESIGN Justine Costello, Paul Hunter PRODUCT MANAGER Joshua Slade GENERAL MANAGER Erika Brayshaw STYLE MAGAZINE TOOWOOMBA CONTACT DETAILS style@news.com.au Level 1/5 Keefe Street, Toowoomba City PO BOX 40, Toowoomba QLD 4350

Carmen and Justin Holstein eloped on top of The Remarkables, New Zealand. Image by Alpine Image Company

@stylemagazinestoowoomba

Tiffany Wicks on her award-winning garden, juggling mum life with this labour of love, and more

Mum grows winning ways

A Chronicle Garden Competition novice’s labour of love came up trumps, writes Megan Masters

Entering The Chronicle Garden Competition for the first time was a huge learning curve for Toowoomba mum-of-three Tiffany Wicks.

Tiffany won the City category for under 45s with her stunning cottage-style garden. Now the excitement of spring has faded into the summer heat, her garden in Fairholme St, Mt Lofty, is looking a little more lived-in, but the plan was always to create a space for her young family to thrive and enjoy the outdoors and it certainly ticks that box.

The vagaries of weather and the advice of more experienced gardeners have left her with plenty on the to-do list before her next attempt at the competition, but she said she was keen to take another tilt at Carnival gardening despite the difficulties of balancing life around three young children.

Anyone who has ever attempted a Carnival garden – or spoken to anyone who has – will have some insight into the sheer mental and physical work that goes into one, particularly when you do all the work without the assistance of landscapers and professional gardeners.

Tiffany plans to take next year off as she will not be in town at the time, but hopes to get back into it for the 2024 event with her eyes wide open to the labour of love she has in front of her.

It’s hard to believe looking at it today, but the now-stunning garden was a bare cut-and-fill block when the clinical psychologist moved there around 2014.

She had always admired formal landscape garden styles with perfect hedges, but soon began to see a vision for a gorgeous cottage-style garden and set to work on realising it only a few years ago.

Working in the garden is now a lovely escape from the ups and downs of parenting a five-yearold, an almost-three-year-old and a 14-month-old, as well as offering plenty of opportunities for the kids to be out getting some sun and playing while she gets her hands dirty.

It hasn’t been without its challenges though.

“I started in 2019 during the drought, so I selected things that didn’t like wet feet. When we got all that rain they were like, ‘What the heck?’,” she said.

“The lavender all rotted after the rain, so now I have found things that can be both drought- and rain-tolerant.

“One big takeaway from this year was to mound up the beds a lot more because we’re on subsoil here with the cut-and-fill block and the soil isn’t very good. I’ve been doing a lot of composting to improve that drainage and I’ve already noticed a difference.”

The challenges just kept coming as September arrived and the competition got under way.

Familiar to most young parents was the obligatory bout of viruses that tore through the family at exactly the wrong time, compounded by a minor clerical error that saw her greeting visitors daily rather than just on the weekends as she had originally planned.

“I think I checked the wrong box,” she laughed with the benefit of hindsight.

“We got through opening weekend and on Monday morning I thought I could have a break, but the visitors kept coming. I was wondering how I could contain the kids but in the end we just lived outside and they loved it. I think they missed it when it was over, and I did too.”

The family also has two dogs who managed to throw a spanner in the works when a news crew came around to see the garden.

“They arrived and the dogs had knocked down my pots, dug them up and trashed them all over the ground,” Tiffany recalled.

One of the most wonderful things about entering was the brilliant advice she received from other passionate gardeners including local stalwart Penny McKinlay, who made a big impression on Tiffany with her endearing ways and practical tips.

Tiffany was happy with most of the advice received from all the gardeners, but the advice she said she was never likely to follow was anything that would reduce the utility of the garden as a family recreation space.

“There were suggestions like making the garden beds on either side of the path symmetrical, but I don’t want to cut into the space my children play in,” she said.

“There aren’t many good places to play around the back, so this is their area to run and play in.

“I’ve always had a ‘let them explore’ philosophy and think kids should be outside in the sun playing.”

While Tiffany would happily encourage other young people around the region to get involved in The Chronicle Garden Competition, she cautioned that taking time off work would be almost a must to get things prepared to competition levels.

She took on the task thanks to extended maternity leave with her second and third children and felt the demands would have been more overwhelming if she was trying to balance work, parenting responsibilities and the garden.

Another factor that could potentially be prohibitive is the cost, but on that front Tiffany said she had wised up significantly over the past few years. From buying scores of shrubs and seedlings at full price to working with seeds and strikes, she has become a lot more targeted in the ways she spends money.

“I also sell plants if they’re not working for the space now,” she said. “Instead of letting them die I nurse them back to health and then sell them on so I can buy something better for the space.”

Overall, Tiffany couldn’t be happier with her inaugural Carnival experience and said it was a good motivation to use her passion for plants to improve their home.

“I went into it just for the joy, not to win,” she said.

“Those judges have such a tough job. A garden is really a reflection of the person that made it, and that can be very subjective.”

I went into it just for the joy, not to win … a garden is really a reflection of the person that made it, and that can be very subjective

First-timeChronicleGardenCompetitionentrantTiffanyWicksinherprizewinninggarden. Pictures:KevinFarmer

The fight for change

Have you ever taken a bite of a juicy burger and wondered what kind of science-fiction novel you’d momentarily fallen into?

This was my experience when the Style team tried various plantbased meat alternatives over the course of a week, and we finally stumbled across one that was so meat-like it felt like something from the future.

In previous times, alternatives to meat were for those with dietary restrictions and faith reasons – think halal and kosher; vegetarian and vegan. However, in recent years this has been slowly changing as humankind comes to realise the impact our heavy consumption of meat products has on our planet.

According to Sustainable Australian Beef, our beef and sheep industries contribute 10 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. More than two-thirds of this is from the cattle industry alone.

Cattle emit plenty of methane on their own, but add to that the GHG produced by the processing of meat, the clearing of grass and trees for pasture, addition of chemicals to the water table and soil, nitrous oxide from feedlot manure, and loss of carbon in the soil when pastures are overgrazed – just to name a few – and the meat industry is a global warming disaster.

But we know from past experiments and PR pushes that Aussies are loathe to give up their steak – we’re the highest red-meat

consumers on the planet as a country, after all – so the solution isn’t to be found in getting people to go vegetarian or vegan.

This is where plant-based “meat” comes in. Gone are the days of tofu burgers and lentil curries as the only alternative; now consumers can buy convincingly mince-like options from supermarkets and certain fastfood chains.

Brands available in Woolworths and Coles like Birds Eye, Veef, Impossible, Beyond Meat, V2 and Naturli use vegie protein from soy, pea, wheat, and/or rice; potato, corn or tapioca starch; and water and vegetable oil as their base ingredients – alongside staples like thickeners, natural flavours, and natural colours.

While these ingredients in listed form don’t sound particularly appetising, each brand has its own marketing strategy to plug advantages, like being a high source of protein or fibre, or using the molecule heme (responsible for that distinctive meat taste) as Impossible discovered.

It’s this brand that most of Toowoomba’s fast-food chains have decided to use*.

The Style team put three of these to the test, all found in Toowoomba: Grill’d and Domino’s both use the Impossible brand for their plant-based meat, while Guzman Y Gomez relies on shiitake mushrooms to do the job. Discover who came out on top on the right.

*McDonald’s plant-based burger option, the McPlant, uses Beyond Meat and is unavailable in Toowoomba restaurants.

GuzmanYGomez

ShreddedMushroomNachos,CaliBurrito,Enchilada,andBurrito

Score: 6/10

Review: Unlike it’s counterparts, GYG has stayed away from artificial meat and instead uses shredded shiitake mushrooms flavoured with paprika, garlic and onion for its carnivorous alternative. And it works relatively well – using shiitake means the texture is quite meat-like, especially in the drier meals like nachos, and is flavourful. It’s the rest of the meal that lets down this filling – between too much rice in the burrito, lack of flavour in the enchilada, and soggy fillings, the flavour and texture of the shredded mushroom is completely lost.

Picture:GuzmanYGomez

Plant-based meat alternatives have been around for a few years now, but are they really the food of the future, asks Jessica Kramer

Domino’s

ImpossibleDoubleBeef&Onionpizza Score: 7.5/10

Review: At first glance, you would have no idea this pizza wasn’t covered with smatterings of real minced beef. The only thing that lets down the illusion is the scent of the pizza, which is slightly “off” what a carnivorous version smells like. Biting into the hot pizza, the Impossible beef has a real meaty texture and the initial taste of beef mince. There’s loads of flavour – one could argue even more than a true-meat pizza of the same range – but the aftertaste is strange and once the pizza cools down, this flavour and odd scent is even more prominent. Overall, this pizza is a win so long as it’s consumed while piping hot. Picture:Domino’s

Grill’d

ImpossibleGardenGoodnessburger,Impossible Cheeseburger,ZucchiniChips,SweetPotatoChips, FamousGrill’dChips Score: 9/10

Review: Biting into either burger, you wouldn’t know the patty wasn’t made from true beef. Both have loads of flavour, from the zingy pickles and mayonnaise on the cheeseburger, to the flame-grilled patty and fresh veg on the Garden Goodness. The strange scent and aftertaste present with Domino’s Impossible pizza is nowhere to be found here, even though both franchises use the same Impossible brand. The patty is slightly more moist than a standard beef patty, but aside from this the texture is en pointe – making these burgers our clear winner in Style’s plant-based war and the one meal our team would order again. Picture:Grill’d

Remind yourself that your circumstances do not determine your success, your choices and actions do Adele Maree

2023 How to simplify your health goals in

There is no getting around it: last year was another dog’s breakfast. Since 2020, we’ve been saying ‘New year, new me’ and have never meant it quite as hard. But just because the clock ticked over from “the-year-thatshall-not-be-named” and the two years of aftermath doesn’t mean everything has automatically gone away.

Many of us have fallen off the wagon where our health goals are concerned, while some of us are trying to get back on track but finding it hard to get motivated. And, let’s face it: working from home in pyjamas while day-drinking and feasting on snacks is pretty great … why rush to stop?

The thing is, getting healthy again doesn’t have to be difficult. There’s no need to overcomplicate things. All you need is a few simple tips – and a bit of a pep talk.

Smallritualsthatstarttheday right

Bree Boucher is a life coach and believes that the moments shortly after waking are some of the most important.

“Before you think about all the things you ‘have to do’, let yourself imagine your ideal day and allow your mind to take that time,” she says.

“Really visualise, feel, see and hear everything on that ideal day.”

Sharon Tal is a kinesiologist, counsellor and reiki master. She recommends starting each day with morning stretches and deep breathing as you wake, followed by making your bed and drinking some water with lemon as a quick liver boost.

She also thinks everyone should make an effort to “wake up and smile,” as there is huge power in starting your day feeling grateful to be alive.

Stel Coombe-Heath leads programs on changing mindsets around eating and making healthy food choices. She believes

that a lifestyle change doesn’t have to be difficult.

“We often overburden ourselves with our to-do lists first thing in the morning,” she says.

“This can set a tone of overwhelm and panic for the rest of the day. Instead of getting flustered in the morning, make a list of three positive things as soon as you hop out of bed,” she says.

“This can improve your frame of mind and can have many mental and physical health benefits.”

Maketechnologyworkforyou Technology is just part of our lives these days, but since it’s here to stay, we might as well make smart use of apps that actually help us live better.

The Pep Challenge is a wellbeing app from Inner Health with daily reminders, pep talks, health tips and a wellness tracker. It’s designed to get you motivated, get you moving and get your health back on track. If you’re someone who thrives off being accountable (guilty!) it’s a great way to feel like you have your very own cheerleader in your pocket, reminding you to do the little things each day that have a big impact on your overall health.

But it is also important to find time to switch off when possible. Clare Zivanovic is an experienced naturopath and author of the popular children’s health book, Superfood Attitude.

She advocates avoiding your phone for the first 15 minutes each morning.

“This act of self-care allows you to be in your own sovereign space and free from distracting messages and alerts while you’re adjusting to the new day,” she says.

It’s also a good idea to set time limits on apps and change the notification settings so you’re not frequently distracted. When it comes to social media, Bree Boucher

believes there’s tremendous power in the “unfollow”.

“Unfollow people and businesses on social media that make you feel horrible about yourself, your body or your life,” she says.

Bekindtoyourself

Plenty of us got waylaid last year, but it’s important to not beat yourself up over it. “Be kind and honest,” says Adele Maree, a

you actually love doing.

“Take yourself on a mini-date,” she says. “Read a book, drink a coffee/tea or have an honest chat with a loved one.”

She also encourages making time each morning to reflect on your dreams and plan how that day might bring them closer.

“Ask yourself, what does thriving look like for you?’,” she says.

Getmovingandgetorganised Sometimes the only way to start a new fitness routine is to simply begin. Clare Zivanovic believes any exercise is better than none at all.

“Exercise can boost self-esteem and alleviate depression, but you needn’t always sweat to feel the benefits,” she points out.

“It’s fine to briskly walk or cycle on some days and then to gently stretch or lightly shake your body on others.”

For Adele Maree, timing is key.

“Exercise before the world gets up,” she says. “There’s less chance of distractions, and moving your body first thing will set the right tone, as well as provide a great endorphin rush that will give you more energy to attack the day.”

Our experts also agree that one of the best ways to take the stress out of a new routine is to plan ahead. Stel Coombe-Heath says meal prep can make a huge difference in helping form healthy habits.

qualified mind-body coach, author and founder of women’s wellness community, ReachABLE.

“Talk to yourself how you would talk to a good friend to reflect on your progress, celebrate your successes and openly evaluate the things that didn’t go as planned.

“Work out how you will overcome those barriers next time.”

Sharon Tal recommends making time each day for at least two to three things that

“Preparing meals in advance assists in better food choices and reduces the overwhelm of cooking every day,” she says.

Adele Maree agrees a plan is key whatever you’re working towards, but you should always have a backup in your pocket.

“When your reality gets in the way of your plan, change the plan but never lose sight of your goals,” she says.

“Remind yourself that your circumstances do not determine your success, your choices and actions do.”

Getting healthy again after the bin fire of last year doesn’t have to be difficult. All you need is a few simple tips – and a little pep talk, writes Jenna Martin

& Carmen Justin

Stylers may recall the happy couple who celebrated their engagement at Aberfeldy Farm and Barn last year, featured in April 2022 Style magazine.

It had been a challenging few years for celebrant Carmen Dillon, who went through a marriage breakdown in 2018 and then was hit with the difficulties the pandemic brought on the wedding industry.

When she met Justin via Tinder at the beginning of the Covid19 pandemic, the pair clicked. Almost two years later, Justin proposed at Christmas with a beautiful ring purchased from the same Adelaide jeweller where Carmen’s father bought her mother’s engagement ring 40 years prior.

The couple celebrated their engagement in February 2022 with Dan Vonhoff photographing the special event at Aberfeldy Farm and Barn in Westbrook, and Carmen was looking forward to making wedding plans and creating her dream wedding outfit with Toowoomba-based bridal wear designer and stylist Jacqueline May.

Fast-forward to November, and Carmen wore that dream wedding dress when the pair eloped in Queenstown, New Zealand, on the 7th.

Justin wore a tuxedo from Ferrari Formal Wear, and the duo’s wedding rings were from Lee Volks, with Justin’s made from New Zealand-sourced zirconium. Lee Volks also carefully refurbished Carmen’s grandmother’s 70-year-old engagement ring. “[We] flew up on a helicopter and said ‘I do’ on top of The Remarkables!” Carmen said.

The couple then surprised their friends and family with the news the following day.

“We honeymooned for the week in Queenstown and, upon our return, held a family dinner at Woodlands of Marburg on the same weekend as my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary,” Carmen said.

“We arrived in a classic 1958 Jaguar, had canapes and champagne on the lawn and a beautiful long-table meal with our immediate family.”

The happy couple are now relocating to Charleville together for a few years for Justin’s work.

Eloping to New Zealand made for a breathtaking wedding backdrop

[We] flew up on a helicopter and said ‘I do’ on top of The Remarkables!

CarmenandJustinwerewedonNovember7. Pictures: AlpineImageCompany

1.Tonalpalette:Target; blazer,$70,pants,$60

2. Linenflutter-sleeve blouseWitchery, $139.95

3.Goldchain:Seed, $39.95

4.Pleatedskirt:Myer, $179.95

She’s working it!

As the temperatures soar, it gets harder and harder to put together polished, cool and workappropriate outfits for the office. A light summer dress or cut-offs and a tee might be your uniform when working from home, but when heading into your workplace it’s all about professionalism.

A good place to start when putting together an outfit that both looks and feels cool, is your

choice in fabric. Linen is the perfect fabric for summer days because it’s lightweight, breathable and looks as chic as it feels. Look for a linen button-up dress, a pair of linen wideleg culottes, or a breezy linen shirt with a detailed sleeve.

Another no-fail option is a pleated midi skirt, which can be dressed up or down easily. Paired with a neat, tucked-in T-shirt and blazer, or a more formal silk shirt, it’s a great choice for

summer in the office. When it comes to footwear, a closed-toe flat or simple pump works best with this mid-length style.

When it comes to colours, consider going for a more neutral palette to up the sophistication level. Be it creamy off-whites, tones of beige, or light shades of tan and brown, the idea is to wear the same shade from head to toe. You’ll be surprised how ontrend you feel in just one tonal shade.

While you might think workwear is the least exciting area of your wardrobe, there is much fun to be had. Summer is an opportunity to highlight your most interesting accessories and play with lengths, layers, textures and colours. Finish your tonal tan outfit with bold black accessories, or liven up a classic cotton shirt with layers of gold chain. Make your accessories the star to brighten up the rest of your working week.

Inspiration for stepping into the new working year in style is easy to find, writes Melanie Collins

Alexandra Feiam

From mixing prints to overaccessorising, here are the fashion “faux pas” we can say goodbye to in the New Year.

MIXINGPRINTS

It’s time to start playing around with your patterns. “There are many great ways to mix them; you just need to know how,” says Imogen Lamport, image consultant and personal stylist.

Imogen suggests you try mixing a small print with a larger one or a dense pattern with something sparse.

“Make sure there are shades in common in both prints, so you don’t clash the colours,” she explains.

OVER-ACCESSORISING

Sorry Coco Chanel, but you don’t have to take off one item before you leave the house any more.

These days, maximalism is the biggest trend, meaning you can play around with

accessories and experiment with layers. Think necklaces, rings and bracelets. Turn to style icons like Iris Apfel, who famously says, “More is more, and less is a bore.”

BLUEANDGREENSHOULDNEVER BESEEN

Remember the saying – blue and green should never be seen without a colour in

between? It’s a thing of the past. However, if you want to take this on board, make sure the colours you wear have a similar undertone.

“Blue and green with the same undertone look fabulous together, and you see it everywhere in nature,” says Imogen.

DRESSINGYOURAGE

What does this mean any more? It’s time to

farewell sayings such as “mutton dressed as lamb” and embrace dressing to express yourself.

Don’t be afraid to try trends that younger people are wearing. This includes flared trousers, layered necklaces, chunky sneakers and suits.

Fashion shouldn’t be about rules – it’s a form of self-expression. So don’t hold back, and have some fun!

When shopping for bathers, there’s one factor that’s crucial to success – fit. Knowing what works for your body shape is the best way to swim your way through summer looking as good as you feel.

Once you know what style feels right, the rest is all about aesthetics. Block colours are a fail-safe option, so go for universally flattering colours, like navy, red or sky blue, which look great on everyone. Another style that will never go out of fashion is a nautical stripe. Or, if you’re keen for something more on-trend, try a bold tropical print with a leaf motif, or a colourful abstract design.

Here, we’ve found four places to shop for a suit designed with your confidence in mind: forget about how it looks and think about how it feels. If it feels good, go for it.

EllennySwim, $239

This best-selling one-piece in a cool jungle print is moody, mysterious and designed to complement any body shape. Featuring a fully supportive, multi-fit built-in shelf bra, tummy control mesh and removable soft-cup padding, it’s also made from chlorine-resistant fabric, meaning it won’t stretch or fade. This clever swimsuit is made from ecofriendly material and is ethically manufactured.

CurvySwimwear,$139.95

The strapless design of this suit is universally flattering but if you prefer the security of a shoulder strap, the removable straps are included. With an integrated shelf bra and grip tape for support, this is a suit that’ll last many, many summers to come. It also comes in a variety of colours and

Into the Into the blue blue

SeaLevelSwim,$109.95

Designed in Australia, this brand offers a range of swimsuits featuring clever contouring and timeless designs. Made from innovative regenerated nylon that’s been upcycled from pre-consumer waste, you can swim in confidence knowing you’re supporting a brand with a focus on the future. Choose from the clean-cut designs and form-flattering shapes, all created to ensure you feel confident in your swim.

Andie,$150

Comfort is at the heart of everything Andie swimwear does, and it’s evidenced by its clever online shopping tools. Start by taking a 12-question quiz to see which style will suit you best, or choose from a group of 65 women from all walks of life who wear this classic suit. Andie is all about helping you find your perfect fit.

With summer in full swing, swimwear is a must. Melanie Collins reveals where to shop for confidence-boosting bathers that will make you feel great all season long

Ask Style magazine

Sickofyourpartneralwaysstealingthecoversorsnoringallnight?Always goingondateswiththewrongperson?Feelinglikeyourrelationshiphaslostits spark? WELL,YOU’REINLUCK:STYLEMAGAZINEISBRINGINGBACKTHELOVEADVICEPAGE!

SEND USYOURRELATIONSHIPQUESTIONSANDFROMTHEFEBRUARYEDITIONOUR RESIDENT LOVEGURUWILLANSWERTHEMINTHEMAGAZINE. Youcanemailyourquestionsintostyle@news.com.au–orifyouprefertraditionalmail, sendthemtoPOBox40,Toowoomba,QLD,4350.

MATRIMONY - Armigerous and highly intellectual Toowoomba bachelor and gentleman of a noble lineage and respectable social standing who is altruistic, generous, gregarious, vivacious, free thinking, happy-go-lucky, empathetic, tender, caring and with goodness of heart is seeking a suitable wife and confidante who would always be treated with that tender affection which female delicacy requires.

A globetrotter, industrious, entrepreneurial, creative, debt free, budget conscious, responsible and appreciating a simple and modest lifestyle; I am 157cm (5’2”) tall and weigh 88 Kgs (194lbs), very clean, some say quirky and eccentric; am young at heart and I thrive on intellectual and topical conversations and opinions; I enjoy genealogy, family and medieval history; doctrine and mysticism; writing, poetry and reading, creating jewelry, arts and crafts, sewing, baking, cooking, gardening, keeping house, travelling and outdoor adventures.

Seeking a refined single and stoic intellectual lady of 23 to 35 years of age, respectable and of unblemished character who is God-fearing, virtuous, trustworthy and respectful of the principles of morality, modesty, honour, honesty, loyalty and decorum who is optimistic, affectionate, of own means, any nationality or ethnicity, an Australian citizen and who shares similar interests and expectations.

Only genuinely interested ladies please; no phubbers, scammers, flirts, game players or meal ticket seekers.

Of me “what you see is what you get.” Of you “great beauty will be less highly considered than soulful intellect and good family.” My ethos: “Life is what you make it, not what you wish it would be!”

Reply with recent photograph to Matrimony, P.O. Box 88, Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350 email: matrimony@outlook.com.au

Are You the Missing Piece in My Life?

Bring out your beauty

A passion for no-judgment self-care has helped make one Toowoomba businesswoman a national leader

For more than five years, Amanda Thurbin – the owner of Laser Clinics Toowoomba – has been determined to run a successful skin treatment business.

But her success was not without its hurdles. Faced with misconceptions about skin treatments, six months of Covid-19 lockdowns and workforce shortages, Amanda has remained motivated to provide a high-quality experience to her local community.

Born and raised in Toowoomba, Amanda left the Garden City for several years to work in major cities in Australia and overseas before returning to her home town to start her own business.

Her passion for no-judgment self-care was founded on her experience with hormonal vulnerabilities, which helped shape her beauty philosophy.

When Amanda returned to Toowoomba, she saw a gap for a convenient, local and professional service to improve the lives of Toowoomba locals.

“Five years ago, people were having to travel to Brisbane and pay a lot of money for treatment … but it was difficult to get people to even talk about it,” Amanda said.

“Here in Queensland, the exposure to our harsh climate can wreak havoc on our skin and accelerate ageing, so preventive measures are critical in minimising the damage from the sun.

“Keeping our skin healthy also preserves collagen and slows down ageing.”

Breaking the stigma is not easy –particularly when you’re not originally from the beauty industry. Amanda has worked hard to demystify perceptions of skin treatments and injectables.

“There is so much societal pressure to look good, and even more pressure to spend an unnecessary amount to achieve these goals,” she said.

“I believe in demystifying skin and laser treatments and educating our clients on their options.

“I feel it’s not so much about normalising skin and laser treatments, but rather giving people affordable options to allow them to make informed decisions about treatments for their face and body.”

Despite being part of a broader national network of 136 clinics, Amanda’s business is rooted in and draws its success from the Toowoomba community.

Over the years, she has positively impacted her customers, employees, and the broader community by focusing on people management, customer service, and giving back to locals.

“My clinic looks after a wide range of people of varying ages, demographics and gender preferences and we are proud to take care of everyone,” Amanda said.

“Our average customer would be between the ages of 20-50, and values looking after themselves, knowing that treatment in a rural community can be easy and affordable.”

Over the years, Amanda has successfully grown her business in Toowoomba with a clear focus on her clients and community, and she regularly contributes to local school events and invests in sports club sponsorships.

Recently, Amanda outperformed her metropolitan colleagues and was awarded the Laser Clinics Australia (LCA) Franchisee of the Year. She was also recognised for two state-based achievements across Queensland and the Northern Territory and received a national award from LCA Group.

“Truthfully, winning the Queensland and Northern Territory award was thrilling enough and I was so proud of that, but to then receive the national award was incredible,” Amanda said.

“There are countless wonderful owners in our network, many of whom I know personally and respect enormously, so to be singled out like this was a real honour.”

Now a role model in the sector, Amanda has made skin cosmetic treatments an accessible practice in her hometown of Toowoomba and is a mentor to other Laser Clinic Australia owners. BookanappointmentwithAmanda’steam byvisitinglaserclinics.com.auorcalling 46462451

In Queensland, the exposure to our harsh climate can wreak havoc on our skin

Over the past five years, numerous makeup trends have come and gone. We’ve seen it all: fake freckles, sun-kissed blush, and Instagram brows.

The latest trend for makeup is “barely there” – this means lightweight foundation and blush. Essentially, you want to look like you’re wearing no makeup.

makeup for

But why add layers upon layers to achieve a look you can get without any cosmetics?

As the New Year approaches, it’s time to let your natural beauty shine through by wearing no makeup at all.

While you don’t need flawless skin to rock the no-makeup look, taking care of yourself is important to achieve a natural glow.

Here are three important steps to get glowing skin.

1.USESPF

It’s no secret that Australia’s sun is powerful, and if you leave yourself exposed to its rays, you can do serious damage. Applying

sunscreen every day cannot only reduce your rate of getting sunburnt, but can also prevent skin discolouration and premature wrinkles.

2.DOUBLE-CLEANSEYOURFACE

Helen Dao, the founder and chief formulator at Be Fraiche Skincare, suggests you double cleanse to remove the build-up of the day.

“Double-cleansing is the most effective way to deep cleanse your pores, remove make-up, dirt, grime and sunscreen without stripping away your skin’s natural oil,” she says. “(It) allows your skin to breathe and look fresh!”

3.MAKESUREYOUMOISTURISE REGULARLY

“Here’s a rule of thumb: a well-hydrated and strong skin barrier means fresh, healthylooking skin,” shares Helen.

No matter your skin type, it’s important to always hydrate and keep the skin plump and soft.

This also includes oily skin.

“One of the reasons oily skin keeps producing oils is because it’s undermoisturised, and therefore, our sebaceous glands ‘think’ they need to work harder to compensate for the lack of moisture,” Helen explains.

The perfect daily barrier

difficult to regulate your complexion once it’s permanently damaged.

But using sunscreen every day can prevent the nasty toxins in the atmosphere and harsh UV rays from damaging your skin, saving you a trip to the clinic for a chemical peel.

Preventswrinkles

Let’s face it – skincare can be exhausting. With thousands of serums and moisturisers promising to work miracles, it can be hard to know which actually work and which are selling false hope.

But one skincare item is essential for every skin type, concern and goal: sunscreen. It’s so important for our skin that it’s considered the hottest skincare trend for 2023.

SPF doesn’t just stop you from getting sunburnt, it’s a total game-changer. Here’s why you should add it to your skincare routine every day.

Sunprotection

It goes without saying, but SPF is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer.

Australia is home to some of the highest

UV levels in the world, meaning we’re more likely to get sunburnt, even after only 15 minutes outside.

Sadly, we also have the highest rate of melanoma in the world. That’s where sunscreen comes in. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, using SPF 15 sunscreen every day can reduce your risk of melanoma by 50 per cent. Be on the lookout for broad-

Evenscomplexion

SPF does so much more than just protect you from cancer. When you expose your skin to the sun, it may give you a tan, but it can also lead to uneven pigmentation. From freckles to dark spots and moles, it can be extremely

The sun can do a lot of damage to the deep layers of the epidermis, including the development of wrinkles.

UV radiation changes and mutates your skin’s DNA. After ongoing exposure and unprotected skin, it can result in deep wrinkles and fine lines.

Adding a layer of sunscreen before your makeup every morning will reduce your risk of melanoma and dangerous sunburn. You’ll also reduce your likelihood of getting Botox earlier than needed.

WhichSPFisbest?

You don’t have to apply thick sunscreen to get effective coverage. There are plenty of fantastic products that feature active ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to smooth and brighten your face.

spectrum coverage – anywhere from SPF 30100 is the best in Australian climates.

WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR

We hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas and New Year with their loved ones. We are recharged and ready for a fantastic 2023. We were fortunate to help so many of our amazing clients in 2022 and we look forward to doing the same in 2023.

If you are thinking about selling or wanting an idea of where your property sits in today’s market, please give us a call today. We would love to have a chat about how we can help you and how Helen Austin Property can get the best result for you.

Having just completed the process of purchasing a property through Helen Austin Property, we could not recommend Helen and Hannah more highly. The entire process was smooth, efcient, professional and we felt supported by Helen and Hannah during every stage. They both communicated with us very well and they were always warm and approachable which enabled the process to be enjoyable. Many thanks to Helen Austin Property!

Buyer – East Toowoomba

First time seller and boy it can be a stressful crazy time, but Hannah and Helen did an absolutely amazing job putting our house on the market and guiding us through the whole process. They are genuine and honest and if I had to do it again, they would be the frst I would call.

Seller – Mount Lofty

Hi-tech boost for treatment

Investment of more than $100,000 strengthens local breast cancer service

Breast cancer treatment options available locally have been strengthened following a $100,000 investment in new excision technology at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital.

Following considerable consultation and advice from local breast surgeons, St Andrew’s recently adopted new MagSeed technology that provides significant advances over common traditional methods used to localise impalpable breast lesions (screen-detected-cancers) before surgery.

The new Sentimag Magnetic Detection System is one of the most accurate techniques available for localising breast cancers, involving the insertion of a uniquely manufactured magnetic “seed” the size of a grain of rice into the lesion, instead of traditionally using a wire. This results in patients experiencing less pain and discomfort, and it can be placed weeks in advance instead of on the day of surgery.

Significant benefits are also experienced by local surgeons being able to perform a more precise and accurate operation to ensure the only tissue removed from a patient is tissue that contains disease.

St Andrew’s-based breast surgeon Dr Ian Ng said he and colleague Dr Eric Donaldson were “very excited” to be able to offer patients in Toowoomba MagSeed localisation for breast cancers.

“It is one of the most advanced ways of localising a breast cancer and has many advantages over more traditional techniques. This will result in a better experience for our patients and better overall outcomes,” Dr Ng said.

This investment represents the significant commitment of St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital to provide advanced, safe and timely care to the local community and further strengthens the hospital’s renowned breast care service – the only nonmetropolitan service of its kind – and specialist team.

St Andrew’s Diagnostic Breast Clinic

● Comprehensive and local service

● Uses up-to-date technology

● Aligned with surgeons recognised by BreastSurgANZ and supported by multidisciplinary team

● Specialist Blush Breast Care Nurses onsite

● Contact 1300 139 466 to learn more or to book your consultation

Abovefromleft:DrIanNg,Dr EricDonaldson,andJoeZara withtheSentimagequipment; Left: Dr NgandDrDonaldson performthefirstMagseed procedureatStAndrew’s ToowoombaHospital.

StAndrew’sDiagnosticBreastClinic’sDrSharyn Donaldson,ClaireConnell,andGayeFoot.

Preparing for pregnancy

January and February are a peak period for new bookings for maternity care providers, with September and October the busiest months for births.

In Toowoomba this trend is no different, with My Midwives managing director Liz Wilkes offering those planning or entering pregnancy a few ideas about what to do next after a positive test.

She suggests the first thing to do is rest and relax and come to terms with the “exciting and daunting“ news.

“Those in relationships should talk to their partner and those who are not in a relationship should consider a small but key support network to talk through thoughts and feelings,” Ms Wilkes says.

The second thing is considering your health. A trip to your GP – if you have one – is a great idea to check out the basics in your health and to potentially do some blood tests or have a scan.

If you don’t have a GP you may consider midwives to also chat through the early pregnancy screening and any health concerns you may have.

“It is important for those on medication to consider this early and seek professional advice, rather than stopping or changing anything,” Ms Wilkes adds.

“Habits that can impact a growing baby, including alcohol consumption, recreational drugs and becoming overheated are super important to consider from the outset. A GP

or midwife is best placed to discuss these primary things, with a referral to an obstetrician also a possibility for further discussions.”

And given the situation for bookings in September and October, considering and planning your care provider relatively early in pregnancy is worth considering.

If you want one of the more popular alternatives – such as public midwifery group practice (MGP) care or private midwifery – it is important that you reach out early in pregnancy. You may not need a GP referral, so ask around and inquire about your choices.

“I always suggest considering whether having someone you know in your labour is important and whether you want that to be the person with you throughout the labour (the midwife) or whether you feel more suited to having a doctor for the birth,” Ms Wilkes says.

With pregnancy over summer also potentially being a little more uncomfortable, keeping yourself hydrated –especially in early pregnancy – and not overheated are key. Ms Wilkes says take your early pregnancy day by day, be kind to yourself, slow down a little and drink plenty of water

For more information and to have a discussion with Ms Wilkes about the options available in Toowoomba for pregnancy care, phone the clinic on 1300 982 951 or email admin@mymidwives.com.au

Staying on top of your family’s health can be challenging, especially when you have young children.

One of the best ways to maintain your family’s health is to stay hydrated. Even slight dehydration can lead to fatigue, loss of concentration, headaches, and the inability to sleep.

Filtered water can offer your family greattasting, pure-tasting water on demand –without the environmental cost of plastic bottles.

Consumefewerchemicals

Filtered water taps use filtration technology to filter harmful chemicals, leaving your tap water cleaner and healthier – it’s certified to reduce chlorine, taste, odour, bacteria, sediment and limescale.

As an example, filtered water tap brand Zip’s company data shows that Zip owners actually drink 80 per cent more water on average. This is important as Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend we all drink plenty of water – roughly 2.6 litres per day for men and 2.1 litres per day for women.

Pure-tastingwater

Have you ever noticed that tap water tastes different in other states and at various times

of the year? In different regions around Australia, you might even notice even the colour of the water changes. This is due to adding chemical disinfection treatments to our tap water periodically.

Australian drinking water suppliers are required to meet the highest standards of safe and clean drinking water quality. They must comply with an extensive series of stringent protocols covered by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. If they are unable to meet the standards, they need to notify their customers.

The ability to filter water at home is more important than ever, because it makes it possible to access clean drinking water all year round.

Combatagainstmicroplastics

A recent study by the World Health Organisation estimates the average person could ingest up to 2000 particles of microplastics every week – the equivalent of the size of a credit card.

Environmental scientists at the University of Newcastle and Macquarie University suggest drinking filtered water to help remove microplastics could be helpful to lower the number of microplastics we consume.

Foundation Day service awards

St Vincent’s Private Hospital

Toowoomba Foundation Day was held on Friday, November 18, with service awards presented to staff and volunteers.

Foundation Day recognises St Vincent’s history in this region as well as the tireless efforts of staff and volunteers.

There were certificate presentations for those who had reached five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40-year service milestones.

St Damian’s Nurse Unit Manager, Wendy Kelly, reached her 40-year service milestone in 2022.

There were more than 80 awards presented at the ceremony for long-serving staff and volunteers.

It was a delight to have a number of Sisters

of Charity join us on the day to present these awards.

We are so grateful for the incredible people who work and volunteer within our hospital. Each and every person is valued, and we are proud to call them part of the St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba family.

Clockwise,fromtopleft:SrDeirdre,SrClare,MarissaCumming,KathrynMcKeefry,Sr AntheaandSrMargaret;TonyBrown–volunteer,10years;LesleyKnight–CancerCare Committeevolunteer,15years–withSrDeirdre;JoshuaOwen–PerioperativeServices, 10years;MarissaCummingandSrDeirdre;EstherGamatia–StDamian’sUnit,15years; MarianneBredhauer–DaySurgeryUnit,15years–withSrDeirdre;IanGoodfellow–SupportServices,20years.

Mirror gazing meditation

in our world today because it allows us to come face-to-face with ourselves.

Despite the fact that face-to-face social interactions enhance our wellbeing, we’re living in a world where people spend most of their time face-to-face with their devices than with each other or themselves.

Meditation can offer many benefits for your wellbeing, but there’s one unique approach that gets you face-to-face with yourself.

Mirror gazing meditation uses a mirror as a tool to help participants overcome selfcriticism and help boost self-kindness and self-compassion.

It is an uncomfortable form of meditation, requiring you to come face-to-face with yourself in the mirror.

In her Tedx Talk titled What Mirror Meditation Can Teach You, American psychologist and professor Tara Well believes that the mirror is one of the most essential tools in dealing with the challenges

Dr Well conducted mirror gazing experiments with participants who meditated on their own reflection. Her research revealed how the mirror can be a catalyst for various kinds of realisations for people, and noted three main themes that stood out from the results:

Participants became more aware of how much they criticised themselves;

Participants were more aware of how they were feeling given the mirror’s accurate reflection of their emotions; and

Participants saw a positive impact on their relationships, where the mirror revealed how they saw others as well as themselves.

The practice requires a large mirror, a quiet place and 10 minutes a day to look at your reflection, paying attention to the rhythm of your breathing and what thoughts and feelings come to mind.

This unique approach could help you overcome self-criticism. All you need to do is come faceto-face with yourself, writes Savaira Ratukula

Summer can be a very irritating time of year for those who suffer from itchy legs.

A lessor known symptom of venous disease is a condition is called stasis dermatitis, or varicose eczema. It can present initially with flaky dry skin but can progress on to red, blistery plaques and skin colour changes.

Varicose eczema occurs because of venous insufficiency – which is the veins not doing the job they are supposed to and returning blood back upwards.

Increased pressure caused by the pooling blood can cause fluid to leak into surrounding tissue. The immune system reacts to this, causing the skin to flare up.

Varicose eczema can be treated in a number of ways:

● Compression stockings help to improve

circulation in the leg and so relieve symptoms. They also prevent scratching, which can lead to cuts on the skin that might ulcerate.

● Use an unperfumed moisturising cream twice a day to keep skin smooth and soft.

● Topical steroids can be prescribed to reduce skin inflammation over the course of a few weeks.

These options will provide some relief, however in order to eliminate venous eczema the varicose veins will need to be treated. The good news is that improvement can be seen and felt on the legs very soon after treatment.

The Leg Vein Doctor’s books are now open for initial consultations in 2023.

PleasecontactKellieandBeni,our knowledgeablemedicalreceptionists,on 37209912formoreinformation,oremail info@thelegveindoctor.com

There’s no doubt a strange rash suddenly appearing on the skin of your baby or young child can be worrying. But the truth is rashes are super common in children and babies and usually nothing to worry too much about.

Rashes may be flat, bumpy, blistered, welts or any combination. They may spring up overnight and disappear by morning or they may last for weeks at a time. Rashes may cause itching and irritation or they may have no accompanying symptoms at all.

While it’s true that often it doesn’t matter what virus is causing the rash, it can still be helpful to know the difference between those childhood bumps, lumps and itches. Here are some simple ways to identify a variety of common (and uncommon) rashes.

Hand,footandmouthdisease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that causes blisters or a rash on the hands and feet and also can cause

ulcers to appear in or around the mouth. It’s most common in kids under 10 but it’s highly contagious and anyone can get it, including adults.

HFMD may appear with small white blisters or it may appear as a red, scaly skin rash that can spread beyond the hands and feet and cover most of the body. HFMD can also cause a fever and fatigue.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella virus. Patients are infectious even before the rash appears right up until the last blisters have dried up.

Unlike most rashes, the chickenpox rash can be extremely itchy. It usually appears on the chest, back or face and then moves around the body. The rash first looks like little pimples but will progress to become blistered and fluid-filled. Children may also have a fever and feel tired or irritable.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes a fever and a red rash along the body. It can take up to 12 days for symptoms to appear

Measles often begins with symptoms that mirror a cold – fever, cough, runny nose and lethargy. After a few days a rash will develop,

usually red and blotchy which starts on the head and moves along the body. Most of the time children will start to feel a bit better after the rash has appeared.

Impetigo

Impetigo – also called “school sores” –is most common in school-aged children. While it’s usually not dangerous for older kids or adults, it can be very dangerous for babies, so keep young children away from infected older siblings. Impetigo causes sores and blisters that begin red and pustulant and eventually form a yellow crust. Children are infectious until the sores dry up.

Eczema

Eczema is very common in babies and young children and causes itchy, red skin that becomes dry and cracked. It’s a long-term condition that can be triggered by anything from a viral infection to certain soaps or chemicals. Children with eczema may also suffer from things like hayfever and allergies. Eczema is not contagious but may be uncomfortable.

Beef, blue cheese and bacon burger

INGREDIENTS

● 500g beef mince

● 2 green shallots, finely chopped

● 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

● 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

● 1 garlic clove, crushed

● 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

● 4 slices Castello Burger Blue cheese

● 4 middle bacon rashers, rind removed

● 4 bread rolls, split, warmed

● Butter lettuce leaves, to serve

● 2 truss tomatoes, sliced

● Tomato relish, to serve

● Battered onion rings or chips, to serve (optional)

METHOD

1 Combine the mince, shallot, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and garlic in a bowl. Divide into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 2cm-thick patty. Place on a plate lined with baking paper. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm.

2 Heat 2 tsp of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Season patties. Cook for 5 minutes. Turn and cook for 1 minute. Top with the cheese slices. Cook for a further 4 minutes or until cheese is melted and patties are cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

3 Add remaining oil to pan over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon, turning, for 4 minutes or until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to drain.

4 Top the roll bases with lettuce, tomato, patties and bacon. Drizzle with the tomato relish. Serve with onion rings or chips, if you like.

NOTES

Make the beef patties up to 1 day in advance (step 1). Store, covered, in the fridge. Proceed with step 2 of recipe on the night of serving.

Sweet Caroline pulled chicken burger & Carolina-style BBQ sauce

Serves 5. Prep time 1hour. Cooking time 1hour

INGREDIENTS

● 2-3 whole jalapeños

● 5 buns of your choice

Pulledchicken

● 4 chicken marylands (skin off)

● 2 tbsp olive oil

● 2 tbsp brown sugar

● 1 tbsp tinned chipotle paste

● 1 tsp paprika

● 1 tsp ground cumin

● 1 tsp ground ginger

● 1 tsp chopped coriander

● 1 lime, zested and juiced

● Sea salt

Carolina-style

BBQsauce

● 200g American mustard

● 100g sugar

● 50g brown sugar

● 200ml cider vinegar

● 60ml water

● 2 tsp chilli powder

● 2 tsp ground black pepper

● 1 tsp smoked paprika

● 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

● 30g butter

Avocadosalsa

● 2 avocados diced

● ¼ red onion finely diced

● 1 red chilli (deseeded) finely diced

● 2 cloves garlic pasted to purée

● 1 lime, zested and juiced

● ½ bunch coriander finely chopped

● Sea salt to taste

Aioli

● 120g mayonnaise

● 2 cloves garlic pasted to purée

● Pinch sea salt

METHOD

1 To make the burger, mix all ingredients well and rub into chicken Marylands so evenly coated.

Place a rack on a deep tray, half full with water. Place chicken on rack and place in oven at 180C for approximately 30 mins. Check they’re cooked before removing from oven.

Let cool and once cool enough to handle, shred all the meat off the bones and place aside

2 Pour on the BBQ sauce, as much or as little on as you like. Season with sea salt and finish with the chopped coriander and a squeeze of fresh lime.

3 To make the Carolina sauce, combine mustard, sugars, vinegar, water, chilli powder,

black pepper, paprika and Worcestershire sauce in small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Stir in butter and simmer for 10 additional minutes.

4 To make the avocado salsa, mix altogether well but don’t mash the avocados too much. Season with sea salt to taste, keep refrigerated until needed.

5 For the aioli, mix ingredients well and refrigerate until needed.

6 To serve, toast the burger buns and brush with melted butter. Place a good serve of pulled chicken on base of roll that has been dressed with BBQ sauce, add a touch more sauce. Follow with a generous tablespoon of avocado salsa. Add 20g of aioli on top of the salsa. Follow with 3-4 thinly sliced fresh jalapeños, place top of roll on and serve.

Crispy fish burger Crispy fish burger

Serves 2.

INGREDIENTS

● 1 egg, lightly whisked

● 1 tbsp plain flour

● 2 tsp vegetable stock powder

● 50g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs

● 2 (about 150g each) skinless cod fillets

● 150g (½ cup) aioli

● 1 tbsp chopped dill leaves

● Sunflower or vegetable oil, to shallow fry

● 2 soft round buns, split, lightly toasted

● Shredded iceberg lettuce, to serve

Quickpickle

● 1 large Lebanese cucumber, thinly sliced crossways

● 60ml (¼ cup) apple cider vinegar

METHOD

1 Place egg in a shallow bowl. Place flour and stock powder in a separate shallow bowl and stir until combined. Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Working with one fillet at a time, coat the fish fillet in flour and shake off excess. Dip in egg then in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat. Place on a baking tray and repeat with remaining fish.

2 For the quick pickle, place the cucumber, vinegar, sugar and 1 tsp salt in a small bowl. Stir until combined then cover and set aside to lightly pickle.

3 To make the herbed mayo, place aioli and dill in a small bowl and stir until combined.

4 Add oil to a medium non-stick frying pan to come 5ml up the side of the pan. Heat over medium heat. Add fish and cook for 2-3 minutes each side or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towellined plate to drain.

5 Generously spread each bun with the dill aioli. Top with the fish, lettuce, quick pickle and bun tops. Serve immediately.

Head south with Chur Burger’s pulled chicken burger, topped with avocado salsa, aioli and fresh jalapeño

Loaded sweet potato skins

● 2 tbsp olive oil

● 200g smoked streaky bacon rashers, chopped

● 2 garlic cloves, crushed

● 65g (¾ cup) cheddar cheese, grated

● 200ml Bulla Creme Fraiche

● Chopped chives, to serve, optional

Place potatoes on prepared tray and bake for 40-50 minutes or until just tender. Set aside to cool slightly.

INGREDIENTS

● 6 medium (about 1.6kg) combined orange sweet potatoes

● 80g butter

METHOD

1 Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan forced. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork.

2 Meanwhile, melt 40g of the butter in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a further 2 minutes or until the bacon is golden. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to drain. Wipe pan clean.

3 Cut the sweet potato into halves lengthways. Use a spoon to scoop out the

flesh leaving about 4-5mm thick edge of flesh. Reserve flesh for another use. Cut the potato skins in half crossways. Return to the tray.

4 Heat the oil with the remaining butter until butter is foamy. Brush oil mixture over the potato skins. Bake, flesh-side up, for 35-40 minutes or until the skins are golden and crisp. Fill with three- quarters of the bacon and scatter over the cheese. Bake for a further 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Spoon a dollop of creme fraiche on each. Season and scatter with remaining bacon and chives.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE SELLING WITH BENITA

PROFESSIONAL. FRIENDLY. EXPERIENCED.

First and foremost I felt Benita was working for me and not just trying to make a sale. She listened to what I wanted and acted upon it with integrity and honesty. The advertising costs were very reasonable. I thoroughly recommend her as an agent. I will be calling on her expertise in the future.

-SELLER, HIGHFIELDS

DESERVE THE ‘EXTRA MILE’ WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

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

Clients enjoy the support that Benita offers from the initial phone call, right through to settlement. Together with the WIRE Property Agents team, Benita will go the extra mile for you when getting your property ready for sale. This includes organising trades, cleaners, property styling and anything that is required to ensure that your property is looking in the best possible condition when it hits the market. And the best part? WIRE Property Agents provide their ‘Extra Mile Service’ all-inclusive as part of their commission. There are no hidden fees.

With competitive pricing, 110% customer service and an honest, friendly, professional and caring approach, contact Benita McMahon on 0427 306 970 today to arrange a free appraisal of your property.

Benita McMahon

Help lead the way for city

The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Regional Development AustraliaDarling Downs Southwest (RDA-DDSW) have joined forces to continue the Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program (ELMP) for 2023. The successful platform gives the city’s emerging leaders personal and business growth opportunities.

The program covers areas including personal brand, finance, marketing, resilience and mental health and strategy. Supported by mentors who are the city’s business leaders, the program is all about helping our future generation thrive, meet their goals, and go after their dreams.

Expressions of interests are open for both mentors and mentees and can be accessed via the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce website.

Toowoomba Chamber chief executive Todd Rohl said the ELMP aimed to foster connections between the younger members of our business community (mentees) and the best leaders that our region has to offer (mentors).

“It is about supporting future leaders of our region in their career development, as well as providing a forum to give back to the small business community, which is the backbone of our economy and driving force of our community,” Todd said.

“It was exciting to see the Future Leader of the Year at the Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2022, Gregory Riehl, a participant in the program last year.”

Director of RDA-DDSW Jenny Rix said the organisation was thrilled to partner with the Toowoomba Chamber on this initiative to build the potential of future business leaders.

“Mentoring is an important career development strategy, which allows a mentor to share their expertise and leadership knowledge with a mentee in a safe learning environment,” Jenny said.

“We anticipate mentees will learn new skills, gain confidence, obtain personal insights, and learn ways to help them on their way to fulfil their dream

and deliver in the local business community. We look forward to understanding the opportunities, challenges and perspectives from the participants in the program to help us understand future courses of action we can take to support their growth.”

Jacob Carlile of Queensland Hot Property, a 2021 program participant, said he found the Emerging Leaders Mentor Program to be highly beneficial in

both his professional and personal life.

“It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and this has allowed me to grow,” Jacob said.

“The opportunity to connect with a mentor from the business community is invaluable and the workshops were very useful.

“I would urge all future leaders of our great city to apply.”

Mentees will learn new skills, gain confidence, obtain personal insights, and learn ways to help them on their way to fulfil their dream

All I Want for Christmas is U(niSQ)

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was the month before Christmas, when all through the university grounds … the festive spirit was stirring and much joy abound.

University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) staff have decked the halls for their annual office decorating competition, with workplaces overflowing with tinsel and ornaments.

Christmas certainly came early for competition judge vice-chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie, who was joined by The Chronicle general manager Erika Brayshaw in Toowoomba, MP Jennifer Howard in Ipswich, and UniSQ corporate events and protocols officer Jacqui Blackburn in Springfield.

Professor Mackenzie said all sections and work units across the university were invited to participate.

“Following last year’s very successful competition, we encouraged our wonderful staff to have fun, with the theme of ‘All I want

for Christmas is…’,” she said.

“Each entrant was judged on how they addressed the theme with regard to the criteria of creativity, originality and enthusiasm.

“No office was too big or too small!”

In total, 17 offices were lit up like a Christmas tree or wrapped up like a gift, with the judges taking on the difficult task of selecting a winner. Ultimately, the proof was in the pudding.

“It was very hotly contested, but our overall winners were the People Portfolio in Toowoomba, D Block in Ipswich and the First Nations Team in Springfield,” Professor Mackenzie said.

“While the joy of the experience made it feel like everyone was a winner, those particular teams took away a trophy, fun prizes and bragging rights for the whole year.”

The UniSQ Office Decorating Competition has been a festive season staple since its inception in 2019.

EmilyMasonwelcomingpassengersinto theFirstclasscabinintheUniSQPeople SoftOffice;Christmaslightsandflagsof theWorldadorntheoffice.

Embrace art of Swedish death cleaning

ut with the old and in with the new” is an old but wellknown adage that speaks to letting go of the old and embracing the new. With 2023 offering new beginnings, household resolutions ranging from cleaning out your attic to sorting through your junk drawer are common.

“O

But if you’re looking for a new approach to keep you on track for a more organised home, why not embrace the art of Swedish death cleaning?

Less menacing than the name suggests, it is a method used to slowly declutter your home before your death to free up the burden of cleaning for your family.

Those who are 65 years and older or battling a terminal illness usually partake in the practice, however it is beneficial for everyone at any stage in their life.

In her book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, Margareta Magnusson details how readers can better embrace minimalism.

Known as döstädning in Sweden – dö meaning “death” and städning meaning “cleaning” – Ms Magnusson notes rather than it being about dusting and mopping, it is a more permanent form of organisation to help make your everyday life run smoothly.

Ms Magnusson notes the first step is usually to notify your loved ones so they

know what you are doing and are able to better understand the döstädning process.

Second, she advises starting with large and impersonal items and working your way towards small and nostalgic pieces.

Start by tackling drawers, closets and attics, as these can hold things you can’t see, which makes them more likely to be less sentimental and can include items you’re only keeping “just in case”.

Third, gift your items gradually to your loved ones.

Fourth, keep items that are of sentimental value to you. If you can definitively say why the item is significant, then it’s a keeper.

Fifth, donate or sell the items you or your family don’t want.

Sixth, make a list of all your documents, accounts and passwords. When you consider your digital footprint can last forever, it would be best to keep a record of these.

Lastly, make it a habit to regularly declutter.

By getting into this routine, döstädning can become a way of living for you and your household.

Ms Magnusson also recognised how difficult and emotional the process of decluttering your home can be.

As a tip she suggests treating yourself to a movie or nice dinner – rather than with more stuff – after your decluttering session.

This form of organisation and decluttering can help keep your household manageable in the new year, writes Savaira Ratukula

Kitchen trends are all about adding colour in 2023, and there couldn’t be a better way to breathe new life into this space. Here are five ways you can use colour to complement any design aesthetic.

Beboldwithcolour

Remember when avocado-green kitchens were all the rage in the 70s? The bold colours are back, although today, expect to see forest green, deep blues, cheerful pink and dusty greys. The revolt against the white kitchen has begun.

“Definitely, green is the colour of the year,” Helen Lynch from McRae + Lynch Design says.

“We’ve done quite a few kitchens with different shades of mossy sage green and then contrasting and complementing that with some timbers. Over

the next few years, greens are definitely going to stay around.”

Givetheillusionofspace

When working with a narrow area, say, a galley kitchen, space is at a premium. In this setting, creating a sense of space requires a little magic. Full-height cupboards in neutral colours with a 30cm depth rather than the standard 40cm is a clever way to include loads of storage while taking up minimal space. An added advantage is that you’ll never lose anything at the back of your kitchen cupboards again.

Appliances have had a space makeover, too.

“Once upon a time, your fridge would be sitting forward of your benchspace by 100-200mm. Now, they’ve made appliances wider and shallower, but

still with a lot of room inside, in the internal capacity,” Ms Lynch says.

“Same with ovens. You don’t necessarily have to have a huge oven, because, with all the technology, the current capacity makes it a very usable space.”

Addwarmththroughorganicelements

Spiceupatraditionalorheritage kitchen

Even traditional kitchens can get a new lease on life with some pops of colour. After all, maximalism, grand-millennialism, and a revival of the vintage, colourful and eclectic are starting to take place over austere minimalism.

Brushed brass hardware, exposed rustic timber, copper pans, and utensils can be eyecatching features. Marbled textured splashbacks and counter surfaces offer a fashionable contrast.

Don’thideeverythingaway

Whether your style is traditional or contemporary, open shelving systems offer a way to bring in pops of colour and style.

Sometimes a divisive design decision, open shelving can be practical and pretty when approached carefully. Not a place to store all the unaesthetic clutter of the kitchen, open shelving allows you to put cookbooks, glassware or ceramics on display so they’re easy to access and add character to your space.

Artist in Conversation

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a Brisbane-based, contemporary artist, working primarily as a painter and sculptor. Since leaving a decades’ long, art teaching career, (where I made art part-time,) I’ve been practicing as a full-time artist for the past eight years.

How would you describe your style?

When people ask me what type of pictures I paint, I answer ‘still life paintings’, but that’s just where the works begin. There’s a lot more to them than straightforward descriptions of things seen.

As an artist, what advice would you give art students/emerging artists?

Enter art awards and competitions to which you think your work would be a good ‘ft’. (You’ll have to do

some more research here. Look at the previous fnalists and winners to fgure out if your work could be relevant.) See every art award that you enter as an opportunity. Even if you aren’t short listed, a judge has had to eyeball your work before deciding to include it or not. Each time your work is seen, your career takes a small step forward.

Why did you decide to enter Fairholme Open Art Prize -Facets?

I’m always looking for opportunities to exhibit my work and expand my audience. Facets was an excellent way to do both.

I was rather intrigued by the emphasis that Facets puts on a ‘curated’ exhibition and the fact that I could propose a ‘set’ of works from which they could select. That was a positive point of diference in this art prize.

Also, I love visiting Toowoomba. The combination of all these factors made entering my work into Facets a very attractive proposition!

Why is art important in this fastpaced and ever-evolving world?

Art is nourishing in two ways: in the act of making it as well as the act of consuming it. Art provides a mirror/window to the world in many ways - physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, psychologically, philosophically, sociologically. It helps us to see, to imagine, to refect, to point out and solve problems and to advocate for change. Art has the capacity to lift the spirit, amuse, confront, bewilder and transport the viewer. For all of these capacities, I think art (the end product of an artist’s conception) has always, and will always, be important to us.

with Leigh Schoenheimer

Image: Leigh Schoenheimer. Ways of Seeing, Ways of Knowing: Callistemons. Winner of 2022 Acquisitive Prize

Exciting time to be a boarder at Brisbane Grammar School

Brisbane Grammar School has been in pursuit of excellence since 1868 and aspires to be the best school for boys in Australia.

The School’s median ATAR scores consistently rival any boys’ school in Australia. The School’s innovative education program will be advanced in 2023 with the opening of the BGS Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM) Precinct, which encourages a whole-of-brain approach to problem solving.

The recent boarding redevelopment provides world-class accommodation that complements Brisbane Grammar School’s leading education. Every boarder has a private, modern room, allowing him space to recharge so he can seize every opportunity at BGS.

Boys pursue their interests with 15 sports, 34 music groups, three dramatic productions and more than 45 clubs and activities at their fingertips. Boarders have access to more than 400 hours of additional academic support each year, balanced with an array of weekend activities that foster lifelong friendships.

Learn more at brisbanegrammar.com.

2024 Academic & Specialist Scholarships

Registrations for Scholarships for students commencing in 2024 are now open. Students currently in Years 6 and 9 in 2023 who demonstrate high academic achievement are encouraged to apply for an academic scholarship. Specialist Scholarships for students entering Years 7 to 12 in 2024 are also available in areas including General Excellence, Public Speaking, Leadership, Sport, Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Arts. Visit our website to learn more.

...because learning is at the heart of everything we do.

Register today at www.concordia.qld.edu.au/scholarships

Sailing the Mediterranean

Australians

sparkling blue sea, writes Julia D’Orazio

Going on a big grand European adventure is considered a rite of passage for many Australians.

It takes a lot to get there – hardearned dollars and time enduring minimal leg space on a plane – so many chose to make the most of it by either strapping on a backpack or lugging a big ol’ suitcase around from country to country. After all, if you made all the effort to get to Europe, why not attempt to do as much as possible?

I’m one of many privileged Australians who live to tell the tale of turning a big adventure into one, two, almost five years. But why is Europe, in the serenading voice of ‘80s crooner Robert Palmer, simply irresistible?

While I don’t have time to write a longwinded essay (and trust me, I easily could), I’ll keep it brief. Quite simply, a lot is going on in such a small space – well, compared with our massive country. In Europe, it’s a short hop, skip and jump to other places, different cultures, and ways of life. It’s exciting to be on the receiving end, eating it all up.

And, yes, Europe’s food factor is worth the waistline gains too.

You’ll realise travelling in Europe soon becomes addictive. There are many incredible places and celebrations to relish across the continent: Oktoberfest, Christmas Markets, Music Day, La Tomatina, Notting Hill Carnival, you name it. But if I had to

suggest a prized experience that deserves to be on the bucket list … it would be experiencing Europe at sea.

Sailing the Mediterranean is one of those must-do experiences in life. What’s happening on the mainland may be exciting, but there’s something so alluring about being

at sea, island hopping in the Med.

It’s not limited to the Beyonces and Jay-Zs of the world, those with the evergreen wallets. You too can make the next viral TikTok video at sea with various cruising adventures to suit any budget or crowd, young or old.

Itineraries also differ; you could sail a few days or really capitalise on being at sea and forgo higher ground for weeks on end.

And oh, the places you’ll go …

Popular places to sail around in the Med include the Greek Islands, Turkey and Croatia. My sailing CV consists of the latter –Croatia. I was a wide-eyed 23-year-old who strapped on a backpack and travelled around Europe from hostel to hostel for four months straight. Tired of bus, train and occasional plane travel, I chose to mix things up. I was sold on the music videos and the celebs, and I wanted in on that dream life.

I decided to treat myself to “first class” for my sailing adventure, and when I say that, I mean my pigeonhole bunk-bed cabin shared with my brother with a toilet/shower on a traditional sailboat. But I didn’t care about its Polly Pocket-size living space as it cost me just under $1200 to island-hop my way along the Dalmatian Coast for a week. That’s accommodation, transport and most meals included. What a steal!

For that week, I enjoyed being largely offgrid. I made friends with other Aussies on board who simply wanted to make the most of their European adventure, having a holiday from their holiday. Tough life, right?

Each day, we arrived on a different island or coastal city – Split, Hvar, Mljet, Korcula, Makarska, Stari Grad, Dubrovnik. Once we set foot off the boat, we were free to get lost

roaming heritage streets and bask in the stunning natural landscapes the locale afforded. And those moments in between, we had a blast, splashing around on inflatables in blissfully-navy warm waters of the Adriatic Sea; such was life.

The nights saw us feasting on freshly caught seafood at local seaside restaurants. It was then backed up by making the most of Croatia’s famous night-life, visiting hidden bars down cobblestone alleyways, raving in a cave, or dancing up a storm at a local clubbing institution. We also celebrated our seafaring ways with a dress-up pirate party on the boat because when on a boat …

There are plenty of different sailing trips suited to different ages, levels of comfort and budget.

It was such a fun week to get wet and wild, and to this day it is genuinely one of my highlight experiences in Europe.

Of course, not all sailing adventures are like this; there are plenty of different sailing trips suited to different ages, levels of comfort and budget. Now I’d be more inclined to upgrade my porthole to have a few more creature comforts, such as a firmer bed, modern amenities, and forgoing the bro in the top bunk!

But even so, I would don the pirate hat and do it all over again in a heartbeat because, no doubt, wherever you set sail from the Med, it will be the right passage to make.

Left,DubrovnikinCroatiaandSplitBayinDalmatia,Croatia(above).

Adventures in the Red Centre

Down Under

Making our way to the Red Centre was a wonderful experience. Even though there isn’t much in between the small communities and roadhouses, the landscape continuously changed.

After six hours of driving we arrived in a much bigger town than I had expected – Alice Springs.

We were kindly hosted by a family we met while working at Banka Banka, who let us stay in their newly renovated granny flat.

We stocked up at the first Woolworths we had seen in a while (the cheaper food prices were welcomed) and started our journey to the West MacDonnell Ranges, where the rugged landscapes are filled with gorges, walking tracks and beautiful camping spots.

The road that travels along the West MacDonnell Ranges continues on to the Mereenie Loop, which eventually pops out at Kings Canyon.

We found a free camp just outside of Kings Canyon right on top of a mountain, where we lit a fire and watched the sky transform into a dreamy burnt orange and then into the night sky with thousands of stars.

We arrived at Kings Canyon early in the morning to walk the “rim walk”, which took us right around the top of the canyon. We read stories and history from the traditional people and took in all the colours, shapes and crazy views. This walk was so impressive, we can’t recommend it enough.

Our next stop was Uluru. As this was my first time, I was very excited and intrigued about this massive rock people from all over the world travel to the desert to see.

We walked the 10km base walk around Uluru and took in all the wonderful scenes.

We were lucky enough to experience Uluru in the rain. The rock changed from a deep red to a silver – what an experience!

We went to the information centre, which had many stories from the traditional people and important information on the survival of our First Nations people in this area centuries ago.

After a couple of days in the area, it was time to make our way north again.

Our next stop was Daly Waters, which is a pretty iconic pub, especially in the world of travellers. We stayed the night there with our

managers from Banka Banka, enjoyed some country music, cold beer and yummy pizzas.

Then it was finally time to travel back to the Gulf of Carpentaria, but this time on the Northern Territory side – Managoora.

Glen had travelled there for the past few years on a fishing trip. This area is barramundi heaven and when you’re up north, barramundi country means croc country, which provided us lots of entertainment at night shining the spotlight over the water.

Glen knows a local commercial crabber named Junior who took us on his boat for the morning while Glen pulled the crab pots in.

At this point in our trip the temperature was getting a lot warmer so it was time to continue our trip north to enjoy the waterfalls at Kakadu National Park.

Destinations

● Alice Springs

● West Macdonnell Ranges

● Kings Canyon

● Uluru

● Daly Waters Pub

● Manangoora

events

toowoomba

ALLIN!ARTISTSOFTHE TOOWOOMBAREGION

Until Sunday,January22,2023

WHERE: Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery

WHAT: The Toowoomba Region is home to an incredible number of artists, from those starting their careers to artists who are known nationally and internationally.

To celebrate the talent of artists who live here, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery called out to all artists in the region to participate in a group exhibition. Artists could submit up to three artworks, which were considered for selection.

Nearly 100 artists applied and almost 100 works were selected for display.

All In! Artists of the Toowoomba Region showcases the exceptional talent and diversity of local artists’ practices.

The gallery will be hosting children’s art workshops in January. Visit tr.qld.gov.au/trag to find out more.

The gallery, at 531 Ruthven St, is open Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am-3.30pm.

ABOVEANDRIGHT:Installationviewsof AllIn!ArtistsoftheToowoombaRegionat ToowoombaRegionalArtGallery, December2022.

FARRIGHT: 3Dprintedtreeproducedas partofMakersEmpire3DModelling workshop

SUPERPOWERED

Wednesday,January18,toSunday, February5,2023

WHERE: Crows Nest Gallery

WHAT: “Superpowered on Tour”, presents four fun and engaging interactive projects for kids, developed by First Nations Australian artists in collaboration with the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinyji/Kuku Yalanji peoples), Gordon Hookey (Waanyi people), Vincent Namatjira (Western Aranda people) and Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara people) are leading Indigenous Australian artists who use their voice and their art to empower Aboriginal people and create inspirational imagery for all children.

Crows Nest Gallery will reopen on Wednesday, January 18, at 10.30am.

The gallery, at the corner of the New England Highway and William St, is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Entry is free at the three galleries.

AWONDROUS WORLD

Wednesday,January11,to Sunday,February5,2023

WHERE: Rosalie Gallery

WHAT: Local school students, in partnership with Makers Empire, showcase our natural world designed, created and printed in 3D.

Rosalie Gallery at 89 Mocatta St, Goombungee, will reopen on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 10.30am. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am –3.30pm.

CAPRICORN

Dec22-Jan20

Well, 2022 may not have been kind but she did manage to make you look at your life from a new perspective. Did you learn anything from the experience? If not, 2023 may feel a little like deja vu – life lessons are sent to guide you in the right direction. Make the start of 2023 one to be seen in a positive way. Work may be able to go on the back burner for a while as you do need a holiday. Ensure that your passport is up to date, then take to the skies.

AQUARIUS

Jan

21-Feb18

This year will see you speeding along nicely and ensuring you have family front of mind when it comes to choosing your next career path. Property is on your mind also, whether buying an investment property or your forever home. There could be a few issues but nothing too serious; enjoy your new digs, settle in and have the mother of all house parties. Look up how to get red wine out of the carpet before you do though.

PISCES

Feb19-Mar19

All right Pisces, your wild ways can only be tolerated for so long – you need to look at the future goals you have and if you need to swim on to the next river then so be it. No one likes being in close contact when you are this grumpy. Find out what is really wrong with the picture, then make steps to fix any problems. Move on, it is time that you acknowledged other people have your back. Just don’t be so ready to snap.

ARIES

Mar20-Apr18

It is finally here, the year where everything falls into place. Life is looking positively rosy as romance makes way for some serious discussions. Could a proposal be on the cards? It’s fine, we all know you have the wedding of the year

planned out – right down to the finest detail –for years. You may have already said “Yes” to the dress, booked a venue and chosen the music. If your special someone is taking too long to get around to asking, it is simple ask them.

TAURUS

Apr19-May20

January promises everything but may deliver much more than you realised. Career aspects are fantastic, there could be a promotion on its way. Keep working hard, your diligence will net you great gains for future endeavours. Romance is once again moving through your sector, so spending time getting that spark back would be well worth it. A happy partner makes life easy, think flowers or romantic dinner dates where you rediscover what made you click in the first place.

GEMINI May21-Jun20

If 2022 was a good year then expect 2023 to also deliver so many opportunities to get ahead of the game

and be ready to undertake some tough challenges. But these only make you stronger in the long run. If you are suffering from health issues then it might be time for a good oldfashioned time away from your work schedule. Work from home if possible, get plenty of rest so that you will be ready to take on the world later in the year. Just like the Lone Ranger, it is “Hi ho Silver, away!”.

CANCER

Jun21-Jul21

Cancerians will need to be on the move both professionally and spiritually for 2023 is a year for gathering up any issues and dumping them out the window. Kick them to the curb, girl. You don’t need any drama in your life. You are working so hard at being good that your dark party side needs to shine through. so break out some sexy clothing, put on those stilettos and dance until dawn, then you can hit recovery mode.

LEO

Jul22-Aug22

Leo, get ready to take down some big game this year fort is the main aim of your psyche to be the best you can possibly be. Let me just tell you, baby you are the best. Climbing the ladder to success has never been easy as we know how clumsy you can be, but you do have nine lives – just don't use all of them in one evening. Lions are known to be proud beasts, however don’t be surprised to find them nursing their injured pride and potential injuries.

VIRGO

Aug23-Sep23

With the stars all coming together this year there will be plans in place to harmonise and get back to nature. If

planning a family, this is the year that your body will relax and let nature take its course. Spend time getting to know yourself again, this is vital as you may be feeling low in confidence You are a wonder woman when it comes to being organised, so remain positive, the best advice for 2023 is to start picking out baby names.

LIBRA

Sep23-Oct22

Softly spoken Libra can be a dark horse when it comes to achieving goals in 2023. You will be a ninja sneaking through the shadows like an extra on Kill Bill. Career goals are fantastic and look out for anyone who dares to get in your way. There is no stopping you when it comes to your career. Protective of your private life, not many people know the real you. Those allowed in your inner circle are blessed.

SCORPIO

Oct23-Nov21

Yahoo, it is a new year so it is out with the old and in with a new sense of direction. Whether it be with residence or career, a change is due so get packing and make that move. While other people may look at you thinking you have it made, they really do not know how hard you have worked for the opportunity to be able to make life-changing decisions with ease. Career is wherever or whatever will make you happy, as family knows if you are happy then all is good with the world.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov22-Dec21

Forget last year, it helped you to grow as did your family. Take charge this year with your bow and arrow firmly set on a target – it will go straight to the bullseye. No dice dealing where you are concerned, straight talking and being able to make decisions on the fly is what you are known and respected for. When a promotion is offered, then, jump and launch yourself into a role with more responsibility and have the confidence that you’ve got this.

CAPRICORN

january

GOOMBUNGEEALLROUND CHAMPIONSHIP

RODEO

Saturday,January14, fromnoonuntil midnight

WHERE: Goombungee Showgrounds, Lau St, Goombungee

WHAT: The Goombungee All Round Rodeo has bull riding, saddle and bareback bronc riding, steer roping and tying, team roping, barrel racing, and so much more. Gates open at noon with the main action starting from 3pm; entertainment by Kieren Lillis until late (at the conclusion of the Rodeo).

If you plan to drink — please don’t drink and drive. There is an allocated camping site inside the showgrounds. No BYO alcohol and no dogs allowed (service dogs only).

COST: Adults $15; high school students $10; primary school students $5; family $35 (two adults and own children under-17); EFTPOS available at gate (surcharge will apply).

HIGHFIELDSPIONEERVILLAGE AUSTRALIADAYCELEBRATION

Thursday,January26,from9amto 5pm

WHERE: Highfields Pioneer Village, 73 Wirraglen Rd, Highfields

WHAT: Take a full day of fun and frivolity at the Australia Day celebration at the Pioneer Village. Entertainment includes musical acts, bee keeping demonstrations, working draft horse display, official opening of the Light Horse Museum, sheep shearing, gumboot throwing competition and sheaf tossing. A sausage sizzle, billy tea and damper and other food and drink will be available

COST: Adults $15, concession $12, children $8 or family $40 (2 adults and 4 children).

ANDREWKAYANDMARGOT TEELEPRESENT:OPERATION

TV’s favourite doctors return to Australia with a brand-new show! Following three sellout Australian tours and two smash hit seasons in London’s West End, Dr Chris and Dr Xand are back!

This brilliant show will be packed with allnew crazy experiments, mind blowing illusions and amazing facts, as the doctors explore the fascinating world of biology and show you the incredible things your body can do. It’ll make you laugh and gross you out!

COST: A Reserve $59.90, A Reserve Grps 4+ $54.90, B Reserve $54.90, B Reserve Grps 4+ $49. A transaction fee of $5 applies per transaction for phone and internet bookings.

TOOWOOMBAREGIONLIBRARY ACTIVITIES

ScheduledactivitiesincludeDaretobe Creative:usecolouredsandtocreatesand artmasterpieces;DaretoBeYourself: mixedmediacollage;and Createaselfportrait

CECILPLAINS: January 11-13: Dare to be

Dare to be Yourself (Miniature Masterpieces); January 16, 10-11am: Dare to be Yourself (Mixed media collage).

GOOMBUNGEE: January 9-13: Dare to be Yourself (3D paper sculpture); January 16-20, Dare to be Yourself (Miniature Masterpieces).

HIGHFIELDS: (all 6-12 years) Dare to be Yourself sessions on January 10 (Miniature Masterpieces design/paint artwork, make easel), 11 (Picasso Prints), 13 (Make a

OAKEY: January 9-13 choose Design a superhero or create a Picasso collage; January 16-20: Dig for dinosaurs/find fossils, or design and build at the activity table.

PITTSWORTH: Hero costume crafting (until January 20); January 11: Superhero training. Create a costume, then complete an obstacle course and create a miniature hero. January 13: Library after dark with food, games and craft for 12-18-year-olds.

TOOWOOMBACITY: January 6, 2.30-4pm: Pixel Party – For gamers. Join the IRL activities inspired by Legend of Zelda, Mario, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, BYO switch to battle and coop. For 8-12-year-olds; January 10 & 11, 2.304pm: Moon Prism Power Party: Calling Sailor Moon, Steven Universe and She-Ra fans. Join the crystal collecting and jewellery-making session inspired by the Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon. For ages eight and older; January 17 & 18, 2.30-4pm: Dungeons and Dragons Escape Room: The room is full of puzzles. No experience needed. Ages eight and older; Throughout January holidays – Join the Zelda Scavenger Hunt for all ages.

YARRAMAN: January 7: Put your own photo/ drawing in a snow globe; January 9-13: (3D paper sculpture); January 16-20: (Miniature Masterpieces).

*Please note, all children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bookings are essential for most indoor activities. For full details, please visit tr.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/libraries/ libraryprograms/12046-libraryevents

For regular activities at the Region’s Libraries, please visit tr.qld.gov.au/library

TOOWOOMBAREGIONPARK ACTIVITIES

UnderTRC’sChangeProject.See tr.qld.gov.au/changeforprogramlistings. FreeGenerationKidsPound (movement&musicusingdrumsticks –provided)

Thursday, January 12 and Monday, January 16, from Time: 11 to 11.30am

WHERE: Queens Parks (Football Oval, Lindsay St, Toowoomba).

Contact Annemarie 0412 792 017 or email healthbynumbers@outlook.com.au

$5BusyBee&SeedBombWorkshop (kids’pollinationandbeeeducation) Tuesday, January 17 at Queens Park (Football Oval, Lindsay St, Toowoomba).

Contact Alicia admin@windyacresfarm.com.au FreeKids&TeenYoga Wednesday, January 18 (kids 3.15 – 4pm;

Queens Park (Football Oval, Lindsay St, Toowoomba).

Bookings Required. Contact Miranda 0488 609 966

Parkrun

Great for kids to walk or run with their families to kickstart the weekend from 7am Saturday. Toowoomba Parkrun: Queens Park, Lindsay St Toowoomba South Parkrun: Middle Ridge Park, Stenner St

$5KidsBJMAMuayThai(kidsboxing) Mondays 5pm to 6pm.

St Paul’s Lutheran Church Hall (Cnr Phillip & James St, Toowoomba).

Bookings required. Contact Ron 0408 004 132 or kb_kaz@hotmail.com

TOOWOOMBAPOOLACTIVITIES

Januaryschoolholidayintensive watersafety,learntoswimandstroke advancement

The school holiday program is open to new and existing clients. Intensive classes run for 30 minutes with the same instructor for five consecutive days. This is a great way to have fun and fast-track your child’s swimming abilities during the January school holidays.

WHERE: Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre, Toowoomba.

WHO: Suitable for children three and older.

WHEN: January 9 to 13

COST: $70 per child for five days (paid upfront).

BOOKINGS: Bookings are required, please email milnebayhighfields.swimschool@tr.qld.gov.au or call 4688 6330 during business hours.

For regular activities at the region’s pools and fitness centres, please visit, www.tr.qld.gov.au/pools

scene

On Friday, November 18, The Chronicle Club members gathered at The Oaks for an evening of delicious food and hearing from “super coach” Wayne Bennett. The event raised funds for Tony’s Kitchen, presenting Tony Hurle with a cheque for $5000 on the night.

The Chronicle CluB

Photos:LittlePigConsulting

ABILITY ENTERTPRISES

In December, Ability Enterprises celebrated 10 years of helping vulnerable people gain employment in the Toowoomba community. The social enterprise hosted a special barbecue with actor and comedian Shane Jacobson as guest speaker. He shared personal stories of family life, pandemic lockdown experiences, online bullying, and more.

Ability staff member Connagh Peat and board member Erin O’Shea.

Pictures:TamaraSilvester

The Ability Enterprises board, CEO Tracey Scanlan and special guest Shane Jacobson

Toowoomba councillors Nancy Sommerfield and Melissa Taylor.

sceneAward-winning actor Shane Jacobson. Will, Sarah and Henry McVeigh with Shane Jacobson.

JACARANDA DAY

Ruth and John Knight.

Lauren Reeves and sons Michael Reeves (left) and Blake Reeves.

Caitlin Szabo leaning back on Sharon Van Doorn.

Adam, Selin and Lina Thomas.

Megan O’Brien and Michael Johnson before performing separately. John Newman and border collie Gertie.

Locals and tourists alike flocked to Goombungee for the annual Jacaranda Day on Saturday, November 5. The family-friendly event included live entertainment and a parade, and guests arrived decked out in their finest purple and lilac outfits.

Pictures:KevinFarmer

Cameron Thomas with daughter Phoebe and son Jack.